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The Foundation is currently building a N7 billion Surgical and Diagnostic Centre at the hospital and the foundation, whose chairman is from the state, said it was committed to its timely completion. The foundation handed over to the hospital management a renovated maternity ward, two ultra-modern maternity laboratories, upgraded water supply system Eclampsia ward, theatre and improved sanitary environment befitting of a specialist hospital. The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote who was represented by his daughter, Fatima Dangote, explained that the provision of the health care facilities was in line with the focus of the foundation to contribute to improved health care service delivery in Nigeria as well as nutrition on the African continent. He stated that his foundation has mandate to intervene in the critical areas such as health, education and human development which was why the foundation has also embarked on some poverty alleviation programmes targeted at women at the grassroots. The Kano State Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hafis Abubakar expressed the states gratitude to Dangote Foundation for coming to the aid of the state in the task of provision of sound health care to the people of the state. He urged other public spirited individual and organisations to rise up and partner with the state government at making life more meaningful to the people saying government alone could not provide all that the people need. The Deputy Governor then called on the staff of the hospital to make judicious use of the facilities and maintain them like their personal property so that they can serve the people for a long time. The state Commissioner for Health, Kabiru Getso, said the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital was established about 92 years ago and is one of the biggest facility in Africa; with the maternity ward alone recording no fewer than 2,000 deliveries monthly. The head of medical laboratory of the hospital, Magaji Minjibir, said the intervention by Dangote foundation was timely, because the state of the hospital has been appalling. According to him, the hospitals laboratory has suffered congestion and the hospital generally bedeviled with many infrastructural challenges. At the chemical pathology, we had to wait for our equipment to cool down before we process results. The Histology department had to stop work temporarily. Our authoclave is about 15 years old and outdated. We have only one microscope and this cannot cater for our teaming patients while lab staff take turns to perform tests and this delays results especially for patients in emergency cases, Mr. Minjibir stated. The matron in charge of maternity ward, Hauwa Waziri, who also spoke on the pitiable situation of the hospital before the Dangote Foundations intervention, said the new facilities will go a long way in improving services and saving more lives. There is no doubt that our staff will now be motivated by the conducive environment made possible by the foundation. They can now perform their duties free of so many hazards. The wards now have bright light, functional tools, water and toilets. All these would enhance condition of patients and help healing process, she stated with excitement. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigerian police have provided more information on the activities of the late kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Henry Chibueze, otherwise known as Vampire. Mr. Chibueze was reportedly killed around 1 a.m on Thursday in Omu Awa forest in Ikwere Local Government Area, Rivers State, during a gun battle with the police. He was the leader of a gang that was responsible for many kidnaps and armed robbery attacks in Imo, Rivers, Delta and other states in the south-south and the south-east zones of the country. The police while parading in Owerri, Imo State, five other members of the gang caught alive during the operation by the IGP Intelligence Response Team, IRT, said the late Vampire killed over 200 people through his criminal activities. The parade of the suspects was done by the Force spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, who flew into the state from Abuja. Among the people said to have been brutally killed the late Vampire was his own girlfriend, Sandra Ijedinma, whom he had accused of stealing his N45 million which was his share from a N110 million ransom collected from a family of one of their kidnap victims in Omoku, Rivers State. The police said Vampire killed eight members of Ms. Ijedinmas family, among them six children, in Lagos. The police said the late crime kingpin had also confessed to the killing of a member of the Imo State House of Assembly at Orji in 2015, as well as the kidnap and the eventual murder of a traditional rulers wife from Mbaise that same year. The woman corpse has not still be found till date, the police said. He was also said to have killed three members, including a woman, from a particular family in Nkwere in 2012 after collecting ransom from the family. Henry Chibueze aka Vampire (deceased) was a cultist who later turned a vicious and dangerous kidnapper and armed robber, and was declared wanted since 2013, Mr. Moshood said during the parade of the suspects. He and his gang members were about to be arraigned when they escaped from the premises of the Owerri High Court on January 27, 2017, assisted by his gang members. The five suspected members of the gang paraded by the police are Obinna Ela, 26, a native Of Orlu, Imo State; Arinze Abecheta, 24, a native Okohia, Isiala Mbano, Imo; and Chukwu Ebuka, 23, Ohohia, Isiala Mbano, Imo State. Others are Samuel Ugochukwu, 24, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, and Clifford Aheana, from Omu Awa, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. The police said that five AK 47 rifles and three hundred rounds of AK 47 ammunition were recovered from the operation. The police said they also recovered charm from the body of the deceased leader of the gang. The police said the suspects will be charged to court after investigation. Share this: Twitter Facebook An ex-aide to former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday told a Lagos Division of the Federal High Court that his former boss allegedly bribed the states lawmakers with 22 vehicles to avoid impeachment. Adewale Atanda, a former Senior Executive Assistant to Mr. Ladoja, who was appearing as a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said the incident happened in 2005. The EFCC had re-arraigned Mr. Ladoja and Wahab Akanbi, the finance commissioner during his administration, last December, over an alleged N4.7 billion money laundering offence. They had pleaded not guilty to all the eight-count charges. The re-arraignment occurred eight years after the former governor was first charged. According to Mr. Atanda, a lawyer, 14 out of the 22 cars were eventually given out to the lawmakers who declared their loyalty for the then governor. Mr. Ladoja had needed 22 lawmakers out of the 32 to avoid impeachment. Led in evidence by Oluwafemi Olabisi, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Atanda said he met Mr. Ladoja in 2000 when the latter was contesting for a senatorial seat in the state, adding that he ran into trouble after he became governor. I dont know exactly how it started but it appeared as if there was a rift between members of the Oyo State House of Assembly on one hand, some political actors in the state like the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu and Senator Ladoja, and some external influences from Abuja at the material time, said Mr. Atanda. Very many attempts were made to remove Senator Ladoja from office, various petitions were written and at the end of the day an impeachment process was set in motion. Oyo State has about 32 members of the House of Assembly and to successfully impeach the governor, it would require two-thirds majority support of the members of the House of Assembly. That will be about 22 members. To secure the loyalty of those 22 members, Mr. Atanda continued, several promises including that of buying new vehicles were made to the lawmakers. In the course of all these, I had discussions with Senator Ladoja and explained to him that it was important that these promises be kept, the witness said. At the material time, it was rather impossible to buy these vehicles because they were not included in the budget for the year. So we started looking for alternative ways to accommodate the request. In the end, an N80 million loan was secured from Wema Bank with Mr. Atandas personal asset as collateral, the witness continued. The vehicles were bought and collected from the various dealers by the drivers of the Oyo State government and delivered to the Government House in Ibadan. In spite of this, I think, by December 2005, the governor was impeached from office. After Mr. Ladojas impeachment, Mr. Atanda said the former governor and his allies, including the 14 lawmakers loyal to him, fled and regrouped in Lagos where their principal continued taking responsibility for their welfare. He also said that the lawmakers demanded for a monthly income of N1 million each from Mr. Ladoja after their salaries and allowances were stopped by the Oyo State government. Mr. Atanda added that the former governor hired a team of lawyers who demanded a fee of N370 million to challenge the impeachment up to the Supreme Court. The impeachment was later quashed by the court. The judge adjourned till March 27 for continuation of trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook 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. ATLANTIC CITY Northfield Community School math teacher Karen Schroeders wish list includes owning a boat someday. On Thursday morning, she and school Principal Kevin Morrison took 45 seventh-graders to the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show at the Convention Center and put them to work on a real-life financial literacy problem: Could they find a boat that met both Schroeders wish list and her budget, between $20,000 and $40,000? My experience has been that the more exposure students get at a young age to real-life situations, the better off they are in the future, she said. We talked about a boat being on a wish list, not their need list, and that there are a lot of other things that come with buying a boat, like insurance and gas. Morrison arranged for the students to attend the show for free. They arrived early Thursday, when the show would not be too busy and the students could ask questions of boat dealers and insurance agents. Armed with binders listing their lessons guidelines, they searched out boats priced at $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 and calculated what it would cost to buy and insure them. Michael Perlman, 12, John Palaia, 12, and Owen Meade, 13, found a Boston Whaler they thought was big enough to cost at least $100,000. But its like $500,000, Palaia said as the trio took a tour. A group favorite was a more reasonable pontoon boat costing about $30,000. Kayla Dinofa and Lilly Sher, both 13, were not as surprised the Boston Whaler they looked at was $360,000. Its got lots of seats and a mini-kitchen, Dinofa said. As they met to go home, students said the primary lesson they learned was that boats are expensive. The most expensive boat students found cost almost $1 million. The hardest part was finding a boat that fit within the price range, Anna Geubtner, 12, said of Schroeders challenge. Schroeder said thats probably why there is no boat in her immediate future. Emily Hughes, 13, and Juliana Medina excitedly told Schroeder they found the perfect boat for her, a 25-foot Bayliner that could seat 16 people. The price did come in over budget at $47,146, but Hughes believed it was worth it. It had cool things like a bathroom, storage benches and LED lighting, Hughes said. Students also priced out insurance, and agents said the students were prepared, polite and articulate. Still, it was a bit of a challenge to give them an accurate insurance quote. We typically need the length of the boat and the horsepower, said Jessica Gardy of DHY Motorsports in Deptford Township, Gloucester County. But we also need their driving history. Few superhero performances are as beloved as Hugh Jackmans Wolverine, which helped give birth to this current era of superhero movies back in 2000s X-Men. But Jackman hasnt had as much luck with his solo outings. It is fitting, however, that in Logan, his last film as the most famous X-Man around, Jackman will make fans wish he wasnt hanging up his six claws for good. That wasnt the case with X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Jackmans first solo Wolverine movie, which botched the adaptation of Wolverines secret origin as a young, sickly and wealthy 19th century Canadian boy named James Howlett who would later mutate into an indestructible force. Origins was a failed attempt to build a Wolverine/X-Men- inspired movie universe that included other mutants. To put it another way, after Origins, no one was asking for more of Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, which is hard to believe now as fans anticipate Deadpool 2. The Wolverine (2013) was an intimate look into Wolverines time in Japan, but didnt leave fans asking for another movie. At first glance, Logan looks like an attempt to remove Wolverine from his comic book roots and make a more grounded movie to appeal to a general audience, and not just the fanboys who have made it possible for three Wolverine movies to be made. But the core of what makes Logan Jackmans best solo effort was the decision by director James Mangold and Jackman to take inspiration from two very popular Wolverine storylines from the comic books: 2008s Old Man Logan (by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven) and the creation of X-23, a young female clone of Wolverine (made by Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost) who first appeared in Marvels NYX series in 2004. The old man approach, in a distant, almost mutant-less future where Wolverine is finally starting to show signs of aging, helps counteract the one thing that always makes Wolverine movies so hard to plot: his near invulnerability from constantly healing. In Logan, an older Wolverine doesnt heal like he used to, which allows Jackman to show a type of pain were not accustomed to seeing. Even Wolverines claws are betraying him, not always popping completely out on command. Alcohol becomes a new way for Wolverine to heal. Jackmans brilliant last dance as Wolverine is equaled by a scene-stealing performance from young actress Dafne Keen as Laura/X-23. She matches Wolverines violence slice for slice with her own set of adamantium claws, but only when forced to. Laura just wants to be a child, but being the genetic copy of Wolverine gives her no such youthful luxuries. Its arguable that X-23 is the best part of Logan, showing Jackmans devotion to telling the best Wolverine story he could without demanding all the glory be sent his way. The R rating brings something new as well. Deadpools success with the rating is probably what encouraged the filmmakers to unleash a violent character with R-rated potential who had been trapped in a PG-13 comic book movie world. Logan earns its R rating through Wolverines claws alone. A link to those X-Men movies of the past in Logan is Patrick Stewart, who, surprisingly, also benefits from an R rating. Professor Xavier is uncensored in his old age, frustrated from seizures that make him lose control of his powerful telepathic/telekinetic mind, which puts anyone near him in danger. Logan gets its compassion from the moments when Wolverine does his best to make Professor X comfortable. Professor X, when he does have control of his mind, scolds Wolverine for wasting his heroic potential and pleads with him to take on parental responsibility for Laura, whom he says Wolverine must see as a daughter, not a genetic mistake. Boyd Holbrook (Narcos) is easily the most compelling adversary Jackman has had in a Wolverine movie, via his performance as Pierce, a man on the hunt for X-23. Pierces sly southern charm while hunting Wolverine and X-23 on the U.S./Mexican border masks his brutal lack of compassion for a child created to be a weapon. Whereas Professor X and eventually Logan look at X-23 as a child deserving of some type of normal life, Pierce just sees a puppy who ran away. Being a heavily armed and guarded southern gentleman isnt enough when tracking not one, but two Wolverines, so Pierce has to bring in a secret weapon to get the job done. Its a blast from Wolverines past, who we wont reveal, but was really the only person who could attempt to take down Wolverine and his clone, setting up an epic final release of the claws. Logan is Jackman as Wolverine at his best in a movie that will leave you wanting more. He gave 20th Century Fox the prototype cinematic superhero for years, and in return, the studio finally gave him the right Wolverine movie in the end. Local jazz fans may have to sit tight as a popular South Jersey jazz festival will be moved from its original spring date to the fall. An email sent out Tuesday by the South Jersey Jazz Society announced that spring Jazz @ The Point Festival would be postponed to Oct. 13, 14, and 15. Nick Regine, president of the society, said it was a simple decision based on the fact that one of its major venues, the restaurant Sandi Pointe, closed in May 2016, but the organization is as vibrant as ever. Were stronger now financially and as far as membership as weve ever been, he said, noting the organizations involvement in the community and educational initiatives. Were continuing to offer jazz throughout the year, Regine said. Its just the four-day festival events that presents different challenges. Big things are coming for the festival. Regine said the society is working with the Somers Point theater Gateway Playhouse as a possible venue. The theater, which seats a little over 200 people, is expected to reopen. Theyve been in talks with other venues, such as Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, too, he said. The society has hosted events at the country club in the past. Those are the two major considerations, he said, noting it was more likely they could get into such venues by October rather than in May. It was getting down to making some hard decisions about hiring acts, talent, and without knowing where we were going to put them, it made the decision easy to move it, Regine said. Sooner or later, someone is going to buy Sandi Pointe, and re-open it and the chances itll be open by May, as opposed to October, is another factor. The society offers multiple events throughout the year that should satiate any jazz-lovers appetite. Recently, the the society hosted Mardi Gras @ The Point with the Atlantic City Jazz Band and The Midiri Brothers at the Greate Bay Country Club. The society has several upcoming events and will host The Heptet, eight of the best jazz players in the area, at Clancys by the Bay in Somers Point on March 10. ATLANTIC CITY The southern end of Tennessee Avenue is a microcosm of what has happened to the city over the past decade. Buildings are vacant with paint chipping off their facades, the sidewalks are cracked, and empty lots are overgrown with weeds and littered with garbage. It still has its staples. The Pic-A-Lilli Pub has seen business pick up tremendously in the past two years, according to manager Kip Russell. Meanwhile, the state Casino Control Commission and Mr. Steak remain in business. But for the most part, the beach block is in major need of a makeover. Enter businessmen Mark Callazzo, Evan Sanchez and Zenith Shah, who have a new vision for the struggling street. Their vision, the Tennessee Avenue Transformation Project, was discussed at last weeks Urban Land Institute seminar and is expected to feature restaurants, bars, live music, shops, crafts and more. Officials see the block as a future place for the popular pop up parks seen in Philadelphia and other cities. Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian sees it as a grittier version of The Walk, the popular shopping district downtown. The plan is to have the block between the Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue closed to traffic on weekends in the summer maybe this summer. Were doing everything we can to have it open this summer, Guardian said. There are a lot of cool places to go out in Atlantic City, but none of them are close together, said Callazzo, who is CEO of Alpha Funding Solutions and the owner of the Iron Room restaurant in the citys Chelsea section. Pre-casinos, this area of the city was a popular place to go. So now were trying to re-create some of that and make this a go-to place for visitors. In the past, Tennessee Avenue has been the home of popular spots such as the Greater Pittsburgh Bar and Hotel Bolivar. Now, the businessmen want to get the block populated again. They will start renovations and construction on a coffee shop and bar in vacant buildings they own near Pacific Avenue and will have those businesses open by this summer. Once they are completed, they hope other businesses will follow suit by opening up more shops along the street. Eventually, they would also like to start building new structures on the vacant lots. While the street will be closed off only in the summer, the businesses there would stay open year-round. This is going to be done in phases, said Sanchez, a Pleasantville native and co-founder of Authentic City Partners. One of the reasons this area of the city is so attractive is because there is not much here. Russell said he welcomes more competition around the Pic-A-Lilli because it will draw more people to the area. If we were the only bar in Atlantic City, we would be out of business, he said. It would also help clean up some of the crime that happens around here, so I am fully supportive of this project. Guardian said he can help the project by encouraging other business owners to invest and work to streamline different permit processes. I think its great, he said. One of the things (Callazzo) talked about when he came to me was that you dont have a natural transition off the Boardwalk. ... Youre going to have a whole block where everyone can go. But unlike Carl Icahn and other business tycoons who promised huge investments only to back out later, Sanchez and Callazzo acknowledge their project alone isnt going to save the city from its financial crisis. Theyre trying to prove the city is still worth investing in. One of the big problems with Atlantic City is that you have major announcements with no follow-up, Callazzo said. Were not promising the world. Were doing what we can control. BRIDGETON Jeremiah Monell rejected a plea bargain Thursday that called for a 30-year state prison stay in the fatal stabbing of his wife last year, according to Superior Court officials. The Cumberland County Prosecutors Office offered Monell the deal during a pre-indictment conference before Superior Court Judge Cristen DArrigo, they said. Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae could not immediately be reached for comment. Monell, 32, of Cedarville in Lawrence Township, is charged with killing Tara OShea-Watson, 35, on Dec. 19 in her home in the 7900 block of Raymond Drive in the Laurel Lake section of Commercial Township. Friends of OShea-Watson said the killing occurred after she suffered at least a decade of physical abuse by Monell. The killing also occurred after OShea-Watson decided to fully enforce the last of a series of court-issued restraining orders against her estranged husband, her friends said. Monell was arrested Jan. 3 in Folsom, Atlantic County, following what developed into a nationwide hunt by law-enforcement agencies. Superior Court officials said the plea agreement offered to Monell on Thursday called for him to plead guilty to a charge of murder. Monell is also charged with certain persons not to have a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon. Monell is in the Cumberland County jail. He was last in Superior Court on Jan. 17. At that time, Assistant Prosecutor Michael Ostrowski said Monells 12-year-old son saw Monell repeatedly stab and slash OShea Watson. OShea-Watson suffered wounds to her head, neck, chest and abdomen, with some of the wounds being deep, deep, he said. Ostrowski told the court authorities who responded to the slaying scene also found evidence of a struggle. That evidence included broken glass and mirrors and wounds on OShea-Watsons neck, he said. BRIDGETON A Vineland man was sentenced to 24 years in state prison Tuesday on charges that include the sexual assault of a woman in July 2010. The sentence in Superior Court also covers an assault on another person at the College Drive house in Vineland where the sexual assault occurred. The sentence requires Anthony Jackson, 49, to serve at least 85 percent of his state prison term before he is eligible for parole, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said. Jackson also must register as a sex offender under Megans Law and undergo parole supervision for life upon his release from prison, Webb-McRae said. Jackson was sentenced on charges of sexual assault, aggravated assault, criminal trespass, criminal restraint and weapons offenses. He was found guilty following a four-week trial before Judge Cristen DArrigo in August. He had previously been sentenced by DArrigo in February 2014 to 18 years in state prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault in connection with the incident on College Drive. Jackson eventually withdrew his guilty plea, and the Appellate Division of Superior Court granted him a new trial. ATLANTIC CITY There was an unfamiliar feeling in the city Thursday morning, as the news everyone wanted to talk about, for the first time in a while, was good news. From the Boardwalk to City Hall to Trentons halls of power, there was optimism in the words and voices of residents and press releases of politicians following the announcement of a Hard Rock casino opening next summer on the site of the empty Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort. Its great news for Atlantic City. Its great news for future employees, great for the economy, and Hard Rocks a good corporation with a good history, said Bob Pantalena, 75, of Ventnor, as he took his daily walk by the shuttered building. Atlantic City is on the move. Its a perfect situation. Could Trump Plaza soon be razed? ATLANTIC CITY Since 1984, Trump Plaza has been a fixture on the resorts historic Boardwal The Taj, which closed Oct. 10, is being sold to a group of investors led by Hard Rock International. The site will be rebranded as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City as part of a $300 million purchase and renovation expected to create 3,000 temporary and permanent jobs, seller Carl Icahn said. While no purchase price was given, the property was valued at $86 million, according to Icahn Enterprises 2016 financial report. In City Hall, Mayor Don Guardian, accustomed to having to defend the city amid casino closings, shootings and an ongoing financial crisis, greeted the news happily, pointing to the citys resiliency through tough times. We have over 160 years of investors who believe in Atlantic City, investors who continue to believe that our best days are still ahead, Guardian said. The addition of Hard Rock to the gambling market should not have a major impact on the citys seven other casinos, said Colin Mansfield, director of U.S. corporates at Fitch Ratings. With or without it, A.C. is still a $2.4 billion market, Mansfield said. Its a positive that more than 2,000 rooms will be back online. I visited the property last year, and its clear that there has not been a lot of investment in it. Gov. Chris Christie called the addition of Hard Rock to the Boardwalk a chance to spur redevelopment, something he took credit for helping to make happen through the state takeover of the city. There is no doubt that this purchase was encouraged by our efforts to stabilize the finances of the city government, Christie said. The project is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the regions job market. The Taj Mahal, once owned by now-President Donald J. Trump, closed amid a strike by Unite Here Local 54 union members, putting 2,100 people out of work. We look forward to working with the new owners to create those good quality jobs and bring business back to the property, said Bob McDevitt, president of Local 54. The vision of casino gaming in Atlantic City always included good middle-class jobs, where workers also benefited from legalization of gaming here. City Councilman Frank Gilliam said the Hard Rock deal is a sign of better times ahead for the city. A brand like Hard Rock is something that could pretty much be the change we were looking for and be the change Atlantic City needs, Gilliam said. The deal has a strong local connection. Hard Rocks President and CEO Jim Allen has a home in Linwood. Developer Joseph Jingoli, one of the partners with Hard Rock, lived in the Chelsea section of the city for about 10 years. We are excited to be part of such an important project for Atlantic City, Jingoli and his son Michael said. Another investor is developer Jack Morris. When Gilliam was council president in 2015, council voted to name Jingoli and Morris conditional redevelopers of the Southeast Inlet. The move was criticized at the time as being rushed, and the resolution was rescinded the next year. Gilliam said the Taj deal is proof he was right. Despite the announcement, Hard Rock still has to get a casino gaming license for the property. In 2010, the company started the process when it wanted to build a music-themed property on the Boardwalk, but the project stalled after the company decided not to make a $1 million payment for the license. Any current review of the com-pany would start in 2010 and go up until now. Hard Rock to buy Trump Taj Mahal, site will remain a casino ATLANTIC CITY A group of investors led by Hard Rock International is buying the closed Tru Around the site of the project, Hard Rocks new neighbors, Showboat owner Bart Blatstein and Glenn Straub, owner of TEN, the former Revel casino, praised the project as an opportunity to revive that part of the Boardwalk. Anybody that is going to generate business is going to be a good thing, Straub said Thursday. I know the Hard Rock, and they will attract people to the area. Blatsteins Showboat is next door to the Taj and is attached to the closed casino by a bridge. Right now Ive got an empty building next to me, and Im going to have one of the finest operators in the world attached to me, he said. Im thrilled. Blatstein said he knows Allen personally. Blatstein partnered with Hard Rock for his proposed Philadelphia casino, but Pennsylvania regulators didnt award him a gaming license needed to open it. So I know Jim Allen and the whole crew, he said. Theyre great. 3:45pm: Squall line slowly weakened as it crossed South Jersey, so severe threat diminished. Some isolated strong wind gusts and at least one power outage, with 2,500 Atlantic City Electric customers in Cape May County reporting no power, mostly in Seaville and Palermo. While the potential for more widespread severe weather was there, the ingredients didn't come together just right. A storm spotter in Dennisville reported a gust to 68 miles-per-hour as the storms passed. There are also reports of trees and wires down in parts of Upper and Dennis Townships. 2:55pm: Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for far South Jersey, mainly south of a Bridgeton to Galloway line. 70mph wind gusts, small hail, and briefly heavy downpours are possible with this squall line now on Delmarva and heading east. Sure enough that's where warning was just issued for(yellow box). 70mph wind gusts and small hail possible with this line. pic.twitter.com/6p7Do2MxCz Dan Skeldon (@ACPressSkeldon) March 1, 2017 1:45pm: The latest radar shows a thin but focused squall line of showers and storms to our west, which will sweep east later this afternoon. Timing brings them through South Jersey between 3 and 6 p.m. Strong wind gusts are the primary concern with this squall line. 1:15pm: A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect for all of South Jersey through 7 p.m. this evening. Strong and damaging wind gusts are the main threat. Hail, heavy rain, lightning, and an isolated tornado are all possible. 1:00pm: A severe thunderstorm watch will soon be issued for South Jersey. Per the Storm Prediction Center(SPC), damaging winds are the primary concern, however an isolated tornado is also possible. Severe thunderstorm watch will likely be issued for South Jersey soon. Damaging winds the main threat, isolated tornado possible. pic.twitter.com/LXN01a0bWA Dan Skeldon (@ACPressSkeldon) March 1, 2017 10:30 a.m.: Clouds and fog are still hanging tough in South Jersey. But clearing is working into parts of Virginia and Maryland. More sun equals more warmth which fuels the fire for more severe storms. So one of the keys in South Jersey is if the clouds hang tough all day, or if the sun can come out this afternoon before the storms approach. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued to our west. No storms arrive in South Jersey until at least mid to late afternoon. Clearing working into Virginia and western Maryland. Will fuel severe threat to our west. Clouds/fog still reign in South Jersey. pic.twitter.com/QybLgdURGd Dan Skeldon (@ACPressSkeldon) March 1, 2017 The latest update from the Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the potential for severe weather from "slight" to "enhanced" for South Jersey for later Wednesday. That means there is a higher chance for severe thunderstorms. Strong and damaging wind gusts remain the main concern, although hail or perhaps an isolated tornado are also possible. Any thunderstorm, severe or not, can produce heavy downpours and frequent lightning. The window for severe storms opens as early as mid to late afternoon, and closes by mid evening. Locally dense fog Wednesday morning should burn off and give way to hints of sunshine. That sun will cause temperatures to warm well into the 60s and even pass 70 degrees, and that warmth will help fuel scattered strong thunderstorms. It is possible that the storms will weaken as they approach the shore, depending on how much cooler it is along the coast. The highest severe threat will exist farther inland, but all of South Jersey has the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. An enhanced risk for severe storms does not guarantee severe weather will occur, but instead alerts to the possibility of it occurring later in the day. Stay with pressofatlanticcity.com for the latest on the impending severe weather, as well as for storm coverage if thunderstorms do indeed develop. During the dark ages of internet communication, people had to have their computer dial a phone number to connect to a service providers computer and listen as the two machines made funny handshake noises while connecting. The data rate was so small that websites could look no more complex than a coloring book page. And forget about streaming anything. The light of broadband didnt start dispelling that darkness in South Jersey until about 20 years ago. Since then, development of technology has accelerated, yielding commonplace miracles such as computerized mobile phones, satellite navigation and cheap high-definition television at an ever faster pace. The spread of new technology is inevitable, but so is the unevenness of its availability. The affluent can afford much better devices than low- and moderate-income families. And areas with more customers get offered more and better services. These two characteristics work against much of rural South Jersey. The region has nothing like the population density of the north and lower average household incomes. As a result, broadband choices are fewer and some rural residents have to make do with DSL over copper wires and spotty cell phone service. A Wildwood bike shop owner recently said an untimely internet outage cost his business $5,000. Rural residents have said they have to move to the edge of their properties to make a mobile phone call. And even the old wired landlines become unreliable when it rains. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew has pressed the state Board of Public Utilities and phone and internet providers to improve service in the region, but state leverage over national and global corporations is quite limited these days. Where once there was a regulated telephone monopoly, now there are lots of telecommunication competitors free to offer services or not. The bike shop owner summed up the problem nicely: They dont want to invest in these towns because they cant make any money. Van Drews efforts seemed to pay off when Verizon announced in December it would serve Weymouth Township and Estell Manor with fiber-optic broadband. The senator said the goal should be to provide fiber-optic service throughout South Jersey. The hot trend in broadband, however, seems to be wireless rather than wired (including with optical fibers). Just the past month, Verizon and AT&T announced they would offer wireless service with unlimited data, including at speeds capable of carrying high-definition video. Soon wireless broadband is likely to offer a strong challenge to cable, fiber optic and DSL. Perhaps Van Drew and state regulators also should try to make it easier for wireless providers to give their networks better broadband capability. Either way, were confident relentlessly better internet service is coming to South Jersey just not as quickly as to the urban crowds up north. Obama criticized judges in State of Union address One of the main reasons I despise the liberal media is because of their blatant hypocrisy. President Trump criticized the judiciary concerning the travel ban. How dare he? No one in the executive should criticize an equal branch of government. Come on! Remember the 2010 State of the Union address by the messiah, President Obama? In front of the whole nation he lambasted the members of the Supreme Court for their decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Obama could do such a thing with little criticism by the media. Not so for President Trump. He can do nothing right. Please. Edward Kane Ocean City Supports Sanders, Warren Thanks to the Hillary Clinton/Debbie Wasserman-Shultz team rigging of the Democractic primary, giving the progressives a weak presidential candidate, Donald Trump was elected president. When is the Democractic Party going to wise up and get behind Sen. Bernie Sanders or Sen. Elizabeth Warren for 2020? It should do it now before it is too late. Four years of President Trump is four years too many. Theodore W. Savage Atlantic City Area needs plants power The pinelands pipeline protesters must understand that South Jersey needs both electric power and natural gas. Without power, people cannot pump water, heat water nor heat homes. They cant operate their grocery or other stores, restaurants, towns and villages. The region would be in a pickle. The protesters actions to delay the installation of this very important pipeline to power the electric plant and area homes only increases the price, every day. Would protesters, if they were successful at closing the power plant, let local people move to their area, live in their homes and shop in their stores? Arthur Miller Cape May Conjugation was stupid Regarding the Feb. 11 letter, Degrees of stupidity: The writer says she likes to conjugate verbs, then chooses to conjugate the verb stupid ... first in reference to a meme posted by John Carman, then stupider for a post by the Absecon Police Department, and finally, an article about use of tobacco settlement funds is stupidest. In all fairness, at the end, she cites her use of poetic license in her conjugation. However, stupid is not a verb, but an adjective and, therefore, cannot be conjugated. I think this is the stupidest letter ever printed. And please excuse the taking of poetic license in my use of superlatives. Susan A. Schoen Mays Landing 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. First the National Security Advisor and now the Attorney General.Just the type of people you want in office committing treason.Sessions spoke twice with Russian ambassador during Trumps presidential campaign, Justice officials sayThen-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Trumps campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessionss confirmation hearing to become attorney general.One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senators office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race.The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself.When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump on the stump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. DUBLIN, Mar. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Advanced Ceramics Market - Forecasts from 2016 to 2021" report to their offering. Advanced Ceramics Market is projected to grow to US$104.854 billion by 2021, from US$63.112 billion in 2015, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.83%. Advanced ceramics are manufactured to overcome the limitations of the traditional ceramics and to cater the requirements of several industries that depend on the unique properties of technical ceramics. Advanced ceramics have a number of positive properties that include corrosion resistance, high temperature stability and toughness. Increasing demand in applications such as energy efficiency, ballistics protection, environmental protection, among others are expected to fuel the market growth. Another factor positively impacting growth is increasing electronic device demand among consumers particularly in emerging economies of Asia Pacific including India and China. Increasing R&D expenditure to comply with growing demand from new applications is also expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. However, the advanced ceramics market faces many limitations such as component cost, consistent material properties, environmental impact and collection of long term data in finding applications in broader military and commercial use. High demand for these ceramics in emerging markets such as India and China is projected to make APAC one of the fastest-growth markets. APAC also held the largest market share owing to favorable investment policies, and government initiatives to promote industrial growth. Key industry players profiled as part of this section are CeramTec, Elan Technology, Oerlikon Surface Solutions, Or tech Incorporated, Morgan Advanced Materials, CoorsTek, Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation among others. Segmentation By Material Alumina Zirconate Titanate Ferrite Others By Type Monolithic Matrix Composites Ceramic Coatings By End User Industry Electronics Manufacturing Automotive Healthcare Others Companies Mentioned CeramTec Elan Technology Oerlikon Surface Solutions Morgan Advanced Materials CoorsTek Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/48426x/advanced_ceramics 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 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets DUBLIN, Mar 02, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Africa Telemedicine Outlook and Opportunities" report to their offering. The report titled "Africa Telemedicine Outlook and Opportunities" provides a comprehensive analysis of e-Health scenario in Africa covering market challenges and success case studies by countries and at multinational levels. The report discusses about the current health scenario of different countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The report also provides current e-health scenario and future government plans for development of e-Health space in all countries. The report also includes trends & developments, growth drivers and major restraints, and challenges within the industry to understand current market dynamics in the industry. The report also serves as a benchmark for existing players and for new players who wish to capitalize on the market potential and investors who are looking forward to venture into the e-Health space in Africa by providing information on success and failure case studies and optimal business model in the region. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Appendix 2.1. Market Definitions 2.2. Research Methodology Final Conclusion 3. Current Scenario of Healthcare in Africa 4. Kenya 4.1. State of Healthcare in Kenya Scenario of Healthcare Providers Country Profile 4.2. Telemedicine So Far 4.2.1. National Telemedicine Initiative 4.2.2. Colombia Africa 4.2.3. Telepathology 4.2.4. Sema-Doc 4.2.5. Pan-African e-Network Project 4.2.6. AMREF Project 4.2.7. Medishare Africa 4.3. Trends and Developments in Kenya Telemedicine Market 4.4. Challenges in Kenya Telemedicine Industry 4.4.1. Lack of Electricity 4.4.2. Confidentiality of Information 4.5. Future Plans of Government for eHealth Sector 4.5.1. Vision 2030 Specific Objective General Objective Investment Model for Implementation of ICT Model in Selected Hospitals under Vision 2030 4.5.2. GlobalMed Telemedicine Solutions 4.6. Conclusion 4.7. Success Case Studies in Kenya E-Learning for Nurses Use of MIMS 5. South Africa E-Health Market 5.1. State of Healthcare in South Africa Public and Private Healthcare System Expenditure National, Provincial and Local National Health Insurance Burden of Disease Telemedicine 5.2. Country Profile 5.3. Telemedicine Projects So Far 5.3.1. Teledermatology 5.3.2. Teleradiology 5.3.3. Mindset Health Channel 5.3.4. Primary Health Care Telemedicine Workstation 5.3.5. South Africa / China Bilateral Agreement 5.3.6. Rapid Deployment Field Hospital / Mobile Pathlab 5.3.7. KwaZulu-Natal Telemedicine Project 5.3.8. Project Masiluleke 5.3.9. MomConnect 5.3.10. FOLUP 5.3.11. Primary Health Care App 5.4. Regulatory Landscape 5.4.1. POPI ACT and mHealth Principles of POPI Act 5.4.2. Telemedicine Solutions 5.4.3. State Information Technology Agency (SITA) 5.4.4. The Minimum Information Interoperability Standards (MIOS) 5.5. Conclusion 5.5.1. Key Opportunities for mHealth in South Africa in Future 5.6. Recommendations 6. Nigeria E-Health Market 6.1. State of Healthcare in Nigeria Country Profile 6.2. Current Scenario Healthcare IT in Nigeria 6.3. Current Policy Implementations Other eHealth Initiatives Conclusion 6.4. Major Challenges for the Health Care Sector in Nigeria 6.5. Government Policy Implementations for Future 6.5.1. Recommendations to Improve Health ICT Enabling Environment 6.6. Success Case Study in using ICT in Nigeria 7. Ghana 7.1. State of Healthcare in Ghana Country Profile 7.2. Snapshot of Telemedicine Pilot Project in Ghana 7.3. Challenges in the Establishment of the Telemedicine Centers in Ghana Requirement of Constant Government Support Training of the Workers Payments from National Health Insurance Scheme Shortage of Electric Power Supply e-Health Initiatives in Ghana Conclusions 7.4. Success Case Studies in Ghana Graphical Representation of MOTECH working Model 8. Uganda 8.1. State of Healthcare in Uganda Country Profile 8.2. Current E-Health Scenario- Telepathology and Second Opinion Use of DHIMS2 8.3. Challenges Faced in Implementing E-Health Policies 8.4. Current Situational Analysis 8.5. Government Future Policy Objectives 8.6. Success Case Study: Uganda's Approach for Health Service Delivery Through mTrac 9. Botswana 9.1. State of Health Care in Botswana 9.2. Country Profile- Botswana 9.3. Snapshot of Teledermatology in Botswana 10. Cameroon 10.1. State of Health Care in Cameroon 10.2. Country Profile- Cameroon 10.3. Current e-Health Scenario 10.3.1. ICT in Healthcare 10.3.2. MTN Health 10.3.3. eHealth-Cameroon 11. Ethiopia 11.1. State of Health Care in Ethiopia 11.2. Country Profile- Ethiopia 11.3. Current e-Health Scenario Electronic Medical Records via SmartCare Health-net Telemedicine Pilot Project 11.4. Ethiopian National E-Health Strategy 12. SWOT Analysis 13. Multinational E-Health Initiatives in Africa (Case Studies) 13.1. m4RH 13.2. RAFT 13.3. Prerequisites to Start a Telemedicine Centre 14. Recommendations 14.1. Working and Business Model Selection 14.2. Partnerships 14.3. Return on Investment 14.4. Government Support 14.5. Awareness Campaigns 14.6. Optimization of ICT Infrastructure 14.7. Improving the Training and Maintenance of Infrastructure 14.8. Use of Updated Technology For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z8wwtc/africa 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 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets BUCHAREST, Romania, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitdefender BOX, the most advanced cybersecurity tool for smart devices, becomes available in the Asia-Pacific region Bitdefender, the innovative cybersecurity solutions provider has entered a commercial partnership with BBSS, a subsidiary of the SoftBank C&S, for the distribution in Japan of Bitdefender BOX, the breakthrough solution that protects all connected devices in a smart home. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160405/351502LOGO ) Japan is the second country worldwide, after the United States, where consumers can purchase Bitdefender BOX. Bitdefender BOX revolutionizes the way people protect themselves and their home networks, including their smart devices from malware, hackers, ransomware, phishing and other e-threats. Bitdefender's commitment to pioneering the smart home security field, combined with the partnership with BBSS to make this technology available in the Japanese market, sends a strong signal of the importance of the Cybersecurity for smart homes market segment, which Bitdefender created 2 years ago. "Bitdefender BOX is the future of home security and BBSS is the ideal partner to bring that future to one of the world's most developed nations," said Ciprian Istrate, Vice President Consumer Solutions at Bitdefender. "SoftBank group company has been a force in the consumer tech market for decades and we strongly believe our partnership will ultimately bring more security and convenience to our clients' lives." About Bitdefender BOX Bitdefender BOX is a security device for the connected home which blocks and defeats attacks against traditional computers, mobiles, home routers, wireless cameras and other smart devices by a combination of local and cloud-based network security technologies. About Bitdefender Bitdefender is a global security technology company that provides cutting edge end-to-end cyber security solutions and advanced threat protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Since 2001, Bitdefender has consistently produced award-winning business and consumer security technology, and is a provider of choice in both hybrid infrastructure security and endpoint protection. Through R&D, alliances and partnerships, Bitdefender is trusted to be ahead and deliver robust security you can rely on. More information is available at http://www.bitdefender.com. About BBSS BBSS is a SoftBank group company providing various software services for consumer and enterprise customer in Japan and global market. Main business area is security and we employ a subscription-type business model through telecommunications carriers and service providers, which are connected with our self-developed software service platform to offer products from software vendors in various fields and in-house software products. Contact: Marius Buterchi E-mail: mbuterchi@bitdefender.com Telephone: +1(917)725-4182 SOURCE BitDefender SRL PEORIA, Illinois, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT/Euronext: CATR) informs its stockholders that on March 1, 2017, in accordance with Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, one Form 4 was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") with respect to beneficial ownership of Caterpillar Inc. stock. Also, on February 28, 2017, two Forms 4 were filed with the SEC. Caterpillar files electronically with the SEC required reports on Form 8-K, Form 10-Q, Form 10-K and Form 11-K; proxy materials; ownership reports for insiders as required by Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and registration statements on Forms S-3 and S-8, as necessary; and other forms or reports, as required. All of the forms and reports filed electronically with the SEC are available on the SEC Internet site (www.sec.gov). Caterpillar also maintains an Internet site (www.Caterpillar.com) and copies of its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished with the SEC are available free of charge through Caterpillar's Internet site (www.Caterpillar.com/secfilings ) as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant document has been filed with the SEC. CONTACT: Rachel Potts, Corporate Public Affairs, +1-309-675-6892 This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire. SOURCE Caterpillar Inc. Patrick Bertrand to Retire LYON, France, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cegid, the leading French mid-market enterprise management software and cloud provider, announces that Pascal Houillon, former CEO of Sage Americas and of Sage France, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately. Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pascal Houillon brings to Cegid over two decades of highly relevant mid-market ERP software experience, mostly in senior executive positions at Sage. Pascal joined Sage France in 1989 from Saari, and went on to become Regional Director and Sales Director before leading the Sybel business after it was acquired by Sage. He held multiple leadership roles at Sage, including President and CEO of Sage France, where he was also responsible for Belgium, Brazil, Switzerland and Morocco and was most recently CEO of Sage Americas since 2010. Pascal Houillon said: "Having followed Cegid from a privileged standpoint for the past 25 years, this is a company that I have long admired, and I am thrilled to be joining it now. Cegid is uniquely positioned with its traditional clients and in its key historical markets. It is also well-poised to exploit demand for cloud-based business solutions given its early focus on SaaS, and has opportunities to continue to grow its presence internationally. I look forward to leading the company at this crucial juncture." Jean-Michel Aulas, founder and Chairman of Cegid, and Christian Lucas, Managing Director of Silver Lake and Cegid Group board member, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Pascal, a dynamic, international and accomplished leader, to Cegid. His extensive technology experience and outstanding track record make him well-positioned to accelerate Cegid's growth strategy and lead its talented employees." Shahriar Tadjbakhsh, AltaOne Managing Partner and Cegid Group board member, said: "We look forward to working with Pascal and feel privileged to have his perspective and guidance at such a key time for Cegid." Jean-Michel Aulas, together with the shareholder group, said: "I want to thank Patrick personally for his outstanding contribution since joining in 1988 and taking the helm as CEO from 2002. He was instrumental in developing Cegid into a leading French software player, and was a pioneer by launching the SaaS transition as early as 2006. Patrick will remain a friend of the Company and I wish him all the best for the future." Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He said: "It has been a great adventure and honor to serve Cegid for almost 30 years. I want to thank Jean-Michel and all the firm's talented employees for their continued support through this period. I am incredibly proud to have led the development of Cegid and wish Pascal and the shareholder group all the best leading Cegid's next phase of growth." About Cegid Cegid is a leading player in the digital transformation of companies, providing cloud services and enterprise software to private companies and public entities alike. Cegid addresses the management needs of companies and public entities of all sizes in the fields of finance, taxation and human resources, and offers industry-specific solutions to companies in the manufacturing, trade, services and retail sectors as well as to the accounting profession. Based on MoBiClo, its technological concept combining Mobility, Business Intelligence and the Cloud, Cegid's innovation strategy integrates the new ways in which people use software. Cegid is an international group with more than 2,200 employees, 30 locations in France, and over 15 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Cegid serves more than 135,000 clients and 430,000 users, including over 150,000 in SaaS mode. In 2016, its revenues exceeded 307 million. Cegid is listed on Euronext Paris. Please visit www.cegid.com. Contact: Herve Perret hperret@cegid.fr Cegid Group 52 Quai Paul Sedallian 69279 Lyon Cedex 09 Tel. 04 26 29 50 20 www.cegid.com Marche de cotation : Euronext Paris Compartiment B Code ISIN Action : FR0000124703 Reuters : CEGI.PA Bloomberg : CGD FP ICB : 9537 Software Indices : CAC ALL SHARES - CAC ALL-TRADABLE - CAC MID & SMALL CAC SOFT. & C.S. - CAC TECHNOLOGY - NEXT 150 - EnterNext PEA-PME 150 CAC PME SOURCE Cegid CAMBRIDGE, England, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- - Cydar announces the appointment of Lord Davies of Abersoch as Chairman, Dr Franz B. Humer and James Downing as Non-Executive Directors - Professor John E. Deanfield to head a new Scientific and Technology Advisory Board - First US installation at Major U.S. Academic Medical Center - Board Update Cydar Limited ("the Company"), a world leading cloud based surgical guidance software company, announces the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman and new Non-Executive Directors. Lord Davies of Abersoch has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman. Dr Franz B. Humer and James B. Downing join the Board as Non-Executive Directors. Professor John Deanfield, will head a new Scientific and Technology Advisory Board. Cydar is the first company in the world using high performance cloud computing to provide surgical guidance in the operating room. At its core, fully-automatic computer vision tracks patients during X-ray guided surgery; enabling it to combine diagnostic scans, planning information and real-time imaging with millimetre precision. Lord Davies commented: "I am delighted to join Cydar as Non-Executive Chairman. The UK is a recognised leader in knowledge based industries, and commercialising British Science is a key driver for long term economic growth. Cydar represents an opportunity for the digital revolution in medicine to help break through the intelligence barrier and generate evidence based improvements for better healthcare outcomes. I look forward to working with the Board and Executives to ensure Cydar has the right strategy and human capital, to help build an innovative, global company to achieve its great potential." Cydar CEO, Tom Carrell added: "Our successful transition from early-stage to growth company is testament to the efforts of our original Board and outgoing Non-Executive Chairman Mark Evans, who remains as a Non-Executive Director. We believe the skills and experience that Lord Davies, Dr Franz Humer, Jim Downing and Prof John Deanfield now bring will prove invaluable as we pursue our commercial and technology aspirations to be a world leader in cloud based surgical guidance software." First US Luminary Site at Duke University Hospital The Company also announces that it has signed its first US contract with the prestigious Duke University Hospital. This marks the Company's strategic decision to open a US gateway for its first FDA-cleared product, Cydar EV, and to pre-launch its US commercialisation strategy whilst it continues to develop its next clinical indications. Cynthia K. Shortell, M.D. Professor and Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery. Acting Chief, Division of Trauma and Critical Care Surgery. Chief of Staff, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, commented: "Data from the clinical trials that supported the product's approval suggest it has the potential to be a significant advance in image-guided surgery. We look forward to the opportunity to gain experience with this exciting new technology." Kurt T Farhy, Cydar's Chief Commercialisation Officer added: "We are delighted to be working with Duke and Professor Cynthia Shortell. Duke is a key luminary site for us and this is an invaluable gate-opening and validation of our Software as a Service offering". Cydar CEO, Tom Carrell said: "The contract with Duke is the culmination of our efforts to establish a US presence. Installation and onboarding there represents the completion of a comprehensive evaluation process, which included IT, information security, operating room, data sharing and business approvals. We now have significant interest in our product from US physicians and hospitals alike and I expect Duke to act as springboard for our US launch in March." About Lord Davies of Abersoch Lord Mervyn Davies brings commercial and international experience to the Board as both a former CEO and Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, former Minister for Trade, Investment, Small Business and Infrastructure and as current Chairman of Corsair Capital and a Director across a diverse range of companies. About Franz B. Humer Dr Franz B. Humer brings a wealth of healthcare and commercialisation experience as well as deep insights into clinical applications and health data. He is former CEO and Chairman of Roche Plc, having previously been at Glaxo and Schering Plough. About James B. Downing, James Downing brings extensive deal structuring and negotiating skills as a corporate finance specialist, and former Deputy Head of European Investment Banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co and currently as Non-Executive Director on a number of companies. About John E. Deanfield Professor Deanfield brings expertise in cardiovascular imaging, large-scale clinical trials and outcomes research, both nationally and internationally. He is Professor of Cardiology at University College London and Director of the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR). Notes to Editors About Cydar Cydar Ltd is a private UK company established in 2012, originally a spin out from Kings College London and Guys & St Thomas' NHS trust. It has successfully completed clinical trials to gain CE Mark and FDA Clearance for its first product - Cydar EV - in 2016 and is currently being used in several UK hospitals, including The Royal Free Hospital and at Guys & St Thomas's Hospital, in London. Cydar Inc (US) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cydar Ltd. Enquiries: Cydar Limited Tom Carrell, Chief Executive Officer tom.carrell@cydar.co.uk +44-(0)-1223-778-020 Kurt Farhy, Chief Commercialisation officer kurt.farhy@cydarmedical.com +1-646-520-0686. http://www.cydarmedical.com Financial Advisors The Life Sciences Division Alia Minhas +44-(0)-20-3457-1073 ali@thelifesciencesdivision.com SOURCE Cydar Limited BRADFORD, England, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New start-up firm, Progressive Solicitors, is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society's sole endorsed provider. Based in Manchester, the firm was founded in late 2016 and has quickly established a clear ambition to become a leading firm across the North West. Progressive Solicitors offers services for all types of personal injury claims - from road traffic accidents (RTAs) through to slips, trips and falls - and this, combined with its dedicated team of experts is quickly cementing a reputation for excellence. Progressive Solicitors is implementing an 'off-the-shelf' Proclaim Personal Injury Case Management system, providing all staff with step-by-step procedures to streamline case progression, from instruction through to conclusion. The practice will also benefit from Proclaim's inherent flexibility, allowing staff to tailor the solution around specific areas of personal injury work taken on by the team. Furthermore, the integrated practice management and accounting toolset will form a firm-wide solution for management, enabling instant access to data and operational performance. Additionally, Proclaim's integration with the MoJ's Claims Portal will significantly enhance the firm's ability to process volume caseloads by providing 2-way access via 'Application-to-Application' (A2A) technology; ensuring staff can manage claims entirely through the Proclaim desktop application. Jemma Kelleher, Director of Progressive Solicitors, comments: "As I have previously worked with Eclipse and Proclaim, I knew when it came to starting my own firm it would be the solution of choice. As a new firm, we have extremely ambitious plans and in order for us to achieve these, we need a software provider that can scale with us as we grow and accomplish our objectives. Eclipse is more than qualified to aid in our development, and its position as the Law Society's endorsed provider cements our confidence in the decision." About Eclipse Eclipse Legal Systems, part of Capita Plc, is the UK's leading provider of legal software solutions, employing over 160 staff at its Yorkshire HQ. The firm's Proclaim software system is in use by 23,000 professionals within a vast range of market sectors, territories and work areas. Proclaim is Endorsed by the Law Society (the only solution of its type to hold this accreditation) and integrates all case management, accounting, document management, reporting, time recording, task and diary functions into one desktop solution. TouchPoint+ is Eclipse's unique self-service system, providing an always-on, platform agnostic portal for law firm clients and business partners. Proclaim clients include: Eversheds Usdaw Co-operative Legal Services Progressive Solicitors Carillion plc QualitySolicitors ( Howlett Clarke , Lockings, Oliver & Co, and others) Eclipse's market territories include: UK and Ireland Latvia Australia Canada Nigeria Zambia British Virgin Islands For further information, please contact sarah.roberts@eclipselegal.co.uk or darren.gower@eclipselegal.co.uk. Alternatively, call +44-1274-704100 or visit www.eclipselegal.co.uk SOURCE Eclipse Legal Systems Customers' preferences expected to bring in gearless systems, finds Frost & Sullivan Complimentary Analyst Briefing by Frost & Sullivan's Industrial & Process Control Team LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WHEN: Thursday, 9th March 2017 at 1:00pm EST LOCATION: Online, with Complimentary Registration SPEAKERS: Krishna Raman, Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst The global gearbox and gear motor market is a highly diversified market, with competition distributed across a wide range of industrial and geographic areas, as well as product segments. Each market segment provides varying levels of growth opportunities as well as a competitive landscape, which require different product portfolios and competencies in order to ensure success. "The gearbox market is impacted by the penetration of gear-less drive technology as well as the increasing preference for bevel gear system over worm gear system," finds Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Krishna Raman. "Market participants, therefore, need to understand which segments will be impacted by these major trends." Questions this session will answer: What is the size of the global gearbox and gear motor market? How is market revenue expected to grow during the forecast period? How is revenue split between different end-user segments across geographic regions and product segments? Which are the fastest-growing segments, and which offer significant growth potential for gearbox and gear motor manufacturers? Which product segments should manufacturers focus on in order to take advantage of arising opportunities? Who are the major competitors in the global market and in the different regional markets? How is the competitive scenario changing? Registration: To attend the webcast, please e-mail Evgenia Oleynikova, Corporate Communications, evgenia.oleynikova@frost.com your full contact details. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Industrial & Process Control team, please visit: https://ww2.frost.com/research/industry/industrial-automation-process-control 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: Evgenia Oleynikova Corporate Communications Europe P: +48 22 481 62 10 E: evgenia.oleynikova@frost.com http://www.frost.com Related Links http://www.frost.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan DUBLIN, Mar. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Environmental Gas Sensors 2017-2027" report to their offering. Over 90% of the world's population live in areas that exceed World Health Organization limits on air pollution. Air pollution in the United States costs more than $200 billion annually in lost work days and hospital costs and could develop into a health and climate crisis reminiscent of those seen in China and India, a study by a global policy forum has found. The growing awareness of air pollution will be driving the demand for gas sensors. Gas sensors have traditionally been limited to industrial leak detection and household carbon monoxide alarms, but a new wave of miniaturization and cost reduction in the chemical gas sensor industry has is enabling a new environmental monitoring ecosystem, which analysts estimate will be worth $361 million in 2017, $2.4 billion in 2022 and over $3 billion in 2027. Gas sensors offer many advantages over traditional reference equipment and environmental modelling techniques, in addition to direct measurement of a pollutant, sensors are far more mobile, enabling greater spatial coverage of an area, the low cost, high robustness, simple interface electronics and ease of production of these sensors make them ideal candidates for commercial environmental monitoring. New manufacturing methods, able to produce low power, miniaturized sensors mean that large growth is expected in the portable sensor field, with sensors becoming integral components in mobile devices and wearable technology. Key Topics Covered: 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2. INTRODUCTION 3. TECHNOLOGIES FOR POLLUTION SENSING 4. MINIATURIZATION OF GAS SENSORS 5. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR MARKET 6. SENSORS IN MOBILE DEVICES 7. SENSORS IN WEARABLES 8. SENSORS TO MEASURE INDOOR AIR QUALITY 9. SENSORS IN AIR PURIFIERS 10. SENSORS IN AUTOMOBILES 11. SENSORS IN SMART CITIES 12. OTHER APPLICATIONS 13. MARKET FORECASTS 14. COMPANY PROFILES For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cfjhr2/environmental_gas. 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 Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com SOURCE Research and Markets VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acuitas Therapeutics Inc., a private biotechnology company developing state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology for messenger RNA (mRNA), announced today publication of data demonstrating that mRNA encoding a broadly neutralizing antibody delivered in an Acuitas LNP carrier protects humanized mice from HIV-1 challenge. In a paper published today in Nature Communications, Acuitas' scientists and academic researchers lead by Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, a professor of Infectious Diseases in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania showed that a single injection of mRNA-LNP encoding the anti-HIV-1 antibody VRC01 (1.4 mg/kg) resulted in plasma antibody concentrations of ~170 g/mL at 24 hours. Further, weekly administrations of 1 mg/kg mRNA-LNP maintained trough antibody concentrations of ~40 g/mL. Importantly a single injection of VRC01 mRNA-LNP protected humanized mice from an intravenous HIV-1 challenge in a dose-dependent manner. "This latest publication with Dr. Weissman and his colleagues illustrates the potential for mRNA-LNP therapeutics to provide passive immunotherapy against HIV-1 and potentially against other infectious diseases. In addition it exemplifies the concept of using the liver as a "protein factory" and the viability of repeat dosing" said Thomas Madden, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuitas Therapeutics. About messenger RNA (mRNA) Messenger RNA is a natural molecule that allows cells to produce proteins. Information that codes for a specific protein is contained on genes in the cell nucleus. This information is transcribed into a message (mRNA), which then migrates out of the nucleus and is translated into the specific protein. Synthetic mRNA can be introduced into a cell using Acuitas LNP carriers to direct the cell to produce a therapeutic protein. Such therapeutic proteins could replace a missing or defective protein, be an antibody to protect against infection, or provide a protective immune response (i.e. a vaccine). About Acuitas Therapeutics Acuitas Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada developing novel LNP carriers for mRNA and other nucleic acid therapeutics, including technology developed under limited license from Arbutus Biopharma Corporation. Acuitas Therapeutics Inc., Dr. Thomas Madden, President & CEO, +1-604-880-6157 SOURCE Acuitas Therapeutics Inc HEIDENDHEIM, Germany, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acquisition set to place HARTMANN as one of the leading adult incontinence product providers in the region The HARTMANN GROUP, a leading international supplier of medical and hygiene products, announced today it plans to acquire Procter & Gamble's Lindor -- one of the most well-known adult incontinence brands in the Spain and Portugal professional channel. The transaction seeks to take place by end of second quarter of fiscal year 2017 and is subject to approval by local antitrust authorities. As part of the agreement, HARTMANN is slated to obtain all P&G assets associated with the Lindor product portfolio (Lindor, Salvacamas, Lindor Care, Lindor Pants), Intellectual Property, contracts with employees, as well as a 25,000-square metre manufacturing facility in Montornes, Spain. Boosting HARTMANN's profile in the region The acquisition will position HARTMANN as one of the leading suppliers for adult incontinence products in Spain and Portugal. "With this acquisition, HARTMANN will become a major player in the adult incontinence market in Spain and Portugal," said HARTMANN CEO Andreas Joehle. "It will further expand our local expertise in the incontinence market while giving us an opportunity to achieve synergies on a group level when it comes to operations, production and our supply chain." According to Andreas Joehle, the move positions HARTMANN to create cross-selling opportunities and strengthen market access to wholesalers, pharmacies, and GPs thanks to Lindor sales volume and brand awareness. In fiscal year 2015-2016, Lindor had sales of over 75 million. The majority of the company's sales come via the pharmacy channel, while a smaller amount can be attributed to institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Aging populations and incontinence Spain and Portugal HARTMANN will continue to target the growing nursing home channel with more cost-efficient solutions that bring practical value to both caregivers and patients. The regional team will focus on reimbursed homecare products combined with an up-and-cross-selling approach through the pharmacy. In 2016, a study conducted by Spain's National Statistics office found that the percentage of the population aged 65 and over, is currently at 18.7 percent, it would reach 25.6 percent in 2031 and 34.6 percent in 2066. "Eighty percent of all people in nursing homes are incontinent," said Marc Perez, regional director Western Europe of HARTMANN GROUP. "When we look specifically at Spain, these numbers are also at 80 percent. Adapting and anticipating the impact of demographic change in combination with rising rates of chronic conditions and shrinking healthcare systems has positioned us well for this strategic buy." For the latest healthcare industry insights from HARTMANN leadership and more, visit New Perspectives or follow @HARTMANN_GROUP on Twitter. To learn more about the HARTMANN GROUP, visit: https://hartmann.info/ . Press contact: Philipp Hellmich PAUL HARTMANN AG Tel.:+49-173-479-4858 E-mail: philipp.hellmich@hartmann.info SOURCE PAUL HARTMANN AG Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473435/LiveU_LU220.jpg Both encoders can be connected to LiveU's Xtender transmission device and IP-based Ka-Sat, providing extra-strong resiliency in extreme scenarios. For studio based solutions, they enable content contribution from remote/fixed locations and the uploading of content to LiveU's MultiPoint internal and cross-organizational video distribution service. Key benefits include: high video quality using LiveU's unique LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) protocol; central and remote management via LiveU Central; least cost bonding automatically controlling how much bandwidth is transmitted over cellular or satellite connections; and density and cost savings. Avi Cohen, LiveU's Co-founder & COO, said, "We're seeing a growing trend of converting SNG trucks to hybrid trucks, as well as the use of smaller vehicles for mobile news coverage. These new encoders combine reliability, flexibility and mobility in a cost-effective package. Broadcasters can achieve the highest service availability and video quality in any location." About LiveU LiveU is driving the live video revolution, providing live video streaming for TV, mobile, online and social media. Let your audience become part of your story with high-quality and flawless live video, transmitted from anywhere in the world, through the use of our patented bonding and video transport technology. LiveU creates a consistent bandwidth and a reliable connection so you can acquire, manage and distribute high quality remote live broadcasts over IP. Our broad portfolio of products sets the industry standard for live video production. From backpacks to smartphones, and satellite/cellular hybrid to external antenna solutions, LiveU offers a complete range of devices for live video coverage anytime, anywhere. In addition, LiveU offers extensive cloud-based management and video distribution solutions. With over 2,000 customers in 80+ countries, LiveU's technology is the solution of choice for global broadcasters, online media, news agencies and social media. For more information, visit www.liveu.tv, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. Contacts: Claudia Barbiero +1 201-742-5229 x108 Claudia@liveu.tv Joss Armitage (In'tl) +44-7979-908-547 joss@jumppr.tv Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/267684/liveu_logo.jpg Related Links http://www.liveu.tv SOURCE LiveU LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Center for Digital Business Transformation, an initiative of IMD business school and Cisco, and HR consultancy metaBeratung, have identified four competencies and three behaviours that business leaders need in order to excel in the era of digital disruption. A new report, Redefining Leadership for a Digital Age, presents findings from a global survey of more than 1,000 executives across 20 different sectors. In turbulent times, leaders are caught in a technology-change vortex that is drawing in whole industries and creating disruption on an unprecedented scale. An eye-watering 92% of leaders said they are feeling the effects of digital disruption, with one-third rating the impact of digital disruption on their companies as "very significant." Despite the quickening pace of digital innovation, less than 15% of leaders said that they were "very prepared" to meet the demands of a digitally-disrupted business environment. The majority of participants (almost 80%) indicated that they were "starting preparations" or were "fairly prepared" to tackle digital disruption. The research further reveals: Less than 20% of respondents indicated that digital technologies such as analytics, mobile and social media are fully integrated into their organisations 30% of respondents either rarely or only occasionally use digital tools and technologies In light of the clear understanding of the importance of digitisation, the report outlines the following "HAVE" competencies as the most important success criteria for leaders facing a landscape characterized by digital disruption: H umble - In an age of rapid change, knowing what you don't know can be as valuable in a business context as knowing what you do. Digital leaders need a measure of humility, and a willingness to seek diverse inputs both from within and outside their organisations umble - In an age of rapid change, knowing what you don't know can be as valuable in a business context as knowing what you do. Digital leaders need a measure of humility, and a willingness to seek diverse inputs both from within and outside their organisations A daptable - In a complex and changing environment, an ability to adapt is critical. The global reach of digital technologies has opened up new frontiers for organizations, shrinking once insurmountable continental divides and erasing traditional boundaries between territories. Dealing with the cultural and business impacts of this requires adaptability. daptable - In a complex and changing environment, an ability to adapt is critical. The global reach of digital technologies has opened up new frontiers for organizations, shrinking once insurmountable continental divides and erasing traditional boundaries between territories. Dealing with the cultural and business impacts of this requires adaptability. V isionary - In times of profound disruption, clear-eyed and rational direction finding is needed. Having a clear vision, even in the absence of detailed plans, is a core competency for digital leaders. isionary In times of profound disruption, clear-eyed and rational direction finding is needed. Having a clear vision, even in the absence of detailed plans, is a core competency for digital leaders. Engaged - Painting visions for the future, successfully communicating these visions and being adaptable enough to change them, requires constant engagement with stakeholders. This broad-based desire to explore, discover, learn and discuss with others is as much a mind-set, as it is a definable set of business-focused activities or behaviours These digitally-engaged executives are called "Agile Leaders" - those who have adapted and evolved their practise for an environment continuously disrupted by digital technologies and business models. Nearly half (42%) of those identified as Agile Leaders said that they were making more informed business decisions as the result of well-directed data gathering, effective analysis, and good judgment. The report identified the following additional practices that Agile Leaders adopt in a digitally-disrupted business environment: 26% of Agile Leaders use digital tools and technologies frequently, compared with just 7% of non-Agile Leaders 32% of Agile Leaders seek disruptive approaches to deal with challenges (1% non-Agile Leaders) 28% of Agile Leaders use virtual networks and forums (1% non-Agile Leaders) 76% of Agile Leaders encourage their team to challenge their observations and opinions (19.4% non-Agile Leaders) 27% of Agile Leaders make use of business simulations or scenarios to support decisions (1% non-Agile Leaders) 26% of Agile Leaders take risks to speed up execution (4% non-Agile Leaders) The findings build upon previous research by the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation, which has demonstrated the importance of Digital Business Agility - a set of meta-capabilities that describe an organisation's readiness to sail in the choppy waters of rapid technology and business model change. The survey was supported by in-depth interviews with leaders from both incumbent organisations and disruptive start-ups. Read the full report. Carlos Torres Vila, CEO, BBVA, said: "We are taking decisive steps in the Group's transformation in order to create the best possible experience for current and future customers. The goal is for BBVA to be the best bank of the digital age." Jeff Immelt, CEO, General Electric, said: "What we've tried to do is narrow our focus as a company, to be only those things that have significant core competency. So, that's led us into being a global infrastructure leader... We're playing to the company's strengths, and, at the same time, we're playing to those things that the world needs... That's led us to be more global. It's led us to be more technical. It's led us to exit media, shrink financial services, and be in those things that we think are core to the company." About the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation A joint initiative of IMD and Cisco, the Global Center for Digital Business Transformation (DBT Center), is a global hub for leading research and analysis on digital disruption. www.imd.org/dbtcenter About IMD IMD is a top-ranked business school recognized as the expert in developing global leaders through high-impact executive education. The school is 100% focused on real-world executive development, offers Swiss excellence with a global perspective, and has a flexible, customized and effective approach. IMD is based in Lausanne, Switzerland and has an Executive Learning Centre in Singapore. www.imd.org About metaBeratun metaBeratung is a leading Management and HR-Consultancy with offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Media Contacts: Matthew Mortellaro IMD business school +41-21-618-03-52 matthew.mortellaro@imd.org Kerstin Almstadt Head Marketing metaBeratung GmbH, +49-211-415-5959-33, Kerstin.Almstaedt@metaberatung.de SOURCE IMD NESS ZIONA, Israel and ST. LOUIS, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Researchers Declare Maize W22 Line Assembly High Quality and Exceptionally Accurate Dr. Tom Brutnell, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, in cooperation with a global team of researchers, and NRGene, the leading genomic big data company, announce the accurate assembly of the W22 maize reference genome. "We're excited to share the data with the research community to enhance our knowledge of maize beyond what the current B73 line allows us," said Dr. Brutnell, Director of the Enterprise Institute for Renewable Fuels. "Instead of spending our time assembling genomes, we can now devote our time to analysis." With DeNovoMAGIC3.0 software, the second version of W22 has reached a scaffold N50 of 35.5 MB with less than 2% unfilled sequence gaps. DeNovoMAGIC assembles Illumina reads into long-phased sequences to deliver accurate assemblies from even the most complex genomes. No matter the size, ploidy or zygosity, the results accelerate downstream analysis and reduce technical work. By building an independent genome map of W22 using next-generation mapping (NGM) with BioNano's Irys system, Dr. Kelly Dawe of the University of Georgia provided the independent assessment of this version. The Irys optical mapping system uses high-resolution, single-molecule imaging of labeled, long DNA to produce a long-range map of the genome, which can be used to correct or enhance a genome sequence assembly. "99.4% of the scaffolds were collinear with our BioNano genome map, indicating that NRGene's DeNovoMAGIC3.0 has generated a very high quality reference assembly," said Dr. Dawe. By combining the BioNano data with NRGene's assembly, Dr. Dawe was also able to improve the N50 scaffold size to 75 MB. "We are pleased to see next-generation mapping used to improve the maize reference genome," commented Dr. Erik Holmlin, CEO of BioNano. "This work supports what we have seen in other settings: combining next-generation mapping from BioNano with sequencing technologies provides significantly better results." "True scientific breakthroughs only occur with significant collaboration," says Gil Ronen, CEO of NRGene. "We're pleased that our technology has once again been selected to be a critical part of the process by such a stellar group of researchers." About NRGene NRGene is a genomic big data company developing cutting-edge software and algorithms to reveal the complexity and diversity of crop plants, animals, and aquatic organisms for supporting the most advanced and sophisticated breeding programs. NRGene tools have already been employed by some of the leading seed companies worldwide as well as the most influential research teams in academia. http://www.nrgene.com NRGene PR contact Amy Kenigsberg K2 Global Communications +1-913-440-4072 amy@k2-gc.com SOURCE NRGene AMSTERDAM and VIENNA, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- iDose [4 ] proprietary reconstruction technique lowers operating costs by increasing tube life iFlow intelligent workflow platform enables consistent image quality from operator-to-operator to reduce rescans Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) today unveiled the Access CT, its newest computed tomography (CT) solution specifically designed for healthcare organizations seeking to establish or enhance CT imaging capabilities at an accessible cost for a high return in value. Philips Access CT provides consistent image quality across a diverse patient population and a wide range of exam types, enabling healthcare organizations to expand care capabilities to treat more patients. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/472975/Philips_Access_CT.jpg ) As healthcare needs grow across the globe, many healthcare organizations are increasingly challenged to efficiently diagnose and treat a greater number of patients. Health providers looking to enhance their CT capabilities may be faced with challenges such as reimbursement cuts, patient populations with low ability to pay, or inefficiencies related to growth and expansion. For cost-conscious healthcare organizations, a value-focused CT solution such as the Philips Access CT offers the low total cost of ownership and diagnostic confidence needed to drive clinical, financial and operational efficiencies. "Radiology is a crucial component in patient care and Philips' newest, value-centered CT solution can offer quality imaging capabilities at an accessible cost to health providers who may not have access otherwise," said Kees Wesdorp, Business Group Leader, Diagnostic Imaging, Philips. "It's always important that an imaging solution provides the right answer, the first time, but especially so for healthcare organizations that rely on a scanner to cover a wide breadth of patient needs within a more limited budget. Access CT provides the right balance of performance and value to enable organizations with limited budgets to incorporate critical, high-quality imaging capabilities into their care offering." Philips Access CT provides a number of benefits for physicians and organizations to realize true value from their CT investment, including: Increased Referrals - The iFlow console workflow platform enables consistently high image quality through features that simplify and automate the technologist's routine, helping providers to maintain and increase their referral base. - The iFlow console workflow platform enables consistently high image quality through features that simplify and automate the technologist's routine, helping providers to maintain and increase their referral base. Lowering Operating Costs - Philips' iDose [ 4 ] reduces the need for tube replacement-the most significant reoccurring cost associated with CT ownership-by offering a proven reconstruction algorithm that allows providers to reduce exposure time (mA) and extend tube life. - Philips' iDose reduces the need for tube replacement-the most significant reoccurring cost associated with CT ownership-by offering a proven reconstruction algorithm that allows providers to reduce exposure time (mA) and extend tube life. Greater Clinical Breadth - Advanced applications on the console allow hospitals to stretch their clinical capabilities from routine imaging to more advanced applications such as brain perfusion, lung nodule analysis, vessel analysis and virtual colonoscopy (CTC), while keeping costs down. - Advanced applications on the console allow hospitals to stretch their clinical capabilities from routine imaging to more advanced applications such as brain perfusion, lung nodule analysis, vessel analysis and virtual colonoscopy (CTC), while keeping costs down. Dose Management - 70 kV scan mode can reduce dose by up to 20 percent, which is especially valuable in pediatric patients. - 70 kV scan mode can reduce dose by up to 20 percent, which is especially valuable in pediatric patients. Maximum Uptime - Philips' 24/7 monitoring can predict issues before they arise, ensuring that providers can minimize downtime and maximize patient throughput. With the availability of Access CT, providers have a cost-effective solution that can expand care capabilities to treat more patients. To find more information on Access CT and availability in specific countries, visit http://www.philips.com/AccessCT. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for updates from the 2017 European Congress of Radiology, and visit http://www.philips.com/ecr for details on Philips' presence at the event. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 71,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at http://www.philips.com/newscenter. For further information, please contact: Alicia Cafardi Philips Group Communications Tel: +1-412-523-9616 E-mail: Alicia.Cafardi@Philips.com Twitter: @aliciacafardi Kathy O'Reilly Philips Group Communications Tel: +1-978-221-8919 E-mail: Kathy.Oreilly@Philips.com Twitter: @kathyoreilly SOURCE Royal Philips LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative sharing economy marketplaces to benefit from wide array of payment technologies and services SafeCharge (LON:SCH), a leader in advanced payment technologies, today announced that it is providing its payments technology to Funzing, an innovative sharing economy marketplace. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160526/372493LOGO ) Funzing is a community marketplace that connects hosts that have created unique experiences with members of the public looking for an unusual way to use their free time. The organisation operates across three primary markets including United Kingdom, Israel and Singapore. This marketplace faces multiple challenges related to payments including: accepting payments from global consumers and disbursement of payments to hosts. In addition, the marketplace demands a reliable payment service that is essential to serve its loyal community. Detailed reporting and analytics are key capabilities for optimising the marketplace checkout journey. "Marketplaces will continue to grow in both number and size as an effective way to directly connect buyers and sellers. SafeCharge has identified these demanding businesses as strategic clients and is committed to facilitate their payments ensuring they meet buyers and sellers needs, are fully secure and address applicable regulation requirements," said Yuval Ziv, COO, SafeCharge. "Funzing is an innovative sharing economy platform and we are excited to facilitate payments for this fast growing market." "One of our biggest challenges is meeting the needs of buyers and sellers that want to use diversified payment options. SafeCharge has provided a transparent, highly resilient and always-available payments solution - without passing the complexity on to us," said Avigur Zmora, Founder, Funzing. About SafeCharge SafeCharge International Group Limited is a global provider of technology-based multi-channel payments services and risk management solutions for demanding businesses. SafeCharge has a diversified, blue chip client base and is a trusted payment partner for customers from various verticals. SafeCharge has been Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard ("PCI-DSS") Level 1 certified since 2007 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market (LSE: SCH). The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, SafeCharge Limited, is an authorised Electronic Money Institution regulated by the Central Bank of Cyprus and a principal member of MasterCard Europe and VISA Europe. The SafeCharge group has operations in the UK, Guernsey, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Israel, Austria, Singapore and Hong Kong. http://www.safecharge.com/ About Funzing Funzing is an online marketplace that provides a variety of unique experiences that allow each and every one, both suppliers and customers to create their own event or experience. Funzing's simplicity enables anyone to post an endless variety of events and experiences that they would like to publicise which can be purchased by potential customers. Suppliers posting to our site provide a professional service or experience which they believe will be of benefit to potential customers. Contacts SafeCharge International Group Limited +44-(0)-20-3051-3031 David Avgi Tim Mickley Press Contacts: CCgroup for SafeCharge Alan Miller / Abbie Godward Safecharge@ccgrouppr.com +44-(0)-203-824-9200 SOURCE SafeCharge Samsung will highlight solutions that focus on providing 'Improved Access and Enhanced Accuracy' in order for radiologists and radiographers to perform more confident diagnosis and better patient care. By integrating its leading capabilities in form factor innovations, Samsung's latest medical equipment helps users get to patients faster and easier with ergonomic design that is more compact and lighter. Latest upgrades in imaging features have also applied Samsung's latest analytic algorithm and image enhancing technology to help radiologists make more accurate decisions with greater clarity. "Samsung aims to offer what radiologists and clinicians most seek from diagnostic solutions and deliver technologies that meet their needs for easier access and greater accuracy," said Dongsoo Jun, President of Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics and CEO of Samsung Medison. "Our commitment to European customers and radiologists around the world only grows stronger each year. Samsung is continuing to develop technologies that will bring new innovations to various medical environments." On display at Samsung's booth are the following solutions: Improved Access The new award-winning mobile digital radiography GM85 offers an ultimate driving experience, and the CereTom is utilized in a wide range of market applications such as mobile stroke units: GM85's compact design & optimized workflow: Winning the 2017 iF Design Award, the GM85 equips with a slim, ergonomic design which allows easy access around tight spaces, even in elevators by its 555mm narrow width and about 40% lighter weight (at 349kg) than previous models. Applying Samsung's world-class user-oriented design capability, the device offers a collapsible column which gives users clear visibility when moving the system and broadens access to smaller spaces. Its adaptive soft-driving control and front-bumper sensor also help make navigation safer. Moreover, the Quick-positioning allows handle-free, precise body movement by simple button clicks on the THU (Tube Head Unit). CereTom, a portable CT scanner with versatility: The 8-slice scanner delivers rapid scan time and immediate image viewing with high-quality images in a variety of patient locations. The mobile stroke unit (MSU), a specialized ambulance or other emergency medical vehicle that is equipped with a CereTom, allows the team onboard to quickly assess whether a patient is having a stroke caused by a blood clot or hemorrhage. Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy The premium ultrasound system RS80A with Prestige and ceiling-type digital radiography GC85A offers cutting-edge features that enhance diagnostic consistency and accuracy: RS80A with Prestige's latest key features: The CEUS+, Samsung's latest contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging provides superb resolution and improved uniformity with new transmit technology. It improves the diagnosis of small lesions through clear expression of tissue boundaries and assists users achieve easier and more accurate interventional procedures. The S-Detect for Breast helps radiologists understand characteristics of breast lesions to determine whether they're malignant or benign in a few clicks with improved accuracy. GC85A improves image clarity and radiographer's workflow: Bone Suppression improves clarity of soft tissue when suppressing the appearance of bones in chest images. As a result, nodule detection is improved to support diagnostic assessment. The device also features a new function which allows its operation without a portable grid, which not only reduces operator's wrist overload but also eliminates alignment errors that often occur with portable grids, reducing retake rates. Samsung Satellite Symposia On Thursday 12:30-13:30 at Room X (2nd level), Samsung presents how advanced imaging technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer aided tool benefits in diagnosis, and on Friday 12:30-13:30 at Studio 2017 (1st level), clinical research using Samsung's contrast-enhanced ultrasound technology will be held, respectively. Please visit here, for registration. Advanced Samsung Imaging Technology March 2, Thursday (Room X, 2nd Level) Time Topic Speaker 12:30 ~ 13:00 Artificial intelligence in Radiology (from CAD to workflow improvement) Prof. Alison Noble (Oxford Uni.) 13:00 ~ 13:30 Role of S-Detect making supporting tool to characterize focal breast lesions Prof. Tommaso V. Bartolotta (Uni. of Palermo) Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography : Advances and Current Status in Medical Practice March 3, Friday (Studio 2017, 1st Level) Time Topic Speaker 12:30 ~ 12:50 New tools in Multiparametric ultrasound : from guidelines to clinical practice Prof. Vito Cantisani (Sapienza Uni. of Rome) 12:50 ~ 13:10 Pediatric CEUS : Indications and Cost Effectiveness Dr. Maria Sellars (King's College London) 13:10 ~ 13:30 CEUS as a problem solving tool in clinical practice Prof. Paul S. Sidhu (King's College London) For more information, please visit www.samsungmedicalsolution.com. 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. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474066/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_a.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474068/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_b.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474069/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_c.jpg Related Links http://news.samsung.com SOURCE Samsung Electronics Central inverters were also featured at the Tokyo show. Sungrow showcased the SG2000, recently employed in the BCM's (Blue Capital Management Co., Ltd) 200MW power plant. "Sungrow is committed to technical innovation. We continue to bring new products and solutions to better meet ever-changing demands from customers in Japan," said Renxian Cao, president of Sungrow. About Sungrow Sungrow is the world's leading PV-inverter manufacturer with over 26GW (up to June 2016) installed globally. Founded in 1997 by the University Professor Renxian Cao, Sungrow is the global leader in research and development in solar inverters, with numerous patents and a broad product portfolio offering solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. With a 20-year track record of growth and success, Sungrow's products are available in over 50 countries, and have maintained a market share of over 30% in China. In 2015, Sungrow successfully occupied an over 20% market share in Germany. Sungrow topped the world with PV inverter shipments of 2015 reaching up to 8.9GW. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: http://www.sungrowpower.com Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473384/News_Photo.jpg Related Links http://www.sungrowpower.com SOURCE SUNGROW Power Supply Co., Ltd CAYIROVA, Turkey, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkish Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD) Chairman Alper Kanca said that they were determined to become a global automotive hub in 2030 The Turkish automotive supply industry, whose large market is Europe, is taking sure steps towards its goal of becoming a global power. Turkish Association of Automotive Parts and Components Association (TAYSAD) Chairman has said "The Turkish automotive supply industry will reach its goal of becoming a global automotive hub in 2030 through the "Design, Technology and Logistics " formula. With its more than 360 members in various parts of Turkey, TAYSAD provides employment for more than 150,000 persons. Our members have a turnover of $23 billion and exports of $9 billion. 77 of our members have accredited R&D centers. TAYSAD members invest everywhere in the world. 59 of them have invested in more than 156 facilities in 40 countries. Thus, TAYSAD is exhibiting a strong presence in the world automotive industry." (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474007/TAYSAD_Logo.jpg ) The country that exports the most vehicles to Europe: Turkey TAYSAD Chairman Alper Kanca said, "2016 was a year in which there were very many positive developments in the Turkish automotive industry. However, there were also events that threatened to undermine economic stability and democracy. The automotive sector drives production, employment and exports in Turkey. The sector is 17th in the world in domestic market sales and 6th in European automotive sales. I say with pride that we are the country in the world that exports the most to Europe. At the end of 2015, EU countries had imported 843,000 vehicles. Following Turkey is Japan, with 480,000, South Korean, with 376,000, and the US, with 250,000." The production of vehicles in the world will grow! Chairman Alper Kanca said, "Our common belief as the TAYSAD administration, is that there will be an increase in total vehicle production in the world. This is because there is need and this need will be reflected in production. The essential question is this: What model will be manufactured and in which counties will this manufacturing be done? Developments indicate that Turkish supply industrialists, which lead with their quality and economy, will have a greater say." There was great interest in the new vehicles that began to be manufactured in Turkey in 2016 Chairman Alper Kanca, making an announcement about the Toyota C-HR and the Tofas Egea models that began to be produced in Turkey in 2016, said, "The Toyota C-HR and the Tofas Egea, two large projects being carried out in Turkey, are receiving a great deal of attention. The Toyota C-HR, the first hybrid and crossover vehicle produced in Turkey, has begun mass production. 60% of the Toyota production plant's capacity in Sakarya will be used for the C-HR, which got off the ground due to a 350 million investment. 90% of the C-HR manufactured will be exported. On the other hand, Tofas's Egea model is quickly on its way to breaking records. The plant manufacturing them puts out 1500 of them per day, making it the fastest producing plan in the Turkish automotive sector. Tofas's Egea model has received great demand both from within Turkey and abroad. Therefore, a decision was made to set up a second frame assembly line. Egea will now be manufactured on a single conveyor belt, through which production will increase two-fold. An investment of 50 million will be made." Foreign-owned companies are increasing investments in Turkey Not only OEMs like Toyota and Fiat, but also international Tier 1 suppliers are demonstrating their confidence in Turkey through investments. Alper Kanca assessed the situation, saying "Foreign company investments in Turkey make up hopeful about the future. To give an example, the German automotive supply industry company ElringKlinger will invest in a plant in Bursa. Freudenberg decided to establish a Turkey and Middle East regional distribution platform in Bursa. The first shock absorber manufacturer in Turkey, Maysan Mando, is planning to invest a total of $130 million by 2019 to expand the range of products it makes in Turkey. Taking all of these into consideration, we see that the states of the world have confidence in the investment environment in Turkey. This makes us very proud as Turkey." Turkey invites European countries to collaborate Alper Kanca said that "As Turkish automotive supply industrialists, our investments have begun to bear fruit. They are continually growing and we plan new investments with our partners. Foreign investors and all of our stakeholders abroad are able to transform Turkey's potential, speed and ability to do business into opportunity. As Turkish automotive industrialists we continue to invest in Europe and want to strengthen economic integration with European countries. In order to mutually increase the confidence built with European countries, we expect positive support and cooperation from our EU partners. This situation will bring mutual economic, political and social benefits to both sides." Figures: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 World 2,494,969 2,634,179 2,462,253 2,442,309 2,628,245 3,076,163 Turkey 571,304 580,076 585,392 584,693 707,560 843,112 Japan 613,975 526,270 406,982 384,694 439,678 480,536 South Korea 299,765 388,230 408,266 406,376 348,815 376,142 United States 187,392 244,507 243,926 222,920 243,264 250,305 China 171,399 179,795 197,908 184,349 191,376 241,764 Morocco 4,904 20,302 64,625 99,503 168,995 188,369 South Africa 74,228 85,676 67,702 59,515 87,083 140,899 Mexico 137,767 183,971 179,622 107,429 76,118 121,799 India 227,561 234,197 162,652 175,464 107,775 98,503 Thailand 44,445 40,471 25,270 41,066 68,184 94,903 SOURCE TAYSAD Upsolar breaks another Company and Regional Record as it continues its winning streak for Turkey and Middle East region ISTANBUL, Mar. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Upsolar, a leading provider of solar PV modules, today announced a new milestone after being awarded a contract by Hilvan Enerji to supply solar panels for a 23.6MW solar farm in Hilvan, Sanliurfa, Turkey. When operational, the power generated by the facility will be able to provide enough electricity to power approximately 17,500 households to the region. Construction on the Hilvan Enerji plant will begin within the next few months and will be equipped with 87,630 Upsolar UP-M270P modules. The system is expected to generate approximately 40 GWh and save up to 20,000 tons of CO 2 annually. "This project not only paints a bright future for Upsolar but also for Turkey and the Middle East as both regions continue to ramp-up their solar energy capacity," said Ioannis Markatatos, Turkey and Middle East Director of Upsolar Group. "With our huge success in Turkey, we are confident and optimistic about our outlook in the region as we continue our expansion into the Middle East and we see this as a sign of more things to come." Upsolar had already set a record at the beginning of last year after supplying solar panels for an 18.7MW project as part of a 40MW solar module sales agreement. About Upsolar Upsolar is a leading international developer and producer of high quality solar PV modules at competitive prices, ensuring secure long-term investments for our customers around the world. By utilizing a fables, asset-light business model and top-tier module components, Upsolar is able to stay ahead of the demand curve and offer innovative, tailored PV technologies to meet customers' varying performance and aesthetic needs. All Upsolar modules are covered by industry-leading product warranties and performance guarantees, including third-party coverage options. Visit our Website for more information: www.upsolar.com Like Upsolar on Facebook: facebook.com/Upsolar Follow Upsolar on Twitter: @UpsolarGroup Connect with Upsolar on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/upsolar-group Watch Upsolar on YouTube: youtube.com/user/upsolargroup Sales Contact: Ioannis Markatatos Turkey and Middle East Director, Upsolar Email: i.markatatos@upsolar.com Related Links http://www.upsolar.com SOURCE Upsolar Global Co.,Ltd The WhiteHat Sentinel Platform Secures Applications at Every Stage of the SDLC with Unparalleled Accuracy and Expert Guidance SANTA CLARA, California, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --WhiteHat Security, the only application security provider that combines the best of technology and human intelligence, has once again been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in the 'Leader' quadrant of the 2017 Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testing (AST).[1] This is the fourth such report, and WhiteHat Security has been included in the upper right quadrant of this Magic Quadrant since its inception. According to the Gartner Magic Quadrant report, "Leaders in the AST market demonstrate breadth and depth of AST products and services. Leaders should provide mature, reputable SAST, DAST and, desirably, IAST techniques in their solutions. Leaders also should provide organizations with AST-as-a-service delivery models for testing, or with a choice of a tool and AST as a service, and an enterprise-class reporting framework supporting multiple users, groups and roles, ideally via a single management console." "Companies are embarking on rapid digital transformation to compete and grow in the Digital Economy, but it's also increasing their cybersecurity risk because the applications at the front lines of a digital company are the most common way 'in' for attackers," said Craig Hinkley, CEO, WhiteHat Security. "Our platform, WhiteHat Sentinel, works in concert with the security experts in our Threat Research Center to secure digital business by seamlessly covering the entire SDLC. We're very proud to have been named a Leader for the fourth consecutive time since this Gartner Magic Quadrant was introduced, and we're committed to remaining a vital resource to everyone in the 'DevSecOps' realm responsible for developing and maintaining secure applications." WhiteHat Sentinel is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that enables organizations to quickly deploy a scalable application security program across the entire software development lifecycle. WhiteHat Sentinel Dynamic for DAST enables unlimited, continuous and concurrent assessments of web applications. WhiteHat Sentinel Source for SAST scans both source and binary code and covers a broad array of programming languages. Plug-ins and integrations with the tools developers depend on, as well as features including Directed Remediation and the ability to "Ask a Question" of a TRC engineer all from within the IDE, make Sentinel Source easy for developers to access and use to secure apps in development. WhiteHat also provides a mobile application security solution, WhiteHat Sentinel Mobile, and Computer-Based Training (CBT) for developers. The WhiteHat Sentinel product family comes complete with the expertise of the Threat Research Center (TRC), one of the largest teams of application security engineers on the planet. These experts are an integral part of the WhiteHat Sentinel platform, delivering near zero false positives in their results, and--through the "Ask a Question" feature embedded in the platformremediation guidance that eases and time and challenge related to fixing vulnerabilities. WhiteHat Security also uniquely offers the WhiteHat Security Index (WSI), which provides a comprehensive and comparative risk score for understanding the overall security posture of your web sites; and the Peer Benchmarking dashboard, which compares the health of your web applications to industry and global averages. Today, WhiteHat also announced an Application Security Training and Certification program for developers. The goal of this new program is to cultivate the new generation of DevSecOps practitioners and practices that are securing the apps at the heart of the digital business. For more information: Get a copy of the 2017 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testing here. Check out WhiteHat Security customer ratings and reviews on the Gartner Peer Insights web site. About the Magic Quadrant 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. Gartner Peer Insights reviews constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-users based on their own experiences, and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. About WhiteHat Security WhiteHat Security has been in the business of securing web applications for 15 years. Combining advanced technology with the expertise of its global Threat Research Center (TRC) team, WhiteHat delivers application security solutions that reduce risk, reduce cost and accelerate the deployment of secure applications and web sites. The company's flagship product, WhiteHat Sentinel, is a software-as-a-service platform providing dynamic application security testing (DAST), static application security testing (SAST), and mobile application security assessments. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., with regional offices across the U.S. and Europe. For more information on WhiteHat Security, please visit www.whitehatsec.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. [1] Gartner, Inc., "Gartner Magic Quadrant for Application Security Testing" by Dionisio Zumerle, Ayal Tirosh, February 28, 2017. Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/336045/WhiteHat_Security_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.whitehatsec.com SOURCE WhiteHat Security WuXi NextCODE CEO Hannes Smarason will provide a full corporate overview and update on recent partnerships and milestones in the execution of the company's strategy to provide a fully integrated, global standard platform for using large-scale genomics data to improve healthcare, medicine and wellness for people and populations around the world. About WuXi NextCODE WuXi NextCODE is a fully integrated global contract genomics organization. With offices in Shanghai; Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Reykjavik, Iceland, we offer comprehensive services that enable population, precision medicine, diagnostics and wellness initiatives and enterprises to use the genome to improve health around the world. Our capabilities span study design, sequencing, secondary analysis, storage, and interpretation and scalable analytics all backed by the most proven and widely used technology for organizing, mining and sharing genome sequence data. We are also applying the same capabilities to advance a growing range of sequence-based tests and scans in China. WuXi NextCODE is a WuXi AppTec group company. Visit us on the web at wuxinextcode.com. Contact: Edward Farmer, PhD efarmer@wuxinextcode.com +1 781-775-6206 Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/266982/wuxinextcode__leading_genomics_01.jpg Related Links https://www.wuxinextcode.com SOURCE WuXi NextCODE BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil and the European Union have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of 5G technology, through sharing of know-how and other measures. The accord was formally announced and signed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday, by Brazil's Minister of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications Gilberto Kassab and Gunther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIAvSetzktA Felipe Almeida, Co-Founder and CEO of Zup Innovation , and one of Brazil's most successful young technological entrepreneurs, welcomed yesterday's announcement, saying: "An agreement such as this can help Brazil to export technology. Normally we have imported foreign technology and implemented it here. This can help put Brazil in the technological era, so more companies can create new technology and export it." Zup Innovation is the largest private Latin American stand and delegation at the fair, and was visited by Minister Kassab after the signing of the agreement with the EU. The company is emblematic of a Brazilian tech sector which has registered dynamic growth despite a recent political crisis and economic stagnation. SOURCE Zup Innovation ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite continued underperformance for investors in the hedge fund industry, the 2017 Hedge Fund Compensation Report shows that a majority of hedge fund professionals expected higher pay in the form of base compensation and bonuses. Only one in five expected to make less than the previous year. This year, earnings at the top of the pay range remained strong. Those in the mid-tier range increased by 6 percentage points over last year, which nearly matched the percentage of professionals expecting to make lower pay. 2017 Hedge Fund Compensation Report The tenth annual Hedge Fund Compensation Report analyzes data collected directly from hedge fund professionals representing hundreds of global investment firms. "Our report polls a cross-section of industry insiders on many different factors related to hedge fund compensation," says David Kochanek, publisher of the report. "That makes it possible for us to compare complex variables and dig into a decade's worth of information to identify trends and see changes in the industry in both bull and bear markets." For most in the industry, bonuses are an integral part of overall compensation. In fact, bonus pay represents 80 percent of total compensation for hedge fund professionals in the uppermost pay bands. Although some hedge fund professionals report they are guaranteed lump sum bonuses, eight out of 10 receive bonuses tied to performance metrics or other discretionary factors. "We are beginning to see an increased correlation between fund performance and bonus pay after some years of disconnect," says Kochanek. "Unlike last year, funds that are up the most are now reporting the highest bonuses. We no longer see funds that are down or breaking even reporting higher bonuses than those operating in the black. It seems rational compensation numbers are returning to the industry." Those in the industry remain largely dissatisfied with their compensation. Across a wide range of titles, roles and experience levels, 61 percent are unsatisfied with their total pay. As in previous years, those that earn the most are most satisfied, implying that those in decision-making roles feel adequately rewarded for their additional responsibility. About the Report The 2017 Hedge Fund Compensation Report is based on compensation data collected directly from hundreds of portfolio managers and employees from many large and well-recognized hedge fund firms, as well as small firms that make up the majority of this industry. A sampling of firms represented in this year's report includes: Alliance Bernstein, AQR Capital Management, The Berkeley Capital Group, Bluebird Capital Management, Brevan Howard, Calixto Global Investors, Cheyne Capital Management (UK), Clearline Capital, Credit Suisse, Fifth Street Asset Management, Goldman Sachs, Haven Capital International, Hutchin Hill, ICMC, Lagoda Investment, Lionhart Canada, LRV Capital, Millennium, Och-Ziff Capital, SandPointe, Seer, Silver Point Capital, The Rock Creek Group, TPG and Wolverine Asset Management. Now in its tenth year of publication, the report breaks down hedge fund compensation, including base pay and bonus payouts, according to a variety of factors such as fund performance, fund strategy, group size, firm size, job title, work experience, education and hours worked. The goal is to provide those interested in hedge fund compensation with a comprehensive, reliable and affordable benchmark. For more information or to download the complete report, please visit HedgeFundCompensationReport.com. Media Contact: David Kochanek 760-634-4900 [email protected] SOURCE HedgeFundCompensationReport.com Related Links http://hedgefundcompensationreport.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeast Ohio's food and beverage processing boasts $3.1 billion in annual sales and features more than 350 consumer packaged goods companies.* In support of the strong Ohio packaging market, UBM continues its strong partnership with the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) at the inaugural Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Cleveland event. "Northeast Ohio has a vibrant Packaging Community and the Institute of Packaging Professionals is excited to partner with UBM at the inaugural Advanced Design and Manufacturing in Cleveland this March," said Chris Cetnar, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Cleveland Chapter President. "It's an exceptional opportunity to see the latest packaging technology advancements right here in our own backyard." UBM's inaugural ADM Cleveland event, takes place on March 29-30 at the Huntington Convention Center and offers two days of free industry education, packaging focused content, a dynamic expo floor, and a three track conference series spotlighting automotive, medtech, and smart manufacturing. Included on the expo floor are the latest technology and materials specifically geared towards professionals and decision makers in the packaging sector. With the significance of the packaging industry in Northeast Ohio, ADM Cleveland has developed a comprehensive calendar of expo floor content that covers topics such as: 3D printing, automation, digital health, materials, package design, rapid prototyping, robotics, wearables and more. The diversity of the show provides visitors to ADM Cleveland with the opportunity to focus on the packaging industry, but also see innovation across all facets of manufacturing. To learn more about ADM Cleveland, please visit: admcleveland.com "UBM is pleased to continue its strategic partnership alliance with the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) at ADM Cleveland," said Nina Brown, Vice President, Events, UBM. "IoPP serves the diverse needs of the packaging community in the U.S. with leading content, events and outreach. Together, UBM and IoPP are committed to creating networking and educational opportunities that help packaging professionals succeed." In Ohio, more than 370 food and beverage (F&B) processing establishments employ a workforce of nearly 18,000.* The region offers numerous decision makers, influencers and professionals from the packaging arena, including leading household brands such as: Anheuser Busch, Daisy Brand, Campbell Soup, Chiquita Brands, Coors, Dannon, General Mills, H.J. Heinz, J.M. Smucker, Kelloggs, Kraft, Land O'Lakes, Miller, Nestle USA, Pepperidge Farm and PepsiCo, among others. UBM has worked closely with regional associations, companies and partners including IoPP, to craft an event that goes beyond the needs of the packaging community. The expo floor consists of five zones covering hot-topic areas of manufacturing on display under the familiar UBM show brands, including Packaging (PACK), PLASTEC (Polymers and Plastics), ATX (Automation & Robotics), MD&M (Medical Design & Manufacturing) and D&M (Design & Manufacturing). ADM Cleveland is committed to creating an experience that fits the historic, diverse, and thriving central region. Early participants include: BioEnterprise, BioOhio, MAGNET, TeamNEO and the Ohio Manufacturers Association. Register to attend ADM Cleveland: cleveland.am.ubm.com/2017 Register for a media pass: cleveland.am.ubm.com/2017/index/registrations/Media Follow us on social: @UBMAdvMfg, Facebook, Linkedin, Google+ * "Market Data and Business Case Report," The Fairfield Factor, April 2014; ClevelandPlusBusiness.com; "Cleveland 2017 Testimonial Report," UBM Canon, 2015; Newsmax.com/FastFeatures/industries-in-ohio-economy About Advanced Manufacturing Expos & Conferences UBM's Advanced Manufacturing portfolio is the leading B-to-B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3 trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the advanced manufacturing market and leverage our proprietary 1.3 million name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Advanced Manufacturing portfolio is organised by UBM plc. UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM. About UBM UBM plc is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. In an increasingly digital world, the value of connecting on a meaningful, human level has never been more important. At UBM, our deep knowledge and passion for the industry sectors we serve allow us to create valuable experiences where people can succeed. At our events people build relationships, close deals and grow their businesses. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors from fashion to pharmaceutical ingredients. These global networks, skilled, passionate people and market-leading events provide exciting opportunities for business people to achieve their ambitions. For more information, go to www.ubm.com; for UBM corporate news, follow us on Twitter at @UBM, UBM Plc LinkedIn. SOURCE UBM Americas Advisors Excel raised the funds in conjunction with more than 450 of the nation's top financial professionals who were attending a two-day training event in San Diego. The company hosts the event each year and always includes an opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. To date, Advisors Excel and its affiliated independent financial professionals have raised more than $2 million to help incredible charities and amazing organizations around the country. "It's absolutely incredible the level of generosity and support our financial professionals give year after year," said Advisors Excel Co-Founder Cody Foster. "Each year, I think to myself, it can't get any better and every year they prove me wrong. I speak for everyone at Advisors Excel when I say we work with the most amazing, the most compassionate group of professionals in the financial industry." The money raised in San Diego will help fund one year of an LLS Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) grant focused on helping patients' own immune systems fight cancer. In addition, the financial professionals attending the event were given the opportunity to carry the fundraising back to their home communities by organizing and participating in local Light the Night walks to fund LLS patient service programs and blood cancer research programs. Now in their 19th year, Light the Night walks are a signature fundraiser for LLS, having raised more than $67 million. "Advisors Excel is an invaluable supporter of LLS. Not only are its members across the country rallying their communities for our inspiring Light The Night campaign, but these business-minded professionals are making an investment in cutting-edge cancer research led by LLS. LLS has invested more than $1 billion in research to advance breakthrough treatments and cures, and we're confident that Advisors Excel's investment in LLS will pay off for patients," said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., LLS's president and CEO. The $630,000 donated by Advisors Excel and its agents and advisors will help expand the SCOR grant that is focused on genetically engineering patients' T cells (one type of immune cell) to seek out, target and kill cancer cells. The research, led by Dr. Carl June of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, has already used this T cell immunotherapy to successfully treat two types of leukemia chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common childhood cancer. The next phase of the research will focus on expanding the treatment to other forms of cancer. About Advisors Excel: Advisors Excel was founded in 2005 by David Callanan, Cody Foster and Derek Thompson to bring unparalleled service to independent financial professionals while supporting every aspect of their business. Advisors Excel provides access to proprietary products, unequaled training, powerful marketing and lead generation support, as well as a culture in which many of the nation's top independent financial professionals continually refine their skills to better serve their valued clients. Through this holistic approach, Advisors Excel seeks to raise the expectations of these professionals, both for their own businesses and for the solutions they bring to the families and individuals with whom they work. For more information: Tracey Stratton, Advisors Excel 866.363.9595 [email protected] SOURCE Advisors Excel Related Links http://www.advisorsexcel.com TROY, Mich., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Michigan based civil rights law firm, Akeel & Valentine, PLC, has filed an age class action discrimination lawsuit against FCA. The lawsuit claims that employees ages 55 and older have been discriminated against during their performance evaluations. The lawsuit further claims that as a result of receiving poor ratings, employees in the class have experienced losses in merit pay, bonuses and termination. These allegations are similar to a recently filed class action discrimination lawsuit against FCA on behalf of African Americans. Both suits stem from the FCA's human resources own findings that older age employees and African American employees have been adversely affected for at least the years of 2014 through 2017. The suit is currently pending at the United States Federal Court, Eastern Division. Copies of both FCA lawsuits are available at https://www.fiatchryslerclassaction.com/. For more information, please contact Shereef Akeel at (248) 269-9595 or can email at [email protected] SOURCE Akeel & Valentine PLC These three families have been personally impacted by childhood cancer and will spread awareness about the ongoing childhood cancer fight by sharing their personal journeys. Meet the Ciamarra Family, Lombard, IL: Anna, 7, is currently battling T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). But watch out cancer because Anna is in charge! Anna and her SuperSib Claire love hosting their own lemonade stand. The Ciamarra family hopes to help others who are new to this journey and also champion the importance of improved treatments and cures for all children battling cancer. Meet the Hnatt Family, College Station, TX: Coulter, 8, has been battling anaplastic ependymoma for almost five years. In 2015, he enrolled in a trial funded by ALSF. Coulter says, "God didn't put us on this earth to do nothing, we have a purpose. Never give up!" The Hnatt family believes that one day there will be a cure for childhood cancer and they are sharing their journey to further the cause of fighting it. Meet the Talley Family, Little Rock, AR: Elijah, 16, has been battling stage IV neuroblastoma since he was 4-years-old. He and his family must travel 1,200 miles from his home in Arkansas to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment. They have been assisted by ALSF's Travel For Care program while making the long trek. The family loves to share Alex's (ALSF founder) story and encourage others to get involved because they feel ALSF needs to continue their mission not only in research, but also helping families get to the treatment their kids need. Alex's Lemonade Days is a national volunteer fundraiser commemorating ALSF founder, 8-year-old Alexandra "Alex" Scott's challenge to help her raise $1 million for childhood cancer cures, one cup of lemonade at a time. Volunteers are invited to host lemonade stands during the first full week of June to continue Alex's mission and bring renewed attention to the fight against childhood cancer. Since 2004, more than 24,000 Lemonade Days stands have been held nationally, raising over $13 million. The Foundation was built upon the principle that you are never too young to make a difference in the lives of others. Following in the footsteps of Alex, ALSF encourages volunteers of all ages everywhere to participate in Lemonade Days. There is no registration fee or minimum fundraising requirement. ALSF staff offers support to all volunteers who sign up to host lemonade stands. All participants, whether they host a lemonade stand, visit a stand or encourage others to do so, will utilize #LemonadeDays to show their support for the Foundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more. For more information on Alex's Lemonade Days and to sign up to host a lemonade stand visit AlexsLemonadeDays.org. About Childhood Cancer Childhood cancer is a general term used to describe cancer in children occurring regularly, randomly and sparing no ethnic group, socioeconomic class, or geographic region. Childhood cancer extends to over a dozen types of cancers and a countless amount of subtypes. Just a few of these cancer types include: Ewing's sarcoma, glioma, leukemia, lymphoma, medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilms' tumor. In the United States, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15. Every day, approximately 250 kids around the world die from cancer, accounting for 91,250 losing their lives to the disease every year. About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $140 million toward fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 690 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. For more information on Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org. SOURCE Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Related Links http://www.alexslemonade.org BOSTON and MADISON, Wis., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Well, a leading telehealth company, today announced that it has been selected by UW Health as the health system's telehealth partner. Later this year, UW Health will launch a new video visit service that will be powered by American Well's telehealth services. "We will work closely with American Well to bring this new technology to UW Health employees and patients," said Dr. Thomas Brazelton, medical director of the UW Health telehealth program. UW Health is the integrated academic health system associated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Anchored by University Hospital in Madison, UW Health has become one of the nation's largest organ-transplant programs; is certified as a Level 1 trauma center for both adult and pediatric patients; and includes a burn center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The new UW Health telehealth service will offer patients ways to access care from home or work without having to visit a UW Health facility. The initial service will be available to employees of UW Health, followed by a direct-to-patient program, including on-demand and scheduled video visits. Further details of the new service, and how to access it, will be announced later this year. "UW Health is a highly regarded institution with strong ties to the community. Telehealth will help strengthen those ties by helping to further project UW Health services into patients' homes and workplaces," said Danielle Russella, President, Customer Solutions, American Well. "We're proud to partner with UW Health as they extend and make access easier, expand their reach, and advance the well-being of the communities they serve." About UW Health With six hospitals and 80 outpatient sites, UW Health serves more than 600,000 patients each year in the upper Midwest and beyond with 1,400 physicians and 16,500 staff. UW Health is governed by the UW Hospitals and Clinics Authority and partners with UW School of Medicine and Public Health to fulfill their patient care, research, education and community service missions. About American Well American Well uses telehealth to improve people's access to quality care. Through our partnerships with the nation's largest health systems, insurers, employers, and retailers, our award-winning telehealth Exchange and our direct-to-consumer service Amwell we connect millions of Americans to the doctors they trust for live video visits. Through the power of telehealth, we help patients get the care they need in a timely fashion, and help doctors be there for their patients. We build technologies to make healthcare go where people need it most. For more on how we are changing healthcare delivery through telehealth, visit AmericanWell.com. American Well and Amwell are registered trademarks or trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact: Amanda Guisbond, Director of Communications, 617-204-3500 x3697, [email protected] SOURCE American Well Related Links http://www.americanwell.com SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown is on for the Telecom Council's annual INNOVATION SHOWCASE, now in its 8th year. Getting a new product or service in front of leading technology scouts in the communications industry just got easier. This matchmaking industry event happens on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Juniper Networks' Aspiration Dome in Sunnyvale, CA. The Kerton Group The Innovation Showcase features a group of early-stage communication start-ups for private, face-to-face meetings with strategic fitting telcos, vendors, investors, and potential partners. Applications due by March 10, 2017. Telecom Council members will review applications and select the 20 start-ups that will ultimately be the Innovation Showcase Class of 2017. These start-ups will have a solution with a demonstrable positive impact on communications subscribers or networks along with a proven record of innovation, momentum, viability and strong management. While typically a private event, this year, the public as well as local and national media will be welcomed to meet the start-ups, see demos, and network with the innovation community at large. Hundreds of attendees will join this year's Innovation Showcase including leading industry companies listed below who are among those taking meetings with the Class of 2017. These companies and their colleagues are looking for next generation products and services and Innovation Showcase matchmaking allows them to see and meet with already vetted start-ups who are matched with their road maps. AT&T KDDI Rogers Telefonica BT KPMG Sony Telstra China Mobile Nokia Softbank T-Mobile China Unicom NTT Sprint US Cellular Deutsche Telekom Orange Swisscom Deadline for start-up submissions is Wednesday, March 10, 2017. Please visit the Telecom Council Innovation Showcase page to begin the process today. About the Telecom Council: The Telecom Council of Silicon Valley is Where Telecom Meets Innovation. We connect the companies who are building communication networks, with the people and ideas that are creating them - by putting those companies, research, ideas, capital, and human expertise from across the globe together in the same room. Last year, The Telecom Council connected over 2,000 executives from 750 telecom companies and 60 fixed and wireless carriers across 40 meeting topics. By joining, speaking, sponsoring, or simply participating in a meeting, there are many ways telecom companies of any size can leverage the Telecom Council network. For more information and to join our invitation list, visit: http://www.telecomcouncil.com. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Linda Hull at 408-834-7933 Telecom Council or email at [email protected]. Related Links Telecom Council Innovation Showcase Telecom Council This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE The Telecom Council Related Links http://www.telecomcouncil.com/ LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ce Market Research provides a detailed report on the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market in a new publication titled, "Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid (PAA) Market" In this regional report, we have focused on the geographical importance of Asia Pacific and gauged its growth potential in the years to come. We have provided a bird's eye view of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market and assessed the core competencies of this market. We have checked the segments of this market and provided a critical assessment of the scope available to all the major shareholders operating in this massive regional market. In this periodical forecast, we have tried to pull out different factors that might impact the growth of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market in the forthcoming years. Out team of analysts has studied the market extensively and identified the drivers, restraints and trends that will probably redefine the market psyche in the long run. We have studied the major and second line players operating and dominating certain portions of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4730936/ As we know market dynamics do have an important role to play in shaping the destiny of any market; in this report we have considered the market dynamics very seriously to understand the forward movement of the market. We have studied the market strategies of the major players and tabled these to draw a clear picture of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. Report Description This regional analysis gives a vivid description of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. The report starts with key definitions, executive summary, market taxonomy and a detailed overview of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. In the executive summary, we gave a 360 degree view of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid market. In the taxonomy segment, we dissect the market into different sections. In the following section of this report, we identify the drivers, restraints and trends that are likely to impact the growth of this market within the period of forecast. In the next chapter of the report, we try to understand the market size and provide the data related to the volume and value of the market. In this regional report, we have not only highlighted the development potential of Asia Pacific as a region but we have also talked about each country and individual country contribution expected to stretch the boundaries of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. We have reserved the last section of the report for the major shareholders of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. We have analyzed their market performance within the anticipated period and have also done an in-depth study of their short-term and long-term business goals that would also impact the fabric of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. This section is intended to provide a dashboard view of the competitive landscape of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid market. Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market: Market Segmentation By Grade PAA- Below 5% H2O2 (< 20%) H2O2 (>20%) PAA- 5% to 15% H2O2 (< 20%) H2O2 (>20%) PAA- above 15% H2O2 (< 20%) H2O2 (>20%) By Countries China India Japan ASEAN Countries Australia & New Zealand Rest of Asia Pacific By End Use Agrochemical Detergent Food & Beverage Water Treatment Textiles Others Our Research Methodology Persistence Market Research has leveraged secondary research to ascertain the overall market size, top industry players, top production methods, and end uses of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. Apart from secondary research, our experienced team of market analysts spoke to several industry insiders such as manufacturers and retailers to understand the market in a better way. We then sliced and diced mammoth data related to the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market accumulated through primary and secondary research and then validated this data using the triangulation method. The data was then scrutinized to obtain qualitative and quantitative insights about the industry. Key Metrics Metrics curate the base of a report. The report on the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market talks about all the major metrics to provide an extended picture of the market. The report uses this accumulated data to compare and contrast the performance of the market across geographies. A volatile market As a research firm, we know that every market is volatile and the overall performance of any market is completely dependent on the unpredictable, sporadic changes that occur in regional and global markets. The report estimates the CAGR of the regional and global markets and also notes down the Y-O-Y spike of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market to understand the right opportunities and the climate of the market. Multi-dimensional approach The research adopts a multi-dimensional approach to measure the embryonic growth of the regional markets. This detailed approach towards the market helps understand the significant trends likely to dominate the market in the forthcoming years. Another notable feature of this report is an analysis of the revenue forecast of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. While this is usually overlooked when forecasting the market, we believe absolute dollar opportunity analysis is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that market providers can look to achieve and also to identify potential resources in the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. The report further dissects the different market segments on the basis of their individual performance and growth graph. The market attractiveness index at the end is included to help market shareholders identify the future and present scope of growth of the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market. Report Summary The report on the Asia Pacific Peracetic Acid Market provides a complete market outlook for the period 2016-2024. Markets are tracked on country level; the market numbers are derived using the top-down and bottom-up approach. Sales of Peracetic Acid is tracked on an annual basis. Peracetic Acid market sales at a segment level are closely studied and referred to ascertain market size at each country level. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4730936/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com MIAMI, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A panel of Facebook employees will share tips and actionable insights at #BankSocial 2017 (http://www.banksocialmediaconference.com/), the premiere gathering for banks and credit unions looking to optimize their social media marketing strategies. Representatives from advertising, data partnerships and the finance vertical team will take center stage from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5. This year's #BankSocial Media Conference takes place in Miami from April 3 to 6; an agenda of speakers and events is available at http://www.banksocialmediaconference.com/agenda/, and new items are still being added. Facebook has 1.86 billion active users monthly and over a billion people on the platform every day, making it the definitive starting point for any social media marketing effort. The employee panel will discuss some of the key metrics on Facebook users in the context of bank and credit union marketing. Because the financial services industry must think about regulatory compliance and consumer privacy when communicating with the public, the panel will also explore how Facebook works with partners to use offline financial data safely. Finally, banks and credit unions will learn about emerging trends in mobile marketing and how to make the most of Big Data in designing campaigns for their Facebook audiences. "As the most popular social network in the world, Facebook is where many businesses connect with their customers, and banks and credit unions are no exception," explains #BankSocial Founder John Siracusa. "The potential for meaningful engagement is incredible, but all that potential is wasted if one hasn't learned and applied best practices. That thought spurred me to invite Facebook employees to come and share their wisdom with the #BankSocial community. Ultimately, this one-hour session will provide bank and credit union marketing professionals with a new perspective on how to identify and connect with their target market on the biggest social media platform of all." Registration is still open for #BankSocial 2017, and early bird pricing runs through the rest of February. In addition to the full slate of speakers and sessions, attendees will also have access to the #IdeaMarketplace and a series of networking events. In addition, this year will see the use of augmented reality throughout much of the conference. About #BankSocial Banking isn't like every other industryregulations have made social media a nerve racking territory. That's why #BankSocial was created to inspire bank and credit union marketers and executives to be the best at exceeding customer's expectations, while navigating through the red tape. Whether you're a social media rock star or a beginner, you'll gather a wealth of knowledge from industry leaders through content innovation, open discussions, networking, and so much more. Learn more at http://banksocialmediaconference.com. Contact: John Siracusa #BankSocial 201-941-1458 ext. 703 [email protected] http://banksocialmediaconference.com SOURCE #BankSocial Related Links http://banksocialmediaconference.com FORT WORTH, Texas, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: BAS) announced today that its management will be presenting at the Raymond James & Associates' 38th Annual Institutional Investors Conference to be held in Orlando, FL on March 7, 2017. Alan Krenek, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is scheduled to present on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at approximately 4:35 p.m. Eastern Time (3:35 p.m. Central Time). The link to the live webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Basic Energy Services' website at www.basicenergyservices.com. The accompanying slides will also be available the morning of the presentation in the Investor Relations section of the website. Basic Energy Services provides well site services essential to maintaining production from the oil and gas wells within its operating area. The Company employs over 3,800 employees in more than 100 service points throughout the major oil and gas producing regions in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, California and the Rocky Mountain and Appalachian regions. Additional information on Basic Energy Services is available on the Company's website at www.basicenergyservices.com. Safe Harbor Statement Statements made in this press release and in the presentations may include forward-looking statements and projections made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Basic has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release and the presentation, including our ability to successfully execute, manage and integrate acquisitions, reductions in our customers' capital budgets, our own capital budget, limitations on the availability of capital or higher costs of capital, and lower commodity prices. While Basic makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither Basic nor its management can guarantee that the transactions will be consummated or that anticipated future results will be achieved. Basic assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by Basic, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contacts: Alan Krenek, Chief Financial Officer Basic Energy Services, Inc. 817-334-4100 Jack Lascar Dennard-Lascar Associates 713-529-6600 SOURCE Basic Energy Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.basicenergyservices.com REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- OpenGov, the world's first integrated cloud solution for public sector budgeting, reporting, and open data, announced today that the City of Boston, Massachusetts has launched the beta version of the "Analyze Boston" open data platform, powered by OpenGov Open DataTM. A leader in applying smart technology, Boston is partnering with OpenGov to improve both internal and public access to key information, such as public safety and transportation data. Access to such rich, meaningful data empowers internal stakeholders to undertake better analysis, spurs innovation among private sector and nonprofit technology developers who are building critical solutions, and facilitates civic engagement. "Our goal in creating the Analyze Boston platform is to better fulfill the promise of open data and open government, by seeing open data not just as a collection of datasets but as a platform for sharing knowledge," said Boston's Chief Data Officer Andrew Therriault. "Our collaboration with OpenGov enabled us to develop and deploy this new portal more easily than if we tried to do it by ourselves. That let us focus on what we're good at finding and cataloguing high-quality datasets rather than trying to deploy and manage software on our own." Boston joins a growing number of government agencies nationwide, including Arizona's Maricopa County and the California National Resource Association, that rely on OpenGov's open source open data portal. OpenGov Open Data is designed to bring greater collaboration, transparency, and innovation to governance, and it works for governments and agencies of all types and sizes. The new site allows anyone to search through Boston's open datasets and interact with that data through preview, filter, and visualization tools. Developers can access and integrate datasets using robust APIs, and the site allows city officials and the general public to create charts and graphs online and embed the visualizations on other websites. "Boston is a trendsetter for modernizing government, and its new easy-to-use open source open data platform is yet another instance of the city embracing the power of technology to better serve residents," said OpenGov CEO Zac Bookman. "Leveraging OpenGov's Open Data platform, Boston's elected officials and residents will be able to more effectively understand key trends, make informed decisions, and build trust that is essential to the city's health and wellness. This puts the city in the driver's seat for using data as an asset to be leveraged internally and externally on a single platform." While Analyze Boston is in beta mode, the City will continue to curate high-quality, up-to-date datasets while continuing to work with OpenGov to develop a platform that is widely accessible. Analyze Boston will be the default technology platform to support the publication of the City's public data, which will let citizens easily find facts, figures, and maps related to life in Boston. "Increasingly, we're seeing cities do more than just put the data out there, but to take a new more expansive approach to it," said Stephen Larrick, open data project lead for the Sunlight Foundation in an interview with StateScoop. "This is on the cutting-edge of what we're seeing cities do." OpenGov Open Data is a hosted CKAN solution. CKAN is the open source standard for open data used by the U.S. federal government, the European Union, and hundreds of other agencies around the world. OpenGov Open Data allows governments to create portals for citizen engagement, and to connect budget and performance data with census data, FBI crime data, and financial data from over 3,000 counties and 36,000 cities. About OpenGov OpenGov is the leader in government performance solutions: easy-to-use cloud software for better budgeting, improved reporting and operational intelligence, and comprehensive transparency and open data. OpenGov solutions give governments the right tools and relevant data for more informed decision-making and better outcomes for the public. Over 1,400 public agencies in 48 states are part of the growing OpenGov network. . Founded in 2012, OpenGov customers include the State Treasurer of Ohio, the city of Minneapolis, MN; Maricopa County, AZ; and Washington, DC. OpenGov is backed by top investors Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and Thrive Capital and has headquarters in Redwood City, CA. SOURCE OpenGov Related Links https://opengov.com DALLAS, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Prospera Financial Services, Inc. (Prospera) is proud to announce the affiliation of Travis Godley of Godley Wealth Management to the firm. Travis and his team are based out of Lafayette, LA. Previously with UBS, Travis brings over $155 million in AUM to the firm. Prospera, a privately held company, is a Texas based financial firm founded in 1982 as a full-service, boutique broker-dealer and support organization for successful independent Financial Professionals across the country. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Travis Godley has over 17 years of experience working in the financial services industry. "I am so proud to be aligned with a firm like Prospera. Their commitment to being the gold standard of boutique broker-dealers means that we have the right support to provide top service to our clients." Travis Godley About Prospera Financial Services Founded in 1982, Prospera Financial Services, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisory, offers the flexibility and resources only found at some of the nation's largest broker-dealers. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Prospera was named Broker-Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor Magazine in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015. The firm supports Independent Financial Advisors nationwide. For more information about Prospera visit http://www.joinprospera.com/ Media Contact: Tarah Mattia Carlow Senior Vice President, Marketing and Advisor Loyalty Prospera Financial Services, Inc. (972) 581-3015 [email protected] www.joinprospera.com SOURCE Prospera Financial Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.joinprospera.com YORK, Pa., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- York Traditions Bank (OTC Pink: YRKB), headquartered at 226 Pauline Drive in York Township, announces the addition of Bradley A. Willow as Managing Director of Personal Banking, overseeing the Bank's five-branch network in York and Hanover. Willow has spent the majority of his three decades-long banking career in Central PA and has resided in York for over fifteen years. He first came to the area as a management trainee at Farmers Bank and Trust in Hanover, a division of First National, where he progressed to the role of Regional Sales Manager. He moved to Harris Savings, which became Waypoint/Sovereign/Santander Bank, as a private banking officer and later as Retail Regional Executive leading a 20-branch network. In 2008, Brad joined Union Community Bank in Lancaster as Senior Vice President, Community Banking Group Manager, heading up thirteen branches as well as the training, trust, private banking, and investment advisory divisions. Most recently, Brad was a Senior Private Banking Advisor at PeoplesBank. "Previously in our careers, I had the pleasure to work closely with Brad," notes Eugene Draganosky, President and CEO of York Traditions Bank. "I was always impressed by his excellent sales and leadership skills and his collaborative nature. Brad Willow has a passion for community banking and a love for York County, and I am confident he will capably lead our retail banking division into the future. Through his leadership, Associate engagement will be heightened, further enhancing the experience for our customers and community." "I am thrilled for the opportunity to return to my roots as a true hometown banker," shared Willow. "Living local, buying local, and supporting local organizations is very important to me. York Traditions Bank has a reputation for strong commitment to the community and is invested in maintaining a client-centered culture. I consider it a privilege to build upon the strong foundation that has been established over the past fifteen years." Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Because of these risks and uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE York Traditions Bank Related Links www.yorktraditionsbank.com MIAMI, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 19, 2017, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.35 (U.S.) per share. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2017, to shareholders of record on February 24, 2017. Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock or Carnival plc ADSs will receive a dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in sterling unless shareholders elected to receive the dividend in U.S. dollars by February 24, 2017. Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of England in London at 12 noon on March 1, 2017 (US$1 = 81.18201 pence). Accordingly, the dividend payable in sterling on March 17, 2017, will be 28.41370 pence per share. Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest leisure travel company in the world, and among the most profitable and financially strong in the industry. With a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK). Together, these brands operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totalling 226,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2017 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices. Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au , and www.pocruises.com. SOURCE Carnival Corporation Related Links http://www.carnival.com NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CIVIQ Smartscapes, the industry leader in Smart Cities urban technology solutions, announced that Gerry Burns has joined the company as President effective February 20, 2017. Gerry brings over 25 years of diverse expertise in operations, technology, finance and sales, and has a strong track record in leading teams to profitable growth. Prior to CIVIQ, Gerry served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Columbia Tech, a privately held contract manufacturer and engineering services provider. Previously Gerry has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Data2Logistics, a leading global service provider to Fortune 1000 companies, and was the CEO of USRobotics, an industry pioneer in digital telecommunications technology. Gerry was also an M&A&O Vice President for Platinum Equity, a private equity firm which closed over 130 acquisitions that represent $30 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition. "I'm very excited to join CIVIQ at such a pivotal time," said Gerry Burns. "With the recent news about deployments in Chicago, Miami, Portland, San Antonio, London, Dallas and even more to come, many cities already appreciate the technology solutions CIVIQ brings to their communities. We want to continue to partner with the visionary leaders of municipalities, universities, and companies to provide solutions that meet their immediate needs and, at the same time, establish a foundation for providing evolved services and features. I've met the CIVIQ team and their passion is evident; I look forward to working with all of them." "Gerry is an exceptional leader, with a solid track record in bringing together teams to drive results," said Greg Baletsa, Operating Partner, JMC Capital, the private equity owners of CIVIQ Smartscapes. "We are looking forward to the impact he will bring to CIVIQ during this time of accelerated growth." For information about CIVIQ Smartscapes, their products and services and ongoing work, visit www.CIVIQSmartscapes.com. About CIVIQ Smartscapes CIVIQ Smartscapes is the leading developer of street-level citizen engagement networks, deploying customized solutions that offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enhanced public information and services and sensor technology to cities. Our products and services create "smartscapes" through innovative communications structures that provide cities with intelligent urban infrastructure. Through our development of innovative technology and strategic relationships with industry leaders, CIVIQ Smartscapes delivers turnkey networked solutions to cities with a range of beneficial services that generate city revenue, enhance communication and public services, and support urban efficiency. SOURCE CIVIQ Smartscapes Related Links http://www.civiqsmartscapes.com WILMINGTON, Del., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldwell Banker Preferred, a leading residential real estate brokerage company in the greater Philadelphia area, has acquired the assets of Applebaum Realty, Inc., in Wilmington, Del. Applebaum Realty has approximately 20 affiliated sales professionals serving homebuyers and sellers in the greater Wilmington area since the firm was established in 2009. The company's: broker-owner Brent Applebaum will affiliate with Coldwell Banker Preferred will affiliate with Coldwell Banker Preferred sales office located at 713 Greenbank Road in Wilmington will be integrated into the Coldwell Banker Preferred office located at 5349 Limestone Road in Wilmington QUOTES: "I am very pleased to welcome this group of talented real estate professionals from Applebaum Realty who have a strong history of providing quality service to homebuyers and sellers in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. This addition to Coldwell Banker Preferred will strengthen our position in northern Delaware and further reinforce our commitment to providing superior service to buyers and sellers in the region." - David Krieger, president of Coldwell Banker Preferred "Coldwell Banker Preferred integrates robust marketing and education resources with technology that will bring value to our clients and customers. With access to these quality resources, our agents will be well-positioned for further growth to remain competitive in today's real estate market." - Brent Applebaum, former broker-owner of Applebaum Realty, Inc. About Coldwell Banker Preferred Coldwell Banker Preferred has ten offices and a sales force of nearly 700 affiliated sales associates serving the communities of the Greater Philadelphia area and the Delaware Valley, including northern Delaware and southern New Jersey. Coldwell Banker Preferred is part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY). For more information, visit: www.ColdwellBankerHomes.com. Media Contact: Roni Boyles 781.684.5462 [email protected] SOURCE Coldwell Banker Preferred Related Links http://www.ColdwellBankerHomes.com Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham both ended a CNN town hall wiping away tears Wednesday night, coming as the two leading Republican foreign policy hawks explained their close, years-long friendship. "I feel like I'm on Oprah now," Graham joked. Graham pointed to McCain's loyalty, saying the Arizona senator stuck with him through a tough GOP primary and during his presidential campaign, and has also supported fellow service members who, like McCain, were prisoners of war in Vietnam. "He is loyal to his friends. He loves his country. And if he has to stand up to his party for his country, so be it," Graham said of McCain. "He would die for his country. I love him to death." McCain said the two have "common ideals, common goals for our country." But he also pointed to Graham's "humble" upbringing -- "including the fact that he raised his sister after his parents died. It's quite a great American success story." McCain said their friendship began when Graham, then a House member, was presenting the House's case for impeachment of President Bill Clinton to senators. He recalled a Graham quip that came during a discussion of 2 a.m. White House phone calls to Monica Lewinsky amid fears she would take her affair with Clinton public. "Congressman Graham, on the most solemn occasion, said, 'You know, where I come from, any man calling a woman at 2 a.m. is up to no good,'" McCain said. "I knew right then that Lindsey Graham was a guy I wanted to spend time with." SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CollabNet (www.collabnet.com), a global leader in enterprise software development, release automation and DevOps solutions, is a sponsor of QCon London, March 6-8. CollabNet will present a session on how to deliver quality software faster. The company's experts will show solutions that help organizations achieve business goals through collaborative software development, innovative release management and intelligent DevOps. "QCon London is ideal for technologists like me to connect directly with developers and managers who are passionate about finding better ways to create quality software. That's what we're all about too," said Thomas Hooker, Vice President of Marketing at CollabNet. "CollabNet lets you streamline and connect the entire software delivery lifecycle at an enterprise scale," Hooker explained. "We innovate to that commitment. Our solution unifies the DevOps architecture, making it cost effective and easier for organizations to align Agile and DevOps practices to existing IT infrastructures. We're sharing the state of the art in DevOps in our booth and invite all attendees to come by, see what we have and give their feedback." QCon London is an InfoQ event hosted at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. QCon conferences help software development teams adopt new trends and technologies. Software developers, engineers, architects and other technical management and senior management professionals attend QCon London. Hooker will present "Agile to DevOps. A Better Way?" on Wednesday, March 8, from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. in Abbey on the fourth floor. Please visit CollabNet at QCon London at Booth #17. CollabNet has been contributing to the software development community for many years with software solutions that expedite software delivery and improve software quality. CollabNet's product suite includes new and innovative enterprise-class solutions for release automation and DevOps toolchain integration, orchestration and intelligence. No matter how heterogeneous and dispersed the environments, CollabNet solutions let diverse teams work together in collegial and secure ways. Regardless of location, teams can share expertise and reuse assets, resources and processes in new projects. For more information or to register for QCon London, please visit https://qconlondon.com/. Share This: Catch "Agile to DevOps. A Better Way?" Wednesday at 4:10 at #QConLondon and say hello to @CollabNet at Booth #17 About CollabNet CollabNet helps enterprises and government organizations develop and deliver high-quality software at speed. CollabNet is a winner of the 2016 Best of Interop Award, a Best in Show winner in the application lifecycle management and development tools category of the SD Times 100 for 13 consecutive years, and a gold winner of the 2016 Golden Bridge Awards. CollabNet offers innovative solutions, consulting, and Agile training services. The company proudly supports more than 10,000 customers with 6 million users in 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.collabnet.com. Contact: Laura Balboni Catapult PR-IR [email protected] 303-581-7760 SOURCE CollabNet Related Links http://www.collabnet.com LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsis In real terms, Hong Kong's construction industry registered positive growth during the review period (20122016). Construction activity was weak during the 20132016 period due to the economic slowdown in China and the resulting impact on trade relations. Consequently, poor business confidence had a negative effect on investments. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4752145/ Nevertheless, government efforts to stabilize economic growth through infrastructure and residential construction investments contributed to the industry's positive review-period growth. The industry is expected to expand at a slow pace over the forecast period (20172021). This is mainly due to the prevalence of global economic uncertainty, on account of the new anti-trade policies to be adopted against China by President Trump. Hong Kong's trade dependence on China is subsequently expected to adversely affect its economy. Efforts to strengthen the economy by focusing on developing the country's commercial, housing, tourism and manufacturing sectors are expected alleviate the problem, although they will not solve it. Government flagship programs, such as the Long-Term Housing Strategy (LTHS), Climate Action Plan 2030, Railway Development Strategy (RDS) and Hospital Development Program are expected to support the expansion of the industry. The industry's output value in real terms increased at a review-period compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.96%, and is expected to post a forecast-period CAGR of 2.19%. Summary Timetric's 'Construction in Hong Kong, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021' report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into Hong Kong's construction industry, including: - The Hong Kong construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity - Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in Hong Kong - Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in Hong Kong's construction industry - Profiles of the leading operators in Hong Kong's construction industry - Data highlights of the largest construction projects in Hong Kong Scope This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Hong Kong. It provides: - Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in Hong Kong using construction output and value-add methods - Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project type - Breakdown of values within each project type, by type of activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) and by type of cost (materials, equipment and services) - Analysis of key construction industry issues, including regulation, cost management, funding and pricing - Detailed profiles of the leading construction companies in Hong Kong Reasons To Buy - Identify and evaluate market opportunities using Timetric's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies. - Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts. - Understand the latest industry and market trends. - Formulate and validate strategy using Timetric's critical and actionable insight. - Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures. - Evaluate competitive risk and success factors. Key Highlights - In January 2016, the government announced plans to develop the Central Kowloon Route (CKR) highway project in the Kowloon region. The project includes the construction of a 4.7km-long dual three-lane trunk road, which will connect the West Kowloon and Kai Tak development areas. Its main aim is to reduce traffic congestion along the east-west corridors in Central Kowloon. The project is expected to be completed in 2023. - In 2015, the government granted approval to the country's Airport Authority to develop a third runway at the Asian financial center's airport. The project includes the construction of a new runway, a third runway concourse, aprons and taxiways, parking facilities, a baggage handling system, an automated people mover, and the expansion of Terminal 2 across 650.0ha of reclaimed land. It is scheduled for completion in 2023. - The government's focus on the development of the country's healthcare infrastructure is expected to support industry growth over the forecast period. As a part of the 20162017 federal budget, the government allocated a provision of HKD200.0 billion (US$25.8 billion) to the Hospital Authority in order to implement a hospital development program for 20162026. Under the program, the authority will upgrade various healthcare facilities, including the Grantham hospital, the Kwong Wah hospital, the Lai King building at the Princess Margaret hospital, the United Christian hospital, the North District hospital, the Queen Mary hospital, operating theatres at the TuenMun hospital, the Kwai Chung hospital, the Our Lady of Maryknoll hospital and the Prince of Wales hospital until 2026. - In a bid to address the issue of poor waste management, the government launched a blueprint for the sustainable use of resources in 2013. Through the plan, it aims to reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfills per capita from 1.3kg in 2011 to 1.0kg in 2017 and 0.8kg by 2022. - In a bid to boost construction activity in the residential and commercial sector, in February 2016 the government announced the Land Sale Program, under which it will supply land to develop 29 private residential sites consisting of 19,000 housing units by 2017. It also plans to issue 560,000m2 of land for the construction of commercial and office buildings in Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4752145/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com FRISCO, Texas, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CURLS, one of the best-recognized natural hair care brands in the country, expands its retail availability into 7,200 CVS locations nationwide. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, CURLS has emerged as a leader in the natural hair care industry, offering a wide product range for adults, children and babies. The CURLS line includes an assortment of haircare products including cleansers, conditioners, moisturizers, stylers and hair growth supplements. Each CURLS product is made with certified organic ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, mineral and petroleum oils. CVS now carries the following CURLS retail products Creme Brule Whipped CURL Cream, Goddess CURLS Botanical Gelle, Lavish CURLS Moisturizer and Passion Fruit CURLS Control Paste, as well as select products from the Blueberry Bliss Collection. "My initial goal in creating CURLS was to give curlies everywhere that perfect product to give them beautiful and healthy hair," says CURLS founder Mahisha Dellinger. "In today's economy, it's important to me to offer our affordable yet results-driven products at accessible retailers like CVS." CURLS continues to develop new innovative products containing unique formulations using certified organic ingredients. Their budget friendly product offer has provided women of all curly hair types, from wavy to kinky, the products that keep their hair healthy and hydrated. To learn more, visit the CURLS website at www.curls.biz. About CURLS Founded in 2002 by Mahisha Dellinger, CURLS continues to be one of the best-recognized natural hair care brands in North America. CURLS offers over 50 natural hair care products made with certified organic ingredients for adults, children & baby. The company has multi-channel distribution, including retail, where CURLS products can be found nationwide in Target and CVS, and has a strong professional presence with over 200 salon retailers and boutiques across the United States. CURLS also has a strong international presence in Canada, Brazil, Africa and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.curls.biz @FrizzFreeCURLS About CVS CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation. The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at www.cvscaremark.com. SOURCE CURLS Related Links http://www.curls.biz CAMBRIDGE, England, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- - Cydar announces the appointment of Lord Davies of Abersoch as Chairman, Dr Franz B. Humer and James Downing as Non-Executive Directors - Professor John E. Deanfield to head a new Scientific and Technology Advisory Board - First US installation at Major U.S. Academic Medical Center - Board Update Cydar Limited ("the Company"), a world leading cloud based surgical guidance software company, announces the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman and new Non-Executive Directors. Lord Davies of Abersoch has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman. Dr Franz B. Humer and James B. Downing join the Board as Non-Executive Directors. Professor John Deanfield, will head a new Scientific and Technology Advisory Board. Cydar is the first company in the world using high performance cloud computing to provide surgical guidance in the operating room. At its core, fully-automatic computer vision tracks patients during X-ray guided surgery; enabling it to combine diagnostic scans, planning information and real-time imaging with millimetre precision. Lord Davies commented: "I am delighted to join Cydar as Non-Executive Chairman. The UK is a recognised leader in knowledge based industries, and commercialising British Science is a key driver for long term economic growth. Cydar represents an opportunity for the digital revolution in medicine to help break through the intelligence barrier and generate evidence based improvements for better healthcare outcomes. I look forward to working with the Board and Executives to ensure Cydar has the right strategy and human capital, to help build an innovative, global company to achieve its great potential." Cydar CEO, Tom Carrell added: "Our successful transition from early-stage to growth company is testament to the efforts of our original Board and outgoing Non-Executive Chairman Mark Evans, who remains as a Non-Executive Director. We believe the skills and experience that Lord Davies, Dr Franz Humer, Jim Downing and Prof John Deanfield now bring will prove invaluable as we pursue our commercial and technology aspirations to be a world leader in cloud based surgical guidance software." First US Luminary Site at Duke University Hospital The Company also announces that it has signed its first US contract with the prestigious Duke University Hospital. This marks the Company's strategic decision to open a US gateway for its first FDA-cleared product, Cydar EV, and to pre-launch its US commercialisation strategy whilst it continues to develop its next clinical indications. Cynthia K. Shortell, M.D. Professor and Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery. Acting Chief, Division of Trauma and Critical Care Surgery. Chief of Staff, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, commented: "Data from the clinical trials that supported the product's approval suggest it has the potential to be a significant advance in image-guided surgery. We look forward to the opportunity to gain experience with this exciting new technology." Kurt T Farhy, Cydar's Chief Commercialisation Officer added: "We are delighted to be working with Duke and Professor Cynthia Shortell. Duke is a key luminary site for us and this is an invaluable gate-opening and validation of our Software as a Service offering". Cydar CEO, Tom Carrell said: "The contract with Duke is the culmination of our efforts to establish a US presence. Installation and onboarding there represents the completion of a comprehensive evaluation process, which included IT, information security, operating room, data sharing and business approvals. We now have significant interest in our product from US physicians and hospitals alike and I expect Duke to act as springboard for our US launch in March." About Lord Davies of Abersoch Lord Mervyn Davies brings commercial and international experience to the Board as both a former CEO and Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, former Minister for Trade, Investment, Small Business and Infrastructure and as current Chairman of Corsair Capital and a Director across a diverse range of companies. About Franz B. Humer Dr Franz B. Humer brings a wealth of healthcare and commercialisation experience as well as deep insights into clinical applications and health data. He is former CEO and Chairman of Roche Plc, having previously been at Glaxo and Schering Plough. About James B. Downing, James Downing brings extensive deal structuring and negotiating skills as a corporate finance specialist, and former Deputy Head of European Investment Banking at JP Morgan Chase & Co and currently as Non-Executive Director on a number of companies. About John E. Deanfield Professor Deanfield brings expertise in cardiovascular imaging, large-scale clinical trials and outcomes research, both nationally and internationally. He is Professor of Cardiology at University College London and Director of the National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research (NICOR). Notes to Editors About Cydar Cydar Ltd is a private UK company established in 2012, originally a spin out from Kings College London and Guys & St Thomas' NHS trust. It has successfully completed clinical trials to gain CE Mark and FDA Clearance for its first product - Cydar EV - in 2016 and is currently being used in several UK hospitals, including The Royal Free Hospital and at Guys & St Thomas's Hospital, in London. Cydar Inc (US) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cydar Ltd. Enquiries: Cydar Limited Tom Carrell, Chief Executive Officer [email protected] +44-(0)-1223-778-020 Kurt Farhy, Chief Commercialisation officer [email protected] +1-646-520-0686. http://www.cydarmedical.com Financial Advisors The Life Sciences Division Alia Minhas +44-(0)-20-3457-1073 [email protected] SOURCE Cydar Limited The Organizational Leadership Award recognizes organizations that not only have their own comprehensive greenhouse gas inventories and aggressive emissions reduction goals, but also exemplify extraordinary leadership in their internal response to climate change, and engagement of their peers, partners, and supply chain. "Last year, DFW was honored to be the first Airport recipient of the EPA award for Greenhouse Gas Management," said Sean Donohue, CEO, DFW International Airport. "This year's recognition proves we are committed to responding to climate change and implementing the emissions reduction initiatives we've set in place. Our Airport will continue to demonstrate global leadership in sustainability within the industry." As part of the U.S. EPA's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EPA's Climate Protection Partnerships division co-sponsors the Climate Leadership Awards with two partner organizations the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and The Climate Registry. Awardees are honored for exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change. The awards take place during the Climate Leadership Conference (CLC), which is dedicated to professionals addressing global climate change through policy, innovation, and business solutions. The conference gathers forward-thinking leaders from business, government, academia, and the non-profit community, to explore energy and climate related solutions, introduce new opportunities, and provide support to leaders taking action on climate change. DFW Airport plans to continue its reduction initiatives by increasing renewable energy and alternative fuel use; by integrating best available energy-efficient technology into facilities, systems, processes and operations; and, finally, by expanding partnerships with airlines, regulatory agencies, academia, nongovernmental organizations, business associations and other stakeholders to develop effective and sustainable solutions to improve air quality and reduce aviation's impact on climate change. About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport warmly welcomes more than 65 million customers along their journey every year, elevating DFW to a status as one of the most frequently visited superhub airports in the world. DFW Airport customers can choose among 163 domestic and 55 international nonstop destinations worldwide. DFW is elevating the customer experience with modernized facilities and updated amenities, as well as through a $2.7 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program to renovate its four original terminal buildings. Centered between its owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, producing over $37 billion in economic impact each year by connecting people through business and leisure travel. For more information, visit the DFW website, download the new DFW App for iOS and Android devices, or follow DFW on social media. Follow @DFWAirport on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) C2ES is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting strong policy and action to address the twin challenges of energy and climate change. Launched in 2011, C2ES is the successor to the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, long recognized in the United States and abroad as an influential and pragmatic voice on climate issues. C2ES, a 501(c)(3) organization, is an unbiased source of information, a trusted convener, and a catalyst for constructive business engagement. The Climate Registry (TCR) TCR envisions the world on a measureable path to sustainability and provides organizations with tools and resources to help them measure, report, verify, and manage their GHG emissions. TCR also provides governments and organizations with guidance and support to develop and run GHG registries (either voluntary or mandatory); and to build capacity in various components of their carbon management programs, such as training, software platforms, and protocol development. TCR was established in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of senior officials from 59 North American states, provinces, and territories. U.S. EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership The EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership establishes norms of climate leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to identify and achieve cost-effective greenhouse gas emission reductions, while helping more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center provides technical tools, ground-tested guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change. The Center also recognizes exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in addressing climate change by co-sponsoring The Climate Leadership Awards and serves as the Climate Leadership Conference headline sponsor. More information about the 2017 Climate Leadership Award winners is available at http://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/2017-climate-leadership-award-winners. SOURCE DFW International Airport Related Links https://www.dfwairport.com/ FLINT, Mich., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO), is filling prescriptions for REVLIMID (lenalidomide) for patients with multiple myeloma as maintenance therapy following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HSCT). This is an expanded indication for REVLIMID recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. To learn more about Diplomat's oncology program, visit diplomat.is/areas-of-excellence/oncology. "Diplomat has been distributing REVLIMID, which is only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), since 2006," said Paul Urick, Diplomat's president. "Our distribution of the product is just one of the ways Diplomat is supporting the delivery of comprehensive care." Multiple myeloma is a hematological (blood) cancer in which malignant plasma cells form in the bone marrow, producing abnormal proteins. According to the American Cancer Society, about 30,280 Americans will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017. REVLIMID is manufactured by Celgene Corporation. For full prescribing information, click here. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events or our future financial or operating performance. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's good-faith belief and reasonable judgment based on current information. These statements are qualified by important risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forecasted or indicated by such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, you should review Diplomat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including "Risk Factors" in Diplomat's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as may be required by any applicable laws, Diplomat assumes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date hereof or the earlier date specified herein, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. About Diplomat Diplomat (NYSE: DPLO) serves patients and physicians in all 50 states. Headquartered in Flint, Michigan, the company focuses on medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases. Diplomat opened its doors in 1975 as a neighborhood pharmacy with one essential tenet: "Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place." Today, that tradition continuesalways focused on improving patient care and clinical adherence. For more information, visit diplomat.is. SOURCE Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. Related Links http://www.diplomat.is SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE: DEI), a real estate investment trust (REIT), announced today that its Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Suite 200, 808 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90401. Shareholders of record as of April 5, 2017 will be entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the meeting. About Douglas Emmett, Inc. Douglas Emmett, Inc. (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities. For more information about Douglas Emmett, please visit our website at www.douglasemmett.com. Safe Harbor Statement Except for the historical facts, the statements in this press release regarding Douglas Emmett's business activities are forward-looking statements based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to us about known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on forward-looking statements to anticipate future results or trends. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Stuart McElhinney, Vice President Investor Relations 310.255.7751 [email protected] SOURCE Douglas Emmett, Inc. Related Links http://www.douglasemmett.com MIAMI, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday and to mark the occasion Carnival Cruise Line held a fun, family-friendly event aboard Carnival Elation in Jaxport, part of a fleetwide celebration of the world's most beloved children's author. The event aboard Carnival Elation was highlighted by a book reading to students from Heart for Children -- a Jacksonville-based charity that provides at-risk youth ages 5-17 with a safe and nurturing environment during the school year and summer as well as donation from Carnival to the organization and, of course, a Dr. Seuss-inspired birthday cake and other treats. Designed to reinforce the importance of reading, the event also included activities like face-painting, arts and crafts and appearances by popular Dr. Seuss characters, including The Cat in the Hat, all culminating in a balloon drop in Carnival Elation's massive seven-deck-high atrium. Similar events took place on other ships throughout the Carnival fleet. The festivities are part of Seuss at Sea, Carnival's exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises that features fleetwide activities like the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends, the Seuss-a-palooza Parade and Story Time and Dr. Seuss Bookville, a family reading venue on select ships. "Today's event aboard Carnival Elation is a wonderful way to not only pay tribute to the incredible talent of the world's most beloved children's author but also to emphasize the importance of literacy and support one of Jaxport's most deserving charities," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. The donation to Heart for Children underscores Carnival's commitment to the Jacksonville community. Carnival is the port's only year-round cruise operator with the Carnival Elation sailing four- and five-day cruises and carrying 170,000 guests a year. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com. Carnival can also be found on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival YouTube: www.youtube.com/carnival Instagram: www.instagram.com/carnival Journalists also can visit Carnival's media site, www.carnival-news.com or follow the line's PR department on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CarnivalPR. About Carnival Cruise Line Carnival, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line" with 25 ships operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon is currently under construction and set to debut in 2018. Additionally, two new 180,000-ton ships are scheduled to enter service in 2020 and 2022. About Dr. Seuss Theodor "Seuss" Geisel is quite simply the most beloved children's book author of all time. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, an Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Caldecott Honors, Geisel wrote and illustrated 44 books for children. Hundreds of millions of copies have found their way into homes and hearts around the world. While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. The primary focus of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. is to protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into ancillary areas. This effort is a strategic part of the overall mission to nurture and safeguard the relationship people have with Dr. Seuss characters. Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would "round out the edges." That is one of the guiding philosophies of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, heads Dr. Seuss Enterprises as CEO. SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line Related Links http://www.carnivalcorp.com WASHINGTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Edison Electric Institute President Tom Kuhn today issued the following statement on Rick Perry's confirmation as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). "On behalf of our member companies, America's investor-owned electric companies, EEI congratulates our new Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, and we commend him for his longstanding commitment to public service. Our nation and our industry certainly will benefit from Secretary Perry's experience in leading a state with a balanced and diverse energy mix. "DOE plays a vital role in driving innovation for our industry, and we look forward to working together with Secretary Perry on a range of issues, including grid modernization, reforming the siting and permitting of energy infrastructure projects, workforce development, smart city initiatives, and the growing electrification of our transportation sector. "Protecting our nation's energy grid from cyber and physical attacks is a top priority of our industry and a main focus of the Trump Administration. We look forward to working with Secretary Perry to maintain and strengthen the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council, which is the industry-government partnership that coordinates efforts to prepare for, and respond to, national-level incidents or threats to grid security." EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for 220 million Americans, operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and directly and indirectly employ more than one million workers. EEI has dozens of international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. SOURCE Edison Electric Institute Related Links http://www.eei.org "We are seeing an increase in lending activity this year," said Mark Bahiri, a Managing Partner at the firm. "As CMBS and conventional lenders continue to retreat, borrowers are finding our product to be an appealing option." With offices in New York and Florida and a highly experienced team of underwriters, Emerald Creek is well-positioned to meet the needs of borrowers in the bridge lending market. Moreover, since the award program was established more than 30 years ago, fewer than 2,000 individuals have been honored worldwide. As a result, Enterprise Fleet Management an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings Inc. , the largest car rental company in the world is proud to announce that Customer Support Supervisor Kelley Hatlee has earned the prestigious World Class Technician Award. Hatlee's name, along with the names of all such honorees, is inscribed in an honor book in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan. Individuals must test and obtain ASE certification in 22 specialty areas in order to achieve recognition as a World Class Technician. Hatlee received the prestigious honor after earning the titles of ASE Master Automobile Technician, ASE Master Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician and ASE Master Collision Repair Technician, as well as two additional advanced level diagnostic certifications for gasoline and diesel engines. He holds 32 ASE certifications total. "Only a handful of technicians master the skills necessary to earn the ASE World Class Technician Award," said Tom Gieseking, Vice President of Fleet Operations for Enterprise Fleet Management. "This rare honor speaks to the dedication and professionalism Kelley brings to Enterprise Fleet Management and to our customers on a daily basis." Hatlee has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, 11 of which have been with Enterprise Fleet Management. In his role as Customer Support Supervisor for Enterprise Fleet Management's National Service Department, Hatlee leads a team of subject matter experts who are responsible for technical assistance, recall management, vendor relations, fleet support, vehicle maintenance and training. Enterprise's National Service Department is one of the nation's largest and employs more than 100 ASE-certified service technicians. In fact, Enterprise was the first fleet management company to win the ASE "Blue Seal of Excellence" award and has won for 20 consecutive years, an industry record. In 2016, Enterprise Fleet Management also was named to InformationWeek magazine's "Elite 100" for setting the bar on innovative and creative information technology (IT) programs that improve business operations. Owned by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Enterprise Fleet Management operates a network of more than 50 fully-staffed offices, which manages a fleet of more than 430,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The business provides full-service fleet management for companies, government agencies and organizations operating medium-sized fleets of 20 or more vehicles, as well as those seeking an alternative to employee reimbursement programs. Enterprise Fleet Management supplies most makes and models of cars, light- and medium-duty trucks and service vehicles across North America. For more information about Enterprise Fleet Management, visit www.efleets.com. This press release and car rental industry news are available in the Enterprise Holdings Press Room. The Enterprise Holdings Press Room also includes Fact Sheets for car rental brands and business divisions as well as awards and other reports. SOURCE Enterprise Fleet Management Related Links http://www.efleets.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a diversified media company serving Latino audiences and communities across acculturation levels, today announced that it has promoted Jeffery Liberman to the additional position of President, effective immediately. As Entravision's President & Chief Operating Officer, Liberman will continue to lead the management and operation of all of Entravision's radio, television and digital media properties, and will continue to report directly to Walter F. Ulloa, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Entravision. "Jeff has helped grow and lead the company through his service, business insights and commitment ever since joining Entravision almost two decades ago," said Ulloa. "He has been an integral part of our senior executive team in setting our strategic vision and executing on our business plans, in addition to his numerous contributions to serving the Latino community." "I am excited by this additional role and the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities in the future," said Liberman. "I look forward to working together with our incredible team in developing and implementing new strategic business initiatives and continuing to engage with our advertising partners and our expanding audience." Jeffery Liberman joined Entravision in 2000 following the company's acquisition of Latin Communications Group. An industry veteran with over forty years of experience and a strong background in Spanish-language media, Liberman has been instrumental in Entravision's success, including expanding the company's media portfolio, overseeing the company's digital initiatives and launching new content initiatives. Liberman has served as Entravision's Chief Operating Officer since 2012. About Entravision Communications Corporation Entravision Communications Corporation is a leading media company that reaches and engages U.S. Latinos across acculturation levels and media channels, as well as consumers in Mexico. The company's comprehensive portfolio incorporates integrated media and marketing solutions comprised of acclaimed television, radio, digital properties, events, and data analytics services. Entravision has 54 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the Univision and UniMas television networks. Entravision also owns and operates 49 primarily Spanish-language radio stations featuring nationally recognized talent, as well as the Entravision Audio Network and Entravision Solutions, a coast-to-coast national spot and network sales and marketing organization representing Entravision's owned and operated, as well as its affiliate partner, radio stations. According to comScore Media Metrix, Entravision's digital operating group, Pulpo, is the #1-ranked online advertising platform in Hispanic reach, and Pulpo's comprehensive media offering, data, and consumer insights lead the industry. Entravision shares of Class A Common Stock are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: EVC. www.entravision.com. SOURCE Entravision Communications Corporation Related Links http://www.entravision.com SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that it will sponsor and exhibit at NCHRA's HR West 2017 Conference on March 6-8 at the Oakland Convention Center in Oakland, CA. Please visit us at the EPIC Booth 13. HR West is the West Coast's premier conference for HR professionals. Home to the world's leading-edge companies, the San Francisco Bay Area is the most innovative place on earth. Practicing HR here requires skills beyond the ordinary, and a level of sophistication not found in other parts of the world. This conference addresses how to meet the challenges of globalization, keeping up with the latest hi-tech boom and reacting to ever-evolving definitions of work, all while maintaining a human touch. HR West will have 100 speakers covering over 80 sessions and separate tracks including compensation & benefits, talent acquisition & retention, employment law & legislation, employee & labor relations, general HR, leadership and business management & strategy. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from the best and meet face-to-face with more than 50 exhibitors offering high-quality HR solutions. Click here to view the full agenda. About Northern California Human Resources Association The Northern California HR Association (NCHRA), one of the nation's largest regional HR associations, has been advancing organizations through human resources since 1960. Delivering over 200 programs annually, the association is dedicated to connecting human resources professionals with practice resources, leading California-specific training, legal and legislative developments, quality service providers, and each other forming career-long networks and partnerships. Headquartered in San Francisco, NCHRA serves a community of more than 20,000 throughout its twelve regions in Northern California. The San Francisco Bay Area represents one of the most innovative and challenging sectors of the country (and world) in which to practice HR. As such, our membership demands a level of sophistication unparalleled by others. Nationally recognized for quality and breadth of service, this focus on excellence has earned us members in 34 states and several foreign countries. 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. *LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/16-0308-epic-insurance-300dpi.jpg 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 OKLAHOMA CITY, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded Feed the Children the largest grant in its history more than $19.15 million. Longtime partners of Feed the Children, Nu Skin and the P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program, also have chosen to invest in the organization's work and have committed an additional $19.15 million of in-kind contributions Nu Skin will provide fortified food supplements and P&G will provide water purification packets. Combined, these resources will support Feed the Children's efforts to continue its critical work in Malawi to end extreme poverty and hunger. The project name is Tiwalere II, meaning "let's raise them up" in the local Chichewa dialect. Following the success of Tiwalere I, a similar but smaller project that improved nutrition for orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi from 2010 to 2015, the Tiwalere II project will strive to achieve significant and sustainable improvements in the nutritional status of four vulnerable populations: Children under the age of five Pregnant and lactating women Mothers of children under the age of two Adolescent girls in ten districts within central and northern Malawi Of all children under the age of five in Malawi, 47 percent are stunted due to chronic malnourishment and other health factors, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development in Malawi. Stunting results in permanent, irreversible negative health, developmental and well-being outcomes. Education plays an equally important role in stopping hunger. Tiwalere II will explain the importance of: Best practices for feeding infants, young children and mothers Vitamin A supplements Deworming Prenatal care visits during the first trimester of pregnancy Having a facility-based delivery of infants Family planning Vaccinations and Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) Identification and management of childhood illnesses Through the Tiwalere I project, as a result of behavior change, livelihood development and agricultural activities, many communities are now able to provide nutritious food for their vulnerable children and have adopted positive behavior changes related to health and water, sanitation, hygiene and more. Tiwalere II seeks to achieve comparable results with an exponentially larger population. Local implementing partners World Relief and Total LandCare-Malawi, in addition to Nu Skin and the P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program, helped Feed the Children develop the Tiwalere II project and will continue to work alongside the global nonprofit as the project is fulfilled. "Feed the Children is grateful to be the recipient of such substantial support," said Travis Arnold, Feed the Children interim president/CEO and COO. "Because of Nu Skin, P&G and USAID, Feed the Children's Tiwalere II project is leading the way toward finding a solution to significantly reduce malnutrition in Malawi." "We feel honored to have been part of the Tiwalere I project, and we look forward to continuing our impactful partnership with Feed the Children into this next phase," said Steven J. Lund, Nu Skin executive chairman of the board. "Together, we can provide children in Malawi the food and nutrition they need as well as increased opportunities for learning, giving them hope for a brighter future." "P&G is proud to continue our support for Feed the Children in this significant public-private partnership initiative," said Allison Tummon Kamphuis, leader of the P&G Children's Safe Drinking Water Program. "Clean water is an important factor to address malnutrition and poverty and we believe that the Tiwalere II project will help transform the lives of children and families in Malawi." About Feed the Children Established in 1979, Feed the Children exists to defeat hunger. It is one of the largest U.S.-based charities and serves those in need in the U.S. and in 10 countries around the world. It provides food, education, essentials and disaster response. Domestically, it operates five distribution centers (located in Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Tennessee and Pennsylvania). In fiscal year 2016, through its domestic and international programs, Feed the Children distributed 105 million pounds of food and essentials worldwide with a total value of $415 million, working with partner agencies to benefit 5.9 million people globally. It is accredited by GuideStar Exchange, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and is rated by Charity Navigator. Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information. SOURCE Feed the Children Related Links http://www.feedthechildren.org SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Frankly Inc. (TSX VENTURE: TLK) (Frankly), a leader in transforming local TV broadcast and media companies by enabling them to publish and monetize their digital content across multiple platforms, has been invited to present at the 29th Annual ROTH Conference. The conference is being held on March 12-15, 2017 at The Ritz Carlton in Dana Point. Frankly management is scheduled to present on Monday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time, and will hold one-on-one meetings with institutional investors throughout the day. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay here. For additional information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Frankly management, please contact your ROTH representative or call the company's investor relations team at 949-574-3860. About Frankly Frankly (TSX VENTURE: TLK) builds an integrated software platform for media companies to create, distribute, analyze and monetize their content across all of their digital properties on web, mobile and TV. Its customers include NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates, as well as other leading media organizations. Collectively, Frankly reaches nearly 60 million monthly users in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with major offices in New York. To learn more, visit www.franklyinc.com. SOURCE Frankly Inc. Related Links http://franklyinc.com "The Line stands dedicated to the proposition that sharing knowledge and research and engaging in debate begets best practices and policy development that shapes the work we do every day to further the American dream for every single youth in our schools," says John E. Deasy, editor-in-chief. "This publication from the Frontline Research & Learning Institute couldn't be more timely as we face the most extreme polarity we have ever known, across nearly every issue challenging our country. A generation of students is depending on our ability to bridge this divide and engage in thoughtful, civil, fact-based discourse on the very important topics facing leaders, advocates and policy developers who are on the front line of education, social justice and innovation." The Frontline Research & Learning Institute is an arm of Frontline Education, an integrated insights partner providing our nation's school districts with the leading human capital management platform and solutions for education. The mission of the Institute is to provide data-driven research, resources and observations to support and advance the education community. The research is driven by the vast amount of data derived from the solutions that Frontline provides to more than 9,500 K-12 organizations that include more than 60 percent of the nation's school districts. "Providing actionable data and insights to education organizations that encourage discussion and decision-making is at the heart of what the Institute does," says Tim Clifford, CEO of Frontline Education. "The Line is an extension of that important work, fostering insight from new ideas, information and civil engagement. We're proud to offer this resource to education leaders administrators, advocates, policymakers, practitioners and researchers who stand on the front line of education." In addition to former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy's leadership as editor-in-chief, The Line has an editorial advisory board comprised of some of the nation's most well-known education voices, which represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds, politics and policies. Central to the mission of The Line, which will be delivered to superintendents across the country this week, is the theme of bridging divide and finding common ground through civil discourse. Stories address topics such as school funding, the new administration, district leadership, state autonomy and professional learning and include the voices of a great cross section of education leaders such as, Arne Duncan, Chester E. "Checker" Finn Jr., Kaya Henderson, William Hite Jr., Hanna Skandera and many more. With two annual print editions, The Line will also offer digital edition and web-exclusive content at TheLineK12.com. In addition to providing education insights and information, the website will become an important forum for fulfilling The Line's mission of civil discourse with opportunity for readers to actively engage with content and each other on an ongoing basis. To that end, special web features will include article annotation and other interactive elements designed to drive conversations among a diversity of education leaders. Email [email protected] to request a print edition and join the conversation at TheLineK12.com or on Twitter @TheLineK12. About The Frontline Research & Learning Institute: The Frontline Research & Learning Institute is a division of Frontline Education, an integrated insights partner providing our nation's school districts with the leading human capital management platform and solutions for education. The Institute is a learning organization dedicated to providing data-driven research, resources and observations to support and advance the education community. Driven by the vast amount of records across Frontline's comprehensive solutions portfolio, the Institute leverages data from more than 9,500 K-12 organizations and several million users to reach findings and provide benchmarks that inform strategic decision-making for education organizations. The Frontline Research & Learning Institute works with Johns Hopkins Center for Research and Reform in Education to ensure all research reports and analyses are rigorously validated and representative of national data. About Frontline Education: Frontline Education is an integrated insights partner serving more than 9,500 K-12 organizations and millions of educators, administrators and support personnel in their efforts to develop the next generation of learners. With more than 15 years of experience serving the front line of education, Frontline Education provides actionable intelligence that enables informed decisions and drives engagement across school systems. Bringing together the best education software solutions into one unified platform, Frontline is pioneering a human capital management approach that meets the unique needs of education. The Frontline Insights Platform makes it possible to efficiently and effectively manage the administrative needs of the education community with solutions including Frontline Recruiting & Hiring, Frontline Absence & Time, Frontline Professional Growth and Frontline Special Ed & Interventions. Frontline Education corporate headquarters are in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with offices in Andover, Massachusetts, Rockville Centre, New York and Chicago, Illinois. SOURCE Frontline Research and Learning Institute SAN DIEGO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GenomeDx Biosciences today announced the initiation of a prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating the utility of its Decipher Prostate Cancer Classifier, a commercially available genomic test that examines the activity of genes in prostate cancer cells and estimates the likelihood that a patient's cancer will metastasize. Known as the Genomics in Michigan Impacting Observation or Radiation (G-MINOR) trial, this study is being conducted by the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC). MUSIC is a physician-led quality improvement collaborative comprised of a consortium of urology practices created through funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), a private health insurer. While adding radiation treatment after prostate surgery is often considered for men with prostate cancer who are at high risk of recurrence, it is rarely used. G-MINOR's primary endpoint is to determine the degree to which Decipher may help determine if additional treatment is needed. In addition, the results from G-MINOR will further populate GenomeDx's genomic expression database, Decipher GRID. The genomic information may be useful in the possible discovery of genes that help in diagnosing, preventing or treating prostate cancer in order to improve the level of patient care. "This is a highly innovative trial, in terms of both its design and in the physician-led approach, which we believe will improve prostate cancer care in the state of Michigan. We are grateful for our partnership with BCBSM for their support of MUSIC, and for GenomeDx for its support of this trial," said Todd Morgan MD, associate professor of urology at the University of Michigan and co-Principal Investigator of the G-MINOR trial. "The marriage of the MUSIC consortium with genomics provided by Decipher GRID may lead to further research that will ultimately benefit patients with prostate cancer in our state and beyond." GenomeDx is sponsoring Decipher Post-Op and GRID for all patients who choose to enroll in G-MINOR, which is open to men with a high risk of cancer recurrence who have undergone a radical prostatectomy within the past year at a participating MUSIC site in the state of Michigan. "The use of Decipher can provide patients and physicians with a more accurate classification of tumor aggressiveness, compared to clinical measures alone," said Doug Dolginow, M.D., chief executive officer of GenomeDx. "We believe G-MINOR is the first prospective randomized trial of a genomic biomarker in prostate cancer, and that the trial, coupled with our GRID genome-wide approach, will reveal important population-level insights that will drive further efforts towards addressing this disease." About Decipher GRID and Decipher Prostate Cancer Classifier Tests GenomeDx's Decipher Genomics Resource Information Database (GRID) contains genomic profiles of thousands of tumors from patients with urological cancers, and is believed by GenomeDx to be the largest shared genomic expression database in urologic cancer as well as one of the world's largest global RNA expression databases using cloud-based analytics. GRID is a platform for interactive research collaboration, and may enable more rapid discovery, development, commercialization and adoption of new genomic solutions for key clinical questions in cancer treatment. Derived from GRID, GenomeDx's Decipher Prostate Cancer Classifier tests are commercially available genomic tests that provide a genomic assessment of tumor aggressiveness for individual patients. Decipher Biopsy is indicated for men with localized prostate cancer at diagnosis, and Decipher Post-Op is indicated for men after prostate removal surgery. The Decipher tests are used by physicians to stratify patients into more accurate risk groups than determined by traditional diagnostic tools and to better determine which patients may be more likely to benefit from additional treatment. Each tumor analyzed with a Decipher test adds new data points to the GRID database, which is compiled into a Decipher GRID Profile that may reveal additional biological characteristics of the tumor for ongoing research purposes. Going beyond risk stratification, Decipher and GRID makes accessible genetic information for researchers to potentially better predict responses to therapy and more precisely guide treatment. More information is available at www.deciphertest.com and www.deciphergrid.com. About GenomeDx Biosciences GenomeDx has reimagined the use of genomics as a platform for mass collaboration to improve treatment and outcomes of people with cancer. GenomeDx has built Decipher GRID, a large and fast-growing genomics database in urologic cancer that provides a foundation for open and interactive research collaboration and knowledge creation. Using Decipher GRID and machine learning to analyze vast amounts of genomic data, GenomeDx develops and commercializes proprietary clinical tests that are intended to provide more accurate and useful diagnostic information than traditional diagnostic tools or existing genomic tests. GenomeDx's Decipher Biopsy and Decipher Post-Op are commercially available prostate cancer genomic tests that provide an assessment of tumor aggressiveness based on a patient's unique genomic profile. GenomeDx is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates a clinical laboratory in San Diego, California. Learn more at www.GenomeDx.com SOURCE GenomeDx Biosciences Related Links http://www.GenomeDx.com FRESNO, California, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Gerawan Farming, Inc. last week asked the Sacramento Superior Court to order the Agricultural Labor Relations Board to disclose documents relating to "whistleblower" allegations that the ALRB's former lead prosecutor, Sylvia Torres-Guillen, systematically suppressed dissent and punished career ALRB staff members for protesting the agency's "biased, pro-union," prosecution of Gerawan and its employees. Gerawan made this request following the public revelation of these charges in a retaliation lawsuit filed against the Board by a senior ALRB field investigator. The case, Pauline Alvarez v. Agricultural Labor Relations Board (attached), is pending in Sacramento Superior Court. The Alvarez complaint specifically mentions the whistleblower's involvement in matters related to Gerawan, including her charge that the ALRB filed a "false declaration in order to obtain a temporary restraining order against Gerawan Farming in a dispute with that grower." Ms. Alvarez, a 30-year ALRB employee, alleges that she and other field examiners were directed by Ms. Torres-Guillen "to dredge up witnesses that would assist the UFW's position" after Ms. Alvarez "recommended dismissal of cases in which the UFW failed to cooperate and provide witnesses and evidence to support its allegations." Ms. Alvarez alleges that she protested the "settlement of cases by farm workers against the UFW where there was sufficient evidence to establish that the UFW violated the law," the ALRB's refusal "to notify workers of their rights to file charges against the UFW when the UFW violated the workers' rights," and the "ghostwriting" of the UFW legal brief by the ALRB staff. As explained in today's filing, "[t]hese allegations paint a portrait of an agency highjacked by an ideological agenda set by Ms. Torres-Guillen and implemented by her hand-picked loyalists." "The question now before the Superior Court," according to David A. Schwarz, counsel for Gerawan, "is why the Board concealed Ms. Alvarez's lawsuit and claimed that her identity was a secret long after Ms. Alvarez sued the ALRB for suppressing insider complaints alleging prosecutorial abuse by this agency?" Gerawan seeks an independent investigation as to whether the ALRB misled the Superior Court in response to Gerawan's Public Record Act request for these whistleblower documents. In its motion, Gerawan argues that "[t]he ALRB did not withhold the complaint to protect Ms. Alvarez. It appears that the ALRB withheld it to conceal allegations of misconduct directed at its most senior enforcement officers, and to avoid public scrutiny of the agency's failure to stop this misconduct." "Ms. Alvarez's charges are a symptom of a deeper problem at the ALRB," said Dan Gerawan, co-owner of Gerawan Farming, Inc. Gerawan continued, "we hope that a full and fair inquiry will make sure that what happened to us and our employees never happens to others in this State." A copy of Gerawan's filing can be downloaded here. See attached list of some of ALRB Investigator Pauline Alvarez's allegations. Ms. Alvarez's whistleblower retaliation complaint against the ALRB can be downloaded here. ALRB Field Investigator Pauline Alvarez alleges that she: Recommended dismissal of cases in which the UFW failed to cooperate and provide witnesses and evidence to support its allegations. ALRB General Counsel Torres-Guillen consistently defended the UFW and assigned Plaintiff and other field examiners the task of trying to dredge up witnesses that would assist the UFW's position. Protested the settlement of cases by farm workers against the UFW where there was sufficient evidence to establish that the UFW violated the law. Protested ALRB's refusal to allow Alvarez to notify workers of their rights to file charges against the UFW when the UFW violated the workers' rights. Protested the ALRB's refusal to bring charges against the UFW for engaging in improper negotiations. Notified the State Auditor Committee that the ALRB appeared to be biased towards the UFW with respect to various cases, including the Gerawan Farms case. Protested the ALRB's unethical and biased conduct in giving a draft of a legal brief to the UFW, which the UFW then copied and submitted to the Board as the UFW's own brief, with minor modifications to try to disguise the plagiarism. Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/216285/gerawan_farming.jpg Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/216284/gerawan_farming.jpg Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/157126/gerawan_farming_logo.jpg Related Links http://www.prima.com SOURCE Gerawan Farming In addition to the Chairman's Challenge Award, "Best in Class" awards were distributed in three categories for Quality Custom Distribution (QCD), Food Processing, and McDonald's Distribution. The winners for these categories were: QCD Las Vegas, CIM, and GSF Whitewater. For the Chairman's Challenge Award, the CIM team was recognized for demonstrating outstanding performance in a number of significant areas, including these few key accomplishments: An excellent quality and safety record for the year; Earning customer recognition for top performance and quality products; Successfully launching 16 new products; Welcoming 127 new associates; Improving associate morale an engagement; Exemplary service to the GSF Foundation and to the community, helping those in need; Demonstrating sustainable manufacturing practices, including nearing their goal of achieving zero waste to landfill. "This year's Chairman's Challenge Award went to our CIM team for setting the gold standard in excellence for our company, and for our customers," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and chief executive officer, Golden State Foods. "They've demonstrated that it takes teamwork at all levels to accomplish greatness as the all-around facility leader, and I know they'll continue to make GSF proud with their performance in the future." "Accepting the 2016 Chairman's Challenge award on behalf of all of our associates at CIM is an incredible honor, but I wouldn't have this opportunity if it weren't for the dedication of every single person on my team," said Kevin Casto, group vice president, Liquid Products CIM. "This award validates all of our associates' collective hard work over the last year, and I'm inspired to continue raising the bar for excellence within our facility throughout 2017." Casto accepted the award on behalf of the 490-member team, which was announced on February 23 at the 2016 Partners' Meeting in San Diego. About Golden State Foods Golden State Foods (www.goldenstatefoods.com) is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. Established in 1947, the company is values-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 125,000 stores on five continents from its 50 facilities. Its core businesses include processing of liquid products, protein, produce, dairy and full-line logistics services to the QSR and retail industries. The company also runs the GSF Foundation, a national non-profit organization to help children and families in need. For more information, please visit: www.goldenstatefoods.com. Media Contact: Ashley Blua, Golden State Foods [email protected] 949-247-8000 SOURCE Golden State Foods Related Links http://www.goldenstatefoods.com A small, unobtrusive camera is placed next to a baby's bed and offers a view of the baby's face. Parents receive unique and secure log-in credentials, along with passwords they can share with other family members. The live video is available on any internet-ready device, like smartphones and tablets. "Parents can't always spend as much time as they would like with their babies. This system makes it possible for them to see their little ones anytime they like, from wherever they may be. The NicView system is just one of many family-friendly enhancements at Grady's newly renovated Women's Center," said Linda Wildey, Executive Director, Women's Services. For Tasha Banks, who gave birth at Grady to daughter Zoe at 26 weeks, time away from her baby has become much more bearable. She was one of the first parents to use the new NicView system. "It's very comforting to be able to see your baby when you're not in the NICU. To be able to access the live stream from anywhere, to see she's okay and active, it's a kind of relief to be close to her all the time," said Banks. Grady's Women's Center incorporates the latest technologies and best practices in a welcoming environment for mothers, babies and their families, including modern labor and delivery suites. A designated Baby-Friendly hospital by Baby Friendly USA, Grady is also the largest Regional Perinatal Center in Georgia, offering specialized care for high risk mothers. About Grady Health System Grady Health System is one of the largest safety net health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate. With its nationally acclaimed emergency medical services, Grady has the premier Level I trauma center in the Metro Atlanta region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. Grady's American Burn Association/American College of Surgeons verified Burn Center is one of only two in the state. And the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is a Joint Commission designated Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. Other key services/distinctions include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center with its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Georgia's first Cancer Center for Excellence, The Avon Comprehensive Breast Center, the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Ponce de Leon Center - one of the top HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country. Grady is one of an elite group of hospitals to earn the Baby-Friendly USA international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility. In 2017, Grady earned the prestigious Stage 7 on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, becoming Georgia's first adult acute care hospital to earn the highest rating for improving patient care and safety through health information technology. SOURCE Grady Health System LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (NYSE:GBX) today announced the execution of a definitive agreement concerning its earlier announced intent to increase ownership in Amsted-Maxion Equipamentos E Servicos Ferroviarios S.A. ("Greenbrier-Maxion") from 19.5% to 60%. Located near Sao Paolo, Brazil, Greenbrier-Maxion is the leading South American railcar manufacturer, with over 60% share of new railcar production in Brazil. Greenbrier-Maxion also offers a range of aftermarket services including railcar overhaul and refurbishment to address an aging railcar fleet, with more than 60% of the fleet at 30 years of age or older. Greenbrier's $20 million investment will be used to retire debt at Greenbrier-Maxion thereby reducing interest payments by $4 million annually. The purchase option dates to May 2015 when Greenbrier obtained its initial 19.5% ownership of Greenbrier-Maxion. With the option exercise, the equity interest of Amsted-Maxion Fundicao E Equipamentos Ferroviarios S.A. ("Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro") will be reduced from 80.5% to 40%. Simultaneously with the closing of its investment into Greenbrier-Maxion, Greenbrier will increase its ownership stake in Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro from 19.5% to 24.5% for $3.25 million. Based in Cruzeiro, Brazil, Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro is a manufacturer of various castings and components for railcars and other heavy industrial equipment. Cruzeiro is well-integrated with the operations of Greenbrier-Maxion and draws on the experience of Amsted Rail, with whom Greenbrier currently partners in a U.S.-based castings facility. Amsted Rail is the global leader in railcar bogie and component systems which includes truck castings, tapered roller bearings, railway wheels, axles and braking products. Additionally, Amsted Rail has introduced its Motion Control bogie technology in South America to combine with new wagon technology from Greenbrier-Maxion. Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro also benefits from its affiliation with Iochpe-Maxion, S.A., a prominent, publicly-held, Brazilian-based global auto parts supplier, which provides access to customer and supplier relationships. Proceeds from Greenbrier's increased ownership in Cruzeiro, along with loans from the partners, will reduce interest costs by approximately $3 million per year. Greenbrier will retain an option to increase its ownership in Amsted-Maxion Cruzeiro to 29.5% subject to certain conditions. With an enhanced ownership position in both companies, Greenbrier expects to enjoy greater benefits from the expected economic growth and infrastructure development in Brazil. When completed, Greenbrier's investments in Greenbrier-Maxion and Amsted-Maxion Cruziero will improve the capital structure of both companies, positioning each business for growth. William A. Furman, Chairman and CEO of Greenbrier said, "Brazil's economic, business and political conditions are recovering and forecasts indicate positive GDP growth in 2017. Greenbrier's operations in Brazil, and our relationship with our partners Amsted and Iochpe, continue to yield positive results. Our facilities, which include the largest railcar assembly plant in South America, continue to gain momentum. In two short years we have already brought innovation to the South American railcar market. We introduced two new products to Brazil, a new triple hopper grain car and a modern double stack railcar design, drawing on our North American heritage as the leader in intermodal railcars. We are expanding our investments in Brazil to reach customers who need high quality transportation equipment and in pursuit of continued growth and further diversification of Greenbrier's global business into new markets. Our strong balance sheet enabled us to move quickly and decisively in seizing this opportunity." Furman continued, "Our increased ownership allows us to use our core competency in manufacturing to drive operational efficiencies in these businesses. As Greenbrier becomes more active in the operations of both companies, we will evaluate opportunities to evolve our business model in South America to emulate our operations in North America where we provide a suite of diversified aftermarket offerings for railcars such as maintenance, parts, refurbishment, leasing and management services." Following the closing of this transaction and the previously announced Astra Rail transaction in Europe, Greenbrier will be the leading railcar builder in South America and Europe, and the second largest railcar builder in North America with the ability to tap markets in all three continents, as well as reach customers in the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa, and Eurasia. This global reach extends Greenbrier's leadership in railcar engineering, design and manufacturing and enables partnerships with established transportation equipment providers whose local presence and experience assists Greenbrier's growth in new regions. Closing of the investments is contingent on meeting certain conditions, including the completion of antitrust approval in Brazil. About Greenbrier Greenbrier (www.gbrx.com), headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading international supplier of equipment and services to freight rail transportation markets. Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars in North America and Europe. We also build and market marine barges in North America. We manufacture freight railcars and rail castings in Brazil through a strategic partnership. Through our European manufacturing operations, we recently began delivery of U.S.-designed tank cars to Saudi Arabia. In October 2016, we entered into an agreement with Astra Rail Management GmbH to form a new company, Greenbrier-Astra Rail, which will create an end-to-end, Europe-based freight railcar manufacturing, engineering and repair business. We expect this combination to be completed during 2017. We are a leading provider of wheel services, parts, leasing and other services to the railroad and related transportation industries in North America and a supplier of freight railcar repair, refurbishment and retrofitting services in North America through a joint venture partnership with Watco Companies, LLC. Through other joint ventures, we produce rail castings, tank heads and other railcar components. Greenbrier owns a lease fleet of over 8,500 railcars and performs management services for over 265,000 railcars. "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including any statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. Greenbrier uses words such as "anticipates," "believes," "forecast," "potential," "goal," "contemplates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "hopes," "seeks," "estimates," "strategy," "could," "would," "should," "likely," "will," "may," "can," "designed to," "future," "foreseeable future" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, reported backlog and awards that are not indicative of Greenbrier's financial results; uncertainty or changes in the credit markets and financial services industry; high levels of indebtedness and compliance with the terms of Greenbrier's indebtedness; write-downs of goodwill, intangibles and other assets in future periods; sufficient availability of borrowing capacity; fluctuations in demand for newly manufactured railcars or failure to obtain orders as anticipated in developing forecasts; loss of one or more significant customers; customer payment defaults or related issues; policies and priorities of the federal government regarding international trade and infrastructure; sovereign risk to contracts, exchange rates or property rights; actual future costs and the availability of materials and a trained workforce; failure to design or manufacture new products or technologies or to achieve certification or market acceptance of new products or technologies; steel or specialty component price fluctuations and availability and scrap surcharges; changes in product mix and the mix between segments; labor disputes, energy shortages or operating difficulties that might disrupt manufacturing operations or the flow of cargo; production difficulties and product delivery delays as a result of, among other matters, costs or inefficiencies associated with expansion, start-up, or changing of production lines or changes in production rates, changing technologies, transfer of production between facilities or non-performance of alliance partners, subcontractors or suppliers; ability to obtain suitable contracts for the sale of leased equipment and risks related to car hire and residual values; integration of current or future acquisitions and establishment of joint ventures; succession planning; discovery of defects in railcars or services resulting in increased warranty costs or litigation; physical damage or product or service liability claims that exceed Greenbrier's insurance coverage; train derailments or other accidents or claims that could subject Greenbrier to legal claims; actions or inactions by various regulatory agencies including potential environmental remediation obligations or changing tank car or other rail car or railroad regulation; and issues arising from investigations of whistleblower complaints; all as may be discussed in more detail under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Forward Looking Statements" in Greenbrier's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 and Greenbrier's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2016, and Greenbrier's other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinions only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, Greenbrier does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX) Related Links http://www.gbrx.com BOSTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearts On Fire, a global luxury brand known for creating The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, today announced the release of its first "Design Your Own Ring" customizable bridal tool, now available on the brand's website. For customers wishing they could design their own Hearts On Fire rings, this unique tool allows them to mix and match engagement ring head (setting) designs with their choice of shank (band) creating individualized ring designs that are not currently available in Hearts On Fire's complete engagement ring selection. "We are extremely excited to launch the first Design Your Own Ring bridal tool for our passionate Hearts On Fire consumers and dedicated retail partners worldwide," said Caryl Capeci, President of Hearts On Fire. "This innovation supports our Company vision to continue to capture more bridal market share, while at the same time meeting the growing consumer demand for individualized engagement ring styles. Our retail partners have long been asking for a tool of this nature, and we feel that the current market greatly supports us launching it at this time." Once the ring is created, the consumer must take the design into their local authorized Hearts On Fire retailer to officially place the order (no orders will be taken online at this time). Retailers will also be able to use this bridal tool with interested clients at the counter while shopping in their store. For more details, please visit the tool online or contact a Perfection Stylist at 1-877-PERFECT. About Hearts On Fire Hearts On Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, is a leading global designer of luxury branded diamonds and diamond jewelry, and one of the most widely recognized and bestselling luxury diamond jewelry brands in the world. Founded in 1996, and acquired by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group in 2014, Hearts On Fire introduced the first-ever branded diamond and instantly changed the jewelry industry forever. The global brand continues to be recognized for its superior craftsmanship and exclusive cut the single most important factor in a diamond's value resulting in diamonds of extraordinary beauty and brilliance. Today, Hearts On Fire offers a robust variety of designer bridal and fashion diamond jewelry collections that integrate the brand's timeless expression with today's top fashion trends, and their products are distinguished by an unparalleled sparkle. Hearts On Fire offers distribution through a rapidly growing global retail partner network of more than 750 locations in 32 countries, including 150 points on sale in Hong Kong and Greater China, 17 HOF brand stores around the world, heartsonfire.com and authorized HOF retailer websites. For more information, please visit www.heartsonfire.com. Media Contact: Angie Kielt Senior Manager, Public Relations [email protected] 857-205-2737 SOURCE Hearts On Fire Related Links http://www.heartsonfire.com PORTLAND, Maine, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthew Owens Badger, 51, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 9th, 2017, in Portland, Maine, surrounded by family and friends. Matthew Owens Badger Matthew Owens Badger & Family Matthew was born in Massachusetts and was the youngest son of Sherwin and Mary Elizabeth Badger. After his father's death, the family moved to London, England for Matthew's formative years. When he returned to the United States, he found his true calling studying film at the New School in New York City. Matthew started his own film company, Nocturnal Films, making fashion films for Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. His unique creativity was soon recognized and he was asked to join Epoch Films. Matthew was a highly successfully director, whose work was regarded as original, intellectual and strong in graphic composition, design and music sensibility. During his professional career, Matthew created striking and stylish spots for clients such as Kit Kat, Volvo, JCPenney, Kleenex, Target, Payless, Kohl's and others. Matthew had three daughters, Lily, Sarah and Grace, whom he adored and raised to be adventurous, creative and full of life. He spent his summers on Shelter Island and his joy was taking his intrepid daughters out fishing on Long Island Sound. All three girls died tragically in a fire at their mother's home, early Christmas morning, 2011. Lily was nine, and twins, Sarah and Grace, were seven years old. After his daughters' death, Matthew founded the LilySarahGrace Fund as a way to honor their lives. The fund supports the arts in public elementary schools across America through Arts-Infused Inquiry Based Learning. AIIBL empowers all students to achieve through intellectually challenging, inquiry-based, integrated experiences, which are fun, exciting, relevant, and engaging. Matthew wanted to make sure that all children, regardless of their learning style or socio-economic status, have an equal opportunity to access education and to thrive in school. Matthew was a smart, artistic and irreverent soul, who will be remembered for his humor, kindness and generosity of spirit. He will be missed very deeply by his colleagues, many friends and family, all of whom admired Matthew's courage and resolve in finding meaning after he lost his little girls. He is survived by the girls' mother, Madonna Badger, of New York, NY; his partner, Abby Ballin, of Brooklyn, NY; his brother, Campbell Badger of Portland, ME, and his family; his sister-in-law, Joanna Badger of Palo Alto, CA, and her family; and his band of fishing buddies. Matthew was pre-deceased by his parents and brother Mark Badger. A memorial service will be held at the Grace Church in Manhattan on March 3rd, 2017. In Matthew Badger's memory, donations may be made to: The LilySarahGrace Fund 180 Varick Street, Suite 1204, New York, NY 10014 Media Contact: Kerry McGee [email protected] 646-722-3043 SOURCE The Family of Matthew Owens Badger NEW YORK, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- l influenza diagnostics market is expected to reach USD 767.4 million by 2021 from USD 508.0 million in 2016, at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2016 to 2021. On the basis of test type, the market is segmented into traditional and molecular diagnostic tests. The traditional diagnostic tests segment is further categorized into rapid influenza detection tests (RIDT), viral culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) tests, and serological assays. In 2016, the RIDT segment is expected to account for the largest share of the traditional tests market owing to factors such as its user-friendliness, rapid generation of results, and easy interpretability. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04751616-summary/view-report.html The molecular diagnostic tests segment is further divided into RT-PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) tests, loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based assays (LAMP), and simple amplification-based assays (SAMBA). In 2016, the RT-PCR segment is expected to hold the largest share of the molecular diagnostic tests market due to its ability to detect and distinguish between influenza A and B viruses with high specificity. On the basis of end user, the influenza diagnostics market is segmented into hospitals/clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, and other end users (point-of-care testing, home health agencies, and nursing homes). The hospitals/clinical laboratories end-user segment is expected to dominate the influenza diagnostics 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. On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. In 2016, the European region is expected to account for the largest share of the market due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of influenza and rise in aging population in Europe. The increasing prevalence of influenza, growth in research funding for influenza diagnostics, and rising demand for rapid and effective disease diagnosis and treatment are the key factors driving the growth of the global influenza diagnostics market. Research Coverage: This report studies the influenza diagnostics market based on test type, end user, and region. The report also studies factors (such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) affecting market growth. It analyzes opportunities and challenges in the market for stakeholders and provides details of the competitive landscape for market leaders. Furthermore, the report analyzes micromarkets with respect to their individual growth trends, future prospects, and contributions to the total market. The report forecasts the revenue of the market segments with respect to four main regions Reasons to Buy the Report: The report will enable both established firms and new entrants to gauge the pulse of the market and to help them make important strategic growth decisions. The report provides insights on the following: - Product Development/Innovation: Product portfolios of the top players in the influenza diagnostics market. Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research and development activities, and new product launches in the insights on upcoming technologies market - Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, strategies, geographic and business segments, and product portfolios of the leading players in the influenza diagnostics market - Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets. The report analyzes the market for various influenza diagnostic tests across geographies - Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, recent developments, and investments in the influenza diagnostics market Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04751616-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Intersolar North America, the most-attended solar industry event in North America, today announced its upcoming one-day conference, Intersolar Summit USA East, will feature key solar industry pioneers including Jigar Shah of Generate Capital and Richard Kauffman of New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). Now in its fifth year, the Intersolar Summit USA East will return to Brooklyn, New York on March 23, 2017. This event has become a can't-miss gathering for East Coast solar executives, and features both informative conference sessions and high-value networking opportunities. Interested parties can now register for the event here. New York is the East Coast solar leader. The state has experienced a remarkable 795 percent growth in solar over the last five years, and is now focused on an aggressive goal of generating 50 percent of all energy from renewables by 2030. Intersolar Summit USA East is the meeting ground for executives to reflect on New York's progress and identify how similar tactics could be used to grow additional East Coast solar markets. The plenary session for Intersolar Summit USA East 2017 is titled "U.S. East Coast Solar Market Update & Outlook Implications of the new administration". Solar industry leaders including Shah, Kauffman, New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker and NY-Sun Director David Sandbank will touch upon how recent policy developments affect solar and critical steps New York and other East Coast states can take to continue a positive solar growth trajectory over the next four years. Following the morning's plenary session, Intersolar Summit USA East will break into solar and energy storage conference tracks in the afternoon to provide attendees with in-depth discussions of both industries within the North American East Coast market. A networking reception hosted by New York Senator Kevin Parker will close the event. It will provide an opportunity for the over 400 expected attendees to discuss top trends within the solar industry as well as make meaningful business connections. "We are incredibly proud to host Intersolar Summit USA East this year," said Florian Wessendorf, managing director of Solar Promotion International GmbH. "At this critical point in history, it is important to remain focused on advancing the clean energy economy. Intersolar Summit USA East is a place where solar advocates from across the value chain can come together and discuss important policies and finance issues, share new technologies and develop ideas to further the reach of solar across the East Coast." With nearly half of all U.S. solar companies located on the East Coast, Intersolar USA Summit East brings a fast-paced and impactful industry event to this national solar hotspot. About Intersolar Summit USA East (March 23, 2017, Brooklyn, NY) Organizers: The Solar Promotion International GmbH and the Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH are the organizers of the event. Sponsors & Supporters: The Intersolar Summit USA East 2017 is officially supported by the New York State, the New York State Senate, the Brooklyn Borough Presindent and ees North America. Platinum Sponsor is the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Board (NYERDA). Further sponsors are Demand Energy, ConEdison, EnerSys and Fronius . Strategic partner is EuPD Research. The Summit is also supported by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), California Solar Energy Industry Association (CALSEIA), Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association (GSREIA), GreenCity Freiburg, IBESA International Alliance, Joint Forces for Solar, Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA), NAATBatt International, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), NC Sustainable Energy Association, New Jersey PACE (NJPACE), New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium (NY-BEST), New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA), Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC), SolarConnecticut, SolarPower Europe, Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA) and Texas Renewable Energy Industry Alliance (TREIA). About Intersolar North America (July 11-13, 2017, San Francisco, CA) With events spanning four continents, Intersolar is the world's leading exhibition series for the solar industry and its partners. It unites people and companies from around the world with the aim of increasing the share of solar power in our energy supply. Since its establishment in 2008, Intersolar North America has become the most attended solar event and the premier networking platform for the North American solar industry. Co-located with ees North America and SEMICON West, Intersolar North America takes place annually at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, in the heart of the United States' pioneering solar market. More than 550 exhibitors and more than 18,000 visitors from over 80 countries participated in Intersolar North America in 2016. The conference and exhibition program featured 39 sessions with more than 260 speakers and 22 workshops. Intersolar North America's exhibition and conference focus on photovoltaics, energy storage systems, smart renewable energy and solar heating & cooling technologies. Since being founded, Intersolar has become the most important industry platform to connect manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers, policy makers, start-up founders, financiers, installers and partners in the global solar industry. With more than 25 years of experience, Intersolar has the unique ability to bring together members of the solar industry from across the world's most influential markets and solar supply chain. Intersolar exhibitions and conferences are held in Munich, San Francisco, Mumbai, and Sao Paulo, and Dubai. These global events are complemented by the Intersolar Summits, which take place in emerging and growing markets worldwide. For more information on Intersolar North America, please visit: http://www.intersolar.us Organizers: Intersolar North America is organized by Solar Promotion International GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH (FMMI). SOURCE Intersolar North America NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Grana y Montero S.A.A. (NYSE: GRAM). On February 24, 2017, a report disclosed that Grana was aware of $20 million in bribes conferred to former President Alejandro Toledo by Brazilian firm Odebrecht SA. Grana worked with Odebrecht on two parts of a project to pave a road extending from the Peruvian Amazon to Brazil. To obtain additional information, go to: http://www.zlk.com/pslra-sa/grana-y-montero-s-a-a or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation involving financial fraud, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Eduard Korsinsky, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Related Links http://www.zlk.com NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on the aerospace, maritime and defense industries, has completed fundraising for JFL Equity Investors IV, L.P. and affiliated investment vehicles ("JFL IV"). The partnerships were oversubscribed and closed on commitments of $833 million, reaching JFL IV's hard cap and exceeding its target of $700 million due to strong support from existing investors and demand from new clients. Capital commitments were secured from a diversified group of more than four dozen institutions based in North America and Europe. Investors include leading public and private pension funds, insurance companies, fund-of-funds, family offices, endowments and foundations. Additional commitments were provided by members of J.F. Lehman & Company's Operating Executive Board, individual investors and the firm's general partners. "The successful marketing of JFL IV represents a key milestone for our organization, and we are grateful for the strong support and confidence received from the institutional investor community," said Louis N. Mintz, Partner. "The demand for JFL IV clearly reflects the success of our dedicated, sector-focused strategy and strength of our team." For the entirety of its 25-year history, J.F. Lehman & Company has focused exclusively on the aerospace, maritime and defense industries and the technologies that originate from them. Consistent with the firm's historical investment program, JFL IV will focus on control ownership positions in leveraged acquisitions of high quality companies in the firm's target industries that are headquartered in the United States and United Kingdom. The firm's previous private equity vehicles include the 2011-vintage JFL Fund III with commitments of $575 million, JFL Fund II ($335 million) and JFL Fund I ($130 million). Stanwich Advisors, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor and placement agent for the offering and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provided legal counsel for the formation of the funds. About J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc. Founded in 1992, J.F. Lehman & Company is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the defense, aerospace and maritime sectors. The firm has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. For more information about J.F. Lehman & Company, please visit www.jflpartners.com. SOURCE J.F. Lehman & Company Related Links http://www.jflpartners.com SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) is pleased to acknowledge John Clark of Heffernan Retirement Services as one of NAPA's 2017 Top Retirement Plan Advisors Under 40. Established in 2014, the list is drawn from nominations provided by NAPA Firm Partners, vetted by a blue ribbon committee of senior advisor industry experts based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, and voted on by thousands in the retirement plan industry. These "Young Guns" are widely seen as the future leaders of the retirement plan advisor industry. John has been working in the corporate and non-profit retirement industry since his graduation from the University of Michigan in 2004. John has been dedicated to helping for-profit and non-profit organizations manage all aspects of their retirement programs including assistance with vendor evaluation, investment recommendations and monitoring, plan design, and employee education. "In a vibrant and growing industry, this 'next generation' of retirement plan advisors has already made significant contributions," observes Nevin Adams, NAPA's Chief of Marketing & Communications, and editor-in-chief of NAPA-Net. "We are pleased to be able to acknowledge their contributions, as well as the firms that support their efforts." "John Clark joined our company is 2008 and has been an impact player for our Retirement Services division since day one," said Mike Heffernan, President and CEO of Heffernan Insurance Brokers. "John joined the ranks of our employee owners in 2016 as his dedication to his clients and their employees have helped our Retirement Team strive to become a leader in the industry." About Heffernan Retirement Services Heffernan Retirement Services is a full service financial services firm, offering strategies for corporations, foundations and individuals. With a dedicated team focused solely on retirement plans, the group has over seventy-five years of combined experience in consulting and advisory services. The advisors of Heffernan Retirement Services serve $100 million in brokerage assets through LPL Financial and $2.2 billion in advisory assets through Global Retirement Partners for 130 clients (as of 12/31/16). Heffernan is also proud to be a founding member of Global Retirement Partners. For more information, visit heffgroupfs.com. John Clark is a registered representative with, and securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Services are offered through, LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services offered through Global Retirement Partners, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Global Retirement Partners, LLC, Heffernan Retirement Services and Heffernan Insurance Brokers are separate non-affiliated entities from LPL Financial. About NAPA The National Association of Plan Advisors was created by and for retirement plan advisors. Membership is also open to other retirement industry professionals who support the interests of plan advisors. NAPA is the only advocacy group exclusively focused on the issues that matter to retirement plan advisors, and is part of the American Retirement Association. The American Retirement Association, based in the Washington, D.C. area, is a non-profit professional organization established to empower retirement plan professionals who are dedicated to building a better retirement for Americans. More information about NAPA is available at napa-net.org. Additional information about the NAPA 401(k) Summit is available at www.napasummit.org. SOURCE Heffernan Retirement Services Related Links http://www.heffgroupfs.com CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to deliver on its expansion plan, Kitchen Art today announced it has entered the central Florida market with the acquisition of T Squared Kitchen & Bath of Orlando. Orlando will be the Coral Springs-based company's third location following the opening of its Ft. Myers branch in 2016. T Squared Kitchen & Bath was co-founded by principals Tony Smith and Tom Prasky more than twenty years ago and has built a stellar reputation in central Florida for outstanding service, customer satisfaction and delivering value. "We are excited about joining Kitchen Art and looking forward to bringing their dynamic builder program to this market. There is no one offering anything close to this program in central Florida," said Tony Smith. "Our new Orlando location provides a substantial expansion to the geographical footprint served by Kitchen Art. Our experienced team of professionals has made us the market leader in south Florida and we are proud to have Tony and Tom join our team," noted Doug Haynes, Chief Executive Officer. Jeff Collamore, Chief Business Development Officer added, "Our expansion to Orlando represents a strategic commitment to the growing and dynamic Florida market. The T Squared team embraces a similar philosophy with respect to the value of their employees and commitment to excellence. We will build on their base of business by bringing our high quality products and services to builders, remodelers and retail customers, together with installation services that are unmatched in the industry." Kitchen Art is one of America's largest kitchen and bathroom cabinetry design and installation companies. Founded in Coral Springs in 1989, it is a leading supplier to builders in south Florida, serving many of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States. Now serving customers throughout Florida, Kitchen Art is committed to being a market leader in the supply and installation of kitchen and bath products. Kitchen Art's web site can be visited at www.kitchenartdesigncenter.com. Corporate Headquarters and Showroom: 11866 Wiles Road Coral Springs, FL 33076 Phone: (954) 753-3501 * Fax: (954) 753-8134 Fort Myers Showroom: 17121 Cam Court Fort Myers, FL 33967 Phone (239) 288-6932 * Fax (239) 887-3983 Orlando Showroom: 3620 Silver Star Road Orlando, FL 32808 Phone: (407) 290-2720 * Fax (407) 290-2138 SOURCE Kitchen Art Related Links http://www.kitchenartdesigncenter.com IRVING, Texas, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- La Quinta Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LQ) announced its new, integrated marketing campaign to support the launch of exciting and innovative enhancements to its award-winning loyalty program, La Quinta Returns, including the debut of its "Winning @ Business" television and digital campaign. The launch of the enhanced La Quinta Returns loyalty program includes travel industry firsts, generous and exclusive benefits, and innovative features. The new program gives members more freedom when redeeming points, more convenience while on the go, more ways to earn points and more recognition during each stay at La Quinta Inns & Suites. "We are launching these innovative changes to our loyalty program to build on the Company's third strategic priority - to drive engagement with our brand by investing in points of differentiation and to attract new guests to La Quinta," said Keith Cline, president and chief executive officer at La Quinta. "With Redeem Away! and Instant Free Nights, two new benefits, we are encouraging our members to engage with the brand while on the go. The enhanced La Quinta Returns program has a wider range of benefits that appeal to all types of travelers." The new advertising campaign is built on the premise that in the world of business, staying at La Quinta helps prepare the traveler for a successful trip and they get more value out of their stay with new ways to instantly redeem loyalty points. La Quinta worked with its long-time agency partner DDB-Chicago, to create a new advertising and media campaign to support the launch, which includes humorous TV ads, radio spots, and sharable campaign extensions across social, e-mail and digital platforms. "We know that La Quinta Returns members who engage with our loyalty programmaking a redemption with their pointshave a higher propensity to come back and stay with us again. They are also more satisfied with the brand experience and are a better advocate for the brand," said Julie Cary, chief marketing officer at La Quinta. "This evolution of our campaign and our loyalty program builds on our advertising equity and further enhances La Quinta's image as a hotel for the business traveler. Using humor to breakthrough, this witty campaign also appeals to the leisure traveler. What's particularly exciting is that the brand can literally be part of our guests everyday life with the ability to instantly redeem points with our Redeem Away! feature." To give members easy access to the new features and benefits in addition to searching for and booking a room, the La Quinta program, including its mobile platform and innovative Returns app, have been redesigned and improved to include: Redeem Away! A travel industry first that allows members to redeem points on the go for lots of everyday purchases like restaurant meals, groceries and online bookstores. A travel industry first that allows members to redeem points on the go for lots of everyday purchases like meals, groceries and online bookstores. Instant Free Nights Another industry first that allows members to use a mobile phone to redeem for a free night at check-in. Another industry first that allows members to use a mobile phone to redeem for a free night at check-in. Global Hotel Access Members can use points plus cash for luxury stays at 20,000+ hotels and resorts worldwide. Members can use points plus cash for luxury stays at 20,000+ hotels and resorts worldwide. Social Connections To earn extra points for sharing, members can link their social media accounts to La Quinta Returns. To earn extra points for sharing, members can link their social media accounts to La Quinta Returns. Mobile Checkout With a tap of a mobile phone, members can use La Quinta's new and improved app to check-out of their room. With a tap of a mobile phone, members can use La Quinta's new and improved app to check-out of their room. Every Night Counts Only at La Quinta do members earn credit toward Gold and Elite levels even if a room rate doesn't qualify for points. Only at La Quinta do members earn credit toward Gold and Elite levels even if a room rate doesn't qualify for points. Every Stay Counts Members can qualify for tier status by the number of nights and number of stays. Members can qualify for tier status by the number of nights and number of stays. Tier Upgrade Bonus Members who qualify for Gold or Elite level earn bonus points on top of new benefits. Under the new program, La Quinta Returns members will continue to earn points at the rate of 10 points for every dollar spent on eligible room rates at La Quinta hotels. Gold members receive a 20% bonus on all base points earned and Elite members receive a 30% bonus on all base points earned. More details about La Quinta Returns are available at www.LQ.com/Returns. To download the new and improved La Quinta Returns app visit App Store or Google Play. About La Quinta La Quinta Holdings Inc. (LQ) is a leading owner, operator and franchisor of select-service hotels primarily serving the upper-midscale and midscale segments. The Company's owned and franchised portfolio consists of more than 885 properties representing over 87,500 rooms located in 48 US states, Canada, Mexico, Honduras and Colombia. These properties operate under the La Quinta Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn and LQ Hotel brands. La Quinta's team is committed to providing guests with a refreshing and engaging experience. La Quinta Returns has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Travel Rewards program in U.S. News's Best Travel Rewards 2016-17 rankings. SOURCE La Quinta Holdings Inc. Related Links http://www.laquinta.com (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473963/Leica_Biosystems___Leeds_Hospital.jpg ) "Leeds is excited to partner with Leica Biosystems. Digital Pathology has many benefits and it is becoming an essential technology for a modern pathology service. We believe that the link between the histology workflow, downstream imaging and slide review process is critical for the optimal use of Digital Pathology," said Dr. Darren Treanor, Consultant Pathologist, and lead of the Leeds Digital Pathology Group. "Leica Biosystems understands the complete laboratory workflow required to implement and develop Digital Pathology. Working together will help us realize the full potential of Digital Pathology; while meeting the needs of our researchers, pathologists and patients." "Leica Biosystems is happy and honored to have a dedicated partner such as Leeds. For thirteen years, Leeds has been a leading institution in Digital Pathology on the world stage. It is one of the largest Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) scanning facilities in the world," stated Jerome Clavel, Vice President and General Manager of Leica Biosystems Pathology Imaging Business. "We have a long history of working with Leeds. This formalized partnership is a natural progression of our long-standing collaboration. With the experience gained from working with scientists and clinicans from Leeds, we expect to accelerate our progress towards the mainstream adoption of Digital Pathology, with ever-improved solutions and systems." The clinical use claims described in the information provided have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. FDA nor are the products available in the United States. About Leica Biosystems Leica Biosystems (LeicaBiosystems.com) is a global leader in workflow solutions and automation, integrating each step in the workflow. As the only company to own the workflow from biopsy to diagnosis, we are uniquely positioned to break down the barriers between each of these steps. Our mission of 'Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives' is at the heart of our corporate culture. Our easy-to-use and consistently reliable offerings help improve workflow efficiency and diagnostic confidence. The company is represented in over 100 countries and is headquartered in Nussloch, Germany. About University of Leeds The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK, with more than 31,000 students from 147 different countries, and a member of the Russell Group research-intensive universities. We are a top 10 university for research and impact power in the UK, according to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and positioned as one of the top 100 best universities in the world in the 2015 QS World University Rankings. We are The Times and The Sunday Times University of the Year 2017 http://www.leeds.ac.uk About Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the largest in England and includes two major teaching hospitals, Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital. It has a total budget of over 1.1 billion, employs more than 16,000 staff across seven main sites, and treats around 1.5 million patients a year. Media Contact: Kristin O'Neill Manager, Global Brand Marketing [email protected] +1-847-821-3537 SOURCE Leica Biosystems PARK CITY, Utah, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lesa Francis, President and CEO of Supplemental Health Care, a leading provider of healthcare workforce solutions, has been named to the 2017 Staffing Industry Analysts' annual North American Staffing 100 list of notable influencers within the industry. Lesa has been recognized on this prestigious list a total of four times now. Supplemental Health Care is proud to have someone so highly regarded within the industry lead the company. Lesa Francis has only been with the company for a short time but she has already made a noticeable impact. Supplemental Health Care is clearly in great hands and everyone looks forward to being a part of the company's bright future. Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions, has unveiled its sixth annual list of North American staffing leaders, lauding those individuals whose excellence, drive and significant efforts stand out as exemplary in the industry over the past year. The 2017 list, comprised of 100 notable influencers, is sponsored by Erecruit. The list is not a ranking but a way to recognize leaders for the remarkable impact they make in a variety of ways and through various means across the Workforce Solutions Ecosystem. The expertise included on the list encompasses that of CEOs, entrepreneurs, technologists, workforce specialists, data scientists and more, hailing from a host of different kinds of companies and lines of service-- from traditional staffing to online platforms to MSP/VMS to RPO. "We are proud to acknowledge Staffing 100 and their leadership again this year," said Subadhra Sriram, Publisher and Editor, SIA. "The newcomers to the list are indicative of the evolving ecosystem and of how work is transforming. We are also proud to celebrate those 29 individuals who have made the list consistently since its inception and welcome them to the Staffing 100 Hall of Fame, in its inaugural year." About Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) SIA is the Global Advisor on Staffing and Workforce Solutions Elevating the Workforce Solutions Ecosystem Founded in 1989, SIA is the global advisor on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labor. SIA's independent and objective analysis provides insights into the services and suppliers operating in the workforce solutions ecosystem including staffing firms, managed service providers, recruitment process outsourcers, payrolling/compliance firms and talent acquisition technology specialists such as vendor management systems, online staffing platforms, crowdsourcing and online work services. We also provide training and accreditation with our unique Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) program. Known for our award-winning content, data, support tools, publications, executive conferences and events, we help both suppliers and buyers of workforce solutions make better-informed decisions that improve business results and minimize risk. As a division of the international business media company, Crain Communications Inc., SIA is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in London, England. About Supplemental Health Care Since its inception in 1984, Supplemental Health Care has served as a comprehensive workforce solutions provider, delivering highly customized strategies to address staffing challenges faced by healthcare organizations, schools, and correctional facilities. Leveraging a nationwide database of 3.5 million clinicians, Supplemental Health Care helps customers recruit and retain skilled clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Park City, Utah, Supplemental Health Care maintains a network of 60 local offices in major markets across the U.S., which provides industry-leading, localized customer support and seamlessly connects clients to a national pool of traveling nurses, allied healthcare staff, physicians, and advanced practitioners. Supplemental Health Care also offers Managed Service Provider ("MSP") and Recruitment Process Outsourcing ("RPO") programs, which provide comprehensive outsourced management of temporary and permanent clinical staff recruitment, respectively. SOURCE Supplemental Health Care Related Links http://www.supplementalhealthcare.com BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics' G6 smartphone won an unprecedented 31 booth awards at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 including multiple honors from various international titles and publications attending the show. The LG G6 demonstrates that the company is at the forefront of mobile communications and consumer demand. Amongst top honors received, Wired, Android Authority, Digital Trends, PCMag and TechRadar designated the G6 as the best smartphone of MWC 2017. LG G6 WINS MULTIPLE BEST SMARTPHONE AWARDS AT MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS 2017 "Consumers love big screens, but they also love using their phones comfortably with one hand. The LG G6 was created with this consumer need in mind, ushering in the next generation of smartphone design and user experience," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The response to the LG G6's narrow bezels and harmonious design from aluminum and glass has been sensational." The G6 was unveiled to more than 1,400 tech professionals prior to the main MWC event to high acclaim. The LG G6 delivers ergonomic excellence, a minimalist design and superb reliability. The G6 offers an expansive screen and immersive viewing experience with its 18:9 screen aspect ratio and 5.7-inch FullVision display. Thanks to the unique ratio of the screen and its smaller body, customers can easily and comfortably use the G6 with one hand. Dual 13MP rear cameras let users capture the shots they want with standard and wide angle lenses. What's more, the smartphone has been tested to the highest standards with reliability and durability in mind. MWC 2017 is the world's largest mobile industry event with an estimated 100,000 attendees. Top awards won by the LG G6 at MWC 2017 include: Wired Coolest of MWC - LG G6 Digital Trends Top Tech of MWC 2017 - LG G6 Slashgear Editors' Choice LG G6 PCMag Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 TechRadar Best in Show LG G6 Best Smartphone LG G6 Readers' Choice LG G6 Android Central Best Design LG G6 Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Android Authority Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Ubergizmo Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Tom's Guide Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Mobile Geeks Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 T3 Best Phone LG G6 ComputerBild Best Product: Smartphone LG G6 AndroidPIT Best Android Phone LG G6 Chip Chick Top Pick of MWC 2017 LG G6 Expert Reviews Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Android Headlines Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Tech Advisor Top Picks LG G6 Pisapapeles Best in Show LG G6 Readers' Choice LG G6 Fone Arena Best Smartphone of MWC 2017 LG G6 PhoneScoop Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 For more information about LG's products at MWC 2017, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com/MWC2017. About LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the U.S. sales subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc. a global innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG's consumer-centric products -- including the flagship premium V Series models -- incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com. SOURCE LG Electronics USA Related Links http://www.LG.com JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when great uncertainty and pessimism seems to be permeating society, Liberty Science Center President and CEO Paul Hoffman is ready to redirect the national conversation on optimism specifically "techno-optimists," those "singularly brilliant technologist entrepreneurs who are inventing a better future for all of us." So, it is highly appropriate that the Center's 2017 Genius Award winners who'll be honored and feted at its Genius Gala 6.0 on Friday, May 5 reflect just such individuals. They are mathematician Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson, one of the first African-American women to be employed by NASA and the subject of the Academy Award nominated film Hidden Figures, and Ray Kurzweil, one of the world's leading inventors, thinkers, authors, and futurists who has been called "the restless genius" by The Wall Street Journal, "the ultimate thinking machine" by Forbes, and the "rightful heir to Thomas Edison" by Inc. magazine. And for the first time, the Center will bestow a Genius Award on a machine, SpotMini, the newest robot from Boston Dynamics, the company that is on the forefront of designing bipedal and quadrupedal robots whose movements uncannily mimic those of human beings and animals. Also to be honored will be SpotMini's carbon-based enablers, Boston Dynamics founder and CEO Marc Raibert and the Boston Dynamics Robotics Team. In making the announcement, Hoffman stated: "Given the current pessimism and uncertainty that's unfortunately sweeping the media and our society, we are making the 2017 Genius Gala a celebration of 'techno-optimists,' those visionaries and trailblazers whose work is profoundly transforming the world in which we live, now and in the future." Katherine Johnson, 98, was born and raised in West Virginia. A mathematical and language whiz, she graduated from high school at 14 and college at 18. In 1939 she became the first African-American woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University in Morgantown. In the pre-computer days at NASA, Johnson calculated the trajectories, launch windows, and emergency back-up return paths of the first manned space missions. Even after NASA started relying on the IBM 7090 electronic computer, John Glenn and other astronauts refused to board the rockets until Johnson hand-checked the flight calculations. Her calculations and strategic thinking helped get the Apollo 13 astronauts safely back to Earth. Later in her NASA career, she worked on the Space Shuttle and a planned mission to Mars. The story of Johnson and other female African-American mathematicians at NASA is memorialized in the film Hidden Figures, which received a 2017 Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Johnson is the recipient of the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2016, the NASA Langley Research Center named a new 40,000-square-foot wing the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of astronaut Alan Shepard's historic rocket launch and splashdown, which Johnson helped achieve. Ray Kurzweil is the world's foremost expert in designing machines that understand written and spoken human language. He is the principal inventor of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first text-to-speech synthesizer, and (thanks to a challenge by Stevie Wonder) the first music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments. Today, Kurzweil is Director of Engineering at Google, where he is working on a natural-language chatbot. Kurzweil has received 21 honorary doctorate degrees and been honored by three United States presidents. In 1999 he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the United States' highest honor in technology. In 2001, he was the recipient of the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize, the world's largest monetary prize for innovation. In 2001, Kurzweil was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for inventing the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind. As an author and speaker, Kurzweil is the leading proponent of Singularity, the provocative idea that artificial intelligence will soon surpass human intelligence and that people and machines will merge and overcome cancer, diseases of cellular aging, and perhaps even death. He is the author of five national bestsellers, including The Age of Spiritual Machines and The Singularity is Near. SpotMini, Marc Raibert and the Robotics Team at Boston Dynamics. SpotMini, the newest robot from Boston Dynamics, exhibits the behavior of a medium-size dog with a supernaturally dexterous mouth that is able to place delicate glassware in a dishwasher, carry a glass of water to a bedridden person without spilling it, and deliver a fragile package many miles (perhaps giving Amazon's future delivery drones a run for their money). Marc Raibert was a professor of engineering, robotics, computer science, and artificial intelligence at Carnegie-Mellon and MIT before founding Boston Dynamics in 1992. The Google-owned simulation and robotics company builds advanced robots with remarkable behavior: mobility, agility, dexterity and speed. Raibert and his world-class team pride themselves on creating machines that are not only innovative but also functional and improve daily life. Ms. Johnson, Mr. Kurzweil, Mr. Raibert and SpotMini will join previous Genius Gala honorees Frank Gehry, Jack Horner, Dr. Ellen Langer, Kip Thorne, Sir Richard Branson, Garry Kasparov, Jane Goodall, Oliver Sacks, Temple Grandin, Dean Kamen, Sylvia Earle, Craig Venter, Cori Bargmann, Erno Rubik, Jeff Bezos, Vint Cerf, and Jill Tarter in LSC's Genius Gallery, a permanent, interactive display at Liberty Science Center. The 2017 Genius Gala begins at 6pm on May 5 at LSC in Jersey City and brings together 700 industry leaders and philanthropists from the NY/NJ metropolitan area. The Corporate Chair of this "creative black-tie" evening is Steve Howe, US Chairman and Americas Managing Partner of EY. Ticket prices start at $1,250 per guest with options for table sponsorship from $12,500 to $100,000. For more details, please visit lsc.org/gala. All Gala proceeds benefit LSC's exhibitions and programs, particularly the science-education programs that LSC does for 91,000 "at-risk" children across the New Jersey/New York Region. About Liberty Science Center Liberty Science Center (LSC.org) is a 300,000-square-foot not-for-profit learning center located in Liberty State Park on the Jersey City bank of the Hudson near the Statue of Liberty. Dedicated to bringing the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology to people of all ages, Liberty Science Center houses 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, the world's largest IMAX Dome Theater, live simulcast surgeries, a tornado-force wind simulator, K-12 classrooms and labs, and teacher-development programs. More than 250,000 students visit the Science Center each year, and tens of thousands more participate in the Center's offsite and online programs. LSC is the most visited cultural institution in New Jersey with 650,000 visitors annually and the largest interactive science center in the NYC-NJ metropolitan area. SOURCE Liberty Science Center Related Links http://www.LSC.org INDIANAPOLIS, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced changes in its executive committee. Johna Norton will be promoted to senior vice president of global quality April 1 , replacing Fionnuala Walsh , who is retiring April 15 after 28 years at Lilly. Norton currently is vice president, Global Quality for API Manufacturing, Product Research and Development. will be promoted to senior vice president of global quality , replacing , who is retiring after 28 years at Lilly. Norton currently is vice president, Global Quality for API Manufacturing, Product Research and Development. Bart Peterson , senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and Communications, will leave Lilly March 31 to pursue personal business interests and expand his community volunteer commitments. Peterson, a former two-term mayor of Indianapolis , joined Lilly in 2009. A search currently is under way for his replacement. "Fionnuala and Bart have been invaluable members of our executive committee as our business has gone through tremendous transformation during the last few years," said David Ricks, Lilly president and CEO. "Fionnuala has worked diligently to ensure that we have maintained the highest quality standards across our worldwide operations, which is absolutely essential to our business. And, Bart's leadership and political acumen have been vital to help us meet the significant challenges of an incredibly complex health care environment. His strong passion and vision for global health has been instrumental in making life better for people around the world." Ricks said Lilly is very fortunate to have Norton to step into Walsh's role. "Johna lives Lilly's values every day, has a strong commitment to our mission, sets the highest standards for her work and has demonstrated leadership in partnering across the business. She has a deep knowledge of our manufacturing and quality systems and has worked effectively with regulators globally." Additional details about the individuals involved in today's announcement: Johna Norton joined Lilly in 1990 as an analytical chemist and has subsequently held various positions in quality assurance and quality control supporting manufacturing and process development at Lilly facilities and with Lilly external manufacturing partners. In addition to Indianapolis and Clinton, Ind., she spent four years in Kinsale, Ireland, and over two years in Puerto Rico. In 2012, she assumed her current responsibilities for providing quality oversight and direction for Lilly's API Manufacturing network and the Product Research and Development organization. Norton holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Gannon University and a master's degree in analytical chemistry from Miami University. Fionnuala Walsh, Ph.D., is a recognized thought leader in the quality industry, often speaking about Lilly's sustainable, integrated quality system and the company's commitment to maintaining a quality culture. A native of Ireland, Walsh earned a bachelor's degree and doctoral degree in chemistry from University College Dublin. Prior to coming to Lilly, she was awarded an industrial postdoctoral fellowship with BMS in Puerto Rico and worked at a startup company manufacturing clinic material. She joined Lilly's Kinsale, Ireland, manufacturing site in 1988 as a technical services chemist. After numerous positions there, she moved into a role as global quality leader at the Lilly Corporate Center in Indianapolis in 2002. In January 2003, Walsh was named executive director of quality for U.S. drug product and Lilly Technology Center operations. In July 2005, she was named vice president of global quality operations, and, in June 2007, she was named senior vice president of global quality. She joined the executive committee in 2009. Bart Peterson served as managing director of Strategic Capital Partners, as a fellow with the Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and as a distinguished visiting professor of public policy at Ball State University before joining Lilly in 2009. From 2000 to 2007, he was mayor of Indianapolis, where, among many accomplishments, he championed the formation of charter schools. He also was instrumental in the effort that led to the creation of BioCrossroads to promote the development of the life sciences in the region. Peterson's public sector experience also includes serving as chief of staff for then Governor of Indiana Evan Bayh. He earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University and a law degree from the University of Michigan. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and www.lilly.com/newsroom/social-channels. C-LLY Refer to: Janice Chavers; [email protected]; 317-612-4974 SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Related Links http://www.lilly.com SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mapbox, the leading real-time location and mapping platform for developers, today announced Roy Ng (photo) has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As President and COO, Ng will have responsibility for all customer facing operations, including sales, marketing, customer success, and business development, as well as finance, human resources, and business operations. He will report directly to Mapbox's CEO Eric Gundersen. Ng joins Mapbox from Twilio, where he was COO and led commercial operations for the company, responsible for global sales, account management, customer success, corporate development, partnerships, strategy and business operations. He also led marketing and human resources, and was instrumental in the success of the company's initial public offering. Prior to Twilio, Ng was Senior Vice President and COO for SAP's Cloud Business Unit. Ng joined SAP through its $3.4 billion acquisition of SuccessFactors where he was Vice President of Global Business Operations. Prior to SuccessFactors, Ng was Vice President and Head of West Coast Software Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, where he built and led the firm's Software as a Service franchise. "Roy gets the play and understands how we are a platform first, how developer adoption drives everything, and how live data is our lifeblood," said Gundersen. "There are obvious similarities between Roy's time as COO at Twilio and Mapbox being an API company, but more importantly, I love how fast Roy moves and how smartly he executes. Roy joins our team at a time where we are seeing real traction for our products in key markets. I'm incredibly excited to run alongside him as we scale our business and take it to the next level." "I'm super excited to join Eric and the incredibly talented team at Mapbox," said Ng. "Together we are building a real-time location platform touching hundreds of millions of people. Any developer or business can now have live updating maps, accurate location search, and traffic-aware directions in their apps. The real value of a map is in the real-time data. Mapbox is collecting more than 150 million miles of anonymized data every day, estimated to be around 4 to 5 times more data than Waze was collecting when Google acquired them. Mapbox is at an exciting inflection point and the team is moving fast - just look at yesterday's launch at GDC of Mapbox's Unity SDK, bringing real-world maps and location to video games, or Mapbox Drive, the first lane guidance map designed for car companies to control the in-car experience, built specifically for semi-autonomous driving, ride sharing, and connected cars. I am honored and thrilled to join this journey with this exceptional team." "As a platform company, it's all about delivering the highest level of performance at the lowest possible cost - and Roy bridges finance, business and software. I can't wait to work with Roy as we scale past a quarter of a billion users," says Emily McAfee, Mapbox's Head of Platform. Ryan McIntyre, co-founder and Managing Director of Foundry Group framed Ng's hire as a pivotal moment in the industry. "The most exciting trend in enterprise SaaS is the power of the API-driven, developer-focused model, which Mapbox exemplifies. Roy's prior experience makes him uniquely qualified to further accelerate Mapbox's growth and vision," said McIntyre, who led Mapbox's first investment round and serves on the company's board. Randy Glein, co-founder and Managing Director at DFJ Growth added, "Mapbox has quickly become the leading choice for developers who want to integrate high-performance digital maps, geolocation and navigation capabilities into their applications. Roy brings highly relevant experience to Mapbox that will help cement our leadership position in the market and navigate the rapid expansion and scaling phase of our journey. The future is bright for Mapbox and shines even brighter with Roy joining our team." Glein led Mapbox's Series B and serves on its board. Ng graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, with dual degrees in Business Administration and Political Science. He serves on the Boards of several technology companies, Junior Achievement of Northern California, and is a member of the Dean's Advisory Circle at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. About Mapbox (photos of the Mapbox platform) Mapbox is the leading real-time location and mapping platform for developers. Our services power mobile apps and websites from the biggest brands, including the Weather Channel, CNN, National Geographic, Github, and Airbnb in China. Mapbox is the foundation for other platforms, letting enterprises analyze their data, drone companies publish flyovers, real estate sites visualize properties, satellite companies process cloud-free imagery, and insurance companies track assets. Founded in 2010, Mapbox has offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and is backed by leading investors. Learn more at Mapbox.com. Contact: [email protected] 408-761-4285 SOURCE Mapbox Related Links https://www.mapbox.com BEAUMONT, Texas, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medistar Corporation ("Medistar") announced today the development of a new skilled nursing facility on a 5.48 acre site located at 3475 Fannin Street in Beaumont, Texas. Operated by OnPointe Health, the skilled nursing facility is being developed by Medistar with the support of community physician leaders Garrett Peel, M.D., CEO of Previty Clinic for Surgical Care, and Qaram Arfeen, M.D., CEO of Harbor Healthcare System. Now in design, the facility program includes 70 private beds of skilled nursing and 30 beds of memory care. "In every community we serve, OnPointe's goal is simple: to provide the highest quality, best coordinated and most cost-effective post-acute care possible for every patient, family and provider," said Jerry Williamson, Founder and CEO of OnPointe Health. Added Medistar's Vice President of Business Development, Paul McCleary, "Medistar is pleased to continue our longstanding commitment to residents and providers in the Beaumont community. We fully support the vision of OnPointe, working with Dr. Peel, Dr. Arfeen and others to provide exceptional care across the post-acute continuum." Medistar is simultaneously developing a skilled nursing facility for OnPointe Health in Webster, Texas, also in concert with local physicians. Both facilities are being designed by Pi Architects, with construction scheduled to start in 2017. ABOUT MEDISTAR CORPORATION: Medistar is a full-service medical real estate development company headquartered in Houston, Texas. As it has for 44 years, Medistar primarily specializes in the design, development, financing, acquisition and construction of acute care hospitals, post-acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, senior care facilities, integrated medical plazas, medical office buildings and related facilities for the healthcare industry nationwide. Please visit www.MedistarCorp.com for more information. ABOUT ONPOINTE HEALTH: OnPointe Health is a privately owned operator which currently operates 27 facilities across the states of Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. OnPointe is a strategic partner which provides care and care coordination across the post-acute continuum. The company specializes in person-centered care for chronically ill, featuring managed transitions between care levels. Please see www.onpointe.com for more information. MEDIA CONTACT: Paul McCleary Medistar Corporation [email protected] Related Links Medistar Corporation OnPointe Health This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Medistar Corporation NEW YORK, March, 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Montefiore Health System, the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has been awarded two grants to improve the ability of primary care physicians in small practices to treat common behavioral health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. One in five New Yorkers experiences mental distress, which frequently affects their physical health. Most do not receive adequate care due to stigma and limited access to behavioral health services. With $188,320 from the United Hospital Fund (UHF) and $215,670 from the New York State Health Foundation, Montefiore will support and evaluate a new guide it has spearheaded, "Advancing Integration of Behavioral Health into Primary Care: A Continuum-Based Framework," to help primary care providers implement and improve access to behavioral health services in six primary care practices in New York City and five more elsewhere in New York State.* "When healthcare is fragmented, people fall through the cracks," said Henry Chung, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer of Montefiore's Care Management Organization (CMO), associate professor, Clinical Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, lead author of the framework and the principal investigator of the pilot. "We will be working with small primary care practices that are critical to the overall health of so many New Yorkers. By collaborating closely with these providers, we can help amplify their behavioral health services offerings and better address their patients' mental health needs." Up to 25,000 individuals will receive depression screenings and 1,000-2,000 individuals will benefit from integrated services in these practices. Using the framework, the practices aim to improve their integration activities based on their resources and geography. Montefiore has been a leader in the integration of behavioral health in primary care. Through a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services innovation grant led by Dr. Chung, Montefiore patients have benefited from primary care site visits that are supported by a dedicated behavioral health collaborative care team, which may include a psychiatrist, psychologist or a social worker and care manager. Patients receive in-person introductions to behavioral health providers and participate in therapy sessions that focus on problem solving techniques. If medication is required, prescriptions are given by primary care providers with reviews and consultations from a psychiatrist. This has led to more than 2,000 patients with depression experiencing a nearly 50 percent improvement in severity of depression and associated symptoms, according to a standard patient health questionnaire. To advance the new pilot, Dr. Chung and his team will support the use of the framework among the participating practices, advise on primary care site-specific goals and lead monthly knowledge sharing and problem solving webinars for improving behavioral health integration. Practices will provide information about their progress, successes and barriers to advancing integration; information which is required to develop quality and sustainability strategies for small practices. The pilot will result in practice changing recommendations and an updated guide that will inform clinicians, policymakers, and payers on how to best advance behavioral healthcare. Advancing Integration of Behavioral Health into Primary Care: A Continuum-Based Framework" is the product of work conducted with grant support from UHF. Published by UHF, it was written by Henry Chung, M.D., Nina Rostanski, MPH, Associate Director/Business Analyst at OneCity Health; Hope Glassberg, MPA, HRHCare Community Health, strategic initiatives and policy; and Harold Alan Pincus, M.D., Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Psychiatry. The publication is available on the UHF website at https://www.uhfnyc.org/publications/881131. *Participating Practices Include: Centro Medico de las Americas, Jackson Heights , Queens, NY las Americas, , Champlain Family Health of Hudson Headwaters Health Network (HHHN), Champlain, NY Delmont Healthcare, Far Rockaway , Queens, NY , Dr. Scafuri + Associates, Arden Heights, Staten Island, NY Hudson River Healthcare at Hudson , Hudson, NY , Keuka Family Practice of Accountable Health Partners (AHP), Bath, NY Koinonia Primary Care, Albany, NY Metro Community Health Center, West Farms, Bronx , NY , NY Lourdes Primary Care, Owego, NY Tremont Health Center of Community Healthcare Network (CHN), Tremont, Bronx , NY , NY South Shore Physicians, Bay Terrace, Staten Island, NY About Montefiore Health System Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and close to 200 outpatient care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube. About the New York State Health Foundation The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) is a private, statewide foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable. Today, NYSHealth concentrates its work in two strategic priority areas: building healthy communities and empowering health care consumers. The Foundation is committed to making grants, informing health policy and practice, spreading effective programs to improve the health care system and the health of New Yorkers, serving as a neutral convener of health leaders across the State, and providing technical assistance to its grantees and partners About United Hospital Fund United Hospital Fund works to build a more effective health care system for every New Yorker. An independent, nonprofit organization, we analyze public policy to inform decision-makers, find common ground among diverse stakeholders, and develop and support innovative programs that improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, and experience of patient care. SOURCE Montefiore Medical Center Related Links http://www.montefiore.org BUFFALO, N.Y., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB)("M&T") will participate in the RBC Capital Markets Financial Institutions Conference being held in New York City. Representatives of M&T are scheduled to deliver a presentation to investors and analysts on March 8, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. (ET). The conference takes place at the Lotte New York Palace hotel. A live audio-webcast of the presentation will be available via the Internet at: http://ir.mandtbank.com/events.cfm. The presentation and webcast may contain forward-looking statements and other material information. A replay will also be made available following the event. M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation Related Links http://www.mandtbank.com WASHINGTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA will host a media teleconference at noon EST Monday, March 6, to discuss science investigations launching on the next Orbital ATK commercial resupply flight to the International Space Station. The briefing will stream live on NASA's website. Orbital ATK is targeting Sunday, March 19 for the launch of its Cygnus spacecraft on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. A 30-minute launch window opens at 10:56 p.m. EDT. Participants in Monday's briefing are: Henry Martin , external payloads coordinator from NanoRacks in Houston , will discuss some of the 38 CubeSats scheduled to be deployed from the space station, including QB50, a group of CubeSats from 28 universities around the world. , external payloads coordinator from NanoRacks in , will discuss some of the 38 CubeSats scheduled to be deployed from the space station, including QB50, a group of CubeSats from 28 universities around the world. Howard Levine , project scientist at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida , will discuss an advanced plant habitat for studying plant physiology and growing fresh food in space. , project scientist at NASA's in , will discuss an advanced plant habitat for studying plant physiology and growing fresh food in space. John Dec , principle investigator of the Red-Data 2 experiment at Terminal Velocity Aerospace in Atlanta, Georgia , will highlight a new type of recording device scheduled to ride along Cygnus as it reenters the Earth's atmosphere to provide data about the conditions the spacecraft encounters during atmospheric reentry. , principle investigator of the Red-Data 2 experiment at Terminal Velocity Aerospace in , will highlight a new type of recording device scheduled to ride along Cygnus as it reenters the Earth's atmosphere to provide data about the conditions the spacecraft encounters during atmospheric reentry. Glauco Souza , principal investigator, n3D Biosciences in Houston , will discuss how using magnetized cells and tools will improve the reproducibility of experiments in space. , principal investigator, n3D Biosciences in , will discuss how using magnetized cells and tools will improve the reproducibility of experiments in space. Sourav Sinha , principal investigator for ADCs in Microgravity at Oncolinx LLC in Boston , will discuss an antibody investigation to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and reduce side effects. To participate in the teleconference, media must contact Cheryl Warner at 202-358-1100 or [email protected] by 10 a.m. Monday, for dial-in information. Audio of the teleconference will be streamed live online at: http://www.nasa.gov/live In addition to scientific research, the Cygnus spacecraft will carry crew supplies and hardware to the orbiting laboratory to support the Expedition 50 and 51 crews under the seventh contracted mission by Orbital ATK under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract. For launch countdown coverage, NASA's launch blog, and more information about the mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov CHICAGO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation (ALPLF) will award its prestigious Lincoln Leadership Prize to Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D., astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History and the first occupant of the Frederick P. Rose Directorship at the Hayden Planetarium, during a gala event at the Hilton Chicago at 7 p.m. March 9. Tyson the first scientist to receive the coveted prize works tirelessly to advance America's science legacy, which Lincoln helped to further when he established the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 1863. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation will honor Neil deGrasse Tyson with the 2017 Lincoln Leadership Prize March 9, 2017, at the Hilton Chicago. Captain James A. Lovell, Jr., an astronaut and leader of near mythic proportion and 2010 recipient of the Prize, will present this year's Prize to Mr. Tyson. The Prize recognizes outstanding individuals for a lifetime of service in the spirit of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Tyson has served as Executive Science Editor, Host and Narrator for Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey, which won four Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and two Critics Choice Awards. Tyson also served on two presidential commissions under George W. Bush one which studied the future of the U.S. aerospace industry and another which studied the future of NASA. In 2000, Asteroid 1994 KA was named 13123 Tyson in his honor. "I think of myself not as a leader but as a scientist and as an educator. The fact that people follow what I do, or count me among the leaders in the land, is evidence of a growing curiosity permeating society for how and why science matters in our lives," said Tyson. "To be recognized for this effort, not only by the public but by the Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, has affirmed that I must be doing something right." Famed astronaut Captain James A. Lovell, Jr. will present the Lincoln Leadership Prize to Tyson. Lovell, who received the award in 2010, is regarded as a leader of near mythic proportion, maintaining calm and discipline aboard Apollo 13 while the mission experienced monumental equipment failures that threatened to leave the crew stranded in outer space. In addition, he served as pilot and navigator on Apollo 8's six-day journey to the Moon, and backup commander to Neil Armstrong for Apollo 11. In 1994 Lovell and Jeff Kluger wrote Lost Moon, which was re-released as Apollo 13 and filmed in 1995 with Tom Hanks playing the role of Captain Lovell. "One of the things I have learned from Abraham Lincoln over the years is that commitment is necessary if you are going to do anything great," said Lovell. "Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most dedicated, down-to-Earth astrophysicists you'll ever meet. He connects with people in personal ways to make big concepts about space and science accessible to everyone. Neil has done more to advance the field of science than President Lincoln ever could have dreamed when our 16th president established the National Academy of Sciences." The Lincoln Leadership Prize is an annual award that recognizes outstanding individuals for a lifetime of service in the spirit of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The award honors individuals who manifest great strength of character, individual conscience and unwavering commitment to the defining principles of democracy. Previous honorees include Civil Rights Activists The Little Rock Nine, Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, 42nd President of the United States Bill Clinton, former Polish President Lech Walesa, Journalist Tim Russert, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The annual event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation for the benefit of the Museum and Library, which does not receive any federal funding. For more information about the Lincoln Leadership Prize please visit www.alplm.org. For tickets and/or table sponsorship information please call 312/553-2000. About the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation supports the collections and the educational and cultural programming of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum; fosters Lincoln scholarship through the acquisition and publication of documentary materials relating to Lincoln and his era; and promotes a greater appreciation of history through exhibits, conferences, publications, online services, and other activities designed to promote historical literacy. Media Contact: Lisa Soard [email protected] 312.548.7428 (office) 773.559.5586 (cell) SOURCE Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation (ALPLF) Related Links http://www.alplm.org ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor Stone & Tile Inc, a new branch of Detroit Stone & Tile Inc (one of Michigan's oldest and most experienced countertop manufacturers), is opening the doors of a new brick-and-mortar store/showroom, where customers will be able to interact with the company's staff and products directly. The new tile store is located in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan, and will give customers the opportunity to view and feel a wide array of countertop and tile products. Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo countertops Ann Arbor MI The Michigan-based manufacturer has been on the market since 2001. Its main specialties are countertops (granite, quartz and marble) and tiles for all types of surfaces floors, walls, and mosaics. In the quartz countertop field, the company offers a very broad selection from top-tier brands such as Caesarstone, Wilsonart, Difiniti or Q Quartz. Their granite countertops also come in three different options standard, premium and exotic making Ann Arbor one of the most versatile countertop companies in the Michigan area. With over 15,000 completed projects up to date, the company's tile offer is just as varied as their countertop offer. Boasting lots of different colors, patterns, and densities, these high quality tiles manufactured in USA , Italy and Spain can easily fit into any home improvement project and can transform even the dullest of rooms into a modern or traditional cozy living space. Making a home stand out is no easy task in general, but picking the right tiles for floors and walls can take it a very long way. Both the countertops and tiles described above can be seen and felt first hand in the new Ann Arbor Stone & Tile showroom, now located at 5204 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. If you are in the Ann Arbor area and are looking to get a quote on a countertop or tile product our website offers a glimpse of our products and the ability to get a quick quote before you visit the physical store location. Shop local, Shop smart, Shop with style! Ann Arbor Stone & Tile Inc. Address: 5204 Jackson Road Ann Arbor Michigan 48103 Phone: 734-799-8001 [email protected] https://annarborstoneandtile.com Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg Related Links Detroit Stone & Tile Inc Clarkston Stone & Tile Inc This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Ann Arbor Stone & Tile Inc. Related Links https://annarborstoneandtile.com/ LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- y This report provides all the information you require to better understand Novo Nordisk and its partnering interests and activities since 2010. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3605608/ Description The Partnering Deals and Alliance since 2010 report provides an in-depth insight into the partnering activity of one of the world's leading life sciences companies. On demand company reports are prepared upon purchase to ensure inclusion of the most up to date deal and company data. The report will be delivered in PDF format within 1 working day of receipt of order. If the CD-Rom version purchased, the report will be sent by courier using express service. One of the key aspects of partnering is finding those companies that are potential candidates for the development and commercialization of the next generation of therapies. A lot of resources are spent on finding partners, identifying their interests and making contact to initiate discussions. Using this report, dealmakers will effectively and efficiently target their partnering activities to deliver the company's business development objectives. The initial chapters of this report provide an orientation of deal making and business activities. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the report, whilst chapter 2 lists the top companies partnering with the company since 2010. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the leading partnering and M&A deals since 2010 to present date based on headline value. Chapter 4 provides details on how to approach biopharma companies with partnering opportunities whilst chapter 5 lists forthcoming partnering events and conferences where biopharma companies will be present to discuss opportunities face to face. The main body of the report is provided in chapter 6 providing a infographic visual summary of the company's partnering activity since 2010 according to deal type, industry sector, phase of development, and therapy area. The deals are listed by deal type, stage of development and therapy focus, allowing easy access to deals and alliances of interest. Every deal record links to an online, live version of the deal record at the Current Agreements deals and alliances database. Where available, deal records also include the contract document as disclosed at the SEC. One of the key aspects of partnering is conducting due diligence on a partner to determine under what terms a prospective partner agrees to a partnering relationship. Understanding the flexibility of prospective partners' negotiated deals terms provides critical insight into the negotiation process in terms of what you can expect to achieve during the negotiation of terms. Whilst many smaller companies will be seeking details of the payments clauses, the devil is in the detail in terms of how payments are triggered contract documents provide this insight where press releases and databases do not. In addition, contract documents provide the answers to numerous questions about a prospective partner's flexibility on a wide range of important issues, many of which will have a significant impact on each party's ability to derive value from the deal. Each contract document is accessible through a link to an online version of the actual contract document as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission. Analyzing actual company agreements allows assessment of the following: - What is actually granted by the agreement to the partner company? - What exclusivity is granted? - What is the payment structure for the deal? - How are sales and payments audited? - What is the deal term? - How are the key terms of the agreement defined? - How are IPRs handled and owned? - Who is responsible for commercialization? - Who is responsible for development, supply, and manufacture? - How is confidentiality and publication managed? - How are disputes to be resolved? - Under what conditions can the deal be terminated? - What happens when there is a change of ownership? - What sublicensing and sub-contracting provisions have been agreed? - Which boilerplate clauses does the company insist upon? - Which boilerplate clauses appear to differ from partner to partner or deal type to deal type? - Which jurisdiction does the company insist upon for agreement law? Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3605608/ About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers http://www.reportbuyer.com For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com SOURCE ReportBuyer Related Links http://www.reportbuyer.com New data evaluating investigational compound REOLYSIN in combination with paclitaxel in metastatic Breast Cancer in combination with paclitaxel in metastatic Breast Cancer Growing understanding of the potential role of REOLYSIN in treating a broad range of cancers CALGARY, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (Oncolytics or the Company) (TSX:ONC) (OTCQX:ONCYF) today announced that the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG, formerly known as the National Cancer Institute of Canada) will present clinical trial data evaluating the Company's investigational immuno-oncology viral-agent, REOLYSIN, during the American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, April 1-5, in Washington, DC. "We're very pleased that CCTG has this opportunity to present final data from the metastatic breast cancer study to the international scientific community," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President & CEO of Oncolytics. The abstract, authored by Bernstein et al, "A randomized (RCT) phase II study of oncolytic reovirus (pelareorep) plus standard weekly paclitaxel (P) as therapy for metastatic breast cancer (mBC)" will be available on the AACR website on March 31, 2017. Submitted by the CCTG, the abstract covers final results from IND 213, an open-label, randomized, non-blinded Phase 2 study to assess the therapeutic combination of intravenously-administered REOLYSIN given in combination with paclitaxel versus paclitaxel alone in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Oncolytics would like to thank the patients that participated in this study, the CCTG and all the physicians and nurses involved. About Breast Cancer The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 255,180 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the United States and 41,070 deaths from the disease in 2017. About Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Oncolytics is a biotechnology company developing REOLYSIN, an immuno-oncology viral-agent, as a potential treatment for a variety of tumor types. The compound induces selective tumor lysis and promotes an inflamed tumor phenotype through innate and adaptive immune responses to potentially treat a variety of cancers. Oncolytics' clinical development program emphasizes three pillars: chemotherapy combinations to trigger selective tumor lysis; immuno-therapy combinations to produce adaptive immune responses; and immune modulator (IMiD) combinations to facilitate innate immune responses. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements, including the Company's expectations related to the Phase 2 clinical trial in breast cancer, future trials in this indication, and the Company's belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer treatment, the tolerability of REOLYSIN outside a controlled test, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN, uncertainties related to the research, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, changes in technology, general changes to the economic environment and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors should consider statements that include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "should", or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Related Links http://www.tmxequicom.com/ "First and foremost, Operation Smile is a global organization that takes care of children with facial deformities. We could not have done this for the past 35 years without the help of thousands of dedicated volunteers and partners," said Dr. Magee. "It is what has enabled us to transition from a mission-driven organization to a provider of sustained comprehensive care. With UNTIL WE HEAL, we are committing to work even harder to ensure that every child in need has access to exceptional surgical care." Operation Smile's global campaign, first inspired by students, aims to mobilize new partners in government and civil society, to join in creating long-term solutions to increase access to safe surgery and eradicate cleft. The campaign will invite citizens around the world to sign the UNTIL WE HEAL pledge to demonstrate to global leaders the overwhelming support for access to safe surgery. Operation Smile Philippines is the first country to sign the pledge with support from Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, who was announced as their newest Smile Ambassador. More than 35 countries are expected to join the effort by engaging their ministries of health and by collecting thousands of signatures from supporters throughout the year. "In our advocacy for universal healthcare, we must call into focus the need for safe surgery, particularly for those with cleft lips and palates," said Vice President Robredo, a former human rights lawyer from Naga City, the location of Operation Smile's first medical mission. "We're hopeful that with Operation Smile's partnership with the Office of the Vice President through our flagship public-private program Angat Buhay, we can heal children and change lives, one safe surgery at a time." Implementing Solutions and Activating Partners to Improve Global Health According to the Lancet Commission, lack of access to safe surgery is a global health crisis that affects billions of people in the developing world. For Operation Smile, every child born with cleft deserves access to safe, timely and effective surgical care. However, there are many barriers to access care, such as lack of awareness of surgical options, inability to travel to a surgical center, and the significant need for more trained health care workers. As a result, many children with untreated cleft conditions are unable to eat or speak properly, attend school, make friends or grow up to secure a job in the worst cases, a cleft can be life-threatening. Operation Smile dedicates significant resources to identify and overcome these barriers to care. As part of the anniversary campaign, Operation Smile is working with partners to build and roll out a digital patient registry platform to connect people living with untreated cleft conditions to local care at its surgical sites. Strategic partnerships and patient-management programs are being established with local organizations like the Boys Scouts of the Philippines, who will travel to remote locations to register potential patients using a new mobile app. Around the world, the objective is to empower local citizens, nonprofits, faith and community-based organizations and local businesses to be patient advocates, who will identify untreated cleft patients and refer them to receive care. Another key strategy for the organization and a call to action for the UNTIL WE HEAL campaign is building local surgical capacity by increasing the number and quality of health care workers through education and training programs. The year will culminate with large-scale, simultaneous medical missions and training programs in 35 countries, impacting more than 5,000 patients and health care workers from November 1 to November 17. "Operation Smile won't stop until we heal every child with cleft," said Kathy Magee, President and Co-Founder of the international medical charity. "We will continue to bring attention to the global lack of access to safe surgery with help from our many partners and volunteers, especially our student leaders, who started this campaign and inspired a global movement." To learn more, sign the pledge, or find out how to get involved, visit www.UntilWeHeal.org. Operation Smile Operation Smile is an international medical charity that has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. It is one of the oldest and largest volunteer-based organizations dedicated to improving the health and lives of children worldwide through access to surgical care. Since 1982, Operation Smile has developed expertise in mobilizing volunteer medical teams to conduct surgical missions in resource-poor environments while adhering to the highest standards of care and safety. Operation Smile helps to fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health, training local medical personnel, and donating much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world. Founded and based in Virginia, U.S., Operation Smile has extended its global reach to more than 60 countries through its network of credentialed surgeons, pediatricians, doctors, nurses, and student volunteers. For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org. MEDIA CONTACT: Brianne Chai-Onn [email protected] 212.715.1526 SOURCE Operation Smile Related Links http://www.operationsmile.org A Perkins franchisee for the past 27 years, Larry Walker was recognized by Perkins and Marie Callender's President & CEO, Jeff Warne as "an industry leader whose restaurants exemplify overall excellence and adherence to brand standards." In keeping with Perkins "No Limits" credo, in 2016 Walker's three restaurants, located in Memphis and Jackson, TN, achieved 8.3% bakery sales and finished the year up 7.3% in sales. Upon accepting the prestigious award, Mr. Walker credited his staff, quality product with perceived value, and hospitality and service standards that exceed guest expectations, for his restaurants' success. A member of the Perkins family since 1990, Walker has been consistently recognized for Bakery Sales and was honored with Perkins Chairman's award in 1992. During the recent conference, franchisee Dick Schuster became the company's first-ever Legacy Award recipient, lauded for his 51 years of involvement with, dedication and commitment to the Perkins brand. In addition to successfully running his Sandusky, Ohio restaurant for more than five decades, Mr. Schuster was commended for having impacted countless number of lives including those of his team, guests and community through leadership in business and volunteer work. In 2001 and 2010, Schuster was honored by Perkins as the recipient of the Founders Award for his dedication to Perkins designated charity, Give Kids The World. Also recognized during the franchise conference were Smithfield Foods as Perkins 2016 Business Partner of the Year; and franchisee Northcott Hospitality as well as the Madison II, Wisconsin Corporate Restaurant and General Manager, Harry Graebe, for their outstanding contributions to Give Kids The World. About Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries: Founded in 1958, Perkins system consists of 392 restaurants in 33 states and Canada, which includes 131 company-owned and operated restaurants and 261 franchised units. With its strong and growing franchise network, Perkins offers services to franchisees including accounting functions, IT support, assistance with new store development/openings and more. Expertise is also delivered one-on-one, through a highly experienced Perkins franchise consultant who acts as a liaison, bringing together the resources franchisees need before, during and after the restaurant opening. The Perkins Franchise Conference is an event that draws franchisees, vendors, and team members from Perkins system-wide. It includes specialized business sessions, seminars, networking events and a culminating awards ceremony that recognizes those who have distinguished themselves through their performance, dedication, commitment and overall contributions to the goals and objectives of the brand. Information about Perkins franchise opportunities can be found at www.perkinsrestaurants.com, or by contacting Perkins at 901.766.645 or [email protected]. SOURCE Perkins Restaurant & Bakery BOSTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Polvora Advertising merged with digital firm Saturno Design in Portland, Oregon. Rudy Bozas, chief executive officer at Polvora informed that the merger was a long-sought strategic opportunity to expand the network for both organizations, and to provide customers with a more complete range of digital and creative offerings. The companies now have representation in all four corners of the US; Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Portland. "Saturno Design is a phenomenal digital shop with a first-in-class team. They do things that we could not do before, and are renowned for their turn-key solutions, as well as the responsive client services all in synergy with our philosophy," said Bozas. The merger reinforces Saturno with a series of new offerings including UX, Design, Branding, Advertising, and Social media, while providing Polvora a robust team of developers in support of digital innovation. "The merger has been a total success. Both companies have gained significantly from each other," said Bozas. Saturno has since moved into a new office space in downtown Portland, Oregon. The new offices increased their previous floor space, creating room for growth in the upcoming years and to house some of Polvora's team members. About Saturno Design Saturno was established in early 2000's, creating software and web services for corporate clients. The company grew to become a leader in the field with software products such as Saturno WebBack, Saturno Nexovia, Saturno Email Marketing Center and Saturno Experience Proposal Center. Saturno recently received recognition by the Web Marketing Association with five accolades in the legal category. Saturno's client list includes Am Law 100 clients like Baker Donelson, Baker & Hostetler, Katten Muchin Rosenman, among others. About Polvora Advertising Polvora is a full-service multicultural and digital agency with offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Portland, and Boston. As a winner of Emma and Mavens Awards for Excellence in Multicultural Marketing, multiple winner of ASTER Awards for Excellence in Medical Marketing, and having its chief creative officer named Top Digital Media Professional of the Year, Polvora excels in every area of the fast evolving marketing and advertising industry. Polvora's client roster services clients, like: Disney, Century 21, Compare.com, Vonage, Boston Children's Hospital, Tufts Health Plans, Partnership for a Healthier America, Blue Bunny, among others. Contacts: Rudy Bozas CEO Polvora Advertising 617-398-0991 [email protected]rtising.com SOURCE Polvora Advertising Related Links http://polvoraadvertising.com SAN DIEGO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Procopio is pleased to announce that Marie Burke Kenny, team leader for the Labor and Employment practice, has been elected to the firm's Management Committee. Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch "We are proud to welcome an outstanding leader to the Management Committee, where we know Marie will provide innovative ideas for the future vision of the firm," said Tom Turner, Procopio's Managing Partner. "We are thrilled that Marie has agreed to take on this expanded role in addition to continuing to lead our very successful Labor and Employment team. Marie is held in the highest regard, both inside and outside of the firm, and we look forward to her strategic contributions in the coming years." At Procopio, Marie has been instrumental in leading the Labor and Employment practice group in high stakes complex class actions, and will also continue to provide leadership to the firm's Women's Initiative. Said Marie, "I am excited to join the Management Committee and look forward to contributing in a significant way to the future vision of the firm. Procopio has achieved year-over-year growth over the last decade, and equally important, we have made purposeful investments in improving our diversity efforts by focusing on recruitment, advancement and retention. In addition to adding 6 new women partners over the last two years, over 30% of our attorneys are diverse. I look forward to joining a great team of leaders as Procopio continues to invest in our clients, our people and our community." Marie will continue to provide Labor and Employment counsel to some of the most successful companies in the Western Region in a wide range of industries including technology, hotel and leisure, communications and retail. Marie has been named as one of the Top 100 Women Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal and is recognized as a Super Lawyer in San Diego. Under Marie's leadership, Procopio's Labor and Employment practice has been awarded a Tier 1 Ranking for Employment Law - Management by U.S. News & World Report. About Procopio Procopio is a full-service business and litigation law firm committed to thoughtful problem solving and improving your bottom line. With more than 150 attorneys based in San Diego, Silicon Valley, Phoenix, Austin and Los Angeleswe're passionate about knowing your business and helping you grow and protect it for the long term. Procopio has the flexible infrastructure to support both small to mid-sized companies and large multinationals at every stage of the business life cycle. Our global reach across Asia and Latin America further expands our international partnerships and cross border capabilities. At Procopio, we are focused on what is important to youproviding smart, innovative and practical solutions in a cost-effective manner to help your business thrive. Learn more at Procopio.com. Media Contact: Kim Jewell Director of Marketing and Marketing Technology Phone: 619.906.5784 Email: [email protected] This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP Related Links http://Procopio.com The rapid growth in the volume of data being stored and managed in data centers in recent years has raised a clear need to realize maximum port density in the smallest space possible. However, increasing density often results in unmanageable cabling, which makes moves, adds and changes (MACs), cable tracking and fault-finding impossible. R&M has specifically designed its new solution keeping these challenges in mind. "Netscale is the next generation fiber optic solution, based on the quality and reliability for which the R&M brand is renowned," said Dr. Thomas Wellinger, market manager data center, R&M. "Its combination of market leading features saves considerable amounts of costly space at large companies in the financial, pharma, colocation and telecom segments as well as edge data centers. In addition, the solution offers a lower cost per port than existing platforms, and provides a flexible upgrade path to accommodate needs for many years to come." Currently available high-density fiber solutions for data centers generally offer up to 72 LC duplex ports per rack unit and pose great difficulties for management. Thanks to R&MinteliPhy technology, Netscale delivers a density of up to 80 RFID-monitored LC duplex or MTP ports, and even 120 standard LC duplex or MTP ports per rack unit. The innovative rear-cabling manager makes it truly easy to manage connections, alleviating risk during MACs and migrations. Modular components and best-in-class network scalability makes it possible to accommodate the unique infrastructure requirements of each data center. Save space and reduce cost per port In most edge data center cases, Netscale's unmatched density makes it possible to consolidate all servers of the PoP into a 1U housing, leaving more space for switching/routing gear. The high density makes it possible for colocation providers to minimize meet-me-room footprint thereby freeing up space for more racks and switches. While the typical 10 to 15 cm draw-out-length of trays places stress on patch cords, Netscale's industry minimum of 5.5 cm and its innovative approach to slack management mitigate cabling damage and thus reduces the risk of downtime. R&MinteliPhy automates the tracking of network cabling, thereby ensuring the data integrity of the documentation. This automated infrastructure management (AIM) solution can be retrofitted on Netscale which allows customers to gradually extend the features and functionality of their investment while managing costs. With the Netscale patch cord, the solution also features R&M's new LC quick release connector in combination with the smallest available diameter uniboot patch cord and cable access from the rear and front. "As an innovative company with challenging data center projects, we are dependent on scalable fiber solutions that can be deployed in confined spaces. We have beta tested Netscale because it supports us in the fully automated operation of our cloud," said Dr. Marius Feldmann, COO, Cloud&Heat. "Netscale has arisen from the close analysis of customer pain points, years of committed R&D, and adherence to the highest quality standards through the production process. It sets the bar for the industry and finally promises IT managers relief from the data center cabling challenges they have faced for years," concluded Dr. Wellinger. About R&M R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a leading global producer of future-proof products and systems for communication and data networks. The company's close collaboration with certified partners results in pioneering connectivity solutions in the sectors LAN, Public and Telecom Networks as well as Data Centers. The Swiss family company stands for innovation, quality, and proximity to customers. More information can be found at www.rdm.com SOURCE R&M USA Inc. Related Links http://www.rdm.com NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Caterpillar Inc. ("Caterpillar" or the "Company") (NYSE: CAT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980. The investigation concerns whether Caterpillar and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here to join a class action] On March 2, 2017, law enforcement officials executing a search warrant searched the Company's facilities in Peoria, Illinois. The Peoria Journal Star newspaper reported that some of the officials that were seen entering Caterpillar's headquarters wore jackets bearing the logo of the Internal Revenue Service. On this news, Caterpillar's share price has fallen as much as $4.05, or 4.11%, during intraday trading on March 2, 2017. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links http://www.pomerantzlaw.com BOSTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SimpliSafe, the nation's fastest growing home security company, and JetBlue today announce a partnership to give the airline's TrueBlue Members an exclusive offer when purchasing a new SimpliSafe home security system. A joint goal of providing tremendous service and customer experience brings the two companies together in this new collaboration. "Both JetBlue and SimpliSafe are rooted in providing exceptional customer service," said Matt Wolf, Director of Partnerships, SimpliSafe. "We are excited to be working with JetBlue to deliver tremendous value and peace of mind to their members while they're away from home." SimpliSafe, winner of CNET's Editors' Choice award, provides exceptional 24/7 wireless home security. Since its founding in 2006, it's gained popularity for easy-to-install technology, having no long-term contract, and offering industry-leading 24/7 professional monitoring for less than half the cost of competitors. TrueBlue members can earn 6,500 TrueBlue points with the purchase of a new SimpliSafe system. TrueBlue points can be redeemed for flights throughout JetBlue's network. JetBlue currently offers 925 daily flights to 100 destinations across the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. Customers can rest assured that their homes are protected by SimpliSafe while they travel. "We're excited to offer even more opportunities for our most loyal customers to earn TrueBlue points," said Scott Resnick, Director Loyalty Marketing, JetBlue. "Our new partnership with SimpliSafe offers TrueBlue members added security when traveling. Members can relax and fully enjoy the JetBlue experience without worrying about their home security system." About SimpliSafe: Founded in 2006 by Chad Laurans, SimpliSafe is a simple, secure and complete do-it-yourself security system. Using wireless components, the alarm system can be customized and installed by the occupant. SimpliSafe also provides nationwide alarm monitoring services for their wireless security systems. SimpliSafe systems and services are sold online at http://SimpliSafe.com. To connect with SimpliSafe, visit the SimpliSafe Facebook or SimpliSafe Twitter. About JetBlue: JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 38 million customers a year to 100 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 925 daily flights. For more information please visit jetblue.com. SOURCE SimpliSafe; JetBlue Related Links http://jetblue.com ROHNERT PARK, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) at their annual conference on February 17, 2017 awarded Sonoma County Distilling Company, CA their most prestigious award to date. The whiskey-focused craft distillery was awarded BEST OF CLASS- WHISKEY and a GOLD Medal for their Sonoma Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength. This is the first major award for the distillery who produces rye, wheat and bourbon whiskeys in the heart of Sonoma County. This year, entries were submitted from 39 states across the country in six main categories: Whiskey, Gin, Rum, Vodka & Grain Spirits, Brandy, and Specialty Spirits. In addition to the Best of Class Distinctions, the judging panel awarded 20 Gold, 66 Silver, and 222 Bronze medals. The complete list of winners is available on the ACSA website, www.americancraftspirits.org. Sonoma County Distilling's Rye Whiskey is made without corn or barley to highlight a pure rye profile. Double-distilled in traditional copper pots stills over a direct-fire, then placed in new charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is aged no less than two years, and no additional proofing was done to release this bottling at cask strength. "This is our biggest award so far and I thank everyone who made this happen. There's so much gratitude for the hard work of our team and the family of people who support us. We take this award home to proudly display in our tasting room as a reminder of why we do what we do each day. Every aspect of our distillation process is done in-house with intention and authenticity. We take great pride in how our whiskeys are crafted, striving for them be a reflection of our roots in California, and more importantly, capitalizing on the amazing terroir of Sonoma County." -Adam Spiegel, Owner/Head Distiller, Sonoma County Distilling Company About Sonoma County Distilling Company Founded in 2010, Sonoma County Distilling Company is now considered one of the pioneers in craft whiskey-making in California. The distillery practices a grain to glass philosophy with production handled in-house including the milling, mashing and fermentation, direct-fired copper alembic pot distillation, American oak barrel aging, bottling and labeling. They are distributed in nine states and fifteen countries. For more information, visit www.SonomaCountyDistilling.com. About American Craft Spirits Association ACSA is a registered non-profit member-owned trade group representing the U.S. craft spirits industry and was created to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers. Members vote for the fifteen democratically elected representatives who make up the Board of Directors, and this Board collectively works to govern the ACSA in a transparent, responsive manner and in accordance with their bylaws. For more information, visit www.americancraftspirits.org. SOURCE Sonoma County Distilling Company Related Links http://www.sonomacountydistilling.com CHICAGO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A more diverse, globally inspired selection of seasonings and spices is helping restaurant operators play up proteins and add heat to the menu. Indian garam masala, Middle Eastern za'atar and Japanese togarashi are some of the enhancements offered by manufacturers to help operators satisfy a growing consumer interest in international flavors. According to data from Technomic's latest Volumix Spices & Seasonings Report, total sales of this category has increased 4.5% year over year in 2016, with spikes also seen in both the average case price and the average price per pound. This information, as well as the wealth of other valuable data points featured in the Volumix Spices & Seasonings Report, can give suppliers visibility into what brands and products operators are purchasing and for what price, also showcasing new product entrants giving perspective on trends evolving in the category. Valuable takeaways from the Volumix Spices & Seasonings Report include: The average case price of spices and seasonings increased by 2.5% over the prior year The average price per pound of spices and seasonings increased by 15.7% over the prior year Morton Salt Inc., Cargill and ACH Food Companies Inc. are the top three manufacturers in this category Volumix generates SKU-level data from over 28,000 independents and small chains operators, serving as an effective tool for suppliers to better understand the competitive environment. To view sample data, or to learn more about this resource, please visit Technomic.com or contact the individuals listed below. For Technomic updates, please follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. Contacts: Press Inquiries and Program Details: Bernadette Noone, (312) 506-3830 or [email protected] Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852 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 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. In Aug. 2015, Winsight 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 In experiments in mice, the researchers found that the activity of Sst interneurons changes when the animal goes from not moving its whiskers (in a resting state) to moving them (in an active state), a process known as whisking. Specifically, the team discovered that the cortex contains a diverse set of Sst interneuron subtypes that reach into different layers of the cortex. Some of the subtypes turn on while others turn off during whisking. The Sst interneurons then either selectively block or encourage the flow of information in ways that the researchers believe helps the animals make informed decisions and guide their movements. "We have long wondered how the cerebral cortex can process and integrate separate information lines coming in from different brain structures, or from other areas of the cortex, and how it sorts out what information is relevant at any given moment," says senior study investigator Bernardo Rudy, MD, PhD. "We now know that Sst interneurons operate like a switchboard that controls the flow of these information lines," adds Rudy, a professor of neuroscience and physiology at NYU Langone. According to Rudy, who is also the Valentino D.B. Mazzia, MD, JD, Professor of Anesthesiology in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, neurons in the cortex are known to play a key role in sensory perception, memory formation, and learning. But the new study, he says, is the first to show the "switchboard" role played by Sst interneurons in the cortex. Because the mouse and human brains have much in common, co-lead study investigator William Munoz, an MD-PhD student at NYU Langone, says the team's findings advance the field's understanding of how the brain processes touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste. The results, adds Munoz, may also speed the search for drug therapies for conditions where the senses are disrupted, including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and autism. Researchers say that with its combination of active and passive brain states, the mouse's reliance on "whisking" to navigate and interpret its environment makes it an "ideal model" to study nerve cell activity during these changing brain processing modes. They point out that the whiskers in the mouse snout are its most important sensory organ, adding that mice and rats are nocturnal animals and use whisker touches to sense their surroundings and decide their movements in the dark. Researchers say the discovery of a "family" of Sst interneurons with different patterns of activity during behavior was made possible due to the recent development of a technique that chemically tags individual neurons with a light-activating substance. The tagging method, known as channelrhodopsin-assisted patching, was developed by Munoz and Robin Tremblay, PhD, a co-lead investigator of the study. This technique, they say, along with a probe inserted into the mouse brain, allowed them to efficiently identify and record the activity of Sst interneurons, which are rare and are intermingled with other types of neurons. Researchers next have plans to analyze the activities of Sst interneurons and other kinds of neurons in the cerebral cortex using their innovative method during more complex behaviors to figure out their role in the processing of sensory information in the brain. Funding support for the study was provided by National Institutes of Health grants R01 NS30989, R21 NS093987, P01NS074972, and F31 NS087919, as well as a graduate research fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Besides Rudy, Munoz, and Tremblay, another co-investigator involved in the study is Daniel Levenstein, MS, a doctoral student at NYU Langone. Media Inquiries: David March 212-404-3528 [email protected] SOURCE NYU Langone Medical Center Related Links http://nyulangone.org Swarovski manufactured the glass bell jar, based on Disney's original design, and provided the 2,160 crystals used on Academy Award winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran's design for Belle's iconic yellow dress. Swarovski crystals were used in the opening scene on the dress worn by Madame de Garderobe, the Prince and Maestro Cadenza's costumes and the crystal house also supplied vintage jewelry. Jacqueline Durran commented: "Swarovski crystals were an important addition to the Prince's costume and Belle's yellow dress. For the Prince, crystals were a key element in recreating an 18th century coat - for the character to be wearing a coat covered with sparkling stones seemed the perfect way to represent his opulence. For Belle, the crystals were part of Garderobe's finishing touch to the yellow gown, when added to the dress's golden print they provided the final magical flourish." Academy Award-nominated set decorator Katie Spencer flew to Swarovski's headquarters in the Austrian Tyrol to work with the company's master cutters to manufacture the Bell Jar, based on Disney's original design. The delicate frozen etching effect was carried out by an artisan craftsman in London. Decorating the top of its ornate dome is a bespoke-cut crystal finial shining with 543 facets. Further crystal embellishment to the set includes several music boxes made by Maurice, Belle's father. Katie Spencer commented: "Working with Swarovski was an incredible experience. Their crystals bring that extra touch of magic, especially to the beautiful centerpiece that is the Bell Jar. Swarovski's technical team in Austria were so passionate, and their expert craftsmanship and dedication really shine through in the end result." Atelier Swarovski jewelry Alongside Swarovski's work with Disney, Atelier Swarovski has created a bold and beautifully feminine jewelry collection inspired by the film's themes of inner beauty and female empowerment. The mystical rose at the heart of Beauty and the Beast is the centerpiece of the collection, reimagined using Swarovski's crystal Pointiage technique across a range of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: "We are thrilled to have worked with Disney on the Beauty & the Beast 'Atelier Swarovski Jewelry Collection.'" We hope the collection celebrates the message of the film of inner beauty, belief and strength of heart and soul, thus empowering all Swarovski clients with this meaning, but also with the beauty of the jewels." The Atelier Swarovski collection will be available in stores and online from February 2017. www.atelierswarovski.com #beautyandthebeast #swarovski #atelierswarovski For Disney's Beauty and the Beast images please click HERE Swarovski Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry, accessories and lighting. Now run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach with approximately 2,680 stores in around 170 countries, more than 26,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.6 billion euros in 2015. Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2015, the Group generated revenue of about 3.37 billion euros and employed more than 30,000 people. A responsible relationship with people and the planet is an integral part of Swarovski's heritage. The global Swarovski Waterschool education program has reached 257,000 children on the world's greatest rivers, and the Swarovski Foundation, set up in 2013, works to support culture and creativity, promote wellbeing, and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact. www.swarovskigroup.com Atelier Swarovski Atelier Swarovski offers cutting edge jewelry, accessories and home decor items which are the ultimate expression of Swarovski crystal. Pushing the boundaries of creativity, it collaborates with the finest talents in the world across fashion, jewelry, architecture and design. Atelier Swarovski presents seasonal jewelry and accessories collaborations twice a year during New York, London and Paris fashion weeks alongside its constantly evolving Core Collection. Atelier Swarovski Home, launched at Milan Design Week in April 2016, consists of functional and decorative objects for the home. Atelier Swarovski was founded by Nadja Swarovski in 2007 as a showcase for creativity, craftsmanship and the art of crystal cutting and crystal innovations. Past collaborators include Jean Paul Gaultier, Viktor&Rolf, Christopher Kane, Maison Margiela and Mary Katranzou for jewelry, and Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and Ron Arad for home decor. www.atelierswarovski.com About Disney's Beauty and the Beast The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in Disney's live-action adaptation "Beauty and the Beast," a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. "Beauty and the Beast" is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle's father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston's long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts. SOURCE Swarovski Related Links http://www.swarovskigroup.com WHITE HALL, W.Va., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Cummins (NYSE:CMI) engine mechanics and service-workers came down from their shop in White Hall, W.Va. to the main street, to inform motorists and community members about what's gone wrong with Cummins, Inc. Cummins diesel engines and generators are everywhere. Teamsters Local 175 members maintain them, providing critical backup for key infrastructure and public and commercial transportation, as well as construction and energy projects in Northwest West Virginia. They ensure that kids' school buses are running and that trash gets picked up, and that hospitals like MonGeneral, nursing homes like Genesis, water treatment plants and even MonPower, the local electric utility, have backup power. "We take great pride in keeping Cummins engines operating because we help our community," said Bryan Quirk, chief steward. "We help protect the public health, and we've helped Cummins become so profitable it's now number 148 on the Fortune 500. It's outrageous that we have to fear for our own families' health, and have been working without a contract for nearly a year. "Cummins wants to push our families' out-of-pocket medical costs sky high, up to $6,000 in deductibles upfront, and they will not give us real access to cheap primary care and other health services they now offer to their headquarters employees in Indiana. These cuts will be very harmful, and this is health discrimination against our families." West Virginia Cummins workers and their families are currently covered by a Local 175 Health and Welfare health insurance plan. Cummins operates two shops servicing the state, one in Fairmont and one in Charleston. "The union plan's annual deductible is nearly nine times cheaper than the company's unaffordable and harmful plan. Cummins wants us to give that up. Cummins also wants our families to lose access to Local 175's free primary care clinic in Charleston, in exchange for nothing. And the company plan's immediate future is uncertain, given all the talk in Congress of repealing the Affordable Care Act. That's just morally wrong, and it's also unsustainable," said Luke Farley, Trustee of the Local 175 Health Fund. Cummins forced high-deductible health plans onto employees across its American operations beginning in 2011, and the company is now in the process of extending these plans to their service shops. There are many employee complaints across Cummins' national footprint, including those who say that the Cummins plan is known as the "the No-Surance Plan." High-deductible health plans in general have been exposed as plans that undermine affordability, and can endanger the health of patients. These plans are "particularly inappropriate for children," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Under these plans, children are in danger of not getting the health care they need. Most Fairmont Cummins Teamsters provide health insurance for their families. Many have children on their plans. The growing strife at Cummins could be a problem for West Virginia-area infrastructure reliability needs, since Cummins mechanics are highly skilled technicians and the company might have problems with retention or a possible breakdown in labor relations. "We don't know if we can continue to provide maintenance service under these conditions," Quirk said. Just a year ago, in Charleston, Cummins backed down from a similar effort to cut its mechanics off of good Teamsters health insurance, after its employees threatened to strike. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Dana Scott, (304) 389-9704 SOURCE Teamsters Local 175 LONDON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tecnored will present at CleanEquity Monaco 2017 on March 9th & 10th at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. CleanEquity is an annual invitation-only event hosted by Innovator Capital, the London based specialist investment bank. The conference provides an intimate and collegiate setting for inventors and entrepreneurs to share their stories with delegates - key decision makers looking to assist them with reaching their commercial and strategic goals. Other partners and sponsors include Prince Albert II of Monaco's Foundation, Covington & Burling, Cisco EIR, Cision, Cranfield University, Hobbs & Towne, the Monaco Economic Board, Parkview and the Social Stock Exchange. Tecnored has been identified by an expert panel as one of the world's most innovative sustainable technology companies and has been selected to present to senior financial and strategic cleantech investors, policy makers, legislators, end users and media. Tecnored is an innovative technology for the production of liquid iron with the potential for zero net carbon emissions. It aims to be commercialized at a lower total cost, investment and operating cost, than existing technology's operating cost. The reduction in operating cost results from a 15% increase in energy efficiency whilst using lower cost raw materials, including biomass charcoal fines and a wide range of steel plant waste residues. Using 100% biomass charcoal, and accounting for credits from power generation, the technology has a net zero carbon impact. If biomass charcoal is not available at the location it can operate with thermal coal fines, half the cost of the traditionally used metallurgical coal. The concept of self-reduction, using a cold briquetted mix of iron ore and carbon fines instead of traditional lump coke and iron ore sinter, has been under development for 30 years. By using cold briquetting two 1,000 degree furnaces are dispensed with - the coke ovens and sinter furnaces that are traditionally used to prepare the feed for the blast furnace. In addition, the Tecnored furnace is far more compact, 30m high instead of 100m for the blast furnace, due to the greatly accelerated reduction of the iron ore to liquid iron, 20 minutes for the briquettes in Tecnored, as compared to 8 hours for the blast furnace. Using one compact Tecnored furnace instead of the three furnaces traditionally used reduces the investment. The use of one furnace instead of three increases energy efficiency. The increased energy efficiency and the use of cheaper raw materials reduces the operating cost. In 2011 Tecnored commissioned a first-of-a-kind industrial plant in Sao Paolo, Brazil, with a nominal capacity of 75,000 tonnes/year. This plant ran trial campaigns over five years until the process was proven commercially viable in 2015, producing high quality iron which allows Tecnored easily to be retro-fitted into existing steel plants. Annual global steel production totals 1.6 billion tonnes, and represents 9% of total global carbon emissions. Tecnored aims to profitably address this challenge with the company targeting to install annual production capacity of 20 million tonnes over the next 20 years, representing 1% of global production. Early plant sales are envisioned to be replicas of the existing industrial plant used to process steel plant residues. In addition, plants 4 times the size can be installed to complement iron production at blast furnaces, or at electric arc furnaces where the use of liquid iron can both increase productivity and reduce power consumption. In a regulatory context where steel plants are pressured by both economic and environmental challenges, Tecnored can offer solutions by processing waste residues, reducing environmental liabilities and reducing the carbon footprint, all whilst reducing cost. After halving the carbon footprint and particulates emissions using blast furnaces from the second world war to the beginning of the new millennium, technical limits have been reached with little meaningful improvement over the last two decades. Other new technologies have been tried since the 1970's but with no new technologies trialled at an industrial scale since 2005. Tecnored represents the best hope for a truly sustainable steel industry. Tecnored is currently seeking both strategic investors, interested in leading the proliferation of the technology, as well as cleantech co-investors to provide good governance, leadership and insights on the path to commercialize the technology. The company is running a financing round for $10 million, to be met with an equal amount of match funding, to conclude 3 groups of projects over two years increasing the environmental range of the technology. Tecnored Desenvolvimento Tecnologico S.A. Av. Eng. Luiz Dumont Villares, KM 2 12442-260 Pindamonhangaba, Sao Paulo - Brazil T.: (+55 12) 2126 5252 R: 5270 E.: [email protected] W.: www.tecnored.com.br About Innovator Capital Innovator Capital, established in 2003, is a specialist investment bank advising emerging technology companies on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Its expertise includes intellectual property and multi national strategic partnering. www.cleanequitymonaco.com SOURCE Innovator Capital Related Links http://www.innovator-capital.com The overwhelming majority of Americans want members of Congress to work together to pass legislation that tackles our nation's toughest challenges. This rally jumpstarts a year of action in building a more united and stronger path forward for our country. The Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus, which features dozens of House members from both political parties, is helping to lead this effort and plans to play a key role in bridging the partisan divide in Washington. THURSDAY MARCH 2 9:15 AM Steps of the Capitol Building (South East side, House Steps) WHAT: Media photo and interview opportunities with No Labels citizen leaders and Members of the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus The citizen leaders, hailing from all 50 states, are in town for the No Labels National Problem Solvers Conference. On Wednesday, March 1, they took part in a day of business and planning meetings focused on organizing and growing the No Labels movement within their communities. On Thursday, March 2, they will take to Capitol Hill. Adorned in their "Fix Not Fight" t-shirts, they will rally on the Capitol steps before heading to meetings with their respective members of Congress. MEDIA RSVP IS STRONGLY ADVISED BY EMAILING [email protected] SOURCE No Labels Related Links http://www.nolabels.org PALO ALTO, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ThoughtSpot, the search-driven analytics company, today announced it exceeded growth targets for its' fiscal year ended January 31, 2017 with 270% growth in customers. Legacy BI vendors are losing ground as customers shift their technology budgets toward new modern BI platforms focused on making analytics easier for business people - and not just IT data experts. "This has been a breakout year for ThoughtSpot with tremendous customer growth, key executive hires, $60M in new funding, and our debut in the Gartner 2017 Magic Quadrant for BI and Analytics," said Ajeet Singh, co-founder and CEO of ThoughtSpot. "We've seen customer adoption skyrocket with over 3 million ad hoc searches performed on our platform. Our rapid growth validates the market's desire for a search-driven analytics solution that brings data-driven decisions to every person at every level of an organization." Leading Fortune 500 brands in retail, financial services, manufacturing and healthcare are turning to ThoughtSpot's Relational Search technology to make it easier for non-technical business people to analyze their company data in seconds. Fast growing list of customers include leading brands Amway, Scotiabank, Sterling National Bank, Celebrity Cruises, CMC Markets, Miami Children's Hospital, and several other Fortune 500 customers. "ThoughtSpot is helping us revolutionize patient care and streamline hospital operations," said Ed Martinez, CIO of Miami Children's Health. "With ThoughtSpot, our frontline hospital staff, clinicians and executive team are able analyze millions of rows of Healthcare data to answer their own questions in minutes. Search-driven analytics has given us the ability to access data that we never could before." Customer & Sales Growth Increased sales and returning customers accelerated ThoughtSpot's growth in 2016. Key milestones included: Grew customer base by 270%, with 28% of customers coming from Fortune 500. Drove average deal size well into the six-figures. Closed multiple seven-figure deals. Increased customer adoption with over 3 million total ad hoc searches on the platform, saving an estimated 5 million hours of data analyst time and $250 million in labor costs. in labor costs. Delivered rapid business value resulting in 40% of customers increasing their investment by 220% within the first year. Broadened partner program and launched notable new partnerships with HPE, Epson, and Peak Indicators. Company Expansion In 2016, ThoughtSpot significantly expanded its London-based EMEA team, and opened an office in Seattle, Washington. To further accelerate growth, ThoughtSpot appointed several new executives. Brian Blond joins as Chief Revenue Officer. Blond previously directed the sales teams at Tealium, a Southern California based software company, and Vitrue, a social media publishing software group recently acquired by Oracle. based software company, and Vitrue, a social media publishing software group recently acquired by Oracle. Tom Weeks joins as Chief Customer Officer. Tom was previously the VP of Customer Success & Digital Strategy at Apigee Corp, an API management and predictive analytics software company based in Silicon Valley. joins as Chief Customer Officer. Tom was previously the VP of Customer Success & Digital Strategy at Apigee Corp, an API management and predictive analytics software company based in Silicon Valley. Davy Nys joins as the GM of EMEA. Davy was previously the VP of Global Strategic Sales at Pentaho, a BI software company recently purchased by Hitachi Data Systems. Marc Odenweller joins as VP Global Channels. Marc was previously the VP of Strategic Partner Sales at Delphix, a database virtualization company, and the VP of Americas Sales - Analytics & PaaS at TIBCO Software, an integration and analytics software company. Funding Expansion ThoughtSpot also announced Series C funding from top venture capital firms General Catalyst, Geodesic Capital, and Hewlett Packard Pathfinder, growing total investment in the company to $100M. In addition to the investment from HP Pathfinder, ThoughtSpot joined HP's Partnership program and formed a strategic partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). ThoughtSpot and HPE now co-sell a joint solution, where ThoughtSpot's Relational Search software runs on HPE infrastructure, and HPE is a reseller of ThoughtSpot's search-driven analytics solution. Awards and Accolades ThoughtSpot has earned industry accolades and honors over the past year including: Gartner 2017 Magic Quadrant for BI & Analytics Platforms, Gartner 2016 Cool Vendor in Analytics, San Francisco Business Journal Best Places to Work 2016, and Innovation Enterprise's "Most Innovative Data Solution". About ThoughtSpot ThoughtSpot is a next generation analytics platform powered by the World's first Relational Search engine. ThoughtSpot's search-driven analytics lets business people analyze their company data in seconds. ThoughtSpot's new breed of BI architecture and in-memory calculation engine was built from the ground up to make it easy to analyze billions of rows of data across multiple data sources, while delivering sub-second performance and enterprise-wide governance. ThoughtSpot connects with any on-premise, cloud, big data, or desktop data source and deploys 85% faster than legacy technologies. With ThoughSpot, BI & Analytics teams have cut their reporting backlogs by over 90% and enabled thousands of daily decisions throughout their organizations. ThoughtSpot has built the world's most advanced, yet easy-to-use number-crunching machine with a singular mission - to deliver access to data and insights at "human scale." For more information please visit thoughtspot.com. SOURCE ThoughtSpot Related Links http://www.thoughtspot.com/ CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After an extensive, industry-wide evaluation of Aircraft Interface Device (AID) options, Lufthansa Technik has selected the latest generation AID from UTC Aerospace Systems to enable a wide range of cost-saving solutions for its customers. Lufthansa Technik launched a review of AID solutions from leading suppliers on behalf of Lufthansa for a more connected aircraft and the associated value-creating solutions. The study evaluated AID products from suppliers across multiple criteria, including cost, range of input/output, processing power, storage capacity and upgradeability. Luftansa Technik completed testing in its own facility to ensure the competition was based on unbiased data. Following the wide-ranging assessment, the UTC Aerospace Systems AID was selected as the preferred platform due to its data processing performance, advanced network security features, ability to host embedded applications and reliability. Lufthansa Technik received EASA certification for the AID system on the Airbus A320 family and is already preparing follow-on certifications on various commercial aircraft types for customers beyond the Lufthansa Group. Lufthansa German Airlines has ordered the AID for their fleet of A320 series aircraft, with options for the rest of their fleet. AID development and production work is being performed by UTC Aerospace Systems' Sensors and Integrated Systems business in Burnsville, Minnesota. "For Lufthansa Technik's customers, the latest AID will provide enhanced functionality, improved safety, stronger cybersecurity and greater in-flight data connectivity, while simultaneously reducing costs," said Mark Skarohlid, Vice President of Business Development for UTC Aerospace Systems. "At UTC Aerospace Systems, we're committed to providing our customers with the cutting-edge technology they need to improve performance and drive down cost, and we look forward to continuing to partner with Lufthansa moving forward." About UTC Aerospace Systems UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries, supporting a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utcaerospacesystems.com or follow us on Twitter: @utcaerosystems About United Technologies Corporation United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems Related Links http://www.utcaerospacesystems.com NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9%" The tube packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period of 2016 to 2021 and reach USD 9.30 billion by 2021. The tube packaging market is gaining momentum due to factors such as the growth in the flexible packaging industry and increase in demand for small size packs for cosmetic and personal care products. Other factors driving the tube packaging market are advancements in packaging technologies and increase in demand for excellent barrier properties for the packaging of pharmaceutical products which are provided by laminated tubes. However, the stringent government regulations are restraining the growth of the tube packing market. The regulatory authorities ensure that the raw material used is a biodegradable waste. Hence, the packaging industry is required to make its packaging sustainable. The costs of using raw materials are high. This adds to the production cost. This becomes a major restraint to the market as the profit margin of the companies is reduced. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04753177-summary/view-report.html "Cosmetics & oral care, by application, held the largest market share in the tube packaging market in 2015" The cosmetics & oral care segment is estimated to dominate the application segment of the tube packaging market and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Improved standards of living, coupled with rising disposable income of the working middle-class population in emerging economies is expected to drive the growth of the cosmetics & oral care industry. "The aluminum tubes segment is projected to dominate the tube packaging market through 2022" The aluminum tubes segment is estimated to dominate the material type segment of tube packaging market as aluminum tubes are light weight, shatterproof, impermeable, and flexible in nature and corrosion-resistant. Moreover, aluminum tubes prevent high volatile constituents of the contents from escaping and hence preserve the content for a longer period. Laminate tubes is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period owing to its multi-layered barrier structure, which provides excellent barrier properties and minimizes the transfer of oxygen and light. Hence, laminated tubes are largely used for the packaging of pharmaceutical products. "Europe dominated the tube packaging market in 2015" In 2015, Europe accounted for the largest share of the total tube packaging market, in terms of value, followed by North-America and Asia-Pacific. The demand for convenient, safe, and innovative packaging has driven this market in the European region. Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest growth from 2016 to 2021, wherein, China is projected to be fastest-growing country-level market in the region. Factors such as the rising middle class population and higher disposable income in emerging economies of China, India, and Japan is expected to drive the growth of the cosmetics & oral care industry in Asia-Pacific region, which will subsequently drive the tube packaging market. Breakdown of Primaries Primary interviews were conducted with a number of industry experts in order to collect data related to different aspects of the tube packaging market. Estimates reached after analyzing secondary sources were validated through these interviews. Primary sources included professionals such as manufacturers, distributors, consultants, and academic professionals. The distribution of primary interviews is as follows: By Company Type: Tier 1 43%, Tier 2 33%, Tier 3 24% By Designation: C Level 40%, Manager Level 35%, Others- 25% By Region: North America 20%, Asia-Pacific 12%, Europe 10%, Middle-East and Africa 8%, Latin America 50%, Note: The tier of the companies is defined on the basis of their total revenue, as of 2015. Tier 1: Revenue > USD 500 million; Tier 2: USD 100 million < USD 500 million; Tier 3: Revenue < USD 100 million The various key players profiled in the report are as follows: 1. Amcor Ltd. (Australia), 2. Albea Group (France), 3. Essel Propack Ltd. (India), 4. Huhtamaki OYJ (Finland), 5. Constantia Flexibles (Austria), 6. Sonoco (U.S), 7. VisiPak. (U.S.) 8. Montebello Packaging (Canada), 9. Unette Corporation (U.S.), 10. Worldwide Packaging Inc. (U.S.), Research Coverage The segmentation considered for this report is based on type, material type, application, and regions that constitute the key markets. The report covers detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the tube packaging market such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been carried out to provide insights into their business overview, products & services, key strategies, new product launches, agreements, expansions, and recent developments associated with the tube packaging market. 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 tube packaging market comprehensively and provides the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall market and the subsegments across the different verticals and regions. 2. The report helps stakeholders to understand the market and provides them information on key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. 3. This report will help stakeholders to better understand their competitors and gain more insights into their position in the business. The competitive landscape section includes new product launches, expansions & investments, mergers & acquisitions, and agreements Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04753177-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 LANHAM, Md., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Orolia, through its McMurdo brand, the most trusted name in emergency readiness and response, announced today that it was awarded a critical contract by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for nationwide enhancements to their existing Search and Rescue (SAR) satellite technology. Enhancements will enable the MCA to operate with the new Medium-altitude Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) satellites that are being deployed now. The contract includes one year of installation and training, followed by an additional three years of service and support. With this contract award, McMurdo is the worldwide market leader in MEOSAR installations. Based in Portsmouth, the McMurdo UK team offers the proximity and expertise required to deliver rapid response to customer needs. System design and development will be completed at Orolia's world-leading MEOSAR engineering center at the Americas Headquarters facility in the Washington, D.C. area while local deployment and support will be provided by the Portsmouth office. The company will equip the UK MCA with a new MEOSAR-capable McMurdo mission control center to serve as the central control system that collects distress signals and routes them to the appropriate rescue coordination center. When fully operational, the upgraded MEOSAR system is expected to dramatically improve the speed and location accuracy for detecting emergency distress beacons. The company will also install innovative Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminals (MEOLUT) and upgrade LUTs, or ground stations, that operate on the GEOSAR and LEOSAR satellite constellations for comprehensive program support. The combination will enable the UK MCA to find individuals by their activated distress beacons using the most reliable system on the market today. "This nationwide satellite system upgrade will provide unparalleled precision, timing and decision support data to UK search and rescue teams," said Chris Loizou, Chief Business Development Officer of Orolia. "We are proud to support the UK MCA with world-leading technology developed through our forty-year history of innovation." "The Maritime and Coastguard Agency continually seek opportunities to further advance our search and rescue service delivery and reputation," said Richard Parkes, Director of Maritime Operations. "McMurdo's MEOSAR-enabled mission control center and ground stations will provide the highest caliber technology and performance to support our SAR personnel, enabling us to provide mariners in distress with better response operations to save even more lives." About McMurdo McMurdo (www.mcmurdogroup.com), an Orolia brand, is a global leader in emergency readiness and response, with the only end-to-end solutions for search and rescue (SAR) and maritime domain awareness. Half of the world's SAR satellite ground infrastructure has been installed by McMurdo, and McMurdo has manufactured 25 percent of the world's 500,000 registered beacons. Hundreds of customers around the worldincluding NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Coast Guard and others in the aerospace, defense and government sectorshave trusted McMurdo to prevent emergencies, protect assets and save more than 40,000 lives since 1982. About Orolia Orolia (www.orolia.com) is the world leader in resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of customers' critical, remote or high-risk operations. Through its leading Kannad, McMurdo, Sarbe, Spectracom and Spectratime brands, Orolia has more than 400 employees and sales presence in over 100 countries worldwide. Leading organizations including Airbus, NASA, Thales and Raytheon rely on Orolia for fail-safe GNSS and PNT products and solutions for their mission critical needs. Founded in 2006, Orolia has a global presence with offices in China, France, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, India, the U.K. and the U.S.A. About the Maritime & Coastguard Agency The United Kingdom Maritime & Coastguard Agency (UK MCA) (www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency) works to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea, producing legislation and guidance on maritime matters and certification to seafarers. The UK MCA provides a 24-hour maritime search and rescue service around the UK coast, and international search and rescue through HM Coastguard. Headquartered in Southampton, the agency has offices and co-ordination centres around the UK coast. For European Press: Pippa Treavett or Sophie Foyle ADPR on behalf of McMurdo Tel: +44 (0)1460 241641 [email protected] / [email protected] For U.S. Government and Defense Press: Jennifer Hewitt Boscobel Marketing Communications, Inc. on behalf of McMurdo Mobile: +1 571-388-8671 [email protected] For General Press Inquiries: [email protected] SOURCE McMurdo Related Links http://www.mcmurdogroup.com SAN MARCOS, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of St. Augustine Health Sciences (USAHS), a leading graduate institution that emphasizes health science education through innovative classroom education, is pleased to announce that the institution will present the "Spinal Evaluation & Manipulation" seminar for physical therapists looking for continuing education units, throughout the U.S. These three-day seminars will explore basic science knowledge toward the development of clinical skills needed for differential evaluation and effective treatment of spinal dysfunction. The seminar will include instruction and techniques of evaluating structure, active movements and palpation for condition, position and mobility of the spine. Manipulation techniques are instructed at all levels of the spine except the sub cranial area. Supportive treatments, such as exercises and distraction, will be instructed and practiced to a limited degree. At the conclusion of the seminar, students should feel confident when examining and treating most common spinal conditions. Learning objectives include: Conducting a comprehensive physical examination of the spine Describing the mechanisms and characteristics of spinal pain and the behavior of pain patients Safely perform basic spinal manipulation techniques Observing, performing and demonstrating safe thrust techniques on thoracic and lumbar spine Discussing and presenting cases with spinal dysfunction Describing the indication and contraindications of spinal manipulation Demonstrating and appreciating the role of therapeutic exercise and preventative measures in the management of spinal dysfunction The Spinal Evaluation & Manipulation seminar will be offered on the following and locations. All seminars will run from 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. March 3 5, 2017 The TRIA Physical Therapy & Education Center 3800 American Blvd, West Suite 300, Bloomington, MN 55431 Instructor: Larry Yack, PT, DPT, MTC March 17 20, 2017 NYC Seminar & Conference Center 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 515, New York, NY 10010 Instructor: Larry Yack, PT, DPT, MTC March 24 26, 2017 APEX Physical Therapy 1420 9th Street, Suite 401, West Fargo, ND 58078 Instructor: Larry Yack, PT, DPT, MTC April 21 23, 2017 Honolulu, HI Instructor: Rusty Smith, PT, EdD, MMSc, OCS, MTC April 21 23, 2017 St. Augustine, FL Instructor: Eric Furto, PT, DPT, MTC May 5- 7, 2017 Birmingham, AL Instructor: Eric Furto, PT, DPT, MTC May 12 14, 2017 Austin, TX Instructor: Larry Yack, PT, DPT, MTC May 19 21, 2017 San Marcos, CA Instructor: Larry Yack, PT, DPT, MTC May 19 21, 2017 Seoul, Korea Instructor: Mike Irwin, PT, DPT, MHSc, MTA June 2 4, 2017 Atlanta, GA Instructor: Eric Furto, PT, DPT, MTC Additional Seminar Information: Tuition: $595 Hours: 26 (includes 5 online hours) or 2.6 CEUs or 3 graduate credits 26 (includes 5 online hours) or 2.6 CEUs or 3 graduate credits Prerequisite: Intro S1 Webinar & Pre-course FCO Home study (included with S1) Intro S1 Webinar & Pre-course FCO Home study (included with S1) Who Attends: Physical Therapists For more information on an upcoming seminar or to register, visit https://usa-cpe.edubrite.com. To learn more about this seminar, to speak with a USAHS faculty member or for more information on USAHS, please contact Rachael Lighty at [email protected] or 410.218.6055. About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Miami, Florida. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. USAHS is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. For more information about USAHS visit www.usa.edu. SOURCE University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Related Links https://www.usa.edu WASHINGTON, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organic agriculture worldwide continues to set new records, with global sales reaching more than 80 billion U.S. dollars a year and the United States still leading as the largest organic market, attendees learned at BioFach 2017, the latest iteration of the largest organic trade fair for food in the world held in February in Nuremberg, Germany. BioFach drew a record number of visitors this year, reflecting the excitement and opportunities surrounding organic globally. For the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) international effort, this was an event to highlight the important role U.S. organic leadership and experts play in global organic sector growth and collaboration. "Sharing our experience and lessons learned in the U.S. organic industry internationally has never been more important. Organic is growing everywhere, and many people are eager to learn about the largest market in the world," reports Monique Marez, OTA's International Trade Director, who leads the USA Organic Worldwide program. And, she adds, "At the same time, trade opportunities for U.S. organic businesses continue to flourish as more international buyers want the USDA Organic seal represented in their market." In its highest level of activity ever at the annual trade fair and accompanying activities, the U.S. Organic Worldwide team took part in five sessions at the congress. A session giving a Global Organic Market Overview hosted by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM Organics International generated much interest. The dynamic session included three panelists summarizing organic trends: OTA's Monique Marez, Dr. Helga Willer of FiBL, and Xiandong Zhang of Organic and Beyond Corporation from China. The information provided reflected a sampling of the statistics and trends included in The World of Organic Agriculture 2017 released by FiBL and IFOAM-Organics International in conjunction with the trade fair. In addition, in a first, The Organic Center collaborated with FiBL to present recent organic scientific research updates, from on-farm solutions to nutritional aspects of organic. Speaking on behalf of The Organic Center, OTA's Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs Gwendolyn Wyard reported on research findings tracked by The Center to a standing room only audience, while Christian Andres of FiBL based in Switzerland presented study findings on European organic research. Also generating much excitement was a session entitled "Growing the Organic Reach: Developments in Diversifying the Organic Supply Chain and the Organic Story." Partnering with OTA in this session were Eric Newman of Organic Valley and blogger Leah Segedie of Mamavation. "Organic Valley's participation in BioFach is essential as members of the global organic community and the organic movement. BioFach is the ideal venue for us to collaborate with like-minded farmers, governmental agencies, industry partners and customers. We learn from our interactions with the global organic industry and add to the discussions by sharing our best practices and marketing insights," said Eric Newman, Vice President of Sales. "BioFach is always the highlight of our trade events participation, and the vibrancy of the industry shows itself in the diversity and quality of the participants and organic food." Added blogger Leah Segedie, "I was proud to inspire attendees from other countries to take a more active role in social media. Companies and organizations in the United States have excelled at using social media as a force for positive change by partnering with influencers, non-profits, and being available online through social channels. There is so much we can learn from each other." Other sessions focused on EU-U.S. Organic Trade: Challenges and Opportunities after Five Years of Organic Equivalency and one centering on German state action plans for organic industry support and growth. In the latter, OTA's Marez was invited to share OTA's organic hotspots research showing how organic agriculture can help communities thrive, raising economic markers and creating real opportunities in rural areas. In addition, OTA hosted 13 U.S. supplier companies at BioFach, with organic products ranging from maple syrup to beans and grains, nuts and nut butters to tomato products, frozen food (poultry, meals) to soup, rice cakes to sprouted flours, and vanilla to condiments. For Vivanessthe co-located International Trade Fair for Natural Personal Care, OTA hosted four U.S. supplier participants, with organic products ranging from lip balm to hair and sun care, and personal care products to facial care. First time exhibitor Amit Haryani, co-owner of Karmalize.me based in New Jersey, reported there was much interest in company's organic nut and nut butter products. "We made connections with four retail chain buyers, and over ten distributors from over ten different countries," he said, adding, "We anticipate potential sales to be around $250,000 even if Karmalize.me manages just two new accounts from the show." The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA') Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Market Access Program (MAP) makes such U.S. international trade activities possible. For 2017, USDA has allocated a total of $845,946 in MAP funding to the Organic Trade Association for international trade activities. In 2016, MAP funding led to more than $48 million in projected sales for U.S. companies participating in OTA organized trade opportunities. Since the mid-1990s, OTA has worked to help promote organic agricultural products in global markets and to connect buyers and sellers. OTA has been an official cooperator in USDA's Market Access Program since 1999. OTA's membership represents about 85 percent of U.S. organic exports. The market promotion activities administered by OTA are open to the entire organic industry. In March, in addition to hosting buyers from around the world who will meet with U.S. organic companies in conjunction with Natural Products Expo West, OTA's offshore international effort will feature a presence at FoodEx Japan. There, for the first time ever, there will be a keynote speech on U.S. and Japan organic efforts. OTA also is now working on hosting and planning the Inter-American Commission for Organic Agriculture (ICOA) annual meeting in Portland, OR, in July. Founded in 2008, ICOA supports organic agriculture in the Americas and facilitates the trade of organic products. Consisting of agriculture officials from 18 member countries in Latin America, it aims to harmonize organic standards, strengthen control systems and support market development in Latin America. The United States sources many organic products from this region, including bananas, apples, pears, wine, strawberries, blueberries, coffee, mangoes, papayas, winter vegetables, and more. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA's mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace. The Organic Trade Association does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, national origin or ancestry, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation or military status. Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program information can contact us at [email protected]. SOURCE Organic Trade Association Related Links http://www.ota.com SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitalah, the Proud Creators of Oxylent (www.oxylent.com), has teamed up with 5 leading Natural Product brands to offer their customers the giveaway of the year! Oxylent, Bodyceuticals, Sovereign Silver, Essential Formulas, Natural Vitality and Navitas Organics are pleased to announce the 2017 Aloha Giveaway! During the months of March, April and May, 18 lucky winners will be selected to receive a gift box full of exciting products from each participating brand, and in June, Oxylent will be selecting one Grand Prize Winner from all submitted entries to receive a 5-day Health and Wellness Rejuvenation Package at the Maui Healing Retreat in Hawaii! Here's How to Enter: Create a video of yourself enjoying your favorite Oxylent product(s) Tell everyone why you love Oxylent & focus on its quality, taste & how it makes you feel Mention one or more of your favorite participating brands (Bodyceuticals, Sovereign Silver, Essential Formulas, Natural Vitality or Navitas Organics) Submit your video one of three ways! 1) Upload on www.oxylent.com 2) On our Facebook page fill out the Aloha Giveaway entry form OR 3) Upload your video on Instagram then tag @drinkoxylentbreathelife and use the hashtag #OxylentAlohaGiveaway (post must be public to qualify) We encourage you to also like and follow Oxylent on Facebook and Instagram for giveaway and product updates! For more information on the 2017 Aloha Giveaway, please be sure to visit www.oxylent.com/alohagiveaway for our terms and conditions. The 5-day Health and Wellness Rejuvenation Package is hosted by Samana Wellness, Banyan Bed & Breakfast and the Maui Healing Retreat in Makawao, HI. About Vitalah Vitalah was founded by Lisa Lent as an "invitation to health" born from her passion to create the ultimate supplement for everyday life. Vitalah's flagship product, Oxylent, is an effervescent multivitamin drink containing a unique blend of essential nutrients that enable the body to function at peak levels. Purchasing Oxylent products supports Vitamin Angelsa global non-profit organization that provides under-nourished children with nutritional supplements. Oxylent formulas are available nationwide at major natural food retailers including Whole Foods, The Vitamin Shoppe, Sprouts, and online at oxylent.com. For more information on Oxylent and its amazing line of Multivitamin Effervescent Drinks visit www.oxylent.com or call 877.OXYLENT (877.699.5368). Find Oxylent on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oxylent, on Twitter at @oxylent and on Instagram at @drinkoxylentbreathelife. 831.724.6300 [email protected] SOURCE Vitalah CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual StrongBox, Inc. is a finalist for a Blue Diamond Award, recognizing the best in technology in the greater Charlotte area. Known for its patented, state-of-the-art software and secure digital transformation platform for high-risk industries, Virtual StrongBox is one of three final contenders in the Business Value Small Business category, which recognizes achievements of companies providing the most business value in information technology solutions. Ron Daly, CEO, Virtual StrongBox, Inc. President/CEO Ron Daly says Virtual StrongBox's platform grew from the Company's need to store its sensitive data and that of nearly 300 high-risk clients. Data security was the last objection to the enterprise technology team getting on the digital transformation train. "Our clients recognized their future growth depends on innovative digital solutions that include a cloud technology strategy, but there wasn't a solution robust enough to assure the highest data security," Daly said. "Given our team's deep industry experience, we knew digital transformation and the cost benefits of cloud technology couldn't be a reality for high-risk industries like ours until the problem of data security was resolved." Daly and his staff spent two years designing technology and challenging long-held industry beliefs to overcome the problem. When Daly launched Virtual StrongBox, cloud storage companies were consumer based and light on security; nothing was available for Enterprise-IT class firms like financial, insurance and healthcare organizations. On top of addressing security concerns, Virtual StrongBox took extra steps toward data sovereignty and total information privacy. Only the Virtual StrongBox owner can see files in his/her personal StrongBox, placing Virtual StrongBox strategy at the forefront of personal data stores and "identity hubs." Consumers take possession of their digital assets and personal data, and can store and exchange files as needed with external entities. Protected by four patents, the system's secure file-exchange feature and open API strategy helps innovative companies use the cloud to transform workflows and realize operational efficiencies. "The Blue Diamond Awards have celebrated the Charlotte region's best in technology for more than 20 years. The 2017 celebration will be greater than ever as business and technology leaders come together to recognize the exceptional technology innovation and talent of Charlotte's BDA finalists," said Kay Read, Collaborative Director. In partnership with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Diamond Awards are presented by the Charlotte Area Technology Collaborative, which promotes economic development by connecting businesses, education, and organizations to nurture a diverse technology talent pipeline. The Charlotte region includes 2.8 million people living in 12 counties in North Carolina and four in South Carolina. Along with Business Value, the awards recognize achievements in Cool Innovation, Community Outreach, Human Capital, IT Entrepreneur and Student Innovator. Last year's award recipients include Ally Bank, AvidXchange, Product Stack, E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide), Ekos Brewmaster, SIM (Society for Information Management), and Cloud Genera. Awards will be presented April 4 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Blue Diamond Awards gather top IT and business executives to support a culture that emphasizes the importance of technology and acknowledge Charlotte's role as a competitive hub for technology innovation. Already the nation's second-largest financial center, the City was recognized for its impressive growth in the technology sector in 2015 28%, 2010 to 2013. About Virtual StrongBox, Inc. Virtual StrongBox is a secure platform that enables digital transformation for the high-risk Enterprise. The platform provides the data security needed to support both secure cloud usage and simple, seamless customer interactions. Our secure document storage and file-exchange platform transforms legacy technology and workflows by bridging the gap between customer convenience demands and IT security requirements. Clients report 70% to 80% in cost benefits from operating efficiencies, paper savings, labor and time-intensive processes, and the ability to exchange information and files with customers faster. Virtual StrongBox is available in either a private-cloud, software-as-a-service model or licensing model for the enterprise. Nearly 300 clients, serving 3.5 million consumers and business owners, rely on Virtual StrongBox to modernize their technology and reduce workflow costs. Contact us at VirtualStrongBox,Inc. or (704) 817.4588. Contact Margaret Blankers, Media Liaison MJB Public Relations Group 913.707.1798 [email protected] SOURCE Virtual StrongBox, Inc. Several US officials told CNN Thursday that the US is now taking action to locate and monitor hundreds of people or "contacts" found as part the intelligence retrieved during the deadly raid last month in Yemen targeting al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Some of these people are believed to be in the West, but not in the United States. The government is taking action to find and monitor these AQAP-linked individuals because of the threat they may pose to Europe, the officials added. The fact that officials said they are actively pursuing leads uncovered from the raid indicates that the intelligence was indeed actionable despite some media reports to the contrary. The terabyte's worth of intelligence gathered from computers and cell phones is now being reviewed at the National Media Exploitation Center outside Washington, which analyzes documents, electronic media, cell phones, video and audio tapes seized on overseas missions. Defense officials have told CNN that information pertaining to the location of safe havens, explosives manufacturing, training and targets was acquired in the January ground operation. But the raid has faced questions from lawmakers about its utility and execution, with several Trump critics questioning the value of the intelligence, whether the right calculation about the raid's risks was made and whether the result was worth the costs. The father of Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, who was killed in the firefight, has called for an investigation. A number of civilians were also killed in the battle, something the Pentagon has acknowledged and is investigating. Gen. Joseph Votel, who oversees US troops in the region, called the mission "successful" from the military's point of view. "The object was to go in and collect intelligence. We accomplished that, so from that perspective it was successful. I certainly understand how the family would look at this in a different light," Votel told CBS News. President Donald Trump defended the January raid in his Tuesday address to Congress. As Trump spoke, Owens' widow, Carryn, looked up at the ceiling, seemingly to her late husband, as she sat crying. "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies,' " Trump said. AQAP is considered by many analysts to be al Qaeda's most capable affiliate, and the organization has been able to carve out a safe haven in Yemen amid the ongoing civil war there between government loyalists and Houthi rebels. The terror group has been linked to attacks in the West, including the 2015 Charlie Hebdo newspaper office massacre in Paris. "AQAP has taken advantage of ungoverned spaces in Yemen to plot, direct and inspire terror attacks against the United States and our allies," US Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said Thursday following a series of US airstrikes in Yemen against the terror group. A US defense official said that the strikes overnight were not connected to the intelligence obtained in January, since the strikes had been planned for some time. New York, Feb 24 : While the fear of being stigmatised prevents many of us from making sensitive self-disclosures, one way people in pain are overcoming silence is by using the photo-sharing app Instagram, a study says. Some Instagram users are using pictures to help explain the feelings and experiences that are often too painful or complicated to put into words, the researchers said. "We wanted to see how people might behave differently on a more image-centric platform, rather than one that is driven solely by textual posts and comments," said one of the researchers Nazanin Andalibi from Drexel University in Philadelphia, US. "Physical or mental health and body image concerns are stigmatised, rarely disclosed and frequently elicit negative responses when shared with others," the study authors said. "We found that these disclosures, in addition to deep and detailed stories of one's difficult experiences, attract positive social support on Instagram," the study said. The researchers examined the responses to a sample of 800 Instagram posts pulled from more than 95,000 photos tagged with "#depression" that were posted by 24,920 unique users over the course of a month. The findings showed that not only are people using Instagram to make sensitive disclosures, but they are also getting mostly positive support from the people who respond to the posts, and little in the way of negative or aggressive comments. Some users view Instagram as a safe medium for sharing sensitive information about themselves and reaching out for help, the study said. The findings are scheduled to be presented at the Association for Computing Machinery's International Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing to be held from February 25 to March 1, in Portland, Oregon, US. Perhaps in a nod of acknowledgement to the fact that this community exists on the site, Instagram recently rolled out a suicide prevention tool that allows users to alert operators when they think someone might be in serious trouble. The operators are able to provide help or connect users with the information they need to find it. While this is a step in the right direction, according to Andalibi, it is only the first of many that need to be taken to truly reach these communities of users. "Social media platforms like Instagram, that people have adopted to connect with 'similar others' to share their difficult experiences, and seek and provide support, should explore ways to facilitate safe and supportive connections," Andalibi said. Kuala Lumpur, Feb 24 : A highly-toxic agent was used in the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the Malaysian police said on Friday. Kim died last week after a suspected poisoning while on his way to catch a flight to Macau from the Kuala Lumpur Airport. Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement that the chemical was identified as the VX nerve agent and was found on swabs taken from Kim's eyes and face, The Star newspaper reported. The nerve agent used to kill Kim is considered an extremely toxic substance and is classified as a weapon of mass destruction by the UN. Bakar said that one of the two women who staged the attack became unwell as a result of poisoning from the same chemical. The authorities said they intend to decontaminate the Kuala Lumpur Airport and areas the suspects were known to have visited, according to the report. Bakar said other exhibits were still under analysis and that the police were investigating how the banned substance might have entered Malaysia. "If the amount of the chemical brought in was small, it would be difficult for us to detect," he said. According to the police chief, a Vietnamese woman and a Indonesian woman wiped a liquid on Kim's face and later washed their hands and fled the scene. His body remains in the hospital's mortuary, amid a diplomatic dispute over who should claim it. Malaysia said it was clearly an attack by North Korean agents. Four people are in custody, including one North Korean and the two women Kim interacted with at the airport, according to reports. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that according to embassy documents the body was of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half brother, but North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia denied the dead man's identity. Pyongyang said that Malaysia was responsible for the death of one of its citizens. It also accused Malaysia of trying to politicise the return of his body, saying its insistence on securing DNA samples from Kim's family before handing the body over was "absurd". Mumbai, Feb 25 : Actor Ranveer Singh, who is the Indian ambassador for Switzerland Tourism, is travelling to the country and says he is really excited to explore it again. "I can never get enough of Switzerland! I am so excited to explore this gorgeous country again; this time as its brand ambassador. It's the best place to relax after a tight schedule and get re-energised," Ranveer said in a statement. On his maiden tour, Ranveer had tried activities right from paragliding and skydiving to wakeboarding and even chocolate making. This time he will be heading to Switzerland for the first time in his official capacity as brand ambassador and will be taking with him a few close friends. "On my last trip, I tried a variety of things which I had earlier only heard of, but have now crossed off my bucket list. I can barely wait to reach Switzerland and see what adventures the Swiss winter has in store for me," he added. On the work front, Ranveer is currently busy with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati", which also stars Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor. Ranveer has also been roped in for director Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy". Shillong, Feb 26 : Meghalaya's Special Force-10 (SF-10) commandos have shot dead a militant leader, wanted in killings of two Meghalaya jail officials and seven Assam tribesmen, a police official said on Sunday. Singbirth N. Marak alias Norrok X. Momin, a former military wing chief of the United A'chik Liberation Army (UALA), was killed and four or five of his followers were injured in a fierce gunfight on Saturday, a police official said. One AK-rifle, one pistol and a grenade were recovered from the gunbattle site. Based on intelligence inputs, the commandos raided Matronggre forested area, 11 km of Resubelpara, the headquarters of North Garo Hills district, about 315 km west of Meghalaya state capital of Shillong. "The gunfight began when the armed militants fired at the commandos and refused to surrender," Dalton P. Marak, the district police chief of North Garo Hills, told IANS over phone. Norrok, who earlier surrendered before Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, was on the run after the government decided to take action against him for the killings of two Williamnagar prisons officials in East Garo Hills in 2010 and of seven Rabha tribesmen in Assam's Goalapara district in 2013. In fact, the UALA was formally disbanded after Norrok and the outfit's chairman Novembirth Marak and 68 cadres surrendered with their weapons and ammunition to the Chief Minister on June 10 last year. Police officials said that the death of Norrok is the deadliest blow to his newly formed United A'chik National Front (UANF) militant outfit, which operates in Meghalaya and Assam border areas. "Norrok's death in the gun battle was a major achievement for us (Meghalaya Police) as he along with William Sangma, a hardcore criminal, was trying to raise the ugly head of militancy in the bordering areas with the help of NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland) militants," Dalton said. The police official said that the combing operation is on to nab the fleeing militants. Ranchi, Feb 27 : To remove the fear of mathematics among the students and help them solve equations using simple tricks, the Jharkhand government has decided to commence the study of 'vedic' maths as a pilot project in 100 schools of Ranchi. The concept will be introduced from the next academic session for which the Jharkhand Education Project has joined hands with a Delhi-based institution. The Jharkhand Education Project has directed the District Education Officer to give the names of the schools in which the course will be introduced in the first phase. Official sources said the names of the schools will be sent to the Jharkhand Education Project in March along with school details regarding number of teachers and students. Once these names are received, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard will be inked with the Delhi-based firm. The Delhi-based institution will not only provide the study material to the schools but also training to teachers of the school for the subject. In the first phase, the subject will be taught in classes 4 to 6 and the programme will be reviewed after six months. If the results are positive, it will be extended to other schools. "Contrary to popular belief, vedic maths has got nothing to do with any religion. It is basically a concept based on 16 'sutras' or, in the common language, tricks or techniques by the means of which questions can be easily solved. "These 'sutras' are applicable to all the chapters and take less time to solve complex question. Even the complete syllabus of vedic maths can be completed in lesser time, compared to the mainstream maths taught in the schools," an official from the education department told IANS. "Research indicates that the students from Jharkhand have been found to be very weak in mathematics. The report says that only 42 per cent students studying in class 8 in the government schools can solve division problems," the official added. The concept of vedic maths is being currently taught across many states in the country which has helped to draw the attention of the students towards mathematics. Even in countries like the US, Britain, and Australia, schools have opened which are imparting education regarding vedic mathematics. New Delhi : Despite the governments efforts to attract investment under its Make in India campaign, sales of manufactured goods fell 3.7 per cent during 2015-16 -- the first decline in seven years --s parking fears of layoffs and debt default in the months to come. Spurred by a global slowdown and lack of demand, sales of manufactured goods were falling even before demonetisation, affecting sectors ranging from textiles to leather to steel. As a result, in the six months to September 2016, engineering major Larsen & Toubro laid off some 14,000 employees. Companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Nokia were also reported to have cut back on their workforce in 2016-albeit on a smaller scale-blaming sluggish demand for downsizing. In November 2014, just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his Make-in-India campaign, Nokia shut its factory in Chennai, rendering 6,600 full-time workers jobless. Economists say the government must step in to support the manufacturing sector, which constitutes 15-16 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and supports 12 per cent of the workforce. Why sales are down: Investment falls, costs and import duties rise, demand contracts A range of factors including falling investment, increased input costs and higher import duties have caused demand for manufactured goods to fall, a trend that was visible before demonetisation and has strengthened since. While the services sector grew by 4.9 per cent in 2015-16, faster than the 3.7 per cent recorded in the previous financial year, manufacturing contracted for the first time in seven years, from a growth rate of 12.9 per cent in 2009-10 to -3.7 per cent in 2015-16, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data shows. Small-scale private companies, with yearly annual sales of less than Rs 100 crore, have been more seriously affected as their sales have contracted continuously for the last seven years. Having registered an 8.8 per cent decline in 2009-10, their sales fell by 19.2 per cent year-on-year in 2015-16. "Our sector is making huge losses as the price of electricity and raw material has gone up," Shan Ali Syed, owner of a small-scale textile plant in the town of Bhiwandi, 32 km northeast of Mumbai, told IndiaSpend. "Hence, cost of final product also increases, and we are unable to compete with cheaper imported Chinese products." "Higher export duty and decline in demand has led to reduction in sales even before demonetisation," Manoj Kishanchand Ahuja, a Mumbai-based small-scale gold jewellery manufacturer, said. "We were forced to reduce production. So, hiring of workers on contractual basis has also gone down." He added that most of his business takes place in cash, and post-demonetisation, the situation has worsened. Investment has fallen because of a decline in demand, leading to lower sales and profits. "New orders recorded a decline sequentially (quarter-on-quarter) as well as on a year-on-year basis and dipped into negative territory," the RBI said in its latest report. A cutdown in industrial output for the fourth straight month in December, along with a depressed investment outlook, could lead to more layoffs, industry captains have warned. On top of that, net loans to the manufacturing sector, which account for 65 per cent of corporate loans, have declined by 77 per cent in the last six years, IndiaSpend reported in January 2017. Large-scale manufacturing units have been the worst hit, recording a fall of 69 per cent. The fallout: Jobs and companies at risk If sales do not improve, companies will act to cut costs, manufacturers and traders said. "The most common way of cutting cost in India is to reduce the workforce," economist Ila Patnaik, who has served as the principal economic advisor to the government of India, told IndiaSpend. "If the global economy and the domestic market do not improve, we can expect more layoffs in this sector." Companies forced to close down due to financial distress will also lay off workers. Closure of 186 industrial units led to net job losses of 12,176 in the manufacturing sector over the last four years, the labour ministry estimated in a December 2015 reply in the Lok Sabha. Syed blamed the post-demonetisation cash crunch for falling sales as well as a shortage of workers due to mass exodus from cities. "Labourers have to be paid in cash as they don't have bank accounts. Since we were unable to pay them in cash, the workers have returned to their villages," he said. In the first 34 days of demonetisation, micro- and small-scale industries have suffered job losses of 35 per cent and a 50 per cent dip in revenue, an All India Manufacturer's Organisation study showed as the Indian Express reported on January 7, 2017. Global upheavals have also caused problems for manufacturers, G.K. Jain, a large-scale manufacturer and exporter of readymade garments, said. With sluggish growth and high unemployment hitting American and European economies, importers there want to pay lower prices to overseas manufacturers, squeezing exporters' profit margins, Jain said. There has been a rise in borrowings by vulnerable companies in the steel sector, the RBI report said. However, steel secretary Aruna Sharma said: "There was heavy investment in public and private steel sector in the past, and the investment takes place in cycles." She added, "So, once the returns on that investment start coming, there will be big investments again." The RBI also noted that Indian manufacturers have collectively run up debt of Rs 6.9 lakh crore. The decline in sales and its impact on profit margins has impacted manufacturing industries' ability to service their debt. In its study of the financial statements of 1,707 manufacturing companies over the last four years, the RBI revealed that the number of vulnerable companies whose debt-equity ratio is higher than 200 per cent has increased from 215 in 2012-13 to 284 in 2015-16-an increase of 32 per cent. A high debt-equity ratio means a company is aggressively using borrowed money to finance its growth, leading to higher risk for default. The RBI's analysis also showed that the debt at risk of default among private manufacturing companies grew nearly four-fold, from Rs 58,800 crore to Rs. 2.1 lakh crore ($32 billion) in the four years to March 2016. What can be done: Invest in infrastructure, remonetise and increase overall public spending Economists agree that the government must take steps to undo the damage caused by demonetisation by investing more in infrastructure, remonetising the economy and increasing the allocation for public-spending programmes. It could take two to three quarters for the effects of the demonetisation-induced short-term shock to wear off and for normalcy to return, Patnaik predicted. For longer-term support to manufacturing and job creation, new investment and enterprise are a must, economist Ajit Ranade said. "If we need to add two million jobs every month, then we need to create 20,000 to 50,000 new enterprises every month," he said. "We need a big push in infrastructure." (In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. Prathamesh Mulye is a Delhi-based independent journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org) New Delhi, Feb 27 : The Congress on Monday demanded that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley apologise for "insulting" the Indian academia by his remark at the London School of Economics (LSE) that "there is an alliance of subversion on Indian campuses". Jaitley said this on Saturday in reference to last week's violence at Ramjas College of Delhi University. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram took a dig at Jaitley. "When Mr. Jaitley was president of DUSU in 1975, was he heading an 'Alliance of Subversion'?" he said sarcastically on Twitter. The Congress also accused the government of justifying the violence on the campus and said this was nothing but "fascist in nature". "The Finance Minister went to London. At LSE, he said 'there is an alliance of subversion across university campuses in India'. Thus spoke the Finance Minister in the erstwhile capital of Imperial Britain," said Congress Spokesperson Manish Tewari at a media conference here. "He has insulted the academia of India, insulted its students, teachers and other members of the fraternity. He (Jaitley) should apologise for the language he has used against the Indian academia and that too on foreign soil," he said. Delivering a talk at the LSE on Saturday, Jaitley had said: "Violence is not the method; no group can and should use violence... there is an alliance of subversion which is taking place. The separatists and the ultra-Left are speaking the same language in certain university campuses. So, they must be willing to allow others with a different opinion to put a counter viewpoint." Jaitley's comment came days after violent clashes outside Ramjas College between activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad -- the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's students wing -- and the left-wing All India Students Association (AISA) on February 22. Tewari also said Jaitley's remarks reflected the deep-seated fear in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that there was an instinctive alliance of subversion coming together. "That instinctive alliance of subversion is predicated on undermining the fascist principle, which is intrinsic to the BJP. That is the alliance which challenges their intolerance and their right to dominate the discourse which is making the government paranoid," he said. "The violence which took place in Ramjas College is absolutely abhorrent. What is more shocking, is the attempts made by seniors in the government to justify the violence. "Nobody holds the brief for the balkanisation of India or supports those who advocate the secession of India. The Right to Freedom of Expression includes the right to offend and those offended have recourse to the law, if the reasonable restrictions are in any manner transgressed," Tewari added. Accusing the Modi government of joining forces with the Sangh Parivar to unleash assaults on Indian democracy, the Congress leader also said the assault on students and teachers by the ABVP activists at Ramjas College was part of a concerted effort by the right-wing forces. "The incident (at Ramjas) is not isolated. Ever since this government came to power, attempts have been on to adjust the discourse 90 degrees to the right. "There is this pattern of intimidation and violence going on across the country, which challenges the fundamental precept on which the Constitution of India rests, the idea on which the country has been founded. "Therefore, time has come for all progressive, pluralistic and patriotic forces to come together and fight this relentless assault on Indian democracy by elements of the Sangh Parivar...(that) has complete and absolute backing of the government right up to the Prime Minister," said Tewari. Earlier, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien had said that Modi was following on Twitter certain trolls who write "venomous, misogynist" stuff besides issuing "murderous threats". The clashes at Ramjas between the two groups erupted after the ABVP forced cancellation of a seminar that was to be addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid. Khalid was jailed last year on sedition charges for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans. The discord took a new turn after Gurmehar Kaur, a student of Lady Shri Ram College and daughter of an army officer killed in the Kargil war, launched a social media campaign against the ABVP. Kaur posted a photo in social media, holding a placard saying "I am a student of Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone. Every student of India is with me," with hashtag #studentsagainstabvp. Beijing : Beijing , Feb 27 (IANS) China's top diplomat Yang Jeichi on Monday started a two-day visit to the US with which Beijing's relations have come under strain after the election of President Donald Trump. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi was invited by the US government, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Yang's visit comes at time when ties between China and the US have been hit by several issues like the South China Sea and Taiwan. However, Trump , who initially challenged Beijing's claim over Taiwan, telephoned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, assuring that the US would adhere to the 'One China policy.' Yang will exchange views with senior US officials on bilateral ties and issues of common concern, Lu said. Yang is the first senior Chinese official to visit the US since Trump took office on January 20, Xinhua said. Yang will have an extensive range of topics to discuss with the US officials but the foremost would be to reaffirm the tone of bilateral relations set by the two heads of state in their telephonic conversation, said Jia Xiudong of the China Institute of International Studies. Yang's visit will coincide with the 45th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's ice-breaking visit to China in 1972, which paved the way for Beijing and Washington to officially establish diplomatic ties in 1979. Despite twists and turns over the past four decades, China-US relations have progressed ahead as both the Republican and Democratic parties understand the importance of the relationship, Jia said. During Yang's tour, China and US will have exchanges on trade, security and international issues, on which Trump may take policies different from the Obama administration, according to Jia. The Xi-Trump meeting will be on top agenda of Yang and US officials, who are to discuss when and where the two heads of state will meet. The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, climate change, energy and Syria are also possible to be on the agenda, Jia said. Imphal, Feb 27 : In a series of pre-poll violent incidents in Manipur, a bomb exploded in Imphal, while separately police personnel were attacked by villagers and two jeeps vandalised, police said on Monday. The incidents occurred on Sunday night in the Khundrakpam constituency. "An intelligence input was received saying Khogen, a police Sub-Inspector, has live bullets in his house. During the inquiry, an unruly mob attacked the police party," an official said. "Police had to resort to tear gas and firing of rubber bullets to disperse the mob," the police official added. Some persons, including a seven-month old baby, were injured in the police action. The Congress committee of the Khundrakpam constituency in a statement said the party had no hand in the incident. Villagers said there was a political motive behind the attempt to arrest Khogen, adding that nothing incriminating was found. Besides, the police commandos, who failed to produce warrant of arrest, also allegedly refused to issue an arrest memo, the villagers said. Meanwhile, some youths, who identified themselves as members of an insurgents outfit, had left a bullet with John Maibam, a worker of the North East India Development Party in the Wangkhem constituency. The youths also reportedly told him that if he ignored the warning to not work for the party, he will face dire consequences. There were increasing reports of pre-poll clashes from other constituencies as well. On the other hand, some candidates from remote hill areas cannot go to their respective constituencies and were carrying on the election campaign through some hardcore supporters. Most of them have escaped assassination attempts in the past. Patna, Feb 27 : The issue of Bihar Staff Selection Commission question paper leak on Monday rocked the state assembly, with opposition BJP and its allies demanding a CBI probe due to alleged involvement of two politicians of the ruling Grand Alliance. "The state government should recommend a CBI probe into the leak as the involvement of two leaders of the ruling dispensation has been reported," Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar said in the assembly. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader also demanded that the Nitish Kumar government make the names of the involved politicians public. "It is shocking and unfortunate that various scams, including the exam toppers scam and SC/ST scholarship scam, have been reported one after another in Bihar in one-and-half years," Prem Kumar said. Earlier, assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary adjourned the house till 2 p.m. after BJP legislators, along with allied members, shouted slogans and created ruckus during Question Hour ahead of the presentation of the state budget for 2017-18. The Bihar IAS Officers Association, protesting against the arrest of senior IAS officer and Staff Selection Commission Chairman Sudhir Kumar from neighbouring Jharkhand in the case, also demanded a CBI probe. Sudhir Kumar was arrested along with four close relatives from Hazaribagh last Friday and sent to jail. A state police Special Investigation Team claimed it has solid evidence against Sudhir Kumar. After the leak of question papers surfaced, the exam for recruitment of clerks conducted on February 5 and 8 was cancelled. After the questions were leaked on social media sites WhatsApp and Facebook on both dates, they went viral. The SIT also arrested a printing press owner from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, where the BSSC question papers were printed. More than 20 persons have so far been arrested in the case. Imphal, Feb 28 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his government's achievements and asking him why he had not consulted key stakeholders, like the Manipur government, about the accord with the NSCM-IM. Addressing a public meeting at Hapta Kangjeibung in the heart of Imphal ahead of the March 4 and 8 assembly elections, he said: "The BJP government is concealing vital information. It has also backed out of various commitments. "Modi had promised to provide employment to 2 crore youth, repair the NH 37 in Manipur within the first 100 days of the NDA government... but nothing has been done about these promises." Gandhi said Congress President Sonia Gandhi received a surprise phone call from Modi informing that the framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah had been signed. On inquiry, it was found that Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as well as other Central Ministers were kept in the dark about this accord. "When Modi comes to Manipur next time, people should ask him why he is keeping the people in the dark in this manner," said Gandhi. The Congress Vice President also said that two business houses had given a huge amount to Modi and this is in the know of the Income tax department. "All these days Modi has been harping on corruption of Okram Ibobi. Modi should make inquiry into these allegations against himself," he added. Both Gandhi and Ibobi said that no force in the world can break up Manipur. "The territory of Manipur is safe in the hands of the Congress," Gandhi said. Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam told IANS that over 400,000 persons had assembled for the meeting and "by Manipur's standard, it is a huge gathering". "It shows that the Congress shall come back with a thumping majority," he added. Patna, March 1 : Angry over Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan's reported video clip asking people to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph with shoes, the BJP members on Wednesday disrupted the proceeding in the state assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party legislators also threatened not to allow the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance government to proceed with the ongoing budget session unless the Chief Minister sacked Mastan. The Excise Minister's video on February 22, that was telecast on a Hindi news channel, also condemned the Centre's November 8, 2016, demonetisation move. The video went viral on the social media. The opposition BJP legislators started protesting and shouting slogans, disrupting the house, the moment the proceedings began. This forced Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary to adjourn the house till 12 p.m. Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar told the media here that the BJP will protest in and outside the assembly over the public abuse of Modi. "We will not allow the government to run the assembly unless the Chief Minister sacked Mastan," Prem Kumar said. He also demanded an apology. As the BJP leaders staged protest outside the house, party legislator Nitin Navin said that Mastan, from the minority community, had abused Modi to humiliate the majority Hindu community in the country. "Mastan must go, BJP will not accept anything less than his removal from the state cabinet," Navin said. Some BJP legislators went to the extent of calling Mastan a "Bangladeshi" and an "anti-national", who was involved in "petty politics for vote". In the video, Mastan was seen addressing a crowd in Purnea district's Amour assembly conastituency, saying that it was Modi who had promised to face punishment if he failed to end people's woes within 50 days. It was then that Mastan suggested that the crowd should beat Modi's photograph with their shoes. Mastan has not come out with any explanation or defence since the video surfaced. Shillong, March 2 : Two Civil Society groups in Meghalaya have sought the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee to stop the attacks on RSS and BJP workers in Kerala allegedly by CPM workers. The groups -- Meghalaya Citizens Forum for Human Rights (MCFHR) and Meghalaya Conscious Citizen Forum (MCCF) -- on Wednesday also staged a sit-in protest in Shillong, condemning these attacks. "In the last 72 years almost 250 workers were killed and just recently from May 2016 till December 2016 eight RSS base BJP workers were killed in different district in Kerala," said MCFHR Convener, S P Sharma. In a memorandum submitted to President Mukherjee through Meghalaya Governor Banwarilal Purohit, the groups said that they had also requested the Kerala Government to this effect and to take necessary steps to announce rehabilitation package and compensation to the family members of the victims and also to the injured. "As of now, 10 RSS and BJP workers have been killed and many injured. The situation has worsened due to the highly partisan approach by the concerned police officers," they said. They also alleged that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also holds the Home portfolio, did not respond to the RSS and BJP leaderships' request to visit Kannur district and initiate a move to convene a Peace Committee Meeting to stop the attacks. "It is the duty of the state to provide safety and security to the people of the state without discrimination by the law enforcing authorities and the police act impartially while maintaining law and order," the memorandum stated. Washington, March 2 : Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee urged the panel's Republican chairman to request President Donald Trump's tax returns from the Treasury Department, but he rejected the request, the media reported. The Democratic senators in a letter asked Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch on Wednesday to seek the returns "given the critical issues raised by the President's business entanglements", The Hill magazine reported But Hatch along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady responded in their own letter, saying "we strongly consider the approach you suggest to be an abuse of the tax-writing committees statutory authority". "The American people have made it clear that they want Washington to fix our broken tax code - not to target the tax returns of individual citizens," Hatch and Brady wrote. The Senate Democrats' request came after the House on Monday rejected an attempt from Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell to force a floor vote on a resolution to request Trump's tax returns. The House Ways and Means Committee had previously voted against an amendment for the panel's chairman to make such a request. Under federal law, the chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee and Joint Committee on Taxation can request tax returns from Treasury that can then be reviewed in a closed meeting, the magazine said. The senators urged Hatch to request the returns of both Trump and his businesses. Hatch and Brady said that the Democrats' request was not in line with the legislative intent of the tax-code section that allows chairmen to request the returns. They also said there has not been "specific allegations of tax-related misconduct by federal officials or abuse of taxpayer rights" that would lead them to request the returns. The Republican chairmen added the request for Trump's tax returns is "a distraction from more pressing needs". Baghdad, March 2 : Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has admitted defeat in Mosul, the terror group's biggest stronghold in Iraq, and has ordered militants to either flee or kill themselves in suicide attacks, the media reported. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a "farewell speech" to his combatants in battlefields, ordering them to "flee and hide in mountainous areas" in Iraq and Syria, Iraqi News reported on Wednesday. The text of the speech was disseminated among other speakers to read out to fighters at various areas in western Mosul. The directives tell fighters to blow themselves up once encircled by Iraqi troops, adding that senior commanders close to Baghdadi were moving on the borderline between Syria and Iraq. Iraqi forces have made remarkable gains since launching a renewed offensive on February 19 to retake western Mosul from IS militants. The government said in January it had retaken the eastern side of the city following three months of fighting, Iraqi News added. Earlier this month, unconfirmed news claimed that Baghdadi, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown, had been seriously wounded when airstrikes targeted a senior leadership meeting he chaired near the borders with Syria. In 2014, IS declared Mosul its caliphate. United Nations, March 2 : India has rejected Pakistan's attempts to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, by denouncing Islamabad as the global "epicentre" of terrorism and accused it of trying to destabilise the state. "Pakistan has created terrorist outfits against India. This monster is now devouring its own creator," Ajit Kumar, India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, told the Council meeting in the Swiss city on Wednesday. Earlier Pakistan's Law Minister Zahid Hamid had called for the Council's intervention in Kashmir, asserting that the "human rights and fundamental freedoms of innocent Kashmiris are being trampled upon." Hamid denied that there was a terrorism problem in Kashmir and claimed that Islamabad's involvement was only in providing "political, moral and diplomatic support". Rejecting these assertions, Kumar said: "The fundamental reason for disturbances in parts of Jammu and Kashmir is cross-border terrorism aided and abetted by Pakistan." Pakistan has been carrying out "an intense campaign to destabilise" the state through "infiltration and cross-border terrorism, inciting, promoting and glorifying violence", he said. Calling terrorism "the grossest violation of human rights", Kumar added that "Members will recognise the irony of a nation that has established a well-earned reputation of being a global epicentre of terrorism holding forth on human rights. For the last two decades, the most wanted terrorists of the world have found succour and sustenance in Pakistan." Hamid made an appeal to Indians to be aware of the human rights situation in Kashmir. "We call upon all the mechanism of the Council and the Indian community to remain seized of the grave and systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir." Reacting to Hamid's claims that Kashmir was an international issue under Security Council resolutions, Kumar said: "Pakistan's unwarranted references to UN Security Council resolutions are grossly misleading as Pakistan was required to vacate the parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under its illegal and forced occupation." The Permanent Representative also played down the seriousness of the situation in the state and spoke of efforts to develop it and bring normalcy "in the wake of Pakistan-supported violent unrest." "The robust and mature Indian democracy proved once again that it has sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms to redress any internal difficulties even if they are incited from outside," he said. That 99 per cent of the high school students in the state have written their exams was a sign of the return of normalcy, he said. Kumar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fast-tracked a $12 billion development package for the state. Hamid also brought up the request by Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to send a team to the state. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) Patna, March 2 : Ignoring the opposition BJP's demand, Bihar's ruling alliance partner Congress on Thursday ruled out sacking of Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan over his reported video clip in which he asked people to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph with shoes. Mastan is a Congress leader and the only minister from the backward and under-developed Seemanchal belt, which comprises of Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria and Katihar districts with sizeable Muslim population. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators on Thursday disrupted the Bihar assembly proceeding for the consecutive second day, demanding dismissal of Mastan from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's council of ministers. After much hue and cry over his controversial statement, Mastan apologised on Wednesday evening, saying "sorry" for it in a bid to put an end to the row. The BJP members said either Mastan should resign or be removed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his insult to Modi. BJP legislators created noisy scenes over the issue and rushed to the well of the house and shouted slogans. They also reiterated they would not allow the state's Grand Alliance government to proceed with the ongoing budget session unless the Chief Minister sacked Mastan. Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar told the media here that the BJP will march to Raj Bhawan to protest Mastan's statement gainst Modi. Bihar Pradesh Congress President Ashok Choudhary, who is also the Education Minister, told media that the BJP's demand for Mastan's sacking is baseless. "Has BJP taken action against its MP Subramaniam Swamy for abusing and using unparliamentary language against Congress President Sonia Gandhi?" he added. Choudhary challenged the BJP to first take action against Swamy and other party leaders for insulting the Congress President and other leaders. A senior Congress leader and party legislator, Sadanand Singh said there is no need to sack Mastan. "Why should he be sacked from the cabinet? He will not be sacked. BJP should explain to people, whether it had sacked any minister for abusing others," Singh, Bihar assembly's former Speaker, said. Janata Dal-United spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that Mastan should be given a chance to explain his stand in the assembly over the reported video. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of Lalu Prasad said that it is for the Congress party to decide what to do or not do with Mastan. The Congress, JD-U and the RJD are all partners in Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance. The Excise Minister's video on February 22, that was telecast on a Hindi news channel, also condemned the Centre's November 8, 2016, demonetisation move. The video went viral on the social media. In the video, Mastan was seen addressing a crowd in Purnea district's Amour assembly constituency, and saying that it was Modi who had promised to face punishment if he failed to end people's woes within 50 days. It was then that Mastan suggested that the crowd should beat Modi's photograph with their shoes. Kathmandu, March 2 : India has proposed the name of Manjeev Singh Puri as its next ambassador to Nepal, with the term of senior Indian diplomat Ranjit Rae coming to an end, a media report said. Puri is the incumbent Indian Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg. An official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu confirmed that Puri's name was sent to MoFA on Tuesday and the process for sending the agreement for his appointment would begin very soon, The Himalayan Times reported. Outgoing Indian Ambassador Rae, whose term ended on Tuesday, had informed Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' of New Delhi's decision during his farewell call on Wednesday, the daily said quoting sources. ChargA d'affaires at the Kathmandu-based Indian Embassy, Vinay Kumar, refused to comment on the issue, the daily said. Kuala Lumpur, March 2 : A North Korean man who was held in connection with the killing of Kim Jong-un's half-brother at the airport here will be released from police custody on Friday, authorities said. Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Ri Jong Chol was "a free man" as there was "insufficient evidence to charge him". Ri will be deported to North Korea after his release as he does not have vaild travel documents, CNN quoted Ali as saying on Thursday. Two Asian women -- an Indonesian and a Vietnamese -- have been charged with murder of Kim, who police said was killed by smearing VX, a deadly nerve agent, on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13. Ri was the only North Korean to have been detained in the case. Investigators have also named four North Korean suspects, who are believed to have fled to Pyongyang. South Korea has pinned Kim's assassination on Pyongyang, accusing the country of recruiting the women attackers, who said they believed they were bade only to run a prank on Kim for a TV network. North Korea strongly denies responsibility, and its state media blamed Seoul and Washington for "resorting to political chicanery to bring down the social system in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)". Also on Thursday, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans, citing security reasons. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the rule would be effective from March 6, Malaysia's news agency reported. Previously, citizens of North Korea and Malaysia were only required to use their passports to enter both the countries. Canberra, March 2 : Australia has tabled a new law stipulating tougher action against online paedophiles, including prison sentences of up to 10 years for adults who lie about their age to children online, the justice ministry said on Thursday. The new law, awaiting ratification by Parliament, will allow police to intervene earlier in cases where a person is preparing for or planning to cause harm or involves sexual activity with a minor, Efe news reported. The steps are part of Carly's Law, named after Carly Ryan, a 15-year-old girl murdered in 2007 on a beach by a 52-year-old online paedophile. Carly's mother Sonya then launched a campaign to demand increased online protection for children after discovering that her daughter's killer, Gary Newman, had created a fake online profile, tricking Carly into believing he was an 18-year-old American musician called Brandon. The killer sent his victim online messages and phone calls over 18 months and even met her family posing as Brandon's father. Newman was sentenced to life in prison in 2010. Justice Minister Michael Keenan praised Sonya Ryan during a Parliament session in Canberra and said she had turned a story about the loss of a life into one that would now save many others. The law, which was introduced into the Senate by Senator Nick Xenophon, was rejected in 2014 for being "too broad in its application". Shillong, March 2 : Chairman of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Champion R. Sangma, who was released on bail, has been sent back to judicial custody, an official said on Thursday. "Sangma is back in judicial custody in connection with the kidnapping of a businessman in 2011 in South Garo Hills district," a police official told IANS. Police have chargesheeted Sangma in the case. The Court of District and Sessions Judge, Shillong, had on February 21 granted bail to Sangma against two surety bonds of Rs 1 lakh each and he was instructed not to leave the jurisdiction of the court until further notice. Emerging out of the court, the former rebel leader said he would first focus on availing medical treatment before taking a decision on whether to plunge into electoral politics or facilitate peace talks for his outfit. Sangma, one of the most-wanted Garo rebel leaders, was arrested from Umkrem Pyrwdiwah axis on the edge of the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district on July 30, 2012. Prior to his arrest by Meghalaya Police, the GNLA Chairman was captured by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) commandos on November 23, 2011 from his hideout at Haluaghat in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. Sangma, a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), deserted Meghalaya Police and floated the outlawed GNLA in November 2009 for a separate Garoland to be carved out of Meghalaya. The Centre has declared the GNLA as a "terrorist organisation" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. New Delhi, March 2 : The CPI-M on Thursday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence after an RSS leader declared a bounty of Rs 1 crore for beheading Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Holding Vijayan responsible for the killing of 300 RSS activists in Kerala, Kundan Chandrawat, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader from Madhya Pradesh, said he will give away his entire property worth over Rs 1 crore to whoever beheads the Marxist veteran. The video of the RSS leader making the remarks at Ujjain have gone viral. "RSS reveals its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will the PM and his government stop remaining silent," askd Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. The CPI-M said: "The frustration of RSS is coming out in the open. CPI-M condemns it and demands quick action. "Will the BJP-led government in the state and at the Centre take any action against them? Will they come out and condemn it? "If no, then it is clear which ideology they are propagating and whose government it is," the party said. Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 : The Kerala unit of the Congress on Thursday described the nine-month stint so far of the Pinarayi Vijayan government as "utter failure" and said that senior officials are engaged in a free-for-all among themselves. Senior Congress legislator V.D. Sateeshan, while seeking leave for an adjournment motion, said the Vijayan government has failed on all fronts, as top officials are at war with one another and have very little time to spare for governance. "All top officials, from the Chief Secretary to senior bureaucrats and top police officials, are now busy with court cases and what is strange is that some of these cases have been filed by the 'agents' of these officials against their adversaries," said Sateeshan. Sateeshan was apparently referring to Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas raiding the homes of senior IAS officials like K.M. Abraham and Tom Jose some time back, and Abraham now seeking a probe against Thomas. Sateeshan also pointed to the observation of the Kerala High Court last month that "things have come to a stage where 'Vigilance Raj' is what prevails in Kerala". Owing to various actions of the Vigilance Department, the movement of files has become extremely slow: "With the Vigilance Department on a rampage, government officials are afraid to take decisions for the fear of cases getting registered against them and, therefore, governance has come to a standstill." Responding to the charges, Vijayan observed that differences of opinion between officials were bound to come up and that it had happened earlier as well. "But once a decision is taken by the state government, then all officials comply with it. With regard to the complaints that have come up against officials, how can the state government be held responsible if people file complaints? "Currently there are no issues between officials. Initially file movement was slow and there were 18,000 files before me. But today it's only 200 files," said Vijayan. Before leading the opposition out of the House in protest against the alleged absence of governance, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala took on Vijayan by referring to reports of even the Chief Secretary preparing to leave at one point of time. "We all agree that difference of opinion between officials happen, but the problem is you have not intervened. You have been an absolute failure as your government even failed to send the list of police officials for the President's Medal. "You have been in this post for nine months and all along you have failed to act on time. It is also baffling to note that even confidential reports are now easily available and reach the hands of people who use these to file cases against officials. It has never happened before," Chennithala said. New Delhi, March 2 : Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday expressed concern over possible use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare. They were speaking at an event where the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) and NBC treatment drugs to the Indian Army. The DRDO also handed over indigenous Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) named Swati to the Army, with Parrikar saying that it will bring down artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC). The Defence Minister said he had seen pictures in the media of locals suffering from blisters in Afghanistan, which suggested that chemical weapons were possibly used there. "In southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of local population suffering from blisters... At this moment, I don't have confirmation on this, but the photos were quite disturbing," Parrikar said. "We should be prepared for any kind of warfare," he added. On similar lines, General Rawat said: "Although chemical weapons have been banned by the United Nations, it could be used by an adversary." According to some reports, some locals in Waziristan region had blisters and wounds which appeared to be induced by use of chemical weapons. Asked if he felt that India was under threat of a chemical or biological weapon attack, the Minister said it was just about being prepared for any eventuality. "We must be prepared for any eventuality," he said. NBCRV Mark 1 has been developed by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) and is capable of collecting solid and liquid samples of a biological contaminated area, mark the nuclear and chemical contaminated zone and transfer the recce data. The medicines are antidotes and de-corporating agents for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. WLR Swati, developed by the DRDO's Electronic and Radar Development Establishment, provides fast and accurate location of enemy artillery including shells, mortars and rockets. The radar is also capable of guiding fire from an artillery gun attached to it, meaning thereby that the radar can not only locate artillery guns on the enemy side but also ensure their destruction. "Swati could be a great equipment to ensure adversaries do not use artillery fire. If the LoC is devoid of any artillery fire in the near future, you can be sure Swati radar has gone there," the Minister said. Sources said four radars deployed along the LoC for trial have already proved their efficacy since artillery fire from Pakistan's side had reduced after their deployment. "The radars have been on the LoC for two months now for trials. Artillery fire has gone down," a defence source said. Lucknow, March 2 : A local court on Thursday reserved order for March 10 on a plea of IPS officer Amitabh Thakur to summon AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi and Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha member and Samna Executive Editor Sanjay Raut and punish them for an article published in April 2015. The petitioner Indian Police Service officer had said the uttrances of the two politicians were extremely serious and sensitive, as published in the article, and prayed the court to summon and punish them. The complainant said Raut had pleaded for taking away the voting rights of the Muslims in his article 'Rokhtok - Mumbai me Owaisi ki Uchhalkud: Sawdhan, bil me sanpole hain' in Hindi daily Samna on April 12, 2015. The court of Lucknow Chief Judicial Magistrate Sandhya Srivastava is hearing the matter. Thakur said it clearly amounts to offences under Sections 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage reliAgious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reliAgious beliefs), 298 (uttering words etc. with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) etc. of the Indian Penal Code. Similarly, the petitioner said, the statements attributed to All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen leader Owaisi in this article also were tantamount to same offences. Kochi, March 2 : Kerala Police chief Loknath Behra on Thursday said the probe in the kidnapping of a popular Malayalam film actress was progressing in the right direction. "We will try our best to submit the chargesheet before 90 days. We have got the necessary evidences and we are trying to get more evidence," Behra told the media. The actress was kidnapped on February 17 night while on her way to Kochi from Thrissur. She was held hostage for over two hours before being freed. The police have arrested all six accused involved in the crime including mastermind Pulsar Sunil. A court sent them to police custody till Friday. Behra refused to divulge more details. "I won't speak on the process of investigation. We will soon conduct a review of the probe," he said. Chennai, March 2 : A day after Tamil Nadu traders began boycotting Coke and Pepsi for over exploiting ground water, the Madras High Court on Thursday lifted the ban on drawing water from Thamirabarani river. The Madurai Bench of the High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an activist and lifted the injunction on PepsiCo and the makers of Coca Cola from drawing water from Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli district. The plaintiffs complained that the two companies were drawing water from the river, which in turn was affecting farming. The High Court asked the petitioner why a similar case was not filed against other companies drawing water from the same river. The Tamil Nadu government said only surplus river water was supplied to the cola companies. According to J. Sagar Associates (JSA) -- the law firm representing PepsiCo -- the judgement was critical as water from this river catered to half of the company's production capacity for south India. Dheeraj Nair, partner in the Delhi office of JSA, told IANS that the state government had permitted PepsiCo to draw 15 lakh litre per day but only 3.30 lakh litre was being drawn now. He said PepsiCo's plant in Tirunelveli district can do 300 Aquafina bottles per minute and only one line is currently operating and no other beverage was being made there. The High Court had initially prevented PepsiCo from drawing water from the river in November 2016. However, after a detailed hearing, the High Court vacated the interim orders and dismissed the writ petitions saying there was no environmental impact due to the withdrawal of water by PepsiCo from the river. Brussels, March 2 : The European Parliament has revoked French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's immunity for tweeting pictures of violence by Islamic State (IS) terror group. Le Pen, a member of the EU Parliament, is under investigation in France for posting three images of executions by IS in 2015, including the beheading of American journalist James Foley, BBC reported. French law prohibits the distribution of violent images or incitement of terrorism and the maximum penalty for distributing violent images is three years in prison and a fine of up to $79,000 (A75,000). Announcing the result of the vote on whether to lift the immunity, Parliamentary President Antonio Tajani said a "clear majority" of members backed the motion. As an MEP, Le Pen, leader of the National Front (FN), enjoys immunity which covers freedom of speech -- but that immunity can be lifted if a request is made by the authorities of a member state. The lifting of her immunity relates to this case only and will not cover a separate investigation into whether her party misused European Parliament funds, the BBC report said. Le Pen has refused to attend a police interview over the funds misuse allegations. She denies wrongdoing and claims that they are a plot to derail her campaign. New Delhi, March 2 : DRDO's weapon-locating radar Swati was formally handed over to the Indian Army on Thursday, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying its deployment will reduce artillery fire from across the border. Sources said four radars deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) for trial have already proved their efficacy since artillery fire from Pakistan's side had reduced after their deployment. The Indian Army has at present ordered 30 such radars. "The radars have been on the LoC for two months now for trials. Artillery fire has gone down," a defence source said. The weapon-locating radar developed by the DRDO's Electronic and Radar Development Establishment provides fast and accurate location of enemy artillery including shells, mortars and rockets. The radar is also capable of guiding fire from an artillery gun attached to it, meaning thereby that the radar can not only locate artillery guns on the enemy side but also ensure their destruction. Speaking at the event organised to hand over the radar and other equipment to the Army by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Parrikar lauded the scientists. "Swati could be a great equipment to ensure adversaries do not use artillery fire. If the LoC is devoid of any artillery fire in the near future, you can be sure Swati radar has gone there," the minister said. He said the radar, however, used a "passive array", and suggested the DRDO develop a radar using "active array" in a couple of years. "The passive array radar can then be exported, after the Army gets enough numbers," the minister said. Parrikar also congratulated the DRDO for successful trial of exo-atmospheric Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile and endo-atmospheric Advanced Air Defence missile, both part of a two-tier anti-ballistic missile system. "Last year has been very fruitful for the DRDO. There were around 25 missile tests... usually they get criticism," Parrikar said. New Delhi, March 2 : With the banks levying a fee for over four cash transactions at its branches, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Thursday said the charges amounted to "financial terrorism". "We strongly object levy of abnormal charges by banks on withdrawal of cash more than four times from saving bank acounts. Levy of such charges is a kind of financial terrorism on account holders. It can't be the way to encourage digital payments and putting the people at mercy point," CAIT General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal said. "If digital payment is to be leveraged, the government must absorb transaction charges by subsidising the same to banks and effective incentive schemes must be announced to promote more and more digital payments in India," Khandelwal said. In a bid to discourage cash transactions, banks like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank are levying a transaction fee of Rs 150 on deposit or withdrawal of cash from the savings accounts at bank branches beyond four to five times in a month. While HDFC Bank brought the rule into effect only on March 1, Axis Bank implemented it from January 1, that is after the demonetisation period. ICICI Bank on the other hand says, the rules have not been changed and the Rs 150 fee has been applicable from July last year. "There are four free cash transactions per month. Fifth transaction onwards Rs 150 per transaction (plus taxes and cess) would be levied," HDFC Bank said in a statement. At its home branch, HDFC Bank has kept an upper limit of Rs 2 lakh per month per account while above that Rs 5 per Rs 1,000 or part thereof, subject to a minimum of Rs 150 (plus taxes and cess) will be levied. ICICI Bank has already been levying a similar fee since July last year on cash transactions beyond five. "It is nil for the first four transactions in a month. Thereafter Rs 5 per Rs 1,000 or part thereof, subject to a minimum of Rs 150 in the same month. Maximum limit is nil for self but Rs 50,000 per day for third party," according to the list of ICICI Bank transaction charges. Axis Bank said that five transactions or Rs 10 lakh, whichever is earlier, for cash deposits or withdrawals are free. Beyond that Rs 5 per Rs Rs 1,000 or Rs 150, whichever is higher will be applicable for Axis Bank customers. Public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI) said it charges nominal Rs 50 beyond three transactions in a month, though there is no upper limit on the amount of cash transacted. "These charges are already existing. The same have been renewed for the next financial year from April 1. It is to deter the customers from visiting the branch but the charges are very nominal. As it is, the customer does not need to visit the branch often because we provide 10 free withdrawals in a month from ATMs," a SBI official told IANS. Private lender YES Bank also follows in the footsteps of the SBI and has a nominal charge of Rs 50 beyond five transactions or Rs 5 lakh of deposits, whichever is earlier. If the customer exceeds five transactions, he will be charged Rs 3 per Rs 1,000 with a minimum limit of Rs 50. YES Bank said it, on the other hand, encourages people to visit their branches. "These charges are nominal and towards recovering our costs. We believe that customers coming to our branches will help us demonstrate our service capability and act as a stronger engagement tool. Hence, we encourage customers to visit and experience our branches," a YES Bank spokesperson told IANS. Kathmandu, March 2 : A two-member team of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sought Nepal's commitment on curbing black money and corruption while exchanging banned Indian currency notes in that country. In their discussions with the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) -- the central bank of Nepal -- and the Nepal Bankers Association -- the umbrella organisation of Nepali banks, the RBI team, while providing the exchange facility for banned Indian notes, expressed concern over measures to check black money and money accumulated through illegal means. Although the RBI team was positive about providing exchange facility for the demonetised Indian currency notes within banking and financial institutions, it sought Nepal's commitment on identifying and checking black money and money accumulated by the corrupt, according to Nepali officials. It is believed that banned Indian currency notes worth crores of rupees have been hoarded by the general public, traders and others in Nepal. According to Bhisma Raj Dhungana, head of NRB's Foreign Exchange Management Department, the Indian team was also concerned about Nepali banks identifying Indian nationals having bank accounts in Nepali banks to negate the possibility of black money. The possibility of illegal money reaching Nepal is high on account of an open border with India. The Nepali side responded that their banks had a mandatory provision, which seeks a copy of citizenship from every customer before opening an account in banks and financial institutions (BFI). "To open bank account in Nepali BFIs, Indian nationals have to provide a copy of their citizenship proof, along with a recommendation letter from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu," Nepali officials told the RBI team. According to Dhungana, Indian authorities had expressed apprehensions that Nepal was being used as "clearing house" to channel illegally amassed banned notes back into India's financial system. During the meeting, the Nepali side also demanded that India allow exchange facility up to INR 25,000 to each Nepali citizen, who have bank accounts -- a provision that was agreed upon by India earlier. To avoid money amassed illegally like through money laundering and money accumulated through other illegal means, Nepali BFIs have adopted a system like KYC (know your customer) and anti-money laundering provisions. The RBI team would also visit Bhutan and assess the ground reality there before coming up with exchange modalities for Nepal and Bhutan, they told the Nepali officials. The Nepali central bank has said that INR 3.6 billion in denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 is with the BFIs in Nepal, including cash parked in the vaults of BFIs and NRB. But actual stock of banned Indian bills is expected to be much higher, because Nepalis were previously allowed to carry Indian Rs 500/1,000 bank notes worth up to INR 25,000. Besides, those residing in areas bordering India usually stash Indian notes of larger denomination as they have to visit Indian markets frequently to buy goods. The Indian government's November 8 demonetisation move has caused inconvenience to many Nepalis, especially those who earn a living by working as daily-wage labourers in India, visit India for medical treatment, study, pilgrimage, trading and others. Washington, March 2 : Senior Democrats have called for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after it emerged that he failed to disclose two meetings with Russia's Ambassador to Washington during the US election campaign. Sessions did not mention the meetings with Sergey Kislyak during his confirmation hearings, when asked if he knew of any contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, CNN reported in Thursday. Sessions campaigned on behalf of Donald Trump throughout 2016. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Session should resign. Pelosi said Sessions' answers in his confirmation hearing amounted to "apparent perjury" and said he was "not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country". Warren said he should never have been confirmed in the first place, pointing out that he oversees the FBI, which is investigating allegations that Russia interfered in the US election campaign. "Now Jeff Sessions is AG -- the final say on the law enforcement investigation into ties between the Trump campaign & Russia? What a farce. This is not normal. This is not fake news. This is a very real & serious threat to the national security of the United States," she tweeted. The US Justice Department said Sessions spoke twice last year with Kislyak, the encounters Sessions did not disclose. One of the meetings was a private conversation between the two that took place in September in the senator's office, the Washington Post reported, citing department officials as saying on Wednesday. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. At his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learnt of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," he responded, adding: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Also in January, Senator Patrick J. Leahy asked Sessions for answers to written questions, the Washington Post said. Sessions responded with one word: "No". However, the Attorney General on Wednesday night, in response to the Justice Department claims, said he "never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false". "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions's spokeswoman. A White House official said: "This is the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats. (Attorney) General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." New Delhi, March 2 : Companies need to come up with out-of-the-box thinking and creative legal approaches while dealing with cyber law and cyber security challenges post-demonetisation, a legal expert said here on Thursday. The conference on "Cyber law and Cyber security Law strategies to be adopted by Companies in the Post-Demonetisation Era" highlighted various and increasing challenges to cyber security law in today's scenario. "There is an absence of national industry platforms to represent the cumulative interest of intermediaries," Pavan Duggal, advocate at the Supreme Court, told the gathering. "While cyber law as a discipline is integral to today's corporate operations, stakeholders need to understand the nuances of cyber legal frameworks, the knowledge of which is currently very limited," Duggal added. The conference was attended and addressed by more than 40 experts from different sectors and verticals, including ITES, BPO, telecom service providers, network service providers, internet service providers, web hosting service providers, search engines and online market places. According to esperts, far more awareness needs to be created among companies in India about their legal exposure under the law and the need for companies to adopt culture of proactively complying with the law. "Legislative and policy action in areas pertaining to data protection, privacy, cyber security and amendments to the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000, is required in India to support India's march towards cashless digital economy," Duggal said. Islamabad, March 2 : A parliamentary committee in Pakistan has expressed apprehensions about selling a flight-worthy Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft to a German museum, and asked the airline to submit a report on the matter. Senators who met to discuss the performance of the national flag carrier described the deal to sell an Airbus A-310 to the museum as suspect, Dawn reported on Thursday. The meeting began on a sour note, when the Senate committee noted the absence of senior PIA officials at the meeting. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Performance of PIA, PML-N Senator Mushahidullah Khan, said: "We need answers on this irregular deal. We will move a privilege motion if the top PIA officials are absent at the next meeting." The committee members observed that the aircraft has already landed with a museum in Leipzig, Germany, and senators said permission was not sought to sell the flight-worthy airplane, no agreements were signed and the PIA did not receive any advance payment for the sale of the A-310. "Everything is wrong with this arrangement, especially when such a deal has not been sanctioned," Khan added. He said the PIA officials present at the meeting had failed to give satisfactory answers on the deal. The museum in question expressed interest in acquiring the A-310 last year, to induct it among its collection of international airlines' aircraft. The same airplane was also flown to Malta, where it was hired for a scene in a movie. Officials from the PIA responded that the aircraft was sold to the museum on the directions of the senior management for a little over $5 million. Describing such deals as "unheard of", Khan directed the PIA officials present for a report on the details of the arrangements. Patna, March 2 : A BJP legislator on Thursday filed a case against Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan over a video clip that showed him asking people to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph with shoes. "I have lodged a case against Mastan in the Kotwali police station of Patna and demanded proper action," Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Nitin Navin said here. He said the state police should now initiate action against Mastan. "I have demanded arrest of Mastan and a probe into his nationality." Mastan, referring to the opposition BJP demand for his sack from the council of ministers, told the media that he had already apologised for his statement if it had hurt some people. "Even after I said sorry, if BJP is not ready to accept it, please go ahead and hang me for what I said about PM Modi," Mastan said. Mastan is a Congress leader and the only minister from the backward and under-developed Seemanchal belt, which comprises Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria and Katihar districts, with sizeable Muslim population. The BJP members demanded that either Mastan should resign or be removed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his insult to Modi. They created noisy scenes over the issue, rushed to the well of the house and shouted slogans. On February 22, the Excise Minister in his video, which was telecast by a Hindi news channel, also condemned the central government's November 8, 2016, demonetisation move. In no time, the video went viral on the social media. In the video, Mastan was seen addressing a crowd in Purnia district's Amour assembly constituency and saying that it was Modi who had promised to face punishment if he failed to end people's woes within 50 days. He then suggested that the crowd should beat Modi's photograph with their shoes. Washington, March 2 : US President Donald Trump has made some shifts from his pre-election rhetoric, and India should monitor it for better bilateral ties with the US, an India-based think-thank has said in a report. The report by the Center for Asia Africa Policy Research (CAAPR) has suggested that India should avoid making H-1B/L1 visa matters a major agenda point of bilateral discussions with the US. It said that in order to savour better ties with the US, Indian corporations should be encouraged to acquire some of American strategic hi-tech companies. This would help generate jobs in the US and provide financial returns to India. The Hyderabad-based CAAPR analysed recent incidents regarding Trump's position on Mexico, Japan and China, and how it changed after Trump won the US presidential elections in 2016, American Bazaar online reported on Thursday, citing the CAAPR report. The report stated: "Trump told Fox TV in an interview prior to his inauguration, "I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things." "...He reached out to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen upsetting Beijing. He accused China of unfair trade and fiscal policies and pledged to slap a 45 percent import tariff as it is a currency manipulator." However, post-election Trump took a more pragmatic approach towards China. "President Trump rather had a pleasant conversation with President Xi Jinping during their first official telephonic call where he re-affirmed the 'one China' policy," the report read. The think tank said that about Japan, Trump as a candidate denounced the country for "free-riding" and not paying its fair share for the American forces defending it. But, after winning the presidential election, Trump said that the US is 100 per cent committed to Japan's security. The CAAPR report said that corporations of India and the US should jointly work on projects in the developing countries. New Delhi, March 2 : The Congress on Thursday demanded a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it said was "misleading people by twisting and falsifying Vice President Rahul Gandhi's speech", and dubbed Modi a "habitual offender in telling lies". The opposition party also said the Bharatiya Janata Party was "Bahut Jhooti Pathshaala". "The media saw the video which depicts that blatant lies, 'jumlas' and misinformation that have become the hallmark of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala. "The truth is Modi ji does not speak the truth and that is more than apparent in the video where he is trying to mislead the nation and the people of Uttar Pradesh about a remark made by Rahul Gandhi about the progress of a northeastern state, which is essentially a part of India's growth story," he said. During an election rally in Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, Modi ridiculed Gandhi over a comment about coconuts growing in Manipur. But Gandhi never made any comment about coconuts in Manipur, his party said. "Modi ji does not want the people of Manipur, people of the northeastern states, to progress and participate in India's growth story," Surjewala said. "He must now apologise not only to the Congress but also to the entire nation and express regret publicly for misleading the people in Uttar Pradesh and the country by twisting and falsifying the words of the leader of the principal opposition party," he said. "It does not behove of a Prime Minister. Modi ji has lowered the dignity of the office he holds and should be ashamed. We are sorry and sad in saying these words about the Prime Minister of India, who has become a habitual offender in telling lies and only lies," he added. Modi had said: "There is a Congress leader, and I want to pray for his long life. He recently went to Manipur to address an election rally. There, he told farmers that he would extract juice from coconuts and send it to London. In fact, a coconut possesses water and it is grown in Kerala. Such a talented and farsighted leader he is." However, during a campaign rally in Manipur on Tuesday, Gandhi had spoken about the state doing well in marketing its oranges, lemons and pineapples, and not coconuts. Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared on Thursday he was not bothered by a RSS leader's offer of Rs 1 crore to have him killed, but the CPI-M warned the RSS to behave. And even as the Kerala units of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) distanced themselves from Madhya Pradesh RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat's threat on Wednesday, the latter on Thursday said he did not regret making the remarks. "The RSS in the past has taken the heads of others but I have to move around, and I will," Vijayan, who took power in May last year, said in his characteristic style and broke into a laugh. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) announced protests on Friday across Kerala and demanded that a case be registered against Chandrawat on terrorism charges. "The true colour of the RSS has come out again," the CPI-M said in a statement. CPI-M Kerala Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the RSS won't be able to "remove even a hair of Vijayan" and warned the organisation "not to play with the CPI-M". "If they do, then we will be forced to teach them certain things." Opposition leader and Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the RSS leader should be immediately arrested. CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence after Chandrawat's announcement of a bounty to have Vijayan beheaded. Holding Vijayan responsible for the killing of 300 RSS activists in Kerala, Chandrawat said on Wednesday he will give away his entire property worth over Rs 1 crore to whoever kills the Marxist veteran. The statement was made at Ujjain in the presence of BJP MP Chintaman Malviya, BJP MLA Mohan Yadav and other RSS leaders. The video of the RSS leader has gone viral. In his speech, Chandrawat warned that the RSS would respond to the killing of its 300 activists by presenting a "garland of 300,000 skulls" to "Bharat Mata" and said, "Leftists, beware". He also boasted that for the killing of 59 Hindus at Godhra in Gujarat in 2002, "we sent 2,000 (Muslims) to the graveyard". But the Kerala unit of the RSS said Chandrawat did not speak for the Hindu nationalist group whose growth in Kerala has led to violent clashes with Marxists over the years. Kerala RSS unit leader J. Nandakumar said: "The RSS never speaks in such a manner and we strongly condemn it. "We have always followed the policy of engaging in democratic forms of protests. We will continue to do that despite the attacks the CPI-M in Kerala has launched on us." Kerala BJP leader A.N. Radhakrishnan denounced the Madhya Pradesh RSS leader's statement. "The BJP believes in democracy even when hundreds of its workers have been killed. Everyone knows who are the ones who shield murderers and the CPI-M even has a minister charged in a murder case," he said. Yechury said: "RSS reveals its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will the PM and his government stop remaining silent?" The CPI-M said in a separate statement: "The frustration of RSS is coming out in the open. Will the BJP government in (Madhya Pradesh) and at the Centre take action?" New Delhi/Kokrajhar, March 2 : Several Bodo communities of Assam will go on an indefinite hunger strike starting March 10, followed by road and rail blockades, as part of their campaign for a separate Bodoland. The mass hunger strike, led by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Progressive), would be organised in several parts of the Bodo Territorial Area Districts -- Chirang, Kokrajhar, Udalguri and Baksa. "The indefinite mass hunger strike from March 10, 2017, will be organised followed by 24 hours national highway and railway blockade in the last week of March," said a joint statement issued by ABSU (P), NDFB (S) and People Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement (PJACBM) on Thursday. According to the statement, the Bodo groups would also organise a Jail Bharo Andolan in April, followed by non-cooperation with the Assam government in May and other action unless the government resolves the Bodoland issue within a stipulated time frame. "Through this democratic mass revolution, the memorandums to the Prime Minister and Home Minister have been sent from 200 different places of mass gathering in the proposed Bodoland area -- from Sonkosh to Sadiya in Assam." The ABSU said the reason behind intensifying the agitation demanding Bodoland is "because the present NDA government is trying to befool the Bodo people by alluring with economic development as an option to solution of Bodo political problem". They said the problem would not get resolved till the central government creates Bodoland -- a promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during campaigning for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to seek the Bodos' support. Stating that the Bodo people are being subjected to socio-economic exploitation, suppression, oppression and political domination, the Bodo groups have said that there is a threat of total extinction to the community. "Even after 70 years of India's independence, the state has failed to protect, preserve and safeguard the land, identity, language and culture of the Bodo people. Bodo people are very much part of the great Indian community and are loyal to the constitution of India," said ABSU President Pramod Boro. New Delhi, March 2 : Under fire from various quarters after the February 22 Ramjas College violence, the ABVP on Thursday held a protest march in Delhi University here against what it dubbed "anti-national activities". The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said the protest march near the DU North Campus' Art Faculty was organised to save the university from "anti-national activities". Protesters raised slogans like "Vidyarthi Parishad lade chalo (keep fighting, ABVP), "Hindustan mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram kehna hoga" (To live in this country, you have to say Vande Mataram), "Na Marxwad, na Naxalwad, sabse upar rashtrawad" (nationalism above Marxism and Naxalism). The students' party demanded strict action against elements who it said supported "anarchism and anti-India propaganda". "Anti-national slogans were raised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus by some communist cadres last year. The central and Delhi governments and the Delhi police should conduct an investigation against these people," ABVP Media Convener Saket Bahuguna said during the protest. "You are free to have conferences and rallies but freedom of expression doesn't mean that you will divide the country. Shouting about Kashmir's or Bastar's freedom is an anti-national action," he said. He added: "Anybody raising such slogans in DU, JNU or anywhere in the country will have to face the ABVP. If you raise anti-national slogans, we will stand against you." Delhi University Students Union President Amit Tanwar, Vice-President Priyanka Chawri and General Secretary Ankit Sanghwan of the ABVP echoed what Bahuguna said. At the protest venue, huge hoardings declaring the All India Students' Association (AISA) to be a "rapist party" were also displayed. This came as a response to the protest organised by AISA against the ABVP, urging for peace and freedom of expression after ABVP forced the suspension of an event at Ramjas College to be addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. Khalid was jailed last year for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. "Rapist AISA, go back!", "Desh 1947 se azaad hai, par vaampanthiyon ki soch wahi (the country has been independent since 1947, but the leftists have the same thinking", the hoardings put up by ABVP in North Campus read. According to Bahuguna, his party was justified in calling the AISA so "because AISA leader Anmol Ratan was last year jailed for raping a JNU student". "One ABVP worker indulges in violence and you declare our whole party to be a group of hooligans. Why can't we call AISA a party of rapists?" he questioned. Many posters and hoardings referred to recent clashes between Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bharatiya Janata Party-RSS workers in Kerala. "Weapons of communists and their victims. Three students Anu, Sujit and Kim killed by communist and SFI (Students Federation of India)," one of them read. "Students on the campus are finding these posters scary but they depict the reality. Leftists in Kerala are responsible for killing and mutilating bodies (of BJP-RSS workers). Imagine the horror that these martyrs' families must have felt, after receiving their dead bodies," Bahuguna said. Guwahati, March 2 : Two days after the Assam cabinet decided to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in schools, several social and students groups and political parties on Thursday vocally opposed the move and termed it as a "conspiracy planned, managed and monitored from Nagpur" -- where the RSS is headquartered. Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) came out against imposition of Sanskrit as a compulsory subject till Class 8 in all schools, and alleged it was "a well orchestrated conspiracy". "The AJYCP is not opposed to Sanskrit in the schools since it is the ancient language, which needs to be promoted and preserved in the schools and colleges. But we do express grave concern over the way the government is in the process to impose the subject in a haste," said AJYCP President Biraj Kumar Talukdar on Thursday. "The decision is too premature in view of the shortage of teaching staffs in hundreds of schools and many of these schools have been running with just one teacher," he said. Talukdar questioned the intention behind the move when many schools across the state have been falling short of staff and thousands of TET (Teachers' Eligibility Test) qualified youths have been waiting for appointment. "Where the government will get so many Sanskrit teachers to be recruited? This is not unknown to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The conspiracy is being micro-managed from New Delhi and Nagpur," he said, implying a hand of the BJP government at the Centre and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh behind the decision. "Lack of Sanskrit teachers in home state would force the government to hire thousands of teachers from outside Assam," he added. All Assam Students' Union (AASU) General Secretary Lurin Jyoti Gogoi condemned the move to impose Sanskrit in Assam's schools and said that it would have a negative impact on the students. "According to the three-language formula, students in Assam study three languages, including their mother tongue. Now imposition of Sanskrit on them would be a burden and it would impact their educational psychology," said Gogoi. Thinker and intellectual Hiren Gohain also slammed the state government move and said that it is the first step to saffronisxe the education system in Assam. "The decision to impose Sanskrit is not a good one and it would impact the children negatively," Gohain said. New Delhi, March 2 : The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that the UGC notification that a professor cannot guide more than three M.Phil and eight Ph.D scholars at any one time, was "binding" on the university. Justice V.K. Rao was informed by advocate Monika Arora appearing for JNU administration that the University will neither receive a grant nor could award degrees if it stopped following UGC's regulation. JNU said 43 central universities were already abiding by the May 5, 2016, notification of the University Grants Commission. The notification recommends an upper limit on the number of M.Phil and Ph.D students a faculty member can guide at a given time, which has become a bone of contention between the students and the university administration. The notification was adopted by the University during its 142nd Academic Council meet on December 26 amid protests from several council members. The students argued that the UGC notification "threatens to put their future in jeopardy" as they would not be able to find a supervisor due to the clauses prescribed in the notification. The ramifications of the notification would extend beyond existing students and would also mean that very few admissions in the current academic session would take place for aspiring research scholars, thereby violating norms of mandated reservation norms, the students said. During the hearing, the petitioners -- both existing and prospective students, who had moved the high court -- agreed to undertake that they are not challenging the UGC notification and restricting their case to "procedural lapses" on JNU's part in adopting the notification. The students' counsel said that the University did not include their representative in the meetings held to discuss the implementation of the notification. The court now posted the case for further hearing on March 14 after JNU said the students have not made UGC a party in the case. As a protest, the students have been "occupying" the Administrative Block of the university since February 9 despite requests to end the protest. New Delhi, March 2 : The Delhi Police has received as many as 25 complaints regarding the February 22 violence at the Ramjas College here and has begun recording statements of the complainants, an officer said on Thursday. Probing the clashes between the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA), the police on the day recorded statements of two students, including a girl, of St. Stephen's College. "So far we have received 25 complaints alleging assault, molestation etc. We have recorded statements of two students and have called others for the same," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madhur Verma. According to the police, the complaints are from activists of the ABVP, AISA and other students. Testifying before the police, the two alleged they were beaten up by ABVP activists outside Ramjas canteen. The girl claimed she was attacked with stones. With various student groups taking out protest marches in the aftermath of the clashes, the police have also been in constant touch with authorities of Delhi University colleges to ensure peace. The clashes, which subsequently snowballed into a major political row, left over a dozen people, including teachers and journalists, injured. The police registered cases against unknown persons for rioting and assaulting. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch. On February 22, ABVP activists allegedly clashed with AISA members at Ramjas College over an invitation to JNU student Umar Khalid, who was charged with sedition in 2016 for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans during an event in the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. New Delhi, March 2 : Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday flagged off the pilot run of roll-on-roll-off (RORO) service in the national capital region, which is envisaged to decongest Delhi's roads from trucks carrying freight. The RORO services enable loading of wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, semi-trailers and trailers on to railway flat cars. According to the Ministry of Railways, the new service has the potential to decongest Delhi's roads as it will be used to transport trucks across the city limits. Around 66,000 trucks enter Delhi every day, out of which, 40-60 per cent are not destined for the city. The move, the ministry said, will help in reducing air and noise pollution and traffic congestion as railways has the lowest carbon footprint of all transportation modes. Prabhu flagged off the pilot project through video conferencing from the National Rail Museum here. During the event, the minister unveiled the 'Indian Railway Business Plan for Passenger and Freight Sector for 2017-18'. The minister said the share of railways in the country's total traffic had substantially reduced over the years and that it had rationalised its freight policies in consultation with all stakeholders to attract more freight. "For these changes, Indian Railways has adopted a market-oriented approach to make traffic policies," he said. The minister pointed out that of late, Indian Railways had taken various initiatives to increase non-fare revenue and save fuel costs. Prabhu also flagged off the trial runs of double stack dwarf containers to run from Ambala to Jamnagar via Ludhiana to increase the load capacity per flat car, thereby bringing down the transportation cost per unit. The minister explained that the concept would not only save time but also be cost effective. The containers are 6' 4" high to run under overhead electrical wires with increased load carrying capacity as opposed to conventional double stack containers with height of 8.5' to 9.5'. In addition, Prabhu launched the policy of 'long term contracts' with major freight customers at the function. Shillong, March 2 : Meghalaya's most wanted militant, Reading T. Sangma alias Saljapang of A'chik Songna An'pachakgipa Kotok (ASAK), surrendered on Thursday after playing a cat and mouse game with the security forces for the past four to five years. Sangma, the 'commander-in-chief' of ASAK, surrendered with seven aides before Abraham Sangma, police chief of South Garo Hills district bordering Bangladesh, in the wake of the counter-insurgency operations in the district, a police official said. Those who surrendered include Tengrang A. Sangma alias Gring, Pintu R. Marak alias Waira, Kiljang M. Sangma alias Amrak, Seldom K. Sangma alias Jorai besides three over ground workers of the militant outfit -- Hame Ch. Marak, Biani Ch. Marak and Tengman M. Sangma. The militants also deposited one HK-rifle along with 128 rounds, one HK magazine, three smooth-bore breech loading guns, eighteen 12-bore cartridges, 22 electronic detonators and explosive powders, four wireless handsets besides incriminating documents. ASAK militants, who operate mainly in the South Garo Hills district bordering Bangladesh, have been involved in a series of kidnappings of Assam traders for ransom. "They gave up mainly due to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations against (ASAK) and GNLA (Garo National Liberation Army) militants besides pressure from peace committee to come over ground," Abraham told IANS. "The surrender is a major achievement for us and we expect others (militants) to toe the line. Their surrender marks the end of the Liberation of Achik Elite Force (LAEF) outfit which had unleashed a reign of terror in the district for the past many years," he said. The ASAK, which means "vanguards of Garoland", is fighting for a separate Garoland out of Meghalaya. In September 2015, ASAK militants were involved in the kidnapping and murder of Intelligence Bureau officer Bikash Singh and cloth merchant Kamal Saha. Gandhinagar, March 2 : A government clerk on Thursday hurled shoes at Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja at the entrance of the Gujarat assembly apparently to protest against growing corruption. Gopal Italia from Dhandhuka town in Ahmedabad district hurled a shoe as soon as the minister began speaking to the media on the killing of a Dalit sarpanch in Saurashtra region. As the minister began speaking, Gopal came within a couple of metres of Jadeja and hurled the shoe. As a startled Jadeja dodged the shoe, Italia threw another one that landed on the podium where the microphones were placed. The attacker was immediately grabbed by security guards. Italia, who works as a clerk in the office of the sub-divisional magistrate of Dhandhuka, began shouting "prohibition, shame, shame" and "corruption, shame, shame". While being taken away, the youth said he targeted the minister in protest against the "arrogance" of the government, rising corruption and unemployment. "I see it as a (protest) against the inability of the state to control rampant corruption, rising unemployment and inability to implement prohibition," he said. Deputy Inspector General of Police R.R. Brahmbhatt later told reporters that Italia appeared to be mentally unstable. "He is the same person who had some time ago posed as a policeman and called Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel to complain about the new prohibition law," he said. The audio clip of Gopal and the Deputy Chief Minister had gone viral on social media and he was arrested in the case. Condemning the incident, state BJP president Jitu Vaghani blamed the Congress for "misleading" the people of Gujarat, leading to such an incident. "Anyone in a democracy has the right to submit a memorandum. But the way this boy has acted is condemnable. I fear some opposition leader may be behind him. It must be investigated," Vaghani said. The Congress denied it was involved. Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil said: "The youth is only giving voice to the anger among various sections in the state, be it youths, farmers, Patidars, Dalits or others." The leader of OBC community, Alpesh Thakore, said the incident proved the ineffectiveness of the BJP government in the state. "If the Home Minister is not safe in the premises of one of the most secure places, then it speaks volumes about their governance," he said. New Delhi, March 2 : Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha on Thursday said collaboration between industry and academia is needed to cross the hurdles of modern warfare. "With the collaboration of industry and academia, the Indian Army would be able to cross these hurdles," said Lt. Gen. Saha while addressing an "International Seminar on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Enabling Technologies 2017", organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry here. He expressed confidence that India would win every war with Indian solutions. "Indian Army is currently looking at upgradation of all its systems and to that end, interactions with the industry and academia have been stepped up. The results of these efforts have manifested in the increase in number of RFIs (Request for Information) and EoIs (Expressions of Interest)," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. A.B. Shivane, Director General, Directorate General of Mechanised Forces, said the character of the future battlefield mandated a combined effort of all the three arms of the defence forces, along with combat vehicles, artillery guns, combat aviation and mobile air defence, and the ability to communicate between all the assets through a specialised military network. Dwelling on the operational environment of armed forces, Lt. Gen. Shivane, said the Indian operational environment was defined by turbulent borders and therefore, it was essential to find Indian solutions for the needs of the Indian Army. He also enumerated the opportunities for the Indian industry in manufacturing equipment for the army and asked it to adhere to promise and delivery in terms of competence and time. Mumbai, March 2 : The Indian Navy's oldest and first hospital, the INHS Asvini, the state-of-the-art super speciality medicare institution in Colaba here, has been adjudged the Best Command Hospital of the Armed Forces, an official said on Thursday. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar presented the Raksha Mantri Trophy to Surgeon Rear Admiral Ravi Kalra, Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, in New Delhi on Thursday. Last year, a multi-disciplinary team of the Defence Ministry had visited all the Command Hospitals belonging to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force to make a thorough assessment of the facilities and quality of tertiary care provided. Set up in 1756 as the King's Seamen Hospital, the then military hospital was commissioned into the Indian Navy in September 1951 and named INHS Asvini. Since then, it has grown into a 825-bed hospital offering all super specialities and facilities in an ultra-modern building, attracting over 2,000 patients in OPD and 100 new admissions daily. As the only Command Hospital of the Indian Navy, the INHS Asvini also trains doctors at post-graduate level, and nurses and paramedics at various levels. In 1992, the Centre had allocated Rs 136 crore for a thorough modernisation, construction of a new building, restoration of the heritage buildings and augmenting facilities at the hospital. The trophy for the second best Service Command Hospital was bagged by Command Hospital (Northern Command), Udhampur, in Jammu & Kashmir. Kolkata, March 2 : Fake Indian currency with a face value of around Rs 57 lakh in new Rs 2,000 denomination notes was seized and five persons were arrested here on Thursday, a senior Kolkata Police officer said. "Five persons were arrested from the Fancy Market area in Kolkata's Watgunj and fake notes totalling Rs 56.74 lakh seized from them," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Vishal Garg told the media here. Garg said the five were caught while buying cell phones at Kabitirtha Sarani in Watgunj. "Accused Manohar Mollah, Syeed Rehan, Seikh Eklakh Ahamed and Seikh Abul Kalam Azad are residents of West Bengal's Howrah district while Balai Mondal hails from Bankura," the officer said. Police will present the accused in court on Friday to seek their custody. The seized notes will be sent to mints in Nasik or in West Bengal's Salboni to get experts' opinion, he added. New Delhi, March 2 : A woman was arrested for human trafficking and running a sex racket in the capital, police said on Thursday. Police said Keballina M. Sangma is a member of an inter- state prostitution racket. She used to lure girls from the north-east states by promising them well paying jobs in Delhi. Sangma would then force them into the sex trade, police said. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said Sangma was arrested on February 21 from a Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The accused is married and worked in a beauty parlour earlier. "She later came in contact with one Taniya through her friend Tyana Sangma in Guwahati. Taniya introduced her to Biru, Dhanraj and Nikhi who were living in Delhi and were into human trafficking. They would lure innocent girls with attractive jobs," Yadav said. "Sangma is a resident of Meghalaya and used to target girls who were living separately from their parents and were in need of sustaining themselves," he added. This gang was active in south Delhi and Gurugram, police said. She was also carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on her head. A woman from Meghalaya had filed a police complaint against Sangma and others on August 6, 2016. She said that she was brought to Guwahati from her village by one Radhika Marak on the pretext of a job with good salary. She was then handed over to Sangma and later to Nikhil, who forced her into prostitution. She was also beaten and threatened by Nikhil when she refused to do so. The victim had managed to escape from Nikhil's flat and approached an NGO on August 6 last year. Police is searching for the other gang members, Yadav said. Jammu, March 2 : Border Security Force troopers on Thursday apprehended a Pakistani national who crossed the International Border into the Indian side in Jammu district. Detained in Arnia sector, he has been handed over to police, BSF officials said. Ukhrul/Chandel (Manipur), March 2 : Naga People's Front Supremo and Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Thursday accused his Manipur counterpart Ibobi Singh of "playing a communal card for political gains". "We (NPF) want to see all the different communities live together in peace and harmony," he said addressing election rallies in Ukhrul and Chandel. "We stand for peace and we will continue to play for peace. We want to live in complete harmony with all our neighbours," the NPF supremo asserted. Urging voters to ensure that the NPF candidates are elected, Shurholzelie said the inability of the 20 legislators from the hill districts to come together on a single platform all these decades has "prevented the representatives to speak out in one voice in the Manipur Assembly" even though they might have the best of intentions for the over-all development of their people. Underlining the need for the people from the Hill districts to have a common platform in the assembly, Shurholzelie said though the nomenclature of the party mentions Naga, the party stands for the conglomeration of all the people of the Hill districts of Manipur. Echoing his party supremo, Nagaland Minister in Charge of the NPF's Manipur Unit, Yitachu said, "The NPF is not participating in the Manipur elections just for the sake of participating, but we are serious on finding a solution to the Naga political problem." Yitachu went on to recall how in 1964, the NPF, then known as Democratic Party of Nagaland, sacrificed its 12 MLAs after the Ceasefire Agreement was signed between the Government of India and the NNC/FGN by making all of its MLAs resign from the assembly "to pave way for a negotiated settlement". Also heeding to the call of the people and various sections of the Naga society, the NPF then known as NPC, boycotted the elections of 1998 in Nagaland along with all other political parties except for the Congress which got elected unopposed and formed the government much to the opposition of the people. Yitachu went on to recount how in Manipur the Congress had let down the people of the Hill districts all these years and said that the Congress is going to lose this time because of Ibobi, because of the party's policy against the Naga peace process and because of its policy against the tribal people. Kolkata, March 2 : Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohu on Thursday extended an invitation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to visit his country for exploring business possibilities in manufacturing and other key sectors of the two countries. The Ambassador, heading a five-member delegation including Chinese Consul-Genral in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu, called on Banerjee at the state secretariat Nabanna. "Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to India and the Consul-General of China in Kolkata had a meeting with me at the state secretariat today (Thursday). "He extended an invitation to us to visit China to explore Bengal-China business possibilities in manufacturing and other key sectors," Banerjee said in a Facebook post. Zhaohu and Banerjee had elaborate discussions about the business possibilities in many areas. Diversity Abroad is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education (EDIIE) and Global Student Leadership Awards. This years recipients have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusive excellence within international education on an individual, institutional, and organizational level, as well as students who represent Diversity Abroads mission to diversify global education. The awards will be presented at the 5th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference, Embracing the Future of Global Education, in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 22, 2017. INSTITUTIONAL AWARD: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA The University of South Florida has generated an impressive 43% increase in study abroad participation in the past three years. It has achieved laudable gains enfranchising underrepresented students in education abroad through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, including the 2016 Diversity Series: Black & Abroad with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Department of Africana Studies, and the Institute for the Study of Latin America and the Caribbean; Beyond Just an Amazing Experience: Translating Study Abroad into Workforce Readiness with USF Career Services; and Dont Let Emotional Baggage Weigh You Down with the Mental Health Management Office and with the Honors College and College of Behavioral Sciences. This recognition reinforces and invigorates our commitment to a collaborative and holistic approach to diversity in international education. USF students have embraced our efforts to become more diverse and inclusive abroad, and they continually inspire our work on a daily basis. We are strengthened by diversity as an institution and are proud to partner with the Diversity Abroad Network. The resources and guidance offered by the Network and its members have provided us with confidence to tackle such difficult challenges in our field said Amanda C. Maurer, Director, Education Abroad. Honorable Mention: University of Pittsburgh, Vira I. Heinz Program for Women in Global Leadership, University Center for International Studies. ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD: FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FIE is a London-based, non-profit educational organization, providing programs in partnership with approximately 50 universities. FIE has established the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship Route which resulted in dialogue groups on national identity, social justice, and social inequality, a film project on multiculturalism and multi-religious identity, and FIEs first student blogger. We are honored to receive this award. It will no doubt serve to inspire us to further our journey towards creating the best, most supporting environment for all students on our programs. By seeking out and helping to develop the contributions of diverse students within the study abroad environment, a tremendous depth is added to the learning, living and working experiences for everyone in the FIE community, said Dr. Julie Andreshak-Behrman, Chief Academic Officer. INDIVIDUAL AWARD: IRENE S. SCOTT, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY Irene Scott, Program Coordinator, created the Diversity Committee which enabled the Study Abroad Programs Office to centralize staff members efforts around diversity and inclusion, created online resources for increased accessibility, established guidelines for advising underserved students, and developed assessments to inform internal decision-making around diversity and inclusion. Irenes commitment to ensuring that all Texas A&M University students have access to transformational, international experiences has been a true asset and inspiration to everyone in the Study Abroad Programs Office. We are very proud of her and are so pleased she received this well deserved recognition, stated Dr. Jane Flaherty, Director, Study Abroad Programs Office. GLOBAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: DEVIN WALKER, GRADUATE STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Devin Walker founded the Diversity Abroad Showcase as an annual event at which 175 study abroad alumni present their narratives about learning abroad to prospective study abroad students. He also created, facilitated and helped to institutionalize a series of study abroad writing workshops designed to support diverse students with their essays and the application process. Devins dissertation will explore the impact of study abroad programs on student athletes. Devin has completely transformed the face of study abroad at the institution, said Dr. Charles Lu, Executive Director and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. GLOBAL STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD: HUNTER ZHAO, UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Hunter Zhao is a junior honors student and a peer advisor at the Center for Global and Intercultural Study. Hunter is presently serving as a site leader for Michigan Active Citizens: Alternative Spring Break Program on immigration and refugee rights and is leading initiatives to advocate for and support first-generation college students and undocumented students. Hunter has an exceptional work ethic, perseverance, and ambition to implement ideas and actions that embody diversity and inclusion, said Ebony Ellis, Senior Intercultural Programs Advisor, Center for Global Intercultural Study. Full details about each recipient are available at http://www.diversitynetwork.org. ABOUT DIVERSITY ABROAD The Diversity Abroad Network is the leading professional consortium of educational institutions, government agencies, for-profit and non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusive good practices that increase access, achieve equitable diversity and foster inclusive excellence in global education. Diversity Network members support the important work that the Diversity Network engages in to advance research, develop effective advising tools, and offer learning and development opportunities essential to creating equitable access to global education. Our partnership with ZF is proof that by collaborating, international NGO's can make a huge impact and transform the lives of those facing extreme challenges in hard to reach communities, said Ms. Abby Smardon, UNRWA-USA Executive Director. The Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) is partnering with the US national committee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA USA) to repair and reconstruct hundreds of houses in the Gaza Strip damaged during the 2014 summer conflict. The two NGOs are working together within the blockaded zone to provide an example of how international organizations can cooperate to advance humanitarian objectives in hard to reach communities. Through the emergency shelter repair and reconstruction program, UNRWA has been providing assistance to over 141,000 Palestine refugees whose houses were damaged or destroyed during the assault. Reconstruction efforts in Gaza present many logistical hurdles that hinder sustained recovery. The ongoing blockade, now in its tenth year, makes the entry of construction supplies, and people, difficult, and all relief operations are funded solely through voluntary contributions. Almost three years later, only 20% of houses have been repaired or rebuilt, and only 50% have been funded. The Gaza Strip is merely twice the size of Washington, DC, but contains the sixth highest population density in the world. Due to the blockade, which severely limits movement in and out of Gaza, unemployment among youth and the population as a whole are at unprecedented highs, 68% and 42% respectively, out of a total population of 2 million people. Additionally, a full 71% of the population of Gaza are refugees registered with UNRWA to receive humanitarian and development services. I visit Gaza every year, and Ive witnessed with my own eyes the flattened neighborhood of Shejaiya and rubble strewn where houses once stood. One family whose story stayed with me had been living in an UNRWA classroom for nearly a year after they were forced to flee the bombs raining down on their house in Shejaiya. They told me of the fear and trauma they still live with each and every day, said UNRWA USA Executive Director, Abby Smardon. But despite the destroyed houses and the continued trauma from the ongoing blockade, the people of Gaza never give up striving for a better future. The enormity of the international refugee crisis has captured headlines over the last year, yet over 5 million Palestinian refugees have long been chronically marginalized. Moreover, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions are consistently deprived of the basic supplies and resources they need, making it difficult to sustain a functioning civil society for those living in the Gaza Strip. Our partnership with ZF is proof that by collaborating, international NGOs can make a huge impact and transform the lives of those facing extreme challenges in hard to reach communities, Ms. Smardon added. Were proud that through this multi-stage project, we were able to repair twenty-two houses with minor or major damage, with an additional sixty-five scheduled to be fully restored by April 2017. It is through American partnerships like this one, that we are able to have a positive impact on the lives of refugees. For more information or details about ZFs and UNRWAs on-the-ground experience and impressions of contemporary life in Gaza, please contact us using the information below, or visit our websites at zakat.org and unrwausa.org. CONTACTS: ZF Public Relations Coordinator, Jamie Merchant, (708) 233-0555, jamie(at)zakat(dot)org; UNRWA USA Director of Communications, Laila Mokhiber, (202) 223-3767, laila(at)unrwausa(dot)org ### Founded in 2001, Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) helps generous and caring people reach out to those in need. ZFs mission is to address immediate needs and ensure the self-reliance of the poorest people around the world. ZF conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.ZAKAT.org. 1st Place: Citrus Fiber as an Effective Fat Blocker in Fried Seafood - Oregon State University (Left to Right) Dr. Jae Park, Kaitlin Junes and Angee Hunt We continue to support University food science programs by offering students opportunities to create food ingredient solutions for the real world, says Fiberstar, Inc. President and CEO, John Haen. Past News Releases RSS Fiberstar, Inc. (http://www.FiberstarIngredients.com), a global market leader in clean label food ingredient solutions for the food and beverage industry announced the winners to the Citri-Fi 125 Student Innovation Contest. Citri-Fi 125, a natural, non-GMO citrus fiber is one of the most recent additions to the Citri-Fi portfolio. To find new uses for this natural citrus fiber, Fiberstar launched a global innovation contest targeting University students. Over 25 applicants, globally, submitted a proposal in how to use the Citri-Fi 125. This is the first time a program like this has been created, so we are pleased with the interest from the applicants, says Fiberstar, Inc. President and CEO, John Haen. We continue to support University food science programs by offering students opportunities to create food ingredient solutions for the real world. A panel of judges ranked the students applications based on originality of concept, justification/market need, ingredient commercial feasibility, technical feasibility and quality of their report. A total of $25,000 was awarded amongst the six winning proposals. The following winning teams and applications are: 1st Place: Citrus Fiber as an Effective Fat Blocker in Fried Seafood: Oregon State University Seafood Research and Education Center, U.S. (Dr. Jae Park, Kaitlin Junes and Angela Hunt). Citri-Fi 125 used in a coating formulation to reduce oil pick-up not only provides potential cost savings to processors due to reduced oil usage, but this also provides manufacturers opportunities to reduce fat and calories. The study also showed yield improvement due to increased pick-up and reduced cooking losses. 2nd Place: Reduced Fat Instant Laksa Paste: Surya University, Indonesia (Sylviana, Meutia Wafa' Khairunnisa Hakim, Amelia Adinda and Bryan Raharja). Citri-Fi 125 is used to reduce the amount of coconut milk used in Laksa paste to provide potential cost savings and fat reduction. Citri-Fi 125 provides emulsification stabilization and improved mouthfeel to simulate the texture of the full-fat version. This may be applicable to other coconut milks pastes, spreads, beverages and soups found not only in Asia, but also in other parts of the world due to the growing use of coconut. 3rd Place: Citri-Crunch Healthy Savory Extruded Pork Snack: Washington State University, U.S. (Ryan Kowalski, Bon-Jae Gu, Maria Dian Pratiwi Masli, Siyuan Wang and Hongchao Zhang). Citri-Fi 125 helped reduce the oil uptake and improved the flavor by enhancing the umami flavor of monosodium glutamate when reducing the sodium. This not only aligns with the markets need for healthier snacks, but also offers snack manufacturers cost savings opportunities in less oil usage. 4th Place: Chicken Sausage with Reduced Oil & Improved Sensory: University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (Miss A.M. Aruni Shanika, Dr. Himali Samaraweera, Nirupa Edirisinghe, Hashinee Medika Ariyasena and Nuwan Jayawardena). Citri-Fi 125 provided emulsification stabilization and texturizing to help reduce the oil by at least 30% while maintaining a full-fat mouthfeel. This provides cost savings and health benefits due to the fat/caloric reduction. 5th Place: Calcium Fortification to Increase Viscosity and Enhance Gelling Properties: University of Guelph, Canada (Lisa Indris). Incorporating calcium with Citri-Fi 125 in liquid food formats improves the viscosity and provides improved stabilization. This enhanced feature opens doors in the natural dairy category where stabilization and mouthfeel are desired and needed. 6th Place: Natural Color Stabilizer in Berry Yammee Topping: Cornell University, U.S. (Fiona Harnischfeger, Sofia Lara, Victoria Chen, Katrina Carino, Ana Chang, Sierra Jamir and Shiyu Cai). Citri-Fi 125 stabilizes natural colors during shelf-life to prevent phase separation and color bleeding. This benefit is crucial for consumer acceptance when using vibrant natural colors to indicate freshness. Fiberstar also offers other citrus fiber solutions via 100 series line which contains different fiber content than the 125 series, the 200 series which is citrus fiber and guar gum and the 300 series which is the citrus fiber and xanthan gum. The Citri-Fi citrus fiber product lines provide food manufacturers clean label texturizing solutions for various food products including bakery, beverages, dressings, meats, sauces and dairy. We are excited to enhance our formulating tool box by promoting Citri-Fi 125 citrus fiber. Our team will continue working closely with our Customers to provide superior technical service support, quality product and new ideas especially those generated from the most recent innovation contest. And we look forward to connecting with Universities and students in the future to continue the collaboration. For more information about the Innovation Contest applications, please contact Dr. Brock Lundberg at (651) 271-0328 By working together with Hanwha Life and its programs, together we can accelerate the process to build compliant and secure cross border investment technology in South Korea. DarcMatter, the premier alternative investment platform providing worldwide investors with direct access to private investment opportunities in the U.S., joins DreamPlus63, Hanwha Life Insurances Fintech center. Through DreamPlus63s program, DarcMatter and Hanwha Life will continue to partner to explore various financial technology platform opportunities with financial institutions in South Korea. Hanwha Life supports many fintech startups for their inbound and outbound expansion, said Mr. Raeyoon Kim, head of DreamPlus63. Utilizing its global network, Hanwha Life introduces fintech startups to related local financial institutions or enterprises for their successful soft landing. We are excited to have DarcMatter from New York join DreamPlus63 in Seoul, and look forward to a successful partnership. DarcMatter is headquartered in New York City with two overseas subsidiaries in Asia, the second most recently opened in Seoul, South Korea. Coming from one of the worlds top financial hubs, DarcMatter brings its expertise in financial services and platform technology to South Korea to help investors directly access U.S. based alternative investment opportunities. DarcMatter plans to successfully integrate into the Korean market with the partner support of Hanwha Life and participation in DreamPlus63s program. As investors in Asia increasingly explore alternative investments for their investment portfolios, there is no better time to bring our cross-border fintech expertise to the right partners interested in helping investors transparently access private investment opportunities, said Sang H. Lee, CEO and founder, DarcMatter. By working together with Hanwha Life and its programs, together we can accelerate the process to build compliant and secure cross border investment technology in South Korea. Founded in 2014, DarcMatter launched its first overseas branch in China and specifically selected South Korea as the second expansion market. The country is an attractive marketplace based on the appetite for technology innovation, coupled with the growing interest from major Korean financial services institutions, who are interested in exploring how to more easily integrate fintech into their businesses. In the United States, DarcMatter works with over 800 global investors and with over 60 funds, representing over $5 Bn in AUM from hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital funds who utilize DarcMatter to access investors worldwide. About DarcMatter: DarcMatter is a global alternative investment platform that provides investors worldwide with direct and transparent access to U.S. private investment opportunities such as hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital funds. Headquartered in New York City DarcMatter works with fund managers to provide global investor diversification and to an array of investors, including high-net-worth individuals, financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors. For more information on DarcMatter and DarcMatters Korean entity, please reach out to the team at MediaRelations(at)darcmatter(dot)com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DarcMatterHQ About Hanwha Life Insurance: Hanwha Life Insurance is the first established life insurance in Korea, having its global presence in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. Hanwha Life leads the industry with innovative moves. Its the first life insurance in Korea to open a fintech center called Dreamplus63 in last October in order to accelerate many Korean fintech startups. March 14th is typically recognized as a day to celebrate the constant that helped shape the future of modern mathematics. But, Your Pie, the worlds first down-the-line pizza concept, has given pizza lovers another reason to join in on the celebration by taking the number that typically represents the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter, and celebrating a different type of circle: pizza! On March 14th, Your Pies 39 locations across 14 states will join together in celebration for the brands ninth annual Pi(e) Day celebration. A day that was originally designated to celebrate the number that gives pizza its glorious shape is now Your Pies way of giving back to its customers. Your Pie is celebrating by offering $3.14 pizzas, $3.14 pints of craft beer and $3.14 combos for all of their customers on one of the brands favorite holidays. Over the past nine years we have made Pi(e) Day a part of our brands culture by showcasing what makes Your Pie different from other brands in the pizza segment, said Drew French, Founder of Your Pie. The holiday has enabled us to both thank our existing customers for their devoted loyalty and to help introduce people to Your Pie so they can see what all of the hype is about. Since starting its annual Pi(e) Day celebration nine years ago, the tradition has turned into one of Your Pies highest foot traffic days. To further engage in the celebration, Your Pie diners will have the chance to win all sorts of SWAG by snapping and sharing a picture of their Pi(e) Day experience on social media using the hashtag #YourPieDay. This year, the brand will also kick the celebration up even further by pumping 80s jams at all Your Pie locations to get both employees and customers into the groove. The unmistakable sounds of Michael Jackson and Madonna will serve as an added treat for customers on March 14th, and a sure way to get everyone in the mood for a great celebration. We are coming up on our ninth year being supported by our wonderful customers, said French. Looking back, no other day has been a better way to showcase our two biggest loves our fans and our pizza. Pi(e) Day has been a huge hit because we have really been able to hone in on the great relationship between Your Pie fans and the local franchise owners and get involved in our local communities where we have a presence. ABOUT YOUR PIE: Your Pie is the worlds originator of the fast casual, brick-oven, customized personal pizza category. A culinary entrepreneur since his teenage years, Your Pie founder Drew French combined his passion for innovative restaurant concepts with brick oven technology and his business acumen to create the highest quality pizza available at incredible speed. Drawing from family recipes from the island of Ischia, Your Pie uses hand-tossed dough, only fresh ingredients, homemade pizza sauces and salad dressings, and offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free pizzas, as well as traditional pizzas. The brand also offers local craft beer, wine and Italian-style gelato pairings designed to perfectly compliment the custom pies guests create. Diners at Your Pie have come to expect the best tasting pizza served with speed without sacrificing flavor from a brand that stands by its motto to express your inner pizza." Named in 2016 to Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list, Your Pie now has nearly 40 locations open across 13 states and an additional 50 locations now in development. In each market, Your Pie places the highest emphasis on investing in the local communities it serves, and encourages diners to let their culinary creativity run wild. For more information about Your Pie or franchising opportunities, please visit http://www.yourpie.com. Storefront Political Media is proud to announce that Senior Strategist Alex Youn has been honored by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) as one of the 40 best and brightest campaign professionals under 40 years old. We are honored to recognize young achievers and visionaries such as Alex Youn who have already proven their immense talent in the political arena and beyond, said AAPC President Mark Mellman. With so much potential, we cannot wait to see what these winners accomplish next, and we are so proud to feature them in the 2017 class of award winners. The AAPC will recognize the winners of the 40 Under 40 Awards at the 2017 Annual Pollie Awards & Conference on March 14, 2017 in Huntington Beach, California. The Conference brings the leading political professionals in the world together to network and hear from top technology innovators, pollsters, pundits and service providers. This marks the second year in a row that a member of Storefront Political Medias team has received the honor. Last year Bergen Kenny was named one of the 2016 40 under 40. Storefront Political Media, founded by Eric Jaye, is a San Francisco-based, full-service communications firm that is known for its multi-channel advertising campaigns, innovative messaging and effective targeting on behalf of its clients. Youn and the team at Storefront Political Media are also launching a series of highly-regarded political technology products, including http://www.SpeakEasyPolitical.com and http://www.StorefrontDigital.com which help candidates and campaigns deliver highly-targeted direct mail and digital media at a substantial discount. To learn more about Storefront and these tools, visit them at http://www.StorefrontPolitical.com. AAPC Vice President Tom Shepard also noted: The competition for this years winners was fierce as we received the most nominations we have seen in AAPC 40 Under 40 history. Our bipartisan team of judges reviewed the materials of over 200 highly qualified individuals from across the political spectrum to determine this years remarkable class. Only 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats and 4 nonpartisan operatives in the United States were named to this exclusive 40 Under 40 winners list. Award winners were graded on a 40-point scale and selected for extraordinary achievements in politics and public affairs. Contributions to the health of the political business community through volunteer work and other forms of philanthropy were also considered. Click here (http://theaapc.org/awards/40-under-40/40-under-40-winners-class-of-2017/) to view the full list of the 2017 40 Under 40 winners. Chief Executive Officer, Larry Gould Provider of translation and interpreting services thebigword has been awarded a major contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. The large five-year framework contract means thebigword linguists will provide troops language support using a mix of local Afghan and US staff. The unique nature of NATO operations means all linguists are required to be fluent in a variety of language combinations. A challenging requirement that thebigword is uniquely placed to fulfil thanks to their large pool of linguist partners who can deliver services in more than 250 languages across the globe. The company provides other firms and organisation with language support and has a dedicated Defence Division based in The United Kingdom and Washington, D.C. Other clients include the US Army, Department of Homeland Security, UK-based defence manufacturer BAE Systems and crisis response organisations such as the UN. Larry Gould CEO of thebigword said: With our dedicated defence division and our pool of linguists weve been able to supply NATO with highly trained staff that work to make sure troops, contractors and local people can communicate effectively and ultimately are kept safe while on site in Kabul. Were very proud of the work we do with international organisations whether it is assisting on NATO missions or helping with crisis response in places like West Africa with the UN. The work we do helps to save lives and makes a huge difference and Im very proud of the professionalism and skill shown by all our staff in sometimes difficult situations. Were committed to ensuring we meet the unique requirements of the NATO contract and we hope to expand on this in the future. Were a growing company and are committed to delivering the best in language service support for all our clients. thebigword is the largest interpreting services provider in Europe and is in the top 15 language companies in the world. It works with a range of major Government departments, including the Ministry of Justice and the NYC Department of Education, as well as blue chip companies and brands on a global scale. The company has 9 offices around the world, employs 600 staff and has more than 12,000 linguists. thebigwords innovative technology can identify and connect people to the appropriate interpreter in more than 250 languages in under 30 seconds. The company handles 1,000,000 minutes of telephone interpreting a month and 17,000 face to face meetings, as well as half a billion words of translation. For more information about thebigword, visit http://www.thebigword.com/ Ninad Raikar, VP of Professional Services, Riversand Technologies Riversand has proved to be great fit for Liebherr's business model Liebherr Group, the leading German manufacturer of heavy equipment, has implemented Riversands MDMCenter across multiple product divisions to support future product developments and worldwide business growth. The Liebherr Group is a large equipment manufacturer based in Germany. Established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr in Kirchdorf an der Iller, today it consists of over 130 companies organized into eleven divisions. Product ranges include a wide portfolio of construction equipment and cranes as well as material handling equipment, aerospace technology, gear technology and household appliances. Liebherr has a worldwide workforce of over 41,000 employees and has achieved an annual revenue of 9.2 billion during the 2015 financial year. For the past 60 years, Liebherr has continued to develop a range of sophisticated products and services. In order to maintain its strong competitive advantages, the Liebherr Group traditionally invests in modern business infrastructure. In an enterprise of this size, data management is crucial to maximizing efficiency. Liebherr was an early adopter of a centralized Product Information Management (PIM) system and has been using the technology for years. Recently, they decided to adopt a more powerful solution that would enable them to coordinate, direct and monitor product data across global product divisions. Liebherr approached Riversand Technologies because of their expertise in Master Data Management(MDM) and Product Information Management(PIM). Riversand's solution matched the specific requirements of the Groups IT architecture. Liebherr decided to implement a solution that would combine Riverands PIM along with the Media Asset Management (MAM) from Advellence Solutions. "Riversand's Master Data Management solution, the MDMCenter, was installed across nine of the eleven product divisions and has proved to be a great fit for Liebherrs business model. Consequently, the browser-based interface improved the product data handling. Relevant business workflows were configured into the MDMCenter to meet the needs of various departments including R&D, Product Management, Sales, and Marketing," said Ninad Raikar, VP of Professional Service, Riversand Technologies. "The new data filters, data governance rules and definitions, bulk data sheets and comparisons have allowed production sites and sales divisions around the world to maintain and manage in real-time the product data across global marketing channels. From a single set of product master data, Liebherr can generate product descriptions and measurements which can be easily translated and converted for different international markets. With MDMCenter as the appropriate master data management solution, Liebherr is ready to embrace future challenges," said Liebherr executive Dr. Gerold Dobler. About Riversand Riversand is an innovative leader in master data management. It provides a single, integrated, scalable, and robust multi-domain MDM platform that caters to a variety of use cases across multiple verticals. In addition, Riversand offers specific solutions, such as Vendor Portal, Spare Parts Management, Material Master, GDSN on-boarding, Media Asset Management, Print Publishing, and more. Riversand provides accelerated time-to-market, increased sales, improved order accuracy, reduced costs, and enhanced customer service. Visit Riversand.com for more information, and follow us @RiversandMDM on Twitter. The learning lessons are all practical. No theory! On March 7th at 2:30pm at the University Club of Chicago, David Kalinowski, President of Proactive Worldwide, will present an engaging session on Creating a Value-Driven Project Intake Process. Kalinowski will share his expertise in best practices for the project scoping process, specifically as it applies to competitive intelligence and market research studies. Kalinowskis speaking engagement is part of Society of Insurance Researchs 2017 educational conference, Research Skills Development for Tomorrows Leaders. The format is a series of intensive skills development workshops, to be held March 6-8, 2017. Kalinowski said the main priority of his program is to provide insights on the importance of rigor during this phase of a given project. Toward that end, he plans on sharing an instructive case study to demonstrate context and value. Kalinowski added, A well-prepared Project Scope creates the best foundation on which all subsequent project phases must rest. Well tackle the due diligence steps required, and then consider the variables, relationships, and potential benefits of an intentional Project Scope document versus the negative side-effects of a poorly planned one. Kalinowski noted that important takeaways, directly relevant to participants day-to-day responsibilities, will include, among others, setting appropriate contingency parameters, avoiding/heading off scope-creep, and providing accurate schedule milestones and budgets from the start. He joked, The learning lessons are all practical. No theory! Visit http://www.sirnet.org to register. About Proactive Worldwide: Proactive Worldwide, Inc. is a global research and strategic intelligence consulting firm that provides evidence-based, constructive information within the competitive intelligence, market intelligence, and customer intelligence domains. Anchored by primary source research for over 21 years, Proactives multilingual professionals assist our clients with offerings that include but are not limited to competitive research and assessment services, market entry and defense strategies, war gaming simulations and scenario planning events, and customer experience and user experience studies. To learn more, visit http://www.proactiveworldwide.com. OmniVere, a market-leading provider of end-to-end eDiscovery services and data risk management advisory services, is pleased to announce that for the 5th year in a row it has achieved the coveted Best in Service designation for kCura Relativity, which recognizes Relativity Premium Hosting Partners who provide an exceptional Relativity experience to end users. We are very excited to continue to collaborate with kCura as a Relativity Best in Service Partner, says Tony Caputo, OmniVeres Chief Executive Officer. Many of our clients see the Relativity platform as essential to managing their most complex matters. Our teams experience with the platform in combination with our cutting-edge early case assessment tool OmniVere Direct form the perfect partnership to provide fast, efficient and accurate deliverables that our clients need and expect. To achieve the recertification as a Best in Service partner at the Blue level, OmniVere was required to demonstrate to kCura its broad expertise and experience hosting projects in Relativity. During this voluntary audit, kCura evaluated OmniVeres capabilities in three areas: technical infrastructure, customer service, and product expertise. To retain its status as a Relativity Best in Service partner, OmniVere will continue to meet a robust set of requirements set forth by kCura, including (among many others) the size of OmniVeres Relativity installation and the number of its professionals who possess core Relativity certifications. About OmniVere OmniVere is a global services firm responding to the most difficult data risk management challenges. With decades of experience in all stages of the corporate data lifecycle, from pre-matter consulting through legal hold, trial and ultimate disposition of data, OmniVere is uniquely positioned to minimize corporate risk while delivering unparalleled efficiency before, during, and after legal, regulatory and compliance proceedings. The firm provides services to companies in the energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, technology and government sectors and to their legal counsel. For more information about OmniVere, go to http://www.omnivere.com or follow @OmniVere on Twitter. About kCura kCura are the developers of the e-discovery software Relativity. Relativity has more than 150,000 active users in more than 40 countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice and more than 195 of the Am Law 200. kCura helps corporations, law firms, and government agencies meet e-discovery challenges by installing Relativity on-premises and providing hosted, on-demand solutions through a global network of partners. kCura has been ranked the 175th fastest-growing technology company in North America on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 and named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune. Please contact kCura at sales(at)kcura(dot)com or visit http://www.kcura.com for more information. JDM Technology Group With the ConEst team weve built by joining the JDM Technology Group, our customers will be supported by a group of leading construction software companies around the world. JDM Technology Group, a global group of leading software providers for the architecture, engineering and construction industries, announced today that it has acquired Manchester, NH-based ConEst, a leading provider of electrical estimating, takeoff, and project and service management software. ConEst provides electrical estimating, takeoff, and project and service management software to customers throughout the United States and globally. The acquisition strengthens the JDM Group with a broader offering of electrical software solutions to its global customer base and increased offerings to electrical, low-voltage, and data/telecom contractors. We have deep roots in the industry and strong connections with our customers and employees. Our choice to partner with JDM was based on a mutual commitment and connection to the industries and customers we both serve. JDMs strong presence in the construction industry will bolster our companys ability to continue developing innovative software that enables successful estimating and project management for our customers, said Jan Thayer, Vice President of Sales and Customer Service. Carrying on the philosophy of ConEst founder and CEO, George Hague, as well as our brand and legacy we have built was paramount in our decision to join a team of software developers and customer service advocates who share our values and our insight. With a focus on our customers and our employees and with the support of its global construction software technology leadership, we are pleased to consummate this sale and partnership with the JDM Technology Group. With the ConEst team weve built by joining the JDM Technology Group, our customers will be supported by a group of leading construction software companies around the world. Moreover, the technology weve developed can be applied to the global customer base. Were glad to complete the sale with JDM and are excited to see ConEst build on its success in the future, added George Hague, President and CEO of ConEst. Having acquired numerous companies since 2004, the JDM Technology Group has established a proven strategy for integrating acquired companies into its existing infrastructure. ConEst will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing staff out of its Manchester, NH headquarters. President George Hague and Vice President of Sales and Customer Service Jan Thayer will help guide the transition and will continue to advise the business moving forward. Our Buy and Build strategy ensures that customers continue to have access to the best technology globally. In addition, by retaining the ConEst staff and organization, customers will continue to receive service and support from the same people they are used to. As well, we do not end-of-life any products, allowing customers to continue with their preferred software. This strategy creates strong growth and enables the JDM Group to continue to be an excellent home for leading construction software companies. About ConEst Founded in 1989 by George Hague, ConEst has become a leading supplier of estimating, takeoff, and project and service management software to the electrical industry in the United States and around the world. ConEst is the leading technology innovator in its industry with a reputation for excellent customer support. Recognition of ConEsts continuing leadership has come through its inclusion in the Constructech 50 in 2016 its 7th consecutive year, as well as through the 2016 NECA conference showstopper award for ConEsts IntelliBid Estimating System. About JDM Technology Group JDM Technology Group is a global software business focused on delivering business software systems for the architecture, engineering and construction industries with over 50,000 users served in 40 countries on 6 continents, employing 300 staff. The JDM Technology Groups core business philosophy is long-term commitment to customer service coupled with providing the best possible solutions to customers. JDM Technology Group companies include Computer Guidance Corporation (North America), CSSP (Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong), Explorer Software (North, Central, and South America), Integrity Software Systems (UK and Ireland), LEVESYS (Australia), RedSkyIT (UK and Middle East), and Vision InfoSoft (North America). For more information, visit http://www.jdmtechnologygroup.com. Dr. Kimberly Jospeh, D.C. South Florida is about to get healthier. A new HealthSource Chiropractic clinic opened at 7241 Southwest 63 Ave., formally known as Complete Chiropractic, and hopes to make its mark on the people of South Florida by getting them out of pain and putting them on a path of incredible health. As with all 300+ HealthSource clinics across the country, the new Miami location will feature the latest in chiropractic care, a room devoted entirely to rehabbing injuries using patented Progressive Rehab techniques, and a Wellness program to keep patients living healthy the rest of their lives. We love that were adding our sixth clinic to the Miami area, said HealthSource founder Dr. Chris Tomshack. The people of Miami deserve quality healthcare and thats what were going to provide. Dr. Kimberly Joseph, D.C., who will operate the clinic as HealthSources newest franchisee after practicing independently for 18 years, said shes excited to join forces with HealthSource. HealthSource brings together teams of doctors, therapists, and chiropractic assistants working together for the common cause to correct the source of most all neuromuscular skeletal injuries, she said. Since 2006, more than 8 million people have been treated by a HealthSource clinic, making HealthSource the world leader in chiropractic care. We like being able to make that impact in peoples lives, said Tomshack. Our goal since day one has always been to make patients the focus of health care. We want to get people back to doing the things they love, without pain. For that to happen, the patients have to be our focus in every decision we make as health care providers. About HealthSource At HealthSource, our clinics have gentle, caring chiropractors that work side-by-side with licensed massage therapists and progressive rehab specialists to get patients feeling better again, quickly. Chiropractic care is about whole body wellness. We not only focus on back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, fibromyalgia and other common concerns, but also on prevention, wellness and nutrition. Spinal Decompression, a leading edge non-surgical and non-invasive technology, is available in many HealthSource clinics for patients with severe conditions. ### Congratulations to Goodman and Softway on this terrific achievement, said Kimberly King, Vice President, Global Partners and Channels, Progress. Softway announces it has been named a 2016 Progress Sitefinity Website of the Year winner in the manufacturing category for its work on the Goodman Manufacturing website. The website was honored for creativity, design, user experience, functionality and overall presentation. The winning website, GoodmanMFG.com, represents one of many websites built by Softway on Goodmans behalf. The ongoing effort to build on the Sitefinity platform is part of a larger consolidation strategy that allows Goodmans marketing teams to manage all websites through one integrated system. This strategy, married with Softways extensive design capabilities, has resulted in a website thats as easy-to-use as it is eye-catching. At Softway, we know success doesnt happen in a vacuum, said Mohammad Anwar, Softways President. We depend on great clients like Goodman and trusted vendors like Sitefinity to help us accomplish our goals. These strong partnerships made this win possible. We couldnt be prouder. The partnership between Softway and Goodman dates back to 2012. When Goodman Manufacturing became part of Daikin Industries, Ltd., the newly merged company needed a fresh web presence to showcase Goodman revolutionizing the industry. Softway was there to help. The other partner vital to this win, Progress Sitefinity, began working with Softway in 2014. Today, Sitefinity is the enterprise website content management system (CMS) of choice for Softway and their diverse portfolio of clients. Congratulations to Goodman and Softway on this terrific achievement, said Kimberly King, Vice President, Global Partners and Channels, Progress. Without exception, all of the winning companies have proven their dedication to creating a sophisticated and engaging web presence with the help of Progress Sitefinity CMS. About Softway Softway is an independent digital agency that creates transformative experiences for brands. Since 2003, our teams in Houston and Bengaluru have worked together to provide creative, strategy, research and custom software capabilities to meet our clients toughest challenges. Every day, we put our collective strength to work to create solutions that arent just beautifultheyre beautifully effective. Its just what youd expect from the agency for whats possible. Learn more at softway.com. Everyone in the healthcare communityproviders, payers, patientsneeds the assurance that their data is protected according to the highest standards and best practices, said Mark McKinney, CEO of Hixny. Two respected quality organizations have renewed their accreditation of a key Hixny capability for another two years. Hixnys HISP (health information systems provider) Direct messaging capability received the reaccreditation from DirectTrust and the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC). Hixny received the original accreditation in 2014 one of the first two regional, non-profit health information exchanges in the nation to achieve this goal. Awarded under the Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program (DTAAP), the accreditation not only recognizes excellence in health data processing and transactions, but also ensures compliance with industry-established standards, HIPAA regulations and the Direct Project. The Direct Project, launched in 2010, endeavors to specify a simple, secure, scalable, standards-based way for participants to send authenticated, encrypted health information directly to trusted recipients over the Internet. Through the consultative review process, EHNAC evaluated Hixny in terms of privacy, security and confidentiality; technical performance; business practices; and organizational resources as they relate to Direct exchange participants. In addition, EHNAC reviewed Hixnys process of managing and transferring protected health information and determined that Hixny meets or exceeds all EHNAC criteria and industry standards. Endorsed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), the Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program ensures that organizations like Hixny establish and uphold a superior level of trust for their stakeholders, said Lee Barrett, Executive Director of EHNAC. The need in the marketplace for guidance and accountability in health information exchange is undeniable, and we applaud Hixnys commitment to the highest standards in privacy, security and confidentiality. Everyone in the healthcare communityproviders, payers, patientsneeds the assurance that their data is protected according to the highest standards and best practices, said Mark McKinney, CEO of Hixny. EHNAC accreditation communicates that Hixny has those standards and practices in place. I am very proud of my team for achieving the accreditation once again. About Hixny Hixny empowers modern healthcare by improving the way in which the healthcare community and patients access, analyze and collaboratively act upon patient-specific information. A not-for-profit based in Albany, NY, Hixny is a recognized national leader in population health management support. The organization supports care coordination of more than 1.7 million patients in the Capital District, Northern New York and the Mohawk Valley. To learn more, visit http://www.Hixny.org. About DirectTrust.org DirectTrust.org is a non-profit, competitively neutral, self-regulatory entity created by and for participants in the Direct community, including HISPs, CAs and RAs, doctors, patients and vendors, and supports both provider-to-provider as well as patient-to-provider Direct exchange. The goal of DirectTrust.org is to develop, promote and, as necessary, help enforce the rules and best practices necessary to maintain security and trust within the Direct community, consistent with the HITECH Act and the governance rules for the NwHIN established by ONC. DirectTrust.org is committed to fostering widespread public confidence in the Direct exchange of health information. To learn more, visit http://www.directtrust.org. About EHNAC The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) is a voluntary, self-governing standards development organization (SDO) established to develop standard criteria and accredit organizations that electronically exchange healthcare data. These entities include accountable care organizations, electronic health networks, EPCS vendors, e-prescribing solution providers, financial services firms, health information exchanges, health information service providers, management service organizations, medical billers, outsourced service providers, payers, practice management system vendors and third-party administrators. EHNAC was founded in 1993 and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. Guided by peer evaluation, the EHNAC accreditation process promotes quality service, innovation, cooperation and open competition in healthcare. To learn more, visit http://www.ehnac.org, contact info(at)ehnac(dot)org or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. CA Nat Resources Sec John Laird, This project demonstrates how coordinated efforts by the Santa Cruz Land Trust, local and state governments, and business and educational institutions can help preserve important wildlife The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose finalized an environmental easement to protect 173 acres of forested property west of Highway 17 at Laurel Curve. The easement represents the last parcel needed to connect bio-diverse habitat and protect motorists safety. Combined with two properties east of the highway protected by the Trust last year, the easement prohibits development in these areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Trusts project includes plans to build a wildlife tunnel under Highway 17, which carries over 50,000 daily commuters. Fatal accidents on 17 are highest at Laurel Curve a site also used by mountain lions trying to cross the busy 4-lane road. A tunnel will prevent collisions with wildlife. Tunnel design is expected to begin this year, supported by $3.1 million in California Transportation Commission funds with construction slated for 2020. The Dominican Sisters collaboration with the Trust sought to protect their Marywood property, preserving the environment while allowing its use for private retreats. Sister Barbara Hagel, the congregations Care of Creation coordinator affirmed, The Laurel Curve project is a huge benefit, promoting the movement of wildlife throughout the county and providing opportunities for genetic dispersal, limited in recent years by freeways. Land Trust Project Director Dan Medeiros said it was necessary to protect the land on both sides of the future crossing. You dont want to send mountain lions into peoples backyards, he said. For a project like this, you need land that is largely undeveloped. We are so grateful to the to the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose for helping make this project possible. Funding for the $1,625,000 easement came from the Natural Resources Agency, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Coastal Conservancy, and Land Trust donors and allows tunnel design plans to proceed. California Natural Resources Agency Secretary John Laird affirmed, This project demonstrates how coordinated efforts by the Santa Cruz Land Trust, local and state governments, and business and educational institutions can help preserve important wildlife habitat. The Dominican Sisters efforts to protect this land is a testament to their devotion to the well-being of creatures great and small. Head of the Catholic congregation, Sister Cecilia Canales believes, This agreement is a beautiful expression of our dedication to caring for our planet at this moment in our history. Land Trust Executive Director Stephen Slade said that more than 2,000 donors have given $4.9 million to protect land on both sides of the highway and to help fund construction. Measure D also included $5 million for construction. Slade said, This community made this a priority with their donations and votes. The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose are an international congregation of women religious. They express their Catholic faith through educational, social justice and care of creation ministries, faithfully responding to the needs of the times and serving the young, the poor and the vulnerable. To learn more visit http://www.msjdominicans.org Avatier Community We focus on customer satisfaction, so we are always looking for a better way to make it easier to communicate with our customers and help them find information about our solutions. Avatier Community makes our communication more transparent than ever. Avatier, the global leader in Identity and Access Management (IAM) software, is excited to announce the premiere of Avatier Community. This online portal puts all of our tools and resources right at our customers' fingertips. It provides Avatier customers with exclusive access to an expanded knowledge base, a forum to connect with other community members, and the ability to create, track, and access support tickets. In a nutshell, this high-end online portal is a one-stop shop for all of your identity management needs. For years, customers have wished for a singular, comprehensive access point for all of their account management needs and Avatier has listened. Avatier Community pools all of the resources our customers could need into one central location. This means customers can find answers to their questions easily and quickly, without wasting time. As our world becomes more social, strong communities become increasingly important, which is why Avatier Community allows customers to share ideas with their peers, research new information, and learn about identity management best practices. This emphasis on a positive community puts Avatier on the forefront of IAM software. Nelson Cicchitto, CEO & Chairman of Avatier, is enthusiastic about the impressive advances. "We focus on customer satisfaction, so we are always looking for a better way to make it easier to communicate with our customers and help them find information about our solutions. Avatier Community makes our communication more transparent than ever." After logging into Avatier Community at https://community.avatier.com/, customers can access the following client services and resources: Support Resources: Current and prospective customers can access in-depth materials, including a range of tools, guides, videos, and articles about Avatier solutions. Users can find product buyer's guides, view data sheets, read customer case studies, watch pre-recorded webinars, view customer testimonials, and review IAM best practice white papers. By having all of this material easily accessible, customers learn from the experience of others and improve their own results. Knowledge Base: Avatier's expanded knowledge base is filled with product information, specification, and documentation; training and demonstration videos; access to support incidents; both solutions and technical documentation, and more. Customers can even download the latest edition of AIMS! It's easier than ever to supplement our telephone support and find the answers you're looking for in our vast knowledge base. Community: We have made it easier than ever to interact with the Avatier community thanks to our company-moderated discussion boards. Here, customers can share their knowledge and ask questions of fellow Avatier customers and technical experts. Users can ask and answer questions on topics related to various Avatier solutions, including Identity Enforcer, Password Station, Password Bouncer, Compliance Auditor, Single Sign-On and more. As part of Avatier's desire to improve, we have also created a Feature Requests thread which allows customers to suggest and influence future products and updates. This community is at the core of the Avatier experience. Submit Ticket: Avatier Community provides an automated support ticketing system which allows users to easily ask for help. Once a customer submits a ticket, they are contacted by the next available support engineer. This means Avatier customers can be productive, rather than waste their time on hold. My Activities: For those seeking an additional level of support to Avatier Community, My Activities is the solution. It allows customers to view their own support tickets and those opened by members of their organization. Users can add their own comments to each case and review the case history of solved issues to help them track and audit product fixes and assigned resources. About Avatier Avatier was established in 1997, and has built a reputation for highly secured and easy to use information management and access governance products. The focus is creating robust products that serve our users' needs, feature a fast installation time, and a user-friendly interface with an easy to learn point-and-click GUI. Products are available individually or bundled together in our signature Avatier Identity Management Solution (AIMS). Our software meets our customers' current business needs while still being flexible enough to expand and account for future growth. With over seven million licenses sold globally, Avatier continues to provide cutting-edge upgrades to our identity management software. These upgrades facilitate and optimize corporate jurisdiction visibility while simultaneously reducing operational costs and mitigating all forms of internal and external risks. Avatier's main headquarters are located in the San Francisco Bay area, with satellite offices operating in NYC, Washington D.C., Dallas, Chicago, London, Dublin, Sydney, Singapore, and Munich. For more information about Avatier, please visit https://www.avatier.com. Explorer Software Group is a global provider of enterprise software solutions for construction accounting and project management. Eclipse was designed to meet the challenges that Contractors face in a fast-paced and constantly changing industry. Our software is easy-to-use, yet also flexible and powerful. Explorer Software, a leading provider of construction software worldwide, is proud to announce that they will be showcasing their flagship product, Eclipse, at this years CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas, Nevada. CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 7th-11th. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the largest international gathering in the Western Hemisphere for the construction industries. Founded in 1909, CONEXPOs original purpose was to demonstrate amazing new devices that could do the work of 15 horse-drawn units. The show joined with the International Concrete and Aggregates Show in 1996 to form CONEXPO-CON/AGG to provide an enormous scope of equipment, products, and services. This event now occurs every three years to showcase the latest equipment, products, services, and technologies for the construction industry. CONEXPO-CON/AGG provides us with an opportunity to showcase our cutting edge software, as well as connecting with construction professionals, says Mark Liss, President of Explorer Software. Eclipse was designed to meet the challenges that Contractors face in a fast-paced and constantly changing industry. Our software is easy-to-use, yet also flexible and powerful. Explorer Software will be demoing its flagship product, Eclipse, throughout the CONEXPO-CON/AGG show. Attendees can stop by booth B92629 to see the powerful and flexible construction management software firsthand. About Explorer Software Explorer Software is the leading provider of enterprise software solutions for the construction industry, offering a broad range of solutions for small, mid-sized and large enterprises worldwide. Explorers construction-specific solutions offer rich functionality, a full application suite and best-in-class customization abilities. The software and services are designed to produce meaningful increases in revenues and margins to contractors. Explorer Software is part of the JDM Technology Group, a global software business that serves the Construction industry exclusively, with 45,000 users, in 40 countries and on 6 continents, employing over 300 staff. JDM Technologys core business philosophy is long-term commitment to customer service, coupled with providing the best possible solutions to customers. Not only are all-gender facilities an equity issue for the LGBTIQQ community but they are also an issue of student safety. Yesterday a new California law went into effect requiring that all single-occupancy restrooms be designated as gender neutral. The law requires that businesses and governments post signs on all single-occupancy restrooms designating them as non-gender specific by March 1, 2017. Introduced by democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting of San Francisco, the legislation establishes the nations most inclusive restroom-access law. Thanks to an effort led by the Students for Social Justice, COM is in already in compliance with the law. Single-stall, all-gender restroom facilities were made available to the campus community in spring 2015. Advised by Behavioral Sciences Instructor Susan Rahman and Assistive Technology Specialist Elle Dimopoulos, Students for Social Justice began raising awareness of this issue in November 2014 by sending a survey to gauge interest in creating all-gender restrooms on campus. After garnering campus-wide support, the student members worked with staff, faculty, and administrators to research signage that aligned with COMs mission of accessibility, equity, and community. During the process, Nathan Bowman, president of Students for Social Justice, spoke with members of the Colleges Participatory Governance System about all-gender restrooms and why they are so important. Not only are all-gender facilities an equity issue for the LGBTIQQ community but they are also an issue of student safety, said Bowman. They provide options to non-traditional students who have children requiring a family bathroom as well as students who have mobility challenges. By 2015, COM had created a total of 16 single-occupancy, all-gender restroom facilities on its campuses, with an additional six being created in 2017 at the Indian Valley Campus. Findings from a 2013 survey and report published by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law show that gender-specific restrooms pose serious risks to transgender individuals due to bias and discrimination. A joint decision by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice was made last week to rescind federal guidelines protecting the rights of transgender students by allowing them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity. Following the decision, a group of 19 education organizations issued a statement on the action. These and many other education leaders feel strongly that it is the responsibility of schools to provide a safe learning environment for students. Reiterating COMs commitment to supporting all students, Superintendent/President Dr. David Wain Coon said, It is the Colleges mission to provide equitable opportunities to all members of our community. We also recognize that the depth and breadth of our community continues to grow in its diversity and we proudly support transgender students and staff, as well as the LGBT+ community as a whole. About College of Marin College of Marin is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at http://www.accjc.org College of Marin is one of 113 public community colleges in California and approximately 13,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll annually. child resistant glass cannabis concentrate jar In remarks during a recent announcement to employees and other stakeholders, Robert Lerman, President of eBottles.com declared that the company had been issued the design patent for their unique design which pairs child resistant closures with cosmetic thick wall glass jars. The combination of the special neck finish tooled glass jars and smooth top child resistant closures yields a new cosmetic glass package capable of meeting the rigorous standards of the Poison Prevention Package Act with Resecuring Effectiveness per Code of Federal Regulations Title 16, Part 1700. The jar was created with the particular needs of the cannabis industry in mind. Mr. Lerman declared that he was very proud of the team that had produced an aesthetically pleasing design for marketers who are required to package their products in child resistant packages. We all share a great sense of gratification from this design patent award. Many hours of hard work and dedication went into this design which is unique in our industry and which will set the standard for combining attractive packaging with effective child resistant design. The new glass jars available in 5 ml and 9 ml sizes have been on the market since October 2015. The company has also recently introduced a new 15 ml 53mm size. Responding to the needs of the cannabis industry's expanding focus on concentrate products, the eBottles team created its new line of cosmetic thick wall jars with the particular needs of concentrate products in mind. Mr Lerman stated: Cannabis industry leaders told us that they were dissatisfied with the current choices for concentrate packages. Customers were concerned about the clear styrene jewel cases being used believing that the dabbing process included a risk of scraping plastic into the product. The expensive silicone choice was also problematic as the silicone was seen as absorbing terpenes. Further, neither of these packages were child resistant, requiring the addition of secondary child resistant packaging adding labor and cost. The eBottles solution was to create economical glass jars which could satisfy the industry demands of product safety, ease of use, cosmetic appearance and most importantly a package that would maintain child resistance throughout its useful life. The insides of the jars are rounded allowing heated concentrates to pool in the middle of the jar, providing the consumer the ability to gain easy access to all of the valuable contents. The 5 ml 28mm jar has been well received by marketers of distillates, isolates and saps. The 5 ml jar package includes child resistant closures lined with a foil and mylar laminate construction designed specifically for high terpene content products. The 9 ml 38mm jar is a hit with marketers of solid thc based concentrates such as shatter and wax. The new 15 ml 53mm jar expands the companys offering to include a size capable of holding multiple grams of concentrates. Brett Mouser, CEO of Mahatma Concentrates a leading manufacturer of concentrate products stated, "These new glass jars provide the quality image that mirrors the Mahatma brand. We could not be more happy with our switch from plastic to glass containers and the customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. In particular, customers love the ability to see the product through the base of the jar and we love the fact that customers can see the purity and quality of our product prior to purchase." eBottles.com offers high end products from US, Asian, and European manufacturers. With multiple distribution centers in the US, eBottles ships most orders within 24 hours. eBottles headquarters is based in Jupiter, Florida. Distribution centers are located in Bethel, CT, Denver, CO, and Los Angeles, CA. For more information, please contact the Customer Relations Department at eBottles.com 561-203-2779 You can visit their website at http://www.ebottles.com. SOURCE eBottles.com Teach Music America Week - March 20-26 "We are hoping to give birth to a multitude of new musicians who will continue reaping the benefits of playing music long after the month of March is over" It is estimated that over 600 Music Schools across 48 states will be participating in the 3rd Annual "Teach Music America" from March 20th to March 26th . During this week, Keep Music Alive is encouraging musicians and music schools across the country to offer one free 30 minute lesson to new interested students. All interested music students (children and adults) are also encouraged to seek out a participating music school or musician. Teach Music America Week is held every year during the 3rd week of March to coincide with National "Music in Our Schools Month" (MiOSM). Vincent James, founder of Keep Music Alive states: We all know that sometimes the biggest hurdle to doing something is just getting started. With Teach Music America, we are hoping to give birth to a multitude of new musicians who will continue reaping the benefits of playing music long after the month of March is over. Some of the largest music school chains in the nation will be participating with many of their locations including the Guitar Center, Music & Arts and legendary School of Rock where complimentary intro music lessons are offered year-round. For more information on Teach Music America week please visit http://www.TeachMusicAmerica.org or contact Vincent James at (610) 874-6312 or vincent(at)keepmusicalive(dot)org. Keep Music Alive is an organization dedicated to promoting the value of music in our world: educationally, therapeutically and overall making us a happier society. They have published the book 88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life featuring over 150 inspirational music stories from musicians, music teachers and music fans from around the world including a number of celebrities. 50% of the proceeds from 88+ Ways Music are donated to organizations that provide instruments and music instruction to schools and communities where arts education is lacking. Human Appeal collects more than 1,500 winter clothes for homeless Whether its a besieged city in Syria or the growing number of homeless people in our home city of Manchester, Human Appeal aims to help in every international humanitarian crisis The award-winning Wrap Up Manchester campaign was launched in October 2016 by the Cheadle-based humanitarian charity, Human Appeal, which called on members of the public to donate their unwanted winter clothing to those in need. Human Appeal members got out on the streets to give out the donated clothes to homeless shelters, elderly organisations, womens refuges, childrens centres and other charities. The campaigns success was instrumental to Human Appeal receiving the prestigious Charity of the Year award at the British Muslim Awards 2017. In Britain, there are over 4,000 people sleeping rough on any given night. In Manchester nearly twice as many people slept rough in 2016 than in the previous year. Human Appeal worked in partnership with Hands On London, an organisation that has organised a similar campaign, Wrap Up London, in the capital for six years. Members of the public could drop off their donations at one of nine locations across Greater Manchester, which were provided free by Safestore Self Storage. Those wishing to get involved from further afield could receive a free postal label from the service CollectPlus. This is the first year of Wrap Up Manchester, and Human Appeal now hopes to conduct another, larger campaign next winter. Wrap Up Manchester was the brainchild of Samra Said, Human Appeals UK Project Coordinator, who explained: "Potentially, those of you who have donated a coat havent just warmed a soul, but you could have changed a life too. Human Appeal CEO, Othman Moqbel, said of the Wrap Up Manchester Campaign: Human Appeal helps people in need all across the world, Asia, Africa and here in the UK. Whether its a besieged city in Syria or the growing number of homeless people in our home city of Manchester, Human Appeal aims to help in every international humanitarian crisis. The winter months can be unforgiving for those sleeping rough or unable to afford a winter coat, Human Appeal want to not only offer a hand to those in desperate need of humanitarian aid, but to wrap an arm around those in desperate need of warmth. Thank you so much for everyone who helped wrap up Manchester this winter. 2016 marked Human Appeals 25th anniversary and a year which saw the charity collect 30 million in donations, the highest annual total ever. On top of that, Human Appeal delivered 20 million worth of aid in Syria from institutional donors, such as UNOCHA and the World Food Programme. The Wrap Up Manchester campaign received cross-party support from political leaders across the city with Labour MPs Jim McMahon OBE and Kate Green and Lib Dem Manchester Mayoral Candidate Cllr Jane Brophy donating coats and throwing their support behind it. -ENDS- For more information contact Charles Lawley on 07983 504 243, or charles.lawley(at)humanappeal(dot)org(dot)uk Spanish-speakers around the world can now earn the industrys only HR certification for early career professionals with this Spanish translation. HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the premier HR credentialing organization for the global human resource management profession, is now offering a Spanish aid for its new, early career HR credential, the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR). Applications to take the Spanish-aid aPHR exam are now being accepted at http://www.hrci.org/spanish for test dates on or after March 15. 2mProgress, a pioneer in the design and delivery of HRCI certification preparation courses and an HRCI Premier Alliance partner, is now offering aPHR certification preparation classes for Spanish-speaking individuals throughout Spain, Europe and Latin America. They offer exam preparation to professionals from Spanish-language countries seeking to earn world-class certifications. To find out more about their globally available resources visit http://www.2mprogress.com. Spanish-speakers around the world can now earn the industrys only HR certification for early career professionals with this Spanish translation, said HRCI CEO Amy Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE. HRCI offers certification exams for all levels of HR practice with Spanish translations, having introduced Spanish aids for its PHRi (Professional in Human Resources International) and SPHRi (Senior Professional in Human Resources International) in 2015. Our partner 2mProgress has a deep commitment to HR best practices. HRCI believes in the strength of our partnerships because together, our work helps build and assess HR competencies throughout an HR professionals career. When organizations hire professionals certified by HRCI, they trust that HRCI certifications are the gold standard and that HRCI follows the best practices to develop these world-class certifications. HRCI certification holders have a full grasp of all of the essential human resource management concepts and current practices defined for each exam level, and possess the acumen to help their companies achieve their business goals, said Josefina Riber, CEO of 2mProgress. 2mProgress is playing a leading role in ensuring that HR best practices are in place throughout Spain, Europe and Latin American thanks to our partnerships and alliances with top HR organizations such as HR Certification Institute, said Alejandro Uceda, Director General of 2mProgress. 2mProgress network of partnerships and alliances also includes: Asociacion Centro de Direccion de Recursos Humanos, Spains leading independent association for HR professionals; Trabanjando.com, Latin Americans leading employability initiative that includes one of the regions largest employment portals plus a labor community consisting of more than 2,600 partner sites including major universities, institutes, chambers of commerce, media, business associations, professionals and municipalities; Instituto Internacional de Capital Humano, which has launched the first masters degree in Human Resources incorporating HRCI certification in Spain and Latin America; La Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Espanolas (The Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities), and the CertiUni Foundation, which is sponsored by Banco De Santander, CEOE Formacion (Confederacion Espanola de Organizaciones Empresariales), and CEPYME (the Spanish Federation of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises); and Jointalent, an international talent management firm operating in Spain, Peru, Colombia and Costa Rica. About HRCI HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is the premier professional credentialing organization for the worldwide human resources profession. For over 40 years, the nonprofit HRCI has set the standard for HR mastery and excellence around the globe through developing and administering best-in-class certifications, including the NCCA-accredited Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), plus the new Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR). HRCIs credentials are recognized as the most rigorous, meaningful, and relevant professional certifications demonstrating competency, real-world practical skills and knowledge in the field. Together with HRCI-certified professionals in 100 countries around the globe, HRCI ensures, strengthens and advances the strategic value and impact of HR. About 2mProgress Headquartered in Madrid and with operations throughout Spain, Europe and Latin America, 2mProgress is a pioneer in the design and delivery of preparation courses for HRCI certification exams. Learn more at http://www.2mprogress.com. # # # "We are looking forward to entering the Atlanta market. We believe Doctors and staff deserve a better partner to help them treat their patients and we want to be that partner." Floridas fastest growing dental service organization, Sage Dental, announced today that it has expanded its footprint with new dental office construction in Atlanta, Georgia. The new Atlanta offices will feature state of the art equipment in a beautiful practice environment. With 50 facilities in Florida, Sage Dental has been treating patients with excellent dental care since 1997 and has treated over 600,000 patients. Sage Dental provides a range of services from preventative, general, reconstructive, cosmetic and all specialty dentistry. Sage Dental is one of the few dental providers to integrate and deliver all dental services for their patients. "We are looking forward to entering the Atlanta market. We believe Doctors and staff deserve a better partner to help them treat their patients and we want to be that partner. Our success in Florida has allowed us to enhance our model and we plan to extend our offering to the Atlanta provider community," said Joseph Garcia, Chief Executive Officer. Sage Dental broke ground at their East Cobb office in January and it will be the first office to open in Atlanta. The office will be opening March 20 and is located at 4811 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA 30068 and is currently scheduling appointments. Sage Dental has plans to expand to Johns Creek, Marietta, Midtown and more by the end of 2017. Sage Dental is planning to deliver over one hundred new jobs to the Atlanta area in 2017 and is currently hiring front office staff, dental assistants, marketing managers, Dentists and Specialists. For more information visit Sage Dentals website http://www.mysagedental.com About Sage Dental Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Sage Dental has 50 convenient locations throughout South Florida, the Treasure Coast, Central Florida and now Atlanta, Georgia. Sage Dental is equipped to serve all of your dental needs. Whether you are looking for a General Dentist or a Specialist such as an Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, Periodontist or a Pediatric Dentist, Sage Dental does it all. Cannabiz Consumer Group (C2G) announces research that shows legalized recreational marijuana has canna-balized 7.1% of revenues from the existing retail beer industry in legal markets. If cannabis were legalized nationally, the beer industry would lose more than $2 billion in retail sales, predicts C2G. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of beer drinkers state that they already have substituted cannabis for beer, or would substitute their retail beer purchases with cannabis in the future if legal. Other segments of the alcohol industry including wine, spirits and on-premise sales are also being impacted as are other CPG categories, brands, and retailers. Current Market Size. There were 24.6 million legal US cannabis consumers in 2016. Legalization has since extended to additional states, either through medicinal or recreational legislation or both. C2G projects that legal cannabis penetration will settle at a level comparable to that of beer and wine and that a fully mature market would create a new $50 billion industry. The forecasts were generated using C2Gs CannaUse study on the cannabis mindset and behaviors of more than 50K individual participants, the companys warehouse of over 55MM cannabis purchase transactions, and CPG consumer panel and point-of-sale data sourced from IRI through an exclusive data and analytic share arrangement. Novelty impact? In emerging markets a novelty impact often occurs as new users try a product simply for the experience but do not sustain its use, skewing early market predictions. Results suggest this will not occur with legalized cannabis as consumers are more invested in the products that they are buying, understanding the potency, strains, and formats available and its uses for pain management, holistic health, and relaxation. C2G predicts the novelty impact will not be felt in this industry. How to offset losses? Consumers use cannabis to satisfy various social, medical and experiential needs states Rich Maturo, Chief Innovation Officer. By better understanding why different segments of consumers use cannabis, companies can minimize the loss resulting from legalization. Despite best efforts however, leakage will occur. Those having the foresight to view cannabis as an opportunity as opposed to only a threat will fare much better than those who strictly take a defensive position. About About Cannabiz Consumer Group Cannabiz Consumer Group investigates marijuana legalization and its impact on consumer spending throughout the economy. Bringing together a diverse information set and a team with expertise in the tracking of emerging markets, data modeling, and analytics, Cannabiz Consumer Group provides insights and solutions for specific industries that must adapt to cannabis legalization. This includes over-the-counter medications, beer, wine, spirits, tobacco, other foods and beverages, retail, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and travel/tourism. Each will be impacted by consumer spending on cannabis as existing legal use markets continue evolve and new markets launch. For more information contact rich(at)cannabizconsumergroup(dot)com or visit cannabizconsumergroup.com ### Dynamics NAV has a deep history of success in Europe and with the expected launch of Dynamics 365 we expect significant growth throughout the region. We are looking forward to having an industry veteran like Staffan launching Progressus Europe. Plumbline Consulting, LLC is pleased to announce the opening of Progressus Europe, and establishing the Partner Program and Partner Network for Progressus Software in the European Marketplace. Progressus Software is an advanced business management solution built on Microsoft Dynamics and designed specifically to meet the needs of professional services and project-based businesses. Progressus Europe will be headed by Staffan Nilsson, a veteran software professional with experience internationally at multiple Microsoft Partners. Nilsson and his team will be responsible for recruiting and training the European Partner Network, as well as localization of Progressus Software for the individual European countries represented. Progressus has been in the forefront of building extensive PSA and Project Management capabilities on Dynamics 365 for project-based and professional services organizations. We are excited to have them bring Progressus to Europe, said Paul White, General Manager of Microsoft Dynamics. Progressus Software is next-generation Professional Services Automation and ERP software, mobile-enabled and architected for the Microsoft Cloud. Progressus provides all the capabilities needed to manage professional services and project-based businesses of any size - operating in any geography. Functionality spans all the important processes in your firm resource management, project management, sales and marketing, human capital management and financial management to give you unparalleled insight and control of all of your critical business functions. Built on Microsoft Dynamics, Progressus is constructed for on premise or cloud deployment, and provides role-based clients optimized for any browser or mobile device. Dynamics NAV has a deep history of success in Europe and with the expected launch of Dynamics 365 we expect significant growth throughout the region. We are looking forward to having an industry veteran like Staffan launching Progressus Europe," said Joseph Longo, President of Plumbline Consulting. Microsoft Dynamics is a global business management solution that provides small and midsize organizations greater control over their financials and can simplify all aspects of their company from professional services and project management to supply chain and manufacturing. It's quick to implement and easy to use, with the power to support your growth ambition. By leveraging Dynamics 365 as the platform, Progressus adds powerful project management to the vast ERP capabilities of Dynamics. About Plumbline Consulting The Plumbline Consulting team has over 30 years history in implementing project-based ERP solutions. Plumbline provides software engineering and consulting services for Microsoft, Microsoft Dynamics Channel Partners and Microsoft Independent Software Vendors (ISVs). Plumbline offers software development, application support, technology and business process consulting, with a focus on delivering excellence and building lasting relationships. Plumbline also provides Dynamics SL (formerly known as Solomon Software) Product Management, Development and Support services for Microsoft Corporation. The company is headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. More information about Plumbline Consulting can be found at http://www.progressussoftware.com or http://www.plumblineconsulting.com. Kovels on Antiques & Collectibles, March 2017 More than two dozen pieces of tramp art are auctioned in Massachusetts and are featured in a sale report in Kovels on Antiques & Collectibles March 2017 newsletter. Tramp art, a type of folk art, was made both by artisans and resourceful do-it-yourself folks from discarded cigar boxes, crates and scrap wood. Find pictures of tramp art cabinets, frames, shelves, even a bird cage, with chip carving and unique details that sold from $200 to over $5,000. Sleek clear Steuben glass animals delighted collectors at a recent Boston auction. A butterfly, rabbit, pig and hippo are part of the glass menagerie pictured with prices in Kovels March issue, along with a warning that some have been reproduced. And while wristwatch lovers know the big brands, collectors know that vintage middle market watches can be great buys. They grabbed them at a Chicago auction where cool, quality models sold from just over $100 into the low thousands. Examples are included in Kovels March 2017 newsletter. Postmodernism is a late-20th-century movement that was a departure from well modernism. Furniture pieces designed by Robert Venturi were whimsical interpretations of traditional forms. Examples of his Chippendale, Queen Anne and Art Deco chairs auctioned in Chicago for strong prices and are pictured along with other Venturi pieces in Kovels latest newsletter. And Rookwood pottery has been popular with collectors for over 100 years. Kovels latest issue pictures small but useful Rookwood articles from bookends to a wall pocket that sold in Cincinnati. Terry Kovel continues her comparison of past and present prices and popularity of antiques and collectibles. The popular illustrated Collectors Gallery answers readers questions about an Apostle tea set, a Centennial Chippendale chair, a toy Goofy telephone and a 19th-century hanging lamp. The Dictionary of Marks pictures porcelain marks with entwined letters. And more than 70 antiques and collectibles are listed in the Buyers Price Guide. Kovels on Antiques & Collectibles is available as a print subscription, or as a digital version that is part of the Kovels.com Premium subscription. Terry Kovel is Americas foremost authority on antiques and collectibles. She is the well-known columnist and author of more than 100 books on antiques and collecting. With her daughter, Kim Kovel, she co-authors the best-selling annual Kovels Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide. The 2017 edition is available at Kovelsonlinestore.com and local bookstores. They will discuss antiques and collectibles topics with accredited media. Photographs are available. Contact pr(at)kovels(dot)com. About Kovels.com Kovels.com, created by Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel, provides collectors and researchers with up-to-date and accurate information on antiques and collectibles. The company was founded in 1953 by Terry Kovel and her late husband, Ralph. Since then, the Kovels have written some of Americas most popular books and articles about antiques, including the best-selling Kovels Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, now in its 49th edition. The website, Kovels.com, online since 1998, offers more than a million free prices, and includes a free weekly email, Kovels Komments. It gives readers a birds-eye view of the market through the latest news, auction reports, a Marks Dictionary, readers questions and answers and much more. Contact Information: Liz Lillis 216.752.2252 Pr(at)kovels(dot)com Sheffield returns to North American Title Co. in San Antonio as business consultant Susie brings integrity, hard work and a great attitude wherever she goes. She has built strong relationships throughout the industry because of these attributes. Susie Sheffield has rejoined the San Pedro North American Title Co. (NATC) branch in San Antonio as a business consultant. Sheffield most recently worked at a local law firm and has 10 years experience in the title industry at two other San Antonio firms. Susie and I had worked together since 2005 at another title company and moved together to North American Title in 2008, said Ross Frapart, NATC branch manager. She brings integrity, hard work and a great attitude wherever she goes. She has built strong relationships throughout the industry because of these attributes. With Susie working in tandem with Cecilia Sosa and the rest of our staff, I am confident we can make NATC a household name across San Antonio. Frapart also praised Sheffield for her steadfast commitment to the local Womens Council of Realtors (WCR). Having served as 2015 president of the WCR San Antonio chapter, Sheffield now chairs communications for WCRs Texas chapter. She graduated from Southwest Texas Junior College. Sheffield is located at the North American Title office at 12500 San Pedro, Suite 405, San Antonio, TX 78216, and can be reached at telephone number (210) 494-0092. About North American Title With well over 1,000 associates and a vast network of branches from coast to coast, North American Title Group, LLC (NATG) is among the largest real estate settlement service providers in the United States. Consisting of both agent and underwriter operations, NATG reported annual net revenues in fiscal 2015 of $229 million. The company also has the resources and stability of a wholly owned subsidiary of an S&P 500 company with over $14.4 billion in assets (fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 2015). North American Titles agency network operates nationally under the name North American Title Co. (NATC) and similar names in 19 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia, in addition to the District of Columbia. Through our relationship with our expanding affiliate network, NATC provides real estate settlement services in all 50 states. NATG is headquartered in Miami, Florida. To learn more, visit http://www.nat.com When Stockholm, Sweden, introduced a congestion tax to discourage driving in the center of town, traffic eased and the pollution level dropped by between 5 and 10 percent. One other result was less expected but no less welcome: The rate of asthma attacks among local children decreased by nearly 50 percent, according to a Johns Hopkins Carey Business School economists study of the tax and its impact. The health improvement in the children appeared more gradually than the observed decline in the pollution level. This suggests that the full health benefits from reduced pollution might not occur immediately, says Emilia Simeonova, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Indeed, the drop in the rate of asthma attacks was more than 12 percent during the first seven months of the tax but soared to 47 percent after a few years of implementation. Simeonova says, The key takeaways of this paper are that health gains can be realized through efforts to lower air pollution, and that we need to be patient in waiting for the complete picture to emerge. Asthma, chronic inflammation of the breathing passages, afflicts people of all ages. Its onset in childhood can lead to poor lung development, causing ill effects wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing that can recur over a lifetime. It is the leading cause of hospitalization among children in the United States, especially those living in densely populated areas with frequent traffic congestion, the paper states. The study by lead author Simeonova and three colleagues examined official health and environmental data compiled in Sweden from 2004 through 2010. The research team focused on health statistics for children up to six years old, who tend to experience the most acute asthma episodes because their families havent yet learned how to tame the flare-ups. Stockholms congestion tax began as an experiment from January through July 2006. Traffic was reduced by 20 to 25 percent. Deeming the trial a success, the city government reinstituted the congestion tax in August 2007, and it has been in place ever since. The tax costs up to $2.60 (U.S.) per vehicle, depending on the time of day. No charges are made at night, on weekends and public holidays, or during July. Tolls are automatically assessed via scanners that collect the license plate information of cars crossing the congestion pricing zone. A positive impact on health was evident from the start. During the seven-month trial period, visits to doctors for asthma symptoms fell from a baseline of 18.7 per 10,000 children to 16.4, a drop of 12 percent. For about a year after the trial period, the congestion tax wasnt in effect. Pollution levels rose again slightly, though not up to pre-trial levels and the number of asthma visits among children continued to fall, to 13.9 per 10,000, or 26 percent below the baseline. A few years after the tax was made permanent, visits had dropped even further, to 10 per 10,000 children, a reduction of 47 percent from the baseline. (The baseline figure of 18.7 asthma visits was an average of statistics from a two-year period before the trial.) Simeonova explains that during the in between period when the tax wasnt being assessed, the level of pollution still wasnt high enough to reverse the health benefits that Stockholms children had begun to realize. But, she adds, the rate of asthma visits probably would have started climbing if the tax had not been made permanent. These findings show that traffic congestion fees in large cities can have significantly positive effects on health in the short term but even larger effects in the longer term, says Simeonova. In addition, she points out that Stockholms average pollution levels are not nearly as bad as the levels judged acceptable by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Pollution reductions, then, even in a city of relatively mild smog such as Stockholm, can produce benefits for respiratory health, especially among young children. Simeonova presented the study, titled Congestion Pricing, Air Pollution and Childrens Health, at the annual meeting of the American Economic Association in January in Chicago. She and her co-authors Professor Janet Currie of Princeton University, Assistant Professor Peter Nilsson of Stockholm University, and Assistant Professor Reed Walker of the University of California at Berkeley say their paper is the first to examine how Stockholms congestion fee affected both local pollution levels and asthma attacks. It is also the first study to analyze the health effects of long-term exposure to cleaner air in an experimental setting. Funding was provided by the Swedish Research Council. Loopd's bi-directional wearable smart badges After the development of our in-house event performance and ROI solution, Loopd was the logical choice to help continue our journey to offer clients data-driven technology to enhance their events in real-time. etouches, a top global provider of cloud event management software, today announces the acquisition of Loopd, an enterprise SaaS start-up that enhances attendee experience through data-driven technology. This acquisition complements etouches recent pivot to a data-driven approach to enhancing clients event success, and further positions etouches as a full enterprise solution. Loopds innovative and subscription-based platform offers event planners and marketers the intelligence to help them build more effective strategies through a combination of onsite technology and an analytics engine. Offering the event industrys only bi-directional CRM solution, Loopd is unique in enabling the exchange of content and contact information passively and actively. The product is broken down into three tightly integrated components: Exclusive bi-directional wearable smart badges Powerful mobile event apps for iOS and Android Dashboard enabled in-browser analytics engine After the development of our in-house event performance and ROI solution, Loopd was the logical choice to help continue our journey to offer clients data-driven technology to enhance their events in real-time, said Shane Edmonds, CTO of etouches. Once integrated into the etouches platform, Loopds technology will provide our clients remarkable insights into their event and business goals, as well as elevate the onsite experiences of their attendees. An award-winning product, Loopd differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on the user experience and design, helping to drive engagement further at events. The products flexibility is also one of its admirable qualities, making it easy to configure the onsite set up of data collection, session tracking or data and contact exchanges. The solution will be integrated over the next few months into etouches existing platform and event performance solution, offering clients the most robust product on the market for event engagement and benchmarking. Data is the future of events, so it is critical as an organization that we are able to provide our customers with the most advanced solutions in the industry to increase the impact of their events, said Oni Chukwu, CEO of etouches. The Loopd team has been able to create a product that greatly surpasses competitors in terms of innovation, user experience and overall effectiveness. Adding this solution to etouches not only enhances the product itself, but increases our position as a company that is constantly innovating. The Silicon Valley based company was founded in 2013 by Brian Friedman, a Millennial entrepreneur who wanted to change the way that engagement and networking happened at events. Raising over $2.5 million from international angel and seed fund investors, like Salesforce CEO and founder Marc Benioff and venture capitalist Tim Draper, Loopd has created a unique product that meets the needs of event planners today. As part of the acquisition, Friedman will join the etouches team as Director of Product for Mobile, Data and Engagement. He will lead product direction at etouches, creating product roadmaps, developing user experience systems, and managing all technical and design teams for mobile, data and engagement products. The remainder of the Loopd team, including co-founders Sambhav Galada and Allen Houng, will also join etouches and the company will continue to grow the workforce. I couldnt think of a better synergy for our experiential data-driven technology than etouches, said Brian Friedman, co-founder and CEO of Loopd. At Loopd, our goal was to prove ROI to attendees, partners and event marketers by using the latest advancements in technology. The mission and culture at etouches is a natural fit for Loopd, and together we will bring mission-critical insights to the world through leading onsite technology. About etouches: etouches is a global end-to-end event management software solution. The success oriented and cloud-based platform delivers innovative technology solutions to streamline the event process and increase ROI. Founded in 2008, etouches has assisted over 25,000 event professionals in planning, executing and measuring their events. With a focus on event sourcing, registration, marketing, logistics, engagement, mobile and data, the software platform serves more than 1,300 customers including leading corporations, associations, agencies and educational institutions globally. Headquartered in the United States in Norwalk, CT, the company also has offices in Orlando, Florida and five global offices in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, UAE, and Singapore. Learn more at etouches.com. About Loopd Inc.: Loopd Inc. provides physical intelligence to corporate events. We help corporate marketers learn how people interact with each other, with the company, and with the company's products. The Loopd relational analytics solution is the industry's only bi-directional solution that enables the exchange of content and contact information automatically while gathering rich analytics data so that marketers have a more sophisticated understanding of their most valuable business relationships. To learn more, visit Loopd.com. The Semper Fi Fund today announced it has raised a total of $20 million in its annual Double Down for Veterans fundraising challenge. The campaign ran for two months, with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation pledging to match all donations, dollar for dollar, up to $10 million. Fulfilling more than 22,000 immediate need requests per year, the Semper Fi Fund provides critical resources, often in 24 hours, to post-9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Vigilant champions for veterans issues, Bob and Renee Parsons are long-standing supporters of the Semper Fi Fund and, through The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, have generously granted more than $31 million to the organization. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Mr. Parsons a U.S. Marine Corp Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry issued a personal rallying cry to join him and Renee in caring for our nations veterans. Renee and I want to thank everyone who joined us in donating to the Double Down for Veterans challenge and for answering the call to give back to the men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve our great nation, said American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. Semper Fi Fund is doing incredible work, providing critical support to veterans during what is often the most vulnerable and difficult time in their lives. Since its inception in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has awarded more than $143 million in assistance to 18,000 service members. The organization has been able to maintain an extremely low overhead average of only six percent, and donations are made directly to service members within 24 to 72 hours. As a result, charity watchdogs have given the Semper Fi Fund their highest ratings for six consecutive years. Our vision is simple, to provide our countrys heroes with the best care and support available in their hour of need, said Semper Fi Fund President, Executive Director and Founder Karen Guenther. We are humbled by the outpouring of support for this campaign, and are incredibly thankful to Bob and Renee for their remarkable generosity. These funds will go a very long way in making a true difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Once again this year, cloud platform giant GoDaddy jump started the campaign with a $50,000 donation, along with a pledge to hire a minimum of 500 veterans, or spouses, over the next five years. Mr. Parsons, who has long been recognized for his philanthropic and entrepreneurial leadership, founded GoDaddy in 1997, and instilled the importance of charitable giving as a priority at the company. In addition to financial support, Semper Fi Fund offers a variety of programs to aid veterans during recovery and throughout the transition back to day-to-day life. This includes ongoing support through specialized and adaptive equipment grants, education and career assistance, service dog training, caregiver support and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about Semper Fi Fund by visiting http://www.semperfifund.org. About the Semper Fi Fund The Semper Fi Fund provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case managers from the Semper Fi Fund work one-on-one with service members and veterans to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetime. We keep our overhead low so our impact on the lives of service members and veterans is greater. The Semper Fi Fund has been awarded the highest ratings from charity watchdog groups for six consecutive years: A+ from Charity Watch, one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating, and Four Stars from Charity Navigator. To learn more, visit http://www.semperfifund.org. About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation inspires hope by providing critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference. The Foundation primarily focuses on issues in the greater Phoenix area. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation believes every person is entitled to an education, good nutrition, medical care, a stress-free, happy environment and the hope that they too, will share in the American Dream. The Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations that are successfully addressing these essential needs. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is also committed to the children of Haiti, helping to grow and improve schools, medical services and overall well-being for communities in rural Haiti. Visit http://www.tbrpf.org. About GoDaddy GoDaddy powers the worlds largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures. With more than 14 million customers worldwide and more than 63 million domain names under management, GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers and manage their work. Our mission is to give our customers the tools, insights and the people to transform their ideas and personal initiative into success. To learn more about the company, visit http://www.GoDaddy.com. About GoDaddy Cares GoDaddy believes that its responsibility as a corporate citizen is to make a difference in the communities in which it operates. As part of that philosophy GoDaddy contributes to nonprofit organizations that focus on causes which are meaningful to our business, our customers, our employees and our community. Since 2002 GoDaddy has donated more than 15 million dollars to a variety of charitable organizations. GoDaddy understands that giving back to the community is not just accomplished with money and resources but also with talent and time. Visit GoDaddyCares.com to discover how you can join us to make a difference. # # # Media Contact: Beth Bourgeois | beth.bourgeois(at)semperfifund(dot)org | 719-216-3206 I am looking forward to working with our multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team and growing our head and neck cancer program as the best in the state and in the country. Atlantic Health System announces the appointment of otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon Tom Thomas, MD, MPH as medical director of head and neck reconstructive surgery and transoral robotic surgery for the Leonard B. Kahn Head & Neck Cancer Institute at Morristown Medical Center. Dr. Thomas, who joins head and neck surgeon Erik Cohen, MD, brings innovation and new talent to the Institutes growing minimally invasive surgery program. A multidisciplinary team of specialists at the Leonard B. Kahn Head & Neck Cancer Institute evaluate and treat the entire spectrum of head and neck cancers, from early stage to the most complex advanced cancers of the throat, voice box, salivary glands, thyroid gland, mouth, lips, nose, and sinuses. Dr. Thomas comes to Atlantic Health System from Dana Farber Cancer Institute, a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, in Boston where he was the associate director of transoral robotic surgery (TORS). His focus is on minimally invasive surgical techniques such as TORS and Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM). We are excited to have Dr. Thomas join our growing team of highly experienced head and neck specialists, said Eric Whitman, MD, medical director, Atlantic Health System Cancer Care. With Dr. Thomas and other nationally-known experts joining our team we are the most comprehensive and highly-skilled head and neck cancer program in New Jersey, and one of the strongest in the nation. Dr. Thomas has expertise in treating all head and neck cancers including but not limited to squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, various salivary gland carcinomas, thyroid and parathyroid cancers, laryngeal cancers, sinus and skull base cancers. His minimally invasive surgical techniques, combined with a microvascular reconstructive surgical approach, helps to preserve important functions such as speech and swallowing that can be affected by head and neck cancer and its treatments. Dr. Thomas has extensive experience in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) related head and neck cancer, especially oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancers. He lectures on this topic nationally and internationally. I am excited to be part of a nationally ranked, magnet healthcare system where the leadership is focused on patient centered care and healthcare innovation, said Dr. Thomas. I am looking forward to working with our multidisciplinary head and neck cancer team and growing our head and neck cancer program as the best in the state and in the country. Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S., with more than 60,000 new cases and over 13,000 deaths each year. Though tobacco and alcohol use can raise the risk of developing the disease, exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) poses an even greater risk. People who have had an oral HPV infection have a 50 times greater risk of developing head and neck cancer versus the general population. Currently, nearly three quarters of head and neck tumors test positive for HPV. A growing number of these newly diagnosed cases are among men in their forties and fifties.* Dr. Thomas received his medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine with the highest academic honor of AOA (Alpha Omega Alpha). He completed his surgical internship at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and his otolaryngology residency at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. He then had additional fellowship training in head and neck surgical oncology, microvascular surgery and TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After completing his fellowship, he joined the medical staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and was associate surgeon at Harvard Medical School - Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. In addition, he has a Master of Public Health degree from John Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore. He is affiliated with Atlantic Medical Group, and is a participating provider of Atlantic Accountable Care Organization. Dr. Thomass office is located at Morristown Medical Center, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, Atlantic Center for Head & Neck Surgery, 100 Madison Avenue, First Floor, Morristown. For more information, call 973-971-7355 or go to atlantichealth.org/headneckcancer. Data source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 19992013 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2016. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs. About Atlantic Health System Atlantic Health System, headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, is one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in New Jersey. It includes Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ; Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ; Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ; Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ; and Goryeb Childrens Hospital in Morristown, NJ, as well as Atlantic Rehabilitation, and Atlantic Home Care and Hospice. It also includes its subsidiary, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation. Atlantic Health System comprises 1,599 licensed beds, more than 14,000 employees and more than 4,000 physicians. Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University; a Major Clinical Affiliate of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; part of Atlantic Accountable Care Organization, one of the largest ACOs in the nation, and is a member of AllSpire Health Partners. PayPal is honored to be named one of the 100 Best Arizona Companies by BestCompaniesAZ as part of their 15th anniversary serving Arizona's business community. PayPal is honored to be named one of the "100 Best Arizona Companies" by BestCompaniesAZ as part of their 15th anniversary serving Arizona's business community. PayPal is recognized within the category of "Best of Heart," which honors companies that build strong relationships with employees, customers, and the community demonstrating how much they care. "PayPal is a purpose-driven company that is inspired to do well - doing what's right for our customers, our company, our employees, and for our communities. Receiving the 'Best of Heart' recognition reinforces that we are creating a culture that enables our employees to deliver on our mission with passion and enthusiasm to customers," said Karen Marshall, PayPal Vice President of Global Operations - North America. "BestCompaniesAZ has been at the forefront of recognizing sought-after employer brands and creating prestigious workplace awards programs in Arizona since 2002. As we celebrate 15 years, we are proud to recognize companies across our state who are making a positive difference in the lives of their employees and our communities," said Denise Gredler, Founder and CEO of BestCompaniesAZ. BestCompaniesAZ's 15th anniversary listing honors well-known employer brands. For the full list, visit 100 Best Arizona Companies. About PayPal Fueled by a fundamental belief that having access to financial services creates opportunity, PayPal is committed to democratizing financial services and empowering people and businesses to join and thrive in the global economy. Our open digital payments platform gives PayPal's nearly 200 million active account holders the confidence to connect and transact in new and powerful ways, whether they are online, on a mobile device, in an app, or in person. Through a combination of technological innovation and strategic partnerships, PayPal creates better ways to manage and move money, and offers choice and flexibility when sending payments, paying or getting paid. Available in more than 200 markets around the world, the PayPal platform, including Braintree, Venmo and Xoom, enables consumers and merchants to receive money in more than 100 currencies, withdraw funds in 56 currencies and hold balances in their PayPal accounts in 25 currencies. For more information on PayPal, visit https://www.paypal.com/about. About BestCompaniesAZ: BestCompaniesAZ is a consulting firm dedicated to identifying, developing and promoting great workplaces. BestCompaniesAZ has been at the forefront of building sought-after employer brands and prestigious workplace awards programs since 2002, including the "2003 Best Companies to Work for in the Valley" program (published by the Phoenix Business Journal), Arizona Most Admired Companies (published by AZ Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ), and Top Companies to Work for in Arizona (published by AZCentral and Republic Media). BestCompaniesAZ provides consulting services for organizations committed to workplace excellence, including employee surveys, best practices, national and local public relations, employer branding, culture development and promotional services. For more information, visit: http://www.bestcompaniesaz.com or 480-545-5151. BBB Logo The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Chicago and Northern Illinois and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) warn consumers that it is easy to become overwhelmed with choices when shopping online and it can be extremely difficult to determine if you are on a safe website. Furthermore, when buying medicine online, it is especially important to know if you are on a trustworthy site to avoid falling prey to rogue pharmacy sites that sell counterfeit prescription medicine. Many rogue online drug sellers have sites that appear professional and safe, making it hard to identify which websites are legitimate. These harmful websites may be selling counterfeit drugs (containing too much, too little, or none of the medicine you need) and are a serious concern when buying medicine online. These rogue sites can even put consumers financial health at risk, stealing credit card or other personal information. Chicago and Northern Illinois BBB President and CEO Steve Bernas says, Consumer protection is a key mission of our organization and nothing could be more important than protecting citizens against counterfeit claims that could impact their health. NABP has been reviewing websites selling prescription medications since 2008 and has found that 96% are out of compliance with United States pharmacy laws and practice standards, says NABP President Hal Wand, MBA, RPh. Thats why it is so important for consumers to be informed about avoiding rogue sites. The BBB and NABP provide the following tips for shopping for medication safely online: Look for websites with a .pharmacy domain. Unlike .com or .biz, which do not require a verification process, websites with the .pharmacy domain undergo NABPs initial and ongoing evaluations to ensure that they meet a set of safety standards. Avoid sites that dispense prescription medications without a prescription. Be sure the site provides a toll-free phone number where they can be contacted as well as a street address for the pharmacy. Avoid sites that can only be contacted by email. Legitimate pharmacies allow patients to contact pharmacists, whether by phone or secure web-based communication, if they have questions about their medications. Offering limited types of medicines, particularly lifestyle or controlled substance medicines that treat such conditions as impotence, obesity, herpes, pain, and acne, are often signs of an untrustworthy site. Internet operations that advertise through spam email messages operate illegally and are not a trustworthy source for obtaining anything, especially something as critical as prescription medicine. More information on buying medication safely online, as well as a list of .pharmacy websites, is available on the .pharmacy website at http://www.safe.pharmacy/buying-safely For additional BBB tips on buying medicines on-line visit http://www.bbb.org/articles/2016/10/13/tip-buying-medicine-online/ About the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its state member boards and jurisdictions for the purpose of protecting the public health. Founded in 1904, NABP aims to ensure the publics health and safety through its pharmacist license transfer and pharmacist competence assessment programs, as well as through its VIPPS, VAWD, and DMEPOS accreditation programs. About the Better Business Bureau (BBB) For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Last year, people turned to BBB more than 172 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as home to its national programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NEWS RELEASE: MEDIA CONTACTS: The Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) and the American Institute of Architects California Council (AIACC) recently announced the Leroy F. Greene award winners at the CASH 38th Annual Conference. Two K-12 school projects designed by LPA Inc. were honored: Montgomery Middle School and the TIDE Academy. We are especially honored to be recognized with CASH/AIACC Leroy F. Greene awards, which prioritize the collaboration between designers and educational partners, explains Jim Kisel, AIA, Principal at LPA. He continues, Our integrated design approach ensures that all stakeholders have a hand in the design and planning of a facility from the onset of the project, minimizing inefficiencies and maximizing energy and monetary savings. Were grateful to be recognized for this beneficial process. Montgomery Middle School was honored with an Award of Merit in the New Built category. The San Diego middle school, part of Sweetwater Union High School District, has a new two-story classroom building, featuring 18 classrooms, a library and media center, community-building cafeteria and student counseling center. A model for integrated sustainable design, the project features outdoor amenities, including a large central courtyard, landscaped stormwater bioswale and high-performance HVAC systems. The new campus has become a source of pride for students and families, creating a new legacy of technology-fluent, creative minds. Jurors said, This LEED Platinum project includes notable sustainable features, and collaboration with the maintenance and operations to create more efficient classrooms demonstrates innovation. Next, the TIDE Academy, which stands for technology, innovation, design and engineering and is formerly known as Menlo Park Small High School, received an Award of Honor in the Project in Design category. Located a quarter mile from the south end of the San Francisco Bay, this 45,000-square-foot public high school implements a project-based learning curriculum with a focus on college and career readiness in STEM fields. From classrooms to STEM labs, the varied learning spaces are stacked on three floors, and its L-shape configuration allows for a fluid indoor/outdoor connection. This intentional design cultivates flexibility for spontaneous learning opportunities while taking advantage of the excellent coastal climate. In addition to classroom spaces, the campus features a makerspace shop, a coding lab dedicated to computer code education and software development and a design lab for rapid prototyping and implementing design concepts. Reflecting its progressive curriculum, the school is designed with an industrial feel and a sustainable approach. LPAwho provides architectural, interiors, landscape, civil, structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering servicesapplies an integrated approach to maximize the schools sustainability. With exposed structural elements, the building is organized to maximize exposure to daylight, as well as views to the bay. A large, perforated metal scrim shades the building, protecting it from direct glare and reducing solar heat gains. In addition, all stormwater is collected and treated on site with its native plant palette and bioretention planters. Finally, by increasing permeable surfaces on the campus, the runoff volume is significantly reduced. Jurors said, This project in design includes a robust planning process that defines the characteristics of the learning profile of the school, and then imagined what environment would support this type of learner. Both Montgomery Middle School and the TIDE Academy exemplify the benefits of an integrated design approach. Bringing educators, district staff, community members and designers together at the onset of the project to identify and solve challenges results in a highly efficient, elegant and educational design. LPA President Dan Heinfeld, FAIA, states, Since 2005, LPA has been recognized with a CASH/AIACC award every year, an unmatched testimony to our clients and their faith in our integrated approach. About LPA Founded in 1965, LPA has more than 350 employees with offices in San Antonio and Irvine, Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose, California. The firm provides services in architecture, sustainability, planning, interior design, landscape architecture, engineering and graphics. With a proven commitment to integrated sustainable design, LPA designs facilities that span from K-12 schools, colleges and universities to corporate, health care and civic establishments. More than 700 major design awards attest to LPAs commitment to design excellence. For more information, visit http://www.lpainc.com. About AIACC The AIACC represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, The AIACC's mission supports architects in their endeavors to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more livable communities, sustainable designs and quality work environments. Today, The AIACC is the largest component of the National AIA organization. ### Carl Reese wearing a prototype riding gear by FirstGear-USA "You're Done" said head mechanic Jay Carlson after seeing the condition of Reese's last set of tires. On February 25th at 4:27 AM CST Carl Reese set out to break the Guinness Book of World Record for Greatest Distance in 24 hours on a Motorcycle (individual) on a track. This record attempt was done at the Continental Tire Proving Grounds in Uvalde,Texas. Reese partnered with Continental Tire to use the 8.5 mile closed track to set his latest world record. Reese announced his latest record attempt on his Facebook and Twitter accounts back in Dec with a teaser video. Reese totaled 2119 miles in less than a 24 hour period. Breaking the existing Guinness record of 2023.5 miles held by Matthew McKelvey in 2014. Top speeds reached 141mph. Reese had carried an averaged speed of 92 mph including all stops during the 22 hours and 52 minutes on the track. The official average speed for the entire 24 hours will be recorded as 88.3 mph. At 3:49 A.M CST on February 26th Reese was stopped by his safety team and master mechanic Jay Carson of West Valley Cycle Sales. Carlson had inspected Reese's tires and said "You're Done"! With 1 hour and 18 minutes of time remaining on the clock Reese was stopped from continuing as the team had exhausted all available tires. In the last two years Reese has set nine world records in several categories. In vehicles ranging from a Tesla Model S electric car to a gas operated motorcycles. Reese is best known for setting the fastest motorcycle time between Los Angeles to New York in 38 hours and 49 minutes on a motorcycle back in 2015. Reese affectionally calls his motor bike The Spirit of Cannonball Baker after the famous Erwin Cannonball Baker. That set 143 records in his life time . Baker was a endurance legend that started the famed cannonball run from Los Angeles to New York City on a motorcycle back in 1922! Reese is looking to recoup some expenses, half jokingly said " I would sell the BMW K1600GT (a two time record setting bike) if the right motorcycle collector made him a fair offer. With a few conditions, that the bike would be displayed so the public could enjoy the motorcycle. When pressed further Reese suggested examples The Petersons Auto Museum, Barber Motorcycle Museum, AMA Motorcycle Museum or Jay Lenos Garage would be likely candidates. However,Jay Lenos Garage is not open to the public, Reese noted that Jay Leno, which Reese has met on a few occasions, said I know Jay would take good care of it. A significant portion of the ride occurred in the dark. The track facility lacks nighttime lighting, so Carl partnered with Glenn Stasky of Clearwater Lights in Rancho Cordova, CA to improve his visibility and illuminate the track ahead of him. Glenn and his team equipped Carl's motorcycle with two pairs of their very bright Sevina LED lights. The two of the lights were mounted on Altrider engine guards. Giving both protection to the engine and a sturdy mounting surface for the ClearWater Lights. The choice to use Clearwater Lights was not a difficult one; each light produces a whopping 7,500 lumens, providing a total of 30,000 lumens beyond what the stock headlight provides. A custom-designed optic and advanced electronic circuitry projects the light a significant distance down the road. This allowed Carl to identify hazards on the track in enough time to avoid them. The owner of Clearwater Lights Glenn Stasky is a seasoned racer himself. Stasky helped Reese with maximizing his fuel economy and getting the distance out of Reese's limited tire supply. Stasky also organized the teams world record pit crew. Reese wore a prototype suit from FirstGear-USA. With overnight lows of 39F degrees and daytime temps of 77F. The wind gust were between 18mph during the ride. Reeses secondary mission was to prove the comfort of the suit in varying weather conditions. The FirstGear-USA suit is in development for a future release. The bike weight was trimmed by putting on BST Carbon Fiber rims from Brocks Performance. These ultra light rims trimmed 40% weight off the stock rims. Thus offering better mpg, shorter stopping time and faster acceleration. The weight was further reduced with the installation of a EarthX Lithium battery. Shaving off several pounds of weight from the motorcycle. Two recording devices were installed on the bike to verify the event. GPS Insight installed a Fleet Tracking device on the motorcycle to verify the bikes position every 30 seconds and was posted to http://www.carlreese.net for fans to follow. Continental Tire provided a VBox to record details and video tape the entire event for Guinness. The team outfitted the bike with a ZTechnik windshield from the U.S manufacturer National Cycle. The extend range fuel tank was manufactured by Mike Langford of CA. The specialty tank held 8 additional gallons that reduced the amount of fuel stops required. Reese used Continental Road Attack 2 EVO GT tires on his bike to break the existing record. Road Attach 2 EVO GT were crowned the winner by motorrad magazine in the highway/day-to-day category in June of 2016. With the most points, thereby securing the best buy highway title. These tires also have a revolutionary new micro tread surface, which virtually puts an end to tire break-in. Eliminating the need for mold-release agents or break-in; giving Reese an added advantage. Witnesses that observed the starting odometer of 24649 and the finish reading of 26768 were the following: Deena Mastracci, Glenn Stasky, Ryan Sorensen, Jay Carson, Darlene Stasky, Dan Clark, William Rugemick, Hank Arriazola, and Steven Brown. These volunteers worked through the event helping everything including pitstops. Reese's Fiancee Deena Mastracci prepared the high energy, low sugar foods required for Reese's attempt. About Carl Reese Carl Reese is an 47 year old endurance driver. Reese has set records in multiple counties including Ecuador. Reese has set more transcontinental records than anyone since Edwin Cannonball Baker. Reese and his team have set nine world records, most notably the Solo Motorcycle Cannonball Record from Los Angeles to New York in 38 hours and 49 minutes.Reese was born in Mercer, Pennsylvania and now resides in Pine Mountain Club, California. Reese and his bike are currently available for public appearances and speaking engagements. Reese is active on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EnduranceDriver. About Clearwater Lights Clearwater Company has been offering award winning customer service, well-engineered products and outstanding product support for over 25 years. Our products are manufactured in our Northern California facility and shipped all over the world. To learn more visit http://www.clearwaterlights.com. About Firstgear-USA Whether its the open road or the road less traveled, no other experience provides the thrill and passion for living that riding does. Its a uniquely human experience. At Firstgear, we create products that enhance the pure joy of riding. We keep you warm when its cold, dry when its wet and cool when its hot. When all you feel is the thrill of the ride weve done our job. To learn more visit http://www.firstgear-usa.com. About Motorcycle Relief Project Motorcycle Relief Project (MRP) is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that provides relief to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries by taking them on multi-day motorcycle adventure tours. Our mission is to honor and encourage veterans while providing them with opportunities to decompress, get unstuck and connect with other veterans. Donations can be made here: http://www.motorelief.org/donate About ZTechnik ZTechnik is a brand created by National Cycle, Inc. that specializes in Touring/Sport Windscreens and other quality motorcycle accessories designed exclusively for BMW Motorcycles. National Cycle is the world leader in windshield technology and has developed more innovations and holds more patents for the design and production of motorcycle windshields than any other company in the industry, and supplies original equipment components to motorcycle manufacturers around the globe. Many of these patents are used in popular windscreens such as the VStream, Flyscreen, SwitchBlade and Deflector ScreenTM. National Cycle approaches every product from the rider's perspective and measures the value of any accessory by how it increases the rider's confidence and enjoyment. To learn more visit http://www.nationalcycle.com. About Brocks Performance At Brocks Performance, we strive to lead in the innovation, research and development, manufacturing and distribution of performance components and associated information in the motorcycle industry. A distributor for BST Carbon Fiber Rims and other high performance motorcycle products. http://www.BrocksPerformance.com/ About EarthXBatteries EarthX batteries are designed to be a replacement of a standard 12 volt lead-acid battery, but their nominal voltage is 13.3V so it will spin your engine faster than you would ever believe possible at an 80% weight reduction! EarthX batteries will work with any vehicle charging system that regulates the voltage between 13.5V and 14.6V, which is standard in all modern vehicles from motorcycles to experimental aircrafts. EarthX has exclusive features that include a microprocessor Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors the charge level of each cell and balances the charge when needed, protecting the cells from overcharge or over- discharge, short circuit protection and excessive cranking protection (heat). What this means for you is more starting power, longer battery life, and the safest lithium motorsport battery on the market. To learn more visit http://www.earthxbatteries.com. About GPS Insight GPS Insight works with businesses that have fleets of vehicles and other mobile assets to solve unique business challenges through increased revenue, reduced costs and reduced risk. Our GPS fleet tracking software combines real-time robust functionality with a simple, intuitive user-interface. Monitoring and dispatching your vehicles has never been so easy. GPS Insight provides a highly flexible solution, which includes a wide range of customized reports, alerts and other innovative features that can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements to ensure maximum return on investment. Contact GPS Insight by phone at 866-477-4321 or visit http://www.gpsinsight.com for more information. About AltRider AltRider is a Seattle-based company manufacturing 100% American-made accessories and gear for adventure touring motorcycles. We offer premium protection parts for the adventure bikes from BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph and Yamaha. We also offer waterproof adventure luggage through the AltRider Hemisphere soft luggage line. http://www.altrider.com More About Continental Tires Proving Grounds Uvalde Proving Grounds is located approximately 80 miles west of San Antonio, Texas. With the state's year- round mild climate, the Uvalde Proving Grounds is ideal for the performance of on-vehicle testing. A rural location combined with high security also makes Uvalde an ideal site for the testing vehicles and components. http://www.uvaldeprovinggrounds.com More About Continental Continental was founded in Hanover in 1871 as the stock corporation Continental-Caoutchouc- und Gutta- Percha Compagnie. Manufacturing at the main factory in Hanover included soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics, and solid tires for carriages and bicycles. Today, Continental ranks among the top 5 automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, Continental contributes to enhanced driving safety and global climate protection. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication http://www.conti-moto.com More About West Valley Cycle Sales West Valley Cycle Sales is the Oldest BMW Motorrad Dealer in North America. Family owned since 1950. Located in Winnetka, CA http://westvalleycycle.com Media Dropbox Folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eanrorvqhx3eong/AACR9wAaNliVyBpsX07TpVmea?dl=0 matchbox American Kitchen + Spirit will soon expand into the Florida market with a first-in-state location at Sawgrass Mills during late March. Our American fare, served in a bright and modern setting, will be an attraction for Sawgrass Mills local shoppers and those from across the U.S. and abroad. matchbox American Kitchen + Spirit will soon expand its American-style cuisine into the Florida market with a first-in-state location at Sawgrass Mills. Established in Washington, D.C., matchbox will unveil its freestanding restaurant during late March 2017 at the east end of The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills adjacent to the Fashion Wing entrance. matchbox is excited to enter into the Florida restaurant landscape, serving our brand of quality casual dining for all to enjoy, said Peter DAmelio, Chief Executive Officer at matchboxfoodgroup. Our American fare, served in a bright and modern setting, will be an attraction for Sawgrass Mills local shoppers and those from across the U.S. and abroad. Founded in 2003, matchbox has continued to serve diners an eclectic mix of American fare, including their signature mini burgers, salads, wood-fired pizzas and hearty entrees, plus a brunch menu and happy hour specials. Chefs use fresh quality ingredients to create innovative and delicious menu options available for lunch and dinner. The new two-level restaurant will offer guests an industrial vibe with reclaimed wood, steel and brick as part of the decor. A square, wooden bar will be the focal point of the first floor, offering a variety of handcrafted cocktails, and diners will enjoy outdoor seating ideal for al fresco meals. The second floor will be complete with tables overlooking the bar area and large booths that provide a cozy space for group dining. matchbox will be a welcome addition to Sawgrass Mills unmatched retail mix, which includes a variety of established dining concepts with more to come, said David Gott, general manager at Sawgrass Mills. This will be another exclusive to Sawgrass Mills that will elevate our shopping experience. USHIO PiCOEXPLORER PAS-110 Ushio will showcase products and future technology utilizing patent pending Silicone Optical Technology, a unique optical technology that enables high sensitive detector, and photofunctionalization treatment. Established in 1964, USHIO Inc. is a leading manufacturer of light sources such as lamps, lasers, and LEDs, in a broad range from ultraviolet to visible to infrared wavelengths, as well as optical equipment and cinema-related products that incorporate these light sources. It also makes products in the electronics field (such as semiconductors, flat panel displays and electronic components) and in the visual imaging field (including digital projectors and lighting). Many of these products enjoy dominant market shares. In recent years, USHIO has undertaken business in the life science area, such as the medical and the environmental fields. USHIO will exhibit and demonstrate the handheld, light weight, and economical, PiCOEXPLORER photo-absorbance sensor (PAS), at Pittcon 2017, USHIO booth number 4247. In addition, Ushio will showcase products and future technology utilizing patent pending Silicone Optical Technology, a unique optical technology that enables high sensitive detector, and photofunctionalization treatment. The showcase products include the Laser Induced Fluorimeter (LIF), a compact unit that provides high sensitivity into the sub-nano molar range. The LIF is a blue laser model for the DNA related market. In addition, the Remote Monitoring unit/ LIF and Luminescence are very suitable for cloud based data monitoring and handling. Ushio will conduct demonstrations of this exciting technology at the booth, reading the measured data taken by the LIF and project on a lap top computer and on the attendees smartphone by reading a QR code. The conference will be held on March 5 through March 9, 2017, at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The PiCOEXPLORER PAS-110 is a compact laboratory research device that dramatically improves the efficiency of experiments in seconds in just 3 easy steps. The PiCOEXPLORER can be easily controlled by a smartphone or tablet mobile device. This analytical tool allows for quick concentration measurement and detection of protein, nitrite ion concentration, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and DNA through colorimetric assays or reagents. The PiCOEXPLORER enables concentration measurement and analysis of a sample in an unopened PCR tube, and thus, does not require use of a pipette. In addition, it incorporates a communication function that allows the user to operate PiCOEXPLORER via a smartphone or tablet. Measurements can be saved in the application and/or uploaded to a computer. Therefore, the PiCOEXPLORER can greatly reduce both the time and the labor required for measurements, making it a great contribution to improve laboratory efficiency. For more information about the USHIO PiCOEXPLORER PAS-110, visit http://www.USHIO.com or call 800.838.7446. About Ushio America, Inc. Ushio America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of Specialty and General Illumination lighting solutions based in Cypress, California. Established in 1967 as a subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., in Tokyo, Japan, USHIO now carries over 2,500 General Lighting and Specialty products. These Lighting-Edge Technologies are provided to a variety of industries such as general illumination, audio-visual, photographic, stage, studio and television, semiconductor, printed circuit, video projection, cinema, UV curing, germicidal, horticulture, graphic arts, flashlight, scientific, medical, dental, ophthalmic, infra-red heating, and many others. For more information, visit http://www.USHIO.com. ### Dignity Health named Dr. Paul Gilbert the new Facility Medical Director of the Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Emergency Room Mesa. The facility is licensed under Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital, located in the West Valley. Dr. Gilbert is an excellent physician and will ensure our freestanding emergency room continues to deliver the highest quality care to Mesa and the surrounding communities, said Robert Bob Honeycutt, President and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital. Dr. Gilbert received his medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. He then completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to joining Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Emergency Room, Dr. Gilbert served as an emergency physician at Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood, AZ, Sedona Medical Center in Sedona, and Cobre Valley Medical Center in Globe, AZ. Additionally, Dr. Gilbert has served as the Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Payson Regional Medical Center in Payson, AZ. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and has over 15 years of clinical experience. The Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Emergency Room is a full-service emergency room, licensed by the state, and open 24-7. The Mesa facility is staffed by board-certified physicians, emergency trained registered nurses and radiology technologists and equipped with a full radiology suite and an accredited laboratory. Additionally the emergency room has full access to Dignity Healths network of physicians and specialists. The Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Emergency Room in Mesa is located at 1833 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205. For more information, visit azgeneraler.com. ### About Dignity Health, Arizona Service Area Dignity Health in Arizona includes five outstanding hospitals Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, St. Josephs Hospital and Medical Center, which includes Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Westgate Hospital and Arizona General Hospital. From this foundation, Dignity Health in Arizona has expanded into a comprehensive health care system, which includes imaging centers, clinics, specialty hospitals, urgent cares, insurance providers, an accountable care organization and other clinical partnerships. The Dignity Health Medical Group includes more than 40 practices and covers a wide range of specialties. Dignity Health in Arizona is part of Dignity Health, one of the nations largest health care systems. For more information, please visit http://www.dignityhealth.org/arizona. About Adeptus Health Inc. Adeptus Health (NYSE: ADPT) is a leading patient-centered healthcare organization expanding access to the highest quality emergency medical care through its network of freestanding emergency rooms and partnerships with premier healthcare providers. Adeptus Health owns and operates First Choice Emergency Room, the nation's largest and oldest network of freestanding emergency rooms and owns and/or operates facilities in partnership with Texas Health Resources in Texas, UCHealth in Colorado, Dignity Health in Arizona, Ochsner Health System in Louisiana and Mount Carmel Health System in Ohio. All Adeptus Health freestanding facilities are fully equipped emergency rooms with a complete radiology suite of diagnostic technology, on-site laboratory, and staffed with board-certified physicians and emergency trained registered nurses. For the last four years, Adeptus Health has exceeded the 95th percentile in patent satisfaction according to patient feedback collected nationwide by Press Ganey Associates Inc. Adeptus Health also was named a 2016 Best Workplaces in Healthcare by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine. For more information please visit adhc.com. About Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital is a full-service healthcare facility, licensed by the state as a general hospital. Spanning 39,000-square-feet, the hospital has inpatient rooms, two state-of-the-art operating rooms - for inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, an emergency department, a high-complexity laboratory and a full radiology suite offering the latest technologies. Furthermore, patients have full access to the Dignity Health area facilities and physicians, and the hospital provides Phoenix-area residents with 24/7 access to emergency medical care. Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Emergency Room is a fully-equipped off-campus emergency department, located within the community to bring a greatly needed access point to emergency medical care. For more information, visit azgeneraler.com. We recognize that investors benefit from an allocation to private investments, but only if well-structured and well managed, said Susan Mahan Fasig, CFA, FEG Private Investors, LLC lead portfolio manager. FEG Private Investors, LLC, an affiliate of Fund Evaluation Group, LLC (FEG), announced the final closing of its third private capital fund of funds, FEG Private Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (the Fund) on February 27, 2017. The Fund closed with $194.5 million in capital commitments, surpassing the target of $175 million. The Fund received commitments from a wide range of limited partners including: foundations, endowments, pension plans, religious institutions, educational institutions, and other investors. Since we launched our first fund in 2012, we continue to see more investors who want to outsource the illiquid component of their investment portfolio, said FEG Managing Principal, Gary Price. Private capital funds typically have either high minimum investments, short fundraising cycles, or limited, if any, capacity to accept new investors. With our unique access to niche managers, we provide a complete, customizable solution for implementing a private capital investment program. We are honored to have such a high interest in our funds. This is the third private capital fund of funds managed by FEG Private Investors, LLC, a registered investment advisor and affiliate of FEG. The first fund closed in 2012 with $122.3 million and the second fund closed in 2015 with $227.3 million. All funds exceeded their target amount and FEG Private Funds now have a total committed capital of approximately $550 million. We recognize that investors benefit from an allocation to private investments, but only if well-structured and well managed, said Susan Mahan Fasig, CFA, FEG Private Investors, LLC lead portfolio manager. Our tenured and dedicated team focuses on finding unique opportunities that have the potential to outperform public markets. The fund has the flexibility to invest in private equity, private debt, and private real assets strategies. FEG has more than 29 years experience delivering investment advice and solutions to institutions. FEG has a dedicated team of 27 research and investments professionals, including a team of experienced professionals focused on private equity, special situations, and real assets. Through a highly selective and in-depth process they select managers with a balance of integrity, experience, and motivation. ### About FEG Private Investors, LLC: FEG Private Investors, LLC, a registered investment adviser, serves as the Manager of FEG Private Opportunities Fund II, L.P. The Fund is sponsored by the affiliate, Fund Evaluation Group, LLC (FEG) a registered investment adviser, which is majority owner of the FEG Private Investors, LLC, and the Fund's General Partner, FEG POF, LLC. A copy of FEG Private Investors, LLC disclosure document, Form ADV 2A & 2B may be obtained by contacting Compliance at 513-977-4400. For more information, visit http://www.feg.com. Construction Starts Here We are really excited to be exhibiting with our amazing partner STACK and to have the opportunity to work with AEM to broadcast our ConTechTrio podcast throughout the show. stated James Benham, CEO of JBKnowledge. The final countdown has begun for the 2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG international gathering next week of construction professionals that occurs once every three years in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year's convention will be held March 7th-11th at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will host over 2,500 exhibitors, including JBKnowledge and STACK Construction Technologies. This will be the first time both companies are participating in the show and are leading the construction tech presence in big ways. JBKnowledge will be exhibiting alongside STACK Construction Technologies in South Hall #2, in the lower level, at booth #S65329. JBKnowledge is a premier provider of technology solutions for the construction and insurance industries and will be showcasing their products, SmartBid, a construction bid software for general and prime contractors and SmartInsight, an online global network for subcontractors. JBKnowledge's solutions have proven to be imperative for streamlining communications and data between general contractors and subs. In addition, SmartBid and SmartInsight integrate with STACK, who is the leading estimating and takeoff software created by contractors for contractors. At the booth there will be live demos of all products, offering major product discounts for attendees and giving away numerous tech prizes including a 3D printer and drone. Attendees can hit the jackpot just by stopping by. SmartBid, the construction industry's leading bid management software, helps tens of thousands of general contractors organize subcontractor data, send invitations to bid, share project documents and ultimately find the most qualified subcontractors for every project. Exclusive offers at the booth include a discount on a SmartBid annual subscription plus a STACK Takeoff subscription for general contractors. SmartInsight is the fastest growing online construction network that helps subcontractors find construction projects, get industry visibility, make contractor connections and get scored. The booth will host live demos of the SmartInsight system and provide exclusive offers on risk analysis and financial benchmarking reports. In addition, the ConTechTrio, A Construction Technology Podcast, will be broadcasting live all week live from AEM Booth #GL20401 in the Grand Lobby. The ConTechTrio includes JBKnowledge CEO, James Benham and co-hosts Rob McKinney the "ConAppGuru" and BIM/VDC Specialist Josh Bone. They will be interviewing representatives from Dewalt, Notevault, Rhumbix, Martin Bros, "Tech Experience" speaker Dave Turin, from Discovery Channel's TV series 'Gold Rush', and many more! Learn more about the podcast at jbknowledge.com/contechtrio. Learn more about JBKnowledge's presence at the conference here: jbknowledge.com/vegas About JBKnowledge, Inc JBKnowledge develops technology solutions for construction and insurance. JBKnowledge is the maker of the SmartBid construction bid software, SmartCompliance certificate of insurance and compliance management software, SmartReality augmented and virtual reality mobile app for construction project visualization, and the SmartInsight construction network for searching, selecting and verifying contractors. JBKnowledge offers a range of professional services to help companies transform their technology solutions including: IT Staff Augmentation; Strategic Consulting; Enterprise Application and Software Development; Mobile and Wearable Applications; Research and Development Outsourcing; and BIM Services. JBKnowledge is based in Bryan/College Station, TX, and serves construction clients on an international basis. Learn more about their weekly construction tech podcast, ConTechTrio, and subscribe to receive industry tech updates at jbknowledge.com Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/jbknowledge Follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/jbknowledge Connect on LinkedIn, linkedin.com/jbknowledge Jake Parker SIA GovSummit is where security and government leaders meet to assess security technology priorities. The agenda for SIA GovSummit 2017 is designed to provide a holistic look at where the private and public sectors can work together on critical issues. The Security Industry Association (SIA) opened registration for its annual public policy conference, SIA GovSummit. At SIA GovSummit 2017, security industry leaders and government officials meet and examine policy trends, technology requirements and risk assessments to address evolving security challenges. SIA will host SIA GovSummit 2017 at The Liaison Capitol Hill, located at 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, on June 28-29. Registration is open at the SIA GovSummit website at http://www.securityindustry.org/summit. "In this year's new political environment, federal and state governments are assessing their security technology priorities," said Jake Parker, SIA Director of Government Relations. "SIA GovSummit is where security and government leaders meet to assess those priorities. The agenda for SIA GovSummit 2017 is designed to provide a holistic look at where the private and public sectors can work together on critical issues." Here is the agenda for the conference: Wednesday, June 28 SIA Member Congressional Office Visits Government Procurement Roundtable Discussion SIA Public Policy Leadership Dinner Thursday, June 29 Security Solutions and the Policy Landscape o Homeland Security Priorities of the Trump Administration and the 115th Congress: Implications for Security Technology o Rise of the Botnet of Things: Industry Response and the Emerging Government Role in Promoting IOT Security o State and Local Policy Trends Affecting Residential, Commercial and Government Security Solutions o What the Federal Governments New IT Policy Means for Identity Management and Access Control Systems: OMB Circular A-130 Whats New in Federal Acquisition o Acquisition Priorities for Security Solutions o Industry Insights on Emerging Security Capabilities Research and Development Partnership Opportunities o Federal R&D Programs and Agency Initiatives o Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships Whats Next in Infrastructure Protection o Evolving Threats and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) o Legislative and Regulatory Impact on Security Solutions for CIP o Security Technology and Federal Grants: Fiscal 2017 and Beyond Early bird registration rates are available through June 4. SIA offers a discount hotel block for those traveling to Washington. To register and find more information, visit http://www.securityindustry.org/summit. About the Security Industry Association The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with roughly 700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry's top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking. Women in Localization (WL), the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry, has appointed Michele Smith as Executive Director of Global Chapter Management and Expansion. Michele will be joining the Executive with immediate effect. The position will be responsible for co-leading the workgroup overseeing expanding the Global Chapters of Women in Localization, along with Board member Anna Schlegel who oversees Global Expansion and all Chapters. In this Executive Committee, Michele co-leads a workgroup tasked with 2 goals. The first is to oversee the global Chapter Manager Groups alignment to the Board Vision and the second is to expand the roster of chapters. "We are delighted to have Michele Smith join this very important workgroup of Women in Localization and co-lead our new global expanion. Michele is an experienced industry professional and will help to develop the growing brand of our organization. Said WL co-Founder Anna Schlegel. Women in Localization has 10 existing global Chapters, with a further wait list across all geographies. To support this expansion, the organization is aggressively recruiting volunteers at local and global levels. Thomas Murray, CEO, Vistatec commented that Vistatec continues to work closely with Women in Localization and with the new appointment of Michele Smith, this will help to further strengthen our relationship and to assist in the growth of global chapters around the world. About Women in Localization Women in Localization (WL) was founded in 2008 by Silvia Avary-Silveira, Eva Klaudinyova and Anna Schlegel, and is the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry with thousands of members globally. Its mission is to foster a global community for the advancement of women and the localization industry. It aims to provide an open, collaborative forum where women can share expertise and experience and help each other move forward in their careers. Started in the San Francisco Bay Area, WL has expanded its membership to include women across the globe, encouraging members to meet in other local geographies. To learn more, visit http://www.womeninlocalization.com or http://www.linkedin.com/groups/WL-Women-in-Localization-911827/about. About Vistatec Vistatec has been supporting some of the worlds most iconic brands to optimize their global commercial potential since 1997. Vistatec is one of the worlds leading localization solutions providers headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with offices in Mountain View, California, USA. To learn more, visit http://www.vistatec.com Media Contacts: Liesl Leary Women in Localization Phone: (415) 203-7179 Email: lleary(at)sdl(dot)com Simon Hodgkins, Chief Marketing Officer Vistatec Phone: +1 353 1 4168000 Email: info(at)vistatec(dot)com Patient Financial Responsibility Toolkit AATA empowers the national recovery treatment industry to serve their patients. Past News Releases RSS American Addiction Treatment... The American Addiction Treatment Association (AATA) is launching an educational series and multiple resources available for providers and professionals in the addiction treatment industry that includes the Patient Financial Responsibility Toolkit and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) What to Know in a Commercial Payer Audit Seminar. Education is a core component of AATAs work with our membership, said Gina Meyer, AATA Executive Director. The American Addiction Treatment Associations educational series complements AATAs mission to deliver reliable information and resources on compliance and best practices to enable recovery industry professionals, owners, and operators to navigate the evolving clinical and regulatory landscapes. As weve expanded our reach in the industry and developed new resources, we listened to our membership and their interest in certain topics, such as billing and marketing practices. The Patient Financial Responsibility Toolkit is the first resource of its kind for the addiction treatment industry because it helps healthcare providers and programs solve the confusing and risky practices around waiving and discounting deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. The toolkit offers practical solutions to reduce the risk of fraud or abuse and ends the confusion around cost-sharing, discounts, and waivers. AATA empowers the national recovery treatment industry to serve their patients. AATAs Seminar Series launch tackles the hot topic of audits in the addiction treatment and recovery industry. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) What to Know in a Commercial Payer Audit is the first seminar of 2017 and is being co-sponsored by AATA, Nelson Hardiman, and Infinity Behavioral Health Services. No one likes an audit, but comprehensive reviews and audits are becoming common in the addiction treatment and recovery industry. Theres an increased attention toward billing practices so providers need to be proactive in preventing and eliminating accusations of fraud or abuse, Meyer explained. Every seminar attendee will walk away with a fuller understanding of SIUs and audits and details of investigations from the procedural aspects of the SIU to substantive issues raised by payers including documentation concerns. There are red flags for fraud detection and the SIUs will look for anything that resembles fraudulent practices. The bottom line: any provider billing an insurance company runs the risk of an audit. That includes the behavioral healthcare field. The seminar will be held April 13th, 2017 at 11:00 AM 1:30 PM and features three expert presenters: Frank Brady, Director of West Coast Operations, Infinity Behavioral Health Services; Zachary Rothenberg, Partner, Nelson Hardiman; and Max Sirianni, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Infinity Behavioral Health Services. Lunch is included and there is plenty of Q&A time with the presenters. Seats are limited. AATA has previously launched regulatory compliance resources in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia. AATA Membership will become available in the coming months for Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey, and Minnesota. AATA Membership benefits are available to recovery industry professionals, owners, and operators to navigate the evolving clinical and regulatory landscapes. For more information, visit http://www.addiction-tx.com, email or call (888) 958-2282. SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin cuts a DNA 'ribbon' to open the new Dumke Center for STEM Learning. Its going to bring all of us together so that we can push one another to achieve our dreams, to achieve happiness and to keep on pursuing the help that our families need. Salt Lake Community College opened the doors Wednesday to its new Dumke Center for STEM Learning on its flagship Taylorsville Redwood Campus. SLCC made room for the 6,000 square-foot, two-story Center by renovating part of its Science and Industry Building. SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin explained to onlookers about the colorful, long homemade DNA sequence she was about to cut to officially mark the Centers opening. When youre starting a STEM learning center, you cant just have a ribbon, Huftalin said. She noted how the new space embraces learning and engagement and showcases a community approach to STEM education. Im so anxious to come in here on a Monday morning and listen to the energy thats being created in the room by the students who are trying to figure out different problems in science, math and engineering, she added. Its anticipated that the Center will receive about 10,000 visits per spring and fall semesters for students seeking free tutoring and advising or areas for studying, workshops and collaboration. Thirty-three percent ($397,139) of the construction project was funded with federal money from the Department of Education and 67% ($802,861) by non-governmental sources. Now with an open space like this, any student came come in and share these resources with anyone, said SLCC student Miguel Ruiz Carpio, a STEM scholarship recipient majoring in electrical engineering. Its going to bring all of us together so that we can push one another to achieve our dreams, to achieve happiness and to keep on pursuing the help that our families need. Carpio and other SLCC students indirectly benefited from the Center by winning STEM scholarships that were funded by a National Science Foundation grant, noted Craig Caldwell, dean of the SLCC School of Science, Math and Engineering. That grant would not have come without the investment in this center, Caldwell said. They pay attention when a community buys into a vision. The vision for the Center culminated in three offices for its director and two advisors, two workshop rooms, two study rooms, a large open space for tutoring, kitchen and reception areas, computers on both levels and spaces for students to take breaks. One of SLCCs institutional priorities is to develop new approaches to supporting, assessing and improving achievement in mathematics and science, said Jose Crespo, director of the Center. Along with the other STEM learning centers located on different campuses, this new center will result in more effective tutoring and learning support for all math and science students. SLCC plans to expand the Center with a third level for hosting seminars and STEM professionals and expanded services for students. A major donation to fund construction of the Center came from the Katherine W. Dumke and Ezekiel R. Dumke, Jr. Foundation. Dumke board member Scott Thornton was on hand for the opening. I cant believe how well utilized every nook and cranny is, Thornton said. I think its going to be really exciting to see how the students use this space going forward. Additional funding from private sources included the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the Sorenson Legacy Foundation and Jeff Nelson. Salt Lake Community College is an accredited, student-focused, comprehensive community college meeting the diverse needs of the Salt Lake community. Home to more than 61,000 students each year, the College is Utahs leading provider of workforce development programs. SLCC is also the largest supplier of transfer students to Utahs four-year institutions and a perennial Top 10 college nationally for total associate degrees awarded. The College is the sole provider of applied technology courses in the Salt Lake area, with multiple locations, an eCampus, and nearly 1,000 continuing education sites located throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Personal attention from an excellent faculty is paramount at the College, which maintains an average class size of 20. Essex Modern City Street So epically badass... you're blowing my mind! Essex Modern City (EMC) has officially unveiled new images of the future Eastside project. Local Developer Efraim Varga of Varga Endeavors (vargaendeavors.com) has partnered with Harris Bay (harris-bay.com), a Sacramento-based Investment Firm headed by Managing Partners Jake Harris and Anton Bayer, to come up with a game changing design for the Eastside of San Antonio, Texas. Exclusive early insiders who got a sneak peak of the images were quoted with statements like: Holy $#!%, these are stunning! Ridiculous So epically badass... youre blowing my mind The former pallet manufacturing site sits along Essex Street bordered by S. Cherry Street heading north up to Carolina Street. The developers have pieced together just over eight acres to give the project some impact. Jake Harris said the site location was one of the key factors in the decision to move forward with the project. Of course there is no perfect site, we do have some challenges such as the railroad tracks and a freeway close by. However, looking at the site from a geographic standpoint, it is within one mile of the Riverwalk, Hemisfair and walking distance to the booming Southtown. Kris Feldmann of CREO (creoarc.com), a San Antonio-based architectural firm has been a key component to taking early concepts and incorporating them into a project that is posed to forge a new era of sustainable urban development in San Antonio. Essex Modern City is a true mixed use project with phase one featuring vertical farming, a central plaza, 248 for rent apartments, 160 for sale condos, 80 for sale live/work modern rowhomes, 65,000 square feet of commercial store front, 22,000 square feet Mercado and 80,000 square feet of creative office space. Site work is scheduled to begin late 2017 and will begin to go vertical in 2018. One of the unique features of the Essex Modern City project is that there are units available for sale. As rent prices continue to climb in the urban core market, more people will make the decision to buy a unit in a project like this. We are offering some unique residential options like walk-up Rowhomes that you might find in New York City, stated Anton Bayer. In fact, many exclusive early INSIDERS have been pushing to try and lock up units with presales. INSIDERS do get early information on the project and invites to special events. Efraim Varga said that those INSIDERS will get pre-market access to pricing before the prices are released. It seems like everyone in San Antonio is throwing around the phrase, The next Pearl, for every new project that comes online in San Antonio. Kit Goldsbury and Silver Ventures have done a tremendous job at elevating San Antonio but, Harris Bay and Varga Endeavors believe the city doesnt need a new Pearl, it needs something new and different. With features like vertical farming, local craftsmen retailers, smart garage parking, self-driving vehicles, rock-climbing walls in the plaza and a higher level of connection to the community- Essex is that new project that can drive innovation in a city primed for cutting edge design. Jake Harris was quoted at a recent Bisnow panel "If Pearl is the Culinary Institute of America project, Essex will be the James Beard award winning taco trailer with a wicked cool startup app". Contacts: http://www.essexmoderncity.com Jake Harris Managing Partner jake(at)harris-bay(dot)com Anton Bayer Manager anton(at)harris-bay(dot)com Efraim Varga CEO Efraim(at)vargaendeavors(dot)com Kris Feldmann Design Principal kris(at)creoarc(dot)com A new happy patient of Total Veterinary Care. This new state of the art clinic will bring advances for pet care options that our Cicero area residence desire and will appreciate for their furry children. Total Veterinary Care proudly announces opening their Cicero hospital, and invites the public to their Grand Opening on Sunday, March 12, from 12pm to 4pm. The hospital team, led by Chief of Staff, Dr. Stacy Laxen, looks forward to engaging with their new community. Behind-the-scenes hospital tours will provide the opportunity to view cutting-edge equipment and new facilities. There will also be tasty treats and refreshments to enjoy while exploring the premises, and giveaways for pet owners to take home to their furry companions. During the event, Total Veterinary Care will be offering microchipping vouchers and waiving sign-up fees for their Total Care Wellness Plans. Come meet the crew, see the new facilities, or just swap fun pet stories during the celebration. The Greater Cicero Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to announce Total Veterinary Care will be joining our community! This new state of the art clinic will bring advances for pet care options that our Cicero area residence desire and will appreciate for their furry children. Carolyn Postell, Greater Cicero Chamber of Commerce President. By reaching out to the community through relationships with local shelters, client education, and sponsored events, Total Veterinary Care is excited to be a powerful and positive force for the well-being of pets and their families. Their doctors and team members cultivate satisfaction for pet parents who care deeply about pet health. As a member of this community, I am excited to become part of the Total Veterinary Care team. I look forward to making a difference for the pets of our area. - Dr. Stacy Laxen, DVM, Chief of Staff of Total Veterinary Care. Total Veterinary Care believes exceptional veterinary services are an integral part of your companions well-being. They are dedicated to the advancement of total animal wellness through quality care and cutting-edge medical practices, and are committed to community awareness and education. Their pet hospitals focus on the comprehensive needs of your companion animals. An Islamic State (IS) offshoot based near the Afghan-Pakistan border is expanding to new areas, recruiting fighters and widening the reach of attacks in the region, according to members of the movement and Afghan officials. Some members of the so-called Khorasan Province of IS claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan that killed 90 people, and IS gunmen were blamed for the deaths of six local aid workers in the north of the country, far from their stronghold in eastern Afghanistan. Any expansion would pose a new challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, as he considers how many American troops to keep in Afghanistan, where the main security threat remains the Taliban insurgency. Trump has vowed to totally destroy the Middle East-based IS yet has spoken little of Afghanistan, where U.S. forces have been posted for 15 years. Now he has not only the stubborn Taliban to consider but also militants swearing allegiance to IS, although U.S. officials are generally less alarmed about its presence in Afghanistan than local officials. Daesh is not only a threat for Afghanistan but for the region and the whole world, said Shah Hussain Mortazawi, a spokesman for President Ashraf Ghanis office, using a common Arabic name for the group. The extent of direct operational links between IS in Afghanistan and the Middle East remains unclear, although most fighters in the Khorasan Province are Afghans, Pakistanis, or Central Asians. Still, three members of the group told Reuters a handful of Arab advisers helped direct propaganda, recruiting and identifying targets for attack. Shifting Loyalties IS is suspected of carrying out several attacks on minority Shiite Muslim targets in Afghanistan, and the February suicide bombing at the Pakistani shrine bore some of the hallmarks of the sectarian group. That atrocity, the worst militant assault in Pakistan for two years, indicated that a group based in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar could strike deep into Pakistan territory. IS has no proper base in Pakistan, but it has sympathizers and links in Pakistan, said one member of the group, based in Afghanistan. Mostly the attackers and suicide bombers enter from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Western and Afghan security officials believe fighters frequently switch allegiances between militant groups, making it difficult to know who is to blame for violence. Sometimes the Taliban commanders defect to Daesh and sometimes the other way around, said Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, governor of the northern Afghan province of Sar-i-Pul, where IS and Taliban fighters are believed to be active. The situation is very unclear. Even within the group, claims are contested. The AMAQ news agency, affiliated with IS in the Middle East, said the movement was responsible for the shrine bombing, but Abu Omar Khorasani, a senior member of the Afghan chapter who sometimes speaks for IS there, denied involvement. He did say IS was recruiting and expanding beyond Nangarhar into northern Afghanistan. Pakistani counterterrorism official Raja Umar Khattab said IS carried out attacks from Afghanistan, and his department was investigating whether the shrine bomber came from there. We are also working on an angle that a local militant group could have facilitated IS to carry out the ... blast, said Khattab, a senior officer in Sindh Province. Umbrella Organization The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, said U.S. drone strikes and special forces operations had killed about a third of IS fighters in Afghanistan and cut their territory by two-thirds. U.S. officials say intelligence suggests IS is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighboring Kunar Province. They are skeptical about reports of an increased IS presence in the northwest, where gunmen may claim a connection to the group to boost their standing. Certainly if youre a local official whos looking for more resources, by saying that ISIS is in your area, youre going to get more attention, said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, the main U.S. military spokesman in Kabul. Nicholson, who has asked for thousands more troops in Afghanistan, said counterterrorism forces planned a series of operations in 2017 to defeat IS in Afghanistan and preclude the migration of terrorists from Iraq and Syria into Afghanistan. Still, bolstered by fighters from Pakistani and other militant groups and an active social media presence, some Afghan officials said it had become an umbrella organization for disparate movements. The Afghan Taliban, waging war to overthrow the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, are fiercely opposed to IS, and the two have clashed as they seek to expand territory and influence. We have almost eliminated Daesh in Afghanistan, said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Estimating numbers is difficult. Cleveland said U.S. officials believe the movement has 700 fighters, but Afghan officials estimate it has around 1,500, with twice as many auxiliary helpers and up to 8,000 less active supporters. Those officials say fighters from Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan have come to Afghanistan, while militants forced across the border by Pakistani military operations also gravitated toward IS. Khorasani, the IS militant, said it had thousands of fighters and was growing. A U.S. drone strike last year killed former local IS leader Hafiz Saeed Khan, once a member of the Pakistani Taliban. Several Afghan security officials believe a former Afghan Taliban commander, Abdul Haseeb Logari, has replaced him. IS began to be noticed in the region in early 2015, when loyalists took on the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in a bid to become the leading Islamist militant group, using tactics that stood out for their brutality even in Afghanistan. -- From Reuters / Voice Of America Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A regional economic summit in Pakistan concluded with 10 nations pledging to collectively fight the "challenge of terrorism" and push for greater collaboration on trade, energy, and infrastructure. Islamabad hosted the daylong Economic Cooperation Organization summit on March 1. "There has never been a more opportune time to realize our dreams of connectivity for regional prosperity," said Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "We are determined to collectively face challenges such as extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking in order to realize our vision of making the region a zone of peace and prosperity," he said. "We have committed ourselves to working together for bringing progressive change to the lives of the people in our region, transforming it into a bastion of peace, progress, and prosperity." Iranian President Hassan Rohani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the heads of states who attended. Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan founded the organization in 1985, which now includes most central Asian states. Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, said peace and stability in the region will enable nations to achieve economic goals. The conference took place under tight security after a wave of recent suicide bombings by various militant groups killed more than 125 people across Pakistan. Based on reporting by AP and dpa Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East This article is part of an ongoing series profiling participants in the PubTech Connect conference, presented on April 20, 2017 by PW and the NYU School of Professional Studies Center for Publishing. Words like "innovation" and "disruption" get tossed around a lot these days, but what do they really mean? What practical and concrete steps can companies take to encourage new ways of thinking, new products, and new strategies? The PubTech Connect panel "The Innovators: Shaking Up The Mold and What Publishers Need To Learn" will bring together three industry leaders--George Baier IV of Dropbox, Hillary Kerr of Clique Media Group, and Joanna Lord of ClassPass--who are experts at fostering the entrepreneurial mindset, cultivating an obsessed audience, and creating new metrics for tomorrow's consumer. They'll focus on the realities of what it takes for executives and organizations to make meaningful change. George Baier IV is Head of Media Solutions at Dropbox, the pioneering cloud storage and services company. But speaking in front of a publishing industry audience is familiar to him, a return to old haunts. Before his time at Dropbox, Baier spent a decade in the New York publishing business, including a stint at Macmillan, where he was VP of business and workflow systems. No one knows the particular challenges publishers face when trying to innovate more than he does. Hillary Kerr, Co-Founder and Chief Ideation Officer of Clique Media Group, brought her lifelong fascination with fashion and her journalism experience together to help create Clique, the company behind the fashion site Who What Wear, as well as sites focused on home decor (Domaine) and beauty (Byrdie). Clique's three sites boast 13 million unique monthly visitors. Before co-founding Clique with Katherine Power, Kerr worked at Elle and then as an L.A.-based freelance writer for a number of magazines. As for what led her to found Clique and its sites, she told Forbes that "We wanted an incredible of-the-moment site that covered all the latest celebrity, tastemaker, and runway looks, with a great shopping element and a cool point of view, and simply didn't see one out there." Joanna Lord currently works as the Chief Marketing Officer of ClassPass, a fitness membership startup. ClassPass is an innovative take on gym membership, allowing its users to find and attend classes at different facilities for one monthly fee. She joined ClassPass earlier this year and comes to her new role as something of a young tech veteran, having worked in marketing and strategy at a series of startups previously, including Port, Big Door, and others. She told GeekWire "I'm joining at an exciting time as we look to expand our product offerings and help everyone, everywhere live their most fulfilled life." She's helped take more than half a dozen startups to the next level, and will have plenty to share at PTC. Fast Company staff writer J.J. McCorvey, who writes about the intersection of business and tech and has covered iconic brands and people from Amazon to Oprah, will moderate a spirited conversation between these three incredible business leaders at the PubTech Connect conference on April 20th in New York City. Learn more and buy tickets here. Dedham, Mass., bookseller vows to fight Amazon; ABA adds diversity programming to spring agenda; LA's Fashion Bookstore to close; and more. Blue Bunny Bookstore Owner to Fight Off New Amazon Store: When the first Amazon Books location on the East coast opened this week in Dedham, Mass., the media took noticeand so did Peter Reynolds, owner of the town's other bookstore, The Blue Bunny, which has been opened for over a decade. ABA CEO Teicher Announces Diversity Education at Spring Forums: Ten Spring Forums will take place through April 20, with the first next week in Atlanta. Teicher notes that beyond the traditional education sessions, the forums will include a new session born out of discussions as WI12: Bookstores An Inclusive Place for Dialogue and Discovery" with the goal of helping "booksellers collaboratively learn from their colleagues about how bookstores can fulfill their unique roles in communities." Fashion Bookstore in LA to Close: Citing high rents,The Fashion Bookstore in Los Angeles announced it is closing March 31 after 25 years in business. The owners said there are no plans to move the store online. Mountain View's Books Inc. Moving Down the Street: After 15 years in the same location, Mountain View, Cal. bookstore Books Inc. is moving 50 feet down the street into the space previously occupied by BookBuyers, a used bookstore. Barnes & Noble Awards Discover New Writers Awards: The bookseller announced Abby Genis The Lightkeepers (Counterpoint Press), and Matthew Desmonds Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (Crown Publishing Group) as the winners of this year's Discover New Writers Awards. The author of each book was awarded a cash prize of $30,000 and a full year of marketing and merchandising support from the bookseller. Study Shows Gen Z Favors Real World Shopping: A study by IBM and the National Retail Federation (NRF) has found that Generation Z, members of which were born in the mid-1990s and later, prefers shopping in bricks-and-mortar stores, rather than online. They appreciate the hands-on experience of shopping in a store. With technology constantly evolving but some shopping habits remaining the same, retailers need to be agile enough to serve both needs," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. Page 1 Books in Albuquerque Helps Local Schools: When a local schoolteacher couldn't get enough copies of Animal Farm for her class, the New Mexican bookseller stepped in to let customers donate or buy a copy for the class. Owner Morado Stout says the store has been running a similar program for schools and teachers for over 30 years. Drawing on her years of publishing experience and love of African culture, Jessica Powers, YA author and longtime editor and publicist at Cinco Puntos Press, has started Catalyst Press. The indie publisher will focus initially on contemporary African literature, as well as graphic novels based on African historical events and figures. Catalyst Press is launching with four titles this fall, and has distribution through Consortium. The house's initial list will include three adult novels released under the Catalyst imprint, in addition to the first title in the African Graphic Novel Series, a line of YA graphic novels based on African historical events and figures. The adult novels include We Kiss Them with Rain by Futhi Ntshingila, which is a literary fiction set in a South African squatter camp that mixes humor and tragedy; Dark Traces by Martin Steyn, a murder mystery set in Cape Town; and Sacrificed by Chanette Paul, an epic thriller set in Belgium and Africa. The graphic novel Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince, by Luke Molver and Mason OConnor, offers a revisionist view of the life of Shaka Zulu, the legendary Zulu King. This book, and the rest of the African Graphic Novel Series, will be published by Story Press Africa, a Catalyst Press imprint that is also a co-publishing venture with the South African multi-media producer Jive Media Africa. Powers, who is from El Paso, Tex., has worked for Cinco Puntos (which is based in El Paso) since 2002. Cinco Puntos is an award-winning indie that specializes in bilingual books in Spanish and English, as well as books aimed at under-served communities. As an author, Powers has published YA novels with Knopf (The Confessional, 2007), and Cinco Puntos (This Thing Called the Future 2011). Her new YA novel, Broken Circle, co-written with her brother, M.A. Powers, will be published by Akashic Books in October. Powers' books have explored the racial dynamics of Mexican and Mexican-American young men, but she also emphasized her love of African culture. She first visited Kenya as a college student and now has two graduate degrees in African Literature. She also speaks Zulu. Catalyst Press, she said, is the result of multiple visits with African publishers. Two of the adult novels on Catalyst's first list, Sacrificed and Dark Traces, are, Powers said, "collaborative publications with Afrikaans-language publisher Lapa Uitgewers." The graphic novels being co-published with Jive Media Africa, Powers said, will be based on new historical scholarship. She said they will "look at African history in a new light" and "promote an understanding of Africa as a continent rich in history, tradition and culture." Catalyst Press will be financed by Powers, who credited her years at Cinco Puntos with preparing her to be a publisher. Im an author, editor, and publicist. At a small press everyone does everything. In the spirit of doing everything, Powers is also keeping her day job. Im continuing to work for Cinco Puntos even as I launch Catalyst Press and Story Press Africa. I am as excited by this venture as I am deeply in love with Africans and the continent of Africa. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb will be the featured guest at the 103rd annual Purdue University Road School Transportation Conference and Expo next week. The event begins Monday (March 6) with afternoon ethics sessions and continues until Thursday morning (March 9) with meetings and sessions at Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center. Holcomb will participate in a keynote discussion focusing on a sustainable, long-term plan for Indianas roads and bridges. He will speak during a sold-out luncheon between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday (March 8) in the North and South ballrooms of Purdue Memorial Union. Opening-session speakers this year are state Rep. Tim Brown, co-chair of the Funding Indianas Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow Task Force; Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness; and Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes. They will speak beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday (March 7) at Stewart Centers Loeb Playhouse. Darcy Bullock, a Purdue civil engineering professor and director of the universitys Joint Transportation Research Program, said several sessions this year will be devoted to the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. The East End Ohio River Bridge opened a few months ago, he said. There are several sessions, including discussion of the cable-stayed construction, use of rosphalt and on communications. The $2.3 billion bridges project will support 15,000 new jobs over the next 30 years and generate an additional $87 billion for the regional economy. Other sessions include presenters from Purdues Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program talking about work with INDOT to help agencies develop asset management plans, said John Haddock, director of the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program. Bullock said the Road Schools track of aviation-oriented discussions continues to expand this year. A standing-room-only crowd for an unmanned aircraft system session last year prompted increased offerings. More than 150 sessions involving 250 speakers and moderators are scheduled this year, covering subjects ranging from public safety and traffic operations to aviation and bridges. Bullock said he expects to exceed the registration total of 2,600 at last years conference. More than 50 exhibitors will be set up in the North and South ballrooms of the Purdue Memorial Union on the first full day of the event. Purdue Road School is co-sponsored by the JTRP and the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program in partnership with the INDOT. Purdue Road School traces its origin to 1913, when W.K. Hatt, head of Purdue's School of Civil Engineering, initiated a conference to help county surveyors and city engineers develop and maintain Indiana's roads and streets. At the 1914 conference, a resolution was passed calling for a yearly school for county road superintendents. In 1915 the conference officially became known as Purdue Road School. Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu Sources: Darcy Bullock, 765-494-2226, darcy@purdue.edu John Haddock, 765-496-39936, jhaddock@purdue.edu WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Property owners with questions about woodland and wildlife management are encouraged to attend the Ohio River Valley Woodlands and Wildlife Workshop. The workshop will be held March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Boone County Enrichment Center, 1955 Burlington Pike in Burlington, Kentucky, two hours south of Indianapolis. The event is co-sponsored by Purdue Extension, University of Kentucky Extension, and The Ohio State University Extension. Participants will learn about a variety of land and wildlife management topics, including bird nest boxes, invasive species management, tree health, mushroom cultivation, timber marketing and woodland planning. There is an opportunity during each session for participants to choose the educational sessions most relevant to their property. Managing woodlands is different for everyone, says Brian MacGowan, Purdue forestry and natural resources Extension coordinator and a workshop organizer. Many owners arent aware of whats in their woods or what they can do to improve their woods for wildlife and natural resources. Session topics and presenters include: * Using My Land Plan to Plan, Map, and Document Your Woodland Activities - Dave Apsley, natural resources Extension specialist at The Ohio State University. * Tree Identification - Doug McLaren, forestry Extension specialist at the University of Kentucky. * Wildlife Damage ID and Control - Matthew Springer, assistant professor of wildlife management at the University of Kentucky. * Monarchs and Milkweeds: Providing Pollinator Habitat in Your Backyard - Marne Titchenell, wildlife Extension specialist at The Ohio State University. * Mushroom Cultivation - Ellen Crocker, postdoctoral scholar at the University of Kentucky. * Timber Marketing - Ron Rathfon, regional Extension forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center. * Tree Planting Tips - Kathy Smith, forestry program director at The Ohio State University. * Managing Woodlands for Forest Songbirds - MacGowan. * Another Boring Beetle Talk - Joe Boggs, assistant professor of entomology at The Ohio State University. * Creating a Cavity for your Backyard Birds - Chad Niman, forest products specialist, and Laurie Thomas, extension forester, both at the University of Kentucky. Registration is required by phone, by mail, or online by March 17. Cost is $45 until March 9 and $55 after. A buffet lunch will be provided. To sign up or for more information, visit the workshop website at http://tristatewoods.ca.uky.edu or call (859) 257-7597. Writer: Mikaela Wieland, mwieland@purdue.edu Source: Brian MacGowan, macgowan@purdue.edu Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415; Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu Agriculture News Page Uber's CEO is known for battling with critics and local governments, but a video of an argument with one of his own drivers has him pledging to change his ways. In the dashcam video obtained by Bloomberg News, CEO Travis Kalanick is seen discussing Uber's business model with driver Fawzi Kamel. The driver argues that Kalanick is lowering fares and claims he lost $97,000 because of it. "I'm bankrupt because of you." Kalanick lashes back. "You know what? Some people don't like to take responsibility for their own s---. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck," he says, then slams the door. After the video went public, Kalanick issued a statement to Uber employees. In it, he apologized to Kamel, as well as Uber's drivers. "This is the first time I've been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it," he said, adding that he needs to "grow up." The outburst, reportedly from early in February, is the latest in a string of problems for Kalanick and his company, which has become a global ride-hailing giant largely by challenging laws and authorities. Among the issues: charges of sexual harassment from a former employee, allegations it stole self-driving technology from Google, and a controversy tied to President Donald Trump's travel ban. The string of bad publicity has to have drivers and riders rethinking whether they want to drive for Uber or switch to a competitor, said Daniel Korschun, an associate professor of marketing at Drexel University. Drivers, he said, already had a rocky relationship with the company over pricing and whether they are considered employees or contractors. Riders concerns were evident in the "Delete Uber" campaign on social media after Uber charged less than it could have when taxi drivers at New York's JFK Airport halted service for an hour in protest of President Trump's immigration policy. The move was perceived by some as an effort to profit off the protests. "It's another in the drumbeat of events that's been happening now over the past few weeks," Korschun said. "It's very hard to see a scenario under which they don't lose ridership and driver loyalty over this." Last week, a former engineer leveled sexual harassment charges against Uber, charging that her prospects at Uber evaporated after she complained about sexual advances from her boss. In an online post about her year at Uber, Susan Fowler said the company's human resources department ignored her complaints because her boss was a high performer. Kalanick called for an independent investigation, and the company hired former Attorney General Eric Holder to help. On Tuesday, a top engineering executive, Amit Singhal, left Uber five weeks after his hire was announced. According to a report in the tech blog Recode, Singhal failed to disclose that he'd left his previous job at Google because of a sexual harassment allegation. Last week, Waymo, a self-driving car company that used to be part of Google, sued Uber in federal court, alleging betrayal and high-tech espionage. The complaint accuses Anthony Levandowski, a former top manager for Google's self-driving car project, of stealing technology now propelling Uber's effort to build an autonomous vehicle fleet. Also last month, Kalanick resigned from President Trump's business advisory council after the Twitter campaign to delete the Uber app. The San Francisco company also has tangled with authorities in California and around the world about driver background checks and whether drivers are contractors ineligible for employee benefits. CROSSVILLE, Ill. (AP) Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner plans to survey storm damage in White County, which was among the areas hit hard by Midwest storms that spawned tornadoes. Rauner's visit to southern Illinois on Thursday follows a tour on Wednesday of storm damage central Illinois including Ottawa, where an uprooted tree killed 76-year-old Wayne Tuntland. In White County, an apparent tornado of undetermined strength near the town of Crossville killed a 71-year-old man and injured his wife. The White County coroner's office says Thomas McCord had sought shelter in an outbuilding near his home before being killed by the storm. In all, tornadoes were blamed in three deaths, including one in Missouri, amid a large swath of destruction through the central U.S. before storms rumbled eastward. CAMBRIDGE A public safety sales tax might be on the horizon again in Henry County. Henry County Board Public Safety Committee Chairman Marshall Jones, R-Kewanee, this week said the tax again is being considered in lieu of imposing police dispatching fees on municipalities. "A public safety tax is the least harmful or least burdenful way to provide revenue sources that we need," he said, noting other nearby counties have them. "Every time I shop in Moline or in Peoria I'm paying it," he said. "It doesn't just come up on property owners or any one group." Similar proposed taxes have failed three times in Henry County, most recently in November 2016. Mr. Jones said the tax request might pass this time if voters understand it and recognize the county may cut services or take officers off the road if it fails. "We can't provide the services if we don't have the funds," he said. Mr. Jones said municipal representatives at a Feb. 23 meeting were amenable to some type of charge for police dispatching, but the committee chose not to put anything in place until November 2018 to allow towns to prepare their budgets and to come up with what they'd be charging them. Municipal leaders objected to an initial dispatching proposal that annually would have charged some communities less than $10 per person while others paid more than $30. MOLINE City officials have announced they have completed an investigation into allegations of employee misconduct and found no wrongdoing. Moline Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Allen, who says he was the subject of that probe, is now suing the city. The city investigation began Sept. 27 amid allegations of misconduct described as theft and whistleblower violations by an undisclosed number of employees. Mayor Scott Raes has said the allegations were related to inaccurate time reporting in the pay system. Officials declined to state when the misconduct allegedly occurred or who brought it to the council's attention. This week, the city posted a news release stating its investigation has revealed no criminal wrongdoing or fraud, and no laws were broken. City officials said the investigation did reveal shortcomings in timekeeping and timekeeping policies over the past 10 years, which have been and are being addressed. The release states further details will not be released because the investigation involved personnel. Lane & Waterman LLP, a law firm acting as independent counsel for the city, created a report on the investigation that aldermen reviewed in a series of closed sessions, including one Monday night. Aldermen initially approved up to $120,000 for the review, including up to $20,000 for Lane & Waterman and up to $100,000 for an independent forensic audit. Kathy Carr, city finance director, said as of Jan. 31 the Lane & Waterman LLP bill was $9,608. A forensic audit was never begun, and that money was not spent, the city release stated. On Monday, Chief Allen filed a suit alleging the review was launched for political reasons as part of an ongoing vendetta against him. Dana L. Kurtz, his attorney, said Chief Allen tried to resolve the issues internally, but the retaliation continued. "He's hopeful that, with the lawsuit, the retaliation will end," she said. Defendants in the suit include the city; Battalion Chief Kevin Irby; firefighter Scott Houzenga; and Alds. David Parker Jr., 2nd Ward; Mike Wendt, 3rd Ward; John Zelnio, 4th Ward; and Stephanie Acri, At-Large. The suit alleges they violated Chief Allen's First and 14th Amendment rights and took part in a conspiracy and defamation against him. In the suit, Chief Allen states the investigation, in part, was because he does not support Ald. Acri's mayoral bid. It also alleges Ald. Acri used the investigation to influence the April 4 election in her favor. The suit alleges other city employees with positions "adverse to Acri's political run for mayor" have been targeted by Ald. Acri and other city council members. The suit alleges the misconduct investigation is the latest in a series of attacks against Chief Allen after he supported sexual harassment complaints filed by his wife, Heather, in 2004, and other women. The suit claims Ms. Allen was subject to sexual harassment from when she joined the fire department in 2004 until she left. Ms. Kurtz said Ms. Allen left the fire department in 2010 but continued with the city until 2012. The suit alleges Mr. Houzenga and others were directly involved in the sexual harassment of Ms. Allen. The suit also states that, in March 2016, the city investigated timekeeping irregularity charges against Chief Allen. That review found no wrongdoing or misconduct by Chief Allen and that the fire department's payroll system is flawed. The suit states Chief Allen is seeking to block similar behavior against him in the future, as well as punitive and compensatory monetary damages. Ms. Kurtz said the results of Moline's investigation will not affect the lawsuit. She also said there should not have been a second investigation. This is the second lawsuit involving the city, Chief Allen and Mr. Houzenga. The first filed in 2012 in Rock Island County court and later transferred to federal court had Mr. Houzenga as a plaintiff and Chief Allen and the city as defendants. The suit alleged the city discriminated against Mr. Houzenga and retaliated against him. It also accused Chief Allen of intentionally inflicting emotional distress on him. The suit was dismissed after the court ruled Mr. Houzenga did not demonstrate the adverse effects of the treatment he alleged. Moline city attorney Maureen E. Riggs and Moline Police Chief Kim Hankins, who also oversees Moline's fire department, declined comment. Alds. Parker and Acri said they had not yet been served with the suit. Ald. Zelnio said he needed to find out the facts, but also declined to comment. "I am a firm believer that, whenever allegations are raised, they need to be fully investigated and the innocent exonerated and anyone who is guilty is held accountable," Ald. Wendt said Tuesday night. He said he believes there was a full and thorough investigation. Ald. Wendt added that he did not know what Chief Allen would have been retaliated for and that, to his knowledge, he has never met or talked to Mr. Houzenga. "I couldn't pick him out of a lineup," Ald. Wendt. "I don't know who he is." He also said he only has exchanged pleasantries with Battalion Chief Irby at council meetings but had not had other conversations. Ald. Wendt said he believes he was named in the suit because he has been one of the points of contact for Lane and Waterman. Ald. Wendt said he was unaware of Ms. Allen's sexual harassment complaints until Jan. 31, but he followed up with Ms. Riggs who said the cases had been resolved. He also said he received an email last week from Ms. Allen with more details of those allegations and others. He said he offered to assist in further investigations of allegations of wrongdoing, but Ms. Allen said she would have to check with her attorney and declined to meet with him. BRANDON, Miss. (AP) A trail of mayhem that began last week in a suburban Mississippi apartment ended Wednesday morning when a stolen SUV chased by police flipped in a fiery crash in a rural Kansas field. In between, authorities suspect 28-year-old Alex Deaton killed two people, shot three others and stole four vehicles. "He's led us on quite the chase the last few days and I think everybody here is happy he's in custody," Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshall Fisher said at a news conference Wednesday. Officials in Mississippi, Kansas and New Mexico are investigating Deaton, although Mississippi authorities appear likely to get first crack at prosecuting him because both the killings he's being investigated for happened there. Fisher and Rankin County Sheriff Brian Bailey said Mississippi will seek to extradite Deaton from Ellsworth County, Kansas, where he is jailed. "So far, everybody is wanting to release him to us to come back here; and we want that also," Bailey said. Authorities say Deaton's spree began Feb. 22 at the apartment of 30-year-old Heather Robinson in Brandon, Mississippi. Bailey said he believes Deaton strangled Robinson after the nurse told Deaton she wanted to break off their relationship. "I believe she was trying to break up with him and he wasn't going to have it," Bailey said. "He wasn't going to let her go. I think he went into a fit of rage. I believe he killed her first, and after that, everything went downhill." Neshoba County Sheriff Tommy Waddell said he believes Deaton shot and killed 69-year-old Brenda Pinter, who had gone to clean Dixon Baptist Church south of Philadelphia. Waddell said video shows a white SUV that matches the one Deaton stole from Robinson entering the church parking lot. He said Deaton later sent a text confessing to a murder in a church, and said officials have collected physical evidence including a bullet. Waddell said he doesn't know why Deaton would have killed Pinter. Officials have said he had family ties to Neshoba County. Friday, officials believe Deaton shot a female jogger in the buttocks from the window of the same SUV, back near Robinson's apartment. Bailey said Deaton sent a series of texts before going silent Saturday. "A lot of them were jumbled, unintelligible, but some of them did say some incriminating things," the Rankin County sheriff said. Bailey said Deaton did "specific things to avoid detection and capture." While not elaborating, he said Deaton had worked in a cellphone store and that could have helped him evade police. Deaton next turned up Tuesday in New Mexico. There, officials say he carjacked and briefly abducted two hikers late Tuesday at a trailhead in mountains near Albuquerque. One hiker was shot, but his wounds were described as non-life threatening. Sandoval County sheriff's officials said the man and a woman were forced at gunpoint into the trunk of their car, and that the man was wounded after they pulled the emergency-release lever to escape. Sandoval County Sheriff's Lt. Keith Elder said Deaton then briefly stole a van and forced the woman to get in. When she jumped out, Elder said Deaton returned to steal the couple's Honda Accord. Police began chasing a Honda Accord before dawn Wednesday in southern Kansas. Pratt Police Sgt. Edward Gimpel said Deaton evaded a roadblock at the edge of that town around 4:30 Wednesday morning. While police kept looking for him, Gimpel says Deaton ran to a Kwik Shop, shot the clerk, and stole a black Cadillac vehicle. Gimpel said the store clerk, whom he didn't name, was flown to a Wichita hospital. Maria Loving, a spokeswoman for Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, said the clerk is in critical condition Wednesday but she could not release the man's name. Gimpel said Pratt police will seek charges against Deaton there. The chase resumed on Interstate 70 near Dorrance, when authorities tried to stop a vehicle matching the description of the one stolen from the convenience store, Kansas Highway Patrol trooper Tod Hileman said. The trooper said authorities used tire-puncturing devices before the suspect began driving toward Wilson in Ellsworth County. The chase ended around 8 a.m. with a crash after a "tactical vehicle intervention," Hileman said. Troopers forced the vehicle off the road, with it flipping into a field and catching fire. Deaton was then arrested. In the Army, we had an expression which describes the early days of a new command. It takes time to find the latrine, or toilet. Whether in civilian life or military, when we take a new leadership or management position, it does take time to acclimate yourself to your new surroundings. You might call this time for the learning curve. The military expression refers to the time it takes to become effective in a leadership position. It takes a full six months in command to effectively know and fully understand your missions, people, weaponry and all assets at your disposal; to learn the positives and negatives about your entire outfit, before you can take appropriate steps to set the organization on the right course. In a typical two-year command, after those months of learning, you should have your organization humming along at full speed and effectiveness. That unfortunately lasts until the last six months when, typically, leaders tire and start focusing on the next assignment, paying less attention to the current location than they should. That, of course is not true of many commanders, but it strikes home with a lot of them. That means that out of a two-year command, only half of the time is the organization performing as well as it should. In Vietnam the command cycle was six months, not two years. With four battalion commanders in two years, it became clear that the shortness of command time was directly reflected in command performance, let alone the hideous control of our forces, not from our field commanders, but from the president and his political advisers in Washington. Why do I bring find the latrine to your attention? Because President Trump is finding out where the latrine is in the White House. He is learning about all his many responsibilities and commitments. He is learning how his chosen staff and cabinet members work together. He is learning the weapons and other assets he has at his disposal, and will not become a truly effective commander-in-chief until he has learned one heck of a lot more than he knows today. That is the natural order of commanders. Its not about the 100-day calendar as those who have never commanded will say, based on his legislative window. It is clearly based on not only how fast he learns what he has, and who he has to work with, its how well does he understand the complexity of his command. Citizens need to understand that it takes time to become effective in that office, and grant him that time and the mistakes he needs to make to become the best president he can be. That wont start to happen for 180 days, not 100 days. The transition time after the election and before inauguration does not count. Thats education, but not the command time he needs. Although he has attempted to follow the script of his campaign promises, he is still finding the latrine after little more than one month in office. He is pumping out order after executive order, but he has found out that life in the Oval Office has a lot of lessons to learn. President Trumps first, and perhaps last, term as president, based on whether he wants out after four years, will be a rocky, winding trip through the swamp he wants so badly to drain. He is learning about all the Democrat loyalist civil servants and the harm they can do, as well as all the harm the 9th Circuit Court can do, not to mention what the globalist, Republican elites will do to delay or attempt to destroy his agenda. All Americans should wish him success in making America great again, and that wont be easy in the current state of decline in world rankings in several categories, as collected by Ranking America, including 14th in education, 44th in health care efficiency, 33rd in internet download speed, 26th in child well-being, 24th in literacy, 16th in manufacturing compensation, 9th in retirement security, 10th in economic freedom, 23rd in wage distribution, and 125th in GDP growth per capita. These numbers dont indicate, as the Democrats would have us believe, that America doesnt need to be made great again because it already is after 8 years of Obama. Thats real fake news to be sure. Rock Island residents know that we have two legitimate newspapers in our area, the Dispatch/Argus/QCOnline and the Quad City Times. They are longstanding local businesses, having started in their earliest forms in 1851 and 1848, respectively. They publish a wide variety of opinions, and keep our elected officials accountable. They are transparent in how to get in contact with them, where they are located, and who is running the editorial boards. They are both good faith enterprises providing a critically needed service to our society. On the other hand, we have a so called newspaper circulating here in Rock Island and strategically throughout 20 other Illinois communities that is funded in large part by Gov. Bruce Rauners political operation. The Rock Island Today is not a newspaper. It is a propaganda tool that is cleverly disguised as a legitimate media publication. Dan Proft, a businessman and talk-show host and good friend of Gov. Rauner, controls a political action committee called Liberty Principles. Liberty Principles has received enormous contributions from Gov. Rauner. A gift of $2.5 million was made just last June. Prior to a ruling by the State Board of Elections last year, the network of fake newspapers was controlled by Liberty Principles political action committee. After the board ruled against Liberty Principles for improper coordinated communications with candidates, the network of newspapers, locally The Rock Island Times, was put under the umbrella of Local Government Information Services Inc. They do not list names, phone numbers, or addresses to contact the individuals behind these so called newspapers of which there are 20 throughout the state, all operating under different names. It should be noted that Mr. Proft, who is chairman and treasurer of Liberty Principles PAC, is a principal member of the Local Government Information Services Inc. The only candidate running for public office in Rock Island this election cycle who has repeatedly been mentioned in the political publication is Mike Thoms, former treasurer for the Rock Island County Republicans and longtime financial contributor to GOP candidates. In the Dec. 26, 2016 edition of Rock Island Today, it makes very clear that the Rock Island County GOP will be supporting Thoms for Mayor. This free publicity is not earned media. Mike Thoms should take it upon himself to count these free campaign mailers as in-kind political contributions. As mentioned in Rock Island Today, the Rock Island County GOP is looking to get much more active in local races, including nonpartisan races. In the Dec. 5 edition of Rock Island Today, the article makes clear that mayoral candidate Mike Thoms is the only candidate running. The candidate filing deadline was Nov. 27. It was clear that there were four candidates total for the Rock Island mayoral race. This is not reporting news: This is a political endorsement. Over the years, Mike Thoms has donated approximately $33,581 to Republican candidates and the Rock Island County GOP. On Dec. 29, 2016, Rock Island Today published an article about a $2,000 donation Mike Thoms made to Rep. Tony McCombie. Hardly news worthy in an actual newspaper, but in a political mailer or online publication, it serves its purpose well to the intended audience. Since Mike Thoms has been debuted in Rock Island Today as the candidate of choice for the Republicans, he has been the focus of two additional articles. These are political contributions in the form of influence from an outside group, i.e. in-kind contributions, and they should be reported as such. This issue needs to be addressed by all candidates running for mayor in Rock Island. For further information: Illinois State Board of Elections lgis.co/our_publications 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! Thomas F. Prendergast, recently retired Chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Railway Ages 2017 Railroader of the Year, has joined STV Inc. as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer. Prendergast, who will report directly to STV President and CEO Milo Riverso, will work on strategic projects throughout the firm. He will also be responsible for forging and maintaining relationships with transit agencies across the country and in Canada and serve as principal on major transportation projects undertaken by the firm. Working in the public sector was an exciting and rewarding 24/7 work experience, said Prendergast. Now, I am looking forward to rejoining the private sector, which will enable me to continue to serve the industry, while also providing me with the opportunity to once again balance work with my personal life. With an outstanding reputation and more than 40 years of experience in the transportation industry, Tom brings a wealth of expertise to STV, said Riverso. Having Tom on board will reinforce STVs ongoing commitment to the transportation sector and to delivering a high level of service to our clients. Prendergast is active in a number of transit industry associations and is a strong advocate for safety-related causes in the industry. The recent revolution in the collection and use of big data is transforming the way people learn, communicate, shop, find mates, consume news, and perform countless other tasks. Both governments and businesses are amassing a wealth of data on citizens, a trend that is expected to continue as technology advances. However, without a reliable mechanism to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date, risks abound. This is particularly concerning in the criminal justice system, where poor quality or outdated data have the potential to affect individual freedoms and employability. Historically, the only truly accessible criminal justice system data were arrest records or trial verdicts. However, advances in information technology mean that law enforcement agencies are building datasets that can go much further. Notes from officers' or detectives' interactions with citizens for example, when they interview them related to incidents where they might be a suspect, a victim, or a witness are now often captured in computer systems rather than on paper, and therefore are kept longer and shared more widely than before. Technologies such as cell site simulators and license plate readers make it possible for law enforcement to collect data on where large numbers of mobile phones or cars have been. Social media and online communication data provide a picture of individuals' social and familial interactions. When accurate inferences can be drawn from such data to deter, prevent, and prosecute crime, society benefits. However, when such data is inaccurate, outdated, or shared with other agencies or private third parties, it can lead to undesirable outcomes. Such errors have already had an impact. In a recent piece in the Washington Post, a reporter recounted how his search for an apartment was almost derailed when a series of criminal convictions erroneously showed up on a report from a private company to his potential landlord. In that case, the reporter knew how to figure out what had happened and resolved the situation, but other citizens most lacking the skills of an investigative reporter probably wouldn't. And if decisions based on inaccurate data are made behind the scenes by an algorithm that assesses how much risk a person poses, or their likelihood of committing future crimes the citizen may never know what happened. Accuracy can mean more than data just being objectively correct, it may require enough context about how data was collected so that people or algorithms understand what it means. For example, if a law-abiding person is stopped by the police while heading to the store with a relative or friend who happens to be a gang member, and that encounter is recorded in a police database, the person might be wrongly flagged as connected to the gang. In a database that connects citizens to criminal gangs, how much context should have to be retained so a future investigator would know that it was just based on one trip to the store? How long should that flag be retained? How will it be translated when transmitted to other jurisdictions? If this person continues to be law abiding, but is stopped for a traffic infraction 10 years later in another jurisdiction, what will that officer see? Will the traffic stop be handled differently as a result? Should it be? To maintain fair treatment, when should the system be programmed to forget that this individual went to the store with a gang member? Five years? Ten? Twenty? During a recent workshop we held with court and criminal justice system experts, the increasing volume of data was identified as a high priority problem. Data is increasingly being used to make the justice system work better, but as the amount and the sources of that data proliferate, mechanisms should be developed to ensure errors are not being tolerated. Unlike in other spheres where data drive consequential decisions about citizens notably in the credit reporting and scoring system the criminal justice system has no legally required processes that enable citizens to review data about themselves and challenge inaccuracies. And the broad sharing of justice system data both within and outside the legal system, makes it difficult to correct errors even when they are discovered. There are no simple solutions for these problems. Our workshop participants wrestled with these issues and identified areas for additional research. One idea was the use of a data expiration date a date at which data must be deleted based on its quality with more unsure or error prone data forgotten faster than verified information. The U.S. criminal justice system is currently integrating and adapting to the myriad data and analytic technologies that are transforming the rest of society. However, in this race to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system, the rights of citizens to be treated fairly, based on accurate and timely data and information, should be made a high priority. A failure to do so would be corrosive to the faith and trust Americans place in the system. Dulani Woods is a quantitative analyst and Brian A. Jackson is a senior physical scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. This commentary originally appeared on Inside Sources on February 28, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Accusing CNN of using its channels to attack Nicolas Maduros Government, Venezuelas telecom authority Conatel is increasing pressure on the group. After CNN en Espanol was banned from all Venezuelan pay-TV platforms, the media company has used its networks abroad as well as its YouTube channel inside the country to defend its position.At the same time, pro-Government Venezuelan media have been increasing their attacks on CNN en Espanol, defending the official argument that caused the ban by Conatel : that CNN is putting national stability at risk.In fact, the director of Conatel, Andres Eloy Mendez, has just launched a YouTube channel through which he directly accuses Turner, Timer Warner and AT&T of being behind what he calls CNNs manipulated information.Conatels director compares the banning of CNN with the recent decision by Argentinas Government to switch off Venezuelas TeleSUR in the country . According to Mendez, the international community and media companies have reacted very differently to both situations.As tension between the two factions increases, there is no sign of CNN en Espanol returning to air any time soon. The conflict could go the same way as the Colombian channels RTVC and NTN24, which have been banned from Venezuelas line-ups for years. Ex-head of Russias Komi Republic Torlopov to stay under house arrest until June 6 MOSCOW, March 2 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) The Basmanny District Court of Moscow has extended house arrest of former head of Russias Komi Republic Vladimir Torlopov, charged with creating an organized criminal group and large-scale fraud, until June 6, RAPSI learnt in the court on Thursday. Investigation term in this case was extended until July 18. Torlopov was a head of the Komi Republic in 2001-2010 and a senator of Russias Federation Council in 2010-2016. He is charged with organizing a criminal group conspiring with Vyacheslav Gaizer, another former head of Russias Komi Republic who was holding the office in 2010-2015. According to investigators, damage to the government from Torlopovs actions is estimated at 2.5 billion rubles ($39.6 million). Investigator said earlier that Torlopov had pleaded guilty. Nineteen people are defendants in the large corruption case against Gaizer, including his deputy Alexey Chernov, Igor Kovzel, Chairman of the Republican State Council, and Konstantin Romadanov, Deputy Chairman of the Komi government. This August one of the people related to the case, Anton Faerstein, died in detention. Gaizer was charged in relation to two counts of bribery and one count of fraud. Earlier, various media have reported that Gaizer made a deal with investigators, but his lawyer does not confirm this information. Earlier, the Investigative Committee reported about thwarting the activity of a criminal group led by the head of the Republic of Komi, Vyacheslav Gaizer. Gaizer pleads not guilty. Several high-ranking officials have been arrested in the fraud and organized crime case, as well as several business people that the Investigative Committee called finance technologists. During 80 searches in Komi, St. Petersburg and Moscow, the Investigative Committee and the Federal Security Service confiscated over 60 kg of jewelry, 150 watches worth $30,000 to $1 million each, over 50 stamps and seals from offshore corporations, and financial documents legalizing over 1 billion rubles ($14 mln) in stolen money transferred to the offshore zone. Investigators have also opened a criminal case on money laundering against Gaizer. On September 30, 2015, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to relieve Gaizer of his duties because of loss of trust. Prosecutors seek extradition of Russian tycoon Pugachev from France MOSCOW, March 2 (RAPSI) Russian Prosecutor Generals Office has forwarded a request to France seeking extradition of Sergey Pugachev, once an influential tycoon, who is charged with embezzlement, official representative of the Office Alexander Kurennoy announced on Thursday. In May 2015, prosecutors sent a similar request to Great Britain where Pugachev lived at the time. However, he left the country for France without waiting for the ruling of British court regarding the request. Later he was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for contempt of British court. Pugachev fled Russia in early 2011 after International Industrial Bank (Mezhprombank) collapsed. The Russian Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA), which was appointed as liquidator to Mezhprombank, claims that Pugachev extracted money from the bank for his benefit when it was already insolvent. An investigation was launched into the allegations. Russian courts ruled that Pugachev along with several other persons should be held liable for the insolvency of Mezhprombank. They were ordered to pay nearly 75.6 billion rubles ($1.2 billion) in damages. Russia's Supreme Court upheld the ruling in January of 2016. In November of 2016, The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague formed a panel of arbitrators for considering a claim filed by Pugachev seeking $12 billion in damages. Pugachev lodged the claim in September 2015. He alleged an attempted expropriation of his assets totaling $15 billion. Lazareff Le Bars is currently acting as counsel to Pugachev. Bolotnaya case defendant Buchenkov released from jail, put under house arrest Context Bolotnaya case defendant Buchenkov to stay detained until March MOSCOW, March 2 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Thursday replaced detention of Dmitry Buchenkov, who stands charged with participation in the riots on Bolotnaya Square on May 6, 2012, with the house arrest, RAPSI learnt in the courts press office. The court therefore granted the defense lawyers motion and dismissed investigators request seeking extension of the defendants detention. Buchenkov is placed under house arrest until May 6. In October, final charges were brought against the defendant. He stands accused of participating in mass riots and attacking persons in a position of authority. There are 6 charge counts and 7 victims in the case against him, his lawyer Svetlana Sidorkina told RAPSI earlier. Buchenkov pleaded not guilty. His defense insisted that he was out of Moscow on the day of riots. According to attorneys, Buchenkov has an alibi. Investigation into the case was extended until May 10. Over 400 people were arrested and scores were injured in the authorized Bolotnaya Square protest that turned violent in May 2012. Dozens were later charged with inciting mass riots and battery against law enforcement officers. Riot organizers Leonid Razvozzhayev and Sergey Udaltsov were sentenced to 4.5 years in prison each. Other defendants in the case received prison terms ranging from suspended sentences to four years. Several defendants were pardoned; one is undergoing compulsory mental treatment. The education-choice movement is based on a simple proposition: Parents should be given options for their childs education. No longer should a childs schooling be determined solely by ZIP code and the whim of circumstance. The Arkansas Parental Empowerment for Education Choice Act, if passed, would help advance this proposition. It would establish the nations first universal education savings accounts (ESA) program to be funded via tax-credit scholarships. These ESAs would then be available for use by parents to pay for tuition and fees at private and parochial schools, should parents choose to do so. Under the proposed program, nonprofit organizations, after receiving approval from the state, would be eligible to grant scholarships to Arkansas students. Individuals and businesses would then donate to these nonprofits and receive a tax credit equal to as much as 100 percent of the amount of their contribution. Donations for $10 million in tax credits would be allowed in 2017, with the potential for a total increase of 10 percent annually. Roughly 1,500 students could be granted scholarships if the program is fully funded in its first year. Each student awarded an ESA would receive a grant in the amount of 100 percent of Arkansass foundation funding amount, which was $6,646 for the 201617 school year, and will increase to $6,712 for the 2018 fiscal year. The funds could also be used to pay for textbooks and tutoring services or to cover fees associated with a national standardized achievement test, such as the SAT. Students with disabilities could also use the ESA funds for educational therapies, other educational services or for transportation. However, disabled students would not be able to receive both an ESA and a voucher under the Succeed Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities. For all students, leftover ESA funds could be rolled over into the following year, and, if rolled over, the funds would be available until the student is 22 years old. This means the ESAs could also be used to pay for college tuition and fees. While all students would be eligible for the ESA, certain students would be given higher priority, such as children who belong to a family that qualifies for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program ($44,955 for a family of four in 201617). Scholarships will be awarded via lottery in the first year of the program, with children who qualified for the ESA program during the previous year given first priority for seats in the second year, followed by their siblings and then students on the waiting list. This legislation comes at a much-needed time. Arkansass traditional public schools are failing. Only 32 percent of Arkansas fourth graders and 25 percent of eighth graders tested proficient in math on the 2015 National Association of Education Progress (NAEP) test, also known as the Nations Report Card. Only 32 percent of fourth graders and 27 percent of eighth graders tested proficient in reading. These results show Arkansass public school system is failing to educate roughly seven out of 10 fourth and eighth-grade students to a proficient level in reading and mathematics. Arkansass sub-standard performance on NAEP underscores the desperate need for the state to expand school choice opportunities far beyond what is currently available. Too many public schools in the Natural State are failing to adequately prepare students for productive lives. Parents should be allowed to choose the schools their children attend and should not be penalized financially if that choice is a private religious or secular school. In May 2016, EdChoice released a report examining 100 empirical studies on school choice programs. Eighteen of these studies used random assignment to measure outcomes, referred to in academia as the gold standard. This report found the overwhelming majority of the available empirical evidence makes it clear educational choice offers families equal access to high-quality schools that meet their widely diverse needs and desires and does so at a lower cost while simultaneously benefitting public school students. The results are not difficult to explain, the study says. School choice improves academic outcomes for participants and public schools by allowing students to find the schools that best match their needs and by introducing healthy competition that keeps schools mission-focused. It saves money by eliminating administrative bloat and rewarding good stewardship of resources [and it] breaks down the barriers of residential segregation, drawing students together from diverse communities. Currently, private school choice in the Natural State is available only to children with special needs, about 13 percent of the state's K-12 students, but educational choice programs would give all families a greater opportunity to meet their childs unique education needs. Providing this universal ESA program would instantly bring Arkansas to the forefront of the education-choice movement, and it would be a significant step toward remedying Arkansass lackluster record of failing to educate its children. When parents are given the opportunity to choose, every school must compete and improve, which gives more children the opportunity to attend a quality school. Hence, a universal ESA would bring the Land of Opportunity much closer to living up to its name. Timothy Benson (tbenson@heartland.org) is a policy analyst at The Heartland Institute, a nonprofit, non-partisan, free-market think tank headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Last night I dreamed I saw a dragon rising out of the sea," an unknown Japanese soldier wrote in his diary on February 24, 1943. He was sailing aboard Tosei Maru, a passenger-cargo ship traveling to Rabaul, on New Britain, to deliver soldiers and supplies for transport to New Guinea. The Japanese were preparing to launch a flotilla of eight transport ships and eight destroyers destined for Lae, on the eastern coast of New Guinea, to reinforce the garrisons tenuously defending Japan's grip on the Southwest Pacific. A week later, now aboard the 6,896-ton Teiyo Maru, the author of the diary would indeed encounter a fire-breathing foe, but it would emerge from the heavens rather than from the sea. "Discovered by the enemy," his final journal entry reads. "At night, enemy planes dropped flares and reconnoitered." The next day, more than one hundred Allied planes swarmed and decimated the Japanese convoy. Gen. Douglas MacArthur called the Allied victory in the Bismarck Sea "one of the most complete and annihilating combats of all time." The three-day battle on March 24, 1943, simply stunned the Japanese military and changed the course of the Pacific war. "Japan's defeat there was unbelievable," one of the destroyer skippers, Capt. Tameichi Hara, said. "Never was there such a debacle." Thereafter, the war in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands was a losing fight for Japan. Vice Adm. Gunichi Mikawa, the commander of the Japanese Eighth Fleet at Rabaul, lamented shortly afterward, "It is certain that the success obtained by the American air force in this battle dealt a fatal blow to the South Pacific." At a conference in Dohuk in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq a few weeks ago, I was intrigued to see the leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDP-I)--which the Tehran regime considers a subversive, terrorist group--address the assembled notables. Sitting in the front row were three of the most senior political and security officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The scene made me a bit nervous about possible Iranian reprisals, so I asked if I could report it. Certainly, I was told, it's already all over the local media. Nationalism is rising in the Western world, and many view it as the enemy of liberal democracy. The basis of this view is not unreasonable, as European wars fought from 1914 to 1945 were among the most barbaric in history. Those wars were fought between nations, many of which had rejected the principles of liberal democracy. Some saw the proliferation of nations as causing a rise in tyrannies, destruction of liberal democracies, and a war fought to recover liberal democracy in Europe. The view that Europes wars originated in nationalism became common, along with the belief that nationalism gave rise to fascism, and that the preservation of liberal democracy required nationalisms suppression. From this, the European Union emerged as a moral project, along with the idea that a re-emergence of nationalism would return Europe and Euro-American civilization back to barbarism. Historically, that may be a persuasive argument. But it fails to understand that nationalism however distorted it might become is the root of liberal democracy, not only historically, but also morally. The two concepts are intellectually inseparable. Liberal democracy as a political doctrine arose in the 18th century as a challenge to monarchy. At the time, monarchies were based on the idea that kings and emperors had a divine right to rule. Maps of 18th century Europe, and even before, show the outcomes of this approach. The holdings of a monarch or lesser nobility were built by war, money and marriage, and the subjects likely consisted of many nations. Many nations, in turn, were divided between the different monarchies. Therefore, kingdoms and nations did not necessarily coincide, and regimes were not connected to the people, neither in theory nor in practice. Nineteenth and 20th century history involved the struggle of nations to extract themselves from monarchies and empires to take their fragmented parts and make them whole. A European uprising in 1848 was a result of nations seeking the right to be free from empires. For the most part, they failed at this goal but succeeded in another: Nationalism became a moral imperative. Nations emerged from the chaos of World War I after four empires collapsed. To a great extent, this was due to the guidance of Woodrow Wilson at Versailles. Then, in 1991, more nations emerged from the collapse of the Soviet empire. After World War II, as European empires collapsed, nations and frequently entities pretending to be nations emerged from the rubble to assert their right to national self-determination. Whatever Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini would have done, advocates of liberal democracy celebrated the global emergence of nations that would govern themselves. A nation is a group of people who share history, culture, language and other attributes. It is the existence of a common identity, a coherent sense of self and nationhood that make self-government possible, because it is that sense of self that permits self-government. A random collection of people without a core set of shared values cannot form a coherent regime, because nothing would hold the regime together or prevent internal chaos. The principle of the right to national self-determination can be universalized, but the practice of national self-determination must be rooted in the nation. Without this commonality, a nation could tear itself apart. We saw this happen in Yugoslavia and when Czechs and Slovaks gracefully divorced. We saw the chaos of the former European empires as nations once divided from each other by imperial borders and forced to live together with strangers were enveloped in constant turmoil. Without people who have self-identity, the right to self-determination cannot exist. Without the democracy that flows from it, liberal democracy cannot exist. Liberal democracy makes two core assertions. First, there is a right to national self-determination. Second, this self-determination must manifest in a type of popular rule, and the people, in ruling themselves, have the right to select and approve the form and substance of government. The important point is that democracy is comprehensible only through the prism of the nation. The centrality of the nation derives from its irrelevance to the old regime. Monarchies did not recognize the right of people to rule themselves, and they didnt see the concept of a people as important. To challenge despotism, a political instrument that could be wielded as a powerful weapon had to be created. From a political point of view, the only coherent political force to oppose monarchs was the nation. The American Revolution was the rising of a nation crafted as colonies against the English monarch. The French Revolution was the rising of a French nation, as fragmented as it was, against the French monarch. Liberal democracy also has an obvious inherent danger: It celebrates democracy and liberalism, a system of values that defines the individual as the moral core and guarantees him liberty. This is the core tension in liberal democracy. On one hand, liberal democracy demands the right of people to determine their own government. On the other, it demands that people respect liberalism. In other words, liberal democracy wants the people to rule, but it insists that if the people understood the moral universe in which they live, they would always vote a certain way. Contemporary tension in liberal democracy is not with the nation, but rather between democracy and liberalism. If people have a right to self-determination, then they have the right to elect leaders with values they prefer or share. The problem is that some people will object to leaders being selected who violate the principles of liberalism. The battle is between the right of national self-determination on one side, and a faction of people who are appalled at the path the people have chosen on the other side. Nation after nation is being torn apart by those who embrace liberal democracy being usurped by others making democratic choices. The American founders understood this problem and sought to resolve it by limiting democracy in a number of ways. The most important of these limitations was the Constitution, and its purpose was to define how the state works and checks itself, what inviolable rights all citizens have, and what system would make changing the Constitution enormously difficult. The issue with a constitution is always whether the people will respect it and whether tyrants will overturn it. Democracy and liberalism live in dangerous tension with each other. Democracy can destroy liberalism if the majority wills it. And liberalism has a tendency to want to limit democracy if it reaches decisions that are offensive to it. The key to a liberal democracy is a powerful constitution powerful in the sense that the people, over generations, respect it with an awe approaching worship. The point here is that tension between nationalism and liberal democracy is not what haunts us today. Rather, what haunts us is the tension between liberal principles and democracy. The only thing that can contain that tension is a constitution that brooks no challenge. Without that, everything breaks down. In the end, designing a constitution is the most fundamental decision a self-governing nation must make. Of course, the constitution must be worthy of its authority. Kaj Leers is the election campaign analyst for Dutch daily de Volkskrant. Follow him on Twitter @kajleers. The views expressed here are the author's own. After the election of Donald Trump in the United States and the Brexit referendum in Great Britain, eyes now turn to a slew of elections taking place in Europe. The Dutch vote first, on March 15. The Netherlands is often seen as a bellwether for broader European political sentiment. This is the second installment in a series on the Dutch election. The standard bearer of Dutch populism is Geert Wilders. Will he win this years election -- or will he disappoint again as he has in the past? Geert Wilders of the right-wing Party for Freedom (PVV) is riding high in the polls. Hes locked in a campaign battle with Mark Rutte of the ruling party, the free-market conservative VVD, to become prime minister. But Wilders has a track record. So far, every time he has soared in the polls during an electoral campaign, voters have let him down on election day. Two countries Much like the United States, the Netherlands is a divided country. Centrist parties typically dominate in most of the bigger cities, which tend to lean more to the left politically, while the more conservative and populist parties fare well in exurban areas and smaller communities in the countryside. (Click here for a map that shows the voting percentages for Wilders PVV.) These last areas are where Wilders finds most of his support. He is not the first populist to prosper there electorally. Limburg, bulwark of Wilders' support Limburg, a province in the southeast of the country, is the Dutch version of Americas Rust Belt. Limburg is a once-prosperous former coal mining region that went into socioeconomic decay when the mines were closed in the 1970s. The province is a hotbed of Wilders support, and not just because he himself hails from Venlo in the provinces north. Unemployment is structurally high and young people are moving out to the rest of the country in search of jobs, leaving behind an ageing population. Parts of Limburg have been dubbed krimpgebieden, which literally translates to shrinking areas, as the population dwindles. Fortuyns heir Wilders is building on the foundations laid by Pim Fortuyn, the nations first true modern populist, who rose to political fame in 2001 and 2002. As it was in 2002, when cultural identity issues like immigration and integration dominated the national public debate, most Dutch voters in 2017 are increasingly concerned about the direction of the country. In-depth research consistently shows that voters fear the division of Dutch society. Fifty-three percent of the population believes the country is headed in the wrong direction according to research by the governments leading sociological studies agency. Many voters believe that a massive wave of Muslim immigrants threatens to overthrow the existing order. The continuing political debate about religious holidays in the United States has also landed in the Netherlands. One national tradition has become a yearly source of controversy: Zwarte Piet, a blackface character clad in colorful clothing who is a helper to Sinterklaas, a Dutch variation on Santa Claus. The tradition is seen by a majority of voters as being under attack by multiculturalists and progressives in the more liberal cities who want the blackface figure to change since they regard it as racist. (This is according to an opinion poll conducted by Dutch TV news program EenVandaag, which has 27,000 voters in its panel.) Many voters see the possible disappearance of their beloved Zwarte Piet character as just the start of a takeover by immigrant cultures. It starts with Zwarte Piet and next theyll kill Christmas is a fear often cited by voters in polls and questionnaires. Protest vote similarities Many PVV-supporting voters structurally believe that around 20 percent of the Dutch population is now Muslim. Wilders has for years been warning against a tsunami of Islam hitting the Netherlands. In reality, the percentage of the Dutch population that identifies itself as Muslim is around 6 percent of the total. PVV voters shrug off the numbers; they arent so much worried about the current situation as they are about the future. Why Wilders disappoints Yet for all his popular support and bluster over the past 12 years, Geert Wilders has consistently underperformed his strong numbers in the polls. In each election he has risen to record highs, only to disappoint when the results come in. The reason for this is twofold, and Wilders personally carries some of the blame. Wilders the bully First, although many PVV voters want Wilders to be the voice of their protest, not all are keen on him becoming prime minister. Much like President Trump in the United States, Wilders has a penchant for lashing out at his critics. This includes political competitors, but also media companies and the royal family, which is non-political and has a ceremonial function. During one of her annual televised Christmas speeches, the former queen once mildly criticized forces that seek to divide the nation. Pundits in national media immediately interpreted her words as criticizing Wilders. He took to Twitter and lashed out at her, earning himself widespread criticism. The royal family is beloved by most Netherlanders, including PVV voters. These routine tirades make voters wary about his ability to unite the country. When in 2014 Wilders said he would arrange for the Netherlands to have fewer citizens of Moroccan descent, 26 percent of his own voters thought he had gone too far, according to a poll conducted by EenVandaag. Voters want viable coalition parties Second, the Dutch are calculating voters. Although the majority of Wilders voters support him on election day in a protest vote, a sizeable group first consider the possible coalition government formations. They then select a number of parties within their ideological frame to consider as options. PVV may be their first choice, but the VVD of incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte is a close second. Rutte said that he will not under any circumstances form a government with the party of Geert Wilders. That statement had an almost immediate result: some of those calculating voters turned away, seeking viable alternatives to the PVV for a right-wing governing coalition, or indicating they will not vote at all. Some have crossed over to the VVD. As a result, both parties are now tied in most polls, as aggregator Peilingwijzer shows. Isolation In addition to all this, most other political parties have come out against forming a government with Wilders, stating that his positions on immigration and integration are too extreme. Wilders has said that he will not compromise on any of his positions, virtually guaranteeing that he will always be a candidate for the protest vote -- but not much else. 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Winchester will be supplying both Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Special Purpose ammunition in support of the MHS program. As we reported back in January, the SIG SAUER P320 modular, striker-fired pistol was selected as the foundation platform for the MHS. The new service weapon will (if it is indeed the new service weapon and not a Glock) replace the M9 pistol (a Beretta 92 based handgun). That pistol has been in use since the mid-1980s. It's a contract awarding Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with Firm Fixed Price (FFP) delivery orders That contract is expected to be worth as much as $80 million USD. One can reasonably presume the value of the ammunition contract to be equally substantial. Says Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition, This is a significant opportunity for Winchester to continue its steadfast support of the U.S. military, just as we have for decades. We are honored to work with Sig Sauer as part of MHS contract. Sig Sauer's President and CEO was of a similar mind. Partnering with Winchester to provide the U.S. Military [sic] with the Modular Handgun System is a point of pride for each and every employee of SIG SAUER, said Ron Cohen. Winchester has a long history of supporting our service members, and we are honored to collaborate with them on this project. You can find Winchester Ammunition online here. Industry News. What are you seeing here? Just as the tagline reads industry news. This is a product (or service) announcement. It is not an endorsement. It is not a review. It is not an advertisement. Posts on RECOILweb.com labeled as Industry News are advisory notifications only. Information contained therein is likely provided by the individual manufacturer (or service provider), provided to RW and passed along to our readers as a notification only. Such articles do not represent our tacit approval, nor (unless labeled SPONSORED) were they paid for. RECOIL publishes not just for a fraction of the gun-owning community, but all of it. Individual editorial staff member opinions are not the sole arbiter of what news we present. What one person derides, another will extol. One of RECOIL's responsibilities is to inform readers of new products or services from manufacturers, training organizations, and the like. RECOIL readers have made it very clear this is something they want to see, and frequently. Some of those products will be chosen for further coverage or evaluation. Some will not. Some may have great promise or potential. Others will do nothing but prove the old adage, A fool and his money are soon parted. Readers should form their own conclusions, if appropriate. Rest assured if a member of the RECOIL staff is providing an opinion, you will know about it. If you are aware of a new technology, product, or service you think is worth us passing along, reach out to [email protected] with details. HAZLETON | A Hazleton man has been arrested in connection with a weekend fire. Buchanan County sheriffs deputies arrested Kim Robin Tielebein, 49, for first-degree arson and public intoxication. According to court records, Tielebein lit a trench coat on fire and placed it on a bed in the basement of his home at 403 E. Sufficool St. around 8:45 p.m. Saturday. At the time, Tielebeins wife and son were in the residence. The family fled the house without injuries, but flames engulfed the basement and caused part of the main floor to collapse. While firefighters from Hazleton and Oelwein battled the blaze, Tielebein reentered the house and had to be removed, records state. He was later seen meandering around a nearby apartment complex wearing a coat, shorts and slippers and was eventually found hiding in a crawl space where he was detained. The Iowa Fire Marshals Office assisted in the investigation. At the time of Saturdays fire, Tielebein was on parole from an April 2015 domestic dispute and vehicle chase. He pleaded to charges of domestic abuser in possession of a firearm and ammunition, eluding and operating while intoxicated. He was sentenced to up to five years in prison and was released in February 2016, according to court records and the Iowa Department of Corrections. Community Bank of Oelwein filed a foreclosure action on the Sufficool Street home in January 2017, alleging $43,024 is still owed on the real estate loan, according to court records. The foreclosure is pending in Buchanan County District Court. Jeff Reinitz writes for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach him at jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com. Cosmonuts is a new, nutty program that has made its way onto WUOG 90.5 FM. As a scripted radio show, it is the only one of its kind on the station. As of Wednesday, Feb. 22, there have been three episodes released in the series. In its first session of the year the Student Government Association at the University of Georgia met with two directors of Auxiliary Services to hear about the changes in store for the university in the coming semester. The past few years have seen the first cycle of mergers and acquisitions, exits, and track-records being created. In what appears to be the beginning of a fresh wave of venture capital (VC) in India, several new funds have done their maiden money raising. These include Stellaris Ventures, Pravega Ventures, Endiya Partners, and Fireside Ventures, which have announced closure of their maiden funds in the past few months. Stellaris is an early-stage fund founded by Ritesh Banglani, Rahul Chowdhri and Alok Goyal, who were with Helion Ventures. Pravega has been founded by Mukul Singhal, who was with SAIF Partners. Endiya has been co-founded by industry veteran Sateesh Andra, who started Ventureeast, while Fireside has been started by Kanwaljeet Singh, who was a co-founder at Helion Ventures. "People who have experience in venture capital firms are raising their own funds," says Alok Mittal, a VC-turned-entrepreneur who has invested in Stellaris and Pravega. Since these are their first funds, they are smaller but the aspirations of some of them would be to prove themselves and raise large funds. "I see this as a new crop of VC firms," says Mittal. If one goes back 10 years, Erasmic was a small fund, which merged with Accel. Last year, the Flipkart-investor raised $450 million in a new fund. India had a seen a similar trend in private equity when experienced fund managers like Renuka Ramnath (Multiples) and Manish Kejriwal (Kedara Capital) floated their funds. This trend is now playing out in VC, an industry that is only 10 years old. "New funds could not have emerged in the last three-four years as no fund manager had a track record, unless he came from the US," says Karthik Reddy, co-founder & managing director, Blume Ventures. "If you want the second cycle, the first cycle has to be completed." The past few years have seen the first cycle of mergers and acquisitions, exits, and track-records being created. "Today people can say I have worked here for five years, can put in a pipeline and heres my little track record, which was absent till one-two years ago." Reddy thinks this could be the beginning of a fourth wave of venture capital in India. "The next big wave will come in 2020, when successful start-up founders will float their own funds. Some of them have seen paper gains and some liquidity, but not enough. Five to 10 out of 100 founders that make an exit will float their own funds. Many of them are already angel investors," he says. First, was a failed wave in the dotcom era, which saw many casualties -- JumpStart, Walden and Draper, which was the first to invest in Rediff. Several funds such as Warburg and Chrys Capital raised money to ride the internet boom but they soon figured out there was no internet here, so lets do a PE fund. Chrys Capital was smart enough to pivot themselves to growth-stage, late stage investing. The second wave of funds came in 2005-07. This phase saw several funds with an American parentage -- cross-border funds like Helion and Nexus were backed by their founders in the US, who raised capital on the basis of their success in Silicon Valley. There were India-centric funds like IDG Ventures, Matrix Partners, Accel Partners and Sequoia Capital, which used their US brand names to raise money. This phase also saw funds like NEA, Lightspeed and Bessemer, which were US funds with an India team; they relied on the balance sheet of the US funds to invest in India."All venture capital funds raised between 2005 and 2007 had some kind of American parentage. Without it, you could not build a VC fund," says Reddy. The next wave happened between 2010 and 2012, when the likes of Kae Capital (Sasha Mirchandani), Orios Venture Partners (Rehan Yar Khan), India Quotient (Anand Lunia), and Blume Ventures (Sanjay Nath and Karthik Reddy) raised their maiden funds from domestic investors. Except Lunia, who came from Seedfund, all others were angel investors who lacked the experience of a fund. "The minute I walk into an institutional investor and say I am looking to raise a fund, they are taking a 20-year call. They are trying to figure out my ability to build a team, track record, and provide exits. They go into depths and ask questions," says a VC. Large investors from abroad neither cut small cheques nor invest in smaller funds when they have the option to go with more marquee names. The alternative is to raise local money, which is what the new funds have done - most of them have raised money largely from domestic investors. Maiden funds, like Blume Ventures $22 million fund, are invariably backed by local investors. Luckily for the new crop of funds, the base of local investors is getting deeper. There are professionals in large firms, like Infosys founders, who have made money through ESOPs and family offices of traditional business families which are starting to get organised. Many wealth management and advisory firms have come up, and they are able to reach these family offices in a more effective way. But how are people able to raise money in a market which has seen fewer exits and start-ups shutting down every day? "Its not that exits have not happened. Investors have made huge gains in Makemytrip and JustDial. Its just that the amount of capital that gone in is far too much," says a start-up founder. VCs confirm that they have been making partial exits and returning capital to their investors. "A lot of domestic money is also institutional money. The reason for the bullishness is that a lot of big companies has been created: Flipkart and Ola. Indian money, which was sitting on the sidelines, doesnt want to miss out. So, Tata, Premji, Manipal, Infosys -- all are trying to be more active," a CEO said. The Madras High Court Bench in Madurai on Thursday dismissed a couple of public interest litigation petitions filed against the supply of Tamirabarani surface water to industries set up by co-packers of Pepsi and Coca Cola at the Industrial Growth Centre established by SIPCOT at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. A Division Bench of Justices A Selvam and P Kalaiyarasan rejected the petitions and also vacated an interim injunction granted by the court in November last restraining SIPCOT from supplying water to the two units. In November 2016, the court had banned Pepsi and Coke from using the river's water for their bottling plant on a plea that these companies were depriving farmers of their livelihood, who were unable to take up farming activities. The companies paid only 37.50 paise per 1,000 litres of water extracted and sold their beverages at a much higher cost, the PIL filed by Prabakar, Secretary of Tirunelveli Consumer Protection Association, stated. In their counter affidavits, the co-packers for PepsiCo and Coca Cola had denied allegations of exploitation of Tamirabarani river water by their industries at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) administered by State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) on 1,991.58 acres at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district. Allowing supply of Thamirabarani water to the two companies would affect lives of people in five districts, the petitioner had said and sought its sale to be stopped. Upset over the high court order, a large number of people on Thursday stood in knee deep water in the river to express their ire. They also protested against the "laxity" on the part of the authorities in handling the case. The protesters also shouted slogans against the state government for not taking necessary steps to prevent the carbonated water companies from drawing water from Thamirabharani, when the farmers in the was facing acute water shortage for their farming activities. The verdict comes even as a ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi soft drinks came into effect on Wednesday following a call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu with its president, A M Vikrama Raja declaring drinks as 'toxic' for consumption. "About 70 per cent of the (15 lakh) traders have decided to boycott the sales of Coke and Pepsi from today onwards for their toxic nature. Whatever you find on the shelves of the stores are leftover stocks and those not taken back by the (distributing) agencies," he said. The state's traders are batting for local beverage brands, citing concerns about health. The traders and the Left organisations have been campaigning against the two beverage giants for nearly 30 years. Two years ago, a plot allotted for a bottling plant by Coca Cola in Erode district was even cancelled following a huge protest by farmers, who claimed that the plant would siphon off ground water. Welcoming the decision of the traders, PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss said, "I was completely against these carbonated drinks. We made policy regarding this earlier". The former Union health minister said the government should bring in more awareness regarding this. "We have a huge surge of non-communicable diseases due to consumption of these things," he added. The latest offensive against the two international brands was triggered during the recent protests over the bull-taming sport, Jallikattu, in Chennai's Marina Beach, when some of the youngsters spoke up against Coke and Pepsi. Both the separatists in the Valley and the Indian establishment have failed to fathom that the world's alignments have changed, writes Col Dr Anil Athale (retired). The situation in Kashmir in 2017 is a classic example of both sides being trapped in a time warp. The trouble in Kashmir is now confined to a few districts in the valley, while the rest of Jammu and Kashmir is unaffected. Yet, the separatists, led by the Hurriyat and Pakistan, never tire of talking of the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Strategic thinking, or what passes off in in its name in Delhi, is in reality current affairs analysis. This is conducted under the looming shadow of the Red Fort. Even an ostensible outsider succumbs to the notion of equating India with North India, ignoring the South, the West and East. The salience of Kashmir in national dialogue has much to do with this. The lazy media contributes to this by making a small incident affecting 1/100th of the population into a national issue and breaking news! Neither azaadi, nor joining Pakistan, will solve Kashmirs problem If azaad, it will become another Syria or Daesh; as for joining Pakistan, what then happens to the Hindus of Jammu, the Buddhists in Ladakh, not to forget the Kashmiri valley separatists' claim over all of Jammu and Kashmir, though not even a dog outside three-four districts in the valley supports them. The 20 per cent Shias in the Valley must also ponder over their future in Pakistan where they are regularly pulled out of buses and slaughtered just for being Shia. Just as the Valley Kashmiris were waving Pakistani and Islamic State flags, in Pakistan, IS or Daesh-led terrorists let loose mayhem on the shrine of Lal Shabaz Qalandar in Sindh killing hundreds! Twenty-six years of visiting regularly and studying the Kashmir issue gives me the advantage of a been there, done that and a long-term view. Both sides, the Indian establishment as well as the separatists, seem to be in a time warp. Separatists, who swear by United Nations resolutions, want to join Pakistan, fly Islamic States flags and yet wonder why the world does not support their legitimate demands. Our own liberals, especially in universities in Delhi, lionise the supporters of azaadi in Kashmir. The Kashmiris on their part want to follow the brutal Daesh or Islamic State. Do the supporters of secessionists in Kashmir ponder over this? Do they want Kashmir to turn into a Daesh stronghold and Srinagar be reduced to debris like Mosul in Iraq? The Indian establishment is yet to fathom the change that came over due to the 1998 nuclearisation. As nuclear powers, the national borders are now in a deep freeze. The world's reaction to the Kargil misadventure is clear evidence of that. The Western support to Kashmir secessionists was part of their Cold War strategy of checkmating a pro-Soviet India. The Cold War has been over for the last 25 years, and world alignments have changed. Every major country has been affected in some way or the other by the virus of Islamist terror. There is a general loathing for the brutal regime of IS in Iraq and Syria. We have, however, still to fathom this change. We still protect separatist leaders so that Pakistans intelligence should not harm them and put the blame on us. In the changed global context, to put it bluntly, nobody gives a damn as to what happens to the Kashmiri separatists. Our squeamishness in using force is difficult to understand. One is not advocating the use of artillery/tanks/fighter aircraft as Pakistan is doing, but surely air power, especially helicopters, ought to be used. All this can be attributed to lack of continuity in our government apparatus and, despite the creation of the NSC, the lack of a holistic view of an issue that is at once a domestic revolt, regional issue and international issue. The world is a much changed place from the 1990s; no country has the stomach for secession. Our starry-eyed youth, in some universities, have romanticised the Kashmir violence. Do these young supporters of Kashmiri separatists want Kashmir to turn into another Daesh or Khilafat where little girls are sold as sex slaves and infidels are beheaded, ancient monuments destroyed and minorities exterminated! Colonel Dr Anil Athale (retired) is a military historian and specialises in counter-insurgency. Image: A protester throws a stone towards a policemen during a protest in Srinagar, Kashmir. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters PLEASE ALSO READ: Change has to come within Myanmar itself. I have called upon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to listen to her inner voice and speak directly to the people of Myanmar. IMAGE: A Rohingya migrant child, who recently arrived in Indonesia by boat, eats chocolate while queuing up with others for immigration identification purposes inside a temporary compound for refugees in Aceh Timur regency, Indonesia's Aceh Province. According to recent figures, an approximate 90,000 Rohingyas have fled the country in hope of finding a better home. Photograph: Beawiharta/Reuters Imagine living in a country, but being denied citizenship. Imagine being a part of a country, but being discriminated against by the majority community and atrocities being committed against you by the state. This is the deplorable conditions that the Rohingyas of Myanmar live in where they are cut off from their livelihoods and sources of income, unable to access markets, hospitals and schools, and have little or no access to relief aid. In order to understand the situation and the genesis of the tragedy unfolding, Rediff.coms Archana Masih speaks to Ambassador Vijay Nambiar, the former United Nations Chef de Cabinet (Chief of Staff), who had served a long stint with the UN in New York. Till recently, a Special Advisor to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Myanmar, he provides an understanding of the human tragedy unfolding there. Do read this exclusive! I want to begin with a simple question and a worrying question: why is the world continuing to ignore/ or not doing enough against the human right violations of the minority Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar? For over two decades, the United Nations has worked with member states and regional organisations like ASEAN to end military rule in Myanmar, usher in democratic reform, secure the release of political prisoners and assure human rights to its people. The changes since the 2010 elections in the country under the U Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi governments were, at least partly, the result of these efforts. However, the institutionalised discrimination practised by the majority Buddhist community against minority communities, especially against the Muslims, over decades did not change. We must recognise that apart from its human rights and humanitarian aspects, the Rohingya issue involves complicated questions of citizenship, status and identity that have a long and disputed history. Over decades, the military regime had politicised the communal situation in Myanmar. With political liberalisation, the country has witnessed sharpened animosities and popular stereotypes against minority communities, particularly after the outburst of violence in Northern Rakhine in 2012 (see box). The 2008 Myanmar constitution recognises 135 ethnic or racial groups in the country, including some Muslim ethnic groups, but there is strong opposition among these groups to granting official status to the Rohingyas as an indigenous ethnic group. Over the past years, the UN and the international community have been pressing the Myanmar government to address the root causes behind the large scale internal displacements after the violent events of 2012 but these efforts have not yielded significant results mainly because of the lack of political will on the part of the government of Myanmar to take decisive action as well as the intransigent attitude of powerful elements within the majority community in Rakhine state as well as at the national level. The outside world is not ignoring the plight of the Rohingyas. But change has to come within Myanmar itself. While raising its voice against targeted violence and to end discrimination against them, the UN has pressed the government to take effective measures to preserve communal harmony, resolve status and citizenship questions and work constructively with all citizens to ensure equal respect for the rights and means of livelihood of the Rohingyas alongside the other communities in the state. This has required both strong public advocacy as well as quiet, patient and sustained effort at the ground level. IMAGE: They flee their homes, hoping for a better future. However, in many cases, the Rohingyas are forced to live in squalid camps with no proper food, or aid. Photograph: Roni Bintang/Reuters The UN has called the Rohingyas the most persecuted minority group in the world -- and when former chief of UN, Kofi Anan, arrived in Myanmar with his team to look into the military crackdown on Rohingya, he was met by protesters, who were against foreign intervention. What are the UNs challenges in dealing with this crisis? I am not aware of the provenance or accuracy of the quote ascribed to the UN. But it is clear that in the early years of Burmese independence (1948-62), the countrys Muslim communities, including many who identified themselves as Rohingya, were recognised as citizens, given official identification cards and other documents and enjoyed the benefits of citizenship including voting and election to Parliament. Indeed, for a brief period in the 60s, the areas of Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and parts of Rathedaung in northern Rakhine were even administered separately by the centre. It was only subsequently, by enacting legislation in 1974 and the 1982 revised citizenship law, that the military rulers reversed this situation and stripped this community of its rights, restricted them from travel, denied education, government assistance, land ownership, and even restricted their right to marry freely or have more than two children. Inside Rakhine, they were portrayed as interlopers snatching economic benefits and opportunities from the majority Buddhist community. When communal violence irrupted in Rakhine in May 2012 and tensions affected other parts of the country, the UN interceded strongly with the authorities, both at national and local levels against making this a religious or communal issue and stressing the need for public mobilisation to counter hate speech and incitement by hardline elements as well as action to overcome prejudice, mistrust and suspicion that festered among the communities. It was UN pressure that resulted in the setting up of the Inquiry Commission in 2012. I was personally one of the first foreign nationals to visit northern Rakhine after the outbreak of violence there. Since then, I visited Rakhine almost a dozen times to call on leaders of both communities to abjure violence, respect law and order and promote inter-communal contacts. The UN also worked steadily and quietly with the authorities to improve access to humanitarian assistance for more than 140,000 affected internally displaced persons. The UN also promoted the setting up of an independent Centre for Diversity and National Harmony. This body has done significant work over the past four years to defuse the animosities between the communities and bring them together at the local level outside the public gaze. What happened in Rakhine in 2012? In 2012, waves of deadly violence engulfed parts of the western Rakhine state. It began in June 2012 when widespread rioting and clashes between Rakhine Buddhists and Muslims, largely thought to be Rohingya Muslims, left 200 dead and displaced thousands. It was the rape and murder of a young Buddhist woman which sparked off that deadly chain of events. Violence between Muslims and Buddhists broke out again in late October. According to the government, more than 80 people were killed, more than 22,000 people were displaced, and more than 4,600 houses burnt. However, despite reassurances to the international community, the government was not able to take meaningful action to improve the desperate humanitarian situation affecting the IDPs or to resolve the substantive issues of status and citizenship for the Rohingyas. In fact, some measures such as the enactment of the four race and religion protection laws in the Parliament in 2014 had the opposite effect, as did the government orders cancelling their temporary IDs and denying them voting rights immediately before the 2015 elections. In my successive meetings with senior ministers of the previous government, I had warned that the continued denial of such basic rights and lack of official attention to their plight risked radicalising the local population and the resurgence of violence in the State. We are seeing this happening now. Despite the high hopes generated by Daw Aung San Suu Kyis success at the 2015 national election, inside Rakhine state, the local Arakan National Party, which won the largest share of seats, has remained steadfastly opposed to any improvement in the situation for the Muslim minorities. Unfortunately this sentiment was shared by many Buddhist groups across the country. On her part, Daw Suu spoke out strongly at the UN General Assembly in September 2016 in favour of standing firm against the forces of prejudice and intolerance and reaffirmed her faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person. Indeed, her setting up of a national Advisory Commission on Rakhine state under the chairmanship of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was a sign of her determination to address this issue from a larger perspective. Considering this, in my own report to the UN General Assembly last year in October, I had asked the international community to allow more space and time for the new government to tackle these priority commitments. Privately, the UN and other international partners had continued to stress very strongly to the new government that urgent action was needed to provide reassurance to the affected minority communities. Sadly, these pleas did not receive sufficient attention from the authorities. IMAGE: Thousands of Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh seeking a brighter future. Dhaka estimates 400,000 Rohingya refugees are living in the country, including nearly 73,000 who fled a military crackdown across the border since October. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters The most recent and widely condemned attacks of early October and November last year by armed elements against army border posts in Northern Rakhine marked a new stage in the growing communal cleavage in the country. These attackers were apparently trained and organised with outside help, chose predetermined targets, used new tactics and techniques directed mainly at the security forces than civilian populations and orchestrated their violent attacks with strong messaging in the social media. After sustaining severe initial losses, Myanmars security forces responded with swiftness and severity. Repelling the immediate attacks, they then launched combing operations covering the entire region of northern Maungdaw, which was declared an operation zone sealed to all outsiders. From early October last year until late February this year, the army and police forces carried out systematic clearing operations pursuing attackers and suspected collaborators and engaging them directly. While, unquestionably the security forces were justified in launching these operations, the extent to which the local civilian populations were affected by the severity of the government response was unclear and disputed. It was obvious that during the operations, entire villages lived in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety and tension. Many reports suggested outright reprisals and depredations against civilians with local villagers alleging that security forces had torched villages to flush out attackers and subjected locals to severe excesses including egregious acts of violence against women and children. 'Within Myanmar, all communities must jointly oppose the violence, disunity and division that are being instigated by a small group of criminal elements' Though the state government as well as the official investigation commission denied the veracity of these reports, a recent flash report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which collated credible accounts from direct sources that had fled to Bangladesh contains horrific descriptions of actions by the security forces that the UNHCHR declared could possibly amount to crimes against humanity. While the local authorities in Rakhine continue to deny these allegations, it is significant that the central government of Myanmar has promised to look into the specific allegations raised by the UN and the official Investigation Commission has also agreed to go into these allegations with a view to holding the perpetrators accountable. Notwithstanding the widespread revulsion within the international community to these alarming reports, however, do not seem to have produced within the authorities any deep sense of circumspection or willingness to address the root causes of this problem. As Chair of the nine-member Advisory Commission on Rakhine, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has sought to focus on these root causes. In early December, when he visited the state, he also called on the government to follow up on its assurance to allow increased and unimpeded humanitarian and media access to all communities in the region. While he recognised the justification for continued security operations, he stressed that the protection of civilian lives should be a priority and called on government forces to act fully in compliance with the rule of law. He was, however, wary in responding to media allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing saying these were serious charges that required legal review and judicial determination. IMAGE: A boy sits in a burnt area after fire destroyed shelters at a camp for internally displaced Rohingya Muslims in the western Rakhine State near Sittwe, Myanmar. Heinous crimes such as stabbings, slaughtering are perpetrated against the Rohingya children, a claim that has been repeatedly denied by the government. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters Has the silence of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on the Rohingyas diminished, even damaged her image? She has been criticised for not speaking out. What do you see as the reasons for her lack of adequate response? Why is she not championing the Rohingya cause? As special adviser to the secretary-general, I had underlined that the refusal by the authorities to take a strong stance against the hardliners and the adoption of generally defensive rather than a proactive approach to providing security to the local population had sent wrong messages both to these elements as well as internationally. I feel that only by responding directly and concretely to the concerns of the local population will the government be able to send a clear message to them and preserve its international standing. I have called upon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to listen to her inner voice and speak directly to the people of Myanmar. She must ask her people to rise above their ethnic, religious and other differences and advance human dignity, harmony and mutual cooperation between all communities. Within Myanmar all communities must jointly oppose the violence, disunity and division that are being instigated by a small group of criminal elements. I have also appealed to Daw Suu to visit Maungdaw and Buthidaung and reassure the civilian population there that they will be protected. PLEASE READ: The 'nowhere people' of Myanmar Furthermore, a reiteration of her promise to address the root causes affecting the local population, namely that of citizenship and status, and to provide relief to the internally displaced since 2012, would go a long way to relieve tension and promote realistic and sustainable solutions. While the UN and the international community must continue to strongly voice their concerns, ultimately it is the people of Myanmar and their leaders who will have to resolve both the immediate and longer term issues afflicting their communities and impeding their progress through joint, inclusive and cooperative action under national ownership. While, like other national political figures Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has her own specific perspective on Myanmars citizenship and status issues, I am convinced she has both the moral authority and political clout to bring about this important change. We must continue to trust her to do the right thing and provide space for her to do so while functioning within the given political environment. In this volatile situation, it is everyones responsibility to avoid incitement, provocation or rumour that could cause further violence and unrest. In recent weeks, Daw Suus has convened an ASEAN regional meeting, responded constructively to initiatives from Indonesia and even Malaysia and her colleagues have reached out to Bangladesh. However, cautious and measured these moves may appear, they are positive signs. With the formal ending of military operations in northern Rakhine, I am hopeful the process of healing can start. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are around 9,000 Rohingyas registered in Delhi and thousands more unregistered living in other parts of the country. However, the response of India and ASEAN have been seen as rather disappointing. As a mature democracy -- what should Indias role be? While much more can be done by each of the neighbouring countries at different levels, I would not describe the response of India and ASEAN as disappointing. Similarly, the overall response of Bangladesh to this very difficult situation has been mostly constructive and needs to be commended and encouraged. Some observers believe (external link) that the international community is shying from putting pressure on China -- Myanmars close ally -- because it would raise questions about its own human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet? While the international community as a whole will need to work steadily and persevere in encouraging greater adherence to rule of law and accountability in Myanmar, I am not sure a mere approach of pressure, censure or sanctions against the government in Naypyitaw is likely to be productive in this case. Like other countries, China should also counsel Myanmar to be more responsive to international concerns. IMAGE: For most part, the Buddhist community in Myanmar has discriminated against the Rohingyas and have also protested against using the term Rohingyas. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters There is concern about the possibility of a breeding ground for religious terrorism as a response to Myanmars brutality. What are the dangers of this becoming susceptible to Jihadi elements and terrorism? Though radical movements have appeared in northern Rakhine in the past, they have not enjoyed much local support. In the present desperate and deteriorating situation, there is clearly the danger that such support to radicalism could increase. It is evident that in carrying out its October attacks, the self-styled Harakah al-Yaqin has depended on some local support, either voluntarily or by intimidating elements within the local population. There are also reports of threats and provocations from other radical groups across the world in support of the cause of the Rohingyas. In such a situation, the recourse by the security forces to indiscriminate or disproportionate force against the local population or any attempt by local politicians to allow the issue to assume a communal colour can only exacerbate the situation. The recent events seem to have compounded anti-Muslim sentiment around the nation and it is the responsibility of the government to reverse this trend. This is why I feel the top national leadership must proactively reach out to all communities in the country. A visit by Daw Suu to northern Rakhine will, for example, go a long way to reassure the civilian population there. I feel such a move would help her reach out to all communities and publicly declare the governments determination to provide safety, security and protection to all communities against criminality and lawless behavior. Only through such overt action will the exodus of villagers from the region be stemmed and those who have already fled be provided the assurance to return to their homes. How do you assess the response of the Muslim countries to the plight of the Rohingyas? While the Rohingyas have received strong public support from the international community and there has been virulent criticism of the actions of the Myanmar government in the press and the social media, the responses of the various governments have been much more measured. Some Organization for Islamic Cooperation countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey have reached out with humanitarian assistance and practical help to the Myanmar government, which has responded positively to these gestures even where it has strongly repudiated anything perceived as interference in its internal affairs. Within the UN, the OIC has also been similarly measured in its response even while it has strongly criticised the government of Myanmar. At the forthcoming meeting of the Human Rights Council of the UN in Geneva, the UN Special Rapporteur Dr Yanghee Lee is likely to report on her recent visit to Myanmar. The meeting is likely also to discuss the flash report of the UNHCHR. This will almost certainly result in a fresh outpouring of criticism against the authorities in Myanmar. Meanwhile, the fate of many Rohingya refugees who have sought asylum in many Muslim countries has not been much better than the region they have fled from. Many remain segregated, discriminated, desperate and uncertain as to how long they can continue in their new countries of asylum. The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to scrap the controversial Bengaluru steel flyover project that was aimed at decongesting the road that connects the city with its international airport and surrounding areas. We have decided to cancel the steel bridge project. I have spoken to the chief minister, and the chief minister has agreed to it, Minister for Bengaluru Development and State Town Planning K J George said. The Rs 1,800-crore project had been facing stiff opposition from citizen groups over environmental concerns and doubts over its sustainability model. Questions were also raised regarding escalation in its cost. An estimated 812 trees would have had to be felled for the project that was stayed by the National Green Tribunal last year. Recent allegations of crores of money received as kickback in connection with the project, allegedly mentioned in diary entries of Congress MLC Govindaraju, had also marred the project. Govindarajus alleged diary entries, reportedly consisting of information relating to payoffs made by state Congress leaders to the partys central leaders, have kicked up a political storm in the state. As the minister made the announcement of abandoning the project, a few Congress MLAs opposed the move in the presence of the media, calling it anti-development. They demanded that a decision should not be taken in haste because of false allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Responding to this, George said, They (BJP) are making false allegations on government, they are doing it without any evidence. We dont want to construct this steel bridge with allegations of corruption. BJP President B S Yeddyurappa had earlier alleged that those in the government, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had benefited from the project in the form of commissions and kickbacks. Earlier in the day, to a question about the decision on scrapping the project, Siddaramaiah said the steel bridge was proposed to ensure less traffic for Benguluru residents. If Bengaluru people dont want, why do we want it? he asked. He said George was holding a meeting with city MLAs to seek their opinion on the project. Claiming victory over governments decision to drop the project, opposition BJP has now demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. Finally it (government) has abandoned the steel bridge project which was full of corruption and loot. If CBI inquiry happens, all the allegations will be proved hundred per cent and the chief minister will have to resign. So fearing it, they have dropped the project, Yeddyurappa said. He said the BJP will raise the issue during the Budget session of the legislature, starting from March 15. George said, Earlier they had accused a minister of corruption, now they are saying the chief ministers family is involved....we dont want the steel bridge with allegations, we are here for the people. Give me evidence, Im ready to resign and Im ready for any punishment... Give me suggestions, Im ready to take. Those who are in favour of Bengaluru development, would not have opposed the project, he said. Image: The construction of the flyover was met with stiff resistance with residents carrying protests against it. An Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary on Thursday kicked up a row when he announced a Rs 1 crore bounty for beheading Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, but the Sangh fountainhead distanced itself from his remark. Kundan Chandravat, 'Sah Prachar Pramukh' of RSS in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, announced the reward to avenge the killing of its workers in Kerala, allegedly by Communist Party of India-Marxist workers. "The Kerala chief minister is killing our RSS workers who want to take this country forward. "So I have announced a Rs 1 crore reward for the one who beheads such a killer chief minister. I will pay him by selling my assets," Chandravat was shown saying in a video clip which vent viral. The RSS, however, distanced itself from Chandravat's remarks, with a top national-level functionary saying he did not even know him. "The RSS strongly condemns such statements. The Sangh does not believe in violence. But we will continue to protest against attacks on our workers in Kerala in a democratic and peaceful manner," the organisation's national 'Sah Prachar Pramukh' (joint chief of publicity) J Nanda Kumar told PTI. Kumar said he does not know who Chandravat was. Hitting out at the Sangh, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted that Chandravat's comments "revealed true colours of RSS as a terrorist outfit". Yechury also questioned the "silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government over the remarks. "The silence of the government is an endorsement that emboldens the RSS to issue such obnoxious threats," the CPI-M Politburo said in a statement. By this the RSS has reconfirmed that it spearheads the politics of violence and terror as has been clear in Kerala in the recent months, it said. The party also demanded immediate action in accordance with law against Chandravat by the state and the central governments. Kerala is witnessing violent political killings of RSS and CPI-M workers, with the two organisations locked in a bloody feud. The Trump Administration plunged into another crisis on Thursday after reports surfaced that United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice with Russian envoy to Washington during the presidential elections last year. Sessions, one of the first few Republican Senators to support Trump early in his presidential race, has denied any wrongdoing, but said he would recuse himself from any investigation. I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Theres no doubt about that, he said. The Democratic party leadership is gunning for his resignation after reports surfaced that Sessions spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak twice during the elections. After General Michael Flynn (retired), Sessions is the second top official of the Trump Administration to face such a charge. Flynn last month resigned as the national security adviser. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democratic leader, alleged that Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearing before the Senate. Under penalty of perjury, he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. We now know that statement is false, she said. Now, after lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, she said. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trumps political, personal and financial connections to the Russians, Pelosi demanded. Indian-American Congressman from California Ro Khanna too demanded resignation of Sessions. Jeff Sessions should resign. We are a nation that respects the rule of law, and he lied under oath to Congress. There must be an independent, bipartisan investigation into Russias interference in our democratic process, Khanna said. With the Democrats demanding his resignation, the Republican party appeared to be buckling under pressure. The House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy favoured Sessions recusing himself from any Russia-related investigations. I dont have all the information in front of me, I dont want to pre-judge, but I just think for any investigation going forward, you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation, McCarthy told MSNBC. For weeks, I have said that Attorney General Sessions needs to recuse himself from any investigation into contact between the president and his associates on the campaign and transition, and Russia. For weeks, I made clear that I believe Attorney General Sessions close relationship with the Trump campaign requires that he recuse himself from the executive branch investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, demanded Senate Minority Leader, Charles Schumer. The revelations that we learned about last night are extremely troubling and raise even more questions about the president and his associates contacts with Russia, he said. There is a gulf between the political process and young aspirations. I am trying to initiate a debate to bring the youth into the political process. Varun Gandhi explains why he has moved a private members bill in Parliament enabling voters to recall their representatives. Feroze Varun Gandhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, raised eyebrows by moving a private members bill in the Lok Sabha giving voters the right to recall their elected representative if not satisfied with their work. According to the bill, the recall can be done after two years of the elected representatives term, with 75 per cent of the voters asking for a recall. Former prime minister Indira Gandhis grandson and Sanjay and Maneka Gandhis son, he has been in the news in the past for his fiery speeches. Varun Gandhi tells Rediff.coms A Ganesh Nadar that he is now concentrating on making the democratic process stronger. I have been thinking about this bill for a while. I had to draft it in the right manner with high safeguards so that it cannot be misused. I did not want it to be hijacked by people with a vested interest. So I took a long time thinking about it before drafting it. I wanted a system where the focal point is political resistance if you dont like something. I did not want a mockery of democracy, my aim was the deepening of democracy. I did not consult a lawyer for this. I understand the Constitution. Our Constitution and the laws we make are a work in progress. My bill is not perfect, it has to be debated and improved upon. My initiative was that this bill should not just go into the annals of Parliament but it should be debated by civil society. Democracy is becoming more complex in our country. Young people are more aware now and more proactive. The political class should live up to the aspiration of the young Indian. I wanted three things highlighted: Accountability; transparency; and deepening democracy The Representation of Peoples Act is a work in progress. A Constitutional amendment is (meant) to add to an existing law to make it better and suited to the times. It adds knowledge to the earlier Act. My idea is to add value to make it more representative. We have to take the peoples concurrence today. I dont want a debate in the houses of Parliament alone but I want a nation-wide debate. The idea is to strengthen the democratic process. India has become progressive. There is a gulf between the political process and young aspirations. I am trying to initiate a debate to bring the youth into the political process. The time for this idea has come, so I have moved this bill. Image: Varun Gandhi. Photograph: Courtesy, Varun Gandhi's Twitter feed. CHARLES CITY | The Floyd County supervisors took action this week requiring both applicants for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and the property owners to appear at public hearings. The action come on the heels of a resolution they passed two weeks ago asking the governor and Legislature to make changes to improve the state's master matrix system. Tuesday's resolution requires both applicants for CAFOs and owners to appear at county hearings after being notified by certified letter of the date and time of the hearings. If either or both fail to appear, a second letter would be sent with a new hearing date and time. If either or both failed to appear at the second hearing, the permit would be denied. The board is also considering a resolution regarding protection of wellheads and groundwater monitoring wells on the sites of proposed CAFOs but no formal action has been taken on that. In its Feb. 14 resolution asking for the state to improve the master matrix, supervisors said CAFOs have been built at a much higher rate than the state anticipated when it created the matrix in 2002. Supervisor Mark Kuhn said 22.4 million hogs produced in Iowa in 2016 is projected to be 30 million by 2020. He said the hogs produce roughly 10 times more fecal waste than humans and that hog waste in Iowa contributes to two-thirds of the fecal waste in the United States. Kuhn said if the waste is applied properly to farm fields, it is good for the economy and good for farmers using it as a nutrient. But if it is applied improperly, said Kuhn, it can leach into groundwater supplies. After a public hearing, when the resolution was proposed by Kuhn, it died for lack of a second. After some discussion and the resolution came up for a vote again, Kuhn favored the concept but objected to some of what was included in the second version. It was approved by a 2-1 vote. The resolution points out the matrix "has failed to adequately differentiate between the geography, water sources and other critical considerations throughout the different regions in the state." It further states the matrix fails "to properly take into consideration information within the knowledge of local sources, highlighting the failings of the master matrix to protect the air, water, health, quality of life and economic interests of the citizens." Floyd officials join Allamakee and Winneshiek county in formally calling for changes in the state matrix. Webster and Pocahontas county leaders last year wrote letters to legislators and the DNR, calling for a moratorium on factory farms and changes to the matrix. Johnson County officials have asked for more local control. The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors in February approved establishing a formal committee to review master matrix applications. The board, which said it would begin participating in scoring hog confinement applications, had previously approved applications as presented. Earlier this week, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors approved an application for a permit for an addition to an existing CAFO because the application met all the requirements of the state matrix. 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. Title Response of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 29 September to 9 October 2015 Publication Date 2 March 2017 Country Bosnia and Herzegovina Citation / Document Symbol CPT/Inf (2017) 2 Cite as Council of Europe: Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Response of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the report of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) on its visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 29 September to 9 October 2015, 2 March 2017, CPT/Inf (2017) 2, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58b823bd4.html [accessed 7 November 2022] 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 UN Mission in Colombia starts verification as FARC-EP begins turning in weapons Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 1 March 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN Mission in Colombia starts verification as FARC-EP begins turning in weapons, 1 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58b826144.html [accessed 7 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. In a major step for the peace process in Colombia, the United Nations Mission in the country today started the verification of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP)'s laying down of arms. According to a news release issued by the Mission yesterday, its observers will identify and register all weapons present in FARC-EP camps in the 26 zones where the group's members are currently located and where they will transition to civilian life. Simultaneously, the Mission will install containers - are already in local sites - in the FARC-EP camps, where these will progressively receive weapons under the constant monitoring of its observers. The process should conclude on 29 May, 180 days after the final peace agreement came into force. As a first step of the gradual weapons storage process, the Mission will receive the armaments from the FARC-EP members who are part of the tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, added the news release. In parallel and in coordination with the FARC-EP, the Mission will immediately begin the process of planning and verification of the destruction of unstable weapons and munition, mines and explosives. Also in the release, the Mission welcomed the parties' decision to initiate the weapons laydown process without further delay, despite logistical challenges which continue to hamper the successful implementation of the final peace agreement. "This is a partial but substantive advance in the laying down of arms process, which [we] value as a good starting point towards overcoming implementation delays," said the UN Mission. "We trust that this process can be accelerated, as part of a virtuous dynamic of simultaneous progress in the implementation of all aspects of the Peace Agreement. This will inspire confidence to those who were party to the conflict and to Colombian society as a whole." The UN Mission also noted that values the decisions announced by the Government today regarding the legal guarantees of FARC-EP members. "This will be a factor of tranquillity in the complex process of transition to civilian life," noted the Mission. MASON CITY | North Iowa Air Service in Mason City, which also operates Charles City Aeronautics Inc., has announced it is expanding its operations into Ames, beginning April 1. There will be no change in service in Mason City or Charles City, said Nicole Kyle, director of marketing for what will now be called Central Iowa Air Service. She will be operations manager in Ames. Bill Kyle, company president, said, "We look forward to bringing our experience and enthusiasm to the Ames market. Nicole Kyle is Bill Kyle's daughter. His son, Todd, is vice president and director of operations for the company. The Kyles have a long history in Iowa aviation, representing three generations and, for Bill Kyle, more than 50 years in the business. His father, Lyle, founded Charles City Aeronautics. Bill went to work for him in 1966, doing odd jobs around the airport. After attending North Iowa Area Community College and Hawkeye Institute of Technology, he returned to Charles City and worked as a mechanic at the airport while getting his pilot's license. He took over as airport manager in 1982 and as president of the company when his father died in 1998. In 2001, the company expanded its operations into Mason City with North Iowa Air Service with Todd becoming operations manager. Bill Kyle says it is the only three-generation aviation family in Iowa. The Ames operation will be similar to those in Charles City and Mason City, offering AV Gas and jet fuel services, charter operations, flight instruction, aircraft maintenance and aircraft sales rental and storage. Lesotho: Quash 'mutiny' charges against freed soldiers Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 1 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Lesotho: Quash 'mutiny' charges against freed soldiers, 1 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58b829404.html [accessed 7 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. In response to the release on "open arrest" today of the final seven Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) members detained on mutiny charges since 2015, Amnesty International's Regional Director for Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena said: "Today's release of the seven members of the Lesotho Defence Force, after almost two years in detention without trial on mutiny charges, is a long overdue step. "The SADC commission of enquiry found the mutiny charges against the group of 23 soldiers these seven were detained with to be 'suspect'. The mutiny charges against all 23 soldiers must be quashed. "The soldiers were held in inhumane conditions, some have raised serious allegations they were tortured, and some were denied sufficient medical treatment. There must be a thorough, independent and impartial investigation into these allegations and suspected perpetrators brought to justice." Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Community representative informs UN Special Procedures of lack of progress in case of over 300 families victim of pollution in Piquia de Baixo, Brazil Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 1 March 2017 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Community representative informs UN Special Procedures of lack of progress in case of over 300 families victim of pollution in Piquia de Baixo, Brazil, 1 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58b82b984.html [accessed 7 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. Ms. Joselma de Oliveira, a Brazilian activist representing over 300 families of the Piquia de Baixo community, all victims of the pollution caused by the mining and steel industries settled in Acailandia (State of Maranhao, Brazil) 20 years before, submitted information and a general update on the situation to the United Nations Special Rapporteurs who had taken action on this case and to the Permanent Mission of Brazil at the UN. She pointed at the lack of concrete measures being taken to reduce the devastating effects of the ongoing pollution on community members' health, and at the lack of progress regarding other remedial measures part of the resettlement plan signed between the State, the affected community and the companies involved that has yet to materialize. She was helped in delivering her testimony by representatives of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and by the Comboni Missionary Dario Bossi, member of the "Churches and Mining" network. Following this meeting, Ms. Joselma de Oliveira and Mr. Dario Bossi will carry on their advocacy journey in Europe with two other meetings. First they will discuss the health consequences of iron production with the Istituto dei Tumori, an European institution researching about illnesses consequences of the pollution. The institution has been asked by Piquia de Baixo local association to conduct a study about the people health conditions. Then, they will be meeting with the Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, regarding the possibilities for support to all the communities suffering violent impacts due to mining operations in Latin America. More information on the case: Piquia de Baixo is a village of about 1.100 inhabitants, in Maranhao State, where high levels of polluting emissions and contaminated water are released by the iron and steel industries operating in the vicinity of the community's houses. For over twenty years, the local dwellers have been victims of respiratory illnesses, eye and skin illnesses, cancer and different kinds of accidents due to these industrial activities undertaken without respecting any health or safety measures. For the past ten years, the community of Piquia de Baixo has been struggling to demand immediate remedies, mitigation of the pollution and collective resettlement in a clean and healthy area. FIDH, Justica Global and Justica nos Trilhos published a joint report [1] touching on the case of the Piquia de Baixo community in 2011, and have been since then supporting the community to seek accountability and redress for the violations identified. In 2014 UN Special Procedures and the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises sent a joint letter to the Brazilian Government requesting information about the serious human rights violations affecting the community. In 2014 UN Special Procedures and the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises sent a joint letter to the Brazilian Government requesting information about the serious human rights violations affecting the community. Footnotes [1] How much are human rights worth in the Brazilian mining and steel industry? The human rights impacts of the steel and mining industry in Acailandia, Justica nos Trilhos, Justica Global and FIDH, May 2012 Azerbaijan: No Progress on Key Reforms Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 2 March 2017 Cite as Article 19, Azerbaijan: No Progress on Key Reforms, 2 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58b832634.html [accessed 7 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 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a prominent international coalition, should suspend Azerbaijan's membership for failing to carry out key reforms, a coalition of 21 groups including Human Rights Watch, ARTICLE 19, and International Media Support said today. The EITI, during its board meeting in Bogota, Colombia, on March 8 and 9, 2017, will review Azerbaijan's efforts to ease its repression of civil society groups as the EITI had required. "The Azerbaijani government is snubbing the EITI by ignoring its requirements for reforms and by systematically dismantling the country's independent civil society," said Giorgi Gogia, South Caucasus director at Human Rights Watch. "Following numerous reviews and warnings, the EITI should suspend Azerbaijan's further participation until the government makes serious, lasting changes to allow nongovernmental groups to operate freely in Azerbaijan." The EITI brings together governments, companies, and nongovernmental groups to encourage better governance of resource-rich countries by fostering open public debate about the use of oil, gas, and mining revenues. The EITI requires member governments to foster "an enabling environment for civil society" and to "refrain from actions which result in narrowing or restricting public debate in relation to implementation of the EITI." At its most recent board meeting, in October 2016, the EITI gave Azerbaijan four months to eliminate legal and bureaucratic obstacles inhibiting civil society engagement in the initiative. It required Azerbaijan to simplify procedures for registration of nongovernmental organizations and for the receipt and registration of grants from foreign donors. The reforms would eliminate some mechanisms for the government to interfere with and stop the work of independent groups. The EITI had downgraded Azerbaijan from a full member to a candidate country in April 2015, due to the government's interference with independent civil society. A joint letter signed by 22 human rights groups worldwide and sent to EITI board members on February 10, 2017 assessed the Azerbaijan government's lack of progress on the reforms identified by the EITI and called on the board to suspend Azerbaijan. In January, Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers adopted two decisions changing regulations for donor organizations and grant registrations. While the new regulations simplify some procedures for grant registration and reduce the number of required documents, they do not repeal the restrictive laws and fail to meet the EITI's demands, the groups said. "Superficial regulatory changes don't address the fundamental issues that led to downgrading Azerbaijan's status in the EITI, or the specific corrective actions set by the board," said Katie Morris, head of Europe and Central Asia for ARTICLE 19. "The credibility of the EITI validation process requires the initiative to suspend Azerbaijan for its failure to comply with the initiative's commitment to civil society participation." The Azerbaijani authorities repeatedly harass activists who advocate good governance and transparency, preventing civil society groups from participating in public debate and advocacy, including on extractive industries, the pillar of Azerbaijan's economy. Two members of the local civil society coalition that participates in the EITI remain jailed on spurious charges, and several other members have been forced to flee the country, fearing politically motivated prosecutions. "Local groups in Azerbaijan are counting on the EITI to remain principled and stand up for them and their essential contributions to public accountability and transparency," said Gulnara Akhundova, head of global response at International Media Support. "Azerbaijan's embattled civil society deserves nothing less than clear and unbiased support from EITI's international board. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 MASON CITY Christopher James Cunningham, 55. of Mason City, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Epiphany Parish-Holy Family Catholic Church, with the Rev. Neil Manternach officiating. Inurnment will be held in St. Patricks Catholic Cemetery, Dougherty. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, where a scriptural wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Chris James Cunningham memorial fund. Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, Iowa, 641-423-2372, ColonialChapels.com. Denver, CO -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/02/2017 --Advocacy group, A Just Cause, announces this Thursday's, March 2, 2017 segment of AJC Radio's, "Spotlight on Capitol Hill" will shine the spotlight on Congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee (D-TN) (http://www.AJCRadio.com, 8-10 PM ET). Congressman Cohen is an outspoken speaker and debater on Capitol Hill, which is why he has been able to accomplish so much over the years. He applies knowledge and careful consideration to the legislation he proposes, addressing the issues that matter most. He has proven to be a responsible leader, which is what the American people need to reach resolutions. Congressman Cohen is articulate, straightforward, and persistent. Prior to his election to the US House of Representatives, Congressman Cohen practiced civil and criminal law for his own law firm, and served three years as Legal Advisor for the Memphis Police Department. Some may criticize or refer to Congressman Cohen as tough, but it is merely a reflection of his passion for public service. Through the years, he's earned the respect of tenured colleagues on Capitol Hill, and those in the African-American community for the stand he takes in national, state, and local politics. "Upon election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, Congressman Cohen immediately distinguished himself on the Hill for his thoughtful legislation and quick wit. He also quickly earned a reputation as a champion of civil rights and justice on the highly influential Judiciary Committee, with then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi referring to him as the "conscience of the freshman class" in 2008" ... "Congressman Cohen has remained a steadfast leader on issues of importance to the people of the 9th District, working closely with former President Barack Obama and leading the policy debate on issues like infant mortality, universal health care, the economy, crime and criminal rehabilitation, veterans issues, transportation and infrastructure, and of course, education." (https://cohen.house.gov/about/biography) "We have found that the response from our over 26 million listeners are amazing, because the things we talk about and hear from our elected officials simply is not promoted on the mainstream media. We are honored to allow our elected officials voices be heard in a very good way across America!" Says, Lamont Banks, AJC Radio Host. "AJC Radio intends to keep our listeners informed more than ever in 2017. There are many new faces on the Hill, and AJC Radio hosts intend to meet with and interview as many as possible for new, exciting and informative Spotlight on Capitol Hill segments," says Banks. We're committed to corresponding with the Congressmen and Senators who want to share their personal stories, and convey the dedicated work they do for the American people," explains Banks. "As AJC Radio supports our elected officials by recognizing their contributions to the American people, and it's an honor to recognize a distinguished and dedicated advocate of the people we have in Congressman Cohen. AJC Radio listeners will definitely want to tune in to hear about all the positive things he has done, and continues to do in his district, and for America during our exclusive interview on this week's show," adds Banks. Per the official website: "Congressman Steve Cohen is a fourth-generation Memphian who has dedicated his life to public service. As a child, the challenges of living with polio taught him how to overcome obstacles through persistence and determination, values which would shape his career as a legislator. Filing to run for office on the same day he first registered to vote, Congressman Cohen stepped onto the path that has defined his life and affected the lives of people in Memphis, across Tennessee and now across America throughout his career in national, state and local politics." (https://cohen.house.gov/about/biography) Please join us as we highlight the accomplishments of Congressman Steve Cohen on this week's show. Call into the live show at (646-200-0628). As always, we welcome your questions and comments. We've highlighted and interviewed both Democrats and Republicans alike, in the House and in the Senate, on our show to include: Congressman John Conyers, Jr., (D MI), Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R WI), Senator Mike Lee (R UT), Senator Chuck Grassley (R IA), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D CA), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D IL), Congressman Danny Davis (D IL), Senator Barbara Boxer (D CA), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R UT), Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R UT), just to name a few. Please go to the AJC Radio archives to listen to the many other members of Congress previously highlighted on our show as well. Follow us on Twitter @AJCRadio. AJC Radio, "Spotlight on Capitol Hill" segments air Thursdays, 8-10 PM ET. Gili Islands, Indonesia -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/01/2017 --Over the last couple of years, hundreds of professional level scuba divers have chosen to take the next step in their professional training by taking the Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Holly Macleod in the Gili Islands, Indonesia. Looking at the latest reviews it's easy to see why the program is so popular. With comments like "fantastic," "amazing" and "incredible" being used as review descriptions. Other descriptions include "Highest Quality PADI Instructor Training", "There is no other place like it", "THE WORLDS GREATEST TEACHER EVER" and "truly dedicated person". Seeing great review titles or description provides for the perfect start when searching for a place to take your professional PADI Instructor training and by looking at the actual reviews you can definitely get a good idea of the exceptionally high level of training provided. Andrea from Italy wrote "It was a great experience and I would recommend to anyone doing their IDC there. Holly and her team did great job in taking care of us, teaching and giving us tips about being a diving instructor. I had such a great time and I learned so much! The course is super fun and really well structured and takes you to the IE step by step, addressing every aspect of dive theory and teaching skills". Madeline from Sweden wrote "I had an amazing time with the most patience teacher I've ever met. It was an intense period but so easy to follow cause of the way Holly teaches. BIG thank you, to all of the staff at the IDC". Piers from the UK wrote "Have dived in many places around the world and met lots of Course Directors on the way, there is no one that comes close to Holly's enthusiasm, support, unbelievable knowledge and experiences in diving as well as love for the sport! It is so inspiring to see her take her regs out at the surface for probably the 25,000th dive and still be like "Wow that was amazing!!". With such amazing reviews, it is no surprise that the program designed by Holly Macleod has become such a popular training option amongst diving professionals worldwide. As well as having a well-known Multi Award Winning Platinum PADI Course Director with a huge reputation for both success and excellence the program also boast impressive instructor level training facilities offered by Trawangan Dive, the first ever PADI 5 Star IDC Career Development Center (CDC) in the Gili Islands and the entire Lombok region. To check out more reviews for previous candidates on the program the PADI Indonesia IDC TripAdvisor Page is definitely worth looking at showing a mass of fantastic reviews and comments dating back many years. Reviews photos and current updates from the program can be found on the Facebook PADI IDC Indonesia Gili Fan page, but ultimately it's best to contact Holly directly through the PADI IDC Indonesia online website. Contact: JT Dive Advice Dive Publications idc@trawangandive.com +62 (0)821-4785-0413 http://www.idc-gili.com/ A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017 Ri Tong Il, Pyongyangs former deputy ambassador to the United Nations, addresses reporters at the gate to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, March 2, 2017. The only North Korean arrested to date in connection with the assassination of the half-brother of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong Un will be released for lack of evidence and expelled from Malaysia, senior Malaysian officials said Thursday. Ri Jong Chol will be deported for immigration violations after his 14-day remand expires Friday, two days after a pair of Southeast Asian women were charged with murder in the attack. Malaysian police are looking for at least seven other North Korean suspects. On the day of the murder, Ri drove four North Korean men to a Kuala Lumpur-area airport, a senior Malaysian government official close to the investigation told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Two women allegedly accosted Kim Jong Nam and smeared VX nerve agent on his face as he was preparing to board a flight to Macau from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. Those four men are the ones listed on charge sheets released by police Wednesday as accomplices in the murder, the source said. But they left Malaysia later that day and returned to North Korea, according to police. The Malaysian government meanwhile announced it was ending a program allowing North Korean nationals to enter the country without a visa, ratcheting up a diplomatic dispute following the fatal poisoning on Feb. 13. Separately, the head of a high-level North Korean delegation that is in Malaysia to claim the body and discuss the investigation with local officials said the victim died of a heart attack and not chemical poisoning as alleged by the Malaysian health ministry. A free man The North Korean will be expelled along with his wife and two children, the senior Malaysian official told BenarNews. They will be sent home on the next flight to Pyongyang at a date to be confirmed once the NK embassy is informed of the deportation, the source said on condition of anonymity. Ri Jong Chol, who has a doctorate in chemistry, according to reports, is one of three suspects who have been arrested so far. On Wednesday, an Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese were charged with his murder. He was here and supposed to work at a local company but never worked even for a single day at the company, the source told BenarNews, saying the suspect and his family would be moved to an immigration detention center before being deported. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali told reporters Thursday that the North Korean in police custody would be released and deported the next day. He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him, Apandi said, according to Agence France-Presse. He has no proper [travel] documents so we will deport him. Malaysia scrubs visa program Also on Thursday, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cited national security in announcing the governments unilateral decision to cancel a program of visa-free entry for North Korean nationals, starting March 6. North Korea and Malaysia have had diplomatic ties since 1973, but the murder of Kim Jong Nam on Malaysian soil has shaken bilateral relations, with Kuala Lumpur already recalling its ambassador to Pyongyang over the affair. The North Korean ambassador has twice lashed out in public against Malaysian officials for refusing to hand over Kims body to Pyongyang without a post-mortem. Earlier this week, a high-level North Korean delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur seeking custody of the body, but Malaysian officials have not yet commented about this or said whether senior government representatives had met with the delegates. North Korea has referred to the deceased man only as Kim Chol, the name on the passport he was carrying at the time of death, and never confirmed his identity as Kim Jong Nam. Extremely toxic On Thursday, the head of the delegation, former North Korean Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Ri Tong Il, told reporters that the North Korean man who died on Feb. 13 had a record of heart disease and died of a heart attack. On Feb. 21, Malaysian health officials ruled out cardiac arrest in Kims death. The special envoy from Pyongyang also questioned the accuracy of Malaysias claim that Kim Jong Nam was killed by VX, saying that the Malaysian government should send samples of the substance found on the body for verification by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international agency in the Netherlands. The United Nations has banned VX and listed it as a weapon of mass destruction. How is it possible that the two ladies who used their bare hands to contain the material and apply it to the face of the victim, and they survived, he asked. And everybody knows, and should know, the toxic nature of this material, he went on to say. This is extremely toxic. Thats why it was categorized as a chemical weapon by the OPCW. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. North Korea has suspended exports of rare minerals to China in reprisal for Beijings recent suspension of North Korean coal imports, sources said Thursday, amid rising tensions between the neighboring nations. A source based in North Koreas North Hamgyong province, near the border with China, told RFAs Korean Service that while the move was meant to convey anger over the coal ban, it is only temporary because Pyongyang has no resources to export other than minerals and its trade partners are limited. Iron ore from Musan mine and magnesia clinker from Dancheon are still exported to China, but the export of molybdenum from Musan county and cobalt minerals from Hoeryeong has been completely halted, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The central authorities suspended the export of rare minerals from around Feb. 20. I believe it is an action of reprisal because China sympathized with United Nation sanctions against North Korea and stopped importing North Koreas coal. Beijing's customs authority on Feb. 18 suspended all imports of coal from North Korea with immediate effect until the end of the year, citing U.N. Resolution 2321. In an opinion piece on Feb. 20, Chinas official Global Times newspaper denied speculation in the Western media that the ban was a response to the murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns half-brother in Malaysia a week earlier, suggesting the move was instead linked to Beijings disapproval of Pyongyangs nuclear weapons program. The article noted that some 40 percent of North Koreas foreign currency is believed to be coal exports to China. According to RFAs source, North Hamgyong province relies heavily on profits generated by molybdenum and cobalt exports, and had been hit hard by the rare mineral export suspension. The export of these minerals suddenly stopped without any notice, so mine workers and their families cant earn their livelihood, he said. Therefore, alternative measures are needed immediately. Mine workers who have been left without jobs are bewildered, the source said, adding that it was unclear how long the suspension of rare mineral exports would last. Yanggang hit A second source, who also asked not to be named, told RFA Wednesday that the rare mineral export suspension was similarly affecting Yanggang province, another region in North Korea bordering China. I dont know what other regions are like, but Yanggang province has completely stopped exporting minerals to China for some time now, he said. The minerals from Yanggang province are all rare, so suspending exports will cause a blow [to the economy]. The Yanggang source also suggest that the export suspension would not last long, due to the regions reliance on China for basic operating needs. Even though none of the mineralscopper concentration and zinc concentration from Hyesan mine, Tungsten from Daebong mine, and molybdenum from Yonghwa mineare being exported, Hyesan mine is still using electricity from China, he said. This implies that the export suspension wont last long. Last week, a political commentator who asked to remain anonymous told RFA that Beijing had always shied away from implementing U.N. sanctions against North Korea after negotiating an exemption on the grounds that sanctions would endanger the well-being of the North Korean people. The commentator said Chinas ban on North Korean coal imports shouldn't be taken as evidence of a harder line on Kim Jong Un coming out of Beijing. U.N. Resolution 2321, passed last November, capped North Korea's coal exports at U.S. $400.9 million annually, or 7.5 million tons. But China imported 18.6 million tons of coal from North Korea in the first 10 months of 2016, an increase of 13 percent over the same period in the previous year. Written by Sunghui Moon for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Soo Min Jo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. A Myanmar woman stands on the bank of the Irrawaddy River in the country's northernmost Kachin state in a file photo. Farmers who were victims of land expropriations in the Hukaung region of northern Myanmars Kachin state protested on Thursday against the company that took more than 270,000 acres from them a decade ago, local residents said. Local residents and farmers from 20 villages in three of the regions townshipsHpakant, Mongkaung, and Tanaingattended the Farmers Day rally in Warazut village. The rally was directed against Yuzana Company Ltd., a Myanmar conglomerate owned by business tycoon Htay Myint, who was previously on the United States sanctions list that bans American companies from doing business with certain foreign individuals or firms. Htay Myint is one of Myanmars cronieswealthy and well-connected business scions with ties to military-backed enterpriseswho have contributed to Myanmars reputation as a poor investment destination. We held todays event with the intention of getting our land back as well as to celebrate Farmers Day and to express our feelings about losing our land because of Yuzana Company, said Nashee Aung Lat, a farmer from Warazut village. Villagers at the time had no choice but to accept compensation they say was insufficient, while some received no money at all. Yuzana, which operates in the agriculture, construction, hospitality, real estate and fishery sectors, seized the farmland for large-scale agricultural production, including cassava and sugarcane plantations, in 2007 when Myanmar was under the rule of a military junta. Farmers who lost land filed a lawsuit against the company in 2013 in a bid to get it back. Yuzana later responded by filing a countersuit. In May 2016, more than 8,000 villagers sent a written request to the new civilian-led government that came to power a month before, urging it to help in addressing their dispute with Yuzana, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported at the time. Farmers Day, also known as Peasants Day, is a March 2 annual public holiday in Myanmar honoring those who work in the countrys agricultural industry. About 70 percent of Myanmars population of 54 million people make their living as farmers. March 2 also marks the day 55 years ago when a military coup led by General Ne Win came to power, ushering in the political dominance of the armed forces. An oppressive military junta ruled Myanmar from 1962 to 2011. Letpadaung land dispute In a related development, the Sagaing regional government in northwestern Myanmar has submitted complaints by farmers in the town of Letpadaung who lost land to a controversial copper mine operated by a Chinese company to the national government to resolve, a local official said. Letpadaung farmers have long protested land takeovers in 2014 and 2015 by the mine project operated by Chinas Wanbao Mining Copper Ltd. Company and Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd. (UMEHL), a Myanmar army-owned conglomerate. They met with Sagaing Chief-Minister Myint Naing on Feb. 25 to discuss roughly 2,000 acres of land for which they have not received compensation from Wanbao. The company wants to pay them a limited annual amount as compensation for lost land and crops, but the farmers are demanding 700,000 kyats (U.S. $517) per acre for this year and compensation for future years, said Myint Kyi, Sagaings municipal minister. Farmers want compensation for the years they cant work on their lands, he told RFAs Myanmar Service. Some cant work for four years, some for three years, he said. The company said it cant do this. The regional government cant decide how to resolve their disagreement over the compensation amount because the company made the agreement with the previous government, he said. Thats why we transferred the case to the Union government yesterday. A parliamentary inquiry commission on the Letpadaung project called for more transparency in Wanbaos land appropriation process and for police riot-control training in the wake of a violent raid on protesters at the mine site in 2012. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars current de facto leader who led the commission, accused the government of former President Thein Sein of ignoring the bodys recommendations to improve conditions at the mine, saying these had sparked clashes in December 2014 between police and farmers trying to prevent Wanbao employees from fencing off land for the project. The incident left one farmer dead and dozens injured. Last month nearly 100 Letpadaung residents blocked the road to the mine and demanded that Wanbao give them the 1,900 acres of the land they were supposed to receive according to the recommendations of a parliamentary commission. Police later charged 25 farmers with blocking trucks loaded with copper from leaving the mine. By Kyaw Myo Min and Thiri Min Zin for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A gallery in Macau has cancelled a performance by a Tibetan painter after authorities in Beijing threatened to arrest and deport him if he tried to enter the Chinese-administered region, according to the artist. Tashi Norbu, a Tibetan artist based in the Netherlands, was scheduled to hold a live-painting performance at Macaus Lilau Square as part of the opening of the iAOHiN Amber Gallery on March 5, but was contacted in Hong Kong by a gallery official and told to leave the city for his own safety. A ranking Chinese military officer informed the gallery director that I was on a blacklist and my entry to Macau is forbidden, Norbu told RFAs Tibetan Service on Tuesday, a day after fleeing Hong Kong, where he had recently exhibited his work, for Dharamsala, Indiathe seat of the Tibetan government in exile. The Chinese official reasoned that whatever I display [at the gallery] will be against the Chinese government, so he warned that if I go, then I would be [arrested and] deported. Norbu said the gallery director felt it was better to heed the warning because of his experience with previous instances in which artists had been targeted by Chinese authorities in Macau, a former Portuguese colony that was returned to Chinas rule in 1999. The art gallery also advised me to leave [Hong Kong], because they could not bear responsibility if anything happened to me, he said, adding that the conversation really frightened me and led him to purchase an airline ticket to India the same day. Norbu describes his work as a modern take on traditional Tibetan themes and frequently includes images of the Buddha in the pieces. He claims that his art is not political in nature, though he has painted scenes depicting exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lamawho Beijing accuses of stoking tension in the Tibetan regionand yellow umbrellasa symbol of Hong Kongs 2014 democracy protests. Norbu was briefly detained by authorities while entering and leaving Macau in April last year for a show of his work that received considerable media attention. iAOHiN Amber Gallery asked him to perform at its March opening exhibition, which the artist said promised to be significantly higher profile as the organizers have invited dignitaries and ambassadors to the show. Under scrutiny Officials at iAOHiN repeatedly cautioned Norbu that his work at the event would be scrutinized by Beijing and three months ago informed him that he would not be permitted to exhibit anything related to the Buddha. Additionally, I was told that I could not wear anything identifying me as a Tibetan [while performing], he said. When I work I wear a white outfit to highlight the art, rather than to draw attention to my dress. But for the Chinese, this becomes something politically symbolic, as white represents peace and they see it as a statement [against Chinese rule in Tibet]. So I was not allowed to wear that. As the date for the exhibit drew closer, Norbu said iAOHiN greenlighted a theme of the fire roostera zodiac symbol for Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which is observed from Feb. 27 to March 1 this year. Two months ago, they informed me that [the fire rooster] is not related to politics and therefore should be ok, he said. But [on Feb. 26] while I was in Hong Kong, they told me that the [shape of a] rooster resembles Chinas map. So since I am a Tibetan, I couldnt draw that. Hong Kong Free Press said in a report that iAOHiN received more than 1 million Macau Pataca (U.S. $125,000) last year in a subsidy from the governments Cultural Industries Fund, which could be threatened if the gallery went ahead with Norbus event, citing a source in the Macau art industry. In a press release, iAOHiN curator Simon Lam expressed disappointment that Chinas authorities see the arts as a threat banning what is nothing else than pure art performance and said he would do his best to ensure that the public was informed about Norbus ordeal. Reported by Ngawang Chophel for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. A Brazilian who fought with Russia-backed separatists in Ukraine is trying to overturn his conviction. Rafael Lusvarghi was sentenced to 13 years in prison and is believed to be the first non-Russian convicted for crimes related to the war in Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL, he explained why he joined the separatists and how he became disillusioned by what he called a "barbaric" conflict. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, YouTube) Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti says he is in constant contact with international security authorities to ensure stability in Kosovo as more ethnic Serb police officers in the north of country resigned. Kurti said on November 6 after a rally by ethnic Serbs in the streets of North Mitrovica that the security situation in Kosovo was threatened by various criminalized individuals and groups, but said that during his time in office, we have made great progress in the fight against crime and corruption." He added that the rule of law goes hand in hand with peace and security and cannot be threatened, adding that authorities do not distinguish criminals on the basis of ethnicity, but only on the basis of their criminal acts." When asked about the decision on November 5 by the Serbian List party to leave Kosovo's institutions, Kurti repeated his call that Kosovo Serbs refrain from doing so. "I once again I invite all Serb citizens of our country to not abandon institutions, not to resign, not to leave their jobs, because there would be less service for the people," he said. Kurti has blamed Belgrade for seeking to destabilize Kosovo by supporting the ethnic Serbs in their boycott of state institutions. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement on November 5 that the withdrawal of Kosovo Serbs from Kosovo institutions "is not a solution to the current disputes" and it has the potential to further escalate tensions. A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo released to RFE/RL's Balkan Service late on November 6 said the United States agrees with the European Union that the recent developments around relations between Kosovo and Serbia "are of great concern and put important progress achieved in the EU-facilitated Dialogue at risk. "The Kosovan Serbs' withdrawal from Kosovan institutions is not a solution to the current disputes and has the potential to further escalate the tensions on the ground," the statement added. "All involved must take steps to reduce tensions and ensure peace and stability on the ground." The Serb officers who resigned on November 6 submitted written resignations to the police station in North Mitrovica. One of the policemen told RFE/RL that the officers only submitted their resignations in writing but had not yet turned in their uniforms and weapons. However, he said this will follow in the coming days. Numerous media outlets reported that the police officers took off their uniforms as part of the wider Serb movement to withdraw from institutions in Kosovo touched off by a move to implement a mandate on the conversion of vehicle license plates. A statement from the Kosovar police force said it was aware that Serb police officers had abandoned their posts and that some have handed over police equipment. The rally by ethnic Serbs in North Mitrovica on November 6 came a day after Serbs there said they would quit their posts in state institutions to protest against the use of license plates issued by Pristina. Following a meeting of Serb political representatives in the north of Kosovo on November 5, the minister of communities and returns, Goran Rakic, said he was resigning from his post in the Pristina government. He told reporters that fellow representatives of the Serb minority in the north had also quit their jobs in municipal administrations, the courts, police, and the parliament and government in Pristina. Rakic said they would not consider returning unless Pristina abolishes the order for them to switch their old car license plates, which date to the 1990s when Kosovo was a part of Serbia, to Kosovo state plates. Addressing the rally on November 6, Rakic accused Kosovo government authorities of not respecting international law and agreements negotiated in Brussels. Rakic has called on the protesters "not to fall for provocations and to continue the fight with peaceful and democratic means." The license-plate measure took effect on November 1, and Kosovo authorities said enforcement would be gradual. The U.S. Embassy statement reiterated the U.S. position that the Kosovar authorities should extend the process of converting vehicle license plates and suspend any punitive actions until the license plates issue can be resolved through dialogue. Many ethnic Serbs in Kosovo refuse to recognize the countrys independence from Serbia, which it declared in 2008. The European Union has told Kosovo and Serbia that they must normalize ties if they want to advance toward membership in the 27-nation bloc. With reporting by dpa, AP, and AFP Armenia-backed separatists said on March 1 that one of their soldiers was killed in clashes with Azerbaijani forces along the boundary of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. Nagorno-Karabakh's self-declared defense ministry said Azerbaijani forces had been violating cease-fire agreements all day. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said that their forces detected and destroyed some Armenian combat vehicles during a maneuver. "The Armenian armed forces have been suffering losses, mainly mercenaries of Armenian origin," the ministry said in a statement. Five Azerbaijani soldiers were killed in clashes with Armenia-backed separatists last week and both sides have been accusing each other of an attempted incursion. Armenia-backed separatists seized control of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is mainly populated by Armenians, during a war in the early 1990s that killed some 30,000 people. A cease-fire was agreed in 1994 but it has not always held, and diplomatic efforts to permanently settle the conflict have brought little progress. Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax Magomed Mutsolgov, a respected Ingush public figure and human rights defender, has for the first time in his career come out with an overtly political demand, one that is likely to exacerbate the long-standing enmity between him and Republic of Ingushetia head Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. In a brief statement posted on February 27 on his Facebook page, Mutsolgov called for the resignation of both Yevkurov and the region's parliament in light of a proposal, which he denounced as "treachery," floated by parliament speaker Zelimkhan Yevloyev four days earlier. Speaking on the anniversary of the 1944 deportation to Central Asia of the Chechen and Ingush nations, Yevloyev had suggested that in future that deportation should be formally commemorated on October 30, which since 1991 has been marked across the Russian Federation as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repression. That category encompasses not only the nations that Soviet leader Josef Stalin had deported en masse as politically unreliable, but the tens of millions of other victims of his reign of terror. Shifting the date of the commemoration, Yevloyev reasoned, would enable the Ingush people to join in the nationwide celebration on February 23 of Defenders of the Fatherland Day glorifying the Soviet (and later Russian) armed forces. Mutsolgov immediately rejected that proposal, suggesting in a blog post on the news portal Caucasian Knot that while that idea originated in the Kremlin, it was Yevkurov who put Yevloyev up to making it public. Yevkurov's own comments on the deportation anniversary were more muted. He recalled the suffering of the victims (half the 96,327 Ingush deportees died); the charity of other ethnic groups that helped the deportees survive; and the nation's collective responsibility to ensure the memory of the deportation endures and to strengthen Ingushetian statehood. Mutsolgov's anger at what he termed "using the memory of our ancestors and our national interests to score political points" is understandable. But to vent that anger on Yevkurov, rather than simply on Yevloyev, is arguably neither rational nor entirely fair. True, Yevkurov, himself a former Russian military intelligence lieutenant colonel, did not publicly distance himself from Yevloyev's proposal, but neither has he endorsed it. That is not to say that calls for Yevkurov's resignation are not justified: he has long been widely perceived as ineffective and corrupt. During his eight years as republic head, Ingushetia's rundown economy has continued to stagnate. High-level corruption continues to flourish, with government ministers leaving their posts under a cloud with monotonous regularity: in early February, Regnum reported the arrest of Construction Minister Mustafa Buruzhev in connection with the embezzlement of 54 million rubles ($930,000) earmarked for building a school. Meanwhile, the police and security services still engage with impunity in the arbitrary detention, torture, and killing of anyone suspected of links with either the North Caucasus insurgency or, more recently, the extremist group Islamic State. An apparent recent victim was Magomed Daliyev, who died of torture hours after being taken into custody in July 2016 for questioning over a robbery at the bank where his wife worked. (She too was subjected to torture.) Center to Counter Extremism head Timur Khamkhoyev and one of his deputies have been arrested in connection with Daliyev's death. Moreover, Mutsolgov has personal grounds to loath Yevkurov. Yevkurov is rumored to have sought on numerous occasions either to put an end to the activities of the NGO Mashr (Peace) that Mutsolgov founded in 2003 to provide advice and legal aid to the relatives of people killed or abducted by the security services, or even to engineer his death. The most recent campaign to discredit Mutsolgov dates from November 2015, when a search of his offices allegedly yielded evidence that he had downloaded child pornography onto an office computer. After a protracted investigation, the Investigative Committee recently announced it had found no grounds to bring criminal charges against him, Caucasian Knot reported on February 10. Until now, Mutsolgov has scrupulously avoided becoming involved in either politics or religious issues, as he assured Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2013 in a detailed account of the pressure brought to bear on him by the Republic of Ingushetia leadership. But having been exculpated by the Investigative Committee, he may feel that he is currently in a stronger position than ever before to confront Yevkurov openly, and may never have another such opportunity. The enthusiastic response to his call for Yevkurov to resign suggests that many Ingush support that demand. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL A Crimean Tatar leader who has criticized Russia's annexation of the Black Sea peninsula is expected to go on trial within weeks. Ilmi Umerov, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the Mejlis, said on Facebook that investigators from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) told his lawyers on March 1 that they had wrapped up their case. Umerov's lawyer, Emil Kurbedinov, said defense attorneys were given a March 7 deadline to read the case materials -- which he said consisted of three 250-page volumes. Kurbedinov said the trial will start in about a month. Umerov, 59, was charged with separatism in May 2016, after he made public statements opposing Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014. He denies the charges, saying he has the right to express his opinions freely. BRUSSELS -- European Union ambassadors have decided to prolong asset freezes imposed by Brussels against Ukraine's former President Viktor Yanukovych and 14 of his associates. The decision on March 2 by the ambassadors sets up a vote by EU ministers who are expected to confirm the one-year extension when they meet in Brussels on March 3. One politician who previously had been sanctioned by the EU, Yuriy Ivanyushchenko from Yanukovych's former party, the Party of the Regions, has been removed from the sanctions list that was approved by the EU ambassadors on March 2. Ivanyushchenko recently was cleared of any wrongdoing by Ukraine's high court. The EU sanctions were imposed shortly after the collapse of Yanukovych's government in February 2014 against people who, according to the EU, "were responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds." Apart from Yanukovych, the list includes his son Oleksandr Yanukovych, former Prime Ministers Mykola Azarov and Serhiy Arbuzov, and the head of Yanukovych's administration, Andriy Kliuiev. Ukraine's former Prosecutor-General Viktor Pshonka, former Justice Minister Olena Lukash, and former Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko remain on the EU sanctions list. The European Court of Justice in 2016 rejected challenges filed against the sanctions by Yanukovych and others on the list. The court ruled that the reason for imposing sanctions against them was lawful. Germany's foreign minister has questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for all NATO members to increase their defense spending to the alliance's target of 2 percent of economic output, calling that "completely unrealistic" for Berlin. On a visit to Estonia on March 1, Sigmar Gabriel said that, while Germany accepts it must increase its defense spending from today's 1.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), 2 percent is too much. "Germany needs to do more, no question about it," he said, but it is "completely unrealistic to raise expectations in Germany or among our partners that we will add 30 billion euros to our defense spending over the next eight years." Germany has set a more modest goal of increasing spending by 2 billion euros, to 37 billion euros, with the goal of reaching 39.2 billion euros by 2020. Gabriel questioned whether NATO members outside the United States would like to see a massive surge in military spending by Berlin. "We also have to consider whether Europe wants a Germany that invests 60 billion euros a year in the German Army... This would be military supremacy in Europe, and I think our neighbors would not like to see that." In an address to Congress on February 28, Trump repeated his demand that NATO allies "meet their financial obligations," and expressed satisfaction that many NATO members have moved to comply with his wishes by increasing spending. "I think it is correct that Europe accepts that those times when the U.S. took on the primary burden of our defense are behind us," Gabriel said. "Europe's GDP is the same as that of the U.S. So there is no reason to demand more of the U.S. than of Europe." But he noted that NATO's target of each country spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense is not legally binding on members, who pledged in 2014 to "aim to move towards the 2 percent guideline within a decade." "There is no [mandatory] 2 percent goal, but rather...we should be moving in that direction," Gabriel said. Moreover, he said, higher military spending would not solve all of today's global problems. "Most wars and developments in the refugee crisis that we are currently facing can't be solved with more spending on equipment but with protecting people from famine, poverty, and war," he said. Gabriel's comments highlighted a rift within Germany's ruling coalition, which faces elections in September. While Gabriel, a center-left Social Democrat, openly questioned the pressure European members of NATO are getting from the White House, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, both conservatives, have said it is Germany's duty to reach the 2 percent target, though they have proposed much lower spending in the near term. So far, of the 28 NATO member countries, only the United States, Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia have met the two percent target. With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has described a military buildup by Russia along its borders with the Baltic states as "completely irrational" and has vowed to keep German forces in the region as long as necessary. Speaking during a March 2 visit to Lithuania's Rukla military base, where about 400 German soldiers are stationed, Gabriel said "the military potential that the Russian Federation has built up here at the border is completely irrational in my view because there is zero threat emanating from these countries." The German troops are part of a 1,000-soldier battle group that eventually is to be integrated with U.S., British, French, Canadian, and other NATO forces. Gabriel said the German troops will remain at the Lithuanian base "as long as needed" but did not provide further details. NATO countries have been increasing force deployments in the Baltics to reassure allies about support from the alliance in the face of aggressive actions by Russia since early 2014 when the Kremlin seized and illegally annexed Ukraines Crimea region and began supporting pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has defended its troop movements near the Baltic borders, saying they are defensive in nature and part of efforts to modernize its overall forces. In a statement on March 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the arrival of U.S. troops in the region as "dubious" and "provocative actions." "It could not escape us that the U.S. troops that recently arrived in Poland and the Baltic states have already managed to mark themselves...with a clear anti-Russian focus," Zakharova said in a statement. Another German official, Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, told reporters at an air base in Amari, Estonia, that the Baltic states and other countries can "rely" on support from Germany. "Estonia, and our friends from Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, can rely on us," von der Leyen said. "We Germans know what it means to be at the eastern border and to have the solid protection of the alliance." Gabriel and von der Leyen both have also discussed concerns about Russia's growing disinformation and cybercampaigns described under Russia's military doctrine as "hybrid warfare." "No one expects a real military confrontation to happen here," Gabriel said on March 2. "But what there is, and what has been reported in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are attempts at massive disinformation and influence campaigns," Gabriel said. With reporting by Reuters, Interfax and dw.com 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. It's disappointing that no one in Nebraska's 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 what's 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 Grassley's 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. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 24 edition of the Lincoln Journal Star, another Lee Enterprises publication. A French appeals court has postponed a decision on the possible extradition of former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who was a guerrilla commander during the 1998-99 Kosovo war. The court has said a ruling on Haradinaj's extradition will be made on April 6. Following a request from Serbia, French authorities had detained Haradinaj as he flew into France on January 4. Serbia says he is a war criminal for his role in leading a guerrilla insurgency in its former southern province of Kosovo. The 1998-99 war between Serbian forces and Kosovo Albanian guerrillas was ended by a NATO air campaign. The conflict killed 13,500 people, most of them ethnic Albanians. Predominantly ethnic Albanian Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. After a short hearing in a French court in Colmar, Haradinaj told reporters, "this is an abuse." "I am a political hostage. This whole procedure is not about the law, it's mostly about politics. The 1998-1999 war was dealt with by the Hague Tribunal. Everyone involved in this decision will be embarrassed. I am to remain in France", Haradinaj said. His arrest further strained tense diplomatic ties between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared independence with Western backing in 2008 and has demanded Belgrade drop its efforts to prosecute people linked to the conflict. Haradinaj's Alliance for the Future of Kosovo party has urged French authorities to stop all legal actions against him. Serbia said in January that it would refuse to extradite suspects sought by France if Paris failed to hand over Haradinaj. The European Union and United States have criticized Macedonias president for refusing to give a mandate to form a new government to opposition leader Zoran Zaev, despite Zaevs success in forming a majority coalition in parliament. President Gjorge Ivanov, a member of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, said on March 1 he would not give his backing to a coalition government of Zaevs Social Democratic Union (SDSM) and three ethnic Albanian parties. Ivanov justified his decision to withhold the mandate by saying that "negotiations on Zaev's part" involved "a platform of a foreign country" -- a reference to the demands of Zaev's would-be junior coalition partners to broaden the official use of the Albanian language. On March 2, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, said after a meeting with political leaders in Skopje that Ivanov should reconsider his decision not to grant Zaev the mandate. "I asked the president to reflect on the way forward to reverse his decision in the interest of all citizens," Mogherini told reporters. The EU foreign policy chief also said Skopje should "scale down the rhetoric" to prevent the political crisis from turning into "an interethnic conflict or, even worse, a geopolitical conflict." The U.S. ambassador to Macedonia, Jess L. Baily, said Ivanovs decision was a cause for concern. We believe that this was inconsistent with basic democratic principles and the rule of law, which are core values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization," he said in a statement on the U.S. Embassy's website. "As a strategic partner of Macedonia, as a friend, and with full respect to Macedonia's sovereignty and unity, we urge President Ivanov to reconsider this decision," Baily told reporters. "At the same time, we urge Macedonia's neighbors to exercise restraint and be constructive at this moment of heightened political sensitivity in the country." Russia, meanwhile, criticized the SDSM coalition effort and accused NATO, the EU, and Albania of attempting to impose a pro-Albanian government on the people of Macedonia. With active cooperation of the EU and NATO officials, an 'Albanian platform' created in Tirana, in the office of the [Albanian] prime minister, is being imposed on Macedonians," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on March 2. Zaev on February 27 presented signatures from three ethnic Albanian political parties to Ivanov -- showing he has support from a total of 67 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament to form a new government. Under Macedonia's constitution, the president must present a potential coalition leader with a mandate before parliament can vote on the new government -- the mandate that Ivanov has so far refused to give to Zaev. The VMRO-DPMNE, led by former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, won the most votes in Macedonias December election, taking 51 seats in parliament compared to SDSMs 49. But Gruevski was unable to get another 10 lawmakers from the ethnic Albanian parties to join him in a coalition because he refused their demands that Albanian should be designated as a second official language in Macedonia. About one-quarter of Macedonias population of 2.1 million people are ethnic Albanians. Macedonia narrowly avoided civil war in 2001 after an uprising by armed ethnic Albanians who sought greater rights. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and European Western Balkans Moldova's government has recalled its envoy to Moscow, without offering any explanation. Prime Minister Pavel Filip's government on March 1 said it was recalling Ambassador Dumitru Braghis from Moscow. No further details were given. Earlier this week, pro-Moscow leftist President Igor Dodon had rejected three government-proposed Moldovan envoys to Britain, Austria, and Belarus, apparently angering pro-European centrist Filip. Russia on March 2 voiced surprise at Chisinau's decision, saying it had not been officially notified of the move. "So far we have not received anything official from them [the Moldovan authorities], Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said on March 2. "It was quite an unexpected announcement to us," Karasin said. "Appointing and recalling an ambassador is a state's sovereign right. But, naturally, we expect to receive some clarification in an unofficial way," he said. Russia does not know at the moment who will replace Braghis, who was a respected diplomat, Karasin concluded. With reporting by TASS Moscow authorities have again removed an improvised memorial near the Kremlin where Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was gunned down two years ago. Activists said on March 2 that local authorities had removed flowers and posters from the site. Nemtsov, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was fatally shot on the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge on February 27, 2015. Authorities regularly remove the makeshift memorial. The last time flowers and candles were removed from the bridge was on February 27 -- the second anniversary of his death. Police also detained six activists on February 27. The detainments took place a day after about 15,000 people marched in central Moscow to commemorate the opposition politician. Ekho Moskvy radio reports that Moscow authorities announced a tender on March 1 to reconstruct the bridge during 2018 and 2019. The reconstruction activities might block access to at least some parts of the bridge. Five suspects from Russia's North Caucasus region are being tried for Nemtsov's killing, but relatives and supporters believe those who carried out the contract-style killing were following orders from someone higher up. With reporting by Ekho Moskvy ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's government has approved plans to bring the country's semiautonomous tribal areas into the political mainstream -- a move that would end federal rule of the region and extend the jurisdiction of Pakistan's national courts there. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along Pakistan's volatile border with Afghanistan have long been a stronghold for Taliban fighters and Haqqani network militants. Sartaj Aziz, head of the government's reform committee, said the government in Islamabad had approved the reforms "in principle" on March 2. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told his cabinet the government wants "to bring tribesmen into the national mainstream so that their deprivations can end." Aziz said FATA would be merged into neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province within five years. Key reforms would include extending the jurisdiction of Pakistan's national courts, incorporating tribal law enforcement into the national security forces, establishing parliamentary representation for the tribal areas, and ending collective-punishment laws that date from the British colonial era. For the reforms to take effect, the plan approved by the government on March 2 must now be codified as a draft constitutional amendment that requires approval by two-thirds of the lawmakers in both chambers of Pakistan's bicameral legislature. There are 104 members of the upper chamber of Pakistan's parliament, the Senate, and 342 lawmakers in the lower chamber, the National Assembly. In 2016, both chambers of Pakistan's legislature approved a draft version of the plan. FATA's seven tribal agencies -- Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Orakzai -- are home to about 8 million people, most of them Pashtuns. The Pashtun tribes that inhabit the region are semiautonomous and had maintained good relations with Islamabad until the collapse of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in late 2001. FATA was created in the 19th century by British Colonial India authorities. Since the partition of British Colonial India into two separate states, Pakistan and India, the areas of Pakistan known as FATA have been administered centrally according to a mixture of local tribal traditions -- known as Pashtunwali -- and by civil laws. Some local tribal leaders have long demanded reform to FATA, saying its status has fueled violence and poverty. With reporting by Dawn and Geo News A U.S. drone has killed two men riding a motorbike in Pakistan's northwest tribal region, officials said. This is the first such attack in Pakistan under the administration of new U.S. President Donald Trump. The attack occurred in the Sara Khwa area of the Kurram tribal district that lies along the border with Afghanistan. A security source told RFE/RL that the two were suspected militants, identified as Qari Abdullah and Qari Shakir. It is not clear which militant group they belonged to. A second unnamed official confirmed the strike and the casualties. "The drone came from Afghanistan and returned after firing two missiles on the motorbike," he said. The previous U.S. drone attack took place in May 2016, killing the leader of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mansur in southwestern Balochistan province. Drone strikes are extremely unpopular among many Pakistanis because they are seen as a violation of the country's sovereignty. However, leaked documents have shown that Pakistan and the United States have secretly colluded over some cases in the past. With reporting by AP MOSCOW -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has long styled himself as a liberal-leaning lawyer who loathes corruption, having launched an initiative to combat rampant graft in 2008 -- one of his first acts as president during his four-year stint in the Kremlin. But now Medvedev is taking fresh fire on the issue from opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, who is accusing the former president of being one of Russia's richest men and one of its "most corrupt" bureaucrats. In Navalny's latest investigation, released online on March 2 and delivered in his trademark caustic style, the Kremlin opponent accuses Medvedev of using an array of charity and nonprofit organizations to collect donations from oligarchs and state banks and then redirecting the funds to purchase pricey assets. Navalny called these donations naked bribes. "The only recipients of this 'help' are Medvedev and his family," he said. The report, accompanied by an explanatory video, alleges that at least 70 billion rubles ($1.2 billion) in funds and assets have been transferred to organizations controlled by people close to Medvedev. It claims that this alleged empire includes palaces, elite residences, estates, yachts, and vineyards in Russia and abroad. "The real owner of the assets is almost impossible to trace because by being registered to charity foundations, they essentially belong to no one. Medvedev's property is managed by his friends, schoolmates, and trusted people," Navalny alleges in the investigation. He called Medvedev "one of the richest people in the country and one of the most corrupt bureaucrats." The investigation was quickly dismissed by Medvedev's office as political bluster and "propaganda." 'Nothing To Do With Charity' Citing public property records, the investigation alleges that Alisher Usmanov, a billionaire with deep connections in Russia's ruling elite, donated a property in the wealthy Rublyovka village outside Moscow worth 5 billion rubles ($85 million) to a nonprofit fund for state social projects reportedly led by two former university classmates of Medvedev. "This fund has nothing to do with charity," Navalny said. Usmanov had not responded publicly to the report as of March 2, and the respected Russian daily RBK reported that his company, Metalloinvest, declined to comment when reached by the newspaper. The investigation did not uncover any assets linked on paper to Medvedev. Navalny alleges that the organizations cited in the report are managed by people close to Medvedev who oversee "personal" property for the prime minister. Navalny drew attention to properties that include a vineyard in the Black Sea town of Anapa and one in Italy's Tuscany region; a residence in the western Kursk region; a dacha in the central Ivanovo region investigated by Navalny in September; an estate in Rublyokva; a house in Krasnaya Polyana near Sochi; a house in St. Petersburg; and two plots of land on the Black Sea. The investigation comes as Navalny tries to raise his profile in order to take part in the 2018 presidential election despite his conviction last month on embezzlement charges that he and his followers say were trumped up to eliminate him from the race. Medvedev's spokeswoman, Natalya Timakova, said on March 2 that the investigation looked "distinctly like election campaigning" and that commenting on "propaganda attacks" by a convicted man was "pointless," the Interfax news agency reported. The allegations were reported in several influential newspapers and online news portals, but were ignored by most pro-Kremlin media. As the investigation circulated widely on social media, state news agencies on March 2 reported Medvedev's message of support to farmers that the trade embargo on European Union produce is here to stay. Navalny rose to prominence during antigovernment protests over allegations of parliamentary election fraud in 2011, and he has emerged as the de facto opposition leader. He carved out an online following as a slick social-media operator and by harrying President Vladimir Putin's allies, whom he has accused of corruption in a series of hard-hitting investigations. In December, Navalny announced his bid to run for president next year, although the authorities consider him to be barred from the race after he received a suspended sentence last month. He has said he intends to run anyway and has been drawing attention by opening regional election-campaign offices. A recent poll by the independent Levada Center found that the percentage of Russians prepared to vote for Navalny had fallen from 33 percent in 2011 to around 10 percent this year. In liberal opposition circles, reactions to the investigation ranged from praise to downbeat skepticism Roman Dobrokhotov, a journalist and former opposition activist, suggested the investigation might indeed land a blow to Medvedev, but that it could lead to him getting replaced by someone with a tougher reputation, such as Putin's longtime close associate, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. "Now Putin is like: Medvedev has lost my trust, I'll replace him with Sechin. Enjoy," Dobrokhotov wrote on Twitter. WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said he expects bipartisan support for renaming the street in front of the Russian Embassy in Washington to honor Russia's slain opposition politician Boris Nemtsov. Rubio, a Republican, proposed the legislation on the second anniversary of Nemtsov's fatal shooting on a bridge near the Kremlin. "It's important because it highlights a particular case of an individual who lost his life because of his opposition to the Putin government," Rubio told RFE/RL. "The naming of that street will be a reminder every day -- not only to visitors to that embassy, also to people who work in there --that the current president of the Russian Federation is a thug and a criminal," said Rubio, who has become a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin's government. Five suspects are being tried for Nemtsov's killing, but his relatives say those who carried out the contract-style killing were following orders from someone higher up. Some 15,000 Russians marched through Moscow on February 27 to honor Nemtsov and to call for justice. Thousands also rallied in cities across Russia. Business groups are sounding the alarm over the need for reasoned immigration reform to provide the future success for outstate Minnesota. There may be no more divisive issue at the moment than immigration. Much of the rhetoric of the campaign leading up to the last election suggested that immigrants were a threat to the nation's security and a major drain on the economy, taking away jobs from others. The security risk was always overblown and the economic argument flat out wrong. Businesses and community leaders across the state know very well that immigrants are taking jobs that would otherwise go unfilled and providing the economic growth that will keep communities and businesses growing and successful. From time to time, throughout history, immigrants have been targeted as a threat to safety and economic growth by politicians who believe they can capitalize on raw emotions and fear. Many of the immigrants who settled in southern Minnesota in the late 1800s faced persecution. Now, with a renewed focus on deportation and the construction of a wall on the border with Mexico, business leaders are trying to provide a level of reason amid the din of anger. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and many other groups, including those in agriculture, are sending the message that immigrants must be welcomed if the state's economy is to grow and rural towns are to survive. They note that the state will need immigrants to arrive at a higher rate than now in order to keep up with jobs opened by baby boomers' retirements, not to mention any new job openings. No one can accuse this group's members of being politically motivated in their criticism of the current state of affairs over immigrants. No one has ever accused the chamber or other business groups involved of being radical liberals. The chamber said that the focus on immigration enforcement and a wall is diverting attention from the real need of overhauling the immigration system. They note that the outdated static immigration quota numbers should be replaced by a dynamic system that allows different numbers of immigrants to enter the country based on current economic needs. And they know reform needs to address the 11 million undocumented people already in the country, providing them some route to citizenship, with whatever requirements Congress and the president believe necessary. They intentionally list border security as their last goal, believing that if good immigration reform is passed, border security would mostly take care of itself. Finding ways for more immigrants to legally enter, work and strive toward citizenship doesn't mean security or background checks need to be weakened. At a time of overheated rhetoric, the message being delivered by Minnesota's business community is a breath of fresh air. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 28 edition of The Free Press of Mankato (Minnesota). A regional economic summit in Pakistan has concluded with 10 nations pledging to collectively fight the "challenge of terrorism" and push for greater collaboration on trade, energy, and infrastructure. Islamabad hosted the daylong Economic Cooperation Organization summit on March 1. "There has never been a more opportune time to realize our dreams of connectivity for regional prosperity," said Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "We are determined to collectively face challenges such as extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking in order to realize our vision of making the region a zone of peace and prosperity," he said. "We have committed ourselves to working together for bringing progressive change to the lives of the people in our region, transforming it into a bastion of peace, progress, and prosperity." Iranian President Hassan Rohani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the heads of states who attended. Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan founded the organization in 1985, which now includes most central Asian states. Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, said peace and stability in the region will enable nations to achieve economic goals. The conference took place under tight security after a wave of recent suicide bombings by various militant groups killed more than 125 people across Pakistan. Based on reporting by AP and dpa A company controlled by billionaire Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man, said on March 2 that the seizure of some of its assets by Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country is "unacceptable." The March 1 move to seize dozens of coal mines and other enterprises, including a telecoms firm and a humanitarian organization funded by Akhmetov, followed an announcement by the separatists that they would take control of companies located on territory they hold in response to a road and rail blockade imposed more than a month ago by nationalist Ukrainian lawmakers and veterans of the ongoing war in the east. The separatists want Ukrainian companies operating on their territory to register and pay taxes locally instead of to the government in Kyiv. "We believe that private property is sovereign, and the demands of re-registration of our companies and payment of taxes to self-proclaimed DNR and LNR are unacceptable," Akhmetov's SCM Group said in a statement referring to the separatist-controlled areas of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The SCM Group, which also provides heating, electricity and gas to millions of Ukrainians, said it is one of few links between the government-controlled areas and non-government controlled areas of Ukraine. President Petro Poroshenko has denounced the move by the separatists as "another brutal and dreadful violation of international law." Authorities in Kyiv say a methane gas explosion and tunnel collapse at a underground coal mine in western Ukraine has killed eight workers. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said on March 2 that 20 other miners who were trapped beneath the surface have been rescued. "All the miners have been brought to the surface," the authorities said. Six other injured miners were able to escape on their own from the mine shortly after the explosion. There was no immediate word about the condition of the injured miners. The mine is located in Ukraine's western region of Lviv near the border with Poland. Authorities said 34 miners were working at a depth of about 550 meters when a buildup of methane gas exploded. The coal mine is operated by a state company called Lvivvuhillya. About 172 total workers were at the facility at the time of the disaster, authorities said. Regional Governor Oleh Synyutka said the mine has been preparing to increase its coal output in an attempt to make up for the loss of coal supplies from parts of eastern Ukraine that are under the control of Russia-backed separatists. The separatists in eastern Ukraine continued to supply coal to the government in Kyiv after their conflict against Ukrainian government forces began in April 2014. But Ukrainian activists, including some members of the parliament in Kyiv and many former government soldiers who are veterans of the conflict, started in January to blockade train routes into eastern Ukraine to protest the coal deals. The blockade has cut off supplies of coal from eastern Ukraine that are desperately needed in western Ukraine for power plants, causing power shortages and other harm to Ukraine's economy. The disruptions prompted Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko recently to declare an emergency in late February and to urge all Ukrainians to try to conserve energy. Meanwhile, the Russia-backed separatists have threatened to stop supplying coal to the government in Kyiv or companies that are not in separatist-controlled areas. With reporting by UNIAN, AFP, dpa, Interfax, Radio Svoboda, and Ukrainian Channel 112 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions -- under mounting criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers over his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the 2016 presidential election campaign -- says he will recuse himself from any investigations related to the campaign. "I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States," Sessions told a Washington news conference on March 2. Hours after the announcement, President Donald Trump called congressional demands for Sessions to step away from the investigation or resign "a total witch hunt." The president conceded, however, that Sessions could have been more accurate in portraying his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak. Trump said that Sessions "did not say anything wrong" when he failed to mention meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak during a confirmation hearing in January for his appointment as the top U.S. prosecutor. "Jeff Sessions is an honest man. ... He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional," Trump said in a statement. "The Democrats are overplaying their hand." Sessions made the announcement after a growing number of lawmakers from both parties said Sessions should recuse himself from investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election campaign. Sessions said he made his decision after consulting with Justice Department officials for "several weeks" about whether to step away from any potential decisions related to investigating the 2016 presidential campaign. Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to any such investigations. Top House and Senate Democrats, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, have said recusal is not enough and have openly called for Sessions' resignation -- charging that he lied under oath during his Senate confirmation hearing. Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating allegations of collusion between Russia and Trump's campaign, became the latest to call for Sessions' resignation, saying he "clearly misled" Congress. During his confirmation hearing, Sessions said under oath that he had not been in contact with anyone from the Russian government during the 2016 election campaign, and that he did not know of any members of Trumps campaign team who had. But on March 1, he appeared to reverse himself after The Washington Post reported that he had met at least twice with Kislyak during the campaign period. During the news conference, Sessions insisted that his meetings with the Russian ambassador were conducted in his capacity as senator and not as an adviser to the Trump campaign. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to the Justice Department and the F.B.I. on March 2 calling for "an immediate criminal investigation into these statements, which could potentially implicate a number of criminal laws, including lying to Congress and perjury." Sessions, who was a key adviser to Trump's campaign, denied wrongdoing on March 2, saying that he didn't discuss the election campaign with Kislyak during his meetings. He insisted during the March 2 news conference that he had answered truthfully during his confirmation hearing in a response to a question by Senator Al Franken, a Democrat from Minnesota. "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign," Sessions said on March 2. "And the idea that I was part of a quote 'continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government' is totally false," he added, referencing the question Franken asked him during the hearing. In January, U.S. intelligence agencies released a report saying they had assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" seeking to undermine faith in the U.S. electoral system and denigrate Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Shortly before the news conference, Trump said he had "total" confidence in Sessions. News reports say the FBI is investigating communications and business ties that several current and former Trump aides had with Russian officials. As the U.S. attorney general, Sessions is empowered to oversee any investigation by the U.S. Justice Department. Sessions said his recusal from overseeing investigations does not confirm the existence of any ongoing investigation. The Reuters news agency, citing two U.S. officials, reported on March 2 that Sessions is one of many "subjects" of a government investigation of any contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Sessions was not now a "target" of the probe by the FBI, the Treasury Department, the CIA, and the National Security Agency. Russian has tried to keep its distance from the controversy over the meetings between Sessions and Kislyak. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said on March 2 that he was unaware of such meetings but that if they did take place, there was nothing suspicious about them. On March 3, Peskov echoed Trump's criticism of the scrutiny that U.S. lawmakers have trained on contacts between members of Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Citing Trump's "witch hunt" remark, Peskov said: "After such an exhaustive definition by President Trump, we have nothing to add." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also used the "witch hunt" term, saying, "I can only cite the quote that media outlets have distributed today: All of this strongly resembles a witch hunt or the McCarthy era, which we thought had long since passed in the United States as a civilized country." With reporting by Reuters A journalist and nephew of the late Uzbek President Islam Karimov has been released from a psychiatric clinic where he was held almost continuously for more than 10 years, according to the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE). In a March 1 statement, OSCE media-freedom representative Dunja Mijatovic welcomed the release of Jamshid Karimov. There was no announcement from the Uzbek government, and the OSCE statement did not say when Karimov was released. It also did not mention Karimov's family, but he is known to be the nephew of Islam Karimov, who died in 2016 after ruling the Central Asian country with an iron hand for more than 25 years. Jamshid Karimov, 49, had garnered attention for his articles criticizing Uzbek government and local officials in Jizzax province. He was initially confined to a psychiatric institution in Samarkand in 2006. He was released in 2011, but several months later was again placed in a psychiatric clinic. Mijatovic also urged Uzbek authorities to release all imprisoned journalists, including Yusuf Ruzimuradov, Salijon Abdurahmanov, and Dilmurod Said. News media in the United States are reporting that White House attorneys have instructed President Donald Trump's staff to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the 2016 election. The AP and Reuters news agencies on March 1 cited anonymous administration officials as saying a memo was sent to White House staff on February 28 after Senate Democrats asked the White House to keep all materials documenting contacts that Trump employees had with Russian government officials or their associates. The Senate Intelligence Committee made a similar request to the White House. The FBI has been investigating contacts between Trump advisers and Russia, while congressional committees are investigating Russia's role in political hacking during the campaign. Congressional staffers say they have no evidence that materials related to Russia are not being preserved. But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said last week: "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up [their] ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts, and other records that could shine a light on those connections." The intelligence community has concluded that Russia leaked hacked Democratic documents last year to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russia and the White House have denied the allegations. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters 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. A national late-night cookie delivery chain has filed a trademark lawsuit against a similar, Richmond-based cookie courier that has opened a new retail store on the Corner in Charlottesville. In a lawsuit filed Jan. 26 in Charlottesvilles federal court, Insomnia Cookies LLC claims that the recently opened 14th Street location for Red Eye Cookie Co. the companys second store and a short walk from Insomnias location on University Avenue will irreparably harm Insomnias business. It continues that Red Eyes crescent moon logo, name and general business plan are similar to or mimic Insomnias, and that Red Eye is using its logo with the purpose and intent of trading on the goodwill that Insomnia has developed in a manner designed to mislead customers. Red Eyes adoption and use of a mark that predominantly features a crescent moon design and a standalone crescent moon design is likely to cause consumers to believe, mistakenly, that Red Eyes goods and services originate from, are associated or affiliated with, or sponsored or endorsed by Insomnia, the suit reads. The lawsuit accuses Red Eye of federal and common law trademark infringement, federal and common law unfair competition and federal trademark dilution. An attorney for Red Eye Cookie Co. on Thursday said the company will vigorously defend the lawsuit, "which appears to be nothing more than an attempt by a large cookie chain to stifle competition in the late-night cookie marketplace. Red Eye believes that customers recognize the unique value that the Red Eye brand brings to the marketplace and the role that Red Eye plays in serving our communities," according to the statement. "Red Eye was the first to market in the Richmond area in the late-night cookie business and was opened by a long-time local resident," the statement said. "Red Eye has developed all of its own recipes, makes its dough from scratch, and takes pride in locally sourcing its flour, butter, and milk. Red Eye looks forward to moving beyond the pending litigation, but, in the meantime, Red Eye will continue making great cookies for the enjoyment of its customers and serving our local community. Started by a University of Pennsylvania undergraduate out of his dorm room in 2003, Insomnia Cookies maintains more than 100 stores throughout the country, including locations in Richmond and Charlottesville, among others in Virginia. According to the suit, Insomnia has used a distinctive design mark since its early days, which prominently features a crescent moon dotted with what appears to be chocolate chips, giving the impression of a cookie with a bite taken out of it. Red Eye began in March 2014 on West Grace Street near Virginia Commonwealth Universitys academic campus. It moved in August 2015 to its current location at 935 W. Grace St., roughly 240 feet from Insomnia Cookies own Richmond location, which opened in January 2015. Red Eyes logo also features a crescent moon, which is colored dark red. Each company sells freshly baked cookies, baked goods, milk, coffee and ice cream, and both offer late-night delivery typically to college students. The lawsuit states that Insomnia and Red Eye are very similar, if not identical and continues that the companies operate in the same markets; the companies target the same customers; the companies advertise and promote their goods and services in the same or similar media; and Red Eye is using one or more marks that feature a crescent moon design as the dominant design element of those marks. It further contends that even the name Red Eye Cookie Co. gives the same commercial impression as Insomnia Cookies implying that it caters to customers who are up late that Red Eye operates bakeries near Insomnias existing stores, and that Red Eye is using a look and presentation that mimics Insomnias. As such, Insomnia asserts that Red Eyes use of its logo will cause customer confusion that has and will continue to damage Insomnia. Insomnia claims to have attempted to resolve the dispute without involving the court, as shown in letters appended to the lawsuit. In a letter dated July 31, 2015, and addressed to Red Eye president and co-founder Brayden Pleasants, an attorney for Insomnia asked that the two companies discuss an amicable solution over the reported similarities. That letter was ignored, according to Insomnias suit, as Red Eye did not respond and then filed a trademark application the following September. In another letter to Pleasants, dated Nov. 4, 2015, that same attorney reiterates the same points, but again to no avail, leading to Insomnias attempt to try and block Red Eyes application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. With the announcement of the Red Eyes new Charlottesville store, which opened in February at the former Campus Cookies location, Insomnia was left with no option but to file against Red Eye, the suit says. The company is asking the court to validate Insomnias claims and halt Red Eye from using its logo and otherwise competing unfairly with Insomnia. That the Virginia Wine Expo has become part of the fabric of the area social scene is a given. More than 10,000 people are expected to again sip and dine as they attend part or all of the event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and other locations March 8-12. Now in its 10th year, the expo is showing no signs of aging. Instead, it continues to evolve and grow. New features have been added again this year. Old sideshows have fresh looks. And people come from far and wide, much to the delight of expo creator and executive director Alex Papajohn. We are close to our goal of being a national destination, he said. Were a few years away. It might be closer than that. In fact, Papajohn said, attendees last year came from 25 states, including California and almost every East Coast state. And even from overseas, he said. The lure, of course, is the wine at least 650 different wines are expected to be poured during the popular Saturday and Sunday (March 11-12) Walk-Around Grand Tastings but theres much more. Guest region: The expo went global several years ago with an international guest region; this year there will be two, with wines from Portugal and Spain available for sampling Saturday and Sunday afternoons. New this year will be a national region. Wines from Sonoma County will be available for tasting during the walk-arounds. These wines will be for sampling but not for sale. There also are several seminars focused on the highlighted regions. Burger Blast: This Friday night (March 10) event will feature more diversity and creativity in the 20 burgers prepared by local artisan chefs as well as a larger selection of state wine and craft beer. One of those beers will be a first-release collaboration between the expo and Three Notchd Brewing Co. Smoked: A huge success in its debut last year, this Saturday night (March 11) spectacular is moving to a larger venue in the convention center to better display the smoked (and nonsmoked) cuisine and have room for the expanded selection of whiskey, wine and beer. The whiskey choices will be up to 40 and include numerous state craft spirits as well as national brands, such as Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Knob Creek, Old Forester, Eagle Rare, Woodford Reserve, Makers Mark, Blantons, Basil Haydens and Laphroaig. Wine plus: To supplement the 40 or so state wineries pouring and selling their wines at the Walk-Around Grand Tastings, the expo is purchasing wines from about 20 other state wineries that seldom or only occasionally participate at the event. Wine-savvy volunteer-run wine booths will be scattered throughout the floor. Papajohn is targeting such wineries as Keswick, King Family, Breaux, Elk Island, Michael Shaps and Pearmund Cellars. These wines will be available for sampling but not for sale. Golden beverages: Barboursville, Jefferson, Pollak and Valley Road vineyards will have booths and be pouring their Governors Cup gold medal wines. Food: Two special events have been added: A Noodle & Dumpling Affair will be held Thursday, March 9, at the historic Hofheimer Building in Scotts Addition, and California Tapas & A Cool View lunch will be Friday, March 10, at Maple & Pines rooftop bar at the Quirk Hotel. Plus, a 10th anniversary dinner will take place Wednesday, March 8, at Shagbark. Blending these new events with old but proven ways is a successful formula. I think the concept of Smoked and things like that keep it fresh, said Henrico resident Bill Shewey, who will be attending the annual expo for the seventh time. I think it makes the overall event better, and it keeps people coming back. The first time Shewey attended, the expo drew about 60 state wineries. To get that large a grouping of Virginia wines together at the same time so you could sample wines that you never heard of was a definite draw, he said. Even though the number of wineries at the expo are fewer, there are still some new ones that I have not been to or heard of, so its really fun to try them. Some of the expos old practices still work well, Shewey said. I do like the fact they do have combo tickets, and I like that they pick up your wines and hold them for you, then help you if you need it, he said. Overall, its a well-run function. Papajohn likes what he sees as the event evolves, but he knows theres more to be done. The expo is definitely transitioning from a major regional event into a national destination event, he said. To become a destination event the overall experience needs to continue improving. The quality and breadth of the wines and craft beers, and whiskeys at all of our events must continue to improve. The quality and selection of our cuisine at events involving food must continue to be enhanced. The quality of the representatives pouring and talking about the craft beverages our attendees are tasting must continue to get better. And the diversity of the venues we use must also be enhanced. All of which sounds like a man and an event with a plan. Four people have been arrested in connection with a credit card skimming operation that resulted in more than $18,000 in fraudulent charges in Louisa County, the sheriff's office announced Thursday. The operation lasted several months and affected victims in Louisa, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Fairfax County and Maryland, the sheriff's office said. In Louisa, skimmers captured victim's credit card information at the Elk Creek Country Store in Bumpass and the New Bridge Market in Mineral, the sheriff's office said. Fewer than 10 county residents were affected, the sheriff's office said. Breisys Martinez, 23; Yesenia Rodriguez-Lopez, 21; Braya Hernandez, 32; and Julio Cesar Marquez-Franco, 29, face a total of 56 counts in Louisa on charges including credit card fraud and illegally possessing credit card numbers. All are legal Cuban immigrants who live in Hialeah, Fla., the sheriff's office said. HOUSTON, March 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transwestern today released a report examining a number of creative office projects that have generated substantial returns for investors upon completion. The adaptive reuse developments span Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Austin, Texas. The report also highlights 20 additional large creative office projects currently underway across the country. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8516a8f3-84d9-4d73-9604-0215d98b84d3 Michael Soto, Director of Research in Southern California and co-author of the report, explains that while creative office conversions are not new, what is different this cycle is the sheer volume of creative office exits nationally at core/core-plus pricing that have occurred during the past five years with the buyers being major institutional investors or well-known owner/users. The conversion of a property from industrial or retail use to creative office has become an increasingly popular value-add strategy for investors, Soto said. Two trends are fueling demand for this type of differentiated office product: One, technology, advertising, media and other companies trying to attract millennials are interested in the characteristic features of creative office space open floor plans, natural lighting, common spaces and amenities such as cafes and rec rooms. And two, tenants are returning to cities, where they can take advantage of live/work/play environments. Based on favorable exit pricing of some major creative office projects around the country, this type of value-add strategy on this large scale is now being considered by developers, either via direct investment or joint-venture partnerships with equity partners. Conversely, stabilized creative office properties are on the radar of many national and international institutional buyers that are paying traditional trophy Class A pricing for these types of properties, usually based on the credit-worthiness of the tenant, as well as the location of the project. The report cautions, however, that many of these projects were acquired and developed under very different economic conditions than exist today. Rising land, building and construction costs especially in hot neighborhoods may add more risk when compared to a few years ago, when we were at a different point in the real estate cycle, said Sandy McDonald, Director of Research in Chicago and co-author of the report. In addition, adaptive reuse often comes with hidden costs and potentially expensive future property modifications. Moreover, the popularity of the creative office concept means that there is more inventory in the market today. Landlords that own existing office buildings or are doing ground-up development are realizing that they must consider strategic property enhancements and creative office-associated tenant amenities to stay competitive in the marketplace. To view the complete report, titled Creative Office Projects: Adaptive Reuse Generates Staggering Returns for Investors, visit http://twurls.com/creative-office-projects. ABOUT TRANSWESTERN Transwestern is a privately held real estate firm of collaborative entrepreneurs who deliver a higher level of personalized service the Transwestern Experience. Specializing in Agency Leasing, Management, Tenant Advisory, Capital Markets, Research and Sustainability services, our fully integrated global enterprise adds value for investors, owners and occupiers of all commercial property types. We leverage market insights and operational expertise from members of the Transwestern family of companies specializing in development, real estate investment management and research. Based in Houston, Transwestern has 34 U.S. offices and assists clients through more than 180 offices in 37 countries as part of a strategic alliance with BNP Paribas Real Estate. Experience Extraordinary at transwestern.com and @Transwestern. A former Midlothian physician was convicted Wednesday of writing 52 prescriptions over 1 years for highly addictive opioid drugs in a fraud scheme that involved six accomplices and netted the doctor a cut of the narcotics. Dr. Kyle Douglas Compton, 40, whose license to practice has been suspended, issued unlawful prescriptions from his former home-based practice in Midlothian to people not under his care between Dec. 1, 2013, and May 31, 2015. All of the prescriptions were for hydrocodone or oxycodone, two highly addictive opioid drugs used for pain relief. Compton was sentenced in Chesterfield County Circuit Court to a five-year suspended prison term. Recommended state sentencing guidelines calculated for him called for a punishment of probation and no active incarceration. He had no prior criminal record. Under the scheme, according to authorities, Compton recruited a co-defendant, Ray Derwin, to fill the prescriptions, and in turn, Derwin enlisted co-defendants Kenneth Willoughby and Charles Tuck to assist. Willoughby recruited two more people, Sean Smith and Parker Laipple, and Laipple recruited a sixth man, Kenneth Richmond, authorities said. All six co-defendants were charged and are awaiting trial. They had all been scheduled to testify Wednesday against Compton. It was a whole big chain of (prescription fraud) going on, said Thomas McKenna, special counsel to the Central Virginia Regional Narcotics Task Force that conducted the investigation with help from the enforcement arm of the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Compton received one-quarter to one-half of the narcotics from each prescription he wrote, but investigators never determined what he did with the drugs. He apparently didnt keep the drugs for his personal use, and the investigation showed that Compton apparently was never paid in cash for the prescriptions. We dont have any certainty as to what he was doing with the pills, McKenna said. We dont know exactly why he was doing it. The 52 prescriptions he wrote netted a total of 4,620 pills. An investigation began after state police Special Agent Randy Fletcher received a tip from an informant who said a person with whom the informant worked was trying to persuade him to forge prescriptions, McKenna said. The prescription would be written for the informant, and in exchange for filling it, he would be allowed to keep half of the pills. All this person would have to do is provide his personal information and a fictitious illness to put on the prescription, which would then be issued by a physician identified as Dr. Compton, McKenna said. This individual was told that he wouldnt have to actually visit the doctor. The informant initially agreed to participate and had received a fraudulent prescription from Compton. But he decided to contact police instead of passing it along, because he got scared, the prosecutor said. Derwin and Willoughby were the primary middlemen who picked up the prescriptions from Compton, McKenna said. The prescriptions were then passed to the people for whom they were written, and those individuals would have the prescription filled at various local pharmacies. Everybody received a cut of the pills, the prosecutor said. All the participants were given a cover story, McKenna said. They were supposed to tell police, if questioned, that they had been seeing Dr. Compton and paying him $50 for an office visit. But the Virginia Board of Medicine determined that Compton had no hard record indicating that any of these individuals were his patients, McKenna said. The pharmacies where the prescriptions were filled had no way of knowing that these were improperly issued prescriptions, McKenna added. Instead of proceeding to trial, Compton entered an Alford plea to one count of conspiring to violate the Drug Control Act by engaging in prescription fraud. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence for a conviction. The Virginia Board of Medicine suspended Comptons license to practice on Oct. 30, 2015. He formerly was a physician with Commonwealth Hospitalist Services in Glen Allen and lived in the 13500 block of Springford Parkway in Midlothian. He has since moved to Kentucky. A state lawmaker facing criminal charges of domestic abuse will not seek re-election this year. Del. Richard L. Morris, R-Suffolk, resisted a call last year from House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, and GOP leadership to step down after domestic abuse charges were first filed against him. Suffolk police alleged in court records that Morris assaulted his wife and her son in their home. Morris has maintained his innocence. In a statement he emailed to the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Wednesday, he said it has been a privilege to serve the people of the 64th House District but said his children need his attention. His three youngest children are 2, 4 and 5, he wrote. While at the General Assembly in Richmond, it has been a challenge to give them the attention they deserve, and my commitment to them is greater than no other, he wrote. I am supremely confident that these false allegations will be dismissed in May, however to seek re-election to this office will take dedicated time away from my children that I am not willing to further sacrifice. A Suffolk juvenile judge in December barred the press from a preliminary hearing for Morris. Judge Robert S. Brewbaker Jr. dismissed six felony charges during the hearing. One felony charge of child cruelty was sent to a grand jury for consideration, and a grand jury in January indicted Morris on that charge, on a second felony child cruelty charge, and on two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery of a family member. Morris wife, Kathryn, defended him, saying she had asked him to discipline her son but that no abuse took place. Morris accused the special prosecutor the Hampton commonwealths attorney of a political agenda against him. Morris is a military lawyer, Navy veteran and former chairman of the Isle of Wight County Republican Party. He was first elected in 2011 to the district, which stretches from Suffolk and Isle of Wight to the southern border of Petersburg. Two other Republicans are already in the hunt for the seat: Emily Brewer, a Republican activist from Suffolk who owns a wine shop, and Rex Alphin, the chairman of the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors. A re-election campaign promised to bring more attention to Morris ordeal, and it was already beginning to produce awkward public moments. Before the first Republican gubernatorial debate last month at a millennial-focused conference in Charlottesville, former Gov. Jim Gilmore mentioned the Morris case onstage and made a plug for Brewer. She was just telling me shes a 32-year-old woman running for the House of Delegates against a guy who was charged and under indictment, Gilmore said. So it seems to me that the time has come to put a millennial in that seat. Three Democrats have announced a run for the seat: Jerry Cantrell, an educator; Rebecca S. Colaw, a lawyer and retired military officer; and John Wandling, a retired military veteran. CHRISTIANSBURG The man accused of murdering Blacksburg teenager Nicole Lovell is scheduled for a 10-day jury trial beginning Nov. 6. The new court date for David Edmond Eisenhauer, 20, of Columbia, Md., restores a timeline that was removed from the case last month. Montgomery County Circuit Judge Robert Turk agreed in February to Eisenhauers attorneys request to delay a trial that was slated to begin next week. Attorneys still are scheduled to be in court on Monday to make arguments about allowing media cameras into the courtroom for future coverage of the case. Also Monday, Turk is scheduled to hear arguments from attorneys for Eisenhauers co-defendant, Natalie Marie Keepers, 20, of Laurel, Md., about moving her trial from its scheduled March 27 start. Keepers trial, also scheduled to be in front of a jury, has been set to run five days. In a court filing last week, Keepers attorneys said that they needed more time to review evidence, including a recently submitted psychological evaluation of their client. Eisenhauer is charged with first-degree murder, abduction and concealing a body. Keepers is charged with being an accessory before the fact to first-degree murder and with concealing a body. Eisenhauer and Keepers both of whom were Virginia Tech engineering freshmen when they were arrested are accused of plotting to lure Lovell, 13, from her familys home in Blacksburg and kill her. LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) announced that Rich Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Raymond James 38th Annual Institutional Investor Conference in Orlando, Florida on Monday March 6, 2017 at 8:05 a.m. Eastern time. A link to the live webcast of the presentation will be available via the Broadridge Investor Relations home page at www.broadridge-ir.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for two weeks following the conference. About Broadridge Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) is a leading provider of investor communications and technology-driven solutions for banks, broker-dealers, mutual funds and corporate issuers. Broadridges investor and customer communications, securities processing and managed services solutions help clients reduce their capital investments in operations infrastructure, allowing them to increase their focus on core business activities. With over 50 years of experience, Broadridges infrastructure underpins proxy voting services for over 90% of public companies and mutual funds in North America, and processes on average over $5 trillion in equity and fixed income trades per day. Broadridge employs approximately 10,000 associates in 16 countries. For more information about Broadridge, please visit www.broadridge.com. If a conservative is a liberal who has been mugged, then there must be a lot of conservatives at colleges around Virginia these days. Last month higher ed institutions reported how much they spend complying with federal mandates. Its quite a bit: $20 million a year at the University of Virginia, for instance just for the academic division. At Virginia Commonwealth University, its $13 million. William and Mary says it has been forced to hire at least four people just to abide by all the rules. To which the business community is probably saying: Welcome to our world, folks. When corporations complain about the high cost of complying with regulations, they get hammered for being heartless and greedy: The rules were imposed for the common good, goes the retort. Instead of griping about compliance costs, maybe you should try paying your CEO a little less. Without all this regulation, wed have anarchy. Officials at Virginias universities suggest the discussion needs more nuance. W&M vice president Samuel Jones says 10 percent of the admininstrative work there is regulation-driven. How do you define what that point of moderation is? U.Va.s Gary Nimax says the school would prefer to trim regs with a hedge clipper, not an ax. The final chance for a rumble of thunder may arrive late in the evening. Spotty, weak storms will accompany a cold front as it passes from west to east across the area. It'll become breezy again once winds shift from the southwest to the northwest, but the gusts overnight won't be as strong as the ones that blew through on Wednesday morning. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Please find the attached pdf-version of the printed 2016 Annual Report for Statkraft AS. The printed report is in accordance with statutory requirements for annual reporting and contains report from the Board of Directors and financial statements. A more extensive report is available on web, including management's review, corporate governance statement, corporate responsibility report and supplementary information. The web version is available on Statkraft's website www.statkraft.com or directly through the link http://statkraft.com/annualreport2016/. Contacts: Head of Investor Relations Thomas Geiran, tel.: 905 79 979. e-mail: thomas.geiran@statkraft.com Press spokesperson Knut Fjerdingstad, tel.: 901 86 310. e-mail: knut.fjerdingstad@statkraft.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Tilt has shut down its small Blacksburg office after the Silicon Valley tech firm was bought by Airbnb last week, according to the companys landlord. The crowdfunding business which offered an online tool to help groups pool money was co-founded by a Virginia Tech alumnus. It previously reserved a suite for a handful of employees inside TechPads downtown coworking space. But property owner James Creekmore says they have now moved out. A Blacksburg Tilt employee, Ian Good, told The Roanoke Times that he will not be staying with the company, though its unclear what is happening with the rest of the local team. A Tilt official did not respond for comment. Tilts acquisition has been met with a lukewarm enthusiasm, as tech news sites such as TechCrunch have reported that Airbnb primarily bought the company simply so it could hire its employees. That comes after the startup raised more than $60 million in venture capital as it stood out as a potential leader in mobile payments. But Creekmore said hes happy any time he sees a startup graduate from his coworking spaces, especially if its scooped up by an industry heavy-hitter like Airbnb. He does wish, however, that the startup had kept its roots in town. If we ever can graduate one from an unreserved space to a reserved space, to a suite, to an office on Main Street hallelujah. Thats what we want to do, Creekmore said. We want to see them move on. We just want to try to keep as many of them as possible as productive members of the business community. Khaled Hussein was one of the original founders of Tilt, starting the company in Austin, Texas, after he graduated from Virginia Tech. and worked at Rackspace. Tilt was never based in Southwest Virginia, but the company has maintained close ties. Several early employees and interns came out of Virginia Tech and in 2015 it opened a small office inside TechPad known as Tiltsburg.. Creekmore said its unfortunate to see the startup close its local outpost, but hes happy for the role Blacksburg played in the startup success story. Creekmore launched Studio2.0, another downtown coworking space, in 2016 with the mission of growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Blacksburg. He later bought TechPad and most recently expanded into two other downtown offices. Across all his properties, he now offers 19 suites, 28 reserved desks and room for about four dozen tenants who have no reserved space. So weve got room, Creekmore said. Weve got a nice coworking community. WASHINGTON Republicans led by Rep. Bob Goodlatte on Tuesday stifled a Democratic attempt to force the Justice Department to produce records related to its investigation of whether Donald Trump and his campaign had secret ties to Russia. The Roanoke County congressman said, however, that he would urge federal authorities to continue their probe. The party-line House Judiciary Committee vote concerned a resolution of inquiry, an obscure legislative maneuver that allows Congress to demand documents from the executive branch. Under House rules, such a resolution must be debated in committee or be sent directly to the House floor. The resolution was among the steps that members of the Democratic minority in the House have taken to pressure the GOP to toughen its oversight of President Donald Trump and his administration. It asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions to provide records that pertain to any criminal or counterintelligence investigation into Trump, his White House team or certain campaign associates; any investment made by a foreign power or agent thereof in Trumps businesses; Trumps plans to distance himself from his business empire; and any Trump-related examination of federal conflict of interest laws or the emoluments clause of the Constitution. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who filed the resolution, told his colleagues that the panels lawmakers should not bury our heads in the sand. The security and integrity of our nation are at stake, he said. It is unfortunate that we must resort to a resolution of inquiry to learn the truth about these serious issues. The public deserves to know the truth about the president, and we must not stop until we get these answers. Judiciary Committee Chairman Goodlatte called the resolution unnecessary, premature and not the best way for this committee or the House to conduct oversight. Instead, he said, he plans to send a letter requesting that Sessions proceed with investigations into any criminal conduct regarding these matters acknowledging, at the same time, that his own requests for a Justice Department briefing on the Russia allegations had gone unanswered. This resolution is about politics, not information, Goodlatte said, pointing to a Nadler news release boasting that the resolution would force a GOP vote on Trump. Our oversight efforts can and should be better than that, Goodlatte said. Also opposing the resolution was Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the former chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee who had gained headlines in recent days by calling on Sessions to step aside and allow an independent prosecutor to handle the Russia probe. Sessions, a former senator, was an early endorser of and key adviser to Trumps campaign, and he has close ties to senior White House aides. But Issa said Goodlattes plan to send a letter to Sessions was fitting and appropriate as a first step, noting his own history while Oversight Committee chairman of being a prolific sender of letters. Virtually without fail, my investigations started with letters, he said. So I, with utmost of respect for my colleagues, would ask that we use the system first. Nadler reminded Issa that he filed his resolution only after three letters Democrats had sent to Republicans went unanswered. Issa assured him he would persist: I have a long history of limited patience. I am, if nothing else, tenacious. The debate took place over the course of several hours Tuesday evening, not long before Trump was set to arrive on Capitol Hill to address a joint meeting of Congress for the first time, and it was attended by a capacity crowd of liberal activists who were gaveled quiet on several occasions after cheering Democrats remarks. The final vote was 18-16 along party lines to report the resolution unfavorably, meaning it will not be taken up on the House floor. Besides rejecting the underlying resolution, Republicans also voted down amendments that would have expanded it to include documents on White House contacts with the FBI and on Justice Department deliberations on Sessionss possible recusal. Sessions recused himself from the investigation later Thursday. The resolution of inquiry stands to become a tool that Democrats, with little leverage as the minority party, will use to highlight issues with the Trump administration. Rep. Joe Kennedy, D-Mass., introduced another such resolution Monday to force Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price to release records concerning the administrations plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Tuesdays Judiciary Committee vote came a day after Democrats attempted to bring a resolution to the House floor calling on Trump to release his tax returns to Congress and the public, which he has long refused to do, citing an ongoing Internal Revenue Service audit. The attempt was turned back on a procedural vote that followed party lines. Two Republicans, Reps. Walter Jones of North Carolina and Mark Sanford of South Carolina, declined to join their GOP colleagues and voted present. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said afterward that by turning back the sense of Congress resolution that they had made themselves accomplices to hiding President Trumps tax returns from the American people. The American people deserve the truth about Russias personal, political and financial grip on President Trump, she said. If theres nothing there, then what are Republicans afraid of? WASHINGTON, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:FCN) today announced that Todd Lester has joined the firms Economic Consulting segment and its Energy, Power & Products (EPP) industry practice as a Senior Managing Director based in Austin, Texas. Mr. Lester, who joins FTI Consulting from Navigant Consulting, Inc., will focus on assisting law firms and companies involved in complex litigation, investigations, regulatory issues and other accounting and financial challenges. He brings nearly 30 years of experience advising on the financial, accounting, data analysis and damages aspects of multifaceted engagements, especially where complex business relationships and systems are involved. Todd brings significant experience in the energy and power industry, ranging from disputes and investigations involving oil and natural gas exploration and production to the distribution of electric power, said John Klick, Co-Leader of the firms EPP industry practice. He is a welcome addition to our team and will provide clients with insights that will help them address their most complex business challenges. Mr. Lester has extensive experience conducting investigations involving a wide variety of issues including accounting irregularities, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, SEC compliance and other regulatory concerns, as well as the analysis and quantification of economic damages. During his career, he has worked with counsel and corporate clients in the energy, financial services and manufacturing industries, among others, as well as the U.S. government, the state of Texas and other federal and state agencies. His efforts have led to the provision of reports, opinions and expert testimony in state and federal courts, arbitration, mediation and other claim resolution processes. With industry specialists from across the firms five business segments, FTI Consultings EPP industry practice provides a wide array of advisory services that address the strategic, financial, reputational, regulatory and legal needs of energy and utility clients involved in the production of crude oil, natural gas, refined products, chemicals, coal, electric power, emerging technologies and renewable energy. About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 4,700 employees located in 29 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $1.81 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2016. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn. FBI Director James Comey emphasized a holistic approach to ameliorating the opioid and heroin epidemic ravaging communities locally and across the country during a Henrico County visit on Wednesday. He vowed to continue jailing dealers and cracking down on drug supplies but said those efforts must be complemented by the work of health professionals and community education. We cannot arrest our way out of this problem, Comey said during a community summit at Glen Allen High School on the heroin and opioid epidemic. Comey, a former federal prosecutor in Richmond who once lived in Henrico, also noted that opioid addiction crosses all socioeconomic lines. Its not about kids from bad backgrounds or kids from bad schools or even kids at all, Comey said. It is a black hole that sucks all different kinds of people into it. Comey was joined at the discussion by Chuck Rosenberg, acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Henrico Health District director, Susan Fischer Davis. Comey attributed the proliferation of deaths from opioids drugs that include prescription pain pills and fentanyl, as well as illicit drugs such as heroin to a confluence of two factors: the extraordinary use of prescribed medications, along with heroin being manufactured and sold by robust Mexican drug cartels. Rosenberg said the devastation caused by opioid addiction has not been understated. We sometimes use words like epidemic or unprecedented or historic in ways that are really not accurate, he said. This is unprecedented. This is an epidemic. In 2015, 33,091 people died of opioid overdoses in the U.S. Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed legislation last week intended to address the epidemic, noting that Virginias overdose deaths for 2016 are expected to surpass 1,000. In the first nine months of last year, 822 overdose deaths occurred in Virginia, an increase from 811 the year before. The rise in deaths from opioids has unfolded locally as it has nationally and across the state. In Henrico, opioid overdose deaths rose from 24 in 2013 to 37 in 2015. There were 36 such deaths in the first nine months of last year, according to the county. The number of nonfatal overdoses also climbed, rising from 52 in 2014 to 145 last year. A proposed budget from the county that will be made public in mid-March includes upward of $200,000 for a task force created to address the epidemic. Comey lauded the county for its attention to the crisis. Youve got something great to stand on here, he said. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- About 250 people packed the Herman and Heddy Kurz Purdue Technology Center for the recent Purdue Technology Showcase that featured dozens of pioneering innovations. The technology ranged from medical devices including a hands-free crutch design and an advanced wheelchair that converts to a walker, to analytical tools including an application that can interpret gang graffiti for law enforcement officials. The event featured 37 Purdue University innovators describing their innovations in four minutes or less before international company representatives, investors and entrepreneurs. They also had booth spaces where they could present their technologies to interested attendees in a more private fashion. All technologies presented are available for licensing through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. This event is allowing investors and business officials a chance to see just some examples of the wealth of Purdue-affiliated, novel technologies available for licensing, said Brooke Beier, assistant director of the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, who organized the event. Its our goal to match these technologies with the appropriate corporate experts to make sure they can one day be made available to benefit the general public. Michael Ladisch, distinguished professor of agricultural biological engineering, promoted his continuous cell concentration device that could make it possible to easily screen food or liquid samples for pathogens at food processing facilities. This event gives researchers an opportunity to translate their technologies and meet investors and possible partners for such technologies in a very efficient way, Ladisch said. Its very important to us because were working with the FDA, and this gives us another platform to let people know about the important technology. Leaders from Nanovis, a Columbia City, Indiana-based life sciences company, were among the many attendees. The company develops implant systems that reduce fixation-related complications and infections for medical patients. Long ago at a showcase like this we came upon the innovation, which we used to found Nanovis, said company CEO Matt Hedrick. These types of showcases give entrepreneurs and other business leaders a convenient look at the innovations coming out of Purdue University. Anyone interested in learning more about any of the innovations listed below that are available for licensing through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization should call 765-588-3470 or email innovation@prf.org A video of the presenting innovators is linked below following the innovators names: * Brett Adams, Nikko Sadural, Andrew Fan and Junyan Lim, Click to view video: Clutch Crutch A New Crutch Design * Reynaldo Barreto, Click to view video: Degradation of Water Contaminants with Continuous Photoreactor * Miko Cakmak, Click to view video: Continuous Lypophilization Roll to Roll Manufacturing and Metrology System * David Cappelleri, Click to view video: Surgical Tool for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Disectomy * Jean Chmielewski, Click to view video: Designer Collagen Fibers for Tissue Engineering Applications * Katherine Clayton, Click to view video: Biosensor for Detecting Viscosity Changes * Jason Davis, Click to view video: Adjustable Ergonomic Hand Grip * Ed Delp, Click to view video: Improved Automatic Recognition and Interpretation of Gang Graffiti and Tattoos * James Garrison, Click to view video: Remote Sensing of Subsurface Soil Moisture * William Graves and Kris Miller, Click to view video: Novel Wheelchair with Built-In Seat Lift and Integrated Walker * Joseph Irudayaraj, Click to view video: Highly Sensitive Lateral Flow Strips for Cervical Cancer Screening * Byunghoo Jung, Click to view video: Diaper-Embedded Transponder for Monitoring Urinary Tract Infection * Tamara Kinzer-Ursem, Click to view video: Protein Purification Using Tagged Proteins * Rebecca Kramer and Michelle Yuen, Click to view video: System for Printing High-Deformation Sensors into Substrates * Michael Ladisch, Click to view video: Food Pathogen Detection * Chi Hwan Lee, Click to view video: Human-Like Smart Electronic gloves for Prosthetic Robotic Controls * Hyowon Lee, Click to view video: Implantable Catheter for the Prevention of Cellular Occlusion * Jacqueline Linnes, Click to view video: Ultrasensitive Paper-Based Diagnostics * Bharat Mankani, Click to view video: Photon Level Chemical Classification Using Digital Compressive Detection * Scott Massey, William Hutzel and Jan Lugowski; Click to view video: Biowall for Residential Applications * Eric Nauman, Bioresorbable Metals for Orthopedic Applications * Eric Nauman, Novel Scaffold for Soft Tissue Repair * Justus Ndukaife, Click to view video: Hybrid Electroplasmonic Device for Particle Manipulation * Jiqin Ni and Alexey Heber, Click to view video: On-Site Computer System for Air Quality Research * Valentina Pirro, Click to view video: Morphologically Friendly Tissue Imaging * Jeff Rhoads and Emre Gunduz, Click to view video: 3-D Digital Printing of Highly Viscous Materials * Ken Sandhage and Greg Itskos, Click to view video: Toughened Ceramic Composite Components for High-Temperature Systems * Alexey Shashurin, Click to view video: Cold Plasma Using DC Voltage * Herman Sintim c/o Joe Kasper, Click to view video: Therapeutic for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and other Cancers * Dalton Snyder, Click to view video: Quadrupole Ion Trap AC Frequency Scanning * Lia Stanciu, Click to view video: Biosensor for Identifying and Controlling Insect-Borne Viral Diseases * Shruthi Suresh, Click to view video: Multifunctional Wrist Orthotic * Jeffrey Titus, Click to view video: Radiation Hardened by Design Power Structures * Linda Wang, Hoon Choi and David Harvey; Click to view video: Efficient Rare Earth Element Recovery * Justin Weibel, Click to view video: Impedance-Based Gas Detector Microchannels * John Wilker, Click to view video: Novel Adhesives * Benxin Wu and Zheng Kang, Laser-Based Fabrication of Metal Nanocomposites onto Substrates About Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at innovation@prf.org. CLEVELAND, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH), the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announced the launch of Parker IQAN Connect, the latest innovation in motion control. Using standard SAE J1939 protocol, IQAN Connect integrates Parkers intelligent hydraulic components with electronic control hardware and software to create a seamless digital ecosystem. With IQAN Connect, development time is dramatically reduced, equipment performance is optimized and remote monitoring is simplified for OEMs and fleet managers. For developers, IQAN Connect integrates hydraulic components and customizable software that deliver next-generation connectivity while providing flexibility in design. The systems building-block approach reduces development times while enabling those without extensive programming skills to create advanced functions quickly and easily. On the jobsite, IQAN Connect helps improve machine performance and productivity by recording and storing all data in the cloud. This information can be accessed instantly, allowing adjustments to machine operation to be made in real time. Assets are managed with live diagnostics to help reduce downtime, maximize return on investment, and improve safety and productivity. Our customers are looking for technologies to improve efficiency and reduce downtime, said Jacob Haas, Vice President Marketing for the Hydraulics Group. IQAN Connect leverages intelligent digital technology to keep machines operating at peak performance. Delivering this powerful system to our customers represents a tremendous breakthrough for our industry. IQAN Connect will be debuted at IFPE 2017, booth #S-80242, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 7-11, 2017. IFPE is co-located with CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, the largest international gathering place for the construction industries. Learn more about the IQAN Connect at www.parker.com/iqanconnect. About Parker Hannifin Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For 100 years the company has engineered the success of its customers in a wide range of diversified industrial and aerospace markets. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin. ### DENVER, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE:DCP) today announced that in connection with the completion of the combination of Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) (Enbridge) and Spectra Energy Corp. on February 27, 2017, the following changes were made to the Boards of Directors of DCPs general partner, DCP Midstream GP, LLC (the General Partner) and to DCP Midstream, LLC, the owner of the General Partner. Al Monaco, President and Chief Executive Officer of Enbridge, and Bill Yardley, Executive Vice President and President, Gas Transmission and Midstream of Enbridge, will assume the roles of directors of DCP Midstream, LLC. Greg Ebel and Pat Reddy have resigned from their roles as directors of DCP Midstream, LLC. Vern Yu, Enbridge Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the General Partner of DCP as a representative of Enbridge and Guy Buckley has resigned from his role as a member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner. Id like to welcome Al, Bill, and Vern to our boards. We are looking forward to their leadership and contributions. I also want to thank Greg, Pat and Guy for their support of DCP in our evolution to become the largest natural gas processor and NGL producer in the country. These leaders have been steadfast advocates of our DCP 2020 strategy as we continue to successfully execute on our commitments," said Wouter van Kempen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of DCP. MEDIA RELATIONS: Roz Elliott Phone: 303-605-1707 INVESTOR RELATIONS: Andrea Attel Phone: 303-605-1741 ABOUT DCP MIDSTREAM, LP DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE:DCP) is a midstream master limited partnership, with a diversified portfolio of assets, engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, storing and selling natural gas; producing, fractionating, transporting, storing and selling NGLs and recovering and selling condensate. DCP owns and operates more than 60 plants and 64,000 miles of natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines, with operations in 17 states across major producing regions and leads the midstream segment as the largest natural gas liquids producer, the largest natural gas processor and one of the largest marketers in the U.S. Denver, Colorado based DCP is managed by its general partner, DCP Midstream GP, LP, which is managed by its general partner, DCP Midstream GP, LLC, which is 100% owned by DCP Midstream, LLC. DCP Midstream, LLC is a joint venture between Phillips 66 and Enbridge. For more information, visit the DCP Midstream, LP website at www.dcpmidstream.com. DALLAS, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Mountain High Brands, Inc. (OTCQB:RMHB), a fully reporting consumer goods company specializing in hemp-infused food and beverage products and a naturally high alkaline water announced today that it has entered into a contract for over $800,000 with LyonPride Music, LLC to provide promotion, sponsorship and advertising services to the Company over the next year. LyonPride Music is an advertising and promotion company that will tour across the United States this summer traveling to dozens of cities in their custom party bus fleet promoting Rocky Mountain High beverages and Eagle Spirit Spring Water. With over a decade of experience in music and promotional events, LyonPride will be making stops at some of the biggest concerts and events all summer long. This summers tour will travel to Austin, Dallas, New York, Las Vegas, Portland, Spokane, Seattle and dozens of cities throughout the U.S. as part of the Rocky Mountain Highs promotional agreement. Michael Welch, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain High Brands, Inc., said, Our agreement with LyonPride Music is a natural extension of our connection to Rocky Mountain High consumers through the universal language of music. We are excited to be associated with the talent of Levi Lyon and his extraordinary team and are looking forward to the expertise and tools that they bring to our Company. Together with LyonPride Music, we will be launching our first smart phone app this March featuring functions such as purchasing our Rocky Mountain High hemp-infused beverages and Eagle Spirit Spring Water, retail store locators carrying our products, live event listings our Company will be represented at and other Company campaigns. Levi Lyon, President of LyonPride Music, LLC, said, Our team brings together over a decade of experience in music, promotions, advertising and event coordination. When you see LyonPride Music this summer rolling across the country in one of their signature buses, give them a honk or say hello. Genre defining artists like Snoop, Matisyahu, House of Pain, and thousands of other acts are a part of the LyonPride story. LyonPride has an inspired history of sustainable growth and positive momentum. This summer you will have the chance to be a part of LyonPride's next chapter powered by a bold new mission with the entire line of Rocky Mountain High hemp-infused beverages and Eagle Spirit Spring Water. This is your golden ticket to take the ride. About LyonPride Music: With forty-plus festivals and events planned for 2017, LyonPride is an advertising and promotional company which features multiple media strategies. Taking advantage of digital and social media strategies and good old fashioned guerrilla marketing, the company touches thousands of new potential clients to our clients amazing brand. LyonPrides proven success with iHeartRadio, along with hundreds of independent ventures for over a decade, have made events such as Hempfest one of our marketing success stories. Visit LyonPride Music and download the mobile app at www.lyonpridemusic.com. About Rocky Mountain High Brands: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH BRANDS, INC., is a consumer goods company specializing in brand development of health conscious, hemp-infused food and beverage products. The Company currently markets a lineup of four naturally flavored hemp-infused beverages (Citrus Energy, Black Tea, Mango Energy and Lemonade) and a low calorie Coconut Lime Energy drink. Rocky Mountain High Brands also offers hemp-infused 2oz. Mango Energy Shots and Mixed Berry Energy Shots. The Company recently launched a naturally high alkaline spring water, Eagle Spirit Spring Water. For interested investors, our stock symbol is RMHB. For ordering information please visit: LiveRockyMountainHigh.com For corporate information please visit: RockyMountainHighBrands.com For information on our high alkaline water visit: EagleSpiritWater.com For Rocky Mountain High Distribution Contact: Chuck Smith (972) 955-0964 chuck@rockymountainhighbrands.com Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockymountainhighbrands?fref=nf Visit us on Twitter: #GetYourHempOn Visit us at Investors Hangout: http://investorshangout.com/Rocky-Mountain-High-Brands-Inc-RMHB-69150/ Investors Hangout is the only authorized Investors blog page for Rocky Mountain High Brands, Inc. Safe Harbor Act: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. Helena Kiely, right, with Dr Carole Easton, Young Women's Trust CEO INSPIRATIONAL Helena Kiely hopes that winning a national award will motivate teenagers she helps get back on track. Helena (28), from Manvers, said she was shocked to win the Young Womens Trust Influencer award in London. She was given the prize for her work as a director with The Really NEET Project, which helps young people in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barsnley who have experienced difficulties in getting into employment, training or education. Helena, who was brought up in an Irish traveller family and left school at 11 but went on to get a first class degree in Youth and Community Work, said she was over the moon about her award. She said: It is fantastic. It is a great honour. When I found out I had been nominated I didnt expect for a second I would win it. It was a real shock to win. Helena said she did not realise what a big deal the Young Womens Trust Awards were and was surprised to turn up to the presentation event and find around 150 people in the audience. She admitted that she had not prepared a speech but felt compelled to say something as the winners of the two other awards presented that night had. But she hoped her success would inspire the young people that The Really NEET Project works with. Helena said: If I can do it, they can definitely do it. For the young people I work with, I hope it will encourage them to raise their expectations. Helena left school at 11 but despite missing out on secondary school education, she was determined to gain qualifications and went back into education at 16. She then became the first member of her family to go to university, graduating in 2014. While gaining her qualifications, Helena dedicated her spare time to working with the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit and, after completing her degree, started working at The Really NEET Project after being inspired by the organisations founder Sophie Maxwell who visited her university. She was made a joint director of the organisation last year. Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey praised Helena for her work and award success. He said: I want to congratulate Helena on winning the Young Womens Trust Influencer award. There are lots of barriers that make it hard for young women to get work, but every day young women like Helena are working hard to overcome them. Helena has helped other young people in South Yorkshire to gain skills too, and its fantastic that her efforts are being recognised. Barry Moore, treasurer of People and Mining, with a model of the Graham Ibbeson-designed Oaks Colliery disaster memorial. A CHURCH service this weekend will commemorate victims of a mining disaster 170 years ago. The event on Sunday will pay tribute to those who died the Oaks Colliery disaster of 1847. A firedamp explosion at the pit near Darfield that year killed 73 men and boys aged between ten and 50. Despite safety improvements, a bigger blast and subsequent collapse would kill 361 miners and rescuers in 1866. Members of campaigning group People and Mining have raised 120,000 for a bronze memorial to the later disaster. The statue, designed by Barnsley sculptor Graham Ibbeson, will be erected in Barnsley town centre later this year. The names of men and boys killed in the 1847 disaster. Organisers are inviting Rotherham and Barnsley residents to attend the service at St Marys Church in Barnsley town centre, and learn more about the earlier disaster and its victims. It will include hymns, the laying of a wreath and the reading of names of the deceased. The ceremony will begin at 1pm. By Elena Koren The Assay Chamber of Russia, a federal government institution celebrated 317 years of assay supervision in Russia. A media-tour was timed to coincide with this date attended by news persons from industry publications and journalists of the Rossyiskaya Gazeta, the RBC and Moskva-24 TV channels, as well as by Ryazans Gorod TV Channel and such news agencies as Interfax, Reuter, Prime, Finec, the Culture.RF Portal and others. This was a landmark event taking into account the closed nature of this institutions activity. The event started at the State Inspectorate of Assay Supervision, Moscow and the Moscow Region Department, where the journalists were briefed on the activities of the organization, on the special features of the assay supervision and regulatory activities in the sector of precious metals and precious gems. The guests were welcomed by Viktor Obrezumov, Senior Deputy of the FGI Assay Chamber of Russia, who thanked the audience for their interest in the event. In fact, until recently the government activity in this sphere was practically unknown to the people in the country because it did not get mass media coverage. At present, things have changed. In particular, the idea has come up to arrange a media-tour coincided with the 317th anniversary of the Assay Chamber as a unified state system. The professionals know perfectly well that the main task of the Assay Chamber is to protect the rights of the manufacturers and consumers of jewellery and other products made of precious metals, including protection against unfair competition. The Russian government in the name of the Assay Chamber should guarantee quality of the metal in the pieces to our citizens and establish clear rules and regulations used in the operations with the most specific goods in history. Every day, up to five thousand pieces are mechanically hallmarked in the workshops of the State Inspectorate of Assay Supervision in Moscow and the Moscow Region, and the same number of pieces are laser hallmarked here. The journalists saw the jewellery assaying and hallmarking process including that with the use of innovation hallmark protection methods. To maximize the reliability of hallmarking and minimize the possibility of falsification, the laser inscription of a barcode near the hallmark is being introduced that has special information regarding the hallmark protection, which provides the hallmark with a unique identification feature that allows tracking and identification of a piece at any stage. The functions of the Assay Chamber of Russia are rather wide and are not limited to the state control over the production, extraction, processing, usage, storage and accounting of precious metals and precious gemstones. The Assay Chamber carries out assaying, analysis and state hallmarking of all the jewellery and household goods made of the Russian-made precious metals, as well as those brought into the Russian Federation for selling. One of the main lines of activities of the Assay Chamber is the control so that the organizations involved into the operations with precious metals and precious gems satisfy the requirements of the Russian Federal law On Countermeasures to Combat Legalization of Illegally Obtained Proceeds and Financing of Terrorism. Within the framework of its activities, the Assay Chamber of Russia carries out voluntary certification of diamonds that is together with the gemological grading of polished diamonds - done by the Moscow and Yakutsk Gemological Certification Centres accredited for the technical competence in compliance with the GOST requirements. During the certification, the qualified expert gemologists verify the nature of rough diamonds and assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of polished diamonds. The last but not the least stage of the media-tour was the visit to the AO PZTsM (Priokskyi Non-ferrous Metals Plant). After a 6-hour bus trip and quick sightseeing of the town of Kasimov that deserves more and special attention of the visitors, the media pool was accommodated in the Plants health resort. The next morning, they were met at the plants checkpoint. The most fascinating process was shown to the journalists - how gold is being melt and liquid gold is being cast into moulds to make bullions. But the journalist were also equally impressed by the state-of-the-art laboratory equipment by world leading companies, clean and light workshops, efficient air conditioning (in the rooms where concentrated acids are used one can breath as if in a good office), substantial social benefits package and high salaries (workers monthly average salary is 68 000). After the tour of the plant that lasted longer than anticipated, Vladimir Sonkin, Director of the PZTsM, and the representatives of the Assay Chamber of Russia - Dmitry Zamyshlyaev, Deputy Head, and Yulia Izotova, press-secretary - answered the journalists questions. All types of precious metals undergo refining at this Refinery gold, silver, platinum, palladium. It is worth mentioning that all the products of the plant were awarded the Good Delivery status by the London Bullion Market Association. According to the Refinery executives, these diplomas ensure 20-30 percent higher prices for the Plants products. The PZTsM is in the world list of refineries. It is surprising that in a small old town that did not avoid the disappointing turn of events experienced by many remote Russian provincial towns the post-Soviet ravage and urban blight the Refinery is developing successfully and augmenting its potential and is one of the two largest refineries in Russia (the second one is in Krasnoyarsk). The Refinery performance has doubled over the last 5 years while the personnel number remained the same about 600 employees. The current PZTsM innovation development programme for 2012-2020 stipulated the implementation of high technologies, higher refinery utilization rate, higher efficiency and environmental sustainability and building up of an own research-and-production basis. And all this is under the implementation already: the Refinery is increasing its labour productivity through the introduction of own unique technologies of refining the precious metals, it makes good progress, and its performance demolishes the conventional view that the state-own enterprises a priori cannot compete with private ones in efficiency. The media-tour lasted for two days and opened much new information to the journalists. The general pleasant impression about everything they saw was augmented by the hospitality, openness of the media-tour organizers and hosts as well as their readiness to co-operate with the media. We can only wish successful development to the AO PZTsM and the Russian assay supervisors and express our hope to continue our co-operation. In February, diamond trading slowed despite expectations that U.S. and Chinese jewelers will start replacing inventory sold during the holiday seasons, according to Rapaport Monthly Report. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat polished diamonds declined 0.3% in February and was down 1.2% from the beginning of the year. The report notes that polished inventories are rising as major manufacturers return to full polished production following strong rough buying in January and February. Rough demand was steady, with De Beers February sight valued at $545 million, following a large $720 million January sale. Profit margins tightened in 2017 as rough prices firmed and polished prices softened. The effect of Indias demonetization policy has stabilized. Smaller diamond and jewelry companies must improve transparency and shift to electronic payments. Higher governance and compliance standards in all industry centers will enable greater bank financing and improve profitability. Greater investment in marketing will raise consumer demand and ensure long-term profitability. Larger marketing budgets are required to strengthen the status of natural diamonds as an emotional store of value, following disappointing sales during the Christmas and Chinese New Year seasons. Hopes are high for the Hong Kong show, as jewelers are expected to return to the market. Rough sales are projected to slow as a large volume of new polished supply hits the market in the second quarter. Suppliers hope polished prices will increase, enabling a return to profits. Excess supply may put a strain on midstream inventory if the expected rise in polished demand doesnt materialize. Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be implemented from July 1, 2017 in India. The GST, which will replace a myriad of consumption taxes, could be a game changer over the medium term as it would reduce tax cascading and boost Indias competitiveness, investment and job creation. The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, Despite teething problems, hopefully GST will come up for implementation by July 1. The entire process has to be completed by September 15. At the moment, it is the biggest tax reform since Independence. Once implemented, it will be far more efficient tax system. The quantum of taxation will go up. GST will make generation of cash more difficult. The GST is expected to bring about reduced tax exemption, which could have a bearing on prices of goods and capital requirement for managing cross-border supply chains. It will also mean reduced duty benefit claimed on imports and reduced export incentives and drawback on exports, experts said. The gem and jewellery industry has sought GST of 1.25 per cent from the government for the sector. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough &Polished CLEVELAND, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Point Capital Partners announced today the acquisition of Top of the World, LLC, the leading supplier of collegiate headwear in the United States, and its merger with the Blue Point III platform investment, J. America, Inc. This represents the first transaction for the J. America platform since Blue Point acquired the investment in March 2016. J. America and Top of the World will operate as business units under the newly formed parent company, Vetta, LLC. By bringing together these two growing and profitable companies, we are creating a powerhouse in the apparel and headwear industry that will be able to better serve our customers and partners, said Jeff Robich, a Principal at Blue Point. Chip Chaikin, a Partner with Blue Point, said, Top of the World is a highly strategic fit with J. America; the Company has an extremely talented management team and the strongest collegiate headwear program in the industry. Top of the World (www.towcaps.com), headquartered in Norman, OK, designs, sources, warehouses and distributes fitted and adjustable caps, knit headwear, visors and other accessories that are embellished with licensed collegiate logos to every major tier of retail distribution across the United States. Top of the Worlds business is diversified across 500+ licenses and is the clear industry leader in single-source collegiate headwear licenses, complementing J. Americas leadership in single-source collegiate licenses. Blue Point recognized the similar goals of Top of the World and J. America, which is to provide attractive, affordable, high-quality and comfortable products to our customers, said Scott Shuler, President of Top of the World. The combined company will clearly benefit from access to the Asian capabilities, e-commerce expertise and operating resources of Blue Point. Jeff Fenech, Co-founder of J. America, added, This merger is really attractive given the synergistic fit of the two companies. We are excited for the continued growth in our headwear segment powered by Top of the Worlds strong reputation with both licensees and retail customers. Vetta, LLC is the parent company of J. America (www.jamericatlg.com; www.jamericablanks.com; www.jamericasportswear.com; www.jamericalicensed.com) and Top of the World (www.towcaps.com). J. America, headquartered in Webberville, MI, with additional offices in North Carolina, Ohio and Hong Kong, is a leading designer and distributor of licensed and blank apparel and headwear products, including several collegiate brands; J. America is the exclusive non-sideline supplier of licensed apparel and headwear to The Ohio State University. The Company offers over 30,000 SKUs consisting of a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes across 1,500 styles. J. Americas products are designed in-house and sold through various channels, including department stores, college bookstores, farm and fleet stores, outdoor equipment dealers, specialty stores and large wholesale distributors. Blue Point Capital Partners (www.bluepointcapital.com) is a private equity firm managing over $825 million in committed capital. With offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Points geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors, while providing the resources of an international firm. The Blue Point group has a 26-year track record of partnering with companies in the lower middle market to facilitate growth and transformative change. It is one of only a few middle market private equity firms with a presence in both the United States and China, which provides a distinct advantage for its portfolio companies. Blue Point typically invests in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses generating between $20 million and $300 million in revenue. DiamondCorp has entered into a formal agreement with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) in relation to its ability to lend money secured against the Lace diamond mine. The Lace mine was placed into business administration following the impact of adverse weather last year. However, DiamondCorp had been trying to refinance the mine through a placing and debt restructuring. Meanwhile, the diamond junior said new loans to its subsidiary would bear an annual interest of 13.5 percent and would be repayable upon completion of the business rescue process or after six months. The Board of DiamondCorp shall continue to explore all options available to the Group in relation to the ongoing Business Rescue process, the IDC Agreement, the Placing, and the Group's creditors and other stakeholders, it said. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Roberto Coin, one of the world's most sought-after Italian jewelry brands, confirmed that it will exhibit at the premiere edition of CARAT+ in Antwerp, May 7 to 9, 2017. With more than 600 new models of fine jewellery created every year, the Roberto Coin brand is today distributed via more than 1,000 points of sales in some 63 countries. Favoured by celebrities, the distinctive jewellery is a frequent and prominent feature at international red carpet events for the film and music industries. The presence of Roberto Coin at the new jewellery show, which when it kicks off in three months will become the largest international event worldwide dedicated exclusively to diamonds and diamond jewellery, was announced by the Event Director, Filip Van Laere. Roberto Coin also has been deeply involved in advancing the jewellery industry's ethical and social role, and was recognized for this activity respect when he was named a winner of an International Palladio Award as the best brand for corporate social responsibility in the jewelry industry. Covering the full spectrum of the diamond and diamond jewellery trades, CARAT+ will feature four sectors, namely loose diamonds, branded diamond jewellery, non-branded diamond jewellery, and services for the diamond and diamond jewellery industry. Taking place in Hall 1 and Hall 4 of the Antwerp Expo, entry to the show be restricted exclusively to industry professionals, including diamond and jewellery wholesalers and manufacturers from around the world, and jewellery retailers predominantly from Europe. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels De Beers showcased an updated version of its automated melee screening machine, the AMS2, in Hong Kong on Wednesday, claiming it could check a wider range of diamonds for undisclosed synthetics, and at a faster rate. The new version was brought to market in response to customer requests, particularly since there has been an increase in cases of undisclosed synthetic diamonds mixed in parcels of natural diamonds, explained Jamie Clark, commercial director of the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) the De Beers subsidiary that developed the machine. Confidence is everything in the diamond sector, and the AMS2 will play a big part in maintaining trust in trade transactions, added IIDGR president Jonathan Kendall during the unveiling at the Hong Kong Diamond, Gem & Pearl show. The AMS2 allows screening of stones as small as 0.003 carats, whereas the first-generation machine started with 0.10-carat diamonds. Thats crucial to the watch industry in particular, which works with diamonds smaller than 0.10 carats, Kendall explained. AMS2 also checks all shapes and cuts, starting from 0.10 carats for fancy shapes. Buzz! Driven by a desire to spread positive conscious music with a message along the principles of social justice, equality, freedom and respect, a producer and two rappers get together to create the hip-hop outfit Rain In Sahara Tucked away in the Indian corner near the Himalayas bordering Bhutan and China, in the sweltering Indian heat of late 2016 in Guwahati, Assam driven by a desire to spread positive conscious music with a message along the principles of social justice, equality, freedom and respect, Spanish-American producer and multi-instrumentalist Lain joined forces with multi-lingual rappers Rocky Glock and Sikdar to create the hip-hop outfit Rain in Sahara, bringing their individual struggles and experiences to their music. Their new release Black Water is based on issues about water, air and food pollution, environmental destruction, income inequality and corruption and materialism. The track has its foundation in hip-hop, containing elements from multiple genres and reaches out with an aggressive multi-lingual crafty word construct. Composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and DJ Lains long introduction with Indian classical sounds may initially expose itself as an irritant in the beginning of Black Water but eventually takes off with a notably standard but interesting groovy production value, showcasing heavy influences of rock. Black Water is rapped in English by Sikdar, known in the northeast Indian hip-hop scene for his aggressive delivery behind his conscious flows. The Hindi rap is by Rocky Glock, a well-known multi-lingual rapper in the Assam hip-hop scene for his flows, unique metaphors, and a steady release of material since he started rapping in his high school days. Black Water feels lyrically engaging and the subtitled video adds to the curiosity about Rain In Saharas socially conscious issue based effort. Black Water music video is directed, edited, shot and produced by Ankan Sunuwar and Lain. This being their debut video, interestingly, while location scouting and shooting the video, the band experienced the elements of the songs that they were trying to highlight as issues in their song mainly water and air pollution as they shot on a mountain of garbage in the landfill that burnt like a dormant volcano emitting air pollution. - Rain In Sahara This vision to focus on issues surrounding us and writing in a way which could make a positive impact on our communities and societies has been a driving force from the outset. As we started writing music and jamming together, we each brought our individual styles and influences to our music. Listen and watch the video below: Australia posted a seasonally adjusted merchandise trade surplus of A$1.302 billion in January, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. That was shy of expectations for a surplus of A$3.80 billion and was down 61 percent from A$3.334 billion in December. Exports were down A$945 million or 3.0 percent on month to A$31.796. Non-monetary gold fell A$671 million (39 percent) and non-rural goods lost A$403 million (2 percent). Rural goods added A$57 million (1 percent) and net exports of goods under merchanting gained A$1 million (17 percent). Services credits advanced A$72 million (1 percent). Imports advanced A$1.088 billion or 4.0 percent to A$30.494 billion. Consumption goods jumped A$543 million (7 percent), while intermediate and other merchandise goods gained A$340 million (4 percent). Capital goods added A$180 million (3 percent) and non-monetary gold climbed A$22 million (5 percent). Services debits rose A$3 million. Also on Thursday, the ABS said that the total number of building approvals in Australia was up a seasonally adjusted 1.8 percent on month in January, coming in at 17,412. That beat forecasts for a decline of 0.5 percent following the 2.5 percent contraction in December. On a yearly basis, approvals tumbled 12.0 percent - missing forecasts for a decline of 11.6 percent after slipping 11.7 percent in the previous month. Approvals for private sector houses fell 3.0 percent on month and 9.4 percent on year to 8,840. Approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses climbed 6.2 percent on month but dropped 14.0 percent on year to 8,349. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Retired neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The Senate voted 58 to 41 in favor of Carson's nomination, with the vote largely coming down along party lines. Just six Democrats and Independent Senator Angus King, I-Maine, joined Republicans in voting to confirm Carson, who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016. Republicans have praised Carson for his inspiring life story, noting that he defied the odds to become a renowned surgeon despite growing up in poverty. Meanwhile, Democrats raised concerns about Carson's lack of lack of housing policy experience as well as his conservative views on public assistance. Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, one of the few Democrats to vote to confirm Carson, said he would give Carson the benefit of the doubt because of commitments he has made. "These include his promises to address the scourge of lead hazards that threaten the and futures of children in Ohio and nationwide," said Brown, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He added, "Let me be clear: I will do everything in my power to hold Dr. Carson accountable for making good on his promises." The vote to approve Carson's nomination comes after the Senate voted to confirm Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary and Ryan Zinke as Interior Secretary earlier this week. Following the vote to confirm Carson, the Senate voted 62 to 37 to limit debate on the nomination of former Texas Governor Rick Perry as Energy Secretary. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Despite the latest uproar regarding ties between his presidential campaign and Russia, President Donald Trump said Thursday he has "total" confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Trump was asked about Sessions amid news of the then-Senator's meetings with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. Sessions was a top Trump surrogate. During a tour of the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, Trump said he was not aware of Sessions' meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Sessions claimed during his confirmation hearing that he did not have communications with the Russians, but recent reports revealed he met with Kislyak twice last year. The Attorney General has subsequently said he did not discuss campaign issues with any Russian officials, calling the allegation "false." A Sessions spokeswoman argued that the Attorney General met with the ambassador in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Trump said Sessions "probably" testified truthfully during his confirmation hearing and indicated he does not think the Attorney General should recuse himself from Russia investigations. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and several other Democrats have called on Sessions to resign over the latest news. "There cannot be even the scintilla of doubt about the impartiality and fairness of the attorney general, the top law enforcement official of the land," Schumer said. "After this, it's clear Attorney General Sessions does not meet that test," he added. "Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign." Schumer noted that Democrats have repeatedly called on Sessions to recuse himself from an investigation into contact between Trump's campaign and Russia. The revelations have led some top Republicans to urge Sessions to recuse himself from the investigation, but they stopped short of calling for his resignation. Sessions told NBC News early Thursday there is "no doubt" he would recuse himself whenever it is appropriate. (Photo: Michael Vadon) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Admiral Group plc ("Admiral") Following receipt of regulatory approval, the Board of Admiral is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Court as non-executive Chairman of Admiral. Annette will succeed current Admiral Chairman, Alastair Lyons, when he retires from the Board at Admiral's Annual General Meeting on 26 April 2017. Alastair Lyons, Admiral Group Chairman, said: "I am delighted to have Annette take the chair at Admiral. She has been a strong contributor to the Board over the 5 years she has been a director and has chaired our remuneration committee sensitively and effectively. She both understands the industry extremely well given her executive experience and also what makes Admiral different, underpinning our success. I wish her and all my colleagues the very best for the future." David Stevens, Admiral CEO, said: "I am very much looking forward to working alongside Annette. She brings a wealth of experience both within and beyond the insurance industry and as both leader and mentor." Annette Court, said: "It is an honour for me to become Chairman of this great company with its unique culture. I am looking forward to working with David and building on Alastair's legacy of successful growth." For any further information, please contact: Karen Maguire - Head of Investor Relations - 02920 434 384 James Carnduff - Senior Communications Officer - 02920 434232 Admiral Group plc LEI: 213800FGVM7Z9EJB2685 FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: P. Schoenfeld Asset Management LLP (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Booker Group Plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 01 March 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" Yes, Tesco Plc 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 17,884,429 1.00 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 17,884,429 1.00 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit 1p ordinary Equity Swap Increasing a long position 750,000 GBP 1.995171 1p ordinary Equity Swap Increasing a long position 1,000,000 GBP 1.995500 1p ordinary Equity Swap Decreasing a long position 50,217 GBP 1.99269 (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No Date of disclosure: 02 March 2017 Contact name: Alan Chan Telephone number: +1 212-649-9500 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPS Insight, a leading technology provider of GPS tracking and E-Log solutions for commercial and government fleets, took home three awards for customer service on Friday night, February 24th at the 11th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. GPS Insight won the Peoples Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service, Bronze for Customer Service Department of the Year, and Bronze for Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2fb5770-655d-4d15-abc4-1427ed2a29c3 The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the worlds top honors for customer service, contact center, business development and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes several of the worlds leading business awards programs including the prestigious American Business AwardsSM and International Business AwardsSM. More than 2,300 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were evaluated in this years competition, an increase of 10% over 2016. Finalists were determined by the average scores of 77 professionals worldwide, acting as preliminary judges. Jake Stover, Operations Manager at GPS Insight, stated, I am very thankful and proud of the impeccable customer service that each of our employees provide on our Technical Support and Account Management Teams. Their hard work and dedication won GPS Insight these awards. The GPS Insight Customer Service Department, which consists of Technical Support and Account Management, continued to make significant improvements in response times and customer satisfaction, while developing new processes and bolstering the departments staff to ensure that both existing and new customers alike share the same customer experience; a devotion to professionalism, commitment, and proficiency. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service continues to be among the most competitive and fastest-growing of our awards programs, said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of the Stevie Awards. The growth of the program illustrates the importance of the functions highlighted sales, business development and customer service to successful enterprises of all types, and how integral recognition in these domains are to building and maintaining corporate reputations. Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service and the list of Stevie winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/sales. About GPS Insight: GPS Insight is a top technology provider of tailored GPS tracking and E-Log solutions for businesses and government agencies with mobile assets. Fleets work with GPS Insight to solve their unique fleet challenges through increased revenue, reduced costs, and reduced risk. Using GPS Insight, customers realize a significant increase in efficiency and gain insight into all aspects of their fleet operations. GPS Insight provides highly flexible solutions, which include a wide range of customized reports, alerts, and other innovative features that can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements and ensure maximum return on investment. Visit www.gpsinsight.com. About The Stevie Awards: Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Honouring veterans, CBRM council meeting highlight this week in Cape Breton SYDNEY During this Remembrance Week, we honour our veterans those who died in battle, those who are still with us, and those who have passed away in the intervening years. Ceremonies to mark the end of the First and Second world wars, the Korean ... VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Age Farm Inc. (CSE:NF) (OTC:NWGFF) (FSE:ONF) (www.newagefarminc.com) (New Age Farm or the Company), is pleased to announce it has entered into a letter of agreement (the LOA) with a local contractor (the Contractor) to begin site preparation work on its Langley facility for the future build out of the planned processing, cold storage, and dry storage warehouse (the Warehouse). Under the terms of the LOA, the Contractor will bulk excavate up to 65,000 cubic yards of peat from designated areas, screen it on site and backfill all excavated peat areas with structural fill to support the foot print of the Warehouse. The Contractor estimates approximately 7,900 truckloads of material will be handled at an average cost of $250 per truckload. The Company and the Contractor have further agreed to exchange the equivalent of $2 million of peat value and additional dumpage fees to offset the cost of the excavation, trucking and labour costs. This work is the first step in readying the site for the construction of a 50,000 square foot Tilt-up concrete warehouse structure. Tilt-up concrete construction has been chosen for the Warehouse because of the methods proven advantages that include speed, safety and construction cost benefits. The Warehouse will serve the Langley facilitys on site tenant-growers and grower/processors from the surrounding community. Carman Parente, President and CEO of New Age Farm said, We are pleased to be getting underway with this project which will build value into the Langley facility that will benefit our shareholders now and in the future as construction completes and the planned spin out is finalized later this spring. About New Age Farm British Columbia Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, NHS Industries Ltd. (NHS), New Age Farm owns a five and a half acre facility in the lower mainland of BC that includes a 48,000 square foot greenhouse. NHS is in the process of formulating innovative proposals for small scale agricultural facilities for exploring multiple avenues for cash flow processes. Anticipating Canadian federal government regulations regarding the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes is one avenue that NHS will be exploring. NHS also intends to look at other high value crop possibilities such as hemp and its potential revenue generation. Managements intent is for NHS to achieve positive cash flow as expediently as possible, all the while developing and maintaining multiple product income streams that will foster profitability, rather than relying on a single market sector. Washington State Through its Washington State subsidiary, New Age Farm owns two properties, one located in Sumas, WA, and the other in Oroville, WA, where it offers fully built out turnkey service operations to licensed I-502 tenant-growers who will lease the facilities for production and / or processing. With three leases already in place, operations in Washington State have begun and will expand further as the Company completes its build outs. In compliance with state regulatory requirements, New Age Farms facilities feature 24 hour security that enhances the safety and security of the community, our tenant-growers and their operations. All New Age Farms tenant-growers hold either Tier 2 or Tier 3 licenses allowing them to produce and / or process marijuana for sale at wholesale to marijuana processor licensees and to other marijuana producer licensees. A Tier 3 license allows for between ten thousand square feet and thirty thousand square feet of dedicated plant canopy while Tier 2 licensees can have up to ten thousand square feet of dedicated plant canopy. Revenue is generated on a base lease rate and the level of service that the tenant-grower requires for its production and / or its processing needs. About the Washington I-502 Marijuana Market Sales of marijuana products in Washington State have for the first time surpassed $200 million in a quarter. The News Tribune reports residents and visitors bought more marijuana than ever before in the second quarter of 2016, based on an analysis of purchase and tax records from two state agencies. In the first quarter of 2016 January, February and March people spent $54.8 million more on spirits than marijuana, which includes the cost of the products and its associated taxes. By the second quarter April, May and June that gap closed to nearly $37 million. Those amounts include taxes levied by the state on those products. Spirits sales do not include wine and beer. Marijuana sales include all cannabis products, but not paraphernalia. Marijuana sales in the second quarter of 2016 amounted to nearly $212 million. Spirits sales in the same period amounted to almost $249 million. In July, the state closed medical marijuana shops, making all sales go through licensed recreational marijuana storefronts. Sales at retail pot shops shot up by $66.6 million in the third quarter of the year, to $278.6 million. Washington voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. Earlier this month voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada approved recreational pot. Colorado, Oregon and Alaska have also legalized recreational marijuana. http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article115802063.html For further information about New Age Farm, please consult the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Visit the Companys website at www.newagefarminc.com for more information and to view a video of the Oroville facility: http://newagefarminc.com/ WWW.NEWAGEFARMINC.COM The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to completion of planned improvements at both the Canadian and US sites on schedule and on budget, the availability of financing needed to complete the Companys planned improvements on commercially reasonable terms, planned occupancy by the tenant-growers, commencement of operations, the ability to mitigate the risk of loss through appropriate insurance policies, and the risks presented by federal statutes that may contradict local and state legislation respecting legalized marijuana. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon. Here are 3 things to think about for Kansas mens basketballs opener The No. 5 Jayhawks are opening their season Monday. Its the start of their run to try and defend their national championship this past season. OGDEN, Utah, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAB Bank is pleased to announce it has provided a $750 thousand revolving credit facility for a security services company located in Arizona. The new facility is extended through a multi-year agreement and will provide for the companys ongoing working capital needs The company is a private security company that provides quality security services to the public and private sector throughout Arizona and the Southwest region of the United States. TAB Bank provides custom working capital solutions to commercial businesses across a wide range of industries. These solutions can be customized to meet the needs of companies in all stages of the business life cycle and during any economic condition. TAB Bank does this through a variety of asset-based structures, including Asset-Based Revolving Loans, Accounts Receivable Financing, Lines of Credit, and Equipment Finance. TABs lending options can also be combined with a full suite of business banking solutions and Treasury Management Services. Shane OGrady is TAB Banks Vice President and Business Development Officer based in Phoenix, AZ. Shane is a seasoned veteran in developing client relationships and creating lending solutions that help small and medium-sized business realize their potential. Shane can be reached at 480.209.5400 or at shane.ogrady@tabbank.com. If you could have a mechanic come to you, at your behest, and still pay less than you would at a dealership, youd probably take that deal at least, thats the bet of Seattle-based car repair startup Wrench. Started in the fall of 2015, Wrench began servicing vehicles in San Diego county about two weeks ago. The company, backed by $1.3 million in venture capital, promises to send a professional mechanic to your home or office, and deliver dealer-quality service at better prices. The idea is to help busy professionals and time-crunched parents avoid the life interruption often associated with auto maintenance. For the record: An earlier version of the story misstated the amount of financing Wrench has raised. The correct amount is $1.3 million. Im not a car guy. Youre not going to find me in the driveway, head under the hood, rebuilding an old car on Saturdays, said Ed Petersen, the chief executive of Wrench. We started this business from a consumer perspective because its become more and more of a hassle to deal with car (maintenance). Advertisement Wrench has smartphone apps, a website and a phone number customers can use to book service. Service options include most common car repair needs, including oil changes, brake pad replacements and vehicle diagnostics. Quotes are generated on the fly, using an algorithm that considers car type, parts and labor. Fees are intended to be on par with those offered by independent shops. A standard diagnostics visit costs $75, for instance, but that fee is waived if the resulting maintenance is booked through Wrench. If you think about it from a business model perspective, one of the biggest expenses that a dealership has is their real-estate and inventory, Petersen said. I have no real-estate and no inventory, so I dont have the capital requirements that they have to actually be able to do that. Beyond traditional dealerships, the startup, now operating in four markets, is competing with other on-demand car repair companies for a chunk of the $63-billion auto mechanic services industry in the U.S. That includes the Bay Area startup YourMechanic, which is also available in San Diego. The company has been around since 2012, is operating in 700 cities and has amassed $32 million in financing. Wrenchs approach is a tad different, however, as it hires mechanics full-time, Petersen said. Thats opposed to outsourcing jobs to independent contractors, which is the standard model for on-demand businesses. Instead of having a huge network of contractors and its really difficult to maintain quality assurance program around that we W-2 them. We hire them, Petersen said. Because of that, they stick around. Of course, hiring employees comes with its own set of headaches, especially for early-stage startups trying to keep costs low. Earlier this week, HomeHero, an online marketplace for in-home elderly care, announced it was ending that business in part because it could not afford the payroll expenses associated with employing (and not contracting) caregivers, as is required by law. One way Wrench hopes to avoid a similar fate is by building customer trust and loyalty through a membership program. The program charges sedan owners $15 a month ($20 a month for truck owners) for quarterly service check-ins. The subscription fee includes two annual tire rotations and oil changes, and discounts on other Wrench repairs. The whole goal here is to reduce the probability that your car wont start, Peterson said. And we know if we treat you well on the front end, eventually youll use us for everything. Its still early days for the company. In San Diego, for instance, Wrench employs just two mechanics who complete around three jobs per day. But given that there are more than 2.9 million registered vehicles in the county, theres clearly business to be had in San Diego if Wrench can convince folks to try its alternative auto shop. Business jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin Californias Airbnb hosts collectively earned $1 billion last year from some 5 million visitors who booked temporary lodging on the home-sharing platform, the company reported Wednesday. The fast-growing appeal of Airbnb rentals was clearly evident in the 47 percent rise in host income, which in 2015 totaled $679 million statewide. On top of that, the number of people sharing their homes on the online platform soared 51 percent to 76,600 in 2016. Leading the list of the states top home-sharing destinations were, not surprisingly, three of Californias most populous cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, which together accounted for nearly half of the states total rental revenue in 2016. Advertisement All three were popular tourist destinations. Los Angeles generated by far the highest short-term rental earnings for hosts, at $262.6 million, compared with $147.4 million for San Francisco and $69.6 million for San Diego. Airbnbs accounting of host income is part of a nationwide, state-by-state rollout of reports documenting the growing popularity of the sometimes controversial home-sharing site. The California report arrives at a time when cities like Los Angeles and San Diego are grappling with how to formally regulate short-term rentals, whose critics claim are really commercial businesses that dont belong in residential neighborhoods. Nearly two years after wading into the thorny issue of regulating vacation rentals, a San Diego City Council committee has scheduled a day-long hearing at the end of this month to again consider possible new rules. Los Angeles city leaders are expected to take up a proposal sometime this year that would regulate how often hosts could make rooms or dwellings available for overnight stays. Airbnb spokesman Christopher Nulty says the companys move to tabulate the earnings of hosts small and large is simply part of a commitment it made in 2015 to regularly share data with municipalities about how its platform is being used. When a single platform is bringing in $1 billion worth of money and putting it into the pockets of Californians every year, its hard to ignore that impact, and its hard to not incorporate that into the conversation many communities are having about the best ways to regulate home sharing, Nulty said. Statewide, the median annual income from rentals, be they a room in someones house or a large home, was $8,200, Airbnb said. With the growth of tourism overall, were seeing the hotel industry have record profits and record levels of occupancy even as home sharing continues to grow, so we believe theres room for both of us to continue growing, Nulty said. We saw that in 2015 and 2016 and believe it will continue into 2017. In San Diego, short-term rental income from Airbnb listings shot up 74 percent, from $39.9 million in 2015. The number of guest arrivals nearly doubled, from 185,000 in 2015 to 357,300 last year. At the same time, San Diego Countys hotel occupancy last year rose to a historic high of 77 percent. Pacific Beach homeowner Tom Coat, who has been pressing the city to outlaw the short-term rental of entire homes when the owners are not present, said he regards the Airbnb report as a public relations effort to influence local elected leaders. Airbnb is making a big profit off of selling the right to a peaceful environment in a residential zone, said Coat, who is a board member of Save San Diego Neighborhoods. Theyre releasing this report now because they know ordinances are being considered in San Diego and theyre trying to put a positive spin in advance of the next round of vacation rental hearings. In its report, Airbnb made a point of noting that it is collecting lodging taxes from its hosts in 17 cities and counties in California. Over the last couple of years, the San Francisco-based company has been negotiating more agreements with municipalities to collect such taxes. In 2016, Airbnb sent $7 million in hotel taxes from its hosts to the city of San Diego. Top 10 home sharing cities in California by guest arrivals in 2016 Los Angeles: 1 million San Francisco: 444,000 San Diego: 357,300 South Lake Tahoe: 131,000 Palm Springs: 93,800 Big Bear Lake: 91,000 Santa Barbara: 83,000 Oakland: 74,500 Berkeley: 57,300 San Jose: 55,300 Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg The push for a citizens initiative that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to open in Vista is about to resume, after thousands of signatures gathered last year toward the measure were deemed invalid because of a paperwork error. A group calling itself Vistans for Better Community Access backed by two corporations with ties to the medical marijuana industry says it will soon start recirculating a petition that would legalize a limited number of dispensaries in the city and set rules for regulating them. Vista now prohibits all marijuana businesses, and aggressively chases out illegal operations. Advertisement Paid crews should start collecting signatures in mid-March. If 5,607 verified voters 15 percent of Vistas electorate sign the petition, the initiative would go before the City Council, which could either approve it outright or schedule a special election at a cost of roughly $350,000. Vince Duffy, the Sacramento-based consultant running the campaign, said this week the group might collect enough signatures inside of three months. I have a hunch that it wont take that long, Duffy said in an email to the Union-Tribune, because there is strong support out there and we are getting pretty darn good at this. The effort is a do-over for the group, which last month submitted nearly 7,000 signatures on a similar petition in Vista. But the paperwork had a technical flaw some of the pages did not include the title of the ballot measure, as required by state election law. The signatures on those pages were rejected by Vistas City Clerk, causing the measure to fall short. Related Gaffe appears to have killed marijuana initiative Even though the language of the proposed ordinance is the same as before, none of the previous signatures count toward this new signature gathering attempt. Duffy said supporters will go door-to-door talking to potential voters, and paid signature gatherers will stand in front of storefronts asking people to sign. Aside from the petition, Duffy said the group will also poll likely voters to target the concerns of those who might cast ballots in a special election. Vista specifically prohibits all marijuana-related businesses. In fact, the city has gone on aggressive offense to shut pot shops that open illegally around town closing 36 medical marijuana businesses and two grow houses since 2009, according to numbers the city provided Wednesday. Nearly four years ago, Vista hired a deputy city attorney whose primary focus has been to target marijuana businesses in the city. Sometimes store operators, staffers, even landlords land in criminal court, not based on laws prohibiting the sale of illegal drugs, but rather for misdemeanor violations of city zoning regulations. The proposed initiative addresses the criminal prosecutions, lowering punishments for people who set up dispensaries without permission. In November, California voters passed Proposition 64, which allows people to smoke marijuana for recreational reasons. But the proposed Vista initiative solely addresses medical marijuana, not recreational use. Under the proposed initiative, and given the citys current population, up to 10 medical marijuana dispensaries would be permitted in Vistas commercial and industrial areas, business parks and mixed-use zones, which includes much of downtown. In addition: Sales would be made only to people with a doctors recommendation to use medical marijuana, not to recreational users; Dispensaries could not be within 250 feet of homes or parks, 500 feet of other dispensaries, or 1,000 feet of schools; The number of dispensaries would be capped at one per 10,000 Vista residents; Dispensaries would be taxed at 7 percent of their gross sales; and The tax revenue would go into the citys general fund. Medical marijuana user Mark Woodard, left blind after he was accidentally shot in the head at age 10, said Wednesday that he will once again knock on doors to talk with registered voters in support of the initiative. Woodard, 27, said he has found a lot of support for the initiative, which he said addresses public safety and would provide needed access for patients. I am not speaking just for me, Woodard said. I am speaking for everyone else who uses it in Vista. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Goodwill Industries of San Diego County accepts walk-in applicants on Hiring Day Tuesdays at its Goodwill Employment Center, 329 W. Grand Ave. in Escondido, along with centers in Point Loma and Otay Mesa. The nonprofit runs community employment centers throughout San Diego County that offer free assistance searching and applying for a job. Community members seeking jobs can get help, for example, with their resumes, job applications and interviewing skills. The nonprofit provides employment and job training for people with disabilities and other employment challenges. Many of the job openings do not require work experience. Advertisement To participate in the nonprofits weekly hiring day on Tuesdays, visit sdgoodwill.org and complete the online application. Bring a copy of the completed application to a Goodwill Employment Center any Tuesday and arrive by 9 a.m. Later arrivals might not get a chance to meet a recruiter. The nationwide nonprofit, established in 1902, uses revenue from the sale of donated goods at its retail thrift stores and after-market clearance centers to run its job training programs and employment services. The nonprofit includes job placement assistance for community members with disabilities, veterans, underserved teens ages 16-18 and young adults ages 18 to 25. Last year the nonprofit helped nearly 4,000 people with their job search in the San Diego area. Visit www.sdgoodwill.org CARLSBAD Pacific Ridge fashion show benefits school in India Advertisement Students at Pacific Ridge School are hosting Rajasthan Rising, a fashion show fundraiser open to the public, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday to support a school in India whose construction they funded. The A Million Knots School provides free education to 36 girls near Alwar, Rajasthan. Tickets are $25 and include an Indian-style meal. Guests can bid on silent auction items and the outfits modeled in the show. The school is at 6269 El Fuerte. RSVP to AMillion Knots@gmail.com. Tickets are available online at amillionknots.wixsite.com/home. DEL MAR Kindergarten information meetings start Monday The Del Mar Union School District is holding kindergarten information meetings starting at 8:30 a.m. Monday at Carmel Del Mar, Del Mar Heights and Torrey Hills schools, and through March 20 at other schools. Meetings will also be at 10:15 a.m. Monday at Del Mar Heights and Del Mar Hills. For a full schedule, visit dmusd.org. Registration for the 2017-18 school year begins April 3 and the first day of school will be Aug. 28. Information meetings are for adults only. Your child must turn age 5 on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Call (858) 755-9301. ENCINITAS School shows its heart on Valentines Day Encinitas Country Day Schools Parent Action Committee hosted their annual Valentines Day after-school event recently, which included a cake walk, flower sales, bracelet-making, popcorn, a Hugs & Kisses booth and a silent auction. The school raised $6,827 to benefit The Clearity Foundation, which supports ovarian cancer patients and their physicians. Visit encinitascountrydayschools.org. ESCONDIDO Christian school collects soles for children Escondido Christian School teamed recently with local motorcycle clubs to provide new shoes for local Native American children from non-gaming tribes in the area. Students collected 350 pairs of new shoes and had them delivered with the help of the Rez Riders Indian Motorcycle Club and the Native Descendants Indian Motorcycle Club. The clubs visited the campus to collect the shoes and deliver them. ECC has decided to hold the shoe drive annually and named it Jackies Soles for Souls in honor of the school community member who inspired it. The school is at 923 Idaho Ave. Call (760) 745-2071. Classes to cut parent stress offered at two school sites Felicita Elementary and Juniper Elementary will each host a series of free classes on how to reduce your stress as a parent. Classes run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. starting March 13 at Juniper and March 16 at Felicita. Topics include proactive discipline, ways to increase and support your childs school readiness, problem-solving skills, and calm-down strategies. Free book and materials will be provided. Children are welcome; registration is required. Call Laura Aguilera at (760) 432-2431, ext. 128, at Felicita, or Estafany Quezada at (760) 432-2462 at Juniper. NORTH COUNTY Local students achieve fall semester deans list Peyton Wallace of Oceanside, Megan Miller of Poway and Danielle Isbell of Ramona made the fall deans list at St. Anselm College, Manchester, N.H. Kenya Paiz of Valley Center made the fall deans list at Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, W.Va. Isabella Speedon of Oceanside was named to the fall deans list at St. Marys College, Notre Dame, Ind. KJ MacDonald of Carlsbad was named to the fall deans list at Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Emma Schneir of Carlsbad was named to the fall deans list at Butler University, Indianapolis. These students made the fall deans list at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.: Gianna Bacher and Grant Ikehara of Carlsbad; Kathleen Boyle, Molly Burns, Bridget Eastwood and Julia Rein of Encinitas; Ryan Segura of Oceanside; Allison Seifert and Shane Stoike of Poway; Alessandra Eppich and Allison Streicher of San Marcos; Bridget Brady and Ashley Goode of Solana Beach; and Haydan Hastings and Claire Swafford of Vista. In addition, these students made the fall presidents list: Brandon Carroll of Carlsbad, and Shannon Liska and Alexa Buono of Poway. Local students are fall graduates from universities Roxan Hakami-Tafreshi of Poway graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences. Megan N. Brown of Ramona earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in community-integrated marketing from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Computer distribution takes place in Vista, Escondido Computers 2 SD Kids and Cox Communications are partnering with Connect 2 Compete, a national nonprofit that helps families access technology through low-cost refurbished computers and discounted high-speed Internet. A computer distribution will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 15 at Rose Elementary, 906 N. Rose St., Escondido, and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 16 at the FACE Center, 836 Olive Ave., Vista. A fee of $80 is charged for a desktop system with LCD monitor, or $100 for a laptop, plus processing fee; includes one-year free limited technical support. High-speed Internet is available for $9.95 monthly for qualified families. Application forms are at school offices, or call (858) 200-9787, ext. 11. Deadline is Monday for both giveaways. Visit c2sdk.org. Free ACT, SAT practice tests offered Saturday at library The Oceanside Public Library is hosting free practice ACT and SAT testing, administered by the Princeton Review, to high school students. The ACT will be given from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and the SAT will be given from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 11, in the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. At a follow-up meeting, students will get a personalized score report showing strengths and weaknesses. A Princeton Review representative will explain the scoring, test-taking strategies, and tips to improve scores for next time. Registration is required; visit the library or call (760) 435-5600. SOLANA BEACH District sets community info meeting on projects Measure JJ, the Solana Beach Schools GO Bond initiative, passed in November 2016, and the school district begins a number of construction projects in June 2017, including complete reconstruction of Skyline School. A community informational meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Skylines Activity Center, 606 Loma Santa Fe Drive. School officials will detail the plans, which include demolition, grading, and rebuilding, as well as solar panels in parking lots, walkway canopies and the lunch shelter. The school will be ready for occupancy in fall 2018. VALLEY CENTER Local jazz bands, choirs kick off benefit Saturday The Valley Center School Jazz programs will perform at the 20th annual Jazz Benefit on Saturday at the Maxine Theater. Doors open at noon with grilled entrees and Mexican food for lunch, offered by the Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters. The meals start at $5 with many $1 snacks and treats. The concert begins at 1 p.m. at the Maxine, 31322 Cole Grade Road, featuring the middle and high school jazz bands with the high school choir and jazz choir. This event is a key fundraiser for the music programs. Contact Ruth Stephens, VCP Music Boosters president, at VCMusicBoosters@gmail.com. VISTA Hairspray bounces onto Guajome Park stage Guajome Park Academys Stage Production and Drama students present Hairspray, the musical. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the school gym. General admission is $13 and for students, $10. The school is at 2000 N. Santa Fe Ave. Call (760) 631-8500. Please send North County-related school items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com Augustin Hadelich is a busy guy. But the Grammy-winning violinist always has time for San Diego. Over the past six years, the New York-based musician has performed in town a half-dozen times, either with the San Diego Symphony or at La Jolla Music Societys SummerFest series. Hes a fan of the regions sunny weather, but this time hes bringing music that should put a chill in the air. In a trio of concerts Friday through Sunday with the San Diego Symphony and guest conductor Markus Stenz, Hadelich will perform Dmitri Shostakovichs moody Violin Concert No. 1 in A Minor. Advertisement The piece has a tortured history thats reflected in its somber sound. In the waning years of Joseph Stalins rule, Shostakovich and other artists were forced to write upbeat, patriotic music or lose their livelihood. Although he started the concerto in 1947, he was forced to hide it and hold back its premiere until two years after Stalins 1953 death. His music seems to be a perfect illustration of what was happening in the Soviet Union at the time, said Hadelich, 32. We dont know what he wouldve written if he had a happy life. There is this kind of depression and hopelessness in the music. Theres also a defiant spirit or sarcasm to fight against that hopelessness. Hadelich first discovered the Shostakovich concerto at age 10. Raised by German parents on a farm in Italys Tuscany region, Hadelich was a prodigy who played his first concert at age 7. Because of the farms remote location, he lacked a steady and formal musical education but his talent brought him to the attention of many European masters. Then at age 15, he was severely burned in a fire at the farm and couldnt play the violin for two years. That only fueled his passion for the instrument. At age 20, he left the farm for good to move to the biggest city I could think of to study at the Juilliard School in New York. Two years later, he won first prize at the 2006 Indianapolis International Violin Competition and has since become one of the top touring concert violinists in the world. His accolades include a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, the 2011 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship and the inaugural 2015 Warner Music Prize. He also won a Grammy Award last year for a recording of Henri Dutilleuxs Violin Concerto with the Seattle Symphony. Hadelich is known for the unusual breadth of his repertoire, his inexhaustible work ethic and touring schedule and his highly expressive playing. The New York Times hailed his dazzling technique, a gorgeous tone and penetrating, spontaneous musicality. And pianist Joyce Yang, a Juilliard classmate with whom he recently released an album of duets, describes his style as so fine (its) like pulling silk through the eye of a needle. He performs on the 1723 Kiesewetter Stradivarius violin, which he said is well-suited to the tonal range of the Shostakovich piece. You need an enormous dynamic range and this violin can do that. Im very excited to pick up the Shostakovich again, he said. Its such an extraordinary piece. Hadelichs concerto will be bookended by two Beethoven works, the Leonore Overture No. 2 and the famous Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. San Diego Symphonys Shostakovich and Beethoven with conductor Markus Stenz and violinist Augustin Hadelich When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. Where: Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. Tickets: $20-$96 Phone: (619) 235-0804 Online: sandiegosymphony.org pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @pamkragen Artist Ludmila Pawlowska grew up in a city in Kazakhstan filled with intellectuals and artists exiled there from Russia under Stalins orders. Her teachers noticed her gift as an artist (she was called a prodigy), and today she continues to experiment with color, texture and form in Icons in Transformation, a 100-piece traveling exhibition stopping in museums and cathedrals in Europe and the United States. The Russian-Swedish abstract expressionist went on a spiritual journey after her mothers death, searching for answers in Russian monasteries. Here, she uses painting, sculpture with collage on wood panel, and installation as contemporary inspiration from traditional icons. Icons in Transformation: 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday (starting Sunday and continuing through May 7) at All Souls Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. (619) 223-6394 or allsoulspointloma.org. Two early supporters of the Womens Studies Department at San Diego State University the oldest program of its kind in the nation will be among the inductees Sunday at the 16th annual county Womens Hall of Fame ceremony. The late Joyce Nower and Carol Rowell Council were on an ad-hoc committee in 1969 that steered creation of the department a year later. They are being inducted into the hall of fame in the category of Empowerer. They will be joined by four other women at this years event, which is at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacobs Center in Chollas View. Advertisement The inductees selflessly dedicated themselves to improving the lives of women, children and families and created a powerful impact within San Diego communities, said Moriah Gonzalez-Meeks, event chair. The hall of fame was created in 2001 as a way to recognize the actions and accomplishments of women in San Diego County. It has 83 members, chosen on the basis of values, empowerment, activism, trailblazing, cultural competency and historical preservation. They are featured in an exhibit at the Womens Museum of California at Liberty Station. This years inductees are: Irma Gonzalez (Trailblazer), the first Mexican-American woman to be a federal judge. Appointed to the U.S. District Court in 1992, she served as chief judge from 2005 to 2012 and retired in 2013. She helped shepherd construction of the new courthouse annex in downtown San Diego. Before she was appointed to the bench by President George H.W. Bush, she served as a magistrate judge for seven years and a Superior Court judge for 19 months. Lilia Velasquez (Activist), an attorney who assists immigrants, refugees and undocumented women, especially those trying to escape domestic violence, sexual abuse and prostitution. She came to the United States at age 19, got a degree in social work from San Diego State and a law degree from California Western School of Law. She is frequently quoted by the news media for her expertise in immigration law. Joyce Nower (Empowerer), who in addition to her founding work with SDSUs Womens Studies Department helped create one of the first womens assistance centers in Southern California. Established in 1969, what is known now as the Center for Community Solutions provides prevention and intervention resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and stalking. She died in 2010. Carol Rowell Council (Empowerer), who also helped create the SDSU Womens Studies Department and the Center for Community Solutions, where she was director for 20 years. Her interest in feminism grew out of her participation in anti-war and students rights movements while attending SDSU, where she earned a bachelors degree in public administration. Dilkhwaz Ahmed (Bridge Builder), an Iraqi refugee who helps run License to Freedom, an El Cajon-based nonprofit agency that assists victims of domestic violence. She came to the U.S. in 2002 from Iraq, where she ran the Nawa Center, a shelter for abused women. She also coordinated an assistance program for prisoners in a womens jail. Darlene Gould Davies (Historian), who has been involved with the Old Globe in Balboa Park for more than 60 years and is its historian. She volunteers at the San Diego History Center, also in the park, and has written a history of the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women. She worked professionally as a speech language pathologist. Sundays induction ceremony is open to the public. General admission is $50. john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com When the Navys supercarrier Carl Vinson slipped out of San Diego nearly two months ago and steamed toward Hawaii, it marked the first time since World War II that the Third Fleet prowled the Pacific Ocean under its own command. Now sharing the eastern stretches of the Pacific with the Navys Japan-based Seventh Fleet, Carrier Strike Group One was bisecting the South China Sea Thursday morning, steaming between the Philippines and China. And so far the Third Fleet Forward experiment is going great, according to the groups commander at sea, Rear Adm. James Kilby. Advertisement The Third Fleet Forward concept is working really well, said Kilby during a telephone interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune, the whoosh of jets catapulting off the Vinsons flight deck above him. I cant be more proud of the sailors in this strike group and what theyre doing, added Kilby, a New Yorker. Theyre upbeat. Theyre positive. And its going really well. Kilby takes orders from Vice Adm. Nora Tyson at Third Fleets Point Loma headquarters. She or her staff monitors the Vinsons movements around the clock. She plans at least two more trips to command the force at sea before it returns to San Diego in the next three months. The Vinson is accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser Lake Champlain and the guided-missile destroyers Wayne E. Meyer and Michael Murphy. Kilbys strike group journeys through the South China Sea during a time of rising tensions with Beijing. China continues to build artificial islands on rocks and islets dotting the South China Sea many of the shoals and reefs contested by other regional allies and partners of the United States, including the Philippines and Vietnam. We continue to deploy here and try to send a message to our friends and allies that were here, said Kilby. Were providing security. Were providing presence. We want to work with them in exercises and were certainly doing that on our deployment. At times, a warship breaks apart from the larger flotilla. For example, the Murphy is steaming to rejoin the carrier after conducting special patrols with U.S. Coast Guard maritime law enforcement teams off Fiji, Nauru, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands to protect the South Pacific nations from illegal fishing. Later in the summer, a pair of San Diego-based destroyers will join the group in the Western Pacific, beefing up the group as it sails through contested waters. Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal cprine@sduniontribune.com Company announcement 3/2017 The European Energy Group today signed a term sheet with a German investor for the negotiation of a binding agreement for the sale of a wind park in Italy with a total nameplate capacity of 20 MW. The European Energy Group owns in total 50 % of the wind farm to be sold, which has been in operation since the beginning of 2017. The wind farm consists of a total of 10 Vestas V110-2MW turbines. The term sheet sets out the main conditions for the sales agreement, which is expected to be exclusively negotiated and signed in Q2 2017. Closing of the sales agreement will be subject to a number of customary conditions precedent, including long-term project financing of the project being in place. Completion of the envisaged sale will contribute positively to European Energy A/S's financial position. Contact information: European Energy A/S Jens-Peter Zink, chairman of the board jpz@europeanenergy.dk ph. + 45 2047 8220 This announcement has been made in accordance with the market abuse regulation (regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 on market abuse). Camp Pendleton Marine Jeremy Thomas had his hand blown off in Afghanistan in 2011. A year later, he was hooked on prescription painkillers. Another year in, he had turned to street heroin and crime to support his addiction. By 2014, Thomas was booted from the Marine Corps and headed for a near-deadly overdose. Spring Valley, California, USA, February 10th, 2017: | Jeremy in the front yard of his home. | (Alejandro Tamayo, The San Diego Union-Tribune) (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Advertisement Now, more than two years after becoming sober, Thomas said Navy doctors easy prescription of habit-forming painkillers helped burn his life down. If he could give advice to another person starting down the path with drugs such as OxyContin and hydrocodone? I would strongly recommend that they are as aware as possible just how slippery that slope is, the 25-year-old former Marine said. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has realized that Americas military veterans are particularly prone to whats become a national epidemic of addiction to prescription medications especially a class of opium-based painkillers known as opioids. For veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the amount of chronic pain and mental-health problems they report upon coming home from the combat zones has led to the combination of high prescription levels and greater likelihood of overdoses. San Diego County is home to the countrys biggest cluster of post-9/11 veterans. Nationally, one in five of these vets has been prescribed an opioid, roughly twice the rate as for much older vets, according to a VA study. The San Diego VA has reduced the number of patients receiving prescriptions for habit-forming painkillers by roughly a third during whats been a nearly four-year push, which mirrors the agencys similar efforts nationwide. And the number of high-dose painkiller prescriptions 100 mg per day or more is down by half among San Diego VA patients, slightly beating the national VA average. Despite its progress, the San Diego VA medical system still lands roughly in the middle of the nationwide VA spectrum of opioid safety scores. On a scale of 1 to 146, San Diegos composite score is 88. (One is best and 146 is worst, according to the agencys system.) National VA representatives said they werent authorized to disclose scores for all 146 regional VA health networks, so its hard to know exactly where San Diegos system falls relative to other VAs around the country. More than one facility can have the same score. They seem to be somewhere in the middle of the pack, said Dr. Friedhelm Sandbrink, the VAs deputy national program director for pain management in Washington, D.C. You have really a fairly large number of facilities that all have numbers that are fairly close together. The director of the San Diego VA medical system said the regions large concentration of younger veterans is a challenge in this regard. That population has a higher incidence of musculoskeletal conditions that might initiate opioid use, said Dr. Robert Smith, an internist who took the helm here in July. Cutting people off It cant be a race to the bottom, experts said. There are still patients suffering acute pain such as from recent injuries or surgeries who need the hardest-hitting pain relievers. Tapering patients off too fast is potentially putting them at risk. They can have an exacerbation of the pain, Sandbrink said. For patients who are already physically dependent on painkillers, he said, It creates a huge stress potentially, especially if its done too fast, that can trigger significant medical concerns downstream. Thats what happened to Thomas, the Marine who lost his hand to an explosion. Once his military doctors realized he was acting out, they cold turkey halted his supply of painkillers. It had basically become my only coping mechanism for not only his physical pain, but also depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder, Thomas said. When I started to have problems, the Navy decided it was in my best interest to cut me off the opiate medications because I was clearly portraying signs that things were falling apart and I wasnt doing well, he added. Thats when he starting taking drastic steps. At that point, I was stuck. I chose to continue acquiring medication through friends, he said. Those friends were his fellow wounded Marines around the barracks and, finally, a friend of a friend who dealt heroin. In general, reversing the trend of addiction to opioid-based painkillers has been a difficult slog, for both doctors and patients. Some people are more accepting and want to work their way off the medications. Other people are more resistant, and understandably. Theyve been on the medicine for 10 years or more, said Dr. James Michelsen, associate chief of primary care for the San Diego VA Healthcare System. Occasionally, we find someone who is angry. Its understandable. Its really not their fault they are on these opiates, a lot of times. The medical community was in favor of these medications initially. Mistakes made, costs paid The problem goes back to the late 1990s. Manufacturers of a new generation of opioid-based painkillers began marketing them as non habit-forming. Before then, physicians were largely reluctant to give morphine and its related medicines for fear that they would cause addiction. The idea of chronic-pain management through opioids became ascendant as a patients right. Its now widely regarded as one of the biggest mistakes of modern medicine. The national opioid epidemic is estimated to have cost more than 165,000 lives between 1999 and 2014, the most recent year for available statistics nationally. Health and public-safety experts said the crisis is responsible for alarming numbers of visits to hospital emergency rooms, deadly overdoses and criminal activity by addicts. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and three of its executives pleaded guilty in 2007 to federal charges of misbranding drugs and were ordered to pay $635 million. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tightened its labeling requirements for certain opioids, pharmaceutical companies have introduced abuse-deterrent versions for a few of their opioids, some lawmakers and patient-advocacy groups have tried to mount public-awareness campaigns and they have pushed for tougher prosecution of doctors and clinics that dispense opioids with little to no medical justification. Most of the spotlight on this epidemic has shined on the general public. But in some ways, the veterans population has been at the center of the impact zone. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, U.S. troops have returned from battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq with significant injuries, and about 60 percent of them have reported chronic pain. From 2004 to 2012, VA opioid prescriptions given on an outpatient basis increased by nearly 77 percent nationally. As of 2012, the height of the trend, a third of all veterans in VA care received opioids for pain management, VA data shows. The fallout across the United States started to be seen clearly around 2010, experts said. Death rates linked to drug overdoses increased by 102 percent from 1999 to 2010 in the general population, with opioid abuse being a prime contributor to this spike. In 2010, 78 percent of the drug-overdose deaths in the United States were unintentional and 60 percent were associated with prescription medications. Veterans are twice as likely to die from an accidental overdose compared to the nonveteran population, the VA reports. Why? Psychological distress may lead to inappropriate use of opioid prescriptions in patients with mental-health disorders, experts note. Whats more, doctors were giving veterans with PTSD and other mental-health challenges these potent painkillers at a higher rate. A VA study of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a new pain diagnosis found that 18 percent of such vets with PTSD were given opioids. By comparison, only 7 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans without a mental-health issue got the same painkillers. Eventually, the picture of opioid abuse and addiction became clear, and the medical community started its push to turn the ship as deaths and addiction continued to mount. The VA started its nationwide opioid safety campaign in August 2013. But the ripples of the epidemic are still strong. Since 2012, the San Diego VA has treated more than 500 patients a year who have a diagnosis of opioid addiction. Its annual caseload reached a high of 673 patients in 2015, and last year the figure was 561. Nationally, about 68,000 veterans currently experience some level of opioid addiction, according to a VA estimate. Filling recovery beds Veterans Village of San Diego is one of the places these addicts end up. The nonprofit group, founded in the 1980s by Vietnam War veterans, offers help with drug and alcohol dependence, mental illness and homelessness three things that often go together. The opioid epidemic has started filling the charitys recovery beds. Many of them were separated from the military because of a positive drug test, because they would go to buying opiates on the street and they would end up with heroin, because its much less expensive, said Shellie Bowman, program director of the Veterans Village rehabilitation center. They are lost and homeless and addicted and depressed, Bowman said. Seeing that number increase over the years has really been difficult. We are receiving a lot of those young men and women now. Veterans Village has 165 treatment beds. While it doesnt track how many of them are filled by vets who who started on the path to addiction with prescription painkillers, the group said it saw more heroin addicts in 2016 than the year before. Here, its boots on the ground. We live this nightmare every day, said Phil Landis, chief executive of Veterans Village and a Vietnam-era Army veteran. Sometimes the severity of the challenges faced by the men and women who crawl through our front door is so horrendous that you have to tone it down because people wont believe it, he added. For vets with good military discharges that allow them to obtain VA benefits, recovery beds are also available through the VA hospital in La Jolla. That facilitys inpatient unit had 29 beds until a flood closed about half of them. The average wait time for entry during the past four months was 21 days, a spokeswoman said. Before the flood, it was seven to 10 days. Outpatient appointments for opioid-support groups and doctors care are available within a week or less, said Cindy Butler, public affairs officer for the San Diego VA Healthcare System. Alternative pain management There are alternative ways to handle chronic pain aside from opiates, experts emphasize. The list includes non-addictive painkillers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, commonly sold by brand names such as Advil, Motrin and Tylenol. Also, antidepressants can help relieve some nerve pain. For veterans, the VA offers acupuncture, chiropractic care via referral to outside doctors, cognitive therapy, occupational therapy and even techniques such as yoga, meditation and relaxation. We dont want to leave them in pain, but we want to make sure we are very careful about what we do prescribe them and make sure they have other options, not just relying on one pill, said Margaret Mendes, a San Diego VA pharmacist working with the opioid safety program. If people are getting opioids, the VA wants the dosage capped at 50 mg of morphine or its equivalent per day, which is in line with recommendations released in March by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At over 50 mg a day, thats where we start to see the overdoses, Mendes said. We are trying to not escalate people to higher doses, and people who have been on higher doses, were trying to move them back a bit. All opioids are supposed to be restricted to a 30-day supply without automatic refills, Mendes said. Renewal requires contacting a physician. About 18 months ago, the San Diego VA also began dispensing naloxone whats known as the opioid antidote, which can reverse overdoses for patients to have on hand. Another avenue of hope can be Suboxone, the brand name for the drug sometimes used to combat opioid cravings and curb the loss of control involved in drug use. And the San Diego VA contracts out some patients seeking methadone treatment, which is the long-term stand-in for morphine. In another measure of the trend, Veterans Village started facilitating Suboxone treatment for its residents a year ago. It has caused some soul-searching at the treatment center. People such as Bowman, the recovery program director, would like to see veterans get clean without creating a relationship with yet another prescription medication. Thomas, the injured former Camp Pendleton Marine, said he has found alternative pain techniques to work to some degree in addition to therapy to address his emotional trauma. Some of it kind of helps a little bit, he said. But he has become resigned to living with the pain from his amputated hand deciding that the pain is the lesser evil, compared to the horror of living on illicit drugs. His normal day is about a four or five on a pain scale of one to 10. He takes ibuprofen when it becomes unbearable. I suck it up and deal with the pain because when I dont, my life falls apart, Thomas said. Since getting into recovery, the former Marine machine gunner has managed to get his criminal record dismissed through veterans court. Separately, upon appeal, his Marine Corps discharge was upgraded to a regular honorable status. He is attending college. I joined (the Marines) right out of high school and promptly after that screwed it all up. Ive basically been given a second chance on all fronts of my life, Thomas said during an interview from his Spring Valley home. The last couple years have been spent fixing it. But now Ive come to a point where I can say, Ive come a very long way. NATIONAL VA PRESCRIPTION TRENDS FOR OPIATE PAINKILLERS (July 2012 versus December 2016) * 208,036 fewer patients were prescribed opioids (679,376 to 471,340, a 31 percent reduction) * 69,148 fewer patients were given opioids and benzodiazepines together (122,633 to 53,485, a 56 percent reduction) * 157,300 fewer patients on long-term opioid therapy (438,329 to 281,029, a 36 percent reduction) * 26,350 fewer patients (59,499 to 33,149, a 44 percent reduction) were prescribed more than or equal to 100 mg per day of these painkillers (100 mg refers to morphine daily equivalent) * Percentage of patients on long-term opioid therapy with a recent urine drug screening to help guide treatment decisions has increased from 37 percent to 86 percent. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OPIOIDS AN OVERVIEW * Opioids are the most widely prescribed class of drugs in the United States. * These medications attach to opioid receptors on cells throughout the body, including those in the brain. The body naturally has opioid chemicals like endorphins, which alleviate pain and make people feel good during exercise. Opioid drugs can further dull the perception of pain or boost an individuals level of pain tolerance. * Opioid medications also can make people feel euphoric by influencing and brains reward and pleasure system. Certain people abuse opioids in a bid to keep getting high. * A growing body of research has shown that long-term use of opioids can actually create more chronic pain, and that like narcotics, these drugs can produce serious withdrawal symptoms for people trying to kick the habit. * Opioids have been the subject of litigation and government-policy debates over the years, caught between the need to help patients with chronic pain and the struggle to stem prescription-drug abuse. * Kinds of opioids: codeine, fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic and Fentora), hydrocodone (Hysingla ER and Zohydro ER), hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco and Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid and Exalgo), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine and Methadose), morphine (Astramorph, Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin and Ora-Morph SR), oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxecta and Roxicodone), oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet, Endocet and Roxicet) and oxycodone-naloxone (Targiniq ER). * Roughly 100 million American adults live with chronic pain, which can range from joint inflammation managed with ibuprofen to severe conditions that disable a person. * About 28,500 Americans now die each year from opioid overdoses, four times the figure in 1999. * Opioid-related inpatient treatment stays increased by 64 percent between 2005 and 2014. * Yearly cost linked to chronic pain, including lost productivity, is $500 billion to $645 billion. Thats higher than the combined expenses related to cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of the Surgeon General, WebMD.com, American Academy of Pain Medicine, National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal jen.steele@sduniontribune.com Facebook: U-T Military Twitter: @jensteeley Gov. Jerry Brown has asked the Trump administration to reverse itself on a key decision to withhold a $647-million grant for a state passenger rail project, a request that comes two weeks after other California Democrats waded into the fray. In a letter this week to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Brown asserted that on its merits the grant is an open and shut case. The Transportation Department notified the state on Feb. 18 that it was deferring the grant, which is intended to pay for a 50-mile electrical power system that both the Caltrain commuter rail system and the future high-speed rail system would use from San Jose to San Francisco. Advertisement The grant, which normally might move through the federal channels with little notice, became politically charged through its association with the controversial bullet train project. All 14 of Californias Republican members of the House asked Chao to hold up the grant until an audit could be conducted of the states troubled high-speed rail projects finances. While electrification would allow Caltrain to replace its diesel locomotives with electric trains, it is also a crucial step for the future of the bullet train. The states rail authority offered to give $713 million toward the project, money that would be taken out of bond funds earmarked for the bullet train. The request by the Republican House members and the ascendancy of Donald Trump to the White House has created a political dynamic that almost nobody had contemplated, certainly not the states Democrats. Until Trumps election in November, the states Republican delegation lacked any real power to influence federal funding of the bullet train, which they strongly oppose. But now the states 14 Republican members are exerting considerable power, given that they constitute the third-largest Republican delegation in the House after Texas and Florida. And Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) has established a close relationship with Trump. McCarthy has called the project a boondoggle. Obviously, what has happened is a huge curve ball. I hope calmer head prevail and the funding goes through. Jim Earp, member of California Transportation Commission Obviously, what has happened is a huge curve ball, said Jim Earp, a longtime supporter of the high-speed rail project and a member of the California Transportation Commission. I hope calmer head prevail and the funding goes through. It hasnt helped the states case that there is not a single Republican in the Bay Area whose district might benefit from the grant. Chaos decision in mid-February was sharply criticized by many of Californias Democrats, including Sen. Diane Feinstein and Sen. Kamala Harris. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said the Transportation Department was holding the project hostage in an effort to attack the bullet train. The Caltrain goes through her district. Their protests appeared to have had no effect, and whether they were even heard is unclear. In a handwritten note on the one-page letter that Brown sent this week, he wrote, Can we discuss this on the phone? Browns office declined to say why he asked for the phone call, as opposed to having his staff set up such a call with Chao. By electrifying the line, we can run more trains, cut commute times, save fuel costs, improve air quality, reduce noise and ease traffic congestion, Brown wrote. The letter that disclosed the deferral of the grant said it would have to be part of the future federal budget, meaning it could be stretched until later this year or longer. And if the grant is held up until a high-speed rail audit is done, that would further complicate the timetable, since audits can take years. Caltrain had said any significant delays could jeopardize the project and expose it to penalties to firms already under contract. Earlier this week, Caltrain said it had reached an agreement with the contractors, led by Balfour Beatty and Stadler US, to extend the expected start date of project from March 1 to June 30. It is not clear that is enough time. The federal budget year does not start until Oct. 1, though the deliberations over spending decisions would normally be made earlier. So far, Chao has given no hint whether the grant is dead or may be revived. The audit being sought by the Republicans is based largely on concerns that the projects cost is beginning to grow sharply. In their letter asking for the grant delay, the House members cited a risk assessment by the Federal Railroad Administration, a part of the Transportation Department, that said the cost of just the first segment in the Central Valley could jump by as much as 50%. High-speed rail officials have said that the assessment was not a finding and that they dont agree with the projection. The Times disclosed the existence of the estimate in January. Another complicating factor is that the grant was approved by Carolyn Flowers, chief of the Federal Transit Agency, two days before the end of the Obama Administration. Two week later, Flowers took a job at Los Angeles-based Aecom, an engineering firm that will be providing project management services for the electrification project. Caltrain has defended the electrification project, saying it will allow it to meet sharply growing demand through Silicon Valley. Caltrain Executive Director Jim Hartnett noted that the system serves 65,000 riders daily and that the project would create thousands of jobs. ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian ALSO L.A. keeps building near freeways, even though living there makes people sick State lawmakers aim to provide attorneys to immigrants facing deportation. But who gets the help? Coroner identifies three adult victims of Riverside plane crash For more than three years, the twin cars of Angels Flight have perched unused on their steep incline as graffiti bloomed on their windows and the sun bleached their orange paint into a gentle peach. Aside from a cameo in the Oscar-winning movie La La Land, the iconic funicular in downtown Los Angeles hasnt carried passengers since a derailment in 2013 that left a lone rider shaken, but unhurt. But the cars, Sinai and Olivet, could begin working again by Labor Day under the terms of a new agreement announced Wednesday. Advertisement A group of engineering and transportation firms has agreed to maintain and operate the 298-foot railway and cover the cost of several safety upgrades in exchange for a share of the funiculars revenue over the next three decades. Officials acknowledged the long wait for a plan to resurrect Angels Flight but said the long-term investment will help stabilize the funicular, which has seen long periods of neglect during its 115-year history. At a moment when downtown is experiencing this resurgence, the timing couldnt be better, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said at a news conference. He described the partnership as the longest journey to the shortest ride ever. Regulators with the California Public Utilities Commission have refused to allow Angels Flight to resume operations without safety upgrades, citing the 2013 derailment and the death of a passenger in 2001. 1 / 18 Sept. 9, 2016: People walk past the idle Angels Flight in downtown Los Angeles. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 18 City officials announced the refurbishment and reopening of the historic Angels Flight railway in downtown L.A. Known as the worlds shortest railway, Angels Flight connects the financial district of Bunker Hill with the citys downtown core. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 18 Closed since a 2013 derailment, Angels Flight is ecpected to be up and running by Labor Day 2017, the said Mayor Eric Garcetti. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 18 Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined city officials to announce the refurbishment and reopening of the historic Angels Flight railway in downtown L.A. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 18 July 23, 2015: A tour group descends the stairs adjacent to Angels Flight, which has been closed for years in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 18 Oct. 11, 2013: The Angels Flight funicular has been shut down, forcing downtowners to hoof it up and down the stairs between Hill Street and Bunker Hill. The iconic funicular is billed as the Worlds Shortest Railroad. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 18 Setp. 5, 2013: Caution tape reminds the public to stay away from Angels Flight after one of the cars (shown) jumped the tracks near Hill Street, between Third and Fourth streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 18 Dec. 31, 2012: Riders pay only a penny to ride Angels Flight on its 111th anniversery. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 18 Dec. 31, 2012: An Angels Flight car. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 18 Nov. 1, 2008: Paul Coursey, Charlie Bree and Ken Johnson, all from Bragg Crane and Rigging, work to place Olivet, one of two rail cars that make up the Angels Flight rail system, back onto the tracks in preparation of the reopening the historic funicular. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 18 Nov. 1, 2008: Workers from Bragg Crane and Rigging put two rail cars on the tracks of the historic Angels Flight Railway. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 18 Nov. 23, 2010: A rider leaves the Angels Flight car at the top of the hill in Los Angeles. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 18 Mar. 22, 1947: A worker goes down the incline to get cars at Angels Flight running again while passengers have to take stairway up steep hill beside it. (Art Rogers / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 18 March 6, 1944: An Angels Flight car came off the tracks, forcing passengers to walk the ties to the bottom. (Stan Boyd / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 18 Dec. 27, 1963: For many years, passengers aboard Angels Flight cars had only sides of buildings to view off to the side. Here, the buildings have been removed for the Bunker Hill redevelopment project, permitting a view of the citys skyline. (Art Rogers / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 18 May 19, 1969: Workers with jackhammers start the process of dismantling Angels Flight at 3rd and Hill streets. (Bruce Cox / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 18 Oct. 5, 1958: Angels Flight car seen from Clay Street in Los Angeles. (John Malmin / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 18 1968 photo of Angels Flight in downtown Los Angeles. (Larry Sharkey / Los Angeles Times) The companies will pay for those upgrades, which include raising the height of the trains doors to prevent passengers from being flung out during a sudden stop and installing a walkway connected to the track that riders could use if they had to evacuate. I will be riding it myself, thats how confident I am in the engineers, Garcetti said. The private group will be led by ACS Infrastructure Development, the U.S. arm of a Spanish infrastructure company, in agreement with the Angels Flight Railway Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns the funicular. Officials said the cost of the repairs and the contracts total value are confidential. The engineers have already taken the first step: In January, the CPUC approved a plan outlining how to bring Angels Flight back into service, spokeswoman Constance Gordon said. The firms also will have the job of maximizing local and repeat ridership, advertising the funicular and integrating the line into the local transit network, said Geoffrey Yarema, an attorney who worked on the contract. The announcement comes less than a week before the March 7 election. Garcetti campaign spokesman Yusef Robb said the campaign had absolutely nothing to do with the Angels Flight event. The mayors office said the foundation and ACS finalized the agreement last week. As Angels Flight sits dormant, an adjacent 153-step stairway has served as the only direct pedestrian connection linking Bunker Hills high-rise apartments and offices with the tacos, pastrami and lattes at Grand Central Market. The steps often are strewn with trash. On a recent weekday, after a torrential rainfall, the stairs were dotted with fast-food wrappers, a soggy pair of shoes and a handful of lottery tickets dissolving in a puddle. Opened on New Years Eve in 1901, the funiculars iconic orange cars once shuttled residents of luxe Victorian homes on Bunker Hill to jobs in downtown L.A. By the 1950s, the railroad had carried more than 100 million passengers. But as residents moved to the suburbs, downtown fell on hard times. The funicular closed in 1969 as crews bulldozed Bunker Hills old housing to make way for skyscrapers. The twin rail cars sat rotting in a warehouse for decades until redevelopment authorities included funding for renovating the funicular in the California Plaza project. Angels Flight reopened in 1996, half a block south of its original location, carrying passengers on a 33-degree incline between Hill and Olive streets. In 2001, Sinai broke loose near the top of the incline and plummeted down the track, striking Olivet. The impact killed an 83-year-old tourist from New Jersey on vacation with his wife and injured seven other people. Investigators later concluded that faulty mechanical and brake systems, combined with weak oversight, led to the crash. The railway was closed for the next nine years. Not long after Sinai and Olivet began running again, CPUC inspectors briefly halted operations after finding excessive and abnormal wear on the cars wheels and tracks. Federal officials found other issues after the derailment in 2013. A report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board said the funiculars operators had used a tree branch to override the safety system, which had been causing unexpected stops. One passenger climbed out of the car and crawled along the tracks toward the upper platform, regulators said. After the derailment, the funicular stopped running, with one exception: Filming La La Land, the Oscar-winning film starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. In a scene that appears in the trailer, the couple shares a kiss inside the car as it chugs upward toward Bunker Hill. The utilities commission was not aware of the filming until after it took place, and notified the Angels Flight foundation that the funicular was out of service for all uses, including film shoots, Gordon said in an email. They acknowledged that no further uses of any kind would be allowed. Times staff writer Dakota Smith contributed to this report. laura.nelson@latimes.com Twitter: @laura_nelson ALSO Snowpack levels surge in the Sierra Nevada, help power California out of drought Oklahomas earthquake threat now equals Californias due to man-made temblors, USGS says Carjacking suspect who drove in reverse during police chase is taken into custody after standoff UPDATES: 3:45 p.m.: This post was updated with additional details about the upgrade plan. 2:30 p.m.: This post was updated with details about the agreement with the group of private companies, and an additional comment by Mayor Garcetti. This post was originally published at 12:55 p.m. On Thursday we published a report detailing the home-building near high-pollution zones next to freeways. This is how we reported the story. How we measured housing growth Under the California Public Records Act, The Times obtained a database of building permits from the City of Los Angeles dating to 2005, the year state air quality regulators began warning against building near freeways. Advertisement We counted the number of new housing units in the database that were within 1,000 feet of a freeway. The city began flagging developments at that distance as a concern in 2012 based on a growing body of science linking roadway pollution to health problems. Download building permit data: la-city-permits.xlsx How we counted people We analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data to count the number of people living within 500 feet and within 1,000 feet of a Southern California freeway. We used census blocks, the smallest geographical unit available, to compare the population in 2000 with 2010, the most recent years with that level of detail. The 500-foot zone was included because it is where the California Air Resources Board advises cities to avoid siting new homes, schools, child care centers, medical facilities and other sensitive land uses. We built a map of the high-pollution zones near freeways using data from local and regional planning agencies and satellite imagery. We added census blocks to that map, then estimated the number of people within 500 feet and within 1,000 feet of a freeway. For blocks that were partially outside those zones, we counted people in proportion with the area of the block inside the zone. For instance, a census block with 100 people that was 50% inside the freeway zone would be counted as 50 people. Download the GIS files: freeway_files.zip How we took air quality readings Using two portable air quality sensors borrowed from USC, we took measurements of tiny pollutants known as ultrafine particles that are emitted from vehicles. Over a 20-minute period, one reporter measured the air near the freeway while another took readings 1,500 to 1,800 feet downwind. We also tracked wind speed, wind direction, humidity and temperature on-site. The results were reviewed by scientists at the South Coast Air Quality Management District and USC. Download the air quality measurements: pollution-testing.xlsx Questions? Feedback? Contact the reporters. Tony Barboza tony.barboza@latimes.com Jon Schleuss jon@latimes.com tony.barboza@latimes.com @tonybarboza No profession is more noble than serving the public in law enforcement, San Diego federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel told a crowd of criminal justice students Wednesday afternoon. But he cautioned that fulfilling that purpose comes with a lot of responsibility and power. While you have that power, the power you exercise is for the public, Curiel stressed. We are all public servants in that regard. Advertisement The judge, who has made national headlines for his role overseeing the Trump University lawsuits, made an hour-long presentation to about 60 aspiring law enforcement and criminal justice professionals at Miramar College as a guest speaker for the Law and Justice Society, a new student club. But the controversy the case has sparked notably President Donald Trumps public statements calling the judge biased because of his Mexican heritage and assumed opposition to Trumps border wall and immigration enforcement was not present during Wednesdays talk. Curiel requested the students not ask him about current or pending cases, and they obliged. The judge has also previously declined to talk about the case or Trumps comments. The three lawsuits settled for $25 million in November in agreements that must still be finalized. Instead, students asked the judge about everything from his opinion on the legalization of marijuana (he said he is not in a position to give his personal opinion), to how law enforcement officers can write better police reports to help prosecutors tackle the rise in cybercrime. He reminded the students: My job is not to make the laws. I cannot comment on whether a law is good or bad or just or unjust. One student asked how citizens can enact positive changes in the criminal justice system. Curiel said while the problems in our society are multifaceted, citizens can have influence at home as parents and siblings, within the school system and in the larger community, such as supporting after-school programs. The political process also cant be ignored, he said. Dont underestimate the power of a letter or a call to your congressman. He sees you not as someone complaining. He sees a possible voter. Curiel, who grew up in Indiana as the son of Mexican immigrants, said he didnt have a clear direction when he was younger and ended up copying his older brother, who went to law school and became a federal prosecutor. In 1989, Curiel came to San Diego as an assistant U.S. attorney and became the chief of the offices narcotics section from 1999 to 2002. Tijuanas Arellano Felix drug cartel was the units focus then. It was a daunting, challenging assignment, Curiel said. It was hard investigating a bloodthirsty, violent organization from another country and difficult to hold onto witnesses either because they went back to their old criminal habits, became too scared to cooperate or ended up dead. And Mexico didnt extradite their drug kingpins back then. His unit was the butt of jokes, he said, as prosecutors were indicting people who would never see the inside of a U.S. courtroom. But Curiel is credited with helping foster better cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement, a relationship that achieved the extradition of Arturo Paez Martinez, a top lieutenant of the Arellano Felix cartel. The precedent allowed the office to eventually extradite the cartels head, Benjamin Arellano Felix, and even more recently Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who is being prosecuted in New York. It is a continuation of the work we did in San Diego establishing precedent to have drug traffickers extradited here for their drug crimes, Curiel said. The job came with its risks. The cartel put a hit out on him at one point, forcing Curiel to relocate to a Navy base and elsewhere, and get protection from the U.S. Marshals Service for a year. Curiel moved to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles in 2002 and was later appointed to the San Diego Superior Court bench in 2006 by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He spent three of those years in family court the most challenging judicial assignment there is, he said. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Everything else is a walk in the park. In 2011, then-President Barack Obama nominated Curiel to the federal bench to fill the seat of Judge Thomas Whelan, who went on senior status. The Senate approved his appointment in 2012. As a federal judge, he oversees civil and criminal cases. The criminal side he said is basically Groundhog Day, overseeing drug importation and illegal immigration cases. Curiel encouraged the students to embrace challenges and to master their writing and communication skills. And to remember: You have to crawl before you can walk, and walk before you can run. PREVIOUS Students allege they paid up to $35,000 to attend seminars and learn inside secrets to success in real estate from mentors who were handpicked by Trump. Instead, they claim the program was nothing more than an infomercial trying to squeeze more mo kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis If President Donald Trump wants to tackle immigration, he should send a bill over to the Senate. Thats the view of Sen. Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who was a member of the gang of eight that drafted the 2013 immigration overhaul that passed the Senate before stalling in the House. I think it would be helpful for him to do it. Im encouraged by some of the things I hear. We got 68 votes for a bipartisan bill that I was one of the chief architects of, Graham said. Graham said the 2013 legislation allowed for merit-based immigration, something, he pointed out, Trump mentioned in his joint session address on Tuesday. Advertisement The three-term senator said that he thought Democratic votes could be mustered for funding Trumps proposed wall along the border with Mexico if it came as part of a comprehensive package akin to the gang of eight plan. Absolutely, without any doubt. What youll never do is get a partisan bill passed through the Senate that basically deports everybody, that you cant tell the difference between a grandmother and a gang member, Graham said. There is no path for a bill like that. Graham indicated that the potential $12 billion to $15 billion price tag of the wall could be handled since there is a case to be made that border security is an emergency. We can call it the greatest wall in the history of walls, I dont care, he said. Well call it the Trump wall, I dont care how we do it. I just want to get there. Sen. Marco Rubio, who worked with Graham on the immigration overhaul, said Trumps apparent interest in immigration could get the issue on the Senates radar. I mean, presidents set the agenda, the Florida Republican said. Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a third GOP member of the 2013 immigration gang, said Wednesday that Congress will have to debate how to deal with undocumented immigrants, particularly children currently protected under the deferred action program that was implemented under President Barack Obama. Those kids are going to be timed out of the program, Flake said. So its not something that you can ignore or say well do it later. Its got to be done with Congress because thats the only way you can do it legally. Asked before the Presidents Day recess if Congress should play a role in addressing undocumented immigrants, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, The president has a lot of latitude in this area and I think Ill wait and react to what he chooses to do. Graham said he wished Trump had taken more time to talk specifically about what he wants to see in terms of policy for addressing the 11 million or so undocumented individuals in the country, including expanding on his comments to network news anchors over lunch on Tuesday. The time is right for an immigration bill, as long as there is compromise on both sides, Trump said, according to CBS News and other outlets. Reports also indicated there were assurances made in that meeting about protection from deportation for beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, often referred to as Dreamers. Apparently, he opened the door with some reporters and just gave a little crack last night, but Ill take what I can get. Im looking to solve problems, Graham said about the presidents speech to Congress. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, who was among the Democrats involved in crafting the 2013 immigration plan that never moved in the House, referred to Trumps comments to the TV anchors when speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday morning. It was so funny he spoke to a bunch of cosmopolitan news anchors and mentioned maybe he will change his views on immigration and the media got into a buzz about that, the New York Democrat said. The speech he gave was one of the most anti-immigrant speeches that we heard any president ever give saying one thing, doing another. Now, its not the hypocrisy that bugs us, although its there; its the fact that hes not helping middle-class America, Schumer said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials declined to provide any witnesses for a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, and the White House appears to be refining its approach to immigration policies. But as optimistic as Graham was Wednesday, he also had a message for the enforcement hard-liners in the White House and elsewhere in the Trump administration. Therell never be a bill passed through the Senate that has mass deportation (of) the 11 million, and I think the presidents beginning to understand that, Graham said. This president may actually be able to pull off immigration reform because he has credibility with the hard right, who has called everything amnesty. Lesniewsk (@Niels Lesniewski) writes for Roll Call. Bridget Bowman contributed to this report. San Diegos Democrats in Congress said Thursday Attorney General Jeff Sessions should resign after revelations that the top Cabinet member did not disclose contacts with the Russian ambassador last year. Two of them, Reps. Scott Peters and Juan Vargas, went as far as to accuse Sessions of lying under oath during his Senate confirmation hearing testimony. A nominee for Attorney General perjured himself under oath twice in the course of his job interview with the Senate about contacts with a foreign government that is known to have interfered in our election, Peters said in a statement. I ask my Republican colleagues: if that is not cause for an independent investigation and a special prosecutor, what is? Advertisement Likewise, in a statement released before Sessions announced on Thursday afternoon that he recuse himself from Russia-related investigations, Vargas also called for the attorney general to step down from his position for lying under oath. It is not enough for Sessions to recuse himself from any Trump-Russia related investigations, he must resign as Attorney General, Vargass statement said. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate President Trumps ties to Russia, Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, said that an attorney general who cant oversee an investigation of such significance is not qualified for the position. An Attorney General who needs to recuse himself on an investigation this important should not lead the Department of Justice, she said shortly after Sessions announced he would recuse himself. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, did not join the resignation chorus, but he renewed his demand for an independent inquiry into Russias attempts to influence the presidential election and what interaction that nations officials had with the Trump campaign and the presidents associates. On Wednesday evening the Washington Post reported that Sessions, when he was still a senator from Alabama and a surrogate for now-President Donald Trumps campaign, twice met with the Russian ambassador but did not disclose his discussions with intelligence officials, and later, during his confirmation hearing. In response to a question from Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn, that asked Sessions how he would react if the Trump campaign had discussions with Russian officials, Sessions said he had not heard of any talks, and that he personally did not communicate with anyone from that government. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, Sessions said. Issa has called for an independent inquiry into the Trump-Russia election ties since last week, and, like he has before, called on Thursday for Sessions to recuse himself from from any investigations, hours before the attorney general did so. The news breaking overnight reaffirms what I called for in an interview last Friday, that we need an independent review by a credible third party and that Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from any investigation into Russia, Issa said in a statement. We need a clear-eyed view of what the Russians actually did so that all Americans can have faith in our institutions. Issa, who was a high-profile Trump supporter during the campaign, first made his statements calling for some sort of independent oversight on the television show Real Time with Bill Maher. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 Two visitors from Wisconsin and a Borrego Springs resident suffered serious injuries in a head-on collision near the desert community of Ocotillo Wells Thursday, the California Highway Patrol said. Three medical helicopters took the victims to hospitals with broken bones and other injuries, CHP Officer Kevin Pearlstein said. The 60-year-old Borrego Springs woman caused the crash when she veered out of her eastbound lane of state Route 78 west of Split Mountain Road about 8 a.m., Pearlstein said. Advertisement Her GMC Envoy SUV hit a westbound Hyundai Elantra sedan head-on. The 73-year-old Elantra driver and his wife are visiting from Wisconsin, Pearlstein said. He said he did know know why the SUV driver went into the wrong lane, but he did not believe she was trying to make a left turn. Authorities first thought the injuries were minor to moderate. Cal Fire medics evaluated them further and decided the three should be sent to hospitals as soon as possible, fire Capt. Isaac Sanchez said. He said it can be important to get injured patients to medical care within an hour, and the remote location of the crash led to the decision to arrange airlifts. HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. (TSX:TNP) (NYSE-MKT:TAT) (the Company or TransAtlantic) today announced the time for its management presentation at the EnerCom Dallas oil and gas investment conference has been changed from 4:00 p.m. Central Time to 2:20 p.m. Central Time in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, March 2, 2017. A live webcast of the event and presentation of slides will be available on TransAtlantics website at www.transatlanticpetroleum.com. To access the webcast, click on Investors, select Events & Presentations, and click on Listen to webcast under the event listing. About TransAtlantic TransAtlantic Petroleum Ltd. is an international oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Company holds interests in developed and undeveloped properties in Turkey, Albania and Bulgaria. (NO STOCK EXCHANGE, SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.) Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements concerning the Company's expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions or information about future events, conditions, results of operations or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; access to sufficient capital; ability to refinance, repay or restructure its debt; success of cost reduction efforts; market prices for natural gas; natural gas liquids and oil products; estimates of reserves and economic assumptions; the ability to produce and transport natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil; the results of exploration and development drilling and related activities; economic conditions in the countries and provinces in which the Company carries on business, especially economic slowdowns; actions by governmental authorities, receipt of required approvals, increases in taxes, legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to fracture stimulation activities, changes in environmental and other regulations, and renegotiations of contracts; political uncertainty and civil unrest, including actions by insurgent groups or other conflict; outcomes of litigation; the negotiation and closing of material contracts; and other risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. A 1-year-old girl who was reported missing in Bay Park Wednesday was found three hours later at her mothers home in the Webster neighborhood, San Diego police said. The girl was with her father in a Rite Aid parking lot on Clairemont Drive when her mother picked her up around 4 p.m. The man did not recall and reported his daughter missing about half an hour later, police said. A police helicopter crew broadcast descriptive information about the child across Bay Park. Advertisement Officers went to the mothers home in Webster shortly before 7 p.m. and found the child there, police said. Breaking News Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez Homelessness is being discussed in neighborhoods across the county. Reducing the number of homeless individuals requires publicly tackling some of the most personal issues that exist in public policy. Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, the City Council, county supervisors, San Diego Housing Commission, members of the Regional Task Force for the Homeless and many other regional partners all know that success in addressing this challenge is only possible through coordination, communication and innovation. Working alongside City Council members we are helping to maximize resources across our regions homeless care initiatives and developing a long term regional ecosystem that can be sustained over time. And working with the Regional Task Force, we are participating in the development of a cross-jurisdictional regional plan to move a larger number of homeless individuals into permanent, supportive housing. Related: Faulconer fails to adequately address homelessness crisis Advertisement The long-term vision is to provide our region with a solid process for the delivery of support services and housing for individuals who are homeless. This ecosystem will benefit from the work that has been done by the Regional Task Force which has created the technological infrastructure, coordinated entry system, centralized data collection and analysis. While integrating and leveraging this coordinated system, there is need for comprehensive Support Service Assessment Center(s) that function as a primary entry points for triage, assessment and on-site services, as well as providing permanent housing and bridge housing. Community input drives innovation, therefore the city is asking the regions homeless service providers for their ideas and input. Earlier this month the city issued a public Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ) as an initial step toward the development of a Support Service Assessment Center. Services providers who qualify under this process will be eligible to submit proposal for a Request for Proposal (RFP) the city will develop later this year. The city has $12.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds available to leverage with other private and public resources to fund the establishment of the center. National research and lessons learned by other cities provide some terrific insights with evidence showing that when clients who are homeless have a direct relationship with a provider there is an increased likelihood for successful engagement and advancement on a path to housing and stability. We look forward to many creative ideas from providers. We expect the assessment center will elevate the coordinated process with the inclusion of permanent supportive housing, triage beds, access to vital records, on-site medical and dental care, work force and life skills, and more. Depending on the services needed by the individual, some will be eligible for housing at the assessment center and others will work with program staff on coordinated referrals for appropriate housing and services. Proponents recognize a new facility will not solve the regions housing needs all by itself. But it will provide a starting point for homeless individuals entering the regional support network. They will be assessed based on their individual needs and then directed to the best program, provider or housing option for them. We are confident such a facility as part of an overall ecosystem will facilitate reducing the number of people who are homeless. They will connect our most vulnerable to the support, services and housing necessary to end the cycle of homelessness. A well-functioning ecosystem would need not be dependent on any elected official or specific government administration. Its the underpinnings, the blueprint, for moving more folks into permanent supportive housing in the most cost-effective manner. Looking ahead, the city, in coordination with our partners, is projecting the amount of permanent supportive housing being built over the next several years, assessing what additional housing will be needed, working toward adding more housing and examining policy issues that will help ensure fewer people face homelessness going forward. Simultaneously we are pursuing short-term collaborative strategies to reduce the number of unsheltered. These include enhancing and expanding the Family Reunification Program; establishing a 24/7 hotline for shelter bed availability; adding temporary immediate beds for our most vulnerable people; increasing the number of beds available for low-level misdemeanor offenders in the San Diego Misdemeanants At-Risk Track (SMART) program; and working with the County to expand mental health outreach, and the San Diego Housing Commission to increase landlord engagement to provide more housing options and establishing prevention and diversion programs. The bottom line is we are moving forward on several fronts to tackle the homeless crisis head-on. This problem didnt start overnight and it wont be solved overnight, but working together we can make a difference in the lives of the women, children and men living on our streets. Thank you for your patience and support in helping our neighbors. Spector is the citys senior adviser for housing solutions. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers well-intentioned proposal to build a Support Service Assessment Center with a few hundred short-term shelter beds is the wrong approach to our current homelessness crisis. Virtually every community that has made substantial progress in reducing homelessness has done so by housing its homeless neighbors, not by warehousing them in shelters. The mayors efforts should be directed to removing the barriers to more affordable housing for our disabled long-term homeless. Housing rather than temporary shelter is the fastest and most humane way to address our current crisis. The proposed shelter will not make immediate or substantial impact on reducing homelessness. The shelter will not be fully funded until fiscal year 2020, and probably not open until three years from now. Moreover, a few hundred additional beds added to our existing 1,300 shelter beds are unlikely to significantly impact the almost 5,000 homeless on our streets today. San Diegos year-round shelter bed inventory increased by 549 beds between 2015 and 2016 with little progress to show for it. Related: San Diegos coordinated effort aims to combat homelessness Advertisement More importantly, decades of experience in San Diego have shown that shelters have not been effective at getting people out of homelessness, especially those with disabilities. One woman with obvious mental illness living on the street proudly told me how she had graduated from Father Joes (twice), Salvation Army, YWCA, the Winter Tents (three times) and the Rescue Mission yet she still lived on the street. Once we started data-driven analysis of our homeless system, it became obvious that her experience was typical. Without a way to move our disabled homeless into housing, shelters are like trying to fix an overflowing bathtub by taking out bucket after bucket of water. Eventually, you must fix the drain. That is why many other communities nationwide, and recently the San Diego community, are adopting the Housing First model putting our disabled, long-term homeless neighbors in housing first, then providing the supportive services to address their problems and keep them housed. Numerous communities have made substantial progress by fully embracing Housing First. For example: Orlando reduced homelessness by 25 percent last year Fresno reduced homelessness by 50 percent last year Houston reduced street homelessness by 75 percent in five years Utah reduced disabled long-term homelessness by 94 percent statewide These communities attribute their success to their commitment to housing, not shelters. Over the last few years, San Diego County Health and Human Services, the San Diego Housing Commission, the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, and regional homeless service providers have worked hard to put the pieces in place to achieve similar results through Housing First. We already have an intake system staffed by nine people assessing housing needs. We have thousands of rental assistance vouchers and follow-up supportive services committed to Housing First. The missing piece is sufficient front doors affordable housing that people can rent with their vouchers. Today, hundreds of our homeless neighbors are approved for vouchers but have nowhere to use them. The mayor must focus on helping us find more front doors. For example, the $12.5 million designated for the new shelter could instead fund increased deposits and cash incentives to landlords. That would create a tidal wave of landlords welcoming the hundreds of homeless people currently needing just a front door. The mayors personal involvement in this landlord recruiting effort would be a much more effective use of his leadership capital than fighting over where the new shelter would be located. The mayor should also work to remove the barriers to building affordable housing. The majority of new homeless housing costs over $300,000 per unit and takes over six years to develop. Developers say that one-third to one-half of that cost, and half of the delay, arise from unnecessary regulatory delays and requirements. If the mayor treats this as a true emergency, he could bring hundreds of new front doors on line in the same time frame as his proposed shelter. To start, he could implement the suggestions of his Housing Commissions chief strategy officer on an emergency basis to reduce costs and delays for new homeless housing. The mayors proposal is rooted in a desire to promptly clean up the streets and treat our homeless neighbors with compassion admirable goals shared by most San Diegans. However, the mayors $12.5 million proposal for another few hundred temporary beds, not fully funded until 2020, is not an effective and sustainable way to accomplish these goals. Focusing on finding permanent homeless housing will have more impact now, and solve the real problem instead of kicking the can down the road again. Theisen is the immediate past president of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, and has been a volunteer advocate for San Diegos homeless for 10 years. He can be reached at tomtjd@yahoo.com. California would be stronger as two states Regarding Calexit and the Electoral College: Is California secession really on the table? (Feb. 23): If California wants to seriously contest the unpopular and reactionary policies of the federal government, the most effective tool in its arsenal is to split the state into two reliably progressive states of Northern and Southern California. Two more senators. Lewis Flock Escondido Advertisement President should show he has nothing to hide Regarding Should Donald Trumps Russian ties be investigated? (Feb. 27): The president errs by resisting the appointment of an independent and special prosecutor to determine the extent of culpability the Russian connection may have had in our recent national election. Until such an investigation is done, the Trump presidency remains in question. It is urgent that we put this matter behind us and stand up behind the president. The sooner it is determined that he was not in cahoots with the Russkies, the sooner we may move on. Larry Schwimmer Imperial Beach Something stinks about big sewage spill story Regarding 143 million gallons of sewage spill into Tijuana River (Feb. 24): A monumental amount of raw sewage was dumped into the Tijuana River headed for Imperial Beach. Greatest spill in years. Could it be Mexicos revenge on Trump? And could the fact that our federal government knew about it for two weeks before reporting it to us be Trumps revenge on California? It certainly is going to be an interesting four years ahead. Kathleen M. ONeil La Mesa How are schools not getting enough money? Regarding San Diego Unified to cut 850 jobs to meet budget (March 1): Its very sad San Diego Unified has to cut 850 jobs. But I thought the California State Lottery was supposed to save our schools. Wasnt that the selling point in 1984? Wheres the money? Jeff Prescott La Jolla Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Hunter needs to meet with his constituents Regarding Issa, Hunter should make like McClintock (Feb. 27): Duncan Hunter seems to be confused about a congresspersons job description: Listening to constituents is part of the job. Taking campaign funds for personal use, not part of the job. Helen Lesnick Carlsbad Tea party rallies were meaner than recalled Regarding The tea party was nothing like Indivisible, (Feb. 25) Gail Graham writes, Tea party members certainly didnt shove and threaten those that disagreed with them. Actually, tea party members in 2010, protesting the health care law, heckled Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, with anti-gay chants, spit on Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Missouri, hurled racial slurs at black Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indiana, and revered civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, and insulted Democrats as they entered to vote. How quickly they forget. Linda Duryea Coronado Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. The Trump administrations plans on immigration, climate change, U.S. relations with Mexico and more have prompted strenuous criticism from high-profile California politicians and promises of vigorous opposition including, when necessary, court fights. Now this pattern is playing out again in response to remarks from White House press secretary Sean Spicer and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions that indicate the Trump administration will reverse course from the Obama administration and object to eight states moves to decriminalize marijuana use by adults. On Nov. 8, California became one of the eight when voters passed Proposition 64. A recent Los Angeles Times story quoted state Attorney General Xavier Becerra and other officials vowing to enforce the states law. Advertisement But in taking on President Trump, the state needs to pick its fights carefully and not waste time and money on doomed posturing. When it comes to federal drug laws, judicial history offers little reason to think Californias defense of Proposition 64 could win. This history includes a past fight over marijuana between our state and the federal government. California passed Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing for the medical use of marijuana. After George W. Bush replaced Bill Clinton in the White House in 2001, his administration abandoned the Clinton Justice Departments view that medical marijuana should have an exemption from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), a key provision of a sweeping drug law enacted in 1970. After federal agents raided Diane Monsons home near Oroville in 2002 and seized and destroyed the physician-approved pot she was growing to use as medicine, Monson and Angel Raich another Northern California woman who used marijuana with a doctors approval sued U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. After the women lost at the trial court level and won on appeal, Raich v. Gonzales was taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2005, six justices including four liberals sided with the federal government. The question before us ... is not whether it is wise to enforce the statute in these circumstances; rather, it is whether Congress power to regulate interstate markets for medicinal substances encompasses the portions of those markets that are supplied with drugs produced and consumed locally, Justice John Paul Stevens wrote in the majority opinion. Well-settled law controls our answer. The CSA is a valid exercise of federal power, even as applied to the troubling facts of this case. The three dissenting justices all conservatives did not argue that states should be allowed to exempt themselves from provisions of the 1970 drug law. Instead, they narrowly held that Congress should not be able to prescribe non-commercial conduct by using the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. Since Proposition 64 very much involves commercial conduct, there is nothing in the dissents that offers hope for the propositions defenders in a court fight. But there is sage advice in Stevens majority opinion: Americans who want to change federal marijuana laws should use the democratic process, in which the voices of voters allied with these respondents may one day be heard in the halls of Congress. The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board endorsed Proposition 64 and believes it would be a mistake for the Trump administration to drop the Obama administrations decision to let states try a different approach with marijuana. But we have no illusions that state law can supersede federal law if the feds are in enforcement mode. Nor should Gov. Jerry Brown or Attorney General Becerra. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: UTOpinion What U.S. attorney general Jeff Sessions said about Russia to his then fellow senators two months ago during his confirmation hearing came under renewed scrutiny Thursday after The Washington Post reported that Sessions had a pair of contacts with a Russian ambassador at the height of the 2016 presidential race in which Sessions was a close adviser to Trump. As a senator and the senior member of the Armed Services Committee, Sessions met with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September 2016, the The Washington Post, reported citing Justice Department officials. Sessions denies discussing the campaign with Russians and when confronted by reporters Thursday he told reporters he would recuse himself when its appropriate. Update: Sessions announced later in the day he would recuse himself from any role in the investigation on Russias involvement in the U.S. election. Sessions was confirmed as Trumps attorney general last month on a 52-47 vote with Sessions himself just voting that he was present. He did not disclose any Russian contacts when he was asked at his confirmation hearing about it on Jan. 10 by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota. Franken specifically asked Sessions what he would do as the countrys top attorney if he learned of any contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. A transcript of the exchange is below this video of it. Al Franken: CNN just published a story alleging that the intelligence community provided documents to the president-elect last week, that included information that Russian operatives claim to have compromising personal and financial information about Mr. Trump. These documents also allegedly say there was a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government. Again, Im telling you this as its coming out, so, you know. But if its true, its obviously extremely serious, and if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do? Jeff Sessions: Senator Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. Franken: Very well. Among those reading into and analyzing Sessions confirmation hearing remarks are Democrats who accused him of lying under oath and called for him to resign. In a statement, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, zeroed in on one specific line in Sessions remarks I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russian as a sign that in her view Sessions was lying under oath and is unfit to run the Department of Justice. The top Democrat in the Senate, New Yorks Chuck Schumer, tweeted that because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, the Attorney General should resign. On the other side of the aisle, some Republicans called for Sessions to clarify his remarks and said that he should, at the very least, recuse himself as the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to look into Russias meddling in the U.S. election. Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, told MSNBCs Morning Joe that meetings between ambassadors and Senators are common but that Sessions needs to clarify the scope of his meetings. I could seen in his role as Senator, yes, meeting with these ambassadors, I just think he needs to clarify what these meetings were and when they happened, McCarthy said. Other Republicans, including the chairman of the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, echoed that sentiment Thursday morning. Heres what that chairman, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, said. As The Washington Post report was beginning to surface on Wednesday evening, CNN was in the middle of a televised town hall event with Senators John McCain, R-Arizona, and Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina. CNNs Dana Bash got a hold of the report and asked Graham whether a special prosecutor would be needed to conduct the investigation into Russias meddling in the election. If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump, Graham said. The White House has responded and it calls this whole thing the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats. We will update this story as it develops. Did Sessions do the right decision to recuse himself from an investigation into Russias meddling in the U.S. election? 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 RELATED National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigns in wake of criticism 9 questions Michael Flynn's resignation leaves unanswered 5 Trump administration leaks that have the president fuming UPDATES: 1:22 p.m.: This article was updated with remarks from attorney general Jeff Sessions saying he has recused himself from any role in the investigation into Russias meddling in the U.S. election. This article was originally published at 11:00 a.m. Kellyanne Conway is off the hook at least from the White Houses point of view. Since President Donald Trumps election six weeks ago, the spotlight has often been on Conway as his counselor, but few moments caused as much of an uproar as one last month when she looked into a camera live on national television and told viewers to support Ivanka Trumps clothing line. The message came from Conway shortly after news broke that Nordstrom would no longer be carrying the companys products. Conways response? Go buy Ivankas stuff, she said in an interview with Fox & Friends. Lawmakers from both parties criticized her, and Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings and Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz even wrote to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) recommending disciplinary action. The director of the office wrote to the White House about a week after saying there is strong reason to believe that Conways endorsement violated federal law which bars federal employees from endorsing products. So now its up to the White House to do something and heres what theyve decided. In a letter back to the Office of Government Ethics, White House attorneys concluded that Conway acted inadvertently and is highly unlikely to do so again. The lawyers said her comments were in a light, off-hand manner in an attempt to stand up for a person she believed had been unfairly treated. You can read the full letter here. Will the OGE push back again? According to The Washington Post, the office can recommend a penalty, but its advice is not binding. Sounds like this case is closed then. Twitter, naturally, disagreed on the verdict. What do you think? Email me your final thoughts on this story. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin No justice for all My compliments to Harvey Levine on this thoughtful, cogent Feb. 2 column Liars, gamers and cheaters. Below are two quotes by Justice Robert Jackson from his opening remarks at the 1946 Nuremberg War Crimes trial. I am afraid todays courts, even the Supreme Court, could use a quick refresher on Justice Jacksons words, and hold CEOs and other decision makers accountable for their criminal actions. There seems to be justice for the rich, and justice for the rest of us, but not justice for all. The common sense of mankind demands that law shall not stop with the punishment of petty crimes by little people. It must also reach men who possess themselves of great power and make deliberate and concerted use of it to set in motion evils which have no home in the world untouched. the idea that a state, any more than a corporation commits crimes, is a fiction. Crimes always are committed only by persons. While it is quite proper to employ the fiction of responsibility of the state or corporation for the purpose for imposing a collective liability, it is quite intolerable to let such a legalism become the basis of personal immunity. Again, I commend Mr. Levine and I am happy that he is writing for your newspapers. Colleen Sacks Rancho Bernardo Sad day for America Columnist Dick Lyles (Feb. 22) has snatched the psychologist attitude that President Trump suffers from narcissism and used it against the liberal community. I, and others like me, are crying because this administration has decided to take back laws and rules that helped us become a more benevolent society. Examples include: - Allowing guns to be bought by people who are too emotionally disturbed to work or manage their money. - Allowing coal companies to dump waste into streams which others rely on for drinking water. - Gigantic oil companies no longer have to disclose payments made to foreign companies. - Some states cutting back on Medicaid, which is the only place poor people can receive medical care. - Proliferating anti-vaccine nonsense, which will claim the lives of children in the future. - Deciding that women who want and need birth control will no longer receive it if the employer does not choose to include it in coverage because of their own religious beliefs. The list is endless. Mr. Lyles calls this narcissism. I call it a sad day for America. Shirley Cooper Rancho Bernardo Trump saluted Dick Lyles got it right about how Democrats have ramped up the disrespect and hatred toward our new president. They need to stop it here and now. I doubt a respectable liberal exists to regain footing. Liberals have lost their collective minds. It is enjoyable, however, to watch Nancy Pelosi, in her delusional state, say that she wont be able to work with President Bush these days, and she thinks John Kasich is the governor of Illinois. Also humorous is Rep. Maxine Watters spouting off about Putin invading Korea. They have obviously gone off their meds. President Trump is working tirelessly to restore and revive authentic American values that were mangled almost beyond recognition. He is single-handedly reviving the values of life, law and order, religious freedom, national sovereignty and pride. I salute his backbone and courage. We definitely need more of both in these times. Thanks, Mr. Lyles for discussing the topic. Mary Gallegos Poway Letters should be limited to 250 words and must be signed. They may be composed online or emailed to: Email: editor@pomeradonews.com Phoenix, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FlexPrint National Managed Print Solutions has been named as one of the Top 100 Best Arizona companies for 2017-2018. The list of 100 Best Arizona Companies was chosen using proprietary research on award-winning companies that spans back to 2002. A long list of outstanding companies was vetted by an independent committee over a period of months, and the winners represent shining examples of best practices in action. FlexPrint was selected, among other attributes, for their workplace culture, business awards, strong corporate/employer branding, innovative thought leadership, charitable giving initiatives, and economic development in the state of Arizona. We are proud to recognize companies like FlexPrint, who continue to place a focus on corporate culture, wellness, and charitable giving initiatives to expand their business. Their leadership and innovation help drive Arizonas economic growth and are at the forefront of shaping Arizonas workplaces, said Denise Gredler, President and CEO of BestCompaniesAZ. These companies are the best of the best, and they deserve recognition. It is an honor to be listed amongst the top 100 companies in Arizona, states Frank Gaspari, CEO of FlexPrint LLC. We sincerely believe that our place in this list is the direct result of our employees continuing efforts to improve our culture and customer first mentality. We have greatly expanded our business over the years, and they have successfully retained our companys culture, values, and dedication to customer service which continues to guide our successes of exponential growth. About FlexPrint National Managed Print Solutions FlexPrint was founded in 2005 and has become the nations leading privately owned enterprise for Managed Print and Technology Services. FlexPrints managed solutions and expertise streamlines business workflow for corporate, regional, and remote locations under a single national service level agreement. The blend of consultative services and solutions encourage client growth through consistent workflow with proactive customer service, a boost in employee efficiency, and driving costs out of business operations. For additional info please go to www.flexprintinc.com. About BestCompaniesAZ: BestCompaniesAZ is a consulting firm dedicated to identifying, developing and promoting great workplaces. BestCompaniesAZ has been at the forefront of building sought-after employer brands and prestigious workplace awards programs since 2002, including the 2003 Best Companies to Work for in the Valley program (published by the Phoenix Business Journal), Arizona Most Admired Companies (published by AZ Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ), and Top Companies to Work for in Arizona (published by azcentral and Republic Media). BestCompaniesAZ provides consulting services for organizations committed to workplace excellence, including employee surveys, best practices, national and local public relations, employer branding, culture development and promotional services. For more information, visit http://www.bestcompaniesaz.com or phone 480-545-5151. Company more than doubled its store count for the second consecutive year, grew system-wide sales to over $150M, reported 5.3% same store sales growth and created over 2,000 new jobs SEATTLE, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (MOD Pizza, MOD or the Company) today announced 2016 year-end results that reflect continued new store growth and strong performance from existing stores. During the 2016 fiscal year, MOD added 100 locations system-wide, and achieved same-store sales growth of 5.3% bringing its combined two-year same-store sales growth to over 18%. System-wide sales reached $152 million reflecting a year-over-year increase of 134% while company net revenue hit $131 million, up 116% over 2015. To support its rapid growth, MOD raised $74 million of private equity capital during 2016 from Fidelity Management & Research Company, PWP Growth Equity, and other existing investors. To date, MOD has raised over $150 million in total capital. 2016 was another exceptional year for MOD with growth across our business. It is tremendously rewarding to see how our unique purpose-driven culture continues to generate industry-leading results as we bring MOD to new communities across the country and the United Kingdom, said Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of MOD Pizza. Our commitment to making a positive impact on our people and the communities we serve will continue to motivate our team as we focus on growing and improving the business in 2017. In addition to increasing its presence in existing markets, MOD expanded into six new states in 2016 Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin. The year also marked MODs first international expansion, with the opening of five locations in the United Kingdom with sites in Leeds, Brighton, Nottingham, Newcastle and a flagship location in Londons Leicester Square. New store growth created over 2,000 jobs company-wide, bringing total jobs created system-wide under the MOD brand to more than 4,000. MOD significantly strengthened its executive team in 2016, adding four key individuals: Bob Barton, chief financial officer; Carole McCluskey, chief technology officer; Lisa Luebeck, vice president of legal and general counsel; and Megan Hansen, vice president of people. Two new multi-unit franchisees joined the MOD family in 2016 Food for Thought Restaurant Group which is expected to develop MOD in Florida and Southern Pie, LLC, which is expected to develop the brand in most of Georgia and all of Alabama. MOD now has nine franchisees with commitments to open 247 stores, and 32 were open at year end. MOD received several notable accolades in 2016. In April, the Company was named the fastest growing chain restaurant in America in 2015 by Technomic, in its annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. MOD also earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies in America, was named Business of the Year by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and was ranked the second fastest-growing private company in Washington by the Puget Sound Business Journal. MOD co-founders Scott and Ally Svenson were also named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Pacific Northwest. MODs growth supported its ongoing commitment to Spread MODness by using the business as a platform for creating positive social change. To this end, MOD donated over $650,000 during the year to over 185 non-profits across the US, including, amongst many others, Generosity Feeds (Reston, Va.), The Monarch Institute (Houston), Friends of Youth (Seattle) and Second Harvest Food Bank (San Jose). In 2016, Spreading MODness - the Companys annual campaign designed to spotlight the power of community giving and the importance of gratitude - supported over 185 community-based charities across the US. To date, MOD has now donated over $1 million to organizations supporting youth and families at risk in communities across the US. The following definitions apply to these terms as used throughout this release: System-wide: includes all company-operated and licensed store locations MOD operates its business with 13 four week periods and a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of December. MODs fiscal year 2016 ended on December 25, 2016. ABOUT MOD PIZZA: Seattle-based MOD Pizza is the pioneer of the fast casual made-to-order pizza segment, founded in 2008 by entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MODs individual artisan-style pizzas are made on demand, allowing customers to create their own pizzas and salads, using fresh-pressed dough and signature sauces, for one price. Pizzas are hand-cooked in an 800 degree oven in less than three minutes, and salads are individually hand-tossed for each customer. The menu is rounded out with handspun milkshakes, house-made lemonades and iced teas, and local craft beers and wine. MOD has over 200 locations in 20 states, and is committed to creating not just a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. To learn more, visit www.modpizza.com and watch The MOD Difference Video. 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe French English Cegid Announces the Appointment of Pascal Houillon as CEO Patrick Bertrand to Retire Lyon, France, March 2nd 2017 - Cegid, the leading French mid-market enterprise management software and cloud provider, announces that Pascal Houillon, former CEO of Sage Americas and of Sage France, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective on March 3td. Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pascal Houillon brings to Cegid over two decades of highly relevant mid-market ERP software experience, mostly in senior executive positions at Sage. Pascal joined Sage France in 1989 from Saari, and went on to become Regional Director and Sales Director before leading the Sybel business after it was acquired by Sage. He held multiple leadership roles at Sage, including President and CEO of Sage France, where he was also responsible for Belgium, Brazil, Switzerland and Morocco and was most recently CEO of Sage Americas since 2010. Pascal Houillon said: "Having followed Cegid from a privileged standpoint for the past 25 years, this is a company that I have long admired, and I am thrilled to be joining it now. Cegid is uniquely positioned with its traditional clients and in its key historical markets. It is also well poised to exploit demand for cloud-based business solutions given its early focus on SaaS, and has opportunities to continue to grow its presence internationally. I look forward to leading the company at this crucial juncture." Jean-Michel Aulas, founder and Chairman of Cegid, and Christian Lucas, Managing Director of Silver Lake and Cegid Group board member, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Pascal, a dynamic, international and accomplished leader, to Cegid. His extensive technology experience and outstanding track record make him well-positioned to accelerate Cegid's growth strategy and lead its talented employees." Shahriar Tadjbakhsh, AltaOne Managing Partner and Cegid Group board member said: "We look forward to working with Pascal and feel privileged to have his perspective and guidance at such a key time for Cegid." Jean-Michel Aulas, together with the shareholder group, said: "I want to thank Patrick personally for his outstanding contribution since joining in 1988 and taking the helm as CEO from 2002. He was instrumental in developing Cegid into a leading French software player, and was a pioneer by launching the SaaS transition as early as 2006. Patrick will remain a friend of the Company and I wish him all the best for the future". Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He said: "It has been a great adventure and honor to serve Cegid for almost 30 years. I want to thank Jean-Michel and all the firm's talented employees for their continued support through this period. I am incredibly proud to have led the development of Cegid and wish Pascal and the shareholder group all the best leading Cegid's next phase of growth." About Cegid Cegid is a leading player in the digital transformation of companies, providing cloud services and enterprise software to private companies and public entities alike. Cegid addresses the management needs of companies and public entities of all sizes in the fields of finance, taxation and human resources, and offers industry-specific solutions to companies in the manufacturing, trade, services and retail sectors as well as to the accounting profession. Based on MoBiCloTM, its technological concept combining Mobility, Business Intelligence and the Cloud, Cegid's innovation strategy integrates the new ways in which people use software. Cegid is an international group with more than 2,200 employees, 30 locations in France, and over 15 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Cegid serves more than 135,000 clients and 430,000 users, including over 150,000 in SaaS mode. In 2016, its revenues exceeded 307 million. Cegid is listed on Euronext Paris. Please visit www.cegid.com. This English translation is for the convenience of English-speaking readers. However, only the French text has legal value. Consequently, the translation may not be relied upon to sustain any legal claim, nor should it be used as the basis of any legal opinion. Cegid Group expressly disclaims all liability for any inaccuracy herein. Financial communication Cegid Group 52 quai Paul Sedallian 69279 Lyon Cedex 09 Tel : +33 (0)4 26 29 50 20 dirfin@cegid.fr /http://investors.cegid.com Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartiment B ISIN Code : FR0000124703 Reuters : CEGI.PA Bloomberg : CGD FP ICB : 9537 Software Indices : CAC ALL SHARES - CAC ALL-TRADABLE - CAC MID & SMALL CAC SOFT. & C.S. - CAC TECHNOLOGY - NEXT 150 Attachments: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/703ecbdd-cee3-479c-a382-831d0411dd63 Fillmores Christian Evangelical Church destroyed by early morning fire By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula Fire responded early Sunday to a fire that destroyed a Fillmore church and displaced the pastors family of five, who lived in the nearby parsonage. According to the Fillmore Fire Department, they responded about 4:50 a.m. to a report of a fire in the 900 block of 3rd Street, the Christian Evangelical Church. Mutual aid was requested from Ventura County Fire and Santa Paula Fire departments. Upon arrival firefighters found the three-story steeple fully involved in flames below electrical power lines, which prevented firefighters from entering the one-story church. Those flames were also threatening several surrounding structures including the pastors residence. Firefighters attacked the main fire and fanned out to protect the other structures including the pastors home. The family of five was able to exit their home without injury. Eventually, the steeple collapsed into the church and the fire was knocked down by 5:42 a.m. Santa Paula Assistant Fire Chief Vern Alstot said six engines responded to the scene including SPFD Engine 81. The fire was fully involved, and Alstot noted Fire Chief Keith Gurrola described it as flames shooting out of the steeple, Like a Roman candle. The cause has not yet been determined but Alstot said it was likely accidental. He noted that the church appeared to have been built in the 1940s or even earlier: It had that knob-and-tube wiring that a mouse could nibble on and start a fire. The church was a total loss and the pastors home yellow-tagged by Fillmore Building & Safety. The pastor and his family could not return to their home because electrical service was disconnected; the Red Cross helped them. Other churches in Fillmore reportedly offered their facilities to the pastor and Spanish-speaking congregation of the Christian Evangelical Church. Burbank, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- 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 Burbank, CA General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Reveals New Geneology Resource Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.mychocolatepod.com/ 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. 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. 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 Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- GCC and Qatar Cooking Oil Market: Snapshot The cooking oil market in the GCC has been witnessing a major shift in investment patterns in recent years. Over the past decade, the investment in this market has doubled owing to players realizing the scope this market presents. The increasing population and a higher propensity of consumers to spend on edible oils are the primary factors driving the cooking oil market in the GCC. The presence of leading companies in the region has increased of late with the growth in demand. Improvisation and diversification of products in this market is a key strategy adopted by vendors. However, the high cost of raw materials required for the extraction of cooking oils is a major restraining factor for any new player in this market. The lack of local production of cooking oils due to adverse climatic conditions and less rainfall is another major factor limiting the scope of the GCC and Qatar cooking oil market. Request a Sample Copy of the Report @ http://www.mrrse.com/sample/2160 In terms of revenue, the cooking oil market in the GCC and Qatar was valued at US$988.2 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$1.7 bn by 2024, expanding at a 6.6% CAGR therein. In terms of volume, the market is projected to register a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. Sunflower Oil Most Preferred Cooking Oil in GCC On the basis of product, the cooking oil market in the GCC and Qatar is segmented into sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, and others. The others segment comprises soybean oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil, among others. Sunflower oil recorded a significant share in the cooking oil market, accounting for more than 70% in 2015. The segment is expected to lead the GCC and Qatar market throughout the forecast period owing to the widespread use of sunflower oil among residents in the GCC region. Despite accounting for a share of less than 7% in 2015 in the GCC and Qatar cooking oil market, corn oil is expected to grow at the fastest rate through 2024. Inquiry on this report @ http://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/2160 By packaging type, the market is bifurcated into retail and bulk. Retail package emerged as the key contributor in the cooking oil market in GCC, accounting for more than 70% in 2015. High Consumer Purchasing Power a Prominent Driving Factor in Qatar Cooking Oil Market Geographically, the GCC and Qatar cooking oil market is divided into Qatar and other GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, and Oman. The cooking oil market in Qatar is currently experiencing meager growth, with the arid region's low population being the major restraining factor. Nevertheless, consumer spending in Qatar is likely to rise rapidly in the next few years, with the growth being centered on the food sector. The purchasing power of Qataris is higher compared to other GCC countries and coupled with the surge in healthy eating habits, the country is forecast to witness considerable growth in the cooking oil market. Read Complete Report with TOC @ http://www.mrrse.com/cooking-oil-market The cooking oil market in the rest of GCC has been experiencing steady growth and is expected to maintain a similar trend throughout the forecast period. The demand for several types of cooking oils is supported by the rising presence of expatriates from European countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece. This trend is especially true for UAE, with Dubai being the most lucrative destination for market players. The leading players operating in the GCC and Qatar cooking oil market include Savola Group, United Foods Company, Asia Africa General Trading L.L.C, Hayel Saeed Anam Group and Co., Omani Vegetables Oils and Derivatives Co. LLC, and Al Ghurair Resources Oils and Proteins. About MRRSE MRRSE stands for Market Research Reports Search Engine, the largest online catalog of latest market research reports based on industries, companies, and countries. MRRSE sources thousands of industry reports, market statistics, and company profiles from trusted entities and makes them available at a click. Besides well-known private publishers, the reports featured on MRRSE typically come from national statistics agencies, investment agencies, leading media houses, trade unions, governments, and embassies. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- Castor oil is one of the most multipurpose plant oils, obtained by pressing the seed of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis).It is well known source of a monounsaturated, ricinoleic and 18-carbon fatty acid. Owing to its unique chemical structure and rich properties, castor oil and its derivatives find uses in many industries such as cosmetics, food, lubricants, paints, agriculture, electronics & telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, perfumeries, plastics and rubber, inks & adhesives and textile chemicals. After plant oils, castor oil is considered to be the most required oil. However, growing concerns pertaining to biofuels specially biodiesel and biopolymer across the globe is pushingcastor oil to play a much larger role in the world economy. Castor Oil Derivatives: Drivers & Restraints Growth of major end-use industries (includes lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) and increasing demand for sustainable products & biodegradable, on account of reducing dependence on petrochemicals is anticipated to fuel the demand for castor oil derivatives market. Also regulatory support and rising prices of alternative renewable chemicals is expected to drive the global castor oil derivatives market. However, factors influencing its manufacturing cost includes raw material availability, weather uncertainties, shortage of working capital, techniques & methods used for extraction and availability of substitute oil are resulting in restraints for the castor oil derivative market. Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-474 Castor Oil Derivatives: Segmentation On the basis of product type, the global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Undecylenic Acid, Sebacic Acid (largest consumed castor oil derivatives), Castor Wax or Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO) and others. On the basis of application, global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Lubricants, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals (largest application segment), Biodiesel, Plastics & Resins and Others. Castor Oil Derivatives: Region-wise Outlook The global castor oil derivatives market is expected to register a double digit CAGR for the forecast period, 2015?2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to continue its dominance on the global castor oil derivatives market. India accounts for largest production of castor oil derivatives worldwide, followed by China and Brazil. Higher demand from the US, Europe and China has resulted in the higher prices for castor as well as increase in demand for castor oil derivatives. The major castor producing countries are India, China, Brazil, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Philippines, Russia and Thailand. Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-474 Castor Oil Derivatives: Key Players Some of players in global castor oil derivatives market are Thai Castor Oil Industries Co. Ltd., Jayant Agro Organics, Hokoku Corporation, ITOH Oil Chemicals Co. Ltd., Gokul Overseas, Bom Brazil, Liaoyang Huaxing Chemical Co., Ltd., Kanak Castor Products Pvt. Ltd., and others. Martinsville, NJ, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to review sites, theres dozens to choose from but TopProducts.com is making its mark by doing something different from the competition. Yes, the site provides great quality product recommendations, but it also does more it provides consumers with options. Ask yourself - what does it mean to YOU for a product to be the best? At TopProducts we understand that the definition of best product is different for everyone. For Joe it may be the very best that money can buy, but for Mary its a more affordable product with good features. We approach our Top 5 Picks with this in mind. The end result a short list of 5 of the best brands, and a great mixture of products to fit every budget, says Anne Balke, Content Project Manager at TopProducts.com. To accomplish this, before selecting specific products to review, researchers spend time looking for brands with excellent reputations and whenever possible, who have a broad range of quality products within a given category. Readers are given company background information, helping to provide trust in the brand. Once 5 great brands are chosen, the site reviews one outstanding product within each brands line up, providing users with a quick overview of pros, cons and specs as well as a more detailed feature description. But they dont stop there. Reviews include information about different sizes, colors and styles, so shoppers are aware of other available options. The site then goes a step further providing shoppers with quick information about other products made by the brand in case the featured one doesnt match their needs. TopProducts.com goal is to be a One Stop Product Review Site that users come back to, saving them time and money. Plans are in the works to add videos, buying guides and a blog which will make the site even more powerful. ######## About Top Products Located in Martinsville, NJ, TopProducts.com is a leading digital review site dedicated to helping customers find the highest quality reviews online. TopProducts leverages innovative methodology and expert research to reach consumers, helping them with their purchasing decisions. To learn more, visit www.topproducts.com Brooklyn, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- An extensive overview of the global market for B2B Telecommunication has been collated in this report. The study provides a thorough overview of the key trends in the market, including crucial growth drivers and restraints. It begins by describing the products and outlining their scope. The report then goes on to segment the global market for B2B Telecommunication based on different parameters, including region. The report delves into each of the segments separately to gauge its revenue, sales, market share, and growth potential of B2B Telecommunication Industry. This report studies the global B2B Telecommunication market, analyzes and researches the B2B Telecommunication development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, like China Mobile Limited Telstra Corporation Limited Verizon Communications Telefonica SA Deutsche Telekom AG Sprint Corporation (Soft Bank Group Corporation) AT&T Vodafone Group PLC NTT Communications Corporation Orange SA Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1004291&type=E The report furnishes crucial information on the key companies in the B2B Telecommunication industry. The report throws light on their product offerings, revenues, sales, and position in the B2B Telecommunication market. Moving further, the report discusses the key strategies of market participants and their growth prospects for B2B Telecommunication industry. The report presents important data in a comprehensive and meaningful way through charts, graphs, tables, and graphics to provide a complete understanding of B2B Telecommunication market. The report, on the whole, answers a number of important questions related to the global market for B2B Telecommunication. Some of the crucial questions are :- What are the prominent trends and prime market development in the global B2B Telecommunication market? What is the estimated size of the B2B Telecommunication market currently and what will its size be at the end of the forecast period? What is the top regional segment of the market? Which segment of the market is the most swiftly growing one? Market segment by Type, B2B Telecommunication Industry, can be split into: Unified & Collaboration Communication VoIP Communication WAN Communication Cloud Communication M2M Communication Explore Full Research Report in Detail @ http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-b2b-telecommunication-market-size-status-and-forecast-2022.htm Table of Contents Global B2B Telecommunication Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 1 Industry Overview of B2B Telecommunication 1.1 B2B Telecommunication Market Overview 1.1.1 B2B Telecommunication Product Scope 1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook 1.2 Global B2B Telecommunication Market Size and Analysis by Regions 1.2.1 United States 1.2.2 EU 1.2.3 Japan 1.2.4 China 1.2.5 India 1.2.6 Southeast Asia 1.3 B2B Telecommunication Market by Type 1.3.1 Unified & Collaboration Communication 1.3.2 VoIP Communication 1.3.3 WAN Communication 1.3.4 Cloud Communication 1.3.5 M2M Communication 1.4 B2B Telecommunication Market by End Users/Application 1.4.1 Small & Medium Enterprise 1.4.2 Large Enterprise Read Latest QYResearch News & Articles @ http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/01/2017 -- Fast growth in the Asia-Pacific countries and growing number of convenience stores, which is increasing brand visibility, are the major factors contributing to the growth of global breakfast cereals market. Increasing per capita income in developing countries is also supporting the market growth. The report covers in-depth analysis breakfast cereals market, by product segment (Hot cereals and Ready-to-Eat Cereals) for the period from 2010 to 2019. In addition, the current market dynamics including the drivers, restraints, trends and recent developments have been captured throughout the report. The market for the major countries in each of the four regions, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World includes historical and forecasted market sizes (2010-2019), both in terms of volume and value, and market shares by company and distribution channel. North America region covers the scenario in the US, Canada and Mexico. Europe region covers the scenario of the UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Asia-Pacific region highlights the scenario in Australia, Japan, South Korea, India and China. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=181014 The Competitive Landscape section of the report includes the global market shares of the leading companies and the competition in the clustered markets: Mature, Established and New Market. Each of these cluster represent the present competitive landscape for the companies operational in them. Some of the major players in this market are Kellogg's, General Mills, Cereal Partners Worldwide, PepsiCo, Post Holdings, Weetabix and others. The company profiles include attributes such as company overview, financial performance, and strategic developments. Table of Content Chapter 1 Preface 111.1 Report Description 11 1.2 Scope and Definition 11 1.2.1 Product segments covered in the report 11 1.2.2 Regions covered in the report 11 1.3 Research Methodology 11 Chapter 2 Executive Summary 13 Chapter 3 Breakfast Cereals Market Overview 163.1 Introduction 16 3.2 Drivers 17 3.2.1 Fast growth in Asia Pacific breakfast cereal market to drive the global market 17 3.2.2 Growing number of convenience stores are increasing brand visibility and changing breakfast habits in emerging markets 17 3.3 Restraints 18 3.3.1 Sourcing of palm oil is developing into big threat for cereals manufacturers 18 3.3.2 Availability of alternative breakfast options undermines market growth 18 3.4 Opportunities 19 3.4.1 New tastes and new consumer groups offer market growth opportunities 19 3.5 Challenges 19 3.5.1 Expensive production of gluten-free products is expected to increase production cost 19 3.5.2 Rising energy and commodity prices pose a big challenge for the market 20 3.6 Porter's five forces analysis 22 3.6.1 Bargaining power of suppliers 22 3.6.2 Bargaining power of buyers 23 3.6.3 Threat of new entrants 23 3.6.4 Threat from substitutes 23 3.6.5 Degree of competition 23 Chapter 4 Breakfast Cereals Market: By Product 24 Chapter 5 Breakfast Cereals Market: By Region 275.1 North America 28 5.1.1 United States 30 5.1.1.1 Market Overview 30 5.1.1.2 Competitive Landscape 32 5.1.2 Canada 35 5.1.2.1 Market Overview 35 5.1.2.2 Competitive Landscape 36 5.1.3 Mexico 39 5.1.3.1 Market Overview 39 5.1.3.2 Competitive Landscape 41 5.2 Europe 43 5.2.1 United Kingdom 44 5.2.1.1 Market Overview 44 5.2.1.2 Competitive Landscape 46 5.2.2 Germany 49 5.2.2.1 Market Overview 49 5.2.2.2 Competitive Landscape 51 5.2.3 France 53 5.2.3.1 Market Overview 53 5.2.3.2 Competitive Landscape 54 5.2.4 Italy 56 5.2.4.1 Market Overview 56 5.2.4.2 Competitive Landscape 59 5.2.5 Spain 60 5.2.5.1 Market Overview 60 5.2.5.2 Competitive Landscape 63 5.3 Asia Pacific 64 5.3.1 Australia 67 5.3.1.1 Market Overview 67 5.3.1.2 Competitive Landscape 69 5.3.2 Japan 72 5.3.2.1 Market Overview 72 5.3.2.2 Competitive Landscape 74 5.3.3 South Korea 77 5.3.3.1 Market Overview 77 5.3.3.2 Competitive Landscape 79 5.3.4 China 80 5.3.4.1 Market Overview 80 5.3.4.2 Competitive Landscape 82 5.3.5 India 85 5.3.5.1 Market Overview 85 5.3.5.2 Competitive Landscape 87 5.4 Rest of the World 89 5.4.1 Brazil 90 5.4.1.1 Market Overview 90 5.4.1.2 Competitive Landscape 92 5.4.2 Russia 93 5.4.2.1 Market Overview 93 5.4.2.2 Competitive Landscape 96 5.4.3 Turkey 97 5.4.3.1 Market Overview 97 Chapter 6 Competitive Landscape 99 6.1 Company market share 99 6.2 Company presence across different markets 100 Make an Enquiry of this report @ http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=181014 About ResearchMoz ResearchMoz 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. For More Information Kindly Contact: ResearchMoz Mr. Nachiket Ghumare, Tel: 518-621-2074 USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948 Email: sales@researchmoz.us Follow us on LinkedIn @ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Taguig, Philippines -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- As Philippine's top real estate developer for almost 3 decades now, Megaworld makes things easier for people to explore their townships and projects with the help of the website called Megaworld Fort. With MegaworldFort.com.ph, visitors can now easily differentiate each Megaworld townships and projects in order to help them find an ideal investment that would suit their need. As the company that initiated the township model in the country, Megaworld rightly represents it in every sense of the word. In the perspective of real estate development, a township is basically defined as a city within a city. Without a doubt, townships best exemplify the company's "Live-Work-Play-Learn-Shop" guiding standard. In this website, visitors will find and learn more about townships located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area such as Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley West, Forbes Town Center, and McKinley Hill. With a range that covers 105 hectares, it is regarded by many as the prototypical townships as it demonstrates to be self-sustaining in nearly all aspects, which also caters all the basic needs of its residents. Aside from this Metro Manila townships, the website also shows condominiums on other parts of the country like Mactan Newtown, which is considered the first beachfront-inspired township in the country. Boracay Newcoast, located in Aklan, is another option for those who prefer to live in the vicinity of the beach. Twin Lakes, a township located in Tagaytay, might be a good alternative for those who prefer cold weather, yet near the Metro. About MegaworldFort.com.ph MegaworldFort.com.ph offers a detailed analysis of all the preselling and ready-for-occupancy condominiums, which is constantly updated with upcoming projects that the company is offering. Visitors may also learn more about real estate by visiting the blog and news section of the website. Contact: Megaworld Fort Phone: +(63)917-300-7178 | +(63)920-902-3544 Address: 12th Floor, Commerce and Industry Plaza, 1030 Campus Avenue cor. Park Avenue, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines Email: info@megaworldfort.com.ph Website: http://megaworldfort.com.ph/ Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- The report "Mycotoxin Testing Market by Type (Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, Patulin, Fusarium Toxins), Technology (HPLC-Based, LC-MS/MS-Based, Immunoassay-Based), Food Tested (Feed & Food), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", The mycotoxin testing market is projected to reach USD 1.56 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2016 to 2022. The market is driven by humid atmospheric conditions leading to an increase in mycotoxins production in food & feed products, implementation of stringent food safety regulations, increase in international trade, growing health concern among consumers, and consumer complaints (food recalls). Browse 137 market data tables and 58 figures spread through 205 pages and in-depth TOC on "Mycotoxin Testing Market - Global Forecast to 2022" Download PDF Brochure Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. The Fusarium segment accounted for the largest share in the mycotoxin testing market in 2015 The market for Fusarium toxin, among all types of mycotoxins, accounted for the largest share in 2015. The Fusarium genus includes various species, which produce a large number of toxins such as fumonisins, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and others. As they are mostly present in cereals and their by-products, the increase in commodities trade and contamination in grain due to changing climatic conditions have become significant drivers for the Fusarium testing market. The exposure to these mycotoxins has caused concerns of possible health consequences, which in turn has increased the demand for Fusarium toxin testing. Make an Inquiry HPLC-based testing is projected to be the largest segment, by 2022 HPLC technology is found to be the most common and economic technology to detect and quantify mycotoxins in food products. It is considered to be one of the most powerful tools in analytical testing of foods. It has the ability to separate, identify, and quantitate compounds present in any sample that can be dissolved in a liquid. The European countries have largely adopted this technology for the mycotoxin testing. Europe led the market with the largest share in the mycotoxin testing market in 2015 Governing organizations present in the European market have enforced various mycotoxin testing policies. The U.K. is projected to be fastest growing country in the European region. In this region, food safety policies have been emphasized by efforts from Control Laboratories (CLs), National Reference Laboratories (NRLs), Euroepan Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and EU Reference Laboratories (EURLs). The EU legislation protects consumers by: - Setting maximum levels for mycotoxins in food and feed to ensure they are not harmful to human or animal health. - Keeping mycotoxin levels as low as reasonably achievable following recommended good agricultural, storage, and processing practices. This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as SGS S.A. (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas S.A. (France), Intertek Group plc (U.K.), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), ALS Limited (Australia), Microbac Laboratories Inc (U.S.), AsureQuality Ltd (New Zealand), Silliker Inc (U.S.), Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH (Austria), and Symbio Laboratories (Australia). 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 INC. 701 Pike Street Suite 2175, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/food-and-beverage New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/02/2017 -- On an average, 40% of revenues procured in Latin America's system integration in telecommunication market will be emanating from Brazil. The demand for integrating OSS and BSS will also gain traction in Mexico and Argentina. Although, the overall system integration in telecom market in Latin America is being projected to expand at a moderate CAGR of 4.4%. High implementation costs of system integration solutions are imposing a relatively less adoption in Latin America, as opposed to the APAC region, Europe or Middle East & Africa. Leading IT service providers mapping Latin America's telecom industry are identified as Telefonica Brasil, TIM Brasil, Telecom Argentina SA, Nextel, Telcel, Claro Brasil, and Telefonica SA. Persistence Market Research projects -The future of global telecommunication industry will witness higher adoption of complex information systems which will facilitate speedy data convergence -System integrators will play a key role in compiling information emanating from multiple and advanced telecommunication network standards -Integration of business support systems (BSS) and operation support systems (OSS) will boost the support for end-to-end telecommunication services and bring forth some improved customer management solutions Owing to rising urban population, growing strength of telecom networks, brimming data transference, and deployment of advanced technologies, the demand for system integration in telecommunication continues to surge in regions namely, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa. A latest study published by Persistence Market Research has estimated that the market for system integration in telecommunications across these regions is presently valued at US$ 22.5 Bn. By the end of 2024, these regions will collectively showcase revenue growth at an impressive 6.3% CAGR and witness the market for system integration in telecommunication reach US$ 36.9 Bn in value. A majority of system integration solutions adopted across APAC telecommunications industry will be directed towards OSS, revenues from which will reach US$ 10.6 Bn by the end of 2024. China will contribute with more than one-third of overall revenues, while India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and ASEAN countries will showcase rampant revenue growth. Vodafone Hutchinson Telecommunications, Telstra Corporation Ltd., SingTel Optus Pty Limited, NTT-Docomo Corporation, Ideal Cellular Ltd., Reliance Communications, and Softbank Corporation are some of the prominent IT service provider in the APAC telecommunications industry. A sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14008 The EMEA system integration in telecommunication market is presently valued US$ 10.5 Bn. In the Middle East and Africa, South Africa is projected to exhibit high value CAGR of 7%, while the European system integration in telecommunication market will see consolidated growth from the EU5 Spain, Germany, Italy, France and the UK. These five countries will also dominate the overall EMEA region, accounting for over 40% value share by the end of 2024. The MTN Group, Saudi Telecom Company, Vodacom, and Airtel Africa are leading telecom service providers across the Middle East and Africa. The telecom industry of Nordic countries and Russia is mapped by IT service providers namely, Telenor ASA, VimpelCom Ltd., and Mobile TeleSystems. Meanwhile, companies such Deutsche Telekom, Orange SA, BT Group plc., Telefonica SA and Vodafone Group plc. are charting the waters of telecommunication services in EU5 countries. Browse Full Report summary and to request sample report and table of content @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/asia-pacific-latin-america-and-emea-system-integration-in-telecommunication-market.asp The report has also profiled leading providers of system integration solution in telecom across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa. These include, Oracle Corp., Redknee Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Sigma System Canada, NetCracker Technology Corporation, Openet Telecom, Ericsson, Comptel Corp., and Amdocs Inc. Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/14008 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.com THis is a surprising situation wherein an Apple fan's iPhone 7 Plus caught fire and after that exploded. Apple is now investigating a report by an Arizona high schooler that her iPhone 7 Plus "exploded" as it was charging and started heaving smoke. "We are in contact with the client and investigating it," an Apple agent told Mashable, which initially announced the news. The client, Brianna Olivas, posted a video on Twitter on Wednesday - showing her rose-gold iPhone 7 Plus with a melted case burning on a washroom counter. "So my iPhone 7 plus exploded this morning... was not even using it, actually no explanation for this," she composed. She had just brought her iPhone to an Apple Store since it wasn't working perfectly. But, after it began working again, the smartphone abruptly burst into flames for no exact reason. The video, which has now been viewed more than 1.26 million times, accumulated a quick response, with more than 18,000 retweets and several answers. Amateur Twitter agents are even as of now trying to analyze what went wrong For now, there's no proof that the scorch remains of this specific iPhone 7 are definitely not a confined occurrence, despite the fact that in spring an Australian man announced a similar incident with the smartphone. Apple did not respond to a request for further explanation on Friday. A year ago, Samsung took a major financial hit after its high-end Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone ended up being at risk for catching fire or even exploding because of a battery manufactured defect. The company issued a recall however its substitution or replacement units had a similar issue. Samsung was forced to decimate or kill off the gadget, which the company said would bring about deficit or losses of more than $5 billion. Google has announced two new updates for Android device users this month. Using them, the Android users will be able to derive more from their devices. According to the Voice of America News, the first of the new updates is the availability of Google Assistant on more Android devices. Google Assistant is similar in characteristics with Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa, carrying out voice commands. Since its inception, Google Assistant has been available only on Google's Pixel or Pixel XL phones. Now, the new update will make Google Assistant available on phones having Android OS version 6.0 or Marshmallow or 7.0 or Nougat and also on Android phones from HTC, Huawei, LG, Samsung and Sony. Google Assistant will start off in the US and UK along with Canada, Australia and Germany this week in relevant languages, while other languages will be updated through 2017. The users will need to have an eligible device which must have the Google Play Services app downloaded on it to use Google Assistant. Google said that it is also looking to bring Google Assistant to televisions and cars later this year. According to The Verge, the other major update that Google is looking to bring is upgrading its default messaging app. The app, known as "Android Messaging", will now be named "Android Messenger". It will be able to offer services like reading receipts, sending multimedia messages and many other features generally seen in normal chat apps like WhatsApp or iMessenger. Google's top management has confirmed that the Android Messenger will support "RCS" (Rich Communication Services), which is the messaging standard for the next generation, supported by a group of carriers along with Google. Google has also announced that wireless carriers like Sprint, Rogers, Telenor, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Globe, and Vodafone have all agreed to adopt the "Universal Profile" for RCS. This will see their rich text messages, when sent, are guaranteed to work. Though the most important carriers in the US- Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are not included in the list of the wireless carriers, the total number of consumers claimed to be using the new RCS standard will be well over a billion. Google said that it is also creating an "Early Access Program" for businesses to send messages via RCS, which will come verified from their sender. Experts also opine that it is a far better thing than the general messaging app. Chinese smartphone leader Xiaomi unveiled its own system-on-chip called the Surge S1 at an event in Beijing this week. The first phone that will be powered by it will be Xiaomi Mi 5c. Only smartphone makers like Apple, Samsung and Huawei makes its own chip while others rely on third-party manufacturers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. Xiaomi is making an effort to more tightly integrate its hardware and software and master the core technologies behind its products, according to CEO Lei Jun, as written in Digital Trends. According to reports, in terms of power, Surge S1 is better than Qualcomm Snapdragon 635 but less than MediaTek's Helio P20. Xiaomi's 64-bit chipset combines two quad-core Cortex-A53 processors: one clocked at 2.2 GHz and the other at 1.4 GHz. There is a quad-core Mali T860 GPU to handle graphics and it will consume 40 percent less power than the previous T760. Xiaomi placed the 14-bit image signal processor to shoot photos that improve light sensitivity and reduces noise. According to CNET, this initiation by Xiaomi puts it in a noteworthy group along with phone titans Samsung, Apple and Huawei. Xiaomi subsidiary Pinecone Electronics made the octa-core Surge S1 with Chinese chipmaker Leadcore. Xiaomi did not say anything about its chip's comparison with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 and Huawei's Kirin 960. Xiaomi has to take off its biggest competition by Huawei who set a mark by its blazing fast speed and battery efficiency. Xiaomi is focusing on tighter integration between software and hardware and its CEO Lei Jun said that it will help the company make even better smartphones. These smartphones will surprise the industry and delight the consumers. Here are some features of Xiaomi Mi 5c. New chipset Surge S1 accompanies 3 GB RAM and 64 GB storage along with 12 MP primary camera and 8 MP secondary camera. There will be a 2860 mAh battery that supports fast charging. Xiaomi will launch its Mi 5c on March 3, 2017. Not only Xiaomi's fans but its competitors are also waiting to see Surge S1's performance. Global warming is speeding up. On the contrary, NASA and EPA are on its plans to at least decrease the effect. NASA is on its way of sending a robot to the sun. People's Weather reported that even though the mission is very dangerous, the agency is willing to take the risk. The goal of the NASA's mission is to help understand excessive solar activity that might threated the Earth. In this way, the Earth could be protected from huge harmful effects of solar energy like global warming. The mission is called Solar Probe Plus or SPP, wherein for the first time, a spacecraft will go near the sun's surface seven times closer than before. Scientists on this mission believes that not until the sun is understand up close, its activities cannot be predicted or even prevented. It will continue to raise harmful radiations and harsh global warming. The mission will launch next year and today, everything is almost done. On the other hand, Scott Pruitt, administrator from the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA made a promise to made regulations for climate change caused by global warming and water pollution. According to Carbon Brief Staff, the focus of EPA are the audience of Maryland, after the people completely disbanded the environmental regulations. Even though, EPA is just focus on its small city concern, that would still be a great part contribution for global warming problem. With the help of the two agencies, global warming and climate change could be given prioritize. Meanwhile, the Arctic of Greenland is now on its critical condition after several reports of ice melting were recorded. Global wearing is the main cause why the "nature's clock" speeds up causing harm to all living things in the Arctic and soon on Earth. In the Arctic, the "nature's clock" is emerging really fast and the blocks of ice and glaciers are the first affected. Global warming is indeed unstoppable, but if the mission of NASA and goal of the EPA would be spread worldwide, the "nature's clock" can be returned to normal. Treasure hunters discovered an ancient gold jewelry in the farmland in Staffordshire in December 2016. It is believed that it is the earliest example of Iron Age gold work ever found in the U.K. The discovery was led by Mark Hambleton and Joe Kania. Using the metal detectors, they found three torcs, which are twisted metal necklace and a bracelet. The two metal detectorists handed the jewelry to the U.K. government-funded Portable Antiquities Scheme. 'Oldest' Iron Age gold work in Britain found in Staffordshirehttps://t.co/pvDZcYCsmp pic.twitter.com/jytrRWuXKs Historic England (@HistoricEngland) March 1, 2017 The finds were dubbed as the "Leek Frith Torcs," which probably dated 400 B.C. or about 2,500 years old. They might come from Germany or France, according to Fox News. Julia Farley, the museum's curator of British and European Iron Age collections, said that the ancient gold jewelry is of "unique find of international importance." She further said that the torcs were probably worn by wealthy and powerful women, perhaps people from the Continent who had married into the local community. She added that piecing together how these objects came to be carefully buried in Staffordshire field will give people an invaluable insight into life in Iron Age Britain. The torcs were found in different locations, about 1 meter apart and buried in the ground. The torcs' gold content was about 80 percent. Each torc weighs about 230 grams and 31 grams. "Even as scrap, that's still worth a bob or two," said coroner Ian Smith, who led the inquest. An item must be more than 300 years old or have a precious metal content greater than 10 percent to be declared treasure, according to BBC News. Mr. Smith also said that this must rank as one of the most exciting treasure finds he has ever dealt with -- not quite in the same league as the Staffordshire Hoard. On the other hand, he described it as exciting. SAN FRANCISCO, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zignal Labs today announced the appointment of Brig Graff as Vice President of Strategic Solutions. In this new role, Brig will be responsible for building unique solutions that address key challenges facing corporate communications and marketing leaders. Brig joins Zignal with extensive enterprise SaaS experience, having built top-performing client services teams at Adobe, Omniture, Captora and Domo. In todays dynamic and uncertain marketplace, every major enterprise is focused on protecting reputation and building brand. As such, media and social intelligence is helping companies detect and defuse potential crises, identify marketplace influencers, surface trends and issues, pinpoint opportunities, and understand changing customer preferences. In his new role, Brig will partner with Zignals enterprise customers to deliver solutions that effectively address these strategic challenges. Our customers view media intelligence as a strategic asset to building stronger brands, said Josh Ginsberg, CEO of Zignal Labs. We are excited to have Brig join our team and drive innovative solutions into the marketplace that help our enterprise customers succeed. The communications function is increasingly expected to deliver strategic intelligence that supports the C-suite and entire enterprise, said Brig. Zignal is uniquely positioned with the best platform, industry expertise and technology innovation to empower every Chief Communications Officer and CMO across the Global 2000. At Adobe, Brig led the global Value Engineering and Solution Architecture teams, leading the top designers and engineers in the field organization and creating the companys most innovative field solutions. Subsequent leadership roles at Captora and Domo repeated the track record of customer-focused innovation and transformative market advances. About Zignal Labs Zignal Labs turns media intelligence into a strategic asset for the worlds largest brands and enterprises. By analyzing the full media spectrum in realtime, Zignals centralized platform empowers corporate communications, marketing and executive teams to understand trends, pinpoint issues and make informed decisions. Headquartered in San Francisco with offices throughout the country, Zignal serves customers around the world including Airbnb, IBM, Citrix, Bacardi, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, The Sacramento Kings, Brunswick Group and FleishmanHillard. To learn more, visit: www.zignallabs.com. Biological pollution caused in remote and relatively untouched natural habitats mostly occur due to alien species' invasion in the region. Though most people are unaware of the causes and consequences of alien species' invasion, the ecological and economic implications of it has lately attracted the attention of environmentalists across the world. Whenever there is an accidental oil spill in the oceans, it makes headlines not just because of the loss incurred to the oil company but due to the potential adverse impacts it may have on the marine biodiversity of the region. On the other hand, most people do not even understand the risks and possible outcomes of introducing a completely alien species into a new ecological habitat. Technological innovations have enabled people to travel to far off places in a relatively cheap price. Furthermore, the import and export of vegetables and meat products from every corner of the world have increased the chances of unintentional transport and introduction of microbes, pests, insects and plants (in the form of seeds) into these remote natural habitats. The problem arises when these newly transferred living species compete with the indigenous biodiversity of the region. In many cases, it is found that such organisms dominate the indigenous organisms and in some extreme cases may cause their extinction, Ottawa Citizen reported. According to Anthony Ricciardi, professor of environmental sciences at McGill University, such alien species' invasion can have dire economic consequences, especially in the fishery and agricultural sectors. He further mentioned the example of the invasion of zebra mussels and quagga mussels in the Great Lake region, which has caused the disappearance of most of the fish-eating birds (loons and mergansers) in the vicinity. According to GMA News Online, alien species' invasion is the next big threat to the environment, after forest habitat destruction. Environmental experts propose that the absence of regulatory laws that prevent such invasions may lead to the extinction of plant and animal species inhabiting the dense forests of Southeast Asia. The problem and its consequences are further intensified because of the ever growing climate change and global warming. Since climate change is the root cause of abrupt changes in the temperature and other environmental factors, it indirectly supports the survival of invasive species. Ricciardi believes that alien species' invasion is a matter of national biosecurity and should be dealt with extreme care and caution. Sitting before the D.C. Council in a crisp blue dress shirt, Preston L. Williams Jr. recounted the day he was first diagnosed with the cancer that was slowly killing him. It seemed to be "the longest day of my life," when "time stood still," the firefighter said in advocating for new health and retirement benefits he wouldn't live to see. Over a five-year period Williams was diagnosed three times with prostate cancer. He believed he was sickened by the fumes and chemicals that leached into his skin and seeped into his lungs during his more than 20 years battling fires. He testified in 2012. He died in February 2016, only months before the nation's capital joined a growing number of jurisdictions stating that because certain cancers in firefighters occur at such high rates, they should be presumed to come from on-the-job exposure. Laws in nearly 40 states, including Maryland and Virginia, have expanded medical, workers' compensation and disability coverage for such cancer cases, and departments across the country are revamping training and how they handle gear to try to reduce risks. "This is the hidden hazard and the silent killer in the fire service," said Matthew Miller, a Prince George's County, Maryland, firefighter and cancer survivor who is developing cancer-prevention and safety reforms at his department. "We're seeing just how bad the problem is." In early February, a bill to create a national registry of firefighters diagnosed with cancer was introduced with bipartisan support to help track and research the issue, and in January Ohio's governor signed into law a bill extending firefighters' coverage for workplace cancers. In October, the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation added names of firefighters who died of cancer to its memorial honoring line-of-duty deaths for the first time since the foundation's creation in 1992, with 24 cancer deaths among the 112 deaths in 2015. Yet with awareness comes lingering anxiety from municipal governments, which fear setting a precedent for other public employees and triggering spiraling costs. The National Council on Compensation Insurance, which tracks workers' comp proposals and legislation nationally, counted nearly 90 first-responder cancer presumption bills in 2016. That number is already at 70 in the first six weeks of 2017. Protracted legal battles have been fought to establish the work links to a cancer or expand the cancers covered as occupational hazards. This month, the state Supreme Court in the state of Washington sided with two firefighters whose insurance claims over melanoma had been denied as not tied to their jobs. Cancer studies in emergency responders began in earnest after the cleanup at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the final results of what is currently the largest study of cancer risk among career firefighters ever conducted in the United States. The study of about 30,000 firefighters over a 60-year span showed that compared with the general population, firefighters on average are at a higher risk for certain kinds of cancer - mainly oral, digestive, respiratory, genital and urinary cancers. The CDC also found that firefighters who were exposed to more fires than their peers experienced more instances of lung cancer and leukemia, said Robert Daniels, the principal investigator of the project and a research epidemiologist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The risks come on many fronts, research indicates. Fires carry soot and smoke from high-toxin synthetic material and electronics. Exhaust fumes from diesel fire engines present a hazard. The protective gear that insulates firefighters from heat and flames also raises body temperatures, opening pores to absorb chemicals. Concerned with the results of the CDC study - and similar research coming out of Norway and Australia - fire departments and firefighters unions nationwide revamped safety policies. "Smoke on your gear and smoke on your helmet used to be a sign that you're an experienced firefighter," said Lt. Sarah Marchegiani of the Arlington County Fire Department in Virginia. "But now people just recognize it's a hazard and not worth it." Tubes are hooked to fire engine exhaust pipes in District stations to vent fumes outside, said Kenneth Crosswhite, a deputy fire chief. Heavy protective jackets, helmets and pants are washed after every call, he said, and the city is looking to contract for professional decontamination services. Within the next few months, Prince George's County plans to equip firefighters with a second set of personal protective equipment so fresh gear will always be on hand. Last year, Montgomery County in Maryland issued an order that firefighters keep on protective breathing gear even after flames are out as they open walls and ceilings and search for leftover hot spots. The order cited "the growing scientific information linking cancer to firefighting." The county also has low-tech strategies, said Jill Captain, a physician for Montgomery's Fire and Rescue Occupational Medical Services. Among those, firetrucks carry plenty of baby wipes for firefighters to use to clean their skin after a fire is out but while they still are at a scene. At the same 2012 hearing where Williams asked that benefits be expanded, a city official warned about costs and untangling whether lifestyle or family history might have set a firefighter's path to cancer. It was the kind of standoff repeated across the country since. Then-deputy mayor for public safety Paul Quander also testified that many firefighters have second jobs, some at rural fire departments that might not practice the same standards for decontamination. "We're going to be responsible for future health-care costs that might not be due to working for the District of Columbia," Quander said. Local governments often are "vocal opponents because it is a cost issue"and "they have to be financially solvent," said Peter Burton of the National Council on Compensation Insurance, who added that the cancer presumption laws are among the top issues his organization has been monitoring since 2016. A single leukemia claim could cost $3 million over an individual's lifetime, said Alexandria Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Merryman, who runs health, safety and risk management for his Virginia fire department. One firefighter there has received benefits under the state's presumptive cancer law, and two others have the disease. In Prince George's County, 29 retired and sworn firefighters have filed occupational cancer claims since 2012, including Lt. Chris Hill, who died last year of brain cancer. "It was really scary," said his wife, Jennifer Hill. "Not only was he fighting this battle he's never going to win . . . but he was unsure about his retirement and whether his family would have enough to survive" after he died. Municipalities fear funding individuals who may have developed cancer regardless of whether they were firefighters, according to a report produced for the National League of Cities in 2009. Around the country, firefighters suffering from cancer and their families have engaged in contentious legal fights with local governments questioning who should be on the hook financially. In Philadelphia, a three-judge panel in October determined a retired firefighter could not claim workers' comp benefits for his prostate cancer because he couldn't prove that he got sick from exposure on the job. Amy Dant became a volunteer firefighter in Montgomery in 1995, when she was 19, and a paid firefighter in 2002. A routine checkup at the county's medical services unit detected a problem with her thyroid that was diagnosed in 2012 as cancer. Her type of cancer was not a type that the state's workers' compensation program would presumptively say was a result of her job, Dant said, leaving her and her union to battle for benefits she ultimately received. Around fire stations, there is keen awareness of cancer risks on the job, she said. "Today's attitude is totally different," Dant said. The nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network said it has provided assistance and one-on-one mentoring to thousands of firefighters and their families since the organization was started in 2005. But because awareness is fairly new, it is difficult to determine exactly how many have died or been diagnosed with work-related cancer, said Bryan Frieders, president of the network and a deputy chief with the Fire Department in Pasadena, Calif. In the District, the fire lieutenant Williams, who grew up in Northeast, became a voice for firefighters with cancer. Williams helped in New York after the 2001 terrorist attacks. A restaurant owner whose basement he cleaned gifted him a bottle of wine, but Williams couldn't wash off the soot when he took it home, recalls his widow, Katrina Williams. He then realized the hazards of his job, and it prompted a family rule that is still enforced: no shoes in the house. Less than 16 years into the only job he ever cared about, Williams, then 40, discovered he had cancer. It went into remission, then returned, then went into remission again only to return once more. Legislation granting D.C. firefighters full early retirement and coverage for eight types of cancer - leukemia, breast, throat, prostate, ovarian, testicular, pancreatic and rectal - passed the council in 2012, but it took until 2016 to get it funded, with up to $7 million dollars a year authorized. Williams died before the money for the bill came through. Katrina Williams said her husband was heartened when the cancer bill passed but frustrated by the lengthy refusal to fund it, leaving him and others without benefits he had championed. She still has the dingy white helmet her husband wore, adorned with two small blue ribbons for prostate cancer awareness and covered with soot from his final fire. "We have to pay a debt," Katrina Williams said, "to the people who save our lives." Dan Morse and Mandy McLaren contributed to this report. Peter Hermann covers crime for The Washington Post. Lynh Bui is a Prince George's County public safety reporter and former Montgomery County education reporter. FLORENCE, S.C. Dr. Willette Burnham-Williams, chief diversity officer for the Medical University of South Carolina, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerces Building Bridges Diversity and Leadership Summit scheduled for March 20. The Building Bridges program, now in its 20th year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Carolinas Hospital System's Floyd Conference Center. Tickets for the event are $20 per participant and $15 each for five or more participants. Attendees do not have to be chamber members to participate. The mission of the Building Bridges program is to enable the Florence community to address diversity issues through a continuing process of changing attitudes through awareness and education. Along with the keynote presentation, participants will take part in interactive panel discussion on gender bias and religion in the workplace. There also will be a presentation on cultural competency by Teresa Ramey. Florence residents along with business and community leaders are encouraged to attend the summit. To register for the event, visit flochamber.com. Colleen Barrett to Retire from the Board in May PLANO, Texas - (March 2, 2017) - J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) today announced the election of Debora Plunkett, former senior advisor to the director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), to its board of directors. Possessing extensive experience in cybersecurity, information assurance and innovation in information security, Plunkett has a deep understanding of the data-driven and interconnected world of today. "Debora has a strong background in information management and technology, and has been trusted by some of the nation's top leaders to deliver robust security solutions and policies for the U.S. government," said Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and CEO of JCPenney. "Her distinguished background brings tremendous value to our board as JCPenney continues on a path to becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer." Most recently, Plunkett has served as a professor at University of Maryland University College teaching graduate-level cybersecurity courses. She also provides consultation on cybersecurity, information assurance and management topics at her firm, Plunkett Associates LLC. Prior to these positions, she served as senior advisor to the director of the NSA, leading efforts to develop and deliver solutions to improve diversity, inclusion and equality for a highly technical workforce. Prior to that, Plunkett served as director and deputy director of information assurance for the NSA, managing the agency's information assurance and cyber defense mission, and also held a variety of executive leadership, supervisory and analytical roles for the NSA. She also served as director for the Office of Transnational Threats at the National Security Council of The White House. Plunkett currently serves as a strategic advisory board member for the International Consortium for Minority Cybersecurity Professionals and an advisory board member for CyberMaryland. Plunkett has a B.S. degree in natural science from Towson University, a Master of Science in business from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in national security strategy from National War College and an M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University. The Company also announced that Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines Co., will retire from the Board at the end of her term, which concludes on May 19, 2017, at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Barrett joined the JCPenney board in 2004, and currently chairs the corporate governance committee. "Colleen is a trusted member of our board, and her legacy of building award-winning customer service at Southwest Airlines has benefitted JCPenney for over 13 years," said Ellison. "Not only has Colleen been a respected member of the board, her enthusiasm and passion for JCPenney was instrumental in sparking the Warrior Spirit among JCPenney associates in recent years, leading to a strong resurgence in our Company culture. We thank her for her service, and wish her well in future endeavors." Media Relations: (972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com; follow us at @jcpnews Investor Relations: (972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com About JCPenney: J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP), one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, is on a mission to ensure every customer's shopping experience is worth her time, money and effort. Whether shopping jcp.com or visiting one of over 1,000 store locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, she will discover a broad assortment of products from a leading portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Supporting this value proposition is the warrior spirit of over 100,000 JCPenney associates worldwide, who are focused on the Company's three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com. ### BROOKFIELD NEWS, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Canada Office Properties (TSX:BOX.UN) (NYSE:BOXC) announced today that it has filed its 2016 annual report on Form 40-F, including its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, with the SEC on EDGAR as well as with the Canadian securities authorities on SEDAR. These documents are also available at www.brookfieldcanadareit.com and a hard copy will be provided to unitholders free-of-charge upon request. 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. TORONTO, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX:AVL) and (OTCQX:AVLNF) (Avalon or the Company) is pleased to announce it has closed a transaction with GoldON Resources Ltd. (GoldON) to acquire a 100% interest in the seven-claim, 1,008 hectare, Paterson Lake property (the Property) located adjacent to the north and west of Avalons Separation Rapids Lithium Project near Kenora, Ontario. In consideration for the acquisition of the claims, Avalon has issued 500,000 common shares of its capital stock to GoldON. The shares will be subject to a 4 month hold period expiring on July 2, 2017. As illustrated on the accompanying map, the Property is host to three known lithium pegmatite occurrences known as the Glitter, Wolf and Rattler, along with a number of other, smaller, under-explored lithium tantalum rubidium tin bearing pegmatites. These occurrences fall within the same geological formation that hosts Avalons Separation Rapids pegmatite deposit. Some of these occurrences are in close proximity to targets planned for testing during the Companys upcoming drilling program and may be included in this program. Avalons CEO, Don Bubar stated, There is abundant potential for discovery of additional lithium pegmatites in the Separation Rapids region that can provide future sources of feed for our planned lithium production facility in the Kenora area. We are committed for the long term to building a business that can take advantage of the energy storage revolution and the rapidly growing demand for lithium battery materials. Consistent with Ontarios commitment to innovation and clean energy technology, we see an opportunity to participate in creating new cleantech supply chains, anchored in Northern Ontario, for the advanced materials needed to make these goals a reality. The technical information included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Donald S. Bubar, P.Geo. Qualified Person under NI 43-101. 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. Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, information or statements about expected future drilling and exploration programs, potential discovery of additional lithium pegmatites in the Separation Rapids region, building a lithium production facility in Kenora , and potential growth in demand for lithium battery materials. 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 Companys current Annual Information Form, Managements Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Companys 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 Companys 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. To view this image [Separation Rapids Claim Map], please visit: http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/25442_a1488486287179_90.jpg GLEN ELLYN, Ill., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard & Poors has revised the College of DuPage bond rating outlook from negative to stable and affirmed its AA rating on the Colleges outstanding general obligation bonds. The rating agency wrote in its March 1 rationale, We revised the outlook to stable based on the stabilized board governance and management conditions, including a new president, and our view that the colleges probation status will likely be successfully resolved in 2017. S&P cited the Colleges: Participation in the Chicago metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) deep and diverse economy, with sizable supporting tax base; Very strong incomes and extremely strong market value per capita; Very strong financial position with very little reliance on the state of Illinois; Low to moderate debt burden. S&P wrote, Of all the states community colleges, the College of DuPage receives one of the smallest (if not the smallest) percentages of general fund revenue from the state a notable credit strength in the current state environment. We believe the district has very strong reserves in place for fiscal 2017 and beyond to compensate for any shortfall and the ability to raise tuition and property taxes to account for the lost state revenue. We are very pleased that Standard & Poors recognizes the excellent operations of College of DuPage, said COD President Dr. Ann Rondeau. We are moving in the right direction on all fronts to serve our students and the taxpayers who fund this great institution. Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services nor for dissemination to the United States All amounts in Canadian dollars BROOKFIELD NEWS, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Office Properties Inc. (Brookfield), a subsidiary of Brookfield Property Partners, today announced the reset dividend rate on its Class AAA Preference Shares, Series P (Series P Shares) (TSX:BPO.PR.P) and the quarterly dividend rate on its Class AAA Preference Shares, Series S (Series S Shares) (TSX:BPO.PR.S). Series P Shares If declared, the fixed quarterly dividends on the Series P Shares for the five years commencing April 1, 2017 and ending March 31, 2022 will be paid at an annual rate of 4.161% ($0.260063 per share per quarter). Holders of Series P Shares have the right, at their option, exercisable not later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on March 16, 2017, to convert all or part of their Series P Shares, on a one-for-one basis, into Class AAA Preference Shares, Series Q (the Series Q Shares), effective March 31, 2017. The quarterly floating rate dividends on the Series Q Shares have an annual rate, calculated for each quarter, of 3.00% over the annual yield on three-month Government of Canada treasury bills. The actual quarterly dividend rate for the April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 dividend period for the Series Q Shares will be 0.86762% (3.48% on an annualized basis) and the dividend, if declared, for such dividend period will be $0.216905 per share, payable on June 30, 2017. Holders of Series P Shares are not required to elect to convert all or any part of their Series P Shares into Series Q Shares. As provided in the share conditions of the Series P Shares, (i) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series P Shares outstanding after March 31, 2017, all remaining Series P Shares will be automatically converted into Series Q Shares on a one-for-one basis effective March 31, 2017; and (ii) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series Q Shares outstanding after March 31, 2017, no Series P Shares will be permitted to be converted into Series Q Shares. There are currently 12,000,000 Series P Shares outstanding. The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has conditionally approved the listing of the Series Q Shares effective upon conversion. Listing of the Series Q Shares is subject to Brookfield fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX and, upon approval, the Series Q Shares will be listed on the TSX under the trading symbol BPO.PR.Q. Series S Shares The dividend is paid at an annual rate, calculated for each quarter, of 3.48% over the annual yield on three-month Government of Canada treasury bills. The actual quarterly dividend rate for the April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 dividend period for the Series S Shares will be 0.98729% (3.96% on an annualized basis) and the dividend, if declared, for such dividend period will be $0.246823 per share, payable on June 30, 2017. About Brookfield Office Properties Brookfield Office Properties Inc. is a subsidiary of Brookfield Property Partners L.P., one of the worlds largest commercial real estate companies, with approximately $65 billion in total assets. Brookfield Office Properties owns, develops and manages premier office properties in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe. Its portfolio is comprised of interests in 116 properties totaling 88 million square feet in the downtown cores of New York, Washington, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, London, Berlin, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, making Brookfield Office Properties the global leader in the ownership and management of office assets. Landmark properties include Brookfield Places in New York City, Toronto and Perth, Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles, Bankers Hall in Calgary and Darling Park in Sydney. Darling and Mangubhai will share their research and expertise on coral reefs and climate change, conservation challenges and opportunities in Melanesia and conservation approaches in Fiji during Paul Gauguins June 7 Bali to Fiji voyage. Darling is a coral reef ecologist, passionate about sustaining tropical corals in a changing climate. In her role at Wildlife Conservation Society, she coordinates a coral reef monitoring program across Melanesia, Indonesia, the Caribbean and western Indian Ocean. Her research focuses on fisheries management, community ecology and coral responses to climate change. Mangubhai is based in Suva, Fiji, where she helps local communities make informed decisions about their natural resources. Mangubhai specializes in designing marine protected areas, assessing coral reef resilience, monitoring fisheries and evaluating the return on investment of conservation action. Paul Gauguin Cruises teamed with Wildlife Conservation Society to offer the Wildlife Discovery Series program on select sailings in 2017. 'A Fred. Olsen cruise is all about getting "closer",' remarked Justin Stanton, sales and marketing director for the UK brand. 'From taking advantage of the ships smaller scale, to calling into destinations out of reach to larger ships, all the way through to the special, one-off itineraries and excursions that show destinations in real depth it is part of the Fred. Olsen ethos,' he added. The new itineraries have been specially tailored to celebrate great events and festivals around the world, on over 135 different itineraries, with a variety of durations, remarked Clare Ward, director of product and customer services, at the brochure launch Wednesday night in London. In addition Fred. Olsen will be focussing increasingly on fly-cruise itineraries in 2018/19, with the publication of its first-ever dedicated fly-cruise brochure, highlighting new exotic holidays to Arabia and India, and growing on its best-selling Indian Ocean itineraries. Despite halfing the number of ex-UK departure ports (from 10 in 2017/18), Ward confirmed the five chosen, only 'slightly reduces' the number of people throughout the UK within a 90 minute drive of reaching the ships. Fred. Olsens new 2018/19 cruise programme will include the following nine maiden calls: Anavilhanas, Amazonas(Brazil), Chioggia, Province of Venice and Sanremo(Italy), Georgetown (Ascension), Khasab(Oman), Kirkenes(Norway), Mazatlan/Sinaloa(Mexico), Newcastle(New South Wales, Australia) and Porbandar, Gujarat(India). New areas of scenic cruising in 2018/19 include Norway's Erfjorden, Hjrundfjord, and Jsenfjord, 'ignored by others', md Mike Rodwell told Seatrade Cruise News. A happy chairman, Fred Olsen Jr, declared the 2018/19 programme, 'the best-ever produced!' More signature Lochs of Scotland itineraries, along with the popular German Waterways and French Rivers sailings, were singled out by itinerary and experience development manager Martin Lister who together with Ward played a key role in creating the new itineraries. Asked by SCN for his special highlights, Lister picked a 14 night sailing on Braemar along the Guadalquivir River into Seville in March 2018 specially-timed to visit the city when the orange blossom is at its most fragrant and a 14-night River Cruising to Bordeaux & the Seville Fair itinerary in April 2018, where guests can take part in the Feria de Abril and enjoy the spectacular fireworks, as well as spending the night in UNESCO-listed Bordeaux. The brochure also features more experience-led cruises than ever before a total of 117 in 2018/19 specifically built around a key global event, such as the Edinburgh Tattoo, the Northern Lights and New Years Eve in Sydney. 'We will be starting Black Watch's 2018 world cruise in November for the first time (usually January) so the ship will be in Sydney for the turn of the year,' Rodwell disclosed. Following Black Watch's refurb last year, costing in the region of 10m, Braemar and Balmoral will undergo 'similar' refurbs in December of this year with Boudicca's makeover scheduled in March 2018, he confirmed. Bearing in mind the global rise of protectionism, such a strategy should assert the EUs role as the worlds champion of free and fair trade, they say, as well as assist IMO in ensuring the shipping industry meets its international sustainability goals. Before then, the European Commissions ongoing mid-term review of the EU Maritime Transport Strategy 2009-2018 should include a fundamental overhaul of the EU Reporting Formalities Directive, they urge, in order to create a true European single window environment for maritime carriers that fully ensures the reporting once principle and which shares all necessary cargo and conveyance data between governments and all relevant authorities. One if the group of industry bodies, the European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) this week released the findings of a study it commissioned from Monitor Deloitte on the competitiveness of the EU as a shipping centre, intended to form an input to the strategy review. Overall the study found the EU to be a competitive location, since like other successful shipping centres around the world it combines investment in an attractive business climate with investment in quality and skills, commented ECSA President Niels Smedegaard. However, in order to sustain further growth it was felt that the EU needs to adapt its framework into a comprehensive, globally oriented shipping policy that aims to improve the EUs competitiveness as a location for international shipping. In doing so, current maritime state aid guidelines should remain as being an essential part of the EU policy framework, Deloitte Monitor confirmed. Legal certainty in the continuity of the guidelines is paramount, echoed Smedegaard. Other associations to put their name to the joint industry statement were CLIA Europe, EBA, ECASBA, EMPA, ETA, ETF, EuDA, Interferry, and WSC. The captain of a cargo vessel Anna issued a distress call at 0409 hours local time on 28 February after the vessels cargo tanks took in water. Cosco Shipping Specialised Carriers 28,612-dwt vessel Da Ji, which was 12 nm away from Anna, received the SOS signal and immediately rushed to Annas location. On spotting the distressed cargo vessel at 0510 hours, communications between the vessels were established. "I have located your ship on my radar. I am reducing speed and proceeding to you," the captain of Da Ji said. "Yes I see you," a crew of Anna replied. "We will save your life, don't worry," assured Da Ji's captain. The crew of the Cosco ship swung into action and managed to rescue the first person from the sinking cargo vessel onto Da Ji at 0610 hours. By 0743 hours, the cargo ship sank at the position of 3248.9N, 01603.7E, and Da Jis crew hastened the rescue operations, Cosco Shipping, parent firm of Cosco Shipping Specialised Carriers, said in a statement. Fortunately, the rescue operation was a success and by 0850 hours, all 10 crew members of Anna were saved and no injuries were sustained. The cargo vessel Anna was enroute from Istanbul of Turkey to Misurata of Libya when the accident happened. The 10 crew members rescued onto Cosco's ship Da Ji. The moment when the cargo vessel Anna sank in the Mediterranean Sea. WASHINGTON, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington REIT (Washington Real Estate Investment Trust) (NYSE:WRE) announced today that Paul McDermott, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steve Riffee, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a roundtable presentation at the Citi 2017 Global Property CEO Conference. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be accessible at: http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/citigroup/globalproperty2017/72307258251.cfm The presentation will also be accessible through the Investor Relations page of the Companys website at www.washreit.com. A webcast replay will be available one hour after the conclusion of the live event and will be available through June 4, 2017. Washington REIT is a self-administered, equity real estate investment trust investing in income-producing properties in the greater Washington metro region. Washington REIT owns a diversified portfolio of 49 properties, totaling approximately 6.0 million square feet of commercial space and 4,480 multifamily units, and land held for development. These 49 properties consist of 19 office properties, 16 retail centers and 14 multifamily properties. Washington REIT shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:WRE). A networking event targeted at millennials is being held at the Arab American National Museum this Saturday, March 4. The event, illMuslims: Be Social Detroit, will provide art, music, food, and refreshments while offering attendees the opportunity to connect with each other and local artists and retailers from the community.The national organization illMuslims has thrown similar events across the country, in cities that include Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles. According to a release, the networking event will provide "a platform to create a strong network of Muslim-run initiatives in Metro Detroit.""illMuslims was founded in September 2014 after a series of conversations that centered on supporting creativity between my co-founder, Sadaf Javaid, and I," Rummi Khan, co-founder of illMuslims, says in a statement. "The term ummah translates to 'community', which is defined as divergent populations interacting in a meaningful way. We didn't feel like we had seen that in any place for our generation of Muslims in North America. We created illMuslims as an effort to bring these divergent groups together to focus on what we agree on, supporting creative output."The March 4 event offers a number of attractions, including vendor booths, mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails), and food and refreshments from local shops The Bottomline, Cannoli Pastry, and AlJoom's BBQ. A pop-up shop by Threads and Beams footwear will also be on hand.Music performances include DJ Bornswift, Omar Zidan, a.k.a. Omar Okz, and Abir, a New York-based Moroccan American R&B artist most recently featured in a Beats by Dr. Dre headphones commercial. Organizers also promise a surprise performance from a Metro Detroit dance group.Artist Zeinab Saab, illustrator and muralist Marlo Broughton, and photographer Ji La Zand will each have artwork shown at the event.illMuslims: Be Social Detroit takes place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. All are welcome.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith Shuttered school doors have become an increasingly common sight in Metro Detroit over the past decade.This past March, after holding several community forums, the Farmington Public School district's board voted to close two schools and move pre-school programming out of an early childhood center.O.E. Dunckel Middle School is now shuttered but will serve as the site of a K-8 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program next fall. Harrison High is slated for a "soft" closing at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, and the Alameda Early Childhood School's program will relocating to a local elementary school next year. The current round of school shutdowns come in the wake of four other elementary school closings in the district in 2010and against a backdrop of similar closings throughout the region.A Change.org petition opposing the closure of O.E. Dunckel and the proposed shuttering of nearby Warner Middle School rallied nearly 900 supporters. In the comments section, parent Julie Lynch noted her child had already been impacted by the previous school closures."If Dunckel closes, my daughter will have attended 5 schools PRIOR to entering high school," she wrote. "This is FAR too many transitions for these kids."Melissa Rakolta, a mother with four children in the district wrote that shutting down either of the schools would be "devastating.""The proximity of having our children close was one of the main reasons we moved here," she wrote. "Our home values will decrease and attracting new young families to our neighborhoods will be impossible."Lisa Holmes has two children attending Farmington Schools. Her local elementary school was considered for closing last year but ultimately stayed open. Nevertheless, the situation was stressful for her family."Second and third graders, they don't get that things will be OK," she tells Metromode. "They worry about their friends, the teachers that they love, staff members."That said, she believed Farmington's school board made the best decision it could for the entire district, given the circumstances. So what's the reason for closing schools? Farmington Public Schools Superintendent George Heitsch says it's a question of demographics."It comes down to an issue of declining enrollment, not having as many students as we did at our peak enrollment," he tells Metromode.Over last decade, total enrollment in the school system has declined from a peak of 12,256 in the 2005-06 school year to a low of 9,995 in 2015-16, a drop of about 18 percent.Heitsch attributes the drop in students to a declining birthrate, noting that more families are opting to stay in Farmington and Farmington Hills after their children graduate, meaning that the housing market isn't "turning over" the same way it was a generation ago.In addition to declining enrollment, the district had also been dealing with funding issues. According to the Detroit News , Farmington Public Schools revenue dropped nearly $15 million between 2006 and 2014 and the district grappled with an $11 million funding shortfall in 2016.Asked whether the situation has stabilized, Heitsch is optimistic, saying he hopes the district's decision will help the system as a whole run more efficiently."It's always unsettling to have a building close," he says. "We're hoping that we made the right choices with the community and for the community...if we do it right, we're going to increase opportunities, not decrease them."School closures and declining enrollment aren't just a trend in Farmington and Farmington Hills, though. Of Oakland County's 28 public districts, 16 saw declining enrollment this school year, while 10 gained students and two remained virtually unchanged, according to data from a state educational database. And since 2010, Bloomfield Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huron Valley Southfield, Pontiac, Walled Lake Consolidated, and Waterford public schools systems have all announced school closings. Other districts around the region have been experiencing similar difficulties.And Detroit's public school district in neighboring Wayne Countyperhaps the hardest hit of them allhas seen well over 100 schools shuttered over the last ten years."This issue is not specific to Oakland County, it is a statewide issue that reflects population changes in Michigan," says Daniel Quinn, executive director of the nonprofit Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice in East Lansing and a doctoral candidate at Oakland University.He points to U.S. Census data that found that Michigan was the only state that declined in population between 2000 and 2010, as well as SEMCOG projections that the region's school-age population will continue to dip until at least 2026.Beyond falling enrollment, Quinn identifies three other factors that pressure districts to cut programming and shutter facilities: school funding that has not kept up with rising costs; increased competition with charter schools; and inter-district school choice policies that allow parents to enroll their kids outside their local districts.Calling schools "the glue that holds neighborhoods together," Quinn says removing them from a community can affect parents' decisions about moving, negatively impact property values and hamper student achievement."The local school is often the place where people come together for community events, sports, and more," he says. "When schools close, the impact is felt by families who moved into the neighborhood for the schools and the property values of their homes."So what impact have school closings had in Farmington? Peggy Blumenstein, who works as a substitute secretary with the district says it's been a challenging situation. The closings have been difficult for both school staff who've had to adjust to new working environments and families who've had to get used to new schools."It upset the parents of Dunckel [Middle School] students because they have to go to East...or to Warner. They were quite upset," Blumenstein tells Metromode. "Some people have moved out of the area."The closure has also had a dampening effect on neighborhood community life; the public library across the street from the middle school used to be a natural after-school destination when classes let out, says Blumenstein, but kids are no longer walking across the street after classes end for the day.As for the actual school facilities, Farmington Public Schools has tried to be proactive; they're repurposing O.E. Dunckel as a STEAM center and working on finding new owners for other properties. While two of its four recently closed elementary schools are still vacant, Flanders Elementary has been redeveloped into a subdivision and Eagle Elementary has been sold and is similarly being considered for redevelopment.Declining enrollment may be a major contributor to school closings in the region, but scarce funding is also an issue. Last year, Gov. Rick Snyder signed a $16.14 education budget bill into law. While that figure is two percent bigger than 2015, Quinn says the increase comes after more than a decade of "underfunding" Michigan schools.Poor academic performance is also a reason for concern. Last summer, Michigan's School Reform Office announced plans for a wave of school closings targeting chronically low-performing schools that would take effect this June. It's still unclear how many schools will be affected.When considering policies to address these concerns, Quinn says it's important to keep the big picture in mind."We should be exploring ways to make changes to our tax system so that school officials have stable finances and can make decisions that are in the best interest of all children," he says. "Additionally, we should look at the inequities created by school closings. School closings disproportionately affect some communities, and there is a basic democratic problem when local communities lose the ability to make these decisions." John Bry knew a good deal about Oakland County long before he ever set foot within its borders. That's because he has been working in the Main Street program for a while now--and the county has a bit of a reputation within the nationwide program.That's because Oakland County is the first and only county in the United States to officially join Main Street, which is a program if the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Main Street uses historic preservation and placemaking techniques to drive economic development and revitalization in traditional downtowns and commercial districts.Bry first started working in the Main Street program over two decades ago. It's a career that has taken him from his native Auburn, Indiana to towns in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. He's left the Main Street program for other jobs and academic degrees over the years, but he's always come back to it. And now his love for historic preservation and downtowns has drawn Bry to yet another town and another state; he was recently hired as Program Coordinator of Main Street Oakland County For Bry, it's an opportunity to finally enact some of the ideas he's developed over the years. These include building a digital library of preservation and development resources, establishing downtown entrepreneur zones, and creating a county-wide funding pool for historic preservation efforts and projects. And with Oakland County's strong embrace of the Main Street program, he's confident he'll accomplish these goals."Some of these things have been ideas I've had in my head for a long time, but Oakland County has been receptive and progressive enough to say, you know what, we'll give it a try. And maybe in my past careers, I haven't been in a situation where they've been totally supportive," says Bry. "So the fact that Oakland County is interested is great."It was Bry's great grandmother who set the seeds for a fully realized passion for historic preservation. Bry grew up on the family farm outside of Auburn, Indiana, in an old farmhouse that was part log cabin. His great-grandmother would take a young Bry on trips to explore the local cemeteriesa pastime he still has a passion for today. The cemetery trips were a result of his family starting the local monuments company in Auburn a hundred years earlier, he says. After the trips to the cemetery, Bry's great grandmother would show him old family photographs and tell him stories.Bry's parents also contributed to his love for history. They were always working on the family farmhouse as well as an old Victorian house, he says. As a kid, his parents would take him on historic home tours. Left to his own devices, Bry would explore the area, poking around old abandoned houses and buildings. He even found the arches to the now long-gone building that housed his family's monuments company. Bry would go on to reconstruct the arches and donate them to a local senior living home. On one of his returns to Auburn, Bry purchased a Victorian home on the edge of downtown. It was dilapidated and under threat of demolition, and he's since restored it.When Bry left for college and decided to study historic preservation, he says he was surprised to learn that his passion could become a career. He's become an advocate for the practice, demonstrating to communities that historic preservation isn't just about saving old buildings but also a way to boost local economies."It can be a challenge sometimesand especially in America, we don't make it easy to rehab historic buildings and placesbut I think everyone, at the end of the day, when they look at a completed project in their community or neighborhood, they say, I'm glad we saved that," says Bry.In his new position, Bry says he hopes to usher in a new generation of the Main Street Oakland County program, one that engages all 22 member communities by being as inclusive as possible and always open to new ideas. There are eight guiding tenets of the Main Street program, and he's added one more: Flexibility. It's about finding a common ground where all stakeholders are allowed to play a role. Be you, he says. Maybe you have your own way of getting somewhereat least you got there."I don't have all the answers; I don't have all the best ideas. But when you start to bring in all these other people in to be inclusive, some really cool stuff starts," says Bry. "That's when the magic happens."John Bry, (CMSM)-Certified Main Street Manager, Program Coordinator Main Street Oakland County Program and Principal PlannerFirst official full-time gig, 1995I would have to say that would be between detasseling seed corn a couple of summers in Indiana, and operating a full-sized replica of a historic canal boat called the General Harrison in Ohio.That's a tough one. I've come to appreciate Mid-Century Modern from the 50s and 60s, but still fall back to early styles from the early and mid 19th century with styles such as Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Italianate as some of my favorite periods.I enjoy local Mom and Pop places that are sort of off the grid for most people. Sorry to say I have not gotten out to many of them yet with bouncing back and forth to Auburn (my hometown) about every other weekend to check in on my grandma (She turned 90 in Oct). BUT, so far the Omega Grub Station in Pontiac and the Liberty in Pontiac are a couple that have become favorites for me. Looking forward to exploring much more as I get to know my new community. Fair Lake Preserve in Barry County The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has been experiencing successes from the east side of the region to the west -- on lands at the headwaters of southern Barry County's Augusta Creek and the headwaters of region in the Paw Paw River Watershed.In Van Buren County, the Land Conservancy has raised 98 percent, all but $75,000, of $2.2 million needed to acquire, maintain, and open to the public a 188-acre property known as the Portman Nature Preserve. The new nature preserve in Almena and Antwerp townships in eastern Van Buren County purchased in January is the Land Conservancy's most ambitious conservation project to date, says SWMLCs Conservation and Stewardship Director Nate Fuller. (Watch a video of the project here .)The property is one of the most ecologically significant natural areas in southwest Michigan. The Portman Nature Preserve is home to every species of turtle found in southern Michigan, Fuller says. Two federally endangered species and many plants that state has listed as endangered also live there."The Portman Nature Preserve is an amazing mix of woods, meadows, and wetlands with frontage on three lakes, a creek, and hundreds of springs," says Fuller.The project came about through a massive collaboration of local, state, and federal organizations. It was made possible by Gerald and Julie Portman, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership, the U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and The Carls Foundation. Further, 200 individual donors and friends of SWMLC met The Carls Foundations $75,000 matching grant challenge issued in late autumn of 2016, to raise $150,000 to go toward the project.SWMLC identified the 188-acre property as a high priority site for conservation almost a decade ago. The Portman Nature Preserve part of a critical headwater region in the Paw Paw River Watershed and also helps provide clean and abundant water to the region, and ultimately to Lake Michigan. It is also home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals."Our vision is to create a nature preserve that not only conserves this outstanding property's natural features, but also serves as an outdoor classroom for local students, and a natural space for the community to explore, learn, exercise, gather, and connect with nature and each other," says SWMLC President and Executive Director Pete Ter Louw.Bill McNulty, retired educator and former principal at Mattawan Middle School, is an enthusiastic supporter of the project. He says he is particularly excited about the opportunity to engage students in a natural setting to enhance development and learning across multiple subjects."After just a few minutes at the Portman Nature Preserve I could see the potential opportunities for our communitys children," says McNulty. "I am so excited that our schools have been welcomed to be a part of this from the beginning. This outdoor classroom provides an extraordinary natural setting for our children to learn about science, art, writing, and so much more."If SWMLC is able to raise the final $75,000 needed to complete a safe parking area and entry trail system, it will schedule a Saturday "Sneak Peek" event in late spring for the public to visit the new Portman Nature Preserve.On the region's east side, at the headwaters of southern Barry Countys Augusta Creek, lies Fair Lake. Only a few houses dot the five miles of Fair Lakes shoreline, which has kept the lake healthy. When a large natural tract of land on the lake recently went up for sale, Noel and Larry Hayward, decided to purchase the property and donate it to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) so that it would be conserved forever.The new 66-acre Fair Lake Preserve has more than 1,500 feet of frontage on the north side of Fair Lake and is home to plant species found only in the highest quality wetlands in Southwest Michigan, such as Pitcher plants and Grass-pink orchids that line the banks of the lake. Fair Lake also has southernmost nesting pair of common loons in the continental United States. The loons have chosen, year after year, to make their nest on a platform at the north end of Fair Lake. And that's why the Haywards decided to purchase the property and donate it to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy."My parents bought land on Fair Lake in 1938," says donor Noel Hayward. "Even back then, an older neighbor of theirs said the loons had been here for years, so theyve been here for at least 90 years and probably much longer. The loons are so special to us and we would like to do whatever we can to help them continue to make their home here on the lake."The Fair Lake Preserve is SWMLCs sixth nature preserve in Barry County. It is critical for wetland and water conservation, says SWMLC Conservation Projects Manager Emily Wilke. "During the past few years SWMLC has been focused on conserving land within the Augusta Creek watershed and conserving land on Fair Lake has been one of our highest priorities," Wilke says.Overall, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has protected more than 4,700 acres of land in Barry County, especially wetlands, streams and watersheds, such as the Augusta Creek which flows south into the Kalamazoo River. SWMLC is also focused on expanding wildlife habitat within and adjacent to the Barry State Game Area.This spring, SWMLC plans to lead a birding hike through this new preserve. Look for details at the SWMLC website or at SWMLCs Facebook page Source: Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Meridiani Planum, the home base of the Mars rover Opportunity, could be the location for a human landing. A recent paper advocated for a landing site somewhere in the vast plain, which Opportunity has explored for the past 13 years. The rover - and its twin, Spirit - landed on Mars in 2004 in search for signs of ancient water, which they've found in abundance. Water flowed on Mars in the ancient past because its atmosphere was thicker. Over the years, erosion from the sun has thrown away some of the lighter particles, thinning the atmosphere and eventually making it too thin for water to flow on the surface. Atmospheric erosion is a focus of NASA's much newer MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) mission, which arrived at Mars in 2015. Meanwhile, Opportunity is still working on the surface under a new two-year extended mission that began in 2016. The rover remains in good working order, although it has had some memory issues in the past couple of years that forced controllers to change how the rover collects and sends data to Earth. Snake on a Plain In 2011, Opportunity spotted signs of gypsum (a mineral deposited in water) in Meridiani Planum. The mineral vein is about 16 to 20 inches long, and about the width of a human thumb. There were several such veins around part of the rim of the Endeavour Crater, and it was the first time Opportunity had ever spotted this kind of feature. "This tells a slam-dunk story that water flowed through underground fractures in the rock," Steve Squyres of Cornell University and principal investigator for Opportunity, said in a 2011 statement announcing the find. "This stuff is a fairly pure chemical deposit that formed in place right where we see it. That can't be said for other gypsum seen on Mars or for other water-related minerals Opportunity has found. It's not uncommon on Earth, but on Mars, it's the kind of thing that makes geologists jump out of their chairs." The Waters of Mars It took only six weeks for Opportunity to confirm that the area it was exploring - a tiny crater in which it had landed - had "soaking wet" conditions in the ancient past. One of the first firm pieces of evidence was a rock outcrop (shown above), which revealed the presence sulfates, as well as niches where crystals could grow. "Liquid water once flowed through these rocks. It changed their texture, and it changed their chemistry," Squyres said in 2004. "We've been able to read the tell-tale clues the water left behind, giving us confidence in that conclusion." Captain, Oh Captain The above image shows El Capitan, one of the first rocks Martian rocks analyzed by Opportunity. It showed some signs of water, and with further probing around its landing area, Opportunity found abundant evidence beyond sulfates and crystals. One telltale sign was spheres that are about the size of peppercorns. Nicknamed "blueberries," these spheres were analyzed and shown to be made of hematite, which likely formed in the presence of groundwater. Jarosite only forms in the presence of acidic water, NASA explained in a statement about the mission's findings. It was a discovery, however, that made its scientists "ecstatic." Acidic water is harsh, but certain microbes on Earth can thrive on it, the agency said. Sideburns The image above shows a spectacular panorama from the early days of Opportunity rover. In it, Burns Cliff is seen through a composite of 46 different images and spanning more than 180 degrees. The rover's solar panels are seen in the bottom-right portion of the image. The rock wall is roughly 33 feet high and is comprised of several layers of rock deposits, some of which were laid down by water and some which were formed by wind. The cliff is named after the MIT geologist Roger Burns, who predicted jarosite would be found on Mars. Gully Probing In December, a team of MIT neuroscientists published a remarkable study in which levels of harmful amyloid beta proteins were cut in half by exposing mice with early-stage Alzheimer's to flashing LED lights. No drugs, no surgery - just light. For half a century, scientists have known that exposure to certain wavelengths of light can stimulate cellular function. In 1967, the Hungarian researcher Endre Mester attempted to treat cancerous tumors in rats with a low-power ruby laser. The cancer was unaffected, but the rats treated with the light waves experienced accelerated hair growth and wound healing. Today, LEDs have replaced lasers, but researchers continue to investigate the curious health benefits of shining light on the body through a treatment method known as "photobiomodulation," or PBM. PBM is slightly different than the technique used in the MIT study, in which researchers shined pulsed blue light into the eyes of mice in an attempt to reboot the brain's "gamma oscillation," the electrochemical frequency by which healthy neurons communicate. With PBM, researchers use special headsets equipped with LEDs to shine pulsed red and near-infrared light on the outside of a patient's head and up through their nose. As with the MIT results, preliminary data suggest that photons of light passing through the skull trigger a biochemical chain reaction in the brain that can potentially reverse the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's as well as treat a range of other brain maladies. RELATED: Affordable VR Will Take Immersive Therapy Mainstream Michael Hamblin is a professor of dermatology at the Harvard Medical School and a principal investigator at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He co-authored a recent study in which dementia patients with serious cognitive deficits experienced swift improvement after just 12 weeks with the VieLight Neuro, an LED headset that shines pulsed near-infrared light on five targeted areas of the brain. "These are people who haven't been able to speak in connected sentences for weeks or months who suddenly start having a conversation, speaking in full sentences, understanding and replying," Hamblin told Seeker. "People who had to be fed by caregivers can suddenly pick up a knife and fork and start eating their own meals. Remarkable changes." Equally remarkable were the changes that occurred after the light treatments were stopped. The cognitive and behavioral benefits reversed almost immediately. The study called for a four-week period in which light treatments were suspended, but one patient's symptoms returned with such force that his family begged for the device back. Scientists like Hamblin believe that PBM works by stimulating the mitochondria within cells to produce more ATP, the energy that powers cellular activity. "The mechanisms are manifold," Hamblin explained. "Clearly you're boosting metabolism - ATP, oxygen consumption, brain energy. You're improving cerebral blood flow. But you're also stimulating the formation of new brain cells and the formation of new connections between existing brain cells. And together, these two processes comprise neuroplasticity, basically the brain's ability to reorganize itself, to repair itself." RELATED: Light Therapy Could Protect Imperiled Bees From Pesticides Margaret Naeser, a research professor of neurology at the Boston University School of Medicine, studies the use of PBM headsets and helmets to treat patients with traumatic brain injuries, stroke, and military veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome - an unexplained illness seen among those who fought in the 1991 Gulf War that can involve dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and headaches, among other symptoms. Naeser is in the middle of a $2.8 million study for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve cognition and memory in vets using LED treatments. She explained that red light at 600 nm wavelengths and near-infrared light at 810 nm or 830 nm is absorbed by an enzyme inside cellular mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). In patients with brain injuries or disorders, the receptors on the CCO enzymes become clogged with nitric oxide. "When you deliver near-infrared photons to that brain cell, the nitric oxide is pushed outside the cell wall, and that promotes increased blood flow, which is what you want in an area that's damaged," said Naeser. "And that's what we see on our MRI images, the increase in blood flow targeted to where we put the photons. I couldn't believe it. I was shocked." In addition to priming blood flow in the brain, light treatments seem to boost the brain's autoimmune response to amyloid beta, the proteins that form the crippling plaque deposits found in Alzheimer's. In a healthy brain, immune cells called microglia are tasked with clearing out excess amyloid beta. In an Alzheimer's brain, microglia undergo a dangerous transformation. They not only stop attacking amyloid beta, but secrete a toxin that damages healthy brain cells. In the MIT study, repeated exposure to blue light pulsing at the gamma frequency (40 Hz) appeared to train the Alzheimer's brain to return to its normal rhythm. In turn, it caused the microglia to return to their healthy state and start clearing out amyloid beta debris. RELATED: Painless Zap to the Brain Resurfaces 'Forgotten' Memories Naeser explained that PBM light treatments use a different pathway to fight amyloid beta - sleep. "You and I are building up amyloid beta all day," said Naeser. "When you go to sleep at night, the cerebrospinal fluid comes in and massages the cells in the brain to pull out amyloid beta buildup, get it into the blood vessels and wash it away." Dementia patients sleep terribly, which disables the body's natural ability to clear out amyloid beta. Naeser noted that red and near-infrared light increase melatonin levels, and that caregivers of dementia patients receiving PBM treatments reported that the therapy greatly improved their sleeping habits. Press Release March 2, 2017 De Lima: "Each day I am detained is a day of injustice" "Keep the faith. Uphold the truth." Sen. Leila M. de Lima shared this message on her sixth day of being detained on "trumped-up charges" of alleged illegal drug trading. Fr. Robert Reyes celebrated a mass on Ash Wednesday inside the custodial center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame where De Lima is held. "I know Leila is innocent from Day 1," he said. In his homily, Fr. Reyes said "the country enters Lent in a most unusual way," in an apparent reference to the political persecution De Lima faces for standing up against President Duterte and the extrajudicial killings under his administration. "Until Leila walks out of here, we are also not free," Fr. Reyes said. "We may not be detained in the same way as her, but isn't it that we are also imprisoned for as long as there is this kind of injustice?" Popularly known as the "Running Priest" for his activist streak and running for causes, Reyes was himself held in the same detention facility for 16 days after being dragged into the failed 2003 Oakwood mutiny. "This [detention] will change you... This is a favourable time for contemplation," De Lima's spiritual adviser said. The embattled Senator agreed, saying that she embraces the persecution knowing fully well that God knows she is innocent and that she will one day be vindicated. "But how soon or how late, that I don't know," she said. De Lima reiterated her concerns about her security. "Each day I am here my life is at risk," she said. Even with President Duterte's assurance that she is "100 percent safe" inside Camp Crame, De Lima still does not feel secure. "I can never trust him because he is a murderer and he is capable of having me killed," she explained. She added that "anything can happen to me while in detention. While I have no complaints about my custodians - they are very professional and courteous-I feel completely defenseless here. Each day I am detained is a day of injustice. What is being done to me is extraordinary," De Lima said, expressing alarm over the continuing "atmosphere of killings". The Senator hopes to be freed at the soonest to be able to actively participate in the Senate inquiries on high profile cases, such as Davao Death Squad, Jack Lam/Bureau of Immigration bribery scandal and Tokhang for ransom issues. Press Release March 2, 2017 "TULOY ANG TRABAHO, TULOY ANG LABAN" - HONTIVEROS Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said that she remains undeterred in championing universal healthcare, democracy and human rights despite the recent Senate reorganization. Speaking before a group of health advocates and professionals in Cagayan de Oro, Hontiveros stressed that the re-shuffling of committees would have no effect on her priority bills and advocacies in the Senate. Hontiveros said that when she decided to concede the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Health and move to the minority, it was due to the old majority's failure to live up to its promise to push for a strong and independent senate. She said that it was a principled decision. "Despite the recent developments affecting the Senate, this did not dampen my determination in championing the people's right to health, particularly universal healthcare. Mapa-majority man ako o minority, tuloy ang trabaho, tuloy ang laban para sa kalusugang pangkalahatan," Hontiveros said. It was reported that Senator JV Ejercito, the newly appointed Chair of the Committee on Health, invited Hontiveros to co-chair the said committee. "I accepted the offer of Senator Ejercito to co-Chair the Senate Committee on Health while remaining in the minority bloc. I believe the struggle for the complete realization of universal healthcare for our people is beyond political parties and the majority-minority divide," she said. Hontiveros has authored several proposed measures in the area of public health. Her flagship bills are the Mental Health Act of 2016, or Senate Bill 1190, the Expanded Maternity Leave Bill, or Senate Bill Number 215, and The Anti-Hospital Deposit Law. "Good science has recognized that mental health is serious and real, and deserves just as much attention as our physical well-being. The Expanded Maternity Leave Bill addresses the need of all expectant mothers and families for the best available care during pregnancy. It allows fathers and alternative caregivers more time to be with their wives and partners during pregnancy, and puts the nation in step with internationally recognized standards for maternal care. Finally, the Anti-Hospital Deposit Bill tries to ensure that no one will be denied treatment and support that could prevent their death or permanent disability," Hontiveros explained. In addition to serving as co-chair of the Committee on Health and Demography, Hontiveros is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality. THE SENATE WILL NOT BECOME A DEATH DEALER We will not allow death to creep its way to the Senate like what is happening in the House of Representatives. We will not allow the Senate to become a death dealer. I am confident that the recent Senate reorganization has not reorganized the position of my colleagues who are opposed to the reimposition of the death penalty. I hope that when the time comes, my colleagues can cross party lines to defeat this ineffective, archaic and anti-human rights measure. Press Release March 2, 2017 Legarda Renews Call to Limit Global Warming to 1.5C Now that the President has acceded to the Paris Agreement on climate change, Senator Loren Legarda stressed the importance of limiting global warming to 1.5C. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Global Champion for Resilience, said that in President Rodrigo Duterte's letter to the Senate with the Instrument of Accession, he mentioned the Agreement's goal to "pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels." "When the world came together to produce the Paris Agreement in December 2015, all nations agreed to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. In that pact, now already in force, we committed to pursue reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions to ensure temperatures would even be half a degree lower at just 1.5 degrees. Half a degree Celsius-it doesn't sound like much, but it's a number that could transform the face of the world as we know it," she said. The Senator explained that the Philippines led the call for the 1.5C limit on behalf of more than 40 developing countries of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). "The 1.5C limit is part of our call for climate justice. If we breach it, we lose so much lives and render so much suffering for all species," she stressed. The 2016 Low Carbon Monitor, a report commissioned by the CVF, estimates that keeping to a 1.5C limit could raise growth economic output by as much as 1% by the 2040s, since so many of the devastating impacts associated with higher levels of warming would be avoided. Legarda said that the 1.5C limit can only be achieved with an unchanging collective resolve for immediate and drastic action at global and local levels as called for by the Paris Agreement. Developed countries take accountability for their historical GHG emissions, lead in reductions, and at the same time mobilize climate finance for the needs and priorities of developing countries. "While adaptation is our priority since we are highly vulnerable to climate risks, we should also strive to mitigate or reduce our carbon emissions as part of our aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our efforts will be to mitigate as we adapt: mitigation as a function of adaptation. For instance, as we plant and rehabilitate our forests to increase our carbon sink, we also help reduce disaster risks, since forests serve as natural buffer against landslides, storm surge and tsunami. We should also start transitioning to a low carbon economy not only by promoting renewable energy sources but also through energy conservation," said Legarda. "Time is of the essence in climate action. We need to carry out action plans that embrace the 1.5C goal. This is crucial because our country is among the most at risk of climate impacts, especially sea level rise. As long as there is a chance to stop global warming at a level that lets humanity survive and thrive, we should seize it," Legarda concluded. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate John Field, an architect and self-described urban choreographer who strove to humanize shopping centers in the Bay Area and elsewhere, died of cancer at his home in San Francisco on Feb. 21. He was 87. Rather than reshape the skyline, Mr. Field won notice in his profession by focusing on mostly suburban shopping centers trying to turn staid lines of functional shops into community hubs. His pedestrian-friendly updates a generation ago to such complexes as Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto and Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek spawned imitations across the nation, including his firms Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara. At the same time, Mr. Field cared passionately about the city that he called home for 60 years. In his early career, he helped reconceive at least one decrepit warehouse in Jackson Square. In the mid-90s, his firm brought new life to 1000 Van Ness, a former Cadillac dealership converted into a mix of movie theaters, restaurant space and housing. Whatever the setting, Mr. Fields gift was that he understood that individual works of architecture are part of a larger civic fabric. John taught all of us to think about the places between buildings, said Rob Anderson, a principal at Field Paoli, the firm founded in 1986 by Mr. Field and David Paoli. Hed tell us that what we do isnt about precious objects. Its about the things that happen around them. Born in Minnesota, Mr. Field earned his bachelors and masters degrees in architecture at Yale University, then got in the car and drove as far as I could drive, he told an interviewer in 2005. In San Francisco, he was hired by the local office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He opened his own firm in 1959; his first job was a home for friends. But in 1965, Mr. Field joined with three peers to form Bull Field Volkmann Stockwell. One day over lunch, we realized that every client interviewed all four of us, he said in 2005, the year after officially retiring from Field Paoli. So we got together. Retail became Mr. Fields forte as the firm expanded. Increasingly, he sought to conjure up some of the atmosphere of the small cities that he and his wife, Carol, would visit in Italy, where the pleasure of wandering structure-lined byways was an attraction in itself. 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. John was about the ideas I want to see more romance, I want more energy, recalled Mark Schatz, who worked for Mr. Field at Bull Field Volkmann Stockwell and then Field Paoli. He inspired us through his thinking rather than his sketching. This was true outside the office as well: He made two films about urban life and served on the boards of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, which runs the farmers markets at the Ferry Building and in Oaklands Jack London Square. He also spent several years on the design review board of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Mr. Field is survived by his wife, Carol, a novelist and cookbook author; his son, Matt, of San Francisco and daughter Alison of Chestnut Hill, Mass.; and three grandchildren. A memorial service is planned. Donations in his memory can be made to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and San Francisco Ballet. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron For many visitors to San Francisco, a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge is a must. But if theyre driving a Hertz rental car, theyre being ripped off, the city attorneys office says. In a suit filed Wednesday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera charged that the rental car giant and a business partner have been fraudulently deceiving tens of thousands of customers into paying what amounts to millions of dollars in extra fees over the past four years for the simple act of crossing San Franciscos iconic Golden Gate Bridge. At the heart of the suit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, is a toll-paying product, Plate Pass, that the suit says comes with vehicles rented by Hertz Corp. Hertz and its toll-processing partner, American Traffic Solutions, describe Plate Pass as an optional tool to allow customers to cross the Bay Areas bridges hassle-free. But Herrera says customers have little choice but to use the toll-paying product and end up being hit with surprise credit card charges several weeks after they return home. The charges include a $4.95-a-day convenience fee, up to a maximum of $24.75, plus all incurred tolls, assessed at non-discounted rates. A single bridge crossing by Hertz customers triggers the convenience fee charges for the duration of the rental whether or not another toll is incurred. For tourists who make one round trip across the Golden Gate once daily for five days, the bill would come to $62.25 for tolls that at $7.50 per trip should total $37.50. A five-day rental with a single round trip across the Golden Gate would cost $32.25 for a $7.50 toll. Hertz Corp. operates the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly car rental brands. These practices are not only unfair, theyre unlawful, Herrera said in a statement. Rather than Hertz putting you in the drivers seat, theyre taking their customers to the cleaners. I am not going sit back and allow one of the largest rental car companies on the planet to take advantage of a world-renowned San Francisco icon to rip off thousands of California visitors and residents. Tourists, who may or may not have left their hearts in San Francisco along with plenty of their money, say the unexpected charges leave them with a bad impression, no matter the amount. It adds up, said Stephanie Lee, 50, a Seattle physician, who noticed mysterious charges on her credit card several weeks after a 2013 visit and one round trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, to visit Muir Woods. For a lot of people on vacation, it comes as an unwelcome surprise. After researching the charge and discovering that many others were also upset about the practice, Lee filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. She said shes pleased that the city attorneys office is suing Hertz for failing to notify its customers about Plate Pass and the charges theyd incur by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, which collects all tolls electronically. I do think its predatory not to tell people about it, she said. Once they get to the bridge, they have no choice. The suit seeks to halt Hertz and American Traffic Solutions from operating the service, which it says violates sections of the states business code banning fraudulent business practices and false advertising. It seeks financial penalties of $2,500 for each violation of the law. The court would determine how that would be calculated, but the total could be in the millions of dollars. Neither Hertz nor ATS was available for comment. Most car rental companies charge additional fees when customers accrue tolls by driving through electronic toll collection lanes on a bridge or toll road or in express lanes. Some assess daily fees, charged even on days bridges are not crossed, and others charge only on days the toll pass is used. At least one company charges a flat fee for unlimited tolls. Companies also have different processes for opting in or out of toll services. No industry standard exists. The city attorneys office singled out Hertz, Herrera said in a statement, because the company makes it difficult for its customers not to use Plate Pass. He did not rule out taking action against other car rental companies. Based on our investigation, Hertzs practices were the most egregious in terms of both misinformation and gouging customers, he said. Hopefully this lawsuit sends a clear message that other companies heed. While Hertz, like other car rental companies, gives customers chances to opt out of insurance plans, refueling plans, child car seat and GPS use, and other extra-cost services, the suit says, renters arent provided an obvious choice to decline Plate Pass either when they reserve a car or when they pick it up. The only information on how to avoid Plate Pass charges comes four pages in to the small type of its six-page rental agreement, the suit says. Thats where Hertz cautions renters that they are responsible for paying tolls and advises them that if they dont want to use Plate Pass, they should use only traditional cash toll lanes (if available) and make payment directly to the toll authority. The Golden Gate Bridge eliminated cash lanes in March 2013, collecting all tolls electronically. Several Hertz customers told The Chronicle they were never informed of Plate Pass, told about toll charges or warned that the Golden Gate Bridge had abandoned its Art Deco cash toll booths. There was no mention made of anything of tolls, of whatever that pass thing was called, said Ruth Newman, 68, of Louisville, Ky. The first I heard of it was when I got a (credit card charge) from an unknown third party. I called, and they said it was from my Hertz rental. Newman stayed in Emeryville, rented a car there, then drove to Bolinas. She paid cash at the Bay Bridge toll plaza, then crossed the Golden Gate and figured Hertz would simply add the toll to her bill. When she returned the car, she said, they handed her a receipt and told her the bill was paid. Golden Gate Bridge officials are aware that its lack of toll collectors can confuse rental car drivers. The bridge district has pages on its websites explaining how car rental toll programs work and how drivers can pay tolls in advance or up to two days after crossing the span online, by phone or at cash payment locations. Paying that way avoids Plate Pass charges. But its up to drivers to discover that on their own. George Santulli, 64, a television producer from Lovettsville, Va., rents from Hertz nine or 10 times a year. After being surprised by Plate Pass charges, he learned how to get around them by using Golden Gates one-time payment system. On the Golden Gate you do have an option, and its quite liberal, but Im sure 2 percent of the public knows about it, he said. Ma and Pa Kettle from Cornswitch, Iowa, arent going to know about that. President Trumps call for a more merit-based immigration system could lead to a greater focus on bringing in skilled workers and entrepreneurs who help Silicon Valley thrive at the expense of uniting the families of immigrants. In his first address to Congress, Trump praised countries like Australia and Canada, which give preference to immigrants who are likely to contribute to the economy over family members of naturalized citizens. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon, he said, adding that a focus on high-skilled immigrants will save money, raise workers wages and help struggling families enter the middle class. Such a plan could help Silicon Valley companies that have complained about the limited number of visas available for such high-skilled workers, said Vivek Wadhwa, an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Silicon Valley campus. From October 2015 to Sept. 30, 678,988 people became permanent U.S. residents after using family-based visas, according to the most recent data made available by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency. In the same period, 144,047 people qualified for permanent residency through employment visas. When Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella brought up the dearth of work visas in a December meeting between Donald Trump and top technology executives, Trump responded positively, according to an account by the technology news site Recode. Lets fix that, Trump reportedly said. The U.S. already has multiple programs that award visas based on merit. Those with degrees from accredited U.S. universities, as well as entrepreneurs who plan on making a substantial investment into a company that will create or retain U.S. jobs, qualify for specific visas. The H-1B visas, which allow highly skilled workers to spend three to six years at sponsoring companies in the U.S., are particularly important to Bay Area tech firms that rely on them to fill engineering positions. There are a total of 85,000 H-1B visas available to for-profit companies each year. Applications typically exceed that cap within the first week they become available. Trumps January immigration order that banned entry visas for people from seven predominantly Muslim countries, as well as his remarks during the campaign about preserving American jobs, provoked anxiety about the future of the H-1B visa program. The move also put a chill on college students who come to America to study, often hoping to stay in the country to work. Trumps reference to merit-based immigration could be good news for students like Raya Bidshahri, an Iranian citizen who had plans to either launch a startup or land a work visa after graduation but was discouraged by the travel ban. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Wadhwa said Trumps latest comments suggest that he will value high-skilled immigrants like Bidshahri, who is studying neuroscience, over, say, an older relative of a naturalized citizen who has no plans to work. Amie Miller, a San Francisco immigration lawyer, said Trumps intense focus on high-skilled immigration is worrisome for immigrants trying to bring their relatives to the U.S. His comments could be a euphemism that would ultimately restrict family-based immigration and lower-skill labor, which is still an important part of our economy, she said. That is definitely a danger. Trump is expected to issue a new immigration order in the near future, but has given no indication of the exact date. He gave mixed messages on his stance on immigration Tuesday, telling news anchors in a private meeting that hes open to immigration legislation that would give legal status to some people living in the U.S. illegally and provide a pathway to citizenship to those brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Jason Finkelman, an Austin-based immigration attorney, said Trumps comment regarding merit-based immigration runs counter to what the president has said in the past, and his suggestions that he would limit the H-1B program to instead focus on American jobs. Everything he said was vague, Finkelman said. Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani With Snap Inc. expected to start trading shares Thursday morning, shareholders are angling for a piece of a fast-growing Internet company that says it is the future of cameras. One thing that is falling out of the picture: the right to vote on that future. Its the latest trend originating from Silicon Valley that could have shareholder democracy disappearing faster than a Snapchat message. The Los Angeles company, maker of the popular mobile app Snapchat, plans to raise up to $3.4 billion by selling shares that carry no voting power to investors at $17 apiece. At that price, it will be worth more than $25 billion. Snaps no-voting regime is a more extreme version of a setup popular in big tech companies that gives founders and key investors tens or hundreds of times more voting power than ordinary shareholders, all but excluding them from important company decisions. Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Vanity Fair Founder-led tech firms have long had a difficult relationship with Wall Street. Companies like Facebook, Google and Tesla go public because they want money from investors to expand their companies and let employees and venture capitalists cash out their shares. But they dont want outsiders telling them how to run their business. Part of the motivation for Snap CEO Evan Spiegel may be his own experiences. Offering shareholders a vote may be standard but, according to Spiegel, taking standard advice cost him plenty, giving an early venture capitalist outsize control over future fundraising. When we were first getting started and took financing, our lawyers would take us through the documents and theyd say: Oh, dont worry about it. Its all standard, Spiegel said at an Economic Times awards show in 2015. Ive since learned that standard means either the person whos walking you through documents doesnt understand them or you could be getting taken advantage of. In practical terms, giving shareholders a vote means handing your companys fate over to proxy advisory firms like Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis. Mutual funds and pension funds, which manage trillions of dollars in assets, dont have the resources or interest to closely follow all of their investments. So they essentially outsource research and analysis on corporate governance to advisory services. Institutional Shareholder Services alone covers almost 40,000 annual meetings in 115 countries for 1,600 institutional clients. Last year, institutional investors owned about 70 percent of all outstanding shares in the United States, according to a report by Broadridge and PwC. More importantly, 91 percent of institutional investors voted on proxy matters compared with just 28 percent for individual shareholders, the report said. In the end, the institutional investors still make the decisions, said Hillary Sale, a law professor who specializes in corporate governance issues at Washington University in St. Louis. Its just like an individual hiring a financial adviser. Nevertheless, the proxy firms advice carries weight. A study published in December in the Review of Financial Studies by researchers at Boston College and Baruch College suggests investors listen closely to proxy advisers on executive compensation. From 2010 to 2011, the study found a no from Institutional Shareholder Services led to a significant decline in investor support for a companys pay practices. Institutional Shareholder Services clout is particularly strong in firms with large institutional ownership, firms where institutional ownership is more dispersed, and where a larger fraction of shares is held by institutions with small stakes or high turnover, the study said. Thats every Silicon Valley CEOs nightmare: a bunch of investors who flit in and out of a stock looking to make a quick buck by demanding that management goose quarterly results. CEOs whose share structure lets them more or less ignore outsiders can make long-term investments or risky-seeming acquisitions think of how Alphabet has poured money into self-driving car research, or how Facebook splashed out $19 billion to buy messaging startup WhatsApp in 2014, which at the time employed only 35 engineers. Snaps Spiegel has all of the leverage right now, said Adam Epstein, founder of Third Creek Advisors, which advises smaller public companies on corporate governance matters. There have been so few hot tech offerings in recent years that investors who want exposure to Internet growth stocks pretty much need to buy Snap, votes or no votes, he said. Another trend has been for companies to issue relatively few shares, leaving most of the company in the hands of founders. LinkedIn is an example. The company offered less than 10 percent of its shares for sale in its 2011 offering. Public shareholders bought Class A shares, which had one-tenth the voting power of the Class B shares held by founder Reid Hoffman and other early backers. When Microsoft approached LinkedIn about a sale last year, Hoffman held all the cards, with 53 percent of the vote, despite owning just 11 percent of the companys total shares. He said yes, the company was sold, and that was that. Snap is selling more of the company about 17 percent of outstanding shares. But those will carry zero votes. If Snap were approached by a buyer, Spiegel and co-founder Bobby Murphy would have the lone and final say; they will jointly control 88.8 percent of Snaps voting power. Shareholders buying stock in Snap have to recognize that. But Snaps plan runs against the idea that shareholders (aided by proxy advisers) should have some say in how executives run their companies. At the very least, Snaps IPO will test which institutional investors want to make a quick buck and which ones truly believe in sound corporate governance. Snap puts all of this into play, Sale said. Indeed, some institutional investors are reportedly lobbying stock exchanges to change listing rules that prevents the kind of nonvoting stock Snap is peddling. Snaps founders might not have had the ins and outs of proxy advisory firms in mind when they crafted their venture on the public markets. But the common theme here is control, and Spiegel doesnt want to cede any of it to outsiders whether or not they own stock. Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Yahoos senior executives and legal team were aware of a security breach in 2014 but failed to investigate further, resulting in the companys disclosure two years later that data from at least 500 million accounts had been stolen, according to the annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. An independent board committee that examined the security breach placed the blame on the companys legal team, saying that it had sufficient information to warrant substantial further inquiry in 2014, but they did not pursue it. At the time, Yahoo notified 26 users about the breach and told law enforcement, but did not take further investigative action. In late December 2014, Yahoos security team knew that the hacker had copies of backup files that had users personal information. The committee, made up of two board members who are not Yahoo executives, assisted by outside counsel and a forensics expert, said Yahoos legal team did not adequately advise the company or its board of the legal and business risks surrounding the breach. The independent committee found that failures in communication, management, inquiry and internal reporting contributed to the lack of proper comprehension and handling of the 2014 security incident, the report said. Yahoos general counsel, Ronald Bell, resigned on Wednesday after working at Yahoo for 17 years. CEO Marissa Mayer said she will not receive her 2016 cash bonus. She also offered to forgo her annual stock package, and the board agreed. Mayer said in a statement she didnt become aware until September that a large number of our user database files had been stolen in 2014. As those who follow Yahoo know, in late 2014, we were the victim of a state-sponsored attack and reported it to law enforcement as well as to the 26 users that we understood were impacted, she said. The 2014 data breach was the second-largest in the nations history. So far, 43 class-action lawsuits have been filed related to security breaches at the company between 2013 and 2016. Besides the 2014 incident, Yahoo disclosed last year that more than 1 billion accounts were affected by a 2013 data breach. In 2015 and 2016, about 32 million Yahoo accounts were affected by hacking through forged cookies. Cookies are tools that allow the website and a computer to save information, such as a user name, password or address, so it doesnt need to be re-entered. The 2014 breach affecting at least 500 million accounts was not disclosed to Verizon at the time it negotiated a deal to buy Yahoos Internet properties. According to the annual report, the independent committee did not conclude that there was an intentional suppression of relevant information. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes While significant additional security measures were implemented in response to those incidents, it appears certain senior executives did not properly comprehend or investigate, and therefore failed to act sufficiently upon, the full extent of knowledge known internally by the companys information security team, the report said. Verizon and Yahoo announced last week that the price of the deal would be cut by $350 million to $4.48 billion. That deal is expected to close in the second quarter. Verizon on Wednesday declined to comment on Yahoos report. It is unclear how much money Mayer will lose as a result of the breach. Her target bonus is $2 million and her equity award is valued at $12 million or more a year, according to her employment offer letter. The final amounts awarded to Mayer are determined by the board's compensation committee. Mayer did not receive her target bonus in 2015, according to Equilar, which tracks executive compensation data. Wendy Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thewendylee Evan Sernoffsky / Evan Sernoffsky Police Wednesday identified the person shot to death in Fairfield near an elementary school as a 25-year-old man from Suisun City. Jose Jimenez Jr. died at a nearby hospital after he was shot Tuesday just after 1 p.m. in the 2800 block of Mankas Boulevard, according to the Fairfield Police Department. Ron Chapple/Getty Image Two suspects were arrested Thursday in connection with gunshots that were fired at an off-duty officer late Wednesday night, officials said. The shooting occurred about 11:40 p.m. on southbound Interstate 880 near the 16th Avenue exit in Oakland, police said. Russell Blackwood stood in front of a South of Market chain-link fence in the Sunday sun and squinted at the small crowd lined up before him. The group of 15 or 20 were the first in line to dig through Blackwoods treasures and hand over a few bucks for the Bay Area theater impresarios most prized possessions. This is a social occasion as well, beamed Blackwood despite his heartbroken eyes. Its like an open house! Wed never even shaken hands, but I felt like I already knew Blackwood. Id spent Friday morning, Feb. 24, on the phone with the co-founder of the Thrillpeddlers Theater Company, and within five minutes of talking, Blackwood had pulled me into his roller coaster of emotions and enthusiasm. After more than 10 years at its theater space on 10th Street, a venue known as the Hypnodrome, the theater company is graciously moving on to allow its beloved landlords to sell the building. Oh, its driving away, Beth, said Blackwood over the phone as a truck carted away a dumpster full of Hypnodrome props and junk. It is headed to landfill. Holy cow! There are few things in the Hypnodrome that Blackwood regarded as useless enough to get tossed. The vast majority of costumes, props, supplies, and bizarre odds and ends were sold in a weekend-long rummage sale, where fans of the company and fans of the bizarre were able to shop for some of San Franciscos weirdest theater pieces. Thrillpeddlers was formed in 1991 to focus on the Grand Guignol genre of theater. Grand Guignol for those who dont follow obscure, mostly dead categories of French performance art is a type of horror play popularized in the 1890s and early 20th century. Blackwood has been a die-hard fan since his teen years. As one might imagine, the props and costumes created for a ragtag San Francisco independent theater companys tongue-in-cheek underground horror plays are rather ridiculous. The Hypnodromes theater and stage had been transformed into a prop warehouse for the rummage sale. Handwritten signs plastered on the walls above a glow-in-the-dark 8-foot penis, a leopard-print throne and a tray full of dirty dishes read: Everything 50% off. Half of those in attendance seemed to have shown up just to say farewell. Oh, this is so sad, said a woman as she ran up to Blackwood and dived in for a 60-second-long hug. I just wanted to say goodbye. A few of Blackwoods students popped in to pay their respects as well. Thrillpeddlers ran a family-friendly summer Creepshow Camp for kids that had access to the Hypnodromes immense and ghoulish stash of supplies. Ive never been allowed to see one of your shows, confessed a teen to Blackwell during another long hug. Blackwood, 50, lives over by San Francisco City College. Hes the only member of the theater company who has been able to build a full-time job with the Thrillpeddlers, and hes not even close to figuring out what he plans to do next. This was such an earthshaking change for all of us, said Blackwood. Raised in Kansas City, the campy theater king speaks every sentence as if hes performing to the back row even though the back row of Blackwoods treasured 45-seat theater has already been hauled away. Hes warm and affectionate, and looks a little bit like comedian Michael McKean. During part of the rummage sale, Blackwood joined his family of Thrillpeddlers and danced to a B-52s record. Friends and strangers picked through wigs, costumes, body padding, books, Christmas lights and food from the buildings pantry. All the while, Blackwood remained ever positive. To get to see hard-core fans get mementos, he said, smiling with all teeth and sincerity, its a lovely thing to get to do. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the Thrillpeddlers announced. Were going to turn out all the lights and admire all of the things in here that glow in the dark! The Hypnodrome was plunged into darkness as an array of masks, signs and that 8-foot prop penis glowed green. Everyone cheered, Blackwood loudest of all. The lights were flicked back on and shopping resumed. A man debated purchasing a rather realistic-looking rat while someone else admired fake blood stained onto a costume. Blackwood had a fun story for every piece, a long hug for every visitor. Hes a phoenix, said Blackwoods mentor, Will Huddleston. Hes in ashes now, but he will rise. Beth Spotswoods column appears Thursdays in Datebook. Email: datebook@sfchronicle.com What would it be like to throw yourself into a fellows arms thinking you knew who he was, but then it wasnt him at all, and while you were thinking, Whoa! Who the heck is this? thousands of people were watching your every move? Thats what it was like for San Francisco Ballet soloist Lauren Strongin, who was playing the role of Elizabeth in Frankenstein on Feb. 21 when principal dancer Taras Domitro, playing the Creature, fell ill and was replaced for the last act. Having undergone the two hours of hair and makeup prep needed for the role, Domitro managed to make it through the first two acts of the ballet. He was unable, however, to continue for the third. An emergency call was made to principal dancer Luke Ingham, who lives nearby. He rushed over, and prep time was whittled down to 15 minutes. When the final act began, Strongin was unaware that Ingham had replaced Domitro. In a drama-filled pas de deux that leads up to the Creature murdering Elizabeth, we feel her terror, wrote a London critic. Perhaps thats a little strong to describe this particular performance, but surprise would be an understatement. Bulletin from David Thomson, who read the obituary in The Chronicle on Monday, Feb. 27: Trump nominates Merrick Garland to replace Judge Wapner. Citing a line from one of the great movies of all time, George Powell responds to the Oscar snafu Sunday, Feb. 26. As Joe E. Brown said to Jack Lemmon at the end of Some Like It Hot: Well, nobodys perfect. The definitive optimist: Whoever placed the following ad in Sundays Chronicle, as spotted by Joel Wiener: Blonde haired woman, 2 years ago at Baker Beach, Skimboard. J, with a phone number. (Hungry) reader Joe Eaton cites the East Bay Express report quoting owners of downtown Berkeley businesses about recent protests: They respect Berkeleys full support of free speech but dont want a tradition of protest to allow wonton destruction. Emails Eaton: To my knowledge, no Chinese restaurants were harmed during the disturbances. (The mistake was later fixed in the online version of the story.) Chelsea Clinton will be at Keplers in Menlo Park signing copies of the paperback of her book, Its Your World, on April 18. The event, for which a fee covers the book and a chance to stand in line and wait for her to sign it, does not include a talk. That seemed unusual to me, but Keplers says that several high-profile authors including Steve Young and Jimmy Carter have made similar book-related appearances, where no one gets to ask any questions. The book costs $15, but its $16.52 with service fee, which will cover a family of four standing in line. Recent rains and just plain old age resulted in the closing of Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur. Thanks to C.P. for alerting me to Kurt Mayer, owner of the Big Sur Deli and Tap House, who denies that hes a neighborhood hero. His store is on the south side of the bridge, but for a short time before it was closed, people were allowed to walk across it, said Mayer. As long as it was open, he continued, he and his son and a couple of their friends used a wheelbarrow to drag supplies food, necessities, newspapers across the bridge. Mayer had a truck on the other side to pick it up. Mayer said it was his years delivering newspapers he has delivered The Chronicle since 1968 that taught him the necessity of constancy in that endeavor. The papers always go through. Thats what the newspaper business is, he said. You dont get an excuse. Mayer said his was the only business that stayed open when the bridge was declared impassable. No heroics, he said. Im just a newspaper guy, and people dont understand what it is to be a newspaper guy. When I saw the trees were all down I thought, Id better drive around and figure it out. P.S.: When Matt Regan turned 70 years old, recently, friends told him that 70 is the adolescence of old age, he said. Whereupon I immediately sneaked out and hitched to Big Sur. Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Public Eavesdropping You need to be young and hot to pull off a man-bun. Of course, if youre young and hot, you can pull off anything. Editors note: Welcome to All Consuming, a new kind of Chronicle restaurant review column by Chris Ying, a San Francisco writer, editor and diner. This regular midweek series will explore the breadth of dining in the Bay Area. Enjoy. Im new. Not new to town not a native, either but new to this newspaper. Ive called San Francisco home for the better part of two decades. Im quick to defend the city and eager to point out why Id rather live and eat here than New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or the rich, white part of Orange County where I grew up. I love that San Francisco restaurants are brave, even when they are stupidly so. I love our fanatical artisans and eccentric winemakers, our markets and the farmers that supply them. While our city has never had the same dazzling reputation for its immigrant-run restaurants as, say, Los Angeles or Houston, I love that there are still revelations of all kinds to be had around the Bay Area. I look for authentic experiences over authentic cuisine anyway. But San Francisco is changing thats plain enough to see. Its a city perpetually tumbling across savage and contradictory currents. Its not the same place it was when I moved here, or the same place it was 10 years before that. You should have seen it when is the rueful mantra of all San Franciscans. It dawns on me that its been a long time since I really took stock of the city. Im hoping that writing this regular restaurant column will be my opportunity to make sure the quirks and qualities that drew me to San Francisco are still here in some form. Frankly, Ive always shied away from reviewing restaurants, but thats not to say I dont see the value in thoughtful criticism. I believe that a good food critic not only steers diners toward better meals, but also helps restaurants see themselves more clearly. As for my specific purview, I think a San Francisco-based critic would do well to consider the wider world of eating, whether by expanding the range of restaurants we consider worth writing about; by bringing more of the North, South and East Bay into the fold; or by discussing the citys restaurants in a global context. Anyway, thats what I told my editor Im going to attempt to do here. But before we get to all that, let me lay my cards on the table: Ive lived in the Bay Area for 17 years San Francisco proper for all but two of those. I came for school but spent the majority of my college days working as a line cook at a now-closed Berkeley restaurant called Downtown. I kept cooking for a little while after school notably with friends who opened one of the first pop-ups in America, Mission Street Food but I stopped, because I wasnt talented enough to pursue it seriously. For seven years I worked at San Franciscos best-loved and starriest-eyed publishing house, McSweeneys. Then in 2011 I met a writer and a chef from New York, and I left to start a food magazine with them called Lucky Peach. A good percentage of my time in the Bay Area has been spent in the company of chefs. I call some of them friends, and Im friendly with others. Ive had meals at their restaurants at their expense, traveled and cooked with them, and written and edited their cookbooks. If I walk into Mission Chinese Food, Tartine Manufactory, Saison, Coi or In Situ, I will most likely know someone working there and they will know me. On numerous occasions in the past six years, Ive taken up festival organizers and tourism agencies on offers to travel to foreign countries to speak at conferences, or, more often, just to mess around. I mention all this partly as a sort of offense-is-the-best-defense strategy. Im hoping to avoid anyone complaining later that I lied about my objectivity or my professional entanglements. (Suffice to say, I will always be transparent about those, and I wont accept any freebies for this column.) But I also mention it because I think that the breadth of my dining experiences and my affinity with industry folk make me specially qualified to tell you about whats good to eat. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle I find it instructive to see Danny Bowien leading a ragtag pack of friends up a steep section of Jones Street to Shalimar, rhapsodizing all the way about the smoky, spicy goat curry that awaits us. I love that he orders an extra portion so he can Cryovac it and bring it back with him to New York. It fills me with equal parts shame and delight that right under my nose at Hamano, my neighborhood California-rolls-and-chicken-teriyaki Japanese restaurant, there was a chef named Jiro Lin making sushi with such skill and diligence that one of his regulars, Saison chef Joshua Skenes, lured him out of relative obscurity to open a spectacular but short-lived omakase counter of his own. (Jiro is back at Hamano, by the way, serving what is probably the best sushi in San Francisco.) So if youll forgive me for bending and breaking some of the cardinal rules of restaurant criticism, Ill continue to be honest and forthright about why and how I like to eat in the Bay Area. Here, as a gesture of good faith, are some bits of wisdom Ive accrued over the years but largely kept to myself: Jonathan Kauffman/The Chronicle Im convinced that continuing to list the boat noodles and congee only in Thai on a secret chalkboard menu is a gimmick at this point, but I forgive the staff of Zen Yai (771 Ellis St.) because they dont blink when I order an extra half-bowl of noodles to round out my lunch. My favorite birthday cake is the tres leches from the Missions Dragon City Bakery (2367 Mission St.). Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. My go-to orders are the No. 26 (dry pho) at Pho Tan Hoa (431 Jones St.) and the No. 5 at Cordon Bleu (1574 California St.) plus an extra imperial roll for my wife. Street cred dictates that I say I like the tacos best at La Taqueria (2889 Mission St.), but my heart really beats for, and with more difficulty because of, the burrito. My order: carnitas (and chorizo, if Im feeling self-destructive) and the green salsa, not the red; cooked dorado. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The pan-fried daikon cake at Koi Palace (365 Gellert Blvd., Daly City) is a solid rendition of a dim sum classic, but the real revelation and my particular jam is the steamed version. You should already know to add a little spice to your burger by requesting a bag of unadvertised pickled chiles from behind the counter at In-N-Out. I order them chopped and slipped into my double-double theyll also chop the raw white onions for you, if you want along with extra-well-done fries. They have different numbers on their respective menus but the house noodles (Hu Tieu Nghiep Ky and Hu Tieu Hai Ky) at Thai Nghiep Ky Mi Gia (1427 Noriega St.) and Hai Ky Mi Gia (707 Ellis St.) are essentially the same dish: wide rice noodles in a light, fishy broth, with ground and sliced pork, pork offal, shrimp crackers, and fish balls that are heavily dosed with white pepper. Many regulars opt for the braised duck leg with egg noodles (soup on the side), but the house specialty speaks to me on a primal level. Its Teochew food, from a southeastern province of China where my great-grandmother lived, as well as the babysitter who watched me when I was a toddler. The first thing I can remember eating is a bowl of fat, slippery rice noodles with minced pork and fish balls. Maybe its psychosomatic, but with very little effort, I can conjure the acrid-sweet smell of said babysitters Chinese cigarettes and imagine those noodles exactly as they were. If the same blend of pork and fermented fish sauce and nostalgia speaks to you, I think well get along fine. Chris Ying is a writer, editor and co-founder of Lucky Peach. Email: food@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @chrisyingz When I showed up to make noodle soup with Ken Albala, he had already spent 34 hours on the project. He had dehydrated okra, tomato and corn, grinding them fine like a flour. He had cooked a stock made from marrow bone, chicken back and neck. As he spent another hour and a half making three doughs and layering them into a pattern he had just conceived, he repeatedly reminded me, I have no idea what Im doing; Im making this up as I go. Which was technically true: He had never made a gumbo-esque soup with okra, corn and tomato noodles. But on its own, spontaneity couldnt account for how the man had gone from never having eaten instant ramen 2 years ago to making more than 250 different kinds of noodle soup from scratch, for fun. As we talked about everything from getting tips from Ivan Orkin of the famous Ivan Ramen to how the aesthetic of bowls affects the eating experience, I realized that this is not a hobby for Albala: It is an all-consuming relationship, the kind that makes it impossible to focus on anything else. Its why he revived a noodle recipe from 1549, and smoked and ground his own grains for a smoked noodle served cold in dashi. Albala thrives at the intersection of spontaneity, research and creativity. It makes sense: Albala is a researcher at heart, a professor of history and the creator of the University of the Pacifics masters degree in food studies at its San Francisco campus, not to mention the writer-editor of 24 books on food. As his colleague and fellow editor-writer Andrew Smith explained, hes also one of the few scholarly food writers who actually cooks. Hes not just talking about what people in the early Renaissance ate, hes cooking it, Smith said. There is nobody else like that in the world. None of us can compete with the diversity of skills and knowledge that he has. And Albala does this with no prior kitchen experience: I didnt cook much until college, but I did experiments growing up, crazy (stuff) like make kvass, a weak beer, using my familys sour cherry tree. In fact, his entire life has been sprinkled with obsessions and the experiments that grew from them. There were the five years in grad school that he made pancakes daily from around the world; the five years he spent engrossed in fermentation, meat curing and cheese making (he still runs a Facebook group dedicated to it); and the year he ate beans every single day. Most experiments were turned into books, including his latest, Beyond Ramen: The Surprising World of Homemade Noodle Soup, set to publish in late 2017 or early 2018. But authoring books was never his goal. He simply wanted to scratch this inquisitive itch he had. One of Albalas greatest traits is his enthusiasm for all things edible. After Smith restored the oldest cookbook in western civilization, attributed to Marcus Apicius, Albala showed up to the completion party dressed as Apicius in toga and a bay leaf crown and gave a speech. In 2015, after Albala found a tiny pot in Hong Kong, he was inspired to make the worlds smallest bowl of noodle soup, using pottery bowls the size of his fingertip (hand-thrown by him, natch), and filled with homemade mini noodles, broth and a garnish of green onions. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Back in Albalas kitchen, he added a dark roux to the stock. Once simmering, the noodles went in, occasionally tossed with large medical tweezers. Ooh, the slime has come out of the okra noodles during cooking! I didnt know that would happen, he said. He had never made these noodles before, but he had created the method. Early on, he realized that noodles would taste more intense if he dehydrated the main flavor (vegetables, fruits, even ham), ground it and substituted it for 50 percent of the flour in the recipe. Its how he created bowls like Thai green banana noodles in vanilla and cardamom-scented coconut milk with pineapple and starfruit; or fermented purple carrot noodles with celery-root noodles, shredded duck confit, duck broth, sage and potato pancakes. His willingness to think outside the box led to a technique of making rice and sweet potato noodles in the microwave: He piped batter onto a Silpat and zapped it for 15 seconds, which produced ultra-thin noodles ready to boil. Albala also reimagines classic dishes into noodle soup, be it tongue-on-rye noodle soup (cured, braised beef tongue, 100 percent rye noodles, mixed bone broth, caraway and mustard powder), or historical flavors like his blancmanger soup (almond milk, rice noodles, shredded chicken, rosewater and cinnamon). Hes tackled traditional noodle soups from around the world, like ohn no khao swe from Burma, and Uyghur-style, laghman noodles with lamb soup. He even makes desserts and cocktails with noodles, like matcha noodles in tamarind, palm sugar and cardamom broth; and a milk-washed bloody Mary with pickled lemon noodles. His soup bases are just as inventive. Who else would salt, smoke and dry his own tuna for katsuobushi to make his dashi more flavorful? From homemade nut milk and Icelandic stout beer to coconut milk with fried aromatics and pickled radish brine, his broths are both thoughtful and inspired. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle As impressive as his noodle soup portfolio is, the goal of his upcoming book is to show how easy they are to make. Im trying to convince people that pasta is ... the cheapest food you can find, he said. And its just a lot of fun to make with your hands. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. He suggests putting aside time where you would normally watch TV to start a noodle dough or stock. Both can be made in advance and stored until the craving hits: When you have a lot of time, enjoy the meditative process of making pasta. And it doesnt always have to be from scratch. If you keep dry pasta and soup or stock on hand, you need only to add fresh vegetables and protein to make an excellent bowl: Think of time spent in the kitchen as fun, not a chore. Our bowl of soup was finished with large wild shrimp, quickly cooked in the broth and served in Albalas own hand-thrown pottery bowls with chopsticks and a Chinese soup spoon. As we slurped the colorful noodles and rich broth, we analyzed the results. The noodles are a little thicker than I like, and Id leave out the tomato and corn. I think it just gets lost, Albala said. We agreed the broth was the best part, but overpowered the shrimps delicate flavor (andouille sausage would work better). In the end, with some tweaks, it was good enough for the book. Im not sure what Albalas next food obsession will be, but I can promise one thing: It will be epic. Leena Trivedi-Grenier is a freelance writer living in the Bay Area. Follow her on Twitter at @Leena_Eats. Email: food@sfchronicle.com A tough-looking sergeant the type of guy youd look at once and know not to mess with is driving his jeep past a long line of German prisoners of war. Its Denmark, right at the end of World War II, and the sergeant spots, among the shuffling line of prisoners, one who is carrying a Danish flag. The Danish sergeant backs up the jeep, gets out and starts pummeling the souvenir taker in the face. As he hits him almost kills him he is saying, This is my country. And from this first scene in Land of Mine, we understand something very quickly: We understand the rage that comes of having your country occupied by a hostile power. This is something we as Americans have never experienced, but we can feel it in that moment. Imagine being as tough as that sergeant, but being from a helpless country. And imagine a bunch of foreigners rolling in with tanks and imposing barbarism and inhumanity for years. You might want to pummel somebody, too. And if you were that kind of guy, you probably would. Its against this background that we get this fact-based drama, which was nominated for the Academy Award for foreign film. Apparently, the Germans wrongly thinking that the Allied invasion might come through Denmark buried some 2 million land mines along the beaches of Denmarks west coast. And so, following the wars end, the British and Danes forced 2,000 German prisoners of war to locate and defuse those land mines ... by hand. So here we have a horrible human situation in which we understand both points of view. On the one hand, we have the Allies thinking, You planted them. You get them out. You have a people anticipating their children running on the beach and getting dismembered. You have an entire coastline rendered unusable. On the other hand, you have these pathetic German kids some of them underage teens conscripted in the last desperate phase of the war who are victims of Hitler almost as much as the Allies. The sergeant becomes the commander of a small group of German prisoners. He trains them in how to defuse these bombs, tells them their daily quota and then watches, from a safe distance, as they go about their work. As played by Roland Moller, the sergeant is a formidable guy who wants to hold onto his contempt for these Germans. But he doesnt have the eyes or the face of a brute. He doesnt have a Nazi butchers capacity to turn off his own humanity. Needless to say, Land of Mine the Danish title: Under the Sand is a very tense experience. The notion of defusing a land mine is so potent that it has become a metaphor for any delicate situation with possibly dangerous consequences. But realities are more intense than metaphors, and so the audience sits and shares (some of) the stress. Yet this is something curious, and a mark of the storytelling skill of writer-director Martin Zandvliet: Though there are explosions in Land of Mine, every explosion is a surprise. Its like a magicians trick. We think were watching both his hands at all times, but he keeps outguessing us, and this outguessing serves an important function. With a task like this, theres no such thing as routine and not one moment that is safe. This is the stuff of nightmares, but also of powerful drama. Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle Land of Mine Drama. Starring Roland Moller. Directed by Martin Zandvliet. In Danish with English subtitles. (R. 100 minutes.) To see a trailer: http://tinyurl.com/gtjtarl The three people who died when a small plane bound for San Jose crashed into homes in Southern California this week were a South Bay pilot, his wife and a 22-year-old woman, according to a relative and media reports. Nouri Hijazi, 83, of San Jose, who was flying the plane, died along with his wife, 67-year-old Dana Hijazi, said Richard Pierce, son-in-law of the couple. Pierces wife, Joanne Stacey Pierce, was one of two passengers who survived after the aircraft crashed into two homes on Monday shortly after taking off from Riverside Municipal Airport. Shes alive, Pierce said of his wife by phone Wednesday. I was just with her. The third person killed in the crash was identified at Adine Farelas by her brother, Brandon Farelas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Watchara Phomicinda/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Irfan Khan/TNS Show More Show Less She would always be there for me, Brandon Farelas told KGO-TV. I appreciate her so much. Now I realize exactly what Im losing. Farelas said his mother, Silvia Farelas, survived the crash and was in the burn unit awaiting a second surgery. Joanne Pierce was in stable condition and underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon, her husband said. Joanne Pierces mother, Dana Hijazi, is originally from Poland and her family is making arrangements to bring relatives to the United States to be at her side, Richard Pierce said. All five passengers aboard the plane had been in Riverside for a weekend cheerleading competition at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, officials said. Pierce said his daughter, who is in middle school, competed in the competition but took the bus back to San Jose with her cheerleading squad. She went back to school Wednesday, he said. The aircraft a T310Q Cessna manufactured in 1974 was registered to Nouri Hijazi. A team with the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash. The plane left Riverside Municipal Airport at 4:40 p.m. for Mineta San Jose International Airport but within minutes crashed into two homes on Rhonda Road less than 2 miles northeast of the runway. About 60 firefighters responded and managed to pull two women from the flames and debris. One of the surviving woman had been thrown into one of the homes and had third-degree burns over 90 percent of her body, fire officials said. The two homes were damaged, but it did not appear any residents were inside at the time. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno President Trump and Steve Bannon arent the only ones who hate the media. Thats why these autocrats feel confident in pressing their attack on the lying press as the enemy of the American people chilling rhetoric that recalls Stalins police state. The establishment media has long been the target of public scorn and distrust, and its often been richly deserved. The New York Times and Washington Post helped pave the way to the endless nightmare in the Middle East by promoting the Bush-Cheney administrations lies about Iraqs weapons of mass destruction. During the presidential campaign, Donald Trumps rise was greased not just by Fox News, but also by TV executives like Leslie Moonves of CBS, who exulted over the ratings bonanza. It may not be good for America, but its damn good for CBS, Moonves said of the presidential freak show during a media conference in San Francisco. Man, who would have expected the ride were all having right now? The moneys rolling in and this is fun. This is as blatant an expression of corporate cynicism and greed as you will ever see, and it goes far in explaining the widening gap between the media and the American people. Ironically, however, the man who wants to crush the American press is now giving the Fourth Estate a chance to redeem itself. By declaring war on elite media institutions including the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CNN and the others petulantly barred from Fridays White House media briefing Trump is forcing them to make a momentous decision. Is the establishment press going to aggressively investigate the Trump presidency and truly act as the opposition party that he brands it, or will it slide back into its normal role as an occasionally contentious but generally collaborative partner of power? You could see this push and pull in the MSNBC coverage of Trumps speech to Congress on Tuesday evening. On the one hand, MSNBC anchors wallowed in the shallow spectacle of the occasion. At one point, the camera zoomed in on Trump in the back seat of his armored vehicle as he apparently practiced the kinder-gentler Caligula speech he would soon deliver. Wow, excitedly burbled Chris Matthews, you never see this sort of thing as if we were being treated to Abe Lincolns run-through before the Gettysburg Address. But minutes later, as Trumps Cabinet filed into the House chamber before the speech, Matthews wondered aloud about how many of them might face criminal charges before Trumps term was over. You could get whiplash just listening to Matthews, as his commentary zigzagged wildly between the gushing and the prosecutorial. The elite media has wailed loudly about being denied access to White House rituals such as the Friday press briefing. A New York Times article Wednesday suggested that the selective media ban enforced by Trump bully boy Sean Spicer was a violation of the First Amendment, which it probably was. On the other hand, its a rare opportunity for the establishment press to break once and for all from the access journalism that has constrained its courage and independence. News institutions like the Times have been too cozy with Washington power for too long. When Times national security reporter James Risen dug up an explosive story on the warrantless wiretapping of the American public during the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign, the newspaper caved to the administration and sat on the scoop, running it a year later when Risen threatened to break the story in a book. President Obama cracked down on government whistle-blowers the lifeblood of investigative journalism much harder than any other administration, but didnt get the ferocious media counterattack he deserved. After Edward Snowdens revelations about National Security Agency snooping, the governments surveillance dome over government employees and journalists grew even more suffocating. And yet many press commentators attacked Snowden and not Obamas tightening dragnet. But now that Trump has openly declared war on the press, there are signs that even establishment journalists are locking and loading. Trevor Timm, executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said he is encouraged by the medias more aggressive shift under Trump. Timm, whose group helps journalists protect their privacy with encryption tools, says the war between the Trump administration and the press will include an ever-escalating technological arms race between government surveillance agencies and a media that will be forced to take increasingly sophisticated countermeasures to ensure the privacy of its sources. The question is, will the press remain aggressive after Trump is removed and replaced by the more genial (Vice President) Pence? Timm pondered earlier this week at a BookShop West Portal panel discussion that I moderated. The event was inspired by a new book of essays to which Timm contributed, What We Do Now and judging by the feisty mood of the overflow crowd, which filled every nook and cranny of the bookstore, the press is expected to do much more in the age of Trump. All Governments Lie. Thats a memorable quote from I. F. Stone, Americas leading muckraker in the last half of the 20th century. (Actually he said, All governments are run by liars.) Its also the title of a new documentary about three independent journalists inspired by Stone Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill and Amy Goodman which will have its premiere at the Roxie Theater on Sunday. (And, yes, Ill be on a panel after the screening Im everywhere these days.) Journalists in Trumps America need to channel Izzy Stones rebellious spirit. Stone had utter contempt for access journalism. He fearlessly plied his trade without ever going to Washington briefings or parties. You cant just sit on (officials) laps and ask them to feed you secrets then theyll just give you a load of crap, Stone declared. Establishment reporters undoubtedly know a lot of things I dont. But a lot of what they know isnt true. This is an existential moment for American journalists and the First Amendment. Live free or die. San Francisco Chronicle columnist David Talbot appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Email: dtalbot@sfchronicle.com WASHINGTON Senior House Democrats are calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after revelations that the former Alabama senator did not disclose during his Cabinet confirmation hearing meetings he had with the Russian ambassador to the United States. After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said in a statement released Wednesday night, adding that, Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is also demanding a special counsel to investigate the Trump administration for ties to Russia, given AG Sessions false statements about contacts with Russia. And House Oversight and Government Affairs ranking member Elijah Cummings, D-Md., called for Sessions to resign. He criticized the attorney general for keeping secret his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, even after then-national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the same Kremlin official. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Chip Somodevilla / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Alex Brandon/Associated Press Show More Show Less When Senator Sessions testified under oath that I did not have communications with the Russians, his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks, Cummings remarked in a statement. Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue. In a statement following the report, Sessions denied he had met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false, he said. Republicans were more cautious in their remarks, but there were signs that they could step up calls for an outside investigation of the Trump teams ties to Russia as a result of the Sessions news. Right now, the probes are being handled by the House and Senate Intelligence panels, and the FBI is investigating what the intelligence communitys interference in the election to aid Trump, and the Trump teams possible ties to Kremlin officials. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said at a CNN town hall Wednesday night that if there is any substance to allegations regarding the Trump team and Russia, then Sessions cannot be the person to assess them. If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make that decision about Trump, Graham said, stressing that Sessions contacts with the Russian ambassador could have been innocent. Karoun Demirjian is a Washington Post writer. SACRAMENTO Heres how one political party in California is charting its path to victory. Its talking about how hard it is to buy a house here. Its outraged about the income inequality between rich coastal cities and poor Central Valley towns. It wants to help Californians on general assistance get better dental care. Its talking up class warfare and calling out rich guys in Silicon Valley. And that party would be the Republican Party of California. Really. The GOP is basing its reboot on a cold, hard fact: More than 1 in 5 Californians live in poverty, the highest rate in the country when you factor in the higher cost of housing and living in the state. And they say that the Democrats, as the party that holds every statewide elected office and supermajorities in the Legislature, are responsible. They broke it, they own it, California Republican Chairman Jim Brulte told delegates at the state partys recent convention. They want the 2018 campaign to be about Washington, D.C. And were going to make sure the 2018 campaign is about the Democrats abysmal record here in the state of California. Thats the political goal, at least, and a decent strategy given another cold, hard fact: The state Republican Party is dying. The party has no statewide officeholders, has a super-minority in the Legislature, and can claim only 26 percent of Californians as registered Republican voters, just slightly above the 24 percent who prefer not to state a party affiliation and far fewer than the 45 percent who are Democrats. In the next decade, Latino voters will make up the majority of California voters, but only 16 percent are now registered as Republicans. Only 23 percent of Asian Americans are GOPers. No household GOP names have stepped up to run for the U.S. Senate or governor next year. And, oh yeah, Donald Trump in the White House is about as popular as the drought to most California voters. But the roots of this makeover go deeper. It starts with Assembly GOP Leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley (San Bernardino County). This is personal to him on two counts. He grew up in Yucca Valley, where there is a higher poverty rate than in the rest of the state. He grew up knowing people who were struggling. And he was the son of an evangelical Christian pastor. One of the first things Mayes did as Assembly leader last year was to take his fellow Republicans on a field trip to visit the St. Johns Program for Real Change, a shelter for homeless mothers in Sacramento. Your goal has to be on focusing on the people you serve, Mayes told me Wednesday. What tools do you have to help people survive? How do I make peoples lives better? California has the highest poverty rate in the country. You cant stick your head in the sand and pretend that doesnt exist, Mayes said. To me that is the No. 1 issue we have to face. So over the past few weeks, California Republicans have rolled out a series of ads on social media. They all basically sound like this, where a woman looks into the camera and says: Capitol Democrats have controlled California for decades. Their achievements? The highest poverty rate in the nation. Thats not an achievement. Thats unacceptable. California deserves better. Its time to turn the page. And Assembly Republicans are listening. Listening, pollsters will tell you, is key in these days when voters are storming town halls because they think their representatives arent. And you gotta love that hashtag: #CADeservesBetter. But this is more than a rebranding campaign. This week, Assembly Republicans introduced a 37-page plan of policy solutions called Helping the Middle Class: Serving Those in Need. It is full of proposals some have already been introduced as legislation on how to pull the poor into the middle class. The ideas are the fruit of Republicans doing things that they havent in a long while like working with unions on workforce training programs and antipoverty advocates on how to improve existing state programs. One of them is to get more general assistance money for people who have completed high school or two years of community college. Mayes stresses that this is not about Republicans creating new government programs or abandoning their core conservative principles. It is about making existing programs work better. Its about putting more of the states general fund toward infrastructure. It is about doing something other than saying no. And, some of the proposals would help, said Alissa Anderson, a senior policy analyst for the nonpartisan California Budget and Policy Center. We could build on these even more. But it is good when more people are talking about poverty in California. Orange County state Sen. John Moorlach told me Republicans are trying to do what Democrats have long bragged about doing. Were saying, If youre the party of taking care of the least, the lost and the last youre failing, Moorlach said. If youre the party of good infrastructure, youre failing. If youre about affordable housing, youre failing. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON President Trump brought an ambitious agenda to Congress on Tuesday night, but it came without a blueprint and with no sign yet of concrete legislation to carry it out. Over a month into the new administration, with Republicans in control of the House, Senate and White House, the big items on the Republican agenda, listed by order of priority, are piling up without action: Repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, overhaul the tax code, and invest $1 trillion to rebuild the nations infrastructure, a plan whose only specific so far is the price tag. As the weeks tick by, the lack of progress is creating a logjam in Congress that will intensify as deadlines loom on must-pass items such as the debt ceiling and a spending bill to keep the government open. Trump added another item Tuesday by floating the prospect of immigration reform, and he insisted that Congress build a wall on the border with Mexico. Congress has limited bandwidth. Members and staff have only so much time in the day and precious political capital. Health care and tax reform alone pose complex and politically explosive policy trade-offs. Conservatives are already balking at the prospect of higher deficits caused by some of the presidents initiatives. And Trump has offered few specifics of his own, often giving conflicting signals to GOP House and Senate leaders. Trump has spent a chunk of his honeymoon period, the fleeting first months in office when presidents are at the peak of power, consumed in self-inflicted controversies, both large and petty. He has yet to fill thousands of sub-Cabinet positions where the nuts-and-bolts of carrying out policy is done. The president is certainly thinking big, given the amount of stuff hes proposed, said GOP strategist Ford OConnell. It might require two terms for him to get a good deal of it done. Little will happen, OConnell added, until Trump is able to get congressional Republicans marching in the same direction. Democrats faced similar problems when they controlled Congress and the White House in the first days of the Obama administration. Yet by this point, they had done significantly more. They had enacted a $787 billion fiscal stimulus, a fair pay law and expanded health care benefits to 11 million children. Still, passage of the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, took more than a year and proved so difficult that Obamas hope to pass climate change legislation fell by the wayside for the rest of his presidency. So far, Republicans have made progress on eliminating environmental rules, including reversing one that prevented coal mining companies from polluting streams. House Republicans have passed a flurry of sweeping environmental rollbacks, many of which await Senate action. Heres where Congress and the administration stand on the top three items on the GOP agenda: Health care Nowhere are GOP divisions more obvious than on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Despite using repeal as a rallying cry for the past seven years, Republicans have no agreement on a replacement. The repeal deadline slipped from January to now late spring or more likely fall. Last week, Republican leaders floated a plan grounded on $4,000 tax credits to help people buy insurance, but House conservatives swiftly rebelled at creating what they called a new entitlement. That forced leaders to dismiss the leaked plan as no longer viable. Tuesday night, however, Trump endorsed the tax-credit idea, while adding a new requirement: that any plan cover people with pre-existing medical conditions, one of the main planks of Obamacare. It probably cannot be enforced without some kind of mandate that healthy people buy insurance, but thats a key GOP complaint about the current law. Republican governors who expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act are furious at a House proposal to rollback the expansion. Former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, predicted last week that Republicans would be unable to do more than fix the flaws of the Affordable Care Act and put a more conservative box around it. In 25 years in Congress, Republicans never, ever one time agreed on what a health care proposal should look like, Boehner said. Not once. Trump has not offered a specific health plan to guide Congress, leaving it to GOP leaders to work out. Tax reform Tax reform is just as complicated as health care. Trump has called for major reforms that would slash taxes on business and the middle class. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has promised to come up with a plan. On Tuesday, Trump skated close to endorsing a proposal by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., that would raise as much as $1 trillion by replacing current business taxes with a so-called border adjustment tax on imports. The border tax is one way Trump could claim that Mexico would pay for the border wall. But the idea is creating an uproar from the retail industry and outside conservative groups. Non-retail businesses that use imported components are also balking, along with several Republican senators. Even in the House, most of the Republican membership thinks thats a bad idea, said Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. Huffman previewed the Democratic attack line against the border tax: Once people focus on it they will realize its simply a tax on consumers to pay for the crazy wall, he said. OConnell said Republicans have another problem in that they must replace Obamacare before they can decide on a tax overhaul. Thats because the health care law relies on taxes to pay for expanded coverage. Infrastructure Democrats love Trumps $1 trillion infrastructure plan to repair the nations roads, bridges, dams, water systems, airports, pipelines and the like. They could provide critical bipartisan support, except that there is no specific plan on what to build or how to pay for it. Democrats oppose Trumps idea of using tax breaks to private companies to fund construction, saying that would cost taxpayers twice once for the tax break and again for user tolls on bridges and highways. Conservatives dont like the idea of spending money without cutting something else. Neither party wants to raise taxes. Kathryn Thomson, a former top Obama administration transportation official, said both parties love infrastructure until it comes time to fund it. She said $1 trillion would barely cover the backlog just in the transportation system. Theyve been talking infrastructure as long as I can remember now, Thomson said. There is broad bipartisan agreement that something needs to be done, but no leadership in Congress or the White House on exactly what the solution is. I dont think its going anywhere this fiscal year. These are complicated issues. From Trumps perspective, he likes to issue high-level edicts in the form of executive orders, but he has not signaled any inclination to be specific about how to achieve these objectives, and almost all his objectives require congressional support and engagement, Thomson said. Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A City Hall memorial will be held Monday for Aileen Clarke Hernandez, an entrenched San Francisco civil rights activist, labor leader and feminist, and the second national president of the National Organization for Women. Ms. Hernandez died Feb. 13 of complications of dementia in a memory care community in Orange County where she had been in living to be near her niece, Annie Clarke. She was 90. Aileen was the strongest and most influential woman leader on behalf of minorities and women that we have seen in this country, said Belva Davis, who was the first black woman to become a TV newscaster in the West, at San Franciscos KPIX-TV, an achievement she attributes largely to the inspiration of Ms. Hernandez. If you cannot organize, you cannot have an impact, said Davis, and she was one of the greatest organizers of people and causes that we have ever had. Ms. Hernandezs impact was recognized in a proclamation by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on her 90th birthday, May 23. I grew up knowing about Aileen and knowing her significance in the African American community, said board President London Breed, who read the proclamation. Her impact on issues related to race and gender was national, but we had her here in San Francisco. Among the list of advocacy groups that Ms. Hernandez either started or ran are NOW, Black Women Organized for Action in San Francisco, Black Women Stirring the Waters and the California Womens Agenda, an action alliance of more than 500 advocacy organizations statewide. In 2005, Ms. Hernandez was among a group of female activists worldwide who were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was to me a champion, said the Rev. Cecil Williams of San Franciscos Glide Memorial Church. She took things seriously and expanded her resources in ways that touched a lot of people. Aileen Blanche Clarke was born and raised in Brooklyn, where her father sold paintbrushes and her mother was a homemaker. An outstanding student, she attended Howard University, where she was introduced to politics and became active in the NAACP. She came West in 1951 when she was hired as an organizer with the West Coast division of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, based in Los Angeles. While there, she earned her masters degree and met and married Alfonso Hernandez, in 1957. They were divorced in 1961. Her reputation traveled, and when Lyndon Baines Johnson was elected president, in 1964, he appointed Ms. Hernandez as the only woman on the five-person Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In that capacity, she was a featured speaker at the Commission on the Status of Women Conference, where NOW was conceived, in June 1966. Ms. Hernandez later resigned the EEOC in protest of its inaction on sex discrimination cases. She was named executive vice president of NOW and was elected to succeed Betty Friedan, becoming the second president of the organization in 1970. Her first presidential action was to lead the Womens Strike for Equality, which took place Aug. 26, 1970. She was attacking the problem on the grand scale, said Davis. She was standing up for women, and she was standing up for women who were black. According to Clarke, Ms. Hernandez moved to San Francisco in the 1970s, bought a pair of flats in the Outer Richmond and opened her own consulting firm, Hernandez and Associates, to take on racism and sexism in government and corporations nationwide. The office was a storefront on Geary Boulevard, but the action was all over town, across the nation and in places as far-flung as Beijing. Aileen was well known because she was in the forefront, marching or standing with women and addressing issues not only related to women but to young people, said Williams, who recalled meeting Ms. Hernandez at an action in the Bayview. In 2008, Mayor Gavin Newsom named Ms. Hernandez chair of the African American Out-Migration Task Force, to address the citys shrinking black population. She reported her findings with her usual biting wit. "We could paper the walls of this building with reports that have been made on this issue," she said. "This is a city that still has a problem with discrimination, and many of the things we are talking about are the result of discrimination. Every organization that has anything to do with eliminating discrimination has been underfunded, understaffed and under-recognized." In recent years, Ms. Hernandez started to slip, according to Clarke. She had moved her consultancy onto the first floor of her building, and kept going. Her last speaking engagement was in 2013 in Memphis. When she was in her advocacy mode, she was powerful and forceful. But as an aunt she was very sweet and kind, said Clarke. Ms. Hernandez never remarried or had children, but never forgot where she came from. She was a big important person and was very private, Clarke said. But when I went into her house she had pictures of her family everywhere. Survivors include nephews Steven Clarke of Huntington Beach (Orange County) and Mark Clarke of Ottawa, and nieces Susan and Annie Clarke of Orange County. The City Hall service is open to the public at noon Monday in the North Light Court. The keynote speaker is Gloria Steinem. Sam Whiting is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com A Vietnamese-American billionaire donated $5 million Wednesday to San Joses flood relief fund, one of the largest private philanthropic donations in the citys history. Kieu Hoang, who has made much of his fortune through Shanghai RAAS Blood Products, an international firm that researches and manufactures blood and plasma-derived medical products, was the 214th richest person in the United States in 2016, according to Forbes. Hoang, whose estimated net worth is $2.8 billion, also owns a winery in Napa Valley, as well as a ranch in Los Angeles, Forbes reported. He handed the oversized check to San Joses mayor, Sam Liccardo, at an announcement with city officials. The seven-figure donation brings the total raised for the flood fund to more than $6 million, said David Low, a spokesman for the mayors office. The money will prioritize relief and assistance to flood victims more severely impacted by flooding along the Coyote Creek last week, Low said in a statement. An initial city estimate for the flood damage caused by Coyote Creek overflowing its banks and surging through a series of San Jose neighborhoods was $73 million, with $50 million of damages estimated specifically for private property. More than 14,000 homes were evacuated, sending thousands of residents fleeing for makeshift shelters on higher ground, with many saying the first time they were warned of the severity of the floods was when firefighters in rescue boats began motoring through the swollen streets of their neighborhoods. A friend of Hoangs, Chieu Van, the co-founder of San Jose-based Lees Sandwiches, connected Hoang with city leaders, according to the mayors office. The flood relief fund will dispense funds to nonprofits that have not been identified yet to handle a variety of recovery-related functions, Low said. Those include funds to intake and assess displaced victims and offer emergency money for housing needs. The city also plans to directly administer funds to some of its worst off residents, including paying for rental subsidies, hotel vouchers, work equipment car repairs and other needs. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley Celebrities looking for a good time in the 1950s didn't just stick around Los Angeles; they took a quick flight up to San Francisco for a weekend of drinking, dancing and colorful debauchery. San Francisco's nightlife seems tame today compared to the vibrant, all-hours scene it used to be. When LIFE magazine sent photographer Nat Farbman to capture San Francisco's booming restaurant and club scene in 1956, he came back with an array of stunning color photographs. The images show famed SF hotspots like the hungry i, Blue Fox restaurant and Sinaloa Club, all packed to the gills. Nearly 250 industrial jobs at Pier 70 some of the last such jobs on the largely gentrified San Francisco waterfront were at least temporarily spared Wednesday after a dry dock operator agreed to keep the shipyard open for 90 days while it works out a legal dispute with the company that previously ran the facility. Puglia Engineering, which took over the shipyard lease in January from longtime operator BAE Systems, agreed to a 90-day interim deal with the Port of San Francisco that will give both parties a window to hammer out a plan to get the money-losing dry dock back on solid footing. Its not going to be easy. Two weeks ago, Puglia, a relatively small ship repair business based in Washington state, filed a lawsuit alleging that BAE had misled it into thinking that the two dry docks at Pier 70 one that services cruise ships and one that handles smaller vessels were well-maintained and could be put to immediate use. Instead, Puglia said, it discovered the smaller of the two dry docks, known as Eureka, had deteriorated to an extent that it would cost $9 million to render operational. In addition, Puglias lawsuit claims that an additional $12 million in dredging is needed just to be able to ensure that vessels could get into the dry docks. Last week, Puglia filed a notice of imminent closure of the shipyard with state labor regulators. In total, according to the Puglia lawsuit, it would cost $24 million in 2017 to get the facility to the condition which had been represented it would be from the beginning. BAE Systems, a publicly traded multinational corporation with a market capitalization of $25 billion, counters that Puglia knew exactly what it was getting when it took over the dry dock. Puglia paid $1 to take over BAEs lease with the port, while assuming $36 million in pension liabilities. In a cross complaint, BAE called Puglia a sophisticated buyer that spent more than a year conducting its own due diligence of the business and its assets. BAE quoted a letter from Puglia CFO Scott Hendrickson stating that no matter how I look at it, the S.F. site is slated to lose a lot of money in 2017 and may have lost money in 2016 from what it looks like. Hendrickson also stated that the dry docks and equipment are in very poor shape and will require heavy investment going forward to keep the site viable and operating. The stakes are high for the Port of San Francisco, which has been working to expand maritime work on the waterfront. While San Francisco has been losing shipping business to Oakland and other West Coast cities for decades, last summer there was a bit of good news as the port reached a deal with Pasha Automotive Services to import as many as 150,000 automobiles a year into Pier 80. Ship repair is incredibly important to the ports maritime portfolio, said Port Director Elaine Forbes. Its been here 100 years, and we aim to keep it in San Francisco. While BAEs cruise ship repair business at Pier 70 was strong for most of the past decade, revenue started sinking in 2015 when a bigger $40 million dry dock opened in Portland, Ore. We knew there was trouble, they were telling us there was trouble, said Forbes. Its a competitive market, and any time a new yard opens the dynamics change. When BAE decided to cut its losses, the port was hopeful that Puglia, a family-owned business that had 125 employees before taking over Pier 70 and specializes in repairing smaller vessels for the Navy and Coast Guard, might diversify the piers revenue streams. That could still happen assuming it can get the Eureka dock back in working order. Peter Blake, who heads up General Engineering, a 50-year-old San Francisco based ship repair business, was not optimistic about the shipyard bouncing back. This sounds like the death knell for the shipyard in San Francisco, he said. All my life those jobs have been there high-paying, union, blue-collar jobs. Once they are gone, they will never come back. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening in the next few weeks. Saturday Trump opposition meeting: An afternoon of workshops and training on various actions that protesters can take to oppose President Trumps agenda. The training is from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mission High School, 3750 18th St., San Francisco. Attendees must register online at https://www.facebook.com/ events/457725081252418/. Pro-Trump march: One of several scheduled events nationwide to support President Trump. The march is from 2 to 6 p.m. and will begin at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley. Sunday Peace gathering: To denounce an incident in Kansas last week in which a man allegedly shot two natives of India and a third man after telling the Indian men to get out of my country. One of the Indian men died. The gathering is from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lytton Plaza, 200 University Ave., Palo Alto. Tuesday Meeting on gun violence: A new-member meeting hosted by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at a private residence. RSVP to LizNaughtonMoore@gmail.com. Wednesday 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. Womens Demonstration: A gathering to promote womens rights on the day of the womens strike. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Details to come. Town hall: For International Womens Day, join womens advocates to speak about womens rights and the disparate challenges women still face. The event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the World Affairs Auditorium, 312 Sutter St., Suite 200, San Francisco. Tickets available at https://www.worldaffairs.org/event-calendar/event/1696. Thursday Discussion on executive orders: UC Berkeley law professors will discuss the scope of the presidents authority on executive orders, such as one calling for a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. The event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the World Affairs Auditorium, 312 Sutter St., San Francisco. Discussion on climate change: Hosted by the Lamorinda Democratic Club, the discussion will focus on local effects and actions. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lafayette library, 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd. 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. March 13 Postcard party: A campaign to send 1 million postcards to President Trump on issues including womens rights, religious freedom, immigration and economic security. The event is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., San Francisco. RSVP to the Postcard Party at Booksmith event page on Facebook. March 14 Anti-Trump protest: Members of the tech community are expected to rally on Pi Day in protest of President Trump. The rally is from 2 to 6 p.m. at 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Wells Fargo & Co., seeking to resolve a bogus-account scandal that shook the company last year, warned investors it may find more victims. The bank has expanded a review into how employees pitched accounts and other products to customers, looking at a broader time frame, and is now refining its methodology to identify any improper sales, the company said in an annual regulatory filing. This work could lead to, among other things, an increase in the identified number of potentially impacted customers, it said. The San Francisco bank also announced Wednesday that it will withhold 2016 cash bonuses from eight senior executives including CEO Tim Sloan and Chief Financial Officer John Shrewsberry and claw back equity-linked compensation received earlier as the board holds management accountable for the accounts scandal. The decisions will pull about $32 million in pay and equity awards from the executives. Home rentals More delays for S.F. law A San Francisco ordinance that would penalize short-term home rental companies like Airbnb for letting homeowners rent rooms without registering with the city will remain on hold until at least April 7 while the city and the companies negotiate over how to enforce it. After a private settlement conference Tuesday, lawyers for the city, Airbnb and a second major vacation-rental firm, HomeAway, said in a court filing Wednesday that San Francisco will postpone enforcement while negotiations continue. The two sides have scheduled another discussion March 29 and are due to appear before a federal judge April 6. Airbnb and HomeAway contend that the ordinance violates a federal law that shields Internet hosts from liability for messages posted by others. U.S. District Judge James Donato rejected their arguments in November but said he would not allow enforcement until the city, in negotiations with the companies, designed a workable system to register all short-term rentals. Acquisitions OrderAheads Square deal Square has acquired startup OrderAheads dining pickup website and app that allow people to place takeout orders and skip the line at restaurants. Terms werent disclosed. Square wont take on any of the San Francisco startups employees, according to a person familiar with the matter. San Franciscos Square is betting the new pickup feature will drive more orders to restaurants affiliated with its Caviar food-delivery service and increase the number of payments it processes. Chronicle Staff and News Services Facebook is beefing up its suicide prevention tools, including options for people to report if someone might harm themselves while broadcasting on Facebook Live. The Menlo Park company said Wednesday that its in a unique position, through personal connections people have on Facebook, to help connect those in distress with people who can support them. A national trade group has asked the Federal Communications Commission to overturn a San Francisco ordinance intended to keep landlords from interfering with their tenants ability to choose their Internet service provider. The Multifamily Broadband Council contends that the ordinance, which says landlords must give Internet providers access to existing wiring in their buildings in most circumstances, is unfair because it would force smaller companies to relinquish control of their cables and other infrastructure. The council represents independent Internet providers. Smaller providers in particular rely on their ability to assure investors and creditors theyre able to maintain exclusive and undisturbed access to their wiring. Not being able to provide those assurances puts their finances at risk and cedes a competitive advantage to larger competitors that dont depend on third-party funding, the trade group says. This ordinance creates a free-for-all amongst various competing service providers, said Bob Grosz, a council member and executive vice president of Elauwit Networks, a telecommunications provider that caters to multiunit buildings in 40 states. The unintended consequence is service disruption and vandalization of cable infrastructure, whether intended or unintended, he said. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the ordinance in December. The broadband council sent a letter to supervisors in November saying that effective competition will cease to exist among Internet providers if the ordinance became law. The council has one member in the Bay Area Internet provider Satel in San Francisco though a spokeswoman for the group said other regional providers are considering joining. The organizations website lists more than 40 Internet providers and telecommunications companies as members, including Dish Network and DirecTV, which was bought by AT&T in 2015 for $67 billion. Supervisor Mark Farrell, who introduced the ordinance to provide apartment dwellers with more Internet options, fired back against the broadband council Wednesday, accusing the group of using tortured logic to make a case for greater competition. Its a joke. This is a shell organization for large cable companies, Farrell said. This unequivocally demonstrates that the large cable industry organizations are scared stiff about competing in San Francisco. They should be embarrassed. He added that he was wholly confident in the legal basis for our ordinance. Multifamily Broadband Council President Dan Terheggen denied that his organization was advocating for major corporations. In terms of operators, we are all relatively small businesses, said Terheggen, who also works as the CEO of broadband provider Consolidated Smart Systems. Were not a joke. The FCC doesnt see us as a joke. Dish and DirecTV, Terheggen said, were vendor members that worked alongside the groups core of Internet providers. Dane Jasper, the CEO of Sonic, a Santa Rosa high-speed broadband provider that is not a Multifamily Broadband Council member, was puzzled by the groups arguments that the ordinance will hobble regional companies like his from competing. The effect so far has been just the opposite, he said. The ordinance, he said, is essential for competitive access. The economic harm we suffer is if were not allowed to enter and service the customers who have signed up for our service. Sonic, he said, has already benefited from the ordinance, having gained entry to apartment buildings where landlords had previously denied access. The broadband councils petition to the FCC, Jasper said, just seems backward. The FCC, which has some authority over the cables that telecom companies use to connect customers to the Internet, is expected to review the broadband councils petition, but its unclear if the agency will ultimately move to change or overturn the citys ordinance. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa Special agents with the Department of Homeland Security and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a narcotics raid in San Franciscos Outer Sunset neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of the department under the jurisdiction of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, led the investigation, said James Schwab, a spokesman for ICE. Ned Gerard A 39-year-old Palo Alto man who tried to hire a hit man to kill a woman who accused him of sexual harassment was sentenced Wednesday to more than seven years in prison, federal prosecutors said. Ulices Cazarez of East Palo Alto pleaded guilty in December 2016, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California. He was indicted in July 2015 for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-fire, the office said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Santiago Mejia/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Recent winter storms may be pulling California out of its five-year drought, but the effects of all that missed rain are still being felt by the Chinook salmon population. Thats why the upcoming season which usually opens in April for Bay Area recreational fishers will likely be more limited than last years, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday. Preliminary forecasts released at a public meeting in Santa Rosa showed that the population of Chinook adults from the Sacramento fall run and the Klamath River fall run are lower than usual. The salmon, which reach maturity in two to four years, grew up during the drought and make up a large part of the catch during Californias commercial and recreational seasons. In particular, the forecast for the Klamath River fall-run population was one of the lowest on record, at about 54,000 adult fish. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Happy Girl Kitchen Co. the only cannery still operating near Montereys fabled Cannery Row produces a year-round bounty of preserves, pickles and fermented foods, using seasonal crops supplied by 20 local organic farms. Spring and summer bring in mountains of tomatoes, berries and orchard fruits, while winter harvests provide citrus, cabbages, beets and carrots. We are now making marmalade from all the good citrus, and sauerkraut from the rain-fed cabbage, said Todd Champagne, who runs Happy Girl with his wife, Jordan. Were making winter root pickles with beets and carrots, and we just put up a big batch of spicy kimchi. The recipes at Happy Girl are open source, and the Champagnes are preservation evangelists, encouraging visitors to sign up for workshops, participate in community canning events and sample the jam bar at twice-weekly pancake breakfasts. Jordan Champagne was inspired to create community canning events while attending a lecture by organic farming guru Wendell Berry. He was talking about the local tobacco harvest (in his home state of Kentucky), and how everyone comes together when theres a lot of work to do, Jordan said. At the time, I had 2,000 pounds of dry-farmed tomatoes waiting for me at the kitchen, so I put a notice out on Facebook that I could really use some help. Friends and neighbors showed up to lend a hand, in exchange for a share of the sauce, and a tradition was born. Community canning events typically take place on Fridays in summertime, and are announced via Facebook and Happy Girls newsletter. Canning, preservation and cooking workshops take place throughout the year, as well as monthly pop-up dinners and summer cooking camps for kids. The kids make breakfast and lunch and learn to plan meals and cook completely from scratch, Jordan Champagne said. For pop tarts we pick the strawberries and make the jam, then make the dough, and then the icing in a rainbow of colors using hibiscus, turmeric, prune juice and beets. Just looking for some lunch? Happy Girl Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch seven days per week, year-round, with plentiful vegetarian options. Maria Gaura is a freelance writer. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com Happy Girl Kitchen Co. The cafe and storefront is at 173 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. Shop hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, cafe hours are 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday; coffee and tea until 5 p.m (food service ends at 3 p.m.); 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Pancake breakfasts are offered 7:30-11 a.m. Sundays and Mondays, with gluten-free options, fresh whipped cream, maple syrup and jam bar. Coming up Marmalade Learn how to make and preserve marmalade. Happy Girl founder Jordan Champagne teaches the art of balancing sweet, tart and sour using a variety of citrus and spices in two recipes. You leave class with a jar of each. 5 to 8 p.m. March 6. $95. Cheesemaking This workshop covers the basics of cheesemaking, food safety and other essentials. Learn to make chevre, ricotta and kefir, then break for a cheese-filled brunch. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 25. $95. Shrubs, syrups and infusions Explore the versatility of fruit juices and citrus peels and discover the virtues of shrubs, refreshing fruit-based drinking vinegars. Participants will share a light dinner and will leave with three jars of goodies. 5-8 p.m. April 21. $95. Fermentation This introduction to making kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and other fermented foods tackles food safety, flavor combinations and other essentials. Includes brunch and three jars of goodies. 10-1 p.m. April 22. $95. The California Department of Public Health fired an out-of-state contractor Wednesday that had taken over part of a program designed to help people pay for HIV drugs, months after advocacy groups complained that management problems were interfering with patients access to life-saving medications. The abrupt ouster of the states contract with Michigan-based A.J. Boggs surprised patient advocates, many of whom learned about the change on a state conference call Wednesday morning. A termination letter was sent to A.J. Boggs just before the meeting. Contracts with two other companies that run other parts of the states AIDS Drug Assistance Program will remain in place. A.J. Boggs officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Public health officials said that starting Monday, enrollment services that had been provided by A.J. Boggs will be handled in-house by state employees. A.J. Boggs has until the end of the month to transfer patient records to the state. This is definitely the right move, and something weve been calling for for several months, said Courtney Mulhern-Pearson, senior director of state and local affairs with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Were pleased that the state has been listening and is taking decisive action to improve the system for clients. Other patient support groups, though supportive of any move to improve the drug assistance program, said they were wary of yet another shift in management. Weve been in a constant state of flux or uncertainty since A.J. Boggs took over last June, said Chuan Teng, managing legal director at Positive Resource Center in San Francisco. This is now another major uncertainty for our clients and for us. In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the state public health department said it ended the contract with A.J. Boggs due to material breaches of contract. Among other problems, the state said A.J. Boggs was unable to provide a working online portal for enrollment. A portal that went up last summer was taken down in November due to security concerns. A.J. Boggs and two other companies took over a program that had been managed by Oakland-based Ramsell Corp. for nearly 20 years. The program covers all or a portion of medication costs for roughly 30,000 low-income Californians with HIV or AIDS. It is part of a federal network created in 1987 to help states pay for the first antiviral drugs to treat HIV; the program now covers costs for more than 200 drugs. Even before the contract changed hands last June, patient advocacy groups told the state they were concerned that the change would cause interruptions in patient care and access to drugs. In the months that followed, patients across the state reported frustrations with enrolling in the program and getting their HIV medications in a timely manner. The state and its contractors, along with hundreds of nonprofit caseworkers, scrambled in response, developing workarounds to help get patients enrolled and even providing emergency stashes of HIV drugs when patients ran out. In December, state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, sent a letter to public health officials demanding that problems with the program be fixed or that one or more contracts with the new operators be canceled. The whole situation has been a disaster, Wiener said Wednesday. Obviously there is still work to do to restore full service to these HIV-positive patients, but this is a positive step. Well continue to monitor the situation very closely. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Decades of allowing transgender students, park visitors and government workers to use restrooms that fit their gender identity show that fears of sexual predators and invasion of privacy are unfounded, San Francisco and 30 other local governments said Thursday in a filing with the U.S. Supreme Court. Wrapping discrimination in a cloak of fear doesnt protect anyone, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a statement announcing the court brief. Other signers included Santa Clara County and the cities of Vallejo and Santa Cruz, along with New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. The court is scheduled to hear arguments March 28 on whether a federal law banning sex discrimination in public education applies to transgender students. Former President Barack Obamas administration had filed arguments in support of a 17-year-old transgender student in Virginia, Gavin Grimm, who challenged his districts restroom policy, and had advised school districts nationwide to respect transgender youths restroom choice. But President Trumps administration has withdrawn both the court filing and Obamas nationwide advisory. The Virginia district has asked the court to delay the hearing for at least a month to give the administration time to submit its own arguments. The local governments filing cited San Franciscos experience under its own laws, including a 1993 ballot measure that banned discrimination against transgender city employees, and other actions affecting schools and public parks. The city parks department has not received any complaints arising out of a transgender person using a restroom or other sex-segregated facility, or any complaints of a sexual predator falsely asserting a gender identity in order to gain access to a restroom, the local governments lawyers said. Nor have the San Francisco Sheriffs Department or Police Department heard any such complaints, they added. More for you Lois Kolkhorst says Texas bathroom proposal 'very different'... Since the first such ordinance was passed in Minneapolis in 1975, the brief said, more than 200 local governments nationwide have adopted transgender protections and have experienced none of the imagined horribles forecast by opponents. Other briefs supporting the Virginia transgender student were filed by 80 school districts, including the San Francisco Unified School District. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko AUSTIN, Texas A federal judge on Thursday dismissed the U.S. governments securities fraud lawsuit against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who still faces criminal charges of duping wealthy investors. But the ruling by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant is a significant victory for Paxton, who is scheduled to stand trial in May on felony securities fraud charges. He has pleaded not guilty and faces five to 99 years in prison if convicted. BRUSSELS Nations and philanthropists pledged close to $200 million Thursday for family planning at an international conference that aimed to make up for the gap left by President Trumps ban on U.S. funding to groups linked to abortion. In all, 57 nations attended the hastily convened one-day conference in Brussels, and the funding drive was boosted by Sweden, Canada and Finland each promising $21 million. The private Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also provided $20 million. Conference host and Belgian Deputy Premier Alexander De Croo said one anonymous U.S. donor committed $50 million, pushing the total to a provisional $190 million. One of Trumps first acts as president was to withhold an estimated half-billion dollars a year in funding from international groups that perform abortions or provide information about them. The Trump administration said the ban is necessary because it doesnt want to provide funds for something it considers morally wrong. Officials in many European nations and around the world say the move hurts women and girls who need family planning the most and will lead to more abortions, not fewer. I hope that he now sees that everybody is steadfast in its support for the rights of women and girls, said Dutch Development Minister Lilianne Ploumen, who came up with the idea for the She Decides conference. De Croo said the alliance of nations wanted to make sure that the purely ideological decision of one country does not push women and girls back into the Dark Ages. We will start making something great again, De Croo said, riffing off Trumps Make America Great Again campaign slogan. Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands contributed $10.5 million each, and other countries made smaller contributions. Because the conference was organized on short notice, many nations could not make official pledges yet for technical budgetary reasons, organizers said. Some need a little bit more time, Ploumen said. Representatives from African and Asian countries were also at the conference, as well as officials from the European Union and the United Nations and private donors. De Croo said the funding drive would continue at an international meeting this year. Raf Casert is an Associated Press writer. 1 Quake forecast: Federal scientists forecast that Oklahoma will continue to have the nations biggest man-made earthquake problem but it probably wont be as shaky as recent years. In its annual national earthquake outlook, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday that a large portion of Oklahoma and parts of central California have the highest risk for a damaging quake this year: between 5 and 12 percent. 2 Fatal fire: Four children died in a house fire Wednesday in an Oregon timber town, and their mother, her husband and a 13-year-old sibling were critically injured, a sheriffs official said. The fire broke out in Riddle, a small town about 200 miles south of Portland that has been hit hard by the decline of the timber industry. The dead children were ages 4, 7, 10 and 13 and included a foster child, authorities said. The cause of the blaze did not appear suspicious, they said. Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russias ambassador to the United States, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he would recuse himself from any investigations related to the 2016 campaign. That includes federal investigations into Russian interference with the U.S. presidential election. The Washington Post first reported that Sessions had twice met with Sergey Kislyak, Russias U.S. ambassador. Let me be clear, Sessions told reporters at an afternoon news conference. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign. A number of politicians including Sen. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, the House minority leader had accused the attorney general of lying under oath during his Senate confirmation hearing and demanded his resignation. There is nothing unusual about a sitting senator, as Sessions was at the time, meeting with a foreign ambassador, but his close ties to the Trump campaign led to criticism that he could have been discussing campaign issues with the Russians. At Sessions January confirmation hearing, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked the then-nominee whether he had any contact with Russian officials. Sessions said he had not. Thursday, Sessions said his reply to Franken was honest and correct as I understood it at the time. During the news conference, Sessions noted: He thought Franken was asking specifically about whether he had talked to Russian officials about the campaign. He said I appreciate that some have taken his response as a false comment, but added that that was not his intent and not correct. Of his Sept. 8 meeting with Kislyak, he said he did not remember a lot of what was discussed, but added that the two had made small talk, such as Sessions going to Russia with a church group in 1991. He added that somehow the subject of Ukraine came up in that meeting. The Chronicle has reported on the controversy surrounding Sessions contacts with Russian officials. Here are some links: Thursday morning, Sessions said that allegations that he had discussed campaign issues with the ambassador were unbelievable and false. Responding to shouted questions from reporters, Trump said there was no reason Sessions should recuse himself. Pelosi and other Democrats urged Sessions to resign when the news broke. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare and chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, rejected calls from his fellow Republicans for a special prosecutor to investigate ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today A federal judge in Florida on Thursday blocked an order by a judge in Oakland to grant bond to the widow of the gunman who carried out the deadly rampage at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. U.S District Judge Paul Byron put a hold on Magistrate Judge Donna Ryus order Wednesday to release 30-year-old Noor Salman into the custody of her family on $500,000 bond and other conditions, including electronic monitoring. Salman was arrested in January at her familys East Bay home in Rodeo after being charged with aiding and abetting by providing material support to a terrorist organization and obstruction of justice related to the June 12 massacre. Byrons ruling comes the same day federal prosecutors filed a motion in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, seeking to revoke Ryus ruling. Byron suspended the order to release Salman while he reviews the case. He may also hold a separate hearing to determine whether Salman is eligible to be released on bond. Salman was set to be released from Santa Rita Jail where she has been held since her arrest on Friday morning. Federal prosecutors said Ryu dramatically minimized the terrorism charge against Salman. Because the offense charged in count one of the indictment is a federal crime of terrorism, this factor weighs heavily in favor of detention, U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III wrote in the motion. In this matter, the Magistrate Judge dramatically minimized this factor, noting simply that the crime in count one was serious. Salmans husband, Omar Mateen, was shot dead by police after he killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub the deadliest mass killing in recent U.S. history. Prosecutors interrogated Salman who lived with Mateen and their now-4-year-old son in Fort Pierce, Fla. shortly after the killing and allowed her to return to the Bay Area. Federal law enforcement agents arrested her on Jan. 16. Salman pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment two days later in Oakland federal court. Prosecutors allege Salman helped Mateen scout out potential locations around Florida for a mass shooting and provided a cover story for him when he left that night to carry out the attack. They also alleged she knew Mateen was watching Islamic State recruitment videos and was with him when he purchased ammunition. As demonstrated to a horrifying degree on June 12, 2016, the defendant poses a significant risk of serious harm to the community, Bentley wrote. Salmans attorneys, though, have argued that Salman who was a special education student in high school and has a diminished mental capacity was the victim of prolonged domestic violence by a repeated abuser and was unaware of her husbands deadly plot. Moreover, the governments case against Salman appears to rest on a 16-hour interrogation without an attorney, in which she allegedly admitted to casing target sites and cooking up a cover story. Ryu ruled that the evidence prosecutors presented during a Feb. 1 hearing did not show Salman to be a flight risk or a danger to the public. The judge, though, placed a 48-hour hold on the decision, anticipating prosecutors would appeal the ruling. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky The nation's top law enforcement officer has been accused of "lying under oath" by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, an accusation that Attorney General Jeff Sessions took very seriously when considering articles of impeachment against former President Bill Clinton in 1999. Top Democrats joined Pelosi Thursday in demanding that Sessions resign after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscow's U.S. envoy during the campaign. Sessions' conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak seem to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Following the news, video surfaced of a 1999 C-SPAN interview where the senator discussed his role in the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, focusing at one point on the seriousness of the allegations of lying under oath. "I am concerned about a president, under oath, being alleged to have committed perjury," Sessions said during a 41 minute interview posted to YouTube Wednesday. "There are serious allegations that that occurred. And in America, the Supreme Court and the American people believe that no one is above the law. The president has gotten himself into this fix. I intend to give him an absolutely fair trial." Now Sessions himself is facing similar allegations from the other side of the aisle. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign," Pelosi said in a statement Wednesday evening, "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Andrew Harnik/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 5 MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Alex Brandon/Associated Press Show More Show Less 5 of 5 The conversations that Sessions had with Kislyak seem to contradict sworn statements Sessions gave to Congress during his confirmation hearings. "I have said that, when it's appropriate, I will recuse myself" from the investigation, Sessions told MSNBC on Thursday. At least three Republicans Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Darrell Issa of California and Tom Cole of Oklahoma have said they want Sessions to withdraw from the inquiry. The attorney general "is going to need to recuse himself at this point," Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told MSNBC. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, said he thought Sessions "needs to clarify what these meetings were." He said it isn't unusual for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors, but he added that if a question arose about the integrity of a federal investigation, "I think it'd be easier" for an attorney general to step away, Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump's candidacy and a policy adviser during the campaign, did not disclose those discussions at his Senate confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. The Associated Press contributed to this report. WASHINGTON Senior House Democrats are calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after revelations that the former Alabama senator did not disclose during his Cabinet confirmation hearing meetings he had with the Russian ambassador to the United States. After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said in a statement released Wednesday night, adding that, Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is also demanding a special counsel to investigate the Trump administration for ties to Russia, given AG Sessions false statements about contacts with Russia. And House Oversight and Government Affairs ranking member Elijah Cummings, D-Md., called for Sessions to resign. He criticized the attorney general for keeping secret his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, even after then-national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the same Kremlin official. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Chip Somodevilla / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Alex Brandon/Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 3 When Senator Sessions testified under oath that I did not have communications with the Russians, his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks, Cummings remarked in a statement. Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue. In a statement following the report, Sessions denied he had met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false, he said. Republicans were more cautious in their remarks, but there were signs that they could step up calls for an outside investigation of the Trump teams ties to Russia as a result of the Sessions news. Right now, the probes are being handled by the House and Senate Intelligence panels, and the FBI is investigating what the intelligence communitys interference in the election to aid Trump, and the Trump teams possible ties to Kremlin officials. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said at a CNN town hall Wednesday night that if there is any substance to allegations regarding the Trump team and Russia, then Sessions cannot be the person to assess them. If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make that decision about Trump, Graham said, stressing that Sessions contacts with the Russian ambassador could have been innocent. Karoun Demirjian is a Washington Post writer. Good guy Tom Hanks is at it again. Taking a break from working on his forthcoming book of short stories, the actor-turned-author used one of his typewriters to jot down a quick note for the White House Press Corps accompanying a brand new stainless steel Pasquini espresso machine and boxes of illy coffee. The note, written under a reprint of a WWII-era Bill Mauldin illustration of "American troops, flushed with victory," was an encouragement to "Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way." A new set of interactive maps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lets you look at how various health conditions break down in New York City neighborhoods and hundreds of other cities across the country. The 500 Cities Project provides "city- and census tract-level small area estimates for chronic disease risk factors, health outcomes, and clinical preventive service use for the largest 500 cities in the United States." You can look at levels of conditions like diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease, as well as unhealthy behaviors like binge drinking. There's also info on prevention, like health insurance or mammogram rates. The maps, which are primarily intended for health experts, are a bit wonky, but if you're interested in how your neighborhood stacks up, and how inequality is reflected across economic and racial lines, they're cool to look through. Some examples below. Here are diabetes rates, with rates ranging from light yellow (low) to dark red (high): Diabetes rates by census tract. (CDC) Binge drinking rates, also with rates ranging from light yellow (low) to dark red (high): Binge drinking. (CDC) Rates of residents getting annual checkups, with rates ranging from dark blue (lowest) to bright yellow (highest): Rates of annual checkups. (CDC) I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission. A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it. Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy. WASHINGTON - Then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., spoke twice last year with Russia's ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Donald Trump's campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessions's confirmation hearing to become attorney general. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senator's office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russia's alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trump's associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump on the stump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," he responded. He added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak. "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions's spokeswoman. Justice officials said Sessions met with Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign - not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," Flores said. She added that Sessions last year had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian and German ambassadors, in addition to Kislyak. In the case of the September meeting, one department official who came to the defense of the attorney general said, "There's just not strong recollection of what was said." The Russian ambassador did not respond to requests for comment about his contacts with Sessions. The Washington Post contacted all 26 members of the 2016 Senate Armed Services Committee to see if any lawmakers besides Sessions met with Kislyak in 2016. Of the 19 lawmakers who responded, every senator, including chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., said they did not meet with the Russian ambassador last year. The other lawmakers on the panel did not respond as of Wednesday evening. "Members of the committee have not been beating a path to Kislyak's door," a senior Senate Armed Services Committee staffer said, citing tensions in relations with Moscow. Besides Sessions, the staffer added, "There haven't been a ton of members who are looking to meet with Kislyak for their committee duties." Last month, The Washington Post reported that Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak during the month before Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Mike Pence, the vice president-elect, and other top Trump officials. Flynn was forced to resign the following week. When asked to comment on Sessions's contacts with Kislyak, Franken said in a statement to The Washington Post on Wednesday: "If it's true that Attorney General Sessions met with the Russian ambassador in the midst of the campaign, then I am very troubled that his response to my questioning during his confirmation hearing was, at best, misleading. Franken added: "It is now clearer than ever that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately." Current and former U.S. officials say they see Kislyak as a diplomat, not an intelligence operative. But they were not sure to what extent, if any, Kislyak was aware of or involved in the covert Russian election campaign. Steven Hall, former head of Russia operations at the CIA, said that Russia would have been keenly interested in cultivating a relationship with Sessions because of his role on key congressional committees and as an early adviser to Trump. Sessions's membership on the Armed Services Committee would have made him a priority for the Russian ambassador. "The fact that he had already placed himself at least ideologically behind Trump would have been an added bonus for Kislyak," Hall said. Michael McFaul, a Stanford University professor who until 2014 served as U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not surprised that Kislyak would seek a meeting with Sessions. "The weird part is to conceal it," he said. "That was at the height of all the discussions of what Russia was doing during the election." Two months before the September meeting, Sessions attended a Heritage Foundation event in July on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention that was attended by roughly 50 ambassadors. When the event was over, a small group of ambassadors approached Sessions as he was leaving the podium, and Kislayk was among them, the Justice Department official said. Sessions then spoke individually to some of the ambassadors, including Kislyak, the official said. In the informal exchanges, the ambassadors expressed appreciation for his remarks and some of them invited him to events they were sponsoring, said the official, citing a former Sessions staffer who was at the event. Democratic lawmakers, including senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have demanded in recent weeks that Sessions recuse himself from the government's inquiry into possible ties between Trump associates and Russia.. Last week, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, became one of the few Republican representatives to state publicly the need for an independent investigation. Sessions's public position on Russia has evolved over time. In an interview with RealClear World on the sidelines of the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum in March 2015, Sessions said the United States and Europe "have to unify" against Russia. More than a year later, he spoke about fostering a stronger relationship with the Kremlin. In a July 2016 interview with CNN's "State of the Union," Sessions praised Trump's plan to build better relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Donald Trump is right. We need to figure out a way to end this cycle of hostility that's putting this country at risk, costing us billions of dollars in defense, and creating hostilities," Sessions told CNN. Asked if he viewed Putin as a good or bad leader, Sessions told CNN: "We have a lot of bad leaders around the world that operate in ways we would never tolerate in the United States. But the question is, can we have a more peaceful, effective relationship with Russia? Utilizing interests that are similar in a realistic way to make this world a safer place and get off this dangerous hostility with Russia? I think it's possible." - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate, Robert Costa and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. Farouk al-Sharani/Associated Press WASHINGTON The United States conducted air strikes overnight Thursday against several suspected al Qaeda targets across south-central Yemen, according to U.S. and Yemeni military officials, the first U.S. attacks in the country since an ill-fated Special Operations raid in January. The coordinated series of attacks against al Qaeda militants occurred in three Yemeni provinces that have been areas of suspected terrorist activity Abyan, Shabwa and Baydha according to a senior U.S. military official and a Yemeni military official. WASHINGTON A senior official of al Qaeda was killed Sunday in Syria by a U.S. drone strike, a U.S. official said Wednesday. The terrorist leader, Abu al-Khayr al-Masri, 59, was the second-ranking official after Ayman al-Zawahri and was a son-in-law of al Qaedas founder, Osama bin Laden. Jihadist social media carried reports of the attack Sunday, including photos of the vehicle purportedly struck by the drone. The strike was said to have taken place in Idlib province in northwest Syria, where the Pentagon stepped up air strikes against top al Qaeda operatives in the last two months, killing several important figures. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and an expert on the war in Syria, said in an email that the death of al-Masri was the most significant blow to al Qaedas global network since the killing of Nasir al-Wuhayshi, al Qaedas No. 2 official at the time, in a drone strike in Yemen in June 2015. Al-Masri was jihadi royalty, meaning his death will almost certainly necessitate some form of response, whether from Syria or elsewhere in the world, Lister said. Photographs of the vehicle al-Masri was said to be traveling in when attacked reveal unusual details for such a strike: The vehicle sustained no major explosive damage, but a projectile clearly struck it directly through the car roof. This suggests the precision strike was either a dud or the United States deliberately used an inert warhead to kill its target by high-velocity impact, avoiding possible civilian casualties with an explosive warhead. An Egyptian, al-Masri was a veteran of jihadist conflicts in Egypt, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a longtime member of al Qaedas highly secretive Shura Council. Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt are New York Times writers. 1 Ex-CIA agent freed: An American ex-CIA agent has won a last-minute reprieve and will no longer be extradited from Portugal to Italy, where a court convicted her of taking part in the kidnapping of a Muslim cleric. A Lisbon court ruled Wednesday that Sabrina de Sousa must be released immediately, because Italy had canceled its detention and extradition request. The surprise decision came hours before de Sousa was due to be extradited and a day after Italys president granted her a partial clemency. President Sergio Mattarella shaved one year off her four-year sentence for her role in the abduction of Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas in Milan in 2003. 2 Expensive mold: The international auction house Bonhams says it has sold a small, patchy disc of mold for $14,597. The off-white, nearly 90-year-old swatch of microbes has a rather extraordinary history: It was first created by Alexander Fleming to make penicillin, a revolutionary discovery that brought the world its first antibiotic. The mold was sold Wednesday during an auction in London. The germs are preserved in a glass case and feature an inscription by Fleming on the back, identifying it as the mould that first made penicillin. BEIRUT Syrias military announced Thursday that it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State as the militants defenses crumbled and the groups fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russian-backed air strikes. The development marks the third time that the town famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures that the Islamic State had sought to destroy has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State in Syria in a week, after Turkish-backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants Feb. 23, following a grueling three-month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks under way with the opposition in Switzerland. You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated, the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar al-Jaafari, told reporters in Geneva. The Damascus military statement said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with allied and friendly troops government shorthand for members of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group who are fighting along Syrian President Bashar Assads forces. This is the Syrian governments second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra a UNESCO World Heritage Site was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Islamic State militants have twice used the towns Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. Zeina Karam and Dominique Soguel are Associated Press writers. GENEVA The Syrian air force deliberately bombed a U.N. humanitarian aid convoy in September in a meticulously planned attack that amounted to a war crime, U.N. investigators said Wednesday in a report detailing a range of war crimes on both sides. The attack on the convoy, which killed 14 aid workers and stoked international outrage, was one of the most egregious in a five-month government offensive to take full control of Aleppo, a major Syrian city, the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria said in the report, which it plans to present this month to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. New Zealand shares rose, joining a global rally as US President Donald Trump's proposed US$1 trillion of infrastructure spending and aspirations to drive American economic growth stoked investor optimism. Summerset Holdings and Metlifecare gained in the wake of better earnings results in a lacklustre reporting season. The S&P/NZX 50 index gained 27.05 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7175.83. Within the index, 36 stocks gained, nine fell, and five were unchanged. Turnover was $115.9 million. Stocks markets across Asia followed Wall Street higher after Trump's speech to the Joint Session of Congress dialled back the overblown rhetoric of the campaign that's dogged his early appearances, even if it didn't provide much more detail on his planned infrastructure and tax packages. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index was up 1.1 percent in afternoon trading and South Korea's Kospi 200 gained 0.8 percent. "New Zealand does appear to be lagging behind," said Grant Williamson, a director at Christchurch-based Hamilton Hindin Greene. "Investors are starting to see there's a large number of stocks that are fully-priced on the earnings they reported and it's getting more difficult for investors to find value in this market." Williamson said retirement village operators Metlifecare and Summerset were two of the better performers on the day, and also stood out with stronger-than-expected earnings during the reporting season. Summerset rose 1.9 percent to $5.40 and Metlifecare gained 1.7 percent to $6.05. "Those two reported earnings above expectations," he said. "Both Metlifecare and Summerset learned a valuable lesson off Ryman a number of years ago that there are very good margins in development." Ryman Healthcare fell 1 percent to $8.83. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, which is seen as a proxy for sentiment about the US market given its reliance on sales into the US and Mexican manufacturing, rose 0.8 percent to $9.28. Comvita led the market higher, up 3 percent to $7.49, while Trade Me Group was up 1.9 percent to $5.34. Warehouse Group posted the biggest fall on the day, down 2.7 percent to $2.55. The country's biggest listed retailer is set to report first-half earnings next week, having recently announced plans to strip up to $20 million of annual spending in an organisation restructure. Sky Network Television fell 2.4 percent to $3.71. The pay-TV operator this week said it hadn't given up on a planned merger with Vodafone New Zealand after getting it shot down by the Commerce Commission, with both parties declining to trigger a termination clause. Among blue chip stocks, Spark New Zealand declined 0.8 percent to $3.525, Fletcher Building rose 1.3 percent to $9.73 and Auckland International Airport fell 1.2 percent to $7.26. CBL Group rose 6.1 percent to $3.15, recovering from a 20 percent drop over the past week. The credit surety and financial risk insurer gave guidance for operating earnings to rise by up to 22 percent this year, building on a 27 percent gain in 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: David Mair Announced as Newest Board Member for Sanford HFL - Financial results for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 7th Morning Report 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 US President Donald Trump's blunt and confrontational rhetoric about Chinese trade policies hasn't won much support among consumers in the world's most populous nation and could give some Kiwi exporters a leg up over their American rivals. A survey of 2,000 Chinese consumers by China Skinny and Findoout last month found 41 percent of respondents willing to answer held a more negative view on the US, while 51 percent were neutral and just 8.1 percent were more positive. The survey sought views on a variety of US products and services, with the most negative in areas where New Zealand exporters are jostling for attention in the world's second-biggest economy. Chinese consumers were most downbeat on making US investments, with a net 18 percent more negative, followed by a net 14 percent more negative on travel, and 10 percent downbeat about study. "America's loss is NZ's gain if we execute well," said Mark Tanner, an expat Kiwi who heads up Shanghai-based marketing consultancy China Skinny. "Chinese want to travel more than ever, but with America not looking overly welcoming, Europe looking unsafe, NZ (and Australia) are well-positioned for tourists and students." China is an important part of New Zealand's strategy to attract both international students, who pay full price on school fees, and for tourism, with the Asian nation providing the country's second-biggest pool of short-term visitors. Tanner said those students and tourists provided wider marketing benefits through word-of-mouth back in China, building "an affinity for NZ products" and they then "tell their friends and family about it on social media and return back to China praising it". The survey also found Chinese consumers were more negative on food and beverage, and mother and baby products from the US, at a net 9.5 percent and 8.1 percent respectively. US health and pharmaceuticals products also attracted a net negative view at 4.6 percent. The online market research firm said Chinese consumers can be sensitive to negative media about a country, as shown when sales of Japanese cars slumped in China during the territorial dispute in September 2012. New Zealand counts China as its biggest trading partner, and government data yesterday showed the terms of trade with China rose 13 percent in the December quarter, with export prices up 7.7 percent and import prices down 5 percent. The volume of exports rose 29 percent while values were up 39 percent, due to the pick-up in sales of dairy products, while import volumes increased 6.9 percent for a 1.6 percent rise in volumes. Fonterra Cooperative Group, the world's biggest dairy exporter, noted Chinese imports of dairy products were up 20 percent in calendar 2016, with skim milk powder the only category to decline through the period. The US exported US$113 billion of goods and services to China in 2015, making it the nation's third-largest market behind Canada and Mexico, the other parties of the North America Free Trade Agreement. However, since Trump has taken over the White House he has threatened to impose punitive tariffs on China, and his national trade policy agenda for 2017 signalled a "fundamental change in direction" to "expand trade in a way that is freer and fairer for all Americans" and that rejects the idea the US can strengthen its geopolitical position by "adopting trade measures that make American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses less competitive in global markets". Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler this week cited the Trump's trade policies as an unknown factor that could pose downside risks to the global economy. 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: David Mair Announced as Newest Board Member for Sanford HFL - Financial results for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 7th Morning Report 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 T&G Global, the fruit marketer controlled by Germanys BayWa, has agreed to a joint venture in the US that it says will improve its access to the American fresh produce market. The agreement between the Auckland-based company and Grandview Brokerage (GBL), the parent of Vancouver-based Oppenheimer Group, will see T&G increase its stake in US produce marketing and distribution business David Oppenheimer and Co to 39.4 percent from 15 percent, with GBL holding the remaining 60.6 percent. At the same time, T&G will reduce its interest in David Oppenheimer Transport to about 6 percent from 15 percent, with GBL picking up the other 9 percent. It will also sell 50 percent of its Delica North America business, T&G's US export business, to GBL. The series of transactions net out as a payment from T&G to GBL of about $800,000. That's made up of T&G paying $11.4 million to increase its stake in David Oppenheimer, receiving $8.6 million for half of Delica and receiving about $2 million for the 9 percent of Oppenheimer Transport, T&G said in a statement. The deal is expected to be completed at the end of the month. T&G chief executive Alastair Hulbert said the increased stake in David Oppenheimer, or Oppy US as it is known, underlines the importance of the US market, "in particular our Jazz and Envy PVR apple brands and the vital role Oppy US is playing in this success." "Aligning our US export business with the Oppenheimer Group will enable T&G Global to present grower suppliers to both US and international customers and further strengthen its ability to service and support the needs of these US domestic and international customers and the consumers of fresh produce, he said. Oppy US handles berries, citrus, kiwifruit, tomatoes, grapes and pipfruit and is one of three US-based licensed agents for T&G Globals proprietary varieties of pipfruit - Jazz, Envy and Pacific Rose, T&G said. GBL is 65 percent owned by Ireland's Total Produce and 35 percent by GBL president John Anderson. This week, T&G reported a 67 percent gain in full-year profit of $32.4 million. Its shares last traded at $3.50 and have climbed 64 percent in the past 12 months. 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: David Mair Announced as Newest Board Member for Sanford HFL - Financial results for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 7th Morning Report 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 Negotiations between Kiwi Property Group and NPT over a property deal are progressing constructively but taking longer than expected, with a shareholder meeting now planned for April, NPT says. In December, Auckland-based Kiwi Property put forward its plan to sell the North City Shopping Centre in Porirua and Majestic Centre in downtown Wellington to NPT for cash and shares worth $230 million, with NPT raising $100 million of new equity as well as a $50 million issue to Kiwi Property for a 19.9 percent stake to help fund the deal. The plan won the backing of the target's board, trumping a rival bid by Augusta Capital, which took legal proceedings seeking orders requiring NPT to call a meeting of shareholders to discuss its bid, but dropped its case in January with its proposal due to be heard at the shareholders' meeting. NPT said at the time it would issue a notice of meeting in February, with the meeting to be held soon after. Today, NPT chairman John Anderson said negotiations and other preparations for the shareholders meeting were "close to completion and a further update will be provided very soon", and the board expects the meeting to take place in April. "Negotiations with Kiwi Property Group are progressing constructively, however, attending to the finer details of the management agreement, sale and purchase agreements and terms of the share subscription, as well as (the) arrangement of other funding for the transaction, is taking longer than initially expected," Anderson said in a statement. "It is critical that the board and Kiwi take the time to get this level of detail right, and for the board to ensure that it achieves the best possible position for NPT and the shareholders in the circumstances." If the Kiwi Property transaction is backed by NPT shareholders, it would expand the company's portfolio to $400 million from its current $170 million, and more than double distributable income to $16.8 million by 2020 from $5.8 million in the 2017 financial year. That compares to the Augusta bid which would increase NPT's assets under management to about $505 million, which Augusta estimates would more than triple net profit by 2020 to about $18.3 million. NPT shares last traded at 63 cents, down 1.6 percent in the past 12 months, while Kiwi Property shares were at $1.42, up 2.2 percent in the year. Augusta shares last traded at $1.025 cents, up 4.6 percent in the past year. 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: David Mair Announced as Newest Board Member for Sanford HFL - Financial results for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 7th Morning Report 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 Intueri Education Group, whose $70.7 million of debt with ANZ Bank New Zealand is almost 60 times greater than its market value, may be a tough sell for High St Capital Partners, the firm hired to drum up interest in the private training establishment company. Intueri shares last traded at 1.2 cents, giving the company a market capitalisation of $1.2 million. Its 2014 initial public offering was at $2.35 apiece, valuing the company at $252.5 million. On Feb. 14, the company advised ANZ Bank it was in breach of lending covenants as at Dec. 31, giving it 30 days to negotiate the continuation of the facility. The "Going Concern" section of its annual report shows a $5.1 million deferred payment due on June 30 to the former owners of Online Courses Australia Group (OCA), acquired in March 2014 as part of its failed Australian expansion. "The group does not currently have sufficient headroom in its banking facility to repay this balance," it says in the annual report. Since the full-year results were released last month, showing a $23.3 million loss and impairments of $15 million, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has decided to cancel the registration of Intueri's Conwal & Associates and OCA colleges from March 29. An ASQA audit last year had found the colleges didn't meet its standards. Intueri's net liabilities were $29.6 million at Dec. 31 and it had a net working capital deficit, the annual report shows. Among other material uncertainties that cast doubt on its going concern status were its ability to restructure its capital and pay debts as they fall due, along with the outcome of the Tertiary Education Commission's investigation into its Quantum Education Group, which was acquired partly via funding from its $60 million IPO in 2014 but is now being wound down. The IPO also allowed Arowana International to sell down its stake, after the Australian private equity firm bundled up a group of PTEs to create a company that could be listed on the NZX and ASX. It has since exited the ASX. Intueri has indicated it plans to make a claim under the sale and purchase agreement for Quantum, but won't decide on that until the TEC concludes its review. The Serious Fraud Office is also looking into Quantum. Separately, Intueri expects the settlement of its legal claim against the former owners of its dive school, which it has conditional agreement to sell. "We recognise that the debt needs to be supported. Based on current earnings that's going to be difficult," said acting chief executive Rod Marvin. "The issues have arisen because of Quantum and the dive school, and regulatory changes in Australia. It leaves us with a large debt but that doesn't reflect the day-to-day operations of the remaining businesses. The three PTEs that are continuing "are all well-managed, category 1 businesses with no historical or ongoing regulatory issues." Marvin says Intueri hasn't yet decided whether to appeal the ASQA decision but an early closure didn't necessarily mean additional costs from the Australian business, which had been forecast to broadly break even this year, as long as the company receives the remainder of the funding due while they remain open. Intueri has retained boutique advisory firm, High St Capital, to assist with a strategic review, with options including the sale of some or all of its operations, with the end of April targeted to conclude a sale. "It's still early days. We've had discussions with a number of people," Marvin told BusinessDesk, adding that the process would take two-to-three months. While Intueri has yet to sign a standstill agreement with its bank, "we're not expecting any issues." Intueri's main source of government funding is the TEC's student achievement component (SAC), which funds an agreed number of full-time domestic students. In addition, it gets funding via the Youth Guarantee Scheme and relies on domestic and international student fees to make up the balance. TEC currently invests in five Intueri PTEs: Global Education Group (trading as North Shore International Academy), the NZ School of Outdoor Studies, the NZ Institute of Sport, IENZ and the NZ College of Massage. Asked whether the TEC was concerned that Intueri may be trading while insolvent, TEC chief executive Tim Fowler said: "At this point we are satisfied that Intueri has arrangements in place to operate and deliver against the programmes and activities in its investment plan." "We are monitoring Intueris student enrolments and financial performance on a monthly basis to ensure students continually receive quality tuition," he said. "The TEC has a standard recovery procedure where we routinely assess all TEOs (tertiary education organisations') delivery volume against their funding agreements. We will be recovering funds for the delivery of programmes in 2016." Fowler said TEC has a process in place should ownership of a PTE change hands, provided it is approved by the NZ Qualifications Authority. Last month, Intueri said it had conditionally agreed to sell the NZ School of Outdoor Studies, which trades as the NZ School of Commercial Diver Training and is the only such school in New Zealand. The settlement is expected by the end of March. 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: David Mair Announced as Newest Board Member for Sanford HFL - Financial results for the year ended 31 August 2022 November 7th Morning Report 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 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 John Wick: Chapter 2 At the Cinemark (R) Grade: B- Sometimes the setting of a film can swallow up the story. Take Murder on the Orient Express, for example. Exquisite costumes, a majestically recreated train and a cast for the ages made the experience irresistible. Who was the murderer? Cant recall. Everyone? I felt much the same about the insanely violent action film John Wick: Chapter 2. The unstoppable Wick disposes villains at an astounding rate. The Body Counters (yes, they exist) report Wick racked up 128 kills, compared to 72 in the original. (Return of the King leads with 836; Titanic sank 307.) Periodically, I would wonder Why is Keanu Reeves so upset? Anger management counseling? but then I would just settle back to admire the accouterments including the Continental Hotel, the Assassin Coins, the marker and the wine tasting room. The Continental is a sanctuary hotel where assassins go to sleep soundly. The managements rules are clear: No killing inside the hotel or you are excommunicated from the club. Even the most ruthless killers obey -- sometimes dining with their targets during their hotel respite. The hotel is luxury beyond the Ritz Carlton -- palatial accommodations. The idea of this safe zone in a ruthless world is appealing, made more ironic because its inhabited by assassins. As for the coins, they are assassin currency, which seemingly buys anything, anytime. Wick hides his stash under a floor and pours cement over them. Pulling out a gold coin/doubloon opens any door, and everyone steps aside in its presence. Tolkiens Ring, limited edition. The marker, of course, symbolizes the unbreakable promise. A marker is given guaranteeing that the he/she will honor any request made at any time prior to death. Wick agreed to such a marker, setting in motion this sequel when he says never mind and reneges. Bad move, John. Finally, theres that tasting room. Set up like a connoisseurs haven for very rich sippers, the tasting turns out to be of high-powered, custom-designed weapons. Wick visits to taste many possibilities, settling on the most lethal. I might also mention the clothing store where Wick is suited impeccably in bullet-proof elegance that will allow him to attend royal events, killing fellow partiers with impunity as he leaves. He pays with a gold coin, of course. The intricate details inside the assassins world is captivating, even for a Quaker like me. Movies sometimes transport us to worlds weve never visited before. Wick does that. The stunning world of Wick notwithstanding, the unrelenting unrepentant violence shouldnt be allowed to be forgiven simply because of its exquisite choreography and set designs. John Wick: Chapter 2 is a revenge movie, served without ice. I could handle the lost souls in Titanic, because of the tales of love and courage while afloat. Hard to locate such threads of humanity amidst the chaos of John Wick: Chapter 2. The Montana Highway Patrol says a 61-year-old Helena woman and a 43-year-old Havre woman were killed in a head-on crash on U.S. Highway 87 near Big Sandy. The patrol says the Helena woman was southbound at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday when her vehicle crossed the center line and into the path of the Havre woman's Jeep. Both women died on impact. Their names have not been released. BALTIMORE The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is now home to two grizzly bear cubs from Montana. The zoo says the bears were found trying to survive in the wild without their mother and that the decision was made to capture both cubs in September after it was clear one cub was failing. A veterinarian discovered that the smaller of the cubs had been shot and it was treated. The zoo says the cubs' mother was later found with shotgun wounds to her face and was euthanized. The bears arrived at the zoo in late December and were in quarantine for a month. The zoo's general curator Mike McClure says the cubs are probably around 11 months old and are on permanent loan from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The cubs were trapped on Labor Day by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Wildlife Management Program authorities outside Polson, then examined by a veterinarian and put in the Montana Wildlife Centers care while looking for a zoo to take them. "We'll spend three to four weeks looking," Ron Aasheim, spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said in September, "and we'll do our best. I don't know if cubs of the year are easier to place or not. But we can keep smaller bears longer if needed -- our facility is not ideal for larger bears." NEW DELHI: Chinese smartphone maker Coolpad's flagship device Cool S1 will be available in India in May. According to company sources, Cool S1 will arrive in India in the second quarter this year. Coolpad showcased the device at the just-concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. Launched in December in China last year, Cool S1 concentrates on music and game and targets the youth. The device is fitted with Harman Kardon's tone tuning technology. During the MWC, Harman Kardon officially rewarded Coolpad the authentication certificate on high-quality sound, which is the first certificate ever that Harman has issued to a smartphone brand. The "Clari-Fi" technology in Cool S1 revives the compressed MP3 and WMV files better. The phone comes with a 5.50-inch touchscreen display and is powered by 2.35GHz quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM. The phone packs 32GB internal storage cannot be expanded. Coolpad Cool S1 packs a 16MP primary camera and a 8MP front shooter. Cool S1 runs Android 6.0 and is powered by a 4,070mAh non removable battery that guarantees four hours 3D mobile games playing. Read Also: Micromax Expands Footprint Into Accessories Segment Gionee Launches New A-Series Selfie-Focused Smartphones NWS Yina Chi The NYPD has asked for the public's help in locating Yina Chi, 28, of Mariners Harbor, who was last seen on Wednesday in Manahttan. (Courtesy of NYPD) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 28-year-old Staten Island woman with autism who went missing while shopping with a home aide in Manhattan has been found. The NYPD had asked for the public's help in locating Yina Chi of Union Avenue in Mariners Harbor. She disappeared on Wednesday at about 1:15 p.m. on the corner of Catherine Street and East Broadway in Manhattan. Chi has returned home and is safe, according to a spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Chi is a high-functioning autistic person who is in good health, said a source with knowledge of the investigation. The 28-year-old woman somehow became separated from a home aide while they were shopping. Chi previously went missing in 2007, the source said. Police described Chi as standing 5'1" tall, weighing 120 pounds and having short black hair. She was last seen wearing a red, long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and carrying a pink shoulder bag and a red tote bag. She speaks both English and Chinese. The photo of Chi was supplied to the media by police. Anyone with information is asked to visit the NYPD's Crime Stoppers website, call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA) for Spanish, or text their tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. Bill de Blasio New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, left, waves at spectators as he marches in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Rockaways neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Mayor de Blasio was booed often while he marched in the parade. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) CITY HALL -- Mayor Bill de Blasio is skipping the Staten Island St. Patrick's Parade again on Sunday but has time for several trips out of town this week. By Sunday night, de Blasio will have left the city more times within nine days than he's gone to Staten Island all year. "He won't be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts," de Blasio spokeswoman Jessica Ramos said of the borough parade on March 5. She had no further comment. Last weekend de Blasio traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, for the Democratic National Committee meeting to elect a new party chair. On Wednesday, he went to Washington, D.C., to attend the winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Thursday. After coming back to the city briefly on Thursday afternoon, de Blasio will then head to Chicago. On Friday he will address the City Club of Chicago. The mayor will go to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, next to deliver the keynote address at the Broward Democratic Party's annual fundraising dinner on Saturday. De Blasio will also have fundraisers when he's in both Chicago and Fort Lauderdale, a campaign spokesman confirmed. On Sunday, he will travel to California for another fundraiser in Los Angeles. De Blasio's has visited Staten Island at least three times so far this year, though none of the appearances were public. The mayor went to dinner at Aunt Butchie's of Brooklyn in Richmond Valley with Borough President James Oddo on Jan. 25. And sometime in January, de Blasio held his third Staten Island fundraiser of his reelection bid, according to a campaign spokesman. His campaign would not say exactly when or where the event was held. The mayor's office doesn't always disclose his whereabouts and had no further comment when the Advance noted how few times de Blasio has been on Staten Island this year. De Blasio skipped the Groundhog Day ceremony at the Staten Island Zoo last month. He missed the 2016 ceremony too so that he could campaign for Hillary Clinton in Iowa. The last three times, the mayor boycotted the parade for not being inclusive. The mayor's office wouldn't say if de Blasio would have chosen to boycott the event again if he didn't have "scheduling conflicts." The borough parade prohibits gays from marching openly under banners or otherwise identifying themselves. There was a brief confrontation at the Staten Island parade in 2011 when members of the Young Democrats of Richmond County wore small rainbow lapel pins while marching to show their support of gay rights. A parade marshal objected to the display. The mayor's office has said in the past that de Blasio won't march in parades that exclude any groups. He didn't march at the Staten Island event in 2014, 2015 or 2016. De Blasio has still been known to rub elbows with other politicians at Jody's Club Forest before the Staten Island event. He went as public advocate and while campaigning for mayor, but hasn't since being elected. nws FDNY cruise ship FDNY members respond to call for patient in distress aboard cruise ship, Norwegian Gem, Monday Feb. 27. (Courtesy of FDNY) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Multiple FDNY units were sent out into the harbor Monday evening after receiving a call for a patient in distress aboard the cruise ship the Norwegian Gem, according to an FDNY spokesman. The call came in at around 7 p.m. as the 965-foot-long ship made its way back into the harbor. Capt. Louis Guzzo from Marine 6, Lt. Ilya Zerakhto with Marine 9, and Battalion Chief Joseph R. Dudley along with other FDNY members were quick to respond to the scene. "Communication worked out well between FDNY members, the cruise ship staff and dispatch," Guzzo said, according to an FDNY Facebook post on the rescue. "We all responded to the ship, which had turned around and made its way back to New York Harbor when the patient became ill." The patient was transferred to the Fireboat Bravest, a 65-foot New York State-certified ambulance, and was brought to Marine 9 quarters on Staten Island. "The patient trusted us completely," Guzzo said. "I said that it was going to be an interesting ride but not to worry. They would be secured to the long board, and the long board would be secured to the stokes basket." Additional FDNY EMS members from Station 22 met the boat at Marine 9, and transported the patient to a local hospital in stable condition. "FDNY members from Marine 6, Marine 9 and Marine Battalion, and Rescue Paramedics John Heer and Valerie Gosling-Martinez from Station 22, all did a great job," Guzzo said. In 1957, a group of concerned citizens in the Flathead Valley founded The Lutheran Home to provide a comfortable place for local seniors to live during their golden years. Sixty years later, The Lutheran Home has evolved and expanded to become Immanuel Lutheran Communities, but our mission is the same: to provide a safe, comfortable place for seniors to live especially those seniors who have outlived their financial resources and cannot afford care for themselves. Immanuel Lutheran Communities is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community offering residential living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care in Kalispell. Last year, we provided over $2 million of unreimbursed care to area seniors on Medicaid. These seniors have paid their fair share of taxes over their lifetimes; now it is time for us to give back. We must make their welfare a top priority, and allow them to receive the quality care and services they deserve, by fully funding the Medicaid program. The gap between reimbursement paid by Medicaid and the cost to deliver services is growing, and as Montanas population continues to age at the highest percentage rate in the country, we will soon have a crisis on our hands. As CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities, I am deeply concerned for seniors who are too physically frail or cognitively challenged to advocate for themselves. And I am concerned about how we can continue to provide such care in the Flathead Valley when we face competitive wage pressures, escalating costs of living and a shrinking labor pool. We depend on the legislature to properly fund Medicaid reimbursement for The Lutheran Home and all nursing homes across the state. Reductions to the Medicaid program may force us to reduce the number of seniors we care for who are on Medicaid, and/or force us to raise private pay rateswhich will, in turn, accelerate the rate at which seniors will outlive their financial resources and thus require eventual state assistance which will cost the state more money over time. Funding the Medicaid program for our area seniors must be a priority. Jason R. Cronk is CEO of Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell. DJI_0015_Fotor Matrix Development Group, a New Jersey-based developer and investment firm, is building on more than 200 acres of industrially zoned land -- formerly earmarked for an 82,500-seat NASCAR racetrack before it was derailed by public skepticism and political opposition -- in the West Shore Green Zone. (Courtesy of Matrix Development Group) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the last six months of 2016, Staten Island saw the sale of 273 investment properties for a total of $492 million -- double the price for all transactions from the same time period in 2015, according to the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) Investment Sales Report. Sales of investment properties -- including multifamily dwellings, office space, hotels, retail, condominiums, garages, gas stations and vacant land -- on Staten Island jumped by 31 percent from 2015 to 2016, according to the report. The bump in sales volume was driven in the category of garages, gas stations, and vacant land, where Staten Island saw a 356 percent jump, according to REBNY. INTEREST IN STATEN ISLAND Part of the uptick is the interest from off-Island developers, who want to cash in on the last large parcels of vacant land in New York City. "Staten Island is significantly cheaper for similar-priced properties in other boroughs. Purchasing these types of properties offer off-Island investors an attractive return on their investments," said James Prendamano, managing director for Casandra Properties, St. George. Because Staten Island still has vacant land -- especially along the West Shore -- real estate professionals say sales are likely to increase even more. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. The capital flow into Staten Island has been driven by outside developers, investors and individuals finally 'discovering,' Staten Island," said Frank J. Rizzo, president and broker of Cornerstone Realty in Annadale. "As the last bastion of affordability throughout the city, Staten Island has become the middle class oasis allowing working class families and individuals an opportunity to live, work and play and do so inside their budget. It's helped keep our median income as some of the highest in the city, which has finally gotten noticed from commercial developers who realize they have a captive market," he added. TRANSACTIONS ACROSS THE 5 BOROUGHS The total number of transactions closed throughout the five boroughs in the second half of 2016 was 2,880, totaling $26.8 billion, which is a 22 percent decline from the $34.3 billion recorded in the second half of 2015, according to the report. This difference is attributable to the historic high, multi-billion dollar sales that closed in the second half of 2015, including the sales of Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village and the office building at 11 Madison Ave. "Investment sales activity was resilient in 2016 with healthy transaction volume throughout the five boroughs," said John Banks, REBNY President. "The year-over-year consistency in overall sales was bolstered by growing interest among the city's diverse asset types." TOP TRANSACTIONS CITYWIDE The top three, highest-priced transactions closed in the second half of 2016 were for office buildings. These included: the $1.15 billion sale of a minority stake in the office building 1095 Avenue of the Americas; the $707 million sale for a portion of the office building 501 West 30th Street, also known as 10 Hudson Yards, and the $652 million sale for a 50 percent stake in the Olympic Tower at 641 Fifth Ave., including two adjacent retail buildings at 647 and 649 Fifth Avenue. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK Page Content On Wednesday March 1st 12 students from the Michigan State University accompanied by Dr. Steven Bow and his wife Linda Bow, Associate professors at the School of Criminal Justice paid a visit to the Police headquarters in Philipsburg where they met with a team of representatives from the Police department. This team consisted of Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson of Public Relation and Communication and the CPOs/ Inspectors Helen Romeo and Rensley Henson. An extensive presentation regarding the police force and its daily operation was given, including how and when the police force (KPSM) came about, among several other topics. After the presentation the students were allowed to ask questions. The students were quite impressed with the presentation and were very happy to visit the island. The students also had the opportunity the meet the Chief of Police Carl John who was more than happy to say a few words to them. (See pic attached) Page Content Last week, Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, the Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. Hensley Plantijn, the Head of the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Marc Arnold, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Ms. Khalilah Peters, the Head of Economic Affairs and Finance/St. Maarten representative in Europe, Ms. Carol Voges and Policy Advisor Donor Coordination/Representative of the Regional Authorizing Officer, Ms. Olivia Lake formed the St. Maarten Delegation to the yearly Trilateral Meetings, Ministerial Conference and OCT-EU Forum held in Oranjestad Aruba from Tuesday February 21-24, 2017. During this event, the St. Maarten delegation participated in a number of meetings on the progress of the various ongoing programmes on the territorial, regional and global level. Further, the delegation also participated in the Ministerial Conference and the OCT-EU Forum and the BEST Technical Event. The Caribbean Sustainable Development Forum also took place in Oranjestad during this week in the side-lines of the ongoing EU Event. St. Maarten was represented by Secretary General of the Ministry of VROM, Mr. Louis Brown, Department Head VROM, Mr. Mark Williams and the Head of the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Marc Arnold. In the margins of these events, opportunities for bilateral and trilateral meetings were also presented. The Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Richard Gibson, utilized this opportunity to meet with the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Affairs Mr. Ronald Plasterk. Further to this, the three Prime Ministers of the Caribbean Netherlands, the Honourable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Honourable Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman and the Honourable Prime Minister of Curacao, Mr. Hensley Koeiman also had an opportunity to meet to discuss various topics. The Honourable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. Hensley Plantijn and the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Ms. Khalilah Peters remained in Aruba for the Kingdom Meeting on Foreign Relations with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bert Koenders. Jan. 20 was my last day at work. Under the Obama administration, I served as a political liaison for NASA on Capitol Hill. I watched up close while 2016 revealed the strengths and weaknesses of our democracy. As the American West opens up before my windshield on the drive home to Montana, I am compelled to say why I pledge to vote in Montanas upcoming special election. I pledge to vote for many reasons, but this year, I am mostly concerned about the state of our democracy. The Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the United States from a full democracy to a flawed democracy in its 2016 Democracy Index. People want reassurance that our elections can be free and fair, and that the leaders we elect have the best interests of the nation and our future generations in mind. If voters dont turn up, those things wont happen. When it comes to making democracy work, Montana is a model for the country. We often travel long distances through harsh conditions to get to our polling places. Despite these obstacles, Montanans consistently have one of the highest voting rates of any state. Montana voters are also intriguingly independent. We often split tickets between parties. In 2016, we voted for a Republican president and a Democratic governor. This shows that we care less about party affiliation and more about the values individual candidates stand for. This combination of independence and high turnout reflect Montana values rugged self-reliance combined with fierce patriotism. And when national politics tilt precariously, Montanans help balance the country. In 1916, at the height of the womens suffrage movement, Montanans elected the first woman to Congress. In 1972, while Watergate shook Americas faith in federal government, Montanans updated and strengthened the state Constitution. During the nauseatingly expensive 2012 election, Montanans challenged the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to allow unlimited campaign spending by outside organizations. In 2017, as allegations of election hacking and fraud dampen voter enthusiasm, Montana can remind America about what makes voting great. At a time like this, there is no better place than Montana for a bellwether election. To me, Montana is the best place in America, hands down. Its land, people, and way of life are second to none. I am a minority, but I always proudly identify as Montanan first. I never question my identity because I always feel like I belong in Montana. During the drive home, I pass my birthplace of Bloomington, Indiana, I imagine what my parents were thinking when we moved to Montana. My dad grew up on a farm in northern Indiana. My mom moved from Korea to attend Indiana University. She has lived in America as a naturalized citizen for nearly four decades. They were probably nervous about moving to a faraway state, but it quickly became home. My parents loved raising my younger sister and me in the Missoula community. We attended public schools, played music and sports, and always had friends over for dinner, excited to taste moms cooking. Through Montanas acceptance of us, we love the state in a special way. It may be hard for some to understand if theyve never experienced being a minority. But let me tell you, if you find yourself in a place where you are different from everybody else, its nice to be treated as an equal. And so, its for equalitys sake that I also pledge to vote this spring. Equality is our nation's founding principle and most basic unifying concept. It is what made my life in Montana possible. This spring, lets make voting great again. If anyone can do this, its Montanans. Activate your voter registration. Educate yourself about our candidates and engage with them. Drop the identity politics and negative labelling. We have too many external threats to face right now to turn against ourselves. During your conversations, speak to others in a way that will invite a handshake instead of a punch in the face. By doing these things, we will ensure the voice we send to Washington is our strongest. So, Montana, I look forward to coming home. Im ready to wholeheartedly engage in politics again. I hope you are too. Dan West, who grew up in Missoula, is among the Democrats hoping to replace Ryan Zinke as Montana's lone U.S. representative. He worked in Washington, D.C., for two Western senators and at NASA under the Obama administration. 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 BILLINGS A Billings contractor on Wednesday admitted federal crimes accusing him and two of his former companies of defrauding the Chippewa Cree Tribe in northcentral Montana and the federal government in a series of schemes involving inflated and phony invoices and kickbacks. During a hearing in U.S. District Court in Great Falls, Kevin McGovern, 46, pleaded guilty to charges in a deal with prosecutors that will settle three separate indictments. Prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence not to exceed six years for McGovern and to seek dismissal of other charges. McGovern pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and his former company, MC Equipment Holdings LLC, to wire fraud and to theft from an Indian tribal organization over a deal involving a portable paving plant. McGovern faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count. MC Equipment faces a maximum $500,000 fine on each count. McGovern also pleaded guilty on behalf of CMG Construction to false claims against a federally funded project for bills submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the demolition of the tribes flood-damaged medical clinic. CMG faces a maximum $500,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris set sentencing for June 8 for McGovern on all of his convictions and for the companies. The plea deals are contingent on Morris approval at sentencing. McGovern was awaiting sentencing on a third case in which a federal jury convicted him in November of conspiracy and bribery charges stemming from a kickback scheme on FEMA contacts for projects related to flooding on the tribes Rocky Boys Reservation in 2010. Billings attorney Mark Parker, who represents McGovern, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. McGovern, CMG and MC Equipment got indicted as part of a massive years-long corruption probe by the Department of the Interiors Office of Inspector General into tribal activities; the tribes Chippewa Cree Construction Company, which was headed by Tony Belcourt; and nontribal members who did business with the tribe. Belcourt, a former state legislator, tribal member and business partner of McGoverns, along with numerous other former tribal leaders and non-tribal members have been convicted of various crimes and were sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution. As McGovern and prosecutors reached plea deals to settle the criminal cases, McGovern also sold CMG and sister companies to a private equity firm in Bethesda, Maryland, in a deal that will preserve jobs for CMGs 150 employees. McGovern formed CMG in 2004 and was president and sole principal of the successful privately held company. CMGs new owner, Oroco Capital, announced last week that it intends to invest in the company and promoted Justin Peterson, who was CMGs estimator and project manager for civil construction, to be general manager. CMG projects have included the new James F. Battin Federal Courthouse in Billings, a major construction project underway at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, as well as the Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail, Dehler Park in Billings, Yellowstone Club at Big Sky and the Shiloh Conservation Area in Billings. FEMA false claims The false claims case arose from flooding that destroyed the tribes health clinic in June 2010. FEMA gave the tribe $11.6 million in disaster recovery assistance, which included the clinics demolition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon said in court records that in June 2011, the tribes construction company, known as CCCC, awarded CMG a sole-source, non-competitive contract for $1 million to demolish the clinic. There was no written justification for the award of this sole-source contract, and no other contractors were given the opportunity to bid on the contact, the prosecutor said. Belcourt and CMG then inflated the contracts value to $1.5 million and falsely claimed the increase was related to the demolition, Weldon said. The claim was false because the clinic already was demolished when the increase happened, he said. Belcourt and CMG, he continued, submitted the increased invoices to capture money from FEMA, rather than spend tribal money to pay for projects that FEMA otherwise would not have covered. The prosecutions evidence included false and inflated invoices, backdated contracts and an email between Belcourt and McGovern. In addition, Belcourt testified earlier that the demolition contract was inflated to use FEMA money rather than tribal money. CMG submitted invoices for the $1 million demolition contract, said the project was 100 percent completed with no money remaining due and sent Belcourt an email that had a Final Demolition Notice, Weldon said. Belcourt replied four minutes later, thanking McGovern for the invoice. In addition Belcourt wrote, Also, I am hoping you didnt call the invoice final for the clinic demolition as I might adjust the contract to make the gravel easier to swallow. Responding an hour later, McGovern provided Belcourt a CMG invoice that falsely claimed the demolition project was only 67 percent complete, that the demolition contract awarded totaled $1.5 million and that $500,000 was remaining to be paid. Hot plant 'finders fee' McGovern and MC Equipment also admitted their role in selling the tribe a hot plant for a premium price in which they agreed to pay Belcourt a finders fee if Belcourt could find a buyer. Weldon said McGovern bought a hot plant in May 2010 for $1.2 million and used it several times on projects in Wyola, Sidney and Harlowton. A hot plant is a portable paving machine. McGovern decided to sell the hot plant in the fall of 2011 and agreed to pay Belcourt a finders fee if he could secure a buyer, Weldon said. McGovern knew Belcourt through the FEMA demolition contract. The men also were partners in another company they and a third partner formed, called MT Waterworks of Billings. MT Waterworks, a pipe fittings supply and sales firm that got convicted earlier in the corruption probe, paid a $350,000 fine last year after admitting it falsely claimed an Indian preference on federal and tribal contracts. Belcourt pitched the hot plant purchase to the tribes business committee, which is its governing body and composed of tribal leaders. The tribe agreed to buy the hot plant for $1.7 million in January 2012. To come up with the money, the tribe used funds from an insurance recovery fund, misappropriated $500,000 in federal funds from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and took $200,000 from a program reserve account, the prosecution said. Dr. James Eastlick, a former clinical psychologist who worked at the tribes health clinic and who was convicted earlier along with Belcourt, told investigators that Belcourt solicited him to broker the hot plant deal from McGovern. Eastlick, Weldon said, explained to investigators that Belcourt arranged a deal so that McGovern and MC Equipment were intentionally overpaid for the hot plant, which would allow for a lucrative finders fee payment back to Belcourt. Ultimately, McGovern paid a finders fee of about $320,000, which included a $229,000 payment from MC Equipment and $91,800 from MT Waterworks. The money went to Belcourt and to several other tribal officials, Weldon said. Because the hot plant deal depleted the tribes road branch maintenance account of its federal operating money, the tribe had to get a $700,000 loan from First Interstate Bank to cover the shortfall, Weldon said. MC Equipment delivered the hot plant to the tribes casino parking lot, where it sat unused and in pieces, Weldon said. The tribes construction company eventually sold the hot plant to a Canadian company in July 2015 for $1 million. The tribe never assembled or used the hot plant, Weldon said. "Whether or not it legally qualifies as a claim for class-wide sexual harassment is irrelevant," Sellers added. "We're saying there's evidence of women in the workplace, for a decade and across the country, being treated in very harassing and demeaning ways that reflects something about the environment in which decisions about how they work were being made." 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Stephen Stubbs, 64, was sentenced to three years and one month imprisonment for accepting more than $29,000 in payments from Legal Aid ACT and a client's mother to defend her son for a conspiracy to murder charge. The case ended with a judgment by consent before Justice John Burns in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday. Credit:Graham Tidy Stubbs was led from the ACT Supreme Court in handcuffs to serve one year of his sentence behind bars, with the rest suspended upon entering a good behaviour order for more than two years. A jury found Stubbs guilty of 14 fraud offences after one day of deliberations and a dramatic trial in December. Owner of Deakin's EQ Cafe Wally Rao tells us his Canberra favourites... Hidden gem? Southside Farmers Market on a Sunday. I love arriving, buying a coffee and Bombolini donuts and then walking and buying fresh seafood and small goods from the continental deli from Victoria. Wally Rao, owner of EQ Cafe Weekend haunt? I enjoy going down to the Kingston Foreshore and trying out all the different restaurants. My favourite would have to be Morks. Place to take visitors? I love taking visitors up to Red Hill lookout because in my opinion it has one of the best views of Canberra and if I'm feeling up to it, we do the 300 step challenge. If the Raiders are playing at home I take them to watch a game. Sometimes we are able to get into the dressing room after a win where we can meet the players and sing the team song. A Canberra man accused of stabbing his neighbour to death at public housing block in the city's inner south has switched his plea and admitted to murder. Scott Jamie Cole, 41, had been set to fight allegations he killed Jason Hollingshed, 46, after the pair argued at Stuart Flats in Griffith on February 29 last year. Police investigate the murder scene. Credit:Melissa Adams His planned trial was scrapped on Thursday when he stood before Chief Justice Helen Murrell in the ACT Supreme Court and instead said: "Yes, I am guilty." Police found Mr Hollingshed's body when they were called to the apartment block on Light Street about 4.30pm. Hello Canberrans. You made it. It's Friday. But, before you begin your weekends, you're in for a day of thunderstorms (this afternoon), 5-8mm of rain and a day topping 26 degrees. Good or bad news, depending on your viewpoint, is that the rain's not letting up until Tuesday. What are the main headlines this morning? More departments targeted It's not just the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority that Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce wants to move into the bush. His party is targeting more public service departments from Canberra and other capitals in its push to move federal agencies to electorates held by Nationals MPs. Canberrans are urged to swap their vacuum cleaners with rubbish pickers this Sunday to help clean up the city's polluted waterways. In the wake of a damning report by Clean Up Australia revealing the amount of rubbish in the city's waterways doubled in the 12 months since they were found to be the dirtiest in the country, the National Capital Authority is calling on volunteers to take part in its inaugural Clean Up Your Catchment Day. The National Capital Authority is calling on volunteers for Clean up your Catchment Day on Sunday. Front, National Capital Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow, and coordinator of Clean up your Catchment Michelle Jeffrey. Back, volunteers Rebecca Sorensen, and Anna Wong. Photo: Jamila Toderas Credit:Jamila Toderas The push for the ACT to hold its own clean up day coinciding with the national Clean Up Australia Day was highlighted by Threatened Species Commissioner Gregory Andrews after he found a creek near Curtin clogged with rubbish. While the National Capital Authority said the initiative intended to help "keep" local lakes, ponds and creeks clean, it is also focused on making many polluted areas clean. Foreign diplomats in Canberra continue to rack up traffic infringements despite now incurring demerit points and having to pay fines. ACT government data shows fines tally $191,780 since the change. Drivers of diplomatic corps vehicles had immunity from traffic infringements until September 2016 Credit:Rohan Thomson A total of 724 infringements have been incurred by diplomats, embassy staff and other officers of privilege since September 1. One driver has had their licence suspended for accumulated demerit points. Fears about Chinese investment in Australia naively exaggerate the amount of control the Chinese government has over Chinese corporations, according to an optimistic and controversial new report that seeks to "mythbust" public and media views about how Chinese business operates. It is not true that all Chinese companies are controlled by the Chinese government, or that a unified "China Inc" carries out strategic goals with the ultimate aim of global domination, according to the report by the Australia-China Relations Institute at UTS. But its arguments have been rubbished by security expert Peter Jennings from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute as "not credible". Chinese investment in Australia's property, agriculture, infrastructure and energy sectors has become a highly sensitive political issue, particularly since the 2015 lease of the Port of Darwin to Landbridge, a company with alleged links to the Chinese military, sparked an overhaul of the Foreign Investment Review Board's operations. Frieda River is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world. Now, the smaller shareholder in the project, in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, has cried "foul' warning that a proposed board spill will give the Chinese government control. Less than two years after paying $1.2 billion to snap up PanAust, an Australian miner with interests in projects in Laos and Papua New Guinea, Guangdong Rising, a Chinese investment company owned by the Guangdong provincial government of southern China, is angling to gain control over the Mount Frieda gold and copper deposit. Exploration drilling at the Mt Frieda deposit, in Papua New Guinea. The Frieda River deposit has been under study for development for more than 30 years. Now controlled 80 per cent by PanAust and 20 per cent by Highlands Pacific, it has had a series of owners, from Japanese to American groups, with Swiss trader Glencore the majority owner before it sold to PanAust. All of the owners to date have struggled with the cost of developing the resource. Located in the remote north-west of PNG, Frieda River is 175 kilometres north-west of the Porgera gold mine and 75km north-east of the Ok Tedi mine. Rio Tinto's former chief executive Sam Walsh has had part of his retirement payout withheld while the company waits for investigations into payments made to gain access to a potential project in Guinea, Africa, to be finalised. At the same time, a subcommittee of the board, chaired by the chairman of the company, Jan du Plessis, has been formed to monitor developments in the investigation. Last November, Rio suspended one senior executive following the discovery of large payments to a consultant who worked on the Simandou iron ore project in West Africa, with another senior executive stepping aside ahead of her retirement in the next few months. In a statement at the time, the miner said it had suspended Alan Davies, the company's energy and minerals chief executive, "with immediate effect". PALORINYA, Uganda (AP) In the bushland of northern Uganda, a recently arrived refugee from South Sudan describes how soldiers back home detained and tortured him for two months for reading an article online. Tall and thin as a reed, dirt coating his tattered T-shirt and jeans, the young man is one of more than 100,000 people who have fled a single South Sudan county in just three months as civil war continues amid warnings of genocide. The surge of more than half a million South Sudan refugees into Uganda since July is Africa's largest refugee crisis. Like others who huddle in rapidly growing refugee camps in Uganda, the man spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears of retaliation and the possibility that South Sudanese intelligence agents circulated among them. When they arrive after walking across the border, the refugees from Kajo-Keji county "report killings of civilians, sexual violence and fears of arrest and abduction as their main reasons for fleeing," United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters recently. Interviews with people from Kajo-Keji now living in the Palorinya refugee camp, and U.N. documents obtained by The Associated Press, describe multiple human rights violations committed by South Sudanese soldiers against civilians. The man in the tattered jeans told the AP that after telling a friend about an article online that described alleged power grabs by South Sudan President Salva Kiir's Dinka ethnic group, soldiers came searching for him. "Who told you these things?" the soldiers asked. They didn't believe he had read the article online because they hadn't heard of the internet, the refugee said. "They kept on forcing me to say who really told me this news. All they wanted to get from me was to get to some other person, to get more guys into jail," he said. He spent two months in jail, unfed except for the food his family brought, he said. After paying the equivalent of roughly $300 he was released and fled to the Palorinya camp. Before fighting broke out in Juba in July, Kajo-Keji had been a quiet county of about 200,000 people in Central Equatoria state. It was part of South Sudan's breadbasket, predominantly inhabited by the Kuku ethnic group. After July, the civil war that had been raging since December 2013 came to Kajo-Keji. A number of rebel groups emerged in the area affiliated with opposition leader Riek Machar, who is now in exile in South Africa. Civilians found themselves caught in the middle of fighting. Seven refugees in the Palorinya camp interviewed by AP said they knew someone who had been the victim of sexual violence. Many said South Sudanese soldiers targeted them because of suspicions that they supported the rebels. "Someone will be arrested and taken to the barracks," one woman said. "When someone is taken, there is no coming back. You don't know if that person is being killed." When a team of U.N. officials visited Kajo-Keji earlier this month, they found its main town almost entirely silent during weekdays, according to internal reports. Victims and witnesses told stories of rape, theft, abuse of power and the murder of friends and family members accused of supporting the rebel forces. A respected elder pleaded with U.N. peacekeepers, saying civilians were "captive on our own land." The elder told U.N. officials: "When are we going to receive the required help and be protected from being harmed by our national army? We need imminent protection before it's too late. If we get killed because we told you the truth today, so be it." More than 12,000 U.N. peacekeepers operate in South Sudan. But the peacekeeping mission "has been prevented from verifying allegations of, for example, government forces killing civilians, arbitrarily arresting those gathered in groups and restricting the movements of civilians in Kajo-Keji," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote recently to the U.N. Security Council in a confidential report obtained by AP. South Sudanese soldiers also blocked a U.N. patrol from going to Kajo-Keji to assess security, Guterres wrote. Most members of the army are from the Dinka tribe of the president, Kiir. The U.N. has warned that the ethnic divisions in South Sudan put the country at risk of genocide. Some refugees do blame rebels for attacks. One woman described how suspected rebels attacked her school in September and stole everything, "even pocket money." A federal government decision to stop fast food businesses hiring overseas workers on 457 visas has been widely welcomed, but it will do little to alleviate high youth unemployment, academics and unions warn. About 500 people have used 457 visas to get jobs at fast food outlets since the visa scheme was opened to the fast food sector by the then Labor government in 2012. The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said his decision to end the Fast Food Industry Labour Agreement for hundreds of foreign workers would open pathways for young Australians to jobs at fast food outlets including McDonalds, KFC and Hungry Jacks. "Australian workers, particularly young Australians, must be given priority," Mr Dutton said. Barnaby Joyce seems to misunderstand the reason Canberra was established in the first place. He claims his intention, in insisting on the relocation of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority to his own electorate, is to spread the "largesse" enjoyed by Canberra as the epicentre of Australian public service activity, around the regions. This is ironic given he is arguably the second highest ranking member of an administration whose slash and burn approach to public service staffing stripped thousands of jobs out of rural cities and has made it much harder for country people to access government agencies and services. Despite having spent many years around the corridors of power, first as a Queensland senator and, in more recent times, as the member for New England, Mr Joyce hasn't grasped the rationale behind the establishment of a free-standing Australian Capital Territory more than a century ago. I'm a hospitality worker and have been for 12 years. I don't care about the penalty rate cuts. Why? Quite simply, because I have never received the benefit of penalty rates. There has been a lot of commotion since the Fair Work Commission handed down their decision last week: full and part time hospitality workers, who were entitled to 175 per cent pay on Sundays, will now receive only 150 per cent. The commotion has been in a large part informed by well-intentioned concern for hospitality workers, who struggle to make ends meet at the best of times. The Fair Work Commission acknowledged that this change would be hard for the workers. There is also the larger ideological concern that once again employers are being prioritised over employees and that this is an unhealthy trend in Australian law-making. I have been a casual hospitality employee since I was 14. I have worked in restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, catering companies and private functions. I've worked in Hobart, Sydney, Byron Bay and Melbourne. During my 12 years of experience, I have worked under dozens of employers. Less than 10 per cent of my employers paid me penalty rates. In October 2016, I wrote about the Canberra-Sydney rail link, comparing it with the much better rail services in some Third World countries, and suggesting a way to get the travel time down significantly without spending a lot of money on high-speed rail. You may be interested to know whether anything came of it. A leading rail business is exploring ways to cut the Canberra-Sydney trip to two hours. Credit:Graham Tidy After I wrote the article, I had many responses from Canberra Times readers, some of whom were involved professionally in past Australian rail studies, and others who were just interested in improving the Canberra-Sydney service because they preferred to travel by train. There is now an interest group committed to improving the Canberra-Sydney line in the short term (preferably by the end of this year) at a modest and affordable cost. With a Scottish accent, a cropped skull and a hatred of the privileged, Jude Law captures an evocative desperation in this undersea thriller as Robinson, a veteran submarine captain just retrenched by his employer who signs on for a secret salvage job in contested waters near Russia. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), the film ratchets up the tension as soon as the hatch is sealed on a creaky Soviet-era sub, with morbid pools of light and ominous creaks weighing on the international crew's shoulders. Given that he carries a diver's knife and is played by Ben Mendelsohn, it's not surprising that one crew member, Fraser, soon deduces that the fewer survivors, the biggest each one's split is. The grizzled faces in the support cast soon begin to thin as panic and greed take hold, but it's underpinned by an explicit desire to defy their wealthy overseers. Craig Mathieson Eleven, 8.30pm The inside of Rachel Bloom's head must be a weird place. This sitcom is regularly so off-the-wall (in a good way) that you really wonder where this stuff comes from. The plot is semi-important (Rebecca Bloom quit her high-powered New York law job to follow her ex-boyfriend to a small Californian town, where she starts dating her ex-boyfriend's friend, then her ex-boyfriend). But what really matter are (a) the kooky world Bloom has created in West Covina and (b) the outrageous musical numbers that punctuate each episode. So tonight Rebecca finds herself in a love triangle, prompting a Marilyn-esque show tune about high school maths. And erections. There is another one, too, but it's a bit gross to either mention here, or even play out to completion in the actual show. The craziness is often a framework for Bloom to work through her pet peeves, large and small sometimes in a funny way, sometimes bittersweet. And it is reliably a lewd and wacky delight. Melinda Houston pay The Hunt Nat Geo Wild, 8.30pm With David Attenborough ensconced in the voice-over booth, this wildlife documentary series is every bit as spectacular and intimate as you would expect. Tonight, we're up in the Arctic, where just three big predators prowl the windswept coastlines: the polar bear, the wolf and the Arctic fox. For each of them survival is a thing of narrow margins the polar bear, for instance, must consume two-thirds of its year's food in just three months before the sea ice begins to melt. You might think it impossible not to spend at least a moment reflecting on the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice and its implications for polar bears, but the documentary takes a different tack, focusing on the trials and triumphs of individual animals. The most startling sight is that of a hungry polar bear 300 metres up a crumbling cliff, risking its life for a meagre meal of seabird chicks. Brad Newsome London: Australia has turned up empty handed to a major international conference which has pledged more than a quarter of a billion of dollars for women affected by President Donald Trump's reinstatement of the "global gag rule", which has stripped international non-government organisations that provide abortion services, advice or referrals of US funding. The order was one of Mr Trump's first actions as President and restricts US funding not only for family planning organisations but to other health service providers. It is estimated it will leave aid organisations short of $US600 million (or around $790 million), which campaigners say will put millions of women's lives at risk. The Turnbull government recently appoint former Liberal MP Sharman Stone as its Ambassador for Women and Girls. Credit:AP To make up for the shortfall, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, established the She Decides movement to raise money from both through private sources and other governments. Ministers from Belguim, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark organised today's pledging conference. It raised 181 million or around $251 million. Human Services Minister Alan Tudge is getting regular updates from his department on welfare recipients who are "criticising or unhappy with the system", a senate estimates committee has been told, as Centrelink staff trawl social media to keep an eye on people complaining about their treatment by the agency. On Monday, department chiefs were interrogated about the decision to release the personal financial information of a Centrelink recipient to a journalist for an article published in The Canberra Times. Documents seen by Fairfax Media reveal Mr Tudge's office asked the department for extra personal information on the recipient, including her tax returns and the date of her separation from her partner, so that the minister could respond to the recipients allegations in Question Time. Department of Human Services secretary Kathryn Campbell defended the practice, saying it was a "standard operation". Amid the big US and European defence giants there is a new presence at the Avalon Airshow: China. For the first time, Chinese firms are at Australia's aviation megashow - one of the world's major defence and aerospace events - in what is being seen as the first steps of an export push, and one being watched closely by security analysts. Xiang Meng at the Australian international Air Show. Credit:Joe Armao The firms include a branch of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China - the nation's defence and aerospace behemoth that makes most of its air force hardware - and a division of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation that makes rockets to launch satellites into orbit. Australia's Defence Department won't deal with Chinese firms on anything significant. But four years after Canberra slapped a ban on the Chinese firm Huawei's involvement in the NBN, China hopes to make inroads in other areas of aviation and aerospace that can overlap with defence. But suicide bombers and mines remain. Syrian antiquities director Maamoun Abdul Karim sums up the feeling best: "I feel a mix of joy and fear. Joy, because we're sure that there will be no more damage to the archaeological site at Palmyra, and apprehension to see what has happened to the city." [AFP] Russia Today broadcast what it said was exclusive footage of the operation. 3. She Decides Australia's ambassador for Women and Girls, Sharman Stone, speaks to Afghanistan's Minister for Women's Affairs Alhaj Delbar Nazari, at the She Decides conference. Credit:AP A major international conference was held today to raise funds to make up for the shortfall in funding created by Donald Trump's reinstatement of the "global gag rule" - which prevents US aid from non-government organisations which either offer or provide advice on abortions or family planning. Many countries pledged funds, but Australia turned up empty-handed. More than a quarter of a billion dollars was raised but this was well short of the $US600 million target. [My report/Fairfax] 4. One in 5 chance of recession The OECD's first major review of Australia in three years says there is a one in five chance of recession, with the biggest threat wrapped up in soaring house prices. [Peter Martin/The Age] [Jacob Greber/Financial Review] 5. Aust politics 65 per cent of voters polled by ReachTel for the unions say they want the government to legislate to protect penalty rates. [Mark Kenny/Fairfax] Sensibly, in this climate, Turnbull will ask his MPs to forgo any pay rise the independent Remuneration Tribunal might recommend. [Renee Viellaris/Courier Mail] Tony Abbott during Question Time at Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen And Tony Abbott is back at it. His latest offering of free advice to his successor is to fight harder for the cuts to penalty rates by making the issue not about lower take-home pay but about the number of businesses which will now open on Sundays. "The issue is not higher wages versus lower wages. The issue is businesses that are open on Sundays and public holidays or businesses that are closed," Abbott says. Abbott is right and his clearer messaging on this issue, where Turnbull has really struggled, almost looks like another audition for the leadership. [Joe Kelly/The Australian] But former Labor party powerbroker Graham Richardson says a senior Liberal has phoned him to tell him Julie Bishop still carries the leadership baton but that she hides it in her "Prada knapsack." The foreign minister could be a compromise candidate, neither moderate or conservative, unlike Peter Dutton who is touted as the Conservative's candidate. It could very well be that the senior Liberal briefing this does not have Bishop's interests at heart here and is seeking to put her squarely into the middle of any leadership talk. Either way, a very interesting column. [The Australian] Bishop is still damaged internally from the Turnbull-Abbott coup, although remains a competent, tireless and hard-working foreign minister with a star-like quality in the public's eye. But only to a degree. Julie Bishop with popstar Mariah Carey and billionaire James Packer. Members of the partyroom have been known to unkindly refer to her as "Hollywood," a reference to her penchant for hanging out with celebrities, and inside the bureaucracy she is taken less seriously and is nicknamed "Kardashian." Double ouch. The Coalition's squabbling continues on Section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act. [Rosie Lewis/The Australian] There certainly seems a prevailing view that Turnbull's goose is cooked - either at the ballot box or in the partyroom. Michelle Grattan reports the WA Liberals don't want Turnbull campaigning for them ahead of the state poll. [The Conversation] Fairfax Media commissioned polling shows the Barnett government could hold on. [Brendan Foster/WA Today] 6. Sweden Sweden is bringing back the military draft, worried about a resurgent Russia. [Reuters] The widow of Beau Biden is now in a relationship with her former brother-in-law, Hunter Biden. Hallie Biden and Hunter, the youngest son of the former Vice President Joe, have confirmed to the New York Post they are a couple. Hallie Biden supporting her late husband, Attorney General Beau Biden, in 2002. Credit:Mark Wilson Beau died in 2015 from brain cancer, aged 46. The couple had two children. Hunter, 47, has separated from his wife Kathleen, 48. They have three daughters. Catholic Charities 4 Seasons Resale Store opened Thursday at 2705 N. Water St. The new location, which is about 40 percent larger than the ministry's previous spot downtown, not only has room to display clothing and decorations from every season of the year but also furniture. Robin Murray, community services supervisor, said the move was necessitated by the food pantry's need for more room but she is excited about the store's move to a higher-traffic area near other retail stores. The Salvation Army thrift store is literally blocks away, so those customers could easily make their way over here, Murray said. The resale store is next to Seno Formal Wear and also in the same shopping center as the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and the telephone number will remain the main number for Catholic Charities at (217) 428-3458. Murray also said Latisha Allen, a longtime employee, will continue as head cashier. The resale store had been located at 239 W. Prairie Ave. since 2005. Murray said the food ministry of Catholic Charities launched a mobile food pantry last week, giving people a two-week supply of food out of First Assembly of God in Shelbyville and hopes to do the same monthly for other smaller communities on a rotating basis. We needed more space at our main location for more inventory to stage deliveries like this, Murray said. nnn Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Specialists of Central Illinois has moved to a new location. The medical office is now located at 2773 N. Main St. after previously being located closer to Decatur Memorial Hospital since starting in 2006. The expansion allows for more convenient parking and more services to be offered, including physical therapy, said Dr. Susan Wu, one of the specialists in the practice along with Dr. Kenneth Tuan. It offers a range of rehabilitative services such as providing a licensed massage therapist, she said. An open house is being planned for April 20. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call (217) 877-2088. nnn Have you opened a business in or around Macon County? Have you expanded or moved to a new location? Have you taken ownership of an existing business? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to call one of the reporters listed below to spread the word in a future On Biz column. You will be glad you did. This week, we are all about basics, from the everyday to the luxe. And speaking of luxe, Harrolds has launched its glittering new Melbourne store. Contemporary label Nique, which began in 1998 as a side project for founders Nick and Lucy Ennis, is having a warehouse sale this weekend, which is the perfect opportunity to stock up your wardrobe with timeless essentials. T-shirts are $30, or two for $50, while pants start at $60 and seconds at just $12.50. 25 William Street, Balaclava. Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. The phrase "let your fingers do the walking" used to refer to a phone book, but these days it can only mean one thing: online shopping. Revolve Clothing has 20 per cent off site-wide, with some brand exceptions, for the next couple of days. Just enter the promo code "20OFF" at the checkout. Neil Prakash, Australia's most infamous Islamic State recruit, strode the streets of the Iraqi city of Mosul with four bodyguards and acted as supervisor for the terror group's medieval punishments. A resident of the Iraqi city, Yusuf Abbas, has identified Prakash from photographs as one of the foreign militants he saw lording it over local inhabitants in Mosul's central square, Bab al-Toub, where many of the worst punishments took place. Prakash was born in Melbourne of Fijian and Cambodian parents and moved in 2013 to fight with IS under the name Abu Khaled al-Cambodi. He was responsible for recruiting a number of people to join Islamic State, and inciting others via social media to launch terror attacks in Melbourne and Sydney. But this is the first time there has been an eyewitness account of his actions in Iraq. Ms Miller on Monday night repeated her call for an urgent independent inquiry. "The needs to be an urgent, independent review into all of the briefings, all the documentation that occurred from when the obvious bugs in the system were first understood by the users of the system." On Monday night, the Director General of Queensland Health, Ian Maynard, initiated a review of the governance of the way the MetaVision software was being installed. "A senior Queensland Health executive will facilitate an urgent meeting of leading intensive care clinicians, pharmacists and iMDsoft this week," Dr Maynard said. "The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital is implementing a number of additional controls to safeguard patient safety." The original contract with iMDsoft was signed in 2007 and the system was put in six large hospitals from September 2011. It is costing $2.3 million to include the Metavision at the Royal Children's Hospital, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital. After concerns were identified in June 2013, a software upgrade was delivered on September 3 and is currently being tested. Professor Darren Walters, Acting Executive Director of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, said safeguards for issues raised last year were already in place prior to the software's installation at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in September 2014. "Immediate action was taken when an additional issue with the medication module was raised on Friday 24, October 2014," he said. "Information has been shared with other hospital and health services and additional safeguards have been put in place to ensure patient safety until the system is upgraded. We are linking with the statewide ICU group and will follow all recommended risk mitigation strategies." The MetaVision software is run by the German iMDsoft company, which has its head office in Australia in small premises in Federal Street off Musgrave Road at Red Hill. The company said it had already provided a solution to Queensland Health. "The software fix has been in testing at the site for several weeks and will be implemented in the near future," the company said in a statement. "The risks highlighted by the report were originally identified during testing and, with close cooperation between iMDsoft and the clinicians at the Hospital and Health Service sites, a mitigation plan was immediately put into effect. "The underlying risk is unique to the version implemented at Queensland Heath, and does not exist in any prior or subsequent releases for Australia. MetaVision is used at more than three hundred sites worldwide and is regulated by stringent international standards to ensure patient safety." "Outstanding risks" were first identified by intensive care units at the Royal Children's, Princess Alexandra and Royal Brisbane and Women's hospitals in May 2013. The same month these risks were escalated to iMDsoft and to a group of health units within Queensland's hospitals that had begun installing the software. Those health units also included the Safe Medication Practice at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, pharmacy units at the Royal Brisbane and Women's, Princess Alexandra and Royal Children hospitals in May 2013 and the information technology unit at the Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital. An iMDsoft spokesman at Red Hill who refused to be identified also would not answer questions from Fairfax Media on Monday. "We are working with Queensland Health to resolve the issues and that is all I have to say," the iMDsoft manager said. The report shows the risks in May 2013 were: - Wrong doses being given to patients; - Wrong medications for the wrong patient; - Discontinued prescriptions remaining on nurses work lists; and - Loss of patient history. The company's website shows a history of the implementation of the MetaVision patient management software in nine Queensland hospitals over the past 12 months. AMA Queensland president Dr Shaun Rudd, a Hervey Bay GP, who became AMAQ president in June 2014, said no concerns had been raised directly with him. When told concerns had been raised by intensive care units in May and June 2013, he said: "Well, that's a long time ago." When told the specific problems identified in May 2013, Dr Rudd said: "That doesn't sound good." Dr Rudd said he was encouraged the latest problems were identified. The concerns were only made public after they were leaked to Fairfax Media and verified. An online health magazine, Pulse, in September 2013 reported the Royal Brisbane and Women's, Princess Alexandra and Royal Children's hospitals will join Gold Coast, Prince Charles, Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns and Logan hospitals. In September 2013, the iMDsoft system was championed by Brent Richards, director of intensive care at the Gold Coast Hospital. Dr Richards was chairman of Queensland's Statewide Intensive Care Clinical Network. That article says the state government would find money for the remaining hospitals, including Ipswich, Redcliffe, Nambour and Toowoomba. Energy Minister Mark Bailey has announced he will reactivate his private email account. Earlier, it was revealed that Mr Bailey had deleted a private Yahoo email account following reports he was contacted by the Electrical Trades Union over the merger of Energy Super and Victoria's Equip Super. An application by The Australian for the release of correspondence under Right to Information laws was rejected on the grounds the minister's email account was "closed". Addressing Parliament on Thursday morning, Mr Bailey said he would reactivate his private email account. A Brisbane father whose young daughter died after prolonged physical and sexual abuse has had his sentencing unexpectedly adjourned to investigate whether he suffered a "psychological abnormality". Matthew Lee Williamson had pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Supreme Court to the manslaughter of three-year-old Kyhesha-Lee Joughin but denied fatally harming the child. Kyhesha-Lee Joughin's father testified he didn't take his daughter to a doctor despite her vomiting green for days, having obvious bruising on her face and leaving blood in her nappies. Credit:Facebook After hearing two days of evidence, Justice Roslyn Atkinson was anticipated to hand down her findings on Thursday as to what role Williamson played in Kyhesha's painful death and his appropriate punishment. But Williamson's case was adjourned until March 16 after his defence barrister Michael Copley requested a report into whether a "psychological abnormality" contributed to his conduct towards Kyhesha. Queensland's liquor laws tell a "tale of two doctors", according to one of the state's MPs. On Thursday night, a bill to scrap the 1am lockout in pubs and clubs and halve the one-off late-night trading permits was passed. Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham has called for federal funding to assist with the improvement of gas supply. Credit:Michelle Smith In July 2016, venues in Safe Night Precincts, such as Fortitude Valley, had to stop service of alcohol at 3am, with ID scanners mandatory for venues trading past midnight from July, and venues outside the precinct stop serving drinks at 2am. The 1am lockout was due to come into effect last month for venues trading until 3am. David Hinchliffe and Campbell Newman with the late Trevor Reddacliff in 2005. Credit:Robert Rough On the other hand, they also liked the enthusiasm and energy of Newman enough to vote him in as Liberal lord mayor. It was the first time in Brisbane's history we had a lord mayor of one party and a majority of council from another. It was the first time in Australia, to my knowledge, there was a Liberal-Labor "coalition" government. We cryptically called it a "Coalition of the Unwilling". Then-Liberal lord mayor Campbell Newman and his Labor deputy David Hinchliffe in 2005. Credit:Robert Rough As the leader of the Labor majority, I had to decide whether we would fight this new Liberal lord mayor tooth and nail every inch of the way or we would try to find some way to work together. We decided we'd make it work and despite predictions we wouldn't last a month, we went the full four-year term. We passed all his budgets, we worked together to build the Clem7 tunnel and the Eleanor Schonell bridge and we planned the Legacy Way tunnel. We even agreed on the most controversial of council issues development applications. After long debates we agreed either to reject, amend or pass more than 4000 applications. It was a period of steady, substantial achievement, despite the occasional silly and public spats we had. Maybe it was because of the need for compromise and negotiation that this period of Campbell's career was so successful. Campbell went on to win the mayoralty by 2:1 in 2008, as well as a majority of council seats for his Liberal colleagues. David Hinchliffe has pursued a career as an artist since leaving public life. Credit:Facebook He was a blazing comet. There was no Liberal leader in Australia more popular. That wave of popularity became a tsunami and, by 2012, his party elected him leader in absentia from Parliament and then, the first time in our history, someone became premier on the very same day he became a Member of the Legislative Assembly. He also had the greatest majority of seats in our history (78 LNP to the ALP's seven) and at the time the largest majority in any western democracy! It seemed that the juggernaut that was "Can Do" Campbell was unstoppable. You couldn't find anyone in Australia prepared to bet that neither he nor his massive government would be there in three years time. That was unthinkable, yet that's exactly what happened. Hubris is a corrosive thing. It's often the dark flipside of positive virtues of conviction, drive and energy. When those qualities are combined with overwhelming electoral success it can become a heady intoxicating mix. Boldness can turn to brashness. Courageousness can morph into cockiness almost overnight. Campbell and his team believed the "Can Do" slogan meant they could do what they wanted and, to be fair, what they believed they had to do. In prosecuting that, they clearly did much more than the electors thought they could or should do. And they moved much too quickly. It almost seemed they had convinced themselves instead of having a generation in Parliament to introduce gradual conservative change they had to get it all done in one term. Such thinking proved to be self-fulfilling. The cutting of the admittedly large public service was far too quick, brutal and uncompromising and flew in the face of pre-election promises. The implementation of initiatives to kerb undoubted bikie gang crime was simply over the top. The fiasco of selecting the Chief Justice was self-evidently inept. All these seem to me to be both the symptom and result of hubris. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. While Newman's government was not corrupt, it had been seduced by its own success. It was pretty much unfettered and unconstrained. The staggering parliamentary majority allowed the extreme right of the party to dominate the sensible moderates within the LNP. By virtue of the fact there were a lot of successful LNP candidates who were never given any chance of actually winning seats, some pretty strange characters made it in to the green leather benches of the Legislative Assembly. All too often, the government was left dealing with these accidents of history. Every weird motion that had ever been raised at an LNP branch meeting seemed to bubble up to the surface and policy became influenced by this craziness. Campbell himself seems, in retrospect, almost a victim. He was surrounded by a party room of one-term accidents, has-beens, wannabes and would-have-beens. More than a couple of his colleagues hoped he would fail. High flyer: Campbell Newman led to LNP to a record victory in 2012. Credit:Glenn Hunt The right-wing elements in his cabinet and party room were further to the right than Campbell and that challenged the image he had crafted for himself in council as a more sophisticated urban Liberal. In many ways, he had less power as premier than as lord mayor. He had real and legal executive power as lord mayor. In George Street, he was constrained by envious, bitter and in some case downright odd colleagues in his own party and by the cumbersome machinery of state administration as opposed to the leaner machine of council. There was also the media. Nothing had really prepared him for the sort of public criticism he got. Campbell had become used to the pleasant benign approbation he received from the media in his former municipal role. When the spotlight fell upon him as premier and there was serious criticism about public service cuts, dramatic and sudden changes to laws, selling of assets etc, I genuinely think he was surprised at the reaction. It doesn't surprise me. The role of the media, whether we in public life like it or not, is to criticise. It's not necessarily to be fair. In fact, increasingly the mass media are anything but fair. Social media is even more extreme. The end result of endless criticism is that the electorate is in an almost constant state of displeasure. As many journalists like my grandfather, father and brother might say: "Bad news is big news, good news is no news." It's simply a by-product of the human condition. We're all attracted to the dramatic. Campbell's Can Do daily dose of drama and action made for some dramatic headlines. The end came as suddenly and as dramatically as any other phase of Campbell's tumultuous and fascinating career. Campbell Newman's political career ended on January 31, 2015. Credit:Glenn Hunt I often think that Campbell Newman's political career could have been a play written by Shakespeare. There's plenty of fire and tempest and dramatic action, gnashing of teeth, wringing of hands, not a little gore and some big personalities jostling for control. And tears a lot of tears. I have been criticised by some of my colleagues in the Labor Party for saying I am a friend of Campbell Newman. I personally think that criticism is a little sad. We're conditioned to treat other people with different political views as the enemy. It's partly what's wrong with this adversarial Westminster system we've inherited and it's exacerbated by social and mass media. There are good people on all sides of politics. I know there were things his government did that hurt people. The real life lesson of governing is that making decisions is painful and that tough decisions can hurt. There is no doubt that a lot of people were hurt and a lot more than should have been necessary to carry out the agenda he was elected to deliver. Racing identity Bill Vlahos, accused of defrauding punting club members out of millions, has represented himself in court because he's run out of money to pay a lawyer. Vlahos told the Melbourne Magistrates Court that after three years of legal representation funded by himself, family and friends, he now needed to apply for legal aid. Bill Vlahos says he's too poor to afford a lawyer. The Torquay resident faces 373 charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception in relation to cash he obtained between 2008 and 2013 while running a scam punting club, court documents allege. Magistrate Charles Rozencwajg noted that his lack of legal representation could effectively stall the case. Residents of Melbourne's west think they've been getting a rotten deal. Two MPs accused of rorting allowances while living outside their seats, plans for a youth detention centre, and now the sale of five former school sites. Local parents and students are protesting against the state government's sale of five former school sites, including Calder Rise Primary School in Keilor. Credit:Eddie Jim Last week, City of Brimbank councillors unanimously voted to try to stop the Andrews government selling five former school sites, saying the decision was "short-sighted". Mayor John Hedditch said the land was not "surplus" and the growing area would need more schools in the future. Decade-long leases will soon be possible under rent reform laws announced on Thursday, but landlords are unlikely to embrace them in a market with soaring demand. The state government has announced it will introduce new legislation this year to provide "greater security" for both tenants and landlords. Irregular inspection reports are a sign that property managers don't see value in completing this important task, Clint Dowdell-Smith says. Credit:Dean Osland Current laws restrict any rental agreements to a maximum of five years but under the new rules there would be no "artificial cap", Premier Daniel Andrews said, when introducing the new reforms. The looming changes, he said, will provide the same protections contained in current standard rental agreements for longer term arrangements. It was while buying a birthday present that Isobel Hutchinson realised the pains she had been dismissing all morning may just be the start of labour. Ms Hutchinson was due to give birth next Monday. Isobel Hutchinson and baby Louis. But her son Louis had other plans, arriving early on Wednesday morning beside a busy Melbourne intersection. "I had irregular contractions at home about 6am," Ms Hutchinson said. One child is missing and another is in hospital with serious dog bite wounds after an incident at Moama that has resulted in the arrest of a female relative. Police were called to Perricoota Road near the Murray River after a nine-year-old boy was found with what police said were "serious dog bite injuries". He was rushed to a Melbourne hospital. The incident happened at Moama, near the Murray River. Credit:Jessica Shapiro It then emerged that a five-year-old boy who was related to the injured boy was missing. Police launched a major search operation involving the SES and air wing, hunting for him all night, but he was not found. Emergency services expect to restart the search at first light Friday. A popular Perth hotel has faced severe backlash for agreeing to host controversial American wellness guru David 'Avocado' Wolfe. Mr Wolfe will host a three-day wellness seminar next weekend dedicated at Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough, and some Perth locals have taken issue with the hotel for agreeing to host the controversial figure. David Avocado Wolfe. Credit:Tamara Dean University of Western Australia medicine student Denae Sinclair started a petition to campaign against the event, and said Mr Wolfe's controversial stance on a number of health issues was concerning. "When I heard he was coming to Perth, to speak at a well-known hotel function centre for $440 per ticket, I had to step up and say something. I fear that people will be harmed by his messages, and will forgo actual medicine for ineffective and dangerous 'natural' remedies," she said. The idea Perth barrister Lloyd Rayney murdered his wife was so "fantastically improbable" that he should not have been a suspect and he has since endured being recognised overseas as a "murderer", his defamation trial has heard. Mr Rayney is suing the West Australian government for being named by Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Lee in September 2007 as the prime and only suspect in the murder of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney a month earlier. Mr Rayney is suing the West Australian government for being named as the prime and only suspect in the murder of his wife Corryn. Credit:AAP Mr Rayney's lawyer Martin Bennett told the WA Supreme Court on Thursday that when detectives considered the time frame for the murder and burial of the body, it should have indicated he could not be the killer. "The suspicion was not reasonable," he said. Perth's latest Lotto millionaire says he plans to gift a "ripper" donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service using some of his $2.1 million winnings. The man purchased his winning Saturday Lotto ticket from Carousel Lottery Centre & News, but did not claim his prize until Wednesday. He said he planned to use the cash to semi-retire and take care of his family. "I won't be greedy though," he said. A Bali prosecutor has requested a former war correspondent who used hashish to help him cope with post traumatic stress disorder be jailed for a year. David Matthew Fox, who reported for years on conflicts for the international news agency Reuters, was arrested in October last year after he admitted to possessing hashish during a police sting at On-On bar in Sanur. David Fox in the Denpasar District Court on Thursday Credit:Amilia Rosa Mr Fox's lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, said Mr Fox had witnessed children being beheaded and a pregnant woman's stomach being dissected. "It caused him sleeping problems," Mr Sihombing said. "The defendant consumed hashish for personal use, because of PTSD suffered while working for years as a journalist in conflict zones," he said. Washington: Senior Democrats are calling on US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions to resign after revelations that the former Alabama senator did not disclose meetings he had with the Russian ambassador to the United States during his cabinet confirmation hearing. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney-General must resign," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement released late on Wednesday night, adding that, "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country." Jeff Sessions testifies on Capitol Hill at his confirmation hearing in January. Credit:AP Senator Ron Wyden, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is also demanding a special counsel to investigate the Trump administration for ties to Russia, "given AG Sessions' false statements about contacts with Russia". And House Oversight and Government Affairs ranking member Elijah Cummings, called for Mr Sessions to resign. He criticised the Attorney-General for keeping "secret" his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, even after then-national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired for misleading Vice-President Mike Pence about his contacts with the same Kremlin official. Washington: US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions said on Thursday he would recuse himself from any investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election because he was involved with President Donald Trump's campaign. But Mr Sessions, who was a long-time US senator before becoming the country's top law enforcement official, said he did nothing wrong when he did not disclose during Senate testimony that he had met last year with Russia's ambassador. "I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign," Mr Sessions told reporters in the latest twist of the controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency. US intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of an effort to tilt the vote in Trump's favour. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. Bangkok: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has brought his country's 170,000-strong national police force back into his deadly crackdown on drugs, despite mounting evidence police have orchestrated mass unlawful killings. The move comes as the Philippines' main anti-narcotics agency signed an agreement to deploy soldiers in operations targeting what it calls "high impact" and "high value" drugs targets. Philippine MPs are also pushing for a new law that restores capital punishment for convicted drug felons and another that proposes lowering the minimum age of criminality from 15 to nine. Mr Duterte's determination to intensify the crackdown that has left more than 7700 Filipinos dead, including children as young as five, comes as a new report accuses police of instigating and inciting the murders of mostly urban poor, under the cover the crackdown, and falsifying evidence to cover-up their unlawful killings. Former White House candidate Michael Dukakis has articulated a bold new role for Australia in its long-standing alliance with the US: keeping a check on an erratic Trump presidency by telling him when he screws up. Mr Dukakis, the Democratic Party candidate in 1988 and a former long-serving governor of Massachusetts, offered a sometimes bleak, sometimes bemused picture of the Trump presidency in an hour-long discussion with journalism students at Macleay College in Melbourne on Wednesday. Declaring at one point, "I have no idea what Trump's foreign policy is", Mr Dukakis said the most vital role Australia could play in dealing with the uncertainty of the Trump era was as a friendly watchdog. "You're one of our best and closest friends," says Dukakis. "And if we're behaving badly or erratically it's important that our friends tell us that." PEORIA Caterpillar Inc.'s tax woes came back to haunt it again Thursday morning with news of a search warrant executed by federal agencies at three company offices in Peoria, East Peoria and Morton. Decatur plant offices were not included in the federal action, which appeared targeted toward longstanding allegations Caterpillar used offshore affiliates to reduce its U.S tax burden. Congressional hearings dating to 2014 had accused Caterpillar of shortchanging the Internal Revenue Service out of $2.4 billion in taxes. The company vigorously denied the claims. Federal agencies taking part in Thursday's office searches included the IRS' criminal investigation unit, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s office of inspector general. While the warrant was broadly drafted, we believe the execution of this search warrant is regarding, among other things, export filings that relate to the CSARL matter ... said Caterpillar spokeswoman Corrie Scott in a statement. Caterpillar is cooperating with law enforcement. CSARL is the structured finance arm of Caterpillar that finances equipment purchases and major projects, from coal mines to pipelines, for Caterpillar customers. CSARL has key offices in Switzerland and Australia. In February of 2015, Caterpillar had announced it had received a grand jury subpoena from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois relating to the movement of cash among U.S and non-U.S subsidiaries. The company has been accused by critics of using financial transactions with offshore affiliates to lower its domestic tax bill. Sharon Paul, a Springfield-based spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, confirmed Thursday's searches had taken place but said, I can't comment on that when asked what information the federal agencies were hunting. Some employees at Caterpillar's world headquarters in downtown Peoria were told to wait in the building's cafeteria and not to leave without permission while the search took place, according to a report from the Peoria Journal Star. News of the search warrant comes amid turbulent times for Caterpillar. Former CEO Doug Oberhelman retired Jan. 1 after steering the company through a unprecedented four-year sales slump. The downward plunge has been led by mining-related sales, especially the giant off-road dump trucks and other equipment built at the company's vast Decatur factory. The latest fourth-quarter results for Caterpillar's resource industries segment, which includes the Decatur plant, show it swung to a quarterly loss of $711 million, a margin that was 700 percent worse than its fourth-quarter 2015 losses. Caterpillar has tried to cope by shedding jobs from its Decatur plant and others across the nation and worldwide. Between the fourth quarter of 2015 and the fourth quarter of 2016, company employment worldwide fell to 106,400, a cumulative loss of 12,300, with 7,700 of those jobs being cut in the United States. Caterpillar's new CEO, Jim Umpleby, has all this to deal with plus negotiations with the United Auto Workers. Union workers voted by a 93 percent margin to authorize a strike vote but have held off taking action while talks continue. Facebook postings by UAW Local 751, which represents Decatur shop floor workers, said the current contract expired midnight Feb. 28 but told members to keep showing up for work. We have agreed to continue working beyond the expiration of the contract in hopes of achieving an agreement in the best interest of all members, the union said in a recent posting. News of the latest law enforcement action deflated Caterpillar's share price, which finished Thursday at $94.36, down $4.20 or 4.26 percent on the day. Stockholm: Sweden is to reintroduce military conscription next year due to difficulties filling the ranks on a voluntary basis at a time of increased security concerns, the defence minister said on Thursday. Non-aligned Sweden ended compulsory military service in 2010 but military activity in the Baltic region has increased since then, prompting Sweden to step up its military preparedness. The reintroduction of the draft will cover men and women born in 1999 or later, though only a small minority will be selected to serve. "We have a Russian annexation of Crimea, we have the aggression in Ukraine, we have more exercise activities in our neighbourhood. So we have decided to build a stronger national defence," Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told Reuters. PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, the Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. Hensley Plantijn, the Head of the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Marc Arnold, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Ms. Khalilah Peters, the Head of Economic Affairs and Finance/St. Maarten representative in Europe, Ms. Carol Voges and Policy Advisor Donor Coordination/Representative of the Regional Authorizing Officer, Ms. Olivia Lake formed the St. Maarten Delegation to the yearly Trilateral Meetings, Ministerial Conference and OCT-EU Forum held in Oranjestad Aruba from Tuesday, February 21-24, 2017. During this event, the St. Maarten delegation participated in a number of meetings on the progress of the various ongoing programmes on the territorial, regional and global level. Further, the delegation also participated in the Ministerial Conference and the OCT-EU Forum and the BEST Technical Event. The Caribbean Sustainable Development Forum also took place in Oranjestad during this week on the sidelines of the ongoing EU Event. St. Maarten was represented by Secretary General of the Ministry of VROM, Mr. Louis Brown, Department Head VROM, Mr. Mark Williams and the Head of the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Marc Arnold. In the margins of these events, opportunities for bilateral and trilateral meetings were also presented. The Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Richard Gibson, utilized this opportunity to meet with the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Affairs Mr. Ronald Plasterk. Further to this, the three Prime Ministers of the Caribbean Netherlands, the Honourable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Honourable Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman and the Honourable Prime Minister of Curacao, Mr. Hensley Koeiman also had an opportunity to meet to discuss various topics. The Honourable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Mr. William Marlin, the Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. Hensley Plantijn and the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Ms. Khalilah Peters remained in Aruba for the Kingdom Meeting on Foreign Relations with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bert Koenders. PHILIPSBURG:---- In the early morning of Thursday, March 2nd, the Dutch Caribbean Coastguard intercepted a lot of drugs and firearms on a vessel. The radar operator of the Rescue and Coordination Centre of the Coastguard detected a suspicious contact south of Curacao. A unit of the Coastguard base in Parera was immediately launched from the sub-station in Parera. At about one and a half mile south of Daaibooi Bay, an unlit vessel type yola was detected. There were four (4) people on board. After a search on the board, a lot of drugs and also six (6) firearms wit h ammunition were found. All of the four (4) persons, three (3) of Venezuelan and one (1) of Dominican nationality were detained immediately. They were brought up, together with the vessel, drugs, and firearms to the sub-station. The vessel was confiscated. The four (4) suspects, the drugs, and the weapons were handed over to the Police. The case is further in the investigation. Coast Guard Press Release PHILIPSBURG:--- The Special Unit Robbery is presently investigating an armed robbery which took place on Wednesday, March 1st at approximately 02.55 p.m. at Hong Kong Supermarket located opposite the UTS building on the Cannegieter Street in Philipsburg. According to reports an unknown man dressed in dark colored clothing with his face partially entered the establishment and held up the cashier with a gun. The suspect went on to steal an undisclosed amount of cash from the cash register and then fled the scene on foot in the direction of the Back street. Several police patrols were sent to search the area for the suspect but they were not successful in locating him. The Special Unit Robbery is asking anyone who may have seen what took place or have any information regarding this robbery to immediately get in contact with the Detective Department by calling Tel: 54-22222 ext. 213-214. KPSM Press Release Annual Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise APAC Partner Event Celebrates 2016 Partner Achievements SINGAPORE (Marketwired) 03/01/17 ALE, operating under the brand, held its annual Partner Event for the APAC region from February 28 to March 2, 2017 at JW Marriott, Bangkok, Thailand. Event highlights included the announcement of APAC Business Partner Awards which recognize the investment partners made in working with the ALE product portfolio over the past 12 months and their achievement to deliver customized technology experiences that meet customers needs. The winners included: APAC Communications Partner of the Year: APAC Network Partner of the Year: APAC SMB Partner of the Year: APAC Hospitality Partner of the Year: APAC Cloud Partner of the Year: APAC Distributor of the Year: China Networks Partner of the Year: Fortune Enterprise Information Communication Co., Ltd. China Convergence Partner of the Year: Shanghai Xundi Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Partner of the Year: Japan Partner of the Year: Korean Partner of the Year: HanA IT, Inc. NEA Communications Partner of the Year: ABS Telecom Inc. SEA Network Partner of the Year: APAC SMB Reseller of the Year: These awards are an acknowledgement of partner growth initiatives, innovation and collaboration opportunities with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise solutions over the past year in addition to the revenue targets. Congratulating the partners, Matthieu Destot, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, ALE said, Our industry is always evolving, and we would not be able to ride this wave without the support of our Business Partners. We rely on each of our partners to team with us as we follow the customer into a new realm of on-demand and service driven consumption. Congratulations to those partners that demonstrated outstanding achievement in 2016 as we look forward to more joint successes in 2017 and beyond. We are ALE. Our mission is to make everything connect to create the customized technology experience customers need. We deliver networking and communications that work for your people, processes and customers from your office, the cloud or in combination. A heritage of innovation and dedication to customer success has made ALE, marketed under the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise brand, an essential provider of enterprise networking, communications and services to over 830,000 customers worldwide. ALE has a global reach and local focus with more than 2200 employees and 2900+ partners who serve over 50 countries. More information on the and . For ongoing news visit our , , and . Amit Raj Bathla Vice President, Marketing, APAC, ALE Email: Mobile: +65 9615 7340 AdaptiveMobile now enables Advanced Messaging Classification for mobile operators Posted by Publisher Telecommunication MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, Barcelona, Spain 28th February 2017 AdaptiveMobile, the world leader in mobile network security, today announced the release of advanced messaging classification capabilities for mobile operators and aggregators. These classification capabilities provide enhanced differentiation between the various types of commercial A2P generated messaging and consumer messaging, opening up new billing and revenue opportunities for aggregators and operators worldwide. For many operators, the connection agreements between their networks and those of peering partners which enable billing and settlement for message termination are structured primarily for P2P traffic. This can mean operators who receive large volumes of A2P messages that are funneled through P2P channels are not able to distinguish between the two traffic types either to deliver different quality of service or improved commercial options. AdaptiveMobiles Messaging Revenue Protection enables aggregators and operators to gain a measured understanding of the nature of the messaging traffic flowing over their network for the first time and ensure that grey traffic revenue is recovered by active control of messages through the most appropriate channels. The misclassification of messaging traffic has tremendous price considerations for the industry, said Nick Lane, Chief Analyst with MobileSquared. We estimate that between 2015 and 2020 the revenue leakage attributed to the messages is worth $100.4 billion globally. Using in-network controls the AdaptiveMobile Network Protection Platform (NPP) can identify, categorise and control this traffic. The NPP provides a range of additional capabilities, such as source reputation and behaviour profiling, that detect evasion techniques of those A2P senders who are seeking to bypass common detection methods. These functions enable operators to determine whether a message is classified properly, ultimately protecting their current and future messaging business. These capabilities provide, as well as go beyond the CTIAs new messaging guidelines designed to meet the needs of a changing messaging ecosystem one that recognises the difference between person to person (P2P) and application to person (A2P) communications. We applaud the efforts by the CTIA to lead the global industry in defining characteristics that enable the Commercial Messaging Ecosystem to better educate their customers on what makes a message A2P, rather than Human generated. This will ensure that messaging remains a safe, profitable and evolving mechanism, for all the parties who use messaging as a primary communications channel said Simeon Coney, Chief Strategy Officer at AdaptiveMobile. We see that these guidelines will have a global effect due to the worldwide engagement of so many US-based services. We are committed to helping aggregators and operators around the globe gain the revenue potential from all messaging traffic as well as keeping the channels safe for all use. AdaptiveMobile was one of the first companies to provide solutions to its customers to identify and control grey traffic. With the CTIA guidelines, the industry is realizing the necessity for P2P and A2P messages to be identified and appropriately handled to enable the mobile ecosystem to continue to grow. The Company identifies operators are each losing between $2 to $50 million a year from fraudulent grey traffic, and is assisting operators in validating the specific losses present in their networks. AdaptiveMobile will be at Mobile World Congress from 27th February 3rd March in Hall 2, 2D41MR; to schedule a meeting to discuss your network protection requirements please email sales@adaptivemobile.com. 450 Schools to Benefit from Shaw Communications #PinkShirtPromise Campaign CALGARY, ALBERTA (Marketwired) 03/02/17 Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A) today announced that the overwhelming engagement and commitment of Canadians across the country during its #PinkShirtPromise campaign has helped raise more than $750,000 for bullying prevention programs in schools across Canada. This year, Shaws #PinkShirtPromise campaign struck a deep chord among Canadians who have chosen to take a stand in the fight against bullying, said Chethan Lakshman, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations. The monies raised through #PinkShirtPromise will enable our charitable partners to reach more kids and youth, and make a difference in more communities than ever before. Beginning in 2015, Shaws #PinkShirtPromise social media campaign has expanded across Canada and engaged hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have made their own pledges to join the movement against bullying by posting their positive messages on social media. The initiative supports charitable organizations who are working in communities to end bullying and provide education on prevention strategies. This year, for every social media post using #PinkShirtPromise, Shaw made charitable donations to the Canadian Red Cross, The WITS Programs Foundation, and other charitable organizations who are working to end bullying. With three times as many Canadians sharing their promises this year, including celebrities, athletes, and government officials, Shaws donation of over $750,000 will see bullying prevention programs reach over 450 schools and 400,000 kids over the next three years. The #PinkShirtPromise campaign ran from February 6 and ended on February 22 with Pink Shirt Day. For more information on #PinkShirtPromise, please visit . About Shaw Communications Shaw Communications Inc. is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, video and fleet tracking services. The Business Infrastructure Services division, through ViaWest, provides hybrid IT solutions including colocation, cloud computing and security and compliance for North American enterprises. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE SJR, and TSXV SJR.A). For more information, please visit . Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact: Shaw Communications Inc. Chethan Lakshman VP, Communications and Public Relations (403) 930-8448 Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. Schedule the Release of Their Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017 and Related Conference Call MONTREAL, QUEBEC (Marketwired) 03/02/17 Cogeco Inc. (TSX: CGO) and Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) plan to release their financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, ended February 28, 2017, on Thursday, April 6, 2017, after market closing. The companies will hold a conference call on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss their financial and operating results. A live audio webcast will be available on Cogecos web site at . The webcast will be available on Cogecos website for a three-month period. Members of the financial community will be able to access the conference call and ask questions. Media representatives may attend as listeners only. Please use the following dial-in number to have access to the conference call 5 to 10 minutes before the start of the conference: Contacts: Source: Patrice Ouimet Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. 514-764-4700 Information: Rene Guimond Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. 514-764-4700 Elite Rehab Placement takes all of the guess work out of finding treatment. Rather than calling dozens of treatment centers and speaking to their salesperson, let ERP do the work for you. Instead of a high pressure sales call, you'll have a counselor on your side to help you find the right fit, for you, and not for the salesman on the other end of the line. Specializing in finding the best treatment options for all of our clients based on personal wants, needs, financial situation, and insurance coverage. We're able to negotiate with treatment centers on your behalf to ensure you get the best treatment at the right price. Give us a call at (844) 897-4834 to explore your options. CHARLESTON -- A man faces the possibility of up to 10 years in prison after he admitted trying to take a Mattoon police officer's gun and hitting the officer with a flashlight after a traffic stop for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs. Nicholas C.D. Lindley also admitting lying to a police officer after a different traffic stop and pleaded guilty to the charge stemming from the incidents with no agreement on the sentence he'll receive. Lindley, 24, of Toledo pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated battery, attempting to disarm a police officer, aggravated driving under the influence and obstructing justice. He also pleaded guilty to another DUI charge, and his sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 9. In one case, Lindley was accused of driving under the influence of methamphetamine in Mattoon on April 14, when his driver's license was suspended. The other charges to which he pleaded guilty in connection with that incident accused him of using the flashlight belonging to the police officer who stopped him to hit the officer and his head and of trying to take the officer's gun. Other charges in that case were dismissed, including a charge of aggravated unlawful use of weapons that accused Lindley of having a loaded handgun without a concealed carry permit or a firearm owner's identification card. The other dismissed charge was a drug possession offense alleging he had methamphetamine. In another case, Lindley was accused of lying about his identity after he was stopped for speeding on Aug. 21. Traffic citations from that incident were dismissed. The aggravated battery and attempting to disarm a police officer charges were the most serious to which he pleaded guilty, and the conviction can result in a prison sentence of three to seven years. The separate obstructing justice charge can result in a one- to three-year prison term, but none of the charges to which he pleaded guilty require prison time. If Lindley receives a prison term, the sentences for the two incidents will have to be added together. The dismissed charge of attempting to disarm a police officer would have required a one- to three-year prison sentence had Lindley been convicted of that offense. Coles County Circuit Judge Brien O'Brien accepted Lindley's guilty pleas. Assistant State's Attorney Tom Bucher is prosecuting and attorny Sean Britton represents Lindley. Our nations institutions of higher learning are supposed to be repositories of knowledge, enriched by the free flow of information and competition of ideas, but they are increasingly failing in this mission. Sadly, college campuses, which tend to embrace liberal ideologies, including tolerance, oftentimes are among the most intolerant of opposing views, as evidenced by the imposition of speech codes and enforcement of free speech zones, which limit what can be said and where it can be expressed. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education notes that it has received an increasing number of reports that colleges and universities are inviting students to anonymously report offensive, yet constitutionally protected, speech to administrators and law enforcement through so-called Bias Response Teams. More than 230 schools have formed such teams, which oftentimes operate under broad definitions of bias, and create a chilling effect on campus expression, FIRE reports. Tensions have reached a boiling point on many campuses, as illustrated by several recent examples in California. Orange Coast College suspended a student for recording a professors anti-Trump rant, before backing down after a national outcry. At UCLA, conservative communications instructor Keith Fink is accusing his department of political discrimination after suffering reductions in his class size and the rejection of his permission-to-enroll forms, which allow students to enroll in a class with the instructors permission, under a new department head with reportedly very left-leaning ideals. Only 200 of the 241 students who attempted to enroll in Finks course were admitted, even though the classroom has a capacity of 293. Sometimes, attempts to stifle speech even get violent. There was the violent protest that forced the cancellation of controversial conservative speaker Milo Yiannopoulos planned event at UC Berkeley a few weeks ago. But there is a bit of a silver lining as well. Just about a week prior to the UC Berkeley riot, a rowdy crowd forced the cancellation of another Yiannopoulos talk at UC Davis. In response, interim Chancellor Ralph Hextor announced that he is forming a work group of students, faculty and staff to recommend policies to ensure that even the most polemical speakers can have their voices heard on campus. When we prevent words from being delivered or heard, we are trampling on the First Amendment, Hextor said. Even when a speakers message is deeply offensive to certain groups, the right to convey the message and the right to hear it are protected. Quite so. Moreover, there is no place for speech codes and free speech zones on college campuses or anywhere else. After all, as FIRE senior program officer Adam Steinbaugh wrote in a recent Washington Examiner column, How will students be able to defend their rights in the legislature or the courts if debating them in the classroom is to be discouraged? The Orange County Register Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss Somerset's latest and breaking news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter Giving birth in a Jeep would be some mother's worst nightmare, but Mel Seymour had little choice when baby Miller decided to arrive just 10 minutes into her journey to hospital. Mel, 30 and her husband Peter 36 were on their way to Frome Hospital and had made it as far as Frome Market Place when she started to give birth. Mel said: "It was so scary, I was in the passenger seat and we were part way to the hospital after leaving our home in Coleford when Miller arrived. "He's my third child and people say births get quicker, but this one was really quick. "If I had known he was going to arrive so fast we'd have stayed put in the comfort of our home. "I had to deliver him myself as Peter was driving." Miller Seymour was born at 3.10am on February 22, fortunately for mother and baby there were no complications and he was a healthy 8lbs. "After he arrived we just continued to the hospital the nurses were a bit surprised that I'd delivered him myself while we were travelling." Peter and Mel have two other children an 8-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl who are both delighted with their little brother. Mel added: "It'll be a great story for Miller to tell people when he's older. I think he'll have a fun time explaining his birth certificate to people." The youngster's birth certificate doesn't have the usual place of birth listed, instead it says 'Frome Market Place on route to Frome Hospital'. Baby Miller arrived just in time, with his family due to leave the country to live in Australia in just three weeks. Mel said: "We've packed everything up and were all ready to leave the country for our new exciting life, Miller was the last thing on our list and he arrived only one day late. "We've been rushing around trying to sort his passport ready for the big move. I'm pretty sure when he's older this will make the perfect memory. Definitely one to tell the grand children." When photography was invented in France in the 1820s, some artists predicted even feared that it would in time take the place of painting. That didnt happen, but photographers around the world consistently have recorded images that reveal... 90% of customers have power restored after Saturday outages As of 10 a.m. Sunday, 6,100 customers in the South Bend area remained without power. Most will be restored Sunday, but some won't be until Monday. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 71F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 71F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. It appears that Armenia is finally serious about opening a consulate in Erbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan. At a cabinet session today, the government approved a proposal made by Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharian to open a consulate in the northern Iraqi town. In February 2015, Armenias Ambassador to Iraq Karin Grigorian met with Falah Mustafa, Foreign Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil to discuss bilateral relations. At the time, Gregorian said that the president and Armenian government were committed to establishing and strengthening ties with the Kurdistan Region and briefed Minister Mustafa on the opening of Armenias consulate general in Erbil. Given todays government approval to open a consulate in Erbil, one can only assume that Grigorians 2015 statement was premature. Regarding todays approval, the Armenian government notes that relations between Armenia and Iraq have grown over the past five to six years, pointing to the reopening of Iraqs embassy in Yerevan and increased trade between the two countries. Photo: thekurdishproject.org The Artsakh Defense Ministry Press Service today rejected claims by Azerbaijan that its forces had destroyed an Artsakh military headquarters near Martouni and had halted an attempt by Artsakh forces to cross the border into Azerbaijan near Martakert. The Artsakh Ministry of Defense says that it is never the aggressor and that it will deal a crushing blow to any Azerbaijani intrigue. 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. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. 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 NEW YORK, NY Four timely Armenian films focusing on culturally rich topics will be shown as part of the fourth edition of SR Socially Relevant () Film Festival New York, running from March 13-19 at Cinepolis Chelsea and nearby venues. One special evening during the festival will be dedicated specifically to these four films, Echoes of Survival, The Stolen Childhood, Two Tales of a City and Crows of Desert and will give audience members the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the directors and filmmakers who will be present. A documentary series that explores the individual work of a group of artists, writers, and musicians whose work draws influence from their Armenian roots, Echoes of Survival, directed by Avo John Kambourian, focuses on how the Armenian culture has survived through artists and their work, notable renowned oud player Ara Dinkjian. Both Kambourian and Dinkjian will be in attendance during the screening with a post-screening Q&A. Centering around the December 1988 earthquake that took the lives of 25,000 Armenians, The Stolen Childhood looks at the still damaged cities of Gyumri and Spitak through the eyes of a little girl whose only escape is her cherished violin, extracting from it the mystery of the souls universe. Director Armen Gasparyan from Armenia will be in attendance at the screening with a post screening Q&A. Two Tales of a City, directed by Talin Avakian, features two couples born and raised in the historical city of Diyarbakir, known to Armenians as Dikranagerd and follows them to 2015 when both couples are on the other side of the world reminiscing about their birthplace and early lives practicing their Armenian culture as an oppressed minority. Avakian herself travelled to Western Armenia in 2014 to document the villages and churches of her Armenian ancestors. Being in Dikranagerd, where my fiancee and his family are from, was a very surreal experience, said Avakian, who will be in attendance at the screening. The film documents significant places in Dikranagerd, such as the Sourp Giragos church. We walked through the very same streets that his grandparents walked through and worked on a few decades before. They were just as they had described. Today, however, Dikranagerd is not the same place. It is now dangerous and threatened by terrorist groups, said Avakian. It is a sad yet fortunate reality to know that my film is now a piece of history. Based on the memoirs of Levon Yotnakhparian, the documentary film Crows of the Desert: A Hero's Journey Through The Armenian Genocide recounts the true story of one mans desperate struggle to not only stay alive but to help save his people from near extinction in the first genocide of the 20th century. Translated by Victoria Parian from Armenian and edited and published by Levon Parian, an internationally recognized award winning photographer, the story follows Yotnakhparian as he joins the Ottoman military and finds himself in the middle of a genocide against his people, escaping through the desert and subsequently returning to save thousands of other stranded and orphaned Armenians. The film contains rare footage, photographs and documents that have been gathered from archives around the world to reveal a harrowing yet inspirational journey. Throughout my career I have tried to bring awareness of social issues into my work, so the SR Film Festival is especially relevant to me, said director Marta Houske, an Emmy-award winner for her historical documentaries, who will attend the screening along with Producer Paul Turpanjian. Many people have asked me why I have worked so intensely on a documentary about the Armenian Genocide, if I am not Armenian. My response is that once I started research for the documentary, I was shocked that I did not learn about the Armenian Genocide in school. I decided that it was my duty to create a documentary that tells Levons story as well as educates people about the events of the Genocide. It is an honor to participate in this film festival because it is another chance for me to share my voice, history and culture with the world, said Avakian. It is an even deeper honor for my work to be considered as socially relevant (), as this is what I hope to achieve with all the stories I create. The special evening dedicated to Armenian films will take place on Wednesday, March 15 at Cinepolis Chelsea (260 W. 23rd St. between 7th & 8th Avenues) in an event co-sponsored by AGBU New York Performing Arts, St. Leon Armenian Church NJ and NAASAR. The opening reception is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the films to follow in two separate sessions. The first one, starting at 5:45 p.m., features Echoes of Survival and The Stolen Childhood and the second one, starting at 7:15 p.m. features Two Tales of a City and Crows of the Desert, and ending at 8:45 p.m.. The final screening of that evening is Charlie Chaplins The Great Dictator preceded by a panel on Artists in Resistance. Although not part of the Armenian program, it is highly recommended as an irresistibly humorous and timely glance at power and world leaders today. All three sessions require separate tickets that may be purchased at www.srff2017.eventbrbite.com. SR Socially Relevant () Film Festival New York shines the spotlight on filmmakers who tell compelling, socially relevant human-interest stories, across a broad range of social issues. Founded by actress and filmmaker Nora Armani as a reaction to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of filmmaking, the festival has showcased 157 films from 33 countries during its first three years. The 4th edition will take place March 13-19, 2017 at Cinepolis Chelsea, The School of Visual Arts MFA Social Documentary Film and the Tenri Cultural Institute. This years edition features a slate of 46 films from 23 countries, panels on Immigration and refugees, Violence against women, Low budget film production offered by SAG-AFTRA, filming in New York State offered by the Governors Office for Film, AR/VR exhibit and panel offered by Samsung and film industry panels on funding film ideas and making dangerous documentary films. The award ceremony takes place on March 19 at the Tenri Cultural Institute where the winning filmmakers are compensated by award trophies designed and created by Micheal Aram, and a special scarf designed by Anet Abnous. In addition there are the Vanya Exerjian Empowering Women and Girls award in memory of Armanis cousin victim of a violent act of terror in Cairo thirteen years ago, and the Varoujan Storytelling award in memory of her father, Akribas Ekserdjian. Other awards include the Women Film Critics Circle Award for a film by a woman filmmakers, and InkTip and FinalDraft for scriptwriting. For more information on the festivals partners and sponsors, film details, venue addresses, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ratedsrfilms.org. Meet Cosmic Girl and LauncherOne Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit, founded by Sir Richard Branson, is a company that aims to use a modified 747 jumbo jet to launch small satellites into orbit using its novel LauncherOne booster as seen in this illustration. See how Virgin Orbit, a cousin to Branson's space tourism company Virgin Galactic, will work in the photos here. [New images added Oct. 26, 2018] Have Rocket, Will Travel Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne rocket was mated to its carrier aircraft, a modified 747 known as Cosmic Girl, for the first time on Oct. 24, 2018, at Long Beach Airport. Read our full story on the milestone here! LauncherOne's attachment point Virgin Orbit A closeup of LauncherOne's attachment point. Loading Up LauncherOne Virgin Orbit LauncherOne moves into position for attachment to Cosmic Girl. Sir Richard Branson in Cosmic Girl Virgin Orbit Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson inside Cosmic Girl, the modified 747 that will carry the LauncherOne rocket aloft. Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket system Virgin Orbit A Virgin Orbit LauncherOne rocket is moved by truck near the company's Long Beach, California, headquarters for testing recently. The company is planning a captive carry test of the system in early July. Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl Virgin Orbit "Cosmic Girl," a 747-400 aircraft is being modified to launch rockets into space for Virgin Orbital. Here, the aircraft arrives in Long Beach, where the company is headquartered. Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl Virgin Orbit Inside Cosmic Girl's cockpit: (l to r) Virgin Oribt CEO Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit pilot Kelly Latimer, and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl with pylon Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit's Boeing 747, named "Cosmic Girl," is seen here with the pylon fitted to its left wing that LauncherOne rockets will attach to for the company's air-launch missions. Cosmic Girl Unveiling Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson and pilot Kelly Latimer pose for a photo during the Dec. 3 unveiling of the company's Cosmic Girl jet, a carrier plane for its LauncherOne rocket. Virgin Orbit's Cosmic Girl Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit employees toast the arrival of Cosmic Girl in Long Beach. The cover of David Aguilar's new children's book, "Alien Worlds," which imagines how life might look on various known exoplanets. Our Milky Way galaxy contains billions of planets, many of which may be capable of supporting life. But if aliens are indeed out there, what might they look like? David Aguilar has come up with some ideas, and he's sharing them with the public in a live webcast tonight (Dec. 19), beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST (0030 GMT on Dec. 20). Aguilar, director of science information at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), will discuss "Alien Worlds," his latest National Geographic children's book. "He applies real-world biology to known exoplanets and populates them with exotic life forms that might actually exist," CfA officials wrote in a media advisory about the event, which is part of the center's monthly Observatory Night series. Observatory Night events are held at the CfA complex in Cambridge, Mass., and are open to the public. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch Aguilar's presentation via the CfA webcast, which can be found here: http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/publicevents Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on SPACE.com. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced Monday (Feb. 27) that his private spaceflight company SpaceX plans to fly two private citizens on a trip around the moon in late 2018. But this isn't the first time a private company has promised lunar vacations to private citizens. The two individuals who will make the historic flight have not been named, but they approached SpaceX about the trip and put down a significant deposit toward it, a statement from the company said. The flight would last about one week, during which time the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will make a close pass by the moon, followed by a long loop out into space, before returning to Earth. [How SpaceX's 2018 Moon Flight Will Work] A trip around the moon for private citizens is also one of the offerings of the Virginia-based company Space Adventures. The company is responsible for sending the first space tourists to the International Space Station, with transportation provided by the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. In 2005, Space Adventures announced plans to send tourists on trips around the moon, also inside a Soyuz craft. In 2014, Space Adventures announced that two customers had paid the $150 million price for the circumlunar trip, although getting humans around the moon in a Soyuz vehicle would require major changes to the spacecraft, Space Adventures representatives said. This Earthrise image was captured by Apollo astronauts in 1969. In 2018, companies may finally reach the moon. (Image credit: NASA) SpaceX is on course to use its crewed Dragon capsule to ferry humans to and from the space station for NASA as early as 2018. The uncrewed version of the Dragon has already flown cargo to the station. The company said the crewed Dragon will need only minor changes to make a circumlunar trip. (Mainly, the communications system would need to be upgraded so messages could be sent from deep space, Musk said Monday.) The Space Adventures circumlunar mission would fly two passengers and one professional cosmonaut to the moon's far side, making a close pass by the lunar surface, according to the company's website. Musk said the passengers on the SpaceX Dragon trip will also make a close pass by the surface of the moon during their flight. The circumlunar trip is still offered on the Space Adventures website, although no specific price is listed. It's unclear if Russia's space agency is working on the necessary upgrades to the Soyuz for a circumlunar flight; a Space Adventures representative told Space.com the company does not comment on any client's prospective or planned mission. Companies eyeing the lunar surface As recently as 2014, the Golden Spike Co. advertised tourism trips to the lunar surface, with an estimated cost of between $500 million and $750 million. The company also announced plans to send robotic rovers to the lunar surface to help augment human scientific endeavors there. The company's website went dead around 2015, but Alan Stern, one of Golden Spike's founders (as well as a principal investigator for NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto), told Space.com that Golden Spike is "still in business but awaiting a few external milestones to be achieved before moving forward on mission portfolio development." Compared with Golden Spike and Space Adventures, SpaceX appears to be in a strong position to actually get humans around the moon by 2018 (or perhaps by the end of the decade if the company's space station flights for NASA get delayed a year). A few other private companies are trying to reach the moon, but not with humans on board. There are currently five teams sill competing for the Google Lunar X Prize, which is challenging contestants to send a rover to surface of the moon by Dec. 31, 2017. Those five teams have secured contracts with launch providers. One of the teams recently announced it has secured full funding for the launch. To win the $20 million grand prize, a team must be the first to land a spacecraft on the moon, move it at least 1,640 feet (500 meters), and have the craft beam back high-resolution imagery to Earth. The moon, and the space around it, could soon be a territory readily explored by the commercial sector. Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. New York, March 02, 2017 (SPS) - The Guerguerat crisis can resurface at any time in Western Sahara in the absence of a peace process that paves the way towards the final settlement of the Sahrawi issue, said Wednesday Polisario Front representative to UN Ahmed Boukhari. "We believe that in the absence of a serious peace process as called for in the latest Security Council resolution, the Guerguerat episode can be repeated at any time," Boukhari told APS. The Polisario delegate said that Guerguerat (crisis) is only a part of the real problem which the blocking of UN process by Morocco. "The (real) problem is not Guerguerat, but it is the absence of a peace process that Morocco has undermined," he insisted. SPS 125/090/700 Geneva, Switzerland, March 02, 2017 (SPS) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, stated during his speech at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva that The decolonization of Western Sahara remains the responsibility of the United Nations. The Algerian minister stressed that the responsibility of the UN in the decolonization of Western Sahara requires it to pay more attention to the human rights situation in the territory. In the same context, Mr Ramamane Lamamra pointed out that the people of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa, continues to be victims of Moroccan occupation and deprived of their legitimate rights to self-determination and independence. SPS 125/090/TRA C apita ousted its chief executive today as the outsourcing giant reels from relegation from the FTSE 100 and controversy over BBC licence fee collection tactics. Andy Parker, who has been at the helm of the group for just three years, will leave this summer just months after a profit warning sent shares crashing to a 10-year low and cranked up investor pressure for a change at the top. It needs a different person to move forward, Parker said. I still love this company but you come to a point where you are looking at whether its better to move on and do something different, both for myself and the company. These things are never easy. Hopefully its right. The board, led by former PwC man and new chairman Ian Powell will start searching for his replacement in the next few weeks. The groups relegation from the blue-chip index yesterday, swelled the chorus for change. Shares fell 42.5p, or 7.5%, today to 522.5p lows not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. Parker denied the BBC enforcement scandal, which revealed bullying tactics by some officers to hit bonus targets, had played any part in the decision. Absolutely not, he said. We are investigating the allegations and we take any allegations of inappropriate behaviour seriously. Box header Box subheader There were some silly things said and bravado but Im not going to pre-judge the investigation. Our relationship with the BBC is very strong. The group collects about 3.4 billion worth of fees a year and was accused of hounding customers and using aggressive bonus schemes to motivate agents after an undercover investigation. The BBC is also looking into the allegations. Capita, which employs 75,000 staff, has been stung by a slump in trading, pushing the company to a 19% slump in pre-tax profits to 475.3 million last year. Analysts has been expecting as much as 614 million a year ago. Parker unveiled a drastic overhaul of the firm in December to try to stop the rot, including a sale of Capita Asset Services. The group also plans to lay off 2000 workers and is sending some jobs to India. Capita said the sale of the asset services division which could raise up to 700 million was on track and there was lots of interest in the unit. F or all the good Xavier Rolet has done the London Stock Exchange in his eight years in charge, he will be judged on how he explains the failure of his crowning deal with Deutsche Borse. His first outing to explain the debacle comes in tomorrows results presentations. How he answers these 10 questions could save or scupper his reputation: Given that 99% of your shareholders voted for the merger with DB, shouldnt you have tried harder to complete the deal? Why was the sale of MTS in Italy such a deal breaker, given it would have contributed less than 1% of the merged companys revenues? Why call the deal off at 10pm on Sunday night when you could have continued negotiating a solution with the EC for several weeks? You said the sale of MTS would have fallen foul of the Italian authorities. Did you actually ask them? They say not Why did neither you nor DB foresee the MTS issue given that it was so key to Italy when the LSE bought Borsa Italiana in 2007? Will you demand redress from the scores of advisers you hired on this deal for their lousy advice? The merger with DB was a tacit admission that the LSE is too small to compete with CME, ICE and even HKEX. Now you have killed it off, what is your plan B? Does Plan B involve buying businesses such as Michael Spencers NEX to bulk up, or selling the LSE to foreign rivals like the ICE? You were due to stand down when the merger was complete. Will you now stay on as chief? Finally, if the above answer is yes, is it because your political ambitions in France have not worked out as you hoped? Hope he fits the Bill Great to see KPMG plump for Bill Michael as its new chairman. Despite being a rough, tough, Aussie, hes an outspoken champion of Britains banks. Hopefully, now hes been elevated to Olympian heights, he wont tone down his views on how the governments biggest task post-Brexit is to allow the City to compete hard with New York. Wall Street is eyeing Londons current discomfort with saliva dripping from its chops. When PR is pants How nice to receive the personal offer of a colourful peek-a-boo see-through yoga pant to review for Yoga Design Lab. I will of course be enthusiastically taking up the offer, and will be sporting it while penning this column tomorrow. Bothering 45-year-old, out-of-shape blokes in newsrooms with PR like this (and my inbox averages 400 such a day), is clearly an excellent use of marketing spend. I argued that we should remain in Europe. Now its time to deal with the facts as they stand. And the fact is, with Britain set to pull the Article 50 trigger, we need a hefty dose of Brealism to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. As a Kiwi with British roots I have no personal axe to grind, but the experience of New Zealand can shed light on the choices facing this country. And as the chief executive of Aviva, the UKs largest insurer, with a substantial international business, I can see Brexit presenting global trading opportunities for the UK. The current debate is disfigured by absolutist positions. Nearly 30 years of business experience around the world has taught me that the most pessimistic, or the most optimistic, analysis rarely comes to pass. Will London retain a leading role in the global financial system? Of course. Will there be changes to the way we work? Yes. Will the negotiation be complex? No doubt. Will the UKs businesses, large and small, find ways to flourish thanks to the countrys unique strategic advantages? They certainly can. So lets be realistic about where we are. Theres no denying the result of the EU referendum. Equally, theres no denying the enormity of the task facing the Prime Minister and the Government. The hardest negotiations in a generation will take place over and above a domestic policy agenda that will not and should not stand still. Responding to the needs of an ageing society, building the digital skills needed so that the UK can thrive as a fintech hub and accelerating our efforts to tackle the dangers of climate change, to name but three. Nonetheless, if we guard against the twin evils of undue pessimism and wishful thinking, we can get this right. While the operational impact of Brexit on Aviva is minimal, like all businesses we dislike uncertainty. So we are focusing on the practical considerations of what is to come and the opportunities that will be created. My starting point is a simple recognition that we all need this to work. And for Brexit to work, we need to act together. Its time for the country as a whole to get behind its businesses, big and small. Everyone should recognise and celebrate the jobs these companies create and the value they bring to our communities. Buoyed by that confident support, the Government, our regulators and our industries can do so much to promote the UK as a world-class place to do business. Just look at how much we have to work with. Its too easy to take for granted what has grown familiar. This nation invented the language of business and the worlds reference time zone, GMT. British success is anchored in its open outlook, cultural diversity and global connections. Nowhere is this more evident than in the great city of London one of the planets few truly international cities and a hub for insurance, banking and law, which are just three of the many sectors where this city excels. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations I saw for myself from working in Asia just how highly regarded the UK is for quality, integrity and reliability. These attributes cannot easily be measured but they really do matter. They underpin long-standing strategic relationships that span the globe and add to the UKs soft power. They open doors and make it easier to export this countrys products and services in a way that should not be discounted. Simply put, brand Britain is an extraordinary competitive advantage. If Britain had no heritage as a great trading nation then Brexit may well be posing an existential threat. But that is simply not the case. However, to make the most of Brexit we need to peel back layers of needless bureaucracy and excessive regulation so that our essential strengths can shine. After all, this is one of the reasons people voted for Brexit in the first place. Lets use this space to look again at, for example, rules that hold back how much insurers can invest in infrastructure like renewable energy, schools and hospitals. And lets embrace the potential of deals with the US, China and beyond. We are currently witnessing a moratorium on multilateralism. The future is bilateral, not bloc. So lets focus instead on bilateral relationships. And that means needing the EU to succeed too. The UK should continue its strong ties and keep trading with the EU. Ultimately, this is not a debate about the UK, the EU or any of our potential trading partners alone. Brexit needs to work for all of us. My homeland learnt how not to do things when Britain joined the European Economic Community in the Seventies and New Zealand was locked out of its traditional market. First it tried tariffs to protect its industry and subsidies to support its farmers. Guess what? It failed. Then it tried unrestrained spending. That failed too. It was only when the counter-productive regulations and barriers to trade and innovation were swept away that New Zealand found its way to prosperity again. The country also had the foresight to recognise early the significant role of China, leading to New Zealand becoming the first developed economy to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China. After a few false starts, New Zealands success ultimately depended on having the right mindset. It chose not to be constrained by the status quo. Instead it took the bold course. It had the vision to set its sights not only on the immediate opportunities but also those still to come, decades down the line. My company has been around for 320 years and insurers are used to thinking in the long term. As long-term investors we are all about seeing the potential beyond short-term political and economic upheavals. The sound and the fury of the coming months will no doubt be fierce. But the possibilities are palpable too. Mark Wilson is the CEO of Aviva S ocial mobility is like a game of snakes and ladders. Only, how you fare whether you climb or fall isnt supposed to be left to chance. If Britain is the meritocracy many proclaim it to be, the talented and industrious are meant to reach the final square wherever they begin. But is it actually meritocratic? Yesterday, as 10- and 11-year-olds were finding out if they will spend the next seven years in Hogwarthian heaven or in the hellmouth, the Sutton Trust published a report showing wealthier pupils hog a disproportionate share of the places at top secondary schools. Parents also paid an average premium of 45,700 to live in a good catchment area. Surprise! Money buys your child a better education! It doesnt end with postcode power, obviously. Rich parents can hire Mandarin tutors and fund unpaid internships and they may have a useful contacts book to mine. No wonder there are so many trust-funded Dim Tims job-blocking their cleverer, poorer counterparts. Theres another half to this, though. When we discuss social mobility, the focus is always on the ladders needed to help the less fortunate up (the Sutton Trust argued that schools should allocate places using an admissions lottery). But we need to look at the snakes they slide down too. Last month, I interviewed the American playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, who has just won an Oscar for Moonlight. His mother was a drug addict and his family were so poor during his adolescence that he couldnt afford deodorant. His break was getting into an arts school but he knew it would be game over if he messed up at all. His friends bunked classes; he couldnt. At university, his dorm mates wanted to smoke weed in their room; he had to stop them because his scholarship would be taken away if they had been caught. At any moment, it could have all fallen apart, he told me. That isnt true for the most privileged here. The more someone has hit the jackpot in the birth lottery, the more safety nets they will have to keep that position. If they do fall, the drop is cushioned. They land on a duvet instead of a spike. Think of Zac Goldsmith being thrown out of Eton, or Nick Clegg who, as a teenager, set fire to a collection of rare cacti on a school German exchange a ludicrously posh form of adolescent arson. Social mobility doesnt just mean youthful mistakes shouldnt set someone on a dire path whatever their background, though it also currently needs something less palatable: people have to be downwardly mobile. Theres a cliche in economics that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, the tide aint rising any more. Millennials are expected to be the first generation to earn less than their parents. Competition for jobs is tough. A levelling of the playing field would create losers. This is why I cant imagine the Government will do anything to improve social mobility. Theresa Mays main policy in this sphere, grammar schools, appears from the evidence from Kent to make it worse, with poorer kids getting worse grades than elsewhere. So even if were all playing the same game, the board is rigged in favour of the few. The question at the heart of the BBCs hit No one is irreplaceable, an old boss told me enough times to turn a seed of insecurity into a giant sequoia of self-doubt. Not you, not me. For those who take parental leave and, much as I wish this werent true, thats still mostly women this is put to the test. A regent sits on your rotating office chair. What if theyre an ultra-efficient workaholic whose unctuousness is inexplicably applauded? This is the scenario in BBC1s The Replacement. The series opens with architect Ellen spraying champagne around like an F1 driver. Shes won a big contract but then discovers shes pregnant. Paula, who took a career hiatus to bring up her daughter, comes in as cover and Ellen fears shes trying to replace her. Both women are intense spinning classes incarnate but I found myself siding with Ellen; it was the moue on Paulas face when Ellen suggested she may come back early, and the way Paula grabbed Ellens stomach, as though pregnancy makes a female body public property. The Replacement explores the can women have it all? debate. I long for the day were having that discussion about men too. Dont spoil the solstice view I was at Stonehenge for the summer solstice in 2015. The revellers were as youd expect a convention of upspeak users, as my friend put it but how could anyone not have fun at a pagan Glastonbury? Now the winter equivalent is at risk: archaeologists say the view of the setting sun would be destroyed by a road tunnel built underneath. It also risks damaging the most significant prehistoric landscape in Europe. And for what? To shave a few minutes off car journeys. Wont a toll road do? Nemesis has had a busy week It's been a week of comeuppances. Philip Green the Sir feels dispensable now coughed up four superyachts worth of cash for the BHS pension fund, the Ubershambles continued with its boss recorded swearing at a company driver, and Ukip a party with just one MP was gripped by infighting. Lets hope Nemesis is setting her sights on Donald Trump next. I read with weary disappointment Melanie McDonaghs column [Sir Johns Brexit bashing had just one major flaw, February 28]. Instead of trying to understand Sir John Majors carefully balanced and thoughtful speech at Chatham House, she repeats the immigration rhetoric Brexiteers wheel out when confronted with reason. Forget the complex, amorphous thing that we call the economy which even analysts find hard to fathom for some people, because immigration has increased but living standards have not, immigrants must be to blame. This is wrong disposable incomes have stagnated for decades and there has not been enough house-building. As a result, housing costs have risen dramatically. Immigration rose after 2004 with the admission of Eastern European countries to the EU and then again following the financial crisis. However, even with relatively high immigration in the past two years, unemployment has fallen. Sir John was right to say it is the economy and other areas such as underfunding of education and healthcare that are the cause of our shared unhappiness. Rather than vent our anger on immigrants, why not focus on these areas instead? Andrew Haslam-Jones Earlier this year, Theresa May spoke about making Brexit a success. But what would make it so? It would not be simply exiting the EU. Leaving without a trade deal would have a damaging effect on our current trade in cars, financial services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, while there could be more austerity measures and further devaluation in the pound. Would this be regarded as successful? Perhaps this is something we have to wait for when, in 10 years time, our GDP has recovered to where we were predicted to have been in three years within in the EU? Without clear criteria, making Brexit a success is as empty and misleading a statement as Brexit means Brexit. Mike Snowden Keep water clean in poorer nations Boris Johnson is spot on when he says giving girls an education is key to helping developing countries help themselves [The world would be a better place if all girls went to school, February 27]. One crucial factor that needs to be addressed is ensuring every household and every school has access to clean water and toilets. Women and girls must collect the water in nearly three-quarters of households in developing countries, leaving them little time to go to school. Those who do attend often drop out when they hit puberty due to the lack of safe and private toilets. WaterAid has been working with the UK Government in poorer nations to improve access to water, toilets and information on menstruation. Such projects not only help transform the lives of girls but whole communities. Barbara Frost, chief executive, WaterAid Afghans need our long-term support Sarah Sandss article [Will Afghanistan ever escape being a pawn in the Great Game?, February 28] reminds us that conflicts do not cease when the captains and kings depart. The lesson of what happened when the Russians left Afghanistan should be sobering enough. Most of its combat forces left in 1989 but it still backed the Najubullah regime until 1992. It was the collapse of the Soviet Union and demands from the West that it stop supporting Najibullah that led to his fall in 1994, allowing the Taliban to seize power in 1996. We should therefore support the Afghans for a generation if necessary. The lives of our soldiers lost there demand nothing less. Simon Diggins We must use our libraries if we are to keep them open When I was told Charing Cross Library was about to be closed, a flurry of protesting emails and concerned calls ensued. Located on the edge of Chinatown, this library is home to the largest collection of Chinese books in the UK. Spurred into action, I went there on Sunday and signed up for a library card to show my support. During my visit, however, I found that the rumours were untrue. Yet I reflected it was only because of the false rumour that I took the trouble to discover the extraordinary resources of our local library. Our usual instinct is to spring into action only when public services are under threat, but they are under threat often because we do not value them. So I want to thank Westminster City Council for maintaining this amazing resource and to urge fellow Londoners, especially from the Chinese community, to use it so we can continue to keep it. Lady Xuelin Bates Join the conversation: #esnewsviews Barbecues do not cause air pollution Having spent my career working for environmental NGOs and childrens charities, I take Londons air pollution levels very seriously. As the Evening Standards excellent campaign has shown, we are risking our health by not tackling this issue. That is why it is so infuriating to see some campaigners who live around Highbury Field hijack this vital issue for their own ends. This group is trying to use air pollution as an excuse because they dont want people to use barbecues in the area barbecues are not a serious cause of air pollution. To exploit one of the greatest threats to Londoners lives for selfish reasons is shameful, and local politicians should treat their arguments with contempt. Alastair Harper Join the conversation: #escleancityviews K ate Fleetwood has paid tribute to the burns survivors who helped her research her role in the National Theatres new show. The actress spends an hour and a half in make-up before each performance as badly burned American soldier Jess in Ugly Lies The Bone. To prepare for the role, she watched footage of incredible burns survivors on YouTube and spoke to a charity which helps those with disfigurements. The actress, 44, said: I spoke to the Changing Faces organisation who were amazing. They were so kind and candid with me and open about their experiences. I spoke to this wonderful girl called Kelly and she said, and this will never leave me, that being a burns survivor is like standing in front of a brick wall and trying to bash it down brick by brick to try and get people to stop doing things for you. To make them see you as the person you always were and the person youre developing into and not to let the burns define you. Arts picks of the week: 27th February - 5th March 1 /10 Arts picks of the week: 27th February - 5th March Tree Of Codes What a line-up: Wayne McGregor and his company, Jamie xx, Jonathan Safran Foer, Olafur Eliasson, and the Paris Opera Ballet. These are all the names involved in Tree of Codes, which premiered at the Manchester International Festival two years ago and finally gets a London premiere this week. March 4 - 11, Sadlers Wells; sadlerswells.com My Country The National Theatre takes up the mantle to respond to Brexit, having recorded hours worth of interviews with thousands of people around the country. Directed by Rufus Norris, with the script put together by Carol Ann Duffy, its a self-proclaimed work-in-progress, but one of the first responses the arts world has offered to the vote that divided the nation. February 28 - March 22, National Theatre; nationaltheatre.org.uk a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) The capital letter-denying debbie tucker green returns to the Royal Court with a play title to remember: a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun). Starring Meera Syal, this play about three couples is sure to have the same quiet lyricism so characteristic of tucker greens work. February 28 - April 1, Royal Court; royalcourttheatre.com Limehouse There was a time, way back when, when four prominent, disenchanted Labour Party members broke away and set up their own party. Does their discontent hold a mirror up to today? Steve Waters new play attempts to find out, opening at the Donmar Warehouse this week. March 2 - April 15, Donmar Warehouse; donmarwarehouse.com Seventeen A bunch of octagenarian actors playing teenagers? Sounds like fun to us. This play by Matthew Whittet premiered in Australia, and now comes to the Lyric Hammersmith. Load your bag up with Smirnoff Ice and Wethers Originals, to cover both bases. March 4 - April 8, Lyric Hammersmith; lyric.co.uk NOW Festival The Yards annual festival of radical new performance ends this week, but not before the brilliant Deborah Pearson performs her show History History History, in a double bill with Julie Rose Bower. February 28 - March 4, The Yard; theyardtheatre.co.uk Ballet Black This company for international dancers of black and Asian descent will perform a triple bill at the Barbican this week. The centrepiece is Christopher Hampsons Storyville, the story of a farm girl who falls prey to unscrupulous characters in 1920s New Orleans, with music by Kurt Weill. March 18-19, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk The Enormous Room Stopgap Dance Company perform at Sadlers Wells this week with their new show about a complex relationship between a father and daughter both living through a grieving process. It stars David Toole, who appeared in DV8s The Cost of Living and had a solo in the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. March 2-3, Lilian Baylis Theatre; sadlerswells.com The play is inspired by a real experiment in which patients at a burns clinic use virtual reality technology to ease their constant pain. It was hugely reduced when they spent time in a virtual setting a snowy landscape with snowballs and penguins. Fleetwood spends much of the show hunched over a walking frame, dragging her characters damaged limbs across the stage. She said the performance was counter-intuitive in some ways. In theatre you are often trying to build energy so the audience are taken with you, she said. That can often mean youre expansive, especially in a big theatre like this. But being a burns victim this kind of movement is the opposite to that. In the play Jess has returned home to Florida after serving in Afghanistan. The show stars Olivia Darnley as her sister Kacie, with Kris Marshall as her sisters feckless boyfriend, Kelvin. Ralf Little plays Jesss ex-boyfriend Stevie. It is set near Cape Canaveral as the US space programme is wound down, taking jobs and prosperity with it. Little believes the show is a success because of its lightness of touch despite its heavy subject matter. He said: I think if we hit those laughs it really lifts the play and what is great is it is not overly sentimental or mawkish. F or what most people would deem all the wrong reasons but he almost certainly wouldnt, Milo Yiannopoulos has been all over the news in recent weeks. Having built a reputation as the alt-rights most vocal spokesperson and, in his own words, the most fabulous supervillain on the internet the charismatic, Kent-born, gay 33-year-old had his book deal with Simon & Schuster terminated (it was due to be published in June), and was forced to resign from his editor post at alt-right news site Breitbart. Both of these things happened after comments surfaced in which he apparently defended the idea of relationships between older men and younger boys. But just as his ban from Twitter in July last year (for his role in the abuse of Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones) only served to reinforce his enemy-of-the-mainstream status, these events will only make him more notorious. I look forward to making you all laugh, cry and think for many decades to come, he said at the press conference to announce his resignation from Breitbart. Dont think for a moment that anything that has happened in the last 48 hours will ever stop me being as offensive, provocative and outrageously funny as I choose. I am not going anywhere. Yiannopoulos is perhaps the most high-profile and most extreme of the right's new wave of provocateurs, but he is far from the only one. In the past six months, a wave of UK-based bloggers and writers, all linked by a distaste for liberalism, political correctness and the mainstream media (or the MSM, as they call it) are beginning to rise to not dissimilar levels of prominence. Milo Yiannopoulos challenged on Breitbart News headlines about Muslims and feminism on Channel 4 News Youve had a priesthood of pundits working for the established broadcasters and theyve interpreted current events for us, notes Douglas Carswell, the first elected Ukip MP, whose book The End of Politics and the Birth of iDemocracy compared what is happening now to the Reformation. Suddenly digital means that anyone can present an analysis on current events... and its created the space for a lot of insurgent opinion. Now, some of that opinion is pretty appalling. But dont blame the insurgents: theyre a consequence of the priesthood of pundits being so out of touch and one-sided. The term alt-right was coined by the president of the US National Policy Institute and white supremacist, Richard B Spencer, in 2008 he founded alternativeright.com in 2010 and since then has come to describe a broad group of people on both sides of the Atlantic. They may not agree on quite what 'alt-right- means (indeed, there is no completely settled definition) but all of them are relatively young and adept at using social media; they are pro-Trump, pro-Brexit, and anti-feminist; they have a strong taste for outrage-for-its-own-sake over any particular political leanings; and they see themselves as part of a new counterculture. They promote each others content through their own channels. All of them have growing numbers of followers. All of them, appearance-wise, are the antithesis of the aged skinheads you might traditionally associate with the right. All of them also, you suspect, do not intend on going anywhere any time soon. So who are Britains key players? Wigmore/Finn/Splash News Raheem Kassam Standing furthest to the right literally, not figuratively in that photo featuring the President Elect and Nigel Farage in front of Trump Towers gold door was Raheem Kassam. Previously the former Ukip leaders chief aide, then a Ukip leadership hopeful himself (slogan: Make Ukip Great Again), he is currently editor-in-chief of Breitbart UK. He has conducted sympathetic interviews for Breitbart with people such as Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League and subsequent founder of anti-Islam organisation Pegida UK. Kassam, 30, was born in Hammersmith and raised in Hillingdon as the son of Tanzanian immigrants. He was educated at Bishopshalt comprehensive in Uxbridge and went on to study politics at the University of Westminster in 2004. There, after apparently witnessing the number of students into radical Islam (the Islamic State militant known as Jihadi John was two years below him), he began to turn his back on the Ismaili Muslim faith. And then he became politically anti-Islam. He began blogging, and was working in a call centre when he was approached by Steve Bannon, then executive chair of Breitbart, now Donald Trumps chief strategist, and a man who Kassam insists is not a white nationalist not far right, or an extremist. Hes an obsessive; he doesnt really have other interests, says a long-time associate of Kassam. Hes pretty much fallen out with everybody hes ever worked with over money... but hes a sociable type who likes the good life: dinner, brandy... but not drugs. Kassam has a penchant for combative, wilfully shocking tweets (he has more than 50,000 followers), the most notorious being one in which he suggested Nicola Sturgeon should have her legs taped shut to stop her reproducing. He did not respond to requests for an interview. Donald Trump - In pictures 1 /112 Donald Trump - In pictures President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Acceptance speech Republican president-elect Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd during his acceptance speech at his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 9 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Little Trump Donald Trump pictured when he was 4 years old Donald J Trump/Instagram The Trump Princess Donald Trump waves to reporters in 1988 with his first wife Ivana as they board their yacht 'The Trump Princess' in New York AP Donald Trump stands next to one of his three Sikorsky helicopters at New York Port Authority's West 30 Street Heliport in 1988 Out on the town Trump and his first wife Ivana arrive at a social engagement in New York in December 1989 AFP/Getty Images Surviving at the top Trump followed up his successful book The Art of the Deal with Surviving At The Top in 1990 Random House Meeting the King of Pop With Michael Jackson in 1990 FilmMagic Taking a break with Miss Universe contestants Donald Trump meets Miss Universe contestants during a break in rehearsals in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in 1990 Miss Universe Organization via AP Genie of the lamp Donald Trump stands next to a genie lamp in 1990 as the lights of his Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort mark its grand opening in Atlantic City AP Marla's wedding day Donald and Marla Trump at their wedding in 1993 AP Donald Trump with daughter Ivanka at a Harley Davidson Cafe Event, New York City on 9 October 1993 Rex Features New arival Marla and Donald Trump leave St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida with their newborn baby girl, Tiffany on 14 October 1993 AP Behind the lens Donald Trump takes a picture of Bridget Marks in 1993 after interviewing her for Playboy magazine's 40th anniversary playmate in New York AFP/Getty Images Top Trump New York real estate giant Donald Trump poses in his Trump Tower office on a giant letter "T" on 08 May 1996 AFP/Getty Images New love interest Donald Trump and Melania arrive for VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on 13 April 1999 Getty Images Toasting in the New Year Donald Trump and Melania toast the new year during Trump's gala bash in 2000 The Sun-Sentinel/AP Wax work A wax replica of Donald Trump stands ready to be put on display at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, New York City in 2000 Madame Tussaud's/Getty Images Rebuild call Donald Trump talks in 2005 to reporters where he presented a proposal that the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center be rebuilt in New York Reuters Cracking prformance Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, Donald Trump, Seth Myers, Maya Rudolph perform on Saturday Night Live in 2002 Rex Features 'How To Get Rich' Donald Trump poses with a copy of his new book 'How To Get Rich' during a book signing on 24 March 2004 at Barnes and Noble in Lincoln Center in New York Getty Images Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka (left) and girlfriend Melania Knauss (right) attend the "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century" Costume Institute benefit gala on April 26, 2004 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City Getty Images Fired up figure Donald Trump poses with the new Donald Trump 12-inch talking doll 29 September 2004 at the Toys "R" Us store in New York City Getty Images Olympic flame Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay on 19 June 19, 2004 in New York Getty Images Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice (2005) Rex Features Anyone for golf? Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Old Course in St Andrews where he was meeting with the media to answer questions regarding Trump International Golf Links on 28 April 2005 in St Andrews, Scotland Getty Images Hollywod star Donald Trump, billionaire developer and producer of NBC's "The Apprentice," with his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, pose for a photo after he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2007 AP In the Highlands U.S. property mogul Donald Trump gestures during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland on 27 May 2010 Reuters Donald Trump plays a round of golf after the opening of the The Trump International Golf Links Course in Scotland in 2012 Getty Images Family time Donald Trump, Barron Trump and Melania Trump attends Trump Invitational Grand Prix Mar-a-Lago Club at The Mar-a-Largo Club on 04 January 2015 in Palm Beach, Florida Getty Images Officially in the running U.S. Republican presidential candidate, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump poses with his family after formally announcing his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York on 16 June 2015 Reuters Love, life and laughter Donald Trump sits with his wife Melania Trump while appearing at an NBC Town Hall at the Today Show on 21 April 2016 in New York City. Getty Images Thumbs up Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on 21 July 2016, in Cleveland, AFP/Getty Images Don't cry for me ... Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds babies at a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 29 July 2016 Reuters Donald Trump eating KFC on his private jet in August 2016 Is this really the Oval Office? Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump views a replica of the Oval Office on a tour of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 30 September 2016 Reuters Women for Trump Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump kisses a "Women for Trump" placard during a rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida on 12 October 2016 AFP/Getty Images In debate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, America on 09 October 2016 AP Love your country The future is orange: Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump hugs a U.S. flag on 24 October 2016 Reuters U.S. President-elect U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally in Manhattan, New York, U.S. on 09 November 2016 Reuters 60 Minutes Donald Trump and wife Melania being interviewed on 13 November 2016 by Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes 60 Minutes/CBS At The Whiie House US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office of the White House on 10 November 2016 EPA Kiss-story Republican president-elect Donald Trump embraces his wife Melania Trump during his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 09 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Person of the Year U.S. President-elect Donald Trump poses on the cover of Time Magazine after being named its person of the year, in a picture provided by the publication in New York on 7 December 2016 Time Magazine Meeting Kanye U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and musician Kanye West pose for media at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York on 13 December 2016 Reuters First Press Conference President-elect Donald Trump stands with his son Eric Trump (left) daughter Ivanka and son Donald Trump Jr. (right) on 11 January 2017 Reuters US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Virginia 19 on January 2017 AFP/Getty Images Big shoes to fill: US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive to attend an inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on 19 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors in Washington on 19 January 2017 AP British Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk along The Colonnade of the West Wing at The White House on January 27, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Pope Francis walks along with US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during a private audience at the Vatican in May 2017 AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump inspects border wall prototypes in March 2018 AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk to a joint news conference at Chequers in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump takes the hand of Prime Minister Theresa May as they enter Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire in July 2018 PA A six-meter high cartoon baby blimp of US President Donald Trump is set to fly as a protest against his visit July 2018 AP Activists inflate a giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an orange baby during a demonstration against Trump's visit to the UK in Parliament Square, London July 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump with The Queen in July 2018 AP German Chancellor Angela Merkel deliberates with US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of the official agenda on the second day of the G7 summit on June 9, 2018 in Charlevoix, Canada Getty Images President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island in Singapore on 12 June 2018 Evan Vucci/AP U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump meets with rapper Kanye West in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on 18th October 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian posed for a photograph together at the White House meeting Donald Trump/Twitter A White House staff member reaches for the microphone held by CNN's Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference in November 2018 Reuters President Donald Trump looks over tables of fast food for the the college football playoff champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in January 2019 Reuters US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un following a meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi on February 27, 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump (left) with Nigel Farage when they met met face-to-face on 2nd March 2019 PA/White House President Donald Trump smiles at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, after signing a proclamation in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2019 AP US President Donald Trump (L) First Lady Melania Trump (C) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe' Akie Abe (R) watch a sumo battle during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on May 26, 2019 AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trump gestures after receiving a prayer at McLean Bible Church on 2nd June 2019 AP US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump make their way to board Air Force One on 2nd June 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald and Melania Trump arrive at Stansted Airport on 3rd June 2019 AP President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are pictured ahead a meeting in Helsinki on July 16, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg watches as Donald Trump enters the United Nations to speak with reporters on September 23, 2019 Reuters Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcoming ceremony at the NATO leaders summit in Watford on December 4, 2019 Reuters President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Milwauke AP US president Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Congres center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 21, 2020 AFP via Getty Images US President Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio AFP via Getty Images A car with US President Trump drives past supporters in a motorcade outside of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland AFP via Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump works in the Presidential Suite while receiving treatment after testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland via Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a phone call with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley October 4, 2020, in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Not shown in the photo also in the room on the call is Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Reuters Donald Trump walks out of hospital after receiving treatment for Covid-19 AP Mr Trump boards Marine One to return to the White House after receiving treatment for coronavirus AP Donald Trump stands on the Truman Balcony after returning to the White House from hospital Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump removes his mask upon return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020 in Washington Getty Images Paul Joseph Watson Raised on a Sheffield council estate and since relocated to a flat in Battersea, before the US presidential campaign Paul Joseph Watson, 35, was a relatively unknown blogger for US conspiracy theorist Alex Joness Infowars site (Hot Women in Ads Banned to Please Fat Feminists is an example of a past title). Then he posted a video entitled The Truth About Hillarys Bizarre Behaviour, which claimed that Clintons weird seizures, psychotic facial tics, over-exaggerated reactions and coughing fits could be the side effects of strokes, and that her outbursts were likely linked to years of persistent drug abuse. The video went viral and was picked up by the National Enquirer, which led to Is Hillary having health problems? becoming the second biggest search on Google that week, despite the fact that there is no evidence for any of Watsons claims. On Twitter, he is a hugely divisive presence with over half a million followers. He claimed last week that the actual number of attendees at the anti-Trump march in London last month was 2,000, and offered to pay for any journalist claiming Sweden is safe to stay in the crime-ridden migrant suburbs of Malmo. In addition, hes a staunch defender of Yiannopoulos, claiming that no journalist has done more to expose actual paedophiles. Having previously referred to the Evening Standard as absolute slimeballs, Watson has little interest in engaging with the mainstream media. Stephen Simpson/LNP Donald Trump's Family Album 1 /56 Donald Trump's Family Album The young Donald Trump, on the left, in an old family photo posted on his Instagram page Donald J Trump/Instagram Pictured when he was just four years old Donald J Trump/Instagram Robert Trump, Fred Trump, Donald Trump, Ivana Trump and Elizabeth Trump attend 38th Annual Horatio Alger Awards Dinner on 10 May 1985 at the Waldorf Hotel in New York Ron Galella/WireImage Donald and Ivana wave to reporters as they board their yacht 'The Trump Princess' in 1988 AP Donald and Ivana in the 'Ruby Room' (a guest room) on 'The Trump Princess' Mario Ruiz/Rex With Ivana in December 1989 at a social engagement in New York AFP/Getty Images Comforting his by-now estranged wife Ivana in 1990 after the funeral of her father Milos Zelnicek in Czechoslovakia Trump and new love Marla Maples confirming reports of her pregnancy in April 1993 Hai Do/AFP/Getty Images Marla and Trump leave St Mary's Hospital on 13 October 1993 in West Palm Beach, Florida, with their newborn baby girl Tiffany AP Trump dips Maples after the couple married in a private ceremony amid tight security at the Plaza Hotel in December 1993 Bib Strong/AFP/Getty Images Now with Melanie Knaus at VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on 13 April 1999 Getty Images Daughter Ivanka attends the premiere of HBO's 'Born Rich' at The Screening Room on 15 October 2003 in New York Evan Agostini/Getty Images Trump with Ivanka, left, and girlfriend Melania at the 'Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century' Costume Institute benefit gala on 26 April 2004 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York Evan Agostini/Getty Images Melania Knauss on her wedding day to Trump at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda by-the-Sea, Palm Beach, Florida on 22 January 2005 Jeffrey Langlois/PB Daily News/Palm Beach Daily News/Rex Donald Jnr, Trump and Ivanka at the offices of Trump Tower in 2006 promoting a news season of 'The Apprentice' Clark Samuels/Rex Features Donald Trump holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as his wife Melania holds their son Barron in Los Angeles on 16 January 2007 Reuters Ten-month-old son Barron walks with the help of his mother Melania after his father was honored with the 2,327th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 16 January 2007 Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump Jr. poses with his pregnant wife Vanessa at the same Walk of Fame ceremony Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images Trump and his children Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric write their name in cement after making hand prints to inaugurate the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago in September 2008 Amanda Rivkin/AFP/Getty Images Marla Maples and Tiffany Trump walk through central London on 27 August 2009 Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images/Getty Images Jared Kushner and Ivanka at their wedding on 25 October 2009 at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster, New Jersey Brian Marcus/Fred Marcus Photography via Getty Images Donald Jr is pictured as work begins on the golf course being built by his father in Balmedie, near Aberdeen, Scotland, on 28 October 2009 Derek Blair/AFP/Getty Images Kai Madison Trump sits on her father Donald Trump Jr's shoulders at Z100's Jingle Ball on 9 December 2011 Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Trump with Ivanka onboard his private jet as they arrive at Aberdeen Airport on 15 May 2014 Andrew Milligan/PA Trump watches the action with wife Melania and son Barron during the Third Round of the Ricoh Women's British Open at Turnberry Golf Club on 1 August 2015 in Turnberry, Scotland David Cannon/Getty Images Melania, Ivanka, Donald Jr and Eric Trump look on during the Republican Presidential debate at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in Charleston, South Carolina on 14 January 2016 Timothy A.Clary/AFP/Getty Images Trump stands with his family while discussing the presidential primary voting results in Indiana during a speech in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York on 3 May 2016 Justin Lane/EPA The now Republian nominee for President arrives at his Trump Turnberry Resort with son Eric and granddaughter Kai on 24 June 2016 in Ayr, Scotland Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Melania kisses her husband after delivering a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on 18 July 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Donald Trump Jr. along with Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump take part in the roll call in support of their father on the second day of the Republican National Convention Joe Raedle/Getty Images Ivanka Trump waves to the crowd as she walks on stage to deliver a speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention Joe Raedle/Getty Images Trump embraces Barron after he delivered his speech on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention John Moore/Getty Images Tiffany Trump attends the Taoray Wang fashion show during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on 12 September 2016 in New York Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Tiffany appears to void a kiss from her dad following his debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016 MSNBC Standing with his family at his 2016 US presidential Election Night event in New York on 08 November 2016 Shawn Thew/EPA Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump embrace as his wife Melania Trump, Jared Kushner and Tiffany Trump look on after delivering his acceptance speech at the New York Hilton Midtown on 9 November 2016 Mark Wilson/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump are greeted by President Barack Obama and his wife first lady Michelle Obama, upon arriving at the White House on 20 January 2017 Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump sings to the song "My Way" while dancing with first lady Melania Trump during the inaugural Liberty Ball on 20 January 2017 Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks from the Truman Balcony with first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump during the 139th Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House ON 17 April 2017 Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Pope Francis walks along with US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during a private audience at the Vatican on 24 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, their son Barron, National Turkey Federation Chairman Carl Wittenburg and his family on 21 November 2017 Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump attend the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting held by the National Park Service at the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on 30 November 2017 Getty Images Michael Heaver Until recently, 27-year-old Michael Heaver was Nigel Farages chief press adviser. He rose quickly through the Ukip ranks, having joined the party as a 17-year-old. As of 17 January this year, though, he has been editor of westmonster.com, funded by Arron Banks, the biggest financial backer of the Leave campaign. Heaver also runs the site out of Bankss leave.eu offices in SW1. Unlike other alt-right bloggers, Heaver still drinks in Westminster haunt the Marquis of Granby with other politicos. The site is very much inspired by the way Breitbart has tapped in to the alt-right sensibility. After the Brit Awards last week, for example, it lambasted the vile Donald Trump/Theresa May-baiting performance by multi-millionaire luvvie Katy Perry. Educated at Coleridge Community College in Cambridge (which he calls one of the countrys worst state schools), Heaver scored highly enough in his GCSEs to secure a place at Hills Road Sixth Form College, regarded as one of the best in the UK. While there he won the Schools Question Time Challenge to secure a place on a Question Time panel alongside Iain Duncan Smith and Douglas Alexander, against whom he more than held his own. He is what he appears to be, says a long-time associate. A Ukip hardliner. Hes authentic. Chippy. And very paranoid about Westminster. Matthew Tait The host of the first alt-right London social in October last year, well-spoken business studies graduate Tait joined the British National Party at the age of 18, founding a new branch in his native Maidenhead in 2004. In stark contrast to other members of the alt-right, Tait identifies as an environmentalist, and initially intended, as an already-politicised teenager, to join the Green Party. Unconvinced by what he read about them, though, he instead joined the BNP, having gone on its website, initially, as a joke. Tait left the party in 2010 and eventually assembled a group of like-minded people who, on deciding that a political party was not the way forward, launched Western Spring: a website representing the interests of White people everywhere, but in particular the interests of the White people indigenous to the British Isles. Tait is now a regular speaker at meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, and was present at the notorious alt-right conference at Washington DCs Ronald Reagan Building in November, just after Donald Trumps victory, which saw some attendees giving triumphant Nazi salutes. After the event, he was ushered outside by Richard B Spencer, past the waiting press. He did not take questions. Colin Robertson Introducing this Scottish YouTuber to the same conference audience, Richard B Spencer described him as just the kind of person we want in the alt-right (he also said that the assembled crowd could see Robertson and himself as two of a kind, as kind of the hipster whisperers). Only recently revealed to be Colin Robertson, 34, from Linlithgow, he was previously known only as Millennial Woes despite the fact that all of his videos feature him against a dark black background, talking directly to camera (titles include The Smugness of the Worldly Liberal). Robertson was a socialist as a teenager, then a libertarian, then a paleoconservative. His epiphany came in the mid-2000s when he arrived at art college in London and found his multiracial halls of residence dizzying and horrible. He began his YouTube channel at the beginning of 2014. It drew attention very quickly, to the point where, in the aftermath of Trumps triumph, he was being invited to speak in the US and to the extent that he recently celebrated reaching 25,000 subscribers on his channel. He claims that 4,000 of these came in the aftermath of his identity being exposed in the mainstream media. Enjoy being replaced by the alternative media, and thank you for the free publicity, his most recent video said. Robertson may be based in Scotland but the reverberations of his huge, growing online presence can be felt keenly in the capital. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @ESMagOfficial W heres the best place to put old banana skins or soured milk? In a cocktail, obviously. Because now, it's not just about minimising not just food waste, but drinks waste, too specifically the huge quantities of rinds, leftover syrups and bits of other so-called rubbish thats destined for a black bag out the back of your favourite drinking hole. And where better to put such waste than into a brand new cocktail? Ryan Chetiyawardana aka Mr Lyan creates what he calls closed-loop cocktails at his two bars, White Lyan in Hoxton and Dandelyan at the Mondrian: drinks that incorporate the waste of cocktails that have gone before. He wants to show that luxury doesnt need to be excessive and wasteful. Hence a drink such as the Arsenic Waltz cocktail on the Dandelyans new Vices of Botany menu, which uses the excess cucumbers pre-sliced for G&Ts. The slippery green gin-saturated discs are turned into a cucumber honey syrup, which is then mixed with tequila, sour pear and long pepper. In a bar that serves 6,000 drinks per week, its important we can maintain something exciting and delicious that doesnt produce a load of unnecessary rubbish, Chetiyawardana explains. At Duck & Waffle, bartender Rich Woods agrees he has brought back his Urban Decay menu, which essentially upcycles the slightly suspect stuff from your fridge youd normally bin. Woods believes theres a piquant flavour in discarded nut shells and fruit peels. His Recycled Mai Tai mixes rum and lime juice with a liqueur Woods makes from distilling used coffee grinds in alcohol and syrup flavoured with nutshells; the Green Banana Daiquiri is made with sour milk, banana skin and coconut husks; and the wonderfully simple Green G&T uses gin infused with discarded tomato vines. And then theres champagne, specifically Krug. The brand has made huge leaps in making its production virtually waste-free, even using discarded fermentation barrels for barbecue parties. It has partnered with New York chef Dan Barber for the WastED pop up currently on Selfridges rooftop, where Barber is cooking waste-based dishes with top chefs from Gordon Ramsay to Pierre Koffmann, using ingredients such as cabbage cores and waste-fed pigs. The best bars in London 1 /64 The best bars in London Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN, rosewoodhotels.com/london The Rosewood is doubly wonderful for drinkers, as theyve two fine spots. In the modern Dining Room, sit at the gin bar, which outstocks anywhere else in London, with more than 400 gins and 27 tonics. Trying to choose is impossible, but what a lovely impossibility to have. The bar staff clearly had one hell of a tasting session as they know the list perfectly. Across the way is Scarfes Bar, a brilliant, brilliant bar gladly shaken free from all the stuffiness usually found in hotel bars. The drinks are stunning, theyve often live music, it gets wonderfully busy and crackles with laughter. Go a little later and its busier, people drink more, everything is better. Bar Americain 20 Sherwood St, W1F 7ED, brasseriezedel.com As the name suggests, this is a classic American bar, and done near perfectly. One can become very fond of Bar Americain and very quickly: passing through Piccadilly Circus, it acts as a magnet a quick negroni becomes a temptation impossible to resist. Its a very beautiful place, calling to mind grand Parisian hotels of the 20s and 30s, bottles winking from the bar, staff floating through with their finery and litres of charm. Youre here to drink the classics: theyve a killer Clover Club and a straight-down-the-line Manhattan. But ask: the bartenders know their stuff and bring their A-game to any challenge tell them what you like, and theyll bring you something new. They often have specials on, as well. Top marks for the attentive staff, bringing plenty of water and bowl after bowl of popcorn both essential after a few here. Oriole Smithfield Markets, E Poultry Ave, EC1A 9LH, oriolebar.com The team behind Nightjar took their winning formula, gave it a bit of a shake up and created Oriole. Theyve live music throughout the week from Wednesday to Saturday, theres a charge per person, so watch out for that which gives any night here a bit of zip. This is a strictly seated spot, so be sure to book: once inside, its a whirlwind tour of the world, with fine details from across the globe, both in the styling and the drinks and so much cheaper than booking a holiday. Drinks are excellent, whether youre into New Orleans style classics or something from the depths of Asia: explore the menu (split into Old World, New World and The Orient) and expect something unusual and faintly brilliant, with a touch of the Tiki. Put it this way: Oriole is ideal whether you prefer drinking from a crystal tumbler, a teacup or, er, a silver crocodile. Piano Works 113-117 Farringdon Road, Farringdon EC1R 3BX, pianoworks.bar Full credit to this fun Farringdon spot: theyve worked hard to make the place better and better since opening, which is pretty good going for what was already a decent spot to begin with. The Piano Works sounds like a quiet jazz bar but instead is a hell-raising house of sound, splendidly raucous, where a house band take requests and belt out your favourite songs. The more you get involved, the more fun it is, and the place heats up the later it gets. Wine starts at 16, house cocktails are 8, but they've tons of terrific deals during the week including cocktails for a fiver (!!) Drink lots, dance lots and leave in the early hours with someone you shouldnt do. Thats what we did. Hawksmoor, Spitalfields 157A Commercial St, E1 6BJ, thehawksmoor.com Its hardly surprising the bar snacks are a highlight here have the oxcheek nuggets with a side of chips, then call the waiter over to order them over again given how good the steak upstairs is. The drinks and setting, though, match them pound for pound. The old tube tiles on the walls, the beautiful parquet floor, the copper tops and silvery black ceiling make the large space a place to settle in for the night no matter your seat, while the cocktails come with oodles of thought in each one: the new menu has homemade bitters, shrubs and syrups, and its bloody obvious everyone behind the bar is more than a little nerdy about building drinks. Shaky Petes Ginger Brew is the classic, so have it, but follow up with the Shadow Boxer, a mix of scotch, sherry and Fernet-Branca. Odd, oddly delicious. Its also a cracking place to sit for a bottle of wine. Andrew Edmunds 46 Lexington St, W1F 0LP, andrewedmunds.com Perhaps better than its ever been, Andrew Edmunds recently won The Good Drinking prize in our Restaurant Awards, and for good reason. Its a small spot, cramped to the point that coming here on a first date feels like youre being very forward indeed , with the best tables upstairs and not much to look at just settle for being distracted by someone beautiful. The food, French-ish/English-ish, is fine, but its the wine that's extraordinary. And youre here for wine: forget cocktails, they have. What a list, and so quietly marked up that youre getting a steal with almost every bottle indeed, the more expensive the better the deal. Having been going 30 years, those who knew old Soho say its one of the last bastion of such things. Drink too much gorgeous wine and come back often. The Connaught Bar Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL, the-connaught.co.uk A bar for the impossibly beautiful, a bar of high heels and glimmering lights, of perfume and leather. Aside from oddly thumping music, the Connaught is wonderfully detached from the world a place of its own, cosy and winter warm when it needs to be, light and summer when desired. The drinks, naturally pricey, are well put together and while classic in tone, come with crackles of theatre: washes in perfume bottles, branches as garnishes, smoke, the lot. Still, the martini trolley is what theyre famed for, so its only right to indulge. Afterward, head to the Champagne Room: sadly the law stops it being the cigar haven it once was, but it's still gorgeous: romantic and charming with its fireplace, dramatic with its glass ceiling and sculpture swan diving. Treat yourself to the Ruinart blanc de blanc. Damned good olives, too. Milk & Honey 61 Poland St, W1F 7NU, mlkhny.com You know a bar is good when local bartenders love it, and Milk & Honey has long been a Soho favourite for those in the know. Hidden in plain sight this terrific bar has been doing its thing for just shy of 15 years. The talent hasnt diminished, and neither has the care put into the drinks. Cocktails are strong and proper and happily, they're updating the list soon to freshen things up. At around 10 a drink, M&H is also a bargain for central London, and the quality outstrips the price. It functions as a members bar, but non-members can book up until 11pm though going earlier in the week means youre more likely to score a table. Milk & Honey is civilised, without the crushing formality. Next door is the Blind Pig, another top 'hidden' spot. Mark's Bar HIX Soho, 66- 70 Brewer St, W1F 9UP, hixrestaurants.co.uk The bad: you might not get in. If its busy, they dont squeeze people into this basement, so either be there early, or bamboozle them with charm, or dazzle them with your brilliant wit. Were kidding: just take someone hot. The good: pretty much everything else. Naturally, the bar snacks are distractingly tasty, but the drinks list is excellent, and unusual too, with a few historical recipes brought back to life. Attention to detail is everything here, so if youre not sharing one of the big old Chesterfields, head to the bar and sit and watch theres something about it thats like seeing a cardmaster turn tricks. And have a Hix Fix, just to say you have. The Beaufort bar and the American Bar at The Savoy The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EU, fairmont.com Glitz, glamour and lots of gold: both Savoy bars are wonderfully opulent. The world-famous American bar, recently revamped, is still up there as one of the best bars on our humble planet. The bartenders bible, Harry Craddocks The Savoy Cocktail Book, was written here, and the cocktails served today remain as finely tuned as they ever were. Whereas as other bars try to recreate the glamour of such places, The Savoy neednt pretend: everything is genuine. The palatial Beaufort is absurdly romantic, and drinks are extravagantly presented: it works for the most special of special occasions, and theres something undeniably grand about sipping away in the same place Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway all did. If youre planning a few drinks, either be rich or take someone rich seriously. Artesian 1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA, artesian-bar.co.uk Artesian won its accolades for its team, Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, who ran the place for eight years and earned its reputation as the best bar in the world. Theyve sadly departed, but have left the place in capable hands, and the feel is much the same as it ever was, which is chic, glamorous, and not taking itself too seriously. While the beautiful and the rich rub shoulders, the bartenders are mixing up excellent but often slightly silly drinks but its their mischievousness that makes them so winning. Seriously impressive. Les Compagnie Des Vins Surnaturels 8-10 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP, cvssevendials.com Call it CVS and your night becomes considerably easier to pronounce. Sat in Neils Yard, it is one of Londons finest wine bars. Thoroughly French, of course: New World wines barely get a sideways glance, while even Italys finest is only begrudgingly given a little space on the considerable menu. This doesn't mean there is a lack of choice to the contrary, it is almost overwhelming, though they have a short by-the-glass list, and the charming staff are both well informed and passionate about what to have. In the summer, sit outdoors, in the winter, cosy up by the bar. Wherever you are, try the mystery wine; if you guess it, youll win a bottle. Have food small plates made to share, and terrifically good and drink plenty, so the bill doesnt hit as hard. The Shrub & Shutter 336 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8QH, theshrubandshutter.com This Brixton bar felt new in the area, taking a little of east London and bringing it down south. Theyve a pleasingly patchwork approach to decor: there are jars and bottles and shakers everywhere, which gives the place a kitchen feel. The cocktails, lovely to drink on their own, are made better with the food, which is designed to match what youre drinking. The pairings initially sound a little gimmicky crayfish with vodka, venison on the side of The Deerhunter (an old fashioned, basically) but they work, so drop that sceptical streak for a moment. It gets busy, so book up, get in early, and stay late. Theyve a license until 3am, so itd be rude not to. Sky Pod at the Sky Garden 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london The truth of it is, you come for the view, but good God it's a great view, and 360-degrees at that. Up 35 floors, if you can think of a London icon, you can probably see it. When the weather's good, get outside for some fresh air. With completely free entry and minimal security fuss, its worth making a reservation, though if youre ok to queue, theyll have you in. Cocktails arent torturously expensive, at around 11.50, and are very enjoyable the cognac-chocolate-caramel-port mix that is Black and Gold is particularly good so it doesn't feel like they're relying on the sights. Theres a sense of special occasion, and all the more so with live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Theyre hoping for jazz on Wednesdays, too. If youre tempted to eat, Fenchurch and the Darwin Brasserie are well worth trying Fenchurch is particularly good for veggies. The Gilbert Scott St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR, thegilbertscott.co.uk Given the golden hue here, where luxury hangs in the air like perfume, its remarkable that wine starts at as little as 5 a glass. Wine is its strong point, and likeable head sommelier Joris Beijn is a man worth knowing: he is passionate about his list, knowledgeable and accommodating. The bar is flexible, in that it is by turns ideal for a date, or a catch up with old friends, or a pre/post dinner drinks. The room is a stunner: high painted ceilings, dramatic red walls, great big bells as art, marble bar top and crystal glasses catching the light. Cocktails come in at around 14, and err on the light side: lots of gin and floral concoctions. The restaurant, next door, isnt to be missed, either, just be prepared to get an Uber home: invariably, youll stretch and tease out the evening to stay just a little longer. Gerry's Club 52 Dean Street, W1D 5BJ, gerrysclub.com A word of warning: this is technically a member's club, but you'll probably be fine if you flirt enough and don't ask for Gerry, he's long since passed. Michael looks after this place now. We've only been once very late, very drunk and with very good friends. Most old-school Soho drinking dens are dead, but this hub of actors and writers is what remains of 'Old Soho'. If you're boring, steer clear: it is a place to drink wine and beer and tell stories, to laugh uproariously and to give yourself a monumental hangover in a faintly discreet way. 68 and Boston 4-5 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4DD, 68andboston.com Boston, the bar upstairs, looks like glamorous train carriage from the golden age of cocktails but plays it a little bit safe. Wine bar 68, downstairs, is the real gem, with a wonderful way of pricing: every bottle on the list is 20, so choose what you like, not what you can afford. Better yet, if you don't fancy a bottle, they're served by the carafe (14) or glass (5.50). Wines are well picked and Denise Medrano, wine blogger and lover found behind the bar, is always working to update the list so go back to try something new. Youll probably end up getting drunk here: the pull of another bottle at just 20 is monumentally hard to resist, but hey, thats what Soho is for. If you fancy drinking something more upscale, ask theyve a few hidden wines kept hidden away for those in the know. Thats you, now. The Pink Chihuahua at El Camion 25-27 Brewer St, W1F 0RR, elcamion.co.uk Forget house infusions and drinks that take half an hour to make: sometimes a good night needs tequila and dancing. The Pink Chihuahua is built for it: theyre providing the tequila more than 300 different types of it, in fact youre there to drink it down and dance it up. Theyve all sorts of twists on Margaritas and Daiquiris, and, given youre downstairs from Mexican restaurant El Camion, plenty of bar food to indulge in too. Lots of fun, and if youre feeling more in the mood just to sit back and sip something slowly, ask about their choice of Mezcal. There's real talent here, but fun too. The Gibson 44 Old St, EC1V 9AQ, thegibsonbar.london Given the dearth of decent cocktails in Farringdon, the tiny Gibson is a God-send. Its a parlour pitched somewhere between Edwardian and Art Deco, and drinks arent simply poured here, theyre tended to, built, thought about, adored. All unsurprising, really, given the team learnt their trade at the likes of Nightjar and The Connaught. This place is doing more creatively to push bartending forward than any bar that's opened up in a while, so ask the team for recommendations and youll be presented with something magic. Youll need to ask, actually, as the menu is a novel and theres the risk of wasting the evening reading instead of drinking, and that simply wouldnt do at all. Peg+Patriot Patriot Square, E2 9NF, talentedmrfox.com The Talented Mr Fox, Matt Whiley, offers is a nice blend of things here: while the menu takes a sophisticated trip around London, with each cocktail a column of flavour, some managing chameleonic taste all within the space of a sip, the actual bar is surprisingly spare and understated. The effect is such that while drinks are upmarket, one doesnt feel obliged to sit demurely to enjoy them. Relax, have a few you might want to, as the serves arent huge. It should be said that these cocktails are among Londons most interesting, rather than Londons best: they are talking points, oddities, they put flavours together in a way that isnt available elsewhere. If youre big on trying new things, different experiences, seeing what a cocktail can do, come, its a must. If its just something reliably delicious you fancy, elsewhere may be better. Worship Street Whistling Shop 63 Worship St, EC2A 2DU, whistlingshop.com One presumes the staff here have night vision, otherwise its a complete and utter mystery how they see customers, let alone their ingredients. Still, they must do, for the output is pretty much excellent through and through at this dark spot. Its Victorian-inspired, which sounds tired and not a little tacky, but the gang from Purl have done it properly. Drinks are busy lots of fusions, blends, gasses and pressure and all sorts so its appropriate they come out of a lab. Still, all this engineering seems to be worth it, as the drinks slip down easily, the alcohol often hidden away. Make sure to take a seat in the Dram Shop, and pop in to the Gin Closet too, which operates as an honesty bar. Kansas Smitty's 63-65 Broadway Market, E8 4PH, kansassmittys.com Below bar Off Broadway a long way off, its Mexican sits this glorious den of jazz and juleps. It is a speakeasy for 2016: that is to say, it has none of the contrived mannerisms of bars which proclaim to be speakeasies, it just happens to actually be one: youll need to knock to get in, the music raves loud and hot, and the place is so crowded strangers become family after a drink or two. The house band, for which the place is named, have envy-inducing talent, and the bar has fairly recently overhauled its drinks list, and the results are good. Youll be absorbed by the music, and stay afterwards to ride the buzz of the crowd. GONG 52, Shangri-La Hotel, the Shard, SE1 9QU, .gong-shangri-la.com Gong is in the Shard, so youre there for the view alone. View it certainly does: at 52 floors up, its by far Londons highest spot to drink: consequently, sipping on a martini, one feels a little like a Bond villain pondering all thats below. Its not a huge bar, but that somewhat adds to the sense of exclusivity. Prices are, naturally, sky high: expect to pay at least 18. The drinks have plenty about them to compete with the view: presentation is everything. Theyve not skipped on the spirits making the mix, either: expect the likes of Zacapa 23 rum (heavenly stuff), Talisker scotch and Tanqueray 10 for the gin. All top drawer stuff. If this all sounds a bit intimidating, bear in mind they operate a no reservations policy, so youve as good a chance of getting in as anyone else. Mr Fogg's Salon 58 St Martin's Lane, Theatreland, WC2N 4EA, mr-foggs.com Downstairs is a pretty decent pub, busy from theatreland. Upstairs, the salon is quieter, but only a little. The walls are a glittering ballgown of 19th century curiosities, unsubtle nonsense winking away. Head to a chaise longues with a couple of friends or a date and take in something from each one of the five acts which split the menu. Drinks seem to smell especially good here, rich, relying heavily on the likes of rum, cognac and sherry. Gin lovers need not despair: theyve a room with 300 different types next door. Come elegantly dressed. Bar Termini 7 Old Compton St, W1D 5JE, bar-termini.com Do Bar Termini right and youll love it: do it wrong, and you may be underwhelmed. Tony Conigliaro, cocktail chap par excellence, and coffee maestro Marco Arrigo have built a revolving-door of a place: dont come here to linger. Expect a night of cocktails and youll leave disappointed: instead, love it in the day for the 1 espressos, and swing by in the evening for a negroni (6). Theyre small, but some of the best in the capital. One swishes in and out here, and that way, it adds a touch of Italian glamour to any evening. Trisha's (New Evaristo Club) 57 Greek St, Soho, W1D 3DX Drinks dont make a bar, and thank goodness, as the stuff served at Trishas named for its owner is uniformly pretty awful: red and white wine youd consider an insult if a friend served it at supper, prosecco wildly overpriced, terrible spirits ecetera ecetera. At more than 70, the club is Sohos oldest, and while nobody who goes there can ever remember anything changing its often quite hard to recall much about Trishas in crystal detail, as it happens nothing needs to. The bad wine and expensive mixers and paint stripper spirits are all part of the point: its a glorious drinking den, and marvellous, marvellous fun. There are characters here: the last time we were in, we sat being scared witless by an old East End gangster who said hes known the Krays. Tremendous. Long may this place live. The Fumoir Claridge's, 49 Brook St, W1K 4HR, claridges.co.uk The Fumoir will confuse you, as youll be torn between shouting about it and keeping it all to yourself. This plush purple and leather spot, deco decadence with a touch of welcome pomp, is hidden away behind a secret door at Claridges. Tiny and glitzy enough to feel like a Hollywood dressing room from the Golden Age, its little surprise the likes of Christina Hendricks adore it. For such a small place, they squeeze an awful lot in: plenty of wines, classic cocktails given a stern shake up, buckets of gin, a lovely choice of armagnac and a magnificent scotch list, gleaming with rarities. 69 Colebrooke Row 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8AA, 69colebrookerow.com Once known as the bar with no name, henceforth they shall be called the bar with Bernards watch, as there is no other explanation for the speed with which their finely mixed cocktails arrive. Another bar from Tony Conigliaro, its earned its reputation for turning out hit after hit: the drinks list is endlessly tempting. The piano is a nice touch; that is gets played a much nicer one, and make sure to order the Prairie Oyster fun to drink, and one even for those who cant eat seafood. Bear in mind its a small spot, so youre close to your neighbours, and if you dont like strong drinks where the booze kicks, this wont be for you. Happiness Forgets 8-9 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU, happinessforgets.com Dont expect frills and fuss or the rest of it here: Happiness Forgets is cocktail bar distilled down to its very essence, and done very well their tag High End Cocktails/Low End Rent sums it up best. The bartenders are all top drawer, and their creations impeccable. Unsurprisingly, this Hoxton space has its regulars, so the crowd is always good. Tables can be booked, but half are always kept for walk-ins: try your luck, its worth it. Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas Melia White House Hotel, Albany Street, NW1 3UP, melia.com Come to this one to brag: Dry Martini is known as Barcelonas best cocktail bar, and has been rated the fifth best bar in the world by the Worlds 50 Best Bars panel. Renowned bartender Javier de las Muelas has bought over his concept to us lucky Londoners, and with it, finely mixed and classic cocktails. No prizes for guessing that the Dry Martini is the house special if you dont think you like them, heres a place to change your mind. With more than 80 gins on the list, you could easily lose a week here. Gordon's 47 Villiers St, WC2N 6NE, gordonswinebar.com Gordons seems to get more and more crowded with each passing day, but perhaps rightly so: the beloved Embankment institution is made for knocking back bottles of wine in. Eat a few cold bites and chat into a long, unwinding evening. The wine list is good enough, but youre really here for the atmosphere: in summer, the terrace, buzzing, in winter, the caves indoors, crammed with noise, spilt wine, and joy. Social bar at City Social 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 1HQ, citysociallondon.com Youd think youre at City Social, up 24 stories of Tower 42, to eat, but if you stop in the bar, theres a good chance you wont make it to your table. The drinks come as something of a surprise: theyre so much better than one expects from a restaurant bar, inventive, put together carefully but not staidly, retaining a sense of fun. And, crucially, damned tasty. Its a dark room, and full of city types, but perfect for a few late night cocktails soaking up the view, which is really quite wonderful. Bloody pricey, but thats part of it. Ladies and Gentlemen 2 Highgate Rd, NW5 1NR, twitter.com William Borrells bolthole transcends its gimmick (which, if you hadnt guessed, is that its a converted public loo), with the help of some very handy bartenders, and its house-brewed gin, Highwayman, of which twelve bottles a day get distilled. Ladies & Gents manages well as a place for a quiet drink, or better yet, a place to quietly get roaringly drunk. Convenient indeed. The drinks are strong, very interesting, and theres plenty of odd sods on the wall to keep your conversation up. It maintains a veneer of being somewhere faintly upmarket, but youll probably end up reading from one of the books scattered around or trying to dance to the live music. Perfect for a date that gets out of hand. Bull In A China Shop 196 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6LG, bullinachinashop.london Truth it, youll need to catch this place on a good night, as weve been in often enough to know it has its good nights and its meh nights. But when the place is on, its really cooking, and easily one of the best bars in town. The cocktail list is short, but thought through, and care is taken in even the small things: they even make sure the water glasses are chilled. The chamomile and charcoal Old-Fashioned is a must, and any whisky lovers should get chatting to the bar staff, as theyve bottles which arent available anywhere else in the capital. Sager + Wilde Arch, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE, sagerandwilde.com Wine lovers rejoice, wine bores look elsewhere. Sager + Wilde admirably keep things unpretentious: the exposed brickwork sets the tone: theyre keeping things low key. The specials list changes regularly, and always with interesting choices introduced. Some of the wines are exclusive to this place, so youre all but guaranteed to try something new. Have a SHE + T (sherry with tonic, delicious), and absolutely do not leave without having the grilled cheese sandwich. 7 Tales at Sosharu 64 Turnmill St, EC1M 5RR, sosharulondon.com Underneath Jason Athertons Sosharu is this sexy, seedy Japanese drinking den, where youll find the hazy, debauched glamour of Tokyo after dark. Unlike so many bars underneath restaurants, 7 Tales doesnt feel like a holding pen, and drinks are precision made, with flavours leaning beyond the usual think rice-washed gin, sake, infusions of sesame, snacks like tempura. Bar snacks are an irresistible must. Callooh Callay 65 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY, calloohcallaybar.com Eccentric doesnt seem to quite cover it: enter the surreal world of Callooh Callay through an old Victorian wardrobe, catch sight of a throne and order punch out of a gramophone from a menu thats more of a sticker book. It sounds a bit ridiculous, but the bartenders really know their stuff, so for all the quirks, drinks are fundamentally pretty excellent. On the weekends, its a party bar, and DJs spin music to match: youre here for a good time. Any detectives in your gang will find there are two extra rooms in Callooh Callay to explore theyre hidden away, too, naturally. If youre good, you might even get an invite upstairs to the Jub Jub Room, where the 10-long cocktail list changes every three weeks. Fans should also head to their new offering in Angel, Little Bat. Dukes Bar Dukes Hotel, 35 St James's Pl, SW1A 1NY, dukeshotel.com Dukes is known for one reason: martinis. The St Jamess hotel was a favourite haunt of James Bond author and (very) keen drinker, Ian Fleming, who supposedly came up with the shaken, not stirred line here. Their martinis are exceptionally strong, and very large: theres a reason they wont serve you more than two. But look, break the mould: theyre a classic hotel bar, they serve a fine range of classic cocktails. Theres also a cognac and cigar garden, if youre so inclined. NOLA 1st Floor, 68 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY, nola-london.com It would be too easy to miss this place, so do your homework and saunter in: its must more attractive than sweatily asking anyone if theyve seen the place. Drawing inspiration from the home of proper cocktails, New Orleans, the bar loves traditional drinks, builds them properly and serves them in a den of music and laughter. Unlike some places specialising in old school serves, NOLA is a place for fun: sure, it seems to say, you could have a quiet drink but why would you want to? Theres a cracking cigar terrace too, small enough that everyone talks before heading back in for one hell of a Vieux Carre. Call Me Mr Lucky 11 Southwark St, SE1 1RQ, twitter.com All the hidden bars at the Breakfast Clubs around the capital are popular, with perhaps The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town being the best known. Call Me Mr Lucky, on Southwark Street, happens to be our favourite. Once youve flirted with the staff ask to get lucky youre taken through the restaurants kitchens to a lively bar decorated like some twisted take on a kids party. Have a go on the wheel of fortune, where youll really want to get lucky, and win a free shot, and then work your way through the cocktail list. Like any good-time bar worth its salt, this place is big on tequila, and the drinks are light-hearted fun, but here we go getting lucky again along with the quirks comes quality. By the of the evening, before youre porured back onto the street, youll swear tequila is your new favourite drink, and youll be singing the party hits they play all the way home. K Bar at The Kensington 109 - 113 Queen's Gate, SW7 5LP, townhousekensington.com K bar feels majestic and there is no other word for it because drinking here is a little like being in the captains quarters of the Titanic, albeit without the sinking feeling. There is glamour here: a kind of place to be seduced in. Cocktails wise, bar manager Ben Manchester is the man to ask for, but theres a fine list to choose from. It avoids stuffiness, and just needs to be packed out to really get cooking. Nightjar 129 City Rd, EC1V 1JB, barnightjar.com Nightjar has fame which means writing about it is redundant: people think it marvellously good, and theyve live music most of the week. Its seating only and worth booking: just be sure not to cancel, or theyll charge a steep 10 per person. They do the speakeasy theme, but well enough that it isnt too tired yet, and have plenty of old school style on the list. Pick up a pack of cards from the bar on your way out. Reverend J W Simpson 32 Goodge St, W1T 2QJ, revjwsimpson.com Bourne and Hollingsworth run this rather lovely little bar, downstairs from a small doorway on Goodge St. Service is friendly and speedy, it's comfortable, and drinks more than hold their own there's both obscure traditional mixes and modern serves made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Luckily, with good drinks come good people, and it's a loud, happy place. Albertine 1 Wood Ln, W12 7DP, albertinewinebar.co.uk Albertine hasnt changed much since the day East Enders was commissioned there. A wine bar through and through, youll struggle to get anything else (though there are a couple of ales on the menu.) Its a place with spirit, which draws a regular, devoted crowd. They sell everything they serve, and its well worth splashing out: the mark-up gets less and less as the bottles get more expensive, meaning you can get an absolute bargain at the top end of the list. Its also the kind of wine bar you go to to overindulge. First Aid Box 119 Dulwich Rd, SE24 0NG, firstaidbox2015.com This place really is worth travelling to Herne Hill to, which must be saying something. The team behind Shrub & Shutter have thickly laid on the pharmacy theme here, with cure-all drinks. Its not an idea which sounds like it should work, and yet, how much better life would be if they were one of the emergency services. Expect saline drips, syringes, and the likes of plastic lungs their take on thirst aid but rest assured, flavours arent medicinal in the slightest. At 8 - 10 a drink, its reasonable for London, and wonderful to see a bar really trying something new. Bravo. Media Wisdom Photography - Giles Christopher Nam Long Le Shaker 159 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0LJ, namlong.co.uk It gained fame for its celebrity fans, which include Mick Jagger and Prince Harry, but Nam Long has held on longer than most A-list haunts: its been going 30 years, and recently was given an overhaul. Its quite possibly the most Chelsea place imaginable there are literally MIC cast members floating about and its a go-to spot to drink far too much and party. The upstairs area is bright, airy, and well looked after by the excellent bartenders, while downstairs "the Opium Den" is as it sounds (though there was no opium available when we asked... ) The drinks upstairs were made with more care, but downstairs is more intimate, opulent, and better for a small groups. Some of those Chelsea types who go really are the very worst, and the drinks are outrageously expensive, but hey, its a laugh. The Vault at Milroy's 3 Greek St, Soho, W1D 4NX, shop.milroys.co.uk A bar through a bookcase: were sold. Better yet, its underneath one of Sohos finest whisky shops with stiff competition from The Vintage House so if youre taken with something downstairs, buy it on your way out. Its a simple little bar and the service is decidedly so-so, but its usually pretty busy, they play good music and have an excellent range of spirits. The menu is changed regularly, but its a good place to cram into with friends or on a date. You mightnt spend the entire night here, but for a couple of drinks on the way somewhere, or on the way back, it fits the bill perfectly. Bounce 241 Old St, EC1V 9EY, bouncepingpong.com There are two Bounce bars, one on Old Street and one on Holborn. The Old Street spot is a little more fun, graffiti adorning the walls,the Holborn spot somewhat more upmarket. Still, they both deserve a mention, and for the simple reason theyre damned good fun. Drinks here are good, with a decent spirit selection at both (and a huge number of gins in Farringdon) and a respectable selection of beers. Food is fine, simple. Still, you come to play ping pong. Theyve tables everywhere. Theres little to fault with Bounce: its a laugh, and sometimes thats all somewhere needs to be. Advocates of such menus argue they are more than just gimmicks. Sustainability, says Chetiyawardana, has to become ubiquitous. But I hope the word disappears. Like feminism or equality, I hope its a word that vanishes as the right thing becomes the norm, and those who choose a path of exploitation are phased out. Cheers to that. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @EsMagOfficial I f there's one thing Maastricht is famous for, it is the treaty of the same name. Signed 25 years ago in February 1992, it created the European Union, paved the way for the euro and arguably sowed the seeds of last years shock Brexit vote. But despite being known for little else in the UK, this charming Toytown-sized city of 120,000 people, tucked away in the south-eastern corner of the Netherlands, is well worth a visit no matter how you voted last June. Offering ancient ruins, distinctive cuisine and French-influenced architecture, it is a very different prospect to the better-known Dutch cities. Maastricht dates back to the Romans they built a bridge over the River Maas here in the first century and has since been fought over and conquered by the Spanish, the French (twice) and finally the Germans in 1940. Around one in 10 of the population are students at Maastricht University, and many of them are from overseas, which helps explain the citys youthful cosmopolitan vibe. Stay The Boutique Hotel Grote Gracht (boutiquehotelgrotegracht.nl) is a well-located, 25-room hotel just a few minutes walk from the central Vrijthof squares busy cafe-bars, and is within easy reach of Maastrichts main attractions. A converted 18th-century house, the hotel underwent a refurbishment three years ago, adding mod-cons while preserving the historic ambience. Some of the rooms have an art deco look but the superior rooms have an authentic French classical feel, with repro furniture that wouldnt have been out of place in the original house. Doubles start from 109 per room, room only. Boutique Grote Gracht Hotel Eat Youve got to sample the popular local dish, Zuurvlees, at the delightful Cafe Sjiek (cafesjiek.nl) in Pieterstraat, on the edge of the old city and cosy and full of character. Zuurvlees might not sound very appetising the dish consists of a horse meat stew served in a sweet- and-sour gravy but its surprisingly tasty. If horse meat isnt your thing, head down the road to trendy Cafe Forum (cafeforum.eu), where a hip, young crowd gathers for salads and burgers paired with a good selection of craft beers from the Netherlands and Belgium. For a locally brewed Brand Pilsener, try Cafe de Knijnspiep (knijnspiep.nl), a wood-panelled pub that dates back over a century. Another must is Cafe In de Karkol (indekarkol.nl), voted the Netherlands best pub last year by Dutch magazine Misset Horeca. Maastricht is also famous for its frituuren (fry shops). One of the best is Tuutsje vaan Teunsje (tuutsje.nl) in Wyck, on the eastern side of the Maas, which serves fries Dutch-style that is, with gravy or mayonnaise. Shop If youre into strong cheese, try a small block of Rommedoe a locally produced soft cheese at specialist fromagerie Rommedoeke (rommedoeke.nl). Be warned: youll need to wrap it up in two or three plastic bags. If youve got more of a sweet tooth, head to Patisserie Royale (royale.nl) to buy a Limburg vlaai a delicious tart with an apricot jam-like filling. Bibliophiles, on the other hand, should visit the vaulted, temple-like Dominicanen book store (ibris.nl/dominicanen), situated in a 700-year-old Gothic church. Selexyz Dominicanen Bookshop, built within the walls of a 13th century Gothic church building / Alamy Stock Photo See Medieval-looking Helpoort (Hell Gate) might sound a bit frightening but the Netherlands oldest fortified city gate dates from 1229, when the city shut itself up each night to keep out unsavoury marauders. Be sure not to miss the fascinating underground cave system (maastricht underground.nl) in St Pietersberg and Cannerberg, where generations of Jesuit monks left amazing art, including reliefs, frescoes and wall paintings. The old medieval city wall overlooking pretty Nolenspark is also worth a visit, as is the excavated Roman street hidden away in the basement of the Derlon Hotel ( derlon.com). Finally, head for Plein 1992 (1992 Square) in the Ceramique district. The square is home to a mix of sleek modern buildings, including the city library, and offers a fine view of the Maas. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the lack of overt EU symbolism. So while this Dutch city will forever be linked in our minds to a treaty, rest assured: no one is going to bang on about Brexit as you tuck into your Zuurvlees. Details: Maastricht Eurostar offers tickets to Liege from 34.50 one-way (eurostar.com). From here, its a 30-minute train ride to Maastricht, with departures around once every hour. holland.com O ne of Londons top judges has criticised Met Police officers for using an offensive code to refer to black people. Judge Alistair McCreath QC, the Recorder of Westminster, said officers should stop using the term IC3 in their reports. British police have used seven IC codes to describe the ethnicity of suspects since the late Seventies, including IC1 for white people. But Judge McCreath, overseeing a pre-trial hearing at Southwark crown court yesterday, said only black people are now routinely referred to using the system. He hit out when reading an undercover officers witness statement of a black man allegedly buying drugs from a crack cocaine dealer. Hes described as selling it to an IC3 male, Im astonished, said the judge. New two-shot Taser authorised for police use Its only black people that get called by this offensive sort of description, white people never do. T he son of a Bangladeshi immigrant who lives in one of Londons most deprived areas is to follow in the footsteps of Princes William and Harry after winning a place at Eton. Kaashif Kamaly will swap Forest Gate in Newham, east London, for the world-famous public school after winning a two-year, 76,000 scholarship. The 15-year-old, who will study A-level maths, chemistry, English literature, biology and history in September, says he is looking forward to the challenge but wont forget his roots. I have this extraordinary opportunity that I will grab with both hands but it wont change who I am and where I have come from, nor would I want it to. Kaashif credits his hero father Shah Mia, who works as an immigration officer at Heathrow despite a disability, for instilling the work ethic that has helped him succeed. Historic: The 15-year-old will go to study at Eton / Getty He added: My dad has a lot of injuries, shattered knee and slipped disc, but has instilled morals and ethics that you have to work, you have to pay your way in the world. He crosses London every day to work at Heathrow. He is always at work trying to make life better for his family. He is my hero. Kaashif attends Forest Gate Community School, which is rated by Ofsted as outstanding despite more than two thirds of pupils being classed as disadvantaged. It was ranked 14th best in the country for GCSE results and this year won the Evening Standard Best School in Challenging Circumstances award. He is predicted A* in all his GCSEs. Kaashifs mother Sheuly Begum was born in Bangladesh and he has a 21-year-old brother and sister, aged nine. He said: Eton is a fantastic school, probably the best in the country, but what the teachers have helped me achieve at Forest Gate Community School is even bigger. The pupils at Eton are sons of kings and queens, lords and judges. In my area there are many, many social problems. Gangs, drugs, crime, poverty, these are common issues in Newham. Teachers wont have had to help pupils at Eton deal with that. Eton, founded in 1440, has educated 19 prime ministers. Kaashif is the second pupil from Forest Gate Community School to have won a scholarship after Ishak Ayiris earned a place in 2014. Head Simon Elliott said: We have students now who despite coming from one of the poorest areas in the country have the same belief as pupils at top independent schools, that nothing is out of their reach. Background should be no barrier to belief and ultimately success. We have proved that. A n unexploded World War Two bomb discovered in north-west London could take three days to safely detonate, police said. Emergency services descended on a building site in Brondesbury Park on Thursday after construction workers found the huge bomb. Hundreds of pupils from Marylebone Boys School and Malorees junior and infants schools were evacuated as well as nearby residents. Police officers erected a cordon around the site, on the Avenue, while army bomb disposal experts assessed the situation. The bomb, circled right, and a spade also circled for scale / London Fire Brigade Scotland Yard confirmed the operation with continue until at least Friday. Councillor Carol Shaw, for Brondesbury Park ward told the Standard: The construction firm have been told that it might not be clear for three days, she told the Standard. The police said a specific part from Gloucestershire may be needed to safely detonate the bomb. Temporary shelters have been set up for those evacuated from their homes by police officers. Its very major and it could be very dangerous, which is worrying, added Cllr Shaw. Police incident on Colverdale Road in Kilburn The Met Police could not confirm a time frame for the safe disposal of the bomb, but admitted it would be a major operation. Two fire engines and 14 firefighters were also sent to the site, near Brondesbury Park station, after emergency services were called at 11.30am. Property developer Regal Homes is currently constructing 74 apartments on the 0.8-hectare site, with work beginning last year. A spokesman for the firm said: Excavations on site at The Avenue, Queens Park, have unearthed an object of concern. The health and safety of our team and our neighbours is of course our primary consideration and Regal Homes is cooperating fully with the authorities who are investigating the situation. Roxanne Landripet, who lives opposite the building site, also said there were fears the road might remain cordoned off for the next two days. She described the panicky scenes as people were evacuated from their homes. "There were police banging on people's doors and then I started to hear a helicopter flying around above the road," said the 24-year-old receptionist. "A police officer knocked on my door and told me we had to leave because an unexploded World War Two bomb had been found. There were fire engines, ambulances and police cars everywhere." A 400-yard area around the site was cordoned off Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: Council officers are currently making arrangements for our residents in the Willesden Lane area to make their way to a rest centre where they will be looked after until it is safe to return to their homes. I would like to thank these residents who have shown great patience during this time. We will continue to provide updates on the situation as soon as they come through. Superintendent Nigel Quantrell of Brent Borough, said: "I would like to thank the community for their continued support as we and our partners deal with this incident. I can assure you that we are working very hard resolve the situation. The public's understanding and cooperation is deeply appreciated." A reception area in Mortimer Road has been opened by the London Borough of Brent to assist those residents affected. They will be laying on local transport from the area. If you want to check on an affected resident who lives in the area call the local authority helpline which is 020 8937 5788. T he capital is to be battered with another bout of torrential rain as forecasters warn of unusually unsettled weather in the south-east. Londoners are set to wake up to lashing downpours on Friday, lasting throughout the morning rush hour until the early afternoon, forecasters said. The weekend will bring a mix of lighter showers, heavy rain and the occasional sunny spell as the fickle weather continues. Oli Claydon, spokesman for the Met Office, told the Standard the capital was beginning to see the short, sharp showers typically associated with April and spring, which is to officially begin on March 20. Heavy rain is to batter London on Friday morning. (Ben Birchall/PA ) / Ben Birchall/PA He said the weather over the weekend will be pretty rainy for Londoners, although the best chance of finer weather and a chance of sun will be on Friday and Saturday afternoons after the rain finishes. Timelapse shows Storm Doris making its way over London Mr Claydon said: Temperatures will not be particularly cold. Storm Doris - In pictures 1 /20 Storm Doris - In pictures Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn Strong winds on the Millennium Bridge today as Storm Doris sweeps over London today Jeremy Selwyn A commuter's hair blows in the wind as they look over the side of London Bridge Getty Images A jack-knifed car transporter near Banknock on the M80 during early morning snowfall Andrew Milligan/PA Waves crash over the marina wall in Brighton Gareth Fuller/PA A plane takes off from Leeds Bradford Airport as flights have been cancelled and commuters were warned they faced delays after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph Danny Lawson/PA Traffic on the M9 near Falkirk during early morning snowfall, Andrew Milligan/PA Waves crash over Newhaven Lighthouse on the south coast of England Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images As we get into Sunday it looks like there is some heavy rainfall on London and south east. For wind, nothing particularly substantial. By the standards of the last couple of weeks its nothing in comparison. He added: The slightly unusual thing is its a little bit more unsettled in the south than in the north, but that doesnt look like its going to continue for long. Temperatures on Saturday are expected to be around 9 or 10C and around 7 or 8C on Sunday. Despite the forecast rain, the weather in London over the weekend is set to make a change from the thundery conditions endured during Storm Doris last week. Storm Doris hits London Earlier this week Storm Ewan hit parts of the UK bringing with it thunder, hailstones and some patches of snow. L ondons army of migrant workers contribute an average of almost 50,000 each to the capitals economy annually, according to new research. It found that there are around 1.8 million full-time migrant workers in London, almost 40 per cent of the total. Workers from EU countries make up 13 per cent and those from outside the EU 25 per cent. Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of business group London First, which commissioned the research from consultants PwC, said the findings showed the vital importance of migrant workers to the capitals 350 billion a year economy. She said: Lets face facts, migrants are keeping London running, they are part of the London success story. One of the myths is that they are taking jobs from UK born citizens and this study shows that is simply not the case. It comes after peers in the House of Lords defied Prime Minister Theresa May to vote in favour of guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals living in the UK after Brexit. The Government said the vote was "disappointing" and is expected to try to reverse the result when the bill returns to the Commons. Despite the setback, ministers are confident they remain on course to meet Mrs May's deadline for invoking Article 50 - marking the start of the formal process of EU withdrawal - by the end of March. T his is the unexploded World War Two bomb which has left more than 50 residents unable to return home in north west London. Emergency services descended on a building site in Brondesbury Park at around 11.30am on Thursday after construction workers found the huge bomb. Hundreds of pupils from Marylebone Boys School and Malorees junior and infants schools were evacuated as well as nearby residents. Police officers erected a cordon around the site, on the Avenue, while army bomb disposal experts assessed the situation. WWII bomb found in Brondesbury Park The picture, taken by an army photographer, shows two soldiers inspecting the unexploded device which was found buried in the dirt. A soldier inspects the World War II device / Met Police Scotland Yard also released images of the bomb as army officers worked to secure the area. Police said the operation was expected to last overnight with local residents unable to return home. The operation will continue overnight into Friday / Met Police However Councillor Carol Shaw, for Brondesbury Park ward, told the Standard residents may not be able to return home for even longer. She said: The construction firm have been told that it might not be clear for three days. The police said a specific part from Gloucestershire may be needed to safely detonate the bomb. Adding: Its very major and it could be very dangerous, which is worrying. The Met Police could not confirm a time frame for the safe disposal of the bomb, but admitted it would be a major operation. Aerial view of the bomb on the construction site / Met Police Two fire engines and 14 firefighters were also sent to the site, near Brondesbury Park station, after emergency services were called at 11.30am. Property developer Regal Homes is currently constructing 74 apartments on the 0.8-hectare site, with work beginning last year. A spokesman for the firm said: Excavations on site at The Avenue, Queens Park, have unearthed an object of concern. Soldiers arrive on the scene on the Avenue / @roxyslandmedia The health and safety of our team and our neighbours is of course our primary consideration and Regal Homes is cooperating fully with the authorities who are investigating the situation. Roxanne Landripet, who lives opposite the building site, also said there were fears the road might remain cordoned off for the next two days. Homes were evacuated on the Avenue near Brondesbury Park station / @roxyslandmedia She described the panicky scenes as people were evacuated from their homes. "There were police banging on people's doors and then I started to hear a helicopter flying around above the road," said the 24-year-old receptionist. "A police officer knocked on my door and told me we had to leave because an unexploded World War Two bomb had been found. There were fire engines, ambulances and police cars everywhere." Superintendent Nigel Quantrell of Brent Borough, said: "I would like to thank the community for their continued support as we and our partners deal with this incident. "I can assure you that we are working very hard resolve the situation. The public's understanding and cooperation is deeply appreciated." A reception area in Mortimer Road has been opened by the borough of Brent to assist those residents affected. More than 50 people who have been evactuated from their homes are currently at the centre, where several British Red Cross volunteers are on hand to provide support. If you want to check on an affected resident who lives in the area call the local authority helpline which is 020 8937 5788. T he discovery of a device at a south west London primary school sparked a massive evacuation amid fears builders had uncovered a World War Two bomb. Hundreds of pupils and staff were forced to flee Ronald Ross Primary School, in Southfields, after contractors working on a development of the site made the strange discovery around 11am on Thursday. Metropolitan Police officers urged Debbie Hart, the head teacher of the school, in Castlecombe Drive, to initiate an evacuation plan immediately. Ms Hart told the Standard: We were having some goalposts put up in the playground when the contractors found what looked like a World War Two bomb. Police cordon: The device was found in the playground / Gary Groves We informed the police who told us to evacuate immediately. Pupils were taken to nearby Trinity Church while specialist officers unearthed the object. The head teacher added: Thankfully the church opened for us and we had all the children down there within minutes, otherwise we would have been standing on the playground. The police praised us for our evacuation plan. False alarm: The device was discovered to be a motorised propeller / Gary Groves Officers and fire fighters taped off the area around the school as a precaution but the discovery was later found to be an electrical device, described as a motorised propeller. The school re-opened shortly after 1pm. A Met Police spokesman said: Police were called at 10.56am on Thursday March 2 to reports of a possible World War Two ordnance at a school playground in Castlecombe Drive, Wandsworth. Cordons and road closures were put in place, and the school was evacuated as a precaution. Specialist officers have now deemed the object safe - it was an electrical device, not an ordnance. F irefighters are tackling a huge blaze which has ripped through a flat in Stoke Newington. Thick clouds of smoke could be seen billowing from the roof of the flat in Church Walk, as flames leapt from the top floor of the building. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters are currently fighting the blaze, which is in a four-storey building which borders Stoke Newington secondary school. One student who is currently in the school shared a video online showing the building alight. Fire: The alight building borders a secondary school. / georgioerwin77 A staff member at the school told the Standard no-one had been evacuated and all students were safe. Heroic: As the blaze dies down, a firefighter can be seen on top of the roof. / Sarah Egleston Other videos from the scene show firefighters running around on the ground below and shooting jets of water up to the third-floor blaze. In a separate video taken as the fire begins to die down, a firefighter can be seen grappling on the roof of the building. London Fire Brigade were called at 1.30pm to reports of the blaze after more than 20 people made 999 calls to report it. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. S adiq Khan today urged Theresa May to give EU citizens living in the UK a cast iron guarantee they could stay after Brexit in the wake of a controversial House of Lords vote. The Mayor said he wanted to send a clear message to around 3.3 million EU nationals, around one million of whom live in London, that they would continue to be welcome here. Ministers were today seeking to overturn the defeat on its Brexit bill after peers voted by 358 to 256 to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit. They said they were disappointed at the first defeat for Article 50 legislation - which allows the Government to start the process of Britain leaving the EU - following a heated debate when ministers were accused of treating EU citizens like bargaining chips. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations Mr Khan, writing on his Facebook page after the vote, said: There are 3.3 million EU citizens living across Britain around a million in London alone and they make a huge contribution to our city, our economy, our culture and our society. As Mayor, my clear message to every single EU citizen in London is this: you are, and will continue to be welcome here. The Mayor called on the Government to accept the Lords amendment when the. Article 50 bill comes back to the House of Commons next week. Ministers have repeatedly said that EU citizens have nothing to worry about and now they have the chance to prove that by amending this bill to give a cast-iron guarantee to EU citizens already here that they have the right to stay in the UK, he added. S adiq Khan was embroiled in a fresh row over his controversial comments about the SNP today after he included the political party in a rogues gallery also featuring Donald Trump and the French far-right. The Mayor came under renewed pressure over his remarks at the weekend where he said there was no difference between people who sought to divide on the basis of nationality, or on the basis of race and religion. Mr Khans remarks ahead of the Scottish Labour Party conference prompted a strong reaction including from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who described them as spectacularly ill-judged. On his LBC call-in Speak to Sadiq today, the Mayor denied he had implied that SNP supporters were racist or bigoted. But the SNP accused him of a "cynical smear" against nearly half the Scottish population that had backed independence. I was talking about being a proud patriot, I was talking about how a plumber in Peckham has as much in common as a plumber in Perth, he said. He ruled out saying sorry for his remarks, despite the upset, suggesting that he felt that he had been misinterpreted. Im not apologising, for the avoidance of doubt. What Im saying is Ive not called the Nationalist movement racist or bigoted. What Im saying is that we should be pulling together, not apart. Mr Khan told listeners: Ive been very careful in the last few years not to call Ukip racist, or the people who vote for them. Ive been very careful not to call the Republican party and President Trump racist, and I would certainly not call the Nationalists racist or bigoted. But the caller, Catherine from Campbelltown accused the Mayor of traducing almost half the Scottish electorate who had voted for independence in 2014. She added: Youve just lined us up in that rogues gallery. The Mayor responded: What Im saying is that at this of all times, weve had Brexit, the election of President Trump, the rise of these narrow populist parties across Europe, look at Austria, look at France, look whats happening in the Netherlands. We shouldnt be pulling away, we should be sticking together." SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh said: It is deeply disappointing to see Sadiq Khan repeat his cynical smear against nearly half the Scottish population - and all those who support independence to create a fairer and more equal country for everyone. The Mayor of London would be better joining the SNP in challenging the increasing narrow nationalism of the Labour Party, who are backing a Tory hard Brexit to the hilt, and who have joined the likes of UKIP in a toxic race to the bottom on migrants that damages the economy and divides society. M inisters will try to overturn changes to the Brexit Bill after the House of Lords inflicted the legislations first parliamentary defeat Peers defied Prime Minister Theresa May, voting by 358 to 256 in favour of guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals living in the UK after Brexit. The Government said the vote was "disappointing" and is expected to try to reverse the result when the bill returns to the Commons. Despite the setback, ministers are confident they remain on course to meet Mrs May's deadline for invoking Article 50 - marking the start of the formal process of EU withdrawal - by the end of March. A spokesman for the Brexit Department said: "The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the Government to get on with the negotiations." Seven rebel Conservative peers voted for the amendment along with a coalition of Labour, Lib Dem and cross bench Lords members. Opposition parties have now urged ministers to take the opportunity presented by the Lords vote to rethink their position on EU nationals. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations For Labour, shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said EU nationals should not be used by ministers as "bargaining chips" in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations. "There is a growing consensus that this must be resolved before Article 50 is triggered, and the Prime Minister is now increasingly isolated," he said. However, there was anger among some pro-Brexit MPs at the vote after the elected House of Commons passed the bill - which allows minister to trigger Article 50 - without amendments. Labour MP Gisela Stuart, who co-chaired the official Vote Leave campaign, said: "The British people voted in their millions to leave the EU, and their elected MPs passed the Article 50 Bill without amendment. "The House of Lords should do the same and not seek to frustrate the Brexit process." Conservative Theresa Villiers, the former Northern Ireland secretary who campaigned for Brexit, said there was wide sympathy for the position of EU nationals but the Bill was "not the right vehicle" to resolve it. The Government argued that while it wanted to secure the future rights of EU citizens in the UK, it needed to be able to secure reciprocal rights for British citizens living in the EU at the same time. The bill is now expected to return to the Commons on March 13 and 14 where a similar amendment was defeated by the Government. If MPs again reject the amendment it will then "ping pong" back to the Lords where senior opposition peers have indicated they will not seek to defeat the Government again, potentially allowing Mrs May to invoke Article 50 on March 15. The impassioned and at times angry three-hour debate in the Lords exposed divisions within Conservative ranks over Mrs May's Brexit strategy. Former cabinet minister Douglas Hogg, now Viscount Hailsham, urged peers to take the "high moral ground" and offer reassurance to the millions of EU citizens who had made their home in the UK. However another Conservative cabinet veteran Lord Tebbit sparked jeers when he said the debate seemed to focus on "nothing but the rights of foreigners". Additional reporting by the Press Association. C ity minister Simon Kirby has been humiliatingly stripped of responsibility for protecting Britains financial services during Brexit, it emerged today. The key job was passed to another Treasury minister a few weeks ago with no public announcement after high-level disquiet in the Square Mile. The revelation is deeply embarrassing for the Government, weeks before Theresa May is due to trigger Article 50 to start the highly complex and intense negotiations in which the Citys future is critical. There were also immediate calls for Mr Kirby to be sacked if he did not have the skills needed for the post. One senior City source said: We think he is just not up to the job. Financial services are Britains biggest export industry. Labour MP Wes Streeting, who sits on the influential Commons Treasury committee, said: If neither the Government nor the City have confidence in the City minister to handle the financial services aspect of Brexit then he should really not be in the job. Baroness Neville-Rolfe, 64, commercial secretary at the Treasury, has now been given the brief for EU exit financial services. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations Mr Kirbys responsibilities have been cut back to those of the City minister before the June 23 referendum on Britains EU membership. Clearly, its a sign of a vote of no confidence in Kirby, said a senior bank executive. Kirby is not responsible for Brexit even though its the biggest issue facing the City. The City of London Corporation welcomed Lady Neville-Rolfe to her new brief and emphasised the importance of her role. A spokesman said: It is essential that the Citys voice is heard loud and clear during the Brexit negotiations, especially after Article 50 is triggered later this month. As an industry, we contributed over 176 billion to the economy in 2015 and account for over 2.2 million jobs. David Buik, of brokers Panmure Gordon, said he was not surprised at the ministerial shake-up. Sir John Major criticises Theresa May's Brexit strategy He said: Financial services needs someone to go in batting for them with verve and charm. Lucy Neville-Rolfe ticks those boxes for the Government. Mr Kirby, 52, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, is said to have dismayed City bosses at a meeting last November, which was described as a car crash. Executives at a meeting of the advisory council of TheCityUK, a lobbying group, were said to have been left hugely disappointed by the minister when reportedly asked about the Governments plans to assist the financial industrys preparations for Brexit. Gina Miller on why Parliament scared to have Brexit debate Mr Kirby is the first City minister without either a background in financial services or a PhD in economics. A Treasury spokesman said: The Economic Secretarys portfolio is exactly as each of his predecessors, he is responsible for financial services policy and the governments overall strategic relationship with the UK financial services sector. As Britain exits the EU, we will seek the best possible deal, including for our world leading financial services sector. As you would expect, to reflect the importance we place on this policy area we have increased resourcing from Ministerial level down. A grandmother who has been married to a British man for 27 years has told of the humiliating moment she was removed from the UK and said: I was treated like a terrorist. Irene Clennell, 52, was forced to leave the country on Sunday after spending more than a month in a detention centre in Scotland. Writing in the Guardian, Mrs Clennell claimed security staff wrote down her every word and guarded the door as she used the toilet during her journey to her native Singapore via Edinburgh Airport. She described being treated like a second class citizen and said she was treated like a criminal Mrs Clennell wrote: The authorities have shown their willingness to treat foreign-born people as second class citizens, no matter how integrated they are, and worse, treat us like criminals. Despite previously having been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, Mrs Clennell's rights to stay in the country lapsed after she and her husband John spent years living in Singapore to care for her dying parents. She was granted a six-month visa in 2013, but overstayed the terms after Mr Clennell underwent heart surgery last year and suffered a hernia, the newspaper reported. Border authorities claimed Mrs Clennell posed a risk of violence to others, she said. She added: The border authorities even claimed that I a woman on my own posed a risk of violence. And they ticked a form to note the media interest and public sympathy in my case, as if I was to be punished for speaking out. Generous donors have so-far pledged 51,000 to held Mrs Clennell fight her case. Mrs Clennel first arrived in London in 1988 and married her husband John, a British man, two years later. They later settled in County Durham and had two children together. The couple also have a grandchild. The grandmother plans to appeal against her deportation and urged people to stop using the word migrant as a term of abuse. She told the Guardian: I am hoping to lodge an appeal against my deportation, which I believe has been conducted secretly, inappropriately and with little due process. Above all, I would appeal to all those who have made migrant a term of abuse, to think about the human cost of their actions. Wanting to build a life and a family, and to be around people and places that you love, is not a crime. A Home Office spokesman said on Monday: "All applications for leave to remain in the UK are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules. "We expect those with no legal right to remain in the country to leave." M cDonalds has hinted it could begin delivering food to homes in the UK and its four other biggest markets around the world. The fast food giant already runs delivery services in China and Singapore but is now aiming to become the global leader in delivery. Announcing growth plans, the chain hinted that its five biggest markets are next in line to get Big Macs and Happy Meals straight to the doorstep. These are the UK, US, France, Germany and Canada. McDonalds added that in those five markets, nearly 75 per cent of the population lives within three miles of a branch. The statement said: One of the most significant disruptions in the restaurant business today is the rapid increase in delivery. Through technology, delivery has changed the way customers order, pay, track and receive food and provide feedback. Coupled with the explosive growth in third-party delivery companies, the landscape has created an exceptional opportunity for growth. Because of our extraordinary footprint, McDonald's is uniquely positioned to become the global leader in delivery. The major plans follow a disappointing period for the chain, which has reportedly lost more than 500 million customers since 2012. It is also testing an app which will allow users to order and pay on their smartphones in 20,000 American restaurants. T elevision bosses were today urged by the Governments arts minister to promote more people from humble backgrounds to top jobs both on and behind the screen. Matt Hancock said great strides had been made to increase the profile of women, black people and gay people. But he said more work was needed to reflect the social diversity of modern Britain, including among programme makers. New technology and distribution is making it easier to break through, he told a conference in London. But does commissioning reflect the diversity of our modern nation? Strides are being made on gender, disability, sexual identity, and ethnicity. But what of social diversity too? Mr Hancock, a white Oxford-educated economist who attended a fee-paying school, spoke out as a former head of the BBC made a separate speech accusing broadcasters of giving jobs to who you know. Lord Hall said the industry tended to favour well off people from the South-East. It was often far from representative of the world around it, and instead of being a force for social mobility, is too often a source of social exclusion. There has been concern about the over-representation of leading actors who attended private schools including Dominic West, Damian Lewis and Eddie Redmayne, who all went to Eton, and Benedict Cumberbatch, who attended Harrow. The BBC said 14.5 per cent of its workforce came from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds including more than 10 per cent of its leadership, meeting its 2017 targets. A n armed fugitive who allegedly killed two women, including his girlfriend, has been arrested in the US after his car crashed following a police pursuit. A manhunt for Alex Deaton, 28, began after his lover Heather Robinson, 30, was found strangled in her apartment in Mississippi. It is alleged that he also shot and wounded a woman jogging outside Ms Robinsons home then blasted Brenda Pinter, 69, to death at a rural church in another part of the state next day. The fugitive left a 2,000-mile trail of violence as police pursued him for six days through Missouri and Oklahoma. Victim: Heather Robinson was found strangled He is accused of a gunpoint carjacking in New Mexico on Tuesday night before the stolen Honda Civic was spotted by officers near Pratt in Kansas. Deaton fled on foot and is alleged to have shot a grocery store clerk, leaving the man in a critical condition, before stealing his car. Shot dead: Brenda Pinter was also killed He was finally caught when police deployed spikes to burst his tyres causing Deaton to crash. The collision sparked a fireball and he was pulled out and placed under arrest. Marshall Fisher, head of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, said: Hes led us on quite the chase the last few days, and everybody here is very happy that hes in custody. T hree British military officers have been arrested in Gibraltar in a diplomatic bust-up which saw an RAF plane blocked from take-off by police seeking a serviceman as part of an alleged sex offence probe. The senior Ministry of Defence officials were detained on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice and for conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Police also launched a series of raids on MoD properties, believed to have included the MoD headquarters on the Rock and The Tower in the naval base. Computer and telephone equipment are understood to have been seized. The arrests followed a dramatic runway incident involving an RAF A400M plane, believed to be carrying a serviceman being sought by police, being blocked from taking off from Gibraltar airport last month. Police raced to the airport after being refused entry to an MoD barracks where the unnamed serviceman was living and discovering he was on the aircraft. A police car stopped the plane from taking off, leaving hundreds of other passengers stranded for nearly two hours. The serviceman was stopped from leaving Gibraltar on the plane. His computer equipment is understood to have been seized after the incident by Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), who are reportedly probing allegations of alleged offences involving indecent images of children. The whereabouts of the serviceman at the centre of the probe, who is not thought to have been charged with any offence, was not clear today, although he is thought to remain on the Rock. There were suggestions that the MoD had been trying to fly him back to Britain as part of a separate inquiry. The three detained officers were granted police bail overnight. Their arrests are believed to come after a behind-the-scenes tussle between local police and the MoD relating to jurisdiction over criminal investigations. Local authorities insist the law gives the RGP primacy when it comes to criminal probes involving British servicemen suspected of committing crimes in Gibraltar. A source close to the investigation said MoD officials had got it wrong over who had priority on jurisdiction in criminal investigations involving their service personnel. In a statement, the RGP said: Officers of the Royal Gibraltar Police have arrested three senior military officials and executed a number of search warrants at various MOD establishments. They have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice and for conspiring to pervert the course of justice. A spokesman for the MoD in London said: We can confirm that three service personnel have been arrested. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. A white woman who passed herself off as black has changed her name to the Nigerian term for "gift of God". Rachel Dolezal was forced to resign as leader of Washington's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NCAAP) branch in 2015 after she her parents revealed she was white. The controversy saw the African Studies professor being accused of "blackface" and using black people's history of oppression for her own ends. Ms Dolezal has argued that, although she is "Caucaisan biologically", she identifies as a black woman and decided to ditch her white identity following a divorce. The elaborate subtefuge saw her claiming a black man she once met in Idaho was her father while changing her hair to make it look African American. According to court papers obtained by MailOnline, she has now officially changed her name to Nkechi Amare Diallo. The paper reported that Nkechi is short for Nkechinyere, a word orginating from Nigeria's Igbo language translating as "what god has given" or "gift of god". In a recent interview with The Guardian, the 39-year-old claimed she cannopt find a job and was near homelessness after the controversy. She told the paper she had been turned down for more than 100 different positions and had only been offered work in reality TV and porn. The mother-of-two said: "'Im sure its hard to make sense of for people from the outside, but for me its been like a consistent, organic process of coming into who I am. "As long as I can remember, I saw myself as black. I was socially conditioned to discard that." She went on: "There's no protected class for me. I'm this generic, ambiguous scapegoat for white people to call me a race traitor and take out their hostility on. "And I'm a target for anger and pain about white people from the black community. It's like I am the worst of all these worlds." She is planning on publishing a memoir next month entitled In Full Color: Finding My Place In A Black And White World. T wo PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants responsible for one of the biggest blunders in Oscars history will never take part in the ceremony again, the Academy has confirmed. Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were tasked with ensuring the correct envelopes were handed to presenters on reading out the winners, but Cullinan gave the wrong envelope to Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway leading to La La Land mistakenly being hailed Best Picture over real winner, Moonlight. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs broke her silence four days after the gaffe and told Associated Press that Cullinan and Ruiz will not work with the awards again. She also said the Academys relationship with PwC the accountancy firm that oversees the counting of the Oscars ballots remains under review. Oscars 2017: Moonlight wins Best Picture Oscar after error The news comes days after PwC took full responsibility for the blunder and named Cullinan as the culprit. It was claimed that Cullinan made the mistake after getting distracted when he tweeted a photo, which has since been deleted, of Emma Stone after she won Best Actress at 9:05pm just minutes before the Best Picture blunder. Realisation: Warren Beatty looks on as Brian Cullinan hands over the correct envelope / Reuters/Lucy Nicholson PwCs US chairman and senior partner Tim Ryan said Cullinan felt very, very terrible. He told Variety that Cullinan had a pile of envelopes for presenters entering from his side of the stage and a pile of back-up envelopes for presenters entering from the other side of the stage. He pulled the lead actress envelope from his back-up pile and handed it to Beatty. We clearly made a mistake and once the mistake was made, we corrected it and owned up to it, Ryan said. He feels very, very terrible and horrible. He is very upset about the mistake. And as a firm, given that he is a partner of our firm, it is also my mistake and our mistake and we all feel very bad. Academy Awards 2017 Oscars Ceremony - In pictures 1 /49 Academy Awards 2017 Oscars Ceremony - In pictures Warren Beatty shows the card reading Best Film 'Moonlight" after mistakingly reading "La La Land" initially at the 89th Oscars Aaron Poole/AMPAS/EPA Warren Beatty shows the card reading Best Film 'Moonlight" after mistakingly reading "La La Land" initially at the 89th Oscars Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images Emma Stone delivers a speech on stage after she won the Best Actress award in "La La Land" at the 89th Oscars Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images Jimmy Kimmel lifts Sunny Pawar at the 89th Oscars Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Brie Larson congratulates Casey Affleck as he accepts the award for best actor in a leading role for "Manchester by the Sea" at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Mahershala Ali accepts the award for best actor in a supporting role for "Moonlight" at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP US actress Viola Davis delivers a speech on stage after she won the award for Best Supporting Actress in "Fences" at the 89th Oscars Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images US actor Michael J. Fox (L) and Canadian actor Seth Rogen arrive on stage aboard a DeLorean car to present the Best Film Editing award at the 89th Oscars Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images Host Jimmy Kimmel tweets to President Donald Trump Lucy Nicholson/Reuters A man kisses the hand of actor Meryl Streep during a skit Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Emma Stone reaches for cookies and donuts that are dropped from the rafters Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Nominee for Best Supporting Actress "Lion" Nicole Kidman arrives with her husband Keith Urban on the red carpet for the 89th Oscars Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images Best Actress winner Emma Stone is congratulated by Leonardo DiCaprio Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Viola Davis, winner of the award for best actress in a supporting role for "Fences," right, and Julius Tennon kiss at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Jimmy Kimmel hosts the 89th Academy Awards - Oscars Awards Show Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Sara Bareilles performs during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Jimmy Kimmel host of the 89th Academy Awards tweets out a picture of Nicole with two of the surprised tourists he invited to the star-studded event @jimmykimmellive Justin Timberlake performs in the audience at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone speak onstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards Kevin Winter/Getty Images Amy Adams presents the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay to Tarell Alvin McCraney and Barry Jenkins (not pictured) for "Moonlight." Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Leonardo DiCaprio and actress Emma Stone, winner of Best Actress for 'La La Land' backstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards Christopher Polk/Getty Images Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling in the audience during the 89th Annual Academy Awards Kevin Winter/Getty Images Sting performs Best Original Song nominee "The Empty Chair" Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Dev Patel and Anita Patel arrive at the Oscars Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Ben Affleck Casey Affleck and Matt Damon appear in the audience Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Meryl Streep reacts at the 89th Academy Awards Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Auli'i Cravalho performs onstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards Kevin Winter/Getty Images Halle Berry and Meryl Streep Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Michael J. Fox, left, and Seth Rogen present the award for best film editing at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Detail of Seth Rogen's shoes in the press room at the 89th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles Ian West/PA Spanish actor Javier Bardem (L) and US actress Meryl Streep arrive on stage to present the Best Cinematography award at the 89th Oscars Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images Denzel Washington and Jimmy Kimmel take part in a skit with tourists Lucy Nicholson/Reuters A tourist kisses the hand of actor Nicole Kidman during a skit Lucy Nicholson/Reuters John Legend performs onstage during the 89th Annual Academy Awards Kevin Winter/Getty Images Chrissy Teigen and John Legend arrive at the 89th Annual Academy Awards Mike Blake/Reuters Justin Timberlake sings in front of Pharrell Williams Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Jimmy Kimmel host of the 89th Academy Awards tweets out a picture of Mahershala Ali with one of the surprised tourists he invited to the star-studded event @jimmykimmellive For more Oscars news click here. D irector Gurinder Chadha says her new film about the Partition of India is a timely reminder of the dangers of divide and rule tactics in politics. Chadha said Viceroys House, which tells the story of the 1947 separation of India into India and Pakistan, has taken on added significance in light of recent world events. Downton Abbeys Hugh Bonneville portrays Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, and Gillian Anderson plays his wife, Lady Mountbatten. Partition displaced up to 12 million people along religious lines, creating refugee crises with hundreds of thousands of people dying. Viceroy's House - Trailer Chadha said: When we started making the film seven years ago Obama was president, there was no Syrian refugee crisis, there was no mention of Brexit and there wasnt a reality star in the White House. Its a very different world now at this end of the film. I think its a timely reminder (that) when politicians and leaders use tactics of divide and rule and division to criminalise certain groups and pit them against others to further their own political ends, it leads to death and destruction on a major scale and nobody benefits from that. Chadha, who made 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham, said she had been nervous about taking on the British Empire with her new film. She added: Ive uncovered new evidence, new research, new top secret British reports that tell a different story of what happened in the last days of the British Raj. Viceroys House is in cinemas tomorrow. Poppy Delevingne says she fell into modelling by accident and is now focused on pursuing her first love acting. The 30-year-old is following her sister Cara into films after landing her first roles in Guy Ritchies forthcoming King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword and Matthew Vaughns sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle. She revealed she has been practising lines with Cara, 24, who made the jump into acting in 2012. She said: We do practise our American accents on the phone with each other, which always makes me giggle. But were very supportive of each other in what we do, and its been amazing watching how wonderfully shes doing, and how shes growing and taking the bull by the horns. Shes a very inspiring little creature. Launch: Damian Lewis and Poppy Delevingne / Dave Benett She told the Standard: I caught the acting bug when I was at school. I was Queen Gertrude in a school play of Hamlet. I loved every second of it and thats what I wanted to do. But then I fell into modelling because I wanted desperately to go travelling and see the world, and had to pay to do so, so then modelling became... it was never truly in my heart, for all the experiences that I had. Party People - In pictures 1 /84 Party People - In pictures Katy Perry leaving Cafe Royal Hotel, London SplashNews.com Lizzie Cundy, Jilly Johnson, Jo Wood and Ingrid Tarrant attend the launch of Jo Wood's new podcast "Alien Nation With Jo Wood" at The Groucho Club Dave Benett Kate Moss attends the Bella Freud 'Happening' poetry session Dave Benett Carol Vorderman attends a special screening of "Amazing Grace" at The Ham Yard Hotel Dave Benett/WireImage Laura Bailey and Mary Charteris attend the Bella Freud 'Happening' poetry session Dave Benett Emeli Sande attends a special screening of "Amazing Grace" at The Ham Yard Hotel Dave Benett/WireImage Kate Moss and Bella Freud attend the Bella Freud 'Happening' poetry session Dave Benett Bella Freud and Noel Fielding attend the Bella Freud 'Happening' poetry session Dave Benett Jemima Khan and Bella Freud attend the Bella Freud 'Happening' poetry session Dave Benett Jourdan Dunn and Melanie C attend a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Caroline Flack and Betty Bachz celebrate the 90th Anniversary of JW Marriott Grosvenor House London Dave Benett Laura Whitmore celebrates the 90th Anniversary of JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Poppy Ajudha at the 2019 Jazz FM Awards at Shoreditch Town Hall PA Caroline Flack celebrates the 90th Anniversary of JW Marriott Grosvenor House London on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Ayesha Perry-Iqbal attends a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Vick Hope attends a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London, Dave Benett Ashley Roberts attends a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Ashley Roberts and Vanessa White attend a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Montana Brown attends a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Melissa Tattam and Sophie Habboo attend a party hosted by Jourdan Dunn to celebrate Maybelline being named the NO.1 Mascara brand in the UK on April 30, 2019 in London Dave Benett Beverley Knight at the 2019 Jazz FM Awards at Shoreditch Town Hall PA Camilla Kerslake stuns in Gyunel Couture dress arriving at the International Opera Awards at Sadlers Wells Theatre Backgrid UK Lily Collins poses on the red carpet arriving for the UK premiere of the film Tolkein in London AFP/Getty Images Kate Moss is seen in high spirits as she has lunch with friends in Notting Hill, Londo SplashNews.com Fleur East attends The Screen Nation Film and TV Awards at May Fair Hotel in London SplashNews.com Olivia Colman attending the launch party for the Art for Eve campaign at Bonhams Auction House in London PA Megan Barton Hanson attends 'Art For Eve', a charity auction in aid of The Eve Appeal at Bonhams Dave Benett Poppy Jamie at the UK launch of Coca-Cola Companys new water-plus drink Aquarius Lily Collins and Nicholas Hoult attending the UK premiere of Tolkien held at Curzon Mayfair, London PA Jessica Ordonez Barnett and Olivia Colman attend 'Art For Eve', a charity auction in aid of The Eve Appeal, at Bonham Dave Benett Heather Watson attending the BT Sport Industry Awards 2019 at Battersea Evolution in London SplashNews.com Charlize Theron seen out and about in London SplashNews.com Olivia Cox attends the British Academy Television and Craft Awards nominees party at Sea Containers Dave Benett Michelle Heaton attends the British Academy Television and Craft Awards nominees party at Sea Containers Dave Benett Lauren Black attends the British Academy Television and Craft Awards nominees party at Sea Containers Dave Benett Nina Toussaint-White attends the British Academy Television and Craft Awards nominees party at Sea Containers Dave Benett Madonna arrives for the big MTV reveal in a risque outfit Rex Features Camilla Rutherford, Yasmin Mills, Jasmine Hemsley, Emma Weymouth and Arizona Muse Dave Benett Zac Efron and Lily Collins attending the Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile European Premiere held at the Curzon Mayfair, London PA Becky Tong attends a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcade Dave Benett Lily Collins attends the European Premiere of "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile" at The Curzon Mayfair Dave Benett Megan Barton Hanson attends the European Premiere of "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile" at The Curzon Mayfair Dave Benett Kevin Pietersen launching an exclusive National Geographic screening of 'Save this Rhino' documentary at The Ham Yard Hotel in partnership with Dimension Data and Cisco Denise van Outen attends the 1st birthday gala performance of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at The Aldwych Theatre Dave Benett Kathy Lette attends the 1st birthday gala performance of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at The Aldwych Theatre Dave Benett Emma Weymouth, Cameron Saul and Deborah Ababio attend a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcade Dave Benett Naomi Isted attends the European premiere of the SKY CINEMA original "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" at The Curzon Mayfair Jeff Spicer/Getty Images Kimberley Walsh and Denise van Outen attend the 1st birthday gala performance of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at The Aldwych Theatre Dave Benett Eleanor Tomlinson attends the 1st birthday gala performance of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at The Aldwych Theatre Dave Benett Iwan Rheon attends a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcade Dave Benett Kimberley Walsh, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Denise van Outen attend the 1st birthday gala performance of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at The Aldwych Theatre Dave Benett Ashley Roberts attends Skinny Tan VIP product launch party at 100 Wardour Stree Dave Benett Kara Marshall (L) and Diana Vickers attend Skinny Tan VIP product launch party at 100 Wardour Stree Dave Benett Victoria Brown attends Skinny Tan VIP product launch party at 100 Wardour Street Dave Benett Diana Vickers attends Skinny Tan VIP product launch party at 100 Wardour Street Dave Benett Jacqueline Jossa attends Skinny Tan VIP product launch party at 100 Wardour Street Dave Benett Matt Smith attends the UK Premiere of National Geographic's new series "Hostile Planet" at Cineworld O2 Arena Dave Benett Alexis Knox attends the UK Premiere of National Geographic's new series "Hostile Planet" at Cineworld O2 Arena Dave Benett Gizzi Erskine attends the UK Premiere of National Geographic's new series "Hostile Planet" at Cineworld O2 Arena Oti Mabuse attends the press night after party for "Ain't Misbehavin'" at The Southwark Playhouse Dave Benett Martha Ward attends a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcade Dave Benett Arizona Muse and Jasmine Hemsley attend a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcade Dave Benett Melissa Hemsley attends a cocktail supper hosted by BOTTLETOP co-founders Cameron Saul & Oliver Wayman, along with Arizona Muse, Richard Curtis & Livia Firth to launch the #TOGETHERBAND campaign at The Quadrant Arcad Dave Benett But I have been acting now for a good five years and Ive only just started getting jobs they really werent joking when they said how tough it was. For now, acting is what I want to focus on. So much hard work has gone into it. Instead of being a jack of all trades, Id like to be a master of one. She was speaking at the launch of the Range Rover Velar at the Design Museum, where guests included Damian Lewis, Zara Tindall, David Gandy, Rob Brydon, Jimmy Carr and RagNBone Man. Despite being the face of the new car, Delevingne said she had yet to take her driving test. She said: Im very close to doing it. I know Im 30 and thats pathetic, but I was brought up in central London. E very February, Barcelonas Fira Gran Via is host to the Mobile World Congress, stuffed to the gills with mobile phone manufacturers selling their wares and hyping products to retailers and journalists. Although Apple never attends, preferring to stage its own dedicated events, most other brands are out in force. As a result, nearly all the phones revealed were smartphones using Googles highly popular Android operating system with its plentiful apps. Samsung often launches its flagship Galaxy phone at MWC but this year, after the problems surrounding the Note7, its taking a little extra time to get everything right and focused its launch on tablets this time. But Apple and Samsungs rivals had plenty to reveal. Heres what the future of the phone looks like. Huawei P10 and P10+ USP: For pro photographers The camera is a key feature on mobile phones now and Huawei has announced two designed to make you leave your DSLR at home. The P10, which has a 5.2-inch screen and the larger P10+ with its 5.5-inch display, both have two cameras on the back. Theres a 12MP colour sensor and a 20MP black-and-white one, both made in partnership with high-end camera company Leica. The two sensors work together to improve photo quality, though you can also shoot with just the monochrome camera for moody, atmospheric black-and-white shots. The P10 pair are also the worlds first to have a front-facing camera designed by Leica, so your selfies can be top-notch. The phones come in a range of eight colours. Two Dazzling Blue and Greenery have been designed in collaboration with the Pantone Colour Institute and both are head-turners. The phones have different finishes, including hyper diamond cut on the blue model which has a softer, more textured finish. Huawei has also come up with more traditional colour options like white, black, silver and gold. The P10 and P10+ have classy looks, a slim profile and the best cameras on any Android phone. Out this month, from 550, huawei.com Nokia 3310 USP: The digital detox phone This is as far from a smartphone as you can get and will suit someone wanting a simpler way to use a mobile. First launched 17 years ago, when Nokia was the worlds biggest phone-maker, this new version has been the hands-down hit of Mobile World Congress. There are no apps here, though the popular game Snake is back to while away the hours. It makes calls, sends texts and, well, thats more or less it you can access the internet but its very slow. The camera is basic (two megapixels) and images are saved to a removable memory card. So why would you want it? It looks fantastic, thanks to its retro design and great colours including a citrus yellow and glossy red. It has extensive talk time, 22 hours, and outstanding standby battery life of a month take that, smartphones. Out spring, 40, hmdglobal.com Nokia 6 USP: Style Nokia sold its smartphone division to Microsoft in 2014. Now, Finnish company HMD Global has secured the licence to make phones under the Nokia name. Three handsets were announced, all competitively priced. Most advanced is the Nokia 6 with a high-resolution 5.5-inch display and sophisticated audio capability for strong music and video playback. Carved from a single piece of high-grade aluminium, the Nokia 6 has a solid, impressive feel to it. The colours are strong, including white, black and silver, but the copper colour is the most noticeable. Nokia uses a pure version of Android, which means the phone isnt stuffed with unwanted apps and receives monthly updates to keep it secure. Out spring, 229 (196), hmdglobal.com BlackBerry KEYone USP: Text appeal Like Nokia, BlackBerry is a company which has seen better days but this new model has a great feel to it. It has BlackBerrys speciality a physical keyboard. And nobody makes those better than BlackBerry thanks to shaped keys and metallic frets between the rows to make accurate typing fast and easy. Clever features include a fingerprint sensor hidden under the space bar and predictive text where you can choose a word by swiping up on the keys. Although those keys take up space, the 4.5-inch display is big enough, and very high-resolution. Out in April, 499, uk.blackberry.com LG G6 USP: Easy to handle Most big-screen handsets are so wide they can feel like you need to stretch your mitts to use them. LG has chosen a screen shape thats longer and narrower, so the 5.7-inch display is still entirely comfortable to hold. The display also fills almost the entire front of the screen, which helps make it more manageable still. Like the Huawei, the LG has two cameras on the back. One is a widescreen, one better for portraits, each with 13-megapixel resolution. Zooming in or out switches from one camera to the other seamlessly. The power button is on the rear of the phone, which will divide opinion but it quickly becomes second nature. Out next month, price to be announced, lg.com/uk Sony Xperia XZ Premium USP: Eye-popping-display The Xperia XZ Premium has a 5.5-inch screen which is much higher resolution than any other phone can boast. Its 4K, that is, four times the pixels found on a full-size HD TV, which makes watching video on it extremely immersive. Sony has arranged a partnership with Amazon so customers will have high-quality content to watch, and can shoot and play back their own 4K footage using the 19-megapixel camera. The camera also has a cute extra: super-slow motion. Regular footage is shot at 30 frames per second but the Xperia XZ Premium can shoot at 960 for a short burst. Its just a gimmick but it makes splashing water or bursting balloons look extraordinary. The XZ Premium also looks distinctive and has a chrome finish so shiny it works as a perfect mirror (and catc hes a lot of fingerprints). Out late spring, price to be announced, sonymobile.com Prices given are for buying the phone outright all will be available for free or lower prices when bought with a contract. Follow David Phelan on Twitter: @davidphelan2009 Detroit's second-largest automaker, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), posted another monthly sales decline -- its fourth in the past six months. But February is a difficult month to judge, as sales are typically weak, but a holiday weekend can bring a boost. "The holiday weekend is likely a contributing factor to strong sales in February, but we're also seeing signs that automakers are starting to be a bit more aggressive to move cars off the lot," Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds executive director for industry analysis, said in a press release. Despite Ford's February sales decline of 4%, to 208,440 units, slightly below Kelley Blue Book estimates of 204,000 units, here are a few key points within the data that investors also need to consider. Sales mix There are a couple of interesting takeaways from Ford's overall sales mix. On a positive note, sales of Ford-brand SUVs posted a record February result with more than 68,800 vehicles sold during the month. The SUV segment notched a 6% gain over the same month last year; it was led by the Escape, which posted a record February sales figure of 27,637 units. On the downside of Ford's February sales mix was the percentage of fleet sales. Ford's total fleet sales generated 35% of total sales, which is higher than what investors are accustomed to, despite being 50 basis points below last year's percentage (due to 2016's fleet sales being front-loaded during the first half of the year). Ford's fleet sales account for a much-higher percentage of overall sales than those of its crosstown competitor, General Motors, which recorded only 20.5% of its total sales from fleet. Another impressive month for F-Series Another month and another impressive sales result for America's best-selling truck. Ford's F-Series posted an impressive 9% sales gain to nearly 66,000 units sold during February. It's the best February result for the F-Series line since 2004, and it continues the long-term trend of consistently increasing sales figures, as you can see below. "We continue seeing strong consumer demand for the highest-series Super Duty pickups and the all-new F-150 Raptor, plus greater availability of 2017 model year F-150s," said Mark LaNeve, vice president for U.S. Marketing, Sales, and Service, in a press release. "This drove a $3,600 increase in average transaction prices for F-Series last month alone, Lincoln had a $2,100 increase, ultimately delivering an overall company transaction price increase of $1,900 per vehicle." Tightening inventories Unlike most of the automotive industry, Ford's inventories are actually tightening rather than increasing. In fact, Ford's gross stock, which includes in-transit vehicles, declined sequentially from 95 days' supply during January down to 79 days' supply at the end of February; the supply was also down from last February's supply of 84 days. Part of the decline in supply is due to SUVs, which have only 65 days' supply as consumers increasingly trade in passenger cars for larger vehicles. It'll be important for Ford to continue balancing its supply with retail demand as auto sales plateau in the U.S., but investors shouldn't be alarmed if gross stock increases in the short term as the company prepares for the upcoming spring selling season. Ford wasn't the only automaker to have a difficult February. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles posted a 10% decline and Toyota's sales slipped 7%. Despite Ford's 4% decline, however, the company's inventory levels remain in a good spot and its transaction prices remain strong. For the months ahead, investors should focus on two things: incentive levels and fleet sales. Ideally, incentive levels would move slightly lower, and Ford's fleet sales as a percentage of total sales would drop back into the mid-20s. 10 stocks we like better than Ford 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 Ford 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 Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Canadian pipeline giant TransCanada (NYSE: TRP) is in the midst of an ambitious growth program that will see it invest 23 billion Canadian dollars over the next several years to expand its energy infrastructure portfolio. These projects are expected to fuel 8% to 10% annual dividend growth through 2020. While the company has already lined up the bulk of the capital it needs to finance these growth projects and pay its dividend, it's still a bit short of the total requirement. That's where its master limited partnership, TC Pipelines (NYSE: TCP), comes into play because that entity could help bridge the gap by participating in future dropdown transactions with its parent company. Minding the gap Overall, TransCanada anticipates that it will need more than CA$30 billion to finance its expansion projects, fund the acquisition of Columbia Pipeline Partners, and maintain a growing dividend. However, as the slide below shows, its cash flow from operations will cover a little more than CA$20 billion of that amount when factoring in its dividend reinvestment plan: That leaves somewhere around CA$10 billion in capital that the company will need to secure from outside sources. TransCanada anticipates that it will have a variety of options, including at-the-market stock sales, debt, preferred or hybrid security sales, and dropdown transactions to TC Pipelines. TransCanada has already offered its MLP two such opportunities. First, it has proposed to sell its 49.3% interest in the Iroquois Gas Transmission System, which it owns as part of a joint venture with Dominion Resources (NYSE: D). In addition, TransCanada has offered its remaining 11.8% interest in the Portland Gas Transmission System to its MLP. TC Pipelines already owns a 49.9% stake in that system, which it acquired from its parent last year for $223 million. TransCanada hasn't disclosed the terms of either of its latest sales so it's unclear how much cash it might receive from these two transactions. More dropdowns coming down the pipeline? Even after completing these sales TransCanada will have plenty of additional assets that it could drop down to TC Pipeline in the future. The company still owns 100% of the ANR Pipeline, which will benefit from a recent rate case settlement that includes $837 million of maintenance capital spending. It also owns an interest in the Great Lakes Pipeline, which TC Pipelines already has a 46% stake in making it a likely candidate for a future dropdown. On top of that, TransCanada recently bolstered its U.S. gas pipeline business by spending $13 billion to acquire Columbia Pipeline Group and followed that up by agreeing to pay $915 million for the rest of Columbia's MLP Columbia Pipeline Partners. In doing so, it not only acquired assets that are currently operating but it picked up a pipeline filled with growth projects, with the company expected to spend $7.1 billion to expand the Columbia network over the next few years. As a result, TransCanada will have a growing pipeline of future dropdown opportunities for its MLP. Investor takeaway TransCanada has an enormous backlog of growth projects that it needs to finance over the next few years. However, unlike its U.S. rivals, the company doesn't plan to rely on the capital markets to fund these projects. Instead, it intends to use a combination of internally generated cash flow and drop down transactions with its MLP to do the bulk of the heavy lifting. Because of that, there's minimal risk that TransCanada will run into the same funding issues that have plagued its U.S. counterparts. 10 stocks we like better than TransCanada 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 TransCanada 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 Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Dominion Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Every day, Wall Street analysts upgrade some stocks, downgrade others, and "initiate coverage" on a few more. But do these analysts even know what they're talking about? Today, we're taking one high-profile Wall Street pick and putting it under the microscope... Earlier this week, President Donald Trump addressed the National Governors Association, sketching out his plans to scuttle the sequester, increase defense spending 10%, and add $54 billion to the defense budget. Then he doubled down on that promise in an address made to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Then Citigroup responded to all of this talk of growing the defense budget by...downgrading the stocks of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), and Huntington Ingalls (NYSE: HII), too. What the heck is going on? Here are three things you need to know. 1. Big expectations -- all already baked in There's little doubt that Trump wants to increase defense spending, and by a lot. (He also had some kind words to say about Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT) F-35 stealth fighter jet, a first for this president, and perhaps the reason Lockheed Martin didn't get the pointy end of Citi's stick yesterday.) But just about everybody else, who's anybody in defense, did. Let's begin with General Dynamics. As reported on StreetInsider.com, yesterday Citi downgraded General Dynamics stock from buy to neutral. This is a significant move by the banker, which has consistently urged investors to buy the stock since upgrading it to that rating back in January 2011. Those who took Citi's advice back then have enjoyed a 150% profit on General Dynamics stock along the way. But according to Citi, it's now time to cash in those chips. Although Citi called General Dynamics' decision to offer earnings guidance through 2020 in its last earnings report a "welcome" development, the analyst worries that at a share price more than 19 times earnings (General Dynamics stock actually costs 20 times earnings today), all of the good news this company can possibly report is already baked into the stock price. There's simply not much more upside left in the stock, and Citi thinks you should sell it. 2. Second verse, same as the first Citi has a similar recommendation regarding General Dynamics rival (in military shipbuilding) Huntington Ingalls. Huntington's stock is "trading at record highs," but Citi worries that investors are taking for granted "a lot of good news we can't necessarily count on." While Huntington's business would certainly benefit from Trump's call for "a bigger Navy," Citi says this catalyst is worth only $60 to $70 a share -- and Huntington's stock has already gone up by $70 since the election. Huntington, notes Citi, has been the banker's biggest winner in the defense space since Citi turned bullish on defense back six years ago, "up 468% since we initiated coverage with a Buy on March 31 2011." At this point though, hoping for more than a six-bagger is just being greedy. Although Citi isn't going so far as to say it's time to sell Huntington Ingalls stock, that seems to be the way it's leaning now. 3. Last and least Finally, we come to Northrop Grumman -- the company that spun off Huntington Ingalls six years ago, and that has been kicking itself for the mistake ever since. Northrop stock has actually done pretty well for Citi (just not as well as Huntington), rising more than 340% over the past seven years. That fact alone makes today sound like a fine time to take some profits. But Citi also sees a risk to Northrop Grumman's profit margins as it "ramps up" development of the Air Force's new B-21 stealth bomber. Northrop won this contract last year, beating out rivals Lockheed Martin and Boeing (NYSE: BA) for the honor -- partly based on the price it offered. Thus, while the $90 billion (my estimate -- the Pentagon is guesstimating the plane will cost less than $80 billion) Northrop should book from B-21 will be nice, the profits it earns on that revenues could be subpar. With an easy three-bagger in the bag, Citi sees no reason to take the risk that Northrop will take a hit on profits going forward. Tic-tac-toe, that makes three downgrades to neutral in a row. Bonus thing: The price-to-sales ratio Suffice it to say that I agree with Citigroup's analysis, and its decision to downgrade all three of the stocks named above. What's more, I'd go a step further, and downgrade Lockheed Martin and Boeing as well. To find out why, read last month's column on "The No. 1 Reason You Should Not Buy Military Stocks in 2017," period. 10 stocks we like better than Northrop Grumman 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 Northrop Grumman 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 Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Keeping track of finances takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of older adults, health challenges such as memory loss can make it difficult to manage their financial obligations as well as they did in the past. If youre the child of aging parents, here are a few items to keep in mind that can help protect your parents from financial missteps as they grow older. Looking out for your parents For many seniors, signs of memory loss or dementia may first become apparent when they start to lose track of financial responsibilities. These signs could include unusual spending patterns, failing to remember which bills were paid or incurring uncharacteristic late or overdraft fees. Unfortunately, seniors are far more vulnerable to financial scams as well. Savvy swindlers routinely target older adults who may not be as quick to discern fraud in the form of phony phone calls, letters, emails or texts. If you notice that mom or dad is struggling to stay on top of their finances, approach the situation delicately. People experiencing memory loss may not want to admit theyre having difficulties, while other family members may be in denial about mom or dad needing help. Start the conversation by offering a helping hand. Older adults often want to maintain their independence, so keep that in mind as you start to get involved. Creating a support plan Ideally, its best to get mom and dad involved in creating a financial plan while theyre able to communicate their wishes. While this isnt always possible, any preparations you can do before the situation is critical can help you feel better about their financial affairs. Start by reviewing your parents financial situation, covering all their assets and liabilities. If he or she is working with a financial adviser, invite that professional to the meeting. Work together on a strategy to make sure mom or dad is able to cover current expenses and prepare for future ones. The following checklist can help you get started: 1. Designate someone who is committed to the best interest of your parent to take the lead on financial matters. While many family members may want to be involved in decisions affecting the individual with memory issues, consider choosing one person as the financial contact. This person should make sure bills are paid on time, taxes are completed and keep track of mom or dads overall finances, looping in other family members as necessary. Meet with your attorney to discuss if the designated person should seek legal financial responsibility as well, by becoming a power of attorney. 2. Ensure each asset is properly titled and has a beneficiary that reflects your parents wishes. Suggest a meeting with an estate attorney if you think your parent needs to set up or update their will, health care proxy or other estate planning documents. 3. Establish automatic bill pay where you can. Suggest that your mom or dad set up his or her account to receive emails when bills are due or paid so that theres a paper trail to follow in case of confusion. 4. Create a retirement income strategy or document your parents income if theyre already retired so that its clear what their sources of income are and how they will pay for caregiving expenses. Sources of income may include Social Security, pensions, retirement accounts, annuities or other investments, while their life, health, long-term care and disability insurance policies may provide important coverage to offset expenses. Caregiving costs can be significant, particularly if a higher level of care is needed. Take the time now to explore options and costs for in-home and facility care, and make sure you understand how your parent feels about the various options. 5. If your parent is still fairly independent financially, remind him or her about the prevalence of money-related scams. Demonstrate how your parent can protect themselves against fraud. If you are concerned about your parents memory issues, try to find some time to lay out a caregiving and financial plan of action while your parents are still able to be part of the conversation. Consulting with a financial adviser or an attorney familiar with elder law issues may help get the discussion started. There will be an "Aging Parents and You" roundtable discussion at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 31. Call 704-872-8181 for more details. With one hand holding a bottle of champagne and the other an oversized certificate declaring him the winner of $1 million from Publishers Clearing House, Bruce Saunders stood on the front porch of his western Davie County Monday and rattled off a list of things he plans spend his spend money on medical bills, fixing his lawnmower and helping family members. The Government approved on Thursday a memorandum on the negotiation and signing of a cooperation protocol between Romania and Serbia for implementing the feasibility study referring to planning and designing a new high speed road way between Timisoara and Pancevo. According to a Government press release, the two governments will collaborate for the diplomatic and financial support of the investment projects related to the transport at the common border between Romania and Serbia, mainly for the construction of the Timisoara - Vrsac - Pancevo motorway by 2025, according to the feasibility study results. "Including a new motorway is a priority in the transport masterplans of the two states. The sector between Vrsac and Pancevo is acknowledged in the single list of Serbia's prepared projects, and the work execution on the Timisoara - Moravita road sector is included in the implementing strategy of Romania's General Transport Masterplan on the long list of road sector projects, in the first funding period 2014-2020, with 29.5 million euro VAT excluded," the release shows. The Government says that ensuring an infrastructure dealing with the increasing flow of people and goods between Romania and Serbia is a necessity, in the context in which the current transport network is insufficiently developed for the current needs of the border area. "The new high speed road will contribute to the connection of the road corridor to the railway modes that transit Romania and the river mode crossing Hungary, Serbia and Romania, represented by the Danube. The Timisoara - Pancevo motorway construction is also aimed at increasing social inclusion and the quality of life in the trans-border area, as well as at uniformly developing the transport infrastructure capable to support the road traffic for persons and good in the border crossing points, by creating new transport connections," the cited source added. Agerpres Health Minister Florian Bodog and Permanent Representative of Romania to the European Union Luminita Odobescu met on Thursday in Brussels, one of the meeting's topic being the coordination of efforts for the preparation of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council in 2019 in the Health area. "In this context, we talked about fulfilling our obligations in the Health area, under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism. It is an essential topic, given that the Health Ministry brought solid arguments regarding the steps made in Romania for fulfilling the conditionalities established by the European Commission. Of course, we are talking about a process underway that I am determined to finalise successfully, so that we can use European funds for building the regional hospitals proposed in the governance programme of the Social Democratic Pry (PSD)," wrote the minister on his blog. According to the dignitary, on the Health Ministry level, the interval January - June 2019 will be "an extremely intense" one. "I want 2019 to find us not only able to fulfill our obligations on European level, but also to provide Romanian patients much better health services, in maximum efficiency conditions and transparency," showed minister Bodog. The post-2020 cohesion policy must remain the main investment policy inside the European Union (EU), Minister delegate for European Funds Rovana Plumb said in Warsaw, while attending the meeting of ministers of the Visegrad +4 states in charge with the cohesion policy, according to a press release of the Romanian authorities sent to Agerpres on Thursday. "The future of the cohesion policy is closely linked to that of the European Union, with guaranteeing a strong and efficient European cohesion policy being essential, in order to generate an intelligent, sustainable and inclusion-favourable growth in all European regions. The post-2020 cohesion policy must remain the main investment policy inside the EU," Plumb said. The Romanian minister drew the attention on the fact that the cohesion policy must be a budget pillar of the EU, and partnership, solidarity and subsidiarity principles should remain the essential components of this European policy, which is extremely important for the EU member states. Moreover, Rovana Plumb also said that the future cohesion policy should be simplified and flexible in order to encourage the local authorities to use European funds in a better manner than in the past. The Minister delegate for European funds signed during the meeting the joint position document on the post-2020 cohesion policy. The document includes a common position of the states participating in the Visegrad Group (Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia), on the one hand, and Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovenia (V+4), on the other hand, towards the general orientations on the cohesion policy for the post-2020 financial programming period. Corina Cretu, the European Commissioner for regional policy, maintained that the aim of the cohesion policy is that if improving the daily life of everyone. "The aim of the cohesion policy is to improve everyone's daily life. This is the reason for which we must fight for it and its future, as it is our common future: jobs and economic growth through the cohesion policy, jobs and economic growth for everyone, for all regions," Cretu said. Romania's delegation was headed by Minister delegate for European funds Rovana Plumb. Sari the hustler, Duman the gentleman, Bengu the lover, Psikopat the psycho they may sound like characters straight out of a gangster movie, but they are, in fact, some of the colorful felines profiled in Kedi, an endearing documentary about Istanbuls street cats. For centuries, if not millennia, street cats have roamed Istanbul, where they are not merely tolerated for their rodent-controlling abilities but beloved by the citys human inhabitants, who feed them and form close attachments to them. Foreign visitors likewise have been captivated by the ubiquitous presence of cats in Turkeys largest city. Turks delighted when, on a state visit by President Barack Obama to Turkey in 2009, he famously bent down to pet one of the strays living in the Hagia Sophia church, a well-known landmark. In Kedi (Turkish for cat), director Ceyda Torun profiles seven kitties across the city each one a fixture in the community and the residents who have developed relationships with them. The Turkish-American filmmaker, who says Istanbuls street cats helped her avoid loneliness as a child, does not identify her human subjects by name, although she does the cats. There is, for example, Gamsiz the player, a black-and-white male living in the trendy Cihangir neighborhood who solicits food, affection and occasional shelter from a handful of area residents, including a cheerful baker who describes himself as Gamsizs main human, saying he has a running tab with all the nearby vets. The human-feline interactions in the film can be quite tender, particularly when the interview subjects who frequently ascribe human personality traits to their four-legged friends reflect on what the creatures have brought to their lives, whether in the form of companionship or even a sense of purpose. One woman says that cooking 20 pounds of chicken a day for dozens of local cats has helped heal her emotional wounds. Though pleasant to watch, Toruns feature debut feels more like a meandering montage than a structured narrative, and it could easily be half as long. There is disappointingly little in the way of historical and cultural context to help explain the role of cats in Istanbuls urban fabric. Kedi isnt for everyones taste. But for cat lovers who cant get enough of on-screen felines, you could say its purr-fectly charming. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Stay up to date on life and culture in St. Louis. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WASHINGTON As President Donald Trump boosts victims of undocumented immigrants crimes onto a national stage, a woman from Wentzville is still waiting for answers to years of mistakes that left her a widow. Trump used his first speech to Congress to pitch a border wall and more aggressive deportations. The emotional core of his plan is a new office designed to help people victimized by undocumented immigrants an initiative he touted by mentioning several families in the audience whose loved ones were killed by people who entered the country illegally. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests, the president said. Hours later, Julie Nordman of Wentzville used her own, sometimes trembling voice to tell senators about the lax immigration enforcement that culminated in the death of her husband, Randy Nordman, on March 8, 2016. The suspect, Pablo Serrano-Vitorino, is a Mexican citizen and could face the death penalty if hes convicted of Nordmans murder. He also is accused of killing four people in Kansas. This story starts nearly two decades ago, she said, outlining Serrano-Vitorinos first encounter with police in 1998 as an undocumented immigrant. Serrano-Vitorino was deported in 2004 after serving time in prison for pointing a rifle at the mother of his three children. He reentered the country but, despite three arrests that included domestic assault and drunk driving, immigration officials never detained him a trend Nordman blames on systemic carelessness and ineptitude. Not only has [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] failed us, but our borders have failed us. They are obviously wide open, she told a Senate panel overseeing border security. But I suppose if your policy is to let them go even after you arrest them for committing violent crimes, why even secure the border at all? Nobody from ICE appeared at Wednesdays hearing. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said the department had rebuffed efforts to investigate its handling of the Serrano-Vitorino case by citing privacy concerns a justification at odds with a Trump administration order rolling back some immigrants privacy rights, she said. If we want to stop future tragedies, we have to see that file, McCaskill said. We have to understand the mistakes that were made, and we have to have our questions answered We have an obligation to understand the problems before we pass new laws. An ICE spokeswoman said that the acting director had prior commitments Wednesday morning and that the department was working to make sure local law enforcement agencies didnt release criminals. Although high-profile crimes by immigrants sometimes resonate among the public for months, research suggests immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than people born in this country. About 1.6 percent of immigrant men ages 18-39 are incarcerated, compared with 3.3 percent of native-born people, according to the American Immigration Council. That disparity reaches back decades. So far, Trump has reversed the policy of the administration of President Barack Obama of prioritizing violent criminals for deportations. Trump is casting a wider net that will include people convicted of minor crimes or already ordered deported. He has also threatened to withhold federal funds from so-called sanctuary cities, where police generally do not detain undocumented immigrants for federal authorities unless theyve committed or are suspected of a violent felony. Polls show mixed support for the immigration crackdown. Quinnipiac released a poll last week showing 60 percent of people oppose building a Mexican border wall (even more oppose the U.S. paying for such a wall). The same poll shows 53 percent of people favor deporting undocumented immigrants only if theyve committed a serious crime; deporting all people whove immigrated illegally garnered 19 percent support. Meanwhile, a Harvard-Harris poll indicates 80 percent of people oppose sanctuary cities. Law enforcement in those jurisdictions, such as Denver and Chicago, have said detaining nonviolent offenders isnt worth the cost and sows distrust in immigrant and minority communities, which makes policing more difficult. Missouri has no sanctuary cities. No officer wants to intimidate a good person, especially someone who can help an investigation, St. Louis County Police Officer Justin Sparks said. Sparks attended Trumps joint address with his sister, Elizabeth Snyder, the widow of slain St. Louis Police Officer Blake Snyder. Sparks said the presidents speech struck the right balance on public safety. What I take from it is this: If youre a violent felon, you need to go. MACOUPIN COUNTY A Bunker Hill man was killed Tuesday night when a sheriff's deputy responding to an incident struck the rear of his all-terrain vehicle. Both drivers were northbound on Illinois Route 159 just south of Illinois Route 138 just after 9 p.m, according to Illinois State Police. Michael Cathorall, 42, was driving his ATV without its lights on when sheriff's Deputy Tim Burnet, 37, was responding to a domestic disturbance call with his emergency lights and siren on, police said. Burnet's Ford police vehicle struck the rear of Cathorall's ATV. The collision threw Cathorall off his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The roadway was shut down for about five hours after the crash. The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction was called to investigate the crash. PERRYVILLE, Mo. The tornado that killed one motorist and destroyed homes in Perryville on Tuesday night packed winds of up to 165 mph and covered nearly 50 miles, weather officials said Thursday. The National Weather Service has preliminarily labeled the tornado an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. A final report is expected by Friday. Wind strength of a tornado in that category is between 136 and 165 mph. By comparison, the Joplin tornado in May 2011 that killed 161 people and injured more than 1,000 was an EF-5, with winds estimated at more than 200 mph. Surveyors look for these signs for an EF-3: severe damage, with roofs torn from well-constructed buildings, a majority of trees uprooted and vehicles lifted off the ground. In the United States, 844 tornadoes over the last 30 years were considered EF-3, said Patrick Marsh, warning coordination meteorologist with NOAAs Storm Prediction Center. The lead meteorologist for the survey, Rick Shanklin from the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Ky., said Thursday that he was doing additional research to see how far the damage went. But Thursday night, the Weather Service said on Facebook that the twister was on the ground for almost 50 miles, from Perryville to near Christopher, Ill. Shanklin has seen most of Perry County. Definitely, we have some storm damage into the EF-3, he said. I have high confidence were somewhere in that range. Its possible it could be slightly higher than that even. Rescuers searched 180 homes, and about 60 percent of them had moderate to major damage. In addition to the motorist who died when his pickup was swept up by the tornado on Interstate 55, about 10 people in Perry County suffered injuries, none severe. Most of the victims had cuts and scrapes; all have been released from hospitals, police said. The damage totals fluctuate. Shanklin had seen seven regularly built frame homes, one modular home, and at least three detached house garages that were leveled. Shanklin said he had not seen eastern Perry County yet, so the numbers may rise. Perryvilles mayor has estimated 30 to 60 homes were gone. Shanklin said: A lot of other homes, typical well-built homes, have lost their entire roof, most of their walls. There are dozens of those. The Weather Service in Paducah covers south-central Missouri, the western third of Kentucky, part of southwest Indiana and Southern Illinois. The area sees about one or two EF-3 tornadoes a year, Shanklin said. The preliminary finding for EF-3 was based on several factors, said Robin Smith, one of the meteorologists who toured the damage. The biggest thing that led us to that conclusion, we saw seven different homes in two different locations that were completely destroyed, Smith said. No standing walls, no type of structure. The survey team also looked at damage to the trees, whether they were uprooted or snapped, and the fact that dozens of power poles were snapped or overturned. The tornado traveled for 13 to 15 miles in Perry County and was a half-mile wide at the Moore Drive area, where three homes were leveled, off Highway 61. Thats a good-size tornado, Smith said. A smaller tornado such as an EF-1 may only be 100 or 200 yards wide, he said. JEFFERSON CITY Want to predict what Missouris school system will look like in the future? Jeb Bush, during his visit to the Missouri Capitol on Thursday, suggested looking to Florida. A former governor of the Sunshine State, Bush visited lawmakers and showed support for school choice initiatives he once championed as a state executive. I was the first Republican governor with a Republican Legislature since Reconstruction. I was a governor in my 40s. And there was a lot of excitement because there was a big change in the state Capitol. Sound familiar? Bush joked. He was drawing parallels between himself and Gov. Eric Greitens, also a Republican. The two met Thursday to talk about efforts in Missouri to expand virtual schooling. Bush told reporters that with Greitens at the helm, the door had opened for school choice proposals, such as charter school expansion, that had stalled in the past. You have a governor totally committed to these reforms, Bush said. Greitens also pointed Thursday to Florida as an example hes looking to as he works to expand access to Advanced Placement courses throughout Missouri. Part of what were doing is we want to create structures so that our kids and parents and teachers have access to the opportunities they need in order to make sure those kids have a fair shot at the American dream, Greitens said. In Florida, Bush led the charge to expand charter schools and create both the first statewide voucher program and the largest virtual school in the country. The voucher program he signed into law faced court challenges that culminated in January in a victory for Floridas school choice advocates, as the state Supreme Court elected not to take up the case. That program is similar to one moving through the Missouri Legislature this year. It provides scholarships funded by private donations, given in exchange for tax credits. Some state courts have ruled that those programs are constitutional, because theyre not funded by direct appropriations from the state, and parents can decide how to spend the money. Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, who is sponsoring a bill creating a tax credit scholarship program, said the states K-12 schools were long overdue for an update. The real question that we have to deal with in the Legislature, that they addressed in Florida ... is how do we transition from the model that seemed effective 100 years ago, to the model that we devise today as effective for students, Emery said. Brent Ghan, executive director for the Missouri School Boards Association, said Greitens had inspired urgency to slam school choice proposals through the Legislature. Theres been more momentum this session for school choice proposals and voucher proposals than weve seen in recent years, said Ghan, whose organization opposes such efforts. Last month, the association and business organizations found rare common ground in supporting a virtual school measure that would allow students statewide to take up to two online courses, pending approval from their guidance counselors. But when that bill passed the House in February, lawmakers had amended it to remove the two-course limit. We have strong concerns now, Ghan said. The cost for local school districts could be pretty high. Recently, St. Louis largest charter school network was renewed for five years, despite an inability to meet state performance expectations at any point in its almost 14 years of operation. Bush said that despite such setbacks, Floridas K-12 schools had evolved because of school choice initiatives. We made mistakes along the way, Bush said. But you cant regulate everything to the point where you have no innovation. JEFFERSON CITY The private airplane that ferried Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens across the country last month is owned by a St. Joseph-based company that operates newspapers and television stations from Missouri to California. Amid outcry from Democrats seeking details on how the political newcomer is traveling to various political events, the Post-Dispatch has learned that Greitens flew aboard a twin-engine jet owned by the News-Press & Gazette Co. for three days beginning on Feb. 24. A top aide to the governor, a Republican, said it was happenstance that the business-class aircraft was used by Greitens as he hopped among various political events, including a stop in Las Vegas, a lunch with President Donald Trump in the nations capital and a political event in Springfield. Greitens campaign adviser, Austin Chambers, said the flights were arranged through a charter agreement that had nothing to do with the media company. We didnt know that beforehand, Chambers said of the planes ownership. It was no relation to them. It was a typical lease arrangement. During the hard-fought and expensive fall campaign season, the St. Joseph News-Press endorsed Greitens in his bid for the states top office against Democrat Attorney General Chris Koster. NPG Chairman and Chief Executive David Bradley said Thursday that NPG leased out the plane when it was not being used on company business. In similar cases, Bradley said, he often does not know who flies on the company jet. In the case of the flights by Greitens, the plane was leased by a private third party, Bradley said. Greitens did not pay us a single nickel, said Bradley, whose company also owns a Columbia television station. The governors travel habits have become a focal point in the state capital after he trekked to Washington three times in his first six weeks in office. Unlike his predecessor, Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, Greitens has eschewed using state-owned aircraft. That decision has made it more difficult to know exactly who pays for his travel. On Wednesday, the governor took his first trip in a state aircraft to view tornado damage in Perryville, Mo., after storms roared through the region on Tuesday night. But for a trip to the nations capital to visit Vice President Mike Pence, Greitens flew on Southwest Airlines, Chambers said. It remains unclear how Greitens is bankrolling the private airfare. Chambers said some of the cost could be considered a donation, which will appear on his state-mandated personal financial disclosure forms when they are filed later this year. Other costs will be reported on his campaign account, said Chambers, whose salary also is paid by Greitens campaign. Democrats, including Rep. Greg Razer of Kansas City, have complained that the governor is lacking transparency in how he is financing trips, raising questions about influence among his donors. In a hearing last month, Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Kirkwood, suggested that the lack of information represented a pattern for Greitens, who has not disclosed who funded the events surrounding his inauguration on Jan. 9. Greitens taxpayer-paid spokesman, Parker Briden, said the flight on the NGP airplane did not fall within government reporting guidelines. The governors office didnt coordinate his travel, Briden said in a text message Wednesday. Chambers said the campaign was still tallying up how to divide up the cost of the trip. There were several stops and events on this trip, meaning the cost of the travel will be covered by various private and political groups, Chambers said. But, he added, The governors plane travel wasnt covered by the taxpayers, and well continue to keep the burden off Missourians moving forward. JEFFERSON CITY Mike Sharps testimony in favor of legalizing medical marijuana Wednesday was about as good as it gets. He spoke slowly, with pain in his voice, about how his 18-year-old nephew Dalton with severe autism beats his head against walls and bites himself on a daily basis. He said the medicines currently on the market have failed Dalton time and time again. And while the Jackson County Sheriff knew the risks of legalizing marijuana, he couldnt help asking for mercy for people with chronic disorders or terminal diseases. Why would you not want to help a child have one good day? he asked. But lawmakers remained skeptical about the prospect of expanding access to the long-maligned hallucinogen as 28 other states have done. They worried about authorizing drugs for children and causing problems for law enforcement. Rep. Lynn Morris, R-Bolivar, was especially concerned about the latter, citing calls hes gotten from police officers and prosecutors about the bill. Jason Grellner, president of the Missouri Narcotics Officers Association, affirmed those fears. He said the measure would bypass the Federal Drug Administrations approval process, leaving vulnerable patients in the dark about proper dosage for certain conditions and potential side effects. He also listed groups opposed to allowing medical use, including the American Cancer Society, American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute for Neurological Disorders. Dr. Adrienne Poe, a neuroscientist at the Washington University School of Medicine, contended that medical marijuana could help curb the states opioid crisis. A 2014 study published in Journal of American Medicine Association found states with medical marijuana laws had nearly 25 percent fewer opioid-related overdose deaths than those prohibiting it. But committee chairman Rep. Keith Frederick, R-Rolla, was more enthusiastic about Grellners opinion. I think if youre substituting one drug for another, youre not doing the patient any good, Grellner said. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services would regulate the distribution and sale of the drug and issue registration cards to eligible buyers. Eligible patients could possess up to 20 ounces at one time. The proposed law would not allow growing marijuana at home. The House gave initial approval to a similar measure that would have put the question to voters last year, but killed it on a final vote. An organization known as New Approach Missouri thinks the same thing will happen this year. Theyve started gathering signatures in support of a 2018 ballot initiative that would let voters decide the issue. Their measure would affect a wider population of people suffering from painful diseases and allow eligible patients to grow up to six plants in their homes. It would also impose a 4 percent sales tax on purchases from vendors for veteran health care. The legislation is House Bill 437. JEFFERSON CITY The leader of the Missouri Senate wants to dump the states nationally recognized system for picking Supreme Court judges. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard told reporters Thursday that he was unhappy with the work of a selection committee that has given Gov. Eric Greitens a list of three candidates for an open seat on the states highest court. Richard, a Republican from Joplin, said he wanted to see more conservatives picked as potential replacements for the late Supreme Court Judge Richard Teitelman. We may have one of that caliber, but theres no reason we shouldnt have three, Richard said. Working with an original list of 31 applicants, a seven-person Appellate Judicial Commission sent Greitens the following finalists: Lisa White Hardwick, a member of the state Court of Appeals for the Western District. She is the only person of color among the applicants. Benjamin Lipman, a lawyer with Lewis Rice in St. Louis. Lipman has worked extensively on First Amendment cases. Brent Powell, a circuit judge in Jackson County. Missouris court plan, which has been adopted in some form by states throughout the country, is designed to select judges based on merit rather than on political affiliation. Under the Missouri system, a panel of lawyers appointed by the Missouri Bar Association and residents appointed by the governor reviews applications of potential judges and then submits the names of three finalists to the governor. The governor picks the winner. At the end of the term, each judge must stand before voters for retention. In 2012, Missouri voters rejected a bid to give governors more power in the selection of judges. That measure came as conservatives argued the current system gives too much power to trial lawyers. Richard said he was upset with the Supreme Court over a number of recent decisions. He said the court had gone rogue. In particular, Richard singled out the courts decision Tuesday in a case involving raising the minimum wage in St. Louis, which the Senate had tried to block. Thats a perfect example here lately, Richard said. Im concerned about the court right now. Greitens, who said during his campaign for governor that he wanted to overhaul the system for picking judges, said Thursday that he would take a hands-on role in choosing the next judge. I will be personally interviewing all three of the candidates here in this office to ask them about their judicial philosophy so that we can pick a Supreme Court justice that we believe will follow the Constitution and best serve the interests of the people of Missouri, Greitens said. The governor, a Republican, did not commit to tossing out the court plan and instead said the upcoming selection process would show whether the current system was working. This is going to give us a real fair chance to see how this process is working now, Greitens told reporters in his office. Richard acknowledged that his gambit was not a sure thing. He said GOP senators could balk at his idea. Im going to ask my senators next week in caucus if we should move forward in repealing the Missouri court plan, Richard said. In October, Greitens said he favored a plan adopted in Tennessee in 2014 that gives the governor and the Legislature more influence in who serves in the judicial branch of government. The push to change the court system will face tough opposition from the bar association and defense attorneys. In addition, Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge also has weighed in on the threat of changing the selection model. In a speech to a joint session of the House and Senate, Breckenridge said the changes sought by Greitens and members of the Legislature should not be viewed as an indictment of the states judicial branch. Missouri has a judicial system of which we can be proud, Breckenridge said. ST. LOUIS For those who suspect voter fraud on Election Day Tuesday, the citys chief prosecutor has set up a hotline to report the allegations. Its imperative that voters have confidence in all elections, said Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. Free and fair elections are at the core of our democracy, and our community has a right to demand integrity in the process. A spokeswoman for Gardner said the circuit attorneys office had no expectation of problems but wanted to provide an easy way to lodge concerns. Gardner said she will have two veteran attorneys ready to assist those who call with concerns. The hotline number is 314-622-4941. Or if voters prefer, they can lodge concerns on Election Day with the St. Louis Police Department, at 314-231-1212, she said. Late last year, Joyces office turned over the findings of its internal investigation to the U.S. attorneys office. At the time, Joyce said her office uncovered important evidence that needed further review from the federal government. For other election issues during Tuesdays primary, Gardner said voters should call: St. Louis City Board of Elections, 314-622-4336, for issues such as broken voting machines, insufficient ballots at the polls and conduct in the polling places by election officials. Missouri Ethics Commission, 573-751-2020, regarding the conduct of candidates, campaigns or those involved with initiative drives. Secretary of state, 573-751-4936, for questions about Missouris election laws. St. Louis city voters will cast ballots for mayor, comptroller and aldermen in 15 wards. A proposal on whether to allow the city to charge an annual operating fee to payday loan establishments also will be on the ballot. A bill pending in the Missouri Legislature (SB 43 and companion bills HR 550, 552 and 676) would make it more difficult for workers who experience discrimination or lose their jobs because of whistleblowing to hold their employers responsible. Its sponsors claim that it is necessary to ensure a business-friendly climate, but the real effect of the bill would be to undermine basic civil rights protections and permit retaliation against employees who report violations of the law. Missouri law currently forbids employers from taking adverse actions like failing to hire, harassing or firing an employee based on race, sex, disability or other protected characteristic. The Missouri Supreme Court has interpreted this law to mean that employers are liable whenever a prohibited consideration is a contributing factor to a negative employment action. Unhappy with this interpretation, Republican lawmakers are seeking to change the law to require a worker complaining of discrimination to show that the action would not have been taken but for the employees race, sex or other protected characteristic. That subtle change in wording will make it significantly harder for employees to prove discrimination under the Missouri law. Employment decisions are rarely motivated by a single factor. Instead, they are complex decisions involving multiple factors. No employee is perfect, and so an employer facing a charge of discrimination can easily point to other explanations for taking an adverse action against an employee. And because much of the evidence about the true motivations for a decision lie within the employers control, employees often have a difficult time sorting out and proving exactly which factors were weighed and how much in the ultimate decision. If a rejected or fired worker can produce evidence that a discriminatory motive was part of the employers reasons for acting, that should be sufficient for showing a violation of the civil rights law. As the Missouri Supreme Court has said, if race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, or disability of the employee was a contributing factor to the discharge, then the employer has violated the (law). The employers action is no less reprehensible because that factor was not the only reason. Although its supporters argue that the bill would simply align Missouri law with federal law, the proposed bill, if passed, would in fact impose an even more stringent standard. More than 25 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress considered what the appropriate standard should be. In 1991, Congress passed a law rejecting the but for causation standard and making it clear that an employee need only prove that race, sex or another prohibited consideration was a motivating factor in order to hold the employer liable. Under the federal law, the employer can avoid paying certain damages if it can prove that it would have made the same decision absent any consideration of the protected characteristic, but it cannot avoid liability for its biased decision-making. Another effect of SB43 one that has been largely overlooked would be to weaken protections for whistleblowers. Missouri courts have held that employers are liable if they fire a worker for refusing to engage in an illegal act or for reporting illegal or unethical practices which violate public policy. For example, this legal protection has been extended to workers who were fired for reporting patient mistreatment or objecting to an employers failure to follow federal regulations for ensuring the safety of eyeglasses. Because workers should be encouraged to object to or report wrongdoing that threatens harm to the public, courts have permitted fired whistleblowers to seek a full range of damages. SB43 would abolish that judicially recognized protection for whistleblowers and replace it with a weak statutory alternative. Although the bill states that merely codifies existing law, in fact it would narrow the substantive protections for whistleblowers and, most significantly, it would severely restrict the remedies for discharged whistleblowers. With limited remedies available, workers are unlikely to find a lawyer to represent them. The result will be that employers can retaliate against whistleblowers with impunity, and employees who observe wrongdoing will be hesitant to speak up. Supporters of SB 43 claim that it is a necessary response to an out-of-control civil litigation system that makes Missouri less attractive to businesses, but they have offered no evidence to support this claim. As explained, the bill would make discrimination claims more difficult to prove than under current federal law. And it would make Missouris protections against discrimination and whistleblower retaliation far weaker than those of a majority of other states. The effect would be to reduce protections for Missouri workers in order to address a problem that simply doesnt exist. Pauline Kim is a professor at the Washington University School of Law. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Cheddar to Live Stream Snap IPO on XUMO Cheddar will be live streaming the Snap Inc. IPO from the floor of the NYSE on Thursday from 9am-3pm ET Irvine( ) XUMO, the premier live and video-on-demand over-the-top (OTT) service for the digital age, and Cheddar, a live video news network focused on covering the most innovative products, technologies, and services transforming our lives, are pleased to announce they are teaming up to broadcast the Snap Inc. IPO on Thursday, March 2 from 9am-3pm ET. Snap Inc., the maker of Snapchat, goes public Thursday morning in what will be the biggest IPO in years. Cheddar will be covering the IPO live from the floor of the New York Stock exchange. Watch Cheddar on XUMO all-day for breaking news and interviews with Snap investors, Snapchat Discover partners including Mashable, VaynerMedia, designer of Snapchat filters for DJ Khaled, Jay Z, and Beyonce, Snapchat influencer Cyrene Quamco, and more. The live stream of Cheddars coverage will be available on XUMO from 9am-3pm ET. Cheddar is the first network on XUMO to feature live daily shows, streaming programs to their XUMO channel from the New York Stock Exchange and Sprint Flatiron Building Store each weekday along with one hour of interviews. The Cheddar channel on XUMO can be accessed via VIZIO, Panasonic, Funai Electronics Co. brands Magnavox, Sanyo and Philips smart TVs, iOS and Android devices and Roku. About XUMO An advanced technology company based in sunny California, XUMO seamlessly delivers over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VOD) and LIVE content direct to consumers through smart TVs, mobile and set-top box applications. XUMO brings consumers premium digital and broadcast content via applications that are fully equipped with content recommendations, curated programs and dynamic ad insertion capabilities. Leveraging technological advancements through which living room devices have become both connected and aware, XUMO offers multiple ways to reach and engage with consumers within the home. Learn more about XUMO at www.xumo.com and follow @XumoTV on Twitter. About Cheddar Cheddar is a live video news network focused on covering the most innovative products, technologies, and services transforming our lives. The network covers this news through the lens of the companies and executives driving these changes. Cheddar broadcasts from Post 10 on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and the Sprint Flatiron Building Store. It is available on Sling TV, Amazon, Vimeo and Twitter. The company was founded by Jon Steinberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of BuzzFeed from 2010 to 2014. Its investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Comcast Ventures, Ribbit Capital, and Homebrew. MWC: Cisco and Vodafone Partner to Launch GigaTV in Germany Attendees at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, got a demo of GigaTV, a cloud video service for the German market created by Vodafone and Cisco. Subscribers can watch the service's content through their set-top boxes, smartphones, and tablets. According to its website, Giga TV offers up to 104 standard definition and 43 high definition stations, many of which are free-to-air. The service also connects to Vodafone's on-demand video store where thousands of titles, including new releases, start at 99 cents. The service is available at two tiers, for either 14.99 or 19.99. Both tiers offers concurrent access from 3 different devices. The service is built on Cisco's Infinite Video Platform, which Vodafone credits with increasing customer satisfaction. GigaTV aims to keep viewers watching longer with personalized recommendations and intelligent searches. Its navigation has been designed to help viewers discover content they'll be interested in. GigaTV delivers a premium, innovative video service to Vodafone customers, says Conrad Clemson, senior vice president and general manager for service provider platforms and applications at Cisco. During this project we truly transformed the way we develop and deliver video solutions, helping Vodafone use a single platform to deploy video services across all screens, bridging from their networks to OTT. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles The purpose of this conference was to promote tourism with the help of technology and entrepreneurship. The theme revolved around how technology can empower and enable the young generation of KP to build solutions around Tourism. The event was brought together with the help of many supporters and sponsors including TripKar, Hive Islamabad and others. Umar Farooq, the mastermind behind this conference has worked in the IT industry of USA and Canada for 17 years. He came back with an aim to create a co-working space for startups known as Tech Valley Abbottabad. At the event, he also announced the establishment of Pakistans first ever tourism Incubation Center in Tech Valley Abbottabad where startups will be invited free of cost, to work for 4 months. It will be an opportunity for the startups to seek funding and get mentoring and technical guidance. He said, KP got 8.8 million foreign and over 10 million domestic tourists last year. With the security situation getting stable, this is the optimum time to take practical, urgent initiatives to build tourism. Various speakers talked about the role of IT in sustainable development in tourism, the role of financial institutions, startup culture in Pakistan and key success stories of entrepreneurs. Asad Umar, the Chief Guest and PTI member, said, Challenges lead to immense opportunities. Every challenge can inspire an entrepreneur to come with a unique idea to solve a problem. The event was attended by more than 500 people including many key stakeholders related to tourism, IT and entrepreneurship industries. Merlin Kardin realizes his teaching career is finished after entering a plea to a charge of exposing a child to harmful materials in a Chippewa Falls Senior High School classroom. This situation is not how I wanted to end my career, the 71-year-old substitute teacher from Fall Creek told Judge Steven Cray on Wednesday. I maintain I am innocent of the the accusations against me, Kardin said. Judge Steven Cray said Kardins actions, including viewing a photo of a naked man and woman that was also visible to students, were not meant to induce or seduce juveniles. However, Cray said: Your thought process was one of carelessness. Outrageously careless. Kardin entered a fairly unusual Alford Plea to the charge, meaning he does not admit to a criminal act and asserts his innocence, but a jury could find differently. Cray did not accept the plea and instead accepted a plea deal that was arranged between prosecutors and Kardins defense attorney, Harry Hertel of Eau Claire. Kardin was placed under a delayed acceptance guilty plea for 18 months. That means if Kardin violates the agreement within that time, he would wind up back in court and could be sentenced. Under terms of the plea deal, Kardin can not be in a school in Wisconsin. However, he will be allowed to attend his grandsons graduation from a Kansas school. Kardin said he taught for 35 years, and spent 13 years as a substitute teacher. He listed awards he received for his teaching. But he said he went along with a plea agreement to bring closure to his family, and so no juveniles would be called to testify at a trial. Assistant District Attorney Wade Newell said if there had been a trial a juvenile girl in a Chi-Hi classroom on Oct. 18, 2016 would have testified that Kardin was a substitute teacher in her class that day. Kardins computer was set up so students could see it, and the girl saw a naked man and woman on Kardins computer screen. It would have been a very vigorously and contested trial, Hertel said. For example, he said one of the websites Kardin visited on the computer was called Science Porn. It is not pornography, Hertel said of that website. It just carried that name to promote its use. Under the plea deal, a second count of exposing a child to harmful materials against Kardin was dismissed and read into the court record. State funds will cover half the cost of widening the main runway at the airport serving the Baraboo area. The cost of widening the runway 25 feet prompted two of the four municipalities that once owned the airport to relinquish their shares. At a meeting of the remaining owners Monday, leaders learned the state Bureau of Aeronautics had changed its mind about sharing the cost of that project, and will cover half. Cheryl Giese, who coordinates airport operations for the city of Baraboo, got the surprise news last week during a meeting with Bureau of Aeronautics Director David Greene. I think we were all kind of in shock, she said. The cost of widening the runway from 75 to 100 feet estimated at $750,000 prompted the city of Wisconsin Dells and the town of Delton to give up their ownership shares last year. With the state pledging $375,000 in support, the two remaining ownersthe city of Baraboo and village of Lake Delton will shoulder a smaller-than-expected burden. Those two municipalities supported widening the runway to generate commerce and promote safety. John Webb, president of the Lake Delton Village Board, wondered aloud whether the former owners wouldve withdrawn if the state had pledged support from the beginning. If that news had come out before, that might have changed the outcome, he said. Engineers designing the improved runway have not yet encountered any budget surprises, said Mark Graczykowski of MSA Professional Services, who delivered a progress report Monday. While handing out a preliminary rendering of the expanded runway, he said cost estimates remain largely unchanged. The $3.7 million reconstruction calls for repaving and widening the runway, and replacing safety lights. Reconstruction is needed because the base beneath the existing 5,000-foot runway pavement is substandard. It was last rebuilt in 1991. Work is slated to begin next year and take two years, closing the airport for the duration. Much of the reconstruction funding will be covered by the Federal Aviation Administration, with some local cost-sharing and a contribution from the state Bureau of Aeronautics. In addition to discussing the status of the runway project, the airports owners voted to rename the facility. Given that the Baraboo-Dells airport sees more traffic than nearby counterparts north of Madison, its owners sought to reflect its regional draw. At the same time, they opted not to remove Dells from the name, despite Wisconsin Dells withdrawal. It kind of names the area, Webb said. Giese said the new name could soon adorn the airports sign, which will need maintenance this year. Ex-presidents tend to recede from public view, particularly when they leave office -- as George W. Bush did -- with a Gallup approval rating hovering around 30%. But Bush is returning to the national stage this week in the role of an elder statesman. He's promoting his new book "Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors" in television appearances and before a sold-out crowd Wednesday evening at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. His return to the political scene comes as President Donald Trump's new administration is rocking Washington with upheaval and instability. It underscores the contrast in tone between the two most recent Republican presidents and serves as a reminder of how the expectations surrounding presidential rhetoric and tone have changed over the years. Bush "was a president who after 9/11 talked about Islam as a religion of peace," said Steve Schmidt, a Republican strategist and former Bush aide. "He talked about the act of illegal immigration -- people who took great risk coming across the desert -- as an act of love for their families." "All presidents have been in difficult times and divisive fights, but there was a normalcy of behavior expected of the American head of state rhetorically," Schmidt said. He cited the recent example of Trump blaming generals for the loss of Senior Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens during a covert mission in Yemen. ("They lost Ryan," Trump said in an interview with Fox News that aired Tuesday). "That's not how George W. Bush, or Barack Obama, or Bill Clinton, or George Herbert Walker Bush, or Ronald Reagan talked about the military," Schmidt said. "He was a president who served in turbulent times and was controversial, but as is always the case -- when a president has distance from their presidency, voters look at them and are much more likely to see their virtues than their flaws." Trump tempered his tone -- at least temporarily -- with a strong performance at Tuesday's joint address to Congress. The emotional high point of his speech came when he spoke directly to Owens' wife, Carryn, who watched the speech from the first lady's box. He also spoke in more measured terms about race and the need for the country to unify even as he maintained hardline positions on issues such as building a wall along the US border with Mexico and repealing and replacing Obamacare. On the news interview circuit this week, Bush has been peppered with questions about Trump's controversial actions on immigration and his targeted travel ban (which was halted by the federal courts). Bush, whose brother Jeb was hazed by Trump during the Republican primaries, never warmed to Trump in the general election. In interviews this week, he has been careful to avoid personal criticism Trump, but made his displeasure clear about both the political climate and some of the President's policies. "I don't like the racism, and I don't like the name-calling, and I don't like the people feeling alienated," Bush told People Magazine. "Nobody likes that." Bush took issue with Trump's characterization of the press as the enemy. "I considered the media to be indispensible to democracy, that we need an independent media to hold people like me to account," Bush said on NBC's "Today" earlier this week. "Power can be very addictive, and it can be corrosive, and it's important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere." During an interview with "Sunday Today" host Willie Geist, Bush also seemed to make the case for the so-called "Dreamers," who were brought to America as young children, to stay in this country. "I think somebody who has vested time and effort and can make a contribution to our country will be a really good citizen," the former President told Geist. "See in Texas, we grew up with a lot of people of Hispanic heritage and we're used to the contributions they have made to our state and to our country." At the same time, he acknowledged the political difficulty in finding compromise on changes to the immigration system. "I tried to reform it and one of my big regrets was that I couldn't get Congress to respond," he said. "And I think the plan I laid out ultimately would be the plan that would be accepted." Brian Rogers Rogers Rabbits www.sunlive.co.nz Ground Control to Major Tom, theres something wrong, New Zealands broke, your fundings gone Astronomers are over the moon with the discovery of seven Earth-sized planets, in orbit around a very groovy red dwarf star. Now considering theres seven and the star is a dwarf, the planets would surely have to be named Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy, Bashful and Doc? So far the only title theyve been given are the inspirational labels of planets B, C, D, E, F, G andIve forgotten the last one. Oh yeah, thats right, H. If only there was an easy way to remember those. While all this important news was breaking, New Zealanders were mostly distracted by the more important news issues, such as, should pineapple be put on pizza; and why Papamoa was invaded by frogs. Life as we know it The red dwarf star is smaller than our sun and puts out less heat, but its seven planets are orbiting closer, so the whole system is more compact. The ones closest are likely too hot; the ones most distant are likely too cool; but theres a chance that a few in the middle might be just right, like Goldilocks and the porridge. So science people are excited that these might support life as we know it, or at least something similar such as Tim Shadbolt. Note, they didnt say intelligent life Observatories The new planets will come under the gaze of a couple of planet-hunting observatories. Including the European ESO scope, that is named, and Im not making this up: Extremely Large Telescope. Thats quite an inspired name for the device. We assume its bigger than their Moderately Large Telescope and quite a lot bigger than The Slightly Smaller Telescope and the Teensy Weensy Pocket Magnifying Glass. But nowhere near the size of the Gigantic Kick-Ass Mega Combo with Fries Telescope. Hardships and spaceships Meanwhile, the Taxpayers Union has put a rocket up the Government for giving aid money to countries that have their own space programmes. And rightly so, if a country can afford to blow millions into space you have to question why the NZ taxpayer is donating aid dosh. Ground Control to Major Tom, there is something wrong. According to Taxpayers Union founder Jordan Williams, NZ since 2010 has dished out a total of $214 million to countries that spend up big on space. Indonesia scored $88m off us; while in the same period spent $223m on a space programme. India was given $4m, while it was busy blasting away $1.2 billion on space research. Nigeria launched its fifth satellite, and aims to put an astronaut in space by 2030meanwhile Kiwi aid totalled $647,000 to help feed and shelter Nigerians on the ground. This is lunacy on a grand scale. New Zealand needs to follow Australias lead here, and cut aid to countries that have such warped priorities. We have people in NZ and the Pacific in hardships, while were lavishing money on countries more interested in spaceships. Avoiding Klingons Meanwhile, NASA is tackling one of space travels most pressing issues: it has asked the world for ideas of how to dispose of doodoos in space. Were not sure why they just dont fake getting rid of it, like they did with the moon landings, and like half the people who walk their dogs at Papamoa. However, our advice to NASA is to get one of those little containers to attach to their astronauts that dispense plastic bags. Follow your astronaut around and when he squats, put the poop in the bag and walk around with it at arms length for the next 45 minutes till you find a council bin, then try to wedge it in, around the Lion Red bottles and empty Woodstock boxes. That way, astronauts can avoid Klingons on their space boots. Arabs on Mars Also aiming for the stars, the United Arab Emirates has announced a scheme to establish a colony on Mars by 2117. Sheik Mohammed unveiled the plans and theyve thought of everything. Oxygen supply, transport, science stuff, camel stables. However, its not yet known whether theyll allow pineapple on pizza. Gravity of the situation Meanwhile, back on Earth some humans have stooped to all new levels of depravity. A warning here, this story contains disturbing images. A bloke can only take so much. Practical jokes can only go so far before they cross a line. Ive been on both sides of the practical joke game. But theres a line. And this week, it was crossed. A practical joke that went beyond the bounds of acceptable and funny. A prank that left me in despair for humanity. A numbness on my left side. Driven to drink. Huddled in the foetal position in the closet with 14 pairs of crocs. Some of you may have been to this dark place before, for those of you who havent, I hope you never have to suffer this: Someone prankster interferes with your Spotify playlist and uploads Justin Bieber. Parting shot If you weigh 100kg on Earth, you would only weigh 38kg on Mars. Therefore youre not fat, youre just on the wrong planet. brian@thesun.co.nz For more nonsense, like Rogers Rabbits on Facebook A question from the crowd at Wednesday nights public meeting with Labour Party leader Andrew Little was answered today with the announcement he is nominating NZ First Leader Winston Peters for a seat on the Security and Intelligence Committee. The question from the crowd at the Cornerstone Pub last night was would Labour work with NZ First? Nominating Winston Peters, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Clarke Labour Government, is seen as a big deal says a Labour Party spokesman today. Normally these (S&I committee seats) are just for the main opposition party, but in this instance we have nominated Winston showing that despite our Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Party we are also very keen to work with Winston, says the spokesman. And this is a good example of it. This is a very important committee at Parliament and to have Winston the former foreign Affairs Minister on that is a pretty big deal. The Security and Intelligence Committee is a cross party committee that discusses the international security of New Zealand and the countrys connections with the world. The Labour party is not making a pre-election arrangement with NZ First, says the spokesman. Andrew Little was in Tauranga when todays announcement was made, and is flying to Whangarei near Winston Peters Northland electorate this afternoon to continue his state of the regions tour. During a visit to the SunLive offices, Andrew says he will be nominating new Mount Albert MP Jacinda Adern as his deputy leader on Tuesday. Former deputy Annette King announced on Wednesday she was stepping down. Annettes done a lot of time in parliament, and shes been thinking about her future, about whether she wanted another term. She made it clear she didnt want to stand in Rongotai again, so we have got a new candidate in Rongotai. Annette was going to take a list seat, but that Labour list hasnt yet been prepared, and following Jacindas win in Mt Albert she thought now was the time to get out of politics altogether, adds Andrew. Annette is a long-serving MP for Rongotai and Labours health spokesperson whos been in politics for about 30 years. During her career shes contested ten elections and served under eight leaders. She says the one thing she really wanted to achieve before she retired from politics was to ensure a successor was confirmed in the seat of Rongotai, and that is Wellington City deputy mayor Paul Eagle. Former Tauranga City Councillor John Robsons legacy is expected to arrive and be officially handed over to the city in about two weeks time. The Hyundai Ioniq thats going to be handed to the city will be one of the first vehicles of its kind in New Zealand, and certainly the first in Tauranga. But it wasnt planned that way. When John set about fulfilling the election promise he made back in 2013 to return the percentage of his council salary matching the vote share he thought it would be a simple matter. John wants to do something in the environmental area because he would like the council to be smarter, greener and fairer. Unfortunately the councillors are neither smart nor green nor fair. So in giving back I wanted to help balance that deficit of smartness greenness and fairness so a green car seemed a good place to start. What I proposed was to pick up a couple of electric cars, get it done and dusted. I was proposing a couple of second-hand Nissan Leafs which is the default electric vehicle. Max Mason actually drives one. But the council has a fleet policy. The policy says they prefer to buy new, and they work through a fleet management company, a leasing company. Within the fleet policy there were not a lot of electric vehicles available, but Hyundai announced launching a new car and council staff asked John if he would be comfortable picking it up for the cost of a three-year lease. I said absolutely, just tell me when its due. And its due soon. The last information I had is the might be talking delivery this March. Farmer Auto Village Hyundai sales manager Rui Santos says the council Ioniq is on its way. I think it will get her in the next week or two but I dont have a definite date yet. And when it does get here, James Williams from Hyundai New Zealand is actually going to come down here and deliver it to the council. It will be one of the first they might have sold and definitely the first in the Bay of Plenty, adds Rui. John says there is more to come from his election promise legacy, and after he picks up the bill for the electric car there is more money hes promised to pay. Hes currently working on options, with greener done, hes working on smarter. The Hyundai Ioniq is the first car in the world to offer separate Hybrid, full Electric and Plug-in Hybrid powertrain options on one body type. Hyundai says it represents the next step in eco-friendly vehicles. The full Electric Ioniqis will first arrive in New Zealand in early 2017, and will be later followed by the Hybrid, then the Plug-in Hybrid. Tauranga City Council will be receiving the full electric Ioniq. Key features include: The NZ Transport Agency, Heritage New Zealand and local hapu are excavating what could potentially be a defensive trench from the New Zealand Land Wars or the inter-tribal Musket Wars. Contractors were widening the side of State Highway 29a in Matapihi for the installation of a safety median barrier when the discovery was made. The site had previously been identified as being in an area of archaeological significance for three hapu; Ngai Tukairangi, Ngati He and Ngati Tapu. Work was stopped immediately and the agreed cultural protocols were enacted with the hapu. The Transport Agencys Bay of Plenty State Highways Manager, Niclas Johansson, says its early days, but the find could be significant. We expected to find kumara and fire pits and we have an authority from Heritage New Zealand for the works, but we did not expect to see something like this. This could be nationally significant so its important that we keep the site closed and take the time now to find out as much as we can so we can honour the tangata whenua who were affected by this part of our history. The Project Archaeologist, Sian Keith, says the site will be excavated and all details will be recorded so a fuller picture of what has been found can be painted. The trench is about 40 metres long and appears to have been used as a coastal defence around the 1830s to 1860s. Its away from other well-known battle sites around Tauranga and depending on the date it could add some important information to the national historic record. A military trench near Matapihi. The hapu and the Transport Agency will continue to work in partnership to ensure the correct cultural practice is carried out. A representative from Ngai Tukairangi, Ngati He and Ngati Tapu will remain on site to monitor the excavation. The speed limit will remain at 70 kilometres per hour throughout the construction site to decrease the risk of any serious crashes occurring. The median barrier project is expected to be completed by the middle of this year. Discussions will also continue between the Transport Agency, the hapu and Heritage New Zealand on how the site might be able to be permanently acknowledged. The yachting epicentre of the British Virgin Islands is graced once again with its third edition sailing event, where Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Rolex as title sponsor team to present a stunning spectacle on the racing calendar. Gathering an ever-more impressive fleets to the tropical sailing paradise of Virgin Gorda, the fleet bear testament to the Finnish shipyard's long history and commitment to both tradition and innovation. Its models entered range from two of the latest Clubswan 50 models penned by Juan Kouyoumidjian to classic Sparkman and Stephens designs, dazzling the waters of the British Virgin Islands. Yet, each of the yachts and crews share their own story and special reason for participating, setting the Rolex Swan Cup events in both Porto Cervo and Virgin Gorda apart from other regattas. Without doubt one of the most fascinating backstories of this particular edition is the participation of the historic Swan 65 Sayula'. The surprise winner, in 1974, of the very first edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race - today known as the Volvo Ocean Race and still recognised as the most gruelling sailing challenge in existence - Sayula and her helmsman the late Ramon Carlin were the subject of an award-winning 2016 documentary. Helmed now by Ramon's son Enrique, who was on board for the extraordinary victory in 1974, the Mexican boat sailed a journey over 3,000 nautical miles specifically to attend the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean and boasts several generations of the Carlin family among the crew. "We came from Mexico specially just for the event." explained Enrique Carlin. "We went from Puerto Vallarta, all the way down to the Panama Canal and we got here in about 20 days. We came to bring Sayula back together with the Swan family, to support this special brand, it's really a good brand, very strong. My two sons are on board and my grandchildren have already been at the helm of Sayula, so four generations of my family have helmed her." Equally excited to participate, but with a decidedly more competitive spirit is Hendrik Brandis, owner of Earlybird, the latest Clubswan 50 hull. Brandis intends to enjoy becoming acquainted with his new yacht during its regatta debut: "We'll be getting to know the boat and as always with sailing, having a lot of fun. I must say the first days of sailing here in Virgin Gorda were impressive. This is the next generation, it's a planing boat and the downwind speed is just so much higher, it's a different kind of sailing. It's a great racer, it's one-design and it can even be used with the family for day sailing." In addition to exciting action on the water, the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean also brings a glittering social calendar. Owners and crews will attend an opening reception on the YCCS lawn this evening, while a cocktail competition will have crews battling once again on Thursday evening. The elegant Rolex Dinner for owners at the YCCS Clubhouse and a relaxed Caribbean Barbecue at Bitter End Yacht Club will also take place before the final prize giving on Sunday March 5th. A man suspected of allegedly breaking into Downtown parking garages to take items to sell was arrested by Madison police on Wednesday. Grahm Haferman, 32, no permanent address, was tentatively charged with multiple counts of theft, police said. The burglaries were reported in early January and involved someone breaking into the residential parking garages to take items, including two bicycles and a cellphone. "The bikes and cellphone were pawned quickly," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. "The burglary crimes unit was able to identify the suspect as the person who sold the stolen items." Haferman told police he didn't commit the burglaries and sold the items for a friend. Seeking to spread his message of support for President Trump and his plans for Virginia, Republican gubernatorial candidate Corey Stewart visited the region Monday, stopping in Saltville and Marion. Stewart, former Virginia campaign chairman for Donald Trump and currently serving his fourth term as at-large chairman of the board of supervisors of Prince William County, noted Saltvilles distinction as the Salt Capital of the Confederacy as he posted a Facebook video from the overlook on Highway 107 and in Marion he spoke at a meeting of the Smyth County Republican Party at the Henderson. During a visit to the News & Messenger office in Marion Stewart outlined some of his plans if elected, including capping Medicaid funding at the state level in order to reduce state income tax for Virginians along with elimination of state income tax for residents of counties bordering Tennessee, which has no state income tax. Earlier in the day Stewart spoke in Abingdon at the Southwest Virginia Tea Party Spirit of America Rally to Support Our President and Congressman, a chance for people to voice their support of Trump and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th. Im here to support President Trump and his proposal to repeal and replace Obamacare with a much more efficient system, a medical care system that will provide better health care at a lower cost, Stewart said at the rally. It does have to be replaced, he said during his visit in Marion, but it cant be replaced with the same old thing. Its not working. Some business owners in Abingdon, he said, told him they had to drop their health insurance because they couldnt afford it. We are going to create a competitive system that brings the marketplace into the healthcare system, Stewart said. And thats going to bring a lot of efficiencies, competition. Competition creates a better product at a lower price. Stewart said he is going to be looking at what other states are doing, he said, and if somebody comes up with a better, a more efficient healthcare program well copy it. No use in reinventing the wheel. If you think about it, this is what happened with welfare reform in the 1990s under the Clinton Administration, when all the states were told to design their own welfare program and the federal government would select the one that worked best and the one chosen was in Wisconsin. Well thats what I want to do with Medicaid, Stewart said. And I know we can do it more efficiently and provide better service. Were going to work with the Trump Administration to block grant Medicaid funding to Virginia and I know that he is amenable to this, Stewart said. Were going to develop our own healthcare program for the poor, he said. And well design it for Virginians by Virginians and it will be a lot more efficient, a lot less spending on administration and bureaucracy and a lot more money going to actual care for patients. So well be able to bring down the cost and well be able to improve quality of service. To develop this, Stewart said, we have to utilize healthcare providers, patientswe have to get everybody together and figure out whats going to work in Virginia. We have an open door on this thing to develop it and theres going to be all kinds of great ideas out there about how to make it more efficient. Medicaid funding in 1985 in Virginia was 5 percent of the budget, Stewart said, and today its 22 percent, crowding out funding for other priorities such as K-12 education, higher education and transportation. What he wants to do, he said, is cap the funding at 20 percent of the states budget through a constitutional amendment and if the costs are projected to go above that 20 percent it would trigger an administrative mechanism to bring down the costs and that would make room for what he has his heart set on, a massive state income tax cut. Stewart wants to eliminate state income tax for residents of counties that border Tennessee, which has no state income tax, he said, and that situation is creating a competitive burden for businesses in Lee, Scott and Washington counties and the city of Bristol. How can you be expected to compete for business if right on the other side of the line, literally on the other side of the street in Bristol, you can move your business over there and pay no state income tax? he asked. As for the rest of Virginia, he wants the state income tax to be ratcheted down systematically. I want to eventually bring it way, way, way down, Stewart said, but its going to take some time because you cant just suddenly get rid of a revenue source for the state. It would have to be replaced by something. But if you take it down slowly, ratchet it down systematically, then the economic growth that results can be used to fund the tax cut without having to replace that income tax with another form of tax. In education, Stewart said he believes in private schools and vouchers and giving parents a choice, and in jobs he said manufacturing needs to return to the state and to do that there has to be a change in the business tax program. What we need to do is improve the overall tax climate, the business climate in general, like North Carolina has done, he said. Stewart said he enjoyed his visit to Smyth County and is looking forward to coming back and visiting such places as Eds Drive-In Restaurant in Saltville, the Lincoln Theatre and Hungry Mother State Park. Stewart is one of four Republicans seeking the partys nomination to run for governor this year. The other GOP candidates are Ed Gillespie, state Sen. Frank Wagner and Denver Riggleman. SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Two Syracuse residents are facing drug charges after police found cocaine products and pills in a home and after officers saw them trying to hide drugs in children's car seats, according to court records. Daquann T. Everson Syracuse Police officers saw Daquann T. Everson, 32, of 101 Grape Terrace, leave a house at 1047 S. Townsend St. at 5:24 p.m. Tuesday carrying a gray car seat, a felony complaint obtained by syracuse.com states. As he headed to a nearby parking lot, Everson adjusted the car seat and a bag of 30 grams of crack cocaine fell out, according to the complaint. At the same residence, officers saw Roshawnda M. Russo, 31, of 1047 S. Townsend St. looking into the passenger-side window of a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. When officers approached, they could see the knotted section of a clear plastic baggie sticking out from the driver's side door handle, according to the complaint. Roshawnda M. Russo The bag had 2.7 grams of cocaine inside, according to records. Russo also had a car seat that was hiding a 12.6-gram bag of heroin, officers report. Officers went back to the home a few hours later with a search warrant. They found 123.8 grams - or 4.38 ounces - of cocaine product in a clear sandwich bag on the floor of a kitchen closet along with a digital scale with cocaine residue, and alprazolam, oxycodone, morphine, ecstasy and diazepam pills in a bedroom nightstand drawer, according to the complaint. Everson and Russo were charged with: second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor Everson is also facing a parole violation charge, according to inmate records. They are being held in Onondaga County jail without bail and are scheduled to appear in Syracuse City Court on Friday. HOMER, N.Y. -- A bicyclist was critically injured Wednesday after he and a pickup truck collided in Homer, the Cortland County Sheriff's Office announced today. Kory Platt, 20, of Homer, was riding at 4:55 p.m. along State Route 41 in Homer near Limerlick Lane when the crash happened, authorities said. He and a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, driven by Peter Knapp, 23, of Ithaca, were both headed south along the highway, according to the sheriff's office. Platt was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse by TLC Ambulance and is currently listed in critical condition, deputies said. They said Platt was wearing a helmet. Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the crash. Cortland County deputies ask anyone with information to call the sheriff's office at (607) 758-5599. SENECA FALLS, N.Y. -- A state corrections officer in Seneca County is facing charges after authorities said he shared child pornography, according to the New York State Police. Samuel N. Ferrara Troopers arrested Samuel N. Ferrara, 46, of Seneca Falls, after authorities discovered he possessed and shared lewd images of children, officials said. Ferrara works as a corrections officer at the Willard Drug Treatment campus in Ovid, state police said. Troopers said they did not know the status of his employment, and officials with the Willard campus declined to comment. Ferrara had been using his personal computer and Internet to share the images, according to state police. He was charged with promoting an obscene sexual performance of a child, a felony. Ferrara was arraigned in Seneca Falls Town Court and was being held in Seneca County jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. He has since been released, according to VINELink inmate records. The East Side gas station where a 31-year-old man was fatally shot early Wednesday has been called a haven for crime by Madison police, but its attorney disputes that assessment saying the business bears no responsibility for the citys first homicide of the year. Witnesses told police that the gunman walked up to a car parked at the Mobil gas station at 3019 E. Washington Ave. around 2 a.m. and fired multiple shots into the car, hitting the driver several times, according to Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain. The wounded driver drove out of the gas station parking lot at a high rate of speed and headed east on East Washington Avenue, DeSpain said. At some point the driver became unconscious and a 23-year-old Madison man who was a passenger tried to steer the car until it crashed into the Comfort Inn and Suites Hotel building at 4822 E. Washington Ave, DeSpain said. The driver, who had no permanent address, was dead at the scene. The passenger suffered minor injuries from the crash but was not shot, according to DeSpain. An employee at the hotel said the victims were not staying at the hotel or connected with it. The Dane County Medical Examiners Office, which was conducting an autopsy, has not released the name of the man killed. This was not a random shooting, DeSpain said. We dont know the motive, but we cant rule out anything. Police were focusing on the gas station Wednesday because it has been the site of previous criminal activity, DeSpain said. Last September, some residents wanted the business closed after Madison police Capt. Tom Snyder told a group at a neighborhood meeting prompted by recent shootings in the area that the gas station was driving drug activity. At the same meeting, Ald. Marsha Rummel, 6th District, said the city issued a drug abatement plan that ordered the owner to add more security cameras, hire security personnel and make other improvements or face closure. But Stephen Hurley, the attorney for Capitol Petroleum, which owns the gas station, questioned, What evidence do they have that (the gas station) has anything to do with any crime? They need to be honest with the public if they perceive it as a problem, Hurley said. While the stores security cameras captured the victim buying tobacco products in the store moments before he was shot, the shooting, which occurred in an area behind the station, wasnt recorded because cameras that the city had ordered the gas station to install were stolen recently, according to Capitol Petroleum owner Farooq Shahzad. Shahzad identified for police the person who stole the cameras and gave the police a photo of the person as he stole them, but police have not called back to say they have arrested anybody or found the cameras, Hurley said. Madison police told Capitol Petroleum executives at a meeting at the East District office last year that it didnt have the sufficient manpower to deal with the level of crime taking place in the area where the gas station is located, according to Hurley. He also said that a neighborhood police officer told the gas stations manager, Zahid Shakeel, at that meeting that too many 911 calls were made by the gas stations employees. They were told not to be crybabies and call 911 all the time, Hurley said. Police Chief Mike Koval said Hurley was doing his job as an advocate for his client. I wont comment on his ex parte litigation in the press, Koval said. Shahzad completed all the improvements the city required him to make, including increasing lighting in the area, adding no trespassing and no parking signs and giving police access to the security cameras that were added, Hurley said. He also said Shahzad hired security guards for awhile but no longer uses them. Police would like me to close it at night, but if I closed it, it would get even more bizarre, Shahzad said. DeSpain said police hadnt connected Wednesdays shooting with other shootings in recent weeks. He said at least one witness saw the gunman run off after the shooting and get into the passenger side of a car that drove off. The police departments violent crimes unit is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 266-6014. spath in court.JPG Michael Spath was arraigned this morning on a felony charge before County Court Judge Robert Bauer. (Douglass Dowty) Michael Spath mug shot Syracuse, NY -- A suspended West Genesee middle school teacher was arraigned this morning on a felony charge, accused of having a sexual conversation with an 8th grade student and asking her for a naked photo. Michael Spath, 49, of Tully, will remain free on $2,500 bail over the objection of the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors wanted $10,000 bail after his charge was upped to a felony. Spath faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of disseminating indecent material to a minor. Defense lawyer Michael Spano noted that Spath had done fine on bail since his arrest Dec. 14. At that time, prosecutors hinted that he could face an indictment on a felony charge. "If he was going to run, he wouldn't here today with an attorney," Spano said. "He would have used money he spent on an attorney and gone to Bolivia, somewhere he couldn't be extradited." Under law, the primary purpose of bail is to secure a defendant's return to court. Spano noted that his client had two school-age children and a longtime marriage. He's spent his entire life in Oswego and Onondaga counties. Spath has spent his time at home doing remodeling, the lawyer said. County Court Judge Robert Bauer agreed to leave bail at $2,500 cash. Spath is accused of having increasingly inappropriate Facebook conversations with the 14-year-old girl from late November to mid-December. The conversation culminated with him telling her he was lying in bed naked and asking her for a naked picture, according to court documents. Spath had been a teacher since 1995. The girl was not in his class at the time of the incident. Spath was suspended by the school district when the accusations came to light. Spath is due back to court next week. 1301-03 Loomis -LandBank-LoganReidsma-BA6A9980 A vacant home owned by the Syracuse Landbank at 301 Loomis Ave. will have its window boards painted by local students as part of a city-wide art project the Landbank is beginning. (provided by Logan Reidsma) Syracuse, N.Y. -- Dozens of kids see the boarded up house at 301 Loomis Ave. on their walk to Van Duyn Elementary School each day. It is a quiet monument to the struggle kids face in a city where more than half of the children live in poverty. But a new project will brighten that walk. The Greater Syracuse Land Bank, which owns the vacant house on Loomis and roughly 800 others in Syracuse, is working with art teachers at Van Duyn and seven other city schools to put kids' art in the windows of boarded up houses. "A lot of these kids have so much on their plate already. They don't need to be reminded of the economic realities around them every day on their walk to school," said Liam Kirst. "It's a small opportunity to brighten up their day." The Vacant Mural Project is the brainchild of Kirst and Logan Reidsma, both community outreach coordinators at the Land Bank. The two are working at the Land Bank through AmeriCorps. They pitched the idea within their first few weeks at their desks. "We started talking to the art teachers and they told us how the children wanted to do stuff that was more impactful in their communities, in a real world setting," Reidsma said. So far, art teachers at eight city schools are have signed on: Van Duyn Elementary School, Clary Middle School, McKinley-Brighton Elementary School, Dr. Weeks Elementary School, Dr. King Elementary School, ITC, Syracuse Latin School, and Hughes Elementary School. The Land Bank will supply the boards and paint to the art teachers, who will then work with students to paint them. Kirst and Reidsma will prime the boards before dropping them off, seal them when the students are done painting them, and install them in the windows of the houses. They are still working on choosing the rest of the houses, focusing on Land Bank-owned homes nears the schools that are participating. Kirst and Reidsma said that they expect to install art on the window boards of 25 homes. Some of the art will be done by community members, too. There is a community-wide painting day scheduled for May 13 at South Presbyterian Church on South Salina Street, a Land Bank-owned building. The Land Bank, a nonprofit organization, is taking donations of supplies for the community painting event. Paint can be either exterior house paint or acrylic paint. The Land Bank has already heard from community organizations interested in helping out: Forty Below is planning to paint the boards in a Land Bank house and clean up the yard; Southside TNT is working on a related project; L'Arche is planning to paint a board. And nearly 400 people have expressed interest in the May event. Artists and other community members interested in painting a board can reach out to Kirst or Reidsma at the Land Bank. The Land Bank would supply the board, and they would provide their own paints. The hope is to begin installing the painted boards in mid-spring. So, just as bare trees will start to bud, art will begin to bloom in broken houses. "On their walk to school, the kids would see their work instead of a boarded-up, vacant house," Kirst said. "It will give them a sense of ownership and pride in their own neighborhood." For more information about participating, contact Kirst at LKirst@syracuseLandBank.org or Reidsma at Lreidsma@syracuseLandBank.org. Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246 Juvenile8.JPG This is the Segregation Housing Unit on the fifth floor of the Onondaga County Justice Center. Inmates aged 16 and 17 were held in isolation here until a federal ruling last week. (Filed with court records) SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Barry Alan Krisberg, an expert on juvenile incarceration, was hired by the New York Civil Liberties Union to examine the conditions for 16- and 17-year-olds held in solitary confinement at the Onondaga County Justice Center. He toured the jail on Oct. 31 with a photographer and lawyers from the NYCLU and the jail, speaking with inmates and officers. His testimony became part of NYCLU's federal, class-action lawsuit asking the jail to stop the practice of placing 16-and 17-year-olds in solitary confinement. The photographs were attached as part of Krisberg's testimony. Last week, a federal judge ordered the justice center to temporarily halt the practice as the lawsuit moves forward. Starting next week, some teens will be moved to the Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center. Krisberg, a scholar for the Institute for Study of Societal Issues at the University of California-Berkely, described the conditions as "deplorable." For his services, he was paid $250 an hour, according to court records. First he visited the Segregation Housing Unit, where juvenile and adult inmates are housed in solitary confinement, also called "the box." "(Conditions) were amongst the worst that I had seen in my decades of touring correctional facilities," he wrote in court documents. "The unit had an odor of human waste and was approaching bedlam with echoes of inmates yelling from their cells when I visited." These are doors to the cells at the fifth-floor Segregation Housing Unit or SHU at the Onondaga County Justice Center. Inmates, including 16- and 17-year-olds spend 23 hours a day inside cells like this one at the Segregation Housing Unit. A federal judge last week ordered the jail to stop housing teenagers in solitary confinement. Inmates, including 16- and 17-year-olds spend 23 hours a day inside cells like this one at the Segregation Housing Unit. A federal judge last week ordered the jail to stop housing teenagers in solitary confinement. These are the showers at the Segregation Housing Unit at the Onondaga County Justice Center. Krisberg also examined the recreation areas where inmates in solitary confinement spend an hour each day. He described them as "barren, cage-like structure(s) devoid of exercise equipment." Inmates, including teenagers, who were held at the SHU were allowed one hour of recreation a day inside this area. Inmates, including teenagers, who were held at the SHU were allowed one hour of recreation a day inside this area. In addition to the SHU, teens are also placed in solitary confinement on the second-floor juvenile pod. Krisberg said conditions are slightly better there for 16- and 17-year-olds, but he still said the practice is harmful. The teens' lawyers have argued placing 16- and 17-year-olds in solitary confinement is unconstitutional, deprives them of education and harms developing minds. "Although the juvenile pod at least had better lighting, less graffiti, and better recreational space than the SHU, the cells are similar in size to the SHU cells," Krisberg wrote. "...Only one officer was on staff at the juvenile pod to interact with and manage youths' behavior although there are 56 cells in the pod. The so-called 'law library' on the pod also did not have a single book, legal or otherwise, for the juveniles to read; at the time of our visit it was full of laundry." This is the inside of an isolation cell on the juvenile pod, the second floor of the Justice Center. These are two of the solitary cells at the juvenile floor of the Onondaga County Justice Center. Read about Krisberg's visit below: Kris Berg Testimony 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 Warners, N.Y.-- Drivers in a multi-vehicle pile up in the westbound lanes of the New York State Thruway near the Warners Travel Plaza said they had stopped for a crash when other drivers unable to slow down crashed into their vehicles. Rick Timbs, the executive director of the Statewide School Finance Consortium, said he was on his way to a meeting in Rochester when he stopped on the side of Thruway because there was a crash up ahead. Other vehicles zipped past his car and began crashing into the accident ahead of him, he said. Then a tractor trailer jackknifed hitting his car and pushing it into guard rail, Timbs said. "A whole bunch cars ran into that semi including other semis," he said. "You could hear a crash, then it would stop then it was crash and you heard bam, ba bam, bam, bam," Timbs said recalling the sounds of other vehicles crashing around him. Jeff Hunt, of Syracuse, was heading to his job in Geneva when he too stopped for the crash. Another vehicle struck his car pinning it against a guard rail, he said. "I couldn't leave my car until they pulled me away from the guard rail," he said."I was pinned up against the guard rail so every time there was an accident or something got hit I could feel the guardrail shaking onto my car." "It was crazy. You could feel feel cars hitting behind you and pushing you forward," Hunt said. Neither man said they were injured in the crash, but their vehicles were heavily damaged. Randy Wolken is the President & CEO of MACNY -- The Manufacturers Association and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State. By Randy Wolken | Special to syracuse.com I was pleased last week when I came upon the "CNY's Job Hunt" series on Syracuse.com. However, one area in particular needs our attention - manufacturing. Manufacturing is one of the key wealth-generating sectors of Central New York and all of New York state. Statewide manufacturing contributes over $74 billion annually to the state's gross domestic product. New York State ranks ninth in the U.S. in total manufacturing employment. The national economy still has one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the world. In Central New York, about 9 percent of our jobs, over 38,000, are in manufacturing, which is at the national average for regions. At one time, we had an above average amount of manufacturing jobs. Today, our economy is much more diverse - and typical - of other regions of the United States. New York has a rich history of making things. Great companies such as IBM, Carrier and GE are a part of that rich tradition. However, today, more than ever, it is the small and medium manufacturer that represents the strength and future of New York state manufacturing. New York state has a very diverse manufacturing economy, one of the most diverse in the nation. There are over 15,500 manufacturers in New York state and the average size is around 25 employees. With over 450,000 industrial jobs in New York state, manufacturing creates growth in other industries, too, with every manufacturing job supporting up to three related jobs in other sectors. What is even more remarkable is the breadth and depth of the use of technology by companies from the smallest to the largest. Every manufacturer today uses an ever increasing amount of technology. The other big development is the ability of each manufacturer - from small to large - to sell their products globally. In fact, they must find and service customers anywhere to be successful in the 21st Century. The other profound change is the level of skills needed by their workforce. Modern advanced manufacturing in the U.S. will only thrive with a highly educated and skilled workforce. U.S. manufacturing now uses ever increasing amounts of technology, surging domestic natural gas production, a highly skilled workforce, and expanding global market opportunities. And, aggressive, smart and forward-looking New York state manufacturers have been and will be able to thrive in some of the most difficult economic climates. I get to see just such organizations doing so routinely every day here in Central New York. We are seeing a sea change in the way advanced manufacturing is looked at by our nation and our local communities. Once thought of as passe and undesired by too many, manufacturing is desired and sought after - again seen as the economic engine it has always been. So what should we be doing to move forward? Leverage an improving economic climate and even more technology to employ the most skilled workforce in creating products for global demands and markets. This is an approach that can - and has - proven successful. What is holding us back? There is an outdated understanding of manufacturing. Manufacturing is too often viewed as dark, dangerous, dirty and dying. It is none of these things today. Today, advanced manufacturing is more often done in a brightly lit cleanroom under extremely safe conditions -- and opportunities are growing. In fact, there are hundreds of jobs open today and available, if you have the right technical skills. What are these skills? STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills are needed to thrive in today's modern manufacturer. Actually, in nearly all local industries, STEM skills are desired and needed. And pay? The average manufacturing job today pays over $75,000 annually. How much education is needed? You can usually start many of these careers with a two-year technical degree. Most companies will pay for your continued education - to include bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees. Advanced manufacturing today is an exciting place to work. I look forward to the "CNY's Job Hunt" series and the articles about manufacturing jobs. Also, I am hoping you will spread the word so that our community can capitalize on its ingenuity and tradition of making great things. Central New York and all of our state once was the cradle of innovation and manufacturing for the world. We can be once again. Grebegood.jpg The Clark's grebe in the Oswego Harbor, near the Maritime Museum. (Diana Whiting) Bird watching enthusiasts from across the state have been flocking to the Oswego Harbor recently, hoping to catch a glimpse of a Clark's grebe - a western bird that's never been seen in Upstate New York before. A medium-sized water bird that feeds mostly on fish, the Clark's grebe, which is black, white and gray colored, is a subspecies of the Western grebe. Adults have a wingspan of around 32 inches. The male and females look similar, according to allaboutbirds.org. It normally winters in California and Mexico. Kevin McGowan, an ornithologist at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, said to his knowledge "this is the first one that's been seen in this state." Its appearance in the Oswego Harbor at the point where the river empties into the harbor has created a lot of excitement from birders as far away as New York City. An estimated several hundred individuals have traveled to Oswego the past few days to see it. "There was one chap from Michigan who showed up," said Gerry Smith, an Onondaga Audubon member and avian ecologist. The best vantage point for seeing the bird is at the docks at the E. Lee White Oswego Maritime Museum on the west side of the river. There is a chain link fence, though, that prevents persons from getting out on the docks. Gregg Dashnau of Baldwinsville was the first one to post a sighting online about a week ago, said Diana Whiting, an award-winning wildlife photographer from Skaneateles who spent five hours Tuesday taking photographs of the bird, getting within about 50 feet of it. She said she read online that the bird was still there today. How did it get here? "Birds have wings and sometimes use them," Smith said. "These animals can cover great distances in short periods of time. From the fall to early spring, for the young birds, this is their first migration and sometimes they just don't get it right. The best bet is that he or she is lost." Whiting said the Clark's grebe is "a beautiful bird with a beautiful mating ritual." "I've always wanted to see one. This is probably the closest I'll get," she said. See video below of their mating ritual. This isn't the first, non-native, drastically "out of place" bird has been spotted in Upstate New York this winter. A gyrfalcon, a native of the Arctic tundra, was spotted in early January near the Seneca Falls Airport. A great gray owl was seen earlier last month at Robert Moses State Park in Massena. Great gray owls are typically found in wooded areas of the far north and northwest and are infrequent visitors to this area. Election wonks who cant get enough of the inner workings of the November 2016 general election now have a window into the machine in Dane County. Election Audit Central, a computer program used by the county clerks office, now has every ballot cast in the county from the November election available online, to be viewed by anyone. To County Clerk Scott McDonell, you cant get much more transparent than that. This level of election transparency is unmatched in Wisconsin, and potentially nationally, McDonell said. Why would anyone want to look through the 300,000 ballots cast in November? Citizens can now compare the results, or study voter patterns and behaviors for any or all races included on the ballot, McDonell said. The private ballot made public is not a violation of any secrecy law or rule, which can trip up voters who take selfies while voting, posting the ballot/voter image online. Its not associated with a voter, so you wouldnt know who voted for whom, McDonell said. A ballot does not have the voters name, address or other identifying information on it. Dane County put the ballots online thanks to technology inside the new tabulators used to count ballots. Each ballot inserted into the tabulator is digitally photographed both front and back, with the images saved at random to ensure privacy. The November ballots are saved in ZIP files that need to be opened with downloadable software on the website. McDonell said he hopes to have the ballot images in PDF form in the future, to make it easier to access the data. Ballot images will continue to be posted to the county site after statutory deadlines for potential recount requests have passed for that election, McDonell said. The clerks office also authorized independent hand-counted audits of the paper ballots, with two wards randomly selected for the task by the auditors. The combination of digital images and hand counts of selected wards should provide a level of confidence and faith in our electoral process that has been undermined by unfounded accusations of fraud or meddling, McDonell said. The audit for the February primary election is taking place beginning at 9 a.m. Friday in Room 351 of the City-County Building. The wards being audited are Shorewood Hills wards 1 and 2 and Madison ward 81. This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email Gov. Scott Walker said Wednesday the state can match or exceed $100,000 in state taxpayer subsidies to house 18 F-35 fighter jets at Truax Field, but he emphasized that money wont be the deciding factor. Its not a question of money, Walker said. If thats the case, we certainly could match or exceed that, he said, referring to a bill Republican Idaho Gov. Butch Otter recently signed committing $100,000 to help land the federal contract. But thats really not what theyre looking at, Walker added. Theyre looking at whats the most appropriate place for the operations of the F-35. Madisons Truax Field is one of five National Guard bases in the running to base the growing fleet of F-35s. Two are to be selected, possibly by the end of this year or early next year. Wisconsin is competing against Dannelly Field, Montgomery, Alabama; Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho; Jacksonville Air National Guard Base in Florida; and Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Detroit. Walker said he spoke with the secretary of the Air Force and other top military officials and highlighted Wisconsins proximity to restricted air space and the 128th Air Refueling Wing based at Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, which could produce long-term cost savings for the program. That little bit (of money) put up isnt really going to be the difference maker, Walker said. The difference maker is making the case, Walker said. Weve got strong community support. Weve got strong bipartisan support. Weve got all the things you need to have to build that foundation. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce has raised $116,000 from a small group of private donors, which has paid for Washington consultants to help with the process, including retired four-star Air Force Gen. Howie Chandler and former Secretary of State James Bakers law firm. Chamber president Zach Brandon said he has spoken with Walker and GOP lawmakers about providing a matching amount, likely from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., to whatever can be raised in private funds. Based on all indications the state government would be supportive of some public-private partnership, Brandon said. Brandon said hes not sure how much more will come from the private sector, but the amount raised so far came from reaching out to a small number of donors, and a much larger fundraising campaign could be coming soon. The effort is supported by U.S. senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, and Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, Mayor Paul Soglin and local Democratic legislators, though it faces resistance from residents worried about noise. Truax houses the Air National Guards 115th Fighter wing and a fleet of F-16 jets that are among the oldest in the nation. Not landing the F-35 jets increases the chances of closure at the base, which generates $100 million in local economic activity, Brandon said. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? I have never been to the Fens, but after seeing this show, in a way, I almost felt like I had. In many ways, it felt like a journey into a wild place overwhelming and foreign at first, but you slowly get to know it, and at the end, you dont want to leave. Fen was devised from a collection of short stories by Daisy Johnson that are set in, and encapsulate the fenland of East Anglia which seems to be a dark, dull place where fantastical stories emerge that toe the line between reality and fiction. There is a house that swallowed a girl out of jealousy, foxes that steal peoples souls and an albatross that comes to visit a pregnant woman. But the astonishing part is that because of the excellent writing and delivery, these never feel like fairy-tales. The dialogue and its structure felt organic, and light and funny in the best moments: it didnt feel like unconnected short stories to me. But it didnt really feel like a play in the traditional sense either; it felt more real, more exposed and less like an expose. The actors switched between their roles with ease and still managed to be thoroughly authentic. The sensitivity with which the director Louis Rogers helped them to turn characters on paper into real, lovable, breathing people astonished me. There was a kind of intimacy with which they presented the atmosphere and character of the Fens, a place so vacant that it makes the mind roam into dark corners. I especially admired the versatility of Posey Mehta, and Emma Corrins performance as Isobel and as a bubbly teenage girl both showed how many different and strange sides there can be to femininity. In the beginning, when I heard interlaced voices and rumbling sound effects, I was worried that I would end up confused and defeated by the plot, but very soon, the pieces started to come together and the role everyone played in the story became clear. Eva OFlynns costumes were not just sincere and personal, but also helped to distinguish between the multiple roles. The fragmental, open look of the stage design by Evelyn Whorrall-Campbell perfectly tied into the feeling of bareness and interconnection. A pub, a living room, a kitchen table, and a bed, all seamlessly faded into each other, interlaced with projector screens. The video interludes by Frank Martin and sound accompaniments by Chris Lazenblatt were beautifully made and made the experience even more atmospheric and immersive. At times, they felt less like a vital element of the plot and more like an addition on aesthetic grounds, but that is ultimately a valid choice, and they definitely helped to make everything feel more personal and immediate. Lighting design by Ana Pluskoska managed to convey all of the different settings and moods while creatively working with lamps on stage. In the end, all of the elements created a unique, visually (and sonically) striking landscape. The dichotomy that seems to define the Fens empty but fertile, naked but mystical, flat but profound, flows through the play on every level. It is the fantastical and slightly macabre moments that make it feel so real and authentic, that made me feel connected to the people who live there, whose lives are as boring and sad as they are full of spirit and adventure. Fen as a production is much more than just risky or weird, but it owns those labels. The stories could not have been told as truthfully in any other setting, which goes to show that sometimes, theatre has to be strange to convey its message. This proves that Cambridge is exactly the right place to be brave with theatre: there are excellent actors and creatively and technically competent artists aching to do new things, and we should never stop encouraging them. 9/10 Virginia has become the first state in the US to permit delivery robots to traverse its sidewalks and crosswalks, thus opening the door for all sorts of innovation in the unmanned delivery space. The legislation, sponsored by lawmakers Ron Villanueva and Bill DeSteph, was drafted with the help of robotics delivery company Starship Technologies. It was signed into law last Friday and goes into effect July 1 according to Re/code. As per the legislation, ground-based delivery robots must keep their speed under 10 miles per hour and cannot exceed 50 pounds in weight. What's more, unlike aerial drones, they aren't required to operate within line-of-sight of a human operator although they must be supervised remotely. Villanueva told the publication that they didn't experience pushback from legislators. Instead, it was more like intrigue and curiosity about the technology, what the application would be and how it would benefit citizens, he said. Although Starship Technologies helped with the legislation, companies like Amazon and Grubhub also reportedly sent letters of support in hopes of getting the law passed. It's worth noting that local city councils will have some say in the matter. For example, they can impose a lower speed limit or ban robotic deliveries entirely if they become a nuisance. Florida and Idaho look to be the next states in line to pass similar legislation. It's not all shiny smartphones and tablets that starred in MWC 2017. Quirky gadgets attracted attention in the prestigious Mobile World Congress 2017. Gizmos like coding blocks, holograms, talking robots, translator earbuds, and indoor greenhouses stole some of the spotlights that shone on brands like Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, Huawei, LG, and Nokia. They may not be gigantic, but they were big enough to get the interests of tech savvy people from all over the word. The Mobile World Congress 2017 is being held from Feb. 27 to March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Livingbox Indoor Greenhouse With the increasing awareness regarding eco responsibility, it is not surprising that efforts to "go green" by planting more plants are springing left and right. An Israeli startup called Livingbox is offering to help you tend to your own mini-farm inside your home. The design is modular, self-sustaining, and solar-powered, which by itself is already eco-friendly. "Just add water" (hydrophonics technology) and anyone can plant and harvest greens inside his home. Waverly Labs Earpiece Translator Language barrier may soon be over, thanks to a small earpiece. Say goodbye to being "lost in translation" and say hello to Pilot Translating Earpiece from Waverly Labs. This futuristic-looking earpieces sync to your phone via its own app (iOS and Android). Say the difficult phrase via your phone and the app will translate into voice or text and send it to another phone. The earpiece is still in prototype phase, but it is already available for preorder. Cubroid Coding Blocks This is the age of computers and IT, so knowledge in coding is always good to have. Thankfully, there's Cubroid coding blocks to help teach your kids how to code in a fun and easy way with immediate effects! These cute robotic blocks can sync with its own coding app (iOS or Android). Pibo Personal Robot Companion Feeling lonely? Then maybe piBo can drive those blues away. The cute piBo is a "personal intelligent robot as companion" that can provide you with useful information. It can also lift your mood by playing music, dancing, and even sharing emotions. Nothing compares to a soothing music from a cute robot after a long day, no? Kino-mo 'Holograms' Remember that scene in Back to the Future when Marty McFly was bitten by a holographic giant shark? That soon may become a reality thanks to Kino-mo. Using its propriety technology, it can display small holographic images which can be used as indoor advertising, in-store display, marketing and promotion materials, and communication points. Relumino VR Visual Aid Most inventions stem from humanity's needs. Like the Relumino, a gadget developed by Samsung as visual aid for visually impaired people. Using a VR and smartphone, it can help enhance sight and visual processing by enhancing images and texts. It can also remove blind spots and improve peripheral vision. The gadget, shaped like a VR glass, might cost $99 but it is still under development. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new technique harnessing high-powered lasers is probing dinosaur fossils and helping unmask the prehistoric creatures transition from being a small feathered dinosaur into an actual flying bird. Scientists used the method on fossils of the dinosaur Anchiornis, a four-winged, feathered dino that was located in China around 160 million years earlier. The laser beams fleshed out a novel view of the long-extinct animals, revealing their drumstick-shaped legs, bird-like arms, and a long and slender tail. This Jurassic creature is not exactly classified as a bird, but it maintained a number of skeletal and soft tissue qualities found in bird and lived around the time birds diverged from their closely resembling dinosaur predecessors. The Archaeopteryx, lived around 150 million years ago, has been long deemed the earliest-living bird. Laser Technology At Work The technique, known as laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF), directed high-powered laser at the fossils in a dark place to bring out a glow in concealed soft tissues such as skin. It successfully created the first detailed body figure of the dinosaur a real landmark in our understanding of avian origins, said co-lead author and University of Hong Kong paleontologist Michael Pittman in a Reuters report. Dinosaur fossils are largely made up of bones, which are the ones best preserved over millions of years. But the fossil analysis method offered a new possibility. This is a new way to actually see the dinosaur, besides the bone, reported the techniques pioneer, Thomas Kaye. Light particles or photons interact with atoms and molecules in different ways. Once they hit a molecule, they are emitted back in a different color based on the molecules makeup. In the case of fossils, various fossilized tissue types will cause laser light to re-emit at different wavelengths, producing a glow in varying colors. Kaye said the glow does not dictate what the exact part is, but clearly notes that it is different paleontologists can then investigate more closely using other methods. Can They Fly Or Glide? Apart from the animals leg and arm characteristics, the laser-initiated probe also showed astoundingly bird-like footpads as well as a shallow site of soft tissue fronting the elbow, known as the propatagium. The latter is important in bird flight, thus it is a piece of the puzzle of whether the Anchiornis could fly, glide, or neither. So it seems like Anchiornis had a somewhat more primitive wing than modern birds, Kaye told Christian Science Monitor. Maybe that type of wing was an intermediate stage in the evolution of the modern bird wing, or maybe it was a totally separate experiment in dinosaur flight. For the authors, the creature probably maintained some aerodynamic ability. Some scientists thought it could glide, while other disagreed due to its flight feathers not being well-suited for flight. While the new findings may not necessarily change scientists current view of avian evolution, Kaye believes that they provided new observations from actual physical evidence. The next step for them, he shared, is to fly the lasers on a drone for new discoveries. The findings were discussed Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Super material graphene's properties are multifarious. It has strong chemical stability, high conductivity, and super strength. However, magnetic properties have been a sore point with many skeptics lowering expectations on graphene as a replacement for silicon in future microprocessors. In a new study, researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India evolved a new type of magnet that optimizes the magnetism of electrons in three-layered graphene at a temperature as low as -272 Celsius. The study, published in Nature Communications, explains how coordinated whispers between electrons are achieving that ferromagnetism. Unlike metals, the density of electrons in graphene is too low as it is just one atom thick. That is why illustrating the wave nature of electrons under quantum mechanics with graphene is easy. That property will be better understood when graphene is contrasted with a metal like copper whose electrons might be scattered every 100 nanometers because of impurities. In sharp contrast, electrons of graphene can travel greater distances up to 10 micrometers. In the TIFR experiments, this long-range travel of graphene electrons was achieved by sandwiching graphene with boron nitride layers, which are defect free and which refrain from blocking the electron flow. The ability of a material's electrons to travel great distances implies that there are no flaws and the electrons can conduct soft whispers just like "talking to each other." Reduced flaws are similar to the condition in a silent room where even a soft whisper becomes audible as there are few disturbances. This whisper of electrons and the resulting magnetism has been explained by doctoral student Biswajit Datta, working with the group of Professor Mandar Deshmukh at TIFR. The team understood that the silence is enabling enhanced electronic interactions in the three layers of graphene and leading to the formation of a new type of magnet with graphene. The insights explain how electronic devices can leverage graphene for scientific studies and applications. Magnetization Plans Already some researchers have offered solutions for making graphene magnetic by inserting hydrogen atoms into specific areas in the graphene lattice. Physicists from Spain and Egypt have suggested that when a group of electrons in nanoscale domains is encoded with the magnetic spin, they will transform graphene into a spintronic material capable of replacing silicon. If the experiment succeeds, thanks to hydrogen's single electron property it will be the densest spintronic material ever detected. A magnetic graphene will have an astounding range of applications starting from information processing to advanced medicine. Magnetic graphene will be playing a big role in spintronics. In the spin transport electronics applications, signals will be processed by magnetic spins in place of electric charges. The technology offers faster processors and high memory. Miniaturization of silicon transistors is already hitting a plateau. New generation processors including those from Intel are down to 14nm with the 5nm size expected in 2020, marking the possible functional end of small sizes. Magnetic graphene in spintronics may go mainstream and take the place of traditional silicon transistors and work on the atomic scale. High-Quality Graphene Production Meanwhile, South Australia's Flinders University and First Graphite Ltd company are aiming high-quality graphene production using Vortex Fluidic Device. Globally, graphite mining runs into millions of metric tons every year. According to Craig McGuckin, managing director of First Graphite, graphene will be indispensable in a vast number of industries and the demand will be high. "What is required is creating high-quality graphene from graphite, doing so quickly and efficiently and that is what we are trying to take up now," he said. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Amazon says it resolved an issue that caused considerable outage on its cloud storage service, wreaking havoc among popular online services. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, a massive disruption started at an East Coast location and affected the operations of numerous Amazon companies, ranging from corporate software makers to media companies and everything in between. Cloud Reliance The four-hour outage at the cloud computing division of Amazon Web Services had a negative impact on thousands of websites across the United States, further proving how essential the cloud has become for the internet economy. Enterprises move their computing processes and data from their premises to Amazon's data centers or other cloud services, and cloud service disruptions take a massive toll on the operation. Data centers such as Amazon's and others web behemoths typically tout high reliability, but these disruptions, albeit rare, go to show how far-reaching such data center glitches can be. Amazon offered constant updates on Twitter on Tuesday, keeping clients up to date with the recovery process, and eventually announced that the dashboard was back up and running. The dashboard has recovered. You will see updates for individual services shortly. Amazon Web Services (@awscloud) Feb. 28, 2017 It further said that it continued to experience some issues with S3, which is its oldest offering. S3 stores the data that powers many web applications and a slew of complex AWS functions. "We continue to experience high error rates with S3 in US-East-1, which is impacting some other AWS services," said Amazon. "For S3, we believe we understand root cause and are working hard at repairing. Future updates across all services will be on dashboard," it added. AWS Outage Causes Major Disruption The disruption affected major sites such as Netflix, Pinterest and Buzzfeed, as well as numerous other sites big and small, for which AWS provides cloud-based storage and web services so they don't need to have their own server farms. AWS allows companies to quickly deploy computing power without investing in their own infrastructure, but a disruption like the one on Tuesday causes major ripples across the internet. The outage at one of AWS's main storage system did not affect all AWS clients, but it nevertheless was quite extensive and those affected faced slowdowns as a large part of the AWS S3 system went down. Forrester analyst Dave Bartoletti estimates that the outage may have affected as many as 100,000 sites, and the severity of the occurrence magnified due to the popularity of AWS the largest cloud provider. At the same time, the magnitude of the problem was also affected by the geography of the incident, since the outage occurred in the US-East-1 conglomeration of data centers. The US-East-1 is not only a massive region, but it's also where new services and capabilities start out, points out Gartner analyst Lydia Leong. Even so, the outage will most likely neither affect cloud adoption rates nor undermine AWS's competitive place against rivals. The AWS service has since recovered from the outage and resumed its normal operations. It remains unclear just what caused the outage in the first place, but analysts believe that it may stem from a software issue rather than a hardware one. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thanks to the Unicode Consortium's addition of more diverse emojis, both iOS and Android users now have a better representation of female characters to reflect the various roles of women like being doctors, teachers, engineers and scientists. And now General Electric is further celebrating strong women in science with the launch of the new SciMoji sticker pack for iMessage. Perfect to send all Women's History Month long, Scimoji features characters that acknowledge and praise some of the top female scientists and engineers throughout history. These include Katharine Burr Blodget, the first fwoman to receive a PhD from the University of Cambridge who became a research scientist at GE and invented the low-reflectance "invisible" glass that used in eyeglasses, as well as Millie Dresselhaus, the "queen of carbon" physicists known for her work on graphite. Other women celebrated in the sticker pack include the first female engineer Edith Clarke, Alice Ball, the African American chemist who developed a treatment for leprosy, and Lise Meitner, who was part of the team that discovered nuclear fission of uranium. There is also Elizabeth Blackburn, won a Nobel Prize for her molecular biology research to advance cancer research and Joan Higginbotham, third ever African American woman to fly into space. Amalie Emmy Noether, Chien-Shiung Wi and Beatrice Shilling are other females who got the SciMoji treatment. Each sticker includes one of the faces of these influential women, as well as a pun related to the person. SciMoji is perfect for sending friends a science or math related sticker when talking about homework and school, or science fans, and just about anyone else looking to celebrating iconic women. SciMoji is just one of the ways GE is celebrating Women's History Month. GE's recent report revealed that omen are still under-represented in the technology sector with 13-24 percent represented in IT and Engineering positions globally. To help change this, the company announced its goal to have 20,000 women fill STEM roles at GE by 2020 to have more equality in the workplace. SciMoji is available for free in the iMessage App Store and is compatible with iPhone 5 and above, running on iOS 10. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Its getting quite balmy in Antarctica, dubbed the last place on Earth, these days. An Argentine research base located near the tip of the Antarctic peninsula has logged record-high heat in the area at 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The U.N. weather bureau announced Wednesday that the Experanza base set the record high last March 24, 2015, after it reviewed data around Antarctica in order to set benchmarks for future warming, naturally occurring climate variability, as well as human-induced climate change. Record Heat On The Last Frontier In the cold, windy, dry Antarctic, the average annual temperature is from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to -76 degrees Fahrenheit. Polar expert Michael Sparrow, working with the agency-sponsored World Climate Research Programme, said in a Reuters report that verifying temperature highs and lows enable them to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earths final frontiers. The record warm temperature for the larger Antarctic region, anywhere south of 60 degrees latitude, was 67.6 degrees Fahrenheit on South Atlantics Signy Island on Jan. 30, 1982. The warmest ever on the Antarctic plateau (at or above 8,200 feet), on the other hand, was 19.4 degrees Fahrenheit on Dec. 28, 1980. On July 21, 1983, the lowest temperature ever observed on the planet was recorded at a Russian research station in central Antarctica, where the thermometer registered a whopping -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its not just the lowest lows that keep Antarctic scientists busy and on their toes, especially in the face of climate change. A massive 90 percent of Earths freshwater, in the form of ice sheet thats about 3 miles thick, is found in the continent. If all of it would melt, sea levels around the world will rise by around 200 feet. Climate Context And Consequence And as the record temperatures the WMO just announced are the absolute limit to what has been measured in Antarctica, the findings prove highly important. "Comparing them to other places around the world and seeing how other places have changed in relation to Antarctica gives us a much better understanding of how climate interacts, and how changes in one part of the world can impact other places, said Arizona State University professor Randy Cerveny, also the Rapporteur of Climate and Weather Extremes for WMO, in a statement. The polar regions of Earth, Cerveny explained, are called the canary in the global environment, and given their sensitivity to climate change its often the north and south poles experiencing the first taste of global environmental changes. The temperature extremes were achieved through different ways, including so-called foehn winds or very warm downslope winds that can quickly heat up a specific location. Even the United States have these winds, he added. Antarctica recently made headlines as an iceberg the size of Delaware is set to break off from it, prompting fears of rising global sea levels. For years, scientists have been tracking a massive crack along the northernmost Antarctic ice shelf, which gradually grows bigger and bigger and has been discovered to have grown by almost 11 miles toward a dramatic break. In 2002, the Larsen B ice shelf disintegrated after a similar event. A Manhattan-sized iceberg also recently broke away from Pine Island Glacier. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The new Nokia 3310 has been creating excitement ever since it was unveiled on Feb. 26 at the MWC, but there are fearful tidings for the U.S. fans. Why? The feature phone will not work in the United States. This phone, a rehashed version of the classic Nokia 3310 is capitalizing on nostalgia, but consumers in the United States will not be able to take or place calls using this handset. HMD Global has now announced that the phones will initially not work in the country because the U.S. carriers do not support the bandwidth on which the new Nokia 3310 operates. What Is The Problem? The phone works on a 900/1800-MHz bandwidth while AT&T offers 850-MHz bandwidths. Thus arises the non-compatibility of the bandwidth frequencies. Calls will not be possible to be made or received in the country using this phone at present, but there is still some hope as hinted by the company's Patrick Mercanton, Global Head of Marketing. The Silver Lining HMD Global's Mercanton has said that it's not that the Nokia 3310 would not release in the United States, but ramping up the services may take a little longer. The company has reportedly been in discussions with leading carriers and has been unsuccessful in coming to a common consensus regarding the sale of the Nokia 3310. A majority of the mobile phones are still sold through carriers in the United States. Perhaps that is why the negotiations are taking so much time. The carriers are working out a deal with HMD and the phone will be launched in the country sometime soon. "We'll probably end with the US at some point," revealed Mercanton. "It's definitely on our radar... we want to go into the US because we want to have a global launch." For the company to effectively launch the Nokia 3310 in the country, it would have to get the device registered on any one of the leading carriers' portfolio. In order for that to happen, the phone should be equipped with the correct technology and obtain a carrier certificate. Retailing the feature phone on Amazon or Best Buy is not a solution since, as mentioned, consumers will not be able to deploy the Nokia 3310 to receive or make calls. Nokia 3310: The Specs The Nokia 3310 comes with a 2.4-inch screen with a 240 x 320 pixels resolution. It operates on the Nokia Series 30+ and has an internal storage of 16 MB. It, however, provides for an external SD card with a capacity up to 32 GB. A 1,200 mAh battery fuels the phone. It is also equipped with a 2MP camera. Although with modest specs, the handset is a trip down memory lane, and tech buffs in the United States will definitely want to get their hands on this classic device as soon as possible. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Allergy season will soon befall some parts of the United States as spring arrives, but researchers may have found a simple way to combat it. A team of experts from University of Florida discovered that a certain probiotic combination may reduce allergy or hay fever symptoms, without the negative side effects that usually come from medicine. While probiotics are not always strong enough to ease allergy symptoms, this probiotic combination was effective enough, said Jennifer Dennis, the study's first author. "Not all probiotics work for allergies. This one did," said Dennis. Probiotic Combination Against Allergies In a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dennis and her colleagues investigated the probiotic combination of bifidobacteria or Kyo-Dophilus and lactobacilli. This probiotic combination has been known to maintain immune and digestive system health. It has long been suspected that the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria combination increases the number of regulatory T cells, which may improve a person's tolerance to hay fever. Now, the team tested out the combination's effects on allergies. They analyzed DNA taken from stool samples of 173 healthy adult participants who had seasonal allergies. Study participants were separated into two groups during the eight-week research, with the first group receiving probiotics, while the other group took a placebo. They answered online surveys detailing their symptoms after receiving the treatment. Researchers analyzed the stool samples to find out how bacteria among the participants changed after taking the probiotics. They found that those treated with the probiotic combination reported fewer symptoms related to allergy and had an improved life quality compared with those who took the placebo. One limitation of the probiotic combination study is that it worked well for people with mild seasonal allergies, but severe allergy sufferers were not included. Benefits Of Probiotics Previous studies have focused on the positive benefits of taking probiotics. In May 2015, a report revealed that probiotic bacteria is effective in fighting against common hospital infections. In November 2016, scientists from Iran discovered that a dose of probiotics a day may improve thinking abilities and sharpen memory among people with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patients who drank milk with probiotics experienced significant improvements in their cognitive abilities. When it came to cholesterol levels, those who drank milk with probiotics showed low levels of triglycerides, as well as decrease in insulin resistance. Lastly, probiotics may also help improve people's mental health and combat stress, a study in Ireland discovered. Participants who received probiotic capsules exhibited less stress and anxiety, researchers said. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The president emphasized that people are voting for Nicaragua and by doing so they are also voting for peace. | Read More British Broadcasters and media organisations have come together to launch a scholarship for young journalists to celebrate the life of former Media Show presenter Steve Hewlett, who died last week. The Steve Hewlett Scholarship was announced last night at the Royal Television Societys Television Journalism Awards where Hewletts sons received the Judges Award, recognising his lifetime of broadcast journalism including his work in the past year. The scholarship is an initiative by the RTS and The Media Society and will be presented each year to one recipient from a lower income family studying an undergraduate broadcast journalism course in the UK. The scholarship will be funded on a long term basis as part of the RTS annual Undergraduate Bursary scheme, which guarantees a scholarship of 1,000 each year but in addition The Media Society will lead a major fund-raising appeal later this year with the ambition of doubling that award so that the recipient receives 2,000 per year, as well as access to mentoring from RTS members and Steves former colleagues and peers. Organisations already backing The Media Societys initiative and committing to support it include: BBC Radio Four, Brunel University, Channel 4, Google UK, ITN, ITV, Sky News, The London Press Club, Women in Journalism; and individuals including: Trevor Phillips OBE, Roger Bolton, Peter Taylor, Fiona Chesterton and the former CEO of News and Regions at ITV and now Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee Clive Jones CBE, who chairs the appeal. Hewlett inspired the nation with his candid accounts of his disease, treatment and heroic battle against cancer charted through his columns in The Observer and brilliant interviews with Eddie Mair on BBC Radio Four. Clive Jones said as he announced the appeal: "Steve was a broadcasting polymath: a brilliant reporter, editor, commissioner, director of programmes, senior executive and presenter. He was also the kindest of men with a wicked chuckle and a joyous sense of humour. He was always willing to give his time to young people just starting out in the industry. This prize will hopefully unearth a worthy successor to this wonderfully talented journalist and programme maker. "We are delighted so many broadcasters and groups have already backed the fund and we are hoping many others will join us in celebrating the life and work of this great British talent. Theresa Wise, Chief Executive of the RTS, said: By working together on this scholarship, the RTS can guarantee the long-term funding and the Media Society can allow organisations and individuals to contribute. In his journalism Steve was always committed to bringing on the next generation especially those from less affluent circumstances and he was especially pleased when we were able to tell him some of the details of the scholarship. We are also delighted that Steves wife, Rachel, will be involved in helping to select the recipient. Share this story The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement What is a dash? There are two similar but distinct punctuation marks called dashes: the en dash ( ) and the em dash ( ). In appearance, an en dash is slightly longer than a hyphen ( - ), approximately the width of a capital N, while an em dash is slightly longer than an en dash, approximately the width of a capital M (hence their names). When we refer to dashes, we are usually referring to em dashes, as they are the more common punctuation mark of the two. However, its important to know the different ways that each mark is used. En dashes En dashes (sometimes referred to as n-dashes or en rules) are the preferred punctuation to indicate a range or the result of a contest or vote, or to establish a connection or conflict between two people or things. (The en dash also has an optional use when forming certain compound words, which well look at a little later.) We do not use a space between the en dash and the two elements it is connecting. Indicating a range of values The most common use of the en dash is to connect two numbers, dates, or times to indicate a range that spans these figures. We can think of the en dash as representing the words to or through when it is used in this way. For example: Please refer to pages 8388 for more information. for more information. The clinic is open MondayFriday . . We need you to submit your expense report for JanuaryMarch . . The company had been a fixture in the community from 19982006. Note that when the items in the range contain multiple words, we place the en dash between the last word of the first element and the first word of the second element, as in: Ill be in the office 8:00 AM4:00 PM this Friday. this Friday. The November 2010February 2011 sales figures were a bit lower than we had hoped. If the first part of the range includes an abbreviation marked with a period , the en dash appears directly alongside itwe still do not put a space between the two. For example: Please be aware that we will be closed Thurs.Mon. Well be staying with my in-laws from Apr.Aug. while our house is renovated. Note that some style guides do not recommend using an en dash when a range is introduced by a word like from or between. In very formal or professional writing, consult your schools or employers style guide; otherwise, it is largely a matter of personal preference. Indicating a score When we write the score of a competition, such as a sporting event or a vote, we use an en dash between the two numbers. Again, think of the en dash as standing in for the word to in this case. For example: The home team beat their rivals 1410 in the homecoming game. in the homecoming game. The board voted 54 to accept the proposal. to accept the proposal. The jury returned a guilty verdict with a 101 majority. Expressing a connection or conflict We can also use an en dash when we want to express a direct connection between two people, things, or places. This is different from simply joining them as a compound modifier to describe the same noun (which we would use a hyphen for). This use can be a bit trickier to understand, so lets look at some examples: The president is trying to drum up support for the MexicoU.S. trade deal. trade deal. The RepublicanDemocrat divide on the issue has only widened in recent months. divide on the issue has only widened in recent months. We will begin boarding the DenverChicago flight shortly. flight shortly. The EnglandGermany match will air at 5 PM, London time. Even though each pairing is modifying the noun or nouns that follow it (trade deal, divide, flight, match), the en dash in each is expressing an explicit connection between the two elements that a hyphen would not be able to demonstrate. If we were to use a hyphen instead of an en dash, it would combine the two elements in each pair into a single modifying element, thus confusing the meaning of each sentence. For instance, Mexico-U.S. trade deal suggests Mexico and the United States as a single entity, rather than two separate parties engaged in the same trade deal. If we want to preserve the intended meaning, we must use an en dash. Other uses Technical references We sometimes use an en dash when referencing a technical element that appears elsewhere in the text (as in an appendix). For instance: Table 1C on page 239 gives a quick breakdown of all three options. on page 239 gives a quick breakdown of all three options. Please refer to clause 4D in Appendix C for more information. Forming certain compounds While we typically only use hyphens to form compound words, some style guides recommend using an en dash instead if we are joining an existing compound (whether open or hyphenated) with another word. For example: The New York Stateled initiative is gaining traction across the country. initiative is gaining traction across the country. A multipleaward -winning novelist, Ms. Jones currently lives in Portland, Oregon. novelist, Ms. Jones currently lives in Portland, Oregon. My thesis focuses on postIndustrial Revolution economics. economics. Daniel is doing quite well for himself, despite having only a prehigh school education. Other style guides only suggest using the en dash when forming compounds with multiple-word proper nouns and adjectives , in which case our second and fourth examples above would only use hyphens. Either way, the use of en dashes rather than hyphens to form compounds is largely a matter of personal preference for writers; unless your schools or employers in-house style guide provides specific guidelines, just use whichever form looks best to you and be consistent. Hyphens vs. en dashes Because they are so similar in appearance (and because there is no dedicated en dash button on a keyboard), many writers tend to simply use hyphens in place of en dashes in all cases for the sake of ease. Lets look at some of our examples from above, this time using hyphens instead of en dashes: Please refer to pages 83-88 for more information. for more information. The home team beat their rivals 14-10 in the homecoming game. in the homecoming game. We will begin boarding the Denver-Chicago flight shortly. flight shortly. Table 1-C on page 239 gives a quick breakdown of all three options. on page 239 gives a quick breakdown of all three options. A multiple-award-winning novelist, Ms. Jones currently lives in Portland, Oregon. While there is not much difference between the two forms in their appearance, the extra length of the en dash is usually preferred because it helps to specify its exact function within the context. If there are several hyphens that perform different functions in the same sentence or paragraph, the text may be difficult or confusing to read. How to type an en dash One of the main reasons writers end up using hyphens instead of en dashes in their writing is because a hyphen is faster and easier to type. In many cases, writers simply may not be aware how to type an en dash. In most word processing software, you can create an en dash simply by typing space-hyphen-space. After you hit the spacebar the second time, the program will automatically convert the hyphen into an en dash. However, as weve seen above, we generally should not put spaces around an en dash. To create one manually on a computer running Windows, hold the left Alt button on your keyboard and type 0150 on the number pad (with Num Lock enabled). If you are using a Mac computer, hold Option and hit the hyphen button to create an en dash. Em dashes Em dashes (also known as m-dashes or em rules) are primarily used to indicate parenthetical information . In this way, they act as more emphatic alternatives to (also known asor) are primarily used to indicate. In this way, they act as more emphatic alternatives to commas and parentheses . While parentheses and commas are used to include parenthetical information more naturally and subtly in a sentence, a dash creates a more forceful break in the text that serves to emphasize and highlight such information. In addition, em dashes can be used instead of colons and semicolons in less formal writing, and they can also be used to represent missing or omitted text and to indicate a break in dialogue. In place of commas commas are often used to enclose parenthetical information, such as appositives, In addition to many other functions,are often used to enclose parenthetical information, such as absolute phrases relative clauses , and interjections . It is an understated punctuation mark that does not draw the readers attention away from the rest of the sentence, instead weaving the parenthetical statement into the natural flow of the sentence. If we want to emphasize the information, though, we can instead use em dashes, which break the flow of the sentence and force the reader to pay closer attention. (Em dashes are also useful if the parenthetical statement contains internal commas that might cause confusion.) Lets look at different types of parenthetical writing and examine when it isor is notappropriate to use an em dash in place of a comma. absolute phrase (sometimes known as an absolute construction) is a grammatically independent group of words (usually, but not always, a noun phrase and a past or present An(sometimes known as an) is a grammatically independent group of words (usually, but not always, a noun phrase and a past or present participle ) that adds a parenthetical commentary on the rest of the sentence. Absolute phrases can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. For the most part, we would use a comma with absolute phrases that appear at the beginning or end of a sentence, because an em dash would interrupt the flow of the sentence too dramatically (and might cause confusion as a result). But for absolute phrases that appear in the middle of a sentence, em dashes can sometimes be useful to add forceful emphasis to the parenthetical statement. However, we must be careful not to use em dashes when they might make the sentence awkward or confusing to read. For example: The test finished, Jason heaved a sigh of relief. Jason heaved a sigh of relief. The test finishedJason heaved a sigh of relief. (em dash is not appropriate) Jennifer walked slowly and thoughtfully out the door , her head turning for a last look at home . . Jennifer walked slowly and thoughtfully out the doorher head turning for a last look at home. (em dash is not appropriate) but: Jenniferher head turning for a last look at homewalked slowly and thoughtfully out the door. (dashes are acceptable) I hope , God willing, to get into Harvard next year. to get into Harvard next year. I hopeGod willingto get into Harvard next year. (dashes are acceptable) If you are in doubt as to whether dashes will be appropriate to use with an absolute phrase, it is safer just to use commas. appositive is a non-restrictive, meaning they are parenthetical and thus nonessential to the meaning of the sentence. Only non-restrictive appositives can be set apart by commas or em dashes. Anis a proper noun or a noun phrase that serves to describe or rename another noun (or pronoun). Appositives can either be restrictive, meaning they are essential to the meaning of the sentence, or, meaning they are parenthetical and thusto the meaning of the sentence. Only non-restrictive appositives can be set apart by commas or em dashes. Like absolute phrases, appositives can appear anywhere in a sentence. While we would normally only substitute commas with em dashes for appositives appearing in the middle of a sentence, we can use em dashes for appositives at the end of a sentence if we want to emphasize the added information. For example: The senator , a vocal critic of the presidents policies, said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. The senatora vocal critic of the presidents policiessaid she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. Last night we watched Funny Girl , my favorite comedy of all time ! ! Last night we watched Funny Girlmy favorite comedy of all time! A true classic, this book inspired a generation of young readers. this book inspired a generation of young readers. A true classicthis book inspired a generation of young readers. (an em dash is not appropriate at the beginning of the sentence) Relative clauses (also known as adjective clauses or adjectival clauses) are who, whom, whose, which, and that) or a where, when, and why). (also known asor) are dependent clauses that provide descriptive information about a noun or noun phrase. Relative clauses are introduced by either a relative pronoun , and) or a relative adverb , and). Like appositives, relative clauses provide information that is either essential (restrictive) or nonessential (non-restrictive) to the completeness of the sentence; only non-restrictive relative clauses are set apart by commas or em dashes. For example: The woman down the street , whose children are the same age as ours, invited us over for dinner next week. invited us over for dinner next week. The woman down the streetwhose children are the same age as oursinvited us over for dinner next week. Samantha , whom Ive asked to be my bridesmaid, is getting married next year. is getting married next year. Samanthawhom Ive asked to be my bridesmaidis getting married next year. Funny Girl , which is my favorite comedy of all time, is on TV tomorrow night. is on TV tomorrow night. Funny Girlwhich is my favorite comedy of all timeis on TV tomorrow night. The principal scheduled the meeting for mid-July , when most members of staff will be on vacation . . The principal scheduled the meeting for mid-Julywhen most members of staff will be on vacation. The book that I read for class was really interesting. was really interesting. The bookthat I read for classwas really interesting. (Incorrect; we cannot use an em dash with a restrictive relative clause.) An interjection, also known as an exclamation, is a word, phrase, or sound used to convey an emotion such as surprise, excitement, happiness, or anger. Interjections can stand alone as minor sentences, punctuated with a period, exclamation point, or question mark. However, since interjections are not proper sentences, some writers prefer to attach them to a complete sentence using a comma or, if more emphasis is desired, an em dash. (Ultimately, it is up to preference, but note that this use of the em dash is very informal.) For example: Ooh, what a beautiful dress! what a beautiful dress! Oohwhat a beautiful dress! Brr, its freezing in here. its freezing in here. Brrits freezing in here. Oh my gosh, did I tell you what Jonathan did last week? did I tell you what Jonathan did last week? Oh my goshdid I tell you what Jonathan did last week? Other parenthetical information We can also use other phrases or clauses parenthetically to provide supporting information or commentary on the rest of the sentence. Again, how we set these apart from the rest of the text depends on the level of emphasis we want to add to them. In some cases, an em dash is actually preferable to a comma. For example: Find me something to dig with , like a shovel or spade, so I can plant these flowers. so I can plant these flowers. Find me something to dig withlike a shovel or spadeso I can plant these flowers. However, the rules , if we choose to follow them at all, are not always consistent. are not always consistent. However, the rulesif we choose to follow them at allare not always consistent. The popular song is a great example of poor grammar , because its lyrics are all wrong ! ! The popular song is a great example of poor grammarbecause its lyrics are all wrong! Many fundamental aspects of living on ones own , cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, are things for which many young adults are completely unprepared. Many fundamental aspects of living on ones own are things for which many young adults are completely unprepared. Many fundamental aspects of living on ones owncooking, cleaning, doing laundryare things for which many young adults are completely unprepared. (Dashes are preferable here because having so many commas can be confusing to read.) Note that in each of the examples above, we could have used parentheses instead of commas or em dashes to indicate the parenthetical information. In place of parentheses Parentheses always travel in pairs of two, no matter where they appear in a sentence. Because they are self-contained, there is generally no restriction as to what information can be included within them, so long as it is grammatically independent of the rest of the sentence. Like commas, parentheses can often be replaced by em dashes in a sentence if we want (or ought) to draw more attention to the information within them. Just be aware that em dashes are considered much less formal than parentheses, so they should be avoided when writing professional or academic material. While we always use two parentheses, we only use one em dash if it is used at the beginning or end of a sentence. Additionally, a set of parentheses will operate in conjunction with surrounding commas, while em dashes will replace the commas altogether. Lets look at some examples: I know that my friend Stephen (the poor dear!) has found living on his own very difficult. has found living on his own very difficult. I know that my friend Stephenthe poor dear!has found living on his own very difficult. As part of the centenary commemorations for the sinking of the RMS Lusitania (May 7, 1915) , Irish President Michael Higgins participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in County Cork. , Irish President Michael Higgins participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in County Cork. As part of the centenary commemorations for the sinking of the RMS LusitaniaMay 7, 1915Irish President Michael Higgins participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in County Cork. Knowing how difficult it is to look after just one child, Ill never grasp how my mother managed, considering how many children (nine in all) she raised more or less on her own. she raised more or less on her own. Knowing how difficult it is to look after just one child, Ill never grasp how my mother managed, considering how many childrennine in allshe raised more or less on her own. not be substituted for parentheses in more technical, specialized uses (such as enclosing numbers or letters in a list, area codes of telephone numbers, or a persons birth year). For more information on these types of uses, see the section on Note that em dashes shouldbe substituted for parentheses in more technical, specialized uses (such as enclosing numbers or letters in a list, area codes of telephone numbers, or a persons birth year). For more information on these types of uses, see the section on Parentheses In place of colons In less formal writing, we can often substitute an em dash for a colon if we want to quickly indicate or emphasize a list or clarifying information. Just remember that we can only use a colon after an independent clause that is, one that can stand on its own as a complete sentenceand we must apply the same rule if we are using an em dash instead. For example: In my opinion, the perfect sandwich has only three things: ham, cheese, and mayonnaise. In my opinion, the perfect sandwich has only three thingsham, cheese, and mayonnaise. There are several reasons to switch to online banking: faster access to your accounts, instant loan approvals, and a lower impact on the environment. There are several reasons to switch to online bankingfaster access to your accounts, instant loan approvals, and a lower impact on the environment. As far as Im concerned, there is only one true muscle car: the original Ford Mustang. As far as Im concerned, there is only one true muscle carthe original Ford Mustang. We sometimes capitalize the first word that follows a colon (see the article on Colons for more on this topic), but we should never do so after an em dash. For instance: Remember: Keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer. Rememberkeep your friends close, and your enemies even closer. I will say only this: Dont be distracted from your studies. Your education must come first and foremost. I will say only thisDont be distracted from your studies. Your education must come first and foremost. (incorrect) In place of semicolons in compound sentences compound sentence. This can help achieve a less formal or stuffy tone, and it is also a useful way of adding emphasis to the sentence. For example: An em dash can also be used in place of a semicolon when joining two independent clauses to form a. This can help achieve a less formal or stuffy tone, and it is also a useful way of adding emphasis to the sentence. For example: I made the cake; my sister decorated it. I made the cakemy sister decorated it. (emphasizes the contrast between the sisters roles) We dont eat meat; were vegetarians. We dont eat meatwere vegetarians. (emphasizes the reason they do not eat meat) Other uses In addition to replacing other types of punctuation, the em dash can also be used in two specific technical ways: representing missing text and indicating an interruption in dialogue. Missing text Occasionally, dashes can be used to represent words or parts of words that are omitted from a sentence. These can be intentional omissions, as for censorship purposes, or because the missing text is unknown. If only a part of a word is missing, we represent it with two em dashes in a row; if an entire word is omitted, it is represented with two or three em dashes (depending on the writers preference). Unlike in other uses for the em dash, other punctuation in the sentence (such as commas) will appear as usual. For example: I was speaking with B , and he told me that he would be visiting C later this week. , and he told me that he would be visiting later this week. Long ago, in the city of P , a young man named Alexey made a most troubling discovery. , a young man named Alexey made a most troubling discovery. With the page torn, all I could read was, Please, find a fr. Who knows what its supposed to mean. My client, , has requested not to be referred to by name again during this inquest. Interruptions We can also use the em dash to signify when someone has been interrupted while talking or thinking. We can use either a single or a double em dash to this effect; its entirely up to personal preference (just be sure to be consistent). For example: Speaker A: As I was saying, I think we ne Speaker B: Sorry to interrupt again, sir, but Im still not clear on your last point. Speaker A: Gosh, this is boring. I hope something interesting happens soon so I Speaker B: Thompson! Stop daydreaming and pay attention! Spacing around em dashes Conventionally, we do not put spaces around em dashes. However, many writers (especially journalists and online writers) prefer to include a space on either side of a dash to aid readability. For example: The victory a first for the L.A. team has led to celebrations throughout California. There is at least one thing the candidate has learned in recent months discretion. Regardless of convention, whether or not to use spaces generally comes down to personal preference; just be sure to check whether the style guide of your school or employer specifically requires that they be included or omitted. Substituting hyphens and en dashes It is quite common to see writers use hyphens instead of em dashes, due to the speed and ease with which a hyphen can typed. However, this should be avoided, as having hyphens performing too many functions in a sentence can lead to some very confusing reading. If you need to use a hyphen instead of a dashfor instance, if you are using a typewriter or the keyboard on a mobile device, and you are unable to form a true em dashthen you should use two hyphens in a row. (Do not just use a single hyphen, as it might look like youre creating a compound word.) For example: The senator --a vocal critic of the presidents policies-- said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. In my opinion, there is only one true muscle car--the original Ford Mustang. I will say only this--dont be distracted from your studies. Your education must come first and foremost. The victory--a first for the L.A. team--has led to celebrations throughout California. Its also not uncommon to see an en dash used instead of an em dash, especially in published writing. Again, this is not the preferred mark according to the majority of style guides, but it is not necessarily incorrect. If en dashes are used, they should be surrounded by spaces to avoid making the words appear too close together. For instance: The senator a vocal critic of the presidents policies said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. said she is planning a motion to defeat his latest tax-reform bill. In my opinion, there is only one true muscle car the original Ford Mustang. I will say only this dont be distracted from your studies. Your education must come first and foremost. The victory a first for the L.A. team has led to celebrations throughout California. How to type an em dash In most word processing software, you can create an em dash simply by typing two hyphens in a row between two words (without hitting the spacebar in between). Once you hit the spacebar after the second word, the program will automatically convert the hyphens into a single em dash. You can also manually create an em dash without relying on a word processor. If you are using a Windows-based computer, hold the left Alt button on your keyboard and type 0151 on the number pad (with Num Lock enabled). If you are using a Mac computer, hold Shift + Option and hit the hyphen button to create an em dash. 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... 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. Even though CB&I announced plans to sell off its Capital Services business unit, which has 1,500 employees in Baton Rouge and surrounding Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission In a photo taken Feb. 28, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, center, joined by other Trump Cabinet members Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, top, and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, is greeted in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington prior to President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign season, communications that spurred calls in Congress for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ORG XMIT: DCSA101 Congressional representatives need to take the time to meet with their constituents. We believe that a vital part of the job of any legislator in a functioning democracy is to make time for regular face-to-face contact with her or his constituents. This contact is all the more necessary at this uniquely politically turbulent and divided period. Here in Louisiana, we have been very disappointed that U.S. Sen. John Kennedy refused to arrange for any town hall meetings during the recent Senate recess. I called Kennedy's office daily for two weeks concerning this issue. I received nothing but delays and excuses despite the fact that his staffers readily admit that they are deluged with such requests for town hall meetings. Similar attitudes are apparent across the country. We understand that more than 200 congressional lawmakers avoided their constituents in February, including U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado. Shame on those members of Congress, like Senator Kennedy, who avoided their constituents during the recess. We deserve better. Nathan Glatt-Holtz professor New Orleans An Endymion float passes by as New Orleans Police and State Police respond to a scene where a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people injuring at least 21 people at Carrollton and Orleans Ave. in New Orleans, La. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, newly elected chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and one of Washington's politicians on the rise, landed a major speaking gig at Wednesday night's Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner, broadcast live on C-SPAN. Turns out the New Orleans Democrat isn't ready for prime time. Richmond's monologue, an attempt at comedy, took a truly offensive turn when he tried to crack a joke about ubiquitous White House counselor Kellyanne Conway. Conway's fair game on any number of fronts. She's the one who first asserted President Donald Trump's right to peddle "alternative facts." She's the one who shamelessly and unethically used her position to shill for her boss's daughter's clothing line. She's the one who was photographed recently kneeling casually on a couch in the Oval Office while Trump was posing with officials from historically black colleges and universities. But none of that has to do with her gender, or justifies the type of lewd sexual innuendo that Richmond launched. Richmond's bit followed another by Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who cracked a Kellyanne-on-the-couch joke meant to invoke the tawdry Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky saga. But if Scott's quip touched the line, Richmond's jumped right over it. "Come on, people. You remember the '90s. That couch has had a whole lot of worse things. Come on now, Scott said. Then Richmond followed up with this: You even mentioned Kellyanne and the picture on the sofa. But I really just want to know what was going on there, because, I won't tell anybody. And you can just explain to me that that circumstance, because she really looked kind of familiar there in that position there. But don't answer. And I don't want you to refer back to the 90s. Can't see video below? Click here. Richmond's line is reminiscent of things the president has said, which Democrats have roundly and appropriately castigated. That this sort of thing undermines their standing as champions of women particularly those in the workplace is plain on its face. By Thursday morning, Richmond was insisting that it was all a misunderstanding. Since some people have interpreted my joke to mean something that it didnt I think it is important to clarify what I meant, he said in a statement, according to the Washington Post. Where I grew up saying that someone is looking or acting familiar simply means that they are behaving too comfortably...I decided to use that joke due to the large social media backlash over her inappropriate posture considering there were more than 60 HBCU Presidents in the room. That's certainly not the way I heard it, and it doesn't explain the '90s reference. Anyway, the damage is done. Richmond's new role comes with a very big microphone. Right about now, he should be using it to apologize. U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond drew heat Thursday for a comment he made about a top aide to President Donald Trump that many people considered an offensive sexual innuendo. But Richmond said his remark which prompted the office of Gov. John Bel Edwards, a fellow Democrat, to issue a statement asking for an apology from the congressman was misinterpreted. Richmond, a New Orleans Democrat and newly elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, made the controversial statement at the annual Washington Press Club Foundation's congressional dinner on Wednesday. The subject was Kellyanne Conway, an adviser to the president, who was captured in a widely publicized photo kneeling on a sofa in the White House Oval Office. An earlier speaker at the dinner made reference to the photo. "You even mentioned Kellyanne and the picture on the sofa," Richmond said. "But I really just want to know what was going on there, because, I won't tell anybody. And you can just explain to me that that circumstance, because she really looked kind of familiar there in that position there." "But don't answer," Richmond was quoted as saying. "And, I don't want you to refer back to the '90s," he said. Can't see video below? Click here. In a statement released by his office, Richmond said "Since some people have interpreted my joke to mean something that it didn't I think it is important to clarify what I meant. "Last night was a night of levity," he said. "Where I grew up, saying that something is looking or acting 'familiar' simply means that they are behaving too comfortably." Richmond added: "I decided to use that joke due to the large social media backlash over her inappropriate posture considering there were more than 60 HBCU presidents in the room." Asked if the congressman wanted to comment, a spokesman said the statement clarified Richmond's intent. Richard Carbo, communications director for Edwards, said the governor believes Richmond should make amends. "Without question Gov. Edwards thinks Congressman Richmond should apologize," Carbo said in a statement. "The governor did not find the congressman's comments funny or appropriate." Edwards is in the midst of trying to land $2 billion in federal recovery aid on top of $1.7 billion the federal government has provided after last year's summer and spring floods. The comments also sparked pointed criticism Thursday from some Republicans. State Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Houma and vice-chair of the Louisiana Republican Party, GOP national committeewoman Lenar Whitney and Gena Gore, president of the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women, also called for Richmond to issue an apology. "Yesterday, Congressman Cedric Richmond made a deeply offensive remark regarding Kellyanne Conway, and he owes her a sincere and prompt apology," the trio said in a statement. "Using inappropriate sexual innuendos to demean women is sexism at its worse. Given that March is Womens History Month, Congressman Richmonds remarks about the first woman to successfully manage a U.S. presidential campaign are especially disgusting." Conway told The Daily Caller that she considered the comments sexist. She said she believes the news media would be more outraged about a Democratic congressmans crude joke that a White House staffer looks familiar being on her knees if she were pro-abortion rights. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, posted a message to Richmond on Twitter that says, "You may think this is funny, but it's not. It's disgusting & offensive." The Washington Post said that before Richmond's remark, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott made a similar one. "Has anyone seen the controversy around Kellyanne Conway and the couch in the Oval Office?" he said. "Come on people. You remember the '90s. That couch has had a whole lot of worse things." Scott is a South Carolina Republican. The picture that included Conway was taken during an Oval Office gathering of leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, known as HBCUs. The photo sparked complaints from some on Twitter that it showed a lack of respect for the office. A man linked to the 2012 slayings of two St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office deputies was recently released from prison on "good time Meanwhile, the most concrete development is one that hurts the lowest-paid in precisely the way the electorate has come to despise, and a government institution like Centrelink continues to delegitimise itself. Into this breach steps a populist, neo-nationalist protest party. As a snapshot of the state of Australian politics, it neatly captures the slow disintegration. A governing Coalition in the midst of falling apart, and a policy process on a matter of fringe obsession that seems to achieve nothing except perpetuating its own controversy. The government leaked to the media the private details of a citizen who had been critical of how Centrelink had treated them. George Christensen resigned as the National Party's whip, explicitly because he wants to take pot shots at his own party. And the interminable pseudo-issue of 18C became even more interminable when the Parliamentary Committee that was meant to tell the Prime Minister what to do, shrugged and said something that approximates to, "Here is a bunch of things you might think about doing or not, because stuffed if we know." Seriously, what a week. The Fair Work Commission cut Sunday penalty rates for people like retail and hospitality workers. Tony Abbott announced his own manifesto, probably intending to dump a bucket on Malcolm Turnbull but ending up dumping one on himself. Turnbull woke up one morning to a catastrophic poll that has his government 10 per cent behind Labor, a gap which, as it happens, is the present size of the One Nation vote. Illustration John Shakespeare But just for a moment let's stop asking about who's winning the politics surrounding all this and think about what it means for politics more generally. Because while the logic of things right now is that the Coalition necessarily loses on all fronts, the long-range consequences will surely damage Labor, too. It's just easy for us to pretend otherwise when it looks set to deliver them government mainly because the preferential voting system compensates their declining vote. So the trouble comes not in the major parties winning elections. It comes instead from them doing anything at all with it. In the Coalition's case, this is now cripplingly obvious. Its paralysis is a consequence of the terms on which Tony Abbott claimed victory promising to crush the deficit while cutting taxes but not education, health, defence or anything else which was a mass of contradictions that meant his first budget simply had to be a disaster. It's also a consequence of the terms on which Malcolm Turnbull claimed Abbott's scalp promising his right wing not to do anything that might make the party electable. But now consider Labor's position. Having seen a quarter of its vote disappear to the Greens over the past 20 years, it is now seeing another of its flanks slope off to One Nation. This should not be a surprise: One Nation is in some ways the ultimate Labor throwback the ghost of a party whose White Australia Policy sprung from its economic nationalism. It's only natural that Labor voters now awaking from the liberal economic dream of Hawke and Keating might return to these nostalgic roots. For the moment, this is masked because Labor's primary vote is holding (even if at a low level). But that can mean only one thing: that whatever it is losing to One Nation it is claiming back from the Coalition. Turnbull is therefore facing twin disillusionments. If you're angry, you go to One Nation. If you're just disappointed, you go to Labor. That means a significant chunk of Labor's support is soft. They're not enamoured of Bill Shorten, which is why Turnbull still leads him as preferred Prime Minister even in polls this disastrous. And given that Labor, too, is bleeding votes left and right, it's severely reliant on these mushy foundations. That's a problem when you consider voters are far more easily disillusioned with governments than with oppositions. If and when Labor become the government, how exactly will it stop these people leaving as quickly as they arrived? But is anyone really buying soy and nut milk in the mistaken belief that they come from a cow? I don't think so. People drink plant milks precisely because they don't come from a cow. The group's chief executive, Shaugn Morgan, says the labelling restriction is needed to help consumers make an informed decision when buying milk. A turmeric latte with almond milk. Is anyone really buying soy and nut milk in the mistaken belief that they come from a cow? I don't think so. People drink plant milks precisely because they don't come from a cow. Credit:Penny Stephens A lobby group for New South Wales dairy farmers, Dairy Connect, wants a ban on the labelling of soy and nut milks as, well, "milk" . First it was "fake news", now it's "fake milk". The group points out that Food Standards define milk as "the mammary secretion of milking animals". If they want us to drink more of it they'd better stop calling it that: who wants a secretion on their breakfast? "Milk" is a lovely Anglo-Saxon word, rich in metaphor. Dairy Connect is welcome to their literal definition, but milk's associations belong to language and culture, not a lobby group. They're trying to claim milk as a brand, but the word belongs to us all, to use as we please. Next they'll want a trademark on it, for use only on authorised secretions. Milk can mean something with the texture or appearance of milk. Lots of soy and nut milks have that. Plus, people use them in the same way. Tasmanian Senator Eric Abetz. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mike Phillips Yaroomba, QLD Eric Abetz wants the decision to abolish penalty rates to only apply to new hires. How long do you think it would take employers to retrench their workers and replace them with new, cheaper hires? Former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Credit:Nic Walker Andre Morony Paddington Much to our despair, our town bakery ceased Sunday trading last year as they were losing money paying staff over $50 an hour. I asked the staff, all casuals, if they would rather have Sunday off or work for a bit less and they immediately and unequivocally said the latter. Larger city businesses might be able to afford the current weekend penalty rates, but in regional Australia they often detract from our quality of life. We need more of these stories, from the people affected, to counter the nonsense politics playing out over penalty rates. Tim Murray Oberon The real problem with franchises Making a law change that makes franchisors liable for fraud by franchisees does not address the real problem with franchises ("Law change will make franchisors liable for fraud at individual store", March 2). The real problem at the heart of any franchise is the nature of the franchise agreement, and its abuse by big business. Such agreements should contain guarantees of adequate returns on investments for franchisees provided they accepted proper supervision. Earnings guarantees could be backed up with earnings insurance taken out by franchisors. At the same time,there should be more scrutiny of franchise agreements and their operation by the ACCC. If franchisors did not rip off franchisees, then franchisees would not rip off employees or customers. Geoff Black Caves Beach China not a country Australia can afford to 'love' Paul Keating tells us that "Australia's past failure to view China's rise as 'completely legitimate' had led to reduced influence and less leverage with Beijing over strategic direction" ("Time Australia learnt to love China; Keating", March 2). To entertain the possibility of developing any such "strategic leverage" with China is fanciful in the extreme. Because China is a one-party state with limited freedoms, opaque institutions, government-controlled media and a nationalistic bullying international persona, it is not a country that Australia can afford to "love". Commercial arrangements such as the sale of iron ore are simply marketplace processes. If we have to cosy up to China to sell more, than we should be very wary indeed. Alan Carruthers Artarmon It's a pity that Fairfax Media invited Paul Keating to speak about the new draft white paper on foreign policy rather than, say, Wagner. It was inevitable that he would get on his soap box and go on about China as if the rest of us lived underground. There isn't one living person glad to see the back of Mao Zedong and to see China grow from a semi-rural economy into the mighty country it is today. Unfortunately for Keating, a new foreign policy may not see Australians grow closer to China at a quicker pace than he would like. Many Australians still feel strongly about the treatment of the Uyghurs in western China; the invasion of Tibet; the close relationship with North Korea and the lack of law along with many of the other illegal practices the Chinese carry out. It's a shame that Keating didn't mention these issues as perhaps being a bit of a roadblock in speeding up the relationship. Trade is obviously much closer to his heart. Frank Adshead Mona Vale Let the 'rest of us' have a bigger share With the latest economic figures in, Peter Martin points out that, while profits were up by 8.4 per cent in the last quarter, the nation's wage bill fell by 0.5 per cent ("Treasurer told not to waste windfall", March 2). The French economist Thomas Picketty warned us that, in a deregulated economy, the rich tend to get richer and that if that trend is allowed to continue it will do more harm than good. These latest figures demonstrate that Picketty was right, and this poses some interesting questions. Firstly, if the economic cake is getting bigger, why are only some of us benefiting from it? Secondly, if the economy grew that fast with our current corporate tax rate, why does it need to be reduced to encourage growth? According to the ABS, in 2013-14, 20 per cent of households held 62 per cent of the nation's wealth and, by now, they must hold even more. How much is enough for that 20 per cent 65 per cent or 70 per cent? and, more importantly, how much worse off would they be if they held only 50 per cent of the nation's wealth (as was the case in the 1950s and '60s). And, finally, how much better off would the nation be if that extra 12 per cent was spread out among the rest of us? Tom Orren Wamberal Peter Martin is on to something ("How to make high-earning investors pay $240m more tax", March 2"). I have thought for a long time that the Medicare Levy should be characterised as medical insurance, or medical and disability insurance as it really is now. It should not be just an add-on to our standard rates of income tax. If it were treated as a medical and disability insurance premium calculated on total income, not taxable income, it would raise substantially more revenue and go a long way to easing the health budget burden. I hasten to add that the premium should be based on the ability to pay. In other words, it should be graduated so that the rate rises in much the same way that personal income tax rates do. I agree with Peter Martin, the Treasurer should take the plunge instead of going for less certain sources of revenue. John Duff Lavender Bay Headgear won't help Alistair Browne (Letters, March 2) asks why the NRL and ARU do not mandate the wearing of headgear in the fight against concussion. The obvious answer is because there is little evidence that it helps. The sport with the greatest concussion problem in the world, it seems, is the NFL, where they wear helmets. Headgear doesn't stop your head, and thus your brain, coming to a sudden stop. David Markham Flynn ACT The greatest skill The recent letters about the English syllabus (March 1 and 2) all offer some great views and insights. My interest is not related to what texts, novels and poems students will be required to read (or not read in the case of Max Redmayne, Letters, March 2). But rather, how much time will be focused on teaching our future generation the art of listening and understanding? Writing and reading are important skills, while the skill of "talking" is perhaps overused. Surely the greatest skill is to be able to remain silent, listen and understand others? Ezio Mormile Farmborugh Heights I'm not sure what it's called when one is about to write a letter on a particular issue for this page and someone gets in before you on the same subject, possibly "gazumping"? This happened to me when Max Redmayne (Letters, March 2) wrote about not reading the prescribed text Wuthering Heights in his final year in secondary school but compensated by reading the "Classic comic" and the notes provided by his teacher. I, too , did not read the prescribed text, Julius Caesar, and relied on what was termed "Classics Illustrated", a series of comic books; the film starring Marlon Brando assisted immeasurably. I'm sure Max and I were singing from the same hymn sheet, each of us having achieved our eventual goals. Paul Hunt Engadine Max Redmayne must have sat a dodgy version of the Leaving Certificate English exam if his A was based solely on his self-confessed avoidance of Wuthering Heights. The rest of us had to struggle through questions on poetry, Shakespeare (Macbeth, no less) and other stuff. Can we have a re-mark? James Mahoney McKellar ACT Overjoyed for Ali Your article, ("Poet receives the call of a lifetime", March 2), brought tears to my eyes.For a young Aboriginal poet to win such a prestigious prize is wonderful. I have read and enjoyed her poetry and other works. She is very deserving of this award. Congratulations Ali. Christine Tiley Nana Glen Free speech not gone I heard Prime Minister Turnbull interviewed today by Sabra Lane on the ABC AM current affairs program. Apart from ducking and deflecting most of her questions and managing to savage opposition leader Shorten at any opportunity, he produced this gem, worthy of Truthful Tony Abbott, saying, "If you lose free speech, you'll know that its gone". I feel much better now. Bob Macfarlane Mirrabooka Trump to go Roman It can only be a matter of time before President Trump declares Arabic Numerals "un-American" and takes the country back to Roman Numerals ("Trump wants us to believe in impossible dreams", March 2). The Roman numbering system should sit comfortably alongside feet, pounds and fluid ounces as regards their unnecessary complexity and uniqueness to the USA. Good luck in math class with long division, guys! Tony Shaw Mudgee Lucky's 'lies' claim lacks ring of truth Drug importer Shayne Hatfield ( "Lucky Gattellari lied, cellmate tells court", March 2) has told the Supreme Court that Lucky Gattellari was a liar. Yet in a statement to police, Hatfield made no mention of earlier claims of overheard conversations from Gattallari. His stories appear so muddled that one has to wonder whether Hatfield is the Real McCoy. Nick Andrews Rose Bay Harbourside La Mancha If Malcolm Turnbull is Don Quixote (Letters, March 2), does that make Barnaby Joyce Sancho Panza? Like Sancho, Barnaby is a simple farmer but lacks the wit of Don Quixote's squire. John Byrne Randwick I see from media reports that staff of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary medicines Authority are working out of McDonald's in Armidale due to a lack of suitable office space. Perhaps I could be of assistance. There is suitable space at 164 Beardy Street, Armidale. This office is very rarely used, is taxpayer funded and has access to the NBN. The tenant, a certain Mr B. Joyce, is only spotted every three years. Mal Freak Armidale It might have been acceptable to take such an apathetic approach to Australia's future during a period of uninterrupted economic growth, ever-increasing prosperity, and relative peace and security. In 2017, we cannot take such prosperity and security for granted. The strategy they are working on is the foreign policy white paper, due to be delivered later this year. Unlike the defence department, which has had seven such strategic documents or "white papers" in the past 40 years, this will be only the third foreign policy white paper in Australia's history. The other two were produced by the Howard government in 1997 and 2003, and there's been deathly silence since. But this is what the message should have been: the minister and her department are about to hold an historic meeting of the country's best diplomatic minds. At this meeting, these heads of mission Australia's ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general overseas will attempt to devise a durable strategy for Australia's future international engagement at one of the most unpredictable and possibly transformational moments of our modern era. It is in our interest that they succeed. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop and her Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have made headlines this week, with backhanded compliments for "saving" taxpayers' funds by calling a meeting of all Australia's ambassadors , high commissioners and consuls-general in Australia, rather than holding lavish talkfests overseas. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop should not be harangued for bringing together all of Australia's head of missions for the first time. Credit:Tony McDonough The election of US President Donald Trump is just one indication, albeit a sharply pointed one, that the world Australia has known and thrived in for the past 50 years is not as it seemed. The Brexit decision was another such indication. Voters in western developed nations like ours appear to be having second thoughts about globalisation, free trade, free movement of people around the world, collective action on global threats such as climate change, preparedness to accept refugees, multiculturalism, and possibly even the benefits of democracy. Those who have not shared equally in the spoils of globalisation are questioning the value of the global order as we have known it. At the same time, the nation finds itself in the uncomfortable position where our largest trading partner is not our security ally. The momentum of economic growth is towards our region, but the principal engine of that growth, China, has become militarily more assertive. There are indications that the Trump administration intends to scale back its defence presence in the region. No one knows what will happen next. So in those circumstances, wouldn't it be wise, even imperative, to gather together Australia's most experienced diplomatic hands in one place to devise a strategy which will put Australia in the best possible position to deal with this fast-changing international environment? Why would we quibble about whether it is cheaper for those diplomats to meet once every 18 months in one of six regions in the world (the system before this year), or whether they all meet once a year, in Australia? Why do federal oppositions (of either persuasion) waste hours of taxpayer-funded time in parliamentary hearings grilling department officials about how much was paid for airfares and accommodation to attend long, hard meetings in conference venues at drab business hotels? We spend $32 billion a year on defence, just short of $4 billion on overseas aid, and just $1.6 billion on diplomacy and embassies. A bit of perspective would be nice. Australians, and the media, are supremely adept at this sort of sniping. It's the "Kevin 747" phenomenon. As soon as those uppity prime ministers, foreign ministers or diplomats go globetrotting to those pesky international meetings, we cast out the lasso and haul them, chastened, back in. We prefer our experts on international affairs not to do any international travel. The family of executed Bali nine drug smuggler Andrew Chan says the Turnbull government is putting more Australians at risk of the firing squad by turning its back on a plan to change police intelligence rules. The government has quietly rejected a recommendation made by a parliamentary committee last year that would have banned the Australian Federal Police from sharing drug crime information with foreign countries unless they could first obtain assurances the death penalty would not be applied. The AFP widely condemned for tipping off Indonesian authorities about Chan and Myuran Sukumaran's Bali nine heroin plot would have to take a much more careful approach under the system. It was one of the main proposals put forward by the bipartisan committee - led by former Liberal MP and anti-death penalty campaigner Philip Ruddock - formed in the wake of the 2015 executions of Chan and Sukumaran. The prohibition would have applied to Australians and foreigners alike. Every member of CSIRO's senior executive team received performance-related bonuses last year despite 2016 being one of the most tumultuous in the organisation's history. Salary details of the organisation's leadership were revealed during a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday. Despite it not being a requirement under current government guidelines, CSIRO officials for the first time revealed the remuneration package of chief executive Larry Marshall. Under questioning from Labor Senator Kim Carr, secretary of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Glenys Beauchamp, initially said that Dr Marshall's salary was $673,712. The Turnbull government is under growing pressure to overturn the Fair Work Commission decision to cut some penalty rates, with voter resentment particularly high in regional areas, according to new seat-by-seat polling commissioned by the ACTU. The electoral ire is spooking some government MPs, feeding One Nation's growing support, and could yet threaten Coalition seats at the next election if left unresolved. With unions preparing for a major WorkChoices-style campaign against the cuts, nervous Coalition MPs are privately urging the leadership to find a solution or face further falls in public support. "The lowest-paid workers in our communities rely on these wages for food and rent, and these are the workers we depend on to keep our shops and businesses open," said ACTU president Ged Kearney. Bag a bargain with everything at Showpo's sale under $40. Eco-luxe home and bodycare brand Ecoya is holding a warehouse sale in Waterloo this weekend. The sale will feature a selection of the brand's candles, diffusers and body products as well as samples at up to 50 per cent off. 201-211 Botany Road, Waterloo. Thursday March 2 8am-8pm, Friday March 3 - 9am - 4pm, Saturday March 4 9am - 4pm, Sunday March 5 9am - 4pm. Ecoya will have a selection of products at up to 50 per cent off. With a refined bohemian feel celebrating elements of coastal Californian and Australian living, Rue Stiic is having an end of season clearance sale online from March 3. The Byron Bay based brand, which runs under the helm of US designer Jillian Beed has up to 60 per cent off the Riveria and Dreamland ranges. The Freja Shirt. Online store Shopbop is having a Buy More, Save More Sale from February 28 to March 4. The site has 15 per cent off if you spend $200, 20 per cent on $500 and 25 per cent on $800. The US site houses more than 800 clothing, shoe and accessory designers from Alex Perry to Zimmermann. Speaking of Zimmermann, the brand's own sale continues online, as well as the Alice McCall sale so it is a good time to pick up some summer dresses and swimwear. Shopbop stocks more than 800 brands. Just Launched: Minkpink's Beauty and the Beast Capsule Collection Have you ever dreamed of owning the wardrobe of a Disney princess? Well, be the guest of Australian brand Minkpink who has released a 31-piece collection inspired by the release of the forthcoming live-action film Beauty and the Beast. The contemporary street style pieces showcase movie motifs including intricate roses, stained glass window prints and the brand's own interpretation of Belle's iconic sunshine yellow ballgown. The prices of the collection range from $49.95-$149.95. Founding Director Rachel Evans said that the project happened because there was an instant connection between the Minkpink girl and Belle's traits including courage, independence and confidence. It's for the "woman that isn't afraid to go against the crowd, and a woman who is the master of her own happily- ever-after," Evans said about the collection, which includes denim and sleepwear among the usual wardrobe basics. $149.95. Metallics have been a fashion fixture for the past few years, and if the Oscars and every Fashion Week is anything to go by, the trend isn't going anywhere yet. Pieces with futuristic metallic accents are ideal to add interest to your wardrobe for the transseasonal months ahead. Jeff Seeney previously believed his talents were languishing on the opposition backbench. Credit:Glenn Hunt "The expansion of the Callide electorate presents an appropriate time, I believe, for me to consider a change of role and to allow one of the many capable young LNP people living in the new electorate to come forward and take over my current role in this house." Mr Seeney said he would not be seeking re-election at the next Queensland election. Instead, he said he would be seeking to live a "more normal life". "And pursue some opportunities that are available to me in the corporate world," Mr Seeney said. "Hopefully pursuing a more normal life will also allow me to aspire to be the best granddad in the world." Mr Seeney said it would allow him to give his grandchildren Olivia, 2, Theo, 2 months old, Ivy, two weeks old more time and attention in the next 20 years "than I've been able to give my own kids". He said he would do everything he could to support Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls until the next state election. "[He] has long since disproved the rule that you can't have friends in politics," he said. "I have been lucky enough to experience the highs and the lows of this place with the greatest mate that I have ever known by my side." The next state election is due to be held by May 2018 but is widely tipped to be held later this year. MPs immediately paid tribute to Mr Seeney's contribution to politics in Queensland. Mr Nicholls said Queensland would lose a "great warrior, a gentle giant and a passionate advocate for regional and rural Queensland". "Since I first entered the Parliament, Jeff Seeney has been both a mentor and my great friend," Mr Nicholls said. Labor member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it would not be a surprise to anyone that Mr Seeney had several differences to those on the other side of the house. "But I think it's important that we just pay tribute to the contribution that he has made and wish him all the best in his new life as granddad Jeff," Ms Gilbert said. Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause said Mr Seeney had been a "large figure" in Queensland politics. "We will miss him in this place," Mr Krause said. Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey described Mr Seeney as a "true conservative warrior". "And a very strong advocate for the people of Callide and rural Queensland," Ms Stuckey said. "This place won't be the same without you but I'm sure you'll make your mark somewhere else." LNP president Gary Spence said Mr Seeney had been a force in Queensland politics. "Always one to stand up for what he believes, Jeff has had a powerful voice, particularly for regional Queensland," Mr Spence said. Mr Seeney was elected with the Nationals at the 1998 election and has led the opposition at times. One man has been charged and another is on the run, after a BMW stolen in a frightening carjacking crashed into a pub in Melbourne's south-west. Two men, wielding a chainsaw and a gun, stole the black BMW X5 sedan in a violent carjacking in Reservoir on Tuesday night. The scene of the high-speed crash at Club Laverton. Credit:3AW The alleged thieves blocked the BMW with another car, a Kia, before threatening the three men sitting inside and slashing one of them with the chainsaw, about 6.50pm Tuesday. The three men ran inside a shop, where one of the offenders pulled out a gun and demanded cash, a mobile phone, and keys to the luxury car. Welcome to Evening Express, your round-up of stories big and small that you may have missed today. Police and forensic officers at the scene in Footscray on Thursday. Credit:Justin McManus Three people have been found dead after fire tore through a room at the rear of a factory in Footscray. The bodies were recovered after the blaze was extinguished shortly after midnight on Thursday. The fire, which broke out at 11.30 on Wednesday night, is being treated as suspicious and there were reports of explosions around the time the blaze broke out. The state government will double the first home owners grant for regional Victoria in a bid to draw more young buyers into the regions and counter the capital's housing affordability crisis. First home buyers building new homes in regional Victoria will be entitled to $20,000 as of July 1 this year, up from $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000. Restricting negative gearing to new and off-the-plan properties would encourage more supply. Credit:Erin Jonasson Treasurer Tim Pallas said he expected the new grant would increase buyer interest in regional cities like Ballarat and promote decentralisation by drawing young people out of the state's congested capital. The government expects the grant to assist up to 6000 Victorian first home buyers. The brother of the accused Bourke Street killer has been jailed for a catalogue of offences including throwing an object at his mother in a drug-affected rage when she failed to make him a toasted sandwich quickly enough, a court has been told. Angelo Gargasoulas, 26, pleaded guilty to 13 charges at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, including recklessly injuring his mother and intentionally injuring his partner. He faces two months in jail. Angelo Gargasoulas was surrounded by a media pack outside court on Thursday Credit:Penny Stephens He was allegedly stabbed by his brother, Dimitrious "Jimmy" Gargasoulas, in the early hours of January 20, the same day as the Bourke Street tragedy. Mr Turner said that Angelo Gargasoulas is still suffering mentally and physically from the "events earlier this year", and was still being treated in hospital for his injuries. A woman in her 50s has been shot in the chest inside her Glenroy home in the early hours of Friday morning. The 52-year-old is fighting for her life in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Police said they were called to the house, on a quiet residential street, shortly before midnight on Thursday. No one has been arrested, and the house remains a crime scene. The entire City of Perth council may be sacked over the lord mayor's travel scandal if Labor wins the state election and the Local Government Act allows it, WA opposition leader Mark McGowan says. Lisa Scaffidi recently admitted she breached the act five times by not disclosing travel and accommodation gifts, including a $16,000 package from BHP Billiton for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and is awaiting possible disciplinary action as a result. "We have a pretty dim view of that level of propriety at the City of Perth. If elected, that dim view, I think will be reflected in what we do," Mr McGowan told reporters on Thursday. The Labor leader has previously vowed again to sack Ms Scaffidi and the "dysfunctional" City of Perth council if he's elected Premier at next March's state election. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... 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... Coming soon - The Cultural Voyager Dedicated to anyone who pursues culture as a major part of their vacation experience. How do you feel about a certain demon barber looking deep and menacingly into your eyes as he sings about slitting throats? Jeremy Secomb as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in the marvelous, nerve-shredding London transfer of Stephen Sondheims 1979 musical (with book by Hugh Wheeler), fizzes with as much terror as Barrow Street Theatres impressively designed mock-up of a traditional South London pie-and-mash shop (by Simon Kenny) can contain. The surroundings are so convincing my friend asked if this was a disused cafe, or a mysterious ante-room to the theatre. This 2014 production was originally situated by Tooting Arts Club in Harringtons, a local pie-and-mash shop open since 1908, before it moved to the West End. Here in New York, before the show audience members can guzzle a delicious chicken or vegetable pie, created by Bill Yosses, former White House pastry chef and co-author of Desserts For Dummies, who was nicknamed the Crustmaster by then-president Barack Obama. These pies are served prior to the performance, and the seating is divided into three sections. You may be seated at the long tables on the theater floor, a slightly raised bleachers-like section to the side, or in a row of upper tier seats looking down on the room. Upstairs you are slightly safer from the imposing Secombs waxy-pallored glowering, and the perambulations of other characters like Betsy Morgans beggar woman who is not just the crazy, rambling bundle of rags she seems. Cleared post-eating, the tables are clambered, leant, and lain on by the characters and the audience members to sing or stare at. There is no direct participation required, but if you have a beard or are bald, prepare to be singled out by the cast, as they mull their tonsorial options. In Kennys ingeniously economic design, the counter where we have just picked up our pies becomes the counter of the pie shop for the show, complete with its own oven and sink, and the actors weave around the tables and three musicians, and up two mini-flights of stairs to imagined and unseen destinations as various as a mental asylum and Todds barbershop. The pie shops walls are distempered, with a simple menu. The segue from 21st century New York to mid-19th century London is a creeping, unsettling one, as the actors first smilingly greet us table to table, before striking up, in fearful whisper, the recurring ballad of Todd himself: Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd./His skin was pale and his eye was odd. He shaved the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard of again. Todds real name is Benjamin Barker, a convict recently released from prison after 15 years, and back on home turf he learns from his landlady Mrs. Lovett (Siobhan McCarthy), owner of a meat pie shop on Fleet Street, that his wife is dead and daughter Johanna (Alex Finke) is now a ward of the same judge, Turpin (an oleaginous and convincingly cruel Duncan Smith) who had him sent away to an Australian penal colony. Revenge is on Todds mind, not just against the judge but against his clients. These are my friends/See how they glisten, he sings of his razors, as they catch shafts of light. The question of how to deal with all the blood is also in Amy Maes simple but effective lighting: when an unfortunate, though in some cases deserving, victim of Todds killer razor is claimed, a red light is beamed at the audience and a klaxon sounded. As the chorus sings, Swing your razor wide, Sweeney! Hold it to the skies! Freely flows the blood of those who moralize! Yet, apart from bitterness and vengeance, another more sterling, socially cleansing motive for Todds murderousness is not made, and Secomb does not endow him with a heros gait. He is a monster, though a wronged one, furious on returning to London to behold what it embodiesits morals arent worth what a pig could spitat the top of the hole sit the privileged few, making mock of the vermin in the lower zoo. His nemesis Turpin is the walking form of this abusive privilege, a monster and a do-er of wrongs, and a creepy, implied sexual abuser too, who wishes to make Johanna his wife. That only increases Todds determination to do him in. The frustrated love affair between Johanna and Anthony (Matt Doyle), the handsome sailor who saved Todd, is the productions one vein of sweetness; and the couples love song, Kiss Me is sweetly sung, she from the stairs and he standing on one of the tables. Most of the (masterfully directed by Bill Buckhurst) action takes place on a narrow channel of flooring in front of the pie shop counterincluding a bravura rendition of The Contest, as sung by Pirelli, a competing barber whose cologne is likely made of piss, played by double-dutying Betsy Morgan. Forget the campy psychopathy of Johnny Depp in Tim Burtons lushly orchestral and designed 2007 film version. What roots the production is Secombs chill fury and seeming physical restraint, which makes his explosions of violence that much more memorable. When Secomb is not on stage, you sit and wait for him to appear from the shadows, and hopefully not inches from your face. Your nerves at being within the action command as much of your attention as the performances, and the three wonderful musiciansMatt Aument, the musical director on piano, Tomoko Akaboshi (violin), and Michael Favreau (clarinet)who manage to sound like a full orchestra. Todds wonderful duet with the smug and awful Turpin, Pretty Women, blooms with his first attempt at murdering the sleazeball who eventually imprisons Johanna, and who also hasas every villain musta sidekick. Beadle (Brad Oscar) has two memorable solos of his own, Ladies In Their Sensitivities and Parlour Songs. Mistaken identity, terrible twists, and fateful disguises variously lead to more misunderstandings and more death. But standing out at the heart of the show, as she so often does (played in the past by actresses as diverse as Julia McKenzie and Patti LuPone) is McCarthys marvelously grotesque Mrs. Lovett. An insane, walking cataclysm of villainies and frailties, there is first her merry devil of a song about making the worst pies in London, followedin Poor Thingby her relating to Todd the tragic tale of what happened to his family after he was sent away. She is both smothering momma bear to Toby (Joseph Taylor), Pirellis assistant, who can see her hopeless devotion to Todd and the dark end to which it may lead her. But, hopelessly in love with Todd, she is also the proud mastermind of the pie-making systemMaes lights configure this as the most livid off-stage inferno, a true wellspring of Hellwhereby Todds victims flesh ends up as barely edible for consumption. Yet, as we see, Londons inhabitants merrily gorge themselves, unwittingly, on their own. Their plan is revealed in the sinister song, A Little Priest, imagining all the professions murdered for the pies, and thenat the beginning of act twoGod Thats Good sees the lip-smacking feasting that results: the crust all velvety and wavy, we learnthese human flesh pies so much more delicious than the awful meat ones Mrs. Lovett was making before. McCarthys fantastic performance, crowned by a rats tails hairdo, perfectly captures Mrs. Lovetts homely and hungry embodiment of the diabolical. She will sacrifice anything and anyone for Todd, including poor Toby, whose duet with her, Not While Im Around is one of the most heartbreaking in the show, contrasting his true loyalty and love and her faking of loyalty and love. She is also the master of Sondheims abbreviated, punchy phrasingalso so evident in downtown Sweeneys present Broadway Sondheim cousin, Sunday In The Park With Georgein a song like Wait: Easy now. Hush, love, hush, Mrs Lovett softly insists. Dont distress yourself, whats your rush? Keep your thoughts nice and lush. Wait. Of course, Toby is proved right, and as the body count rises at the end of the show, one realizes how Sondheim, and this company in particular (with such a modest set and musical apparatus), have so skillfully engineered to keep you both laughing and also terrified and horrified throughout. Sweeney Todd folds love, innocence, control, corruption, madness, and murder: the most extreme beats of ourselves and of our cities. The charnel house is both Mrs. Lovetts pie shop and the city it exists within. Todd as moral avenger is morally corrupted too. A kernel of love survives at the end, but it is of scant comfortand, just as it began, so Sweeney Todd ends with that galloping, persistent, whispered incantation of the central characters legendwhich, even with the final clang of a door, we will never be free of. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is at Barrow Street Theatre, 27 Barrow Street, NYC, until August 13. Book tickets here. New details have emerged about the health condition of an undocumented woman with a brain tumor held in an ICE detention center. Human-rights advocates say her continued detention is inhumane, and her lawyers hope an immigration judge will let her out on parole. She is scheduled to have a bond hearing on March 2. Since The Daily Beast first reported on her case last month, ICE agents took Sara Beltran Hernandez out of the hospital where she was being held and put her back in the detention center. Lawyers say a medical staffer there checks on her once a day, that she has no social interaction with other detainees, and that they worry she isnt receiving adequate medical care. In a statement, ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok said that Beltran Hernandez had been declared stable by her doctor on Feb. 22 and returned to the ICE facility. Beltran-Hernandez has an appointment next week with a specialist who will determine the course for future medical treatment, he said in a statement. Until that time, ICE medical staff is keeping her under observation. Rusnok said that when she was in the hospital, Beltran-Hernandez was able to speak to her family and to her attorney of record by phone. She also met with her attorney of record and consular representative in person Feb. 23, he said. Like all detainees in our care, Beltran-Hernandez will continue to have access to 24-hour emergency medical care and access to any required specialized treatment at an outside facility. Still, Beltran Hernandezs situation has drawn outrage from activists. A spokesperson for Amnesty Internationalwhich is advocating for her releasesaid concerned activists have made thousands of phone calls to the facility where she is being held. Beltran Hernandez entered the U.S. illegally in November 2015 and was soon apprehended by Border Patrol agents and put in detention. In court documents, she said she came here fleeing domestic abuse and threats of gang violence. She said she feared she would be killed if she went back to her country. Her asylum claim is currently in court. In February, she started complaining of severe headaches. Then, on Feb. 10, she collapsed and was subsequently hospitalized. While she was in the hospital, as The Daily Beast reported, she had extremely limited access to her family and lawyers. They feared the worst. After The Daily Beast reported on her story, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took Beltran Hernandez back to the detention center, where she was able to communicate more easily with her attorneys. She has been at the detention center for the past week, and her lawyers fear she isnt getting adequate medical care. Since her hospitalization, Beltran Hernandezs case has drawn substantial media attention and highlighted the challenges of humanely detaining immigrants and asylum-seekers. Amnesty International is urging ICE to let her out of the detention center on parole. But it isnt clear if that will happen. In the meantime, Beltran Hernandezs lawyers say they worry being detained will harm her health. Fatma Marouf, who heads the Immigrants Rights Clinic at Texas A&M University and is helping represent Beltran Hernandez, told reporters on a conference call on March 1 that shes concerned about her client. It doesnt seem like they are taking her complaints of pain very seriously because the symptoms arent being managed, she said. Marouf said she met with Beltran Hernandez on Feb. 28, and that she has a very severe headache, numbness around her mouth and face, difficulty walking, and extreme fatigue. She said when Beltran Hernandez went from the ICE facility to a clinic for an appointment on Feb. 27, the guards shackled her hands, waist, and ankles. Marouf added that Beltran Hernandez didnt initially have a translator at the appointment, though a female ICE guard stayed in the room at the clinic while she was there. Marouf said the tumor Beltran Hernandez has been diagnosed with is a pituitary macroadenomaa benign tumor growing around her pituitary gland that can hemorrhage and bleed. Its bled in the past, Marouf added, and could start hemorrhaging again. Besides being painful, the tumor could impair her vision. Marouf said Sara may need brain surgery to remove it, and that she also needs close monitoring by medical professionals and regular MRIs. And at the detention center, Marouf said she thinks those needs are going largely unmet. ICE did not provide comment for this story. Her human rights are being violated in ways that are shocking and outrageous, said Eric Ferrero, a spokesperson for Amnesty International, on the call. This is not the way that the U.S. should be treating people who are fleeing horrific violence and coming here seeking asylum in this country, he added. And he said the presidents recent executive orders on immigration enforcement mean more people will likely find themselves in Beltran Hernandezs situation. In his address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28, the president blamed immigrants for virtually all the problems America currently facescrime, unemployment, stagnant wage growth, drug abuse, and more. He also touted his plan to create an office in the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to helping the victims of crimes committed by immigrantsa move critics say will demonize immigrants, who actually are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. And, of course, Trump discussed his plans to increase enforcement of immigration laws. Those plans include dramatically expanding the use of immigrant detention. Human rights advocates have long criticized immigrant detention centersmany of which are managed by private prison companiesfor failing to provide adequate medical care to detainees. A report that the ACLU, National Immigrant Justice Center, and Detention Watch jointly released concluded that ICE negligence preceded the deaths of 8 detainees from 2010 to 2012. ICE has repeatedly shown it is incapable of providing people in its custody the medical care they need and deserveeven failing to implement its own medical standards to prevent deaths, researchers concluded. After nearly a full day of bipartisan criticism, Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from investigations into any communications between Trump campaign officials and members of the Russian government. Sessions also said that the only meetings he had with Russian officials after endorsing Donald Trump were the two with the Russian ambassador that The Washington Post revealed on Wednesday night. And Sessions indicated that he would have recused himself from investigations related to the 2016 campaign regardless of whether or not the Washington Post had broken the news of those two meetings. During the course of the last several weeks I have met with the relevant the relevant senior career department officials to discuss whether I should recuse myself from any matters arising from the campaigns for President of the United States, he said in a statement. Having concluded those meetings today, I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States. The press conference was precipitated by revelations that he didnt disclose to the Senate Judiciary Committee his meetings with Russias ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak. When Sen. Al Franken asked Sessions at his confirmation hearing whether he knew of any campaign-related conversations between campaign staff and Russian officials, Sessions said he didnt. So the revelation of those two meetings drew calls for his recusal and resignation. I did not respond by referring to the two meetings...where no such things were discussed, Sessions said at the press conference. My reply to the question of Sen. Franken was honest and correct as I understood it at the time. I appreciate that some have taken the view that this was a false comment, he continued. And that is not my intent. Sessions added he would write the Judiciary Committee soon and explain the reason he testified as he did. At the press conference, Sessions said he and Kislyak didn't discuss campaign issues in their meeting, and that was why he didn't mention it at his confirmation hearing. "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, and the idea that I was part of a 'continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government,' is totally false," Sessions said. "That is the question that Sen. Franken asked me at the hearing, and what got my attention. He noted it was just breaking news. It got my attention. And that is the question I responded to." When news of the meetings broke, Sessions said he no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. A Justice Department spokeswoman later said the meetings were in his capacity as a senator on the Armed Services Committee. And on Thursday morning, the attorney general indicated to NBC News that he would be open to recusing himself from Russia investigations. Sessions was the first Senator to endorse Trump, and became one of his top advisors on the campaign trail. He sported a Make America Great Again hat, gave speeches at rallies, and stood by Trump during the worst moments of his campaigneven suggesting that the grab em by the pussy remarks didnt describe sexual assault. So when Trump nominated him to be attorney general, critics said Sessions would have trouble being independent of the White House. The issue was central at his confirmation process, and all nine Democrats on the Senate Judiciary signed a letter calling on him to recuse himself from any investigations into potential collusion between the Russian government and Trump campaign officials. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday evening Sessions spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak twice in 2016. One of those conversations was after an event at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland that the Heritage Foundation hosted for ambassadors. Kislyaks conversations and meetings with various members of Team Trump have caused an enormous amount of controversy. Not only have they forced Sessions to recuse himself, but were also the reason why Trumps first National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign. Flynn departed the administration after just weeks in the role because he had misled the vice president about his conversations with Kislyak during 2016. And on Thursday evening, USA Today reported that two other Trump campaign advisers, Carter Page and J.D. Gordon, spoke with the ambassador during the Republican convention in July 2016. These revelations take place in the larger context of the U.S. intelligence communitys assessment that Russia tried to interfere with the American electoral process, and continuing questions about whether Donald Trump and his campaign had contacts with the Russian government. As Sessions was meeting with Justice Department counsel Thursday, Hill Republicans were scrambling to find the right thing to say about their former colleague. On Thursday morning, the attorney general indicated to NBC News that he would be open to recusing himself from Russia investigations. I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself, he said. Theres no doubt about that. Over the course of the day, numerous Republicans and Democrats called for him to bow out. Sen. Rob Portman and Sen. Susan Collinswho introduced him at his confirmation hearingwere among the Republicans asking him to remove himself from those investigations. Democrats, however, were adamant that Sessions recuse himself. And many also called for him to resign. There cannot be even a scintilla of doubt about the impartiality and fairness of the attorney general, the top law enforcement official of the land, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said at a news conference on Thursday. Its clear Attorney General Sessions does not meet that test. Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign. But on the right, it wasnt a consensus view. Mark Corallo, a spokesman for the Justice Department during John Ashcrofts time there, told The Daily Beast he thought the story was overblown. This is another non-story, he said. Since when is it improper for a sitting U.S. Senator to have contact with a foreign diplomat? This is more evidence that the Democrats, and career bureaucrats in the intelligence community (pardon my redundancy) who oppose President Trump are desperate. And Victoria Toensing, a Justice Department official during the Reagan administration, said the calls for Sessions to recuse were ridiculous. I think its idiotic, she said of the criticism Sessions drew. Do we have any evidence that in his normal course of being a senator when he met with the russian ambassador that he discussed anything about the election? And speaking a few hours before Sessions announced his recusal, she said she would oppose the move. I think that thats a show of weakness, she said. The Republicans have got to learn to fight. These members of congress who are calling for him to recuse himself are idiotic. I was surprised to see Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer call on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign Thursday morning. Ive known Schumer for a long, long time and the Schumer I knew pre-Trump would probably have been more circumspect about taking that step, leaving it to some of his more liberal members who were from safe states and maybe werent facing their voters soon. That he said it himself Thursday morning shows that the Democrats are turning up the heat here as much as they can. Schumer said Sessions had tried to dramatically mislead Congress. He stopped an inch or two short of calling his former Senate colleague a liar, but made it clear he thought Sessions had concealed the full truth from the Judiciary Committee at his confirmation hearing. If there was nothing wrong with meeting Ambassador Kislyak, Schumer asked, why didnt he just come clean and tell the truth? Schumer noted that after such testimony, Cabinet nominees have an opportunity to correct the recordyou know, oops, I forgot something. So Sessions could have had his staff stipulate in writing the next day that he now recalled that he did meet with Kislyak but they didnt discuss the election campaign, and the way the Senate works it would have been a two-day story at most. Well its a lot more than that now. But what Schumer said thats far more important than calling on Sessions to resign are the three immediate steps he demanded: 1. A special prosecutor, who he noted would have to be named, under statute, by the acting deputy attorney general, Dana Boente. He was appointed by Trump after the White House fired Sally Yates over her refusal to defend the administrations Muslim ban in court. But Boente had also been appointed to head the Eastern District of Virginia by President Obama. 2. If that doesnt happen, Schumer said he would call on Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan to advance legislation to improve the independent counsel law and to give a three-judge panel the ability to appoint a special prosecutor. This is fascinating, given the history here. Back in the 1990s, when Bill Clinton agreed to accept an independent counsel to investigate Whitewater, the original designee, Robert Fiske, was appointed by Janet Reno. Clintons enemies hated Fiske, who, even though he was a Republican, kept refusing to use the office to conduct an endless witch hunt. Reno got to make that appointment because the independent counsel law had expired. But then, facing political pressure, Clinton signed a new law that took the power to appoint a special prosecutor out of the attorney generals hands and gave it to a three-judge panel of D.C. Circuit Court. The three-judge panel, featuring two arch-conservatives, promptly fired Fiske and replaced him with Ken Starr. Because everybody came to see Starrs prosecution as excessive eventually (way eventually!), the law was again allowed to expire. So today, if a D.C. Circuit three-judge panel were to name a new independent counsel, the panel would likely be drawn from the 11 active judges on the Circuit (there are six who still hear occasional cases but are in essence retired). Of the 11, seven are Democratic appointments (including poor old Merrick Garland). So the odds are a three-judge panel would be two-to-one liberal. If I know this, McConnell and Ryan obviously do too, which is why this probably isnt going anywhere, but its a canny move by Schumer to call for it. It will fire up liberals who were around in those days and who remain pissed off to this day at the way Starr went after Clinton, especially given that between the two of them it was finally Starr who was disgraced and chased from public life by a sex scandal. 3. Schumer said the Justice Department Inspector General should immediately investigate Sessions involvement in the Russia matter so far. The current inspector general is a man named Michael Horowitz, who was appointed by President Obama. He has worked for administrations of both parties and clerked for a Ronald Reagan-appointed judge in California some years ago. On January 12, Horowitz, once worked for James Comey in New Yorks Southern District, announced that the DoJ IG would be investigating the FBI directors handling of Hillary Clintons emails. In January, Horowitz said that hell look at allegations that Department and FBI employees improperly disclosed non-public information, widely taken as a reference to Rudy Giuliani. These are three smart pressure points. If Republicans try to shut down all three, the back and forth will stay in the headlines for days. The calls for a special prosecutor will avalanche now. Republicans in the Senate who arent from deep-red states are going to join the call for a special prosecutor, as Ohios Rob Portman did shortly after Schumer spoke. Sessions will resist, and the White House will resist, but eventually, the untenable nature of their position will show up in the poll numbers, and theyll relent. Sessions will have to relent to have a chance of keeping his job. But this just shows why it was so corrupt for Trump to name him in the first place. Its becoming clearer and clearer why Trump wanted an attorney general he could trust not to investigate him. Top Democratic lawmakers on Thursday called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign amid reports that he misled a Senate committee about his contacts with Russian officials. The Washington Post first reported Wednesday evening that Sessions had spoken with Russias ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, twice last year while also serving in a senior role on President Donald Trumps campaign. During his confirmation hearing last month, however, Sessions said he did not have communications with the Russians. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was the first Democrat to call on Sessions to step down, accusing the former Alabama senator of perjuring himself. In a statement released late Wednesday, Pelosi said Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law-enforcement officer of our country. Sessions, she said, lied under oath during his confirmation hearing before the Senate. I remind you this Congress impeached a president for something so far less, Pelosi added Thursday. In a statement late Wednesday night, Sessions said, I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. When asked about it on Thursday morning, Sessions reiterated that he did not meet with Russians to discuss any political campaign. Sessionss spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, said the attorney general did not mislead the committee because he was not asked about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. The revelation comes as there are growing calls among Democrats and a handful of Republicans for Sessions to appoint an independent special prosecutor to handle the investigation into the Trump campaigns potential ties with Russia, claiming Sessions cannot act as a neutral arbiter due to his role with the campaign. Later Thursday, all Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to FBI Director James Comey and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Channing D. Phillips, calling for a criminal investigation into Sessions statements which could potentially implicate a number of criminal laws including lying to Congress and perjury. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, also called on Sessions to resign, deeming his statements to Congress about Russian communications demonstrably false. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said it is essential that Session recuse himself from any investigation into Trump's relationship with the Kremlin. This is not even a close call: It is a must, Schiff tweeted. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a progressive stalwart who led the Democratic charge against Sessionss confirmation, tweeted, We need Attorney General Jeff Sessionswho should have never been confirmed in the first placeto resign. We need it now. Kamala Harris, the freshman senator from California whose name is often mentioned as a potential 2020 presidential candidate, joined those calls. Later Thursday morning, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also suggested that Sessions step down, adding that the Justice Department should appoint a special prosecutor to look into the Trump campaigns potential ties with Russia. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) went a step further, accusing Sessions of perjuring himself and bringing up potential criminal punishment. We must be entirely clear on one thing: perjury is a felony and may be punishable by prison for up to five years, he wrote. Sen. Joe Manchin, a conservative Democrat from West Virginia, told The Daily Beast on Thursday that Sessions should resign if he lied about his contacts with the Russian ambassador. Manchin was the only Democratic senator to vote to confirm Sessions as attorney general. Reps. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) joined the chorus of Democrats who characterized the Trump administration as scandal-ridden and untrustworthy. Those of us who opposed Sessions from the beginning saw him for who he wasa throwback and a liar, Waters wrote on Twitter. Sessions needs to resign, immediately. It is obvious that the Trump administration cannot be trusted to investigate itself, McCollum said. It is long past time for Congressional Republicans to put country before party, stop the Trump administrations cover-up, and get to the bottom of the scandals that have already tarred this presidency. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, said Sessions should resign and a special prosecutor should take over the probe in order to give the American people credible answers about Russias involvement in the U.S. election. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee tweeted on Thursday: Recusal is no longer an option. AG Sessions betrayed the trust of the American people and must step down immediately #SessionsLied. Virigina Sen. Tim Kaine, the 2016 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, did not go as far as to say that Sessions should resign immediately, but said the attorney general should be questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee and step down if his answers are not satisfactory. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) struck a similar chord, calling the controversy unacceptable. She added, If the attorney general refuses to recuse himself, he should resign. Feinstein, like others, called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the extent of the campaigns communication with Russian officials. If you are the betting type, I have a promising bet for you. Wager that the United States and China will engage in a major war in the near future. Some scholars who specialize in international relations, such as John Mearsheimer, contend that a war between the United States and China is more likely today than a hot war between the United States and the USSR ever was. Timothy Garton Ash, a British historian and commentator, states that the United States and China will probably go to war if they do not carefully manage the slew of points of tension between them. Michael Pillsbury, an expert with four decades of experience studying U.S.-China relations, observes that Chinas lack of military transparency practically guarantees inadvertent escalation, leading to war. Others consider a war with China inevitable because of an iron law of history, according to which prevailing superpowers such as the United States necessarily fail to yield power quickly enough to a new power such as China, thereby causing rising tensions and, eventually, war. Graham Allison writes, The defining question about global order for this generation is whether China and the United States can escape Thucydidess Trap. The Greek historians metaphor reminds us of the attendant dangers when a rising power rivals a ruling power [Avoiding war] required huge, painful adjustments in attitudes and actions on the part not just of the challenger but also the challenged. Even optimists, against whom youd be betting, give the United States and China only a one in four chance of avoiding war. According to Allisons report, superpowers adjusted and avoided war with rising powers in four out of sixteen cases since 1500. (In one of these cases, Great Britain yielded to the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s.) This book hopes to sour your bet (with due apologies) by outlining several policies that may allow us to achieve a peaceful transition of power without endangering the United States core interests in Southeast Asiaor undermining the United States position as a global power. To find a peaceful way, both the United States and China need to change their foreign policies. Scores of books and articles argue what China must do: stop its military buildup, improve its transparency, bring its military more under the control of the government rather than the Communist Party, and transition to a liberal democracy, among other recommendations. This book, in contrast, is written by an American for Americans; it focuses on the actions the United States could take to reduce the probability that the world will face another major war. I cannot stress enough that when I point in the following pages to flaws in the ways that the United States is currently dealing with China (for instance, by excluding it from the Trans Pacific Partnership), this does not mean that China has conducted itself better or does not need to mend its ways. It simply means that Chinas warts have been amply charted and dissected; this book focuses on what the United States could do better. To proceed, Americans need to engage in a national dialogue, a public debate about what the United States China policy is and should be. The United States often engages in such debates about other subjects, such as same-sex marriage, climate change, dealing with ISIS and with Iran. Such a national debate about China policy has not yet happened. Indeed, during the most recent presidential primary season, both Republican and Democratic presidential candidates have mainly avoided the subject, though Donald Trump argued that China is out to eat our lunch. Now that the elections are over, and a new administration has come in, this is a particularly opportune time to engage in such a public debate. This book seeks to serve this overdue give-and-take. Going to or sliding into war with a rising China is especially tragic becauseas I see itChina and the United States share many complementary interests and have surprisingly few substantive reasons to come to blows. (By substantive I mean those issues that are distinct from symbolic or hyped-up ones, such as the question of who owns a pile of rocks somewhere difficult to find on a map.) Some use the terms panda huggers and dragon slayers to categorize analysts and public leaders in the West according to the approaches they recommend adopting toward China; these terms replace the doves and hawks of the Cold War. (I sometimes refer to them as Engagers and Adversarians.) Some might consider this book to fall on the dovish side. However, I am not a panda hugger but rather someone who has been to war. This experience left me with a strong commitment to seeking peaceful resolutions to international conflicts. The overdue public debate about Americas China policy will not take place in a vacuum. The U.S. military, in the course of carrying out its duty to secure the United States, has identified China as a major strategic threat. Accordingly, it has made the case in the media, in congressional hearings, and in presentations to the White House that the United States should take a tougher approach to China and should build up its military in order to prepare for a war with China. The defense industry supports the same charge for its own reasons. To digress, I do not claim that there exists a military-industrial complex in the sense of a solid military-corporate bloc whose representatives meet at night in a motel in Arlington to plot how to gain glory and profit by pushing the United States into war with China. As a matter of fact, the U.S. militarys various services compete with each other; thus the U.S. Army is much less inclined to target China than the U.S. Air Force and Navy are. And many corporations that make money out of peaceful pursuits compete with defense-focused ones, and defense corporations compete with each other. However, as we shall see, major segments of the military and corporations do have strong, vested interests in preparing for war with China for reasons that do serve their constituents, but not necessarily the good of the United States. Reprinted from the forthcoming AVOIDING WAR WITH CHINA: Two Nations, One World by Amitai Etzioni by permission of the University of Virginia Press. Amitai Etzioni is University Professor in the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies at George Washington University. He is the author of Security First: For a Muscular, Moral Foreign Policy and From Empire to Community: A New Approach to International Relations. Real life is all too often crazier than fiction. Such is the problem with E!s splashy, ultimately trolling new drama series The Arrangement. The series, which premieres Sunday, is about Kyle West (Josh Henderson), a major blockbuster movie star who happens to be the celebrity face of a Hollywood-based organization called the Institute of the Higher Mind, which through counseling sessions purports to help its members achieve self-actualization. More accurately, it is about struggling actress Megan Morrison (Christine Evangelista), who auditions for a film starring Kyle only to discover that the tape was actually being vetted by high-level members of the Institute. Impressed with her performance, she ends up being offered a contract marriage. It all should sound familiar, right? Shocking, you might think, that E!, which relies so deeply on maintaining positive relationships with stars of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmess stature, would make a soapy drama series based on the rumors that their marriage was a contract agreement allegedly orchestrated by the Church of Scientology. Shocking, except that, while certainly happy to entertain any eyeballs drawn to the series titillated by this juicy, scandalous concept, the shows producers and all its stars have completely pussyfooted around any and all comparisons to Cruises story or the church completely. You can see the comparisons considering that Toms an actor, Kyle West is an actor, theyre both huge film stars, and its set in Hollywood, Henderson told members of the press. But at the end of the day, were really telling our own unique story. Evangelista echoed the sentiment: Its natural for people to compare. But very soon, early on, you see that these people have their own history, their own relationship, and were not deriving it from any actual people. Jonathan Abrahams, who created and is executive producer of The Arrangement, goes even further to argue, somewhat implausibly, that no comparisons should be made between Scientology and the shows fictional Institute of Higher Learning. Unlike Scientology, the Institute is not a religion, he told TV reporters this winter at the TCA press tour. Plus, he said, there are lots of self-help organizations in Hollywood to draw inspiration from. And dont read into a connection between the shows marriage contract and the gossipmongering that had to do with Tom Cruise: Rumors about contract marriages, for one purpose or another, have permeated Hollywood for decades. Ive heard of contract marriages going back to the days of the early talkies, Abrahams said. But heres the kicker: While standing by his assertion that the show is not about Scientology, Abrahams also admitted that he legally would not be able to say so if it was. Its clear to me that even if I could say that, that I could legally do it, I dont have the authority to say that, he said. It doesnt really matter because it really isnt. After watching the first handful of episodes of The Arrangement, we can say that this is all ridiculous. Sure, we understand distancing yourself to a pointthe church is famously litigious. Obviously the series is not a ripped-from-the-headlines, moment-for-moment depiction of Tom Cruises personal life. Its a fictional television series, and one thats not produced by Ryan Murphy, which means theres going to be a healthy removal from reality. But the connections between its plot and the stories about Cruise and Scientology that we know all too well are so strong that to deny that its loosely based on them isnt just tip-toeing around the parallels. Its delusion. In fact, its not just the rumors about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes that ring the most familiar in The Arrangement, though those seem to be what most critics are focusing on. (Admittedly, there are a few undeniable parallels, like the fact that Kyle and Megans relationship becomes public after their agreement during a trip to Italy, which is where Cruise and Holmess did as well.) The story instead more closely resembles the one told in a bombshell 2012 Vanity Fair article by Maureen Orth that detailed an elaborate auditioning process that allegedly was meant to find a new girlfriend and then-wife for Tom Cruise. According to Orths sources, including former Scientologist Marc Headley, who claims to have been seen the audition tapes, little-known actresses were brought in under the guise of auditioning for a training film, but were then asked a series of atypical personal questions, like: What do you think of Tom Cruise? This almost identically mirrors the first act of The Arrangement. (Church representatives denied to Vanity Fair that such a search took place, dismissing Orths sources as disgruntled former members.) As Orth explains, actress Nazanin Boniadi was selected through that process, and dated Cruise from November 2004 until January 2005. Their early meetings, as described in the article, were blanketed with the kinds of grand, sweeping gestures that Kyle West uses to woo Megan in E!s series. But when Cruise and Boniadis initial honeymoon period waned and it became clear that Boniadi wouldnt be a good fit for the position, Vanity Fair reported that she moved out of the house she shared with Cruise at the time and was broken up with by church officials. According to both Orths sources and in former Scientologist Leah Reminis memoir, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology (Remini claims to have been friends with Boniadi at the time), Boniadi was punished for failing the mission for which she had been recruited. [She was] subjected to doing four months of menial labor, including tasks such as digging ditches and cleaning public toilets with a toothbrush, Remini wrote. Eventually she was promoted to selling Dianetics books on the streets of Tampa. (A Scientology spokesperson told Vanity Fair: The Church does not punish people, especially in [that] manner.) Boniadi has since left the church, Orth reported in 2012, and has had success on series like Homeland, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder. Boniadi has since spoken against the church in an anti-Scientology rap song. It was soon after her relationship with Cruise failed that the actor began dating Katie Holmes. Reports, as outlined in this New York Post piece, are that Holmes had signed a five-year contract when she married Cruise. The Church of Scientology has not responded to our request for comment on the comparisons between the Vanity Fair article about Boniadi and E!s series. At the time of each publishing, the organization dismissed both the magazines and Reminis claims. Like we said earlier, the series is hardly a point-by-point dramatization of the scandalous article. But its so close, with parallels to both lesser-known points about Boniadis alleged story and Holmess far more widely circulated one, that E! must have known it would be tantalizing us with the connections, even if theyre now denying it. Its all the same. As we learned after watching the show, the idea of a series that dramatizes Tom Cruises rumored Scientology contract marriage is far more interesting than the series itself. Attorney General Jeff Sessions hasnt said if he will recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, but he has been quick to demand recusal from Democratic officials in the past. Sessions is facing his own calls for recusal from a Justice Department investigation into alleged links between Russia and Donald Trumps presidential campaign after the Washington Post reported Wednesday he met twice with Russias ambassador to the U.S. Despite those meetings while he was a surrogate for Trump, Sessions told senators during his confirmation hearing for attorney general that he had had no such contacts. In 2011, Sessions called for Justice Elena Kagan to recuse herself from case before the Supreme Court on a lawsuit against the Affordable Care Acts individual mandate. Kagan had defended the law as solicitor general in the Obama administration. Sessions portrayed recusal as standard practice when such conflicts arise, and urged her to act in a way thats consistent with the highest ethical standards of recusal. A former Sessions staffer drew attention to those calls on Thursday. I spent countless hours working on argument for Kagen [sic] to recuse from ACA cases for Sessions, Hunter Walton wrote on Twitter. Recusal should be no brainer for him. Sessions spokesperson Sarah Flores did not respond to a request for comment on his past recusal remarks. More recently, Sessions criticized his attorney general predecessor, Loretta Lynch for failing to recuse herself in the federal governments probe of Hillary Clintons email practices. Lynch never recused herself from decisions on the Clinton investigation after her self-admitted mistake, he wrote on FoxNews.com of Lynchs meeting with Bill Clinton on the tarmac at a Phoenix airport in summer 2016. That meeting came as the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated whether Clinton violated federal law in her use of a private email server. While Lynch did not recuse herself, she said she would follow the recommendation of the FBI following the conclusion of its investigation. FBI Director James Comey publicly announced the investigation found nothing to support criminal prosecution and Lynch concurred. In the FoxNews.com column co-authored with fellow Trump campaign surrogate and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani (and three other former Justice Department officials), Sessions called for a special prosecutor to take the lead in that investigation due to Lynchs alleged conflicts of interest. Recusal is a formal process, Sessions wrote. If General Lynch went through the proper procedure for recusal, she has not publicly shared it. Sessions repeated his call for a special prosecutor in an appearance on Fox News. Now its Democrats calling for the attorney general to recuse himselfand even to resign. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee asked the FBI on Thursday to open a criminal investigation into Sessions, suggesting he may have committed perjury. The information reported last night makes it clear, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Attorney General Sessions cannot possibly lead an investigation, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said of the revelations. He may very well become the subject of the investigation, Schumer said. Sessions told NBC News that he would recuse himself whenever its appropriate, but denied that he had misled senators who asked about his contacts with Russian officials. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. And I don't have anything else to say about that, Sessions said. Donald Trump has reportedly suggested to the British authorities that a proposed state visit to the U.K. in June be postponed in the hope that virulent opposition to him will fade. British officials are said to be considering October as the new date because its parliament will be in recess, and it would be harder for British lawmakers to snub Trump by staging protests or boycotts in the Houses of Parliament. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the delay is said to have been suggested by Trump during a phone call to British Prime Minister Theresa May last month. A senior Whitehall source told the Mail: The Americans have asked to push it back. They dont want what will be one of his first big foreign trips to be overshadowed. A spokesperson in the prime ministers office told The Daily Beast that no formal announcement on the timing or shape of Trumps visit had been released yet. When President George W. Bush traveled to London for a state visit in 2003months after the invasion of Iraqhe was greeted by more than 100,000 angry protesters. Trump was asked to visit by Prime Minister May, who issued a hasty invitation just days after he became president. A petition calling for the visit to be canceled in the wake of the failed Trump travel ban was signed by 1.8 million people and the issue was debated in parliament. A rival petition calling for Trump to be granted a state visit was signed by more than 300,000 people. Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan told parliament it was entirely right to extend a hand to Trump. In the light of Americas absolutely pivotal role, we believe it entirely right that we should use all the tools at our disposal to build common ground with President Trump. There is a long history of Britain inviting unpalatable and even genocidal leaders on state visits, including Zimbabwean tyrant Robert Mugabe, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Japans wartime leader Emperor Hirohito. The Mail adds that officials are also considering having Trump spend as little as one day in London before packing him off to Scotland to stay with the queen at her Highland retreat Balmoral for the remainder of the trip. The plan is likely to enrage Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has been a leading voice calling for Trumps state visit to be canceled in retaliation for what she called his deeply wrong travel ban. In 2016, the Just Want Privacy campaign fell about 65,000 signatures short of getting an initiative on the Washington state ballot calling for the effective repeal of protections for transgender people. But theyre back at it again this yearand this time theyre targeting mosques to get more signatures, as the Spokesman-Review first reported. The mosques in Washington state will be some of the best places to gather signatures, Joseph Backholm, the founder of Just Want Privacy, told the local paper. Theres one major problem with that plan, however: Mahmood Khadeer, president of the Redmond-based Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS), the largest mosque in Washington state with over 5,000 families, told The Daily Beast that theyre not interested in Just Want Privacys signature-gathering efforts. If somebody comes for collecting those signatures, we are not going to subscribe to that because we are against any discrimination of that type, he told The Daily Beast. In fact, MAPS has already denied Just Want Privacy permission to gather signatures for their anti-transgender ballot initiative once before. Khadeer told The Daily Beast that the Just Want Privacy campaign came to the Redmond mosque last spring during a hectic time and acquired a handful of signatures in the resulting confusion. Last year during Ramadan, they showed up at our center and we had no idea who those people were, Khadeer told The Daily Beast. With little information about the campaign and out of a desire to not be disrespectful to [their] guests, Khadeer says that Just Want Privacy was given a spot in the corner to collect signatures but a lot of community members were unhappy with them. (A few of them signed, maybe without reading, Khadeer recalled.) Afterward, the MAPS board learned more about Just Want Privacys political goals. So when the signature gatherers asked to come back for Eid al-Fitr, the feast at the end of Ramadan, MAPS refused. They wanted to come again on our big Eid celebration and we said no to them, Khadeer told The Daily Beast, later reemphasizing, We did not allow it. If Just Want Privacys I-1552 ballot initiative (PDF) gains 260,000 signatures by July, Washingtonians could vote to amend the states non-discrimination legislation to define sex, gender, and all other gendered terms based on the persons sex or gender as determined or that existed biologically or genetically at the time of a persons birth. The state currently interprets that legislation as prohibiting anti-transgender discrimination in gender-segregated facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and homeless shelters. I-1552 would also override some portions of local non-discrimination legislation dealing with gender identity, according to its ballot title (PDF). And as the text of the initiative itself notes, I-1552 would also require public schools to make an alternative accommodation if one is available for any transgender student who wishes to use facilities that align with their gender (PDF). Otherwise, restroom use in public schools would be segregated by sex assigned at birth. (The Trump administration has already withdrawn federal Title IX guidance instructing schools to allow transgender students to use gender-appropriate restrooms.) Last year, as MyNorthwest reported, Just Want Privacy was only able to get 181,278 signatures shortly before the deadline for last years ballot initiative, I-1515. This year, theyll need almost 80,000 more signatures than they got the last time around. Over email, Joseph Backholm, founder of the Just Want Privacy campaign and president of the socially conservative Family Policy Institute of Washington, told The Daily Beast that nothing in that [Spokesman-Review] article was accurate and that the writer of that editorial was desperately trying to portray the effort as anti-Islamic. (The Spokesman-Review had reported that Just Want Privacy was planning to hold a closed-door training for signature gatherers at a Christian church in Spokane that was also scheduled to host a controversial ex-Muslim pastor named Shahram Hadian who has called Islam a culture of death.) But asked if he did indeed say that mosques in Washington state will be some of the best places to gather signatures for I-1552, Backholm said, Yes. Thats accurate. In my experience, the Muslim community has a clear sense of the difference between men and women and believe those differences are innate not felt, he explained. But I should [not] be speaking for them. The day after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Washington state in a lawsuit against President Trumps travel ban on seven majority-Muslim countriesBackholm tweeted: Obama bombed much of the middle east via executive order. Can Trump just blow up the airports in the 7 countries to implement the ban? In a document obtained by The Daily Beast entitled Lessons Learned from Signature Gathering and dated November 2016, the Just Want Privacy campaign appears to outline a potential strategy for gathering signatures from mosques and synagogues this year in the wake of their failure to get enough signatures last year. Think biggerdiversify, a bullet point under the Potential Actions section of the document reads. [T]hink about collecting signatures at womens clubs, fitness clubs, Muslim Mosques, Jewish Synagogues. Another section of the Lessons Learned document aligns closely with Khadeers description of the groups ill-fated visit to the Redmond mosque last year: Two people identified only as KM and DO recall that the Redmond mosque did not work very well, that they got a few forms filled out, and that many could hardly communicate with us and could not fill out the form adequately. The section on the Redmond mosque visit continues: We had one very difficult exchange one night two [sic] with a large loud woman who said, Get out of here. We dont want you Christians here. You always want us to do things for you. You dont care about us. Backholm denied the opportunity to comment on the Lessons Learned document and did not respond to a further request to confirm its authenticity. As riveting as that piece of journalism is sure to be, you are correct, Backholm said when The Daily Beast asked if he was certain that he didnt want to answer questions about the Lessons Learned document, which, incidentally, contains a suggestion to develop a communications plan that does not depend at all on the media (newspaper or TV). Just Want Privacy did not return phone messages left by The Daily Beast on Tuesday asking for comment about both the plan to gather signatures from mosques and the Lessons Learned document. Metadata in the documents properties indicates that Lessons Learned from Signature Gathering was created last year by a consultant affiliated with Just Want Privacy. Publicly, the Just Want Privacy campaign told a critic on their Facebook page that the initiative has nothing to do with transgender people. Neither does the I-1552 ballot initiative use the word transgender, referring instead to transgender students as those who consistently assert to school officials that their gender identity is different from their birth sex or gender. The Lessons Learned document, however, contains several direct references to transgender people. Under a bullet point labeled Build supporting resources, two individuals identified as CW and AM suggest making videos of mean and nasty adult trans m-to-females to persuade the public. Someone identified as CP recalls that they avoided discussing [their] opinion of transgender people when gathering signatures. At another point, the phrase males including transwomen appears. Ive noticed that when trans people are shown its often adorable little boys who could easily pass for girls, two individuals write in an appendix of the document on the groups communications strategy. So different from the MEN they grow up into. I think showing these men, really showing them up close, a good hard look, hearing them talk as they insist they are women too & you must accept that, cursing us if we dont agree, taking a good hard look, would help our cause. Backholms initial comments to The Daily Beast about his experience of the Muslim community having a clear sense of the difference between men and women seems to suggest that he believes Washington mosques could be sympathetic to the ballot initiative. But Khadeer says that Just Want Privacy shouldnt let any preconceptions about Islamic theology guide the campaign into believing that members of mosques like MAPS will be any more likely to sign I-1552. As the Seattle Times reported, MAPS condemned last years Pulse nightclub shooting and called on the Muslim community to give blood. Theologically, you know, we have an opinion on LGBTQ etc.that Islam does not approve of that lifestyle, he told The Daily Beast. But as far as discrimination is concerned, anybody marginalizing them, anybody discriminating them, anybody mistreating themwe stand with them to protect their rights. We welcome them and we treat them like any other Muslim or human being, he continued. If their rights are being tampered upon, if people are mistreating them, if they are going to get discriminated [against], then were gonna stand with them. Apple is standing with Gavin Grimm, the transgender boy at the center of an upcoming Supreme Court case that will decide whether or not he can use the boys restroom in his Virginia high school. So are Airbnb, eBay, and Intel. Microsoft, PayPal, Salesforce, Twitter and other major technology companies also signed an amicus brief, announced by the Human Rights Campaign on Thursday, in support of the 17-year-old Grimm. But as Axios correspondent Ina Fried observed Wednesday nightand The Hill noted Thursday morningthere were some conspicuous absences from the list of signatories: Facebook, Google, and Uber. All of these companies have taken public stands on anti-LGBT discrimination beforeand have commented recently on the specific issue of restroom access for transgender students. So why arent their names on the list? A source familiar with the companies who were approached for the amicus brief confirmed to The Daily Beast that Facebook, Google, and Uber were all invited to sign. And when President Trump rescinded the Obama administrations Title IX guidelines for transgender students two weeks ago, all three Silicon Valley giants immediately pushed back. Uber said in a statement, We will continue to speak out against discriminatory actions and in favor of good policy that champions equality and inclusion for all. Google said that the company was deeply concerned to see a roll-back in transgender students rights. And Facebook noted that they stand for ensuring equal rights for everyone, including transgender students, and will continue to advocate for more rights instead of fewer. On Thursday morning, The Daily Beast reached out to Facebook, Google, and Uber asking why they had not signed the amicus brief. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Facebook spokesperson directed The Daily Beast to the companys previous statement on the Trump administrations rollback of the Title IX guidance for transgender students and emphasized that the company has signed a letter opposing SB6, an anti-transgender bathroom bill in Texas. (Google has also signed that letter.) But asked again if Facebook has any specific comment on their absence from the amicus brief, the spokesperson said, Not at this point. Ill let update you if we have anything to add. An Uber spokespersonlike the Facebook spokespersonreferred The Daily Beast to the ridesharing companys previous statement on Trump rescinding the Title IX guidelines, which says that the company is proud of [their] longstanding opposition to harmful initiatives aimed at the LGBT community. (A source at Uber familiar with the matter, however, indicated that the company wanted to sign the amicus brief but simply missed the deadline to do so.) The Human Rights Campaign, which organized the amicus brief, did not comment on the absence of Facebook, Google, and Uber. With regard to the 53 companies that did sign, HRC President Chad Griffin said in a press statement that they are sending a powerful message to transgender children and their families that Americas leading businesses have their backs. Across the country, corporate leaders are speaking out because they know attacking transgender youth isn't just shamefulit also puts the families of their employees and customers at risk, Griffin said. Transgender students like Gavin are entitled to the full protection of the law, and must be affirmed, respected and protected in the classroom and beyond. Facebook, Google, and Uber all have long records of supporting transgender employees and, more broadly, transgender rights. All three tech companies score 100 on the HRCs Corporate Equality Index, which means that they all have comprehensive discrimination protections and offer transgender-inclusive health insurance. And none are strangers to the legislative or judicial battles that have cropped up around questions of transgender equality around the country. In 2015, leaders from all three companies signed a call for nationwide discrimination protections for LGBT Americans. And when North Carolina passed its anti-transgender bathroom bill HB2, the CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Uber opposed it. The three companies have also endorsed successful legislation protecting transgender people from discrimination in the state of Massachusetts. (All three companies also signed a letter criticizing the Trump administration over his travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries.) Gavin Grimms forthcoming Supreme Court case, however, could be the most monumental decision on transgender rights in judicial history. Shortly after he publicly came out as transgender, Grimm was forced by his Gloucester County, Virginia school board to use an alternative bathroom rather than continue to use the boys bathroom as he had been doing for over a month. The ensuing court battlein which Grimm has been represented by the ACLUnow hinges on a key question: Will the Supreme Court decide that transgender students are protected under Title IXs ban on sex discrimination? For transgender students, many of whom are severely bullied and face restrictions to restroom access in their schools, the stakes are high. And when the judicial stakes were similarly high for same-sex marriage, Google and Facebook were among the hundreds of companies who signed an amicus brief in support of Jim Obergefell in his landmark marriage equality case. This time around, theyre not on a potentially history-making list. Google, Facebook, and Uber have all previously spoken out in support of transgender studentsan act that carries weight given their sheer size, collectively representing over $100 billion in annual revenue. But by leaving their names off of the amicus brief, they may have missed a crucial opportunity to put their mouths where their money is. Asked on a press call Thursday morning about the conspicuous absences on the amicus brief, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio pointed to the other companies who have signed. I dont have any specific comment on that other than just to reiterate the breadth of support from the business community, the medical community, the faith community, and so many other places, he said. I dont have any other knowledge about that. Attorney General Jeff Sessions did not tell the truth in his sworn Senate confirmation hearing, and skirted the truth in the written questionnaire accompanying it. The next steps, according to precedent and law, are clear: An FBI investigation must commence to determine if there are grounds to indict Sessions for perjury, and an independent prosecutor must be appointed to look into Sessionss conduct in particular, and perhaps the Trump administrations ties to Russia in general. On Jan. 10, Sen. Al Franken cited then-newly released documents alleging high-level Trump campaign contacts with the Russian government. Franken said several times that these documents had not been verified, but then asked, If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do? Sessionswho had sworn under oath to tell the truth at the start of his hearingreplied, Sen. Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I didnt have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment. In fact, as The Washington Post revealed Wednesday evening, Sessions did have at least two communications with Russian government figures, including what the Post described as a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senators office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. Separately, as part of the written materials accompanying the confirmation process, Sessions was asked by Sen. Patrick Leahy, Several of the president-elects nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day? No, he replied. Both statements are sufficiently close to perjury to warrant an immediate FBI investigation. Federal law defines perjury as when an individual under oath willfully and contrary to such oath states or subscribes any material matter which he does not believe to be true. Sessionss case depends on the word willfully. Clearly, the statements were material; they are crucial matters of national security. Its also clear that his response to Franken was inaccurate, and the accuracy of his response to Leahy hangs on the phrase about the 2016 election, since we dont know what he and the Russian ambassador discussed. Indeed, Sessionss response to the new revelations is a tacit admission that he did communicate with Russian officials, just not about the campaign. I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. To discuss issues of the campaign, maybe. But his Jan. 10 statement was far more general: I didnt have communications with the Russians. Thats clearly not true. But to be guilty of perjury, Sessions had to know that it was untrue. Thats why the next step, in cases such as these, is an FBI investigation to determine what Sessions knew, when he knew it, what other contacts may have taken place, what Sessions and Kislyak discussed, and whether it is plausible that Sessions somehow did not remember his meetings with the Russian diplomat. The normal procedure is for Congress to request an FBI investigation. Heretofore, House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) has declined to investigate a host of alarming allegations regarding Russian contacts with the Trump administrationbut this may be different. Interestingly, when Chaffetz was investigating Hillary Clintons email serverhow quaint those misdeeds seem nowhe scolded FBI Director James Comey for not launching an investigation on his own instead of waiting for a request from Congress. In other words, the FBI need not wait. Nor should it. Sessions made a clearly false statement under oath. Is it perjury? Thats for a court to decide. But is it worthy of investigation? Of course. Compare that to Clinton, who may or may not have lied when she said she didnt recall any emails marked as classified on her personal account. For that to be perjury, she would have to have seen the emails marked C, known what the marking meant, remembered seeing them, and deliberately lied about it. And yet that merited a full FBI investigation that may have swung the presidential election. Normally, the next step is for the FBI to issue a report, including a recommendation to indict or not to indict, which the Justice Department takes under advisement. In this case, however, it would be absurd for the FBI to tell Sessions to indict himself. Legally, its a conflict of interest. Practically speaking, its ridiculous. Already, the White House is in denial mode, calling the reports the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats. Obviously, this administration cannot be expected to investigate itself when it is already denying theres anything to investigate. That, of course, is why special prosecutors are appointed, either by the Justice Department, by the president, or by Congress. To be clear, the appointment of a special prosecutor and the launching of an FBI investigation are not equivalent to a guilty verdict. Maybe the FBI will find exculpatory evidence. Maybe the special prosecutor will determine that its impossible to prove that Sessions knew he wasnt telling the truth. Like anyone else, Sessions deserves a fair investigation and, if charged, a fair trial. But unlike anyone else, Jefferson Sessions is the attorney general of the United States. Surely, as a lawyer with a long and distinguished record, he must recognize the obvious conflict of interest to have his colleagues and subordinates investigating his own activities. Really, the only remaining question should be the scope of the special prosecutors mandate. That scope could be quite narrow, confined to Sessionss own conduct and statements. But it should be broader. Now that we know that Sessions has misrepresented (willfully or not) his own contacts with Russia, we know that the administrations contacts are wider than we thought. We also know that Sessions himself is involved. As a result, it makes sense to launch a single investigation, rather than appoint a prosecutor with a narrow mandate, only to have to go back and either appoint another one or expand the mandate later. The special prosecutors office needs a robust mandate to follow the truth where it leads. This is not strictly required by the new Sessions revelations, but it is obviously the most logicalif not the most politically palatablecourse of action. It is also the most patriotic. The stakes could not be higher. Its always bad news in politics when you find yourself being forced to deny a crisis. But Gawain Towler, an activist, candidate, and press spokesperson for the anti-European United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) breezily told The Daily Beast on Wednesday: I dont think UKIP is having an existential crisis. Superficially and externally it may look like that, but, it wont look like that for much longer. Towlers right about one thingit certainly looks bad for UKIP to the casual observer. Since the Brexit referendum, UKIP has effectively lost its USP to the ruling Conservative party, which has stolen all of their clothes and occupied their territory so comprehensively that UKIPs new leaderPaul Nuttallwasnt even able to win a by-election last week. UKIP is a textbook case of how easily political parties that are perceived to be single-issue can become victims of their own success. Having made the U.K. leaving the EU its one and only easily identifiable policy, UKIP now finds itself in a relevancy wasteland, with nothing to convincingly rail about. Although national polling data shows the party consistently winning the backing of between 12 percent and 15 percent of voters, the party has always failed to break through and win more than one parliamentary seat in general elections, due to Britains first past the post system, which only rewards the candidate in each constituency who gets the most votes. The system, which has been praised for militating against extremist candidates, inevitably blocks minority parties from gaining a foothold in Parliament. But UKIPs problems go deeper than the workings of the British electoral system. The real problem is that the traditional UKIP voterwhite, poor, and angryhas fallen back in love with the newly xenophobic, anti-immigration, Brexit-at-any-cost, ruling Conservatives. British Prime Minister Theresa May has wooed them remorselessly with her red line on immigration and Brexit means Brexit messageeven promising to make no deal with Europe ahead of a bad deal. In two by-elections held last week for parliamentary seats that had become vacant after the local MPs resigned for other jobs, UKIP, far from riding high on a wave of Brexit fervor, were thrashed by the Conservatives and Labour. For Towler and his ilk, the best hope of renewing the partys relevance is that the newly populist Conservative Government reneges on its Brexit promises. Referring to the partys new leader, Towler said, I feel that, as Mr. Nuttall said, our time will come. There seems to be a growing discrepancy between the rhetoric coming out of the government and the reality. As the details of the deal come out, there is going to be a gap, and disillusionment. Our job then will be to hold the governments feet to the fire, and to achieve the Brexit that was voted for. But on top of its political irrelevancy, the party is also struggling to contain a civil war within the ranks, with a high profile power struggle between two of its most important and high-profile public faces; ur-Brexiteer and former UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, and Douglas Carswell, the partys only MP. Carswell defected to UKIP from the Tories but then won his seat fair and square in the ensuing by-election and held it in the general election. He fell out with Donald Trumps favorite British politician over his extreme anti-immigration stance, but, rather inconveniently for Farage, Carswell is the only kipper to ever actually win a seat in the British Parliament. Farage wrote an angry opinion piece in The Telegraph on Tuesday calling for Carswell to be kicked out of the party, claiming that the MP, who had initially been warmly welcomed into the UKIP fold, was a Tory posh boy who was convinced that making immigration a key plank in the referendum campaign would put off his nice middle class friends from voting leave. (Farage refused to tone down the anti-immigration message in the ensuing debate.) Farage wrote that Carswell, has brought nothing to the party at all other than constant division, at times I believe deliberately stirred up to cause maximum damage to the party. Farage accused Carswell of sabotage on Wednesday, telling the Press Association: Did he ever leave the Conservatives? He was certainly representing them during the referendum campaign. Carswell is said to lose no opportunity to run down Farage, and The Telegraph claimed this week that Carswell played a role in blocking an honor for Farage. Leaked emails showed Carswell joking that Farage should be given an OBE for services to headline writers, and one of UKIPs principal donors said he was preparing to stand against Carswell in the next election. Reports continue to circulate that Carswell is now in negotiations with the Conservatives about returning to the party he left in 2014. Its a mighty mess, and one which, Towler concedes, is driven principally by personal enmity between Farage and Carswellneither of whom responded to emails from The Daily Beastwho have both been accused of being egotistical attention seekers in their time. Towler told The Daily Beast that the row, which he admitted was unedifying, is as much about personality as anything, but declined to comment on the frequent speculation that Farage felt threatened by Carswells clumsy attempts to take control of the party. All eyes are now on the April gathering of UKIPs National Executive Council which provides the only mechanism to expel Carswell from the party. UKIP officials wont say whether or not they expect to be rid of the troublesome Carswell after the conclave, but Towler did tell the Daily Beast that he doubts there will be much love for Carswell in the room, saying: I dont think Mr. Carswell amounts to being a faction. That would suggest he has significant support within party. One of the many ironies of Brexit is that of all the people who might have been expected to suffer the direst consequences from Britains decision to leave the EU, few would have suspected the result would have such a calamitous impact on the political party which assiduously campaigned for it for decades, and without the existence of which the referendum itself would probably never have been called. Amarula announces second stage of campaign Distell brand Amarula has launched the second stage of its Name Them, Save Them program, with 400,000 individualised bottles featuring a named elephant from the earlier part of the campaign. Name Them, Save Them got its start last October when Amarula launched Phase One, an on-line effort that allowed an international audience to visit a digital African savannah where they could design and name a virtual African elephant. Participants could then share their named elephant with friends and fellow conservationists as a means of raising awareness to the plight of these intelligent and magnificent animals. To date, over 500,000 elephant-lovers from around the world have visited Amarulas digital African savannah a number greater than the actual population of African elephants currently living in the wild. At IAADFS in Orlando this year, Amarula will roll-out the next phase of Name Them, Save Them. In Phase Two, the digitalised pachyderms created by the cream liqueurs online audience are brought to life by putting a named elephant and information regarding the animal on the labels of 400,000 individualised Amarula bottles - one bottle for each of the earths remaining African elephants. Amarula will be showcasing a number of these one-of-a-kind bottles at IAADFS before they are distributed to Amarula markets around the world. Commenting on the Name Them, Save Them conservation effort, Dino DAraujo, Amarula global general manager, says: The future of the African elephant is at a tipping point. Collected data shows that each day not each month or even each week each day around 96 African elephants are killed by poachers for their ivory. The species simply cannot sustain a slaughter on that scale and survive." The latest wildlife census information puts the number of African elephants living in the wild at around 400,000, a staggering decline from just a decade ago. Amarula intends to maintain the digital African savannah and its visuals into the foreseeable future. Amarula will donate $1.00 (USD) to elephant conservation efforts for every digital elephant created on the site. DAraujo noted that the African elephant has been the symbol for Amarula Cream Liqueur since its inception and the animals current plight demanded a greater conservation effort by the brand to try to save it. He says: We have always had a special bond with these magnificent creatures as the marula tree and its fruit contribute enormously to the well-being of the elephant and the very existence of Amarula. We had to come up with something that would personalise the plight of the African elephant in a way that would resonate with the international community and rally it to the cause. We think Name Them, Save Them is the perfect vehicle for this outreach. The Amarula bottles carrying the name and information on the digitalised elephants will be available beginning in late-spring and early-summer, 2017 in GTR as well as South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Canada, the UK and US. For more information, visit www.amarula.com or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsPe8tvrCZk. 2 March 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor March 5, 1908 - February 21, 2017 Zola Gunn Knowles born in Burnet, Texas on March 5, 1908, to Francis L. Gunn and Cenia Laura Ricketson Gunn. She was the third child of eight siblings, two boys and six girls. They were an exceptionally close family, blessed with longevity: all living into their nineties. A Memorial Celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at First United Methodist Church in Bryan. A private family interment will be held at College Station Cemetery. She graduated from High School in the pre-college program at Sam Houston State Teacher's College, Huntsville, Texas in 1925. She received a Bachelors Degree from Southwest Texas State College, San Marcos, Texas in 1938. She did post-graduate work at STSC, Texas A&M College, College Station, Texas and the University of Houston, Houston, Texas from which she received a Master's Degree of Education in 1954. She held Permanent Elementary Texas Teacher's Certificate and Elementary Supervisor's Certification. For 31 years Mrs. Knowles taught in Texas public schools in Pleasant Valley, Kingsland, Hoover's Valley, Mesquite, A&M Consolidated, and Borger. She also taught in elementary schools in Salt Lake City, Utah and Arlington, Virginia. In addition, she taught summer school in the Education Department at A&M College, and Director of Reading Clinics at Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas. For a time she was a Reading Consultant for the Economy Company, Education Publisher's, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Among the professional and fraternal organizations Mrs. Knowles held memberships in are Delta Kappa Gamma, Delta Kappa Pi, Kappa Pi, and the American Association of University Women, Texas State Teachers Association. Between 1943-1946, During WWII, she was employed by the U.S. Air CRP at Bryan Air Field, Bryan, Texas as a commercial artist. Her duties included climbing into the cockpit of fighter planes and hand lettering the instructions on the dials of the fuselage. In order to do this work, she had to pass a high security check. For her war work she received a high commendation certificate. Mrs. Knowles was an artist. Her paintings of landscapes and still life were done primarily in oil. After reaching her 90s she concentrated on painting water color greeting cards. She declined many offers to have her work displayed as well as requests from individuals who wished to buy her work. She chose instead to enjoy her painting in a non-commercial manner by making gifts of her art work to a large group of family and friends over a period of many years. Mrs. Knowles was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bryan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lewis A. Knowles, her daughter Bettye Knowles Moon, an infant grandson, Lewis Knowles, her brothers Roy Gunn and Floyd Gunn, her sisters Birdie G. Burleson, LaRhesa McNair, Oleta Smith and Hazel Jackson. She is survived by her son and his wife, Dr. Joe H. and Sue Knowles of Amarillo, Texas, son-in-law Wally Moon of Bryan (Bettye Knowles Moon), and one sister Mary House (Rev. Dr. Morris House). She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and many devoted nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, former students and family friends. Donald Trump wants to restrict or even abolish the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In particular, he is proposing to dramatically limit the federal agency's power to regulate carbon dioxide emissions, instead putting the onus on individual states to self-regulate. Although it sounds like a dire strategy, and emissions will probably increase, tougher regulations in blue states like California or New York should mitigate the inevitable oil and gas boom in Texas and the Midwest. But far more worrying than a scale back of the EPA are existing policies, which already subsidise fossil fuels to an alarming extent. US markets are currently so distorted in favour of the most polluting energy sources that scrapping climate regulations will do relatively little to increase emissions, compared to the damage that is already being done. Trump's anti-EPA proposals - if they are ever implemented - will be comparable to throwing a match on a burning building. Fossil fuels' $170 billion a year subsidy - before Trump Coal, oil, and natural gas - fossil fuels - are the key cause of climate change, yet they receive huge support from governments. I've developed a new method to extract the size of fossil-fuel subsidies by looking at how much these fuels are used by individual countries. By comparing actual energy use to a hypothetical amount a country 'should' use in the absence of subsidies, we can extract the value of a country's implicit subsidies. These benefits go far beyond the obvious tax breaks for coal, oil and gas firms. We are dealing here with entire economies set up to favour fossil fuel consumption over more energy-efficient or renewable alternatives. This manifests itself in a wide variety of 'hidden subsidies', ranging from cheaper loans for drilling companies to subsidised mortgages which push people to build bigger houses that use more energy. One striking example is the exemption of roadways from property tax. In the US, almost all land pays some type of property tax - even federal forests pay states for tying up land in a particular use. The land on which roads are built, however, generally pays nothing. This results in lost revenues and encourages more driving, and more petrol burning. Add up the value of all these benefits and what do we get? In 2010, the most recent year in my analysis, fossil fuel subsidies in the US were worth a staggering US$170 billion. That amounted to 1.8% of GDP or $1,400 per year for the average American family. 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 ... Get to know the candidates for Iowa House District 99 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Over-regulation of the building industry at the municipal level is holding back the economy, industry leaders told local and state legislators Wednesday night. Skepticism about the future of Connecticuts business climate was evident in the questions legislators fielded from members of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County, or HBRA, at the trade organizations annual legislative night hosted in Norwalk. But frustration with expensive and time-intensive zoning regulations and permits that vary by municipality comprised the bulk of concerns raised by architects and builders. The biggest issue is over-regulation, South Norwalk-based architect Chris Pagliaro said during a question-and-answer period, to applause and shouts of support from the audience. For example, Pagliaro said, it took two years to gain approval to work on a property in Westport, which elicited some gasps from around the room. People dont have the stomach for this anymore. Its driving away people, he said. (Building) every house has, conservatively, 50 companies working on it. Think how much a single-family house moves the local economy. In response, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said hes been working to streamline the permitting process in Norwalk, and he encouraged people to reach out to him with ideas about how to improve the process further. State Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan, said he believes the best way to solve the problem is for industry experts to volunteer on local zoning boards. State Rep. Terrie Wood, R-Darien, agreed, and said those bothered by the process should take a note from outcries following the presidential election. This election has galvanized people, she said. Get on the local level and get involved in streamlining the process. After the meeting, HBRAs senior vice president, Anthony DeRosa, who owns Greenwich-based DeRosa Builders, said over-regulation is an ongoing issue. It continues to be a problem in our industry, he said, suggesting a possible solution would be to standardize the permitting process across towns. As it stands, each town regulates differently and operates under its own processes and requirements, he said. Research which towns have the quickest turnaround and lowest regulation but a sound working system and use that model across every town in the state. This would help streamline the process. Faster approval processes would increase the number of homes built, which ultimately helps drive local economies, DeRosa said, adding that building new single-family homes creates hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in wages and tax revenue. Information HBRA dispersed at the meeting cited drastically declining numbers of permits issued to build homes in Connecticut, with 2016 marking the lowest number since 1997. Its a reflection of the things that are not positive in Connecticut, said state HBRA CEO and lobbyist Bill Ethier in a letter sent to the state and shared with HBRA members. Connecticut really needs major reform to its regulatory, tax and fee structure to gain business attention and interest, build business confidence once again, and ensure (Connecticut) is and will be a great place to start and grow businesses of all types. Conversations about paid sick leave, the minimum wage and the states pension woes also headlined the evening. State Sen. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, said he and his legislative colleagues were sensitive of their impact on the states business climate. Theres no one here who doesnt want to make Connecticut better. We just have a little bit of different ideas of how to do that, he said. MBennett@greenwichtime. com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_ This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Turn that cellphone off for heavens sake! It may be the start of a new contemporary Catholic fasting practice during two Holy days. At least that whats the Rev. Steven Boguslawski envisions. It came about during a discussion I was having a few months ago with Father (James) Shanley (rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford), Boguslawski said of the idea which could be the first of its kind in the country. We were trying to find new approaches to Lenten fasting... Archbishop Leonard Blair of the Hartford Archdiocese agreed with the approach. So on billboards, in church bulletins and in some cases priestly announcements, the Archdiocese is urging their 545,980 Roman Catholics to turn off their cell phones and instead talk to God on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This goes along with the recommended Lenten sacrifice, Friday fasts and almsgiving. The Archdiocese which includes churches and schools in Milford and the Naugatuck Valley covers the Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven counties. It includes 212 Roman Catholic churches, 54 Catholic schools and 545,980 parishioners. We are hoping to connect with the younger people, said Boguslawski. When you go to the mall or to a restaurant and see families together, but they are not talking together. Often everyone is on their own cell phone. So Boguslawski hopes that if its impossible for a business person or a worker to turn their cell phone off the entire day, at least do it during a meal or some convenient time to reflect and talk with God. Dont both calling Stan Muzyk or his wife, Dorothy on their cell phones during either of those two days. The Derby couple who attend St. Michaels church said their cell phones will be off, completely. We consider this another form of fasting, he said. Its a small sacrifice to make. The Hartford Archdiocese directed its priests to include the suggestion in their church bulletins and in their discussions with parishioners. It also has handed out stickers in its schools. This is our first year and well refine things as we go along, said Boguslawski, Hartford archdioceses auxiliary Bishop. Were looking for feedback. He said it would be good if families set a no cell phone rule at the dinner table throughout lent. We put out an idea to remind Catholics to make some time for God, Boguslawski said. The Bridgeport Diocese is not recommending a similar I-Phone fast, according to Brian Wallace, their spokesperson. Instead Wallace said cell phones and social media are being used to find prayer and spiritual reflection online. For example, Bishop Caggiano's Facebook page is nearing 10,000 likes as more people turn to him for teaching and guidance, Wallace said. Our social media leader, John Grosso, tells me that we actually find an increase in traffic during Holy Days because people are hungry for meaning and look to the Bishop's writings. Wallace said Caggiano adopted social media as a tool of evangelization and reaching out to young people in their own language. The concept of I Phone Fast! is not that cell phones are bad or social media is bad, said Maria Zone, a spokesman for the Hartford Archdioces. Its actually acknowledging that cell communications is effective, that if asking people to take a break from it would be a worthy sacrifice during the Lenten season, and a way for people to contemplate their faith and spirituality on two Holy Days. She said the Hartford Archdiocese also has a very healthy Facebook, and website following. Archbishop Blair used his twitter account to promote the I Phone Fast! as a way to pursue an alternate fast in pursuit of faith, Zone said. NORWALK Projected health insurance savings of $5 million form a big part of an agreement announced this week to better fund the Norwalk Board of Educations 2017-18 requested operating budget. Theyre going to switch to the 2.0. Thats what theyre saying, said Mayor Harry W. Rilling, referring to the school boards interest in joining the state health insurance plan known as Partnership 2.0. The city is also looking at that possibility because wed have savings albeit quite a few dollars less. Rilling said the matter must be discussed with the city and school unions to see what their respective collective-bargaining agreements allow. The switchover, if it comes, would be significant, affecting nearly 1,800 city and school employees, and potentially saving the city $5.4 million in the upcoming fiscal year. The school board would see the bulk of the savings, or roughly $5 million. Tara Downs, spokeswoman for the Office of the State Comptroller, described Partnership 2.0 as a way for municipalities and other public employees to join the state health care plan. The state oversees the plan; UnitedHealthcare administers it. Approximately 11,000 people, including employees and their dependents, are enrolled in the plan, she said. The Norwalk Board of Education has about 1,570 employees enrolled in health insurance, according to officials. Brenda Wilcox Williams, school district spokeswoman, said the district will make sure to follow the language of each union contract when it comes to any possible move to a new health plan. Meetings are scheduled with the leaders of each union to discuss further, Wilcox Williams said. Mary Yordon, president of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers, could not be reached for comment. Under the federations contract, the school board reserves the right to change insurance carriers or benefits administrator if the level of benefits and coverages is substantially equal to current benefits and coverages. School officials trace their requested 10.1 percent increase in their upcoming operating budget largely to rising insurance cost and bolstering the insurance fund. The annual cost per four-person family enrolled in the current plan stands at about $26,000, according to Michael Barbis, school board vice chairman. Thats when we said this current model is not sustainable. Were going to be at premiums at $30,000-plus for a family, Barbis said. Thats when we started looking at options. So this 2.0 plan is out there. Greenwich just switched it. Their contract was up, so it was part of their negotiations. Al Cava, director of labor relations for the town of Greenwich, said school administers moved to the 2.0 plan last July. It was a financial decision, Cava said. For this July 1, were projecting about $11.5 million in savings. The town is hoping to transition its other municipal employees by July 1 for an additional $3 million in savings, he said. Al C. Palumbo Jr., president of the Norwalk Assistants and Supervisors Association, said the 2.0 plan was presented to employees from various unions last fall. It was interesting and there was some very good points and a few concern, such as whos in network and also youre kind of at the mercy of the state workers, Palumbo said. If they reopened their contracts to discuss health care and theres changes made to it, that affects everyone. Palumbo described NASA, which represents about 55 employees, as small potatoes compared to the school board. If the Board of Ed agrees to do it, if police and fire want to do it, were going to kind of get swept in, Palumbo said. Its not like were going to be able to have a choice. NORWALK Band parents at Brien McMahon High School will host their annual Winter Guard/Percussion show, entitled Winter Mania, Saturday. The event kicks off at 4:50 p.m. with color guard ensemble performances from five schools from throughout the state and one from New Jersey. WESTPORT Allegations claiming school officials grabbed and shook a student complaining of harassment are part of two federal investigations into town schools. The investigations, opened on Nov. 9 by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, focus on allegations of racial and sexual discrimination found under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Education confirmed the inquiries. Michael Iacurci, an attorney representing two Westport families, said a civil lawsuit is also forthcoming against the Board of Education. Eventually, there will be a complaint filed by families in town against the Westport school system, Iacurci said. There would be a number of grounds ... one of the grounds would include violations of Connecticuts current bullying laws. Connecticut has an anti-bullying statute in place, but there are other causes of action for the suit. There has been no decision on the exact moment to file the lawsuit. Iacurci said his clients would be seeking damages for suffering. So whether it includes an apology, or some specific acts by the school or some sort of monetary damages, those are all on the table for some sort of resolution, he said. Were not looking for one particular thing; were looking for justice for the damage thats been incurred. The lawsuit would not be limited to the Westport Board of Education. More Information Federal investigations in surrounding towns Fairfield Board of Education: Two open investigations Investigation opened: 8/9/2013 - possible disability-related discrimination (free appropriate public education (FAPE)) Investigation opened: 9/20/2016 - possible disability-related discrimination (FAPE; retaliation; harassment) Darien Board of Education: one open investigation Investigation opened: 5/23/2016 - possible disability-related discrimination (accessibility of online course, distance learning, website, remote application) Wilton Board of Education: four open investigations Investigation opened: 12/15/2014 - possible disability-related discrimination (evaluation and placement; retaliation) Investigation opened: 11/7/2016 - possible disability-related discrimination (placement procedures; adoption of grievance procedures) Investigation opened: 11/7/2016 - possible disability-related discrimination (adoption of grievance procedures; designation of responsible employee; retaliation) Investigation opened: 12/13/2016 - possible disability-related discrimination (placement procedures) Ridgefield School District: one open investigation Investigation opened: 7/15/2013 - possible disability-related discrimination (placement procedures); Title IX (sexual harassment - gender stereotyping; different treatment/exclusion/denial of benefits/other) No open investigations: Bridgeport Board of Education; Greenwich Board of Education; Weston Board of Education Reported bullying incidents for 2015-16 school year Greenwich School District: 7 New Britain School District: 10 New Canaan School District: Data suppressed Norwalk School District: 10 Ridgefield School District: Data suppressed Wilton School District: Data suppressed Regional School District 9: Data suppressed Westport School District: 8 2015-16 was an outlier for Westport. Since 2012, the Westport School District has seen 10 bullying incidents. See More Collapse A partially redacted letter addressed to the Board of Education from the Office for Civil Rights obtained by the Westport News outlines allegations a school principal and a guidance counselor grabbed and shook a student. Specifically, you alleged that the Board retaliated against the Student as follows: the principal and guidance counselor grabbed the Student and shook him during a conversation about his complaints of harassment; the Board issued a two-day in school suspension to the student; the Board issued a two-day out of school suspension to the Student; the Board prohibited you from communicating directly with the Board regarding the Student; and the Board proposed to send the Student to a different school based on the Boards suggestion that the student has a disability. It also alleges ... peers subjected him to harassing behavior ... including calling the Student derogatory names based on his race and sex, and that the Board failed to respond appropriately. When asked about the investigations, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer declined to comment. In a Jan. 31 interview, Palmer said, I am aware of some complaints that have come in. I just dont know the status. Michael Gordon, chairman of the Westport Board of Education, said: the board does not comment on investigations of school district employees. @chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com I have learned the hard way not to put my personal life on the Internet. But suffice it to say that, God willing, things should be pretty much back to norm... 3 weeks ago WILTON More than 100 people across Fairfield County filled the Gilbert and Bennett Cultural Center in Georgetown for a town hall meeting with state Reps. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton, and Adam Dunsby, R-Easton, Tuesday night, alongside state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton. The local legislators invited the public to discuss national, state, and local political issues, fielding dozens of questions throughout the 90-minute event. All three remained in the building for another hour to answer questions from those who did not have a chance speak. Topics ranged from the governors budget proposal and special education program funding to environmental and natural resource protections and health insurance in the event of a change to the Affordable Care Act. Lavielle said she appreciated having the opportunity to engage in a serious discussion with constituents about various issues. Connecticut's budget and finances are in an extremely precarious condition, and the sooner we turn it around the more we will be able to do to address issues like education funding, tax pressure, the state of our transportation infrastructure, and the quality of social services, she said. Boucher agreed. We heard so many concerns and I know people are worried, Boucher said. As we work toward developing a new biennial budget, hearing their concerns and input has never been more important. Dunsby said town hall meetings like Tuesday nights demonstrate that people are informed and interested in the government. ... and I hope I was able to provide insight into what is going on in Hartford. I especially hope I was able to convey the seriousness of the state's desperate financial position, he said. We need to resist the governors current plan to send our towns the bill for underfunded programs it has mismanaged for years. SKim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnkim Special Events Monday, March 6 Author Talk: Maggie Kneip Now Everyone Will Know: The Perfect Husband, His Shattering Secret, My Rediscovered Life: A Memoir, 7-8:30 p.m. Author Maggie Kneip discusses her memoir of loss, betrayal, and keeping a secret for 25 years. It is only when a journey of self-discovery aligns with her children's coming of age and a new world of sexual tolerance that she can finally embrace the truth and set herself free. Psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, who provided the Afterword for the book will appear with Kneip. Kneip is a veteran of the publishing industry, with a career spanning more than two decades in publicity and marketing. Atkins is a frequent commentator on NBCs Today Show and CNNs Headline News. Q&A follows the talk. No charge. Registration highly recommended. See registration link for details. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Books available for purchase and signing. Tuesday, March 7 March Maker Madness: Ladies Night Out, 8-10 p.m. Join our modern take on the Ladies' Night out -- making, mingling and mixing it up with friends. Sip wine, nibble on appetizers and create fun and easy DIY projects by the fire! No experience necessary. Materials, appetizers and wine provided. Cost is $30, payable in advance. Registration required. Friday, March 10 Wilton Arts Council Focus 17 Photography Exhibition Reception, 6-7:30 p.m. Reception for the photographers exhibiting in the Wilton Arts Council Focus 17 Juried Photography Exhibition, an annual exhibition featuring artists using a variety of photography media. Exhibition runs through March 30. A majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Reception and awards presentation open to the public. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950. Calendar Saturday, March 4 (Not) Just For Kids Music Program: Horns a Plenty! Brass, 3-4 p.m. This is a lively, fun and interactive program designed to be educational as well as entertaining. Orchestra members demonstrate their instruments, play for the children, and answer questions. Program ends with attendees having a chance to hold and try to play a beginning level instrument in the Petting Zoo. No charge. Registration recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. More Information 137 Old Ridgefield Road 203-762-3950 www.wiltonlibrary.org See More Collapse Sunday, March 5 WGG/WLA Green Speaker Series: An Introduction to Electric Vehicles: Scott Thompson, 4-5 p.m. Westport Electric Car Club member Scott Thompson will give the audience an Introduction to Electric Vehicles, covering EV basics and types of choices available. Thompson is an environmental engineer by profession, EV owner, and volunteer chairman of the Town of Fairfield's Clean Energy Task Force. Co-sponsored by Wilton Go Green and Wilton Library. No charge. Registration recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Tuesday, March 7 Parent Information Series: Delay Your Gray, 10-11:30 a.m. Liz Jorgensen, CADC, Director, Insight Counseling, discusses normal adolescent behavior, setting effective limits, dealing with alcohol and drugs, improving partnerships and creating team-parenting strategies. Q&A. No charge. Co-sponsored by Insight Counseling, Newport Academy, Weston Library, Weston Youth Services, Wilton Library, Wilton Youth Services, and Wilton Youth Council. Registration strongly encouraged. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Wednesday, March 8 Wilton Library Readers The Sellout, 12-1:30 p.m. Professional book discussion leader Susan Boyar discusses The Sellout by Paul Beatty. Bring lunch; beverages will be provided. Advance registration suggested. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Wednesday, March 8 Free Downloads Movies and Music, 1-2:30 p.m. Bring your own device and learn how to use the librarys free music and movie service (Hoopla). Presented by Wilton Library for seniors at the Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton. Registration required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Thursday, March 9, 16, 23 & April 6 The Poetry of Stoicism in Seneca's Troades, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Dr. Gerald Weiss leads this adult literature seminar. Dr. Gerald Weiss earned both a B.A and an M.A. in Classical Languages from St. Louis University, and his Ph.D at the Gregorian University (Rome, Italy) where he received his Ph.D. See the librarys registration link for more details. Poetry packet available at front desk one week before the seminar begins. No charge for the program. Advance registration required. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Thursday, March 9 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. Classes in Innovation Station this week Saturday, March 4: Create Cards, Gift Tags & More, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Sunday, March 5: Make Fun Buttons, 2-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 5: Bringing Your Photo Albums into the Digital Age, 2-3:30 p.m.; Monday, March 6: Embroider or Monogram It!, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Monday, March 6, 13, 20 & 27: Stitch Time for Knitters and Crocheters, 1-2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 7: Embroidery (Session 2), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesday, March 8: 3D Printing for Beginners, 6-7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 10: Create Cards, Gift Tags & More, 4-5:30 p.m. Ongoing childrens programs this week Saturday, March 4, 11, 18 & 25: Minecraft Club, 10 a.m. to noon; Monday, March 6, 13, 20: Sign, Say and Play, 11-11:45 a.m. Monday, March 6 & 13: Ready Readers, 4:15-5 p.m.; Tuesday, March 7: Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, March 8: Books for Babies, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, March 8: Wonderful Ones and Twos, 11-11:30 a.m.; Wednesday, March 8: Build-a-Story, 2-2:30 p.m.; Friday, March 10, 17, 24 & 31: Movement and Dance for Little Ones, 11-11:30 a.m. AURORA Prairie Plains Resource Institute has a nature hike of the Sherman Ranch property on Saturday, March 4, beginning at 7 a.m. Sherman Ranch is located at 23rd and O Roads, just west of Marquette. The walk will last about two hours, with ample time for discussion and exploration. Prairie Plains acquired the Sherman Ranch in 2016 following a successful fundraising drive, with support from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Ducks Unlimited, many foundations in Hamilton and Merrick counties and about 160 individual Prairie Plains members and friends. Sherman Ranch is near the Platte River. The forecast Saturday calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures. For more information and/or directions to the ranch, call the Prairie Plains office at (402) 694-5535 or send an email to contactppri@hamilton.net. Before the Grand Island Police Department contracted with a company called LeadsOnline five years ago, keeping track of items purchased by local pawn brokers and secondhand goods stores was a lot more time-consuming. The work had to be done manually, checking to see if items purchased locally showed up as stolen items on the National Crime Information Center computer. That took an eternity to do, said Capt. Kerry Mehlin, whos in charge of the departments Criminal Investigation Division. The relationship with LeadsOnline, based in Dallas, saves time and money, Mehlin said. Using information compiled from pawn shops and secondhand stores, LeadsOnline sends a bulletin to the Grand Island Police Department every time an item shows up that may be stolen. The system works quickly. Sometimes Grand Island police will be notified that an item is stolen six to 12 hours after it was pawned, Mehlin said. Thirteen Grand Island stores regularly buy things from the general public including electronics, games and guns that could be stolen. Those stores include the citys two pawn brokers. The rest are classified by the state as secondhand goods stores. Anytime those stores buy something from the public, theyre required to inform the Police Department. That information is now reported to LeadsOnline, serving the same purpose. After receiving a list of transactions from each store, LeadsOnline puts the data into a records management system, to which Grand Island police have access. The best thing LeadsOnline does, Mehlin said, is check that information against NCIC data to see if any of the items are stolen. Grand Island police are notified even if a serial number match is close but not exact. Guns of different makes might have the same serial number, he said. Police compare information about the stolen item with the description from LeadsOnline. If police feel its a match, an investigator will go to the pawn shop or secondhand store. Pawn shops and secondhand goods stores are required to ask for the ID of a person selling an item, said Mary Waskowiak, a Criminal Investigation Division records clerk. The departments goal with secondhand shops and pawn stores is to make it a very stupid move for a person to try to sell a stolen item locally, Mehlin said. He hopes criminals are reluctant to sell goods because they know theyre going to get caught. Thieves seldom keep items stolen from homes and cars for their own use. They always try to dispose of it somehow, he said. Almost all of the stolen items discovered at the local stores come from Central Nebraska, Mehlin said. But every once in a while, people traveling on Interstate 80 will stop here and dump something off at a pawn shop. Last year, only a couple dozen items were definitely identified as stolen. The number was whittled down from 400 possibly stolen items, about which LeadsOnline alerted Grand Island police. Waskowiak goes through LeadsOnline each day to make sure local stores are reporting in the required manner. If the information is not accurate or up to date, police will pay those stores a visit. Pawn brokers are different from secondhand goods stores in that they have the ability to lend money on items received from the public. In Nebraska, an item still belongs to the pawn shop even if it has been stolen. Thats the way it is in several states, Mehlin said. If a pawn broker ends up with a piece of stolen property, Grand Island police can put a hold on that item. The hold, which is a piece of paper, tells the pawn shop owner, Dont do anything with it. Were investigating, he said. If police determine that an item belongs to someone else, they release the hold and inform the pawn shop about to whom it belongs. To get the item back, the original owner has to either pay the pawn shop or apply for a writ of replevin in court, Mehlin said. The procedure is different at secondhand goods stores. If police determine that an item at one of those stores was stolen, then we will seize it and return it to the owner, he said. When people buy something thats of any value at all, they should write down its serial number, Mehlin said. They should also write down if the object has any marks or characteristics that will help identify it. If somebody takes a Craftsman drill from your garage, it will help if you know theres a gouge on the right side of the handle, for example, he said. We can make a case on that, Mehlin said. But if police dont have a serial number or identifying marks, how are we going to tell one Craftsman drill from another? We cant. Writing down identifying marks or taking pictures helps with jewelry, because precious stones dont have a serial number, Waskowiak said. Police departments around the country work together, she said. If Grand Island police learn that a Texan pawned something in Grand Island, police in Texas will be notified and vice versa. Local crane organizations are gearing up for crane season and aim to teach visitors that cranes are "not just a bunch of birds." Chuck Cooper, president and chief executive officer of the Crane Trust, said there are two migrations every year: the crane migration and the migration of people coming to see the cranes from across the country and 54 foreign nations. Every year, 600,000 cranes come through Central Nebraska, Cooper said. At one point last year, there were 430,000 cranes 85 percent of all the cranes in the world on the Crane Trusts land. Crane tours at both the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center near Alda and Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon will officially start this weekend. Cooper said group viewing blind tours at the Crane Trust cost $35 and occur in the morning before sunrise and in the evenings an hour before sunset. He said those are the two most ideal times to see the cranes as they are along the Platte River. The tours last about two hours, Cooper said. Beginning on March 15, the trust will also offer footbridge evening tours for $15. Those tours also last about two hours. Anne Winkel, director of community outreach at Rowe Sanctuary, said crane viewing blind tours will begin this weekend and run through April 9. The tours are at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. before daylight saving time and 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. after daylight saving time. The tours must be scheduled in advance by calling Rowe Sanctuary at (308) 468-5282. Each tour lasts two to two and a half hours. "They have to be able to walk a quarter-mile to half-mile, depending on which blinds they are in. Those blinds are right against the river," Winkel said. "In the morning, they go out in the dark and will be out in the river after the birds have left. In the evenings, they will go in the light and come out in the dark." Winkel advised people going on the crane tours to dress appropriately, be able to walk the distance out to the blinds and be able to stand for a period of time. She said that, while there are benches in the blinds, they do not provide for an adequate view of the cranes. Winkel said Rowes visitors center is open during the day and people "can swing in when they have time" without an appointment. In addition to the public tours, the Crane Trust also gives VIP tours, Cooper said. With the VIP tour, visitors spend the night in a cottage. Meals are catered, and the guests are taken to a VIP blind a quarter-mile from the river. "They really get a chance to immerse themselves," Cooper said. "They can actually open their windows and listen to the cranes all night if they choose to." The VIP tours at Crane Trust cost $500 per couple and are "90 percent booked." There are still some dates available. The Crane Trust and Rowe Sanctuary also offer crane tours for photographers to take photos of the cranes. "That gives the photographers a little more freedom than our general viewing blinds," Winkel said. "We actually have one where the photographers stay overnight on the river. We also have photography experiences just in the mornings and evenings, similar to our general viewing experiences." The photography crane tours are offered at Rowe Sanctuary March 18 through April 9. Cooper said the Crane Trust also offers a crane tour for "serious photographers." "We take them out in the afternoon, and they spend the night in a single-person blind," he said. "They are in there with their sleeping bag, food and water. They spend the entire night right by the river." From Feb. 15 through April 15 of last year, Winkel said, the Rowe Sanctuary visitors center had 22,000 visitors. Cooper said the Crane Trust had guests from places such as the East Coast and China. He added workers from the Columbus, Ohio, Houston and Indianapolis zoos plan to visit this Crane Trust this year. So what makes crane viewing in Central Nebraska so popular? Cooper and Winkel said its the quantity of the cranes here. "You can see cranes in a lot of places," Winkel said. "They are migrating through other places. People are traveling from all over to see so many cranes in one spot." Cooper echoed Winkels comments. "I can understand why people may not be interested in a crane," Cooper said. "But 600,000 cranes is a whole different experience." In addition to their crane viewing tours, the Crane Trust and Rowe Sanctuary will also feature speakers. The Crane Trust will have a speaker series every weekend in its nature center. The events are free and open to the public. Rowe Sanctuary will hold its Family Crane Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11. It will feature a workshop from Heather Henson, the daughter of "The Muppet Show" creator Jim Henson, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals interested in find out more information about the crane programs can call the Crane Trust at (308) 382-1820 or Rowe Sanctuary at (308) 468-5282. The apex consumer commission has asked the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad and one of its doctors to pay Rs four lakh as compensation to a man who lost his wife due to alleged medical negligence.The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), while dismissing an appeal filed by the hospital against the state commissions order, directed it to pay the amount to Telangana resident K S Sastry whose wife died during a complicated medical procedure. The Commission also noted that the hospital authorities failed to take the consent of the patient and her family before a surgery, which was a high risk procedure, that deteriorated her health, resulting in her death. The OP (Hospital and the doctor) failed to take informed consent. As per medical record, the patient was not willing to undergo such high risk procedure... Similarly the progress sheet reveals patient and her husband not willing for surgery immediately. Thus, in our view, in the instant case it was not an informed consent," the NCDRC bench said. "We are of the considered view that it was a case of medical negligence due to failure of duty of care. It was not a reasonable practice. Therefore, we do not find any error in the well reasoned order of the state commission," it added. According to the complaint filed by Sastry, his wife Padmavati was suffering from upper abdominal pain and consulted the doctor at the Apollo hospital in 2000. It was alleged that antibiotics were prescribed by the doctor without conducting any pre-operative tests. The complaint further alleged that the doctors advised for gall bladder surgery and the patient was taken for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangad Pancreotography (ERCP) without her or her husbands consent.It further alleged that she suffered cardiac arrest during the procedure. It also said that in spite of repeated requests that she was already suffering from a lung disease and was under treatment with steroids, the doctor directly performed for ERCP in a negligent manner without conducting necessary tests. The hospital and the doctor denied the allegations saying all the necessary precautions were taken with utmost care.They also contended that the complainant was covered under Central Government Health Service Scheme, therefore, he is not entitled for compensation. Nearly two dozen members of the Central Nebraska Peace Workers marched along Second Street, in front of the Great Western Centre in Grand Island on Wednesday, urging Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., to hold town hall meetings with constituents to discuss issues before Congress impacting Nebraskans. Smith has an office in the Great Western Centre. Brian Whitecalf, who helped organized the march, said the marchers have concerns about the elected leadership of 2017. They are concerned about some of the executive orders issued by President Trump, his nominees and the decisions he is making, Whitecalf said. We would like to hear from our elected officials our congressmen and senators. Smith, in response to the marchers, said, I certainly respect the right of the protesters to make their voices heard, but I continue to be accessible to Nebraskans, as Ive always been. He said he is hosting a mobile office in Chadron next week and will be scheduling additional public meetings throughout the Third District, including a Farm Bill Listening Tour, in the upcoming weeks. With a district spanning 65,000 square miles and a packed congressional schedule in Washington, D.C., I also continue to reach out to thousands of Nebraskans through telephone town halls. Congress has a big to-do list, and I want to hear from Nebraskans on these issues, Smith said. I encourage the participants in todays protest who would like a meeting to contact me directly, and I will do my best to set it up. Smiths Grand Island office is located at 1811 W 2nd St. #275. The office phone number is (308) 384-3900. Smith ran for the open seat in the 3rd District in the 2006 House elections and was re-elected to his fifth two-year term last November. Whitecalf said having town hall meetings is healthy democracy. Like with all of our elected officials, we like to have an opportunity to speak to them directly, Whitecalf said. We have made phone calls, emailed and have written letters. He said by having an open town hall meeting, constituents would be able to have an open dialogue with their elected leaders about the decisions they are making in the nations capitol. Whitecalf said they have been in communication with Smiths office before the November elections about him hosting town hall meetings for his constituents. The marchers not only carried signs about wanting Smith to hold town hall meetings, but they had concerns about other issues, such as the environment, health care, the trans-Canada pipeline and immigration. Immigration is an issue Whitecalf wants to discuss with Smith if afforded an opportunity at a town hall meeting. Im personally concerned about how refugees are treated in this country, along with immigration and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, he said. I also want to make sure we are making the best choices for the future of education. And with the other marchers, who were from throughout the area, such as Kearney, Hastings and St. Paul, there were a long list of concerns they would like to discuss with Smith. Mena Sprauge, of St. Paul, said she would like to discuss issues like the environment, immigration and the Affordable Care Act. And the way our Spanish-American friends are treated, Sprague said. For Hastings resident, Robin Vodehnal, her issues of concern she would like to discuss with Smith were the environment, cutbacks at the Environmental Protection Agency and shutting those offices down without any public input. That concerns me because we have so many problems and issues in this culture as it is, Vodehnal said. Also, the treatment of refugees and the bias and discrimination shown by the administration. It is haunting. Dori Bush of Grand Island has concerns revolving around immigration and the pathway to citizenship for those immigrants. We need to be a lot more understanding of those who are not necessarily Caucasians, Bush said. We need the contributions of all people. Bush said she also has concerns about the future of the Affordable Care Act. That is a huge concern, she said. If we have a lot of folks who are losing coverage, we are right back where we started. Repealing is not an option. Obviously, there is always tweaking with any legislation but we need Representative Smith to pay attention to the people of Nebraska as we are the ones who put him in office and he needs to make himself available to us personally and not just phone calls and letters. The Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday night voted 8-0 to recommend approval of a landfill siting permit to the Hall County Board of Supervisors for ONeill Wood Resources. Commission member Pat ONeill abstained from voting to avoid conflict of interest due to owning the proposed landfill site. Commission member John Hoggatt was absent from Wednesday nights meeting. The proposed landfill will be located on nearly 57 acres north of Old Potash Highway and west of Alda Road at the former Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant site. The landfill would be used specifically for construction and demolition debris. Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity told The Independent in an interview before Wednesdays meeting that the Nebraska Landfill Siting Act requires the planning commission advise the county board on the proposed location for a landfill. What we are looking at is advice from the planning commission, Nabity told the commission Wednesday. It doesnt state what that takes specifically and whether you decide to make a motion to recommend approval of it (landfill siting permit) or just to say that this site is the appropriate site and zoned appropriately. Stephen Mossman, an attorney with Mattson Ricketts Law Firm in Lincoln, represented ONeill Wood Resources at the meeting. He agreed with Nabity that the Nebraska Landfill Siting Act does not give specifics on what advice the planning commission should give. As I read the statute, the advice that the county board would be looking for from the planning commission would be whether this location is persistent with Hall County zoning regulations, Mossman said. Commission member Dean Sears asked Mossman if the site would require any state permits. Mossman said it would require a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) permit, like any other disposal facility. Mossman told the planning commission three different permits are required for the landfill siting. Hall County will have to issue a conditional use permit and a landfill siting permit. The DEQ will also have to issue a permit. The way the Landfill Siting Act works is that Mr. ONeill cannot apply for the DEQ permit until he has landfill siting permit, Mossman said. With the planning commissions recommendation, the Hall County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings to consider granting a siting permit and a conditional use permit to ONeill Wood Resources at its May 2 meeting. They will hold the hearings and take testimony on the items at the same time, Nabity said in a previous interview. They are the same project, but have two separate sets of permits. In other action, the planning commission voted 9-0 to approve a final plat for the Isley Acres subdivision located at 1R Road and east of Engleman Road, and a final plat at Sterling Estates Ninth subdivision located south of Capital Avenue and east of North Road. Both were consent agenda items. 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. Columbus Elementary students received a special musical treat last week when Le Vent du Nord, a folk band from the French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada, visited the school for an assembly. Oliver Demers, Rejean Brunet, Nicolas Boulerice and Simon Beaudry, members of the band, performed a mix of Quebecois folk music standards and original songs that showcased a variety of traditional folk instruments including an accordion, jaw harp, hurdy gurdy and Irish bouzouki. Mingled throughout their folk music set with its Celtic and French influences, the band members informed the students about the history of Quebec, its food and culture as well as the various instruments used in the folk music they performed. The Columbus students were introduced to a hurdy gurdy, a stringed instrument that looks similar to a violin but is played by cranking a wheel, and a jaw harp, one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Le Vent du Nord also used podorythmie, a form of percussion where a musician taps his feet on a floor or wooden box to create a lively driving beat behind the music. At the same time the musician used his feet to tap the beat for the band, he also played a fiddle. Peter Palermo, Director of McKendree Universitys Performing Arts Center, the Hettenhausen Center, arranged for Le Vent du Nord to come to Columbus Elementary. Basically, the program is offered through a regional arts non-profit Arts Midwest. They select one venue in each of the 10 states they cover to take part in a two-year program known as World Fest, Palermo explained. During those two years, international artists stay in our community for one whole week. During that week, my job is to keep them busy we take them to area schools, Rotary Clubs, senior centers wherever we can find an audience. The purpose is to give smaller, often more rural, communities an opportunity to experience other cultures. Le Vent du Nord was the final group and marked the end of the two-year cycle that Palermo spoke about. During our two years of World Fest, we hosted groups from Turkey, Israel, Mongolia and Quebec, Palermo noted. We hosted performances for more than 5,000 school aged kids in communities from Highland to East St. Louis. Its been a transformative event for us in our efforts to bring arts and culture to the community. All of the World Fest performances were provided at no cost to the schools and organizations. Le Vent du Nord also performed for the Edwardsville Rotary Club later that same day. I have had many students and staff tell me how much they enjoyed the performance and the music, Columbus Elementary Principal Vince Schlueter said. The band did a terrific job of interacting with the students and talking about the culture and history of the folk music and traditional instruments of Canadian music. A second suspect has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his part in a Jan. 28, 2015, bank robbery at the Schnucks store in Edwardsville. Brendan M. Collier, 39, of St. Louis, received three years on each of two counts of bank robbery. He had been held without bond since his arraignment on July 16, 2015. An accomplice, Marc G. Miller, 55 of St. Louis, pleaded guilty to federal bank robbery charges in November of 2015. Federal authorities alleged that Collier and Miller also robbed the U.S. Bank in Fairview Heights on Feb. 10, 2015. During both robberies, Miller allowed Collier to use his vehicle to commit the crimes, and rode with him as a passenger, according to a 2015 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Miller provided a voluntary, videotaped statement in which he admitted his part in the robberies, according to the release. According to information provided after Colliers sentencing, Collier entered the bank in Edwardsville and approached the teller claiming he needed to make a withdrawal. He then handed the teller a note written on the back of a used envelope that demanded loose bills that were $20s and over and said no alarm, according to Colliers news release. During the Feb. 10 robbery in Fairview Heights, Collier again told the teller that he needed to make a withdrawal. He handed the teller a note written on a deposit slip hidden under an envelope that said something to the effect of give me all the money out of your top drawer, 10 and up, do it quickly and no one gets hurt, according to the release. The pair also robbed a third U.S. Bank branch located inside a Schnucks grocery store in St. Peters, Mo. Collier confessed to that robbery as well as the two bank Illinois bank robberies. He claimed the robberies were motivated by his need to buy heroin, hotel and food, according to the news release. Collier also admitted using Millers car to commit the crimes. Edwardsville police investigated the Edwardsville bank robbery. Other departments aiding in the overall investigation were Fairview Heights Police, the Metro-East Forensic Laboratory, the St. Peters Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott. Following Tuesdays severe thunderstorm, its likely Madison County residents and local business owners are filing insurance claims and assessing damages. However, Attorney General Lisa Madigan stated in a press release that its usually during the calm after the storm when scammers look to exploit individuals who may be in need of property repairs. As people assess damage and begin to clean up the devastation left by the storms, it is critical to be aware that scam artists may be targeting residents and businesses with repair scams. I encourage residents and business owners to be cautious before hiring contractors they do not know, particularly if those individuals are soliciting door-to-door, Madigan said. General contractors are not required by state law to be licensed; however, some municipalities do require permits. Edwardsville Police Departments Lieutenant Charles Kohlberg said there is one state requirement for general contractors. If a contractor is coming in for a roof permit, theyre going to be doing work on the roof, theyre required to have proof of license in the state of Illinois. There wouldnt be any type of license requirement if youre going to have siding work done for the contractor, Kohlberg said. Insurance adjusters are required to be licensed as well by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Madigan said there are a few tips that families and businesses should follow when making arrangements with a contractor: Be wary of contractors who go door-to-door to offer repair services. Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust. Get written estimates from multiple contractors and dont be rushed into a deal. Get all of the terms of a contract in writing and obtain a copy. Never make full payment until all of the work has been completed to your satisfaction. Never pay in cash. Be aware that you have the right to cancel a contract within three business days if you signed it based on the contractors visit to your home. In the case of disaster repair, you have the right to cancel the contract within five days of when your insurance carrier denies your coverage. Ask to see required state licenses. If the contractor doesnt have a required license, that should raise a red flag. Kohlberg said in the city of Edwardsville, the police department also has a few tips of choosing the right contractor to conduct business with. Be very careful of people that just approach you, approach your residence without having background information on them. Do a little bit of research on the contractor, make sure theyre a legitimate organization, check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they have good ratings, check their complaint status and see if there are any complaints against them and what types of complaints that theyve had, but definitely do your homework on the contractor before you decide to have any work done on your residence or business, he said. If there is a problem or a suspicion of fraud regarding a contractor in the area, Kohlberg said its recommended that the property owner contact the Edwardsville Police Department at 618-656-2131. If they believe that there is a contractor thats potentially tempting to offer them a fraudulent service, they can feel free to give us a call and we can send an officer out to talk to them and investigate, try to make a determination whether or not this is a legitimate organization, Kohlberg said. Other resources for local residents and business owners who suspect fraud activity are encouraged to call the Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-243-0618 in Springfield or visit the Better Business Bureaus website at www.bbb.org for more information. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hafida Fahmiasari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The logistics and sea transportation sectors in Indonesia are now confused by government officials indistinct statements and the issuance of different regulations related to the appointment of international hub ports in Indonesia. The government has issued several regulations in setting up international hub ports, which include the National Medium-Term Development Plan 2015-2019 issued by the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) in 2015, the National Logistics System (Presidential Decree No. 26 of 2012) and the National Port Master Plan 2013 (RIPN 2013). The three regulations decided that Kuala Tanjung and Bitung Port will be international hub ports in the west and the east. For national hub ports, Bappenas has also named additional ports, such as Tanjung Priok, Tanjung Perak and Makassar. 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 EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The message a former terrorism convict was sending when he exploded a homemade bomb in a residential area in Cicendo in the heart of Bandung, the capital of West Java, on Monday was clear: terrorism is still alive and kicking, regardless of the governments relentless efforts to fight terrorism. Indeed, we have not seen any major bombings since the 2009 double hotel blasts in South Jakarta, but sporadic terror attacks have been launched against various targets, including the police, within this eight-year period. Terrorist cells appear to have divided and reproduced to survive and spread their ideology of violence. The rise of the Islamic State (IS) group has shifted the nerve center of the global terrorist movement to Syria and Iraq, but justification of killing in the name of Islam persists worldwide. More and more homegrown terrorist groups here have pledged allegiance to IS. From colorful resort wear to simple Muslim wedding dresses, the use of traditional woven fabric and local embroidery art is celebrated as fashion designers join the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) to show off the rich diversity of style in the region. At its first trunk show in Jakarta recently, AFDS introduced the latest works from its eight members, namely Lenny Agustin and Hannie Hananto from Indonesia, Hayden Ng and Doris Lee from Singapore, Melvin Shah from Malaysia, Yuki Unawan Tangkaravakoon and Sirus Tantiyapong from Thailand and Nguyen Quoc Binh from Vietnam. AFDS offers direct access to fashion lovers of the select ready-to-wear and haute couture as well as street fashion representing Asia, said Lenny, a co-founder of AFDS and the project director of the Jakarta showcase. The event in Gran Melia Hotel, South Jakarta, on Feb. 24 was the fourth of its kind after being hosted in Singapore last April, Vientiane, Laos, in September and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November. Singapore will host the next trunk show in May, Cambodia in June, Laos in September and Thailand in December. For the Jakarta trunk show, each of the designers presented their capsule collections during the one-hour showcase held in the hotel lobby. Hannie opened the event with six simple, but elegant Muslim wedding gowns. In loose silhouettes that came in varied materials, such as tulle, silk and brocade, the designer said that the ready-to-wear gowns were an affordable choice for the once-ina-lifetime occasion. Next was Sirus, the man behind YOD YOKO label, with his Woman with a Flower resort wear collection. The collection was characterized by the hand-painted images of women and flowers that come either in bright primary colors or monochromatic black and white with red hues. Nguyen then presented the Beauty of Bamboo from his AE line, a collection of cocktail and evening dresses made of satin and silk and embellished with prints and embroidery of bamboo bushes. Read also: Dresses that tell a story: Princess Diana's life in fashion While Singaporean designer Hayden brought a wide range of his designs, fit for any occasion, Thai designer Yuki introduced her YUNA label. Her evening wear collection was adorned with handmade embroidery by female artisans from the conflictstricken region in southern Thailand. Lenny closed the show with her Sugar Skull of Frieda Kahlo collection in which she combined the woven fabric of Kalimantan with batik from East Java for a modern style based off of traditional looks. The collections were available for sale at the designers pop store next to the stage. Close to the stage, there were other booths offering accessories, such as jewelry by Elisabeth Wahyu, mix-and-match bags by Bopa and leather bags and shoes by Covet, to name a few. The idea to establish AFDS came from Hayden Ng in August 2015 as a tool to raise attention and appreciation for the distinctive style of different regions in Asia, while also promoting cultural exchange through collaborative events. Read also: Japanese Indonesian fashion fusion Currently, AFDS has 14 members in total. In addition to the eight members involved in the Jakarta showcase, there are also Singaporean Allan Chai, Malaysian Orson Liyu, Cambodian Natacha Van, Vietnamese Pham Dham Anh Thu and Laotians Viengkhan Nanthavongdouangsy and Bandid Latsavong. Hannie said that the members communicate via WhatsApp. We live far from each other, and its nearly impossible to meet up frequently. Even for todays trunk show, we coordinated through the chat group, Hannie explained. According to Lenny, fashion school students were also involved in the event. Students from Semarang [Central Java], Yogyakarta and Jakarta, some from vocational schools, volunteer in the event. They have to start taking part in fashion events to understand more about the industry, she said. We like to give chances for young designers and students to realize their dreams in the fashion world, added Ng at a press conference prior to the show. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 10:35 2075 a291276806121264c0bd211cde28f4c8 1 Lifestyle smart-city,bandung,West-Java,#Bandung,city,Bandung-Command-Center Free Channel NewsAsias Smart Cities 2.0 series is slated to premiere on March 4. The weekly eight-part TV series follows founding principal of Pomeroy Studio-slash-eco architect Professor Jason Pomeroys journey to eight of the worlds most renowned smart cities, which includes Bandung in West Java. Pomeroy told The Jakarta Post via e-mail that Bandung is Indonesias leading smart city. [Bandung] is a typical example of a rapidly growing medium-sized Asian city, which grew from 100,000 inhabitants in 1920 to 2 million today; and will expand to 4 million by 2030, said Pomeroy. This rapid growth has come with consequences, such as pollution and traffic congestion, however, the city addresses this issue by using the power of social media to bring its citizens together, he says. Read also: Bandung's Teras Cihampelas redefines pedestrian walkway The Bandung Command Center filters out trending topics like floods or traffic jams so the government can quickly attend to the city's pressing problems and apply its resources efficiently. Citizens can even push a 'panic button' on their phones if in danger and the center is notified within 10 seconds, explained Pomeroy, adding that citizens love for social media had helped enhance peoples lives and elevated Bandung into a smart city. With regard to citizen participation, Pomeroy added that culture played a vital social function as it helped foster a sense of belonging, solidarity and identity. So, I would urge Bandungites to embrace their cultural values, which includes a certain entrepreneurial spirit and a remarkable architectural heritage, said Pomeroy. (kes) Young creative businesses can now utilize machines, such as 3D printers as well as woodworking, sewing and fashion sizing machines, at a lower price at the newly opened Jakarta Creative Hub. The co-working space can be found on the first floor of Graha Niaga building in Melati reservoir area, Tanah Abang, near the Thamrin City and Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall in Central Jakarta. Veronica Tan, head of the Indonesian Handicrafts Council (Dekranasda), said that the space was designed for young creative businesspeople who could not yet afford to rent such a facility or working space on their own. [Dekranasda] has been focusing on providing training for creative talents. Following the recent Jakarta Fashion Week [JFW] event, we thought [to ourselves], why dont we provide the facilities needed by young people? she said. Veronica was previously asked by JFW organizers if she could provide sizing machines as there are many young designers who cannot afford them. Read also: Jakarta launches co-working space to nurture young entrepreneurs Residents who have Jakarta identification cards may apply to use the space. The management will then select users who they consider to be creative and genuinely wishing to create businesses, particularly in the fashion industry. Those selected will be able to utilize classrooms, co-offices, a co-working space and workshop areas available at the hub. They may also register their business using the Jakarta Creative Hub address, attend regular training sessions and consult with instructors from Indoestri makerspace. During the opening, Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said the city administration would provide subsidies for businesses that had managed to attract customers. There is no set of limit on the amount [of the subsidy]; it depends on how many orders they are getting, he said, adding that subsidy receivers would only be required to return 20 percent of their income, which will later be used to manage the space. Ahok also said that the administration planned to open a similar facility on Jl. Dr. Satrio in Kuningan, South Jakarta, to develop software and application businesses. Users of Jakarta Creative Hub will be reviewed regularly. Businesses that fail to make progress, as well as successful ones may be asked to leave in order to give space for new startups to grow. The space management is currently reviewing the terms and conditions of the site's usage and membership. In the meantime, it is open for training sessions and sightseeing. (kes) Those fond of vintage items should consider a visit to Triwindu Market in Surakarta, Central Java. Situated in the city center, particularly in the Ngarsopuro area, it is home to rows of stalls that sell antique products. Strolling the market presents a blast from the past; visitors can expect to find old radios and televisions, gramophones, vinyl records and cassettes, as well as typewriters and old telephones. Other interesting items include traditional iron, old currency, wooden masks, lamps and porcelain. "There are so many unexpected items here. The product circulation is also very fast so customers must come frequently," said Raharjo, 58, an antique fan from Semarang, Central Java. The market opens around 8 a.m. but its atmosphere comes to life two hours later; merchants arrange their items at their stalls, so many that they have to be placed on the pavement and visitors -- who mostly came from outside the city like Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Jakarta and abroad -- are advised to be extra careful when strolling the area. Hunting for antique items at the Triwindu Market is fun. The merchants conveniently let visitors to see, even dig through the piles of goods displayed in their store. Bargaining is a common activity; you can get half the initial price if the transaction goes well. Read also: Surakarta parade celebrates Chinese-Javanese harmony, tolerance Most of the items were obtained from the merchants' hunting activity to the villages; especially for items like lamps, plates, glass, teapots, gebyok (Javanese wooden room partitions), typewriters, clocks and bicycles. There are also goods brought in by the owners to be sold. "Most of the items here are original. But you can also find products that are custom-made or counterfeit, new items but old models. Buyers should be scrupulous," said one of the merchants, Sigit Paiman, 54. Sigit explained that an item that was claimed by the seller to be a hundred years old, could actually be something made a month ago. He added that buyers should not worry as other merchants at the market would help out if they felt they had been deceived. "Buyers who felt deceived could issue a complaint to our community. If it is proven, we will defend [the customer]. We don't want this market to get a bad name because of one or two merchants." The market was built in 1939 by Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (KGPAA) Mangkunegoro VII, at the same time as his 24th anniversary of becoming the king of Mangkunegaran. The name "triwindu" itself came from "tri" (three in Javanese) and "windu" (eight), which resulted in 24 when multiplied. (kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Approximately 3,200 security personnel have been deployed to safeguard Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's visit to the House of Representatives complex in Senayan. The security personnel come from the Jakarta Police, Jakarta Military Command (Kodam), House's security (Pamdal), Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres) and the Saudi Arabia Kingdom. The area where King Salman will get out of his car and the path he will walk on to reach the House's plenary building has been blocked off. No one can pass through the area except the king, his aides and VIP guests. No media, except photographers and camera people, are allowed to enter the plenary hall to cover the event, which will feature a 10-minute speech by the king. The House will broadcast a live report of what is going on inside the hall on a number of televisions outside the plenary hall. "This is a procedure from Paspampres. The area must be clear. It's the same as the annual state speech by the President on Independence Day every August 17," said House security personnel. The King is set to arrive at the House at 1 p.m. and will stay there for about 30 minutes before leaving for Istiqlal Mosque, where he will conduct a prayer with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu and Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Medan Thu, March 2 2017 Following the governments declaration of war against drug abuse, National Narcotics Agency (BNN) personnel are now equipped with highly lethal weapons and are authorized to shoot drug dealers who resist arrest. Three of the four types of firearms, that come with different barrel sizes, have been transferred to BNN offices in provinces, municipalities and regencies throughout the nation, BNN chief Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso said, suggesting that officers use them at any time they face resistance. Budi boasted that one of the new firearms could penetrate doors in a single shot. 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, March 2, 2017 The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) said more than 400 former members of terrorist groups in Indonesia had not yet been touched by its deradicalization program. Currently, only 184 former terrorists in 17 provinces have attended the deradicalization program, said BNPT deputy chairman for prevention, protection and deradicalization Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman Kadir as quoted by Antara in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Thursday. He said the deradicalization program conducted by the BNPT was one of the agencys terrorism monitoring activities. There are two deradicalization programs conducted by the BNPT, in societies and penitentiaries, in which we target terrorism inmates, which amount to 250 people who are currently serving their sentences in 77 prisons, said Abdul. He said the deradicalization program for former terrorists was not something easy to do, especially when ideologies were deeply rooted in their minds. Deradicalization needs to be provided for terrorist inmates because several terrorism acts that occurred in Indonesia recently had involved them. For example, Yayat Chadiyat, the perpetrator of the pressure cooker bomb attack plan in Bandung several days ago, is a former terrorism convict. He was just released in April 2015, said Abdul. He said challenges had hampered the BNPTs deradicalization program for terrorism inmates because not all of them were willing to attend the program. We cannot do anything because it fully depends on them, on whether they want to join the program or not, said Abdul. One of ways deemed quite effective to approach former terrorists who had been released from prison was through economic support, he said. Not all former terrorism inmates could return to society or have a decent life after release. So we approach them by offering economic assistance, he added. (dis/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Linda Yulisman (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Thu, March 2, 2017 Bank Indonesia is set to issue two new regulations this month on short-term liquidity credits as the derivative rules of the Financial System Crisis Prevention and Mitigation (PPKSK) Law passed last year. The new rules would detail requirements for banks, both conventional and sharia ones, to be eligible to obtain short-term credits, Bank Indonesia deputy governor Perry Warjiyo said Thursday. "We are finalizing the legal draft of the rules. Hopefully, Bank Indonesia's regulations can be launched in March," Perry said at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Financial Regulators Training Initiative regional seminar on crisis management held by the central bank. (Read also: Banks demand clarity on bail-in scheme) According to the new rules, the liquidity loans would be offered to conventional and sharia banks that were solvent only, Perry said. Recommendation of the solvency would be provided by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), he added. Passed in March 2016, the much awaited PPKSK Law serves as a legal foundation for policy makers to act at the time of financial crisis. The law finds its relevance as Indonesia has coped with recurrent crises after the most severe one in 1998 and could face similar problems due to developments in the global economy. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Thu, March 2 2017 The message a former terrorism convict was sending when he exploded a homemade bomb in a residential area in Cicendo in the heart of Bandung, the capital of West Java, on Monday was clear: terrorism is still alive and kicking, regardless of the governments relentless efforts to fight terrorism. Indeed, we have not seen any major bombings since the 2009 double hotel blasts in South Jakarta, but sporadic terror attacks have been launched against various targets, including the police, within this eight-year period. Terrorist cells appear to have divided and reproduced to survive and spread their ideology of violence. The rise of the Islamic State (IS) group has shifted the nerve center of the global terrorist movement to Syria and Iraq, but justification of killing in the name of Islam persists worldwide. More and more homegrown terrorist groups here have pledged allegiance to IS. 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, March 2, 2017 Germany's leading organizers of trade fairs, Messe Munchen, invited Indonesian beverage and liquid food producers to join their quadrennial exhibition called Drinktec in September this year. The exhibition will show the entire production process in the beverage and liquid food industry, starting from manufacturing, filling and packaging to marketing, Messe Munchen business unit director Georg Moller said on Tuesday. The producers are also required to show the raw materials, beverage ingredients and logistics solutions as well as whether they use low or high technology, Moller said. (Read also: Food and beverage exporters lament high import tariffs in new markets) Drinktec 2017 is expected to attract 1,600 exhibitors from 70 countries and more than 70,000 trade visitors from more than 180 countries all over the world. At the last Drinktec in 2013, we were delighted with a 14 percent increase in visitor numbers. Overall, we welcomed 66,886 trade visitors, 6,326 visitors were from Asia and 299 people were from Indonesia, he said. Messe Munchen in association with German-Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (EKONID) cooperated for the first time with Indonesian Food and Beverages Association (GAPMMI), which has more than 400 members. We will announce this to our members and encourage them to join because this exhibition could provide inspiration from the thousands of innovations showcased there, GAPMMI vice chairperson on promotion and cooperation Lena Prawira said. EKONID head of trade fairs division Prieta Perthantri said there would be a discount for the entrance ticket for at least 20 participants from Indonesia. (dra/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Washington Thu, March 2, 2017 Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota criticized House Democratic women Wednesday for wearing "bad-looking white pantsuits" during President Donald Trump's speech to Congress. Cramer made the observation while talking with callers on a call-in radio show, "What's On Your Mind," that airs on several AM stations in his home state. House Democratic women wore white to Trump's speech to show solidarity with the women's rights' movement and suffragettes of the early 1900s. Cramer roamed off onto the topic apparently without provocation while criticizing Democrats in a discussion with a caller. "By the way did you notice how poorly several of them were dressed?" he said. "It is a syndrome, there is no question there is a disease associated with the notion that a bunch of women would wear bad-looking white pantsuits in solidary with Hillary Clinton to celebrate her loss. You cannot get that weird." Cramer's comment drew a response over Twitter from House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who linked to a story in Politico about Cramer's remarks and wrote "thank you for illustrating why we so badly need to honor #WomensHistoryMonth." Cramer, in his third term, is a Trump ally who is discussed as a potential candidate for Senate against Democrat Heidi Heitkamp next year. His office had no immediate comment. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 An official has said the Indonesian government has enough funding to buy shares in copper and gold miner PT Freeport Indonesia as it has started to prepare a holding company to manage the mining site in Papua. The holding company will buy shares in Freeport, said Fajar Harry Sampurno, the deputy for mining, strategic industry and media affairs at the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry, on Thursday. Currently, the Indonesian government and Freeport are negotiating changes to Freeports prevailing contract agreement following the issuance of new mining regulations. (Read also: Freeport vs Indonesia: In defense of public welfare) Freeport insists that the Contract of Work (CoW) signed in 1991 is still valid and should be respected. The government wants the company to convert its CoW into a special mining license and divest 51 percent of its shares. Fajar said his ministry planned to send letters to the Finance Ministry and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry to discuss the funding scheme to take over the mine in Mimika regency, Papua. If the government assigns the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry to handle the process, the ministry will appoint an independent appraisal company to assess the value of Freeports shares, said Fajar. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2 2017 The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) is set to hold a public hearing on Thursday to discuss the regulations for the second round of the gubernatorial election slated for April 19, which will be held under the auspices of a KPU Jakarta decree. KPU Jakarta head Sumarno said the commission would invite representatives of the national KPU, Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), the campaign teams of each candidate pair, experts, observers and public figures. Were going to hear the participants suggestions regarding the voters list, campaign regulations and campaign funds, Sumarno said at the KPU office, Central Jakarta 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 (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2 2017 The South Jakarta administration demolished buildings on 34 plots of land acquired for the MRT project in the Cilandak and Kebayoran Baru districts in South Jakarta on Tuesday. The owners of the buildings were compensated but had failed to clear the plots themselves, said South Jakarta Mayor Tri Kurniadi. According to the asset statement letter, 14 days after compensation was received, the owners were supposed to have taken down their properties. However, its been two months and the buildings were still standing. So we demolished them because we own the plots, Tri said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Life has never been easy for children living with HIV/AIDS, a cruel disease that requires costly daily treatments. But what makes their lives even more difficult is the fact that neither the government nor the public seem to be willing to help them. In many cases, society only makes their lives harder. Rumah Singgah Lentera, a local NGO that provides protection for 11 HIV/AIDS children in Surakarta, Central Java, said it had been struggling to provide support for the children due to resistance from local residents. Since its establishment in 2012, the organization and children have been forced to move from one location to another after being rejected by local residents. They currently live in a house provided by a local cleric in the Laweyan area. The children, who are aged between 2 to 14 years old and come from Surakarta and several other cities like Salatiga and Boyolali in Central Java and Ngawi in East Java, have been forced to move from one school to another as some parents objected to their presence in fear they would transmit their disease to other students. The Surakarta city administration has offered them housing in the Punggawan area, but the plan has been suspended, again, due to rejection from locals. Meanwhile, Rumah Singgah Lentera has had to work hard to get enough money to support the 11 children. The NGO spends around Rp 10 million (US$750) for children every month. Routine health checks and drugs were covered by the Surakarta administration. Eight children have been registered with the citys Citizens Health Assistance (BKMKS) program. The remaining three were supported by the Child Social Welfare Program (PKSA), which only gave Rp 1.1 million per child for a year. However, apart from the health services, Lentera has to bear all other costs to look after the children, including food, clothes and education. Apart from the treatment, we need to fulfill all of the childrens needs on our own with money that we gather among ourselves [the managers] or funds from donor contributions and aid from social agencies, Lentera manager Puger Mulyono said. Puger, whom the children referred to as ayah (father), said Lentera also needed to bear all the costs when they traveled out of town to pick up HIV/AIDS-positive children who had been cast out from families that were no longer willing to look after them for various reasons. One time, Puger said, Lentera went to pick up an AIDS-positive boy who had been brought by his family to Blitar Social Services in East Java. The latter contacted Lentera because it did not have a service or program to take care of the child, who needed intensive treatment for his illness. Indonesia has not yet established an agency to take care of children living with HIV/AIDS. Maybe Lentera was the first one to initiate it, Puger, who co-founded Lentera with his friend Yunus Prasetyo, said. UNICEF child specialist Naning Julianingsih asserted the importance for the government to create an integrated system and services to support children living with HIV/AIDS, since social assistance alone was far from enough, especially when their parents or guardians passed away. These children cannot go alone to hospitals to access ARV therapy. A system should be established, such as an accessible program that provides intensive treatment to prevent HIV-positive children from becoming AIDS-positive, she said. She added the government should find solutions for children living with HIV/AIDS to have their rights to health care and education fulfilled, such as providing home-schooling and intensive treatment inside their houses for those unable to go out. Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudy Rudyatmo has expressed his unwavering support for the organization and would work to raise public awareness about HIV/ AIDS. These children need to be taken care of. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The Indonesian immigration office detained six suspected illegal migrant workers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Thursday while they were attempting to depart for the Middle East. "They are using pilgrimage visas [to smuggle the people]," Soekarno-Hatta airport immigration office spokesman Agung Sampurno said, adding that aside from pilgrimage visas, many illegal workers were using umrah (minor haj) visa. (Read also: Fahri Hamzah leads House team to discuss migrant worker issues in Hong Kong) They initially planned to fly with Qatar Airways to Doha, Riyadh at 8.45 a.m., according to Agung. The six suspects are now in the custody of the airport's immigration office. "Through this method, they will potentially become human trafficking victims and be vulnerable to exploitation. Hence, it will likely impact their safety when they are abroad," he added. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have signed 11 memorandums of understanding in various fields. The success of these partnerships will depend on the ministries assigned to implement them, an analyst has said. We dont know [how big the effects of the partnerships will be]. It depends on the ministries, University of Indonesia international relations expert Evi Fitriani said as quoted by kompas.com in Jakarta on Thursday. I think theres nothing wrong with Saudi Arabias investment plans in Indonesia as long as they can be used to create employment, transfer technology and develop infrastructure, Evi said. She further said relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia were actually quite close, especially in the field of culture and religion because Indonesia was a Muslim-majority country. It would be better if the relationship between the two countries could be improved in other sectors, such as trade and the protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, she added. (Read also: King Salman arrives in Jakarta) Evi said Indonesia should try to benefit as much as possible from the partnership. They [Saudi Arabia] need a revitalization because economic development now mainly occurs in Asia and Southeast Asia. Saudi Arabia is relatively open now because the country worries that if they stay exclusive, the Arab Spring could happen again. Earlier, President Joko Widodo called on several ministers to immediately follow up on the agreements signed during King Salmans visit. The two leaders agreed to immediately follow up on all signed agreements by deploying their ministers, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Wednesday.(ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Twenty-five-year-old Siti Aisyah, one of two women suspected of killing North Korean maverick Kim Jong-nam, was charged with murder on Wednesday by a Malaysian court, but the Indonesian government has reiterated its commitment to continue providing legal assistance and protection until she is proven guilty of the crime, raising questions about Sitis possible involvement in a clandestine assassination plot. Appearing in court in Sepang on Wednesday morning, Siti was accompanied by lawyers from Gooi & Azzura and a team from the Indonesian Embassy to Malaysia (KBRI), as the presiding judge read out the charges against her. She and another suspect from Vietnam, Doan Thi Huong, were charged with conspiracy and murder under sections 34 and 302 of the Malaysian penal code, with the latter carrying the death sentence upon conviction. No plea was recorded during the hearing. The Foreign Ministrys director for the protection of Indonesian nationals and entities abroad, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, urged all parties involved in the case to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence. In accordance with this, both the KBRIs protection team and [Sitis] legal team will continue providing legal assistance, Iqbal said in a statement on Wednesday. He also noted that Sitis lawyer, Gooi Soon Seng, was granted a gag order to restrain police and potential witnesses from making public statements that may incriminate his client. (Read also: From LOL shirt to bulletproof vest, hit suspects go to court ) Prosecutors will apply for the two accused to be tried jointly on the next court date of April 13. For the duration of her trial, Siti is to be moved from the Cyberjaya detention facility to a womens prison in Kajang, Iqbal said. The women could be hanged if they are convicted of assassinating the estranged half brother of North Koreas leader at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13, an incident that has sparked theories about North Korean espionage activities in the region. Both have told diplomats who visited them in custody that they were unwitting pawns in an assassination that United States officials and South Korean intelligence said was organized by North Korean agents. Pyongyang maintains the victim is a North Korean citizen, but denies he is the half brother of its leader Kim Jong-un. Malaysian police have said that the women knew what they were doing when they attacked and were instructed to wash their hands afterwards. Authorities also said Siti fell sick, vomiting repeatedly while in custody, possibly as a side effect of VX, though embassy officials have subsequently said she was in good health. It is possible that Siti may have been used by certain parties, who remain unknown, intelligence observer Andrea Abdul Rahman told The Jakarta Post. The North Koreans might not necessarily be behind this plot. It could also be agents from other countries looking to discredit Kim Jong-un. Andrea said it was up to the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and its counterparts in Malaysia and Vietnam to decide whether Siti and Huong were indeed part of a clandestine operation to assassinate Kim Jong-nam. If she was exposed as an agent or a recruit, Siti might face treason charges in accordance with Article 1 clauses (4), (8) and (9) of the 2011 Intelligence Law, he added. While the government had not officially recognized that intelligence officers were screening Siti for any possible espionage connections, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian recently said that police forces of both countries were cooperating in the case. Meanwhile, international law expert Jaka Triyana from Gajah Mada University (UGM) said the government would be able to unilaterally revoke Sitis rights to protection and legal assistance if any evidence linking her to foreign spies surfaced. But that would be a risky move to make by the government, as there would be a strong push for transparency from inside and abroad, Jaka told the Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The Jakarta Police destroyed on Thursday hundreds of kilograms of drugs, including a new form of synthetic marijuana, "gorilla tobacco", which has recently increased in popularity. The narcotics were confiscated in 19 raids conducted by the Jakarta Police over the past two months. Using an incinerator, the police destroyed 9.77 kilograms of gorilla tobacco, which contains synthetic cannabinoids, 117 kg of methamphetamine, 228,978 ecstasy pills and 22,360 nimetazepam happy five pills, which were supplied by international drugs syndicate from the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. We have coordinated with the authorities from various countries in identifying domestic drug distribution as well as discovering a new drug, head of narcotics unit Sr. Comm. Nico Afinta said at the Jakarta Police headquarters. Gorilla tobacco, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Mochammad Iriawan said, has a "much greater hallucinogenic effect than marijuana, which has made demand for it grow quickly." In the raids, conducted in January and February, the police arrested a Taiwanese citizen and Chinese citizen, along with 18 Indonesians; and confiscated Rp 50 billion (US$3.74 million) worth of assets used to support the drug crimes. (dea/ipa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 President Joko Jokowi Widodo is expected to attend a national congress of indigenous people held on March 13-21 after repeatedly pledging to improve their livelihoods. Organized by the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), the fifth Congress of Indigenous People of the Archipelago (KMAN) will be held in Tanjung Gusta village, North Sumatra, and is set to address a number of issues such as the consolidation of a nationwide indigenous peoples advocacy network, the importance of dialogue between the government and indigenous people and the political participation of indigenous people. Hopefully Jokowi will attend [the congress]. There must be dialogue between the government and indigenous people in order to provide them with protection and acknowledgment, Office of Presidential Staff (KSP) expert staff member Usep Setiawan told a press briefing ahead of the event on Thursday. (Read also: COMMENTARY: Who will benefit from Jokowi's land reform?) Transforming The State with Real Action is the theme of the congress, which is expected to bring together 2,272 indigenous communities across Indonesia and will be accompanied by a number of side events such as cultural performances and exhibitions. AMAN secretary-general Abdon Nababan expressed hopes that Jokowis attendance would provide the impetus for the government to expedite its plans related to indigenous people. He added that the President still had a lot of work to do in order to fulfill his promises to them, such as making customary forest ownership official, settling conflicts and issuing a law on protection for indigenous people. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called on Saudi Arabia and Indonesia to unite in facing global challenges in his two-minute speech at the House of Representatives on Thursday. Actually, challenges that we, especially Muslim people and the world overall, are currently facing, such as terrorism, the clash of civilizations, a lack of respect to the sovereignty of other countries and interventions in their domestic affairs, have required us to unite to face these challenges, said the Saudi king. [These challenges] also require all to coordinate in carrying out various efforts and taking a stance, which can bring benefits to our common interests and the worlds peace and security, he went on. (Read also: King Salman gives 2-minute speech at House) King Salman arrived at the House at 1:06 p.m. He was welcomed by House Speaker Setya Novanto and acting House secretary-general Achmad Djuned. The king arrived with an entourage of around 200 people, including several princes. Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin accompanied the king during his visit. Closing his speech, King Salman conveyed his appreciation of the role of the House in increasing relations across fields between the two countries. I also appreciate the signing of several agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two countries during this visit, he said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The Saudi kings speech was too short and contained little substance. Or at least that is the verdict of some Indonesian lawmakers who listened to a two-minute speech delivered by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud at the House of Representatives on Thursday. "His speech failed to provide answers to problems plaguing relations between the two countries such as the haj quota and the welfare of Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia," Golkar Party lawmaker Firman Soebagyo told The Jakarta Post. Firman said that King Salman's speech, delivered in Arabic, was not a sufficient response to House Speaker Setya Novantos speech. Setya mentioned a number of issues in his speech, including a request for a bigger quota for Indonesian haj pilgrims and clemency for Indonesian migrant workers facing criminal charges in Saudi Arabia. The kings speech focused on the importance of the two countries standing united against global challenges, particularly terrorism, and working together to achieve world peace. "We understand that maybe the king needs to consider a few things before responding to our demands," Firman said. PDI-P lawmaker Rieke Diah Pitaloka said that the king and Indonesian government should not be focusing only on the haj quota and investment, but also the rights of Indonesian migrant workers. "We believe that Saudi Arabia, which implements Islamic Law, knows how treat people well and fairly. We want Saudi Arabia to stop all unfair trial practices affecting our migrant workers," Rieke said. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Eileen Ng (Associated Press) Kuala Lumpur Thu, March 2, 2017 A North Korean man will be released from custody because of lack of evidence connecting him to the fatal nerve agent attack on Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korea's ruler, Malaysian officials said Thursday. Ri Jong Chol, 45, was arrested on Feb. 17, four days after the attack at Kuala Lumpur's bustling airport. Malaysia officials never said why he had been arrested. On Thursday, Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said Ri will be released and deported because he does not have valid travel documents. Also Thursday, Malaysia said it was scrapping visa-free travel for North Koreans entering the country, the latest fallout from an attack many believe was orchestrated by Pyongyang. The attack was caught on grainy security camera footage that showed two women smearing something on Kim's face as he waited for a flight in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13. Malaysian officials say the substance was VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon. Kim was dead within an hour as the fast-acting poison coursed through his body, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The poisoning has unleashed a serious diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isn't one of Pyongyang's key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it's been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all begin to change in the wake of Kim's death. On Thursday, the Bernama news agency said North Koreans will have to apply for visas. This May 4, 2001, file photo shows Kim Jong Nam, exiled half brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, escorted by Japanese police officers at the airport in Narita, Japan. Kim was caught with his family trying to enter Japan using a fake passport. He told Japanese officials they were going to Disneyland and was quickly expelled, a major embarrassment for Kim Jong Il that seemingly ended any chance he could succeed his father. (AP/Itsuo Inouye) The two female suspects caught in the security footage were charged with murder in a Malaysian court Wednesday. Both say they were duped into thinking they were taking part in a harmless prank. "I understand but I am not guilty," Vietnamese suspect Doan Thi Huong told the court in English after the murder charge was read. The other suspect, Indonesian Siti Aisyah, nodded as her translator told her, "You are accused of murdering a North Korean man at the departure hall" of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The women did not enter pleas because the magistrate court where they appeared has no jurisdiction over a murder case. Lead prosecutor Iskander Ahmad told the court he will ask for the case to be transferred to a higher court and for the women to be tried together. Each faces a mandatory death sentence if convicted. Both women were wearing bulletproof vests as they were escorted from the court to Kajang Prison. In the surveillance video, Huong was seen clearly in a T-shirt with "LOL" emblazoned across the front. Both women were originally from modest farming villages and had moved to their countries' capitals seeking a better life. Also Wednesday, the court approved a gag order to prevent police and potential witnesses from making public statements about the case. North Korea is widely speculated to be behind the killing, particularly after Malaysia said that VX had killed Kim. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea's official news agency called that finding the "height of absurdity" on Wednesday, saying the two women could not have used such a deadly toxin without killing or sickening themselves and anyone around them. North Korea opposed Malaysian officials even conducting an autopsy on Kim, while Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country the day of Kim's death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Korea's Embassy and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favor with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Koreasince it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 The Environment and Forestry Ministry has completed a strategic environmental assessment of the Tripa Swamp in Aceh, a crucial document needed to protect the home of many native and endangered animals in Sumatra, including Sumatran orangutans. The document will ensure that any development planning conducted by central and local government must comply with the principles of sustainable development, as stipulated in law No. 23/2014 on regional administration. All parties are asked to support the governments attempts to improve the countrys environment and natural resources. Tripa Swamp is important for orangutans because its the only habitat left in Sumatra, San Afri Awang, the ministrys planology director general, said on Wednesday. According to research in 2013, Tripa Swamp is home to 91 types of flora and fauna, 14 of them native to Indonesia and endangered. (Read also: Three named suspects for feasting on orangutan in Kapuas) Tripa Swamp is located inside the Leuser Ecosystem Zone (KEL), a UNESCO world heritage site that covers thousands of hectares of protected forest in Aceh and North Sumatra. Globally recognized as one of the richest expanses of tropical rainforest found anywhere in Southeast Asia, the KEL is also one of Asia's largest carbon sinks. Despite being a unique and irreplaceable natural wonder, the survival of the KEL is not guaranteed as the Aceh administration failed to list the KEL as a national strategic area in its land use plan issued through a 2013 bylaw on spatial planning. (ary) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim and Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Despite high hopes that the historic royal state visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Indonesia would bring in at least US$25 billion in investments, it was revealed on Wednesday that this country would receive much less, as the only investment deal the oil-rich kingdom agreed to sign was for a total of $1 billion. President Joko Jokowi Widodo and King Salman witnessed on Wednesday the signing of 11 agreements in the form of memorandums of understanding (MoU), with only one agreement signed by the Saudi Fund Contribution and the Finance Ministry bearing details of the kingdom agreeing to spend $1 billion to finance various development projects in Indonesia. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the $1 billion fund could be allocated for the governments projects, including those involving infrastructure and sanitation. The other 10 agreements were aimed at improving the relations between the two countries in Islamic affairs, information and education, health, maritime affairs and the fishery, international affairs, aeronautics, science, small and medium enterprises and transnational crimes. (Read also:Indonesia, Saudi Arabia aim to strengthen bilateral ties) Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung claimed last week that President Jokowi and King Salman would sign a $25 billion deal in the energy sector on the first day of the visit by the octogenarian monarch. The new deal signed on Wednesday, however, wont likely tip the balance in favor of Indonesia, which contributes to Saudi Arabias national income as it has become the sender of the most number of haj pilgrims approximately 211,000 per year to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has also benefitted from thousands of Indonesians traveling to some of the holy sites in the kingdom for umrah (minor pilgrimage). Other than business concerning the haj and umrah, trade and economic relations between the two countries are still weak, having dropped by up to 36 percent in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, direct foreign investment from Saudi Arabia only amounted to about $900,000, down from $30 million in 2015, according to data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). What the Saudis plan to invest in Indonesia was significantly less than the $7 billion the Aramco oil company invested to buy shares in a petrochemical refining project owned by Malaysias Petronas. Neither was there any deal signed concerning investment in the tourism sector during the Wednesday meeting, despite the expectations of the Indonesian government. King Salman and the 1,500 members of his entourage are expected to fly to Bali for a holiday, a trip that the Indonesian government expects could draw more tourists from the Middle East in the future. During the meeting, President Jokowi also made a request to the kingdom to remove trade barriers so that it could export its halal products, fishery products, medicines, textiles and garments to Saudi Arabia. The President also hailed the signing of an agreement between state-owned energy company Pertamina and Aramco for a refinery upgrading project in Cilacap, Central Java, worth $6 billion. The $6 billion deal between Aramco and Pertamina was secured in December 2016. We want to push for basic engineering designs [for the project], as well as the establishment of a joint venture [between the two companies] to be realized soon, Retno said in a press conference held after the meeting. During the talk, Jokowi also offered a number of projects for Saudi Arabia to finance, including plans to build oil refineries in Dumai, Riau, Balongan in West Java and Bontang in East Kalimantan. Saudi Arabia has made no commitments on the offers. Officials from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia plan to meet again in the future to discuss the details of the projects. Indonesia also offered to Saudi Arabia the chance to finance the development of a mine-mouth coal-fired power plant in Jambi, as well as other infrastructure projects for drinking water, sanitation and housing. Speaking after Rento, Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nizar Bin Obaid Madani, said that King Salman had appreciated the progress of development in Indonesia and the kingdom was looking forward to stepping up efforts to improve cooperation in the economic sector. The two leaders agreed to increase investment in infrastructure, such as in housing and others, Nizar said. Later in the evening, President Jokowi uploaded a video onto his YouTube channel to provide the public a glimpse of the meeting. With traditional Sundanese music playing in the background, Jokowi introduced King Salman, who was finishing his meal, to viewers. King Salman, through an interpreter, thanked Jokowi for the warm welcome and delivered a message to the Indonesian people: For us, the Indonesian people are our brothers and sisters. Very noble people, the monarch said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim and Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Bogor Thu, March 2 2017 Despite high hopes that the historic royal state visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Indonesia would bring in at least US$25 billion in investments, it was revealed on Wednesday that this country would receive much less, as the only investment deal the oil-rich kingdom agreed to sign was for a total of $1 billion. President Joko Jokowi Widodo and King Salman witnessed on Wednesday the signing of 11 agreements in the form of memorandums of understanding (MoU), with only one agreement signed by the Saudi Fund Contribution and the Finance Ministry bearing details of the kingdom agreeing to spend $1 billion to finance various development projects in Indonesia. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the $1 billion fund could be allocated for the governments projects, including those involving infrastructure and sanitation. The other 10 agreements were aimed at improving the relations between the two countries in Islamic affairs, information and education, health, maritime affairs and the fishery, international affairs, aeronautics, science, small and medium enterprises and transnational crimes. Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung claimed last week that President Jokowi and King Salman would sign a $25 billion deal in the energy sector on the first day of the visit by the octogenarian monarch. The new deal signed on Wednesday, however, wont likely tip the balance in favor of Indonesia, which contributes to Saudi Arabias national income as it has become the sender of the most number of haj pilgrims approximately 211,000 per year to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has also benefitted from thousands of Indonesians traveling to some of the holy sites in the kingdom for umrah (minor pilgrimage). Other than business concerning the haj and umrah, trade and economic relations between the two countries are still weak, having dropped by up to 36 percent in 2014 and 2015. In 2016, direct foreign investment from Saudi Arabia only amounted to about $900,000, down from $30 million in 2015, according to data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). What the Saudis plan to invest in Indonesia was significantly less than the $7 billion the Aramco oil company invested to buy shares in a petrochemical refining project owned by Malaysias Petronas. Neither was there any deal signed concerning investment in the tourism sector during the Wednesday meeting, despite the expectations of the Indonesian government. King Salman and the 1,500 members of his entourage are expected to fly to Bali for a holiday, a trip that the Indonesian government expects could draw more tourists from the Middle East in the future. During the meeting, President Jokowi also made a request to the kingdom to remove trade barriers so that it could export its halal products, fishery products, medicines, textiles and garments to Saudi Arabia. The President also hailed the signing of an agreement between state-owned energy company Pertamina and Aramco for a refinery upgrading project in Cilacap, Central Java, worth $6 billion. The $6 billion deal between Aramco and Pertamina was secured in December 2016. We want to push for basic engineering designs [for the project], as well as the establishment of a joint venture [between the two companies] to be realized soon, Retno said in a press conference held after the meeting. During the talk, Jokowi also offered a number of projects for Saudi Arabia to finance, including plans to build oil refineries in Dumai, Riau, Balongan in West Java and Bontang in East Kalimantan. Saudi Arabia has made no commitments on the offers. Officials from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia plan to meet again in the future to discuss the details of the projects. Indonesia also offered to Saudi Arabia the chance to finance the development of a mine-mouth coal-fired power plant in Jambi, as well as other infrastructure projects for drinking water, sanitation and housing. Speaking after Rento, Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nizar Bin Obaid Madani, said that King Salman had appreciated the progress of development in Indonesia and the kingdom was looking forward to stepping up efforts to improve cooperation in the economic sector. The two leaders agreed to increase investment in infrastructure, such as in housing and others, Nizar said. Later in the evening, President Jokowi uploaded a video onto his YouTube channel to provide the public a glimpse of the meeting. With traditional Sundanese music playing in the background, Jokowi introduced King Salman, who was finishing his meal, to viewers. King Salman, through an interpreter, thanked Jokowi for the warm welcome and delivered a message to the Indonesian people: For us, the Indonesian people are our brothers and sisters. Very noble people, the monarch 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 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 A rally planned to be held in front of the Saudi Embassy on Jl. HR Rasuna Said in South Jakarta on Thursday was broken up after the police cornered the protesters on nearby Jl. Karet Raya beside the embassy, saying they had violated procedures. In the rally organized by the local chapter of the International Womens Day committee to coincide with the visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud to Indonesia, the activists demanded the Indonesian government and its Saudi counterparts to pay more attention to the protection of Indonesian migrant workers. Our rally is a silent action, which aims to remind the Indonesian authorities that they should not only care about Saudi investments in Indonesia and the countrys haj quota, but also pay attention to the Indonesian migrant workers in that country, said Marjenab, an Indonesian Migrant Worker Family activist who participated in the rally. The police pushed the protesters and yelled at them in a bid to drive them away from the embassy, right when the protest was about to start. The police detained 13 protesters, including rally coordinator Hariyanto, chairperson of the Indonesian Migrant Worker Association (SBMI), in an armored vehicle. The police finally released them after they agreed to disperse. A protester called on all Indonesian people to show their solidarity with migrant workers. Many female migrant workers are still facing abuses [from their employers]. I call on all people to show their support for them. We are Indonesian citizens. This is about our mothers, our children, our brothers and sisters who deserve protection as Indonesian nationals, said Nisa Yura, a Solidarity for Women activist. (mrc/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 Opposition leader Prabowo Subianto said on Thursday that he expected the Saudi King's visit would bring in more commercial investments and raise the haj quota to cut the long waiting lines Indonesian Muslims face if they want to complete the pilgrimage. "Many [Indonesian Muslims] must wait 20 years or more for their turn to complete the haj, even though we have the largest Muslim population in the world," Prabowo said after attending the deluxe welcome event for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the House of Representatives. (Read also: King Salman gives 2-minute speech at House) The Gerindra Party chairman, who was also President Joko "Jokowi" Widodos contender in the 2014 election, said he expected the oil-rich country to make more investment deals with Indonesia. President Jokowi and King Salman witnessed on Wednesday the signing of 11 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), with only one agreement signed by the Saudi Fund Contribution and the Finance Ministry bearing details of the kingdom agreeing to spend $1 billion to finance various development projects in Indonesia. Indonesia's haj quota has returned to the normal annual figure of 211,000 this year after a 20 percent cut in 2013 due to the renovation of the Masjidil Haram grand mosque in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian government has also granted an additional 10,000 seats, which will allow 221,000 Indonesians to travel to Mecca for the pilgrimage. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Thu, March 2, 2017 An uprising broke out at Jambi Class II A Penitentiary on Wednesday evening. Several inmates became violent, burning down the prisons canteen and meeting hall. The riot erupted at around 9 p.m. local time and lasted until midnight. The riot began when inmates in drug and general crime blocks rejected anti-narcotics operations that would be conducted by Jambi-chapter National Narcotics Agency (BNN) personnel and attacked the officers. The inmates later poured out of their cells and began to burn the canteen and meeting hall. Police and military personnel were dispatched to suppress the riot. Six male inmates got shot by security officers. One of the police officers deployed was wounded by stones thrown by the inmates. Those injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, female inmates were moved to other rooms deemed safer. No injuries or fatality were reported in the riot, Jambi Police chief Brig.Gen. Yazid Fanani said on Thursday. Police and military personnel are still on guard at the location. Yazid said mediation between representatives of the government and the prisons inmates had been conducted following the incident. During the mediation, representatives of the inmates urged the government to replace Jambi Prison warden Djarot Sugiarto. Citing complaints of inmates in the prison, they said many of his policies, such as poor access to health care services for those who were ill, had inflicted losses upon the inmates. This was one factor that triggered a riot in January. Acting Jambi administrations regional secretary Erwan Malik, who attended the mediation, said he would accommodate the inmates; however, certain mechanisms must be fulfilled in realizing their demands. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2 2017 Leaders of two major opposition parties, Prabowo Subianto and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, of the Gerindra and the Democratic parties, respectively, will meet this week to discuss a possible alliance in their attempt to defeat the ruling coalition-backed candidate in the Jakarta gubernatorial race. This is the second attempt by the two leaders to hold coalition talks on the Jakarta election. The first attempt, made at the eleventh hour before the deadline for candidate registration on Sept. 22, failed after Yudhoyono reportedly insisted on fielding his own son, Agus Harimurti, in the race and declined to back Prabowos ticket of Anies Baswedan-Sandiaga Uno. 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, March 2, 2017 French-based electric controls and equipment manufacturer Schneider Indonesia has integrated its Cibitung, Bekasi factory in West Java and Pulogadung plant in Jakarta into its industrial compound in Cikarang, Bekasi, to improve its capacity to produce low and medium voltage electric equipment. Schneider Indonesias Cikarang plant director, Joko Sutopo, said on Wednesday that the integrated plant could now annually produce about 30,000 panels, 30 percent more than its previous capacity. He said that 62 percent of Cikarang production would be sold domestically and the other 38 percent exported to Australia, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. (Read also: Schneider Electric to build new plant) Joko told reporters after the inauguration ceremony of the integrated plant that 38 percent of the materials would be procured domestically and the remainder imported. In terms of the number of suppliers, 68 percent of them were local partners, while all the workers were local people, he added. The Industry Ministrys director for machinery and farming tool industries, Zakiyudin, said the new plant would support the countrys project of increasing its electricity capacity by 35,000 megawatts as of 2019. With the merging of the three factories, Schneider Indonesia has five factories in Indonesia including one in Cibitung, which specifically focuses on producing transformer tools, and three others in Batam, Riau Islands, which focus on making components for panels. (yon/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 A committee appointed to select the new commissioners for the Financial Services Authority (OJK) defended its decision to eliminate most of the authoritys top incumbents from the selection process. The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, wrapped up the second stage of the selection process last Friday by approving 35 out of 72 names to enter into the third round. The selected candidates will face interviews and medical checkups. (Read also: Wind of change blowing through OJK) The committee eliminated five of the current seven OJK commissioners, including chairman Muliaman D. Hadad. The two who survived are deputy chairman Rahmat Waluyanto and capital market supervision commissioner Nurhaida. Sri Mulyani said the second phase results last Friday were based on a thorough assessment of the candidates academic papers and track record as well as public input. Some people are questioning our accountability and the basis of our criteria, but the selection process is going on in a transparent manner, she said at a press conference on Wednesday evening. Previously, Achmad Hafisz Tohir, the deputy chairman of House Commission XI, criticized the OJK selection committee for not being transparent enough in its process following its decision to eliminate most of the authoritys incumbent commissioners. Meanwhile, as reported by tribunnews.com, former coordinating maritime affairs minister Rizal Ramli said the OJK should not be filled completely with people who are known to be close to Sri Mulyani. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang Thu, March 2, 2017 The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Agricultural Quarantine Agency thwarted a smuggling attempt of two pythons, locally known as sanca batik "We teamed up with [the post office] Pos Indonesia to uncover this smuggling case," said the Agency's head Banun Harpini on Wednesday. The snakes were in a box that was sent through air service of Pos Indonesia. However, when the box was going to be loaded on a plane, the officers intercepted it. The package was to be sent to Kudus, Central Java, from Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara. "We will carry out an investigation to arrest the perpetrator," he added. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, March 3 2017 A draft revision of the Criminal Code (KUHP) currently being deliberated at the House of Representatives may turn back the clock on Indonesias democracy as it could easily be used to criminalize the work of journalists, legal activists said. Rights groups have pointed out at least 10 clauses they believe would not only restrict the work of journalists but also subject them to prosecution simply for doing their job. Article 551 of the bill, for instance, stipulates that a person can be sentenced to two years in prison for revealing secrets regarding past and present incidents. Article 552, meanwhile, allows four-year prison terms for those who are found guilty of revealing specific and confidential information regarding a 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 Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, March 3 2017 Amid staggeringly low investment from oil giant Saudi Arabia and imbalanced trade with Indonesia in recent years, businesspeople from both countries have agreed to form an Indonesia-Saudi business council to change the math. The worlds 20th biggest economy with US$640 billion worth of gross domestic product (GDP) dripped Rp 12 billion ($900,000) of investments into Indonesia last year, a drastic drop from $30.4 million in 2015, Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) data shows. 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 (Viet Nam News/ANN) Hanoi Thu, March 2, 2017 Vietnam has 200 super-rich people, with fortunes valued at US$30 million or more, according to the Wealth Report 2017 by the UKs leading independent real estate consultancy Knight Frank. The recent report showed that the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) in Vietnam was up 32 against 2015, and 50 against 2014. This super-rich group increased sharply by 320 percent from 2006 to 2016, the fastest growth in the world in comparison with Indias 290 percent and Chinas 281 percent. UHNWIs are people with investable assets of at least US$30 million, excluding personal assets and property such as a primary residence, collectibles and consumer durables. UHNWIs comprise the richest people in the world and control a disproportionate amount of global wealth. Vietnams ultra-rich population was growing faster than any economy in the world, and was expected to see the fastest growth in its UHNWI by 2026, with a 170 per cent increase in people with US$30 million or more, taking the total up to 540. The number of millionaires is predicted to jump from 14,300 to 38,600 over the same period. The report by Knight Frank reflects considerable variation between the growth rates of UHNWI in different regions and countries, due to local factors that underpin wealth creation and the mobility of ultra-wealthy people. The World Bank described the transformation of Vietnams economy as remarkable, in which economic and political reforms are leading to higher incomes. The bank also mentioned that despite the fact the country is vulnerable to the shocks of economic and environmental issues, the prospects for the economy remain strong, with an average annual GDP growth of around 6 percent by 2020. Andrew Amoils, head of Research at New World Wealth, selected Vietnam as one of the countries with a stellar growth rate, contributing to the dramatic growth of the super-rich population in Asia. We expect Vietnams millionaire numbers to be boosted by strong growth in the local healthcare, manufacturing and financial services sectors, he also said in the report. Vietnam currently has only one dollar billionaire but whose name was not disclosed. Knight Frank predicts that this number will increase by three dollar billionaires in the next 10 years. This article appeared on the Viet Nam News 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 Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 2, 2017 18:53 2075 a291276806121264c0bd211cde2b24e7 1 News Garuda-Indonesia,garuda-indonesia-travel-fair,travel-fair,travel,#travel Free The biannual Garuda Indonesia Airlines Travel Fair (GATF) is set to be held from March 10 to 12 at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta. Unlike the previous year in which the event was conducted in 18 cities, the first phase of this year's travel fair is slated in 24 cities, namely Jakarta, Medan, Batam, Tanjung Karang, Jambi, Palembang, Padang, Banda Aceh, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Denpasar, Lombok, Kupang, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Makassar, Manado, Kendari, Ambon, Timika and Jayapura. Unlike last year, Lampung is not included in the list. (Read also: Globetrotting couple sketch their travels) Garuda Indonesia commercial director Agus Toni Soetirto (from bottom left to right) and Garuda Indonesia vice president marketing Selfie Dewiyanti during the Garuda Indonesia Travel Fair 2017 press conference in Jakarta on Feb. 28.(Garuda Indonesia Airlines/File) During this year's GATF, we are also trying to reach out and offer opportunities to a wider audience in Indonesia for their trip by holding the GATF in 24 large cities throughout Indonesia, said Garuda commercial director Agus Toni Soetirto in a press release, adding that the travel fair was aiming for Rp 207.3 billion (US$15.5 million) in transactions and up to 77,000 visitors for the first phase. The airline is reportedly organizing the travel fair with state-owned lender Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), which will use the opportunity to introduce its mobile app Ventugo. Besides getting cashback, travel enthusiasts can also expect to participate in interesting programs such as Happy Hour that offers an 80 percent discount on airline tickets during certain hours, such as 10.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m. and 04.00 p.m. to 06.00 p.m., as well as Best Deals that provides discounts of between 15 and 45 percent for all classes on both domestic and international flights. (kes) Carlina Rivera, a candidate for City Council in District 2, has picked up two significant local endorsements. Shes won the support of State Sen. Daniel Squadron and State Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou. Rivera is running in Septembers Democratic Primary to replace her former boss, Rosie Mendez. The sitting Council member is prevented from pursuing another term due to term limits. District 2 includes some sections of the Lower East Side below East Houston Street, and it covers the East Village, Gramercy Park and Kips Bay. In a statement, Squadron said, Carlina Rivera has worked for years as a champion for the Lower East Side. Her experience and commitment to our community will make her a strong representative for the Second Council District. I am proud to endorse her, and I look forward to working with her as a colleague in government. Niou, who was recently elected to serve Lower Manhattan, said, I am thrilled to give Carlina my support Having spent years as a community advocate, Carlina is prepared to hit the ground running and advocate for the Lower East Side and its surrounding communities. I am confident Carlina has the knowledge, experience and energy to take on this challenge, and I look forward to working with her to deliver real results for Lower Manhattan. Other candidates competing in the primary include Jasmin Sanchez, a community activist who worked for Squadron; and Mary Silver, an attorney active in local education issues. Rivera was previously a staffer in Mendezs office and worked for Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), the housing advocacy organization. Shes a lifelong resident of the Lower East Side. Shes also been endorsed by State Sen. Brad Hoylman, Assemblywoman Deborah Glick and, of course, Rosie Mendez. The moment has finally arrived. Fifty years after hundreds of homes were demolished in the Seward Park Urban Renewal Area (SPURA), the first affordable apartments are becoming available on the site. At midnight last night (Thursday, March 2), the housing lottery for site 5 of Essex Crossing, as SPURA is now known, went live on the citys housing website. Out of 211 rental apartments in the building, 104 will be available to individuals and families who qualify for NYCs affordable housing programs. All of the particulars are online and in the documents posted at the end of this story, but here are the basics: There are 6 units for applicants earning 40% of Area Median Income ($19,680-42,040) There are 53 units for applicants earning 60% of AMI ($30,069-63.060) There are 17 units for applicants earning 120% of AMI ($49,338-126,120) There are 28 units for applicants earning 165% of AMI ($69,326-173,415) Apartments include studios, plus 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. The 15-story building at 145 Clinton St. will also house a 30,000 square foot Trader Joes, a Planet Fitness and other commercial businesses. A publicly accessible park will be located on the north side of the building (bordering Broome Street). Building amenities include a part-time lobby attendant, on-site superintendent, communal terraces, a fitness room, a yoga room, a childrens playroom, bicycle storage, a dog-wash room, and a resident lounge. Residents of Community District 3 will receive a preference for 50 percent of the affordable units. Former site tenants of the Seward Park Extension Urban Renewal Area (SPEURA) will receive an additional priority for the units (see the information sheet at the end of this post for more details about qualifying as a former site tenant). To apply online, go to nyc.gov/housingconnect. You can also access the Essex Crossing/Site 5 page directly here. To request an application by mail, send a self- addressed envelope to: Essex Crossing Site 5 / Triborough Finance New Station, PO Box 2011, New York, NY 10035-9997. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than May 2, 2017. There is an upcoming community information session for affordable housing at Essex Crossing. It will be held Monday, March 6, 6:30-8 p.m. at Seward Park High School, 350 Grand St. The meeting will be hosted by Delancey Street Associates, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC). NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING. Essex Crossing includes 1,078 apartments, 561 (or 52%) of them affordable. Affordable housing lotteries for three other buildings in phase one of the project will take place later this year. The first buildings are scheduled to open in 2018. Essex Crossing is being built by BFC Partners, L+M Development Partners, and Taconic Investment Partners. The Raid star Iko Uwais jabs, kicks and choke-slams his way to another well deserved Bruce Lee comparison in this seriously brutal Asian actioner. Gareth Evans The Raid pretty much blew the door open on the Indonesian film industry. The Welsh-born director kickstarted the careers of not just the ridiculously talented Uwais, but several of his other highly-trained friends too, queueing them up for roles in everything from Keanu Reevess Man of Tai Chi to JJ Abrams Star Wars reboot. Headshot is more of a direct nod back to his Raid days though, casting Uwais as a Bourne-like amnesiac who washes up on a beach with a serious head wound and a seemingly unstoppable army of gun-toting mafiosos hot on his tail. Violence very obviously ensues, and when his only friend, a young female doctor, ends up kidnapped, Uwais turns the tables and starts blazing a trail of neck-breaking destruction all the way back to the gangs leader, a mysterious figure from his past. Its fairly cut-and-dry action stuff; a flimsy plot hung together by fight scene after fight scene, but lets be honest, what else were you expecting from a movie called Headshot? Famed genre-geniuses the Mo Brothers (Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto) deliver exactly what an Uwais star-vehicle needs at heart: beautifully choreographed and insanely well shot fight sequences, bare-bones dialogue and a fun-fuelled, but still decidedly brutal tone. The plot itself isnt awful, and whilst it is something weve seen a million times before, the cast (also featuring former Raid alumni Julie Estelle and Zack Lee) hit all the necessary emotional beats believably and provide just enough set-up for the violence in question. The Mo Brothers have really mastered the art of balance here and as a martial-arts driven action movie, theres not a lot wrong with Headshot. Sure its noticeably cheap and many corners have very clearly been cut; the cinematography is fairly pedestrian and some dodgy muzzle flare effects stand in for decent prop guns (pretty much nothing recoils) but its all easily forgettable stuff. The real star here is the fight choreography, and thanks to plenty of long takes, clever cuts and some very, very talented performers, it really is given its time to shine. Fans of The Raid, its sequel, or even just martial arts in general will find a lot to like here, and it seems fairly safe to say that in Uwais, we might well have found this generations Bruce Lee. All the technical mastery and dramatic skills of the legends before him, and without even so much as an inch of pomposity; keep an eye on this one, folks. Headshot hits UK cinemas and VOD on 3rd March. When you were younger, did your parents ever tell you to think before you speak? Sound advice, but in this digital age most of us definitely dont and its far too easy to post silly things online (to put it mildly). Now, the Norwegian news site NRKbeta has come up with an ingenious way to battle ignorance in the comment section. On some of their articles you will only be able to contribute after successfully answering three basic multiple-choice questions about the story. Whilst this might seem *slightly* time consuming, we still think its a brilliant way to reduce the amount of people just word vomiting below the line. Its designed to make you take time before you comment, putting more consideration into your thoughts. (nrkbeta.no) NRKbeta journalist Stale Grut told Nieman Lab: We thought we should do our part to try and make sure that people are on the same page before they comment. If everyone can agree that this is what the article says, then they have a much better basis for commenting on it. Editors of the news site have found that comments have got far less ranty since the system was put in place, as people actually think about what theyre saying rather than just pressing send immediately. NRKbeta is the technology blog from the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and who knows, this might pave the way for a new dawn in the era of commenting. Many news sites have had so much trouble with their comments sections that theyve got rid of them completely, so this provides a new alternative. Sure, were all entitled to our own opinions, but for NRKbeta they have to be somewhat informed. Although it might seem a touch extreme, thats totally something we can get on board with. From big to small, London to Tokyo, beautiful bookstores can be found all over the world, you just need to know where to look. The next time you go travelling, be sure to have these on your list: The Strand, New York, USA The Strand is a huge independent bookstore in Manhattan, boasting 18 miles of books - thats the equivalent of a bookshelf that went from central London to Watford - including rare and out of print editions. It is a much-loved location for booklovers in the city, hosting various events. It also has rows of used books outside, that are on sale for as little as $1. Square Books, Mississippi, USA In the small, historic town of Oxford, Mississippi, lies a charming independent bookstore called Square Books. It hosts over 150 author events a year and sells many signed and collectible editions. The decor fits in with the classic feel of the town square, while including a flair of the contemporary, and upstairs there's a coffee bar and a balcony, where you can enjoy the town's quiet atmosphere. Also in the town square are the two spin-off stores, Square Books Jr. (for kids) and Off Square Books (for lifestyle and leisure reads, plus quirky gifts). Libros para un mundo mejor, Madrid, Spain Although this store has a long name, meaning books for a better world, the outside simply says libros, and in the hip neighborhood of Malasana, Madrid, it could easily be missed. A hidden gem, the store sells many hand-made, store-specific trinkets, most of which are based on the owners black cat that can often be found roaming around the store. Upstairs they host language, writing and meditation classes - and there's even a yoga space. Daunt Books, London, UK Located in Marylebone, Daunt Books specialises in travel-related literature which is organised by country rather than genre, so biographies, guides, fiction and non-fiction are all grouped together by their location. Its housed in an Edwardian building that still has its original galleries and skylights, so while it attracts collectors of rare and vintage maps, many visit just for the architecture. Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice, Italy Literally meaning high water, this bookstore lies on the edge of the Grand Canal, where you can sit and read while your feet are inches from the water. The owners cats also roam the store freely, and if youre lucky you might see them wandering around. The interior is beautiful, with books everywhere: forming walls and doorways, filling up bathtubs and gondolas. Outside there are also some stairs made of books, which you can climb up to get a better view of the canal. Livraria Da Vila, Sao Paulo, Brazil This bookstore may be over 30 years old, but it has a cool, modern vibe thanks to being renovated in 2003. It's made up of smooth, curved shelves and colourful beanbags where you can sit and read. The architecture also involves holes in the ceiling which are filled with books, creating an interesting and unique aesthetic. It's also home to many cultural events and workshops. Daikanyama Tsutaya, Tokyo, Japan This stylish bookstore has won an award for its architecture, which is not surprising seeing as it looks more like a five-star hotel than a place to buy books. Spread across three interlocking buildings, this store contains a bar that is made up of books, many seating areas, and a grand piano. Its like a giant living room, and has become a trendy hangout place for locals looking to escape the noise of the city. Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France Shakespeare and Company is an English-language independent bookstore with almost 100 years of history. The original store was closed in 1941, but a second store, inspired by the first, was opened in 1951 by George Whitman. The store is famous for hosting tumbleweeds; with the motto "be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise". Whitman opened his doors to the public, who could sleep in the beds amongst the shelves and in exchange, guests only have to read a book a day, help out in the store, and write a one-page biography for the archives. Over 30,000 people have stayed there, and each of their stories form a part of the shelves. This system is still going even today, and you can apply to be a tumbleweed on their website. Cafebreria El Pendulo, Mexico City, Mexico Cafebreria is the Spanish version of squishing the words cafe and bookstore together, which gives a pretty good indication of what to expect. There are two bars and a restaurant in the store, with multiple seating areas surrounding by books and decorative plants. It has become an important cultural site, hosting many events for both authors and musicians - concerts are held there most days of the week. El Ateneo, Buenos Aires, Argentina This list would not be complete without what is often called the most beautiful bookstore in the world, El Ateneo. Buenos Aires has more bookstores per person than any other city in the world, and this one is certainly the most famous and luxurious. Based in a former theatre, it boasts a truly unique and beautiful browsing experience, as you can walk through the places where audiences used to sit almost 100 years ago. The original stage and curtains remain, but now it's home to a cafe, perfect for people watching or soaking in the atmosphere. Youre sitting at the local park waiting for a friend, or cuddled in your bed or favourite armchair. Or you could be sat in a boring lecture at uni, or sat on the bus. We all have different reasons for taking out the book we're reading and disappearing into the world of fiction, imagination and quiet escape from reality. How many times when reading a book have you dreamt about going to the exact places where the characters are experiencing their battles, struggles and adventures? Well, the real world is not at all that cruel and can sometimes offer us a glimpse into those ever famous stories that have been captivating our minds for years. Here are ten locations relating to some of Britain's most well known literary offerings. 1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire In Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth House is just a place Elizabeth Bennet visits on the way to Pemberley. But in the movie adaptation the mansion is used as the actual set for Pemberley. Who knows, you might find a Mr Darcy or two around there 2. Whitby Abbey, Whitby, Yorkshire Well, Count Dracula might have never stepped foot in Yorkshire (or existed for that matter) but Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula, did get the inspiration for the moody and dramatic settings in the infamous novel. How about a midnight walk around the Abbey? 3. Rostrevor and the Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland Ever dreamed of visiting Narnia and strolling around the evergreen meadows? I sure have. And maybe its not as impossible as it seems. Rumour has it C.S. Lewis said the picturescue village surrounded by dramatic landscape is what inspired his fantasy world. 4. The Bronte Parsonage and Top Withens, Haworth, West Yorkshire The Bronte sisters sure were inspired by the surrounding landscape. Their lifelong family house is now transformed into a museum, which is open to visitors all year round. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Walk to the nearby Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse which is said to be the inspiration for the Earnshaw family home in Wuthering Heights. It definitely captures the spirit. 5. The World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere Peter Rabbit is an all-time favourite character. We all love the mischievous rabbit and his friends so much that even the Royal Mint launched a special edition of 50p coins to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter. More good news - Bowness-on-Windermere is the home of an attraction that brings Mrs Tiggy-winkle's Kitchen and Mr Toad's underground home to real life. Who knew? 6. 221B, Baker Street Do I need to say more? Sherlock Holmes famous apartment is exactly where its supposed to be - 221B, Baker Street, London. Well, it is actually a museum now. And its paid. And the queues are long. And there is 0% chance youd meet Benedict Cumberbatch. BUT ITS THE ACTUAL 221B BAKER STREET! Just go and take a picture! 7. Moseley Bog, Birmingham Ever read The Lord of the Rings and imagined youre a part of the adventure? Walking through those woods and marshes, having some Lembas bread to fill your stomach? Seek no more, we know where J.R.R. Tolkien got his inspiration from. The Moseley Bog Natural Reserve in Birmingham, which even has a suspiciously bright green swamp if you find your way to it. And dont forget your wellies as it gets super muddy if it rains. And we know it always rains. 8. Greenway, Devon Agatha Christies holiday home and dream house was given by her daughter to the National Trust in 2000. As this was Christies favourite place of residence it comes as no surprise that inspired a few of her murder mysteries. Dead Mans Folly was the book that was mostly based on Greenway. In fact ITV actually filmed their adaptation of the book there for ultimate accuracy. 9. Broadstairs, Kent Reading Dickens is not for the newbie literature enthusiasts. His novels are a hard and emotional experience, which, depending on how fast of a reader you are can last anything between a week and a couple of months. But once youve started reading you really feel like youre walking the cobbled Victorian streets. And in Broadstairs, Kent this is possible. The house, which is now known as Dickens Museum is said to have inspired Betsey Trotwoods home in David Copperfield. 9. Platform 9 , Kings Cross Station, London I bet you gave up by now and thought Id miss this iconic for all fantasy fans landmark. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, main character in J.K. Rowlings books of the same title. But before we could read all about his battles with Voldemort he had to take the train to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And how does a young wizard do that? By running into the wall between platforms 9 and 10 at Kings Cross Station. You can do it to. Or sort of. You can take a picture with a trolley while wearing your Hogwarts house scarf. Which is as close as we get to experiencing magic. Where's your favourite destination? Or do you have any suggestions for what we have missed? Just write us a comment below. After researching Chance the Rapper's lyrics and finding them to make frequent use of vulgarities and obscenities, Illinois Review asked Illinois Family Institute's cultural researcher Laurie Higgins her thoughts on the governor meeting with the rapper. CHICAGO - Governor Rauner's meeting with Chicago's Chance the Rapper was postponed from Wednesday to Friday morning, the Grammy award-winner announced Thursday. Tornado damage in various locations throughout the state Tuesday night caused the governor to reschedule their meeting reported to focus on Chicago Public School funding. Ms. Higgins said the meeting is just another indication of the governor's "disdain" for conservatives - the base of the Illinois Republican Party. "Its clear that Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner has a tenuous connection if not disdain for conservatism as revealed in his siding with Democrats to force doctors and pregnancy centers to promote abortion even when abortion violates their beliefs, in his appointment of Democratic homosexual activist Duke Alden to the pro-homosexual kangaroo court known as the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and now in his meeting with Chance the Rapper to discuss important Illinois matters," Higgins told Illinois Review. Chance, (ne Chancellor Jonathan Bennett) is a Grammy-winning 23-year-old hip hop artist and graduate of Jones College Prep High School where he was suspended for 10 days his senior year for possession of marijuana. In 2013, Bennett, who has a daughter with his estranged girlfriend and sings about his Christian faith, said this in an MTV interview about his acclaimed mixtape Acid Rap: "[There] was a lot of acid involved in Acid Rap," he said, chuckling. "I mean, it wasn't too much I'd say it was about 30 to 40 percent acid... more so 30 percent acid." So naturally, we had to ask: Was it difficult to rap under that influence? "No, it's not hard to rap on acid," he responded matter-of-factly.It was more so just a booster, a bit of fuel. Here are some lyrics from other work of Chance the Rapper (amended by editor): No Problem In the streets my face a coupon Her p**** too warm All these b****** come to do harm Just bought a new charm F*** a watch, I buy a new arm, you lukewarm I'm Uncle Luke with the h*** Pretty bi******, centerfolds Tippy toes around my crib in their robes, just their robes Half a milli' in the safe, another in the pillowcase Codeine got me movin' slower than a caterpillar race F*** is wrong with you? What you thinkin'? F*** you thought it was? I just popped five percocets and only caught a buzz Mixtape Oh, they f*** with me cause I'm different New sound, new appearance B****** both from the 6 Give a f*** about a b**** Walk out, my hand on my d***, I'm the s**** "While secular progressives often demonstrate contempt for the faith of theologically orthodox Christians, they celebrate Bennetts Christian faith," Higgins said. "Perhaps thats why Rauner is seeking help from Bennett on the important issues facing Illinois. Or maybe its Chance the Rappers celebrity that to him an audience with Rauner." Maybe after their meeting, Rauners office will share a transcript of their discussion so the public can learn what Chance has to offer about Illinois problems. Louis Theroux has confirmed that will return to the BBC later this year with three new documentaries. In an interview with The Independent, he speculated that he will take an in-depth look at some of the most uniquely devastating challenges facing America. Theroux is one busy man. Last year saw him release My Scientology Movie, his first feature film, alongside three hour-long documentaries for the BBC Drinking to Oblivion, A Different Brain, and Saville. Murder in Milwaukee will see Theroux spend time with both Milwaukees police homicide department and local social activists, in one of the most impoverished cities in the US. Tensions are high in the city following two recent police shootings. In Sex Trafficking Houston (working title), he will interview women working in Houstons sex industry, alongside the law enforcement officers criminalising them. The last documentary, Opiate City, will explore a nation dependant on prescription painkillers and opiates, especially heroin. He travels to West Virginia a state in which one in ten babies are born addicted to opiates. I immerse myself in some of the most dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society, Theroux said. They combine hard-hitting actuality with intimate interviews. I have been granted access to the police in several states; I've got to know the people affected by crime, and I've also spent time with the perpetrators of crime, with the idea of understanding the causes of it, both on a systemic level and also in a very personal way. Louis Therouxs past series have gained a cult following particularly among students due to their hard-hitting look at pressing issues facing both the UK and the US. Hes regarded as making the documentary cool again. No air date has been confirmed. However, all three documentaries will air on BBC Two later in the year. 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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Bryant posted photos of tornado damage in the towns of Ava, Vergennes, and Elkville WASHINGTON - During President Donald Trump's speech before a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, a slain military hero with Peoria Illinois roots and his wife were honored with a two-minute long applause. "We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator Senior Chief William 'Ryan' Owens," Trump said. "Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero battling against terrorism and securing our nation." Trump added: "I just spoke to Gen. Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, 'Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies.'" "Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity," Trump said. Turning towards Owens' widow, the president said: "Thank you." The audience - made up of Congress members and their guests - applauded for two minutes. Owens, 36, graduated from Illinois Valley Central High School in 1998 and joined the Navy soon after. His dream was to be in the Navy Seals - a dream he was living when he was killed in Yemen late January. Owens left behind his wife Carryn and four children. The Military Times reported Owens exemplary military history: In a week with record highs in the stock market, Target stock has taken a big drop. Early in the week, their stock went down 8 points for a 12% drop in the company's value to 58.77 per share. In April, their stock was over $83.00 a share. This week many attribute stock gains to a generally well received address to congress by President Donald Trump. Yet, why has Target stock dropped? In April of 2016, Target promoted a policy in their stores of gender neutral changing rooms and bathrooms. They say one can "self identify " to use which ever bathroom they feel comfortable with. This has not gone over well with many customers. It has resulted in a boycott primarily driven on social media. The Illinois Family Institute was one of the organizations calling for a boycott. There are other arguments why Target is suffering. Walmart and Amazon have had big gains especially with online sales from the internet. Target also tends to be pricier then say Kohls, Old Navy, Ross, and TJ Maxx. The retail business always seems up and down as Sears and Kmart are suffering too. In my lifetime I've seen the demise of Montgomery Ward's, Wiebold's, Goldblatts, Woolworth, Service Merchandise, and of course, Marshall Fields. Macy's bought up Fields, yet the iconic store is now a memory. It just shows retail comes and goes, and is always evolving. Many news organizations are reporting on this including the Chicago Tribune and the Wall Street Journal yet they fail to mention the boycott. Breitbart News is one of the few news groups suggesting a connection of the stock price drop to the boycott. Christian Post has also reported on the boycott. I stopped by a couple of Target stores this week finding them pretty empty. The new store on Clark which opened last year does have separate men's and women's restrooms along with a unisex bathroom. It's a smaller store, so it has unisex dressing rooms. In their defense, Walmart in Lincolnwood has similar dressing rooms all in one area yet designated men's and women's. Much is being said about the influence of the silent majority. I always liked Target and found their stores here in Chicago to be very nice. I will say their employees are excellent. It's unclear to me why a large company would wish to dabble in politics, especially broaching a subject as sensitive as bathroom usage. In my opinion, their main focus should being selling products to make a profit for their stockholders. I wish Target well, especially since they have a large presence in Chicago. Mark Weyermuller is a small business person, real estate professional, and conservative activist in Chicago. He is a citizen journalist and regular contributor to Illinois Review. Mark can be heard weekly on the radio in a "man on the street segment" at 10:31pm as a regular guest on the Stephanie Trussell Show heard Sunday nights 9pm-midnight on WLS 890-AM. Cop accused in assault, extortion of Russian couple SURAT THANI: A police officer and four accomplices have been accused of the assault and extortion of a Russian couple holidaying on Koh Pha Ngan whom they had falsely accused of possessing drugs. crimecorruptiondrugspoliceRussianviolence By Bangkok Post Thursday 2 March 2017, 08:27AM Two Russian tourists tell police yesterday (Mar 1) that five men tried to extort money from them and then stole personal items at Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan district of Surat Thani on Tuesday night, in return for dropping false drugs charges against them. Photo: Supapong Chaolan Ekaterina Lobanova, 35, and her husband Anthon Lobanov, 36, yesterday (Mar 1) told police they went to a nightspot on Rin beach of this popular island on Tuesday night (Feb 28). On the way back to their accommodation they were approached by two men who offered to sell them illicit drugs. They refused. The men then offered them a taxi ride back to their room and they accepted the offer. But on the way to the taxi, three more men emerged and claimed to be police officers. The couple said they were handcuffed and told to get inside the taxi, which was on the Au Thong Nai Pan route. The men then demanded money from them in exchange for dropping charges of illegal possession of drugs, the tourists said. Ms Lobanova said she told them that she had no money. One of the men then punched her in the face, took her iPhone 6 and other valuables worth about B30,000. The gang abandoned the Russian couple on Ban Thong Nang Rd in tambon Ban Tai, where they sought help from local people, who took them to police to file a complaint. Yesterday they returned to give further details of what happened to them. Maj Gen Apichart Boonsriroj, Chief of Surat Thani Police, sent extra officers from the province to join Koh Pha Ngan police in investigating the case. The investigation led to the identification of five suspects. They include Snr Sgt Maj Suriyan Ranjuan, 50, of Koh Pha Ngan Police Station. The others are Thanin Srikaew, 46, Apidet Khongman, 31, Thaweesin Khongnak, 34, and Suriya Ruangthong, 47. Koh Samui Provincial Court yesterday approved a request for arrest warrants for the suspects on charges of colluding in extortion, assault and illegal detention. Three of the men Mr Thanin, Mr Apidet and Mr Thaweesin turned themselves in yesterday. Mr Thanin denied any involvement, while the two others confessed to having offered to sell drugs to the tourists, but claimed it was really a common painkiller ground up to fool tourists into paying for it. They denied assaulting Ms Lobanova. Maj Gen Apichart said drastic disciplinary action would be taken against Snr Sgt Maj Suriyan if found guilty. Read original story here. Orphaned baby macaque taken into protection at non-hunting area in Phuket PHUKET: An distressed, orphaned baby pig-tailed macaque whose mother was killed by a street dog at Khao To Sae in Phuket Town has been removed from the area and taken into protection at the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area. animalsdeathnatural-resourcesviolenceenvironment By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 2 March 2017, 10:08AM The orphaned macaque was found by street cleaners at Khao To Sae in Phuket Town. Photo: Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area Office Yesterday (Mar 1), Director of the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area Office Mr Pongchart Chouehorm received a baby pig-tailed macaque from Kusoldharm rescue workers after it was discovered that its mother was had been killed by a street dog. Mr Pongchart said, There are now around 1,500 wild monkeys at Khao To Sae and a large number of local residents go to feed them and give them water as the area lacks the macaque's natural sources of food. However, the area also has a lot of street dogs which often attack the macaques over territory and food, he said. This baby macaque was found alone and in distress by road sweepers, and it was later found that its mother had been attacked and killed by a street dog so the cleaners called the rescue team who brought the macaque here so it could be protected. Once the well enough it will be taken to the Wildlife Raising Centre in Phang Nga, Mr Pongchart added. Phuket allegations fly over multi-million-baht fraud shyster PHUKET: Two Thai women filed reports at Wichit Police on Tuesday (Feb 28) stating that they were cheated out of millions of baht by another Thai woman who was arrested earlier the same day near Phuket Villa 5 housing estate. crimelandconstructionpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 2 March 2017, 05:11PM Suntree Srisuwan, 38, was taken into custody by Crime Suppression Division police at a local lawyers office on Tuesday. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Suntree Srisuwan, 38, was taken into custody by Crime Suppression Division police at a local lawyers office on Tuesday on a warrant issued by the Krabi Provincial Court for contempt of court and obstructing a court judgement, explained Capt Jaras Lempan of the Wichit Police. Ms Suntree was taken to Wichit Police Station to be processed and then taken back to Krabi to face the charges against her there, he said. Hours later, Phichayathida Phichayodaecha and Thavorn Srikanjana filed reports with Lt Col Pheeraphan Meemak and Capt Jaras and presented documents they say prove they were cheated by Ms Suntree. Ms Phichayathida said, My brother wanted to buy a condominium for B60 million and I didnt have enough money to help him. I then met a man who said that he could introduce me to someone who could help me with a loan. He said that the woman was his wife and he referred to her as Ms Anny. Sometime later I was introduced to Ms Anny, but this time I was told that her name was Dr Srijantra and that she was a judge and the daughter of a former government minister. I told her that I had some problems with my inheritance and she offered to help me, Ms Phichayathida said. A while later Ms Anny got back in touch with me and recommended a company that would provide the B60mn loan with interest at 2%. However, she told me that to be able to secure the loan I would have to put down a payment of B5mn. Ms Anny offered to lend me B2mn as part of the B5mn and I would have to transfer the other B3mn to the loan companys account first. It was agreed that if I was successful in obtaining the B60mn loan, then any profit made from the investment would be shared. To which I agreed, she added. Ms Phichayathida then went on to say that she made the B3mn transfer, but she was informed the loan could not be given. Ms Anny told me that she would help secure the loan but that it would take a month or two. I asked her to return my B3mn, but she refused. I then received an invoice for legal consultancy and loan processing amounting to B3mn. When I received this invoice I informed Ms Anny that I would file a complaint against her. Ms Anny then transferred B20,000 to my account. I tried to track down who Ms Anny / Dr Srijantra really was, and I discovered later that her real name is Suntree Srisuwan, 38. I have also learned that I am not her only victim, there are seven more, she said. Ms Thavorn then explained her case: I have a plot of land in Chalong which is about three rai. When I acquired the land there was already a B15mn mortgage against it, so after learning this news I decided that I wanted to sell it, she said. The Land Department told me the land was worth B9mn, but that I could sell it for B40mn, she added. Somebody recommended a lady called Ms Suntree, who was said to know an executive of a beverage company who would be interested in investing. I was told that the land would be divided and that then properties would be built on the plots of land. I decided to go with this deal and signed a contract, she said. After I signed the contract there was no progress, and I discovered later that the land had been sold for B23mn and I received a payment for B1.375 million. Ms Suntree told me that the remainder of the difference in the amount had gone towards paying commission, tax, legal consultants, company registration, property design and paying off all remaining debts on the land, she added. After hearing both complaints, Lt Col Pheeraphan noted, We need to be very careful with this case as it is complicated. These two victims are now aware that Ms Suntree was previously arrested in Krabi province for contempt of court and obstructing a court judgement. We need to investigate this case step by step, he said. We are now collecting all evidence from the victims and will continue to investigate the case. Once we have enough evidence, we will seek an arrest warrant for her, Capt Jaras said. Phuket motorcyclist leg broken in collision with pickup PHUKET: Police cannot yet confirm whether any charges will be pressed against a motorist who knocked down a motorcyclist in Rassada yesterday night leaving him with a broken leg. accidentstransportpolice By Yutthawat Lekmak Thursday 2 March 2017, 04:15PM Rescue qworkers treat the unnamed man at the scene of the accident. Photo: Phuket Rescue Team Col Lt Sakchai Chanyong from the Phuket City Police was notified of an accident on Soi Songkhla in Rassada at 11:30pm yesterday (Mar 1). Police arrived at the scene with rescue workers to find a motorcyclist lying at the side of the road with a broken leg. Nearby were a damaged black Yamaha M-Slaz and silver Toyota Hilux pickup truck. The unnamed driver of the motorbike was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Col Lt Sakchai confirmed that both vehicles had insurance coverage but was unable to comment when asked if the driver of the pickup would face charges or if he was tested for drink and drugs. Phuket villagers accidentally torch lucky 100-year-old banyan tree PHUKET: Villagers in Srisoonthorn, in central Phuket, who lit candles and prayed to 100-year-old banyan tree for lucky numbers to win the lottery saw their candles accidentally set fire to the tree, and watched as their luck went up in flames on the night before the national lottery was drawn. cultureaccidents By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 2 March 2017, 12:21PM Villagers still have faith in the spirit houses located under another nearby tree. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Firefighters were worried the metal sheet workshop beside the tree would also catch fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Two more fire trucks were called in to help fight the fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The 100-year-old banyan tree caught fire from candles lit by villagers praying for the winning lottery numbers. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Lt Weerayut Suksanguan of the Thalang Police Station was informed of the fire at 11pm on Tuesday (Feb 28). Police soon arrived at the scene, on Thepkrasattri Rd in Moo 5, Srisoonthorn, along with firefighters on board two fire trucks and supported by two water trucks. It took 50 mins to control the fire, one firefighter said. We fought the fire for 20 minutes but strong winds made it difficult. We were afraid that the fire would spread to a metal sheet shop right next to it, so we called in two more fire trucks from Cherng Talay and Pa Khlok as well cherry picker from Thalang Electricity Office, the firefighter added. The tree was more than 100 years old and stood more than 15 metres tall, another firefighter said. The fire started at the base of the tree where there spirit houses were. People lit candles to pray for spirits and wishing for luck to win the lottery for tomorrow, explained Lt Weerayut. However, the tree could not be saved. The fire had gutted the core of the trunk, and firefighters later cut the tree down for safety. Regardless, one hopeful local resident said, Even though the tree was burnt down, the spirits are still in the spirits houses where they continue to live. The wining numbers for the lottery drawn yesterday are: 1st Prize: 978453 First three digits: 450 , 560 Last three digits: 052, 577 Last two digits: 78 The Phuket News has yet to learn if any of the villagers had won. Sun loungers to return to all Phuket beaches PHUKET: Sun loungers will be allowed back on Kata Beach from tomorrow (Mar 3) and later will be allowed back onto all nine Phuket beaches with 10% vendor zones, Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan has told The Phuket News. environmentpatongtourismmilitary By Tanyaluk Sakoot Thursday 2 March 2017, 11:23AM Tourists enjoy sun loungers at Patong Beach on Monday (Feb 27). Photo: Patong Municipality However, as with Patong, where sun loungers were allowed to return to the sand on Monday (Feb 27), the loungers must remain inside the 10% zones, Gov Chockchai warned. For now the sun loungers are allowed back on the beaches. There are no changes to any of the other beach rules for example alcohol and food vendors must remain inside the 10% zones, he added. Gov Chockchai asserted that the return of the sun loungers was a trial, but gave no hint as to any deadline for the trial to come to an end. He also claimed that the return of the sun loungers came with his approval, though attempts by Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup to bring the beach chairs back were shot down at every turn late last year. The sun loungers were allowed back onto Patong Beach on Monday only after Maj Gen Pornsak Poonsawat, Deputy Commander of Royal Thai Army Region 4, the military unit responsible for all of Southern Thailand, gave his direct consent without any provincial officials present. (See story here.) I permitted this trial in Phuket. The sun loungers is only a trial. This week, the sun loungers trial has been approved for two of nine beaches in Phuket, Gov Chockchai told The Phuket News yesterday (Mar 1). This approval has come from the Phuket provincial (beach management) committee that I assigned Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad to chair. Maj Gen Pornsak has joined this committee, and Maj Gen Pornsak will join the inspection at Kata Beach this Friday (Mar 3), he said. Asked to clarify how long the trial would be for, Gov Chockchai said, We are still assessing that. Of note, shortly after he arrived in Phuket, Gov Chockchai on Oct 17 last year called for all vendors, umbrellas and beach chairs to be cleared from all Phuket beaches. (See story here.) Actually no laws which allows 10% zones on beaches, he said at the time. Also, it appears that we still have issues with the umbrella and beach chair mafias. There will be no more mafias. It is my duty to work out who will manage Phukets beaches, but I can assure you it will not be mafias and they will be run in accordance with the law, he added. Wanchai Saetan, Public Works Chief at Karon Municipality, welcomed the return of the sun loungers at Kata Beach. This trial is in response to tourism needs, he told The Phuket News. I am redrafting the 10% zones at Kata and Karon beaches to be horizontal areas (along the beach). If this is approved the sun loungers will be back on Karon Beach too There are 73 umbrellas and 146 beach chairs in each 10% zone at Kata Beach, but the sun loungers must stay inside 10% zones only, Mr Wanchai explained. I dont know how long this will be allowed, we must see what happens on Friday, he added. Mr Wanchai also noted, Right now Karon Municipality does not own any sun loungers or directly operate any rental of them, but in the future we will have our own. However, Mr Wanchai did not elaborate on whether the municipality would provide them freely for tourists or rent them out directly themselves or rent them out en masse to beach chair rental operators under a concession. Police in 2014 revealed to the public the illegal beach sunbed industry on Phuket and details of the cases they had built against Karon Mayor Thawee Thongchaem, who surrendered to police on June 4 that year to answer to a variety of corruption and mafia taxi charges. Central to the investigation was how officials offered dozens of government concession contracts to allow vendors to work on Kata and Karon beaches, with contracts totalling billions of baht. (See story here.) None of the Karon officials called have yet stood trial for the charges against them. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO 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. It's going for almost as much as you spent at the servo last week. By Lily Bohlke bohlkeli@grinnell.edu Student Government Association (SGA) elections were held this week, and the student body elected Summer White 18 as SGA president, Kahlil Epps 18 as vice president of student affairs (VPSA) and Misha Gelnarova 18 as vice president of academic affairs (VPAA). White has been a part of SGA since her first year at Grinnell. The second semester of her first year, she became senator of her cluster and went on to become assistant treasurer of SGA her second year and treasurer this past year. In addition to working for SGA, White is a Posse scholar from DC majoring in political science and concentrating in policy studies. She is a first-generation college student, a member of the diving team and an activist for public health and social justice, who attributes her accomplishments to persistence and dedication. Combining her SGA knowledge from being involved with three different SGA cabinets and her commitment to advocating for students needs, White intends to promote comprehensive and accessible health, increase accessibility on campus, push campus safety, clarify self-governance and cater to diversity. I will remain committed to representing the student body by advocating for our interests, maintaining open channels of communication, and addressing existing and new concerns as they arise. I also believe it would be helpful for us to thoughtfully reexamine Grinnell Colleges values, how we are embodying them currently, and collaboratively plan and implement ways to further integrate them into the fabric of what it means to be part of Grinnell, White wrote in an email to The S&B. White is not the only executive with extensive SGA experience, though, because Epps has also been involved in many SGA committees and working groups, including the VPSA working group in the 2015-16 school year. Epps is the president of Concerned Black Students (CBS) and has experience promoting students interest through the planning of events and the organizing of groups of people. Epps ran for VPSA last year, his third year, but was not successful. Through his work on that campaign and the VPSA working group, he feels he knows what should be done by a VPSA and how to do it. Some of his priorities include retaining a culturally competent therapist, creating a new dining plan, fixing student appliances such as washing machines, and coordinating campus traditions in an improved way. In my three years attending Grinnell I have seen things that work and things that do not work. I believe that my past and current positions and opportunities have given me the adequate knowledge and willpower to take on this role and move the student body forward to a better future, Epps wrote in an email to The S&B. Gelnarovas experiences during her time at Grinnell, like Eppss, have given her insight about ways to do well in her new role. Gelnarova is an independent major, and she highlighted the importance of knowing what its like to focus her studies on a topic that Grinnell does not have a program for. She wants to advocate for students who are pushing for new classes and department directions. Gelnarova also emphasized cooperation between students, faculty and administration, because having various courses and well-established professors are things that benefit everyone at this college, and it is what the student body asks for. She also plans to foster student-professor relationships, limit stress during finals, encourage alumni and students to connect and increase publicity about course-embedded travel opportunities. My first actions as VPAA [will] be to start working immediately with the SEPCs and departments that have been voicing their needs for new faculty, additional course options and so on, Gelnarova said. I am well aware that this is a process that will take a long time, therefore, coming up with more short-term solutions and options will be my priority as well. These three SGA executive cabinet elects are excited to to take on these roles and begin working to implement the plans they have been campaigning for a chance to make reality. After the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Tuesday pegged GDP growth at 7 per cent for the October-December period and retained the overall growth projection for FY 2016-17 at 7.1 per cent, most economists are now looking for factors that explain this surprisingly positive number post-demonetisation. Due to the crippling effect demonetisation has had on consumption and investment, eyebrows were raised among experts and economists on the method adopted on the entire calculation of these numbers. Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Care Ratings said, It is a positive surprise. I do have inhibitions in the manner the GDP numbers are being calculated. The reality is that demonetisation did impact construction, real estate and trade sectors. Since the CSO now collatez data from profit and loss accounts of companies, many of the SMEs and informal sector is left out. The CSOs GDP numbers came from calculations on the basis of the data captured in the formal sector and since majority of the economy is informal, the department estimates the numbers to be the same as the informal sector. Sabnavis added that the numbers are vindication that demonetisation didnt have a major impact on the economy. They have looked at all the numbers at their disposal and have come out with their estimates. The GDP projection surprised many economists as it was feared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's black money crackdown will put the economy at risk of losing its growth story as the country is largely a cash-driven economy and demonetisation had squeezed the cash flow for months. Pranjul Bhandari, chief economist, HSBC India said, CSO may inadvertently be exaggerating the growth print because it has no way to collect informal sector data over the short run, which is likely to have been hurt most by demonetisation. The rapid 8.3 per cent growth in manufacturing may well be reflecting this. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, chief economist at State Bank of India, in his report highlighted revisions to GDP growth data for previous quarters. The downward revision in growth for comparable quarter of last year impacted the numbers. GDP growth for the first and second quarters of FY16 has been revised higher. But growth for the third quarter of FY16 was revised lower. This would have had some impact on the headline number for the third quarter of FY17, Ghosh wrote in his report. P Chidambaram, former Union finance minister in an interview to a television channel said, The GDP numbers have come as a bit of a surprise. The 7 per cent projection by India's Central Statistics Office is completely out of line with other projections including estimates made by the IMF, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy. All these are very credible institutions which have made credible forecast in the past, so I think well have to take this number for what it is for the time being and examine it closely. However, the doubts over the quality of data collection continue to loom large as evidence suggested massive job cuts following the note ban in the countrys vast informal sector, which employs nine out of 10 workers. But the government as well as the RBI maintained the pain would be short-lived and predicted a sharp economic rebound as new currency comes back into circulation. The Central government is considering more steps to curb cash transactions even as a few banks have started imposing charges after limited transactions. The government is now considering imposing a cap on cash holding limit as suggested by the SIT. Most bankers say they are under pressure from the government to augment digital economy. A clutch of private banks such as ICICI, HDFC and Axis Bank have imposed charges at present, since they have the highest CASA (current account-savings account) deposit ratio. Bank officials indicated that the number of free ATM withdrawals may be slashed. There will be a hike in charges levied in the coming months in a move to discourage people from using cash. The country's largest PSU bank State Bank of India has started levying charges after only three transactions. The Supreme Court-constituted SIT in July last year had recommended a cap of Rs 3 lakh on cash transactions and Rs 15 lakh on cash holdings. The decision to levy a cash transaction fee has come less than two weeks before 13 March, the deadline set for the removal of all restrictions on cash withdrawals. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while presenting the Budget, already implemented one of the SIT recommendations of allowing no transactions above Rs 3 lakh in cash. Bank officials also indicated that they will increase charges on issuance of cheque books. However, experts believe that many other small private banks who have not imposed transaction charges such as Indusind bank, Bandhan bank, Kotak Mahindra, Yes Bank, etc., are taking this as an opportunity to attract customers to shift their accounts and increase their deposit base. According to market experts charging transactions on high value cash transactions is not a bad idea since this will not impact the normal customers. However, much of the problem will arise if banks start charging cash withdrawal/ deposit transactions in small value. This will hurt the common customer since cash is still a mainstream medium for transaction. The government is making a case for digital economy at a time when the country's mainstream digital infrastructure is not fully equipped to handle security breaches. RBI Governor Urjit Patel, who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee, told the panel that the countrys infrastructure is not ready for a cashless economy. A shift to digital transactions will greatly increase exposure to cyber-security threats ~ essentially fraud and theft. At present, neither the government nor the banks are ready to compensate for any loss of an individual due to online transactions. The Bihar Assembly transacted no business for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as the angry opposition led by the BJP remained adamant on its demand to dismiss Excise Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan accused of making disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and instigating the crowd to beat his photograph with shoes. They disrupted proceedings, shouted slogans and then sat on dharna in the well of the House to express anger over the move by the chief minister to shield the accused minister who is from the Congress. As the House assembled for the day, the opposition leader Prem Kumar rose from his seat and demanded sacking of the minister. He refused to relent despite request by the Speaker to let the minister present his case in the House, and remained adamant on the demand, prompting the Chair to adjourn the House till 2 pm. The scene was no better when the House reassembled at 2 pm. Angry members soon trooped into the well of the House and sat on dharna, forcing the Speaker to adjourn it for the day. In between, a united opposition led a protest march to Raj Bhawan, seeking governors intervention in sacking the minister. Such a minister needs to be fired without any delay. We dont know what is preventing the chief minister from initiating action against him. This is not an ordinary incident which can be ignored, former deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi told news after submitting a memorandum to the governor. The BJP said it wouldnt let the issue go so easily adding the minister will have to go. On the one hand the minister denies making any obscene remarks against the PM, on the other he tenders apology. Its strange, he wondered. Meanwhile, two separate cases were registered against the minister by the BJP leaders in Patna and Muzaffarpur for insulting the PM in public. In the first case lodged with the Kotwali police station in Patna, BJP legislator Nitin Navin has sought for slapping sedition charges against the minister, his arrest for disturbing communal harmony and a probe into his citizenship as he reportedly hails from an areas bordering Bangladesh. The BJP has also declared to stage a state-wide dharna on Saturday to protest ministers conduct. The Congress, however, ruled out sacking the minister. The minister has already expressed regret for his conduct and thus there is no question of his sacking, said senior Congress leader Sadanand Singh, after a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party leader held on late Wednesday evening at his residence. H said the entire party was with the minister. Strangely, Congress own allies, the RJD and the JD-U have condemned the act of the minister. Action must be taken against the minister if what the media is showing is true, the RJD chief Lalu Prasad has said. He has also demanded severe action against all those who were caught on camera hitting the photograph of the PM with shoes allegedly on the instruction of the minister at a party rally. This is a very serious matter. The Congress should think over it, the RJD chief added. The JD-U has already disapproved of the conduct of the minister. As many as 43 winners in the just concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are facing criminal cases, says a report. This implies that nearly 19 per cent of the newly elected corporators have criminal charges against them, including for offences like attempt to murder and rape, as per an analysis of the affidavits of 225 winners out of the total 227 in BMC polls recently done by NGOs Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Maharashtra Election Watch. Maharashtra Election Watch's state-cordinator Sharad Kumar said, "As long as people don't go out to vote in large numbers, political parties will pick winning candidates who have money and muscle power." According to the report compiled by the two NGOs, Shiv Sena's Umesh Subhash Mane, who won from ward no. 115, has in his affidavit declared a case related to attempt to murder (Indian Penal Code section 307) against him. Besides, three of the winners have cases of rape (IPC section 376) and assault or criminal force to woman with an intent to outrage her modesty (IPC section 354) against them, the report said. Out of the 225 winners whose affidavits were analysed, 22 from Shiv Sena, 11 from BJP, 3 from MNS, 2 from Congress, one each from NCP, SP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and 2 independents are facing criminal cases, it said. The remaining two affidavits out of the total 227 winners were not analysed as they were not available at the time of making the report, the NGOs said in a statement. "This time the vote percentage has increased for the first time since the last 25 years. Similarly, the number of candidates with criminal background has also gone down," Kumar said. "Ever since affidavits have been made compulsory for candidates, voters have become aware of their background. The number of candidates with criminal cases against them is also coming down," he claimed, without elaborating on the figures. The report also mentioned that among the winners, 144 are crorepatis, while five winners have declared assets below Rs.4 lakh. Besides, seven winners have declared their total annual income to be over Rs.50 lakh. As per the affidavits, five winners have declared their ages to be between 21 and 24 years, 154 of the new corporators are aged between 25 and 50, while 66 are in the 51 to 80 years age bracket. In the recently concluded polls to the 227-member BMC, Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP-82, Congress-31, NCP-9, MNS-7, SP-6, MIM-3, Akhil Bharatiya Sena-1 and Independents-4. Campaigning for the sixth phase of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh ended on Thursday. Voting for 49 seats spread across seven districts will be held on Saturday. The voting will take place in Mau, Ballia, Azamgarh, Deoria, Kushinagar, Maharajganj and Gorakhpur districts in the Poorvanchal region. Nearly 1.72 crore people will be eligible to vote on Saturday with 635 candidates in the fray. The maximum number of 127 candidates are in Gorakhpur's nine seats. There are 175 independent candidates in all. On Thursday, the last day of campaigning, all political parties pulled out all stops to woo voters. While Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati addressed rallies, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah took out a road show in Gorakhpur. All eyes are on Mau and Azamgarh. While Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav is the Lok Sabha member from Azamgarh, Mau is witnessing a keen contest as mafia don Mukhtaar Ansari is contesting on BSP ticket. The staggered election in Uttar Pradesh began on February 11 and the last and seventh round will take place on March 8. The results of the polling in Uttar Pradesh as well as Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur will be known on March 11. The scare of stray dogs echoed in Himachal Pradesh assembly on Thursday. Even as a senior BJP member from Kullu Maheshwar Singh asked the government to declare dogs as vermin like monkeys in HP and allow the people to shoot them, Urban Development minister, Sudhir Sharma rejected it. The minister said that the dogs live close to humans and cant be compared with monkeys. As also, the government is bound by Supreme Court orders against culling of dogs. The government has no option but to stick to the strategy of Anti-Rabies vaccination and sterilisation of dogs of war-footing to control population of stray dogs in the long run. We have already seen a decline in their population as per the census carried out every five years, he said. In a calling attention motion in the House, BJP member Maheshwar Singh cited an incident of a dog having chased and bitten more than six persons in Shimla on February 17. He said the monkeys and dogs have become a pain in the neck for the common man, as they suddenly attack and bite the passersby. Singh said the government has remained a silent spectator to the glaring problem of stray dog menace. In a detailed reply, the Urban Development minister said, while fresh census of dogs in HP is to be carried out this year. According to the 2012 census, the population of stray dogs in the state was 1.75 lakh compared with 2.82 lakh in 2008. He said the Animal Birth Control Society has so far sterilised and vaccinated 16,820 stray dogs in HP. Sharma said the civic bodies have been asked to register the pets at the earliest by outsourcing the work, so that the stray dogs and pets could be distinguished. The minister informed that the government is continuously taking steps to control the stray dog menace. He said, on March 30, 2013, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh had given directions to free Shimla of stray dogs in three months. But, certain NGOs went to the Supreme Court, following which the orders were passed citing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, wherein no High Court can interfere in the issue. So we cannot allow culling of dogs. We can vaccinate them against Rabies so that if a dog bites, it does not harm the person, he said. The Shimla MC already has a helpline number 1916, if someone is bitten by a monkey or a dog. The Corporation has a dog catching van as well. A Dog House costing Rs.80 lakh was constructed in the Shimla Municipal Limits many years ago, but that too could not function, due to court orders, he said. Countering All India Students' Association (AISA) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) march on Wednesday, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) students on Thursday launched a protest march at Delhi Universitys North Campus seeking a ban on anti-nationals. Chanting slogans and waving the tricolor, ABVP carried out the Save Delhi University protest on Thursday. The ABVP said the protest march has been planned for bringing back peace in DU, according to sources. The campaign Save DU used by ABVP is somewhat similar to AISA and other Left organisations used during their campaign. Other general students who did not belong to any unions also joined the march on Tuesday to protest against the alleged campus violence by ABVP members. According to reports, AISA is likely to plan a counter rally on March 4. AISA and NSUI have blamed ABVP for the February 22 violence at Ramjas College where many students and professors were injured. Ramjas College witnessed violent clashes between members of the ABVP and the AISA. The ABVP carried out the protest against an event invite to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid, accused in sedition case last year for an event in the college. The Jat agitation for quota in jobs and education reached Delhi on Thursday with thousands of community members from the northern states descending at Jantar Mantar here to extend support to the movement in Haryana. Roads leading to the protest hub were packed with Jat agitators from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab, giving a tough time to motorists and commuters. Police and traffic personnel were deployed at major roundabouts and roads for managing the protesters reaching the venue. "Jat Nyay Dharna is being held at Jantar Mantar to seek justice for the community members in Haryana and highlight our quota demand," said Yashpal Malik, president of Akhil Bhartiya Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti spearheading the movement. The community members will submit a memorandum on the quota issue to the President and the prime minister and take out a march to Parliament, he said. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jats are demanding the release of those jailed during last year's stir, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the agitation. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores was damaged at many places in Haryana during 2016 violent Jat stir. The JNU administration on Thursday ordered removal of a "controversial" poster which sprang up on its campus demanding "freedom for Kashmir and Palestine". The poster with "Freedom for Kashmir! Free Palestine! Right to Self Determination Long Live! DSU" written on it was pasted on the wall by the Left-leaning Democratic Students Union (DSU). DSU's former members Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and others had organized the controversial event last year against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru at the JNU during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Khalid, Bhattacharya and former student union president Kanhaiya Kumar are out on bail in a sedition case over the event. Some students noticed the poster on the wall of the new block of the School of Social Sciences (SSS) and informed the administration. The JNU authorities asked the university security to remove the poster in the evening. "The university has already lost precious time and energy in such unnecessary controversies. Unfortunately a small group of people are still trying to create another ruckus and vitiate the academic environment. "We don't know who put up the poster as this has been the pattern in JNU. However, the administration has asked the staff to bring it down," a senior university official said. The administration was unable to function for over 17 days due to the blockade of the administrative building by students in protest against changes in the admission policy and it was only early this week that the staff got access to the building and resumed work. With International Womens Day around the corner, let us take time to reflect on the roles played by women in Manipur politics, especially, in the coming Assembly elections 2017. Minimum women represention: Manipur has 18,93,743 voters of which 9,68,312 are women. Although the number of female voters exceeds male voters, women have minimal representation in the state political affairs. As many as 49 constituencies do not have a single woman candidate in the coming elections, which will go to polls for the 60-seat assembly in two phases -March 4 and March 8. Two parties and just two women candidates each: In fact, the main contenders of the Manipur Assembly elections 2017- the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have fielded only two women candidates each. The Congress has fielded Akoijam Mirabai Devi and Loitongbam Tilotama Devi as its women candidates for the 11th Manipur Assembly elections. Both will be contesting in the first phase. While Akoijam Mirabai Devi is contesting from the Patsoi constituency, Loitongbam Tilotama Devi is being fielded from Langthabal. Nemcha Kipgen, who resigned from the Congress is contesting as BJP candidate from Kangpokpi constituency. The other BJP woman candidate is SS Olish, who is contesting from Chandel constituency. Kipgen is contesting in the first phase while Olish in the second phase. Iron lady leads the way: The most prominent face among the women candiates in the Manipur Assembly elections 2017 is Iron Lady, Irom Sharmila, who is all set to contest against Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Like the ruling Congress and the BJP, Irom Sharmilas party Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) party has also fielded two women candidates including Sharmila and Najima Bibi. Sharmila, who ended her 16 years' fast against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), on August 9, 2016 is contesting from two constituencies Khurai and Thoubal. Najima Bibi is, in fact, the first Muslim women candidate of Manipur who is contesting from Wabagai constituency. Bibi is determined to fight against domestic violence and work for the upliftment of Muslim women. Manipur National Democratic Front (MNDF) party will have Y Romola Devi and S Achoubi as its women representatives from Keishamthong and Wangjing Tentha constituencies, respectively. Despite the minimal representation Manipur Assembly elections 2017, the women candidates are all set to be the trendsetters. For instance, Iron Lady Irom Sharmila made a big leap from a fast-unto-death protest to entering politics. Sharmilas election objective includes rooting out corruption and injustice in the state besides carrying forward her protest to repeal AFSPA. Lambi Dehar in Mussoorie is believed to be the "most haunted place in India" and a news channel and the Paranormal Society are trying to verify how far the belief is true by installing CCTV cameras. The site is an abandoned mine, where thousands worked up to 20 years ago but now lies abandoned out of fear of uncanny happenings, including weird accidents. In Delhi, however, it is Sanjay Van in Vasant Kunj on the south-western Ridge that is supposed to be the most haunted place. The "second most haunted" locality is Khooni Jheel on the northern Ridge, which acquired that reputation after the 1857 revolt. Uniworld Studios of the "Most Haunted India" society of Sanjay Pandit is researching the ghostly trail and making a film on it too. The Van area has ruins of the Laal Kot of Prithviraj Chauhan, dating back to the 12th century. Surprisingly enough, only Muslim spectres are believed to be haunting the place and nobody seems to have seen a Hindu ghost, despite the fact that Lal Kot was not bereft of violent deaths in the wake of the second Battle of Tarain, in which thousands of Rajputs, fighting against the invaders led by Mohammad Ghori, died and their wives committed jauhar in the Chauhan fort on hearing the shocking news. The reason cited for the anomaly is that Sanjay Van has lot of tombs of Sayyids and Pirs, right from the time of the Slave dynasty, which means over 8oo years from now. Logically speaking, these mazars should act as a bulwark against hauntings since Sayyids and Pirs are pious men, who don't allow any devilish activity. Then why a ghostly trail there? Some say this is because piety manifests itself sometimes to convice devotees who throng mazars, mostly on Thursday, that holy men can assert their powers even from their graves as they are not supposed to be dead but just hidden from view. There are many stories about Sanjay Van: the mazar, which emits sparks at midnight, the Pir who comes to offer prayers in the wee hours; the spot where jinns congregate to offer namaz and then drink milk from "kulhars" found in the morning without any possible explanation as to how they came there; and the lady in a white sari, swinging from a tree. Then there is Khanum, who walks about with hair open, after having escaped from rapists, wailing for her lost daughter. The spirits of the children buried in the graveyard are said to get up and play midnight games. There's also the phantom of a king holding his crown in one hand and waving a sword with the other. Peple say he was the one of the sons of Sultan Altutmish, who ruled briefly and was then murdered. At one grave seven Pirs (sic) sit down to recite the tasbih (rosary of the 99 names of Allah) and then partake of tabarukh, or offering of batashas and nuktidanas (sweet balls), amid the aroma of joss-sticks. There's also a fakir, who emerges from a grave before cock-crow with his begging bowl, chanting "Bheek, bheek (alms, alms)". From time to time people have claimed to have witnessed such apparitions, the most common being of Hazarat Ashiqallah and his father Abdal Baba (proclaiming his Abdali Pathan ancestry) , but the common sense view is that they could be hallucinations of a mind influenced by the ambience of the place ~ dark, dreary and deserted, in which every shadow or noise creates an eerie feeling conducive to belief in the uncanny. Well, whatever it may be, Sanjay Van continues to lay bare its secrets in the 21st century through paranormal activity. How much of it is true and how much gossip is hard to tell, along with the appearance of strange birds and flowers that suddenly keep blooming and fading away. There is also a mazar of a Sayyid, who resents planes flying above it. Many years ago, when some plane crashes took place nearabouts it was rumoured that the Sayyid Baba had manifested his anger by pulling them down. Quite a few pilots visited the Sayyid's grave in Vasant Kunj and another one near Palam airport to make offerings on Jumairat (Thursday) and seek protection from flying accidents. This is how beliefs and superstitions influence every strata of society ~ rich or poor, educated or uneducated. But all said and done, it is not wise to venture into Sanjay Van at night because even if the spirits that (sic) roam there don't harm you, the anti-socials, who lurk about, may very well attack, rob, rape and murder with impunity any foolhardy man or woman, who tries to play the role of a rationalist or braveheart. Even the police are inclined to think so. Some warn of the fate of the qawwal, whose throat was cut 30 years ago when he tried to find out whether it was true that strange music, complete with tabla and harmonium taans, emanated from a grave under a juliflora (Kabuli kikar) tree, many of which abound in Sanjay Van and suck up a lot of water, causing a perennial biodiversity problem for flora and fauna in the forest. The qawwal was carrying a lot of money and it was thieves, who had done him to death. Another story cited is of a seth, who tried to win a big bet by accepting the challenge to circle a particular grave, which is equally frightening. When he did not return till early morning a search party found him lying dead. His kurta had actually got stuck in a nail jutting out of the grave and thinking that a ghost had caught him, he died of heart failure. Some time back the road to Dayalbagh was deserted because of "ghosts". The Hariparbat police, Agra, conducted an inquiry and arrested students of a nearby institute who, draped in white sheets, used to confront passersby and deprive them of wallets, ornaments and watches. Make what you like of this yarn but an old Mianji, who lights candles at Hazrat Ashiqallah tomb every week, is convinced that the best way to ward off paranormal incidents is not to defy them but to use the head more than the heart when venturing into man- and God-forsaken places at odd hours. In this connection, one remembers a story told by an aunt about her father-in-law in the 1920s Lahore. When returning from work late at night he was troubled by an apparition emerging from a roadside peepul tree. Rather than lose his nerve he used to throw barfi pieces in front of it and save some for a churail, who haunted a roadside grave. The old man died before Partition and his experience (sic) made a hair-raising story on late winter evenings in the days when there were no electric lights and only lanterns and diyas lit to dispel darkness. This is in keeping with the saying that children fear the dark as women fear mice (probably molestors now) and belated travellers fear ghosts. What, however, is worth remembering is that more than appartitions it's fear that haunts. If we can control it, paranormal activity will lose most of the dread it instills. COLLECTIVE MADNESS Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people." Sunayana Dumala, the wife of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the 32-year-old engineer who was killed after an American man opened fire in a Kansas city bar, said on Wednesday she will return to the United States to fulfill her husbands dream. "This is my Srinu's dream, and it is the least I could do for my Srinivas fulfill his dreams through my eyes and it is for this I have to come back to the USA," said Sunayana. Sunayana, who reached Hyderabad to perform the last rites of her husband said it in a Facebook post which went viral on Wednesday. Srinivas was to turn 33 on March 9 and they had plans to visit New Jersey for celebrating their cousins engagement. "He was excited and eagerly waiting for the event, and we had plans to shop this past weekend for the trip. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin," she said. Srinivass mother said she will not let her younger son Sai Kishore to return to US. However, Sunayana is determined to return back to US and continue her life that once she and her husband once dreamt of building a house in the foreign country. Recalling their first time meet in 2006, their lovely relationship of friendship and marriage in 2012 gave credit to Srinivas for giving her courage to pursue her dream in US of studying and attaining a job. "I started working only recently, May 2016. He'd played a major role in me attaining a job," said Sunayna. Sunayana now works at Intouch Solutions in Kansas. Sunayana was on H4 dependent visa while Srinivas was on H1B visa. Srinivas, the Hyderabad engineer employed with the Garmin headquarters in Olathe was out with his friend and colleague Alok Madasani on February 22 when the attacker believed to be an ex-navy serviceman fired shots at them mistaking them for Middle Easterners after shouting get out of my country The 51-year-old shooter, Adam Purinton was charged with murder and attempted murder on February 23. As controversy continued over the issue of free speech, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday came out in support of freedom of expression, but with the rider that it should be within the legal framework. I believe in freedom of expression but it has to be within a reasonable legal framework, he told reporters on the sidelines of a DRDO function when asked for his views on the controversy surrounding Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur who had launched a campaign against RSS-backed ABVP. However, Parrikar clarified that his comments were not related to any particular incident. On the issue of the alleged leak of question papers of an army recruitment examination, Parrikar said the Defence Ministry has recommended a CBI inquiry as the case has inter-state ramifications. The Army had on Thursday ordered a high-level court of inquiry (CoI) into the alleged question paper leak. Referring to the Kabul blasts and possible use of chemical weapons, he said the army should be well-prepared to tackle any challenge. As per the reports which are coming from the southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of the local population having suffered from blisters. (due to possible use of some chemical weapons). At this moment, I dont have confirmation on this matter but the photos are quite distressing, he said. The minister said India will have to be prepared for any kind of nuclear or chemical attack, adding the armed forces must remain alert and prepared for any challenge. More than a dozen people were killed in two terror attacks in Kabul on Tuesday. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday made it clear that he was not bothered by a RSS leader's offer of Rs. 1 crore to have him killed. "The RSS in the past has taken the heads of others but I have to move around and I will," said Vijayan in his characteristic style. But CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence after Madhya Pradesh RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat declared a bounty of Rs. 1 crore for beheading Vijayan. Holding Vijayan responsible for the killing of 300 RSS activists in Kerala, Chandrawat said on Wednesday he will give away his entire property worth over Rs 1 crore to whoever kills the Marxist veteran. The statement was made at Ujjain in the presence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Chintaman Malviya, BJP MLA Mohan Yadav and other RSS leaders. The video of the RSS leader making the remarks at Ujjain have gone viral. On Thursday, Chandrawat said he did not regret his remarks even as the Kerala unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh claimed Chandrawat did not speak for the RSS. Kerala RSS unit leader J. Nandakumar said: "The RSS never speaks in such a manner and we strongly condemn it. "We have always followed the policy of engaging in democratic forms of protests. We will continue to do that against the attacks that the CPI-M in Kerala has launched on us." Yechury said: "RSS reveals its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will the PM and his government stop remaining silent?" The CPI-M said in a separate statement: "The frustration of RSS is coming out in the open. CPI-M condemns it and demands quick action. "Will the BJP-led government in (Madhya Pradesh) and at the Centre take any action against them? Will they come out and condemn it? "If no, then it is clear which ideology they are propagating and whose government it is," it said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday expressed concern over possible use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare. They were speaking at an event where the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) and medicines to the Indian Army. The Defence Minister said he had seen pictures in the media of locals suffering from blisters in Afghanistan, which suggested that chemical weapons were possibly used there. "In southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of local population suffering from blisters At this moment, I don't have confirmation on this, but the photos were quite disturbing," Parrikar said. "We should be prepared for any kind of warfare," he added. On similar lines, General Rawat said: "Although chemical weapons have been banned by the United Nations, it could be used by an adversary." According to some reports, some locals in Waziristan region had blisters and wounds, which appeared to be induced by use of chemical weapons. Asked if he felt that India was at threat of a chemical or biological weapon attack, the minister said it was just about being prepared for any eventuality. "We must be prepared for any eventuality," he said. The new AIADMK government of Edapadi Palaniswami is facing its first confrontation with the BJP-led Union government of Narendra Modi at Neduvasal, a fertile village on the Cauvery delta in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu. ONGC technicians who visited the village to inspect a rig drilled in the area in 2009 to explore hydrocarbons were chased away by local people because the previous government of J Jayalalitha had banned extraction of methane gas through an order dated 8 October 2011. No power on earth can ignore what Jayalalitha had ordained, maintain the people. Natural gas exploitation has become a controversial issue in Tamil Nadu because the previous Congress-led government of Manmohan Singh on 29 July 2010 granted permission to the private sector Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited to explore and exploit gas from the Mannargudi coal bed methane block spanning 691 sq km in the Cauvery delta on a profit-sharing basis when the DMK was in power in the state. According to an ONGC official, the Neduvasal villagers did not even give an opportunity to its technicians to properly plug and cap the well to prevent oozing of gas. The Palanasami government said that no clearance will be given to any coal bed methane exploitation project in the Cauvery delta. Farmers view the project as a threat to their livelihood and food security. Neduvasal has a population of about 500,000. Health Minister Vijaya Baskar, after a visit to the project site, confirmed that electricity has been cut off to the project. The Centre is spending about Rs 6,000 crore on constructing an LNG terminal with a capacity of five million tonnes at Ennore port near Chennai. It is expected to be commissioned in 2018. The imported gas will be transported by pipelines across the state for its economic development. Strategies for laying pipelines are yet to be completed; these involve acquisition of land, including paddy fields, which could lead to even more acrimonious protests than the Neduvasal one. It may be recalled the Kochi LNG terminal, built at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore, has been able to achieve just five per cent capacity utilisation so far because the pipeline project extending to 310 km had to be stopped due to protest against land acquisition. The Ennore LNG project laying a 1,170 km gas pipeline to reach Tuticorin could remain a pipedream. Natural gas is a most eco-friendly fuel compared to coal and crude oil. Yet in India, only six per cent of energy is generated by natural gas against the world average of 26 per cent. Drilling for natural gas does involve use of water. Because of the acute drought in Karnataka and rapidly depleting water in the Cauvery river system, there is fear among farmers that exploiting gas in the Cauvery delta region would add to their woes. It is the responsibility of both the Union and state governments to educate farmers of the importance of tapping natural gas for the overall development and growth of the nation. There was politics even during the period when I was in college before partition. But it was not on communal lines as it is today. Then the enemy was the British and all of us were in a struggle to oust them. It was a time when Mohammad Ali Jinnah came to the Law College at Lahore and exhorted all of us to make a joint effort to drive out the British. Subsequently, things came to such a pass that even water was divided into Hindu pitchers and Muslim pitchers. We, the students, were not contaminated at that time. We would eat together at the same table, ordering food from the Hindu kitchen as well as from the Muslim kitchen. Today the polarisation has contaminated the Hindu community, dividing it into castes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not recognise this and recently talked about kabaristan and samshan bhoomi. He unnecessarily brought in religion asking there was no power at samshan bhoomi while it was available at kabaristan. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav corrected the Prime Minister and said his state had electricity for 24 hours and both kabaristan and samshan bhoomi get constant power supply. The complaint the Muslims make is that there are fewer ATMs in their localities and they feel handicapped in withdrawing money. This may be true. But the Muslims do not point to the real reason. They lost their importance after the creation of Pakistan which was founded on the basis of religion. Congress leader Maulana Abul Kalam Azad fought a lonely battle against this thinking during the British period itself. He would say that if the Muslims felt unsafe or insecure in a large country like India, they would feel still more unsafe in a partitioned India because the Hindus would tell Muslims to go to Pakistan after having taken their share. This is precisely what happened. It was Jawaharlal Nehru who was able to stop the exodus. Along with Sardar Patel, who was not enthusiastic about Muslims staying back in India, he appealed to the Hindus on the basis of Mahatma Gandhi's thinking that there would be no distinction between Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims community has lost its importance in government affairs after partition. They number about 17 crore in India but have no important portfolio in the Narendra Modi cabinet. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was the lone Muslim face until M.J. Akbar was inducted as the second minister of state. This does not, however, cover up the tilt towards Hindus. The scenario in UP only underlines Modi's and the BJPs thinking. True, Hindus are in a preponderant majority in India but the country is ruled by the Constitution which gives voting rights to every individual without any distinction. When this clause was discussed in the Constituent Assembly, Sardar Patel was willing to give reservations to Muslims. But the community refused it on the ground that such thinking would result in another division. Nonetheless, the appeal to voters is still on the basis of caste and creed. Although the Election Commission has banned invoking the name of religion or community, political leaders continue to use them so blatantly because they know that Muslims do have a say when it came to elections. We could see leaders of all hues and parties trying to woo the Muslim voters during the recent election campaigns in UP, without saying anything to ameliorate their conditions which is worse than that of Dalits according to the Sachar Commission report. The offer of freebies, including electricity and writing off loans to farmers are routine tricks adopted by all political parties. This once again goes on to prove how the Muslims are used as a vote bank. Unfortunately, all this lasts until the polling dates. Soon after, different parties go their own way and the elected government once again turns a blind eye towards the betterment of Muslims. The wishes and aspirations spelled out in the Constitution become only a mirage. The Muslims are pushed into the background to be brought back to the forefront before another set of elections. I witnessed a similar scenario when I left my hometown Sialkot. There were no differences during those days and we lived as citizens, not as Hindus and Muslims. I had even got the crescent tattooed at the bidding of my Muslims friends. However, none of them agreed to my plea that one of them should have a tattoo of OM. They said that they would be beaten up at their home if they did. We have come a long way from that time. Today, society is so polarized that the question of tattooing another religions symbol does not arise. He would be a brave man who dares the community by violating its code. Muslims prefer to live in localities where their communitys people are concentrated. They do not feel safe in a mixed or secular habitation. At the same time a Muslim does not get accommodation or think of buying a property in a non-Muslim locality. They do not even agitate lest they should be misunderstood. But there are instances of Muslims having bought properties in a Hindu locality after the courts intervention. Of course, there are some misguided elements among Muslims throwing their weight about. However, despite the Hindutva factor people in India are realizing that they have to live together as they have done for centuries. That is the idea of India and most people are clutching at it. The writer is a noted journalist, columnist and commentator. Mahendralal Sarkar the renowned physician who had the privilege of treating Sri Ramakrishna was not only a brilliant homeopath but was also a social reformer and an ardent propagator of science education and research. His colourful life is an illustration of the many dimensions of his personality and achievements. He became a spiritualist after coming into contact with Sri Ramakrishna. But he was also a propagator of the scientific view of life. He was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science where Nobel Laureate CV Raman and many other scientists started their scientific experiments. Mahendralal secured admission in Hare School as a free student in 1840. He passed the junior scholarship examination and joined Hindu College(Presidency College) in 1849 where he studied up to 1854. He was transferred to Calcutta Medical College since Hindu College didnt have a science department. He passed the final examination in 1860 in medicine, surgery and midwifery. In 1863, he got the degree of MD. He and Jagabandhu Bose were the second MDs of the Calcutta University after Chandrakumar De (1862). Mahendralal within a short period turned into a reputed doctor. He was so well regarded that other physicians used to send their patients to him for consultation. He was selected as the secretary of the Bengal branch of the British Medical Association in1863. During this time, he criticised homeopathy as the practice of quacks. But soon some events brought a drastic change in his outlook towards homeopathic treatment which Mahendralal had described in the July issue of his journal, Calcutta Journal of Medicine. He was given a copy of Morgans Philosophy Of Homeopathy for review in the journal, the Indian Field. Mahendralal took it as an opportunity to criticise homeopathy but later changed his mind as he realised that without knowing anything about homeopathy it would be unfair to write such a review. Mahendralal went to Rajendralal Datta, an eminent physician who was also a homeopathic practitioner. Mahendralal started verifying the results of Rajendralals homeopathic treatment. Besides, he himself prepared some homeopathic medicines and observed their effect on patients. He was soon convinced that homeopathic treatment was scientific and himself started homeopathic treatments (which were less costly than allopathy). On 16 February 1867, during the fourth annual meeting of the Medical Association, of which Mahendralal was the Vice-President, he gave a lecture on The uncertainties in medical sciences and the relationship between diseases and their remedial agents. In this lecture he spoke in favour of homeopathic treatment which created an uproar among the audience. As a result he was ousted from the British Medical Association. In January 1868 Mahendralal founded a journal called Calcutta Journal of Medicine, with himself as editor. The main aim of this journal was to popularise homeopathic treatment. In the beginning, Mahendralal had no patients but reading of Materia Medica of Homeopathy changed things. He was also inspired by the philosophy of Samuel Hahnemann who abandoned the existing practices of medicine which caused bloodletting and discovered the homeopathic system on purely humanitarian grounds. Eventually Sarkar became one of the top homeopaths. The celebrated homeopath of Calcutta, Dr. Berigny, while leaving the city, compared himself with the upcoming Mahendralal and said, Now the moon is to set because we are seeing the rising sun on the horizon. Dr. Sarkar was a humanist who believed that science could add to the prosperity of humanity and the cultivation of modern science was required to remove poverty and ignorance of Indians. During those days only government organizations like the Geological survey of India facilitated scientific research work and universities were only degree-awarding authorities. Mahendralal wrote an article in the Calcutta Journal of Medicine on the need to establish a national institution for the cultivation of sciences by his countrymen. He wrote that this institution would be run on the lines of Londons Royal Institution and the British Association for the Advancement of science. Regarding the institutions main intention Mahendralal said: We want a different institution altogether. We want an institution which shall be for the instruction of the masses, where lectures on scientific subjects will be systematically delivered and not only illustrative experiments performed by the lecturer, but the audience should be invited and taught to perform themselves. And we wish that this institution be entirely under native management and control. The Hindu Patriot in its issue dated 3 January 1870 published an advertisement regarding the establishment of the institution. Supporting Mahendralals work, Bankim Chandra wrote a lengthy article in the Bhadra issue (August-September issue) of his journal Bangadarshan (1873) where he appealed for generous public financial support for his work. He wrote: .The rich people of Bengal some of them spend a lakh of rupees in a single day and waste lakhs during the marriage of their sons and daughters. The Bengali society is apathetic towards the cultivation of science. The rich people of Bengal should be generous and assist the Youth and industries of Bengal. Good response came from many eminent citizens of Calcutta. These included Justice Dwarakanath Mitra, Krishnadas Pal, Father Lafont, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Dr.Rajendralal Mitra, Keshab Chandra Sen, Jatindramohan Tagore, Abdul Latif, Jaykrishna Mukherjee, Pyarimohan Mukherjee, Ramesh Chandra Banerjee, and Gurudas Banerjee. Sir Richard Temple, the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, also assured his help. Donations started flowing in. The first contribution of Rs. 1,000 came from Jaykrishna Mukherjee and a subscription book was started on 24 January 1870. Others who contributed money were the Maharaja of Patiala , Maharani Swarnamayi, Maharaja of Cassimbazar , Kalikrishna Tagore, Raja Kamal Krishna Deb and Sri Rameshchandra Mitra. It was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar who collected Rs. 2500 from zamindar Kalikrishna Tagore. With the help of Keshab Chandra Sen, Mahendralal received much financial help from the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. And in 1873, Mahendralal himself donated Rs. 1,000 for the noble cause. On 29 July 1876 the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science was inaugurated in a house taken on lease from the Government. It was situated at the junction of College Street and Bowbazar Street. The name The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science was accepted at a meeting held earlier, on 15 January 1876. Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar was its Secretary from the beginning till his death. He gave regular lectures on subjects like electricity, magnetism, heat, light and sound. Between 1878 and 1883 he delivered about 154 lectures on different subjects. Mahendralal continued to enlist support for the Association, especially from rich patients whom he cured. One such was the Maharajkumar of Vizianagram, and with his donation of Rs. 40,000, the Vizianagram Laboratory was established. From the very beginning many renowned scientists were either speakers or research scholars in the Association. For instance Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, Dr. Chunilal Basu, Sri Ashutosh Mukhopadhyaya and others gave lectures on their respective subjects. Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose used to conduct practical classes also. The Science Association developed further after the death of Mahendralal. In 1907 a high-ranking officer in the finance department of the government of India, Chandrashekhar Venkataraman, working at Calcutta , became a member of the Association and pursued scientific research during his leisure time. In 1917 the vice-chancellor of Calcutta University, Sir Ashutosh Mukhopadhyaya, made him Fellow Professor in the Science College. Since the required equipment for research was not available in the Science College, Venkataraman continued his research in the Science Association. In 1930 he discovered new facts about the diffusion of light rays, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. In 1950-51 Professor Meghnad Saha shifted the The Science Association to a new building constructed on a land measuring 29 bighas. Thus we see that Mahendralal Sarkar, a great philanthropist devoted his life to establish and promote scientific research and in spreading the homeopathic system of medicine. In all his efforts, service to humanity was the driving force The writers are, respectively, Senior Faculty and Faculty of Neotia Institute of Technology, Management and Sciences. 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. Picking up roads less taken for an adventurous trip is a smart decision for any travel enthusiast willing to take up risk and discover unexplored destinations. One such destination less travelled lies in the queen of hills Himachal Pradesh. Chitkul is the place. You might have been to many beautiful and fun-filled destinations in the majestic Himachal Pradesh, but without a visit to Chitkul village that exists peacefully on the Indo-China border, your trip to Himachal is definitely incomplete. Aptly called the last village of India, Chitkul exists in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh and is home to around 600 habitants. In fact, this is the only destination where one can travel to without a permit unlike other places with international boundaries. Anyone planning to go beyond the village requires prior permission due to stringent border security regulations. Words cannot define the beauty of Chitkul. The Indo-Tibet trade route is definitely an attraction for avid explorers. Also, the crystal clear Baspa river flowing by the village is really breathtaking. One can also camp at the river bank of Baspa. The immense natural beauty, the magnificent surrounding of snow-peaked Himalayan mountains, meadows, small wooden cottages, houses with slate or wooden plank roof, a Buddhist monastery and a small bus stand give a picturesque sight of Chitkul. Not to miss the hindustan ka akhri dhaba (India's last food joint) located in the akhri village (last village), Chitkul. The village gives different shades of beauty with each changing seasons. When to travel: The place is usually cold and windy during the summer or mid-winter time and spine-chilling cold during the winters. To catch up with the awestruck panoramic views it is better to plan your trip between April to October. The roads to Chitkul are usually closed between November to March as the snowfall makes the road difficult to drive on. Travelling to Chitkul is no less than a daredevil act as one has to pass through one of the worlds dangerous roads of Kinnaur district, which are dreadfully steep, narrow and bumpy. While going to Chitkul you can also enjoy some of the captivating views of Reckong Peo, Sangla valley, Charang Pass, Kalpa and Kinnaur Kailash mountains, forested slopes of tall green pine trees. Distance and routes: Chitkul is almost 600 km from New Delhi. No direct bus connectivity is there to this destination, so one has to switch from Reckong Peo to Kalpa and from Kalpa to Chitkul. Anyone travelling in a cab will take the same 13 hours tiring journey without any halt. Best is to take halt at Sangla valley and Kalpa and then move to Chitkul so that you dont miss out an inch of beauty and joy of Kinnaur district in Himachal. Important tips: There are some important things that you should bear in mind while planning your trip to Chitkul. This is undoubtedly a Must Visit place for everyone, however the village prefers nature loving and peace seeking people. One who has time for himself/herself and for the nature. You wont get mobile network on your arrival but the long gone PCO booth still ticking. No ATM booths. So carry cash. If you are interested in going to the Indo-Tibet border, there are some local people who can assist you on getting the permit. Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has admitted defeat in Mosul, the terror group's biggest stronghold in Iraq, and has ordered militants to either flee or kill themselves in suicide attacks, the media reported. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a "farewell speech" to his combatants in battlefields, ordering them to "flee and hide in mountainous areas" in Iraq and Syria, Iraqi News reported on Wednesday. The text of the speech was disseminated among other speakers to read out to fighters at various areas in western Mosul. The directives tell fighters to blow themselves up once encircled by Iraqi troops, adding that senior commanders close to Baghdadi were moving on the borderline between Syria and Iraq. Iraqi forces have made remarkable gains since launching a renewed offensive on February 19 to retake western Mosul from IS militants. The government said in January it had retaken the eastern side of the city following three months of fighting, Iraqi News added. Earlier this month, unconfirmed news claimed that Baghdadi, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown, had been seriously wounded when airstrikes targeted a senior leadership meeting he chaired near the borders with Syria. In 2014, IS declared Mosul its caliphate. 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. The Karnataka government on Thursday scrapped the controversial steel bridge project, even as the National Green Tribunal hearing in the case is pending. Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George who made the formal announcement, blamed the BJP and its baseless allegation of kickbacks made against the state government, for dropping the project. I have spoken to CM and he too has given approval to cancel the project. We are tired of it. We are ready to face trail by fire like Sita. The BJP and its state president are making baseless allegations against me and the chief minister without any proof , said George. The 6.7-km-long steel bridge connecting the Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal flyover, estimated to cost Rs 1,876 crore, was to be built by the Bengaluru Development Authority. But the hurried proposal was strongly opposed by various citizen groups including Namma Bengaluru Foundation and Citizens' Action Forum (CAF), which were joined in by the opposition parties. Last October, a massive human chain was formed to voice the concerns of the common man as people felt that the project was totally unnecessary and would also require axing of 812 trees. Though the initial cost was Rs 1,130 crore, it eventually rose to Rs 1,876 crore. Despite the citizens' protests, the state government had blatantly refused to drop the project and floated tenders and even given the work order. This forced the citizen groups to file a petition before the NGT, which has stayed the project. While the Congress MLAs were divided, the BJP MLAs continued to oppose the project. The government seized the opportunity to label the BJP as anti-development. The Congress legislators Byrati Suresh and Narayanaswamy contended that the project would ease the traffic on the stretch and dropping the plan would cause injustice to the people of North Bengaluru, who are struggling with notorious traffic jam on the route. BJP is going to be responsible for stalling the development project, they cried. High drama prevailed in the Vidhana Soudha on Thursday when a meeting to discuss water woes of Bengaluru turned into a heated debate on the controversial bridge. While George made the decision appear spontaneous, sources claimed the decision to drop the project was made during the cabinet meeting held the previous day. Strangely, George blamed Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who had spearheaded the campaign against the proposed project, for the decision. He (Rajeev) is a representative of the state, but he has been working against the interest of the state by opposing all the progressive projects. He is responsible for stalling the Akrama-Sakrama bill (regularistion of illegal constructions) and for the negative propaganda over Bengaluru's lakes as he wants all investments to the state stalled and want them to go to the neighbouring states, alleged George, who also accused the BJP of hounding the government over alleged kickbacks and also scuttling development projects. Said Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who spearheaded the Steelbridge Beda campaign, The cancellation of the project gives us hope for future. The governments should realise that citizens' consultation is crucial for any development. The sudden change of heart of the Siddaramaiah government is now being mocked at by the opposition parties, which claim that the Congress government fears a CBI probe into the alleged kickback case (of Rs 65 crore). The diary recovered from Congress MLC K. Govindaraj mentions kickback of Rs 65 crore. An embarrassed Congress fears a backlash in the coming polls, said BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa, stating that his party would still pursue the case and seek CBI probe into the kickback case. Defending the government, KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao, The project is being portrayed as a monument of corruption by the Congress, though our intention was to improve the city infrastructure. JD(S) MLA and spokesperson Y.S.V. Datta wondered why the government which did not yield to the large-scale protests of the citizens was now dropping the project. The Congress fears further probe into the kickback case. Though we welcome the decision to cancel the project, I am sure it will not help the Congress win back the confidence of the people, mocked Datta. It was a heart-wrenching scene in Shopian when Insha Mushtaq Lone, the girl who became the face of pellet horror during last year's summer uprising in Kashmir, decided to return to school on Thursday. Insha was hit by a burst of pellets inside her home when the police and CRPF clashed with protesters outside her home in July last. The pellets ruptured the retina and optic nerve of her eyes. Even after six surgeries, her eyesight could not restored, not even partially like more than 1,000 other pellet victims in Kashmir. Insha's father Mushtaq Ahmed Lone told THE WEEK that, since Wednesday she was insisted that she wants to be back in school. Schools in Kashmir had reopened on Wednesday after nine long monthssix months of summer uprising and three months of winter vacations. Insha Mushtaq Lone | Umer Asif ''We informed the school and they agreed to allow her,'' he said.'' Her cousin Bsima accompanied her.'' Insha's relatives and neighbours were in tears when she, holding the hand of her mother, came out of her home for school. She wore a pheran, a woolen cloak worn in Kashmir in winters, head scarf, and goggles and slowly walked up to the bus stop. Insha was warmly greeted by the driver and the students in the bus. Bisma sat next to her, clutching her hand, a neighbour said. As the bus drove off, Rafiqa, Insha's aunt, wept. '' My hearts bleeds when I look at her,'' she said.'' What has she done to suffer like this.'' Mushtaq said Insha was restless at home after she heard that the schools have reopened. ''We allowed her today or maybe a few days a week for a few hours,'' Mushtaq said.'' She has suffered so much and now she was feeling frustrated at home.'' The social mediaFacebook and Twitterhad exploded with sympathy and condemnation after photos of Insha's pellet peppered face and eyes went viral. She was compared with Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan who was shot in the head by Taliban in Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtoonhwa. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti went to see Insha in AIIMS and offered to donate her own eyes to her, which many believed was a mere political stunt since Mehbooba knew damage to Insha's condition was not salvageable. Mehbooba, however, sanctioned a job for Mushtaq.''I work as a driver for commissioner revenue,'' Mushtaq said. ''But my daughter, she needs help as long as she lives; something should be done for her and all those blinded by the pellets,'' he said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said he believed in the freedom of expression within the legal ambit. When asked about his opinion on Gurmehar Kaur, Parrikar on the sideline of a programme in New Delhi, he said: "I believe in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. All freedom of expression have legal limit. You cannot barge on another person's right." Lady Shri Ram College student Gurmehar Kaur had last week launched a social media campaign against the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) which had forced the cancellation of a seminar at Ramjas College over the participation of a controversial JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. The next day, ABVP activists were blamed for attacking students, teachers and journalists in the campus, triggering widespread condemnation. Khalid was jailed last year on sedition charges for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. Jat leaders threatened to bring 50 lakh protesters to Delhi, armed with sufficient food supply to last several days, if the centre and state governments did not agree to their demand of reservation for their community. They would go for a show of strength after Holi is over by March 13. The Jat leaders vented their ire against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promising to look into their demands which made the community vote for it during the 2014 Lok Sabha and later Haryana assembly elections. As a precursor to the big show after Holi, several thousand protesters gathered at Delhi's protest venue Jantar Mantar on Thursday. They would submit a memorandum highlighting their demands to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister later during the day. After last year's violent agitation in Haryana, the protests have so far been peaceful. However, the situation could take a turn towards the worse if no resolution is found, as Jat leaders have given a deadline after Holi. Parliament session would also be on at that time. Drawn from eight states, Jats mostly farmers carried food, water, tea, butter milk and even hukkahs as they flooded the Jantar Mantar. Our protest is against the BJP as they are in the centre and the state (Haryana). They have not listened to us, Yashpal Malik, Jat leader spearheading the reservation campaign, told THE WEEK. Malik said, "Our demand is that Jats be included in the 27 per cent reservation category earmarked for other castes. The government can apply the creamy layer formula to keep the well-off out of the purview. Malik had earlier traveled to Jat dominated areas of the Western Uttar Pradesh, where elections were held last month, to rally the community to vote against the BJP. This had led to division of votes against the community which had earlier overwhelmingly voted for the ruling party in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. At Jantar Mantar, the speakers called for unity among all subcastes of the Jats and spoke against the BJP and tried to garner support against the saffron party for the 2019 elections. We will announce detailed programme for agitation after Holi. 50 lakh protesters from 13 states will be called to Delhi. We will come prepared with enough food, the same way army prepares ration. We will make a forceful appeal, Malik said. He, however, tried to play down violence in Haryana saying it was done by miscreants and those belonging to the BJP. Traffic snarls were witnessed in various parts of Delhi due to Thursday's protest. To Democrats calling for a unified party of resistance to Donald Trump, former senator Joe Lieberman says that is not a good strategy to follow. Lieberman, who served as a Democratic senator from Connecticut and as a vice presidential candidate alongside Al Gore, said on this weeks episode of the Powerhouse Politics podcast that reflexive resistance from the party is thoughtless. I hope the Democrats will get over that soon, Lieberman said. It takes two to tango.He also said that Trump should also reach out directly to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to help reach compromises on issues like health care, tax reform and immigration. Lieberman is now an independent and co-leads No Labels, a bipartisan organization dedicated to promoting compromise in politics in order to reach common goals. He said that during the first 40 days of the Trump presidency, people seem to be more divided than ever. But he thought Trumps address before the joint session of congress on Tuesday night was very hopeful, and points to a possibility that the new president will help bring the two sides together on those important issues. I hope it is the inauguration of a different kind of approach, Lieberman said. Will it last, will the president stick with it only time will tell, but there is a little hope there last night. Lieberman said if congress fails to work across party lines, theyll be ignoring a large group of moderate liberals and conservatives who are also mad as hell. Among them are more than 800 people who came to Washington, D.C. Wednesday with No Labels to meet with their members of congress to express their concerns about partisan gridlock. Its this group in the middle that really wants the government to start working again, Lieberman said. Although he doesnt know whether or not they are true, Lieberman also commented on rumors that his No Labels co-leader, Republican Jon Huntsman, may be picked to serve as Trumps ambassador to Russia. Theres a lot of rational reasons why one would not do this, Lieberman said. If he says he will, its because he really feels a call to service. (Source: ABC News) The World Health Organization says it has noticed mutations in the bird flu virus now spreading in China, but says the risk of the disease spreading easily between people remains low. In a press briefing Wednesday, the U.N. health agency said in about 7 percent of the people infected with the H7N9 strain of bird flu, scientists have identified genetic changes suggesting the viruses are resistant to Tamiflu, the recommended treatment for the disease and the drug that is being stockpiled worldwide in preparation for a flu pandemic. Wenqing Zhang, head of WHOs flu department, said the rate is similar to what has been picked up in previous years. Constant change is the nature of all influenza viruses, she said. Zhang said that the resistant viruses were detected in people who had already been treated with Tamiflu, allaying fears that the virus might be spontaneously acquiring resistance in the wild. Zhang said mutations in the H7N9 virus have also made it more deadly to birds, but he says its unclear what that might mean for humans. Other experts said that the increased danger of H7N9 to birds would at least make the disease easier to spot in poultry, allowing officials to react quicker. The question is, does this change in the virus lethality make it any more lethal for humans? The jury is still out on that, said Wendy Barclay, chair of influenza at Imperial College London. Although bird flu cases have surged this year, Barclay said there was no suggestion the virus is adapting more easily to human transmission. Based on the genetic sequences of the viruses, there are no changes to suggest this is about to explode into a pandemic, Barclay said. Some scientists have raised concerns about whether China is sharing enough information; earlier this year, the country suddenly announced about 100 cases, a lag that could compromise efforts to track any changes in the virus spread. We always need more and better information faster, said Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota, adding that the continuing bird flu worries underline the worlds vulnerability to the next flu pandemic. We are not in any better position to respond than we were during the (2009) swine flu pandemic, he said. (AP) The State Comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge, the IDF counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza in the summer of 2014 was released on Wednesday, 3 Adar 5777. The report cited failures due to lacking intelligence and the actions of the Security Cabinet, which suffered from internal strife. In addition, the State Comptroller speaks of operational and technical failures, specifically regarding the Hamas tunnel network. Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Ganz was among those who spoke out this week ahead of the release of the report, citing military intelligence was exemplary, citing his willingness to go to war again if necessary under the same realities. The report addresses the events leading up the war, the abduction and murders of the three Gush Etzion Kedoshim HYD; Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach. That occurred in June 2014, leading to Operation Protective Edge. The report is based on thousands of documents, citing the IDF only destroyed a half of Hamas terror tunnel network, leaving the remainder usable, albeit some being damaged. Hence, the State Comptroller feels the IDF failed to complete its mission, a conclusion that was reached by a number of right-wing cabinet ministers as well, who were calling for the eradication of Hamas. During the operation, Moshe Yaalon was Defense Minister and Ganz Chief of Staff. The State Comptroller explains the decision to bomb the tunnels from the air in the hope of destroying them was erroneous, and while they wished to spare additional loss of life among ground forces, the aerial bombardment failed to accomplish its mission. State Comptroller Justice Yosef Shapiras report gives backing to accusation made during the operation by Minister Naftali Bennet, who always maintained the Security Cabinet, which he was a member of, was not properly briefed. Bennet came under fire during the operation for airing dirty laundry in the media, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yaalon of running the war without consulting with the other members of the Security Cabinet forum. The report continues by citing additional failures by the two senior ministers, as well as the failure in addressing the severity of the Hamas tunnel threat. In the civilian arena, Shapira explains that residents of southern areas lost their sense of security prior to the operation as many IDF operations were shut and funds used to train civilian first response team and equip them stopped flowing, leaving them in a difficult situation. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) In what is being hailed a historic decision, the Haifa District Court on Wednesday, 3 Adar 5777, has ordered the shutting of the controversial ammonia tank. An appeal filed by Haifa Chemicals was rejected by the court on Wednesday, deciding that tank must be emptied no later than April 1, 2017. The court has also prohibited permitting additional ammonia ships to enter the area. Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav applauded the courts ruling, praising Justice Tamar Sharon-Netanel. He called her decision brave and historic, citing how the tank places over 500,000 residents in perilous danger. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times The answer to everything lies in Torah. And so, the Republicans who are criticizing former Vice president Joe Biden seem to be in agreement with a Rashi in Sanhedrin 58a. The Democrats who support Biden they seem to be in agreement with the Ran and the Rambans interpretation. Who would ever have imagined that an obscure debate in the Rishonim on how to interpret a passage of the Babylonian Talmudic tractate of Sanhedrin would have had such nationwide implications? But lets start at the beginning. Hallie Biden is the widow of Beau Biden, who was the son of the former vice president, Joe Biden. Beau Biden was also Delawares attorney general before he passed away. Hallie Biden is now in a relationship with Beaus brother, Hunter. All this is according to the New York Posts Page Six. Joe Biden and his wife Jill are supportive of the relationship. Hunter, Beaus brother, said to the Post, Hallie and I are incredibly lucky to have found the love and support we have for each other in such a difficult time, and thats been obvious to the people who love us most. He further said, Weve been so lucky to have family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. According to the Post, Hallie and Hunter began their relationship after the death of Hallies husband of brain cancer in May 2015. The tragedy contributed to the decision of Joe Biden not to run for president. Hunter is a 47-year-old lawyer. He is still married, but separated from his wife Kathleen. Hallie has two children. The former vice-president and his wife remarked, We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them. THE HALACHA What is the halacha regarding such a relationship? Is Joe Bidens reaction acceptable according to Jewish law? IF THEY WERE JEWISH If everyone was Jewish, since Hallie and Beau had children, there would be a serious prohibition involved. If Hallie and Beau had no children, there would be a Mitzvah of Yibum (although not practiced nowadays) known as the Levarite Marriage involved. If they had children it would be a violation of the biblical prohibition of Aishes Achiv. Hallie and Hunters relationship would be considered one of Arayos the forbidden relations. Any children from such a union would be considered Mamzerim. DO GENTILES HAVE ARAYOS THROUGH MARRIAGE? But they are not Jewish and the question is whether or not gentiles have Arayos that are created through marriage. This issue is a debate between two versions of Rabbi Meir, one according to his Rebbe, Rabbi Akiva and the other according to his Rebbe, Rabbi Eliezer in Sanhedrin 58a as to what was Rabbi Eleizers view on the matter. THE VIEW OF RABBI MEIR ACCORDING TO RABBI ELIEZER This view held that gentiles are not commanded in the concept of forbidden arayos that have to do with marriage. Thus aside from the prohibition of adultery according to Rabbi Meirs understanding of Rabbi Eliezer, for a gentile there is no further prohibition of a fathers spouse or a brothers wife. Only blood-based arayos are forbidden according to Rabbi Meirs view. THE VIEW OF RABBI AKIVA Not so is the view of Rabbi Akiva acccording to Rabbi Meir. He holds that a fathers spouse is forbidden to a gentile even after his fathers death. Rabbi Akivas halachic view, however, remains somewhat unclear. Does he hold that all of the relationships that develop through a marriage are considered arayos? Or does he just hold that it is true regarding a fathers spouse but no one else? DEBATE IN THE RISHONIM The exact interpretation of Rabbi Akivas view is a debate among the Rishonim. Rashi (1040-1105) is of the view that Rabbi Akiva considers all relationships that came about through a contracted marriage as part of the Arayos. Thus, according to Rashis understanding of Rabbi Akiva the relationship is illicit. But wait. The former VP can still rely on the Ran (1320-1376) on his comments in Sanhedrin and the Ramban (1194-1270) in his comments on Yevamos 98a. According to the Ramban, the fact that the fathers wife is considered one of the Arayos is a special decree of the Torah, and cannot be extrapolated to the other Arayos. OTHER HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This same debate between Rashi and the Ran and Ramban was the cause of the creation of the Anglican Church as well as the Episcopalian Church which broke away from the Anglican Church. If we recall our ninth grade European history, Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church and opened his own Church of England. But why? It was because he could not divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon. Pope Clement VII refused to annul his marriage or rather to rescind the special dispensation he had received from an earlier pope to allow his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Catherine had been previously married to Henry VIIIs older brother Arthur. According to Henry VIII, she was forbidden to him. He held like Rashi, apparently. Pope Clement VII held that the marriage was valid and thus he would not annul it. Henry the VIII then decided to form his own church the Church of England. Eventually, Americans, who were members of the Anglican church had to form their own breakaway church which they called the Episcopalian Church. HOW COULD YAAKOV AVINU MARRY TWO SISTERS? The Gemorah (Yuma 28b) tells us that the Avos fulfilled the Torah before it was given. This presents a question as to how Yaakov Avinu could have married two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik (in his Stencils on Torah SIman 5) uses this very same Ramban to answer this question. He writes that prior to Har Sinai, the nature of marriage was such that non-blood Arayos were not considered Arayos. Lhavdil, Joe Bidens view is in accordance with the Brisker Rav. THE BLESSINGS OF SHEVA BRACHOS The Rosh in Kesuvos (Piskei HaRosh 1:12) asks a question: How can we say Vetzivanu al haArayos in the Sheva Brachos gentiles also have arayos! Rav Velvel uses our Ramban to answer that it refers to the extra arayos that come about through marriage. One can ask, however, this all makes sense according to the Ramban and the Ran. But what about Rashi? Rashi holds that a Ben Noach is also commanded in the marriage arayos. That being the case, how can we recite the blessing which seems to make it specifically a Jewish command? A former student of mine, Hudi Shoe, provided the following answer. Staying away from arayos is a force of Kedusha for Jews. It enables the Jewish people to reach a higher level of sanctity and closeness to G-d. That is why we read the parsha of Arayos from the Torah on Yom Kippur. The blessing is that the arayos sanctify us and that is unique to the Jewish nation the ability to sanctify ourselves through staying away from the forbidden relations. This is. Lehavdil, also how the Republican detractors of Bidens reaction would also hold. The author can be reached at [email protected] Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 3 Adar, addressed the Jewish People Policy Institute by broadcast video. In his remarks he referred to recent alarming anti-Semitic attack that occurred around the world, sending the following message to the international community. Anti-Semitism certainly has not disappeared. But there is much we can do to fight back. World leaders need to unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism wherever it is found. And I appreciate the fact that in the last few weeks and days, President Trump and Vice President Pence have taken a strong stance in condemning anti-Semitism. This is what we expect too from European leaders, most of them have done it and this is what we must demand from governments around the world because Jews around the world should not live in fear. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Ben Uliel, a suspect in the Duma arson which killed members of a family in the PA (Palestinian Authority) village remains incarcerated in HaSharon Prison without bail pending the outcome of his trial. He has been moved and the current arrangements are unacceptable according to Honenu attorney Adi Kedar. His cell mate is now a non-religious person and there is a TV, making his adherence to a frum life impossible. Kedar calls on prison officials to return him to his previous arrangement. He is in a separate wing in which there are two to a cell around the clock. Having a non-religious person Kedar explains eliminates his clients right to his religious freedom, especially Shabbos. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) President Donald Trump is planning to meet with sailors and shipbuilders on an aircraft carrier in Virginia as he promotes his plans for a major buildup of the nations military. Trump is traveling Thursday to Newport News to deliver a speech aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, a $12.9 billion warship that is expected to be commissioned this year after cost overruns and delays. He also is meeting with the carriers builder. A draft budget plan released earlier this week by the White House would add $54 billion to the Pentagons projected budget, a 10 percent increase. To keep America safe, we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war if they must they have to fight and they only have to win, Trump said in his address to Congress on Tuesday night. Trump, in his 2016 campaign, repeatedly pledged to rebuild what he called the nations depleted military and told supporters at Regent University in Virginia Beach in October that the regions naval installations would be right at the center of the action with the building of new ships. He often argued that the U.S. military was too small to accomplish its missions and pledged to put the Navy on track to increase its active-duty fleet to 350 ships, compared to the current Navy plan of growing from 272 ships to 308 sometime after 2020. The USS Gerald R. Ford, located at Newport News Shipbuilding, will be the first of the Navys next generation of aircraft carriers and is expected to accommodate some 2,600 sailors. Trumps speech to a joint session of Congress, his first as president, included his past calls for repealing the defense sequester, or across-the-board budget cuts instituted by Congress. He will need the repeal to achieve the kinds of increased defense spending that he is seeking. (AP) A series of U.S. airstrikes targeted alleged al-Qaida positions on Thursday in a mountainous area where three Yemeni provinces meet, leaving at least four militants dead, Yemeni officials said. The officials told The Associated Press that U.S. jets and drones targeted at least six districts and they were all located in a mountainous area where the three provinces of Bayda, Shabwa and Abyan meet. The vast region is known for its rocky mountains, which have been used by al-Qaida as a hideout. One media official in Bayda said a total of 23 airstrikes were carried out by U.S. jets. Another official said four al-Qaida militants were killed in the airstrikes that targeted Shabwas Saeed district. The bombings took place between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., shaking houses and causing panic among sleeping residents who fled in fear, while smoke billowed into the sky and flashes of light were seen from a distance because of the explosions. The Yemeni officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak to the media. U.S. military officials were not immediately available for comment. Thursdays airstrikes come a month after U.S. special forces carried out a raid in the same province. In that operation, one U.S. Navy Seal was killed, six American soldiers were wounded and a military aircraft suffered a hard landing and had to be destroyed. The attack was launched just days after President Donald Trumps inauguration. Survivors and witnesses say at least 25 Yemenis were killed in the attack, including 10 children and nine women, sparking outrage in Yemen and prompting the government to ask Washington for a review of the Jan. 29 assault on the district of Yakla. A week ago, Human Rights Watch called upon the U.S. to carry out an investigation saying that the U.S. needs to go a step further and provide a full accounting of possible laws-of-war violations. Al-Qaida in Yemen, seen as the militant groups most dangerous offshoot, has seized large swaths of land and entire cities starting from 2011, the year the mass uprising started and ended with longtime ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh leaving power. However, the group grew in weapons and numbers after the start of the 2015 Saudi-led campaign that targeted Houthi rebels who seized control of the capital Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee the country. Since then, the war exasperated the state of lawlessness and gave al-Qaida freedom of movement and recruitment. The group has also emerged as a de facto ally of the US-backed Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and his backers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against the Shiite rebels. The United States has also supported the oil-rich kingdom Saudi Arabia with military advisers, logistics and intelligence in addition to billions of dollars in arms. Throughout the years, the U.S. has depended on drone strikes in hunting down al-Qaidas top leaders and operatives. In 2015, the groups leader was killed in a drone strike in the southern city of Mukalla, the provincial capital of Yemens largest province of Hadramawt, and which fell into the hands of the group for a year. (AP) [COMMUNICATED CONTENT] For the past few years, battei midrash that were once empty on Purim night have been filled to capacity, as thousands of men in Eretz Yisrael streamed in to join a special Purim Kollel, for at least an hour of Torah learning, in an intense, Shavuos-night atmosphere. The tefillas rabbim that follows has been compared to Neilah on Motzaei Yom Kippur. Recently, a young talmid chacham from Yerushalayim, who is now in New York fighting for his life, requested of a visiting friend, Lets bring this idea to America; give battei midrash here a taste of the experience! And so this year we are taking this important initiative all over the world! Maran Harav Chaim Kanievsky, Maran Harav Aron Leib Steinman and Harav Matisyahu Salomon, among many others, have given this project their enthusiastic endorsement. The Purim Kollel is quickly turning into a movement, as ever more shuls are signing up in Eretz Yisrael, Europe, South Africa, the USA and Canada. In addition, the Har Nof Kollel is organizing a Purim Partners program: Everyone who registers for the Purim Kollel in chutz laAretz is invited to submit his (or another persons) name and specific needs for tefillah in the powerful tefillas rabbim that will be held in Yerushalayim on Sunday night, Shushan Purim. Together we will make this a truly elevated Purim! To sign up and, if you choose, to partner with an avreich in Eretz Yisrael by having your matanos laevyonim be given to him on Purim call 718-210- 9737 or email [email protected] Last August, Councilman David G. Greenfield wrote a letter to the NYC Department of Transportation, requesting that something be done about the hazardous conditions that exist for pedestrians crossing the street in the vicinity of FDR High School on 19th Avenue between 55th and 58th Streets. After months of research and collaboration, the Department of Transportation this week confirmed that it will install a new slow zone on 19th Avenue between 54th Street and 58th Street. This is a major victory for pedestrian safety and for the safety of our children, Greenfield said of the decision. By reducing the speed limit on this busy road near a school, we are sending a clear message that New York puts safety first, and we are furthering the goals of Mayor de Blasios Vision Zero program. Greenfield has long been a supporter of Vision Zero, having sponsored key elements of the plan in the City Council. The new slow zone will reduce the speed limit in the affected area to 20 miles per hour a significant safety measure, given that pedestrians struck by vehicles traveling 20 mph are much more likely to survive the crash than pedestrians struck by vehicles traveling 30 mph or faster. When it comes to keeping our children safe, we all have a responsibility to do everything we can. That especially applies to legislators and policymakers, which is why Im so proud we were able to get this done for the so many students and families who live in the area. I would like to thank the DOT and Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, as well as Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray for their hard work and partnership in making this happen, Greenfield said. Safety is our mission at DOT and this newly approved school slow zone is a great addition to the crucial work being done as part of Vision Zero, said DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray. Id like to thank Councilmember Greenfield for his continued collaboration with DOT and for his continued interest in keeping the students of FDR High School and all New Yorkers safe as they traverse through this area. The slow zone is set to be installed by DOT within the next three months. (YWN Desk NYC) Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who is serving a prison term, underwent an emergency surgical procedure earlier this week. According to a Kikar Shabbos News report, the rabbi on Tuesday 18 was recuperating, isolated on the sixth floor of Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital with over 20 police outside his door. The Chief of the Israel Prison Authority also made a visit to consult with physicians towards ascertaining when the rabbi can be released by to prison. Followers of the rav were mispallel at Kever Rochel while he was undergoing the procedure. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Sir Philip Green may finally have cut himself loose from the stain of BHS but there is no such luck in prospect for The Pensions Regulator. It was obvious from the moment that chief executive Lesley Titcomb told the Commons select committee last year that her knowledge of the 20,000-strong retirement scheme at BHS came from the media that she was running a misfiring agency. Indeed, the official initially assigned to sort out BHS was a discarded banker who admitted he didn't know much about pensions. For most of the last year the redoubtable chairman of the work and pensions committee, Frank Field, reserved his venom for Green. Now the 'King of the High Street' has coughed up Field is turning on the regulator. Where's the money? We are now told that not all Sir Philip Green's wealth is sheltered in Monaco and he has substantial cash and property assets in the UK His panel says 'never again' should the regulator take two years to intervene, only to agree a 23-year deficit recovery plan for a company such as BHS at the entrance of Carey Street. The regulator was ill-equipped to cope with a complex negotiation with a dealmaker like Green and simply not nimble enough. The only sensible move it made throughout the process was to start the court proceedings which led Green to speed up his 363million transfer. A mystery of this whole affair is how Green, who reportedly shipped all of his cash dividends from BHS and Arcadia overseas, could find the cash from personal resources without having to pay a 45 per cent tax rate if he reshored the money. We are now told that not all Green's wealth is sheltered in Monaco and he has substantial cash and property assets in the UK. Money behind the mantelpiece. As for Titcomb, she should be working her socks off now to resolve outstanding issues at Tata Steel, Hoover, Bernard Matthews and Vauxhall. Perhaps she could take a lesson from the smarter leadership of the Pension Protection Fund which is always three steps ahead of the regulator. If Titcomb cannot cope, then she should quietly go. Dive bombing Britain's defence and aerospace sector with its special relationship with the Pentagon should be enjoying a golden era. President Trump is promising a $54billion (44billion) uplift on an already huge American military budget and likes surrounding himself with generals. Meggitt demonstrated earlier this week what a tightly run defence company can achieve. The contrast with Cobham could not be more stark. Chief executive David Lockwood has had to go back to investors for a further 500million of cash. It is the second such bailout in the past nine months. The biggest problem has been delivering on its share of the KC-46 flight refuelling contract with Boeing, a contractor in the sights of Trump for cost overruns on the new Air Force One. Most of the extra cost for the KC-46 has fallen Cobham's way. The most serious difficulties arise from acquisitions in the US which went horribly wrong. My own recollection of the ancien regime is being assured that Cobham's management systems in the US were so robust that they would have no trouble integrating what they had bought. Instead, it is writing down the value of its wireless operations, much of which came with the Axell and Aeroflex purchases in 2013 and 2014, by 196million. Other parts of the Aeroflex acquisition electronic solutions and semiconductors are being written down by 186million and 192million respectively. The extent of the damage to Cobham's reputation and future is similar to what happened to Marconi (the former GEC) which went on a telecoms buying spree which all but wiped shareholders. One has to believe that there is enough good engineering expertise at Cobham to bring the company back once balance sheet kinks have been put behind it. Cobham has seen the shares halve in value over the last three years in a warning to investors about acquisition-hungry firms. 'We work': Helium-voiced Glencore boss Ivan Glasenberg Glencore's latest company report reveals that workers who depart the company are divided into 'bad leavers' and 'good leavers'. A bad leaver is defined as someone who resigns or leaves for disciplinary reasons. A good leaver is one who departs only due to 'serious ill health or death'. Office culture at Glencore is somewhat hardcore. Once, asked if his employees had a work-life balance, helium-voiced boss Ivan Glasenberg replied: 'No. We work. You don't come here to take life easy. 'And we all got rich from it, so, you know, there's a benefit.' Asked if Sir Philip Green's knighthood should still be rescinded, former City Minister Lord Myners tells the BBC: 'I would place at fault the people who gave him his knighthood.' Step forward, Tony Blair. But wasn't Myners' former boss Gordon Brown's prior ennoblement of Royal Bank of Scotland chief Fred Goodwin an arguably bigger boo-boo? For a tech egghead, billionaire Google founder Eric Schmidt seems a fruity sort. According to Tatler, the chubby-faced billionaire, 61, is 'a terrible wolf who loves a perky blonde (or brunette)'. Corporate toys include 195ft yacht Oasis, a Gulfstream V jet and a 12million Manhattan penthouse described by a New York publication as 'a lavish sex palace'. Alarmingly, David Cameron and George Osborne were in thrall to this louche-sounding lizard. Tousled Wetherspoon chairman and arch-Brexiteer Tim Martin, 61, loathes the politicians who still won't accept the referendum result. He says: 'Take a wise-up pill, chaps, and learn from your intellectual elites the public.' It's not going to be Sir Timothy any time soon, is it? Chancellor Philip Hammond is being urged by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association to reduce taxes on wine by 2 per cent in next week's Budget, which it claims will boost Treasury coffers by 368million. Hammond is at least partial to a whiff of the cork. Last year, school friend Nina Stratford recalled that she and the chancellor once necked a bottle of sherry at his Essex home 'before having a bit of a cheeky snog'. The Scottish Mortgage investment trust will enter the FTSE 100 in a fortnight after its stock market value has soared, the quarterly review of the index revealed last night. It will become the first investment trust to enter the blue-chip index since Alliance Trust left six years ago. Managed by James Anderson and Tom Slater for Scottish investment firm Baillie Gifford, and paying consistent dividends, it is a popular choice for small investors in spite of its relatively high risk profile. Scottish Mortgage's upgrade comes as the 4.9billion investment trust remains on a strong run, with the shares up 42 per cent over the last 12 months. Reshuffle: Capita and Dixons Carphone will be replaced by Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and Rentokil Initial An investment research analyst, Helal Miah at retail stockbroker, the Share Centre said the Scottish Mortgage investment trust was close to the promotion zone last quarter. 'With 95% of its holdings weighing towards international investments, it's possible that its recent success is as a result of it benefiting from the weaker pound,' he noted. Tom Slater, who manages investment trust Scottish Mortgage Investment director at AJ Bell Russ Mould said sterling's weakness has increased the value of the overseas assets held by Scottish Mortgage. 'Scottish Mortgage's promotion would reflect excellent portfolio performance, helped by its focus on long-term growth stories in its quest for capital gains for investors.' It is the third investment trust to rise to the UK's corporate elite, and the fourth to feature in total, replacing Dixons Carphone. The struggling electronics retailer has been demoted after seeing its stock price plunge due to soaring import costs, which recently advised it was preparing for all consequences due to rising doubt. Analysts noted Dixons Carphone's share price has dropped off of late as a result of increasing competition within the sector, particularly from the likes of internet shopping giant, Amazon. It will be downgraded to the FTSE 250 as part of the FTSE Russell EMEA Committee's quarterly assessment of listed firms. Outsourcing giant Capita also faces demotion following a challenging year for the group, which saw shares dive to 10-year lows after sounding the alarm over full-year profits last year. Struggling: Dixons Carphone's demotion from the blue-chip index follows a rough period It said at the time the Brexit vote was partly to blame for a slowdown in trading, amid continued delays in client decision-making' and subsequently announced plans in December to sell assets to total up its balance sheet, on top of downsizing. Capita chief executive Andy Parker has decided to step down after three years at the helm of the outsourcing company. Mould said Capita's fall from grace would be largely self-inflicted as the support services company joins sector peers G4S, Serco, Interserve and Mitie in dishing out hefty profit alerts as big, complex projects prove difficult to manage and cash begins to flow out of these deceptively capital intensive businesses, where new tenders soak up money and require a good flow of wins to cover the costs'. Businesses listed on the UK stock market are reviewed four times a year and reshuffled among the indexes based on their market capitalisation. The FTSE 100 has cooled after yesterday's heroics. On Wednesday the FTSE 100 hit a new closing high of 7,382.9, in a extraordinary session which saw investors pile into stocks around the globe following a speech from President Donald Trump to Congress on Tuesday night. Snap has been valued at a mammoth $24billion despite losing $515million last year Analysts have urged caution but so far this has fallen on deaf ears. Mike van Dulken, at Accendo Markets, said: 'It was a record finish on Wall Street, a baton that Asia has been only too happy to take up overnight fuelled further by rising expectations of a mid-month US rate hike and high interest helping Snap price todays IPO above the expected range.' He added: 'The FTSE was buoyed by persistent GBP weakness derived from a rampant USD via expectations of another stateside rate-hike warranted by solid US economic data while the UKs House of Lords voting to amend the Brexit bill has added to political uncertainty, both perversely supporting the UK index of blue chips by flattering the value of internationally generated profits.' Swansea, Sunderland and Stoke are among eleven British cities bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2021, with the prospect of a significant financial boost for the winner. The promise of a year of cultural attractions to enhance tourism and attract cash injections running into the hundreds of millions for local economies mean that competition is keen for the award. The winner, to be announced in December, will be the third holder of the title following Londonderry in 2013 and Hull this year. UK's smallest city, St Davids in Pembrokeshire, is looking to become the 2021 City of Culture The list of nominees includes Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Swansea, Warrington, Wells and St Davids - the UK's smallest city - which has registered a submission including the surrounding rural area of the Hundred of Dewisland. Hull's City of Culture year, which kicked off with a massive fireworks display on New Year's Day, is estimated to bring a 60million boost to the much needed local economy - on top of even more substantial inward investment in the preceding years. Cities of Culture: Eleven locations around the country have submitted bids to be named the UK City of Culture for 2021 And the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the city has also benefited from 1billion in investment since winning the title in 2013, including 100million of capital investment in the cultural and visitor infrastructure. As a result Hull's still-affordable property market is flourishing. The city will be one of the top places to visit in 2017, with more than six million visitors expected throughout the year. Culture minister Matt Hancock commented on the substantial social and financial benefits: 'UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth. 'I am delighted to see so many bids from across the country, showing how many areas recognise the important role culture can play in the development and regeneration of communities.' City of Culture: Hull started 2017 with an impressive firework and light display (left). Hull's legendary Truck Theatre is hosting an array of the year long cultural events Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund highlighted Britain's said: 'This list shows there is clearly a great deal of enthusiasm among the UK's cities for celebrating their unique culture.' Hull's Maritime Museum is a must see for visitors The list of 11 contenders will be narrowed down to a shortlist in the summer. The Heritage Lottery Fund announced it was promising 3 million to each successful bidder from 2021 onwards to improve local heritage. A recent report published yesterday revealed the best postcodes to live in Britain are towns that have good access to good schools, green space, good employment opportunities and short commutes to work. According to the study, people living in Norwich, Bournemouth and the small town of Bebington in the Wirral have the best quality of life. The study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research and the Royal Mail looked at the last two years and calculated the most desirable areas. Nowhere in London or surrounding areas made the top ten list of most desirable places to live and work in the UK, due to a lack of affordable housing and longer working hours. Leaving the European Union without an agreement on future trade measures will be 'not only wrong but irresponsible', a British business leader has warned. CBI President Paul Drechsler said that if the UK is left to fall back on World Trade Organisation rules after Brexit it will open up a 'Pandora's Box' of unexpected concerns for the economy. He warned in a keynote speech held today in the City of London, that British firms will face tariffs on 90 per cent of their exports to the EU products without an agreement as well as a range of new regulatory challenges to negotiate. Warning: Paul Drechsler, the CBI president, says that if UK is left to fall back on WTO rules it will open up a 'Pandora's Box' of unforeseen consequences 'Right now, it feels like we're just reaching the top of the Article 50 rollercoaster... While some businesses are already preparing for such a 'worst case scenario', others were unable to do so because the costs were too high. Drechsler has highlighted the deep apprehension among the business community over what happens next, as Theresa May is on course to summon Article 50 marking the start of the official process of withdrawal from the EU by the end of the month. While May has expressed her determination to secure an agreement, she has also made clear that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'. The CBI president said such an outcome would affect firms across the economy, whether they were 'a salmon farmer in Scotland, an aerospace giant in the Midlands or a tech start-up in Cambridge'. He stressed that businesses on both sides of the Channel are concerned at the implications for future trade if the Government is unable to reach a deal with the remaining 27 member states. Paul Drechsler's key points: 'Any minute now, maybe next week, maybe the week after that we'll suddenly drop into the twists and turns of negotiations,' he will say according to advance extracts of his speech. 'Here in the UK and across the continent firms are worried about this 'worst-case scenario'. Some are getting ready for it to reduce economic damage. 'Some won't prepare because they're hoping for a deal. But in reality many firms can't prepare because the cost of change is simply too high to even consider it. 'The Prime Minister is confident that a deal can be achieved - and we agree. But to those whose first and only choice is for Britain to walk away without a deal, I say you're not only wrong but irresponsible.' 'Imagine you're a small cosmetics firm in Stockport and shops in France sell your products. No deal? Without an EU office it's illegal for those French shops to sell your products. A loss for you and for them,' he will say. 'Imagine you're a German tourist in Edinburgh and you use a credit card to pay for a hotel. No deal? 'The German bank may not be able to make that payment, disrupting business in both countries.' Deadline: People will have until August 2019 to complain about mis-sold PPI The final deadline for making a complaint about mis-sold payment protection insurance will be 29 August 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority has announced this morning. The PPI scandal, which has resulted in Britain's biggest banks compensating customers with tens of billions of pounds, has seen a slowdown in complaints in recent years. To encourage people to decide whether to act about PPI before the deadline, the FCA will run a two-year campaign which will be launched in the summer. It is estimated that more than 40billion of PPI policies, which tacked on insurance to a loan product, were sold between 1990 and 2010 and a large chunk of this is believed to have been mis-sold. The majority of complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service has been related to PPI since the scandal came to light. In the year ending March 2016, the FOS received 188,712 fresh cases, making 56 per cent of its workload. This has slowed somewhat from the highs seen in the 12 months to March 2013 and 2014 in those years, there were 399,393 and 378,699 cases respectively, making up nearly 80 per cent of all complaints received at FOS. Meanwhile FCA data shows there was 213.1million in redress paid out in December 2016 this is the lowest figure since July 2011. Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the FCA said: 'Putting in place a deadline and campaign will mean people who were potentially mis-sold PPI will be prompted to take action rather than put it off. 'We believe that two years is a reasonable time for consumers to decide whether they wish to make a complaint. 'We have carefully considered the feedback we received and we still believe that introducing a deadline for PPI complaints and a communications campaign warning of the deadline will benefit consumers.' The FCA launched a consultation looking at setting a deadline back in November 2015. The city watchdog said then it was likely to be set for 2018. PPI was sold to borrowers alongside credit products. It was meant to help repay some or all of their borrowing if they lost their income for a period (if, for example, they had an accident, became unemployed or sick, or died). The FCA says the most commonly sold types of PPI were single premium policies on unsecured loans (around 48 per cent of all PPI policies sold), credit card PPI (36 per cent), and regular premium policies on loans or mortgages (15 per cent). Lloyds has been worse hit by PPI mis-selling claims, forking out more than 10billion in redress. It has also cost Barclays, HSBC and RBS billions. Vickie Sheriff, director of campaigns and communications at consumer group Which?, said: 'It's been clear for years that the banks should be working much harder to resolve PPI claims fairly. 'The current process has been wholly inadequate and driven too many consumers to use claims management companies. 'Now the regulator has confirmed a deadline for the victims of this mis-selling scandal to make a claim, it must ensure that banks are doing much more to help customers get back the money they are owed.' The FCA has also revealed that some customers have new grounds to complain if they were not told about commission being paid when they were sold PPI. It follows a Supreme Court judgment in November 2014 - known as the Plevin decision - which extended the definition of mis-selling. The court agreed the company's failure to tell its client that it was receiving a large commission for the sale was unfair. As a result, the city watchdog has decided redress will be calculated if more than 50 per cent commission was paid. Anyone who had complaints rejected will receive a letter explaining that they might have new grounds for a claim. The FCA says that consumers who are unhappy about PPI should continue to complain to the firms concerned and to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they are not satisfied with the response. Complaints about PPI policies sold after 29 August 2017 are not subject to the deadline. Many claims management firms will offer to make the claim on your behalf but you can do it yourself without having to pay hefty commission. Read our guide here: Letter templates for mis-sold PPI The Cheesegrater, one of London's tallest skyscrapers, has been sold to a Chinese investor for 1.15 billion. CC Land Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-based firm run by Chinese property magnate Cheung Chung-kiu, has agreed to purchase the iconic building from current owners British Land and Oxford Properties. The sale of the iconic building is being closely watched as an indicator of the property market's health after Britain's vote last year to leave the European Union, which caused an immediate drop in real estate prices. The 737ft Leadenhall Building, known as the Cheesegrater because of its distinctive wedge shape, was a joint venture between British Land and Oxford Properties, an investor in real estate for one of Canada's largest pension plans. The 'cheesegrater', pictured centre, is one of London's tallest skyscrapers Officially called the Leadenhall Building, due to its location, the building took four years to complete and was opened in 2014 when it broke records for rents in the City. The planning application for the skyscraper was first submitted to the City of London Corporation in February 2004 and was approved in May 2005, but a statement made to the London Stock Exchange inAugust 2008, British Land said it was delaying the project, which was due to start in October 2010. The developer announced on December 22, 2010 that the project was moving forward after contracts had been signed for the 50/50 joint venture with Oxford Properties, and construction got underway. The slanting wedge-shaped design of the tower was created so that it would have less impact on the protected sightline of St Paul's Cathedral when viewed from Fleet Street and the west. With 46-floors, the tower is the tallest building in the City of London. If the sale goes through it will be the biggest property deal in the UK since 2014 when Qatar's sovereign wealth fund bought the HSBC Tower in Canary Wharf for 1.2billion. Contracts have been exchanged but the sale still has to be approved by shareholders of CC Land. Tim Roberts, head of offices and residential at British Land, said: 'British Land and Oxford Properties took a bold step at the early stages of the UK's economic recovery to develop the Leadenhall Building to generate a high-quality, long-term income stream. It's a decision which has really paid off. 'This sale shows continued investor appetite for best-in-class, well-located property in London.' Hong Kong-based CC Land Holdings Ltd has agreed to purchase the iconic building The sale of the iconic building is one of the largest UK property deals so far by a Chinese investor. Known as the 'Li Ka-shing of Chongqing', 52-year-old Cheung moved to Hong Kong at the age of 16, where he built up a property empire. In 2007, he was ranked as the richest man in his hometown Chongqing, with an estimated personal wealth of 1.5 billion. The media-shy property tycoon was ranked 26th on the Forbes Rich List in 2007, but 98 per cent of his fortune was wiped out during the financial crisis. However, the property magnate managed to recover some of his fortune, and he now appears to be setting his sights on London. Cheung has already made other investments in the capital; YT Realty, which he chairs, bought the Travelodge Hotel near Liverpool Street station for 43 million last summer. CC Land also bought Vodafone's Paddington Headquarters for 290m in January. Revealed: How most of London's tallest skyscrapers are now foreign-owned Some of London's tallest and most iconic buildings are owned by foreign investors The Shard The Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company owns 95 per cent of the the tallest building in western Europe. One Canada Square Qatar owns swathes of the Canary Wharf financial district through its majority holding in Songbird Estates plc, including the main 1 Canada Square building. When Barclays was in trouble at the height of the banking turmoil, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) emerged as a white-knight investor, and became the biggest shareholder. And it previously bought 8 Canada Square - the home of Britain's biggest bank HSBC. Gherkin In 2014 a a Brazilian billionaire has paid more than 700million to buy The Gherkin one of the most distinctive towers in the City of London. Joseph Safra, the banker behind the Safra Group who has a personal fortune of around 10billion, bought the skyscraper at 30 St Mary Axe for 726million. The 41-storey tower, designed by Sir Norman Foster, was completed in 2004 for insurance giant Swiss Re, which sold it for 600million in 2006 at the height of the last property boom. The deal left the buyers - Germany property investor IVG Immobilien and British investment bank Evans Randall - mired in debt, and The Gherkin fell into receivership three years ago. The Walkie Talkie The 200million London skyscraper melted cars by reflecting sunlight so had to be fitted with shading. Joint developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf investigated and as a precautionary measure suspended parking in three bays in the area When Canary Wharf was bought up by the Qataris in 2015 they now own half the building. Cheesegrater This is the latest London tall building to be bought up from abroad. CC Land Holdings Ltd, a firm run by Chinese property magnate Cheung Chung-kiu, has agree to pay 1.15billion pounds ($1.4billion) to buy London's 'Cheesegrater' skyscraper, owners British Land and Oxford Properties said yesterday. The sale of the Leadenhall Building, known as the Cheesegrater because of its wedge shape, will be slightly dilutive to British Land's earnings per share but accretive to its net asset value per share, the property company said. British Land and Oxford Properties each own 50 percent of the building. Oxford Properties invests in real estate for one of Canada's largest pension plans. Heron Tower The Heron Tower is Brityish owned but previously dogged by rumours it could be sold. In 2013 Gerald Ronson, who bounced back and built a 220m property empire, was warned he could be about to see the administrators called in to his 500million Heron Tower. The warning came after a bust-up between the three controlling shareholders and sources said at the time that lenders could liquidate the 46-storey tower within the next 24 hours. Ronson nurtured the project over 16 years having bought the land in the 1990s and having survived the scare and it is still owned by his company Heron International. MBABANE Considering all the tragedies that have happened in neighbouring countries, one may conclude that Swaziland is a lucky nation. First it was tropical Cyclone Dineo affecting mostly Mozambique and South Africa while Swaziland only got its minimal effects. Now it is xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and Swazis are yet again spared. SiSwati being one of the 11 official languages in South Africa qualifies Swazis as South Africans. The ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa do not have an effect on Swazis residing there. According to some Swazis interviewed, the Swazis sociable nature also contributes to them being exempted from being a target of xenophobia. However, the Swazis living in South Africa have advised locals who will be visiting South Africa during this period to have their travel documents with them at all times to avoid possible victimisation. The SA-based Swazis said this is due to the fact that sometimes random roadblocks are staged to check whether foreigners are in the country legally. If you dont have the necessary papers and you find Afrikaner police officers conducting the roadblocks, they will ask you to bribe them just so you can get off the hook, alleged the Swazi. Sometimes the police move from house to house, demanding to see every foreigners documentation, and when they do, they bring along South African Home Affairs officers. Residents at the Nkomazi River as well as some police officers. PIGGS PEAK - When Mthobisi Mabaso felt a crocodile grab his leg while he was swimming with friends, he quickly warned his friends to get out the water. As two of his friends left the water, they had no doubt that it was the last time they were seeing their friend. The last moments of this event has earned Mthobisi the title hero as had it not been for him, his two friends could have also fallen prey to the jaws of the crocodile. They witnessed Mthobisi being flung up then dragged back by the fierce jaws of the crocodile before it vanished with him beneath the mighty Nkomazi River. This is said to have taken place on Tuesday around Mpofu while the three children were swimming, having taken advantage of the heat on the day. Mthobisi was aged 12 and he was a pupil at Mpofu Primary School where he was doing Std 3. He lived with his grandmother Nkomotabo Mdluli. Ironically, Mthobisi had told his grandmother not to kill the fish in the rivers as they had a role to play. This was revealed by one of his aunts Celiwe Tsabedze. She said on the day of the tragic event, Mthobisi had just knocked off from school with two of his friends then they decided to go swimming. They took off their clothes then jumped into the river, said Tsabedze. . MBABANE Suspended Judge Mpendulo Simelane wants to know how his refusal to recuse himself from the SRA vs Ramodibedi case is different from the chief justices insistence to chair his impeachment. Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalala refused to recuse himself from Judge Simelanes impeachment hearing. Judge Simelane, in his application to be furnished with written reasons for the CJs refusal to recuse himself, said Maphalala also refused to recuse himself from former Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedis impeachment enquiry. ....but he was never subjected to impeachment proceedings. I have a constitutional right to equality before the law and to equal protection of the law. The written reasons for the first respondents (chairman of JSC) refusal to recuse himself are necessary for the purpose of having an idea as to how my refusal to recuse myself is different from the first respondents, said Judge Simelane. The CJ is the chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Judge Simelane has filed an urgent application in the High Court for an order directing the JSC to forthwith furnish him with the judges notebook that was seized from him in January 2016. He also wants to be given written reasons for the JSCs refusal to uphold his application that the commission does not have authority to conduct the impeachment enquiry in the absence of proof of a referral from the King, as per the Constitution. The judge further prays to be furnished with affidavits accompanying the aborted application for his (Simelane) recusal from the matter between Ramodibedi and SRA and a complete transcript of the proceedings of his impeachment. Judge Simelane accused the JSC of violating his rights, as a judge of the High Court, in the impeachment. LOBAMBA Thanks, but no thanks. This was the message that Members of Parliament (MPs) sent Finance Minister Martin Dlamini packing with as they rejected his entire budget yesterday. He was given 48 hours to return with a budget that was for the people. During the debate that lasted over seven hours, the different MPs tore into the Finance ministers budget speech which he delivered in Parliament last Friday, complaining mainly ab with a budget that was for the people. During the debate that lasted oveout the lack of enough money allocated to fix the countrys roads and the lack of water in all parts of the country. The MPs were also not pleased that only E180 was allocated to people with disabilities, arguing that they should have at least been given E400 and said all persons with disabilities be registered. The motion also had it that money for the elderly should be hiked from the E400 that was announced by the minister last Friday. The intense motion was moved by Dvokodvweni MP Sitezi Dlamini, who had an unlikely supporter in Nkwene MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, as they had previously clashed in the past. As late as 9:30pm yesterday, the MPs were still wondering what had prompted the minister and his advisors, including his Cabinet colleagues, to approve such a non people oriented budget. As if she had a premonition that the MPs would blast her, Minister of Public Works and Transport Lindiwe Dlamini left the House of Assembly very early as the legislators lashed at her for promising Heaven and Earth, particularly on the implementation of the probase programme. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez OZONE PARK Police are investigating the homicide of an Ozone Park man. According to police, on Wednesday, Feb.15 at 6:20 p.m. officers responded to a 911 call of a man shot inside a car in front of 116-36 Van Wyck Expressway. When officers arrived they found 22-year-old Craig Days with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Days was taken to Jamaica Hospital and he succumbed to his injuries on Friday, Feb. 17. Police have made no arrest and the investigation is ongoing. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Mark Hallum U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), fresh off her re-election as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee took a stand against President Donald Trumps immigration policies Tuesday. She announced she would bring Angie Kim, a 32-year-old recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, as a guest to the presidents address to Congress that night. DACA was created by former President Barack Obama in 2012 for immigrants brought to this country as children to receive work permits and stay in the United States. Having Angie as my guest for the presidents speech is a huge show of solidarity against the cruel and un-American immigration policies of the Trump Administration, Meng said. Her parents came here seeking a better life and she now works to improve the lives of other immigrants. I am proud to share her story and to have her stand with me at the presidents speech. Kim is an organizing fellow with the Flushing-base MinKwon Center for Community Action. I have used my story as an example of how broken, arduous and unjust the U.S. immigration system is, Kim said. In 2013, I had the privilege of meeting with then-President Obama where I and other Dreamers shared our stories in the Oval Office. I thank Congresswoman Meng for inviting me and for standing-up to President Trumps immigration policies. Following the presidents address to Congress, Meng said that while she agreed with him on points of investing in infrastructure, affordable care, paid family leave and helping veterans, she thought his goal of tax reform would only help the wealthy and overlooked issues facing working class men and women. I was disheartened to hear about President Trumps priorities for the upcoming year. His first month has been tumultuous at best, from the chaotic implementation of his disgraceful travel ban to the resignation of his National Security adviser to his self-inflicted war with the media, she said. Meng is currently serving her third term in Congress and is the first Asian American representative from New York. Meng was voted into a second term as one of five chairs of the Democratic National Committee at a meeting at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. We must reach out to emerging and immigrant communities, millennials, the grassroots and help build-up our state and local parties, she said after her victory. Tom Perez, the Labor secretary in the Obama administration, was elected the chairman of the DNC chair by a vote of 235-200 over U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Perez is the first member of the Latino community elected to the position and will succeed acting Chair Donna Brazile. Perez represented another victory of establishment Democrats over the progressive members led by Ellison and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Merle Exit The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company returns to the Flushing Town Hall stage for its third year this weekend, and will be joined by two acclaimed guest dancers for a new show called Cross Current IV. Choreographer Nai-Ni Chen, whose company will be performing her two pieces Earth and Richter, said she is looking forward to preforming in the space again. Cross Current IV will be a contemporary program that will reflect my heritage, said Chen. When I design a program I think about what type of audience, stage and theater I will get. The space at Flushing Town Hall is very intimate and cozy. The show also includes the work of choreographer Kun-Yang Lin, and dancer PeiJu Chien-Pott, both of whom, like Chen, are natives of Taiwan. The collaboration is through the Taipei Cultural Center of TECO. Choreographer Kun-Yang Lin, the founding artistic director of Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers and co-founder of Chi Movement Arts Center in Philadelphia, brings his company to Flushing to perform his original work Home. PeiJu Chien-Pott is an internationally celebrated principal dancer for the Martha Graham Dance Company who will perform the companys most recent revival Ekstasis Reimagined. We are excited to see the stardom-like lineup of Nai-Ni, Kun-Yang and PeiJu, who are unquestionably among the leading forces of the modern dance field in New York and across the country, says Ellen Kodadek, executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall. We are especially delighted to witness this combination because it represents the quality and passion our immigrant artists can bring to our community. Nai-Ni Chen and Executive Director Andrew Chiang co-founded the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in 1988. Chen came to New York from Taiwan more than 30 years ago to obtain her masters degree, initially planning to return to her homeland to teach dance, but the local scene hooked her. I was so excited about the dancing in New York that I decided to stay rather than teach in Taiwan, Chen said. The company has since grown into a two-state performance and teaching enterprise, which tours nationwide and around the world. We started in New Jersey and established a branch in New York, and have been touring in 45 different states and 10 different countries, Andrew said. The company has 12 dancers from several different countries and a repertoire spanning modern dance, ballet, traditional Chinese dance and Peking Opera technique. Borrowing from many traditions, and mixing very different styles of music is the wellspring of much of Chens creative energy. As an artist you can get inspired, Chen said. Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will perform Sunday at 1 p.m., and a panel discussion moderated by Susan Yu, director of Taipei Cultural Center, and Andrew Chiang, will follow the one-hour performance. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry An Astoria store owner who was beaten in an anti-Muslim hate crime attack just over a year ago traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend President Donald Trumps address to Congress Tuesday night as the guest of a Queens congressman. U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (DJackson Heights) invited Sarker Haque to the speech, saying that despite the attack, Haques story still embodies the best of the immigrant experience. The victim of an anti-Muslim hate crime, Sarker is emblematic of the American dream, Crowley said. He immigrated to this country in search of a better life, and now he owns his own business in Astoria. In December 2015, Haque was inside his store, the Fatima Food Mart on 21st Avenue near 23rd Street, when a mysterious man entered and declared, I kill Muslims. Piro Kolvani of Jacksonville, Fla., then allegedly proceeded to beat the 53-year-old Haque until a customer intervened, police said. Kolvanis case is still pending, with his next court date set for March 13, according to the Queens District Attorneys Office. In the days following the attack, Haque received an outpouring of support from the multi-cultural Astoria community and elected officials. Crowley visited his shop to present Haque with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol. The congressman and his staff have been excellent to me, theyre unbelievable, Haque said Wednesday in an interview after returning to Astoria from Washington, D.C. As for Trumps speech, Haque said, Hes the same actor doing the same acting, but a little soft-boiled. His tune seemed a little softer than weve seen in the past. Crowley, the House Democratic Caucus chairman, had a far different reaction. The presidents speech doubled down on many of the worst actions his administration has taken during his first 40 days in office, including reinforcing the White Houses support of an unconstitutional Muslim ban, and Republicans desire to see individuals deprived of affordable health care options, Crowley said. Meanwhile, Trumps inflammatory rhetoric trickled down to Crowleys district on the same night of the speech. During a Community Board 4 public meeting, board member Ann Phoser Darby said, Once Trump removes all the illegals from Corona, there wont be anybody to ride bike lanes. City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (DEast Elmhurst) who has been fighting for bike lanes and other safety measures on 111th Street for years, was outraged. This is a shockingly racist and xenophobic statement from a public servant. Such comments, which are unambiguously racist and morally repugnant, will not be ignored nor met with silence or indifference, Ferreras-Copeland said. Community Board 4 represents a large immigrant community which is vital to our citys economy and civic society. These comments raise legitimate concerns that this bigoted attitude is behind delaying necessary improvements on 111th Street, which CB4 has obstructed for the past three years. I am demanding the immediate removal of this board member for promoting hatred and ignorance. It is time she is removed and is replaced with someone who is serious about restoring the peoples trust in their government. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry This Sundays St. Pats for All Parade in Sunnyside promises to be the most political yet since the march began in 1999, turning exclusion of Irish LGBT groups into a multicultural celebration of Irish culture. Brendan Fay and Kathleen Walsh DArcy founded the parade after the LGBT Irish community was not permitted to march in the traditional St. Patricks Parade under a gay banner. This year Liberal TV personality Phil Donahue will serve as honoree along with human rights advocate Anastasia Somoza. They will join dozens of elected officials in a rally at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue before the parade steps off at 1 p.m. and heads East on Skillman Avenue finishing at 58th Street and Woodside Avenue. In a time of stress for immigrant communities this St. Pats for All will be coming together in celebration and a rally of support, Fay said. As New Yorkers we need each other. We support each other. Among the 100 organizations registered to march are Irish community organizations, immigrant communities, and LGBT groups. There will be bagpipe bands, including the County Cork Pipe Band, the Pipers of the FDNY and the Queens-based La Mecigaya Asturian Pipe band. This years march has special significance in light of President Donald Trumps executive orders on immigration and the recent crackdown by the U.S. Department of Homeless Security. As Irish people we are aware and remember our own story as refugees and immigrants fleeing famine and poverty only to arrive on the shores of the U.S. to encounter prejudice, Fay said. This experience has shaped our lives and history. As Irish people we have transformed the anguish of the past into a compassionate advocacy for human rights across the globe. As Irish New Yorkers we raise our voices and speak out in support and in solidarity with our immigrant and Muslim neighbors most affected by the executive order from the Trump administration, which placed a ban on refugees from Syria and on visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. A clear outcome has been the swell of grassroots rallies at airports in New York and across the U.S. against the ban and in compassionate solidarity. Im glad to see many of the Irish community offering support. Fay and Walsh DArcy vowed the St. Pats for All Parade would march for its 18th consecutive year after their Lavender and Green Organization was allowed to take part in this years St. Patricks Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. In December, the two were recipients of the 2016 Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad, which was presented by Irish President Michael D. Higgins at a state dinner in Dublin. The work for equality is ongoing, Fay said in accepting the award. Walsh DArcy promises this years edition will be the largest yet with new groups signing up for the first time, many of them immigrant and cultural organizations. As a child of Irish immigrants, I am very proud of St. Pats for All, the inclusive St. Patricks parade in Queens, she said. We have always reached out to all the immigrant groups in Queens and we highlight our shared history of immigration the joys and the trials of adopting a new country. This year, we hold hands and embrace the children and families who face threats and discrimination. We march together. Beaver County preparing for robust Election Day turnout As the Nov. 8 midterm election approaches, nearly 114,000 people are registered to vote in Beaver County. HALFMOON -- Four people were hospitalized, three with internal injuries, after a two-car crash on Pruyn Hill Road Wednesday night, State Police said. Shortly after 6 p.m. a 2001 Plymouth heading west and driven by Jordan T. Winnie, 17, of Mechanicville crossed sideways into the eastbound lane, colliding with a 2008 Jeep driven by Kara L. Dambro, 28, of Mechanicville, troopers said. CORINTH A Corinth High School student faces harassment charges after Saratoga County deputies say he made inappropriate comments about school shootings. The 17-year-old student was charged with second-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment following comments he made during a lock-down drill at the high school on Tuesday, deputies said. The high school contacted deputies Wednesday morning to report he had made threats toward the school and some of its students, deputies said. Investigators determined the teen had made no direct threat, but that his comments and actions violated the following section of state penal law, which says: A person is guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree when, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, he or she either (a) communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, by telegraph, or by mail, or by transmitting or delivering any other form of written communication, in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm; or (b) causes a communication to be initiated by mechanical or electronic means or otherwise with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, by telegraph, or by mail, or by transmitting or delivering any other form of written communication, in a manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm. The student allegedly made statements in texts to friends about "known active shooter situations," including the 1999 Columbine massacre, deputies said. He apparently made another "inappropriate comment" that alluded to school shootings during Tuesday's lockdown drill. He was arraigned and released on the promise to return Tuesday to answer charges. At least one parent and a school bus driver for the district complained on social media that the school had never informed parents of the incident. The district did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening. Rotterdam Police are hailing the actions of a 9-year-old Rotterdam boy who found a loaded handgun around 7 a.m. Wednesday in front of his Barton Avenue home. Lt. Michael Brown, a town police spokesman, said the youngster immediately told his mother, who in turn contacted police. Police retrieved the weapon from the woman. Brown said that hours earlier, around 2:30 a.m., police received a 911 call from a female resident on Barton Avenue, who spied a suspicious man with a flashlight peering into her vehicle and others on the block. Patrol officers quickly responded to that location but were not able to locate the suspected robber. "While we were looking for that individual at 2:30 a.m., we did not know there was a handgun stolen at that point," said Brown. "We believe he saw us and that's when he discarded the firearm on the front lawn." He said that police later received a call around 6:30 p.m. from the owner of the gun, who lives on Roselawn Avenue, not far from Barton Avenue, reporting that the weapon had been stolen from his car. Over the past few weeks, there has been a rise in car burglaries, often because people leave their doors open or leave valuables in plain sight, police said, and they are warning motorists to lock their car doors and keep valuables hidden. Photos by Alex Clausen, US Court of Appeals Office of Circuit Executive This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Thursday morning called on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign in the wake of revelations that the former Republican senator spoke with the Russian ambassador last year contact that Schumer and others believe contradicts testimony Sessions provided during his confirmation hearing. In a press conference, Schumer said that enough questions had been raised about Sessions' actions to warrant the appointment of an independent investigator to probe potential contacts between the Russian government and President Donald Trump's campaign. Sessions was an early supporter of the real estate mogul's run for the White House. Schumer said there could not be "even a shred" of connection between Sessions and the investigation, and cited what he described as "mistruth after mistruth, stories shifting like quicksand" as the White House seeks to defend itself. Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, the Attorney General should resign. Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 2, 2017 Sessions' spokesman released a statement saying that the contact with the Russian ambassador was made in his capacity as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, not as a surrogate for the Trump campaign. Schumer also called on the Department of Justice's inspector general to investigate whether the ongoing federal investigation of Russia's role in last year's election including the hacks of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chief John Podesta had been compromised in any way. Schumer said if the DOJ refused to name an independent prosecutor to handle the probe, he would work with Republicans to craft an improved version of the independent counsel law. New York's junior Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement echoing Schumer: "It's clear that Attorney General Sessions gave false testimony under oath at his hearing. This should disqualify him from leading the Justice Department," she said. "Between Attorney General Sessions's false testimony and the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman working with the White House to kill stories about Russian contacts, we need to get all of the facts," Gillibrand said. ""I'm calling for a special prosecutor and a 9/11-style commission to get to the bottom of Russia's ties to the Trump administration and election hacking." In addition to a chorus of Democrats calling for Sessions to resign or at a minimum recuse himself from the investigation, a growing list of Republicans in Congress have made similar suggestions. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, told CNN that Sessions should "clarify his testimony." "And I do think he should recuse himself," Chaffetz said Thursday. "I think I'm going to leave it at that." Here's the feed of Schumer's press conference from PBS' "NewsHour": Albany U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will visit Albany Law School next month to receive an award, making a previously planned visit to Albany a two-day event. Sotomayor was already scheduled to headline an event at the University at Albany on April 4 as part of the school's ongoing speaker series. The topic of discussion will be her autobiography, "My Beloved World," which recounts her journey to the federal bench. The event at the SEFCU Arena is free. On April 3, she will stop by Albany Law School to meet privately with students, spend time with faculty and address the law school community, the school announced Thursday. While there, she will be awarded with the law school's Kate Stoneman Award, presented annually to people in the legal profession who demonstrate a commitment to seeking change and equal opportunities for women. "This will be an historic day for Albany Law School," said school President and Dean Alicia Ouellette. "We are honored that our students, faculty and community have the opportunity to meet Justice Sotomayor." Sotomayor is the third woman and first Latina to serve on the high court. She was nominated by President Barack Obama in May 2009 and assumed the role that August. Born in the Bronx in 1954, she graduated from Princeton University and went on to earn a J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. She served as assistant district attorney in the New York County District Attorney's Office from 1979 to 1984, before moving to the private firm, Pavia & Harcourt, where she served as an associate and then partner, litigating international commercial matters from 1984 to 1992. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York a role she held from 1992 to 1998. She served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1998 to 2009. BALLSTON SPA A 19-year-old Waterford man pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree sexual abuse in a case involving a 15-year-old girl, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Saratoga County District Attorney's Office. Cody Letourneau, of Upper Newtown Road, was charged in December 2016 with the felony charge, as well as a second-degree criminal contempt charge, one day after State Police in Clifton Park received the complaint. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The surge in Capital Region hotel construction doesn't show signs of slowing. More than 1,000 new rooms are being built, with several properties set to open by summer. Tourism officials are looking to new attractions such as downtown Albany's Capital Center and the recently opened Rivers Casino in Schenectady to help absorb some of the new inventory. "They both will increase demand, for sure," said Michele Vennard, president and CEO of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Stronger occupancy would be very, very helpful to us." Among the new hotels are the 104-room La Quinta Inn and Suites in Clifton Park, which opened Jan. 27; the 124-room Courtyard by Marriott at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady, which held its ribbon-cutting in December; the renovated Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs, scheduled to open July 1; the 165-room Rivers Casino Resort hotel in Schenectady, which will open this summer; and the 105-room Homewood Suites in Glenville, set to open by Memorial Day. The Franklin Inn and Suites in downtown Troy expects to open its 28-room addition on May 1. Pat Popolizio, who operates the Water's Edge Lighthouse restaurant in Glenville and is building the new Homewood Suites there, said he's already noticed an uptick in his restaurant business. He attributes it to the nearby Rivers Casino. Popolizio said he hopes his hotel will pick up some casino business as well. In Saratoga Springs, meanwhile, there's a push to complete projects in time for the peak summer season. Todd Garofano, executive director of the Saratoga Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he understands a new Homewood Suites there likely will open in June or July. The hotel, being developed by Mike Hoffman of Turf Hotels, adds 113 suites to Saratoga County's inventory of more than 3,200 rooms. That's up about 400 rooms from a year ago, according to industry data and analytics specialist STR. Hoffman could not be reached for comment. Some previously announced projects are still in the planning stages, among them two in Malta, Garofano said. In Troy, construction of a $9 million, 90-room Tru by Hilton hotel at Sixth Avenue and Congress Street is expected to get under way in late spring or early summer, said Steven Strichman, Troy's planning commissioner. The hotel targets a younger clientele. A boutique hotel is planned for the former Thompson Drug building at River and Congress streets in Troy, Strichman said. The project has been awarded a $1 million Regional Economic Development Council grant. Kevin Bette, president of First Columbia, said he expects work to begin this summer on a 124-room, $18.7 million Courtyard by Marriott project on Troy's riverfront. First Columbia also is partnering with Pioneer Cos. on a residential project in Albany that will include a hotel. Another hotel project First Columbia has proposed for the intersection of Wolf and Albany Shaker Roads remains in the planning stages. And in downtown Albany, a $48 million Homewood Suites project by the Gordon Companies is still on the drawing board. A spokesman for Gordon could not be reached for comment. Figures from STR showed occupancy rates down in 2016 from year-earlier levels in all four area counties, with the biggest drop, to 62.2 percent from 68.9 percent, in Saratoga County. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Hotel operators are seeing more business travelers in what has been largely a leisure destination. Garofano said the county is seeing more technology-related conferences, now that GlobalFoundries has its newest semiconductor plant operating there. And while occupancy tax revenues continue to rise, there's another concern for hotel operators. "The elephant in the room is Airbnb," the online room sharing service, Garofano said. "I did a search and found 205 rental opportunities available just in Saratoga Springs. "That's our 'second largest' hotel," Garofano added. In Troy, Michael Cocca, who operates the Franklin Square Inn and the Franklin Plaza banquet hall across the street, is carving out a niche in the bridal market. He's spending $3.5 million on his renovation and expansion of what was once a Super 8 motel. The addition includes two bridal suites, each 1,200 square feet, with outdoor decks, fireplaces and kitchenettes. "We've already begun booking them," Cocca said. With weekends filling up, to make reservations, "we had brides actually change their wedding dates." eanderson@timesunion.com 518-454-5323 According to a biography on cmt.com, Josh Abbot was studying communications at Texas Tech when he decided to try his luck at the age-old art of communicating through song. Abbot recruited some friends from his frat and began playing bars in Lubbock, a remote West Texas burg that should perhaps be the subject of scientific testing for the presence of some catalyst for musical mojo. Lubbock is best-known for being the hometown of rock 'n' roll icon Buddy Holly, but it has also given the world such outlaw-inclined country-rock frontierists as Joe Ely, Delbert McClinton and Natalie Maines. Maybe it's something in the scarce water or the desert-dry air. In any event, things quickly evolved beyond casual-band status for Abbot, who left school, replaced frat bros with music pros and began pursuing his musical dream in earnest. Abbot's band released three well-received albums between 2009 and 2012, scoring several country chart hits. In 2015, Abbot drew on his personal experience of marriage and divorce for the highly confessional ''Front Row Seat,'' described by Rolling Stone as ''Ambitious not only for its confidently twangy sound at a time of remixes and pop influence, but because it goes out on a limb in a way country hasn't seen in decades.'' Tasteofcountry.com named ''Amnesia,'' a single from the album in which the narrator yearns for some selective forgetfulness, as a Critic's Pick, saying, perhaps a bit coldly, ''Josh Abbott's heartache is good for country music. ... The song is nothing if not believable.'' Perhaps that album put Abbot and company in a philosophical mood their current round of gigs is labeled the Live It While You've Got It Tour. Got it? Good. Now live it. Go see some music, it's never a bad idea even if you end up crying in your Lone Star beer. Joe Stalvey This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate New residential construction in the Capital Region trends toward traditional vertical shapes and embellishment. We love decorative detail, dormers, columns and bay windows so much that we tend to build them over and over. What we're lacking is modern-contemporary design. There is mid-century modern, yes. But Colonials dominate the face of new construction. It's contemporary, but it isn't "modern." Tina Mesiti-Ceas, the president of the American Institute of Architects, Eastern New York region, said she looks in vain for the standards established by Mies van der Rohe, Philip Johnson and Le Corbusier clean, horizontal lines, simplicity and minimalism. Matthew Guidarelli, the vice president of finance and sales for Guidarelli Builders, notices the contrast when he travels to trade shows, most recently the International Builders Show in Orlando. More Information Making it modern It is possible to give a traditional style home a modern update, said Tina Mesiti-Ceas. For example, if you have a kitchen finished with wood, try a thin flooring tile that has almost a concrete look. If you're going to bring modern elements in, go big. It should look intentional. If you change the cabinets to a high-gloss, smooth finish that contrasts strongly with the rest of the house, consider a wood counter for balance. See More Collapse "I saw contemporary designs we're just getting to here that have been going up in the rest of the country for two or three years," Guidarelli said. With that in mind, the company agreed when clients last year came to builder Anthony Guidarelli with design ideas that differed from the status quo. The result was a one-story, 1,893-square foot ranch in Niskayuna. It's not wildly modern. The roof is not flat, there is no cantilevered second story or walls made entirely of glass. But it is unique for this area, both inside and out. The exterior is cultured tan-colored stone except for the walls of the recessed center entrance, which are dressed in horizontal cedar boards. Inside, an open floor plan holds the kitchen, living and dining space. The bedrooms are off both sides, and pocket doors separate the master bedroom from a window-lined sunroom hidden from the street on the back of the house. "It's been exciting to go forward during the last two or three years to do modern designs," Anthony Guidarelli said. The builder isn't the only one doing modern-contemporary in the Capital Region. Last year, the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association gave C&J Custom Builders of Selkirk the "most innovative remodel" award for the work it did on a ranch home. The design by Eric Davenport of LEAP Architecture includes a floating kitchen island and stairs. It was a challenge to turn it into a reality, said Jerry Saliba, half of C&J. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. "When you go into a traditional build, you know what you're getting into," Saliba said. "There were many things with this we had to figure out in the field.'' But the job has already led to other jobs for the builders. Mesiti-Ceas said the influx of new people to the Capital Region from other parts of the country and the world may lead to more modern-contemporary homes, but it is also the responsibility of builders to broaden their clients' horizons a bit. As managing principal of CSArch, an architecture firm in Albany, much of Mesiti-Ceas's job is to educate clients and the general public about what is possible beyond what is already familiar. lhornbeck@timesunion.com 518-454-5352 @leighhornbeck Something new is coming to Tipperary, if youve always wanted to explore your artistic side but didnt know where to start or if youre just looking for a fun night out with friends then Paintclub is for you. Tipperary's first Paintclub event is taking place on Friday 3rd March in the newly refurbished Hayes Hotel in Thurles, all materials are provided and step by step instruction from a master artist to bring you from a blank canvas to finished masterpiece by the end of the night. Paintclub has been running sold out 'Painting & Cocktail' events since 2015 in Galway's bars & restaurants and is now expanding to Tipperary, Kilkenny and the rest of Ireland in the coming months. The idea of a paint night or paint party in local bars and restaurants is huge around the world, in particular in America and Australia says Aisling Kearney Burke, the founder and creator of Paintclub, 'and Im delighted to be able to bring these fun nights out to Tipperary. I know for a lot of people they would love explore their creative side but they just dont have the time. This is the perfect way to try your hand at painting while having a fun, relaxing night out as well. For those who are worried that they might not be any good, Aisling points out that No Experience is Necessary! Every Paintclub is hosted by a local artist who will give step by step instruction throughout the night, our emphasis is on having fun with a bit of painting thrown in!. Paintclub is designed for everyone, whether you are a seasoned painter who just wants to enjoy a night out with friends or a complete beginner who has never picked up a paintbrush before. Tickets start at 30 and everything will be supplied, from the canvas and paints to the use of table easels, brushes and aprons. Paintclubs first event in Tipperary will see us creating this gorgeous Poppy fields painting in Hayes Hotel, Thurles on Friday 3rd March 2017. Tickets are on sale now on at www.paintclub.ie Large crowds are expected to gather in Clonmel tonight for a public meeting to discuss the axing of the Dublin-Clonmel Expressway bus route. The route is one of three routes Bus Eireann plans to close in cost cutting measures to make immediate savings of 1.1m which it says is necessary to ensure its financial sustainability. Route 7, Clonmel to Dublin, Route 21 Athlone to Westport and Route 33 Dublin to Derry are all set to close as part of the cost saving measures. Up to 112 Dublin-Clonmel services are set to be lost affecting thousands of weekly Tipperary commuters. Bus Eireann driver and NBRU member Pierce Keane says the loss of the Clonmel to Dublin bus service will result in the loss of 13 jobs based in Clonmel. The National Bus and Rail Union and SIPTU are due to go on an indefinite strike from Monday over payroll cuts under a 30m cost-cutting plan. However Transport Minister Shane Ross has refused to intervene in the dispute saying it is up to management and unions to resolve the crisis. The Clonmel meeting will be addressed by NBRU General Secretary Dermot O'Leary and President John Moloney and takes place in the Clonmel Park Hotel at 8pm this evening. This Sunday March 5th marks the 150th Anniversary of the Fenian Rising of 1867. Ormond Historical Society and Borrisoleigh Historical Society have joined forces to mark this important milestone in Irish revolutionary history. Although one more in the list of unsuccessful military uprisings against British rule, the Fenian rising was a significant event, both nationally and in Co Tipperary. The episode was one which would help to shape the future of Ireland. The Irish Republican Brotherhood members who were the guiding hand in staging the 1916 Rising, which eventually lead to Irish freedom. took their inspiration from the leaders of the Fenian revolt of 1867. On that night in 1867, bands of Fenians rose out all over the country in what was the first attempt ever to form an Irish Republic. Borrisoleigh and the surrounding areas were no exceptions, with groups assembling at Barnane, Dovea, Moyaliffe, Roskeen, Drombane and in Borrisoleigh itself. While the rising could be described as an abject failure, with the participants quickly rounded up and imprisoned or transported, it did go on to inspire a new generation fifty years later with the insurrection of 1916. In Templederry, a band of Fenians made an attempt to raid ''a house of the gentry'' to procure arms. However, the police and militia were aware of the plan and the men were ambushed and captured. In the incident, one of the group, Jeremiah Bourke was shot and seriously wounded. His fellow conspirators were captured, tried and transported to Australia but because of his injuries, the trial of Bourke was delayed. The following year he was tried in Kilkenny and sentenced to eighteen months in prison. Jeremiah Bourke was to go on to play an important role in the War of Independence. His family home in Templederry was a noted safe haven for men ''on the run'' and indeed, Sean Treacy, Seamus Robinson and Sean Hogan were to find refuge there. His greatest contribution perhaps, was his role as a judge in the Republican courts. As the country bordered on anarchy in the wake of the truce of 1921, with burnings, reprisals and acts of vandalism becoming commonplace, Bourke stepped in and was steadfast in the protection of his Protestant neighbours, ex British army men and retired RIC. On Sunday, March 5th, between 1.45pm and 2pm, we assemble at Ballyroan bridge and walk the mile to Glenkeen graveyard, to the grave of Jeremiah Bourke. About Jeremiah Bourke Jeremiah Bourke, at whose grave in Glankeen, we are commemorating the Fenian rising was born a short distance from the ancient monastery of St Cualain where he now rests. Born during the Famine years of the 1840s he was just a young man when he joined the Fenian Brotherhood. Going in search of arms he and a group of his Fenian comrades were surprised by a police patrol near Templederry village. The police, aware of their plan, allowed them pass and then opened fire wounding Bourke and capturing his colleagues. All were tried and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Jeremiah Bourke was still alive when his childrens generation started their revolt in 1920 in Tipperary. Bourkes home in Templederry was a safe house where the famous Tipperary fugitives Sean Treacy, Dan Breen, Seamus Robinson and Sean Hogan were sheltered. In the 1918 General Election he was one of the many Tipperary proposers of Joseph McDonaghs candidature. He became a respected judge in the Sinn Fein courts set up to replace the ascendancy controlled courts which had sentenced him and his Fenian colleagues 50 years earlier. He was noted for being impartial and intervened in a number of cases where he saw sectarian motives behind operations planned by the IRA. When he died in September 1933 Jeremiah Bourke was the last survivor of the Tipperary Fenians of 1867. If you have family stories inked to the Fenians or other generations of Irish rebels, or their opponents, please let us know at the events in Borrisoleigh on 5th March 2017 or by contacting your local historical society. Timetable of events 1.45 2.15 - Park and Assemble at Ballyroan Bridge 2.15 2.45 - Walk from Borrisoleigh to Glankeen Graveyard 2.55- Piper Joe Barry leads assembly into Glankeen Graveyard 3.00- Programme of events outlined by Sean Hogan 3.05- Reading of The Fenian Proclamation- By Clare Hanly 3.10 3.15 - Wreaths laid on the grave of Jeremiah Burke 3.15 Blessing and Prayer by Fr Liam Everard, PP Borrisoleigh 3-25- Oration at the Graveside of Jeremiah Bourke 3.30- Songs by Paudie Bourke 3.30 3.35- Last Post and Reveille Peter Rowley-Brooke, National Anthem Piper, Joe Barry 3.35 -4.15- Return to Borrisoleigh Community Centre Archive photographs of Tipperary Fenian prisoners on display 4..00 4.30- Tea and refreshments in Community Centre 4.30- Convenor calls order for second part of event of the day 4.35- Presentation of Commemorative Plaque 4.40- Lecture by John Flannery The Fenian Rising in Tipperary 5.15 - Voices of the Fenians St. Joseph's College TY Students 5.30 5.45- Fenian Songs 5.45 6.00- Facilitated Reflection and Discussion on Event 6.00- Formal Event Closes [March 02, 2017] The Golden Link - Plasmonic Device Offers Broadband Modulation to Optical Links at 100Gbit/s Today's society is growing in population and productivity puts ever higher demands on the Internet, and without scientific developments to provide ways to meet our traffic needs, it will begin to clog. Mapping photons to a metal surface and converting them to a particular kind of electron oscillations, called plasmons, researchers from Switzerland, Germany and the US collaborated to develop a new way to impart information into the light signals sent over the Internet's optical fiber networks. Their work developing these broadband plasmonic modulators, that operate at greater than the 100Gbit/s limit of photonic devices for a single carrier, will be presented at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC), held 19-23 March in Los Angeles, California, USA. The jump from sending electronic signals over wires to sending optical signals over fibers revolutionized the Internet, offering significantly higher capacity and transfer rates. The electronic chip-bred signals from computers were encoded into light as modulations, which could then travel at relativistic speeds across optical fibers. We have now reached a point, however, where converting the electric signals into optical ones can be a bottleneck to optical communication. Enter: plasmons. Plasmons are waves in the energetically fluid-like "sea" of electrons on many conducting metals such as gold. Much like ripples of water on a pond's surface from a skipping rock, plasmons carry energy from light striking a surface as waves of collectively oscillating electrons. Under the right conditions, light can excite these microscopic plasmons and convert the signal from a light wave -- purely photonic in nature -- to a plasmon that travels along the surface of metal. "Rather than relying on photonics, we now work with plasmonics," said Claudia Hoessbacher the lead author of the paper and a member of the Institute of Electromagnetic Fields at ETH in Zurich, Switzerland. "The work was triggered by realizing that we have come to the limits of silicon photonics. Silicon would no longer give us a higher speed, nor would it allow us to become more compact." The new modulator device features two sets of gold electrode pairs separated by a narrow slot less than one hundred nanometers wide, hundreds of times smaller than a human hair. The slots are filled with an organic electro-optic material whose light refraction properties change predictably in an applied electric field. Goldis amongst the most plasmonically active elements and these silicon-filled gaps act as waveguides for plasmons. The whole arrangement forms a micro-interferometer, where the resulting modulated signal arises from the combination of the signals travelling through each of the two electro-optic material paths. Because these plasmonic components are metallic, they have the added benefit of potentially serving as their own electrical contacts. The biggest advantages of these modulators, however, are their compact size and significantly wide bandwidth, which allows a higher volume of information flow by supporting a wider spectrum of frequencies. The large bandwidth is due to an almost instantaneous response of the electrons to electromagnetic fields. Although plasmons don't travel long distances efficiently, their compact size minimizes this drawback. "Initially, we were afraid that the losses would be too high because the plasmonic losses are known to be high," said Leuthold, who heads the research institute at ETH. "Our second generation of the device brought the breakthrough. We realized that nonlinearities were way higher than what one would normally expect. Thanks to these high nonlinearities we could fabricate short devices and thus the losses would be sufficiently low as well." The small size of these new devices is not completely without drawbacks. The compact size of the microscopic modulators also means they pose manufacturing challenges. For such precise assemblies, the group used lithographic techniques, where carefully exposed light patterns drive chemical processes that leave behind the desired electrode patterns. "When you start working with devices that have sub-diffraction dimensions (i.e. way below wavelength) then the ultimate challenge is to master the fabrication," Leuthold said. "We need lithographic resolutions in the order of 20 to 40 nanometers." Using modulation formats familiar to the optical communications community, researchers tested the device response over a range of 170 GHz. This was such a wide range of frequencies, they had to devise five different setups to generate all the radio frequency signals tested. According to Leuthold, this work continues in the hopes of even better results and potential applications for the next generation of optical communication links. MEDIA REGISTRATION: Media/analyst registration for OFC 2017 can be accessed online. Further information is available on the event website at OFC, including travel details. ABOUT OFC The Optical Fiber Conference and Exposition (OFC) is the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. For more than 40 years, OFC has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward. OFC includes dynamic business programming, an exhibition of more than 600 companies, and high impact peer-reviewed research that, combined, showcase the trends and pulse of the entire optical networking and communications industry. OFC is managed by The Optical Society (OSA) and co-sponsored by OSA, the IEEE (News - Alert) Communications Society (IEEE/ComSoc), and the IEEE Photonics Society. OFC 2017 will be held from 19-23 March 2017 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California, USA. Follow @OFCConference, learn more OFC Conference LinkedIn and watch highlights OFC YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005849/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan Begins 2017-18 Enrollment Period Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM), an accredited, full-time online public school, welcomes families with students in kindergarten through ninth grade to enroll for the 2017-18 academic year. HVAM is open to all students who reside in Michigan and offers an individualized approach to learning, using engaging curriculum to ensure every student receives an exceptional learning experience. Students who enroll at HVAM receive a personalized education experience, designed to let them find the learning style that works best for them. HVAM provides courses in language arts/English, math, science, history, world languages, art and music. HVAM, authorized by Mesick Consolidated Schools, plans to add one additional grade per year to eventually serve students through 12th grade. The school offers a challenging academic program focused on college preparation. As part of its focus, HVAM is developing an Early/Middle College Program to offer to high school students in the future. "Our interactive curriculum ad instruction combined with teacher support and hands on materials puts HVAM students on the path toward academic achievement, while helping to discover and nurture each student's individual learning style," said Mary Moorman head of school at Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan. "As we enter our second school year, we're looking forward to watching our school grow and our student population flourish. We know that an exceptional education stems from having choices, and Michigan families appreciate the ability to select a public school option which suits their needs." State-certified teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, interacting with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone and face-to-face meetings. As a public school option, there is no tuition. HVAM is now accepting enrollments for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the online information sessions hosted by the school each month. More information on HVAM and upcoming events can be found at http://hvam.k12.com/. About Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM) is a tuition-free online public charter school authorized by Mesick Consolidated Schools that currently serves students in grades K through 8 throughout the state. As part of the Michigan public school system, HVAM is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about HVAM, visit www.hvam.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005143/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Insight School of Michigan Now Accepting Enrollment for 2017-18 School Year Insight School of Michigan (ISMI), a tuition-free, online public charter school, welcomes families with students in grades 6-12 who reside in Michigan to enroll for the 2017-18 academic year. Entering its third school year, ISMI offers an individualized approach to learning and an education option for students of every ability level, including a competency in helping students who are struggling academically. Each ISMI student receives an individualized learning plan (ILP) that takes each child's unique strengths, weaknesses, learning styles and aptitudes into consideration. Each student's ILP plans out a long-term, personalized learning strategy through a collaborative team effort between the student, parent, teachers, guidance counselor, and advisor. Then, through the unique platform, ISMI teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, interacting with students and parents via email, telephone and web-based classrooms. A credit recovery program is available for students who need to catch up in certain subjects, as well as highly targeed remediation sessions to build specific skills. With a unique and highly supportive approach, ISMI works with students and their families to help them overcome obstacles, including learning or behavioral issues, bullying, family challenges or changes in lifestyle. "Our curriculum and instruction are designed let our students discover their own learning style and serves students at every ability level," said Marcus Moore, head of school at Insight School of Michigan. "We welcome students who have struggled in their education for any reason. Our programs and support team address the real-life needs of each one of our students with the goal of seeing them succeed in school and beyond." Throughout the year, ISMI offers field trips, live orientation sessions, and a graduation ceremony among many other in-person activities. ISMI is now accepting enrollments for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the online information sessions hosted by the school each month. More information on ISMI and upcoming events can be found at http://mi.insightschools.net/. About Insight School of Michigan Insight School of Michigan (ISMI) is a tuition-free online public charter school authorized by Central Michigan University that serves students in grades 6 through 12. As part of the Michigan public school system, ISMI is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ISMI, visit http://mi.insightschools.net/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005262/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Insight School of Ohio Opens Enrollment for 2017-18 School Year Insight School of Ohio (ISOH), a tuition-free online public school, welcomes families with students in grades 6-12 who reside in Ohio to enroll for the 2017-18 academic year. Through its engaging web-based lessons, live online learning sessions and support from experienced teachers and counselors, ISOH provides an education option that offers an individualized approach to learning for students of every ability level, including a competency in helping students who are struggling academically. ISOH offers a wide variety of high school courses to help ensure that each student is taught at the right level and students can progress through their lessons at a pace suited to their individual learning style. This approach, combined with instruction from ISOH teachers and guidance from school support staff, encourages students to develop a firm grasp on the material. ISOH strives to develop students' strengths while also addressing the areas where they need more focus. Credit recovery courses are available for students who need to catch up in a subject, as well as highly targeted remediation sessions to build specific skills. With a highly supportive approach, ISOH teachers and counselors work with students and their families to help them overcome obstacles, including learning or behavioral issues, bullying, and more. The online curriculum is bolstered by a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, as well as a Family Support Team, which works with students and their families to provide the extra help needed to enable students to succeed in school and beyond. "At ISOH we offer a high level of academic and emotional support for our middle and high school students -- motivating them, and helping them to get and stay on track," said Amanda Conley, head of school at Insight School of Ohio. "We provide an education option for students who are struggling academically that inspires them to work hard and succeed, offering several programs such as credit recovery courses and self-improvement workshops that address students' academic challenges and the needs of their families." ISOH teachers provide instruction, guidance and support, and regularly interact with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions and phone. Regional drop in centers are available for students who require additional assistance and benefit from face-to-face instruction. ISOH is now accepting enrollments for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the online information sessions hosted by the school each month. More information on ISOH and upcoming events can be found at http://oh.insightschools.net/. About Insight School of Ohio Insight School of Ohio (ISOH) is a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 6 through 12. As part of the Ohio public school system, ISOH is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ISOH, visit InsightOH.net. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005149/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Insight Schools of California Now Accepting Enrollment for 2017-18 School Year High school students who have struggled to find success in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting are invited to take advantage of tuition-free public school options at Insight Schools of California (ISCA) to get back on track. The full-time online public charter schools are now accepting enrollment applications for the 2017-18 school year. ISCA serves students in grades 9-12 who reside in many counties in California, including Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange (News - Alert), Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and Ventura. "Insight Schools of California offer targeted support for struggling students," said ISCA head of school Kimberly Odom. "Traditional school is not always the best fit for every type of learner. Our approach is to meet students where they are and help them reach their goals in ways appropriate for each student." The experienced California-credentialed teachers and professional school counselors at ISCA assess where students are academically deficient, then work closely with them and their parents to create individalized learning plans that map to each student's unique academic needs, personal interests and college and career goals. In addition to the academic focus, ISCA also offers a Social and Emotional learning (SEL) program, which helps students increase their self-confidence and interpersonal skills. During the school year, students will meet twice a week in online advisory sessions to discuss topics that are relevant to their lives. The goal is to build confidence, create a sense of belonging and equip students with skills to make responsible decisions. Students can also take advantage of ISCA's quarter-system model. This program enables students to concentrate on just three courses each quarter (typically a nine-week period) and often helps students get back on track and graduate from high school on time. Families are invited to learn more and meet current families and staff at an upcoming event. For more information and to see a complete list of in-person and online information sessions, please visit http://ca.insightschools.net. About Insight Schools of California Insight Schools of California are full-time, tuition-free online public charter schools for students in grades 9-12 who are behind in their education or need additional support to graduate from high school. The schools are available for students in Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and Ventura counties. Learn more at http://ca.insightschols.net. Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend an online public school. Common household items and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultant can help address your technological and computer questions and needs View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005928/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy to Open Largest Blended Learning Center On Wednesday, March 8, Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA,) an accredited, full-time online public charter school, will celebrate the opening of its third blended learning center with a ribbon-cutting. The new center, located in Baton Rouge, will help support the nearly 2,000 students across Louisiana already benefitting from LAVCA's unique online curriculum. The Baton Rouge Blended Learning Center (BRBLC) will serve students in grades 6 -12 and is available to students enrolled at LAVCA. Blended learning offers Louisiana students the opportunity for in-person instruction and remediation in all core subjects with a state-certified teacher. LAVCA families are welcome to participate in blended learning at any one of the school's three facilities across the state -- Baton Rouge, Monroe, or Lafayette -- on a drop-in basis. "At LAVCA, our students are encouraged to accelerate in the subjects at which they excel and, at the same time, are given time for remediation in the subjects where it's needed," said Danielle Scott-Johnson, Head of School at Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy. "That's why we are so excited to open this new blended learning facility to serve even more Louisiana students who are interested in face-to-face instruction." Ribbon-cutting details are as follows: WHEN: Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Baton Rouge Blended Learning Center 4962 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 WHAT: The event will include an address from LAVCA Superintendent, Dujan Johnson, remarks from the school's deputy regional vice president and head of school, as well as a tour of the facility. LAVCA is now welcoming families with students in kindergarten through 10th grade to enroll for the 2017-18 academic year. Open to all students who reside in Louisiana, LAVCA combines online instruction, hands-on curriculum and the support of Louisiana-licensed teachers to cultivate an individualized education for each student. During the enrollment period, LAVCA will be conducting online and in-person information sessions throughout the state. Interested families are encouraged to attend to meet teachers, staff and other families and to learn more about the curriculum provided by K12 Inc., the nation's leading K-12 curriculum provider. For more information, visit the school's website at http://lavca.k12.com. About Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA) is an accredited, full-time online public school program that serves students in grades K through 12. LAVCA is available tuition-free to Louisiana students through a partnership between K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs, and Community School for Apprenticeship Learning Inc. (CSAL). Founded in 1997, CSAL is a not-for-profit with a mission to provide students with real-world experiences by giving them access to alternative forms of instruction. For more information about LAVCA, visit http://lavca.k12.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005158/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Michigan Virtual Charter Academy 2017-18 School Year Enrollment Now Open Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA), a full-time online public charter school, welcomes families with students in kindergarten through 12th grade to enroll for the 2017-18 academic year. Open to all students who reside in Michigan, MVCA offers an individualized approach to learning -- through live online sessions with teachers students receive extensive support, and are challenged by a rigorous curriculum. To achieve an exceptional learning experience for each student, MVCA combines an engaging online curriculum with hands-on materials and the support of Michigan-licensed teachers. MVCA provides courses in language arts/English, math, science, history, world languages, art and music, as well as elective and Advanced Placement courses for high school students. The program offers advanced learners the ability to progress faster in subjects in which they excel, as well as opportunities for advancement in STEM education. Additionally, MVCA offers dual enrollment, which allows qualified students to earn college credit and high school credit for the same ourse. "As we head into our seventh school year, we're excited to share our rigorous, interactive online curriculum with new students," said Andrei Nichols, head of school at Michigan Virtual Charter Academy. "The rigor of our curriculum combined with a deeply collaborative partnership between teachers, staff, parents, and students is designed to let students discover and foster the learning style that works best for them." MVCA will continue to build and support its Family Academic Support Team (FAST (News - Alert)). FAST staff members and teachers bring a holistic approach to supporting each student's educational progress, working together to meet the needs of the student and family. This includes helping students work through non-academic issues that may be affecting their performance in school. MVCA is now accepting enrollments for the 2017-2018 school year. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the online information sessions hosted by the school each month. More information on MVCA and upcoming events can be found at http://mvca.k12.com/. About Michigan Virtual Charter Academy Michigan Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA) is a full-time online public charter school authorized by Grand Valley State University that serves students in grades K through 12. As part of the Michigan public school system, MVCA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of K-12 proprietary curriculum and online education programs. Students use web-based lessons and hands-on instructional materials that are shipped to their home. For more information about MVCA, visit http://mvca.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005165/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] SatixFy Offers First Beam Hopping System and Emulator REHOVOT, Israel and FARNBOROUGH, England, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SatixFy, a leading provider of baseband modem and antenna chips, products and solutions, is pleased to present an Emulator for Beam Hopping systems. The emulator supports customers with research, development and testing of various aspects of the beam hopping architecture and is based on SatixFy's existing SX-3000 ASIC. Customers can use the emulator to demonstrate physical layer functionality over a wide band of parameters and exhibit beam hopping capabilities to end customers. Yoel Gat, CEO of SatixFy, said, "There's no question whether beam hopping will happen -- the question is only when. In five to six years, many communication satellites launched will use beam hopping techniques. Beam hopping is the next evolution of HTS an UHTS. It's going to increase overall satellite capacity, reduce unmet capacity demand and reduce satellite payload power consumption by up to a factor of 2. It also provides wide system flexibility such as on-the-fly dynamic capacity allocation. SatixFy is proud to be first in the market with terminals that support beam hopping. We make Beam Hopping happen". "With DVB-S2X, satellite operators are designing next-generation architectures with features like beam hopping that enable satellites to adjust their payloads based on real-time demand on the ground," said Wayne Haubner, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Emerging Technologies, iDirect. "Our newly introduced iQ Series remote is built on the SatixFy ASIC chipset to provide our customers with investment protection as these new features come online." The Emulator will be publicly presented for the first time at the SATELLITE 2017 trade show on March 7-9, 2017, in Washington, DC. About SatixFy SatixFy is a leading provider of baseband modem and antenna chips, products and solutions that deliver highest performance with radically reduced cost, size, weight and power. SatixFy also delivers advanced Terminals, Payloads and Gateway equipment. SatixFy is at the forefront of designing the most advanced satellite payloads with on-board-processing, multi-beams and beam hopping as well as indoor/outdoor VSATs systems. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/satixfy-offers-first-beam-hopping-system-and-emulator-300416894.html SOURCE SatixFy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Kolkata, Mar 2 (Just Earth News): Kolkata-based Calcutta Rescue at the recent screening of a new award-winning film about Kolkataas pavement doctor, Jack Preger, has urged all to come forward and donate generously for the cause of the poor and needy in the eastern city for whom the now octogenarian British doctor devoted his life. The film DOCTOR JACK directed by Benoit Lange and produced by Davis Rihs (Benoit Lange production: Point Prod, Switzerland) was awarded the best documentary - Jury in the 5th Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival 2016 and the best film public award in 52nd Jornees De Soleure, Switzerland. Jack Preger, the little-known physician from Manchester, England, sat at this clinic on the pavement on Middleton Row offering free medical treatment to the homeless and the hopeless from 1979-1993, when the authorities finally granted registration to his organization, Calcutta Rescue. Calcutta Rescue runs health clinics, schools, handicraft and vocational training units for the very poor across the city, guided by a strong Board which includes Padma Sri Sister Cyril. The film captures the life story of Dr Jack and how came to work for the poorest of poor in Kolkata and himself lived frugally in a small room in one of the buildings in the city's Sonagachi red light area where he ran a school to educate the children of sex workers. This film is not about what Dr Jack has done, but about overwhelming need. The film shows how much more needs to be done," said Dr Jack Preger after a screening of the new multi-award winning documentary film about his life. The powerful film follows Dr Jack from his time as a hill farmer in Wales to working as a doctor with traumatised refugees in Bangladesh and then through his time in Kolkata where over the past 35 years the charity he founded, Calcutta Rescue, has provided free healthcare, education and other support to half a million of the citys poorest people. Addressing a select audience of 60 journalists and guests, Dr Jack said people in the city saw desperate poverty every day of their lives, but most did nothing about it. He said it required a change of conscience from the top to the bottom of society for the needs of the very poor to be addressed properly. But he paid tribute to the tremendous progress made in Kolkata and West Bengal in terms of medical care. Dr Jack, who is still working at the charity at the age of 87, said treatment of diseases like TB and leprosy had been revolutionised here in recent years, but warned that a huge effort was now needed to prevent drug resistant strains from spreading through the population. The films maker, Swiss photo-journalist Benoit Lange, who has supported Dr Jacks work for three decades, described Calcutta Rescue as a great Indian project. What Dr Jack has done is something very great, everybody living in Kolkata can see the result. He gave this project to Indians to manage and to run and it is getting bigger and bigger. He urged people in the city to throw their support behind the charity which has until now had to rely on financial support from a dwindling number of people in Western countries. Calcutta Rescues new chief executive, Jaydeep Chakraborty, said the work the charity did with slum dwellers was very challenging and described its 150 staff as: tough people working on the ground with passion, heart and soul. He echoed Langes words, saying that now was the time for local people to really get behind the charity, pointing out that Indians were donating twice as much to charities today as they were five years ago. Looking forward to a time when Dr Jack will no longer be involved, he said: How do we adapt? How do we preserve that special DNA that Calcutta Rescue clearly has? Calcutta Rescue provides healthcare, education and employment opportunities for tens of thousands of the poorest people across Kolkata. Last month it launched a second street medicine ambulance, funded by the State Bank of India, so it can reach out to even more people living in bustees across the city. [March 02, 2017] Krones Acquires Process and Data Automation to Strengthen Its Digitization Capabilities in the U.S. Krones, a leading manufacturer of integrated packaging and bottling line systems, has acquired the business of Process and Data Automation, Inc. ("PDA"). PDA is based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and is a leading industrial control systems integrator across a number of sectors including liquid food. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005177/en/ From left to right: Tim Raymond, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Krones Inc., Joseph Snyder, President, Process and Data Automation, Holger Beckmann, Chief Executive Officer, Krones Inc., Michael Benedict, Vice President, Process and Data Automation (Photo: Krones Inc.) The PDA management team will continue to manage the business moving forward, and its headquarters wll remain in Erie, Pennsylvania. "With regard to digitization, it is our goal to provide customers with added value through better utilization of the data that our machines, software, employees, users of the machines etc. generate," said Holger Beckmann, President and CEO of Krones Inc. "The acquisition of PDA allows Krones to take another step to offer relevant U.S. based expertise to our customers. We are excited to add PDA's skilled employees, depth of experience and know-how to the Krones family." Joseph Snyder, President of PDA, stated, "Partnering with Krones represents a unique opportunity to continue to build the business in areas where we already excel. My business partner Michael Benedict and I are looking forward to the additional potential with Krones and new opportunities for our employees." The acquisition of PDA represents a further step in executing the Krones digitization strategy and increasing the international footprint. PDA will closely collaborate with Krones subsidiary Syskron which is a specialist in IT and automation solutions within the Krones Group. About Krones Inc. Krones Inc. is the United States subsidiary of Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, a world leader in the manufacture of fully integrated packaging and bottling line systems as well as integrated brew house and processing systems, IT solutions and warehouse logistics systems. The company has facilities strategically located around the globe. Krones' United States headquarters is in Franklin, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee. About Process and Data Automation Process and Data Automation is a full service, CSIA Certified industrial control systems integration firm headquartered in Erie, PA. Our Controls Engineering (ENG) group specializes in physical automation system design, programming, and commissioning. We also feature a dedicated Data Services Group (DSG) that connects automated equipment and systems to the business system environment including protected recipe systems, data collection and reporting, and data historian implementation. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005177/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] U.S. Department of Transportation Awards Booz Allen Hamilton a Spot on $202 Million Contract to Support Work on Intelligent Transportation Systems As the number of Americans who live and work in urban areas rises, the federal government, state and municipal authorities are making the improvement of transportation systems a top priority. The development of intelligent transportation systems, such as greater automation in cars and increased connectivity among vehicles, will help to ease the burden that transportation currently places on individuals and communities alike. To facilitate research in this key focus area and accelerate the implementation of 21st century transportation solutions, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO) has awarded Booz Allen Hamilton (News - Alert) one of two spots on a $202 million, five-year, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for non-personal technical support services. The firm will assist ITS JPO staff in executing research, development and deployment activities, as well as help ITS JPO comply with legislative and regulatory requirements. "The ITS JPO brings together a number of federal agencies to address some of the key transportation challenges facing our country today. Booz Allen is proud to continue our relationship with the ITS JPO and to support the office as it works to achieve its key objectives for the coming years," said Dr. Christopher Hill, a principal and leader of the surface transportation business at Booz Allen. "Intelligent systems hold the potential to allviate a wide range of issues associated with transportation, from traffic accidents and fatalities, to congestion and environmental pollution. Our team is excited about the opportunity to be at the forefront of progress in the ITS field." Booz Allen has been supporting the Transportation Department's efforts to make transportation systems smarter, safer and more efficient for the past five years, and has provided both technical capabilities, such as work on data sets for connected vehicles, performance measures for dedicated short range communications (DSRC) technology, and functional support including strategic planning and chronicling the history of ITS. Booz Allen also assisted ITS in the development of their 2015-2019 strategic plan. To the new contract, Booz Allen will bring a highly qualified and experienced team drawing from the firm's transportation-focused Communities of Practice, which include Vehicle Automation and Unmanned Systems, Enterprise Data and Advanced Analytics, Vehicle Cybersecurity, and Smart Cities and Connected Society. These Communities of Practice reflect the depth of Booz Allen's work and innovation in surface transportation, including for organizations like the Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC), which with support from Booz Allen recently developed best practices for vehicle cybersecurity on behalf of the auto industry. About Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) has been at the forefront of strategy and technology for more than 100 years. Today, the firm provides management and technology consulting and engineering services to leading Fortune 500 corporations, governments, and not-for-profits across the globe. Booz Allen partners with public and private sector clients to solve their most difficult challenges through a combination of consulting, analytics, mission operations, technology, systems delivery, cybersecurity, engineering, and innovation expertise. With international headquarters in McLean, Virginia, the firm employs more than 23,000 people globally, and had revenue of $5.41 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2016. To learn more, visit BoozAllen.com. BAHPR-CW View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005763/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Luxembourg and ispace, a Tokyo-Based Lunar Robotic Exploration Company, Sign MoU to Co-Operate within the Spaceresources.lu Initiative The Luxembourg Government and the Tokyo-based space robotics company ispace Inc. announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the context of the SpaceResources.lu initiative with focus on developing miniaturized technology to discover, map, and utilize resources on the Moon. The governmental SpaceResources.lu initiative aims to promote and support the commercial use of resources gathered from celestial bodies such as asteroids or from the Moon. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005800/en/ (from left to right) : Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg ; Takeshi Hakamada, CEO of ispace (Photo: Business Wire) Within the framework of this MoU, ispace intends to focus, through its European office based in Luxembourg, on business development, R&D and on several key technical services, including payload development, engineering and integration. For its part, Luxembourg contributes by providing funding through national R&D grans or programs of the European Space Agency (ESA) to co-fund relevant research and development activities such as the ispace "roving spectrometer". This project aims to bring an innovative mass spectrometer developed by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) to the surface of the Moon to explore elemental compositions of the lunar ice and regolith. The company ispace Europe SA will be hosted in Luxembourg City within the facilities of Paul Wurth InCub which offers, in cooperation with the national business incubator Technoport, a dedicated support program for innovative and technology-driven companies. Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Etienne Schneider, stated: "The Luxembourg Government forges ahead with the SpaceResources.lu initiative. With ispace from Japan, we welcome another foreign company which chose our country as a European hub for developing highly advanced technologies and capabilities like robotics for exploring and mining resources in space. The cooperation with LIST as a renowned research organization and the collaboration with a key player of the local innovation ecosystem like Paul Wurth provide ispace a promising starting position as a new actor in the Luxembourg space sector." "It is a great honor to collaborate with Luxembourg and to be the first space resource company to be recognized for our focus on the Moon. We see the Moon as a strategic stepping stone to further spur human activity in space," said Takeshi Hakamada, CEO of ispace and the leader of team HAKUTO, one of the finalists of the Google (News - Alert) Lunar XPRIZE. "With strong technological, legal and financial support, we are convinced that Luxembourg is the best place for us to begin our European operations." "The development of technology solutions for the space sector is a key area of the Materials and Technology Department (MRT) of the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology," stated Prof. Jens Kreisel, Director of the MRT-LIST. "Within this strategy, the present collaboration with ispace is an excellent fit for us", added Dr. Tom Wirtz, who heads the Advanced Instrumentation for Ion Nano-Analytics (AINA) group at LIST. "We have a mass spectrometry technology that is of major interest for space applications, and ispace has unique means to deploy this technology to space." Georges Rassel, CEO of Paul Wurth, commented: "In the frame of our engineering activities beyond the traditional iron & steel industry, Paul Wurth is constantly looking to cooperate with young technology-driven companies. Given the increasing scarcity of mineral reserves, we have a natural interest in the development of innovative technical solutions allowing to explore resources, which today seem out of reach. We are therefore extremely delighted to welcome ispace Inc. at our incubation program Paul Wurth InCub and we are looking forward to the challenges lying ahead." Released by the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005800/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] MetLife Originates $3.6 Billion in Agricultural Loans in 2016 MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) today announced that the company originated $3.6 billion in agricultural loans in 2016 through its subsidiaries and affiliates. MetLife's Agricultural Finance Group is one of the largest agricultural mortgage lenders in the nation with a loan portfolio at year-end 2016 of $14.7 billion, the largest in the company's history. "MetLife had a busy year lending to its agricultural customers in the United States and abroad, growing its portfolio to a record level," said Robert Merck, global head of the Agricultural Finance Group for MetLife. "This year we are celebrating our 100th anniversary as an agricultural lender, a major milestone for us, and something we are especially proud to commemorate. Our customers know that they can rely on us as a trusted source of financing for their long-term growth, and this drives our success year after year." In 2016, the average loan-to-value ratio of MetLife's overall agricultural mortgage portfolio remained at 43 percent. "We are proud of our performance in 2016, growing our portfolio to its highest level ever despite lower commodity prices and net farm income," said Barry Bogseth, managing director and head of MetLife's Agricultural Finance Group. "In 2017, we expect to continue our growth by identifying superior agricultural lending opportunities in the United States and abroad." Highlights of MetLife's domestic agricultural lending transactions for 2016 include: Good Luck Properties, LLC $11.1 million, 20-year term loan fixed for 10 years Secured by a high quality 4,545 acre irrigated farm located in Mississippi Security is used for the production of cotton, rice and row crops; managed by a family with decades of crop production experience Rose Acre Farms, Inc. $49 million, 15-year fixed rate financing, to be funded in three tranches over two years Secured by new cage-free egg layer facilities located in Arizona Rose Acre Farms is the second largest producer and marketer of eggs in the United States Keweenaw Land Association Limited $30 million, 10-year fixed rate term loan to be funded in two tranches Adjustable rate revolving line of credit Secured by high grade timberland located across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin Borrower is a forest products and land management company About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe" and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of MetLife, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife, Inc.'s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Annual Report") filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)"), any Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed by MetLife, Inc. with the SEC after the date of the Annual Report under the captions "Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors," and other filings MetLife, Inc. makes with the SEC. MetLife, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if MetLife, Inc. later becomes aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife, Inc. makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005816/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Wyzant's Numbers Show Growing Demand for Online 1-to-1 Instruction from Adult Students CHICAGO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyzant, the nation's largest online marketplace for 1-to-1 instruction, announced a refresh of the company's online learning platform to meet the needs of the company's ever-growing adult student base, with demand for online 1-to-1 instruction on Wyzant growing three fold since early 2016. The convenience and accessibility of online learning means that adults using Wyzant's online learning tool average 22 percent more lessons when compared to those who choose in-person sessions with an instructor. Adult students are looking for flexible solutions to help them continue their education and progress their careers, and online tutoring offers students the freedom to get the 1-to-1 attention they want anytime, anywhere. As a result, nearly half of all Wyzant students are adult learners, and more of them are investing in online tutoring lessons than ever before. Since first launching the Wyzant online tutoring platform in 2015, more than 35 percent of adult students have migrated to having their 1-to-1 lessons online. "Wyzant has put a great deal of energy and resources into making the online tool as easy-to-use and high performing as possible," said Wyzant CEO an co-founder Drew Geant. "Adult learners enjoy the flexibility that online tutoring offers, and as a result, use of our online tool has grown exponentially." Whether an adult student is going back to school for a bachelor's degree in nursing, learning JavaScript or simply wants to learn a new language to get ahead in their career, Wyzant's online learning tool makes it easy to connect and collaborate with an experienced instructor from Wyzant's community of 80,000 educators across the country. Features include: - New Code Editor - Create and edit Java, Python, Node.js, and any other programming language. - New Text Editor - A game-changer for online language lessons. Students can get help with essays, cover letters and more as well in real time. - Upgraded Audio and Video - Upgraded A/V, along with other interactive features so students feel like they're in the same room with the instructor. - Whiteboard- Students and tutors can share files, draw, graph functions and write complex equations. - Screen Sharing - Share a presentation, software program or anything that's on a computer screen. To learn more about Wyzant's updated online learning tool and how 1-to-1 instruction can help any learner meet their goal, visit www.wyzant.com/online/student. About Wyzant Wyzant is the nation's largest online marketplace for 1-to-1 instruction, connecting more than 1 million students seeking personalized learning experiences with more than 80,000 independent instructors. Wyzant's community of tutors offer both in-person and online lessons in more than 300 subjects, catering to learners of all ages -- from elementary school students to professionals looking to further their careers. Wyzant was founded in 2005 and is backed by Accel Partners. To learn more about Wyzant, visit wyzant.com/about. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wyzants-numbers-show-growing-demand-for-online-1-to-1-instruction-from-adult-students-300416990.html SOURCE Wyzant [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Harris Corporation and Florida Tech Host Florida Unmanned Aircraft Summit Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) experts from throughout Florida gathered this week to explore trends in drone adoption and ways to help guide the impact of UAS integration across the state. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005992/en/ UAS operators and industry leaders from business, government and academia engaged in the "Florida UAS Summit" hosted by Harris Corporation and Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. Summit discussions ranged from industry trends and drivers, to the regulatory environment, to opportunities for UAS test beds in Florida. Attendees participated in workshop discussions and demonstrations, and explored the latest in UAS and othertechnologies on display at Harris' 2017 Technology Expo, held throughout the week at the company's Global Innovation Center. "Unmanned Aircraft Systems are a transformative technology that is reshaping many markets, including agriculture, railroads, utilities, and public safety, to name just a few," said George Kirov, vice president and general manager, Commercial UAS Solutions, Harris Electronic Systems. "We are at a critical juncture in the industry. UAS related investments, business revenue and job creation are surging, and these trends are expected to continue for decades." About Harris Corporation (News - Alert) Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers' toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue. The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Space and Intelligence Systems and Electronic Systems. Learn more at harris.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005992/en/ [March 02, 2017] Investor Alert: GPM Reminds Investors of the March 13 Deadline in the Class Action Lawsuit Against Novo Nordisk A/S Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") reminds investors of the March 13, 2017 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed by GPM on behalf of a class (the "Class") of investors who purchased Novo Nordisk A/S ("Novo Nordisk" or the "Company") (NYSE: NVO) American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") between February 5, 2015 and October 27, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Novo Nordisk investors have until March 13, 2017 to file a lead plaintiff motion. The Complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants reported impressive revenue, operating profit growth and sales growth, and informed investors that the Company would achieve sales and operating profit growth of between 5% and 9% in 2016, as well as 10% operating profit growth over the long-term. All the while, however, Defendants were informed by the company's US organization and could infer from other data ources that Novo Nordisk's aggressive pricing model produced unsustainable revenues, and its inflated earnings and profit forecasts concealed the true extent of the pricing pressures the Company was experiencing, yet continued to misrepresent the sustainability of its business model while perpetuating a massive stock buyback program to stabilize its ADR price. On August 5, 2016, Novo Nordisk disclosed disappointing earnings for the second quarter of 2016, shrinking its predictions for sales growth and reporting the loss of a contract with a large U.S. pharmacy benefit manager ("PBM"). On this news, Novo Nordisk's ADR price fell over 9% on August 5, 2016. Then, on October 28, 2016, Novo Nordisk announced its second consecutive quarter of disappointing earnings and cut its long-term profit-growth forecasts by 50%. Additionally, the Company also acknowledged receipt of a Civil Investigative Demand from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for information concerning Novo Nordisk's contracts and business relationships with PBMs related to certain of the Company's insulin products. On this news, Novo Nordisk's ADR price fell over 12% on October 28, 2016. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Novo Nordisk ADRs during the Class Period you may move the Court no later than March 13, 2017 to request appointment as lead plaintiff. To be a member of the class you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the Class. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at http://www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006207/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Southern California Edison Funds Bring Learning Home Initiative for County of Los Angeles Public Library, Provides Children Free Home Access to Leading School Readiness Resource ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy GLENDALE, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Age of Learning, Inc., announced SCE's investment in the Bring Learning Home initiative to provide local families with free home checkout access to ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy through the County of Los Angeles Public Library. Bring Learning Home is a nationwide program that brings together public libraries, funders, and in-kind contributions from Age of Learning to make ABCmousethe leading and most comprehensive digital learning resource for children ages 2 through 8available to families who may not otherwise have access to high-quality learning resources at home. Winner of numerous awards from national education, parent, and media organizations, ABCmouse offers an expert-designed curriculum for preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. With more than 8,500 individual learning activities and 850+ complete lessons, ABCmouse encompasses reading and language arts, math, science, health, social studies, art, and music. Large-scale research studies have concluded that ABCmouse accelerates learning and helps children make significant gains in early literacy and math skills. "Southern California Edison recognizes the critical importance of high-quality learning experiences, particularly STEM education, during the preschool and early elementary years," said David Ford, Senior Government Affairs Representative for Southern California Edison. "We're proud to support the Bring Learning Home initiative to help children prepare for success in school and beyond with a proven educational resource." Through its ABCmouse for Libraries program, Age of Learning provides ABCmouse to public libraries at no cost for in-library use. More than 6,000 public library branchesover 40% of all branches in the U.S.make ABCmouse available for patrons to use on-site through this program, including more than 70% of the top 50 public libraries and 7 of the 10 largest systems in the country. Last year, there were more than 1,000,000 ABCmouse for Libraries child user sessions at libraries across the country. SCE's investment builds on Age of Learning's existing partnership with the County of Los Angeles Public Library, the 6th largest public library system in the U.S. Ovr the past two years, public libraries across Los Angeles have had more than 130,000 child user sessions with more than 200,000 hours of learning on ABCmouse. On February 24, 2017, at a special reopening celebration for the A C Bilbrew Library in South Central Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas commended Age of Learning for the Bring Learning Home initiative and presented the company with a letter of appreciation from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. "We've had this resource in our libraries for years and there has been so much enthusiasm around it," said Skye Patrick, Director of the County of Los Angeles Public Library. "Now, we are thrilled to be part of Bring Learning Home and able to offer this opportunity to take that learning home to help more children make meaningful learning gains." The Bring Learning Home initiative helps close the achievement gap that begins when low-income children enter kindergarten unprepared to learn and widens as they move to 3rd grade without yet having learned to read proficiently. This SCE and Age of Learning commitment will benefit families at the East Rancho Dominguez, Lennox, and Woodcrest branches of the County of Los Angeles Public Library system. "For more than six years, Age of Learning has been working to help children everywhere prepare for success in school and beyond," said Doug Dohring, founder and CEO of Age of Learning. "The Bring Learning Home initiative is advancing this critical mission by expanding access to high-quality early education for at-risk children, thanks to the generous support of likeminded partners such as Southern California Edison." When fully implemented, Bring Learning Home will enable the more than 16,000 public libraries across the U.S. to provide ABCmouse to families in their communities on a home checkout basis, with the goal of improving school readiness and reading proficiency for young learners. To learn more about Bring Learning Home, including how to become a partner, contact Age of Learning at [email protected]. About Age of Learning, Inc. Age of Learning (www.AgeofLearning.com) is a leading education technology innovator and producer of the multi-award-winning ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy (www.ABCmouse.com), serving millions of children. Based in Los Angeles, the company blends education best practices, innovative technology, and insightful creativity to bring learning to life for children across the U.S. and around the world. Age of Learning's content provides young learners, their families, and teachers with highly engaging and effective learning tools and a comprehensive curriculum that build a strong foundation for academic success. Recognized as the No. 1 digital learning resource for children ages 28, ABCmouse is regularly ranked as a leading children's learning iPad, iPhone, and Android app in both Kids and Education categories; to date, children have completed more than 2 billion ABCmouse learning activities. The company's Education Access Initiatives reach millions of children by offering the full, award-winning ABCmouse curriculum at no cost to teachers and community institutions such as libraries, Head Start programs, public housing authorities, and afterschool programs. Age of Learning launched ABCmouse for Schools (www.ABCmouseforSchools.com) in 2016 to meet the needs of school districts and school groups in the U.S. and internationally. Contact Rebecca Friendly 818.246.2223 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southern-california-edison-funds-bring-learning-home-initiative-for-county-of-los-angeles-public-library-provides-children-free-home-access-to-leading-school-readiness-resource-abcmousecom-early-learning-academy-300417276.html SOURCE Age of Learning, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Announces the Commencement of an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations by Certain Officers and Directors of Omega Protein Corporation Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Omega Protein Corporation (NYSE:OME) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws. On March 1, 2017, post-market, Omega disclosed that the Company had received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking information in connection with an investigation of an Omega subsidiary's compliance with its probation terms and the Company's protection of whistleblower employees. To obtain additional information, go to: http://zlk.9nl.com/omega-protein-ome or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006261/en/ [March 02, 2017] J. Watson Bailey Takes Home Top Prize in 2017 UnitedHealthcare Health Bee in Kingston A team from J. Watson Bailey Middle School last night won the 2017 UnitedHealthcare Health Bee in a spirited final round in Kingston, earning the school funding for its health and wellness programs. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006275/en/ Bailey Middle School students were all smiles over their first-place win at the 2017 UnitedHealthcare Health Bee Competition. The quiz show-style competition, designed to get middle-school students excited about health, fitness and nutrition, was hosted by the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. UnitedHealthcare of New York CEO Michael McGuire and mascot Dr. Health E. Hound presented the winning team with a ceremonial check. L to R; Evan Lin, Julie Chen, Amanda Machung, Callie Adin, Vivienne Airhardt and Mckinley Adin (Photo: Clutch Shot Productions). Twenty-four students from four middle schools in Ulster County competed in the UnitedHealthcare Health Bee, a quiz show-style competition designed to get middle-school students excited about health, fitness and nutrition. UnitedHealthcare and the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County hosted the competition yesterday at the YMCA in Kingston. Kingston Mayor Steve Noble kicked off the competition and stressed the importance of adopting healthy habits early in life. Mayor Noble was joined on the judge's panel by Dr. Andrea Littleton of the Institute for Family Health, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack, Michael McGuire of UnitedHealthcare, and Heidi Kirschner of the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. "Pre-teens are at a critical juncture in their development when they begin to make their own choices about what to eat and how often to exercise," said McGuire, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New York. "The UnitedHealthcae Health Bee educates students about their health in a way that's fun and engaging. By helping kids understand how their choices affect the way their body works and feels, we help set them on a healthy path to adulthood." State Sen. George Amedore praised the goals of the UnitedHealthcare Health Bee, saying: "Getting young adults engaged and interested in fitness and nutrition helps them make educated choices to develop healthy lifestyles. The UnitedHealthcare Health Bee is a fun and educational experience for our students that will help us build and maintain stronger communities." UnitedHealthcare awarded the winning team from J. Watson Bailey a $1,000 grand prize, which will support the school's health and fitness programs. Kingston Catholic Middle School earned second place and a $500 prize, and M. Clifford Middle School took home the school spirit award and a $250 prize. The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County awarded a one-month free membership to participating students and their families. State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill congratulated the students who participated and thanked UnitedHealthcare for hosting the Bee. "This event is a meaningful way to get young people concerned about health," he said. "Wellness issues get more challenging to deal with as you get older, and it is important to get students interested in developing a strong foundation on how health decisions will affect their lives. Congratulations to J. Watson Bailey Middle School - they have made their school and community proud." "The UnitedHealthcare Health Bee lets students celebrate their knowledge of health and wellness, and gives them a head start on the path toward healthy living into adulthood," said Kirschner, CEO/president, YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. "We are thrilled to join UnitedHealthcare's efforts to build healthier communities with a focus on our middle-school students." UnitedHealthcare serves more than 4 million people in New York with a network of nearly 280 hospitals and more than 91,000 physicians and other care providers statewide. About YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County The YMCA Kingston and Ulster County is a private not-for-profit, community-based organization providing social, health, physical education and recreation services to the residents of Ulster County. YMCA programs includes school-age child care, health enhancement / fitness classes, summer camps, swim lessons for all ages, special scholarship programs for low-income youth and families & physical rehabilitation programs. The YMCA serves all groups from infants to seniors. About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter (News - Alert). Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006275/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mumbai, Mar 2 (IBNS): Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan joined the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development's (WCD's) 'We Are Equal' campaign and put across a message of gender equality in his own unique way, on Thursday. The WCD Ministry on Thursday tweeted a picture of the megastar where he holds up a placard saying, ""When I die, my assets will be equally shared between my daughter and my son... Gender equality... We are equal." He also tweeted, " #WeAreEqual .. and #genderequality ... the picture says it all !!" The Ministry has planned to launch its gender equality campaign titled 'We Are Equal' on International Woman's Day on March 8. WCD also tweeted pictures of Indian boxer and Olympian Mary Kom and ASI-Space Gold Medalist K Thenmozi Selvi also expressing their support for the the campaign. Images: WCD Ministry Twitter [March 02, 2017] Ted Torbeck to Retire, Leigh Fox Named CEO at Cincinnati Bell Inc. CINCINNATI, March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYSE:CBB) today announced that Leigh R. Fox has been named president and chief executive officer, effective May 31, 2017. He succeeds Ted Torbeck, who will retire on May 31, 2017. Mr. Foxs appointment has been approved by the board of directors consistent with the Companys established succession plan. Mr. Torbeck, age 60, has led Cincinnati Bell as chief executive officer since January 2013. After his retirement, Mr. Torbeck plans to remain a member of the Companys board of directors and will devote his time and attention to ensuring a smooth transition of his duties to Mr. Fox. The board shares my confidence that Leigh is the right leader to execute the Companys strategy going forward, said Phil Cox, chairman of the Companys board of directors. Leigh has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout his tenure at Cincinnati Bell. He has taken on roles of increasing responsibility over the years and has consistently shown the vision and leadership necessary to be a successful CEO. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Torbeck for the outstanding job he has done as CEO for the past four years, said Mr. Cox. Ted was instrumental in developing and executing a strategy that has significantly improved the Companys balance sheet and vastly expanded the Companys fiber-based, high-speed data network. Ted has also been key to the boards succession planning proces to date and is committed to working closely with the board and Leigh to ensure a seamless transition. About Leigh Fox Mr. Fox joined the Company in July 2001 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility at the Company including: President and Chief Operating Officer (September 2016-present); Chief Financial Officer (October 2013-September 2016); Chief Administrative Officer (July 2013-October 2013); Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations (December 2012-July 2013); and Vice President of Finance at Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions Inc. (October 2008-December 2012). Mr. Fox holds a bachelor's degree from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Cincinnati and is actively involved in the Cincinnati business community. 2017 Outlook Cincinnati Bell reaffirms its financial guidance for 2017: Category 2017 Guidance Revenue $1.2 billion Adjusted EBITDA $295 million* *Plus or minus 2 percent About Cincinnati Bell Inc. With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Bell Inc. (CBB) provides integrated communications solutions including local and long distance voice, data, high-speed Internet and video that keep residential and business customers in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton connected with each other and with the world. In addition, enterprise customers across the United States rely on CBTS, a wholly-owned subsidiary, for efficient, scalable office communications systems and end-to-end IT solutions. For more information, please visit www.cincinnatibell.com. Investor Contact: Josh Duckworth 513-397-2292 [email protected] Media Contact: Jane Weiler 513-397-9941 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Entravision Communications Corporation To Expand Digital Marketing Capabilities With Acquisition Of Headway SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a diversified media company serving Latino audiences and communities across acculturation levels, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the business of Headway (www.headwaydigital.com), a leading provider of mobile, programmatic, data and performance digital marketing solutions primarily in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America. Founded in 2010, Headway is a pioneer and leader in digital advertising. Its rapid growth, strong advertiser base, proprietary data assets and programmatic demand-side platform offers unique performance targeting technology and data systems solutions to top advertisers and agencies. "The addition of Headway enhances the digital capabilities that Entravision offers to our advertising and marketing partners and our ability to target audiences and consumers," said Walter F. Ulloa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Entravision. "Led by a seasoned executive team, Headway combines best in class marketing technology with a strong sales organization, product innovation and holistic operations. We expect this transaction will help us fulfill our goal of doubling Entravision's digital revenue to more than 20% of our total revenue. It further strengthens our leadership in digital marketing to U.S. Latinos, as well as expands our services to reach the 600 million people in the Latin American market." "The Headway acquisition represents an important milestone for Entravision," said Esteban Lopez Blanco, Entravision's Chief Strategy Officer. "This transaction will provide synergies with our more than 300 local and national transmedia sales team members in the U.S., and the Latin America region. It brings huge opportunities as digital ad spend, e-commerce, internet and smartphone penetration will continue to grow at accelerated rates for many years as compared to the U.S. market. This transaction will accelerate our digital innovation and growth b providing new products and markets while broadening our scale. We will also be increasing our proprietary data assets for Latinos with the merger of Pulpo data and Headway's DataXpand DMP. Finally, and very importantly, the acquisition of Headway helps Entravision dramatically expand its programmatic marketing capabilities via Headway's strong relationship with MediaMath. As the top global tech company for marketers, MediaMath combines advanced marketing software with global reach and scale. Headway and MediaMath's clients include the top agency holding companies and brands across Latin America." "This transaction represents a historical milestone for Headway," said Martin Kogan, Chief Executive Officer of Headway. "By integrating into Entravision, we will become part of a larger organization that will provide additional scale, resources, support and synergies that continue to allow us to more efficiently grow our business and invest in product development, expansion of our team and securing relationships with new clients and partners. I am excited about the value Headway mobile, creative, video, display, data, performance and programmatic expertise can bring to the table as we gain access to Entravision's assets, talent, technology and sales and marketing teams." Headway is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has 152 employees in 18 offices principally located in North and South America. Following the closing of the transaction, Martin Kogan will continue to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer, with Agustin Echavarria Coll continuing to serve as Chief Revenue Officer. About Entravision Communications Corporation Entravision Communications Corporation is a leading media company that reaches and engages U.S. Latinos across acculturation levels and media channels, as well as consumers in Mexico. The company's comprehensive portfolio incorporates integrated media and marketing solutions comprised of acclaimed television, radio, digital properties, events, and data analytics services. Entravision has 54 primary television stations and is the largest affiliate group of both the Univision and UniMas television networks. Entravision also owns and operates 49 primarily Spanish-language radio stations featuring nationally recognized talent, as well as the Entravision Audio Network and Entravision Solutions, a coast-to-coast national spot and network sales and marketing organization representing Entravision's owned and operated, as well as its affiliate partner, radio stations. According to comScore Media Metrix, Entravision's digital operating group, Pulpo, is the #1-ranked online advertising platform in Hispanic reach, and Pulpo's comprehensive media offering, data, and consumer insights lead the industry. Entravision shares of Class A Common Stock are traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: EVC.www.entravision.com. About Headway Headway, marketing powered by technology, is the leading data-driven media buying company for marketers worldwide, integrating proprietary technology and state-of-the-art partner platforms. With 18 offices currently open around the world, Headway's solutions help brands optimize and target ads to drive consumer engagement. Since 2010, the company's technology combines DMP and powerful media buying capabilities in a one stop advertising platform for seamless, data-driven campaigns for web, mobile, video, social and other digital platforms in emerging and developed markets alike. For more information, visit www.headwaydigital.com or email [email protected]. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/entravision-communications-corporation-to-expand-digital-marketing-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-headway-300417311.html SOURCE Entravision [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Intel Editorial: What Do 'Superheroes,' Driverless Cars and 5G Have in Common? The following is an opinion editorial provided by Kathy Winter, vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel (News - Alert) Corporation: This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006194/en/ Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel Corporation. (Credit: Intel Corporation) As the mom of four boys, I have spent countless hours hearing about "superheroes" and their awe-inspiring "superpowers." Each son had his favorite over the years, and often dinner-table conversation turned into a debate about which superhero was the most powerful. My boys kept me busy, and I would often tell them I had a few superpowers of my own - like the ability to "run faster than a speeding bullet" when I could see them getting into trouble, or a "spidey sense" that would give me clues as to what they were up to even when I wasn't with them. When 5G arrives, we will all get the chance to experience something akin to the superpowers we chatted about when my boys were little. It will bring to our autonomous driving world superpower-like connectivity, giving cars a near-instant advantage of time and information - kind of like a "sixth sense." It will allow lightning-fast communication between cars and networks and the "things" around them, which makes it possible to detect what's coming around that next corner, or miles up the road. It will have "pipes" big enough to handle the massive amount of data that autonomous vehicles will use on a daily basis. Press Kit: Autonomous Driving at Intel As the leader of Intel's Automated Driving Solutions Division, I'm often asked two questions about 5G for autonomous driving: Why are you talking about 5G now when it's so far off? And, more skeptically, what's wrong with the communication technologies we're deploying today, such as DSRC and 4G LTE (News - Alert)? I'll start with that second question because I think the answer is important to understanding how the autonomous experience is enabled. Plus the answer to that second question also helps answer the first. Autonomous cars will need two things to operate safely: ultra-fast communication between nearby cars, things and the cloud, and near real-time data about their surroundings. Both DSRC and 4G LTE are fast. Both provide the connections to other vehicles and nearby things. But neither technology was designed for transmitting big data files really quickly. And both technologies experience a modest amount of latency, which may seem "good enough" but becomes a problem when your autonomous car is platooning with 100 other vehicles at 80 mph down the highway. But big data files are reason enough to align autonomous driving to 5G. Let's face it, self-driving cars will consume data voraciously - specifically high-definition 3D maps that will help them navigate safely. And no vehicle will have the storage capacity for all the world's maps. They'll need pieces of them relative to their immediate location - like the metropolitan area where they travel daily, or the freeway system and nearby roads connecting two cities. No communications technology can handle the transfer of these big files - we're talking terabytes of data. Only 5G mmWave spectrum provides the speed and bandwidth to allow quick transfer of big data files during opportunistic moments, such as when stopped at a gas station. When 5G networks are deployed, we expect much of this data to be available through edge devices, such as cellular base stations. Intel and Ericsson demonstrated how this works at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) in Barcelona this week. Which brings me back to that first question: Why 5G now? For the simple reason that the work we're doing today won't manifest itself for a few years. Carmakers are making design decisions today for the autonomous vehicles that they'll deliver in 2021. With 5G expected in that same timeframe, they need to include 5G in their design plans now in order for those cars to be ready when 5G is turned on. There's a lot of work to do between now and then as far as standards, infrastructure and more. But the short of it is that 5G and autonomous vehicles must arrive together, which means planning for that arrival date today. And Intel is doing just that. We were first to deliver a 5G automotive platform to enable carmakers to start developing their autonomous driving systems. We were the first to demonstrate live 5G over-the-air communications between the car and nearby edge devices. And we'll lead the industry to an on-time arrival of 5G and self-driving cars in 2021. Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Solutions Division at Intel Corporation. She joined Intel in 2016 from Delphi (News - Alert), where she engineered the first cross-country drive of a fully autonomous vehicle. This is the second in an occasional series of Intel newsroom editorials related to autonomous driving. To comment or reach Kathy directly, email [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006194/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] Mapbox Appoints Roy Ng as President and Chief Operating Officer SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mapbox, the leading real-time location and mapping platform for developers, today announced Roy Ng (photo) has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As President and COO, Ng will have responsibility for all customer facing operations, including sales, marketing, customer success, and business development, as well as finance, human resources, and business operations. He will report directly to Mapbox's CEO Eric Gundersen. Ng joins Mapbox from Twilio, where he was COO and led commercial operations for the company, responsible for global sales, account management, customer success, corporate development, partnerships, strategy and business operations. He also led marketing and human resources, and was instrumental in the success of the company's initial public offering. Prior to Twilio, Ng was Senior Vice President and COO for SAP's Cloud Business Unit. Ng joined SAP through its $3.4 billion acquisition of SuccessFactors where he was Vice President of Global Business Operations. Prior to SuccessFactors, Ng was Vice President and Head of West Coast Software Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, where he built and led the firm's Software as a Service franchise. "Roy gets the play and understands how we are a platform first, how developer adoption drives everything, and how live data is our lifeblood," said Gundersen. "There are obvious similarities between Roy's time as COO at Twilio and Mapbox being an API company, but more importantly, I love how fast Roy moves and how smartly he executes. Roy joins our team at a time where we are seeing real traction for our products in key markets. I'm incredibly excited to run alongside him as we scale our business and take it to the next level." "I'm super excited to join Eric and the incredibly talented team at Mapbox," said Ng. "Together we are building a real-time location platform ouching hundreds of millions of people. Any developer or business can now have live updating maps, accurate location search, and traffic-aware directions in their apps. The real value of a map is in the real-time data. Mapbox is collecting more than 150 million miles of anonymized data every day, estimated to be around 4 to 5 times more data than Waze was collecting when Google acquired them. Mapbox is at an exciting inflection point and the team is moving fast - just look at yesterday's launch at GDC of Mapbox's Unity SDK, bringing real-world maps and location to video games, or Mapbox Drive, the first lane guidance map designed for car companies to control the in-car experience, built specifically for semi-autonomous driving, ride sharing, and connected cars. I am honored and thrilled to join this journey with this exceptional team." "As a platform company, it's all about delivering the highest level of performance at the lowest possible cost - and Roy bridges finance, business and software. I can't wait to work with Roy as we scale past a quarter of a billion users," says Emily McAfee, Mapbox's Head of Platform. Ryan McIntyre, co-founder and Managing Director of Foundry Group framed Ng's hire as a pivotal moment in the industry. "The most exciting trend in enterprise SaaS is the power of the API-driven, developer-focused model, which Mapbox exemplifies. Roy's prior experience makes him uniquely qualified to further accelerate Mapbox's growth and vision," said McIntyre, who led Mapbox's first investment round and serves on the company's board. Randy Glein, co-founder and Managing Director at DFJ Growth added, "Mapbox has quickly become the leading choice for developers who want to integrate high-performance digital maps, geolocation and navigation capabilities into their applications. Roy brings highly relevant experience to Mapbox that will help cement our leadership position in the market and navigate the rapid expansion and scaling phase of our journey. The future is bright for Mapbox and shines even brighter with Roy joining our team." Glein led Mapbox's Series B and serves on its board. Ng graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, with dual degrees in Business Administration and Political Science. He serves on the Boards of several technology companies, Junior Achievement of Northern California, and is a member of the Dean's Advisory Circle at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. About Mapbox (photos of the Mapbox platform) Mapbox is the leading real-time location and mapping platform for developers. Our services power mobile apps and websites from the biggest brands, including the Weather Channel, CNN, National Geographic, Github, and Airbnb in China. Mapbox is the foundation for other platforms, letting enterprises analyze their data, drone companies publish flyovers, real estate sites visualize properties, satellite companies process cloud-free imagery, and insurance companies track assets. Founded in 2010, Mapbox has offices in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., and is backed by leading investors. Learn more at Mapbox.com. Contact: [email protected] 408-761-4285 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mapbox-appoints-roy-ng-as-president-and-chief-operating-officer-300417326.html SOURCE Mapbox [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] EQUITY ALERT: Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Securities Claims Against Omega Protein Corporation - OME Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Omega Protein Corporation (NYSE:OME) resulting from allegations that Omega may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. On March 1, 2017, Omega revealed during aftermarket hours that in December 2016, it "received a subpoena from the SEC (News - Alert) requesting information in connection with an investigation relating to a Company subsidiary's compliance with its probation terms and the Company's protection of whistleblower employees." Omega further revealed that "it is possible that the foregoing matter could result in a material adverse effect on the Company's business, reputation, results of operation and financial condition." On this news, shares of Omega fell sharply during intraday trading on March 2, 2017. Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action lawsuit to recover losses suffered by Omega investors. If you purchased shares of Omega on or before March 1, 2017, pleasevisit the firm's website at http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-1069.html for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim or Kevin Chan of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/rosen_firm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006340/en/ Bengaluru, Mar 2 (IBNS): The hunger strike by a section of Ola and Uber app-cab drivers in Bengaluru entered its second day on Thursday, according to media reports. On Wednesday, about 20 drivers decided to go on a hunger strike at Freedom Park in Bengaluru as they claim the app cab aggregators are not paying attention to their falling earnings and other demands. According to media reports, several opposition parties, including former PM H D Deva Gowdas Janata Dal (Secular) and the Karnataka BJP have extended support to the protesting drivers. Reportedly, the companies have failed to reach out to the drivers. The Bengaluru-based drivers of both companies have been staging protests for a week now. 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... You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Lucknow, Mar 2 (IBNS): With campaigning for the sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections ending on Thursday, all parties are busy reaching out to the people. The sixth of the seven phase election in UP will take place on Saturday. Key leaders of all major political parties are holding multiple rallies and roadshows at various places in eastern Uttar Pradesh, according to media reports. Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is slated to address six rallies in Ballia, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah is holding roadshows in Gorakhpur. Akhileshs wife and MP Dimple Yadav is holding three rallies in Azamgarh. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that common people are angry with the politics of caste and community polarisation followed by SP and BSP in the ongoing UP Assembly elections, media reported. The districts going to polls in the sixth phase are Mau, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh and Ballia. Image: Amit Shah Twitter New Delhi, Mar 2 (IBNS): Members of the Jat community from five states protested at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday to push their demand for quota in state jobs and educational institutions, according to media reports. As protesters from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab gathered to protest, traffic along the roads leading to the venue were thrown out of gear. The protesters have been demanding reservations for the community in government jobs and educational institutions, media reported. A similar agitation in Haryana last year had led to the death of 30 people and damage to property worth crores. Microsoft announced at GDC 2017 that anyone can release games for the Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs via the new Xbox Live Creators Program. The company also highlighted several other features, such as the Beam streaming tool and the performance-boosting Game Mode, that should debut soon. Xbox Live Creators Program The new program opens up Xbox One and Windows 10 game development and distribution to basically anyone with a hankering to make something. The Xbox Live Creators Program will allow development on retail Xbox One consoles instead of requiring a dev kit, for example, and developers will be able to publish to a dedicated Creators section of the Xbox Games Store. (Games will also be made available for Windows 10 PCs via the Windows Store.) Here's what Microsoft said about the program in a blog post (opens in new tab): With the Creators Program, anyone can integrate Xbox Live sign-in, presence, and social features into their UWP games, then publish their game to Xbox One and Windows 10. This means their title can see exposure to every Xbox One owner across the Xbox One family of devices, including Project Scorpio this holiday, as well as hundreds of millions of Windows 10 PCs, and millions of folks using the Xbox app on mobile platforms. One notable omission from the Xbox Live Creators Program is support for multiplayer gameplay and achievements; those features will be limited to members of the more exclusive ID@Xbox program. More information about the Xbox Live Creators Program can be found on Microsoft's website (opens in new tab). The company said that sign-ups will be limited at first so it can fine-tune the program, but it plans to open up the program to everyone later on. Microsoft's decision to open up Xbox and Windows 10 game development comes at an interesting time: Valve recently changed the rules for its Steam marketplace to be more restrictive. The Xbox Live Creators Program is likely meant to capitalize on those new limitations and encourage devs to create Universal Windows Platform (UWP) games. Time will tell if opening the floodgates will cause the same problems for Microsoft that it did for Valve. Beam, Game Mode, And More The rest of Microsoft's announcement focused on small updates to features and services we already knew about. The Xbox Game Pass--which offers unlimited access to Xbox One and "backwards compatible" Xbox 360 titles for $10 per month-- servicerevealed earlier this week got a shout-out. So did Beam, which was announced in October 2016 and will offer "fast, low-latency, interactive game broadcasting." Here's the big news about Beam: Building on this, today we shared preliminary details of the Beam Interactivity 2.0 SDK with developers coming in March, this SDK will make developing interactive streaming features much easier and enable a wide range of new design scenarios. More details about this SDK will be published on the Beam blog and detailed in the Beam-specific GDC talk tomorrow. Microsoft also drew attention to Game Mode, a feature coming in the Windows 10 Creators Update this Spring that promises to boost game performance, and new additions to the Xbox Play Anywhere platform that allows Xbox One and Windows 10 PC owners to play games on either platform at will. The company said that 10 games already support Xbox Play Anywhere and 16 more are going to embrace the platform some time in the near future. While plenty of bands have been caught up in messy legal disputes over apparently-lifted riffs and stolen melodies, U2 have generally kept their noses clean. But now, a British songwriter is accusing the band of ripping off one of his tracks and asking $5m USD for the privilege. As reported by The Globe and Mail, a complaint was filed by one Paul Rose to the U.S. District Court of Manhattan alleging that Bono & Co. stole signature elements from his song Nae Slappin for one of their Achtung Baby megahits The Fly. The implication is that, when U2 made their sharp move towards the overblown, ironic output of their 90s era, they were in need of some inspiration outside of their usual sources, and found it in Roses song. Rose apparently gave a demo of the track to the label U2s label Island in 1989, and so of course he feels that the ideas particularly its guitar solo and industrial-style percussion made their way into U2s own track later on. He believes that the tracks are strikingly similar in parts, but he apparently didnt notice these similarities in the decades between the release of The Fly and now. Conveniently, the track appeared on his personal YouTube channel just last year, so you can make the comparison yourself below. While there are some similarities there, its always hard to tell how these things will play out; everyone from Led Zeppelin to Tame Impala have been accused of ripping people off, but actually proving it is always the hardest part. Paul Rose Nae Slappin U2 The Fly "First time visitor to your site today, looking for liberal news alternative. Do you realize the A** Wednesday post is very offensive to God and Christians?" CELEBRATION OF LIFE Kansas City Voter Guide Help Stop Local Pill Mill Black Market Court Fight Confronts Kansas City Tech Giant Doggie Dilemma Recap Suburban Hottie Faces Tragic Charges Celebrate Better Rock Chalk Receipts Dead Tree Media Celeb News Fake Gronk Is Damaged Goods Looking through our files and noticing a continuing uptick in visitors to our humble blog . . . This bit ofis worth sharing. . .And whilst we do not want to offend . . . Because we're devoted to the idea that our love of the female form is a. . . We're still called to share our dedication tolingerie hotness as we sniff out the most important Kansas City links tonight . . . Take a peek:And this is thefor tonight . . . New Delhi, Mar 2 (IBNS): The Defence Ministry on Thursday has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to hold an inquiry into leaking of question paper for Army's recruitment examination, according to media reports. The question paper leak was detected in Maharashtra Police in Thane on Sunday, which led to the cacellation of the test for the entire Pune zone. The police arrested 18 people on Sunday on their alleged involvement in the army recruitment examination question paper leak, media reported. Image: Manohar Parrikar Twitter STL Today: Trump refocusing on protecting police as some in minority communities worry about repercussions WILL PREZ TRUMP PROMISES TO STAND UP FOR POLICE HELP CURB KANSAS CITY'S CONTINUED HOMICIDE SPIKE??? Despite the transfer of power in the nation's capital, the rate of Kansas City killing continues to rise over last year's historic increase.President Trump mentionedbut Kansas City is also one of the areasStill, the focus on support for police has elicited celebration and concern on both sides of the aisle . . .Again, none of this has impacted Kansas City recent rate of killing given thatand more outdoor opportunities for violence.There are always a great many theories and perspectives on this trend but tonight we want to put the question to our blog community . . .More info on the latest instances of local violence and death . . .You decide . . . Kansas City Voters Near Deadline Missouri voter law requires all potential voters to register at least 4 weeks prior to the next election. If you want to vote in the upcoming election on April 4th, you have to register to vote by March 8th. There is less than one week to register. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday March 8, 2017 is last day to register to vote in the April 4, 2017 School and Special Election. - KANSAS CITY BOARD of ELECTION COMMISSIONERS A kind reminder for Kansas City stoners regarding a new hope to lessen legal penalties for a drug that's almost as widely available as candy . . . We've highlighted the important parts . . .Kansas City voters prepare for the School and Special Election, April 4th. The election will have sweeping impacts for Kansas Citys School Districts, infrastructure spending, and the decriminalization of marijuana. An official sample ballot can be found here:All online and physical voter registration documents must be in the local election authoritys hands by end of business, March 8th. You can register to vote at the DMV for instant verification by Missouri Secretary of State. Physical voter registration cards can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Kansas City Board of Elections.The campaign to reduce marijuana penalties, YES on 5 KC encourages KCMO voters to register before the deadline, March 8th. Visitto learn more about absentee voting, voter registration, voter status.############You decide . . . The Hellenic Bank announced on Wednesday that the one-off de-recognition of deferred tax asset of 51.2 million in combination with the increased provisions resulted in a loss after tax from continuing operations of 62.7 million for 2016. It said that during 2016, it approved 354 million of new lending and also completed further restructurings of 701 million. The Bank said that it maintained a strong capital adequacy ratio of 17.22%. The level of NPEs has been reduced for a fifth consecutive quarter to 2.340 million at December 31, 2016, down by 2% compared to September 30, 2016 and by 10% compared to December 31, 2015. The NPEs to gross loans ratio as at December 31, 2016 was reduced to 56.6% (September 30, 2016: 57.1%, December 31, 2015: 59.2%). The Group maintains robust capital adequacy ratios, above the minimum required by the relevant Regulatory Authorities. As of December 31, 2016, the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) ratio stood at 13.81%, well above the minimum CET 1 ratio of 9.25% set by the regulatory authorities for 2017. At the end of year 2016, the Groups Capital Adequacy Ratio was 17.22% and the Tier 1 ratio was 16.99%, said the Bank in a press release. Net loan to deposits ratio It added that in 2016 the Group maintained its strong liquidity position. The net loan to deposits ratio stood at 47.9% as of December 31, 2016. On December 31, total deposits amounted to 6.1 billion while total gross loans reached 4.1 billion. Phivos Stasopoulos Group General Manager, Corporate and Insurance Division, said that we have made further progress executing our strategic priorities during the last quarter of 2016. We reduced NPEs for a fifth consecutive quarter to their lowest level post December 2014. We completed about 701 million of loan restructurings, as part of NPEs resolution, during 2016 and the loan restructuring momentum remains strong. He noted that earlier this year, the Bank reached an agreement with APS Holding a.s., subject to completion and regulatory approvals, to create the first debt servicing and real estate asset management platform in the Cypriot market to tackle problematic loans in a more efficient and effective way. Source: CNA 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 Greek economic sentiment index fell significantly to 92.9 points in February, from 95.1 in January, to levels last seen in November 2016, the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) said on Wednesday. In its monthly report, IOBE said that despite the February decline, the index remained higher compared with February 2016 levels (89 points). All sectors, with the exception of industry, recorded declines in February, mostly in retail commerce and constructions. Consumer confidence also fell significantly, falling to April 2016 levels (which was the lowest since August 2013). An uncertain economic environment, because of prolonged negotiations to conclude a second review of the program and continuous postponement of any possible positive effects from completing a review on liquidity and labour market, were leading enterprises to review downwards their plans for the current year. More specifically, business expectations in the industrial sector improved markedly over production levels in the coming months, while estimates over inventories rose and negative estimates over new orders and demand slightly improved. In the services sector, business expectations over the current situation of enterprises turned negative, although estimates over short-term demand improved and estimates over current demand remaining almost unchanged. In the retail commerce sector, positive business expectations over current sales de-escalated, along with estimates over short-term sales and estimates over inventories turned slightly negative. In the construction sector, pessimistic estimates over work program deteriorated further although negative estimates over employment slightly improved. In consumer confidence, the index fell as households' became more pessimistic over their finances and the country's finances in the coming months. 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 Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with the Hellenic Bank Association (HBA) on Tuesday, with subsequent press leaks claiming he asked banks' representatives to offer "relief" to households and businesses holding non-performing loans (NPLs) and to avoid "mass layoffs". The leftist Greek premier met with the association's board at his Maximos Mansion office, with several top government officials, including deputy PM Yannis Dragasakis, in attendance. Taking to Twitter afterwards and via his personal account, Tsipras offered this view on how the Greek crisis exploded on the international scene in late 2009. "(The) crisis began from (Greek) banks' inability to offer liquidity to the economy and it (crisis) will end with the lifting of this inability. The government, banks and (other) entities must work together for the economy's recovery." Conversely, Tsipras' rival, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on directly charged that if any new agreement with creditors will be distinctly felt by citizens if it "includes a reduction in pensions and a lower of the tax-free threshold." Speaking at the presentation of a new book in Athens, Mitsotakis also stepped up his attack at what he called populism in the country. The center-right political leader stressed that the phenomenon, which he said was "perfected" in Greece, will face a "certain defeat by a well-documented, realistic and reasoned political speech." 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 "The situation with the defence ministry has now become very serious," main opposition New Democracy's shadow minister for foreign affairs George Koumoutsakos said "The situation with the defence ministry has now become very serious," main opposition New Democracy's shadow minister for foreign affairs George Koumoutsakos said on Thursday. He was talking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA) about Nicosia's denial of reports appearing in the Greek press regarding a possible military 'close encounter' in Cyprus' territorial waters. "Defence ministry 'sources' talk about an incident in Cyprus and Nicosia denies this...there cannot be talk about a possible incident at a time when actions to exploit the energy reserves in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone are underway. This frivolity is now becoming dangerous," Koumoutsakos said. Earlier, Cyprus government spokesman Nikos Christodoulides said that Nicosia had no information confirming reports in the Greek press about possible attempts by the Turkish military to trigger an "incident" near Cyprus in June, when the French company Total is due to start drilling for natural gas. In statements to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Christodoulides said that Nicosia was in constant contact with the Greek government and "had no such information, nor are such claims confirmed." He was responding to articles that appeared in the Greek press on Thursday, citing sources within the Greek defence ministry, which said the ministry expected some kind of military activity by Turkish forces when drilling begins. 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 Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos confirmed that the country was planning on upgrading the F-16 aircraft and spending money on the maintenance of the S-300 defence missile system, during parliamentary question time. We are aware of the economic circumstances. Our initiatives will be within the limitations of the fiscal framework, he said in response to a question put forward by DIMAR MP Thanasis Theocharopoulos. Mr. Kammenos stressed that the costs for Greeces armament procurement program had been secured with guaranteed credit. Despite the fiscal conditions we have reserved 2% for our defence program, he underlined, adding that the US had aided the country by offering military hardware, like the Chinook helicopters for free. On reports that Greece has expressed interest in the stealth F-35 jet fighters, the Defence Minister said the country had forwarded a request on price and availability for a possible procurement of 20 air craft. The request was made to explore the possibilities of a procurement which would be decided by the Greek parliament. In his response to the MP Mr. Kammenos blasted the Simitis government of 1996 for lack of national determination. We are not like the Simitis government which let the flag over Imia fly off, he commented. 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 An appeals court nullified on Thursday a 10-month suspended prison sentence imposed on a Greek blogger who run a satirical webpage titled Geron Pastitsios (Elder Pastitsios) for insulting religion, ending his five-year legal battle. The court activated article 8 of law 4411/2016 which cancels misdemeanors committed up until March 31, 2016 and carried a sentence of up to two years in prison. The page's creator, 32-year-old Filippos Loizos, who was convicted by a misdemeanors court in 2012. Electronic Crimes Unit initially arrested Loizos on charges of malicious blasphemy, which carries up to six months in prison, and offense against religion. The blasphemy charge was dropped but the second one persisted. The webpage took its name from deceased Orthodox monk Elder Paisios, whose teachings and prophecies gained prominence among believers. In the webpage, Paisioss name and face were replaced with Pastitsios, a popular Greek pasta-and-bechamel dish, to mock the alleged prophecies and exploitation of his name by religious websites. The arrest came about after Facebook told Greek authorities that Loizos was the administrator of the webpage. Shortly before his arrest, Golden Dawn MP Christos Pappas raised the issue in parliament urging the then-ministers of citizen protection and education to take the necessary steps as the administrator insults, mocks and tries to humiliate the sacred form of Greek Orthodoxy, and Elder Paisios. The arrest triggered an outcry from supporters of Loizos and his conviction raised again the issue of freedom of expression and Greeces archaic blasphemy laws. 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 Saudi Arabian investors have emerged as second biggest players in Dubai's real estate sector among the Gulf states with 3,294 transactions worth Dh8 billion ($2.17 billion) last year, according to a report issued by Dubai Land Department (DLD). The statistics demonstrate an annual growth in the real estate investment in Dubai by GCC investors, particularly from Saudi Arabia, it stated. Saudi Arabian investors occupy the second position among the non-local real estate investors in Dubai while the Indian investors with Dh12 billion ($3.2 billion) worth of property transactions topped the list. They led the way both in terms of volume and value last year, said the DLD report. "The Saudi investments in Dubais real estate market are governed by quantitative and qualitative investments," stated Walid Farghal, the director general Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of International Property Show (IPS) which is officially supported by DLD. The prime reason for the investments is the positive investment climate offered by Dubai, along with the economic stability in the city, which promises lucrative returns on the real estate investments," he remarked. Secondly, the policies incorporated by the Dubai government are clear and transparent which are encouraging Saudi investment in Dubais real estate, said Farghal. "Furthermore Dubai is considered to be a haven for security and stability which attracts investors from within and outside the region alike," he added. A recent report released by DLD stated that the real estate market showcased an influential start in 2017 with total transactions in the first 45 days amounting to Dh42 billion, as compared to the total investments in 2016 which was Dh91 billion for the whole year. Farghal pointed out that the real estate industry in Dubai will see a steady growth in 2017 and the coming years. "In addition, the Dubai real estate sector will continue witnessing investments from Saudi Arabia, because of its concrete and transparent policies and industry-driven shows as the International Property Show which serve as a strategic platform for experts in the industry to discuss and share best practices," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Vodafone Egypt has gone live with the first commercial virtual network function in the Middle East in partnership with Ericsson. Since October 2016, Ericssons virtual Serving GPRS Support Node Mobility Management Entity (SGSN-MME) has been serving and managing commercial mobile broadband traffic on the Vodafone Egypt network, said a statement. The Ericsson virtual SGSN-MME supports multi-access technologies such as GSM, WCDMA and LTE, and interworks with Wi-Fi. It provides full feature parity, and is agnostic to the underlying cloud system with support for both Open stack and VMware. Based on the leading Ericsson pooling concept, Vodafone Egypt network runs using a combination of virtual and native SGSN/MME in the same pool, supporting efficient capacity expansion. Osama Said, Vodafone Egypt technology director, said: We are happy to be working with Ericsson to take forward steps towards our Network Function Virtualization. The virtualization technology will enhance the speed and efficiency of services we provide to our customers. which will in turn support our main goal to reach customer satisfaction. We are excited to continue working on this Core Network Technology Evolution with the support of Ericsson. Ericsson has unparalleled experience in the deployment and operation of commercial LTE/EPC networks, having built and operated more than 300 networks worldwide that include either a native or virtual SGSN-MME. This technology is continuously evolving to incorporate new functionalities, creating new business opportunities for operators and reducing costs. Rafiah Ibrahim, head of region Middle East and East Africa at Ericsson, said: Utilising the virtual SGSN technology will be the first step in Vodafone Egypts journey towards virtualisation and cloud transformation. Operators are looking for ways to increase capacity and achieve efficiencies; todays agreement will enable Vodafone Egypt to achieve these goals. Building on proven software and functionality, the Ericsson SGSN-MME extends network capabilities to meet even the most aggressive traffic growth predictions. It provides superior scalability and capacity so that operators can optimise their operations and manage the increasing volume of traffic from mobile broadband. -TradeArabia News Service Kolkata/Purulia, Mar 2 (IBNS): A government-run bus reportedly fell into a roadside ditch in West Bengal's Purulia district on Thursday morning, leaving at least 12 persons injured. According to reports, Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) bound SBSTC (South Bengal State Transport Corporation) bus from Durgapur suddenly lost control and overturned on NH-60A near Bankapul area in Purulia district. At least 12 passengers of the bus were injured in the accident and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Police has seized the government-run bus. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) Image: Facebook Etisalat Group and Ericsson have signed an agreement to deploy the first-of-its-kind Unified Delivery Network (UDN) platform across the Middle East. The revolutionary content distribution platform aggregates and exposes network capabilities into the public domain, allowing services to be optimised and monetised in new ways. In addition, the UDN platform offers service providers the ability to efficiently scale the delivery of over-the-top (OTT) services and high quality video content. As a result, Etisalat will be able to address the needs of both service and content providers in its markets. Hatem Bamatraf, chief technology officer international at Etisalat Group, said: "The growth of streaming media and high quality video technologies has ushered in a new era of content delivery. Partnering with Ericsson to deploy high quality content will enable us to offer our customers enhanced video quality of experience through seamless delivery, establishing Etisalat Group as regional leader in this area. Ericssons vision is to bring together the ecosystem of service providers and content providers to collaborate around how last mile edge delivery can enrich the consumer experience. New revenue streams and business models will be created through the seamless introduction of new services, enabling rapid innovation, cost savings, and faster time to market. Etisalat Group and Ericsson plan to deploy the UDN solution in 2017. Petter Jartby, head of Etisalat Global Customer Unit at Ericsson Region Middle East, said: "The launch of UDN delivers a disruptive new business model that offers a win-win situation for all players involved with traffic delivery. UDN uses the service providers last-mile footprint to achieve amazing performance and open the opportunity for next-generation distributed cloud services. We look forward to deploying this first of its kind solution to the region together with Etisalat. TradeArabia News Service Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri has been appointed commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, according to a resolution issued by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed described the new commander-in-chief as an efficient, devoted and honest young leader. He wished Major General Al Marri success in serving his country, a Wam news agency report said. Al Marri joined the Dubai Police in 1992 and has achieved a great deal ever since. Al Marri said he was proud of the confidence reposed in him by the Dubai Ruler and pledged to dedicate his energy and professional expertise towards the progress of Dubais police and public security. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Khamis Matar Al Mazinah. "I have learnt a lot from Lt. General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, and from the late Lt. General Al Mazinah, and I look forward to continue learning," he said. Euro Motors, the exclusive importer and distributor for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, provides customers with the opportunity to be rewarded through its loyalty card Intaleq. Stemming from its constant efforts to consistently maintain and raise its own benchmark setting standards, consolidate its position as leaders in the automotive industry in Bahrain and complement its acclaimed and exemplary aftersales services, Euro Motors offers its loyalists and prospective customers a unique loyalty programme that rewards them with each purchase. Intaleq is an exclusive loyalty programme that caters to customers of all brands under Euro Motors umbrella including Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Mini and BMW. Under the features of the loyalty programme, every Bahraini Dinar spent at the Euro Motors showroom will earn the customer 1 point (Klick), which is the equivalent to 1 per cent of a dinar, being credited to the Intaleq account. The Intaleq loyalty card entitles the customer to a wide array of benefits and rewards including referral rewards, priority invitations to special events and priority booking for services along with benefitting from exclusive offers designed only for members. Members of the programme are also presented with special offers provided by a number of Euro Motors business partners. Yazid Mourad, general manager of Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, said: At Euro Motors, we constantly strive towards innovating to create the best deals and offers for the benefit of our customers and it is with pride that I state that our exclusive loyalty program, Intaleq, is in line with that philosophy. New customers at Euro Motors, regardless of which brand of vehicle they invest in, are automatically entitled to the loyalty card and can enrol after their first purchase of a product or service, while existing customers will be able to get their hands on the card by applying online on the Euro Motors website or contacting our dedicated Intaleq staff. TradeArabia News Service The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Bahrain, along with its owning company National Hotels Company BSC, recently honoured employees who had completed 5 to 35 years of service at its Annual Staff Party. Abdul Rahman Morshed, chief executive officer, said: Employees are the lifeblood of any organisation. Its growth, development, stability and success is through their unwavering service. The company has achieved recognitions over the past 35 years and we are proud to see that they are part of it. Panos Panagis, hotel general manager, said: There is no doubt that on this important day we celebrate and honour our employees who have completed their long years of service at the hotel. For their loyalty, commitment and continued support, we were able to achieve many of our business goals. Through this occasion, we express our gratitude and appreciation for the allegiance and teamwork. It is true that every moment matters and this paves way to making sure that our brands 100 per cent guest satisfaction guarantee comes to life," he said. "Our ethos of Yes I Can! is the driving force behind the success of all employees and is clearly proven by Waheed Ameen (Laundry Valet) for his achievement of 35 years in service. "Waheed who is a Bahraini, is an example of the companys 'Our Promise We are powered by Passion, We genuinely care and We act responsibly'. He has over these years attended to all laundry requirements of every guest, whether a walk in or a top VIP, putting the guests on center stage by providing excellent laundry service. "Another success story is Mahmood Hajji (Bell Captain) who has served 23 years in service and received the Employee of the Year 2016 award. Hajji has built meaningful and lasting relationships with local and international guests ensuring that their experience upon arrival is impeccable. He has been recognised for exemplifying the values of the hotel and the Carlson Rezidor Hotel group. "Congratulations and well done to all, Panagis said. - TradeArabia News Service Hoteliers attending this years Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) have stressed the importance of government support for tourism as key to a strong and resilient hospitality industry, in remarks at a briefing in Bahrain ahead of the event. The Manama briefing on February 20 brought together hoteliers, hospitality investors, owners and tourism officials who discussed issues facing the industry ahead of AHIC, which is running from April 25 to 27 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Hyder Cohen, CEO of TCIG - The Cohen International Group, said: It was valuable to hear in the AHIC briefing that Bahrain understands these challenges and has concrete plans on developing a comprehensive Tourism eco-system which will enable the kingdom to offer a diverse and cohesive product. Creating bespoke products coupled with technologically enabled experiences will act as a key differentiator and will provide regional countries a unique selling proposition of their tourism product." Echoing his sentiments, Fredrick Bonnalt, senior manager, Expedia Affiliate Network, said: Its clear to me that Bahrain has a clear and determined tourism strategy for the next five to 10 years. Its very refreshing to listen to the vision, knowing that the government is standing behind this strategy to make Bahrain a top leisure and corporate destination. These are difficult times from a geopolitical, as well as a financial viewpoint and to diversify the countrys economy will be vital; there is no doubt in my mind that Bahrain is implementing this strategy. During a living discussion on the impact of technology industry disruptors such as Airbnb and FlipKey, Ramzi Al Qassab, commercial director of GCC and Global Partners, Sabre, said: As a global technology provider to the travel and tourism industry, Sabre realises the importance of such platforms that brings together all industry players to streamline their efforts and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this industry. Consumer behaviours and expectations are changing rapidly and expecting more from all travel players, especially hotels. Technology plays a leading role addressing the expectations of the tech-savvy consumers, meeting the market needs and supporting the development of this sector. Sabres latest research on travellers behaviours impacting the hospitality sector identifies the main consumers behavioural trends for hoteliers and travel companies to consider when targeting todays traveller. Another study by Sabre has revealed that conversational interfaces, digital realities and connected intelligence are the emerging technology trends for hotels to keep an eye on when developing their technology strategy. Stressing the importance of AHIC and the regional briefings in playing a key role in the hotel sector throughout the GCC, Jerad Bachar, CDME, executive director, Tourism and Leisure, Bahrain Economic Development Board, explained: The discussions and information exchange which take place during these forums are vital to our expansion process. Indeed, the integration of discussions around industry disruptions and opportunities are beneficial for all sector stakeholders. AHIC 2017 will bring together more than 700 hotel owners, investors, developers, operators, consultants and experts from professional services to debate the hospitality investment climate against a backdrop of global catalysts for change and the macroeconomic environment. The conference will feature panel sessions entitled: The MacroEconomic Outlook for Middle East Hospitality; Do You Need An International Brand?; An A-Z of Reflagging Your Hotel; The Investment Climate Warms Up to the Mid-Market; and Concepts for the GCC. Sessions specifically targeted at hospitality investors will tackle issues such as white label operations, asset management, alternative models of investment, how to exit a contract, overseas acquisitions, working with master developers and achieving return on investment on food and beverage (F&B). - TradeArabia News Service The month-long Abu Dhabi Festival, a leading celebration of arts and culture in the region, kicked off yesterday (March 1) with a a variety of events, exhibitions, and workshops. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture & Knowledge Development, the Abu Dhabi Festival - now in its 14th year - will take place throughout the month of March. Organised annually by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the festival features a variety of events, exhibitions, and workshops. Actively supporting emerging Emirati talent and advocating the importance of arts and culture in all aspects of life, this years sublime programme includes renowned artists and musicians from across the region and the world. 2017 sees Saudi Arabia as the Abu Dhabi Festival Country of Honour. Continuing its legacy, this years Festival celebrates the values of Culture and Tolerance set by the late Sheikh Zayed, Founding Father of the UAE. In celebration of the Country of Honour, the Festival welcomes the renowned Saudi Arabian musician Mohamed Abdo (14 March). This illustrious performer, whose significance resounds across the region and internationally, has a particularly storied connection with the UAE first performing in the early 1970s at the behest of the late Sheikh Zayed The celebration of arts and culture will also see the Festival hosting globally renowned performers and artists including five-time Grammy award winner Tomatito (March 23), Asias finest orchestra Chinas National Centre for The Performing Arts Orchestra (March 24 and 25), jazz legend Wynton Marsalis with a special guest appearance by Naseer Shamma (March 27), the highly acclaimed Queen Of Fado Mariza (March 29) and the sensational, electrifying and Grammy award-winning Silk Road Ensemble With Yo-Yo Ma (March 31). Commenting upon the theme, Huda Ebrahim AlKhamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival said: The Abu Dhabi Festival is unique in that it harnesses culture to bring people of the UAE together. Since its inception, ADMAF has been at the heart and forefront of the UAEs cultural sector and it is our privilege to present this array of cultural initiatives in the UAE as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival. The incredible range of artistic talent within the Festival is testament to the creative spirit of the UAE. In our eyes, the Abu Dhabi Festival is a gateway for culture to the rest of the world and conversely that brings the world to Abu Dhabi. Launched in 2004, the Festival continues to attract the highest caliber of artists to the UAE capital each year, bringing together artists, students, community groups and cultural organisations from across the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service The Three E's for The Modern Compliance Department In early February, the CME Group broadened its spoofing rule to include attempted spoofing, and increased the amount of potential fines for disruptive trading activity and attempted market manipulation. Not only did this news catch my eye, but it confirmed what I have been expecting to see for a while: the CFTC is starting to put increased pressure on the exchanges to detect and punish illegal trading activity. The CME is not the only derivatives exchange that has been feeling the pressure from the CFTC, as ICE has been mandated to speed up their investigations of market manipulation as well. Craig Pirrong, a finance professor at the University of Houston, told Reuters, that under the new rules, the CME will have more latitude to pursue spoofers and other rogue traders. It is more clear than ever before, that compliance officers at trading organizations of all kinds must be thinking about the most effective ways to ensure that their traders are playing by the rules. 1 2 next For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: You can opt out of certain types of cookies (e.g. those used in social media sharing) by choosing "I do not accept". The website will still largely function well, but with slightly less functionality in places. To manage your cookie preferences in future, visit the "Cookie Statement" link at the bottom of any page. Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 2, 2017 Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB), the national carrier of Malaysia, is all set to embark on its Evidence-Based Training (EBT) journey. The Airline announced that it has selected Peak Pacific to provide its product, CLEAR to drive its EBT initiative. The move marks a major shift in the airlines training direction, and also makes it one of the first airlines in the region to adopt a fully integrated EBT philosophy. The CLEAR Suite is the flagship software from Peak Pacific, the Hong Kong-based Learning & Technology provider that is a domain expert and leading provider of Aviation Learning solutions. According to MABs Chief Operations Officer, Captain Izham Ismail, Malaysia Airlines have been looking for an EBT solution as part of our new strategy for pilot training. Peak Pacific is the right fit for us as they have systems built specifically for EBT. They also have a better understanding of our environment and training requirements. The EBT is a new training programme that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been actively promoting in recent years. He added, Safety is of Malaysia Airlines utmost priority. The EBT is just one of our efforts to continuously enhance safety and we will be among the first in the region to invest and embark on this implementation of Baseline EBT. Peak Pacific Founder & CEO, Kishor Mistry, said, We are very pleased to add Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) to the growing list of customers taking up our EBT solution, which includes not only EBT, but also the Competency Based Training framework, hence providing customers with a total solution. The MAB team has put great emphasis on getting it right, by starting with an EBT Change Managed Program for Trainers, Admin and Management, plus a Train-the-Trainer program to ensure there is quality and consistency throughout the team and the project long term. The MAB project will include Digital (encrypted) Certificates to satisfy the Department of Civil Aviation of Malaysia (DCAM) requirements; hence making the transition from a paper/form based solution to a truly digital one. Mr Mistry added, The solution will include integration with existing MAB systems such as their HRMS, LMS and Rostering/Scheduling systems, to create a totally integrated technology driven training environment. This agreement is a significant milestone for Peak Pacific, and for MAB to become the leading legacy carrier in Malaysia to take up EBT using our Clear Suite. We look forward to working with Malaysian Airlines Berhad and the Department of Civil Aviation of Malaysia to implement a world class solution. About Peak Pacific Limited Peak Pacific is a global leader in providing Learning consultancy, products, solutions and professional services for the Aerospace, Transportation and Logistics industries, among other compliance verticals. With offices in Hong Kong, India, Singapore, UK, and partners in Europe and the USA, Peak Pacific is able to reach out to customers and provide a personal service. Peak Pacific is an ISO 2008:9001 certified company with over 30 years of management and solution experience in the aviation, learning and development space, consistently delivering high quality Learning products and solutions for satisfied customers around the world. About Malaysia Airlines: Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines carries 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysias diverse richness. Malaysia Airlines embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia, capturing its rich traditions, cultures, cuisines and warm hospitality on board, while opening up more of Malaysias destinations than any other airline. Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. Via our alliance with oneworld, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity with seamless journeys to 1,000 destinations across 150 plus countries, and access to over 650 airport lounges worldwide. Up to 90 destinations will be serviced across Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East via a new codeshare partnership with Emirates, signed in early 2016. For more information, please visit https://www.malaysiaairlines.com. Located in Central Europe, Croatia offers offers a lot of unique travel experiences for people of all ages. if you ever plan to visit, here are some of the best activities in store for you here. Sleep in a luxury lighthouse. How often can you say that you've slept in a 5-star lighthouse? When you visit Croatia, you can. For 130 years, Villa Lanterna served as a lighthouse for wayward sailors wanting to get home, but now, it has been converted to luxury villas to accommodate guests who want to stay the night. It isn't cheap, but the whole experience is well worth your money. Set foot in a fairy-tale castle. From afar, you'll think that you've entered the world of Disney princesses and noble lords. Trakoscan Castle is perfectly perched atop a hill in Northern Croatia, looking like a torn page from a fairy-tale book. Now owned by the government, this castle is a great place to explore the history of the country. It has a number of historical displays inside as well as a museum. The man-made lake at the foot of the hill is also a good backdrop for the best travel photo ever. Listen to the songs of the ocean. Have you ever heard of a musical instrument played by the ocean itself? The Sea Organ, designed by architect Nikola Basic, is an audio installation made with polyethylene pipes and installed beneath the 230-foot-long steps of Zadar's coastline. The waves and the wind create the most beautiful tones, which are heard through discreet cavities in the stairs. Read love letters by bitter lovers. You might have heard of the Museum of Broken Relationships opening in Los Angeles, but the original is found in Zagreb, Croatia. Basically, this museum displays a collection of former letters and stuff from past relationships. Every object has a backstory, from a discarded scarf to an engagement ring. All the objects on display are donated from all over the world. Drink wine in an underground cave. In Dubrovnik's international airport, there lies an underground cave that can be accessed near the main airport's office. Dubbed as Skycellar, this cave has a naturally chilled wine cellar where guests can sample wine from the Konavle region. The cave is also filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as traces of human activity from the prehistoric times. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Srinagar, Mar 2 (IBNS): Security forces apprehend local Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant in Pulwama in south Kashmir on Thursday morning, officials said. An official said that a joint operation by security forces led to arrest of local militant Bilal Ahmad at Palpora, Pulwama after receiving information about his movement. Some arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession, the officer added. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) Kolkata, Mar 2 (IBNS): An FIR has been lodged against a Kolkata outlet of American fast-food chain McDonald's after a family alleged they found a deep fried lizard in the packet of french fries, served by the popular restaurant, reports said. According to reports, a middle-aged woman from Kolkata along with her pregnant daughter and four-year-old granddaughter went to a McDonald's outlet at Mani Square mall in the city's E.M. Bypass area on Feb 28 morning to have breakfast. Their order included among other things, McD's special french fries. Following the incident, they lodged a complaint against the food chain at Phoolbagan Police Station. A senior administrative official of McDonald's (India division) said that they had already been informed about the incident and McDonald's authority has directed for a thorough investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, Kolkata Police are also looking into the incident, an official said. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) Bill McKibben is a busy man. One day he'll be speaking to a packed auditorium to spread the message for the environmental nonprofit he founded, 350.org. The next he'll be at a protest, trying to stop the proposed Keystone XL pipeline (or spend a few days in jail as a result of that protest). Soon after that he'll be penning articles for the Huffington Post, Rolling Stone or other publishers. Later, he'll serve as a scholar in residence at Vermont's Middlebury College. Then it's on to the next important event. He admits that his busy schedule makes it tough to balance his roles as an activist, writer, teacher, husband and father. "My daughter is in college now, which makes it easier, but my wife pays a real price," McKibben admits while en route from one event to the next. "And so does my writing there are days when I physically yearn for the peace of mind and quiet that good writing requires. But, you gotta do what you gotta do, and we're in the middle of the toughest fight ever." Although he has been fighting for the environment for more than 20 years now he published "The End of Nature," the first real book about global warming for general audiences, back in 1989 he hasn't lost any of his drive. He says stays strong by watching "the willingness of people in countries that have done nothing to cause the problem rise up willing to fight. If they can do it, we can do it." The environmental challenges faced by the people of the world have evolved in recent years. Every new climate change model shows a greater threat than we previously understood. Meanwhile, money from oil companies seems to play an increasingly large role in American politics, giving oil companies the advantage. But McKibben has responded by evolving his own messages and approaches. Last year he brought a new tool to the table: a call for universities to divest their investments of fossil-fuel related stocks. McKibben, who hopes to hit the oil companies in their wallets, has said that the idea has precedent. A similar divestiture movement in the 1980s called for universities to dump their South African investments as a way to pressure the government into dismantling apartheid. Although new, the divest movement already has traction. Student groups have formed on campuses around the country. Last November Maine's Unity College became the first to announce at a 350.org rally I attended in Portland that it would divest its fossil-fuel stocks. This March the College of the Atlantic, also in Maine, joined them. "The challenges are much greater, but we can prevail," McKibben says. He sees progress everywhere. "There were days last summer when Germany generated more than half the power it used from solar panels within its borders. What does that tell you about the relative role of technological prowess and political will in solving this?" he asks. The activist has no plans to slow down in 2013. Even though he's not on stage at the moment, you can almost feel the rallying cry as he lays out his plans for the coming year: "We hope to keep fighting the Keystone pipeline, we hope to convince dozens of colleges to divest, and we hope to grow this most important of movements ever larger!" Kolkata, Mar 2 (IBNS): The Eastern Army Commander, Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi is visiting Manipur on a two day tour to review the security situation ahead of the Assembly elections. On his arrival at Imphal, he was received by the Spear Corps Commander Lt Gen Anil Chauhan who then accompanied him on an aerial recce of NH-37 and briefed him on the prevailing security situation. The Army Commander also visited important locations in the state including Gaidimganj, Bishenpur, Senapati and Mantripukhri where he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding of the Red Shield Division, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) and local commanders on the security challenges and the measures being implemented for ensuring a conducive atmosphere for conduct of free and fair elections. The General Officer appreciated the synergy between the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and CAPFs in the region that was so critical to conduct of elections and restoration of normalcy. Thereafter, the Army Commander interacted with officers and men and expressed satisfaction at the high levels of operational preparedness being maintained. He exhorted them to conduct people-friendly operations while remaining alert to the threats posed by activities of the insurgents. He also greeted the people of Manipur ahead of Yaosang (Holi) celebrations and wished that the festival would bring in joy and prosperity. Guwahati, Mar 2 (IBNS): At least nine persons were injured in a blast in Manipur on Thursday evening, two days before the two-phased assembly poll ibegins n the north eastern Indian state. According to the reports, the blast took place near the temporary residence of National Peoples Front (NPF) candidate Leoshiyo Lanthungching in Phangyar constituency in Ukhrul district. Ukhrul police said that, the blast occurred around 5 pm at Longol area and suspected militants had triggered the explosion. Nine people were injured in the blast and they were immediately rushed to nearest hospital, a police official said. Among them two are reported in critical condition. Meanwhile top police, army officials were rushed to the blast area and launched operation against attackers. Manipur is going to hold the assembly polls in two phases on March 4 and 8. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Kochi, Mar 2 (IBNS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said there is no room for an intolerant Indian in the country. Delivering a lecture on 'India at 70' in Kerala's Kochi, Mukherjee said, "There should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression." He said the Indian society has always been characterized by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. "Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent," said Mukherjee at a time when violence errupted at Ramjas College of Delhi after the ABVP opposed an invite to JNU's Umar Khalid, who was accused of sedition last year. Mukherjee said, "Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking." The President asked students to engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. "It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet," said he. Lat week, a seminar at Ramjas College was cancelled after ABVP members protested against the participation of Jawaharlal Nehru University students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid Shora. The ABVP dubbed Khalid 'anti-national.' A sedition case was slapped on Khalid Umar and Kanhaiya Kumar a years ago in connection with an event organised at JNU on Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Following the incident, clashes broke out among rival groups of students outside the Ramjas college on Feb 22. Several were injured in the violence. The incident flared when 20-year-old Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur launched her online campaign against ABVP which resulted in a political slugfest among rival political parties and earned her both kudos and criticism. On Monday, Kaur approached the Delhi Women's Commission alleging she was being threatened with rape on social media for her campaign. Tribune News Service Amritsar, March 1 The Tarsikka police have nabbed Pavittar Singh, a resident of Raipur Kalan village, falling under the Jandiala police station, for allegedly possessing a .12-bore illegal weapon. The police have registered a case under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act against him in this connection and further investigations are under progress. Manjit Singh, investigating officer, said that preliminary investigations have found no links with gangsters or miscreants so far and added that further investigations were under progress. He said it was yet to be ascertained from whom he had procured the weapon. Sukhmeet Bhasin Tribune News Service Bathinda, February 28 On the call given by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) against the anti-people banking and labour reforms, all public sector banks today observed a strike. Members of the Bathinda unit of the UFBU staged a protest outside the Union Bank of India on Mall Road. Business was highly affected and residents faced problems as most of the ATMs remained cashless. Deepak Garg, a city resident, said he needed money for medicines but ATMs were cashless due to which he had to borrow money from his friend. Another resident Jaspal Singh said the bank employees should not suspend work as it directly affected the business and day-to-day life of the common man. The demands of employees include compensation for extra hours of work due to demonetisation, removal of gratuity ceiling under the Payment of Gratuity Act, total exemption of income tax on gratuity and leave encashment on retirement, immediate appointment of workmen/officer, employees and directors in all banks and implementation of compassionate appointment scheme on the lines of the Central government. They also demanded strict measures to recover bad loans, accountability of top executives and criminal action against wilful defaulters of loans. While addressing the bank employees, Pawan Jindal said unions in the banking industry had been fighting for more than two decades against the reform measures of the government as these were against the interests of the general public and labour force in the country. He said in the name of reform measures, every effort was being made by successive governments since 1991 to shift the control of public sector entities to the private and foreign investors. The cost of demonetisation as well as the loss of business in the two months after its launch will have a cascading effect on the balance sheets of the banks, the brunt of which will ultimately be borne by the bank employees, Pawan Jindal added. Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 Traders are up in arms against the decision by some banks to levy charges on cash transactions and called it a kind of financial terrorism on account holders. We strongly object levy of abnormal charges by banks on withdrawal of cash more than four times from savings bank accounts. Levy of such charges is a kind of financial terrorism on account holders. It cant be the way to encourage digital payments and putting the people at mercy point, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) general secretary Praveen Khandelwal said. If digital payment is to be leveraged, the government must absorb transaction charges by subsidising the same to banks and effective incentive schemes must be announced to promote more and more digital payments in India, Khandelwal added. While HDFC Bank brought the rule into effect only on March 1, Axis Bank implemented it from January 1. ICICI Bank, on the other hand, says the rules have not been changed and the Rs 150 fee has been applicable from July last year. There are four free cash transactions per month. Fifth transaction onwards Rs 150 per transaction (plus taxes and cess) would be levied, HDFC Bank said in a statement. Axis Bank said five transactions or Rs 10 lakh, whichever is earlier, for cash deposits or withdrawals are free. Beyond that Rs 5 per Rs 1,000 or Rs 150, whichever is higher, will be applicable. SBI said it charges nominal Rs 50 beyond three transactions in a month, though there is no upper limit on the amount of cash transacted. These charges are already there. The same have been renewed for the next financial year from April 1. It is to deter the customers from visiting the branch but the charges are very nominal. As it is, the customer does not need to visit the branch often because we provide 10 free withdrawals in a month from ATMs, an SBI official said. This move of the banks will greatly harm the general public more since savings and salary accounts are used by the common man to discharge various obligations, the traders body said. It has urged the government to intervene into the matter and save the public from the clutches of autocratic attitude of these banks. Warning the banks of people shifting their accounts to other banks, the CAIT said, if such steps are taken by the banks, people would prefer to open accounts with cooperative banks. (With inputs from agencies) Kolkata, Mar 2 (IBNS): The Kolkata Police on Thursday arrested five suspects from city's Kidderpore area and recovered fake Rs. 2000 notes with a face value of 56 lakh 74 thousand rupees from their possessions, officials said. According to reports, five men went to buy smartphones at a mobile store at Fancy Market under Watgunge Police Station limits in west part of the city on Thursday morning and when they were paying bills in new notes, shopkeeper doubted the authenticity of their currencies and informed the police. Police force from local Watgunge PS and anti-rowdy squad of city police's detective department rushed to the spot and detained the men. "We have arrested five persons- Manwar Mullah alias Ujjwal, Sheikh Ekhlash Ahmed, Sheikh Abul Kalam Azad alias Suraj and Syed Rehan of neighbouring Howrah district and Balai Mondal alias Joy from Bankura district of West Bengal- and seized 56.74 lakh rupees in new Rs. 2000 notes from their possessions," Joint CP (Crime) of Kolkata Police, Vishal Garg, told IBNS. "We will be sending these fake notes to RBI's currency printing press in West Medinipur's Salboni to examine those quality," Garg said. Meanwhile, police also spotted State Bank of India (SBI)'s stickers on the packets, inside which those notes were packed. However, five arrested will be produced to a local court in Kolkata on Friday. "We are interrogating these five youths to know if they are associated with any international racket," the senior IPS officer said. (Reporting by Deepayan Sinha) Our Correspondent Zirakpur, March 2 The death of a 25-year-old girl, Deepti Sharma, who allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of the residential society on February 26, took a controversial turn today with the victims family claims that it was murder and not suicide. The family of the deceased girl, who had reportedly jumped off the building on February 26, reached today from Nepal and demanded postmortem by a panel of doctors. The family members in her statement to the police had alleged that the accused, Raman, had married Deepti according to the Hindu rituals in December and shifted to Zirakpur. It is a planned murder and not suicide, said the family. They alleged that the victim has been murder by Raman, a cloth merchant, and a resident of Ambala. The relatives of Deepti also claimed that there was nothing that could have bothered her so much that she would have resorted to this extreme step. They demanded a probe into the incident. Meanwhile, the police have recorded the statement of the victims family members and said that postmortem would be conducted tomorrow. The police officials said, The action will be taken once we get the postmortem report. Earlier, Deepti Sharma, allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of the residential society, Railway Vihar, on the VIP road in Zirakpur on February 26. The deceased was staying in a live-in relationship with Raman since two years. As per the information available, the couple reportedly consumed liquor around 11 pm on February 26. Soon after that Raman wanted to leave for Ambala and Deepti insisted him to stay with her. Raman left and when he reached the ground floor of the society, Deepti allegedly jumped off the building. She was spotted lying in a pool of blood on the premises following which those who were present there informed the police. She was rushed to to the GMCH, Sector 32, Chandigarh, where doctors declared her brought dead. Charu Chhibber Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 2 In just two months since its launch, the Annapurna Akshaypatra Yojana, a project initiated by the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), UT Branch, Chandigarh, is now feeding lunch and dinner to 2,000 people daily across 12 locations in the city. Lunch is currently being provided to patients coming to the OPD of the PGI, and outside the GMSH, Sector 16, and the GMCH, Sector 32. The number of food packets distributed everyday will be increased to 5,000 by the end of March. Besides, lunch will also be distributed across all locations in the coming months. The scheme was launched on January 2 with 665 packets being sold at five locations at the rate of Rs 10 per dinner meal. And as usual, the food is being sold out at all six designated sale points within a few minutes. The authorities have also planned a phased extension of the scheme, to be implemented over the coming months, keeping in view the overwhelming support it has received and the ever-soaring demand for reasonably priced food. The scheme was launched with an aim to satiate the hunger of the economically weaker section of the city. It was the brainchild of Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi. The IRCS has initiated the project with active support of the Health Department, Labour Department, Food and Supplies Department, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Sewa Bharti, Chandigarh, the Panchkula Gaushala Trust, Panchkula, and the Market Committee, UT, Chandigarh. In order to facilitate easy transportation of food to all locations, Indian Oil Corporation had donated five vans, procured at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, on January 15 towards the cause. Under this project, a kitchen shed was erected at Karuna Sadan Building, Sector 11-B, Chandigarh, with a total initial cost of the project of Rs 70 lakh. The required infrastructure has been arranged through various philanthropists. The food is prepared and packed in the kitchen before being sent for distribution. A big success "It has turned out to be a big success. Though we have started serving lunch at the OPD of the PGI and outside the GMSH and the GMCH, soon we will also serve lunch at all locations. Besides, we will be adding more locations across the city. The number of food packets will also be taken up to 5,000 from the present 2,000 by March-end. We want no one in the city to sleep in hunger and shed tears for food." Ajit Balaji Joshi, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh Chandigarh, March 2 Flummoxed by a womans demand for a posting at PGIMER on the basis of a genuine-looking appointment letter, the prestigious institute has cautioned people against a racket offering jobs there. Fraudulent appointment letters with PGIMER logo and address are being issued by conmen to fool people and take money from them, a PGIMER spokesperson said here. She clarified that the institute is not issuing such appointment letters even online or through social media. The appeal has been issued by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) after a woman from Punjabs Mansa district came to join the institute. The woman was having a fraudulent appointment letter with PGIMER logo. PTI Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 2 We will not hesitate to use the kirpan and danda (sticks) to stop the entry of social activist Seema Azad to the SFS event at Panjab University tomorrow, said a leader of the ABVP while addressing the Tiranga rally on the campus today. The ABVP held the rally sans permission. The rally started from outside the VCs office and culminated at the Student Centre in protest against the SFS event in which Seema Azad will be the key speaker. The authorities had given permission for the SFS event, but later withdrew it. The security staff deployed on the campus, without taking note of the alleged violation of the PU norms by the ABVP, accompanied the rally for over an hour in which the student party used a loudspeaker and carried the National Flag while taking a round of the campus. DSW Eamnual Nahar and chief security officer Ashwani Koul said no permission was sought by the ABVP for the rally on the campus. The DSW today called a meeting of all wardens of hostels and decided to appeal to all teaching and non-teaching staff members and students to carry their identity cards while entering the university. Sources said the university had informed the police that it might require their support to handle the situation tomorrow. PU chief security officer Ashwani Koul, who joined the office today, said the authorities would ensure that students did not face any problem tomorrow. Harmanjot Singh Gill, member, CWC, ABVP, said, Left organisations are trying to defame the Army by using derogatory remarks against it. However, PU students answered them the right way by participating in the Tiranga rally. Punjab ABVP secretary Sourabh Kapoor warned the SFS that they would not let it organise a seminar involving Seema Azad at Panjab University as she had been awarded life imprisonment by the Allahabad Sessions Court on sedition charge and link with Maoists. Syndicate member writes to Chancellor Dr Subhash Sharma, a Syndicate member, on Thursday wrote to the Chancellor of the university to initiate an inquiry against organisations such as the SFS and their motive behind arranging an audience for Naxalites. He said it was strange that Naxal leader Seema Azad, convicted of sedition, was among the speakers. In his communication, he demanded that instructions should be issued to the UT and the PU administration to make necessary arrangements for maintaining peace on the campus. Parties reaction PUCSC president Nishant Kaushal said the council was not supporting the event on the campus at this point of time. NSUI leader Manoj Lubana said the university should treat all parties equal and allow discussion and debate. SOI leader Vicky Middukhera said his party was opposed to the entry of Seema Azad and nobody should be allowed to disturb the peace on the campus. SFS open debate A meeting of student parties was held on Thursday in the seminar room of the PUCSC on a call of the SFS. Among the parties which attended the meeting were the PUHH, SOI, ASA, PSU (Lalkaar), SFI, PUSU, NSUI, PPSO and the SFS. The parties condemned the cancellation of permission for the venue for holding the SFS event under pressure from the ABVP. It was resolved that all organisations would support the SFS decision to hold the programme in the open. All organisations rooted for freedom of speech on the PU campus. Now, the SFS will hold the event in the open at the Student Centre. Vandana Shukla Aspiritual Guru was once heard addressing his disciples, If you want to know how connected you are to the environment, just close your mouth and nose for three minutes and you would know. Someone took it literally and prescribed it in a Class IV textbook of a Delhi school, asking kids to suffocate a kitten to explain that how we will all die without oxygen. Then, it was the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) turn to blow the print out of proportion. The Ministry of Human Resource and Development was so rattled by the goof-up in the Class IV book, it decided to direct all the schools affiliated to the CBSE, to put online a list of books prescribed for students, with the content. Apparently, the move is aimed at bringing transparency and allowing people to flag objectionable content in the textbooks. The board has also asked principals and managers of schools to certify that they have read the contents of the books prescribed. The guideline is applicable only to the books published by private publishers. Perhaps, the CBSE was looking for a pretext to gradually eliminate all the school textbooks, not published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), by putting them under scrutiny. These textbooks could be then categorised as anti-national/ anti-certain communities etc. The new guideline also reflects the board's frustration caused by its inability to ban private textbooks due to a clause in the affiliation bylaws. The NCERT books are excluded from scrutiny. Even off the record, the CBSE officials assert, the new guidelines will ensure responsibility is fixed for the content being taught in affiliated schools; if they upload the text of the books on their website, parents and others will be able to check in case there is something objectionable. Many schools that do not have a website of their own, are located in remote terrains, lack internet accessibility are told to put the list up on their notice boards. In times when few characters on a twitter can polarise people on the lines of cultural, racial, gender or caste-based prejudices, or ignite passions on nationalist/anti-national lines, opening the textbooks to public scrutiny will end up inviting an endless stream of controversies. It will create new landmines where scope for simple controversies should be shunned, at any cost. Objections from public do not only undermine specialisation of the subject experts who write the content, all sections of society will demand that they be shown in the best possible light. Who will dare to author books on political and social history of India, under such circumstances? Will the CBSE rewrite history on public demand, or public demand will be used as a pretext to change histories? The national board of education seems to frame the school curriculum on the lines of television reality shows, where the popularity factor determines what is good or bad. This new democratisation of school curriculum seems bizarre as a step towards establishing transparency. A week before this directive, all the schools affiliated to the CBSE were told to follow NCERT curriculum from the commencing academic session 2017-18. The board took the decision in a meeting in the presence of HRD Minister, Prakash Javadekar. The decision sent shock waves, especially to the private schools, that mostly prescribe textbooks published by private publishers. Even though CBSE asked schools across country to submit their requirement of books online and promised to deliver NCERT books on time, principals of private schools remained apprehensive. They fear that the written directive does not say it clearly but it aims to ban all books published by private publishers. The sudden change has unnerved school administrations, forcing them to change their academic plans overnight. The confusion it may cause to students is not yet on the radar of the CBSE. The books published by private publishers are of far better quality; they use multi colour, 3-D printing, apt for nursery and primary sections. Textbooks prescribed for the middle level too, especially printed by international chain of publishers, who use the advantage of applying the latest pedagogical approaches practised globally, benefit students. These books are more appealing to the youth who have the advantage of internet access and can discern quality of the content. Compared to these, the NCERT books are conventional, dull and boring. That the NCERT books have been a butt of joke for years is another matter. In 2013, a Class IX student had written to the HRD Minister to rectify the mistakes he found in his biology book. In a reply to the Punjab and Haryana High Court order, in a PIL filed by a Chandigarh-based PMT trainer, NCERT confirmed a total of 44 errors in the biology textbook of Class XI and XII, and 19 errors in the exemplars, a total of 25 errors were still not corrected by the NCERT in 2014, while educationists had informed it in 2012 of spotting nearly 50 mistakes in the Class 10 science textbook, which was in circulation for six years. Why are the books published by NCERT spared public scrutiny despite their glorious record in academic goof-ups? The CBSE personnel say, they are the academic authority, they frame the broad base of the national curriculum. The CBSE officials accuse private schools of enjoying 50 to 60 per cent rebate they get from private publishers and yet sell the books at the printed price to make a kill. Their concern is, to make textbooks available at affordable rates, and NCERT books pass this criterion. The principal of a Delhi-based private school says, They are worried that private books may hurt the sentiments of a certain community but the quality of books and content is amazing. That is beneficial for our students." The concern about over-priced private books is dismissed by another principal, who adds, the cost of books is not even 5 per cent of the annual fee, The cost is just an excuse to eliminate all private books. The academic suffocation caused by the new directive is meant to drive home a point that no one appreciates. It's as objectionable as suffocating a kitten. vandanashukla10@gmail.com Sunit Dhawan Tribune News Service Rohtak, March 2 A local court on Thursday summoned yoga guru Ramdev for his beheading remark made during a speech delivered at a Sadbhawna Sammelan organised here last year. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Harish Goyal summoned Ramdev under Sections 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke the breach of peace) and 506 (Criminal intimidation) of the IPC, directing him to appear in court on April 29. The complaint in this regard had been filed by Congress leader and former Haryana minister of state for home affairs Subhash Batra, who had also sought the registration of an FIR against Ramdev. He (Ramdev) will have to appear before the court and apply for the grant of bail, said O.P. Chugh, the counsel for Batra. Chugh maintained that granting bail was the courts discretion as both said offences are non-bailable. Senior Supreme Court lawyer R.K. Anand had also argued the case recently and advocated the summoning of the yoga guru at the local court. Supporting the chanting of Bharat Mata ki Jai during the RSS-backed Sadbhawna Sammelan organised here on April 3, 2016, Ramdev had maintained that, Thousands of heads would have been cut on opposing the chanting of Bharat Mata ki Jai, but we respect the countrys Constitution and law of the land. Following that remark, Batra lodged a police complaint against Ramdev, who has been accorded the status of Brand Ambassador by the BJP government. However, as the police did not register an FIR, he approached the court. Chandigarh, March 2 Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur issue rocked the Haryana Assembly on Thursday, with opposition INLD seeking state minister Anil Vijs apology for his tweet that dubbed her anti-ABVP campaign supporters as pro-Pakistan, liable to be thrown out of the country. The issue was raised during Zero Hour by INLDs leader and former minister Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, who asked Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to rein-in his minister having the habit of shooting off his mouth. Sandhu also said Vij should apologise for what he had said about Gurmehar Kaur. With Vij being outside the House at the time the matter was raised, he walked in and drew vociferous support from his colleagues at treasury benches. Congress too supported INLD members on the issue with the MLAs from the opposition and the treasury benches having sharp exchanges, some of which had to be expunged. Some BJP members also raised Bharat Mata ki Jai and Vande Mataram slogans. Meanwhile, outside the House, Vij defended today what he had said yesterday, asserting In my tweet yesterday, no where have I said anything personal against Gurmehar Kaur. I only said she should not do politics over martyrdom of her father, Vij told reporters later, adding Pakistan has been fighting direct and proxy war against India for the last 70 years and an attempt has been made to give a clean chit to that country. Gurmehar Kaur had said Pakistan did not kill her father, the war did. Somewhere she has shown a soft corner towards Pakistan. Vij went to the extent of terming INLD act of raising the Gurmehars issue inside the House as anti-national. INLD MLA tried to support Gurmehar, which is an anti-national thing to do, he said. On INLD senior leader Abhay Chautala saying that young people can falter, Vij said to say that she is a young woman, the matter cannot end there. If young people like her become a tool in the hands of the anti-national forces, they too cannot be deemed to have committed wrong. PTI Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 2 Chaotic scenes were witnessed in the State Assembly during Question Hour today after Public Health Engineering Minister Banwari Lal failed to provide a satisfactory reply to a question by INLD MLA from Barwala Ved Narang and Congress MLA Kuldeep Sharma said that the minister was giving evasive replies. Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar rose from his seat and alleged that Sharma was trying to intimidate the minister because he belonged to the Scheduled Caste. When Kuldeep Sharma was the Speaker, he insulted me in the State Assembly and the FIR that I lodged against him in this connection is still pending with the police, Panwar alleged. Sharma retorted that telling a minister that his reply was evasive did not amount to intimidation. Several members from the treasury benches led by Ambala City MLA Aseem Goyal started shouting at Sharma, asking him what authority he had to interrupt in a question asked by another member. Several MLAs from the Congress and the INLD also shouted at BJP members, resulting in pandemonium for a few minutes. Narang wanted to know about proposals, if any, for non-functional sewers in Barwala and the Mill Gate area. Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala said when a minister concerned was sitting, only he should give the reply and if he was not there, the parliamentary minister could give a reply to members questions. Later, Sharma alleged while speaking to The Tribune that the BJP ministers did not take Question Hour seriously and often provided replies that were vague. The Speaker should ensure that the minister comes prepared with replies and when they do not provide proper answers, he must censure them because the Question Hour is the property of the Assembly, said Sharma. He denied any FIR was ever registered against him on Panwars complaint. Congress Legislative Party leader Kiran Choudhry also accused Health Minister Anil Vij of providing a vague answer when he said that vacancies of doctors in Ch Bansi Lal General Hospital, Bhiwani, would be filled after the completion of the recruitment process. As many as 58 doctors were appointed in Bhiwani in an online transfer list issued sometime back. However, the entire list was cancelled due to unknown reasons, Kiran alleged. INLD MLA from Fatehabad Balwan Singh Daulatpurias question on whether there was any proposal for four laning of road from Fatehabad to Surewala Chowk via Bhuna also evoked a response in the negative from Public Works Minister Rao Narbir Singh. The minister, however, said the road from Uklana to Surewala Chowk would be four-laned. Agriculture Minister OP Dhankar listed four schemes launched by the government on INLD MLA from Julana Parminder Singh Dhulls question on schemes to increase farmers income. Naina Singh Chautala (INLD, Dabwali), Ram Chand Kamboj (INLD, Rania), Ravinder Baliala (INLD, Ratia), Karan Singh Dalal (Congress, Palwal) and Jai Parkash (Congress, Kalayat) among others asked questions. Ambala/Sonepat, March 1 Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has joined the list of people who have criticised Gurmehar Kaur for her recent statements. I dont even want to take her name; shes been doing politics on the martyrdom of her father and giving a clean chit to Pakistan. The people supporting her are pro-Pakistan and they should be thrown out of the country. SGPC, Akal Takht back Gurmehar Meanwhile, Olympian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt said, She is the countrys daughter, our younger sister; but we do not support her ideas about Pakistan. The Congress has demanded Union Minister Kiren Rijijus resignation. In Amritsar, the SGPC and Akal Takht have come out in Gurmehars support. SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar said disgruntled elements should be subjected to harsh punishment. TNS Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 2 A newly recruited militant of the Hizbul Mujahideen, who was in close contact with commander of the group Zakir Bhat, was arrested by forces in south Kashmir. The militant, identified as Hilal Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Renzipora, was apprehended last evening at Dehwatoo Gulzarpora, 30 km from Srinagar, by a joint team of the police, the Army and the CRPF. The Superintendent of Police (SP), Awantipora, Mohammad Zahid, said the militant was arrested after a tip-off. Multiple joint nakas were laid at different places and the militant was apprehended by a joint party of the forces. Arms and ammunition was recovered from his possession, Zahid said, adding that more reco-veries and arrests were also expected. The SP added that the militant had recently joined the militant ranks and was active in Awantipore and Pulwama. The militant was in close contact of Hizbul Mujahideen commanders Zakir, alias Musa, and Reyaz Naikoo, alias Zubair ul Islam, Zahid said. A vase has been registered at the Awantipora police station. Police sources said Hilal was initially an over ground worker for Zakir and had joined militancy in January this year. After the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in July last year, at least 59 youth have joined militant ranks, most among them from the four districts of south Kashmir. The J&K Police have been trying to bring back the locals who have joined militancy to the mainstream. The police have been counselling parents and relatives to bring back their children who have joined militancy. Mumbai, Mar 2 (NotinTown): Actor Ranveer Singh, who was named the Indian brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism last year, is currently holidaying in the beautiful country. His love for adventure can be seen as he tried out the Olymbia Bobrun, a crazy adrenaline filled sport at St.Moritz. Sharing his experience, Ranveer said, "This is just spectacular, 75 seconds of pure adrenalin. As you ride on the straights, into the curves and around the high walls your nerves are tested to the limit. Thundering down the ice track at the thrilling speed of upto 150km/hr gets your heart pumping. This action-packed adventure is something one must experience in this lifetime." Ranveer is also a proud certified speedster of the sport now. #OlympiaBobrun Click on the link below to watch Ranveer be a complete daredevil: https://twitter.com/ranveerofficial/status/836937769540808705 Tribune News Service Jammu, March 2 Governor NN Vohra inaugurated the three-day 12th JK Science Congress at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium of the University of Jammu here today. The university is hosting the event in collaboration with the J&K State Science, Technology and Innovation Council. Around 800 senior faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students from various research institutes, universities and colleges from various states are participating in the congress, which has the theme Science and technology: Emerging trends and innovations. In his address, the Governor, who is Chancellor of the university, welcomed the participants and observed that the annual Science Congress is a very important occasion for the university and the entire scientific community in the state. Such important events create an environment which contributes in promoting the scientific temper in the educational institutions and across the society at large, he said. Noting that J&K state has the privilege of hosting nine state and Central universities, NIT, IIM, IIT, SKIMS, IIIM, medical and engineering colleges and other institutions of learning, the Governor stressed that the total corpus of intellectual and scientific resources available within such a large number of institutions of education must be effectively and productively utilised and exploited to hasten the growth and development of the state. For attaining this objective every university must have wide-ranging research programmes ensuring that besides pure research, the projects also focus on the major problems faced in the state and optimal utilisation of natural resources. This would require inter-institutional linkages both within and beyond the state, he said. The Governor also pointed to the need for quality research in the field of humanities for precipitating balanced human development and societal well-being. He emphasised the importance of focused research being undertaken to augment foodgrain production by evolving practical strategies to increase crop production and productivity. In this context he pointed to the lessons to be learnt from the keynote address delivered by Prof Akhilesh Tyagi, JC Bose national fellow, University of Delhi, and former Director, National Institute of Genome Research. If India is to meet international competition and be among the knowledge economies, the teaching community shall need to undertake much more research work on identified issues and challenges, the Governor said and suggested the usefulness of a state-wide campaign being launched for research programmes being undertaken and their outcomes to be reviewed at successive annual science congresses. He exhorted the scientific community to meet often and work on a well-laid out strategy to resolve problems faced by the local populations. The Governor hoped that at the end of its deliberations, this congress would come out with certain practical recommendations on how to deal with existing and emerging challenges. He wished the participants profitable discussions. Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Education, J&K, Prof RD Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Desh Bandhu, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, addressed the congress. Organising secretary Prof Geeta Sumbali, Dean, Life Sciences, presented the welcome address and co-oganising secretary Prof DS Jamwal, Dean, Mathematical Sciences, presented a vote of thanks. Among dignitaries present were Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Vice Chancellors of various participating universities, scientists, academicians and students. Sumit Hakhoo Tribune News Service Jammu, March 2 The process to start registration of fresh migrants from the Kashmir valley is fast turning into a major controversy in the state which could land the PDP-BJP coalition government into fresh trouble. Surprisingly, there was no formal approval of the Cabinet to the order, but it was issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) setting in process stopped by the state government order in 2008 to stop migration of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from the Valley as had happened in 1989-90 when lakhs of people had to take refuge in Jammu. The order to constitute screening committee was issued on October 5, 2016, and it included Administrative Secretary of the Relief and Rehabilitation Department as chairman, Inspector General of Police (CID), Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Additional Commissioner, Jammu, and Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, as members. On January 4, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had chaired a high-level meeting where the issue of 4,000 pending relief cards belonging to displaced Kashmiri Pandits was discussed. However after the meeting, we were surprised to find that re-registration of mainly Muslim migrants from the Valley was started and the committee was empowered to recommend the cases on a fast-track basis, said a senior official of the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Sources said former Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Bashrat Bukhari had pushed for this order before he was shifted to the Horticulture Ministry during the recent Cabinet reshuffle. The government is encouraging migration of Muslims from Kashmir to Jammu for changing its demography and creating a Valley-like situation. It is a well planned move to stoke fires of separatism and create communal polarisation, said Prof Hari Om, historian and former ideologue of the BJP. However, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Abdul Rehman Veeri denied any large scale registration process being started. There will be no change in the earlier policy and the people facing threat from militants have been registered for years. The issue should not be politicised, Veeri said. Meanwhile, Bashrat Bukhari was not available to solicit his view on the controversy. The BJP has remained silent on the issue, but resentment is growing in Jammu against the move claiming it as a conspiracy to settle people from the Valley in the city. Even displaced Pandits are opposed to the move as they allege that the government wants to register thousands of political workers as migrants to avail the benefits of relief, leaving genuine militancy victims in the lurch. BJP leaders are now seeking intervention of the Union Home Ministry to stall the process which has been vehemently opposed by displaced Kashmiri Hindus and people in Jammu, who see the move as conspiracy to settle down a majority of the community members in the city, which is facing demographic change. Thousands of files are already pending in the Relief Office, but the government has time to initiate fresh registration. There are cases when ration cards of Pandit migrants of 1990 having been cancelled arbitrarily while Muslims are being registered, who claim to have migrated due to the current unrest, said King Bharti, activist, All Party Migrant Coordination Committee. Manika Ahuja Beware! Badman is back! No points for guessing, we are talking about the most-loved baddie of Bollywood, actor Gulshan Grover, who is in Chandigarh to talk about his latest film, Dushman, with ace director Mahesh Bhatt and the rest of the star cast in tow. Having acted in as many as 450 movies, Grover takes pride in being the undisputed titleholder of Hindi cinema's official bad guy. But there is something that the Bad Man himself is feeling 'bad' about the conspicuous disappearance of iconic villains from the canvas of Bollywood! "Right from Amrish Puri as Mogambo, to Amjad Khan's memorable portrayal of Gabbar in Sholay Indian cinema has witnessed some iconic baddies, who are rather hard to forget till date. But unfortunately, the dignity of the villain is being compromised today and that disturbs me," shares Grover, who feels it takes a supremely 'brilliant actor to portray a villain.' No glory Grover also has a major problem when, "in the current movies, my actor friends playing negative roles, meet an end that is glorified out of proportion. I am sorry, but I have a problem with that glorified end. If you ask me, a villainous character should be humiliated and beaten so that the message reaches the audience that irrespective of who portrays a character with a negative tinge on screen if you are bad, this is the treatment you get!" Ban autobiographies While many rejoiced when actor Rishi Kapoor announced the arrival of his autobiography Khullam Khulla: Rishi Kapoor Uncensored, the book did not leave Grover quite amused. Wondering why? Well, hear it from him, "There is a part in the book where Rishi has made a mention of how, back in the day, Sanjay Dutt and I went to his place to beat him up over Tina Munim Ambani. Sanjay was having an affair with Tina and he had a 'fist-fight' with Rishi, who he took to be involved with her." Grover contemplates for a brief moment and goes on, "Now, look at the long span of time that has elapsed ever since that happened. But since it (the past incident) has come up again, look at the way how it is destroying people's happiness. So, as I see it, penning autobiographies should be banned! Or, if not that, there must be a legal provision directing the writer to seek permission from the people that he decides to mention in the autobiography." Dignity of the villain He switches over from the pensive mood, and gets back into his elements talking about his unflinching love for villainous characters. "Dig out some old films, and pay close attention to the credits; you will see that the rest of the names were followed by an emboldened 'and Pran.' That is the power of these iconic negative characters. The dignity of the villain should not be compromised!" So, the next time you find yourself silently mouthing dialogues such as Mogambo khush hua or Kitne aadmi theey... a la late actors Amrish and Amjad, you know who to thank the Badman, of course! manikaahuja@tribunemail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 The Centre today approved 4,000 additional post-graduate seats for medical colleges across the country saying another 1,000 will be added by the month-end. These seats will be available for admissions from the 2017-18 session. Of the 4,000 seats, 1,137 have been added across clinical subjects in 71 government medical colleges. India has 212 government medical colleges with many in the process of completing formalities for PG seat additions. This kind of addition to PG seats is an all-time record. With this, the number of PG seats in medical colleges and hospitals across India has gone up to 35,117. By March-end, we will likely add another 1,000 seats as proposals from states are coming, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said. Additional seats include DNB seats, which are equivalent to MD/MS. DNB seats increased by 2,147 in the last one year. With todays approvals, the Union Budget announcement of adding 5,000 PG medical seats in the country is likely to be achieved soon, the Minister noted. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Asked how the government managed these additions in such little time, Ministry officials said ground for expansion of human resources in health had been laid in advance. The main impetus came from relaxation of PG teaching norms. We got the Medical Council of India to relax teacher-student ratio at the PG level. Previously one professor could guide two PG students. Now he can guide three. Likewise, an associate professor heading a unit could guide one PG student previously and can now guide two, an official said. The push is expected to address around 80 per cent shortage of specialists in India, besides providing faculty for new hospitals that are coming up. As per MCI norms, a 100 seat medical college requires 58 faculty members at permission stage and 105 at recognition stage. Relaxation of norms has yielded 1,137 PG seats in clinical subjects in 71 government colleges. The current nationwide strength of PG seats in clinical subjects is just 18,000. With this strength, we cant meet the growing teaching and research requirements. PG students tomorrow become faculty. For 100 new medical colleges we have planned over the next five years, 6,000 to 10,000 additional faculty members are needed. Thats why we have to start now, a source said. Abysmal ratio 1:1,700 is countrys doctor-patient ratio against the WHO-mandated 1:1,000 80% shortage of specialists is likely to be addressed by latest push Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lukcnow, March 2 In the final two phases of the Uttar Pradesh elections, it will be the decisions that CM Akhilesh Yadav took after being elevated as national president of the Samajwadi Party that will be on trial. His contentious decision of undoing the merger with Ansari brothers Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) and dropping senior party leaders reportedly close to the old brigade Ambika Chadhury, Narad Rai, Om Prakash Singh and Shadab Fatima from his Cabinet may prove to be chickens coming home to roost in the sixth and seventh phase of polling. The move that triggered the crisis in the ruling Yadav family was the merger of Ansaris QED with the Samajwadi Party behind the CMs back. Then SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav was instrumental in the merger. Senior minister from Azamgarh Balram Yadav had been reportedly pressing for the same. The merger was expected to enhance the SPs position in the eastern districts of Azamgarh, Mau, Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Varanasi which account for 38 Assembly seats and will be going to the polls in the last two phases. Hitting back, Akhilesh sacked Balram Yadav from his Cabinet who, while speaking to the media, broke down in full public view. The ministers humiliation clearly did not go down well in Azamgarh. Of the 10 seats in the district, nine had gone to the SP in 2012. The Azamgarh Lok Sabha seat too was won by the SP in 2014. The merger decision was deferred and Balram Yadav re-inducted a week later. But the damage was done. Significantly, while fighting for the party symbol, the Akhilesh faction had accepted affidavits of QED MLAs Sibtaqullah and Mukhtar Ansari, endorsing support for Akhilesh. These affidavits were submitted to the Election Commission. But Akhilesh once again refused QEDs merger with the SP. Disappointed, the QED merged with the BSP and were allotted three seats two for sitting MLAs Sibtaqullah Ansari from Mohammadabad in Ghazipur and Mukhtar Ansari from Mau Sadar and one for the latters 25-year-old son Abbas from Ghosi. The Ansari brothers have been highlighting Akhileshs betrayal in their constituencies. During the family crisis, Akhilesh had sacked uncle Shivpal Yadav and three of his aides Shadab Fatima, Om Prakash Singh and Narad Rai from his Cabinet. Another stalwart Amibka Chadhury had been dropped earlier. All of them represent constituencies going to the polls in the final two phases. Among the sacked ministers, Om Prakash Singh alone managed to get the party ticket. He is contesting from Zamania in Ghazipur. Cold-shouldered by Akhilesh, Ambika Chadhury and Narad Rai joined the BSP and are contesting from their traditional seats in Ballia. The fallout of the CMs decisions will be all too evident in the coming phases. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 The Bar council of India (BCI) has decided to increase the upper age limit for five-year law course from 20 to 22 and for three-year law course from 30 to 45. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Legal Education Committee of the BCI held in Kolkata on Wednesday, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The relaxation in upper age limit would be available only for this academic session of 2017-18 and a final decision would be taken in three months after a wider consultation among all stakeholders, Mishra told The Tribune on phone. He said the BCI had accepted the report of an expert committee headed by Justice AL Narasimha Rao on this point. But a final decision would be taken later. The BCIwhich regulates legal education and profession in the country--had restored Clause 28 of its Legal Education Rules, 2008, that fixed upper age limit of 20 years for admission to five-year integrated law course and 30 years for three-year law course. On Tuesday, the BCI had told the Supreme Court that it was likely to take a decision on the issue of age limit for candidates aspiring to join the five-year LLB. course through Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in a day. This year, the last date for submitting the application forms for CLAT is March 31. A bench headed by Justice SA Bobdewhich is seized of the petitions filed by CLAT aspirants challenging the age limit clause introduced by Bar Council of India for taking admissions in five-year law courseshad earlier asked the BCI to re-consider the upper age-limit for appearing in CLAT. What is the urgency to impose it? Why is it from this academic year? Take a good decision so that no one comes to courts, the bench had told the BCI counsel and fixed Friday to take up the matter. The bench had suggested to the BCI to discuss the issue with the representatives of petitioners and resolve it. KV Prasad Tribune News Service Varanasi, March 2 With elections to the politically-crucial Uttar Pradesh entering the home stretch this week, parties across the spectrum are fielding their big guns in this no-holds-barred high-octane campaign. Prestige is at a premium for the BJP since the seat in the Lok Sabha is represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on any given day there are a clutch of Union Ministers carrying the message of what a BJP in one of the countrys most politically-conscious state can do if elected to power after a decade in the opposition in the 403-strong UP Assembly. Aware that the BJP is facing turbulence from within, what with a sizeable section upset over allocation of tickets, party chief Amit Shah parked himself here for a week to iron out the differences. Of the eight seats in the district, the BJP has its task cut out--maximise if not sweep. Taking on the might of the ruling coalition at the Centre is the nascent combination of Samajwadi Party-Congress combine. Both Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi are toiling out in the field doing multiple rallies in Eastern UP on the 39 seats at stake. After campaigning for the sixth and penultimate phase draws to a close on Thursday, there will be undiluted attention in the eastern-most parts of the state, bordering Bihar. Given the commonality of dialect, RJD Chief Lalu Yadav has been holding rallies in the region regaling the crowds attacking PM Modi and his government. Lalus daughter is married to the son of Mulayam Singh Yadavs brother. The RJD supremo plays upon the PMs adopted son of UP juxtaposing with a question, Is UP with children that the PM claims he is the adopted son? The Bahujan Samaj Party is solely dependent on Mayawati while in the distribution of tickets she continues with the formula of social engineering. For instance, aware of the predominant role of Brahmins in this city, on one to three seats she gave ticket to a Brahmin. Between now and March 6, Varanasi and surrounding will see rallies by PM Modi, CM Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi and Maywati and equally charge-driven road shows by Akhilesh and Rahul to counter the one by Amit Shah. Jaitley defends price hike of LPG cylinder Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday defended the move to hike the price of LPG cylinder, saying the subsidy is for the poor. He said that under the scheme, up to 12 subsidised cylinders were available in a year. Anybody using more than 12 cylinders a year is not poor. Subsidy is for the poor, he added. The Finance Minister, who is here to campaign for the party in the UP Assembly poll, told a press conference that one should not doubt the GDP estimates given by the Central Statistics Organisation (CSO). The CSO stays at an arms length (from the government), Jaitley said, adding that the revenue figures were real and there was no need to analyse them. Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 At the end of campaigning for UPs Phase VI seats, some interesting trends have emerged. No party is mentioning demonetisation. So far as the BJP is concerned, any losses the party may have incurred in the initial phases seem to have been offset in the subsequent phases. The BSP-led Mayawati appears to be on a firmer ground than the SP-Congress alliance. At certain places, Mayawati seems in a direct battle with the BJP. What has been intriguing is the absence of Congress star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi from the poll scene. But Congress sources say they are saving the brahmastra for the 2019 Lok Sabha poll this even as the path to the Lok Sabha is through Uttar Pradesh. Interestingly, at certain places, the Congress appears to have benefited more from its alliance with the SP than vice-versa. Observers claim while SP votes may have been transferred to the Congress, the opposite has not happened. Focusing on caste and religion in eastern UP seems to have helped both the BJP and BSP the latter, perhaps, more. It is believed that Mayawati is the only leader who has everyones support. Akhilesh Yadav too may not be averse to supporting his buaji to stall a BJP government. Mayawati is unlikely to support the BJP, given the promise she has made to her Muslim supporters. If she does support the BJP, she will have to pay a price in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In that case, the Muslims, who may have preferred her over the SP to defeat the BJP, are certain to punish her. Samajwadi Party supporters believe a mridubhashi Akhilesh scores over PM Narendra Modi and his rancid statements. Detractors claim otherwise. They say not just non-Jatav Dalits, but non-Yadav OBCs too are backing Modi, the sabse bade laddaiya (biggest fighter) in this electoral battle. Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service Guwahati, March 2 The high-voltage campaign for the first phase of Assembly elections in Manipur came to an end on Thursday. Polling will be held in 38 constituencies in the first phase on March 4. Manipur has a total of 60 constituencies spread over the hills and valley districts. A total of 168 candidates, including 11 Independents and seven women, are in the fray in the first phase. The second phase of polling will take place on March 8. The BJP is the only party which is contesting in all the 38 constituencies in the first phase. There is no Congress candidate in the Churachandpur and the Kangpokpi constituencies in the first phase. The election is being held under tight security and heavy deployment of paramilitary forces as economic blockade called by the United Naga Council (UNC) has made life difficult for people since November 1 last year. Some tribal politicians have reportedly been pressured not to contest as candidates of the ruling Congress, which is facing the ire of the tribal people, especially Nagas, for creating seven new districts out of tribal-dominated hill areas of the state. The move has been seen by Naga people, led by the UNC, as an attempt to usurp land belonging to tribals. The lone tribal woman MLA, Nemcha Kipgen, also had to resign under pressure from the Congress and joined the BJP. She is now contesting as BJP candidate from the Kangpokpi constituency. The ruling Congress which has been in power in the state since 2002 under Chief Minister Ibobi Singh is facing a stiff challenge from the BJP this election. The BJP has launched a high-voltage campaign in the state with almost all the senior party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, hitting the campaign trail in the state. The Congress campaign has been led by Rahul Gandhi. The BJP has promised to turn around the backward and trouble-torn Manipur while accusing the corrupt and inefficient Congress government of sitting through the last 15 years. The BJP also promises to resolve the unrelenting economic blockade in the state once it comes to power in the state. On the other hand, the ruling Congress alleges tacit understanding among the BJP, UNC and Naga rebel group NSCN-IM and alerted the people that Manipur will be disintegrated if the BJP assumes power in the state. The Congress has dared the BJP-led Centre to make public the content of the secret agreement it had signed with the NSCN-IM in August, 2015. New York, Mar 3 (Just Earth News): The world's money markets have priced people out of cities, a United Nations independent expert has said, blaming financial markets and speculators for treating housing as a aplace to park capital.a Housing has lost its social function and is seen instead as a vehicle for wealth and asset growth. It has become a financial commodity, robbed of its connection to community, dignity and the idea of home, said Leilani Farha, the Special Rapporteur on the right to housing. Her latest report, which Farha presented on Thursday to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, examines how housing has become a repository for global capital, and the impact that commodification has had on affordability of housing and homelessness. The total value of the global housing market is a staggering $163 trillion, the UN expert said, the equivalent of more than twice the world's total economy. The financial world has essentially operated without any consideration of housing as a human right and States are complicit: they have supported financial markets in a way that has made housing unaffordable for most residents, Farha said. Her report recommends stronger rights-based frameworks both domestically and internationally to address the problem. It suggests that States must regulate private actors not simply to prevent blatant violations of human rights but also to ensure that their actions are consistent with the obligation to realize housing as a human right for all. In London, for instance, developers have not been scared off by the social housing requirement, Farha said in her statement, while in Vancouver, vacant homes face a one per cent tax levy which is intended to contribute to low-income accommodation. This is an issue of accountability, she says. Government accountability to international human rights obligations has been replaced with accountability to markets and investors. Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. Photo: Gerardo Pesantez/World Bank Source: www.justearthnews.com Nitish Sharma Tribune News Service Ambala, March 2 The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Sanjeev Arya today sentenced former Haryana Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ram Kishan Gujjar, Ajit Aggarwal and Vijay Aggarwal to four-year rigorous imprisonment in an abetment to suicide case. The court slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of them and ordered that they pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the family of the deceased. Naraingarh-based journalist Pankaj Khanna, who committed suicide on June 10, 2009, by consuming poison, had in a note blamed the three for his death, alleging he was being harassed and humiliated at the MLAs behest. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Gujjar, a two-time Congress MLA from Naraingarh, Ajit and Vijay were booked under Sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Pankajs sister Preeti refused to comment. Prosecution counsel Anil Kaushik claimed Khannas mother was satisfied with the sentence. Gujjar didnt show any emotions as he stood in the courtroom. Kin of Ajit and Vijay Aggarwal were not allowed in. Gujjars brother said they would move the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The police had initially declared Gujjar innocent following which an application was moved under Section 319 of the CrPC that was accepted by the court and Gujjar was summoned as additional accused. Advocate JS Kohli, representing the Aggarwals, said the case is absolutely false and they would challenge the sentence. Pankajs father Yashpal Khanna had complained that after a newspaper published reports about the MLA written by his son, he was booked in false cases, that drove him to suicide. Washington, March 2 Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has met two top US officials, including National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster, and discussed ways to promote the strategic Indo-US ties, especially in trade, defence and security. The meeting between Jaishankar and McMaster assumes significance as the top military leader was appointed the National Security Adviser by US President Donald Trump 10 days ago. During the meeting held at the White House, the two officials are believed to have discussed issues related to security, counter-terrorism and defence partnership. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Jaishankar also met Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and discussed various issues, including ways to enhance economic and defence cooperation between the two countries. The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom, Ryan said in a statement after the meeting. We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defence cooperation, he said. During his meeting with Jaishankar, Ryan expressed condolences of the US House of Representatives over the death of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Our peoples must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead, Ryan said. Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled terrorist and get out of my country before firing on him. Jaishankar arrived in the US on Tuesday on a four-day visit to hold talks with top officials of the Trump administration, lawmakers and members of the think-tank community. This is his third trip to the US after Trump was elected the President. Trump had pledged to strengthen the Indo-US ties during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. About three weeks before his electoral victory, Trump had told Indian-Americans that he would be Indias best friend at the White House. Jaishankar, during his visit, is likely to discuss with top US officials Indias concerns over a possible clampdown on H-1B visas and safety of Indians. He will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest with senior members of the administration. PTI KV Prasad Tribune News Service Varanasi, March 2 With the seventh and the last phase of the long-drawn elections to the Uttar Pradesh descending in these parts, there is a surge of political warriors in this region of the state, known as a cauldron of caste politics. Leading contenders for power in the 403-strong Assembly are moving their heaviest artillery to the eastern-most part of state amid reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, will devote last three days of campaign here to crystallise a perceived swing in the mood. A battery of Union ministers is already here to nudge the voters to re-look at the BJP. Undoubtedly, PM Modi remains a powerful proponent of the BJP even though a thin veneer of the lustre he acquired during 2014 appears removed now. For the BJP, the high-octane campaign ignited by PM Modi found unequal retaliation from his opponents what with Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi and Mayawati busy quelling the bush-fires set up each day. Opposition jibe of unfulfilled promises by the PM to the people of Kashi finds a nodding agreement, but hope of seeing the ring-road is grudgingly acknowledged as a testimony of promised vikas even though the citizens negotiate potholes and construction debris. Kyoto to nahin bana but Toto deekh raha hai sab jagah was a wry remark of a prominent citizen of the holy city who preferred anonymity. The obvious reference was to the promise of developing it as a sister city of Kyoto in Japan while Toto in local parlance means the ubiquitous battery-operated rickshaws that jostle for space on narrow roads filled with people, cycle-rickshaws and stray bovines. The clean Ganga project remains a work in progress while graffiti of clean ghats appears more conspicuous probably than the litter left behind by the never-ending flow of devotees. Life like the mighty Ganga flows on. Meanwhile, the district administration is gearing up for possible unprecedented presence of the PM, CM Akhilesh Yadav, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah here from Saturday till curtain comes down on campaign on Monday. Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, March 2 Mumbai Police and Uttar Pradesh Police in a joint operation on Thursday arrested a man for allegedly trying to extort Rs 50 lakh from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem.Gratitude! Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) March 2, 2017 Bhatt had filed a complaint with the Juhu police on Wednesday after receiving phone calls and WhatsApp messages demanding that the money be deposited in an account of a bank in Lucknow. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Sandeep Sahu, the man arrested, allegedly warned Bhatt that he would get his wife Soni Razdan and daughter, actress Alia Bhatt, killed if the money was not paid. Bhatt was told that several rounds of bullets would be fired on his family if the money was not paid. Following the complaint by Bhatt, the Mumbai Police traced the origin of the threatening calls to UP. The police department from that state identified the caller as Sahu and took him into custody. The filmmaker confirmed the threat and the arrest of the caller in a message on social networking site Twitter. A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem. Gratitude!, Bhatt tweeted. Mumbai, March 2 The NCP on Thursday said it would maintain a distance from both the Shiv Sena and BJP in the mayoral elections in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, where the recent polls resulted in a hung house. State NCP President Sunil Tatkare told reporters here that his party was clear right from the start of the campaign for the civic polls across Maharashtra that it would not enter into any understanding or friendly fight with either the Shiv Sena or BJP. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The NCP leader, however, took a dig at the Congress which, he said, had struck an understanding with the Shiv Sena in some Zila Parishads. We kept our word while the Congress, which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zila Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight, he said. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on the Mumbai mayoral elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. (However) under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. The Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government, he said. In a sarcastic take at the Senas stance during the campaign that the BJP-led government in the state had been put on notice period, Tatkare said, Only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the government in the state and whether the resignation letters carried by its ministers in their pockets are still there or have been torn off. What is the use of only criticising the government through Saamana (the Sena mouthpiece)? The Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support, he added. To a question on speculation that the NCP may support a Shiv Sena government if such a situation arises, Tatkare said, I dont foresee a mid-term election since the Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, the Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do. On the prospects of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress had not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar and discussed the post-Mumbai civic poll situation. PTI New Delhi, March 1 The United Front of Ex-Servicemen has countered the claims made by PM Narendra Modi during electioneering in UP of having implemented the one rank, one pension (OROP) formula for retired soldiers. Modis claims were far from truth. What has been implemented is not OROP, but a one-time increase in pension, said Major General Satbir Singh (Retd), chairman of the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM). The report submitted by the one-man judicial committee on OROP in October 2016 has not yet been made public. He said the anomalies pointed out by the front had not been referred to the Justice Reddy Committee, constituted to deliberate on the anomalies arising from the government notification of November 2015. He said the Defence Minister had been informed that anomalies in the government notification, if not corrected, would kill the very soul of OROP. TNS Kochi, March 2 President Pranab Mukherjee today said there should be no room in the country for the intolerant Indian as this nation has been a bastion of free thought, speech and expression since ancient times. Delivering the sixth KS Rajamony Memorial Lecture here, he said, The society has always been characterised by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. His comments come in the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between the RSS-affiliate ABVP and the Left-backed AISA supporters in Delhi University and a raging debate over free speech and nationalism following recent tweets of one of the varsity's students, Gurmehar Kaur. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) It is tragic to see them (students) caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet, he said. Advocating free thinking on university campuses, he said students and faculties must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagating a culture of unrest. Underlining ancient glorious culture of universities in the country, the President said, Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking, Mukherjee said. PTI Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 Maintaining that Punjab is a very sensitive state, the SAD-BJP government today asserted in the Supreme Court that the 2002 decree on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was not executable due to substantive decrease in availability of water and a variety of legal reasons. Senior counsel RS Suri told a Bench headed by Justice PC Ghose that the 2004 Act passed by the state Assembly terminating the SYL canal water-sharing agreement with neighbouring states took away the very basis of the 2002 decree that went in favour of Haryana. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He said the 2004 Act was never declared unconstitutional and so long as it was there, the 2002 decree could not be executed. He also pointed out that Haryana had not filed any petition under Article 131. Suri said even the courts verdict on the presidential reference was neither binding on the President, nor the states in question. He said Punjab was forced to pass the 2004 Act because its water complaint filed in January 2003 was not acted upon and the Centre never set up a water tribunal to address its grievances. The Bench, however, again clarified that it didnt intend to revisit the facts and issues already adjudicated upon and asked the parties to spell out if the courts verdict on the presidential reference was binding or not. As Suri kept questioning the decree, Justice Ghose said: To my mind, the decree which has been passed has to be executed. On behalf of the Haryana Government, senior counsel Shyam Divan contested Suris submission, saying it was fraught with serious consequences for the integrity of India. If one state is forced to challenge the validity of a law passed by another state before the Supreme Court, then the Indian federation is not on a stable course, Divan said. Senior counsel Ram Jethmalani, who also represented Punjab, again requested the court to ask the Centre to try to mediate between the two states by bringing them to the negotiating table. As the arguments remained inconclusive, the Bench fixed March 28 for further hearing. The top court had on February 22 made it clear that the SYL canal had to be constructed and both the state governments must maintain law and order. Punjab has maintained that the water-sharing agreement was signed in 1981 and the quantity of water flow had significantly decreased since then. Therefore, it wasnt possible now to execute it. But the Bench again today said: We are at a stage where the decree has to be executed. The canal had to be constructed first. Whether the water was there or not or itll be there only in the rainy season or how much quantity was being maintained could be sorted out later, it had noted last month. New Delhi, March 2 The Delhi Police's Crime Branch, which is probing the clashes at Ramjas College, has recorded the statements of two St Stephen's College students who were allegedly beaten up by supporters of the ABVP. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The two St Stephen's students- a boy and a girl- have alleged that they were beaten up outside the Ramjas College canteen by ABVP supporters, said a senior police officer. The girl has also alleged that she was hit with a stone by the ABVP supporters, he said. The Crime Branch team has till now received 25 complaints from the both the sides and is contacting students to record their statements. "We have contacted students to join the probe. AISA activists have said that they will come together to record their statement. We had also shared our email IDs with the students and in all, we have received 25 complaints," he said. The complaints mainly pertain to being roughed up and that of molestation. "There are some complaints that have claimed that while they were being roughed up, policemen were standing there. But none of the complainants have alleged that they were beaten up by the policemen," he said. Meanwhile, senior Delhi Police officials also met Ramjas college authorities and requested them to ensure "peaceful coexistence of students of different ideologies". "Since Ramjas College witnessed large-scale violence last week, officers had a word with representatives from the college. We told them to engage with students, irrespective of the ideologies they believe in. "It was also discussed that a debate between different ideologies is essential for democracy but it should not be allowed to become violent," an officer said. Cops are also in the process of meeting principals of other Delhi University colleges to ensure peace in the campus area. Ramjas college had recently witnessed large-scale violence between members of the AISA and the ABVP. 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 ABVP. PTI New York, Mar 3 (Just Earth News): Despite robust food supply conditions, droughts are worsening food security across swathes of East Africa, and access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts, a new United Nations report has found. This is an unprecedented situation. Never before have we been faced with four threats of famine in multiple countries simultaneously, Kostas Stamoulis, the Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said in a news release issued on Thursday, noting that famine has been formally declared in South Sudan, and the food security situation is of grave concern in northern Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. According to the new edition of FAOs Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, some 37 countries require external assistance for food, 28 of them in Africa as a result of lingering effects of last years El Nino-triggered droughts on harvests in 2016. In South Sudan, 100,000 people were facing famine in Leer and Mayendit Counties, part of former Unity state. Overall, about 4.9 million people across the country were classified as facing crisis, emergency or famine. In Yemen, 17 million people, or two-thirds of the population, are estimated to be food insecure. The report notes that the risk of famine declaration in the country is very high. In northern Nigeria, 8.1 million people are facing acute food insecurity conditions, and in Somalia, an estimated 2.9 million people have been severely food insecure from six months ago. Conflicts and civil unrest in Afghanistan, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Myanmar and Syria are also exacerbating food insecurity conditions for millions of people as well as affecting nearby countries hosting refugees. Global food supply conditions robust The report says, however, global food supply conditions are robust. Cereal production made quite strong gains in the world overall in 2016, with a record recovery in Central America, and larger cereal crops in Asia, Europe and North America. Prospects are favourable for the 2017 maize crop in Brazil and Argentina and the outlook is generally positive for coarse grains throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Prospects for rice are mixed, but it is still too early to make firm predictions for many of the worlds major crops. Maize harvests in Southern Africa, slashed by El Nino, are forecast to recover this year, with South Africas output expected to increase by more than 50 per cent from 2016. Although FAOs first global wheat production forecast for 2017 points to a 1.8 per cent decline from last years record level, that is due mostly to a projected 20 per cent output drop in the United States. Photo: FAO/Lieke Visser Source: www.justearthnews.com Kochi, March 2 Amid ongoing debate on freedom of speech and expression, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday advocated the need for legitimate criticism and dissent. He was delivering the sixth K S Rajamony Memorial Lecture in Kochi. Here are top quotes: Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test. Those who spread violence must remember that Buddha, Ashoka and Akbar are remembered as heroes in history; not Hitler or Genghis Khan. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen India's pluralism and diversity. The trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed. Floor tests are not meant to be muscle tests. Our elected representatives owe it to the people of our country to act as models of exemplary conduct. "The debate and discussions which ought to take place in the open in the House of Parliament and assemblies cannot be replicated elsewhere. When they cease to function effectively, issues spill out onto the streets. The very basis of our democracy gets undermined." PTI Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 2 The Punjab government on Thursday asserted before the Supreme Court that the 2002 decree on the issue of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was not executable for substantive decrease in availability of water besides for a variety of legal reasons. Opening his arguments on behalf of the Punjab government, senior counsel RS Suri told a bench headed by Justice PC Ghose that the 2004 Act passed by the Punjab Assembly took away the very basis of the 2002 decree that went in favour of Haryana. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He said the 2004 Act was never declared unconstitutional and so long as it was there the 2002 decree could not be executed. Suri also pointed out that Haryana had not filed any petition under Article 131 of the Constitution. He said even the courts verdict on the Presidential Reference was neither binding on the President nor the states in question. He said Punjab was forced to pass the 2004 Act because its water complaint filed in January 2003 was not acted upon and the Centre never set up a water tribunal to address its grievances. The bench, however, again clarified that it didnt intend to revisit the facts and issues and asked the parties to spell out if the courts verdict on the Presidential Reference was binding or not. As Suri kept questioning the decree, Justice Ghose said: To my mind, the decree which has been passed has to be executed. On behalf of the Haryana government, senior counsel Shyam Divan contested Suris submission, saying it was fraught with serious consequences for the integrity of India. If one state is forced to challenge the validity of a law passed by another state before the Supreme Court, then the Indian federation is not on a stable course, Divan said. Senior counsel Ram Jethmalani, who also represented Punjab, again requested the court to ask the Centre to try to mediate between the two states by bringing them to the negotiating table. As the arguments remained inconclusive, the bench fixed March 28 for further hearing. The top court had on February 22 made it clear that the SYL canal had to be constructed and both the state governments must maintain law and order. Punjab has maintained that the water-sharing agreement was signed in 1981 and the quantity of water flow since had significantly decreased. Therefore, it wasnt possible now to execute it. But the bench again on Thursday said, We are at a stage where the decree has to be executed. The canal had to be constructed first. Whether the water was there or not or itll be there only in the rainy season or how much quantity was being maintained could be sorted out later, it had noted last month. Pointing out the delay in the execution of the decree, the Bench had said, Enough is enough. Lets complete it. We are keen to finish itLets not keep it pending. In its affidavit filed before the hearing, Punjab had told the Supreme Court that the canal land that had been given back to the landowners could not be recovered. The court had in November 2016 declared the law passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2004 terminating the SYL canal water-sharing agreement with neighbouring states as unconstitutional. It had answered in the negative all four questions referred to it in a Presidential Reference. But on the date of last hearing, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar had pointed out that the courts order on the Presidential Reference did not specifically declare the 2004 Act invalid. It needed to be formally declared unconstitutional by the court before steps were taken for construction of the SYL canal, Kumar had said. Gagan K Teja Tribune News Service Patiala, March 2 Unlike the 2016-17 financial year, when 232 panchayats passed resolutions for shutting down liquor vends in their villages, only 94 panchayats have come forward for the next fiscal. Of the 94 villages, 23 are from Sangrur district. Other villages are from Patiala (15), Barnala (10), Bathinda (4), Moga (4), Hoshiarpur (4) Ropar (3), Ludhiana (3), Ferozepur (3), Gurdaspur (3), Kapurthala (3) and Jalandhar (3), Fatehgarh Sahib (2), Mansa (2), Amritsar (2), Pathankot (2), Faridkot (1), and Muktsar (1). Section 40 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, empowers villages to ban the sale of liquor within the gram panchayat area. The Section also mentions that if within two years, preceding the date of passing of a resolution, illicit distillation or smuggling of alcohol has not been carried out in a village, the resolution would be binding upon the Excise and Taxation Commissioner. Excise and Taxation Commissioner Varun Roojam said the department would be inviting panchayats for a hearing soon. The resolution by a panchayat should be passed with two-thirds majority. The other condition is that a liquor smuggling case should not have been registered in a village that has passed the resolution. We will look into all aspects and soon take a decision as to how many vends should be shut down, he added. Last year, liquor vends in 163 villages out of 232 that had passed the resolution were shut down. Rachna Khaira Tribune News Service Jalandhar, March 2 The VK Bali Claims Commission, set up to investigate the violence in Doaba after the Vienna incident in 2009, has written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to seek information from the Austrian government about the incident. After Dera Sachkhand Ballan leader Sant Ramanand was killed at a gurdwara in Vienna, riots took place in Jalandhar and nearby districts including Hoshairpur, Phagwara, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana and Phillaur in May 2009. Claims Commission Registrar Justice (retd) CR Goel said the commission had sought information pertaining to the murder of Sant Ramanand and the assault on the present sect head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan Sant Niranjan Das who was accompanying Sant Ramanand at that time. We have sought information about the accused people who were found guilty or absconders in the case. We have also sought details pertaining to their age, nationality, religion and parentage, said Justice Goel. As many as 171 FIRs have been lodged to date in the case and the commission has so far summoned around 150 people and interviewed around 300 witnesses. The one-member commission was set up in June 2012. The major reason, according to Justice CR Goel, behind the delay in finishing the probe is that around 60 per cent of the 171 FIRs and MLRs registered were non-legible. A majority of the FIRs sent by the police are not clear and are carbon copies of original FIRs. Also, we cannot read the details of the case and also the name of the doctor written on MLRs, said Justice Goel. Even though Justice Goel took up the matter with the Punjab DGP few months back but getting no response, Commission Chairman Justice (retd) V K Bali wrote a letter to the Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh kaushal and sought original copies of FIRs with their English translation. Despite sending another letter to Chief Secretary, the commission got no response, following which Justice Bali yet again sent a reminder to the Chief Secretary recently. While the Northern Railway has paid a compensation up to Rs 700 to 800 crore to over hundreds of people who were travelling in various trains including the one which was burnt in the Jalandhar railway station during the riots, only six to seven claimants appeared so far in front of the commission to seek compensation. A majority of them could not claim compensation as their offices, vehicles and even buildings were insured and they had claimed compensation from insurance companies. Barcelona, March 2 Finnish firm HMD Global, which has right to market Nokia brand, is likely to make all devices of the historic phone company in India including the iconic "Nokia 3310". (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) "We will attempt to ensure all our products are made in India. We will source all our product from India," HMD Mobile India vice-president Ajey Mehta told PTI here. HMD Global, which has struck a 10-year brand licensing agreement with Nokia for mobile phones and tablets, will launch a new version of the 17-year old 'Nokia 3310' during April-June for around Rs 3,500 a unit. It will also bring in Android-powered Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 to India during the second quarter itself. Taiwanese electronic company Foxconn is manufacturing partner of HMD Global. At present, some feature phones are already being manufactured in India at Foxconn facility. Mehta said the company is even evaluating development of 4G feature phone. "We are evaluating all opportunity in the market," Mehta said, adding India is very important market for HMD Global. "All consumer requirements are fed up to the product team at our company which then develops the final product," Mehta said. The company will sell Nokia phones through both offline and online channels. "Whichever channel will help reach us to consumers, we will go with that. We will be channel agnostic both offline and online. We currently cover close to 80,000 retailers but we plan to increase that in the future," Mehta said. He said the company is also boosting its after sales service channel and will have direct presence in at least around 250 towns in the country by the time phones are launched. PTI Tribune News Service Dehradun, March 2 Governor Dr KK Paul today stressed the need for cultivation of scientific temper among masses, particularly youths in Uttarakhand. The Governor was addressing the inaugural session of the 11th Uttarakhand Science Congress being hosted by the Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) at Vigyan Dham, Jhajra, Dehradun. He said industrial growth in utilisation of aromatic plants sector, agricultural crops, vegetables and fruits specific to hills must be undertaken through technologies and expertise. He hoped that the Science Congress would evolve strategies that would be pivotal and exemplary in promoting the processes of sustainable development in Uttarakhand. He said Uttarakhand being a hub of education with 26 universities and several other state and Central Government institutes must translate into sustainable development of the state and set an example for the country. The Governor released a souvenir and abstract book of the 11th Science Congress. Earlier, UCOST Director General Dr. Rajendra Dobhal said the Science Congress was an annual event hosted by the UCOST. Dobhal said the main objective of the congress was to make opportunities available to young researchers and scientists to be acquainted with latest scientific inventions and present their research papers before the renowned scientific community of the country. He said the annual Science Congress played an important role for popularisation of latest techniques as well latest ideas and researches and provided a common platform to young scientists of the state. Dr Piyush Joshi of UCOST accorded the vote of thanks. Prof HS Dhami, Prof Saudan Singh and Prof MSM Rawat were prominent present at the inaugural session of the Congress. Washington, March 2 In the wake of the killing of an Indian techie in Kansas, Indian-American Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi has urged US Attorney-General to use the full powers of the Justice Department to combat the rising tide of hate and violence in the US. From grave desecration at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis to a shooting at a bar in Kansas, Americans have been shaken to the core by the recent rise in hate crimes, Krishnamoorthi said in a letter to Attorney-General Jeff Sessions. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and Alok Madasani, another Indian of the same age, injured in the shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled terrorist and get out of my country before opening fire on them. Jewish Community Centres nationwide have received bomb threats, and countless Muslims have been harassed and threatened, the democrat said. All Americans must be able to count on the federal government to defend their fundamental rights as citizens of this great republic. If any American is harassed or threatened because of who they are, it harms everyone, he said. I respectfully urge you to use the full powers of the Justice Department to investigate and combat this disturbing rise in hate crimes, Krishnamoorthi said. These attacks seek to undermine not just public safety, but the very nature of American exceptionalism, he said. For more than two hundred years, the US has stood as a beacon of freedom from tyranny, oppression, and persecution, he added. A fundamental promise of our nation is that any American - regardless of where you come from, the color of your skin, or how you pray - can trust the federal government to preserve, protect, and defend their rights, Krishnamoorthi said. PTI Cairo, March 2 A top Egyptian court today acquitted ailing former President Hosni Mubarak of his involvement in the killing of hundreds of protesters during the 2011 uprising that ended his nearly three-decade rule, in a final ruling that could set him free. Mubarak was originally sentenced to life in prison in 2012 for conspiring to murder more than 200 protesters during the 18-day uprising, which began on January 25, 2011. However, a retrial was ordered on appeal, and the court cleared Mubarak and his aides, including his Interior Minister Habib el-Adli, of the charge in November 2014. The ruling provoked a public outcry and public prosecutors appealed the ruling over procedural violations. Todays ruling by the Court of Cassation is final and cannot be appealed. The court has found the defendant innocent, the judge said in his verdict after an all-day hearing. Earlier during the trial, Mubarak, who was sitting in a wheelchair, denied the charge saying, It did not happen. The families of those killed, who had attended the trial early on, were not present on Thursday. Their lawyers condemned the verdict as politically motivated. "This ruling is not fair and not just. The judiciary is politicised," said Osman al-Hefnawy, a lawyer for the families. The 88-year-old lives in a military hospital in Egyptian capital Cairo since his arrest in 2001, where he is serving a three-year sentence in a separate case related to corruption. More than 800 people were killed and several thousand wounded during the protests and subsequent riots. The 2011 uprising was part of the Arab Spring protests that swept the region. Many Egyptians view Mubarak's rule as autocratic and riddled with crony capitalism. His ouster led to Egypts first free election, which brought in Islamist President Mohammad Morsi. Morsi only lasted a year in office after mass protests against his rule in 2013 prompted then military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take power. Agencies Peshawar, March 2 Two Afghan Taliban commanders were killed on Thursday in a US drone strike in Pakistans restive northwest tribal region, the first such attack after Donald Trump assumed Presidency. The CIA-operated drone fired two missiles that killed two Taliban militants on the spot in a village in Kurram Agency, near the Afghanistan border, a local government official said. The two were identified as Afghan Taliban commander Qari Abdullah Sabrai and Commander Affan. The investigation into the strike has been started, the official said. It was the first drone strike in the Pak-Afghan border region since Trump assumed US Presidency, The News reported. There had been no drone strike by the US in Pakistan since May 21, 2016. This was one of the longest periods that no US drone attack had taken place in Pakistan. The drone strikes by the US under the supervision of the CIA in Pakistan began in 2004. There have been 424 drone attacks in Pakistan to-date. The strikes have killed a total of 2,499 to 4,001 persons including 424 to 966 civilians, the report said. PTI Baghdad, March 2 Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has admitted defeat in Mosul, the terror groups biggest stronghold in Iraq, and has ordered militants to either flee or kill themselves in suicide attacks, the media reported. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a farewell speech to his combatants in battlefields, ordering them to flee and hide in mountainous areas in Iraq and Syria, Iraqi News reported on Wednesday. The text of the speech was disseminated among other speakers to read out to fighters at various areas in western Mosul. The directives tell fighters to blow themselves up once encircled by Iraqi troops, adding that senior commanders close to Baghdadi were moving on the borderline between Syria and Iraq. Iraqi forces have made remarkable gains since launching a renewed offensive on February 19 to retake western Mosul from IS militants. The government said in January it had retaken the eastern side of the city following three months of fighting, Iraqi News added. Earlier this month, unconfirmed news claimed that Baghdadi, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown, had been seriously wounded when airstrikes targeted a senior leadership meeting he chaired near the borders with Syria. In 2014, IS declared Mosul its caliphate. IANS Calgary, Mar 2 (IBNS): With the approval of Keystone pipeline project by US President Donald Trump, TransCanada Corp has suspended their lawsuit against the US government, which they had claimed towards damages and costs amounting to 15 billion dollars, said media reports. The Obama administration had earlier rejected the project mainly due to the pressure of environmental lobby which had been campaigning for last seven years. The lawsuit was initiated under North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In the website of International Center for the Settlement of Investments Disputes, it was announced that Trans Canada's centering pipeline had been suspended until 27th March,2017 pursuant to mutual agreement. The Keystone XL pipeline was intended to link existing pipeline networks in Canada and USA to transport crude oil from Alberta and North Dakota to refineries in Illinois and eventually to Gulf of Mexico. (Reporting by Chandan Som) Washington, March 2 Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has met two top US officials, including National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster, and discussed ways to promote the strategic Indo-US ties especially in trade, defence and security. The meeting between Jaishankar and McMaster assumes significance as the top military leader was appointed as the National Security Adviser by US President Donald Trump 10 days ago. During the meeting held at the White House, the two officials are believed to have discussed issues related to security, counter-terrorism and defence partnership. Jaishankar also met Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and discussed various issues, including ways to enhance economic and defence cooperation between the two countries. The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom, Ryan said in a statement after the meeting. We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defence cooperation, he said. During his meeting with Jaishankar, Ryan expressed condolences of the US House of Representatives over the death of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Our peoples must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead, Ryan said. Jaishankar arrived in the US on Tuesday on a four-day visit to hold talks with top officials of the Trump administration, lawmakers and members of the think-tank community. This is his third trip to the US after Trump was elected as the President. Trump had pledged to strengthen the Indo-US ties during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. About three weeks before his electoral victory, Trump had told Indian-Americans that he would be India's best friend at the White House. Jaishankar, during his visit, is likely to discuss with top US officials India's concerns over a possible clamp down on H-1B visas and safety of Indians. He will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest. PTI Doval meets Israeli PM ahead of Modis visit Kuala Lumpur, March 2 Malaysia will cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans entering the country from March 6, state news agency Bernama reported on Thursday, as diplomatic ties between the two countries frayed further following the murder of Kim Jong-Nam at the Kuala Lumpur airport. North Koreans will be required to obtain a visa before entering Malaysia for national security reasons, Bernama reported citing Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Malaysia is one of the few countries that North Koreans could visit without a visa. Under a reciprocal arrangement Malaysians are among the few foreigners granted visa-free entry to the secretive, nuclear-armed state. The move comes two weeks after Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport with a toxic nerve agent. Diplomatic ties between Malaysia and North Korea have soured since the murder, which South Korea and US saying it was an assassination organised by North Korean agents. North Korea tried to convince Malaysia not to perform an autopsy on Kim Jong-Nams body, and to release three suspects detained in connection with the killing. A high-level North Korean diplomatic delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and has held talks with members of the Malaysian cabinet to press those demands. Malaysia has charged a Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman with murder, but police are also holding one North Korean man and want to question seven others, including a senior official in the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has insisted that laws of the country will be followed and has refused to release the body to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for next of kin to come forward. Malaysia is considering expelling North Koreas envoy to the Southeast Asian nation or shutting its embassy in Pyongyang, a senior government official told Reuters last week, when the Malaysian ambassador was recalled for consultations. Following a Reuters report this week that the North Korean intelligence agency has been running an arms operations from Kuala Lumpur for years, the Malaysian police have said they will strike two related companies off the countrys company registry. The severe strain on the relationship follows decades of friendly ties between the two countries. North Korea and Malaysia have maintained cosy ties since the 1970s when former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad embraced the isolated state, in part to rebuff the United States. Malaysian palm oil and rubber is exported to the communist state. Cars made by Malaysian national carmaker Proton have been sold to North Korea and used as taxis. Malaysia to deport N Korean detained in Kim murder probe Malaysia will on Friday release and deport a North Korean held in custody by police investigating the murder of Kim Jong-Nam, Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali told Reuters on Thursday. The Attorney-General said in a text message that there was insufficient evidence to charge Ri Jong Chol, who had been arrested in Kuala Lumpur four days after the February 13 murder. Ri held a work permit that had been valid till February 6, 2017. Reuters Belfast, March 2 Northern Ireland goes to the polls on Thursday for the second time in 10 months but there is little prospect that the outcome will fix the provinces bitter political divisions. The two main parties both claim they want a fresh power-sharing government installed as soon as possible, but the enmity between them seems entrenched, with neither side prepared to give ground. Snap elections were called in January after long-simmering tensions boiled over between Catholic, Irish Republican socialists Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party, which is Protestant, conservative and pro-British in its outlook. Id be more pessimistic than optimistic that the DUP and Sinn Fein can get back in a government together quickly, Jonathan Tonge, a Northern Ireland politics expert at Liverpool University, told AFP in a view echoed widely by analysts. Sinn Feins deputy first minister Martin McGuinness quit in January, saying he could no longer work with Northern Irelands first minister Arlene Foster, the DUP leader. McGuinness resigned in protest over a botched green heating scheme, the breaking point after months of tensions with the DUP. Foster had instigated the scheme when she was the provinces economy minister. McGuinness is not standing again due to ill health but his successor as Sinn Feins leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle ONeill, is showing no sign of softening the rhetoric. People are angry at the arrogance, disrespect and contempt, she told Foster on Tuesday in a feisty televised debate. Gerry Kelly, a Sinn Fein north Belfast candidate, told AFP his party had taken a huge decision. We could have sat on our seats for four of five years, but there were issues that were big enough as far as were concerned to bring back to the public, he said. Throughout the election campaign, Foster has appealed for unionists to resist Sinn Feins demands. If you feed a crocodile it will keep coming back for more, she told a party rally. If the DUP and Sinn Fein end up as the two biggest partiesas polls predictand cannot agree to form a power-sharing executive within three weeks, the governance of Northern Ireland will probably revert from Belfast to London for the foreseeable future. Aside from handing over budget control, business groups are concerned that would hinder Northern Irelands ability to attract much-needed international investment and tourism. AFP Washington, March 2 US House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Attorney-General Jeff Sessions to resign on Wednesday after the Washington Post reported he failed to disclose two meetings he had with Russias ambassador before Donald Trump was inaugurated as President. Citing Justice Department officials, the Post said Sessions spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador while he was still a US senator. He failed to disclose the encounters when asked during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general about possible contacts between Trumps campaign and Russian officials, the newspaper said. Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, called for Sessions to resign and for an independent, bipartisan investigation into Trumps possible ties to Russians. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, she said in a statement. In a statement posted on Twitter later by his spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions said he had never discussed campaign details with any Russian officials. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false, Sessions said in the statement. Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired last month after he discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. The Washington Post said one of Sessions meetings was a private conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak that took place in the senators office in September. This came at the height of what US intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the US presidential race, the Post reported. Russian meddling Along with Pelosis call for Sessions to resign, the Post said the previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. Sessions has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, he was a senior member of the influential Senate Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers, according to the Post. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Democratic Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign, the Post reported. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions responded, according to the Post. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak, according to the Post. There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer, Flores earlier told the Post. The Department of Justice and the White House did not respond immediately to requests by Reuters for comment. Justice officials said Sessions met Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate, the Post reported. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign - not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Flores told the Post. Reuters Beirut, March 2 Syrian troops have pushed into Palmyra as they battle to retake the iconic city from the Islamic State group, but their advance was slowed today by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Bolstered by Russian air strikes and ground troops, Syrian government forces have been battling through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, forcing IS fighters to retreat into eastern districts, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. IS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods, Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts, he added. They have also not yet entered the celebrated ruins that make up the southwestern part of the city. There are no IS fighters left in most of the Old City, but it is heavily mined, Abdel Rahman said. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the monuments have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscows support has been key in the Syrian armys push towards Palmyra, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assads forces in their fight against what the regime and its allies say are terrorists. AFP NASHVILLE The first new product has emerged in the wake of Wabcos purchase of Laydon Composites, and it comes in the form of a self-deploying trailer boat tail. Introduced at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting this week, the OptiFlow AutoTail automatically deploys at 45 mph and closes at 10 mph, drawing on speed data from the trailers antilock braking system. The automated opening helps to ensure that the potential aerodynamic benefits are always realized at highway speeds, while the closing will help to ensure the equipment is not damaged when a trailer is backed into a loading dock. OptiFlow AutoTail earned an EPA SmartWay designation through tests by Canadas National Research Council. Tests show the panels can improve fuel economy by up to 4.3% at highway speeds, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 4.8 tons per trailer per year. The device differs from a competing system in several ways. Rather than using hinges, the panels use cantilevers to swing into place. Theyre also shaped for better aerodynamic flow, only 21 inches wide, and made of injection-molded thermoplastic. It was a rapid development process. Wabco purchased Laydon Composites in April 2016, and the Ontario companys former President Brian Layfield (now Wabos global leader - aerodynamics) said his team had barely discussed the technology at the time of the sale. But now the business has the backing of a global company behind it. Its been for me really rewarding going from three engineers. I now have the ability to tap into 2,400 engineers, Layfield said, referring to available support and cost synergies. Wabco, meanwhile, is looking to maintain the groups entrepreneurial spirit. In the end its all about getting out of the way, said Jon Morrison, Wabco president - Americas. We recognize what we know and what we dont know. Laydon certainly understood aerodynamics. Answering a challenge presented by Con-way, it developed a collapsible roof fairing that was inspired when Layfield watched his wife turn pot lids upside down so they would fit into a drawer. It became a standard offering on Freightliners. Wabco also is offering its manually deployed OptiFlow Tail for the first time in North America. The OptiFlow Tail offers the same fuel savings as OptiFlow AutoTail and is easily upgraded to the autodeploy version, according to the company. OptiFlow AutoTail will be available in June. John G. Smith is editor of Canadian publication Today's Trucking, an HDT editorial content partner. Oklahomas threat for a potentially damaging human-caused earthquake in 2017 is similar to 2016 and remains on par with natural shaking hazards in California, according to the latest U.S. Geological Survey study. In Oklahoma and southern Kansas, about 3 million people live in an area of heightened risk of damaging shaking from an induced earthquake. Oklahomas greatest probability is a 10 to 12 percent chance in a central portion of the state, which includes the Pawnee and Cushing areas. The USGS on Wednesday published its research in Seismological Research Letters. The overall level of induced seismic risk across the central and eastern U.S. declined, but Oklahoma remains similar to a year ago. Thats partly because on the one hand you have an overall decrease in frequency of earthquakes counter-balanced by the fact that in (2016) we had those three large earthquakes, said Jeremy Boak, director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey. And they skew the calculated distribution of earthquakes and frequencies. There were 623 quakes of magnitude-3.0 or greater in 2016 in Oklahoma, a 31 percent reduction from 2015s record of 903. The 90-day moving average of quakes of at least 3.0 is at about 0.7 per day, according to Boak. That rate is substantially down from a peak of 3.0 a day in January 2016. The 2017 USGS forecast pegs about 3.5 million people in the central and eastern U.S. with significant potential for a damaging quake induced by humans. In 2016 that number was double at about 7 million people. The largest factor involved is the removal of an induced seismic threat in the Dallas-Fort Worth area because of a dramatic decline in quakes in North Texas, according to Mark Peterson, chief of the USGS hazard mapping project. The hazard in Oklahoma and south-central Kansas still remains hundreds of times higher than before the man-made activity began, Peterson said. So there is still work to be done in reducing the hazards in those areas. The studys threshold for a damaging quake is considered to be minor, such as cracking of plaster and weak masonry. If youre close to a (magnitude-) 4, you can have some damage, Peterson said. He noted that chances of experiencing a damaging earthquake could rise or fall with industry practices, which are difficult to anticipate. Last week, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission unveiled a directive addressing that key issue. The latest regulations put a cap on how high and fast disposal volumes linked to man-made quakes can climb. Tim Baker, director of the OCCs Oil and Gas Division, said the state is on a good track given the correlated reductions in saltwater disposal and earthquake frequency. Baker said operators in the quake prone part of Oklahoma are cumulatively injecting about 1.5 million barrels of saltwater into deep disposal wells per day. Without the latest directive, Baker said the volume rate potentially could have climbed to 4.5 million a day. During peak activity, there were about 3 million barrels per day being injected, he said. The new cap limits overall disposal to about 2.5 million barrels, Baker said. Notably, the latest directive includes 71 deep disposal wells in the northeast and southeast corners of the OCCs 15,000-square-mile area of quake-related regulations. Those wells previously werent under volume restrictions because of a lack of seismicity, Baker said. What we dont want to see is the volumes shift over to these wells that have no restrictions, Baker said. Is that likely? Probably not. But were wanting to reduce that risk of that scenario to occur. Katie Brown, a spokeswoman for Energy In Depth, said the USGS forecast is a clear sign that collaborative efforts among industry, scientists and regulators are working. In Oklahoma, the number of earthquakes last year dropped by 31 percent, and there were zero felt earthquakes in North Texas in 2016, Brown said. This study is in line with what numerous experts have said: the risk of induced seismicity is small, rare, and manageable. Energy In Depth is a research and education program of the Independent Petroleum Association of America. The third man charged in the 2014 fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl on the Gilcrease Expressway struck a plea deal Thursday, sparing him the potential of a life sentence. Demonte Rushing, 24, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in the 2014 death of April Montano. He received a 10-year sentence with credit for time served as part of the plea deal. Rushing had been charged with first-degree felony murder and attempted robbery with a firearm, along with David Ruble II and Travis Murphy Lozada, both 22, who have been tried and found guilty. Lozada and Ruble were also convicted of conspiracy. Ruble was sentenced Sept. 6 to life in prison plus 10 years. He has appealed his conviction. A jury found Lozada guilty Jan. 27 and recommended a life-without-parole term. He will be sentenced Friday. Rushing testified against both of his co-defendants. In exchange for Rushings plea, Assistant District Attorney Becky Johnson moved to dismiss the robbery charge, saying it was the basis for the felony murder count that she amended Thursday to accessory after the fact. A felony murder charge can be applied when a person dies during the commission of another felony crime. District Judge William LaFortune presided over the cases of all three men. LaFortune granted a request by Rushings attorney, John Echols, to conduct a February 2018 judicial review of his clients sentence, which could result in a sentence modification. The Montano girl was shot around 9:30 p.m. May 29, 2014, while she was in a pickup driven by her father on the Gilcrease Expressway near Peoria Avenue and Mohawk Boulevard. Prosecutors said Rushing was driving Rubles car that night when the three men, along with passenger Jerica Cherry, spotted the girl and her family at a north Tulsa restaurant parking lot with a trailer loaded with all-terrain vehicles. The father, Eduardo Meza-Ramirez, testified in Rubles trial that he decided to drive to the familys Turley home because the restaurants dine-in area was closed. According to prosecutors, Rushing followed the vehicle as it drove away and Ruble fired shots at it in an attempt to steal the ATVs. The girl was shot in the head. Lozadas defense attorney, MJ Denman, argued in his January trial that his client should be shown leniency because he helped police find evidence related to the shooting, turned himself in to authorities and gave up names of his accomplices. Michael Manning, Rubles attorney, said during Rubles trial last May that the others in the vehicle offered up Ruble to police as a scapegoat. He theorized that Lozada had the most culpability and noted there was no DNA or ballistics evidence that directly tied Ruble to the incident. Cherry was not charged but is listed as a material witness. A software developer at the centre of fraud allegations on A Current Affair is seeking damages of $2.4B in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Kyle Hodgetts claims his products and reputation have been hurt by the actions of A Current Affair and two other defendants named in the lawsuit, Mumbrella reports. He claims ACAs story alleging overdue rental payments, fraudulent tenancy applications and various name changes led to the subsequent derailing of his career. A video game titled Virtual Earth Online and technology landscape tool Evolution Based Artificial Intelligence were unable to be released because of the damage caused to his reputation. Hodgetts, who spent years developing cutting-edge video game and artificial intelligence technologies claims his pioneering developments have been frozen as a direct result of the defendants actions, a statement said. He also claims to have endured years of abuse and internet trolling as well as being a victim of robbery and vandalism, following the report. Nine declined to comment. In the lead up to the WA Election, a special edition of Paul Murray Live will broadcast from Perth for the first time next Wednesday. Paul Murray will anchor from The Ashby Bar & Bistro, Ashby hearing from voters in the seat of Wanneroo. Members of the public are encouraged to be part of the Live audience by registering their attendance at [email protected] Paul Murray said: For once, its all about WA. For too long we get distracted by the news from Sydney or Canberra. But now its WAs turn to take the spotlight. I want to hear from fired up people who are passionate about Perth and love WA. I want to know if they want to change the government, or politics as a whole with forces like One Nation. We had a record crowd for our show on the Sunshine Coast, so come on Perth lets set a new record. On Thursday March 9, Paul Murray Live will also broadcast from the Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth at 6:00pm AWST / 9:00pm AEDT, just ahead of the SKY News / The West Australian Peoples Forum with Opposition Leader Mark McGowan. The broadcast continues Pauls 2017 road show series which has seen him dissect and highlight ground level concerns of local regional and suburban communities nationwide. This marks the third road show for the year, the first in Tamworth, NSW and most recently in Maroochydore, QLD. SKY News has WA Election 2017 covered with a full schedule of Live and local WA programming in the lead up to the big vote. Joining Paul in WA, SKY News Political Editor David Speers will host the SKY News / The West Australian Peoples Forum with Opposition Leader Mark McGowan who will face undecided voters on Thursday March 9. Wednesday March 8 6:00pm AWST / 9:00pm AEDT Thursday March 9 1:00pm AWST / 4:00pm AEDT PM Agenda with David Speers Live from the Pan Pacific Hotel, 3:00pm AWST / 6:00pm AEDT The Latest with Ashleigh Gillon Live from the Pan Pacific Hotel 5:00pm AWST / 8:00pm AEDT Speers Tonight with David Speers Live from the Pan Pacific Hotel 6:00pm AWST / 9:00pm AEDT Paul Murray Live from the Pan Pacific Hotel 7:00pm AWST / 10:00pm AEDT SKY News / The West Australian Peoples Forum Live 8:00pm AWST / 11:00pm AEDT Heads Up with Chris Kenny joined by David Speers Saturday March 11 6:00pm AWST / 9:00pm AEDT WA Election Day: The Verdict anchored by David Speers The over month-long Budget session, starting March 9, will provide Finance Minister Arun Jaitley the perfect opportunity to make an announcement on implementation of allowances. By India Today Web Desk: Government employees have been waiting for an announcement on allowances since the last eight months. The recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission were cleared by the Narendra Modi cabinet on June 29 last year. During the first part of the Budget session, the Finance Minister made no mention of the Seventh Pay Commission. Government employees had pinned their hopes on Jaitley's Budget speech to hear some good news on hike in allowances. advertisement Now, with the Assembly elections in five states coming to a close on March 8, the model code of conduct too will be lifted simultaneously. Therefore, all eyes are now on the second part of the Budget session which commences on March 9 and will continue till April 12. The over month-long session will provide enough time to Arun Jaitley to make an announcement that will benefit nearly 50 lakh government employees. WHERE DOES THE SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION STORY STANDS: In June last year, the government cleared the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. The commission recommended a 14.27 per cent hike in basic pay, which was the lowest in 70 years. The hike in aggregate pay stood at 23.5 per cent under the Seventh Pay Commission, with the minimum pay increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000. The government then announced that employees would draw increased pay in their August salary, and would simultaneously get the arrears calculated from January 1, 2016. The Seventh Pay Commission recommended abolishing 53 of the 196 allowances of government employees. It also suggested that some allowances be merged. The pay commission suggested reducing the house rent allowance (HRA) in metros to 24 per cent from 30 per cent of basic pay, a move that did not go down well with employees who protested against the recommendations. The government appointed a committee under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review the recommendations in July last year. This Committee on Allowances was given four months to submit its report; the deadline was later extended to February 22, 2017. According to reports, the Committee on Allowances submitted its report to the Finance Ministry on the appointed date. If reports are to be believed, the Committee suggested keeping the HRA at 30 per cent of the basic pay as under the Sixth Pay Commission. Transport allowance too would remain the same, said reports. While the government avoided making any announcement on implementation of allowances this financial year, employees expect the good news to come before April 1 so that they can draw revised salaries from the new financial year. ALSO READ: 7th Pay Commission: No hike in transport allowance, HRA to remain at 30 per cent 7th Pay Commission: Congratulations, Modi government just increased gratuity limit to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh 7th Pay Commission: Your 7-point guide on the recommendations ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Portia Bagaza a student at Wits University in South Africa, engages with her peers at the Department of Social Development's National Youth Camp in 2016, about being a refugee. UNHCR/Pumla Rulashe It was against the backdrop of South Africas student protest movement, against increasing tertiary tuition fees that Rwandan refugee and graduate, Portia Bagaza* started examining the uniqueness of her position and that of other refugees struggling to pay for their education at tertiary institutions. The countrywide protest is essentially about the unaffordability of quality education for black students at university, who because of non-payment of fees either drop out or are excluded, explains Bagaza, who on the side lines of the demonstrations and in moments to herself sought to make sense of an issue she relates to, albeit as a refugee and not a South African national. Bagaza has enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) to study towards her Honours Degree in Anthropology. My research topic Identity, Construction and Imaging among Rwandan refugees in Johannesburg, she says, strives to make sense of my position as a refugee in an environment, where particular socio-economic concerns voiced by my peers resonate with me but dont necessarily include me. My friends poke fun at me about being a different kind of black, but jokes aside, there is truth to this statement. Being a different kind of black according to Bagaza, relates to issues about her identity as a Rwandan national living as a refugee in South Africa, a country she cannot fully claim as her own. Bagaza and her parents fled the Rwandan genocide in 1994, when she was only four months old. She has only known South Africa as her home. As a refuge student in one of the best tertiary institutions on the continent, unaffordable quality education is not unique to South Africa, but its impact can be greater felt amongst refugees, whose access to scholarships and funding in countries of asylum is limited or unavailable. The tertiary level of education is incredibly difficult to get in and sustain to completion, if you are living from hand to mouth as refugees most often are, says Bagaza. Significant numbers of refugees with academic potential are unable to pursue quality post-secondary school education because of financial difficulties, competing priorities and family demands on the little money they make or earn. If it werent for the UN Refugee Agency, (UNHCR), many refugee students wouldnt even be able to further their studies beyond secondary school. Over 15 years ago, to address some of the financial challenges faced by refugees, the UNHCR and its legal NGO partners engaged institutions of higher learning to cap refugee student fees to the amount expected of South African nationals, where initially they were expected to pay the exorbitant fees demanded of international students. Similarly, the UNHCRs higher education scholarship programme DAFI, the German acronym for the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative, is fundamental in helping qualifying students pursue tertiary education. Since its inception in 1992, the DAFI programme has enabled more than 6,000 refugee students study at universities and colleges in their countries of asylum and more recently, in their country of origin upon return. In South Africa, the programme began in 1996 by assisting three refugee students. Today, DAFI supports 95 refugees in the country. The DAFI programme enables young refugees to continue post-secondary education and motivates refugee children to stay in school and succeed academically. For students and graduates, the DAFI programme serves as a foundation for social and professional development, allowing them to build careers in competitive fields of employment. Bagaza was a recipient of the DAFI scholarship programme in her first year of study towards a degree in medicine. When she changed her discipline to anthropology however, she had to look to her parents for financial support, only one of whom is gainfully employed. In addition, Bagazas sister, a fourth year Veterinary Sciences student at the University of Pretoria, is also dependent on their mothers salary to cover her tuition. Its extremely difficult for her, confides Bagaza. It is this domestic situation that Bagaza draws parallels with the concerns of students in the protest movement. I also spend a lot of time researching alternative funding and support, but all the ones I meet the criteria for academically and otherwise stipulate that applicants must be South African citizens, so my exclusion from access to other means of financial support is ongoing. Its a frustration I feel every day, which for my South African peers, has spilt onto the streets. Bagaza, however, has voiced her concerns in what she calls academic spaces on campus, which provide platforms for students, lecturers and interested individuals to interrogate and discuss issues in open and constructive forums. Fees and academic access versus academic exclusion must recognise pockets of otherness such as the refugee student population, which for the most part will serve and give back to South Africa, if given the chance, before returning to their country of origin, if they are able. Personally I know no other country but South Africa and this is where I choose to remain for the foreseeable future. Bagaza isnt only broaching the subject at Wits. She is also requesting UNHCR and the DAFI Scholarship Programme to engage institutions of higher learning and their faculties to consider taking on qualifying refugee students on a quota basis, where their fees would either be co-funded or fully absorbed by either party. Another proposition is that perhaps UNHCR could approach the private sector on our behalf or through the DAFI Programme look at co-supporting organisations like the National Research Fund (NRF) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to broaden access to funding for both qualifying refugee and South African students. Unfortunately, there is never enough funding available to help refugees go to university, says Sharon Cooper, UNHCRs Regional Representative for Southern Africa. Every year, UNHCR receives hundreds of applications from refugees that far exceed the number of scholarships we are able to offer through DAFI programme. Many of the students that have received degrees thanks to the programme are contributing toward the economy of the country by working for and serving their local host communities as doctors, dentists or other service-oriented fields. As UNHCR, we would welcome partnerships with potential funders and institutions in order to be able to do more for these deserving students. It is an option we will certainly look into going forward. The 2017 academic year for Bagaza and her peers across most of the country has begun without incident, with the Government prioritising 32 billion Rands to support indigent and low-income South African students as one of a number commitments it has made to alleviate the burden of paying high tuition fees for tertiary studies. For Bagaza, this pronouncement spurs her forward in her quest to find additional funding elsewhere for qualifying refugee students. *Name changed for protection reasons Two Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members, Prashant Mishra and Vinayak Sharma, have been suspended from the party for 'indiscipline'. By Mail Today Bureau: Two Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members, who were arrested for allegedly attacking a group of All India Students Association (AISA) supporters, were suspended from the party for 'indiscipline'. The accused, Prashant Mishra and Vinayak Sharma, allegedly strangulated AISA activists Raj Singh and Utkarsh Bhardwaj near Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College on Tuesday evening when they were returning from the anti-ABVP rally. advertisement "We condemn the act as we advocate a violence-free atmosphere on campus. On the basis of preliminary information, the two members have been suspended from the party for indiscipline. An interim inquiry has been ordered to take further action," ABVP national media convener Saket Bahuguna said. STIR AT POLICE HQ Utkarsh and Raj had claimed that they were attacked by 7-8 people near Khalsa College and strangulated with belts. Prashant and Vinayak were nabbed by police from the spot. They have been booked under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC. Meanwhile, ABVP activists staged a protest outside Delhi Police headquarters on Wednesday demanding that a chargesheet be filed against JNU students Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya in last year's sedition case. The three were arrested in February last year over sedition charges in connection with an event in JNU during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. "One year has passed and still no chargesheet has been filled against those who raised anti-national slogans. We are here to demand strict action against them so that in future, such slogans are not raised. They did it in JNU and now they are eyeing DU," DUSU president Amit Tanwar. NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC TEACHERS' FRONT MARCH On the other hand, the National Democratic Teachers' Front led a march from Arts faculty to the DU Vice-Chancellor's office against the invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid. The protestors submitted a memorandum to the V-C signed by 450 professors of the varsity. "We oppose the propaganda to divide the nation in the name of freedom of speech," the memorandum read. Opposing slogans like 'Kashmir ki azaadi' and 'Bastar ki azaadi' on the DU campus, the professors demanded that such activities are not repeated. "What have Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid achieved that an invitation was sent to them?," said Pramod Shastri, a professor at Kirori Mal College. Renuka Dhar, an associate professor at PGDAV College said, "This is the time when we take assignments and grade students for their exams. All these have been disrupted now." advertisement ALSO READ: Ramjas row: ABVP to protest on March 2, calls for on-campus exclusion of Left WATCH VIDEO: DU protest: As students march against Ramjas violence, ABVP turns defensive --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Maharajganj (UP), Mar 1 (PTI) Armed with the latest GDP figures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today mocked the economists and made a veiled attack on his predecessor Manmohan Singh, saying "hard work" proved to be more powerful than "Harvard". "One year ago, our opposition used to say that our economy is going down with no development and GDP numbers are not going up," he said addressing an election rally here. advertisement But after demonetisation was announced on November 8 last year, "they (opposition) said Modiji, we dont understand why you took the demonetisation decision when the economy was doing well," the Prime Minister said. Targeting the opposition, he said, "Chit bhi meri, pat bhi meri (Both head and tail of the coin are mine)...First, they said there was no economic development. Then, when the notes (of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination) were banned, they (opposition) said the economy was running smoothly and you have applied the break on it." While attacking the opponents of demonetisation, including the economists, Modi appeared to target Mahmohan Singh who had said that the decision will lead to a drop of at least 2 per cent in GDP. "Big scholars, some from Harvard, some from Oxford.. For 30 years, they were in the key economic decision-making position, big economists, some said there will be a drop of 2 per cent in the GDP, others said 4 per cent drop," the Prime Minister said. "But the country has seen what the people from Harvard think and what hard working people think. On one side, there is a crowd of scholars who speak in the name of Harvard and on the other side, there is the son of a poor mother, who is trying to transform the economy though his hard work," he said. "In fact, hard work is much more powerful than Harvard," he said, taking a dig at the opponents. His remark came against the backdrop of Professor of Economics and Philosophy at Harvard University and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen terming demonetisation as a "despotic action that has struck at the root of economy based on trust". The government had yesterday pegged GDP growth at a higher-than-expected 7.1 per cent for 2016-17 despite the cash blues, which was higher than Chinas 6.8 per cent for Oct-Dec period of 2016, making India retain the tag of the worlds fastest growing economy. Paris-based think tank OECD also forecast 7 per cent growth for India for 2016-17 and said the pace will accelerate to 7.3 per cent in the next fiscal. PTI NAV SMI DV RSD AKK AKK --- ENDS --- advertisement A college in California has reversed their suspension on a student who secretly filmed his professor's rant against the President-elect D0onald Trump. The college took time to review and rethink their decision before finally deciding to lift the suspension on a board meeting. The student is Caleb O'Neil from Orange Coast College. He is a freshman college student who recorded his sexuality professor labelling Trump's election win as an "act of terrorism", Yahoo News reported. She was not necessarily referring to a real war, but meant a divided country in which "we are the majority. More of us voted to not have that kind of leadership." The said even took place November 15, the professor, Olga Perez Stable Cox told her class that "we're really going back to being in a civil war. O'Neil is a republican and he explained the reason for doing the filming. He said that he does want his grade to be affected just because the teacher knows he is a Trump supporter. The suspension, according to the dean of the college, aimed to make the student "truly think through your actions and the consequences of those actions" The Washington Post reported. But after two weeks of criticisms, the college took their time to rethink their actions and cancelled the suspension during a board meeting on Thursday. O'Neil shared that video to a Republican Group in campus, who complained that Cox was abusing the power of grade to her students. And when the school did not act quickly, the recording was uploaded online and prompted harsh reproach from sources across the nation. Cox explained that she was only trying to give comfort to her students who had fears about Trump's rhetoric against Muslims. The Orange County Register issued a statement expressing their belief in the interest of fairness and equity for all, and overturned the school's decision and demanded for a recall of school members if the suspension was not reversed. A recent study just debunked the myth that says stimulating creativity can be done by tapping the right side of your brain. The research has just shown that what sets creative people apart is how well the two brain hemispheres communicate with each other. Statisticians David Dunson of Duke University and Daniele Durante of the University of Padova studied the network of white matter connections among 68 separate brain regions. The participants were healthy college-age volunteers, according to Science Daily. In the human brain, an outer grey matter covers the white matter and it contains the axons that connect the neurons and transfer the electrical signals between each other. A team led by neuroscientist Rex Jung of the University of New Mexico used a series of tests to assess creativity of the participants. They were measured based on their ability to arrive at several answers to a single questions. They were also asked to fill out some questionnaires about their achievements in certain areas including music, visual arts, dancing, cooking, as well as science, according to Decan Chronicle. The researchers found that there was no difference between the two brain hemispheres when it comes to connectivity. However, when those who were part of the top 15 percent on the creativity tests were compared to the ones who were part of the bottom 15, it was found that the ones who had higher scores had better connections between their brain's left and right hemispheres. According to Dunson, this approach can be used to tell if a person has a higher likelihood to be creative just by basing it on the network structure of their brain. He said that by doing brain scans, it might be helpful to predict what people are likely to be good at. Meanwhile, their team is now working on developing methods to see whether brain connectivity also varies or changes with IQ. In the past, one of the evidences of wealth is the absence of physical labor. This is not the case anymore according to a joint study from various researchers. They said that the new status symbol now is busyness. Silvia Belleza, a marketing professor at the Columbia Business School along with Anat Keinan of Harvard and Neeru Paharia of Georgetown University conducted a study titled, "Conspicuous Consumption of Time: When Busyness and Lack of Leisure Time Become a Status Symbol," which was published in the Journal of Consumer Research. According to the study, the richest men in the United States these days work much longer than those who are poorer. Being busy and time-poor has a different connotation in this generation, the authors wrote. Putting in a longer time for work is not about earning a lot of money to get their dream car, dream house, and other luxuries. Instead, busyness has become synonymous of someone who possesses desirable human capital characteristics, such as drive and competence, that their skills have become so in demand in the market. In other words, a workaholic lifestyle has become a symbol of prestige and ability. The study included an experiment where one person posts status updates about how busy he is at work and another who posts about having a leisurely lifestyle. Participants were then asked which between the two have a higher status in life and most Americans perceive that the busy person was the one with the higher status. Belleza, however, added that this perception also depends whether the person understands that busyness or not. For example, if a person is in a white-collar type of job and is busy, he or she will think that the busy person has the same job as them. On the other hand, if the job is categorized as a blue-collar type of job, the perception, of course, changes. This perception also differs from culture to culture, Belleza added. In Italy, for example, a person having a leisurely lifestyle is perceived to be wealthy because he can afford not to work. In the United States, however, the perception is the opposite because when a person is not busy, the first thing that comes to mind among Americans is that the person cannot find work and there must be something wrong about the person. March 2 2017 South Ayrshire Council has marked the commencement of classes at the regions newest primary school, replacing three separate structures with a single building. Dailly Primary has capacity for 100 pupils in addition to an integrated Early Years centre, providing a state of the art seat of learning for the rural community.Councillor Margaret Toner, portfolio holder for lifelong learning, said: This fantastic new building will act as a resource for the whole community, with generations of children standing to benefit from a bright, new school that will transform the standard of education.Delivered by Morrison Construction to designs by AHR the 3.8m school has been designed to encourage social interaction and outdoor learning. The rebel OPS faction had filed a complaint with the EC asking it to declare Sasikala's elevation as AIADMK general secretary as illegal. By India Today Web Desk: The Sasikala faction of the AIADMK has come out in full support of their leader, who is currently lodged in Bengaluru jail, challenging the Election Commission in the war with the rival O Panneerselvam camp. The OPS group had approached the EC asking it to declare Sasikala's elevation as AIADMK general secretary as illegal. AIADMK MP A Navneethakrishnan said the poll panel can't dictate terms to his party as the complaint filed by the OPS camp is invalid. advertisement "The Election Commission can't interfere in internal party matter. Three people filing complaints to Election Commission about Sasikala being elected as general secretary is invalid," Navneethakrishnan told India Today while adding that the OPS camp was being backed by the DMK. "Party has replied to all the queries of Election Commission of India. As per the existing rule of law, there is no provision to remove Chinnamma from AIADMK general secretary's post," he said. AIADMK'S RESPONSE TO EC In its response to the February 17 notice by the Election Commission, the AIADMK also said those who later complained against Sasikala's elevation had initially signed the resolution in her support. The party told the Commission that the functioning of the party would have come to a standstill had a new general secretary not been appointed after the demise of J Jayalalithaa. The reply was signed by TTV Dinakaran, Sasikala's nephew, who was hurriedly reinducted into the party and nominated AIADMK deputy general secretary just before she left for a Karnataka prison to serve her remaining term in a disproportionate assets case. The poll panel had asked Sasikala to respond to a petition filed by the rival O Panneerselvam camp against her appointment as AIADMK interim general secretary. The EC had, while issuing the notice, made it clear that if she failed to answer, it will be "presumed" that she has no comments to offer and proceed in the matter accordingly. WATCH: The geometry of Tamil Nadu politics ALSO READ: Why Panneerselvam was silent when Jayalalithaa died, Sasikala elected chief: AIADMK MP Sasikala's elevation as AIADMK general secretary illegal? EC hears Team OPS plea Rules flouted for Sasikala's elevation as AIADMK General Secretary: Election Commission --- ENDS --- Capt. AK Kathpalia is the oldest pilot in the airlines, but was known for his unlawful attitude. By Anindya Banerjee: National carrier Air India today removed its Executive Director (Operation) Capt. AK Kathpalia for not taking breathe analyser test. He is the oldest pilot in the airlines and this wasn't the first time that a complaint was registered against him. Not long ago, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation had suspended him for three months All pilots are required to take the breath analyser test before they fly. advertisement "Captain A Kathpalia operated AI DEL-BLR on January 19 without undergoing BA examine test which is contravention to the contain in CAR section-5 series-F part III issue III dated 4 August 2015," DGCA said in an order. The order further adds, "Kathpalia was positioned as executive director operations in Air India. As per the law, it is mandatory to all pilots to examine pre flight medical check-up before taking flight." Kathpalia is also accused of risking the life of former Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh while he flew him abroad. The CCPA had objected to him being made ED (Operation), but the airline intervened. Unfortunately, this time the latter does not have any choice. Air India to start morning flights between Jammu, Delhi Cockroach 'served' on Chicago bound Air India flight --- ENDS --- Gabriel Selting Honored for Internationalization Work at UW Gabriel Selting, from Laramie, is the recipient of the Undergraduate Student International Excellence Award for his international work and UW studies. (Adam Herrera Photo) Undergraduate student Gabriel Selting, from Laramie, has been recognized for his international work and studies at the University of Wyoming, receiving the Undergraduate Student International Excellence Award. Each year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university. Selting is president of the International Studies Student Club at UW. He is a junior in international studies, with minors in the Honors Program, and human and animal physiology. He also received the Outstanding Freshman Award in the UW Global and Area Studies Program. He has turned his time at UW into a series of opportunities to engage with the world and its issues, says David Messenger, director of the Global and Area Studies Program at UW. He has taken the time and the opportunity to turn his enthusiasm into leadership and expand the chance for other UW students to engage with projects around the world. Seltings main area of focus is the Middle East, which motivated his language study in both Arabic and French at UW. He has had opportunities to visit Israel, Haiti and France, and has interned with the Education for Peace in Iraq Center in Washington, D.C. While having his own views, he also maintains an open and curious mind and balanced perspective, vital qualities for anyone studying or working in foreign affairs -- and also characteristics not often seen in someone just beginning their studies, says Gary Grappo, visiting senior scholar at UW and former ambassador to Oman. Selting has traveled around the world and has represented UW during his journeys. This summer, he will continue his travels and his internationalization work with the State Department in the U.S. embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Gabe is a talented young man and passionate about international education, UW President Laurie Nichols says. He sets a model for the value of international experiences in broadening perspectives and enhancing undergraduate studies at UW. Startup Company Housed at UW Receives Contract to Continue Development More than 10 million Americans suffer from tremor disorders that affect their daily lives. A Laramie startup company, housed at the University of Wyoming, is working to provide a solution and recently received a grant to continue that venture. Arnoldware Applications LLC develops hardware and software to help people with motion disabilities -- such as Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis -- use touch-screen devices, including smartphones and tablet computers. The company, which works out of the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC), recently received a Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) Phase 00 contract of $5,000. That funding was used to apply for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant. "This project started when my wife, Karolyn, had trouble reading the local newspaper on an e-reader. I was just tinkering around to find a solution for her, company founder Mark Arnold says. Jon Benson and the staff at the Wyoming Technology Business Center encouraged us to start a company and work with the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative to apply for the WSSI Phase 0 and the federal Phase I, a feasibility research study. The program facilitates the preparation of competitive proposals in the annual national $2.5 billion SBIR competition for Phase I (up to $225,000) and Phase II (up to $1 million) awards. Any Wyoming tech-based, for-profit small business or individual desiring to submit a Phase I/II proposal to any of the 11 participating federal SBIR agencies is eligible to apply for a WSSI Phase 0/00 award. With its $149,930 National Science Foundation (NSF) Phase I SBIR grant, Arnoldware Applications moved into the WTBC incubator in Laramie and hired employees. This past year, the team designed and tested multiple preliminary hardware and software solutions. Phase II will further develop the system that tested best during Phase I. Arnoldwares research is addressing a real problem, says Kelly Haigler Cornish, WSSI program manager. If their Phase II grant application is selected, they will get the funding needed to develop a manufacture-ready prototype positioning the company to enter the assistive technology sector. Arnold agrees. If our product succeeds, it could help millions of people who have been cut off from the smartphone revolution," he says. The WSSI is a UW program under the Wyoming Small Business Development Center and sponsored by the Wyoming Business Council. The mission of this partnership is to increase the number of federal SBIR awards received by Wyoming small businesses by providing funding assistance through the WSSI Phase 0/00 program. For more information on the WSSI and SBIR programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/sbir, or email Haigler Cornish at haigler@uwyo.edu. UW Zoology Professor Goheen Noted for Internationalization Work UW Department of Zoology and Physiology Associate Professor Jake Goheen is the recipient of the Faculty Award for Internationalization. (Adam Herrera Photo) Jake Goheens continuing work with the people and endangered animal species of Kenya has earned him the University of Wyomings Faculty Award for Internationalization. Every year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university. Goheen, an associate professor in the UW Department of Zoology and Physiology, says the research projects that he works on with students range from conserving the worlds most endangered antelope, to reducing livestock depredation by lions, to understanding how elephants transform savannas following invasions of a nonnative insect. He has conducted field work in Kenya since 2002. His work has included the development of field courses for UW and Kenyan undergraduates and the establishment of endowed funds to support African students working with wild animals through the American Society of Mammologists. Goheen also has created and maintained a long-term ecological experiment with his Kenyan partners. His development of a training program has brought Kenyan students to UW for short-term training while sending UW students to Kenya, says Daniel Doak, professor at the University of Colorado. Goheen also has received praise from a UW colleague. His commitment to international works is such that, for a while, he funded it out of his own pocket, says Carlos Martinez del Rio, professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology. He is an exceptional scholar who combines deep knowledge and analytical skill with a desire to solve important management and conservation problems. The positive impact of Goheens work and his commitment to serving diverse communities have not gone unnoticed by other professionals working in Africa. He has a personal commitment and motivation to provide substantive training opportunities to talented nationals from the developing world, says Abdullahi Ali, director and founder of Hirola Conservation Program and a UW doctoral student. During his visits to Kenya, he put his life on the line and traveled with us to areas close to the Somalia border, which is infamous for tribal conflicts and abductions of foreign nationals for ransom. Goheen has become a bridge builder between research in Africa and UW. He has helped mentor students from Africa, and he has supported UW students to travel to Africa for research. UW President Laurie Nichols commented that Goheen is an international leader in his field. He understands the positive impact that sustained international partnerships and high-level research have on raising the bar on global education at UW, Nichols says. UWs Crawford Honored for Internationalization Achievements Warren Crawford, UW youth development specialist and senior university extension educator, left, received the UW Staff Award for Internationalization. Presenting the award is International Board of Advisors Chair Nathan Nicholas. (Adam Herrera Photo) Warren Crawford, who has coordinated several field excursions overseas for Wyoming and western U.S. high school students, recently received the University of Wyomings Staff Award for Internationalization. Every year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university. Crawford is the youth development specialist and the senior university extension educator with UW Extension. To date, Crawford has led more than 150 students and 20 adults on international trips to Mongolia, Samoa and Ghana. Participants lived with host families and experienced the daily routines and cultures of each family. Under his leadership, UW American Youth Leadership Program has completed six exchange trips, partnering with Mongolia, Samoa and Ghana, says Laura Balis, nutrition and food safety extension supervisor with UW Extension. He is passionate about learning and is dedicated to becoming a global citizen. Crawford also brought 15 Mongolian students to Wyoming through the exchange program. He is planning a two-way student and professional exchange with Mongolia for summer 2017. Crawford also is developing an internship program and accompanying course for UW students with the Ghanaian Ministry of Food and Agriculture and 4-H Ghana. He is currently working with our partners in Ghana to develop an internship exchange, which would send UW students to the West African country to participate in hands-on learning in their area of interest, says Stacey Sowders, youth development faculty member at Oregon State University. Crawford has introduced students from across the world to one anothers cultures. He also recruited students from around the world to study at UW. I noticed him serving as an ambassador for UW, says Francis Adu-Amankwah, educational leadership and exchange programs coordinator at 4-H Ghana. Because of his promotion of UW, the Ghanaian participants were very interested in UW. Warren is committed to internationalization of agricultural education, not just at UW, but all around the state, UW President Laurie Nichols says. Helping our high school students become leaders in food security, nutrition and other international issues is truly something to be commended and recognized. Crawford received his M.A. (2003) in education and instructional technology from UW. UWs Northam Recognized for Outstanding International Service Mark Northam received the Outstanding International Service Award for contributions in internationalization to UW and Wyoming. Presenting the award was Ashley Willms, UW International Board of Advisors vice chair. (Adam Herrera Photo) Mark Northam, University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) executive director, has been recognized for outstanding international service to UW and the state. Each year, the UW International Board of Advisors and the International Programs Office recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to internationalization and the promotion of global awareness at the university. Northam, originally from Virginia, has traveled throughout the world. He worked many years for Mobil Oil and Saudi Aramco. He lived in Stavanger, Norway, for five years and, during that time, he assisted Mobil with replacing a largely expat workforce with local residents. Living in different countries and engaging with international colleagues taught him the importance of culturally diverse experiences. Northam says he brought these experiences to UW. I have promoted relationships with universities, companies and government agencies in Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan and India, Northam says. I have traveled with two Wyoming governors and many legislators to establish relationships. SERs mission is to promote the development of the human resources and know-how required to solve critical energy challenges faced by society. SER promotes the talent and resources at UW that allow for interdisciplinary academic, research and outreach programs in engineering, science, economic and environmental policy. These efforts help Wyoming fulfill its promise to be a global leader in building a secure and sustainable energy future. Northam believes that engaging with international partners and sharing ideas are key to Wyomings energy sustainability -- in effect, bringing the world to UW and Wyoming. Through his collaborations overseas, UW faculty, staff and students have had invaluable opportunities to work with other leaders in this field from diverse perspectives and corners of the globe. Under his leadership, the School of Energy Resources hosted and led the seventh Plenary Meeting of the International Standards Organization Technical Committee by bringing the international delegation to Laramie for a week of meetings, says Steven Carpenter, Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute director. In bringing the world to Laramie, Northam brought approximately 100 delegates from more than a dozen countries and international nongovernmental organizations to Laramie for a week. Delegates from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States were all in attendance at the plenary meeting. Northams commitment to global collaborations and service has established UWs leadership and research excellence in this area on an international level. In bringing world leaders in standards development together at this meeting, Northam successfully expanded UWs international opportunities for faculty, staff and students and established UWs standing in this field, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says. Based on the good work in Laramie, the Technical Committee continues to advance its work, which was instrumental in setting the stage for great work just completed in Sapporo, Japan, says Sandra Locke, Government of Alberta Climate Change Office assistant deputy minister. Northams work has gained UW global recognition for energy resources and work with carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage. Mark Northam is truly a deserving recipient of the International Service Award, the most prestigious award we offer, says Mary Katherine Scott, acting director of the UW International Programs Office. Without his leadership, UW would not be where it is today in its internationalization efforts for advanced research and sustainability of our states energy resources. UW President Laurie Nichols echoes Scotts assessment. Dr. Northam is one of the universitys premier leaders in international engagement for the benefit of UW and the state, Nichols says. His efforts are helping assure a future for Wyomings key industries, which are part of international markets he understands deeply because of his career experiences. India sees China as occupying 38,000 sq km of its territory in Aksai Chin, while China claims 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh. The armies of the two neighbouring countries were locked in a faceoff in Ladakh's Chumar sector. (File Photo: PTI) By Ananth Krishnan: China's long-time negotiator on the border talks, who retired in 2013, has said that Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is an "inalienable" part of Tibet and that a boundary settlement would not be possible unless India agreed to make concessions in the eastern sector. But if India did so, China would also make concessions in Aksai Chin, suggested Dai Bingguo, spelling out in detail for the first time his thoughts on a solution. advertisement Dai, who was the Special Representative on the boundary issue for 15 rounds of talks until his retirement in 2013, said that India "held the key" to the settlement and that if it took into account China's concerns in the eastern sector, Beijing would similarly do so in other areas. THE DISPUTE India sees China as occupying 38,000 sq km of its territory in Aksai Chin, while China claims 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh. Dai, who recently penned his memoirs, told the Beijing-based China-India Dialogue magazine, published by the official China International Publishing Group, in an interview: "The disputed territory in the eastern sector of the China-India boundary, including Tawang, is inalienable from China's Tibet in terms of cultural background and administrative jurisdiction." He said it was not until February 1951 that "the local government of Tibet [was] forced to stop its actual administration of Tawang". "Even the British colonialists who drew the illegal 'McMahon Line' respected China's jurisdiction over Tawang," he said. Aksai Chin map. Map of Arunachal Pradesh. Dai added: "The major reason the boundary question persists is that China's reasonable requests [in the east] have not been met". "If the Indian side takes care of China's concerns in the eastern sector of their border," he said, "the Chinese side will respond accordingly and address India's concerns elsewhere." Despite his emphasis on Tawang, Dai suggested that the 15 rounds of talks he participated in had moved both sides close to "a political settlement". His comments suggest this would involve mutual adjustments or concessions, most likely in Tawang and Aksai Chin. "China and India are now standing in front of the gate towards a final settlement," he said. "The gate is a framework solution based on meaningful and mutually accepted adjustments. Now, the Indian side holds the key to the gate." The 19th round of talks was held between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and State Councillor Yang Jiechi, Dai's successor as SR, in Beijing last April. WATCH: Why have violations on India-China border dropped in last 5 years? ALSO READ: PLA banner in Ladakh says 'You are in China' but government insists no intrusion India to increase troops if China does so in Ladakh advertisement China to US: Stay out of border dispute with India Common ground on the border --- ENDS --- Amitabh Bachchan recently spoke his mind on the Gurmehar Kaur controversy and said that if you are on social media, you should be ready for trolls and abuses. By India Today Web Desk: Amitabh Bachchan was one of the first Bollywood personalities who became active on social media. First he began blogging on a regular basis. Then he got on Twitter to share his thoughts. As such, getting trolled and abused on a daily basis is something that comes naturally to the National Award-winning actor. Speaking on the same, at the trailer launch of his next film Sarkar 3, Amitabh said, "I think if you are on social media, you should be prepared for trolls and abuses. I enjoy it." advertisement Amitabh Bachchan went on to add that he engages with his fans and followers on Twitter and Facebook frequently. He also called them their 'extended family'. Bachchan's comments come at a time when Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur, daughter of martyred soldier Captain Manjeet Singh, has received rape threats and has been accused of being an anti-national for some comments she made in regard to the recent violence at Ramjas College. In addition to that, a video featuring her where she made a statement urging for India-Pakistan peace did not go down well with a certain political section. When asked about his opinions on Gurmehar Kaur, Bachchan said, "My opinion on the matter is personal and if I share it with you, it will become public." Gurmehar Kaur later withdrew from her campaign against the alleged perpetrators of the Ramjas College violence, ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) - the student wing of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan will soon be seen in Sarkar 3, due to release on April 7 this year. ALSO READ: When I die, Abhishek and Shweta will get my assets equally ALSO SEE: Amitabh Bachchan is back, angrier and meaner, in Sarkar 3 trailer WATCH: I fear for her safety, says Gurmehar's grandfather Kanwaljeet Singh --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 2 (PTI) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays the role of a politician in "Sarkar" series, says he has always been fascinated by the life of people in power. "I was always intrigued by one aspect of life and that is the life of people who are always in power," Bachchan told reporters at the trailer launch of "Sarkar 3" here last evening. advertisement The National Award-winning actor, who entered the world of politics for a brief period, believes politicians are normal people but their life is not as easy as it seems. "It is not as easy and transparent as it seems to people from outside. They are individuals and they lead a normal life. But they are given power which gives them a certain kind of access to action and deeds that affect millions of people. Where it (power) comes from is guarded by their own political belief and the political party," he said. Bachchan had many discussions with director Ram Gopal Varma about his character of Subhash Nagre Patil in "Sarkar". "What intrigued me was every powerful person has a family, home and people who are close to him. And no home is known to be perfect... there are opinions, view points and differences of opinion. What if this person who is considered to be the number one person of the state, country or universe, has a member of his family who disagrees with him. "And what if that powerful man is irritated with that member of the family. If you are irritated, your decision affects millions of people and life. So we discussed all this," he said. Bachchan believes that writer and director are the backbone of every film. "I follow what the director says. The director tells me how a certain scene needs to be be done. If we are preparing for the scene at home we have a different notion, and when we come on the sets we find it is completely wrong," he said. "I believe there is no scope for argument on the sets. If I have any disagreement, I do it at the time of narration. I feel debate, discussion, agreement or disagreement should happen off the sets and on the sets you must follow the director." Bachchan has been a constant feature in the "Sarkar" series but said all three films have been difficult. "In every film we have to work hard. My work also depends on my co-stars. All three (his roles in the three films) have been difficult," he said. Besides Bachchan, "Sarkar 3" boasts of a stellar star cast, including Jackie Shroff, Supriya Pathak, Rohini Hattangadi, Ronit Roy, Amit Sadh and Yami Gautam. advertisement The film is set to release on April 7. PTI KKP GK BK --- ENDS --- At least 15 people have sustained injuries and over 90 others received minor injuries in the bus accidents that took place in separate districts of Andhra Pradesh. By Ashish Pandey: At least 5 people sustained serious injuries and 30 others suffered minor injuries after the bus they were travelling by met with an accident near Naidupeta in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. The bus was en route Chennai from Vijayawada. In a separate accident in Prakasam district, 10 students suffered serious injuries and 60 others escaped with minor injuries when their bus overturned at Pedda Alavalapadu in Pesipalli mandal in the wee hours of Tuesday. They are students of Karedu ZP High School. The bus was returning to Karedu after an excursion trip from Mahanandi and Yaganti in Kurnool district. advertisement The driver of the school bus has been taken into custody for negligent driving. ALSO READ | Andhra Pradesh: 10 dead, 30 injured as bus falls into river near Vijayawada Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the accident and tweeted, "In deep anguish to learn about the bus accident near Alavalapadu in Prakasam district where several school students have been injured". Tweeting about the Naidupeta accident, CM Naidu said, "In another unfortunate bus accident in Nellore district, 10 people have sustained injuries. We are monitoring the situation". On Monday 11 people lost their lives while 36 people were injured when the bus they were travelling by plunged off a culvert in Krisna district. ALSO READ | Jaipur-Agra highway: 50 vehicles collide due to dense fog; 1 dead, 40 injured --- ENDS --- Vinamilk recently stated in a document sent to the Bureau of Broadcasting and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications that it had stopped advertising on Youtube videos. The company explained that it signed an advertising contract with media agency WPP (Mediacom), which in turn worked with Youtube to place the ads without its knowledge, and that its ads being featured in offensive videos is completely against the terms. We have demanded our partner to work with Youtube to stop running our ads in illegal videos. Furthermore, we are suspending any advertising on the platform until our media partner and Youtube manage to resolve the issue, the company said in the document. The Bureau of Broadcasting and Electronic Information said that similarly to Vinamilk, Vietnam Airlines, Mead Johnson Nutrition Vietnam, and others have sent documents to the bureau stating the same. Previously, the Bureau of Broadcasting and Electronic Information accused many big brands in Vietnam of running their ads on offensive, violent, and subversive videos. The bureau has detected 17 videos containing illegal content, like distorting history or provoking ethnic hatred. During these videos, advertisements of popular brands in Vietnam (including Vaseline, Comfort (Unilever), Pampers, Ariel (P&G), Sendo (FPT), Yamaha, among others) are displayed. Experts commented that if the companies agree to have their ads run on illegal videos, they are violating the Law on Advertising. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has announced fining Youtube for violating the Law on Advertising for cross-border news sites. Authorities have also cited Decree No.181/2013/ND-CP on instructions to implement the Law on Advertising to claim cross-border news sites profiting on running ads in Vietnam must report the name and address of the person in Vietnam authorised by the site to provide the service. However, Youtube is running ads without having submitted these details. MoCST stated that it would review the case and fine Youtube for not complying with the regulations. Google's media representative in Vietnam told VIR that Google has no comment on the matter. The House of Lords voted 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of more than three million European Union and European Economic Area citizens after Britain leaves the bloc. (AFP/Justin TALLIS) In a major defeat for the government, peers voted by 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of more than three million European citizens after Britain leaves the bloc. The change means the bill must return to the lower House of Commons for further deliberation, delaying final approval just weeks ahead of May's deadline for starting Brexit negotiations by the end of this month. Before the vote, May said her timetable for triggering Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon treaty, which starts a two-year negotiating period, would not change. "It is, indeed, my plan to trigger by the end of March," she told MPs. A Brexit ministry spokesman said it was "disappointed" at the Lords vote, which comes after MPs overwhelmingly approved the bill last month. Lawmakers in the lower house defeated all amendments to the bill, including one on the rights of EU nationals. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed Wednesday's vote as "great news" on Twitter, suggesting he may support the amendment when it returns to the lower house. A spokeswoman for May's office told AFP the government would seek to reverse the change when it moves back to the Commons, where May's Conservatives have a majority. If they succeed, the original bill would go back to the Lords in what is known as parliamentary ping-pong. The delay may only end up being a few days, but the defeat signals the domestic opposition that May could face during the next two years of complex EU negotiations. 'LIVES ON HOLD' The June referendum vote was fuelled by concerns about mass EU migration into Britain, and immigration promises to be a critical issue once Brexit negotiations begin. May has said she will prioritise ending free movement of workers from the other 27 EU countries, even at the cost of trade ties with the bloc. But the fate of those who are already in Britain remains uncertain, causing intense worry for those affected. The prime minister has repeatedly said she wants them to stay, but says she must also secure the rights of 1.2 million British citizens living elsewhere in the EU. Labour party peer Baroness Dianne Hayter said the amendment was tabled on behalf of "three million people who quite literally feel they are being used as mere bargaining chips". She rejected May's argument that she must wait for a reciprocal deal, saying: "These two groups of people should not be traded against each other." She added: "These people need to know now, not in two years' time or even 12 months' time. They simply can't put their lives on hold." 'COMMON GOAL' May was forced to introduce the Brexit bill after the Supreme Court ruled she could not trigger Article 50 without parliament's approval, sparking fears that pro-European lawmakers would use the opportunity to block Brexit. Unlike in the Commons, May's Conservative party is in the minority in the 800-seat House of Lords, and Labour's amendment had cross-party support. Former Conservative minister Quintin Hogg had backed it, urging peers to "take the moral high ground". Another former Tory minister, Lord Norman Tebbit, was jeered when he said the debate seemed to focus on "nothing but the rights of foreigners". May had hoped to agree a deal on EU nationals late last year, but EU leaders insisted that on this subject, as with any other, there could be no talks until after the government triggers Article 50. "The hold-up is less an issue of principle than one of timing," Home Secretary Amber Rudd wrote to peers on the eve of the vote in a bid to fend off the defeat. "However, I believe the UK and the EU have a common goal to provide this assurance as quickly as possible." The government risks defeat on another amendment due for consideration in the Lords next week, on giving parliament a vote on the final withdrawal deal. May has given verbal assurances that such a vote will take place, but her opponents want this enshrined in law. Kraft and Heinz products in Chicago, Illinois. source: AFP file photo Thwarted attempt Kraft Heinz and Unilever on February 17 announced in a joint statement their cordial agreement that the former withdraw its $143 billion takeover bid only two days after shaking the media by making the offer. Kraft Heinzs desire for yet another major acquisition, fuelled by key partners Warren Buffet and Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital, to build up a food and beverage overlord has been temporarily checked by firm rejection from Unilever. Despite rumours that Kraft Heinz would be willing to enter a costly public takeover, the two giants instead decided to stand aside on friendly terms. According to the brief joint statement published on the Unilever website, Unilever and Kraft Heinz hold each other in high regard. Kraft Heinz has the utmost respect for the culture, strategy and leadership of Unilever. The $143 billion deal would have made history as one of the largest takeovers in corporate history. The acquisition of flagship British-Dutch food and personal care product seller and manufacturer Unilever would have brought 13 brands with sales of 1 billion ($1.06 billion) or above, including Axe, Dove, Knorr, and Lipton, to the already strong line-up of Kraft Heinz that includes iconic brands like Heinz, Kraft, Philadelphia, and Capri Sun, among others. Unilevers turnover of 53.3billion ($56.36 billion) and Kraft Heinzs net sales of $18.34 billion (as cited by the companies annual reports for the fiscal year of 2015) and their established presence in more than 190 countries over the world draw up the image of a titan with the world in the palm of his hand. Undoubtedly, the deal would have meant the birth of the largest food, beverage, and personal care corporation to date. However, Kfraft Heinzs offer met strong opposition not only from the side of Unilever, but of unions that expressed fears over the 9,000 jobs that could be affected in the UK. According to the Guardian, fears arose over the Cadbury-precedent of 2010, when Kraft took over the British chocolate-maker Cadbury for 11.5 billion ($14.29 billion). The initial pledges and promises to keep production in the UK proved false almost immediately as the firm was embedded into Mondelez International. Union opposition led by Unite, Britains biggest union which represents 2,000 of the 7,500 Unilever staff in the UK as well as the Cadbury-precedent speaking expressly against the Kraft in Kraft Heinz, coupled with Unilevers firm refusal have apparently been enough. Nothing new Since the merger of individual food giants Kraft and Heinz under the guiding hands of Warren Buffet and Brazilian investment fund 3G Capital, the market has braced itself in expectation of further mega-mergers to come. Based on the fame of its two major investors, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Warren Buffet) and 3G Capial, market analysts have been forecasting the well-trodden scenario to repeat itself. This would entail Brazilian investment fund 3G Capitals objective of building up a global colossus through acquisitions and by cutting margins through extreme austerity measuresboth of which have come to pass, to a certain degree. Since 2015, Kraft Heinz has made headlines with a number of speculative marriages to former Kraft confectionery arm Mondelez International, General Mills Inc., Kellogg Company, and Campbell Soup. While there has been no explicit offer made, Kraft Heinz decided to beggar expectations by making a $143 billion offer to takeover staple British and Dutch food and personal care trader Unilever. Regardless of the hurr-durr in the wake of the offer whereby all British stakeholders were mobilised in a unified call against a possible merger, Unilevers stern refusal, British labour union Unites calling for legislation on the so-called Cadbury-rule, and legislators shrieking over British jobs, or even the subsequent amicable withdrawal, the offer itself is worth a closer inspection. Cadbury precedent When Kraft took over British chocolate-maker Cadbury for 11.5 billion ($14.29 billion), initial pledges and promises to keep production in the UK proved were reneged almost immediately as the firm was embedded into Mondelez International. The British public, as well as legislators, were badly blindsided by Krafts sudden decision to close the Cadbury production factory at Somerset, firing 400 employees. It is public knowledge that 3G Capital prefers building up food and beverage giants and pursue large-scale takeovers. This was aptly demonstrated in their creation of AG InBev, which now brews some 30 per cent of the worlds beer, through a series of acquisitions that was finished with a takeover similar to the recent Unilever offer: 3G Capital put down $117 billion for SAB Miller in a deal previously thought impossible. 3G Capitals strategy is relatively simple after takeover, as observed during the AG InBev restructuring post-acquisition: layoffs, constricted budgets, and (oftentimes extreme) austerity measures. Zero-based budgeting, under which every expense (not only new ones) have to be justified every year with a goal of reducing expenses over-year, and wide-scale cost-cutting measures ranging from selling private airplanes to switching to communal printers from personal ones have earned the Brazilian investor fame as a profit- and margin-generating machine, as per Harry Schumacher, editor of trade publication Beer Business Daily. The 3G way was observable after the Kraft Heinz acquisitions as well: the company now is one of the leanest companies with the best margins of industry giants, having improved Krafts and Heinzs individual margins from 15-18 to 23 per cent. This is why industry experts have been long speculating for the next acquisition, as there is plenty of work to be done, and profit to be made, at potential targets: the operating margins in the last financial quarter for General Mills, Kellogg, Mondelez, and Campbell Soup have been far lower at 16.5, 12.6, 11.0, and -2.2 per cent, respectively. But what is fuelling this desire to grow? Is it only a drive to create a colossus of Kraft macaroni, Heinz ketchup, and Ben and Jerrys ice-cream or are there underlying business considerations? While acquisitive ambitions are not to be dismissed, there might be strong reasons to claim Heinz is in a do or die position: despite 3G Capitals admirable successes at cost-cutting and pushing out margins, there has been little improvement to company revenue. On the short-term this does not bode a disaster, but as soon as we go into medium or long-term prospects, troubles arise as there is a limit to saving on expenses to streamline a company, but real headway can only be forged from revenue. Kraft Heinz is facing little growth in revenue both in the US and over the world, according to newswire Seeking Alpha as customer preferences and behaviour are altering, which can be hardly catered for via cost-cutting and improved margins. This marked shift towards the healthy and green has prodded the company to introduce low-calorie products without artificial ingredients and is hoping to channel some of its planned $1.7 billion savings into reigniting revenue growth. Quick note: Unilevers range of brands and profile as a green and healthy company would have fitted this strategy rather beautifully. Willow Street Investments, in an article published on Seeking Alpha, offered the opinion that Kraft Heinz is hard-pressed to push acquisitions to support its overpriced shares as slow growth in revenue and earnings is insufficient. In addition, speculating on Kraft Heinzs plans of further cost-cutting and channelling of funds to increase revenue, Willow Street Investments warns investors away from Kraft Heinz shares, bidding them to wait for the inevitable drop before the pick-up by the end of the year. photo source: vnexpress.net As reported by VnExpress, on February 28, LafargeHolcim Vietnam announced its new name, Siam City Cement Vietnam, with the product brand INSEE, following the example set by SCC taking over LafargeHolcim subsidiaries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Nguyen Cong Minh Bao, director of sustainable development at Siam City Cement Vietnam, said that though the products now bear the INSEE insignia, the relationships with partners, customers, and other parties will remain unchanged. LafargeHolcim is currently the largest multinational cement producer in the world in terms of installed capacity. It is present in 90 countries and focuses on manufacturing cement, aggregates, and concrete. LafargeHolcim Vietnam operated one integrated plant and four grinding plants with an annual cement grinding capacity of 6.3 million tonnes. The company was also a leading ready-mix concrete producer, operating seven plants in Southern Vietnam. The companys Vietnam-based production capacity was the second smallest in Asia Pacific. On August 4, 2016, LafargeHolcim announced signing an agreement with SCCC for the divestment of its entire 65 per cent shareholding in LafargeHolcim Vietnam for an enterprise value of CHF867 million (on a 100 per cent basis), equal to $857.5 million. Regarding its operations in Vietnam, according to the companys 2016 annual report, ready-mix concrete volumes dropped significantly as a result of day-time delivery restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City. Supported by cost savings, adjusted operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew compared to 2015. According to the report, Vietnam recorded robust economic growth. The construction market grew as residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction activity increased. Vietnam reported an increase in cement volumes driven by strong market growth, power plant projects in the south of the country, and an increase in residential housing construction. Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC 2017 SOM Chair Bui Thanh Son In an exclusive interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC 2017 SOM Chair Bui Thanh Son said as many as 60 events of APEC committees, working groups and sub-committees were held within the framework of SOM1 and related meetings, covering a range of fields such as trade and investment, business facilitation, services, tourism, food security, seas and oceans, response to climate change, standards and conformance, healthcare, life science and innovation and anti-corruption. In the context that the regional and world situation has witnessed profound changes; the world economy and global trade have seen slower-than-expected growth; and populism and protectionism have posed challenges to the globalisation results, the outcomes of SOM1 are crucial to APEC cooperation orientations throughout the year and contribute to the deployment of the APEC 2017 theme of Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future, promoting trade and investment liberalisation, strengthening regional economic connectivity and generating a new momentum for the growth in Asia Pacific and each regional economy, Son elaborated. Regarding Vietnams proposed priorities for APEC 2017, Son said the APEC members supported and reached high consensus on the four priorities, namely promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change. At the meetings, workshops and dialogues, delegates enthusiastically discussed and proposed initiatives as well as practical and specific measures to implement the AEPC 2017 priorities. These initiatives and measures will be submitted to SOM1 for consideration and approval. According to the Deputy Minister, APEC members also proposed projects and programmes on enhancing capacity to create favourable conditions for the members, especially developing economies, participate in and take full advantage of APEC cooperation opportunities. In the freshly-ended meetings, Vietnams delegation comprising of officials from relevant ministries, sectors and agencies, actively joined in and made practical contributions to regional issues of common concern such as promoting regional economic connectivity, creating optimal conditions for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to expand business, investment and participate in the global value chains, and developing human resources. The Vietnamese delegates deliberated practical issues closely connected to the lives of people and localities, including disease prevention and control, food hygiene and safety, at the Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting. They also shared experience and measures in response to natural disasters at the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) Meeting. Leaders, officials, businesspeople and people of Khanh Hoa province have actively joined in preparing for the meetings and taken this occasion to promote economic, investment and tourism potentials of Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province and the south central region as well. In regard to Vietnams preparations, Son said the hosting of the APEC Year 2017 is the focus in the countrys foreign policy from now to 2020. Based on Vietnams improved position and strength after 30 years of reform and international integration and its experience in organising international events, since late 2014, ministries, sectors and localities, especially the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, have actively made preparations with the hope of ensuring the success of the APEC Year 2017 in all aspects. Vietnam has coordinated closely with international organisations and research institutes to timely grasp the region and worlds common trends and issues of interest. The country has also conducted consultations with other APEC members to ensure that the outcomes of the APEC Year 2017 will benefit people and businesses in all APEC economies. Vietnam has accumulated experience in hosting events of APEC committees and working groups by attending APEC activities in 2015 and 2016. The hosting of the APEC Year 2017 has offered a valuable chance for staff in charge of multilateral cooperation to improve their qualifications to serve the countrys international integration in the new period. The successful hosting of SOM1 and related meetings will lay a firm foundation for the implementation of following activities within the framework of the APEC Year 2017 and at the same time, leave a good impression on international delegates and friends about Nha Trang city and a beautiful, hospitable, dynamic Vietnam an attractive destination for foreign investors and tourists, Son concluded. An Deok-jang, Director of the SGF management board for Africa and Asia, said local peoples effort is crucial to the new rural movement and hoped that the Vietnam-Korea village model in Luong Tam commune, Long My district and Binh Thanh commune, Phung Hiep district would be a success. The goal of the project is to enable local residents to adopt effective economic models after five years, he said. Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Truong Canh Tuyen vowed all possible support for the project, which has an investment of more than VND72.4 billion (US$3.14 million). Work on the Vietnam-Korea village will start this year with the hope to complete the village in 2020 in order to multiply the model across the province and the Mekong Delta after 2020. Between now and 2020, both sides will offer training in household and collective economic management for local residents, build production infrastructure, transfer technology, develop education-health care and cultural exchange, and create a better business environment. State President Tran Dai Quang (R) meets Japanese Emperor Akihito, Ha Noi, March 1, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac The State President made that statement at his reception for Japanese Emperor Akihito on March 1 on the occasion of the Emperors first visit to Viet Nam from February 28-March 5. Welcoming the Emperor and Empress to Viet Nam in early 2017, the State President said he regarded their visit a historical milestone in the two nations relationship. The State leader expressed his thanks to the Japanese Emperor, Empress, Government and people for their sentiments towards Viet Nam over recent years. The two sides talked about the long-term exchanges between the two nations and appraised the fast and fruitful developments in bilateral relationship over the past more than 40 years, and expressed their hope to accelerate the cooperative relations in the future. At the meeting, State President Quang and his spouse introduced their guests to Viet Nams cultural characteristics, expressing their desire to receive more members from the Imperial House of Japan to Viet Nam in 2018 on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. A man walks past a logo of a Foxconn factory in Wuhan, Hubei province, August 31, 2012. - photo source: REUTERS/Stringer/Files Gou was speaking as Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, broke ground for a 61 billion yuan (US$8.87 billion) flat-screen display factory in Guangzhou province, southern China. Toshiba is considering selling the majority - or all - of its marquee flash-memory chip business, as it seeks to make up for a US$6.3 billion writedown from its nuclear operations. Gou declined to say how much of the Japanese company's chip business Foxconn was interested in. "I cannot say we are for sure getting it, but we are very confident. We are also very sincere," Gou said. He later told Reuters that Foxconn was "definitely bidding" for Toshiba. "Money should not be the only thing (for Toshiba) to consider... We can help its technology to be sold in products all over the world. That is Foxconn's advantage." Gou said Foxconn was open to teaming up with partners on any bid for Toshiba's chip business, adding anything was possible. Toshiba wants to raise at least 1 trillion yen (US$8.8 billion) in part by selling most of its flash memory chip business, seeking to create a buffer for any fresh financial problems, a person with knowledge of the matter previously told Reuters. Another person with knowledge of the matter has told Reuters that Toshiba would seek initial bids in March, and aims to choose a preferred bidder or bidders by the end of May. Gou on Wednesday said Foxconn, which last year bought control of Japan's Sharp Corp, was not a chip maker and so its bid is unlikely to be subject to anti-monopoly issues. "Because we have the experience with Sharp, we think if Toshiba goes to us, we are its client, its user," Gou said. "We would even invite it to set up a factory in China. It can keep its core technology in Japan but it is about expanding capacity." Foxconn is one of China's biggest employers and an assembler of Apple Inc iPhones. Toshiba is the second-biggest NAND chip producer after South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. Speaking about Foxconn's investment plans, Gou said priority markets were China and the United States. He also said it was important the U.S. did not engage in a trade war with China. Taiwan's tech-dominated manufacturers have been unnerved by U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion to raise tariffs on imports from some countries, notably China, where the Taiwanese own factories. In January, Gou said Foxconn was considering investing over US$7 billion to set up a display factory with Sharp in the U.S. Construction would start in the first half of this year with Sharp taking the lead on the project, a person with knowledge of the plan previously told Reuters. (US$1 = 6.8785 Chinese yuan renminbi) Pepsi and Coke have been blamed for draining groundwater in Tamil Nadu, which has been suffering through a severe drought for roughly two years. (AFP/ALIENOR LE GOUVELLO) Pepsi and Coke sell a range of products across India, including soft drinks and bottled water, and the boycott proposal in Tamil Nadu could affect more than a million outlets in India's most prosperous state, which is home to nearly 70 million people. Trade unions in Tamil Nadu said they targeted the US firms in a broad swipe at foreign businesses as tempers flared after authorities issued a ban last year on a traditional bull-wrestling festival known as Jallikattu. The court decision, which followed a legal challenge by US-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), sparked a huge backlash and some supporters of the ancient custom fumed over meddling from abroad. There is no suggestion the soft drinks firms were in any way involved in the ban. "There are multiple reasons behind the boycott, but most important is how PETA tried to kill Jallikattu," T. Vellaiyan, president of Tamil Nadu Traders Associations, told AFP. "We have appealed to traders to stop selling products from Coke and Pepsi from today to make this campaign a success." The unions have also urged people to buy local beverages instead because they do not "use chemicals and are healthier than the foreign products". India's leading beverage association expressed disappointment at the proposed ban, saying Coca-Cola and PepsiCo provided direct employment to 2,000 families in the state. It is not the first time Pepsi and Coke have faced hurdles in Tamil Nadu. The soft drink giants have been blamed for draining groundwater in the state, which has been suffering through a severe drought for roughly two years. The handful of bottling plants run by the two companies in Tamil Nadu have been the site of angry protests, with permission to build at least three new facilities being withdrawn amid violent rallies by farmers. More than 200 farmers have committed suicide in Tamil Nadu in recent months following crop failure due to poor rainfall and inadequate water for irrigation. The controversial and sometimes deadly Jallikattu festival was banned by India's top court last year, but authorities bowed to public outcry and moved to overturn the ruling in January. US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of the US Congress AFP/Brendan SMIALOWSKI During a turbulent first 40 days in office, the new US president has doubled down on his vow to put "America First" -- but has yet to translate his populist vision into legislative reality. But he came to Capitol Hill on Tuesday hailing a "new national pride" and daring lawmakers to rally behind his plans to dramatically slash government spending, industrial regulation and tax. "A new chapter of American greatness is now beginning," he declared, after arriving to cheers and wild acclaim from members of the Republican-led House of Representatives and Senate. "A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation. And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp," he said, promising to save billions of dollars by enforcing immigration law. "We must restore integrity and the rule of law at our borders," Trump declared, promising to build a "great, great wall" on America's southern border with Mexico. Trump touted tougher immigration enforcement as the keystone of a drive to boost American employment and wages, and slash crime. But he also vowed to introduce a new merit-based immigration system to regulate new arrivals in the United States and reduce the flow of unskilled workers. Trump said an Australian-style immigration system would "save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families -- including immigrant families -- enter the middle class." 'MASSIVE' TAX RELIEF In Trump's longest speech to date as president he remained on message, reading his planned address almost verbatim. Pressing his domestic agenda, Trump promised to provide "massive" tax relief for the American middle class and to repeal his predecessor's landmark Obamacare health reform, which expanded coverage to 20 million people. The billionaire's populist message on the economy was equally crucial in his November victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton -- helping him sway voters in crucial Rust Belt states Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Now his challenge is translating that into tangible policy steps and legislative achievements. But his White House honeymoon was short-lived, with infighting and inexperience dogging the new administration and confusing signals being sent from the president himself. Around 44 per cent of Americans think Trump is doing a good job, according to the RealClearPolitics poll average, a historic low for modern presidents after a month in office. Trump hoped to use the pomp and tradition-filled occasion to reconnect with blue collar voters, including touting his willingness to tear up trade deals that he says are bad for American workers. Many were looking beyond the rhetoric to Trump's plans for rebuilding America's creaking infrastructure and for high-stakes tax and healthcare reform. On all three issues, Trump faces a difficult balancing act with fellow Republicans, who control both the Senate and House of Representatives. To succeed, Trump -- the consummate political outsider -- may have to embrace Washington deal-making. PARTY PRAGMATISTS Repealing and replacing Obamacare has been a Republican rallying cry for years, but there is still no clear plan in place to proceed. In a blunt admission Tuesday, the Senate's top Republican acknowledged that the White House and Congress remained at odds over healthcare. "We're not there yet," Mitch McConnell told reporters. Conservatives are desperate to pull Obamacare out by its roots, but party pragmatists are wary of dismantling a system that helped some 20 million Americans obtain health insurance. Tensions between the executive branch and the Republican-led Congress are also simmering over Trump's 2018 budget proposal. Trump wants to hike defense spending by US$54 billion, offsetting with cuts in foreign assistance and other non-military spending. Some Republicans including McConnell have already bristled at reports that Trump wants to slash State Department funding by more than a third. Trump may also struggle to balance his defense surge with a pledge to protect Social Security without worsening the country's US$20 trillion national debt. "Nationalism is a good word, but it is considered bad only in India. The Ramjas College row was the deliberate creation of the opposition, which fuelled a debate on nationalism ahead of the Uttar Pradesh election just like the 'award wapsi' row had broken out during the Bihar Assembly polls", Jaitley said. By Press Trust of India: Union Minster Arun Jaitley on Thursday said nationalism was considered a bad word only in India even as he accused the opposition parties of "orchestrating" the Ramjas College row ahead of the UP Assembly election. Jaitley, at a press conference in Varanasi, said that the debate was not started by the BJP government but the party will participate whenever there is a discussion on nationalism. advertisement "Nationalism is a good word, but it is considered bad only in India", he said. On the Ramjas College controversy, Jaitley alleged, "The row was the deliberate creation of the opposition, which fuelled a debate on nationalism ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election just like the 'award wapsi' row had broken out during the Bihar Assembly polls." AWARD WAPSI ROW DIED DOWN POST BIHAR ELECTION "As soon as the Bihar Assembly elections were over, the award wapsi row died down. This (Ramjas College) controversy has been orchestrated by the opposition," he alleged. While addressing the 'Varanasi Vyapari Sammelan' (traders meet) on Wednesday, Jaitley had alleged that some people had raised anti-India slogans in a university and said that those who want to weaken India had sided themselves with the opposition parties. "When I was abroad, I read on the Internet that a row has erupted in India. Some separatists and communists raised slogans against the country in the university", he had said. "Could anyone have imagined that the Congress of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi is holding rallies in support of separatists and Maoists. Could anyone imagine the party's senior leaders making such mistakes," Jaitley had said, adding that now the responsibility of keeping the country together had fallen on the shoulders of the BJP. Those who wanted to keep the country united were supporting the BJP, while those who wanted to weaken it had joined Opposition parties, he alleged. Also read | President Pranab Mukherjee speaks out on campus violence: No room in India for intolerant Indian WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- The ritual of worshipping Mother Goddesses of Three Realms in Vietnam has been recognised by the UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The annual festival at the Thuong, Ha and Y La Temples is dedicated to the worship of the Thoai Mother Goddess, or Water Mother Goddess one of the three Mother Goddesses. Held from the 11th to 16th day of the second lunar month, it is one of the largest festivals in the region, during which, local residents pray for good health and a bumper harvest. This year, the event will feature a ceremony on Lo river to bring water from Thuong Temple to Ha Temple and release coloured lanterns on the river. The festival will end on the 16th day. Along with the rituals, various activities will be held including cooking and sport competitions, a photo exhibition on Tuyen Quang, music performances and folk games. Thousands of hotel rooms and more than 30 homestays have been made available for tourists. Mother Goddess worship is a traditional practice in Vietnam with a long history, having stood the test of social changes. The belief in Mother Goddess worship reflects peoples desire for health, wealth and fortune. The Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms has been practiced in numerous northern mountainous provinces across the nation since the 16th century. The Mother Goddesses represent the three realms of the universe, namely Thoai who is in charge of Water, Thuong Thien (Lieu Hanh) who is in charge of the Heaven and Thuong Ngan in charge of Mountains and Forests. Police had received a tip-off on a secret meeting of banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Northern regional commander of banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh's (JMB) military wing was killed in a "shootout" in Sherpur Upazila of Bangladesh's northern district Bogra. The gunfight took place at Jamnagar area of Sherpur Upazila on Wednesday night, said additional superintendent of police (ASP) Sanatan Chakrabarty. The militant was identified as Aminul Islam Roni alias Alamin of Bujruk Rajarampur village in Godagari Upazila of Rajshahi district. advertisement The ASP said they received a tip-off about a secret meeting of JMB at a house in Jamnagar area. Sensing police presence around them, JMB militants opened fire. During retaliatory firing by the police, a bullet hit Alamin. He was rushed to the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College where doctors declared him dead, the officer said. The police recovered a pistol, two magazines and some bullets from the spot. Alamin was the northern regional commander of JMB's military wing, the ASP said. A breakaway faction of JMB, which called itself neo-JMB, was behind the terror attack at a Dhaka cafe in July last year, in which 22 people were killed. ALSO READ: Bangladesh: 5 JMB militants get death for killing Japanese national Kunio Hoshi ISIS plans to attack India through its bases in Bangladesh and Pakistan Suspected militant in Dhaka cafe attack commits suicide: Bangladesh Police --- ENDS --- People displaced from the Boeung Kak neighborhood of Phnom Penh more than a decade ago are still seeking redress from the World Bank, which they claim failed to implement a settlement in the case. Im Sreytouch, a Boeung Kak activist, said the evictees hold the Bank responsible for their current plight. They did not keep track of the budget; that's why the government can claim the money and brutally cast us out and we lost our houses and land. Some got into debt, fell sick and died because they cannot afford the treatment. So, the World Bank has to be responsible for us, she said. She added that a Bank official had agreed to hold discussions with the claimants on Wednesday. Bou Saroeun, World Bank spokesman in Cambodia, declined to comment. The 169 former Boeung Kak residents were among some 3,000 families who were forced to accept compensation and relocate to the Borey Sante Pheap 2 area on the outskirts of Phnom Penh to make way for a large development project linked to a ruling party senator. The protesters said they have faced numerous difficulties since being forced to relocate. Sim Sam Oeun, 66, said she was now homeless. I don't dare to rent a house because if I do, I won't have money to pay for electricity fees, clothes, shampoo, and food. Everyone gives me food, but I say no. I cannot accept it. I'm waiting to see if they solve my problem, then I will find a cottage to live in, she said. The Court of Appeals is set to hear jailed political analyst Kim Soks complaint against the decision by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court to detain him, his lawyer has said. Sok was charged with incitement and sent to pre-trial detention on February 17 after being questioned by the court of first instance. Choung Chou Ngy, his lawyer, said the appeal would be heard on March 6. Sok faces from six months to two years in prison for comments he made during a radio interview where he allegedly claimed that Prime Minister Hun Sen was responsible for the murder of his fellow political analyst Kem Ley last year. Chou Ngy claimed that under the law a suspect can only be remanded into pre-trial custody if the minimum sentence they face is greater than one year. But for the charges on Kim Sok, the minimum sentence is not one year; its six months. So ... Kim Sok should not be detained, he said. He has also filed a bail request, he added. Touch Tharith, appeals court spokesman, could not be reached for comment. Ly Sophanna, municipal court spokesman, said the proper court procedures had been followed. The prosecutor charged Kim Sok over the offense which would lead to a maximum sentence of two years. According to articles 204 and 205 of the Criminal Code, the court can temporarily detain him, he wrote in a message. Hun Sen has also demanded $500,000 in compensation as part of a defamation complaint. In another complaint, also filed by Hun Sen, he alleged Sok had improperly accused the government of involvement in several murders over the years, for which he was claiming $2,500 compensation. Ruling party council candidates who lose the vote at the forthcoming local elections in June will receive a state salary as assistants to the winners. The order was made in a letter on February 16 signed by Deputy Prime Minister Mem Sam An. Hong Long, spokesman at the Ministry of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection, said last week that the assistants would be entitled to a state salary. Sok Eysan, a ruling Cambodian Peoples Party spokesman, said the party has to think about them and not let them go away. [They can] do party work or those ministers or secretaries of state who can get advisers or assistants, they can get them so they can [receive a] salary to support their lives, he added. He added that the move was not a sign that the CPP was preparing for losses in the election. San Chey, executive director of the League of Social Accountability Cambodia, said if it was state funds being spend on the positions, the rule should apply to all parties. If it is a governments decision, I think it is beneficial for all unelected commune chiefs from all political parties, because its national policy. Its not for a special or specific group. It covers all parties equally, he said. According to the National Election Committee, there were 1,633 communes in the 2013 commune election. Sixteen constituencies have since been added. As the world awaits President Donald Trump's revised executive order on immigration, the future of the U.S. refugee program remains in limbo. VOA spoke with a Kurdish Syrian-born refugee whose personal and tragic experience has led her to advocate for open-door policies for refugees globally. Elizabeth Cherneff has her story. Uganda has taken about half of the more than 1.5 million South Sudanese who have fled into neighboring countries, as South Sudan has become Africas largest refugee crisis, resulting from more than three years of civil war. As the refugees flee conflict, sexual violence, looting, and food insecurity highlighted by the recent announcement of famine in two counties of Unity State theyre finding that aid agencies are struggling to provide them with enough food in the Ugandan refugee settlements. Charlie Yaxley, the spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency in Uganda, says resource constraints meant food rations had to be cut in half last year for all refugees who arrived in Uganda prior to mid-2015. He noted that exceptions were made for those who were considered vulnerable. We continue to operate in a context of chronic, severe underfunding. Last year, the humanitarian appeal for South Sudanese refugees in Uganda was $251 million U.S. dollars, and we received just 40 percent of that money, said Yaxley. And that has a real, direct impact on humanitarian organizations abilities to deliver critical live-saving aid. More coming With thousands of South Sudanese refugees continuing to arrive in Uganda every day, including more than 120,000 new arrivals in the first two months of this year, aid agencies are struggling to keep up. The resourcing situation is so bad, that it is possible that we will have to extend those cuts; we have been on the brink of having to do that several times in the last month but have managed to avoid it, said Challiss McDonough, a spokeswoman for the U.N. World Food Program in East Africa. But we just are simply not getting the resources that we need to keep pace with the incredibly large number of refugees that have arrived in the country in the last six months. It costs the U.N. about $13 million per month to feed the more than 700,000 primarily South Sudanese refugees now living in Uganda who depend on food assistance, a figure which McDonough says is not being met. Approximately 200,000 of the refugees are receiving the reduced rations. A progressive approach Despite the resource challenges, though, Yaxley says that Uganda has an "incredibly progressive" approach to asylum. It provides refugees with plots of land to build new homes and grow crops, and they live next to the Ugandan host community. They can find work, start a business, and are free to move around the country. He says the host community has "welcomed refugees with open arms," but that others need to do more. Its key to stress that this is not a crisis Uganda and neighboring countries can tackle alone, said Yaxley. Its vital that the international community come together with their resources and expertise to first of all ensure the humanitarian appeals are fully funded but also to explore the reasons why people are fleeing in the first place. And because refugee crises are impacting so many places around the world, including Syria and Afghanistan, resources are already stretched thin, observes McDonough. And we try very hard not to prioritize one hungry person over another, because of where they live, said McDonough, but the problem is that the needs globally are so enormous that there just arent right now the resources within the international community to meet those needs. The government of Uganda and UNHCR, the U.N.s refugee agency, work with humanitarian organizations to coordinate the refugee response at border entry points. They provide clean water and medical screenings that include examining children for malnutrition, and providing high-energy biscuits for people who are likely malnourished. At least 57 members of the al-Shabab extremist group were killed Thursday as African Union and Somali forces attacked one of its camps, the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia announced. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the al-Qaida-linked group by the joint forces. The multinational force said on Twitter that vehicles and equipment were destroyed in the morning assault on the al-Shabab camp outside Afmadhow and ``a large cache of weapons'' was captured. The statement said helicopter gunships supported the attack. A separate statement by Kenya's defense ministry said an unknown number of extremists were injured. There was no immediate word of casualties among the AU or Somali forces. Al-Shabab has lost ground in Somalia in recent years under pressure from such assaults but continues to carry out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu. The group has responded angrily to the election last month of new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, during whose brief term as prime minister the group was expelled from Mogadishu. Mohamed has vowed to make security a priority in the fragile Horn of Africa nation, which is trying to set up its first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. But the expected withdrawal of the AU force, which numbers more than 20,000, by the end of 2020 has caused concern, as the burden of fighting al-Shabab would fall on national forces that observers say are not yet ready. The United States military is pursuing a larger role in Somalia, where it already carries out drone strikes and has special forces advising local troops. The deadliest assault on al-Shabab so far was in March 2016, when a U.S. airstrike struck a training camp, killing more than 150 fighters. An Argentine research base near the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula has set a heat record at a balmy 17.5 degrees Celsius (63.5 Fahrenheit), the U.N. weather agency said Wednesday. The Experanza base set the high on March 24, 2015, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said after reviewing data around Antarctica to set benchmarks to help track future global warming and natural variations. "Verification of maximum and minimum temperatures help us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earth's final frontiers," said Michael Sparrow, a polar expert with the WMO co-sponsored World Climate Research Program. Antarctica locks up 90 percent of the world's fresh water as ice and would raise sea levels by about 60 meters (200 feet) if it were all to melt, meaning scientists are concerned to know even about extremes around the fringes. The heat record for the broader Antarctic region, defined as anywhere south of 60 degrees latitude, was 19.8C (67.6F) on Jan. 30, 1982, on Signy Island in the South Atlantic, it said. And the warmest temperature recorded on the Antarctic plateau, above 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), was -7.0C (19.4F) on Dec. 28, 1980, it said. Wednesday's WMO report only examined the highs. The lowest temperature set anywhere on the planet was a numbing -89.2C (-128.6F) at the Soviet Union's Vostok station in central Antarctica on July 21, 1983. Democrats in Congress are calling on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference with the November presidential election, or to resign, after learning that Sessions met last year with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sessions supported President Donald Trumps run for president and served as an adviser for his campaign while serving in the U.S. Senate. After being nominated to lead the Justice Department, Sessions was asked at his confirmation hearing in January what he would do if evidence emerged that anyone from Trumps campaign was in contact with Russia. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have, did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it, he responded. WATCH: Sessions denies contact with Russia Two meetings Sessions had met Ambassador Sergei Kislyak in July at an event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention, and again in September at his Capitol Hill office. A White House official said the talks were held in Sessions' official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee which is "entirely consistent with his testimony" during his confirmation hearing. The official accused "partisan Democrats" of launching another attack against the Trump administration. Earlier, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said "there was absolutely nothing misleading" about the statement Sessions made under oath. She said he was asked about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign, not meetings he had as a senator. I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign, Sessions said in a later statement Flores posted on Twitter. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Two committees investigating The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is part of the Justice Department, is investigating Russian activities aimed at disrupting the U.S. election and any possible links between the Trump campaign and the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Senate intelligence committee is carrying out its own probe, and the House intelligence committee announced parameters for its investigation Wednesday. Senator Al Franken, who asked Sessions the question about Russian links at the confirmation hearing, was among the Democrats who said Wednesday the attorney general should not be involved in any investigation. Its clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, Franken said. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi went further, calling for Sessions to step down. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to Russia, Pelosi said. Senator Elizabeth Warren said the situation is a serious threat the U.S. national security. We need a special prosecutor totally independent of the AG, she said. We need a real, bipartisan, transparent congressional investigation into Russia. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should never have been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican who served with Sessions on the Armed Services Committee, also said during a CNN town hall event Wednesday that an independent investigator should be in charge of the probe. It is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump. There may be nothing there, but if theres something there, if the FBI believes theres criminal nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor. Trumps administration has seen the resignation of his first national security adviser over links to Russia. Michael Flynn stepped down after information emerged that he had lied to top officials about the nature of his own conversations with the Russian ambassador. Trump has denied multiple reports that people connected to his campaign had connections with members of the Russian government during the election season. Assessments by U.S. intelligence agencies found that Russia carried out hacking attacks aimed at disrupting the election in favor of Trump over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Canadian and U.S. officials are working on a plan to tackle asylum seekers crossing into Canada illegally, with American officials keen to discover how they entered the United States in the first place, said a source familiar with the matter. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is set to visit the Canadian capital Ottawa early this month for talks on the border and the influx of people, said the source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Hundreds of people, mainly from Africa but also the Middle East, are fleeing U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants, migrants and refugees, agencies say. It is not common to have so many asylum seekers based in the U.S. looking for refuge in Canada over such a short period. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing domestic pressure to deal with the influx, which experts say could pose a threat to national security if it is allowed to continue unchecked. Canadian and U.S. officials speak daily about the border crossers and law enforcement agencies from both nations met in Montreal last month to plot strategies, the source said. At the meeting, the U.S. side asked Canada to provide details of the people crossing the border, in particular, how exactly they had entered the United States and what their status was there. Kelly plans a day of talks on the border and related issues with Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, who is in overall charge of law enforcement, said the source. A Goodale spokesman was not immediately available for comment. The Montreal summit grouped representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada Border Services Agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. RCMP spokeswoman Annie Delisle confirmed the meeting had taken place, saying the two sides had agreed on an "action plan which outlines a collaborative approach to dealing with the influx of asylum seekers." She declined to give more details. The crossings are very limited and do not represent a major security concern, said one senior official in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. "Frankly, it is far more embarrassing to this country than it is threatening," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official, and a second person directly involved in border affairs, said U.S. authorities had not mounted a major effort to beef up security along the Canadian border, in part because they lack manpower and equipment. A senior Canadian security source classified the risk as medium- to long-term, since it was likely that those crossing the border now really were seeking asylum. Vast stretches of the 5,500-mile (8,900-km) frontier are unguarded and the more images spread of people walking across, the more vulnerable Canada could become, said the Canadian security source. "If we keep this up for a while, and it becomes known that the border really is porous, then people will use it as an opportunity to put [operatives] in," said the source. By Press Trust of India: Dhaka, Mar 2 (PTI) An Islamist militant of the banned JMB outfit was killed today in a shootout when his associates tried to set him free during a raid in Bangladesh, police said. Aminur Islam alias Alam, 23, who was detained for allegedly stabbing two police officers, was the northern regional commander of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladeshs (JMB) military wing. advertisement He was killed in the encounter at Jamnagar village under Sherpur upazila where police were conducting a raid following a tip-off about a JMB meeting in the area. "We detained Alam from Rajshahi on Tuesday and brought him here. His associates opened fire on us in a bid to snatch him when we were conducting a drive at Jamnagar village along with the detainee around 3 AM on Thursday (today)," senior police officer Khan Mohammad Irfaan told the Dhaka Tribune. In retaliation, police had to open fire in which Alam was killed while the others managed to flee, he said. Police have recovered a pistol, three rounds of bullets and two magazines from the spot. Five Islamist militants of JMB were on Tuesday sentenced to death for brutally killing a 66-year-old Japanese farmer in Bangladesh in 2015, in one of the first attacks targeting foreigners, minority Hindus and secular Muslims. The country had launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the July 1 Dhaka terror attack in 2016 in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed. PTI CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- Chilean police raided the offices of Brazil's Odebrecht in capital Santiago on Wednesday, as part of a widening investigation into bribes paid by the conglomerate on construction projects across Latin America. A Chilean prosecutor will travel to Brasilia this month to work with Brazilian colleagues questioning Odebrecht executives, national public prosecutor Jorge Abbott told journalists. There were "certain people that we want to talk to in respect of events that may have occurred in Chile that could eventually be constituted as a crime," he said. Odebrecht, Latin America's largest engineering group, agreed in December to pay a record fine and has admitted to paying bribes to officials in 12 countries, mostly in Latin America, to help secure lucrative contracts. Prosecutors from 10 countries, including Chile, are forming a task force to share evidence in the case. Chile's prosecutors are also looking into allegations that Brazil's engineering group OAS illicitly channeled funds to Chilean political campaigns. OAS offices in Santiago were raided last month. Odebrecht's website does not list any current projects in operation in Chile. China's government says it will support the World Trade Organization, arguing that an "open and unbiased" trading system benefits global economic growth and is in everyone's interest. Beijing's comments come just a day after the Trump administration said it might not comply with WTO rulings it judged to violate American national sovereignty. Wednesday, the administration sent its formal trade agenda to Congress and the document's authors pledged a "more aggressive" stance on trade issues. President Donald Trump has accused China of unfair trade practices, such as manipulating its currency and stealing U.S. trade secrets. He has also said he wants to renegotiate a free trade deal with Mexico and Canada. Trump, a Republican, also took the United States out of the ratification process for the Trans Pacific Partnership, a major multilateral trade agreement, arguing the United States does better when it negotiates deals with individual nations rather than in a multinational framework. Many congressional Democrats are critical of the WTO and U.S. trade deals, but a published report in POLITICO quotes some of them saying the Trump agenda gives too few specifics. U.S.-China military-to-military relations for 2017 are off to a slow start, and questions are being raised about whether the program has been put on hold or even curtailed by the Trump administration. U.S. Navy Commander Gary Ross, the Pentagon spokesperson for Asia Pacific affairs, told VOA that there had been one direct engagement between the two militaries since the beginning of the year, a meeting January 18 on defense policy coordination, which included the discussion on plans for the year. Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the CSBA think tank in Washington, told VOA that plans for these engagements are usually worked out by fall in the prior year. Ross said late last week that the Trump administration has not ordered the Pentagon to stop or curtail U.S.-China military relations. Sides stilling working setting up engagements China's Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the two sides are still working on a list of engagements. A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense said Thursday that China attaches great importance to the development of Sino-U.S. military relations and hopes that the U.S. will jointly promote the sustained and healthy development of the relations between the two armed forces. For the past three years, by the end of February there had been at least one military-to-military engagement at the highest officer level, records show. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, suggested Thursday in a talk at the Brookings Institution that the U.S. military relationship with China is linked to the political relationship between the two countries. Our military-to-military relationships are informed by our national objectives, he said. So the nature of our military-to-military relationship with China right now will be very consistent with our political relationship with China. But at minimum, [we need] open lines of communication to mitigate the risk and miscalculation, and to address some of the incidents at sea and in the air. Close call Such incidents include the close call earlier this month between a Chinese KJ-200 early warning aircraft, which passed about 300 meters (1,000 feet) in front of a U.S. Navy P-3 plane on a routine mission in international airspace near Scarborough Shoal, between the Chinese mainland and the Philippines. As a result, the P-3 was forced to make an immediate turn. Even though the event between the two aircraft came as tensions between the U.S. and China are heightened because of China's moves to create man-made islands in the South China Sea, U.S. military officials were in contact with their appropriate Chinese counterparts as the incident was investigated. Mexico incident sets tone In an interview with VOA last month, Clark said President Donald Trump is less likely to give in if Beijing uses scheduled military engagements as leverage. Clark pointed to a recent incident when the president canceled a visit with Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto because of differences over immigration policy. If there was a disagreement between us and China, the Chinese would use that upcoming engagement as a tool to force the United States to back down and agree with the Chinese terms, Clark said. It seems that, given this Mexico example, the Trump administration is not likely to follow that a pattern. Libo Liu contributed to this report prepared in collaboration with VOA Mandarin. Vladimir Jehlicka and his business partners spent 25 years building up their Czech machinery firm before deciding to call it a day. However, they faced a problem that is growing as the first generation of post-communist entrepreneurs nears retirement. Their children weren't interested in running the shop but equally Jehlicka and his three partners didn't want to sell their life's work simply to the highest bidder: securing a future for the firm was as important as the sale price. In the end they found a suitable buyer for STS Olbramovice, which employs 90 people making cattle feeders and other farm machinery. The sale went through in January, part of a business that is long-established in western Europe but new and rapidly expanding in former communist countries such as the Czech Republic: managing ownership succession at family firms. We decided to sell after a long hesitation, 63-year-old Jehlicka said. "Our children's focus is very varied, there was no interest to take over running the firm. Our main criterion for picking a future owner was a pledge to maintain production and jobs, he told Reuters. Four decades of communism largely eliminated legal private enterprise in the country and its neighbors such as Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. But after 1989, managers or employees often clubbed together to buy frequently decrepit state enterprises, while other entrepreneurs started businesses from scratch. A quarter century later, many of these owners now need to hand over what have become valuable firms. Some find successors in the family; most look for other options including management buy-ins or a sale, creating an opportunity for investors. Sales of family firms are in vogue. Consultants KPMG said they accounted for 30-40 percent of the Czech transactions it took part in over the last two years in the 20 million-60 million euro range. The country's small bourse and cheap acquisition financing mean direct sales are preferred to stock market floats. The trend is likely to accelerate in Slovakia as well. This is a transition from the first founder generation to the second. In several firms it is already happening, in most it will happen in the upcoming period, said Mario Fondati, a Bratislava-based partner at Amrop consultancy. A good match Jehlicka's firm, based in the village of Olbramovice about 50 km (30 miles) south of Prague, has annual sales of 5 million euros ($5.3 million) and EBITDA operating profits nearing half a million euros. In SkyLimit Industry it believes it has found a buyer that is a good match. SkyLimit is a new Czech investment fund that targets machinery-making firms facing generational change, with up to 500 million crowns ($20 million) in annual sales. It took on another fund, RSJ Investments SICAV, as a junior partner in buying STS Olbramovice. SkyLimit says it wants to keep its holdings for the long term, acting more like a strategic investor, and help company managements in making major decisions. STS was its first transaction it says only that the price was in the single millions of euros and plans about two to three purchases a year to build a group of manufacturing firms. The fund's board member Michal Bakajsa told Reuters that smaller industrial companies in the sector can be found at lower multiples of their operating earnings than bigger firms. It aims to assure sellers of their businesses' future and make sure there are managers who will stay on under the new ownership. Many companies reject classic financial investors, they fear what would happen with them. Many are in smaller towns, the people know each other, the owners employ people for many years, they are often friends, Bakajsa said. We look at companies that have in some way an independently functioning management, where the company does not stand and fall with the owner. Petr Kriz, head of mergers and acquisitions at consultancy EY in Prague, said there were 310 M&A transactions in the Czech market last year, up from 185 in 2015. A few dozen were related to succession, with the market in general lifted by a surplus of liquid capital. A survey by the Czech Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises among 400 family-type companies last year showed 60 percent would consider a sale if an attractive offer comes. A fund run by Genesis Capital bought 75 percent last year in Quinta-Analytica, a firm supplying analysis and clinical studies for drug makers. Genesis bought the stake from three out of five owners who wanted to exit after 20 years in the business. [Generation shift] is an important and large share of deal origination for us, said Genesis Capital's managing partner Jan Tauber. What we can offer is creating structures allowing owners to depart gradually. Last year Genesis sold AZ Klima, an air conditioning and cooling systems supplier, along with the firm's founder Jiri Cizek who still held a 30 percent stake. AZ Klima's purchase by Czech energy firm CEZ completed a five-year ownership transition: from Cizek and his partner, who together built up the firm in the early 1990s, through the financial investor Genesis to the strategic buyer CEZ. Money-printing contest Some entrepreneurs are reluctant to invest their wealth outside the companies they founded at a time when the loose monetary policies of the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Czech National Bank make good returns hard to achieve. Zbynek Frolik, 63, founded Linet in 1990 and now employs 900 people making hospital beds for customers in over 100 countries. He has handed over daily business to an executive director and is considering what to do next, but is not selling his 33 percent stake for now. One reason is that the best way he knows to manage his money is to invest it back into his own business. In his experience, putting it elsewhere doesn't work. You'd have to be solving the problem of what to do with money at a time when the Czech National Bank, the ECB and the Fed are all printing money like it was a contest, and everyone is looking where to invest, he said. Still others are looking at a philanthropic exit, such as Dalibor Dedek, 59, who founded the Jablotron group in 1990. He sold a 40 percent stake in the firm, which employs 600 making house alarms and other electronics, to its executive manager Miroslav Jarolim last year. Dedek plans to hand the rest to a charitable body and not his children. I want my share to be put into some foundation or an institution that will not die with me, he told Reuters. I did not build the firm for the family. I do not want to punish my children by forcing them to deal with money problems. If President Donald Trump's hardline stance on illegal immigration leads to large-scale deportations, among those hurt could be the U.S. economy. That's the view of many economists, who say the United States can't afford to suddenly lose vast numbers of the immigrants who work illegally picking fruit and vegetables, building houses, busing tables, staffing meat-packing plants and cleaning hotel rooms. Immigrants living illegally in the United States account for roughly 18 percent of employment in agriculture, 13 percent in construction and 10 percent at restaurants, hotels and casinos, according to a study done last year by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The economic shock would cause widespread ramifications,'' says Ben Gitis, director of labor market policy at the American Action Forum, a conservative think tank. Trump inconsistent on immigrants Addressing Congress on Tuesday night, Trump vowed to build a great, great wall to bar Mexican from entering the United States illegally. Even as he spoke, the president said, U.S. authorities were deporting the bad ones. The president's tough talk followed remarks he had made to CBS's 60 Minutes after his November election: He warned that his administration might deport 2 million to 3 million of those living in the country illegally. Yet what exactly Trump wants to do about illegal immigration remains hazy because he has said different things at different times. On Tuesday before his speech, for example, the president had signaled a potential shift in a private meeting with news anchors. He told them he was open to legislation that would give legal status to some people living illegally in the U.S. and provide a pathway to citizenship to people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. But in his speech Tuesday night, the president omitted any such suggestion. He instead promised to target people living in the United States illegally who threaten our communities and prey on innocent citizens. Shortage of workers Economists note that immigrants, including those working in the country without permission, play a vital role in the U.S. economy, and not only because they fill many low-paying jobs that Americans won't or can't do. The United States, like Japan and Western Europe, is being hobbled economically by an aging and slower-growing workforce. Economic growth depends on a steadily growing supply of workers. But aging baby boomers are retiring. And an unusually large proportion of prime-age men have stopped looking for work. Nearly eight years after the end of the Great Recession, the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.8 percent, near what economists consider full employment. As older Americans retire, younger ones are increasingly choosing to enroll in college rather than start work right out of high school. One result is that it's become harder for employers to fill the entry-level jobs that are often taken by immigrants living in the United State illegally. Gitis reviewed the numbers and said he reached a striking conclusion: Suppose, he says, the United States were to deport or otherwise lose all the estimated 6.8 million immigrants working in the country illegally. At full employment, there wouldn't be enough legal workers to fill all those jobs. At least 4 million jobs would go unfilled. Still, critics have often argued that low-wage immigrants in the United States end up depressing pay for everyone else. And economists have long wrangled over that possibility. History lesson A paper issued last month by the National Bureau of Economic Research studied what happened in 1964 when the government cut the supply of seasonal Mexican farm workers entering the United States. By excluding the Mexicans, the move was supposed to create jobs for American farm workers and raise their wages. But researchers Ethan Lewis of Dartmouth College and Michael Clemens and Hannah Postel of the Center for Global Development found that barring Mexican farm workers failed to raise wages or substantially raise employment for domestic workers. Instead of hiring Americans, farms turned to machines to pick cotton and tomatoes and to tend to sugar beets. Economist Ryan Edwards of Mills College says U.S. employers would likely shrink their businesses rather than search in vain for legal workers if they lost workers to mass deportations. The cutbacks could take a heavy economic toll. Edwards and Francesc Ortega of the City University of New York estimate that immigrant workers living in the country illegally account for 3 percent of private gross domestic product the broadest measure of economic output or nearly $5 trillion over 10 years. Others costs Mass deportations could impose other costs as well. Gitis estimates that the government would have to spend $400 billion to $600 billion to deport all those living in the United States without permission and to prevent future illegal immigration. In a 2013 study, the Social Security Administration found that immigrants living in the country without permission had paid $13 billion into Social Security in 2010 and received only $1 billion in benefits. The administration concluded that their contributions had had a net positive effect on Social Security finances. So mass deportations mean we'd not only be losing workers, Gitis says. We'd lose consumers, even taxpayers. In his first major speech to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump assured U.S. allies that he is committed to NATO, but some of his fellow Republicans have been blocking a Senate vote to expand the alliance for months. The delay of the Senate's consideration of Montenegro's accession to the alliance has fueled questions about whether Trump's administration and his party will stand up to Russia despite the president's desire for better relations. Moscow opposes any further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic with a population of 650,000, hopes to win the approval of all 28 NATO allies in time to become a full member at a summit in May. By late February, it had been approved by 24. Members see Montenegro's accession as a way to counter Russia's efforts to expand its influence in the Balkans. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has twice voted in favor of Montenegro, first in December and again in January. But objections by Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee have blocked a vote in the full Senate. At a September hearing, Paul questioned the wisdom of angering Russia by allowing a tiny country that could not play a significant role in defending the United States to join the trans-Atlantic alliance. "I think we need to think this through, and we need to have a little bit more of a debate," he said then. On Wednesday, Paul said he still objected. "I'm not so sure what they add to our defense. So I'm not so sure it's a great idea that somehow Montenegro's going to defend the United States," Paul told Reuters. A spokesman for Lee said the senator objected only to the Senate considering the matter with a quick voice vote, saying he wanted a roll call so every member's position would be recorded. Lee has not made his opinion on Montenegro's accession public, the spokesman said. Roll call Asked if a roll call vote would be scheduled, a spokesman for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had no updates to provide. If there is a Senate vote, Montenegro's accession is expected to receive the two-thirds majority needed to pass. Montenegrin Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic told Reuters last month that he had been assured that the Senate would ratify his country's accession by May. Trump has called for closer ties to Moscow and criticized NATO as obsolete. In his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, he reaffirmed support for the alliance, but said he expects U.S. allies to pay more of the cost of their own security needs. Montenegrin officials blame Moscow for an extended campaign intended to prevent the country from joining NATO. Last month, they said they had evidence Russia was involved in a plot to overthrow its government during an election last October, an accusation Moscow dismissed. The charges echoed assertions by U.S. intelligence that Russia sought to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election. Trump could still keep Montenegro from joining by refusing to formally deposit the country's Protocol of Accession. Doing so would signal a significant rift with his own party in Congress. A young woman in the process of renewing her permission as a "Dreamer" to remain in the United States legally was arrested Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after speaking at a news conference where she urged President Donald Trump to protect people like her. Now two Democratic senators want answers. Daniela Vargas, 22, was detained by ICE agents who pulled over a friend's car on a nearby freeway after she left a coalition of clergy members, civil rights lawyers and other advocates for immigrants at Jackson City Hall, according to one of her attorneys, Nathan Elmore. "A path for citizenship is necessary for DACA recipients but also for the other 11 million undocumented people with dreams," she said, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which former President Barack Obama began and which Trump has suggested he'll continue. Reading notes from index cards, she recounted watching ICE agents take away her father and brother, both Argentines like her who have been in the country illegally. "I was scared for my life," she said. Brought to U.S. at 7 Vargas' latest DACA status had expired in November 2016, and she applied to renew it at mid-February, after she came up with the $495 application fee. She had been granted the two-year protection twice before, in December 2012 and in November 2014, said Abigail Peterson, another of her attorneys. Vargas was 7 when her parents brought her from Argentina. She graduated from high school in 2013, attended community college and started at the University of Southern Mississippi, aspiring to be a math professor. Detaining someone with a pending DACA application has been "very unusual," Peterson said. "Why they would move forward the way they have is, honestly, mind-boggling." ICE spokesman Thomas Byrd said in a statement that Vargas was taken into custody in a "targeted immigration enforcement action" after the agency verified that her DACA status had lapsed. A federal immigration judge will now "decide whether or not she is eligible for immigration relief," the statement said. Asked for more details by The Associated Press, Byrd couldn't say whether agents knew she had reapplied or whether this meant other immigrants with pending applications were at risk of detention. 'Disturbing' development Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said he's seeking information about her case from the Department of Homeland Security. "Disturbing that ICE may have followed her from an immigration press conference," he tweeted. "Talking publicly about fears of deportation is not a crime and should not get someone detained #ICEraids," tweeted Senator Kamala Harris, a California Democrat. Vargas' lawyers expect she will be detained in Louisiana, where they will try to get her released on her own recognizance. They said they didn't know where her father and brother were being held but thought they had not yet been deported. "I don't think anybody around her realized the risk that was involved," said Angela Stuesse, a family friend and anthropology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "She wanted to share what she had been through to help the community there." "She's Mississippian by heart," Stuesse added. "She doesn't see a future for herself in Argentina." Researchers at Egypt's Nile University are developing a way to turn dried shrimp shells that would otherwise be thrown away into thin films of biodegradable plastic they hope will be used to make eco-friendly grocery bags and packaging. Six months into their two-year project, the research team has managed to create a thin, clear prototype using chitosan, a material found in the shells of many crustaceans. "If commercialized, this could really help us decrease our waste ... and it could help us improve our food exports because the plastic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties," Irene Samy, a professor overseeing the project, told Reuters. The researchers buy unwanted shrimp shells from restaurants, supermarkets and local fishermen at cheap prices. Using shrimp shells is more sustainable because it could replace synthetic materials used in plastics and cut the amount of biowaste produced by the Egyptian food industry, Samy said. The shells are cleaned, chemically treated, ground and dissolved into a solution that dries into thin films of plastic, a technique the team says has potential for large-scale industrial production. "Egypt imports around 3,500 tonnes of shrimp, which produce 1,000 tonnes of shells as waste. ... Instead of throwing the shells away, we can make biodegradable plastic bags," Hani Chbib, a researcher on the project, told Reuters. The project is a collaboration between the Nile University team of four and another research group at the University of Nottingham in Britain, where Samy conducted her post-doctoral research and first started experimenting with the idea. The team has only produced small samples and the project is not yet ready to go into commercial production, but the team is working hard to develop properties that would allow the material to go into widespread use. "We are continuing to work on enhancing its properties, like thermal stability and durability," Samy said. Government statistics in El Salvador show a sharp drop in homicides so far in 2017 after the gang-plagued country posted some of the world's highest murder rates in recent years. National police Commissioner Howard Cotto said Wednesday that 237 killings were recorded in February. Added to 256 in January, that's 493 for the first two months. Last year El Salvador saw 1,404 homicides during the same period. Cotto attributed the decline to a government crackdown and legislation giving authorities extraordinary powers to fight gangs, such as blocking cellphone communications in prisons and isolating jailed leaders in maximum-security conditions. The country had a homicide rate of 81 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016. The previous year it was 103, the highest violent death rate for any nation not in open war. There's an old saying that elephants never forget. You also can say they almost never sleep. Scientists on Wednesday said a first-of-its-kind study tracking the sleep behavior of wild elephants found the world's largest land mammal sleeps two hours per day on average, and some days not at all, and does so mostly standing up. This represented the shortest-known sleep time of any mammal. Previous research showed captive elephants got four to six hours daily. "Sleep needs to be studied in an animal's natural environment if we are truly to understand it," said Paul Manger, a research professor in the School of Anatomical Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa who led the study published in the journal PLOS ONE. The researchers monitored two free-roaming female African elephants in Botswana's Chobe National Park for 35 days. They got data to track sleep accurately from a wristwatch-sized device implanted under the skin of the trunk that was not harmful to the animals. They used a satellite-tracking collar with a gyroscope to monitor their location and sleep position. "We do feel these two elephants are representative of the broader population," Manger said, adding he hoped future research could be done with larger numbers of wild elephants, including males. The elephants sometimes went up to 46 hours without sleep while walking distances of about 19 miles (30 km), possibly to avoid threats like lions or human poachers. They typically slept somewhere between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. After a sleepless night, they had no extra sleep the next night. The maximum sleep recorded was five hours in a day. They spent just 17 percent of their sleeping time lying down. The next shortest sleepers among mammals may be domestic horses, which get under three hours daily. Some mammals have been shown in captivity to sleep most of the day, including the little brown bat (19 hours), opossum (18 hours) and armadillo (17 hours), Manger said. People average roughly six to nine hours, Manger said. The elephants appeared to experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, associated with more dreaming and body movements and loss of muscle tone, only every three to four nights. "REM sleep is often associated with the consolidation of memories. However, we do know elephants have good memories, so this finding contradicts one central hypothesis of REM sleep function," Manger said. By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Mar 2 (PTI) As Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections head into the final stretch, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi says he forsees both the ruling Samajwadi Party and BJP losing at the hustings. "I definitely foresee Samajwadi Party losing along with BJP," the Hyderabad Lok Sabha member told PTI. Owaisi alleged that during their five-year and nearly three year tenures respectively, SP in Uttar Pradesh and the BJP at the Centre have failed in governance, and in controlling communalism and providing jobs. "They (SP and BJP) have been failures so far," he said. Asked if his party is open to the idea of aligning with Mayawatis BSP in post-poll scenario, Owaisi declined to be drawn into the issue, saying he has no "knowledge" what the poll verdict would be like. "This question can only be answered on March 11 when the results come because first of all, I (AIMIM) have to win seats. We will decide when the verdict comes," he said. Owaisi refused to comment on the narrative on possible fractured verdict in Uttar Pradesh, saying results on March 11 would "throw every thing in right perspective". PTI RS DK DK RYS --- ENDS --- advertisement The Grumman C-2 Greyhound aircraft dives through the sky, straight toward the sea below. "Too low," a digital voice in the cockpit of the carrier-onboard-delivery (COD) aircraft croons. "Pull up." That was the first pass. Minutes later, the COD whirls around and the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush comes back into view. The pilots of the COD make a hard, circular turn around the ship and land the plane, catching cables on the ship's deck that stop the COD abruptly. Someone nearby vomits from the force of the landing. "Welcome to USS Bush," a sailor shouts to a few journalists as they hop off the aircraft. Hub for U.S. offensive Jets from this carrier conducted the first American airstrikes against Islamic State militants in 2014, and two-and-a-half years and thousands of airstrikes later, the Bush is again a hub for the U.S. offensive. In the first 12 days of the Bush's counter-IS fight, pilots launching off its deck carried out 184 strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Some experienced Navy pilots, including Lieutenant Commander Scott Welles, flew every day the ship conducted strikes. "We're very proud and happy to be out here bringing the fight to those guys," said Navy pilot Zach Huff, who is on his first deployment abroad. This week, the Pentagon sent the White House a preliminary plan to defeat the terror group in Iraq and Syria, 30 days after President Donald Trump requested a new battle strategy. While details of the report are classified, some Pentagon officials have said it could lead to more U.S. military involvement in Syria and a continuation of the current strategy in Iraq. The U.S. air campaign against the militants, which includes the strikes coming off the Bush, is expected to remain a key part of the strategy. 14,000-plus airstrikes As of March 1, the U.S. has conducted 14,711 strikes in Iraq and Syria using either fighter, attack, bomber, rotary wing or remotely piloted aircraft. That air campaign, along with the ground fight, has reduced the estimated number of IS fighters from more than 30,000 in 2015 to 12,000 to 15,000 today, according to Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the ground commander in Iraq for counter-IS coalition forces. But when asked whether additional U.S. funding for the counter-IS campaign would go to the air campaign, weapons for allies or more American boots on the ground, Townsend deferred to his superiors. "I have submitted some recommendations through my chain of command to the new administration. The new administration is weighing those recommendations and options, and I prefer not to discuss them further here while my leaders make decisions," Townsend told reporters at the Pentagon via teleconference from Iraq. The aircraft carrier's commanding officer, Captain Will Pennington, said his sailors were on an operational pace at the "lower end of perfect" and could do more if needed. "In terms of the number of sorties that we can generate per day or the amount of ordnance that each aircraft is carrying, we're not approaching our top-end capacity right now," he said. Advantages in its position The military sees several advantages to having a U.S. carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. For one, Pennington said, some IS targets are a shorter flight from the Bush than from land bases in the region that host U.S. military aircraft. The carrier also helps diffuse the fight's workload across the military branches, said Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2. "By us being here now, that allows other forces to work on their aircraft [and] other things that they need to do," he said. Even when launching strikes by sea, allies in the fight remain essential. "Our drop-off into northern Syria and into northern Iraq comes out of Turkey, so we have to have that airspace to be able to do this job," Whitesell said. The carrier is used for both pre-planned strikes and dynamic strikes, where targets being looked at are determined to be valid targets while the pilots are in the area. The sailors get a quick port stop in Greece before continuing strikes in the Mediterranean. Pennington and Whitesell said the carrier would ultimately end up in the Persian Gulf, where they will await further instructions that could change based on the Pentagon's new counter-IS strategy. The wife of Orlando nightclub gunman Omar Mateen will be allowed to go free from jail ahead of her trial on charge of aiding terrorism. A California judge ruled Wednesday that Noor Salman, 31, was not dangerous and had no connections to the Islamic State group or extremist views. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu also said there was no evidence that Salman was a flight risk, but Salman will wear an electronic monitor around her ankle while she awaits trial in Northern California. The trial date has not been set. Salman left Orlando to live with her family in California after the June 12, 2016, attack. Salman is pleading not guilty to aiding and abetting her husband in the Orlando shootings. Prosecutors want to know whether she knew Mateen was planning the attack. Salman told The New York Times last year that she was not aware of her husband's plans. She also told authorities her husband was secretive and physically abusive. On June 12, 2016, Mateen opened fire in the Pulse nightclub, which was popular with gay patrons. He killed 49 people and wounded at least 50 others before being shot to death by police. His attack is believed to have been inspired by IS extremists. President Donald Trump's speech to Congress hit home for Hewad Hemat, a former interpreter who lived with the threat of terrorism every day while helping U.S. and U.N. forces in his native Afghanistan. Hemat attended the address Tuesday night as the guest of Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from the northeastern state of Connecticut. A vocal opponent of the Taliban and Islamic State, Hemat was encouraged by Trump's vow to pursue the extremist groups that have claimed responsibility for numerous terror attacks around the world. "What I found interesting was that President Trump said he will intensify the fight against Islamic State," Hemat said during a visit to Voice of America's headquarters Wednesday. "They're killing Afghan troops, U.S. troops, women, children they're killing everyone. "Those who are fighting are not following Islam. They're not real Muslims. They're abusing Islam, misinterpreting it. It's politics, not Islam." While Trump did not specifically mention Afghanistan, it was on the minds of many in the audience. Hemat had dinner with several senators, who thanked him for his assistance to the U.S. military, the American Embassy and the United Nations. "We talked a lot about Afghanistan and the security situation there," he said. "I was really excited, happy, honored to be there." Alleged terror supporters If given a chance to talk with Trump, Hemat said he would tell the president to try to reduce outside support for the Taliban, Islamic State and allied groups. "I would tell him that the Afghan people are victims of the same terrorists who did 9/11," Hemat said. "Put pressure on the countries Pakistan, Iran, Russia that are huge supporters of the Taliban and other groups, providing them with training, safe havens, money and medical facilities and directing them. "Without that support, the Taliban is nothing; they would lose in a month." Pakistan has denied supporting the Taliban and blames Afghanistan for not going after extremist groups that have claimed responsibility for a rash of cross-border attacks that have killed more than 150 people. It closed the border with Afghanistan two weeks ago. Russia has claimed its contact with the Taliban is only aimed at persuading the group to take a positive role in efforts to foster peace in Afghanistan. Iran also has denied supporting terrorist groups. Peaceful disagreement Hewat, now a security officer with the University of New Haven's Orange campus, was also glad that Trump didn't mention the executive order now on legal hold banning travel to the U.S. from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Instead, the president talked of establishing a merit-based system for visas similar to those that other countries have established. "I like what I heard," Hemat said. "He said he will try to unify the nation. We are growing." Hemat was even cheered to witness the stark contrast between Republicans giving Trump's speech numerous standing ovations while Democrats carried out a silent, seated protest. "This is the best part of democracy, that people can peacefully differ," he said. "Back in Third World countries, people are killing each other when they disagree." Hemat was in college during the 9/11 attacks and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. He came to the United States two-and-a-half years ago and still shares a sense of disbelief that his new home has been so welcoming. "I'm still not used to not fearing someone will kill me," he said with a smile. The motive for the assassination of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be an attempt to forestall any outside effort to install an alternative to the current leader, a former CIA acting director told VOA this week. Kim Jong Nam, 45, died February 13 after allegedly being poisoned by two women at Malaysias Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The women smeared the VX nerve agent on Kims face, according to Malaysian police. VX is a substance listed as a banned chemical weapon under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention. Kuala Lumpur police have arrested the women and one North Korean national, and are seeking seven other North Koreans, including a diplomat based in Kuala Lumpur, for questioning. While the police have not determined if Pyongyang was behind the assassination, Seoul accused the North Korean leader of ordering the killing of his half brother. In an interview with VOA, John McLaughlin, who served as acting director of Central Intelligence from July to September 2004 and as the deputy director of Central Intelligence from 2000 to 2004 under President George W. Bush, said North Korea is a likely perpetrator in Kim Jong Nams death, given the poison used to kill him. Its very hard for someone not connected to a state entity to obtain the kind of poison that was apparently used, the former CIA official said. Potential threat to power Once deemed heir apparent to his late father, Kim Jong Il, who ruled the country from 1994 to 2011, Kim Jong Nam lived in a de facto exile after falling out of favor with him. When asked what might have motivated the regime to order the killing, McLaughlin said: The North Korean leadership wanted to make sure there is not an alternative readily available for Kim Jong Un. They particularly would want to make sure that China would not have someone handy that they could install in the event Kim Jong Un was removed or fell from power, said McLaughlin, who is now with the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Although the incident has sparked widespread speculation about the stability of the North Korean regime, McLaughlin cautioned against drawing conclusions. However, he said a series of executions carried out by Kim Jong Un could indicate his power might be insecure. The pattern of purging is deep enough to suggest that he is still not totally secure in power, he said. Alarming event The assassination drew the worlds attention because it took place at one of the busiest airports in Asia, prompting news media to speculate on why such a public venue was chosen. McLaughlin, a 30-year veteran of the CIA, said the perpetrator might have thought the airport was the place where the victim was most vulnerable. It was probably seen as a place where what they were doing would be less easily noticed just from the general turmoil of the airport, he said. According to McLaughlin, the incident in Malaysia is an alarming event because the banned chemical was used in a public place to kill someone. It means that this very unstable regime has a very powerful weapon and was reckless enough to use it in a crowd of people, he said. Possible repercussions China is widely believed to have favored Kim Jong Nam for a leadership position in Pyongyang. The assassination puts Beijing in a difficult position, McLaughlin said. I think China faces a bit of dilemma here, he said. They dont want major changes in the [Korean] peninsula, but they also recognize [Kim Jong Un] brings a degree of unpredictability that could shape things in a direction that they would have trouble managing. McLaughlin said the United States should relist North Korea as a state of sponsor of terrorism if the communist state is found responsible for the apparent assassination. The U.S. designated the North as a state of sponsor of terrorism after the country bombed a South Korean airliner in 1987, killing 115 passengers and crew on board. In 2008, the U.S. removed the North from the list as part of a nuclear deal, in which Pyongyang agreed to disable its plutonium plant and allow some inspections. Following Kims death in Kuala Lumpur, some U.S. lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to repeal the decision. A leading presidential candidate vowed Wednesday to press on with his campaign, despite a formal inquiry into a fake jobs scandal tainting his family and amid growing protests against political corruption in France. Reversing an earlier promise that he would end his campaign if placed under formal investigation, conservative ex-prime minister Francois Fillon said at a press conference he would not give up despite a summons to appear before a judge March 15. He lambasted the judiciary and the media, likening the allegations against him to a political assassination. "I won't give up, I won't surrender, I won't pull out," Fillon said, adding he counted on French voters to decide his fate rather than a biased legal procedure." Once considered a near shoo-in for president, the 62-year-old Fillon is now seeing his support vanish, a process that gathered tempo Wednesday as a key member of his campaign team stepped down and the center-right Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) party allied with his campaign announced it was suspending its participation. Shortly after Fillon's remarks, Bruno Le Maire quit his campaign team as foreign affairs adviser, citing Fillon's failure to keep his promise and withdraw should a formal investigation be opened. Fillon was also booed during an afternoon visit to an agricultural fair outside Paris that is considered a must-attend event for presidential candidates. Fillon "is losing his nerves" and "his sense of reality," independent candidate Emmanuel Macron told French TV. Macron is running neck-and-neck with Fillon in second place, and his presidential bid will likely be boosted by his rival's struggles. Fillon's announcement caps a campaign rocked by stunning upsets, with establishment favorites ousted from the race and the far-right eyeing its first real chance to capture the presidency during the April-May voting. Fillon not alone A French judge is investigating allegations that Fillon's wife and two children were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for work they did not do. He is hardly the only politician mired in scandal. Far-right frontrunner Marine Le Pen and her National Front party also face allegations of misusing European Union funds to pay member of her staff for non-existent party jobs. But the allegations targeting Fillon are particularly rankling, given his "Mr. Clean" image and his calls for public sacrifice and spending cuts - even as his family allegedly enriched itself on taxpayers' money. By contrast, French do not view Le Pen and her party as having personally enriching themselves from the allegedly fictitious jobs - and analysts suggest Le Pen's anti-EU credentials may be burnished by the perceptions she has cheated the bloc. Le Pen has also refused to be questioned by police, citing her immunity as a member of the EU parliament although she lost that immunity this week over another matter. Scandals have long entwined French political life, touching a slew of politicians, including former presidents Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy was ordered to stand trial last month on charges of illegally financing his failed 2012 re-election bid. Chirac was given a suspended sentence six years ago after being convicted of graft when he was mayor of Paris. But voter tolerance appears to be fading. Thousands joined recent anti-corruption protests across the country, including a small march to the National Assembly in Paris Wednesday afternoon. Those numbers pale compared with those of recent anti-corruption protests in Romania. 'At all levels "The problem with corruption is [its] at all levels and concerns many more politicians than people think," Greens Party lawmaker Isabelle Attard told local newspaper 20 Minutes of French corruption. Those sentiments are echoed by some French voters. "He talks about equality for everyone, but according to the allegations he's hired his wife and children for jobs they're not necessarily qualified to do," says 18-year-old student Solene Papegauy of Fillon. "That kind of injustice disgusts me." But 62-year-old Christian Humeau said he could tolerate a bit of graft. "I'd rather have a politician who's intelligent and good for the country, even if he robs a bit, than a stupid saint," Humeau said, adding he would probably vote for Fillon. But Fillon's criticism of the judiciary drew a swift rebuttal by leftist President Francois Hollande, who is not running for re-election. "I solemnly stand against all questioning of magistrates as they investigate and study cases in the respect of the rule of law," Hollande said in a statement in which he described Fillon's remarks as "extremely serious." Beyond questioning the impartiality of the judiciary, Fillon has also attacked the media, accusing it of having lynched and assassinated him politically. The fake jobs allegations were first reported by satirical French newspaper Le Canard Enchaine. The scandal quickly earned the nickname "Penelopegate" in reference to Fillon's wife, Penelope, who allegedly earned nearly $1 million as a parliamentary assistant and for editorial work that she may not have done. Since then, new reports revealed his son and daughter also earned parliamentary salaries for questionable jobs. Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, which President Donald Trump singled out Tuesday when discussing foreign trade barriers, warned earlier this year against responding to such restrictions by imposing higher American tariffs. Trump said in his speech to Congress that executives from Harley-Davidson told him they have trouble selling motorcycles outside of the United States because of high taxes. While other countries impose heavy taxes and tariffs on American products, the United States doesn't do the same when importing other countries' products, Trump said in the speech. He called for free, but fair, trade. But a lobbyist for Harley warned that imposing additional tariffs on foreign imports could end up hurting sales, in comments submitted to the Office of the United States Trade Representative earlier this year. In a Jan. 30 letter posted on the office's website, Edward Moreland said Harley-Davidson opposes additional duties on the motorcycles imported from Europe because of the prospect of Europe raising their fees in response. "Harley-Davidson sells tens of thousands of motorcycles in Europe each year and retaliatory tariffs would result in a significant impact to the Motor Company's business," he wrote. The letter was in response to a list of products on which the United States was considering imposing tariffs to counter Europe's refusal to accept U.S. beef. Harley-Davidson spokeswoman Pat Sweeney said Trump was correct that high taxes and tariffs in countries such as India and Indonesia put the company "at a competitive disadvantage.'' Asked whether Moreland's letter means the company opposes imposing tariffs on foreign products in other situations, she said the company is "open to trade policies that address barriers to international growth." Trump canceled a visit to Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee facility last month, which was expected to draw a significant number of protesters. Instead, Harley executives traveled to Washington for the Feb. 2 meeting. Trump said the executives told him business was good but mentioned the difficulty of selling motorcycles abroad. "They told me - without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it - that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate," Trump said of their meeting. "They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.'' Harley-Davidson sales in India, which imposes high import taxes on all luxury motorcycles and cars, rose 30 percent in the past two years. The company began assembling some bikes in India in 2011 to reduce tariffs. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican who rides a Harley-Davidson, told reporters in Madison on Wednesday that Trump loves to talk about the company's motorcycles and he would like to get Trump on one for a ride. As for the company's overseas troubles, Walker said he's advocated for years that Wisconsin products can outperform any other product given a level playing field. Following a drastic decline in his small business after India scrapped 86 percent of its currency in November, fruit hawker Khubi Ram switched to selling vegetables, which are more of an essential household purchase. My two helpers headed back to their villages, they had no money. I had to somehow eke out a living, he said as he waited for customers in a crowded market near New Delhi. Such reports of businesses, from small vendors to big consumer goods firms, taking a hit because of the cash squeeze following Prime Minister Narendra Modis drastic currency ban prompted forecasts that Indias economy would see a sharp slowdown in recent months. But the latest data indicates the Indian economy slowed down only marginally in the last quarter, surprising many economists. Slowdown appears small According to official data, Indias economy grew at a rate of 7 percent in the three months from October to December, slower than the 7.4 percent growth it was experiencing before, but much stronger than had been widely expected. The numbers gave a huge boost to the government, which has faced a barrage of criticism from several economists and opposition leaders for the currency ban. The drastic policy measure, which pulled 86 percent of the cash out of the economy overnight, aimed at fighting tax evasion, corruption and forgery. Despite demonetization, we continued to stay the worlds fastest growing economy, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. India takes pride in having surpassed the growth rate in China since 2015. In a reference to reports of widespread distress in rural areas because of the cash squeeze, the minister said the data clarifies that the farm sector has also shown healthy growth. Too soon to celebrate? However financial experts in India cautioned that it may be too soon to celebrate. Economists N. Bhanumurthy from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a think tank in New Delhi, said that when the final data is tabulated for the entire year, we may have to put less weight on these numbers. Economists say the data may not have fully captured the impact on the countrys vast informal sector, which bore the brunt of the currency squeeze because it operates almost completely on cash. The informal sector includes small traders, businesses and factories as well as millions of migrant workers in cities who drive rickshaws, hawk fruits and vegetables and are engaged in a variety of other trades. This sector contributes almost 50 percent of the gross domestic product and provides employment to 80 percent of the workers. Bhanumurthy points out that official data shows consumer spending did not slow. That is a real surprise for us. They are showing no change in final consumption expenditure, he said. Dip in profits across the board Besides small traders, even large companies reported a dip in profits as people held back on all but essential household purchases in the weeks after the currency ban. Auto firms said car and motorcycle sales slowed, while goods such as televisions and refrigerators and even beverages were slow to move off the shelves. While it may take more time to assess the full impact of demonetization, there is widespread agreement that with the end of the cash shortage, the economy is rebounding. Official data projects growth at 7.1 percent this year, and minister Jaitley said he expects the economy to gather pace quickly. Today money is in the market, demand is also increasing, economic activity is picking up, he said. The latest numbers also gave a boost to Prime Minister Modi, who had received widespread criticism for spearheading the drastic move. In an apparent reference to economist Amartya Sen, who teaches at Harvard, and Indias Harvard-educated former finance minister, P Chidambaram, who were among his strongest critics, Modi told a campaign rally in Uttar Pradesh Hard work is more important than Harvard. Iran has wrapped up a large-scale naval exercise involving missile tests at a time of heightened tension with the United States. The U.S. downplayed the Iranian maneuvers as a standard practice. Iranian state media said the navy drill that ended Tuesday spanned 2 million square kilometers of the Arabian Sea, extending to the entrances of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. The drill involved successful tests of two upgraded missiles Monday, one of them a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) named Nasir, and the other a guided anti-ship missile (AShM) called Dehlaviyeh. State media said an Iranian submarine also successfully test fired an advanced torpedo dubbed Valfajr on Tuesday. Iranian media published video clips of the Dehlaviyeh missile and Valfajr torpedo hitting naval targets, but did not release images of the Nasir cruise missile test. Reports quoted Iranian Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari as saying the naval exercise was aimed at upgrading Iran's defense capabilities and sending a message of peace and friendship to its neighbors. Those neighbors include Sunni-led Arab states that host U.S. military bases and have expressed concern about predominantly Shi'ite Iran's efforts to expand its regional influence. Latest tests of little concern Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have risen since President Donald Trump took office in January and vowed a tougher response to Iranian actions seen as threatening U.S. interests and those of its allies. But the U.S. Defense Department sent VOA Persian a statement expressing no explicit concern about Tehran's latest show of force. Iranian naval forces, just like U.S. naval forces, conduct exercises as standard practice to train and maintain proficiency, said Pentagon spokesman Christopher Sherwood. It is prudent and standard practice for the U.S. military to be aware of other military operations near our forces both in this region and in any part of the world. But Sherwood added a cautionary note about the U.S. military's next moves in the Persian Gulf, without specifically mentioning Iran. U.S. military operations in the region continue to focus on the commitment to foster security and stability by maintaining a naval and air presence that deters destabilizing activities and upholds lawful maritime order, he said. Sharp response to missile test The Trump administration had a sharper response to Iran's January 29 ballistic missile test, accusing it of undermining regional security and putting American lives at risk. Within a week, the administration imposed financial sanctions on 25 individuals and companies linked to the Iranian ballistic missile program and the elite Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has maintained that its missile development program is consistent with U.N. Security Council resolution 2231 that endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The resolution calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology. The Iranian government has denied Western accusations that its nuclear program is designed to produce weapons. A defiant gesture Foreign policy analyst Michael O'Hanlon of the Washington-based Brookings Institution told VOA Persian's LateNews show that Iran's latest missile tests may be intended as a defiant gesture to Trump by a government that believes it has international law on its side. One interpretation of the tests is that the Iranians are trying to force Trump into a position where he has to acknowledge that missile launches are not covered by the nuclear deal, and therefore that the world is going to have to get used to Iran doing this in the Trump era, O'Hanlon said. Iranian state media said the Dehlaviyeh test was the first time homemade, laser-guided smart missiles had destroyed its target at sea. Smart missiles use sensors to track, lock on and intercept targets. International Institute for Strategic Studies defense analyst Joseph Dempsey told VOA Persian the Dehlaviyeh missile is widely believed to be an Iranian copy of a Russian anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) called the Kornet. He expressed skepticism of Iran's categorization of Dehlaviyeh as an anti-ship missile, saying it appears to lack the characteristics and effectiveness associated with dedicated anti-ship missile systems, not least in terms of its limited range and guidance methods. Weapon with potential O'Hanlon of Brookings said Dehlaviyeh has the potential to be a significant military asset to Iran. My best guess is that converting a modern Russian anti-tank weapon for use in an anti-ship capacity would be rather effective, he said. If you're firing an anti-tank missile, you're looking for big, heavy metallic objects. Ships are, of course, larger than tanks, and at sea, there are fewer objects [besides the target] in your field of view than on land. Iran's latest missile tests also may have been motivated largely by domestic considerations, O'Hanlon said. According to this view, Iran's navy drill is part of its ongoing effort to improve its missile force, and the country has people within its military who are committed to this kind of modernization and will keep doing it no matter what Washington does, he said. I would favor that second, simpler interpretation. Hooman Bahktiar of VOA's Persian Service contributed to this report. In a climactic battle at sea, an Iranian commander orders his forces to open fire on a much larger U.S. fleet, obliterating it with a barrage of rockets, some of which tear American flags from their masts. The scenario unfolds in Battle of the Persian Gulf II, a new Iranian animated film more than four years in the making that imagines a devastating response to an American attack on the countrys nuclear program. It might have seemed out of date this time last year, when a nuclear accord reached with world powers had lifted sanctions and raised hopes for a broader rapprochement between Iran and the West. But now tensions are rising again. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the nuclear deal, and his administration put Iran on notice last month after it tested a ballistic missile. Iranians were meanwhile angered over Trumps travel ban, which temporarily barred their entry to the United States before it was blocked by the courts. Timing a coincidence Director Farhad Azima says the timing of the films release is purely coincidental. The movie has begun showing in the city of Mashhad, where it was produced, and will open in other cities in the coming weeks. The nearly 90-minute film, a sequel to a production about the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, begins with a U.S. attack on an Iranian nuclear reactor. Washington has long warned it would take military action to prevent Iran from developing an atomic weapon, while Iran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. That sets up a showdown in the Persian Gulf, where the real-life U.S. Navy has accused Iranian forces of harassing its vessels in recent months. In the film, a character who closely resembles Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of Irans elite Quds Force, leads a single vessel against more than a dozen American warships. When a U.S. commander orders him to surrender or die, he replies: General, I am not a diplomat, I am a revolutionary! He warns that any American soldiers taking part in an attack on Iran should order their coffins, before his forces destroy the whole U.S. fleet. The U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain and is responsible for naval operations in the Persian Gulf, declined to comment on the film when contacted by AP. The real-life Soleimani has directed Iranian-backed forces in Syria, where they are aiding President Bashar Assad, and Iraq, where they are helping the government battle the Islamic State group. In recent years he has gained near-mythic status in Iran, where he is seen as resisting U.S. hegemony in the region. No government funding Azima says his film cost $250,000 to make, and that producers raised the funds from ordinary people. He said there was no government involvement in the project. This is a response to hundreds of (anti-Iranian) American movies and video games, he said. We are saying that if you fire one bullet against Iran, a rain of hot lead will be poured on your forces. An Islamic State offshoot based near the Afghan-Pakistan border is expanding to new areas, recruiting fighters and widening the reach of attacks in the region, members of the movement and Afghan officials said. Some members of the so-called Khorasan Province of Islamic State claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan that killed 90 people, and IS gunmen were blamed for the deaths of six local aid workers in the north of the country, far from their stronghold in eastern Afghanistan. Any expansion would pose a new challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, as he considers how many American troops to keep in Afghanistan where the main security threat remains the Taliban insurgency. Trump has vowed to totally destroy the Middle East-based Islamic State, yet has spoken little of Afghanistan, where U.S. forces have been posted for 15 years. Now he has not only the stubborn Taliban to consider, but also militants swearing allegiance to IS, although U.S. officials are generally less alarmed about its presence in Afghanistan than local officials. Daesh is not only a threat for Afghanistan but for the region and the whole world, said Shah Hussain Mortazawi, spokesman for President Ashraf Ghanis office, using a common Arabic name for the group. The extent of direct operational links between IS in Afghanistan and the Middle East remains unclear, although most fighters in the Khorasan Province are Afghans, Pakistanis or Central Asians. Still, three members of the group told Reuters a handful of Arab advisers helped direct propaganda, recruiting and identifying targets for attack. Shifting loyalties IS is suspected of carrying out several attacks on minority Shiite Muslim targets in Afghanistan, and the February suicide bombing at the Pakistani shrine bore some of the hallmarks of the sectarian group. That atrocity, the worst militant assault in Pakistan for two years, indicated that a group based in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar could strike deep into Pakistan territory. Islamic State has no proper base in Pakistan, but it has sympathizers and links in Pakistan, said one member of the group, based in Afghanistan. Mostly the attackers and suicide bombers enter from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Western and Afghan security officials believe fighters frequently switch allegiances between militant groups, making it difficult to know who is to blame for violence. Sometimes the Taliban commanders defect to Daesh and sometimes the other way around, said Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, governor of the northern Afghan province of Sar-i-Pul, where IS and Taliban fighters are believed to be active. The situation is very unclear. Even within the group, claims are contested. The AMAQ news agency, affiliated to IS in the Middle East, said the movement was responsible for the shrine bombing, but Abu Omar Khorasani, a senior member of the Afghan chapter who sometimes speaks for IS there, denied involvement. He did say IS was recruiting and expanding beyond Nangarhar to northern Afghanistan. Pakistani counter-terrorism official Raja Umar Khattab said IS carried out attacks from Afghanistan, and his department was investigating whether the shrine bomber came from there. We are also working on an angle that a local militant group could have facilitated IS to carry out the ... blast, said Khattab, a senior officer in Sindh province. Umbrella organization The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, said U.S. drone strikes and special forces operations had killed about a third of IS fighters in Afghanistan and cut their territory by two-thirds. U.S. officials say intelligence suggests IS is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighboring Kunar province. They are skeptical about reports of an increased IS presence in the northwest, where gunmen may claim a connection to the group to boost their standing. Certainly if youre a local official whos looking for more resources, by saying that ISIS is in your area, youre going to get more attention, said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, the main U.S. military spokesman in Kabul. Nicholson, who has asked for thousands more troops in Afghanistan, said counter-terrorism forces planned a series of operations in 2017 to defeat IS in Afghanistan and preclude the migration of terrorists from Iraq and Syria into Afghanistan. Still, bolstered by fighters from Pakistani and other militant groups and an active social media presence, some Afghan officials said it had become an umbrella organization for disparate movements. The Afghan Taliban, waging war to overthrow the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, are fiercely opposed to IS, and the two have clashed as they seek to expand territory and influence. We have almost eliminated Daesh in Afghanistan, said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Estimating numbers is difficult. Cleveland said U.S. officials believe the movement has 700 fighters, but Afghan officials estimate it has around 1,500, with twice as many auxiliary helpers and up to 8,000 less active supporters. Those officials say fighters from Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan have come to Afghanistan, while militants forced across the border by Pakistani military operations also gravitated towards IS. Khorasani, the IS militant, said it had thousands of fighters and was growing. A U.S. drone strike last year killed former local IS leader Hafiz Saeed Khan, once a member of the Pakistani Taliban. Several Afghan security officials believe a former Afghan Taliban commander, Abdul Haseeb Logari, has replaced him. Islamic State began to be noticed in the region in early 2015, when loyalists took on the Taliban and al-Qaida in a bid to become the leading Islamist militant group, using tactics that stood out for their brutality even in Afghanistan. The House of Lords voted on Wednesday 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of EU nationals based in the UK following Brexit. By Press Trust of India: Prime Minister Theresa May has faced her first parliamentary defeat over Brexit after Britain's upper house voted to amend and thereby delay a bill empowering her to begin talks for the UK's exit from the EU. The House of Lords voted on Wednesday 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of EU nationals based in the UK following Brexit. advertisement However, the government's defeat in the Lords could prove a symbolic one as MPs can remove the amendment when it comes back to the House of Commons. The Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a bill that the Commons passed without amendment. "The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations." May has said that any guarantee of the rights of EU nationals must be part of a deal protecting UK expats overseas. The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. May has set an end of the month deadline to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will trigger the two-year deadline for Brexit negotiations. MPs have already backed the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill without amendments and can remove the Lords' amendment when they vote on it again later this month. The government is said to be confident of defeating the changes to the bill in the Commons. Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader who ordered his MPs to support the bill unamended when it went through the Commons, described the result of the Lords vote as "great news", raising the possibility that he might tell his MPs to back the amendment in the Lower House. "The Government must now do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK," he said. The Lords will vote next week on a further amendment which would give MPs a "meaningful vote" on the outcome of May's negotiations with the 28-member bloc. If that vote also goes against her, she could come under pressure from her own MPs to agree to that amendment passing into law. The amended bill will return to the House of Commons on March 13 and 14, when MPs will debate whether to keep the changes. ALSO READ:Russia, US, Brexit and China to re-shape world order. Read how advertisement Brexit: What is UK's referendum about today? Here's what you need to know --- ENDS --- Ninety-year-old Khatla Ali Abdallah has survived decades of turbulence in northern Iraq, but the frail grandmother who fled the battle for Mosul this week says the fighting there is the worst she has ever seen. Carried across the desert by her grandsons, under sniper and mortar fire, she was one of thousands who braved the difficult and dangerous journey out of Islamic State's shrinking stronghold in the west of the city. "I'm a 90-year-old woman and I haven't seen such a war," she said in a camp for displaced people south of Mosul, where she was taken by Iraqi security forces. Khatla lived through Saddam Hussein's quarter-century in power, when Iraq fought wars with neighboring Iran and Kuwait and endured a decade of devastating sanctions. That was followed by a U.S.-led invasion which toppled Saddam and led to years of sectarian war across the country. "Even under the Saddam era, we were afraid because of the atrocities and the people killed," she said. "But nothing is compared to this phase." Since the launch of the military campaign in October to retake Mosul from Islamic State, Khatla remained in her home in the city's southwestern al-Mamoun district, now in the hands of Iraq's U.S.-backed Counter Terrorism Service (CTS). At times she took shelter in her basement with the 20 chickens that she looked after reminders, she said, of her youth when she also herded sheep and cattle. "I haven't lost any chickens, not even a one little chick," she said. "We were trapped in the basement and we could hear the bullets hitting the metal roof of the chicken pen." Her grandsons carried her for miles in the desert to reach the CTS lines, and then she was taken on a bus to a camp for internally displaced people. "We just want to make it through this war," she said. "This one will make stories for generations to tell." Newly announced rules that regulate the way Kenyan journalists cover elections are impractical and a possible overreach of government authority, according to the head of the Media Council of Kenya. Council chief Charles Kerich spoke to VOA's Swahili service Wednesday, a day after Kenya's Communications Authority issued rules that, among other things, require Kenyan journalists to keep all notes and recordings for six months and make sure that radio and TV guests do not make hateful statements about individuals and ethnic groups. Kerich questioned whether the Communications Authority has the power to issue such rules, and said the media council and Kenyan news outlets were not consulted before the guidelines were issued. He also questioned why media outlets should be held accountable if a guest utters a hateful remark. "I think the primary responsibility should be on the person who is making the defamatory or inciting remarks, not on the media house," he said. "They can't be held liable because somebody spoke a word that was deemed unacceptable." Kerich said he is fine with the rule to save notes and recordings, unless the government uses it to seize material for use in law enforcement and prosecutions. "The moment journalists are seen to be gathering news for security organs, you no longer become welcome at some events," he said. "And you know, cultivating sources takes a pretty long time, but if the source thinks that ... whatever you collect is going to be used against them, with you as the witness, that will not work." The Media Council of Kenya is a quasi-governmental body designed to protect media independence in the country while enforcing standards of professionalism. It draws its authority from Kenya's 2013 Media Act. The deputy chief of the media council, Victor Bwire, defended the Communications Authority, saying the rules it announced were already in place and just need to be enforced. "So we have called all broadcasters, especially TV and radio, so we can discuss together as we look forward to the election in August. Already, campaigns have started. Some media houses are not doing their job properly," he told VOA. "So the main reason of talking to them today, is to remind them the laws that guide broadcasting operations in the country." Serbia's outgoing prime minister, Aleksandar Vucic, reassured European Union officials visiting Belgrade on Wednesday that his country remains committed to joining the European bloc but he cautioned that Serbs also want to pursue traditional ties with "friends from the East." And in recent months, those friends in the Kremlin have been busy, say Western officials and analysts. From offering help with disaster relief to supplying sophisticated weaponry, including warplanes, the Kremlin is seeking to expand its influence in the Balkans, a region Moscow has viewed historically as in its sphere of influence, they warn. Moscow's diplomatic offensive apparently is paying off. A recent Gallup poll suggests a majority of Serbs views Russia as a more dependable ally than NATO, an organization Belgrade officially wants to join. "Serbia is on its European path, because we think that we belong to this type of society; we would like to join the countries who believe in democracy, entrepreneurship, human rights," Vucic told the European officials. He warned, though, that ordinary Serbs "often see the EU as a machine for pressure over Kosovo," a reference to the as-yet-unresolved status of the onetime Serbian province, which declared formal independence in 2008. Serbia has withheld recognition of Kosovo as has Russia. Many Serbs frowned on former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and cheered President Donald Trump's election, a reflection of their residual anger over NATO's bombing of Serbia in 1995 and 1999 during the Balkans War ordered by her husband, then-President Bill Clinton. They had hoped the new U.S. president would change course on U.S.-Balkans policy and favor Belgrade in the unresolved dispute over Kosovo's status. American officials, though, have dashed Serbian hopes with recent statements indicating Washington's support for Kosovo will remain unwavering during the Trump presidency. Those statements included a call by the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, for the breakaway province to become a full member of the U.N. "In Kosovo, while more must be done to strengthen governance and the rule of law, the United States believes that the international community must recognize Kosovo's great strides since independence," Haley said February 21 at the U.N. Security Council. Heightened tensions Kosovo's status is just one issue dividing the Balkans. Others include whether to tilt geopolitically to the East or West, and border disputes. Ethnic tensions are on the rise in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Bosnia remains split among Serbs, Bosnians and Croats, and the wounds of the vicious three-year-long war of the 1990s have not yet begun to heal. All the issues are adding to tensions in the Balkans just as the region turns into a political battleground between a revanchist Russia and an uncertain West, say pro-West Balkan politicians. Last week, neighboring Montenegro's former prime minister accused Russia of "destructive" politics in the Balkans. His comments came in the wake of startling allegations by Montenegro officials that the Kremlin was behind an attempt in October to overthrow the country's pro-Western government. Milo Djukanovic, who resigned after the alleged pro-Russian plot, told Socialist Democratic Party members that Montenegro is now in the firing line of a newly assertive Russia eager to expand its influence in the Balkans. Pro-Russian opposition parties were ready to use "bloodshed and a coup" to install a pro-Kremlin government, he said. The Kremlin has denied the allegations of Russian involvement in an election day plot that allegedly included plans to kill Djukanovic and take over the country's parliament. Prosecutors have accused some 20 people including two Russians of involvement. Russian officials have recently said Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro should be seen as in Moscow's sphere of interest and are opposed to any of them joining NATO. As with other parts of Europe, the Kremlin has been supporting openly anti-EU nationalist parties in the Balkans. Russian 'autocracy' In Serbia, analysts say a clear illustration of the Kremlin's efforts to expand its clout can be seen in the growing role Russian media are playing in the country. In May, a report by the Center for Euro-Atlantic Studies, a pro-Western Belgrade-based policy research organization, found that 109 registered non-governmental organizations, associations and media outlets can be linked to pro-Russian lobbying efforts. The increase in Russian media activity, according to the research group, started in 2008 in Serb areas of northern Kosovo, and increased dramatically in 2012, coinciding with pro-Serb demonstrations and the start of negotiations on the normalization of relations between Serb and Kosovo authorities under the auspices of the EU. Pro-Russian advocacy "increased drastically in 2015 when it became clear that Serbia would begin formal negotiations with the EU, and when the intention of stronger cooperation with NATO within the Individual Partnership Action Plan [IPAP] was disclosed," according to the authors of the study, Eyes Wide Shut. "The replacement of democracy with autocracy, under the current Russian model, is the main goal of Russian soft power in Serbia and in the region. Other goals are the reduction of support for European integration and the discrediting of the very concept of [EU] enlargement," the research group's authors assert. There also has been a noticeable increase in the influx of content sponsored by state-run Russia media outlets, such as Russia Today and Sputnik, offered for free to cash-strapped Serbian media outlets. With elections due this year in Serbia, and the first indictments expected from an international court established in The Hague for trials of alleged historical war crimes committed during the 1990s by the ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army, tensions are likely only to increase in the Balkans. In Zimbabwe, the process to name a new chief justice of the Supreme Court has become mired in legal challenges and politics. At his farewell party Wednesday night, the outgoing chief justice, Godfrey Chidkyausiku, was asked if he had any disappointments in his career. "Yes, there are times when things are not going the way they should. One of them is the way we are quarreling about my successor," Chidkyausiku said. "It's a big disappointment, but it's nothing that we can't overcome. In my view is, there is really no dispute, there is really no issue. With the passage of time, things are going to fall into place. I would have wanted to leave one, very united judiciary that is fearless, independent and with the back bone of steel." His retirement didn't come as a surprise. The law requires the chief justice to retire at the age of 70, which Chidkyausiku reached in February. Two months prior, the Judiciary Service Commission started public interviews to replace him. The commission then sent President Robert Mugabe a list of the three final candidates from which, by law, he can choose. Then, from out of nowhere, Romeo Zibani, a law student, surfaced and successfully challenged the process at the High Court. That ruling was then dismissed by the Supreme Court after an appeal. Zibani is represented by ruling party Member of Parliament and lawyer Jonathan Samukange. They have appealed to the Constitutional Court to uphold the High Court's ruling. "A chief justice is different from an ordinary judge," Samukange said. "A chief justice does not only wear a judicial hat. He must also wear a political hat. That is why it is important and crucial that we have a chief justice who can work in harmony with his excellence the president. The president must choose who he wants to work with. It is like marriage, you marry someone whom you can stay with and work with in harmony for the interests of Zimbabwe as a whole." Prior to 2013, the president had the power to handpick judges. But that year, Zimbabweans overwhelmingly voted to pass a new constitution that included this new procedure. Mugabe has made no public statements on the chief justice question. However, a request to amend the constitution has been initiated by his vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The next Supreme Court sitting opens July 1. Lovemore Madhuku, a law professor at the University of Zimbabwe, is not optimistic the issue will be sorted out by then. "I think the president wants to wait for the constitutional amendment," Madhuku said. "The constitutional amendment provides for an appointment which is not subject to controls by anybody. So it is the president's love for total control of the country which is always his approach to the way he governs." Madhuku says politics are tangled up in this dispute, with elections just a year away. The Supreme Court would rule on electoral disputes. Mugabe has announced his intention to run for re-election, but as the 93-year-old leader advances in age, debate over his succession grows louder and the chief justice could one day weigh in. Local analysts say the country's current leadership would prefer a war veteran as the new chief justice. None of the three candidates proposed by the commission have that credential. Danish toymaker Lego plans to honor five women scientists, engineers and astronauts who worked for U.S. space agency NASA by releasing figurines of the pioneering women that its creator hopes will inspire more girls to pursue careers in science. The women include computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, astronaut Sally Ride and Katherine Johnson, one of three black female mathematicians whose work on the U.S. space program in the 1960s is captured in Oscar-nominated film "Hidden Figures." Maia Weinstock, a science editor and the winner of a Lego competition for new sets created by fans, said she wanted to recognize women who made significant contributions at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. "There are people whose stories have not really been told who have made seminal contributions to the NASA programs," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. After submitting her design idea to a Lego website, Weinstock said it only took 15 days before her proposal garnered 10,000 public votes and attracted attention from the toymaker. The set, which will also pay tribute to astronomer Nancy Grace Roman and astronaut Mae Jemison, will feature a mini version of the Hubble Space Telescope which was sent into space in the 1990s to collect data and take photographs. It will also include a space shuttle with rocket boosters, and various instruments used during historic space missions like Apollo and Mercury. Lego Ideas spokeswoman Lise Dydensborg announced Weinstock as the winner on Tuesday in a video posted on Twitter. Weinstock said "it was a dream come true" that her design will be available by late 2017 or early 2018 and hopes it will inspire girls to become more interested in science, technology, engineering and research (STEM). Even though the number of women involved in STEM has significantly increased in recent years, they are still under-represented in science, accounting for only about 30 percent of the world's researchers, the United Nations' cultural agency UNESCO says. "To be able to see yourself in the toys that you play with and envision a career that you might go into, I think that's really powerful. And I hope that girls will see that and be inspired," she said. "I also want to make sure boys see that as well and recognize that women have a place in these fields too." For years, immigrant advocates here have urged the city to legalize street vending. Many newcomers including some who lack the legal documentation to get a job sell produce, crafts and other items on the sidewalk while trying to gain an economic foothold. In mid-February, the city council unanimously approved a plan to decriminalize sidewalk sales that in the past could bring charges putting undocumented sellers at risk of deportation. The council voted in January to draft an ordinance to legalize the practice. Merced Sanchez, whos among at least 10,000 vendors estimated to work in the city, credits President Donald Trump for prodding the councils decision. Since taking office January 20, the Republican leader has acted quickly to follow through on a campaign pledge to crack down on illegal immigration. In mid-February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released new plans expanding the pool of illegal immigrants who would be subject to deportation. "I thank Mr. Donald Trump," Sanchez said. "Thanks to him, the council mobilized. This means peace. It means being able to sell without fearing that the police will show up." Developing a permit process and other regulations could take months, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing city personnel. Meanwhile, street vending still is considered a misdemeanor. Offenders could face administrative fines starting at $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third, Frank Mateljan, a spokesman for the city attorneys office, told VOA in an email. But the city councils vote means vendors no longer would be threatened with criminal charges, which carry penalties of up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. The city filed 30 criminal cases in 2016, Mateljan said. He noted that food trucks fall into a separate category. Doug Smith, a staff attorney with the pro bono legal firm Public Counsel and member of the Los Angeles Street Vendor Campaign, applauded the councils decision. He said the vendor-led campaign had been working with the council on a plan for more than three years. An economic lifeline "For many recent immigrants, street vending is the first step to building a business in the United States," Smith said, calling it "an economic lifeline" for many others who have been "shut out of the formal economy." Besides decriminalization, the council has committed to developing a permitting system and an amnesty program for people previously charged with vending offenses, Smith said. "A criminal citation puts a lot of folks at risk for priority deportation and hinders their ability to access benefits and services and eventually acquire citizenship," he noted. Permits would address concerns about food safety, public health and public access to sidewalks. "Its good for them to give us a permit," said Guadalupe Santiago, who sells hot dogs from a small cart. "If they ask me for a better cart, I will need to buy it because I know it will be for my own good and for the citys." Santiago, a mother of two, said being able to work without fear would more than compensate for the costs of compliance. The city also will need to work out details of what vendors can sell and when and where they can operate. Concerns about oversight Norm Langer, who owns the popular Langers Delicatessen in the MacArthur Park district, has mixed feelings about the measure. "Its a way for them to make a living," he said of vendors, noting their permits and sales taxes could generate more revenue for the city and increase foot traffic for other businesses. "The problem I see is there are no funds for enforcement," he said. Langer fears theres not enough health department workers to inspect tamale stands or fresh-cut fruit carts, not enough police to patrol and ensure that sidewalk peddlers dont block pedestrians. A Trump supporter, Langer also doesnt want to make things easy for undocumented people. "We have laws. ... Laws arent written for each group, theyre written for people as a whole." Attorney Smith said whether theyre immigrants or not, vendors "buy local, they create jobs. In some neighborhoods, theyre the only source of healthy food available." Legalizing vendors helps the city and its residents, Smith added. "Theyre part of the fabric of this city." Carol Guensburg contributed to this report. It was prepared by VOA's Spanish Service, at www.voanoticias.com. Mexico's Cemex, one of the world's largest cement producers, is open to providing quotes to supply the raw materials for U.S. President Donald Trump's promised border wall, its chairman told Reforma newspaper on Wednesday. Trump repeated on Tuesday a vow that he would soon start building a barrier along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,200-km) U.S.-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigrants and drugs crossing north. "We will gladly do it," Cemex board chairman Rogelio Zambrano told the newspaper, when asked if the company would provide a estimate for supplying cement to companies that end up working on the controversial project, potentially worth billions of dollars. Cemex shares rose more than 6 percent and were the highest performing on the Mexican exchange on Wednesday, outperforming the IPC index which was up 1.3 percent. It was the best one day percent gain in nearly a year for Cemex. Zambrano said it was not known which companies might participate or the likely demand for cement for the wall, the newspaper reported. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said on Friday it will release a request on or about March 6 asking companies for prototype ideas for a wall to be built near the U.S.-Mexican border. A Cemex spokesman echoed Zambrano's comments, adding that the company provided construction materials rather than engaging in construction in the United States and no one had approached Cemex asking it for materials. "If one of our clients asks us for a quote for materials, we have the responsibility to do it," the spokesman said. Trump has consistently said Mexico will ultimately pay for the new wall, while Mexican officials have firmly rejected that idea. Much of the border already features some kind of physical barrier in addition to other security measures. Five workers have been kidnapped from a gold mine in eastern Congo, including ones from France and Tanzania, and rebels are demanding $1 million in ransom, a local official said Thursday. The Congolese, Tanzanian and French workers were abducted Wednesday from Banro Mining Corp.'s Namoya mine, said Kabambare administrator Balthazar Hemedi Kabemba. An investigation has been opened, but members of the rebel group Rahiya Mutomboki have left leaflets around the mines threatening its workers. "These five workers, including one Frenchman and one Tanzanian, are still in the hands of their captors. Though the captors have not been identified, witnesses say they were armed with AK-47s," the official said. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that a French national was kidnapped and said it was in contact with Congolese authorities to ensure the release of those captured. The captors are in direct contact with the Canadian mining company, Kabemba said, and have asked for $1 million in ransom. They also are seeking a guarantee that the company will carry out basic contractual agreements to build infrastructure in the area, including schools, roads and a health center. The rebel group has criticized the mining company for not giving access or jobs to young miners who had been working on the site before it took over. Banro's Namoya mine manager Crispin Mwetwedu confirmed that the subsidiary of the Canadian company has received an anonymous call demanding a ransom. The Rahiya Mutomboki rebel group last year attacked a convoy of vehicles belonging to the company, seizing trucks and demanding ransom for their Tanzanian and Kenyan drivers. Congo is home to multiple militias vying for control of its mineral-rich land. Smartphones have replaced lots of other accessories cameras, flashlights, calculators. But many people are still reluctant to swap the wallets in their pockets for their digital counterparts. A key reason consumers are hesitant to adopt mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Android Pay, surveys say, is fear about security: High-profile retailer data breaches have made buyers wary of sharing credit card information. But while there's cause not to rely 100 percent on your mobile wallet just yet lack of widespread acceptance by merchants, for one thing security concerns shouldn't be holding shoppers back, experts say. "I think some people get nervous about this idea of, `This thing is sending telepathic waves to that machine to say that I'm paying,' " said Mark Ranta, head of digital banking solutions at ACI Worldwide, a payment systems company. But your mobile wallet is arguably the safest way to pay, and it offers a few benefits to boot. Here's why this payment method is worth considering. Safety Contactless payment services can offer more security than cash or traditional card usage. "You never have to take out your credit card or debit card, so there's a lot less chance of someone seeing it," said Jason Chaikin, president of biometrics security company Vkansee. "For every transaction, [mobile wallets] create a random, one-time number a transaction token and even if someone was able to know that number, it's not valid later." Samsung Pay, Android Pay and Apple Pay each use this process, called tokenization. Although you load your card into the payment app, the actual card number is not shared with the merchant when you pay. Rather, a temporary code is issued in its place, similar to the way EMV chip cards work. EMV credit and debit cards have chips that create a unique code, or cryptogram, when inserted into a merchant's payment terminal. However, the card is in view while the terminal reads the chip. Mobile payments provide security measures on top of existing bank protections that chip cards can't match. Full card numbers are not displayed in mobile wallet apps, and users are able to authorize payments with their fingerprints, which can protect your card information in the event your phone is stolen. Convenience Services like Apple Pay let users add multiple cards to their phones or smartwatches, theoretically giving them the option to leave overstuffed wallets and purses at home. But consumers don't entirely trust mobile wallets partly because availability is limited, Ranta said. Not all cards and loyalty programs are compatible with the payment services, and some stores are not equipped to take mobile payments. Establishments such as bars and restaurants may accept only cash or plastic. Apple Pay has the highest retailer acceptance rate among the mobile payment services, at 36 percent, according to survey data from the retail consulting firm Boston Retail Partners. "We're still very much in the early stages of this," Ranta said, and for now, the merchant acceptance problem remains. But when shoppers can use their mobile wallets, they can save time at the register. A common complaint among dissatisfied chip-card users is the slow transaction process, as shoppers wait for the EMV terminal to complete the transaction. Mobile payments can be quicker. A user opens a payment app and holds his device over a terminal; a fingerprint or PIN verifies the purchase. Shopping online can be faster, too. For example, Apple Pay and Android Pay are accepted on certain websites and in apps like Airbnb, allowing shoppers to make purchases without entering card information or keeping card numbers on file, which may assuage data-breach fears. And like some bank apps, a mobile wallet saves your recent transaction history for reference, with the added benefit of allowing you to see all activity in one place, even if your cards are from various banks. Rewards Mobile credit card payments function just like regular credit cards. As long as your card is compatible with the service, you'll continue to earn your usual rewards, like travel points or cash back. Mobile users can add certain retailer loyalty cards to Android Pay and Apple Pay wallets to seamlessly earn store-specific points. Samsung Pay accepts most membership cards. Samsung also has its own loyalty program, Samsung Rewards. In addition to credit card rewards, members earn points for Samsung Pay purchases; the points are redeemable for rewards like gift cards and fitness trackers. Mobile payment still has far to go before shoppers begin leaving their old wallets at home. As technology advances, Chaikin said, innovations and improvements in security will most likely make the process more comfortable and accessible for consumers and retailers alike. "Our mobile phone revolution is really just at the tipping point," he said. The National Security Agency risks a brain drain of hackers and cyberspies because of a tumultuous reorganization and worries about the acrimonious relationship between the intelligence community and President Donald Trump, according to current and former NSA officials and cybersecurity industry sources. Six cybersecurity executives told Reuters they had witnessed a marked increase in the number of U.S. intelligence officers and government contractors seeking employment in the private sector since Trump took office on January 20. One of the executives, who would speak only on condition of anonymity, said he was stunned by the caliber of the would-be recruits. They are coming from a variety of government intelligence and law enforcement agencies, multiple executives said, and their interest stems in part from concerns about the direction of U.S intelligence agencies under Trump. Retaining and recruiting talented technical personnel has become a top national security priority in recent years as Russia, China, Iran and other nation states and criminal groups have sharpened their cyberoffensive abilities. The NSA and other intelligence agencies have long struggled to deter some of their best employees from leaving for higher-paying jobs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. Two-year reorganization plan The problem is especially acute at the NSA, current and former officials said, because of a reorganization known as NSA21 that began last year and aims to merge the agency's electronic eavesdropping and domestic cybersecurity operations. The two-year overhaul includes expanding parts of the NSA that deal with business management and human resources and putting them on par with research and engineering. The aim is to "ensure that we're using all of our resources to maximum effect to accomplish our mission," NSA Director Mike Rogers said. The changes include new management structures that have left some career employees uncertain about their missions and prospects. Former employees say the reorganization has failed to address widespread concerns that the agency is falling behind in exploiting private-sector technological breakthroughs. A former top NSA official said he had been told by three current officials that budget problems meant there was too little money for promotions. That is especially important for younger employees, who sometimes need two jobs to make ends meet in the expensive Washington, D.C., area, the official said. "Morale is as low as I've ever seen it," said another former senior NSA official, who maintains close contact with current employees. Asked about the risk of losing talent from the NSA and other agencies, White House spokesman Michael Anton said Trump had sought to reassure the intelligence community by visiting the CIA headquarters on his first full day in office. He also pointed to the military spending increase in Trump's budget proposal released Monday. Trump's attacks But it will most likely take more than a visit to the CIA to patch up relations with the intelligence community, the current and former officials said. Trump has attacked findings from intelligence agencies that Russia hacked emails belonging to Democratic Party operatives during the 2016 presidential campaign to help him win, though he did eventually accept the findings. In January, Trump accused intelligence agencies of leaking false information and said it was reminiscent of tactics used in Nazi Germany. The breadth of any exodus from the NSA and other intelligence agencies is difficult to quantify. The NSA has "seen a steady rise" in the attrition rate among its roughly 36,000 employees since 2009, and it now sits at a "little less than 6 percent," according to an NSA spokesman. The NSA's Rogers said last year that the attrition rate was 3.3 percent in 2015, suggesting a sharp jump in departures since then. Several senior NSA officials who have left or plan to leave, including Deputy Director Richard Ledgett and the head of cyberdefense, Curtis Dukes, have said their departures were unrelated to Trump or the reorganization. Some turnover is normal with any new administration, government and industry officials noted, and a stronger economy has also improved pay and prospects in the private sector. "During this time the economy has been recovering from the recession, unemployment rates have been falling and the demand for highly skilled technical talent has been increasing," an NSA spokesman said when asked to comment on the reports of employee departures. In a statement, Kathy Hutson, the NSA's chief of human resources, said the agency continues "to attract amazing talent necessary to conduct the security mission the nation needs." Rogers' style Some NSA veterans attribute the morale issues and staff departures to the leadership style of Rogers, who took over the spy agency in 2014 with the task of dousing an international furor caused by leaks from former contractor Edward Snowden. Concern about Rogers reached an apex last October, when former Defense Secretary Ash Carter and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper recommended to then-President Barack Obama that Rogers be removed. The NSA did not respond to a request for comment on the recommendation last fall that Rogers be replaced. Rogers is now expected to retain his job at NSA for at least another year, according to former officials. Rogers acknowledged concerns about potential morale problems last month, telling a congressional committee that Trump's broadsides against the intelligence community could create "a situation where our workforce decides to walk." Trump's criticism of the intelligence community has exacerbated the stress caused by the reorganization at the NSA, said Susan Hennessey, a former NSA lawyer now with the Brookings Institution, a Washington policy research group. The "tone coming from the White House makes an already difficult situation worse, by eroding the sense of common purpose and service," she said. A wave of departures of career personnel, Hennessey added, "would represent an incalculable loss to national security." By Press Trust of India: Lucknow, Mar 2 (PTI) The BSP today said the EC should not "single out" it while seeking details of money deposited in its account post demonetisation and parties like the SP, the BJP and the Congress should be asked to furnish similar data. "We will request the EC to seek similar details from all other parties, including the SP, the BJP and the Congress, and look into all matters together and not to single out the BSP alone," BSP MP S C Misra told PTI here. advertisement He was reacting to the Election Commission seeking a response from the Bahujan Samaj Party earlier in the day on a petition alleging that a large sum of money was deposited in the party account post-demonetisation. In a notice issued to BSP chief Mayawati, the Commission asked the BSP to respond by March 15. "We will give our reply within time... Everything is in order and fully as per law," Misra, also a senior Supreme Court lawyer, said. The poll panel referred to a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court which had alleged the party had deposited large sums of money in its bank account within a short period of time on different occasions after demonetisation on November 8 last. "You are requested to send your comments on the issue raised in the petition along with your version regarding the contributions received in cash by your party and the deposits made in the partys accounts," the notice issued by Election Expenditure unit of the Commission. The EC notice came after the Allahabad High Court also reportedly issued a notice to the party in this regard. The Enforcement Directorate had on December 26 detected cash deposits totalling over Rs 104 crore in an account belonging to the BSP in a branch of United Bank of India here. Officials said the Enforcement Directorate, as part of its routine survey and enquiry operations to check suspicious and huge cash deposits in banks, had visited the Karol Bagh branch of the UBI and found huge deposits made in these two accounts post-demonetisation. The sleuths found that while Rs 102 crore was deposited in Rs 1,000 notes, the rest Rs 3 crore was deposited in the old Rs 500 notes. PTI SMI ZMN --- ENDS --- Myanmars government is meeting with an alliance of ethnic rebel groups this week to try to revive a peace process that has stalled after months of increased fighting in the countrys north. The violence has evaporated early optimism about Aung San Suu Kyis ability to control the army and promote peace. The instability near Chinas southern border has prompted it to become directly involved in the peace process. The government and rebels are cautiously welcoming Chinas support, but some analysts question whether Beijing is trying to influence the process through its links with powerful rebel groups. Resuming talks On Wednesday, de facto government leader Aung San Suu Kyi held the first high-level meeting since mid-October with the seven-member United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). They discussed the rebels conditions for joining a delayed peace conference, signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), and joining a political dialogue over the creation of a federal, democratic union. Eight out of 21 rebel groups signed the NCA in 2015, gathering praise from Western governments who supported the process. The National League for Democracy (NLD) government wants to bring all groups on board. Our State Counsellor is opening the door for all (rebels) who are non-signatories to sign the NCA and to participate in the political dialogue, said government spokesperson Zaw Htay. But restoring the necessary trust will not be easy. Rebel groups have been angered by the NLDs silence over the recent offensives by the army, which controls the defense and home affairs ministries under the constitution. China involvement Since September, the military has launched heavy attacks, including countless airstrikes, on the KIA and ethnic Taang, Kokang and Rakhine rebel groups in northern Myanmar. The four groups formed the Northern Alliance-Burma in late November and launched retaliatory attacks on Muse, a Myanmar-China border crossing with some $4 billion in annual trade. Rebels held the border town of Mong Ko for weeks and hit roads and bridges. A key demand of the groups was Chinese mediation in the peace process. The fighting caused thousands of civilians to flee into China and prompted Beijing to call for an immediate ceasefire. China had occasionally supported the peace process since conflict erupted in northern Myanmar in 2011, but now its state media is encouraging greater involvement and China has begun hosting multiple meetings. Since late November, Myanmar and China have held two high-level meetings in which their foreign affairs ministries and defense ministries discussed border security. In December, the four rebel groups and Myanmar officials were invited to the Yunnan Province capital Kunming, but talks fell through soon after the participants arrived. China has since offered $3 million for peace talks, and its diplomats are urging the government and all rebels to sign an inclusive nationwide ceasefire. Last month, Karen National Union (KNU) Chairman Mutu Say Poe became the first Karen rebel leader to visit China. He met with Special Envoy for Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang in Kunming before traveling to KIA headquarters on the border to discuss the stalled peace process. The KNU is a NCA signatory. Beijing welcomed Euro-Burma Office Director Harn Yawnghwe attended the meeting and told VOA, Sun Guoxiang made it clear that China would not intervene in Myanmar. It will not be a judge or an arbitrator. But it would like to see peace and stability in Myanmar. Under these conditions the NCA signatory groups would probably accept Chinas involvement, he added. UNFC secretary Khu Oo Reh said the alliance has had no contact with China and it remains to be seen what role Beijing can play. But he added, As we (rebels and government) dont really trust each other, we need international involvement. Htay, Aung San Suu Kyis spokesperson, stressed the NCA process was grown locally but said the Myanmar leader had asked for support during an August visit to Beijing as China is the key player to encourage all non-signatory groups to come to the table. But the army remains distrustful of Chinas continuing links with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and the ethnic Chinese Kokang and Mong La rebels, who waged a China-backed communist insurgency until they reached ceasefires with the former junta in 1988. Observers believe the 20,000-strong UWSA obtained Chinese heavy weaponry in recent years and provides key support to other rebels. Tom Kramer, a researcher with the Transnational Institute who studied the Wa, said the Myanmar army is reluctantly welcoming Chinese involvement because maybe the army is now thinking that China can put pressure on the northern groups to join the NCA that could be the calculation. Wa rebels reject NCA Last week, however, the UWSA hosted six rebel groups, including the KIA, for a meeting on the peace process, and to the surprise of many observers, the Wa-led gathering rejected the NCA and called for a completely new peace process arbitrated by China. Anthony Davis, a security analyst specializing in Myanmar, said Chinas public support for the NCA represents only one side of its approach to the peace process. He argued the new demands by the increasingly assertive Wa rebels reveal a different Chinese plan altogether. It would be naive to suppose that the Wa, who ultimately depend on Chinese support, are adopting a position that would fly in the face of Beijings long-term interests, Davis told VOA. Theres a good cop-bad cop routine being played out here and the endgame is not difficult to foresee: a new peace process in which Chinese rather than Western or Japanese mediation will be essential for success. Government spokesperson Zaw Htay said the UWSA-led demands may complicate some issues but would not derail the NCA process, adding that any differences with the Wa could be resolved through planned political dialogue. Scientists have identified more than 200 minerals created as side effects of human industries in a sign that mankind's imprint on the Earth is so deep that it marks a new geological epoch, a study said Wednesday. Rare chemical combinations such as those found in mines, ore dumps or smelters have triggered the formation of new minerals, it said. One previously unknown mineral crystal, for instance, was found on a wooden pit prop deep in a nickel mine in Russia. The scientists listed 208 items in the first global catalog of minerals caused exclusively or mainly by human activities, compared to about 5,000 formed by purely natural processes including iron, silicon, gold or silver. The new minerals, with names including bluelizardite, luckite or kokinosite, add to other evidence that mankind is leaving an indelible mark in geological records through the use of materials such as concrete, pottery, steel and aluminum. "They form a layer at Earth's surface," said Robert Hazen, of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C., who led the study of new minerals. "If you came back a million years or 10 million years from now, you would find this layer." Many scientists favor designating a new epoch in the Earth's history called the Anthropocene an epoch dominated by man, or "anthropos" in Greek. It would succeed the Holocene, the epoch that began 11,500 years ago when the Ice Age faded. "Mineralogy supports the idea of the Anthropocene epoch," Hazen told Reuters of the findings published in the journal American Mineralogist. Mankind's impact on minerals has been the greatest since an increase in oxygen in the atmosphere more than 2.2 billion years ago gave rise to hundreds of new minerals such as oxides of iron and manganese, the scientists said. Minerals "add another argument to recognize the Anthropocene as an epoch," said Colin Waters of the British Geological Society, who is secretary of the international Anthropocene Working Group and was not involved in Wednesday's study. Many experts favor the mid-20th century as the start of the Anthropocene, partly because fallout from U.S. atomic bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and nuclear tests left traces around the planet, he said. It will take years for experts to decide if the Anthropocene is a new epoch, and when it should start, he told Reuters. The word "grand" matched few hotels in the world better than New York City's Waldorf Astoria, but this bastion of gilded splendor is now closing for two to three years for a makeover. Wednesday was the last day that guests could enjoy the rich Art Deco style of the old Waldorf one last time. When the building reopens it will still have a hotel, but hundreds of its 1,400 guest rooms will have been converted into privately owned condominiums, according to a spokesman for the Anbang Insurance Group, the Chinese company that bought the storied hotel for nearly $2 billion in 2015. The exterior is protected by law as a New York City landmark, but some fans are still nervous about the future. "I've been watching New York disappear in front of my eyes," lamented Shade Rupe, 48, an author and actor who visited the hotel's lobby this week for one last look around. Wrapping his arms around an entrance pillar, he noted that the ever-changing city has a history of devouring its own landmarks. "There's so little of what we've known as iconic New York left, and as soon as you say the Waldorf Astoria, that's like saying the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. It's huge!" The Waldorf Astoria's history dates to 1893, but its original home was torn down to make way for the Empire State Building. The "new" Waldorf Astoria's more than 40 stories opened on Park Avenue in 1931, built at a cost topping $40 million ($639 million in today's dollars) making it one of the world's largest and most expensive hotels at the time. It has welcomed well-heeled guests, including American presidents in the Presidential Suite, of course, behind bulletproof glass windows. Those who slept in luxury at the Waldorf over the years have included such celebrities as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Cole Porter, who left his Steinway ivories behind. It was a regular stop for foreign heads of state, royalty and corporate kings. Long-term residents have included former Presidents Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. General Douglas MacArthur. The hotel also lent its name to the Waldorf salad, a mix of dressed apples, celery, grapes and walnuts that's become an American standard. Plans for the renovation are still not finalized, but a New York-based Anbang representative said the new Waldorf would mirror the concept of New York's Plaza hotel, which was renovated a decade ago into a mix of private apartments and a smaller hotel. Anbang bought the Waldorf in 2015 from Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., which continues to operate it. "This can be a great real estate transaction, if they can get enough money selling the condominium units to cover the purchase price," said Bjorn Hanson, professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University. About 1,500 hotel employees are being laid off because of the closure. Two hotel regulars, Rebecca Ward, 50, and her fiance, Martin Murphy, 51, of Orlando, Florida, returned for two days before the closure to celebrate their engagement. Murphy proposed to Ward in front of the hotel's giant lobby clock a month earlier. "We wanted to stay here for the last night of the Waldorf," said Murphy. As renovation starts, the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission must vote on whether to officially preserve certain interior details of the building, including the "wheel of life," created from 140,000 marble tiles, above the Park Avenue entrance; the grand ballroom; and the Art Deco lobby with its huge, chiseled tower supporting a diminutive Statue of Liberty. The exterior already is landmarked. As for the upcoming changes under Chinese ownership, Ward said, "I'm very sad. I think this is an American institution and I think it should stay American." But the couple said the modernization wouldn't keep them from returning to the Waldorf when it reopened. France's next president may be a 39-year-old maverick former economy minister, affiliated with no mainstream political party and with no experience running for office. Until now. On Thursday, and with less than two months to go before the first round of voting, independent centrist Emmanuel Macron finally unveiled his full political platform, outlining proposals ranging from downsizing France's parliament and slashing government bureaucracy, to embracing closer European Union cooperation, fighting nepotism and rewarding businesses that hire from low-income neighborhoods. The former investment banker also positioned himself as a champion of the middle and working classes, as he described growing up in a midsize French town and being educated in"the schools of the Republic." Once dismissed as a passing fad with no tangible proposals, Macron is now in second place behind far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen ahead of the first round of voting April 23, but according to many surveys, he could win the May 7 runoff. Macrons young but he really listens New polls out this week confirm the trend, with the latest by Elabe finding Macron behind far-right front runner Le Pen 24 percent to 27 percent in the first round, with former conservative prime minister Francois Fillon trailing in third place, with 19 percent. It found Macron beating Le Pen in the second-round with 62 percent of the vote. Wading into a farm fair outside Paris earlier this week, a must-attend event for all presidential wannabes, Macron got a taste of deep voter discontent, as he wiped off the goo from an egg pelted at his head during the visit. But he gets the vote of 71-year-old Joseph Rolland, whose son is a cattle farmer near Nantes, in western France. "He's young but he really listens," Rolland said. "People say he has no political experience, but he'll surround himself with competent people. We need change." Hiring scandal hurts Fillon Fillon, once-considered a shoe-in to become France's next president, is struggling for survival amid a parliamentary jobs hiring scandal involving his family. With Fillon's support base vanishing, some conservatives are calling for another ex-prime minister, Alain Juppe, to step up and take his place. A Harris Interactive poll finds three-quarters of French want Fillon to abandon a race that 80 percent believe he will lose. Le Pens immunity lifted Le Pen and her party also face a corruption investigation regarding questionable hiring practices, in this case involving European Parliament funds. She refuses to pay a $300,000 parliament fine or to appear before magistrates before the elections, citing her immunity as an European Union lawmaker. Thursday, the parliament voted to lift Le Pen's immunity on a separate matter involving tweeting graphic images of Islamic State militant group killings in 2015. "Emmanuel Macron wants to situate himself in the intersection of the right and left," French analyst Bruno Cautres told Le Midi Libre newspaper in an overall assessment of his platform. "His program offers economic measures of the center right ... and also social dimensions and investments in the future, like training and the environmental transition." Favors European Union Macron also calls for closer ties to the European Union and for shoring up the eurozone, in sharp contrast with Le Pen, who wants to hold a Frexit referendum on leaving the bloc if it doesn't renegotiate French membership. "For the European Union, the best candidate is Macron," said analyst Philippe Moreau Defarges of the French Institute of International Relations in Paris. "But can he be elected? There are a lot of question marks. He's got no political machine. He's a young man. He's inexperienced, he's never been elected." Macron, who speaks fluent English, also drew sharp differences with the U.S. administration on free trade and climate change. But he also outlined areas of cooperation with the U.S., including intelligence sharing on Iraq and Syria and said he would pursue a strategic relationship with Washington as president. Make France business friendly Macron has long rebelled being pigeon-holed, joining the leftist government of President Francois Hollande as economy minister. His legislation to make France more business friendly, voted in as the Macron law,' and new labor reform proposals were watered down amid protests and strikes. Last April, he launched his "En Marche!" or "Forward!" movement, which he describes as neither right nor left. A few months later, he resigned to prepare for his presidential candidacy, a move critics called a betrayal to Hollande, his former mentor. The deeply unpopular Hollande ultimately chose not to run for re-election. Macron is the son of a doctor, who studied philosophy before graduating from the elite Ecole Nationale d'Administration, he is married to his high school French teacher, who is 20 years his senior. Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently on indefinite medical leave in Britain, has spoken to the King of Morocco by telephone, a government spokesman said on Thursday. The statement was the latest reassurance from the presidency that all is well with Buhari despite concerns for his health. King Mohammed VI called Buhari on Wednesday and the two discussed the latter's health as well as work on a Morocco-Nigeria crude oil pipeline, the spokesman said. Buhari has been in London for six weeks on medical leave, raising questions about his capacity to govern Nigeria. The president's office has posted pictures on social media of Buhari recuperating to allay rumors his health was worse than publicly acknowledged, though none have been published for more than a week. Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed February 13 when two women smeared a liquid that Malaysian authorities say is VX nerve agent on his face at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong have been charged with murder, a crime that carries with it the death penalty. The two women say they thought they were participating in a televised prank. But how does this attack in Kuala Lumpur compare with other North Korean moves to consolidate power? The use of deadly force or the use of violence to purge any challengers or potential challengers, thats not new, said Daniel Pinkston, Lecturer on International Relations at Troy University in Seoul, South Korea. But the new element in this is, of course, the VX [nerve agent], if the reports are true, and I have no reason to disbelieve the report. So that is a brand new development. Stratfor Vice President of Strategic Analysis Rodger Baker observed, Certainly the way in which they carried out this assassination using VX [nerve agent] is different than what weve seen in the recent past. Baker recalled an incident in which North Korea tried to eliminate the South Korean Cabinet in Myanmar. "So theyve done extreme things, but this is certainly something very different than what weve seen, he said. Seriousness of VX use So how serious of an issue is it for the international community that a state like North Korea would use a substance like VX nerve agent in a public space? Baker says that when examining the assassination method, the attack suggests the VX nerve agent was put together during the assassination. "So it just wasnt the general release of VX in the space. So in that sense, we could say that this was very targeted in the application and didnt have a major ripple effect to the airport or to other people in the airport ... or apparently even significantly to the two individuals who engaged in the assassination, said Baker. He continues to say the attack itself is a clear signal North Korea not only is willing to use substances like VX, but do so far from home. Pinkston reiterates that VX is an extremely deadly substance. Only a single drop of it, if it were to get on your skin, will kill you, said Pinkston. Anyone who would introduce that substance into a public area, in the international airport, I think its extremely brazen and completely unacceptable, and crosses a red line thats beyond the acceptable international norms. North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons and test ballistic missiles, despite several international sanctions put in place and condemnation by the U.N. Security Council. Options? How might the international community respond in this instance? I think that North Korea must pay a very high price for this, and to not to impose serious costs upon North Korea, I believe, would invite further and more brazen transgressions, and I think it would be the wrong signal to send to North Korea that they could engage in this type of behavior with impunity, said Pinkston. He recommends that a menu of options be made available to the international community, including banning all of their aircraft from international airports, placing greater sanctions on individuals and entities, placing North Korea once more on the list of state-terrorism sponsors, and a proportional use of force directed at chemical weapons facilities. In Washington, United States lawmakers have called for North Korea to be listed once more as a sponsor of state terrorism. Baker adds that a question often asked about North Korea is, What more can be done? He says that boils down to basically three action items: negotiate with North Korea, further isolate Pyongyang, or carry out some sort of military action. Theres a growing change of view, for example in China, and the debate in China is growing stronger over whether the risk of a destabilized North Korea is still a greater risk than an uncontrolled North Korea pursuing these weapons and carrying out these actions. That would be the most significant change, if it occurs. And China is the one country, I think, that could really alter the balance, said Baker. Furthermore, he says that as the United States completes its review of North Korean policy, one cant rule out that military options wont be included in the review. Pakistan is moving to merge its troubled tribal areas with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, in part to crack down on extremist groups that have sought refuge there, allegedly plotting and launching terror attacks elsewhere in the country and across the border in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Cabinet on Thursday approved the recommendations of a consultative committee that was formed in November 2015 to examine how to carve out a better future for the poverty-wracked Federally Administered Tribal Areas, depriving groups like the Taliban of support and recruitment grounds. The plan still must be approved by Parliament. If enacted, it would set up a five-year merger process, a 10-year development plan and a major upgrade of the legal system, including an additional 20,000 police officers in the sprawling region where lawlessness has been rife under direct federal control. Time has come that the tribal people will be brought into [the] mainstream to end their sense of deprivation, Radio Pakistan quoted Sharif as saying. Merger a political move While the merger is touted as critical to bring the area into the political mainstream and tackle the underlying causes of extremism by creating jobs and improving the local economy, some also see it as a political move by Sharif's government to win support of tribal people in next year's elections. The recommendations were the result of discussions with 3,500 tribal leaders and elders, representatives of all political parties, traders, lawyers, youth and FATA Parliamentarians, then input from the National Security Committee. A media campaign resulted in 30,000 comments from the public. Pakistan and Afghanistan have long accused each other of failing to crack down on extremist groups that have claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in both countries, particularly from strongholds near their border. The attacks have intensified mistrust between the two neighbors, preventing them from cooperating effectively to fight Islamic State and other groups that seem intent on destabilizing both governments. Border closed After a rash of recent terrorist bombings that killed more than 150 people in Pakistan over several days, the government ordered the border closed two weeks ago and gave Afghanistan a list of alleged terrorists that it wanted arrested and handed over immediately. It was his eighth failed attempt at getting into the European Union and Tahir claims that, just like half of his previous efforts, it ended in violence. Tahir, who requested his entire name not be disclosed to protect his identity, is from Pakistan. He is among an estimated few hundred migrants and refugees camped out in scattered locations on the Serbian border with Hungary. Unwilling to play the waiting game at the 17 official camps scattered across Serbia, he and others are trying to make their way across the heavily guarded fence. We were walking in Hungary for 12 hours, near to a motorway, he told VOA from his current home, the crumbing remains of what was once a brick factory on the Serbian side of the border. But they must have traced us and when they caught us, they gave us a harsh punishment they beat us," he said. Tahirs account is impossible to verify, but as Hungary takes ever more strident measures to keep refugees from crossing illegally, concerns are mounting that violent and degrading treatment is increasingly being meted out to those who take their chances. Beaten with batons A volunteer organization named Fresh Response, which provides water, clothing and other necessities to refugees living along the Serbian border, has been collecting testimony from refugees and migrants, who say they experienced mistreatment before being returned to Serbia. What we know from reading the testimonies is that phases of abuse include pepper spray into the eyes, dogs being released on people theyre muzzled, so using their claws and people being beaten with batons, Dan Song, of Fresh Response, said. In other testimonies people claim they have been forced to remove their clothes and lay down in the snow for 20 or 30 minutes, Song added. He said the alleged violence was not new. After a drop during autumn, incidents of alleged abuse were seen rising again, he added. Song estimated that refugees and migrants now caught illegally trying to cross the border faced a 50 percent chance of experiencing similar treatment if caught on the Hungarian side of the border. Other groups have documented such incidents, too, while violence is also thought to be commonplace along the Bulgarian and Croatian border. A report titled Pushed Back at the Door, released last month by nongovernmental organizations from five eastern European EU member states, looked at the methods used to repel migrants and refugees. The report claimed legalization last year in Hungary legitimizing "push-backs," which allow refugees caught within 8 kilometers of the border to be returned to the country they had just left, contravened EU obligations to those seeking protection. Furthermore, it called the widespread nature of reports on violence inflicted on refugees trying to get into Hungry, as well as Bulgaria, a serious concern. Slim chances Meanwhile, the chances of crossing legally continue to decrease. There are about 7,500 refugees and migrants in Serbia, and roughly 6,000 places in the countrys official camps. Nearly everyone wants to move on to either Croatia or Hungary; as EU nations, the countries are seen as a gateway to western EU countries like Germany. Yet with the Hungarian border recently reducing the number of refugees and migrants allowed through daily down to 10, many are eschewing a formal process that by some estimates now may take years rather than months and not even allow them to cross once they have waited. There is a lack of trust towards going into camps, said Andrea Contenta of Medicins San Frontieres [Doctors Without Borders], before adding that many also feared being expelled from Serbia once they had entered camps. The whole system is jammed, Contenta said. Facing that reality, many take their chances with smugglers or by going it alone into Hungary, where the reception seems ever more hostile. Protecting the borders If we want Europe to stay the way as we know it, we must protect its outer borders, including the sea borders with military forces, if needed, Laszlo Toroczkai, the mayor of Assothalom, a Hungarian village near the border with Serbia that has reportedly sought to ban public practice of the Muslim faith, as well as homosexual propaganda. Hungary completed the erection of a barbed-wire fence separating it from Serbia in September 2015, and, since then, has ramped up efforts to keep refugees and migrants out, including the ongoing effort to recruit 3,000 so-called "border hunters." Toroczkai has been one step ahead of his own, strongly anti-refugee government. He set up the villages five-person patrol team in early 2014, which works alongside national and international authorities patrolling the border. But when it comes to charges of disproportionate use of force something he says he only hears about from journalists Toroczkai is adamant. Emphasizing that people are crossing illegally, he says force is only used as a response to provocation. If one behaves violently and doesnt obey the police order, doesnt stop when hes instructed to, and assaults the police officers, in the U.S. he would probably be shot," Toroczkai said. Here in Hungary the worst thing that can happen to him is getting sprayed with tear gas or having dogs set on them." Unprovoked A former computer sciences student, Tahir claims he did nothing to provoke a beating. As a relief from the harshness of his surroundings, Tahir scrolls through pictures of his home Swat, the mountainous Pakistani district once controlled by the Taliban. After three months living near the border, though, there are only so many times he is willing to endure these conditions, and risk more violence. This is not a life I have here. I feel like no one can help us, Tahir said. I feel hopeless. The New York Times is reporting that some officials from President Barack Obamas administration made efforts to make information about possible links between Donald Trumps campaign and Russian officials easier for future investigators to find. The Times based its story on accounts from more than a half-dozen current and former officials, some of whom said they were speaking to draw attention to the material and ensure proper investigation by Congress, the newspaper said. The report says information came from multiple U.S. allies, including Britain and the Netherlands, describing meetings between Russian officials and Trump associates that took place in European cities. It also cites U.S. intelligence agency intercepts of Russian officials discussing contacts with Trump associates. Trump rejected an earlier Times report that said U.S. authorities had information about repeated contacts between people associated with the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence officials. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said there is nothing to the new report. The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election, the Times quoted Spicer as saying. An intelligence review ordered by Obama concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a campaign to influence the November U.S. presidential election with the goal of helping Trumps chances of winning. The Times said the late days of the Obama administration featured officials working to process raw intelligence information into reports that were kept at a low level of classification to ensure more people could see them, and to pass along reports and sensitive information to members of Congress. The newspaper said that according to former senior administration officials, Obama himself was not involved in the effort. President Donald Trump did not utter the word "Russia" In his address to the U.S. Congress earlier this week. Still, observers in Moscow zeroed in on parts of his speech, including this one: "America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align." President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Wednesday that no one in the government felt put off that Trump did not mention Russia, saying it was "natural" that Trump was "busy with American affairs while our president Putin is busy with Russian affairs." Peskov added that U.S. and Russian interests overlap, including in such areas as anti-terrorism, and that Moscow is "full of patience" in its bid to work with Washington on such issues. For his part, Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, told VOA's Russian service that he saw much that was new in Trump's speech. "The speech differed rather significantly from what we are used to hearing from Trump," he said. "He was much more cautious, significantly more streamlined in his wording," he added. "I have the impression he is changing the style of his behavior; he is trying to please not just a certain group of voters, but the greatest possible number of listeners. He is saying things that are expected of him, about which some time ago he had doubts. I think he is starting to draw conclusions from his not very long experience in the presidency, during which his focus on confronting those who disagree with him and attempt to impose his point of view brought Trump significantly more problems than solutions." Like Peskov, Kosachev said he was not upset that Trump did not mention Russia. "I hope this is a sign that Trump's Russia policy is still in the formative stage, that this stage will be qualified and, ultimately, productive. I would like to believe that the time of slogans that often contradict one another will pass and that a more long-term strategy, both in foreign policy generally and the Russian part of the policy in particular, will be formed." Kosachev said he thinks that on the basis of what the U.S. president said in his speech, it will be possible to build a new relationship with Moscow. "I suspect that he will be prepared to build relations with external partners without excessive ideologization, not separating them into unquestioned allies and notorious enemies, but rather, in each case, weighing all the pros' and cons' from the point of view of how this will then affect the implementation of his program within the country, whether it will help to create new jobs, whether it will help to reduce the public debt, and so on," he said. "... This is pragmatism, which, in my opinion, creates some hope that there will be something to negotiate with Trump." While Trumps victory in last Novembers U.S. presidential election was widely welcomed in Moscow, that enthusiasm has since dwindled almost to nothing. In his interview with VOA, Konstantin Kosachev tried to explain why this happened. "This reaction to the outcome of the American election was more satisfaction with the fact that Mrs. Clinton did not win," he said, referring to Trump's opponent, Democrat and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "There was really very serious concern here that her victory would either change nothing or lead to further deterioration of Russian-American relations," he said. " The Trump victory at least created some space for hope. We are closely watching developments. We anticipate how they will develop without exaggerating the significance of a new president for Russian-American relations, but at the same time not losing hope that at least something could change for the better." Independent journalist Konstantin von Eggert t said he thinks Trump is committed to the priorities he declared during his campaign. "It should be noted that he is remaining true to his election promises in regard to, for example, immigration, security, increasing military spending; on the foreign policy front, to competition or even confrontation with China and Iran and support for Israel," von Eggert said. "But the specific method of implementing these pledges has not yet been fully determined. Still, something will be subject to change, given the harsh reaction which, for example, Donald Trump's anti-immigration decree aroused in January." Eggert said the Kremlin might like some aspects of Trump's foreign policy, saying in some ways, it "probably suits the current Russian leadership." "Obviously," he added, "such things as human rights, let's say, and various elements connected to political democracy in other countries are not very important to Trump. He openly says that he is not going to teach others how to live." Still, Eggert believes that, in general, what the new U.S. president has already laid out does not promise anything positive for Russia. "His statements about support for NATO, his intention to be tough with Beijing and Tehran these are all the things that Moscow either cannot be happy about, or which will present it with an unpleasant choice, especially in regard to relations involving the Moscow-Tehran-Washington and Moscow-Beijing-Washington triangles," he said. " He said Trump, or "Trumpist Washington may ask Russia either to join in a more hardline stance toward Iran and China, or to offer to step aside. Neither choice is acceptable for Moscow." "By all accounts, relations with Russia are not a priority for Donald Trump, even if he finds a common language with Putin on Syria," said Eggert. "If Moscow, to one degree or another, winds up in the way of Washington, in the way of Trump in the implementation of his policies, here the consequences may be extreme. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 2 (PTI) Canadas Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne is expected to accelerate the negotiation process of the proposed free trade pact with India during his visit here starting tomorrow. The minister is also likely to take up crucial issues to expedite the proposed foreign investment promotion and protection pact between India and Canada, during his meetings with governments top brass including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. advertisement "Canadas Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne will visit India on March 3, 2017. During his visit, Minister Champagne will meet Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman," a release issued by the Canadian High Commission said. The Canadian Minister will also hold discussions with senior business leaders. "Minister Champagnes visit comes at an ideal time as trade and investment ties between both countries continue to flourish. Canadas commercial relations with India are growing at an unprecedented pace, and our government considers India a high priority trading partner. "Two-way trade and foreign direct investment figures between Canada and India have increased dramatically in the last couple of years and we expect this trend to continue well into the future," the High Commissioner for Canada to India, Nadir Patel, said. Both the countries have been negotiating for the proposed Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and the free trade pact dubbed as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA is a comprehensive free trade agreement under which two trade partners significantly reduce or eliminate Customs duties, besides liberalising trade in services and investment norms. The negotiations for the CEPA agreement were launched in November 2010 to further boost bilateral trade and investment. The two-way trade stood at USD 6.25 billion in 2015-16, an increase from USD 5.95 billion in 2014-15. Minister Champagnes visit to India is the fifth in the last seven months by a Cabinet Minister of Canada. PTI RSN BAL --- ENDS --- A Rwandan man who lied to gain entry into the U.S. after helping slaughter scores of people during his country's 1994 genocide must serve 15 years behind bars before facing deportation, a judge ruled Thursday. Gervais Ngombwa, 57, "is a violent individual who presents a danger to the community," U.S. District Judge Linda Reade said. "There isn't a doubt in my mind that he was an active participant, indeed a leader, of the genocide in Rwanda," Reade told a courtroom in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Ngombwa lived and raised a family for two decades. The sentence following his conviction for immigration fraud capped a case that the Anti-Defamation League called one of the most significant U.S. human rights prosecutions in recent years. Killings, thefts Federal prosecutor Rich Murphy said Ngombwa was a local leader of an extremist party during the genocide, in which the majority Hutu killed an estimated 800,000 Tutsis in an effort to destroy their ethnic rivals after peace talks collapsed. He said Ngombwa had wielded a machete as he personally butchered Tutsis, looted properties and drove a youth militia around the country to carry out mass killings of people seeking refuge in locations such as churches and a children's orphanage. Murphy glared at Ngombwa across the courtroom as he described what he called the "unspeakable acts" he committed during the 100-day genocide that killed one-tenth of the country's population. Murphy said Ngombwa had his own home and family protected by military forces "while he went out and killed." Ngombwa fled the country rather than face justice, falsely claiming he was a genocide victim in order to gain U.S. refugee status for himself, his wife and several relatives, Murphy said. Victims' skulls Murphy displayed a photo of skulls of victims that showed they had been clubbed to death as he urged Reade to consider their suffering in sentencing Ngombwa. He compared Ngombwa to notorious criminals such as mob boss Whitey Bulger, who lived in hiding after committing "unfathomable" acts of violence. Reade said she was convinced of Ngombwa's guilt in the genocide but that she'd leave punishment for those acts to authorities in Rwanda, where he's under indictment and to where he will be deported after his sentence is served. She focused on the need to protect the public and the "aggravating factor" that several relatives had gained entry into the U.S. through Ngombwa's lies. The genocide allegations shocked acquaintances of Ngombwa in Iowa, where he was known as "Ken," a devout Christian and a father of eight successful children. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has a unit dedicated to catching alleged human rights violators, has arrested 380 such individuals since 2003. But the prosecution was the first of its kind in the Northern District of Iowa, said U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau. Ngombwa was convicted at trial of falsely telling authorities he was the brother of an exiled Rwandan prime minister and therefore subject to persecution. That claim was the basis of the decision to allow his family to resettle in the U.S. in 1998 from a refugee camp in Tanzania, where his family had been living. Arson, fraud arrest Ngombwa worked as a school janitor and hotel employee and was active in his church. He had a clean record until 2013, when he was arrested for arson and insurance fraud after police said he intentionally burned down his home, which was built by Habitat for Humanity. By then, investigators were looking into allegations that Ngombwa had participated in the genocide. He was indicted on immigration charges in 2014 after an investigation that included U.S. agents based in South Africa, who traveled to find witnesses in Rwanda. Ngombwa's attorney, Ray Sheets, said his client denies being involved in the genocide or being a leader in the extremist MDR-Power party. He said Ngombwa was known as a good and kind person to his supporters. At trial, Ngombwa denied claiming he was the brother of former Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu, who lives in exile in Belgium. He insisted he meant he was Twagiramungyu's "political brother," agreeing with his positions. Ngombwa waved to his children and friends as he slowly walked out of the courtroom in shackles. Two of President Donald Trump's former rivals for the GOP White House nomination won Senate confirmation Thursday to join his administration. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson was confirmed as secretary of the Department of House and Urban Development on a vote of 58-41. A few hours later, the Senate backed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be energy secretary, 62-37. Carson and Perry are the 17th and 18th of Trump's 22 Cabinet and Cabinet-level nominations to win Senate approval. WATCH: Housing Secretary Ben Carson sworn in Carson has never held public office and has no housing policy experience. Republicans have praised the life story of a man who grew up in inner-city Detroit with a single mother who had a third-grade education. Perry, who once pledged to eliminate the department, has repeatedly promised be an advocate for the agency and to protect the nation's nuclear stockpile. Perry also pledged to rely on federal scientists, including those who work on climate change. WATCH: Energy Secretary Rick Perry sworn in Perry, who served 14 years at Texas governor, has said he will seek to develop American energy in all forms, from oil, gas and nuclear power to renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Democrats say they accept Perry's disavowal of his 2011 pledge to abolish the department, but they worry he may not stand up to GOP proposals to slash the department's budget. Carson, 65, will lead an agency with some 8,300 employees and a budget of about $47 billion. The department provides billions of dollars in housing assistance to low-income people through vouchers and public housing. It also enforces fair housing laws and offers mortgage insurance to poorer Americans through the Federal Housing Administration, part of HUD. Trump lauded Carson last week, calling him a "totally brilliant neurosurgeon" who has saved many lives. "Ben is going to work with me very, very closely. And HUD has a meaning far beyond housing. If properly done, it's a meaning that's as big as anything there is, and Ben will be able to find that true meaning and the true meaning of HUD as its Secretary," Trump said. Carson has not shared specific plans publicly for the department under his leadership. At his confirmation hearing, he told lawmakers that he envisioned forging a more "holistic approach" to helping people and developing "the whole person." He didn't offer many details. Perry, 66, told a Senate committee that he regrets his infamous statement about abolishing the department and insisted it performs critical functions, particularly in protecting and modernizing the nation's nuclear stockpile. During Perry's tenure as governor, Texas maintained its traditional role as a top driller for oil and natural gas, while also emerging as the leading producer of wind power in the United States and a top provider of solar power. Under questioning from Democrats, Carson said HUD's rental assistance is "essential" to millions of Americans and that the department has a lot of good programs. But he added, "We don't want it to be way of life. ... We want it to be a Band-Aid and a springboard to move forward." He also said he'd like to see more partnerships with the private sector and religious groups. The soft-spoken Carson, the only black major-party candidate in the White House race, grew up poor. He went on to attend Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School before becoming the first African-American named as the head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore. In 1987, Carson became famous for pioneering surgery to separate twins joined at the back of the head. In 2013, he entered the national political spotlight during the National Prayer Breakfast when he railed against the modern welfare state, with President Barack Obama sitting just feet away. GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who leads the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Perry was a strong leader with a record of getting results. Democrats and environmental groups have derided Perry's nomination, calling him a steep drop-off from the two renowned physicists who preceded him as energy chief, Steven Chu and Ernest Moniz. Perry earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, where he was also a member of the Corps of Cadets and a Yell Leader. Serbia will hold a presidential election on April 2 that is seen as a litmus test of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's popularity, the parliamentary speaker said on Thursday. The vote will pit Vucic, whose Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) is the largest in the ruling coalition, against the candidates of a fragmented opposition. It will be a test of his economic reforms, which have been backed by the International Monetary Fund, as well as of efforts to bring the Balkan country of 7.3 million people closer to the European Union. "I would like to use this opportunity to call all citizens to come out and vote and decide who will be the new president of Serbia," speaker Maja Gojkovic said after announcing the date. Vucic said last month he would resign several days ahead of the presidential vote. It is unclear who would be new prime minister once Vucic steps down. The coalition, which has a comfortable majority in the 250-seat parliament, will be able to secure parliamentary approval for its candidate without calling a new election. While the president's role is largely ceremonial, if Vucic wins and effectively controls the parliamentary majority as party leader, he could wield huge sway over the government and a new prime minister who needs to implement restructuring reforms that could lead to job losses. Faced with the need to cut borrowing costs and keep the deficit low, the country must sell, or make more efficient, big public companies, such as utility firms, and sell state-owned loss-making companies such as the RTB Bor copper mine. Vucic urged Serbs to vote for a president from the same party as the government for the good of the country. "If you have two captains each taking his side, that airplane is going straight down to abyss, and that would be a catastrophe for Serbia," Vucic told daily Kurir on Thursday. The SNS board decided on last month to nominate Vucic instead of incumbent Tomislav Nikolic, a former party leader who wants closer ties with Serbia's powerful ally Russia. The departure of Nikolic could mean quicker moves towards EU accession and a further improvement of Serbia's ties with NATO, despite its military neutrality. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from any federal investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Sessions met with reporters Thursday after The Washington Post reported that as a U.S. senator and member of the Trump campaign, Sessions held two pre-election meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak but withheld that information during his confirmation hearing. WATCH: Sessions Defends Confirmation Hearing Statements Questions have hovered whether Sessions talked about the campaign with the ambassador. Some lawmakers from both parties demanded Sessions recuse himself, while some Democrats said he should resign, accusing him of lying under oath. Trump backs Sessions President Donald Trump, who earlier said he does not think Sessions should recuse himself, called his attorney general "an honest man" who could have stated his response at the hearing more accurately. "The Democrats are overplaying their hand. They lost the election and now they have lost their grip on reality. ... It is a total witch hunt," the president's statement said. At Sessions January 10 confirmation hearing, Democratic Senator Al Franken asked Sessions what he would do if there were any evidence that anyone in the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government. "I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign, and I didn't have, did not have, communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it," Sessions replied. He told reporters Thursday that he never had any intention to mislead anyone and that his answers were "honest and correct" as he understood the question at that time. But he said that "in retrospect, I should have slowed down and said, 'But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times. That would be the ambassador.'"Sessions said Thursday his meetings with Kislyak first at the Republican National Convention in July, then in his Capitol Hill office in September were part of his job as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and that "so many" other ambassadors also wanted a meeting. Sessions said he and Kislyak talked about terrorism and Ukraine, describing the meeting as "testy" at one point when the matter of Russian involvement in Ukraine came up. Reasoning behind recusal Sessions said Thursday that he decided to recuse himself in any investigation into alleged Russian interference in the election upon the recommendation of his staff at the Justice Department. He said no one should see his decision as confirmation that any probe is currently under way. The attorney general is the top law enforcement officer in the United States. The White House and Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics with the issue. WATCH: Sessions Discusses his Decision Trump's son-in-law also met Russian Ambassador Meanwhile, the White House confirmed to The New York Times on Thursday that Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had met with Kislyak and incoming (now former) national security adviser Michael Flynn at Trump Tower in New York in December. White House spokeswoman Hope Hicks said the purpose of the meeting was to "establish a line of communication." She said Kushner had also met with representatives of as many as two dozen other countries, which is common with an incoming administration. The USA Today newspaper also reported Thursday that two Trump campaign national security experts met with Kislyak at the Republican convention in Cleveland. There is nothing untoward about foreign governments meeting with members of an incoming U.S. administration. Repeated denials about Russian contacts But for months, the Trump administration denied that there had been any contacts between anyone in the campaign and Russian officials and of all the countries whose representatives met with Trump officials, only Russia is accused of hacking into Democratic Party emails in an effort to help Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the November election. Trump fired Flynn after just 24 days on the job after information emerged that Flynn had lied to top officials about the nature of his own conversations with the Russian ambassador. Interactive Timeline: Trump & Russia (click to see) FBI, Senate Intelligence investigations The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is part of the Justice Department that Sessions heads, is probing alleged Russian activities aimed at disrupting the U.S. election and any possible links between the Trump campaign and the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Senate Intelligence Committee is carrying out its own probe, and the House Intelligence Committee announced guidelines for its investigation on Wednesday. Nearly one week after Islamic State fighters were driven from the strategic town of al-Bab, northern Syria is in military disarray with U.S.-supported factions fighting each other and thousands of residents fleeing to havens to avoid the chaos. Control of areas changes within a few kilometers and skirmishes break out amid an uneasy detente. Turkish forces and their rebel allies drove Islamic State (IS) from al-Bab last week. Now Syrian forces, with the help of Russian airpower, are battling IS in nearby villages. Syrian forces too have fought with Turkish-backed personnel to keep them from expanding beyond al-Bab. Near miss for U.S. troops The situation is similarly complicated on al-Bab's eastern front, where Turkish-backed rebels are battling U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition force. Al-Bab is the symbol of what will be the new normal larger powers fighting over the pieces of the carcass of IS's would-be caliphate, said analyst Nicholas Heras, a Middle East researcher at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based research organization. In an apparent mix-up, Russian and Syrian aircraft this week mistakenly bombed members of the U.S.-backed SDF outside al-Bab, with U.S. troops just a few kilometers away, a top U.S. general in Iraq said. Al-Bab is a wasteland While al-Bab is currently under the control of the Turkish military and their allies in the Euphrates Shield operation, the city has turned into a wasteland due to fierce fighting there that lasted for months, analysts say. Turkish-allied forces are set to be there for the long haul, especially because control over al-Bab provides the Turkish military with a key forward operating base east of Aleppo, said analyst Heras. The significant advances made by Syrian government troops in the town of Tadef near al-Bab, with IS fighters retreating toward their de facto capital of Raqqa, could potentially increase tensions between Syrian forces and the Turkish military. IS withdrew from Tadef to avoid an inevitable loss there, said Zara Seyda, a Syrian journalist who reports on the fighting in the al-Bab area. This will put regime forces in a direct face-off with Turkish-backed rebels. Turks want SDF to leave Manbij Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces realize that any further Turkish expansion in this part of northern Syria would make their task to recapture territory even harder, analysts say. Turkish occupation is an existential threat to the Assad government's ability to reclaim the entirety of its territory, which is a key argument that regime loyalists make in their support of Bashar al-Assad's government, Heras said. Turkish officials say they want to oust the SDF from the nearby town of Manbij. Turkey views the Kurdish YPG, the main group within the SDF, as a terrorist organization. Both the Turkish incursion into al-Bab and the SDF fight against IS have U.S. support. Turkey's role unclear Turkish and U.S. officials have been discussing in recent weeks the role of Turkish forces in northern Syria. Top Turkish officials are increasing pressure on the Trump administration to dissolve the American military partnership with Syrian Kurds in the battle against IS. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters this week that Turkish troops will continue assaulting Kurdish fighters in areas around Manbij. We do not want any of our allies to stand with terrorist groups. We stated earlier that Turkey will hit the YPG unless they withdraw from Manbij, he said. The Manbij Military Council, part of the SDF, announced Thursday that it has agreed to withdraw from villages west of Manbij but not because of Turkish pressure. Russia brokers deal The deal, reportedly brokered by Russia, allows SDF forces to withdraw from the villages and hand them over to Syrian state forces which will protect them from the Turkish military, a statement from the council said. The withdrawal of Kurdish fighters from west Manbij sends a signal to Turkey that the SDF understands the strategic value of the territory to Euphrates Shield, and will spite Turkey by giving it to Assad, analyst Heras said. Despite Turkish concerns, U.S. military officials have expressed support of Syrian Kurdish fighters, especially in the fight to dislodge IS from its de facto capital of Raqqa the next target of varied forces against the jihadist group. Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said Wednesday, There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure. The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating in that, I can't really say right now." VOA's Kasim Cindemir contributed to this report. The Syrian military said Thursday that it had re-captured the town of Palmyra from Islamic State militants for the second time in a year. A statement from the army said the government is in control of the whole city. The government was able to take control of the city with the help of Russian air support, the statement said. The IS fighters began leaving the city on Sunday, and by Tuesday government troops reached the outskirts of Palmyra. Earlier Thursday, a Kremlin spokesman said President Vladimir Putin was made aware of the armys success by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, according to Russian media. No details about the extent to which Russian air support aided the Syrian army were given. Palmyras recapture marks the second time control of the city has changed hands over the past year. The Syrian government seized the city from IS fighters last March only to lose it again in December. Prior to the 2011 outbreak of civil war in Syria, the city was a popular tourist destination, annually drawing tens of thousands of visitors to its beaches. Syrian warplanes carried out eight airstrikes in a rebel-held district of the mostly government-controlled city of Homs on Thursday, a military media unit run by government ally Hezbollah said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitoring group, said the airstrikes killed two civilians and wounded more than 24 people in al-Waer, as U.N.-sponsored peace talks continued in Geneva. Although Homs, an early center of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, has been almost entirely held by the government since 2014, al-Waer, a western district, remains in rebel hands. Rebel shelling killed two people and wounded six in the government-held district of al-Zahra on Thursday, the Observatory said. On Saturday, suicide bombers from the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance killed dozens of people in central Homs, including the city's military security chief. Fighting and airstrikes in Syria have continued despite a nationwide ceasefire brokered at the beginning of the year by Russia, Assad's main ally, and Turkey, a leading supporter of the rebels. Assad is backed in the war by Russia's air force, Iran and Shi'ite militias including Hezbollah. The array of mostly Sunni rebel groups also include factions supported by the Gulf monarchies and the United States. Toxic waste has been dumped in a farming town in southeast Nigeria's restive oil-producing Delta region, a state government official and a community leader said on Wednesday. The community leader, Collins Edema, president of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, said the waste was dangerous to both agricultural produce and aquatic life. It was dumped in Koko, a town in the Warri north local government district of Delta state, said Thankgod Seibi, special assistant to the state's governor on community development. "The waste was brought in from a foreign country into Nigeria and dumped at Koko. The state government has not done anything about it yet," he said. Seibi did not give details of the foreign country. Pollution has been a source of tension across the Niger Delta, which often erupts into violence. The poverty-stricken region produces most of the OPEC member's oil, the source of two-thirds of government revenue, but sees little of the money. That has led militants, most recently the Niger Delta Avengers, to carry out attacks on oil pipelines and facilities in a bid to drive the government to agree to a greater share of Nigeria's oil dollars for the region. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to boost defense spending when he visited a Virginia shipyard Thursday to tour the most expensive warship ever built. Wearing a military jacket and ball cap, Trump toured the USS Gerald R. Ford, a $12.9 billion warship that has been plagued by cost overruns and delays but is expected to be commissioned later this year. He used the high-profile event to showcase the budget pledge he made this week to dramatically boost U.S. military spending. WATCH: Trump on Rebuilding U.S. Military During Tuesday night's address to Congress, he said, "To keep America safe, we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war." Aboard the warship, Trump called it "a monument to American might that will provide the strength necessary to ensure peace." "Hopefully it's power we don't have to use, but if we do, they're in big, big trouble," the president added. He also toured the carrier and met with sailors and military leaders. The war vessel shifts from steam to electrical power and will be equipped with the best weaponry, communications and operating systems in the nation, according to the builder, Huntington Ingalls Industries. The presidents request earlier this week for a $54 billion hike boosts the Pentagon budget to more than $600 billion a year. Calling it one of the largest increases in history, Trump said he would even like $30 billion more than that to strengthen what he called a "depleted military." By contrast, the State Department receives roughly $50 billion a year for programs including foreign aid, assistance and development. Not the largest by any means At first glance, the figures suggest Trump is planning a much higher U.S. military profile in the worlds hot spots. A diverse group of scholars and military analysts, however, say the proposed 10 percent hike wont make all that much difference in the grand scheme of things. They note that the U.S. military is already the most powerful fighting force on the planet, and the United States spends significantly more on defense than any other country. Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, disputed Trumps assertion that the Trump proposal would be one of the largest increases in history. "Thats a bit of an overstatement. Its certainly a significant increase, but keep in mind the Obama administration was already planning a 6 to 7 percent increase for 2018. The point is, if you look back at defense budgets over time, we had an increase of about this size in 2008 and 2002, and in several years in the early 1980s. So its not as large as it seems, and by historical standards its not the largest by any means." Harrison points out that Congress had consistently appropriated significantly less for defense than what former President Barack Obama had requested. Veronique de Rugy, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at Virginias George Mason University and a nationally syndicated columnist, doubts that boosting spending will do much to improve military preparedness. "This just perpetrates the myth that every extra dollar that the Pentagon spends enhances national security. Its not the case," de Rugy said. She expressed concern that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who are not necessarily experts on military affairs, often look at defense spending in black and white terms. "Im more than disappointed that people who claim to care so much about national security seem to have a wrong-headed definition of security," she said, "as if national security only means spending more money. Strategically spending money doesnt seem overall to matter that much in the end." Preparation for war with Congress Regardless of its actual impact, the massive spending proposal helps Trump to argue that he is making good on his campaign promise to "Make America Strong Again." It is also prompting both allies and foes to reassess their own defense strategies. Former State Department official Joshua Walker, now a fellow at the German Marshall Fund, says countries such as Turkey see a stronger United States as a net plus in stabilizing the troubled Middle East. "From an allied perception, Turkey would welcome this, saying its about time America has a more robust military presence in our neighborhood," Walker said. He described mainstream Turkish thinking as, "Whats happening in Syria is unacceptable. America needs to be more involved. Look whats happening in Iraq. America has put troops there before and didnt get it done. Maybe theyll get it done this time." On the other hand, Walker says many Asian countries see a bulked up U.S. military as "exactly the provocation that countries like China and Russia have been telling their people to expect for a long time." He contends talk of a buildup is also sending the impression abroad that the United States is no longer an inviting and welcoming place. "That becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy," he said. While Trump may get his way with a Congress controlled by Republicans, Harrison of CSIS points out that the push for big military spending increases is only the first salvo in an administration budget offensive. "This is really the opening negotiations for the budget battle this year," he said. "This is not a preparation for war. If its a preparation for war, its a preparation for war with Congress." The televised moment moved a nation: A grief-stricken widow clasping her hands and looking skyward, tears streaming down her face as the nation's lawmakers and president delivered a deafening standing ovation in honor of her fallen husband. President Donald Trump's tribute to fallen Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens during Tuesday's congressional address was seen by many as touching. But others regarded it as a calculated attempt to deflect criticism of his decision to approve a failed military operation and to turn around his administration's shaky start with a gesture that appeared to unify a deeply divided country. Social media was abuzz with both praise and criticism. Trump was praised on Twitter as giving the greatest respect to Carryn Owens and for moving viewers to tears with his love for our fallen military. But others said Trump was responsible for Owens' death and criticized the exploitation of his widow for last night's dog and pony show. Perceptions of the gesture likely depended on whether viewers trust Trump, said Matthew Dallek, a political management professor at The George Washington University and speechwriter for former House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt. Whether he seems to be exploiting [Owens'] death or it seems to be heartfelt and genuine very much depends on one's political view and whether or not you trust Trump, Dallek said. If you voted for him, you think he's honoring a patriot and this is powerful. If ... you don't trust him and don't approve of his presidency so far, I don't think this changes very much. Trump is following in the footsteps of many presidents who have introduced guests to help make political points. But Tuesday's tribute was potentially more fraught because Owens' father has refused to meet with Trump and called for an investigation into the Yemen raid that took his son's life. William Ryan Owens, a 36-year-old married father of three, was the first known U.S. combat casualty since Trump took office, and his death, as well as the killing of several civilians, raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid. Trump used the tribute to insist again that Owen's death was not in vain, saying he helped gather significant intelligence. Trump's gesture could have been genuine and calculated at the same time, said Elizabeth Sherman, a political science professor at American University, adding that he likely knew that it would be difficult to criticize the tribute because Carryn Owens accepted his invitation and the chance for the nation to honor her husband's sacrifice. I think Trump figured this was a brilliant PR move. How can you lose? Sherman said. But Ryan Owens might have been alive if there had been a deeper assessment of the raid's risks, she said. No one wants to say that amid Carryn Owens' grief. Still, Sherman said, questions need to be asked and answered about whether the decision was made cavalierly. So if it was a cash donation of Rs 10 lakh from a single source, Pandey said he would have it received in blocks of Rs 20,000 or less in the name of supporters. By Syed Masroor Hasan, Md Hizbullah, Ashish Ranjan: As the nation tried to strike afresh at money power in elections by slashing cash limits for political donations, an India Today investigation has found the measure might be anything but enforceable if not backed by foolproof safeguards. In his budget speech, finance minister Arun Jaitley proposed to cap individual cash donations to political parties at Rs 2000 from Rs 20,000. advertisement But a week-long investigation by India Today has found huge amounts of cash pouring into political coffers through gaping loopholes in the system, irrespective of ceilings. Mani Shanker Pandey, vice-president of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, was willing to issue multiple bogus receipts below the current limit of Rs 20,000 to raise unlimited liquidity. DATABASE OF SUPPORTERS He offered to use his party's national database of supporters for writing fake coupons. "For instance, we have two crore workers across India. We have a list. So have every district unit and the All-India (Congress Committee). They (workers) are shown (as donors). They (party officials) sign (receipts) on behalf of X, Y, Z," he told India Today's reporters posing as potential donors. "We can take as much donation as we want in parts of Rs 20,000. But then we have to show as many people (on paper)," he said, sitting in Delhi's UP Bhawan. So if it was a cash donation of Rs 10 lakh from a single source, Pandey said he would have it received in blocks of Rs 20,000 or less in the name of supporters. "Receipts will be issued and the amount adjusted. If someone inquires about the source of Rs 10 lakh, he'd be told it came from workers," he remarked. ROUTINE AFFAIR He admitted his unit routinely forged signatures for such contributions. "So, you people forge signatures yourself," asked the undercover reporter. "Definitely, we would do that at all places," replied Pandey. At least two BJP office-bearers were also found to be following the same underhanded practice. MULTIPLE VOUCHERS Santosh Kumar Pal, president of the BJP's Shahdara district wing in Delhi, offered multiple vouchers for Rs 5 lakh. Besides he sought no PAN card for receiving funds. "Bring the cash here. You'll get us the cash, we'll issue the coupons. There won't be any problem," he said. "Come right now. We are always ready, brother. Come today or tomorrow." Pal then introduced India Today's investigative reporters to Pramod Agrawal, the treasurer of the BJP's Shahdara unit. On his part, Agrawal advised exploiting income-tax laws governing political donations. "There's 100 percent tax benefit (under IT laws for donations). Get the receipt issued in the name of any income-tax paying businessman. He will receive 100 per cent benefit for donations up to Rs 50,000," he claimed. advertisement "You mean there will not be any problem with cash," asked the reporter. "There will be no problem. No problem up to Rs 50,000. Get the names of ten friends of yours for Rs 50,000 each. It (receipts) will be issued for cash. There won't be any problem. Besides, there will be tax advantage," Agrawal said. UTTAR PRADESH Next, India Today's investigative team travelled to Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are underway. Ravindra Yadav, Samajwadi Party's Basti district president, showed no hesitation in manipulating books to wash down lakhs in hard cash. His colleague, RD Goswami, explained the modus. "He (Yadav) is empowered to issue receipts for up to Rs 75 lakh. But it will be shown as Rs 500 per worker," Goswami said. "We have no shortage of workers. For funding purposes, the workers are classified general and active and after that we have office bearers. So there are three levels. So whatever receipts we issue, we would submit them with the state committee," Yadav intervened. advertisement In Lucknow, Mehboob Alam, the Mahanagar district president of the RLD, also proposed counterfeit slips to camouflage big cash contributions. "We have membership booklets. You will be issued one such booklet. You collected the money, filled the booklet and deposited the funds with the party," explained Alam. "That's how it's shown." Also read | Union Budget 2017: Arun Jaitley caps cash donation to political parties at Rs 2000 Also watch | Cash for votes: How parties pass off workers as donors and flout EC norms. An India Today investigation --- ENDS --- President Donald Trump is spotlighting violence committed by immigrants, announcing the creation of a national office that can assist American victims of such crimes. He said during his address Tuesday night that the Homeland Security Department's Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement office will provide a voice for people ignored by the media and silenced by special interests. Critics of the president's approach to immigration say the proposal is misguided, in part because studies show immigrants are less likely to commit crime than native-born U.S. citizens. A look at the proposal and what it aims to do: What is the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement office? Trump's plan is to create VOICE as an office to ensure that victims of immigrant crime are kept abreast of developments in their cases and the deportation proceedings of suspects. It's a role similar to that of victim advocates who work in local and state courts. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly detailed the office's planned work in a memo last month that explained how his agency would carry out Trump's immigration enforcement policies. Kelly said in the memo that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was previously blocked from keeping victims informed about their ongoing cases because it extended privacy protections to immigrants, a policy that left victims feeling marginalized and without a voice. Kelly also wants ICE to redirect any of the money that had been used for outreach to immigrants to be used instead for outreach and advocacy for legal residents and U.S. citizens. The new office continues a dramatic overhaul of immigration policies. Under President Barack Obama, ICE protected information about immigration cases from public inspection, including from victims. It also created a public advocate position in 2012 in the midst of an overhaul of policies about which immigrants in the country illegally should be targeted for deportation. ICE said at the time that its public advocate would be the person at ICE who helped immigrants facing deportation and also answered complaints or offered explanations about how the agency was conducting its work. Launched and then closed by the Obama administration, the office was bashed by critics of Obama's immigration enforcement policies who said it was misguided to use government money to advocate for immigrants in the country illegally. Trump's VOICE would play a much different role and hews to some of his campaign vows. This office has to do with keeping the promises and maintaining the pressure on the issue on criminal aliens and putting a human face to it, said Doris Meissner of the Migration Policy Institute. Immigrants and crime Multiple studies have concluded that immigrants are less likely to commit crime than native-born U.S. citizens. A 2014 study published in the journal Justice Quarterly concluded that immigrations exhibit remarkably low levels of involvement in crime across their life course. Trump listed some high-profile examples in his Tuesday night speech to Congress, pointing to guests in the crowd, including a man whose son was shot by a gang member in Los Angeles and the wives of police officers who were killed on duty. Frank Sharry, founder and executive director of America's Voice, a liberal-leaning organization that advocates for immigrants, said, Trump continues to tag immigrants as criminals, a charge as false as it is cruel. The new office fits into his hard-line stance on immigration that includes a proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and new guidance that Homeland Security would subject any immigrants in the country illegally to deportation if they are charged or convicted of any offense, or even suspected of a crime. What happens next? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it is rearranging existing personnel to support the new office and is currently drafting outreach materials for victims and families impacted by immigration crime. U.N. Security Council diplomats have departed on a mission to the Lake Chad Basin in West Africa to see firsthand the security challenges and dire humanitarian situation there. Envoys from the 15 nations of the U.N.s most powerful body will travel to Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria on a four-day mission. It is the first time the council has made such a visit to the Lake Chad Basin. We know there are threats to international peace and security in the four countries, council president and trip co-leader British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told VOA, in reference to the terror group Boko Haram. We want to shine a spotlight on those issues. We want to encourage donors to step up to tackle humanitarian issues. We want to encourage governments of the region to continue their robust activity against Boko Haram, Rycroft said. Since 2009, when Boko Haram launched its insurgency to create an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria, it has caused severe humanitarian suffering that has spread to its neighbors in the Lake Chad Basin. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, more than two million people have been forcibly displaced from northeastern Nigeria since 2014, and nearly 190,000 have become refugees in neighboring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Challenges I think there are a number of challenges that are basically coming together in somewhat of a perfect storm, with terrorism, trafficking, serious underdevelopment, but also effects of climate change, said Carl Skau, Swedens envoy on the mission. The council hopes to draw international attention to this confluence of factors that has exacerbated the humanitarian situation. The delegation will arrive in the region just days after the U.N. raised the alarm that famine conditions are on the horizon in northeastern Nigeria the epicenter of the insurgency. More than 5.1 million people are severely food insecure in parts of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, and are at risk of a full-fledged famine within the next six months. The United Nations has appealed for more than $730 million to help those affected populations this year. While in Cameroon and Nigeria, council members plan to visit camps for the displaced to see the situation first hand. They also will meet with senior government officials in each of the four countries, as well as local leaders and members of civil society. Regional task force In 2015, the African Union authorized a multinational joint task force (MNJTF) of about 9,000 troops from the four affected countries plus Benin to root out Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria and northern Cameroon. Observers have said the results are mixed, with the force making some significant progress, but being hindered by its own lack of military coordination and confidence among the countries involved. The council plans to visit the MNJTFs headquarters in Chads capital, NDjamena. I think regional cooperation and coordination should be stepped up, and we will be keen to explore further with the MNJTF and the four countries that we are going to be in what more they might want to do, British envoy Rycroft said. Although diminished from earlier levels, the threat from Boko Haram remains serious. Nigerias foreign minister said recently that some 26 million people in the region have been affected by the terror group, and 20,000 have been killed since it began its attacks in 2009. This cannot be a one-off, Swedens Skau said of the mission. We have to have a serious follow-up [in the council] when we come back. The United States ambassador to Macedonia is calling for President Gjorge Ivanov to reverse his decision to withhold from the opposition a mandate to form a new government with ethnic Albanians. Ivanov on Wednesday defied parliament, saying he would not give such authority to anyone backing what he calls "a platform undermining Macedonia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence." The leader of the opposition Social Democrats, Zoran Zaev, accused the president of a coup and pushing Macedonia into a "deep crisis with unforeseeable consequences for citizens and the state." "The United States was disappointed to learn yesterday that President Ivanov declined to offer to representatives having a clear parliamentary majority the opportunity to form a new government," U.S. Ambassador Jess L. Baily said Thursday at a news conference in Skopje. "We believe that this was inconsistent with basic democratic principles and the rule of law, which are core values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]," to which the Balkan country is seeking accession, he added. "As a strategic partner of Macedonia, as a friend, and with full respect to Macedonias sovereignty and unity, we urge President Ivanov to reconsider this decision. At the same time, we urge Macedonias neighbors to exercise restraint and be constructive at this moment of heightened political sensitivity in the country," Baily said. His comments came less than a day after European Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn began pressuring Ivanov on social media, Tweeting: "In a #democracy, one must acknowledge #parliamentary #majorities, even if one doesn't like them." Macedonia has been a candidate for accession to the European Union since 2005. In December, Ivanov's conservatives won two more seats than the opposition, although neither party won enough seats to form a government on its own. The conservatives failed to put together a coalition while the Social Democrats succeeded with ethnic-Albanians by promising to expand the use of Albanian as an official language. Ivanov is refusing to give Zaev a mandate to form a government despite a majority in parliament signing a letter backing a new coalition. The pledge to expand the Albanian language triggered protests in the streets of Skopje that drew thousands. Macedonia has been in a political limbo for two years since a surveillance scandal broke and eventually forced veteran VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski to resign a year ago. Relations between Macedonians and the ethnic-Albanian minority have always been tense and had threatened to become civil war in 2001 when ethnic-Albanian militants began attacking Macedonian forces. The top U.S. commander in Iraq on Wednesday downplayed the chances that the United States would deploy a large number of additional coalition forces to battle Islamic State, even as President Donald Trump weighs options to speed the campaign. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend also delivered a robust defense of Kurdish fighters that have been America's strongest allies on the ground in Syria, despite concerns from Turkey that they pose a threat. He even signaled some role for Kurdish forces in an upcoming offensive for the city of Raqqa. Townsend declined to openly discuss his recommendations for accelerating the fight against Islamic State, but his comments represent one of the strongest signals yet that the U.S. military will not advocate any fundamental shift in a key strategy that relies on local ground forces. The United States now fields less than 6,000 troops in both Iraq and Syria, a far cry from a peak of about 170,000 to Iraq under President George W. Bush. "I don't foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what we're doing is, in fact, working," Townsend told a Pentagon news briefing, speaking via video conference from Baghdad. "But in that event that we bring in any additional troops, we'll work that with our local partners, both here in Iraq and Syria, to make sure that they understand the reasons why we're doing that and to get their buy-in of that." Trump has made defeating Islamic State which has claimed responsibility for attacks on American soil, in Europe and elsewhere one of the key themes of his presidency, and his administration received a draft Pentagon plan on Monday to accelerate the campaign. Details of that plan have not been disclosed, but Townsend said he still believed that fighting "by, with and through our local partners" was succeeding. "That is still the right way to go. It is working and our local partners are fully invested, they are leading the fight," he said. Kurdish role in Raqqa Trump's push against Islamic State in Syria could soon present him with an unenviable decision on whether to risk alienating NATO ally Turkey by relying on the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, which in addition to Arabs includes Kurdish YPG fighters. Townsend stressed that ethnically Kurdish fighters would have some role in the campaign since there were Kurds in Raqqa, the larger Raqqa district and the province. "There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure. The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating in that, I can't really say right now," he said. Turkey is strongly opposed to YPG militia involvement in the operation to liberate Raqqa, not only because it sees the force as an extension of the PKK militants who have waged a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state, but also because it says Raqqa is an Arab-dominated city. It is unclear if the United States can do anything to ease those concerns. Even before the start of the SDF's campaign for Raqqa, Syrian Kurdish politicians had indicated that the city was not a priority for them: The stated aim of the YPG was to defend Kurdish areas rather than venture into parts of Syria where Arabs are in the majority. Turkey fears that YPG fighters could leverage victory in Raqqa as a negotiating strategy to solidify their gains elsewhere in Syria during that country's civil war. In a sign of growing tension, a component of the U.S.-allied militias accused the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels on Wednesday of attacking villages controlled by the U.S.-backed group near the city of Manbij in northern Syria. Townsend delivered a robust defense of the YPG fighters who receive U.S. support, saying he had seen no evidence linking them to attacks on Turkey from northern Syria in the past two years. "I've talked to their leaders and we've watched them operate and they continually reassure us that they have no desire to attack Turkey, that they are not a threat to Turkey, in fact that they desire to have a good working relationship with Turkey," Townsend said. Russian bombing? Despite Trump's suggestions during the campaign of potential joint action with Russia against Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has played down that possibility. He said in mid-February he did not see prospects for military collaboration. At the same time, Russian and Syrian forces are coming within increasing proximity to U.S.-backed troops. Townsend said Russian and Syrian aircraft bombed positions held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Arab Coalition near the Syrian town of al-Bab on Tuesday, inflicting casualties. Russia denied hitting any such targets, however, according to according to RIA news agency. The United States and Russia have a channel for avoiding an accidental clash in Syria, but some U.S. commanders have advocated creating an additional channel involving more senior officers given the close proximity of fighting. A bipartisan group of U.S. members of Congress has backed a proposal for $7.5 billion of new military funding for U.S. forces and their allies in the Asia-Pacific region, where tensions have risen over China's territorial ambitions and military buildup. Five members of the U.S. House of Representatives and eight senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties wrote to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to support the Asia-Pacific Stability Initiative (ASPI) proposed in January by John McCain, chair of the Senate Armed Service Committee. Copies of the letters were seen by Reuters. Their signatories include members of the armed services committees in both houses of Congress. McCain's proposal calls for $1.5 billion annually for five years to 2022 to boost U.S. munitions stocks in the region, build new military infrastructure, such as runways, and help allies and partners increase their capabilities. The House letter urged Mattis to incorporate McCain's proposal in the fiscal 2018-22 defense budgets. "The Asia-Pacific region holds many interests for U.S. foreign policy that will require our government to continue to prioritize our time, energy and resources there," it said. The letter called former President Barack Obama's policy of giving precedence to the Asia-Pacific region "sound" and said it was "critical" that this be continued under President Donald Trump. It expressed concern about "the eroding military and economic balance that is the result of the People's Republic of China's two-decade military modernization, combined with the effect of years of sequestration on the U.S. military and our foreign policy apparatus." The Senate letter also expressed concern about increasing Russian activity in the region and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. "ASPI will show both allies and adversaries that the U.S. remains committed to ensuring peace and security in a region that contains the world's three largest economies, four most populous countries, six of the world's largest armies, and five of the seven U.S. mutual defense agreements," it said. Trump has vowed to take a tougher line with China and to build up the U.S. military, although it is unclear whether he will succeed in lifting caps on defense spending that have been part of "sequestration" legislation. China is due to announce its defense budget for this year this weekend, and its navy is likely to secure significant new funding as Beijing seeks to check U.S. dominance of the high seas and step up its projection of global power. A senior Mexican official told a United Nations human rights forum on Thursday that his government would defend the rights of Mexican migrants from discriminatory security measures. Miguel Ruiz Cabanas, undersecretary for human rights, did not name the United States but he was clearly referring to the row with U.S. President Donald Trump over his proposed wall and U.S. hardline immigration policies. Ruiz Cabanas also condemned what he called "populist ultra-nationalism". Security measures targeting one part of the population or criminalizing certain groups violated the rule of law and were severely discriminatory, Ruiz Cabanas said in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council. "This is why the government of Mexico reiterates its commitment to the defense of our nationals abroad," he said. "We want to make sure that all Mexicans are aware of their rights, and know how to react when faced with possible violations." Mexicans are angry at Trump's calls for U.S. firms not to invest south of the border, his insults to immigrants, and threats to make Mexico finance the border wall. "We also reiterate Mexico's conviction that walls between nations are also walls between people and bring about extremism and intolerance by having physical and ideological barriers that we will in no circumstances accept," Ruiz Cabanas said. There was no immediate reaction from the U.S. delegation. Ruiz Cabanas said that Mexico had just signed an agreement with the U.N. human rights office, testifying to "our cooperation and our openness to international human rights mechanisms". Mexico has experienced a dark decade of drug violence, a menacing mix of murder, cover-ups and ineptitude. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, in a statement last week on the accord's signing, said his office would support efforts at tackling impunity and ensuring accountability in Mexico. This included work on disappearances and torture, the rights of indigenous people, protecting activists and journalists, and access to justice, Zeid said. A Virginia county school board sued by a transgender student over bathroom rights is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to delay hearing the case. Gloucester County officials wrote in a letter to the court that it wants to give the Trump administration time to file a brief, giving its opinion. Gavin Grimm is a female high school senior who identifies as male. Grimm is suing the Gloucester County school board after it said he cannot use the boys' bathroom in the school. The court is expected to start hearing arguments on March 28, a week after the Senate opens confirmation hearings on President Donald Trump's Supreme Court justice nominee, Neil Gorsuch. The Supreme Court is currently split between four liberals and four conservatives. A delay in the Grimm case could mean the conservative Gorsuch would be confirmed in time to participate in the case. Grimm's lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union, Joshua Block, says the court should consider the case as scheduled. "Delaying resolution of the question will only lead to further harm, confusion, and protracted litigation for transgender students and school districts around the country," he said. The court may also consider whether a federal law called Title IX, barring sex discrimination in schools, applies to transgender students. Trump last week revoked Obama administration federal guidance that ordered schools to let students use bathrooms corresponding to the gender with which they identify. The president said such questions are better left to the states to give parents and students a voice in the matter. Yahoo will not pay CEO Marissa Mayer her scheduled 2016 bonus, worth as much as $2 million, because of the massive breach her company suffered in 2014. And Yahoos general counsel, Ronald Bell, resigned without severance pay for his departments lackadaisical response to the security lapses. Although Yahoos security team uncovered evidence that a hacker backed by an unnamed foreign government had pried into user accounts in 2014, executives failed to act sufficiently on that knowledge, according to the results of an internal investigation disclosed Wednesday. At that time, Yahoo only notified 26 people that their accounts had been breached. That breach affected at least 500 million users whose email addresses, birth dates, answers to security questions, and other personal information may have been stolen. Three months later, Yahoo revealed it had uncovered a separate hack in 2013 affecting about 1 billion accounts, including some that were also hit in 2014. Mayer, a former Google executive, said she would voluntarily turn down her annual bonus and equity grants for 2017 as a result of the incidents. Under the terms of Mayers 2012 hiring contract, she is entitled to a performance-based equity award of no less than $12 million every year. Mayer said she wants the board to distribute her annual bonus to Yahoos entire workforce of 8,500 employees. The board did not say if it would do so. Yahoos unprecedented data thefts had threatened to derail the sale of its Internet business to Verizon. Instead, Verizon cut $350 million from the purchase price, lowering the value of the deal to about $4.48 billion in cash. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. Democrats in Congress are calling on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference with the November presidential election, or to resign, after learning that Sessions met last year with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sessions supported President Donald Trumps run for president and served as an adviser for his campaign while serving in the U.S. Senate. After being nominated to lead the Justice Department, Sessions was asked at his confirmation hearing in January what he would do if evidence emerged that anyone from Trumps campaign was in contact with Russia. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have, did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it, he responded. Two meetings Sessions had met Ambassador Sergei Kislyak in July at an event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention, and again in September at his Capitol Hill office. A White House official said the talks were held in Sessions' official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee which is "entirely consistent with his testimony" during his confirmation hearing. The official accused "partisan Democrats" of launching another attack against the Trump administration. Earlier, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said "there was absolutely nothing misleading" about the statement Sessions made under oath. She said he was asked about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign, not meetings he had as a senator. I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign, Sessions said in a later statement Flores posted on Twitter. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Two committees investigating The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is part of the Justice Department, is investigating Russian activities aimed at disrupting the U.S. election and any possible links between the Trump campaign and the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Senate intelligence committee is carrying out its own probe, and the House intelligence committee announced parameters for its investigation Wednesday. Senator Al Franken, who asked Sessions the question about Russian links at the confirmation hearing, was among the Democrats who said Wednesday the attorney general should not be involved in any investigation. Its clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, Franken said. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi went further, calling for Sessions to step down. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to Russia, Pelosi said. Senator Elizabeth Warren said the situation is a serious threat the U.S. national security. We need a special prosecutor totally independent of the AG, she said. We need a real, bipartisan, transparent congressional investigation into Russia. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should never have been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican who served with Sessions on the Armed Services Committee, also said during a CNN town hall event Wednesday that an independent investigator should be in charge of the probe. It is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump. There may be nothing there, but if theres something there, if the FBI believes theres criminal nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor. Trumps administration has seen the resignation of his first national security adviser over links to Russia. Michael Flynn stepped down after information emerged that he had lied to top officials about the nature of his own conversations with the Russian ambassador. Trump has denied multiple reports that people connected to his campaign had connections with members of the Russian government during the election season. Assessments by U.S. intelligence agencies found that Russia carried out hacking attacks aimed at disrupting the election in favor of Trump over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. Fake news and misinformation are fueling bloody xenophobic clashes in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent, according to a non-profit that promotes accuracy in African public debate and the media. Amidst growing tension, Africa Check has been debunking false information in South Africa and beyond. The television news program Carte Blanche recently made one such claim, that one-third of nearby Malawis population had immigrated to South Africa. The actual figure is much lower, and the program has since corrected the statement. Basically, its causing unnecessary tension, and people have misplaced ideas about migration, said Anim van Wyk, editor of Johannesburg-based Africa Check. I think people just dont believe the official estimates. People also believe news like, foreigners are taking jobs. Weve also been busy looking into claims that they make up a large chunk of the prison population, but weve seen this time and again, once we start ... getting the data that it simply doesnt back that up. Some stories describe attacks that never happened, stoking fear and confusion. Earlier this month, Mzansi Live, a South African website, published an untrue gruesome story about four foreign women who were burned alive after their babies were ripped from their wombs. The post has been shared more than 25,000 times on Facebook, but fact checkers determined it was entirely false. You couldnt believe that somebody would make up such a story just for clicks. It always plays into what is already a quite toxic environment, van Wyk told VOA. They publish stories that they completely make up. They cash in on the newsworthiness of xenophobia; with the tension rising they made up this truly awful story. Political motives Politicians have also spread false information about foreigners. Some local reports suggest recent violence, including an anti-immigrant march in Pretoria last week, can be traced back to comments made by the mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, who has repeatedly blamed undocumented migrants for bringing crime to the country. Mario Khumalo, founder of the South African First party, has also engaged in heated rhetoric, claiming the country has 13 million immigrants, many of whom are criminals or dangerous former child soldiers. But van Wyk said her group contacted Khumalo, and he could offer no evidence to back up his figure. In fact, van Wyk says the best estimates put the foreign population in South Africa at three million. So it was clear that it was really exaggerated, she said. Africa Check was set up in 2012 to counter false news and misinformation. The non-profit group has offices in Johannesburg and Dakar, Senegal, where staffers examine statements by politicians, institutions and media organizations. Climate of fear Anti-immigrant attacks aren't new in South Africa, but rhetoric and false information proliferating on social media may be amplifying anger and unease. In numerous interviews, VOA reporters have found a climate of fear developing. Aklilu Beresa, an Ethiopian grocery store owner in Pretoria, said he lost everything during xenophobic rioting in 2015. They broke into [the business] and entered, and I cant even tell you how I saved my life, he said. They came forcefully, and people saved me, and I lost all of my property." Hassan Isse Mohamud, a Somali business owner in the town of Atteridgeville, fled to nearby Pretoria after an attack. Local community leaders came to us and they said, 'You must leave this area within one month, he told VOA Somali Service. He said they accused them of stealing their jobs and robbing people. They told us, if we dont leave the city within that time [before February 24th], that they will loot our businesses, then kill us, Mohamud said. Another Pretoria resident, Daniel Gebru of Eritrea, said South Africans accuse immigrants of taking jobs, bringing in drugs, and sexually abusing women. To combat that negative image, Gebru told VOA Tigrigna Service, Eritrean and Ethiopian immigrants have raised money to build homes for disabled children and worked with the Mandela Foundation to help the elderly and distribute blankets to homeless people. South Africas turmoil is causing effects beyond its borders. In Nigeria, an angry mob attacked offices of the South African mobile phone giant MTN last week in response to xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The National Association of Nigerian Students announced it would give South Africans 48 hours to leave Nigeria or the attacks would continue. Law enforcement taking notice The role of false information in ongoing xenophobic violence has caught the attention of law enforcement. South Africas internal security branch, the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, has become so concerned about the spread of false information it issued a statement denouncing harmful social media posts and called for them to stop. Meanwhile, van Wyk sees reason for cautious optimism. People are now much more aware, and when we fact-check these kind of things, people would tell us, Yeah, Ive been calling them out for a long time," van Wyk said. "So that is very encouraging." "But, that said ... like anywhere else, people are on their phones, on Twitter, they just see part of a headline or they are in a hurry, and then unfortunately these things get shared or spread or believed to be the truth. Minia Afwerki, Mestawet Shumye, Ismail Mohamed contributed to this report. By India Today Web Desk: A video tweeted by ANI shows two men, one of them wearing a shirt and a trouser and the other wearing a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, walking towards a car, emptying what could possibly be petrol on a car and setting it ablaze. #CaughtonCCTV: Two men set a car on fire to avenge a road rage incident in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ShkXHpGWoa ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 advertisement The ANI tweet also says that the two men set the car ablaze to take revenge for a case of road rage in Delhi. The capital city is infamous for the number of road rage cases it witnesses. In April 2016, a woman tweeted about witnessing a road rage incident which she described as "road rage, at its rawest." In the incident, an agitated man driving a car chased the auto the woman, Neha, was in, pulled the auto driver out and mercilessly thrashed the driver. In April 2015, 38-year-old Shahnawaz, a resident of IP Estate area in central Delhi, was beaten to death in a case of road rage. He was riding his motorbike with his family and hit a car near Turkman Gate in Daryaganj. After a heated argument, the people in the car beat Shahnawaz ruthlessly. He was rushed to a hospital, but was declared dead. --- ENDS --- What could be more American: enter a lottery, win a chance at U.S. citizenship. Sure, the likelihood of getting the Diversity Immigrant Visa is slim about 0.3 percent. But if youre one of the 14 million applicants to win one of about 50,000 spots, youre on your way to becoming an American. As of early February, though, the diversity visa is once again facing an uncertain future. Republican Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia proposed a bill ending it, in addition to dramatically cutting the number of other legal immigrants and refugees allowed every year. A similar bill in the House of Representatives narrows the scope, only proposing to end the diversity visa. The 22-year-old visa lottery has been on the chopping block before in legislation sponsored by Republicans and Democrats as recently as last year. But it was rolled into broader bills that never became laws. On the chopping block Now with a Republican-controlled Congress and a president who has focused on immigration changes from his first week in office, the program is once again at risk with the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act. In a statement announcing the bill, the senators claimed it will help raise American workers' wages. "We are taking action to fix some of the shortcomings in our legal immigration system," Perdue said. "Returning to our historically normal levels of legal immigration will help improve the quality of American jobs and wages." While research has shown that correlation is tenuous, there are other anti-diversity visa arguments. For one, the program is susceptible to fraud, both by and against applicants, as the U.S. General Accountability Office found a decade ago. The State Department improved the application process to reduce the number of people who submit multiple applications in the same year an automatic disqualification; it also warns against businesses charging aspiring immigrants to submit lottery applications on their behalf, since applying for the lottery is free. Long shot For would-be Americans who dont have family in the U.S., or an employer to sponsor them, or who arent refugees, the diversity visa is the only option. Its a visa that sounds like it could have been created by Oprah, a feel-good program that evokes the American dream abroad. It requires a high school degree or a few years of work experience just to qualify. If the application is valid, your number is chosen and you pass the other requirements for immigrants, you still need the money to get to the U.S. It's a small portion of immigration to the U.S. every year, but larger than other cornerstones of the program, like employment-based immigrant visas. In Fiscal Year 2015, the U.S. issued 48,097 diversity visas out of 531,463 total immigrant visas. For the cynics: It's not everybody who you get on your shores - it's people who have access to that technology," says Carolien Hardenbol, a diversity visa recipient from the Netherlands. She moved to the U.S. in the late 1990s from the Netherlands with her husband, new parents with advanced degrees and a sense of adventure. Uncertain they would be sponsored for permanent residency through work, they applied for the diversity lottery and her husband won. "I envisioned this big hat where these envelopes were drawn, she joked. What started as a volunteer position with Sanctuary for Families, a nonprofit organization in New York that provides legal services to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, turned into a career for Hardenbol. After getting her legal permanent residency, she became co-director of the Immigration Intervention Project there. Diversity lottery At its core, the diversity lottery was designed as the name suggests to diversify the immigrant stream to the U.S. from countries with lower immigration rates. A country that sends more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years will be excluded from the eligibility list. Natives of Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, South Korea, the United Kingdom (excepting Northern Ireland), and Vietnam were excluded from the most recent round of applications. The visa succeed in that goal, says Hardenbol, because it positions the United States in the center of ensuring diversity." "Without diversity there would be no United States of America," she added. Restrictionnist climate The bills announcement follows a series of executive orders by President Donald Trump targeting immigrants, which have been met with lawsuits and protests. It also reflects the policy suggestions of immigration restrictionist groups. Nixing the diversity visa has long been a central part of the platform for groups who want significantly to reduce immigration to the U.S. Roy Beck, who heads NumbersUSA an advocacy group for lower immigration said in a online statement about the bill, we will do all possible to ensure that lives on through history as one of the great achievements of this period of our country. Maurice Goldman, an immigration lawyer in Tucson, Arizona, said he once felt the diversity visa was a negotiable issue in the bigger picture of immigration reform. He changed his mind after a fellow attorney at a conference shared how he received the diversity lottery, and likely would not be working in the U.S. legal community without it. When he got up and said that, he convinced me, Goldman says. Unlike some earlier attempts to terminate the diversity visa, which would have reapportioned those visas to other categories, for example, by increasing employment-based visas the RAISE Act offers no such balance. It calls for cuts in family preference visas, refugee admissions, and the diversity lottery, while only adding a new W visa, to allow the foreign-born parents of adult U.S. citizens to visit for renewable five-year periods, without a path to citizenship or work approval. Thats the problem with this proposal, says Goldman, the son of a German refugee and grandson of Holocaust survivors. The RAISE Act, he says "has all these cuts, but not a whole lot more about what theyll do to increase or maintain the immigration benefits or visas that we so dearly need. Net positive? Some immigration supporters believe the 50,000 visas could be better used. Florida-based immigration attorney John Gihon supports ending the diversity lottery, but only in favor of making more family visas available and creating a different opportunity for highly trained immigrants. People with degrees in STEM subjects, medicine, nursing, etc, that we know will provide them with an opportunity to find work and contribute to the country should not be denied the green cards simply because there is currently no employer to sponsor them and give them a job, says Gihon. Tekleab Elos Hailu applied a few times before winning the lottery. The father of three is a native of Eritrea; his wife is Ethiopian. They applied for the lottery while he was on a graduate scholarship in the United Kingdom, following a conflict between their home countries in the late 1990s. His first job in the U.S. was working security at a rental car company, though he eventually returned to academia, researching the experiences of fellow diversity lottery recipients and finishing his doctorate. He now works at a community college in Colorado. Because of the education or work experience required by the lottery, and the needs to be able to apply - like access to the internet and the funds to pay for the eventual green card fees, health screening, and travel - he believes diversity immigrants generally come from relatively well-off positions in their home countries, and as such are a net positive for the U.S. They sacrifice what they have had in their own countries, just to bring to change for their children, says Hailu. On the other hand, the United States gains from people who have been educated, without spending any money on these people. So why would you [cut it]? The RAISE Act has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review. Follow legislative actions on S. 354 here here and H.R.1178 - SAFE for America Act here. (Reuters) - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe travelled to Singapore for a medical checkup on Wednesday, his spokesman said, days after he celebrated his 93rd birthday by vowing to add to his 36 years in charge of the southern African nation. As Mugabe flew to Singapore, nurses at public hospitals joined junior doctors in a two-week strike that is meant to pressure Mugabe's government into paying 2016 bonuses due in December. Increasingly frail, Mugabe now struggles to walk and is seldom far from the arms of an aide. His public speeches have become meandering and repetitive. "His Excellency the President left for Singapore for a scheduled medical review. We expect him back in the country early next week," spokesman George Charamba said. He did not give details. Mugabe frequently travels to Singapore for medical checks, with aides saying he suffers from an eye cataract. But reports in private media suggest he has prostate cancer, something Mugabe's office denies. The veteran leader's critics say his overseas medical trips testify to the collapse of Zimbabwe's public health system since the economy started to fall apart in 2000. The issue of succession to Mugabe, the only ruler Zimbabwe has known since independence in 1980, has divided the ruling ZANU-PF party into two camps, with one supporting Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other Mugabe's wife, Grace. We accept many different kinds of announcements. Just click on the button below and submit a form. Go to forms Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form China has released a new white paper on its cyber strategy that underlines Beijing's emphasis on "sovereignty" as opposed to a truly global Internet. By Ananth Krishnan: Defending its curbs on global websites such as Facebook and Twitter, China has released a new white paper on its cyber strategy that underlines Beijing's emphasis on "sovereignty" as opposed to a truly global Internet. China's paper underlined how many countries, such as China and Russia, are pushing the vision of "sovereign" nationally-administered and controlled cyberspace communities, that are challenging the vision of a truly global and open worldwide web. advertisement CYBERSPACE GOVERNANCE Chinese officials said on Thursday that as China hosts the BRICS Summit later this year, a cyber security working group will meet to discuss "cyberspace governance". The "International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace" is China's first policy paper on its Internet strategy, which it said was "based on peace, sovereignty, shared governance and shared benefits." The paper defined China's "strategic goals" as "safeguarding of China's sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace; the secure and orderly flow of information on the Internet; improved global connectivity; and maintaining of peace, security and stability in cyberspace." Cybersecurity officials on Thursday, in a rare meeting with journalists, stressed that China believed in its "sovereignty" over how it administered the Internet. WEBSITES 'UNDERMINING' CHINA'S NATIONAL INTERESTS While the white paper said China "supports a free and open Internet", its officials were asked why they blocked some of the most globally used websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. They suggested these sites were "undermining" China's national interests, presumably by allowing for the free flow of information. "The Chinese Internet is fully open," said Wang Jianchao, International Cooperation Department of the Cyberspace Administration of China. "As long as they comply with Chinese laws and regulations, refrain from undermining China's national interests and interests of Chinese consumers, all Internet companies are welcome in China." CHINA'S BIGGEST FEARS One of China's big fears is social media being used both for terrorism and to coordinate mass protests, as was the case in Xinjiang in 2009, where riots prompted the blocking of Facebook and Twitter. Chinese authorities believed extremist groups were behind spreading information that led to the violence, that claimed at least 197 lives. Long Zhou, Coordinator, Cyber affairs division of the Foreign Ministry, said China was "deeply worried that around the world cyber attacks are increasing". When asked about allegations of Russian interference in the US election, Long said, "Especially in recent years, the number of cyber security events throughout the world increasing, posing challenges to all countries' efforts to maintain political, economic stability and protecting all citizens' rights and interests." "Cyber attacks, cyber espionage, surveillance have become major realistic issues confronting all countries," he said. "Countries in the whole world have increasing concerns in this regard. Cyberspace should not be a space of no laws. At the same time, the international community is also discussing about whether we should produce new international legal instruments to deal with the security situation in cyberspace. For example, how we can crack down on cyber terror or cross-boundary cyber crimes." advertisement China appears to be canvassing support for its view of the Internet among like-minded countries such as Russia. Later this year, as China hosts the BRICS Summit, a working group on cybersecurity will also meet, said Long. "As BRICS host this year, China stands ready to work together with Russia and other BRICS partners", he said, to explore partnerships on cyber governance. The white paper said China's "plan of action includes promoting the building of rule-based order in cyberspace, expanding partnership with other countries, boosting institutional reform in Internet governance, jointly combating cyber terrorism and crimes, and protecting individual privacy in cyberspace." ALSO READ | India, China hold strategic dialogue in Beijing to help boost ties, reduce tensions --- ENDS --- The New York Democratic representative, Eliot Engel, has refused to shake the hand of President Trump just before his address to Congress. Eliot Engel is well known by our readers: he is the chief spokesperson for those on the Left seeking to expand Israels borders. He played a key role in the opposition against Iran and the wars against Libya and Syria. Its finally time to get down to the real model business! Sure, models sometimes appear in music videos, and sure, they might have to put makeup all over their faces and act crazy, but you know what models really have to do? Do you know what they really want to do? Beauty campaigns. Thats where the big bucks are. Gone are the ANTM days of models trying to nail easy and breezy while saying, Easy, breezy, beautiful: CoverGirl! against a jewel-tone background while tilting their head with each word. But Get the London look is pretty catchy, too, and the commercial the girls shoot actually seems like it could end up on television or at least like something you have to watch for five seconds on YouTube before enjoying Best 2015 Vines About Cats, Pt. 1. Thats because, unlike shooting a cover for Paper magazine that is definitely not going to be the cover of Paper magazine, or shooting a music video with French Montana thats not actually for French Montana, shooting a campaign for Rimmel London that will really be used as a campaign for Rimmel London is a pretty big deal for any up-and-coming model. Its very possible that Rimmel is the entire reason why I know who Rita Ora is possible, but not entirely clear, because I still dont know how I know who Rita Ora is, just that I know every single thing about her, and I can no longer see the VH1 logo without hearing her say V-hech-1. Of course, Rimmel isnt just looking for a model out of their contractually obligated ANTM winner. Theyre looking for a brand ambassador, so this weeks challenge is all about knowing the Rimmel product. The final four are given materials to study up on beforehand, and at the challenge, theyre introduced to makeup artist Kathy Jeung. As a brand ambassador, Rita explains, you should be able to both talk about your products and know how to use them. The models are tasked with doing each others makeup while telling Rita and Kathy what products theyre using and why. Thats a pretty hard challenge. Something tells me that Rimmel Brand Ambassador Rita Ora has never had to do someone elses makeup while talking about it like shes a very hot medical sales rep. Rita says its not about the models being great makeup artists, though its about showing off their attitude and knowledge of the products. India is a bundle of nerves trying to get all the details right; Tatiana isnt nervous at all, but ultimately shes a little too cool-as-a-cucumber and doesnt show off any personality; Courtney starts off well, but then gets caught up on a question about some lip liner and implies that it (gasp) is not long-lasting; and CoryAnne, somewhat surprisingly, is the perfect combination of humor and engagement while, yknow, giving the London Look. Her prize is a boatload of makeup, and a surprise that she and her chosen prize partner, India, wont find out until later. When they got a RitAlert that night announcing the surprise had arrived, and CoryAnne got to the door only to have her eyes go huge in true shock well, it suddenly clicked for me, and I was crying before CoryAnne and Indias mothers even walked through the door. Surprise family visits are perhaps my favorite reality television trope, and ANTM did an excellent job weaving CoryAnnes complicated but very sweet relationship with her former-supermodel mother into the episode prior to her arrival. Both moms give different but equally inspiring pep talks, and you have to assume that kind of extra motivation is quite the advantage this far into the competition. For their long-awaited commercial shoot, the final four models must highlighting Rimmels Scandalize mascara and eyeliner, the very products weve just seen advertised by Cara Delevingne during the commercial break, so dream big, ladies. The commercial requires each model to shoot video inserts that show them applying the eye makeup in extreme close-up, as well as the commercials central story where they get caught in the rain, retire to a very British phone booth to apply their waterproof Rimmel products, then reemerge emboldened enough to dance slow-motion in the downpour. Of course, the segment ends with that all-important phrase: Get the London look. Its all pretty fun! After being in the bottom two last week, Tatiana gets back in boss mode to impress the judges. Rita thought she looked approachable, friendly, and fun which is what Rimmel is supposedly all about, but Law is starting to wonder if Tatiana really has the face for modeling. Drew agrees that shes very commercial, but given that this is a commercial shoot, Tatiana gets through to the final three. In the end, though, this is Indias commercial through and through. She wears so many different looks so well, shes great in motion (especially in the rain and slowed down who knew?!), and as Law says, That face, motha. The judges are blown away by Indias commercial: Ashley says India has the face for a cosmetic contract, and Law says he has no doubt that shell be making model deals left and right once she graduates ANTM. She wins best photo again, so India is surely the model to beat in next weeks final showdown. That just leaves one open spot and two models left. CoryAnne has come a long way in showing off her personality along with her supermodel looks, and while her commercial is fun, she biffs it in the final seconds. She got the London look, but she couldnt say, Get the London look, and Law tells her that not being able to pull it out in the commercials most powerful moment is concerning. In contrast, CoryAnnes potential to be versatile earns her a ticket to the final round, pushing Courtney out of the competition once and for all. The judges tell Courtney she looks beautiful in her commercial, but the performance fell flat, and at this point, theyre looking for more than just beauty. So there you have it: Three bosses left, with only one runway and photo shoot standing between them and the crown in next weeks finale. Even more important, were getting an appearance by the ANTMotha herself! WELCOME BACK, TYRA. Whether Belle does or does not have Stockholm Syndrome by Beauty and the Beasts end is a question for armchair psychologists in possession of more pristine faux-credentials than our own. Emma Watson has described her Belle as more of a fighter, though, and we finally have some evidence of that. After plenty of footage that has looked like a (pretty!) shot-for-shot remake of the original animated classic, a new clip has debuted, showcasing the scene in which Belle resists the beasts attempts to coax her into a dinner invite, this time with the added grit of a fully hatched escape plan. Beaaaast, never leave your prisoner with cloth that can be knotted together that is Keeping a Prisoner Imprisoned 101! Were supposed to believe youve been cloistered in an enchanted castle sans social interaction for years upon years, and youve never lost a day to mainlining literally any prison-y procedural? Even for suspension of disbelief, thats a bridge too far. Bill Paxton on Training Day. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS In the following essay, Training Day creator Will Beall recalls his fond memories of working on set with the shows star Bill Paxton, who died last Saturday at 61. The CBS series premiered February 2 with a 13-episode order, and its not clear if it will get a second season. Paxton had already filmed all 13 episodes, and Beall has stated he will not be recasting the role. Tonights episode will feature a special dedication to Paxton. I called Bill the night before our two youngest writers, Greg Yeoman and Alec Wells, were due to show up on set for the first day of production on their episode of Training Day the first thing those two had ever had produced. Bill, I told him. This is going to be Greg and Alecs first time on set. Dont worry, Ill go easy on them. No, dude! Im calling because I want you to fuck with them! Who better to haze these baby writers than the crew-cut god of hazing himself? Oh, buddy! Bill cackled. Got you covered! Complaining about a line he didnt like, Bill hollered at the wide-eyed Greg and Alec: Why dont you guys just shove the horse cock right in my mouth! Bitching about a long exposition scene, Bill barked, Goddamn, guys! This scenes longer than a whores dream! These kinds of lines just spilled out of him in real life. Bill didnt let the kids squirm for too long, though. He let them in on the joke, telling Greg and Alec Id put him up to it. And they loved him for it. That was part of his genius. Bill was the president of his own fraternity, and he made us all lifetime members. There were only three requirements for membership: work hard, have a sense of humor, and be nicest to the people you dont have to be nice to. Bill always was. He sought out the shyest on set, welcomed the wallflowers. He gave the motor cop on traffic control just as much attention as he did Jerry Bruckheimer. While we were circling around set on the process trailer, shooting a scene for the pilot, some real gangbangers recognized him and shouted out Hey, ALIENS! Bill waved, and gave them a quick Game over, man! And then continued his dense monologue without breaking stride. He gave them that. Channeled Hudson for a half-dozen hard-core gangbangers gathered around a rusty weight bench on a bald lawn. And of course they took it like a blessing from the Pope. Everybody knows Bill was hilarious. And most of his jokes were made at his own expense. He never took himself too seriously, but he was serious about the work. Ive never met a more committed actor. He had a filmmakers eye and keen narrative instincts. He fought for every moment, demanded the best from everyone around him. He swung for the fences, every take, every time. No one worked harder or was harder on Bill than he was on himself. Hed have a performance down pat, but then ask a director to go again. And again. He wanted to make every take perfect. And then there was the cork. Bill used to prepare his monologues with a cork in his mouth. Hed been taught the trick by an actor years ago. Hed pop a cork in his mouth and run his lines around it. Once that cork came out of his pocket, you knew Bill wasnt fucking around. He knew what it took to make a good film, and his infectious enthusiasm inspired us all. Even as the most experienced in a young cast on Training Day, Bill embraced all of the actors as equals. Justin Cornwell, the young rookie cop, whom Bills character mentors as a young detective, was probably the prime recipient of Bills generosity. Bill became Justins real-life training officer a veteran imparting wisdom and knowledge to a younger actor just getting started. Looking back now, perhaps the most poignant memory is that Bill got the chance to act with his son, James, a terrific young talent in his own right. What made the episode so special and maybe even more special now is that it was an episode about fathers and sons and the legacy that fathers leave to their kids. Bill was so incredibly proud of James and so thankful hed gotten the chance to work with him. On our last night of production, we all got pretty shit-faced, and Bill gathered us together on one of our stages and made a speech to the whole crew. This is what he said: We are in a sacred hall. We are in a temple. There are people that have gone before us, whove come together, like we have, to make something You know, in modern society, we are all alone. Were all alone. But here weve come together as craftsmen and artists to make something, and thats a very special thing, carrying on a tradition that goes back a hundred years, which is amazing to think about. We are so privileged to be doing what we are doing. Bill loved Old Hollywood, loved tracing his artistic lineage back to Harold Lloyd. On set, he once told us a story about working as a nonunion set-dresser at Culver Studios the same studio where the series was being shot. Hed been sent off to a back lot to find some old bales of cotton to dress the set of Roger Cormans 1975 movie Darktown Strutters. With a little boys sense of awe, Bill recounted finding the bales in some old crates that still had the markings of the film they were originally intended for: Gone With the Wind. He couldnt believe that those same bales of cotton that had been used in that film were now in his own hands. It was so cool, Bill said. And Bill was cool. Christ, was he cool. We bonded over Ward Bond, the great character actor, who played prizefighter John L. Sullivan opposite Errol Flynns Jim Corbett in the 1942 film Gentleman Jim specifically, the touching scene at the end where John L. Sullivan congratulates Jim Corbett on defeating him in the ring. Bill told me it was his favorite scene in any movie, so Im including it here: Ive watched it many times since hearing of Bills death. I still get choked up when Flynn tells Bond: I hope that when my time comes I can go out with my head just as high as yours. Therell never be another John L. Sullivan. Bill, I hope that when my time comes I can go out with my head just as high as yours. There will never be another Bill Paxton. Bill Irwin. Spoilers for Wednesdays episode of Legion ahead. As is true for much of FXs Legion, its a bit hard to describe Bill Irwins role. The veteran actor and professional clown (no, seriously) plays a scientist named Cary, but he also sort of plays a young woman named Kerry. Well, he doesnt exactly play her she just lives inside of Carys body and occasionally pops out, at which point shes played by Amber Midthunder. Cary and Kerry are vital members of the team of mutants that fights for truth and justice in the show, but the nature of their relationship is supremely and delightfully odd. In tonights episode, Legion reveals the origin of Cary/Kerry: They were born at the same time in the form of Cary, and that, as a child, Kerry suddenly appeared before him and the two have been aware of one another ever since. He ages at a normal rate, but she only ages when shes outside of their collective body, meaning by the time Legion starts, shes significantly younger than him. When Cary fights, his body moves in tandem with hers, leading to a fascinating scene where we see him doing the motions of battle while alone in a room. Vulture caught up with Irwin to talk about constructing that scene, eschewing special effects, and why Legion showrunner Noah Hawley reminds him of Georges Seurat. What was it like shooting the scene where Cary and Kerry are moving in unison in different locations? Its the first time weve really seen how interconnected they are. In essence, its this geeky scientist whos too old and maybe was never disposed to go out and be a warrior. Hes back holding down things at the lab, but he perceives how the other part of him is out in the world as a young, eager warrior. Nobodys more eager than Ambers character, Kerry, in these early episodes. Shes so anxious to get out there and do some fighting. All I did was try to build a reality where, back in my protective laboratory, I was sort of like a father but sort of like a sibling, telepathically and imaginatively getting the story of what was happening to her out there and feeling it viscerally so that Im receiving the blows shes getting and no longer quite giving as much out in the field of battle. It was a wild scene. How detailed was the choreography? Was there room for you to improvise? It was extremely detailed because the choreographer and the director and the whole stunt team had a very interconnected sense of what moment was relating to what moment. In the end, television storytelling pressures are so great that, as I watched the episode, I thought, To a viewer who wasnt there as we shot it, its probably more fragmentary. Or whats the kind of painting? Georges Seurat? Impressionistic. Thats the deal with Noah Hawley: Seeing the narrative maybe a second or third time is when you get your traction. Its a very physical scene, and you have a long history as a very physical performer, thanks to your background as a professional clown. How much did your clowning experience play into your work on Legion? Well, Im still looking to answer that question every day we produce. But here was a very moving thing: When I sat down to breakfast with Noah, a year and a half ago, he said, My parents took me to see you when I was 14. He named the show and I saw right away what the difference in our ages was, but I was so moved that these traditions and this shtick that haunted me and was driving me in my 30s spoke to him when he was a gawky teenager. Lo and behold, these come back at you. He said, I have a feeling you should play this character I have in mind. Hes your age and a geeky white guy with a certain feeling for Rube Goldberg scientific construction. But, by the way, he has a Native American warrior living inside of him. So I just kept eating breakfast and did my best to take all this in. The key to nailing this character is developing a rapport with Amber, whos half of you. How did you two build that? You may work under incredible pressure over two hours in a day, but youre often around that studio 14 to 16 hours of that day. So Amber and I ate a lot of meals together, she shared with me the various crush energies she felt on crew members and any male in Vancouver. We did a lot of family-talking. I finally got to meet her father last month at the premiere David Midthunder, whos a fantastic actor, and her mother. I got to meet her grandmother, too. We connected in a family way. One of the things I realized as we shot this episode, where Jean Smarts character says, Im sending you out, I wish I had just grabbed the director by the shoulders and said, When she says that you might not use the shot but youve got to see the anguish that produces in my Cary. How do you find the balance between treating Kerry as a sibling and as a child? She and Cary are bound like siblings, but one of them has gotten older and the other has stayed relatively young. One thing I said to Noah as soon as it was out my mouth I realized, That was a blinding flash of the obvious and hes way ahead on that but I said, You would never want to feel any kind of romantic connection between these two characters. Thats just icky. Theres a 40-year difference. But is it paternal or is it sibling? As we worked on it, it got to be a blend of things that is sibling-like, especially at certain moments. Wait until you see the later episodes, where theyre sort of at odds with each other. But, in my mind, it is grounded in a fatherly concern. Im not a very good father in that sense, but the mythic chord it touches is father-child. Im getting tired and ready for X-Man retirement, maybe, and she is just coming into her own. Can you tell me about shooting your other memorable bit in the episode, when Cary and Kerry divide their bodies in a bathroom? How did you create that effect? We didnt see much of Noah until he came and actually directed some sequences at the very end. And so the sequence, he hadnt actually written it back in the days of production. It was something he wanted to add. He said, This isnt going to be an effect. This is gonna be, in essence, an acting trick. So they cut a slit in my bathrobe, and her hand came down through. It wasnt a special effect, or a motion-control or motion-capture exercise. It was two actors sliding arms down a garment and having to feel out where the camera was. And by God, when I saw it finally, I realized hed seen that in his minds eye the whole time. It felt like a stage bit. I felt like, Oh, were doing a play here for a second. This interview has been edited and condensed. Mrs. Lovett with Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Barrow Street. Photo: Joan Marcus We do not question, despite their umpteen revivals, whether the theater needs another production of Othello or The Cherry Orchard or Waiting for Godot. Nor should we with Sweeney Todd, one of the greatest musicals ever written, even if the Stephen SondheimHugh Wheeler thriller is only 38 years old. It should always be playing, and in New York it often has been. The Broadway original in 1979 was followed by the Teeny Todd revival of 1989 and the John Doyle actors-on-instruments deconstruction of 2005; City Opera staged it in 1984 and 2004 and the New York Philharmonic turned it into galas in 2000 and 2014. If commercial exigencies usually require a gimmick to make it go, so be it; we dont much get Othello, either, without a Daniel Craig. And a gimmick, Sondheim taught us in Gypsy, is what you gotta have. Possibly the best gimmick ever trotted out in support of Sweeney Todd is the one informing the delightful Off Broadway revival that opens tonight at the Barrow Street Theatre or rather at Mrs. Lovetts pie shop, which has temporarily taken over the premises. Seated at communal tables and on uncomfortable benches, audience members become the customers at that ladys Victorian Fleet Street establishment, very close witnesses indeed (the shop seats 130) to the hilarity and mayhem that ensue there. Not only do you get the grisly-funny story itself, in which Todd, a vengeful barber, murders customers whom Mrs. Lovett turns into fillings, but for an extra $20 you can even buy beforehand a meat-pie-and-mashed-potatoes dinner. Made from a recipe by former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses, the pies (available also in a vegetarian version) are delicious. So is the execution of the gimmick, which carries over the decor and atmosphere of Harringtons, the actual London shop in which this production originated in 2014. As you enter, you will be hard-pressed to discover any trappings of a theater at all. (Look behind the ventilation grilles, though.) Only when the door shuts and the misterioso prelude begins, interrupted by the deafening shrill of a whistle, will you understand, with a frisson of anticipation, that you are not just potential observers of the story but also potential ingredients. The gimmick, and the close quarters it entails, make this the most frightening Sweeney Todd Ive seen. (It was hard to be frightened in the 1,900-seat Uris Theatre now the Gershwin where the original played.) The action surrounds and encompasses you; at times, Todd himself, in a wild-eyed performance by Jeremy Secomb, will leap onto your table and seem to stalk you specifically. Secomb, one of four actors brought over from the British production, plays Sweeney as a flat-out psychopath, complete with the kind of stare that would make you walk to the other end of a subway platform. He is also a screamer, which may make you one too. Inhabiting Todds rage at a judicial system that stole his young wife and then shipped him to an Australian penal colony for life, he is as apt to yell the score as to sing it. Wherever possible, the production makes that choice as well. Perhaps compensating for its three-player orchestration piano, violin, and clarinet, down from the original 26 the director Bill Buckhurst frequently has his cast bellowing in a space that doesnt require it. Its very effective, if at a cost to beauty. Similarly, cuts in the musical sequence that seem justified by timing (this Sweeney runs two hours and 45 minutes) distort the experience somewhat. Take Sondheims setting of a scene in the second act when Todd writes a letter to lure his nemesis, Judge Turpin, to the barbershop. In the original, Todd composes the text silently while a spooky choir sings it, phrase by phrase. Its gorgeous vocal writing and a clever pause in the pace of the plotting as the story moves toward its frenetic, bloody climax. But in this production, Todd merely speaks the text and is done; the haunting way his words hang in the air when sung is lost. Yes, thats a nicety, and Sondheim, who is never precious about his work, has heartily endorsed this production. So do I. Nevertheless, I am prompted to consider the stylistic concerns that informed the creation of Sweeney Todd in the first place. The engine of its effectiveness is contrast, both in the moment and in sequence. At the climax of Act One, for instance, the mad scene of Todds epiphany (We all deserve to die!) is immediately followed by one of the funniest songs in musical theater, A Little Priest, in which the protagonists pun deliriously on possible new pie flavors. (We have some shepherds pie peppered / with actual shepherd on top.) Moments of greatest terror, as when Todd prepares to shave Judge Turpin, are set to the most languorously lyrical melodies. (Pretty Women.) The first big love song (My Friends) is sung by Todd to his blades. And another great love song, Johanna, is actually three totally different numbers about the same young woman: Todds daughter, whom he is resigned to have lost; the sailor Antonys forbidden crush, whom he rapturously dreams of rescuing; and Turpins imprisoned ward, whom he decides to marry in a masturbatory grunt of lust. This goes on and on; the score is a marvel of ingenious counterprogramming. Thats what makes the thrills thrill. The new production unfortunately flattens some of these effects. As Mrs. Lovett, Siobhan McCarthy gets huge laughs from the characters cheerful amorality: It is, after all, her bright idea not to waste the corpses. But there is something shrill and cool in her performance, and Secombs, that while apt for the text gives short shrift to the subtext. From the setting we understand that everyone in the room is involved, one way or another, in the worlds various ecologies of unfairness, but from the current leads you do not feel like it matters much. Theres not much poetry to them, despite Sondheims frequent suggestions of soulfulness, at least in Todd. (Back of his smile, under his word / Sweeney heard music that nobody heard.) I wonder what the Americans Carolee Carmello and Norm Lewis will do with the parts when they take over on April 11. In the meantime this is still a dandy cast, with especially fine turns from Duncan Smith, as a loathsome Turpin, and Brad Oscar, perfectly greasy as his beadle. And it may be that no perfect Sweeney Todd ever did or could exist, given the size of the contrasts it encompasses. You want the overwhelming loveliness of the score in its full glory but also the intimate terrors of the story in your face. You want the smart analysis of class and power but also the yob rudeness of the music hall tradition. You want the tasty pie without knowing whats in it. Still, when a production gets more than halfway there, its plenty. This one does. As Mrs. Lovetts customers crow while feasting on their cannibal tarts, God, thats good! Sweeney Todd is at the Barrow Street Theatre through August 13. Each year since 1982, the U.S. House of Representatives sponsors an art contest for the nations high school students. Students all over the country submit entries to their representatives local office, where panels of artists select a winner from each district. (Members of Congress have no role in judging the contest.) Now, however, theres controversy. Last year a young man named David Pulphus won first place in Missouris 1st Congressional District with a vivid scene of a civil rights march. Among the marchers in his painting is a protestor with the head of a wolf, squaring off against two policemen with the heads of boars. To the side, a figure in a graduation cap is crucified. The tableau reminds one of Marc Chagalls Exodus, and clearly reflects the residual tension throughout the St. Louis area stemming from the 2014 shooting of a man in nearby Ferguson. Missouris 1st District representative William Clay called it the most creative expression that Ive witnessed over the last 16 years. News spread For months Pulphuss painting hung alongside hundreds of other winners from around the country in the long passageways that connect congressional office buildings to the Capitol. But at some point, word of its content began spreading and earlier this year, police unions from around the country asked Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to remove it, calling the depiction of the two policemen reprehensible and repugnant and saying that such a work should have no place in the Capitol. A Washington representative whod been in law enforcement before entering politics said it was disheartening to see this depiction of law enforcement hanging in the hallway of our nations Capitol. One House staffer called it hate masquerading as art. On January 6, California representative Duncan Hunter had apparently had enough. He removed the painting from the wall himself and took it to representative Clays office. Later, he said that Clay could put it back up if he wanted to and if he did so, he wouldnt remove it again hed made his point. Four days later, Clay did just that. But sure enough, later that same day a representative from Colorado took the painting down again, saying that it was intolerably disrespectful to all police officers. Taken down Critics of the painting eventually took their case to the Architect of the Capitol, who determined that it violated the rules against art containing material of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature. Since then its been hanging in Congressman Clays office, but a week ago Clay filed a lawsuit against the Architect of the Capitol on behalf of Pulphus saying that his right to free speech had been taken away by the paintings removal. For his part, Pulphus only comment has been that the art speaks for itself, which, like all art, it certainly does, just not in the same way its supporters and detractors speak. And those who dislike it are having a legitimate reaction one just as genuine as those who like the piece. Being a legitimate reaction doesnt necessarily justify it being taken down, though. I guarantee I can go to the Dallas Museum of Art tomorrow and find some works I would characterize as disgusting, but I would never suggest the museum take them down. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch called the whole affair one more battle between art and politics in the larger culture wars, and indeed it is. Its also a testament to the power of art to reach deeply into our consciences and reflect strong emotions. When we fight over it, were testifying to its importance in our civic life. By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma Beijing, Mar 2 (PTI) Chinas annual political season will begin tomorrow, the first since President Xi Jinping was elevated as the "core leader" of the ruling Communist party. The fortnight-long annual session of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) with 2,987 members and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an advisory body comprising 2,229 nominated members, meets once a year with its full membership. advertisement Chinas legislature, often referred to by the foreign media as a "rubber stamp Parliament" for its routine endorsement of the ruling Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) proposals, transacts the legislative business with the rest of the year with a select group of legislators. The CPPCC, a political advisory body comprising nominated members from different sectors including film personalities like Jackie Chan and Beijing-backed Tibetan Buddhist leader Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, will also open its annual session. It will be followed by the NPC session with the presentation of the work report of the government by Premier Li Keqiang. This years sessions are being regarded important as they are held on the fifth year of Xis Presidency. Under Chinas political system, Chinese leadership has a 10-year tenure. Speculation is rife about who is going to be picked by Xi to be the part of the powerful seven-member Standing Committee of CPC in the key Party Congress to be held later this year. It is expected that only Xi and Premier Li will continue while other five would retire. The Parliament session was expected to throw light on personalities and policies in the run up to the CPC Congress. State-run Xinhua news agency said the first among the key words and phrases that will be important during the two sessions will be "the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core leader". Xi, 63, regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader in recent years, heads the CPC and military since 2013 besides being the President. He was declared as the "core leader" at a key party meet last October. The term "core leader" was synonymous with highest ranking leaders of the party. Only party founder Mao Zedong, reformist leader Deng Xiaoping and his successor Jiang Zemin were regarded "core leaders" of their generations. Though Jiang "retired" after a 10-year tenure, he continued to head the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), the high command of the Chinese military for two more years, undermining the powers of his successor Hu Jintao. On the contrary, when Hu retired at the end of 2012, Xi was made the head of all the three power centres. MORE PTI KJV CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- advertisement The family is alleging that they are being threatened by the UP police in connection with the case. By Shiv Pujan Jha: The victims' family is apprehensive and is expressing that they do not have faith in the state police in connection with the Chitrakoot gangrape in UP at the hands of SP leader Gayatri Prajapati. The family is alleging that they are being threatened by the UP police in connection with the case. On Thursday, a team of UP police reached Delhi to question the victim's ailing daughter who is undergoing treatment at AIIMS. The minor is in a state of shock as she too was allegedly molested along with the victim by Gayatri Prajapati and six of his associates in July last year. advertisement The victim had alleged that she ran from pillar to post for justice and even met the DGP for justice but she was rebuked and no FIR was lodged. The victim subsequently approached the Supreme Court and on the directives of the apex court a case was registered, months after the crime by the UP police at Gautam Palli police station in Lucknow. Also read: Seen campaigning but gangrape accused Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prajapati remains traceless for police Till the time the statements of the victim were recorded under 161 Crpc and even under 164 Crpc, the police did not swing into action. All the while, Prajapati kept thumbing his nose both at the police and the SC by campaigning as he himself was contesting from Amethi on SP ticket. The police did not dare to touch the influential man who is believed to be very close to the ruling-Yadav family in UP. He had rallies in Amethi. The day voting ended in Amethi on 27th Feb, and then the man became traceless. Raids at the residence of Gayatri Prajapati in Lucknow and Amethi have yielded no results so far. So the question remains, did the police allow him to flee or is he given time till 11th when counting takes place? Also read: Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati should be booked for gangrape: Supreme Court to UP police Meanwhile, a team of UP police is in Delhi interrogating the victim rather than making efforts to trace the accused. --- ENDS --- Consumer spending and permits issued for construction of new homes showed solid gains in January, but the Greater Waco Economic Index slipped for the month because of a decline in existing home sales, according to a report released this week by Amarillo-based economist Karr Ingham. The spending indicators were higher in January, auto sales in particular, and new housing construction permits were sharply higher compared to an especially low total in January of last year, Ingham said. He prepares a monthly snapshot of local economic conditions for the First National Bank of Central Texas and the Waco Tribune-Herald, based on data dating back to the year 2000. In this months summary, Ingham said raw figures for the GWEI show the index slipped to 124.1 in January from 124.2 in December. It was up from 120.7 in January of last year. Retail spending Spending saved the day for the January index, as consumers shelled out $265 million for retail purchases, an almost 3 percent increase from the $258 million spent in January a year earlier. For the 12 months ending January 2017, general retail spending has increased a modest 1.8 percent compared to the prior 12 month period. The cities for which sales tax is aggregated and analyzed include Waco, Bellmead, Beverly Hills, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, Lorena, McGregor, Robinson, West and Woodway. A total of 33 building permits were issued in January for construction of new single-family homes in Waco, which was more than double the 14 permits issued the same month last year. Scott Bland, president of the Heart of Texas Builders Association, said many of those permits were secured by Fort Worth-based D.R. Horton, which has launched a 1,500-home subdivision called Park Meadows, on Ritchie Road near Woodway and Hewitt. That 33 in January is fine, but it is less than were capable of, Bland said. Weve got a problem right now in that custom builders dont have dirt on which to build. We have more people wanting homes than we have lots. Its a nice problem to have, but its still a problem. The sales of existing homes logged a year-over-year decline in January, when 119 residences changed hands, compared to 130 in January of last year, a decline of 8.5 percent. Whitney Richter, manager of business development and marketing for the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, said she is hearing reports of homes selling so quickly they do not appear on the Multiple Listing Service and would not be reflected in sales totals. Also, our inventory is low, Richter said. The Texas A&M Real Estate Center reports that Wacos backlog of homes for sale stands at only 2.6 months, meaning it would take less than three months to sell all available homes at the current rate of sales, she said. Ron Nelson, a real estate specialist at the First National Bank of Central Texas, said he could vouch for home demand locally. Nelson said he was working with a woman trying to sell a home for less than $200,000 in a desirable area of Greater Waco. He said she made a sale in two days but worried about it falling through. I told her if that happens to raise the price, Nelson said. Nelson said the occupancy rate for rental property is approaching a record high, and rental rates are increasing because of demand. You would be hard-pressed to find a single-family home or duplex renting at less than $1,000 that used to available for about $800 a month, he said. Ingham said the January drop in home sales is unusual. This component of the GWEI has been trending higher and is up by 6.5 percent year-over-year for the 12 months ending in January, Ingham said. The average price for a home sold in January stood at $164,030, which was a modest 1.6 percent higher than the $161,371 norm a year earlier. Auto spending A total of $53 million was spent on new and used vehicles in January, a 19 percent increase from the $44 million spent in January of last year, which in turn was up nearly 6.5 percent compared to January of the prior year, Ingham said. Auto spending in Waco continues to press ever deeper into record territory. Total real auto spending in the 12 months ending January 2017 was up by a stout 8 percent compared to the previous 12 months, Ingham said in his report. Nationally, the sale of new cars and trucks declined 1.8 percent compared to January of 2016, according to Detroit News, a trade magazine. It said demand for utility vehicles, such as crossovers, SUVs and pickups, continued to help many automakers offset heavy losses in passenger cars, which saw a 12.2 percent decline. Building permits for general construction totaled $22.5 million in value last month, a 36.8 percent drop from the $35.6 million value in January of last year, Ingham said. Ingham estimates that payroll employment for the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes McLennan and Falls counties, totaled 117,800 in January, up from 115,100 in January the previous year, a 2.3 percent increase. He estimates the unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent. The Texas Workforce Commission is scheduled to release January jobless data on March 10 as part of its annual employment data revision process in which the commission sets new benchmarks for estimating monthly unemployment figures going forward. Several business leaders attended a discussion of Inghams findings at the First National Bank of Central Texas and commented on developments in their sectors. Ken Mathis, chief financial officer for Magnolia Homes, Magnolia Market and Magnolia Realty, said Chip and Joanna Gaines hope to complete the renovation of the historic Elite Cafe on Wacos traffic circle in time to open in the fall. They plan to operate a breakfast-centric diner. Mathis said the Gaineses are negotiating to acquire a property outside Waco they would transform into a vacation rental. He stressed that talks are continuing, and a deal is not done. He said the biggest project on the Magnolia radar this year is converting one of the two silos at Sixth Street and Webster Avenue into a store carrying merchandise chosen by Chip Gaines. A lawyer representing biker Matthew Alan Clendennen argued Wednesday that McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna should be disqualified from prosecuting Twin Peaks cases because he lied at a hearing, overstepped his authority and has a financial interest in convicting bikers who have sued him. Dallas attorney Clint Broden and Assistant District Attorney Sterling Harmon took opposing sides Wednesday during oral arguments in front of the three-judge panel of Wacos 10th Court of Appeals. Broden is appealing an October ruling by 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson that denied his motion to disqualify Reyna, who went to the scene and advised Waco police commanders about how to proceed after the deadly May 17, 2015, shootout at Twin Peaks. Broden is asking the intermediate appellate court to issue a writ of mandamus, which would order Johnson to disqualify Reyna and appoint an independent and unbiased prosecutor to take over the case. Reyna crossed the line by ordering the mass arrests of 177 bikers on identical charges that day, Broden argued, usurping the judgment of Wacos top police commanders with 100 years worth of collective law enforcement experience. The justices asked Broden if he had any legal precedent to determine exactly where the line is for prosecutors, who routinely give advice to police agencies, assist them with drafting search or arrest warrants and other legal matters. Broden paraphrased a famous line from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, who in 1964 while reviewing an obscenity case, said, I know it when I see it. This is pornography, Broden said. This is so far over the line that its ridiculous. That might explain why there is no case law on it. Former Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman was out of town on the day of the shootout, and his top commanders were keeping him informed by telephone. The officers had started a capital murder investigation and were identifying the bikers as potential witnesses, not defendants, Broden argued. That changed when Reyna arrived, he said. Stroman testified at the hearing that it was his ultimate call to arrest the bikers. However, he said he was not clear after speaking to Reyna that they would all be named in identical engaging in organized crime complaints. (Stroman) might have said the word yes, but it is clear who was running the show, Broden said. It is clear Abel Reyna was the clear puppet master in this. He turned my client, who merely rode a motorcycle to Waco and ordered a hamburger, from a witness into a defendant. Harmon countered that it is not unusual for prosecutors to advise police officers on legal aspects of cases and said he thinks Broden has a misconception about what a DAs job entails. The DA has broad-sweeping authorities and powers, Harmon said. Broden charged that Reyna lied twice during the October hearing. He said either Reyna or Waco police Detective Manuel Chavez committed perjury at the hearing when they were asked about the preparation of the identical arrest complaints charging each biker. Reyna testified he spoke to Chavez that night and cautioned him at length to make sure he read over the affidavit carefully. Reyna testified he told Chavez to make sure all is were dotted and all ts were crossed and that he was comfortable swearing before a magistrate that the information was true. Chavez testified he never spoke to Reyna that night. Reyna also said he is indemnified by the county for any damages awarded in the 15 civil rights lawsuits filed against him, Chavez, Stroman and others by bikers in an Austin federal court. An attorney for the countys insurance company said that is not correct. There is some reason why Abel Reyna is lying at these proceedings, and you have to ask yourself why, said Broden, who charged Reyna with lying on at least three occasions during his 20-minute argument. The final reference brought a warning from 10th Court of Appeals Chief Justice Tom Gray about what the justice called Brodens use of disparaging terms to refer to Reyna. Harmon said Broden was creating the problem by his pledge to call Reyna as a witness while seeking his disqualification. There are a plethora of other witnesses who could be called who would testify to the same information that Reyna would, Harmon said. The justices gave no indication on when they might rule on the issue. The Waco Independent School District board of trustees has narrowed the number of applicants in its search for a new superintendent from 59 to six. The action, made during a special meeting Wednesday, is the boards first step since the application deadline passed Feb. 20. The district hired the Texas Association of School Boards earlier this year to assist with the superintendent search. It was a very impressive applicant pool. A large number of the applicants are sitting and former superintendents who have had or are enjoying very successful careers, Waco ISD Board President Pat Atkins said. TASB did a great job of creating interest in this position in getting a large number of applicants and bringing in a deep applicant pool. The initial group of applicants included 12 out-of-state applicants, Waco ISD spokesperson Bruce Gietzen said. The out-of-state applicants were from areas including Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Minnesota, Oklahoma and New Mexico, Atkins said. Some of the six remaining candidates are from out of state, but Atkins didnt say how many or where they are from. Names confidential He also said he couldnt respond to whether any of the six are Waco ISD employees, citing confidentiality agreements the board of trustees signed early in the search process to protect all potential applicants from losing their job. When we get to finalists, we will give names, and I really want to respect everyones confidentiality, Atkins said. At the right point, well be very transparent. By state law, the names of superintendent applicants are confidential until at least 21 days before a vote to name a new superintendent, when the board of trustees must give public notice of the names of finalists. The trustees are expected to conduct their first round of interviews with the six candidates March 20-22, interviewing two at a time. The board will then narrow the candidates down to the top three or so the week after for follow-ups, Atkins said. The seven board members have their own perspectives and priorities for a new superintendent. I know some of the things I was looking for. You had seven different folks coming from seven different perspectives, Atkins said. Even with all the different perspectives, there was a definite consensus for the ones we wanted to bring back. Trustees could name a finalist as early as the first week of April, TASB officials have said. But Atkins said depending on how interviews and visits to the applicants current school districts go, a finalist could be named closer to mid-April, before the required waiting period and a final vote. By Mail Today Bureau: Cyber criminals posing as bank executives to dupe customers are not even sparing the cops investigating fraud cases. These criminals are so 'fearless' of getting caught that one of the scamsters asked for card details of a lady cop who called him to inquire about the fraud. According to a senior police officer, Aasma Khan, a resident of Saheen Bagh on Tuesday became victim to one of such fraudulent calls and lost Rs 10,000. advertisement "I got a call from a mobile number and the caller identified himself as an executive from my bank. He told me that I have not linked my bank account with aadhar card, so my account was being disabled. The caller insisted on phone verification," said the victim. "He took my card and CVV numbers and I immediately got an SMS that Rs 10,000 has been debited from my account," she said. When Khan reported the matter to the police, the caller claimed that the balance was deducted by mistake and he will refund the money, if the officer shares his own bank details. The scamster later disconnected and switched off his phone. ALSO READ: Rajasthan Police busts phone banking scam, arrests 3 Facebook Like scam: Noida cops probe bankers' role in Rs 3700 crore ponzi scam ALSO WATCH: India Today exposes the rot in banking system: How corrupt bankers laundered Rs 640 crore --- ENDS --- A Waco man was arrested after he ran from police and fought with an officer late Wednesday night, leaving them both with injuries, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said. Officers were in the 900 block of Calumet Avenue at about 10 p.m. to serve a warrant, Swanton said. They saw a man who looked similar to the man they were looking for and approached him, asking for identification, he said. The man, later identified as Kater Eugene Abraham, 39, was not the person they were looking for but ran as officers approached, Swanton said. "They thought the person walking up to a door was their wanted person so officers started speaking to him, and when he looked up, he took off running," Swanton said. "They start chasing the individual, telling him to stop, but the man kept running and jumping over fences before officers caught up to him." One of the officers attempted to detain Abraham, but he broke away, Swanton said. The officer told the man he was under arrest and that he needed to comply with orders, but the man fought back, he said. "He hits an officer in the chest while trying to get away from him, and the man started to try to grab the officer," Swanton said. "The officer deployed his Taser, but Abraham kept hitting him and grabbing the officer and broke away from the officer again." Another officer joined the foot pursuit and caught up to Abraham. Swanton said it appeared Abraham was trying to reach into his waistband area before officers were eventually able to handcuff him as he continued to fight back. They found 4.5 grams of cocaine and one gram of methamphetamine on him, Swanton said. Officers placed Abraham under arrest before taking him to a local hospital for treatment of possible injuries from the fight. "The officer also went to get evaluated and he had minor injuries to his fingers, hand, an injury and abrasions to his knee," Swanton said. "He had a possible fracture to his left middle finger." Abraham was arrested on a first-degree felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony charge of possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony charge of assault of a peace officer and two misdemeanor charges of evading arrest and resisting arrest. Abraham was booked into McLennan County Jail early Thursday morning. He remained in custody Thursday afternoon with bond listed at $89,000. In the recent Trib article about the Baptist General Convention of Texas exiling three churches due to their decision to affirm LGBT people in their congregations, Doug Diehl, pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church in San Antonio, asks the question: Is there a third way between approval and removal of congregations? Many people are very familiar with two prominent approaches to LGBT individuals in congregations. One is the traditional stance that says acting on same-sex attraction is sin. The actions that often follow in these congregations range from restrictions on LGBT individuals participation to removal from participating in the congregation. The second is the affirming stance that says acting on same-sex attraction is not sin and allows full participation in the congregation. Affirming congregations may also marry same-sex couples. However, Pastor Diehl of San Antonio asks a great question: Is there a third way? According to Pastor Ken Wilson of Vineyard Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and author of the 2014 book A Letter to My Congregation, a third way in fact exists. His explanation of a third-way approach gleans from Romans 14 the idea of disputable matters. It recognizes that highly respected and deeply studied theologians have come to radically different conclusions on the topic of homosexuality and same-sex relationships. This view makes God the judge of each individual rather than the interpretation of humans prone to fallacy. It asserts the Gospel truth that common life in Jesus does not depend on granting one another moral approval and rejects exclusion in all of its forms. It proposes the idea of being inclusive but neither affirming nor traditional, allowing instead for congregations to remain unified despite differing convictions on the topic. Finally, it requests acceptance of one another, as Christ does, without predicating acceptance on affirming the way others live out their morals. From my understanding, this third-way approach does not advocate neutrality on the topic but rather changes the question sought after. Instead of debating and creating doctrines on whether homosexuality and same-sex relationships are sin or not, the third way asks: Is there biblical support for treating homosexuality and same-sex relationships as a disputable matter (Romans 14), allowing for inclusion of all and maintenance of unity despite different convictions on this particular topic? Pastor Wilson would say, yes, there is. While some congregations and denominations draw a dividing line based on whether homosexuality and same-sex relationships are sin, other congregations across the United States are joining Pastor Wilson to implement this third-way approach, treating it as a disputable matter, maintaining unity and allowing for inclusion and participation in all its forms. So, to answer Pastor Diehl of San Antonio, yes, there is a third way. Its not traditional and not affirming but, rather, inclusive of both traditional and affirming. Its not silence, its not neutrality, its not dont ask, dont tell and its not an easy route, but it is one that seeks to love and include all people, leaving God to be the judge. To learn more about it, I urge people to read A Letter to My Congregation. Diamante Maya is an active member of her church in North Waco and serves professionally as a social worker assisting families and their children with social, emotional or behavioral challenges. Inspired by the life of Jesus, she is an advocate for the marginalized in society. Not all fossil fuels are created equal, at least with respect to their carbon footprint. Thats worth remembering. The good news is the United States has been transitioning away from more carbon-intensive to less carbon-intensive fossil fuels. The bad news is that neither the news media nor the environmentalists seem to care. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Energy, burning coal produces between 205.7 and 228.6 pounds depending on the type of coal of CO2 emitted per million British thermal units (BTUs) of energy. Diesel fuel and heating oil produce 161.3 pounds of CO2 per million BTUs, while gasoline comes in at 157.2 and propane 139.0 pounds/million BTUs. Natural gas is the clear winner when it comes to our environment: 117 pounds/million BTUs nearly half that of coal. So if the policy goal is to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring that the country has the energy it needs to spur and support economic growth, we would be using more natural gas and less coal. And thats exactly whats been happening thanks primarily to innovation and the free market. The EIA points out that in the late 1980s coal was responsible for nearly 60 percent of U.S. electricity generation, while natural gas produced about 10 percent. Nuclear power registered about 20 percent and hydropower 10 percent. By 2016 natural gas was up to 33 percent and coal was down to 32 percent. As a result, U.S. carbon emissions for the first six months of 2016 declined to their lowest point since 1991, when there were 70 million fewer Americans. When all greenhouse gas emissions are included, were still at the lowest point since 1993. Even more importantly, the economy was growing during most of that decline. A growing economy is usually associated with more CO2 emissions, not less. And the big driver behind the emissions decline was innovation and the market. The United States had peaked on natural gas production till the advent of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which vastly expanded our countrys retrievable natural gas resources. As production increased, growing supplies put downward pressure on prices, making gas a better deal than coal for many power generators. As power plants began shifting to natural gas, carbon emissions dropped at least in most years. But theres more. Not all crude oil is created equal either. There is heavy, bituminous crude oil that comes from California, and even more so from the tar sands of Canada. And theres whats called light sweet crude, which is much less carbon intensive. The fracking process, which allows producers to extract crude oil from deep shale formations, now accounts for 52 percent of U.S. crude-oil production. That shale oil known as light tight oil has a lower carbon footprint than tar sands oil. Thus, to the extent that fracking can increase access to natural gas and light crude, displacing the need for coal and heavy crude oil, U.S. carbon emissions should continue to decline. Ironically, instead of cheering these trends, environmentalists ignore them, doing all they can to encourage state legislatures and city councils to limit or prohibit fracking even though only 14 states actually have a significant amount of fracking, according to Governing Magazine. The problem is that clean-energy sources pushed by environmentalists wind, solar, biomass currently replace only about 7 percent of the energy needed to drive our electricity-generating plants. And they have almost no impact on cars and trucks, and especially heavy equipment. Clean energy cant replace fossil fuels today and wont for decades if then. Thus our nations policy should be to support bridge fuels cleaner-burning fossil fuels bridging the way to clean-energy sources made possible and plentiful by fracking. Environmentalists used to acknowledge the need for bridge fuels, but most no longer do. They see all fossil fuels as created equal, which is manifestly and, more importantly, scientifically incorrect. The United States has made more progress in cutting its carbon footprint than nearly all of the countries that publicly criticize us. And weve done it by embracing innovation and the free market and fossil fuels. Merrill Matthews is resident scholar of the Institute for Policy Innovation, an independent, nonprofit public-policy research organization based in Dallas. Republicans cheering President Trumps forceful address to Congress Tuesday say its a reset that all should welcome and respect. It comes after weeks of administrative fumbling on such things as a botched executive order on refugees; hateful tweets targeting everyone from John McCain to Nordstrom; and Trumps war with the news media as much about his colossal ego as the press naturally adversarial relationship with the nations powerful. So should we stand and cheer? Not yet. Too much has been said and done the past year and a half, let alone in recent weeks. Well applaud politely and wait to see if this presidential poise holds. If President Trump is now committed to assuming an executive air one based on discipline and understanding if hes earnest about bringing Republicans and Democrats together on complex and emotional issues such as immigration, then we might cheer. If hes sincere in his condemnation of racism and religious hatred, terrific. Lets see if his Department of Justice walks the talk. But if this president reverts to cheap shots via Twitter and the narcissistic, fact-free, mean-spirited rants that he has employed in post-inaugural campaign rallies, the skepticism of many citizens may explode into unadulterated cynicism. While dignified, Trump offered few details in his policy statements Tuesday. The press, for instance, can be forgiven for questioning the presidents resolve when, the very same day in a meeting with journalists, he talked of a path to legal status for immigrants in our country illegally. Yet in his prime-time address he said nothing about this. Huh? And where to go on the Affordable Care Act? Trump has offered fleeting references to what he expects of Congress some of which we endorse but Republican leadership is having trouble getting specifics from the White House or cooperation from Democrats, still fuming from Republicans lack of cooperation in recent years. And where is the direction Republicans seek from a president who campaigned on his predecessors spending our nation into the red, yet now heralds a $1 trillion nationwide infrastructure endeavor, some $54 billion in increased military spending, a hands-off approach to Social Security and Medicare (as promised in his campaign) and massive tax cuts for the rich and corporations? How does all this balance fiscally? Wake up the tea party. So what did we get the other night? An indication the president recognizes the golden opportunity he missed in his inaugural address to rally the nation. We believe many Americans would welcome the compromise and consensus Trump seemed to encourage Tuesday. But is he truly capable of facilitating this? We have elected a man who champions his book Trump: The Art of the Deal. We now await evidence of this talent rather than the rages and threats and executive orders. For the moment, well hope for the best, prepare for the worst. If Trump begins engaging in tweet wars over what some Hollywood actress says or blames others for more of his own decisions, we can at least conclude that, whatever else, he could give any Hollywood ham a run for the money in the performance arts. Some of the best advice that University of Idaho animal science professor and researcher Matt Doumit ever received about teaching came from an uncle who was a professor at Fresno State University. Before I started graduate school, my uncle Marvin suggested that if I had the opportunity to teach, I needed to make a point of getting to know my students, Doumit said. That simple advice has been the cornerstone of my interaction with over 3,400 students in my classes. By taking a genuine interest in students, an instructor can build a rapport that improves communication both in and out of the classroom. Students will trust you more, work harder and offer you more candid feedback. With his selection as associate dean and director of academic programs for the UI College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Doumit will have an opportunity to offer that advice often. Doumit will succeed Larry Makus, who retired Dec. 31 from the post. Jodi Johnson-Maynard will serve as interim associate dean until Doumit transitions to the job July 31. CALS Dean Michael Parrella is excited about Matt Doumit joining the CALS team. We are welcoming a strong and committed teacher to the leadership team in CALS. Dr. Doumit is tasked with increasing the number of undergraduates and graduate students in the college, increasing the retention rate of students and improving the overall student experience in CALS and at the University of Idaho. There is no question that he is up for the job. Education had been high priority in the Doumit family. The youngest of 11 children, all of whom graduated from college, he was the ninth to earn a degree from Washington State University. His parents were staunch supporters of education, and several of his family members pursued careers as teachers. His interest in animal science got its start when he was a boy on his familys cattle ranch near Cathlamet, Washington. The government bought the ranch for a wildlife refuge when he was young, but the experience stayed with him. His interest in research began as a junior at WSU when he began helping with animal growth projects. As a senior, he was offered a graduate assistantship at South Dakota State University to study muscle development. That led to a doctoral program at Michigan State University, and a post-doctoral position at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Nebraska. Michigan State offered him a joint faculty position in the Departments of Animal Science and Food Science and Human Nutrition that was vacant with the retirement of his mentor, Robert Merkel. Doumit spent 12 years on the faculty at Michigan State, then joined the CALS faculty in 2008 with his job split equally between teaching and research. Doumit served the UI Animal and Veterinary Science Department as acting head for five months until early 2014, then as co-interim department head with dairy scientist Amin Ahmadzadeh since October 2015. Doumits research ranged from livestock growth to meat quality improvement. Most recently, his work has focused on improving beef shelf-life and palatability. Doumit credits the Idaho Beef Council for being a strong supporter of his research since coming to UI. He said he has also enjoyed collaborating with Basic American Foods, one of the largest producers of dried potato and bean products. That work investigated the use of dried potato products to enhance the shelf-stability and eating characteristics of beef patties and other processed meat products. Doumit views his research as an opportunity to effectively train the next generation of scientists, while generating information to address practical problems for the benefit of industry and society. He has employed and mentored 47 undergraduate and 14 graduate students in his research laboratory. Working with students has been the most rewarding part of my career. We have a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the personal and professional development of students, Doumit said. We can make lasting contributions to them, our stakeholders and society. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty and staff across our college to make a difference through academic programs. WAHOO Global Positioning System (GPS) devices will soon be on more county vehicles. The countys contract with Verizon has expired and the county will now utilize an extension of GIS Workshop services for the GPS devices on vehicles, said Saunders County Public Works Director Steve Mika at the Saunders County Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 28. The county utilized eight GPS units on various vehicles with Verizon, but will potentially have 30 GPS units through GIS Workshop. The specifics of the contract with GIS Workshop were not finalized, but Mika said the Verizon hardware will not be compatible with the new GIS hardware. Supervisor Ed Rastovski said installation for each new unit would cost $150 per unit. As part of the contract, Rastovski said he would like to see if it could be amended so that money could be saved by having the hardware installed in-house by county workers. In other business, Rastovski said county offices should soon start looking at their budgets and set up meetings with the finance committee regarding potential changes in their budgets. Rastovski also said the board would be looking at each offices major purchases to see if they could save money by ordering similar items in bulk. Rastovski said it remains to be seen if offices can be more effective or efficient in those areas of budgeting. Priyanka Moitra had stopped by at a McDonald's outlet in in EM Bypass area of Kolkata to celebrate her daughter's birthday. She was served a dead lizard with french fries. By Manogya Loiwal : Fried food items are mouth-watering delicacies for many, french fries at McDonald's certainly so. But what this family encountered at this fast food restaurant outlet in Kolkata is surely going to leave a bitter taste in your mouth, quite literally. Priyanka Moitra and her family stopped by a McDonald's outlet in EM Bypass area of Kolkata and ordered McDonald's special french fries among other food items. advertisement While they were having their meal, Priyanka's daughter noticed a dead lizard with the french fries on the plate. THE COMPLAINANT'S VERSION Priyanka said, "It was my four-year-old daughter's birthday on Tuesday. We had gone to the McDonald's outlet in Mani square, where we ordered burger and french fries. As we started eating, I noticed a dead lizard with the french fries, which got me vomiting. I immediately reported the matter to the outlet manager, who apologised and took away the order and offered to replace the same with fresh stuff." Priyanka, who is expecting, started feeling ill and dizzy, thinking of the health of her daughter and her unborn child. She clicked a picture of the dead lizard along with the french fries and lodged a complaint against the McDonald outlet with the Phulbagan police station. Also read | Dead rat found in midday meal, 9 admitted to hospital "Filing a police complaint was important. People should know about this incident as consuming such poisonous food can be fatal", she said. Priyanka and her family have said that they will take up the issue legally with the food giant. Meanwhile, in his defence, the official spokesperson of McDonald's India (North and East divisions) has said, "We have been in contact with the customer and are taking the situation seriously. As soon as we learnt about the complaint, we launched a thorough investigation to gather the facts of the matter. Probe into the matter is going on and we are fully cooperating with authorities involved." WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP by unveiling a chargesheet on the party's 10-year-rule over the civic body. By Abhishek Anand: The Delhi Congress, which has faced two consecutive defeats in municipal elections, is now mulling to field bigshots ahead of MCD polls. Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP by unveiling a chargesheet on the party's 10-year-rule over the civic body. He said the Congress has prepared a draft roadmap for its plans for MCD elections that will be launched by senior party leaders P Chidambaram and Jyotiraditya Scindia. advertisement "After winning the elections, we will make all three MCDs self-reliant within two years. Party leaders P Chidambaram and Jyotiraditya Scindia will unveil the draft roadmap for this on March 6", said Maken. RAHUL TO HOLD RALLY IN DELHI ON MARCH 7 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will also hold a rally for MCD elections on March 7 at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. Maken said the party would 'expose' the BJP's misrule to seek votes. "The BJP has not spent budgetary allocations in all three MCDs. The total expenditure is merely 10-25 per cent. Municipal schools are shutting down and children are leaving these schools. The healthcare sector is also suffering due to poor planning," said Maken. Referring to a report of the central government, Maken said that Delhi civic body stands sixth from the bottom in the chart of transparent and efficient functioning. Also read | Delhi MCD elections: Yogendra Yadav-led Swaraj India party announces first list of candidates for polls --- ENDS --- A Danish online retailer has been accused of sending consumers payment notices for products they never ordered, prompting a public warning from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which received 127 complaints in the first two months of this year. Lux International Sales ApS, trading as LuxStyle, advertised its products in sponsored posts on social media, which directed customers to a website that did not display prices unless a mailing and email address was provided. Products sold on the site include beauty accessories, bras, watches and "slimming" pants and belts. Stacey Saliba, 28, saw a LuxStyle sponsored post on Instagram in October last year, advertising a pack of five face masks. No one can definitively state that they were in the room with him at any time. (This must create certain difficulties in his job as Russia's ambassador to the United States.) But, as soon as he speaks, his words vanish, as if they had never been. Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak Credit:AP His name is Sergey Kislyak, and he is the Most Forgettable Man in the World. Pictures of him show a corpulent replica of Nikita Khrushchev. But these pictures apparently correspond to a man whom no one has ever met. No one he has ever met or talked to seems to remember him. Not Michael Flynn. Not Attorney-General Jeff Sessions. No one. Dementors speak of him with reverence, as the mere allusion to his presence removes not only happy memories but all memories of any kind. He has made many phone calls. But it is only with great difficulty that intelligence agencies were able to make any record of these calls. His voice, like a tree falling alone in a Siberian forest, never makes a sound. The second he meets anyone, this meeting vanishes from their memories and their testimony. After meeting him, senators will shake their watches and say, "But Sofia, I was supposed to meet the Russian ambassador two hours ago!" and Sofia will say, "He just came out of your office, sir." Mining magnate and philanthropist Andrew Forrest says Australia's corporate bosses have been put on notice from the largest-ever deal by a single company to promote Indigenous employment. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined Mr Forrest in Canberra on Thursday night to announce plans by staffing, maintenance and facility management company Programmed to recruit 5000 Indigenous Australians as part of the industry-led Australian Employment Covenant initiative, supported by the federal government. Programmed managing director Chris Sutherland signed a new contract with Mr Forrest's Generation One organisation, established to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within one generation through boosted employment. Jobs as part of the deal will be delivered by organisations including training and placement agency VTEC, the Employment Parity Initiative, Job Active and other government programs. Liberal stalwarts Michael Kroger and Peter Reith will go head-to-head to contest the job of state party president, in a rivalry that threatens to destabilise the Victorian branch ahead of next year's state election. Mr Reith, a minister under John Howard, is challenging the incumbent seizing on frustration among the membership and state MPs over Mr Kroger's behaviour during recent preselections, and his standoff with major benefactor the Cormack Foundation. Peter Reith is challenging Michael Kroger for party president. Credit:Arsineh Houspian But Mr Reith is also likely to face pressure about his role as a lobbyist for companies with interests in defence, energy, infrastructure and and private prisons. Until February Mr Reith was registered as a lobbyist at both Victorian and Commonwealth government levels with clients including US giant Bechtel Infrastructure - and Bechtel Management - and prison operator G4S. A man who committed the "inhumane" rape of a woman at a caravan park in WA's Mid West last year - whilst on bail - has been jailed for 12 years. A District Court Judge said the attack carried out by Daniel Joshua Ward last year ranked as one of the worst he'd seen. court When comparing other similar type cases in court on Thursday, Judge Philip McCann said: "I'm dealing with the worst case today." The fact Ward was on bail at the time of the rape is sure to raise further questions about the strength of the state's bail laws and if the attack could have been prevented. The Delhi government has decided to serve midday meals to girl students from class 9 to 12, in its schools, from April 1. By Ajay Kumar: In a first, the Delhi government has decided to serve midday meals to girl students from class 9 to 12, in its schools, from April 1. The decision will benefit about16 lakh students studying in 450 state government-run higher secondary schools. The government needs to spend about Rs 50 crore more than what it is currently spending on pupils, up to class 8. advertisement It is learnt that the government has also decided to upgrade the menu-by adding banana and egg-for all children from class 1 to 12. Interestingly, Delhi government has not included schools run by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in the city. "The decision was taken in a state cabinet meeting," said an official. "Boy students will also be taken into consideration following this," he added Delhi government currently receives a monetary support of `96 crore annually, besides raw food grains from the Centre. ALSO READ: Delhi Mohalla Clinics: AAP govt probes graft charges, Congress alleges scam --- ENDS --- And One Nation will either be buoyed or concerned that zero per cent of respondents who are still undecided would opt to vote for it. Meanwhile, in the popularity stakes Labor leader Mark McGowan is ahead of Mr Barnett as the preferred premier, leading 45.1 per cent to 32.1 per cent with our voters. But even if he does get back in power Mr Barnett could be looking cautiously over his shoulder with 13.2 per cent favouring the Liberals' Liza Harvey as a potential premier. Murdoch University political analyst Ian Cook said that, while a large chunk of undecided voters claimed they would vote for the Liberals, he is not convinced it would happen - particularly after the unpredictability of the Brexit result. "I used to think that undecided would end up going with the way things are and support the status quo," he told WAtoday. "Along the lines of 'better the devil you know'. "But Brexit makes me less confident about that. I assumed that the vast majority of undecided voters in the UK would end up not voting or voting to remain in the EU. I was wrong. So it may be a case of 'Bugger it, let's go for a change.' " Dr Cook did concede the poll results suggest the Barnett government is hanging on by its fingernails but may just get over the line. However, to do so, the Liberals would have to heal some bloodied wounds inflicted on its traditional allies, the Nationals, after its preference deal with One Nation, he said. "So we may have the interesting outcome of a Liberal-National coalition government having to be formed," he said. "That would mean Colin Barnett having to leave early because this might clear the air a little. "There's bad blood between the parties as a result of the Liberals' preference deal with One Nation. That's not going to go away easily. "The Liberals are going to have to sacrifice something or someone if they're to be able to work with the Nationals." Premier Colin Barnett's deal with One Nation in Western Australia is realpolitik with counterintuitive benefits. Credit:Brook Mitchell Notre Dame political expert Martin Drum disagreed with Dr Cook, claiming the poll results showed Labor would win a tight contest because the Liberals' primary vote had nose-dived. Dr Drum said that, what makes picking a winner even more unpredictable, is the poll is showing the Nationals, One Nation, Greens and independents could pick up almost 28 per cent of the vote. It is clear both Labor and the Liberals are on the nose with some people, with almost 45 per cent claiming they were fed up with the major parties and were planning to vote for a minority party. "Indeed when you consider that their initial primary is lower than Labor's and that they are getting less than half the preferences, even when the Nationals voters are factored in, the situation is looking tough for them," Dr Drum said. "I would also read this poll in conjunction with other polls [also by ReachTEL] indicating that Labor is leading in the marginal seats it needs to win. So my assessment is that Labor still remains more likely to win. The high vote for minor parties adds a degree of uncertainty to any prediction, though." Given preferences will be critical in deciding the election, our question on 'which of the following major parties would you preference highest', is going to have both Labor and Liberals sweating. More than 57 per cent of respondents said they would preference Labor, while 42.9 per cent said Liberal. On the question of which of the parties, apart from the Liberals and Labor, voters would preference highest, the Greens (30.9) and One Nation (30.8) are neck-and-neck, but more than 38 per cent said they would vote for a minor party. So the Liberal Party's unprecedented deal with One Nation could prove to be a masterstroke or abject failure. Dr Cook said the party that voters preference higher would have an important bearing on the result. On the night of April 12, 2003, Australia's military commander in the Middle East, Brigadier Maurie McNarn, was woken by a phone call telling him that an RAAF Hercules would soon fly into Baghdad airport to deliver medical supplies for the Iraqi capital's looted hospitals. The caller was his boss, then Chief of the Defence Force General Peter Cosgrove. Nevertheless, McNarn protested, saying the airport was not secure and there was no safe way to distribute the supplies to 40 hospitals across the crumbling capital. Cosgrove, now Sir Peter, the nation's Governor-General, told him to make it happen. It was being announced to the press in 30 minutes. Operation Baghdad Assist went ahead and became a media triumph for then prime minister John Howard and Sir Peter amid a deeply unpopular war. The Hercules, carrying three journalists and 13 commandos to provide protection, was the first Australian plane to land in Baghdad after the invasion a month earlier. But the medical supplies never made it out of the airport. They rotted. A second planeload was diverted to the city of Nasiriyah, whose hospitals were already relatively well stocked. McNarn would go on to dismiss the whole thing as a "photo opportunity". Special forces commander Lieutenant-Colonel Rick Burr, who learned of the operation on CNN, was equally upset, writing in his diary that the operation made "a mockery of our approach". Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Sessions to resign. Credit:AP California Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said Mr Sessions must either recuse himself from any probes into Russian interference in the US election or resign. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said Sessions must resign. Backing Sessions House Speaker Paul Ryan, however, said that he saw no reason for Mr Sessions to recuse himself at this point. Sessions was a longtime supporter of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Credit:Bloomberg "If he himself is the subject of an investigation, of course he would" recuse himself, Mr Ryan told reporters on Thursday. "If not, I don't see any purpose or reason for doing that." Several Senate Republicans also brushed aside calls for Mr Sessions to step down or for Mr Trump to appoint a special prosecutor. "We're not in the business of investigating individuals, senators, that say they were doing Senate business," Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina told reporters. "Jeff Sessions has to decide whether his role as attorney general, whether he can participate in anything to deal with Russian involvement, potential involvement in our elections, and I trust Jeff Sessions to make that decision." A White House official who asked not to be identified on Thursday said Mr Sessions met with the ambassador in his official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The official said that is consistent with Mr Sessions' testimony. Confirmation testimony under scrutiny Democrats say Sessions wasn't truthful when he was asked by Senator Al Franken during a January 10 confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee what he would do if he learned that anyone tied to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government during the course of the campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," Mr Sessions said, adding that he had "been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians." As an Alabama Republican senator, Mr Sessions was visited by Mr Kislyak in his Capitol Hill office on September 8, the Justice Department said in its statement. He also met with the envoy as part of a small group of ambassadors after an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. A Sessions spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, rejected accusations that he had misled lawmakers. "Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," she said. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign -- not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee." On Thursday, Mr Sessions was asked about the allegations by an NBC News crew. "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign," Mr Sessions said. Calls for Recusal The Justice Department rejected suggestions that Mr Sessions was misleading in his testimony, saying that as a senator he discussed relations between the US and Russia during the September meeting with Mr Kislyak. Ambassadors would often make superficial comments about election-related news, but those were not the substance of discussions, the department said. The revelation, reported earlier by the Washington Post, has raised fresh questions about which Trump associates had contacts with Russian government officials during the presidential campaign and what was discussed. It also intensified calls for Mr Sessions to recuse himself from probes into Russian hacking in last year's campaign. Senator Lindsay Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, weighed in with a call for Mr Sessions to recuse himself from any investigation of Trump campaign ties to Russia during a CNN town hall Wednesday night. "I don't know that there's anything between the Trump campaign and the Russians. I'm not going to base my decision based on newspaper articles," Mr Graham said. "If there is something there, and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump." Mr Graham also said that if the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered any sign of potential criminal activities, a special prosecutor should be appointed to handle the matter. Mr Chaffetz, a Utah Republican, said on Twitter Thursday, "AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself." Mr Sessions is the second Trump administration official to face tough questions about his contact with Mr Kislyak. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired by Mr Trump after it was revealed he had not accurately portrayed the content of his conversations with the Russian envoy to other administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence. The revelation that Mr Sessions and Mr Kislyak met came shortly after a report in the New York Times that the British and Dutch governments provided information to the US government describing meetings between associates of Mr Trump and Russian officials in European cities. The story also described a deliberate campaign by Obama administration political appointees to spread information about Russia's alleged attempts to interfere in the election, as well as revelations that American intelligence agencies intercepted communications discussing contacts with Trump associates. JNU and DU have been on the boil ever since Ramjas College withdrew a seminar invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid following violent protests by suspected members of RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad. By Rohini Swamy: JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar has cancelled his visit to Karnatak University, in Dharwad, due to threat perceptions. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vice-chancellor was invited to the Karnatak University convocation as its chief guest. Kumar, however, requested the programme to be postponed as intelligence reports cited he may face attacks in view of the recent developments in the Delhi University and JNU. advertisement Intelligence sources said they received inputs that members of some student organisations were planning to stage a protest at the university, which could have caused law and order situation. JNU and DU have been on the boil ever since Ramjas College withdrew a seminar invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid following violent protests by suspected members of RSS-affiliated Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). A protest march against the alleged ABVP vandalism on February 22 turned violent after many students, teachers and journalists were attacked by a mob. Since then, the protests have snowballed into a heated debate between political parties. A video also surfaced that showed students at Ramjas College allegedly raising anti-national slogans. ALSO READ: I believe in freedom of expression within legal limits: Parrikar Is Gurmehar Kaur an anti-national, a peace warrior or brainwashed youngster? From DU violence to Gurmehar Kaur debate: All that happened and who said what ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Imphal, Mar 2 (PTI) Eight people were injured in an IED explosion near the residence of a Naga Peoples Front leader at Langol Laimanai village in Imphal West district this evening. The improvised explosive device was planted near the residence of K Leisio and was detonated with a remote control at around 5 pm, police said. advertisement The injured persons have been rushed to the Shija hospital for treatment, they said. A case has been registered at Lamphel police station. Leisio is the the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) candidate of the Phungyar (ST) assembly constituency in Ukhrul district where elections will be held on March 8. Assembly elections in Imphal West district will be held on March 4. The campaign for the first of the two-phase Manipur Assembly election, scheduled for next Saturday, ended this evening. PTI COR RG BSA --- ENDS --- When asked about his opinion on Gurmehar Kaur, Parrikar on the sideline of a programme, said he believes in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. By Indo-Asian News Service: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said that he believed in the freedom of expression within the legal ambit. When asked about his opinion on Gurmehar Kaur, Parrikar on the sideline of a programme here, said: "I believe in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. All freedom of expression have legal limit. You cannot barge on another person's right." advertisement Lady Shri Ram College student Gurmehar Kaur had last week launched a social media campaign against the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) which had forced the cancellation of a seminar at Ramjas College over the participation of a controversial JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. The next day, ABVP activists were blamed for attacking students, teachers and journalists in the campus, triggering widespread condemnation. Khalid was jailed last year on sedition charges for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. ALSO READ | Facebook post goes viral: Not afraid of ABVP, says Kargil martyr's daughter Exclusive: Want to break morale of terrorists, selectively targeting them in J&K, says Parrikar WATCH | Freedom of expression under legal constraints is the key idea: Manohar Parrikar --- ENDS --- WSU Hosts Eighth Annual Intermountain Sustainability Summit March 2, 2017 OGDEN, Utah Professionals who are leading the way in environmental progress will gather at the Intermountain Sustainability Summit at Weber State University, March 16-17 in the Shepherd Union Building. The summit will include presentations from Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland, and John Cook, a climate scientist known for addressing false beliefs about climate change. The Intermountain Sustainability Summit is a rich and unique opportunity for people from a variety of sectors to come together and learn new information, share ideas and make connections with others, said Alice Mulder, Sustainability Practices and Research Center director. Solutions to the challenges we face, such as improving air quality and building community resilience in the face of climate change, require multidisciplinary problem solving. This event offers a place for varied approaches, interests and disciplines to come together. The two-day summit has become Utahs largest multi-topic sustainability conference. Each year, it attracts approximately 400 participants. This year will include nearly 50 speakers and presenters hosting sessions on topics such as writing for social change, addressing climate change in communities, integrating sustainability across campuses and funding energy management programs. Robinson will deliver her keynote speech on March 17 at 2:30 p.m. Robinson is the current president of the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice, which is a center focused on the connection between climate change and human rights in the worlds poorest countries, where people are most affected by climate change. Her foundation works to support those who are most affected by climate change. Robinson is also the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and former chair of the Council of Women World Leaders. Her session will focus on climate justice and is expected to attract an audience of 700 people. Cooks workshop will be held on March 16 at 8 a.m. Cook is a research assistant professor from the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. He created the website skepticalscience.com and specializes in explaining and correcting myths regarding climate change. Despite a wide consensus among scientists that global warming is mainly human caused, there is still a subset of the public that thinks otherwise. Cooks session will explore the psychology and techniques behind debunking myths and false information. New this year, the summit will include a Higher Education Forum, March 16 from noon-5 p.m. The forum was developed in partnership with students, staff and faculty from Weber State University, University of Utah, Westminster College, Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University. Schools from across the region will collaborate and discuss solutions to collective challenges on their campuses. For a complete schedule of events, visit intermountainsustainabilitysummit.com. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. For high-resolution photos, visit the following links: wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2017-photos/March-2017/i-vBgxWHS/A wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2017-photos/March-2017/i-cvfRLww/A Dear Editor, I hope this is the final nail on the coffin. I am referring to our Prime Ministers gesture (the Honourable Perry G Christie) while reacting to allegations circulating that he owns a condominium that was obtained through political malfeasance. The PM flips the bird as the Nassau Guardian stated, showing a fabulous photo of this gesture, while the Tribune referenced that the PM stuck up his middle finger to the audience at last nights community meeting in Fox Hill. Is this proper behavior coming from the Chief Executive of our great nation, who holds one of the highest positions in the land? Is this how he sets an example for others to follow and emulate? Is this how he shows support and compassion for those that he is supposed to respect, help and unite with? What happened to the right of free speech? Even if the allegations are untrue, a person of his stature should never demean his people with such a derogatory and pejorative act. Our PM was last night quoted as saying Youre talking about lies and distortion. Well, get used to it because they have no capacity to govern. They cannot govern. Well, this statement is probably very true. So I have to ask, what about all the lies, distortion and broken promises that were made by the PLP and our Prime Minister over the past almost five years? It is frightening and too long to document in this letter what lies and distortion emanated from the current government. I will make reference to only several of the more glaring lies coming from the ruling party. Where are the newly created jobs that were boasted to number 32,000? What happened to the NHI initiative, whose roll out was delayed time and time again? What about the forever delayed Baha Mar resort opening? And who (for real) currently owns this facility that is dragging this nation down. Where are all the Bahamian workers on The Pointe and Baha Mar? If the national debt continues to rise, as has just been indicated by the Central Bank of The Bahamas January 2017 economic report, where is the VAT money going and why not curb spending and clean up waste and the rampant corruption to get the deficit under control? Last, but of course not least I will mention the rising crime that is devastating this country. While accusing the FNM of escalating crime (particularly murders) leading up to the 2012 election, the PLP promised they had the solution to this raging issue. Please tell me what programmes were implemented and how they resulted in improving this critical and highly sensitive matter that urgently needed addressing! Why is the Minister of National Security saying after over 4-1/2 years in office that he now has the solution to this vexing problem that affects us all? Why didnt this solution come out in May of 2012? So, I wonder, who is the one promoting lies and distortion. As the PM said, they have no capacity. They can not govern. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope you heed your own words Mr. PM. A picture is worth a thousand words and I think your gesture at the Fox Hill community meeting says it all! Signed, BT 28 Feb, 2017 Leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. By Press Trust of India: Campaigning is at its peak in UP but SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav has stepped out only for two public rallies this elections, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he addressed in the 2012 Assembly polls. Leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. advertisement The 77-year-old SP patron campaigned just for his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting on a SP ticket from Lucknow Cantonment, and also for his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from the party's bastion of Jaswantnagar in Etawah. Voting for five out the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls is already over. His political rivals said the SP patriarchs clout has been "confined to just two" of the 403 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2012 UP Assembly polls, Mulayam had addressed more than 300 rallies. In the 2014 Lok Sabha general elections, he limited his appearances to 18 rallies, one in each of the 18 divisions of the state, citing health issues. Senior BJP leader Hriday Narayan Dikshit, said, "The moment Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the party patron, his power automatically got diluted. And, despite this, if he is getting a chance to campaign for even two assembly seats, he must thank his stars." Dikshit said both the SP and the BSP are "single-cellular" organisms, in which only one person eventually prevails. "As far as the SP is concerned, earlier Mulayam Singh Yadav used to prevail, and now it is the turn of Akhilesh," the senior BJP leader said. "The BSP too is a single-cellular organisation. Congress, which used to be multi-cellular organisation till the time of Gandhi, gradually became single-cellular. The BJP is a multi-cellular organisation, where leaders from different walks of life are involved in elections," he said. Veteran socialist Raghunandan Singh 'Kaka' feels, "The SP patron has become helpless and virtually hopeless." He said it is not only the SP workers who are worried and concerned about 'Netaji', people from other parties are also worried about him. Singh was of the opinion that Akhilesh Yadav has got diverted from the ideals of Lohia, who fought against the Congress throughout his life. "Akhilesh seems to have lost his way, and is yet to find a way out," Singh told PTI. Lok Dal President Sunil Singh said it is really unfortunate that the SP, which was founded by Netaji, is today not getting his blessings. "What is more ironical is the fact that Akhilesh today has embraced the Congress, against which his father (Mulayam) had waged a political war throughout his life," Sunil said. advertisement Even political rivals are not hesitating from taking a jibe at Mulayam and his brother Shivpal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally at Ballia, had said, "SP patron Mulayam has punctured the bicycle, while Shivpal has broken the chain of the bicycle." Similarly, BSP chief Mayawati, at an election rally held in Ballia, took a jibe at Mulayam and said, "Mulayam seems to have been affected by putra-moh (blind love for son), and has even insulted his brother Shivpal." Dismissing the view in some quarters that Mulayam's clout was diminishing, the SP MP from Badaun, Dharmendra Yadav, said, "We have the blessings of Netaji. In fact each and every candidate of the SP-Congress alliance has been blessed by Netaji. So, there is no question of Netaji's clout getting weakened." The Badaun MP, who is Mulayam's nephew, claimed that even the SP-Congress pre-poll alliance had the blessings and approval of Mulayam. ALSO READ:Only Congress will benefit from alliance with SP in UP election, says Mulayam Singh Yadav UP elections: Mulayam Singh campaigns against Akhilesh Yadav; seeks vote for Lok Dal in Etawah --- ENDS --- advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 02, 2017 | 04:22 AM | PADUCAH, KY A joint investigation by two local law enforcement agencies has led to four methamphetamine arrests.Detectives with the McCracken and Marshall county sheriffs departments received information on Monday that 23-year-old Michael Philly Phillips of Paducah was selling methamphetamine at a local motel. Detectives made a meth purchase from Phillips. Then on Wednesday, detectives received information that Phillips was wanting to sell more meth at another Paducah hotel. Detectives went to the room and arrested Phillips. While there, they saw methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in plain view. Three others were found in the hotel room with Phillips, 18-year-old Brandi Conklin of Paducah, 23-year-old Corey Phillips of Paducah and 23-year-old Robert Trent Jr. of Water Valley. Police said Corey Phillips had an outstanding warrant for drug offenses and Conklins 10-month-old child was also present in the room. A search warrant was obtained for the room and during a search, detectives found methamphetamine packaged for sale, a digital scale, numerous smoking pipes, cutting agents, baggies and suspected proceeds of illegal drug sales. The investigation revealed that methamphetamine had been smoked while the child was present in the hotel room. Under direction of a social worker with the Cabinet for Families and Children the child was released to a family member who transported the child to a local hospital for treatment. All four were arrested and lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. Michael Phillips is charged with two counts of trafficking in meth, two counts of wanton endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also arrested on warrants out of Graves County for possession of meth. Conklin is charged with possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and wanton endangerment. Trent and Phillips are charged with possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 02, 2017 | 06:42 AM | WESTERN KENTUCKY The Kentucky State Police will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints throughout the Post 1 district, to check motorists for compliance with motor vehicle laws including driving under the influence statutes. KSP utilizes traffic safety checkpoints to promote safety for motorists using the public roadways and to provide a deterrent for those who violate laws contained in the Kentucky Revised Statutes.The intent of a traffic safety checkpoint is to provide for a high visibility, public safety service, focusing on vehicular equipment deficiencies, confirming appropriate registration and insurance of vehicles, and the valid licensing of drivers. Violations of law or other public safety issues that arise shall be addressed.Traffic safety checkpoints will allow the Kentucky State Police the opportunity to periodically concentrate its efforts in checking for violations of Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws that will ultimately increase the safety of the citizens within the Commonwealth.Drivers encountering a traffic safety checkpoint are requested to have their operators license, vehicle registration receipt and proof of insurance readily accessible. Drivers with this information in hand, those with no violations of law and minimal roadway congestion can reasonably expect to be delayed for no more than 30 seconds to a few minutes.Listed below are the supervisory- approved traffic safety checkpoint locations in the Kentucky State Police, Post 1 district. This includes the following Kentucky counties: Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall and Trigg. BALLARD COUNTY US 51 at old KSP/CVE Scale Facility US 60 at Crystal Lake Road US 60 at KY 2532 (Apperson Road) US 60 at Bill Corner Road CALLOWAY COUNTY US 641S at Barber Drive KY 94E at KY 280 KY 121S MP 3.187 to MP 3.690 KY 280 at Cohoon Road CARLISLE COUNTY US 51 at KY 80 Arlington KY 80 at KY 307 FULTON COUNTY KY 125 at KY 166 KY 129 at Fulton/Hickman County line GRAVES COUNTY US 45S at KY 339 Wingo US 45S at KY 1748 KY 94 at KY 381 Lynnville KY 849 at KY 1684 KY 303 at KY 339 (4-way stop) HICKMAN COUNTY US 51 at KY 1529 KY 58 at KY 307 KY 123 at KY 239 LIVINGSTON COUNTY US 60 at or about former Ledbetter Elementary School (between MP 5.5-MP5.8) US 60 from MP 29 to MP 29.059 at or about Livingston/Crittenden County line KY 866 at Coon Chapel Road LYON COUNTY US 62 at KY 810 (South) KY 93 South at KY 293 & 1055 intersection USFS Woodlands Trace at or about entrance to LBL MARSHALL COUNTY US 68 at KY 95 US 641 at KY 1422 KY 348 between MP 4.7 MP 5.0 (near Meadowbrook Circle) KY 402 at KY 1364 MCCRACKEN COUNTY US 60 at US 62 (Ledbetter Bridge intersection) KY 286 at KY 726 (McKendree Church Road) KY 450 at Puryear Highway KY 994 (Old Mayfield Road) at KY 1014 (Houser Road) TRIGG COUNTY US 68X (Bypass) West of Howard Anderson Bridge KY 139N at Bush Road KY 274 West of John Woodruff Bridge (near entrance to boat ramp) Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 01, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 01, 2017 | 10:07 PM | PADUCAH, KY A Paducah man being sought by federal authorities was arrested Wednesday on fleeing and marijuana charges. The McCracken County Sheriffs Department says deputies were assisting the US Marshals Office Wednesday afternoon in locating and serving an arrest warrant on Anthony Davis of Paducah. Detectives later located Davis at Metro PCS on Hinkleville Road. He then reportedly fled toward the back of the business and barricaded himself in a closet. Detectives took him into custody a short time later. Deputies said when they walked a dog around Davis' vehicle, it alerted to the presence of drugs. They then searched the vehicle and reportedly found about 75 grams of marijuana in a duffel bag. They also seized $1200 in cash that Davis was carrying at the time. Davis was arrested for the federal warrant. He was also charged with 2nd degree fleeing and evading police and 2nd degree trafficking marijuana. The attacker said he had approached the minister several times in the past with complaint against liquor mafia but he refused to act. By India Today Web Desk: Gujarat Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja today joined the long list of leaders, ministers facing a shoe attack when he was targeted outside the legislative Assembly. A man identified as Gopal Italia hurled a shoe at the minister when he was addressing reporters outside the Assembly. However, Italia missed his target and was overtaken by security guards immediately. advertisement Italia said he had approached the minister several times in the past with complaints against liquor mafia but Jadeja ignored his plea. WATCH THE VIDEO: #WATCH: Man attempts to hurl shoe at Pradipsinh Jadeja, Gujarat minister of state for home in Gandhinagar, detained by police. pic.twitter.com/wTtzihRhSN ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 ALSO READ: Shoe thrown at Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal in Bathinda Rahul blames BJP, RSS for shoe attack, says he's not afraid of such assaults Shoe hurled at Arvind Kejriwal in Rohtak; Delhi CM blames PM Modi --- ENDS --- By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 02, 2017 | 10:35 AM | MAYFIELD, KY A two county police pursuit Wednesday ended with one man's arrest on multiple charges. According to the Mayfield Police Department, Cody Nelms stole a vehicle parked behind the YMCA building in Mayfield Wednesday night. Police later spotted the vehicle on Highway 80 East but Nelms refused to pull over and accelerated. Police pursued Nelms, at times reaching speeds near 100 mph. The pursuit continued into Calloway County where officers were eventually able to perform a rolling road block maneuver, forcing Nelms to stop. Nelms was arrested and charged with fleeing and evading, DUI, reckless driving and four counts of wanton endangerment of a police office. He was also charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. Deputies said Nelms will also be charged with theft of a motor vehicle. He was lodged in the Graves County Jail. Astros take World Series title over Phillies in six games By The Associated Press By The Associated Press Mar. 02, 2017 | 12:30 PM | FRANKFORT, KY A lawmaker says he's following Gov. Matt Bevin's request to temporarily shelve his bill to let local government pension funds break away from the Kentucky Retirement Systems. Bevin and Sen. Joe Bowen said Thursday the proposed split will be discussed when lawmakers meet in a special session to deal with Kentucky's underfunded pension system. Bevin says the proposed separation potentially has "great merit." But he says lawmakers should await completion of an audit of KRS. The bill would allow the County Employees Retirement System to leave KRS. CERS pension funds cover about 230,000 local government workers and retirees. They're in better shape financially than pension funds covering state workers and retirees. Bowen, an Owensboro Republican, says his bill should be part of the "broader conversation" about shoring up pension funds. In a circular issued on February 23, the BCAS had declared that it would end the compulsory practice of putting security stamp on the hand baggage tags at seven airports with "immediate effect", despite an objection raised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on the same. By Jitendra Bahadur Singh: The tagging of the fliers' hand baggage at seven airports will go on for now after a recent decision to do away with the same was stayed in a high-level meeting on Thursday due to the lack of required security gadgets. The decision to put the order of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on hold was taken during a meeting chaired by Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and his counterpart in the Civil Aviation ministry Jayant Sinha. advertisement In a circular issued on February 23, the BCAS had declared that it would end the compulsory practice of putting security stamp on the hand baggage tags at seven airports with "immediate effect", despite an objection raised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on the same. HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Officials said it was decided that a committee would be formed comprising senior officials from the BCAS, CISF and operators of seven airports - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Cochin, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad - to fix the "grey" areas at these sensitive facilities so that the possibility of any security breach could be ruled out once the procedure of stamping of tag was done away with. "The scheme would be implemented at these airports after ratification by the committee. A similar exercise would be conducted simultaneously at the remaining 52 airports under the CISF cover for recommending modifications in the security architecture and CCTV systems so that this scheme could be implemented there as well", a CISF statement said. Explaining the CISF's logic to get smart gadgets installed first, a senior official said, "It was important to boost the security system at the airports to the level that was being achieved by the stamping of the hand baggage tags." "The stamp tags help to establish at what level a possible oversight in security could have happened. The security agencies want this to be achieved by sophisticated gadgetry", he said. During the meeting, the officials said that CISF DG OP Singh and Civil Aviation Secretary RN Choubey reiterated, "It needs to have High Definition (HD) multi-angle CCTV cameras in security hold areas, standby cameras with power backup facility, video analytics in CCTV and physical barriers by way of deploying acrylic sheets at X-ray baggage clearing levels so that the personnel who clear a bag could be "easily identified for the purpose of fixing accountability." Responding to the decision of continuing with the stamping of bags, Rijiju tweeted, "No final decision has so far been taken. A committee will visit 59 airports across the country. Only after the report is complete will a final call be taken." According to the officials, the committee was expected to fix the "security gaps" at the seven airports by this month-end, so that they could be made "tag free" from early next month. The CISF said these modifications were required "to make sure that passengers could not access bags containing restricted items, which were segregated by CISF personnel for checking (after X-ray scanning). "It was decided that the committee would examine the security architecture and CCTV systems of these seven airports notified by BCAS and assess their suitability for doing away with the baggage tags as suggested by CISF earlier," it said. The CISF, tasked to secure 59 civil airports of the country, had last year run a trial at 12 airports and decided that the measure to do away with stamping of tags could be undertaken and would help in saving time and ensuring hassle-free travel for fliers. While scarpping the procedure last month, BCAS had said that it was pertinent to mention that the trial run for the same (no hand baggage tag) has already been successfully conducted in two phases after putting in place the "requisite surveillance and monitoring system". "The feedback from the trial run has been analysed and a positive response has been recorded," it had said. --- ENDS --- Loading... See the words 'Cleese' and 'farce' side by side and I know what you'll be thinking. Is Bang Bang the 13th Fawlty Towers? I wish I could say it is, but that'd be straight outta la la land. There are problems at every turn with this rare sighting of Feydeau's Monsieur chasse!. John Cleese's adaptation feels like a work in progress, its cogs so freshly tooled they don't yet mesh. The dialogue is over-larded with exposition and low-level filler; and yet such are the great comedian's talents that it's only a few scalpel strokes from being a decent comedy. Bang Bang's comic trappings are tried and tested but they're rendered with a curious detachment that earned only a moderate response from the first-night audience. Laughs came from the lips, not the belly. The hypocrisies of the adulterous Monsieur Duchotel and his equally extra-curricular wife Leontine have all the requisite hubris, humiliation and trouser-dropping, but the pilot light is out so it never heats up. Nicky Henson, who helms the show, is a farceur of long standing. As the original Gary Lejeune in Noises Off he had me falling out of my seat, and he did the same to millions more as the bling-and-leather-clad lothario in Fawlty Towers. Nowadays he directs more than he acts and, sadly, the result here is worlds away from those early triumphs. Henson cannot take all the blame, though. On top of all the script issues Colchester's Mercury Theatre has gifted him an uneven cast, and in the second halfup to and including a chaotic curtain calltelltale signs of rushed rehearsal mar the flow. He could have done with another week. There are happy incidental momentsthree thumps a la francaise to preface each act; an entertaining transformation when designer David Shields's sumptuous Belle Epoque drawing room becomes a bordello's bedchamberbut little bliss. A gag about the maid's French accent hits the spot (Jess Murphy in a bright performance), as does a knowing nod from a man being bundled into a wardrobe ("that's a bit corny isn't it?"). One of many meta moments, that. Everything from conspiratorial glances through the fourth wall to full-on audience address. The role of Duchatel seems to be tailor-made for Cleese himself to play, for it has absurdity, punctured dignity and manic potential in spades. Alas, it doesn't suit Oliver Cotton in the slightest. The lead in a French farce needs a mobile face, something with which this distinguished actor is not blessed, and an instinct for timing that eludes him. During the philanderer's climactic scenes of obfuscation it was hard to tell whether he was blustering through his lies or his lines. There's solid work from Peter Bourke as the cuckolded Cassagne, a Manuel figure during his brief appearances, and from Robert Neumark Jones as Gontran, the play's hyperactive juvenile interest who could have stepped straight out of Half a Sixpence. As Leontine, the splendid Caroline Langrishe energises her shared scenes with Cotton, dallies amusingly with Richard Earl's vainglorious Dr Moricet (very good) and does everything in her power to keep the show afloat. Yet even she can't prevent Act Three from beaching on the shore. When Moricet confides to the audience "I don't understand a single thing", be prepared to nod along - or off. Bang Bang runs at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester until 11 March. By Devarsi Ghosh: The action hero in Bollywood died when Shah Rukh Khan spread his arms wide standing in a mustard field in Gurgaon. Not only Kajol but all the women in India sitting in the theatre watching that very scene from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge at that very moment had made Shah Rukh Khan the man of their dreams. And that announced the death knell for an era that began with Amitabh Bachchan and continued with Mithun Chakroborty, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Suniel Shetty. advertisement Amitabh had an abysmal stretch throughout the '90s till he finally re-invented himself as the grand, old patriarch in Mohabbatein. Mithun vanished. Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty switched to comedy. Ajay Devgn began experimenting, with an Ishq here and a Zakhm there. Somehow, Sanjay Dutt and Sunny Deol persisted with their action films even though their stardom was dying a slow death with the star-graph of the three chocolate heroes, the Khans, rising. Action in Bollywood films saw a kind of a comeback with Hrithik Roshan's muscles wreaking havoc on Mohnish Behl and Ashish Vidyarthi in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. This was followed by John Abraham's Vin Diesel-routine in Dhoom. But these actors never really embraced the baton of a true-blue action star. An action star a la Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis is all about muscles, grime, hand-to-hand combat, and most importantly, cheesy but funny one-liners. The so-called '80s-action film became an artifact and in the 2000s, a new kind of action cinema and action heroes were making their presence felt throughout the world. Watch college kids trying to figure out the correct '80s action movie: With the international success of The Matrix, X-Men and John Woo's action films from Hong Kong, martial arts-based action cinema with fast cars, rapid-fire action and yeah, slow motion, was becoming highly popular. This produced an entirely new range of international action superstars - more in the mould of Bruce Lee than Chuck Norris - such as Jason Staham, Tony Jaa, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, etc. Where was our Indian counterpart? Romance had found a foothold with the Khans. Sex found its icon in Emraan Hashmi. 'Intelligent cinema' found their faces in Manoj, Nawazuddin and Irrfan. Ranbir, Varun and Ranveer became the next-gen all-round superstars. But where was the action hero!? Enter Tiger Shroff. Watch Whistle Baja from Heropanti here: When Tiger Shroff made his debut in Heropanti, people noticed that he dances well and does action scenes even better. His role did not demand much acting and Tiger certainly was no thespian. In fact, green behind the ears, Tiger could only manage a school boy's smile and a clenched jaw-angry look that he maintained consistently while kicking ass. But who cares? The film whistle-bajaoed its way to box-office gold and that was that. advertisement Tiger's next two film choices Baaghi and A Flying Jatt were crafted on the same template: stunts, action scenes and dance. Three things Tiger is exceptionally good at. And Tiger's slowly developing fandom could not have enough of him. They had found their hero. They had found a mascot. Here was a guy who could fly kick at heights of above ten-twelve feet and he could do it with ease, in full public view, without any ropes or other contraptions. Tiger looked authentic and felt authentic. This was the real deal. Our very own Jet Li. Watch Tiger Shroff's masterclass in fly-kicks here: Interestingly, among the current crop of actors, only Tiger Shroff seems to be concerned about building a star-image of any kind. While Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Sushant Singh Rajput, etc. are trying out various kinds of films belonging to different genres with marquee directors, Tiger is content and unshakable in his action-hero space. Tiger is doing his next film Munna Michael (again, a dance-based film and expect action in it too) with Sabbir Khan who has directed two out of three Tiger Shroff films till date. The other films attached to him, at this point, are no critics' choice-material anyway. advertisement But Tiger does not care about all that. He is good at the few things he does and is trying to shape a career specifically focusing on that. Of course, it is a fact that Sanju baba, Sunny Deol or Arnie and Stallone were credible actors as well and over time, they gradually made a mark in films that demanded more than just flexing muscles. Tiger, however, has just turned twenty seven this year. He is still young. Lots of heights to scale. And still, there is time left to switch genres and experiment. At the end of the day, he has Jackie Shroff's blood running in him. Jackie could own the screen with his left pinkie and even though genetics never really guarantee talent, there is much in this young lad to feel hopeful about his future and the future of Bollywood action cinema. And if he fails us, there's always Vidyut Jamwal. (The writer tweets as @devarsighosh .) ALSO SEE: These hot photos of birthday boy Tiger Shroff will make your jaw drop ALSO READ: Disha Patani makes me look better, says Tiger on Koffee With Karan advertisement WATCH: When Tiger Shroff and Nathan Jones had a face-off on stage --- ENDS --- IAS officer Sanjeev Kumar was convicted by a Delhi court for irregularities in the recruitment of 3,206 Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers in primary education department of the state in 1999-2000. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The Centre has dismissed suspended Haryana Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Sanjeev Kumar, who was recently convicted in the Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers' recruitment scam, from service. The department of personnel and training (DoPT) has conveyed to the Haryana government its decision to terminate the service of the 1985 batch IAS officer. The decision has come under Rule 16 (3) of All India Services. advertisement HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IAS officer Sanjeev Kumar was recently convicted in the Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers' recruitment scam. As a matter or procedure, the convicted officer's reply was sought from the department of personnel and training (DoPT). The department consulted Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) before taking action against the officer. Kumar, along with former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala and several other officials, was convicted and sentenced by a Delhi court for irregularities in the recruitment of 3,206 JBT teachers in primary education department of the state in 1999-2000. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had carried out the probe into the case. Earlier this year, sources said that two IAS officers were dismissed from service on account of non performance including Narasimha, a 1991-batch IAS officer of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre. He was served with a 'premature retirement' order without any notice. Several non-performing IPS and IAS officers have been sacked since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. ALSO READ | Teachers recruitment scam: Delhi High Court upholds 10-year jail term for Chautala, son Recruitment scam: Om Prakash Chautala's fallout may affect fate of hundreds of teachers in Haryana --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Tirunelveli, Mar 2 (PTI) Upset over the Madras High Court order allowing Pepsi and Coca Cola to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in this district for manufacturing soft drinks, a large number or persons today stood in knee deep water in the river to express their ire. They also protested against the "laxity" on the part of the authorities in handling the case. The protesters also shouted slogans against the state government for not taking necessary steps to prevent the carbonated water companies from drawing water from Thamirabharani, when the farmers in the was facing acute water shortage for their farming activities. The High Court today allowed the Cola majors to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in Tirunelveli district for manufacturing soft drinks besides packaged drinking water. The Court had in November last year banned the firms from drawing water from the river. The soft drinks companies sought a direction on lifting the ban on the ground that they were using only the surplus water in the river. The order has come even as a call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu to ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi soft drinks came into effect yesterday with its President A M Vikrama Raja declaring drinks as toxic for consumption. PTI CORR RC MAV --- ENDS --- advertisement Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/03/2017 (2076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Assiniboine Community Colleges English Language Program is facing drastic cuts at the hands of the federal government, which will leave seven instructors out of a job and force many immigrants learning English into limbo. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has proposed a funding cut to ACCs ESL program from $730,000 in 2016-17 to $190,000 in 2017-18. There will be an approximate 85 per cent reduction in class offerings, including the cancellation of Friday and Saturday classes, as well as evenings. Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Paul MacLeod, co-ordinator for Assiniboine Community Colleges ESL program, is seen during a board of governors meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Seven of eight ESL teachers at ACC will lose their job after the federal government suggested it will cut funding more advanced programs. It will result in ACC paring down from eight teachers to one. Student capacity will also be brought down from 600 to a maximum of 100 students, despite enrolment steadily increasing. Currently there are about 500 students enrolled in the program. We were quite surprised it really did catch us off guard, ACC president Mark Frison said. The funding has been quite healthy in the last three years, and we were more than expecting that to continue the student numbers have grown. Newcomers need to complete a certain amount of Canadian Language Benchmark levels in order to attain Canadian citizenship, better paying employment, and post-secondary education. Westman Immigrant Services provides CLB levels 1 through 4, while ACC teaches CLB levels 5 through 8. At Level 4, immigrants can apply for Canadian citizenship, but their job prospects remain low. We have all these people who are going to be stuck, and they wont be able to communicate or continue education, said ESL instructor Lloyd Fast, who will lose his job as a result of the cuts. Theyll be stuck in a dead-end job How are they ever supposed to get ahead? The students are totally screwed. In order to get a job in retail, as a security guard or a bus driver, for example, applicants need to have at least a CLB Level 6 to qualify, Fast said. I dont know anybody, other than the Government of Canada, who thinks this a good idea. Were shooting ourselves in the foot. I think its going to be very bad for the economy because they wont be able to move up, Fast said. The Brandon Sun reached out to the IRCC for comment, but did not receive a response by press time. Representatives at ACC have been told the funding will be reallocated to CLB levels one through four to combat significant waiting lists. Their strategic goal is to reduce waiting lists, for newcomers that are just entering Canada and refugees who have very low levels of English Language proficiency, said Paul MacLeod, ESL program co-ordinator at ACC. What the government wants to do is get the waiting list for those people down to 60 days, where in some jurisdictions they have waiting lists of more than two months. However, in reducing one waiting list, theyll be increasing another, as ACC is the only institution to deliver levels five through eight in the Westman region, Frison said. Im not entirely certain whether (funding cuts) are happening across the country, but I know there have been changes in other areas of the province, Frison said. Not being able to access higher level language training classes will make it very difficult for newcomers to meet their language and career goals, according to MacLeod. Im very concerned with whats going to happen to students who are no longer able to access classes thats what Im mostly worried about, MacLeod said. Students currently enrolled in ESL programming will finish out the term until the end of April, MacLeod said, at which point they will either continue or go on a waiting list. MacLeod described the students currently enrolled as extremely dedicated to learning English, some working overnight shifts at their jobs and coming to class for the morning and afternoon, sacrificing sleep and family time to learn. I wish I had some good answers, but unfortunately I dont, MacLeod said. Its going to be devastating. edebooy@brandonsun.com Twitter: @erindebooy The Brandon Sun Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Thompson RCMP officer charged with manslaughter in the 2015 shooting of a motorist is the fourth police officer in the province to be charged and the most serious charge issued since the provincial unit that probes police was created almost two years ago. In a statement released Thursday, the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba announced Const. Abram Letkeman has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a shooting in Thompson that killed a motorist and injured a passenger. Until now, the most serious charge recommended by the unit, which began investigations June 18, 2015, was an assault charge issued against a Thompson RCMP officer on Oct. 8, 2015. That charge was later stayed. FACEBOOK The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has concluded its investigation into the officer-involved shooting and death of Steven Campbell (pictured) in Thompson, Manitoba which concerned an on-duty RCMP officer. The unit said Letkeman has also been charged with criminal negligence causing death, reckless discharge of a firearm, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and dangerous driving. Steve Campbell, a father of two, died after being shot Nov. 21, 2015 at about 2 a.m. The unit launched its investigation the same day. Assistant RCMP Commissioner Scott Kolody, the commanding officer of the RCMP in Manitoba, said the criminal charges mark a difficult day for the families and all people involved and so deeply affected by the tragic series of events that occurred. We now know that one of our officers is facing serious charges in relation to his actions that evening. While I cannot speak to the investigation, I can confirm that Const. Letkeman has been suspended with pay and that a code of conduct (internal investigation) will also be initiated by the RCMP. Kolody said Letkeman, a seven-year veteran, was serving with the Portage la Prairie detachment when he was arrested. This is also a challenging day for the men and women of the RCMP and we have assured that there is support and resources available to all our officers. Letkeman was charged with manslaughter on Wednesday, after consultations between investigation unit director Zane Tessler and provincial Crown attorneys, and was released on bail. He will appear in court March 31. Because the matter is before the courts, the unit said it has no further comment. RCMP said while trying to stop an erratic driver, an RCMP officer chased a vehicle. After the vehicle stopped and the officer walked toward it, the vehicle accelerated and struck him. The unit said the officer discharged his firearm, killing the driver later identified as Campbell. He was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP said there were four passengers in the vehicle and one of them, a woman, sustained serious injuries and had to be transferred to a Winnipeg hospital. Another woman suffered minor injuries not related to the gunshot, while the two other passengers were uninjured. Because there was a fatality, the investigation unit said at the time it was asking the Manitoba Police Commission to appoint a civilian monitor for the investigation. Last month, two officers with the Brandon Police Service were charged under the provincial Highway Traffic Act. One was charged with driving carelessly and the other with driving imprudently following an incident on Sept. 13, 2016. The unit investigated two other fatalities involving police including the September 2015 death of a 44-year-old man on Hwy. 59, which was ruled suicide by cop, and the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man at the former Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg after a police chase in November 2015, which determined no charges should be laid. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Michael Benarroch, dean of the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba, is leaving that position to become provost and academic vice-president of Ryerson University in Toronto. Benarroch had been at the Asper School since 2011. Prior to that he had been at the University of Winnipeg for 21 years in various roles, leaving that school as the dean of the newly created Faculty of Business and Economics when he moved over to the U of M. His last day at the Asper School is June 30. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Michael Benarroch has been at the Asper School of Business since 2011. The role of vice-president academic and provost is effectively second-in-command to the president of the university. I have been recruited before by other places but Ryerson is a very interesting university, Benarroch said. Ryersons mandate to be innovative and entrepreneurial fits very well with my interests and a lot of the things I have doing at the Asper school. Benarroch is a born and bred Winnippegger who did his undergraduate degree at the U of W, his masters in economics at Western University in London and PhD in economics at Carleton University in Ottawa. Ryerson also has a mandate to partner with the community, something that Benarroch said was embraced by Lloyd Axworthy, president of the U of W when he was there, and by David Barnard, president of the U of M. Ryerson is a great fit for me, but having said that I will really miss the Asper School and Winnipeg because I love the city, he said. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Horn Ok Please will feature more than twenty popular food trucks from Delhi NCR. Delhi is all set to get its first food truck festival. By India Today Web Desk: While India's national capital region is now witness to a number of food fests throughout the year, there's something that Delhi has never had before--a food truck festival. Not any more though. With over 20 popular food trucks from Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida participating, Horn OK Please is all set to make fast food history in the capital. The participants include Something Saucy, Burnout, The Lalit Food Truck Company, Street Foods By Punjab Grill, Waffle Chowk and Doggy Style, among others. A wide range of street food and snacks will be on offer. advertisement They will be serving everything from Japanese, Chinese, and Thai, to Italian and Indian delicacies. Organized by So Delhi and GoBuzzinga, this event is tailor-made for foodies with a wide range of food preferences and interests. Also read: This chocolate fest in Belgium proves that fashion can be delicious The festival will also feature an acoustic stage where various bands and artistes like CopyCats, Jordan Johnson and Sivana will be performing. On March 4, the first 100 guests will get complimentary Bira91. Italian favourites like pizzas will also be served. So what are you waiting for, Delhi? Just get your palates ready for some awesome food, and head to Ansal Plaza mall this weekend. Passes for Horn OK Please will be available at the venue itself. Dates: 4th - 5th March, 2017 Timings: 11 AM - 9 PM Venue: Ansal Plaza, Hudco Place, KhelGaonMarg --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Canada Post is delivering cheques to about 250,000 Red River Co-op members in the Winnipeg area this week. A total of $28 million in cash repayments are being sent out, a little less than the $30 million total members received last year. Members allocation is 7.25 per cent on fuel purchases (an average of 6.56 cents per litre based on an average retail pump price of 90.5 cents per litre in 2016), five per cent on pharmacy purchases and two per cent on food purchases. The total returns were down a little this year because of a decline in rebates that Red River Co-op itself received from its supplier, Federated Co-ops. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Regional Co-op general manager Doug Wiebe says oil refinery issues have impacted payouts to members.dfdfdxx While some have said the reduction is because of Red River Co-ops entry into the grocery market in 2014, general manager Doug Wiebe said that is not the case. He said it is because of financial challenges at Federateds Regina oil refinery operation, which has had to deal with fluctuating commodity prices as well as a fire a couple of years ago. A new repayment method will be utilized for the 2017 cheque distribution. Members will get a minimum of 75 per cent of their current years allocation in cash, in addition to 10 per cent of their earned equity. (In the past they received 40 per cent of their equity.) Wiebe said, this new method will see new members qualify for a repayment quicker and will provide a greater reward to those members supporting the retail. In the past five years, Red River Co-op has returned more than $203 million in cash to its members. In 2016, the Co-op opened a new standalone pharmacy on Main Street and a new cardlock on Dugald Road. A new gas bar is scheduled to be built this year on Ness Avenue. Major renovations are planned for the Southdale and Grant Park food stores and the redevelopment of the Rossmere gas bar will start this summer. Red River Co-op has 34 gas bars, five cardlocks, three food stores and a standalone pharmacy in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Stonewall, Teulon, Gimli, Ste. Agathe, Niverville, Oakbank, Headingley, Kenora and Dryden. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. This is going to hurt. Finance Minister Cameron Friesen delivered a heads-up Thursday: April 11 is D-Day desperate times, drastic measures when he will tell Manitobans how painful its going to be for the Tories to tackle the provinces $1-billion deficit. We need to look hard at what we can afford to do now, Friesen told reporters Thursday, flanked by two experts appointed in December to help the government sort out the deteriorating situation. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Finance Minister Cameron Friesen (centre), with advisory panel co-chairs Janice McKinnon and Dave Angus, says taxpayers can expect some form of wage controls on civil servants, less money and strict rules about spending it in provincial departments and some cuts in management positions. This budget has to include some tough measures. And by tough measures, taxpayers can expect some form of wage controls on civil servants, less money and strict rules about spending it in provincial departments and some cuts in management positions. Premier Brian Pallister later told reporters that there could be consequences for cabinet ministers failing to meet their budgets he did not reject the suggestion of pay cuts and unspecified consequences for senior managers missing their budget targets. In the past, there were no consequences. The consequence of the lack of consequences brought our credit rating down, said Pallister. The enforcement mechanism of failing to keep spending within revenue in a business or home is bankruptcy, he said, so its only reasonable and fair that there be consequences in the public sector. The province of Manitoba has consistently missed its deficit targets, said Janice MacKinnon, who co-chairs the advisory panel created by Premier Brian Pallister at the end of last year with former Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Dave Angus. MacKinnon, a former Saskatchewan NDP finance minister, said credit-rating agencies have watched Manitobas deficit grow year after year since 2007, all on the previous NDP governments watch. There are three keys to achieving a balanced budget over the next eight years, she said: prudent management of operational and capital spending, including finding reductions and efficiencies; growing revenues without new or higher taxes; and identifying assets that can be managed more efficiently. The core task of the government is to reduce expenditures over time so you can achieve a balance, she said. Its a spending problem here you cant tax more in Manitoba. MacKinnon, who served as finance minister under NDP premier Roy Romanow, said Pallister is taking action sufficiently early to reverse the financial woes over time. Managing compensation levels is a must, Angus said. About 70 per cent of the budget goes to paying employees, including $1 billion in civil-service wages and $9 billion to others in the public-sector, such as Crown corporations. The panel discovered layers of management it says add to costs but not to outcomes; senior management ranks are up 33 per cent in the public sector since 2005, raising the possibility that Pallisters orders to chop 15 per cent of those positions could be revised for more savings. Theres systemic changes that have to be made, Angus said. We cant sustain the status quo. Friesen did not release any written reports from the advisory panel, and said that while he promises to be accountable to the public, he would not commit to making public the ongoing reviews and audits into government spending. However, Pallister later said he would release documents, including two lengthy KPMG reviews of government services, with some privacy redactions, although not until after the budget. I want people to see it and spark ideas for further discussion, the premier said. Nor would Friesen say if he has defined the front-line services and front-line workers the government has vowed to protect. NDP finance critic James Allum said its unfair to keep public sector workers and their families in fear whether theyll still have a job after the April 11 budget. It would be best if they just came clean, Allum said. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA A former senator from Manitoba says the red chamber should cover the legal expenses she racked up fighting a witch hunt over perfectly legal expense claims. Sharon Carstairs will appear before the Senate committee on internal economy, budgets and administration this morning to appeal a Senate steering committee decision rejecting her claim the Senate pay $82,000 in legal bills. The Senate knew from the very beginning I had not broken any rules, Carstairs told the Free Press in an interview. They simply chose not to do anything about it. COURTNEY CAMPBELL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Sharon Carstairs Carstairs legal saga began in June 2015, when she was named by auditor general Michael Ferguson as one of 30 current and former senators whose expense claims over a two-year period raised red flags. Ferguson said Carstairs was not spending enough time in Winnipeg to declare her home there as her primary residence. He said she should repay $7,528 in living and travel expenses she claimed as if Ottawa was her secondary residence during the audit period. Carstairs said she realized during interviews with Fergusons staff they were concerned about her residency claims but she said they were told over and over again the Senate had no rule about how much time a senator had to spend in their home province to consider it a primary residence. They just rejected that and the Senate accepted the audit despite it, Carstairs said. She said the fact there was no legal basis for their thinking was underscored in April 2016 when Sen. Mike Duffy was acquitted of charges of fraud and breach of trust. Some of the charges were related to whether or not he fraudulently claimed Prince Edward Island as his primary residence even though he had lived in Ottawa for decades. The Constitution Act requires a senator to maintain a residence in the province they represent in the Senate; however, it does not specify how much time they have to spend there. The Senate to date has no requirement for spending a minimum amount of time in a place to declare it a primary residence. It does require senators to declare the location of their primary residence and back it up by providing copies of a drivers licence, health card and tax forms proving you are considered a resident of that province. By those measures, Carstairs was considered a resident of Manitoba by the Manitoba government until 2011. Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press Sen. Mike Duffy After Duffy was acquitted, the Senate consulted a lawyer to determine if it should proceed with suing people such as Carstairs to recoup the money Ferguson flagged, but ultimately decided in December not to. Carstairs said she is left holding $82,000 in legal bills that she believes the Senate should pay. Last May, she requested they be repaid in a letter to the steering committee of the board of internal economy of the Senate, but that claim was rejected. The entire board will now hear her case today. Duffy also sought reimbursement of some of his legal fees last year and was rejected. The Senate did allow some leeway for senators who chose to go to binding arbitration to have up to $25,000 in legal fees covered, but the amount was based on whether the arbitrator, former Supreme Court Justice Ian Binnie, decided not all of Fergusons findings were accurate. Carstairs initially agreed to binding arbitration but changed her mind because she felt she had done nothing wrong. mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The disclosure that former City of Winnipeg CAO Phil Sheegl was involved in a business transaction with the owner of Caspian Construction has prompted some councillors to renew calls for city hall to recover the $250,000 severance paid to Sheegl. Coun. Ross Eadie said the business deal between Sheegl and Caspian owner Armik Babakhanians was an egregious breach of the citys employee code of conduct. Im certain no one at city hall knew about this at the time, other than (former mayor Sam Katz) but had we known, it would have been grounds for dismissal without severance, Eadie (Mynarski) said. We should take whatever steps necessary to get that $250,000 back. Lawyer Robert Tapper admitted Wednesday that Sheegl, his client, sold a part interest in land he owned in Arizona with then-mayor Sam Katz to Babakhanians for $327,000 paid in two installments, one each to Sheegl, in July 2011, and to Katz in 2012. Tapper said he made the disclosure of the land deal to dispel news reports and RCMP allegations the initial $200,000 payment in 2011 from Babakhanians to Sheegl was either a secret commission or bribe in exchange for awarding the police headquarters contract to Caspian. Sheegl was promoted to chief administrative officer in May 2011. He resigned Oct. 17, 2013, days ahead of the release of the damning independent audit into the fire paramedic station replacement program. The $250,000 severance payment to Sheegl was revealed through the publication of the 2014 employee compensation report, which was made public at the end of June 2015. Couns. Marty Morantz and Jenny Gerbasi said the possibility of recovering the severance funds warrants a review by the citys legal department, adding the Tapper disclosure reinforces councils overwhelming decision to request the province to conduct a public inquiry into the goings on at city hall. There would need to be some legal advice and analysis obtained to determine what conditions would allow to recover the severance, Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) said. A civic spokesman said Wednesday that because of the RCMP investigation, the city would not say what efforts are being made, if any, to recover the severance payment. Eadie said Katz must shoulder some of the blame for allowing Sheegl to leave with a severance, adding its clear from Tappers comments that Katz was aware Sheegl had violated the employee code of conduct. Eadie said that during a recent meeting with Mayor Brian Bowman, a city employee told them Sheegl had been the subject of an investigation for breaching the citys employee code of conduct prior to his resignation. Eadie said, given the timing of Sheegls resignation, he suspects the investigation involved the findings of the audit into the fire paramedic station replacement program and the cost overruns associated with the police headquarters project. aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca If reports are anything to go by, Ilayathalapathy Vijay will be seen playing triple roles in the upcoming film with director Atlee. By India Today Web Desk: After the theri-fic success of the cop thriller Theri, Vijay and Atlee are reuniting for a yet-untitled outing, which has already piqued the curiosity quotient among fans. Interestingly, rumour has it that Ilayathalapathy will be essaying triple roles for the first time in his career. While there isn't any confirmation from the makers, reports also suggest that Vijay will be seen in an aged makeover- that of a father and two sons. It must be noted that the project has three heroines- Nithya Menen, Kajal Aggarwal and Samantha playing the leading ladies. advertisement According to a report in DC, Atlee, who was planning to shot the film in the US, has changed the script a bit, thanks to President Donald Trump's immigration policy. To be bankrolled by Sri Thenandal Films, Vijay 61 is penned by veteran screenwriter KV Vijayendra Prasad, who is known for his blockbusters like Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Magadheera. Meanwhile, Vijay's leaked picture from the sets of the film was a hit on the internet. Vijay 61 is expected to release in the second half of this year. Nandi Awards 2012-2013- Rajamouli bags Best Director, Prabhas wins Best Actor SEE PICS: Kamal Haasan meets Queen Elizabeth II at UK-India 2017 ALSO READ: Queen Elizabeth II will watch Baahubali 2 before you can --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 01/03/2017 (2076 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After their cab broke down three times on the way to the Winnipeg airport several weeks ago, it took Joanne Lussier-Demers and her husband, Marc, almost as long to get to the airport as it would have taken to fly to their destination. Except they missed their flight to Montreal and had to wait five hours for another flight. Lussier-Demers said the Unicity taxi that picked up the couple at 8 a.m. on Jan. 23 at their St. Vital home never got them to the airport. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Joanne Lussier-Demers with a copy of an email regarding a dispute she is having with Unicity Taxi. After being stranded for a third time and time running out to make their 9:40 a.m. flight, Lussier-Demers said it became clear the driver did not call for another taxi to get them. They had repeatedly asked him to summon another car and they thought he had done so. Lussier-Demers said she contacted Unicity Taxi via phone calls and an email seeking answers from Unicity manager Lori Lemky. She said Lemky called her the day after she threatened to go to the media and apologized, saying the driver should have called for a back-up cab, and said she would send them taxi vouchers. She has not heard from Unicity since and no vouchers have arrived. It is disappointing. Nothing is being offered other than one apology, Lussier-Demers said. It makes me feel that theres no customer service. Yeah, sorry it happened but theres no consequence or explanation. It seems like, for them, theyre hoping that Im just going to go away and be quiet, she said. In an emailed response, Lemky confirmed she offered an apology to Lussier-Demers but did not respond when asked about the promise of taxi vouchers. I did speak with Joanne over the phone and I apologized on behalf of the company and driver. We feel terrible that she missed her flight, Lemky said in the email. After I spoke to her I wanted to speak with the driver as well. He was hoping to complete the trip himself but regrets his decision and understands that he should have called another taxi for them right away. Lussier-Demers said they thought the driver was calling for another cab because he was speaking on his phone with someone in a language that was neither English nor French. But he did not speak to them, she said. I just dont know (why he didnt call for another car). If hed called a dispatcher, you would think it would be in English. To me, all we could think of later was that he was just trying to see how he could reboot the (electric) car, Lussier-Demers said. In her email, Lemky said the time crunch was the couples fault because they did not leave their home early enough. The Winnipeg Airport recommends passengers arrive a minimum of one and a half hours before departure time. Joanne booked the cab for 8 a.m. and the driver was on time however he had to wait for them. They didnt come out right at 8 a.m. Our GPS system shows the car leaving their home at 8:17 a.m., Lemky stated in her email. The direct flight to Montreal was leaving at 9:40 they simply didnt give themselves enough time. Other delays like traffic and weather were not factored in. Unicity Taxi and The Taxi Industry has no policy for missed flights. Lussier-Demers said Air Canada recommends a check-in at least 45 minutes before the flight and they came out at 8 a.m., but the cab was broken down in their driveway. She estimated they waited 15 minutes for the driver to get it going. They travelled as far as Jubilee Avenue before the car broke down again. The cab quit running a third time near Pembina Highway at the underpass. This time, Lussier-Demers said her husband called another cab himself. Another taxi showed up and they arrived at the airport at about 9:20 a.m. but were too late. They waited over five hours for the next flight. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Progressive Conservative government has introduced legislation to broaden the role of Manitobas childrens advocate in line with recommendations from the inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair. The Advocate for Children and Youth Act (Bill 9) would expand the mandate of the advocates office, allowing it to provide services to a wider group of children and youth not just those who have come into contact with child and family services. If passed, the legislation would also allow the office to advocate for children and youth receiving disability services, mental health and addiction services, victim support services, criminal justice services, and those requiring individual education plans. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The three volumes of The Legacy of Phoenix Sinclair, Achieving the Best for All Our Children report by The Hon. Ted Hughes. Bill 9 would also allow the advocate to release reports into child deaths that, according to current legislation, are now only passed on to the families minister, the Chief Medical Examiners Office and the provincial Ombudsman. The advocate would also be empowered to review serious injuries in addition to deaths of vulnerable children and youth involved in the child welfare, mental health, addictions and justice systems. Furthermore, the office would be able to advocate for young adults, aged 18 to 21, who as children received services under the Child and Family Services Act. What this is about is ensuring the safety of our children said Families Minister Scott Fielding after introducing the legislation on Thursday. He said it will give the advocates office more autonomy and flexibility in carrying out its role. Allowing for the public release of special investigative reports will provide more openness and transparency, he added. Theres always a balancing act between privacy and the citizens right to know. And so we think weve hit a good balance between the two, Fielding told reporters. The minister would not comment on the potential need for additional funding for the advocates office in line with its broader mandate. The advocate reports directly to the legislative assembly and not to the government of the day. The minister said an all-party committee would decide whether increased funding is necessary. Childrens advocate Darlene MacDonald, who had pressed both the former NDP government and the new Pallister government to enact the recommendations from the Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry report, said she was very pleased with the bill and hoped it would receive quick passage. She said she is also happy that the proposed legislation changes the name of her office to the Advocate for Children and Youth. She said the offices current name rankles with older kids. Certainly the youth have told us before they dont want to be referred to as children, she said. As for whether her office may need a bigger budget, MacDonald pointed out that the new legislation also gives the office more discretion over the depth of reporting that it does on child deaths. Under current legislation, the office must review all deaths involving kids who received child welfare services even those who died of natural causes. In the past year, the office completed 52 child death reviews. Other jurisdictions publicly report on a dozen or so, MacDonald said. She said the new legislation would allow the office to focus greater attention on deaths that show gaps in services and less on others. I may be able to use my resources somewhat differently, she said. Phoenix Sinclair was murdered by her mother and stepfather at Fisher River Cree Nation in June 2005. She had been in CFS care. The official inquiry into her death was announced in the fall of 2006, but was put off until the criminal charges arising from her death were dealt with. Commissioner Ted Hughes submitted his report to the province in December 2013. It was released by the former NDP government in January 2014. Thirteen of the inquirys 62 recommendations called on the government to strengthen and expand the scope of the childrens advocate. On Thursday, NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine said Bill 9 is virtually identical to legislation she introduced as a private member in the last session. She said if the Progressive Conservatives had voted for her bill, the reforms could have come into effect sooner. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brian Giesbrechts commentary Reserves an artificial creation, but too lucrative to leave behind (Feb. 24) makes evident the need for personal and collective education around the history of the treaties and reserves. Rather than inspiring us to work towards more considerate and informed dialogue, Giesbrechts generalizations and misleading interpretation of history do not advance mutually respectful relationships. Giesbrecht presents a narrow perspective on reserves and one that is not historically accurate. Consider, as an example, Peguis First Nation a signatory of Treaty One and the St. Peters Reserve set aside for that First Nation. Treaty One, signed in 1871, includes various provisions, setting out rights and benefits for the Crown as well as for the Indigenous Nations. Reserves for the sole and exclusive use of the Indians were one of the terms negotiated by the parties to the treaty. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A view of the Peguis First Nation community. Reserves are a treaty right. The purpose of the reserves was to lay aside land for the First Nations before the surrounding country was opened-up for settlement. Giesbrecht writes that the reserves are artificial creations of the federal government meant to be temporary sanctuaries for aboriginal people. While that may represent the hidden agenda of some politicians and civil servants at the time, it was not what was discussed and agreed between the parties at the treaty negotiations. It is essential to understand the terms of the treaties from the perspectives of all signatories. For example, elder Harry Bone explains the meaning of reserves in the book he wrote with Doris Pratt and other treaty and Dakota elders. Reserves ishkonigan short for gigii-mii ishkonaamin in Ojibway means we left this land aside for ourselves. Treaty One, the agreements with the Red River Metis set out in the Manitoba Act and other treaties with indigenous people made Manitoba and Canada possible. As stated in the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), without treaties, Canada would have no legitimacy as a Nation. Treaties between indigenous nations and the Crown established the legal and constitutional foundation of this country. Peguis First Nation (called the St. Peters Band in the text of Treaty One as recorded by Canada) selected land for reserve (the St. Peters Reserve) on both sides of the Red River just north of the present-day city of Selkirk, including the river lots where members of the First Nation were already settled. This was some of the best land in the Red River settlement with good quality soil for farming, extensive hay lands and access to water, fish, fuel wood, gravel, furbearers and other valuable economic resources. Rather than being isolated, when the treaty was negotiated Peguis members were living side by side with Metis and non-aboriginal neighbours, and were engaged in farming, trades, commerce, fishing and other resource-harvesting activities. Giesbrecht refers to a grab-bag of special hunting and fishing rights and seems to link those rights to reserves. The continuing right of the First Nations to harvest resources in their traditional territories is a treaty right that is separate from the reserve entitlement. Both the Crown and the indigenous parties to Treaty One understood this. Shortly after the treaty was signed, the government of Canada began to unilaterally make rules that hindered economic activity and restricted how the people could use the land in the reserves, such as preventing the sale of agricultural products to off-reserve markets. Over the years that followed, the Crown (both Canada and Manitoba) continued to take actions that impeded and undermined the abilities of First Nations to govern, manage and use their lands, as well as exercise their treaty and aboriginal rights. We will never know if the St. Peters Reserve would have morphed into an ordinary rural municipality as suggested by Giesbrecht, or what the community might be like today, had the governments not hobbled economic activity and social development. The Crown conspired to illegally take the St. Peters Reserve in 1907, sell the land in the reserve and relocate members to a new reserve in the Interlake region, known as Peguis Reserve 1B. It is worth noting that the individual who orchestrated the illegal vote that resulted in the surrender of the St. Peters Reserve was Hector Howell, Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of Appeal. From this short historical context and contribution, it is clear that there is so much for many of us to learn. This starts by listening to indigenous peope about what is good for them and not telling them. That type of behaviour has been going on for far too long. Instead, let the Truth and Reconcilliation Commission be the guide: Too many Canadians still do not know the history of Aboriginal peoples contributions to Canada, or understand that by virtue of the historical and modern treaties negotiated by our government, we are all treaty people. History plays an important role in reconciliation; to build for the future, Canadians must look to, and learn from, the past. James Thomas is senior adviser to HTFC Planning and Design, which worked with Peguis First Nation on the St. Peters Surrender Claim negotiations that culminated in a settlement agreement with Canada in 2010. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It may be very difficult for the federal Conservatives to throw stones at the Liberals if Kevin OLeary becomes leader. It would appear the television personality and businessman has been tapped as the David to the Liberals Goliath Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. No doubt, Mr. Trudeau has engaged in questionable ethical practices. His Christmas visit with the Agha Khan for one thing after all, he and his family along with his Liberal friends were wined and dined in the Bahamas, even taking a private helicopter to the island. Oh, that was great fodder for days for the Conservatives, until it was revealed that interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose had also spent the Christmas break on a billionaires yacht. Suddenly, there was no shade to throw. PAUL CHIASSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Conservative leadership candidate Kevin OLeary Talk about glass houses. Sure, Mr. Trudeau is vulnerable. His partys use of cash-for-access fundraisers made for terrible optics, particularly after Mr. Trudeau first denied there was anything wrong with these $1,500-per-ticket fundraisers or that they provided special access to politicians. Then he claimed he used the events to get support for policies on behalf of the middle class. He has now pledged legislation that will ban them in the future. Imagine Mr. OLeary is now Conservative leader. How could he attack the Liberals or Mr. Trudeau on this topic, when Mr. OLeary himself demands a minimum $50,000 an appearance and wont show up for anything less? Or that Mr. OLeary acknowledged in the Globe and Mail that he is backing an Alberta-British Columbia pipeline after one of its supporters helped raise $100,000 for the OLeary campaign? Thats truly bought-and-paid-for access. Imagine the Conservatives trying to take a shot at Mr. Trudeaus privileged upbringing and his life as an elite, with Mr. OLearys penchant for private jets, his US$30,000-an-episode salary for Shark Tank and his millionaire lifestyle? Or how about the Conservatives trying to tackle Mr. Trudeaus lack of experience, when Mr. OLeary has never run for public office and has never worked within government. In fact, Mr. OLeary has many targets on his back that Liberal strategists are likely salivating over. Mr. OLeary has publicly stated he considers Boston his home. After a Conservative campaign denouncing former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff as just visiting in 2011, those attack ads just write themselves. His business dealings havent been entirely successful either. His company, OLeary Funds, performed poorly and was sold in 2015 after losing close to $800 million in assets. He was fired by Mattel and was later named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit by Mattel shareholders accusing him in part of insider trading. He denied those claims and Mattel settled with the shareholders in 2003. There are other examples. A great deal of time has been spent comparing Mr. OLeary to U.S. President Donald Trump. But the first month of the Trump presidency may make Mr. OLeary an even tougher sell for those within the Conservative party looking for an opportunity to beat Mr. Trudeau. Mr. Trumps declaration that nobody knew health care could be so complicated is just one more cringe-worthy quote from someone who had no experience and no understanding of the difference between business and government. Canadian politicians should always be careful about building glass houses, but in the case of Mr. OLeary, its more like a glass mansion. Health officials at Winona Area Public Schools credit a rigorous immunization plan for preventing disorder like the kind at Rochester public schools, where administrators have blocked several dozen students from attending class in the past two days. The Rochester district last week issued an ultimatum to the families of 204 students who were in violation of a Minnesota law requiring K-12 students be vaccinated or officially exempt. On Wednesday, the district notified the families of 80 students that they would not be allowed at school until they were in compliance with the law. Meanwhile, there hasnt been any situation of the sort in Winona. We have a really tight plan with immunization, and weve certainly never had a mass situation like this, said Mitzi Girtler, a licensed school nurse and the coordinator of health services at Winona public schools. The district occasionally has to turn away a student or two, she said, but seldom does it take longer than a day for them to comply and return. Girtler said the districts immunization plan focuses on three groups of students: incoming kindergartners, incoming seventh-graders, and students of all grades entering the district. With incoming kindergartners and seventh-graders, the district contacts families months before the new school year begins, explaining their responsibilities under the law. If a student is new to the district, school officials meet individually with his or her family. Often, families that are slow to comply with the law also struggle with money, transportation and language barriers. Girtler said school nurses work individually with them, offering families the resources they need to get their children vaccinated. We work hard at it, because its so important, she said. Newborn babies, especially, are those we need to protect. We dont have any at school, but we have them in our community. We also need to protect students who cant be vaccinated for health reasons. Students can attend school without being vaccinated if their parent or guardian obtains a statement from a physician, or if their parent or guardian produces a notarized statement saying vaccinations run counter to their conscientiously held beliefs. Nearly 100,000 more Minnesotans are certified to pack heat than there were just two years ago, including nearly twice as many Winona County residents. At the close of 2016, about 260,300 Minnesota citizens held permits to carry a concealed weapon, compared with about 165,300 in 2014. Minnesota issued more permits to carry firearms in 2016 than in any year since the state started issuing permits 13 years ago, the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Wednesday. In Winona County, 2,449 people have permits to carry, with 779 new permits issued in 2016. In 2014, the total number of Winona County permit holders was 1,314. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued its annual report of handgun permits March 1. According to the report, Minnesota sheriffs departments granted 71,156 permits last year. Thats nearly 60 percent more permits than given in 2015. By law, any Minnesotan who meet the requirements of the law has the right to carry a handgun as they go about their daily business. Individuals who want a handgun carry permit can apply at their local sheriffs office and must provide proof of approved firearms training. Sheriffs departments then check FBI, state and local records for any disqualifying information, such as criminal records or documented or self-reported violent behavior. Individuals who are denied a permit have the right to appeal, though few do, according to BCA stats. The BCAs report says sheriffs departments denied 650 permits last year and revoked 56. It says more than 80 percent of the nearly 1,500 crimes committed by permit holders in 2016 were drunken driving or traffic offenses. The report further notes the number of instances of lawful and justifiable use of firearms by a permit holder. In 2016, that number for the entire state of Minnesota was two. The FBI tracks the number of background checks performed for gun purchases. It is recognized as the closest indicator of gun sales, but doesnt directly indicate how many guns are sold. Thats because not every check results in a sale and a person can buy more than one gun at a time. Nationwide, there were big jumps in background check numbers in 2008 and 2012 when Democrat Barack Obama was elected president and reelected. And the gun lobby painted Obama as someone who opposed the Second Amendment. It may be that in 2016, more people went out and bought guns because they thought Hilary Clinton, another Democrat, was going to win and pass laws that would restrict gun purchases. There are other reasons for spikes in gun sales and permit applications. One of those jumps in gun purchases occurred after a gunman killed 49 people in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., last year. Steve Dyer, an analyst who follows the firearms industry for the Minneapolis investment firm Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, said this and other mass shootings can result in spikes in gun sales, particularly for the types of guns used in the killings. The state Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with local chambers across the state, are again pushing lawmakers for business tax relief in 2017. The Chamber's largest concern is with the business statewide property tax, a fixed annual cost for all businesses that goes into the states general fund coffers. The tax, which the Chamber has argued limits growth and is an unnecessary burden, was first collected in 2002, pulling in about $585 million, according to Chamber figures. That number increased to $863 million last year, through automatic increases of about $40 million. Jim Pumarlo, director of communications for the Minnesota Chamber, said Wednesday that reducing and eventually removing the tax would help businesses of all sizes without harming local tax revenues. Pumarlo said that at the very least, chambers in the state would like to see the automatic increases removed. We dont think any tax should be on autopilot, Pumarlo said. The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses owners have put themselves behind the cause as well. Brad Peterson, owner of Winona-based Mississippi Welders Supply Co., said they and other businesses have to make up the tax cost in other areas, which doesnt help them compete or stay profitable. Any relief is good, Peterson said. I feel the pressure every day to be competitive. Minnesota is in the top 10 states for a number of different types of taxes, which Pumarlo said isnt necessary. The chamber is also promoting a legislative proposal that would ban local municipalities from mandating wages or other worker benefits. The Uniform State Labor Standards Act is currently proposed in bills in both the Minnesota House and Senate, and would explicitly prohibit local units of government from enacting their own minimum wage laws and mandates on business. Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, co-authored the Senate version of the bill and said it would help cut down on excessive regulation and confusion that could happen if cities and municipalities independently set their own wage and benefit mandates. The bills are in response to initiatives in Minneapolis, St. Paul and other cities seeking to increase the minimum wage, and in some places set standards for sick leave and other benefits. Pumarlo and other supporters say that would, in addition to being an administrative nightmare for businesses, it would reduce the bargaining for benefits he says currently happens in companies. To have a one-size-fits-all eliminates the ability employers have right now to sit down with employees, Pumarlo said. Its impractical. It is unclear whether a bill would make it past the Gov. Mark Dayton. After the first bill was introduced in the House in early February, Dayton said he would look at a bill that balanced issues such as the current minimum wage and family sick leave around the state to benefit workers as well as employers, but called current iteration one-sided in favor of businesses. The Chamber is also lobbying for use of a portion of the state's budget surplus, announced Tuesday at $1.65 billion, for tax relief. Pumarlo said that the 2017 legislative session has an opportunity to put more money into reducing taxes around the state. Theres some really good opportunities to bring some strategic tax relief, Pumarlo said. Word spread through town quickly 20 years ago, quietly, swelling the silent knot of people on the riverbank to a crowd. Police, sheriffs deputies and emergency workers, weary from a four-day search, held the crowd back from the waters edge as the roof of the dark green Nissan Pathfinder broke the surface of the icy Mississippi. Blankets, held up by cops and firemen offered a measure of privacy as the bodies of four young people were carried from the Nissan to waiting ambulances. It would be another two days before the river would give up the last of the five who lost their lives in the early hours of March 1, 1997. Three young women, two young men and two dogs drove away from the Saint Marys University campus for a Friday night of fun. Timothy Stapleton, 25, and Jason Collins, 24, both 1995 SMU graduates, were in town for the weekend. They were visiting Anne Locher, 22, Susan Wall, 21, and Mary Clare Karnick, 21, all SMU seniors with plans to graduate in May. Friends would describe them as adventurous, fun-loving and spontaneous. Locher and Collins had been dating for about a year, and the group was a familiar sight on the college campus. In the days to come, friends and acquaintances would struggle to recall any indication that anything out of the ordinary was planned, but without success. It was a typical Friday night out for young adults in Winona. The last time anyone recalled seeing them was about 1:15 a.m. in the area of Second and Third streets. Its not unheard of for college students and their friends to not make it home after a long Friday night, but as Saturday morning stretched into afternoon and evening approached with no word from anyone, friends and roommates became concerned. It wasnt like any of them to simply not show up for work and other plans. They notified college authorities, who notified the police. Stapleton was known to take the Nissan four-wheeling, and authorities speculated that frozen Lake Winona may have held a fatal attraction for fun-seeking young people. Known weak spots in the ice and stretches of open water were probed from above and searched by divers from below. They came up with nothing. Searchers took to the air, using helicopters and small planes to survey the back roads and backwaters, searching for the green Pathfinder stalled in a remote valley or shattered ice on an isolated slough. They found nothing. On the ground, volunteers in vehicles and on foot probed for 35 miles in all directions but saw nothing. After searching the Mississippi backwaters by airboat Wednesday afternoon, Jack Kanz and Craig Lange headed their craft toward the harbor at Dicks Marine, directly across the main channel from Winona. Glancing back, Kanz spotted what looked like tire tracks coming over the dike in the area of Huff Street. Jeff and Dick Kanz went to the spot, where they found a hubcap and some green auto parts near the river. A local auto dealer confirmed the hubcap was from a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle rested on the river bottom, 30 feet from shore in 15 feet of water about 200 feet west of the Interstate Bridge. The bodies of Wall, Locher, Karnick, and Collins were recovered from inside the vehicle, and the bodies of the two labs were found in their carrier, attached to the vehicle roof. It appeared that Stapleton had managed to escape through the Pathfinders sunroof but did not survive the crash. His body was recovered on Friday, just east of the bridge. Drowning was the cause of death reported by the Winona County coroner. March 1, 1997, 3:22 a.m. the time of the last recorded signal from Timothy Stapletons cell phone was recorded as the official time of death. Released a month after the crash, a Minnesota State Patrol reconstruction of the accident indicated the Pathfinder approached the curve where Huff Street becomes Riverview Drive in a light drizzle, traveling at 41 to 49 mph. There was no sign that the driver attempted to brake or negotiate the curve. Investigators were unable to determine who was driving at the time of impact. Legal wrangling delayed the release of the blood-alcohol content of the five victims until September, when Winona District Court Judge Lawrence T. Collins ruled the results of the investigation were public information. The test results showed all five were legally intoxicated. We will never get over the loss, SMU President Brother Louis DeThomasis said, a year after the tragedy. I say to myself, Did we really lose these young people, and why did we lose them? After 20 years, there is still no answer. The India Today Conclave, in its 16th edition, expects to trigger a wave of free and fresh thinking as it explores the concept of 'The Great Disruption'. By India Today Web Desk: When some of the best minds in art, sports, business and politics come together on a stage, fierce debates and thought-provoking discussions are the order of the day. The India Today Conclave, in its 16th edition, expects to trigger a wave of free and fresh thinking as it explores the concept of 'The Great Disruption'. In a first, the Conclave will be held in Mumbai from March 17-18. advertisement Some of the finest experts will be on stage--thought leaders who analyse our age, politicians who determine our headlines, policy makers who shape our future, and entertainers who sprinkle stardust on our mundane existence. The list of speakers is as diverse as it gets, from President of India Pranab Mukherjee and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. With the spotlight on country's financial capital, it's only fair that those who have mastered the art of doing business speak at the Conclave. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and HFDC Chairman Deepak Parekh will speak at the two-day event. Bollywood's evergreen superstar Amitabh Bachchan and 'Badshah' Shah Rukh Khan along with actors Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt and Kalki Koechlin will explore the changing landscape of cinema. Conclave Director Kalli Purie said, "This edition of the India Today Conclave is a progressive and directional platform that aims to contribute in rebuilding the disrupted social order. We believe that significant conversations are the way to generate solutions and the Conclave promotes just that." --- ENDS --- Baraboo High School students enjoyed a few moments of serenity Wednesday amid a week of ACT testing and other stresses that come with high school life. During the high schools second annual Mental Wellness Day, the entire student body was invited to participate in a handful of programs that promoted mental health and well-being. About 10 speakers led sessions throughout the day that focused on anything from physical exercise and yoga to classes on mental illness warning signs and anxiety management. Baraboo High School counselor Kathy Thornburgh said the day is intended to provide students with good information about mental health. Part of the day is dedicated to ending stigmas surrounding mental health issues, she said. We want students to be as comfortable talking about mental illness as they would a physical illness. In addition to working as a counselor for the high school, Thornburgh is a national trainer for Mental Health First Aid, a program that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Im a big advocate for individuals with mental illnesses, she said. The idea behind Mental Wellness Day began more than a year ago as a conversation between Thornburgh and fellow high school counselor Ann Renn. Thornburgh said they wanted to provide students who werent participating in ACT testing with a means to stay occupied, while learning a few methods to foster positive mental health. I hope everyone comes away with some tools to handle everyday stressors and anxiety in their life, she said. At the beginning of Mental Wellness Day, students were divided into groups and rotated between hour-long wellness sessions, which were set up at various locations throughout the high school. One session led by Baraboo High School special education teacher Shelley Mordini taught students three mediation techniques to relax the mind and body. In addition to mediation and reflexology, Mordini invited students to smell various natural oils as a way to reduce stress using aromatherapy. While he wasnt a fan of some scents, senior Connor Clary said he found the session enlightening. Its pretty interesting, honestly, he said. Certain ones help you relax. During a different session, students learned about a teen healthcare advocacy program based in Dane County called Providers and Teens Communicating for Health, or PATCH. The programs teenage educators led a discussion about the importance of communicating with healthcare providers and encouraged students to stay informed and take control of their medical needs. Baraboo Hope House prevention project coordinator Nola Pastor was responsible for bringing the PATCH instructors to the high school and said she hopes students came away from the session with a sense of empowerment. I think a lot of times we struggle with how to treat teens in ways that are protective of the fact that theyre still young and in some ways vulnerable, but also that they do have a lot of agency and are really smart and capable, and they deserve to be able to make a lot of decisions, she said. Baraboo Anytime Fitness club manager Jed Strobel led a different session that taught students how to combat stress and anxiety through exercise. Strobel said the program was intended to provide students with another tool to promote mental health. Exercising is so good for mental health, he said. I hope they discovered some ways they can combat the mental stress that comes with being a student in this social environment. When you read your weekly or daily newspaper, do you read the minutes from a school board meeting or the details of an ordinance passed by your municipality? All of these notices can be found in the public notice section of your local newspaper. In the age of the Internet, a debate is growing as to whether or not these notices still need to be published in the newspaper or if they can simply be posted on your local government website. On one side, school districts, municipalities, and counties have been steady in their push to put their notices online. Their argument? Its less expensive to put notices online than to publish them in the local newspaper. On the other side, the newspaper industry is adamant that published notices allow the public to effortlessly access what local government is doing. They argue that by eliminating local newspapers from the equation, government transparency will take a hit. The elimination of printed notices in the newspaper has been gaining steam. In his budget, Governor Walker has proposed that the state be required to publish only certain notices in the newspaper for an estimated savings of $24,000 over the next biennium. This will also apply to school districts, municipalities and counties. No longer will local governments be required to publish a printed version of meeting minutes and other public notices on local ordinances. Everything would be moved online with the exception of any document that is intended to inform an individual of an opportunity to exercise a right such as election documents, referenda, notices of public hearing before a governmental body, and notices of meetings of private and public bodies. These will still need to be published in the newspaper. My professional background gives me a unique perspective on this issue. I was a newspaper editor for 25 years and can see the value of public notices, and Ive also been the mayor of the city of Dodgeville since 2012 and understand how much it costs to publish notices. As a local and state government official, I want the public to have as much information as possible. It doesnt matter if they gather their information from a government website or if they read it in the public notice section of the local newspaper. In many areas of the state, newspapers are the lifeblood of a community and sometimes the only convenient source of information. By allowing the electronic option, we are cutting off a source of information to our constituents, our taxpayers, and the people who hold us accountable. At this time, the savings obtained by not publishing notices does not outweigh the publics right to know. As the Joint Finance Committee works on the governors budget, it is my hope they remove anything related to the elimination of the publication of government notices. We can still debate the merits of this issue, but it should be as stand-alone legislation where it can be discussed at the committee level and on the floor of both the assembly and senate. Access to government should never be diminished, and I fear that once we start down this road it may become a slippery slope. Vice President Mike Pence is planning to visit Janesville on Friday, his first visit to the state since taking office. Gov. Scott Walker confirmed Wednesday that the former Indiana governor will be in the state early in the day. Walker will not be at the event because he will be traveling out of state Thursday and Friday to meet with House Republicans and with House and Senate leaders to discuss health care in Washington. I think its great, Walker said of the visit. The president talked about coming to Wisconsin a few weeks ago. I hope he comes back. Walker, who spent the past week in Washington attending a conservative conference and a National Governors Association series of events at the White House, said President Donald Trump has been repeating the story that he told during his speech to Congress on Tuesday about turning down an offer to ride a Harley-Davidson. Trump mentioned the company in the context of finding ways to help American companies sell their products in foreign markets. I dont think the Secret Service would let him do that, but it would be fun to get him on one, said Walker, a Harley owner who has toured Iowa and New Hampshire on a motorcycle. Id love to show him, even if its just around the White House, but he doesnt stop talking about that. He loves that. Trump previously scheduled and then abruptly canceled an economic speech in Milwaukee last month. Both Trump and Pence visited the State Fairgrounds in West Allis for a rally in December after becoming the first Republican presidential ticket to win the state since Ronald Reagan and George Bush in 1984. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the details of the visit. A former Pardeeville teacher appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court in one drug-related case, while another is pending in Waushara County. Andrew Sexton, 31, had his bond hearing in court on Wednesday afternoon, charged with felony bail jumping and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Sexton, who was hired by the Pardeeville Area School District as a business education teacher on May 23, 2016, was cited after a sergeant and deputy with the Columbia County Sheriffs Officer were called to the Pardeeville High School. The issue began when school administrators received an anonymous suggestion referring them to the online Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program, CCAP, which showed that Sexton had been charged with four drug offenses in Waushara County: one count of felony possession of GHB, GB, Ketamine or Flunitraz, one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana, one count of misdemeanor possession of amphetamine, LSD or psilocin, and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop in which Sexton was arrested on May 31, 2016. Pardeeville administrators pursued an investigation after the arrest was brought to their attention. Obviously the nature of the alleged allegation was such that we needed to dig into this, said District Superintendent Gus Knitt. As a public education thing, there may be an obligation to notify the Department of Public Instruction. While discussing the matter with the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, Knitt said, the officer asked if it would be allowed to bring a K9 unit to the school, and Knitt agreed, and it snowballed from there. The K9 unit arrived and searched the school parking lot, with the dog apparently finding something in an SUV that Sexton had been driving. When this had been mentioned to Sexton, the officer reported, Sexton turned over his keys for a search of the vehicle. In the center console officers found a cuticle scissors with what appeared to be dried, black marijuana residue on the tip from cleaning a pipe and green specks. Sexton told officers that he had several people in his vehicle when he had gone hunting earlier, including his brother who is from Oregon and smoked pot, but he himself had not smoked in years. We were in the process of getting information from Waushara County when he decided to resign, said Knitt, who let Sexton know that he would be on leave on Dec. 2. His formal written resignation was accepted Dec. 8. Sexton is scheduled for a status conference in Waushara County on March 7 and a jury trial on March 10, with another case stemming from May 31 pending including one count of possession of amphetamine, LSD or psilocin, filed on Feb. 21. On Wednesday Sexton was allowed to remain free on a $1,000 signature bond in his Columbia County case and was ordered to appear in court May 4 a hearing. A Sun Prairie man is being held in Columbia County Jail on $25,000 cash bond, accused of running an illegal side business from the Columbus auto body shop where we worked. Richard M. Clark, 42, of Sun Prairie, appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court on Tuesday charged with two counts of felony theft and five counts of felony fraud, carrying a potential sentence of more than 40 years in prison. The case stems from a call to the Columbus Police Department on Feb. 7 in which the president of Napleton Chevrolet Buick accused Clark, who had been fired that day, of stealing from the company. Clark was the dealers body shop manager, hired in November as a holdover from the dealerships change from Frank Porth Chevrolet Buick to Napleton. In his position, Clark oversaw repair orders, estimates, parts orders, supplies, and billing hours to the payroll system. Over several weeks, the company president told officers, he had noticed irregularities which led him to go over Clarks work, which led him to suspect misappropriation of labor and material, then to a Craigs List advertisement in which it appeared that Clark was promoting discount services at the shop. Investigation led officers to highlight seven projects in the criminal complaint drawn up by the Columbia County District Attorneys Office. Those include a vehicle that had been worked on by a local sandblasting contractor, who reportedly provided officers with a chain of texts and emails showing the work he had been hired to do on a 1975 Chevy Caprice. The contractor said he had not been paid for his work on the car, which had been finished on Jan. 5. The labor billed and paid by Napleton was $1,480, while the work done by the contractor totaled $1,575. The contractor told officers that he had contacted Clark through Craigs List and that the situation had been a significant burden on his new business. The loss to the dealership was totaled at $13,147.10 as well as $2,635 worth of missing tools. Clark had similar issues in the past, according to court documents with a conviction for a fraud-related charge on Sept. 30, 2013, in Pender County, North Carolina. Clark is scheduled to appear in court next for a preliminary hearing on March 9. People who spoke out against ripping up Columbia County farmland to make way for new highways can breathe a sigh of relief. Officials of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced that a study of the Interstate 39-90-94 corridor between Madison and Portage has been scrapped and along with it, a proposal to build reliever highways also is dead for the foreseeable future. Leeds Town Chairman James Foley said he received, by email, a letter from Robert Knorr, DOT project manager, on Tuesday, announcing the end of the corridor study, which began in 2014. The reason given for the cancelation was recent and ongoing reprioritization of major transportation projects, on the part of the DOT and the Federal Highway Administration. But Foley who also is chairman of the Columbia County Boards Highway Committee said he thinks the strong citizen opposition, expressed at packed public meetings, played a part in the decision. With all the public input, I think it does have an impact, he said. You cant ignore it. In December, more than 100 people filled every available chair in the Leeds Town Hall gymnasium for a meeting with DOT officials to discuss options for relieving traffic congestion on the interstate corridor between Madison and Portage. The interstate is more than 50 years old, and it is no longer adequate to carry the traffic that it carries including heavy tourist traffic in Columbia County on summer weekends. Also, on any given day, semi-tractor-trailers account for between 20 percent and 28 percent of the traffic on the interstate corridor. One of the options on the table at the time entailed building a reliever highway to divert some of the traffic (mostly drivers coming from the east) away from the existing roadway. The reliever for which there were four proposed routes would have started east of Madison and end at about the area where I-39 veers north toward Portage. At the Leeds meeting, and at several similar meetings in Columbia and Dane counties, residents expressed objection to the loss of farmland, and to the potential environmental impact, that would come with a reliever road. When DOT officials spoke to the Columbia County Board of Supervisors in January, the reaction was equally strong. Supervisor Fred Teitgen of the town of Dekorra asked a direct question: What does it take to kill any further consideration of this additional right-of-way reliever system? Neither Knorr nor Brandon Lamers, supervisor for the DOTs Major Studies Team for the Southwest Region, could be reached for comment Wednesday. However, Knorrs letter suggested that money likely played a role in the decision to scrap the corridor study. A cost estimate for a reliever road had not yet been made, but the federal government would likely have paid the lions share of the cost and the availability of federal highway money in the next several years or decades is anything but certain. Also, Foley noted, the Wisconsin DOT is having its own challenges with coming up with enough money to do all the road projects on its agenda. State Rep. Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, chairman of the Assemblys Transportation Committee, suggested in a statement Tuesday that the objections expressed by rural landowners played a major role in the decision to end the interstate corridor study. This decision, Ripp wrote, is a significant victory for families, farmers, landowners, local communities, small businesses, and the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station. I am thankful for all of the neighbors and residents that participated in this process by attending various public meetings and communicating your thoughts to me. I shared many of the same concerns as my constituents regarding this project, because each proposed plan would have significantly impacted both Columbia and Dane counties. Knorr noted, in his letter announcing the studys end, that the DOT would begin a new process, to study replacing the I-39-90-94 bridge over the Wisconsin River, which is nearing the end of its useful life. Working closely with India on anti-terrorism assistance, the US will be introducing two new courses for police officers this year. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Stringent immigration norms and the recent killing of an Indian techie in Kansas have got India anxious about US President Donald Trump's inward-looking policy. However, on the security front, India and the US are working towards strengthening bilateral ties. Working closely with India on anti-terrorism assistance, the US will be introducing two new courses for police officers this year. These new courses will be on cyber security and maritime security. advertisement ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INDIA-US COOPERATION ON INTERNAL SECURITY: Officers are already enlisted for six courses under the anti-terrorism assistance (ATA). These courses have been an integral part of the bilateral cooperation on internal security between the two countries. Over the years, more courses have been added to the ATA list. A delegation of US Embassy officials met officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs in North Block on Wednesday. Christopher J Gillis, Senior Regional Security Officer at US Department of State and Stephen P Goldip, coordinator, met officials at the MHA to streamline the processes for the upcoming courses and discuss the new ones. India is a strategic partner of the United States in its war against global jihad and terror. With terror groups like ISIS using Internet to reach out to potential recruits in India, the ATA courses are seen as extremely relevant. This year's ATA course includes subjects like Investigating the Dark Web (IDW), Hostage Negotiation Training, and Terrorist Crime Scene Investigation, among others. The Ministry of Home Affairs is also contemplating on sending a team of National Security Guard's (NSG) anti-terror and anti- hijack officers for a similar ATA course to be held in Jordan this year. In the wake of increasing threats from fidayeen and lone-wolf attacks, the US had conducted a Suicide Bomber Prevention Course at Andhra Pradesh Police Academy in Hyderabad. A senior official at MHA told India Today that in a year around 120-150 police officers are trained in several courses under the ATA. With the introduction of two new courses this time, the number is expected to go up to 200. ALSO READ: Gujarat ATS foils ISIS bomb plot, arrests brothers with links to terror outfit US to train two Indian officers in investigating terror attacks US backs surgical strikes, says India has right to respond militarily to cross-border terror ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- An Indian national who spent three -and -a -half years in a Bangladesh prison wants to return home. His lawyer has met the Assistant Indian High Commissioner posted in Chittagong and Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Indian national Jalal Mohammad spent three-and-a-half years in jail after he lost his passport. The 45-year-old man was released on bail with the help of a Bangladeshi lawyer TR Kahn. Jalal wants to return home but has no money to do so. According to lawyer Khan, Jalal is from Kachubari area of West Bengal's Shilliguri district. His father's name is Alim Uddin and mother's name is Hasina. advertisement The judge issued bail to Jalal on the guarantee of his lawyer Khan on Monday. Khan has met the Assistant Indian High Commissioner posted in Chittagong and Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong to help send Jalal back to India. Khan told India Today, "the case filed against Jalal under Foreign National Act is now at an argument stage. Nobody gave testimony in the case in the last three and a half years. His mental condition is not normal. We have managed to know his parents and village's name." Jalal did not manage to answer when and through which border he entered Bangladesh. Khan said that after talking with Jalal and reviewing the records of the case, he came to know that Jalal is an Indian citizen. He was traveling around Chandraghona Paper Mill area of Chittagong's Rangunia Upazila on October 17, 2013. He lost his bag there and all of his belongings including passport, money and documents. Later, locals informed the police when Jalal asked for help. Police arrested Jalal under Article 14 of Foreign National Act as they did not find any legal document on him, said the lawyer. He said, the man passed three and half years in prison without a trial. Though, he has been there for a long time but the matter wasn't taken up with the high commission. It is speculated that his mental capacity may have been affected on the account of his prison stretch. After being released from prison, when he was asked where he wanted to go, he said that he wanted to go home. FYI || BSF arrests Chandigarh man who tried to cross India-Pakistan border to marry Facebook friend from Lahore || When he was asked that how will he go, he answered that he will walk since he did not have money. Lawyer Khan went to the Assistant High Commissioner's office in Khulshi area of Chittagong and met the commissioner along with Jalal on Tuesday. FYI || Shobhaa De's sarcastic tweet helps Madhya Pradesh cop lose weight || advertisement Assistant High Commissioner Somnath said, "we have talked with Jalal and would take necessary steps once his nationality was confirmed." Watch: Taj Bahadur's new video surfaces online, accuses BSF of maligning him --- ENDS --- Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America. Its products include office units, lavatories, storage units, large multi-unit office complexes, classroom facilities, banking and health care facilities, custom manufactured modular facilities, and blast resistant structures. This segment also sells new and used space rentals units; and provides delivery, installation, project management, and ancillary products and services. The Workforce Solutions segment provides workforce housing solutions, including rental of accommodations and surface equipment, and provision of turnkey lodging and travel management logistics services in Canada, the United States, and Australia. This segment also provides associated services, such as installation, transportation, dismantlement, and sale of used fleet assets. This segment primarily serves the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. company also provides specialized field rentals to oil and gas industries. Black Diamond Group Limited markets its rental assets, custom sales, and ancillary products and services through in-house sales personnel, its website, social media, web campaigns, and its digital marketplace. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Baghdadi, who had declared himself as Caliph, issued a statement titled 'farewell speech' which was distributed among ISIS' preachers and clerics. By Press Trust of India: The ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has acknowledged the group's defeat in Iraq in a 'farewell speech' and ordered his non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, according to media reports. Baghdadi, who had declared himself as Caliph, issued a statement titled 'farewell speech' which was distributed among ISIS' preachers and clerics on Wednesday, as Iraqi army tightened noose around the group's last remaining territory in Mosul, Al-Arabiya reported, quoting Iraqi TV network Alsumaria. advertisement Citing the sources in the Iraqi governorate of Nineveh, the report said Baghdadi ordered the closure of the ISIS office regulating the group's fighters and asked the group's non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, promising them "72 women in heaven." Baghdadi, who has reportedly been wounded multiple times, carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head. It is not clear if he is in the besieged city, where he declared his Caliphate in 2014 after the ISIS seized territory covering much of eastern Syria and northern Iraq. Many of ISIS' leaders in Iraq have now fled towards the area controlled by the group in neighbouring Syria, it added. Iraqi forces backed by international and US aid launched a massive operation to retake Mosul on October 17. In January, they captured the eastern side of Mosul - the last ISIS-held city in Iraq. ALSO READ Iraqi Army traps Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Mosul Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, top 3 commanders poisoned? Terrorist or a cat? 5 times ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was reported dead WATCH ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's wife speaks out for the first time This may be it. ISIS chief Baghdadi killed in Syria ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi seen in a video --- ENDS --- China is worried that Uighurs, mostly Muslim people from western China's Xinjiang region, have gone to Syria and Iraq to fight for militant groups there. By Reuters: Vowing to plant their flag in China and that blood will "flow in rivers", a new video released this week purportedly by the Islamic State group shows ethnic Uighur fighters training in Iraq, underscoring what Beijing sees as a serious threat. China is worried that Uighurs, a mostly Muslim people from western China's Xinjiang region, have gone to Syria and Iraq to fight for militant groups there, having travelled illegally via Southeast Asia and Turkey. advertisement Islamic State claimed responsibility for the killing of a Chinese hostage in 2015, demonstrating China's concern about Uighurs it says are fighting in the Middle East. Hundreds of people have been killed in Xinjiang in the past few years, most in unrest between Uighurs and the ethnic majority Han Chinese. The government blames the unrest on Islamist militants. WHO ARE UIGHURS The Iraqi arm of Islamic State has released a half-hour long video purportedly showing Uighurs training, as well as some images from inside Xinjiang, including Chinese police on the streets. One shot that shows Chinese President Xi Jinping gives way to flames in front of a Chinese flag. "Hey, brothers! Today, we are fighting with infidels across the world! I'm telling you this, 'Come and live here! Stay strong!'," one of the fighters says, according to Uighur speakers who analysed the video for Reuters but who asked not to be identified. "We will certainly plant our flag over America, China, Russia, and all the infidels of the world," it says. In another scene, a chant in Uighur says: "Our land of sharia has been constructed with spilt blood." It then shows pictures of martyrs indicated as "al-Turkista ni", or men from Turkestan, the name many Uighurs use for Xinjiang. THIS HAS STIRRED STORM IN CHINA One of the men speaking has an accent from Yarkand, close to the old Silk Road city of Kashgar in Xinjiang's southern Uighur heartland, one of the people who reviewed the video said. Another fighter refers to the "evil Chinese Communist infidel lackeys". "In retaliation for the tears that flow from the eyes of the oppressed, we will make your blood flow in rivers, by the will of God!" he says. The video was released this week by the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant groups online. Reuters was not able to independently verify the authenticity of the video. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday he was not aware of the video and had not seen it. "But one point is very clear. We oppose any form of terrorism and proactively participate in international cooperation to crack down on terrorism," Geng told a daily news briefing. advertisement "We have long said that East Turkestan forces are a serious threat to China's security and we are willing to work with the international community to jointly crack down on East Turkestan separatist and terrorist forces," he said. The government says foreign militants have stirred up tensions in Xinjiang, where it says it faces a determined campaign by separatists who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan. However, many rights groups and exiles doubt the existence of a coherent militant group in Xinjiang and say Uighur anger at repressive Chinese policies is more to blame for the unrest. China denies any repression in Xinjiang. Also read: Donald Trump vows to 'totally destroy' ISIS, rebuild US military Also read: ISIS bombs Pakistan's Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine, kills 100 people: Top developments Also read: Iraq: Forces begin western Mosul offensive to drive ISIS out of its last urban bastion --- 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 The Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Wednesday termed Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia a "refuge for anti-nationals," a day after BJP leader Shazia Ilmi's alleged the university prevented her participation in a seminar on the triple talaq issue. By Siddhartha Rai: The hardline Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday termed Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia a "refuge for anti-nationals" following an exclusive MAIL TODAY report quoting BJP leader Shazia Ilmi's allegation that the university prevented her participation in a seminar on the triple talaq issue. The controversy comes against the backdrop of a smash-mouth social media debate on freedom of expression and nationalism triggered by violent clashes last month between ideologically divergent student groups at DU. advertisement Ilmi narrated to MAIL TODAY the series of events that set off the controversy and fuelled it. "I was called by the organisers to speak at a seminar that FANS (the organisers Forum for Awareness of National Security) said was a discussion on triple talaq," she said. "The topic as well as my name on the old invite is a proof of it. The organisers then told me that the date had been shifted. Later, I was again told that I was to attend the seminar just as a guest. The organisers apologised to me profusely, narrating how they were pressurised by the V-C and the administration to stop me and other BJP leaders from speaking." THE RAMJAS EFFECT The unrest at Ramjas college was sparked by an invitation to JNU student leader Umar Khalid to speak at an event. This angered ABVP members as Khalid hit the headlines last year for participating in a programme at JNU commemorating the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru where "anti-India" slogans were raised. The issue snowballed on social media after DU student Gurmehar Kaur posted her picture on Facebook with a placard denouncing ABVP. But the tables seem to have turned with right-wing groups now accusing Jamia of curbing freedom of expression. FANS, which counts RSS leader Indresh Kumar as its chief patron, says it planned the seminar originally for February 16, but it could be held only on February 28 after the BJP speakers were dropped and the title changed. The varsity administration, however, said it had no role to play as the event was not organised by it. Vice-chancellor Talat Aziz rejected Ilmi's claims based on the older invite that mentions the topic of debate as triple talaq and has her name as one of the speakers, while the newer invitation modified both. "Originally the conference that was slated to happen was regarding women's empowerment and not triple talaq," Aziz told MAIL TODAY. "But then, just one day before the date, the organisers came to us saying it was on triple talaq. Since they came at the eleventh hour, we told them there was no hall available as they had been allotted to others. So we told them it was not possible; there was no context of triple talaq involved. So there is no question of not allowing Shazia Ilmi." advertisement 'VARSITY PRESSURE' Programme convenor Shailesh Vats, however, said, "We had finalised the speakers and the subject but then we were advised by the varsity to make changes saying the atmosphere in the university is not conducive for such a discussion. We were told plainly, they cannot come. And we needed to change the topic of the seminar as it was a sensitive issue." The rescheduled seminar on February 28 too faced several disruptions and calls of "shame" when Muslim speakers lighted the ceremonial lamp, calling it anti-Quranic. The disturbances, ultimately, culminated in protesters storming and capturing the stage. "It is very unfortunate for India that here freedom of speech, or tolerance, are very selectively interpreted," VHP's general secretary Surendra Jain told MAIL TODAY. "Jamia's history went on getting distorted post Zakir Hussain, the founder. Nowadays, areas in the vicinity of the varsity are hiding places for terrorists and radical elements; grounds around the varsity when dug expose caches of arms. And while the campus is funded by public money, it has become the centre of anti-India activities." advertisement ALSO READ: Jamia does a Ramjas: BJP leader Shazia Ilmi not allowed to speak on triple talaq Ramjas violence: Campus politics turning colleges into battlegrounds, hurting academic freedom? ALSO WATCH: BJP leader barred from speaking on triple talaq: No place for debate on India's college campuses? --- ENDS --- Jats will submit a memorandum on the quota issue to the President. They are demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutes. By India Today Web Desk: Morning traffic in central Delhi is likely to go for a toss as thousands of people from the Jat community would assemble at Jantar Mantar to press for their various demands, including reservations in government jobs and educational institutes. The massive protest march and rally in the national capital is certain to hit traffic with its ripple effect expected to be seen across the city. advertisement "Several Jats from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital at 11 am," Yashpal Malik, the president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the protest, said. Delhi: Members of the Jat community protest at Jantar Mantar, pressing for their demand for reservation in jobs & educational institutions. pic.twitter.com/G4PZRmTUTz ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 However, protests by Jats at different places in Haryana continued peacefully for over a month now. The paramilitary forces are keeping a vigil at many places in the state. Malik claimed that the protesters have started non-cooperation with the government and will not pay electricity and water bills and also the instalment of loans that they owe to the government. Jats will submit a memorandum on the quota issue to the President, he said, adding they also plan to march towards Parliament, the date for which will be announced during the Delhi demonstration. Movement will continue till our demands are met, Govt has to find solutions: Yashpal Malik,All India Jat Reservation Agitation Committee pic.twitter.com/zISr8Tot56 ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 THE BACKGROUND Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, the demands of the Jats include 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. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores was 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. (With inputs from PTI) ALSO READ: Khattar offers to form panel to resolve Jats quota issue Jat quota protests: Haryana on high alert, Section 144 imposed in sensitive districts Jat quota stir continues, security further strengthened --- ENDS --- advertisement From left, Public Safety Director Eugene Jalette and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas F Oates III congratulate department Officer of the Year Michael S. Martinsen at the Woonsocket Police Departments annual Recognition and Award Ceremony at St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center on Tuesday. First VVER-1200 reactor enters commercial operation 02 March 2017 Share Russia has announced the start of commercial operation of its first VVER-1200 reactor, unit 1 of the Novovoronezh II nuclear power plant. Novovoronezh II unit 1 (Image: Rosatom) Also known as Novovoronezh 6, the unit was connected to the network in early August last year, but Rosatom said this week that it had officially started commercial operation on 27 February. This followed approval to include power generated by the unit in the country's wholesale electricity market, the state nuclear corporation said. Jacques Regaldo, chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators, congratulated Rosatom on its achievement during his meeting with the corporation's director general, Alexey Likhachov, in Moscow. Rosatom said yesterday that Regaldo had visited the Novovoronezh plant. "The personnel of Novovoronezh NPP should be proud of the start of the commercial operation of the VVER-1200. I would like to wish your team the long and safe operation of the new unit," Regaldo said, according to the Rosatom statement. Novovoronezh 6 is a VVER 1200/392M pressurised water reactor unit with a design net capacity of 1114 MWe. It is the first of two such units at Novovoronezh II - the lead project for the deployment of the AES-2006 design incorporating a Gidropress-designed PWR, an evolutionary development from the VVER-1000. Construction of Novovoronezh II units 1 and 2 - or Novovoronezh units 6 and 7 - began in June 2008 and July 2009, respectively. The original Novovoronezh site nearby already hosts three operating reactors and two that are being decommissioned. Andrei Petrov, general director of Russia's civil nuclear power plant operator Rosenergoatom, on 27 February "signed the order" directing the start of the unit's commercial operation. This followed issuance by regulator Rostekhnadzor of a "certificate of compliance" of the the unit's design documentation, technical regulations and regulatory legal acts, including requirements for energy efficiency, Rosatom said. The unit was "first included in the unified energy system of the country and started the production of electric power on 5 August 2016", Rosatom said. All the inspections and tests during the unit's pilot operation, which were carried out at different power levels and in different operating modes, were completed successfully, it said. Then, on 23 February, "comprehensive testing at 100% of the unit's capacity" over 15 days was completed, "confirming its ability to stably carry the load in accordance with its design parameters", it said. By the time of entering commercial operation, the unit had produced 1.691 TWh of power. Povarov said: "I'm grateful to the team at Novovoronezh NPP for their hard work, not only in putting the unit into commercial operation, but also their no less hard work in preparing the necessary documentation to be submitted to Rostekhnadzor." Compared to "conventional" VVER-1000 AES-2006 units, the first Novovoronezh II reactor has a number of advantages, which significantly increases its economic performance and safety, Rosatom said. In this way, the reactor features a 20% increase in electrical capacity of 1200 MWe. In addition, the life of the main equipment - the reactor pressure vessel and the steam generators - has doubled, from 30 to 60 years. The high-level of automation and the introduction of new technological solutions, means the number of personnel involved in the reactor's operation has decreased, compared with a VVER-1000 unit, by 25-30%. The unit fully complies with the International Atomic Energy Agency's post-Fukushima requirements, Rosatom said. The main feature of the technology is the use of additional passive safety systems that do not require the intervention of nuclear power plant personnel. The design includes passive heat removal from the reactor, hydrogen recombiners and a core melt trap, or core catcher. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics China sets out nuclear plans for 2017 02 March 2017 Share China will complete construction of five nuclear power reactors and start construction of eight more in 2017, according to plans released by the country's National Energy Administration (NEA). Planning for a further eight reactors will also be progressed this year. In its Energy Work Guidance Opinion for 2017, published on 10 February, the NEA said construction will be completed of the Sanmen 1 and Haiyang 1 AP1000 units, the Taishan 1 EPR and the Fuqing 4 and Yangjiang 4 CPR-1000 units. These, together with "other projects", will add some 6.41 GWe of nuclear generating capacity, it said. The NEA's plan calls for the safe development of nuclear power. It said it will actively promote the construction of "qualified" nuclear power projects and there would be an orderly approval of coastal projects. There will be continued implementation of major nuclear power science and technology projects to promote the construction of the high-temperature gas-cooled demonstration project in Shidaowan in Shandong province. It also said it would "prudently" promote the preliminary work of small reactor demonstration projects and "actively explore the comprehensive utilisation of nuclear energy". The Administration plans to start construction of eight units during this year, but it did not name them or state the type of reactors they will feature. Preparatory work is also to be carried out this year on a further eight units. These include units 3 and 4 of Sanmen, Ningde units 5 and 6, and two units each at new plants at Zhangzhou in Fujian province and Huizhou in Guangdong province. Together with other projects, these will add 9.86 GWe of nuclear generating capacity. The NEA also said China will promote the export of its nuclear power technology. It is to carry out follow-up cooperation work related to the planned construction of units at Karachi, Pakistan, as well as promote the implementation of the Hualong One reactor design in the UK. The country will also strengthen its nuclear cooperation with other countries, including Russia and the USA. It will also seek "steady progress" on nuclear power project cooperation with Argentina, Romania and Turkey. China, the NEA said, would be involved in the reorganisation of France's Areva. Last month, Areva said the capital of New Areva - the entity comprising Areva's nuclear fuel cycle activities ahead of the sale of its reactor business to EDF - "remains open" for an investment by CNNC. China's operating nuclear generating capacity will double over the next five years under the country's recently-published 13th Five-Year Plan. Under that plan, over the next five years China aims to have all four Sanmen and Haiyang AP1000 units in operation by the end of this year. It also aims to develop Hualong One demonstration projects at Fuqing and Fangchenggang and begin construction on the CAP1400 demonstration project at Shidaowan. China will also start building a number of coastal nuclear power plants and carry out preliminary work for inland projects. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics UK businesses plan for global SMR market 02 March 2017 Share The UK could realise long-term strategic benefits from taking a leading role in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), delegates were told at a Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) conference in London this week. The country could harness SMRs to help it meet its own energy needs, but could also compete in the global market for the technology, they said. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in January issued a green paper outlining its vision for the country's industrial strategy, to which it has invited public responses. Tom Wintle, deputy director for SMRs, decommissioning and waste at BEIS, highlighted four areas where SMRs could support the UK's post-Brexit industrial strategy. These are: building on existing strengths; driving growth; securing supplies of low-carbon energy; and driving exports through potential involvement in the international market for SMRs. Wintle said the government remained committed to exploring the potential of SMRs through the competition it launched in March last year to gauge market interest in developing, commercialising and financing the technology. The public sector would need to enable SMR deployment by looking at ways of reducing barriers to siting, regulatory approvals and access to international markets, he said. The commercial case for SMRs must be "compelling" to attract private sector investment, and promises on cost reductions must be delivered, he said. Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the NIA, said SMRs had a potential role in most of the 10 pillars outlined in the industrial strategy green paper. Industry needs to demonstrate to government that SMRs offer a means to make that strategy a reality, he said. SMRs could be complementary to large-scale nuclear plants in the UK, he said. He called for clarity from the government on whether the UK should aim to procure SMR technology to support its needs or should work towards developing the technology. "It's really for government now at this stage to set where they want to go with it - that will determine what happens next," he said. Charles Potter, director of reactor operations support at the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory, described how the UK could add value to an SMR program. The country is capable of developing, over a three to four-year period, an SMR design to a basic, or preliminary design level of maturity, he said. It could develop the intellectual property to build and maintain its SMR capability whilst developing an exportable product fit for both the domestic and overseas markets, he added. First site Potter referred to a study by the Energy Technology Institute that identified 250 potential sites in the UK where SMRs could be deployed, including a small number of nuclear licensed sites already approved for new build. Sites were identified based on the need for baseload and load-following generation and for district heating. John Idris Jones, chair of the Snowdonia Enterprise Zone, said Trawsfynydd, in Wales, would be a natural choice to build a first-of-a-kind SMR. He outlined North Wales' ambition to be at the heart of nuclear activities as part of a "great northern nuclear powerhouse" bringing together the nuclear industry and infrastructure of north-west England with activities in North Wales. These include the proposed construction of ABWRs at Wylfa Newydd on the isle of Anglesey, advanced manufacturing capabilities in the Deeside enterprise zone and R&D and development opportunities at Bangor University. The Trawsfynydd site, already owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, is adjacent to a nuclear licensed site - the former Magnox nuclear power plant, which is undergoing decommissioning. The site has a "nuclear savvy" workforce already in place and a supportive community, he said, as well as local site and social infrastructure, including transport links, the availability of lake cooling for up to 700 MWe of generating capacity and grid connectivity. Studies carried out against the criteria used by the government in its strategic site assessment process for nuclear new build has already shown the site is suitable for new build. There is support in the region for the proposition, he said. Global supply chain Mike Tynan, chief executive of the UK's Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre said the SMR supply chain must be thought of as a global, rather than an indigenous, industry. A domestic SMR supply chain would bring benefits to the UK, but the potential domestic market alone would not be sufficient for the volume of production and investment needed to realise the cost reductions from 'nth of a kind' production, he said. The supply chain must be competitive on the global market, he added. He warned against potential bottlenecks for resource deployment in the supply chain, with UK SMRs potentially being constructed in a similar timeframe to the planned large-scale nuclear reactors. Nick Gaines, managing director of Ultra Electronics Control Systems - an investor and strategic partner of US-based SMR developer NuScale Power - said it was hard for industry to invest in SMR programs with a 15 to 25-year horizon, when usual boardroom investment decisions focus on a maximum horizon of five to 10 years. He said SMR supply chain companies should be prepared to compete in the global market rather than relying on a UK-based initiative. "I would argue that you should just go out there and engage with the rest of the world, and compete, just like any other global business," he said. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics What Is A Micronation? A micronation is an area that claims to have political sovereignty despite lack of recognition from governments or international organizations around the world. It is also sometimes called a model country or new country project. A micronation is unique from other independent entities in that it consistently claims its independence. Micronations are established for many reasons, and although these are sometimes economic or socially driven, their existence can sometimes be intended as tongue. Today, there are approximately 400 micronations around the world. This article takes a look at the unique micronation of Molossia. Where Is Molossia? Molossia, sometimes referred to as the Republic of Molossia, is located within the United States. It has a population size of 31 and encompasses an area of 1.3 acres in the state of Nevada near the city of Dayton. Some reports indicate that Molossia is as large as 11 acres, when its territory in Pennsylvania, the Protectorate of New Antrim, is included. Its founder and President is Kevin Baugh, whose house makes up part of the territory of Molossia and is also known as the Government House. History Of Molossia The idea behind Molossia was born in 1977, when a teenaged Baugh envisioned a pretend kingdom of The Grand Republic of Vuldstein. In 1999, he officially mapped out the borders of his territory and changed the name to the Republic of Molossia. Since officially declaring himself the president, Baugh has sought formal independence from the United States through the form of a petition. It has not received enough signatures to be formally recognized. In an effort to spread public awareness about micronations, Baugh has hosted "Micro-Con" in Anaheim, California. It was attended by the leaders of several micronations, including: Vikesland, Westarctica, Provisional Territories of the Free Autocratic Republic of Totalitarianism, and Ladonia. In his attempt to gain more media attention, the founder of Molossia held a tour of the nation in 2016. Organization Of Molossia Upon entering Molossia, visitors are greeted by a sign that claims, Beyond this point, you are no longer in United States territory. To make this point more valid, visitors must go through a checkpoint and receive a Molossia passport stamp before entering the region. Molossia has its own form of government, a postal service, a unique banking system and currency, a train, a space program, and a Navy. Its currency is the Valora, which is set against the value of Pillsbury cookie dough. Territorial Dispute The President of Molossia claims that his country has an ongoing war with East Germany, beginning in 1983. According to him, the two countries are disputing over the rights to an uninhabited island located in Cuba. Although the island had been dedicated to the leader of East Germany, after its dissolution, the island was left unclaimed. Baugh jokes that the citizens of Molossia may never want the war to end. Now that the US has lifted the travel ban on Cuba, the residents of Molossia are able to visit this disputed territory. From agrarian stress to Seventh Pay Commission and from skewed sex-ratio to job stability under public sector are the factors behind Jat agitation for quota- the stir that has reached New Delhi, where hundreds of protesters have arrived from neighbouring states. By Prabhash K Dutta: Jats have hit the roads again. They are agitating demanding quota in government jobs under OBC category. Hundreds of Jats from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan held a protest meet at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi today under the banner of All India Jat Aaraskhan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS). AIJASS president Yashpal Malik has threatened that essential supplies to the national capital will be affected in coming days as Jats plan to intensify their agitation. advertisement READ| Jat quota agitation LIVE: Delhi gears up for traffic chaos as thousands gather at Jantar Mantar Jats are commonly identified as farming community in the north and northwestern parts of the country. They don't have the benefits of reservation in government jobs and educational institutions as Jats were recognised as dominant caste. Jat protesters at Jantar Mantar. (Photo: @ANI_news) JAT AGITATION FOR QUOTA: 10 REASONS Noted anthropologist MN Srinivas defined dominant castes in 1950s as those communities owning big landholdings and demographically dominant. His ideas influenced the policy makers of the day and Jats, Marathas, Kappus, Patels and similar communities were not brought under the protective umbrella of quota in jobs. The Indian economy has gone through various structural changes over the years. Rural India has lagged behind the urban India. Wages in rural India have not increased much despite implementation of MNREGA. Large scale migration from rural areas to urban areas continues with unskilled workforce constituting the majority. These unskilled workers largely come from the farming communities, who are facing difficulties due to agrarian distress in the country. The public sector pays much better at the lower levels of employment. According to Labour Bureau of the government of India, average daily income of workers in private sector was Rs 249 in 2011-12. The income for regular employees in private sector was Rs 388. Jat protesters at Jantar Mantar. (Photo: @ANI_news) In contrast to private sector a public sector worker earned Rs 679 a day while a regular employee got Rs 945 a day in 2011-12. The Seventh Pay Commission has increased the minimum monthly salary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000. This gives hope of better quality of life under government or public sector. The plain economics of sex-ratio is also contributing to agitation by Jats. Sex-ratio is skewed against women in India with Haryana registering the worst among major states. Combining this with stress on farm economy and rural wage earnings makes the fathers of brides to look for grooms of stable income. Public sector or government jobs offer stability in income. Focus on minimum government, maximum governance has also contributed to Jat agitation. While India's population continues to add more than a crore job seekers every years, the government jobs have been on decline. Government data shows that at the time of liberalisation of Indian economy, there were about 2 crore (over 1.95 crore) jobs under public sector. The population of the country was less than 85 crore then. AAIJASS president Yashpal Malik has threatened that essential supplies to New Delhi will be affected in coming days. (Photo: @ANI_news) Now, the population has gone past 125 crore mark, but the volume of public sector jobs has reduced by about 25 lakh to just over 1.76 crore. Competition to get a stable income with job security has multiplied. Election promises have added to the fuel. Over the years, political parties have come to power with promises of providing jobs to various communities but job-market has not grown in such a way to accommodate both skilled and unskilled workforce. Self-entrepreneurship has not been a big hit as is evident from the performance of Mudra loan scheme, which has failed to generate much enthusiasm. Public sector jobs appear to be the biggest shelter for the workforce leaving farming and related economies due to their own complexities. The result is plain and simple- Jats arrive in New Delhi to make the city come to standstill so that they youth can move into a better future. --- ENDS --- Christian Kullmann, will be the next CEO of Evonik Industries. (File photo) ESSEN, GERMANY: Evonik Industries has appointed the current deputy chairman of the executive board, Christian Kullmann (47) as its new CEO. He will be succeeding Klaus Engel (60), who is stepping down as chairman, both effective on 23 May. Christian Kullmann has worked for the company for 14 years and was appointed deputy chairman in May 2016. His responsibilities include strategy, M&A, legal, communications and investor relations. In addition, the company also announced that Harald Schwager (56), currently a chemist and a member of the board of executive directors of BASF, will be joining Evonik on 1 September as the new Deputy chairman of the executive board, with responsibility for chemicals and innovation. Ralph Sven Kaufmann (51), chief operating officer (COO) of Evonik, will be leaving the company by mutual and amicable agreement on 30 June, before the scheduled end of his term of office. The position of COO on the executive board will not be filled. "We thank Engel for his service to the company and for his outstanding achievements. He has transformed Evonik from a conglomerate to a company focused on chemicals, successfully listed it on the stock market, and developed it into a leading speciality chemicals company with outstanding prospects," said Werner Muller, chairman of the supervisory board. "Kaufmann successfully supported the transition of the newly established segments to independent operating units. In addition, he played a key role in the restructuring of the performance materials segment and the integration of the new Air Products business. We thank him for his successful work," added Muller. "I sincerely thank Engel for our trustful collaboration. I look forward to taking on this new role and thank the Supervisory Board for its confidence in me, said Kullmann. "Schwager and I share the same views on how to lead and drive forward an international speciality chemicals group. I and my colleagues on the Executive Board are looking forward to working with him," he added. Worldofchemicals News Celina Cabrera and Booker Talioterro Thomas By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com (Scroll down for video) A man and woman were arrested over the rape of a dog. People were shocked to learn that the two people who were arrested, worked with dogs. Police in Louisiana, arrested 24-year-old Celina Cabrera, who worked at the Caddo Parish animal shelter, after they received a tip over a video, showing her having sex with a dog. Police also arrested 42-year-old Booker Talioterro Thomas Jr., who is a former employee of the Caddo shelter. The dog that was raped belonged to Thomas, and he recorded video of Cabrera having sex with the animal. Cabrera was charged with crimes against nature, while Thomas was charged with principal to crimes against nature. Cabrera, who according to her Facebook page is married, was placed on leave from her job, pending the outcome of the investigation. The members of the community threatened to block entry points to Delhi from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan if the government fails to fulfil their demands. By Supriya Bhardwaj: With hookahs and lath (sticks) in their hands, thousands of Jat community members gathered at Jantar Mantar to stage a massive protest demanding reservation in government jobs, educational institutions. Raising slogans against the Central government as well as the Haryana government, the people of the community also demanded release of those arrested during last year's violent protests across Haryana. advertisement "We want withdrawal of cases slapped against the Jat protesters and bail of those languishing in jails after last year's stir. We also want that jobs should be given to the relatives of those killed and wounded during 2016 protests in Haryana," Raj Singh, who had come from a Jind, said. People from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh gathered at Jantar Mantar to take part in the demonstration. The representatives of Jat community will also submit a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee later today. They even announced at Jantar Mantar that after Holi the community plans to lay siege of Parliament. They have also threatened to block entry points to Delhi from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan if their demands are not fulfiled. ALSO READ: Why Jats demand quota in jobs: 10 reasons from sex ratio to 7th Pay Commission Jat quota agitation: Delhi gears up for traffic chaos as thousands gather at Jantar Mantar --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Allahabad, March 2 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court today ordered a CBI probe into the Jawahar Bagh Park case of Mathura where more than 20 persons, including two police officials, were killed last year during a drive to evict squatters. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashwant Verma passed the order on a bunch of PILs demanding a CBI probe. advertisement The court had reserved its judgement on February 20 after hearing arguments from both sides. Among those who had moved the court with the demand for a CBI inquiry are Delhi-based BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay and Mathura resident Vijay Pal Singh Tomar. Besides, interlocutory applications were filed at a later stage by Archana Dwivedi and Prafull Dwivedi, wife and brother respectively of slain Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi. The order comes as a jolt to the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.The state government had remained opposed to a CBI inquiry into the matter, pointing out that it had set up a commission of inquiry comprising a retired judge of the High Court. In a statement issued from Delhi, Upadhyay welcomed the order, saying, "The violence at Jawahar Bagh in June last year was not an ordinary law and order issue.It related to unlawful occupation of public land, worth about Rs 5000 crore, by self-styled cult leader Ram Vriksh Yadav and his followers". The Uttar Pradesh government had, in January 2014, granted permission to Ram Vriksh Yadavs organization Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah to hold a demonstration inside Jawahar Bagh for two days. However, members of the group went on to occupy the sprawling public park for more than two years. Following a High Court order, the squatters were evicted from the park amid large scale violence. A huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the huts that had been erected inside the park during the period of illegal occupation. There were reports that the park had been converted into a "quasi republic" with its own currency and penal system and people staying there had been issued ration cards and cooking gas cylinders with Jawahar Bagh as the address.PTI CORR NAC DV --- ENDS --- As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens, declared US President Donald Trump in his speech to Congress Tuesday, adding, Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight. That day, eleven undocumented workers were arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) near Woodburn, Oregon on the morning of February 28 while riding in two vans on their way to work. Neither of ICEs original two targetsone of whom has never been convicted of a crimewere present. Four of the workers arrested were already in deportation proceedings; all eleven now face deportation. The Woodburn round-up is only one in a wave of collateral arrests carried out since the Trump administration prioritized the deportation of all removable undocumented immigrants regardless of criminal record. Bystanders have been swept up in ICE raids at their homes, workplaces and near schools across the country. Yerlyn Castro, a legal assistant at Katja Hedding Law Firm in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recounted to AL.com a raid on an apartment in Birmingham, Alabama on February 22. ICE officers showed up at the apartment complex and asked for the person's name, Castro said. They said the person they were looking for didn't live there anymore, so they [ICE] arrested three undocumented people who were living there instead. Immigrants rights advocates and attorneys are reporting an increasing frequency in ICE operations and collateral arrests since the Trump administrations first week-long campaign last month, over the course of which almost 700 people were arrested. Before, we used to be told, You cant arrest those people, and wed be disciplined for being insubordinate if we did, a 10-year veteran ICE agent told The New York Times. Now those people are priorities again. It's blown up over the past two weeks, Alabama defense attorney Paul Scott told AL.com. We can't even attend our phones because so many people are calling with these kinds of detentions. Definitely the executive order is mobilizing ICE everywhere In Texas, Travis county officials confronted ICE regional field director Dan Bible on Friday, demanding to know if ICE was targeting the city of Austin in particular. Fifty-one Austin residents were arrested in a two-day sting last month carried out by the agency, Operation Cross Check. I was interested to know, Are you out doing these crazy roundups trying to snare people?, said County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty. Travis county officials suspect the agency is retaliating against a policy that subjects to review some ICE requests to detain arrestees in county jail, instead of granting automatic approval. The Trump administrations immigration advisors have proposed that the Department of Homeland Security double the number of people held in immigration detention centers to 80,000 per day. Trump has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from private prison companieswhose stocks are rising as they salivate over the prospect of mass incarcerations. The recent raids have filled immigrant communities throughout the United States with fear, with teachers reporting that families are afraid to venture outside to get groceries, and children expressing the fear of coming home and discovering that their family members have been arrested by ICE. Parents are scrambling to set up guardianship arrangements and obtain US passports for their children in case of deportation. What were seeing is a lot of parents who used to pick up their children from school and now theyre sending them on the bus, an anonymous teacher told the Huffington Post. The parents are afraid to come to the school. Teachers have attended workshops on how to answer students questions and fear regarding deportation. The Austin Independent School District in Texas sent out a memo to teachers on February 13 warning them to cooperate with ICE and to stop handing out partisan leaflets. The author also recommends: The assault on immigrants and the specter of a US police state [27 February 2017] One million bank workers joined a one-day, all-India strike Tuesday, February 28 to oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modis pro-big business reform of the countrys banking and monetary systems. The one-day walkout, the third such action taken by bank workers since Modis Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in May 2014, crippled banking operations across the country. Tuesdays strike attests to workers growing opposition to the Indian elites neo-liberal economic reform measures and their readiness to fight against them. The strikers protested against the BJPs plans to privatise public sector banks and modify the countrys labour laws to facilitate the quick hire and fire of workers, as well as the outsourcing of permanent jobs in the banking sector. They also demanded that the banks fill hundreds of thousands of existing job vacancies and compensate bank employees for the many, many hours of overtime work they performed in the weeks of chaos that followed the governments November 8 shock demonetisation announcement. The strike effectively shut down the countrys public sector banks, old-generation private banks, foreign banks, regional banks and cooperative banks. The 27 public sector banks alone account for three quarters of all Indian bank transactions. Due to the strike, the clearing of millions of cheques was held up for a day. ATM machines across the country went offline, as there was no one to replenish them when they ran out of funds. The strike was organised by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation of nine unions, including the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) and the Indian National Bank Employees Federation. All are either directly affiliated to, or closely aligned, with various opposition parties, including the Congress Party, the Indian bourgeoisies traditional party of government. The bank employee unions affiliated to the BJP-controlled Bharatiya Amador Singh (BMS)the National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW) and the National Organisation of Bank Officers (NOBO)refused to participate in Tuesdays strike. The unions that did were in no way seeking to develop a genuine working class counter-offensive against the BJP government. Facing increasing rank-and-file demands for action, the UFBU unions called Tuesdays strike so as to channel workers into futile protests directed at appealing to the BJP to change course and behind the various political parties to which they are tied. All of these partiesincluding the two Stalinist parliamentary parties, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM)have implemented pro-investor reforms aimed at making India a cheap labour haven for global capital. UFBU leaders themselves complained of having been forced to call Tuesdays walkout due to the intransigence of the banks and government during tripartite talks held February 21 between the unions, the Indian Bankers Association (IBA), and the governments chief labour commissioner. The strike has been forced on us, said AIBEA General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam, because of the adamant and insensitive attitude of the bank management and IBA. He went on to lament, They even did not bother to talk on providing compensation for extra hours put in by bank staff during the demonetisation period. The Modi government has already begun implementing its plans to privatise many of Indias public sector banks. Following on from the previous Congress Party-led government, the current BJP regime has reduced the governments ownership share in the State Bank of India (SBI) to less than 60 percent. To rationalise operations and make the SBI more attractive for investors, it is also in the process of merging six SBI subsidiaries into the parent bank. Two of the six, the State Bank of Indore and State Bank of Saurashtra, have already been fully merged into the SBI. In his 2016 budget address, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley vowed that the BJP government would reduce the governments stake in IDBI Bank, the worlds tenth largest development bank, to below 51 percent. We are trying to consolidate some of the banks, which may otherwise find it difficult in a competitive environment. ..., Jaitley told an Economist India Summit last September. In one case, (IDBI Bank) we are thinking of reducing the government stake to 49 percent. The unions claim the main reason for the problems in the banking sector is bad loans, which they attribute to poor management and corruption. They are demanding the Modi government and the countrys central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, take tough measures against big business defaulters including publicly naming and punishing them. Undoubtedly, there are all manner of corrupt ties between big business and the political establishment. But the global capitalist crisis, not crony capitalism and poor management, are the root cause of Indias banking crisis. While Modi and the BJP government are boasting of Indias high economic growth rate, the reality is Indias economy has been battered by falling exports and anemic growth in manufacturing. Because Indias corporate houses are hobbled by debtmuch of it dollar-denominated, making then highly vulnerable to an erosion in the value of the Indian rupeecapital investment has plunged. Modi termed the demonetisation of 500- and 1,000-rupee notes a surgical strike against corruption. In truth, it was a ploy to provide Indias crisis-ridden banks with a huge, desperately needed cash infusion. That the sudden withdrawal of 85 percent of Indias currency caused economic mayhem, especially for the working class and rural toilers, was of no consequence to the government. Similarly, the governments reforms of the banking sector are aimed at boosting the banks bottom lines and Indian capitalism at workers expense, through job cuts, casualisation, and the shredding of worker rights. In announcing the one-day strike, Venkatachalam of the AIBEA, a union aligned with the Stalinist CPI, said, The unions have been fighting for more than two decades against the reform measures of the government as these are against the interests of the general public and labour force in the country. He did not explain why the trade unions have failed to stop successive governments from implementing wave after wave of pro-big business reform or why it was the ultra right-wing BJP that was able to exploit popular anger over mass joblessness, poverty and ever-widening social inequality to win Indias first parliamentary majority in decades. The reality is the unions, the CPI, and the CPM have systematically suppressed the class struggle. Since the Indian elite repudiated its bankrupt national capitalist development strategy in 1991, the twin Stalinist parliamentary parties have repeatedly propped up governments at the centre, most of them Congress Party-led, that have pursued neoliberal policies. And in those states where the CPM and CPI have formed the government, most notably West Bengal and Kerala, they have implemented what they themselves characterise as pro-investor policies. The author also recommends: Indian budget tabled amid demonetisation shock, mounting economic uncertainty [3 February 2017] Indian workers need a socialist strategy to oppose pro-investor reform, austerity and war [1 September 2016] By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Mar 2 (PTI) Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a new model at a grand ceremony here. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, credited the final product to Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata. "I would like to thank Ratan Tata. Ever since he saw the first sketch of the Velar, he became a passionate advocate of it," McGovern said at the function. advertisement "Design has the power to enrich peoples lives... this is a vehicle with emotionally charged DNA and unquestionable pedigree," he added. Described as one of the "hottest products this year", the Velar is now open to orders from around the world, including India. In a boost to British manufacturing, the company announced that the Velar will be built exclusively at JLRs flagship Solihull plant in the West Midlands region of England. "The expansion of our product range and building this British designed and engineered car in the UK is a sign of our confidence in British manufacturing. We are leading the global premium car industry with our commitment to our home market and our heart, soul and headquarters will always be in the UK," said JLR CEO Ralf Speth. The Range Rover brand has been heralded as Britains greatest luxury export since the 1970s and includes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Together they have helped transform the fortunes of the UKs largest vehicle manufacturer, accounting for 85 per cent of all premium cars produced in Britain and contributing 10 billion pounds to the UK economy every year, JLR said. The Range Rover Velar is the third model to be launched at the Solihull manufacturing plant in two years. Production of all Jaguar Land Rover models at the four UK manufacturing plants directly support more than 40,000 British jobs and a further 250,000 in the supply chain, a JLR statement said. In the past six years, the company has more than doubled its workforce to support global demand for its products. Last year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 583,313 cars ? more than one every minute, 44 per cent of which were Range Rovers, the statement said. The Range Rover Velar will be sold in more than 100 markets globally and can be ordered from later this year. The Velar will be on display at the Design Museum in London until March 6 for customers who are eager to see the model before buying it. advertisement The car will also form the centrepiece of a new exhibition documenting 45 years of Range Rover, Velar to Velar, which opens at the Solihull manufacturing plant at the end of March. It will be doing the motor show circuit around the world, starting with Geneva this month. PTI AK UZM --- ENDS --- On Thursday, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo rescinding an order by the Obama Justice Department aimed at reducing government reliance upon for-profit prisons. Immediately upon the memos issuance, stocks of private prison companies soared; GEO Group, which contributed $225,000 to Trumps election campaign, saw its stock price increase by 40 percent. Beset by criticism about the deplorable conditions in which inmates in these prisons lived, and frequently died, for-profit prisons grabbed eagerly onto Donald Trumps campaign pronouncements that government-run prisons were a disaster and that private companies could excel where the government failed at addressing overcrowding, violence, and inadequate healthcare. In the wake of Obamas order, which, in reality, only hinted at reform, private prison operators contributed heavily to Trumps campaign. In addition to the aforementioned GEO Group, Core Civic, formerly Corrections Corporation of America, donated $250,000 to Trumps inauguration committee. In 2012, a riot in a prison run by Core Civic, the largest US for-profit prison company, injured 20 and left a corrections officer dead. The facility, a federal prison in Adams, Mississippi, was populated almost completely by immigrants who had been convicted of federal crimes. When prisoners gathered in the prison yard to protest the lack of adequate healthcare, corrections officers hurled tear gas into the crowd. The act ignited the seething discontent into a riot, one of four that occurred in privately-run federal prisons between 2008 and 2012. All of the riots were caused by the same conditions over which the prisoners in Adams protested; most especially poor sanitation and inadequate healthcare. Cost-cutting measures in these prisons had led to numerous inmate deaths. In many cases, inmates with serious illnesses were left to the care of low-level medical staff who were not competent in managing serious illnesses. In other cases, acutely ill prisoners were denied hospital transfers that would have saved their lives. Prisoners with HIV and tuberculosis were treated by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and released for work. A man died of complications of AIDS in 2011 in Adams, one year prior to the deadly riot. The cost-cutting measures that have proved so deadly for inmates have been highly profitable for Core Civic and other private prison operators. Dismayed employees of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) left the bureau after their efforts at advocating for better treatment fell on the desks of disinterested superiors. Meanwhile BOP employees who were flagrantly derelict in assuring reasonable living conditions were rewarded with high-paying positions by Core Civic. Corporate federal prison management contracts emerged as part of the Clinton administrations reinvention of government in the early 1990s. Although multiple BOP studies demonstrated that privatization was a failed experiment, the immigration policies of George W. Bush and his successor, Barack Obama, represented a golden opportunity for privatized prison companies. As the so-called war on terror metastasized, no longer would undocumented immigrants be deported immediately when caught at the border; instead, they would be convicted and imprisoned under zero-tolerance immigration policies. Whereas previously, undocumented immigrants who managed to settle in the US had most frequently been released with a court date upon being caught, they were now more frequently imprisoned. With the population of federal prisons swelling by tens of thousands within a short time, the overextended BOP was running out of space to house prisoners. Mike Janus, the first administrator of the bureaus privatization management branch, left the BOP in 2005 in order to take positions with private-prison companies. In his view, privatized prisons offered a more viable solution than simply not imprisoning immigrants. Why train them in the trades and give them GEDs and all that other stuff if theyre going to go back to Mexico or Ethiopia?, Janus told the Nation in 2016. In his view, private prisons didnt have to be better, didnt have to be cheaper; they just made sense as a way of making space. Today, private prisons house three-quarters of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Janus, meanwhile, earned $1.6 million as Core Civics vice president in 2015. When the Obama administration issued the order to phase out most of the private contracts with federal prisons, it amounted to political showmanship. The order did not address the use of the prisons by immigration authorities, nor did it address the many privately-run state prisons. Furthermore, despite Deputy Attorney General Sally Yatess remarks on the inhumane conditions that thrive in private prisons, the BOP actually renewed contracts with Core Civic and GEO Group immediately after the Department of Justices orders. Even this weak posturing, however, would not be tolerated by the private prison industry. They ramped up their lobbying efforts in order to regain their profits. GEO Group hired two of Jeff Sessionss former aides as lobbyists in October 2016 in the eleventh hour of the election season. Thus far, the private prison industrys investment in Trump and Sessions appears to be paying off. Nowhere, perhaps, will Sessions memos resound so loudly as in immigrant detention centers. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in response to Trumps executive orders aimed at cracking down on immigrant workers, issued sweeping new guidelines aimed at streamlining the deportation process. This includes counting immigrants who have committed minor infractions, such as traffic violations or using a fake Social Security number, as risks to public safety or national security who can be imprisoned and then deported with far fewer hurdles and oversight than in the past. Trumps policies overlook the obvious sources of prison overcrowding and its attendant violence. Punitive sentencing guidelines, harsh treatment of immigrants, and the overall criminalization of the working class, both native born and immigrant, have led to situations such as the riot at Adams. Yet again, the travails of workers are translated into private profit by elected officials acting at the behest of corporate interests. Private prison companies have not issued any feasible plans to improve the health and sanitation of their facilities, nor has the Trump administration. Nevertheless, the number of prisoners is set to explode, and with it, the disease, death, and riots that have already plagued inmates in these prisons across the US. In a revealing moment during Donald Trumps speech before Congress on Tuesday, the cameras panned toward Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who could be seen applauding after Trump declared, We must restart the engine of the American economy, making it easy to do business in the United States, and much, much harder for companies to leave our country. The episode says much about Sanders politics and the role assigned to him. Anyone with the slightest degree of political principle, let alone a genuine socialist, would have boycotted the speech, denounced Trumps fascistic rantings, and warned of the grave danger his government poses to basic democratic rights. However, Sanders is no socialist. Instead he gave a carefully calculated applause for Trumps economic nationalist policieswhich mean in practice a massive handout to corporations and a further intensification of the assault on the jobs and social programs of the working class. The incident was not, moreover, an isolated event. During the Democratic Party primaries, Sanders won widespread support among workers and young people by calling for a political revolution against the billionaire class. After losing in the primaries, he turned quickly to insisting that his supporters had to back Hillary Clinton, who he previously criticized as the candidate of the status quo, to prevent the disaster of a Trump administration. After Trumps election, Sanders pivoted again, saying that he was willing to work with Trump to implement nationalist economic measures. He is doing what he can to legitimize the new government and perpetuate the lie that it will do anything to improve the conditions of the working class. Sanders has also been elevated into the leadership of the Democratic Party in the Senate, where he is working closely with minority leader Chuck Schumer, the senator from Wall Street. Sanders applause was entirely in line with this record. The Vermont senator followed up this performance with a video reply to Trumps speech posted on Facebook, which has been viewed more than 5 million times. He continued in his efforts to legitimize the Trump administration and derail growing opposition to the new government. Most striking was Sanders complete silence on Trumps demonizing of immigrants, his lying claims that illegal immigrants from Mexico were responsible for the social crisis in America, and his demands for an unrestrained war against Radical Islamic terrorism. Instead, Sanders deliberately downplayed the extreme right-wing character of the new administration. He suggested that Trumpwho has brought openly fascistic figures like Stephen Bannon into the highest echelons of powercould be pressured to change through mass pressure. When you analyze a speech sometimes what somebody does not say is more important than what they do say, Sanders proclaimed in words that just as well be used against Sanders himself. He then provided a list of things Trump did not mentionthreats to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, income and social inequality, climate change, corporate-control over the political systemas if anyone should be surprised given that Trump leads the most right-wing government in the history of the United States. Sowing further complacency, Sanders said, I urge President Trump to keep your promises and tell the American people you will not cut Social Security and Medicare. He praised Trumps infrastructure plans but said his spending proposals were the wrong way. Instead of proposing tax cuts for corporations, Sanders said, Trump should make corporations hoarding billions in off-shore tax havens pay their fair share. If Trump really wants to take on the pharmaceuticals, Sanders added, the president should support measures like the one he had just proposed in the Senate, which would allow American citizens to import lower costing medicines from Canada. As for Trumps proposal to increase the military budget by $84 billion, Sanders did not warn that this would escalate the danger of World War III against Russia and China, but only said that it would increase bureaucratic waste by the military brass. We do not need to greatly increase Pentagon spending, Sanders said, suggesting he would support smaller increases or current spending levels, as he did repeatedly during the eight years of the Obama administration. Sanders was silent on Trumps reactionary narrative, penned by Bannon, that economic decay and social desperation are not caused by capitalism and the vast transfer of wealth from the working class into the hands of the corporate and financial aristocracy. He has echoed Trumps lie, which Trump repeated Tuesday, that we have exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries and that Americas great companies and workers have been taken advantage of by unfair trade deals that keep American imports out of foreign countries. As the WSWS noted throughout the 2016 elections, Sanders own economic nationalist policies mirror those of Trump. The Democratic Party is keenly aware of seething social discontent, not only against Trump, but also against the policies of the ruling class that both Democrats and Republicans support. The Democrats do not want any opposition to emerge to the wealth and property of the ruling class and the capitalist system itself. It is Sanders job now to try to contain this anger, channeling it behind the electoral efforts of the Democrats for 2018 and the geo-political agenda of dominant sections within the military-intelligence apparatus. That is the meaning of Sanders embrace of economic nationalism, the corollary of which is militarism. Concluding his reply Tuesday night, Sanders pointed to the growing opposition to Trump throughout the country. Urging those who have attended protests to keep showing up, to call Congress to defend Obamacare, and to push the Republicans back, he said, Only together when millions of people stand up for economic justice, for social justice, for racial justice, for environmental justice, only then can we create a political revolution that will turn this country around. The last year has demonstrated the bankruptcy of the type of pragmatic and opportunist politics peddled by Sanders. The UK Supreme Court has sided with the Conservative government in upholding a fundamentally anti-democratic immigration rule, discriminating against those on low incomes who want to bring a foreign partner to live with them. Five years ago, the then Home Secretary and now Prime Minister Theresa May introduced a so-called Minimum Income Requirement (MIR). This clampdown on bringing non-European spouses to the UK is part of an ongoing attack on migrants and refugees conducted by the Conservative government. In outlining the governments decision to withdraw the UK from the European Unions single market, May opposed the EUs freedom of movement legislation and promised to control immigration. Under the MIR rule, a British citizen must have a minimum annual income of at least 18,600 if they want a spouse or civil partner born outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to come and live with them in Britain. The EEA comprises the 28 countries belonging to the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Previously, a couple had merely to demonstrate that they could maintain themselves without recourse to public funds. In other words, the calculation was based on the incomes or resources of both partners, or other support provided to them by family members. Under MIR, the sole criterion is the income of the British spouse. Even if the earnings of their partner would take them above the 18,600 threshold, it is disregarded. Furthermore, if the couple has a child who is not a British citizen, the income requirement rises to 22,400, and by an additional 2,400 for each subsequent child. The MIR also applies to refugees who have been granted a right to remain, and who wish to bring their non-European spouses to the UK to join them. In 2014, the High Court found the MIR breached human rights protections and amounted to a disproportionate interference with a genuine spousal relationship. A subsequent appeal by the Home Office was upheld a year later, resulting in the present case going to the Supreme Court. In best legal doublespeak, the Supreme Court ruled that the minimum income requirement does not breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rightsthe right to a private and family lifewhile admitting the rule causes hardship to many thousands of couples, including some who are in no way to blame for the situation in which they find themselves. As an example, the judges cited British citizens who have been living and working abroad, have married or formed stable relationships there, and now wish to return to their home country. Many of these relationships will have been formed before the new rules were introduced or even publicly proposed. They also include couples who formed their relationships before the changes in the rules were introduced, and who had every expectation that the foreign partner would be allowed to come here. Nevertheless, the seven Supreme Court judges found 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 EctHR [European Convention on Human Rights] or otherwise unlawful at common law. When the court did find in favour of the original plaintiffs, it was on the grounds that the existing rules and policies were unlawful in that they failed to protect the interests of any children involved. An article on freemovement.org.uk noted the prevalence of standardised, templated reasons being used in refusals, something the court did not consider inherently unlawful. Pointing to the routine, semi-mechanized treatment of immigration cases, the article continued with the following: The use of standardised reasons is characteristic of modern decision-making practices in fields of public administration where large numbers of applications can be processed more efficiently by employing information technology, using decision templates, drop-down menus and other software. It is also often designed to facilitate internal auditing and management processes. The Home Office welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, with a spokesman saying it had endorsed the governments approach in setting an income threshold that prevents burdens on the taxpayer and ensures migrant families can integrate into our communities. The current rules remain in force but we are carefully considering what the court has said in relation to exceptional cases where the income threshold has not been met, particularly where the case involves a child. The effect of the MIR has been to tear families apart, or force the British partner to move abroad to be with their spouse. The case before the Supreme Court revealed that some 30,000 applications to bring a spouse to the UK were refused between 2012 and 2014. In that period, only 26 cases were successful in challenging the refusal. Other reports put the number of refusals at 17,800 non-European spouses a year. According to the Children's Commissioner for England, there are at least 15,000 children who are separated from a parent because of the minimum income rule. In one such case reported by the BBC, a 25-year old British women married to her young sons Egyptian father said, "I feel very guilty towards my baby, adding, "He hasn't done anything to deserve being without his father." She works as a part-time sales assistant with earnings below the 18,600 threshold and cannot afford to work full-time as she also needs to care for her infant son. Figures from the Home Office show the number of partner visas granted fell from 46,906 in the year ending June 2006 to 27,345 in the year ending June 2015, when it says 66 percent of applications were approved. The MIR rule is patently anti-democratic and discriminates disproportionately against workers seeking to bring their non-European spouse to the UK. According to a recent article by the Global Research website, ignoring the top ten percent of UK earners (those pocketing almost 80,000 plus a year), the average income of the bottom 90 percent is just 12,969, well below the 18,600 MIR threshold. The Supreme Court ruling follows the decision by the May government last month to bar entry to the UK of lone child refugees languishing in desperate conditions near the port of Calais in France. Following a public outcry at the plight of thousands of refugees who had fled to Europe from the war zones of the Middle East and north Africa, Labour peer Lord Dubs proposed an amendment to the Immigration Act 2016to bring 3,000 Calais lone refugee children from Calais to Britain. Parliament, however, passed a hollowed-out version of the original amendment. The number of children to be helped was left openthe government was to make arrangements with local authorities to relocate not 3,000 but a specified number of unaccompanied child refugees from Europe to the UK. The government finally decided the UK could only accommodate a total of just 350 childrenmeaning another 150 by March, when the scheme will closeas 200 are already in the UK. On Tuesday, February 28, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) issued a boil water advisory for Hamtramck, a working-class enclave of Detroit. The order was issued late in the evening, after what is being described as an equipment malfunction reportedly caused a temporary drop in water pressure which could lead to bacterial contamination. The notice for Hamtramck, home of the now closed American Axle auto parts plant, was expanded on Wednesday, March 1 to include another enclave, Highland Park, and a large section of Detroit proper, including the downtown area. This meant that thousands of city residents and workers had been drinking water which could possibly make them ill throughout the morning and part of the day Wednesday without any warning from city officials. The Great Lakes Water Authoritys (GLWA) Water Works Park Water Treatment Facility experienced an equipment malfunction Tuesday evening, February 28, 2017, that caused low water pressure in the facilitys service area, the notice stated. The Authority has addressed that malfunction and expects that normal pressure levels should be achieved within 24 hours. As a precautionary measure, GLWA recommended that the area south of McNichols to the riverfront and Linwood east to Conner in the city of Detroit, along with the cities of Hamtramck and Highland Park, be placed under a boil water advisory. A memo was sent to all of the employees of the Detroit Medical Center located north of downtown Wednesday morning warning them not to use tap water for any reason. All staff, visitors and patients are advised to refrain from consumption of tap water (drinking, brushing teeth, etc.) or water from the drinking fountains. Additionally, refrain from using tap water for bathing. Bottled water was provided to patients and sterile water was brought in for use in procedures. The Detroit water supply has been an issue of controversy in recent years following the 2013 municipal bankruptcy, in which DWSD was placed under the authority of the GLWA which is also in control of the Flint water supply that was tainted by lead in 2014. Stephen Paraski, a laid off master plumber with 23 years of experience at DWSD and vocal opponent of the privatization of DWSD by the GLWA, spoke with the World Socialist Web Site about the advisory and raised concerns about the official story. The actual Water Works Park services a much larger area than what is indicated on that map released in the advisory, he said. Their service area reaches as far as Grosse Pointe Woods and Harper Woods. Theyre saying it was a malfunction at the treatment plant. From my experience, from what I know, the only thing that could have happened to cause a bacterial contamination was human error. They released a batch of water that was not clean, was not safe. But thats not surprising because [DWSD] fired all the chemists, he said. If theyre saying that its bacteria, the only other way for that to happen would be if there was a huge main break. And if that were the case, there would be a huge excavation on Jefferson. A 72-inch main, at 70 psi [pressure per square inch]that would wash everything into the sewer. Pressure would have had to drop, but we would have evidence of that because there would be a giant excavation, Paraski said, which was not the case. At the southeast end of the Northeast treatment plant, you have a sewage tank and a pumping station. At Northeast, you could have a situation where something happened to cause a bacterial infection from the sewage. But at Waterworks Park, there is no such sewer-pumping facility, Paraski said, referring to the probability of bacterial contamination from raw sewage. Prior to the bankruptcy [of Detroit], you used to have to have a minimum of a four-year college degree to even be an associate chemist at the water treatment facility, in charge of maintaining consumable water for the city. Now they put candidates through a two-week training program and then call them chemists and pay them $14 an hour to save money. While the advisory stated that residents would be notified when water was deemed consumable, likely Friday morning, Paraski indicated that it could be several more days until the water is safe. Ive been telling friends and family not to drink the water until at least Monday. So what they did after the fact was probably over-chlorinated the next batch of water, which is the right thing to do, but if you drink that batch youll get an overdose of chlorine, Paraski said. When Flint happened, I said, Southeast Michigan is one switch away from the same problem, he noted. During the 1990s and early 2000s, we never would leave a customer without water. But now, people are left without water for days, weeks, months on end. Its due to the cutbacks in personnel at DWSD. Frankly, when I left in 2015, nobody there knew how to do their job, he said, referring to the lack of training and experience of the new low-paid workforce brought on by GLWA to cut costs and boost profits. Its a shame that the local media isnt all over this story, but theyre in a love affair with [Detroit mayor Mike] Duggan, Paraski concluded. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Mar 2 (PTI)Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled new Range Rover model Velar, a passion project of Ratan Tata, as part of its ambitious expansion plans to ramp up production of its luxury brands despite the challenges posed by Brexit. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, credited the final product to the passion of Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata at a grand ceremony at Londons Design Museum yesterday evening. advertisement "I would like to thank Ratan Tata. Ever since he saw the first sketch of the Velar, he became a passionate advocate of it," McGovern said at the unveiling. "Design has the power to enrich peoples lives... this is avehicle with emotionally charged DNA and unquestionable pedigree," he added. Described as one of the "hottest products this year", the Velar is now open to orders from around the world, including India, and is priced at around 45,000 pounds. The UK car industry had backed the remain campaign during the Brexit referendum last year because the European Union remains by far the countrys biggest market, something that could be directly affected by the final trade deal struck as Britain exits the economic bloc. "Brexit is a significant challenge and we want our respective governments to support our industry. The last year was undoubtedly a very, very successful year for the industry but there is a lot of uncertainty with one of our biggest market, the EU," Mike Hawes, the chief of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), had said recently. In a boost to British manufacturing, JLR announced that the Velar will be built exclusively at JLRs flagship Solihull plant in the West Midlands region of England. "The expansion of our product range and building this British designed and engineered car in the UK is a sign of our confidence in British manufacturing. We are leading the global premium car industry with our commitment to our home market and our heart, soul and headquarters will always be in the UK," said JLR CEO Ralf Speth. The Range Rover brand has been heralded as Britains greatest luxury export since the 1970s and includes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Together they have helped transform the fortunes of the UKs largest vehicle manufacturer, accounting for 85 per cent of all premium cars produced in Britain and contributing 10 billion pounds to the UK economy every year, JLR said. Built using JLRs leading lightweight aluminium architecture and powered by the latest ultra-clean UK-built Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the new Velar is positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Range Rover Velar is the third model to be launched at the Solihull manufacturing plant in two years. advertisement It follows an injection of 1.5 billion pounds in new facilities and technologies at the plant, which began with the Jaguar XE and F-PACE. Production of all JLR models at the four UK manufacturing plants directly supports more than 40,000 British jobs and a further 250,000 in the supply chain, a JLR statement said. In the past six years, the company has more than doubled its workforce to support global demand for its products. Last year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 583,313 cars ? more than one every minute, 44 per cent of which were Range Rovers. The Range Rover Velar will be sold in more than 100 markets globally and is available to order from later this year. The Velar will be on display at the Design Museum in London until March 6 for customers who are eager to see the model before buying it. The car will also form the centrepiece of a new exhibition documenting 45 years of Range Rover, Velar to Velar which opens at the Solihull manufacturing plant at the end of March. It will be doing the motor show circuit around the world, starting with Geneva this month. PTI AK UZM AMS AKJ AMS --- ENDS --- advertisement TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- It's official: Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum is running for governor. Gillum made the announcement Wednesday, posting a six-minute campaign ad on social media. "As governor of Florida, I can't wait to invest the kind of resources to build the infrastructure of this state that makes us a 21st century state," said Gillum. The mayor's office said Gillum was unavailable for comment today, but his campaign team said a rally for Gillum is already set for Saturday. "I can't wait to be able to move forward a vision in this state that puts people to work at every rung on the income level," Gillum said. The 37-year-old has made quite a name for himself in the Capital City. He was the youngest ever elected city commissioner -- just 23 and still studying at FAMU. Gillum was elected mayor in 2014, promoting local business and an All-American City -- but his time in the office has faced scrutiny. Last year, he was criticized for the city's response to Hurricane Hermine, which left thousands powerless for days. In January, he was sued by the gun lobby for refusing to repeal a ban to shoot firearms in public parks. And this week, Gillum issued an apology after emails unrelated to government were sent from the city's system. But still, the mayor has received high praise from the democratic party, making Hillary Clinton's shortlist for vice president and a national spotlight at the DNC. Another Democratic favorite has also been vocal when it comes to the gubernatorial race. While former congressional representative Gwen Graham has not yet announced if she will run, it's no secret that she has been seriously thinking about it. For Graham, she believes that the future is quote "female " and that women will play a big part in who becomes the next governor. "I think the energy we've seen, starting with the Women's March, will be continued throughout the next election," said Graham. "There's nothing more important than who we elect governor in 2018 for the future of the state of Florida. So, I do think women will make a big difference in making that decision." Regarding Mayor Gillum's gubernatorial announcement, Graham told us that she wishes him well as he is a friend and fellow Floridian, and respects anyone who is drawn to public service. The rally for Gillum will be held this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Kleman Plaza. Tallahassee Fla. (WTXL) - Aloft Tallahassee Downtown partners with the Leon County Humane Society to permanently place pets. A furry friend will greet Aloft guests from a custom built replica of the hotel in the hotel lobby. OliverSperry Renovation created the miniature doghouse. It is backed by a hand-painted mural of iconic Tallahassee images such as Florida State University's Doak Campbell Stadium and Florida A & M University's Marching 100. The Tallahassee Aloft hotel is the third McKibbon hotel to feature the pet-hosting program. The first was a sister property in Asheville, NC. Brian Schmauch, Director of Sales Coordinating leads the efforts for the Tallahassee venture, and says "The Leon County Humane Society was the perfect partner for us to work with because their staffing and their mission to rescue dogs lined up perfectly with what we are trying to do." To date more than 100 dogs have found their "forever homes" from the McKibbon hospitality program. Guests who check into the hotel as well as local community residents can spend time with the canine adoptee. Penelope, a three-month-old Sheppard mix is the first resident pup. Individuals hoping to interact with the adoption candidates must sign a waiver. Once signed, they can spend time together in the lobby or take the dog for a walk around the block or to the hotel green area. Schmauch says Aloft staff members are tasked with providing on-site care for the animals including food, shelter, water and exercise. Employees do not receive additional pet care training. An experienced animal owner serves as the hotel's lead caretaker. The Leon County Humane Society remains the sole decision making authority on adoption and will arrange for any necessary veterinary care. Lisa Glunt, executive director of LCHS, says "The new program is an exciting development for our organization and opens the door for us to match more adopters with homeless pets in Tallahassee while continuing to save more lives." Aloft Hotels are pet friendly with no pet fees. The ribbon cutting ceremony features live music from Corey Johnson from 5 - 8 p.m. with Happy Hour from 5 - 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.alofttallahassee.com. TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Over the past five weeks, WTXL's "Building Tallahassee" series has highlighted exciting news about development in the Capital City. The final piece takes a look at healthcare in Tallahassee -- and how it's more than just hospitals that are expanding. Tallahassee Pediatric Dentistry opened in December 2016: a one-stop-shop for care that comes with a smile. "We want it to be a positive thing, so being able to offer those options helps the child undergo dental procedures in a much safer manner," said Dr. Shawn Hanway, owner of Tallahassee Pediatric Dentistry. Hanway, a Tallahassee native, said finding the location on Killearn Center Boulevard has been a blessing. "This area of Tallahassee, especially the north side of town, has a lot of young communities and young families, and so it worked out nicely," Hanway said. The office includes rooms for new patients, special procedures, and even one for infants. "We have a 'Baby & Me' room that we use for lap exams to really encourage visiting the dentist by the first birthday," said Hanway. -- Heading to a healthcare establishment, Tallahassee Memorial is breaking new ground...literally. The Mustian Center is a five-story, 250-million dollar project, expanding intensive care and surgery for adults. "It is going to be a state-of-the-art complex -- something that will really differentiate TMH, not just in this region, but across the country," said CEO Mark O'Bryant. The center is planned to open in February 2019 -- and even more is in the works. "Developing a women and children's facility on this campus, where it's in design right now that will focus on outpatient services," O'Bryant said. "And, in that building, we'll have a number of pediatric services that will be new to our community." -- Heading to the other hospital in town, Capital Regional Medical Center has been expanding, too. In February 2016, an outpatient facility opened at Bannerman Crossing, providing pediatrics and family practice. "It just made sense that folks that live in that community are going to want to have an extended-hour clinic so they can have access to a physician and a mid-level provider," said Mark Robinson, the CEO of Capital Regional Medical Center. And in the medical office building behind the hospital, an outpatient program for behavioral health was set up in October 2016 "What that allows for is, post-discharge, for folks to get that continued care in a group setting that they need," said Robinson. -- Miccosukee Road isn't just home to two hospitals. In January, a facility on Miccosukee and Riggins opened up, catering to medical space. "There's a ton of offices around here, physicians -- so, it's just easier for patients to get here," said Whitney Eubanks with American Health Imaging, one of the first tenants at the new facility. The company relocated from Capital Circle. "It's a convenience factor for being able to be between the hospitals, as well as being near their patient base," said Carlton Dean, executive director of SVN Southland Commercial. "We're growing. We have brand new equipment," Eubanks said. "We have two brand new MRI's that are the latest and greatest on the market." This stretch of new healthcare development is known as the "Miccosukee Medical Corridor" -- all part of building the Capital City. VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - In Lowndes County, a woman has plead guilty to cruelty to children in the second degree. According to the county clerk's office, Phoebe Jo Chapman pleaded guilty yesterday and was sentenced to four years of probation. Chapman was a Lowndes High School teacher who was arrested back in April of 2015 to having sexual relations with three male students. The children had graduated at the time of the arrest, but deputies said they were students at the school at the time of the incidents. Chapman is also sentenced to 80 hours of community service, and has to pay a $2,000 fine. "The winners of Visitor's Award for Innovation and Research will receive a citation and cash award of Rs 1 lakh. The awards will be presented during a function as part of the Festival of Innovations," the statement said. By Press Trust of India: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been at the centre of controversies for over a year, has bagged the annual Visitors Award for the best varsity in the country. JNU has been hogging limelight for all the wrong reasons since last February when three of its students were arrested on sedition charges in connection with an event on campus during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. advertisement STUDENTS VS ADMINISTRATION The varsity administration and students have been at loggerheads since then over various issues including curbs on protests, amendments in admission policy and massive seat cut in MPhil and PhD courses. Despite all the negative limelight, the varsity has been recognised by the Visitor. VISITOR'S AWARD "The winners of Visitor's Award for Innovation and Research will receive a citation and cash award of Rs 1 lakh. The awards will be presented during a function as part of the Festival of Innovations," the statement said. JNU Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar will receive the award including a citation and a trophy from President Pranab Mukherjee at an event at the Rasthrapati Bhavan on March 6. WHO ALL HAVE WON THE AWARD "Deepak Pant from Central University of Himachal Pradesh has won the Visitor's Award for Innovation while the Visitors Award for Research has been jointly won by Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Niranjan Karak from Tezpur University," a Rashtrapati Bhawvan statement said. Last year, Rakesh Bhatnagar and the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU had won the Visitors Awards for "Research" and "Innovation" respectively. Mukherjee had announced institution of these awards in 2014 with the aim of promoting healthy competition among Central Universities and motivating them to adopt the best practices from around the world in pursuit of excellence. While Pant has bagged the award for development of a reactor for direct conversion of waste plastic to LPG in small scale, Sunder will be awarded for his work in the area of diagnosis and treatment of Indian Kala-azar. Karak has been recognised for development of renewable resource based bio-degradable hyper-branched polymer nano-composites as self-cleaning, self-healing and bio-compatible smart sustainable futuristic material. Also ReadTwo ABVP members out of party for 'indiscipline' ABVP suspends 2 members for violence against AISA supporters, says is committed to peace Delhi University: Netas, teachers join anti-ABVP students march --- ENDS --- JNU has been hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons since last February when three of its students were arrested on sedition charges in connection with an event on the campus during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. By Press Trust of India: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been at the centre of controversies for over a year, has bagged the annual 'Visitor's Award' for the best varsity in the country. JNU has been hogging the limelight for all the wrong reasons since last February when three of its students were arrested on sedition charges in connection with an event on the campus during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. advertisement The varsity administration and students have been at loggerheads since then over various issues including curbs on protests, amendments in admission policy and massive seat cut in M.Phil and PhD courses. Despite all the negative limelight, the varsity has been recognised by the Visitor. WHAT AWARD WINNERS WILL GET "The winners of Visitor's Award for Innovation and Research will receive a citation and cash award of Rs one lakh. The awards will be presented during a function as part of the Festival of Innovations", the statement said. JNU vice-chancellor Jagadesh Kumar will receive the award including a citation and a trophy from President Pranab Mukherjee at an event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 6. "Deepak Pant from Central University of Himachal Pradesh has won the Visitors Award for Innovation while the Visitors Award for Research has been jointly won by Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Niranjan Karak from Tezpur University," a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said. WHO WAS THE WINNER LAST YEAR Last year, Rakesh Bhatnagar and the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU had won the Visitor's Awards for "Research" and "Innovation" respectively. Mukherjee had announced institution of these awards in 2014 with the aim of promoting healthy competition among Central Universities and motivating them to adopt the best practices from around the world in pursuit of excellence. While Pant has bagged the award for development of a reactor for direct conversion of waste plastic to LPG in small scale, Sunder will be awarded for his work in the area of diagnosis and treatment of Indian Kala-azar. Karak has been recognised for development of renewable resource based bio-degradable hyper-branched polymer nano-composites as self-cleaning, self-healing and bio-compatible smart sustainable futuristic material. Also read | JNU sedition case: Probe gives Kanhaiya Kumar clean chit. India Today exclusive --- ENDS --- Police say a missing 17-month-old boy has been safely found. Leonnel J. Barajas was abducted from a residence in the 800 block of Central Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Monday. You are the owner of this article. The Bollywood hottie is being considered for the international singing sensation's first Indian concert. By India Today Web Desk: If you thought the upcoming Justin Bieber 'Purpose World Tour' to India couldn't get any better, here's some news that will definitely make you swoon. Sunny Leone, the Bollywood hottie who needs no introduction, is slated to perform along with the international heartthrob! Also read: Justin Bieber's Mumbai concert ticket will cost Rs 76,000, only if you want it to advertisement According to some reports, Leone will be seen shaking a leg to one of Bieber's hit songs during the May 10 concert. While the organizers haven't confirmed Leone's appearance yet, they are considering her as one of the celebs who'll be performing at the show because of her fame in India and abroad. Justin Bieber's first Indian performance just got more interesting! --- ENDS --- The state comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge, which was published Tuesday, is unnecessary and even damaging. Not because the conclusions of the reports authors were wrong, and not because the facts they are relying on are not true. On the contrarythe report is very thorough and professional, and its recommendations are accurate and reasonable. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Nevertheless, it is unnecessary: First of all, because it includes no sanctions against the political echelon, which acted irresponsibly before and during the battle and is guilty of most of its failures; and second, because the reports recommendations concerning the top military echelon are only recommendations and will not prevent the chief of staff from repeating the mistakes of the summer of 2014 in five or six years from now. The report is damaging because it creates an illusion that it will set in motion a process of fixing the failures and the mistakes. Based on experience, it can firmly be determined that when it comes to the political echelon, that isnt happening and it wont happen either. Even before the reports final draft was written, it was already used and is being used mainly as a taunting and PR tool in the political arena rather than as an outline for rectification. A tunnel in Gaza. Netanyahu and Yaalon failed to confirm that the IDF was properly prepared to deal with the problem (Photo: IDF Spokespersons Unit) The IDF actually drew some lessonssome of the reports conclusions are based on the thorough investigations that the IDF initiated after Operation Protective Edge. But decades of experience show that the lessons drawn by the defense establishment from one battle or war are dissolved or disappear from its consciousness by the time the next battle or war takes place, and so on and so forth. Besides, as we know, to err is human and no one is immune to mistakes. Nevertheless, we must distinguish between human errors and manifestations of irresponsibility on security-related issues, which should be severely punished. The findings of the comptrollers report regarding each of the decision makers in Protective Edge can be summarized in three clauses. The report states that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-defense minister Moshe Yaalon acted irresponsibly and neglected their duty by: A. Failing to initiate and hold a thorough strategic discussion on the interests and national goals that the State of Israel wishes to achieve in relation to the Gaza Stripthrough war or through diplomatic means, or through a combination of both. The prime ministers duty was to initiate such a discussion according to alternatives that would be prepared by the National Security Council for him and the cabinet's other members. In practice, that didnt happen. The cabinet discussed only one optiona military battle that would achieveme calmness and deterrence for as long as possible. No other strategy was discussedneither bringing down Hamas nor a massive economic reconstruction of the strip while bypassing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and creating a third Palestinian entity that would stand to lose from a war with Israel. As a result, the army prepared operation plans matching the objective set by the political echelon. In other words, returning to the existing situation as soon as possible at the end of the military battleuntil the next round. B. The prime minister and the defense minister were well aware of the tunnel issue and had even defined it as a strategic problem since late 2013. They stated quite often during cabinet discussions that it was a serious problem that had to be taken care of. In practice, neither the defense minister nor the prime minister confirmed that the IDF was properly preparing to deal with it. While the defense minister did issue an orderlong before Operation Protective Edgeto spare no efforts or money in finding ways to locate and uncover terror tunnels, both Yaalon and Netanyahu neglected the operational aspect. They didnt demand that the army show them how tunnels are quickly destroyed during fighting, when one knows more or less where they are but is unfamiliar with their exact route. During Protective Edge, Yaalon said that the operation would take several days, but it actually lasted several weeks. C. The prime minister and defense minister kept critical information on the tunnels from the cabinet ministers, preventing them from making rational decisions on the matter during the first days of the battle. This fact, which was exposed by the state comptroller, stems from their arrogance towards the cabinet ministers, who did not serve in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit as they did, and from their justified fear that the minister would leak any juicy information they received to the media. Cabinet ministers provided information to Hamas The comptrollers report presents extremely serious findings regarding all cabinet ministers, with no exception. The comptroller stresses in this context that neither the prime minister nor the defense minister are the ones who guide the army and present the objectives it must achieve, but rather the entire government, which delegates this authority and supreme responsibility to the cabinet. The reports conclusions about the ministers, therefore, carry a special and extremely troubling meaning: A. They did not demand a thorough strategic discussion on the State of Israels interests and national goals concerning the Gaza Strip. Had they done that, the comptroller implies, it might have been possible to prevent or postpone the eruption of the Protective Edge war. It should be noted that Ministers Gilad Erdan and Yuval Steinitz demanded strategic discussions, both on Gaza and on the tunnels, but they did not really insist and just let their demand fade away. B. The cabinet ministers heard in 2013 from the prime minister, from the defense minister, from the chief of staff and from the military intelligence director that there was a tunnel problem. Some of them even visited tunnels that were uncovered that year, but none of them demanded a discussion on how the State of Israel, the IDF and the Shin Bet were preparing to actually deal with the problem. While Netanyahu told them in one of the discussions, long before Protective Edge, that it was a strategic problem, they heard him and remained indifferent. Yes, even Minister Naftali Bennett, who remembered to demand a discussion on how to deal with the tunnels only on June 3, 2014the day security forces found the bodies of the three kidnapped Jewish teens from Gush Etzion, and when the Shin Bet issued a concrete warning related to a specific tunnel a month before the operation. Even Bennett knew very well that there was a tunnel problem at least two years before he demanded a cabinet discussion on the matter. The information Hamas received from the cabinet discussions prolonged the war (Photo: AFP) C. The cabinet ministers did not have the background information required for making rational decisions on how to run the battle in Gazanot just because Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-defense minister Ya'alon kept things from them, but also because they did not bother delving into the intelligence information at their disposal and did not study it. D. Some of the cabinet members constantly leaked information from the cabinet discussions to the media, directly providing valuable information to the Hamas leadership. This information about the differences of opinion in the cabinet and about the prime minister and defense ministers intentions, which reached Hamas, prolonged the war and led to military and civilian casualties. IDF misjudged potential damage As for the IDF, the comptrollers conclusions are mixed. He points to quite a few mistakes and failures, mainly in the building of power to destroy the tunnels and in filling up its bank of targets before the battle. At the same time, he praises certain aspects in the use of force. For example, the intelligence information the forces went on the ground with, which was an important factor in reducing human losses among the soldiers. The comptroller also rejects the Shin Bets claim that it had warned of a war in the summer of 2014. The report reveals that then-Chief of Staff Benny Gantz instructed the army in late 2013 to prepare for a conflict the following summer, while what the Shin Bet said later on had no influence. There is no point in getting into details, as most of the failures and mistakes ascribed to the IDF in Protective Edge are known to the public and have been overdiscussed in the media. Its important to note that the state comptroller, and the person who prepared the report on his behalf, Brigadier-General (res.) Yossi Beinhorn, say that what caused most of the negative things was a mistake. Not irresponsibility and negligence like the political echelon is accused of, but rather a misjudgment of the severity of the tunnel threat. One could say that there was an erroneous IDF miscalculation here, which misjudged the huge strategic damage to deterrence and human life that could have been caused (and can also be caused today) as a result of roughly 30 infiltrating tunnels, some of which would be used by a brigade from Hamas special force to infiltrate Israeli territory. The IDF also misjudged the damage that the tunnels would cause to the Gaza Envelope communities' sense of security. This is the basic sin (which I committed too, unfortunately, in my commentaries in the first days of the battle). The rest is less important. This failure, this misjudgment of the threat, led to the other oversights. Former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz (L). Misjudged the severity of the tunnel threat (Photo: IDF Spokespersons Unit) Nevertheless, the comptroller praises Southern Command chief Major-General Sami Turgeman, who properly emphasized the intelligence and operational preparations needed for dealing with the tunnel threat; Military Intelligence Director Major-General Aviv Kochavi, who put his ego aside and, despite the internal organizational battles between the Shin Bet and the IDF, appointed teams which finally discoveredbefore Protective Edgethe entrance shafts to all the infiltrating tunnels; and IDF chief Gantz, who demanded that the cabinet define for the IDF the strategic goals of a battle in Gaza, before it broke out. Even if one-third of the comptrollers recommendations are implemented, that will be sufficient. But experience shows that the comptrollers reports, and even the conclusions of state commissions of inquiry, fade away several years after they are released. At the most, they are mentioned once or twice in the comptrollers report or commission of inquiry after the next fiasco, or the following ones. That is why I believe that the comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge is unnecessary. The IDF has drawn its own conclusions and will try to implement them while they are still fresh, but the political echelon cannot be trusted to do so. There is definitely a cause for concern. The prime minister and cabinet ministers who will run the next war or military battle could show the same irresponsibility and reckless behavior which characterized the Protective Edge cabinet. Why, you ask? Because in the modern-day State of Israel, the political battle and survival are the only considerations the political leaders really care about. The most serious finding in the state comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge exists only between the lines: If tomorrow Israel enters a new military conflict in Gaza, it will be run the exact same way the previous operation was run. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The tunnel problem has not been solved yet, despite the huge financial investment. The operational plans have not been completed either. Rockets, mortar shells and missiles will be fired into Israel, and we cannot rule out the possibility that they will paralyze the traffic at Ben-Gurion Airport. The question of our policy towards Hamas will continue to hover over the cabinet discussions like a cloud of haze, and so will the question of whether to send in infantry forces. In the two years that have passed since then, no miracle has happened. We are facing the same dilemmas, with the same leadership, with the same conception, with the same army, with undramatic changes. But why predict what will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, when we know what happened yesterday and the day before yesterday. Rockets were fired from Gaza. Air Force planes produced a mushroom cloud of black smoke for the cameras, and the prime minister delivered a speech. Give me a rocket and I will give you a bombthats the strategy that will lead us to the next operation. Netanyahu visits a tunnel uncovered near the Gaza border. The only inspected official who still holds the same position he held during the operation (Archive photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO) Operation Protective Edge is not the Yom Kippur War failure. The sensational headlines do the facts injustice. Whoever reads the comptrollers report with realistic eyes, free of personal sentiments, political inclinations and mud fights between generals, will find a lot of troubling revelations in it alongside quite a few positive aspects. The comptroller did his job, within his limitations. Its possible that he could have written a much more profound, much more significant report on the operation, but thats what this instrument knows how to play. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the main official inspected in the report. The report focuses on violation of procedures: Netanyahu failed to report to the cabinet members, failed to make decisions, failed to deal with what he himself had defined as a strategic threat. The impression from the overall report is even more serious. Netanyahu isnt functioning as a leader: He isnt outlining a policy because he has no policy; he isnt imposing his opinion because he has no opinion. The defense minister could have entered this void, but according to the report, that didnt happen either. Moshe Yaalon stood out mainly in the things he didnt do. If he had any influence on the decision making, it wasnt reflected in the cabinet. The amazing thing is the gap between Netanyahus image as Mr. Security and his real involvement in managing security and his performance as the leader of the government, the army and the people. The man is a marketing expert, a master craftsman. His initial response to the report is a good example. A day before he is hit with a report which presents his performance during the operation in all its ugliness, he announces that he is backing the IDF against the state comptroller. He is killing two birds with one sentenceboth shirking responsibility and presenting the State Comptrollers Office as the enemy of the institution which Israelis care about the most, as a traitor. Death to the comptrollers. Former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon. An easy target for everyone (Photo: AFP) Netanyahu is the only one among the inspected officials who still holds the same position he held during the operation, which is why the report is relevant first of all to him. Yaalon, who resigned, serves as an easy target for everyone: For his former colleagues in the Likud, for Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yoav Galant, for all the right-wing ministers who are so respectful towards the prime minister but have no problem degrading his partner in the operation, the defense minister; and he also serves as an easy target for the Left, because he is deep in the Right. Ministers Bennett and Lieberman were the troublemakers of the Protective Edge cabinet. Bennett focused on the tunnels. He presented profound questions to Yaalon and to IDF Chief of Staff Gantz in real time. The comptrollers report adopts these questions. But Bennett knows that he should keep the celebrations modest. The bereaved families are watching. His fellow government ministers are already accusing him of dancing on the blood. As for Lieberman, he is no longer preaching about an occupation of Gazahe is preaching about an arrangement with Hamas. And he has a lot of sympathy towards the peoples feelings. He is extremely national. The criticism against the IDF commanders is partly comprehensive and reasoned, and party groundless. Ill start with the groundless part: The reports authors are accusing Chief of Staff Gantz and Military Intelligence Director Aviv Kochavi of failing to do more to force the prime minister and the defense minister to convene the cabinet for a real discussion on the tunnels. The subordinate is responsible for activating those who are in charge of him. When I told the reports authors that I found that comment puzzling, one of them replied: When the IDF wants something, the IDF gets it. Thats a response which has no room in a report aimed at creating order in the decision-making process. It has no room in the law either. The other claims have to do with the tunnels. Gantz is accused of removing forces from the communities on the eve of the operation instead of reinforcing them, of failing to prepare the forces for an occupation of the tunnels, for agreeing to bomb the shafts from the air although he knew that would not neutralize the danger of the tunnels and would only make it difficult for infantry forces to destroy them. The political echelon wanted to contain the event, to end it as soon as possible, without being drawn into a ground operation, Gantz explained to the state comptroller. The state is allowed to engage in strategic risk management. The report claims that Kochavi estimated that Hamas was not interested in a military conflict and that the information about the tunnels provided by the Military Intelligence Directorate was insufficient; on the other hand, it showers the intelligence achievements in the operation with compliments. The reports basic assumption is that the tunnels were a strategic threat. Thats what Netanyahu and Yaalon said in 2013. This assumption is disputablethere were and there are greater threats. The fact is that even today, with the same offensive tunnels, only wider and improved, the State of Israel is alive and kicking, and even the Gaza vicinity area is alive and kicking and thriving. In the meantime, Gantz has been released from the army and Kochavi moved on to a successful service as the Northern Command chief. In a few days, he will take office as the deputy chief of staff. I asked one of the authors of the report in the State Comptrollers Office if he thought the report harmed Kochavis chances of being appointed chief of staff. He gave me a short answer: No. The most interesting part of the report has to do with the bombings of the tunnel shafts. Netanyahu told the comptroller that he knew the bombing was problematic, but that the defense minister and the chief of staff recommended it, and I followed their recommendation (according to the minutes, Gantz wasnt asked about it, and Yaalon, who was asked, didnt reply). Gantz knew there was a possibility that destroying the shafts from the air would prolong the takeover on the ground, but he preferred to try it anyway. Southern Command chief Sami Turgeman was against bombing the shafts. The Air Force had faith in its abilities. The state comptroller says that the ministers who approved the bombings were not informed that it might be problematic. The damage was not just in the longer time it took to occupy the tunnels. Bennett estimates that half, or nearly half, of the soldiers who were killed in the operation died while guarding the evacuation of the ruins. In a side note, the report questions the reliance on Air Force bombings. It states that when the cabinet ministers decided on the objectives of the operation, and the IDF recommended that they be achieved through airstrikes only, the cabinet ministers didnt know that the effectiveness of these strikes is limited, due to the gap in the bank of targets, among other things. A network of organizations seeking to protect children in conflict urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday to add 11 parties to the blacklist, including the IDF, of countries and armed groups responsible for grave violations against children. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict's recommended additions included the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen, which was taken off last year's list by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after the Saudis and their supporters threatened to stop funding many United Nations programs. Watchlist also called for the adding of the IDF, which were kept off the 2015 list after lobbying by the United States and the Israeli government. The network said the Israeli military should be added for killing and injuring children and attacking schools and hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank. Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit The charge has been hotly disputed by Israel however, which has repeatedly insisted that such killings were accidental in Gaza or the result of Hamas terrorists deliberately hiding weapons caches and its fighters in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. The UN chief's annual report on children and armed conflict, which contains the blacklist, is usually released in May or June. The June 2016 report initially named nine governmental security forces and 51 armed groups that committed grave violations against children in 2015. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Photo: EPA) "The new secretary-general has an opportunity to send a clear message to all member states that a party to conflict is listed for one reason alonea pattern of documented, UN verified evidence of grave violations against children," Watchlist advocacy officer Dragica Mikavica said in a statement. Watchlist, a human rights and humanitarian network established in 2001, also recommended the listing of armed opposition groups in southern Thailand for perpetrating attacks on schools and hospitals, the Communist Party/Maoist for recruiting and using children in India, and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and pro-government militias in Afghanistan for recruiting, killing and injuring youngsters. Palestinian killed during Operation Protective Edge (Photo: Reuters) Other groups the network cited for addition to the blacklist are the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq; the Libyan National Army and several other armed groups in Libya; Johnson Olony's armed group in South Sudan; Tehrik-i-Taliban in Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban; and the Mali government-allied group GATIA and a coalition called the Coordination of Azawad Movements, which includes ethnic Arabs and Tuaregs and seeks autonomy in Mali's north. Watchlist urged the UN to collect further information on groups in Afghanistan, Congo, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Philippines, Burundi and Ukraine and on two Palestinian groupsthe Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Hamas' military wingfor possible inclusion in next year's report. A rocket exploded in Ashkelon beach after being fired from the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, despite no Code Red siren being sounded. There were no casualties in the incident and no property was damaged. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Shortly after the launch, Hamas began evacuating security posts for fear of an Israeli retribitive strike. IDF armored vehicle on route to the crash site The incident marks the fifth rocket to have been launched at Israel within the last month. In the early hours of Monday morning a rocket exploded in Sha'ar HaNegev region, which was later found to have landed in an agricultural field nearby. There were no casualties and no property was damaged. The site of the rocket explosion on Monday In response to the rocket on Monday the Israel Air Force struck Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip, following which Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman issued a statement reiterating that he had no intention of escalating tensions on the sensitive border. "I want to return to the policy I set in the Defense Ministry since I became the head of it. We have no intention for a military operation in the Gaza Strip. But we also have no intention to absorb hits. We will not get into a rocket launching ping-pong match. I suggest Hamas take responsibility, get in order and calm down." Hamas responded by blaming Israel for the increasingly precarious military situation building up on the border. "We hold Israel fully accountable for the dangerous escalation against Gaza, that was intended to damage the Palestinian resistance and our residents in the strip, the organization said. "The continuation of the strikes against the resistance posts and the deliberate attempt to blow up the situation in Gaza are things that cannot be allowed, no matter the cost." A technical fault in the security inspection system discovered on Wednesday night at Ben Gurion Airport resulted in major delays throughout the night and into Thursday morning, causing hundreds of stuck travellers to pack the terminals and waiting and check-in areas. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Airport authorities issued a statement on Wednesday night saying that additional staff, including maintenance workers, technicians and IT teams, had been sent to fix the fault which had occurred in the Hold Baggage Screening system (HBS). Suitcases stuck at Ben Gurion Airport (: ) X As a result of the disruptions, 400 luggage items that were left in Israel will have to be flown to their destinations on another day. The airports authorities also said that so far, the extra staff members had managed to reduce the size of the crowd of languishing travellers at the check-in areas and that flights scheduled to depart on Wednesday night did so. Ben Gurion Airport overnight Wednesday However, by Thursday morning, the electronic schedule boards in the airport was shining bright red, with multiple flights delayed to Katowice, Rome, Milan, Athens, the UK, Bucharest, Budapest, Munich, Moscow and Istanbul. Hundreds of suitcases to be flown another day. By 9am, the airport announced that in the past hour ten flights had taken off, while 15 were still delayed. By 10:30am on Thursday morning, the airport announced that the screening system had been fixed and that flight operations would return to normal. Reports of anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and Europe are growing each day, and officials in Israel and in the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) are worriedly observing the incidents and threats against Jewish cemeteries, community centers and against Jews on social media. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "From conversation with heads of The Jewish Federation in the United States I can't recall a kind of wave of anti-Semitism like this one being experienced by the Jewish communities," Yedioth Ahronoth was told on Wednesday by Amos Hermon, who heads the fight against anti-Semitism in the JAFI. Vandalized cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri (Photo: AP) Speaking about the recent desecration of cemeteries, a series of bomb threats made against Jewish community centers and attacks against Jews on social media, Hermon expressed his grave concern. "We don't remember this kind of anti-Semitism since we first started observing anti-Semitic incidents, in the 80's," he said. Hermon also addressed the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe in his interview, saying "In West Europe we see a transition from assaults against property to assaults against people. The Jewish community is not impressed with the statistical decline in 2016 compared with 2015. The claim is that security around schools and Jewish communities was indeed reinforced, but beyond those communities Jews are still being attacked." In the last few days there have been reports of, among other things, gunshots being fired at a Jewish cemetery in Illinois, and swastikas and other offensive graffiti sprayed on cars belonging to Jews in Florida. In November, a memorial in a New York public park for the late Jewish hip-hop legend Adam Yauch, who was the founder and a member of the popular band Beastie Boys, was found graffitied on with swastikas and bearing the words Go Trump. "I'm deeply concerned about the wave of threats and anti-Semitic attacks that has been surging through the United States in the last few weeks," posted JAFI Chairman Natan Sharansky. "If there ever was a separation between the demonization of the Jewish state and the Jewish people, it no longer exists. "These two ugly phenomenon feed off each other, and are both antithetical to the foundations of the democratic societies in the United States and Europe. I'm positive that authorities in the United States will work diligently to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent recurrences." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a speech at the Jewish People Policy Institute conference, also said that "there is no doubt that anti-Semitism has not disappeared, but it is in our capability to do a lot to fight against it. "World leader should unequivocally denounce anti-Semitism wherever it exists, and I appreciate the firm stance taken by President Trump and Vice President Pence against anti-Semitism. We expect the same from European leaders, and must demand it from governments around the world, since Jews, wherever they live, should not live in fear." The state has requested the High Court of Justice to reject petitions filed concerning three major investigationssuspicions that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family received illict gifts, suspicions the prime minister met with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes seeking to change coverage of him, and suspicions of a conflict of interest in a deal to purchase three submarines for the Israeli Navy from German conglomerate thyssenKrupp. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The state claims that the petitionsfiled by MK Erel Margalit (Zionist Union), Attorney Eldad Yaniv and the Movement for Quality Governmentare "part of a media campaign run by the petitioners to pressure law enforcement authorities to make certain decisions." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit (Photo: Marc Israel Sellem) The state also addressed the petition requesting to bar Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit from dealing with the Mozes investigation, claiming a conflict of interest after serving as cabinet secretary under Netanyahu. "His judgment is purely professional and is not influenced by any conflict of interest," the state claimed. The state has also responded to the petitioners' request to reveal details of the investigations to the public, saying "an investigation cannot be held openly." Earlier this week, State Attorney Shai Nitzan announced that the investigation into the submarines deal is being made into a criminal investigation. Prime Minister Netanyahu is not a suspect in this particular investigation. The High Court is expected to hear the petitions next week. MK Ofer Shelah (Yesh Atid) is seeking to pass legislation to ensure that more efficient and professional training be provided to members of the Security Cabinet in times of war, and that appropriate mechanisms will be set in place for regularly updating it on security matters. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Shelah is raising his proposal again, after it already failed to pass in preliminary reading at the Knesset three months ago, following the release of the State Comptroller's report on Operation Protective Edge, which pointed to serious failings in the Security Cabinet's work during the war. The comptroller pointed to an unprepared and ill-informed cabinet that lacked vital background information regarding the tunnel threat from Gaza, thus compromising its decisions. Ofer Shelah (Photo: Gil Yohanan) There is no external consulting assistance that would make it easier for (ministers) to prepare and consider alternatives (to the options being proposed). The background information they receive ahead of the cabinet discussions is inadequate, and they have no say on what kind of information they receive, Shelah wrote in his explanation of the proposed legislation. This also applies even when there is a matter they consider critical, but the prime minister chooses not to raise the matter for discussion. In order to ensure cabinet members can make comprehensive decisions and provide them with the knowledge they need to do their job, the proposal demands that each member dedicate half a day each week to cabinet-related work, during which they will go over intelligence material and receive briefings from the relevant bodies. In addition, a military secretary will be appointed for every cabinet member and will be expected to keep them up to date on security matters. The proposed bill also seeks to enshrine in law and clarify the authority of the cabinet to ensure that all members are aware of what their role entails, what their responsibilities are, as well as their restrictions. The National Security Council would be entrusted with training and preparing the cabinet members. While Shelah is currently the man spearheading the bill, Education Minister and cabinet member Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) had already demanded most of the points appearing in the legislation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu half a year ago, conditioning his support for the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman to defense minister on the prime minister introducing these changes. Along with Shelah, MKs Bezalel Smotrich (Bayit Yehudi) and Yaakov Peri co-sponsored the bill, but last time it was raised to a vote, Smotrich, Bennett and their party had to vote with the coalition against the legislation. Since the legislation was rejected in preliminary reading, Shelah has to wait for six months before he could raise it to a vote again. However, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein has the authority to shorten the waiting period when there is urgent need to pass a bill. Shelah sent a letter to Edelstein on Wednesday, listing the reasons that, in his opinion, justify bringing the legislation to a vote again early. Cabinet convened only for major decisions In tandem with Shelah's efforts, Housing Minister Yoav Galant plans to propose legislation in the coming days that would have the Security Cabinet convened only to vote on fundamental decisions, rather than deal with the day-to-day governing of the state. The cabinet would be updated on a regular basis on the state of the IDF, acquisition of equipment, military operations and conscription. During a state of emergency, the bill would require the cabinet to be the chief forum for strategic decision-making, such as whether to launch a military campaign, in what circumstances and whether such action is necessary. The cabinet would also be required to follow developments in the theaters of war, would decide upon whether to escalate military operations and whether objectives have been achieved. Yoav Galant (Photo: Marc Israel Salem) Galant has also recommended establishing a limited cabinet forum that would include the prime minister, the defense minister, the foreign minister and up to two others who possess expert knowledge on matters pertaining to security. Neither, however, would be required to be from the cabinet and could include, for example, a former IDF chief of staff. I am trying to attain some efficiency that will enable the military apparatus to be managed and placing boundaries so that the system cant just do what it wants, Galant said. In addition to a number of prominent politicians and military brass that have thrown their lot in behind the proposal, families of fallen soldiers from Protective Edge have also expressed their support. It is obvious that if such a bill had been passed a few years before Protective Edge, the cabinet would have looked different, said Shmuel Lavi, father of Liad Lavi who was killed in Gaza in 2014. It is safe to presume that lives could have been saved. That still doesnt mean that my son or other sons would not have been killed, but at least we would have known that the state was being managed responsibly. It is right that from now on when parents send their children to the army, which sends them to war, they will be sure that the discussions and the decision-making are done as they should be. The video of the RSS leader making the remarks at Ujjain has gone viral. By India Today Web Desk: Reacting to senior RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat's threat to behead him, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the Sangh Parivar has a history of killing people. "The Sangh Parivar has taken the heads of several people," Vijayan told reporters when asked about RSS's Ujjain Mahanagar Prachar Pramukh announcing a reward of Rs 1 crore for the person who beheads the Left leader. advertisement Holding Vijayan responsible for the killing of 300 RSS activists in Kerala, Chandrawat said he will give away his entire property worth over Rs 1 crore to whoever beheads the Marxist veteran. VIDEO IS VIRAL The video of the RSS leader making the remarks at Ujjain has gone viral. Vijayan's party, the Communist Party of India-Marxist, has also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over the RSS leader's declaration of a bounty for killing Vijayan. "RSS reveals its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will the PM and his government stop remaining silent?" asked Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. The CPM said: "The frustration of RSS is coming out in the open. CPM condemns it and demands quick action. Will the BJP-led government in the state and at the Centre take any action against them? Will they come out and condemn it? If no, then it is clear which ideology they are propagating and whose government it is." Also read | RSS leader announces Rs 1 crore bounty on Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's head --- ENDS --- Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman claimed Thursday that there was no diplomatic alternative to going to war in Gaza in the summer of 2014, saying that those who think Hamas can suddenly become pacifists are "delusional and detached from reality." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a report on Operation Protective Edge released on Tuesday, State Comptroller Yosef Shapira reprimanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not bringing any alternative diplomatic options to the Security Cabinet ahead of the military operation. Lieberman, who was the foreign minister and a member of the Security Cabinet at the time, rejected that claim. Lieberman at the Ynet studio (Photo: Yaron Brener) "There was no diplomatic alternative," he insisted. "People keep thinking more can be done, another move, to throw (Hamas) another bone and everything would suddenly work itself out. They think Hamas will suddenly become pacifists, a kind of Peace Now, and not want to destroy us." The only diplomatic alternative, according to Lieberman, "is primarily to raise awareness among the residents of Gaza that they are suffering because of the Hamas leadership. The second thing is that the Hamas leadership must understand it is always losing." While the State Comptroller pointed to an unprepared, ill-informed and uneffective Security Cabinet during the war, Lieberman claimed he had done his part during the war in Gaza. "As the Foreign Ministry, we got the government diplomatic credit for 51 days," Lieberman said. "In this, we definitely gave everything we had to give." Lieberman at the Ynet studio (Photo: Yaron Brener) The defense minister asserted that while the IDF has already learned the necessary lessons from Operation Protective Edge, the State Comptroller's report "is serious, and we must read it closely and shouldn't reject it out of hand." He came out against the "civil wars within Israel" over the operation and the report, saying that "the accusations, the internal wars, and the attempts to blame someone else all undermine state security." "Lesson learning must be done within the cabinet, within the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and within the defense establishmentnot as a public argument," he added. The comptroller determined that at least half of Hamas's offensive border-crossing tunnels remain and that the IDF did not accomplish its mission to neutralize the threat. To this, Lieberman asserted that "there is a great effort. An investment of billions of shekels. There's this wall, this obstacle we're building" under the Gaza border to block tunnels. The defense minister also addressed the 18-months sentence given to IDF soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter after shooting dead a seriously wounded Palestinian terrorist who was lying on the ground. The IDF, he said, should not appeal the lenient sentence. "The IDF does need to learn the lessons from every incident... but I would like to reiterate this. At the end of the day, We're talking about an outstanding soldier and a terrorist who came to kill soldiers. We shouldn't be confused." Earlier this week, State Attorney Shai Nitzan announced that the preliminary investigation into suspicions of a conflict of interest in the purchase of submarines for the Israeli Navy has become a full-fledged criminal investigation Lieberman, who was part of the government at the time the deal was made but was not its defense minister, said he could not remember anyone in the cabinet objecting to the deal. "The cabinet discussed several times whether, in principle, there is need for the submarines. I don't remember anyone, including the former defense minister, who spoke against the move itself," he said. IDF tanks and Air Force fighter jets destroyed two Hamas targets in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, minutes after an Israeli force came under fire during routine operations near the border fence. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter No soldiers were wounded in the incident, and only minor damage was caused to a military tractor. The Gaza border area (Photo: Herzl Yosef) On Wednesday, a rocket fired from Gaza fell in an open area in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, the latest of a trickle of rockets over the past month. Earlier this week, Israel Air Force fighter jets attacked five Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip in response to rocket fire at southern Israel. "Since I got (to the Defense Ministry), we've been responding to every rocket and every provocation forcefully," Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Ynet on Thursday morning. He added, however, that not all rockets receive a response as "we don't live by Hamas's schedule, and we don't need to let them get used to patterns of response. We consider every action. There's a leadership in the militaryresponsible, level-headed serious and determined." The former residents of the Amona outpost announced Thursday that they are launching a hunger strike to protest the fact the government has yet to start construction on a new settlement promised to them. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Amona was evacuated last month, over two years after the High Court of Justice found the outpost to be illegal and its homes built on privately-owned Palestinian homes. "You destroyed now build, stick to your word," they called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Representatives of the Amona evacuees announcing a hunger strike at Thursday's press conference (Photo: Gil Yohanan) "We feel like Netanyahu is just leading us on," said Tamar Nizri, one of the settlers, in a press conference held outside the Prime Minister's Residence. As of now, several of the evacuees have gone a hunger strike and have declared they would continue their strike until progress is made on building their new settlement. The evacuees made it clear that if the new settlement is not built, they will go back to Amona. Avichai Buaron, the leader of the Amona struggle, said that the agreement to build the evacuees a new settlement was signed by the prime minister himself and his staff. "At first they told us to wait because Donald Trump had just taken office. After that they told us to wait until Netayahu met with him, and after the meeting they just claimed that it's not so simple and waited for us to give up," Buaron said. "They hoped the public will forget. We have no intention of giving up and the public never forgets." The Amona evacuees said that PMO bureau chief Yoav Horovitz contacted them last week to clarify that the prime minister has not backed out on his promise to build them a new settlement. During the press conference, the Amona evacuees also addressed the legal aspect of the agreement, saying that they can sue the state if the new settlement is not built. "This agreement, if presented in court, will force the state to keep their word. We do not want to bring the prime minister to the stand," Buaron, a lawyer, said. Haifa Disterict Court extended the remand of the four suspected of abusing the elderly in Neot Kipat Ha'Zahav nursing home. The Haifa Magistrate's Court ordered their release yesterday; however the District Court accepted the police's plea and extended their remand. The discourse surrounding the normalization of ties with Israel made headlines again in Sudan after Yousif Al-Kuda, leader of the Islamic opposition party Al-Wasat, spoke about the losses Sudan has suffered over the years for its traditional anti-Israel stance. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Al-Kuda, a controversial cleric, said that "there is no religious law prohibiting us from changing our anti-Israeli stance and examining our ties with Israel." In the beginning of February, a non-government organization held a conference in Sudan, during which Kuda gave a speech under the title "The Ties with Israel, a religious aspect." Yousif Al-Kuda Al-Kuda started his speech by saying "we want the people to now discuss the question of ties with Israel. We have grown tired and suffered enough over the Palestinian issue in a misguided manner." "Now, countries that maintain contact with Israel have a stronger position to demand Palestinian rights," he added. Al-Kuda drew a connection between the establishment of economic, commercial and diplomatic ties with Israel and stability and peace in Sudan. Al-Kuda's words obviously made waves and he was criticized by the opposers to normalization, who much like neighboring Muslim countries, view Israel as the enemy. But in an interview to the Qatari Al Jazeera, he refused to retract his words. He dubbed the critics' reaction as "emotional" and added: "The leaders (of the critics) are some radical Islamic groups and as long as I speak the truth, I am not afraid, even if I have to pay with my life." He expressed hope his words will become an initiative that would win the blessing of all streams currently opposing normalization with Israel. Netanyahu (L), President of Sudan (Photo: Amit Shaabi, AFP) This is the second public statement on the subject within a year. Last January, the issue was raised in Sudan's dialogue conference, which included an allusion to the Foreign Minister Ibrahim Andor, who said: "The issue of normalizing the relations with Israel is a matter that can be examined." But as said, the story is a bit more complex. Many officials are still very much against normalization of the relations claiming it is religiously unacceptable as they perceive Israel as a hostile, war-mongering, Palestinian killing country. Despite the sharp yet expected remarks, there are those who claim there have been underlying motions to the contrary for quite some time. Al-Kuda's remarks did not materialize out of thin air. In recent years, Sudan shifted from its Shiite axis led by Iran (who helped transfer weapons to Hamas) to the Sunni states coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Dr. Haim Koren, Israel's first ambassador to South Sudan and former ambassador to Egypt, explained in a recent article the change in the trend. Koren explained that the "Saudis, who offered Sudan generous support for distancing themselves from Iran, prompted internal discussions regarding the Sudanese leadership. The former Foreign Minister, Ali Ahmed Karti, has publicly stated that Iran shouldn't be trusted and that it would be best to align with Saudi Arabia. As the rift between Iran and Saudi Arabia grew on the backdrop of the war in Syria, Saudi Arabia urged its Sunni allies to sever their relations with Iran and indeed, so did Sudan in 2016." "By joining the coalition of Sunni Arab countries, Sudan hinted at the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. The leaks about the possibility of establishing contact with Israel may have been designed to demonstrate to the West that Sudan is serious about migrating closer to the positive axison the other side of the 'axis of evil," said Koren. BEIRUT -- Syria's military has announces that it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group for the second time in a year. The army statement released on Thursday evening says that government forces are now in control of the town, following a series of military operations and with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with "allied and friendly troops" -- shorthand for Lebanese Hezbollah fighters. Hamas warned Israel that they will impose a new 'mechanism of action' in response to the rocket attacks, which could ultimately escalate the regional situation to the point of conflict. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Hamas-affiliated Al-Majd website posted on Thursday that "the 'mechanism' has red lines. Public opinion in the Gaza Strip sees the need to respond to the IDF attacks, and Israel must understand that the formula has changed and may be based on the principle of an assault for an assault." Hamas terrorists (Photo: EPA) In recent months, the IDF has been forcefully responding to Hamas fire from Gaza. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Ynet that "the military strategy I promoted ever since my appointment has been for every rocket, for every provocation, we respond forcefully. Only once Hamas internalizes that with every move they make, with every rocket they fire, they lose out, only then there'll be no war." At the same time, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, revealed on Thursday in a Facebook post that ISIS-affiliated Hamas member who had been reported dead by Hamaswas actually alive and medically treated by the terror organization in the Gaza Strip. This would entail that "Hamas has been boldly lying to its neighbors and to Egypt." The son of a Nazi official has returned three works of art that his family had looted from the southern Polish city of Krakow during World War II. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Polish officials said Monday they hoped the gesture by Horst von Waechter of Austria would inspire other Nazi descendants to follow suit. The returned works of art (Photo: EPA) In the ceremony Sunday in Krakow, von Waechter returned an 18th century map of Poland built into a small table and two historic drawings that his mother, Charlotte von Waechter, had appropriated there in late 1939. How to Share With Just Friends How to share with just friends. Posted by Facebook on Friday, December 5, 2014 The works were appropriated shortly after her husband, Otto von Waechter, had become governor in the southern Polish city occupied by German and Austrian Nazis during the war. Von Waechter ordered the Krakow ghetto be set up in 1941. The ceremony took place at the office of the Krakow provincial governor and was the result of efforts by Polish historian and politician, Magdalena Ogorek and the National Museum in Krakow, according to a spokesman for the governor. Marcinkiewicz said one of the paintings had a handwritten pencil inscription written by Charlotte von Waechter saying it came from the Potocki Palace in Krakow, where the Waechters resided during the war. Map of Poland (Photo: AP) Ogorek told The Associated Press she spotted some Poland-related objects at Horst von Waechter's castle in Austria while she was doing research there about his father, who, she said, died in unexplained circumstances in 1949 at the Vatican while waiting to be smuggled to Argentina to avoid facing justice. Other sources say the elder von Waechter died in Rome, but do not mention the Vatican. Ogorek said von Waechter returned the objects to Krakow for no compensation. "He gave a good example to others and we should be happy about this," Ogorek said. Photo: EPA "I assume that various works of art from Poland can be found in private homes in Germany and in Austria. I am sure of that," she said. Poland was severely damaged during World War II, its palaces, museums and libraries bombed and then plundered by the Nazis and by members of the Soviet Red Army from 1939-45. The government continues trying to retrieve looted artworks and the Culture Museum has posted a list of many of them. Some of the artworks occasionally surface at auctions around the globe, leading Poland to negotiate the terms of their return. In a lengthy article published in their weekly magazine, ISIS presented so-called Israeli collaborators in Sinai and shed light on its psychological warfare with Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In order to substantiate their claims, the article also published the photo of an alleged spy named Hussein Dawichi El Bariki. An ISIS source said that "the last cell arrested is a spy squad of three people who had confessed to contacting the Jews via telephone." A rogue officer had apparently recruited them after seducing them with the offer of money. The mission of the exposed spy was "to track the movements of the jihad fighters and instantly update their location over the phone. As a result, three fighters were killed." El Bariki, one of the alleged Israeli collaborators Another member was apparently supposed to recruit agents and hand out funds, as well as plant electronic cards, which would then reveal their location. The official ended his message by saying that "those who insist on heresy will get the sword, with the help of Allah." A security official in the Sinai Peninsula said that much like in all other ISIS-controlled territories, the Sinai Peninsula has a security mechanism to ensure the safety of the fighters and the civilians under their control. The article also said that Israel ("The Jewish State") has already expressed its concern over what is going on in Sinai. The same security official who spoke with the magazine explained that "the Jewish army has helped and is still helping the Egyptian army in its war against the Islamic State. Jewish aircrafts boast a majority of bombings against Muslims in the Sinai Peninsula. As a result, dozens were killed and homes destroyed." Then, the article continued to explain that Israel is not satisfied with bombings alone, as it is also trying to recruit spies to provide it with information, to be their eyes following the officials of the Islamic State. The recruiting process includes random phone calls to Muslim residents to lure the weak-spirited ones with the promise of money. Another way to recruit would be through prisoners in Israeli prisons in exchange for a more lenient sentence or conditional release that they would cooperate with Israel upon their release. The State Attorney's Office informed the High Court that the homes of Jewish terrorists should not be demolished. However, the State's Attorney did note that this step can be reconsidered in the future if there is a "sudden sharp increase" of Jewish terror attacks. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The comments were made in response to a petition filed by the family of Mohammed Abu Khdeir, who was brutally murdered by Yosef Ben-David and two other boys in July 2014. Yosef Ben-David (Photo: Gil Yohanan) In the petition, the family demanded that the homes of the terrorists who committed the murder be demolished. The State's Attorney issued a supplemental response to the petition in which it informed the High Court that the homes would not be demolished. In their response, the State's Attorney noted that, "The consideration of deterring potential terrorists cannot stand on its own. Should there be a serious terror attack committed by individuals within a group where terrorist attacks are very limited, and where there is also no support or encouragement to continue terrorist attacks, the demolition of buildings isn't necessary." Mohammed Abu Khdeir (Photo: Reuters) The response is sure to stoke criticism and ire as there has been significant criticism lately against home demolitions in the Arab sector. However, the State's Attorney did note that, "The defense minister does not rule out the possibility of exercising the authority (the destroy homes) against a group given justification," such as a sudden increase in terror attacks being committed. The move comes two weeks after Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport with a toxic nerve agent. By Reuters: Malaysia will cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans entering the country from March 6, state news agency Bernama reported on Thursday, as diplomatic ties between the two countries frayed further following the murder of Kim Jong Nam at the Kuala Lumpur airport. North Koreans will be required to obtain a visa before entering Malaysia for national security reasons, Bernama reported citing the deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. advertisement Malaysia is one of the few countries that North Koreans could visit without a visa. Under a reciprocal arrangement Malaysians are among the few foreigners granted visa-free entry to the secretive, nuclear-armed state. NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG UN'S HALF-BROTHER KILLED AT KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT The move comes two weeks after Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport with a toxic nerve agent. Diplomatic ties between Malaysia and North Korea have soured since the murder, which South Korea and U.S. saying it was an assassination organised by North Korean agents. North Korea tried to convince Malaysia not to perform an autopsy on Kim Jong Nam's body, and to release three suspects detained in connection with the killing. A high level North Korean diplomatic delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and has held talks with members of the Malaysian cabinet to press those demands. Malaysia has charged a Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman with murder, but police are also holding one North Korean man and want to question seven others, including a senior official in the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has insisted that laws of the country will be followed and has refused to release the body to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for next of kin to come forward. Malaysia is considering expelling North Korea's envoy to the Southeast Asian nation or shutting its embassy in Pyongyang, a senior government official told Reuters last week, when the Malaysian ambassador was recalled for consultations. Following a Reuters report this week that the North Korean intelligence agency has been running an arms operations from Kuala Lumpur for years, the Malaysian police have said they will strike two related companies off the country's company registry. WATCH VIDEO The severe strain on the relationship follows decades of friendly ties between the two countries. North Korea and Malaysia have maintained cosy ties since the 1970s when former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad embraced the isolated state, in part to rebuff the United States. advertisement Malaysian palm oil and rubber is exported to the communist state. Cars made by Malaysian national carmaker Proton have been sold to North Korea and used as taxis. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Nam death: Malaysia charges two women for airport murder of North Korean --- ENDS --- Wednesday, March 1, marked the 150th birthday of the great state of Nebraska. Its amazing to think about all thats happened here over 15 decades. That said, I decided to take a look at what was happening in not-yet York County at the time the state was formally created and in its infancy. Consulting history books, I learned that until a territorial road was located between Nebraska City and 40 miles east of the present-day Kearney, no settlements were made in York County. The road, first used in 1861, was familiarly called the Old Freight Road and more definitely known to early freighters and travelers as the Nebraska City Cut-off. Along the line of this road, numerous ranches were established at convenient points for obtaining water and fuel, says the book, Yesterday and Today. The oldest was Porcupine Ranch, situated near the Hamilton County line. Others to pop up afterwards included the Jack Smith Ranch, the McDonald Ranch and the Antelope Ranch. I find that fascinating York County was already a stopping point for travelers back then. That main dirt road running through the state brought many people through this area who had to stop for provisions -- I guess that was the foreshadowing of what still happens here, with York County being the crossroads of the Midwest. Today, the main roads are Interstate 80 and Highway 81. There are historical markers noting these significant locations, including one for the Nebraska City Cut-off (which is on the north side of Beaver Creek); one for the Old Freight Road and Six-Mile Hollow (six miles south of Waco); one for the Jack Smith Ranch (from Interstate 80, mile north, three miles east and one mile north); and one for the Porcupine Ranch (on Spur 93-A, one mile north of Interstate 80, near Henderson). After these relay stations were operating, early York County settlers took up the sites for their future homes in the timber groves that bordered the principle streams. John Anderson and his son, William, are credited with being the first permanent settlers in York County. They settled near the West Blue River area in Township 9 in February, 1865 (two years before Nebraska officially became a state). Anderson took up claims under the Homestead Act and plowed the first furrows in the county. Three months later, George Stubblefield made the third settlement in the county on land adjoining the Andersons property. The following December, Henry Chatterton, Mill Sophonisba Fouse and Nerva Fouse arrived. Early in January, 1866, they were followed by William Taylor, Elias Gilmore and Jacob Rush Gilmore. The biggest thing that happened in 1867 in York County the year Nebraska became a state was that the first wheat crop was harvested here. The total county crop amounted to 500 bushels, according to historical sources. Isnt that incredible? A total of 500 bushels in the entire county. It was considered significant and maybe even miraculous. Yes, they were farming virgin ground with primitive tools and implements but just look how far farming has come in this fertile county. Between 1866 and 1869, more settlers moved into York County, including men named David Bussard, Christian Holoch, Nicholas Neigh, W.H. Armstrong, George Vance, William Hathaway and Reuben Manning. Rev. William Worley preached the first sermon in York County in April, 1869, at John Andersons home. During the following months, the first Sunday School class of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the Bussard school house. Then, George Hannah, V. Shelley and John Wallace took up claims and began tilling the soil near the West Blue River. In November, Mrs. L. Parsons, Elmer Parsons and A.H. Chesbro made the first settlements on Lincoln Creek. BY 1871-72, the precinct was settling rapidly and nearly all of the government land was taken. Other settlers in the emigration were P.O. Rubattal and the families of Isaiah, Calvin and Anthony Smith. The first settler in the York Precinct, according to history books, was David Baker, in August, 1864. He later moved to Baker Precinct, which was named after him. Thomas Bassett and S.P. Buckmaster made the original settlements in Baker Precinct in 1869. They settled in the timber groves that skirted Beaver Creek. By 1870, most of York County was settled but homes were still far apart, says the story in Yesterday and Today. A trip of 25 miles to visit a neighbor was no uncommon occurrence. Prior to 1870, York County had been attached to Seward County for judicial and revenue purposes. In March, 1870, Governor David Butler issued a proclamation in response to a petition signed by the voting population of York County authorizing the permanent organization of the county. That means in three short years, York County will be celebrating its 150th birthday. Its incredible to me to picture what this place in the world was like back then. Can you imagine? There was nothing here but flat land and blue sky as far as the eye could see. There was plenty to worry about, tons to pray for and volumes of work to do. Oh, and there was a whole bunch of pioneer spirit, hope for the future and dreams of prosperity. Happy birthday, Nebraska . . . and heres to a celebration of our home county that is just around the corner. They called us the Great American Desert. The explorer and geologist Edwin James wrote that our land was uninhabitable by a people depending upon agriculture. But in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act. It made Americans a simple offer: strike out west and cultivate 160 acres of surveyed government land for five years. At the end of that time, the land would be theirs. Families crossed the plains in covered wagons to accept it. In fact, the laws very first claimant was a Civil War veteran named, fittingly enough, Daniel Freeman. His homestead lies just outside Beatrice, Nebraska. In this vast and roofless land, the homesteaders made the American dream real. They tilled the earth, first to feed themselves, then to feed the world. This is the story of Nebraska. In a deep and powerful way, it is the story of America. America grew up in Nebraska. We were the 37th state admitted to the union and the first after the Civil War. President Andrew Johnson vetoed our admission for statehood. He disagreed with a fundamental condition of Nebraska statehood: that black men be allowed to vote. Congress overrode him. In that historic moment, Nebraska gave America a chance to be better. In every moment since, we have continued to make America the greatest nation in history. Nebraskans uphold the value of every person. In 1879, Nebraska was the site of the first time that American Indians had their day in court when Standing Bear made his plea I am a Man. Nebraskans know the value of hard and honest work. In 2016, Nebraska was ranked number-one in the nation in beef exports. Today, we are number-one in the nation in Great Northern bean production, popcorn production, and irrigated acres of cropland. Nebraskans have made the Great American Desert into one of the greatest agricultural exporting regions in world history. We earned the nickname the Beef State. Nebraskans affirm the creativity of the human heart through scientific discovery. Developments in agricultural technology, including the center pivot, have allowed Nebraska ag producers to feed the world. Nebraska continues to lead the nation in center pivot irrigation technology. Today, we are even home to the four largest irrigation companies in the United States. We have more miles of river than any other state. We sit over the Ogallala Aquifer, and we send forth eight times more water than flows into our boundaries. Our abundant supply of groundwater makes us leaders in producing soybeans, wheat, pork, and grain sorghum. Our Sandhills, Gods own cattle country, are the largest grass-covered dunes in the world. I am honored to serve as a champion for Nebraska in our nations capital; I love our state. I have also invited my colleagues to come and see the Good Life for themselves. Im telling them to come and see the home of national food sensations like Kool-Aid, the Reuben sandwich, and, of course, Runzas. I encourage them to feel the thrill of cheering the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. I challenge them to find a sight more beautiful than Nebraska at night under a star-filled sky. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Willa Cather, who grew up in Nebraska, wrote of the west, Elsewhere, the sky is the roof of the world; but here the earth was the floor of the sky. For America for 150 years, Nebraska has been a place to look up and begin again, a land of vast possibility. We are a place to dream and to realize dreams. We are a model for America and the envy of the world. Congratulations to the people of the great state of Nebraska as we celebrate our rich history, the exciting present we are building, and the brighter future we will have in our next 150 years. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week. Owen Eugene Gunn passed into the presence of his Savior, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at the Henderson Care Center at the age of 78 years. Born in Lincoln to Burdette Gilbert Gunn and Delcie M Owen, Owen had a difficult childhood. When his father died in a tragic accident, Owen was placed in various orphanages including the Beatrice State Homes. Though born with mental and physical difficulties, Owen still found life beautiful and exciting. There wasnt a person Owen didnt consider his friend. And Owen Gunn knew how to pray! Owen married Allegra Pankratz on July 15, 1972, in Lincoln. Together, they worked at various jobs until they moved to Henderson to be closer to family. In 2002, because of declining health, Owen and his wife moved into the Henderson Care Center where they resided until Owens death. Left to mourn Owens passing is his wife, Allegra of Henderson; one sister-in-law, Cleola Franz along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Owen in death were his mother; father and two siblings. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery north of Henderson with the Reverends Jim Voth, and Mike Fink officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. 1 p.m., Thursday March 2, 2017, at the mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to Henderson Health Care. Condolences may be left for the family at www.metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in Henderson is handling arrangements. LINCOLN Nebraska celebrated 150 years of statehood on Wednesday with tributes to its pioneer roots, history-making citizens and natural splendor. Hundreds gathered at the Capitol to mark the anniversary with the formal unveiling of a new state stamp and actor portrayals of author Willa Cather, Ponca Indian Chief Standing Bear and William Buffalo Bill Cody. The state stamp formally unveiled at the Capitol shows Sandhill cranes flying over the Platte River in central Nebraska. Its from a photo by Lincoln photographer Michael Forsberg. Later in the day, the states top elected officials gathered in the legislative chamber for a ceremony that included songs and a poetry reading. For all of us who love Nebraska, today is a special day, said Sara Crook, chairwoman of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission. Gov. Pete Ricketts said the sesquicentennial gives residents the chance to reflect on how blessed they are to live in Nebraska. Ricketts recalled a history that includes Pawnee Indians hunting in the Republican River valley and pioneers breaking sod in an area known at the time as the Great American Desert. Nebraska has always been a land of opportunity, Ricketts said, calling it the best place in the world to live. Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer praised Nebraskas history of emphasizing local and transparent government. We all want to ensure the next 150 years will be better than the past, and Im confident to say they will be, said Scheer, of Norfolk. Outside the Capitol, more than 20 horse riders from around the state re-enacted a Pony Express delivery to Ricketts and first lady Susanne Shore. The National Pony Express Associations Nebraska division arrived at the Capitols west steps to present a statehood proclamation. Its an exhilarating feeling, said Mary Cone, a rider from Roscoe who has participated in Pony Express events since 2002. Its a connection to our past. To be loping along with a mochila under you, you feel like youre back in 1860. A mochila is a leather flap to which saddlebags are attached. The Nebraska History Museum is also featuring a collection of scene paintings from each of the states 93 counties. Nebraska became the nations 37th state on March 1, 1867. Otoe County Attorney David Partsch said Tuesday that 27-year-old Emily Lofing is accused of arranging a meeting to have sex with a 16-year-old boy. Partsch says the boy was old enough to legally consent to sex, so debauchery is the most serious charge that could be filed in the case. Investigators think the incident happened last summer. According to reports, the blast took place near the RSS office at Nadapuram. Police have cordoned off the locality. By India Today Web Desk: 4 BJP activists have been injured in an explosion near the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Kozhikode. According to reports, the blast took place near the RSS office at Nadapuram. The police has cordoned off the area after security was tightened in the Nadapuram locality. The attack targeting the RSS office comes after a series of violent incidents last year. On January 31, a group of CPM activists armed with sticks allegedly attacked a group of RSS workers while they were attending a meeting in Kerala's northern district of Kannur. One RSS worker was hospitalised following the attack. advertisement Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condemned the attacks on BJP and RSS workers in Kerala. He said that they were being targeted for their different ideology which could not be allowed in a democracy and had pitched for a nation-wide debate on the issue. More details are awaited. --- ENDS --- Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2 40 miejsc parkingowych Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej. Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. A day after Congress-backed NSUI and Left-backed AISA held a protest march at Delhi University, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has called for a Tiranga march at the premier educational institution as the 'patriot war' intensifies. By India Today Web Desk: After a massive rally by Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA), BJP's student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Delhi University Students' Union are organising a march inside the North Campus today. Hundreds of students gathered for the rally which started from the Faculty of Arts and concluded at Ramjas College before crossing through Khalsa College campus. advertisement Meanwhile, the patriot wars fire seems to have spread to Punjab too as the ABVP is set to hold a Tiranga Yatra on the campus of Panjab University later today. HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Support freedom of expression within legal framework, says Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar . Heavy security has been deployed at the North Campus. Delhi: ABVP holds protest march outside North Campus' Art Faculty #RamjasRow pic.twitter.com/K8Nfk94GOv ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 ABVP believes students in large numbers will participate in the rally against anti-India propaganda of the Communist brigade. BJP-backed youth union said freedom of expression doesn't give one the freedom to abuse the country. Meanwhile, ABVP is set to hold a Tiranga Yatra on the campus of Panjab University expressing its support to the Indian Army. The Aam Aadmi Party is expected to stage protest in Punjab's Jalandhar in support of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur. Earlier, the ABVP had taken out a Tiranga March, "to save the nation", from Ramjas College to the Arts Faculty. Meanwhile, two ABVP members, who were arrested for allegedly attacking a group of AISA supporters, have been suspended from the party for 'indiscipline'. Trouble erupted in the otherwise placid Delhi University campus on February 21 when the ABVP forced the cancellation of a seminar at Ramjas College over the participation of a controversial JNU student. ABVP activists were blamed for attacking students, teachers and journalists in the campus, triggering widespread condemnation. Lady Shri Ram College student Gurmehar Kaur then launched a social media campaign against the ABVP. On Tuesday she left Delhi for Punjab, saying she was pulling out of the campaign. ABVP has accused AISA of extending support to those having anti-national views. On the other hand, the AISA has said that the ABVP is trying to suppress freedom of speech on the campus. ALSO READ | Delhi University: Netas, teachers join anti-ABVP students march --- ENDS --- Social sector spending in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a hike of 10 to 30 per cent while there have been higher increases in technical and medical education. By Rahul Noronha: Madhya Pradesh Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya on Wednesday presented a revenue surplus budget of Rs 4596 crore in the state assembly, by passing expectations that taxes on fossil fuels would be reduced by the state government. MP has the highest rates for petrol and diesel in the country presently. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BUDGET The FM also announced an escalation on VAT on ATF at Bhopal and Indore airports, from 4 per cent to 25 per cent- a move which is likely to hike air fares for flights originating from these cities at the same time helping the state government mop up Rs 70 crore by way of revenue, as estimated by it. The state government will maintain the 4 per cent VAT on ATF at the Jabalpur, Gwalior and Khajuraho airports. Social sector spending in Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a hike of 10 to 30 per cent while there have been higher increases in technical and medical education. The medical education department that oversees the setting up of medical colleges across the state witnessed an increase in allocation of 61.68 per cent over last year- from Rs 846 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 1367 crore in 2017-18. This is expected to aid in the setting up the 7 proposed medical colleges in the state. The Health sector witnessed an increase of 16.08 per cent - from Rs 4887 crore to Rs 5673 crore, the school education sector of 9.83 per cent - from Rs 18,094 crore to Rs 19,873 crore, higher education witnessed an increase of 14.81 per cent from Rs 1998 crore to Rs 2294 crore. Technical education under which the skill development missions work saw an increase of 117.05 per cent from Rs 780 crore to Rs 1693 crore. In 2016-17, an amount of Rs 9334 crore was allocated for urban infrastructure development which has been increased to Rs 11,489 crore ( 23.09 per cent increase) in 2017-18 while an amount of Rs 13,480 crore was allocated for rural infrastructure in 2016-17 which has been increased to Rs 14,397 crore marking a 6.80 per cent increase. The appropriation amount of the budget 2017-18 stands at Rs 1,85,564 crore, which is an 11 per cent hike over Rs 1,66,949 - the appropriation amount (revised estimates) for 2016-17. The total receipts of the budget stand at Rs 1,69,503 crore, up from Rs 1,55,944 crore in 2016-17. These include revenue receipts of Rs 1,39,116 crore and capital receipts of Rs 30,387 crore. The budget has a total expenditure of Rs 1,69,954 crore, up from Rs 1,56,630 in 2016-17. advertisement Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya conceded that about 35 per cent of the state's own tax revenue comes from taxes on petroleum products. "MP, unlike other states does not have manufacturing facilities which leave the state government with very few revenue options- making it mandatory for it tax petroleum products heavily," he said. The Minister said that the 7th pay commission recommendations have been accepted by the state government with effect from January 2016 and would be paid from July onwards. The FM said that borrowings would be within the 3.5 per cent limit of GSDP as mandated by the FRBM Act. Even as the Minister denied that there had been any slowdown in revenue collections due to demonetization, the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance conceded that there had been a decline of 4 per cent in estimated revenue collection in January 2017. Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh termed the budget as a visionless documents that did not provide any relief to any class in society. He said that amount pledged for reviving the Narmada is much smaller than the value of sand being illegally mined from the river in one day. --- ENDS --- By Indrajit Kundu: In an attempt to bag the crucial tribal vote bank in Manipur, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday stated that the Centre could initiate a CBI inquiry into the death of nine tribal youths during a violent agitation against the Manipur state government in 2015. "We shall address long pending grievances of the people and deliver justice to the nine dead youth by initiating a proper and respectable investigation," Singh said while addressing a campaign rally for BJP candidates in the remote Churachandpur district. "If needed we will handover the case to CBI," he said adding that the BJP was committed to bringing about an honourable solution and burial of the dead bodies. advertisement NO BURIAL FOR YOUTH Bodies of eight tribal youth who died during the agitation have been kept at a morgue in the district with locals refusing to bury them as a mark of protest. In, 2015 the hill district of Churachandapur had erupted in violent protest against a slew of steps by the Ibobi Singh government terming them "anti-tribal". In order to meet the Inner Line Permit (ILP) demand raised by people in Imphal valley, the Congress state government had passed three controversial legislations - the Protection of Manipur People (PMP) Bill, the Manipur Land Reform and Land Revenue (7th Amendment) Bill 2015 and the Shops and Establishment (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015. Amid deteriorating law and order situation in the district, Manipur police had to fire at protesters to curb the agitation. The police action resulted in the death of the young men whose bodies still await cremation. Protesting tribals have demanded complete "separation from Manipur state" after the incident. Rajnath Singh urged tribals to vote for the BJP so that the party could initiate the process for an "honourabe solution" to their political problem. Also Read Manipur election: UNC vows to fight against Congress, declares support for BJP ally Naga People's Front Will Modi magic work in Manipur: All about Assembly election 2017 --- ENDS --- 38 out of a total of 60 Assembly constituencies will be voting in this phase scheduled for Saturday amid tight security. By Indrajit Kundu: Campaigning for the first phase of Manipur assembly election concluded on Thursday evening. 38 out of a total of 60 Assembly constituencies will be voting in this phase scheduled for Saturday amid tight security. More then 11 lakh voters will be deciding the fate of 168 candidates in the fray. A massive deployment of central forces has been made in the state with the Election Commission closely monitoring the entire process. Out of the 2794 polling stations, 837 have been marked as "hyper sensitive" while 529 are being considered sensitive. advertisement This phase will be crucial as a large part of Imphal valley will vote amidst the ongoing economic blockade by the United Naga Council that has crippled life in the valley for four months since November last year. Also read: Will Modi magic work in Manipur: All about Assembly election 2017 The UNC has blocked both NH-2 and NH-37 considered to be the life line of Imphal valley in protest against the Ibobi Singh led Congress government's decision to form seven new districts just before these elections. The Election Commission has allayed all fears that the ongoing blockade could scuttle the poll process in the state. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi during his visit to the state last week had said that the Commission was "reasonably satisfied" with the security measures in place. In fact, Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi also took stock of the security preparedness ahead of the crucial first phase. General Bakshi visited various locations and was briefed about the co-ordination between the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and CAPFs deployed for the polls. But despite the tight security, five persons have been injured in a suspected IED blast near the residence of a NPF candidate in Ukhrul district on Thursday evening. Apart from the two major players Congress and BJP, others in the fray include the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the Trinamool Congress with 16 candidates each, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with seven, Communist Party of India has six while CPI(Marxist) has fielded two. Irom Sharmila's newly floated People's Resurgence Justice Alliance (PRJA) is making its electoral debut with three candidates in these polls. The next and final phase of polling is scheduled for March 8 with results to be announced on March 11. --- ENDS --- For someone who is an introvert and a loner of sorts, friends come in as angels to make life blissful. Times will change for sure but what will remain constant for another 69860000 million years is the special bond between friends.

And thanks to FBI mean Facebook for helping people re-connect with long lost friends. The letters FB occupy a very special place in my heart for it also means FRIENDS and BONDING to me.

I feel so proud of myself for deriving such a beautiful full form for FBI think I must fix up an appointment with Mark and suggest him to change FACEBOOK to FRIENDS & BONDING.wondering who Mark is? Mark Zuckerburg is the brain behind such a genius networking website yaar

Theres none to laugh at my poor jokelet me keep it to myself

Jokes apart, with the help of FB, I have been able to virtually bridge the geographical distances between me and my friends, who are spread across the globe. I feel like thanking Mark a zillion times for creating such an incredible platform that helps people catch-up with old pals and even make new ones. What a genius he is!

A lot of controversies do surround Facebook for its credibility and its influence on people at largeand many have become FB addicts. Moreover, there are many, who refrain from getting hooked to social networking sites fearing they would becomes addicts.

However, I would beg to differ. In a way yes FACEBOOK has influenced regular users great deal and we tend to spend most of our times clinging onto our accounts to update the latest on our personal and even professional front. But that holds true for any other habit that becomes a part of our lifestyle. It is entirely up to us to ensure we dont go overboard! Isnt it?

I have least complaints about FACEBOOK and I believe its nothing less a boon to people who have friends far and wide; it is faster, easier and undeniably one of the cheapest mediums of constant communication. Of course, nothing brings bigger happiness than catching up with pals in person. But considering a busy schedule and the helpless physical separation one can do little but succumb to the inevitable. In such a scenario FB comes in handy.

Now let me shift the focus to friendsguess I have said too much about Facebookdoes that show how addicted I am to FBNo..Not allMay be!

I dont feel the need to celebrate friendship on the day that is solely dedicated to them and which falls on the first Sunday in the month of August. Friends are forever and eternal. What is more important than tying a friendship band and buying goodies for friends is that one needs to keep up the special bond through thick and thin. So to flood `Happy Friendship Day` messages on your friends FACEBOOK wall seems like a dud idea! Oh noNot againFB again finds a mention here.

Back to friends.there is this friend of mine who keeps posting weird status messages- My tummy feels sicksomething is cooking inside it.Have been visiting the loo regularly since morning. On reading his message I get to know he needs to visit a doc for sure.There is another crazy friend who keeps posting his love at first sight messages he might have posted 59478573 thousand times earlier. And like always I know he has yet again fallen in loveonly to fall in love once again the next day!

Recently, I viewed pictures of my school friends baby and those made me wonder and realize how old I have turned! But I was happy to see my darling friend put on oodles of weight, yet looking as pretty as ever before. I could even feel her baby in my arms. Oh what a wonderful feeling it was.

It has been months I have moved out of my cityyet I have traveled far and wideand even to the UKthere is where another friend of mine staysand I could see myself virtually traveling to the English countryside after seeing pictures posted by him on FB.

Virtual phones calls and traveling is cheaper, isnt itat least they dont burn a hole in your pocket! That is one of the reasons why I love FB.FB literally helps me save money that seldom manages to come to my handsit hardly does

Whateverif you think despite I having said I am not going to talk about FACEBOOKI ended up discussing it.I think I owe a lot to it for it has given me a wider horizon to get instantly connected to my friends who are very special. But one question that I need to ask myself is whether I am really a FB addict?I guess I amand I dont mind being oneas long as I am able to be in constant touch with my buddies.and btw are you too a FB crazy person like me? Let me clarify- here by FB I meant FRIENDS & BONDING!

What did you think? Imphal: BJP national president Amit Shah has promised to end the crippling indefinite economic blockade in Manipur if BJP is voted to power in the coming assembly polls and said priority will be given to maintain law and order in the militancy-hit state. "Our first task would be to end the indefinite economic blockade and all efforts will be carried out to make the state free from bandhs and blockades," Shah said at a poll rally here yesterday. Emphasising on the need to restore law and order in the militancy-hit state, he said, "Law and order will be restored and priority will be given to solve the conflict situation of the state," he said. Referring to the Naga Accord, Shah assured that it would not affect the territoral integrity of the state as had been assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Banking on the development agenda, Shah promised to make Manipur a "model state" in five years even as he accused Congress government of not exploiting the tourism potential of the region. "The state has huge potential in the tourism sector which has not been utilised by the Congress during the last 15 years of its rule. BJP will make Manipur a model state if it comes to power," Shah said. He said that potable water will be available to the everyone in the state and conditions of roads will be improved. Earlier in the day, Shah, accompanied by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar and former MLA Y Erabot, held door-to-door campaign at Wangkhei assembly constituency, where he visited about 10 houses and asked for votes. "Such an interaction was the first of its kind in Manipur. It shows BJP's seriousness to bring good governance in the state," Javadekar, who is the party's in-charge of Manipur said. "The campaign shows BJP's concern about the welfare of the people of Manipur. The ideology of our party is to connect people with their representatives ... Families were thrilled when Shah came to interact with them personally," he added. Brigadier Amarjit Singh Minhas terms the development as anti-martyr as the supreme sacrifice made by Captain Mandeep Singh was questioned 18 years after his daughter held responsible war instead of Pakistan for her father's death. By Manjeet Sehgal: The patriot drama being played in Delhi University (DU) has not only shocked the family of martyr Captain Mandeep Singh in Jalandhar but hundreds of others too whose family members were killed in terrorist attacks or while guarding the nation on the international border. Questioning of martyrdom is like opening old wounds for the war widows and other family members who slipped into the painful past and demanded a befitting reply to the people making political capital out of the DU controversy. advertisement Brigadier Amarjit Singh Minhas terms the development as anti-martyr as the supreme sacrifice made by Captain Mandeep Singh was questioned 18 years after his daughter held responsible war instead of Pakistan for her father's death. ALSO READ | Saying martyrs killed by war and not Pakistan is a great fallacy: Major General Shashikant Pitre "This is unfortunate that the supreme sacrifice made by the offices and jawans is being questioned by the politicians for very narrow interests and that too on certain remarks made by a 21-year-old girl. It is very disturbing for the ex-servicemen," Brigadier Minhas said. Minhas said the controversy may have serious consequences as the questioning of martyrdom will have a bearing on the moral of offices and jawans. "I feel it is totally out of context. The debate should be brought to an end and respect should be given to captain Mandeep and not be penalised for a small remark made by his daughter," Minhas said. WAR WIDOWS GIVE BEFITTING REPLY Announcing support for Mandeep Singh's daughter Gurmehar Kaur, war widows living in Jalandhar said they were shattered by the political patriotic war being played in Delhi University. "The debate has saddened me. Terrorists are sent by Pakistan, which is responsible for the death of my husband," Rajwinder Kaur, widow of Nayak Kulwinder Singh, who was awarded Sena Medal after he was killed in a terror attack in Arnia sector in 2014, said. Another war widow Kulwinder Kaur, whose husband Tirath Singh was martyrd in a terror attack at Sambha in 2003, demanded a befitting reply for those politicising the issue. ALSO READ | Gurmehar Kaur's mother to India Today: It pains when she's called anti-national, proud of what she did "Those who are politicising the martyrdom should be given a befitting reply. Only those who have lost someone can value the sacrifice," Kulwinder Kaur said. "Those who are debating the martyrdom should return my husband. I don't want any money. I will make ends meet by begging," another widow Satwinder Kaur said. She lost her husband Devinder Singh in a terrorist attack reported in Machhil Sector in August 2016, and is still waiting for the pension documents from 17 Sikh Rifles. advertisement KARGIL MARTYR'S BROTHER SAYS POLITICS HAS DEGRADED THE SUPREME SACRIFICE "I lost my brother in the Kargil war. They promised us heaven after the war was over but the politics dragged me to the Supreme Court. Nobody knows the pain of penury and hardships which a martyr's family faces. Politics over sacrifices will only discourage the future generations from joining forces," Kuldeep Singh, brother of Daljeet Singh who was martyred in Kargil in July 1999 said. ALSO READ | Is Gurmehar Kaur an anti-national, a peace warrior or brainwashed youngster? WATCH | Meme drawing a parallel between Gurmehar, Dawood a metaphor of her stupidity: BJP MP --- ENDS --- Over 180 coastal police stations were operationalised under the comprehensive and integrated Coastal Security Scheme (CSS). By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Nearly nine years after 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the maritime security has hit a new low. An order for purchase of 75 speed boats for coastal security, has been cancelled by the Home Ministry following allegations of corruption. All the 75 speed boats were supposed to be delivered to police forces of coastal states. A senior official in the ministry confirmed the cancellation. "We have cancelled the order for 75 speed boats. Fresh process will be initiated to procure the vessels," sources told India Today. advertisement WAKE-UP CALL The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks was a wake-up call for maritime security with government going in for a major overhaul all along nearly 7500 km of vast coastline. All the 10 Lashkar terrorists involved in the dastardly attack came from Pakistan using the sea route. Over 180 coastal police stations were operationalised under the comprehensive and integrated Coastal Security Scheme (CSS). While police forces of coastal states and union territories have jurisdictions up to 12 nautical miles from the coast, Indian Coast Guard and the Navy have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone of up to 200 nautical miles. Coastal security is reviewed periodically by against threats from the sea. --- ENDS --- All IPS officers are required to undergo training at the Academy and only after clearing their modules are confirmed as IPS. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Two IPS probationers, sacked by the government for their "failure" to clear tests during training, have been re-inducted into service after a nod from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Kusum Punia, a 2010 batch officer of Jharkhand cadre, and Kumar Gautam, a 2010 batch officer belonging to West Bengal cadre, were given a final chance to complete their training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy inHyderabad which they successfully did. advertisement The move came after Punia and Gautam sent their representations to President who forwarded the matter to Home Minister. Singh on "compassionate" grounds revoked their sacking and gave the opportunity to clear the training, a Home Ministry official said. BOTH FAILED TEST According to officials earlier both probationers failed test. Punia was given maximum opportunities but she "failed" to clear re-examination and special re-examination and a test on swimming. Officials said Punia was given maximum opportunities but she "failed" to clear re-examination and special re-examination and a test on swimming. Apart from his "failure" to clear other tests, Gautam had also "failed" to physical endurance test. After several instances of obesity and poor health conditions of some IPS probationers, the Home Ministry has also given clear instructions to the Academy to ensure body mass index of each trainee officer so that they remain physically fit during training as well as job. All IPS officers are required to undergo training at the Academy and only after clearing their modules are confirmed as IPS. Sources told India Today that in the latest batch as well, there are 4-5 probationers who are overweight. --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 2 (PTI) The NCP today said it will maintain a distance from both the Shiv Sena and BJP in the Mayoral elections in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, where the recent polls resulted in a hung house. State NCP President Sunil Tatkare told reporters here that his party was clear right from the start of the campaign for the civic polls across Maharashtra that it would not enter into any understanding or friendly fight with either the Shiv Sena or the BJP. advertisement The NCP leader, however, took a dig at the Congress, which he said had struck some understanding with the Shiv Sena in some Zilla Parishads in the state. "We kept our word while Congress, which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight," he said. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on Mumbai Mayor elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. "(However) Under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government," he said. In a sarcastic take at Senas stance during the campaign that the BJP-led Government in the state had been put on "notice period", Tatkare said, "only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the government in the state and whether the resignation letters carried by its ministers in their pockets are still there or torn off." "What is the use of only criticising the government through Saamana (the Sena mouthpiece). Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support," he added. To a question on speculations that NCP may support a Shiv Sena government if such situation arises, Tatkare said, "I dont foresee a mid-term elections since Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do." On the prospects of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress has not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar and discussed the the post-Mumbai civic poll situation.PTI MR DK NM NM SDM --- ENDS --- advertisement Editors Note: Next week, the 2017 Israel AgTech Innovation Showcase Delegation, organized by The Israel Economic Mission to the West Coast, Israel Economic Mission to the Midwest, and the BIRD Foundation, will take place. The delegation will stop in St. Louis, San Francisco, Salinas, and Encinitas. The delegation will include startups specializing in crop protection, crop nutrition, plant genetics and breeding, irrigation, and decision support technology. Participating Israeli companies include AgriTask, AutoAgronom, BioDalia, BreedIT, Future Tense, Groundwork BioAg, Pimi Agro Cleantech, Prospera, Saturas, SMART!, Taranis, Tevatronic, and the Israel Cleantech Ventures. Here Maya Vardi-Shoshani, head of the West Coast Division at the BIRD Foundation, who is speaking at the event, describes the work the foundation has been doing to promote partnerships between US and Israeli agtech companies. The Bible named it the land of Milk and Honey. Yet, the small country of Israel, with a geography that is not naturally conducive to agriculture, with minimal fresh water, has faced many great agricultural challenges. Most agricultural areas are located in semi-arid climates with unsuitable soil for many crops. Population growth is expected to increase the urban demand on water and further limit the available land resources available for agriculture, while simultaneously requiring an increase in food production. But, the countrys scarce natural resources have promoted the development of numerous creative solutions. A thriving, local ecosystem for agricultural technologies, together with a culture of multidisciplinary problem-solving, has empowered Israeli entrepreneurs to address agricultural challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. Israeli innovators have introduced transformative technologies to the world such as drip irrigation, desalination, and water reclamation. Israel has also become a major exporter of fresh produce. It exports an estimated $4 billion a year and has around 280 agtech companies, exporting 200 agtech services and products. In 2015, the country was making approximately $90 million of yearly investment in agtech-oriented R&D. Israeli agtech innovators are particularly strong in seed production, plant genetics, and breeding. Developing crop varieties that can grow in problematic soil regions, like areas with high salinity, significant water stress, and high acidity levels are important with increased instances of droughts, floods, heatwaves and other extreme weather events. Needless to say, in the area of water management and in particularly precision irrigation, Israel is and continues to be, a global leader. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention! Challenges for Israeli agtech startups Israel is a very small market, and startups complain that its hard to identify local distribution channels for their technologies and services. This makes it hard to scale up. The US industry, often the global leader in many sectors, generally has an overwhelming advantage over the rest of the world. But US companies still face fierce competition from home and from abroad. Small and medium size companies are always looking for a means to be ahead of their competitors while maintaining profitability. Large enterprises are typically concerned about disruptive technologies emerging from smaller, innovative competitors One strategy used to penetrate a non-local market is to form an industrial partnership with a firm in the target market. Technological innovation is recognized as the main factor in the growth and success of many firms. In certain fields, a company has little chance of survival without innovation. Large, existing firms have discovered that cooperation can greatly enhance their innovative capabilities. In this context, international cooperation has become an important part of doing business for companies constantly seeking novel approaches for overcoming their competition. Where BIRD comes in Exporting Israels ag technologies and expertise has been a priority for the government for many years, especially to the US. In 1977, with the goal of promoting breakthrough technology and innovative research and development, the US and Israeli Governments established the US-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (The BIRD Foundation) to invest in collaborations between companies from both countries. The BIRD Foundation (BIRD) works to encourage cooperation between Israeli and American companies in a wide range of technology sectors by providing funding and assistance in facilitating strategic partnerships for developing joint products or technologies. BIRD supports projects without receiving any equity or IP rights in the participating companies. We provide non-dilutive funding and support of up to 50% of a projects budget up to $1 million. Our support begins with R&D and ends with the initial stages of sales and marketing. Since 1977, weve granted over $340 million to over 940 projects, investing up to $1 million in each. We only require repayment if the project achieves sales. Between 2015 and 2016, about 15% of projects supported by BIRD - after review by the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist and by the US Department of Commerces National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) were in agtech. BIRD funding can be a catalyst to an emerging partnership. Our highly networked team can be very instrumental in helping a company to find the right partner. We hope our funding also allows small firms to reach the milestones necessary to make them attractive to venture capitalists and to take their ideas to the next level. What weve done so far BIRD has supported agtech projects with both large and small US companies. A collaboration between Californian company Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) and Israels Groundwork BioAg was approved and funded by BIRD in 2015. Dr. Pam Marrone, founder and CEO of Marrone Bio told me: MBI, a California-based company, has two exciting collaborations with Israel-based companies funded by the BIRD Foundation, which is a testament to the power of combining the talents and technologies across both countries. Based on the recent results from our collaborative effort with Groundworks, we look forward to expanding our trials to include biotic stresses such as sudden death syndrome in soybean, as well as Fusarium stalk rot and Pythium in corn and soybeans. Pioneer DuPont and its Israeli partner company, Evogene, represent another successful BIRD-funded agtech collaboration. As Ofer Haviv, Evogenes President and CEO explains, We are pleased with the progress in our collaboration with Pioneer DuPont for the discovery of genes for resistance to Asian Soybean Rust leveraging Evogenes proprietary gene discovery technology ATHLETE. Asian Soybean Rust is a devastating disease responsible for up to 80 percent yield loss in soybean. In recent years, we have paid close attention to the field of precision agriculture, as we saw tremendous potential in advanced data analytics and the use of big data in increasing food production. We are also interested in companies that integrate software and hardware solutions and allow efficient farming practices that have the potential to reduce operational costs. Being a well-known center of excellence for the high-tech industry, Israel has a lot to offer in that respect. We see a very rich local pipeline of companies that can participate in these segments. You can contact Maya Vardi-Shoshani here. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. The expected result of the New York Business Forum was firstly raising awareness on Armenias business environment and economy, followed by real actions, Development Foundation of Armenias CEO Garen Mikirditsian told ARMENPRESS. According to him, the event was successful in both directions. Mikirditsian said for the first time Armenia initiated such process, not having such a global scale forum for a long time, which presented our country as a successful investment environment. It so happened that the forums timing coincided with the formation of the new Cabinet, when the state was clearly underscoring the priority of improving Armenias investment environment. The Armenian President mentioned at the forum this very fact and the international community, investors and the Diaspora-Armenians received it very positively. We felt there is movement there, and people touched upon Armenia and its potential investment environment. There were even people who had negative perceptions about our country, however their false perception was changed through the forum. Six month after the forum I already see investors are more interested in Armenia, not only from the US, but also from Middle Eastern countries, Europe and Russia, he said, adding he has met with multiple investors in Armenia after returning from the forum, who were engaged in different events, mainly regarding solar energy. According to him, the same companies and investors who heard about Armenia at the forum, are now present in Armenias events, which will give results. He stresses that private companies and international financial organizations have expressed interest for the business programs which were presented at the forum, one of the international financial organizations being the Asian Bank. The latter is interested in several large-scale investments in Armenia. According to Mikirditsian, the results will be visible soon. Vahe Hakobyan Talking to reporters here, State NCP President Sunil Tatkare said his party was clear from the start of the campaign (for the just concluded Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad polls in Maharashtra) that it will not have any understanding or friendly fight with the Shiv Sena and BJP. By Press Trust of India: The NCP in Maharashtra today said it will maintain a distance from the Shiv Sena and BJP -- who are locked in a power struggle to install their Mayor in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) -- unlike the Congress which had aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads ahead of the state civic polls. advertisement Talking to reporters here, State NCP president Sunil Tatkare said his party was clear from the start of the campaign (for the just concluded Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad polls in Maharashtra) that it will not have any understanding or friendly fight with the Shiv Sena and BJP. "We kept our word while Congress which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight," he alleged. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on Mumbai Mayor elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. Also read: Who will be the mayor of Mumbai? Suspense continues as BJP, Shiv Sena refused to blink "(However) Under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government," Tatkare claimed. Taking a dig on Sena, Tatkare also said, "only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the BJP led government in the state and whether the resignation letter carried by its ministers in their pockets is still there or torn." "What is the use of only criticising the government through Saamana (the Sena mouthpiece). Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support," he added. Also read: BMC election: We are the No. 1 party, says defiant Uddhav Thackeray To a question regarding speculations that NCP may support a Shiv Sena government, Tatkare said, "I dont foresee a mid-term election since Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do." When asked about the prospect of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress has not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar where he discussed the political situation in the city, post the Mumbai civic poll results where BJP finished just two seats behind Shiv Sena (which won 84 seats). advertisement Four of the five independents have joined the Sena since the results. WATCH THE VIDEO: --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani forces made over 100 ceasefire violations on March 1 and overnight March 2 in the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh/NKR) Azerbaijan line of contact, firing over 1200 rounds and NKR positions from various caliber small arms and mortars, grenade launchers. In the south-eastern, eastern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact Azerbaijani forces fired a total of 51 shells from TR-107 multiple rocket launchers, 60mm and 82mm mortars, shoulder-launched anti-tank grenade launchers, automatic grenade launchers and under-barrel grenade launchers. The defense ministry of NKR told ARMENPRESS the Defense Army confidently continue their service and take countermeasures if needed. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. The Interpols National Central Bureau of Azerbaijan released a statement on March 1 addressed to Interpol member states, on issuing international arrest warrants for a group of foreign and Armenian scientists carrying out archeological excavations in Nagorno Karabakh in 2016. The warrants were issued based on the Azerbaijani Criminal Codes article 116.0.8-3 (violating international humanitarian norms during conflicts), 165.2.2 (violation of copyright rights), 183.2.1 (looting items of special value), 183.2.2, 281.2 (calls against the state) and 318.02 (illegally crossing the state border of Azerbaijan). The press service of the Police HQ of Armenia told ARMENPRESS immediately after receiving the statement, the National Central Bureau of Interpol Armenia presented the necessary grounds and clarifications to the general secretariat of Interpol, that the Azerbaijani side is once again attempting to drag Interpol into political issues, which undoubtedly contradicts Interpols Charters Article 3 (Interpol is strictly not allowed to engage activities or interfere in political, military, religious and racial affairs) and it threatens the reputation of Interpol. In its turn, the general secretariat of Interpol found the Armenian law enforcements information to be grounded, and immediately responded and released statements on the same day to all member states and notified that the information on the abovementioned individuals contradicts the Charter and they cannot be internationally wanted. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France issued a statement over the completion of talks on comprehensive and extended partnership Agreement between Armenia and the European Union, the French Embassy in Armenia told Armenpress. The statement reads: France welcomes the completion of talks on comprehensive and extended partnership Agreement between Armenia and the European Union. President of the European Council Donald Tusk announced this on the occasion of Armenian Presidents visit to Brussels on February 27-28, 2017. The agreement, signed several days before the Armenian Presidents upcoming official visit to France on March 8-9, is in accordance with the call made by the President of France in Armenia in May, 2014 on strengthening EU-Armenia relations. The agreement will enable to deepen EU-Armenia political dialogue on our common commitment to democracy, human rights and legal state. It will facilitate the development of cooperation in energy, transportation, environment sectors, will create new favorable conditions for trade and investments, by this ensuring the protection of the French and European geographical indications. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. To an inquiry of ARMENPRESS, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, spokesman of the Armenian defense minister denied the report of Azerbaijans defense ministry which said as result of their blow the Armenian side suffered losses. In my opinion, the official statements of the Artsakh [Nagorno Karabakh] Defense Ministry are completely enough for tackling such absurd disinformation, he said. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Senor Hasratyan, spokesman of the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh/NKR) defense ministry, denied the Azerbaijani defense ministrys report on destroying an NKR position. Hasratyan namely said: Lately, and especially on February 25, after suffering serious losses as result of its own aggression, the Azerbaijani agitprop has turned to a strategy of targeted and regular distortion of reality with the purpose of mitigating its public opinion (panic) which responded with rather negatively to its latest events. Another proof of the above-mentioned is the staged disinformation of Azerbaijan spread today, which said their Army has destroyed an NKR position (while some Azerbaijani media present it as headquarters). From all this, the conclusion is one similar Azerbaijani propaganda is so primitive and so chewed up that it cant serve any serious goal. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenias governmental delegation led by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan will pay an official visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on March 6-7, reports Armenpress. The PMs decision is posted on e-gov.am. The delegation will depart for Bishkek to take part in the session of the Eurasian Inter-Governmental Council. Vice Prime Minister Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms Vache Gabrielyan, Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan and others are among the delegation members. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. The report of Azerbaijans defense ministry on destroying a Nagorno Karabakh (NKR/Artsakh) Army HQ in the direction of Martuni and preventing an NKR incursion attempt is completely false and made up myths, the defense ministry of NKR told ARMENPRESS. The NKR Defense Ministry announces the NKR side has never been the initiator of aggressive actions and is ready to deliver a destructive blow to any provocation of Azerbaijan. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Students of the Monte Melkonyan military-training college have returned with awards from the international training camp. The college team took part in the February 11-22 15th Young patriots international gathering in Perm, Russia. More than 900 participants from 38 teams took part in the event from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Moldova, China, Tajikistan and Russia. The Armenian team was named the winner of the Honor and dignity nomination, and was awarded with a cup and medals. Lt. Colonel Karen Avagyan, deputy head of the educational dept. of the college, told a press conference in ARMENPRESS the Armenian team was taking part in the event for already the 7th time. The event is military-training in essence, the skills of the participants was tested. This was a rather unprecedented large gathering, and out team won the Honor and dignity award by displaying high moral features and high level of physical training. We had big successes in the militarized sport styles, he said. One of the competitions included disassembling and reassembling a Makarov handgun, where the Russian military experts were simply amazed on the abilities of the Armenian team, the Armenian students were able to disassemble and reassemble the gun in just 2-3 seconds. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Philip Morris International representatives met with Armenias Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan to discuss the further cooperation on March 1, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress. On March 2, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ministry and PMI according to which the sides aim to establish Research and Developments Center in the form of Innovation hub. The Center will operate at two major directions: Research, Innovation and Educational Programs. By this memorandum the sides will unite their efforts to assist creating rapid prototypes within the framework of the R&D Center. The PMI representatives stated that Armenia has a great experience of international cooperation aimed at establishing innovative and research centers. The PMI is deeply interested in establishing a long-term cooperation with Armenias Government and public sector. The vision is to establish and conduct inter-sectoral cooperation with research centers and local companies in the fields of mutual interest aimed at making innovations. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on March 2 had a meeting with Karl Schnadt Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at ContourGlobal, press service of the Government told Armenpress. The sides discussed the process of investment program directed towards modernization and full operation of the Vorotan hydroelectric power cascade. Both officials attached importance to the regular working meetings which enable to exchange views on certain issues of mutual interest. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the obligations set under the signed agreement properly and within the deadline. PM Karapetyan attached importance to the implementation of the program and stated: We must implement the provisions defined under the agreement, which we and you have signed. By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, Mar 2 (PTI) Congress, which won 31 seats in the last months Mumbai civic elections, has decided to contest the March 8 Mayoral poll. Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam told PTI that he has approached the Samajwadi Party and the NCP to support his partys nominee. "I have approached leaders of SP and NCP to support the Congress nominee (in the Mayoral poll) if they are not in favour of (Shiv) Sena and BJP. Leaders of the two parties have told me that they will discuss the issue with their party leaders and get back," Nirupam said. advertisement Finalisation of the Congress candidate for the post of mayor will be done in a day or two, he said. In the recently-held BMC polls, the Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP 82, Congress was relegated to the third spot with 31 seats, NCP got nine and Raj Thackerays MNS won seven seats. Sena has claimed support of four independents while BJP has claimed support of one independent. In the poll, there is no need for any party to have 114 members to win the Mayors post. A candidate getting the highest number of votes from those present at the time of voting will be the winner. If BJP decides to contest the Mayoral poll, the role of Congress and other smaller parties come into picture. Congress sources said the party is keen to ensure Sena wins in the mayor election. However it cannot be seen going with the Shiv Sena officially. As abstaining from the vote would be seen as indirect support to the Shiv Sena, the party decided to put up a candidate, the sources said. PTI MR NRB BSA --- ENDS --- YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on March 2 received the delegation led by Drago Azinovic President of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Region at Philip Morris International Management SA and PMI Duty Free, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress. President Sargsyan welcomed the PMI representatives in Armenia and said the establishment of Research and Development Center (R&D) by the company will receive support both from Armenias technological centers, as well as from Gyumris technological center. The Armenian public will also welcome it since the Armenian people have always put attention on innovations by trying to bring the advanced mind to Armenia and localize it. Serzh Sargsyan said now than ever before the research and developments, as well as science and technologies play a decisive role for Armenias progress and development, and the development of technology field is always in the spotlight of the Government. In his turn Drago Azinovic thanked the President for the reception and presented the recent achievements of the delegation led by him, the investment and innovative programs aimed at presenting such products that decrease the damage caused by tobacco. I am happy that Armenia attaches great attention to the development of technologies and people. Encouraging people to display their talents and the technology development, you create an opportunity for your countrys development and for being included in the list of worlds leading countries later. We are very happy for this approach and the readiness to cooperate, Drago Azinovic said, stating that the PMI will be consistent with fulfilling the commitment set under the framework memorandum of understanding signed today with the Government. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. The first Board of Trustees session of the Servicemen insurance Fund which was created in accordance to the law on Compensation for wounded or fallen servicemen during defense of Armenia was held in the defense ministry. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan was elected Chairman of the Board, while Varuzhan Avetikyan head of the legal department of the Central Bank was elected director of the foundation. The foundation consists of 9 people, three of whom are elected by the Government, three by the Central Bank, and the other three by NGOs, who are engaged in protecting servicemen. Vigen Sargsyan said there is one vacant position in the Board, which will be filled by a representative of the opposition. Having discussed the issue with the opposition, we found it appropriate to leave it after the parliamentary election, he said. Varuzhan Avetikyan presented the 2017 budget. 1 billion 731 million AMD in expenditures are planned for this year, which was approved by the Board. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenia had unprecedented results this year at the February 25 MUNDUS VINI 20th Grand International Wine Awards in Neustadt, Germany. Armenian winemakers products received a total of 23 medals at the event 10 gold and 13 silver, the ministry of agriculture of Armenia told ARMENPRESS. The participation of Armenian winemakers was provided by the Winemaking and Viticulture Foundation of Armenia with assistance of the CBI Center for promotion of imports from developing countries. 19 winemaking companies took part in the competition from Armenia and presented 58 types of wines, including sparkling wines. Overall around 6000 types of wines from 44 countries were presented. The jury consisted of around 200 renowned experts, including Trinity LLC winemaker Artem Parseghian the first time a representative of Armenia is being included in the jury. A gala dinner was organized for wine tasting, where CEO of Golden Grape Armas factory Victoria Aslanyan presented an Armenian Wine Presentation, which won the Best Presentation award. The following Armenian wines received awards: Gold medals 2015 Van Ardi Areni, Kakhet, Haghtanak 2015 Areni Reserve 2015 Van Ardi Reserve Syrah 2013 ArmAs Karmrahyut Reserve 2015 Voskevaz Karasi collection Voskehat 2014 Takar Reserve 2013 Karas Reserve Winemaker's Selection Blend 2009 Old Bridge Red Dry Reserve 2015 Getnatoun Areni Noir Aghavnadzor Village 2014 Trinity Eh Areni Noir Silver medal 2013 ArmAs Voskehat Reserve 2016 Armenia Muscat 2014 Tariri 2014 Takar Areni 2015 Voskevaz Hightanak 2014 Voskevaz Voskepar Voskehat 2015 Karas White Dry Wine 2015 Karas Red Wine 2015 Getnatoun Voskehat 2015 Koor Dry Red Wine 2014 Koor Reserve 2014 Chateau Rind 2014 Kataro Sireni Reserve Togh Most read of the week YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenpress news agency informs that the website will be down for maintenance from 20:00-22:00, March 1 and the website will be unavailable for the mentioned period. Subscribers will receive the news feed through E-mail. We beg the pardon of the readers. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Press secretary of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh Senor Hasratyan assessed the announcement of the Azerbaijani defense ministry of having allegedly destroyed Armenian UAV as delirium. A while ago the Azerbaijani agitprop spread another delirium about another success of its armed forces during the day. This time a destroyed Armenia UAV has appeared in the imagination of the neighboring propagators. Of course, they did not forget to attach irrefutable proves of the incident, this time a photo Dont be surprised. Take it as another demonstration of stupid habit, Armenpress reports Senor Hasratyan posted on his Facebook page. Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs China said Thursday it will continue to support the "open and unbiased" World Trade Organization (WTO) in a statement that came on the heels of an announcement by President Donald Trump's administration that the US is not bound by the group's rulings. The world's second largest economy is seeking to position itself as a defender of the international trade system in response to a rising tide of protectionist sentiment personified by the billionaire politician. Trump has repeatedly argued that Washington is better off pursuing country by country agreements rather than working within a global regime. "China would like to work with all WTO members to ensure that the WTO can play an important role in global trade and to ensure that the WTO can play a constructive role in international cooperation," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters during a regularly scheduled press briefing. He added that maintaining and improving the "open and unbiased multilateral trade regime is conducive to improving world economic development". The statement came in response to a question about a letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to the US Congress Wednesday arguing that "Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings". The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. Under President Barack Obama, the US brought at least 16 trade complaints against China, arguing that Beijing's policies on goods ranging from chicken to aluminium broke the organisation?s rules. China has also often voiced its own complaints to the group. Story continues Trump has accused China of being a free-rider in the international system, saying its unfair trade policies have cost the US tens of thousands of jobs and threatening to slap Beijing with massive tariffs of up to 45 percent. In a White House meeting with US manufacturing moguls last week, Trump pointed to the WTO as a major factor in the US losing out to Beijing, saying that "70,000 factories closed since China joined". As Trump has sought to distance the US from the international trade system, China has moved to shore it up, hoping to preserve institutions that have been critical to the success of their export-driven economy. At a commerce ministry briefing Thursday, spokesman Sun Jiwen reaffirmed China's support for the international trade system in response to a question about the WTO's newly appointed director-general Roberto Azevedo. "China will continue to contribute to multilateral trade systems and improvement of global governance," said the spokesman, according to a transcript on the ministry's web site. According to the police, the device was planted near the residence of K Leisio and detonated with a remote control at around 5 pm. The blast site near the NPF leader's residence. Photo: Manogya Loiwal. By India Today Web Desk: As many as 8 people were injured in an IED blast close to the house of a Naga People's Front leader at Langol Laimanai village in Imphal West district of Manipur on Thursday evening. According to the police, the device was planted near the residence of K Leisio and detonated with a remote control at around 5 pm. advertisement Those injured have been rushed to the Shija hospital for treatment, they said. A case has been registered at Lamphel police station. WHO IS K LEISIO? Leisio is the the Naga People's Front (NPF) candidate of the Phungyar (ST) assembly constituency in Ukhrul district, where election will be held on March 8. The election in Imphal West district will be held on March 4. The campaign for the first of the two-phases of Manipur Assembly election, scheduled for March 4, ended on Thursday evening. Also read | Manipur elections: Campaigning ends for first phase amid tight security Also read | Manipur: BJP office attacked in Imphal, party alleges Congress involved --- ENDS --- BARCELONATrafficHunt, a global online ad network, will participate in the European Summit 2017 as a Gold Sponsor. The event will take place March 4-7 in the Spanish city of Sitges. The European Summit unites digital marketing players and talented individuals from different countries to share experience, open new opportunities for business development, and announce the latest industry innovations. Website owners, marketing professionals, traffic traders, software providers, content producers, creators and other specialists take part in the four-day conference. TrafficHunt is a regular attendee at the European Summit, using the event as a forum for interacting with existing and potential partners. TrafficHunt will focus on presenting the latest innovations implemented in its advertising platform. These innovations are related to advanced traffic targeting, campaign optimization and security. TrafficHunt team welcomes all comers to meet at the European Summit 2017. To book a meeting with TrafficHunt representatives at the companys Booth 10, email [email protected]. For more information about the company, visit TrafficHunt.com. Noted white supremacist and current United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions said under oath at his confirmation hearing that he'd had no contact with Russia during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. That wasn't true, according to the Department of Justice. "I did not have communications with the Russians" is the new "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." Mike Sacks (@MikeSacksEsq) March 2, 2017 Senator Sessions now has to recuse himself from any investigation underway of Russians. Michael McFaul (@McFaul) March 2, 2017 Not only did he have contact with Russia's ambassador during the campaign, which he explicitly said he hadn't, but the communication took place in September, during the height of all the alarm over Russia hacking DNC targets. During that feverish time, Sessions had a private meeting, face to face, in his office, with Russia's ambassador to the United States. A few months later he was asked at his confirmation hearing if he'd had any contacts with Russia during the campaign. He said no. He was lying. Bracket Russia for a moment: It really looks like Sessions just straight up lied to his colleagues and to the American people. Christopher Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 2, 2017 New statement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He denies meeting with Russian officials to discuss the Trump campaign pic.twitter.com/cRj6Kcy6cj Brandon Wall (@Walldo) March 2, 2017 Here's the video of Sessions denying **under oath** that he had communications with the Russians. pic.twitter.com/YFxCgqjQo6 CAP Action (@CAPAction) March 2, 2017 From the Washington Post: Then-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) spoke twice last year with Russia's ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Trump's campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessions's confirmation hearing to become attorney general. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senator's office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russia's alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trump's associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump on the stump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," he responded. He added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Sessions reportedly "did not consider the conversations relevant" to lawmakers' questions, and could not recall in detail what he may have discussed with Ambassador Kislyak. "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions's spokeswoman. Video of Sessions confirmation with the relevant denial pic.twitter.com/0kqR4sC0tY Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) March 2, 2017 These are consecutive sentences in the Sessions statement: "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Katherine Miller (@katherinemiller) March 2, 2017 And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Reports the WSJ: The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has been leading the investigation, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The White House directed requests for comment to the Justice Department. From CNN: In reaction to the report, Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat and the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, also called for Sessions' resignation. "There is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission" to investigate potential ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, Cummings said. "It is inconceivable that even after Michael Flynn was fired for concealing his conversations with the Russians that Attorney General Sessions would keep his own conversations for several weeks." Cummings called Sessions' claim during his confirmation hearing that he did not have communications with the Russians "demonstrably false." Minnesota Democrat Sen. Al Franken, who asked Sessions about Russia at the confirmation hearing, said if the reports of Sessions' contacts with Kislyak were true then Sessions' response was "at best misleading." "It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately," Franken said. More reaction from reporters on Twitter, below. No one else on the Senate Armed Services Committee said they met with Kislyak last year. pic.twitter.com/Ni5jGoWXVk Steven Ginsberg (@stevenjay) March 2, 2017 "The FBI's role in the investigation into Mr. Sessions' conversations left the agency 'wringing its hands'" https://t.co/rAA6pX34Zf Stefan Becket (@becket) March 2, 2017 Statement from White House official on Sessions meeting w/ Russian ambassador. Blames @SenFranken as being behind WaPo story > pic.twitter.com/zd2s1OcKmL Katherine Faulders (@KFaulders) March 2, 2017 From Monday's WH press briefing: "how many people have to say that there's nothing there before you realize there's nothing there?" pic.twitter.com/QUW2Djw89M Ali Vitali (@alivitali) March 2, 2017 Very difficult to see how Sessions survives the week. Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) March 2, 2017 Sessions has already gone from no contacts, to "just not strong recollection" of what was said, to "superficial comments." Shifting quickly https://t.co/L9uAHr5VAP John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) March 2, 2017 "I did not have communications with the Russians." Sessions said that under oath. Mazel Tov Cocktail (@AdamSerwer) March 2, 2017 George W. Bush's ethics lawyer calls Sessions's talks with Russia: "Good way to go to jail" https://t.co/Rgs0OWC3h0 pic.twitter.com/n2JG9XXyy5 The Hill (@thehill) March 2, 2017 [Sources: CNN, Washington Post, Photo: Donald Trump sits with then-U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) at Trump Tower, Jan. 2017.] money, cash, dividends 16-9 One of the most successful investment strategies is to buy and hold stocks with track records of dividend growth. This is because a rising dividend is a sign of a very strong business with excellent cash flows and earnings to support increased payouts, and the dividends themselves really add up over time when they are reinvested. With this in mind, let?s take a look at two stocks that raised their dividends by 2-3% earlier this week and have active streaks of annual increases, so you can determine if you should invest in one of them today. Canadian Apartment Properties REIT Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (TSX:CAR.UN), or CAPREIT for short, is one of Canada?s largest owners and operators of residential real estate. As of December 31, 2016, its portfolio consisted of ownership interests in 48,767 residential units, comprising of 42,316 apartment and townhome suites and 6,451 land-lease sites at 31 manufactured home communities, which are located in and around major urban centres across Canada. In its fourth-quarter earnings release on February 27, CAPRREIT announced a 2.4% increase to its monthly distribution to $0.1067 per unit, representing $1.28 per unit on an annualized basis, and this brings its yield up to about 4% today. The first monthly installment at this increased rate is payable on April 17 to unitholders of record as at March 31. Investors should also make the following two notes. First, CAPREIT has raised its annual distribution each of the last five years, and its two hikes in the last 10 months, including its 2.5% hike in June 2016 and the one noted above, have it on pace for 2017 to mark the sixth consecutive year with an increase. Second, it has a target payout range of 70-80% of its normalized funds from operations, so I think its consistently strong growth, including its 4.7% year-over-year increase to $1.772 per unit in 2016, will allow its streak of annual distribution increases to continue through 2020 at the very least. Story continues Bank of Nova Scotia Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is Canada?s third-largest bank with approximately $887 billion in assets as of January 31. It provides a wide range of financial products and services to individuals, small- and medium-sized businesses, corporations, and governments across Canada and around the world. In its first-quarter earnings release on February 28, Bank of Nova Scotia announced a 2.7% increase to its quarterly dividend to $0.76 per share, representing $3.04 per share on an annualized basis, and this brings its stock?s yield up to about 3.9% at today?s levels. The first quarterly installment at this new rate is payable on April 26 to shareholders of record as of April 4. It?s also important to make the following two notes. First, it has raised its annual dividend payment for six consecutive years, and its two hikes in the last eight months, including its 2.8% hike in August and the one noted above, have it positioned for 2017 to mark the seventh consecutive year with an increase. Second, Bank of Nova Scotia has a target payout range of 40-50% of its net income attributable to common shareholders, so I think its continued growth, including its 10.3% year-over-year increase to $1.91 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, will allow its streak of annual dividend increases to continue for the next decade at least. Which should you buy today? I think both CAPREIT and Bank of Nova Scotia represent fantastic long-term investment opportunities today, so take a closer look at each and strongly consider adding at least one of them to your portfolio. 36-Year Old CEO Bets Over $300 Million on 1 Stock Iain Butler, Lead Adviser of Stock Advisor Canada, recommended this little tech darling to thousands of loyal members last March... and those that followed his advice are up 127.7% (they've already made 2X their money!). Not to mention this tiny Eastern Ontario company has already been recommended by both Motley Fool co-founders, David and Tom Gardner, because of its amazing similarity to an "early stage" Amazon. Find out why Tom Gardner was recently on BNN's Money Talk raving about this company, and how you can read all about it inside Stock Advisor Canada. Click here to unlock all the details about his Canadian rule breaker! More reading Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned. 36-Year Old CEO Bets Over $300 Million on 1 Stock Iain Butler, Lead Adviser of Stock Advisor Canada, recommended this little tech darling to thousands of loyal members last March... and those that followed his advice are up 127.7% (they've already made 2X their money!). Not to mention this tiny Eastern Ontario company has already been recommended by both Motley Fool co-founders, David and Tom Gardner, because of its amazing similarity to an "early stage" Amazon. Find out why Tom Gardner was recently on BNN's Money Talk raving about this company, and how you can read all about it inside Stock Advisor Canada. Click here to unlock all the details about his Canadian rule breaker! Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned. Bombardier_train 16-9 Bombardier, Inc. (TSX:BBD.B) is giving back some of its big gains, and investors are wondering if the recent slide is overdone. Let?s take a look at the current situation to see if Canada?s iconic plane and train maker should be in your portfolio. On the rebound Early last year, it looked like Bombardier might be headed for bankruptcy protection. The company hadn?t sold a new CSeries jet since September 2014 and was facing a cash-burn rate that would make your head spin. Investors sold the stock down below $1 per share. Then things began to turn around. Air Canada came to the rescue with a significant order for the beleaguered CSeries jets. Delta Air Lines signed up for even more planes a few months later, and, all of a sudden, the CSeries backlog was well above Bombardier?s initial 300-plane target. In the summer, Bombardier delivered its first CSeries jets, marking a key milestone in the program, as the company finally began to generate some revenue from the project. Difficulties with a supplier forced the company to reduce its 2016 CSeries delivery target from 15 planes to seven, but Bombardier managed to meet the reduced guidance in the final days of the year. Management expects to deliver at least 30 CSeries planes in 2017, which will improve the program?s revenue situation and could motivate other major carriers to purchase the new jets. On the funding front, Bombardier received US$2.5 billion from Quebec and the province?s pension fund, the CDPQ, last year. Negotiations with Ottawa recently concluded with a $372.5 million commitment from the Federal Government. The cash will be provided as a repayable loan and handed out in installments over four years. Bombardier says it could be 15 years before it pays the funds back. The company had initially asked Ottawa for US$1 billion. The fact that the government is providing much less suggests Bombardier?s cash flow situation is under control. At the time of writing, the stock trades at $2.30 per share, so investors who had the courage to buy during the darkest days last winter are sitting on some nice gains. Story continues Risks Bombardier is on the mend, but it?s not out of the woods. The company is carrying US$8.7 billion in debt and still expects to burn through at least $750 million in cash this year as it continues to ramp up production of the CSeries planes. The Air Canada and Delta deals helped revive investor confidence in the stock, but Bombardier had to drop its price significantly to get the orders. In Q2 2016, the company booked a US$500 million charge connected to the planes sold in the first half of last year. Management says it believes another large order is on the way. Investors will want to see evidence of better pricing when that happens, as the CSeries currently isn?t expected to be cash flow positive until 2020. Challenges in the business jet and rail segments should also be considered when evaluating the stock. Why? Bombardier reported weaker-than-expected Q4 2016 results largely due to lower revenue in these sectors. The company is struggling with manufacturing difficulties in the rail division that have resulted in extended delays in meeting a streetcar order for Toronto and a light-rail transit order for Ontario?s Metrolinx. Metrolinx is actually trying to cancel its 2010 order for 182 light-rail vehicles. Should you buy today? Bombardier is slowly getting its house in order, and the recent pullback might look tempting, but the stock is still up more than 20% in the past three months, so investors should be careful. At this point, I would wait for the reversal to run its course before adding Bombardier to the portfolio. Canada's answer to Amazon.com You've probably never even heard of this up-and-coming e-commerce powerhouse headquartered in Eastern Ontario... But, despite coming public just last year, it's already helping the likes of Budweiser... Tesla... Subway... and Red Bull move $9.9 BILLION (and counting) worth of goods online each year. And now it's caught the eye of the legendary investor who got behind Amazon.com in 1997 -- just before it shot up over 23,000% and made investors like you and me rich beyond their wildest dreams. Click here to discover why this investor says it's time to buy. More reading Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stocks mentioned. Canada's answer to Amazon.com You've probably never even heard of this up-and-coming e-commerce powerhouse headquartered in Eastern Ontario... But, despite coming public just last year, it's already helping the likes of Budweiser... Tesla... Subway... and Red Bull move $9.9 BILLION (and counting) worth of goods online each year. And now it's caught the eye of the legendary investor who got behind Amazon.com in 1997 -- just before it shot up over 23,000% and made investors like you and me rich beyond their wildest dreams. Click here to discover why this investor says it's time to buy. Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stocks mentioned. Costco (COST) is raising membership fees. On Thursday, the wholesale retailer announced it would raise the price of its Goldstar membership by $5 per year to $60. Its Executive membership fee will rise by $10 a year to $120. These new fee increases will be effective June 1, 2017. Costco last raised membership fees in November 2011. In a note to clients earlier this week, analysts at UBS speculated the company could raise its membership fees in the second quarter. This forecast turned out to be dead on. A Costco Wholesale retail club is photographed in Austin, Texas, U.S. on December 12, 2016. REUTERS/Mohammad Khursheed Elsewhere in Costcos release, the company reported earnings and revenue that both missed expectations. Earnings per share came in at $1.17, below the $1.36 expected by Wall Street analysts. Revenue came in at $29.13 billion, below expectations for $29.86 billion. Same-store sales were also a disappointment, rising 3% against expectations for a 3.5% increase. Same-store sales in the U.S. were up 3% during the quarter and were up 8% in Canada during this period, thought other international same-store sales fell 2%. In its note ahead of earnings, UBS said that Costco could be impacted by the delay in processing tax refunds, an issue Yahoo Finance highlighted as a potential negative for retail sales in early February. Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland Read more from Myles here: Despite the lack of voting rights, Snap shares have captured the imagination of some professional investors. Tech-focused hedge fund manager Sean Stiefel, a portfolio manager with New York-based Navy Capital, plans to buy shares of SnapChats parent company in its initial public offering. Snap Inc., the owner of the popular photo and video messaging app, priced at $17 per share, above the indicated price range of $14-$16. At that price, it gives the company a valuation close to $24 billion. Shares will start trading on Thursday under the ticker symbol SNAP. The logo of messaging app Snapchat is seen at a booth at TechFair LA, a technology job fair, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 26, 2017. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson I think that its very exciting given theres not a lot of ways to play the theme of growth of images, [specifically] in the way that we interpret images and the way we interpret the way those images are used to sell things to us, Stiefel told Yahoo Finance on Wednesday. SnapChat positioned itself, at least anecdotally, as the most interesting place to put an image, he added. SnapChat is an app lets its users, who tend to be teenagers and millennials, send photos and videos with text messages to their friends that vanish in a matter of seconds. The app lets users play with different filters, including one that gives you a dogs ears, nose, and a tongue. Last year, Snap averaged 158 million daily active users. Stiefel thinks SnapChat has the potential to be the biggest source of user generated images. I personally upload more pictures to SnapChat than to Instagram or Facebook, he said. Think of all the ways an advertiser can take data from that. Whats more, SnapChat can be the go-to innovators in this space, he said. Monetization will come. I have no doubt. Snap said that for the year ended December 31, 2016, revenue totaled $404.5 million. Snaps loss per share for the year was $0.53. The cost of revenue was $451 million. From an advertising perspective, the monetization will come. I have no doubt. For now, youre making a bet on a companys ability to innovate, Stiefel said. Story continues He added that he recently returned from a trip to Israel where he met with businesses that make components for phones. Everything on that tripand what we think about as a firm holisticallyis the growth of the image. Everyone is building phones around being able to take images. DJ Khaled posts a snap chat as he enters Harvard Business School during the Get Schooled Snapchat College Tour and Meet at Harvard University on December 9, 2016 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images for Get Schooled Foundation) Snap, which has billed itself as a camera company as opposed to a social media company, makes a lot of sense, according to Stiefel. As for those in the investment community who are skeptical, especially regarding the valuation, Stiefel believes theyre missing the broader theme. The valuation, given where the company is in the lifecycle, is not easy to justify because its very early in the lifecycle of SnapChat. However, when you think about a $20 billion valuation compared to some of the other similar pays that have gone public, thats very reasonable given the size of this market. He added that Snap is at the forefront of a secular theme. That theme, of course, being the image. Given that I think Snapas opposed to Twitter (TWTR), Yelp (YELP), or Pandora (P) Snap is at the forefront of the secular theme being the image. Twitter came at the tail-end of the written word. Pandora is trying to play the radio game, which is not necessarily going away but its certainly not growing, he said, adding, Snap and images and image taking and the way we use images has barely even started. Stiefel thinks that investors, especially tech and media investors, are looking for ways to get exposure to advertising outside of linear television. As for shareholders not getting any voting rights, Stiefel is not all that concerned. For now this is an innovation story, he wrote in an email. One day it may matter but for our size and where we are in the life cycle right now it does not effect our investment decision. More on Snap: Photo: Bloomberg The 21st World Gourmet Summit (WGS) will be returning to Singapore with three new award categories for its Awards of Excellence, one of which is dedicated to talented bakers in the country. The other two categories are Restaurant of the Year and Restaurateur of the Year. The Awards of Excellence, which takes place on 27 March, is part of the annual international gastronomic festival and has been considered as one of the most respected accolades in Singapore and the region. This year, 36 culinary specialists have been nominated. Here are the Singapore bakers nominated for WGS Awards of Excellence for the first time: Leonard Yue is a Master Baker at Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford, and has been leading the bakery team there for the past three and a half years. Overall, Yue has had 20 years of experience in the local pastry scene. He has also worked at Shangri-la and Hilton hotel. Timothy De Costa has been the mainstay at Raffles Hotel since 2007. His achievements include creating a magnificent bread display for the hotels 125th anniversary celebration. Woon Thai Suan is the chief baker at Fullerton Hotel and Fullerton Bay Hotel. He manages the bakery kitchen and creates pastries from traditional recipes. Popular favourites made by him are buttery scones and flaky croissants in assorted flavours. Dan Eng Heng from Grand Hyatt Singapore has been a baker for 20 years. He first started out in 1985 as a baker for Delifrance, followed by Four Leaves. He joined Grand Hyatt as chief baker in 2003. International chefs coming to Singapore for WGS Chefs from over 16 countries such as The Netherlands and Switzerland will also be gathering in Singapore for the summit, which will be hosting a variety of events including masterclasses and workshops from 20 March to 16 April. Notable international chefs include the Netherlands Jarno Eggen from two-Michelin-starred De Groene Lantaarn, Switzerlands Grill-Ueli alias Ueli Bernold, Mexicos Daniel Ovadia and Sri Lankas Dharshan Munidasa. Story continues From Asia, Japans dessert sensation Kiriko Nakamura and Thaninthorn Chantrawan from Thailand will also be in Singapore. Singapores National Culinary Team, which won the 2016 Culinary Olympics, will be among the chefs serving up dinner at the National Kidney Foundations Better Lives Charity Gala Dinner on 6 April. Singapores Ryan Clift, together with US chef Mitch Lienhard, will be presenting an exquisite dinner at Tippling Club on 30 March. More information on the World Gourmet Summit here. Follow Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore on Facebook. Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) are giving back Wednesdays gains at the midday mark, with only the utilities sector (XLU) still in the green and financials (XLF) leading the way down. Alan Valdes, director of floor operations at Silverbear, joins us live from the New York Stock Exchange. To discuss the other big stories of the day, Alexis Christoforous is joined by Yahoo Finances Rick Newman and Scott Rostan, president & founder at Training The Street. Snap begins trading on NYSE Snap, the most anticipated IPO of the year, just began trading under the ticker, SNAP. After it priced at $17 a share yesterday, the parent of Snapchat opened at $24 today and hit as high as $25.20 in the following minutes. The stratospheric cost of Trumps economic plan Lets discuss President Donald Trumps budget and his plan to restart the engine of the American economy that he talked about Tuesday night. Its a very expensive plan and there are lots of questions about where Trump will find the money to pay for it all. Pepsico to cut jobs in Philly, blaming soda tax PepsiCo is cutting as many as 100 jobs in Philadelphia, and its blaming the citys new tax on soda. Pepsi said the tax, which is 1.5 cents per ounce, has sent its beverage sales sliding 40% in Philly. Before drawing analogies from movies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, at least, should watch the movie they're talking about. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Queen Elizabeth II will get to watch Baahubali The Conclusion, the sequel to Baahubali The Beginning, before any of us in India. But PM Modi should watch Baahubali before he watches its sequel. Not because he wouldn't get the story without knowing what happened in the first part, but because he makes goof-ups while making statements and drawing analogies referring to the movie. advertisement The world premiere of the movie - Baahubali The Conclusion - will be held in the United Kingdom a day before its release in India, April 28. As part of an year-long celebration to mark the completion of 70 years of Indian independence, both UK and India will be showcasing the best films made by each other from April 2017 to December 2017, reports The Indian Express. Now, here's why we say PM Modi must watch the movie he plans to draw an analogy from. On February 27, PM Modi, while delivering a speech in Uttar Pradesh's Mau district, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will confront all criminals in Uttar Pradesh the way "Katappa killed Baahubali" in the movie Baahubali. Not stopping his analogy there, Modi said, "Baahubali was killed by Katappa in the end of the movie, after March 11 police's baton will take care of them like Kattappa did," said a report in the Financial Express. DO YOU SEE THE PROBLEM? All those who have seen the magnum opus directed by SS Rajamouli would know that Katappa, despite being the most trusted aide to King Amarendra Baahubali and the commander-in-chief of Mahishmati kingdom's army, killed Baahubali by stabbing him in the back. We are sure PM Modi didn't mean the BJP will confront criminals that way. Why? One, because they are criminals. Two, BJP is the ruling party. Three, because BJP and patriarchy. RAHUL GANDHI SURE HAS NOT SEEN DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is another politician who should refrain from making statements based on movies. The way his agriculture game is poor, his knowledge about movies is also quite weak. Rahul Gandhi has not seen one of the iconic movies Bollywood has produced, a movie that ran in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir cinema for 1009 weeks uninterrupted -- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge -- starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and a lot of nationalism. See this video to understand why we say this Wait, which Dil Wale DulhaniaLe Jayenge did he watch? pic.twitter.com/NcMS13h95x Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 28, 2017 "Ache din" in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge? advertisement Shah Rukh Khan be like... --- ENDS --- Snap cofounders Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy wait to ring the opening bell of the NYSE (Source: Reuters/Lucas Jackson) Snap Inc. (SNAP) opened for trade at $24 per share on Thursday, up 40% from its pricing of $17 per share. Since its core product, Snapchat, has already captured the millennial market, now the real opportunity is to lure in older Americans, particularly in a corporate context. Tech executives like Jennifer Morgan, the president of software company SAPs (SAP) North American division, are using Snapchat to communicate with her 20,000 employees. Morgan, 45, scrapped the all-hands meeting and replaced it with a pre-recorded two-minute video that she e-mailed employees. At the end of the video, she shares her Snapchat code and asks employees to continue the conversation or ask her any questions through the app. Traditionally, when you think about communication in the office, employees go to the leader. Im trying to develop a way to speak with my employees in ways that work for them, she told Yahoo Finance. Though nothing can replace in-person events, Ive discovered that people appreciate effective, efficient communication. After consulting with several employees and observing how her 15-year-old son uses the app, Morgan decided that replacing town hall meetings with Snapchat was both efficient and added a layer of personalization. I was amazed at how many people thanked me for not only giving them back the time but opening up communication on a platform like Snapchat, she said. I think the app is a way to easily communicate in a perfectly imperfect way with my employees. She highlights that business executives can come off scripted, almost too polished, and are inaccessible to employees. What I love about Snapchat is its very real, very authentic, and you can show scenes of your personal and professional lives. A lot of people make these assumptions about both male and female leaders with regard to the pace, glamour and travel of our lives, she said. Its fun to show that, sure, some of those assumptions are true but at the same time we are all human beings tugging at our time, dealing with the same travel hiccups everyone else experiences. Story continues Jennifer Morgan, SAP Morgan is now one of Snapchats 158 million daily active users. Other business leaders may want to take note. Its common knowledge that Snapchat is wildly popular among teens. Users spend 25 to 30 minutes every single day sending and receiving these ephemeral photos. But, for Gen Xers, baby boomers, and even the millennials who arent sold on the entertaining utility of the app, this could be a goldmine use case that Snapchat can and should tap into. This decision fits into the larger push that SAP has been making to shake up the traditional way of internal communication. This month, SAP will be eliminating the formal, traditional and painful annual employee reviews for all employees around the world and replacing them with more frequent and informal conversations between employees and managers, according to a company spokesperson. Though Morgan is not part of the apps core user demographic (70% of Snapchats US users are millennials), the app has gained traction with the older generations (parents (and grandparents) love Facebook, after all). And though the overwhelming friend adds came from her employees in their 20s and 30s, older employees have also created accounts to connect with Morgan. People who were already on the app added me right away. But others have been creating accounts like me now, she said. A lot of folks are increasingly curious about Snapchat, especially because they know their kids are on it. She said that shes seeing a phenomenal return on her investment. Several hundred of her employees have added her and 5-20 people have been adding her every day. I dont see it as work. Its an easy, natural thing to do, and an everyday, on-the-go part of my job now, she said. My life blends. I work a lot so it becomes difficult to separate who I am at work and home Im pretty much the same person. When I signed up, I knew I had to be willing to put myself out there, for anyone to see. Of course, its a two-way street and employees are eager to share bits and pieces of their lives with her, too. Employees have been Snapchat messaging her directly: Someone based in the Berlin office, for example, gave her a tour of his part of the office. Though she may have gained tons of friends on Snapchat, she did lose one. My son took me off of Snapchat because he told me it was weird. Well, you win some, you lose some. Melody Hahm is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm. Read more: Snapchats biggest advertising asset could be its biggest risk Private equity CEO: Youd have to be suicidal to hold Snap stock Snapchats crackdown on content sets itself apart from Facebook and Twitter President Trump wants to restart the engine of the American economy, and hes gradually rolling out the details of how he plans to do that. In his recent speech before Congress, Trump outlined several economic proposals he wants Congress to pursue, with more detail due when Trump presents a budget outline in mid-March. The price tag is high, however, and as Trumps plan for the economy comes into focus, the big battle will be over where to get the money. Some experts think Trumps grand plan has no hope of passage on Capitol Hill, with the odds even stacked against a more modest version. Here are the big programs Trump has proposed, with estimated costs and some handicapping on their odds of passing: Tax reform. Trump called for historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies and massive tax relief for the middle class. Theres no formal plan yet, but the blueprint Trump unveiled as a candidate would reduce federal revenue by $7 trillion over 10 years, or $700 billion per year, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. The federal government takes in about $3.4 trillion in annual revenue, while spending about $4 trillion. So Trumps plan would cut federal revenue by roughly 20%. Budget hawks in Congress are exploring new sources of revenue to offset some of that cost, such as a tax on imports that could raise $100 billion per year. But some industry groups strongly oppose that, and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says a tax plan that includes an import tax wont get 10 votes in the Senate. Boost defense spending. Trump aides say they want to boost the defense budget by 10%, which would be $54 billion per year. Infrastructure. Trump wants to spend a whopping $1 trillion on roads, bridges and other public projects over a decade, with some of that funded by private investors and some by taxpayers. Heres the catch: Private funding only works for projects with tolls or other user fees that can generate a revenue stream, and many projects dont fit the profile. Plus, its sometimes controversial when private investors profit from public assets such as roads. So its likely at least some infrastructure spending will have to come from taxpayer funds. Well lowball this figure at $25 billion per year. Story continues Repeal and replace Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, actually reduces federal deficits by at least $14 billion per year, partly through new taxes on high earners and some corporations. Trump doesnt have a replacement plan yet, but if he repeals those taxes hell add to deficits by the same amount. Border wall. Cost: At least $21 billion. Lets spread that over four years and round down to $5 billion per year. More spending on veterans, education vouchers for the poor and other things. Trump hasnt detailed how much more he wants to spend, so these costs are unknown. Those few tax cuts and spending hikes would add something like $800 billion to the national debt each year, on top of annual deficits of at least $500 billion that are already in the cards. So in the best case, the annual deficit if Trump got his way would be $1.3 trillionclose to the biggest deficit ever. Trump wants to cut other types of federal spending to make room for his own priorities. But the following chart shows the problem with that: Sources: Congressional Budget Office, Tax Policy Center Trump has said he wont cut Social Security or Medicare, while also talking about expanded Medicaid for the poor. And, of course, he wants to boost defense spending, not cut it. He cant touch interest payments, either. That leaves the non-defense discretionary portion of the budget as the only pot Trump can tap, and that money$561 billion in 2017only accounts for 14% of federal spending. Trump could completely eliminate all programs in the non-defense pot of discretionary spending, and hed still fall hundreds of billions of dollars short of paying for all the tax cuts he promised in the campaign, Howard Gleckman of the Tax Policy Center wrote recently. Trump will have little trouble convincing Congress to increase military spending. But hell have less success selling the kind of narrow but deep spending cuts he is signaling. Trump could get some additional revenue if Congress passes a tax holiday that lets big companies like Apple and Microsoft bring home profits held overseas, taxed at a rate far below the regular 35% corporate rate. And obviously Trump still has time to come up with trade-offs and compromises that will allow him to get at least some of what he wants. The recent run-up in stock markets, however, suggests that investors are taking Trump at his word when he promises massive tax cuts, a huge infrastructure plan and stronger defense. A simple tally of the numbers shows those expectations may be far too optimistic. Read more: Trumps absurd claim about the US labor force 5 Trump myths about illegal immigration Trump might be coming for your weed 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 In the days following Donald Trumps victory in the 2016 presidential election, a relatively obscure texting app called Signal went viral on social media and its downloads spiked. Created by non-profit Open Whisper Systems, the app offers an extremely secure communication protocol of end-to-end encryption, meaning that any communication can only be read by the people who send and receive the messages. And unlike other end-to-end encrypted products, such as Apples iMessage, Signals Snowden-endorsed protocol is open-source, providing verifiable public proof of security. In other words, anyone who wants to see how the system encrypts something can look at the code. With anti-media sentiment in the White House growing and at least 10 states proposing crackdowns on peaceful protesting, the thirst for encrypted messaging is only growing. Millions of people used Signal before the election, Signals creator Moxie Marlinspike told Yahoo Finance in an email. Growth has continued to accelerate since then. Weve seen a sustained 400% increase in daily installs. Snap has lagged behind Apple iMessage, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Google In a messaging landscape that increasingly prioritizes security, one company has been conspicuously absent: Snap. Meanwhile, services like Facebooks Messenger (FB), WhatsApp, Apple (AAPL) iMessage, Googles Allo (GOOG), and others have all increased security. People expect their messages to be secure, a Facebook spokesperson told Yahoo Finance. Nearly all of the most popular messaging services use encryption. Encryption is one of the most important tools governments, companies and individuals have to promote safety and security. Snapchat, however, has not responded to this paradigm shift. Founded on the premise of disappearing messages by its current CEO Evan Spiegel, the app has long been the go-to messaging service for sensitive content and information, which led to its reputation as the teen sexting app, as Stratecherys Ben Thompson called it. Snap did not respond to numerous requests for comment. Story continues Snap CEO Evan Spiegel has been hailed as one of the most visionary Silicon Valley CEOs since Apples Steve Jobs. Source: AP Today, the app boasts 158 million daily active users, and its parent company, Snap, is poised to make an IPO on March 2, with expectations topping a $25 billion valuation on the open market. Unlike Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, Snap correctly assumed that not everyone wants a permanent, searchable trail of potentially compromising internet behavior. Snapchat privacy, through ephemerality, was its biggest asset. Before Snapchat, no company seemed to have recognized the value of a throwaway picture. We dont stockpile your private communication, and we dont show your friends an ongoing history of everything youve ever posted, Snapchat says on its privacy page. We believe that this approach makes the Snapchat app feel less like a permanent record, and more like a conversation with friends. Despite it being the app for sharing sensitive photographs, Snap appears unconcerned with being an industry leader in encryption and privacy, as other companies like Facebook have by implementing end-to-end encryption. In the reports of White House staffers using apps with enhanced security, Snap has been conspicuously absent. Meanwhile, favored apps like Signal and Confide have increased in status. Snap has a history of playing it loose and sharing info with the the government Though Snap advertises that its chats self-destruct, the company settled with the FTC in 2014 for not destroying data, misleading its users about how disappeared photos really were and having unsecured databases of numbers and names that could have been accessed by attackers. Currently, Snaps policy is to delete Snapchats automatically from its servers after the Snapchat has been opened. However, the system is not completely sealed. Requests from law enforcement, for example, can result in intercepted chat messages. In certain limited circumstances it may be possible for us to retrieve the content of sent Snaps, reads the current law enforcement policy, which notes that its often not possible after all messaging parties have opened the content. Additionally, email addresses, phone numbers, IPs and login information can be subpoenaed. Its privacy policy offers more detail: We cannot promise that deletion will occur within a specific timeframe. And we may need to suspend those deletion practices if we receive valid legal process asking us to preserve content or if we receive reports of abuse or other Terms of Service violations. Finally, we may also retain certain information in backup for a limited period of time or as required by law. In the first half of 2016, Snap produced data for law enforcement 82% of the time when requested and 63% of the time to international governmental entities according to the companys transparency report. All of this adds up to a big dilemma for Snap. As an app popular with teens, Snap has prioritized having policies that curb bullying, abuse, which can involve breaking down the walls of user privacy to to save a life. But by doing that, Snapchat may prevent itself from accompanying kids into adulthood as their go-to messaging app. If that is its endgame, it may find itself stifled in a manner similar to Chinas WeChat. Although the Chinese giant boasts close to a billion daily active users, the widespread belief that the Chinese government monitors and censors communication has prevented it from becoming a global powerhouseespecially in 2017. If tech companies have learned one thing in Trumps America thus farand from his administrations personal habitsits that privacy matters. Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Got a tip? Send it to tips@yahoo-inc.com. Read more: Suspending the Safe Third Country Agreement would only turn the flow of dozens of asylum seekers coming to Canada through illegal border crossings into a flow of thousands, says former deputy prime minister of Canada John Manley. "If you suspend the [Safe Third Country Agreement] then they can come across at regular border crossings, so forget 30 here, 20 there that are going through Minnesota into Manitoba now you're starting to deal with thousands of people," Manley said in an interview with CBC News Network's Power & Politics. Manley signed the Canada-U.S. Smart Border Declaration in 2002, which helped bring the Safe Third Country agreement into effect. Under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, refugee claimants are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in meaning border officials would send back to the U.S. any would-be refugee claimants arriving at an official border crossing to Canada. Those who are caught crossing into Canada illegally through an unmanned part of the border are taken into custody by the RCMP and undergo a series of identification checks before being turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency for processing. In the last few months, dozens of asylum seekers have illegally crossed into Canada along the Manitoba and Quebec borders with the U.S. "The world is literally swimming in refugees," Manley told host Rosemary Barton. "We figure we can take in and manage about 40,000 a year. Do we really need to take people from the United States?" "People have misgivings about Donald Trump OK, but it's still the United States. It's not Homs, Syria, or Mosul in Iraq. To me, if you said you were a refugee today, where would you like to be, in Iraq or Syracuse? I'm picking Syracuse," said Manley. Asking the wrong question University of Toronto law professor Audrey Macklin said Manley is asking the wrong question. Story continues "The question is: if you were from Iraq, would you rather ask for refugee protection in Syracuse, where the president calls people like you terrorists and authorities will throw you in detention, deny you a fair hearing and possibly deport [you] to Iraq," said Macklin. Or "would you rather try Canada, where you at least have a chance at a fair hearing to determine whether you are a refugee?" she asked. Macklin is one of more than 200 law professors urging the federal government to suspend the agreement. The NDP has also pressed the government to suspend the agreement. According to the government of Canada website, "Only countries that respect human rights and offer a high degree of protection to asylum seekers may be designated as safe third countries." NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan said the United States no longer meets the government's criteria. "It is clear that many refugees no longer feel safe in the United States. The executive orders from President Trump, the massive crackdown on undocumented immigrants, as well as forthcoming immigration orders, all make it very clear that the United States under President Trump no longer meets that criteria," said Kwan. "The continuation of this agreement will guarantee that we will see even more illegal border crossings with asylum seekers risking life and limb, because they have no other choice," she said. Government update Thursday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took questions from media in Calgary early Wednesday and addressed the recent influx of asylum seekers. "We know that Canadians and ourselves are very alert to ensuring both the integrity of our borders and the strength of our immigration system. That's why we're making sure that all laws are properly being followed and enforced and that the amazing communities that have done such a great job of welcoming people in very difficult situations get the support they need," said Trudeau. "We can reassure Canadians that we have a strong and robust system for processing these new arrivals, but at the same time, we are working with all levels of government and indeed talking with our counterparts in the United States to ensure that we are addressing the situation properly," he said. Officials from the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency are scheduled to brief the media Thursday on the government's approach to dealing with the influx of asylum seekers. Good morning. You've clicked onto the web version of CBC News's daily newsletter, highlighting some of our latest feature stories and videos. In the days to come, we'll make the newsletter available by email, but for now, here's what's on for today: Thursday, March 2 Subway stands behind its chicken The sandwich chain is disputing the findings of a CBC Marketplace DNA test that showed the chicken patty in Subway sandwiches could contain just 50 per cent chicken. Subway calls the story "false and misleading," but CBC stands behind the DNA test results. Here's more about the test, including the results on the sandwich chain's chicken. And you can also watch the Marketplace investigation on fast-food chicken. EXCLUSIVE | Secret documents reveal Canada's planned response to 9/11-style attack Through the Access to Information Act, CBC News has obtained documents that were part of a briefing presented to Gen. Jonathan Vance, the incoming chief of defence staff, in 2015. They contain details about how the military, RCMP and government would determine when to shoot down a hijacked plane. - Check out more politics headlines Evidence the planet has entered a new geological epoch Human activity has added 208 new minerals to the 5,200 or so that occur naturally, according to a paper in the journal American Mineralogist. The authors argue this is further evidence that Earth has moved from the Holocene into a new epoch, the Anthropocene, that is, a human-influenced era. CBC's Nicole Mortillaro spoke to lead author Robert Hazen, who said the new minerals are "a fascinating exploration of what nature can do with humans being part of that natural process." U.S. election isn't what crashed immigration website Remember this story? When Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election became clear on Nov. 8, so many Americans rushed to consult a Canadian immigration website that they brought it down. Story continues That was what the media, including the CBC, reported. Turns out it was more likely brought down by foreigners scrambling to get a basic $7 travel document to fly into Canada before a Nov. 10 deadline, Dean Beeby reports from internal documents obtained by the CBC. Sunrise Records' competitors hope they succeed Following Sunrise Records' surprise announcement that it's taking over 70 HMV record stores across the country, with plans to have them in operation by midsummer, Haydn Watters asked owners and managers of other record stores for their reaction. "In this day and age, it seems insane," said Ben Frith, a record store manager in Vancouver. Sunrise says vinyl records would be at the front of the new stores. Despite their skepticism, competitors wish Sunrise success, for the good of the vinyl industry. Turkey's leader feuds with newspapers President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed a headline in a Turkish newspaper, calling it "vulgar, worthless." "Neither this newspaper nor its bosses have the power to publish a headline like that," Erdogan said. CBC's Istanbul correspondent, Nil Koksal, translates the offending front page headline as "The Commanders are Uneasy." Read her column to learn why that made Erdogan so upset. She also explains the irony that the story was penned by the reporter who became a pro-government media star after the attempted coup in July. Hande Firat got Erdogan on TV using the Facetime app, giving him a platform to call people into the street and block the coup. Koksal reports that more than 150 journalists and writers are jailed in Turkey, more than in any other country. Trump sings Canada's praises In his address to Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump pointed to Canada as a model for "real and positive" immigration reform, a shift from his hardline rhetoric during the campaign. - Check out more world headlines What's happening in the news today? - Concordia University in Montreal reopens its doors to students after a threat of bombs targeting Muslim students. Concordia says it will increase patrols of its private security officers. - Snap, owner of Snapchat, makes its stock market debut in New York at $17 a share. - A "Stand Against Hate" rally born of out of the recent vandalism at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia takes place at noon Thursday on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. - Voting takes place for a new Northern Ireland Assembly following the collapse of a power-sharing government in January. The prime minister and the leader of the federal Conservatives campaigned in Calgary on Wednesday, rallying their respective troops for two upcoming byelections. Appearing with candidates Haley Brown (Calgary Midnapore) and Scott Forsyth (Calgary Heritage) to take questions from reporters in the afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the fact his government was able to get pipelines approved should weigh in their favour when voters go to the polls in the April 3 byelections. "We have done the right things over the past year for Calgary, and Alberta and Canada," he said. "And we did one thing the previous government, for all its chest thumping about being pro-Alberta, was unable to do we actually got pipelines approved. And the way we did that was by showing leadership and responsibility on the environment." The two open seats won't shift the balance of power in the House of Commons, but have strong symbolic significance. Calgary Heritage was former prime minister Stephen Harper's riding and has been a conservative stronghold for decades. In Calgary Midnapore, another conservative bastion, the race is to fill the void left by former cabinet minister and current provincial PC leadership hopeful, Jason Kenney. Speaking at a campaign-style rally at the BMO Centre later in the day, Trudeau continued on the theme of accusing the Conservatives of taking ridings in Calgary and Alberta for granted. "Fundamentally, the Conservatives here in Alberta want you to think this is good enough, that you can't get better than that," he told an audience of several hundred. "Well I'm sorry my friends, this is Calgary, and in Calgary, better is always possible." If either riding were to fall to the Liberals, or any other party, on April 3 it would represent a significant psychological scar for the Conservatives on their home turf. Trudeau's Calgary hopes Trudeau is clearly interested in making inroads in Calgary, this being is sixth appearances in the city since taking office, including a cabinet retreat in January. Story continues "I think the Liberals have a better opportunity than they have in years past," said Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt. "They had an inroad in 2015 for the first time since the '60s. Trudeau has spent an awful lot of time in Calgary both speaking and campaigning, both previously and since becoming prime minister. He did approve two pipelines. Those are all the things the Liberals are banking on." - ANALYSIS | The prime minister, the pipeline, and the lucky bounce in Calgary The Liberals picked up two seats in Calgary in 2015, their first in the city since 1968. Bratt, however, said these particular ridings will be difficult for the Liberals to win. He said areas like Calgary Confederation, which the party narrowly lost in 2015 and contains the University of Calgary, would hold out much more hope. Ambrose defending turf On our mobile app? Click here to watch Ambrose's new conference. Ambrose isn't just sitting back hoping to capitalize on those long odds, showing up in Calgary at the same time as the prime minister. Speaking at the headquarters for Stephanie Kusie, the Conservative candidate in Calgary Midnapore, Ambrose focused almost exclusively on her party's disdain for the federal carbon tax. "The message we need to send to Justin Trudeau is 'No to the carbon tax,'" she said, repeating her opposition to the tax in response to almost every question posed by reporters. Ambrose cited U.S. President Donald Trump's planned deregulation of the oil and gas industry as just one reason the tax should be scrapped. "We are a sovereign country, but we are also an integrated economy," she said. Ambrose also brushed off any concern about the Liberals gaining ground in these byelections. "I have a lot of confidence that they will be successful," she said of Kusie and Calgary Heritage candidate Bob Benzen. Candidates Also running in Calgary Heritage are Khalis Ahmed of the NDP, Taryn Knorren of the Green Party, Libertarian Darcy Gerow and Jeff Willerton with the Christian Heritage Party. In Calgary Midnapore, Brown and Kusie will compete with Ryan Zedic of the Green Party, Holly Heffernan of the NDP, and Larry Heather from the Christian Heritage Party. - MORE CALGARY NEWS | Alberta economy will grow modestly in 2017 and energy sector won't fuel it, analysts say - MORE CALGARY NEWS | Calgary Police Commission presses Chief Roger Chaffin for third-party advocate timeline Recruitment Ready4 Test Prep Apps Connect Admissions, Recruitment, Marketing Teams to Prospective Students A company that offers free mobile apps that prepare students for college entrance exams has partnered with more than 30 universities worldwide to help them engage and recruit prospective students worldwide. Ready4 has signed on Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Georgetown University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston College, Monash University and more partners looking to reach prospective students using its apps. Students tap Ready4's free apps to prepare for ACT, PSAT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT and more. Image Credit: Ready4. Ready4 offers a suite of seven apps that prepare students for tests like the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT and MCAT, as well as resume building, job preparation and more all available at no cost to students. More than 1.56 million mobile users that span 195-plus countries use the apps, according to a news release. The company has worked with more than 500 universities, offering admissions, recruiting and marketing teams data-driven insights through its adaptive mobile platform. Recently, Ready4 launched a pilot program with Harvard Universitys HBX Credential of Readiness (CORe) a program jointly offered by its business schools online education initiative HBX and Harvard Extension School. According to a news release, HBX CORe will utilize the companys lead generation and marketing programs, including in-app notifications, e-mail promotion and newsletter inclusion, to engage students with the program. An important part of enabling lifelong learning is helping match students with the best schools for their needs, which is increasingly difficult for students that are faced with a barrage of marketing materials, said Elad Shoushan, CEO of Ready4, in the news release. Modern mobile technology cuts through this clutter and makes the process easier than ever. Guided by the journey outlined in our top-rated apps, Ready4 has dramatically simplified the search process for students and the recruiting process for schools by aligning the qualities that matter most to both, even before a single entrance exam is taken. To learn more, visit the Ready4 site here. THURSDAY, March 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Children exposed to a widely used group of insecticides may be at increased risk for behavioral problems, according to a new study. The insecticides are called pyrethroids. They're used on crops but can also be found in some mosquito repellents and in products used to treat head lice, scabies and fleas, the French research team explained. Like many types of insecticides, pyrethroids work by damaging nerves, and concerns have recently been raised about their possible effects on children who have been exposed. The study can't prove cause-and-effect. However, according to one child psychiatrist, it does raise troubling questions. "The pesticide class studied are considered 'safe' pesticides and this study is cause for concern as to how safe it really is," said Dr. Matthew Lorber, who reviewed the new findings. He directs child and adolescent psychiatry at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The new study was led by Jean-Francois Viel of the University Hospital in Rennes, France. His team measured hundreds of pregnant women's exposure to pyrethroids, as well as their children's exposure, by assessing levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their urine. At age 6, the children underwent behavioral assessments. Viel's team found a link between pyrethroids and behavioral problems in the children. Specifically, higher levels of a certain pyrethroid-linked chemical in the urine of pregnant women was associated with an increased risk of internalizing behaviors -- for example, an inability to share problems and ask for help -- in their children. The presence of one such chemical in children's urine was also associated with an increased risk of externalizing disorders -- defiant and disruptive behaviors. And another pyrethroid-linked chemical was associated with a lower risk of externalizing disorders, the researchers said. Overall, children with the highest levels of pyrethroid metabolites in their urine were about three times more likely to have abnormal behavior, the French study found. Pyrethroids may trigger behavioral problems by affecting neurochemical signaling in the brain, the study authors suggested. "The current study suggests that exposure to certain pyrethroids at the low environmental doses encountered by the general public may be associated with behavioral disorders in children," Viel's group wrote. For his part, Lorber called the findings "concerning, because the amounts determined to be 'low exposure' are consistent with what children are typically exposed to in the environment." Dr. Andrew Adesman is chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. He agreed with Lorber that the findings suggest that pyrethroids "may not be as safe as we would like when it comes to young children." According to Adesman, "Common sense suggests that pregnant women should minimize their exposure to insecticides and other toxins, as well as other industrial chemicals. Further study is warranted to determine if the insecticides that are now widely used are indeed as safe as people believe." The study was published online March 1 in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine. More information The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has more on pesticides. WEDNESDAY, March 1, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors who want to give their hearts a healthy boost may want to focus on exercise first, a new study suggests. The research found that getting active may do more for cardiovascular health in older adults than losing weight does. "Any physical activity is positive for cardiovascular health, and in elderly people of all weights, walking, biking and housework are good ways to keep moving," study author Dr. Klodian Dhana said in a news release from the journal European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The findings were published in the journal on March 1. In the study, Dhana's team tracked 15-year outcomes for more than 5,300 people. Participants were between 55 and 97 years old, and free of heart disease when the study started. Over the 15 years of follow-up, 16 percent of the participants developed heart problems. In this group of older people, the researchers found no link between their body mass index (BMI) alone and heart disease. BMI is an estimate of body fat based on weight and height -- the higher the number, the more fat. However, the study did find that physical activity was tied to a lower risk of heart disease, no matter what a person's BMI was. "Overweight and obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and it is recommended to lose weight," said Dhana, who is a postdoctoral researcher at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. However, "in the elderly this is slightly different because weight loss, especially unintentional, is associated with muscle loss and death," the researcher explained. She said the study's authors aren't refuting the idea that overweight and obesity can raise heart risk in the general population. But, "our results show that physical activity plays a crucial role in the health of middle age to elderly people," Dhana said. "Those who are overweight and obese without adequate physical activity are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease." Expert guidelines currently recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity to decrease the risk of heart disease, she said. More information The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a guide to physical activity. Snap (SNAP) soared as much as 45% when it opened for trading at $24 a share on Thursday. FOLLOW THE LIVE IPO HERE Market makers at the New York Stock Exchange indicated the stock was set to open from $23.50 to $24.50 a share. At 200 million shares, Snap raised $3.4 billion and was valued at nearly $24 billion as of its pricing. Sources had told CNBC earlier this week that investors were expecting a pricing of $17 to $18 per share , above the $14 to $16 per share range originally given by the company. The IPO is 12 times oversubscribed, sources said Thursday morning, meaning that there were 12 times more orders for than there were shares offered. Some managers told CNBC they got as little as 2 percent of what they were asking for. The pricing and high demand reflect what Wall Street's top investment firms think about the stock, and telegraphs how the year's most anticipated IPO might fare in the public market. It could take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to get an IPO trading, NYSE Group President Tom Farley told CNBC's " Squawk on the Street " on Thursday. "This whole group of brokers, they're communicating with a broader set of investors," Farley said. "We won't open just because people want us to open, or at a particular deadline. We'll take as long as it takes to have that price iteration slow down so you can have a smooth open." The company behind Snapchat an ephemeral photo messaging app that's viral among teens has presented investors with some unique challenges. It's unclear how exactly the California company plans to make a profit, especially with daily active user growth slowing. Shareholders will also get negligible voting rights with the stock. But Snap, which will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under SNAP, is also one of the few new growth opportunities to hit the public market. "[Snap's] user base considers camera an app they didn't have a camera growing up," Rob Sanderson, research analyst at equity research and trading firm MKM Partners, told "Squawk on the Street" on Thursday. Weiterlesen Despite stocks notching record highs, there has been a dearth of public offerings. Proceeds from the U.S. IPO market were only $18.8 billion last year, according to Renaissance Capital, down from $86.6 billion in 2014. Still, many companies price high and sell low, and vice versa. Facebook, for instance, saw shares seesaw on its first trading day, ending less than 1 percent higher. Since then, of course, Facebook found its footing, and has risen about 250 percent. It hit an all-time high on Thursday. More on the Snap IPO How Snap handles its first few quarters will either make it a star or get it 'Twittered' Why Reddit's co-founder is bullish on the stock Here's the difference between Snap and Twitter Reporting by CNBC's Leslie Picker and David Faber. Written by Anita Balakrishnan. Watch: This is how Snapchat makes its money More From CNBC Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong (left) and Indonesian Siti Aisyah 2 face gallows over murder Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong and Indonesian Siti Aisyah are facing the gallows for the alleged murder of a North Korean on Feb 13 The women were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code that carries the mandatory death penalty upon conviction. The charge was read together with Section 34 of the same Code. Siti Aisyah was the 1st to appear before the magistrate's court here yesterday. In the charge sheet, she was accused, together with four men still at large, of murdering a "Kim Chol" at the KLIA2 departure hall in Sepang. "Kim Chol" is the name that Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of the country's leader Kim Jong-un, usually travels under. Siti allegedly committed the offence at 9am on Feb 13. The charge was read out to her in Bahasa Indonesia through an interpreter. She nodded, signalling that she understood the charge. No plea was recorded. DPP Muhamad Iskandar Ahmad asked the court for 1 1/2 months to get all the relevant documents before the case is transferred to the Shah Alam High Court. Lawyer Gooi Soon Seng, who represented Siti, applied for the court to grant a gag order against the police and potential witnesses from issuing statements to the press that could incriminate or compromise his client's case. "This application is to ensure her right to a fair trial is not compromised. Those statements are sub judice," Gooi said. Sessions Court judge Harith Sham Mohamed Yasin, sitting as a magistrate, granted the gag order and fixed April 13 for mention. After Siti was led out of the courtroom, Doan was brought out before the judge. She was charged, together with 4 men still at large, with the same offence, at the same time. Her charge was read out in Vietnamese. Doan said she understood the charge. No plea was recorded. She was represented by lawyer S. Selvam. DPP Muhammad Iskandar asked for a joint trial for both cases at the Shah Alam High Court. The court allowed the application and fixed April 13 for mention. Representatives from Indonesian and Vietnamese embassies were in court, including Indonesian deputy ambassador to Malaysia Andreano Erwin. Earlier before the charging, both women were brought to the KLIA2 to have their identities confirmed. The police took their photos at the site of the killing to compare this with the CCTV footage. Doan appeared calm throughout the 30-minute process. Jong-nam was killed at KLIA2 on Feb 13 after 2 women smeared him with a chemical that has since been identified as the VX nerve agent. Doan was arrested on Feb 15 as she was attempting to catch a flight back to Vietnam, while Siti was detained early the next day. Police have also arrested a 3rd suspect, North Korean citizen Ri Jong-chol, and are seeking 3 more men, including North Korean embassy second secretary Hyon Kwang-song. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamad Apandi Ali said Ri, 47, was still being investigated by police and would make a decision by tomorrow on whether to charge him. | 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: thestar.com.my, March 2, 2017 Ben Quilty (left) and Michael Dagostino MORE than 20,000 people have now walked through the doors at Campbelltown Arts Centre to see the world premiere of the paintings of executed Bali Nine drug smuggler Myuran Sukumaran. The Another Day in Paradise exhibition features, among other works by Sukumaran, self-portraits which offer an insight into the mind and rollercoaster emotions of a man on death row. The controversial and polarising exhibition will run until March 26. It is being co-curated by artist Ben Quilty. Sukumaran, who was executed in 2015, painted the works during his imprisonment at Balis Kerobokan jail and final incarceration at Nusa Kambangan Island. Campbelltown Arts Centre director Michael Dagostino said he was blown away to see the figure tick over to 20,000 on Monday. Weve had people from Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland come here to see this exhibition, he said. It really shows the power of art. Looking at the feedback weve received, its all been very positive. People have been incredibly moved by seeing his works. Mr Dagostino encouraged residents to come along and see the exhibition for themselves before it was too late. This is the exhibition of 2017 and I urge everyone to come and see it, he said. Dont just take my word for it. Go to our Facebook page and see all of that feedback for yourself. The exhibition is free. | 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: dailytelegraph.com.au , Tarik Elmerhebe, March 2, 2017 The rumors concerning Wizkids record deal have finally been laid to rest. Details of his deal with Sony music have become public knowledge. Wizkid The well-loved Baba Nla signed a record deal with RCA Records which is a subsidiary of music giant Sony Music the same record label that Davido is signed to. While clearer details of the deal that Wiz signed havent been made public, industry sources confirm that the deal runs into the millions. READ ALSO: Wizkid celebrates another international win Peter Edge, RCA Records chairman talking about Wizkids deal said: "We are thrilled to welcome WizKid to the RCA Records family. He has become a superstar in the African music scene and will be a game-changer in bringing African music to the world. We are extremely excited to have him as a part of RCA and are eager for the journey ahead." Wizkid with officials from his Starboy label and RCA/Sony Records at his signing ceremony. "We couldnt be more excited to welcome WizKid to the Sony Music family," said Sony Music International president of Northern & Eastern Europe and Africa Adam Granite in a statement. "This is an incredibly important signing as we look to make Africa a major source of repertoire for the world. Wiz is a key ambassador for this movement and we look forward to helping him conquer the globe." READ ALSO: Wizkid features Drake in his new song Talking about his preferred genre of music, Wizkid explained to Billboard that: "Its hard for me to describe what I do, since I work with rhythms from Afro-Beat, reggae, hip-hop, dance hall and others, Whats important to me is for music to be real, authentic, raw and timeless. I dont wanna be boxed in to any one genre." Meanwhile, listen to his latest single Sweet Love below: PAY ATTENTION! Never miss a single gist! Download Legit.ng news app for android Source: Legit.ng - A Somali man has been arrested for posing as a bridesmaid - Shockingly the man stayed with the bride and groom for three weeks after the weeding and still pretended to be a woman - Police also arrested the bride for colluding with the man as he pretended to be a bridesmaid In a shocking story from Hargeisa, Somaliland, a man has been arrested for pretending to be a bridesmaid. A Somali man has been arrested for posing as a bridesmaid. READ ALSO: Lady ordered wedding gown and got this a week to wedding (photos) In the strange story, the man is said to have posed as one of the bridesmaids in a traditional Somali wedding. After the wedding the man stayed with the newly wed couple for more than three weeks still posing as a woman. According to reports, the suspect had been the maid of honor during the wedding ceremony. ALERT: Click to get the best of Legit.ng Wedding on your phone In the strange story, the man is said to have posed as one of the bridesmaids in a traditional Somali wedding. READ ALSO: NaijWeddings: Prisca and Oliver's amazing journey to the aisle According to Somali culture, the maid of honor not only assists the bride during the wedding but also helps in setting up her new house. Somali Cable reports that the groom identified as Abdirahman Ismail never knew the bridesmaid was indeed a woman as he had worn make up and as she resembled a woman. The fake bridesmaid was only arrested after his mother blew his cover. Somali man has been arrested for posing as a bridesmaid.FILE PHOTO. READ ALSO: 8 spectacular wedding photos that will blow you away "A woman claiming to be his mother came to our house and asked if we have seen her son named Abdirahman. I told her we have never seen her son and the only person living with us was a girl named Asma. "Thats when the woman told me that Asma is actually her son, Abdirahman," the groom said. On finding out the bridesmaid was indeed a man, the groom reported the incident to police who arrested him and the bride. The groom is said to be planning to divorce the wife after the embarrassment she caused him. Source: Legit.ng SANTA ROSA, Calif., March 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The assets of Sierra Lifeflight, the air medical transport company located in Bishop, CA, have been purchased by REACH Medical Holdings, LLC, headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA. Under new ownership, the company will continue operating from their base at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc5cb901-69eb-4d1c-ab90-7f887a62456f For the past 24 years, Sierra Lifeflight was a family-owned air ambulance operation with a long history of excellent service transporting patients to needed care. In remote areas like Inyo and Mono counties, having an air ambulance service is critical. Hospitals often need their patients transferred to higher levels of care than can be provided locally, and the time it takes to go by ground ambulance is not an option for some patients. Sierra Lifeflight will continue providing air medical transports for the region. Medical transports are flown by a pilot with thousands of hours of flight experience on board a medically equipped airplane. The medical crew consists of highly skilled and licensed flight nurses and paramedics who administer critical care throughout the transport. We started this business in 1993 right here in Bishop. We have built a company that has served this community for over twenty years. We want that legacy to continue. We looked at the people we wanted to run this business and we chose REACH because they are a well-respected company with 30 years in this industry. Their dedication to their patients, their experience in the air ambulance business, and their forward-thinking leadership made this the right decision for us. We are confident Sierra Lifeflight will continue to serve this community for many years to come, stated James Marchio, CEO and owner of Sierra Lifeflight, on sharing the news of the companys sale. Sierra Lifeflight joins REACH Air Medical Services, Cal-Ore Life Flight, and CALSTAR Air Medical Services owned by REACH Medical Holdings. Together, they form part of the largest air medical transport organization in the western United States. Sean Russell, president of REACH Medical Holdings, said he believes this will be good for the residents of Inyo and Mono counties. Sierra Lifeflight will continue to serve the eastern Sierra region as an air medical resource with added support and benefits. With the largest network of fixed wing and rotor wing air ambulances in California, REACH will be able to further support Sierra Lifeflight to assure they are able to continue serving the eastern Sierra communities. Additionally, air ambulance membership will now be available through AirMedCare Network. For just $65 a year for your entire household, membership covers all out-of-pocket costs for a medically necessary flight--not only by Sierra Lifeflight, but also by REACH, CALSTAR, Cal-Ore Life Flight, or any of the Networks more than 260 helicopter and airplane bases across 32 states. Mike Patterson, previously Program Director at Sierra Lifeflight, will be continuing with the company as Regional Director of Program Operations. Mr. Patterson notes, I am really happy Sierra Lifeflight will continue this service. This has been a valuable asset for this community and the patients we have transported. I want to let our customers and our patients know that were still here, and were going to take great care of them. About REACH Medical Holdings, LLC REACH Medical Holdings, LLC owns REACH Air Medical Services, Cal-Ore Life Flight, CALSTAR and Sierra Lifeflight and operates hospital-branded air programs. The company provides air medical transports using helicopters and airplanes from more than 45 bases located in California, Oregon, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas. The company has nearly 900 employees, most of whom are highly skilled nurses, paramedics, pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians. To date, the company has transported more than 135,000 patients to needed care. For more information, visit www.REACHair.com. About AirMedCare Network AirMedCare Network is Americas largest air ambulance membership network. The company offers membership covering out-of-pocket costs for an emergency air transport by any of their providers. Sierra Lifeflight, REACH Air Medical Services, Cal-Ore Life Flight, and CALSTAR are providers to the AirMedCare Network. The company has more than 2.6 million members served by more than 260 air ambulance bases across 32 states. For more information, visit www.AirMedCareNetwork.com. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Mar 2 (PTI) The navy today successfully test- fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from an indigenously built Kalvari class submarine, describing the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing its "sub- surface" warfare prowess. The weapon was fired from the submarine, the first of Indias six Scorpene-class submarines which are being built under the Project 75, and it "successfully hit" a surface target during the trial in the Arabian Sea. advertisement All the six diesel-electric attack submarines will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat, the defence ministry said, noting these missiles will provide the vessels the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. "The missile successfully hit a surface target at an extended range during the trial firing. "This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navys sub-surface warfare capability," the ministry said. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. PTI MPB SC SC --- ENDS --- German English ALLSCHWIL, SWITZERLAND - 02 March 2017 - Actelion (SIX: ATLN) announced today that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare granted a label extension for dosage and administration for "Epoprostenol ACT" (0.5 mg and 1.5 mg) for the treatment of pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Dr. Satoshi Tanaka, President of Actelion Japan and Chairman of Actelion South Korea, commented: "Epoprostenol ACT" is the first epoprostenol to receive the pediatric indication in Japan. Adding this patient population to the product label allows us to offer physicians in Japan an option for intravenous therapy for young patients with advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension. "Epoprostenol ACT" will provide these patients and their families and caretakers with benefits that will make managing the disease easier, including greater stability of the medication and more flexibility with its preparation and administration." Actelion Pharmaceuticals Japan will now work closely with all partners involved to ensure that "Epoprostenol ACT" is made available to pediatric patients as soon as possible. Marketed in Japan as "Epoprostenol ACT", Veletri (epoprostenol for injection), an intravenous prostacyclin, is commercially available in 17 markets worldwide, including the US (since 2010), Switzerland and - marketed as Caripul - Canada (since 2012), as well as Japan and some European markets (since 2013). The registration process for other countries is ongoing. ### Notes to the Editor ABOUT PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION (PAH) PAH is a chronic, life-threatening disorder characterized by abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries between the heart and lungs of an affected individual. The symptoms of PAH are non-specific and can range from mild breathlessness and fatigue during normal daily activity to symptoms of right heart failure and severe restrictions on exercise capacity and ultimately reduced life expectancy. PAH is one group within the classification of pulmonary hypertension (PH). This group includes idiopathic PAH, heritable PAH and PAH caused by factors which include connective tissue disease, HIV infection and congenital heart disease. The last decade has seen significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of PAH, which has been paralleled with developments of treatment guidelines and new therapies. Drugs targeting the three pathways that have been established in the pathogenesis of PAH are endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), prostacyclin receptor agonists, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. PAH treatments have transformed the prognosis for PAH patients from symptomatic improvements in exercise tolerance 10 years ago to delayed disease progression today. Improved disease awareness and evidence-based guidelines developed from randomized controlled clinical trial data have highlighted the need for early intervention, goal-oriented treatment and combination therapy. Learn more at http://www.pahuman.com/ ABOUT ACTELION LTD. Actelion Ltd. is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative drugs for diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Actelion is a leader in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Our portfolio of PAH treatments covers the spectrum of disease, from WHO Functional Class (FC) II through to FC IV, with oral, inhaled and intravenous medications. Although not available in all countries, Actelion has treatments approved by health authorities for a number of specialist diseases including Type 1 Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick type C disease, Digital Ulcers in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis, and mycosis fungoides type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Founded in late 1997, with now over 2,600 dedicated professionals covering all key markets around the world including Europe, the US, Japan, China, Russia and Mexico, Actelion has its corporate headquarters in Allschwil / Basel, Switzerland. Actelion shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: ATLN) as part of the Swiss blue-chip index SMI (Swiss Market Index SMI). All trademarks are legally protected by their respective owners. For further information, please contact: Andrew Weiss Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 61 565 62 62 www.actelion.com The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Attachments: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3aa7c424-e065-4e46-9c33-f38b8e5761cf English Dutch PRESS RELEASE: REGULATED - INSIDE INFORMATION Thursday, 2 March 2017, 07:01 CET BIOCARTIS ANNOUNCES 2016 RESULTS, 2017 OUTLOOK AND CHANGE IN CEO POSITION Mechelen, Belgium, 2 March 2017 - Biocartis Group NV (the 'Company' or 'Biocartis'), an innovative molecular diagnostics company (Euronext Brussels: BCART), today announces its operational highlights and financial results for 2016, prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Furthermore, the Company today provides its outlook for 2017 and announces a change in the Company's CEO position. Overview of key messages 2016 results Installed base: Installed base Idylla(TM) instruments more than doubled in 2016 by adding a total of 224 instruments. Total installed base year end was close to 390 instruments. Cartridge consumption: Commercial cartridge volume in 2016 increased to over 25,000 cartridges which represents approx. 7.5 times the total commercial volume of 2015. Test menu : On market oncology menu expanded to 7 tests. Revenues: Total 2016 operating income amounted to EUR 13.8m. Product revenues in 2016 amounted to EUR 6.8m, representing an increase of 88% compared to 2015. Cash position: Cash and cash equivalents on 31 December 2016 amounted to EUR 83.2m. Guidance 2017 Installed base: 640 Idylla(TM) instruments by the end of 2017, based on 250-275 new instrument placements. Cartridge consumption : commercial cartridge volume in 2017 to be at least three times 2016 volume. Cash position: Around EUR 40m by 2017 year end. Change in CEO position Rudi Pauwels has expressed his preference to focus on the longer term strategy of the Company, including a pathway towards a Next-Generation Sequencing based product offering. Therefore, the Board has decided that Rudi Pauwels will take on the role of Chairman of a new Strategy Committee of the Board and that he will pass on the role of CEO to a successor. The Company is confident that a successor can be announced in the next few months. Hilde Windels, currently Deputy CEO, will assume the role of CEO until a successor is on board. Biocartis will host a conference call with live webcast presentation today at 14:00 CET / 13:00 BST (UK) / 08:00 EDT (US) to discuss the 2016 results. Click here to access the live webcast. To participate in the questions and answers session, please dial 5-10 minutes prior to the start time the number +44(0)20 3427 1901 (standard international), followed by the confirmation code 9539312. The conference call and webcast will be conducted in English. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Biocartis investors' website shortly after. Commercial highlights Installed base - A total of 224 Idylla(TM) instruments were added to the installed base in 2016, resulting in a total installed base of close to 390 instruments per year end 2016. This compared to an installed base of 165 instruments at the beginning of 2016 and the latest 2016 guidance of adding at least 175 instruments. The three key drivers behind the installed base growth in 2016 were menu expansion, an increased awareness by end customers on the excellent performance of the Idylla(TM) technology (as demonstrated in recent published comparative studies ) and the growing interest from pharmaceutical companies. The growth in installed base end of 2016 was also driven by the regulatory upgrade, i.e. the CE-marking of the Idylla(TM) NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test. Cartridge consumption - In line with the installed base growth and menu expansion, commercial Idylla(TM) cartridge consumption in 2016 was over 25,000 cartridges, which is approx. 7.5 times the total commercial cartridge volume of 2015. Amgen collaboration - On 3 February 2016, Biocartis announced a collaboration with Amgen to evaluate Idylla(TM) RAS testing as a tool for rapid decentralized testing in a range of countries . This collaboration was expanded in December 2016 to include up to 10 new European countries and will enable several dozen additional selected hospitals to accelerate patient access to RAS biomarker information using Biocartis' Idylla(TM) platform and RAS tests. Commercial footprint - During 2016, Biocartis further executed the expansion of its global commercial footprint by obtaining new market authorizations for 8 additional geographies and signing 9 new distribution agreements. More specifically, on 17 November 2016, Biocartis announced its partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. to distribute in the US its Idylla(TM) platform and accompanying assays, with a first focus on oncology products. Both parties expect to start commercial roll-out in the US as of H2 2017. Biocartis has retained the option to sell both its Idylla(TM) platform and assays via direct sales channels into the US market. Idylla(TM) test menu highlights Colorectal cancer menu - During 2016, Biocartis significantly expanded and strengthened its colorectal cancer menu by: Completing its offering of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) tests for clinical use on the Idylla(TM) platform with the CE-marking of its solid biopsy Idylla(TM) NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test on 15 December 2016. Biocartis' mCRC offering follows the most recent clinical guidelines and opens routes towards faster treatment selection. Entering into a collaboration with Merck KGaA (Merck) for the development and commercialization of a new liquid biopsy RAS biomarker test for patients with mCRC that was announced on 7 January 2016. This comprises two Idylla(TM) assays of which the first one, the Idylla(TM) ctKRAS Mutation Assay was launched in December 2016 under a Research Use Only (RUO) label and is Biocartis' second liquid biopsy test. The second assay under the agreement, the Idylla(TM) ctNRAS-BRAF-EGFR492 Mutation Assay (RUO) was launched on 2 March 2017. Biocartis and Merck plan to implement the Idylla(TM) liquid biopsy RAS test in numerous medical centers across the world following CE-marking of both tests, expected in H2 2017. Signing an exclusive licensing of a recently detected set of ectodomain mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) that convey resistance to certain anti-EGFR therapies in colorectal cancer from Dr. Montagut (Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain), Dr. Bardelli and Dr. Arena (University of Torino, Italy), entered into on March 2016. The aim is to integrate these novel biomarkers (which complement the EGFR S492R marker licensed by Biocartis in 2013) into molecular diagnostic tests for the Idylla(TM) platform, to enable physicians to monitor therapy resistance in patients and thereby allowing for optimizations of treatment regimes. Lung cancer menu - On 21 June 2016, Biocartis launched the first test of its lung cancer menu with the Idylla(TM) EGFR Mutation Assay (RUO). This advanced, fully automated molecular test is designed to detect over 50 EGFR mutations which commonly occur in lung cancer on the basis of only a single slice of tumor tissue. Its extreme ease-of-use allows for testing irrespective of location or laboratory expertise level and, as such, this assay has the potential to enable more wide-spread testing of lung cancer specimens. Performance studies - During 2016, a total of eight different promising publications were issued on the performance of Idylla(TM) oncology tests, four of them were presented at the renowned international oncology conferences ASCO and ESMO. This included a comparative study organized by AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, where 12 different KRAS mutation detecting technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), were compared for the detection of KRAS mutations, using blinded samples. This study confirmed the best-in-class status of the Idylla(TM) KRAS technology. US FDA achievements - Two important achievements were realized with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016: On 1 June 2016, Biocartis received Emergency Use Authorization by the US FDA for the Idylla(TM) Ebola Virus Triage Test (Idylla(TM) EBOV Test) that runs on the Idylla(TM) platform. This test was co-developed by Biocartis, Janssen Diagnostics (a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV) and the Belgian Institute of Tropical Medicine. On 22 December 2016, Biocartis completed the 510(k) submission to the US FDA of its Idylla(TM) platform, comprising of the Idylla(TM) Instrument and the Idylla(TM) Console. This submission was done in parallel with the 510(k) submission by Biocartis' strategic partner Janssen Diagnostics of the Janssen Idylla(TM) Respiratory (IFV-RSV) Panel Test. Operational highlights Strengthening management team - Hilde Eylenbosch, who joined Biocartis' Board of Directors in May 2016, took over the position of Chief Commercial Officer as of 17 November 2016. Ulrik Cordes (the Company's previous Chief Commercial Officer since September 2013) transitioned on that date into the function of EVP Pharma Collaborations and Companion Diagnostics, aimed at building a strong complementary and companion diagnostic business. Furthermore, during Q1 2016, Biocartis strengthened its manufacturing expertise with the appointment of Reginald Van Genechten as Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. Cartridge manufacturing - During 2016, Biocartis together with its partners continued the works on a second cartridge manufacturing line. The aim is to have this line operational by the end of 2017. It should provide for an additional annual cartridge capacity of over 1 million Idylla(TM) cartridges. Financial highlights Product sales revenues - Total product sales revenues in 2016 increased with approx. 88% to EUR 6.8m from EUR 3.6m in 2015. This increase was predominantly driven by cartridge sales that amounted to EUR 4.0m in 2016, representing over 3 times the 2015 cartridge sales of EUR 1.3m. System sales increased with approx. 20% from EUR 2.3m in 2015 to EUR 2.8m in 2016. Equity raise - On 17 November 2016, Biocartis successfully raised EUR 32.7m of gross proceeds by means of a private placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering of 4,058,917 new shares (being approximately 10% of the Company's outstanding shares) at an issue price of EUR 8.05 per share. Debt financing - On 20 July 2016, Biocartis announced it had attracted EUR 55m of non-dilutive financing consisting of a EUR 40m bank and lease financing facility as well as a new subordinated loan of EUR 15m. The bank and lease financing facility consists of EUR 15m lease financing and EUR 25m multiple purpose credit lines (the credit lines are partially guaranteed by the Flemish Government). Biocartis' total debt outstanding amounted to EUR 31.4m as per 31 December 2016, compared to EUR 10.8m as per 31 December 2015. Cash flow - Biocartis' cash flow from operational and investment activities amounted to EUR -62.7m in 2016, compared to EUR -32.8m in 2015, mainly driven by increased operational expenses and higher investments for cartridge manufacturing expansion. Given a cash flow from financing activities in 2016 of EUR 41.8m, the total net cash flow of 2016 amounted to EUR -20.9m. Cash position - Biocartis' cash position as per 31 December 2016 amounted to EUR 83.2m compared to EUR 104.1m as per 31 December 2015. Additional details - see 'key figures for 2016' below for more details on the 2016 financials. Commenting on the 2016 results, Rudi Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Biocartis, said: "Our 2016 performance and the continued feedback from our customers and their patients confirms our belief that with Idylla(TM) we can disrupt the global market of molecular diagnostics. We continue to see an increased interest by large pharmaceutical companies for easy and rapid molecular diagnostics testing needed for their high precision treatments, and to keep the healthcare model sustainable. We already saw this translated into valuable new long-term partnerships for Biocartis. Continued innovation around cancer treatments, such as liquid biopsy based monitoring, also indicates that the market for our current and future products is larger than initially thought. Still a lot of work is needed to materialize our ambitions. Starting commercialization in the US in 2017 is an important next step here. This not only because of the size of this market, but also due to the US' current centralized nature of MDx testing which will allow our clients to optimally benefit from the USPs Idylla(TM) has to offer. 2017 is definitely going to be another exciting year for Biocartis!" Post-period events Companion diagnostics (CDx) - In January 2017, Biocartis signed a first companion diagnostics partnership with an undisclosed pharmaceutical company (ranked amongst the global top 10 pharmaceutical companies by sales) for the joint development of an Idylla(TM) CDx test for an undisclosed phase II oncology compound. Change CEO position - Today, on 2 March 2017, Biocartis announced a change in the CEO position of the Company. Launch of the Idylla(TM) ctNRAS-BRAF-EGFR S492R Mutation Test - On 2 March 2017, Biocartis launched the Idylla(TM) ctNRAS-BRAF-EGFR S492R Mutation Assay (Research Use Only), an important milestone the partnership with Merck as well as the Company's third liquid biopsy test for oncology. Outlook 2017 Target of growing the total installed base to 640 Idylla(TM) instruments by adding 250-275 new instrument placements, driven by the ongoing menu and geographical expansion. Annual commercial cartridge consumption in 2017 is targeted to grow to over three times the 2016 volume. 510(k) approval from the US FDA is expected for the Idylla(TM) Instrument, the Idylla(TM) Console and the Idylla(TM) Respiratory (IFV-RSV) Panel Test. Menu expansion is aimed at further completing Biocartis' core oncology menu in the course of 2017: CE-marking Idylla(TM) EGFR Mutation Test (Q2 2017); CE-marking Idylla(TM) NRAS Mutation Test (Q2/Q3 2017): this test will give more flexibility to customers and will allow for price differentiation with the Idylla(TM) NRAS-BRAF Mutation Test in geographies where BRAF testing for mCRC patients is not reimbursed; CE-marking Idylla(TM) ctKRAS Mutation Test and Idylla(TM) ctNRAS-BRAF Mutation Test as part of the partnership with Merck (H2 2017); and Launch of a liquid biopsy version of the Idylla(TM) EGFR Mutation Assay (RUO, H2 2017). Note: this product will be initially launched on the basis of a manual DNA extraction protocol anticipating a fully automated ctEGFR Mutation Assay that is also under development. Biocartis targets a cash position by the end of 2017 of around EUR 40m. Update test menu strategy Biocartis continuously monitors market, technological and scientific developments that have an impact on the competitive positioning of its current and future menu of Idylla(TM) tests. These reviews have resulted in a menu optimization as summarized below: Biocartis is observing a stronger than expected traction of the Idylla(TM) platform in oncology. This traction is primarily fueled by Biocartis' unique position in providing FFPE -based sample-to-result solutions, strong performance data of Idylla(TM) tests, and Biocartis' potential to benefit from the promises of liquid biopsy testing, immuno-oncology therapies and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). This has led to increased interest from customers and pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, the Company has decided to increase its focus on oncology and to turn this positive momentum into solid market share and revenue growth which: From a menu perspective, should result in a faster and broader expansion of the Company's oncology offering into comprehensive menus for colorectal, lung, breast, urology and related tumors from a biomarker point of view, as well as expansion into immunotherapy and DNA repair fields . This is facilitated by capturing the potential of oncology test development with collaboration partners, including CDx partnerships; and From a commercialization perspective, entails entering into additional commercial and regulatory collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to further accelerate worldwide market adoption of Idylla(TM). Idylla(TM) is designed to be extremely versatile and therefore the Company remains committed to valorize the potential of the platform in other areas. This especially holds true for infectious diseases given the unique position Idylla(TM) has within the field of syndromic panels and bloodstream infections (including sepsis). Both areas will remain the focus of Biocartis within this market. However, going forward the Company's infectious disease strategy could include more partnership elements. Additional background on the summarized menu update will be provided during today's webcast presentation at 14:00 CET. Change in CEO position After having fulfilled the CEO position for 10 years, Founder Rudi Pauwels has expressed his preference to the Board to focus on the longer term strategy of the Company, including a pathway towards a Next-Generation Sequencing based product offering. The board has decided that Rudi will take on the role of Chairman of a new Strategy Committee of the Board and that Hilde Windels will assume the role of CEO until a successor for Rudi Pauwels is on board. Since the appointment of Hilde Windels as Deputy CEO in 2015, Rudi Pauwels was already more focused on the strategy and vision of Biocartis, whereas the day to day execution was delegated to Hilde Windels. The Company is confident that a successor can be announced in the next few months. Rudi Pauwels, Founder of Biocartis, commented: "Ten years ago, we embarked on a journey to develop high precision molecular diagnostic solutions that by design would be more accessible to laboratories and healthcare settings around the globe. I had the pleasure to work intensely together with a great team on the development of the Idylla(TM) platform that has its roots at Philips. The CE-marking late 2014 was the beginning of the commercial phase and, fueled by a growing number of tests, the Idylla(TM) solution is now increasingly finding its way to customers in Europe and around the world. I am particularly pleased to see that the hard work during the development has translated into great performance of our first tests. Building further on these foundations, Biocartis must now increasingly focus on worldwide commercial expansion and on the pathway towards building significant top line revenue. I therefore feel it is time for me to hand over the torch as CEO and I am happy that Hilde Windels, with whom I have been working side-by-side over the last 6 years, is taking over from me as interim CEO. This will allow me to increase my focus on innovation and strategy even more, in another capacity. I look forward to continue to be involved with Biocartis and to assist the Company in its roll-out of innovative products and breakthrough solutions that I believe can make a significant contribution to the growing role of molecular diagnostics in healthcare." Rudi Marien, Chairman of Biocartis, added: "We are thankful for Rudi's dedication to Biocartis over the past years. Without him, Biocartis would not have been what it is today. Under his leadership, the Company launched its flagship program Idylla(TM), successfully raised EUR 115m in its IPO and established promising partnerships with healthcare leaders including amongst others Johnson and Johnson, Abbott, Amgen, Merck and Thermo Fisher Scientific. We are pleased to see that Rudi will remain active on the Board, which will enable Biocartis to continue to benefit from his visionary views and insights on how to continue to deliver on our promises while remaining at the forefront of innovation." Key figures for 2016 The tables below show an overview of the key figures and a breakdown of operating income for 2016. A consolidated income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and statement of changes in equity of Biocartis Group NV is presented in the paragraph 'Financial information' at the end of this press release. Please find an overview of the key figures tables in the full version of the press release in attachment. Income statement In 2016, collaboration revenues, predominantly consisting of recognized upfront license revenues and milestone revenues from strategic partners, amounted to EUR 5.3m compared to EUR 9.7m in 2015, a decrease of approx. 46%. This was mainly driven by the fact that EUR 4.0m of one-off milestone payments were collected in 2015 versus EUR 332k of milestone payments that were received in 2016 (a decrease of approx. 92%). Recognized upfront license revenues amounted to EUR 4.7m, representing a decrease of approx. 7%. Product sales revenues on the other hand increased with approx. 88% in 2016 to EUR 6.8m from EUR 3.6m in 2015, predominantly driven by higher cartridge sales for commercial purposes. Recognized grants and other income in 2016 amounted to EUR 1.7m being a 3.5% increase compared to 2015. During 2016, Biocartis obtained two new grants for a total amount of EUR 3.9m, consisting of a EUR 2.5m strategic grant from the Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship under its Strategic Transformation Support ('STS') program to support manufacturing expansion capacity (18 October 2016) and a EUR 1.4m grant from VLAIO, the Flanders organization for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, to support development of its rapid NGS Prep Panels (31 October 2016). Of these grants, EUR 0.4m was recognized in 2016. Total operating income in 2016 consequently amounted to EUR 13.8m compared to EUR 15.0m in 2015. Total operating expenses in 2016 amounted to EUR 63.9m compared to EUR 54.6m in 2015, an increase of 17%. This included EUR 5.7m of cost of sales compared to EUR 2.6m in 2015, driven by the increase in product sales revenues in 2016. Excluding cost of sales, operating expenses increased in 2016 from EUR 52.0m in 2015 to EUR 58.2m, an increase of 12.1% driven by higher expenses in R&D and Marketing & Distribution and lower expenses for General & Administrative (G&A). R&D expenses increased from EUR 36.6m in 2015 with 15.1% in 2016 to EUR 42.1m. This as the consequence of increased staffing (and related costs) as well as increased R&D activities for test and platform development which were partially offset by lower expenses for subcontracting. The increase in staffing and related costs was driven by the 38 headcount increase of the R&D team in 2015 (majority was only recruited towards the end of 2015, staffing costs for these employees consequently only had a full year impact as of 2016) as well as a headcount increase of the R&D team with 5 employees in 2016. Marketing and Distribution expenses increased from EUR 8.7m in 2015 to EUR 10.3m in 2016 (18.0% increase) as a result of an expansion of the Marketing & Distribution team and increased sales and promotional expenses. During 2016, the Marketing & Distribution team was expanded with 16 employees of which several were already externally sourced from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV since 2015. That has also been the main reason for the decreased subcontracting costs in 2016. G&A expenses decreased in 2016 with 12.5% to EUR 5.8m (EUR 6.7m in 2015) due to lower expenses for external advice (2015 was exceptionally impacted by the Company's IPO in April 2015), facilities & office and human resources that were partially offset by increased staff costs. The operational result in 2016 amounted to a loss of EUR 50.2m compared to a loss of EUR 39.7m in 2015. As a result of the foregoing, the loss for the year after taxes increased from EUR 39.8m in 2015 to EUR 49.7m in 2016. Balance sheet Property plant & equipment predominantly consist, amongst others, of manufacturing equipment (including equipment owned by Biocartis, equipment held under lease and equipment that is under construction for the expansion of its current cartridge manufacturing line and for the building of its second cartridge manufacturing line), Idylla(TM) systems placed at clients (under operational lease contracts or rental contracts) or held for internal use as well as laboratory & ICT equipment. In 2016, property, plant & equipment increased with EUR 8.8m from EUR 14.2m in 2015 to EUR 23.1m as the results of investments (net, after disposals) of EUR 12.6m and depreciation of EUR 3.8m. Investments predominantly consisted of manufacturing equipment and Idylla(TM) systems for internal use and systems placed at clients under operational lease contracts or rental contracts. Deferred tax assets per 31 December 2016 amounted to EUR 3.1m and relate to tax credits for research and development in Belgium. Inventory increased from EUR 5.8m in 2015 to EUR 9.8m end of 2016 mainly driven by higher levels of raw materials and semi-finished products in view of the increased commercial cartridge volumes. Finished products included cartridges and systems held for expected commercialization, including systems placed at customers under the Company's early adopter program. Trade receivables decreased in 2016 with EUR 2.9m from EUR 5.9m in 2015 to EUR 2.9m mainly driven by collection of milestone and upfront payments from strategic partners. Other receivables related to VAT receivables and capital grants and amounted EUR 2.2m as per end of 2016. Other current assets included accrued grant income and deferred charges and increased in 2016 to EUR 1.9m compared to EUR 1.3m in 2015. The Company's cash and cash equivalents end of 2016 amounted to EUR 83.2m compared to EUR 104.1m end of 2015. Total financial debt amounted to EUR 31.4m as per end of 2016, representing an increase of EUR 20.6m compared to the EUR 10.8m of total financial debt outstanding end of 2015. The increase is for EUR 12.6m related to obtained lease financing for the funding of investments for Biocartis' current and second cartridge manufacturing line. Furthermore, EUR 8.1m is related to the new subordinated loan of EUR 15.0m that the Company attracted in July 2016 to refinance an existing subordinated loan (nominal amount of EUR 5m, excluding accrued interest charges) that was due end of 2016. The current portion of financial debt as per 31 December 2016 amounted to EUR 3.7m and the non-current portion to EUR 27.7m. Trade payables end of 2016 amounted to EUR 6.3m, representing a decrease of EUR -7.6m compared to the EUR 13.9m that was outstanding end of 2015. This decrease was predominantly driven by invoices received in 2015 for manufacturing expansion that were paid for in 2016. Deferred income decreased in 2016 to EUR 2.1m (EUR 5.2m end of 2015), mainly because of recognized upfront payments from Janssen Pharmaceutica in relation to the strategic licensing, development and commercialization collaborations. Cash flow statement The cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR -53.4m in 2016 compared to EUR -27.3m in 2015 driven by an increased loss for the period (predominantly due to higher operational expenses) in combination with investments in working capital in 2016 compared to significant positive moments in working capital for 2015. The cash flow from investing activities in 2016 amounted to EUR -9.3m compared to EUR -5.4m in 2015 principally driven by increased investments for the cartridge manufacturing expansion and higher investments in intangible assets, mainly consisting of software and IP licenses. The cash flow from financing activities in 2016 amounted to EUR 41.8m driven by the net proceeds from the private placement in November 2016 and proceeds from new borrowings, as well as the proceeds received from the Company's lease financing provider related to manufacturing equipment that was initially paid for by Biocartis and afterwards re-financed with lease financing. The cash flow from financing activities in 2015 amounted to EUR 125.9m, which was exceptionally impacted by the net proceeds from the Company's IPO in April 2015. Driven by the aforementioned, the total net cash flow in 2016 amounted to EUR -20.9m compared to EUR 93.2m in 2015. Financial calendar 2017 Capital Markets Day - 2 March 2017 Publication annual report 2016 - 30 March 2017 Q1 2017 business update - 27 April 2017 Annual General Meeting Biocartis Group - 12 May 2017 H1 2017 results - 7 September 2017 Q3 2017 business update - 16 November 2017 Webcast and presentation Biocartis will host a conference call with live webcast, during which the 2016 results will be presented, followed by a Q&A session. This event will be held today, 2 March 2017 at 14:00 CET / 13:00 BST (UK) / 08:00 EDT (US). Access the webcast by clicking here. If you would like to participate in the Q&A, please dial +44(0)20 3427 1901 (standard international) with confirmation code 9539312. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Biocartis investors' website shortly after. Financial information The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as adopted by the EU. The financial information included in this press release is an extract from the full IFRS consolidated financial statements, which will be published on 30 March 2017. The statutory auditor, Deloitte Bedrijfsrevisoren /Reviseurs d'Entreprises, represented by Gert Vanhees, has substantially completed the audit procedures on the IFRS consolidated statements as of and for the year ended 31 December 2016, and has confirmed that the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flow and changes in shareholders' equity, included in this press release, are consistent in all material aspects with the consolidated accounts from which they have been derived. Please find an overview of the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholder Equity in the full version of the press release in attachment. --- 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 has eight oncology tests and two infectious disease tests in its product menu. 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. Emmen, Switzerland, March 2, 2017 ALSO and Intcomex form Platform as a Service (PaaS) partnership for the ALSO Cloud Marketplace to serve Latin America and the Caribbean Fourth strategic partnership expanding ALSO Cloud Marketplace platform ALSO (SIX: ALSN) and Intcomex have signed a strategic partnership to bring a wide range of local and global vertical-focused cloud services to SMB and Enterprise customers in Latin America in 2017. Both companies are joining forces to make the ALSO Cloud Marketplace Platform as a Service (PaaS) available to more than 50,000 Intcomexs' channel partners in 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, with plans to expand further in the region. ALSO enables Intcomex to expand their Software as a Service (SaaS) catalogue to their customers. Spearheaded by Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program (CSP), the platform assists local vertical-focused ISVs to expand towards channels. "We generate additional growth opportunities through strategic partnerships like the one with Intcomex in new, dynamic regions. Combined with our strong presence in Europe and our partnerships in the UK and Ireland, the Middle-East and Southeast Asia, through the partnership with Intcomex the ALSO Cloud Marketplace platform is now reaching nearly 50 countries globally," said Gustavo Moller-Hergt, CEO of ALSO Holding AG. "Intcomex is a frontrunner of cloud services in its region, driving this paradigm change of the market. We are serving a fast-growing network of partners, including ISVs, hosters and managed service providers. The strategic partnership with ALSO will enable us to expand our SaaS portfolio further and to focus on an exceptional customer experience together," said Michael Shalom, Group Managing Director of Intcomex. In October 2016, ALSO agreed on a strategic partnership with Innovix Distribution to make the ALSO Cloud Marketplace available to 5,500 of Innovix' channel partners starting in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, with plans to expand further in the region. Earlier in June the same year, ALSO signed a strategic partnership with Logicom to provide the marketplace platform to more than 10,000 Logicom partners in 13 countries in Southern Europe and the Middle East, with plans to expand further in the region. In December 2015, ALSO and Westcoast agreed on a strategic cooperation to bring the ALSO Cloud Marketplace platform to Westcoast customers in the UK and Ireland. Direct link to the press release is http://www.also.com/goto/20170302en Contact person ALSO Holding AG: Brunswick Group GmbH Dr. Marc Langendorf Phone: +49 89 80 99 025 17 E-mail: mlangendorf@brunswickgroup.com Contact person Intcomex: Danny Schachtel, CCO Phone: +1 305 477 6230 E-Mail : danny@intcomex.com ALSO Holding AG (Emmen/Switzerland) brings providers and buyers of the ICT industry together. The company offers services at all levels of the ICT value chain from a single source. In the European B2B marketplace, ALSO bundles logistics services, financial services, supply services, solution services, digital services, and IT services together into individual service packages. ALSO's portfolio contains more than 188 000 articles from some 500 vendors. The Group has around 3 520 employees throughout Europe (annual average 2016). In fiscal year 2016 (closing on December 31), the company generated net sales of 8.0 billion euros. The majority shareholder of ALSO Holding AG is the Droege Group, Dusseldorf, Germany. Further information is available at http://www.also.com Droege Group (Major shareholder) Droege Group (founded in 1988) is an independent consulting and investment company under full family ownership. The company acts as a specialist for tailor-made restructuring programs aiming to enhance corporate value. Droege Group combines its corporate family-run structure and capital strength into a family-equity business model. The group carries out direct investments with own equity in corporate subsidiaries and medium-sized companies in "special situations". The motto of "The Art of Implementation" has made the group a pioneer of hands-on implementation-oriented corporate development. Droege Group demonstrates its implementation excellence daily within its own portfolio. The entrepreneurially platforms of the Droege Group are aligned to current megatrends (knowledge, connectivity, prevention, demography, shopping 4.0, future work). Enthusiasm for quality, innovation and speed determines our actions. In this way Droege Group has successfully gained a position in domestic and international markets and operates in 30 countries. More information: http://www.droege-group.com Intcomex (Miami, USA) is the largest Latin America-based distributor of technology products and value-added solutions with the most extensive coverage across Latin America and the Caribbean. The company has established its own infrastructure through a network of 14 subsidiaries and 31 distribution facilities, serving more than 50,000 resellers spanning over 41 countries across the entire region. Furthermore, Intcomex maintains over 839.000 square feet of storage in 24 consolidation centers. Further information is available at http://www.intcomex.com. Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the ALSO management. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements made here and the actual development, in particular the results, financial situation, and performance of our Group. The Group accepts no responsibility for updating these forward-looking statements or adapting them to future events or developments. English Finnish Municipality Finance Plc Stock exchange release 2 March 2017 at 2:00 PM (EET) Municipality Finance's Annual Report for 2016 published Municipality Finance's Annual Report, Corporate Governance Statement, and Remuneration Report for the year 2016 have been published in Finnish and in English on the company's website at www.munifin.fi. Municipality Finance has also published Pillar 3 Disclosure document in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 and Directive 2013/36/EU. The document is available in English on the company's website. MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC Pekka Averio President and CEO tel. +358 500 406 856 Measured by the group's balance sheet, Municipality Finance Plc (MuniFin) is Finland's second largest credit institution. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. MuniFin is an integral part of the Finnish public economy. MuniFin's balance sheet totals approximately EUR 34 billion. Funding for the company is primarily obtained through the international capital markets. MuniFin's funding is guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board. MuniFin's mission is to ensure competitive funding for local government investments and state-subsidised social housing production in all market conditions. The company's customers are Finnish municipalities, municipal federations, municipally controlled companies and non-profit housing corporations. The customers use financing solutions provided by MuniFin to finance social and non-profit targets such as day care centres, schools, housing, hospitals and other municipal investments. The Municipality Finance Group also includes the subsidiary company, Financial Advisory Services Inspira Ltd. GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transwestern today announces it represented AvalonBay Communities in the disposition of Eaves Gaithersburg, a 684-unit apartment community at 750 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The property, which was built in 1974, sold for $117 million, or $171,053 per unit. Transwesterns Mid-Atlantic Multifamily Group, led by Co-Directors Dean Sigmon and Robin Williams, represented the seller in the transaction. The property was purchased by Orlo. Overall investor interest was extremely strong for this asset, as job growth in Washington, D.C., has gained significant traction, driving up demand for rental housing, said Sigmon. The property offered a rare, sizable multifamily opportunity to improve rent growth through more accretive interior renovations and amenity enhancements. The property is a short walk to a Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train station and less than a half-mile from Interstate 270 and Route 355. The property is proximate to some of Montgomery Countys largest employers the National Institute of Standards and Technology, MedIummune, Lockheed Martin and Adventist HealthCare. According to Transwestern research, a net total of 65,500 jobs were added to the Washington area during the 12 months ending November 2016, with the area poised for continued growth in 2017. ABOUT TRANSWESTERN Transwestern is a privately held real estate firm of collaborative entrepreneurs who deliver a higher level of personalized service the Transwestern Experience. Specializing in Agency Leasing, Management, Tenant Advisory, Capital Markets, Research and Sustainability services, our fully integrated global enterprise adds value for investors, owners and occupiers of all commercial property types. We leverage market insights and operational expertise from members of the Transwestern family of companies specializing in development, real estate investment management and research. Based in Houston, Transwestern has 34 U.S. offices and assists clients through more than 180 offices in 37 countries as part of a strategic alliance with BNP Paribas Real Estate. Experience Extraordinary at transwestern.com and @Transwestern. For updates from the Mid-Atlantic region, follow @TranswesternDC. ORLANDO, Fla., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumenis Ltd., the worlds largest energy-based medical device company for surgical, aesthetic, and ophthalmic applications, proudly announces its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL from March 3rd 7th, 2017. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3baec13a-7846-496f-95c9-3b6aa5206bed As an international leader in the development and commercialization of innovative aesthetic energy-based technologies, Lumenis has invented Intense Pulsed Light (IPLTM) for skin treatments, LightSheer diode laser for hair removal and the UltraPulse the most powerful CO 2 laser in aesthetic medicine, among many others. Lumenis has redefined medical treatments and set numerous technological and clinical gold standards. The company has successfully created solutions for previously untreatable conditions, as well as designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. When we were the first to develop the IPL in the 1990s, it was not clearly understood how a pulsed broadband non-laser energy source could treat specific chromophore targets, but through the years it has proven to be one of the most versatile technologies on the market. The invention of these laser and light-based approaches for dermatology- opened up my practice for a whole new set of aesthetic indications [that] I never had a good solution for. Now I cant do [it] without them, said Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, from Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, Medical Director for West Dermatology and a former Medical Director at Lumenis. Dr. Goldman is a guest speaker at the AAD. Lumenis vision is to provide better technology for better patient care through innovative energy-based solutions. With a ground-breaking technological legacy of five decades, the company is committed to enhancing patient health and quality of life, addressing new and growing needs of the aging population, and continuing to offer medical professionals innovative solutions to meet the developing and dynamic healthcare environment of the 21st century. Lumenis is proud to provide advanced noninvasive solutions from the most common to the most severe skin concerns, said Tzipi Ozer-Armon, CEO of Lumenis. As we have for the past 50 years, Lumenis is committed to continue supporting medical community leaders advancing the use of medical laser technologies and providing innovative, life-changing treatment benefits. In an effort to serve underprivileged and underserved populations, Lumenis has partnered with a number of foundations, hospitals, and healthcare professionals internationally, with countries including Haiti, Russia, St. Lucia, India, Africa, and Armenia, to provide the latest energy-based treatments to patients suffering from conditions such as BPH, burn injuries, and glaucoma. Lumenis lasers are used in humanitarian missions around the world to treat wounded warriors, war survivors, and severe scar patients, including Kim Phuc, a survivor of the Vietnam War bombing who is recognized as The Girl in the Picture. Lumenis lasers improve the quality of life of many patients around the world, such as cancer survivor, Angela Wissel, who is also speaking at the AAD. The FemTouch procedure was absolutely life changing. I couldnt believe the difference in just a short amount of time, and we had our life back literally. It was amazing, said Wissel. The treatments are quick, they are painless, theyre easy, and I wish I had known about this instead of suffering for years waiting for a solution. Lumenis will honor its 50th anniversary and decades of innovation at this years AAD with a champagne celebration. Please visit lumenis.com for a detailed agenda of activities at the conference. For more information about the Lumenis family of products, please visit the Lumenis booth (#2541), where attendees can win prizes for answering fun quiz questions about laser history. About Lumenis Lumenis is a global leader in the field of minimally-invasive clinical solutions for the Surgical, Ophthalmology, and Aesthetic markets, and is a world-renowned expert in developing and commercializing innovative energy-based technologies, including Laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio-Frequency (RF). For 50 years, Lumenis' ground-breaking products have redefined medical treatments and have set numerous technological and clinical gold-standards. Lumenis has successfully created solutions for previously untreatable conditions, as well as designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. For more information visit: www.lumenis.com Forward-Looking Statements Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to the Company's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations, including its projected results of operations. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, will, expect, anticipate, estimate, continue, believe, should, intend, plan, project or other similar words, but are not the only way these statements are identified. These forward-looking statements are based upon our management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether a result of new information, future events or otherwise. LIVONIA, Mich., March 02, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A123 Systems LLC, a developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries and systems, today announced that it hosted a Grand Opening Ceremony to celebrate its new manufacturing facility in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The ceremony took place earlier today at the Ostrava site where A123 will produce more than 600,000 units of its low voltage automotive systems annually for European customers. A123 executives and facility personnel hosted customers, suppliers and senior government officials at the Opening Ceremony. Dignitaries including the Czech State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic all took part in touring the facility and addressing the attendees. Representatives from 4 major European vehicle manufacturers were also in attendance. In noting A123s ownership by the Wanxiang Group, H.E. Ma Keqing, Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to the Czech Republic, highlighted, The investments celebrated today are a perfect European example of the One Belt, One Road initiative which is building the 21st century Silk Road between China and its global trading partners. The Mayor of Ostrava, Mr. Tomas Macura, also honored A123 by saying that the plants establishment would prove to be a turning point in the rebirth of Ostrava as the city transforms its economy through new technology-based businesses. A123s Ostrava location establishes regional assembly of the companys advanced 12V Lithium-ion starter battery and next generation 48V battery which provide environmentally conscious solutions delivering lower emissions and increased fuel economy in low voltage hybrid systems. The technology also provides the market lead-free alternatives to conventional automotive batteries. Last month marked the first customer shipment from this new facility along with the installation of a second production line for increased volume. Later this year, A123 will begin production of its 48V programs at this newly established facility. A123 currently operates manufacturing facilities in China and the United States. The Ostrava facility adds to the existing global footprint and addresses the substantial surge in demand from the European market. The opening of the Ostrava plant is a major milestone for A123 and one that we were excited to celebrate with customers, dignitaries and our suppliers, says Jason Forcier, CEO. The event itself was a great opportunity to showcase our production capabilities, as well as demonstrate our commitment to the European market, a key element to our continued success. About A123 A123 Systems is a global leader in providing complete energy storage solutions through advanced battery cells and systems for transportation and commercial applications, offering performance, reliability, and cost savings from concept through commercialization. A123 is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wanxiang Group. Icelandic English Marels Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the companys headquarters in Gardabaer, Iceland, on March 2, 2017. All proposals presented by the Board were approved by the meeting. Chairmans address Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir, Chairman of Marels Board of Directors addressed the meeting. 2016 was yet another good year for Marel. It was a year of strategic growth and a further strengthening of our foundations. Amidst significant shifts in the worlds geopolitical landscape resulting in both political and economic uncertainty the strategic drivers in our industry remained intact. The immense social challenge of how to feed the worlds population in the future continues to present Marel with opportunities for sustainable value creation by advancing the way food is processed, she said. The chairman presented the proposal to pay out dividend, corresponding to 20% of net profits for the operational year 2016. The Board of Directors is pleased to propose to the Annual General Meeting today that a dividend of 15.3 million is paid to shareholders, corresponding to 20% of net profits. This is fully in line with our dividend policy she said. In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized management to purchase own shares in 2017 for up to a value of 15 million to be used as payment for potential future acquisitions, she said. Asthildur also talked about the challenges that face Marel, consumers and companies worldwide today. During the year, significant progress was made in developing and executing a formal approach to Marels corporate social responsibility. Guiding principles for the approach to people, the planet and profit were introduced throughout the organization and Marel became a signatory to the UNs Global Compact she said. CEOs address 2016 was a great year for Marel and we are at the center point of prevailing trends which are driving global economic development. Our vision and strategy are clear and we are in the position to advance food processing at a global level said Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO of Marel, in his address to the companys AGM. Arni Oddur Thordarson talked about Marels growth story, a story filled with strategic acquisitions and strong organic growth. He took the audience back to the year 2005, when Marels revenue was 129 million and EBIT 10 million and when Marels main focus was on the fish industry. That same year a growth strategy of becoming a global leader and a full line provider to the poultry, meat and fish industries was introduced. Arni then went through the several strategic acquisitions that later took place, the latest one being MPS Meat processing systems in January 2016. Marel acquired MPS without issuing new shares and managed to stay within targeted capital structure of between x2-3 net debt/EBITDA. Net leverage was at x2.9 net debt/EBITDA after the acquisition and solid operational performance and strong cash flow has now driven it down to x2.25. Since 2006, Marels revenue has grown around 20% per year on average, one-third through organic growth and two-thirds through acquisitions. This has brought Marel to its current situation; global leader in providing advanced equipment and services for the poultry, meat and fish industries with pro forma revenue close to 1 billion and 143 million in EBIT. Arni Oddur then covered the business and financial highlights of the year 2016. Pro forma revenue was 983 million, compared to 819 million in the previous year for Marel stand alone. We have gradually increased the operational performance in recent years and delivered a solid operational performance with 14.6% EBIT in 2016. Earnings per share increased by 34% between years due to an improved operational performance and a better utilization of the balance sheet he added. Throughout the year, the modernization and maintenance business remained strong while we saw some softness in the greenfield and expansion projects at the beginning of the year. However, in Q4 we saw the order intake at an all-time high with landmark projects secured for the poultry, meat and fish industries around the globe, resulting in a strong order book entering 2017. These greenfield projects will now go into engineering phase and will start to deliver revenue in Q2 2017 and onwards. Our product portfolio is strong and we introduced several revolutionary products to the market in 2016, he added. Significant investments were also made in advancing Marels business, upgrading manufacturing equipment as well as improving facilities and IT platforms. Arni talked about Marels business model that consists of three main revenue streams;Greenfields, modernization and standard equipment and service and spare parts. Recurring revenue from service and spare parts are now 36% of total revenue, compared with 7% in 2005. Our greenfield projects are Marels future revenue as they continue to deliver recurring service revenue and modernization revenue going forward. Finally Arni Oddur introduced Marels outlook and strategy. Marel is targeting 12% average annual revenue growth in the next 10 years. Marels management expects 4-6% average market growth in the long term and the target continues to be set at growing faster than the market organically driven by innovation and market penetration. Strong financials and an experienced and united team make Marel well equipped to take on further growth through strategic acquisitions. By maintaining solid operational performance and strong cash flow a 5-7% annual revenue growth by acquisition can be pursued. Organic and acquisition growth will not be linear but based on opportunities, economic fluctuations and general economic conditions. We are firmly committed to delivering increased value to the society, customers and shareholders by enhancing safe and sustainable food processing. We will continue to drive the growth forward with passion and discipline, he added. Confirmation of annual accounts The companys Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors and CEO were approved by the meeting. All proposals presented were approved by the meeting. Board of Directors All seven directors on the Board of Marel were re-elected unanimously. The board consists of: Astvaldur Johannsson, Olafur Gudmundsson, Arnar Thor Masson, Ann Elizabeth Savage, Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir, Helgi Magnusson and Margret Jonsdottir. The new Board of Directors has convened and assigned roles and responsibilities. Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir continues as Chairman of the Board and Arnar Thor Masson, as the Vice-Chairman of the Board. More information is available on Marel.com. More information about the Annual General meeting is available on Marel.com as well as the information page for the AGM at http://www.marel.com/agm. By Rohit Kumar Singh: BJP for the second consecutive day kept the Mastan fire raging demanding his sacking from the Nitish Kumar government while an MLA even lodged an FIR against the minister. Both Houses of the legislature did not function as BJP created din over Minister for Excise Abdul Jalil Mastan who was caught on camera last week spewing venom against PM Narendra Modi calling him a "Naxali" and a "dacoit". He had also asked his supporters to beat the PM with shoes and slippers. advertisement Though the minister tendered an apology later on for his act but NDA leaders on Thursday met Governor Ram Nath Kovind seeking his intervention into the case. NDA delegation submitting a memorandum demanded Governor to use his special powers to direct Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to sack Mastan. The NDA delegation was led by former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. "We want justice from Governor. The Governor in order to maintain the dignity of the PM post should act soon. We demand him to use his constitutional powers to instruct Nitish Kumar to remove Abdul Jalil Mastan from the cabinet," said the NDA memorandum. Meanwhile BJP MLA Nitin Navin lodged an FIR against the minister at Kotwali police station demanding slapping sedition charges against the minister. Also read: Bihar minister asks crowd to beat PM Modi's photo with slippers; BJP demands his explusion from cabinet Also read: Bihar minister, who encouraged supporters to beat PM Modi's photo with slippers, apologises --- ENDS --- orange Even though Clovis points, spear points with longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces, have been found all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932. spear points with longitudinal grooves have been found were first discovered discovered spear points of longitudinal grooves have been found have been first discovered spear points of longitudinal grooves have been found Spear points with longitudinal grooves discovered were found spear points whose faces have longitudinal grooves have been found have been first discovered 1. ...spear points with/of/whose faces have longitudinal grooves ( Idioms ) 2. have been found / were found ( Verb Tense ) 3. were discovered / discovered / have been discovered ( Verb Tense/Meaning ) Let's start with #1 on our list: with/of/whose faces have. noun + WITH + detail CORRECT (The boy with the red hat... / Flowers with purple leaves... / Songs with banjos...) noun + OF + detail WRONG (The word "of" used in this way becomes a possessive, like when we say "The students of the theatre." This means the students belong to the theatre, which is not what we're trying to do here.) spear points with spear points of spear points of Spear points with spear points whose faces have We can eliminate options B & C Let's move on to #2 on our list: have been found vs. were found. have been found were found have been found were found have been found We can eliminate option D Now that we've got it narrowed down to only 2 options, let's focus on some of those "big ticket" issues we discussed earlier. CORRECT While Clovis points are spear points whose faces have longitudinal grooves chipped into them, they have been found all over North America INCORRECT There you have it - option A is the correct choice! Hello Everyone!This is a great example of a question that has the entire sentence underlined. These can seem tricky, but if we apply the same method we use for other types of questions, we can still narrow down our options quickly and get to the correct choice! To begin, here is the original question with all the major differences between the options highlighted in(A) Even though Clovis points,chipped onto their faces,all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where theyin 1932.(B) Although named for the New Mexico site where firstin 1932, Clovis points arechipped onto their faces andall over North America.(C) Named for the New Mexico site where theyin 1932, Clovis points,chipped onto the faces,all over North America.(D)that are chipped onto the faces, Clovis points, even though named for the New Mexico site where firstin 1932, butall over North America.(E) While Clovis points arechipped into them, theyall over North America, and named for the New Mexico site where theyin 1932.While there are many more things we could focus on, here are just a few simple ones that jump out:Whenever we see an entire sentence underlined, we can also focus our attention to "big ticket" grammar problems, such as modifiers, parallelism, and intended meaning. However, we're going to start with the basic differences we found while scanning over the options quickly.When describing something, we have some idiom rules we need to follow:-->-->So, let's see how each of our options breaks down:(A) Even though Clovis points,longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces, have been found all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932.(B) Although named for the New Mexico site where first discovered in 1932, Clovis points arelongitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces and have been found all over North America.(C) Named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932, Clovis points,longitudinal grooves chipped onto the faces, have been found all over North America.(D)longitudinal grooves that are chipped onto the faces, Clovis points, even though named for the New Mexico site where first discovered in 1932, but were found all over North America.(E) While Clovis points arelongitudinal grooves chipped into them, they have been found all over North America, and named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932.because they say "spears of," which changes the meaning to "the spears belong to longitudinal grooves," which doesn't make any sense.While they are both grammatically correct to use in this sentence, they do mean two completely different things:= Clovis points were found all over North America in the past, and they're still found there today= Clovis points were found all over North America in the past, but no one has found any todayIt makes more sense to say that Clovis points were found all over North America and still are today, so let's stick with the options that reflect that:(A) Even though Clovis points, spear points with longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces,all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932.(D) Spear points with longitudinal grooves that are chipped onto the faces, Clovis points, even though named for the New Mexico site where first discovered in 1932, butall over North America.(E) While Clovis points are spear points whose faces have longitudinal grooves chipped into them, theyall over North America, and named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932.because it uses the incorrect "were found," which changes the intended meaning.Check to make sure modifiers are in the right places, everything is parallel, and the meaning isn't distorted or illogical:(A) Even though Clovis points, spear points with longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces, have been found all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932.This is! The phrase "even though" sets up a contrast between the fact that Clovis points are named after where they were discovered, but they're actually found all over North America. It also uses the right verb tenses, idiom structures, and a clear, logical meaning.(E), and named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932.This is. By starting the sentence with a clause beginning with the word "while," we expect the phrase after it to be the other side of the contrast. If you read the red part by itself, it doesn't really work, does it? What does finding them in North America have to do with the grooves in them? Nothing. The contrast should be between the fact that they can be found all over North America, but they were named for a specific site in New Mexico.Don't study for the GMAT. Train for it._________________ Re: Golden Jackals can double their numbers every year. They do [ #permalink Golden Jackals can double their numbers every year. They do not do so, however, if the area in which they live is already full and the territory of each pack borders on the territory of other packs on all sides. Lone Golden Jackals, unable to establish a territory near their place of origin, disperse to a less desirable habitat and often are hunted by human beings . Which of the following conclusions may be properly drawn from the information in the passage above? We need to observe that the first two sentences state the rate of jackals reproduction is based on availability of territory. In case their territory is full and bordered by territories of other jackal packs then the rate of reprod is not double. But the last sentence says that lone jackals which dont have territory available move to less desirable habitat and often get killed. This occurs when the rate of reprod is not double as there is no territory. So we cannot conclude about the population density as even in case when the reprod rate is zero, the pop density may decrease as there may be lone jackals. This leaves us B. A. The number of Golden Jackals in any area suitable for Golden Jackals may be predicted to quadruple in two years. This may not be true for some may wander and get killed by humans. B. Golden Jackals are ejected from the pack to wander singly as lone Jackals when the number of Jackals in the pack has doubled. Correct C. The amount of territory suitable for Golden Jackals has been diminishing in recent years as a result of human encroachment, with a resulting diminution in the Golden Jackals population. nothing about the amount of territory can be concluded D. Golden Jackals hunting can continue at a moderate rate on the fringes of a good habitat for Jackals without a decrease in the average yearly Jackals population in that territory. nothing about the hunting can be concluded E. The Golden Jackals population density in a given area of Golden Jackals territory does not vary with the yearly rate of Golden Jackals reproduction. rate of reproduction is double per year. the population density not be doubled at the end of a year because some jackals may be ejected as being lone jackals Wat is OA? is my explanation correct? - A woman literally gives birth twice in seven days. Her son arrived on Tuesday, February 21, then her angelic twin daughters followed their brother on Tuesday, February 28 - The happy-looking mother reportedly struggled to get pregnant and had to seek medical help. She conceived the triplets in August 2016, and now they are here, healthy and cute - Doctors are saying her case is very unique, with a possibility that it has never happened anywhere in the world. What happened in between the two quick births Did they say she was barren, and that she will never be able to breastfeed? Well, this Chinese woman has not only proven her enemies wrong, but she has also most likely set a new world record by giving birth to cute triplets, twice in seven days. Even her doctor can't believe it. See the three little angels The said woman, only identified as Chen, reportedly welcomed her son on Tuesday, February 21. Her angelic twin daughters arrived on Tuesday, February 28, seven days later. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App According to her doctor, Chen conceived the triplets in August 2016. Her water broke when she was slightly over 30 weeks pregnant, after which she went into labour and was rushed to No.1 People's Hospital of Yichang. The hospital's head obstetrician said: "After the baby boy was delivered, the mother's contraction suddenly stopped. We decided it was safe for the twin girls to remain in the womb.The mother went into labour again on 27th February and her twin daughters were successfully delivered the next day." Doctor says the twin girls shared a placenta Chen, the doctor explains, was expectant with dichorionic triplets, meaning two of the babies shared a placenta and chorion and the other was separate. Aihua said: "The baby girls had shared a placenta, whereas the boy had his own. This also helps explain why they were born seven days apart, adding that in his 20 years of experience in delivering babies, he had never seen anything like that." The mother allegedly struggled to get pregnant and had to seek medical assistance. And with the help of fertility treatment, she managed conceive, with triplets. The twin girls and their brother are currently being observed at the hospital's neonatal care unit. Watch video of a 13-year-old girl who gave birth to triplets: God is great! Source: Legit.ng A Chinese father has drawn widespread criticism and consternation for crucifying his 10-year-old son for several hours, apparently because he refused to do his homework. This picture of the son tied to a cross has drawn criticism and consternation The unnamed father tied his son to a makeshift cross and made him kneel in front of his shop in public for several hours, reportedly in the hope that the humiliation would make him more focused on his studies. The incident occurred in Yongchuan, China, and gained attention after a concerned neighbor took a picture of the boy and posted it online. Yongchuan city where the incident occurred PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Neighbors told local media that the father is very strict with his two children, both of them boys. They also said he became furious at the neighbor who took and shared the picture online and that he is considering suing him. The father defended himself, saying that the incident "was nothing serious" and that it was "just a joke." It is unclear if police or local child welfare authorities have taken any action against the man. To see some unusual and sometimes cruel punishments parents have meted out to their kids, check out the video below. Nawa o! Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, Mar 2 (PTI) Prime Minister Prachanda today urged global investors to put their money in Nepal, saying his government was making efforts to provide a conducive environment, including political stability, for FDI in the country. It is inevitable to bring in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Nepals economic development and all are unequivocal on this, Prachanda said as he inaugurated the Nepal Investment Summit 2017 here. advertisement The government was putting in every possible effort for creating environment conducive to foreign investment, he said. Peace and prosperity complemented each other and that the summit has been organised to promote Nepal as a foreign investment destination, Prachanda said. "Private sector would get a suitable opportunity only when there is political stability and harmony among the political parties," the Prime Minister said. He expressed commitment to introduce appropriate policies and laws, and make the environment suitable. Around 500 delegates, 250 from nearly 25 countries including India, are attending the two-day summit. President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun said the AIIB was ready to help Nepal in utilising its natural resources for developmental projects and work with the World Bank and other financial institutions for the same. Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi said the summit will help create suitable environment for foreign investment which will generate youth employment. He called the investors to invest in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, hydropower and other sectors for accelerating Nepals development activities. Nepal has adopted economic liberalisation with the restoration of democracy in 1990 and all sectors here witnessed transformation with the establishment of liberal political-economic system, Former finance minister Ram Sharan Mahat said. This year, Nepal received foreign investment worth Rs 30 billion from several countries including China mainly in the areas of hydropower and cement industry, Mahat said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will also address the summit as one of the keynote speakers. Nepal has witnessed a prolonged political instability in the recent past with power tussle overshadowing national issues. Frequent changes in government have affected its development and economic growth to a large extent. Last year, former prime minister K P Oli stepped down after a key coalition partner, the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Center) led by Prachanda, withdrew support. Olis government served a tenure of only nine months. Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a six-month- long agitation during Olis tenure, demanding more representation in all state mechanism, from September 2015 to February last year in which more than 50 people were killed. advertisement The current government led by Prachanda is the ninth in the last eight years. PTI SBP CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- The weather and climate on other planets has unusual features but planetary astronomers think JWST could potentially discover clues to help answer the fundamental question of Where do we come from? 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 Press Trust of India: Jerusalem, Mar 2 (PTI) A new, smartphone controlled wireless patch that can be worn on the arm may help reduce migraine pain as effectively as drugs, a new study claims. The device uses electrical stimulation to block the pain signals from reaching the brain. The patch uses rubber electrodes and a chip on an armband. advertisement The patch can be controlled by a smartphone app. In the past when stimulation has been tested for people with migraine, devices needed wires and were attached to the head. "These results need to be confirmed with additional studies, but they are exciting," said study author David Yarnitsky, of Technion Faculty of Medicine in Israel. "People with migraine are looking for non-drug treatments, and this new device is easy to use, has no side effects and can be conveniently used in work or social settings," said Yarnitsky. The study involved 71 people with episodic migraine who had two to eight attacks per month and had not taken any preventive medication for migraine for at least two months. Participants were asked to apply the device to their upper arm soon after the start of a migraine and use it for 20 minutes. They were not supposed to take any medications for migraine for two hours. The devices were programmed to randomly give either a placebo, or sham, stimulation at a very low frequency or one of four levels of active stimulation. The stimulation was designed to not be painful. A total of 299 migraines were treated with the device during the study. During the active stimulation at the three highest levels, 64 per cent of people had a reduction in their pain by at least 50 per cent two hours after the treatment, compared to 26 per cent of people during the sham stimulation. For those who started with moderate to severe pain, their pain was reduced to mild or no pain in 58 per cent of people at the highest level of stimulation, compared to 24 per cent of those during the sham stimulation, the study found. In the same group, 30 per cent said they had no pain after receiving the highest level of stimulation, compared to six per cent of those receiving the sham stimulation. "These results are similar to those seen for the triptan medications for migraine," said Yarnitsky. The researchers also found that starting the stimulation within 20 minutes of the start of a migraine was more effective, with 47 per cent reducing pain when starting early, compared to 25 per cent who started after 20 minutes. advertisement The study was published in the journal Neurology. PTI SAR SAR --- ENDS --- By Shivendra Srivastava: National Human Rights Commission issued notice to govt of Delhi on complaints of dead rat found in mid-day meal in Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Deoli, New Delhi. The infected mid-day meal was served to the children on 16th February this year. Nine kids had to be rushed to a nearby hospital after they had midday meal. The Commission has observed that occurrence of such an incident, if true, amounts to violation of Right to Life of the children. It indicates towards serious lapse on part of the concerned agencies. advertisement Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the chief secretary, government of NCT of Delhi, calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks including the action taken against the concerned agencies. Govt has also been asked to inform about the steps taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future. Also read: Mid-day meal from April 1 for Class 9-12 girl students Reportedly, there are 43 NGOs, which are catering to the requirement of mid-day meal to 18.46 lakhs children of the schools-run by the Delhi government. They, allegedly, sublet their contracts to other organizations. As per reports, 95% of 365 meal samples failed to meet the nutritional requirements in 2011-12 and 98% of 322 samples failed the tests in 2010-11. --- ENDS --- Writing on her Instagram page, the model said: Being half-Palestinian, it means the world to me to be on the first-ever cover(s) of Vogue Arabia, Joinfo.com reports with reference to the BBC. Two different editions of the magazines first issue have been produced one in English and one in Arabic. Different images of Hadid in a sequined headscarf feature on the two covers. I think the beautiful thing about there being international Vogues is that, as a fashion community, we are able to celebrate, and share with the world, different cultures, Hadid said. Saudi princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz has been appointed the editor-in-chief of the new magazine by its publisher Conde Nast International. In one poised photograph, [Hadid] communicates a thousand words to a region thats been waiting far too long for its Vogue voice to speak, Abdulaziz said. The reaction to the two covers has been broadly supportive but some Instagram users left comments encouraging the publication to use Arabian models for their future issues. Such a gorgeous image, though I wish theyd have used an Arabian model those girls are so beautiful, wrote one follower of the Vogue Arabia account. Another said: Been waiting for this for so long maybe youll give a chance to Arab models like what Harpers Bazaar did. Hadid has mixed heritage her mother is a Dutch-born American while her father is Palestinian-American. Kloss apology Last month, Karlie Kloss apologised on Twitter after taking part in a photo shoot for Vogue, which was criticised for racial appropriation. In pictures for the magazines diversity issue, Kloss, who is white, had been made up to look like a geisha. In her apology, she said: These images appropriate a culture that is not my own and I am truly sorry for participating in a shoot that was not culturally sensitive. Vogue Arabia is the 22nd edition of the fashion publication to be launched. It will be distributed in several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. A bilingual Arabic-English website for Vogue Arabia has already gone live, with the publication of the paper magazine to follow. The collage of countries across the Arab world are long-deserving of a place in fashion history, Abdulaziz said in her message published on the website. And theres no better first face to lead the charge for Vogue Arabia than Gigi, a model who defines tomorrows entrepreneurial and dynamic generation. Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue, resigned last month after 25 years in the job during which time she oversaw famous covers starring the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. Over one lakh Ola, Uber drivers declared an indefinite strike in February, making a charter of demands. 20 Ola, Uber drivers began an indefinite fast in protest against the companies yesterday. Ola, Uber drivers went on an indefinite fast on Wednesday. Photo: PTI By Press Trust of India: Twenty drivers attached to Ola and Uber today began an indefinite fast here to protest against the cab aggregators not meeting their charter of demands. Their protest got a boost with politicians including former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and other transport unions reportedly assuring their participation in the protest. advertisement "Tomorrow, former Chief Minister and Karnataka JDS President Kumaraswamy will be supporting the drivers cause," Drivers and Owners Association (OTU) President Tanveer Pasha told PTI. Over one lakh Ola, Uber drivers had declared an indefinite strike against the companies on February 23 and prior to it, on February 19, had staged a protest against the transport department, asking for enforcement of the rules. The drivers began their fast at Freedom Park after they met Kumaraswamy. Hundreds of protesters thronged the area. Some prominent leaders including Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha President Kodihalli Chandrashekhar addressed the gathering. He urged CM Siddaramaiah and State Transport Minister Ramlinga Reddy to immediately warn the aggregators to meet the demands of the protestors. He said government should prevail over the aggregators in asking them to adhere to the provisions under Karnataka On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016. The following are the demands made by the cab drivers: # Ola, Uber should stop attaching new cabs as it affects the bookings coming to those already plying. # Better incentives for the drivers. Their earnings per month has come down to Rs 15,000 from the earlier Rs 85,0000. # Drivers want the companies to stop penalising them based on customer ratings. --- ENDS --- Thanks for weighing in on both subjects. I always appreciate hearing from members of the industry (and you are so right when you mention the advantage servers have right now, what with so many restaurants looking for experienced staff). As far as Trump is concerned, I think what POTUS does in his spare time is of interest to a lot of people. And what and how one eats says a lot about a person. My take-away from President Trump's first restaurant visit as the leader of the free world is 1) he's not very imaginative 2) he prefers "safe" food 3) he has an insatiable need to plug his own brand, BLT Prime, instead of exploring his new place of residence and 4) he doesn't care much about pleasures of the table. And I say this, based on all the reporting I did before the election, on three of the major candidates. To critics who say I wouldn't have been so hard on Obama or Clinton, I say ... oh yes I would have been, had either politician sliced into a steak cooked to gray and eaten it with ketchup. But neither did, as best as I could tell. Trust me, I would have loved writing about Trump venturing out to one of DC's many good restaurants, and ordering something other than over-cooked dry-aged steak! I'm not going out of my way to ding him. I'm simply reporting on something of interest to me, and many of my readers. Another follow-up from last week: After a chatter complained about Himitsu not posting its menu, co-owner Carlie Steiner reached out to tell me the list is now online. (It pays to pipe up, people.) The modern Japanese newcomer in Petworth was the subject of a recent three-star rave in the Magazine. HAVE YOU HEARD? The former chef of Vidalia bought the space and turned it into a place of his own, called Honeysuckle. It's the subject of my review in the forthcoming Sunday Magazine. Honeysuckle is sort of Nordic, sort of Southern and very, very rich. Happy Wednesday, everyone. Thanks for joining me for another hot of dining chat. What's on your mind today? Ronald Reagan The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. Albert Einstein If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack. Winston Churchill It isnt so much that liberals are ignorant. Its just that they know so many things that arent so. With integrity nothing else counts; Without integrity nothing else counts. Winston Churchill Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself. Harvey S. Firestone It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office. H. L. Menken Referenda insure all have a voice in land use decisions. U.S. Supreme Court Listen carefully to first criticism of your work. Note just what it is about your work the critics don't like - then cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual and worth keeping. Jean Cocteau By Press Trust of India: Karachi, Mar 2 (PTI) Pakistans Sindh High Court today ordered that all liquor shops be shut for a month and asked the government to come up with a proper plan to regularise its sale in the southern province. The Sindh High Court (SHC) in Karachi issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by the ruling PML-N partys minority lawmaker Ramesh Kumar Vankwani. advertisement Sale of alcohol is banned in Muslim-majority Pakistan but liquor shops operate in Sindh, apparently for minorities. However, Vankwani told the court that alcohol was being wrongfully sold in the name of minorities. The court headed by SHC Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah ordered the provincial government to make a strategy for the sale of alcohol, while ordering to shut down the shops. The court also rejected the report submitted by Sindh Director General (DG) Excise Police and directed the department to present a detailed report on the sale of liquor and procedure to issue license for wine shops. The court ordered that all liquor shops be shut until the submission of the report. It also gave three days to the Sindh government to devise and submit a mechanism regarding issuance of permits to wine shops. The issue of liquor shops has been in limelight since October last year when Shah ordered closure of all shops in Sindh after various minority leaders including from Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities told the court that drinking of alcohol was not a mandatory part of their faith. Shah had observed that there was no provision under Section 17 of the Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979, which allowed granting of licenses to liquor shops to sell alcoholic beverages throughout the year. The order was set aside by the Supreme Court which also asked the SHC to hold fresh hearing into the case. The SC had allowed opening of liquor shops pending a decision by the SHC. PTI SH CPS AKJ CPS --- ENDS --- 3D chemical structure of bisphenol A. Credit: Edgar181 via Wikimedia Commons (Medical Xpress)A team of researchers from China and Japan has found that BHPF, a replacement chemical for BPA in plastics, can also cause estrogen-related problems in mice. In their paper published in the journal Nature Communications, the group describes tests they conducted on the impact the compound had on yeast cells and pregnant mice, the likelihood of it being released from plastic products and the prevalence of it in the blood of random college students. Over the past several years, a compound called Bisphenol A, or BPA, (used to soften plastics) has been in the headlines as researchers have found that it may cause hormonal problems in mice and people because it can behave in ways similar to oestrogen, resulting in abnormal reproductive systems. Because of that, many countries banned the compound, and in countries where it was not banned, such as the U.S., the bad publicly led plastics makers to find suitable replacements. One such replacement is BHPF, but now, it appears it may cause hormone problems as well. To learn more about the compound, the researchers exposed yeast cells to it because they are known to behave in ways similar to estrogen components. They found that rather than stimulating the cells, as BPA did, BHPF blocked such cells from binding with others in normal ways. The team then exposed pregnant mice to various doses of the compound and found that at certain levels, it led to multiple pregnancy problems including smaller litters. The group then tested water bottles to see if they released the compound by filling them with hot water and then testing the water to see if BHPF was present. They found BHPF in 23 out of 52 samples, which included three types of baby bottles. The team also collected blood samples from 100 random college students who reported drinking from water bottlesthey found some amount of BHPF in seven of them, though they acknowledge there was no direct evidence of the compound coming from the drinking bottles. The researchers note that there is still no clear evidence that BHPF causes harm to humans or, if it does, how much of it people would have to consume before it became apparent. But they believe that toxicity of compounds used in food containers should be better tested before they are put into production. More information: Zhaobin Zhang et al. Fluorene-9-bisphenol is anti-oestrogenic and may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice, Nature Communications (2017). Zhaobin Zhang et al. Fluorene-9-bisphenol is anti-oestrogenic and may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes in mice,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14585 Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the production of plastic but has oestrogenic activity. Therefore, BPA substitutes, such as fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF), have been introduced for the production of so-called 'BPA-free' plastics. Here we show that BHPF is released from commercial 'BPA-free' plastic bottles into drinking water and has anti-oestrogenic effects in mice. We demonstrate that BHPF has anti-oestrogenic activity in vitro and, in an uterotrophic assay in mice, induces low uterine weight, atrophic endometria and causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, even at doses lower than those of BPA for which no observed adverse effect have been reported. Female mice given water containing BHPF released from plastic bottles, have detectable levels of BHPF in serum, low uterine weights and show decreased expressions of oestrogen-responsive genes. We also detect BHPF in the plasma of 7/100 individuals, who regularly drink water from plastic bottles. Our data suggest that BPA substitutes should be tested for anti-oestrogenic activity and call for further study of the toxicological effects of BHPF on human health. Journal information: Nature Communications 2017 Medical Xpress Mammograms showing a normal breast (left) and a breast with cancer (right). Credit: Public Domain Physicians currently have no targeted treatment options available for women diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), leaving standard-of-care chemotherapies as a first line of defense against the disease. However, most women with TNBC do not respond to these broadly-targeted chemotherapies, and those who do often develop resistance to the drugs. Investigators at the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have discovered a vulnerability that offers a new strategy to combat TNBC. Their findings are published online today in the journal Cancer Discovery. "Given the complete lack of any targeted therapies specific to triple-negative breast cancer, we started thinking about how we could find other vulnerabilities in tumor cells," said corresponding author Alex Toker, PhD, chief of the Division of Signal Transduction in the Department of Medicine and Pathology and the Cancer Center at BIDMC. "If we could find such vulnerabilities, we could develop strategies to exploit them, perhaps with already FDA-approved drugs that could be used in combination with existing cancer drugs." Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for nearly 20 percent of breast cancer cases and is defined by its cells' lack of receptors for three well-known drivers of other forms of the diseaseestrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor (HER2). Without receptors for this trio of hormones, TNBC is impervious to the therapies used to combat other breast cancer subtypes. TNBC treatment is limited to standard-of-care chemotherapies that work by damaging cancer cells' DNA, to which it often develops resistance. Moreover, these non-specific standard-of-care, first line therapies are blunt instruments that may also kill normal cells and are responsible for the side effects associated with cancer treatment such as nausea and hair loss. Researchers still don't know what initiates or drives the development of TNBC tumors. However, Toker and his colleagues demonstrated that the cancer cells increase production of nucleotides called pyrimidines when exposed to standard chemotherapy. Because pyrimidines are a crucial ingredient in DNA, the researchers reasoned that its increased productionor, biosynthesisis an adaptive response that promotes resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapies. "What chemotherapy does in triple-negative breast cancerfor reasons we don't yet fully understandis reprogram this pyrimidine-biosynthetic pathway to really crank up production of these nucleotides," said Toker, who is also an investigator at the Ludwig Center at Harvard. "If we could inhibit this increase, then we might be able to restore the chemotherapeutic benefit of standard-of-care drugs." To test that notion, Toker and colleagues, including lead author Kristin K. Brown, PhD, formerly of BIDMC and now at Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia, treated TNBC cells with a cancer-killing drug called doxorubicin. As expected, the cancer cells increased production of pyrimidine nucleotides. The scientists reproduced these results both in vitro - in cancer cells grown on plastic - and in vivo, in mice implanted with human TNBC cells. Next, the researchers treated TNBC cells with a combination of a standard-of-care chemotherapy called doxorubicin and leflunomide, a drug known to block the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway that is already an FDA-approved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Again, TNBC cells responded as Toker and colleagues expected. In mice, the scientists saw significant tumor regression with the combination therapy. Other experiments revealed that either drug alone had minimal impact on TNBC cells, while the combination therapy had no impact on the other breast cancer subtypes driven by estrogen, progesterone or HER2. Based on these findings, Toker intends to initiate clinical trials in partnership with clinical oncologists. He will also focus on testing both FDA-approved as well as newer drugs that may exploit this new-found Achilles' heel in TNBC and other cancers that depend on similar metabolic pathways to develop chemotherapy resistance. The goal is to speed new potential therapies to patients. "We focused our attention on the pyrimidine-biosynthetic pathway because we wanted to develop a combination therapy strategy without having to develop new drugs," said Toker, who plans to start a company to test existing drugs. "Indeed there is already one drug in use that inhibits one of the key enzymes in this pathway. Repositioning that drug should provide a much more rapid path to clinical impact and clinical benefit." More information: Adaptive Reprogramming of De Novo Pyrimidine Synthesis Is a Metabolic Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-16-0611 , Journal information: Cancer Discovery Adaptive Reprogramming of De Novo Pyrimidine Synthesis Is a Metabolic Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-16-0611 , cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.o 2159-8290.CD-16-0611 A villous tree that was cultured from human placental cells. Hints of fetal capillaries are visible in the red hues. Credit: Gabrielle Rizzuto The mammalian placenta is a sort of armored car protecting a developing fetus. All manner of infectious agents attempt to break in, but few of them can. One notable exception is Listeria monocytogenes, a leading culprit in deaths from food poisoning in the United States. One-third of listeria infections are associated with pregnancy, and usually result in preterm or stillbirth. How listeria breaks through the placental barrier has been a mystery. "People thought it might be because of compromised immunity in the mother," said Cristina Faralla, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Pediatrics department at UC San Francisco. "But it turns out that's not the case." Faralla and her colleague Gabrielle Rizzuto, MD, PhD, a clinical research fellow in the Department of Pathology at UCSF, collaborated with other scientists in the laboratory of Anna Bakardjiev, MD, to discover InternalinP (InlP), a bacterial protein critical for listeria infection into the placenta. To conduct their research, Faralla and Rizzuto culture villous trees from human placentas. "Villous trees are the functional unit of a human placenta," Rizzuto said, noting that they have elongated "trunks" capped by leaflike ends. "It's how the fetus is connected to its mother. The ends of the trees embed in the maternal uterus, and fetal capillaries run through the "trunks." Rizzuto and Faralla infected human villous trees with wild-type listeria and a mutant strain that failed to make InlP. "Our hypothesis was that InlP gives listeria the ability to cross the placental barrier," said Faralla. They were right. Few of the mutant bacteria successfully infected the villous tree, while nearly all of the wild type did. In addition, Rizzuto adds, "We succeeded in using a culture model that closely emulates the real situation in humans." The next step is working out exactly how the protein allows Listeria to break through the placenta's armor. The two researchers will keep at it, driven by their curiosity. "The placenta is fascinating," said Rizzuto. "It's the only organ composed of tissues from two genetically distinct individuals." The "life cycle" of an mRNA in a eukaryotic cell. RNA is transcribed in the nucleus; processing, it is transported to the cytoplasm and translated by the ribosome. Finally, the mRNA is degraded. Credit: Public Domain Using antibodies to treat disease has been one of the great success stories of early 21st-century medicine. Already five of the ten top-selling pharmaceuticals in the United States are antibody products. But antibodies are large, complex proteins that can be expensive to manufacture. Now, a team led by scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates in an animal model a new way to deliver safer and more cost-effective therapeutic antibodies. The technique involves the injection of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the "blueprint" molecules that cells use to manufacture proteins. The mRNA molecules are taken up by cells in the body, which then become factories for making the therapeutic proteinsin this case, antibody proteinsencoded by the mRNAs. These mRNAs are modified so they can easily enter cells and not activate inflammatory molecules that lead to adverse events. Researchers have previously shown that they can use this method to make hormones and other proteins in lab animals. In the new study, reported today in Nature Communications, the Penn-led team demonstrated that the mRNA method can be used to make antibody proteinsenough to confer vaccine-like protection against HIV with one, small dosein mice. "We showed that you can give 1/40th the dose of mRNA compared to the antibody protein itself, and completely protect mice from HIV infection when they are exposed to the virus," said senior author Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, a professor of Infectious Diseases. "Clinical trials of this anti-HIV antibody are already underway, but we think our mRNA approach could in principle be a very effective alternative to this and other antibody therapies." The basic idea of injecting mRNA into patients to make therapeutic proteins in their cells has been around for a long time, but ordinary mRNA doesn't work well for this application. After standard mRNA is injected, enzymes and the immune system tend to treat it like an invading virus and make inflammatory proteins and responses that could make patients sick along with other adverse events. However, in a series of papers starting in 2005,Weissman, co-developer Katalin Kariko, PhD, now an adjunct associate professor of Neurosurgery and vice president of BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, and colleagues reported that ordinary mRNAs could be modified in relatively straightforward ways so that they do not activate inflammatory pathways and can efficiently produce large amounts of protein for an extended amount of time. This team, along with lead author Norbert Pardi, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Weissman lab, and Michael Hogan, a pre-doctoral student at Penn, recently published the use of nucleoside-modified mRNA complexed to lipid nanoparticles as a vaccine for Zika in the journal Nature. Production of therapeutic proteins via mRNAs within a patient's own cells may be safer, in many cases, than the production of the proteins in a biotech facility. "Biotech manufacturing requires a cell line and extensive purification that can aggregate or misfold the protein, resulting in an unwanted immune response against the protein or other adverse events," Weissman said. In the current study, the researchers demonstrated the therapeutic potential of modified mRNAs that code for the anti-HIV antibody VRC01. Most antibodies produced in response to HIV infection are ineffective at stopping the ever-changing virus. By contrast, VRC01first isolated from a human HIV-positive volunteerhits a well conserved target on multiple HIV strains and thus neutralizes about 90 percent of HIV strains. Other researchers are now developing VRC01 as a possible therapy for people who already have HIV infection or as a passive vaccine to protect uninfected people. However, the likely high cost of the VRC01 antibody therapy could present an obstacle to its widespread use. Weissman, Pardi, and colleagues showed that a single injection of the mRNAs that encode the VRC01 monoclonal antibody led to robust production of the resulting antibody protein in the livers of mice within 24 hours. A small weekly injection was enough to maintain high levels VRC01 antibody levels in the circulation. Most importantly, the scientists showed that a single 30- or 15-microgram injection of VRC01 mRNA was enough to protect mice, which had been engineered to be infectable by HIVfrom intravenous exposure to two reference strains of HIV. For comparison, the team showed that when they directly injected VRC01 antibodies into the same mice, 600 micrograms was needed to provide the same level of protection against HIV. "This is the first proof-of-principal demonstration of mRNAs in a truly therapeutic role and as a replacement for antibodies," Weissman said. Credit: Odra Noel Screening women at high risk of ovarian cancer every four months may reduce the likelihood of them being diagnosed with advanced cancer, according to the results of the UK Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study (UK FOCSS), which is led by UCL. It remains uncertain whether detecting ovarian cancer by screening increases the chances of a woman surviving the disease. For women at high risk, the current medical advice is to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed after having completed their families, but many women delay or decide against having the surgery. The UK FOCSS results, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, indicate that four monthly screening with the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) may be an option for these women until they decide to undergo surgery. The algorithm is used to look for rising levels of a blood protein, CA 125, which can be elevated in ovarian cancer. Over 4,000 women with a 1 in 10 or greater risk of developing ovarian cancer due to family history or a faulty gene, took part in the study after declining surgery. A significant proportion of these cancers occur before the age of 50 but many women are keen to delay surgery until they have completed their families or had a natural menopause. Over the three years of screening and in the year after their last test, nineteen women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer although none had any symptoms. The screening was estimated to be able to pick up 9 out of every 10 cancers. A further 18 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the five-year period that followed. Seventeen (94%) of these 18 women had advanced stage cancer (IIIB-IV) compared to seven (37%) of the 19 diagnosed during the screening phase. The ROCA test is licensed to Abcodia Ltd, a UCL spin-out company. The lead researchers of this study hold shares in and/or consultancy roles with Abcodia. Professor Ian Jacobs, UK FOCSS Principal Investigator (UNSW Sydney, Australia and UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health), said: "I am delighted that this phase of the 20 year UK FOCSS research effort suggests there is a role for ovarian cancer screening in women at high risk". Dr Adam Rosenthal, Clinical Lead on the trial (UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health) said: "The screening appears to be very effective at detecting ovarian cancer before it causes symptoms. The proportion of women who had all their tumours removed was very high, which is important in terms of predicting a better outcome." Professor Usha Menon (UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health) added: "These results suggest that for women at high risk not opting for surgery, four monthly screening maybe a better option than the current NHS practice of symptom awareness and ad hoc annual screening." More information: Adam N. Rosenthal et al. Evidence of Stage Shift in Women Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer During Phase II of the United Kingdom Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study, Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017). Journal information: Journal of Clinical Oncology Adam N. Rosenthal et al. Evidence of Stage Shift in Women Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer During Phase II of the United Kingdom Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study,(2017). DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2016.69.9330 Credit: University of Glasgow People who have served in the Armed Forces do not have an increased risk of leukaemia or other blood cancers, according to a study by the University of Glasgow. Leukaemia and other cancers of the blood-forming organs are among the commonest malignancies, especially amongst young people. Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals may increase the risk, leading to worries about the consequences of military service. Previous studies on military personnel have shown conflicting results although most have reported no increase in risk compared with the wider population. This new study analysed the long-term risks of admission to hospital for leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in all veterans living in Scotland who served between 1960 and 2012, in comparison with non-veterans. The researchers found that there were no significant differences between the veterans and non-veterans, in over 30 years of follow-up. There was no change in the pattern over time. Lead researcher Dr Beverly Bergman said: "This is an important study which provides reassurance that military service in the last 50 years does not increase people's risk of leukaemia overall. The Armed Forces comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and we can now see that their risk is no different from the general population." The study, which used data from the Scottish Veterans Health Study to examine rates of hospital admission and death for cancers of the blood and blood-forming organs, is published in Cancer Epidemiology. After months of polarizing talk about illegal immigration and what to do about it, President Trump puts forward a plan for legal immigration and credits Canada with the idea. Julie Hirschfeld Davis, a White House reporter who covers immigration, puts this new plan in perspective. Background reading: The Interpreter column breaks down what one photo tells us about North Koreas nuclear program. What is VX, and how does it kill you? A brief explainer. Ms. Davis describes how Mr. Trumps merit-based immigration system might work. 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. How do I listen? If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below. On your iPhone or iPad: Open the preloaded app called Podcasts; it has a purple icon. If youre reading this from your phone, tap this link, which will take you straight there. (You can also use the magnifying glass icon to search; type The Daily.) The city of Wellington in New Zealand wants to improve its tech workforce, and is offering a free week-long trip to candidates who have the skills to secure a job interview. As reported by CNBC, 100 jobseekers will be selected for the trip, based on applications received via the LookSee Wellington website. The city is looking for software developers, creative directors, project managers, analysts, and digital strategists. Applications are open until 20 March 2017. At the time of writing, the website was temporarily closed while it was scaling up to handle the influx of applications. The 100 candidates will be flown to New Zealand for a week and will attend pre-arranged interviews with tech companies. Job offers will be made at the end of the week, stated the report. Now read: The new routes and stations planned for the Gautrain MTN acquired Smart Village for a cash consideration of R220 million and a deferred consideration of R12 million. The deal was concluded in November 2016, and expanded MTNs fibre-to-the-home footprint across the country. Smart Village has a fibre network which passes 22,000 homes connecting 7,000 homes in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Smart Village will give MTN a presence in several gated estates and apartment blocks, business parks, and shopping malls. MTN said the deal will also bolster MTNs presence in the enterprise space by giving MTN Business the ability to provide wholesale access to 4,228 enterprises passed by Smart Village. It will ensure savings for customers, as traffic is routed via MTNs backhaul infrastructure. MTN said the deal will not impact any Smart Village employees. Now read: MTN increases its subscriber numbers and data revenue Dont be fooled political correctness is exactly the opposite of free speech, Gareth Cliff told an audience at a Free Market Foundation event. Cliff said countries with more freedom of speech are better to live in. He said countries with more freedom of speech are also more successful. In such societies, good ideas are encouraged to come out and bad ideas are challenged. Cliff said the choices on free speech are binary: you are either for free speech, or for censorship and the policing of thought crime. We have to have one rule for everyone, said Cliff. It must either apply to all of us, even to bigots and others with awful ideas, or to none of us. Cliff warned that given South Africas history, South Africans may wish to make the choice to protect peoples feelings. In doing so, you make a rod for your own back. Banning certain speech doesnt prevent people from thinking a certain way. You also rob yourself of hearing that idea, he said. Furthermore, if you believe that certain speech must be banned, then someone must be the censor. Some might suggest the courts and legislators, however, Cliff said people mustnt be fooled into believing that there arent bigots or racists in our parliament, or in the justice system. Navaneedha Krishnan alleged that Panneerselvam's stunt was politically motivated. He also blamed DMK for extending support to the rebel AIADMK leader. Navaneedha Krishnan said, "When Jayalalithaa was in hospital for 75 days, he was quiet. When he was made the CM after her demise, he was quiet. When Chinnamma (Sasikala) was elected, he was quiet. But now after all these months, he is bringing these questions. Why?" Navaneedha Krishnan emphasised that the Election Commission of India is not legally authorised to interfere with the internal political issues of the party. Krishnan said, "The three men (Madhusudhanan, Maithreyan and OPS) complaining to the Election Commission that appointment of Sasikala as interim General Secretary is invalid cannot be entertained by the poll panel." When asked if AIADMK constitution has any provision for a convict to hold a position in the party or the post of party general secretary, Navaneedha Krishnan stated, "AIADMK constitution has no such restrictions." On the question of doubts being raised over late Tamil Nadu CM's death, Navaneedha Krishnan asserted that Jayalalithaa was "given proper and transparent treatment, which was monitored by a team of AIIMS doctors." US ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Nikki Haley said the new administration of President Donald Trump will not hesitate to call out Russia if we see something wrong. Speaking to Al Jazeera after Trumps first address to a joined session of US Congress on Tuesday evening, Haley said the president had changed his tone. Asked if Russia could be one of those allies, or whether Moscow was a foe of the new Trump administration, Haley said: Russia doesnt have to be one or the other. Certainly if we can get Russia to be with us, thats fine. But today we were very upset by Russia not voting for the resolution that criticized Syria for using chemical weapons on their own people. We have criticized Russia for Crimea and Ukraine, for the actions theyve taken there. We will call them out when we see something wrong. If we see where we can work together, of course, were going to try and do that. Haley repeated that US allies have nothing to worry about. My allies know, now more than ever, that we got their back. Israel has seen it; Ukraine has seen it; France and the UK has seen it, the ambassador said. And theyve seen us call out Russia multiple times. The Council of Europe (COE) warned Turkey in connection with journalists and parliamentarians that are in pre-trial detention. Secretary General Thorbjrn Jagland called the situation critical, COE reported. It is imperative for Turkey and Europe that the judicial safeguards for all those who have been dismissed or are in prison are based on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, Jagland stated during the meeting with Minister of Justice of Turkey.Bekir Bozdag. He noted that the Commission that will be set up in Turkey to go through the cases for those who have been dismissed, organisations that have been closed, schools and news outlets that have been closed, private property that has been confiscated, must work independently and on the basis of the ECHR. The European Court of Human Rights will decide, if it gets complaints, whether this has been a proper domestic remedy. The cases for journalists and parliamentarians that are in pre-trial detention will be dealt with in ordinary Turkish courts. But also these people have the right to complain to the European Court. It will look into whether the Turkish courts have ruled on the basis of the ECHR. The situation for these people is critical because many have been in pre-trial detention for several months. If their cases are not being dealt with soon by the Turkish Constitutional Court, the European Court will probably consider whether this is an effective domestic remedy, and just start dealing with their complaints. To note that mass arrests in Turkey began after the failed coup attempt in July, 2016. Since then about 60 000 residents of the country were arrested, detained or dismissed. Minister: Britain's government faces tough decisions Boris Johnson from fighting for Conservative Party leader over fears of losing income Greece slams Turkish authorities' temporary ban on Greek official's entry Scientifically proven: EU is inscrutable OPEC: To avoid unrestrained volatility we need to invest in oil 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 YEREVAN. The Interpol General Secretariat has stated that international arrest warrants cannot be issued against a group of foreign and Armenian researchers carrying out archeological excavations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Police of Armenia on Thursday released a respective statement. Accordingly, the Police on Wednesday received a statement from the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) for Azerbaijan, and addressed to the Interpol member states, on issuing international arrest warrants for a group of foreign and Armenian researchers carrying out archeological excavations in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in 2016. The warrants were issued based on the Azerbaijani Criminal Codes articles on violation of international humanitarian norms during conflicts; violation of copyright or related rights; looting of items of special value; public calls against the state; and illegally crossing the state border of Azerbaijan. Immediately after receiving this statement, the INTERPOL NCB for Armenia presented the necessary grounds and clarifications to the Interpol General Secretariat that the Azerbaijani side is once again attempting to drag Interpol into political issues, which contradicts the Interpol Charters Article 3 (Interpol is strictly not allowed to engage in activities, or interfere in political, military, religious and racial affairs), and it threatens the standing of Interpol. In its turn, the Interpol General Secretariat found the Armenian law enforcements information to be grounded, and immediately responded and released statements on the same day to all Interpol member states, and notified that the information on the abovementioned individuals is contrary to the Interpol Charter, and therefore international arrest warrants cannot be issued against them. The Sumgait pogroms were the culmination of years of vicious anti-Armenian propaganda, spread by the Azerbaijani authorities, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday in a statement commemorating the 29th anniversary of the massacres of Armenians. Rep. Schiffs full statement is below: Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the pogrom against the Armenian residents of the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. 29 years ago Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed their Armenian neighbors. When the violence finally subsided, hundreds of Armenian civilians had been brutally murdered and injured, women and young girls were raped, and victims were tortured and burned alive. Those that survived the carnage fled their homes and businesses, leaving behind everything they had in their desperation. The pogroms were the culmination of years of vicious anti-Armenian propaganda, spread by the Azerbaijani authorities. The Azerbaijani authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities in Sumgait to this day, as well as denying the role of senior government officials in instigating the violence. Unsurprisingly, it was not the end of the violence, and was followed by additional attacks, including the 1990 pogrom in Baku. The Sumgait massacre and the subsequent attacks on ethnic Armenians, resulted in the virtual disappearance of a once thriving population of 450,000 Armenians living in Azerbaijan, and culminating in the war launched against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. That war resulted in thousands dead on both sides and created over one million refugees in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Time has not healed the wounds of those murdered in the pogroms in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku. To the contrary, hatred of Armenians is celebrated in in Azerbaijan, a situation most vividly exemplified by the case of Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani army captain who savagely murdered an Armenian army lieutenant, Gurgen Margaryan with an axe while he slept. The two were participating in a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise at the time in Hungary. In 2012, Safarov was sent home to Azerbaijan, purportedly to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Instead, he was pardoned, promoted, and paraded through the streets of Baku as a returning hero. The assault on ethnic Armenian civilians in Sumgait helped touch off what would become a direct conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. And today, Azerbaijans dangerous behavior on the Line of Contact threatens peace and stability in the region. Artillery and sniper fire across the Line of Contact has become a fact of daily life for civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, causing numerous casualties. In April of last year, Azerbaijan launched its most aggressive attack in many years, resulting in the loss of many lives over the course of three days of intense fighting. Along with other Members of Congress, I have consistently called for a direct international response to Azerbaijans aggressive behavior through deployment of international monitors and technology to monitor ceasefire violations. Azerbaijans continued rejection of these simple steps speaks volumes, but I believe they should not prevent the installation of these technologies within Nagorno-Karabakh. The anniversary of Sumgait is a reminder of the consequences when aggression and hatred is allowed to grow unchecked. Mr. Speaker, this April we will mark the 102nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an event the Turkish government, Azerbaijans closest ally, goes to great lengths to deny. We must not let such crimes against humanity go unrecognized, whether they occurred yesterday or 29 years ago or 100 years ago. Today, let us pause to remember the victims of the atrocities of the Sumgait pogroms. Mr. Speaker, it is our moral obligation to condemn crimes of hatred and to remember the victims, in hope that history will not be repeated. YEREVAN. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received a delegation, led by Drago Azinovic, the President of Philip Morris International Management S.A. Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa Region and PMI Duty Free at Philip Morris International, Inc. The PM welcomed this world-renowned American companys initiative to increase its activities in Armenia. He noted that the Armenian government stands ready to discuss cooperation plans and initiatives. Azinovic, for his part, thanked the Government of Armenia for its assistance in the companys research projects in the country. Philip Morris International Management S.A. will build research and development (R&D) centers in Armenia. The companys official stressed that they are interested in establishing long-term cooperation with the government and the public sector of Armenia. Subsequently, the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia and Philip Morris International Management S.A. signed a framework memorandum of understanding. By Sneha Agrawal: Coming down heavily on the defacement of Patiala House Court complex, a Delhi court fined Dhan Singh, 32, the owner of a detective agency for pasting hand bills on the court walls. He was also asked to compensate the New Delhi Bar Association for the defacement. The City Court imposed Rs12,500 on the detective agency and also asked to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to the bar association under Section 3 of The Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act. advertisement While Singh has pleaded guilty, metropolitan magistrate, Dr Pankaj Sharma, observed, "Defacement of government property is a serious offence. A lot of expenditure is done by the government for keeping it clean. Merely because the accused has voluntarily pleaded guilty, is no ground to show him unwarranted leniency. If undue leniency is shown to the accused, who willing defaced the government property for personal gains, a wrong signal will be sent to the society which will encourage others to do the same." The sentence stated, "Due to his act, all walls of the court were defaced and a lot of expenses were incurred for cleaning the walls of the court and therefore, a suitable punishment should be given to him so that such acts are not repeated in the future." The New Delhi Bar Association had filed a police complaint seeking action against the agency for putting large number of posters in the Patiala House Court premises, particularly around the chamber. ALSO READ: They stick 1,000 posters on the streets every day. Meet the poster boys of Delhi --- ENDS --- STEPANAKERT. The ongoing propaganda by Azerbaijan is primitive and repeated over and over again, wrote Senor Hasratyan, Spokesperson of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Defense Army, on his Facebook account. He noted this commenting on the Azerbaijan defense ministry statement that, allegedly, the headquarters of the base positions of the Armenian armed forces was destroyed, [and] the Armenian side suffered numerous casualties, on Wednesday. The Azerbaijani agitprop has passed to the tactics of distorting realities regularly and purposefully, Hasratyan also commented. Another evidence of what is said is the opposing partys staged disinformation disseminated today that, allegedly, their armed forces disabled an Armenian outpost (while some media present it as headquarters). The conclusion to be drawn from this is but one: this kind of propaganda carried out by the neighboring country is so primitive and repeated over and over again that it is unable to serve any serious objective. In addition, the Artsakh defense army issued a statement noting that the Azerbaijani defense ministry information Thursday that, purportedly, an Armenian military headquarters was destroyed in the Martuni direction and the Artsakh sides sabotage infiltration attempt in the Martakert sector was prevented, is made-up and false. The Artsakh side has never acted as the aggressor, and it is ready to deliver a crushing blow to any provocation by the adversary, the NKR Defense Army statement also reads. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a prominent international coalition, should suspend Azerbaijan's membership for failing to carry out key reforms, a coalition of 21 groups including Human Rights Watch, ARTICLE 19, and International Media Support said today. The EITI, during its board meeting in Bogota, Colombia, on March 8 and 9, 2017, will review Azerbaijans efforts to ease its repression of civil society groups as the EITI had required. The Azerbaijani government is snubbing the EITI by ignoring its requirements for reforms and by systematically dismantling the countrys independent civil society, said Giorgi Gogia, South Caucasus director at Human Rights Watch. Following numerous reviews and warnings, the EITI should suspend Azerbaijans further participation until the government makes serious, lasting changes to allow nongovernmental groups to operate freely in Azerbaijan. The EITI brings together governments, companies, and nongovernmental groups to encourage better governance of resource-rich countries by fostering open public debate about the use of oil, gas, and mining revenues. The EITI requires member governments to foster an enabling environment for civil society and to refrain from actions which result in narrowing or restricting public debate in relation to implementation of the EITI. At its most recent board meeting, in October 2016, the EITI gave Azerbaijan four months to eliminate legal and bureaucratic obstacles inhibiting civil society engagement in the initiative. It required Azerbaijan to simplify procedures for registration of nongovernmental organizations and for the receipt and registration of grants from foreign donors. The reforms would eliminate some mechanisms for the government to interfere with and stop the work of independent groups. The EITI had downgraded Azerbaijan from a full member to a candidate country in April 2015, due to the governments interference with independent civil society. A joint letter signed by 22 human rights groups worldwide and sent to EITI board members on February 10, 2017 assessed the Azerbaijan governments lack of progress on the reforms identified by the EITI and called on the board to suspend Azerbaijan. In January, Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers adopted two decisions changing regulations for donor organizations and grant registrations. While the new regulations simplify some procedures for grant registration and reduce the number of required documents, they do not repeal the restrictive laws and fail to meet the EITIs demands, the groups said. Superficial regulatory changes dont address the fundamental issues that led to downgrading Azerbaijans status in the EITI, or the specific corrective actions set by the board, said Katie Morris, head of Europe and Central Asia for ARTICLE 19. The credibility of the EITI validation process requires the initiative to suspend Azerbaijan for its failure to comply with the initiatives commitment to civil society participation. The Azerbaijani authorities repeatedly harass activists who advocate good governance and transparency, preventing civil society groups from participating in public debate and advocacy, including on extractive industries, the pillar of Azerbaijans economy. Two members of the local civil society coalition that participates in the EITI remain jailed on spurious charges, and several other members have been forced to flee the country, fearing politically motivated prosecutions. Local groups in Azerbaijan are counting on the EITI to remain principled and stand up for them and their essential contributions to public accountability and transparency, said Gulnara Akhundova, head of global response at International Media Support. Azerbaijans embattled civil society deserves nothing less than clear and unbiased support from EITIs international board. The consistent advocacy of hatred and propaganda of war by Azerbaijan will lead to mass and grave human rights violations, as it occurred in April 2016, as a result of a large-scale military aggression by Azerbaijan. Ashot Hovakimian, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, stated about the aforementioned in his address at the 34th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which was convened on Monday and Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland. Also he stressed the importance of fighting against Azerbaijans criminalization of those who visit Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), including journalists and Parliamentarians. In addition, Deputy FM Hovakimian reflected on the steps taken by Armenia toward genocide prevention within the framework of UN. Furthermore, Ashot Hovakimian spoke about the Syrian crisis and around 20,000 Syrian Armenian refugees that have found shelter in Armenia, as a result of this crisis. He reaffirmed Armenias readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to the war-affected Syrian population that is under the threat of displacement. YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday received the delegation led by Drago Azinovic, President of Philip Morris International Management S.A. Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa Region and PMI Duty Free at Philip Morris International, Inc. Sargsyan welcomed the representatives of the world-renowned company, who have arrived in Armenia with a business proposal, noting that the foundation of a Research & Development (R&D) center by Philip Morris International Management SA in Armenia will also get the support of the countrys technology centers, including the Gyumri Technology Centre (GTC). This will also be positively perceived by the public, since the Armenian people have always been attentive to innovations, trying to bring leading ideas to Armenia and localize them there, he added. Sargsyan also stressed that now more than ever before, the research and development, as well as science and technology, have a decisive role in the progress and development of Armenia, the development of the technological sphere always being in the center of the Armenian Governments attention. According to him, the Government has great experience in working with transnational organizations in the sphere of technology: companies starting from Microsoft to National Instruments have centers in Armenia, which successfully carry out their activity in the country. Drago Azinovic, for his part, thanked the President for the reception and briefed him on the recent achievements of the company, investments aimed at its development, as well as innovation programs aimed at presenting a production, which reduces harm from smoking. Mr Azinovic expressed satisfaction with the fact that Armenia also attaches great importance to the development of technologies and people. He noted that by encouraging the human talents and development of technologies, the authorities create an opportunity for the countrys development, thereby contributing to its future inclusion in the list of the leading countries of the world. Furthermore, he hailed such an approach and the readiness to cooperate, stressing that Philip Morris International Management SA will be consistent in fulfilling the obligations taken up by it pursuant to the framework memorandum of understanding signed Thursday. Prime Minster Narendra Modi during the 29th International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh said that yoga will start an era of harmony. By India Today Web Desk: The International Yoga Festival is jointly organised by AYUSH, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh. FYI || From coconut juice to wheat trees: Rahul Gandhi's agriculture game is poor || Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that yoga will lead to a new era of togetherness and harmony. Twitter/BJP: PM Modi is addressing the 29th edition of International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh via Video Conferencing advertisement Modi made the comments through video conference as the 29th edition of the International Yoga Festival opened in Rishikesh. FYI || Say hello to Modi's futuristic high-speed transportation plan: Hyperloop system is faster than planes || Calling yoga the "journey from 'me' to 'we'", he said, "Yoga makes an individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge and devotion". "Yoga expands our limited sense of self to see our families, societies and mankind and extension of our own self," he said. Speaking on the positive impact of yoga and ills of modern lifestyle, Modi said, "There is ample evidence that practicing yoga helps fight stress and lifestyle related issues." Watch: BJP MLA tries to snatch Speaker's mic in Odisha Assembly over disagreement --- ENDS --- YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday visited the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the Diplomats Day. The President met with the representatives of the central MFA staff and Armenias diplomatic missions, as well as participants of the assembly of heads of consular offices. Sargsyan once again thanked the meeting participants on the occasion of their professional holiday, following which he delivered a speech, in which he touched in detail on the path covered by Armenia since its independence, the achievements in foreign policy, as well as the priorities and challenges of the foreign policy. He also gave instructions to the ambassadors on work aimed at properly presenting Armenia in foreign countries and international organizations. Furthermore, he referred to the current tasks set before the diplomats. Some people think that diplomats have many privileges. [However], despite being privileged, the diplomatic service is perhaps twice responsible a service, the privileges being granted not for enjoying but for efficiently serving them to the interests of ones own country. Your mission is to present Armenia in a proper way, as a peaceful and democratic country, which is open to dialogue and which builds modern vital political and economic system, Sargsyan said. He also touched on the nuances of diplomatic work, noting that it is often carried out behind close doors, but even the most secret negotiations have public expressions, results and consequences. Observing the confidentiality stemming from the nature of this work, Armenias diplomacy must at the same time be conceivable for our society. It is necessary to present the logic of the initiated actions without fearing their possible criticism. Your word and your message should be confident, clear, thereby inspiring confidence to the public, Sargsyan said. Moreover, in his speech, the Armenian President referred to the tasks set before the Armenian diplomatic service abroad and in different international platforms, including those related to the Karabakh conflict settlement, Azerbaijans deconstructive policy and steps towards countering the creation of tension in the region. Yerevan and Stepanakert do not wish war, while Baku has long been constantly speaking about it, increasing the tension on contact line and heroizing the soldiers, whose so-called featsare considered as war crimes. If Azerbaijan continues in the same vein bringing the situation to war, we wont even dawdle on using all the capacities in our weaponry for ensuring the security of the Artsakh people. Currently, the main factor suppressing the large-scale war in the region is the Armenian soldier, who stands firmly, realizing very well what is he fighting for and what task he is solving. Stressing that during the past quarter century Armenia managed to form quite rich foreign policy and positive agenda, the President noted that Armenia uses its experience and efforts for voicing issues of universal significance, contributing to their solution by the international community. As a nation, which has survived a Genocide, we must always be on the lead of the international struggle for preventing the crimes against humanity. Thanks to your consistent steps, in 2015 the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted the Resolution on Prevention of Genocide introduced by Armenia, while the General Assemblyduring its 69th sessiondeclared December 9 as Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide. Enormous efforts in this direction were exerted especially within the framework of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Considering the decision on holding the La Francophonie Summit 2018 in Armenia as one of the great achievements of Armenias foreign policy, Sargsyan qualified this as a result of active diplomacy, as well as manifestation of confidence and solidarity of over eight dozens of countries towards Armenia. This summit will be one of the most representational events hosted by Armenia since its independence. It will also contribute to raising the reputation of our country and making its culture more recognizable. [Besides,] This will give a wonderful opportunity to establish more close partnership ties with various states, where we have no representation, the President said. Noting that last year steps were taken to put one of the key directions of Armenias foreign policy on institutional grounds, Sargsyan considered it the task of diplomats to further activate the efforts towards correct presentation of Armenias investment attractiveness and relative advantages abroad, provision of information on possible relevant business projects within relevant business frameworks, as well as revelation of new markets for the goods produced and services provided in Armenia. Apart from this, the President underscored the importance of proper presentation of Armenias tourism capacities, expecting active work in this direction. We have recently liberalized or significantly facilitated the visa regime with certain countries. This must have positively impacted the development of the sphere. We expect precise and measurable work from ambassadors, he said. India on Wednesday successfully test fired the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile, the second level of two-tier interceptor missile system that can destroy hostile ballistic missiles. By Indo-Asian News Service: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated the defence scientists for successfully testing the interceptor missile and said that it was a proud moment for the country. "With this, India joins the select group of five nations with such capability - a proud moment for the entire country," the Prime Minister said in a tweet. India on Wednesday successfully test fired the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile, the second level of two-tier interceptor missile system that can destroy hostile ballistic missiles. advertisement The latest test comes less than a month after India successfully tested the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile on February 11. ALSO READ | DRDO launches Advanced Area Defence interceptor missile from Odisha's Abdul Kalam Island --- ENDS --- In an earlier column, I wrote about a question that comes up repeatedly on a few social book sites that I follow. That one concerned how a person can read more than one book at a time. On those book sites, people also like to debate about whether one actually reads an audiobook. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. By Press Trust of India: Aurangabad (Maha), Mar 2 (PTI) Political bigwigs across parties in Maharashtra today gathered at the wedding of BJP MLA Santosh Danve, son of state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve here this evening. The lavish wedding had whos who in state politics in attendance, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister Narayan Rane, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde, several Union and Maharashtra ministers. advertisement "We were all waiting for last two years when will Santosh get married," Fadnavis told the gathering from the wedding stage, which had a large palace like set. He wished the couple all the best and expressed hope that they serve the state. The gala wedding evoked flak from social activist Anjali Damania, who questioned the source of funds for the event. "I am wondering from where does the money for such a lavish wedding come from," Damania said. PTI VT NRB --- ENDS --- Nick Herringer claps along with a metronome. He draws lines on a big screen, repeating patterns drawn by the computer. He identifies icons of cars when they flash before his eyes. This is the 22-year-olds speech and cognitive therapy, which he has been doing at least twice a week. Every wee "Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is brought to you by Miller Brewing Company, calling Milwaukee home since 1855. For the entire month of March, we're serving up fun articles on bars, clubs and beverages including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in! Milwaukee is home to all kinds of bars: whiskey bars, nerd bars, ice bars, possibly the nation's longest bar this side of the Mississippi. And now you yes, you could be responsible for being part of the latest bar trend quite literally blowing up around the globe: an inflatable bar. Indeed, for those looking for the perfect Venn diagram of a bar and a bouncy house, The Inflatable Pub Company has created exactly what its name implies: an inflatable pub, an air-filled structure to host your next big shindig or tailgate instead of the typical boring tent. As discovered by Food and Wine, the Ireland-based company sells multiple versions of these inflatable watering holes from the cozy 30-person Matt Molloy model to the 65-person Mac and a few others in between each with their own fun details and quirks. Several of the models, for instance, come with a lovely faux fireplace where one can swig some fine brandy by the hearth, while personalized signage and interior elements can be a part of the deal, as well. Then you just fill in the space with some of the extra furniture and decor of your choosing and voila! you've summoned a bar out of air. To answer your first question: Yes, there is an official rental facility that serves the Milwaukee/Chicago area. And to answer your second question: Yes, there is an inflatable pub modeled after Moe's Tavern from "The Simpsons" in the works. Buying your own inflatable pub will cost you between $2,500 and $5,900, while rentals according to Milwaukee/Chicago provider Step It Up Rental's website cost $300. So if you've got that kind of scratch laying around, you could have your own bar blown up in the comfort of your own backyard. Just maybe don't bring the darts. (Top) color samples were used in the present study. (Bottom) optimal number of clusters in Japanese color names derived by k-means analysis with Gap statistic. Credit: Ichiro Kuriki Color plays an important role in conveying visual information. For example, color can help the observer find an object in a cluttered environment. Although the human eye can distinguish millions of colors, human languages have only a few color terms, such as "red," "green," "blue" and "yellow," which speakers can use to communicate about colors in everyday life. These color terms change over time as a language evolves, and the Japanese language is no exception. This became clear through the work of an international collaboration between researchers at Tohoku University, their colleagues at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Ohio State University. The researchers investigated the number of color categories (such as aka, midori, ao, ki, etc.) that are commonly used by native Japanese speakers. They asked 52 participants to name 320 color samples of various hues and lightness (plus black, white and several grays) using only single color words without modifiers (no "greenish yellow" or "light purple"). Statistical analysis of the results revealed 19 common Japanese categories. There were the 11 basic color categories common to most modern industrialized cultures (red, green, blue, yellow, purple, pink, brown, orange, white, gray and black), plus eight additional named color categories. These were: mizu ("water")/light blue, hada ("skin tone")/peach, matcha ("ceremonial green tea")/yellow-green, oudo ("mud")/mustard, enji/maroon, yamabuki ("goldflower")/gold and cream. Of these additional terms, mizu was used by 98% of informants, making it a strong candidate for a 12th Japanese basic color category. Thirty years ago, a study of Japanese color categories (Uchikawa & Boynton, 1987) did not reveal mizu as a basic color category, because the informants in that earlier study often used mizu ("water") and ao (blue) interchangeably. Conversely, Uchikawa & Boynton found that kusa ("grass") was a very popular term for yellow-green, whereas, in the present study, kusa has been largely replaced with matcha ("ceremonial green tea"). These results illustrate that color terms, like many other aspects of language, change over time. In contrast to these recent changes, there is one tradition that has not changed over the past millennium: the mixed use of green and blue. Careful study of classic Japanese poems before the 10th century showed that ao ("blue") was used to name both things that were clearly blue and also things that were clearly green; the same was true of midori ("green"). Even today, modern Japanese people refer to the color of the green traffic light, lush green leaves and green vegetables, as ao ("blue"). However, the use of ao and midori are otherwise quite distinct. The transition from a single category encompassing both blue and green ("grue") to distinct blue and green categories is considered to be a landmark in the typical evolution of color lexicons around the world. For example, the Middle English term "hwen" was used to denote a grue category until 13th century, but modern English, like modern Japanese, has distinct terms for separate blue and green color categories. These investigators showed that, in addition to distinct color terms for blue and green, modern Japanese has recently added a new intermediate color term "mizu" for lighter bluish and greenish samples. This study showed that although modern Japanese is not a "grue" language - since blue and green are distinct color categories - Japanese people have nonetheless retained traditional expressions from the classic poetic tradition of a thousand years ago. More information: Ichiro Kuriki et al, The modern Japanese color lexicon, Journal of Vision (2017). DOI: 10.1167/17.3.1 Journal information: Journal of Vision Credit: University of Huddersfield A decade has passed since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann on holiday in Portugal, but activity online regarding the case is constant, with some of this commentary being directed in the form of abuse, a behaviour commonly referred to as 'trolling'. It is estimated that every hour there are more than 100 tweets posted using the McCann hashtag. Now, University of Huddersfield psychology researchers have entered the world of internet trolls and their abusive, aggressive language, directed towards those who disagree with them. Described in a new journal article, the project has led to a call for measures - including an end to pseudonyms on Twitter - that would curb the anonymity that enables cyber-trolling. The work is featured in an online editorial headed The dark side of social media for the prestigious journal, Nature, and the research reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse. The University of Huddersfield's Dr John Synnott - who co-authored the new article in Computers in Human Behaviour - commented that: "It is encouraging to see that ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand that they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions. This is a step in the right direction by making these platforms responsible for negative behaviour that they unfortunately enable." Credit: University of Huddersfield "There is absolutely a need for such precautions," continued Dr Synnott. "Trolls are hiding behind the facility to be anonymous, which Twitter enables to a certain degree. Our research can contribute to an understanding and a reduction in trolling behaviour and one of the main interpretations is that the level of anonymity provided by certain social networking sites is a massive enabler." A key discovery of the research conducted by Dr Synnott, his Huddersfield colleague Dr Maria Ioannou and postgraduate student Andria Coulias, is that far from operating in isolation - as has usually been argued - trolls form "anti-social networks" that reinforce their behaviour. Also, media reports that condemn the trolls' actions have the effect of "showering them with the very attention they appear to covet". Trailing the trolls Dr Synnott is Assistant Director of the University of Huddersfield's MSc in Investigative Psychology - Dr Ioannou is Course Director - and as a regular user of social media sites he developed an interest in trolling and the psychology behind it Credit: University of Huddersfield The sheer volume of tweets by the anti-McCann group - and by supporters of Madeleine's parents - meant that it would be an excellent case study. A sample of 400 McCann-related tweets obtained from 37 user accounts and containing a total of 7,600 words was analysed by the research team. The article describing the project contains samples of the abusive, often illiterate language used by trolls. It was found that "the insults and abuse levelled at both the McCanns and the pro-McCann users were constant, repetitive, and in clear violation of Twitter policies, though user accounts were rarely suspended". The theme of motherhood implied a strong female presence in the anti-McCann group, whereas earlier research has suggested that trolls are mostly male, because of frequent misogynistic sentiments. "This is stage one of this research," said Dr Synnott. "The paper doesn't attempt to take a position on the case, but rather aims to explore trolling behaviour in general. The McCann group was the most obvious place for us to start. Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them." The article concludes that "the damaging impact the McCann trolls' behaviour has had on those victimised" makes necessary "the continuation of research exploiting the ways in which aggressive forms of trolling materialise, so that we might consequently establish ways in which to effectively deal with them". The article, Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann, by Dr John Synnott, Andria Coulias and Dr Maria Ioannou, is in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior. Naohiro Masuda, head of decommissioing for the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo Thursday, March 2, 2017. Masuda said more creativity in needed in developing robots to locate and assess the condition of melted fuel rods. (AP Photo/Mari Yamaguchi) The head of decommissioning for the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant said Thursday that more creativity is needed in developing robots to locate and assess the condition of melted fuel rods. A robot sent inside the Unit 2 containment vessel last month could not reach as close to the core area as was hoped for because it was blocked by deposits, believed to be a mixture of melted fuel and broken pieces of structures inside. Naohiro Masuda, president of Fukushima Dai-ichi Decommissioning, said he wants another probe sent in before deciding on methods to remove the reactor's debris. Unit 2 is one of the Fukushima reactors that melted down following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co., needs to know the melted fuel's exact location as well as structural damage in each of the three wrecked reactors to figure out the best and safest ways to remove the fuel. Probes must rely on remote-controlled robots because radiation levels are too high for humans to survive. Despite the incomplete probe missions, officials have said they want to stick to their schedule to determine the removal methods this summer and start work in 2021. Earlier probes have suggested worse-than-anticipated challenges for the plant's cleanup, which is expected to take decades. During the Unit 2 probe in early February, the "scorpion" robot crawler stalled after its total radiation exposure reached its limit in two hours, one-fifth of what was anticipated. Naohiro Masuda, center, head of decommissioing for the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo Thursday, March 2, 2017. Masuda said more creativity in needed in developing robots to locate and assess the condition of melted fuel rods. (AP Photo/Mari Yamaguchi) "We should think out of the box so we can examine the bottom of the core and how melted fuel debris spread out," Masuda told reporters. Probes are also being planned for the other two reactors. A tiny waterproof robot will be sent into Unit 1 in coming weeks, while experts are still trying to figure out a way to access the badly damaged Unit 3. TEPCO is struggling with the plant's decommissioning. The 2011 meltdown forced tens of thousands of nearby residents to evacuate their homes, and many have still not been able to return home due to high radiation levels. Cleanup of communities outside of the plant is also a challenge. The cost has reportedly almost doubled to 4 trillion yen ($35 billion) from an earlier estimate. On Thursday, police arrested an Environment Ministry employee for allegedly taking bribes from a local construction firm president, media reports said. 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Members of the Xing Research GroupDebdeep Jena, Moudud Islam, Huili (Grace) Xing, Vladimir Protasenko, Kevin Lee and Shyam Bharadwajare pictured in front of one of the molecular beam epitaxy systems used in their latest work. Credit: Cornell University The darkest form of ultraviolet light, known as UV-C, is unique because of its reputation as a killer of harmful organisms. With wavelengths of between 200 and 280 nanometers, this particular form of UV light penetrates the membranes of viruses, bacteria, mold and dust mites, attacking their DNA and killing them. Sanitization with UV-C light has been around for more than 100 years, following Niels Finsen's discovery of UV light as an antidote to tuberculosis, which won the Faroese-Danish physician the 1903 Nobel Prize for Medicine. Currently, most deep-UV lamps are mercury-based. They pose a threat to the environment, and are bulky and inefficient. A Cornell research group led by Huili (Grace) Xing and Debdeep Jena, along with collaborators from the University of Notre Dame, has reported progress in creating a smaller, more earth-friendly alternative. Using atomically controlled thin monolayers of gallium nitride (GaN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) as active regions, the group has shown the ability to produce deep-UV emission with a light-emitting diode (LED) between 232 and 270 nanometer wavelengths. Their 232- nanometer emission represents the shortest recorded wavelength using GaN as the light-emitting material. The previous record was 239 nanometers, by a group in Japan. "MBE-grown 232-270 nm deep-UV LEDs using monolayer thin binary GaN/AlN quantum heterostructures" was published online Jan. 27 in Applied Physics Letters. Postdoctoral researcher SM (Moudud) Islam, the lead author, said: "UV-C light is very attractive because it can destroy the DNA of species that cause infectious diseases, which cause contamination of water and air." One of the major challenges with ultraviolet LEDs is efficiency, which is measured in three areas: injection efficiency the proportion of electrons passing through the device that are injected into the active region; internal quantum efficiency (IQE) the proportion of all electrons in the active region that produce photons or UV light; and light extraction efficiency the proportion of photons generated in the active region that can be extracted from the device and are actually useful. "If you have 50 percent efficiency in all three components multiply all of these and you get one-eighth," Islam said. "You're already down to 12 percent efficiency." In the deep-UV range, all three efficiency factors suffer, but this group found that by using gallium nitride instead of conventional aluminum gallium nitride, both IQE and light extraction efficiency are enhanced. Injection efficiency is improved through the use of a polarization-induced doping scheme for both the negative (electron) and positive (hole) carrier regions, a technique the group explored in previous work. Now that the group has proven its concept of enhanced deep-UV LED efficiency, its next task is packaging it in a device that could one day go on the market. Deep-UV LEDs are used in food preservation and counterfeit currency detection, among other things. Further study will include packaging both the new technology and existing technologies in otherwise similar devices, for the purpose of comparison. "In terms of quantifying the efficiency, we do want to package it within the next few months and test it as if it was a product, and try to benchmark it against a product with one of the available technologies," Jena said. More information: S. M. Islam et al. MBE-grown 232270 nm deep-UV LEDs using monolayer thin binary GaN/AlN quantum heterostructures, Applied Physics Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1063/1.4975068 Journal information: Applied Physics Letters High-throughput computing resources speed up the process of knee modeling simulations by sending jobs to many computers rather than just one. Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison Unlike the assembly of a machine, there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to medicine. Darryl Thelen, Harvey D. Spangler Professor in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, conducts research with this notion in mind while using computational models of the musculoskeletal system and high-throughput computing resources to refine knee surgical procedures. Thelen's mechanical engineering background and interest in biomedical applications catalyzed his current research in knee biomechanics. Much like Thelen, Colin Smith, a mechanical engineering PhD candidate at UW-Madison, gravitated to the field after studying machines as an undergraduate. "What we do is use mechanicsall the things people use when designing cars such as how motors drive movementand use those ideas to analyze how humans move," Smith says. Thelen and Smith specifically look at knee surgical procedures and the complex variables that affect the outcome of surgeries. When somebody tears their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the surgeon must adjust a multitude of surgical parameters while performing the operation to achieve the best outcome for the patient. Such parameters include how tight to pull the graft before fixing it to the bones and what location and angle to attach the replacement ACL. While ACL reconstruction surgeries can enable individuals to return fully to activity, high rates of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, are seen 10-15 years after the procedure. Thelen and Smith want to come up with a strategic way to tell orthopedic surgeons, with increased certainty, what surgical adjustments may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis for each patient. In order to do so, their lab uses OpenSim software to investigate joint contact pressures by simulating movements such as walking, running and stair climbing. OpenSim is a freely distributed open source software package developed under a Biocomputing grant from the National Institutes of Health and used around the world to model the musculoskeletal system. "We knew we needed to perform a lot of simulations. So we had to go beyond running simulations on a single computer to utilizing a high throughput computing platform, which enabled us to do the simulations in parallel," Thelen says. Often triggered by young people playing sports, nearly 200,000 people tear their ACL each year. Simulation of the movement and internal loading of the knee lends guidance to positioning the graft at angles that will optimize recovery and reduce future complications. Credit: Wooster Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Morgridge Institute for Research, and various grants from the university, the Center for High-Throughput Computing (CHTC) provides computing technology to researchers like Thelen and Smith in need of extensive computing resources. With the help of the CHTC, running 3,000 simulations takes about two hours rather than the estimated 1,500 hours on a single computer. The CHTC uses HTCondor software, developed within CHTC to schedule and send jobs to large grids of computers. This enables researchers to run simulations on open computers across campus, including the undergraduate computer labs and research-oriented computing clusters, as well as computers belonging to CHTC. The CHTC also takes advantage of the resources of the Open Science grid, consisting of computing and storage elements at over 100 individual sites spanning the United States. The use of high throughput computing and probabilistic analysis helps scientists, like Thelen and Smith, answer research questions and speeds up the process in doing so. With the ability to run simulations on a multitude of computers, scientists can run hundreds of tests in a fraction of the time. This technology allows researchers to get to results, change their approach, or do exploratory work more quickly. Christina Koch, a research computing facilitator with the CHTC since November 2014, assists researchers in using the large scale computing resources available to them. Koch's background in math, computing, and computing education led her to take on the position of a computing facilitator. On any given day, Koch helps researchers solve problems, think critically about their work, and assists them in discovering how to best leverage the resources at CHTC to transform their research. "I've had a good day if I've helped someone overcome a hurdle that allows them to move forward with their work whether that be solving a specific problem together, helping them learn something new, or hearing about what they were able to accomplish on their own," Koch says. "It's great to hear that someone was able to finish their dissertation research, get a paper in, or expand the scope of their project just because they could access computing through CHTC and there was someone there to help them move forward." The computing power of the Open Science Grid coupled with freely available software such as OpenSim is something Koch principles as a major gateway in the scientific community. Easy access to so much computing power allows researchers to try new approaches or methods that just wouldn't have been possible before. What does the future hold for OpenSim and knee modeling? Through more OpenSim simulations, researchers hope to devise subject-specific treatment plans and have a better grasp predicting surgical outcomes. Smith hopes to see this research progressing into personalized medicine where surgeries are pre-planned and knee replacement implants are optimally designed. A picture may be worth a thousand words. But new imaging technology that harmonizes mighty and distinctive microscopes may tell a complex story about a disease or condition how it develops and how it can be treated precisely. In UCSF's Bioengineering and Biomaterials High Resolution Correlative Imaging Facility, researchers examine a variety of biological specimens from bone, kidney, cartilage, blood vessels, teeth and other body tissues. "The facility integrates traditional high resolution light with electron and X-ray microscopy techniques to visualize biological systems from atoms to tissues to organs linking structure to function," said Sunita Ho, MS, PhD, director of the facility and professor of preventive and restorative dental sciences. "It is the aperture through which pathologic processes can be discovered." While an electron microscope can magnify up to 2 million times to analyze a specimen's structure, a light microscope is better for viewing live cells, their movement and functions. The facilitylocated on the eighth floor of the Health Sciences West Building on the Parnassus campus combines the best of the three microscopy techniques into a single instrument to produce exquisite images and detail for clinicians and scientists. "It's greater than the sum of its parts," she said. "By integrating the microscopes we obtain significantly greater information than the complementary information that we would get from individual pieces." Ho likens the imaging concept to Google Earth technology, which can offer a mile-high view of an entire city, zoom on one neighborhood and home in on a single building. But on an even tinier scale, correlative imaging may be more powerful and precise. It can get into the building its biological target and see what's happening inside the walls and basement. The new technology that combines the best of X-ray, electron and light microscopy modalities also is more convenient and practical. Imaging in most laboratories requires moving a specimen from one microscope to another, which can be labor intensive and risky. One correlative workflow avoids that labor and risk. Also, with correlative imaging, scientists don't have to cut specimens to get a detailed inside look at their targets/regions of interest. Response of suspensory ligament between the tooth and bone to chewing. This work is supported by NIH/NIDCR-R01DE022032 (Sunita Ho) in which the central objective is to map the mechanical response of bone, ligament and tooth to various types of chewing forces. "The ability to image the same specimens at a macro and a nano scale is very exciting and provides a whole new dimension to research at UCSF," said John D.B. Featherstone, dean of the School of Dentistry. "I am so pleased to see this campuswide facility come into operation, and am very excited that the School of Dentistry laboratories were able to house the facility and to provide substantial support for it." At the correlative imaging facility, operated by the School of Dentistry, researchers analyze tiny tooth fragments to understand damage from bacteria, grinding teeth and how ligament mineralization affects gum and bone near the teeth. But the imaging technology has application and value far beyond oral health. One of Ho's collaborators is Marshall Stoller, UCSF professor of urology and nationally recognized leader in treating kidney disease. Their NIH-supported biomineralization studies are shedding light on how urinary stones form. They hope the research will guide novel treatments for a disease that is on the rise worldwide. The underpinnings of how biominerals and plaque form in human tissue have not been well-studied, said Ho. But the advanced imaging at the facility is producing new pictures of their structure and role in penile calcification (Tom Lue, Department of Urology), knee osteoarthritis (Daniel Bikle, Departments of Medicine and Dermatology), artery disease (Michael Conte, Department of Surgery) and a variety of other diseases related to ectopic mineral formations within organs/tissues. "The state-of-the-art imaging is needed to confirm processes that lead to the pathophysiology of many and varied diseases," said Ho. "It provides the framework to address unmet clinical challenges for individual patients and can be the backbone to develop newer personalized medicine algorithms. "The technology supports our UCSF mission of advancing health carefrom diagnostics to therapeutics," she said. The novel technology also aids UCSF's research mission by creating new collaborations among scientists of many departments and disciplines. Toward understanding kidney stone formation in humans: bridging the gap between patient information (patient care X-ray computed tomography CT which Dr. Marshall Stoller diagnoses) and the beginnings of pathological biomineral (micro X-ray computed tomography, which Dr. Sunita Ho investigates) formation. W. Credit: Sunita Ho, Division of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, in collaboration with Dr. Marshall Stoller, Department of Urology, School of Medicine, UCSF "UCSF is a world-class institution that traditionally has been divided into silos the School of Dentistry is unique, yet separate from the School of Medicine for example," said Ho. "There is a need to bring varied disciplines and professions together to work as inter- and trans-disciplinary working groups. Cross fertilization among varied fields will further push understanding of disease processes and lead to novel therapeutic interventions." That sentiment is supported by the substantial investments made in the correlative imaging facility by the Dean's Office of the School of Dentistry and by the Office of the UCSF Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost's office. "The correlative imaging system allows us to register images based on tissue biochemical properties, tissue ultrastructure and tissue microarchitecture into the same coordinate system," said Thomas Lang, associate dean for research for School of Dentistry. "It gives us a new lens with which to study biology and by its nature supports UCSF's goal of promoting collaboration between scientists with differing interests and expertise, across UCSF and the UC system." The facility already hosts users from UCSF's Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as Dentistry. So, there is some chipping of the silos noted by Ho. "Cutting edge tools are an essential element for breakthroughs in science, and I could not be more pleased about the multidisciplinary, collaborate effort that has gone into creating this core facility," said Dan Lowenstein, M.D., executive vice chancellor and provost. Eventually, correlative imaging technology at UCSF could be offered to other Bay Area institutions and colleges, said Ho. "High school, medical and other professional students and post-docs will have the ability to visualize pathology at multiple scales," she said. "I congratulate Sunita for leading the initiative over several years to bring correlative imaging to UCSF and the Bay Area," Dean Featherstone added. Making the technology widely available "could help integrate UCSF with our surrounding community," said Ho. "An electron image has much less relevance to the lay community; however, with correlative microscopy, high resolution images can be put into context to better understand disease processes that the UCSF community is trying to investigate." In a country that is getting polarised as each day passes and basic freedoms that we took for granted begin to get questioned, our filmmakers should buck up and make cinema that is genuinely political and reflective of the changing times. By Devarsi Ghosh: India, as it is today, has been polarised to such an extent from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, that you would dare not openly discuss and engage a stranger, or someone you have just met, in a political discussion. This umbrella term 'political discussion' here encapsulates varied topics - from a conversation over our GDP to the state of minorities in the country, over demonetisation to getting accused as an anti-national because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. advertisement Our film industry often gets dragged into political conversation because quite simply put, as much as the industry wouldn't like to, one cannot have a piece of the pie without paying a price for it. As such, actors and filmmakers are expected to take a political stand on government policies. If you say something that remotely does not toe the government line, you become an anti-national and consequently, you are dropped by the brand you are a face of. Or your film takes a hit. Or your patriotic credentials are questioned. Or you are bullied till you apologise. Since cinema, being an audio-visual medium, is the easiest, cheapest, most accessible form of entertainment and consequently, psycho-social reform in the country, what can filmmakers do to address the fast-changing socio-political and cultural landscape of our country? Will they simply concentrate on producing cinema that strictly adheres to mass-market, bourgeois standards and rarely challenge them? Or will they make films that can make the country's people question the status quo, give voice to the voiceless and force the audience to get uncomfortable and critically engage with the content of the film, not just as consumers but as free-thinkers? Or do our filmmakers have no faith in the intelligence of our country's people and are willing to let matters slide even as they are repeatedly put to ransom by politically-backed thugs over one pretext or another? FROM INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE: The rise of reel politics What is political cinema? Is political cinema that which Prakash Jha makes? A story cobbled together from headlines with a simplistic, infantile description of complex issues headlined by top stars and some Arijit Singh numbers? Is political cinema that which Ram Gopal Varma makes? A loud, bombastic re-telling of events, involving political parties, that have stopped being common knowledge and have become myth? Is political cinema that which Anurag Kashyap makes? Genre films where the characters come off the street and in a matter-of-fact way give voice to political thought before they are killed, maimed or decapitated? advertisement Or is political cinema the one which Aamir Khan makes? A populist narrative of young students coming together and taking charge to vanquish the corrupt ruling class even if that involves violence? As much as the current crop of filmmakers, from the Kashyaps/Dhulias/Bhardwajs to Ghaywans/Motwanes/Behls, are lauded for bringing an international finesse to our storytelling wherein Indian films have begun to get closer to the best of international cinema than they were in the last 40 years, something vital is still missing in our films. We need more films that make the status quo accountable and pose questions to the mainstream narrative. For instance, Dibakar Banerjee's Shanghai, itself an adaptation of a politically charged novel, which questions the concept of urban development that more often than not comes at the cost of displacing the voiceless, the poor, the lower class, those that do not figure in the images of mainstream cinema. We need more films like Gurvinder Singh's Chauthi Koot which takes place in '80s Punjab right after Operation Blue Star and shows the condition of an entire community fearing the law and the State simply because of their religious identity. We need more films like Nagraj Manjule's Sairat where a story of caste-based violence is told in the guise of a conventional, commercial poor boy-meets-rich-girl-and-elopes narrative complete with five songs and masala moments. advertisement We need more films like Q's Tasher Desh, an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's play of the same name, where rap music, colours, erratic editing, cryptic dialogues and discombobulating montages crash against each other to provide an essential commentary on sexual and political reawakening. True political cinema challenges the mainstream; the mainstream in content, the mainstream in narrative technique, the mainstream in form and the mainstream in production. While a film like Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab challenges the mainstream in content by showing us a different, darker and pushed-under-the-rug side of Punjab, Sriram Raghavan's Badlapur or Anurag Kashyap's Wasseypur films play around with the narrative structure a la Tarantino but within the trappings of mainstream cinema. On the other hand, while Q, Amit Dutta or Kamal Swaroop experiments with absolute disregard for mainstream cinematic form, somebody like Onir is political in his means of producing films, for example, his National Award-winning I Am was crowd-funded by donations through social media. Most importantly, our filmmakers should challenge the very definitions of what political cinema is. Just making a film with a Muslim gangster as the protagonist or painting cultures of protest in a campus as Maoist conspiracies does not make a film political. advertisement If at all our filmmakers consider their cinema as art and if they believe that art is meant to educate and inspire and not just entertain, then they better make more films that are genuinely political, films that shake up the establishment in all its manifestations. (The writer tweets as @devarsighosh .) ALSO READ: The public price for Randeep Hooda's political stand regarding Gurmehar Kaur ALSO READ: Visaaranai did not make it to Oscars 2017, but the whole world needs to see it ALSO READ: Isabelle Huppert getting snubbed for Best Actress at the Oscars is plain sad WATCH: Who says what is anti-national? ABVP says, youth does WATCH: Are campuses not places for debate anymore? --- ENDS --- The pharmaceutical industry has created value primarily by generating, and assembling information into knowledge applicable to human health," explains Elham Elshafie Mohamed of the Business School at King Saud University in Riyadh. "Therefore, it is critical to improving R&D productivity and reduce product cycle time." Critical to successful knowledge management in this context is to capture internal knowledge and information in parallel with assimilation from external sources, she suggests. "Effective knowledge management can provide very significant and measurable advantages for enhancing the pharmaceutical innovation," says Mohamed. Mohamed has homed in on several important advantages of the adoption of knowledge management techniques in pharmaceutical industry innovation: The use of KM can lead to more rapid regulatory approval of new drugs It facilitates fast sharing and distributing knowledge between development and manufacturing It overcomes the problem of limited time to meet demand after start-up It offers greater flexibility in lowering the cost of manufacturing changes compared with other approaches. It increases the predictability and reliability of manufacturing output. It leads to reduced batch failure, final testing, and so reduces expenses It improves R&D productivity and reduces overall cost cycle time Mohamed's conclusions are based on an extensive, systematic review of the business research literature in this field. Her detailed conclusions offer researchers and practitioners guidance in understanding how a pharmaceutical company can benefit from building and sustaining innovation through knowledge management. More information: Elham Elshafie Mohamed. Pharmaceutical Knowledge Management: why does pharmaceutical industry need knowledge management?, International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies (2016). DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2016.082346 A Myolaimus ibericus seen by scanning electron microscope. Credit: Joaquin Abolafia Found in the most arid areas in which there is little to no water, nematodes of no more than 1 mm feed on bacteria and help to mineralise soil and produce nutrients. In an orchard of Jaen, researchers have discovered a new species with a feature that makes them unique on the Iberian Peninsula: the males lack penises. The southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, especially the southeastern tip, does not offer a very welcoming setting for these species. But despite the water deficit, nematodes, which are extremely small worms, known popularly as microworms, feed on bacteria they find in decomposing organic matter or on waste-strewn soil in order to survive. As Joaquin Abolafia, a scientist at the University of Jaen's department of Animal Biology, Vegetable Biology and Ecology, tells SINC: "These small animals serve as bioindicators of soil quality, as well as indicators of the presence of waste (especially faecal), of the existence of desertification processes and, ultimately, of climate change." While looking for bacteriophage nematodesthose that feed on bacteriain arid areas south of the city of Jaen, the researcher discovered a new species of worm he named Myolaimus ibericus, as they were the first specimens of their group to be found on the Iberian Peninsula. The finding in samples of compost taken from an orchard in the area known as Puente de la Sierra, a family farming area, is published in the journal Zootaxa. The scientists recently found another new species of nematode, Protorhabditis hortulana, in the same location. The newly discovered microworms are between 0.5 and 0.8 mm in length, and belong to a very rare group of nematodes characterised by the fact that when growing a new cuticle (equivalent to skin), nematodes do not detach the old one, but instead keep it. "This second skin protects them, and could prevent them becoming dehydrated when soil becomes dry, thus making them more resistant to the summer months," the expert says. Another distinctive trait is that the males lack penises; normally, nematodes have two accessory genital structures for penetration referred to as "spicules," which are equivalent to the penis of other animals. In this case, sperm transfer (copulation) occurs via pumping it into the female in a sack that appears on the genital orifice (or vulva) when the skin moves. "From here, the sperm, which is large and has pseudopods, enters the female's genital tract and fertilises the ovules," Abolafia explains. The eggs that develop are covered in small spines, "something else that is unusual among nematodes," he says. For the researchers, this is a globally significant finding in nematology. "It is a strange species with unusual biology, belonging to a very rare group of nematodes, and it is found in Jaen. This makes it unique on the Iberian Peninsula," the scientist concludes. Today's society is growing in population and productivity puts ever higher demands on the Internet, and without scientific developments to provide ways meeting our traffic needs, it will begin to clog. Mapping photons to a metal surface and converting them to a particular kind of electron oscillations, called plasmons, researchers from Switzerland, Germany and the US collaborated to develop a new way to impart information into the light signals sent over the Internet's optical fiber networks. Their work developing these broadband plasmonic modulators, that operate at greater than the 100 Gbit/s limit of photonic devices for a single carrier, will be presented at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC), held 19-23 March in Los Angeles, California, USA. The jump from sending electronic signals over wires to sending optical signals over fibers revolutionized the Internet, offering significantly higher capacity and transfer rates. The electronic chip-bred signals from computers were encoded into light as modulations, which could then travel at relativistic speeds across optical fibers. We have now reached a point, however, where converting the electric signals into optical ones can be a bottleneck to optical communication. Enter: plasmons. Plasmons are waves in the energetically fluid-like "sea" of electrons on many conducting metals such as gold. Much like ripples of water on a pond's surface from a skipping rock, plasmons carry energy from light striking a surface as waves of collectively oscillating electrons. Under the right conditions, light can excite these microscopic plasmons and convert the signal from a light wavepurely photonic in natureto a plasmon that travels along the surface of metal. "Rather than relying on photonics, we now work with plasmonics," said Claudia Hoessbacher the lead author of the paper and a member of the Institute of Electromagnetic Fields at ETH in Zurich, Switzerland. "The work was triggered by realizing that we have come to the limits of silicon photonics. Silicon would no longer give us a higher speed, nor would it allow us to become more compact." The new modulator device features two sets of gold electrode pairs separated by a narrow slot less than one hundred nanometers wide, hundreds of times smaller than a human hair. The slots are filled with an organic electro-optic material whose light refraction properties change predictably in an applied electric field. Gold is amongst the most plasmonically active elements and these silicon-filled gaps act as waveguides for plasmons. The whole arrangement forms a micro-interferometer, where the resulting modulated signal arises from the combination of the signals travelling through each of the two electro-optic material paths. Because these plasmonic components are metallic, they have the added benefit of potentially serving as their own electrical contacts. The biggest advantages of these modulators, however, are their compact size and significantly wide bandwidth, which allows a higher volume of information flow by supporting a wider spectrum of frequencies. The large bandwidth is due to an almost instantaneous response of the electrons to electromagnetic fields. Although plasmons don't travel long distances efficiently, their compact size minimizes this drawback. "Initially, we were afraid that the losses would be too high because the plasmonic losses are known to be high," said Leuthold, who heads the research institute at ETH. "Our second generation of the device brought the breakthrough. We realized that nonlinearities were way higher than what one would normally expect. Thanks to these high nonlinearities we could fabricate short devices and thus the losses would be sufficiently low as well." The small size of these new devices is not completely without drawbacks. The compact size of the microscopic modulators also means they pose manufacturing challenges. For such precise assemblies, the group used lithographic techniques, where carefully exposed light patterns drive chemical processes that leave behind the desired electrode patterns. "When you start working with devices that have sub-diffraction dimensions (i.e. way below wavelength) then the ultimate challenge is to master the fabrication," Leuthold said. "We need lithographic resolutions in the order of 20 to 40 nanometers." Using modulation formats familiar to the optical communications community, researchers tested the device response over a range of 170 GHz. This was such a wide range of frequencies, they had to devise five different setups to generate all the radio frequency signals tested. According to Leuthold, this work continues in the hopes of even better results and potential applications for the next generation of optical communication links. Many horse owners and equine veterinarians find themselves facing a difficult decision when it comes to treating a horse surgically for colic, with concerns including postoperative performance and expense. Now, a recently published study funded by Morris Animal Foundation shows that colic surgery results in overwhelmingly positive outcomes for both horses and owners. Colic, defined as abdominal pain, affects between 4 and 10 percent of horses during their lifetime. It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. "Many horses encounter colic at some point of their life and, fortunately, many of the episodes can be treated conservatively with medication and fluids," said Dr. Isa Immonen, University of Helsinki, Finland, one of the paper's authors. "Sometimes, however, the horse requires surgical treatment, which is expensive and a major operation for the horse. This may be a difficult life-and-death decision for the owner." Researchers looked at the long-term outcomes of 236 horses undergoing surgery for colic between 2006 and 2012, focusing on owner satisfaction and patient performance after surgery. The team found that, of the horses that survived to hospital discharge, 83.7 percent returned to their previous or intended activity, and 78.5 percent regained their pre-surgical or higher level of performance. The team also found a high level (96.3 percent) of owners were satisfied with their veterinary care and that "nearly all (98.5 percent) evaluated the recovery after the colic surgery as satisfactory or above." The article was published in the journal Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. "We felt that defining the factors affecting the prognosis and postoperative performance could give answers that would help both the owners and the veterinarians in the decision-making process - whether to operate or not - especially when focusing on the meaningful long-term life and use of the horse after colic surgery," said Dr. Immonen. Dr. Immonen received funding for the retrospective colic study through Morris Animal Foundation's Veterinary Student Scholar program. The grant-based program provides veterinary students the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals and wildlife. The program is open to students from all over the world through a competitive application process, and has led many of the Foundation's former student scholars to pursue careers in veterinary research. More information: Isa Anna Maria Immonen et al, Long-term follow-up on recovery, return to use and sporting activity: a retrospective study of 236 operated colic horses in Finland (20062012), Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2017). DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0273-9 Provided by Morris Animal Foundation Visualization of a hybrid bipartite entanglement between a single photon (blue) and an atomic spin-wave excitation inside quantum memory glass cell, subsequently confirmed in the detection process of a second photon (red). Presented setup enables the demonstration of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox with true positions and momenta. (Source: UW Physics, Michal Dabrowski) Credit: UW Physics, Michal Dabrowski A group of researchers from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw has shed new light on the famous paradox of Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen after 80 years. They created a multidimensional entangled state of a single photon and a trillion hot rubidium atoms, and stored this hybrid entanglement in the laboratory for several microseconds. The research has been published in Optica. In their famous Physical Review article, published in 1935, Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen considered the decay of a particle into two products. In their thought experiment, two products of decay were projected in exactly opposite directionsor more scientifically speaking, their momenta were anti-correlated. Though not be a mystery within the framework of classical physics, when applying the rules of quantum theory, the three researchers arrived at a paradox. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle, dictating that position and momentum of a particle cannot be measured at the same time, lies at the center of this paradox. In Einstein's thought experiment, it is possible to measure the momentum of one particle and immediately know the momentum of the other without measurement, as it is exactly opposite. Then, by measuring the position of the second particle, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is seemingly violated, an apparent paradox that seriously baffled the three physicists. We now know that this experiment is not, in fact, a paradox. The mistake of Einstein and co-workers was applying one-particle uncertainty to a system of two particles. If we treat these two particles as described by a single quantum state, we learn that the original uncertainty principle ceases to apply, especially if these particles are entangled. From right: Michal Parniak uses the green laser to shining the glass cell with quantum memory, holding by Wojciech Wasilewski. Michal Dabrowski makes a simultaneous measurement of position and momentum of photons generated inside the memory. (Source: UW Physics, Mateusz Mazelanik) Credit: UW Physics, Mateusz Mazelanik In the Quantum Memory Laboratory at the University of Warsaw, the group of three physicists was the first to create such an entangled state, which consisted of a macroscopic objecta group of about one trillion atoms, and a single photon. "Single photons, scattered during the interaction of a laser beam with atoms, are registered on a sensitive camera. A single registered photon carries information about the quantum state of the entire group of atoms. The atoms may be stored, and their state may be retrieved on demand," says Michal Dabrowski, Ph.D. student and co-author of the article. The results of the experiment confirm that the atoms and the single photon are in a joint entangled state. By measuring the position and momentum of the photon, the researchers acquired all information about the state of atoms. To confirm this, polish scientists converted the atomic state into another photon, which was measured using the same state-of-the-art camera. "We demonstrated the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen apparent paradox in a very similar version as originally proposed in 1935, but we extended the experiment by adding storage of light within the large group of atoms. Atoms store the photon in the form of a wave made of atomic spins containing one trillion atoms. Such a state is very robust against loss of a single atom, as information is spread across so many particles," says Michal Parniak, Ph.D. student taking part in the study. The experiment is unique in one other way, as well. The quantum memory storing the entangled state allows for storage of up to 12 photons at once. This enhanced capacity is promising in terms of applications in quantum information processing. "The multidimensional entanglement is stored in our device for several microseconds, which is roughly a thousand times longer than in any previous experiments, and at the same time, long enough to perform subtle quantum operations on the atomic state during storage," explains Dr. Wojciech Wasilewski, group leader of the Quantum Memories Laboratory team. The entanglement in the real and momentum space, described in the Optica article, can be used jointly with other well-known degrees of freedom such as polarization, allowing generation of so-called hyper-entanglement. Such ideas constitute a new and original test of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, a theory that is unceasingly mysterious, yet offers immense technological progress. More information: Micha Dabrowski et al, EinsteinPodolskyRosen paradox in a hybrid bipartite system, Optica (2017). DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.4.000272 Journal information: Optica Credit: Snezhana Mazhekenova Researchers at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences and colleagues have proposed a new mechanism for the dynamic self-organization of spatial structures in embryogenesis. Using mathematical modeling methods, the researchers have demonstrated that this self-organization may be due to a significant difference in the mutual penetration rates (diffusion) of morphogen proteins, which occurs due to differently binding biologically active substances (morphogens) in the extracellular matrix. The results of this research, which were published in PLOS ONE, create the preconditions for new models describing the variety of forms in the early stages of organism development. In the early stages of development, the embryonic organs are composed of a plurality of identical cells, which then become complex spatial structures, and their sizes are much larger than the cells themselves. How does this happen? It is believed that such structures are formed as a result of dynamic self-organization, a process in which morphogen proteins secreted by cells and propagated over long distances play an important role. One of the conditions necessary for self-organization is finding a system located in a state of acute disequilibrium, that is, under conditions of strong dissipation of energy. Therefore, such structures formed during self-organization are often referred to as "dissipative." "The increasing complexity of the embryo can be simplistically reduced to laws of territorial division, in which differentiated cells, i.e. those that have different functions, play different roles in the body. In many cases, instructions to this orderly spatial differentiation of embryonic tissue cells are obtained due to the formation of dissipative structures. They usually appear as concentration gradients of morphogen proteins. As a result, embryonic cells at different locations along this gradient are exposed to different morphogen concentrationsfor example, hormonesand thus receive signals to differentiate," explains Andrey Zaraiskii, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Bases of Embryogenesis of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Shemyakin&Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is known that complex structures arise when there are at least two diffusing and nonlinearly interacting morphogens with sharply differing diffusion coefficients, i.e. the rate of penetration of one substance to another. However, real morphogen proteins have similar size and approximately the same mobility in aqueous solutions. "What exactly leads to the achievement of the difference between the diffusion rates of the morphogens, which is necessary for the self-organization of dissipative structures? For a long time, this question remained open ended," says Alexey Nesterenko, a researcher from the Lomonosov Moscow State University. "Previously, we have shown that in the diffusion process in the intercellular space, different morphogens may bind with varying force with proteoglycans, specific proteins of the extracellular matrix (substance)." The researchers assumed that it is this difference in the nonspecific binding of morphogens that may provide a significant difference in their rate of diffusion. "We have applied a mathematical model to demonstrate that a system comprising two uniformly-mobile morphogens with conditions in which one adsorbs on the extracellular matrix makes it possible to obtain the spatial structure of the mechanism of dynamic self-organization," explains Maxim Kuznetsov, one of the researchers from the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The authors applied the new model to examples in multiple organisms, including the process of cuckoo-catfish coloring. "This fish of the mochokid catfish family has a yellow coloring, with numerous black spots scattered throughout its body. The model that we have developed provides an adequate explanation for the formation and regular decrease in the number of spots of its color in the tail-to-head direction," says Daria Korotkov, one of the researchers, a student at the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The approach creates the preconditions for the development of mathematical models for increasingly diverse morphological forms in embryogenesis. The researchers are already currently working on its further experimental confirmation. More information: Alexey M. Nesterenko et al. Morphogene adsorption as a Turing instability regulator: Theoretical analysis and possible applications in multicellular embryonic systems, PLOS ONE (2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171212 Journal information: PLoS ONE In a study in Science, researchers Yaniv Erlich and Dina Zielinski describe a new coding technique for maximizing the data-storage capacity of DNA molecules. Credit: New York Genome Center Humanity may soon generate more data than hard drives or magnetic tape can handle, a problem that has scientists turning to nature's age-old solution for information-storageDNA. In a new study in Science, a pair of researchers at Columbia University and the New York Genome Center (NYGC) show that an algorithm designed for streaming video on a cellphone can unlock DNA's nearly full storage potential by squeezing more information into its four base nucleotides. They demonstrate that this technology is also extremely reliable. DNA is an ideal storage medium because it's ultra-compact and can last hundreds of thousands of years if kept in a cool, dry place, as demonstrated by the recent recovery of DNA from the bones of a 430,000-year-old human ancestor found in a cave in Spain. "DNA won't degrade over time like cassette tapes and CDs, and it won't become obsoleteif it does, we have bigger problems," said study coauthor Yaniv Erlich, a computer science professor at Columbia Engineering, a member of Columbia's Data Science Institute, and a core member of the NYGC. Erlich and his colleague Dina Zielinski, an associate scientist at NYGC, chose six files to encode, or write, into DNA: a full computer operating system, an 1895 French film, "Arrival of a train at La Ciotat," a $50 Amazon gift card, a computer virus, a Pioneer plaque and a 1948 study by information theorist Claude Shannon. They compressed the files into a master file, and then split the data into short strings of binary code made up of ones and zeros. Using an erasure-correcting algorithm called fountain codes, they randomly packaged the strings into so-called droplets, and mapped the ones and zeros in each droplet to the four nucleotide bases in DNA: A, G, C and T. The algorithm deleted letter combinations known to create errors, and added a barcode to each droplet to help reassemble the files later. In all, they generated a digital list of 72,000 DNA strands, each 200 bases long, and sent it in a text file to a San Francisco DNA-synthesis startup, Twist Bioscience, that specializes in turning digital data into biological data. Two weeks later, they received a vial holding a speck of DNA molecules. Columbia University and the New York Genome Center (NYGC) show that an algorithm designed for streaming video on a cellphone can unlock DNA's nearly full storage potential by squeezing more information into its four base nucleotides. They demonstrate that this technology is also extremely reliable. Credit: Columbia University To retrieve their files, they used modern sequencing technology to read the DNA strands, followed by software to translate the genetic code back into binary. They recovered their files with zero errors, the study reports. (In this short demo, Erlich opens his archived operating system on a virtual machine and plays a game of Minesweeper to celebrate.) They also demonstrated that a virtually unlimited number of copies of the files could be created with their coding technique by multiplying their DNA sample through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and that those copies, and even copies of their copies, and so on, could be recovered error-free. Finally, the researchers show that their coding strategy packs 215 petabytes of data on a single gram of DNA100 times more than methods published by pioneering researchers George Church at Harvard, and Nick Goldman and Ewan Birney at the European Bioinformatics Institute. "We believe this is the highest-density data-storage device ever created," said Erlich. The capacity of DNA data-storage is theoretically limited to two binary digits for each nucleotide, but the biological constraints of DNA itself and the need to include redundant information to reassemble and read the fragments later reduces its capacity to 1.8 binary digits per nucleotide base. The team's insight was to apply fountain codes, a technique Erlich remembered from graduate school, to make the reading and writing process more efficient. With their DNA Fountain technique, Erlich and Zielinski pack an average of 1.6 bits into each base nucleotide. That's at least 60 percent more data than previously published methods, and close to the 1.8-bit limit. Cost still remains a barrier. The researchers spent $7,000 to synthesize the DNA they used to archive their 2 megabytes of data, and another $2,000 to read it. Though the price of DNA sequencing has fallen exponentially, there may not be the same demand for DNA synthesis, says Sri Kosuri, a biochemistry professor at UCLA who was not involved in the study. "Investors may not be willing to risk tons of money to bring costs down," he said. But the price of DNA synthesis can be vastly reduced if lower-quality molecules are produced, and coding strategies like DNA Fountain are used to fix molecular errors, says Erlich. "We can do more of the heavy lifting on the computer to take the burden off time-intensive molecular coding," he said. More information: "DNA Fountain enables a robust and efficient storage architecture," Science, science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aaj2038 Journal information: Science Nothing inspires consumer frustration quite like an airline flight delay. Researchers from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management have used those meltdown moments and the complaints they produce via the social media platform Twitter to study how consumer "voice" may influence business behaviour. "We thought complaints were an important part of the economy but, until now, we haven't had a systematic way to measure them," says study co-author Mara Lederman, an associate professor of strategic management at Rotman. The accepted idea among economists is that markets act to discipline companies for poor performance as consumers will withdraw their business if they are not happy. Complaining as opposed to switching has been suggested as an alternate mechanism but, to date, has received much less attention. The public nature of social media, however, now makes it possible to track consumer complaints, the market circumstances under which they're made and how companies respond. This opens the door for studies that examine the purpose and impact of customer voice. Not surprisingly, the researchers found that passenger complaints via Twitter increase when an airline's "on-time" performance worsened. This was based on an analysis of approximately four million Tweets made to or about the top seven American airlines over a two-year period. What was more interesting is that the same deterioration in on-time performance generated about 50 percent more complaints when the airline was the dominant carrier in the passenger's local market. Airlines also responded more often when competition was limited and when the passenger mentioned the airline's loyalty program in their tweet. These finding suggest that companies in low competition markets may have the most to lose from ticked-off customers because these customers generate high margins yet have the ability to go elsewhere if they are not happy, says Prof. Lederman. The same goes for customers who are invested in a company's loyalty program these are the very customers that are costly for the company to lose. "In markets where you don't have a lot of competition, but you have some, voice might be effective because this precisely when companies will care to retain customers who have been made unhappy," she says. Prof. Lederman carried out the study with fellow Rotman researchers Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management and Avi Goldfarb, a professor of marketing. Their results suggest using social media to complain can be worthwhile, so long as a company values the customer enough to respond and offer some incentive for them to stay (whether monetary or simply a promise to do better in the future). Companies, meanwhile, may want to consider setting up dedicated complaint channels as a way of retaining valuable customers who might be at risk of leaving, says Prof. Lederman. More information: Gans, Joshua S. and Goldfarb, Avi and Lederman, Mara. Exit, Tweets, and Loyalty (December 23, 2016). dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2889388 Illustration of a supersolid state, in which the properties of a frictionless fluid and a crystalline state coincide. Credit: ETH Zurich / Julian Leonard When matter is cooled to near absolute zero, intriguing phenomena emerge. These include supersolidity, where crystalline structure and frictionless flow occur together. ETH researchers have succeeded in realising this strange state experimentally for the first time. Solid, liquid or gas are the three clearly defined states of matter. It is difficult to imagine that substances could simultaneously exhibit properties of two of these states. Yet, precisely such a phenomenon is possible in the realm of quantum physics, where matter can display behaviours that seem mutually exclusive. Supersolidity is one example of such a paradoxical state. In a supersolid, atoms are arranged in a crystalline pattern while at the same time behaving like a superfluid, in which particles move without friction. Until now, supersolidity was merely a theoretical construct. But in the latest issue of Nature, a group of researchers led by Tilman Esslinger, professor of quantum optics at the Institute for Quantum Electronics, and Tobias Donner, senior scientist at the same institute, report the successful production of a supersolid state. The researchers introduced a small amount of rubidium gas into a vacuum chamber and cooled it to a temperature of a few billionths of a kelvin above absolute zero, such that the atoms condensed into what is known as a Bose-Einstein condensate. This is a peculiar quantum-mechanical state that behaves like a superfluid. Detail view of the experimental set-up, showing the four mirrors arranged in opposing pairs, each creating an optical resonance chamber. Credit: ETH Zurich The researchers placed this condensate in a device with two intersecting optical resonance chambers, each consisting of two tiny opposing mirrors. The condensate was then illuminated with laser light, which was scattered into both of these two chambers. The combination of these two light fields in the resonance chambers caused the atoms in the condensate to adopt a regular, crystal-like structure. The condensate retained its superfluid properties the atoms in the condensate were still able to flow without any energy input, at least in one direction, which is not possible in a "normal" solid. "We were able to produce this special state in the lab thanks to a sophisticated setup that allowed us to make the two resonance chambers identical for the atoms," explains Esslinger. From theoretical concept to experimental reality With their experiment, the physicists in the team of Esslinger and Donner realised a concept theorised by scientists including British physicist David Thouless. In 1969, he postulated that a superfluid could also have a crystalline structure. Theoretical considerations led to the conclusion that this phenomenon could be most easily demonstrated with helium cooled to just a few kelvins above absolute zero. In 2004, a U.S. group reported that they had found experimental evidence for such a state, but later attributed their findings to surface effects of helium. "Our work has now successfully implemented Thouless's ideas," explains Donner. "We didn't use helium, however, but a BoseEinstein condensate." A second, independent study on the same topic appears in the same issue of Nature: a group of researchers led by Wolfgang Ketterle at MIT announced last autumn shortly after the researchers at ETH that they had also succeeded in finding evidence of supersolidity, using a different experimental approach. More information: Julian Leonard et al. Supersolid formation in a quantum gas breaking a continuous translational symmetry, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature21067 Journal information: Nature Government agencies cannot always use social media and telecommunication to uncover the intentions of terrorists as terrorists are now more careful in utilizing these technologies for planning and preparing for attacks. A new framework developed by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York is able to understand future terrorist behaviors by recognizing patterns in past attacks. Researchers at Binghamton have proposed a comprehensive new framework, the Networked Pattern Recognition (NEPAR) Framework, by defining the useful patterns of attacks to understand behaviors, to analyze patterns and connections in terrorist activity, to predict terrorists' future moves, and finally, to prevent and detect potential terrorist behaviors. Using data on more than 150,000 terrorist attacks between 1970 and 2015, Binghamton University PhD student Salih Tutun developed a framework that calculates the relationships among terrorist attacks (e.g. attack time, weapon type) and detects terrorist behaviors with these connections. Mohammad Khasawneh, professor and head of the Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE) department at Binghamton University, assisted and advised Tutun with his research. In the framework, there are two main phases: (1) building networks by finding connections between events, and (2) using a unified detection approach that combines proposed network topology and pattern recognition approaches. Firstly, the framework identifies the characteristics of future terrorist attacks by analyzing the relationship between past attacks. Comparing the results with existing data shows that the proposed method was able to successfully predict most of the characteristics of attacks with more than 90% accuracy. Moreover, after building the network with connections, the researchers propose a unified detection approach that applies pattern classification techniques to network topology and features of incidents to detect terrorism attacks with high accuracy, and identify the extension of attacks (90 percent accuracy), multiple attacks (96 percent accuracy) and terrorist goals (92 percent accuracy). Hence, governments can control terrorist behaviors to reduce the risk of future events. The results could potentially allow law enforcement to propose reactive strategies, said Tutun. "Terrorists are learning, but they don't know they are learning. If we can't monitor them through social media or other technologies, we need to understand the patterns. Our framework works to define which metrics are important," said Tutun. "Based on this feature, we propose a new similarity (interaction) function. Then we use the similarity (interaction) function to understand the difference (how they interact with each other) between two attacks. For example, what is the relationship between the Paris and the 9/11 attacks? When we look at that, if there's a relationship, we're making a network. Maybe one attack in the past and another attack have a big relationship, but nobody knows. We tried to extract this information." Previous studies have focused on understanding the behavior of individual terrorists (as people) rather than studying the different attacks by modeling their relationship with each other. And terrorist activity detection focuses on either individual incidents, which does not take into account the dynamic interactions among them; or network analysis, which gives a general idea about networks but sets aside functional roles of individuals and their interactions. "Predicting terrorist events is a dream, but protecting some area by using patterns is a reality. If you know the patterns, you can reduce the risks. It's not about predicting, it's about understanding," said Tutun. Tutun believes that policymakers can use these approaches for time-sensitive understanding and detection of terrorist activity, which can enable precautions to avoid against future attacks. "When you solve the problem in Baghdad, you solve the problem in Iraq. When you solve the problem in Iraq, you solve the problem in the Middle East. When you solve the problem in the Middle East, you solve the problem in the world," said Tutun. "Because when we look at Iraq, these patterns are happening in the USA, too." The paper, "New framework that uses patterns and relations to understand terrorist behaviors," was published in Expert Systems with Applications. More information: Salih Tutun et al, New framework that uses patterns and relations to understand terrorist behaviors, Expert Systems with Applications (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2017.02.029 By India Today Web Desk: She began drinking at the age of 16, but it's been 68 days since Pooja Bhatt touched a drop of alcohol. It was only recently that Pooja opened up about his alcohol addiction and how she overcame it. In an interview to Mid-Day, Bhatt girl revealed that she pulled the plug on alcohol last December and has been sober ever since. And for her it's a way of catharsis to talk about her alcohol problem in public. "I want to bust the stigma attached to alcoholism in our country. Women particularly are discouraged from seeking help because it's a matter of shame for the family. We don't share our pain or frailties, we cover our weaknesses and it becomes a cancer," she told the daily. advertisement Although, she is happy to be where she is now, it has not been an easy journey for Pooja. "Luckily, I pulled the plug before it became impossible for me to stop. I'm in the pink of health except for the weight I put on because I'm now a stressful producer. But being the daughter of an alcoholic makes you four times more susceptible to becoming one," she added. But daddy Bhatt quit drinking years ago. After being in love with her bottle for over decades, it was text message from her dad Mahesh Bhatt which made her rethink. During one the chats, Mahesh told Pooja that if she loves him, then she should love herself too as he lives in her. And this text struck a chord with Pooja and she decided to take the reigns in her hands. She also revealed that being brought up in an Anglo-Indian environment, it was normal for wine to be passed around the table and beer opened on Sunday. She added that even in the film industry there were people drinking copiously. "Alcohol is comforting, it colours your evening. It's a socially accepted narcotic even at business lunches and in the boardroom. Also, living in a fast-paced city, being in a high-stress profession, it becomes a reason to celebrate and cope with failure. Your film is a hit, you bathe in champagne, it flops, a single malt lessens the pain," she added. But she was no ready to go on like this forever and decided to put her foot down. "I was 45 and if I wanted to give myself 10 years of living, I had to quit now before I drank myself to the grave. I had to reclaim the sharper, brighter me which had got watered down," she added. ALSO READ: Insight into the Bhatt family; booze, divorce, father-daughter relation ALSO READ: I turned to the bottle and was on the verge of becoming an alcoholic, says Bobby Deol ALSO WATCH: In conversation with Pooja Bhatt, Alia Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt --- ENDS --- advertisement The fight between ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's former media aide, Reno Omokri and minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi got worse as Omokri took to Twitter to list fact about Jonathan's administration and Amaechi's antagonism during Jonathan's tenure. Following a claim by Rotimi Amaechi that Nigeria entered a recession because about $49 billion went missing from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under Jonathan, Reno Omokri attacked him with facts about Jonathan's administration. Reno Omokri attacks Amaechi again, calls him President Buhari's driver Omokri said Chibuike Amaechi falsely accused Goodluck Jonathan of pilfering $49.8 billion and he has proofs to discredit Amaechi's allegations. READ ALSO: Jonathan denies Amaechi's claim on missing $49b from NNPC Omokri also accused Amaechi of forcing Goodluck Jonathan to share funds in the Excess Crude Account, which Jonathan was forced to do after Amaechi convinced the Nigerian Governor Forum to sue the then federal government to court. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App Omokri also alleged that Amaechi was not useful for President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaign and thus, Amaechi became a designated driver for both President Buhari and Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Omokri said: "Amaechi had no money to finish mono rail, but had $500k to spend on a one day dinner for Prof Wole Soyinka. He became governor of Rivers state in 2007, the state treasury was fat and his belly was lean. "When left in 2015, the treasury was lean & his belly fat. Amaechi's belly swapped destiny with his state's treasury. "You can make Amaechi minister but cant force him to act ministerial. His true life calling is perhaps to be a driver. "Amaechi's masters saw how jobless he is which is why in 2015 he was reduced to a driver to President Buhari and Governor El-rufai. "Unfortunately, the size of Amaechi's stomach expands daily while the size of his brain shrinks daily." Meanwhile, Amaechi's media aide, David Iyofor, in a lengthy article titled: A letter to Wendell Simlin aka Reno Omokri on your petty vituperations against Rotimi Amaechi, said the aide to former President Jonathan is not only a liar, but has multiple identities and as a result, has no integrity. Source: Legit.ng - Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction has reportedly met with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register an alternative political party. - INEC is however, reportedly yet to approve the party and contact the initiators for registration fee. Following the ongoing battle for the leadership of PDP, Senator Ahmed Markafi has reportedly approached Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new alternative political party called Advanced Peoples Democratic Party (APDP). The Makarfi faction of PDP approached INEC with an application shortly after the judgment of the Port Harcourt High Court ruled in favour of Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff as the national party chairman. Makarfi approaches INEC to register new political party READ ALSO: Makarfi's aide attacks Okorocha for insulting PDP There are reports though that INEC is not keen on registering the party to avoid more political crisis in the already troubled PDP. Daily Trust reports that an unnamed source in PDP reportedly confided that INEC initially resisted the move to register the new party by arguing that it would be wrong for the commission to register a party with similar name with the PDP but the commission eventually relented and accepted the application for the new party last week to commence the process of registration. The source said: We are making alternative efforts to register a new political party ahead of the 2019 elections. Initially, INEC was trying to dismiss it on the ground that the new name had PDP in it but we pointed out to them that our party is different in that it has Advanced added to the PDP, which is not the same as PDP. We have started the process; at least the application is with them. That is the first phase, and they have not contacted us for the second phase, which is the payment of the requisite N1 million and fill their form. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App However, when contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of INEC, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said that he was not aware of the application to register the new party. Meanwhile, Senator Makarfi, on Friday, February 24 said the PDP would have won the 2015 presidential election if it had presented a northern candidate. Makarfi also said PDP lost because the party refused to listen to people's need, a situation he said the opposition capitalised on. Source: Legit.ng - EFCC approaches Lagos High Court to request that Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) access to his account in Guaranty Trust Bank which has a balance of N75m remains blocked - Ozekhome, who is Fayose's lawyer had told the court that the N75 million was a fee paid to him by Fayose, who happened to be his client. - EFCC however, insisted that Fayose paid his lawyer from the N2.2 billion Dasuki loot which was hidden in his account The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has approached a Lagos High Court to keep a Guarantee Trust Bank account of Mike Ozekhome (SAN) sealed up till further notice. The agency told the court that the account which reportedly has a balance of N75 million was given to the lawyer by Governor Fayose. EFCC said the money was transferred from an account of Fayose that had been previously locked up after being allegedly linked to N2.2 billion allegedly looted by former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.). EFCC accused Fayose of paying his lawyer from alleged Dasuki's loot READ ALSO: Magu reveals how EFCC recovered looted funds in foreign currency Punch reports that the EFCC claimed to have traced N1.22bn out of the N2.26bn Dasuki loot to Fayose. The agency reportedly claimed that Dasuki routed the money to Fayose through a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro. Recall that Ozekhome's account had since February 7, 2017, been frozen by the EFCC on the order of Justice Anka and he approached a court to unfreeze it. EFCC claimed that though it had earlier secured an order from Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos to freeze Fayoses account, the governor, through Ozekhome, went before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Ado Ekiti Division of the Federal High Court to obtain an order to unfreeze the account. The EFCC prosecutor, Idris Mohammed said despite the fact that Fayose was aware that it had immediately appealed Justice Taiwos ruling, the governor still went ahead to dole out part of the funds to pay Ozekhome who helped him to secure Justice Taiwos unfreezing order. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App The EFCC said "Ozekhome should have reasonably known that the N75m was transferred to him from Fayoses account, which the EFCC claimed was used to retain proceeds of crime and alleged bribe from some contractors in Ekiti State. Meanwhile, EFCC has concluded arrangements to prosecute Gogo Anderson Waribo, Deputy Director of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom and former Electoral Officer in Rivers. The agency said that Waribo would be arraigned for allegedly collecting N16 million from the N23 billion Diezani Allison Maduekes 2015 general elections bribery funds. Source: Legit.ng Ahead of his 80th birthday celebration, former president Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday, March 2, said he has no idea what his true age is, Premium Times reports According to him, his late mother merely told him that she gave birth to him on a market day. Obasanjo made this known while speaking at the 2017 International Youth Variety Day and Public Presentation of Olusegun Obasanjos Books for Children, as part of programmes for his 80th birthday. Obasanjo says he doesn't know his real age READ ALSO: Obasanjo is not an ordinary man - Ex-Governor reveals why The programme, organised by the Centre for Human Security, with the theme Presidential Libraries Will Reduce Leadership Deficit in Africa, was held at theatre hall of the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta. The ex-president said that while growing up, he had the challenge of knowing his real date of birth, because his parents were illiterates. Excerpt from his statement read: At early stage in my life, I had the challenge of knowing my date of birth, and my peers always asked, while in return I persisted in asking my mother, who was an illiterate and had no records. When I continued to put pressure on my mother, she told me that she was preparing to go to market on the said day, and went into labour, and before others could return from the market, she had given birth to me. Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet However, the former leader noted that he arrived at his current age when he considered the ages of some of his peers at the time. He said: Im not as lucky as some of my peers who know the dates of their birth. What matters to me is that I have chosen a date. If I dont even know the exact date of my birth, at least I know my age group. When we were growing up, if people doubt the source of your wealth, you will be ostracised. If your father goes out every night, the conclusion would be that your father is a thief, and if a family is seen and known to have engaged in crimes, the community will keep its distance from such family. All those values are gone, and how do we bring them back? But in a swift response, former special assistant to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan on new media Reno Omokri, criticized the ex-president over his statement. Omokri criticized Obasanjo for admitting he went to India for palm reading to know his real age. Source: Legit.ng News Windows 10 'Creators Update' Improves System Reboots The upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update will come with new user controls, as demonstrated by Microsoft this week. A Wednesday announcement by Michael Fortin, corporate vice president of the Windows and Devices Group Core Quality, and John Cable, director of program management for Windows Servicing and Delivery, mostly recapped a few features that are already known from Windows Insider Program test releases, namely the ability for end users to have better control over when system reboots occur and updated privacy settings options. Microsoft this week released Windows 10 build 15046 for so-called "fast-ring" Windows Insider testers. This early creators update build showcases a few new features, including a new Windows Defender notification item that shows protection status and the ability to block the installation of non-Windows Store apps. The creators update also will feature a new Security Center panel of controls. System Reboot Controls The feature that will add improved control over system reboots, coming with the Creators Update, was added in response to customer feedback, Microsoft officials explained. Currently, Windows 10 Home edition users can't defer system updates. Moreover, they also have limited control over when the associated system reboots that may be required to complete an update will occur. Windows 10 Home edition users getting the Creators Update this spring still won't have an easy way to avoid system updates, but they at least will see a warning before a system restart takes effect. A new popup message will give users the options to "Restart Now," "Pick a Time" or "Snooze" with regard to the system restart. The Pick a Time control has options to specify a day and time, per Microsoft's screenshot. [Click on image for larger view.] Windows 10 Creators Update screenshot showing reboot timing controls. (Source: Microsoft blog post.) Update 3/2: It's possible to pick a day within a 7-day window, a Microsoft spokesperson clarified today via e-mail: The "pick a day" button takes you to the Settings page. From there, customers will be able to schedule the update for any date in the future, however, the selection is within a 7 day range into the future at a time. The Snooze option can defer an update for a maximum of three days. Microsoft also will extend the "Active Hours" specification in the Creators Update, which lets end users indicate time periods for when they don't want the disturbance of an update to occur. The current Windows 10 "anniversary update" permits a 12-hour span of time, but it reportedly will get extended to 18 hours in the Creators Update. Likely, end users won't have unlimited delay options with this new approach, though. A Microsoft premier field engineer recently encapsulated the matter in a December video explanation of the Windows 10 branch release process. In the video aimed primarily at IT pros, Matt Camussi explained that "We're using the world as a guinea pig for your enterprises." In this scenario, Windows 10 Home users are the guinea pigs. By default, they get the "current branch" releases of the operating system. Microsoft has previously described its current branch releases as something that organizations should primarily use just for testing purposes. However, Camussi said it is possible for end users to change that default using the Advanced Options of Windows Update, where there's a "Defer Feature Update" checkbox available. It wasn't specified in his talk, but possibly that option only applies with the Pro or Enterprise editions of Windows 10. Update 3/2: The Microsoft spokesperson clarified that the Defer Feature Update is part of Advanced Options for the upper-end Windows 10 editions, and not for the Windows 10 Home edition, in the creators update: The "Advanced Options" box is the UX manifestation of policy control for enterprise users, and so it only applies to the Ent/Edu/Pro editions of Windows. The snooze/schedule experience, however, will be available on all Windows SKUs. Camussi explained that Microsoft uses the words, "feature update," in a technical sense, referring to its major build releases that happen maybe twice per year. There are also "quality updates," which contain feature changes but are better known as the monthly "patch Tuesday" releases. The Windows 10 Creators Update also will show a new icon under "Windows Update Settings" that will make it easier for end users to verify that their system is up to date. In addition, Microsoft is also promising "fewer reboots" because of an improved Windows 10 update process. Possibly, the Microsoft officials were referring to a new update process that's expected to reduce the size of major Windows 10 update by "approximately 35%." Microsoft's announcement also referred to new privacy options coming in the Windows 10 Creators Update. These changes were described earlier this year by Terry Myerson, executive vice president for the Windows and Devices Group at Microsoft. Back then, it was noted that Windows 10 users who have already selected privacy settings will get prompted to set them again with the Creators Update via a newly designed screen. Telemetry reporting options in the Windows 10 Creators Update will change from "Basic, Full or Enhanced" to just "Basic or Full," per this new approach. IT pros will be able to control the telemetry settings via Group Policy, registry settings or via mobile device management solution. A "Security" level telemetry setting is also available for managed systems, but just for the editions of Windows 10 above Pro. IT Pro Resources While Microsoft harvests telemetry from its Windows Insider Program enthusiast participants and Windows 10 Home edition "guinea pigs," it also is seeking early feedback from IT professionals. Last week, Microsoft instigated a Windows Insider Program for IT Professionals. It's apparently at the early sign-up stage right now, but Microsoft is promising IT pros that with this program "in the coming months, we'll be adding additional features to the existing Windows Insider Program to better support you in your job." Another resource recently rolled out by Microsoft for IT pros is a new "Windows IT Pro Insider" newsletter, as described in this blog post. IT pros can sign up to get a monthly list of "all the new resources available to help you plan for Windows 10, simplify deployment, and more easily secure and manage your Windows 10 environment," Microsoft promised. For IT pros concerned with patch management issues, Microsoft said back in January that it planned to replace its Security Bulletins portal with a new Security Updates Guide portal. The changeover to this new portal, previously at the preview stage, is apparently now in effect. It dispenses with Microsoft's long-established numbering scheme for vulnerabilities and Knowledge Base articles. Microsoft's February bulletins are expected to show up on March 14, the next patch Tuesday, following a rare patch delay. IT pros concerned with Windows 10 deployment can get recent information from Michael Niehaus, a senior product marketing manager at Microsoft and noted Windows deployment expert. His two recent Ignite Australia 2017 talks are currently available on demand at this page. There are also some Tech Summit videos available here on topics such as Windows 10 deployment and its service model. By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: In Rajasthan soon it won't be only your favourite brand of juice which will be available in packets. The state's excise department has decided to let even liquor be sold in such packets. Sometime back, the state's excise commissioner had directed the excise officials to pull up their socks and even withdrew official vehicles from those officials who were held responsible for less than expected liquor sales in the current financial year. Even though, on the face of it, the excise department claims the decision to sell liquor in packets has been taken to eradicate the menace of illicit liquor, it believes the move will help it to increase its revenue in the current financial year. advertisement "It's a new innovation for whose study the excise officer had sent three excise inspectors to Punjab, Haryana and me to Uttar Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh, it has been implemented since last year. This is applicable in cheaper brands. In its regard, we had given the suggestion during the meeting held at headquarter on 29-12- 2016. It's main reasons are that it will be eco-friendly, the other reason is will be less costly to produce, spurious stuff wont be possible," says Umesh Chand Gupta, Excise Inspector, Bharatpur. The excise department had sought suggestions from excise officials of all districts. During a meeting held last year, the proposal was put forth and accepted. Liquor will be sold in packets of 180 ml. As compared to the bottled liquor, the packets will contain 10 per cent less alcohol. OPPOSITION The Congress has hit out at the BJP Government for "promoting alcohol" in the state. "This is not right and in Gandhiji's country there should be prohibition on liquor. In its place, new ways are being used to sell liquor. This is not right", says Congress leader B D Kalla. For the time being, the decision has been taken to sell only English liquor in packets. An estimated 10464 bottles of beer and 16560 bottles of whiskey are sold everyday in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district alone. "Only issue is I have not seen it being packed in tetra paks, so I cannot comment. What are the pros and cons. So, if they thought about tetra paks, they must have thought about something. Is it the high end liquor or the low end liquor? I don't know about that." Gajendra Singh Khimsar, a minister in the Vasundhara Government, said. --- ENDS --- A screenshot taken from a video on MMA instructor Joshua Robinsons YouTube channel. An American MMA instructor was handed a four-year jail sentence on Thursday (2 March) for sexually assaulting two teenage girls. According to a Channel NewsAsia (CNA) report, 39-year-old Joshua Robinson also filmed the assaults on the two 15-year-olds, whom he met separately through various social networking sites. A raid on his apartment found 5,902 obscene films, including 321 films of child pornography. This is believed to be the largest collection of child pornography seized from an individual in Singapore, the CNA report said. Robinson pleaded guilty to three charges of sexually assaulting the two teenagers, five for possessing obscene films and one for showing an obscene film to a six-year-old girl. He was arrested in June 2015 after his second victim went to the police. Victims found online Robinson met his second victim on the MeetMe social networking site in early 2015 and the two exchanged phone numbers and nude photographs over time. Claiming he was 27, he also began to pressure the teenager to meet him in person and described the sexual acts he would perform on her if they met. The two eventually met on 23 June 2015 at Clarke Quay MRT station and he took her back to his home at Riverwalk Apartments. She was dressed in her school attire at the time as Robinson had told her that he had a fetish for girls in school uniforms. At the apartment, the girl became nervous and called a friend. While on the phone, Robinson then took her into his bedroom and sexually assaulted her, while filming the act on camera. Later that day the girl reported what had happened to her parents, who then brought her to the police. Robinsons apartment was raided two days later, during which the obscene films were found. Police also found a folder labelled Fifteen in which Robinson had saved a dozen films of himself having sex with his first victim, also a 15-year-old girl, whom he met on the OkCupid dating site in 2013. He had sexually assaulted her multiple times since September 2013. Story continues Offended while out on bail In July 2015, while out on bail, Robinson was at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Singapores gym at Peace Centre when he showed a six-year-old girl a video of his girlfriend performing a sexual act on him. The girls father had been training at the gym at the time when Robinson approached her. He also told her not to tell anyone, although the girl informed her mother about the incident later that day. Seeking a four- to five-year jail term, Deputy Public Prosecutor Nicholas Lai called Robinson a sexual predator who groomed and morally corrupted his young victims. Lai added that Robinson had sexually assaulted both victims on their first meetings and said that he should have known better than to initiate an illicit sexual affair with not one, but two 15-year-old girls. 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. An alarming UN report said the past eight years are on track to be the eight warmest on record, with an acceleration in sea level rise, glacier melt, heatwaves and other climate indicators. "As COP27 gets underway, our planet is sending a distress signal," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement, calling the report a "chronicle of climate chaos". Just in the past few months, floods devastated Pakistan and Nigeria, droughts worsened in Africa and the United States, cyclones whipped the Caribbean, and unprecedented heatwaves seared three continents. The conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh also comes against the backdrop of Russia's war on Ukraine, an energy crunch, soaring inflation and the lingering effects from the Covid-19 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, noting that only 29 of 194 nations have presented improved plans as called for at COP26 in Glasgow last year. Current trends would see carbon pollution increase 10 percent by the end of the decade and the 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. Britain's Alok Sharma, who handed the COP presidency to Egypt, said that while world leaders have faced "competing priorities" this year, "inaction is myopic and can only defer climate catastrophe." "How many more wake-up calls does the world -- and world leaders -- actually need?" he said. - '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. After two days of intense pre-summit negotiations, delegates agreed on Sunday to put the "loss and damage" issue on the COP27 agenda, a first step towards what are sure to be difficult discussions. Stiell said inclusion of loss and damage on the agenda after three decades of debate on the issue showed progress. "The fact that it is there as a substantive agenda item I believe bodes well," he told reporters. COP27 president Sameh Shoukry of Egypt said it would be unproductive to speculate on what outcome the negotiations will lead to, "but certainly everybody is hopeful." "Anything that we do effectively has to be on the basis of our common efforts and that we leave no one behind," he said. 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 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. - US-China tensions - After the first day of talks, some 110 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/mh/lg Ramush Haradinaj, a former Kosovo prime minister, appears in court in Colmar, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The appeals court said that it was postponing a decision on the possible extradition of Haradinaj. French authorities had detained Haradinaj since Jan. 4 following a request from Serbia. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) PARIS (AP) A French court on Thursday delayed its decision on whether to extradite former Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj to Serbia, where he's wanted on war crimes charges. The appeals court in the northeastern town of Colmar said it agreed with the prosecutor's request for more information. The case will be examined again on April 6. Under a previous decision, Haradinaj must stay in France under judicial supervision while his case is being studied. Serbia's government requested his extradition after French police arrested Haradinaj in January on a Serbian arrest warrant. The arrest angered Kosovo, where lawmakers called on the European Union to intervene to secure his release. Haradinaj, a guerrilla fighter in Kosovo's 1998-1999 war for independence from Serbia, was cleared of war crimes charges by a U.N. tribunal. "My legal situation has been set up by the international court for former Yugoslavia, my arrest here is illegal, accusations are political, so taking 30 more days for this decision is really political," Haradinaj said as he left the courtroom. The Kosovo government said such a delay was part of Serbia's "dirty games, for internal political profit." It called on the international community to press Serbia to "give an end, once and for all, to such intolerable acts." Haradinaj's political party, the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, has called for a protest on Saturday, the day when European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, the last stop in her Balkan tour. Haradinaj's arrest in early January was one of a series of incidents that raised tensions between Kosovo and Serbia in the past three months. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, which Belgrade has not recognized. ___ Llazar Semini in Tirana, Albania, contributed to this story. 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 By Tom Miles and John Irish GENEVA (Reuters) - The lead Syrian opposition negotiator at peace talks in Geneva said he hoped U.S. President Donald Trump would correct the "catastrophic" errors of his predecessor Barack Obama to become a reliable partner against "devilish" Iran. The U.N.-led negotiations edged forwards on Wednesday, for the first time in six days, as both sides saw hope of shaping the agenda to their liking, but with indirect talks wrapping up this weekend there is little prospect of any real breakthrough. "The people in Syria paid a high price because of the catastrophic mistakes made by the Obama administration," Nasr al-Hariri told reporters in a briefing after meeting U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura. "Obama lied and he didnt keep any of the promises he made for the Syrian people. He drew red lines that he erased himself, he kept silent on crimes committed by Bashar al-Assad." Obama long maintained that Assad, Syrian president for 17 years, must step down after presiding over a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. The United States has provided training, weapons and funding for rebel groups, but stopped short of attacking Assad's forces, which slowly turned the tide of the war with massive Russian and Iranian help. "We reiterated the devilish role that Iran is playing through hundreds of thousands of fighters on the Syrian soil," Hariri said in response to a question on what he had told Russian officials during their landmark meeting on Thursday. The opposition and the Russians had not previously met at the Geneva talks. Diplomats said the meeting may be uncomfortable for Assad, Moscow's ally, who regards his opponents as terrorists. Trump has said his priority is to fight Islamic State, which has left Russia in the diplomatic driving seat and put Russia, Turkey and Iran in charge of overseeing a shaky ceasefire. He has also made it clear he wants to rein in Tehran's regional ambitions. Trump's administration has so far done little to suggest it is willing to engage in finding a political solution for Syria. "Their policy is still unknown," said a Western diplomat at the talks. "They are almost not here." While Western envoys were coordinating with the Syrian opposition in Geneva, the U.S. envoy kept his head down and left after a few days to deal with other issues. "The U.S. is not a direct participant in the UN-led talks," a spokesperson for the U.S. Mission in Geneva said. "The U.S. remains committed to any process that can result in a political resolution to the Syrian crisis." When asked during a White House briefing this week about the talks, spokesman Sean Spicer gave no clear answer on how Washington saw the process or Assad's role. Hariri said the opposition had common ground with Trump because both wanted to fight terrorism and curtail Iranian influence. Washington, he said, should support the opposition. "We are really waiting for the United States to build their positions on true information to have an active role in the region and to correct the grave mistakes of the Obama administration," Hariri said. (Additional reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Alison Williams) In this photo taken Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, two South Sudanese refugee boys carrying their belongings arrive at a refugee collection center in Palorinya, Uganda. More than 100,000 people have fled a single county in South Sudan in just three months as civil war continues amid warnings of genocide, and the surge of more than half a million South Sudanese refugees into Uganda since July has created Africa's largest refugee crisis. (AP Photo/Justin Lynch) PALORINYA, Uganda (AP) -- In the bushland of northern Uganda, a recently arrived refugee from South Sudan describes how soldiers back home detained and tortured him for two months for reading an article online. Tall and thin as a reed, dirt coating his tattered T-shirt and jeans, the young man is one of more than 100,000 people who have fled a single South Sudan county in just three months as civil war continues amid warnings of genocide. The surge of more than half a million South Sudan refugees into Uganda since July is Africa's largest refugee crisis. Like others who huddle in rapidly growing refugee camps in Uganda, the man spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears of retaliation and the possibility that South Sudanese intelligence agents circulated among them. When they arrive after walking across the border, the refugees from Kajo-Keji county "report killings of civilians, sexual violence and fears of arrest and abduction as their main reasons for fleeing," United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters recently. Interviews with people from Kajo-Keji now living in the Palorinya refugee camp, and U.N. documents obtained by The Associated Press, describe multiple human rights violations committed by South Sudanese soldiers against civilians. The man in the tattered jeans told the AP that after telling a friend about an article online that described alleged power grabs by South Sudan President Salva Kiir's Dinka ethnic group, soldiers came searching for him. "Who told you these things?" the soldiers asked. They didn't believe he had read the article online because they hadn't heard of the internet, the refugee said. "They kept on forcing me to say who really told me this news. All they wanted to get from me was to get to some other person, to get more guys into jail," he said. He spent two months in jail, unfed except for the food his family brought, he said. After paying the equivalent of roughly $300 he was released and fled to the Palorinya camp. Story continues Before fighting broke out in Juba in July, Kajo-Keji had been a quiet county of about 200,000 people in Central Equatoria state. It was part of South Sudan's breadbasket, predominantly inhabited by the Kuku ethnic group. After July, the civil war that had been raging since December 2013 came to Kajo-Keji. A number of rebel groups emerged in the area affiliated with opposition leader Riek Machar, who is now in exile in South Africa. Civilians found themselves caught in the middle of fighting. Seven refugees in the Palorinya camp interviewed by AP said they knew someone who had been the victim of sexual violence. Many said South Sudanese soldiers targeted them because of suspicions that they supported the rebels. "Someone will be arrested and taken to the barracks," one woman said. "When someone is taken, there is no coming back. You don't know if that person is being killed." When a team of U.N. officials visited Kajo-Keji earlier this month, they found its main town almost entirely silent during weekdays, according to internal reports. Victims and witnesses told stories of rape, theft, abuse of power and the murder of friends and family members accused of supporting the rebel forces. A respected elder pleaded with U.N. peacekeepers, saying civilians were "captive on our own land." The elder told U.N. officials: "When are we going to receive the required help and be protected from being harmed by our national army? We need imminent protection before it's too late. If we get killed because we told you the truth today, so be it." More than 12,000 U.N. peacekeepers operate in South Sudan. But the peacekeeping mission "has been prevented from verifying allegations of, for example, government forces killing civilians, arbitrarily arresting those gathered in groups and restricting the movements of civilians in Kajo-Keji," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote recently to the U.N. Security Council in a confidential report obtained by AP. South Sudanese soldiers also blocked a U.N. patrol from going to Kajo-Keji to assess security, Guterres wrote. Most members of the army are from the Dinka tribe of the president, Kiir. The U.N. has warned that the ethnic divisions in South Sudan put the country at risk of genocide. Some refugees do blame rebels for attacks. One woman described how suspected rebels attacked her school in September and stole everything, "even pocket money." She eventually left for Uganda because she was scared of being raped. As the flow of refugees continues, with the U.N. saying more than 100,000 entered Uganda this year alone, resources are stretched. Palorinya camp is already over capacity, and more than 22,000 people have not received relief items. "These numbers are unsustainable. Everything is in short supply: food, core relief items, water and sanitation, staffing and transport," said Jesse Kamstra, Uganda country director for the Lutheran World Federation, which runs the camp. "The only thing which we have an abundance of is the generosity by the people of Uganda." ___ Online: http://data.unhcr.org/SouthSudan/country.php?id=229 The two St. Stephen's students - a boy and a girl - have alleged that they were beaten up outside the Ramjas College canteen by ABVP supporters, said a senior police officer. By Press Trust of India: Delhi Police's Crime Branch, which is probing the clashes at Ramjas College, has recorded the statements of two St. Stephen's College students who were allegedly beaten up by supporters of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The two St. Stephen's students - a boy and a girl - have alleged that they were beaten up outside the Ramjas College canteen by ABVP supporters, said a senior police officer. advertisement The girl has also alleged that she was hit with a stone by ABVP supporters, he said. The Crime Branch team has till now received 25 complaints from both sides and is contacting students to record their statements. CONTACTED STUDENTS TO JOIN PROBE: POLICE "We have contacted students to join the probe. All India Students Association (AISA) activists have said that they will come together to record their statement. We had also shared our email IDs with the students and in all, we have received 25 complaints," the police officer said. The complaints mainly pertain to being roughed up and of molestation. "There are some complaints in which people claimed that while they were being roughed up, policemen were standing there as mute spectators. But none of the complainants have alleged that they were beaten up by the policemen," he said. Meanwhile, senior Delhi Police officials also met Ramjas College authorities and requested them to ensure "peaceful coexistence of students of different ideologies". ENSURE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE OF STUDENTS: DELHI POLICE "Since Ramjas College witnessed large-scale violence last week, officers had a word with representatives from the college. We told them to engage with students, irrespective of the ideologies they believe in." "It was also discussed that a debate between different ideologies is essential for democracy, but it should not be allowed to become violent," an officer said. Cops are also in the process of meeting principals of other Delhi University colleges to ensure peace in the campus area. Ramjas College had recently witnessed large-scale violence between members of the AISA and the ABVP. 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. Also read | Ramjas College violence: NHRC issues notice to Delhi top cop over police excesses WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Franky Villani captured the New Balance Numeric teams recent trip to Brazil on his phone, with them hitting a wide array of ridiculously fun looking spots in the South American Sun. Franky, Tom Knox, Arto Saari and more make the most of the Brazilian skateable architecture to hand in a slice of lo-fi Cure scored travel inspiration from Frankys phone. Santa Cruz Right to Exist Sessions The Pond Behind the Scenes on Santa Cruz Skateboards 'Right to Exist' - The Pond Episode 1 of Santa Cruz Skateboards behind-the-scenes look at their recently released Right to Exist video. Part One sees Santa Cruzs young squad of Erick Winkowski, Mikey Curtis, Blake Johnson, Dylan Williams and Kevin Braun join forces with ultimate OG Eric Dressen to session a skateable pond on the grounds of an abandoned RV dealership. Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. We wanted to include a component of an active shooter coming here, causing chaos, and taking hostage an employeean animal keeperwith the intent to release animals into the public, says Alex Jadrich, manager of public safety, security, and emergency management for the Denver Zoo. From there we tied in the animal terrorist group, the Animal Liberation Front, active in the past, and we designed the drill around it wanting to free animals from containment. Then, using that scenario, the design team conducted a tabletop exercise with internal and external stakeholders to help inform and tailor the next stagea full-scale drill. Read the Article Related: Whos Liable for an Active Shooter Incident? Expectations Are Changing Recommended: Risk Assessment Approaches for the Reopening of Cultural and Heritage Venues Nimble, the CRM that says it builds itself, announced today that it has raised $9 million in Series A funding. The Nimble funding will be used to scale the companys growth, according to CEO Jon Ferrara. Nimble plans to add to its product engineering team and accelerate sales efforts. Nimble, headquartered in Santa Monica, has been developing its product since its founding in 2009 and the years of dedicated effort show. Nimble stands out in the CRM world because it aggregates data into a CRM database automatically. What that means is, Nimble pulls in information from outside sources and builds a CRM database for you. Ferrara pointed out that users today spend too much time adding and maintaining data in CRMs. That, he said, results in low adoption of CRM systems. However, with Nimble, a lot of the information is pulled together for you from public sources such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other websites. Then its synced with other data you already have, such as your email and calendar data. So that means you spend less time entering data manually into your CRM, or trying to figure out how to port data from one app to another. Nimble handles much of that automatically. The CRM that Displays Everywhere Another impressive feature that sets Nimble apart is the way it shows a pane of information about a contact no matter what screen you happen to be in. If youre using Microsoft Outlook email, for instance, you can see the Nimble information for that contact right alongside the email from that person. See the screenshot above the panel on the right side of the screen is the Nimble app appearing next to an Outlook email. The benefit, of course, is that you dont have to interrupt what youre doing and dig into your CRM system to look up a contact. Core information is displayed right there on whatever screen youre on. According to CEO Jon Ferrara, Nimble is a CRM designed to fit seamlessly into your existing daily workflow. It doesnt force you to change your work habits for your CRM. Nimble lives where users work: in email, the browser, and on their mobile devices. In an interview earlier this week Ferrara told us, At Nimble, we believe a business is built on the contacts you have. When you go to a contact record today in either Office 365 or G Suite, theres no cross referencing to social media or other interactions youve had with that contact. Nimble automatically synchronizes your contacts with such interactions. The ability to work natively together with Microsoft Office 365 is a key part of Nimbles recent development push. Nimble also earlier this year launched a mobile app for use with Outlook Mobile. Ferrara said making Nimble work with Office 365 is especially significant because he sees the Microsoft product coming on strong, especially among small businesses. Today about half of our new customers are using Office 365, compared with a year ago when most were using G Suite. Vision: Be the Relationship System of Record Ferrara told us that his vision is for Nimble to be the relationship system of record. Nimble is a unifying application because it unifies and syncs data from multiple sources, he said. (See graphic above.) Today, most people have contact records in Office 365 or G Suite. The problem is, thats not the only place where you have contact data and records. You have them in calendars, CRM, your accounting system, other types of business apps, as well as social media sites, he pointed out. Nimble is able to bidirectionally sync data from multiple sources and apps, Ferrara said. Nimble is designed so it can be used as a small businesss sole CRM because it has advanced CRM features such as follow-up reminders, lead capture, sales forecasting, automation and more. But due to its automatic data aggregation and display anywhere capabilities, Nimble is flexible enough to be used with existing CRM systems, too. A small business can use Nimble in conjunction with an existing CRM you already use, or as your sole CRM. We deliver value either way, Ferrara said. Nimbles Series A financing was led by Imagen Capital Partners. Other investors in the Nimble funding include Mark Cubans Radical Investments, Google Ventures, Indicator Ventures and a consortium of strategic angels including Jason Calacanis, Howard Lindzon and Don Dodge. See Also: Nimble CRM Says LinkedIn Lock Out is a Minor Stumbling Block Nimble previously raised $3.5 million in seed funding. CEO Jon Ferrara has a long history of accomplishment in the CRM industry, as an early player who co-founded one of the first CRM applications, called Goldmine. He sold it in 1999. Difficulty in hiring qualified labour has been a main complaint of businesses in Slovakia for some time. Font size: A - | A + More information about the Slovak labour market Please see our Career & Employment Guide. This years edition was published also thanks to support from the general partner of the guide, the executive search firm - Amrop. IT companies say they could immediately employ more than 10,000 qualified people and carmakers and their suppliers expect they will need 14,000 new workers over the next three years. Other sectors have also been grumbling about problems in finding young and qualified employees. Health care, for instance, is worrying about ageing doctors and the lack of nurses. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Companies are struggling to hire new workers, either to fill places vacated by those who have retired or for brand new positions as companies expand. At the same time, there are still more than 270,000 people in the labour market without jobs. The reason for this paradox is what has been called a skills gap resulting from a mismatch between what jobseekers can offer and the specific skills demanded by employers. To address this problem, companies in cooperation with schools have developed the dual education scheme. They are also calling on the government to make it easier to hire workers from countries that are not members of the EU. The government does not like this idea and instead is pinning its hopes on various requalification schemes, by luring Slovaks working abroad to return, as well as by tightening conditions for the jobless to receive benefits from Slovak social assistance programmes. In 2016 the labour market changed and this change was to the benefit of jobseekers, said Jaroslava Rezlerova, general director of Manpower Group for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The unemployment rate has fallen below 9 percent and the current demand for employees significantly exceeds the supply of qualified jobseekers. There is a critical lack of suitable workers in large towns and industrial areas when not only specialised technical professions are among those vacancies to be filled with the most difficulty, said Rezlerova, adding that it is also basic workers and store clerks that companies are unable to find. Martin Hostak of the National Union of Employers (RUZ) sees two reasons behind the lack of available labour. One of them is the revival of the economy that has kept growing at a rate above 3 percent; the other one is that the education system is graduating students in professions that employers are not much interested in. The education system does not fulfil the needs of employers and the gap between the demand and supply has been widening, stated Hostak, as cited by the TASR newswire. He also pointed out that qualified workers or even just recent school graduates who depart for jobs abroad are a problem as well. Because solving the problems of the current education system will need more time, employers are asking that it be made easier to hire workers from other countries. The Labour Ministry and HR experts also say the low motivation of the unemployed to accept a job is another difficulty. There are people who simply dont want to work, others who dont want to move and change their place of work and others who are below the performance level or qualification expected by the companies, for several reasons, said Sergio Duarte, general director of Adecco Slovakia. The government should respond with a more detailed analysis and build a national plan to change the status quo otherwise companies will not bring their investments here, risking failure on the delivery side, he added. Unemployment rate falls The so-called registered unemployment rate, the rate calculated based on jobseekers able to take a job immediately, was at 8.76 percent in December 2016. It had fallen from 10.39 percent in January 2016, based on data from the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (UPSVaR). The year 2016 was characterised by an increased demand by employers for labour, said Jan Richter, labour minister, adding that while labour offices offered an average of 38,200 vacancies every month in 2016, the average was only 23,700 a year earlier. (Source: TASR) The average registered unemployment rate for all of 2016 was 9.48 percent, down 2.02 percentage points from 2015. In December 2016, the number of jobseekers immediately able to start work was 237,977; this was a decrease of 48,848 year-on-year. The unemployment rate calculated (based on a different approach) from the total number of 276,131 jobseekers amounted to 10.16 percent in December 2016, down by 2.24 percentage points year-on-year. While the Bratislava Region continues to register the lowest jobless rate of 4.51 percent, the Presov and Banska Bystrica regions keep reporting the highest unemployment rates 13.91 percent and 12.8 percent in December 2016, respectively, based on UPSVaR data. Data from Slovakias Statistics Office also confirm the drop in the jobless rate, reporting 9.5 percent for the third quarter of 2016 compared to 11.5 percent for all of 2015. The Statistics Office also reported growing overall employment, with its growth accelerating by 0.3 percentage points year-on-year to 2.8 percent to a total of 2.503 million employed people for the third quarter of 2016. The number of the employed people in Slovakia increased during the first three quarters of 2016, reaching historical records. (Source: Statistics Office of the Slovak Republic) We are pleased that especially many people in the age up to 29 years old and the long-term unemployed, i.e. those disadvantaged in the labour market, found jobs, said Richter, particularly happy by the decrease in the number of long-term unemployed, decreasing from 72,683 to 61,881 in 2016. The Slovak labour market faces a paradoxical situation when there are still hundreds of thousands of unemployed while employers are struggling to fill vacancies. The reason is especially the disadvantageous structure of the unemployed, stated Lubos Sirota, general director at McROY Group, pointing out that of over 275,000 unemployed at the end of December 2016 almost 85,000 have only basic education, more than 137,000 have been jobless for more than one year and that it is not even possible to find out the previous profession of 160,000 of the unemployed. Anna Ricanyova, branch manager of Grafton Slovakia in Kosice, listed other repeated reasons why people fail to get a job, such as unrealistic wage expectations or the inability to speak any foreign language. She added that some of the unemployed are unwilling to move to get a job or to commute. Many people do not want to work at all, said Sirota. They like the situation when they are sitting at home receiving social benefits and the state pays social and health levies for them. They make some money on the side, either legally or illegally. The Labour Ministry is addressing this issue by tightening the rules for the unemployed to access the benefits of the social system. For example, the ministry has proposed limiting the possibility of those registered with job offices to work on temporary employment agreements (na dohodu) to 40 days per year. Also, a jobseeker who repeatedly leaves a new job within the first month could not enrol again with the job office, and a person will be excluded from the register if he or she unreasonably refuses to attend requalification programmes or engage in activation work. These proposals still must be passed by parliament but they are expected to become effective as of May 1, 2017. The ministry also wants to increase investments into requalification programmes for the unemployed. HR experts would also like to see requalification courses better paralleling the needs of the employers as well as better measures to support labour force mobility, for example through support for rental housing as well as through a reduction of the minimum wage and more development of dual education. (Source: Ministry of Education) Workers from abroad Importing labour, alongside requalification programmes, is suggested as another way for employers to find necessary skilled labour. For example, the automotive sector expects that it will need about 14,000 people to fill vacancies during the next three years and it wants to bring 4,000 to 5,000 of these workers from abroad. This is because the dual education scheme is just starting and it will take some time until it starts producing newly-qualified workers for the labour market. The import of employees is not a systemic way, but it is a way to help those [employers] suffering from the lack of workers so that they have some breathing room, said Jaroslav Holecek, vice-president of the Slovak Automotive Industry Association (ZAP). It is a temporary way; what we need to change is the education system. ZAP estimates that schools would produce about 4,000 new workers over the following three years. We cannot get more from the schools as they do not prepare their students for job occupancy but rather securing papers [i.e. degrees] for them, stated Holecek. The car producing sector hopes that it will secure the rest of its needed labour via targeted requalification programmes which could bring 5,000 to 6,000 workers. In the meantime, carmakers in Slovakia already employ hundreds of foreigners. For example, Bratislava-based Volkswagen Slovakia has borrowed 550 people from its sister company Audi from the Hungarian town of Gyor. They are expected to help manufacture cars in Bratislava until about 2018. The Trnava-based PSA Groupe Slovakia, which in January 2017 had about 3,800 employees, was seeking to hire new workers to launch weekend shifts and reported that it employed about 450 foreigners more than half are from Serbia, mostly with the status of a Slovak living abroad. So even though Serbia is not member of the EU, these individuals do not need any special permission to work in Slovakia. At the end of 2016, UPSVaR reported 35,100 foreigners working in Slovakia. Compared with the end of 2015, this is a significant increase of 9,600 people, a 27 percent jump. Of these foreigners, Romanians were the biggest share with 7,400, an increase by 1,100 from the previous year. Serbians were next with 4,900, an increase of 3,600 from a year earlier and Czechs followed with 4,100 employed in Slovakia, up by 939. In response to the call of employers to make Slovakia more open to foreign workers, Minister Richter agreed that bringing in foreign labour is a solution, but said that the government would not support a flat, blanket permission. Im saying it very clearly: if a labour office is not able to secure required professions we are ready to allow arrival of the labour force also from the so-called third countries, stated Richer in mid-January while admitting that the labour market is unable to fully satisfy the demand of employers for specific professions that are in short supply. But permission to bring in labour from abroad will be granted only under individual projects and the government does not plan in any way to ease conditions for foreigners outside the EU to come to work in Slovakia. We are not interested in the arrival of a cheap labour force that would break down the growth of wages, Richter said, pointing out the still high number of relatively well-educated people registered with labour offices. Prime Minister Robert Fico also spoke against more robust import of workers. If the phenomenon of the lack of labour led to an increase in wages, this would be a fact we would welcome, said Fico in late January. The Fico cabinet has also been pushing for increases in the minimum wage. It currently stands at 435 monthly, up 30 compared with 2016. Since 2012 the minimum wage has been increased by 107.80. The ambition of Ficos third cabinet is to hike the minimum wage to 500 by 2020 and Minister Richter can even imagine exceeding this level in 2019. Development so far has shown positive impacts on the growth of workers incomes, widening the gap between income from work and from social benefits and improving the consumption of households, Richter told The Slovak Spectator. (Source: Ministry of Education) Brain drain Along with the demographic crisis in Slovakia in which its population is expected to age more than all other EU countries, the country is facing a brain drain with a significant portion of its university-educated youth leaving abroad. The Institute for Financial Policy (IFP) think tank at the Finance Ministry estimates that about 300,000 people or almost 5 percent of the total Slovak population have left Slovakia over the past 15 years. Based on data for 2010 and 2015, more than half of those leaving were under 30 years old. Graduates of medical and technical universities make up the biggest proportion of those leaving. Slovaks emigrate abroad for better remuneration as well as better career prospects. Among the five faculties with the biggest percentage of students who leave to work abroad are the three medical faculties, states the analysis published in January 2017. Technical faculties engineers from aeronautics, metallurgical and mechanical engineering faculties in Kosice dominate the rest of the chart. Slovakia has already launched schemes to lure back educated and experienced people but so far the results are rather limited. In 2016 Slovakia managed to attract only eight experts back home while the plan was to draw back 27 under a state supported scheme. This scheme provides financial support of up to 50,000 for highly-educated experts who decide to return. Expectations for 2017 HR experts expect that the lack of qualified labour will continue to be a main factor influencing the labour market in 2017. The growth of employment and wages will continue; simultaneously the current lack of available labour would deepen, said Sirota, estimating that this would push up average wages by as much as almost 4 percent in 2017. Ricanyova of Grafton Slovakia expects a high demand for technical professions, reflecting the increasing automation of production, while candidates with non-technical education without knowledge of at least one world language will have problems finding an acceptable job. She added that the interest of employers in hiring people older than 50 years is increasing as these persons are able to work at the most demanding specialised positions. Production companies are opening new work positions where expertise and significant experience are needed, said Ricanyova. Specialists in this age group can get a job within a few days and usually there is no lack of offers for them. HR experts believe that attracting enough workers to the labour market as well as hopes that the education system will be able to generate the graduates in the needed professions will be crucial for Slovakias future development. The unavailability of a skilled labour force may be one of the biggest barriers to the future arrival of foreign investors in Slovakia, stated Ricanyova. Slovaks living and working abroad are a great asset for Slovakia: if they come back home, but also if they stay in their new countries. Font size: A - | A + More information about the Slovak labour market Please see our Career & Employment Guide. This years edition was published also thanks to support from the general partner of the guide, the executive search firm - Amrop. Dissimilarity on the labour market is a good thing, as immigrants who are different than the local population have the potential to enrich the skill set in society, says Martin Kahanec, founder of the nongovernmental Central European Labour Studies Institute and researcher at the University of Economics in Bratislava. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The Slovak Spectator (TSS): Slovakias employers have complained about the lack of a qualified labour force. How big is this problem from your perspective? Martin Kahanec (MK): This is a very significant problem, it signals a fundamental change in the labour market. For some time unemployment has been declining and the number of vacancies is increasing. The pool of potential employees is shrinking, and employers are not able to find people to fill their vacancies. This implies a loss of potential for the economy. What makes it an even bigger problem is that this trend is shared by neighbouring countries, like Hungary and Poland. This signals that the education system is becoming a bottleneck for the further economic progress of Slovakia and its neighbouring countries. TSS: So does the main problem and the main solution lie in the education system? MK: Yes. One very much needed reform is the reform of the education system. People who enter the labour market do not possess the right skills. Not just hard skills, which are also a problem, but also soft skills. This is reflected in PISA testing, where people are unable to comprehend written text. We are unable to train people in the skills that are needed on the labour market and required by employers. But this is not the only issue here. The education system is one, but another one is labour mobility, within the country and across borders. We need to enable our labour force to be more mobile and go to the places where jobs are. But we also need to be more flexible in employing foreign nationals. TSS: Why is mobility within the country a problem? Is it cultural? MK: Only partly. Particularly in eastern and central Slovakia, there is a big tradition of migration, even overseas. So culture is only a partial explanation, but a more imminent problem seems to be the housing market. We have a high home ownership rate, people own their houses, and the problem is that a house on the outskirts in Slovakia is only a fraction of the price of a house in the economic cores. And for these people, even if they can get a better job in Bratislava or Kosice, the increase in their salary does not compensate for the very significant increase in their housing costs. Also, these people are often not the youngest, so their horizon is not long enough for this kind of investment. Missing workers should come from abroad TSS: Is Slovakia interesting to foreign workers? Would a Ukrainian nurse rather not go to Germany? MK: I think it is definitely interesting. Slovakia is a good place for living. What makes it more attractive for, say, Ukrainian nurses, is the linguistic proximity. They can speak Slovak within a few months and we would probably not be able to recognise theyre not Slovak. We have a tradition of immigration from our eastern neighbours, but we also see some immigration from Vietnam, from China, and some Asian countries. The experience of the Czech Republic, Spain, or Ireland, tells us that these things may change very quickly. In the Czech Republic, about 7 percent of the population is foreign born. In Ireland or Spain, they used to have the share of foreigners in the population lower than 10 percent, and Spain even lower than 5 percent, in the early 2000s, and after about a decade it is 13 percent in Spain and more than 16 percent in Ireland. So the dynamics of the change is fast, and with the convergence in Slovakia, in terms of GDP per capita and the wages are almost at par with the Czech Republic, the country is as attractive as any other around. Its not a problem of attractiveness, it is more about when and how it will happen and how we will be able to manage this and integrate those people. TSS: So are we ready? With the laws, for instance. MK: I was involved in a discussion about a new immigration and residency law, and the starting point some three, four years ago, was very bad. We were very closed. Our research has shown that the easier the access, the higher the economic benefits of migration. If you make access easy then people go to the occupations and jobs to realise their highest potential. TSS: Are the other V4 countries more open to foreigners? MK: Not Hungary, under the current government. But Poland used to have and possibly still has a dedicated programme for foreigners from Belarus and Ukraine. And they were quite successful. People are afraid of immigration because they think that immigrants will take their jobs. But you will not find this in any data. You rather find that immigrants fill the gaps in the market where we are missing skills, thereby making the economy more dynamic, and this actually generates more jobs for the natives as well. Immigrants are especially flexible in terms of allocating to those industries and occupations where their skills are most needed, where the local labour force does not have the right abilities and skills. TSS: Stereotypically, Ukrainian and Romanian workers are the first who come to mind as potential immigrants to Slovakia. What other countries could supply a labour force? MK: The Balkans, the Eastern Partnership countries. But if you walk around Bratislava you see successful Asian communities, which may be a bit separated from the native population but economically they perform very well. From an economic perspective, the immigration of people who are very similar to Slovaks and bring a similar skillset is beneficial, but even more beneficial is the immigration of people who are different, with a different set of skills, that are more complementary to our skills. Slovakia needs to work with its diaspora TSS: You say Slovakia is a good place to live, but what about the disturbing brain drain statistics? Should we be focusing more on bringing them back home? MK: Definitely, Slovaks living and working abroad are a great asset for Slovakia: if they come back home, but also if they stay in their receiving countries. Data analysis has shown that immigrants coming back to their sending countries bring new skills and new ideas to the domestic labour market. Also business ties, trade ties. So it is very desirable to make their return easy. TSS: Is it not easy? MK: I myself returned and its a nightmare to reintegrate into the social security system. Our administration is not ready for this. And now with Brexit, there will probably be a significant number of Slovaks coming back and we need to get ready for it. Otherwise, they might not come back and that will be lost potential. Although, it is also a different type of asset if they stay in the receiving country, because they form a diaspora that can be used again to create economic and business ties between the two countries. The Irish are the masters of this globally. They have very actively worked with their diaspora in the US and other countries. For example, they figured out that Obamas ancestors were also Irish, so they invited him for St Patricks Day, to create ties. But when Obama flies to Ireland, he comes with businesspeople. We do have Slovaks in various positions abroad and we should actively work with this diaspora. TSS: Is it very likely that people living and working in the UK will come back after Brexit, or will they go further west or elsewhere in Europe? MK: I think they will explore both options. Many migrants will return. Slovakia should actively manage this and have a very clear policy. Because clarity, transparency, and predictability are absolutely important. This concerns the immigration of third-country nationals to Slovakia, but it also concerns the Slovak diaspora abroad. We should give them a clear signal: if you like, we are happy to welcome you back, this is the office where you should go, here is the website you should look at to get all the information you need. And there should be qualified people to advise you how to do this, how to register with social security, what are the specific things you need to take care of. We do not have this. And I can tell you it is a very difficult process. Not very pleasant. Under-educated are at risk TSS: What other big challenges do the countries of central Europe face nowadays regarding their labour markets, etc.? What do they have in common in this regard? MK: The one challenge is that employers are unable to find employees with the right skill set. But the other is that certain groups of the population are excluded from the labour market. This concerns the notorious case of socially excluded communities, most of them Roma. We already observe in Slovakia that the lesser educated have some of the highest risks of exclusion from the labour market in the European Union. So having a low level of education in Slovakia really is an enormous disadvantage, more so than in other countries in Europe. It seems that the education system is not able to provide for the mobility of people from underprivileged backgrounds to attain an educational level that will be required. The economy is prospering. Slovakia has about the same GDP per capita and the same wages as the Czech Republic, there is foreign investment, factories, many relatively high-tech, and this creates interesting jobs. But we also will see fewer opportunities for the less-educated. With the decreasing quality of the education system, there will be more and more such people. This will be a great disadvantage. TSS: So working with pupils from excluded communities and with people who are more likely to be less-educated by the end of their schooling should be at the core of the educational reform? MK: The social mobility of pupils and students is one of the important aspects, so that no child is left behind. On principle everyone should have equal opportunities, but we know that family background matters and rich families will send children to better schools, etc. But the state should take absolute care of those who are at a disadvantage and enable them to attain an education which will empower them on the labour market. But this is not the only thing, there is another very fundamental change required in educational reform, and that is the move from memorising to education which inspires students to solve problems, understand problems, ask the right questions, be able to apply the right approaches to problems, creativity, innovation. And this is where we are doing a very poor job. TSS: Some years ago, politicians were speaking a lot about building a knowledge-based economy. Now it seems as if they have succumbed to the pressure of employers who need more workers for their production factories. How do you perceive this shift? MK: I think that business has done a good job convincing the government that the education system has to better align with the needs of employers. But there are at least two negative aspects to this. First, the education system is pushed into certain technical disciplines at the expense of the humanities. Of course we do not need 2,000 political scientists a year, but we need to have a balanced education system with all key disciplines covered. Second, simply pushing students into vocational training to supply to some factories may help in some way, but the fundamental reform of the way we teach students is still missing. And this is very much entrenched in the educational culture in Slovakia where we think that we have to force pupils to memorise. We have to change the whole philosophy, because this is not preparing students for life and for the labour market. TSS: Do you think it is going to happen with the announced educational reform? MK: I very much hope so. But Im also involved in education here and I see that the thinking of people is very different in this regard. At the same time, I do see inspired teachers who are really doing a great job. What we need to do is to learn from their experiences and scale it up to the whole system and prepare students for life on the labour market. Sme daily created a fictitious profile of a 12-year-old girl on Slovak social media; in six days, it was contacted by 62 people, some offered sex. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled This has happened despite the fact that last year, Slovak police registered only five cases of online sexual harassment and managed to conclude just a single case. Slovak website, Pokec, with dozens of thousands of users on a daily basis, operates as a chat space and dating site in one. Profiles on Pokec are not verified, no ID card or photo is needed to register. Data can be fictitious. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Journalists from Sme created a profile of a girl aged 12 from Bratislava, with the user-name ariadna256. She also had a photo-album but it was locked and accessible only to selected users. Between February 10 and 15, a total of 62 people showed interest in her profile; of those, 57 were boys or men, 12 alleged to be over 20 with 21 choosing not to reveal their age. In total 46 people addressed Ariadna through private messages, six names were female. There were 16 claiming to be aged under 16 and three of them were girls. Ariadna did not actively write to anyone, nor did she address any person on the website. She received several outright obscene offers, which, however, stopped when she did not react. Any user can block unwanted and harassing contacts but this does not mean the harasser cannot contact others immediately after being turned down. Although there are specific sections created by Pokec for sexual discussions, many users do not respect this. When journalists tried to filter the contacts and offers by age of the user, the upper limit skipped automatically to 18 years, not allowing a younger age. State does not see online harassment of children The State seems to be helpless where harassment of children on the internet is concerned. While NGOs and experts consider this to be quite a widespread phenomenon, police last year completed the investigation of just one such crime out of the five that were reported. At the beginning of 2017, one case was concluded, too, police spokesperson Denisa Baloghova said for Sme. This is the so-called grooming, i.e. the effort to create a false trust in a person by the child, and to prepare them for a rendezvous, the goal of which is sexual abuse. The crime is punishable by three to five years in prison. Harassment is not defined in the law as separate crime, Baloghova explained the reasons why police are unable to describe other forms of internet child harassment. Children are ashamed, keep silent Another reason for the low prosecution statistics is also the childrens fear of reporting the harassment they face, says expert on criminalist informatics and forensic expert Eduard Jenco. Children feel guilty and are ashamed of this, he explains. It is a psychological problem as well. The free phone helpline pomoc.sk has reported 33 cases of cyber-bullying and 14 cases involving virtual sex. These involved fictitious offers among children, or sending immoral sites with sexual content, Miroslav Drobny, president of the eSlovensko association, told Sme. The office of Childrens Ombudswoman Viera Tomanova did not comment for the daily. Also various websites and internet organisations turn to the police with requests to investigate various online profiles. The Pokec service enables people to report profiles, photos, harassment in fast mail as well as public comments in group communication, product manager of Pokec Frantisek Novak said. In case a user feels harassed, he or she can block the harasser and report this profile to our client support. If administrators evaluate that some of the chat users violate the internal rules, they warn the user, block part of their service, or completely block access to the service, Novak added. The website also informs the police of suspicious behaviour. However, if investigators want specific data, they must have a warrant. Also, anyone can report to the police anonymously. Such reports are offered, for example, via stopline.sk, focusing on all X-rated content with children from child pornography, child prostitution, and child trafficking. Advice for children on how to behave on the internet or how to react to suspicious messages is offered free of charge on sites like pomoc.sk and prevenciasikanovania.sk. Police are handicapped by poor language skills Parents do not have many options when dealing with child harassment on the internet, Jenco opined, adding that even if they turn to the police, the result depends on how skilled the perpetrators are in IT. Those stupid enough to approach the websites from their home or work computer to procure children have bad luck: e.g. Pokec registers and logs everything, and police can then ask for all data gathered and reveal, thanks to them, from where the user logged on, etc. Another question is Facebok, Jenco adds, with its a foreign website. Although Facebook offers quick cooperation to state authorities, solving the request in a few days, Slovak police opt for another, more complicated procedure. As they are usually inept from a digital and language point of view, they send their request in Slovak to a prosecutor, who then sends it to the Prosecutor Generals Office, which then orders an official translation. Then, it sends the translation to the Justice Ministry which sends the request to the USA where the Prosecutor General is addressed again. Then he turns over the request to the US federal investigation bodies which address Facebook and ask for due data. When Facebook gives the data, the whole procedure is repeated, the opposite way. The average time of obtaining data is between three and six years, Jenco explained. On the other hand, some police, e.g. the Czechs trained in how to get data from Google or Facebook and with a knowledge of English turn directly to the website, fill in the request through a form, sign with an authorised electronic signature, and get the answer in digital form within three days. The situation gets more complex, however, when the harassers are IT experienced and use foreign Virtual Private Networks which create the problem of jurisdiction. If the VPN is in Guatemala, the police have no option to act because Guatemala does not cooperate with Slovakia, and even if it cooperated, most VPN providers do not keep logs. Child harassment is frequent in Slovakia, Jenco sums up, but rarely prosecuted. Most children do not admit it not even to parents or other adults. They usually feel guilty and ashamed, like raped women who are embarrassed to report the crime. The much disputed step, scrapping the so-called Meciars amnesties which stopped prosecution of a series of crimes in 1990s involving then political elite and also the Slovak Intelligence Service, would be welcomed by majority of Slovaks. Font size: A - | A + A poll conducted by the Focus agency between February 6 and 18 on 1,512 respondents aged over 18 found that 63 percent of citizens approve of scrapping the amnesties with a constitutional law, the SITA newswire wrote on March 1. The respondents were asked whether they are for or against the parliament adopting a constitutional law on removing Meciars amnesties and the crimes connected with the abduction of the son of then-president Michal Kovac still to be investigated. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: Meciar amnesties condemned, but still effective Read more In March 2017, the Slovak parliament is to discuss the abolishment, and the marred referendum from May 1997. Of those polled, 32 percent are definitely for abolishment, while 31 percent are leaning towards it. One fifth (20 percent) are of the opposite opinion, with 12 percent of respondents being slightly against it and 8 percent definitely against it. A total of 17 percent could not decide. Statistics in different categories As for age groups, about two thirds of all asked, aged 35 and above, support the adoption of the constitutional law on abolishing the so-called Meciar amnesties. In the category 25 34 years of age, 60 percent approve of it and in the youngest category, 18 24, about one half (53 percent) support the law being scrapped. However, almost one third (31 percent) of this group were not able to give an opinion on this issue. The support for scrapping the amnesties grows proportionally with the level of education: of respondents with primary education, the support is at 55 percent, while 26 percent had no opinion on this, the support was at three quarters i.e. 76 percent among college graduates. Read also: Read also: Remias murder resurfaces Read more As for party preferences among those currently in parliament, the abolishment has the greatest support among voters of the opposition parties SaS (77 percent) and OLaNO-Nova (75 percent). Also most voters of other parliamentary parties were also for abolishing the amnesties, with another opposition party, Sme rodina Boris Kollar giving 65 percent, followed by the coalition Most-Hid (63 percent), extreme right Kotleba LSNS (62 percent), coalition partner SNS (60 percent) and the ruling Smer (59 percent). Also voters of the extra-parliamentary movement KDH show great support for scrapping the amnesties with 73 percent. The percentage rate of opponents in favour exceeded 26 percent of those polled in none of the parties scrutinised, SITA summed up. The opposition plans to initiate a no-confidence vote against the labour minister. Font size: A - | A + The Labour Ministry has not scrapped the accreditation of the resocialisation centre, Cisty Den (Clean Day) in Galanta (Trnava Region), which faces accusations of abusing its clients. Labour Minister Jan Richter (Smer) told the press on March 1 that they had not revealed any deeds that would lead to the endangerment of the children. However, since the police and also the prosecutors office are continuing their investigations into some of the suspicions, the ministry is ready to respond to their findings and if necessary, scrap the accreditation. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement We came to this conclusion based on all previous inquiries, our own and also the ones carried out by the anti-criminal authorities, Richter said, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Regarding the suspicions of crimes being committed in Cisty Den, the ministry could use only the findings of the police and the prosecutors office that are currently investigating them, the minister added. The Labour Ministry is not able to verify the claims that crimes have been committed, Richter said, as quoted by SITA, adding that the police have not closed any of the four investigations yet but neither have they brought any charges. Though the ministry revealed some violations concerning the protection of children, they were only minor and did not pose a reason to scrap the accreditation. Although the accreditation commission recommended the ministry to withdraw it, Richter said that this was done when the scandal started and at the time they did not have enough information, as reported by SITA. The practices in the resocialisation centre have also been criticised by Ombudswoman Jana Dubovcova. Read also: Read also: Report: Children placed in care without expert opinions Read more The centres head Peter Tomanek meanwhile confirmed the decision of the ministry, saying that since they have not appealed the decision, it should be valid. He also claimed that the whole case concerning the alleged sexual abuse of a female minor, who was named as Natalia, was a prearranged political action, the TASR newswire wrote. He referred to the fact that the information about the case first came to public attention when Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) MP Natalia Blahova wrote about the abuse in her blog in September 2016. Opposition disagrees As a response to the decision to keep the accreditation of Cisty Den, the opposition parties SaS and Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO-NOVA) now want to initiate a no-confidence vote against Richter. Slovakia now has a facility where the state tolerates and conceals the abuse of children, their beating, bad treatment and sexual abuse, said SaS chair Richard Sulik. The Labour Ministry said that despite the huge failures in this facility it will be allowed to continue in its activities, Sulik said, as quoted by SITA. Blahova called the case a scandal of international proportions where the violation of human and childrens rights, the verifiable violation of laws and suspicions of crime are concealed by the government, as reported by SITA. Read also: Read also: MP Blahova turned to UN because of Cisty den Read more OLaNO-NOVA MP Erika Jurinova does not understand how the ministry could afford to ignore the recommendation of the accreditation commission, saying that it seems the ministry does not realise this is a violation of childrens rights. It seems that the minister is so egoistical that he prefers his political interest to the protection of children, Jurinova said, as quoted by SITA. Two former ministers, accused in one of the biggest scandals of the first Fico government, may become the first two ex-ministers to be sentenced. Font size: A - | A + The Specialised Criminal Court has accepted the charges in the so-called bulletin-board tender, and set the start of the main proceeding for March 22. It issued the decision despite the claims of the defence which pointed to several flaws on behalf of the criminal authorities and a request to stop the criminal prosecution or to return the changes to the prosecutor, the SITA newswire reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Currently, five people face charges, including two former construction ministers Marian Janusek and Igor Stefanov (both nominees of the Slovak National Party SNS). The case goes back to 2007 and is described as one of the biggest scandals of the first government of Robert Fico (2006-2010). It involved the announcement of a 120 million competition for supplying the then Construction Ministry with various legal and advertising services, co-financed by EU funds. The call for applicants was placed only on a bulletin board in a corridor at the ministry, then under the remit of SNS. The tender was won by the only bidder in the tender, a consortium of companies including Zamedia and Avocat, both businesses with links to the then-SNS party leader Jan Slota. The scandal led to sacking both Janusek and his successor, Stefanov. Read also: Read also: Charges made in bulletin-board tender Read more Ex-ministers were silent According to the defence lawyers, the investigation file contained mostly verified copies of documents, instead of originals, which raises some doubts. They also pointed to the insufficient expert opinions prepared during the preliminary proceeding. The court, however, has not noticed any procedural mistakes that could be evaluated as serious, said the president of the senate, as reported by SITA. Before the start of the proceeding, the two former ministers refused to answer any journalists questions. They were also very short in their answers before the court, the Sme daily wrote. They both refused the agreement on guilt and punishment. If they did, their punishment would be one-third lower than its lowest tariff. The prosecutor charged Marian J. with manipulating the public procurement and public auction as an accomplice, abusing the powers of a public official, and violating his duties when administering someone elses property. The remaining four people, identified as Igor S., Radoslav B., Tomas L. and Zdenka K., were accused of manipulating the public procurement and public auction as accomplices. If the court finds the two former ministers guilty, they will be the first sentenced ex-ministers in the modern history of Slovakia, Sme wrote. Slovak ministries coordinate their preparation for Brexit negotiations. Slovakia and remaining member states should coordinate their stance before the April summit. Font size: A - | A + We're creating an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism as of Wednesday that will feature representatives from all ministries and form a part of Slovakia's preparation for the Brexit negotiations, Foreign Ministry State Secretary Ivan Korcok said on March 1. The setting up of this framework is needed because of the complexity of negotiations that lies ahead of us. It should be noted that the UK at the time of its departure (from the EU) will have been a full-fledged member of the European Union for more than 45 years, and that will have really big consequences. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Since the departure of the UK from the EU will be a complicated process, the Foreign Ministry decided to convene an inter-ministerial coordination group session of state secretaries regarding Brexit. The meeting, taking place on March 1, has mainly been aimed at coordinating Slovakia's position in the Brexit negotiations. The state authorities do not underestimate the difficulties surrounding the negotiations: each ministry will take an overview of the valid legislation in its area, Korcok added, as cited by the TASR newswire, noting that such measures will prepare Slovakia for the Brexit negotiations to defend its interests as well the interests of the remaining 27 member states. Preparing a smooth divorce Korcok further stated that Wednesday's meeting shall determine what stage the Brexit process in the UK has reached at the moment, what it means now that the UK has opted for the so-called hard Brexit, and how to approach financial compensation between the UK and the EU. Before these negotiations, it must be clear who, and especially how they will pay the bill just like in a divroce, Korcok pointed out. First, both sides will have to agree how they pay the bills from common households, and part of this is also the rights of citizens or how we will visit one another in the future, he summed up. The first output of the newly created inter-ministerial coordination mechanism will be the drawing up of government material to be submitted for the cabinet session some time between late March and early April. The FAM state secretary also mentioned that following the official notification of the Brexit process by the UK, which is expected to take place in mid-March, an extraordinary EU summit concerning Brexit will be held, probably on April 6. The fundamental principles that the EU will seek in the Brexit negotiations will be adopted at the summit, he explained, stressing that neither Slovakia, nor the other EU-member states want to punish the UK for its departure from the Union. Two new cross-border links of electricity networks between Slovakia and Hungary will be introduced soon, with a total investment exceeding 80 million. Font size: A - | A + The agreement between the two countries' electricity transmission network operators has been inked in Bratislava on March 1. The overall investment for the Gabcikovo (Trnava Region)-Gonyu (Hungary)-Velky Dur (Nitra Region), and Rimavska Sobota (Banska Bystrica Region)-Sajoivanka (Hungary) links will exceed 80 million. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The agreement was signed by state-run Slovak Electricity Transmission Network (SEPS) general director Miroslav Obert and the head of the Hungarian company MAVIR Kamilla Csomai, with Slovak Economy Minister Peter Ziga, Finance Minister Peter Kazimir and Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto also present. The European Commission was notified in a joint letter. Read also: Read also: Hungary blocks Mochovce Read more The signing of this agreement and the subsequent building of two cross-border links will double the existing capacities between Slovakia and Hungary, said Ziga, as cited by the TASR newswire. Kazimir, for his part, described the agreement as one of the most significant investment operations by a Slovak state company in recent years. I wish both the Slovak and Hungarian state budgets high dividends, which will return partly due to these investments, he said. Szijjarto praised the move as a contribution towards boosting the two countries' competitiveness. By connecting the two countries at two points, we'll increase the security of energy supplies in both countries, the Hungarian minister noted, according to TASR. The integration of markets could also help us to reduce electricity prices. The Hungarian low-cost airline announced several new flights connecting the Slovak capital with more European cities. Font size: A - | A + Wizz Air the biggest low-cost airline in central and eastern Europe is adding new flights and lines not just at the beginning of the summer season but year-round, the Trend weekly wrote on its website on March 1. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Most recently, it has opened a new line between Bratislava and the Romanian city of Cluj, to fly two times a week from March 10. Wizz Air will operate flights from the Bosnian-Herzegovina city of Tuzla to the Slovak capital two times a week as well, and in mid-June a third flight will be added. In the last week of June, Wizz Air plans to open a line connecting Bratislava and Warsaw four times a week not to the low-cost airport Modlin but to the main Warsaw airport of Frederic Chopin. From July 16 on, the Hungarian airline operator decided to boost flights between Macedonian capital Skopje and Bratislava to four times a week, instead of two. It will add a fourth airplane to its Skopje base. Beginning at the end of August, flights to Kiev will also be boosted, from two to four times weekly. Apart from the Macedonian community in Vienna, the Skopje connection also opens up lesser known Macedonia to Slovak tourists, Tomas Kika of the Weber Shandwick agency representing Wizz Air in Slovakia told the Trend.sk website. At end of August, the Hungarian airline will fly 17 times a day to five foreign airports and as it plans to expand its fleet, it may add some more new flights later in the year. Wizz Air also flies from Kosice to three British airports, and from Poprad to London. Vladimir Fruni, who served a prison sentence as co-owner of the non-banking companies BMG Invest and Horizont Slovakia, died aged 64 in Great Britain. Font size: A - | A + Vladimir Fruni died in the UK early on February 28, Sme daily wrote, citing the Noviny.sk news website. The information was confirmed by a local coroner. Fruni allegedly went into hospital on the previous day to have stitches taken out following a gall bladder operation. He appeared to be well upon returning home later in the day, but suddenly began feeling ill that night and subsequently died. The ambulance arrived after 40 minutes, the SITA newswire wrote. Police seized his documents and his phone is not available. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: Fraudster Fruni released on parole Read more Fruni spent nine years and four months in prison after being sentenced for fraud against clients of the bankrupt non-banking companies, released in July 2011 on parole, Sme wrote. The Slovak Embassy to the UK did not confirm this information as of March 1, SITA wrote. Read also: After five months of bargaining, management and unionists achieved an agreement on salary hikes. Font size: A - | A + Employees of the Trnava plant of the carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen will get a wage hike in 2017. They will receive 6.3 percent more monthly on average, the Sme daily wrote on March 2. The average monthly salary in the car plant reached the amount of 1,395, including bonuses and additional allowances, in 2016, management not included, PSA Groupe Slovakia wrote in its statement. This is 64 more compared to 2015. The average monthly salary of a production operator amounted to 1,007, including bonuses and additional allowances. All salaries stated are gross amounts. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The management reached an agreement with unionists after five months of bargaining. Thus, the average salary in the Trnava company should reach 1,483 this year. The carmaker also agreed with unionists on increasing the monthly salary by a fixed sum, 53, for employees who have worked for the company for more than 10 years . Loyal employees may, taking into consideration new rules of flexibility, earn up to 94 more in a month. Currently, the Trnava carmaker is finishing filling a fourth, weekend shift. It will be composed of two or three work shifts. In the first case, the plant will operate also on Saturdays and Sundays, the in the second case, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Thus, Peugeot plans to create 800 new jobs. In this regime, workers appreciate more flexibility when organising their lives, the carmaker stated, as cited by Sme. OECD study shows only 12 percent of Slovaks believe they can trust other people, the lowest rate among member states. Font size: A - | A + Around every tenth Slovak believes they can trust others according to OECD statistics calculated with data from 2014 and published in the autumn of 2016, the Trend weekly informed. Respondents to the research answered the question: In general, would you say you can trust the majority of people or that you have to be very careful while getting on with others? The choice of answers were The majority of people are trustworthy and Its necessary to be careful. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The average for positive answers for OECD member countries is 36 percent. The research also involved six non-members countries of which only two have worse results than Slovakia Colombia with 4.13 percent and Brasil with 7.12 percent. People in India, Russia, Argentina, Mexico and Turkey are more likely to trust each other. Similar results occurred with people from 15 to 29 years of age within the OECD countries Slovakia holds the last position with 12.41 percent. In general, Brasil and Columbia have a worst score (10.6 percent and 3.6 percent respectively). The countries with the most trusting people are Denmark (75 percent), Norway (73 percent), the Netherlands (67 percent), Sweden (62 percent) and Finland (62 percent). Read also: Read also: Slovaks most generous on Mondays Read more In the same study, the OECD examined the trust given to people in government. Here Slovakia did not finish last with 29.5 percent, Slovakia surpassed seven countries (talking about the government in the years 2014/2015). The countries where trust is higher, are wealthier and healthier. Trust corresponds with salaries in 771 regions of the world, said French economist Pierre Cahuc and Yann Algan in their studies, as quoted by Trend. Leaked recovery plan for public health insurer prompts Fico to intervene. Font size: A - | A + Insured patients with tattoos would have to pay for hepatitis C treatment, and people with macular degeneration would only receive treatment if their eyesight were seriously reduced. These were among the possible outcomes of a recovery plan for the state-run health insurer Vseobecna Zdravotna Poistovna (VsZP) leaked in late February which brought criticism of Health Minister Tomas Drucker. In response, Prime Minister Robert Fico rapidly went on TV and radio to assure people that he would resolutely intervene against any such measures. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement No part of the recovery plan includes measures directed towards saving on patients, Minister Drucker said following a February 28 meeting with the prime minister, as quoted by the TASR newswire. The recovery plan is intended to redistribute resources wherever it makes sense, but there is no room for savings at the expense of patients, he stressed. The actual plan, released by the non-governmental think tank INEKO, suggests that VsZP wants to save on medicaments, medical devices and reimbursement of health care costs. The savings are supposed to amount to over 115 million. Read also: Read also: State health insurer reports huge losses Read more The recovery plan for the state-run health insurer is part of Druckers efforts to improve the situation in health care, which is recognised to be one of the most problematic areas of public spending due to a number of factors, among them hospital debts and the high rate of perceived corruption. The fact that VsZP finished last year with an estimated loss of 250 million has added to the sectors problems. Controversial saving plans leaked and then denied The ministry, VsZP and the Health Care Surveillance Authority (UDZS), which approved the recovery plan, had remained silent about the proposed measures. Partial information leaked in the media, provoking concerns among the opposition and the general public. One reported measure was that VsZP is planning to cut reimbursement of the cost of hepatitis C treatment for people with piercings or tattoos, as well as for alcoholics and drug users. Another related to treatment for people with age-related macular degeneration. Special anti-VGF injections that can prevent complete loss of eyesight can cost up to 770 each. The insurer, according to media reports, proposed to fund such treatment only for patients whose eyesight had already degenerated. At the end of February, the prime minister intervened, announcing that he would talk to the health minister. But by that time the minister himself was already making public assurances that there would be no cuts in treatments. On March 1, VsZP ruled out limits on treatment of macular degeneration and hepatitis C. Its head, Miroslav Kocan, told a press conference held on the same day that the measures were never part of the recovery plan. VsZP denies speculation about possible limits in access to health care that unfortunately emerged based on wrong interpretation of the proposals submitted to the Categorisation Commission, VsZP spokesperson Petra Balazova wrote in a statement. Fico undermines Drucker? When Drucker agreed to join the current government as a nominee of Ficos Smer party, he was presented as non-partisan and a crisis manager, The prime minister declared that Drucker would have a free hand to take measures in the department. After the elections, the post of health minister took the longest to fill, as health was perceived by observers as the most troubled sector, one in which unpopular measures might be needed and where improvement would not come fast. But in the wake of this latest crisis less than a year after the elections Fico now says he will resolutely intervene against any moves by VsZP to limit treatment. This means that the minister no longer has a free hand in his own department, and that VsZP is also operating under limits set by the prime minister, observers agree. He [Fico] tried to look like the person who saves the day, political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov told the Sme daily. Impact on medicaments and examinations The INEKO think tank meanwhile released a full copy of the original VsZP recovery plan. Despite claims about greater transparency and more effective public control, INEKO had not been able to find the recovery plan on the websites of VsZP or the UDZS, so it asked for it via the law on free access to information. The think tank received the plan from the latter, but VsZP refused to hand it over, INEKO analyst Dusan Zachar wrote in a blog post. The plan indicates that the insurer intends to save money on medicaments, medical devices and reimbursement of health-care costs. The austerity measures are slated to save at least 115 million, according to the VsZP calculations, with the highest sum being saved in the area of purchasing health care. Under the plan, VsZP plans to reduce spending on health care by 3 percent compared to the previous year. To achieve this, it proposes not to realise some agreements through which it also reimbursed so-called over-limit payments, TASR reported. Read also: Read also: State health insurer terminates contracts with specialists to cut costs Read more It also plans to extend the central purchase of medicaments and adopt measures concerning non-categorised medicaments, which should make it harder to access medicine not normally reimbursed from public health insurance, but for which there are exceptions. This would negatively impact mostly patients with rare diseases, Sme wrote. Other measures concern the prescription of medicaments and the introduction of e-prescriptions, as well as reducing the price of specialised medical materials and termination of agreements with about 100 outpatient departments whose doctors also work at hospitals. The insurer also plans to reduce reimbursement for CT and MR examinations and dialysis treatment, TASR reported. More money is to be saved on debt claims on unpaid insurance and reduction of operating costs. Plan not ambitious enough, says INEKO INEKOs Zachar considers the plan to be insufficiently ambitions, warning that it will be paid for from patients money. What surprised us the most is the fact that despite big financial problems, the current leadership of the insurer chose a not-very-quick tempo recovery process, which does not lead through a thorny path and even contains resting posts with pillows, where the state should provide financial infusions, Zachar added, suggesting that the financial help could be considered unauthorised doping. The analyst criticised the fact that the plans authors suggest the insurer will return to black numbers only in 2019. Moreover, they ask the state for additional money amounting to 150 million, claiming the sum is necessary to secure the insurers solvency. Zachar says it is possible to help the insurer without state money, citing as an example the situation from the Iveta Radicova government (2010-2012). Under the leadership of Marian Faktor, VsZP adopted austerity measures and returned to the black after only one year. Moreover, it is striking that the plan does not suggest increasing the insurers incomes. Currently, the collection rate of VsZP is the lowest among the three health insurers in Slovakia, at just over 96 percent. Even a relatively small increase in the collection rate may bring the insurer useful additional funds, Zachar wrote in his blog post. He also compared the current recovery plan with recommendations by analysts at the Institute of Financial Policy (IFP), which is part of the Finance Ministry, as part of the Value for Money initiative. The measures were prepared before the poor financial situation of the insurer was reported, but were much more ambitious than the current recovery plan, according to Zachar. Though the less ambitious goals should create an easier way for VsZP managers to fulfil the recovery plan and avoid compulsory administration, they increase the need for the insurer to receive aid from external sources. As a result, the insurer will be more likely to ask the state for help, the analyst claimed, warning that this would mean taxpayers would fund it. Until the austerity measures of VsZP achieve their maximal potential, no state aid to the insurer should be considered, Zachar wrote. Too quick and high state aid would send a negative signal for the future that bad management and no savings are allowed in state health care. "Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet", he said. By India Today Web Desk: Weighing in on the controversy following clashes in Ramjas College campus, President Pranab Mukherjee said that there was no room in India for the intolerant Indian. Mukherjee said that our premier institutions of higher education were the vehicles on which India had to propel itself into a knowledge society. "These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet." advertisement Mukherjee was delivering the 6th K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture on the topic 'India@70' today in Kochi. FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT MUKHERJEE'S SPEECH: 1. I am happy to be in Kerala to deliver the 6th Memorial Lecture in honour of eminent lawyer and former Member of the Kerala Public Men Inquiry Commission, Shri K.S. Rajamony. 2. I have visited Kerala many times in different capacities during my public life. It has been the gateway to India for traders and religious missionaries from different parts of the globe. The people of Kerala are known for their progressive thinking. The State's impressive achievements in the field of literacy, education, health, gender equality, tourism and culture have brought it global acclaim. 3. The Kerala High Court, its Judges as well as lawyers enjoy high reputation across the country. Luminaries like Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer made very valuable contributions in delivery of justice to the poor and the underprivileged. 4. The topic of today's lecture is India @ 70. This August 15, India will complete seventy years since we became independent. For 50 years before Independence, the economic growth rate of India was 0 per cent to 1 per cent. In the fifties, our growth rate rose to 1 - 2 per cent, the sixties 3 - 4 per cent and in the 90s, with economic reforms, to 6 to 7 per cent. In the last decade, our growth rate has averaged around 8 per cent, making us the fastest growing large economy of the world. 5. India's population in 1950 was 360 million. Today, we are a 1.3 billion strong nation. Our annual per capita income has gone up from Rs. 7,500 at the time of independence to over Rs. 77,000. GDP growth rate has risen from 2.3 percent to 7.9 percent in 2015-16. Poverty ratio has declined from over 60 percent to less than 25 percent. Average life expectancy has gone up from 31.4 to 68.4 years. Literacy rate has gone up from 18 to 74 percent. Foodgrains production has gone up from 45 million to an estimated 272 million tonnes in 2016-17. 6. India led a ship to mouth existence in the early days of independence. We had to survive on import of food grains from abroad. Today, we not only produce enough food grains to feed ourselves but are also exporting the same. advertisement 7. In 1947, we had no industry worth its name. In contrast, today we are the 10th largest industrialized nation in the world. Our technological base as well as network of research laboratories and higher education institutions are looked upon by the world with admiration. India's space, IT, bio-tech and pharma industries are of a global standard. Only two weeks back, ISRO set a world record launching 104 satellites into space at one go, a feat no other country has achieved. We not only reached the Mars in our very first attempt but also achieved it at a cost far lower than anyone else in the world. 8. In the last 70 years, tangible change can be seen in every aspect of our lives. India has transformed itself from a poor under-developed nation into the third largest economy in the world in PPP terms within a short span of seven decades. 9. Equally important is our success in consolidating the unity of our nation and our democracy in the midst of extraordinary challenges and tremendous diversity. We have firmly established within our country the rule of law, an independent judiciary and vibrant media as well as civil society. We have also created strong institutions like the Election Commission and the CAG who stand as pillars of our political system. Every known religion in the world, overhundred different languages used in everyday life, 1600 dialects and multiple cultures are united under one flag and one Constitution. Around 553 million people voted in the 2014 General Elections, an exercise matched in scale and scope by none else in the world. advertisement 10. Friends, ladies and gentlemen, the most important legacy bequeathed to us by our founding fathers is our Constitution. 11. A Constitution is a charter for the governance of a nation. The notion of what is good governance must be defined by the need of the times and enriched by the experience of the decades. Yet, the Constitution enshrines certain timeless values that should never be compromised. It is against the touchstone of these values that we must constantly measure our performance. 12. The Preamble records the resolve of the people of India to secure to all citizens justice - social, economic and political as well as liberty, equality and fraternity. It also establishes the principle of secularism. advertisement 13. Justice - social, economic and political - is in the life of any nation a journey more than a destination. To achieve social justice requires not mere governance but a recasting of mindsets and the transformation of social ethos. That is the job not just of the legislature, the executive or the courts, but of each one of us. 14. The ultimate goal of any democracy is the empowerment of the individual, irrespective of his economic, religious or social standing. This may appear to be a utopian dream for many, but the strength of a system lies in its capacity to ceaselessly work for its accomplishment. The goal of political justice requires the continuous empowerment of marginalised sections of our society. We owe ourselves to create a system in which access to politics is not limited to a privileged few but an average Indian also feels empowered enough to contribute. 15. Economic development is vital to good governance. We cannot distribute wealth which we do not possess. Therefore, production of wealth must necessarily be one of the predominant objectives of state policy. However, this must be imbued with the principle of equality on which there can be no compromise. 16. An egalitarian society can only be created when growth is inclusive. It is important to ensure that there is justice and equality of opportunity and the state does not create conditions in which the privileged few gain at the cost of the multitudes who suffer endemic poverty. A sustainable society can only be based on the principles of equity and justice. The Indian Constitution has been rightly described as a Magna Carta of socio economic transformation. 17. When India became independent, many in the world thought our democratic experiment would never succeed. They looked at our diversity, poverty as well as the lack of education of our people and predicted that India would lapse into authoritarian rule or military dictatorship. But, the people of India proved these prophets of doomsday wrong. 18. Yet, we must be conscious of the fact that our democracy requires constant nurturing. At no cost should we allow the exploitation of the fault lines. Those who spread violence must remember that Buddha, Ashoka and Akbar are remembered as heroes in history; not Hitler or Genghis Khan. 19. Ladies and Gentlemen, I do not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test. 20. Ladies and Gentlemen, there should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Our society has always been characterised by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent. 21. Friends, India was a world leader in the field of education when our universities like Nalanda and Takshshila were at the height of their glory. Nalanda and Takshshila are not mere geographical expressions but representations of the idea for free thought which flourished in these great universities of the past. Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet. 22. Ladies and gentlemen, our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru believed that democracy was something deeper than voting, elections or a political form of government. He said "In the ultimate analysis, it is a manner ofthinking, a manner of action, a manner of behaviour to your neighbour and to your adversary and opponent." 23. Our leaders and political activists must listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our law makers must never take the people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of law making and raising of issues of concern to the people as well as finding solutions to their problems. 24. Legislation is the first and foremost responsibility of a Parliamentarian. It is most unfortunate that time devoted towards legislation has been gradually declining in our Parliament. To illustrate, the first Lok Sabha from 1952-57 had 677 sittings in which 319 bills were passed. In comparison, the fourteenth Lok Sabha from 2004-2009 had 332 sittings and passed just 247 bills. The fifteenth Lok Sabha had 357 sittings and passed 181 bills while the sixteenth Lok Sabha has had 197 sittings and passed only 111 bills (upto the 10 th session). 25. Figures are available for the time lost due to interruptions/adjournments from the Tenth Lok Sabha (1991-96) onwards. 9.95 per cent of total time was lost due to interruptions in the Tenth Lok Sabha, 5.28 per cent in the Eleventh Lok Sabha, 11.93 per cent in the Twelfth Lok Sabha, 18.95 per cent in the Thirteenth Lok Sabha, 19.58 per cent in the Fourteenth Lok Sabha, a shocking 41.6 per cent in the Fifteenth Lok Sabha and about 16 per cent in the Sixteenth Lok Sabha (upto the 10th session) 26. Ladies and Gentlemen, no one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support. The trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed. 27. Our Legislatures and Parliament must not turn into arenas for combat. Floor tests are not meant to be muscle tests. The opportunity to represent the people is not a right or entitlement but a moral obligation and duty. Our elected representatives owe it to the people of our country to act as models of exemplary conduct. 28. Friends, the Parliament of India and our Legislative Assemblies are central pillars on which the edifice of our democracy rests. They are the supreme institutions comprising of members directly elected by our people. It is through them that governments are held accountable by the people. If they become dysfunctional, it results in not just paralysis of those institutions but creates an adverse impact across the system. The debate and discussions which ought to take place in the open in the House of Parliament and Assemblies cannot be replicated elsewhere. When they cease to function effectively, issues spill out onto the streets. The very basis of our democracy gets undermined. 29. Let me read certain extracts from the well known speech made to a Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949 by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He said and I quote: "??however good a Constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot. The working of a Constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the Constitution. The Constitution can provide only the organs of State such as the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depend are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics." "Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country? I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever. This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against." "?..If we wish to maintain democracy not merely in form, but also in fact, what must we do? The first thing in my judgement we must do is to hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives. It means we must abandon the bloody methods of revolution. ??But where constitutional methods are open, there can be no justification for these unconstitutional methods. These methods are nothing but the Grammar of Anarchy and the sooner they are abandoned, the better for us." (Unquote) 30. Ladies and Gentlemen, I recall a famous story of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Walking out after conclusion of deliberations of the Constitution Convention of 1787, a lady, Ms. Pomel of Philadelphia asked him "Doctor, what have we got, a Republic or Monarchy??? With no hesitation whatsoever, Benjamin Franklin responded A Republic, if you can keep it." 31. The time has come for collective efforts to re-discover the sense of national purpose and patriotism that alone can lift our nation on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. The nation and the people must always come first. Let us strive to arrest the moral decline in our society and ensure that our core civilisational values find firm root. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen India's pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred." 32. Let us strive for rapid progress but even as we do so, ensure that the benefits of economic progress percolate down to the poorest of the poor and those living in the furthest corners of our country. Let us make the poorest in our land part of the story of a rising India. Let us embrace education, skill development and innovation which will enable us catapult India into the future and build a knowledge economy, riding the technological wave of the 21st century. 33. I see a very bright future for India. Our Constitutional values, young population and entrepreneurial abilities as well as capacity for hard work provide us the fundamentals required for rapid progress as well as the building of a caring and compassionate society. India has changed dramatically in the last 70 years. I am confident that in the next ten years, we will see even greater progress as we steer our nation, focused on further strengthening our open, democratic and inclusive society. Thank you, Jai Hind! WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- STEM Inclusive Education Inspires Good Student Citizenship Research has shown that exposure to those with backgrounds different from our own makes us more creative and hard working, and it actually makes us smarter. Having an understanding that others will have opposing or varying points of view changes how we approach problems, voice concerns and propose suggestions. By instilling these values in our students and offering opportunities for them to work with others, educators can inspire them to be good global citizens and prepare them for success in their professional lives. The Unified Robotics teams connects every student to STEM. Inclusive education gives children of all backgrounds, races and genders the opportunity to learn and interact together. Using inclusive STEM education, educators can benefit all students, not just their learning- or behavior-challenged peers. STEM learning opportunities, especially hands-on programs like robotics, are especially valuable in the classroom. They enable students to problem solve, work with others and develop a slew of critical thinking skills. Across the country, there are students and educators making an impact in their communities, going above and beyond to provide meaningful, rewarding learning opportunities to students of all backgrounds and abilities: DECENT: When Karin Fisher, an autism educator, started a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team at her sons school for students on the autism spectrum, she was faced with the normal challenges of launching a team as well as the need to find meaningful and engaging ways to present complex robotics concepts to her team members. With help from local professional mentors and students from a nearby FIRST team, Karins team builds robots and participates in competitions, giving the students valuable exposure to social situations and requiring them to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. When Karin Fisher, an autism educator, started a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team at her sons school for students on the autism spectrum, she was faced with the normal challenges of launching a team as well as the need to find meaningful and engaging ways to present complex robotics concepts to her team members. With help from local professional mentors and students from a nearby FIRST team, Karins team builds robots and participates in competitions, giving the students valuable exposure to social situations and requiring them to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. CyberKnights/Unified Robotics : When Delaney Fosters learning-challenged sister expressed interest in robotics, Delaney created Unified Robotics, a program to bring STEM to more high school students, including those often excluded from extracurricular activities due to learning or behavior challenges. Small teams create their own Lego Mindstorms robots (including designing, building and programming), and compete in a tournament-style competition where they play a game that changes annually. Delaney is working with the Special Olympics to bring Unified Robotics to the national level and she is working to have it recognized as a sanctioned high school sport. : When Delaney Fosters learning-challenged sister expressed interest in robotics, Delaney created Unified Robotics, a program to bring STEM to more high school students, including those often excluded from extracurricular activities due to learning or behavior challenges. Small teams create their own Lego Mindstorms robots (including designing, building and programming), and compete in a tournament-style competition where they play a game that changes annually. Delaney is working with the Special Olympics to bring Unified Robotics to the national level and she is working to have it recognized as a sanctioned high school sport. NERA Deaf and Hard of Hearing Reverse Inclusion Teams: Using a STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant from FIRST, the Iowa School for the Deaf is launching a reverse inclusion program where teams will be started by deaf and hard-of-hearing students in mainstreamed settings and others will be invited to participate. By giving students the opportunity to work with others, experience their differences and put their education to work, educators are giving kids valuable life experience that will make them better global citizens. To learn more about how educators are giving underserved and underrepresented students valuable access to hands-on and collaborative learning opportunities, read more about the 2016 FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant winners, and apply for a 2017 grant here. FRANKFURT, March 2 (Reuters) - Summer bookings to Turkey by German holidaymakers are down by more than half after a spate of bombings, with tourists instead heading to Greece and Egypt, according to German market researcher GfK (Swiss: GFK.SW - news) . Tourism, which adds about $30 billion to Turkey's gross domestic product each year, has been hammered by attacks blamed on Islamic State and Kurdish militants that have scared away tourists over the past year. Summer bookings from Germany were down 58 percent at the end of January from a year ago. "Greece is clearly benefiting from that, and Egypt as well," Doerte Nordbeck, head of Travel & Logistics Germany at GfK, told journalists at a news conference ahead of the world's biggest travel fair in Berlin next week. Germans' summer bookings for Greece were 67 percent higher than a year ago by the end of January, and the country has now replaced Turkey as Germans' second-most popular holiday destination after the Balearic islands, she said, citing booking data from travel agencies and online portals. Tour operator TUI (LSE: 0NLA.L - news) had said in January that it had added around 40 percent more capacity on the Greek islands of Crete, Rhodes and Kos to meet demand. GfK said bookings for Egypt were up 91 percent from last year, but were still down 23 percent from before the 2011 uprising. Norbert Fiebig, president of German travel association DRV said hotels in Turkey were responding by slashing their prices, while chains in Spain and Greece were taking advantage of rising demand to increase rates. Booking portal Holidaycheck said this week that German bookings had shown hotel prices in Turkey were down 12 percent from a year ago and those in Egypt were still down by 8 percent. Prices in Greece were 5 percent higher than last year, it said. With Germans booking earlier this year, DRV expects Germans' spending on travel bookings to grow moderately, after increasing by 2 percent to 59.8 billion euros ($63 billion), excluding expenses made during their trips, in 2016. Germany is the world's third-largest spender on foreign travel behind China and the United States. ($1 = 0.9498 euros) (Reporting by Maria Sheahan; Editing by Alison Williams) A defendant covers his face at the beginning of his trial on gang-raping a German tourist in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Eight Iraqi nationals have been given jail sentences of between nine and 13 years. (AP Photo/Philipp Jenne) VIENNA (AP) An Austrian court found eight Iraqi nationals guilty on Thursday of gang-raping a German tourist on New Year's Eve more than a year ago and sentenced them to prison terms of between nine and 13 years. Charges against a ninth suspect were dismissed, said a court statement. The victim a 28-year-old woman was awarded 25,000 euros (over $26,000) in damages. Both sides were appealing the decision, the statement said. All nine Iraqi men, who ranged in age from 22 to 48, came to Austria as migrants between May and December 2015. Five subsequently were given refugee status. The prosecution argued that the eight men convicted exploited the fact that the victim had been drinking heavily on Dec. 31, 2015 and was unable to defend herself. Rape is punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term in Austria. Explaining the verdict and sentencing, Judge Petra Poschalko said that only two of the defendants had helped the court establish the facts and only one had confessed. The court heard testimony that four of the men took the woman to a Vienna apartment where they were joined by the others and that all took turns raping her. When the alcohol started wearing off, she found herself naked in a bed. Rape is punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term in Austria. Explaining the verdict and sentencing, Judge Petra Poschalko said that only two of the defendants had helped the court establish the facts and only one had confessed. Defense lawyer Andreas Reichenbach observed that the gang rape was committed at around the same time as the high-profile sexual assaults in Cologne by groups of migrants. Reichenbach suggested the sentences imposed Thursday served in part as an "additional message" for asylum-seekers. "As we all know, asylum-seekers don't have the best image here in Austria," he said. "I think that this surely played a certain role, to make it clear to these people that when they come to Austria that such behavior won't be tolerated," he said. Story continues All but one of the defendants denied raping the woman. Some acknowledged having sex with her, but argued it had been consensual. Prosecutor Karina Fehringer said that was impossible, describing the victim as being defenseless in an "unconscious, shock-rigid" state. Fehringer said the victim continues to suffer post-traumatic effects from the assault and requires psychiatric treatment. The defense argued that the victim might have sent "false signals" that could have encouraged the men. Noting that the woman was extremely intoxicated, Fehringer was quoted by the Austria Press Agency as asking: "Should we stick warnings on bottles: 'Excess consumption could be interpreted as agreement to have sex?'" Charges were dismissed against the 48-year-old defendant, who said he had been asleep during the assaults. Migrants and refugees from other countries expressed concern that the crime will make Austrians hostile toward all newcomers. "Eight people raping a woman that's honor-less! Such a thing doesn't exist in our religion," Burhan Akbas, a migrant from Turkey, said. "When such people come here and screw up like that, then everybody will think that Chechens, Afghans, all refugees from war areas are all the same," Mansur Salamou, an asylum-seeker from Chechnya, said. "But it's not like that. For example, the majority of us we also cause problems, commit crimes. But no rape! Only criminal assaults and robberies." Related Video: Hungary Begins Construction on Second Border Fence With Serbia (2015) For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. ___ Associated Press video journalist Philipp-Moritz Jenne contributed. James Harris, the widower of Salome Karwah, feeds his child outside his house in Monrovia, Liberia. Thursday March. 2, 2017. Salome Karwah survived Ebola after it killed both her parents and eight other relatives, then returned to her clinic to help countless others as she had become immune to the deadly virus. But in a heartbreaking reminder of just how strong fear remains, she died after childbirth complications as her husband says health workers in Liberia were too afraid to touch her. She was just 31. (AP Photo/Abbas Dulleh) MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) -- Salome Karwah survived Ebola after it killed both her parents and seven other relatives, then returned to her clinic to help countless others as she had become immune to the deadly virus. Her face graced the cover of Time magazine when it recognized the brave health care workers battling Ebola in 2014. But in a heartbreaking reminder of just how strong fear remains in Liberia, her husband says the nurses on duty were too afraid to touch Karwah when she experienced complications after childbirth last month. "I personally went into the emergency ward to bring a wheelchair to take my wife into the operation room," James Harris, a psychosocial counselor, told The Associated Press. Karwah died two weeks ago at age 31, several days after her fourth child a son named Solomon was delivered by cesarian section. It was a tragic end for a woman who had fought tirelessly against the stigma of Ebola. "Salome's own experience of Ebola gave her incredible empathy for the patients that she worked so hard to care for," said a statement from Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF. "Our many staff who remember working with her speak of her strength and compassion, but also of her smile. "She made a huge contribution to MSF's work at the height of the outbreak in Monrovia." The outbreak in West Africa was the deadliest ever of the virus, with about 11,300 people killed. Ebola is spread through bodily contact with the fluids of someone sick enough to show symptoms. While the World Health Organization declared an end to the outbreak in June 2016, some Liberians still wrongly fear that survivors can transmit the virus. Tolbert Nyenswah, the man who led Liberia's Ebola fight and now heads the country's newly established National Public Health Institute, said he could not confirm reports that health workers were frightened to treat Karwah because of her Ebola survivor status as she suffered seizures. He said the death was being fully investigated to know "what really went wrong." Story continues "Normally if a cesarian section is conducted, the person is supposed to stay in the hospital for seven days and monitored to see whether there are complications," Tolbert said. "But to my understanding, that protocol was breached; she spent less than that in the hospital and was discharged, and when she was facing complications her husband took her back to the hospital to seek further care." The hospital has not commented. Liberia's chief medical officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, told the AP he understood the husband's feelings. But he then echoed the mistaken belief that survivors can transmit the virus, saying that "the hospital knew she had Ebola and they operated on her, which put them at more risk." Her husband told the AP that it was the hospital that decided to discharge her prematurely even though "her blood pressure was high each time it was taken" after the C-section and he wanted her to stay a bit longer. James Harris said he blames the hospital for his wife's death "because they had her waiting in a vehicle for three hours" before she was attended to. He said what really hurt was "a nurse on duty, instead of attending to the emergency, was standing by the front counter busy on Facebook." Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Harris and his children, and already they've raised more than $3,000. Liberia already had one of the world's highest rates of maternal mortality before the Ebola outbreak. Before the epidemic began in 2014, a woman had a one-in-10 chance of dying in childbirth, compared to 1 in 8,000 on average in developed countries, according to government statistics. The situation has been so grim that one pilot program after the Ebola crisis trained midwives how to perform cesarians, according to the U.N. humanitarian agency. More than 4,800 people died of Ebola in Liberia during the epidemic, with more than 10,000 cases across the country. Among them, 184 health workers were killed. With no approved specific treatment for Ebola, it was through the supportive care of people like Karwah that many survived. "If a patient doesn't want to eat, I encourage them to eat. If they are weak and are unable to bathe on their own, I help to bathe them," she said in a 2014 interview, according to MSF. "I help them with all my might because I understand the experience I've been through the very same thing." ___ This version corrects to say she lost nine relatives to Ebola. ___ Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal. By Andrei Khalip and Jonathan Landay LISBON (Reuters) - A former CIA officer convicted of involvement in the 2003 kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric in Italy was released by authorities in Lisbon, Portugal on Wednesday after winning a last-minute reprieve from extradition. Sabrina de Sousa, a dual U.S.-Portuguese citizen, was waiting at Lisbon airport to be flown to Italy early on Wednesday when word came she was to be released, after Italy's president granted her a partial pardon [nL5N1GD812]. "I'm happy with how this worked out here after two years of having this troubling my mind," a smiling de Sousa told reporters as she left the Judiciary Police headquarters. "But this is not over yet, as I still have the process in Italy, and we have to see how it goes." In a later telephone interview with Reuters, de Sousa said her Italian lawyer had applied for her to perform three years of community service in Italy as an alternative to jail. De Sousa said the Trump administration did an excellent job of negotiating her partial pardon with Italy. But she noted that she still spent 10 days in a Portuguese prison, the only current or former CIA officer to be jailed in connection with the agencys now defunct rendition and interrogation program. She said she would remain dogged for life by her conviction of participating in an operation in which she insisted she played no role. Even a pardon means Im still guilty of something and I dont think many people realize unless you are in my shoes how difficult it is to live life when you have to check off the boxes (on employment applications) that ask if you are a convicted felon, she said. I need the rest to go away so I can proceed with my life. The partial pardon by Italian President Sergio Mattarella reduced her sentence to three years from four. That means she can apply for alternatives to a prison sentence. "We will now await the Italian court's decision on alternative sanctions to prison, which is likely to be community service," her lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, who accompanied de Sousa out of the police building, told Reuters. "The Milan prosecutor revoked the detention order. The Italian Interpol agents who are here to extradite her have been informed and the extradition is no longer happening," he had explained earlier. After the Italian prosecutor's decision, a court in Lisbon ordered that she be released. De Sousa is one of 26 people convicted in absentia over the abduction of Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street in 2003. He was taken to Egypt for questioning under the U.S. "extraordinary rendition" programme put in place by the administration of then-President George W. Bush. De Sousa has maintained her innocence, saying she was not in Milan on the day of the abduction. She had been optimistic that the extradition would be halted after she asked the new U.S. administration for help, her lawyer said. The lawyer said De Sousa was likely to be allowed to serve three years of community service which, under European Union rules, she can do in Portugal. He said earlier that de Sousa wanted to clear her name and would probably appeal at some point, but upon her release he said: "We will just wait for the community service authorisation to come through now, and then see." De Sousa, who left the CIA in 2009, was held in Portugal in October 2015 at the request of Italian prosecutors. Her passports were confiscated, but she was quickly released then. Several of her appeals against extradition failed last year. The CIA and the office of the Director of National Intelligence in the United States declined to comment. In the Reuters interview, De Sousa said she was grateful that she would be able to travel freely to visit family members around the world. But the partial pardon and the lifting of the extradition warrant came too late for her to pay a final visit to her aging mother, who lived in the Indian state of Goa, before she died on Dec. 4. Her case, she said, could hurt U.S. intelligence operations by discouraging young CIA officers from going under official U.S. cover because the Obama administration refused to assert on her behalf the protection of diplomatic immunity for which she qualified through her cover as a U.S. diplomat and fight the Italian charges. At the same time, the Obama administration protected the senior agency officers who approved and oversaw the ill-thought out Abu Omar operation, de Sousa said. Any government should fight tooth and nail on our behalf because once you start convicting diplomats, you will head down that road again, she said. The U.S. allowed this to go forward. (Editing by Larry King and Andrew Hay) The House of Lords may have backed an amendment to protect the rights of EU nationals after Brexit, but the level of fear among nationals of other EU countries about their future has hit new highs. On March 1, the Lords voted by 358 to 256 in favour of an amendment to the Brexit bill, although its likely this will get overturned by MPs in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, a briefing published by a well-known immigration law blogger, arguing that the Home Office had extended its powers to remove citizens for the European Economic Area (EEA) who were unlawfully living in the country, has increased uncertainty. The actual change in the law and guidance is minimal, and the Home Office insisted that it was wrong to imply it had new powers to deport people. But the impact of the guidance on some groups of non-UK EEA nationals is immense. Who needs health insurance? The key issue at stake is the requirement for comprehensive sickness insurance. Any EEA national from outside the UK wanting to reside lawfully in the UK for more than three months but who is not working or self-employed, has to show that they have health insurance. This means students and EU citizens who are not working need to prove that they are not solely relying on the NHS for their medical cover. Even if they have never used the NHS or used it without being asked to pay or prove they had insurance. This relates to a 2004 EU directive which was intended to ensure that those member states with a high influx of EEA nationals do not have their welfare and health care systems overburdened. The UKs implementation of this EU law is questionable but has so far been challenged in the UK courts without success. Although other countries in the EU have similar rules, no other country has a health system comparable to the NHS in which the majority of the population do not have private health insurance. The update on the rules and guidance seem to be aimed at allowing the Home Office to crack down on those EEA nationals living in the UK without any means to support themselves, such as rough sleepers. This is not a new development and started long before the referendum in June 2016. Story continues The new guidance change, in effect from February 1, enables the Home Office to ask EEA nationals to verify their right to reside by inviting them for an interview. If they fail this, an order of removal can be issued. Until now, the assumption has always been that all EEA nationals are residing in the UK lawfully, so the change could now see a rise in individuals being treated suspiciously. Those EEA nationals who have lived in the UK for more than five years and are seeking to apply for permanent residency via an 85-page form, have already had to grapple with the rules regarding health insurance. Students and spouses take note The updated Home Office guidance shows complete ignorance of the various backgrounds and situations that EEA nationals living in the UK may have. It will have a particular impact on students and spouses of British citizens who are not in full-time employment. A non-UK EEA national studying in the UK is required to hold comprehensive sickness insurance. Usually, through the European Health Insurance agreement, they would be able to rely on the health care insurer in their home country while they study in the UK, as long as it is clear that they have no intention to settle. However, each member state has a different insurance system and it is not always a simple process to be able to rely on the home insurance provider when accessing services in the UK. There are also usually no checks of the European Health Insurance Card when EU citizens access the NHS. The NHS operates a residency-based insurance system, so a UK address will suffice. The situation for EU citizens who are married to British citizens is less easily fixed and some could technically face being removed if they do not meet the criteria set out in the new guidance. Many EEA nationals come into the UK to be with their British spouses. A huge proportion of them are women, and become stay-at-home mums or part-time workers. But unlike immigrants to the UK from outside the EU, EEA nationals married to British citizens cannot claim any rights to reside because of their married status. For example, an American can be married to a British citizen and rely on that marriage when claiming a right to reside in the UK, but EEA nationals cant. They will always be treated in their own right, which means that if they do not work and are not holding comprehensive sickness insurance they fall in the Home Office target group for removal. No need to panic The briefing note that has caused the stir discusses two points that are worth making here. The first is that it is very unlikely that students and spouses will actually be targeted in practice. While this guidance suggests that the removal from the UK is possible, the target group is a different one rough sleepers. And the government has made clear it doesnt intend to remove people who dont have comprehensive sickness insurance. But its clear that the UK government is confident its approach does not break the law, including the European Convention on Human Rights. The second point is that the British government is of the view that those EEA nationals that are EU citizens do not have a right to reside in any member state because of that citizenship status even though this is contrary to the wording of the EU treaty. Article 21 of the treaty clearly states that every EU citizen is free to reside in any member state of the European Union. The government, however, only refers to the rights outlined by the 2004 EU directive. This view is yet to be challenged in the courts, though it could well be in the future. So while there is no need for EEA nationals to panic, all of this adds to uncertainty for those waiting to hear whether they will have the right to stay in Britain after Brexit. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The Conversation Anne Wesemann 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. "There should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest," Mukherjee said in Kochi. By Manjeet Negi: There is no room in this country for an intolerant Indian and students in India's universities must engage in "reasoned discussion and debate" rather than "propagate a culture of unrest", President Pranab Mukherjee said today. "There should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian," President Mukherjee said while delivering the 6th KS Rajamony Memorial Lecture on "India@70" today in Kerala's Kochi district. advertisement "Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet," he said. Although Mukherjee did not mention the Ramjas College row, his comments came amid the Left and right-wing groups engaged in a bitter, and even violent, debate over whether free speech is unpatriotic. FREEDOM OF SPEECH GUARANTEED TO EVERY INDIAN President Pranab Mukherjee asserted that freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed to every Indian by the Constitution. "There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent," he said. "India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Our society has always been characterized by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate or discussion. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution," he said. Also read | Azaadi debate: Why Venkaiah saying there are plans to change sedition law is alarming In an apparent reference to the hounding of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur for questioning the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Mukherjee said the acid test for any society is how it treats it women and children. "I do not consider a society or state to be civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children," he said. POLITICIANS MUST NOT TAKE PEOPLE FOR GRANTED Addressing India's politicians, Mukherjee said they should not take the people for granted. "The leaders or political activists must listen to people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our lawmakers must never take the people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of law making and raising of issues of concern to the people," he said. Mukherjee, however, did not dismiss the virtues of patriotism. "The time has come for collective efforts to re-discover the sense of national purpose and patriotism. Sense of national purpose and patriotism alone can lift our nation on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. The nation and the people must always come first," he said. advertisement Also read | Nationalism a bad word only in India, Opposition orchestrated Ramjas row: Arun Jaitley WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- On February 27, the Hungarian government said it had begun construction on a second fence along its southern border with Serbia. The government has faced criticism for its immigration policy since closing its border with Serbia in 2015. The second border fence, expected to cost approximately 120 million, is meant to reinforce one built in 2015, and should be completed by spring. Benjamin Ward, Human Rights Watch deputy director of Europe and Central Asia, has been widely critical of Hungarys border policies, and issued a press statement immediately following the fence announcement on February 27 in which he soundly criticized the border construction and a new draft law against asylum seekers. Ward said, The European Commission should not stand by while Hungary makes a mockery of the right to seek asylum. Using transit zones as detention centers and forcing asylum seekers who are already inside Hungary back to the Serbian side of the razor-wire fence is abusive, pointless, and cruel. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful By Marton Dunai GARA, Hungary (Reuters) - A daunting new barrier is beginning to loom over Hungary's southern border, capable of delivering electric shocks to unwanted migrants and armed with heat sensors, cameras, and loudspeakers that blare in several languages. The country was a main crossing point for hundreds of thousands of people trekking into Europe at the height of the migrant crisis in 2015. A hastily-erected first razorwire fence and tough new laws have cut arrivals to a trickle, but Budapest is not taking any chances. "Attention, attention. I'm warning you that you are at the Hungarian border," the loudspeakers say in English, Arabic and Farsi from the new barrier. "If you damage the fence, cross illegally, or attempt to cross, it's counted to be a crime in Hungary. I'm warning you to hold back from committing this crime. You can submit your asylum application at the transit zone." The "transit zones" are two border posts where a total of just 10 migrants per day are allowed in legally. Rights groups say they are wholly inadequate and, by creating such a tight bottleneck, may be illegal. The new floodlit fence of wire reinforced with steel will give anyone who touches it an electric shock that well-informed sources say is mild. A police roadway will run between it and the old barrier. "REASSURING" Only 10 km (six miles) of the new structure has been completed but officials say the remaining 140 km (85 miles) along the border with Serbia will be finished in just two months, built largely by 700 prison inmates. Hungary's populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called mass immigration from the Middle East and Africa an existential threat to the European way of life. "The first fence was a quick solution from the government, but not a perfect one as human traffickers come equipped with tools to cut it," said Laszlo Toroczkai, mayor of the border village of Asotthalom, who first called for borders to be sealed in 2014. He called the new barrier "far more serious" and "absolutely reassuring". Border patrols prevent hundreds of crossings every day and catch migrants who make it into Hungary within the first few miles of the border, according to authorities. The government has earmarked 38 billion forints (123 million euros) for the second fence. Orban's chief of staff Janos Lazar said on Thursday the total cost of the border effort, including patrols and transit zones, was nearing 1 billion euros. (Editing by Andrew Roche) By My Pham HANOI (Reuters) - Japan's Emperor Akihito met the Vietnamese families of Japanese World War Two soldiers on Thursday on his first visit to Vietnam, one of many trips he has used to try to soothe the wounds of war. Some 16 descendants of marriages between Vietnamese women and Japanese soldiers met Emperor Akihito, 83, and Empress Michiko, 82, including 94-year-old widow Nguyen Thi Xuan. Most of the family members were in their 60s. "We would like to share our understanding toward your difficult time in the past," the empress told Xuan. While most Japanese soldiers returned home from occupied Indochina after Japan's defeat in 1945, some 600 remained to join Vietnamese independence leader Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh in fighting French colonial forces. After that war ended, the former soldiers went back to Japan, but many were unable to take their families with them. "I'm so touched to meet the emperor and empress today. Though old now, they still fly all the way here to meet us," said Xuan, the only surviving widow attending the meeting. Although Emperor Akihito has no political power, his overseas trips often have diplomatic overtones and the visit to Vietnam comes at a time of strengthening relations between Japan and Vietnam because of shared concern about the rise of China. Japan has been Vietnam's biggest aid donor over four decades. For private investment, it ranks second to South Korea. "We thank you and hope the ties between our countries will be better and better," Xuan said as she gave the imperial couple a hug. (Reporting by My Pham; Editing by Robert Birsel) NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya said its forces had killed 57 Islamist al Shabaab militants in a battle in southern Somalia on Wednesday, but the group denied any of its fighters had died in the clash. Kenyan troops under the African Union command used artillery and helicopter gunships against the Islamists in Afmadow, a town about 100 km (60 miles) inland from the port of Kismayu, Kenyan military spokesman Col. Joseph Owuoth said in a statement. "In the onslaught, 57 al Shabaab militants were killed and unknown number injured," Owuoth said, adding that five gun-mounted pickup trucks known as "technicals" were destroyed. Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's spokesman for military operations, said the Islamists had ambushed Kenyan soldiers, prompting them to call in air support, and that al Shabaab lost no fighters. "The planes fired some bombs and KDF (Kenya Defence Forces) returned to their places. There is no casualty from our side and we do not have exact casualty numbers of KDF," he said. Somalia has been torn apart by civil war since 1991 and now a drought threatens to tip the Horn of Africa nation into famine. Last month parliamentarians elected a new president who vowed to stamp out al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab. The insurgency wants to topple the government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia. It ruled most of south-central Somalia until 2011, when it was driven out of Mogadishu by African Union troops. Despite the loss of territory, al Shabaab still carries out major gun and bomb attacks. In January, its fighters attacked a Kenyan military base in the southern Somali town of Kulbiyow, near the Kenyan border. Kenya said nine soldiers died, while al Shabaab said it killed at least 66. In January 2016, al Shabaab said it had killed more than 100 Kenyan soldiers in El Adde, a Somali camp near the border with Kenya. The military did not release casualty figures from that attack, but media reports supported al Shabaab's death toll. (Reporting by George Obulutsa; additional reporting by Feisal Omar in Mogadishu; editing by Andrew Roche) By Joe Brock OKAHANDJA, Namibia (Reuters) - Namibia's Herero people are heartened that Germany is keen to atone for the genocide of their ancestors, but they expect something Berlin says it is not in a position to give. "What we want is our land," said 74-year-old Alex Kaubtauuapela, whose parents survived the extermination of 80 percent of the community, a precursor to the Holocaust. She lives much as they did, in a community dependent on cattle herding. "The Herero are poor because of German people," she said, hunched over a walking stick as one of her grandchildren chased a stray dog around her crumbling house in the Herero ancestral homeland of Okahandja north of the capital, Windhoek. About half of the arable land in the country in south west Africa which Germany annexed in 1884 is owned by descendants of German and Dutch immigrants, who make up just six percent of the 2.3 million population. Land used by the Herero, also known as OvaHerero, and smaller Namaqua community for grazing was seized and thousands were executed after they rebelled in 1904. The rest were driven into the country's vast tracts of desert to starve. The call for land restitution by indigenous groups is mirrored in countries across Africa, and any reparation agreement for the Herero could set a precedent to other groups seeking redress from European colonial powers. Momentum for a settlement with Namibia increased last year after Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Germany hypocritical for recognising massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as genocide but not confronting its dark past in Namibia. A month later, in July, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said Germany would acknowledge the genocide of the OvaHerero and Namaqua peoples and offer a formal apology. Five rounds of negotiations have been held since, although German officials emphasise talks have been going on since 2012. One difficult issue is how to address demands for the return of skulls of victims that were taken to Germany to try to prove racial superiority: Berlin has given some back but says others are hard to locate. Another sensitive area is calls for monetary compensation. But front and centre, for the community, is land. "We are willing to go and take our land," said Herero Paramount Chief Ombara Otjitambi, a former attorney general who says his followers have been excluded from the talks with Germany. "We want to be directly in the room with government at negotiations. If the Germans sign on the dotted line without us we will consider it as an act of war," he told Reuters. "We won't wait another 100 years for justice." "CLEANSING" Another Herero group is being consulted in talks but Otjitambi says they are just "puppets" of the Namibian government, which has been dominated by the largest community, the Ovamba, since independence. This week, a United Nations expert Group on People of African Descent appeared to back him up. Noting Germany had apologised for the genocide and given aid, it said it regretted Berlin had "thus far not seriously consulted with the lawful representatives of the minority and indigenous victims of that genocide to discuss reparations". German Ambassador to Namibia, Christian Matthias Schlaga, acknowledged some Herero groups were not currently engaged in the talks but expressed confidence they could be reintegrated. "Both governments' clear intention is to reach a result that will be accepted by the communities in question," Schlaga told Reuters from his office in Windhoek. Eyeing a possible Namibia deal, Tanzanians have sought compensation from Germany for some 70,000 killed during the Maji-Maji rebellion during colonial rule of German East Africa in the early 20th century. But Schlaga said any agreement between Berlin and Windhoek would not lead to negotiations in other parts of Africa. "We think the situation in Namibia is very unique," he said. "This is why we negotiate in this country and nowhere else." The unique nature Schlaga refers to is the evidence of German forces' intent to exterminate along ethnic lines. That was spelled out by German General Lothar von Trotha, who was sent by the Kaiser to crush the uprising. "I believe that the (Herero) nation as such should be annihilated," he wrote. "Only following this cleansing can something new emerge." Those who were not shot or starved to death in the desert were captured and placed in concentration camps, where many more died of disease, mistreatment or torture. Up to 100,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama were killed, historians say. Herero and Nama women were systematically raped by German soldiers and their descendents still face discrimination from members of their tribe who consider themselves 'pure'. DRAWING A LINE The grave of Samuel Maharero, who led the Herero's fight against the German colonial army before escaping across the border, lies in an almost inaccessible field in Okahandja amid wandering goats and overgrown foliage. Just a few hundred metres down the road is an impeccably cared-for graveyard for German soldiers killed in the rebellion. There is no cemetery for the slaughtered Herero, whose bodies were left out in the open. "We've lost our land, our culture, our tradition," said Sarafina Nbaimbaind, a resident of the nearby township wearing the traditional horned headdress that symbolises the Herero's cattle herding heritage. "The Germans are getting richer and richer from our land." Schlaga said Berlin supported efforts by Namibia to redistribute land but it was the responsibility of the Namibian government to resolve disputes between its nationals. "Germany has always agreed and supported the Namibian governments decision ... to do a redistribution of land, but based on a principle of willing seller, willing buyer," he said, noting that land can change hands multiple times over 100 years. "It is very difficult, if not impossible, to draw a line from the events of 1905 and 1906, to 2017." Namibian government sources said one idea was for Germany to provide funds for Namibia to purchase land from any owners willing to sell, but that talks on the issue had stalled. The government's chief negotiator, Zed Ngavirue, said the 'willing seller, willing buyer' system had failed. The issue would be revisited at a conference this year, he said, but would not be part of the negotiations with Germany over the genocide. Robert Murtfeld, a U.S.-based academic and independent observer in the Namibian talks, said he did not think an agreement could be reached unless land was included, with implications for other former colonies in Africa. "Any settlement that would be reached between the German and Namibian governments has to address the issue of land and any decisions hereto could have a trickledown effect for others," he said. "I believe the chances for a deal being reached are very little." By Aidan Lewis and Ahmed Elumami TRIPOLI (Reuters) - In a cluster of luxury residences that survived Tripoli's battles almost unscathed, a self-declared defender of Libya's revolution has set up base as one of three claimants to the country's premiership. A handful of guards and two armoured white SUVs are stationed at Khalifa Ghwell's compound, and loyalists control surrounding roads with checkpoints and patrols. Few consider Ghwell a serious contender for power. But in recent weeks the ex-prime minister has bolstered his presence at his base four km from the heart of the capital, in an increasingly brazen challenge aimed at undermining a U.N.-backed government that was meant to shepherd Libya towards peace. Six years after the NATO-backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi's over 40-year rule, Ghwell's reappearance and his ability to mobilise powerful armed support have set the capital on edge, leading to some unusually violent fighting. They expose Libya's deep fractures and how little traction Western efforts have gained in stabilising the oil-producing desert state. Libya remains a byword for chaos. The North African country has more than doubled oil output to 700,000 barrels per day in recent months, though this is well below the more than 1.6 million bpd it pumped before Libya's 2011 uprising. That recovery and gains against Islamic State are fragile. The south and west are criss-crossed with smuggler routes, and armed brigades skirmish in turf wars on the streets of Tripoli. In the capital, Prime Minister Fayez Seraj's U.N.-endorsed Government of National Accord (GNA) has drifted half-formed, largely unable to provide services to despairing citizens or exert authority even on its doorstep, as Libya's neighbours and Western states scramble to salvage their plan. In the east of the country another premier also lays claim to power from the city of Bayda, backed by a parliament that sits in Tobruk, near the border with Egypt. It won international recognition but is now largely inactive. They are aligned to an anti-Islamist figurehead, Khalifa Haftar, who is based in the town of Marj and whose forces have long been fighting for control of the nearby city of Benghazi. Haftar has been nominating military governors and threatening to move on Tripoli, emboldened by support from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia. Haftar's forces control most of Libya's oil, and cooperate with the Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation despite earlier attempts by eastern factions to sell oil independently. FRACTURED LANDSCAPE Divisions that flared into conflict across Libya in 2014 have not healed. Ghwell himself was installed by an Islamist-leaning alliance of former rebels that won control of Tripoli that year from groups aligned with Haftar. Their alliance then fractured, complicating an already messy political landscape. Since the GNA stalled, Ghwell has been trying to rebuild his position with support from his home city of Misrata. "What has this government achieved during this year?" Ghwell asked during a rare interview with Reuters, speaking in a wood-panelled office in a complex built by Gaddafi for favoured functionaries. "Unfortunately the international community sees the results of their support. We thank them for their work but the result is very negative. If they persist with this, nothing will change." In an example of the bewildering nature of the country's post-revolt politics, he says he is now in contact with the eastern-based government aligned with Haftar, trying to strike a deal over the heads of the GNA that they both oppose. But he says if Haftar tried to seize power in the capital, he would be outgunned. "We are ready for this," Ghwell said. A year ago, Ghwell tried and failed to prevent the GNA leadership from even getting to Tripoli. He shut down the air space over Tripoli, but was outmanoeuvred when Seraj travelled from Tunisia by ship in late March, landing at a naval base that is still his headquarters. Ghwell accuses the GNA of trying to impose itself without popular backing, creating further layers of institutional confusion and overseeing a steady decline in living standards. His entourage moved into the residential complex, and a parliament building where a pro-GNA body had been sitting, in October. In January, he announced he had taken back a number of ministries. He says he now has authority over "about six", including defence, justice and "50 percent of the interior ministry" a claim the GNA dismisses. They say Ghwell makes fleeting appearances at unoccupied official buildings. LIMITS TO GOVERNMENT But the limits of GNA control are clear. Its nine leaders, or Presidential Council (PC), were meant to unite Libya's political currents and its regions, east, west and south, but have often amplified those splits. Two members with ties to Haftar and his allies have almost entirely boycotted the council, and others have frequently clashed, issuing contradictory statements and making apparently unilateral appointments, often announced late at night. Seraj's frequent absences at international meetings and summits have fuelled criticism that his government is dependent on foreign support and barely visible on the ground. Western powers eagerly promoted the GNA as a partner, and the PC gradually tried to put its ministers to work. But without the endorsement of the eastern parliament - a key step in the U.N.-backed political accord - they are left in limbo. Seraj has claimed credit for victory over Islamic State in its former stronghold of Sirte and for boosting oil production, but both were driven by forces largely outside his control. The international community has coaxed a reluctant central bank to release funding to the GNA, which has in turn struggled to operate. Few resources trickle down, even to ministers. Iman Ben Younis, a minister in charge of building and reforming state institutions, has just three employees, all of them volunteers at her office in the prime ministerial building. "LOSING FAITH" Otman Gajiji, who resigned as head of Libya's municipal elections committee because his staff had not been paid for two years, said mayors who backed the GNA were fed up. "They're losing faith, some of them have informed me that they will withdraw their support," he said. Ahmed Maiteeg, a deputy prime minister, says the PC has some spending power after the central bank recently releasing budget money. He said he was untroubled by Ghwell, whose instructions "don't go further than his secretary". Maiteeg said the GNA's role was to "maintain the peace" between Libyans, and brigades of former rebels that divide up the capital some with semi-official status will be given economic opportunities and return to civilian life. But engaging armed groups is not easy. Militiamen kidnap civilians for ransom, force banks to hand over cash, and steal electricity to save their neighbourhoods from power cuts. In recent battles armed groups have coalesced into pro- and anti-GNA factions, the latter spurred on in weekly addresses by Libya's grand mufti, an influential figure for some brigades. The anti-GNA side was recently reinforced by a convoy of military vehicles that arrived in the capital from Misrata, sparking fresh clashes. Last week they were blamed for firing on Seraj's motorcade as it passed close to Ghwell's compound. (Writing by Aidan Lewis,; editing by Patrick Markey and Peter Millership) MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines on Thursday dismissed as "thoughtless and irresponsible" a report by Human Rights Watch that President Rodrigo Duterte had turned a blind eye to murders by police in what the group called a "campaign of extrajudicial execution". Duterte's signature war on drugs was in the best interests of Filipinos and the New York-based group's allegations of systematic police abuse were "hearsay" and not supported by evidence, said presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella. "All these accusations of circumventing police procedures should be proven in a competent court and if found meritorious should result in appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators," Abella said in a statement. "Failing these, such claims are mere hearsay." The report, "License to Kill", documented 24 cases in which 32 people had been killed, where police accounts were starkly different from those of witnesses, who detailed "cold blooded murders" of unarmed drugs suspects. Official records said the killings were in self-defence. Reuters last year looked at the citing of self-defence as the reason behind numerous killings in police operations, with a 97 percent kill rate the strongest proof yet that police were summarily shooting drug suspects. Human Rights Watch found no distinction between killings in police operations and those the authorities attributed to unknown gunmen or vigilantes. In some of those cases, the victims had hours earlier been in police custody, it added. About 8,000 people have died since the crackdown was launched in June last year, 2,555 in police operations and the circumstances of many of the rest much in dispute. Abella's statement addressed only a few of the allegations, such as the planting of evidence and firearms, and did not respond to many of the report's findings. 'DO NOT GENERALISE' Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Dionardo Carlos told Human Rights Watch "do not generalise" and said the 24 cases it looked into were insufficient to conclude that widespread abuses took place. Carlos said the PNP's Internal Affairs Service had handled 2,000 complaints and found violations in only 28 cases. "If there is evidence that would point to the violations of these police officers, file cases against them," he told reporters. "We will not allow these officers to commit wrongdoings." Human Rights Watch also noted community "watch lists" to warn drug users or identify candidates for rehabilitation involved visits that turned out to be a "method of confirming the identity and whereabouts of a target". In one of a series of investigative reports last year Reuters found "watch lists" were effectively hit-lists, with many of the people named on them ending up dead. Human Rights Watch said though there was no evidence showing Duterte or top officials planned or ordered extrajudicial killings, they could be implicated through incitement to violence, to instigate murder, and crimes against humanity. The media, rights groups, the United Nations and foreign governments had informed Duterte what was happening, yet nothing had been done to stop the illegal killing, it added. "His public comments in response to those allegations are evidence he knows about them," it said. Duterte did not explicitly mention the report in a speech on Thursday, but he defended himself and his crackdown and said his actions were lawful. "My order to the police and the military was very clear go out, hunt for them, make them surrender so that you would know their connections, and we can gather more evidence," he said. "But if they present a violent resistance, thereby placing your life in danger, son of a bitch, kill them. There's nothing illegal there. Why would you put me in prison?" (Reporting by Martin Petty and Enrico Dela Cruz; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Nick Macfie) A federal judges decision to free the wife of a man who killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub has been condemned by survivors of the massacre. Noor Salman was married to gunman Omar Mateen. She faces trial accused of obstructing justice. On Wednesday a California court said she posed no public risk and set bail at half a million dollars. Prosecutors were given two days to appear, but Salmans lawyer Charles Swift welcomed the ruling. We believe its a just, equitable and appropriate decision that permits her to reunite with her children. The judge also noted the fact that she suffers from PTSD (port-traumatic stress disorder). A treatment condition would be appropriate. Unfortunately her release wont be automatic. The government has a statutory right to appeal, and theyre going to be appealing that in Florida. The mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last June was the worst in Modern US history. Salman denies charges that she helped Mateen carry out the massacre, but there has been an outcry in Florida over the Californian courts decision. In a statement Orlandos Police Chief John Mina said he was disappointed by the ruling to free Salman, while some survivors have also expressed shock over the move. By Press Trust of India: The prisoners crossed over to Pakistan through the land transit route on the basis of Emergency Travel Certificate issued by Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. A couple, seven children and 18 fishermen were among the 39 prisoners released today. Some of the Pakistan nationals had trespassed into Indian territory through Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat where they were arrested. advertisement Some fishermen claimed they were arrested by the Indian Coast Guard from the Arabian Sea after their boats crossed over to India due to immense water flow and wind direction. One of the prisoner, Tariq Ali said he was arrested about five years ago when he inadvertently crossed over to the Indian territory while working in an agriculture field which lied on the Indo-Pak border. 26-year-old Ramjan said he had come to India in 2011 on a valid passport and visa, but his luggage, with the passport and visa in it, was stolen during his stay at Ajmer in Rajasthan. He claimed that he was arrested when reported the matter to police and was sentenced six years of imprisonment by a court as he was found without legal travel document. The prisoners urged the governments of India and Pakistan to take necessary steps for the identification of Pakistani citizens languishing in different Indian jails. PTI COR VJ RSR ASV --- ENDS --- FILE PHOTO - A man is seen reflected next of the Taiwan's Central Bank logo in Taipei, Taiwan March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo By Faith Hung TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwans central bank, fearful of being labelled a currency manipulator by U.S. President Donald Trump, has pulled back on intervention to weaken the Taiwan dollar, making it Asia's second best-performing currency in 2017. The currency has risen 5 percent so far this year, giving the island's stock market a boost, but knocking its fourth-quarter balance of payments to a five-year low and hammering its insurers, which are heavily invested overseas. A central bank official told Reuters the currency movement was directly related to the bank not intervening so much in the foreign exchange markets. "The central bank wants to signal to the United States that it does not manipulate Taiwan's currency," the official said. The bank's governor, Perng Fai-nan, declined to comment when asked on Thursday if the currency's strength was linked to the bank's nervousness that Trump might label it a manipulator. Trump has criticised especially China, Japan and Europe for policies he claims artificially weaken their currencies and make their exports more competitive. His administration has said it will analyse the currency practices of major trading partners, and the U.S. Treasury is required to publish a report on these practices in mid-April. After any declaration that a country manipulates its currency, the Treasury will try to negotiate a resolution, but the process could result in punitive tariffs on that country's goods. Taiwan already meets two of the three U.S. criteria to be labelled a manipulator, including intervention to weaken the currency. An upcoming new iPhone model, for which Taiwan makes many of the components, is expected to boost its trade surplus with the United States to levels that could provoke a reaction. TOXIC "The effects of Trump's pronouncements that some central banks are manipulating their currencies have been quite toxic," said a vice-president at Mega Financial Holdings banking arm, which is Taiwan's biggest state-run bank operating in overseas markets. Story continues The effects have been particularly toxic for Taiwan's insurers, which have been hit with a T$14 billion ($455 million) loss on the foreign exchange risk reserves they hold to contain currency volatility. Their currency reserves declined by a third in January to their lowest in at least a year and are set to plunge further. "The insurers must manage their forex risk ... Were closely monitoring the impact, said Thomas Chang, deputy director general of the insurance regulator. For now, the insurers say they are hedging the risks and riding out the immediate storm. Insurance firms tend to invest in the long term, for 15-20 years. Short term volatility is unavoidable. Our team has adjusted accordingly, said Lin Chao-ting, an executive vice president of privately owned Cathay Life Insurance, which has more than US$161 billion in assets. Fubon Life Insurance was also sanguine, and expects the forex losses to wind down after March. A large percentage of life insurers overseas assets have been hedged. So industrywide, only 3-10 percent of asset positions will be impacted by volatility in the forex market, the company said. Cathay and Fubon are the insurance arms of Cathay Financial Holding and Fubon Financial Holding, respectively. UNPREDICTABLE Investors say the concerns in Taipei are in part because they are unable to read Trump, an unorthodox new president with no prior political experience. "Taiwans central bank is in a very difficult position, said a president of a foreign fund management house in Taipei. "People used to be able to predict what would happen if a country were named on the U.S. currency manipulation list. With Trump in office, it's a totally different story. You can't predict what the outcome could be," he said. "That's the scary part. The central bank in South Korea has also cut back on interventions that could weaken its currency. China on the other hand has spent a trillion dollars since mid-2014 to stop capital outflows that have been dragging the yuan lower, but Trump's campaign rhetoric focused on its previous interventions to weaken the currency. Meanwhile, the upward pressure on Taiwan's currency and the central bank's hands-off approach have attracted billions of dollars of foreign capital to the country's stocks. After a week of volatility following Trump's election on Nov. 8, the country's main index has risen more than 8 percent. And Julianne Chu, a fund manager for Uni-President Securities Investment Trust, thinks it will keep rising. "Foreign investors will continue to buy Taiwan stocks, which have been their favourite market in Asia since Trump took office, she said. The focus of their buying will be iPhone 8 component makers," she said. ($1 = 30.7810 Taiwan dollars) (Reporting by Faith Hung; Additional reporting by Loh Liang-sa; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Will Waterman) By Samia Nakhoul and Nick Tattersall ANKARA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Turkey is ruling out compromise with the United States over the involvement of Kurdish militia fighters in an assault in Syria, an obstacle for Washington's plan to deploy its strongest allies on the ground in a decisive showdown with Islamic State. Donald Trump has made defeating Islamic State one of the key goals of his presidency, and his new administration received a draft Pentagon plan on Monday to accelerate the campaign. Raqqa in Syria, one of Islamic State's two de facto capitals along with Mosul in Iraq, is expected to be the scene of the final battle to crush the jihadists' self-proclaimed Caliphate sometime this year, after a U.S.-backed Iraqi government assault on Mosul already under way since October. But putting together a united ground force to take Raqqa has so far proven a confounding task in Syria, where the United States, Turkey, Russia, Iran and Arab states have all backed local forces in a multi-sided civil war since 2011. All the foreign powers oppose Islamic State, but their Syrian proxies have mainly fought against one another. Turkey, with the second largest army in NATO, is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the Kurdish YPG militia to Syrian rebels Turkey has trained and led against Islamic State for the past year. For the U.S. administration, nervous about whether the Turkish-backed force is large enough and sufficiently trained, the decision sets Trump's wish for quick battlefield victories against the need to maintain its strategic alliance with Turkey. Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian extension of the Kurdish PKK militant group, which has fought an insurgency in Turkey's southeast since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by both the United States and European Union. "Our soldiers will not be fighting together with people who shot us and killed our soldiers and are trying to kill us," one senior Turkish security official, briefed on recent meetings between Turkish and U.S. strategists, told Reuters. "This message was delivered to the Americans." President Tayyip Erdogan reinforced the point on Tuesday, saying Turkey "cannot accept" any alliance with the YPG. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told the ruling AK Party that "working side by side with any terrorist group" was out of the question. Erdogan, who had an increasingly testy relationship with President Barack Obama, has welcomed Trump's election as a chance for a fresh start. But the two NATO allies appear to be on a collision course over strategy in Syria. U.S. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, who commands the U.S.-led coalition effort against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, told a Pentagon news briefing on Tuesday a role for the Kurds was still in Washington's plan. "There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure," he said. "The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating... I can't really say right now." He said he had seen no evidence linking Washington's Kurdish allies to attacks on Turkey. He did not specifically name the YPG, which fights as part of a U.S.-backed alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that also includes Arabs. Turkish officials say the links between the YPG and PKK are beyond dispute and that the group's advances will fuel anti-Kurdish sentiment in predominantly Arab parts of Syria such as Raqqa, and threaten Syria's territorial integrity. MANY ALTERNATIVES Turkey entered Syria last August in support of a 3,000-strong force of Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels, in an operation called Euphrates Shield. It took Jarablus on the Euphrates river, cleared Islamic State fighters from a roughly 100 km (60-mile) stretch of the border, then moved south to al-Bab, a strategic town now all but secured after three months of fighting against Islamic State. Turkey's aim was also to stop the YPG from crossing the Euphrates westwards and linking three mainly Kurdish cantons it holds in northern Syria, preventing it from carving out a self-governing territory analogous to Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. Turkey fears that would embolden its own large Kurdish minority to try to forge a similar territory inside Turkey. One plan Ankara has presented to Washington would have a Turkish-led FSA force of around 10,000 push south to Raqqa from the YPG-held border town of Tal Abyad. That would roll back YPG gains and separate two of the Kurdish-dominated cantons. Washington has so far been non-committal. "We told them there are many alternatives for Raqqa and they didn't disagree," said one Turkish official familiar with the talks. "They said 'we understand your sensitivities, we dont recognise their (YPG) territorial ambitions'." Turkey and its Syrian rebel force was "ready at any time to do Raqqa, after clearing al-Bab," the official said. A second senior Turkish official, exasperated at U.S. willingness to work with a NATO ally's enemy, said some in Washington argued they had already invested too much in the YPG to pull out. But he said military planning was still under way and U.S. generals had "taken all this (Turkish) feedback back to Washington." LOCAL CONTROL Turkey says it has another 7,000 trained Syrian rebels ready on top of the 3,000-strong force active in Euphrates Shield, to which Arab fighters from the U.S.-backed SDF would be welcome. "We told them we have enough forces, enough Free Syrian Army. Your generals can see them with their own eyes," the first Turkish official said of the discussions with U.S. counterparts. "Everything needed militarily was concretely explained. They were briefed on the numbers, the strategy and the map." One possible compromise solution may be that the force that assaults Raqqa, potentially including the YPG, quickly withdraws and turns the city over to local control, including the largely Arab forces backed by Turkey. "I'm not really sure it really matters what the composition is of the force that goes there to liberate it," said Townsend, the U.S. commander. "What matters really in my mind is the composition of the force that stays there and governs and secures Raqqa after it's liberated from ISIS." A similar agreement in Manbij, some 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Raqqa, quickly broke down. The YPG helped capture the city from Islamic State last year in a U.S.-backed campaign operating under the SDF umbrella, on the understanding with Turkey that it would then withdraw. Turkey says the YPG remains in the city, and the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels attacked nearby villages held by the Kurdish militia on Wednesday, a spokesman for the local authorities in the city said. Turkish officials fear their increasingly warm ties with Russia, one of the main sponsors of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, could also complicate their efforts to deepen battlefield alliances with the United States. The Euphrates Shield operation at one point had Russian air support in the fight for al-Bab. Turkey and Russia sponsored a fragile ceasefire and recent talks between the Syrian government and opposition in Kazakhstan -- from which the U.S. was excluded. But a senior Turkish official said cooperation with Russia was a reflection of the "realities on the ground" rather than a strategic choice, and partly a result of the lack of U.S. support for the Syrian opposition. "If Obama had not abandoned the Syrian opposition psychologically, politically and militarily, then maybe there would be no Russian military presence," the official said. (Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington; editing by Peter Graff) Major Live Poker Tournaments in the UK & Ireland During March March 02 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor It is difficult to believe that 2017 is already three months old but you better believe it because this year is flying by like a speeding train. Like January and February before it, March is another bumper month of live poker tournament action in the United Kingdom and Ireland with at least 20 events to get your teeth into. On Mar. 2, Day 1a of the 2017 Grosvenor UK Poker Tour Manchester Main Event gets underway and it should attract some of the best players on the British circuit. Last years GUKPT Manchester Main Event saw Reyaaz Mulla and Tom Middleton chop heads-up and return home with 58,300 and 53,00 respectively. At the end of the month, and going into April, the GUKPT heads north of the border to Edinburgh while Huddersfield, Luton, and Bournemouth host the popular Grosvenor 25/25 Series. The first PokerStars Live London Series begins on Mar. 2. It is the first of five events scheduled at the Hippodrome Casino and should be a big hit with the locals and travelling players alike. You can qualify for PokerStars Live London Series tournaments online at PokerStars. Running each weekend throughout the month of March are the DTD200 tournaments. Each of these events has a 100,000 guaranteed prize pool and you can win your way into them, plus play a Day 1 online, only at partypoker. Major Live Poker Tournaments in March 2017 Dates Tournament / festival Venue Feb 26-Mar. 5 2017 GUKPT Manchester Festival Grosvenor Casino Bury New Road Mar. 2-5 PokerStars Live London Series Hippodrome Casino, London Mar. 3 CPT South-Eastern Poker League Week 15 Roanmore GAA Centre, Cleaboy Mar. 3 Bristol Rainbow Poker Masters Series 16 Rainbow Casino, Bristol Mar.3-5 DTD200 8-Max Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham Mar. 4 Saturday Poker Challenge Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Mar. 9-12 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor G Casino, Stockton Mar. 10-12 Celtic Poker Open Green Isle Hotel, Dublin Mar. 10-12 DTD200 Dusk Till Dawn, Nottingham Mar. 11-12 APAT UK Team Poker Championship Grosvenor Casino, Blackpool Mar. 13-19 2017 Genting Poker Series Sheffield Genting Club, Sheffield Mar. 16-19 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor Huddersfield Casino, Huddersfield Mar. 16-19 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor Casino, Luton Mar. 17-19 Unibet UK Poker Tour 2017 Rendezvous Casino, Brighton Mar. 23-26 Grosvenor 25/25 Series Grosvenor Casino, Bournemouth Mar. 23-26 The London Deepstack The Poker Room formerly known as The Vic, London Mar. 26-Apr. 2 2017 GUKPT Edinburgh Grosvenor Maybury Casino, Edinburgh Mar. 26-Apr. 2 2017 Genting Poker Series Mini Reading Genting Club Reading, Reading Mar. 26-Apr. 2 2017 Genting Poker Series Mini Liverpool Genting Club Queen Square, Liverpool Mar. 27-Apr. 8 The Irish Poker Open Festival Citywest Hotel, Dublin Returning to the UK this month is the Unibet UK Poker Tour, a series of tournaments that proved popular during its debut season in 2016. Head to the Rendezvous Casino, Brighton from Mar. 17 if you want to play for a share of a guaranteed 40,000. Also in March is a Genting Poker Series event in Sheffield and Mini events in both Reading and Liverpool. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated live event of the month is the 2017 Irish Poker Open Festival over in Dublin. Several online poker sites are running satellites to the 500,000 guaranteed spectacular, including partypoker and Betfair Poker. After participating in the state's Move On When Ready (MOWR) program, seven students will cross the stage as graduates of the University of North Georgia (UNG), six of them before they receive their high school diplomas. MOWR allows eligible high school students the opportunity to enroll in college or university prior to their high school graduation and to take courses that grant both college and high school credit. Tuition, books and mandatory fees are paid for by the MOWR program. "UNG's dual enrollment program continues to flourish, and a primary reason is the dedication of students who push themselves to complete an associate's degree before accepting their high school diplomas," said Charles Bell, dual enrollment coordinator for UNG. "To achieve this goal, students must be motivated to learn challenging coursework, possess strong academic skills, and know how to take advantage of the support offered by parents, counselors, and the UNG campus community. The time management and study skills learned through participation in the MOWR program, as well as confidence gained, are invaluable assets for the continued success of these students' academic careers." For Wilson Quinton, who currently attends Johnson High School in Gainesville while taking classes on UNG's Gainesville Campus, the journey started when one of his close friends got into the MOWR program. "I spoke with a high school counselor and saw there was a very good opportunity for me in the MOWR program, and I didn't want to let it pass," Quinton said. "It was a bit of a strange transition from high school to college, mainly because I really had to figure out how to manage my time, but I've enjoyed the college courses more than my high school classes. The biggest payoff for me has been figuring out how I learn best. After earning my associate degree, I plan on returning immediately for a bachelor's in business administration." By challenging themselves, Quinton and his MOWR peers saved tuition and also greatly reduced the time traditionally required to earn a four-year degree. "These seven will have cut in half the time necessary to earn a bachelor's degree, enabling them to pursue their interests in research, internships, and other learning opportunities sooner than many of their peers," Bell said. "They will be able to complete graduate degrees in their early 20's, setting them up for a lifetime of success. They perfectly demonstrate the ongoing benefits of participating in MOWR." This year's MOWR graduates also include Grace Ainsworth of Flowery Branch High School, Chrystian Bis of Johnson High School, Robert Durand of Stephens County High School, Christie Taylor of White County High School, Kelsie Gustason of Union County High School, and Maggie Sullens of North Forsyth High School. BANGKOK A Thai court rejected the appeal of two Myanmar migrants sentenced to death for the murders of a pair of British backpackers, the defense team said Wednesday after learning of the verdict a week after it was rendered. The bodies of David Miller and Hannah Witheridge were found in 2014 on the shore of Koh Tao, a resort island in the Gulf of Thailand famed for blue waters and white sand. Their deaths threatened to tarnish Thailands vital tourism industry, putting massive pressure on police to solve the case. The investigation was mired on controversy from the beginning. Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, both in their early 20s, were arrested some two weeks later after other suspects were shown to be innocent. They confessed under interrogation, but retracted those statements, testifying that they were tortured, beaten, and threatened with death if they didnt confess to the killings. The case hinged on DNA evidence that Thailands top forensics scientist called seriously flawed. But police insisted the evidence was solid, and the two migrants were convicted in 2015. Im incredibly disappointed that this verdict was upheld, said Andy Hall, an international affairs adviser to lawyers defending the men. We were confident that the appeals court would dismiss the case, because theres so many irregularities. The appeal verdict was dated Feb. 23 but defense lawyers werent informed or present at the hearing. They only found out Wednesday morning from TV, Hall said. Were very shocked at this and it raises a lot of questions about the rule of law because we werent informed, Hall said. We were expecting a decision at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. The court immediately drew criticism for both its decision and for the way it was delivered. Its astonishing that this verdict was rendered days ago in secret without the defense team present, and shameful that Thailand has sentenced them to death, said Phil Robertson, Asia deputy director at Human Rights Watch. The defense plans to file an appeal to Thailands Supreme Court, where a final decision will be made. WASHINGTON The Latest on President Donald Trump (all times local): 3:05 p.m. The top White House ethics attorney says counselor Kellyanne Conway acted inadvertently and without nefarious motive when she promoted Ivanka Trumps fashion line during a television interview at the White House. Stefan Passantino, deputy counsel to the president on compliance and ethics, wrote in a letter to the Office of Government Ethics that he met with Conway and resolved the matter. Administration employees are subject to rules that prohibit them from using their official position to endorse products or services. In the Feb. 9 interview, Conway said to go buy Ivankas stuff. Conway was reacting to reports that Nordstrom had dropped the line, which the president believes was a political move. The store says it was a business decision. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have condemned Conways behavior. __ 1:20 p.m. President Donald Trump says he and top congressional Republicans are meeting to start the process. Trump commented about his agenda during a White House lunch with GOP House and Senate leaders, including Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The meeting follows Trumps first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night that appeared well-received by Republicans. In the speech Trump called for a replacement for the Obama-era health care law as well as a significant boost in military spending, among other initiatives. Ryan has said the presidents speech was a home run. ___ 12:20 p.m. President Donald Trump invited the widow of Navy SEAL killed during a raid in Yemen to attend Tuesday nights speech when he telephoned to offer his condolences. White House press secretary Sean Spicer says Trump called Carryn Owens on Jan. 30 and invited her and her three children to attend the speech. The family visited the White House on Tuesday and met with Trump. Spicer says the kids ate lunch in the Navy-run cafeteria in the White House and toured the building. They did not attend Trumps speech. Spicer brushed aside criticism that Trump used Carryn Owens as a prop, saying she accepted the invitation and has the right to honor her husbands legacy. Senior Chief William Ryan Owens was killed in January in a raid approved by Trump. ___ 8:45 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence is denying reports that a U.S. military raid in Yemen that led to the death of a Navy SEAL yielded no significant intelligence. In an interview Wednesday with CBS This Morning, Pence noted that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis confirmed again Tuesday that significant intelligence was gathered in the January military operation. William Ryan Owens, 36, a married father of three, was the first known U.S. combat casualty since President Donald Trump took office. His widow, Carryn Owens, was a guest at Trumps address to Congress Tuesday, prompting an extended standing ovation from the joint chamber. But Owens death, as well as the killing of several civilians, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid. Pence said the data that Owens died helping to collect will lead to the safety and security of the American people. __ 8:30 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence says the Trump administration is still determined to defend its original travel ban that was blocked by the federal courts. In an interview with CBS This Morning, Pence said Wednesday a variety of agencies are putting the final touches on a revised executive order that temporarily bans travelers from certain countries and restricts refugees from entering the U.S. Trumps original order, signed in January, sparked immediate confusion, panic and outrage as some travelers were detained in U.S. airports and prompted federal courts to intervene. Pence says that the administration will defend President Donald Trumps original ban which, he says, we fully believe is in his presidential authority. Pence would not address details of the revised ban, saying he doesnt want to get ahead of the deliberation. __ 8:20 a.m. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called President Donald Trumps first speech to Congress a bait-and-switch speech, with little legislation from the White House to match the presidents stated goals. All we have is rhetoric, the California congresswoman said. Appearing on MSNBCs Morning Joe Wednesday, Pelosi said House Democrats will eventually release their own legislative plans in the absence of direction from the president. She said when we believe the time is right we will put forth our positive agenda, but not while people are still enamored by what could be viewed as a snake-oil salesman by some and a messenger of hope by others. __ 7:40 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence says no one is going to fall through the cracks as a result of Republican plans to replace the nations health care law. Pence was referring to people on Medicaid, the federal-state program for low income Americans that is managed by the states. As part of the Affordable Care Act, 31 states and the District of Columbia accepted an optional Medicaid expansion, which increased federal funding for health care. Many governors from those states are now concerned about the loss of funds if Obamacare is repealed. Asked about the consequences of repealing the health law, Pence told ABCs Good Morning America on Wednesday that we dont want anyone to fall through the cracks, especially not the most disadvantaged citizens among us. Pence was making a round of morning television appearances following President Donald Trumps address to Congress on Tuesday night. ___ 6:40 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence is giving President Donald Trump high marks for his speech to a joint session of Congress, saying he showed his broad shoulders, big heart, reaching out, focusing on the future. Pence, who sat behind Trump in the House chamber Tuesday evening with House Speaker Paul Ryan, said the president was directly involved in crafting the hourlong talk. Appearing on MSNBCs Morning Joe Wednesday, Pence said Trump was literally rewriting the speech on the afternoon of his appearance on Capitol Hill. Asked which White House aides played major roles in writing the speech, Pence replied, This was all him. The president stepped up and told America where he wants to go and many Americans said yes. ___ 3:30 a.m. President Donald Trump gave Republican congressional leaders a rallying cry and even a roadmap as they try to push through a sweeping and divisive agenda on health care, taxes and more. In his first address to a joint session of Congress, Trump said largely what GOP leaders were hoping to hear Tuesday night, staying on-message and talking in optimistic tones, even weighing in at one point to settle a brewing dispute over how to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. House Speaker Paul Ryan declared the speech a home run, pointing to Trumps embrace for the first time of tax credits a central element in the Republican plan to replace former President Barack Obamas health care law. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and his staff have been booted out of his office in Tampa, Florida, because of continued weekly protests outside the building. The owner of the Bridgeport Center, which has been renting the space to Rubio since 2014, has decided to not renew the lease because rallies have cost the company money and have become too disruptive for other tenants, Jude Williams, president of Americas Capital Partners, told the Tampa Bay Times. Williams said he understands the protesters cause, but the demonstrations have become a security concern. He did not return a call from The Washington Post on Wednesday. Its not political, Williams told the Times. Its for no other reason than good office management. Our duty is to keep a good peaceful office building environment for our tenants and thats not what they bargained for. The office needs to be emptied by Thursday, and it appears the senator has yet to find new headquarters in Tampa. We are actively looking for new office space, and our goal is to remain accessible and continue to provide prompt and efficient service to all Floridians, Christina Mandreucci, Rubios spokeswoman, said in a statement. Until then, constituents in need of assistance can call 1-866-630-7106 to reach a representative, Mandreucci said. Rubio, whose other Florida offices are in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Palm Beach, has been leasing the space on a monthly basis since the annual lease expired last December. His office unsuccessfully negotiated for a renewal, and recent talks with another company have fallen through. Protesters opposing President Donald Trumps policies have showed up outside Rubios Tampa office since the president took office. They said theyll show up every week for the first 100 days of Trumps presidency. The building management has placed barricades and assigned security guards in and around the area, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Demonstrators holding #NoWall and #NoBan signs also have showed up at Rubios Miami office, the Miami Herald reported. Many of the protesters are part of the national Indivisible movement started by former congressional staffers from the Obama administration. The idea behind it is to rally activists individuals, groups and organizations to oppose Trump at the local level and to place pressure on their representatives in Congress. The former congressional staffers wrote the Indivisible Guide, which outlines advocacy tactics, like showing up at town halls, public events and district headquarters. The guide is intended to be equally useful for stiffening Democratic spines and weakening pro-Trump Republican resolve, according to Indivisibles website. Their tactics werent fancy: They just showed up on their home turf, and they just said no, the movements founders wrote in a recent New York Times column. Heres the crazy thing: It worked . . .They waged relentless campaign to force Republicans away from compromise and tank Democratic legislative priorities like immigration reform and campaign finance transparency. Similar things have been happening at town halls and district headquarters over the past weeks. Republicans who went back to their home turf have been dogged by angry crowds. Many, citing safety concerns, have refused to hold town hall meetings. Rubio, in particular, has avoided town halls because of people who heckle and scream at me in front of cameras. They are not town halls anymore, he told a CBS affiliate in Miami. What these groups really want is for me to schedule a public forum, they then organize three, four, five, six hundred liberal activists in the two counties or wherever I am in the state. Specifically mentioning the Indivisible Guide, he said protesters were instructed to show up and occupy the front rows. They spread themselves out. They ask questions. They all cheer when questions are asked. They are instructed to boo no matter what answer I give, he told the CBS affiliate. They are instructed to interrupt me if I go too long and start chanting things. Then, at the end, they are also told not to give up their microphone when they ask questions. Rubio, who tweeted in 2009 about the importance of anger at town halls, didnt show up at a recent South Miami-Dade County event attended by more than 200 people, according to the Miami New Times. His seat was replaced with an empty suit. Mandreucci, the spokeswoman, said Rubios staff has met with hundreds of liberal activists across Florida. Michael Broache, co-founder of Indivisible Tampa, said the senators staff has been polite and accommodating to constituents, according to the Tampa Bay Times. He said the group didnt intend for Rubio to get booted out of his headquarters. Broache has not responded to an email from The Post. Our intention is to make sure the senator hears our voices and acknowledges the concerns of his constituents, Broache, a University of Tampa professor, told the Times. Unfortunately, weve requested town halls and hes indicated hes unwilling to do that at this point, and thats why weve been present. TWEET: Tampa office building asks Rubio office to leave because of disruptive protests https://t.co/RARvr6XEh7 pic.twitter.com/8Kv57ifcAa WASHINGTON The Office of Management and Budget has suggested deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agencys budget that would reduce its staff by one-fifth in the first year and eliminate dozens of programs, according to details of a document reviewed by The Washington Post. While White House officials have already indicated that they plan to increase defense spending at the expense of other discretionary funding, the new document spells out exactly how this new approach will affect long-standing federal programs that have a direct impact on Americans everyday lives. The administrations 2018 budget blueprint will prioritize rebuilding the military and making critical investments in the nations security. It will also identify the savings and efficiencies needed to keep the nation on a responsible fiscal path, it reads. Your [funding] level highlights the trade-offs and choices inherent in pursuing these goals. Acknowledging that the steep cuts will create many challenges, the document adds, it also can serve as catalyst for how the agency functions in the next 10 or 20 years or beyond. By looking ahead and focusing on clean water, clean air and other core responsibilities, rather than activities that are not required by law, EPA will be able to effectively achieve its mission. During his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he was determined to promote clean air and clear water while in office. The plan to slash EPAs staff from its current level of 15,000 to 12,000, which could be accomplished in part through a buyout offer as well as layoffs, is one of several changes for which the new administration has asked agency staff for comment by close of business Wednesday. Multiple individuals briefed on the plan confirmed the request by OMB, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The proposal also dictates cutting the agencys grants to states, including its air and water programs, by 30 percent, and eliminating 38 separate programs in their entirety. Programs designated for zero funding include grants to clean up brownfields, or abandoned industrial sites; a national electronic manifest system for hazardous waste; environmental justice programs; climate-change initiatives; and funding for native Alaskan villages. The agencys Office of Research and Development could face a cut of up to 42 percent, according to an individual apprised of the administrations plans. The document eliminates funding altogether for the offices contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a climate initiative that then-President George H.W. Bush launched in 1989. S. William Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA), said in an email that the proposed cuts would devastate critical federal financial support for communities across the country. These cuts, if enacted by Congress, will rip the heart and soul out of the national air pollution control program and jeopardize the health and welfare of tens of millions of people around the country, Becker said. Craig Kenworthy, who serves as executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and co-president of NACAA, said in an interview that air officials across the United States would not be able to meet their statutory responsibilities if their funding were cut that deeply. He noted that the Benton Clean Air Agency in central Washington has five staff members responsible for duties including monitoring air quality, issuing permits and letting local farmers know when they can burn fields. Its basically saying to the local agencies, So you still have to meet all the federal requirements, and then youre going to lose a quarter to a third of your budgets, Kenworthy said, noting that he worries that environmental groups could sue them if they dont fulfill their legal responsibilities. I understand there may be some people in the new administration who may not like some of the current Clean Air Act requirements . . . but we still have to meet them. Any such cuts would have to be codified through the congressional appropriations process and would likely face resistance from some lawmakers. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who used to chair the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, said he did not think Congress would approve such a steep drop in funding. Theres not that much in the EPA, for crying out loud, Simpson said, noting that he and other Republicans had already reduced the agencys budget dramatically in recent years. But if the goal is, were going to cut 15,000 employees down to 2,000 okay, why 2,000? Why not 2,700? Why not 1,500? You know? Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., who succeeded Simpson as chair of the subcommittee, said he could not comment because he had not seen numbers come out of the White House. But he added, Obviously, you cant pick up $54 billion out of EPA. Jennifer Hing, a spokeswoman for the House Appropriations Committee, declined to comment Wednesday on the proposed EPA cuts but said in an email that the panel will carefully look at the budget proposal once it is sent to Congress. The Chairman strongly agrees that more investment in our national defense is needed, and that all federal programs should be reviewed as to their worth and value, Hing added. As always, the power of the purse lies with Congress, and any budget decisions will go through the regular budget and appropriations process. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., the top Democrat on the Interior appropriations subcommittee, said the proposal to cut the EPAs budget has gotten Americans attention People are waking up to this, McCollum said, adding that she has expressed her concerns to Calvert but is unsure how much he will do to resist Trumps plans. Its going to be up to him to get his caucus in line. Regardless of the final budget numbers, the instructions to EPA serve as a blueprint for how the new administration plans to delegate many responsibilities to the states even as it cuts the money they will receive from the federal government. It tells the agency that it should get states to assume more active enforcement roles when it comes to enforcing federal environmental standards and it should curtail its compliance-monitoring activities. EPA is to evaluate ways to reduce federal enforcement inspections while keeping a consistent and effective enforcement program, the document reads. The EPA declined to comment on the budget proposal Wednesday. But newly confirmed EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who has been a longtime critic of the agency and has insisted that one of his top goals will be to roll back key Obama-era regulations, cautioned this week that the particulars of the budget remain in flux. I am concerned about the grants that have been targeted, particularly around water infrastructure, and those very important state revolving funds, Pruitt told the publication E&E News after Trumps address to Congress on Tuesday. The importance is setting priorities as an agency and then allowing the budget to be formed around that. Whats difficult, having only been there a week, is to have these kinds of recommendations made and then look at our priorities and say, You know what, weve got to make sure that we look at these programs. Pruitt said he already had spoken with OMB Director Mick Mulvaney about the agencys funding. Whats important for us is to educate OMB on what the priorities of the agency are, from water infrastructure to Superfund, providing some of those tangible benefits to our citizens, Pruitt said, while at the same time making sure that we reallocate, re-prioritize in our agency to do regulatory reform to get back within the bounds of Congress. It is unclear whether Pruitts appeal would produce any changes: The document states that any requests from agencies to increase or reallocate funds must be accompanied by budgetary offsets. Those could include alternative funding cuts, balance cancellations or viable user fees. It instructs agency officials to make sure any appeal is consistent with campaigns or other policy statements. Agencies must submit any alternative budget proposals to OMBs Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by Friday, the document states, and OMB will convene a meeting April 15 to discuss the initial draft of the workforce reduction plan. As details of the blueprint emerged, environmental advocates and the EPAs most recent administrator criticized the White House proposal. This budget is a fantasy if the administration believes it will preserve EPAs mission to protect public health, Gina McCarthy, who served as the agencys leader from 2013 through the end of the Obama administration, said in a statement Wednesday. It ignores the need to invest in science and to implement the law. It ignores the lessons of history that led to EPAs creation 46 years ago. And it ignores the American people calling for its continued support. Another key area targeted for cuts is the EPAs enforcement and compliance division. The White House budget proposal outlines millions of dollars in budget reductions and says states should assume more active enforcement roles. Basically, the direction is to reduce enforcement, which is already pretty strained, said Eric Shaeffer, head of the Environmental Integrity Project, an advocacy group, and a former head of the EPAs Office of Regulatory Enforcement. He noted that the EPA already has shed about 2,000 positions since 2008. The notion theres been this big buildup at EPA is just flat wrong, he said. Theyve been bleeding positions for years. Schaeffer added that much of the enforcement responsibility already lies with states, but that state programs are often woefully underfunded and often at the mercy of state politics and pressure from large companies who can fend off enforcement actions. He said having the EPA as a backup enforcer can give state officials leverage they wouldnt otherwise have. In addition, he said many states dont have criminal statutes for environmental crimes, so only the EPA could bring a criminal action. And federal enforcers are typically the only ones that take on cases against large polluters that operate across state lines. In addition, the White House plan proposes slashes funding the massive Chesapeake Bay cleanup project from about $73 million annually to about $5 million in the next fiscal year. Will Baker, president of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said he doubts such drastic cuts would become a reality because the program is working so well. Its got great bipartisan support, Baker said, noting that lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland recent wrote a letter detailing the programs success. We think the Trump administration and the Pruitt EPA will want to take advantage of a program that so successful, so non-controversial and that is really working. Baker, who pointed out that Pruitt also pledged to support the ongoing Chesapeake cleanup during his recent confirmation hearings, said the involvement of numerous states in the cleanup make the federal governments participation essential. The EPA role in the cleanup of the Chesapeake is nothing less than fundamental, he said. Its not just important, its critical. Environmental justice advocates were particularly alarmed at the cuts they may face under the new administration. The document notes that it supports the idea of environmental justice, but it would eliminate that office within EPA and assumes any future EJ-specific policy work can be transferred to the office of policy. Cheryl Johnson, executive director of the group People for Community Recovery in Chicago, noted that the part of the South Side where she and her neighbors live is known as the toxic donut because it includes 200 leaking underground storage tanks and 50 landfills. The EPA program has given her group and others money to conduct technical assessments of the areas facilities and provide training to educate local residents, she said, and a place where they could appeal to force local polluters to come into compliance with federal standards. Oh my goodness. It would devastate a community like mine, Johnson said. Eliminating the environment justice department is like putting us in a chamber, to be disposed of. The Washington Posts Mike DeBonis contributed to this report. Few people have watched the deteriorating relations between Iran and the United States with as much concern as Babak Namazi. The stakes are intensely personal. His elderly father and his younger brother, both U.S. citizens, are imprisoned in Iran after being convicted of espionage and collaborating with the U.S. government. They had an appeals hearing Wednesday, but there is little hope the verdict will be overturned. The Obama administration had pushed Iran to free Siamak and Baquer Namazi, and other Americans detained or missing in Iran, until talks collapsed in President Barack Obamas final days in office. Since then, there has been no contact between Washington, D.C., and Tehran, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. So Babak Namazi came to Washington this week to urge the Trump administration to restart efforts to gain his family members freedom after more than a year in custody. I was hopeful it would have been resolved ages ago, said Namazi, in an interview before he met Tuesday with a senior official from the National Security Council. With a new administration in place, we hope it draws the attention we need. My father is running out of time. When he talks to my mom, he complains that hes dizzy. And he says something hes never said before: Pray for me. When President Donald Trump took office, he inherited responsibility for the fate of Americans taken hostage or held for questionable reasons in foreign prisons. At least six Americans are in the hands of militants, including a Pennsylvania woman, her Canadian husband and their two children born in captivity after their kidnapping near the Afghan-Pakistan border. At least four U.S. citizens with dual nationality and two green-card holders are behind bars in Iran, and a former FBI agent who disappeared there a decade ago may still be alive. The total number of American hostages is a tightly guarded secret. In 2015, when U.S. hostage policy changed to not seek prosecution of Americans who negotiate ransoms for loved ones held abroad, Obama put the number at more than 30. Efforts to bring hostages home continue through the work of career employees in the FBIs Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and the office of the Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs in the State Department, both of which were created in 2015. The communication with us is as strong as it has been, said Debra Tice, who recently spoke with homeland security adviser Thomas Bossert about her son. Austin Tice was kidnapped while reporting in Syria in 2012 and is believed to be alive. A lot of our team remains and was unaffected by the [presidential] transition. The change in administrations has created two voids, however. When he was secretary of state, John Kerry pushed for prisoner releases during his regular conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to discuss the Iran nuclear deal. No one from the Trump administration has the same relationship. And the hostage envoy position has not been filled since James OBrien resigned on Jan. 20. A deputy is filling in, and it is not clear whether the job will be filled or have the same mandate to find new approaches to negotiations. My thesis in the job was that getting Americans home is right and shows that our government is effective, because it changes the behavior of people on the other side even before other, difficult parts of our relationship are addressed, OBrien said. I hope thats the same approach that the administration is using now. The White House insists it is fully engaged in the effort, even with Tehran. The Trump administration is truly, unwaveringly committed to the return of all U.S. citizens held in captivity in Iran, or anywhere in world, said an official with the National Security Council, speaking on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. Specifically, the Iranian cases continue be a high priority for the U.S. government. The Americans imprisoned in Iran have all been accused of spying for the United States. It is widely believed that the charges are baseless and that the prisoners are pawns for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Recently, the deputy head of the Corps bragged that the United States had paid ransom to free Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian a year ago, a payment U.S. officials insisted was an out-of-court settlement of an old lawsuit. But the boast suggests the powerful group is angling for a deal. What the Revolutionary Guards have done to Siamak and others has reached a point of diminishing returns, said Reza Marashi of the National Iranian American Council. Before, their strategy was to prevent further progress in U.S.-Iran relations. Nobody argues Trump is trying to improve on Obamas progress. So the prisoners have become a liability. The Revolutionary Guards have backed themselves into a corner, and they are looking for a face-saving way out. For the families, a way out cannot come soon enough. Fatemeh Shahini, a San Diego woman whose brother, Robin, was convicted of espionage last year, said he is on a hunger strike that has caused him to lose 40 pounds and be beaten by prison guards. Babak Namazi worries about the health of his 80-year-old father, Baquer, who has had triple bypass heart surgery. He was recently hospitalized in Iran, suggesting his captors do not want him to die on their watch. Siamak is under relentless pressure, Babak Namazi said of his brother. Interrogations have continued, even after his conviction, to the point he is despondent and has no hope. His attorney, Jared Genser, of Freedom Now, said a senior Iranian official vowed to Kerry that the Namazis would be released soon after Rezaian and four other U.S. citizens were freed in January 2016. High-level discussions between both sides included detailed requests of what each might need, Genser said. But ultimately, the differences from the Iranian side far exceeded what the U.S. government would ever be capable of delivering. Now, their hopes lie in Trump, despite his sometimes bellicose attitude toward Iran and the nuclear deal. They quoted a Trump tweet two weeks before the election, in reaction to the Namazis being sentenced: This doesnt happen if Im president. By Press Trust of India: India releases 39 Pak prisoners New Delhi, Mar 1 (PTI) India today released 39 Pakistani prisoners including 18 fishermen, after Pakistan confirmed their nationality. Announcing their release, the External Affairs Ministry said they are being repatriated to Pakistan via Attari/Wagah check post. "The Government of India attaches highest importance to addressing all humanitarian matters, including early release and repatriation of all eligible Pakistani civil prisoners and fishermen," it said. advertisement Todays release of Pakistani prisoners comes in response to Pakistan freeing 217 Indian fishermen as part of a "goodwill gesture" in December last. Prisoners are only released after they meet three conditions -- completion of sentence, no pending case and confirmation of nationality, officials said here. PTI PYK SC --- ENDS --- Both sides in the Supreme Court case that would decide how public schools must accommodate transgender students urged the justices Wednesday to move forward with the case, saying schools and students need an answer. Lawyers for the school board of Gloucester County, Virginia, however, suggested that the court first seek a definitive declaration from the Trump administration about how it sees the case a step that could delay its consideration until a new justice is confirmed. The court is scheduled to hear the case of 17-year-old Gavin Grimm on March 28. Grimm, a student at Gloucester High School, says federal laws provide him the right to use the boys bathroom, which matches his gender identity. Grimm, now a senior, began the transition to living as a boy in his freshman year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, Virginia, agreed with Grimm, deferring to Obama administration guidance that Title IXs protections based on sex include gender identity. But the Trump administration last week rescinded that guidance, and said it was still studying the question. Because of that action, the Supreme Court asked lawyers for Grimm and for the school board for views on how it should proceed. Grimm, represented by Joshua Block of the American Civil Liberties Union, said other lower courts have examined the Title IX question, and the Supreme Court will inevitably have to be the final arbiter. Delaying resolution of that question will only lead to further harm, confusion, and protracted litigation for transgender students and school districts across the country, Block wrote in his letter to the court. Another few years of needless litigation would not help clarify the legal question facing the court, and it would impose enormous costs on individual students until the court provides additional clarity. On that point, Gloucester County agreed. Resolution by this court of that issue will save the parties as well as public and private parties involved in similar disputes throughout the nation enormous litigation costs as well as needless and divisive political controversy, wrote Kyle Duncan, who represents the school board. But Duncan told the court it should seek the views of the Trump administration, represented at the Supreme Court by the solicitor general. It would be unusual for the court to address questions of the sort presented here without first hearing from the solicitor general, he wrote. He noted that that would cause a delay. Trump has not nominated a solicitor general, and Deputy Solicitor General Noel Francisco has recused himself because of past legal work on the issue by his former law firm. It would of course be advantageous to the school board to wait. If the Trump administration weighed in, it would almost certainly be on the boards behalf. And by waiting, the court could have a new member. Trump has nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch for the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The conservative Gorsuch might represent the winning vote on a divided court. A 4-to-4 tie, on the other hand, would keep the 4th Circuits ruling for Grimm in place, without setting a national precedent. The court completed oral arguments in April. After reading Duncans letter, Block said in an email that there was no reason to delay. The court should move forward with oral argument as scheduled, Block wrote in response to a request. As we explain in our letter, for transgender students across the country, this is an urgent issue and under the new administration those students are more vulnerable than ever. The expectations for the books Michelle and Barack Obama have just signed a deal to write are stratospherically high considering the often dull literary tradition of books written by former White House occupants. Typically, such memoirs sell well despite being terribly polite and discreet. Theyre intended as an attempt at cementing ones legacy, not dishing dirt. But both Obamas, who have quietly returned to their life as private citizens, have devoted followings and a way with words. There will not be a more eagerly awaited presidential autobiography than the one that hell write, because of who he is and because of the fact that people have high expectations for him as a writer, David Axelrod, who was chief strategist for Obamas presidential campaigns, said recently on his podcast. Penguin Random House announced late Tuesday that it had signed the former first couple to a joint book deal and reportedly, its a huge one that has set off a whirlwind of gossip in the publishing industry. Financial Times claims the deal topped out at $65 million, though other sources have cited amounts simply in the tens of millions of dollars. Obama, who already has serious book-writing experience, has said he took notes during his presidency, preparing to tell his story. Michelle has largely withheld her opinions on topics of controversy, which only deepens the well of interest in her, too. He was very revelatory in his first two books. Who wouldnt want to read this one? said the Washington, D.C.-based literary agent Gail Ross. Michelle Obama, she added, is so beloved that most people would read anything she has to say about pretty much any subject. It was an unusual move for the couple to sell their books together, and it is unclear what the strategy was behind packaging them. Publishers have been interested in both of their post-White House books for years. Penguin Random House would not disclose the terms of the agreement, other than to say a significant portion of the authors profits would be donated to charity. We are very much looking forward to working together with President and Mrs. Obama to make each of their books global publishing events of unprecedented scope and significance, Penguin Random Houses chief executive, Markus Dohle, said in a statement. The jumbo price tag comes at a difficult time for the book industry. But the publisher, which is the largest in the industry, may see the likely record-breaking deal as a point of pride, an investment in the culture, and not strictly dollars and cents, said Ross. The deal was brokered by Washington attorney Robert Barnett, who has previously represented Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. Those books became bestsellers, of course. But expectations might run higher for the Obamas, who have a pop-culture celebrity and reputation for storytelling. If you look back, it is rare that a presidential memoir becomes more than a Christmas gift for partisan supporters, said Bill Burton, a former Obama spokesman. President Obama has shown himself to be better at telling his story than anyone else, and my guess is that these books will be an important part of the framing of his presidency and his place in this moment. The former presidents first memoir, Dreams From My Father, won critical acclaim. Both he and Michelle Obama are among the most well-regarded political orators of their generation. Add to that mix the historic racial barrier broken by the Obama presidency, and endless questions about their reactions to specific events during his presidency. People will want to know what the experience was like from their vantage point, what stretched them, how they kept moving forward in the darkest times, and how they celebrated the triumphant ones as well, said Joshua DuBois, who served as White House faith adviser to Barack Obama. The dark time that many readers will be interested in is how the Obamas reacted to the recent presidential election. Donald Trumps victory was a direct rejection of the Obama presidency. Some people will be interested in the presidents reflections, should he choose to engage in them as to the degree of responsibility he thinks he bears if any for the outcome of the 2016 election and, more broadly, the decline of the Democratic Party that occurred on his watch, said Bill Galston, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a veteran of Democratic Party politics. The open secret of post-White House memoirs is that their significance is as much about what is left unwritten, said Peter Slevin, author of the biography Michelle Obama: A Life and former Washington Post reporter. They have got to be making some interesting choices about whats going to be between the covers of these books, he said. The Washington Post Juliet Eilperin contributed to this report. Wells Fargo said on Wednesday that eight top executives, including chief executive Tim Sloan, will not receive bonuses this year, the latest effort by the megabank to move beyond a sales scandal involving millions of fake customer accounts. The bank also said the number of customers affected by the sales practices may be bigger than previously estimated, according to regulatory filings released Wednesday. Wells Fargos board has not found that the executives did anything wrong, according to a company statement, rather the action is a way for them to share accountability for the sales scandal that has rocked the more-than-100-year-old San Francisco bank. Wells Fargo also reduced by as much as 50 percent stock awards some executives received in 2014, which would have vested this year. Overall, the executives lost about $32 million in bonus money, according to Wells Fargo. The decision is part of the boards ongoing efforts to promote accountability and ensure Wells Fargo puts customer interests first, Stephen Sanger, chairman of Wells Fargo, said in a statement. We will continue to work to make right what went wrong and remain focused on providing the accountability and oversight that our customers, employees, and investors expect and deserve. Wells Fargo had previously said that as many as 2.1 million people were potentially affected by the problematic sales practices. But the bank disclosed Wednesday that an expanded review of the sales practices could lead to an increase in the identified number of potentially impacted customers. The bank is still conducting an internal review of the behavior, and is looking as far back as 2009 to figure out how many unauthorized accounts were created. Those findings could also lead to additional legal or regulatory proceedings, increased compliance costs or the discovery of other problematic practices, the bank said in the filings. Still, Wells Fargo said it does not expect any additional costs from offering remediation to customers to have a significant financial impact. Wells Fargo has been battered by lawmakers and regulators on both sides of the political aisle for a five-year scheme in which thousands of employees, apparently to meet aggressive sales goals, set up sham accounts that customers didnt request. Wells Fargo said it fired 5,300 employees for the conduct and has eliminated the aggressive goals that some have said drove the behavior. Last week, the bank announced that it had fired four current or former senior managers in its community banking division in connection to its investigation into the sales scandal. In addition to Sloan, the boards latest decision affects John Shrewsberry, the chief financial officer; David Carroll, the head of wealth and investment management; Avid Modjtabai, head of payments, virtual solutions and innovation; Hope Hardison, chief administrative officer; David Julian, chief auditor; Michael Loughlin, chief risk officer; and James Strother, general counsel. I fully support the boards actions and believe they are critical to Wells Fargos commitment to our customers, Sloan, who was named chief executive after the resignation of John Stumpf at the height of the scandal last year, said in a statement. It is my personal mission to foster a culture of accountability at all levels of the company and to ensure we are second to none in customer service and advice, ethics, and integrity. Todays action is another step in that direction. This all comes as Wells Fargo is preparing for its independent board members to release its results of its investigation into the matter. Wells Fargo is also still being investigated by several regulators, and the House Financial Services Committee is also reviewing thousands of pages of documents turned over by the bank. While these punitive actions are necessary, in our view, we think [Wells Fargo] also needs to articulate how it is changing the community banks culture to prevent another mishap in the future, Cathy Seifert, equity analyst at CFRA Research, said in a research note. DENVER The Denver Zoo has a new attraction. A male baby giraffe named Dobby was born about 3 a.m. Tuesday. The baby giraffe measured 5-feet-tall and weighed 73 pounds. Zookeepers did not know until recently that the mother was pregnant because she was on birth control. Zoo staff had to initially feed Dobby, but officials say hes now nursing and appears in good health. Dobbys mother was born at the Denver Zoo in August 1993. It is the oldest of the zoos giraffes. Zoo officials say mother and baby initially will not be on public display for a few days to provide them peace and quiet. BOSTON Ex-NFL cornerback Will Allen and his business partner have been sentenced to prison for running a Ponzi scheme that took in more than $35 million. A federal judge in Boston Wednesday sentenced Allen, of Davie, Florida, and Susan Daub, of Coral Springs, Florida, each to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. They also were ordered to pay restitution totaling $17 million. Allen and Daub collected millions from investors between 2012 and 2015, saying it would be used for high-interest loans to professional athletes. Their Massachusetts business made some loans but they also diverted money to themselves and other ventures. Both pleaded guilty in November to charges including wire fraud and money laundering. A first-round pick, Allen played for the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins from 2001-11. He also played briefly for the Patriots before retiring in 2013. DENVER The Latest on a bill to modernize Colorados Open Records Act (all times local): 5:15 p.m. A bill to modernize Colorados Open Records Act has survived its first Senate hearing but with an amendment that could mean trouble down the road. The GOP-led Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted 4-1 Wednesday to send the bill by Democratic Sen. John Kefalas to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill would, in most cases, allow citizens to more easily analyze public documents by requiring state agencies to provide them in their original, computer-friendly electronic formats. But committee chair Sen. Ray Scott introduced an amendment to have the judicial branch covered by the bill. Courts have ruled the judiciary is not subject to the records act. That amendment passed on a 3-2 party-line vote. Scott said he introduced the amendment because he feels it is time to review what is and is not covered by the records act. Backers of Kefalas bill say they only intended to expedite the ease of access to records, not the scope of what is and isnt covered by the act. 9:15 a.m. A bill to modernize Colorados Open Records Act is being considered by a Senate committee that killed the idea over security concerns last year. Democratic Sen. John Kefalas bill would allow citizens to more easily analyze public documents by requiring state agencies to provide them in their original, computer-friendly electronic formats. There are exceptions, such as when an agency doesnt have the technical know-how to do so. More than 15 states and the federal government have made it easier for the public to obtain computerized data that can include crime statistics, budgets or salaries. The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee hears testimony on the bill Wednesday. It rejected a similar bill last year. Among other concerns, lawmakers wanted to ensure that sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, could be permanently deleted from digital data. SANTA FE A woman is suing the Santa Fe County jail and the Santa Fe County Commission alleging not enough was done to protect her from being sexually assaulted while she was incarcerated at the jail, according to a lawsuit filed in state court Monday. The alleged victim, identified as R.Q. in court filings, claims the jails intake screening did not conform with the Prison Rape Elimination Acts standards and did not adequately identify her risk of being sexually victimized. She asserts that it was noted in her Aug. 24, 2014, medical intake history that she was a victim of prior sexual abuse and was concerned about her safety at the jail. The complaint says R.Q. was initially placed in protective custody but was moved to the general population after an undisclosed amount of time. She reported to jail personnel in November 2014 that she was being sexually harassed by another inmate, but initially her request for protective custody was denied. She was placed in protective custody after she begged for it, the suit says, but then was again put back in with the general prisoner population. On March 1, 2015, another female inmate went into her cell and demanded that she lay down, and R.Q. felt scared and complied. The suit says that the inmate then sexually assaulted her with a homemade object. The other inmate told R.Q. that if she said anything, she knows Mexicanos who know how to make a body disappear, the complaint says. R.Q. began to bleed from her genitals two days later. She was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center for examination by a sexual assault nurse examiner, who determined she had sexual injuries. The suit says the alleged attacker, not named as a defendant in the suit, was never punished and has still not been charged. Eligible New Mexico residents would be able to register to vote up until 3 days before future elections under a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate. But the 19-11 vote to pass the legislation came only after majority Democrats thwarted a Republican senators attempt to tack a voter ID requirement onto it. In a heated debate, Democratic senators accused Sen. William Sharer, R-Farmington, of trying to hijack Senate Bill 224, which now advances to the House. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, and backed by Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who said Wednesday that she supports making it easier for every eligible citizen to cast a ballot. Currently, the states voter registration deadline is set in law as 28 days before an election. Dan Boyd, dboyd@abqjournal.com taxes: A $265 million tax package approved last week in the House cleared a Senate panel on Wednesday, but without a ringing endorsement. The Senate Corporations and Transportation Committee voted along party lines with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed to advance the tax bill without recommendation. Committee Chairman Clemente Sanchez, D-Grants, said the bill could face surgery in the coming days, as it moves on to the Senate Finance Committee, which has already approved other tax increase proposals. In its current form, the House tax package, House Bill 202, would increase the tax on new and used vehicle sales, levy a higher fee on commercial trucks, require online retailers to collect gross receipts tax and remove some tax deductions for nonprofit hospitals and other health care providers. Republicans have staunchly opposed the measure, and Gov. Susana Martinez has suggested she would veto it. But top-ranking Democrats have said additional revenues are needed to avoid additional spending cuts. Dan Boyd solar energy: The state House passed a bill late Tuesday aimed at protecting New Mexico homeowners from unscrupulous companies selling solar-power systems. Supporters made it clear that they want to target only the bad actors in the industry not the smaller, local companies that deal with their customers honestly. We want to make sure we protect this industry, so they have a good reputation, said Rep. Carl Trujillo, D-Santa Fe. The measure won bipartisan support on a 56-6 vote and now heads to the Senate, which has already approved a similar measure. House Bill 199, sponsored by Rep. Debbie Rodella, an Espanola Democrat, calls for written disclosures explaining how the financing of the solar-energy system works and what promises about future performance are guaranteed. An Air Force lieutenant at Kirtland Air Force Base was indicted this week on nine federal child pornography charges, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque. Between May 2014 and January 2016, Jesse Furse, 34, used a computer to share or possess pornographic videos of young girls, ranging in age between 3 and 11 years old, according to a criminal complaint. Furse was arrested Feb. 10 and a grand jury sitting in Albuquerque indicted him on the charges on Tuesday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura Flashing ordered that Furse be detained. He hasnt entered a plea or been arraigned on the charges. David Serna, Furses attorney, said his client doesnt have any criminal history. We are right now conducting a lot of investigation and research that will culminate in our motion to seek Jesses release, Serna said in an interview. The complaint states that FBI agents seized evidence from Furses home. And last month forensic investigators recovered from a hard drive 1,400 videos that showed young children involved in sex acts, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico. Furse is charged with eight counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child porn. Each distribution charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The New Mexico Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could decide whether judges have the authority to order law enforcement agencies to expunge felony arrest records. The case stems from an eight-year-old dispute between an Albuquerque police officer and a paramedic, Christine Stump, who was arrested for battery on a police officer and now wants a judge to order APD to expunge her arrest record. Expungement would delete the arrest from official records that are now available to the public. The dispute began when Stump, who was working as a paramedic for Presbyterian Healthcare Services ambulance company, grabbed the arm of APD officer Regina Sanchez as the two argued about who had priority over the scene after a woman attempted suicide. The next day, a team of police officers arrested Stump at her home on a charge of battery on a police officer. City officials sent the dispute into mediation, where attorneys for both Presbyterian and APD reached a settlement agreement, and APD agreed to drop criminal charges against Stump. Unlike most states, New Mexico law offers no guidance on the issue of expunging felony arrest records. New Mexico lawmakers have taken up the issue at least 11 times since 2005, and passed four bills. Two were vetoed by Gov. Bill Richardson, and two by Gov. Susana Martinez. New Mexico Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments and questioned lawyers for Stump and the city for more than an hour about a wide range of issues related to the 2008 case. Justices also heard from an attorney for the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government who said that the public has an interest in knowing why someone is arrested by law enforcement officers. It is almost never in the public interest to withdraw public records, Greg Williams, lead attorney for FOG, told justices. Jocelyn Drennan, an Albuquerque attorney for Stump, said that in the absence of state law, the court needs to take lawmaking action that would give judges authority to expunge felony arrest records. Drennan is asking justices to remand the case back to 2nd Judicial District Judge Clay Campbell with instructions to order the record expunged. Campbell ruled in 2015 that, while he was sympathetic to Stumps case, New Mexico judges lack the authority to expunge records. Several justices questioned Drennan in search of criteria, or standards, by which judges could decide when they have the authority to expunge records. Justice Judith Nakamura said that many people feel they were unfairly arrested and might seek to have their records expunged. Arent we opening the floodgate? she asked. Drennan responded that Stumps case is unusual because a settlement was reached in 2008 in which the city agreed not to pursue criminal charges against her, and city attorneys agreed to help Stump expunge her arrest. Albuquerque City Attorney Jessica Hernandez told justices that the settlement required Stump to seek expungement through the courts. Campbells ruling left APD unable to expunge Stumps arrest record. The departments practice is that it does not unilaterally expunge records, she said. Responding to an RTI query, DIG, Central prison, Prapanna Agrahara said that the jail authorities have not received any application seeking Sasikala's transfer to Tamil Nadu. By Rohini Swamy: Speculations about AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala being shifted to Chennai from Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail has now been laid to rest. Responding to an RTI query filed by lawyer and RTI activist Rajavelayutham from Chennai, Chief Superintendent, DIG of Prisons, said the jail authorities have not received any application seeking Sasikala's transfer to Tamil Nadu. The query raised by the activist under the Right to Information Act included what facilities are being given to Sasikala and two other relatives Ilavarasi and VN Sudhakaran and whether the AIADMK general secretary would be shifted to a prison in Tamil Nadu. advertisement According to the RTI reply, Sasikala has been provided a television set in her cell but other special facilities such as separate washroom, water heater, air conditioner, cot and mattress have not been provided. The chief superintendent has admitted that AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran had met Sasikala for about 35 to 40 minutes but refused to give any reason for allowing him to meet her. When asked if such facilities to meet other convicts would be provided to the interested parties, the reply was that prisoners are allowed to meet visitors as per the Karnataka prisoner manual. Several attempts were made by a group of ministers including KA Sengottaiyan to meet Sasikala but the jail authorities have restricted access to her. (With inputs from Pramod Madhav) ALSO READ | Sasikala surrenders before court, sent to Parappana Agrahara jail in Bengaluru ALSO READ | What Sasikala's life is going to be like in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail Watch video: The geometry of Tamil Nadu politics --- ENDS --- The recent Journal editorial Big tax hike puts a cork in microbrewery expansions made a strong argument against raising taxes on producers of beer, wine and spirits. However, it is important to underscore just how dramatic a tax increase is being proposed and how it would impact local New Mexico businesses like mine. Senate Bill 314 would raise the excise tax rate on distilled spirits to $7.24 per liter more than a 350 percent increase. The average national excise tax on distilled spirits is $1.91 per liter, with the highest tax rate in states surrounding New Mexico tallying $1.47 per liter. Under this legislation, my local distillery business would be devastated I simply would not be able to compete with distillers in other surrounding states or big national brands. With the shelf price significantly cheaper in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and even Utah, consumers would be incentivized to cross the border to make spirits purchases out of state. And the tax pain doesnt stop there the excise tax rate would increase to $7.76 per liter in 2021 and $8.40 per liter in 2025. And who knows what lawmakers will propose in another four years, eight years, etc. Spirits, beer and wine already rank among the highest-taxed consumer items available today in the United States. Here in New Mexico, consumers pay an excise and sales tax at the federal, state and local levels, which accounts for more than half the shelf price for a bottle of spirits. Raising these already extremely high taxes would not generate additional revenue; it will simply hurt the hospitality sector and small businesses. It is easy to bill others when faced with tough budget decisions. However, this plan would ultimately hurt consumers, target local businesses and cost jobs. Lawmakers should reject it. CHICAGO In 2011, billionaire Peter Thiel made headlines when he announced that he would pay 20 teenagers $100,000 each to drop out or delay college and start businesses in biotechnology, finance, energy and education. Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal, a venture capitalist and early investor in Facebook, wanted to underscore his belief that college costs too much, isnt as intellectually rigorous as it once was, and leaves recent grads burdened with student loans that keep them from taking the entrepreneurial risks needed to spur the economy. All these years later, Wall Street Journal reporter Alexandra Wolfe tells us how it all panned out for the first class of Thiel Fellows in her deliciously detailed book Valley of the Gods: A Silicon Valley Story. The tome is great fun as Wolfe delves into the excesses of a cash-rich sub-society of uber-nerds who turn to polyamorous household configurations, obsessions with scientific quests for eternal youth and bizarre nutritional regimens to fit in. You had to be weird in some specifically difficult way that made you more productive at the same time. But her book centers on the story of one of the fellows, John Burnham, a precocious child who preferred reading Aristotle and Plato to attending to anything his schoolteachers had to say. His big dream was to mine asteroids and, after pitching Thiel, he got his grant and moved to California to get started on monetizing his idea. By fall 2012, Burnham was a little bored, a little dispirited, a little homesick and, ironically, reading the novels he wouldve been assigned by a college literature professor and jostling to get inside a Stanford University lecture hall to hear Thiel speak on the topic of how to build the future. At age 21, in 2014, Burnham was well into the disillusionment phase of his grand experiment. As he struggled to launch Urbit, a personal server platform, Wolfe writes, he was often frustrated with how little the valleys hierarchy valued the actual people who built the products or used them. Whether it was due in part to the convoluted nature of his company, which neither he nor his co-founder, Curtis Yarvin, could seem to explain in English, Burnham was feeling more and more detached. He felt like his reason for being out there was to build a company that would get a mythical high valuation, which he didnt think would come from anything like his own merit or character. And what did Silicon Valley think character was, anyway? Were they even aware of it? Im not giving much away by telling you that Burnham eventually left Silicon Valley for college, seeking to study in an effort to find meaning and spirituality in life. In this respect, it could be said that, far from failing at starting up, Burnham learned the types of truths that led him to pursue the heart of what college used to mean education for the mind, as opposed to job training. Which leads us to the conclusion of this experiment: Giving kids cash and the freedom to create their own company can yield a whole crop of successful business owners, but it isnt necessarily scalable. For everyone else finishing high school whether they have an offbeat dream or no idea of what they want to do in life there has to be something other than immediate matriculation into college or a job at a fast-food joint. In a society where hiring managers generally wont even look at someone who doesnt have a degree, we insist that 17- and 18-year-olds gamble tens of thousands of dollars on a course of study designed primarily to meet the entry-level requirements of a white-collar job. This system is already failing. Only 66 percent of high school graduates go on to college and only 60 percent of those who seek a degree at a four-year institution graduate within six years. We should be questioning the wisdom of having few viable alternatives for kids who simply arent ready for or interested in college. Wolfe concludes that the fellowships made people question the establishment, and while the program may have come at a time that was too early for there to be an existing framework for kids who decided to skip school, what it did do was challenge political correctness and fly in the face of what academic institutions had previously made mandatory. Now that the status quo has been challenged, however, we must actually change it. E-mail: estherjcepeda@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group. In a welcome departure from his previous public speeches, President Donald Trump delivered an optimistic message to the nation Tuesday, promising a new era of prosperity, a new approach to immigration, rebuilding of Americas infrastructure, a strengthening of the military, an overhaul of the nations health care system and tax code and, most notably, a new chapter of American greatness. Absent from his first joint address to Congress were petty attacks on his detractors, unhelpful tangents and haranguing of the media. But hyperbole remained a key theme in his well-rehearsed, hourlong speech. In describing his ascendency to the presidency, Trump said, In 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. He also claimed a new national pride is sweeping across our nation that is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp. Though light on specifics on how he plans to reach the goals he laid out, the president provided a message of unity that was lacking in his inaugural address. Saying he believes real and positive immigration reform is possible, Trump urged congressional Republicans and Democrats to work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades. And he added some needed clarity to his policies, reiterating his plan to build a wall along the Mexican border while emphasizing that a path to citizenship for undocumented workers already here is off the table but hes open to providing a path to legal status for those immigrants. In a decidedly un-Republican turn, Trump called on Congress to provide paid family leave for new parents, make child care accessible and affordable, invest in womens health and promote clean air and clear water. Weve financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit and so many other places throughout our land, he said. He even pledged to work with Muslim allies to extinguish Islamic State terrorists, going so far as to acknowledge the killings of Muslims as well as Christians in the Middle East. Trump opened by condemning the recent wave of anti-Semitic vandalism and threats targeting Jewish cemeteries, community centers and schools actions many Democrats have said he initiated with anti-Semitic comments made during the campaign. Tuesday night he said, We are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms. Although he reiterated his plan to move quickly on repeal of the Affordable Care Act, he said, The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we are going to do. He vowed to ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the health care exchanges. And he said the states will receive the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out. Trump also said he would honor historic alliances, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, even though he questioned the treaty during his campaign. But he also said he would consider new ones as well, even with former enemies such as Russia. A highlight of the evening was Trumps recognition of Carryn Owens, the widow of Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens. Ryan Owens died in January during a raid in Yemen that military officials say yielded a trove of intelligence that will help in the fight against IS. Owens father has refused to meet with Trump, seeking an investigation into the raid that killed his son and as many as 29 civilians. Carryn Owens, hands folded and looking upward in the House chamber, received the longest sustained ovation of the night. Was the new presidents speech, delivered with poise and discipline, a sign that he has come to understand the gravity of the high office he has undertaken and the challenges the country faces? Lets hope so. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal A lawsuit filed against La Promesa Early Learning Center alleges that the beleaguered charter school failed to adequately supervise or vet a substitute teacher who allegedly touched a 6-year-old student inappropriately and exposed himself to other children. The lawsuit, filed Feb. 9 in 2nd Judicial District Court, claims substitute teacher Ted Padilla used his position of authority to abuse the girl in September 2015, then warned her not to tell anyone. Padilla had been hired to teach first grade through the temp agency Kelly Services, which is also named in the lawsuit, along with the New Mexico Public Education Department and Analee Maestas, former executive director of the school. The allegations are one more headache for La Promesa, a state-chartered, dual-language school that has about 360 students in kindergarten through eighth grades. Next week, the Public Education Commission will conduct a hearing to decide whether to pull the schools charter over issues unrelated to the lawsuit, forcing it to close this summer. La Promesa breached its duties by failing to ensure that adults in positions of authority were not a risk to students, according to the lawsuit. The girls attorneys F. Michael Hart and Kelly Stout Sanchez told the Journal it is unclear whether Kelly Services or La Promesa required Padilla to complete a background check. We have tried to figure out those relationships and what duties were owed by whom but hit a lot of brick walls, Hart said. La Promesa Executive Director Chris Jones told the Journal he was not with the school in 2015 and declined to comment on the lawsuit. A police investigation appears to show that the department was notified of the incident by a relative of the girl. No one was available to respond at Kelly Services Michigan headquarters Wednesday afternoon. According to the lawsuit, Padilla had a history of inappropriate conduct towards students and staff at his prior places of employment and posed a threat to (La Promesa) students. Hart and Sanchez also argue that Padilla was not well-supervised once he was in the classroom, which enabled him to take advantage of students. Schools have a duty to supervise substitutes very, very closely to ensure not only that the education content is competent and professional, but that the behaviors are appropriate, Hart said. It is common sense, really, he said. La Promesa fired Padilla after parents called the school about the indecent exposure, Hart said. According to a police report, Padilla had unzipped his pants in front of the class and was touching himself as well by making an up and down motion with his hand. The 6-year-old girl reportedly told a relative that Padilla took her to a separate room, pulled down her pants and touched her inappropriately, the report says. The schools problems began in February 2016 when Maestas was accused of writing over a $342.40 receipt to receive improper reimbursement for home maintenance. The Office of the State Auditor conducted an investigation and determined that Maestas had doctored the invoice. In February, the Public Education Commission voted 5-3 to begin charter revocation proceedings against La Promesa, citing poor fiscal management and low academic performance. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Malaysian police on Friday released the only North Korean it had detained in the killing of the half brother of North Koreas leader, as it condemned the use of a banned nerve agent in the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ri Jong Chol, who had been detained since Feb. 17, four days after Kim Jong Nams death, was handed over to immigration officials for deportation. Police never said what they had thought his role had been in the attack, but national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed Friday that Ri was released due to a lack of evidence against him. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali has said that Ri would be deported because he didnt have any valid travel documents. Two women one Indonesian, one Vietnamese have been charged with murdering Kim at an airport terminal Feb. 13. They were caught on grainy surveillance video smearing what Malaysian authorities say was VX nerve agent on his face and eyes, though both reportedly say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. Police are searching for seven North Korean suspects, including four believed to have left Malaysia the day Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed. One of the suspects believed to still be in Malaysia is an official at the North Korean Embassy. A statement from Malaysias Foreign Ministry ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, saying it was greatly concerned with the use of the toxic chemical and condemning the use of such a chemical weapon under any circumstances. Its use at a public place could have endangered the general public, the foreign ministry said. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the killing, but the statement came hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Ri Tong Il, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, also said that if VX had been used, others besides Kim would have been killed or sickened. Kims death has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. On Thursday, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say the two female suspects smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kims face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpurs airport. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. Malaysias autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, and North Korea is widely believed to possess large quantities of chemical weapons including VX. North Korea is trying to retrieve Kims body, but it has not acknowledged that the victim is Kim Jong Uns half brother, as Malaysian government officials have confirmed. Pyongyang refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying when he died. Malaysian police are doing the same; they are seeking next-of-kin who could provide a DNA sample and make a positive identification, steps they say are needed for authorities to give up the body. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Khalid, the national police chief, brushed off the North Korean envoys claim of a heart attack. We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like but the facts remain, Khalid told The Associated Press. Malaysian police said the female suspects had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands after attacking Kim. The police said the four North Korean suspects who left the country the day of the killing put the VX liquid on the womens hands. Police cant confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Kim Jong Nam reportedly fell out of favor with his father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. WASHINGTON The Latest on Attorney General Jeff Sessions talks with the Russian ambassador (all times local): 9:38 p.m. President Donald Trump is praising his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, and accusing Democrats of conducting a witch hunt in their criticism of Sessions testimony about his contact with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign. Sessions on Thursday recused himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in Americas 2016 presidential election. He acted after it was revealed that he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. Some Democrats are accusing him of lying and calling for him to step down. In a statement Thursday night, Trump calls Session an honest man who did nothing wrong. The president says Sessions could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional. Trump says Democrats are trying to save face after losing the election, are overplaying their hand and have lost their grip on reality. Trump says the real story is all of the illegal leaks of classified or other information. He concludes, This is a total witch hunt! ___ 6:40 p.m. A White House official says President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and the man who would become national security adviser, Michael Flynn, met with Russias ambassador to the U.S. in December. The official calls the sit-down at New Yorks Trump Tower a brief courtesy meeting. Flynn was fired last month because he misled Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The Trump teams public accounting of Flynns conversations with the ambassador have changed multiple times. The White House did not confirm the in-person meeting or Kushners contact with the ambassador until Thursday. The official isnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insists on anonymity. ___ 6:18 p.m. A former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States over the summer. A person with knowledge of the meeting says Carter Page talked with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at the same event where now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke with the envoy. Several foreign diplomats attended the Heritage Foundation event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in July. Page briefly served as a foreign policy adviser to Trumps campaign. In a statement, Page doesnt confirm the discussion took place but says he never did anything improper in my activities related to Russia, both last year and throughout the quarter century that I have been traveling to that country. The person with knowledge of the discussion isnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insists on anonymity. by Julie Pace ___ 5:15 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sending a letter to a Senate panel to explain his testimony under oath following revelations he twice met with the Russian ambassador and didnt say so when pressed by lawmakers. Thats the word from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, who says he has talked to Sessions. Sessions said Thursday afternoon that he will recuse himself from an investigation into Russian meddling in the presidential election. Grassley says he had asked Sessions to send the letter so we can put this issue to bed once and for all. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says Sessions recusal isnt enough and has repeated an earlier call for his resignation. ___ 4:35 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he should not be involved in investigating a presidential campaign he had a role in. Sessions made the comment at a Thursday news conference where he announced he will recuse himself from any investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The move came after revelations that Sessions twice spoke to the Russias mbassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. Sessions rejected any suggestion that he tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying, That is not my intent. That is not correct. But he says he should have slowed down and said but I did meet with one Russian official a couple of times. Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to investigation. ___ 4:20 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he didnt lie when he testified during his confirmation hearing that he had no interaction with Russians during the 2016 election campaign. At a news conference Thursday, he continued to draw a distinction between his conversations with the Russian ambassador in his role as a senator and his role in the Trump campaign. Still, Sessions is recusing himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. He says he is doing so at the urging of senior career officials in the Justice Department. Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to the investigation. ___ 4:10 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he will recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. Sessions faced mounting pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to step aside after revelations that he had twice talked with Moscows U.S. envoy during the presidential campaign. Sessions conversations with the ambassador seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. The Justice Department said there was nothing improper about the meetings. Sessions insisted he never met with Russian officials to discuss the campaign. Sessions said this week he would recuse himself when appropriate. When attorneys general have recused themselves in the past, investigations were handled by lower-ranking but still senior political-appointees within the Justice Department. ___ 4:05 p.m. White House press secretary Sean Spicer is defending Attorney General Jeff Sessions, saying he was simply doing his job as a former senator when he spoke with the Russian ambassador. Spicer tells reporters aboard Air Force Once that Sessions did not mislead in sworn statements he made to Congress during his confirmation hearing. At the hearing in January, Sessions was asked about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. Sessions said he was unaware that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government despite his own conversations. Spicer said that Session had been asked the question with respect to Sessions role as a surrogate for the campaign not his role as senator. He argues conversations with ambassadors are part of regular Senate business. ___ 3:40 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is planning a news conference after revelations he had contact with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during last years White House campaign. The Justice Departments Thursday afternoon news conference comes as Sessions faces mounting pressure to resign or recuse himself over his communications with the Russian envoy. Sessions spoke twice with the ambassador during the campaign. Those conversations appear to contradict Sessions testimony to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign, while Democratic leaders and some Republicans say Sessions should step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. The Justice Department says there was nothing inappropriate about Sessions contacts. Sessions says he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. ___ 2:40 p.m. President Donald Trump says he wasnt aware that his attorney general former Sen. Jeff Sessions had contact with the Russian ambassador during last years White House campaign. Trump made the comment in Newport News, Virginia, before giving a speech aboard the USS Gerald Ford. Sessions spoke twice with Russias ambassador to the United States during the campaign. Those conversations appear to contradict Sessions testimony to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign over the contact, while Democratic leaders and some Republicans say Sessions should step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. ___ 2:15 p.m. President Donald Trump says he has total confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions as calls mount for the attorney general to resign or recuse himself over his contact with a Russian envoy. Trump made the comment in Newport News Thursday. Asked if Sessions should recuse himself, he said I dont think so. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscows envoy to the U.S. during the campaign. Sessions conversations with the ambassador seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Some Republicans are joining Democrats in calling on Sessions to step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. ___ 1:20 p.m. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee says he still doesnt have any evidence that people associated with Donald Trumps presidential campaign had improper contacts with Russian officials. Rep. Devin Nunes (NOO-nehs) made the comment to reporters after committee members heard from FBI Director James Comey (KOH-mee). Nunes says the only contact hes aware of involves Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and the Russian ambassador to the United States. The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff, says the FBI director hasnt provided a full counterintelligence briefing to committee members. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also met with the Russian ambassador during the campaign when Sessions was a senator and an adviser to the Trump campaign. The Justice Department says there was nothing improper about the meetings. BERLIN -After his arrest and torture by the government of Bashar Assad, dissident Khaled Rawas slipped out of Syria pledging to continue the fight. On Wednesday, he did just that joining a landmark legal complaint in Germany seeking something that has long proved elusive for the victims of the Syrian civil war. Justice. As dissidents, victims families and human rights activists begin to lose hope in a toppling of the Syrian government as well as in the will of international bodies to hold the Syrian government accountable for alleged war crimes they are increasingly pursuing their own justice through criminal suits in domestic European courts. By doing so, they are gambling on the notion of universal jurisdiction arguing that war crimes have no geographic boundaries. They argue that countries such as Germany with broad laws covering torture and genocide are ideal venues to launch such legal attacks. Our fear is that theyre going to get away with it, that the international community is going to look the other way, Rawas said. I dont want revenge. But for what was done, for what is still being done, we have to have justice. Now 29 and living as a refugee in Germany, Rawas joined six other plaintiffs, including his wife, in filing the complaint against six senior Assad regime officials who they claim were directly involved in systematic torture. At the very least, the plaintiffs and the human rights lawyers backing them are seeking international arrest warrants similar to the one that led the British to detain former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on behalf of a Spanish judge in the 1990s. Between March 2011 and December 2015, at least 17,723 people have died in Syrian government detention, according to Amnesty International, and thousands of other dissidents have been brutally tortured. Yet, while there have been international condemnations of the Assad government, there have been virtually no successful international efforts to prosecute it for war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC), which has prosecuted war crimes elsewhere, is unable to accept cases from Syria because the country is not a signatory to the court. To investigate, the ICC would need the approval of the United Nations Security Council a move Russia has blocked with its veto power. So human rights lawyers, activists and victims have been looking for alternatives with the case filed this week in Germany only the latest example. It is at least the fourth to be filed in Europe and comes on the heels of similar legal action in Spain, France and Germany. The case, which was filed with the aid of the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), is also somewhat novel, however. At least one other complaint has named Assad himself something seen as problematic by legal scholars, given the precedent for legal immunity offered to heads of state. Other cases have relied on secondhand accounts of war crimes by human rights groups. In contrast, the complaint filed Wednesday involves Syrian refugees living in Germany who claim to have been directly victimized. Rather than go after Assad himself, the complaint takes a narrower approach naming senior intelligence and military officials who may not be covered by international laws granting sovereign immunity to a head of state. We are optimistic that this approach is going to get results, said Wolfgang Kaleck, general secretary of the EECHR Yet the path to justice in domestic courts faces formidable obstacles. In Germanys legal system, a case cannot proceed unless prosecutors deem it worthy. And they have generally been loath to take up crusading cases involving distant lands. Legal experts here say there are only two recent cases in which universal jurisdiction has been successfully invoked to prosecute war crimes and in both cases, the suspects were present on German soil. Perhaps Europes most advanced case against senior members of the Syrian regime, however, is being considered in Spain. The plaintiff a woman with Spanish nationality alleges that her brother in Syria was detained, tortured and executed in 2013 at a Syrian government detention center. The Spanish case emerged after the woman spotted her bothers face among a horrific tableau of more than 50,000 postmortem photographs, which were taken at Syrian military hospitals between 2011 and mid-2013. They were smuggled out of Syria by a military-police photographer later code-named Caesar. Activists working with him had posted the images on Facebook with the aim of creating a database that could aid in legal cases. Spanish courts have a reputation for reaching far and wide with the most spectacular case being the 1998 arrest of Pinochet in Britain on a warrant issued by a Spanish judge, Baltasar Garzon. But in 2014, Spanish politicians passed a bill curbing the power of its judges to serve as enforcers of international law. Nevertheless, the fact that the plaintiff in the case is Spanish has offered some hope that the courts may decide to act. It singles out nine high-ranking members of the Syrian intelligence apparatus as responsible for state terrorism and hence, also for the death of the Spanish nationals brother. Our aim is to have the suspects extradited to Spain, said Toby Cadman, a British lawyer involved in the case. As soon as an arrest warrant is issued, it will be possible to arrest them anywhere in Europe if they leave Syria. Although perhaps still legal long shots, the piling up of criminal cases against the Assad government in Germany has offered some hope for victims. It has also proved cathartic for people such as Rawas. In 2011, he recalled, he was studying mechanical engineering in Damascus when he joined the initial uprising against the Syrian government as an organizer for the student opposition. After his first arrest in March of that year, he said, he was held for 10 days, severely beaten and sodomized with a pipe. Things became much worse in December, when he was arrested again and taken to the dreaded 215 detention center. Run by Syrias military intelligence agency and known as the Branch of Death, the center was the source of more than 3,500 of the bodies photographed in the Caesar database. Limbs on bodies had been beaten and burned. In some cases, prisoners eyes were gouged out. Rawas said that rows of agents were lined up along the six flights of stairs leading to the facility, all beating beating the prisoners as they were led up. He recalled being beaten in the same room as two other inmates who had it much worse. He was assaulted with a pipe, while the spiked sticks were used on the other men. They ripped pieces of skin and flesh off of them which each hit, he said. Even now, I cant get the screams out of my head. Torture inside the facility is systematic, according to war-crimes investigators. Female prisoners have reported being raped by guards, and cells are so crowded that prisoners stand and sleep in shifts. Rawas said he was kept with 30 other prisoners in a 13-by-6.5-foot cell. During one of the many beatings, he remembered focusing like the engineer he was on the instrument of his pain. The agent was hitting me with a plastic pipe, made of PVC, he said. He just kept hitting me. He wouldnt stop. So I started thinking about the material. About its chemistry. Anything but the pain. You cant understand what these people have done, are still doing, he said. We need to do something. Anything. I hope this case succeeds. Noack reported from London. Louisa Loveluck in Istanbul contributed to this report. BEIRUT Syrias military announced on Thursday it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group as the militants defenses crumbled and IS fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes. The development marks the third time that the town famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures IS had sought to destroy has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State group in Syria in a week, after Turkish backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants on Feb. 23, following a grueling three month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland. You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated, the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar al-Jaafari, told reporters in Geneva. Of course, counterterrorism operations will continue until the last inch of our territory is liberated from the hands of these foreign terrorist organizations, which are wreaking havoc in our country, he added. The Damascus military statement said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with allied and friendly troops government shorthand for members of Lebanese militant Hezbollah group who are fighting along Syrian President Bashar Assads forces. IS defenses around Palmyra had begun to erode on Sunday, with government troops reaching the towns outskirts on Tuesday. The state SANA news agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the towns archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around mid-day, then the town itself, as IS militants fled the area. This is the Syrian governments second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed by his defense minister that Syrian troops had gained control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. The Syrian governments push has relied on ground support from Hezbollah and Russian air cover, according to Hezbollahs media outlets. Archeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its ruins. Drone footage released by Russias Defense Ministry earlier this month showed new damage to the facade of Palmyras Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. IS militants have twice used the towns Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other IS killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of the talks in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura held another round of meetings with both the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that the parties have agreed to discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks. After a Damascus request, the issue of terrorism is also on the table, he had said. Russia is a key sponsor of Assads government. A top Syrian opposition negotiator, Nasr al-Hariri, said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony on Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In Turkey, the countrys foreign minister said that with the completion of an operation to retake the IS-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria, Turkish troops will head to the Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces, which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with IS. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu stressed that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. That front line in northern Syria was further complicated by a concurrent announcement by the Syrian Kurdish side on Thursday that they had agreed with Russia to withdraw from some of the territory between al-Bab and Manbij, to make room for a buffer. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line with rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Cavusoglu denied any such agreement was reached. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. The Turkish and Syrian authorities have long regarded each other with thinly-veiled hostility. ___ Soguel reported from Geneva. Associated Press writers Philip Issa in Beirut, Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report. The Albuquerque Journal was named to this years 10 Newspapers That Do It Right list, compiled by E&P magazine for papers that achieve growth in circulation, revenue and engagement. E&P, or Editor & Publisher, is a trade publication covering the newspaper industry. It featured the 10 newspapers on the annual list in its March magazine that were chosen from among 70 nominations submitted. We are very excited Editor & Publisher, on a nationwide quest, has featured our efforts as one of 10 Newspapers That Do It Right,' said William P. Lang, Journal publisher. Joe and his staff are to be congratulated as they work toward expanding our reach of the Albuquerque Journal, either print or digital, and with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Lang said, referring to Joe Leong, vice president and chief revenue officer for the Albuquerque Publishing Co., which publishes the Journal. The Journals nomination cited its HomeStyle real estate publication, which made its debut inside the newspapers Life in New Mexico magazine in May, and became a standalone section in October. Published on Fridays, more than 86,000 copies are distributed to Journal readers and more than 3,500 copies are delivered to grocery stores, real estate offices and related businesses, according to the Journal. Much of the HomeStyle content which includes profiles of local individuals and companies, features on new homebuilding, and design features and tips for buying or selling your home comes from the local real estate industry. Even if youre not looking for a house, you will find something interesting, Leong said. The related website, ABQJournal.com/homestyle, has search capabilities for multiple listing services and open houses in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. The Journal also was recognized for: Adding text to features to print classified ads under a system developed by SkyBridge Mobile. A reader who sends the coded text gets a link to a website that provides more information about the ad, including a click to call feature, photos and social media links. Working with the 2016 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on an official app for the event. Outsourcing classified ad functions so managers could focus more on selling ads to local retailers. Ive been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years. No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com.Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., in a tweet, March 2, 2017 Sen. McCaskill jumped on The Washington Post report that Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2016 had met twice with Russian ambassador Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, including once in his Senate office, when he was a key adviser to President Trumps presidential campaign. But now some of her earlier tweets have undermined that claim. The Facts Here are tweets that McCaskill sent out in 2013 and 2015: Off to meeting w/Russian Ambassador. Upset about the arbitrary/cruel decision to end all US adoptions,even those in process. Today calls with British, Russian, and German Ambassadors re: Iran deal. #doingmyhomework That is certainly different than no call or meeting with the Russian ambassador ever over the course of 10 years. McCaskill spokesman John Lombard argued that the difference was that Sessions met privately with Kislyak, whereas McCaskills meeting was part of a group. He also said she called Kislyak, rather than the other way around. She did attend a group meeting about adoptions with other Senators, and had a brief proactive call with the ambassador amid calls to several other parties to the Iran nuclear deal, he said. By contrast, Lombard said, Attorney General Sessions met one-on-one with the Russian ambassador in the midst of a Russian cyber campaign against the U.S., and then misled the Judiciary Committee under oath about that meeting. He then tried to excuse it by saying it was part of the normal course of his Armed Services Committee work. One of Sessions interactions with the ambassador was as part of a group: in July, at the Republican National Convention, after Sessions gave a speech at an event for about 50 ambassadors sponsored by the Heritage Foundation. Sessions then spoke individually to some of the ambassadors, including Kislyak. The second Sessions meeting is more sensitive, but details are not clear. It took place in his office, on Sept. 8, but its unknown whether aides were present. It is also not known if Kislyak or Sessions initiated the meeting. A spokeswoman for Sessions characterized it as a meeting done as part of Sessions work on Armed Services Committee, not as campaign surrogate. She said that Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors in 2016. In a statement issued Wednesday night, Sessions said he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. McCaskill went too far to suggest that she had never met or had a phone call with the Russian ambassador in the past 10 years, especially given that she had tweeted about such interactions in the past. Certainly the circumstances of the Sessions-Kislyak meeting in September raise questions as do his answers under oath during his confirmation hearing but McCaskill undercuts her outrage by making such misleading statements. If it doesnt fit in 140 words, sometimes its best not to tweet. McCaskill should delete or revise her tweet to set the record straight. A politician in Sweden wants to list sex as an approved activity for civil servants during their daily lunch break. By India Today Web Desk: A Swedish politician made headlines after he wanted to list sex as an officially approved activity for civil officials during their paid lunch break. Per-Erik Muskos of the city council of Overtornea on the Arctic Circle says he made "a serious and formal" proposal on Monday to add sex to the list of acceptable activities, which includes going to the gym, getting a massage, and eating. advertisement FYI || Moments before Congress address, TV cameras captured Trump rehearsing speech || THE REASON He said on Friday that its benefits could include improving employee morale and increasing the population of the town of about 4,500. Muskos said the municipality's 550 employees are now assessing his proposal before it is discussed in the city council in a few months. FYI || Wife of Kansas shooting victim, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, shares emotional post on Facebook || REACTION The 42-year-old lawmaker said negative reactions to his proposal came chiefly from "some elderly employees who find it embarrassing to talk about what happens in the bedroom." Watch: America is united in condemning hate crime: Trump at first address to US Congress --- ENDS --- WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he will recuse himself from investigations related to the 2016 presidential campaign, which would include any Russian interference in the electoral process. Speaking at a hastily called news conference at the Justice Department, Sessions said he was following the recommendation of department ethics officials after an evaluation of the rules and cases in which he might have a conflict. They said that since I had involvement with the campaign, I should not be involved in any campaign investigation, Sessions said. He added that he concurred with their assessment and would thus recuse himself from any existing or future investigation involving President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign. The announcement comes a day after The Washington Post revealed that Sessions twice met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the campaign and did not disclose that to the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing in January. It also represents a departure from Sessions previous statements, including one on Monday, when he declined to say whether he would recuse himself. I would recuse myself on anything I should recuse myself on, Sessions said then. Thats all I can tell you. Democrats have been calling for him to do so for weeks; on Thursday, after publication of The Posts article, some high-level Republicans joined them. At his news conference, Sessions offered a new explanation: that discussions about his recusal had begun before the revelation of his meetings with Kislyak, that he and ethics officials had agreed on Monday to meet for a final time Thursday, and that at that final meeting he had accepted their recommendation. The responsibility to oversee the FBIs Russia investigation will now be handled by Sessions deputy attorney general, the departments second-highest-ranking official. The acting deputy attorney general is Dana Boente, a longtime federal prosecutor and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who stepped in when Trump fired Sally Yates in January. Trumps nominee for deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on March 7. Rosenstein, the former U.S. attorney in Baltimore and the longest-serving U.S. attorney, was the sole holdover from the George W. Bush administration. The revelations about Sessions meetings with Kislyak brought new scrutiny to the attorney generals confirmation hearing in January, when he was asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. He replied: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. On Thursday, Sessions defended those remarks as honest and correct as I understood it at the time, though he also said he would write the Judiciary Committee soon today or tomorrow to explain this testimony for the record. His explanation, he said, was that he was taken aback by Frankens question, which referred to a breaking news story at the time about contacts between Trump surrogates and Russians. It struck me very hard, and thats what I focused my answer on, he said. In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said I did meet one Russian official a couple times, and that would be the ambassador. Later, in an interview on Fox News, Sessions notably declined to say that he thought Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government favored Trump over Hillary Clinton in the presidential campaign. A declassified report from U.S. intelligence agencies released in January concluded just that, saying, Putin and the Russian government aspired to help President-elect Trumps election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him. Did the campaign believe that the Russian government, the Putin government, favored Trump over Clinton in this race? Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked. I have never been told that, Sessions responded. Do you think they did? Carlson said. I dont have any idea, Tucker, youd have to ask them, Sessions said. In a statement issued Wednesday night, Sessions said he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. A spokeswoman confirmed his meetings with Kislyak but said there was nothing misleading about what Sessions said to Congress. The spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, said Sessions did not meet with Kislyak as a Trump supporter but, rather, in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee. One meeting was in September; the other in July, when Sessions was approached after an event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. A Justice Department official said Wednesday of the September meeting: Theres just not strong recollection of what was said. On Thursday, though, Sessions outlined fairly extensive details of the encounter, which included two senior Sessions staffers. He said he talked with the ambassador about a trip he made to Russia in 1991, terrorism and Ukraine a major policy issue, given Russias annexation of Crimea and the imposition of U.S. and European Union sanctions on Russia for its actions. At one point, Sessions said, it got to be a little bit of a testy conversation. He said the ambassador invited him to lunch, but he did not accept. Most of these ambassadors are pretty gossipy, and they like to this was in the campaign season, but I dont recall any specific political discussions, Sessions said. Earlier Thursday, Trump said that he had total confidence in Sessions. Speaking aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in Newport News, Va., Trump told reporters that he was not aware of Sessions contact with the Russian ambassador. Trump also said that Sessions probably testified truthfully during his confirmation hearing in January before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Asked whether Sessions should recuse himself, Trump added: I dont think so. Trump issued a statement later Thursday as well: Jeff Sessions is an honest man. He did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional. Trump added that Democrats are overplaying their hand by criticizing Sessions, and he called their attacks a total witch hunt! Several Republican lawmakers had already called on Sessions to recuse himself and some of them applauded him after he did so. Sen. Ben. Sasse, R-Neb., called it the right decision. Democrats, however, were less complimentary. Several of them had begun the day demanding Sessions resignation and accusing him of lying under oath during the confirmation hearing. After his announcement that he would recuse himself, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., declared the decision totally inadequate. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said: Attorney General Sessions is right to recuse himself, but the fact is that he should have done so the moment he was sworn in. The episode marks the second time in Trumps nascent administration when the truthfulness of one of its top officials has come under scrutiny. In February, Trump fired his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, after The Post reported he had not fully disclosed his contacts with Russian officials. Sessions meetings with Kislyak occurred during the height of concerns about Russian interference in the U.S. election and at a time when Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, as well as a top Trump surrogate and adviser. The swift response among some Republicans, although more muted than Democrats, signaled increasing concern about the potential political fallout. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, tweeted early Thursday that AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself. Chaffetz later told reporters: Lets let him clarify his statement, and I do think he should recuse himself. Asked whether his committee would investigate the matter, he said, There are things we are looking at. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., defended Sessions, noting that ongoing investigations have found no evidence that an American or a person in the Trump campaign was involved or working with the Russians. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., shared conflicting views on Sessions during back-to-back television interviews Thursday. Asked whether Sessions should recuse himself, he told MSNBCs Morning Joe, I think the trust of the American people you recuse yourself in these situations, yes. But McCarthy later told Fox News: Im not calling on him to recuse himself. I was asked on Morning Joe if he needs to recuse himself as going forward. As you just heard, Attorney General Sessions said he would recuse himself going forward appropriate, and thats all my answer was. Sessions has focused his response to the allegations on the substance of his conversations with Kislyak, which he said did not include talk about the campaign. Many Democrats considered that a direct contradiction of Sessions testimony in January, when he told Franken that he had not spoken to Russian officials. But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who considers Sessions a close friend, said, I dont think Jeff Sessions is a liar and argued that Sessions had not misled the Judiciary Committee because all of the questions were about campaign contacts. But Sessions does owe it, quite frankly, to all of us to tell us what he talked about with Kislyak, Graham said. Fallout from Sessions statements came as FBI Director James Comey made a previously scheduled visit to Capitol Hill to meet with the House Intelligence Committee. But Comey was once again unwilling to confirm whether the FBI is exploring ties between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government, according to Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the committees top Democrat. We cant do a complete job unless the director is willing to discuss anything that they are investigating, Schiff said. At this point we know less than a fraction of what the FBI knows. But Rep. Devin Nunes, (R-Calif., the committees chairman, said Comey was very upfront with lawmakers. Theres a lot more information . . . the FBI and intelligence agencies need to provide to our committees to aid ongoing congressional investigations, Nunes said. He added that he had no reason to believe that any information would be withheld from his committee. Senators who deal regularly with defense, foreign affairs or intelligence matters often meet with foreign officials. But as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sessions was less likely to meet with foreign ambassadors than foreign military leaders. The Post has spoken to all senators who served on the armed services panel in 2016. None of them other than Sessions met with Kislyak last year, they said. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said he met with Kislyak in 2016, but in the earlier part of the year before the presidential campaign intensified. Schumer said that the Justice Departments inspector general should investigate whether Sessions made any attempts to thwart any ongoing Russia-related investigations. Some Democratic senators called on Sessions to appear again before the Judiciary Committee to explain his relationship and conversations with Russian officials under oath. Others are encouraging congressional tax-writing committees to use their authority to review Trumps tax returns for any sign of Russian connections. The Washington Posts Abby Phillip, Mike DeBonis, Adam Entous and Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. Video: Amid demands, Sessions recuses himself from all campaign probes Attorney general Jeff Sessions recused himself from all investigations involving the presidential campaign after officials from both parties called for it. The outcry came after news broke that then-Sen. Sessions failed to disclose that he met with a Russian envoy during his confirmation hearings to become attorney general. (Gillian Brockell, Jenny Starrs / The Washington Post) Short URL: http://wapo.st/2mbXCcr Video: What you need to know about the Jeff Sessions recusal The Washington Posts Karoun Demirjian brings us up to speed on Jeff Sessions decision to recuse himself from all investigations into the 2016 presidential campaign. (Zoeann Murphy / The Washington Post) Short URL: http://wapo.st/2lzBZyE DENVER Its hard to find a person in Burlington, Colorado, without some connection to the vanilla-brick prison sitting empty at the edge of town, surrounded by barbed-wire fence and exercise yards of yellowed winter grass. Most of the folks sipping ice tea at the VFW post and the ones visiting the bank along the towns four-block Main Street either once worked at the prison, know someone who worked there or, at the least, are worried its closure will have long-term effects on Burlingtons roads and schools. Since Kit Carson Correctional Center closed last summer, the population of Burlington has dropped to about 3,600 from 4,200. Lost wages for the 142 former employees of the prison the towns largest employer are estimated to exceed $2.4 million annually. Of the $12.2 million in taxes collected in Kit Carson County last year, $1.2 million was paid by the prisons owner, Corrections Corporation of America. The largest hit to city coffers comes in the loss of the prisons $619,367 annual utility bill, because the city owns the electrical system and provided water and sewer service to the prison. The prison also paid the city 25 cents per day per inmate, which totaled $65,000 a year. Its a huge loss, said Mayor Dale Franklin, who owns a plumbing business and has lived in Burlington all of his 64 years. We always hope the prison is going to open back up. Gov. John Hickenloopers office has asked for $515,000 for a Kit Carson mitigation plan that would backfill a portion of the property taxes lost to Burlington and Kit Carson County because of the closure of the privately run prison. Town leaders are grateful but say that amount isnt enough to cover even half of this years total losses. School board president Pauline Durham is worried about how the loss of tax dollars will affect building repair and teacher salaries in a district that already struggles to retain quality instructors and pay for unfunded mandates. Its going to mean some tough decisions for us, she said, noting the board scheduled a budget session this month to discuss the prison closure. Weve talked about murmurs of the prison closing for probably the last three years at our school board meetings. The prisons annual tax bill to the school district was $415,700, and 53 students enrolled last year had parents who worked at the prison. Some of those students already have moved away, although district officials were encouraged that enrollment this year was up by 15 students overall. Burlington sits alongside Interstate 70 about 30 miles from the Kansas border, in a swath of farmland and windy open space where Colorado towns are battling to survive. Without the prison, the largest employer is Midwest Farms, a hog farm with about 200 employees. Dozens of others work in the corn and wheat fields, at the hospital, or in welding and equipment repair. The town, a popular overnight stopover for people traveling from Kansas to Colorados mountain resorts, has 610 hotel rooms and a Loves Travel Stop along the interstate. The prison still will have to pay property taxes, but officials are bracing for a 50 to 60 percent reduction from the tax assessor now that the facility is empty. Harder to estimate is the loss to the local economy now that prison employees who commuted from Kansas no longer do their grocery shopping in Burlington and employees who lived in town no longer rent homes there. Its a real jolt, said Rol Hudler, the citys director of economic development and a former mayor and publisher of The Burlington Record. The prison was the first major firm or facility coming in here to boost our economy. You obviously are going to miss that tremendously, no question about that. But Hudler is optimistic, banking on a rise in commodity prices for corn and wheat. I think well be up and running again, he said. The town will weather this, residents say, just as it withstood the exodus of the areas sugar beet farming two decades ago and the draining in 2011 of Bonny Reservoir, a popular fishing and boating destination. Lifelong resident Doug Beechley, 56, misses the days when people drove through town towing boats and carrying coolers for a day at the reservoir. He recalls when Burlington had five grocery stores; now it has only a Safeway. The biggest thing the government did was allow Bonny Dam to close, he said. The prison closure is just the latest hardship for his hometown, said Beechley, who cant wait to get back home when he visits his kids in Denver. He knows the closure is a big deal, though, because he works as a utility meter technician for the city, and the meters for electricity and water are down big time since the prisoners were moved out and the workers there lost their jobs. Money is tight at the city, he said. Beechleys brother worked at the prison as a security guard and then a laundry manager up until a few years before it closed. Kit Carson Correctional Center, one of three private prisons in Colorado run by Corrections Corporation of America, which recently rebranded as CoreCivic, was the sixth prison in the state to shut down in the last decade. As prison populations have declined nationwide because of criminal justice reform, the number of inmates in Colorados 20 prisons also has decreased. The Burlington facility was down to 402 inmates when it closed, despite a capacity to hold more than 1,400. The legislature already had bailed out the prison once, handing over $9 million in 2012 to keep it open. Lawmakers had budgeted $3 million extra for this fiscal year, but it wasnt enough and the prison closed anyway, the money never spent. Kit Carson inmates were transferred to the two other CCA-operated prisons in Colorado in Crowley and Bent counties. CoreCivic spokesman Jonathan Burns declined to provide any specifics on the empty prisons future or say whether the company was seeking to lease it to other states. The facility, he said, could provide needed capacity to a number of potential government partners. Judy Fuchs worked at the prison for 17 years, starting in maintenance and rising to quality assurance manager. She hasnt found a new job, despite applying for positions at the hospital, the county, the Marriott and Loves. Jobs with health insurance and benefits as good as those offered by the prison are hard to come by. Conversation at high school ballgames, church on Sunday and over chiles rellenos and omelets at The Post Bar and Grille often turns toward the empty prison, Fuchs said. Some wonder whether President Donald Trumps promises to get tough on drug crimes and crack down on immigrants living here illegally could jump-start the need for prison cells. Everywhere I go, Fuchs said, people say, Is that place going up again? ___ Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com ATHBAH, Iraq The horror stories about the Islamic States mass killings at a cavernous hole in the desert near Mosul became legendary over the years. Soon after the group took control of the Iraqi city more than 2 1/2 years ago, the 100-foot-wide sinkhole five miles southwest of the airport became a site for summary executions. Some victims were made to line up at the edge of the hole and were shot before being kicked inside, while others were tossed in alive, residents said. Sometimes bodies were just trucked in for dumping. Residents of Mosul whispered about the deaths at the sinkhole, or khasfa as it is called. But with communications limited and locals too fearful to speak out publicly, it was only after Iraqi forces retook the area last month as they closed in on the citys western side that the scale of the killings at the site began to emerge. Based on anecdotal evidence, Iraqi officials say thousands may have perished there in recent years. It may be years more, though, before the mass grave gives up its secrets. No one knows the depth of the hole under the water at the bottom. The militants have filled it and booby-trapped it with explosives, making excavation particularly complex. Even before the Islamic States brutal campaign began, Iraqi authorities were struggling to excavate and identify victims of mass graves dating back to the reign of Saddam Hussein, when as many as 1 million Iraqis disappeared. Sectarian war following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion brought more large-scale bloodletting. Meanwhile, authorities are overwhelmed. Members of Iraqs human rights commission, which is tasked with mapping the Islamic States mass graves, said they could not provide figures on how many have been found so far. Last summer, the Associated Press said it had documented some 72 mass graves from Islamic State atrocities in Iraq and Syria, containing as many as 15,000 bodies, with more expected to be unearthed. Dozens of mass graves around the Iraqi town of Sinjar, which are thought to contain the remains of hundreds of Yazidis killed execution-style by the Islamic State, have yet to be fully excavated. Mass graves around the city of Tikrit, containing the remains of an estimated 1,700 soldiers from nearby Camp Speicher who were massacred by the militants, are still being discovered two years after the area was retaken by security forces. The khasfa, though, could be the groups biggest mass grave. Its swallowed the lives of thousands, said Muthanna Ahmed. He said he worked near the site for five months and witnessed summary executions. It was terrifying, very deep and dark. Ahmed said victims shoes and dried blood lined its rim, while some decaying bodies that got caught on the sinkholes rugged edge were still visible. A gruesome video posted on YouTube in January 2015 shows a similar scene. The sinkhole was near an Islamic State oil refinery, and the militants regularly rounded up workers and Mosul residents who were buying fuel to watch the execution-style killings. Victims included former police and army officers, as well as those accused of spying or working with the Iraqi government, witnesses said. Hussam al-Abar, a provincial council member, said 3,000 to 5,000 corpses might languish in its depths, though he bases that estimate on lists of missing people that he concedes could have been killed and buried somewhere else. Given the capacity of the central government and local government, I think its impossible to take out the bodies, he said. Wed need international assistance. It would be impossible for Iraqis alone. Before 2003, the sinkhole was a small tourist attraction, drawing travelers from the main Mosul-Baghdad highway a mile and a half away, Abar said. But as violence gripped Iraq in the wake of the invasion, al-Qaida began to gain a foothold and the site became a desert grave. It was known that whoever wanted to hide a body could drop it in this hole, Abar said. But it was not until after the Islamic State took control of Mosul in July 2014 that it started being used on an industrial scale. Jassim Omar, 33, said he witnessed about 10 executions there. The first was about a month after the city fell to the militants. About 25 prisoners from Badush prison in Mosul were brought to the sinkhole and killed, he said. If you want to scare someone from Mosul, just mention the khasfa, he said. The militants killed hundreds of the prisons inmates when they took over the city, according to human rights groups. Most of the victims were Shiites, Yazidis and Christians, all of whom the militants consider to be apostates, while many Sunni inmates were allowed to go free. In an execution-style killing in March or April of 2015, Omar recognized his cousin among a dozen detainees brought to the site in the back of a truck, blindfolded and bound. His cousin had worked for Mosuls local council before the militants took over and was accused of collaborating with the government. Whenever we went, we expected to see executions, he said. But we were surprised to see our cousin. We just thought hed been arrested. He said he watched as the men were made to kneel and three or four militants shot them, while a few others pushed the bodies into the hole. The stench could be smelled several miles away, he said. The smell might have been what led the Islamic State to fill the hole in mid-2015. Residents of Athbah, the nearest village, had complained, and some had even left, said Jawad al-Shammari, a spokesman for the human rights committee, which has not yet sent a team to examine the site. Residents said the Islamic State pushed dozens of trailers and old cars into the hole before filling it with earth, though some said mass killings at the site continued until as recently as six months ago. Human Rights Watch, which began monitoring the site by satellite in September 2014, said the hole had been filled by July 2015, though fresh track marks appeared there until November 2016. It will take ages for them to decontaminate the site and excavate, said Belkis Wille, senior Iraq researcher for Human Rights Watch. De-miners are rightly prioritizing decontaminating areas that displaced people are returning to. With explosives planted in the area around it, the khasfa claimed its latest victims last week. Shifa Gardi, a 30-year-old reporter for the Kurdish television channel Rudaw, died with a militia commander and four other soldiers when the group set off a booby trap near the site. CAIRO A U.S. airstrike in Syria earlier this week killed the deputy leader of al-Qaida, known as Abu al-Khayr al-Masri, the group confirmed on Thursday. The death brings a significant blow to the terror network and points to the central role Syria has taken in its operations. Al-Masri, a veteran Egyptian militant, was the deputy of al-Qaidas leader Ayman al-Zawahri, and the organizations senior figure in Syria. He coordinated al-Qaidas work with other militant groups and played a direct role in developing external plots, according to a U.S. counterterrorism official, who was not authorized to discuss the issue and spoke on condition of anonymity. The first report of his death came from the SITE Intelligence Group, which said al-Masri the nom de guerre of Egyptian militant Abdullah Mohammed Abdulrahman may have been killed in a strike on Sunday on a vehicle in Syrias northwestern Idlib province. It cited photos reports circulating on jihadi social media accounts. Images posted online showed the vehicle with part of the roof blown open. On Thursday, al-Qaidas branches in Yemen and North Africa put out a joint statement said al-Masri had been killed in a Crusader strike in Syria, calling it another in the crimes of America and its Crusader alliance. It praised him as a hero and wise leader and expressed its condolences to al-Zawahri, who became the top leader of al-Qaida when Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan in 2011. The CIA declined to comment on reports of al-Masris death. Al-Zawahri is believed to be based in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region, but many of the groups senior figures are believed to have moved to Syria, taking advantage of the countrys civil war to establish a presence though many of them have subsequently been killed in U.S. drone strikes the past year. An al-Qaida-linked group, Fatah al-Sham, is one of the strongest forces among the rebels fighting to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad. __ Associated Press writer Deb Reichmann in Washington contributed to this report. BOSTON Senators from eight states that have legalized the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana are asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to uphold the Department of Justices existing enforcement policy toward states with voter-approved marijuana laws. Massachusetts Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey were among those who signed the Thursday letter. Massachusetts voters backed the recreational use of pot last year. The senators point to comments by White House spokesman Sean Spicer suggesting stepped-up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana. Eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. The Obama administration opted not intervene in state marijuana laws as long as states had systems to control the drugs cultivation and sale. Senators from Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey and Alaska also signed the letter. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. President Trump choppered onto a hulking, gleaming aircraft carrier here Thursday to rally momentum for his ambitious call for a major hike in military spending. Speaking aboard the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford the Navys newest nuclear-powered warship, which Trump celebrated as a monument of American might the president vowed to reinvest billions of dollars in new vessels, fighter jets and other weapons of war to modernize what he has long decried as a depleted defense fleet. We will give our military the tools you need to prevent war and, if required, to fight war and to do only one thing, Trump said to a few thousand sailors, shipbuilders and other officials. You know what that is. Win. Win! Were going to start winning again. The $13 billion nuclear-powered warship is the most technologically sophisticated in the U.S. fleet. Trump visited Newport News, where the ship was built and is being berthed until it is commissioned later this year, as part of a road show to promote the agenda he outlined in his Tuesday night address to a joint session of Congress. He also plans to visit a Catholic school in Orlando on Friday to highlight his commitment to school choice. Trump touted his defense budget priorities, which his aides said earlier this week include adding $54 billion to the Pentagons projected budget a roughly 10 percent increase. American ships will sail the seas, American planes will soar the skies, American workers will build our fleets, Trump said. And Americas military will ensure that even through the darkest nights throughout a bright and glowing sun will always shine on our nation and our people. Trumps visit to the ship was awash in his signature showmanship. He arrived on the carriers deck on a windy but blue-skied day in Marine One, sporting a red USA cap to keep his hair from blowing in the wind. After touring the facility and meeting privately with Navy officers, sailors and shipbuilders, Trump moved from the flight deck to a lower level, which ordinarily serves as a hangar to store planes. The president, alongside Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, descended in an external elevator built to move planes up and down, and emerged to the roar of the crowd wearing a Navy cap and a special green jacket he was given as mementos. They said, Here, Mr. President, please take this home,' Trump said. I said, let me wear it!. . . I have no idea how it looks, but I think it looks good. This is a great looking hat, just like this is a great looking ship. Trump marveled at the scale and sophistication of the vessel, which he said houses 4,500 personnel and 70 aircraft. What a place, he said. It really feels like a place. You stand on that deck and you feel like youre standing on a very big piece of land. But this is better than land. The ship was named after the late 38th president, who served in the Navy during World War II aboard a combat ship in the Pacific. Fords daughter, Susan, is the ships sponsor and introduced Trump at Thursdays event. Very soon, 100,000 tons of the most powerful warship ever known will report for duty to her commander in chief, Ford said. Throughout last years campaign, Trump vowed repeatedly to invest more public money in the military, and he specifically bemoaned the size and age of the Naval fleet as insufficient to win wars. The Gerald R. Ford, built by Newport News-based Huntington Ingalls Industries, promises to be one of the Navys most sophisticated warships. But it has been one of the governments most troubled acquisitions, running billions of dollars over budget and taking several years longer to build than anticipated. At a 2015 hearing, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it one of the most spectacular acquisition debacles in recent memory. He added, We simply cannot afford to pay $12.9 billion for a single ship. Trump made no mention of the overruns, but he promised generally to use the negotiating skills he honed as a New York real estate baron to work out the best deals for the taxpayer on new military acquisitions. The same boat for less money, Trump said. The same ship for less money. The same airplanes for less money. Thats what were doing. VIDEO: Aboard the Gerald R. Ford in Newport News, Va., President Trump spoke about defense spending and the military, March. 2. Here is the full speech. http://wapo.st/2lEgiyg SANTA FE With 16 days left in this years legislative session, a budget showdown between Gov. Susana Martinez and the Democratic-controlled Legislature appears headed for crunch time. Despite the governors looming veto threat, the Senate on Thursday approved a measure that would raise taxes on New Mexico gasoline, diesel and vehicle sales, and use the estimated $183 million in additional revenue to bolster cash reserves and repair roads statewide. Senators voted 29-13 to approve the measure, with three Republicans joining majority Democrats in casting yes votes. The states gas tax rate currently 17 cents per gallon has not been increased since 1993, and the bill approved Thursday would increase the rate by 10 cents per gallon, starting in July. Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, cautioned that the states bond rating could be downgraded for a second time if revenue-generating measures are not approved and more spending cuts are needed. Lots of different eyes are on the state of New Mexico, Wirth said. We simply cannot continue to do this by plugging the dam with non-recurring revenue. However, a Martinez spokesman confirmed later in the day that the two-term Republican governor will veto the bill if it reaches her desk. The governor firmly believes that its up to government to tighten its belt not our families and businesses, Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan said. The administration will continue to negotiate with legislative leaders on comprehensive tax reform that closes loopholes, broadens the base and reduces rates. The gasoline tax bill approved Thursday is one of several proposed tax hikes that have advanced in the Legislature. There are also bills to overhaul New Mexicos tax structure, though those measures are not intended to generate additional revenue. After several rounds of spending reductions, top Democratic lawmakers are resisting additional cuts, saying they would be harmful to schools and state agencies that are already running on threadbare budgets. Senate Finance Committee Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, cautioned that additional spending cuts of 5 percent or more would have to be levied on public schools, universities and health care programs if revenue-generating measures are not enacted during this years 60-day session. The fiscally responsible thing to do is to save our bond rating, said Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup. But some Republican senators argued during Thursdays floor debate that not all cost-saving measures have been considered. Raising taxes right now is going to make it harder and harder for us to open the door and create new jobs, said Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque. Half of the additional revenue generated by the gasoline and diesel tax increases would be earmarked to bolster cash reserves, and the other half would go toward state and local government road funds. Among other components, the bill a combination of Senate Bills 95 and 131 would also increase the excise tax rate on sales of new and used vehicles from 3 percent to 4 percent. For someone purchasing a $30,000 car, that would mean an extra $300 in taxes. A House-approved tax bill contains the same provision, which would still leave New Mexicos vehicle excise tax rate lower than those of neighboring states. New Mexico lawmakers have been grappling with budget problems for two years, due primarily to falling oil and natural gas prices and their ripple effect on the states economy. As a result of lower-than-expected revenue collections, the states cash reserves have been largely depleted, and Martinez signed into law earlier this year a $190 million solvency package aimed at plugging a budget gap for the current fiscal year that ends in June. The solvency package reduced funding to school districts statewide and took money from various state government accounts. After Thursdays vote in the Senate, the director of one of the states large teacher unions called the passage of revenue-generating bills critical. Our legislators can either support measures to raise the revenue needed to prevent further cuts to public education or accept responsibility when our teachers and students are left without the tools they need to succeed because of devastating cuts that will be necessary to balance the budget, National Education Association of New Mexico Executive Director Charles Bowyer said. The bill now heads to the House, which has already passed its own $265 million package of tax and fee increases. The House-approved bill has not yet reached the Senate floor. A $6.1 billion state spending bill for the coming budget year has also been approved by the House and is pending in the Senate. In its current form, the spending plan hinges on additional revenue being generated via tax increase legislation. The three Republican senators who voted in favor of the gasoline, diesel and vehicle tax increase bill were Gay Kernan of Hobbs, Jim White of Albuquerque and Steven Neville of Aztec. Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the leader of the Washington archdioceses 620,000 Catholics, said Thursday that Catholic values call on the United States not to deport people already living in our country. But Wuerl expressed caution about the idea of churches acting as sanctuaries for those seeking to avoid deportation, as some congregations across the country have offered. When we use the word sanctuary, we have to be very careful that were not holding out false hope. We wouldnt want to say, Stay here, well protect you, he said, explaining that hes not sure churches can legally guarantee protection to people who might move into a church building, or that federal agents would necessarily respect the boundaries of a church as a place that they cannot enter. With separation of church and state, the church really does not have the right to say, You come in this building and the law doesnt apply to you. But we do want to say well be a voice for you. Wuerl made the comments in a meeting with editors at The Washington Post, where he discussed many issues of interest to the Archdiocese of Washington, which covers the District of Columbia and much of Maryland and is one of the nations most prominent Catholic dioceses. Catholics have been torn politically since the election of President Donald Trump. A majority of Catholics voted for Trump, but bishops and leaders of Catholic nonprofit organizations have fiercely opposed some of Trumps policies in the first weeks of his presidency, particularly Trumps attempt to suspend refugee admissions to the United States. Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken about the virtue of welcoming refugees and has made thinly veiled references to those who would build walls, as Trump has proposed doing along the countrys southern border. The Catholic Church has long advocated for religious liberty in the United States and around the world, but one of Trumps first proposals on the subject is an unexpected one that Wuerl indicated he would not necessarily approve of. Trump has vowed to totally destroy the Johnson Amendment, the law banning tax-exempt houses of worship from supporting political candidates. Wuerl suggested that he doesnt see a need for Trump to do away with the 63-year-old law. He said he was content with the restrictions currently placed on churches and other nonprofit groups. I feel much more comfortable with what has been the traditional separation of church and state, so that you dont have the pulpit used then as a place where candidates are invited to speak to the congregation. . . . I like to keep a distinction between the role of the pastor and the role of the politician. Indeed, Wuerl said repeatedly during his discussion with Post editors that he did not feel it was his place to voice opinions on specific government policies. But he did name serving the needs of immigrants from providing food to offering legal representation as one of the archdioceses highest priorities now. When we come to something like immigration, our voice is always going to be: Arent we supposed to be welcoming people, especially those who are fleeing persecution? Wuerl said. The cardinal took issue with Trumps earlier statement that he would prioritize Christian refugees over Muslims and others. Catholics have long been concerned about the persecution of Christians by the Islamic State, he said, but the United States should be just as open to Muslims and anyone else suffering persecution. He also expressed concern for undocumented immigrants living in the United States many of whom are Hispanic Catholics who are fearful that they may be deported, as ICE officials have been conducting raids in numerous states. Its one thing to talk about securing sovereign borders, Wuerl said. The people that are here now, we have to treat them as brothers and sisters. Many of the Trump administrations policies may have tremendous implications for the Catholic Church. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos envisions a major expansion of school voucher programs that could pay for more children to attend Catholic schools. A repeal of the Affordable Care Act would reverberate for Catholic hospitals, which account for 1 out of 6 hospital beds in the nation. The global and national church has been very active in its opposition to abortion and its advocacy for policies to address climate change. But so far, the church has no official channel for expressing those views to the White House, Wuerl said on Thursday. He hasnt heard anything about a White House office for faith-based programs, which presidents Obama and Bush each used to communicate with religious organizations. I think its an important structure, so that theres somebody in the administration we religious can go to, he said. But he said it was too early to tell whether Trump would appoint someone to lead a faith-based office, or which religious figures might gain the ear of the president and his advisers. Wuerl also discussed with Post editors the resignation of Marie Collins, a prominent figure in the Vatican who survived sexual abuse by a priest, from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Collins said in a scathing statement Wednesday that she was quitting the committee on preventing clergy sexual abuse because she was frustrated by Vatican officials reluctance to fix the problem. Some officials refused to even reply to letters from people who said they were victims of abuse, Collins claimed. But Wuerl was not alarmed by that statement. I think a lot has been done. An enormous amount has been done. Im not sure, does every letter that comes in get a response? he said. Pope Francis had agreed in 2015 to set up a tribunal that would investigate whether bishops were negligent in addressing abuse in their dioceses, but the tribunal has not come to be. That also did not trouble Wuerl, who suggested that bishops might be removed from their prominent positions because they covered up abuse, but without anyone knowing they were demoted. Its not the style of the Holy See, if they remove someone, to have a news conference. Its just not the style, he said. He emphasized that the goal of the Washington archdiocese, and the church elsewhere, is to take a zero-tolerance approach toward abusers, so that no one who has abused a minor remains in ministry. More than four decades after the last man walked on the lunar surface, several upstart space entrepreneurs are looking to capitalize on NASAs renewed interest in returning to the moon, offering a variety of proposals with the ultimate goal of establishing a lasting human presence there. The commercial sectors interest comes as many anticipate support from the Trump administration, which is eager for a first-term triumph to rally the nation the way the Apollo flights did in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The latest to offer a proposal is Jeffrey Bezos, whose space company Blue Origin has been circulating a seven-page white paper to NASA leadership and President Donald Trumps transition team about the companys interest in developing a lunar spacecraft with a lander that would touch down near a crater at the south pole where there is water and near continuous sunlight for solar energy. The memo urges the space agency to back an Amazon-like shipment service for the moon that would deliver gear for experiments, cargo and habitats by mid-2020, helping to enable future human settlement of the moon. (Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com, owns The Washington Post.) It is time for America to return to the Moon-this time to stay, Bezos said in response to emailed questions from The Post. A permanently inhabited lunar settlement is a difficult and worthy objective. I sense a lot of people are excited about this. The Post obtained a copy of the white paper, marked proprietary and confidential, and the company then confirmed its authenticity and agreed to answer questions about it. Bezos proposal comes as SpaceX founder Elon Musk made a stunning announcement this week that his company planned to fly two unnamed, private citizens on a tourist trip around the moon by next year-an ambitious timeline that, if met, could beat a similar mission by NASA. Anticipating that the Trump administration is focusing on the moon, the space agency recently announced it is considering adding astronauts to the first flight of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule. That flight, originally scheduled to fly without humans in 2018, would also circle the moon. But as the space agency seeks to move faster under the Trump administration, it is now studying the feasibility of adding crew for a mission that would then occur by 2019. Obama killed plans for a lunar mission, saying in 2010 that weve been there before. But the administrations Mars plan was still far from actually delivering humans there, and critics grew frustrated that NASA has not been able to fly humans out of low Earth orbit since the 1970s. A shot around the moon, however, could be feasible, even within a few years. Blue Origins proposal -dated Jan. 4-doesnt involve flying humans, but rather is focused on a series of cargo missions. Those could deliver the equipment necessary to help establish a human colony on the moon-unlike the Apollo missions, in which the astronauts left flags and footprints and then came home. NASA already has shown a willingness to work closely with the commercial sector, hiring companies to fly supplies and eventually astronauts to the International Space Station. It is providing technical expertise, but no funding, as part of SpaceXs plan to fly an uncrewed spacecraft to Mars by 2020. The prospect of a lunar mission has several companies lining up to provide not just transportation, but also habitats, science experiments and even the ability to mine the moon for resources. The United Launch Alliance, the joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, has also been working on plans to create a transportation network to the area around the moon, known as cislunar space. Im excited by the possibilities, said Tory Bruno, ULA chief executive. This administration, near as we can tell, feels a sense of urgency to go out and make things happen, and to have high-profile demonstrations that are along the roadmap to accomplish these broad goals. There is an opportunity to begin building that infrastructure right now-within the next four years. Robert Bigelow, the founder of Bigelow Aerospace, a maker of inflatable space habitats, said his company could create a depot that could orbit the moon by 2020, housing supplies and medial facilities, as well as humans. A smaller version of the possible habitats, known as the BEAM, is currently docked to the International Space Station, where astronauts have been testing it. In an interview, Bigelow said he was glad the administration seems to be refocuaing on the moon. Mars is premature at this time. The moon is not, he said. We have the technology. We have the ability, and the potential for a terrific business case. After remaining quiet and obsessively secretive for years, Blue Origins attempt to partner with NASA is a huge coming out of sorts for the company, which has been funded almost exclusively by Bezos. The paper urges NASA to develop a program that provides incentives to the private sector to demonstrate a commercial lunar cargo delivery service. Blue Origin could perform the first lunar mission as early as July, 2020, Bezos wrote, but stressed that it could only be done in partnership with NASA. Our liquid hydrogen expertise and experience with precision vertical landing offer the fastest path to a lunar lander mission. Im excited about this and am ready to invest my own money alongside NASA to make it happen. Last year, Blue Origin successfully launched and landed its suborbital rocket, the New Shepard, five times within less than a year, flying just past the 62-mile edge of space and then landing vertically on a landing pad at the companys west Texas facility. That same technology could be used to land the Blue Moon vehicle on the lunar surface, the company said. Its white paper shows what looks like a modified New Shepard rocket, standing on the moon with an American flag, a NASA logo and Blue Origins feather symbol. The company said it plans to land its Blue Moon lunar lander at Shackleton Crater on the moons south pole. The site has near continuous sunlight to provide power through the spacecrafts solar arrays. The company also chose to land there because of the water ice in the perpetual shadow of the craters deep crevices. Water is vital not just for human survival, but because hydrogen and oxygen in water could also be transformed into rocket fuel. The moon, then, is seen as a massive gas station in space. The Blue Moon spacecraft could carry as much as 10,000 pounds of material and fly atop several different rockets, including NASAs Space Launch System, the United Launch Alliances Atlas V or its own New Glenn rocket, which is under development and expected to fly by the end of the decade, the company said. Once on the surface, the landers useful payload can be used to conduct science or deploy rovers, the company said. A robotic arm attached to the lander will deploy to examine the lunar surface with an array of instruments. The initial landing is envisioned as the first in a series of increasingly capable missions, including flying samples of lunar ice back to Earth for study. The company said it could also help deliver the cargo and supplies needed for human settlements. Blue Moon is all about cost-effective delivery of mass to the surface of the Moon, Bezos wrote. Any credible first lunar settlement will require that capability. DENVER The Colorado Court of Appeals has sent back to district court a lawsuit challenging fees collected by the secretary of states office to fund elections. The National Federation of Independent Business claims that the business-filing fees are taxes because they pay for non-business-related functions and must be voter-approved under the 1992 Taxpayers Bill of Rights. A Denver district court dismissed a federation lawsuit in 2015. It ruled, in part, that the fees are constitutional because they were in effect before TABOR was adopted. TABOR requires voter approval of tax hikes. The appeals court on Thursday asked Secretary of State Wayne Williams office to determine whether there have been any fee hikes since 1992 that possibly could be subject to TABOR. The state says it collects nearly $22.5 million in filing fees each year. Williams said Thursday that it will take time to search for any increases over the past 25 years and that there have been none since he took office in 2015. Our business renewal fees are some of the lowest, and often the lowest, in the country, Williams said. Licensing fees make up most of the secretary of states budget. The office gets no general fund money. We think the law is clear, and the secretary of states office violated it, Karen Harned, executive director of the NFIBs Small Business Legal Center, said in a statement. Sunayna is determined to resume life in Kansas where the couple had moved few years ago with dreams and to built their house. By Indo-Asian News Service: Sunayna Dumala, the wife of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was shot dead in Kansas in a hate crime last week, has said that she will return to the US to fulfill his dream. Sunayna, who came here with the body of Srinivas, revealed this in a heart-wrenching Facebook post , which went viral on Wednesday. While Srinivas's mother said she will not allow her younger son Sai Kishore to return to the US, Sunayna is determined to resume life in Kansas where the couple had moved few years ago with dreams and built their house. advertisement "This is my Srinu's dream, and it is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA," she wrote while thanking Congressman Kevin Yoder and Senator Jerry Moran for working on her migration status. Srinivas was on H1B visa while Sunayna was on H4 dependent visa. THE BACKGROUND Her Facebook post assumes significance in the wake of reports that US authorities may not allow her to enter the country. Srinivas, 32, was killed and his friend Alok Madasani was injured when Adam Purinton, a white man who earlier served in the US Navy, shot them at the Austins Bar & Grill in Olathe, Kansas state, on February 22. Srinivas and Alok were working as aviation programme managers at Garmin, an MNC. Recalling their meeting in 2006, long friendship and marriage in 2012, she wrote that Srinivas gave her the courage to pursue her dream of coming to the US and studying and this made her an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman. WHAT NOW "I started working only recently, May 2016. He'd played a major role in me attaining a job," said Sunayna, who works at Intouch Solutions in Kansas. She recalled that they moved from small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa to a big city so that she could get a job and be able to pursue her dreams. "Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted, and installed the garage door," she wrote. The couple were also planning to expand their family. "We had had a doctor's appointment just a few weeks ago. One of the last thoughts that he shared with me were Nani (his nickname for me), we need to save money if we have to end up going for in-vitro to conceive." Srinivas would have turned 33 on March 9 and the couple were planning to fly to New Jersey for his cousin's engagement. "He was excited and eagerly waiting for the event, and we had plans to shop this past weekend for the trip. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin." advertisement She wanted to know what the US government will do answer the questions that are in every immigrant's mind, "Do we belong here? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" Also read: At Srinivas Kuchibhotla's prayer meet, friend who survived Kansas shooting calls for tolerance in US Also read: Kuchibhotla murder: India rules out demarche on Kansas shooting, says US proactive enough Also read: Indian killed in Kansas bar shooting: Donald Trump behind murder, says Srinivas Kuchibhotla's family --- ENDS --- Its been ages since I last traveled to Brussels, but the city feels familiar as soon as I arrive. The cobbled streets, medieval squares, and artisan chocolate shops give a warm welcome and transport me back to the summer I spent working in this city. It feels good to be home, even if I only have 1 day in Brussels. 1 Day in Brussels A day isnt nearly enough to see the entire Belgian capital, but its a good amount of time to take in the highlights, revisit some of my favorite spots, and try a couple new restaurants. I arrive in the evening with my boyfriend, and we head straight for a restaurant in the Marolles called LIdiot du Village (yep, The Village Idiot). As we step inside, were transported into an intimate boudoir. Red dominates the walls and everything feels very cozy, including the rustic cuisine. Brussels Hotel After dinner we check into our hotel in Brussels, the Warwick Brussels Grand Place. Its in a great location near the Brussels Central train station and the famous Grand Place. Our room has classic elegant decor and we get a good nights sleep in the comfortable bed. Breakfast in Brussels The next morning our 1 day in Brussels continues with a search for more good food. But first, coffee. At the suggestion of my friend Jessshe also used to live in Brusselswe stop at Natural Caffe for a cappuccino. Its every bit as delicious as we hoped, and fuels us on to our breakfast spot, Jat Cafe. Jat is on the street where I lived in Brussels, and its colorful interior and bright ambiance have definitely improved the area since I was there. We stop for a quick bagel, then head out to start exploring the city. 1 Day in Brussels: Sightseeing Our 1 day in Brussels has already been a winner, but it gets even better as we wander through the Grand Sablon. This elegant square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and graced by the presence of some of Belgiums top chocolatiers. Not far from here is the Grand Place, the citys piece de resistance. The square is one of the most beautiful in Europe, with gilded facades and delicate spires towering into the air. We take in the grandeur until our necks are sore from looking up, then duck into the gorgeous shopping arcade of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert before heading to Ixelles for lunch. The walk takes around 45 minutes, and along the way we pass by some of the citys best museums, through the Place Royale, and alongside a lot of lovely doors. As we get closer to our destination, we take in the pretty houses and shopfronts of Ixelles and the two ponds this Brussels neighborhood is known for. Lunch in Brussels Lunch is on the edge of said ponds at a restaurant called Le Canterbury. It specializes in chicken dishes, so I tuck into one of the spit-roasted variety and a generous side of fries. It goes down a treat after the long walk, and by the time we leave Im ready to explore again. Horta Museum Which is good, because the next place on our itinerary is my favorite. With 1 day in Brussels I had to make sure the Horta Museum was on the list. We walk into Saint-Gilles to get to the museum, which is the former house and studio of Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta. The interior is a spectacular work of art, with every detail planned and executed beautifully. We soak up everything from the curving metalwork to the dramatic stairwell before leaving to head back into the city center. There we stroll through the Marolles, getting our fix of old Brussels and popping into antiques shops as we go. A La Mort Subite in Brussels By the time we arrive back at the Grand Place were ready for a break. And in Belgium theres no better way to take one than with a beer. We walk over to A La Mort Subite, a famous cafe from 1928 with long tables and decor frozen in time. We drink beer and raise a glass to the city, which has shown us a great time during our short stay. One Day in Brussels And then its home to London for us. We wave good-bye to Brussels and I vowlike alwaysthat it wont be so long before I travel here again. But I know that when I do Ill find the same familiar places waiting for me, and a few more new ones to discover. Have you been? How would you spend 1 day in Brussels? New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email or Bloglovin. One of the links in this blog post is an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesnt affect the way you shop, and its a great way to support the A Lady in London blog. Pin it! Google only launched Android Wear 2.0 recently, so spicing up its appeal for its big appearance at MWC was a natural thing for them to do, and they chose smartwatch face community platform Facer to help them do it. Facer hosts thousands of watch faces for smartwatches across a number of smartwatch platforms, including Android Wear. Googles new Android Wear 2.0, meanwhile, supports tons of new features, but needed a way to catch eyes at MWC to bring those features to attendees attention. Facer ended up creating a number of special watch faces just for MWC to help Google build up hype for Android Wear 2.0 and put out a grand showing at the event. In order to play their part in Googles showing of Android Wear 2.0 at the event, Facer obviously had to update to add support for the platform. They didnt stop there, of course; Facer now supports Android Wear 2.0 on the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style, with support for more models coming as theyre updated and released, like the Huawei Watch 2. They also support complications to watch faces added through Android Wear 2.0s complications API, and allow people to download the Facer app directly from a compatible Android Wear 2.0 device via the built-in Play Store functionality. Facer has integrated the experience from top to bottom, making it easier than ever to download the app and get things all set up. Thanks to Android Wear 2.0s decreased reliance on a linked smartphone, somebody picking up a brand new Android Wear 2.0 device can pop a SIM card in there or find some Wi-Fi, set up their watch, then hit the Play Store to grab the Facer app. From there, they can get it set up, browse faces, and install one that they like right from the watch. Special watch faces were created for Facer and Android Wear 2.0s showing at MWC, and Facer has made those watch faces available for all to download for free through the app. This, of course, includes those rocking a device that does not have Android Wear 2.0 on board yet, as long as it supports Facer; that includes Samsungs Galaxy Gear lineup, and the Apple Watch. How to Unlock LG G6 MWC 2017 started excellent, with a lot of new and interesting smartphones being launched in the first day of the show in Barcelona. Among them was the LG G6, the South Korean manufacturers latest flagship and, of course, one of the most expected smartphones of the year. If you ask us, LG pretty much nailed it, since their handset is absolutely awesome, even though it might be a bit difficult to get used with that 18:9 aspect ratio of the display! Advertisement However, as much as we already love it, were convinced that it will have a not-so-pocket-friendly price tag, because, hey, flagships never come for cheap. On the other side, it wont be long until carriers will offer it, with a two-year contract, for a way better price, and a lot of people will choose this option, in order to get their hands on LGs new flagship! The biggest downside, though, is the fact that for the entire period of the contract, the phone will be locked, meaning that its stuck on one carriers network, without the possibility to switch to another one. But what if we told you that you can actually unlock your LG G6 with ease, in just a few minutes, and get rid of this problem once and for all? Advertisement Currently, there are a few methods of doing it, but theres no doubt that unlocking by code is by far the most popular (and easiest) of them all! Basically, it can be done from the comfort of your own home and you dont need any special cables, software or technical knowledge. Really, it just cant get any better! Lets see how its done Find a code provider online Advertisement There are plenty of unlock code providers, but after performing a small research, weve come across UnlockUnit.com and UnlockScope.com, which seem to be two of the best services of the moment, as proven by the positive reviews they received from their clients. Place your order After deciding upon one of these two services, its time to place your order. Select your phone model on the homepage LG G6, in this case and click Unlock Now. You will be taken to the order form, which needs to be completed with the following details: Advertisement IMEI: Its a unique number which can be found by dialing *#06#. Its very important to provide the correct one, since its required to calculate the LG G6 unlock code. The name of the network and country you originally got the phone from: Be very careful with this step. Select the network youre currently using, NOT the one youre planning to use after unlocking the phone. A valid email address: This is where you will receive the code. After youre done with all these, proceed to payment. As a side note, you can also place your order directly from the UnlockScope app! Advertisement Insert the code After placing the order, depending on how difficult to process your IMEI is, you will receive the code, as well as additional instructions, so its time to unlock your LG G6! Insert a SIM card from an unsupported carrier, other than the one youre currently using, and wait for the phone to display a message like SIM Network Unlock PIN or something similar to this. Using the phones keyboard, type the unlock code, then tap the Unlock button. Advertisement You should get the Unlock successful message, meaning that your G6 is now ready to be used with any carrier in the world. Pretty simple, right? Besides this, you can now avoid roaming fees when traveling, by using a local SIM, not to mention that when you will want to sell this phone, you will get a way better price for it, since its unlocked. And you will also sell it way faster! Just like we told you, unlocking your LG has tons of advantages! The calendar just flipped over to March, which means there is a new security patch on the way in the next few days, and apparently Vodafone thinks that it will be heading out to the Nexus 6P next week. Now this isnt a huge surprise considering Google does typically release this security patch during the first full week of the month (this is why it usually doesnt hit on the 1st of the month), which would be next Monday or Tuesday. Now typically the update will head out to devices within a day or two of Google releasing the full system images and OTAs for sideloading, as well as the security bulletin detailing what was fixed. Since Vodafone says that the Nexus 6P will get the update on March 7th, that doesnt mean that the other Nexus and Pixel devices wont be getting the update at the same time. Remember the majority of Nexus and Pixel devices besides the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, that Google are still supporting with these releases, were not sold by carriers in the US and most other countries. Therefore Vodafone really has no idea whats happening with updates to these other devices. So keep in mind that the Nexus 6P and other devices will be getting the update next week. Google has been releasing monthly security patches for a little over a year now. They started doing this due to the number of vulnerabilities that were being found in Android and these were serious vulnerabilities too. Google has been updating devices that dont even get operating system updates anymore, which is a pretty big deal. Since most people dont upgrade their phone every year and some dont update it every other year. Manufacturers have been doing their best to keep up with Google and pushing out these updates, but of course, with the number of variants and having to deal with carriers, Google has been updating more frequently than Samsung, LG, HTC and a few other major manufacturers. Advertisement Next week, look out for an update hitting your Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. It should fix a few vulnerabilities on your devices. It seems like Meizu is planning to release their first Super mCharge smartphone early next year. This sentence might seem a bit confusing if youre not aware what Super mCharge is, but bear with us. Meizu did not introduce a new smartphone during this years Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, but they did announce something really interesting, a new fast charging technology. Now, on its own, this might not seem all that exciting, but considering this fast charging method can charge up your smartphone in only 19 minutes, and yes, were talking about a full charge (0% 100%) here, it sounds considerably more exciting, doesnt it? Now, according to the company, first smartphone that will be able to take advantage of this technology will be released in early 2018 most likely, though theres a slight possibility it might arrive a bit sooner, at the end of this year. At the moment, Meizu could not share more info than that, as the company probably still doesnt know what will that phone look like or what specs will be included, other than the fact that it will be included by Super mCharge. So, what is Super mCharge, how does it function? Well, Meizu is using an upgraded data cable, and some interesting circuitry ideas in order to achieve this. Meizu says that theyre utilizing the high-voltage direct charge method, in other words, the company will utilize 11V/5A charging connector which offers a maximum power of 55W. It also utilizes the Charge Pump Principle, as it applies only 2 groups of conversion circuits to directly output half of the voltage. If youd like to know more about Meizus Super mCharge, feel free to read our original announcement of this technology. There are a number of solid fast charging methods currently available in the market, but it seems like Meizus Super mCharge will be the fastest one. Even if your phone dies in the middle of the day, you can charge it up all the way while youre drinking a cup of coffee, essentially, which will definitely be a useful feature for plenty of people out there. We do hope that Meizu will manage to release such a smartphone by the end of this year or in early 2018, as promised, but well see, stay tuned. Advertisement Buy the Meizu PRO 6 Samsung has started the mass production of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus, latest reports from South Korea indicate. The companys manufacturing operation in Vietnam is apparently already producing large volumes of the upcoming pair of Android flagships and is expected to manufacture 4.7 million units over the course of this month. The same operation is also said to increase its production volumes come next month as it will reportedly produce 7.8 million units in April. This coincides with recent reports that Samsung is targeting approximately 10 million units for the initial batch of the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus smartphones. The source of the aforementioned report didnt know whether the South Korean tech giant is prioritizing the production of the Galaxy S8 Plus over that of its smaller counterpart, though an industry rumor from early February suggests that happens to be the case. By most accounts, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus will be significant upgrades over their predecessors as the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco reportedly prompted Samsung to make amends and go all out with its 2017 flagship duo. The two devices are only expected to differ in terms of screen size and battery capacity while the rest of their specs are said to be identical. Numerous rumors, leaks, and reports suggest that the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and the Exynos 8895 system-on-chip (SoC) in certain territories, as well as 4GB of RAM. Both phones will likely boast IP68 certification, meaning theyll be resistant to water and dust particles. Furthermore, the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus are expected to ship with Bixby, Samsungs latest artificial intelligence (AI) assistant developed by Viv Labs, an AI startup that the Seoul-based tech giant acquired last fall. During the latest iteration of Mobile World Congress (MWC), Samsung confirmed it will officially announce its next-generation flagship at a special event in New York City thats scheduled for March 29. Other than that, the company also announced that the upcoming smartphone will ship with AKG-made headphones and will also be audio-tuned by the Vienna, Austria-based subsidiary of Harman, another firm that Samsung is currently in the process of acquiring. ZTE has been going through a bit of a rough patch in the past few months, after it was brought to the attention of the US Commerce Department that ZTE had been trading products to Iran from the US. The United States currently has a few sanctions in place for Iran, which includes trade. ZTE has been granted reprieves numerous times since this came to light last year, and now according to a report out of Reuters, it appears that ZTE is planning to plead guilty to criminal charges that it violated sanctions between the US and Iran. The company is reportedly close to signing a deal with various US departments. This includes the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice and Department of Treasury. Reuters source has declined to speak on the record, and thats because the negotiations are not open to the public, and they likely wont be until the agreement is signed and finalized. Even then, you likely wont hear about the details of the agreement between those three departments and ZTE. Its also being said that due to the change over in administration from President Obama to President Trump, the agreement could be delayed a bit further. According to this report, ZTE is expected to plead guilty and that the fines for doing so will be in the hundreds of millions, of course an exact number has not been given just yet. In March of last year, ZTE was placed on a list of companies that US-based companies could not work with, without having a license to do so. Which affects companies like Google, Qualcomm and Microsoft, mostly, seeing as ZTE is a big smartphone maker, and the majority of their devices run on Android. While ZTE is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, they arent as large in the US. They do have a pretty big market share when it comes to prepaid devices, which do have a slightly smaller profit margin, but they do still sell pretty well. Chinese manufacturers have always had trouble in the US, and ZTE appeared to be one of the few that have actually grabbed a decent share of the market in the US. Hopefully these fines dont change that too much. The commonwealth of Virginia has become the first state to make the operation of robots on sidewalks and crosswalks legal. Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) signed that law that will go into effect on July 1st that makes it possible for robots to make deliveries straight to your doorstep. This effort was made by Ron Villanueva(R) and Bill Desteph(R) who sponsored the bill and wrote it with the help of Starship Technologies. Other companies like Amazon and Grubhub also sent letters to lawmakers urging them to pass the law which would benefit the companies as well. The bill gives local governments the power to further regulate how robots would operate in their towns. They could only impose stricter regulations such as lowering the speed limit further. The law only allows robots to weigh less than 50 pounds and they wont be getting to the destination in a hurry as they are allowed to go no faster than 10mph. They are required to be monitored closely by a human, you know just in case they go all Skynet on us, but they are allowed to go autonomously without the monitor being in the line of site. And of course as stated before they are only allowed on sidewalks and crosswalks. Starship Technologies was founded in 2014 by Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis and is base in London. Currently, the company is working with Postmates in Washington D.C. and Doordash in Redwood City, California testing the robots. It built its first 10 robots in 2016 almost two years after starting up. The company has partnered with many companies since its founding such as Mercedes-Benz Vans and other companies in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. In January it announced $17.2 million in funding. Advertisement According to Villanueva, there was no pushback and a lot more curiosity into how the technology would work and how Virginia could benefit from it. There are already other legislators that are working on similar laws in Idaho and Florida, so its just a matter of time before we see this countrywide. Besides Starship Technologies there are at least two other companies working on delivery robots, Marble and Dispatch. We know Amazon has been working with drones, but with this law being passed its safe to assume it has a couple of robots in the works. Samsung Group is looking to reform itself following a corruption, influence-peddling scandal thats been shaking the entire South Korea since last fall. The largest business conglomerate in the Far Eastern country is thus looking to disassemble itself for the first time in its 58-year-long history, the company said earlier this week and surprised many industry watchers. The Seoul-based tech giant is planning to reform its corporate structure with the goal of dealing with the controversies pertaining to the connections between its business and political elites in South Korea, as well illegal acts that its Vice Chairman and heir Jay Y. Lee was recently accused of. Samsung Group will hence shut down its Future Strategy Office, a branch of the company that was previously dubbed the control tower of the conglomerate. The company will also abolish its presidential board which was so far tasked with managing its subsidiaries. This new, decentralized version of Samsung will be hoping that its subsidiaries and their board of directors will be able to make their own business decisions. The companys presidential board and its Future Strategy Office allegedly played a role in the corruption scandal that saw Lee end up in jail, awaiting trial on charges of bribery, embezzlement, perjury, hiding the proceeds of a criminal act, and concealing assets overseas. Lee already vowed to shut down the Future Strategy Office in December, before the full extent of the influence-peddling scandal that Samsung got involved in was clear. The body was never officially registered as a corporation but was directly controlling the boards of directors of Samsung Groups subsidiaries. While the office allowed Samsung to grow in a rapid and consistent manner due to defining and executing standardized business strategies, it was also criticized for preventing the conglomerates subsidiaries to act transparently. Samsungs executives are interpreting the latest turn of developments as an attempt to transform Samsung into a company with a horizontal organization structure whose subsidiaries are relatively autonomous and free to act as they will. This is yet another corporate change Samsung seemingly made in response to Lees recent arrest and the scandal that preceded it. Last week, the Seoul-based conglomerate also changed its donation policies which Lee allegedly used to pay for the aforementioned bribes. By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Mar 1 (PTI) Sri Lankas main ethnic Tamil party TNA is ready to give more time to the government "under strict conditions" to fulfil its commitments to the UN human rights council that include allowing a probe into war crimes allegations. Tamil National Alliances senior legislator Abraham Sumanthiran told Colombo-based foreign correspondents yesterday that Sri Lanka must necessarily be allowed more time to honour its commitments for rights accountability in terms of the UNHRC resolutions. advertisement In a joint resolution in 2015 at the UN Human Rights Council, Sri Lanka had promised to set up a judicial mechanism to prosecute those accused of human rights abuses during the last phase of the war with the LTTE. The government also promised new constitution that covers the island nations varied ethnicities and religions. "Eighteen months have passed and they (government) have not implemented obligations that they voluntarily undertook to perform," Sumanthiran said, adding even a single legislation for the setting up of the Office for Missing Persons had not been brought into operation. Sumanthirans comments came as the government was expected to ask for more time to implement the resolution in the ongoing 34th session of the UNHRC in Geneva. "Each of those commitments must necessarily be implemented. In such a situation our position is that the commitments made by Sri Lanka voluntarily cant be allowed to wish away and say that the time has lapsed and we dont have to accomplish any of this anymore," Sumanthiran said. On Tamil nationalist groups criticism that TNA is gong soft on the government, Sumanthiran said, "Those who say Sri Lanka should not be given any further time are playing straight into the hands of those who want to avoid accomplishing those undertakings." He said further time can be given but that must be under strict conditions. Sri Lankan foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera in his address at the UN Human Rights Councils session yesterday said the governments resolve to deliver justice to the victims of the countrys three-decade long civil war remains firm and the government is working towards making the reconciliation process with Tamils a success. Samaraweera said formulating a new constitution remains imperative for non-recurrence of the armed separatist conflict. Sri Lanka faced three consecutive adverse UNHRC resolutions since 2012. In 2014, the resolution prescribed an international investigations into human rights abuses blamed on both the LTTE and the government troops. Since the change of the government in January 2015, the rights body has shown leniency in allowing the new government more time to get its reconciliation house in order. According to the UN figures, up to 40,000 civilians were killed by the security forces during Mahinda Rajapaksas regime that brought an end to nearly three-decades long civil war in Sri Lanka with the defeat of LTTE in 2009. advertisement Government troops and the Tamil Tiger rebels are both accused of war crimes. PTI CORR PMS AKJ PMS --- ENDS --- The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus has just surfaced on Geekbench it seems. The Samsung SM-G955U paid a visit to the benchmarking site, and as part of it, revealed some of its benchmarking results and also partial specs. Now, do keep in mind that were looking at the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy S8 Plus here, not the Exynos model. That being said, the device managed to hit 1,929 points in the single-core, and 6,084 points in the multi-core test over at Geekbench. Now, according to Geekbench, this phone is equipped by the Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core SoC clocked at 1,90GHz, and it packs in 4GB of RAM. Its also worth mentioning that Android 7.0 Nougat comes pre-installed on the device, at least on this test model that were taking a look at. So, it seems like the Galaxy S8 Plus will ship with 4GB of RAM, though that doesnt mean that the 6GB RAM variant wont be available as well, well just have to wait and see what happens. As most of you probably already know, Samsung had announced the Galaxy S8 press conference during MWC 2017 a couple of days ago, the company will introduce the Galaxy S8 and (presumably) Galaxy S8 Plus on March 29th, and chances are that the two devices will become available in April. One variant of the Galaxy S8 will be fueled by the Snapdragon 835 64-bit octa-core processor by Qualcomm, while the other one will ship with Samsungs very own Exynos 8895 64-bit octa-core processor. Geekbench actually offers tons additional benchmarking details, little tidbits, and in case youre interested in checking those out, feel free to follow the source link down below. Weve been seeing a number of Galaxy S8 rumors and leaks in the last couple of weeks, and we basically already know what will the phone look like. A leak that surfaced yesterday is almost certainly legit, which means that the phone will sport a curved display, and have really, really thin bezels all around. Samsung is also ditching the physical home key this time around, which is quite interesting, and its also worth mentioning that the phone will be made out of metal and glass. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will be identical in terms of the design, though the Galaxy S8 Plus will be a larger handset. Xiaomi launched its latest device yesterday, the MiJia Walkie-Talkie. This is the first walkie-talkie created by the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer and the device itself ships with a relatively affordable price tag of 249 yuan, which translates to a little over $36. The MiJia Walkie-Talkie will be available for purchase in China beginning on Friday and will be sold via multiple online retailers, the company said. Only the white variant of the device will be available for the time being. It is currently unlikely that the MiJia Walkie-Talkie will ever be sold outside of China, so people living anywhere else in the world will probably have to go through a reseller to get their hands on this device. In terms of specs, the MiJia Walkie-Talkie happens to ship with all the hardware featured by regular walkie-talkies. It comes with support for the Ultra High Frequency (UHF), i.e. the frequency range between 403MHz and 470MHz. Additionally, Xiaomis gadget also supports the Very High Frequency (VHF) range spanning from 136MHz to 174MHz. With UHF and VHF, the MiJia Walkie-Talkie can be used almost anywhere, including metropolitan areas with a high degree of radio interference. On top of that, the device comes with support for FM Radio, allowing you to tune in to your favorite radio stations. The MiJia Walkie-Talkie is also capable of location sharing, and its main feature happens to be the long battery standby time as the device can reportedly last up to eight days on a single charge, Xiaomi says. Xiaomi has been adding many devices to its portfolio in the past few months. The company recently debuted a musical instrument, a wristwatch for children, and even its own chipset which was announced yesterday as the Pinecone Surge S1. While the company is widely known for its affordable smartphones which are sold around the world, Xiaomi is popular in China due to its Mi Home products sold under the MiJia brand. Its Mi Home ecosystem contains a wide variety of products including rice cookers, air purifiers, security cameras and even a robot vacuum cleaner. The company also recently invested in multiple startups which sell their products under the Xiaomi brand. Clarifying the notification TSWREIS issued a rejoinder and said there was no bar on married women from seeking admissions. By Ashish Pandey: Amid criticism of its notification inviting applications from "unmarried" women for admission to degree courses, Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) today issued a clarification saying there is no restriction. The notification published on its website as well as in several newspapers said, "The TSWREIS invites applications from women (unmarried) candidates for admission into B.A/B.Com/B.Sc 1st year Degree courses for the academic year 2017-18". advertisement REJOINDER Clarifying the notification TSWREIS issued a rejoinder and said there was no bar on married women from seeking admissions. "In this particular instance, it was erroneously understood that we are totally preventing married women joining our residential degree colleges. Our girls will be of 17 years of age when they complete 12th grade and we expected them to join our residential degree colleges straightaway," said TSWREIS in its rejoinder. "The spirit behind saying unmarried women is to facilitate admission "straightaway" for eligible girls who complete the age of 17. We don't deny anyone admission on her marital status," said TSWREIS Secretary Dr RS Praveen Kumar while speaking to India Today. Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society is a government run educational institution, running 33 residential social welfare schools in 23 districts of Telangana providing accommodation along with education to 8400 girl students. Also read | Only unmarried women in residential colleges: Telangana government's sexist diktat --- ENDS --- Dedicated to a growing range of riders and experience levels, DRE 2017 offers a syllabus that is more effective and meticulously structured than ever. As of this year, DRE courses are sub-divided into three main sections: Safety, dedicated to safe road riding; Racetrack for, of course, race circuits; Enduro, to learn and hone off-road skills.Held at the Automotive Safety Center of Vairano (Pavia), DRE Safety is an all-new addition to the latest edition of the classes. The course aims to provide the tools needed to ensure better road riding, especially from a safety viewpoint.The Automotive Safety Center of Vairano is used by major car and motorcycle manufacturers as a developmental test track. Covering over than 50 hectares, it consists of an internal circuit, which can be configured according to requisites and is equipped with all the tools needed to learn or improve safe road riding techniques.This all-new, safety-focused DRE course is tailor-made according to the participants' level of experience. Level 1 is for riders who already have their license but still have limited road experience or feel they need to boost their on-bike confidence (perhaps after a long hiatus); Level 2 aims to improve riding technique and teach participants how to get the most from electronic systems (an essential, extremely high-tech aspect of Ducatis current range).DRE Racetrack is another core safety element and, as the name says, promises to teach riders the way of racing in four skill-based levels. Champions like Carlos Checa, Michele Pirro, and Troy Bayliss are some of the teachers that will aid you to hone your racing skills. The lessons will take place on the Mugello and Misano MotoGP tracks.Next in line is the DRE Enduro, which is hosted on the magnificent grounds of the Castello di Nipozzano, in Tuscany. Riding the Multistrada 1200 Enduro, course participants will get to grips with the off-road environment and learn the required techniques from experienced professional instructors, headed by Paris-Dakar veteran Beppe Gualini, DRE Enduro's technical director. A post shared by Manny Khoshbin "Never Give Up" (@mannykhoshbin) on Jan 9, 2017 at 11:27am PST Sometimes you have to just be silly cause it's a silly life. Let go and laugh #blessed #cubanoroom #dontstress A post shared by Manny Khoshbin "Never Give Up" (@mannykhoshbin) on Jan 10, 2017 at 5:58pm PST I am super excited to attend this years Geneva auto show to see a special monster supercar unveiling by @koenigseggautomotive Ou this will be the fastest pony in my collection #geneva then #paris city of lovedOu #neverstopdreaming A post shared by Manny Khoshbin "Never Give Up" (@mannykhoshbin) on Jan 26, 2017 at 8:11pm PST We'll start by telling you that the mythical creature-named hypercar has been commissioned by Californian entrepreneur Manny Khoshbin. As those of you who checked out our story on the upcoming Geneva Koenigsegg parade know, the Iranian-born millionaire, who has built a real estate empire, had already teased the velocity monster on Instagram.The company started rolling out special edition Agera RS models last year and this is the proof that the Swedes are not willing to stop. This is Koenigsegg lending a hand to those who didn't get to acquire a One:1 , as only seven units of the Megawatt car were produced.And since the 1,360 hp Agera RS Gryphon tips the scales at 1,395 kg, its power-to-weight ratio is almost as sweet as that of the One:1.When it comes to such machines, carbon fiber is not enough, which explains the presence of the 24-karat gold leaf details, which are spread throughout the vehicle, engine compartment included. Heck, even custom carbon fiber helmet that comes with the car is adorned with gold leaf.Unlike the One:1, though, the K machine we have here comes with a removable hardtop, which can be stored in the nose of the speed demon.Along with the Agera RS Gryphon, Koenigsegg is also ready to showcase the first Regera customer cars. Angelholm's 1,500 hp hybrid is finally ready to hit the streets and the automaker is now showcasing the first two examples of the transmissionless animal.In a contrasting twist, the pair of Regeras involves candy apple red example and one that's dressed in British Racing Green - the latter is a tint for a clear carbon coat, while its cabin is covered in Saddle Brown leather. As for the cabin of the first, this comes with black leather that wears Lingonberry details.Christian von Koenigsegg's company also delivered a few figures. You know, unimportant stuff such as its record sales (almost all of the 80 Regera examples have been spoken for) or the fact that its staff has almost doubled compared to the summer of 2015, with 135 people now serving the K brand. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Mar 2 (PTI) Prime Minister Theresa May has faced her first parliamentary defeat over Brexit after Britains upper house voted to amend and thereby delay a bill empowering her to begin talks for the UKs exit from the EU. The House of Lords voted yesterday 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of EU nationals based in the UK following Brexit. advertisement However, the governments defeat in the Lords could prove a symbolic one as MPs can remove the amendment when it comes back to the House of Commons. The Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a bill that the Commons passed without amendment. "The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations." May has said that any guarantee of the rights of EU nationalsmust be part of a deal protecting UK expats overseas. The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. May has set an end of the month deadline to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will trigger the two-year deadline for Brexit negotiations. MPs have already backed the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill without amendments and can remove the Lords amendment when they vote on it again later this month. The government is said to be confident of defeating the changes to the bill in the Commons. Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader who ordered his MPs to support the bill unamended when it went through the Commons, described the result of the Lords vote as "great news", raising the possibility that he might tell his MPs to back the amendment in the Lower House. "The Government must now do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK," he said. The Lords will vote next week on a further amendment which would give MPs a "meaningful vote" on the outcome of Mays negotiations with the 28-member bloc. If that vote also goes against her,she could come under pressure from her own MPs to agree to that amendment passing into law. The amended bill will return to the House of Commons on March 13 and 14, when MPs will debate whether to keep the changes. PTI AK NSA --- ENDS --- advertisement Kia, for example, is the kind of brand we normally associate with cheap, reliable means of personal transportation . Not anymore, though. The advent of the Stinger grand tourer is the cue that Kia has its eyes on moving on up in the automotive food chain. Its no wonder, then, that the fastback sedan is being fine-tuned for sub-zero conditions on the icy surface of a frozen lake.And look at it dance in perfect tune with the person located between the steering wheel and drivers seat. Its no wonder the rear- and all-wheel-drive Stinger is able to hold its own on low-grip surfaces like these, though.Ever since it was revealed in the flesh at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show , the automaker made it crystal clear that handling isnt a commodity, but a defining characteristic of the Stinger. On that note, former chief engineer of BMW M, Albert Biermann, is tasked with making the Stinger nice to drive.But beyond its bang-up handling dynamics, the Stinger also promises to seat five people in comfort. Based on the attention to detail given to the cabin, Kia sure isnt boasting without some rock-solid evidence to support that commitment. For those who plan on racking up the miles in cross-country trips, the Stinger can be had with a frugal yet punchy 2.2-liter turbo diesel Customers willing to exchange fuel economy for better performance have two engines to choose from. The first is a 2.0-liter turbo with 255 PS (252 horsepower) and 353 Nm (260 lb-ft) from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. Then theres the top-shelf 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, a unit that cranks out 370 PS (365 horsepower) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. With the latter powerhouse, the 2018 Kia Stinger hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds. If youve ever been on a motorcycle, you can tell it wasnt created to sit around. It heats up quite a lot, it cant sit upright on its own, and it exposes the rider to more danger. Thats why lane-splitting should be legal everywhere. The State of Utah has finally acknowledged this, and a lane-splitting bill has been introduced. 1 photo HP It is called Spyker C8 Preliator Spyder, and it is a convertible with a supercharged V8 . The engine option has not been confirmed per se, but it is expected to be shared with the Coupe launched last year by the same company.Spykers latest creation is supposed to come with an Audi -sourced V8 engine that has 4.2 liters of displacement, which is supercharged to deliver 525and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm). The C8 Preliator's 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time is 3.7 seconds, while top speed is 322 km/h (200 mph).In standard form, it comes with a six-speed manual gearbox that has one of the nicest gear selector mechanisms in the industry. Customers can order a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic if they desire.In spite of Spykers best efforts, the C8 Preliator Spyder is expected to be slower when sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph), and its top speed could slightly decrease. However, its passengers will enjoy the sound of the V8, complete with its superchargers unique note, without a roof over their heads.Spyker will only build 50 C8 Preliator coupes, and the same production number is expected to be assigned to the cabriolet version. A regular Spyker C8 Preliator starts at $354,990 in the U.S. with the manual transmission, and ordering the automatic raises the price by $8,000. Clients can order a bespoke set of Louis Vuitton luggage, made to fit in this cars trunk.As you may have noticed, Spykers cars are more expensive than other supercars on the market, but they come with a level of exclusivity that is not matched by a $350,000 Ferrari or Lamborghini unless those cars have gone through the personalization programs of their respective builders.The equivalent creations of the two Italian brands offer better acceleration times and top speeds, but theres a small chance you will encounter the other 49 owners of Spyker C8 Preliator Spyders anytime soon. For those of you who do not recall, Teknikens Varld published a video and a report last September of its moose test that featured a Toyota Hilux. The Japanese pickup truck failed the test at 37 mph (60 km/h) while being fitted with 18-inch wheels. Its predecessor failed the same test in 2007, with 16-inch alloys, which were removed from the offer until the situation was corrected.In the case of the 2017 Hilux , Toyota decided to redo the test with its specialists, and find out where they can improve. After almost four months of trial and error, the Japanese brand has notified the Swedish magazine that it has developed a package of measures to prevent the dangerous behavior from happening in real life.The Japanese company has tested the Hilux in both ISO-standard avoidance maneuver and in the particular procedure employed by the Swedish magazine, which is slightly different.Evidently, both tests focus on avoiding an obstacle at a distinct speed, and they are done by taking a sharp left turn, followed by a sharp right. The second one is the trickiest for the models that may be deemed unstable.Toyotas proposed safety package involves two stages - changing the tire pressure for the maximum load, and the modification of the electronic stability control operating procedure. The latter will be focused on reducing the speed of the vehicle in the event of an evasive maneuver, which should reduce or eliminate this risk.Toyota has shown the Swedish publication videos of its tests, with before and after clips, which journalists have said that the measures seem to be working. Toyota has invited Teknikens Varld to Spain, at the IDIADA testing facility, to try out the new configuration.Most likely, the existing models could receive a precautionary safety recall, while the units that are being built will be shipped with the improvements already in effect.This situation should make other automakers ensure that their vehicles pass these tests in all possible conditions within reason (above a certain speed, these evasive maneuvers are dangerous in many automobiles). In a few hours, Snap will finally be a publicly-traded company, and its founder will have accomplished a difficult feat: turn a silly app for teens to send disappearing photos into a veritable social media business. But the company's main foothold is in North America and Europe, while in Asia it faces stiff competition from Korean app Snow. What is Snow? The app was built by Naver, a large Korean internet company whose Japanese arm operates the popular messaging app Line. The app was first released in Asia in September 2015. Snow has been called a "Snapchat clone" because its premise is undeniably similardisappearing messages, camera filters, and even a feature for sharing videos called Stories. Like Snapchat, Facebook attempted to acquire Snow, according to a report from TechCrunch last year (Snapchat famously turned down Facebook's $3 billion offer in 2013). But it's also much more tailored to the Asian market, with filters that include bottles of soju, Korean pop stars, and fried chicken to appeal to its Korean users, and sumo wrestlers and sushi for its Japanese users, for example. How big is it? As of December, Snow has been downloaded 100 million times, and has 40 to 50 million monthly active users, the company said earlier this year. It's been growing at a steady pace, hitting 80 million downloads in October, according to TechCrunch, up from only 30 million back in July, as the New York Times reported. Across the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (excluding China's), Snapchat has been downloaded 36 million times since January 2012 in Asia, while Snow has been downloaded 75 million times since September 2015 in the same region, according to data provided by SensorTower. With that said, this data doesn't include the hundreds of alternative Android app stores popular in China and iOS is not the dominant mobile operating system in Asia. Snow has also made it clear that it won't be stopping with Asiathe app is available around the world and international growth is important to the company, as its CEO said in November. Snapchat may have more reason to worry. The China advantage: Perhaps Snow's biggest upper hand over Snapchat is that it's officially available in China, where the latter has been blocked (though some are still finding ways to download it). China continues to be a large and growing market for internet services, but it's off limits for most Western companies, including Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Why it matters: Snap's highly anticipated IPO has given it a recent publicity boost, but now it will have to contend with the realities of being a public company, which includes high expectations of continued user growth. While Snow doesn't have the same name recognition outside of Asia, the company's ambitions suggest it it could quickly move in as a strong competitor to Snapchat, especially if its young user base decides to look for other options. Norwegian public broadcaster NRK is testing out a novel way to civilize its online comment sections: a multiple-choice quiz about the content, Per NiemanLab. The reasoning: The quiz ensures that commenters have read the story and helps to keep discussions on topic by establishing "a common ground for the debate." An added benefit: NRKbeta editor Marius Arnesen: "If you spend 15 seconds on it, those are maybe 15 seconds that take the edge off the rant mode when people are commenting." Why even enable comments in 2017? NRK says it's the duty of a public broadcaster to foster productive conversations amongst citizens. White House and intelligence officials worked to spread evidence of contacts between Donald Trump's associates and Russia, and of Russian interference in the election, within the government before Barack Obama left office, according to the New York Times. The intel included intercepted communications in which Russian officials discussed their contacts with Trump's associates, and accounts of meetings in Europe between "people close to Trump" and Russian officials. What they did: US officials included as much raw intel about the contacts and election meddling as possible into analyses, and raised specific topics in briefings knowing their comments would be archived. Why they did it: to "leave a clear trail" for investigators, and preserve intelligence that might otherwise have been swept aside once Trump took office. Who didn't do it: The Times says Obama was not personally involved. Sean Spicer's response: "The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election." The context: FBI investigations into Russia's election meddling and contacts with the Trump campaign are ongoing, and the House and Senate intelligence committees have also announced investigations. The Republican effort to repeal Obamacare could unravel one of Mike Pence's signature policy achievements in Indiana, per the New York Times. His Medicaid expansion program, called HIP 2.0, would be on the chopping block should Obamacare get the axe. By the numbers: HIP 2.0 expanded Medicaid coverage to 400,000 poor Indiana residents, but at least 90% of its funding comes from the federal government under the Affordable Care Act. Why it matters: HIP 2.0 is a big bragging point not just for Pence, but for Seema Verma, who is in line to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because she's the one who designed it. If it unravels, both of them lose a big part of their case that the Indiana plan is a model for Medicaid reforms. Attorney General Jeff Sessions held a press conference to announce his recusal from any ongoing investigation of the Trump campaign's contact with Russian officials. His announcement came after reports last night that he met twice with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. but denied any such contacts during his Senate confirmation hearings. To kick it off: "I never had meetings with Russian intermediaries or Russian operatives about the Trump campaign." "I never had meetings with Russian intermediaries or Russian operatives about the Trump campaign." But: "Since I had involvement with the campaign, I should not be involved with any campaign investigation...Therefore, I have recused myself from the matters that deal with the Trump campaign." Sessions was already considering recusal and had an initial meeting with staff on Monday and a follow-up planned for today before the reports hit last night. "Since I had involvement with the campaign, I should not be involved with any campaign investigation...Therefore, I have recused myself from the matters that deal with the Trump campaign." Sessions was already considering recusal and had an initial meeting with staff on Monday and a follow-up planned for today before the reports hit last night. His September 8 meeting with the Russian ambassador: "I don't remember a lot of it." He added, "We talked a little bit about terrorism, as I recall, and the subject of the Ukraine came up." He said the conversation got "testy." "I don't remember a lot of it." He added, "We talked a little bit about terrorism, as I recall, and the subject of the Ukraine came up." He said the conversation got "testy." Like high school but more political: "Most of these ambassadors are gossipy...but I don't recall any type of political campaign discussions." Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice last year with the Russian ambassador to the US, the Washington Post reports, though he later said he had no "contact with the Russians". The Sessions response: I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Sessions was asked during a confirmation hearing earlier this year about contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. He said at the time that he did not have "communications with the Russians," and claimed he wasn't aware of any contacts. The then-senator met once with Sergey Kislyak in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee, and once after an event. He is already under pressure to step aside and appoint a special prosecutor for ongoing Russia-related investigations. For context, Michael Flynn resigned after misleading the White House about conversations with Kislyak. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Mar 2 (PTI) Prime Minister Theresa May suffered her first parliamentary defeat over Brexit after the House of Lords voted in favour of an amendment to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK after the country leaves the bloc. The Lords voted yesterday 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of EU nationals based in the UK following Brexit. In the House of Lords, Mays Conservative Party does not command a majority. advertisement The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. However, the governments defeat in the Lords could prove a symbolic one as MPs can remove the amendment when it comes back to the House of Commons. The vote came after a heated debate in the Lords where the government was accused of treating EU citizens like "bargaining chips". The Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a bill that the Commons passed without amendment. "The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations." May has said that any guarantee of the rights of EU nationalsmust be part of a deal protecting UK expats overseas. The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. May has set an end of the month deadline to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will trigger the two- year deadline for Brexit negotiations. MPs have already backed the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill without amendments and can remove the Lords amendment when they vote on it again later this month. The government is said to be confident of defeating the changes to the bill in the Commons. Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader who ordered his MPs to support the bill unamended when it went through the Commons, described the result of the Lords vote as "great news", raising the possibility that he might tell his MPs to back the amendment in the Lower House. "The Government must now do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK," he said. advertisement The Lords will vote next week on a further amendment which would give MPs a "meaningful vote" on the outcome of Mays negotiations with the 28-member bloc. If that vote also goes against her,she could come under pressure from her own MPs to agree to that amendment passing into law. The amended bill will return to the House of Commons on March 13 and 14, when MPs will debate whether to keep the changes. PTI AK NSA AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- Some of President Trump's most prominent foreign policy advisors have encouraged him to remove Iraq from his revised travel ban executive order due to the country's role in the fight against the Islamic State, per CNN. Who made the ask: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly It's still unclear if Trump is going to take their advice. The revised order had been expected today, but was pushed back to "have its own moment" following the positive reception to Trump's speech last night. CNN's sources note that his new executive order will make clear that legal permanent residents and visa holders will be exempt from the ban and that the earlier executive order is likely to be revoked. 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 In the letter, the BJP also asked for deployment of more paramilitary forces at several booths in Mau and Balia fearing rigging. By Shiv Pujan Jha: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written a letter to the chief election commissioner seeking deployment of women police personnel at the booths ahead of phase 6 and 7 polling in Uttar Pradesh for proper verification of women voters. In the letter, the BJP has asked for deployment of more paramilitary forces at several booths in Mau and Balia fearing rigging. advertisement Talking to India Today, BJP state vice president JPS Rathore said that the party had received widespread rigging reports from the workers on the ground in phase 1 and 2. ALSO READ | Uttar Pradesh election: PM Modi talks about hung Assembly at Mau rally. Is BJP nervous? Rathore, who sought deployment of women police personnel, indicated that often the policemen on duty did not verify the burqa-clad voters and in absence of female officers the verification of such voters was not possible. On being asked why the BJP took so long in filing the complaint with the EC, the state vice president said, "The issue of rigging taking place on a large scale was raised in front of the local authorities and several names were taken out from the voter list. We were expecting the local authorities to take action in the matter. Since they did not act against the guilty, we approached the chief election commissioner". The state has been witness to high voter turnout this time and primarily, women voters from the minority community have come out in large numbers to cast their vote. The BJP was hopeful that its stand on triple talaq would translate to their benefit but now, the party is in grip of fear. ALSO READ | In Maharajganj, Narendra Modi claims BJP is winning Uttar Pradesh. 3 days ago, he had talked of hung Assembly --- ENDS --- A Nigerian software engineer was stopped at customs and made to take tests to prove he was, in fact, an engineer. 28-year-old Celestine Omin was stopped by a custom official despite having a valid short-term visa. (Image via Twitter) By India Today Web Desk: In light of US President Donald Trump's move to cap immigration to the States, a Nigerian software engineer was stopped at customs and made to take tests to prove he was, in fact, an engineer. According to a LinkedIn story, 28-year-old Celestine Omin was traveling Lagos, Nigeria for his company Andela -- a startup that connects developers in Africa with employers in the US -- when he was stopped at the airport despite having a valid short-term visa. He was heading to New York to help another startup First Access. advertisement Omin's story first came to light, after his tweets detailing the ordeal caught pace. I was just asked to balance a Binary Search Tree by JFK's airport immigration. Welcome to America. Celestine Omin (@cyberomin) February 26, 2017 @ssharwood I was too tired to even think of a BST solution. I have e been travelling for 23hrs. But I was also asked about 10 CS questions. Celestine Omin (@cyberomin) February 26, 2017 Talking to LinkedIn, Omin said the custom officials asked him questions like "write a function to check if a Binary Search Tree is balanced," and "what is an abstract class, and why do you need it." The engineer explained that not only did these questions not have a direct answer, but the custom officials didn't even seem technically efficient enough to gauge the accuracy of his answers. The questions looked like someone with no technical background had Googled something like, "Questions to ask a software engineer," he said. The authorities then went on to reject his answers. @ssharwood sad thing is, if I didn't give the Wikipedia definition for these questions, it was considered a wrong answer. Celestine Omin (@cyberomin) February 26, 2017 Eventually Omin was allowed to enter only after the officials called Andela and First Access to corroborate his story. "He said, 'Look, I am going to let you go, but you don't look convincing to me,'" Omin told LinkedIn. Andela -- which placed more than 100 developers from Africa as full-time software engineers with US tech companies last year -- said this was the first any of their engineers were put through such scrutiny. When asked to comment, a US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson refused to comment on Omin's case in particular, but said, "foreigners trying to enter the country bear the burden of proof to establish that they are clearly eligible and must overcome all grounds of inadmissibility." Omin's tweet also brought to fore some others who were grilled similarly by US airport authorities @cyberomin I was also asked long questions n my phone checked to verify if I was a lawyer @ JFK. He went thru my whas app n later apologized Funsho (@Gen_Schultz) March 1, 2017 advertisement Meanwhile, his viral tweet received many heartfelt responses from American citizens. @cyberomin This is so unacceptable. I'm so sorry this happened. Jen Aprahamian (@jennifermarie) February 27, 2017 @cyberomin I'm so sorry. Welcome to America. Jessica Webster (@A2Jess) February 27, 2017 @cyberomin I am so embarrassed of my country. I am so sorry. Corey Ann (@coreyann) February 27, 2017 @cyberomin this is really unfortunate! We at @TheZebraCo have awesome @Andela engineers that we love having to Austin. Jason Kennedy (@jasonhk_) March 1, 2017 And Omin can't stop being awe of the tremendous reaction he has received. My Twitter for Android keeps crashing every time I go to my mentions tab. That one tweet changed everything. Celestine Omin (@cyberomin) February 27, 2017 Social media is the 8th wonder of the world. The Internet is POWERFUL. Celestine Omin (@cyberomin) March 1, 2017 --- ENDS --- All the parks built by Mayawati in Lucknow and Noida are being decked up on a war footing. The contractors have been given deadline for repair and maintenance till March 10, a day before counting of votes. By Shiv Pujan Jha: Five of the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly election have passed. 89 of 403 Assembly segments will go to polls in next two phases. Observers are not sure as to which way the electoral tide is flowing. But, there is sudden flurry of activities at all memorial parks built by the previous BSP government under Mayawati. advertisement All the parks built by Mayawati in Lucknow and Noida are being decked up on a war footing. The contractors have been given deadline for repair and maintenance till March 10, a day before counting of votes. READ| UP Assembly election: Badalpur farmers turned landlords back BSP supremo Mayawati MAYAWATI'S PARKS: THINGS TO KNOW A flutter of activities can been seen at the parks in Lucknow, where these monuments have lived through neglect over the last five years under Samajwadi Party rule, are being cleaned. The statues are being washed and polished. The extra grass in the ground is being trimmed to perfection. The caretakers of the memorials are meticulously monitoring the entire exercise of repair and maintenance as hundreds of workers are working overtime to give the parks that desired look which was the trademark for these places during the regime of Mayawati. Seven such parks in Lucknow and two in Noida were condemned to ignominy by the Samajwadi Party government, which considered them as the symbols of wastage of resources by the Mayawati government. The past five years had seen fewer visitors to the parks. Now, the heaps of garbage are being removed from these parks and a massive effort for repair and maintenance has been launched. The counting of votes for the Assembly elections will take place on March 11 and the contractors are facing paucity of time to finish the job of cleaning and repair of the parks. In all 190 lofty gates of the parks are to be repaired and polished. Contracts have also been given to skilled experts for repair of stone slabs and statues that caved in or developed cracks in the last 5 years. Ankit Rastogi, a contractor indicated that the work had to be finished before 10th and proudly shows to the visitors the lofty gates that he got decked up and repaired. The cost of maintenance of these parks is borne by the sum of interest earned on a corpus fund under the control of the state government. The annual interest on the corpus fund is estimated to be Rs 14-15 crore. But, for past four-and-a-half years, not a single penny was disbursed by the state government. Now contracts have been given and the work has started on a war footing. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had made these parks an election issue by targeting Mayawati and saying hers was Patthar Wali Sarkar. Even Mayawati had during campaigns said that she would focus on development rather than building just parks. Bhawna Singh the PRO of Lucknow Development Authority confirmed that all the materials for the repair work of these parks have been procured. However, she said that it was a routine work but did not give an answer as to why the authorities are in a hurry now while they kept sitting over the fund and repair for the last four-and-a-half years. Speculations are doing rounds that repair and maintenance of the parks hint at a comeback of BSP and Mayawati. Or, does it indicate a possible tie-up between SP and BSP against the BJP. But, these are just talks. The results will come on March 11 for everyone to see. ALSO READ| Uttar Pradesh election: Akhilesh Yadav's ambulances lose Samajwadi tag --- ENDS --- Update 3.15pm: Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that his Government will not implement legislation on water charges which is illegal, writes Daniel McConnell. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Kenny said that it is for the Committee to hammer out a compromise and deliver a recommendation for the Dail to vote on. "Clearly, you are not going to implement something that is illegal," the Taoiseach said. He added: "The committee has not finished its work, it was given a paper by the chairman. I would expect them to deliberate on that and continue their work until such time as they bring forward their views and their recommendations to the Oireachtas." Asked whether Attorney General Maire Whelan could be made available to Fianna Fail to help resolve the matter, Mr Kenny poured cold water on the idea. He said: "You don't make the advice of the Attorney General available like that. I've said yesterday in the Dail, we set up a committee to examine the recommendations of the expert commission. "As we said we want the discussions to continue within the committee. When they are finished their work, they will report to the Oireachtas," he added. Update 11.47am: It has emerged that a small number of households are still claiming the 100 water conservation grant - despite it being scrapped a year ago. The grant was paid to households in 2015 as a way of helping to cover the cost of water bills, and subsidise water conservation measures. The state spent 89m covering the cost of the grants, which were then scrapped when water charges were suspended. However the Public Accounts Committee has been told this morning that a small number of households are still claiming the one-off grant, having not received it in 2015. Seperately, a Junior Minister has said that there needs to be a reasonable approach to water charges. Joe McHugh said that the Oireachtas committee on water needs to be given a chance to complete its work. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are at odds over the legality of scrapping the charges. Mr McHugh said there is an energy in Fine Gael to reach a solution and avoid a possible election. "There's always the potential, in the moniortity situation that we're in," he said. "We have a confidence and suppley [agreement] with Fianna Fail and I'm sure people within Fianna Fail, who I speak to privatey as well, that can find a solution to this empasse." Earlier: Fine Gael members have been warned that Ireland would be hit with a daily 20,000 fine, backdated to 2009, if water charges are scrapped, writes Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter. Senator Paudie Coffey, who is a member of the water committee, told party members that Ireland would be fined more than 50m by the European Commission if they do not implement water charges. He said that the arguments in favour of scrapping water charges put forward by Fianna Fail in recent days were legally questionable and told his fellow Fine Gael members that the commission had already given Ireland a grace period to introduce these charges. He said said that it was always going to be difficult toward the end of negotiations around the future of water. It was agreed that space be given to the Fine Gael team in the committee to continue to negotiate the issues. Housing Minister Simon Coveney also reiterated his stance that he will not legislate on something that is illegal. There was laughter when Mr Coffey suggested that he had got to know members of the committee intimately during their work on the future of water charges. Separately measures to free up vacant properties around the country were raised during the meeting. Fergus ODowd told the meeting that there are currently 4,491 vacant homes in Cork City, with only 52 of these holiday homes. He said Irelands vacancy rates were extremely high when compared with those of the UK. Mr ODowd told Fine Gael members that Cork currently has a vacancy rate of 8.1%, this compares to a vacancy rate of just 1.7% in London. He suggested that homeowners who leave properties vacant for more than a year should be penalised with a levy. This motion was supported by Housing Minister Simon Coveney. Mr Coveney said he was already looking into the high rates of vacant properties across the country and hoped to have a report back on the matter in the next six to eight weeks. At the beginning of the meeting, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny singled out secretary Noel Rock and noted what a good job he was doing on the minute-taking of meetings. This again prompted some laughter. It comes after the Dublin North-West TD faced criticism when he publicly suggested that it was time Mr Kenny stood down as Fine Gael leader. Published On Mar 02, 2017 09:40 PM By Jagdev for Maruti Baleno 2015-2022 Yes, we'll get the detuned version of the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, but that's not all The Baleno is one car that is made in India and even exported to Japan. And even the performance-spec Baleno with 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is already exported to Europe and Japan from India. Maruti Suzuki is set to launch the Baleno with the Boosterjet engine on March 3, 2017; however, the Baleno RS that we'll get in India will be a detuned version of its international counterpart. The Baleno RS for India will make 102PS of maximum power at 5,500rpm while on the international version, the same 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine makes 111PS at 5,500rpm. You may have already read this somewhere, but here are a few more things that you may not know! 1. Height In India, the Baleno RS will be as tall as the standard Baleno at 1,510mm. However, the Baleno that is exported from India with the Boosterjet engine stands 1,470mm tall, 40mm lower than its Indian counterpart. While we'd rate taller cars to be easier to enter into/exit from, shorter height improves aerodynamics. Interested in buying the Baleno RS? - Bookings are now open! 2. Tyre size The tyre and wheel size of the Baleno RS that will launch in India will be identical to the standard Baleno's (with alloy wheels) size, which is 195/55 R16. However, the Baleno that is exported from India with the Boosterjet engine rides on 185/55 R16 wheels. So, while the diameter remains the same, the profile of the international spec is low and so is the width. Bigger tyre profile means more rubber, which ultimately improves ride quality. 3. Ground clearance The international-spec Baleno with Boosterjet engine rides really low, and the claimed ground clearance is just 120mm! In comparison, the Baleno RS that we're set to get in India will stand 170mm over the ground, which is on par with the standard Baleno that we get. So, the international-spec Baleno with Boosterjet engine is not only shorter than the Baleno RS but also hugs the ground more. 4. Torque Yes, the Baleno RS will see power and torque figures dropping compared to its international cousin. However, the maximum torque band of the Baleno RS will be wider compared to the international model. The 1.0-litre engine makes a max torque of 170Nm between 2,000-3,500rpm with the 5-speed manual transmission on the international car, but the same engine has been detuned to produce 150Nm of max torque between 1,700 and 4,500rpms. So, while you may not experience as mighty a pull on the Indian Baleno RS as on the international car, the duration of the surge in torque will be longer in comparison. Wondering what will be the price of the Baleno RS? Check out our estimate! 5. Weight The Indian Baleno RS will be lighter than the international version. However, it misses out on side and curtain airbags. The difference in weight is 30kgs, as the kerb weight of the Baleno RS will be 950kg while that of the international model is 980kg. Still, the international model has a better power to weight ratio (PS/kg) of 0.113 compared to the 0.107 of the Baleno RS. Read more - 5 Interesting Things About The Baleno RS Comparo - Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS vs. competition Read More on : Maruti Baleno Audio Transcript Brian Anderson: The Pacific Northwest has long been a magnet for street people, and nowhere is that truer than in Portland, Oregon. But today the city is experimenting with unusual reforms to ease its problem. Joining me today to discuss what is going on in the city is Portland native Michael Totten. He is a contributing editor to City Journal and author of six books,including Tower of the Sun and Where the West Ends. Michaels latest City Journal article, Portlands Homeless Challenge, which is available on our website and in our Winter 2016 issue will be the starting point of todays discussion. Welcome, Michael. Michael Totten: Thanks, Brian. Brian Anderson: How bad is Portlands homelessness problem and whats behind it? Michael Totten: Its pretty bad. Right now it actually looks worse than it is, but its bad in a way. We have in Portlands got four, theres four counties in the metro area, Multnomah County is the biggest one. It is the one that includes most all of the City Center and most of the city proper. About 600,000 people in Multnomah County and almost 2,000 of them are homeless. And we see in and around the downtown area there are homeless camps under bridges that have got I dont remember how many bridges we have in the city, we have a lot, we have almost twenty and there are homeless camps underneath most of them. And if you go downtown early in the morning before the workday starts, like 6:00 in the morning, youll see people sleeping in doorways throughout the City Center. They are gone by 8:00 in the morning but theyre there all night, and Portland is not a third-world city by any means. It is a prosperous, high-tech, Pacific Rim city, but it has a little bit of a third-world about it sometimes. Brian Anderson: And how big a problem is this perceived to be by the citys leaders? Michael Totten: Its perceived to be a major problem and actually our mayor just declared a housing emergency about two months ago because of this problem. And its actually, it looks worse as of two months ago because theres a temporary they are temporarily not enforcing the ban on having tents erected during the day, so for the last two months if you drive around downtown you see actually homeless camps with the kind of tents that you would go camping in the mountains, they are all over the place. And normally the police force them to take these tents down during the day and Im not sure why that law is no longer being enforced, but as of two months ago its no longer being enforced. And that was the mayors unilateral decision. He says it is temporary and it most certainly is, because he is getting an extraordinary amount of grief over this because Brian Anderson: From who? Michael Totten: all of a sudden it looks like the homeless problem is five times worse than it was, even though its the same. It just suddenly looks absolutely appalling, even compared to before. Brian Anderson: So this hurts the citys tourism industry. Theres a perception, I guess, of things getting a little out of control. Michael Totten: Yeah, I mean we dont have a huge tourism industry, its not like San Francisco, but we do have one. And everybody notices it. I mean I get friends who come visit me from other parts of the country and every single one of them asks me what on Earth is going on with homeless people, and its been like that for years. Brian Anderson: Well one reason San Francisco has got such an extensive homeless population is that there are very generous benefits in place that some people say are attracting street people to San Francisco Michael Totten: Yes, I believe thats true Brian Anderson: and is Michael Totten: and we have a similar sort of thing. Brian Anderson: is that true in Portland as well? Michael Totten: Yes, but they are not getting any benefits from the government. They are getting it from nonprofit social service agencies. But what they do get here from the government that they dont get in most places in the United States is an extremely lenient law enforcement attitude. And partly thats because of the Supreme Court. The states Supreme Court. The city council, Portland City Council, and even the state of Oregon have tried repeatedly to pass laws regulating homelessness. And the Supreme Court repeatedly throws the laws out and makes it almost impossible for the government to move homeless people along. I mean right now, as of two months ago, our mayor is temporarily not even bothering to try. But he has been trying previously and will again, surely. So the problem is more visible. It makes it look worse than it really is and it also makes life just a little bit easier for homeless people because theyre not constantly being rousted by the police. Brian Anderson: A significant portion of this homeless population, I imagine, are people suffering from various forms of mental illness. Michael Totten: Yeah, about 50% have mental health problems, and 75% have substance abuse problems. What 100% of them have in common is they have either a poor or nonexistent social support structure. They either dont have any friends, or they dont have any family, or oftentimes theyve burned their bridges with their friends and their family. They couch-surfed for too long or you know, they stole from their friends and family in order to feed the drug habit, and their friends and family just said enough. Were not going to put up with this anymore. Brian Anderson: Several people that you interview in the article cite the 1960s-era deinstitutionalization of the mental hospitals as a major cause of the rise in street homelessness, not just in Portland but across the nation. What was the reasoning behind that movement for our listeners? Michael Totten: Well, there were three separate things going on behind that movement. And this is, for listeners more mature, this is closing the state psychiatric hospitals. It started in the 60s and it went through the 80s. So there were three ideas that came together more or less simultaneously. One was on the political Left, it was related to the civil rights movement, and they had a genuine case to make against the state psychiatric hospital system because these hospitals were you know, this is back when we called them insane asylums, and they were really pretty awful places. And a lot of people didnt really need to be there. They did not need to be locked up against their will indefinitely and a lot of them werent getting better, and so there was this notion that they should be basically freed from the system. And what was also going on, on the political Right, was this movement to cut state government costs, and there was a third thing that had nothing to do with politics at all, which was the rise of psychiatric medication to help people manage these problems. So all three of these things came together at the same time and the hospitals were shut down. We actually now, in the United States, have fewer psychiatric beds per capita than we had in 1850. And you can look at deinstitutionalization and say it was a success in some ways, and in some ways it was. Because a lot of people who were basically locked up in a hospital prison arent anymore, and they are doing okay, they are doing better, and others arent doing better and they are sleeping on the street because they cannot take care of themselves and theres really nowhere for them to go. And its hard to say how much of an effect that had numerically. Did it double the homeless population? Nobody is really sure. It is really hard to say. Because about half of our homeless are mentally ill, but its not obvious how many of them would be locked up in some kind of institution if we still had it. Its not obvious. Brian Anderson: Right. Michael Totten: But it definitely made the problem much worse. And I didnt grow up in Portland. I grew up 45 minutes south of here, but Ive been familiar with the city my whole life and Ive lived here for 20 years, and its definitely worse than it used to be. Brian Anderson: One of the things you do in the article is describe the work of various nonprofit homeless centers in the city. Could you describe for the listeners what was most striking about these centers? Michael Totten: Yeah, there were two things that were most striking. So weve got various organizations helping the homeless in different ways. All of them provide food for the homeless and one of the things that really struck me was that there is an unlimited amount of free food for homeless people in this city. None of them are going hungry, ever. None of them are eating out of garbage cans, ever. And none of them need money from strangers to pay for food. Which doesnt mean that they dont. If they panhandle money for food, it doesnt mean that they dont use that money for food if they want to go into a restaurant, or a grocery store of their choice, but there is an unlimited amount of free food options for them, three meals a day, 365 days a year. Brian Anderson: Provided by these nonprofits. Michael Totten: Provided by nonprofits, yes. What they dont get from the nonprofits, because they just dont have the ability to provide enough help for everybody, is a place to spend the night off the street. There are a couple hundred beds that are awarded by a lottery each night. And when the weather is bad, if it is below freezing it doesnt happen all that often here, but it does sometimes they will temporarily, a lot of these places will temporarily increase the number of beds. They will put cots in the lobby and let people spend the night in there so they dont freeze to death on the sidewalk. And heres the other thing that was really striking. One of these organizations, the Union Gospel Mission, its been around for oh, off the top of my head I dont remember, roughly a hundred years or so I think, its part of this movement in the United States and Canada a hundred years ago to help homeless people. And a few decades ago they changed their mission. They were no longer going to give homeless people a place to spend the night and give them food. What they wanted you to do instead was treat the root cause of homelessness in most cases, which is drug and alcohol addiction. So they have this building downtown. Its about eight stories. And its sort of like a college dorm in there. Theyve got these rooms where homeless people can live. And they can live there for two years if they are willing to go through their drug and alcohol treatment plan, which also includes work therapy. So that by the time they get first they detox, they get clean and sober, they learn better living habits and then they learn some job skills, and they help them get work. And it works fairly well for people who are willing to work the program. And I was given a tour of the place and it was really quite nice. It was much nicer than my college dorm, certainly better than sleeping under a bridge. And I asked how long the waiting list is to get in there. And there is no waiting list. They always have open space, because a lot of homeless people do not want to get clean and sober. They want to live inside for free, the way theyve been living outside. And that just absolutely amazed me, that somebody would rather sleep under the bridge in the cold of winter than get clean and sober. And what do you do with these people? I mean if they dont want to get better theyre not going to get better. And we cant make them. I mean the only thing we could do to make them Brian Anderson: Right. Michael Totten: would be to arrest them. And were not going to do that, so its a very difficult problem. Brian Anderson: One of the places you visit is, to my mind, unique to Portland. Ive never heard of anything like this anywhere else, and its this space called Dignity Village. I wonder if you could describe a little bit about your visit there, what it is, and whether what its offering is a kind of model that could be replicated in other cities. Michael Totten: Yeah, Dignity Village is really a very interesting place. It has been with us, in the city, for 15 years now. And well Ill tell you the story how it started. There was a group of homeless people that banded together, as they often do, and they pushed their shopping carts together and they created a little city for themselves underneath one of the bridges. And the city government rousted them from that spot and they moved to another spot. The city was playing whack-a-mole with them for awhile. And then they moved underneath one of the bridges across the river in the city that is owned by the state rather than the city. And so the city government couldnt roust them from that spot, but the city government didnt want them there because its right near downtown and homeless camps are quite an unsightly place. So the city came up with this interesting idea. They are going to give them basically a license to setup a homeless camp, but on a city-owned lot which is very far away from the City Center. Its out across from the airport, between the international airport and a state-run prison. The city has owned this empty lot and nobody was using it for any purpose. A fairly large place, not the size of a city block, but bigger, down in an industrialist area. So they said okay, you guys can go out here, and just move your homeless camp there, and we wont bother you anymore. We wont roust you, we wont make you move from that spot. You can just be there and stay there indefinitely. So they did. They went out there and they were you know, it looked like a refugee camp initially. But because they were not going to get rousted, they could stay there as long as they wanted. They actually built a city for themselves on this place. They recycled bottles and cans and got some money scrounged together. They bought recycled materials and they actually built houses for themselves. Brian Anderson: Tiny houses. Michael Totten: And sorry, go ahead. Brian Anderson: Very small houses, tiny homes. Michael Totten: Yeah, they are very small houses. They are like the size of one room in a regular house. And they dont have kitchens or bathrooms. They are just basic structures, but they look better than I expected them to. It took awhile for Dignity Village to build up to this point, it took a couple of years. And I had seen pictures in the news of Dignity Village where it was just a bunch of you know, shopping carts, and tents, and plastic tarps back when it first started. And I was amazed when I went out there what it looks like now. It doesnt look nice exactly but it certainly doesnt look third world. It does not look like a slum at all. I mean some of these houses, they are actually very cute. They painted them bright colors and they have nice ornamentation, nice windows, and theyre not Brian Anderson: Who provides the Michael Totten: theyre not boxes. They have porches. They are actually pretty nice places, and these people Brian Anderson: But what about things like water, and electricity, and security, for that matter? Michael Totten: They dont have electricity and they dont have they dont have electricity or indoor plumbing, but they have a community kitchen that has electricity. And they have a community, like a community house that has electricity, and theyve got couches and a big-screen TV and a library in there. A fairly nice place, really. And they have their own government with an elected CEO. They call him a CEO. And they have to pay, off the top of my head, I dont remember what it is, I think its $35 a month, space rent to the community government. They have rules and structure. Nobody is allowed to use drugs or alcohol. If they do, they are kicked out. And they have some volunteers come some of them do have mental health problems, so they have volunteer psychologists who come once a week to help these people out so that they can manage whatever it is that they need to manage. And some of them work, they work very part-time doing basic jobs, but it doesnt hardly cost anything to live there. But heres the thing about it it is not meant to be permanent. People cycle in and out. They start on the street, they move up to Dignity Village, they get themselves sorted out, and then they get a real job and they move into an apartment. Brian Anderson: So its transitional housing. Michael Totten: Its transitional technically it is transitional housing, yes. They are not actually homeless, because they have a home, sort of, and its not intended to be permanent. And so none of the people who are living there now are the original people who created it. Brian Anderson: Its tremendously interesting, and the city has really allowed this to happen. Michael Totten: Yeah. Brian Anderson: I guess you would need that kind of space which nobody is using at a particular moment in time Michael Totten: Uh-huh. Brian Anderson: to replicate that experiment in other locations, but Michael Totten: And there is talk about expanding this model. Its controversial. A lot of people dont like the idea because they dont want it anywhere near them. Brian Anderson: Yeah, well I can understand but still, its Michael Totten: Yeah, I do too, but it works fairly well. It works as well as the Union Gospel Mission that has the drug and alcohol treatment plan. But it just doesnt cost anybody any money. They found a city-owned lot. There is no taxpayer money goes Brian Anderson: Right. Michael Totten: to support this at all. Brian Anderson: Final question, Michael. Normally, and certainly youve done this for us, your travel journalism takes you to the Middle East and far-flung countries often torn by conflict. What was it like reporting on your own backyard for this story? Michael Totten: Well it was weird. I felt like I was because I was writing about one of the most the people who are, who have more problems than really anybody else here. I felt like I was back in the rough part of the world in some way. Brian Anderson: Yeah. Michael Totten: And so it was strange because you know, I dont spend that much time thinking about these problems when Im just living my life here, and going off to places like Baghdad that are just horrendously screwed up, and I come back to Oregon and you know, I feel like Im in the greatest place on the face of the Earth. And then I go and I cover something, I spent a month researching something like this and you know, it just reminds me that hey, even the greatest places on the face of the Earth have some pretty serious problems. Brian Anderson: Thanks again, Michael, for joining us. Michael Totten has a new City Journal article. It is titled Portlands Homeless Challenge. It is in our Winter issue and its available on our website. You can tweet your comments and questions about todays discussion to @CityJournal with the hashtag #10Blocks. Thanks a lot, Michael. Michael Totten: Thanks, Brian. On Tuesday, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new plan on homelessness called Turning the Tide on Homelessness in New York City. Yet one searches in vain for any authentically new idea in its more than 100 pages. The part getting the most attention is the pledge to open about 90 new shelters to replace the use of cluster sites (jerry-rigged shelters in apartment buildings) and hotels. But phasing out cluster sites and hotels was already the mayors official policy. It would have been less misleading if, instead of releasing this new strategy, the mayor had simply issued a press release saying: To everybody who says homelessness is out of control, be patient. I got this. De Blasios purportedly comprehensive plan glosses over two key questions about homelessness policy. First, what kind of shelter system do we want? Some have praised Turning the Tide for its dismissal of the idea that we could end homelessness any time soon. In policy terms, this means that New York City is reembracing the concept of shelter, or temporary or emergency housing. But that should in turn prompt a renewed debate about shelter quality. Are we talking about the housing equivalent of unemployment insurancejust a roof over their head while people get back on their feet? Or do the homeless need additional services? If they do, what should be done for them that the citys vast social-policy apparatus is not already addressing? The city describes the approximately 90 new shelters soon to open as high-quality. To sweeten the deal with neighborhoods that may not want a new shelter in their midst, these facilities are being pitched as community centers, with services available also to non-homeless residents. But the more attractive you make shelterthe higher quality the conditions, the better access to services and housing subsidiesthe more sheltered homelessness you will get. Progressives never want to hear about the draw to shelter: in their view, no one ever becomes homeless by choice. Second: Is homelessness possible to prevent? Having failed to reduce homelessness, de Blasio has clung to the argument that the problem would be worse still if not for the array of programs that the city runs. Under de Blasio, at least 194,000 New Yorkers have received a rental subsidy and/or some other service designed to keep them out of the shelter system. Its not realistic to think that all these people would have wound up homeless if not for the citys efforts. According to the administrations own estimate, the shelter census would only be about 8,000 higher than the current 60,000 if not for its major rental assistance programs. Thus, any homelessness-prevention program has a built-in element of waste. Clearly, this plandesigned by those who built the current system, such as Department of Social Services commissioner Steven Banksdoes not represent a new approach on homelessness policy in New York. But that does not mean that improvements are impossible. Here are three practical reforms that Mayor de Blasio should consider. First, the city should provide a clearer accounting of the costs associated with Turning the Tide. This is an extraordinary oversight not only considering that the document is supposed to be a soup-to-nuts account of homelessness policy but also because of the citys chronic tendency to under-budget for homeless services. All other things being equal, shelters are cheaper than cluster sites and hotels, which should mean that Turning the Tide would reduce homeless spending overall. Instead, the city plans to spend the savings elsewhere, such as on the services associated with the high-quality shelters. Homelessness spending cannot be an open-ended commitment: spending has already increased by at least 77 percent under de Blasio, far more than in any other city program, according to the Citizens Budget Commission. Second, New York City should do a systematic fraud audit of shelter clients to gain a better understanding of who is staying too long, whose situation has improved to the point where they can move on, who has off-the-books income, and so on. Progressives wont like this idea, but implementing it would significantly strengthen the mayors hand against the shelter-siting battles hes gearing up to fight. The city wont need to open as many new shelters if the shelter census declines. Third, the city should publish a comprehensive report on provider quality. Shouldnt we be able to debate the merits of homeless-services providers as openly as we do, say, charter school networks? Opinions about the quality of shelter operators are often anecdotal and depend significantly on the salesmanship of providers management teams. Not all providers are equaland not just because the quality of their housing stock varies (this is partly a city responsibility, anyway). Provider-level outcomes that we should know more about include average length of stay, rates of crime and 911 calls, and, for the special program shelters, how well their education and jobs programs work and how compliant their substance-addicted and mentally ill clients are with treatment regimens. Critics have focused on whether the city is giving providers enough money to operate their facilitiesbut the truth is, the city should direct resources away from underperforming providers and invest more in what works. And the de Blasio administration should welcome a debate about provider quality. Not only might it lead to improved services; it would also distract attention away from the administrations mistakes on homelessness. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images The PM mocked Rahul's ideas to create a food processing plant in Manipur and a potato 'factory' in Uttar Pradesh. By Rajat Rai: It appeared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in a light mood (at least in his first rally in poll-bound UP), as, besides, attacking Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati, he discussed at length the various innovative "factory" ideas that have been recently floated by Congress star Rahul Gandhi. "Friends, I just want to crosscheck my gyan...what is there inside a coconut, is it water or juice?" Modi questioned people while addressing a rally in Maharajganj on Wednesday. advertisement With people wondering, Modi was quick enough to continue. "Nariyal ka juice kabhi suna hai aapne? There is one intelligent leader who has proposed to open a coconut juice factory in Manipur," said Modi and burst into laughter. "Ya toh hum anpad aur anaari hain, ya voh bahut gyaani hain (Either, I am illiterate or he is very knowledgeable)," said Modi in an indirect reference to Rahul Gandhi. "Kaun bachayega inse aapko (who will save you from these people)?" he added. It is to be mentioned that Rahul, while addressing a rally in the poll-bound Manipur on Tuesday had proposed to bring up a food processing unit of coconut. "We want that when people drink coconut juice in London with a marking of 'Made in Manipur', they should be surprised and search for Manipur," said Rahul. "Congress ke paas aise mahan log hain, jinko yeh bhi nahi pata ki nariyal Kerala me hota hai (Congress has such great leaders who don't even know that coconuts are grown in costal areas and not in the north-east)," Modi said while completing his jibe. ON THE UP POTATO FACTORY Modi also went ahead to pull Rahul for his idea on bringing up a potato factory in UP. "Someone please tell him that potatoes are grown in fields and not in factories," said Modi. It is to be mentioned that while addressing a rally in Aligarh on February 7, Rahul proposed to open a potato factory. "Imagine, how will Barack Obama feel when he will open a packet of potato chips and will be surprised to see 'Made in Iglas' printed on the pack?. Even the people of America will be eager to know that where 'Iglas' is when they will see the same mark on the packet of packaged potatoes," said Rahul, much to the surprise of the potato growers in the region. Iglas is a region in Aligarh that is known for producing good-quality potatoes. ALSO READ: From coconut juice to wheat trees: Rahul Gandhi's agriculture game is poor advertisement Rahul Gandhi at Banda: PM Modi lost his smile after Congress, SP tie-up in UP --- ENDS --- When we think about community in the financial services space, it is impossible not to think about credit unions. Credit unions are vital to the financial health of communities across the United States. They provide valuable financial services, deep customer service and a commitment to the communities they serve. At Visa, we have been proud to support the credit union movement since our inception as an association. We believe it is important to ensure the long-term vitality of these important organizations, and we are doing this by helping credit unions attract and retain the best talent. In partnership with Filene Research Institute and CUES, we are pledging $1.5 million dollars over the next four years to build the next generation of credit union leaders. Today, many industries are grappling with changing demographics, and credit unions are no exception. Credit unions face challenges with engaging, retaining and recruiting top young talent. New talent is essential to the success of the credit union movement. Young talent and millennials contribute energy, creativity and leadership. The next generation of talent also helps ensure products and services are relevant to younger members. Expect the unexpected under the President Donald J. Trump is fast becoming a cliche, but Washington insiders told a packed room of credit union professionals during a GAC break out session that there is nothing more important than the first two years of a presidents term. But with all of the seemingly chaos, mayhem, confusion and controversy emanating from the White House on a daily basis could President Trump be running out of time to push his agenda forward? Former U.S. Senator Mark Begich of Alaska, said with health care, tax reform, regulation relief and infrastructure spending, all big items on Trumps agenda, time is running out because Congress is only in session for a limited number of days throughout the year to pass new laws. All of this stuff starts piling up and then you add in summer break, the presidents break, the Fourth of July break, Thanksgiving break and the calendar starts shrinking down, Begich said. This is where the challenge is. And somewhere someone has to say and this is where the president plays a significant role this is the priority now. There is no doubting how powerful a tool social media is for businesses of all shapes and sizes. In recent years the shift from more traditional methods of marketing and advertising towards digital alternatives has been seismic. Certain industries have been quiet slow to adapt to this changing environment, with one of these industries being the financial services sector. Credit unions by their nature are often inflexible businesses that do not like a lot of change. People like to depend on their credit unions, so these financial institutions tend to continue to put forth the same drab advertisements that they have been using for years. For anyone that is on the fence with regards to the effectiveness of social media for generating revenue credit unions, you only need to look at the results that have been generated from Verve Credit Unions efforts to date. They have generated an additional $2.5 million since they ramped up their social media efforts. Isaiah Reade's interest in robots turned into a passion in 2011 shortly after his parents found a crumpled piece of paper stuffed in his knapsack. It was a sign-up sheet for an after-school program for African Nova Scotian youth, offered at Oxford Junior High in Halifax where he was a grade seven student at the time. A teacher handed the form out in class, but Isaiah 13 years old at the time didn't pay much attention to it. "I just tossed it in my bag," he recalls. "When my parents saw the sheet, they said, 'Hey, this is pretty cool, you should get into it.'" So he did. It was the beginning of Isaiah's six-year journey with Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA), a Dal-linked organization that aims to boost the number of children of African descent entering into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields in Nova Scotia. It does this by building interest at the junior high and high school level through a mixture of engaging hands-on activities and mentorship. Dozens of children across the province participate in ILA each year through one of its many after-school programs, online tutoring services and scholarships. While the junior high robotics program served as an entry point into the organization for Isaiah, ILA offers a range of different options and activities for youth. Learn more: Imhotep's Legacy Academy Growth and change ILA wouldn't be the success that it is today if it weren't for the dedication of those who make it all possible. Its the passion that everyone puts into it, from the Board of Directors to the Mentors, says Sidney Idemudia, who has been ILA's Executive Director since late 2015. Imhotep currently employs 22 Mentors, most of them post-secondary students of African descent studying STEM subjects at schools across Nova Scotia. Some have even passed through ILA themselves. In other words, they are very "relatable" to the young teenagers that tend to enrol in ILA, says Idemudia. "We want Mentors who are young and close in age to junior high school students," explains Idemudia, himself a recent Dal Engineering grad originally from Nigeria. Mentors often present their activities to professors before they go into schools as a way to test out their approach. Idemudia explains it as a kind of tri-mentoring situation where the university professors mentor the ILA Mentors who then mentor the junior high students. An evolving organization When it was first launched in 2003 by Dal professors Kevin Hewitt (Physics), Barb Hamilton-Hinch (Health Professions), and African Nova Scotian Affairs Executive Director, Wayn Hamilton, ILA was primarily an after-school program designed for junior high students in select Halifax schools taking basic science and math. Named after the architect of the first pyramid in Egypt and a man who, born a commoner, used science and ingenuity to become a member of the Pharaohs court the program began expanding to other parts of the province, with programs in Truro and Sydney being added into the mix. By 2009, ILA began offering new online tutoring services (called the Virtual School Program) to students in high school, where the number of math and science courses suddenly multiplies. The tutoring service was also a way to help keep those students who were involved in the junior high programs invested in the sciences and on the path to post-secondary studies. A promise scholarship program, launched a couple of years later with a $1 million endowment from TD Canada Trust (ILA-TD), further cemented the path. It offers $500 awards to students in grades seven through 10, $1,000 for students in Grade 11, and $2,000 to those in their final year of high school (up to a maximum of $5,000). A Summer Student Research Scholarship program for university students followed. Now in its 14th year, ILA is continuing its drive to reach more children, particularly those in rural areas of the province. Idemudia says ILA is always looking for new financial support from the community and private sector to help fund its initiatives. Keeping it fun for the kids early on is a must. ILA currently has more than 30 different science activities in its inventory, from a blood-typing exercise to making periscopes and steamboats. All are designed to help improve participants' math and science skills and to boost their self-esteem and confidence in their own academic abilities. A variety of different project-style challenges add additional structure to ILA's programming. A STEM Project Research competition, a STEM quiz tournament and a summer rocket activity are just a few of the other ways ILA grabs young learners attention and keeps them engaged. In 2011, ILA began organizing teams from across the province to compete in regional and provincial FIRST Lego League (FLL) competitions the robotics program that drew Isaiah into ILA in the first place. Imhotep teams have participated in FLL competitions since then, winning awards for everything from 'Mechanical Design' and 'Technical Design' to 'Spirit and Enthusiasm' and 'Presentation' and instilling the values of teamwork and scientific problem solving in the process. Finding the right inspiration For Isaiah, the challenge of programming a robot to perform different tasks served to spark a broader interest in mechanical engineering. He got so into the ILA program in his first year that he decided to keep going in grades eight and nine. His parents took notice and encouraged him to stay connected to ILA through the tutoring program in high school and work towards the scholarships, which he did. Isaiah credits his first Mentor, Ibimina Koko a Mechanical Engineering student at Dal at the time for helping him stick with it when it got challenging. "Sometimes I would want to stop. I'd say, 'This is too hard' or 'I want to quit,' but he'd be that guy who'd push me through," he says. "I was only a kid, right? It's not like I had this unbreakable focus and unbreakable drive." Eventually, Isaiah became a Mentor himself in the program in high school. Now enrolled in Engineering at Dal, Isaiah can truly appreciate some of the lessons imparted to him by ILA, and in particular, by Koko. "He never gave me any of the answer to any of the problems. He would always just guide me in the right direction. That's something I can really appreciate because in real life no one is going to be giving you the answers." Learn more about the Imhotep's Legacy Academy at its website. Researching Ways to Assist Drivers with Autism Published: 2017-03-02 Author: University of Virginia Health System | Contact: virginia.edu Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A Jump to: Main Digest | Publications Synopsis: Researchers use high-tech driving simulator and on-road driving to compare driving performance of novice drivers with autism with those of novice drivers without autism. The University of Virginia Health System is teaming up with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to study novice drivers with autism to determine if they would benefit from specialized training to help them become better, safer drivers and feel more comfortable behind the wheel. advertisements Main Digest The University of Virginia Health System is teaming up with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to study novice drivers with autism to determine if they would benefit from specialized training to help them become better, safer drivers and feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Researchers will use a high-tech driving simulator and on-road driving to compare the driving performance of novice drivers with autism with those of novice drivers without autism. The researchers also will look at a group of much more experienced drivers without autism. "With this, we will be able to determine if there is a specific need to give these folks [with autism] further attention and support even after they have a driver's license," said UVA School of Medicine researcher Dan Cox, PhD. "Possibly just to become safer drivers, but also possibly to reduce collisions and driving mishaps." Driving safety Cox, of UVA's Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, noted that the driving abilities of novice drivers with autism - including reaction time, vision and cognitive abilities - tend to be similar to those of any individual. Novice drivers with autism, however, may feel additional anxiety about driving in some cases. "Where things become challenging," Cox said, "is in the flexibility and the integration and the multitasking involved in on-road driving." Cox and his colleagues at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) want to determine if specialized training can help them with those challenges. During the study, Cox will place participants in UVA's high-tech driving simulator, which offers a controlled environment for testing and assessment. "The neat thing about virtual reality is that you can just focus on one task at a time, which you can't in the real world," Cox said. "You can just focus on maintaining speed control, then you can focus on lane position, then once they master that, you can worry about ability to brake. In the real world, you're just thrust out there and you have to deal with it all at the same time." Real-world driving After completing the simulation, study participants will drive on real roads using a research vehicle car VTTI has outfitted with advanced data collection instrumentation. VTTI researchers will then will analyze key safety-related driver behavior. Cox and his colleagues will ultimately compare the simulation with the in-car driving to determine if additional interventions or countermeasures could benefit teen drivers, especially those with autism, and, if so, what form they should take. "These are novice drivers who have been approved. They've satisfied all the DMV requirements for independent drivers. Our goal is to determine if they differ from those without autism, and we then want to determine how these novice drivers in the virtual world and on road differ from experienced drivers," Cox said. "Once you know the differences, you can really drill down in terms of how to do interventions to neutralize those differences." To participate Cox is seeking to recruit 10 novice drivers with autism and 10 without. The novice drivers must have had their licenses for less than 12 months. He also plans to evaluate 10 experienced drivers with more than 10 years behind the wheel, a group Cox expects to draw from the parents of the novice drivers. Trial participants will receive $30 in compensation and an individualized report of their strengths and weaknesses in terms of driving abilities and skills. A single visit to UVA will be required. For more information, contact UVA at (434) 924-8021 or (434) 924-5913. The study is IRB-HSR #19577. The work is being supported by a $60,000 grant from 4-VA, a collaborative partnership of UVA, Tech, George Mason University, James Madison University and Old Dominion University. Disabled World is an independent disability community established in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative news, reviews, sports, stories and how-tos. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page. advertisements Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement. Cite This Page (APA): University of Virginia Health System. (2017, March 2). Researching Ways to Assist Drivers with Autism. Disabled World. Retrieved November 6, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/vtti.php Permalink: Researching Ways to Assist Drivers with Autism On Friday, The Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) honors Danish Professor Bo Barker Jrgensen with the prestigious 2017 A.C. Redfield Award at the Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii 26 February - 03 March, 2017. Dr. Bo Barker Jrgensen receives the prize for his lifelong and groundbreaking work advancing our understanding of marine sediment microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. His work has ranged from surface sediments to the deep biosphere, several kilometers into the seabed. ASLO is an international aquatic science society founded in 1948. For more information about ASLO, please visit their website: http://www.ASLO.org. "Jaw dropping" influence on science In their press release, ASLO writes, "Bo Barker Jrgensen has led the way in advancing our understanding of the biogeochemistry and microbial ecology of marine sediments. His papers have been cited more than 32,000 times, with two of his papers having over one thousand citations each. Colleagues say these statistics are evidence of Jrgensen's "jaw dropping" influence on science and a tribute to the huge impact of his lifelong work." ASLO also highlights Bo Barker Jrgensen's early research on the sulfur cycle in marine sediments presented in a paper in 1977. The method he developed for determining the rate of bacterial sulfate reduction in marine sediments is still in use today and his paper is of one of the most highly cited papers in marine sediment biogeochemistry. Microelectrodes Another highlight in a long and illustrious science career is the work of Bo Barker Jrgensen and then graduate student, Niels Peter Revsbech who is now a professor and colleague at Aarhus University, Denmark. During the late 70's and early 80's they used oxygen microelectrodes for the first time to measure the distribution of oxygen in sediments, "...shocking the scientific community with their discovery that oxygen penetrates only a few millimeters into coastal sediments. Their introduction of microelectrodes revolutionized our understanding of the distribution and dynamics of oxygen and oxidants in marine sediments," ASLO writes in their nomination. Super-mentor Bo Barker Jrgensen is famous not only for developing techniques, instruments and publishing influential papers, but the A. C. Redfield award also recognizes his work achievements as a mentor. Many of the young scientists he advised have established successful scientific careers of their own. "The list of students, postdoctoral fellows and colleagues who have been mentored by Jrgensen reads like a virtual 'who's who' of marine microbiology," the nomination reads. Establishing world-leading research centers Bo Barker Jrgensen's vision for microbial research is credited by colleagues as central for the establishment of Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. Bo Barker Jrgensen served as director of the Institute from 1992-2011, and helped to establish it as a world leader in research on marine microbes. In 2007, Bo Barker Jrgensen established the Center for Geomicrobiology in Aarhus, where he has built an international team of leading scientists focused on sediments in the deep biosphere. "He and his team are 'providing fundamental and new insights into the nature of what may be the largest, yet least known, biosphere on Earth,'" it is written in the nomination. Contact: Bo Barker Jrgensen is at the moment in Hawaii but can be reached on mail: bo.barker@bios.au.dk Facts: The ASLO Lifetime Achievement award is given to those that have excelled in limnologic and oceanographic research, education, service to the community and society throughout a lifetimes work. The prize was first presented in 1994 and has since 2004 been named after Alfred Clarence Redfield, an American oceanographer whose major discovery was the atomic ratio between nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon found in marine plankton (phytoplankton), also known as the Redfield ratio. Dr. Jrgensen is Professor and Head of the Center for Geomicrobiology at Aarhus University in Denmark. In his long career, Bo Barker Jrgensen has received numerous prizes and honors for his impressive work: Fellow of the Geochemical Society, 2001 The G. Evelyn Hutchinson Award (ASLO), Savannah, USA, 2004 The ECI Prize, International Ecology Institute, Germany, 2004 Doctor of Honor, Univ. Southern Denmark, 2006 Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, 2009 Fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology, 2009 The German Environmental Prize, 2009 The Jim Tiedje Award, International Society for Microbial Ecology, 2010 Holst-Knudsen Research Prize, Aarhus University, 2013 A. C. Redfield Award (ASLO), Honolulu, USA, 2017 ### Triple-negative breast cancer quickly becomes resistant to current therapies, leaving patients no therapeutic options. BIDMC researchers discovered that TNBC cells increase production of pyrimidine nucleotides in response to traditional chemotherapy. Discovery represents a vulnerability that can be exploited by blocking pyrimidine using an existing inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy. BOSTON - Physicians currently have no targeted treatment options available for women diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), leaving standard-of-care chemotherapies as a first line of defense against the disease. However, most women with TNBC do not respond to these broadly-targeted chemotherapies, and those who do often develop resistance to the drugs. Investigators at the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have discovered a vulnerability that offers a new strategy to combat TNBC. Their findings are published online today in the journal Cancer Discovery. "Given the complete lack of any targeted therapies specific to triple-negative breast cancer, we started thinking about how we could find other vulnerabilities in tumor cells," said corresponding author Alex Toker, PhD, chief of the Division of Signal Transduction in the Department of Medicine and Pathology and the Cancer Center at BIDMC. "If we could find such vulnerabilities, we could develop strategies to exploit them, perhaps with already FDA-approved drugs that could be used in combination with existing cancer drugs." Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for nearly 20 percent of breast cancer cases and is defined by its cells' lack of receptors for three well-known drivers of other forms of the disease -- estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor (HER2). Without receptors for this trio of hormones, TNBC is impervious to the therapies used to combat other breast cancer subtypes. TNBC treatment is limited to standard-of-care chemotherapies that work by damaging cancer cells' DNA, to which it often develops resistance. Moreover, these non-specific standard-of-care, first line therapies are blunt instruments that may also kill normal cells and are responsible for the side effects associated with cancer treatment such as nausea and hair loss. Researchers still don't know what initiates or drives the development of TNBC tumors. However, Toker and his colleagues demonstrated that the cancer cells increase production of nucleotides called pyrimidines when exposed to standard chemotherapy. Because pyrimidines are a crucial ingredient in DNA, the researchers reasoned that its increased production -- or, biosynthesis -- is an adaptive response that promotes resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapies. "What chemotherapy does in triple-negative breast cancer -- for reasons we don't yet fully understand -- is reprogram this pyrimidine-biosynthetic pathway to really crank up production of these nucleotides," said Toker, who is also an investigator at the Ludwig Center at Harvard. "If we could inhibit this increase, then we might be able to restore the chemotherapeutic benefit of standard-of-care drugs." To test that notion, Toker and colleagues, including lead author Kristin K. Brown, PhD, formerly of BIDMC and now at Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia, treated TNBC cells with a cancer-killing drug called doxorubicin. As expected, the cancer cells increased production of pyrimidine nucleotides. The scientists reproduced these results both in vitro - in cancer cells grown on plastic - and in vivo, in mice implanted with human TNBC cells. Next, the researchers treated TNBC cells with a combination of a standard-of-care chemotherapy called doxorubicin and leflunomide, a drug known to block the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway that is already an FDA-approved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Again, TNBC cells responded as Toker and colleagues expected. In mice, the scientists saw significant tumor regression with the combination therapy. Other experiments revealed that either drug alone had minimal impact on TNBC cells, while the combination therapy had no impact on the other breast cancer subtypes driven by estrogen, progesterone or HER2. Based on these findings, Toker intends to initiate clinical trials in partnership with clinical oncologists. He will also focus on testing both FDA-approved as well as newer drugs that may exploit this new-found Achilles' heel in TNBC and other cancers that depend on similar metabolic pathways to develop chemotherapy resistance. The goal is to speed new potential therapies to patients. "We focused our attention on the pyrimidine-biosynthetic pathway because we wanted to develop a combination therapy strategy without having to develop new drugs," said Toker, who plans to start a company to test existing drugs. "Indeed there is already one drug in use that inhibits one of the key enzymes in this pathway. Repositioning that drug should provide a much more rapid path to clinical impact and clinical benefit." ### Study co-authors include John Asara, PhD, of the Cancer Center and Department of Medicine at BIDMC, and Jessica B. Spinelli of the Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School. This work was supported by the Ludwig Center at Harvard Medical School. About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School and consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. BIDMC is in the community with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, Anna Jaques Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Lawrence General Hospital, MetroWest Medical Center, Signature Healthcare, Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare, Community Care Alliance and Atrius Health. BIDMC is also clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Jackson Laboratory. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit http://www.bidmc.org. BINGHAMTON, NY-Government agencies cannot always use social media and telecommunication to uncover the intentions of terrorists as terrorists are now more careful in utilizing these technologies for planning and preparing for attacks. A new framework developed by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York is able to understand future terrorist behaviors by recognizing patterns in past attacks. Researchers at Binghamton have proposed a comprehensive new framework, the Networked Pattern Recognition (NEPAR) Framework, by defining the useful patterns of attacks to understand behaviors, to analyze patterns and connections in terrorist activity, to predict terrorists' future moves, and finally, to prevent and detect potential terrorist behaviors. Using data on more than 150,000 terrorist attacks between 1970 and 2015, Binghamton University PhD student Salih Tutun developed a framework that calculates the relationships among terrorist attacks (e.g. attack time, weapon type) and detects terrorist behaviors with these connections. Mohammad Khasawneh, professor and head of the Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE) department at Binghamton University, assisted and advised Tutun with his research. Jun Zhuang, an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University at Buffalo, also contributed to this research. In the framework, there are two main phases: (1) building networks by finding connections between events, and (2) using a unified detection approach that combines proposed network topology and pattern recognition approaches. Firstly, the framework identifies the characteristics of future terrorist attacks by analyzing the relationship between past attacks. Comparing the results with existing data shows that the proposed method was able to successfully predict most of the characteristics of attacks with more than 90% accuracy. Moreover, after building the network with connections, the researchers propose a unified detection approach that applies pattern classification techniques to network topology and features of incidents to detect terrorism attacks with high accuracy, and identify the extension of attacks (90 percent accuracy), multiple attacks (96 percent accuracy) and terrorist goals (92 percent accuracy). Hence, governments can control terrorist behaviors to reduce the risk of future events. The results could potentially allow law enforcement to propose reactive strategies, said Tutun. "Terrorists are learning, but they don't know they are learning. If we can't monitor them through social media or other technologies, we need to understand the patterns. Our framework works to define which metrics are important," said Tutun. "Based on this feature, we propose a new similarity (interaction) function. Then we use the similarity (interaction) function to understand the difference (how they interact with each other) between two attacks. For example, what is the relationship between the Paris and the 9/11 attacks? When we look at that, if there's a relationship, we're making a network. Maybe one attack in the past and another attack have a big relationship, but nobody knows. We tried to extract this information." Previous studies have focused on understanding the behavior of individual terrorists (as people) rather than studying the different attacks by modeling their relationship with each other. And terrorist activity detection focuses on either individual incidents, which does not take into account the dynamic interactions among them; or network analysis, which gives a general idea about networks but sets aside functional roles of individuals and their interactions. "Predicting terrorist events is a dream, but protecting some area by using patterns is a reality. If you know the patterns, you can reduce the risks. It's not about predicting, it's about understanding," said Tutun. Tutun believes that policymakers can use these approaches for time-sensitive understanding and detection of terrorist activity, which can enable precautions to avoid against future attacks. "When you solve the problem in Baghdad, you solve the problem in Iraq. When you solve the problem in Iraq, you solve the problem in the Middle East. When you solve the problem in the Middle East, you solve the problem in the world," said Tutun. "Because when we look at Iraq, these patterns are happening in the USA, too." The paper, "New framework that uses patterns and relations to understand terrorist behaviors," was published in Expert Systems with Applications. ### CINCINNATI - As people get older so do the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that form their blood, creating an increased risk for compromised immunity and certain blood cancers. Now researchers are reporting in the scientific journal EMBO that the bone marrow niche where HSC's form also ages, contributing to the problem. In a study published March 2, scientists from the University of Ulm in Germany and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in the United States propose rejuvenating the bone marrow niche where HSCs are created. This could mean younger acting HSCs that form healthier blood cells, boosted immunity in older people, and a better defense mechanism against certain cancers, according to study authors. Conducting their study in mouse models, the scientists point to cells in the bone marrow called osteoblasts, which help form bone. Osteoblasts make a protein called osteopontin, which is important to supporting a vibrant bone marrow environment in the creation of blood-forming HSCs. "We show that the place where HSCs form in the bone marrow loses osteopontin upon aging, but if you give back the missing protein to the blood-forming cells they suddenly rejuvenate and act younger," says Hartmut Geiger, PhD, study lead investigator at the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Aging Research Center at the University of Ulm, and the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology at Cincinnati Children's. "Our study points to exciting novel ways to have a better immune system and possibly less blood cancer upon aging by therapeutically targeting the place where blood stem cells form." Because the study was in mice, its findings cannot at this stage be extended to clinical treatment of human patients, the authors say. But the data provide interesting leads that one day could benefit human health. Bone marrow time warp The researchers conducted a number of experiments to test the formation and vitality of cells in and near the bone marrow microenvironment. One test in aging mice looked at the formation of endosteum stroma cells, which form a thin layer of connective tissue on the inner surface of bones. Another experiment monitored levels of osteopontin and other proteins linked to distinct cells in bone marrow during the aging process. Study authors say they observed reduced production of osteoblasts and other stroma cells in the endosteum of older mice. They also saw decreased osteopontin protein levels in the bone marrow of older animals, which they note was associated with reduced vigor and function of blood-forming HSCs. Reversing the niche aging process Scientists followed up the earlier experiments by transplanting bone marrow cells from older mice (19-21 months) into young mice (8 to 10 weeks). In two other experiments, the authors also transplanted aged HSCs from older mice into younger mice, and they treated aged HSCs with a recombinant form of the osteopontin protein. Transplantation into the younger animals caused cells to act in a younger more vital manner, the authors report. This includes the presence of smaller numbers of HSCs with greater potential for forming different types of blood cells, which included larger populations of B and T cells and smaller production of myeloid cells. The authors also saw aged HSCs treated with recombinant osteopontin regain their youthful characteristics and capacity to form different blood-cell types. Also observed was diminished signaling of the protein Cdc42, a protein that Geiger and his team previously showed causes HSCs to age. Osteopontin levels are not only low in the bone marrow niche, but also in the blood upon aging. As a follow up to the current study, the researchers are investigating the possibility to use osteopontin replacement therapy in mice to counter the influence of an aging niche directly in the animals. ### First author on the paper was Novella Guidi, a PhD student and member of the Geiger laboratory. Funding support for the study came from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (KFO 142 and SFB 1074), the BMBF-funded Program SyStaR, and the National Institutes of Health (HL076604, DK077762, AG040118). "If raising azaadi slogans is not treason, then I don't know what is," Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu told India Today in an interview. By India Today Web Desk: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said that the act of raising "azaadi slogans" is treason. "If this is not treason then I don't know what is," the Union minister said opening a debate on what defines sedition. He also said the government is planning to change the existing sedition law to make it more stringent. As the Ramjas College protest took a fresh turn with some videos allegedly showing students raising "anti-national" slogans, the senior minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet said, "The slogan of azaadi is followed by violence". advertisement When asked about the government moving towards bringing a bill to amend the sedition law, Naidu said the Law Ministry in consultation with the Home Ministry will bring a bill. A senior Union minister saying casually on television that there are plans to change the sedition law is alarming. It hints at the government's plans to make itself more authoritarian by denying basic rights to express freely, especially in college campuses. The current sedition law allows people belonging to a broad spectrum - from a Hardik Patel in Gujarat to an Arundhati Roy - to be tried. The next move, it is feared, may be about a law that makes even criticising the government seditious. NAIDU ON AZAADI The minister while asking "who brought the sedition law" said certain people are raising anti-national slogans, trying to celebrate the memory of Afzal Guru, and raising the issues of separatism and independence to Kashmir. "These people giving slogans are taking to arms in Kashmir, in Chhattisgarh, in Jharkhand. They believe power comes from the barrel of the gun... Sponsors of terrorism (also) believe that they can get azaadi by use of force. The slogan of azaadi is followed by violence," Naidu said. The minister said that "such acts on university campuses are trying to create a divisive mindset, and we have the right to condemn it". CHANGE IN SEDITION LAW On the ideological battle with the Left, Naidu said, "Your ideology has been rejected by people... they are now frustrated and making ridiculous statement". Left leader Sitaram Yechury had earlier said why should people accept one standardised definition of nationalism. Naidu said Hindutva is a way of life, and said "Hindu" is the broad, cultural identity of this nation and one cannot deny it. THE DAUGHTER OF INDIA The minister said he does not approve of BJP MP Pratap Simha drawing comparisons between 20-year-old Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, and called the martyr's daughter "the daughter of India". He, however, said his party joined the Ramjas debate when "others jumped in to support Umar Khalid". "The Congress and the Left joined the proponents of azaadi and that is when the functionaries of the ruling party joined the debate," Naidu said. advertisement The minister said the 20-year-old must be allowed to focus on her studies, and the larger debate is about azaadi and separatism. ALSO READ: Ramjas does a JNU: Video shows 'Kashmir maange azadi, Bastar maange azadi' slogans were raised Ramjas students share videos and eyewitness accounts: Neutral voices lost in sea of saffron, red Vishwa Hindu Parishad calls Jamia Millia Islamia a 'refuge for anti-nationals' ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Out of the more than 300,000 plant species in existence, only three species--rice, wheat, and maize--account for most of the plant matter that humans consume, partly because in the history of agriculture, mutations arose that made these crops the easiest to harvest. But with CRISPR technology, we don't have to wait for nature to help us domesticate plants, argue researchers at the University of Copenhagen. In a Review published March 2 in Trends in Plant Science, they describe how gene editing could make, for example, wild legumes, quinoa, or amaranth, which are already sustainable and nutritious, more farmable. "In theory, you can now take those traits that have been selected for over thousands of years of crop domestication--such as reduced bitterness and those that facilitate easy harvest--and induce those mutations in plants that have never been cultivated," says senior author Michael Palmgren, a botanist who heads an interdisciplinary think tank called "Plants for a Changing World" at the University of Copenhagen. The approach has already been successful in accelerating domestication of undervalued crops using less precise gene-editing methods. For example, researchers used chemical mutagenesis to induce random mutations in weeping rice grass, an Australian wild relative of domestic rice, to make it more likely to hold onto its seeds after ripening. And in wild field cress, a type of weedy grass, scientists silenced genes with RNA interference involved with fatty acid synthesis, resulting in improved seed oil quality. "All of the plants we eat today are mutants, but the crops we have now were selected for over thousands of years, and their mutations arose by chance," says Palmgren, a professor in the University of Copenhagens Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. "With gene editing, we can create 'biologically inspired organisms' in that we don't want to improve nature, we want to benefit from what nature has already created." This strategy also has potential to address problems related to pesticide use and the impact of large-scale agriculture on the environment. For example, runoff from excess nitrogen in fertilizers is a common pollutant; however, wild legumes, through symbiosis with bacteria, can turn nitrogen available in the atmosphere into their own fertilizer. "Why not try to domesticate more of these plants?" Palmgren says. Accelerating domestication could face similar ethical, economic, and legal issues that arise whenever the gene editing of crops is involved. However, public opinion may differ somewhat because this approach doesn't involve taking a gene from another organism but rather deleting existing genes. For farmers and breeders, adding underutilized species of plants may not be immediately attractive because there is less of a demand, and so work on building consumer's appetite for them will be necessary. However, the public good of making such a switch could in the end be a selling point. Palmgren's group, which aims to evaluate new directions for agriculture, published a related paper two years ago on using gene editing to make domesticated plants more "wild" and thus hardier for organic farmers (doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.04.011). They hope that as agriculture evolves to meet increasing demand, they can help prepare the public and policymakers for the implementation of genome editing into our food supply. ### This work was supported by the University of Copenhagen Excellence Programme for Interdisciplinary Research. Trends in Plant Science, sterberg, Xiang, and Olsen et al.: "Accelerating the Domestication of New Crops: Feasibility and Approaches" http://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(17)30015-8 Trends in Plant Science (@TrendsPlantSci), published by Cell Press, is a monthly review journal that features broad coverage of basic plant science, from molecular biology through to ecology. Aimed at researchers, students, and teachers, its articles are authoritative and written by both leaders in the field and rising stars. Visit: http://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com. In an age of booming biotechnology, it might be easy to forget how much we still rely on the bounty of the natural world. Some microbes make us sick, some keep us healthy, while others continue to give us some of our best cures in the form of naturally occurring products such as penicillin and tetracycline. A new bioinformatics advance from the University of Illinois reveals the power of 'big data' genome technology to help us make better use of nature's inventions: a team of researchers led by Associate Professor of Chemistry Douglas Mitchell has created a tool that searches through microbial genomes, identifying clusters of genes that indicate an organism's ability to synthesize therapeutically promising molecules. In a Nature Chemical Biology article (DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2319), lead authors Jonathan Tietz and Christopher Schwalen and their colleagues in Mitchell's laboratory describe how their custom software learns to recognize predictive genomic features. "With genome sequencing going at the pace it has . . . there's a dearth of functional information about what these genes are doing," Mitchell said. "It becomes increasingly important to make sense of and interpret metabolic pathways, especially biosynthetic gene clusters encoded by microbes." Mitchell's group is particularly interested in a class of molecules commonly referred to as RiPPs, a friendly acronym for a long name: ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. RiPPs, like proteins, are made of chains of linked amino acids, are encoded by genes, and undergo chemical modification (carried out by other proteins) after they are made. Compared with proteins, RiPPs are smaller and the modifications they undergo alter their structure more dramatically. RiPPs may seem unfamiliar, but they are already present in the average consumer's daily life. A bacterially-produced RiPP called nisin, for example, has been used as a pathogen-fighting additive in dairy products, meats, and beverages such as beer since the 1960s. "RiPPs have some particular advantages compared to other, more traditional, classes of natural products. They're usually larger and more structurally complex," which allows them to interact with cellular machinery in ways a smaller molecule cannot, Tietz explained. More points of contact with their cellular targets means RiPPs can hang on better and perform more complicated tasks. "At the same time, despite their complexity, RiPP biosynthesis . . . makes for greater potential for genetic re-engineering of natural products to tailor physical and pharmacological properties," he noted. For all their advantages, RiPPs present a challenge; it is hard to discover new ones. Traditionally, researchers found potentially useful natural products by screening microbes based on their biological activity. After decades of such efforts, which revealed a range of products including some RiPPs, the low-hanging fruit has been plucked; searches turn up the same common compounds over and over again. Mitchell and colleagues are members of a multi-laboratory research group at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) that has found a way to "climb higher" and uncover novel natural products: genome mining. The Mining Microbial Genomes research theme at the IGB aims to speed drug discovery by searching through the genomes of microbes, essentially skimming through cells' recipe books to see what they might be able to produce, before actually persuading them to do so in a laboratory setting. In this way, researchers can greatly increase the odds that they will isolate a compound that has never been seen before. However, this method relies on the ability to predict what a group of genes might be capable of producing. "In a practical sense the question became, is there a better way to harness available genomes for augmenting these discovery pipelines," said Schwalen. "That's where we started." Mitchell's group faced a tough challenge: creating software that could recognize the groups of genes whose products work together to synthesize a RiPP. They decided to make it even tougher by focusing on a class of RiPPs called lasso peptides, named for their looping structure. The clusters of genes that produce lasso peptides are small and generic-looking, making them difficult to identify even in a manual search. "If you want to show that you have a useful tool, you pick the hardest example," Mitchell said. "But also, as a chemist, lasso peptides are extremely interesting. Peptides that are used as drugs cannot be given orally" because they would be digested, he explained. "Lasso peptides are different. You can actually boil these, you can throw proteases at them, you can autoclave them and they don't lose their activity, they are basically a little peptide knot that is extremely resistant to such assaults." The informatics tool that Mitchell's laboratory designed, named RODEO (Rapid Open reading frame Description and Evaluation Online), dealt with the lasso challenge in part through a machine learning approach. They trained the software on known examples of lasso-producing gene clusters, allowing the program to hone in on key features. The resulting software robustly identified promising gene clusters in a broad array of microbial genomes, and could be easily customized to search for the gene clusters of other classes of RiPPs as well. RODEO identified 1300 novel lasso peptides, including several with particularly unusual structures that make them promising as potential therapeutics; the researchers confirmed that the empirically determined structures matched those predicted by the software. "We can now use genomic prioritization to find molecules that without any doubt are structurally novel," said Mitchell. "The challenge is, is that a useful molecule or not? But the more molecules you can connect to genes, the better informed we're going to get. So that's the next 10 years of discovery." ### This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the American Chemical Society, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Robert C. and Carolyn J. Springborn Endowment for Student Support Program. Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have made the world a much safer and healthier place. But Shakespeare was onto something when he asked if it's possible to have too much of a good thing. In the case of antibiotics, the answer is increasingly "yes." As a result, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center are teaming up to take on the rising problem of antibiotic resistance. A new entity, Case VA CARES, will combine firepower from both organizations in the battle against antibiotic resistance. Staff will carry out new research, work to modify existing antibiotics, try and discover new ones, and use decoys to trick uncooperative bacteria. The Problem More and more, bacteria and other microorganisms are developing resistance to antibiotics which used to kill them off. This resistance, which evolves via natural selection through random mutation, is usually caused by excessive use of antibiotics, including in livestock animals raised as human food. In turn, infections which used to yield to antibiotics can persist and even worsen, putting patients in danger. Not only does antibiotic resistance imperil health, it also adds to healthcare costs as doctors try different medicines to find ones bacteria haven't become resistant to. Sometimes the stronger substitute antibiotics cause serious side effects such as kidney damage. More than two million people develop antibiotic-resistant infections in the U.S. ever year, leading to more than 23,000 deaths. Some experts say that without new inroads, the death toll could top that from cancer by mid-century. The financial costs are already enormous: as much as $20 billion in extra healthcare costs annually. Case VA CARES Case VA CARES (CWRU-Cleveland VAMC Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology) will be located in the CWRU School of Medicine and Cleveland VA with collaborating partner laboratories located around the world. "An immediate goal of this initiative is to boost research into multidrug-resistant Gram negative organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae and mycobacteria, which can cause tuberculosis and many other infections," said Pamela B. Davis, MD, PhD, dean of CWRU School of Medicine. "Understanding the mechanistic and molecular bases of resistance is crucial to properly treating patients with serious infections." In addition to research and drug discovery, experts at the center will work with scientists throughout the world to track outbreaks of resistant organisms, discover new drugs, and develop training for physicians, medical students, and residents to recognize and prevent overuse of antibiotics. The director of the center will be Robert A. Bonomo, MD, medicine service chief at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Faculty members of the new center will come from throughout both organizations including experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Experienced scientists with expertise in bacterial genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses will be recruited to augment experts from the CWRU Department of Genetics. "In the search for new antibiotics and fresh strategies for existing ones, Case VA CARES will play a prominent role in leading and conducting research needed to design and conduct clinical trials, which will take place at the VA , University Hospitals, MetroHealth, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation," said Dr. Bonomo, who is a member of the NIH-funded Antimicrobial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG). The latter group is addressing national priorities for clinical research on antibiotic resistance. Case VA CARES will also benefit from strong working relationships with industry partners of both the School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, MetroHealth, the Cleveland Clinic and the VA Medical Center. ### About Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Founded in 1843, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is the largest medical research institution in Ohio and is among the nation's top medical schools for research funding from the National Institutes of Health. The School of Medicine is recognized throughout the international medical community for outstanding achievements in teaching. The School's innovative and pioneering Western Reserve2 curriculum interweaves four themes--research and scholarship, clinical mastery, leadership, and civic professionalism--to prepare students for the practice of evidence-based medicine in the rapidly changing healthcare environment of the 21st century. Nine Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with the School of Medicine. Annually, the School of Medicine trains more than 800 MD and MD/PhD students and ranks in the top 25 among U.S. research-oriented medical schools as designated by U.S. News & World Report's "Guide to Graduate Education." The School of Medicine is affiliated with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic, with which it established the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University in 2002. For more information, visit http://case.edu/medicine. About the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center is the hub of the Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System, providing and coordinating primary, acute and specialty care for Veterans. Focusing on treating the whole Veteran through health promotion and disease prevention, the Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System delivers comprehensive, seamless healthcare and social services for Veterans at 18 locations across Northeast Ohio. The Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System contributes to the future of medicine through education, training and research programs. For more information visit http://www.cleveland.va.gov. UPTON, NY -- Some insect bodies have evolved the abilities to repel water and oil, adhere to different surfaces, and eliminate light reflections. Scientists have been studying the physical mechanisms underlying these remarkable properties found in nature and mimicking them to design materials for use in everyday life. Several years ago, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a nanoscale surface-texturing method for imparting complete water repellency to materials--a property inspired by insect exoskeletons that have tiny hairs designed to repel water by trapping air. Their method leverages the ability of materials called block copolymers (chains of two distinct molecules linked together) to self-assemble into ordered patterns with dimensions measuring only tens of nanometers in size. The scientists used these self-assembled patterns to create nanoscale textures in a variety of inorganic materials, including silicon, glass, and some plastics. Initially, they studied how changing the shape of the textures from cylindrical to conical impacted materials' ability to repel water. Cone-shaped nanotextures proved much better at forcing water droplets to roll off, carrying dirt particles away and leaving surfaces completely dry. Now, working with colleagues in France--from ESPCI Paris Tech, Ecole Polytechnique, and the Thales Group--they have further shown that the optimized nanotextures have excellent anti-fogging abilities, as described in a paper published online in the Feb. 27 issue of Nature Materials. Led by David Quere of ESPCI and Ecole Polytechnique, the research provides a fundamental understanding that may inform new designs for condensing coils of steam turbine power generators, car and aircraft windshields, and other materials prone to fogging. "Many textured materials can repel water, with millimeter-size water drops bouncing off their surfaces, but many of these surfaces fail when exposed to foggy or humid conditions," said Charles Black, director of Brookhaven Lab's Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), the DOE Office of Science User Facility where Black and former physicist Antonio Checco of Brookhaven's Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department and former CFN postdoctoral research associate Atikur Rahman fabricated the nanotextures. Fog forms when warm, moist air hits a cooler surface (such as a window or windshield) and forms water droplets--a process called condensation. When water droplets are similar in size to the structural features of a textured hydrophobic ("water hating") surface, they can get inside and grow within the texture, instead of remaining on top. Once the texture fills up, water landing on the material gets stuck, resulting in the appearance of fog. Scientists have previously observed that the wings of cicadas, which are covered by nanosized cone-shaped textures, have the ability to repel fog by causing water droplets to spontaneously jump off their surface--a phenomenon caused by the efficient conversion of surface energy to kinetic energy when two droplets combine. Motivated by this example from nature, the team investigated how reducing texture size and changing texture shape impacts the anti-fogging ability of a model surface. To simulate fogging conditions, the scientists heated water and measured the adhesion force as warm water droplets cooled upon contacting the nanotextured surfaces. These measurements revealed that droplet adhesion was significantly affected by the type of surface nanotexture, with warm drops strongly sticking to those with large textures and hardly sticking at all to surfaces with the smallest ones. "Textures with the smallest feature sizes and the appropriate shape--in this case, conical--resist fogging because condensing water droplets are too big to penetrate the texture. The droplets remain on top, essentially floating on the cushion of air trapped beneath," said Black. The scientists next used an optical microscope connected to a high-resolution video camera to view droplet condensation on different textures during dew formation, when atmospheric moisture condenses faster than it evaporates. While all textures are initially covered by large numbers of microdroplets, over time textures with a cylindrical shape become covered in water, while the ones with a conical shape spontaneously dry themselves. Conical-shaped textures resist dew formation because the water droplets are so lightly adhered to the surface that when two drops join together, they gain enough energy to spontaneously jump off the surface, similar to the mechanism observed in cicada wings. "This work represents the excellent, multiplicative power of DOE user facilities. In this case, CFN's initial collaboration with a user from one of Brookhaven's departments led to a new international connection with different users, who carried the study of hydrophobic surfaces in new directions," said Black. ### This research was supported by the DOE Office of Science, the French Ministry of Defense procurement agency, and the Thales Group. Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. Tecnalia has a large network of accredited laboratories and qualified staff with extensive experience in the field of testing and characterization of materials and parts. This capacity and knowledge allows Tecnalia to offer a wide range of services (testing, assessment, diagnosis, consulting...) in the different areas related to material and parts properties (mechanical, chemical, etc.). Our laboratories are accredited according to national and international quality standards and feature multiple authorisations. In the execution of this contract, Tecnalia will work with other laboratories for some specific tests, and we should highlight the collaboration with SCI, S.A. which will be responsible for conducting non-destructive tests (NDT). ITER is a first-of-a-kind global collaboration. It will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility and is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power. It is expected to produce a significant amount of fusion power (500 MW) for about seven minutes. Fusion is the process which powers the sun and the stars. When light atomic nuclei fuse together form heavier ones, a large amount of energy is released. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, limitless and environmentally responsible energy source. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six parties to this joint international venture (China, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA), will contribute equally to the rest. The components that make up ITER are being manufactured by each of the participating parties and contributed in kind through so-called Domestic Agencies including Fusion for Energy (F4E) as the European Agency. The site of the ITER project is in Cadarache, in the South of France. In many cases the engineering and technologies required to manufacture these components are very advanced. On the other hand, the performance of materials is crucial for the operation of fusion reactors, so their quality needs to be assured with high certitude. Material characterizations and non-destructive testing are needed in order to support the construction and development of components and materials for ITER and other fusion related facilities under the responsibility of F4E. The contract concerns the materials at room and elevated temperatures, which are present in particular in the vacuum vessel and in-vessel components operating normally between RT and 200 C, but higher peak temperatures are also expected during the operation of ITER. ### Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden have contributed to a recent discovery that the heart is filled with the aid of hydraulic forces, the same as those involved in hydraulic brakes in cars. The findings, which are presented in the journal Scientific Reports, open avenues for completely new approaches to the treatment of heart failure. The mechanisms that cause blood to flow into the ventricles of the heart during the filling, or diastolic, phase are only partly understood. While the protein titin in the heart muscle cells is known to operate as a spring that releases elastic energy during filling, new research at Karolinska Institutet and KTH suggests that hydraulic forces are equally instrumental. Hydraulic force, which is the pressure a liquid exerts on an area, is exploited in all kinds of mechanical processes, such as car brakes and jacks. In the body, the force is affected by the blood pressure inside the heart and the size difference between the atria and ventricles. During diastole, the valve between the atrium and the ventricle opens, equalising the blood pressure in both chambers. The geometry of the heart thus determines the magnitude of the force. Hydraulic forces that help the heart's chambers to fill with blood arise as a natural consequence of the fact that the atrium is smaller than the ventricle. Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to measure the size of both chambers during diastole in healthy participants, the researchers found that the atrium is smaller effectively throughout the filling process. "Although this might seem simple and obvious, the impact of the hydraulic force on the heart's filling pattern has been overlooked," says Dr. Martin Ugander, a physician and associate professor who heads a research group in clinical physiology at Karolinska Institutet. "Our observation is exciting since it can lead to new types of therapies for heart failure involving trying to reduce the size of the atrium." Heart failure is a common condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient quantities of blood around the body. Many patients have disorders of the filling phase, often in combination with an enlarged atrium. If the atrium gets larger in proportion to the ventricle, it reduces the hydraulic force and thus the heart's ability to be filled with blood. "Much of the focus has been on the ventricular function in heart failure patients," says Dr. Elira Maksuti at KTH's Medical Imaging Unit and recent PhD from KI's and KTH's joint doctoral programme in medical technology. "We think it can be an important part of diagnosis and treatment to measure both the atrium and ventricle to find out their relative dimensions." ### The study was the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH and Lund University in Sweden and Washington University in St. Louis, USA and was financed with grants from the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet. Publication: 'Hydraulic forces contribute to left ventricular diastolic filling', Maksuti E, Carlsson M, Arheden H, Kovacs SJ, Broome M, Ugander M. Scientific Reports, online 2 March 2017, doi: 10.1038/srep43505. A video demonstrating the hydraulic force: https://youtu.be/fSjCVZgsDxk The article in Scientific Reports: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep43505 Ludwig researchers have shown that triple-negative breast cancer cells ramp up production of a key component of DNA in response to chemotherapy and that targeting this pathway could undermine their resistance to such therapies. MARCH 2, 2017, New York -- A team of researchers led by Alex Toker of the Ludwig Center at Harvard has discovered a metabolic weakness in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that may be exploited to quell their resistance to chemotherapy. TNBC is notoriously aggressive and is difficult to treat because its cells lack the targetable receptors found in other forms of breast cancer. Only about 30 percent of TNBC patients achieve a pathologic complete response, or a complete eradication of active cancer cells, following chemotherapy. Those who do frequently relapse shortly afterward. "Trying to understand the mechanisms that contribute to cancer's resistance to therapy is a major mission here at the Ludwig Center at Harvard," said Alex Toker. In the new study, published online in the journal Cancer Discovery, Toker, an investigator at the Ludwig Center at Harvard Medical School, and his team including lead author Kristin Brown, formerly of the Ludwig Center at Harvard and now at Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia, outline a newly discovered chink in the armor of TNBC cells. This "metabolic vulnerability" can be used to circumvent chemotherapy resistance. The scientists demonstrated that chemotherapy effectively reprograms TNBC cells to ramp up production of the pyrimidine nucloetides, key building blocks of DNA. This heightens the cells' DNA repair abilities and ultimately results in greater resistance to chemotherapies that work by damaging the DNA of rapidly dividing cells. "This actually makes sense if you think about it, because if a tumor cell is going to repair DNA and therefore evade the death-inducing effects of chemotherapy, the only way they can really do that is by rebuilding DNA, and the only way to rebuild DNA is to make more nucleotides," Toker said. Toker and his team reasoned that blocking the pyrimidine synthesis pathway in TNBC cells would hinder their DNA repair abilities and make them more susceptible to the DNA-damaging effects of chemotherapy. To test this hypothesis, the team exposed TNBC cells in the lab to a drug combination of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy agent, and leflunomide, a known inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a crucial enzyme in the biochemical reactions that generate pyrimidines. "One of the major reasons we chose leflunomide is because we wanted a rapid path to clinical impact, and leflunomide is already FDA-approved and widely used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis," Toker said. Toker's group found that leflunomide blocked the increase of pyrimidine nucleotides in TNBC cells, thus impairing their ability to repair the DNA damage dealt by doxorubicin, and resulting in increased cancer cell death. The scientists then repeated the experiment in mice that had been transplanted with human TNBC cells. "We found that treating the mice with doxorubicin or leflunomide alone only slowed tumor growth, but that a combination therapy involving both drugs resulted in significant tumor regression," Toker said. Importantly, the combination therapy in mice did not cause any weight loss or gain in the animals - an indication that the drug regimen might be reasonably well-tolerated in humans. "One of the things we would like to do is develop clinical trials in patients with this combination strategy, whether it be with leflunomide or some other drugs that are coming online that might have better pharmacological properties in patients," Toker said. In the meantime, Toker said his group is moving forward with plans to investigate the molecular basis of increased pyrimidine biosynthesis in TNBC cells. "There is something about this pathway in triple negative breast cancer that is especially important," Toker said. "We don't know what the genetic basis underlying it is, but it's something we would really like to find out." ### Funding and support for this research was provided by the Virginia and DK Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research. Alex Toker, an investigator at the Ludwig Center at Harvard, is also a professor in the Department of Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School and Chief of the Division of Signal Transduction in the Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Cancer Center. About Ludwig Cancer Research Ludwig Cancer Research is an international collaborative network of acclaimed scientists that has pioneered cancer research and landmark discovery for more than 40 years. Ludwig combines basic science with the ability to translate its discoveries and conduct clinical trials to accelerate the development of new cancer diagnostics and therapies. Since 1971, Ludwig has invested $2.7 billion in life-changing science through the not-for-profit Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the six U.S.-based Ludwig Centers. To learn more, visit http://www.ludwigcancerresearch.org. For further information please contact Rachel Steinhardt, rsteinhardt@licr.org or +1-212-450-1582. Women's Day is here, so lose no time in planning a fun and safe getaway to these destinations. For those girls looking to have some fun on the beach, Miami is the perfect destination. Photo:Mail Today By Mail Today Bureau: Travel gives 95 per cent of women globally something to look forward, according to a recent Booking.com survey. Findings from the research conducted with over 17,000 women also revealed that travel energises 88 per cent of women in their daily lives and improves mood for 93 per cent. Celebrating International Women's Day, Booking.com shares some great destinations around the world in which all generations of female travellers can be reap the best of travel. With 76 per cent of women believing that finding the right accommodation is just as - if not more important - than the destination itself, these locations have been paired with perfect accommodations, from divine resorts to remote mountain lodges, to enjoy exciting travel experiences whether you're flying solo or exploring in a group. advertisement Adventurous angels For women with an adventurous streak, consider exploring exciting Argentina and stay at a stunning winery accommodation that offers an elegant yet modern style. And for those who are up for taking on this endeavour alone, the South American nation is said to be one of the safest places in the world for solo female travellers. All the city ladies If you and your friends are big city people, Shanghai is Booking.com's top booked destination in China, and a true 'must-see'. Whether it's great food, exploring, or shopping, this city has the best of everything! For those who like a bit of pampering at the end of a day hot-footing it around town, The Ritz-Carlton will help you relax in style. Shanghai is a favourite destination among women who like to explore cities. Photo:Mail Today Shanghai is a favourite destination among women who like to explore cities. Photo:Mail Today Feeling spiritual With mountains, beautiful colours and a unique culture, northern India is one of the most majestic destinations imaginable. Pack your bags and take off to the hills - Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Nainital have amazing and cost-friendly stay options. Trendsetter on the go For fashion lovers and trendsetters, nothing is more rejuvenating or exciting than heading to a gorgeous fashion capital like Milan. Enjoy a view overlooking the beautiful city and treat yourself in style at Boscolo Milano, Autograph Collection's unique spa. Spa vacation in Milan is another option.Photo:Mail Today Sirens of the sea For those who know the sea is where they want to be, experience a completely different side of Italy with a visit to Sicily. Enjoy stunning settings and head off to Verdura's private beach or lose yourself in the fantastic riches this accommodation has to offer. Verduras private beach in Sicily.Photo:Mail Today Powerful empress Another sweet spot for solo travellers, Fairmont Empress Hotel is set in one of Canada's beloved city, Victoria. Overlooking the beautiful harbour, this historic hotel will channel your inner Empress and encourage you to continue to lead strongly. A sightseer's paradise A perfect destination to travel alone or with a group, New Zealand is the land offering just about everything. It welcomes mountain climbers, beach bums, and unique animal lovers with itslaid-back culture and jawdropping backdrops. Sit back in your personal spa overlooking the mountains and water at this enchanting lodge. advertisement Feminist Finland Known for being one of the most gender equal countries in the world, Finland is not only an empowering destination but a beautiful one to travel to alone. Located in the heart of the city, Klaus K is a fun and stylish boutique, the perfect base to explore this unique land. In Pics : 6 destinations in the world where women are forbidden Something exotic What's not to love about Thailand? It is the perfect gateway to go your own way and create some lifelong memories. As far as accommodations go, just imagine yourself jumping into that pool after a Thai massage. For countryside lovers Have you ever stayed in a yurt? What about a luxurious one in the UK's dazzling countryside? This is much more than camping and can be a great way to fly your solo travel wings. Parties & tranquility Step outside and bask in the sun as you head toward the end of a dock overlooking the beautiful blue ocean. Also famous for its exciting nightlife, Miami can bring you peace and/or excitement. You decide what you want to do and when you want to do it. --- ENDS --- advertisement The inauguration of a new United States president is heralded as a peaceful transition of power. However, when a new administration actually takes office, the fast change in healthcare policy direction and ideological political viewpoints that accompanies a new administration can be anything but tranquil. New administrations select directors, secretaries, and advisors to lead the new administration and start to set in motion agendas based on the winning party's platform plans and campaign promises. "This is a time where uncertainty and opportunity co-exist," says Eileen M. Sullivan-Marx, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean and Erline Perkins McGriff Professor of the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (NYU Meyers). "This period can be fraught with policy mistakes or adoption of new policies that have unintended consequences, such as Medicare Part D's 'doughnut hole' under the second Bush administration that left gaps in coverage of medications." In "Public Policy: Using Ethical Frameworks in Times of Transition & Uncertainty," published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing, Dean Sullivan-Marx petitions nurses to turn to the profession's founding ethical frameworks and principles in order to shape care and emerging policies. She acknowledges that individual nurses may vary politically in stance on the issues; however, as advocates for quality, safety, and access to care, nurses have an ethical obligation to address issues that adhere to standards of care and the values of the profession. She argues for the use of the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics as a framework to discuss policy issues relevant to the nursing profession's care for older adults as new healthcare policy changes manifest themselves in the federal administration and states. The Code of Ethics prescribes that a nurse practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population. "A very practical example nurses may encounter is how to coordinate care for individuals who see a loss in Medicaid coverage, particularly older adults who are dually eligible under both Medicare and Medicaid," says Dean Sullivan-Marx. The number of dually eligible older adults expanded to over 10 million under the Affordable Care Act. These individuals have the most complex health issues and are typically below the poverty line. With reductions in Medicaid access being proposed both at the federal and state levels, individual nurses may find themselves caring for persons who lose coverage of services in long-term care settings or for in-home care. "If a nurse determines her patient would not be safe without these services, what is her recourse?" asks Dean Sullivan-Marx. "There are a variety of options, some more palatable than others, that range from advocating for care regardless of the patient's ability to pay, all the way down to discharging the patient with advice on seeking new enrollment opportunities, and to call 911 if care is needed." Dean Sullivan-Marx points out that the aspects of practice and professionalism that may be most at risk during administration transition and expected health policy changes include access to affordable services including preventive and screening services, rehabilitation, community, and long-term care services for older adults. "Assuring that all persons have access to care regardless of ability to pay, citizen status, health condition, or disability, and support for autonomy of nursing practice including advanced practice nursing are policies that must be followed at local, state, and federal levels," emphasizes Dean Sullivan-Marx. As a highly trusted professional group, nurses need to acquaint themselves with their ethical code in regard to older adults as the ethical framework will support individual nurses and the profession to advocate for human rights, quality and safety for patients, families, and communities along with professional colleagues and society. ### "Public Policy: Using Ethical Frameworks in Times of Transition & Uncertainty" in the March 2017 issue of the Journal of Gerontological Nursing. About the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. It offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing, a Master of Science and Post-Master's Certificate Programs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing research and theory development. Inevitably, many habitats, including the particularly vulnerable subterranean ones, will continue being erased from our planet as a result of human activities and interests. The challenge is to protect the ones that are the sole habitats to certain organisms, so that their species are safe from extinction. Hence, it is essential that the distribution of every each one of them is clearly defined. Brazilian scientists Prof. Eleonora Trajano, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, and Prof. Dr. Marcelo Rodrigues de Carvalho, Universidade de Sao Paulo, discuss the current classification system, its application and complexities in a paper published in the open access Subterranean Biology. Nowadays, there are three categories of subterranean fauna accepted. Troglobites live exclusively underground and are usually characterised with reduced or lacking eyes and pale or transparent colors; troglophiles may live both in caves and on the surface, with individuals commuting between these habitats and promoting genetic interchange between subterranean and surface populations; trogloxenes use caves regularly, but must leave them periodically in order to complete their life cycle. Throughout the years, many alterations and subdivisions have been applied to the classification used when determining whether a cave organism belongs exclusively to the subterranean habitat, or not, before concluding these three groups, also known as the Schiner-Racovitza system. It is important to separate them properly, since the destruction of a habitat to an endemic troglobite, for instance, would immediately wipe out its whole species, as it would be impossible for the animals to move away. However, many historic publications do not feature enough details about the described species' distribution, nor identification of the used classification, so that the information is unreliable. Furthermore, there have been times, when people have been even afraid to survey the underground habitats, led by beliefs and associations linking caves to the "World of the Dead". In their paper, the authors conclude that the only way to define the species status of subterranean organisms with certainty is to study each species' dynamics over a period of at least three years, since animals may migrate on a seasonal and/or non-seasonal basis. Also, scientists need to study thoroughly the area outside the surveyed cave, while testing for sampling sufficiency at all times. "When employing classifications of subterranean organisms, especially for conservation purposes, these conditions should be checked for reliability of the status attributed to them," say the authors. "Misplacing these organisms within the Schiner-Racovitza categories impairs the efficiency of such policies." ### Original source: Trajano E, Carvalho MR (2017) Towards a biologically meaningful classification of subterranean organisms: a critical analysis of the Schiner-Racovitza system from a historical perspective, difficulties of its application and implications for conservation. Subterranean Biology 22: 1-26. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.22.9759 A core set of genes involved in the responses of honey bees to multiple diseases caused by viruses and parasites has been identified by an international team of researchers. The findings provide a better-defined starting point for future studies of honey-bee health, and may help scientists and beekeepers breed honey bees that are more resilient to stress. "In the past decade, honey-bee populations have experienced severe and persistent losses across the Northern Hemisphere, mainly due to the effects of pathogens, such as fungi and viruses," said Vincent Doublet, postdoctoral research fellow, University of Exeter. "The genes that we identified offer new possibilities for the generation of honey-bee stocks that are resistant to these pathogens." According to the researchers, recent advances in DNA sequencing have prompted numerous investigations of the genes involved in honey-bee responses to pathogens. Yet, until now, this vast quantity of data has been too cumbersome and idiosyncratic to reveal overarching patterns in honey-bee immunity. "While many studies have used genomic approaches to understand how bees respond to viruses and parasites, it has been difficult to compare across these studies to find the core genes and pathways that help the bee fight off stressors," said Distinguished Professor of Entomology Christina Grozinger, Penn State. "Our team created a new bioinformatics tool that has enabled us to integrate information from 19 different genomic datasets to identify the key genes involved in honey bees' response to diseases." Specifically, the team of 28 researchers, representing eight countries, created a new statistical technique, called directed rank-product analysis. The technique allowed them to identify the genes that were expressed similarly across the 19 datasets, rather than just the genes that were expressed more than others within a dataset. The scientists found that these similarly expressed genes included those that encode proteins responsible for the response to tissue damage by pathogens, and those that encode enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates from food, among many others. A decrease in carbohydrate metabolism, they suggested, may illustrate the cost of the infection on the organism. The researchers report their findings in today's (Mar. 2) issue of BMC Genomics. "Honey bees were thought to respond to different disease organisms in entirely different ways, but we have learned that they mostly rely on a core set of genes that they turn on or off in response to any major pathogenic challenge," said Robert Paxton, professor of zoology, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research. "We can now explore the physiological mechanisms by which pathogens overcome their honey-bee hosts, and how honey bees can fight back against those pathogens." The implications of the findings are not limited to honey bees. The team found that the core genes are part of conserved pathways -- meaning they have been maintained throughout the course of evolution among insects and therefore are shared by other insects. According to Doublet, this means that the genes provide important knowledge for understanding pathogen interactions with other insects, such as bumble bees, and for using pathogens to control insect pests, such as aphids and certain moths. "This analysis provides unprecedented insight into the mechanisms that underpin the interactions between insects and their pathogens," said Doublet. "With this analysis, we generated a list of genes that will likely be an important source for future functional studies, for breeding more resilient honey-bee stocks and for controlling emerging bee diseases." ### This research was supported by iDiv, the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research, located in Leipzig, Germany. Other authors on the paper include Yvonne Poeschl, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research; Andreas Gogol-Doring, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen; Cedric Alaux, INRA; Desiderato Annoscia, Universita degli Studi di Udine; Christian Aurori, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca; Seth Barribeau, University of Liverpool; Oscar Bedoya-Reina, University of Edinburgh; Mark Brown, Royal Holloway University of London; James Bull, Swansea University; Michelle Flenniken, Montana State University; David Galbraith, Penn State; Elke Genersch, Institute for Bee Research of Hohen Neuendorf; Sebastian Gisder, Institute for Bee Research of Hohen Neuendorf; Ivo Grosse, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Holly Holt, University of Minnesota; Dan Hultmark, Umea University; H. Michael G. Lattorff, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology; Yves Le Conte, INRA; Fabio Manfredini, Royal Holloway University of London; Dino McMahon, Freie Universitat Berlin; Robin Moritz, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Francesco Nazzi, Universita degli Studi di Udine; Elina Nino, University of California, Davis; Katja Nowick, University of Leipzig; and Ronald van Rij, Radboud University. Los Angeles, CA (March 2, 2017) SAGE Publishing is pleased to announce that four authors received awards from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA). Tracy L. Tuten and Michael R. Solomon, co-authors of Social Media Marketing, second edition, and Andrew M. Pomerantz, author of Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice and Culture, fourth edition, were awarded the TAA Textbook Excellence Award. Tara L. Kuther, author of Lifespan Development: Lives in Context, was awarded Most Promising New Textbook. "These honors reflect commitment to publishing innovative and high-quality course content featuring a distinctive author voice," commented Michele Sordi, Sr. Vice President and Head of US College at SAGE Publishing. "We are honored to be partners with these SAGE authors and celebrate their valuable contributions to pedagogy and student success." TAA's Textbook Excellence Award ("Texty") recognizes excellence in current textbooks and learning materials, while the Most Promising New Textbook Award honors first edition works. Both awards are granted based upon the work's pedagogy, content/scholarship, writing, and appearance and design. This year, TAA named 10 Texty awards and seven most promising new textbook awards. The Most Promising New Textbook Award winner Lifespan Development: Lives in Context focuses on the importance of context--examining how the places, sociocultural environments, and ways in which people are raised influence whom they become and how they grow and change. It integrates cutting-edge and classic research to present a unified story of developmental science and its applications to everyday life. "I am honored to receive TAA's 'Most Promising New Textbook' Award. Recognition by my fellow authors is gratifying and humbling. I share this achievement with my colleagues at SAGE whose teamwork is reflected in the quality of this book. TAA's support, the outstanding resources, community, and opportunities for recognition by peers, is invaluable to authors," commented author Tara L. Kuther. Social Media Marketing explores social media marketing and theory with practical application. It covers strategic planning for social media applications, incorporating platforms into brands' marketing communications executions, and harnessing social media data to yield customer insights. "I am deeply touched and honored for the text, Social Media Marketing, to be chosen for the TAA Textbook Excellence Award. TAA provides such wonderful resources to support textbook authors - making the award all the more meaningful for me. TAA - thank you for the support you give to academic authors and for this great honor. I also want to thank SAGE, and in particular, our editor, Matthew Waters, who saw the value in this book and championed it," commented co-author Tracy L. Tuten. Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Culture, fourth edition, addresses the real-world practice of clinical psychology and the latest research in the field. The fourth edition examines cultural/diversity issues in clinical psychology and thorough coverage of recent, prominent developments in psychotherapy and clinical assessment. "I feel honored and grateful that Clinical Psychology was chosen for TAA's Textbook Excellence Award. I share this recognition with the many wonderful people at SAGE Publishing dedicated to the success of this textbook, along with my chapter co-authors, my students, and my family," commented author Andrew M. Pomerantz. ### TAA will present the awards at their annual conference in Providence, R.I. on June 9, 2017. 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 Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA) provides a wide range of professional development resources, events, and networking opportunities for textbook authors and authors of scholarly journal articles and books. http://www.TAAonline.net In a study published online by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Adele M. Goman, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., and colleagues used U.S. population projection estimates with current prevalence estimates of hearing loss to estimate the number of adults expected to have a hearing loss through 2060. Hearing loss is a major public health issue independently associated with higher health care costs, accelerated cognitive decline, and poorer physical functioning. More than two-thirds of adults 70 years or older in the United States have clinically meaningful hearing loss. With an aging society, the number of persons with hearing loss will grow, increasing the demand for audiologic health care services. The proportion of adults 20 years or older in the United States with hearing loss has been previously estimated using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These estimates were applied to 10-year population estimates from 2020 through 2060. The researchers found that the number of adults in the United States 20 years or older with hearing loss is expected to gradually increase from 44 million in 2020 (15 percent of adults) to 74 million by 2060 (23 percent of adults). This increase is greatest among older adults. In 2020, 55 percent of all adults with hearing loss will be 70 years or older; in 2060, that statistic will be 67 percent. The number of adults with moderate or greater hearing loss will gradually increase during the next 43 years. "These projections can inform policy makers and public health researchers in planning appropriately for the future audiologic hearing health care needs of society," the authors write. "Given the projected increase in the number of people with hearing loss that may strain future resources, greater attention to primary (reducing incidence of hearing loss), secondary (reducing progression of hearing loss), and tertiary (treating hearing loss to reduce functional sequelae) prevention strategies is needed to address this major public health issue." ### (JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online March 2, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2016.4642. The study is available pre-embargo at the For The Media website.) Editor's Note: This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and by the Eleanor Schwartz Charitable Foundation. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, etc. As cannabis laws become liberalised in many countries, experts writing in The Lancet Psychiatry argue that there is an urgent need to explore how cannabis use can be made safer. The authors say that policy makers and researchers should consider regulating cannabis potency, reducing the use of tobacco (e.g. by using vapourisers), and exploring how the chemical composition of cannabis could be modified to reduce harm without altering the pleasurable effects of the drug. In the past 40 years, the potency of cannabis has on average doubled worldwide and there is evidence of a greater number of people seeking help for cannabis use disorders in the UK, Europe, and USA. Despite prohibitive laws on possession and use of cannabis being introduced in the 1960s, cannabis use has increased in most parts of the world, suggesting the laws have had little effect on use and abuse. Uruguay and a number of US states, including California, Oregon, Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, Washington, Nevada, and Colorado allow cannabis to be sold for recreational purposes. Canada is set to legalise its recreational use in 2017 and several European countries, including Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands, have lessened or abolished sanctions on possession and use [1]. The main active compounds found in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). High potency cannabis is high in THC with low (or absent) levels of CBD. This variety is commonly known as sinsemilla (Spanish meaning "without seed") or sometimes "skunk". Recent evidence suggests that CBD may protect against some of the detrimental effects of THC such as memory impairment and paranoia. Writing in a Personal View, the authors, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London and UCL (UK), argue that the time has come to consider harm reduction in cannabis use. First, the authors say more focus on the harms of tobacco is needed since cannabis is frequently used with tobacco, particularly in Europe. For instance, smoke-free vapourisers could help reduce the harmful effects of smoke and avoid the highly addictive properties of tobacco. Secondly, they say that in countries where cannabis is legalised, the potency of cannabis could potentially be addressed. In parts of the USA where cannabis is legalised, THC is not regulated and extremely potent cannabis products (up to 75% THC) have gained popularity. Some policy makers in the Netherlands and Uruguay have suggested introducing a cap to limit THC content to 15% and more evidence is needed on the effect of these measures. Alternative options might include taxing cannabis according to THC content. However, the authors argue that these strategies might not be entirely successful, as cannabis users tend to prefer cannabis with a relatively high THC content. Instead, they argue that increasing the levels of CBD could reduce some of the harmful effects of cannabis, without compromising the effects users seek. More research into the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content is needed, and this information could potentially contribute to guidelines on safer cannabis use, similar to alcohol. "Although most users will not develop problems from their cannabis use, it is vital, especially now that cannabis is becoming increasingly liberalised, that we explore alternative and innovative ways by which we can reduce and mitigate cannabis related harms" says Dr Amir Englund, lead author from King's College London. "With the rapidly changing political climate around cannabis, the demand to effectively reduce cannabis-related harms has never been greater, and more research is urgently needed to inform policy decisions. A strategy based on increasing the content of CBD in cannabis might be especially promising because CBD can offset several harms associated with cannabis without compromising its rewarding effects." [2] Dr Tom Freeman, a co-author and Senior Research Fellow for the Society for the Study of Addiction said: "In the last eight years, the number of people in the UK entering specialist treatment for cannabis increased by over 50%. During the same time period, street cannabis has become increasingly strong with high levels of THC and little or no CBD. Further research on CBD is now needed - both to investigate its potential role in mitigating the harmful effects of THC in cannabis, but also as a potential treatment for the minority of people who develop problematic cannabis use. Efforts to reduce the common practice of mixing cannabis with tobacco could potentially prevent people progressing to nicotine dependence, providing a substantial benefit for public health." [2] ### NOTES TO EDITORS This work was supported by a grant from the UK Medical Research Council, and the research team have been awarded a study grant from the MRC to explore how different levels of cannabidiol impact the harmful effects of THC. [1] Cannabis use prevalence in the UK: 10.6% in 2003/4 and 6.6% in 2013/2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/drug-misuse-findings-from-the-2015-to-2016-csew Drug treatment figures for cannabis in the UK: 7,579 new admissions in 2005/6 and 11,821 in 2013/4 https://www.ndtms.net/Publications/downloads/Adult%20Drug/statisticsfromndtms201314.pdf [2] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Personal View. 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/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(17)30075-5/fulltext?elsca1=tlpr (New York, NY - March 2, 2017) --Mount Sinai researchers have discovered that a rheumatoid arthritis drug can block a metabolic pathway that occurs in tumors with a common cancer-causing gene mutation, offering a new possible therapy for aggressive cancers with few therapeutic options, according to a study to be published in Cancer Discovery. Ramon Parsons, MD, PhD, Ward-Coleman Chair in Cancer Research and Chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, led a team that studied how a mutation of the PTEN gene rewires a metabolic pathway in tumors, channeling increased amounts of the amino acid glutamine into the pathway, speeding up DNA production, and causing uncontrolled growth of the tumor. The team discovered that leflunomide, an oral rheumatoid arthritis drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, blocks an enzyme in this pathway and damages the DNA created through the pathway, killing PTEN mutant cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. Parsons and his team transplanted human breast cancer cells into mice to test leflunomide's efficacy. Leflunomide drastically reduced the breast cancer tumors in the mice. "Finding successful targeted therapies for cancer is a challenging but important goal in the face of insufficient treatment options," said Dr. Parsons, who discovered the PTEN gene. "Targeted therapies that are tumor-specific are much needed, and identifying changes based on specific tumor suppressor or oncogene alterations will facilitate this effort. Due to the high mutation rate of PTEN in cancer, the effects of PTEN could be at the heart of targeted therapy." This discovery has implications in aggressive cancers with the PTEN mutation and few treatment options such as triple negative breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, and glioblastoma, a brain cancer. Dr. Parsons hopes to create a clinical trial to further test leflunomide in patients with breast and colon cancer. ### This research was funded by NCI R01CA082783, R01CA155117, and P01CA97403 (R.P.), and partially supported by NIH grants 5P01CA120964 and 5P30CA006516 (J.MA.), and R01 GM041890 and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (L.C.). 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 on 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. Scientists have used a unique computational technique that sifts through big data to identify a subset of concussion patients with normal brain scans, who may deteriorate months after diagnosis and develop confusion, personality changes and differences in vision and hearing, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. This finding, which is corroborated by the identification of molecular biomarkers, is paving the way to a precision medicine approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury. Investigators headed by scientists at UC San Francisco and its partner institution Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) analyzed an unprecedented array of data, using a machine learning tool called topological data analysis (TDA), which "visualizes" diverse datasets across multiple scales, a technique that has never before been used to study traumatic brain injury. TDA, which employs mathematics derived from topology, draws on the philosophy that all data has an underlying shape. It creates a summary or compressed representation of all the data points using algorithms that map patient data into a multidimensional space. The new research relied on a TDA platform developed by Ayasdi, an advanced analytics company based in Palo Alto, Calif. "TDA is a type of machine intelligence that provides a way to easily visualize patient differences across the full spectrum of traumatic brain injury from concussion to coma," said senior co-author, Adam Ferguson, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery and a member of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. "This has potential to transform diagnosis and predict outcome by providing a new level of precision." The study, publishing in PLOS ONE on March 1, 2017, is part of a government-funded multisite initiative called TRACK-TBI, Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury, which was established to identify new diagnostic and prognostic markers, and to refine outcome assessments. Diversity of Secondary Injuries Hampers Progress Traumatic brain injury results in approximately 52,000 deaths, 257,000 hospitalizations and 2.2 million emergency department visits in the United States annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Injury Center. These injuries can lead to widespread lesions throughout the brain's white matter, as well as a "cascade of secondary injury mechanisms that evolve over times." The heterogeneity of the manifestations of these secondary injuries is one significant obstacle that thwarts the development of new treatments, the authors note in their paper. "Traumatic brain injury lags 40 to 50 years behind cancer and heart disease in terms of progress and understanding of the actual disease process and its potential aftermath," said co-senior author Geoffrey Manley, MD, PhD, vice chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UCSF and chief of neurosurgery at ZFGH. "More than 30 clinical trials of potential traumatic brain injury treatments have failed, and not a single drug has been approved." In the study, so-called common data elements were collected from 586 patients with acute traumatic brain injury from trauma centers at ZSFG, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin, Texas. These elements comprised 944 variables, including demographics, clinical presentation, imaging and psychological testing. The variables were edited by "data curators," to build a robust multivariate clinical dataset that could be harnessed by biomedical data scientists. Mapping of outcome using TDA revealed that concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, could be stratified into multiple subgroups with diverse prognoses. Among them was a large group of patients who, despite normal brain scans, demonstrated poor recovery and a tendency to get worse, three-to-six months after the injury. These patients were likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Precision Approach Allows for Proactive Treatment "These are patients with clear scans that would have been discharged from the hospital with nothing more than a recommendation to take over-the-counter medications," said Ferguson. "By recognizing these patients as a distinct subgroup, clinicians may be able to anticipate future symptoms and treat them proactively." According to first author Jessica Nielson, PhD, also of the UCSF Department of Neurological Surgery and the Weill Institute, the most challenging symptoms to treat are those that are not apparent immediately after an injury. "Eventually we hope to identify treatment targets early after injury to prevent this gradual decline and boost our ability to intervene and improve outcome for patients," she said. In addition to variants in PARP1, researchers found other biomarkers in patients' blood samples that were predictive of poor recovery, including ANKK1 and COMT. These genes are associated with signaling by the neurotransmitter dopamine and may provide critical clues to recovery and drugs' responsiveness. A future goal of TRACK-TBI is to contribute to the design of clinical trials to develop therapeutic drugs for traumatic brain injury - perhaps even tailored to a patient's blood-based biomarkers. "TDA improves upon traditional outcome prediction approaches for patients with traumatic brain injury," said Nielson, who is also affiliated with ZSFG. "By leveraging the full information provided by all outcomes, TDA has the potential to improve diagnosis and therapeutic targeting." TDA technology is already being used by banks for fraud detection and in military applications, but it has not reached the mainstream in biomedicine, according to the authors. "Potentially this could change very soon," said Ferguson. "Our proof-of-concept study demonstrates the maturity of the technology and its potential use in medical decision-making when coupled with high-quality data from electronic medical records." ### The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The study's co-authors are Shelly Cooper, John Yue, Tomoo Inoue, MD, PhD; and Mary Vassar of ZSFG and UCSF; Esther Yuh, MD, PhD, and Pratik Mukherjee, MD, PhD, of UCSF; Tanya Petrossian, PhD; Jesse Paquette MS, Pek Lum, PhD, and Gunnar Carlsson, PhD, of or previously of Ayasdi in Palo Alto, Calif.; Hester Lingsma, PhD, of Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands; Wayne Gordon, PhD, of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York; Alex Valadka, MD, of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond; and David Okonkwo, MD, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh. A DECADE has passed since the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann on holiday in Portugal, but activity online regarding the case is constant, with some of this commentary being directed in the form of abuse, a behaviour commonly referred to as 'trolling'. It is estimated that every hour there are more than 100 tweets posted using the McCann hashtag. Now, University of Huddersfield psychology researchers have entered the world of internet trolls and their abusive, aggressive language, directed towards those who disagree with them. Described in a new journal article, the project has led to a call for measures - including an end to pseudonyms on Twitter - that would curb the anonymity that enables cyber-trolling. The work is featured in an online editorial headed The dark side of social media for the prestigious journal, Nature, and the research reinforces newly-revealed UK Government plans to curb cyber abuse. The University of Huddersfield's Dr John Synnott - who co-authored the new article in Computers in Human Behaviour - commented that: "It is encouraging to see that ministers have called the major social media platforms to Whitehall to demand that they do more to protect people online from cyber bullying and trolling or face sanctions. This is a step in the right direction by making these platforms responsible for negative behaviour that they unfortunately enable." "There is absolutely a need for such precautions," continued Dr Synnott. "Trolls are hiding behind the facility to be anonymous, which Twitter enables to a certain degree. Our research can contribute to an understanding and a reduction in trolling behaviour and one of the main interpretations is that the level of anonymity provided by certain social networking sites is a massive enabler." A key discovery of the research conducted by Dr Synnott, his Huddersfield colleague Dr Maria Ioannou and postgraduate student Andria Coulias, is that far from operating in isolation - as has usually been argued - trolls form "anti-social networks" that reinforce their behaviour. Also, media reports that condemn the trolls' actions have the effect of "showering them with the very attention they appear to covet". Trailing the trolls Dr Synnott is Assistant Director of the University of Huddersfield's MSc in Investigative Psychology - Dr Ioannou is Course Director - and as a regular user of social media sites he developed an interest in trolling and the psychology behind it The sheer volume of tweets by the anti-McCann group - and by supporters of Madeleine's parents - meant that it would be an excellent case study. A sample of 400 McCann-related tweets obtained from 37 user accounts and containing a total of 7,600 words was analysed by the research team. The article describing the project contains samples of the abusive, often illiterate language used by trolls. It was found that "the insults and abuse levelled at both the McCanns and the pro-McCann users were constant, repetitive, and in clear violation of Twitter policies, though user accounts were rarely suspended". The theme of motherhood implied a strong female presence in the anti-McCann group, whereas earlier research has suggested that trolls are mostly male, because of frequent misogynistic sentiments. "This is stage one of this research," said Dr Synnott. "The paper doesn't attempt to take a position on the case, but rather aims to explore trolling behaviour in general. The McCann group was the most obvious place for us to start. Stage two, which is currently in development, will be an analysis of the Pro-McCann group, to explore any differences or similarities between them." The article concludes that "the damaging impact the McCann trolls' behaviour has had on those victimised" makes necessary "the continuation of research exploiting the ways in which aggressive forms of trolling materialise, so that we might consequently establish ways in which to effectively deal with them". ### * The article, Online trolling: The case of Madeleine McCann, by Dr John Synnott, Andria Coulias and Dr Maria Ioannou, is in the latest issue of Computers in Human Behavior. PHILADELPHIA (March 2, 2017) - Linda H. Aiken, PhD, FAAN, FRCN, RN, the Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor in Nursing, Professor of Sociology, and Director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing), and Senior Fellow of Penn's Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics has been named the 2017 recipient of the International Council of Nurses' (ICN) Christiane Reimann Prize. The world-renowned ICN award is presented every four years to a nurse who has made a significant impact on the nursing profession internationally, or through the nursing profession for the benefit of humanity. Aiken will receive the award at the ICN Congress in Barcelona, Spain on May 27, 2017, where she will also be a keynote speaker on results of her research to improve quality and safety of hospital care and patient outcomes. "For over two decades in 30 countries Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research has created an evidence base to guide better use of nursing resources to improve patient outcomes. It is a tremendous honor to receive this international award as it signifies that our research is having an impact globally," said Aiken. "Dr. Linda Aiken is well deserving of this recognition for her world-wide contributions to nursing, healthcare, and policy," said Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel. "Her scholarship has shaped policy to create health care environments that allow nurses to provide the highest quality care and which ensures the best health outcomes for patients. Dr. Aiken has illuminated the critical role of nurses in patient care, research, and health policy." The Christiane Reimann Prize bears the name of ICN's first full time Executive Secretary, and is funded by a trust reserve established through her will. About Dr. Aiken Dr. Aiken's pioneering research has created an evidence base showing the importance of nurses caring for fewer patients each, having most nurses with bachelor's or higher qualifications, and improving nurse work environments. Aiken documented that 30-day mortality after common surgical procedures increased by seven percent for each additional patient added to a nurse's workload, and that for each 10 percent increase in nurses with BSN degrees, there was a five to seven percent decline in risk-adjusted mortality. She has also demonstrated that organizations that support professional nursing practice by involving nurses in decision-making have better patient outcomes than matched organizations with poor work environments. California's development of state-mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals and public reporting of these ratios in other states were influenced by Aiken's research. Beyond the US, her research was key to the adoption of safe nurse staffing mandates in Wales, Ireland, and the state of Queensland, Australia. The National Academy of Medicine's 2010 recommendation that 80 percent of US nurses have a bachelor's degree by 2020, and the European Parliament's 2013 decision to recommend university education for nurses in the European Union, reflect her research. She is director and founder of Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. RN4CAST, one of the center's projects and based on her research, is the largest study of its kind on nursing care and patient outcomes in the US, Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, and Chile. RN4CAST has been implemented in 30 countries and funded by many sources, including the National Institutes of Health and the European Commission. In another center study, Aiken and colleagues from Penn Nursing, Penn's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia demonstrated that better hospital nurse work environments produce higher value care by achieving lower mortality with similar or lower costs, especially for higher-risk surgical patients. Aiken led the effort to improve clinical work environments for nurses when she was president of the American Academy of Nursing in 1979. This led to the development of the Magnet Recognition Program, a voluntary accreditation program for nursing that represents a high-quality working environment for nurses that results in better patient outcomes. She is also an authority on nurse shortages around the world. Aiken has received the major research awards in her field of health services and policy research. In 2014, she received the Gustav O. Lienhard Award from the National Academy of Medicine for her research, which has impacted practice and policy in the US and more than 30 countries. She has also been honored as the first nurse to receive the top awards in health services research, including the Distinguished Investigator Award from AcademyHealth and the Baxter Graham Prize in Health Services Research from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration. Aiken was an Inaugural Awardee in Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher's Hall of Fame. She received her PhD in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Master of Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida. ### Editor's Note: A high-resolution head shot of Dr. Aiken is available for publication. Please contact Ed Federico. About the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the world's leading schools of nursing, is consistently ranked as one of the top graduate nursing schools in the United States, and is among the nation's top recipients of nursing research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Penn Nursing prepares nurse scientists and nurse leaders to meet the health needs of a global society through research, education, and practice. Follow Penn Nursing on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube. About the International Council of Nurses The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally, ICN works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally. PHILADELPHIA--Using antibodies to treat disease has been one of the great success stories of early 21st-century medicine. Already five of the ten top-selling pharmaceuticals in the United States are antibody products. But antibodies are large, complex proteins that can be expensive to manufacture. Now, a team led by scientists from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates in an animal model a new way to deliver safer and more cost-effective therapeutic antibodies. The technique involves the injection of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the "blueprint" molecules that cells use to manufacture proteins. The mRNA molecules are taken up by cells in the body, which then become factories for making the therapeutic proteins--in this case, antibody proteins--encoded by the mRNAs. These mRNAs are modified so they can easily enter cells and not activate inflammatory molecules that lead to adverse events. Researchers have previously shown that they can use this method to make hormones and other proteins in lab animals. In the new study, reported today in Nature Communications, the Penn-led team demonstrated that the mRNA method can be used to make antibody proteins--enough to confer vaccine-like protection against HIV with one, small dose--in mice. "We showed that you can give 1/40th the dose of mRNA compared to the antibody protein itself, and completely protect mice from HIV infection when they are exposed to the virus," said senior author Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, a professor of Infectious Diseases. "Clinical trials of this anti-HIV antibody are already underway, but we think our mRNA approach could in principle be a very effective alternative to this and other antibody therapies." The basic idea of injecting mRNA into patients to make therapeutic proteins in their cells has been around for a long time, but ordinary mRNA doesn't work well for this application. After standard mRNA is injected, enzymes and the immune system tend to treat it like an invading virus and make inflammatory proteins and responses that could make patients sick along with other adverse events. However, in a series of papers starting in 2005,Weissman, co-developer Katalin Kariko, PhD, now an adjunct associate professor of Neurosurgery and vice president of BioNTech RNA Pharmaceuticals, and colleagues reported that ordinary mRNAs could be modified in relatively straightforward ways so that they do not activate inflammatory pathways and can efficiently produce large amounts of protein for an extended amount of time. This team, along with lead author Norbert Pardi, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Weissman lab, and Michael Hogan, a pre-doctoral student at Penn, recently published the use of nucleoside-modified mRNA complexed to lipid nanoparticles as a vaccine for Zika in the journal Nature. Production of therapeutic proteins via mRNAs within a patient's own cells may be safer, in many cases, than the production of the proteins in a biotech facility. "Biotech manufacturing requires a cell line and extensive purification that can aggregate or misfold the protein, resulting in an unwanted immune response against the protein or other adverse events," Weissman said. In the current study, the researchers demonstrated the therapeutic potential of modified mRNAs that code for the anti-HIV antibody VRC01. Most antibodies produced in response to HIV infection are ineffective at stopping the ever-changing virus. By contrast, VRC01--first isolated from a human HIV-positive volunteer--hits a well conserved target on multiple HIV strains and thus neutralizes about 90 percent of HIV strains. Other researchers are now developing VRC01 as a possible therapy for people who already have HIV infection or as a passive vaccine to protect uninfected people. However, the likely high cost of the VRC01 antibody therapy could present an obstacle to its widespread use. Weissman, Pardi, and colleagues showed that a single injection of the mRNAs that encode the VRC01 monoclonal antibody led to robust production of the resulting antibody protein in the livers of mice within 24 hours. A small weekly injection was enough to maintain high levels VRC01 antibody levels in the circulation. Most importantly, the scientists showed that a single 30- or 15-microgram injection of VRC01 mRNA was enough to protect mice, which had been engineered to be infectable by HIV--from intravenous exposure to two reference strains of HIV. For comparison, the team showed that when they directly injected VRC01 antibodies into the same mice, 600 micrograms was needed to provide the same level of protection against HIV. "This is the first proof-of-principal demonstration of mRNAs in a truly therapeutic role and as a replacement for antibodies," Weissman said. ### Other co-authors of the study are Anthony J. Secreto, Xiaochuan Shan, Fotini Debonera, Joshua Glover, Yanjie Yi, Hiromi Muramatsu, Houping Ni, Farida Shaheen, Ronald G. Collman, and Gwenn A. Danet-Desnoyers, all of Penn; and Barbara L. Mui, Ying K. Tam, Thomas D. Madden, and Michael J. Hope, of Acuitas Pharmaceuticals, Vancouver, BC. The study was made possible by grants from the National Institute of Health (R01-AI050484, R01-AI084860, P30-AI045008), and a Takeda Pharmaceuticals New Frontier Science award. Editor's Note: Kariko and Weissman are named inventors of Penn-owned patents and patent applications that describe the use of nucleoside-modified mRNA as a platform to deliver therapeutic proteins. 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. Environmental research is needed now more than ever, insiders say As scientists begin to find their political voices, three former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency insiders on Wednesday said the Trump administration should not sacrifice environmental quality and the health of the American people "for a coterie of special-interest stakeholders." Their opinion piece was published on March 1 in the New England Journal of Medicine. "Unfortunately, sowing doubt about scientific evidence has become a widely used strategy for delaying or blocking actions that are purported to potentially affect the bottom lines for particular industries," the article stated. "We need to maintain the capacity to conduct cutting-edge research and to grapple with the application of the results in formulating evidence-based policies." The more than 2,300-word article is authored by Jonathan Samet, previous chair of the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and holder of the Flora L. Thornton Chair in Preventive Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC; Thomas Burke, former EPA science adviser and former head of the EPA's Office of Research and Development under the Obama administration; and Bernard Goldstein, EPA assistant administrator for research and development during the Reagan administration. The article points at the key role of scientific evidence in driving public policy and its place in the laws and regulations that are critical in environmental policy. In the United States, there is a tradition of relying on scientific research. In fact, Abraham Lincoln created the National Academy of Sciences to provide advice to the government. Key environmental statutes, like the Clean Air Act, explicitly base action in research findings. Lessons from the past show the need for a strong EPA. Ronald Reagan initially sought to diminish the EPA but later warmed up to the agency and replaced his initial EPA leadership with people supportive of its environmental goals. Under Reagan's watch, the EPA removed lead from gasoline and provided the first EPA-funded studies related to climate change, the article said. Samet, Burke and Goldstein set up a five-point call to action for the administration: 1. Evidence-based decision-making on the environment should not be abandoned. 2. The Trump administration should continue to engage and seek advice from the broad community of scientists, reflecting the role of science and reason in democracy. 3. Research funding and environmental scientific capacity should be enhanced, not diminished, to reduce key uncertainties. 4. Experts need to continue to carefully track environmental surveillance and to be prepared to deal with emerging problems and disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 5. There should be no pause in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that people can lessen the unprecedented challenges of global climate change. ### Sometimes good things come to those who wait. Two faculty advisers - Engineering Professors Panos Shiakolas and Pranesh Aswath - supervised a student team, led by Letia Blanco, about five years ago in designing and building a smart bandage, which allowed more efficient healing of wounds and delivery of multiple drugs on their own time schedules to the wound, she wasn't sure what would become of it. That design team now has a patent on their invention, which is titled, Controlled Release Nanoparticulate Matter Delivery System. "Our goal was to protect the wound and increase infection control," said Blanco, who is a lead engineer at Raytheon, after graduating from UTA with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. "Raytheon teamed up with UTA to secure the patent. It's very exciting." Blanco led the team that senior year in 2010. Also on the team were: Christopher Alberts, Kyle Godfrey, Andrew Patin and Chris Grace, all Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering graduates; Panos Shiakolas, UTA associate professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department; and Pranesh Aswath, UTA professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department and vice provost for academic planning and policy. In addition, the team presented its findings through a refereed conference paper at the 2012 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Winter Annual Meeting conference and at a 2011 Biomedical Engineering Conference. More than half a million people in the United States seek medical treatment for burns every year and 40,000 of those have injuries severe enough to require hospitalization. In addition to the millions who suffer from burns, Blanco said the project appealed to the team because it had the ability to help soldiers in the field. "Many times, soldiers' dressings would have to be applied over and over again because health care providers would have to apply medicine," Blanco said. "Every time they had to do that, they had to undress and redress the wound. That process of changing the dressings was more dangerous than the technology we designed and developed." The device the student team designed increases the amount of time between dressing changes in two ways. First, a hydrogel is used to control the wound's temperature and that enables better, controlled drug delivery. Second, the device consists of many separate modules, which are connected by a flexible plastic allowing the bandage to comfortably conform to any wound. A lateral wiring scheme allows for bandage size customizing. Removable medicine trays allow used hydrogel to be removed and the electrical components sterilized, then recharged and reused. The team showed in its research that the device could be a profitable product that would reduce infections, ease patient discomfort, shorten hospital stays, lower medical costs and save lives. Just for the record, this is Patent No. 9,522,241 and was issued on Dec. 20, 2016. The entry also won the only award given out in 2011for the prestigious American Society for Materials International Undergraduate Design Competition. In addition, the students presented the findings at a 2012 ASME conference. Aswath, one of the senior design project's advisers, said the project shows the value of undergraduate research. "This is just one example of outstanding work done by our undergraduate students who can compete at the highest level and win competitions and get patents awarded," Aswath said. "They are all now successful in their careers and we are still in touch with the lead of the team, Letia Blanco, who is a rising star at Raytheon." Aswath said the patent embodies UTA's theme of health and the human condition within the University's Strategic Plan Bold Solutions | Global Impact. Shiakolas said the University is working with Blanco and Raytheon to look at future steps of commercializing the product. ### About The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Arlington is a Carnegie Research-1 "highest research activity" institution. With a projected global enrollment of close to 57,000, UTA is one of the largest institutions in the state of Texas. Guided by its Strategic Plan 2020 Bold Solutions|Global Impact, UTA fosters interdisciplinary research and education within four broad themes: health and the human condition, sustainable urban communities, global environmental impact, and data-driven discovery. UTA was recently cited by U.S. News & World Report as having the second lowest average student debt among U.S. universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. The University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is ranked as the top four-year college in Texas for veterans on Military Times' 2017 Best for Vets list. Catalysis will play a major role in tackling the grand challenges of the 21st Century, such as climate change, growing demands and subsequent environmental issues stemming from the predicted rise in global population. It already plays a leading role in many processes that contribute to human well-being: including energy generation, food production, transportation, healthcare and well-being, and water (in the form of wastewater treatment). The contribution of catalysis to manufacturing adds up to almost 40% of global GDP--and the demand for such catalysts will only increase. Catalysts make existing processes greener. In other words, they produce less waste, consume less energy and use fewer raw materials to make the same mass of products. This will also mean new pathways to existing materials and products from renewable feedstocks, for example, and also routes to entirely new classes of materials with as yet unimagined properties. Catalysts make processes more efficient and effective and each of these challenges will require advances in catalytic technology in diverse sectors from energy, to water, food production, functional materials, bulk and intermediate materials and pharmaceuticals/fine chemicals. In order to maximise the benefits from research and create the greatest contribution to all these areas and more, improved understanding and targeted research programmes with collaboration between academia and industry are required to deepen understanding and develop new catalytic processes by using a design led approach. Edited by Graham Hutchings (Cardiff University, UK), Matthew Davidson (University of Bath, UK), Richard Catlow (University College London, UK & Cardiff University, UK), Christopher Hardacre (University of Manchester, UK), Nicholas Turner (University of Manchester, UK) and Paul Collier (Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, UK), Modern Developments in Catalysis provides a review of current research and practise on catalysis, focussing on five main themes: catalysis design, environmental catalysis, catalysis and energy, chemical transformation and biocatalysis and biotransformations. This book highlights many powerful examples of how catalysis can impact society and also how catalysis science is making use of the most advanced capabilities and techniques to shed light on how catalytic processes work. Topics range from complex reactions to the intricacies of catalyst preparation for supported nanoparticles, while chapters illustrate the challenges facing catalytic science and the directions in which the field is developing. Modern Developments in Catalysis provides a unique learning opportunity for students and professionals studying and working towards speeding-up, improving and increasing the rate of catalytic reactions in science and industry. ### This book is sold at major bookstores at US$139 / 115 (hardcover). To know more about the book, or to place and order, visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/q0035. About the Editors C. Richard A. Catlow has long standing experience in the development and application of both experimental and computer modelling techniques in catalysis and molecular sciences. He holds approximately 2.5M of current EPSRC funding and has extensive experience in the field of HPC simulation techniques. He has been PI of the EPSRC funded Materials Chemistry HPC consortium for 15 years and has wide experience in managing large flexible consortium grants including a portfolio partnership grant (2005-2010), a High Performance Computing Consortium grant (2008-2013), and is currently the PI of the Centre for Catalytic Science (2011-2016). Graham J. Hutchings is the Director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and is the inaugural Director of the UK Catalysis Hub. The UK Catalysis Hub will coordinate and strengthen research efforts in catalytic science, allowing the UK to remain a world-leader in the field and tackle major global challenges. There will be a strong emphasis on energy sustainability, environmental protection and innovative catalytic processes to support the UK chemical industry. One of Prof Graham Hutchings' major scientific achievements is the pioneering work of using gold as an active catalyst, which still remains today as an important area of research. Christopher Hardacre's research is focused on the understanding of heterogeneously catalysed reactions including water gas shift catalysis, the use of transients to determine gas phase mechanisms, liquid phase hydrogenation and oxidation of pharmaceuticals, low temperature fuel cells and clean energy production. Of particular interest is the development of techniques to probe reaction mechanisms at short time scales in the gas phase and the understanding of solvent effects in liquid phase reactions. Strong interactions exist between his group and the theory group of Prof Peijun Hu (QUB) in order to develop DFT methods to predict new catalysts and validate the proposals made. He has also developed a strong research group in ionic liquids within the Queen's University Ionic Liquids Laboratory (QUILL) University-Industry research centre with interests in heterogeneously catalysed reactions, structural determination of ionic liquids, and species dissolved therein, analytical aspects, electrochemistry and prediction of physical properties of ionic liquids. Matthew G. Davidson is Whorrod Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technologies and director of the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the University of Bath. His research interests are in the application of catalysis to the sustainable manufacture of fuels, materials and chemicals. Following a PhD and Research Fellowship at Cambridge, he held lectureships in Cambridge and Durham before being appointed to a Chair at the University of Bath. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a recipient of the Harrison Memorial Prize of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Royal Society Industry Fellowship. He currently serves on the REF 2014 Chemistry Panel and holds over 13M of funding from research councils and industry. Nicholas J. Turner obtained his DPhil in 1985 with Prof Sir Jack Baldwin and from 1985-1987 was a Royal Society Junior Research Fellow, spending time at Harvard University with Prof George Whitesides. He was appointed lecturer in 1987 at Exeter University and moved to Edinburgh in 1995, initially as a Reader and subsequently Professor in 1998. In October 2004 he joined Manchester University as Professor of Chemical Biology where his research group is located in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology Biocentre (MIB: http://www.mib.ac.uk). He is Director of the Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis (CoEBio3) (http://www.coebio3.org) and also a cofounder and Scientific Director of Ingenza (http://www.ingenza.com), a spin-out biocatalysis company based in Edinburgh and more recently Discovery Biocatalysts. He is a member of the Editorial Board of ChemCatChem and Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis. His research interests are in the area of biocatalysis with particular emphasis on the discovery and development of novel enzyme catalysed reactions for applications in organic synthesis. His group are also interested in the application of directed evolution technologies for the development of biocatalysts with tailored functions. Paul Collier is a Senior Research Scientist at the Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, Sonning Common, UK. He is interested in all aspects of heterogeneous catalysis, especially gas phase catalysis. Dr Paul collier spends approximately one day a week at the Harwell Campus interacting with the UK Catalysis Hub and Diamond Light source. Paul completed his PhD at Liverpool University in 1996 before undertaking a postdoctoral research position at Cardiff University focusing on the direct synthesis of Hydrogen peroxide, as well as investigating other catalytic systems. Following this he went to work for Johnson Matthey. About World Scientific Publishing Co. World Scientific Publishing is a leading independent publisher of books and journals for the scholarly, research, professional and educational communities. The company publishes about 600 books annually and about 130 journals in various fields. World Scientific collaborates with prestigious organizations like the Nobel Foundation, US National Academies Press, as well as its subsidiary, the Imperial College Press, amongst others, to bring high quality academic and professional content to researchers and academics worldwide. To find out more about World Scientific, please visit http://www.worldscientific.com. For more information, contact Amanda Yun at heyun@wspc.com Two partial archaic human skulls, from the Lingjing site, Xuchang, central China, provide a new window into the biology and populations patterns of the immediate predecessors of modern humans in eastern Eurasia. Securely dated to about 100,000 years ago, the Xuchang fossils present a mosaic of features. With late archaic (and early modern) humans across the Old World, they share a large brain size and lightly built cranial vaults with modest brow ridges. With earlier (Middle Pleistocene) eastern Eurasian humans, they share a low and broad braincase, one that rounds onto the inferior skull. With western Eurasian Neandertals, they share two distinct features -- the configuration of their semicircular canals and the detailed arrangement of the rear of the skull. "The biological nature of the immediate predecessors of modern humans in eastern Eurasia has been poorly known from the human fossil record," said Erik Trinkaus, a corresponding author for the study and professor of anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis. "The discovery of these skulls of late archaic humans, from Xuchang, substantially increases our knowledge of these people." More importantly, he noted: "The features of these fossils reinforce a pattern of regional population continuity in eastern Eurasia, combined with shared long-terms trends in human biology and populational connections across Eurasia. They reinforce the unity and dynamic nature of human evolution leading up to modern human emergence." ### The study is co-authored by researchers from institutions in Beijing, Zhengzhou and Shanghai, China, including Zhan-Yang Li, Xiu-Jie Wu, Wu Liu, Xing Gao, Xiao-Mei Nian and Li-Ping Zhou. This work has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Science. Li, Z.Y., Wu, X.J., Zhou, L.P., Liu, W., Gao, X., Nian, M.N., Trinkaus, E. (2017) Late Pleistocene archaic human crania from Xuchang, China. Science (in press). Thursday, March 2, 2017 (NewsUSA) - Lifelike animatronics, next-generation "surgeons" and mechanical warfighters -- words that might create visions of a Sci-Fi blockbuster. However, these innovations in high-tech robotics are real and you need look no further than Florida to find them. The history between the state and robotics is a long one. Since the birth of IBM PC in Boca Raton in 1981, the "Second Machine Age" has been thriving in the Sunshine State. Florida's robotics revolution covers a lot of ground, including mobility assistance and research, but a common theme found in the state's innovation reliance on technology that defies human capabilities, including in the life sciences. Seamless procedures on the spine, cancer cells and more have been enhanced by robotics at the Florida Hospital Global Robotics Institute and Mazor Robotics, both in Orlando. Similarly, Kissimmee-based Photon-X explores the science of photonics, such as fiber optics, in applications for robotics surgery. According to Photon-X President and CEO Blair Barbour, "Medical robotics is the next generation of surgery. The technology is perfected to eliminate human error from procedures, making it possible to enhance surgeries and surgeon capabilities with better hand-eye coordination. Tests have proven that patients also heal faster through robotic surgery." The Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Pensacola takes a different approach to defying human capabilities. By pairing scientists and robots to develop systems using complicated human thought process and versatile machines, IHMC develops systems that save lives in situations where help is needed but the risk is too great for human response, including in nuclear meltdown sites and space exploration. To develop the groundbreaking technology that Florida has become known for, the world's most talented scientists are required, and the state has made it possible to attract and retain that talent. Says Julie Sheppard, general counsel of IHMC, "Being in Florida helps us with our recruitment. In addition to the exciting work, IHMC is able to hire top talent due to Florida's weather, our affordable housing and all the access to waterways for recreational purposes. We are especially appealing to scientists from cities with a higher cost of living because we offer our employees a more attractive lifestyle." Homegrown talent is cultivated at colleges throughout the state, including the Tallahassee-based Center for Intelligent Systems, Control, and Robotics (CISCOR), a cooperative program between Florida A&M University and Florida State University. As one of the top schools in the country for development and implementation of robotics technology, CISCOR's students focus on studying mechanical design and human-robot interaction, including mobility in complex environments. In addition, the Army has collaborated with students to develop automated motion planning, terrain classification and design and modeling of four-legged robots. For more information about high-tech robotics in Florida, visit www.enterpriseflorida.com Article Resources Link to this article: Copy and paste the following code Embed this article: Let's block ads! (Why?) Retailer Co-op will nearly double the volume of PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef in more than 160 of its stores in Wales. From May this year, the retailer will stock more than 30 lines of own-branded PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef including Welsh Beef peppered steaks; Welsh Lamb leg steaks and shoulder chops; boneless Welsh Lamb breast and Welsh Beef sirloin steak. The move represents a near doubling in the volume of Welsh meat available in Welsh stores compared to just over 12 months ago. On a UK-level, from May, the Co-op will provide only 100% fresh British bacon, lamb, beef, chicken, ham, pork, sausages and turkey. In September, the Co-op signed up to the National Farmers Union's Fruit and Vegetable pledget. The pledge is designed to cultivate long-lasting relationships between retailers and growers. It requires retailers to adhere to a number of requirements including the fair treatment of suppliers, advance planning on promotions, investing in horticultural research and a commitment to increase the amount of British fresh produce available for customers. The Co-op also uses British meat in all its chilled ready meals, pies and sandwiches. Appetite for home-grown produce Wyn Evans, NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman, said farmer applaud this announcement from the Co-op. It is clear that consumers have an appetite for PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef and it is refreshing that the Co-op is listening to its customers and moving to meet this demand. Id also like to commend the Co-op for committing to 100% British bacon, lamb, beef, chicken, ham, pork, sausages and turkey. This news is a welcome tonic at a time when Brexit is raising doubts about long-term access to the Single Market and there are fears about foreign meat imports. It is clear the Co-op clearly values the world-leading standards we produce to in Wales and across the rest of the UK, and I hope the other leading UK supermarkets can follow the excellent example set by the Co-op and commit to selling only British produce. This show of support will help protect our industry in these uncertain times and gives us confidence as we face the challenges ahead. The Tenant Farmers Associations (TFA) has announced its new National Chairman as Hampshire Church Commissioners tenant farmer James Gray. Mr Gray takes over from North Yorkshire County Council tenant farmer Stephen Wyrill who stands down having completed his three year term in office as National Chairman. In accepting his new role James said: It is an honour to have been elected by the TFAs Executive Committee to serve as the Associations National Chairman for the next three years a period over which we will see some of the most momentous changes for our industry and our country as we resign our membership of the European Union and start our independent future. The TFA has already had a major role in beginning to shape the post Brexit policy framework for agriculture and will continue to have an important role to ensure that the voice of the tenanted sector of agriculture is heard loud and clear at the negotiating table both at the UK level and within England and Wales. Tribute to Stephen Wyrill Mr Gray also paid tribute to Stephen Wyrill as the outgoing National Chairman. He said: Stephen has served the Association with distinction, not only in his three years as National Chairman but also in his past roles as National Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Regional Chairman for the North-East. Wherever he found himself he has gone out of his way to ensure that the thoughts, concerns, hopes, fears and aspirations of the TFAs members have been heard by all those with influence over the tenanted sector of agriculture. He has covered many miles throughout his Chairmanship and has never hesitated, when given the opportunity, from representing the TFA wherever and whenever required. It has been said before, but bears repetition, that if the TFA disappeared today it would need to be re-invented tomorrow. It is the only organisation devoted to speaking up on behalf of non-landowning farmers, traditionally tenants with agreements regulated by the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 or with more recent Farm Business Tenancies. However, it is the aim of the TFA to become the organisation representing all landless farmers including share farmers, graziers, contractors and an increasing number of other farmers entering other less formal agreements, said James. Fourth generation tenant James Gray is a fourth generation tenant of the Church Commissioners at Wonston Manor Farm, a 600 acre holding in mid Hampshire. Born at the farm, James read Agriculture at Reading University, graduating in 1980. From then James worked for a year at Church Farm, Finchampstead, Berkshire, a beef and arable farm. He was an assistant shepherd of 1800 mule ewes at Faccombe Estates Ltd, Hampshire until 1984. Moving then to become farm assistant at Wonston Manor Farm, Hampshire, involved in seed growing, beef and sheep, where he stayed until 1987. He then became farm manager at Chilbolton Down Farms, Hampshire, 1500 acres arable, 3000 mule ewes, where he spent the next 10 years, until becoming a tenant farmer at Wonston Manor Farm in 1997. Prime Minister Theresa May has refused to say if Scotland will make decisions over its own agricultural policies after Brexit. Scottish Nationalist MPs accused Mrs May of a power grab after she dodged the question at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday (1 March). The SNPs deputy leader, Angus Robertson, asked for a commitment that powers over those areas currently held by Brussels would be handed back to the Scottish Government rather than the UK Government when Britain leaves the EU. May waved aside demands from the SNP for specifics on her plans, but left the door open for powers to be taken back by Westminster. SNPs deputy leader, Angus Robertson, asked for a commitment for a return of agricultural powers to Scotland once the UK leaves the EU And according to a report in The Times, a senior Whitehall source dismissed vows made by the Vote Leave campaign to Scots during the EU referendum as another failed Michael Gove promise. During the EU referendum, Tom Harris, the former Labour MP who led the official Scottish Vote Leave campaign, told reporters at its launch that Scotland would have far more freedom to control fisheries and farming without interference from London after Brexit. Agriculture, fisheries and environment policies were all devolved to Scotland under the 1998 act that created the Scottish parliament, but in practice they have been controlled by Brussels ever since Britain in 1973 joined the European Economic Community, the predecessor to the EU. 'Important single market of the UK' However, the PM said ministers were in talks with the devolved administrations over which powers would be returned from Brussels and which would remain with the central UK government. She added: The overriding aim for everything that we do when we make those decisions is to ensure that we do not damage the important single market of the United Kingdom. Last month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused pro-Brexit ministers in London of 'grabbing power' from Scotland by refusing to honour referendum pledges to protect the countrys farmers. She said there was mounting anxiety that Andrea Leadsom, the environment and agriculture secretary, wanted to impose a UK-wide agriculture policy and seize control over about 500m in Scottish farm subsidies. But the NFU said British farmers may be happier to have agricultural policy centralised to avoid differences between devolved parts of the union, the union's Vice President Guy Smith said. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for all poultry and captive birds will remain in force in Northern Ireland until the end of April, it has been announced. While the current AIPZ remains in place until 16 March, the requirements of the zone will be amended after that point. This means that keepers will have the option of letting their birds outside, provided they put in place additional biosecurity mitigation measures to minimise the risk of infection from wild birds. These measures in the new zone will apply across all of Northern Ireland. The Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey, said: The decision to put in place a new Avian Influenza Protection Zone from 17 March is based on sound expert and industry advice. The risk of infection from wild birds is unlikely to decrease in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks, particularly as H5N8 has been confirmed in wild birds here. The current housing requirement, which is due to end on 16 March, has allowed keepers time to introduce stricter biosecurity measures. Therefore it is our intention to lift the mandatory requirement to house after this date, subject to keepers maintaining the highest possible levels of biosecurity. 'Don't stop being vigilant' Mr Huey stressed that removing the requirement to house birds did not mean that poultry keepers should stop being vigilant. He said the proposal to allow birds outside does not mean a return to business as usual. It will be necessary for all keepers to continue to ensure that their birds are protected from infection. Key to this will be practising additional biosecurity measures, coupled with ensuring that their birds are separated from wild birds when outside. Keepers should of course continue to house their birds if that is the best way to protect them from disease. Ulster Farmers Union poultry chairman Tom Forgrave said the Union fully supports DAERAs decision to continue with the prevention zone until the end of April. He said: The priority for bird keepers will be the safety of their flock, and they will continue to act responsibly in order to protect their birds. I would encourage producers to think carefully about the amended prevention zone restrictions and weigh up the possible risks of allowing birds outside even with additional biosecurity measures. Implications for free-range This further extension does have implications for members with free-range enterprises. Under European Union rules, if birds have been housed for more than 12 weeks the labels on egg-packs need to reflect this. In the rest of the UK, the industry have introduced a label for free-range egg cartons stating the contents were laid by hens temporarily housed in barns for their welfare. The UFU says Northern Ireland should take similar action: Mr Forgrave said: Birds in GB have been under a prevention zone order for longer than Northern Ireland so free-range producers are already facing this labelling issue and we believe similar action should be taken here. Research by the British Egg Industry Council shows that consumers are supportive of farmers putting birds' health first. It is important to remember that these are temporary measures, in place to protect the health of the flock, and these birds are still free-range hens. I would encourage consumers and retailers to continue to support free-range poultry farmers during this challenging time, ensuring that once the risk of bird flu has passed Northern Ireland producers are in a position to supply the free-range market, said the Mr Forgrave. Officers from Police Scotland are to visit farms and agricultural suppliers across the country to warn of the dangers which illegal and counterfeit pesticides pose to the integrity of the food chain, and to peoples health. Although there is no evidence that the use of illegal pesticides is widespread in Scotland, the move is in response to an emerging threat in Europe, which has already seen the loss of farmland in Poland worth 3 million Euros as a direct result of their use there. Working in partnership with a range of bodies including Trading Standards, HMRC and the Health and Safety Executive, the officers will be raising awareness of the threats which the use of such chemicals pose to farmers and staff working for agricultural merchants. The two-week campaign is part of a European-wide initiative co-ordinated by Europol against the trade, often run by serious and organised criminal gangs, in which it estimates the global market for counterfeit and illegal pesticides is 4.4 Billion Euros. Around 10% of all pesticides in use throughout Europe are thought to be illicit or counterfeit, and as these products have not undergone any form of safety checks, their use poses serious human health risks as well as environmental damage by polluting water courses with potentially very toxic chemicals. In addition to the risks posed to humans, their use can also have serious implications for wildlife and the environment. 190 tonnes of illegal pesticides Police Scotland is working with partners to raise awareness across agricultural communities about fake pesticides A previous operation in 2015 by Europol carried out at ports and airports across seven EU countries recovered 190 tonnes of illegal or counterfeit pesticides. And while the UK has remained free from the dangers until now, authorities in Scotland are very keen to stop the problem occurring there. Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, Head of Police Scotlands Safer Communities, said: Counterfeit and illicit pesticides have been identified in parts of Europe as an emerging threat posed by organised criminals; however, to date none have been found in Scotland. We are fortunate in Scotland that the Scottish Anti Illicit Trade Group (SAITG), Police Scotland and all agencies working within the Scottish Crime Campus have recognised there is potential for the same organised criminals to exploit our communities. We are keen to prevent this happening and the public should be in no doubt that the same criminal networks who import, distribute and sell counterfeit and illicit goods in our communities may see a commercial opportunity and explore it for profit without considering the harm. This is why my team are working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners across the UK, Europe and internationally during Operation Silver Axe II to raise awareness. Our activity will focus on joint prevention, education visits across agricultural communities, ports, producers, distributors and buyers of these products limiting the threat to Scottish businesses and ultimately protecting the health and well-being of the Scottish public. Operation Silver Axe II Operation Silver Axe II is about prevention and about enhanced international collaboration, deterring organised criminals from diversifying into new areas. Mr McEwan continued: This preventative approach will be supported by enforcement action during February and March, with a shared commitment to tackling organised crime and reducing the harm it causes to individuals, communities and the economy of Scotland. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: Police Scotland is working with partners to raise awareness across agricultural communities, limiting the threat to Scottish businesses, protecting the health and wellbeing of the Scottish public, while helping protect jobs involved in the legitimate supply of pesticides globally. Enhanced international collaboration with Interpol and Europol is crucial to achieving these aims. The criminality comes in many guises, generating wealth at the expense of others, exploiting law-abiding people, including the most vulnerable members of our communities. Marts to donate Scotch Lamb for St Andrew's Day campaign CIMIC Group Limitedhas urged Macmahonshareholders to accept its takeover offer for Macmahon Holdings after news broke yesterday that the company had signed an HOA with an Indonesian mine.CIMIC does not believe Macmahons 1H17 results provide adequate evidence the company can stage a turnaround via the deal, and believe the HOA is uncertain and dilutive for shareholders.The contractor also outlined it sees the rushed proposal as increasing the risk profile of the company.CIMIC is offering Macmahon shareholders $0.145 per share in cash. Macmahon shares closed 10 percent higher yesterday at $0.165.CIMIC Group reported a full year net profit of $580.3M at 31 December 2016. For me it was important to get the mileage, so I was happy that I got to do plenty of running and at the same time was able to go through the test programme of the team. So I think overall it was a good week. [Quick lap times] do not have a special meaning because its only testing and theres no reward to that really. We werent particularly focusing on lap times this week the priority all week was getting the mileage in and finding any issues with the car. During two days of driving I did the most amount of laps Ive ever done, which is always very nice and very useful in this new era of F1, Bottas told reporters. It was a very good test overall, the best so far for me. The Finn completed 324 laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during his two days in the new W08 57 more than Ferraris Sebastian Vettel, who clocked the second highest number. He also worked down to a 1m 19.705s on day three, which proved to be the fastest lap any driver set across all four days. Valtteri Bottas has hailed this weeks opening test in Barcelona as the best of his career after posting the outright fastest time and comfortably topping the mileage charts during his first official outing with Mercedes. Everything is going in the right direction - I feel more and more comfortable with this new car Asked to describe how hed rate his own performance behind the wheel, Bottas said he believed hed made good progress given his relative unfamiliarity with both the team and car. Everything is going in the right direction, he said. I feel more and more part of the team, I feel more and more comfortable with this new car. I have to say it is quite different to drive in terms of car behaviour to the past. For sure with the regulation changes, but in general how the car feels, the handling and everything, there are some things to get used to and Im getting better and better every day. With the set up changes, how the team works, all the tools you have in the steering wheel and how they affect the car balance on track - all these things Im getting more comfortable with every lap. So far its been good progress but I will need to work hard next week to be ready for Melbourne. Looking ahead to next weeks second test, Bottas said the aim was to continue to improve day by day, noting that it was still difficult to judge the relative strengths of Mercedes rivals. We are definitely hoping we can make good steps forward and from this week to next we can be better, he said. Obviously from the running this week it is tricky to make detailed analysis of where we are compared to other teams and we dont know what the other teams are bringing next week or to Melbourne. But definitely we are aiming to improve day by day and now we have the weekend to work on all the things we tried out this week. For me also I have a weekend to take in everything that I learnt this week, which was a massive amount. So well try to analyse all that and be better next week. The second and final pre-season test begins in Barcelona on Tuesday. Clear Creek Elementary nominated for Blue Ribbon Schools award Clear Creek Elementary has been nominated by the state of North Carolina for the National Blue Ribbon Schools program, specifically for an Exemplary High Performing Schools award. It is one of only nine North Carolina public schools being nominated. Related Stories National Blue Ribbon Schools are public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools that are producing outstanding results for all students, demonstrating consistent excellence and making progress in closing gaps in student achievement. To be eligible for this annual award from U.S. Department of Education, schools must be in the top 15 percent of all schools in the state when ranked either on student performance in state reading and mathematics assessments or on a composite index that may include these and other subject assessment results, as well as additional student performance measures such as attendance. Exemplary High Performing Schools must also be in the top 40 percent of all schools in the state when student subgroup performance is ranked on either of the aforementioned methods. For high schools, Exemplary High Performing Schools must be in the top 15 percent of all high schools in the state when ranked on the most recently available graduation rates. We are extremely honored to be nominated for a National Blue Ribbon Schools Award, Principal Marcie Wilson said. I am so very proud of the hard work of our students and teachers and their continued dedication to Achieve Success at CCS! United Way 2016 campaign raises record $2.7 million United Way of Henderson County raised more than $2.75 million in its 2016 campaign, said Denise Cumbee Long, executive director. Related Stories Long announced the record total to the 150 volunteers, business representatives and community members at the LIVE UNITED Celebration on Feb. 28 at Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown. She thanked them for their strong support. Not only did our local businesses and community residents raise more funds than the prior year as part of our annual campaign efforts, but we also received two large bequests from the estates of long-term donors, Elizabeth Warrick and Patsy Reeves, Long said. These generous gifts will benefit our efforts to improve education, financial stability, health, and crisis services in Henderson County over the next few years. And, they will also support our new online volunteer matching program and Women United initiative with fifth grade girls. We are excited to see how these generous planned gifts will benefit our community and are grateful to all our supporters who stepped up to make our 2016 campaign a big success. To recognize the contributions of time, dollars, and volunteerism, United Way presented campaign achievement awards at the event. This years winners include: Award Name Criteria Recipient Overall Campaign Award Overall Campaign Award to Meritor, Inc.; Employee Giving Award to Wilsonart International; Model Campaign Awards to Champion Comfort Experts, Park Ridge Health and GE Lighting Solutions; Advancing the Common Good Award to Pardee UNC Health Care; LIVE UNITED Award to Kimberly-Clark; Superhero for United Way Award to Kendall Jones; Outstanding Employee Campaign Coordinator Awards to Lu Ann Welter and Jennifer Harrell, City of Hendersonville; Campaign Chair Award to Debbie Wilkinson, Wells Fargo. The Edward C. Brisley, Jr. Award was presented by UWHC Staff to Will Hendricks of Morrow Insurance Agency, Inc. This award recognizes a member of the community for outstanding volunteer service to United Way and celebrates the uncommon way he or she cares about our community. The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award for 2016 was awarded to Chuck and Jean McGrady. Jean McGrady accepted the award from the Cranfords son, Charlie Cranford. This award, sponsored by Johnson Price Sprinkle PA, recognizes a Henderson County resident(s) who supports United Way of Henderson County, works with other local nonprofit organizations, and who best exemplifies the community leadership and generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. The McGradys have a distinguished history of service to the community for over 30 years as advocates for children, the environment, and those in need. The 2016 Campaign Sponsors were Park Ridge Health, KimberlyClark, GE Lighting Solutions, SELEE, Morrow Insurance, Wilsonart, Cooper Construction and Dunlap Construction. Upset Hindus are urging Egersund (Norway) based Berentsens Brygghus brewery to not use Hindu deity Lord Ganeshas image on its IPA beer bottles, calling it highly inappropriate. Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer. Moreover, linking a deity with an alcoholic beverage was very disrespectful, Zed added. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed noted. In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. Berentsens Brygghus AS was established in 1895 by Captain Wilhelm Berentsen and is currently run by the fourth generation Harald Berentsen as CEO with the belief that natural taste never goes out of fashion. It claims to be the Norways first producer of fermented cider. Its Bombay India Pale Ale, which carries Lord Ganesha image, is described by some as full-bodied and a good balance between sweetness and bitterness and is said to be of golden brown color with 7% alcohol volume. Egersund, along the southwestern coast of Norway in Rogaland County, was established in 1798, although humans have reportedly lived in the area since Stone Age. Source : From Our Correspondent In 2013, Barclays and GSK formed a new partnership combining the skills and expertise of a bank and a healthcare company to help increase access to healthcare and improve economic livelihoods in Africa. A new report offers seven lessons learned from the project. The partnership was one of the first between large corporates that focused on driving shared value. Its goal was to develop and test business models that would generate new routes to market for products and services and creating solutions to social issues in Africa. Three years since the Zambia pilot launched many things have changed across both organisations. In addition, the Zambian economys growth rate has slowed dramatically as commodity prices dropped and major mining operations suspended production. These changes have taught Barclays and GSK valuable lessons about what it takes for a partnership to be successful. To help shape future business models seven lessons were identified. The seven lessons 1. Identify the right partners Mark Thain, Director of Social Innovation, Barclays: We know we cant solve these problems as companies, or charities, or governments on our own - we need to bring complementary skills and capabilities together to enhance our impact. It was great that we found the right partner in GSK in regards to skill and capability fit, and we were brave to try and give this a go. 2. Create a compelling vision Diane Eshleman, Managing Director, Global Head of Citizenship and Reputation: I applaud our respective CEOs at the time in creating the bold vision and commitment behind the original partnership it was unprecedented. This pledge to make a genuine impact was critical in making it all happen. 3. Understand the opportunity and environment in depth David Low, Head of GSK Supply and Demand, Africa: The opportunity, the market and regulatory environment need to be assessed in detail up front, as far as you can. It can be extremely challenging working in Africa every market is different and brings its own complications. We need to go in to these sorts of opportunities with our eyes wide open and be ready to experiment and change course as necessary. 4. Focus on innovation, impact and commercial sustainability Diane Eshleman, Managing Director, Global Head of Citizenship and Reputation: We need to continually challenge ourselves to make sure that we are creating businesses and partnerships that truly deliver shared growth for all. I think this partnership is a good illustration of how we can concurrently deliver both societal and commercial benefits to multiple stakeholders. 5. Build dynamic teams that have local ownership Mark Thain, Director of Social Innovation, Barclays: "You need to get the right mix of skills. It can take a long time to find the right people to deliver on such a programme, but they really are the key to success in difficult operating environments such as Africa. 6. Start small, move fast, and fail quickly Aisling Quirke, Head of Global Development Organisations, Barclays Africa: We set ourselves big goals in a very complex market. I think the key lesson is that we need to start small, build some momentum, learn and then have the confidence that we can scale. 7. Ensure resilience and patience Kovilin Govender, Barclays GSK Partnership Team: You have to be prepared to commit for the long term, and recognise it will take time to get it right. Download Sharing The Path Ahead: Insights From The Barclays GSK Partnership (PDF 4.5MB) Frogner House witnesses 300% increase in reservations with eRevMax Scandinavian serviced apartment major Frogner House has increased their online sales by over 240% leveraging eRevMaxs seamless connectivity with leading OTAs. The Oslo based accommodation provider has been using RTConnect to update rate and allotments across online sales channels for its 440 apartments in Norway since 2014. The Nordic hotel market is characterized by regional operators that have a strong position. Serviced apartments growing popularity with the business travellers over the last few years has made aparthotels reach out to new markets. Prior to eRevMax, Frogner House tried various channel managers but there was a lot of manual task involved. RTConnect allows Frogner House to update live rates and inventory to multiple booking channels directly from their Property Management System (PMS), and get reservations delivered back into the system in real-time, without worrying about overbooking. Over the last 2 years from 2014-2016, we have seen our online sales grow 240% with a 305% increase in room nights via online sales. This has resulted in revenue growth of 30% and our RevPAR has increased by 12.3%. We have experienced an overall growth in business with occupancies going up by 15% leading to an average occupancy of over 81% throughout the year, said Lene Thorsen, Booking & Revenue Manager at Frogner House. She further added The LIVE OS dashboard that we have been provided is pretty cool - there are in-built tiles that provide quick summary of reservation, budget, booking pace etc including a shopper tile which shows us how we match against competitors. I can easily say that we have not yet been able to utilise the full potential of these tools, which brings me to recommend the excellent support that eRevMax offers. Since partnering with eRevMax, Frogner House has expanded considerably. RTConnects centralized distribution platform provides them a birds eye view of their business located across 10 locations in and around Oslo helping grow revenue. eRevMax will be showcasing its innovative solutions at ITB Berlin - Hall 8.1, Stand 132 from 8 11 March 2017. To set up an appointment with the team, please write to marketing@erevmax.com today. About eRevMax: eRevMax is a travel technology company that assists hotels to maximise online revenue opportunities through real-time distribution, market intelligence and connectivity solutions. The company provides specifically tailored solutions within its core product brands RateTiger, RTConnect and LIVE OS. RateTiger product suite offers the industrys leading ChannelManager for online distribution, Shopper for rate benchmarking. RTConnect provides seamless 2-way XML integration of channel management functionality with the hotels central systems. LIVE OS offers hotels a single sign-on platform to access multiple applications, while offering technology partners a chance to get in front of hotels allowing greater distribution of promotional opportunities. eRevMax is working closely with over 300 certified channel and technology partners helping over 9000 hotels worldwide to increase revenue opportunities and streamline business processes. For more details, please visit http://www.erevmax.com/ or contact us on marketing@erevmax.com. CFO/Controller Alert: Hotel SaaS will make your life easier A hotel CFO or Controller has a very difficult job in todays demanding hospitality environment. They not only have to ensure that the hotel increases profitability month over month and year over year, but they must also have a deep understanding of all the latest technologies that can be implemented to reduce costs and gain efficiencies. A hotel CFO or Controller has a very difficult job in todays demanding hospitality environment. They not only have to ensure that the hotel increases profitability month over month and year over year, but they must also have a deep understanding of all the latest technologies that can be implemented to reduce costs and gain efficiencies. CFOs are constantly being bombarded with companies trying to sell them solutions that promise to deliver on every aspect of their hotels requirements. The challenge comes down to determining which systems fit the hotels unique business needs as well as what the underlying technology looks like. Is the application delivered on-property or in the cloud? How will it integrate with other primary applications that are already be in place? And most importantly, how much will it cost? What is the ROI? And how will they budget for this new expenditure? So, with all the emerging technologies designed to have a direct implication on revenue, profitability and guest satisfaction - how can a busy CFO or Controller decide what business applications will help your employees get their jobs done more effectively with less risk and up-front capital? Total Cost of Ownership In Deloittes most recent quarterly (Q3 2016) CFO Signals survey found that almost 80 percent work in North American companies that have implemented cloud solutions. The solutions are primarily focused on the sales and marketing side of their businesses however primary operational solutions are also gaining momentum. There is quite a delta between on premise solutions and SaaS solutions. A CFO needs to look at the variables related to the costs of software, hardware, labor, consulting, and training associated with an on-premise solution versus a SaaS delivered solution. There are definitely costs savings to be had when implementing a SaaS solution and the lower TCO allows companies to re-invest in innovative ideas rather than technological infrastructure. However, CFOs need to look at the same metrics they use when purchasing any other solutions or platform. What is the ROI and payback period? Does the implementation of the SaaS offering help to increase guest satisfaction, decrease operational costs and possibly even deliver new revenue opportunities? There are some many questions that need to be considered however using the same decision based metrics may help in swaying a CGO to look at SaaS in a favorable light. Proper Budgeting and Forecasting One of the most aggravating issues that CFO and Controllers must deal with related to technology purchases is delivery and maintenance creep. While an on- premise ERP suite can also deliver much of what is needed, the imperatives of scalability and agility mean on-premise hardware is now viewed as a hindrance to growth. In light of the demand to also drive unnecessary IT costs out of business, IT infrastructure and its support and maintenance costs are now viewed as unacceptable. The older platforms will have ongoing maintenance contracts for support and upgrades, but there is always something unanticipated that pops up during the implementation and use of a system that can be unforeseen. SaaS fees are inclusive of updates and upgrades to ensure that the hotel using it stays current on guest and market demands. Implementing a SaaS solution takes the guesswork away from the CFO or Controller. They know exactly how much their monthly spend will be for the solution and the spend covers everything related to the implementation, support and initial roll-out of the solution. Managing this from a budgetary perspective makes life easier and helps with maintaining positive cash flow. There are no surprises. Flexibility to change with new business requirements Finally, as SaaS solutions in the hotel industry become more widely adopted, the integration of the systems will become easier and easier to track. SaaS supports agility, rapid scalability, fast decision making, and real-time information on guests and the business. The anytime, anywhere accessibility create a substantial amount of flexibility to manage the ever-changing demands of the hotel industry. By operating in the cloud, back-up data and storage capacity is greater and frees up on-premises bandwidth for other vital business operations and guest needs. SaaS hotel applications make it easier to get new users up and running, turn on modules or features and add new capabilities. The cloud also opens the door for innovation by introducing new ways to engage and share information between staff, departments, and guests with innovative options like mobile PMS systems. Software-as-a-Service is booming as hotel companies aim to reduce their total IT expenditure, but its also shifting the IT balance of power towards the hotels financial executives. As the availability and impact of technology continues to evolve, CFOs and Controllers will often become the gatekeepers to technological advancement. However, when it comes to the hotel solutions in the cloud, leaders are embracing the cost saving benefits, less maintenance, scalability, superior remote accessibility, and tighter security. So, the only question left right now for those hotels who want to better manage and grow their business is to choose the hotel SaaS solution provider wisely! About the Author: Jos Schaap, CEO Founder of StayNTouch Jos has a 20+ year track record in hotel software technology. He began StayNTouch with the vision of re-inventing the hotel PMS technology; making it simple, mobile and transitioning the software to the cloud. Prior to StayNTouch, Jos spent 17 years at MICROS Systems Inc. (Now Oracle Hospitality), as a Senior Vice President in charge of global product development and strategy for the Lodging and eCommerce divisions. During his tenure, MICROS hospitality products became the global market leader growing the companys revenues from less than $300 million to $1.1 billion. Jos was responsible for introducing a number of new products enabling MICROS to enter all hospitality segments from limited to full-service hotels. Connect with Jos on linkedin.com/in/josschaap. About StayNTouch StayNTouch is a Software as a Service hotel property management systems (PMS) company focused on developing solutions that help hotels raise service levels, drive revenues, reduce costs, and ultimately change the way hotels can captivate their guests. Developed with mobility in mind, the pioneering platform enables hotels to create long lasting relationships with their guests by delivering personalized service levels that todays guests require. StayNTouch operates on tablets and smartphones, empowering hotel employees to go above and beyond in exceeding guest expectations at every touch point. Powering over 65,000 rooms globally, our game-changing solution frees hotels from the constraints of legacy or premise systems, dramatically streamlines operations, increases margins, and revolutionizes how front-line staff connect with guests. StayNTouch is a trusted partner to many of the most forward-thinking hotels, resorts, casinos and chains in the industry, including Yotel, Zoku Amsterdam, Valencia Hotels, The Freehand Hotels, Porto Vista San Diego and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. To learn more watch our video "THE NEW WAY... TO HOTEL!" On the morning of Wednesday, March 1st a ceremony was held along Bavaro Beach, to mark the commencement of construction on the new Royalton Bavaro. Executives from Blue Diamond Resort were joined by President Danilo Medina and local Ministers to break ground on the exciting resort development project scheduled to open this coming Winter 2017/2018. "We look forward to building on our presence in Punta Cana with Royalton Bavaro and enjoy the success we've shared at CHIC, Memories Splash and Royalton Punta Cana by the end of the year," said Jordi Pelfort, Managing Director, Blue Diamond Resorts. "Bavaro Beach was recently hailed as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor and we couldn't be happier to bring guests another award-winning vacation experience here." (L) Stephen Hunter, CEO & President of the Sunwing Travel Group, Honorable Danilo Medina President of the Dominican Republic, Jordi Pelfort Managing Director of Blue Diamond Resorts (R) Featuring a variety of 730 elegant accommodations through its signature All-in Luxury concept, Royalton Bavaro is the first Royalton Luxury Resort to be constructed from the ground-up in the Dominican Republic. In each suite, guests will find standard in-suite wellness features of ceiling mounted rain showers, a large two-person soaker tubs and handcrafted signature DreamBed mattresses. Travelers can look forward to luxurious features that include a world class Royal Spa, modern All-in Connectivity that offers free Wi-Fi resort-wide and a sprawling lazy river for refreshing afternoons. For dining, singles, couples and families will surely appreciate the variety of dining offered in nine restaurants which range from a beach buffet, to a Royalton signature teppanyaki restaurant Zen and the authentic Hunter Steakhouse. The new joint Hotel Report highlights opportunities for hoteliers and other travel marketers to engage travelers at the right time, on the right device Sojern, travel's leading performance marketing engine, today released From Search Engine to Booking Engine: Sojern's 2017 Hotel Report. The project combines Google's deep insight into hospitality and hotel search trends with Sojern's unique data set of 350 million global traveler profiles, including billions of booking and search signals from data partnerships across the travel industry. The new research report offers a state-of-the-art view of the hotel consumer's extremely complex path-to-purchase. Sojern's 2017 Hotel Report is a valuable tool for hotel marketers to understand the evolving journey a guest is likely to take while discovering, researching, and ultimately booking a stay. The report's insights offer guidance to help hoteliers better time their marketing programs and maximize bookings by reaching consumers when they are most receptive to a message. "Travel audiences are incredibly savvy researchers and comparison-shoppers, sometimes visiting 30 or more websites, apps, and aggregators to research and book. When you account for the different devices being employed and overlay that with the multitude of channels visited throughout the path-to-purchase, the complexity for marketers increases exponentially," says Kurt Weinsheimer, Sojern's SVP of property solutions. "There are also important nuances to this when you slice by audience segment. For example, what we see is that while luxury hotels guests still predominantly completing bookings via desktop, mobile searches (including smartphones and tablets) are growing the fastest for this particular segment. We also see that luxury hotel travelers conduct 50% more searches overall compared to economy and mid-range segments. As we partner with hoteliers to help them increase bookings -- from global enterprise brands to independent properties -- these insights become key inputs to our secret sauce." A few of the trends identified in the report: Mobile is Now the Dominant Channel for Hotel Searches Looking at device preferences for search, it's clear that mobile is now the primary mode with an over 53% share of US search volume. Interestingly, some audience segments have moved faster to adopt mobile search than others, notably the economy and midscale segments. 73% of all searches for the economy hotel segment are now taking place on a mobile device. Compare that with 62% for midscale hotels, 53% for upscale and 45% for luxury hotels. Mobile Search Is Growing Fastest for Luxury Hotels For hotel brands in all segments, mobile queries are growing rapidly, but luxury brands are seeing more growth of shares of mobile queries compared to more economical market segments. During July - December 2016 compared to the same time period the year before, luxury hotels saw an increase of 23% in share of mobile searches, compared with 19% for upscale hotels and 14% for economy hotel brands. The lower growth rate of mobile searches for the latter is partially due to the fact that most searches for hotels in this segment are already happening on mobile. Mobile Searches and Bookings Spike on Weekends Desktop and mobile behaviors follow similar patterns throughout the work week, with weekends seeing a significant uptick in mobile searches (27-28%), and mobile bookings peaking at 14% on Sundays. When looking at mobile behaviors in the context of trip lead time, a notable difference arises between search and bookings. Sojern's data shows that a quarter of all hotel searches are conducted on mobile 30 days or more in advance of the trip, but only 11% of mobile bookings are done within that window, indicating a "leaky pipeline"those mobile searches are not converting into mobile bookings. Hoteliers should be moving quickly to improve their mobile booking experience in order to capture this accelerating search volume. Cuba and Europe Top the List of Fastest Rising Destinations Year-over-Year Overall, Sojern and Google saw year-over-year growth in searches for hotels. Internationally, the opening of Cuba for US travelers has caused a flurry of searches to Havana and the beach town of Varadero. Thera (Santorini), Greece and Sodankyla, Finland have added new hotels and resorts recently, driving intent to these international destinations, and Lisbon, Portugal rounds up the top five fastest rising international destinations. The top five fastest rising hotel destinations in the US include: Washington, D.C., Detroit, MI; Gatlinburg, TN; Ft. Washington, PA; and Colorado Springs, CO. For a snapshot of findings, take a look at the infographic below. To learn more about traveler hotel search and booking trends, visit the interactive report. For a view of other Sojern/Google collaborations, read the Sojern blog. We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector The Wilton Rancheria has been granted a right to enter a lawsuit filed by casino opponents in California. The tribe's motion to intervene was approved on February 24, according to an order filed in federal court. The tribe will now be able to respond to the complaint submitted by Stand Up For California and three non-Indian opponents. But the plaintiffs on that same day asked for their case to be held in "abeyance" because they are bringing a separate challenge before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals , an administrative review board based within the Interior Department . They say the Bureau of Indian Affairs made a procedural mistake in placing the tribe's 36-acre casino site in trust The BIA's record of decision was signed by Larry Roberts, who at the time was the "Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs" for the Obama administration. The plaintiffs, however, claim Roberts lacked the authority to place the land in trust because that power is held by the "Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs." "Here, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary issued what is plainly and by regulation a non-final trust decision. Yet Defendants publicly represented that the decision is final for the [Interior] Department," the filing reads . "Defendants have not complied with notice requirements, for either final or non-final agency decisions." Roberts at one point was serving as the "Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs" after Kevin Washburn left the Obama administration in December 2015. But he went back to being the "Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs" because he was on longer able to hold the "acting" title due to restrictions in federal law. Despite the change in leadership at the BIA, the Trump administration has confirmed that the tribe's land is indeed in trust. A February 10 letter to the casino opponents stating that it was "immediately" put in trust was signed by Mike Black, who holds the title of "Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs" during the transition. Read More on the Story: Appeal filed against federal decision on proposed casino site (The Elk Grove Citizen 3/1) Federal Register Notices: Final Environmental Impact Statement and a Revised Draft Conformity Determination for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 14, 2016) Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 29, 2015) Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Wilton Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Casino Project, Sacramento County, California (December 4, 2013) Join the Conversation Related Stories Authorities are seen evicting the last remaining residents of the #NoDAPL encampment in North Dakota on February 24, 2017. Photo: Rob Wilson [GoFundMe] With oil set to flow through the Dakota Access Pipeline within a matter of weeks, the project's wealthy backers are still trying to keep key documents away from tribes and the public. According to the firm, "terrorists" or people with "malicious intent" could use the information to try to damage the costly and controversial pipeline once it becomes operational. But the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe , the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and even the Trump administration are calling the concerns vastly overblown. "Dakota Access has not provided any facts or evidence establishing that it will be harmed by the release of the designated material," attorneys for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wrote in a filing on Wednesday At issue are 11 documents that have been withheld from the record as part of the ongoing #NoDAPL lawsuit. The tribes have long been calling for the release of the information, which could help them bolster their case against the pipeline and aid them in efforts to protect their communities and the water supply from oil spills. "DAPL seeks to shield these documents not to keep the public safe from terrorists, but because the documents are embarrassingly inadequate and undermine DAPLs primary narrative in this case that oil spill risk can be dismissed without further analysis or independent expert review," attorneys for Standing Rock and Cheyenne River wrote on Wednesday. The 11 documents are being kept under seal so it's not entirely clear what they contain but Dakota Access has admitted that some of them do in fact address oil spills. A spill would impact the tribes, their treaty territory and their treaty-protected water rights to the Missouri River. "Certain of the documents geographic response plans, spill models, and related emergency operations and maintenance documents contain spill response information," attorneys for Dakota Access wrote in February when they asked for a "protective order" to keep the documents from being seen by others. "That spill response information was developed for purposes of meeting and exceeding the requirements and regulations of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration," the filing stated. "Indeed, these documents merit additional protection because they contain information that could assist potential terrorist activity in circumventing pipeline security and response procedures designed to protect public health and the environment," it continued. "The documents containing geographic information likewise contain information which would assist potential terrorists in selecting targets, i.e., potentially vulnerable route locations." The sparring over the secret documents comes as Dakota Access completes the final portion of the pipeline at a site in North Dakota less than a half-mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation . According to a status update filed on Monday , the firm has already drilled a "pilot hole" under the Missouri and is "reaming" it, or making it larger, in order to place a pipe below the waters. Oil could be flowing anywhere between March 6 and April 1, although an attorney indicated during a court hearing on Tuesday that the earlier date is unlikely. However, there is a "very high likelihood" that work will be finished by the end of the month, David Debold said. The uncertainty prompted Judge James E. Boasberg to order Dakota Access to provide 48-hours advance notice before placing crude in the pipeline. The firm is already submitting weekly status updates on its progress, with the next one due on Monday. That update will be a crucial one, as Boasberg is planning to issue a decision sometime next week on Cheyenne River's request for an injunction to stop oil from flowing through the pipeline. The tribe says the mere presence of the pipe in the Missouri renders the water impure and unsafe for religious ceremonies like sweat lodges and coming of age rites. "This is their territory," attorney Nicole Ducheneaux , herself a Cheyenne River citizen, said in outlining the tribe's opposition to the pipeline. Separately, both Cheyenne River and Standing Rock are asking the judge to set aside an easement that was granted to Dakota Access last month by the Army Corps. The easement allowed the firm to resume construction activities on federally-managed land in North Dakota. The Army Corps took action after President Donald Trump basically ordered his administration to approve the pipeline without further reviews. He did so without consulting either tribe on a government-to-government basis. The tribes were hoping to address their concerns about oil spills, treaties and water rights through an environmental impact statement, or EIS, of the final portion of the pipeline. The Trump administration terminated the EIS, again without consulting the tribes. In addition to the court fight, Standing Rock leaders are hoping to galvanize public support with Native Nations Rise in Washington. The event includes a symbolic camp near the Washington Monument starting on March 7 and concludes with a march to the White House on March 10. Indian Country #NoDAPL Briefs: Oglala Sioux Tribe (February 21, 2017) Pueblo of Pojoaque / Association on American Indian Affairs / University of New Mexico School of Law Natural Resources and Environmental Law Clinic (February 21, 2017) National Indigenous Women's Resource Center / 13 Tribes / 105 Non-Profit Organizations (February 21, 2017) National Congress of American Indians / 34 Tribes / 11 Tribal Organizations / 2 Civil Rights Organizations (February 22, 2017) Federal Register Notice: Notice of Termination of the Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in Connection With Dakota Access, LLC's Request for an Easement To Cross Lake Oahe, North Dakota (February 17, 2017) Prior Federal Register Notice: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in Connection With Dakota Access, LLC's Request for an Easement To Cross Lake Oahe, North Dakota (January 18, 2017) Dakota Access Pipeline Approval Documents: White House Documents: Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (January 24, 2017) Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline (January 24, 2017) Executive Order Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals For High Priority Infrastructure Projects (January 24, 2017) Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of American Pipelines (January 24, 2017) Presidential Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing (January 24, 2017) Press Release: President Trump Takes Action to Expedite Priority Energy and Infrastructure Projects (January 24, 2017) Join the Conversation Related Stories: North Dakota gains financially with completion of Dakota Access (3/2) Native Sun News Today: Evictions end historic #NoDAPL campsite (3/1) Winona LaDuke: Water protectors are still standing strong all over (3/1) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe waiting on Dakota Access injunction (2/28) Peter d'Errico: Yankton Sioux Tribe battles Dakota Access in court (2/28) Sioux Nation citizens seek to join Dakota Access Pipeline lawsuit (2/27) Dakota Access files another status update on construction work (2/27) Mark Trahant: The story of Standing Rock won't be going away (2/27) Jenni Monet: Tribes continue fight as #NoDAPL camps evicted (2/27) Albert Bender: The war against Dakota Access can still be won (2/27) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe blasts Trump claim of 'constant contact' (2/24) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe calls out Trump 'lies' on Dakota Access (2/24) Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe slams Trump for lack of consultation (2/23) Indian Country joins legal push to block Dakota Access Pipeline (2/22) Dakota Access offers up March 6 as earliest date for completion (2/22) Trump administration opposes injunction against Dakota Access (2/22) Trump team puts hold on pro-tribal Dakota Access legal opinion (2/22) Native Sun News Today: #NoDAPL campsites see their final days (2/22) Elizabeth Cook-Lynn: Dakota Access is everything wrong with US (2/22) Standing Rock Sioux Tribe hopes to see return of casino business (2/21) Dina Gilio-Whitaker: Sen. Hoeven raises red flags in Indian Country (2/20) Bureau of Indian Affairs issues 'trespass' notice to #NoDAPL camp (2/17) Hearing on injunction against Dakota Access moved to February 28 (2/17) Army Department formally cancels Dakota Access Pipeline review (2/16) Native Sun News Today: Dakota Access firms see spills, explosions (2/16) James Giago Davies: Tribes face bigger threat than Dakota Access (2/16) Monte Mills: Tribes turn to courts to battle Dakota Access Pipeline (2/16) Standing Rock leader vows to 'forgive' despite White House slight (2/15) Freedom Socialist: Voices from water protectors at Standing Rock (2/15) New leader of key House panel defends handling of Dakota Access (2/14) Dakota Access ready to start transporting oil sooner than expected (2/13) More tribes join effort to halt completion of Dakota Access Pipeline (2/13) Army Corps gave go ahead to Dakota Access Pipeline in key memo (2/13) Mark Trahant: Battle over Dakota Access Pipeline is far from over (2/13) Tribes head back to court in hopes of halting Dakota Access Pipeline (2/10) Dakota Access pushes to finish pipeline with Army Corps easement (2/9) Mark Charles: The real reason Trump hasn't heard about #NoDAPL (2/9) James Giago Davies: Dakota Access battle has got us divided again (2/9) Tribes promise fight to keep Dakota Access Pipeline out of homeland (2/8) Key Dakota Access document from Army Corps wasn't filed in court (2/8) J. Gabriel Ware & James Trimarco: City breaks with bank over DAPL (2/8) Tracy Loeffelholz Dunn: In defense of Native journalist Jenni Monet (2/8) Chelsey Luger: Media is still trying to divide and conquer our people (2/8) Peter d'Errico: Even Donald Trump can't trample over tribal treaties (2/8) Andrea Carmen/Roberto Borrero: Trump's slash and burn on treaties (2/8) Trump administration formally approves easement for Dakota Access (2/7) Mark Trahant: Native journalist charged by North Dakota authorities (2/7) Albert Bender: Donald Trump goes blitzkrieg on #NoDAPL movement (2/7) Dakota Access offers timeline as Trump finalizes decision on pipeline (2/6) Ladonna Bravebull Allard: Indigenous nations must stand our ground (2/6) Jenni Monet: I got arrested for reporting on the #NoDAPL movement (2/6) Ray Cook: Now it is time for all of us to stand down at Standing Rock (2/6) Frances Madeson: More tribes joining with #DefundDAPL movement (2/3) Mark Trahant: Donald Trump's 'logic' on the Dakota Access Pipeline (2/1) Winona LaDuke: Tribes emboldened by resistance at Standing Rock (2/1) Native Sun News Today: Tribes push back on Trump's pipeline orders (2/1) The Pennington County courthouse is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo: Jimmy Emerson One might be surprised to know that the removal of Indian children from their families is still going strong, seemingly unabated. For example, in Pennington County, South Dakota, the state has removed more than 1,000 children from their Native American families since 2010. A 2013 class action lawsuit and a 2015 validation by Chief Federal District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken revealed that Pennington County officials were not only removing the Indian children on grounds not based on evidence, but holding hearings in state court within 48 hours of removal and denying parents access to legal counsel, the right to testify, or notice of why their Indian children were taken. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the hearings lasted [from] 60 seconds up to five minutes, and the state won 100 percent of the time. In his 2015 ruling, Chief Judge Viken ordered the state to take corrective actions, which they promptly ignored. In a December 2016 compliance hearing, Viken noted South Dakotas lack of action in addressing the concerns expressed in his 2015 ruling that included violations of federal law and federal regulations (ICWA) including, lack of due process under the 14th Amendment and police reports that only the countys presiding Judge could review. Rather than correct the well documented lack of competence, South Dakota officials have appealed Vikens ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Briefs for the appeal are due March 10, 2017. In 1879, off-reservation schools, once noted for feeding Indian children on pennies a day, profited from their labor. Perhaps the question we need to ask now is, who in Pennington County, South Dakota is profiting from clear violations of law by removing Indian children from their families? The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 was supposed to stop the removal of Indian children from their communities but researcher Eric Hannel finds that one county in South Dakota is still flouting the federal law decades later: Read More on the Story: Eric Hannel: Centuries Old Practice of Removing Indian Children From Their Homes Continues Despite ICWA (Indian County Today 3/2) Join the Conversation Some of the former facilities of National American University are being considered for a new center to treat the areas mentally ill. Photo by Andrea Trujillo Decriminalizing the mentally ill By Ernestine Chasing HawkNative Sun News Today Managing Editor RAPID CITY South Dakotas criminalizing of mentally ill patients has become a topic of discussion in Rapid City with Rapid City Regional Hospitals recent announcement they would no longer accept some mentally ill patients, instead the Pennington County Sherriffs Department would be called and the patient could be transferred to jail. According to a February 19 article in the Rapid City Journal by Chris Huber, RCRHs decision is partially based on a recent finding by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit hospital accreditation service that Regional Behavioral Health Centers use of seclusion was 300 times higher than the national average and their use of restraints was six times higher. This led to Regional Healths recent policy changes wherein they announced they would no longer accept patients with neurodevelopmental/cognitive disorders such as dementia, Alzheimers and autism spectrum disorders as a quick solution to The Joint Commissions findings. However Psychologist Dr. Gilbert Gonzales, who visited Rapid City at the invitation of Collective Impact on February 2 to share what has become a national model, The Haven For Hope Facility in San Antonio, Texas, formulates a direct correlation between incarceration and harm to the mentally ill. The one rule in health care that guides us all is do no harm, Gonzalez said. If that is our guiding line, do no harm, we just violated it by incarcerating. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes that seclusion or restraint re-traumatizes patients and does more harm, and seeks to actively resist trauma inducing practices. SAMHSA recommends educating those who deal with mentally ill patients in the use of Known Trauma-Specific Interventions instead. Some well-known trauma-specific interventions they list include: Addiction and Trauma Recovery Integration Model (ATRIUM), Essence of Being Real, Risking Connection, Sanctuary Model, Seeking Safety, Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, and Recovery (TAMAR), Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET), Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM and M-TREM). Studies also find that incarceration of mentally ill patients is by far the most traumatizing method of treatment and the least recommended. However studies also find that two/thirds of mentally ill patients end up in correctional facilities rather than effectual treatment centers. Gonzalez and a team of advisors and community stakeholders also found a direct correlation between homelessness and mental illness which was the catalyst for change in the San Antonio metro area and construction of the Haven For Hope Model. At the February 2 presentation by Gonzalez was the Executive Director of the Cornerstone Rescue Mission in Rapid City, Lysa Allison who attended because she is interested in learning how to do things differently and better. Read the rest of the story on the Native Sun News Today website: Decriminalizing the mentally ill (Contact Ernestine Chasing Hawk at executiveeditor@nativesunnews.today) Copyright permission Native Sun News Join the Conversation PORTLAND, Ore., March 1, 2017 In the first comprehensive review of the more than 4,000 native bee species in North America and Hawaii, the Center for Biological Diversity has found that more than half the species with sufficient data to assess are declining. Nearly 1 in 4 is imperiled and at increasing risk of extinction. The new analysis, "Pollinators in Peril: A systematic status review of North American and Hawaiian native bees" (see PDF), revealed that more than 700 species are in trouble from a range of serious threats, including severe habitat loss and escalating pesticide use.The evidence is overwhelming that hundreds of the native bees we depend on for ecosystem stability, as well as pollination services worth billions of dollars, are spiraling toward extinction, said Kelsey Kopec, a native pollinator researcher at the Center and author of the study. Its a quiet but staggering crisis unfolding right under our noses that illuminates the unacceptably high cost of our careless addiction to pesticides and monoculture farming.The widespread decline of European honeybees has been well documented in recent years. But until now much less has been revealed about the 4,337 native bee species in North America and Hawaii. These mostly solitary, ground-nesting bees play a crucial ecological role by pollinating wild plants and provide more than $3 billion in fruit-pollination services each year in the United States.The key findings:* Among native bee species with sufficient data to assess (1,437), more than half (749) are declining; (Click here to see a list of the bees as well as their status and geographic range.)* Nearly 1 in 4 (347 native bee species) is imperiled and at increasing risk of extinction.* Many of the bee species lacking sufficient data are also likely declining or at risk of extinction, highlighting the urgent need for additional research.* The declines are caused primarily by habitat loss, heavy pesticide use, climate change and urbanization.These troubling findings come as a growing body of research has revealed that more than 40 percent of insect pollinators are highly threatened globally, including many of the native bees critical to unprompted crop and wildflower pollination across the United States.To assess current population trends and threats as comprehensibly as possible for the 4,337 described species of North American and Hawaiian bees, Center staff reviewed the current conservation status of 316 species as established by state, federal or independent research. We then conducted a comprehensive review of all available literature on native bees to determine a status for an additional 1,121 species.Were on the verge of losing hundreds of native bee species in the United States if we dont act to save them, said Kopec, who spent more than a year analyzing the data. Almost 90 percent of wild plants are dependent on insect pollination. If we dont act to save these remarkable creatures, our world will be a less colorful and more lonesome place.The assessment highlights five imperiled native bees that offer a vivid snapshot of the unchecked threats driving declines in many native bee species:Yellow carpet solitary bee: This dark, olive-green bee, whose fate is intertwined with its floral host and Californias dwindling vernal pools, is severely threatened with extinction.Sunflower leafcutting bee: This spectacularly large bee used to be seen patrolling sunflower stands throughout the Great Plains; it is now in steep decline and rarely seen.Wild sweet potato bee: Known for its unique three-lobed snout, this bee, once commonly seen foraging across much of the East, is now dangerously imperiled.Gulf Coast solitary bee: Completely dependent on the disappearing coastal plain honeycombhead plant and the barrier-island sand dunes where it nests, this bee is now found only within a shrinking portion of its range along the Gulf Coast.Macropis cuckoo bee: This nest invader, which takes over the nests of other bee species to lay its eggs, was once common across much of central and eastern North America but is now considered that regions most endangered bee.Center for Biological Diversity Burma Koh Tao Defense Team to File Appeal With Thai Supreme Court Burmese migrant workers Zaw Lin (C) and Win Zaw Htun (L) arrive at the Koh Samui Provincial Court, in Koh Samui, Thailand, on July 8, 2015. / Athit Perawongmetha / Reuters CHIANG MAI, Thailand The legal defense team representing the two Burmese migrant workers sentenced to death for the 2014 murder and rape of two Britons in Thailands Koh Tao island, will next file an appeal with the Thai Supreme Court, after being rejected in the appeal court. U Kyaw Thaung, a member of the mens defense team, said, they have been discussing when to submit the next appeal, to Thailands highest court. We will do so within the next week, he told The Irrawaddy. The defense team said they were not formally informed about the ruling in this very controversial case, in which the two men, Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, received the death penalty for charges they have denied, involving the deaths of British nationals Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24. The verdict was handed down by the Koh Samui Township Court in December 2015, and the two men lost their appeal to the District Court of Appeal in March 2017. The appeal was nearly 200 pages long and argued that the DNA evidence which led to the conviction was inadmissible and had not been collected, tested, analyzed or reported in accordance with internationally accepted standards, Reuters reported. U Htoo Chit, the director of the Foundation for Education Developmentan organization providing outreach to migrant workers in Thailandsaid, the Lawyers Council of Thailandthe legal body assisting the Burmese defense teamwas not officially informed about the verdict of the appeal. But we will consult with the defense lawyers to keep our appeal in accordance with the Thai judicial system. Also we learned that Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin were not properly informed through the translator, either, he added. But the District Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the [Koh Samui] township criminal court ruling. It was not clear when the Appeal Courts verdict was made, but it was known publicly after being published in Thai media on Wednesday afternoon, said the defense team members. Commentary The Rule of the Wa United Wa State Army soldiers parade through the Wa regional capital of Panghsang. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters RANGOON The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is leading the call to shun the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) after hosting a three-day meeting of seven ethnic armed groups in Panghsang, capital of the Wa region in eastern Shan State, to discuss the peace process. The UWSA has put itself forward to head a political team tasked with negotiating with the central government. But observers of ethnic politics in Burma worry about the precariousness of the UWSAs position; they fear that opposition to the NCA could plunge Shan State into conflict with the Burma Army and force the usually peaceful UWSA onto the frontline. The National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N), Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA) attended the summit in Panghsang. Many of the groups, as NCA non-signatories, have no chance to participate in the governments Union Peace Conference slated to take place later this month. These ethnic armed groups, at the head of which are the Wa, feel they should establish a new political ground and refuse to accept the current framework of the NCA. In the past, the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) comprised of non-signatories of the NCAhas always been the main ethnic armed bloc to engage in political dialogue with the government, but within the NCA framework. Based on the Chinese border in eastern Shan State, the UWSA and their political arm, the United Wa State Party (UWSP), is Burmas largest non-state military group. The Wa successfully built their own statelet of businesses and institutions and enjoy an unparalleled independence from the central government. The UWSA refused to sign the NCA, arguing that they already held a bipartisan ceasefire agreement with the government and had not clashed in decades. The neighboring NDAA also refused to sign the NCA and the pair of armed groups formed an alliancesharing both a border and the same political strategy of non-interference. The Wa usually steer clear of ethnic politics. But sources say that the UWSA fear a Burma Army invasion of their enclave as the government launches ever more aggressive attacks on other ethnic areas of Shan State. Some sources suggest that the UWSA are preparing their 30,000 troops for action. New Alliances Although it was the third summit organized by the UWSA since 2015, last weeks announcement was the first major takeawayseven armed groups agreed to move away from the NCA and toward other forms of political dialogue. The UWSA has always been a strong armed force but not a strong political force. Leaders have wanted an ethnic alliance, but it seems, not the responsibility of leading that alliance. The UWSA has its roots in the Communist Party of Burma, so the KIA and other ethnic armed groups have been known to distance themselves from what they see as a communist organization. In 2014, the UNFC moved to form a federal army, but the bloc could not obtain funding despite attempts to tap the US and Japan. Some member groups suggested getting the budget from the UWSA. The UWSA wanted to act as chairman of the army in return for funding. Members of the bloc, particularly the KIA, could not accept the communist UWSA heading the army so the plan fell through. Since the National League for Democracy took power after elections last year, the Burma Army has launched a string of offensives against ethnic armed groups in Kachin and Shan states. Fighting has been particularly intense in Shan State near the Chinese border. This has led ethnic armed groups, and in particular the KIA, to feel that they should rely on each other more to combat Burma Army offensives. Perhaps the Shan ethnic armed groups could come together as one powerful group under the Wa. Groups neighboring the Wa include the NDAA, SSPP, TNLA, KIA, and the MNDAA. The UWSA must understand that with the support of all these neighbors, the enclaves trade routes would be more diverse and they could move away from their much noted reliance on China. Former President of Mexico to Deliver Stevenson Lecture Felipe Calderon March 3, 2017 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. A former president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, will present an address in the Adlai E. Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series at 7:30 p.m. March 23 in Westbrook Auditorium. The lecture, entitled "Better Growth or Better Climate: Do We Need to Choose?" is free and open to the public. Calderon served as president of Mexico from 2006 to 2012. He is internationally recognized as a president who strengthened the rule of law and made possible the economic recovery of Mexico following the world economic crisis. During his tenure, Mexico became one of the worlds biggest exporters, accounting for 60 percent of the total manufacturing exports in Latin America and the Caribbean. When he took office in 2006, Mexico was the ninth largest exporter of vehicles worldwide; at the end of Calderons tenure, Mexico had moved up to fourth position. Calderon hosted and chaired the G-20 Summit of Leaders, the most important forum of heads of state and government. He also chaired the UN Conference on Climate Change COP16 in 2010. He was named Statesman of the Year by the World Economic Forum and considered one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in 2010. He has received the Teddy Roosevelt Award for the Environment, the GLOBE Award from the Global Legislators Organization for a Balanced Environment, and the International Star of Energy Efficiency Award. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a member of the board of the World Resources Institute, and chairman of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate. Calderon is also founder and president of the Sustainable Human Development Foundation, where he works to analyze and propose viable policy alternatives for Mexico and promote low-carbon development alternatives for the world. Calderon holds a law degree from the Escuela Libre de Derecho and a masters degree in economics from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico. He earned a masters degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The Stevenson Lecture Series was established by a group of local civic leaders to honor the legacy of Bloomington native Adlai E. Stevenson II, former governor of Illinois and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, after his death in 1965. The series is co-hosted by Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan. This academic year, the lecture series will feature two distinguished speakers. Former prime minister of Norway Gro Bruntland will speak at Illinois Wesleyan on April 13. University to be Honored for LGBTQ+ Student Programming Many students, community members, faculty and staff attended the LGBT Legacy Wall exhibit. March 3, 2017 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan University has received another NASPA award for excellence in student programming. NASPAs Gender and Sexuality Knowledge Community will award Illinois Wesleyan with an Exemplary Program Award for the Universitys Queer Lives series of programs from the 2015-16 academic year. The award will be presented March 14 at the national conference of NASPA, the professional organization of student affairs administrators in higher education. In their nominating materials, organizers noted that one of the obstacles for LGBTQ+ student persistence is the lack of visible and available role models through which students with marginalized sexual identities can see their future potential and successes embodied. Alumnus Jason Dennis '00 spoke at the Pride Alumni Community Homecoming brunch in 2015. The series provided opportunities for all students, but especially for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff to connect with role models whose lives model ignited passion, democratic citizenship and social justice activism, according to Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Karla Carney-Hall. In Illinois Wesleyans application for the award, Carney-Hall noted that she believes the Queer Lives Series is deserving of the award because it was empowering, collaborative, and impactful for Illinois Wesleyans campus climate. The six programs included a documentary film God Loves Uganda; an appearance by spoken word poet Katie Wirsing; Pride Alumni Community speaker Jason Dennis 00; selections from the Off-Broadway musical Witness Uganda, which were presented live at Illinois Wesleyan; a presentation on middle sexualities; and a two-week display of the LGBT Legacy Wall. Organizers said the LGBT Legacy Wall, an exhibit depicting dozens of queer individuals from history representing disciplines from the sciences to religious figures, was one of most well-received programs in the series. In November, Illinois Wesleyan received the NASPA Region IV-East Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award, which is presented to a college or university office, department or division demonstrating achievement in creating an inclusive campus environment. By Reilly Kasprak 17 Reddit Email 40 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Trump did an interview with Fox and Friends for this morning in which he alleged that former president Barack Obama is behind the leaks that have bedeviled Trumps White House. The Fox agent provocateur asked Trump a leading question as to whether Obama is also behind the angry crowds of constituents who have attended some Republican town halls on issues like repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Trump replied, No, I think he is behind it. I also think its just politics. Thats just the way it is. You never know whats exactly happening behind the scenes I think that President Obamas behind it because his people are certainly behind it. Last we saw President Obama, he was hang gliding in the Caribbean with obvious delight at getting his personal freedom back after eight thankless years in office, during which white people prevented him from doing virtually any of the good deeds for them that he had intended. Trumps paranoid remarks would raise further questions about his sanity if a) they werent obviously planted by Rupert Murdochs mind control techniques and b) if any further questions about his sanity were necessary. But here are the actual ways that Obama is, in a way, behind Trumps troubles: 1. Obama is famously calm, collected, rational and deliberative. The unhinged and frenetic people who replaced him have freaked out the White House staffers who stayed on into the new administration, and impelled them to let the country know what is going on. Trumps Rasputin and alt-NeoNazi Steve Bannon has so much of a temper on him that hes been accused of repeated domestic abuse, and even he admits he runs a little hot (is he an old boiler or something?). So no one can be sure of its validity, but a White House leak feed tweeted this on Monday: Bannon is the scariest person here. He's broken so much White House stuff by throwing it in anger. Plates, phones, chairs, etc. White House staffer (@AngryWHStaffer) February 27, 2017 Clearly it was the unrealistic expectations raised by Obamas character that have caused this panic and the spate of leaks. 2. People at the town halls are afraid of losing their health insurance. Obama had minded that when she was ill, his mothers disability insurance denied her claim because, the company said, her cancer was a pre-existing condition. So the Affordable Care Act forced insurance companies to provide coverage even for preexisting conditions. Republican legislators in the back pocket of the 1% want to abolish that provision, and therefore their town halls are full of angry Republicans who have decided that they rather like the ACA. This outrage is obviously Obamas fault for having coddled the sick in the first place. 3. Obama was extremely careful about deploying military personnel in battlefront warfare. His critics complain about the drone strikes and bombing runs he launched. Whether they are right or not, the point for Obama was that these tactics were a means to avoid putting US soldiers in harms way. Two weeks into his presidency, Trump appears casually to have launched a commando raid on a facility of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in southern Yemen. Some 30 civilians were killed in the raid, including 9 children, as well as a US Navy Seal. The Seals father is not satisfied that the raid was properly planned (Obama had ordered a study of the possibility but likely would not have signed off on such an operation). He refused to meet Trump and wants an investigation to see if the sacrifice of his sons life was warranted. So that Obama did not typically shoot from the hip on military operations has also spoiled things for his successor. 4. There is no evidence that Obamas National Security Adviser Susan Rice ever once called the Russian Embassy to reassure Moscows diplomats that sanctions placed on Russian officials over the unilateral annexation of Crimea from the Ukraine would be lifted. Nor did Rice take $40,000 to speak in Moscow at a commemoration of a Russian-government-backed television channel. So Rices absence of sketchy relations with the Russian Federation, in contrast to those of disgraced former Trump National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, clearly set a standard of behavior that impressed US security personnel and caused some of them to leak Flynns improper actions. 5. There are all kinds of people on staff at the White House, and some of them are disturbed at the white supremacist tone set by Trump, Bannon, Miller and others. One young Muslim-American woman says she only lasted 8 days in a newly hostile work environment. By treating people of all races and creeds decently, Obama without a doubt sowed dissension in the ranks of government employees who, after Trumps election, discovered that he wanted to fire and/or deport them. So yes, Donald, it is Obamas fault. Just not in the way your warped mind imagines. Related video: CNN: Trump: Obamas people possibly behind leaks Reddit Email 27 Shares By Joschka Fischer | (Project Syndicate) | BERLIN Little more than a month after US President Donald Trumps inauguration, it has become clear that nothing good will come of his presidency. Unfortunately, the pessimists turned out to be realists: things really are as bad as they said they would be. Worst-case scenarios are now baseline scenarios. Any hope that the demands of office, or political and economic realities, would persuade Trump to adhere to domestic and foreign-policy norms must now be cast aside as wishful thinking. Realism demands acceptance of a sobering truth. When the 45th president of the United States must choose between upholding the US Constitution which limits his authority through the separation of powers or subverting it, he will likely choose the latter. The Trump administration intends to carry out nothing less than regime change in Washington, DC. The Year Ahead 2017 Cover Image Sooner or later, friction between the president and the constitutional system will create a severe crisis that will rock the US to its core, and possibly leave it politically unrecognizable. Trumps continued attacks on the judiciary and the press indispensable institutions for ensuring executive accountability leave no room for a different interpretation. Even if Americas constitutional system prevails, the chaos that will ensue during Trumps presidency could cause permanent damage. Consider what might happen were a severe terrorist attack to occur in the US during this time of turmoil. Would the US experience a slide into authoritarianism, similar to what we have been witnessing in Turkey? One certainly hopes not, but it is a real possibility. In terms of international relations, we have so far been spared an abrupt rupture of existing alliances and related commitments. But, as long as Trump pursues his America first strategy of isolationism and protectionism, those alliances and commitments will remain at risk. A constitutional crisis in the US, a paradigm shift from globalization toward protectionism, and new isolationist security policies imply significant disruption of the international order, with no alternative order in view. If things go well, persistent instability will prevail; if not, confrontation and even military conflict could become the norm. Trumps relationship with Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, remains unclear if not downright mysterious. This ongoing uncertainty is particularly vexing for Eastern Europe, which cannot discount the possibility that Trump and Putin will reconcile their interests and stage Yalta 2.0, dividing Europe into separate spheres of influence. The uncertainty with respect to Russia has been compounded by curious and persistent background noises in the Trump administration. Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Secretary of Defense James Mattis have all offered assurances to NATO and Eastern Europe; and Trumps Russia-friendly National Security Adviser, Michael Flynn, has resigned. And yet when this much smoke surrounds an issue, its highly likely that something is burning. In any case, as Trump shakes up the existing world order, Europe will bear the brunt of the shocks. After World War II, Western Europe was able to thrive because of two big American promises: military protection against the Soviet Union and free trade. The US also played a vital symbolic role as a beacon of liberty. But now, with all of Europe increasingly threatened by Russian revanchism, that role may already be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, the European Unions severe, self-inflicted wounds have evidently left it too weak to develop an alternative to its crumbling status quo. If Europes post-war security and economic arrangements falter or break down, as now seems likely, the foundation on which a free Europe has rested will become unsound. In that case, the proximate cause will most likely be the second round of the French presidential election, on May 7. A victory for the far-right National Fronts Marine Le Pen would cause the eurozone and the EU to disintegrate. France and other EU member states will suffer grave economic damage, and a global crisis will likely ensue. If she loses, the current nationalist wave would be broken, at least temporarily, giving Europe a second chance. That chance, if it comes, must not be wasted. The EU urgently needs to develop the means to defend itself from both internal and external threats, stabilize the eurozone, and ensure calmness and rationality in the coming Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom. Whatever else changes, the UKs geopolitical and security interests will stay the same. Brexit will not alter the fact that cooperation is necessary for mutual defense, the fight against terrorism, and border protection. To be sure, the EU must not accept anything that would endanger the remaining union of 27 member states. But negotiators on both sides must also take care to avoid any outcome that could poison UK-EU relations indefinitely. As experience teaches us, life goes on, even after a divorce. Our common interests will remain, and now they include managing the risks posed by Americas truculent new president. Joschka Fischer was German Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor from 1998-2005, a term marked by Germanys strong support for NATOs intervention in Kosovo in 1999, followed by its opposition to the war in Iraq. Fischer entered electoral politics after participating in the anti-establishment protests of the 1960s and 1970s, and played a key role in founding Germanys Green Party, which he led for almost two decades. Related video added by Juan Cole: AP: Trump Implies Europe Not Safe to Visit Reddit Email 20 Shares TeleSur | The U.N. says almost half a million children in the country are at risk of death from famine as Saudi Arabias war in the country completes a second year. At least seven million people in Yemen are facing starvation as a result of the humanitarian crisis caused by almost two years of war by Saudi Arabia on the country, the United Nations warned Tuesday. Seven million Yemenis do not know where their next meal will come from and are ever closer to starvation, one-third of the countrys 27 million population, Jamie McGoldrick, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in the country, said in a statement. Over 17 million people are currently unable to adequately feed themselves and are frequently forced to skip meals women and girls eat the least and last. The country had been in turmoil for years when in March 2015 a Saudi-led coalition, with U.S. aid, kicked off a military campaign in support of Yemeni government forces against the Ansarullah Houthi rebels. The conflict has destroyed much of Yemens infrastructure and claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians, while displacing millions. I am deeply concerned with the escalation of conflict and militarization of Yemens western coast. It is coming at a great cost to civilians, McGoldrick added. Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East and is home to al-Qaidas strongest organization in the world. The country is one of the U.S.s most targeted countries in the world by unmanned drone bombers. Some 462,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and at imminent risk of death, the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF said Tuesday. In December the U.N. also said that every 10 minutes at least one Yemeni child dies of preventable diseases such as malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections, citing the total collapse of the health system in the country amid Saudi Arabias ongoing attack on the country. Saudi coalition jets targeted several hospitals in Yemen over the past two years including those set up and operated by Doctor Without Borders. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: A humanitarian crisis in Yemen | DW News Reddit Email 0 Shares By Z. Fareen Parvez | (The Conversation) | 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 theres 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. Heres 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. Lets 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 doesnt mean theyre 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. 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 ones ego and respecting peoples 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 ones 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 todays 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 governments 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. 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 peoples 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, its 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. - Related video added by Juan Cole: Dr. Jonathan AC Brown Political Quietism and Non-Violence in Contemporary Salafism Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Gen. John Kellys ramping up of deportation measures against undocumented residents of the US, in accordance with Donald Trumps campaign promises, contains many hidden dangers. The rational way to deal with long-term unauthorized immigrants would be to offer them a path to citizenship, not waste taxpayers money deporting 10.9 million people the vast majority of whom do essential and backbreaking labor that the native-born eschew. Most people dont realize that there is no way for someone brought up in the US without citizenship to apply for it. The US needs its immigrants if it is to remain a great power. If the undocumented residents of the US who have not committed any other crime here become afraid that they will be arrested on sight, this fear will endanger the rest of us. The undocumented will become less likely to seek drivers licenses and automobile insurance, which is a menace to other US residents. California, which has 3 million, convinced 800,000 undocumented residents to get drivers licences, a victory for public safety, which could now be undone. Likewise, in California some 93% of the children of undocumented families are enrolled in school. Some proportion of these children were born in the US and we want them educated as future citizens. But will undocumented parents start avoiding all government facilities, including schools? It is undesirable that this large population avoid getting vaccinations, or that battered women should fear to go to the authorities. Making law-abiding undocumented people go underground poses substantial health and other risks to the rest of us. There is also a danger that Trump/ Kellys irrational obsession with the law-abiding undocumented will overwhelm local police departments, whether financially or with regard to manpower and jail capacity. Some departments are already announcing that they cant handle these extra duties. Trumps conviction that there is a crisis of illegal immigration into the United States in 2017 is misplaced. There was a crisis in the 1980s and 1990s, resulting in some 12.2 million undocumented residents of the US by 2007. In the past decade, that number has fallen by nearly a million and a half, to 10.9 million. This is true even though the number of deportations fell in 2013 and 2014. (Trump says that there are 30 million undocumented residents of the US, and alleges that 3 million of them voted in the presidential election. These are imaginary numbers much more imaginary than the square root of -1.) In California, 7% of the undocumented are married to American citizens, and another percentage is married to green card holders. Many have children who are American citizens. Trumps idea that any significant number are young male gang members with no roots in the US is monstrous in its gargantuan falsity. That the crisis of unauthorized immigration is a problem of previous decades and hardly so urgent today is demonstrated by the simple fact that 66% of the undocumented have been in the US at least 10 years. In 2014, only 7% of undocumented Mexicans had been in the US less than 5 years. Under the old rules by which ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operated, which have now been changed by Gen. Kelly, undocumented people who werent near the border and who had not committed a crime were relatively safe from deportation. But it was not as though the Obama administration was sloughing off on deporting the undocumented. In some years Obama deported substantially more people than Bush had in his last year as president. The old policy was to concentrate on criminals and leave the law-abiding alone. Last year, 92% of all the persons deported after being arrested by ICE agents in the interior of the US had been convicted of a crime (other than unauthorized entry). Over 2/3s of those deported were arrested in the vicinity of the border, often by other agencies than ICE, including local police. Of these deportees picked up near the border, nearly 60% had also previously been convicted of a crime. That leaves about 100,000 people arrested who had no previous criminal record. Almost all of them were picked up near the border. But only 2000 of the deportees were known gang members, so these individuals, who loom so large in Trumps imagination, are a tiny proportion of the undocumented. They were less than 1% of the deported. Only about half of the unauthorized immigrants who came in during 2014 were Mexicans. In recent years more Mexicans have been leaving than coming into the US. More of those arriving are from Central America, and they are fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries. In 2016, some 100,000 unauthorized immigrants into the US from Central America claimed asylum because of the danger they faced back home. These asylum claims have to be decided by a judge and take a lot of energy. The US would certainly be better off launching Marshall Plan for Central America and trying to help those countries economies grow faster and trying to provide for more democracy and less danger for average citizens. Such steps are the real way to cut down on unauthorized immigration. Related video: Al Jazeera English: US: Anxiety grows among undocumented immigrants British Museum | (Safavid Era Painting) | School/style: Persian School/Style term details Culture/period: Safavid dynasty term details Date: 1650-1700 (circa) Production place: Made in: Iran Four men worshipping at a fire altar and idol shrine; detached folio from an illustrated manuscript. At left, two Zoroastrian men hold their hands out in prayer toward a fire-altar, while at right, two men in European dress worship a seated and crowned idol. Reddit Email 0 Shares IMEMC | A film depicting the torture, humiliation and violence experienced by Palestinians imprisoned by Israel won the first ever Silver Bear award at the Berlinale international film festival. The film, Istiyad Ashbah (Ghost Hunting), was produced by Palestinian filmmaker Raed Andoni. It was one of 18 finalists competing for the top honor at the Berlinale film festival this year. The Golden Bear award was won by Hungarian filmmaker Ildiko Enyedi for the film Testrol es lelekrol (On Body and Soul). Andonis film Ghost Hunting involves a powerful re-enactment of interrogation rooms and prison facilities in the infamous Russian Compound prison run by Israel. According to journalist Rene Windangel, who spoke with Andoni about the creation of the film, the director began by confronting his own ghosts, having been imprisoned during the first intifada in the late 1980s. He then turned to newspaper ads as he set out to find a group of former inmates able to work as set designers and craftsmen in recreating a prison on the film set. He also sought out ex-detainees willing to play the roles of prison wardens and prisoners. And so this group of people, who had themselves experienced imprisonment, began to meticulously build their own prison. German commentator Rene Windangel wrote in the paper Qantara, in a review of the film, By giving the actors and crew room to express themselves, Andonis film manages to avoid cliches. In no way is the film limited to the observation of suffering or the re-enactment of victimisation. Raed Andonis film functions as both trauma therapy and as an opportunity to discuss the political problem of prisoners. First and foremost, though, the film works as an impressive piece of cinematography dealing with the basic questions of the human condition. Currently there are around 7000 Palestinian men and women imprisoned by Israel. Over 750,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned since 1967 and the start of the Israeli occupation of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Most were sentenced by military courts, while others were held without any charges in so-called administrative detention. There are practically no Palestinian families that have been spared the experience of prison. Via IMEMC Related video added by Juan Cole: Berlinale Berlin International 67th Berlinale | Closing-Award Ceremony 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 Reddit Email 0 Shares By Kevin Hagopian | (The Conversation) | Politics loom over this years Oscars, with many bracing for what the winners will or wont say when they ascend the stage before millions of television viewers on Feb. 26. One nominee, however, has already made a statement. Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadis The Salesman is one of five films nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. But last month, after President Trump issued an executive order temporarily banning immigrants from seven Muslim majority countries Iran included Farhadi decided to boycott the annual awards ceremony. To humiliate one nation with the pretext of guarding the security of another is not a new phenomenon in history and has always laid the groundwork for the creation of future divide and enmity, he wrote. I hereby express my condemnation of the unjust conditions forced upon some of my compatriots and the citizens of the other six countries trying to legally enter the United States of America and hope that the current situation will not give rise to further divide between nations. Given the attention Farhadi has received for his act of protest, its worth looking at how Iranian film has evolved under a regime that seeks to quell criticism and how filmmakers like him navigate these restrictions to produce powerful, politically potent art. A bipolar movie culture Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, an independent film sector existed alongside government-financed film production. Revolutionaries, however, viewed the film industry as a symbol of cultural corruption, and during the revolution set fire to hundreds of movie theaters. Beginning in 1982, Iranian cinema began to regroup. The government wanted to construct a national film culture that would express the ethics of Islam and the unique history of the Iranian state. But this goal often clashed with filmmakers who had strong ties to Irans literary culture and wanted to be able to portray modern Iran in critical terms. As a result, Irans movie culture is bipolar, with apolitical, domestic melodramas outnumbering art films that critique everyday life. Today, Iranian cinema reveals some of the contradictions of life under a theocracy. Yes, filmmakers must adhere to strict guidelines: The Ministry of Culture forbids unflattering portrayals of Islam, women, the nation and its history. But these rules are vague, and censorship of Iranian films is inconsistent, often based on the tastes of individual officials. Nonetheless, the art cinema of filmmakers like the late Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar Panahi and Mohsen Amiryoussefi has received worldwide acclaim. Since the mid 2000s, Iranian films have won awards at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Venice and San Sebastian. The extraordinary overseas success of Iranian films has further complicated the censorship picture. It was the Iranian government, for instance, that approved the script of The Salesman, and determined that the film would be the countrys official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Perhaps authorities give films like The Salesman a pass because their depiction of Irans social realities is subtle, not strident. Literal-minded officials are often unable to find obvious examples of blasphemy or criticism of the political regime. Gentle but forceful criticism In The Salesman, for instance, a couple, Ranaa and Emad, are performers who are rehearsing for a production of Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman. Their own home, however, is collapsing, the result of faulty construction. Theyre forced to rent an apartment, which, they soon discover, had previously been occupied by a prostitute. Her clients continue to show up, creating a whole host of new problems for Ranaa and Emad. In its elliptical treatment of Irans civil society as a crumbling building and its depiction of the conflicting social and religious roles Iranian women must grapple with the film subtly manages to be critical of modern life in Iran. In The Salesman, Islam is not the problem; rather, the film insists that repressive institutions cultural, economic or religious are what narrow the possibilities for humane communication and equality. These, Farhadi seems to argue, are the true dangers to any society. Meanwhile, female filmmakers like Samira Makhmalbaf joined by other female actors, writers and directors bring a muted feminism to an industry that exists at the sufferance of a patriarchal government. What scholar Hamid Naficy calls a cinema of the averted gaze has emerged. Both male and female filmmakers obliquely confront the terms of female subservience as well as the hidden sources of female cultural power in a patriarchal society. Defying the censors Even though the criticism of the theocracy is often so gentle that its hardly noticeable, that hasnt stopped the government from banning some Iranian films for domestic audiences. Circle (2000) was banned for its depiction of runaway girls, a social problem thats at least partially the result of religious laws. Official regulators of culture in Iran have long seen themselves as fighting modernity and globalism, which they stereotypically connect with a hostile, decadent West just the kind of xenophobia that, unfortunately, Trumps blanket indictment of Islam echoes. Nonetheless, Irans leaders havent been able to fully halt the forces of globalism they despise, and art films have been able to examine the ways in which international capital and conflict impact Iranian lives. Surviving Paradise (2001), the story of two young Iranian refugees lost in the streets of Los Angeles, was the first English-language Iranian-American film to be distributed in America. Several festivals of Iranian cinema also continue to take place each year around the world, part of a pattern of cultural exchange that predates the 1979 revolution. Iranian cinema has also undercut the monolithic narrative that the theocratic state seeks to communicate. For example, an Iranian war film like Duel (2004) doesnt simply broadcast patriotic messages. Instead, it makes a powerful statement about the trauma of the Iran-Iraq War, using the memory of the conflict as a lens through which to understand modern Iran. Marjane Satrapis animated film of her own graphic novel Persepolis (2007) is perhaps the most outspoken and direct cinematic revision of the governments version of the 1979 Revolution. (This film, however, was made in France.) Looking ahead to the Oscars Farhadis personal boycott is significant because it shows that rash and punitive U.S. immigration policies can be counterproductive, limiting some of the most liberal and cosmopolitan voices in the Muslim world. Farhadi previously won an Academy Award for directing A Separation (2011), a film about a marriage that dissolves over the question of whether or not to leave Iran. Credited as the writer, producer and director of The Salesman, he is widely regarded as a luminary of world cinema, and has joined a handful of living directors Martin Scorsese, Pedro Almodovar, Wong-kar Wai and Alfonso Cuaron as auteurs who are making lasting contributions to the art. If the contentious statements from the podiums of the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Directors Guild Awards are any indication, the Oscars will culminate a unique post-election season of cultural politics and a rejection of the cultural assumptions inherent in Trumps brand of politics. Farhadi referred to the Oscars as this great cultural event. But with Farhadi absent and his film present, he will be able to contribute to the political undertones of this years Oscars in a way that American movie stars ascending the stage cant. In his statement, Farhadi also wrote that Hard-liners, despite their nationalities, political arguments and wars, regard and understand the world in very much the same wayvia an us and them mentality. In this sense, he seems to be equating the Trump administration with Irans ruling regime. Some have urged the Oscar organizers to use Skype to at least allow Farhadi to be present visually, if not politically. In either case, if The Salesman ends up winning the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, it could be seen as yet another repudiation of Trumps xenophobic, us versus them platform. After all, as Farhadi subtly points out, his executive order is comparable to the very Iranian extremism his policies claim to contain. Kevin Hagopian, Senior Lecturer of Media Studies, Pennsylvania State University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Related video added by Juan Cole: Wochit Entertainment: Director Asghar Farhadi To Address Crowd Reddit Email 4 Shares TeleSur | My situation was nothing compared to some of the people I saw who couldnt be defended as I was, Rousso said on Twitter. Henry Rousso, a French historian and a prominent scholar on the Holocaust, said he was detained for more than 10 hours by federal border agents at a Houston airport and was almost deported for being an illegal immigrant before his lawyers and an official at the school he was visiting intervened on his behalf. I have been detained 10 hours at Houston International Airport about to be deported. The officer who arrested me was inexperienced, Henry Rousso wrote on Twitter Saturday. Rousso has given dozens of speeches over the years at several prominent U.S. universities as well as the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and was a visiting professor at Texas A&M in 2007, according to his online profile. On the other side of the Atlantic, one now has to face complete arbitrariness and incompetence, Rousso told the Huffington Post Sunday, adding that the United States arent quite the United States anymore. He told the online outlet that he was interrogated by border officials after they were not satisfied by his tourist visa or the invitation from Texas A&M University. He was subjected to a formal questioning which included his taking an oath and giving fingerprints as well as a standard body search to which he objected. There were questions about my father, my mother, my family situation, with the same questions asked dozens of times: who employs me, where I live et cetera, Rousso was quoted as saying in the Huffington Post article. He was then told that his paperwork was not in order and that he would be put on a plane back to Paris 20 hours later. However, he was asked if he wanted to contact his embassy and he said yes. He was able to get in touch with lawyers as well as the head of the university he was visiting who managed to convince the federal airport agents to let him enter the United States. As they let him through, the police said that the official who stopped him was inexperienced and was unaware that activities connected to teaching and research could be carried out with an ordinary tourist visa. My situation was nothing compared to some of the people I saw who couldnt be defended as I was, Rousso said on Twitter, thanking the people who supported him. The Jewish-French scholar speculated that the officer was suspicious of him because he was born in Egypt. The news comes just weeks after President Donald Trumps travel ban on visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries which did not include Egypt was suspended by a federal judge following major protests against what many called a Muslim ban. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: Newsy: French historian detained by US Customs Reddit Email 64 Shares The New York Public Library | Francis Frith | The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. Gaza (the Old Town) New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed February 26, 2017. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-5c4b-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 Title: Gaza (the Old Town) Names: Frith, Francis (Photographer) Collection: Sinai and Palestine. Date Issued: 1862 (Questionable) Place: London Publisher: W. Mackenzie At this time the population of Palestine was around 411,000, almost all of them Palestinian Arabs of Muslim heritage. Perhaps ten percent of them were Christian. The Palestinian Arab families had lived on this land since time immemorial. In-migration was minor. There were only a few thousand Jews, mostly pilgrims from the Russian Empire who retired to Jerusalem where they lived on pious charities. Reddit Email 358 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The vast majority of Americans in a new Quinnipiac opinion poll do not believe that Donald J. Trump is level-headed or shares their values. Of course, this is only one poll, and likely the plus or minus swing is 3 or 4 percent. But actually the findings are so decisive in most cases that that wouldnt matter. Qunnipiac showed Trump beating Clinton last summer, so you cant accuse them of being biased against him. And only 38% think he is doing a good job in his first month, versus 55% who say no. In contrast, a strong majority trust the courts to do the right thing. This finding has to be underlined. Only 33 percent of Americans (as projected from this poll) think Trump is level-headed. So this is the guy with the nuclear codes. The guy with the power, as things evolved through the 20th century, unilaterally to declare war. The guy who presides over a trillion-dollar a year security and military complex. Who has several hundred thousand people spying on us all. The guy who issues executive orders, which now make up about 1/3 of all of our national legislation, and who does so by fiat. And 63 percent of you think he isnt level-headed? And, like, this wasnt apparent to you all the way through 2016? I mean, is this a joke? You put a flake (isnt that what you mean by not level-headed?) in the most powerful office in the world? What, did you think it would be entertaining, sort of like one of those asteroid movies where in the end there is no way to stop it from destroying most of the earth? Did your mother drop you on your head? And get this, only 37 percent think Trump shares their values. It would be scary, of course, if they really even believed what they told the pollsters. Do 118 million Americans really think it is all right to just start grabbing the person next to them in inappropriate ways? Or do they only talk like that in the locker room? Do 118 million Americans really think the 10% of the country that is first-generation immigrants are all criminals? So my guess is that on mature reflection even the 37 percent might have some doubts. But again, if 60 percent of you think this guys values are alien to you, why would you put him in the presidency? Just for a change of pace? It goes down the line. You dont think he is honest (55%). You dont think he has good leadership skills (55%). You dont even think he cares about the average Joe (55%). So you thought it might be a good idea to have a lying, incompetent elitist rat bastard as president? The only positives for Trump here are that you think he is intelligent and a strong leader. First of all, you have confused slyness with intelligence. Second of all, you have confused mouthing off with being a strong leader. (I will remind you that you just said he has poor leadership skills; then how do you think hes a strong leader?) Then lets take the issues, according to the Quinnipiac findings: You think he is bad at handling foreign policy (56%). You think hes bad on immigration (58%). You even think he is bad at counter-terrorism (49%). The only thing you think he is good at is running the economy (47% positive on that). And boy, do you have another think coming. Wait till he gets rid of Dodd Frank and deregulates even further the big banks and investment firms. The 2008 crash will look like a kindergarten field trip. And the environment is part of the economy. This is the guy who thinks it was much better when coal companies could release their toxic ash into our streams and rivers and when dirty oil pipelines could spill their poisonous sludge into our drinking water and fields. (So they can, again). The vast majority of you think Trumps Muslim ban went too far, and you are really against banning Syrian refugees, and you think in general the Federal government has taken this counter-terrorism thing way too far, chipping away at our civil liberties. I saw on social media someone quoting a Trump supporter that they want us to give them a way to say they were wrong and made a mistake, without our telling these voters that they were bad people. OK, youre not bad people. You just made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. But there are things you have to do to make up for the mistake. You have to give Trump a Democratic Senate and even House in 2018 if you want those bad instincts you just identified to be restrained. The GOP is obviously going to let Trump exercise his bad judgment all he likes. Even so-called mavericks like Sen. John McCain have not voted against Trump even once. And, you have in your own life to counter-act Trump. Help with or give some support to refugees already here. Join a Muslim-American civil rights organization like MPAC or an Arab-American one like the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination committee. And where you can afford it and it is practical, cut down on your carbon footprint. Use public transportation or drive an electric vehicle. Pressure your utility to give you more green energy. If you can, put up solar panels. You made a mistake. Fix it. Related video: Wochit Politics: Trump Approval Rating Historically Low Reddit Email 145 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Donald Trump was unhappy Saturday that the major media had neglected to report a point made by Herman Cain in an interview on Fox. Cain alleged that in Barack Obamas first month, the Federal budget deficit rose $200 bn., but in Trumps first month it fell to only $12 bn. Obviously, Obama had nothing to do with the deficit in his first month that was a result of the 2008 collapse, which had something to do with Republican policies of deregulating the banks and other mortgage lenders and declining to exercise any oversight over sketchy practices. And Trump had nothing to do with the deficit during his first month in office. That was a result of Obamas 8 years of pulling the economy back out of the toilet to which the Republican Party had consigned it. Trumps petty attacks on journalists as enemies of America, as the worst people, and as irrationally denying him the credit for his 4 weeks of economic turnaround, are deeply worrisome to many Americans sensitive to the danger of a spiral down into authoritarian rule. William H. McRaven, the retired four-star admiral and former Navy Seal who led the raid against Usama Bin Laden, called Trumps remark on the press as an enemy of the people the greatest threat to democracy he has ever seen. Trumps immature sidelining of reporters on his enemys list kept rolling on this weekend. White House spokesman Sean Spicer was set to do an on-camera press briefing on Friday, and then Donald Trump spoke at the conservative gathering CPAC. It is a custom that the spokesman doesnt do an on-camera event the same day the president gives a substantial address. So Spicer switched to doing what is called a gaggle, a smaller briefing in his office attended only be a few reporters in a pool who then would convey his remarks to others. Spicer pared down the invitee list to the bare bones. He excluded the BBC, CNN, the New York Times, the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, Buzzfeed, the Daily Mail and Politico, among others. He allowed ABC, Fox News, Breitbart News, Reuters and the Washington Times. Breitbart is not a news outlet, but a propaganda arm of elements of the Ku Klux Klan who wear suits rather than white robes. The exclusions were so egregious and petty that the Associated Press, USA Today and Time magazine declined to be present. The Washington Post and McClatchy did not know about the disinvitees, and said that if they had been aware of what was going on, they would not have attended, either. Since Spicer often conveys fake news (the Atlanta Attack) or pro-Trump propaganda at his briefings, it isnt clear that the excluded media were exactly missing anything. Then Trump announced that he would be the first president since Tricky Dick Nixon voluntarily to skip the annual dinner of the White House correspondents, where in recent decades the president and the press engaged in some good-natured ribbing. Trump appears to have felt humiliated at one of these events by remarks of then President Barack Obama, pushing back against Trumps outrageous lies about Obamas birthplace. But Spicers and Trumps attempts to exclude so many journalists from a briefing may be all to the good. Something is broken in American journalism. Maybe it is the inverted pyramid whereby US reporters put the most important thing first in the article. It has been pointed out that this way of organizing the article gives an unfair advantage to a duplicitous administration, since anything the president says goes first in the article. Bush and his people used this principle to game the press all the time. (When the scandal about US personnel torturing prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq broke on a Thursday evening, Bush quickly came out and condemned the practice. The Friday headlines were President condemns torture at Abu Ghraib.) Or maybe it is access journalism, whereby an administration adopts a few favored writers and feeds them scoops that it suits the administration to go on the front page. Or maybe it is the news conference. Why privilege an administrations narrative about itself by doing articles based on nothing more than hot air coming from the general direction of the West Wing? Most major newspapers in the US, when there were major print newspapers, used to have an investigative journalism team. With the decline of ad revenue and the hard times on which journalism has fallen, investigative journalism has often been abandoned. Administrations and the Washington bureaucracy dont like a young journalist nosing around. ProPublica, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and some other independent organizations (often with limited resources) have been left to try to fill the gap left when big media cut back on investigative reporting. But we need that back, big time, in this administration. Everywhere you dig in Trumps cabinet, you find bodies. So instead of sitting in a room being fed falsehoods by Spicer or Trump, best for the journalists to be working contacts in the White House or at NSC or the Pentagon to get the real story. Enough people in Washington are appalled by the Trump-Bannon attempt to fascize America that they seem willing to leak damaging information all on their own. How much better if a trained journalist got those stories through initiative. So heres to Trump excluding virtually all the newspapers and cable channels. Let him. Go get the scoops he doesnt want you to have. Someone (probably not George Orwell) once said, News is something somebody doesnt want printed; all else is advertising. Whoever said it, truer words were never spoken. We need less advertising (or public relations in some versions), and a helluva lot more journalism these days. - Related video: CBS Evening News: Trump wont attend White House correspondents dinner Reddit Email 191 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The interview that emerged on the internet of practicing Catholic Milo Yiannopoulos expressing approval of some instances of priest pedophilia with boys has perhaps ended his career as the most flamboyant voice of the neo-KKK in suits. But those remarks are hardly the most objectionable things Yiannopoulos has said; at least he seems to have been talking in part about his own experience. What is really monstrous is the lies he told, and which he was encouraged by his boss Steve Bannon to tell, about Hillary Clinton being involved in a pedophilia ring. Steve Bannon, now sitting on our National Security Council (and perhaps in control of which of its recommendations goes to Trump), hired Yiannopoulos as an editor at his alt-NeoNazi rag, Breitbart, and helped unleash him on the United States. Bannons choice of proteges tells us everything we need to know about him and his agenda in the Trump White House. (Yiannopoulos himself has spoken about how Bannon hired and promoted him). Newsweek reminds us that last fall Milo Yiannopoulos, who lost his Twitter access earlier this year after one too many online insults against women and minorities, was on the campus of Miami University in Ohio, scheduled to talk about PIZZAGATE: The deep Dish on Liberalism and Pedophilia. Yiannopoulos pushed the fake news that Hillary Clinton, her campaign manager John Podesta, and others in her circle were involved in two scandals. One was spirit cooking or witchcraft. The other was involvement in a pedophilia ring run out of a Washington, DC, pizzeria (an establishment that has suffered reputational damage and actually was shot up by a Bannon-Trump acolyte). I dont understand why they never sued. Yiannopoulos said he was not surprised at Secretary Clintons alleged involvement in spirit cooking because he had long been aware that witchcraft and Lesbianism go together. Bannon cleverly used far rightwing narcissists like Yiannopoulos to spread around the most ridiculous and yet sinister charges against Secretary Clinton, which were apparently actually believed in the far right circles he cultivated. So it is especially ironic that, having falsely charged the Democratic Establishment with pedophilia, that Yiannopoulos himself should have been revealed to be a proponent of it. Indeed, it is hard not to conclude that his charges against Clinton were form of projection, in which he transferred his real feelings incorrectly to her. Given that Bannon hired and relentlessly promoted Yiannopoulos to spread hate speech and dark conspiracy theories, and given that his protege has been revealed to be so deeply flawed, is it really appropriate (was it ever really appropriate) to have Bannon in the White House? What kind of judge of character can we depend on Bannon to be? Shouldnt Bannon have to tell us if he ever discussed pedophilia with his close associate Yiannopoulos? Bannon should resign. Or he should be fired. - Related videos: 1. 2. Newsy: Milo Yiannopoulos wont speak at CPAC Reddit Email 0 Shares The Watchers | Each year, 2 to 16 percent of hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells spill hydrocarbons, chemical-laden water, hydraulic fracturing fluids and other substances, according to a study published yesterday in Environmental Science & Technology. The analysis, which appeared February 21 in Environmental Science & Technology, identified 6 648 spills reported across Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota and Pennsylvania during a 10-year period. This study provides important insights into the frequency, volume, and cause of spills, said Lauren Patterson, policy associate at Duke Universitys Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and the studys lead author. Researchers examined state-level spill data to characterize spills associated with unconventional oil and gas development at 31 481 wells hydraulically fractured or fracked in the four states between 2005 and 2014. State spill data holds great promise for risk identification and mitigation, Patterson said. However, reporting requirements differ across states, requiring considerable effort to make the data usable for analysis. North Dakota reported the highest spill rate, with 4 453 incidents, followed by Pennsylvania at 1 293, Colorado at 476 and New Mexico at 426. The number of spills reported is partly a reflection of the reporting requirements set by each state. For example, North Dakota required reporting smaller spills (42 gallons or more) than Colorado and New Mexico (210 gallons or more). As this form of energy production increases, state efforts to reduce spill risk could benefit from making data more uniform and accessible to better provide stakeholders with important information on where to target efforts for locating and preventing future spills, Patterson added. The results of the study exceed the 457 spills calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eight states between 2006 and 2012 because the EPAs analysis only considered the hydraulic fracturing stage, rather than the full life cycle of unconventional oil and gas production. Understanding spills at all stages of well development is important because preparing for hydraulic fracturing requires the transport of more materials to and from well sites and storage of these materials on site, Patterson said. Investigating all stages helps to shed further light on the spills that can occur at all types of wells not just unconventional ones. Fifty percent of spills identified in the Environmental Science & Technology article were related to storage and moving fluids via pipelines, although it was not always possible to determine the cause of the spill because some states explicitly required this data to be reported while others relied on narrative descriptions. Across all states, the first three years of a wells life, when drilling and hydraulic fracturing occurred and production volumes were highest, had the greatest risk of a spill. The study found that a significant portion of spills (from 26% in Colorado to 53% in North Dakota) occur at wells that experienced more than one spill, which suggests that wells where spills have already occurred merit closer attention. Analyses like this one are so important, to define and mitigate risk to water supplies and human health, said Kate Konschnik, director of the Harvard Law Schools Environmental Policy Initiative. Writing state reporting rules with these factors in mind is critical, to ensure that the right data are available and in an accessible format for industry, states and the research community. A data visualization tool of spill data contained in this study is available at http://snappartnership.net/groups/hydraulic-fracturing/webapp/spills.html DATA: The data, as reported by the states, is all publicly available and accessible. Its included in the supplemental information in the journal article and accessible at this link: https://knb.ecoinformatics.org/#view/doi:10.5063/F1TB14VK. Materials related to how the data was extracted for each state (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.est.6b05749/suppl_file/es6b05749_si_001.pdf) and a spreadsheet with calculations (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.est.6b05749/suppl_file/es6b05749_si_002.xlsx) is also available online at the same location. Source: Duke University / Nicholas Institute Reference: "Unconventional Oil and Gas Spills: Risks, Mitigation Priorities and States Reporting Requirements" L. Patterson, K. Konschnik, H. Wiseman, et. al. Environmental Science & Technology (2017) DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.05749. Featured image: Visualizing spills data from unconventional oil and gas activity. Credit: Nicholas Institute/Duke University, SNAPP Via The Watchers Reddit Email 0 Shares By Balsam Mustafa | (The Conversation) | The operation to retake Iraqs second city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State [group] (IS) has entered its crucial phase. The Iraqi army, federal police, elite counter-terrorism units, and rapid response troops are operating on the ground, bolstered by discreetly embedded US special forces. The US and Iraqi air forces, meanwhile, are carrying out strikes. The offensive approached from the south of the city and began by seizing small villages. The army first retook the town of Abu Saif and then Ghizlani military camp. The citys international airport soon followed. But the assault faces tougher challenges to come. Tens of thousands of civilians remain in western Mosul, trapped in critical humanitarian conditions. Some are reportedly being used as human shields. With very narrow streets restricting the movement of vehicles, fighting could be house-to-house. And all the while, IS will be using suicide bombers, explosives deployed via drones, and a network of tunnels. Despite the prospect of a long, tough fight, a sense of optimism is spreading. Many among the Iraqi forces and many Iraqi people now sincerely believe that the liberation of Mosul is not far away. They have good reason to be hopeful. Fears that the effort to retake eastern Mosul would end in disaster proved unfounded, and unlike in other IS-held cities such as Ramadi, the citys infrastructure survived the assault largely intact. After the area was declared free in late January, normal life began to return and schools, shops and restaurants reopened. The sense of recovery extends well beyond the city. Social media campaigns by young Iraqi activists have defied sectarian barriers and called for national unity. A campaign to donate books for the University of Mosuls central library home to valuable publications and rare manuscripts before it was destroyed by IS has drawn support from across Iraq. These are very encouraging signs. But even if Mosul is quickly and fully retaken without being part-destroyed in the process, Iraq has a steep hill to climb. The challenge ahead Iraqs political elite is seriously divided and there is uncertainty about how or whether the country can take on the massive challenges of a post-IS era. Infrastructure largely obliterated during the fight against IS must be rebuilt without this the return of displaced people to their territories cannot be granted. Political, military and social challenges all complicate the situation. A full-blown victory in Mosul will be a major turning point for Iraqs security forces and its people, but it will not make a dent in the countrys deeper problems. The biggest challenges are nationwide not just in the liberated areas. Establishing real security means not just holding territory, but rebuilding trust between Baghdad, provincial authorities and local communities. As things stand, poor security and law enforcement have left dangerous vacuums across the country which are filled variously by militias and tribal legal systems. The priority should be to establish an independent national military institution, representative of all Iraqis and able to enforce the law. But Iraq is still busy dealing with the legacy of the US-led invasion of 2003 and the ensuing reconstruction of the national system, which bequeathed a dysfunctional electoral system and a sometimes barely functional national army. The main obstacle to clearing up the mess is the multi-level corruption installed by the post-invasion political elite. The countrys leaders have successfully enriched themselves, but theyve failed to come up with a clear vision of what the Iraqi people need and how to give it to them and theyve also failed to stand up against regional and international interventions. This venality and incompetence has come at a heavy price many Iraqis have died or lost loved ones, and millions more endure various kinds of hardship and suffering to this day. The liberation of Mosul could be a turning point, but the opportunity must be seized by Iraqis themselves, not least intellectuals, academics, and influential groups and individuals in civil society. They must unite to force meaningful change at the very top of all Iraqs beleaguered institutions, whether political, military, economic, judicial or educational. Social media campaigns and shows of solidarity during hard times are a good start, but its time for more concrete action. After all, IS is but one symptom of a prolonged political and civic failure. If the fundamental pathology is not treated, Iraq will remain stuck in its cycle of corruption, oppression, division and conflict. Balsam Mustafa, PhD Candidate in Modern Languages & Politics, University of Birmingham This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Related video added by Juan Cole: France24: Iraq: Army forces push deeper into west Mosul Reddit Email 267 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | It is alleged that Adam W. Purinton, a regular at a bar and grill, went up to two Indian-American patrons on Wednesday night in Olathe, Kansas and screamed racial slurs at them. He was asked to leave by the bartender, but 15 minutes later came back, shouted get out of my country! and shot them. One victim, Srinivas Kuchibhotla, died of his injuries in a Kansas City hospital. He is said to have left behind a wife who is five months pregnant. The other intended victim, 32-year-old Alok Madasani of Overland Park, is wounded and in hospital. It is speculated that Purinton, who had served in the Navy and worked in internet technology, thought that the men were Middle Eastern Muslims rather than Indian Hindus. Also shot and wounded in the hand, chest and neck is 24-year-old Ian Grillot, who just happened to be at the bar and grill, and who tried to stop Purinton as he fled. Grillot, from his hospital bed, told the story of how he was under a table and counted out nine shots then pursued the alleged assailant. But apparently he miscounted, and the gunman still had a shot to get off. Grillot said: Its not about where he [victim] was from or his ethnicity. Were all humans, so I just did what was right to do. Grillots injury is a badge of honor and courage, and he should be saluted by all right-thinking people. But it is a dark parable. White terrorism against people the white supremacists code as non-white or foreign will also victimize white people. Purinton was picked up at another bar 80 miles away from the scene of the crime, where he allegedly confessed to having shot two Middle Eastern men. That kind of stupidity is an active danger to the survival of our species. Remember, the shooter had been told by Trump-Bannon that Muslims hate America and should be excluded from the US. Kuchibhotla was a star software engineer originally from Hyderabad, India (his wife is also from there). He had degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad and from the University of Texas. His co-workers say he was the nicest person. His bereaved wife and his family are trying to raise money to send his body back to India for his funeral. He and Madasani worked at Garmin International. The White House sets a tone in a country. Trumps assertion that Islam hates us and his project of a Muslim ban sent a signal permitting hate crimes to the millions of unbalanced people in the US into whose hands the National Rifle Association has insisted on putting firearms. But ironically, Trump would approve of Kuchibhotla. As Willa Frej tells the story, then Steve Bannon had a radio show on Sirius XM in 2015, he had Donald Trump on as a guest and complained about all the foreigners in the US. Trump pushed back, saying that a lot of bright people come to America and get Ivy League degrees, and we should try to keep them. Bannon told Trump, When two-thirds or three-quarters of the CEOs in Silicon Valley are from South Asia or from Asia, I think A country is more than an economy. Were a civic society. Needless to say, Bannons facts are fake. Asian-Americans actually account for 14 percent of CEOs in Silicon Valley. And, as we social scientists use the phrase civil society (non-governmental public organizations), there is no reason to exclude Asian-Americans. That is, there is no analytical reason, assuming youre not, like, a racist bigot. Bannon speaks of a civilizational war with Muslims and through the executive orders he crafter for Tump he has laid the ground work for blood in the streets. Bannon is not fit to shine the shoes of any of the three victims here, who actually contribute positively to our country rather than trying to Nazify it. Two of my uncles fought the Nazis. I mind anyone trying to import racist thuggery into this country. Theres no difference between publishing a rag like Breitbart and going out to Arlington cemetery and spitting on the graves every day. - Related video: KCTV5 News: Witnesses say Olathe bar shooting may have racial overtones Reddit Email 0 Shares By Brian Whitaker | ( Al-Bab.com ) When it comes to reporting the conflict in Yemen, Fox News is exceptionally bad. Fox has been fooling its viewers for years but now, with Donald Trump installed in the White House, the problem is becoming a more serious. Trump is a devotee of Fox News: it tells him what he wants to hear about Iranian influence in Yemen, among other things and he seems to trust it more than he trusts Americas intelligence agencies. To make matters worse, though, Trump appears to be watching Fox News without giving it his full attention, presumably because he also has his Twitter feed and presidential business to attend to. As we saw from his reference to an incident in Sweden last week an imaginary event which he claimed to have heard about on Fox News he has a tendency to pick up garbled versions of what Fox actually broadcasts. There was a similar Fox-inspired incident earlier this month involving Iran or, to be more accurate, not involving Iran. On 2 February, White House spokesman Sean Spicer wrongly asserted that Iran had attacked an American warship. Spicer told reporters Irans additional hostile action that it took against our Navy vessel (along with a recent Iranian missile test) was one of the reasons why the US was putting Iran on notice. The American warship in question was actually Saudi. It had been attacked in the Red Sea at the end of January by Houthi fighters from Yemen who as Fox constantly reminds its viewers are Iranian-backed. The mistaken idea that the ship was American appears to have come from a Fox News report claiming the attack might have been meant for an American warship. There was no credible evidence to support this claim but Fox was happy to report it on the basis of quotes from anonymous Pentagon officials even though the Houthis had been claiming all along that the ship was Saudi and identified it correctly as a frigate named al-Madinah which had been taking part in a naval blockade along the Houthi-controlled portion of Yemens coastline. Nevertheless, suggesting that the intended target was American helped to raise fears about Iran and allowed Foxs presenter to tell viewers it could have ominous implications for the US military. Fox is always ready to sound alarm bells about Iran on the slenderest of pretexts. Last October, for instance, it got excited about the supposed threat to the US Navy posed by a single 48-year-old Iranian frigate and its supply ship which sailed harmlessly past Yemen to southern Africa, as Iran had said it would do. While Obama was president propaganda of this kind didnt have much influence on American policy but it now has a receptive audience in the White House. The danger is that if Trump becomes mired in domestic political conflicts, as seems very likely, he may view confrontation with Iran as a way of rallying Americans around him. Fox, of course, isnt the only source of the scaremongering but it is one of the more extreme examples. In large sections of the media Irans deep involvement in Yemen is taken for granted: it is assumed to be so obvious that there is no need to consider or even provide any evidence. This is reminiscent of the run-up to the 2003 war in Iraq when it became almost heretical to question whether Saddam Hussein really had weapons of mass destruction. This isnt to suggest that Iran has no role in Yemen at all but its important not to exaggerate. The Houthis certainly have some religious affinity with Iran and nobody least of all, the Iranians would deny that Iran has given them encouragement. But while describing the Houthis as Iranian-backed is factually correct its liable to be be misleading unless qualified with further explanation. And while it suits Saudi Arabias purposes to characterise the Yemen conflict as a proxy war with Iran, local factors inside Yemen are actually far more relevant. There is a very noticeable contrast between the sort of Yemen coverage provided by Fox News and discussions among people who follow Yemen closely for professional or academic reasons and have no particular axe to grind. I have attended plenty of discussions of the latter kind since the conflict began and the Iranian angle is rarely given much significance. On one occasion it was 40 minutes before anyone even uttered the word Iran. One possible explanation for this is that the country with the longest, most extensive and most negative history of interference in Yemeni affairs is not Iran but Saudi Arabia. Its meddling over the years far outstrips anything done by Iran. As for what Iran is actually doing to support the Houthis, available evidence suggests its not very much though this may be due more to the practical difficulties involved than a lack of inclination. A key question here is whether, or to what extent, Iran might be arming the Houthis (and supporters of ex-President Saleh who are allied with them). A recent UN report by a panel of experts looked at this in detail and concluded that if Iran is providing weapons it is unlikely to be doing so on a large scale. The report said: The panel has not seen sufficient evidence to confirm any direct large-scale supply of arms from the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, although there are indicators that anti-tank guided weapons being supplied to the Houthi or Saleh forces are of Iranian manufacture. One factor here is that the Houthi-Saleh forces may not have had much need (so far) to import weapons from abroad because they already have access to a large part of Yemens national stockpile. The report noted: The data indicate that the legitimate [Saudi-backed] government has potentially lost control of more than 68 per cent of the national stockpile during the conflict. The panel has been unable to determine the size of the national stockpile before the current hostilities, and thus it is not yet possible to realistically estimate for how long the weapons and ammunition will sustain Houthi or Saleh forces in combat until they need major external resupply. On the question of external supplies, the report considered various ways arms might be smuggled into Yemen from Iran. It discounted the possibility of delivery by air (since the Saudi coalition controls the skies) and identified three possible maritime supply routes. However, these are fraught with difficulties and are probably only suitable for small-scale arms trafficking, as the report explained: 1. Coastal dhows to Houthi-Saleh-controlled ports on the west coast of Yemen UN report: Coastal dhows, if en route to Houthi-Saleh-controlled ports on the west coast of Yemen, even if routed via a transit point in Djibouti or Somalia, must pass from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea through the busy Bab al-Mandab strait, which is 28 km wide. This is well patrolled by the Combined Maritime Forces, the United States Navy Fifth Fleet and the Royal Saudi Navy. If sent in very small consignments on coastal dhows, it is probable that some shipments would arrive, but many would inevitably be interdicted by naval patrols. The panel has seen no evidence of any maritime seizures to date on this route, which strongly suggests that it is not being actively exploited. 2. Coastal dhows to Omani transit ports UN report: There are only two small Omani ports to the west of Salalah, Dhofar governorate, with road access to the border with Yemen that would be suitable for the offloading of arms. Ship-to-shore transfers across Omani beaches in Dhofar are also possible. The subsequent requirement for vehicles to then transit through the most likely border crossing point at Sarfayt/Hawf carries a higher risk of interdiction by border guards than if ship-to-shore transfers were made directly across a Yemeni beach. Recent land seizures indicate that this route may be in use for small-scale shipments. 3. Coastal dhows to south-eastern ports or beaches in Yemen UN report: The only suitable port for the direct offloading of weapons in south-eastern Yemen would be Nishtun, but this is under the control of government forces, meaning that its use would imply a level of corruption on the part of officials. The alternative to offloading weapons at Yemeni ports is, however, to operate a covert ship-to-shore transfer from coastal dhows or small boats across the known smugglers beaches at Ghaydah, Haswayn and Qishn. Recent land seizures indicate that this route is also probably in use for small-scale shipments. Whether weapons are smuggled across the border from Oman or landed on Yemens southern coast, the hazards of transporting them overland to the Houthis through hostile territory are considerable. The UN report commented: The land routes from the border crossing points with Dhofar, Oman, to the nearest Houthi-controlled territory, or from south-eastern Yemeni ports, pass through more than 600 km of government-controlled territory. The probability of large-scale shipments being able to successively use this route without detection is low, but it is possible. The route is being exploited, as indicated by recent seizures by the government. These were all from large trucks and either hidden under other cargo, for example chicken boxes, or were in false compartments of the trailer units Although anti-tank guided weapons are now being smuggled on the land routes, the panel assesses it as unlikely that the network using these routes could covertly transfer any significant quantities of larger-calibre weapon systems, such as short-range ballistic missiles, into Yemen at the current time. An anti-tank guided weapon is less than 1 m in length and easily hidden in a large truck, while a short-range ballistic missile of 7m in length is much more difficult to conceal. Seizures at sea: a question of destination During 2015 and 2016 there were only four confirmed seizures of weapons in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. All four vessels had sailed from Iran but theres no real evidence that Yemen was their destination. The UN report suggests they are more likely to have been heading for Somalia: 24 September 2015: Fishing vessel Nasir intercepted by Australian frigate HMAS Melbourne. UN report: The FV Nasir, which departed from Chabahar in the Islamic Republic of Iran, was seized at a position on the most direct and economical track to Hurdiyo, Somalia. This was the destination plotted [and] recovered as evidence by HMAS Melbourne. Mobile and satellite phones were also inspected during the seizure operation and subsequent traffic analysis from data provided by a [UN] member state provided further evidence that the originator was based in the Islamic Republic of Iran and that Somalia was the destination for the shipment The master of the FV Nasir was also in contact with known arms dealers with links to a former pirate, Isse Mohamoud Yusuf (Yullux), and the leader of the ISIL faction in Somalia, Abdulqadir Mumin. 27 February 2016: Fishing vessel Samer intercepted by Australian frigate HMAS Darwin. UN report: The FV Samer was seized at a position 130 nautical miles south-east of the most direct and economical track from Chabahar, Islamic Republic of Iran, to Boosaaso, Somalia, this being the destination port assessed as likely by HMAS Darwin. This position is further away from the Yemeni coast than the most direct and economical track and suggests that a more likely direct destination was the eastern smuggling ports of Somalia than Boosaaso. 20 March 2016: Unknown fishing vessel intercepted by French destroyer FS Provence. UN report: The unknown fishing vessel was seized by the FS Provence at a point on the most direct and economical track from Chabahar, Islamic Republic of Iran, to its declared destination of Qandala, Somalia. 28 March 2016: Fishing vessel Adris intercepted by American patrol ship USS Sirocco. The interception by USS Sirocco was announced in a press release by the American Fifth Fleet and reported in the media but despite two requests from the UN experts, the US has still not disclosed the location of the seizure or provided evidence to support its claim that the shipment was likely bound for Houthi insurgents in Yemen. This is not the only instance where countries engaged in the struggle against arms smuggling have been less than forthcoming with information for the UN panel. Regarding seizures on the overland routes, for example, the report notes: The panel has requested detailed information on seizures from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen [i.e. the Hadi government]. Only the United Arab Emirates has responded to date. Nor have the Saudis been eager to elaborate on reports of a possible fifth seizure of weapons at sea in 2016: Media reports claimed that two small dhows had been captured by the coalition led by Saudi Arabia off the coast of Salif, with conflicting reports stating that they had been destroyed by air strikes. Saudi Arabia has not responded to the panels requests for more details on the reported incident or incidents. It does seem a bit odd that governments which readily accuse Iran of arming the Houthis are not more enthusiastic about providing credible evidence. But perhaps they assume the public is already persuaded and needs no more convincing and they could be right about that. Reddit Email 18 Shares By: Ramzy Baroud | (Maan News Agency) | 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 Feb. 15. The visit was scheduled immediately after Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, and is considered the Trump presidencys answer to what Israel wrongly perceives as a hostile US administration under former President Barack Obama. However, Obama has granted Israel $38 billion over the course of ten years, estimated to be the most generous aid package in US history. He has supported all Israeli wars against Palestinians throughout 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 Israels army of right-wing, ultranationalists and religious zealots have been calling for. But this appears beyond the mans control, no matter how hard he tries. Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. Im very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one, Trump said in answer to a journalists 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 Irans 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 countrys 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: Israel has been treated very, very badly by the US, and he has a really great peace deal in store. On the contrary, Palestinians have been treated very, very badly by the US, the most generous supporter of Israel. Israel has used mostly American weapons in its wars against Palestinians and other Arab nations, with thousands of Palestinians losing their lives because of this blind American patronage. As for his really great peace deal, Trump has nothing. Really great seems to be his answer to everything, to the point that his words are becoming ineffectual cliches, suitable for Twitter jokes and comedy. Furthermore, Netanyahu, urged on by to quote former Secretary of State John Kerry the most right-wing coalition in Israeli history, wants the US to unconditionally support Israel as the latter is finalizing its future vision. Now, it seems that Israel is concluding that territorial quest. The Regularization Law passed recently in Israels parliament the Knesset will retroactively validate all Israeli illegal settlers claims over Palestinian land. Top Israel officials now openly speak of annexation of the West Bank, using language that was formerly reserved for Jewish extremists. Israels president believes annexation is the answer. I, Rubi Rivlin, believe that Zion is entirely ours. I believe the sovereignty of the State of Israel must be in all the blocs, Rivlin said, emphasizing that he was referring to the entire West Bank, as quoted by the Times of Israel. The consensus among Israels ruling class is that a Palestinian state should never be established. Trump, although incoherent, granted them just that. So what does Netanyahu want? We know he does not want a Palestinian state and plans to annex all Jewish colonies, while continuing to expand over stolen Palestinian land. He wants Palestinians to exist, but without political will of their own, without sovereignty, forced to accept that Israel is a Jewish state (thus signing off on their historic right to their own land); to remain subdued, passive, disarmed, dehumanized. Netanyahus end game is Apartheid, racist segregation where one party, Israeli Jews, dominates and exploits the other Palestinian Arabs: Muslims and Christians. But human dignity is not open for negotiation, no matter how a good negotiator Netanyahu is according to Trumps assertion. Palestinians have resisted Israel for nearly seventy years because they challenge their servitude. They will continue to resist. Israel has the military means to punish Palestinians for their resistance, to push them behind military checkpoints and trap them behind walls. Yet, it is not a matter of firepower, and no wall can be high enough to stymie the echoes of oppressed people striving for freedom, human rights, equality and solidarity. Netanyahu must feel triumphant because of Trumps assuring words. The Israeli leader wants any victory, however illusive, to buy time and the allegiance of his camp of extremists, especially now that he is being investigated for fraud and is likely to be indicted. He may even initiate a war against Gaza to create further distraction, and will readily spin facts so that his country is presented as a victim, to test American support and to downgrade Hamas and other Palestinian groups defenses. However, none of this will change the reality that Netanyahu has unwisely constructed. His vision for Israel is the perpetual subjugation of Palestinians through a system of racial discrimination that will continue until the world unravels the lies and the propaganda. Having Trump by his side, Netanyahu will work diligently to perfect the Palestinian prison in the name of Israels security. Palestinians must now respond, without the irrelevant rhetoric of a two-state solution, but with a unified universal message to the rest of the world: expecting in fact, demanding freedom, equality, and full rights in a society that is not predicated on racial order, but on equal citizenship. Israel has laid out its dark vision. Palestinians must present the antithesis to that destructive vision: a road map towards justice, equality, and peace for all. Ramzy Baroud is an internationally-syndicated columnist, author, and the founder of PalestineChronicle.com. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gazas Untold Story. Via Maan News Agency The views expressed in this article are the authors and do not necessarily reflect Maan News Agencys or Informed Comments editorial policy. Reddit Email 217 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Mahershala Ali, 43, last night won an Oscar for best supporting actor, in Moonlight . The film treats themes of sexual repression, gayness, and the plague of drug dealing and addiction. Moonlight, of course, also won Best Picture, after a historic error in which the winner was initially incorrectly announced as Lalaland. Ali has been an important figure in American popular culture, having most recently played Cottonmouth Stokes in Luke Cage (part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, streaming on Netflix) and having appeared as Boggs in The Hunger Games films and as Remy Danton in House of Cards. Ali was born Eric Gilmore in Oakland, CA. His mother, Willicia, who raised him in Cleveland, OH, at some point became an ordained Christian minister. He gained another name, Mahershalalhashbaz, from Isaiah 8:3. This is the symbolic name that God ordained that the prophet Isaiah give to his second son, meaning quickly seize the spoils, quickly seize the spoils. God was thereby warning that within months of the childs birth, the Neo-Assyrian Empire would take Damascus and Samaria. This is the single longest name in the Bible and around 2010 he shortened it. Ironically, many Americans will assume that it is an Arabic Muslim name because it is exotic-sounding, but it is not. It is biblical and Hebrew. In 2000, when he was in his mid-twenties, Gilmore converted to the Ahmadiyya branch of Islam and took the last name Ali (a reference to the first cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad). The late jazz legend Yusef Lateef was also an Ahmadi, a group that began in India and Pakistan and which many Sunni and Shiite Muslims do not recognize as Muslims. But since Ahmadis see themselves as Muslims, that is the way I shall speak of them. Ali is the first Muslim to win an Oscar since the Academy Awards began in 1929. Ali had earlier won a Screen Actors Guild Award as best supporting actor for his role of Juan in Moonlight. In his acceptance speech, he subtly referred to the pressure the Trump administration is putting on American Muslims: I think what I have learned from working on Moonlight, you see what happens in persecution. What I was so grateful about and having the opportunity was playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the persecution of his community, and taking that opportunity to uplift him and tell him he mattered, that he was OK. And accept him. I hope that we do a better job of that. We kind of get caught up in the minutiae and the details that make us all different. I think theres two ways of seeing that. Theres an opportunity to see the texture of that person, the characteristics that make them unique, and then theres the opportunity to go to war about it. And to say that that person is different than me and I dont like you, so lets battle. My mother is an ordained minister. Im a Muslim. She didnt do backflips when I called her to tell her I converted 17 years ago. You put things to the side, and Im able to see her and shes able to see me. We love each other. The love has grown. And that stuff is minutiae. Its not that important. SAG Awards: Mahershala Ali Acceptance Speech | 23rd SAG Awards In this speech, interestingly enough, Ali used the stigma still all too often associated with gayness as a proxy for the stigma attached in the US to being Muslim in the era of Trump, and pointed to his own multi-religious family as a model for multi-religious America. As for the question I ask in the title of this essay, you will object that Trumps Muslim ban only affects non-US citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. But as it was implemented by apparently fanatical ICE agents, the ban also had an impact on US citizens, as President Bannon almost certainly intended that it should. Muhammad Ali Jr., the son of the late renowned boxer, was allegedly illegally detained at the Ft. Lauderdale airport by ICE agents for several hours after he spoke in Jamaica for Black History Month. You cant make this stuff up. Chris Mancini, Muhammad Ali Jr.s attorney, asserted that his client was kept at the airport for almost two hours and that agents asked him over and over again, Where did you get your name from? and Are you Muslim? After he affirmed that he is a Muslim, the officials continued to interrogate him about his religion and his place of birth (Philadelphia). He is a US citizen by birth and holds an American passport. If white people in America didnt want African-American Muslims here, they shouldnt have kidnapped millions of Africans, some 20% of them Muslims, and brought them here as slaves. So the answer is that Muslim-ness is being othered by the Trump cronies, and American Muslims are being coded as somehow foreign even though persons of Muslim heritage have been in North America for hundreds of years (long before the Drumpfs got here in the 1880s). And, yes, it is entirely possible that Mahershala Ali could be treated as Muhammad Ali, Jr., was. Although Mahershala Ali is the first Muslim actor actually to win an academy award, prominent Muslims have long associated with Hollywood and have won Golden Globes and other awards. Omar Sharif, an Egyptian of Christian Syrian heritage who converted to Islam, was nominated for an Academy Award as supporting actor in David Leans 1962 Lawrence of Arabia. He was also celebrated for his roles in Dr. Zhivago and Funny Girl. I pointed out that he was never forced to play a terrorist. IMDB has a listing of younger Muslim talent in Hollywood, who are already making their mark. The five directors nominated for best foreign film, one of them an Iranian, issued a joint statement in protest of the Trump Muslim ban, saying, We believe there is no best country, best gender, best religion or best color. . . And, as noted, Mahershala Ali spoke of the great opportunity of playing an individual who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the persecution of his community, and taking that opportunity to uplift him and tell him he mattered, that he was OK. And accept him. He said, I hope that we do a better job of that. Me too. Reddit Email 95 Shares IMEMC | Israeli authorities have denied Human Rights Watchs application for a work permit for its Israel and Palestine director, on the grounds that it is not a real human rights group, the organization said, according to Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. In its February 20, 2017 letter denying a work permit for Omar Shakir, the Interior Ministry cited an opinion received from the Foreign Ministry that Human Rights Watchs public activities and reports have engaged in politics in the service of Palestinian propaganda, while falsely raising the banner of human rights. The denial comes as the authorities seek to limit the space for local and international human rights groups to operate in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This decision and the spurious rationale should worry anyone concerned about Israels commitment to basic democratic values, said Iain Levine, deputy executive director of program at Human Rights Watch. It is disappointing that the Israeli government seems unable or unwilling to distinguish between justified criticisms of its actions and hostile political propaganda. Human Rights Watch said that the decision was particularly surprising given that the organization regularly meets and corresponds with Israeli government officials, including representatives of the military, the police, and the Foreign Ministry. Last year, the Foreign Ministry asked Human Rights Watch to intervene in a case involving Israeli victims of human rights abuses. The decision marks an ominous turn after nearly three decades during which Human Rights Watch staff have had regular access without impediments to Israel and the West Bank. Israel, though, has refused Human Rights Watch access to Gaza since 2010, except for one visit in 2016. Israels denial of a work permit to Human Rights Watch comes amid increasing pressure on human rights defenders operating in Israel and Palestine. A law passed by the Knesset in July 2016 targets human right groups, imposing onerous reporting requirements that burden their advocacy. Israeli officials have directly accused Israeli advocacy groups of slander and discrediting the state or army. Palestinian rights defenders have received anonymous death threats and have been subject to travel restrictions, and even arrests and criminal charges. The characterization of Human Rights Watch promoting Palestinian propaganda does not square with the research and advocacy that the organization conducts to challenge violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by all actors in the region, including the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government in Gaza. Last year, in addition to criticizing violations by the Israeli government, Human Rights Watch reported on arbitrary detention of journalists and activists by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, an extrajudicial execution carried out by Hamass military wing, a Jerusalem bus bombing by an apparent member of Hamas, and executions by Hamas authorities in Gaza. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international, nongovernmental organization that promotes respect for human rights and international law. It monitors rights violations in more than 90 countries across the world. Human Rights Watch in 1997 shared in the Nobel Peace Prize as a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. To accomplish its mission, Human Rights Watch relies on rigorous research from professional researchers on the ground and regular engagement with government officials, as well as others with first-hand information. Human Rights Watch works on all 19 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. In the last year, Human Rights Watch documented ISIS abuses including sexual violence, rape, and torture, chemical weapons attacks by Syrian government forces in Aleppo, Saudi Arabias male guardianship system, torture in Egypt, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen that killed civilians, and executions in Iran, among many other issues. The Israeli media often covers these reports. Human Rights Watch maintains direct access to the vast majority of countries it reports on. Cuba, North Korea, Sudan, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela are among the few countries that have blocked access for Human Rights Watch staff members. By contrast, Human Rights Watch maintains staff who work legally in its registered offices in some 24 countries around the world, including Lebanon, Jordan, and Tunisia. Human Rights Watch applied to the Population and Immigration Authority, within Israels Ministry of Interior, on July 14, 2016, for a work permit on behalf of Shakir, a United States citizen. While Interior Ministry regulations provide that a decision should be provided within 60 days, Human Rights Watch did not receive a reply until February 20, 2017. Human Rights Watch has retained counsel and intends to challenge the decision before an Israeli district court. The Israeli government is hardly the only one to disagree with our well-researched findings, but efforts to stifle the messenger signal that it has no appetite for serious scrutiny of its human rights record, Levine said. We hope the Israeli authorities will reverse this decision and allow both international and domestic human rights groups to work freely. For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Israel/Palestine, please visit: https://www.hrw.org/middle-east/n-africa/israel/palestine Via IMEMC Related video added by Juan Cole: TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 2, 2017) - Plateau Uranium Inc. ("Plateau Uranium" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:PLU)(FRANKFURT:QG1) is pleased to announce new metallurgical test work results from its Macusani Plateau uranium project in Peru. The work was completed by TECMMINE, a Peruvian metallurgical consulting company based in Lima, Peru, and was reviewed by Grenvil Dunn of Hydromet (Pty) Ltd. ("Hydromet"). The test work forms part of the Company's efforts to unlock value from the significant lithium resources contained within its uranium deposits. The Company is continuing additional test work on uranium, lithium and other associated metals with the intention of further optimizing the process and establishing potential capital and operating costs for producing uranium and lithium from the Macusani deposits. Highlights The new leach test work commenced in August 2016 with samples typical of Macusani uranium mineralization from all uranium deposits considered in the Company's PEA (U-Li-rich) as well as Li-rich/U-poor samples. Regardless of initial uranium concentration, consistent lithium recoveries of 61 to 73% were achieved into leach solutions at temperatures between 65 to 85C using various concentrations of sulphuric acid. Uranium recoveries of 98-99% were achieved for Macusani uranium mineralization along with the excellent lithium recoveries of up to 73%. The extensive test work has streamlined the Company's understanding of the process, resulting in a simple, straightforward crush-grind with a warm sulfuric acid leaching process. Additional work is planned in Peru and will be followed up with further leaching and precipitation work at international processing experts, SGS Laboratories, in Australia. A representative 300 kg bulk sample of Macusani uranium-mineralization has been shipped and is already in Australia at SGS. The outcome of this work will establish potential capital and operating costs to produce lithium as a by-product, and will subsequently determine its potential positive impact to the Macusani project. Ted O'Connor, CEO of Plateau Uranium commented: "These results are extremely positive with excellent uranium and lithium recoveries from the Macusani mineralization. The low temperature and simple reaction process employed indicates that atmospheric leaching is appropriate, reducing potentially excessive Capital and Operating costs associated with pressure leaching. This represents an excellent opportunity to add value to our already strong uranium project economics. The next phase of test work will be focused on establishing more detail on the CAPEX and OPEX numbers to quantify the potential value-added impact of uranium and lithium co-production." Details The new leach test work commenced in August 2016 using lithium-rich samples with background uranium and uranium-lithium-rich samples from the Macusani deposit mineralization. The lithium content ranges from 640 to 806 ppm Li in all samples. The uranium content ranges from background levels (7ppm U) in the U-poor samples to 568-629 ppm U in the mineralized samples from the various uranium deposits. Several parameters were varied during the leach tests, including: crushing grind size; acid concentration; leach time and temperature. Leaching was undertaken at atmospheric pressure in stirred tank reactors employing sulfuric acid as the lixiviant. Additionally, initial scoping test work employed roasting, calcining and acid-curing. The tests covered temperatures ranging from 50C to 550C. Although very high temperatures above 180C usually guarantee high Lithium recoveries of up to 87% in earlier test work, the objective of this most recent work was to reach potentially economic lithium recoveries at leaching temperatures below the water boiling point. The initial scoping test work employing more aggressive conditions did not confirm any significant benefit over the more moderate temperature and atmospheric pressure tank leach processes. In all, over 150 separate leach test runs have been completed in Peru over the past several months. The conclusions of this phase of test work have resulted in a very simple, straightforward flow sheet without the aggressive processing conditions normally associated with the recovery of lithium from ores. Consistent lithium recoveries of 61 to 73% were reported from all samples employing a sulfuric acid leach at a variety of acid concentrations and at temperatures of 65 to 85C. Samples from the Macusani uranium deposits displayed consistent uranium recoveries of 98-99% across all temperatures. Sulfuric acid consumption in the leach varied from 50-140 kg acid/tonne of material processed and was sufficient to simultaneously extract both uranium and lithium. Higher acid consumptions were related to finer grind sizes, and coarser grind sizes had much lower acid consumptions with identical lithium and uranium recoveries, thus giving upside to the potential project economics. The current, and planned test program is examining the grind versus recovery trade off with encouraging results. Apart from lithium and uranium other elements were also leached during the tests, mainly potassium, rubidium and cesium. These will also be evaluated further in the additional leaching-precipitation work planned. Qualified Persons Mr. Grenvill Dunn, Pr Eng (RSA), C Eng (UK), FIChE, MSAIMM, MSAIChE of Hydromet Pty Ltd, a consultant to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this release. About Hydromet Pty Ltd Hydromet Pty Limited is an international consulting company for the metals and mining industry. The company is based in South Africa and was established in 2000 by its director Grenvil Dunn. Mr Dunn is a Chemical Engineer with over 45 years of experience, particularly in mineral processing, flow sheet design and development with direct experience in uranium and lithium. About Plateau Uranium Plateau Uranium Inc. is a Canadian uranium exploration and development company focused on its properties on the Macusani Plateau in southeastern Peru. The Company controls all reported uranium resources known in Peru, significant and growing lithium resources and mineral concessions covering over 91,000 hectares (910 km2) situated near significant infrastructure. Plateau Uranium is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'PLU' and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 'QG1'. The Company has 58,043,354shares issued and outstanding. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 2, 2017) - INV Metals Inc. ("INV Metals" or the "Company") (TSX:INV) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced public offering with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Clarus Securities Inc. and including Paradigm Capital Inc., BMO Capital Markets, Eight Capital, National Bank Financial Inc., PI Financial Corp. and Raymond James Ltd. (collectively, the "Underwriters"), pursuant to which the Company issued 27,600,000 common shares ("Shares") of the Company at a price of $1.00 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $27.6 million (the "Offering"). The Offering included the exercise in full by the Underwriters of the over-allotment option for an additional 3,600,000 Shares. IAMGOLD Corporation, which owned 35.6% of the outstanding common shares of the Company prior to the Offering, exercised its pre-emptive right to maintain its pro rata ownership. In addition, certain insiders of the Company have purchased 5,577,911 Shares, representing approximately 20% of the Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to advance the development of the Loma Larga project, including the initiation of a feasibility study, exploration at the Company's Loma Larga project and other exploration properties within Ecuador, and for general corporate purposes. These securities offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. The common shares will not be and have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. About INV Metals INV Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of base and precious metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INV Metals' primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold property in Ecuador; (2) its 35% interest in the Kaoko property, located in Namibia; and (3) its 100% interests in exploration concessions in Ecuador, including the Las Penas, Tierras Coloradas and La Rebuscada exploration projects. Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Canarc Resource Corp. (Company or Canarc) (TSX: CCM, OTC-BB: CRCUF, Frankfurt: CAN) announces that it has executed a binding letter of agreement (the Agreement) with American Innovative Minerals LLC. (AIM), a private company that owns 10 gold properties in Nevada, one gold project in Idaho, two royalty interests on other properties as well as data on 500 Nevada exploration properties and an additional 100 exploration properties in Montana and the western USA, whereby Canarc will acquire 100% of AIM for a total purchase price of USD$2 million. A conference call to discuss this acquisition will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST (1.00 EST). To participate in the conference call, please dial the following: Vancouver: +1-604-638-5345 Toronto/International: +1-416-915-3227 Canada/USA Bilingual TF: 1-800-319-7310 Callers should dial in 5 10 min prior to the scheduled start time and simply ask to join the Canarc call. Conference Call Passcode When prompted, please enter: 35755 The Agreement Under the terms of the Agreement, Canarc will pay a total of US$2 million cash for 100% of AIMs outstanding securities, or alternatively, at Canarcs election, a 100% direct interest in AIMs assets (the Acquisition). Canarc paid AIM a deposit of US$200,000 on signing of the Agreement, which will be credited against the purchase price on closing of the Acquisition. The closing of the Acquisition is estimated to be completed on or before March 31, 2017. Mr. Catalin Chiloflischi, CEO of Canarc, stated: The acquisition of this attractive portfolio of gold exploration properties in Nevada with historic gold resources and significant exploration potential at a low acquisition cost substantially enhances Canarcs potential for new discoveries and resource expansions in the prolific and mining friendly jurisdiction of Nevada. Properties Two of the properties, Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock, contain historic gold resource estimates. Fondaway Canyon is an advanced stage gold property located in the Churchill County, Nevada. The land package contains 136 unpatented lode claims. The property has a history of previous surface exploration and mining in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Historic exploration at the Fondaway Canyon property established an indicated resources of 409,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 6.18 g/t gold and Inferred resources of 660,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 6.4 g/t gold, using a cut-off grade of 3.43 g/t gold. This resource is an historic estimate and a qualified person for Canarc has not done sufficient work to classify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource. As a result the historic estimate is not being treated as a current mineral resource. Details of the historic gold resource can be found in the December 20, 2016 news release issued by Aorere Resources a New Zealand Exchange listed company. The Fondaway Canyon mineralization is contained in a series of 12 steeply dipping en-echelon quartz- sulphide shears outcropping at surface and extending laterally over 1200m, with drill-proven depth extensions to > 400m. Additional exploration targets include near-surface oxide gold along favorable structural and host rock targets and deeper extensions of the sulphide zones. Dixie Comstock, also located in the Churchill County, Nevada, consists of 26 unpatented lode claims. It also has evidence of some historic mining but no records of production are available. A historic 1991 geologic and mining study completed by Mine Development Associates of Reno, Nevada, in March 1991 estimated a historic mineable open pit deposit containing 102,000 ounces of gold from 980,000 tonnes grading 3.24 g/t Au at a cut-off grade of 0.34 g/t Au. This resource is a historic estimate and a qualified person for Canarc has not done sufficient work to classify the historic estimate as a current mineral resource. As a result the historic estimate is not being treated as a current mineral resource. Clear Trunk property is located in Pershing and Humboldt Counties, Nevada on 4500 acres of fee mineral and unpatented claims in the Sonoma Range, south of Winnemucca. The property contains a small discovery of a sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposit from 40 drill holes. Intercepts included: Hole CLO4-5 = 26m at 0.38 g/t Au and 81m at 0.45g/t Au, Hole CLO4 -16 = 119m at 0.34 g/t Au, Hole CLO4-19 = 29m at 1.06 g/t Au and 11m at 1.13 g/t Au. Identified exploration target include breccia pipes and quartz stockwork with untested gold anomalies and untested soil gold anomaly overlying intrusive host rock. Bull Run property is located in Elko County, Nevada on two large patented claim groups of 500 acres near Jerritt Canyon. Historic mining at the Bull Run mine developed 1 to 2 m wide quartz veins with 17 g/t Au before it closed in 1901. A large quartz silver-gold vein system has been identified over a mile in length, 12 m wide, with silver grades from surface samples up to 685 g/t and up to 5.1 g/t gold. Future exploration work has the potential for new gold and silver bonanza-grade discoveries. Hot Springs Point property is located in Eureka County, Nevada on 160 acres of fee land on north end of the prolific Cortez Trend. Klondex Mining claims surround the project on three sides. The property contains mafic dikes and sills with gold up to 3.4 g/t. Three shallow holes at north end of the property intercepted up to 1 g/t Au. Jarbidge property is located in Elko County, Nevada on 8 patented claims along the east end of major gold veins in the Jarbidge mining district. Veins that have historically produced over 400,000 ounces of gold strike directly onto the property and gold soil anomalies identified on the property need to be drill tested. Lightning Tree property is located in Lemhi County, Idaho on 11 unpatented claims near the 300,000 oz gold Musgrove deposit. The property has 3 quartz-adularia-gold veins that are 2 to 6 m wide and over 1200 m long hosted in Precambrian siltstone and rhyolite with historic surface samples up to 21 g/t Au. Silver King property is located in Humboldt County, Nevada on 4 patented claims near Golconda Summit. Historic samples have been collected from jasperoid veins with Silver values up to 480 g/t. Previous exploration focused on low grade gold values but the property was never been explored for silver. A&T property is located in Humboldt Co., Nevada on 2 patented claims on Winnemucca Mountain. The property contains two veins and a quartz breccia in altered shale adjacent to intrusive dikes. Gold values grading up to 8.6 g/t have been collected in historic surface sampling of quartz veins. Eimis property is located in Elko County, Nevada on one 20 acre patented claim adjacent to a new Coleman Canyon gold discovery by Arnevut Resources. Gold anomalies extend onto Eimis property. Silver Peak property is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada on 2 patented (40 acre) mining claims. The property is surrounded by Scorpio Gold claim block at the currently operating Mineral Ridge mine. Historic surface sampling has yielded 1-5 g/t gold from 1.5 to 9 m wide east-dipping shear zone in metamorphic rocks, similar to Mineral Ridge. Qualified Person Garry Biles, P. Eng, President & COO for Canarc Resource Corp, is the Qualified Person (as defined in NI 43-101) who reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. About Canarc Resource Corp. - Canarc is a growth-oriented, gold exploration and mining Company listed on the TSX (CCM) and the OTC-BB (CRCUF). The Company is currently focused on acquiring operating or pre-production stage gold-silver-copper mines or properties in the Americas and further advancing its gold properties in north and central BC. Vancouver, Canada / TheNewswire / March 02, 2017 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report that it has completed 1470 metres of its phase one drill program on the Niangouela permit in Burkina Faso. A total of 14 holes were drilled totaling 1470.5 metres. Of the 14 holes drilled, 13 successfully intersected the targeted shear zone. One hole had to be abandoned due to ground conditions. Of the 13 holes, three holes reported intersections hosting visible gold. Drill holes NIA-17-DD-003, 006, and 009, reported visible gold occurring as small points, or clusters of points, with the gold present in contorted quartz veins occurring within the shear. The company has forwarded all samples for assay to ACTLAB's laboratory in Ouagadougou. The company will report all assay data once it has been received, reviewed and verified. The Company originally scheduled a 1000 metre phase one diamond drill program on its 178 square kilometre Niangouela exploration permit. The increased 1000 metres of diamond drilling announced in the Company's February 23, 2017, news release, is designed to further 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. The Company plans on completing the phase one diamond drill program later this month. Board Appointment The Company is pleased to welcome Rodney Stevens as an Independent Director. Mr. Stevens is a CFA charter holder with over ten years' experience in the capital markets, first as an Investment Analyst with Salman Partners Inc., then as a merchant and investment banker. While at Salman Partners, Mr. Stevens became a top-rated analyst by StarMine on July 17, 2007 for the metals and mining industry. Over the course of his career, Mr. Stevens has been instrumental in assisting in financing's and M&A activity worth over $1 billion in transaction value. Mr. Stevens replaces Dean Humphreys, who resigned to pursue other ventures. The Company would like to thank Mr. Humphreys for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours. 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 (1km) 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 46m 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 60m, 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 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. CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - March 1, 2017) - Prospector Resources Corp. ("Prospector" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:PRR) announces that it has strengthened its management team with the appointments of Mr. Tim Williams as Executive Vice President - COO, Mr. Jose Luis Martinez as Executive Vice President - Corporate Development & Strategy, Mr. Ian Dreyer as Senior Vice President - Geology and Mr. David D'Onofrio as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Tim Williams, who will initially be based in Peru, will provide overall leadership in projects, engineering, construction and mining and will also participate in the technical review of all M&A activities. Prior to joining Prospector Resources Corp., Tim was Vice President Operations for Rio Alto Mining Limited from 2010 to 2015. Tim's responsibilities included overseeing the construction and operation of the La Arena gold mine, and overseeing the construction of the Shahuindo gold mine, both located in Peru. Following the acquisition of Rio Alto Mining Limited by Tahoe Resources Inc. in April 2015, Tim was the Vice President Operations and Country Manager in Peru until August 2016. Prior to his involvement with Rio Alto Mining Limited, Tim managed the El Brocal and the Marcona open pit mining contracts for Stracon - GyM in Peru. Tim has also held senior operating positions in Compania Minera Volcan at their Cerro de Pasco operations also located in Peru. Before arriving in Peru, Tim held mining production roles with Anglo Gold Ashanti at Geita in Tanzania, geotechnical and mine planning roles at WMCs Leintster Nickel Operations and MIM's McArthur River mine both located in Australia. Tim has also worked in the consulting industry with AMC Mining at their Perth, WA office. Tim holds a Masters Degree in Mining Geomechanics, a Bachelors Degree in Mining and Economic Geology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Mining, from Curtin University, Western Australian School of Mines. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Jose Luis Martinez lives in Toronto, Canada and has extensive Global Banking experience over 23 years in the Canadian financial services sector. Jose Luis is an accomplished Investment Banking professional with extensive Global Banking experience in the Canadian Financial Services sector who is now deploying his capital markets expertise and regional knowledge to make Prospector Resources Corp. a success story. From 2006 to 2016, Jose Luis led business development and relationship management for TD Securities Investment Banking in Latin America, where he had a focus in the Mining sector. Transactions originated included Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Assignments, Equity Underwriting, and Debt Financing for a wide variety of clients in Canada and Latin America. Prior to this, Jose Luis spent over 12 years covering the Latin American market originating and executing on a wide array of financing transactions for large corporations. He also served as Head of TD Securities' South America Regional Representative Office in Chile. Jose Luis has strong relationships with executives of large public and private companies, as well as controlling shareholders of leading private conglomerates across Latin America. Jose Luis holds an MBA from University of Toronto in Canada and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Universidad de Lima in Peru. Ian Dreyer who is based in Lima, Peru has 30 years of geological and mining related experience ranging from open pit and underground mine production, resource definition to grass roots exploration in Australia, Africa, Indonesia and Latin America. His work in Latin America since 2010 has broadly been in a consulting role, working on deposits in Peru, Chile, Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay. Ian has resided in Lima since 2010 and was a key member of the Rio Alto Mining Limited team that developed the La Arena and Shahuindo gold mines located in Peru. Ian has been involved in the optimization of three major gold deposits: The Golden Mile and its transformation into the "Super Pit", the Mount Charlotte Underground Gold Mine and the Telfer Gold Mine, all located in Australia and brings a mix of technical and operational strengths to the team. Ian holds a BSc in Geology from Curtin University of Western Australia and is a Chartered Professional Geologist (AUSIMM). David D'Onofrio is currently the CFO of a diversified merchant bank focused on providing early stage capital and advisory services to emerging growth companies globally. Mr. D'Onofrio has over 10 years' experience working in public accounting in audit and taxation advisory roles, and has acted as CEO, CFO, Director, Audit Committee member and in other financial advisory positions to a number of private and public enterprises. David is a Chartered Professional Accountant, graduate from Schulich School of Business and holds a Masters of Taxation Degree from the University of Waterloo. Prospector thanks Anthony Jackson for his service over the past years and wishes him continued success on his future endeavours. Alex Black, Prospector Resources Corp. President & CEO stated, "The executive management appointments announced today form the core management team from which our company will grow its future business. The appointments follow on from our stated objective to assemble a highly experienced technical and corporate management team with a solid experience base of developing and building mines and a track record of creating significant shareholder value. We created an enviable business and work culture at Rio Alto Mining Limited that we intend to replicate at Prospector Resources Corp. and have a number of our old management team ready to join our company as we advance our business. We are currently actively reviewing a number of business opportunities that I believe will form a solid base for a new entrant in the precious metals mining space." Prospector is also pleased to announce that it has issued, as part of its variable incentive compensation program, an aggregate of 430,000 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and 2,050,000 options to purchase Prospector common shares ("Options"), all pursuant to Prospector's Share Incentive Plan and Stock Option Plan. Of the 430,000 RSUs and 2,050,000 Options, 430,000 RSUs and 1,550,000 Options are being granted to the directors and officers of Prospector, including the individuals announced in this press release. The RSUs, which vest 1/3 equally over a three year period, include a time-based and a performance-based component with a multiplier as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, and entitle the holder to an amount computed by the value of a notional number of Common Shares designated in the award. Each Option entitles the holder to purchase one Prospector common share at a price of $1.02 for a period of five years from the date of grant. The options also vest 1/3 equally over a three year period. The grant of the RSUs and Options are subject to the terms of the Share Incentive Plan and the Stock Option Plan respectively, and final regulatory approval and if applicable, shareholder approval. About Prospector The focus of Prospector is to compile an attractive portfolio of precious metals assets that can be developed into mines and to assemble a highly experienced technical and corporate management team with a solid experience base of developing and building mines in South America, Central America and South America. Through its strategy of evaluating and acquiring precious metals projects and through a combination of organic exploration and development and strategic acquisitions, the new management team intends to grow the recapitalized Prospector and create long-term shareholder value through the development of high-margin, strong free-cash-flowing mining operations. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 2, 2017) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:ARU) ("Aurania" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire EcuaSolidus S.A. ("ESA"), a company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ecuador, from Dr. Keith Barron (the "Vendor"), the President and CEO of Aurania (the "Transaction"). ESA owns all of the rights, title and interest in and to forty-two (42) mineral exploration licences, totaling 207,764 hectares in the Cordillera de Cutucu, located in the Province of Morona-Santiago in southeastern Ecuador (the "Lost Cities - Cutucu Project"). The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project is subject to a two percent (2%) net smelter returns and a two percent (2%) net sales return royalty held by the Vendor. As a condition of closing of the Transaction, Aurania will complete a concurrent financing to raise aggregate gross proceeds of no less than $6,000,000 at a price of no less than $1.00 per share (the "Financing"). The Vendor will be providing a loan to ESA prior to the closing of the Transaction in the amount of US$2.0 million in order to pay property fees due prior to the anticipated closing of the Transaction. Of this, US$1.0 million will be repaid at closing and the remaining US$1.0 million will be paid one year after closing with interest at 2.0% per annum. Highlights of the Transaction As consideration for the purchase of all of the outstanding common shares of ESA, directly or indirectly, Aurania will: issue 1,000,000 common shares to the Vendor, and pay a cash consideration of $500,000 to the Vendor. The Transaction is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project consists of forty-two (42) mineral exploration licences, totaling 207,764 hectares (~2,080 square kilometres) that covers the core of the Cordillera de Cutucu, a mountain range in the foothills of the Andes within the Province of Morona-Santiago in southeastern Ecuador. Historic Spanish literature, including reports of gold production, point to the Cordillera de Cutucu as the location of two famous gold mining areas that operated in the 16th and 17th Centuries: Sevilla del Oro and Logrono de los Caballeros. The exact locations of these historical gold mining centres within the jungle have been lost over time. Each of these centres had a "Caja Real" or outpost of the Royal Treasury to ensure that the King of Spain received the "Quinto" or Royal Fifth production royalty. Extensive research by professional archivists in Spain, the Vatican and Ecuador, commissioned by ESA, revealed more than a hundred supporting historical documents relating to gold mining at Logrono de los Caballeros and Sevilla del Oro. There is strong evidence that indicates that these "Lost Cities" may be located within the project area. Today, the only mining in the Cordillera de Cutucu is in artisanal sluicing and hand-panning operations that wash gold from river gravels. The project area is largely unexplored by modern exploration techniques. It has been subjected only to regional geological mapping by oil companies and government institutions - with the key finding being that the rock formations that host the 7 million ounce (Moz) Fruta del Norte epithermal gold and the 2.7Moz Nambija skarn gold deposits in the adjacent Cordillera del Condor extend into the core of the Cordillera de Cutucu. The Fruta del Norte Deposit, located roughly 90 km south of the project area, is being developed by Lundin Gold Inc. and is scheduled to start production in 2020, with a planned ramp-up to annual production of 340,000 ounces of gold in 2021. The Nambija skarn deposits, located roughly 95 km southwest of the project area, have been mined by informal miners who officially reported 2.7Moz of gold production between 1981 and 2000. In addition to these gold-rich deposits, the adjacent Cordillera del Condor contains a chain of porphyry deposits that are reported to contain measured and indicated resources of 9 billion pounds (Blbs) of copper, 11 Moz of gold and 61Moz of silver (Table 1). Inferred resources include an additional 22 Blbs of copper, 7Moz of gold and 30Moz of silver. Mines are under construction on two of the porphyry deposits, namely Mirador and San Carlos, with combined resources of 17Blbs of copper. The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project lies along-trend of this chain of porphyries and, since it contains the same rock formations that host the mineral deposits in the adjacent Cordillera del Condor, has potential to host similar deposits. Dr. Keith Barron, CEO of Aurania, was the founder of Aurelian Resources Inc. ("Aurelian"), which discovered the Fruta del Norte gold-silver deposits in 2006. As such, his knowledge and experience was the driving force in pursuing the geological and historical information leading to the acquisition of the Lost Cities - Cutucu Project. An exploration program is planned, consisting of airborne geophysics and a regional stream silt sampling program with reconnaissance geological work across the large, 2,080 square kilometre property. While the regional geochemical program is underway, any anomalous stream silt or rock geochemistry sample results will be a priority for concurrent ground follow up with the goal of identifying drill targets as soon as possible. A similar strategy proved successful for Aurelian in identifying the multi-million ounce Fruta del Norte gold deposit. Table 1. Summary of NI43-101 Resources Reported from the Cordillera del Condor, adjacent to the Lost Cities - Cutucu Project Stage Ownership Deposit Resources Gold Silver Copper Category Millions of Tonnes Grade (g/t) Contained gold (Moz) Grade (g/t) Contained silver (Moz) Grade (%) Contained copper (Blbs) Measured & Indicated Resources Development CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co Mirador Measured & Indicated 438 0.19 2.7 1.4 21.5 0.61 5.9 Lundin Gold Inc Fruta del Norte Measured & Indicated 24 9.61 7.4 12.9 9.9 Pre-development CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co Mirador Norte Indicated 171 0.09 0.5 0.51 1.9 Lumina Gold Corp. Santa Barbara Indicated 365 0.51 6.0 0.9 10.1 0.10 0.8 Los Cuyes Indicated 47 0.82 1.2 6.19 9.3 Soledad Indicated 35 0.63 0.7 7.21 8.1 Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc Jerusalem Measured & Indicated 1 13.80 0.4 79 2.4 Sub-Total Measured & Indicated Resources 18.8 61.3 8.6 Inferred Resources Development CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co Mirador 235 0.17 1.3 1.3 9.9 0.52 2.7 San Carlos 657 0.59 8.5 Lundin Gold Inc Fruta del Norte 12 5.69 2.1 10.8 4.1 Pre-development CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co Mirador Norte 46 0.07 0.1 0.51 0.5 Panantza 463 0.66 6.7 JDL Gold Corp. Warintza 195 0.42 1.8 Lumina Gold Corp. El Hito 161 0.31 1.1 Santa Barbara 178 0.40 2.3 0.8 4.6 0.10 0.4 Soledad 0 0.50 0.3 6.9 4.5 Chinapintza 1 6.00 0.1 47.1 1.1 Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc Jerusalem 2 15.00 0.9 98 5.6 Sub-Total Inferred Resources 7.2 29.7 21.7 Note: CRCC is China Railway Construction Corporation Limited 1 Corriente Resources Inc. was acquired August 4, 2010 by CRCC-Tongguan Investment Co., Ltd. (jointly owned by two Chinese state-owned enterprises). The resources were disclosed by Corriente in the March 24, 2010 AIF (filed on Sedar), prior to its acquisition. The current owners are not subject to public disclosure, therefore no updates are available. 2 Sourced from https://luminagold.com/ 3 Sourced from http://www.lundingold.com/ 4 Sourced from http://jdlgold.com/ 5 Sourced from https://www.dynastymining.com/ The Financing As a condition of closing of the Transaction, Aurania will complete the Financing to raise aggregate gross proceeds of no less than $6,000,000 at a price of no less than $1.00 per share, with an overallotment option of up to an additional 15%. Proceeds from the Financing will be specifically allocated to the Transaction for property exploration, loan repayments, and working capital. Completion of the Financing is subject to the closing of the Transaction and is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities regulatory authorities. Assuming the minimum price of $1.00 per share and full exercise of the over-allotment option, a total of 6,900,000 shares would be issued for gross proceeds of $6,900,000. EcuaSolidus S.A. - Financial Position As at December 31, 2016, on an unaudited basis, ESA had total assets of $66,000, total liabilities of $132,000 and total shareholder deficit of $66,000. For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016, ESA had, on an unaudited basis, total revenue of $Nil and a total loss of $81,400. Related Party Transactions The Transaction is a "related party transaction" as set out in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as Dr. Keith Barron, an officer, director and controlling shareholder of Aurania, is also the sole beneficial shareholder of ESA (the "Interested Party"). In the absence of exemptions, Aurania would be required to obtain a formal valuation for, and minority shareholder approval of, the "related party transaction". For these transactions, Aurania intends to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 on the basis that no securities of Aurania are listed on a specified market set out in such section. Aurania intends to obtain the approval of minority shareholders by holding an Annual and Special Meeting of Aurania's shareholders pursuant to which approval will be sought from a majority of Aurania's common shares voted at the meeting other than the shares owned or controlled by the Interested Party. Further details of the Transaction and the interests of the Interested Party will be provided in the management information circular in respect of the Annual and Special Meeting of Aurania's shareholders, to be mailed to the holders of Aurania's common shares and posted on SEDAR under Aurania's profile at www.sedar.com. A further announcement will be made when this meeting has been formally called. The Transaction has been reviewed by a Special Committee of independent directors of Aurania comprised of Elaine Ellingham, Gerald Harper and Marvin Kaiser, and based on its positive recommendation, the proposed Transaction was approved by the Board, subject to due diligence. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and shareholder approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and disinterested shareholders of Aurania. The Transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. Dr. Keith Barron, of 8 King Street East, Suite 1010 Toronto, ON M5C 1B5, currently has ownership or direction and control over an aggregate of 14,167,873 common shares of Aurania, and options to acquire 800,000 common shares of Aurania, representing approximately 62.25% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis and 63.53% of the issued and outstanding shares on a partially diluted basis. Pursuant to the Transaction and before the Financing and the Debt Settlement (discussed below), Dr. Barron will acquire an additional 1,000,000 common shares of Aurania. As a result of the Transaction, Dr. Barron will have ownership or direction and control over 15,167,873 common shares and options to acquire 800,000 common shares representing approximately 63.84% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis and 65.02% of the issued and outstanding shares on a partially diluted basis. Dr. Barron proposes to acquire the common shares for investment purposes, and has no current intention to increase his beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of Aurania. These investments will be reviewed on a continuing basis and his holdings may be increased or decreased in the future. Aurania will also settle all of the outstanding debt owed by Aurania to an affiliate of the Vendor by issuing common shares of Aurania to the Vendor at a price equal to the Financing price in an aggregate amount not to exceed $750,000 (the "Debt Settlement"). With respect to the Debt Settlement, Aurania intends to rely on the same exemption from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 as noted above and intends to obtain the approval of minority shareholders. About Aurania Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring and exploring mineral resource properties. It is currently exploring for gold, copper, silver and uranium on its three mineral properties, namely the Mont Chemin, Marecottes and Siviez projects, which cover approximately 99 km2 in south-western Switzerland. The Corporation's 100% interests in its projects are held by the Corporation's Swiss subsidiary, AuroVallis Sarl, through exploration permits granted by the Canton of Valais, in Switzerland. Further information on Aurania, its management team and its projects can be found on www.sedar.com and on Aurania's website at www.aurania.com. The technical information contained in this news release has been verified and approved by Aurania's Chief Geologist, Jean-Paul Pallier, a designated EurGeol by the European Federation of Geologists and "Qualified Person" for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Subsequent to execution of the Agreement, a trading halt was imposed on Aurania's shares at the request of Aurania in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") while the transaction was initially reviewed by the TSXV. This initial review has been completed and, in accordance with the policies of the TSXV, Aurania has requested that the current trading halt be lifted subsequent to the issuance of this press release today. As noted above, the Transaction continues to be subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 2, 2017) - Precipitate Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Precipitate") (TSX VENTURE:PRG) is pleased to announce the discovery of a new gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly at the Ginger Ridge zone, resulting from the ongoing and wide ranging exploration activities within the Company's 100% owned Juan de Herrera Project in the Dominican Republic. Recent soil sampling at and around the Ginger Ridge Zone has identified a new gold-in-soil anomaly located approximately one kilometre ("km") east of the main drill test area. The multi-element soil geochemical anomaly has a northwest-southeast ("NW-SE") trend and exceeds 850 metres ("m") in length, with an average 100m width and is open ended to the southeast toward the eastern property boundary shared with GoldQuest Mining Corp. Currently, Precipitate field staff are carrying out comprehensive follow-up work that includes additional soil and rock sampling, detailed geological mapping and ground magnetic surveying. See the accompanying map or the Company's website for the Ginger Ridge gold-in-soil anomaly illustration map. Initial work at this new anomaly within the Ginger Ridge Zone has yielded the following preliminary results: New Ginger Ridge gold-in-soil anomaly (plus other important pathfinder elements, including arsenic, antimony, silver, lead, and zinc) located approximately one km east of the main drill test area. The anomaly trends NW-SE, ranges from 75m to 250m wide by at least 850m long and remains open to the southeast; The soil anomaly is coincident with recently identified induced polarization ("IP") gradient geophysical anomalies; resistivity high and weak to moderate chargeability; and Discovery of a large barite subcrop exposure hosted in altered Tireo volcanics located within the soil anomaly. Barite is commonly associated with notable Tireo Gold Camp gold-in-soil mineral systems and with volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") systems in particular. Soil sample coverage was recently extended to the east of the Ginger Ridge main anomaly to: (i) test recently identified gradient IP geophysical anomalies in the area; and (ii) to investigate the geology on trend from GoldQuest's Cachimbo 'VMS-style' discovery area, located 2.0km northwest of Ginger Ridge. Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate's President & CEO stated, "We are very pleased that our expanded exploration work has identified a prospective new gold-in-soil anomaly situated immediately east of the main Ginger Ridge drill zone. The newly identified geochemical anomaly overlies a compelling geophysical target comprised of a combined coincident high resistivity and weak to moderate chargeability in a geological setting analogous to other mineralized zones that occur in the Tireo Formation. In addition, the discovery of a large barite subcrop, hosted in Tireo volcanic rocks, within the confines of the soil anomaly is an important g new development, as barite is commonly associated with Tireo gold systems. A more detailed program of surface sampling and geological and ground magnetic geophysical surveying in the vicinity of the barite subcrop is ongoing and will greatly assist with the geological interpretation of the anomaly as a possible near term drill target." Soil sampling at Ginger Ridge now comprises an area measuring about 3.4km by 1.6km covering much of the prospective Tireo volcanic rocks in the zone. The recent soil samples were collected at 25m to 50m intervals along northeast oriented grid lines at 100m line intervals. The multi-element soil anomaly is characterized by a correlation of gold with various pathfinder elements which include arsenic, antimony, silver, lead, and zinc. The gold-in-soil anomaly is defined by values exceeding the 70th percentile (5.1 ppb). To date, gold-in-soil values within the new anomaly area range from nil to 730 ppb. Similar field work is being conducted elsewhere within and around Ginger Ridge as the Company seeks to expand its pipeline of targets in advance of further drill testing. Additional field results will be reported as they become available. This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards. Rock and soil samples were bagged, sealed and delivered directly to Bureau Veritas ("BV") preparation facility in Maimon Dominican Republic where they were dried, crushed (or sieved in the case of soils) and pulped. Sample pulps were then delivered to BV facilities in Vancouver BC (an ISO 9001 accredited facility) for analyses. Samples were crushed (or sieved) to with up to 80% passing 2mm and split using a riffle splitter (code PRP70-250). An approximate 250 gram sub-sample split was pulverized to minus 200 mesh (74). A 15 gram sub-split from the resulting pulp was then subjected to aqua regia digestion and multi-element ICP-MS analysis (code AQ201). Rock sample results with gold greater than 1,000 ppb were subjected to fire assay (ICP-ES finish) analysis (30 g pulp; code FA330-Au). About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains assets in northern British Columbia and southeast Yukon Territory and is actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com. TORONTO, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Kerr Mines Inc. ("Kerr" or the "Company") (TSX:KER) today announced that it has successfully completed its de-watering program at its flagship Copperstone mine in Arizona and has started the next phase of its plan to define and expand current resources, and establish a new production plan. "We continue to make significant progress with our turnaround strategy and completed the dewatering program on time and budget," said Chris Hopkins, Interim President and CEO. "With mine access now reestablished, we are well positioned to aggressively pursue our updated resource modelling, mine plan and production restart program." Completion of the dewatering program has allowed for underground rehabilitation work to provide access for underground activities consisting of diamond drilling (expansion and definition) and additional mine development. The Company intends to pursue concurrent underground development and exploration programs to define and expand current resources, and establish a new production plan for underground mining at Copperstone. Existing underground development allows for access to initial development and diamond drilling of the C, B and A Zones. The C, B and A Zones have not yet been developed or drilled from underground, however they have been drilled extensively from surface and open pit stations. All of the above zones were mined from open pit yielding approximately 500,000 ounces to a depth of slightly over 100 meters or 4,700 ounces per vertical meter. The dewatering program and subsequent rehabilitation at Copperstone has been completed in order to begin this next phase of activity. As previously announced, the Company engaged JDS Energy and Mining Inc. ("JDS") to provide engineering and economic evaluation consulting services in support of the Company's Copperstone mine. JDS, together with Kirkham Geosystems, has retrieved and converted all historic data to a geological model that will be used as a basis for the definition drilling and development program expected to begin in Q2 2017. By Kim Bo-eun More statues symbolizing former sex slaves will be set up in Seoul by August amid growing tensions between Korea and Japan over the issue of comfort women mobilized for Japanese troops before and during World War II. The move comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested a district office in Busan last month to relocate the statue in front of the Japanese Consulate there, after it became a source of friction with Tokyo. In January, the Japanese government recalled its ambassador to Korea in protest of Seoul's "failure to remove the statue." But more statues are set to be installed. Seoul's district offices of Dobong, Gangseo and Geumcheon are set to have them set up by Liberation Day on Aug. 15, marking Korea's 1945 liberation from Japanese occupation. The statues are being set up to protest a deal reached between the two countries in December 2015, in which the Japanese government provided 1 billion yen to help the victims but did not acknowledge its legal responsibility for its wartime atrocity. U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis assured South Korea that any attack on the United States and its allies will be defeated, as the two allies kicked off an annual joint military exercise sure to draw angry protests from North Korea. Mattis made the remark in a phone call Wednesday (Korean time) with South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo as the two countries launched the annual Foal Eagle military exercise that North Korea has denounced as a rehearsal for invasion. "Secretary Mattis said that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the defense of the ROK. He further emphasized that any attack on the United States or its allies will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons will be met with a response that is effective and overwhelming," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said in a readout. The two sides also discussed the current security situation, including the North's missile launch. Mattis also welcomed a land-swap deal that South Korea's government signed with the Lotte Group conglomerate Tuesday to secure the site for a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense battery in the country. "This land transfer will support the alliance's decision to station Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, a defensive weapons system, in the ROK as soon as feasible. This is a critical measure to defend the ROK people and alliance forces against North Korean missile threats," Davis said. U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson Allies seek to send strong warning to NK By Yi Whan-woo South Korea and the United States began their annual Foal Eagle military exercise Wednesday, sending a strong warning to North Korea over its escalating saber-rattling. A military official said the scale of the joint field training exercise will be around the same as in 2016, citing that the drill last year was the largest-ever with 300,000 South Korean troops and 15,000 U.S. personnel. During a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Defense Minister Han Min-koo assessed that the drill, along with its parallel Key Resolve exercise, has contributed significantly to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Foal Eagle exercise will run through the end of April, while Key Resolve, a largely-computer-simulated exercise, will take place from March 13 to 23. Mattis told Han that the U.S. "remains steadfast in its commitment" to the defense of South Korea, according to Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis. "He further emphasized that any attack on the United States or its allies will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons will be met with a response that is effective and overwhelming," David said. "The phone conversation was intended to send a more effective warning to North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile provocations on the occasion of the drills," a defense ministry official said. "The allies agreed to bolster consultations concerning defense to ensure joint readiness for war while keeping an eye on North Korea's possible provocations in the future," he added. Washington is expected to deploy a series of strategic assets from the U.S. as well as from military bases in Guam and Japan. The USS Carl Vinson, a Nimitz-class supercarrier, will join the Foal Eagle exercise after departing from San Diego, Calif., on March 5, and will participate in another drill in the Asia-Pacific region afterward. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will carry 24 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, 10 air tankers, 10 S-3 Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft, six SH-3H Sea King anti-submarine helicopters, four EA-6B Prowler tactical jamming aircraft and four E-2 Hawkeye early-warning aircraft. It will be accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108). From the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan, F-35B stealth fighters will be deployed to the peninsula for the first time. "An F-35B is capable of evading anti-aircraft radar and making preemptive strikes," the official said. The official speculated that strategic bombers at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, such as B-1Bs and B-52s, may join the exercise as well. North Korea repeatedly protests that both Foal Eagle and Key Resolve are rehearsals for invasion. On Wednesday, Pyongyang's Korea Central News Agency and the Rodong Sinmun reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed "a need for preparation for a fight" during his visit to an army unit tasked with defending Pyongyang. He listed guidelines to strike South Korea and the U.S. "mercilessly." "It is seen that Kim visited the military unit in response to the Seoul-Washington military exercise," the official said. Meanwhile, Han and Mattis also agreed to work closely for prompt deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, which the two allies are pushing to install this year in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Mattis "highly assessed" the South Korean ministry's latest acquisition of land to deploy the THAAD in a land-swap deal with Lotte Group. By Kim Rahn Hwang Kyo-ahn South Korea and its allies will take stern measures and strengthen their deterrence systems so North Korea will learn that nuclear weapons are of no use, acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Wednesday. He focused on the North's nuclear threats as well as human rights abuses of the reclusive state, condemning the Kim Jong-un regime following its alleged killing of its leader's half-brother Kim Jong-nam. Hwang's condemnation of North Korea was part of a speech commemorating the March 1 Independence Movement Day. He delivered the speech on behalf of the impeached President Park Geun-hye. The acting president said the government will cope with any provocations and threats from North Korea sternly by taking advantage of the Seoul-Washington defense alliance. "We will bolster sanctions and pressure the North through various measures including U.N. Security Council resolutions, so the North will change its miscalculations," Hwang said. "By increasing our deterrence forces including the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, North Korea will learn its nuclear weapons are useless." South Korea's National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and U.S. national security adviser H.R. McMaster agreed to carry out the deployment of the missile defense system as planned this year. During a phone conversation, they reaffirmed the need for strong countermeasures against the North's future provocations. Kim also said he would visit the U.S. soon to talk with McMaster. Mentioning the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, Hwang said, "The killing directly showed the reality of the brutal, reckless and inhumane North Korean regime. The whole world was shocked at the terrorist attack, which took place at an airport of a third country using a chemical weapon that is banned under international law." 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 Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. operates bookstores for college and university campuses, and K-12 institutions in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale, and Digital Student Solutions. The company sells and rents new and used print textbooks, digital textbooks, and publisher hosted digital courseware through physical and virtual bookstores, as well as directly to students through Textbooks.com. It also offers First Day and First Day Complete access programs; BNC OER+, a turnkey solution for colleges and universities, that offers digital content, such as videos, activities, and auto-graded practice assessments; and general merchandise, including collegiate and athletic apparel, school spirit products, lifestyle products, technology products, supplies, graduation products, and convenience items. In addition, the company sources, sells, and distributes new and used textbooks; and sells hardware and a software suite of applications that provides inventory management and point-of-sale solutions to approximately 350 college bookstores. Further, it offers direct-to-student subscription-based writing services; and bartleby, a direct-to-student subscription-based offering that includes textbook solutions, expert questions and answers, and writing and tutoring services. The company operates 805 physical college and university bookstores; 622 virtual bookstores; 8 True Spirit e-commerce websites; pop-up retail locations; 73 customized cafes and 11 stand-alone convenience stores; and a media channel for brands targeting the college demographic. Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Croda International Plc creates, makes, and sells specialty chemicals in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Asia, and Latin America. It operates through four segments: Consumer Care, Life Sciences, Performance Technologies, and Industrial Chemicals. The company offers adhesives; crop protection additives and adjuvants, seed enhancement and animal health chemicals, chemical bio-stimulants, and specialty additives for agricultural films; and lubricant additives, coatings and polymers, vehicle cleaning chemicals, and products for automotive textiles and fibers, as well as specialty additives for plastics, and battery and catalyst industries. It also provides specialty ingredients for self-tanning, color cosmetics, bath and shower, deodorants, anti-perspirants, depilatories, men's grooming, and oral hygiene, as well as skin, hair, sun, body, and baby care applications; construction chemicals and bitumen additives; dietary supplements; and materials and polymer additives for electronics and devices. In addition, the company offers chemistries, emulsifiers, fuel and power generation additives, and polymer additives; food additives; specialty polymer additives for furniture and wood applications; household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; lubricants; oleochemicals; and packaging, print, and paper chemicals. Further, it provides paints and coatings; active pharmaceutical ingredients; thermal management products; plastic and rubber products; skin health products; hygiene and industrial nonwovens, botanical extracts, tissues, and textile auxiliaries; and water treatment chemicals. Additionally, the company offers bio-based phase change materials for buildings and ventilation, clothing and healthcare, electronics and devices, food and refrigeration, energy storage and recovery, temperature controlled packaging, and vehicles and automotive applications. The company was incorporated in 1925 and is headquartered in Goole, the United Kingdom. Derwent London plc owns 83 buildings in a commercial real estate portfolio predominantly in central London valued at 5.4 billion (including joint ventures) as at 30 June 2020, making it the largest London-focused real estate investment trust (REIT). Our experienced team has a long track record of creating value throughout the property cycle by regenerating our buildings via development or refurbishment, effective asset management and capital recycling. We typically acquire central London properties off-market with low capital values and modest rents in improving locations, most of which are either in the West End or the Tech Belt. We capitalise on the unique qualities of each of our properties - taking a fresh approach to the regeneration of every building with a focus on anticipating tenant requirements and an emphasis on design. Reflecting and supporting our long-term success, the business has a strong balance sheet with modest leverage, a robust income stream and flexible financing. As part of our commitment to lead the industry in mitigating climate change, in October 2019, Derwent London became the first UK REIT to sign a Green Revolving Credit Facility. At the same time, we also launched our Green Finance Framework and signed the Better Buildings Partnership's climate change commitment. The Group is a member of the 'RE100' which recognises Derwent London as an influential company, committed to 100% renewable power by purchasing renewable energy, a key step in becoming a net zero carbon business. Derwent London is one of only a few property companies worldwide to have science-based carbon targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Landmark schemes in our 5.6 million sq ft portfolio include 80 Charlotte Street W1, Brunel Building W2, White Collar Factory EC1, Angel Building EC1, 1-2 Stephen Street W1, Horseferry House SW1 and Tea Building E1. In 2019, the Group won several awards including EG Offices Company of the Year, the CoStar West End Deal of the Year for Brunel Building, Westminster Business Council's Best Achievement in Sustainability award and topped the real estate sector and was placed ninth overall in the Management Today 2019 awards for 'Britain's Most Admired Companies'. In 2013 the Company launched a voluntary Community Fund and has to date supported over 100 community projects in the West End and the Tech Belt. The Company is a public limited company, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The address of its registered office is 25 Savile Row, London, Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. The following companies are subsidiares of Pearson: AEL (S) PTE Limited, ATI Professional Development LLC, Addison Wesley Longman Inc., Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., Aldwych Finance Limited, Americas Choice Inc., Atkey Finance Limited, Author Solutions, Axis Finance Inc., CAMSAWUSA Inc., CTI Education Group (Pty) Limited, Camsaw Inc., Casapsi Livraria e Editora Ltda, Centro Cultural Americano Franquias e Comercio Ltda., Century Consultants Ltd., Certiport, Certiport China Co Ltd, Certiport China Holding LLC, Certiport Inc., Cogmed Systems AB, Connections Academy of Arkansas LLC, Connections Academy of Florida LLC, Connections Academy of Iowa LLC, Connections Academy of Maine LLC, Connections Academy of Maryland LLC, Connections Academy of Minnesota LLC, Connections Academy of Missouri LLC, Connections Academy of Nevada LLC, Connections Academy of New Jersey LLC, Connections Academy of New Mexico LLC, Connections Academy of New York LLC, Connections Academy of Oregon LLC, Connections Academy of Pennsylvania LLC, Connections Academy of Tennessee LLC, Connections Academy of Texas LLC, Connections Education Inc., Connections Education LLC, Connections Education of Florida LLC, Dominie Press Inc., Dorian Finance Limited, Dorling Kindersley Australasia Pty Limited, EBNT Canada Holdings ULC, EBNT Holdings Limited, EBNT USA Holdings Inc., Edexcel Limited, Edexcel South Africa Pty Ltd, Education Development International plc, Education Resources (Cyprus) Limited, Educational Management Group Inc., Educational Publishers LLP, Embanet ULC, Embanet-Compass Knowledge Group Inc., EmbanetCompass, Embankment Finance Limited, English Language Learning and Instruction System Inc., Escape Studios Limited, FBH Inc., Falstaff Holdco Inc., Falstaff Inc., GED Domains LLC, GED Testing Service LLC, George (Shanghai) Commercial Information Consulting Co. Ltd, Global Education, Global George I Limited, Global George II Limited, GlobalEnglish, Globe Fearon Inc., Guangzhou Crescent Software Co. Ltd, Heinemann Education Botswana (Publishers) (Proprietary) Limited, Heinemann Publishers (Pty) Ltd, INTELLIPRO INC., Icodeon Limited, IndiaCan Education Private Limited, Integral 7 Inc., Integrated Analytics LLC, J M Solucoes Exportacao e Importacao Ltda, K12 Learning Services LLC, Kagiso Education Pty Ltd, Knowledge Analysis Technologies LLC, LCCI International Qualifications (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., LCCIEB Training Consultancy. Ltd, Learning Catalytics, LessonLab Inc., Lignum Oil Company, Linx Brasil Distribuidora Ltda., Longman (Malawi) Limited, Longman Australasia Pty Ltd, Longman Group(Overseas Holdings)Limited, Longman Indochina Acquisition L.L.C., Longman Kenya Limited, Longman Mocambique Ltda, Longman Romania S.R.L., Longman Swaziland (Pty) Limited, Longman Tanzania Limited, Longman Zambia Educational Publishers Pty Ltd, Longman Zambia Limited, Longman Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd, Longmaned Ecuador S.A., Major123 Limited, Maskew Miller Longman (Pty) Limited, MeasureUp LLC, Modern Curriculum Inc., Multi Holding, Multi Treinamento e Editora Ltda, NCS Information Technology Services (Beijing) Co Ltd, NCS Pearson Inc., NCS Pearson Pty Ltd, NCS Pearson Puerto Rico Inc., National Computer Systems Japan Co. Ltd, Ordinate Corporation, PN Holdings Inc., PT Efficient English Services, Pearson (Beijing) Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Pearson (Guizhou) Education Technology Co. Ltd., Pearson Affordable Learning Fund Limited, Pearson America LLC, Pearson Amsterdam B.V., Pearson Australia Finance Unlimited, Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd, Pearson Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Pearson Australia Pty Ltd, Pearson Benelux B.V., Pearson Books Limited, Pearson Brazil Finance Limited, Pearson Business Services Inc., Pearson Canada Assessment Inc., Pearson Canada Finance Unlimited, Pearson Canada Holdings Inc, Pearson Canada Inc., Pearson Central Europe Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Pearson College Limited, Pearson DBC Holdings Inc., Pearson Desarrollo y Capacitacion Profesional Chile Limitada, Pearson Deutschland GmbH, Pearson Digital Learning Puerto Rico Inc., Pearson Dollar Finance Two Limited, Pearson Dollar Finance plc, Pearson Educacion SA, Pearson Educacion de Chile Limitada, Pearson Educacion de Colombia S A S, Pearson Educacion de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pearson Educacion de Panama SA, Pearson Educacion de Peru S.A., Pearson Education (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Pearson Education Achievement Solutions (RF) (Pty) Limited, Pearson Education Africa (Pty) Ltd, Pearson Education Asia Limited, Pearson Education Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, Pearson Education Hellas SA, Pearson Education Holdings Limited, Pearson Education Inc., Pearson Education Indochina Limited, Pearson Education Investments Limited, Pearson Education Korea Limited, Pearson Education Limited, Pearson Education Namibia (Pty) Limited, Pearson Education Publishing Limited, Pearson Education S.A., Pearson Education SA, Pearson Education South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Pearson Education South Asia Pte. Ltd., Pearson Education Taiwan Ltd, Pearson Education do Brasil S.A, Pearson Educational Measurement Canada Inc., Pearson Educational Publishers LLC, Pearson Egitim Cozumleri Tikaret Limited Sirketi, Pearson Falstaff (Holdings) Inc., Pearson Falstaff Holdco LLC, Pearson France, Pearson Funding Five plc, Pearson Funding Four plc, Pearson Funding Two Limited, Pearson Holdings Inc., Pearson Holdings Southern Africa (Pty) Limited, Pearson IOKI Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Pearson India Education Services Private Limited, Pearson India Support Services Private Limited, Pearson Institute of Higher Education, Pearson International Finance Limited, Pearson Investment Holdings Inc., Pearson Italia S.p.A, Pearson Japan KK, Pearson Lanka (Private) Limited, Pearson Learning China (HK) Limited, Pearson Lesotho (Pty) Ltd, Pearson Loan Finance No. 3 Limited, Pearson Loan Finance No. 4 Limited, Pearson Loan Finance No.2 Unlimited, Pearson Loan Finance Unlimited, Pearson Longman Uganda Limited, Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Pearson Management Services Limited, Pearson Management Services Philippines Inc., Pearson Maryland Inc., Pearson Netherlands B.V., Pearson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Pearson Nominees Limited, Pearson Online Tutoring LLC, Pearson Overseas Holdings Limited, Pearson PEM P.R. Inc., Pearson PRH Holdings Limited, Pearson Pension Nominees Limited, Pearson Pension Property Fund Limited, Pearson Pension Trustee Limited, Pearson Pension Trustee Services Limited, Pearson Professional Assessments Limited, Pearson Real Estate Holdings Inc., Pearson Real Estate Holdings Limited, Pearson Schweiz AG, Pearson Services Limited, Pearson Shared Services Limited, Pearson South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Pearson Strand Finance Limited, Pearson Sweden AB, Pearson VUE Philippines Inc., Pearson in Practice Holdings Limited, Pearson in Practice Skills Based Learning Limited, Pearson in Practice Technology Limited, Penguin Capital LLC, Phumelela Publishers (Pty) Ltd, ProctorCam Inc., Reading Property Holdings LLC, Rebus Planning Associates Inc., Reston Publishing Company Inc., Rycade Capital Corporation, Shanghai AWL Education Software Ltd, Silver Burdett Ginn Inc., Skylight Training and Publishing Inc., Smarthinking Inc., Sound Holdings Inc., Spear Insurance Company Limited, Stark Verlag GmbH, Sunnykey International Holdings Limited (BVI), TQ Catalis Limited, TQ Clapham Limited, TQ Education and Training Limited, TQ Global Limited, TQ Group Limited, TQ Holdings Limited, The Financial Times (I) Pvt Ltd, The Learning Edge International pty Ltd, The Waite Group Inc, Trio Parent Holdings LLC, US Learning Services LLC, USLS Holdings LLC, Virtual Nerd, Vue Testing Services Israel Ltd, Vue Testing Services Korea Limited, Wall Street Institute Kft., Williams Education GmbH, eCollege.com, and Editions Du Renouveau Pedagogique Inc.. Read More Insurance Back Jonathan DIXON to replace Yoshihiro KAWAI as IAIS's Secretary General The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) has named Jonathan DIXON as the successor to long-time Secretary General Yoshihiro KAWAI. DIXON will become Secretary General following the IAIS Annual Conference on 3 November 2017. "Jonathan DIXON brings a unique combination of proven insurance supervisory experience with global leadership on key insurance initiatives," said Victoria SAPORTA, Chair of the IAIS Executive Committee. She added: "I have worked alongside Jonathan for several years and have been impressed by his commitment to the mission of the IAIS, his pragmatic and proportionate approach to insurance supervision, his inclusiveness in reaching out and building strong partnerships and, ultimately, his track record of delivering on a vision." Since 2008, DIXON has served as Deputy Executive Officer of the Financial Services Board of South Africa, with oversight of insurance regulation and supervision. In this role, he has transformed insurance regulation and supervision into a more proactive, risk-based and outcomes-focused approach. DIXON has also been an active participant in the IAIS, having held a number of leadership positions including IAIS Executive Committee member since 2009 and Chair of the Implementation Committee since 2012. Among his many accomplishments, he spearheaded the creation of a Coordinated Implementation Framework for maximising the impact of IAIS implementation initiatives and was part of a small leadership team that developed the current IAIS five-year strategic plan. As Chair of the Governing Council for the Access to Insurance Initiative, DIXON is a highly regarded leader on inclusive and responsible insurance. Yoshihiro KAWAI, the current Secretary General, joined the IAIS as Deputy Secretary General in 1998 before assuming his current position in 2003. Saporta recognised his innumerable contributions to the association. "Under his leadership," she stated, "the IAIS has been transformed into the international standard setter for insurance and become an integral part of the international financial architecture to support global financial stability. Yoshi has led the Secretariat through a period of enormous growth, including the adoption of comprehensive Insurance Core Principles, identification of G-SIIs (global systemically important insurers) and development of G-SII policy measures, and development of the first-ever global insurance capital standardthe Basic Capital requirement (BCR)." In 2015, at the request of the Executive Committee, KAWAI agreed to postpone a planned departure and remain in the position for an additional two years to steer the association through the completion of several key projects. DIXON will join the Secretariat on 1 September as part of a two-month transition before taking over as Secretary General after the end of the IAIS's Annual Conference. Author: Daniela GHETU on 02.03.2017 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: Wirecard AG, a technology company, provides outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Payment Processing & Risk Management, Acquiring & Issuing, and Call Center & Communication Services. The Payment Processing & Risk Management segment offers products and service for the acceptance or transactions, and the processing of electronic payments and associated processes. The Acquiring & Issuing segment provides settlement services for credit card sales for online and terminal payments, as well as current accounts with prepaid cards and Girocard/Maestro debit cards; processes payment transactions in various currencies; and issues prepaid and debit cards to private and business customers. The Call Center & Communication Services segment offers value added services, aftersales services to customers, and mailing services. The company also provides payment processing solutions that include Wirecard Payment Page, a payment page; credit card processing; direct debit; online banking payment; alternative payment; international payment processing; tokenization; point of sale terminals; and Wirecard Checkout Portal, a payment portal. In addition, it offers mobile payment solutions; risk management solutions, such as fraud prevention, credit worthiness checks, and individual solutions; integration and testing solutions, including enterprise integration, transaction testing, payment hub, customer self-select PIN, and secure mailer solutions; and communication services. The company serves the consumer goods, digital goods, and travel and mobility sectors. Wirecard has strategic partnerships with Poynt, CreditPilot PLC, SunExpress, and Emonvia. Wirecard AG was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Aschheim, Germany. The Cardinals announced that right-hander Luke Weaver was removed from todays Grapefruit League contest due to back spasms (Twitter link). Weaver faced two hitters in the eighth inning of todays game and retired both before his back acted up. As MLB.coms Jenifer Langosch writes, manager Mike Matheny said hes unaware of any previous back problems for Weaver, and the team will re-evaluate the top prospect tomorrow. Weaver is battling fellow righties Michael Wacha and Trevor Rosenthal for the final spot in the St. Louis rotation and is by far the least experienced of the group. So while theres no indication that the injury is especially serious, any time lost this spring could have an adverse impact on Weavers chances of laying claim to that vacant starting job. A few more notes from around the Senior Circuit as the evening winds down Samini finally opened up on his Publicist, Elorm Beenie's book "Love Myelitis". Samini commented on the book in an interview he granted on Hitz 103.9fm after a video of him hit social media where he was selling copies of the book to University of Ghana Business School Students after his lecture on "Celebrity Brand Endorsements". Samini was overwhelmed at the young Writer's exhaustive understanding of human nature, and his sharp sense of explaining the frustrations of the young African child at school garnished with his acute sense of humour in the literary piece. The multiple award-award winning and former MTN Brand Ambassador spoke extensively on the book. Below was what he had to say about the Author of #LoveMyelitis: "We have to support each other grow. Elorm was a young chap that came to HighGradeFamily with blogging and later matured with time as a Publicist. Not just a Publicist for me but for other huge music brands in Ghana you can think of. If he has written a book, it is nice for me to support it and let the world know about it. Its one book Ive been reading. It is a book that will engage you and reveal you to a lot of things; it's a book that will open your mind. Everybody must get a copy of #LoveMyelitis. It's a good book." Stonebwoy, Edem, Abeiku Santana, Kwaw Kese, Da Hammer, Kofi Kinaata have all endorsed and praised the book. "Love Myelitis" is a nonfiction novel on African Parenting, Love & Young Adult Relationships. It's a book for all ages. Elorm Beenie is selling the books himself on the streets for GHC 20. You can order your copy via Call or WhatsApp 0266633090, comes with FREE delivery across Ghana. Img 0963 Accra, Mar.01, GNA - A DAF trailer with registration number GT 5557-U carrying two 20-footer containers loaded with bags suspected to be fertilizers or sugar lost control of the steering wheel causing the containers to fall off at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange. One of the containers fell over the interchange onto a sprinter bus with registration number GE 7911-U and a bus with registration number GR 3094-S. Mr Kamil Amadu who witnessed the accident said although no causality was recorded, none of the drivers involved in the accident was around to comment. According to him, the occupants of the two vehicles managed to escape unhurt before the container fell on the vehicles. Meanwhile, Mr Amadu said one of the containers was dangerously hanging on the fringes of the interchange while personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Ambulance Service, the Traffic Management Team and the police were at the scene to manage the situation. He said the accident, which happened around 1730hours on Wednesday, attracted large crowd to the scene. Mr Amadu said he tried to solicit more information from the Police about the accident but the Police indicated that it had not finished investigations. GNA Last weekend my daughter and I had a weird WhatsApp conversation. As I sat through the funeral of the late Kofi Taylor, I informed Abena, that I was feeling very sad and worried about how my end would be; the world has become too uncertain, and too cruel. I am young, so I cannot lay claim to too many experiences, but even in my youthfulness, I have witnessed so much display of human wickedness, I have seen so much pain visited on human lives, mortals who instantly transforms into immortals once they gained power, and they use the powers we would have given them as platforms to kill others for self gratification, these are some of the things that makes life too uncertain. But life must go on. Sometimes I am inspired by ordinary lives of triumph. I get humbled by little unnoticed actions that never expire, poor farmers who never lose hope in planting crops to feed the rich, poor fishermen who continue to fish in vain, in the empty sea, in order to put food on the tables of men, pregnant women who are not afraid to go into labor despite all the poor health care delivery services; these are all brave people who are hardly noticed, but who keep going despite the fact that we are ungrateful to them. There are challenges of raising boys, but for someone who has raised both boys and girls, I have come to appreciate the differences in the challenges of raising girls. The challenges are not because they are born girls, the challenges are because society has imposed so many injunctions on the progress of women, that a father is virtually forced to comply with certain gender related circumstances that makes life somewhat complicated. These same challenges have brought significant sympathy and support for women. A lot of governments are reserving some quotas for women in positions of authority, others are appointing women in hitherto positions occupied by men, a lot of programs are being implemented to address the issue of maternal mortality, and in some countries special support is being provided for women with gender-related mental health challenges. That is why I am pleased that Ghana has taken steps to inspire women into superior roles. Ghana is 60 years old, and we have had very strong women in our governance system, the likes of the lates Grace Coleman, Mary Grant, Hawa Yakubu Ogede, and many more, who have rocked our Parliament, and we have had the likes of Kate Quartey-Papafio of Reroy Cables Ltd, the late Mrs Ester Ocloo of Nkulenu Industries, who have achieved great feats in business. One of the inspiring moments I have had has been when Professor Florence Dolphyne became the first female to be elected as a Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana; it was an uncharted path for our country. As a student of Theater Arts, I heard of Efua Theodora Sutherland whose sterling efforts seem fairly recognized, to the extent that the Efua Sutherland School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, and the Efua Sutherland Childrens park, have both been named after her. Efua Sutherland was a foremost Ghanaian woman playwright, director, children's author, poet and dramatist. She wrote plays such as Foriwa, Edufa, and The Marriage of Anansewa. Efua founded the Ghana Society of Writers, Ghana Drama Studio, Afram Publications, and several pioneering establishments. She could easily be said to be the mother of Ghanas modern theater. I heard names such as the now late Professor Marian Ewurama Addy, one of a few female Natural Scientists of her time, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, a distinguished literalist (who I have no doubt might have taken inspiration from Efua Sutherland), and Professor Akua Kuenyehia, one of only three African judges to be on the International Criminal Courts. Subsequently we have had the first female Vice Chancellor of any public University, in the person of Professor Jeane Naana Opoku Agyemang, we have had the first female Speaker of Parliament, Right Honorable Joyce Bamford-Addo, we have had the first female Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Charlotte Osei, and currently we have had our first female Chief of Staff in the person of Honorable Frema Osei Opare. In all of these I have never overcome the trauma of learning that there was in this country one nursing mother, Mrs Cecelia Koranteng-Addow, who was murdered in cold blood. I might have been too young to know what happened, but I have always avoided being able to read this story whenever I have encountered it in any literature, that we, as a country, superintended over the killing of a woman, that we took her away while she was nursing her baby, and we slaughtered her in cold blood; eiiii Ghana, we have done some oo. May the screaming soul of this woman continue to unsettle us until justice is served on our conscience, and those who know the truth but are still hiding from it, may they continue to be judged by history till eternity kills them. That is not to belittle the killing of the men judges with her. But I will like to appreciate the special circumstance under which a breast-feeding mother was snatched away from the love of her baby, and the baby cried while the mother was going through the knife, the moment of giving up the ghost might have been goring indeed, but finally, done, a nursing mother was slaughtered. In my village you are not allowed to slaughter a pregnant goat, neither are you allowed to kill a goat which is nursing. For whatever reason, it is seen as a terrible omen if a pregnant or a nursing human mother dies, and so when such situations arise, there are several taboo rites performed to avert re-occurrence. In so many jurisdictions, pregnant and nursing mothers are never imprisoned. They are usually given suspended sentences, no matter the gravity of their crimes. But in the case of Ghana, we were brave enough; we killed a maternity woman, just so that we could cover up the crimes that we had committed previously. I am not a tongue-speaking person, but I have always said some words of prayer for our current Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Theodore Wood. I have never met her in person, but I know that God has been good to her. Trust me, there are still the likes of Amedekas and their faceless accomplices in our society who, given the chance, would have murdered this woman several years back. At the heights of the Montie FM rampage, I listened to Salifu Maase brought this woman down, so low, that I felt the same way in the gutters with her. She was trashed and trampled upon at the full glare of our president. That spectacle, to me, was the lowest point in our democratic history. It was shameful, and it was primitive, and all those who had anything to do with the pardon that happened looked dirty in my mind. The presidents action, to free them, was worst than a coup detat. I had read between the lines that the agenda was to force Georgina Wood out, that by exerting pressure on her, she would have resigned voluntarily, to the pleasure of the governors. By refusing to step down, Georgina Wood earned herself an unlimited respect, and she proved that Ghana is 60 years old, and that when a woman lives, the world lives. As an old student of Wesley Girls High School, she has brought honor to the young girls of the school, she is the reason why Ghana could have a female president in the likes of Zenator Rawlings. I still cannot get it, how we allowed toddlers to assassinate the character of our Chief Justice, we elevated her assassins, we freed Ako Gunn, we freed Salifu Maase, and we freed Alistair Nelson, after they had threatened her with rape and death. We did not learn any lessons from what happened to Justice Koranteng-Addow. That incident did not inspire us to give higher punishment to those rotten minds. Rather we freed the lunatics to humiliate the only female Chief Justice we have had, and we put them on our campaign platforms, to campaign for us, and to get us more votes. We rewarded some of them with ministerial appointments; such cruel and sarcastic gesture, my brother I had never prayed such hard to see a President lose an election. I thought the only vengeance left on the side of Georgina Wood was the loss the president will have to suffer in the 2016 elections. So even though the Woyome scandal was my deciding vote, the shameful acts on Georgina Wood added passion to me seeing the NDCs back on the ground, and what a way to have done it, over one million votes in a comfortable lead James Kofi Annan Ouagadougou (AFP) - A film raging against colonialism and the exploitation of Africa wowed viewers at the continent's top cinema festival Wednesday, winning shouts of approval at a screening packed to bursting point. "The African Storm" tells the story of an African president who nationalises businesses run by racist, cynical Western executives. Directed and produced by its Beninese star Sylvestre Amoussou, it tackles several hot-button issues including an exit from the CFA franc currency, closer ties with Russia and China as opposed to the West, criticism of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and pride in being African. One of 20 feature-length movies on show at the Panafrican Film and Television Festival (Fespaco) in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou, the movie was punctuated by applause and cries of approval when it screened on Wednesday. "It's not an anti-European film, but a film against the governments of states that exploit us," Amoussou said, adding that the project had been "fully-funded by Africans". Commenting on the reaction of the crowd, he told AFP: "People are frustrated. Lots of people are thinking the same as what I put on the screen, but no one dares to say it and no one has the opportunity to say it. "Young people say to me, 'But when are Africans going to make a real film about the problems facing us?' I said, 'One day I'll make it.' I've been working on this film for 10 years." Amoussou summed up his message as this: "Africans, you have a beautiful continent. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. We have to think about the future and our children." He said it was painful to see Africans dying while trying to reach Europe, a "hypothetical paradise", when "they have a rich continent" themselves. Survivor testimonies point to at least 350 deaths among migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa this year, many of them sub-Saharan Africans. Fespaco runs until March 4, with organisers expecting more than 100,000 visitors. Ouagadougou has hosted the jamboree since 1969. As Ghana approaches the celebration of 60 years of Independence, the nations favourite stout, Guinness, has unveiled an iconic Limited Edition [email protected] label. The new label, "Osagyefo", was unveiled at event on Wednesday to celebrate Ghanas culture, heritage, and history on March 6, 2017 when the country marks 60 years of independence from British colonial rule. This special celebratory label has been designed to recognise all the incredible people, cultures and monuments across the country who have made Ghana truly MadeofBlack over the past 60 years. The Bold and Vibrant label was conceived with the help of a Ghana Cultural Council a group of talented artists from Ghana. These artists have joined forces to help develop an eye-catching label that will be at the heart of Ghanas Independence celebrations. The Limited Edition label also marks over 50 years of brewing heritage for Guinness in Ghana. The packaging has a celebratory look, but inside the bottle, its the great tasting Guinness that Ghanaians know and love. Speaking at the launch Kweku Sekyi-Cann, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Ghana said, The [email protected] celebrations promise to be an inspiring and exciting time in Ghana and, as the nations favourite stout, we are proud to be a part of these celebrations, and of the nations rich heritage. We hope that our iconic limited edition label will excite Ghanaians to be the toast of our Independence celebrations. Mr. Sekyi-Cann added that We are doing more than just launching this bold and vibrant label. We want to celebrate all the inspirational Ghanaians who have been carving their own path in life these 60 years post-independence. As part of the celebrations, we will be searching for 60 everyday Ghanaians who make this country MadeofBlackbetween March and April. The search is on, so if you know someone who represents the unique spirit of Ghana, you can nominate them to be part of the final 60, where they could see their faces across Ghana as part of a bespoke advertising campaign. Over the past years, Guinness has seen to it that a significant amount of resources is dedicated to helping contribute to this great nation. Through its local raw material sourcing program, the livelihoods of over 16,300 farmers including their families in the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Brong-Ahafo, Volta, Eastern and Central regions have been impacted positively by Guinness Ghana up-taking maize, sorghum, nd cassava from them. In partnership with Y107.9 FM, Guinness will also host a consumer launch at the Trade Fair Complex on Saturday, March 4, dubbed the Area Codes Jam. The concert will indulge local artistes to entertain Ghanaians to mark the anniversary in grand style. The Limited Edition Guinness label will be available across the country from March 1, 2017 and will feature an under the crown promotion where consumers could win a complimentary bottle of Guinness or other specially designed [email protected] prizes. Make sure you like the Guinness Facebook page to get involved in all of the celebratory activities (www.facebook.com/Guinness.Gh). Please remember to enjoy Guinness responsibly. Not for sale to persons under the age of 18 and pregnant women. Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Tanqueray, Gordons, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Security Council envoys on Thursday travel to Africa's Lake Chad region, where famine, the Boko Haram insurgency, climate change and poor governance have collided to create one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The 15 ambassadors from the UN's top decision-making body hope to draw global attention to the emergency affecting 21 million people across four countries: Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. The visit could also pave the way to stronger action by the Security Council to address what has been a largely ignored crisis, relegated to the bottom of the diplomatic agenda as war in Syria and South Sudan escalated. British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the visit will "shine a spotlight of international attention on the humanitarian crisis" at a time when donors are asked to come up with new financing for the region. The crisis has been "largely overlooked" and the Security Council was "perhaps a bit slow off the mark in tackling the threat of Boko Haram," Rycroft told AFP. The UN is seeking $1.5bn in funding for 2017 for the Lake Chad region, almost half of which is needed for northeast Nigeria, where 5.1 million people face acute food shortages Led by Britain, France and Senegal, the council will meet with leaders, talk to civil society groups and visit camps in Cameroon and northeast Nigeria sheltering some of the 2.3 million people displaced in the region. The visit begins in Cameroon a week after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres set off alarm bells over the threat of famine in northeast Nigeria, the epicenter of the Boko Haram conflict. The United Nations is seeking $1.5 billion in funding for 2017 for the Lake Chad region -- almost half of which is needed for northeast Nigeria, where 5.1 million people face acute food shortages. 'Perfect storm' of challenges Boko Haram took up arms in 2009 in pursuit of an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, but the insurgency has since spread with frequent suicide bomb attacks. Africa's second-largest oil producer, Nigeria has made inroads in its military campaign to root out the Islamists, but at a high price for civilians. Last month, a Nigerian military jet accidentally bombed a camp for displaced people in Borno state, killing at least 112 civilians, including six Nigerian Red Cross workers, and wounding 100. Compounding the crisis, climate change and population growth have turned Lake Chad -- once one of Africa's largest bodies of water -- into an environmental disaster. The lake's water basin has shrunk to barely 10 per cent of its 1960s levels. Africa's Lake Chad region has been hit by a "perfect storm" of challenges, Swedish diplomat Carl Skau said, including terrorism and the effects of climate change The ambassadors will encourage the four countries to come up with a new strategy to address the crisis and its many facets, French Ambassador Francois Delattre said. Governments should "adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism, including governance and development," he said. Sweden, a non-permanent council member and big humanitarian donor, hopes the council will be more active in tackling the crisis. The Lake Chad region has been hit by a "perfect storm" of challenges, Swedish diplomat Carl Skau said: "terrorism, trafficking, serious underdevelopment, but also the effects of climate change." "This cannot be a one-off," he added. "We need a serious follow-up when we come back." Fourteen countries pledged $672 million to the Lake Chad funding appeal at a donors' conference in Oslo last week, a tally UN officials welcomed as a good start to the aid effort. Berlin (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel starts a two-day trip to Egypt and Tunisia on Thursday, part of her push to limit migrant flows to Europe through North Africa, especially chaos-torn Libya. Since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has lacked a national government, which has made it the main gateway for African migrants heading for the 28-member EU on dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. Her government has urged the Maghreb states and Egypt to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Merkel first heads to Egypt, where she will meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, before holding talks on Friday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. Asylum seekers in Germany She is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, tourism slumps after internal turmoil and jihadist attacks, and high unemployment, especially among youths. A major focus in Egypt and Tunisia will be on their troubled neighbour Libya, a largely lawless country that has porous desert borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan. "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. "Egypt, as a regional institution, as a regional power, plays a major role here, as do Algeria and Tunisia." Holding centres The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Visitors attend a job fair for refugees and migrants in Berlin Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt had largely "banned protests, imprisoned tens of thousands of people, often after unfair trials, and outlawed the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood." "Ensuring safe and swift returns of Tunisians and Egyptians who are not in need of protection is legitimate, as long as the procedures are fair," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum." But Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market on December 19 that killed 12, an attack attributed to a Tunisian immigrant, Anis Amri. Anger had previously been fanned on New Year's Eve of 2015-16, when large groups of mostly North African men sexually assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in the western city of Cologne. The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Lawyer Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh has charged the media, both print and electronic to be vociferous against indiscriminately tree felling in the region. Lawyer Asomah-Cheremeh said the indiscriminately tree felling in the region has affected some people in the region negatively. The Brong Ahafo Regional minister made the call when SPACE FM, a private radio station in Sunyani presented an Award the station won last year from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The station was among ten radio stations in the country that won Award in recognition of their contribution to Decent Language and Issues Based Campaigning during Ghanas 2016 Elections. According to the Lawyer Asomah-Cheremeh, the last Friday rain storm that hit some parts of the region should be a concern to all and sundry in the region. He said his initial investigations into the incident had reviewed that, indiscriminate tree felling was a major contributor to the storm that destroyed 110 houses, school buildings and church buildings in Dormaa Central , Techiman South and in Ahafo , Asunafo Districts and rendered many families houseless. Honorable Lawyer Asomah-Cheremeh said the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the affected district assemblies are putting things together, to accommodate the homeless and seek assistance from the Central government for them. He noted that our forests in the region are being destroyed as results of the activities of Chainsaw Operators and others. According to the newly Brong Ahafo regional minister, the activities of the Chainsaw Operators must be discouraged before they turn our forests into deserts. The minister added that proactive steps must be taken to encourage tree planting in the region. Lawyer Asomah-Cheremeh said he will discuss the issue with the Brong Ahafo Forestry Service Commission (FSC), and the Regional Security Council (RESEC) will take up the matter to find a lasting solution to the indiscriminate tree felling in the region. He charged the media to be proactive in the fight against the menace in the region. The former Brong Ahafo Regional Public Relation Officer (PRO), of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr. Kusi Augustine says, Ghanaians have to throw away the foreign cultures we have adopted into our system and develop our heritage and culture. Mr. Kusi Augustine reacting to a survey conducted by World Linguistic Society in Africa , which put Ghana out of the first three best English speaking countries in Africa, said , the foreign cultures we have adopted as a nation is gradually killing our cultures which were bequeathed unto us by our forth fathers. According to the survey, Ghana is conspicuously missing in the first three best English speaking countries in Africa. Uganda was named the best English speaking country in Africa .English is official language in Uganda. The former PRO of the GES speaking on the SPACE FM MORNING FLIGHT show on Wednesday noted that our country cannot develop if we continue to practice the foreign cultures in the country. He said the young generation of this country is dying prematurely because of the foreign cultures they have adopted. He condemned what he termed as foreign way of eating which is making it impossible for some people to do any hard work like farming after attaining fifty years and above. He said the survey that put Ghana out of the first three best English speaking countries in Africa should not discourage Ghanaians in speaking our local language (AKAN). Mr. Kusi Augustine added that there are so many countries around the globe that does not use English language as their official language, but they are developing on a faster rate. He cited the German Chancellor as a typical example who address some international communitys conferences with her mother language and asked Ghanaians to be proud with their vernacular. He said Japan and Germany do not speak English, but they have been able to develop their respective countries. He asked the GES to teach vernacular in the lower primary. Leading telecommunication service provider in voice, data, and mobile money, MTN Ghana has launched yet another mind blowing feature Tap2Pay. The feature [Tap2Pay] aids MTN Mobile Money subscribers to easily pay for goods and services with the use of Near Field Technology Communication [NFC] technology. The service is currently available in select shops located at the Accra, Achimota and West Hills Malls. It is also available at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Palace Shopping Malls and Star Oil filling stations in Accra. Speaking at the launch of the Tap2Pay, General Manager of Mobile Financial Services at MTN [Eli Hini] acknowledged how the telecommunication giants [MTN] is trying to make life easier for its subscribers. MTN is committed to brightening lives through the introduction of innovative digital services that provide convenience for customers. NFC technology provides an effective way for customers to pay for goods and services with just with a tap, Mr. Hini said. To sign onto the Tap2Pay service, subscribers with NFC enabled smart phones can download the MTN NFC app (MTNGH MOMO PAY SUBSCRIBER) from the Google Play Store and visit any MTN Service Center for activation. Subscribers who do not have Android phones can go to any MTN branch and get an NFC tag that can be used for all NFC payments. To make payments with the service, customers may tap the NFC tag on their phone to the POS terminal. A prompt will appear on the phone for approval, after which the subscriber enters his/her pin code to confirm the transaction. Merchants who intend to accept payments through the Tap2Pay service can also download the Merchant NFC app (MTNGH MOMO PAY MERCHANT) after registration. Follow Amisty on twitter @ElAmistyNobo Email: [email protected] It is the bounden duty of every authentic counselor to empathize with a grieving human being who is going through emotional pain. The feeling of emotional distress may be an outcome of divorce or any other human experience that can trigger the feelings of an emotional pain. The human mind is very fragile and it takes few minutes or seconds for some individuals who are feeling the sense of abandonment, rejection, cheated and unloved to commit suicide or choose life. The task of the modern Counselor or Chaplain who has been trained in the fundamentals of modern psychological methodology of counseling is to be a listener. It means the Counselor must pry into the hidden emotional key words embedded in the pronouncements of the patient without posing questions. It is the responsibility of the Counselor to step into the world view or the pit of the patient to assist him or her to come out of it. And it takes a lot of training to develop the skills to do it. In fact, it is detrimental to the patient for any so-called Counselor to pontificate what a patient must do. It is about time Mr. Lutterodt puts an end to his Shaming methodology of counseling which is causing more harm in the psyche of the Ghanaian society. If I were to grade Mr. Lutterodt on his counseling skills as my student I would give him the grade of F. He lacks the fundamentals of modern counsel skills; therefore, he should cease from upholding himself as a counselor. It is empirically evident that Mr. Lutterodt is out of touch with fundamentals of modern psychological counseling methodology. In article entitled, Counselor Lutterodt Attacks Julliet Ibrahim, published by Adomonline dated, February 28, 2017, he rants on, I felt very sad that she wants people to stop pressure on her. I see that as one of disappoints. The success of a woman is not owning a company and being the CEO. But rather making a family and making a man respected at the beautiful gate of the whole world Oh! What a shame Mr. Lutterodt? A human being, in the person of Ms. Julliet Ibrahim is feeling emotional pain due to divorce and why are you taking pleasure in shaming her as a Christian? Where is the CHRIST in you? You are supposed to empathize with her and console her with flowering-Spirit words as a Christian; however, you are pontificating what you want her to do in order to shame her. You have miserable failed in your endeavor, the lady has greater Will Power than you. Lady Ibrahim is feeling a sense of loss and we need to empathize with her by supporting her Divine-Right decision to be a good mother to her child and also an Awesome CEO for her business. It is about time a qualified Counselor/Chaplain stands up to Mr. Lutterodt and his archaic methodology of counseling. We need to throw light on the false pronouncements of Mr. George Lutterodt. He is a fake Counselor nobody should pay attention to him. Ms. Julliet Ibrahim, I do empathize with you and support your decision to be a good mother to your child and taking care of your business. I am praying for the Divine Protection of your family and business. I am casting the Divine Fire around you, child and business for your protection. Your business shall prosper! I appreciate your Will Power and continue to be strong! God, Allah, or the Cosmic Energy will continue to empower you. Amen! Rev. Yaw Obeng-Aduasare, M.Div., Chaplain Staten Island, New York March 01, 2017 The outbreak and resurgence of epidemic diseases in the West African Region are the consequences of a weak health system and fragile mechanisms for disease surveillance and prevention. In addition, there is inadequate infrastructure, limited skilled human resources and capacity of laboratory services. Given this background, the 47th Conference of the Heads of State of Economic Organisation of West African States (ECOWAS) has mandated the West African Health Organization (WAHO) to establish a regional structure for epidemic prevention and control body called ECOWAS Regional Centre for Disease Surveillance and Control (ECOWAS-RCDSC). The ECOWAS-RCDSC components include surveillance and early warning, laboratory capacity building, work force, training and research. In order to ensure greater co-operation among ECOWAS member countries, (WAHO) and Connecting Organization for Regional Disease Surveillance (CORDS) are hosting a three days workshop on the Integrated Regional Platform for Collection and Sharing of Health Information and to Build the Capacity of ECOWAS member countries, from the 1st to the 3rd of March 2017 at the Movenpick Hotel, Accra. The highlight of this event will be the formal launch of the West African Network for Infectious Diseases Surveillance (WANIDS) on Friday 3rd March 2017. The West African Network for Infectious Disease Surveillance (WANIDS), an initiative of WAHO is a network of the 15 ECOWAS countries with a mission to foster cooperation between the countries to enable early detection and control of infectious diseases. WANIDS will operate within the newly ECOWAS-RCDSC. Its development has been achieved in partnership between WAHO and CORDS through a special support of the Rockefeller Foundation and Skoll Global Threats Fund. The event which is expected to bring together ECOWAS country stakeholders, WAHO, CORDS and others international partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, Chatham House, Skoll Global Threats Fund, Rockefeller Foundation. The workshop aims to strengthen the ability for member countries of ECOWAS to work together towards building their capacity in health information collection and sharing for early infectious disease detection, response and control in order to mitigate the impact of public health emergencies on populations. WAHO with the support of its international partners, is committed to building effective cooperation between West African states to enable early detection and control of infectious disease-related threats. This implies a multi-sectorial One Health approach (human, animal and environmental health), in compliance with WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) by enabling knowledge sharing on key issues and challenges that can mitigate against the effective implementation of regional effort to stem epidemics in the region. To mark the opening of the forum, a high level ceremony will be addressed by The World Bank representative (Mr. John-Paul Clark), the Executive Director of CORDS (Dr Christophe Longuet), the representative of Skoll Global Threats Fund (Dr Jennifer Olsen), the representative of Chatham House (Dr David Harper), the Deputy Director General of WAHO (Dr. Laurent Assogba) and Ghanas Minister of Health, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu who is expected to formally open the workshop. Dr Laurent Assogba, Deputy Director of WAHO, on behalf of the President of ECOWAS and the General Director of WAHO, said we are excited to be convening this workshop for international public health experts, institutional partners and key stakeholders to share ideas, expertise and best practices while working on developing common initiatives to ensure West African countries are in a better position to deal with major disease outbreaks such as Ebola as and when they occur. The Yendi Township in the Nothern Region could be in in the thick of a water crisis by the end of March if their water situation doesn't change. Currently, residents are resorting to dams, boreholes and water from tankers as the Yendi water treatment plant is low on water. The source of water for the plant, the River Dakar, has dried up due to detrimental human activity along its banks, leading to siltation, according to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which is hoping for early rainfall to bring some relief. The Public Relations Officer for the GWCL, Nii Abbey, revealed the situation to Citi News, and said his outfit was in the short-term, policing the banks of the river while assisting with water supply from tankers. The water levels in Yendi, as far as the River Dakar is concerned, is very low and this has to do with the rate of evaporation and the human activity there. What we have been able to do as a company is that we are liaising with the municipal assembly to patrol the river whilst the company will be mounting polytank at vantage points. People are farming so close to the river banks. The same river we are drawing from is the same river people are using for other things so it has caused a lot of siltation in the river and this is also affecting our production. River Dakar not sufficient Ultimately, Mr. Abbey explained that the River Dakar could not meet the needs of the Yendi Township hence the need for a new treatment plant, probably on the River Oti. File photo: River Dakar The truth of the matter is that, the growth of the Yendi Township today far outstrips the supply we are doing and so going forward, the long-term plan will be to have a new treatment plant on the River Oti because the River Oti has enough volumes of water which we can rely on as compared to the River Dakar. So our proposal for the long-term is that we have a new treatment plant on the River Oti, and it can take care of the growing demand of the Yendi township. Effects of sand winning, illegal mining on water Illegal mining has ravaged some major rivers in the Eastern and Brong Ahafo Regions, leading to the shut down of some treatment plants that rely on affected rivers. But Mr. Abbey was happy to note that, his region did not have issues with illegal mining. The problem his outfit has to contend with, however sand winning. Sand winning is happening seriously on both the River Dakar and the White Volta, where we also do some extraction for the Tamale Township. For the past three years, this has been going on and the way things are going its likely that towards the end of this month or early April, we will be in a crisis as far as Yendi is concerned. That is if we don't get early rains. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has expressed displeasure over the reemergence of the power crisis, popularly known as 'Dumsor.' AFAG, in a statement signed by three of its members, Arnold Boateng, Henry Asante and Wesley Owusu, said the recent power outages were part of the mess inherited by the current government. Prior to the 2016 general elections in December, the NDC government assured Ghanaians that the power crisis had been resolved. There was constant supply of power during the heated campaign season, however, Ghanaians in certain part of the country have experienced consistent power cuts in recent times. The situation is however not surprising, because in the latter part of 2016, many energy experts projected that Ghana was likely to face fluctuating power supply in 2017 because of the expedient short-term tactics the previous government resorted to in addressing this national crisis, the statement indicated, according to AFAG. In the last few weeks, several parts of the nation have experienced power cuts in both residential and industrial areas. This dreadful power crisis is one of the messes inherited by the current government. This fact must not be downplayed. The immediate-past Energy Minister must tell the Ghanaian taxpayer the whole truth about the situation of the NDC government left the power sector, it said. The heavily indebted energy sector, with the net debt of approximately $2.4bn as at December 2016, is a major challenge the new administration would have to surmount to solve this problem. The NPP government would have to manage the horrid inheritance as best as possible, said AFAG. The Energy Minister must come out clearly to update us on the current state of the power sector. We challenge the Minister for Energy to give some clear roadmap and timelines in solving this issue. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration says it is the process of developing what it terms national master plan for the power sector. By Melvin Tarlue Minister for Business Development, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has called for increased collaboration between Ghana and India to develop Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. We are looking forward to a very strong SME sector and relationship between India and Ghana, which will see our SMEs expand and provide jobs for our people, he told visiting Indian envoy, Birender Singh, in Accra. The envoy called on him at his office in Accra to discuss issues of mutual interest to the two countries. The Minister, who bemoaned the high unemployment rate in the country, was hopeful a buoyant SME sector would bring relief to many Ghanaians and businesses. We need your support in the area of technology and innovation, training and access to affordable capital, Mr Awal declared. Government, the Minister said, was committed to removing all barriers to growth and expansion of businesses in Ghana, adding that for us, the private sector is the driver of business and the economy. Mr Awal said government has committed itself to engaging the private sector well through the creation of the Ministry of Business Development. The Minister, who is set to visit India next month, revealed that the SME sector in Ghana constitutes over 90 percent of all businesses in Ghana and contributes between 60 and 70 percent to the country's GDP. To enhance development, it is prudent to look at the challenges and opportunities in the SME sector and initiate programmes to ensure the sector improves, the Minister stated. On his part, the Indian envoy, expressed his country's readiness to support Ghana in many areas, including the SME sector. He disclosed further that the Indian government was ready to facilitate Mr Awal's meeting and interaction with SMEs in that country. In India, you will be meeting a lot of Indian businessmen who are engaged in SME activities and when you return from your visit, I will be here to meet you again so we can take things further, Mr Singh said. He noted that India's economy remains heavily dependent on SMEs, saying our government also provides a lot of incentives such as start-up capital, innovation technology and tax holidays so that entrepreneurs can start their own ventures. The Writer 02.03.2017 LISTEN The PHYSICAIN ASSITANT (PA) profession is a young medical profession that is quickly moving into global health care in response to the overwhelming needs in the health care workforce created by multiple issues affecting health and health disparity. Many other non-physician providers are also emerging in response to the same global health care crises (PAs, NPs, COs, SACMO, Barefoot doctor, physician extender etc.) The practice of medicine is not the birth right of the Medical Officer / medical doctor. This might sound strange and controversial as doctors the world over are seen to be the owners of medical practice. However, in many place of which Ghana is no exception, this birth right is fast fading away. There are other well qualified orthodox medical practitioners aside the doctors who see to clients on daily basis, some especially PAs see more clients in the health centers, polyclinics and district and regional hospital more than the doctors. BUT WHY? Shortage of primary care physicians worldwide, Ghana is not an exception The need for a middle cadre professional with similar training in the medical model but with less duration and less cost. The need for clinicians in the primary care setting especially underserved areas (villages where no doctor usually wants to go and practice) Ever growing population (with health related issues) coupled with dwindling medical officers/ doctors in the system. MO/doctors over burdened with disease in the populace i.e. increasing doctor/ patient ratio, increasing waiting time at the clinic at the expense of productivity Response to shortage and mal-distribution of physicians. To improve access to health care and enhance existing health care delivery system especially in GHS/ CHAG. Flexibility, Adaptability, Acceptability, Versatility THE PA Physician Assistants, by definition, are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision (which is not the case in Ghana as PAs are not supervised by doctors here) and educated on the medical model designed to complement physician training. Within the Physician-PA relationship, PAs exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Physician assistants are also involved in education, research, and administrative services in Ghana. Most of the health data in the country is generated with the help of PAs since they mostly are the sub- district in charges, where a bulk of health data is generated. PAs are educated in the medical model and work as members of the total health team being autonomous in practice or in the physician-directed teams. PA scope of practice is determined by: Education and experience of the PAs, the Country/State law, policy of the health care facility (government and private or quasi-governmental), *Delegatory decisions made by the supervising physician*(this is usually not the case in Ghana as PAs practice independent of medical officers). Determinants of the scope of practice is also based on what necessitated the birth of the PA profession in that country, that is, the need that was to be met by the PA professionals. It is however worthy of note that the PA concept is easily adaptable to the to the specific health needs of other nations and that Category of physician assistant globally lacks standardization and has differing academic competencies, skills, and functions. THE ROLES In Ghana, the Roles can be divided into CLINICAL and NON CLINICAL ROLES PURPOSE: The purpose of the PA provide comprehensive primary health services in support of the total effort of the health care delivery system and also to achieve equity in coverage and quality care especially in the Health Centres in rural areas and Polyclinics/Hospitals in the urban setting. Physician assistants also work as a members of Medical Team to provide health care and to monitor and evaluate patient care as well as collaborating with other disciplines and health care staff to ensure optimum care for clients/patients CLINICAL ROLES The clinical roles as outlines in the job description of PAs include: Assess and prioritize patients presenting at Health Centers/polyclinics or hospitals, according to their medical need. This is achieved via: Undertaking confidential patient consultations consisting of: 1. History taking, 2. Assessment/ examinations and 3. Diagnosis Initiate and implement care plan for patients; emergency cases, minor surgical interventions, O & G cases, paediatric/geriatric cases, chronic ailments, EENT cases, etc. etc. according to training and competence . PAs also offer primary care to patients with mental health problems and refer as appropriate 5. PAs are also to participate in Clinical meetings, Morbidity/mortality meetings and general staff meetings etc . 6. Perform relieving duties at Health centers and relevant health facilities when necessary ROLES IN COMMUNITY WORK The PAs usually work in health centers which are based at the community level. Roles performed here include: Participate in the outreach community health activities within the catchment area Facilitate community involvement in health programmes by involving the chiefs, elders and opinion leaders in the said community. Contribute to maternal and child welfare, family planning programmes and health education talks within the community. Assist in the collection and reporting on data socio/epidemiological morbidity and mortality. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES In many sub- districts in the country, the health team is headed by a PA, with the following roles. Contribute to the day-to-day management of the health centre as well as the supervision of other health stations within the sub-district. (Community clinics, CHPS compounds, urban CHPS, maternity homes) Contribute to the preparation of plans and budget and periodic reports on the activities of the health centre and other health stations in the sub-district. Contribute to devising improved job methods for increasing efficiency in the health centre. Contribute to the supervision of revenue collection as well as ensuring strict accountability at the health centre. In fact due to the non-availability of funding to the Municipal/ District health directorates from the government of Ghana in recent years, the health centers have become the financial backbone of the health service in the municipal/ district health directorates. COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS The PA is to Participate in dissemination of information on health programmes to staff and clients in the facility. Participate in multi-professional meetings and conferences as required. Promote and safeguard the interest and wellbeing of the patients and visitors at all times. Maintain effective communication with colleagues and other professional groups and clients. HEALTH AND SAFETY ROLES The PA has to take care of own safety and that of other colleagues and clients as appropriate. Work in compliance with all MOH/GHS/CHAG health and safety requirements and attend relevant training to update knowledge in line with GHS Health and Safety policy RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES Undertake surveys in the catchment area. Basic research in the clinic/ catchment area FUTURE ROLE It is envisaged that as the PA profession gowns with time, certain roles and responsibilities would emerge to meet the changes in scope of training and practice as well as competence of the physician assistant. This can be achieved through: Expansion of the PA profession in areas of clinical expertise and professional opportunity (more specialty programmes to be added to the existing clinical dermatology and psychiatry programmes) Prospectively address emerging global issues. Determine where PAs fit into the skill mix of the global workforce. A World Health Organization category would be helpful. Emphasize communication between the Ghana PA organizations and other non-physician provider groups. Thank you Kofi Adjei Ntiri Senior Physician Assistant [email protected] (233 50-4567-649 ) CREDITS JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PAs IN GHS/CHAG GHWnPA DOCUMENT NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION PAPER ATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH, PUBLIC ACCESS PAPER, 2014 www.aapa.org Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is in Parliament to observe the Finance Minister's presentation of the first budget statement of the Akufo-Addo government for the year 2017. It is often not the usual occurrence for the President or even the Vice President to be present during a budget reading. But it appears that Dr. Bawumia, an economist, who is expected to make a huge impact in the government's vision to resuscitate the economy, will not just be a backbencher, but an active participant. Dr. Bawumia had repeatedly criticized the previous NDC administration for running down the economy through over bloated contracts and corruption, and was very vociferous with the NPP government's pledge to reduce taxes as part of several measures to revive the economy. More so, the Constitution permits the presence of the Vice President in the chamber, and must be accorded all the privileges of the House, with the exception of voting in the chamber. Ghana's economic challenges Ghana for close to six years now, has been wobbling in a number economic challenges which have seen a decline in its economic growth, a plunge in Government's revenue, rising unemployment, and increasing agitation among business operators over high taxes, a depreciating currency and weak economic fundamentals. In his first state of the nation address, President Nana Akuffo Addo painted a gloomy picture of the economy, reiterating among others earlier reports by the Finance Minister, that the country's current debt stock had ballooned to GH122 billion, leaving Ghana's debt stock at 74% of GDP. He added that, three key targets set under the IMF program growth, fiscal deficit were missed. By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana Students from Nii Boi Town SDA Basic School, beat 22 other schools to win the maiden edition of the inter-schools coding competition held over the weekend for selected private and public schools within the Greater Accra metropolis. They received a brand new projector from Ghana Code Club, souvenirs from Tigo and a collection of books from EPP Books Services. Their winning hack, a piano application was designed using the Scratch programming software. This application and their overall presentation received rave reviews from the four-member panel of judges. Ernestina Appiah, organiser of the Hackathon and 2016 co-winner for Tigo Digital Change-makers was excited about the high levels of participation and innovation demonstrated by the children. The levels of participation and the keen interest of these children has been very impressive. We are really excited with what they have produced within this limited time, they have been very creative, she said. Touching on the importance of technology to help children become innovators, Ms. Ernestina Appiah explained that technology has become an integral part of our lives and hoped the Ghana Educations Service, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders would combine resources to enable children make the most of ICT training. Jubilant on their victory, a teacher from the Nii Boi Town SDA Basic School, George Samatey, appealed to parents to allow their children to participate in coding clinics which are now widespread within Accra. He also wanted public schools to be adequately resourced with ICT laboratories. A total of 150 students selected from 22 public and private schools including Hillview Montessori School, Achimota Basic School, La Cluster 2, Alzakiya Islamic Girls, Gbegbeyise Basic School, and Flagstaff House School among others participated in the maiden competition. The advent of social media has made a lot of people technologically savvy. Ghanaians have not been left out of the world of social media. In fact, social media has spurned a sort of revolution that has churned out creative people from all walks of life. People have nurtured and improved on ideas that have been developed into several applications just to make communication easier. Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram and a host of others have now made communicating by all forms very easy, be it via text, voice, pictures and video. But it seems some Ghanaians have been social mediaficated to the extent that sometimes their use of the various social media tools defeats the purposes for which they were created. These are just my observations and also based on snippets of conversations heard from several people. I was not eavesdropping though. Once, whiles traveling in a commercial vehicle, we got to a police checkpoint and the policemen instead of doing their normal checks, were busily either on whatsapp or on Facebook checking their statuses. They just allowed the vehicle to pass by without even raising their heads since they were so much engrossed in what they were doing on their mobile phones. What if someone was carrying weapons or illegal drugs in the vehicle, how will they know? Other people also complain of health professionals, especially some of the nurses who rather choose to pay attention to their mobile phones than sick patients who urgently need their attention and care. Several instances can be cited in our hospitals where patients have lost their lives due to this unethical behaviour. What happened to their work ethics? Some of these health professionals even go to the extent of sharing pictures of accident victims on social media. I just dont get it. Why will they do that? The several government agencies, ministries and departments cannot be left out of this craze. Just enter any of the offices when you need their services, you will surely find some workers facebooking or on whatsapp. They will not even raise their heads to look at your face but will be asking questions. Such people are just wasting the tax payers money. They are not even willing to put their mobile phones down and attend to you. Have you also noticed the behavior of some people when they lose their mobile phones to pickpockets and thieves? They just cant deal with it. This social mediafication craze has permeated every facet of the Ghanaian society and the earlier we change this attitude the better. Also some people share all kinds of information on social media without verifying them, thus sharing false information. This can sometimes cause fear and panic in the society. We should learn how to use social media, when to use it and what to do with it. It will shock you to know that when someone is in distress and needs help urgently crowds of people will gather around and use their mobile phones to take pictures of him/her instead of helping such a victim. Khartoum (AFP) - A former army general and top aide to President Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Thursday as Sudan's first prime minister since the post was scrapped in a 1989 Islamist-backed coup. Bakri Hassan Saleh, a military officer involved in the bloodless coup that brought Bashir to power three decades ago, was named prime minister on Wednesday by the executive bureau of the president's National Congress Party (NCP). "Today, we took the major step of appointing Bakri Hassan Saleh as prime minister," Bashir announced at a press conference after the swearing-in ceremony. Saleh, 68, who will also retain his current post of Sudan's first vice president, was sworn in at a presidential palace in Khartoum. Bashir abolished the post of prime minister after the coup, and analysts said Saleh's appointment as premier was an attempt to give the president's decades-old regime a new look. The appointment falls in line with reforms proposed by a year-long national dialogue held between Bashir's government and some opposition groups. In October, after a quarter century in power, Bashir concluded the national dialogue aimed at resolving insurgencies in Sudan's border regions and healing the country's crisis-wracked economy. The talks, launched in 2015, were boycotted by most mainstream opposition and armed groups. "Our country is at an historic moment as it harmonises all political parties and powers which took part in the national dialogue," Saleh said in a statement after taking the oath of office. New government A new government led by Saleh as prime minister is expected to be formed in the coming days. "All those who participated in the national dialogue will be represented" at different levels of the adminstration, Bashir said. Sudanese lawmakers had voted in December to reinstate the post of prime minister. They also approved major amendments to a transitional constitution adopted in 2005 ahead of Sudan's north-south split in 2011 following two decades of civil war. Sudanese general Omar al-Bashir abolished the prime ministerial post after he seized power in 1989 While the amendments give the new prime minister responsiblity for executive power, the president retains the right to form a government or sack ministers. "General Bakri's appointment is broadly a continuation of Bashir's rule rather than a new chapter in Sudan's politics," Khaled Tigani, editor-in-chief of weekly newspaper Elaff, told AFP. "But at the end of the day it depends on the leadership that General Bakri manages to show." Saleh, a key aide to Bashir for decades, has previously held key ministerial portfolios including interior and defence. He has also been adviser to Bashir on national security and was head of Sudan's all powerful National Security and Intelligence Service in the 1990s. Bashir had led the 1989 coup against then-prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi with the help of Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi. Mahdi fled abroad more than two years ago but returned to Sudan last month. A fixture of Sudanese politics since the 1960s, Mahdi served as prime minister from 1966 to 1967 and again from 1986 to 1989. His government was the last to be democratically elected in Sudan before the coup. Nkrumah began his political career as a democrat and ended as a dictator Rawlings began as a military dictator and ended as a democratIt was an irony for Nkrumah to have pushed for a single African state and yet maintained that in his country, Ghana, multi-partyism was out of place Nkrumah was a great son of Africa but not a very good servant of Ghanathe PDA and the dismissal of a Chief Justice were dubious precedents, making him go into history as the pioneer of black authoritarianism in post-independence Africa UNLIKE EX PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, I was born before independence. I attended Army Children's School, Kumasi, even though none of my parents and relations was a soldier. From B.K. Owusu's house at Asafo (NA 100), we would foot the distance from Asafo to the Army Barracks, barefooted. Our teachers were soldiers one of whom we nicknamed: 'Akwadaa kwee kwe' because he heard us cry 'kwee' when he administered the bastinado. I need not be reminded of the forage on the refuse dump behind the soldiers' kitchen, for crumbs to quench the pangs of hunger, leading to a peptic ulcer, later in life. The 'colonial' days were a mix of happy and doleful moments. Empire Day was in June and school children would line up the streets to welcome the white District Commissioners with miniature British flags, and later be served cocoa drink from white cups which we would take home as souvenirs. Then came the agitation for independence: CPP's 'self government now' and the opposition's 'self government in the shortest possible time'. That could have been propaganda versus realism. CPP's Kwame Nkrumah, Kojo Botsio and Komla Gbedemah; and NLM's, J.B Danquah, Kofi Abrefa Busia and S.D. Dombo popped up. Nkrumah was studying in America and the United Kingdom and the UGCC had invited him home in 1947 and paid for his passage. Pa Grant and J.B. Danquah were calling the shots. Nkrumah was a paid General Secretary of UGCC, and was provided with a vehicle. Then in 1949, he broke from the UGCC to form the Convention People's Party (CPP) with the cockerel as its symbols. Scuffles ensued: not between the Gold Coasters and British colonialists but rather between the factions. In Ashanti, Twumasi Ankrah stabbed E.Y.Baffoe to death, using an 'Okapi' knife. Nkrumah's CPP identified itself with the young, unemployed youth (the Verandah Boys) while the NLM identified itself with the Anglophile intelligentsia. Nkrumah's style and the promises he made had a great appeal on the senses of the majority of urbanized industrial workers, farmers and the semi literate young men and women, mostly the market women. Populism won the day for the CPP. When on February 28, 1948 the ex servicemen marched to the Castle, and three of them (Private Odartey Lamptey, Corporal Attipoe and Sergeant Adjetey) were gunned down, eyes pointed at the Big Six (J.B. Danquah, Kwame Nkrumah, Edward Akuffo Addo, William Ofori-Attah, Obetsebi Lamptey and Ako-Adjei) who were jailed in the north for the offence of political agitation. Ever since I got interested in debates, from College days up to being the President of the Legon Debating Club, I had argued that the majority cannot ride roughshod over the minority, because anything above 50% would be majority; anything below 50% would be minority. In July 1956, the CPP won 57% of the votes cast, holding 2/3 of the 104 seats in the new Parliament. The opposition was fragmented, until they decided to come together under the United Party, with cocoa as the emblem. In 1960, Ghana became a Republic after Nkrumah had defeated J.B. Danquah in the election for President. The Preventive Detention Act (PDA) had been in force. By the PDA, the President could arrest and detain anybody without trial for five years (later increased to 10 years). Many state owned corporations were established including laundries, many running at a loss. State and para-statal organisations were formed. The Builders Brigade (later Workers Brigade) was formed to produce food stuffs. What they produced could not feed even the establishment. They enjoyed government subsidies, and one person could have his name in two or three stations, and receive salaries from all of them. The Nkrumah Ideological Institute was alive to propagate Nkrumahism. The Young Pioneer was established in 1960 to train the young men and women to keep comradeship, honesty, integrity and devoted service. In spite of the professed philosophy, the Young Pioneers turned round to be spies even on their own parents, reporting them to the authorities. A referendum was held in 1964 to decide whether Ghana should adopt a one party system. Two 'Etuo mu ye sum' (opaque) boxes were provided at the polling stations and were labelled 'Yes' (for one party) and 'No '(against one party). People lined up behind the box of their choice. Who would risk being seen in the queue voting 'No'. The Workers Brigade squads were around to ensure that everyone toed the line. In the end, as was to be expected, CPP won an overwhelming 99% 'Yes'. In 1965, Ghana was a one- party state. Nkrumah declared at the National Assembly on 1st February, 1966 (23 days before he was over thrown ): A one party system of government is an effective and safe instrument only when it operates in a socialist system. This was the heyday of the Cold War, between the Communist East and the Democratic West. Opposition grew from within Nkrumah's own CPP. Tawia Adamafio, Ako Adjei (who had recommended Nkrumah to the UGCC) and Coffie Crabbe were jailed, after a bomb attempt on Nkrumah's life in Kulungugu in August, 1962. That was after the court headed by Chief Justice, Sir Arku Korsah had acquitted them and a new court found them guilty. The District Commissioners were a law unto themselves; some were quick to ensure the incarceration of opposition elements and marrying their wives hence many were the proud fathers of many children. And J.B. Danquah died in Nkrumah's prison! Nkrumah used the law to oppress any opposing ideas. 24th February, 1966 came, and E.K. Kotoka and Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa were the heroes for freeing political prisoners. Ghanaians heaved a sigh of relief. Someone says the overthrow of the CPP government 51 years ago is 'regrettable', and that the PDA was 'justifiable'. If the CPP with the one party system had not been overthrown(?) People have their views. I do not expect those who were the beneficiaries of Nkrumah's policies to preach against Nkrumah; but they should allow those who think otherwise to express their sentiments. BBC listeners (and those who wrote back to the BBC), numbering less than 10,000 subscribers voted Nkrumah 'Africa's Man of the Millenium' in 2000. We are being urged to remain united and draw inspiration from the achievements, ideology and vision of Dr Kwame Nkrumah Sorry, count some of us out! Robert Mugabe and his Zimbabwe may choose to follow Nkrumah's legacy, not us in Ghana. Fate has a way of mending fences, compensating people for unjustifiable suffering, and dousing inter- personal flames. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, the rejected stone, is now the cornerstone. One does not expect him to be a dictator (we would resist) and neither to be vengeful (forgive the vilification of the Akyem trio which included his father, Edward Akuffo-Addo, his uncle, William Ofori-Attah and his grandfather, J.B. Danquah) but nothing stops him from setting the records straight, a la Fiifi Kwetey. A 'pseudo intellectual', or a 'colonial stooge', so what? Ghana was not founded by Nkrumah (alone), so there could be a 'Founders' Day' and not a 'Founder's Day'! The neutral name 'Jubilee House' is tuneful and euphonious; 'Flagstaff House' is dysphonic and grating. Exeunt. [email protected] Africanus Owusu Ansah Is Africa a united continent? Are we serious about being each others keeper in Africa? Why should we fight amongst ourselves to the extent of killing each other? February 21st, 2017 will go down in the history of the African continent as one of the saddest days for Mother Africa. This was a day when some black South Africans decided to attack other nationals in their country. Most of those attacked were Nigerians and other African nationals. Their shops and businesses were vandalized and burnt to the ground. Some of these foreign nationals also lost their lives as a result of these attacks. Whiles the police moved in to protect the lives and properties of these foreign nationals, the attackers fought running street battles with them. They were complaining about not getting jobs as a result of these foreign nationals taking over jobs that were meant for them. But in my humble opinion and from my readings, these same South African citizens are not ready and willing to take up some of these so called menial jobs which the foreigners have taken up. The South African government should condemn these xenophobic attacks and put in place measures to curb future occurrences of this nature. My question is, why is it that most black South Africans are still under economic apartheid? Why have they not been empowered economically? Why do they look down on certain menial jobs but when other nationals take up these jobs, they turn around to attack them? Should the ANC government be blamed for these acts of lawlessness being perpetuated by some black South African citizens? Meanwhile, I have not heard the African Union condemn these xenophobic attacks. Ghanas Parliament condemned the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and measures have been put in place to safeguard the lives and properties of Ghanaian citizens living and working in South Africa. When the attacks do not stop, I think we should boycott South African products and businesses in Ghana. This will put pressure on their government to act swiftly and curb the xenophobic attacks. Have they forgotten so soon when almost all the African countries came together to help them fight against the apartheid system? What if we also retaliated as it was reported that some Nigerians wanted to vandalize some MTN offices in Nigeria? One thing we should know is that Africans need each other to survive no matter the situation. I am sure the western world would be looking at South Africa with glee and their sensational media houses will have a field day giving 24 hour updates on the situation in South Africa. They always want to project bad news from Africa to the rest of the world. Its time we proved them wrong. South Africans should be ready to coexist peacefully with Africans from other countries as they are in their country to do legitimate business and also pay taxes to help develop the country. United we stand, divided we fall. Africa must unite. Cairo (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel landed in Cairo Thursday on a two-day trip to Egypt and Tunisia, in a push to limit migrant flows to Europe through North Africa, especially chaos-torn Libya. Turmoil exploited by people smugglers since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi has made Libya the main gateway for African migrants seeking to make dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. Her government has urged the North African states to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Asylum seekers in Germany Merkel is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday, followed by meetings with Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Egypt's top Muslim cleric. She will depart to Tunisia on Friday to meet Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. She will "inform herself of the situation of Coptic Christians" and "speak to (Tayeb) about tolerance and the peaceful co-existence of religion," her spokesman Steffan Seibert said in a video uploaded on his Twitter account. Merkel is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, jihadist attacks and high unemployment, especially among youths. "The chancellor will speak with Sisi about, among other things, economic cooperation and opportunities for German companies," Seibert said. A major focus in Egypt and Tunisia will be on their troubled neighbour Libya, a largely lawless country that has porous desert borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan. Holding centres "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Cairo on March 2, 2017 The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying: "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt banned protests and jailed thousands of people, while outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood movement president Mohamed Morsi whom Sisi, a former army chief, overthrew in 2013. Repatriating Tunisians and Egyptians who do not need protection can be "legitimate" if they are treated fairly, the New York-based rights group said. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. But Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage by Tunisian immigrant Anis Amri at a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people in December. A year before, sexual assaults by large groups of mostly North African men on New Year's Eve against women in Cologne provoked outrage in Germany. On the 1st of March at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Air France officially launched the opening of the direct flight between Paris and Accra. A distinguished delegation of Air France, led by its President Jean-Marc Janaillac presided over the conference. Air France operated on February 28th the inaugural flight of its direct line between Paris and Accra which takes on a double symbolic character a few days from the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of Ghanaian independence on March 6th as we celebrate sixty years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, all along 2017, through a series of economic, cultural and educational events under the theme "France and Ghana 1957-2017: moving forward together". Mr Jean-Marc Janaillac declared: It comes timely, the very moment Ghana is celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of its independence, on 6th March 2017, and as we are also celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations between France and Ghana. It also testifies to the growing interest of French companies, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, transport infrastructure, modernization of identification systems and agro-food industries. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana is just behind South Africa, the 7th largest receiving country for French investment, with a USD 1.5 billion stock. On this occasion, the President of Air France recalled that The new Air France direct flight between Paris and Accra is a strong symbol of the strengthened partnership between France and Ghana. It will undoubtedly aim at reinforcing the business relations between the two countries as well as promoting tourism, culture and education in both sides. Direct flights to Paris Accra will undoubtedly help to reinforce this trend while facilitating cultural and tourist flows between our two countries. Air France will offer three weekly flights to Accra, Ghana from Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Asoriba, a web and mobile app which lets church leaders communicate with their congregations Kudobuzz, a service which helps small businesses collect their web reviews from around the internet DevLess, a platform that makes it easier for developers to build web and mobile back-ends for their apps Cox says: "Africa is at the forefront of mobile technology and ranks among the fastest-growing regions in the world. The level of energy I have seen in Ghana is amazing and inspiring. Im excited to learn from innovators here who are creating culture using technology in new ways. Says Jorn Lyseggen, CEO of Meltwater and Founder of MEST, says: "We're excited to host Facebook at MEST and to share how we can work together to drive innovation in Africa. Mobile technology is giving people in Africa new opportunities to become entrepreneurs and content creators - and we were proud to show the Facebook team how young companies and entrepreneurs on our programme are making a difference." Nana Opoku Agyeman-Prempeh, CEO, Asoriba, says: Churches are one of the oldest and most powerful forms of social networking. Platforms such as Asoriba and Facebook help them give their congregations access to more information and stay in touch with churches and congregation members worldwide, especially in the diaspora. Kena Amoah, CEO, Kudobuzz: For our clients, Facebook and Instagram are powerful tools for building user generated content, social proof, finding new customers and telling the world their stories. They are an essential part of the marketing mix. Edwin Tsatsu Selormey, CEO, Devless, says: Thanks to the cloud, African start-ups can get to market with solutions tailored to the needs of their own territories as well as target a global customer base. We are pleased that companies such as Facebook are investing in and supporting Africas growing technology industry. Later today Chris will host a panel with top local talent from the music, fashion, food and art scene before heading to Senegal which is the final stop on his trip Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Attah says the Akufo-Addo government in acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the banking sector would focus on improving liquidity for banks through the payment of State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) related debts. He said government would pay debts owed banks over the short to medium-term in line with their debt sustainability framework. Presenting the 2017 maiden Budget Statement to Parliament Thursday, he said creating a strong private sector credit growth is needed to support the nation's medium-term GDP growth to increase productivity and create jobs. Outlining some specific measures to be implemented in 2017 and in the medium term the Co-founder of Data Bank said government would "streamline the Energy Sector Levy Act, 2015 (Act 899,) (ESLA) to accommodate all the existing legacy debts for the banking and the private sector, which include energy sector debt, Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs), and other energy sector related debts." He explained that this would ensure that revenue streams from ESLA are properly used to ensure certainty of cash flow for the payments of all corresponding debts. Also, Mr Ofori-Attah said government would "work with commercial banks to ensure that they are able to issue bonds on the back of the streamlined ESLA revenue for immediate liquidity." To reduce systemic risks in the banking sector, he said the Central Bank would collaborate with government to undertake the following structural reforms to the banking sector. This would see the Increase in the banking industrys minimum capital requirements and strengthen the licensing and regulatory framework which would introduce a risk capital requirements in addition to minimum capital requirements for banks. Government is also looking at strengthening corporate governance by enforcing the term limits for Board Chairmen and Managing Directors of commercial banks in accordance with the Banking Act. According to the minister, this is also to enhance enforcement of single obligor limit for commercial banks as well as to support mobile money and mobile banking businesses to enhance and expand financial inclusion. Capital Market Development Addressing the challenges of Ghana's capital market which the Minister said has been impeded by lack of depth and liquidity, he said the implementation of decisive measures in the short to medium term to deepen the capital markets would increase liquidity and trading activities which would encourage more companies to list. Some specific measures to be implemented to improve capital market performance in 2017 and the medium term include exempt from taxation, the gains from realization of securities listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange or publicly held securities approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); There would also be an exemption for the financial services industry from stamp duty for 2 years to enable the re-capitalization of the industry as per the new SEC law. Government would also encourage a capital market local content policy that enjoins companies operating in the energy, oil and gas, financial services, telecommunications, and mining sectors to list a minimum percentage of their shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange within 5 years of commencement of operations. Government is also looking to divest it's holdings in some SOEs with a view to ensuring efficiency, which would include the sale of government shares in some SOEs and companies via a listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange. He indicated that they would work with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to develop the regulations governing Asset-backed instruments including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) and mortgage-backed securities and enable the pensions industry to support the development of these assets classes and other alternative investment schemes. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected] The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) of Ghana has advanced on planes to introduce online Licensing Examination System to its stakeholders. This follows a call by Concern Nurses and Midwife's as well as related stakeholders demanding the Council to move to the E-platform. The system will be implemented in phases effective 2018/2019 academic year with multiple choice questions (MCQs) The online examination will be conducted in accredited Nursing and Midwifery Training College (NMTC) equipped with functional computers and reliable Internet. In a letter dated March 1, 2017 undersigned by the Registrar of the Nurses and Midwifery Council of Ghana, Felix Nyante and intercepted by Maxwell Attah of Cape FM, strongly encouraged NMTCs to streamlined and strengthen their computer laboratories ahead of the electronic programme. The letter further stated "The council obtained a grant from the Dutch Government through its Netherlands initiative capacity development in Higher Education Programme (NICHE) to revamp the council's examination processes and procedures". The whole project is supported by the Netherlands Universities Foundation for International cooperation (NUFFIC) NUFFIC is supporting the Council as a lead Partner to execute project number NICHE/GHA 261: "Strengthening the examination Capacity of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana". The aim of the project is to support the council to strengthen the organisational capacity to conduct efficient, effective and credible licensing examination. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has mounted a nationwide dissemination plan to share the new system with all stakeholders. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is booming in Africa, with countries investing millions of dollars to construct or renovate existing conference facilities. This is largely influenced by the recognition of the continent as a preferred tourist destination, not only for leisure but also for business. The just concluded Meetings Africa Conference that brought together business events representatives from across Africa, is rather a stamp on the continent as the best place to hold conferences and meetings in 2017. Here are five of Africas best conference centers for your next event, both international and domestic (in no particular order). Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Kenya Image by Nick Fox Located in Kenyas capital city, Nairobi , KICC as is popularly known has a capacity of 5,000 delegates. Nairobi was voted Africa's leading Meetings & Conference Destination at the World Travel Awards 2016. In 2014, the Kenyan government announced the construction of the largest convention center in Africa, the Bomas International Conference, and Exhibitions Centre at a cost of approximately $561million. With a 10,000-delegate capacity and 15,000 capacity exhibition space, the center will boost Kenyas efforts in becoming Africas leading conference tourism destination Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Kigali - Rwanda While this is not purely a conference center on its own, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Kigali is creating a buzz in Rwandas conference tourism, hosting major international events. The state-of-the-art auditorium that can accommodate more than 2,500 delegates and is only 5 kilometers drive from the Kigali International Airport. Luxury accommodation is available in the hotel, making guests movement seamless during the events/conferences, thus convenience. Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg - South Africa Image credit: tsogosun.com Whether a mini business meeting with a small delegation, or a 4,500 guests conference, Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg - South Africa is the ultimate destination. It has ample exhibition space of 11,000 square meters on two levels, making it a preference for all kinds of events. ECA Conference Center, Addis Ababa Ethiopia Image credit: events.uneca.org Referred to as Africa's political capital, Addis Ababa is the home of the ECA (Economic Commission for Africa) Conference Center. It is convenient for leaders holding strategic meetings especially concerning Africa. ECA is a hi-tech and well secured conference center with a touch of Ethiopias renowned architecture. Its situated next to the Africa Hall and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) offices in Ethiopias capital. The Palmeraie International Conference Centre Morocco Image Credit: Palmeraie Resorts If you are the adventurous kind looking for a sense of aesthetic appeal to your conferences/meetings, then the Palmeraie Conference Center in North African country of Morocco is your best conference destination. Housed in a new-generation palace in the heart of the Palmeraie area in Marrakech , the center is intricately constructed in unique style that blends perfectly with its modern technological installations. It can accommodate approximately 1,500 delegates. Credit: Josephine Wawira Written by Sir Article, Founder and CEO of Sircle Communications. Dear haters, critics and detractors, I thank you all for coming into my life. No, I thank you all for being an extended part of my life. Everyone has got his or her own haters, critics and detractors. Yet I have many more haters, critics and detractors. Why? I am simply a rare breed; you guys are actually mere mortals. First off, let me emphasise that I do not really hate opposition, hatred, criticism and defamation. I think they are sometimes worth knowing and helpful. I also have nothing against you guys. Interestingly, I once revealed that I admire my detractors more than my admirers, because my detractors are like fuel for my vehicle of success. Ha-ha, I could even give a long list of my haters, critics and detractors, and even categorise them under each of the three groups. But that is absolutely needless. Besides, I appreciate the fact that I have all those people ironically working for and not really against me. Malcolm X, an erstwhile Pan-Africanist, once declared that, "If you have no critics, you'll likely have no success." I now truly know why my girlfriend's favourite quote is, "To be great, you would have to be willing to be mocked, hated and misunderstood." Alright, who are haters, critics and detractors? To me, "Critics usually act like dogs; they bark when they are doubtful, confused, insecure, afraid, predatory and seeking attention." Channing Pollock's definition of a critic is so profound; it goes like, "A critic is a legless man who teaches running." Steve Maraboli once wrote, "Most haters are stuck in a poisonous mental prison of jealousy and self-doubt that blinds them to their own potentiality." I sincerely see detractors, not only as people who say bad things about someone to belittle him or her, but as arguably the greatest promoters of a particular person. Okay, why do I have seemingly innumerable haters, critics and detractors? Well, I am a maverick. I am a rebel. I am freakish. I am obstinate. I have defied the odds. I am changing the status quo. I am breaking the rules and setting new ones. I am, in fact, everything that violates the norms of our society. Basically, I dropped out university here in Ghana to start a writing firm in an annoyingly proud manner, and I am pioneering an abnormal revolution through my writing. That is why numerous people are strongly against me. However, I feel so sorry my haters, critics and detractors far more than they do for me. I remember when I wrote a highly controversial letter to my former programme mates in UCC. Many of them verbally assaulted me with impunity. There were haters among them, some too were critics, and others were mere detractors. I have come to realise that, "When dealing with critics remember this: critics judge things based on what is outside of their content of understanding," according to Shannon L. Alder. And I always ask myself where those haters, critics and detractors in my former class would be in the next 3 years. They would be fresh graduates struggling to get a job or even to start a business, but I would be a national icon in my field of endeavour. Moreover, I find it laughable when some of my colleagues attack me for my perfectly aberrant lifestyle. They understand that I possess and do rare stuff which almost all of them wish they possessed and did but would never possess and do in their lifetime. No wonder Yaira N. said that, "Haters don't really hate you, they hate themselves, because you are a reflection of what they wish to be." Frankly speaking, I am foolishly determined to succeed in my career that I hardly pay attention to my haters, critics and detractors. I do not give a damn about anything you guys think of and say about me for they are fundamentally flawed. You guys live in the world of reality; I live in the world of imagination. You guys believe in logic, realism and facts; I live by, with and in intuition. I know you may never admire, appreciate and understand my thinking and actions. Some of you are envious, some are also intellectually misguided and some are just crooks. Lastly, I want to remind you guys that the kind of path I am treading, in Ghana especially, is wholly unique and virtually no one has ever travelled. Therefore, your noise is vain and cannot change anything about me. So stay calm and watch me make an unthinkable history on planet Earth. Thank you. Source: sirarticle.blogspot.com 02.03.2017 LISTEN Ever since this administration assumed the helm of affairs, things started happening the Obiris way and not the UDS Navrongo campus way. I have been holding back comments on issues about this administration but being tight-lipped reached a point of irresistibility as breaking silence became a must. It beats my imagination beyond apprehension for such wrongdoings to have rear their ugly heads in the administration under the care of an intellectual with whom I stood on the floor of student parliament with. Yes! nothing is alive. Nothing is working except incompetence. Everything is dead and as such meritoriously deserved an obituary. I will start tackling the areas one after the other but there is one area that prompted this whole write-up, the electoral commission! THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The general assembly is now the epitome of lawlessness and a place of open display of incompetence. Why should the general assembly speaker swear in his deputy? When it is clearly stated in schedule 2(e) of the SRC constitution that the chair of the judicial board is responsible for the administration of this oath. It saddens my heart when intellectuals act this way without iota of recourse to the constitution. I learnt the deputy speaker, whatchamacallit, subsequently recuse himself from the lawless leadership. Probity and accountability is a tenet of democracy, Imagine the brouhaha in parliament if after reading of budget statements, every member of parliament is asked not to send a copy out. It is unfortunate that in the land of obiricracy, denial of accessibility to public documents is pervasive. Why should members approve a budget without knowing the nitty-gritties of same? It would not make sense if the finance minister enters parliament with a paper in a suite case with only sum total of what is intended to be expended without a breakdown. On the EC budget which has brought about the infamous E-voting, I am blaming both the leadership and the representatives but with chunk of the blame on the latter because they were quite aware that the speaker was consistently inconsistent in the competent presiding over issues. You ought to have reason and speak up. You ought to have raise red flags. You ought to have factored into the equation the interest of those you were representing and fight fiercely against the Obiris way of doing things with the speaker as the surrogate. Dear honorable members, you supposed not to approved the budget without knowing the components of expenditure but you chose to swallow it hook, line and sinker. In fact, your unprofessional conduct on that day was cheerless and dejecting! THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER. The public relations officer is the worst I have witnessed, read and listened to ever since I step foot on this campus. He is a perfect example of a worse-case scenario! Birds of the same feathers flock together. A worst administration and so every administrator is terribly worse. I have sat with him only once in a meeting but I didnt need a second meeting to convince me that he lacks the diplomacy to be an occupant of such sensitive position. I hastened and concluded that he was suffering from politeness cancer. He speaks like student serial caller on Radio FAS whose palm has been greased to defend the incompetence of Mr. Obiri. Mr. President, that even reminds me, is Radio FAS in a surgical theater at the hospital that was renovated by your immediate predecessor? Keep looking for response for my confusion as I continue taking on your Public Relations Officer. As an official mouthpiece of the president, learning all the polite words in the dictionary should have been an elective course for you in every trimester. The public relationship officer is also too partisan. We are aware that every human being is a political animal but not to the extent of exhibiting political animalism at where neutrality was a necessity. You speak on behalf of a president who is not representing only TESCON or TEIN, CPP, PNC, PPP, GFP et cetera students but different students with different political beliefs and ideologies. On the day of the opening forum that couldnt achieve its target, I entered the venue and sat at the back for relaxation hoping to be part of those who will listen to grammar of no results from Obiri but to my utter shock, I saw the PRO in a TESCON T-shirt as if he was in a G.A meeting of TESCON, so I left. Can you carry the weight of insults to be heaped on Eugene Arhin if he wears an NPP branded souvenir to a national function? Oh sorry someone just whispered into my ears, Obiris way of doing things and not the UDS way! THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION. The electoral commission is a body of interest to me and as such deserved this scathing attack. I learnt the commission through its chair has designed a logo for itself. Perhaps, as a smaller body under Madam Charlotte Osei, what she invents at the top must be replicated here. It is an unrefutable fact that you all conduct elections and declare results as returning officers but the difference between you isnt nuance. I will tell you why. The electoral commission of Ghana used the new logo in almost every facet of the entire commission from embellishment on voting booths to ballot papers and voters register. You have wasted resources because you cant conduct elections on your own without an involvement of the electoral commission of Ghana. The new logo was needless! Also, Your actions of absolute contraventions of the constitution of the SRC is mindboggling if not thunderstriking. Why should a partisan office holder be asked to resign before contesting an SRC/NUGS elections when in actual fact, the SRC constitution completely debars such people from contesting elections in article 24 clause 1(d)? Obiris way and not the legal way I guess! I am also aware that those who are already holding offices at the various departments in different capacities are asked to resign before they can pass through vetting. Sir, I combed the whole SRC constitution but it was an exercise in futility as I couldnt find an explicit article to that effect. Why wrote on the nomination forms demanding the resignation of the aforesaid people before they can be qualified as candidates without quoting the relevant article of the SRC constitution to let them know that you are not a joke but an intellectual who is always in bed with the right things? Ernest Sarfos and not the legal way I guess! I will not argue with you at the national level where those in public service are required to abdicate their offices before contesting any parliamentary elections in fulfillment of article 94 clause 3(b)(c) of the 1992 constitution of Ghana which reads; A person shall not be eligible to be a member of parliament if he-is a member of the police service, the armed forces, the judicial service, the legal service, the civil service, the parliamentary service, the statistical service, the fire service, the customs, Exercise and Preventive service, the immigration service or the internal revenue service; or a chief.. I hope you are not comparing these services to the various departments on campus? Because it is the case of apple and oranges! Dont tell me it has been happening every year! What is unconstitutional is unconstitutional. Didnt you cancel the selling of forms to vice presidential candidates of amalgamated clubs? I was beaming with smiles on that day in court because it was a bright day for rule of law. Please, Mr. Commissioner, the laws in the SRC constitution must be applied indiscriminately regardless of whose ox is gored! Writers Email: [email protected] #TooVocalToRemainSilent! Geneva (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's attacks on Muslims and his support for strongman leaders are exacerbating an already dramatic rights decline in the Arab world, two Arab Spring champions said Thursday. Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki told reporters in Geneva that the respect for human rights in Arab countries "has never been worse than now," pointing to a harsh backlash since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. Marzouki, who oversaw Tunisia's sometimes troubled transition to democracy, pointed to crackdowns to foil revolutions in places like Egypt, Yemen and of course Syria that have left hundreds of thousands dead and forced millions to flee their homes. "Rights have shrunk immensely," he said, speaking through a translator on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council. While governments in the region are to blamed for the downward spiral of rights since the Arab Spring, Marzouki stressed that "the future looks even darker because the Trump administration is adding insult to injury". He accused Washington under Trump of "supporting all the dictatorships" in the region, pointing to his backing of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former military chief who overthrew his Islamist predecessor in 2013. And Trump's attacks on the media are seen by less-than-democratic governments around the world as a green light to do the same, he said. "The US will lose all the moral leverage over these dictatorships, and this will lead to an increase in terrorism, not a decrease," he said. Tawakkul Karman, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her role in the Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, agreed. She slammed Trump's often repeated phrase "Islamic terrorism" as "a racist and discriminatory slogan" that if anything is bolstering the Islamic State group. "It serves the purpose of IS that the West is at war with Islam and Muslims. It serves terrorism and it serves dictatorships, and it weakens the power of the moderate people and those who are seeking freedom," she warned, speaking through a translator. Karman also criticised the West in general for not doing enough to support the Arab Spring uprisings, including the one in Yemen which forced the ouster of strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh after 33 years in power, only to see the country slide into a brutal civil war. "Unfortunately the West let down the Arab youth who had aspirations and dreams of freedom and democracy, and allowed them to be devoured by both dictatorships and terrorism," she said. In any civilized world where freedom and justice are the fundamental principles guiding society, it sounds very medieval and extremely inhumane to destroy these very tenets of society. Rule of law is neither discriminative nor selective. A society that desires prosperity and progress, cherishes fundamental human rights. For any group or individual, to operate on different principles apart from those stated by law, only portrays a deteriorated African society, that lacks social values and should not be supported. It is for this reason, I speak against this antisocial act of barbarism called *xenophobic attack*, an act that is becoming a cyclical conundrum in South Africa. Let me start by trying to succinctly revisit certain fundamentally historical antecedents of this ugly social canker that portrays the African continent as uncivilized, barbaric and uncultured. Before South Africa gained independence in 1994, there was a predominant sociocultural issue that had gained global attention. That was a form of racial discrimination with the popular nomenclature, *apartheid system*. History tells us that blacks were largely discriminated in the area of job, education, governance and many others. The most unspeakable was, the whites and blacks could not simply coexist. Blacks settled on different geographical locations as they were not allowed to settle in the specially isolated luxurious communities of the whites. The black south Africans lived under deplorable conditions, a situation which was roundly condemned across the globe. In 1994, the black South Africans felt that they were sidelined in the area of jobs and business and that the system favoured only foreigners as most lucrative business ventures and jobs were being maned by foreigners to the detriment of the indigenous South Africans. They adopted what is largely described as xenophobic attacks on foreigners, burning and looting their shops and killing them in some cases. This inhuman act has since remained with south Africans as it reoccurred in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2008, 2012 and of course, the most recent one (2017) going on. In my view, I would have supported this xenophobic attack if it was a revolutionary tool against the white man's racist tendencies that happened in the colonial days. The world would have known that such a revolution in whatever form, was only an act to gain independence to ensure freedom, equality and justice but to adopt such a strategy after gaining independence and becoming a democratic dispensation, only amounts to a perpetration of illegality beyond imagination. Such behavior is incongruous to democratic principles. What has made this xenophobic attack more profane and devilish is that, colleague African immigrants are rather the target. What I find difficult to understand is, what will happen if affected countries also decide to launch reprisal attacks on south African nationals? Those who execute this barbaric act should know that they are South Africans across the globe who have equally occupied a niche in the private business sector. At least, South Africans have telecommunications companies in Ghana and are making billions of cedis in this country. It tells us that no man is an island. What is very pathetic though amazing, is the lackadaisical posture the continental leadership assume when it comes to such issues. Has the African Union gone into a deep slumber or it simply lacks the wherewithal to profess everlasting pragmatic remedy to such an ugly continentally anti democratic canker? In my ordinary speculation, this xenophobic attack in South Africa is a threat to the peace and unity of our continent. Well, am not a prophet of doom any way. May be we are waiting for the worst to happen. I still remember vividly that countries including Ghana at a point had to withdraw from any bilateral relations with South Africa in the days of *apartheid system*. For me, the rest of Africa should be ready to tell South Africa that enough is enough of that barbaric act some of their citizenry cannot just let go. If our citizens in south Africa continue to live in panic and fear, incessant attacks by uncivilized groups or individuals, then it is better we break our bilateral relations. We cannot condone such unspeakable level of terrorism. I urge the African Union(AU) to act beyond the usual rhetoric and find a lasting solution to this xenophobic issue. Democratic civilization does not support such levels of barbarism. We must behave as a civilized continent and stop being a laughing stock to the rest of the world. Denis Andaban [email protected] President Nana Akufo-Addo is seeking the support and technical assistance of the Cuban government for the construction of a biolarvicide factory in Ghana, to help in the fight against malaria. In many parts of the world where malaria has been completely eradicated, even before the development of effective medication, one of the key strategies adopted was effective vector control. It is against this background that the NPP government, under the leadership of President Kufuor, sought the assistance of Cuba for the construction of the facility for the manufacture of a biolarvicide. This is an insecticide that kills the mosquito larvae - newly hatched mosquitoes. Apart from the production of biolarvicides against malaria, the factory was also to produce bio-fertilizer to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs. President Akufo-Addo noted that this project was, however, abandoned after the exit of the NPP government in January 2009, and has, therefore, requested for the revival of the project in partnership with the Cuban government. He made this known when the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, Pedro Luis Gonzalez Despaign, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency to congratulate him, on behalf of Cuban President, Raul Castro, on his election to the high office of President of the Republic. Mr. Gonzalez Despaign, in his remarks to President Akufo-Addo, indicated the willingness of the Cuban government to assist Ghana in this endeavour, as well as co-operate further in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, education, culture and tourism, construction, and sports. With Ghana being the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, Ambassador Despaign indicated that the two countries would continue to share a special relationship, stressing that a high-level delegation from Cuba would be present at the 60th Independence Day celebration, in this regard. Touching on the co-operation between Ghana and Cuba in the field of medicine, he noted that a total of 239 Ghanaian students are currently studying medicine in Cuba. In addition to this, hundreds of Cuban doctors are currently in the country, as part of the Cuban medical brigade. However, the Cuban Ambassador noted that Ghanas outstanding indebtedness in the afore-mentioned areas totals US$4,732,700. Virtually the entire debt, he said, was incurred over the last 8 years, and urged governments prompt action in defraying this debt. Ambassador Despaign also indicated that Cuba is counting on the support of Ghana to helping in helping to lift the commercial, economic, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America on Cuba. President Akufo-Addo, on his part, thanked the Cuban Ambassador for the courtesy of his visit and assured him of the strengthening of Ghanas relations with Cuba during the tenure of his office. He assured Ambassador Despaign of his governments prompt action in the matter of Ghanas indebtedness to Cuba in the area of medical co-operation between the two countries. President Akufo-Addo reassured the Cuban Ambassador of Ghanas continued advocacy in helping to end the blockade against the Caribbean Island. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com Cairo (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on stemming illegal migration to her country, during a two-day trip that will also include Tunisia. Turmoil exploited by people smugglers since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi has made Libya, which neighbours Egypt and Tunisia, the main gateway for African migrants seeking to make dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. "There are routes for illegal immigration from Libya to Germany. We have a lot of mutual concern and interest in putting an end to this," she said at a press conference with Sisi. "The question now is how to stop human trafficking and prevent the opening of a new route for escaping to Europe through Egypt," she said. Asylum seekers in Germany She added that Germany would continue providing technical support for Egypt to monitor its long border with Libya. Merkel has urged the North African states to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. After meeting Sisi, Merkel is scheduled to meet Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Egypt's top Muslim cleric. She will depart to Tunisia on Friday to meet Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. Merkel is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, jihadist attacks and high unemployment, especially among youths. Holding centres "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Cairo on March 2, 2017 But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying: "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt banned protests and jailed thousands of people, while outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood movement president Mohamed Morsi whom Sisi, a former army chief, overthrew in 2013. Repatriating Tunisians and Egyptians who do not need protection can be "legitimate" if they are treated fairly, the New York-based rights group said. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. At the press conference with Sisi, Merkel said she broached the topic of Egypt's controversial NGO law which critics say will stifle civil society. "We also spoke about civil society in general and I affirmed that the rule of law and a diverse civil society are very important for the development of the country and the society," she said. Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage by Tunisian immigrant Anis Amri at a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people in December. A year before, sexual assaults by large groups of mostly North African men on New Year's Eve against women in Cologne provoked outrage in Germany. JGC's profits - not Cristal clear Cristal - created for Tsar Alexander II 1. Discount for sales under JGC's "Arte Latino" brand? At some point in 2007, JGC marketed its cava under the "Arte Latino", non-infringing brand, but reverted to the Cristalino label once it realised it was losing clientele. The precise time periods involved for these non-infringing sales and quantities of product sold were uncertain. Should JGC's estimated profits be discounted to reflect sales that may have been made during the relevant period under a non-infringing brand? The Court concluded on the basis of the evidence available from Asda and Morrison that it was likely that sales of the non-infringing brand had continued in the UK until end of Q1 2008, and accordingly deducted that volume of sales in calculating JGC's profits. relating to an account of profit for trade mark infringement? Rely upon uncontested evidence and raise a glass of celebratory champagne of course!The recent High Court decision of Champagne Louis Roederer (CLR) v J Garcia Carrion SA & Others [2017] EWHC 289 (Ch) has a number of quirks in its factual matrix. The dispute involves a claim for infringement of Roederer's UK and CTMs for the word CRISTAL. The Defendant, JGC, described as a very substantial Spanish producer of wines and other beverages, had previously been found liable for trade mark infringement in relation to its cava marketed and sold under the name "Cristalino" (see previous IPKat post here ).Following the finding of infringement at trial, Rose J, ordered JGC to give Island Records v Tring disclosure to enable Roederer to elect for an account of profits or an inquiry as to damages, and the order was duly served on JGC. JGC's legal director indicated in a phone call to Roederer's legal counsel that the order would be complied with, but there was no such compliance, no further communications from JGC, and JGC took no part in the account of profit proceedings.Given the vacuum of material from JGC, Roederer's legal team pieced together evidence concerning JGC's likely profits from a number of sources. These included material from proceedings in the Commercial Court in Brussels, the UK IPO, the US District Court of Minnesota, and also from Asda and Morrison's supermarkets who had supplied the infringing product in the UK (Asda and Morrison are Defendants in these proceedings but settled the dispute with Roederer). Roederer elected to have an account of JGC's profits. Roederer submitted expert evidence from an accounting expert in addition to the source materials.In assessing JGC's profits, the Court considered the following issues:In determining JGC's likely gross profit, the Court relied upon (confidential) evidence from the Minnesota proceedings. The Court noted that JGC had only itself to blame if the very limited evidence put forward by Roederer turned out to be inaccurate. Roederer's evidence was unchallenged and accepted by the Court. There was no deduction of JGC's gross profits to reflect overheads attributable to the infringing activity. Given that the burden of proving that relevant overhead are attributable to the infringing activity lies with the infringer, the Court concluded that there was no basis upon which it could make such an allocation. Further, and following on from the decision in Jack Wills Ltd v House of Fraser Stores Ltd [2016] EWHC 626 , the Court refused to make any deduction to JGC's profits in relation cases where the infringement did not 'drive' the sale - there was no evidence to sustain a finding that sales had been driven by factors other than infringement. JGC's profits derived from infringement were assessed at 1,332,844.64. As Ghana prepares to celebrate the highly hyped 60th Anniversary of Independence, MTN has launched Big 60 Promo to reward its customers with lots of surprises and gifts in the month of March beginning from the 1st to 31st. Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, the Acting Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Richard Acheampong said to mark Ghanas 60th anniversary, MTN will be rewarding its valued customers with free UBER rides for 600 customers, birthday cakes for 600 customers and 600 customers will be invited to Movie Mania at the Silverbird Cinema in Accra and West Hills Mall in Weija. He indicated that subscribers who use Ghc6 and 60pesewas daily will also get up to 60 minutes free airtime and 60Mb of free data daily adding that all MTN Post Paid customers will enjoy free 60 minutes on 6th March. Mr. Acheampong noted that in view of the Ghanaian pride and celebrations attached to the month of March, MTN is proud to introduce the MTN BIG 60 Promo, which brings exciting rewards to their customers on the MTN Just4U platform. The Acting Marketing Officer noted that as the leading telecommunications service provider in the country, MTN strongly identifies itself with Ghanas attribute of being a trail blazer. In our own space MTN has remained a pacesetter, being the network of choice for Ghanaians, with the widest coverage, the greatest selection of digital services, running on a state-of-the-art network that includes mobile 4G LTE service. We are indeed proud to be operating and serving this great nation, he stated. According to him, the massive investment they have made in their network which makes communications easy for subscribers places them well on the path to fulfill their vision of leading the delivery of a bold new digital world to its customers. He emphasised that last year MTN invested $96 million dollars in network expansion and a further $18 million to deploy 475 4G sites across the country. Mr. Acheampong indicated that this year MTN is expanding the 4G network so that more subscribers can enjoy the faster speeds and experiential services enabled by 4G. We will add 197 more 4G sites to our network so that more Ghanaians can enjoy faster surfing, downloading, uploading, video and many more broadband services, he intimated. Hip Hip Hooray!!! Christmas comes once in a year but for the first time in the history of Ghana and especially people living in East Legon, Christmas is coming very early to them in March the freedom month of Ghana. MenzBanc Ghana, a Gold Dealership Bank in Accra is on Friday 3rd March 2017, ready to surprise people on the streets of East Legon with the best gift of their life. The gift which will come in the form of pure Silver from their refinery will be given to people insight on the streets of East Legon between the hours of 6am and 9am. In a statement from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of MenzBanc Nana Appiah Mensah, he said the Bank is doing this to add to the beauty of the celebration of Ghana @60 which happens two days after the gifts have been given to the good people of Ghana. He added that the Bank is also doing this to affirm the fact that Gold and Silver abound in Ghana therefore people who are looking for Gold and Silver to do any business or whatsoever should consider MenzBanc as their first choice and nowhere else. To enjoy this silver free give away, one should be spotted on the streets of East Legon around Lagos Avenue going about your usual duties and the people with the silver will spot you and dash you a gift of a life time. This is just one in a series that the bank will be doing to create awareness that Ghana is really endowed in Gold and silver and the only place to get your authentic Gold and Silver is at MenzBanc Ghana. Hundreds of spare parts dealers at the Abossey Okai enclave in Accra have taken to the streets to jubilate over the decision by the New Patriotic Party government to scrap duties on imported spare parts. The sellers lauded government for the decision which they say will ease the difficulties they face in importing their items into the country. "I am happy [President] Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has listened to our prayers. We thank him very much," a man who identified himself as Kofi Ansah told Joy News Thursday. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has announced the abolishing of about eight taxes and re-adjustment of four in 2017 by the government - a decision that is expected to improve the climate of doing business in the country. The taxes include; (a) Abolish one percent special import levy, (b) Abolish 17.5 VAT on financial sevices (c) Abolish 17.5% VAT on selected imported medicines (d) Initiate steps to remove import duties on raw materials and machinery (e) Abolish 17.5 VAT on domestic airline tickets (f) Abolish 5% VAT on real estates (g) Abolish excise duty on petroleum (h) Reduce special petroluem tax rate from 17.5% to 15% (i) Abolish duties on importation of spare parts. (j) Abolish levies imposed on Kayayei's by local authorities (k) Replace the 17.5 VAT on Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) traders to a flat rate of 3.5 percent (l) Reduce National Electrification levy National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed worry over the decision, saying it will worsen the predicaments of Ghanaians. Former Deputy Finance Minister, Casiel Ato Forson told Joy News the tax cuts announced by government are deceptive because they do not address the challenges facing the country. "Taxes are sometimes introduced for the purpose of shaping policy," he said, adding the scrapping of duties on imported spare parts is not consistent with the arrangement that importing of old vehicles have to attract huge taxes. He explained the health implication of government's decision cannot be overemphasised since many substandard spare parts would be brought into the country. But the dealers, many of whom buy their products from China, Dubai and Turkey, said the cuts would boost their business to serve the needs of their customers. "We are in the business and we know the challenges we are facing because of the duties imposed on the importation of spare parts," Kofi Ansah added. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected] 02.03.2017 LISTEN It is really sad when African leaders budget huge amounts of money to honor independence celebrations whereas the masses of the population live in abject penury. Some Africans find it really hard to find just a meal a day to quench the hunger inferno in their stomachs. Why won't such people possess concertina chests and chiselled jaws? No wonder the whiteman calls us 'nigga'! Damn! The irony of the situation is that, the leaders who are voted to power to serve and help make life easy, ride in air conditioned cars, so ice like mortuary, eat exotic foods, wear better clothes, sleep on dreamable beds and foresee new ways of dupping the poor voter... No wonder they possess protruding stomachs as if they are pregnant! Hmmm... I wonder when they would be in labour... When are things going to change? When are we going to wake up from our slumber? Would there ever be equal opportunities for that minister's son and the charcoal Seller's son? Well, Ghana is proudly sixty, and calls herself, the 'beacon of democracy in Africa'. Sixty years, a retirement age for public sector workers... Maybe, things might change for all... But for now, let us rise and build, let us put them to check, let us show them that power is ours and not theirs! Come next election year, they will surely be rewarded, whether good or bad! Arise for accountability, Arise for transparency, Arise for development, but in all, let us change our ATTITUDE and refocus our vision to nation building. Long live Africa, long live Ghana, long live us ALL! Asempa Abankwa Okyere. It is estimated that 600 million people will be left without electricity in an area with an estimated 1,100 GW of untapped energy potential (Danielle, 2017, par. 1). Ghana could potentially put forward a unique case for shifting from the burning of fugacious oil to power our thermal plants to a 100% cleaner energy. As of now, 68% of electricity is generated from hydropower with 31% from thermal plants (GEC, 2011). Ghana can pride itself in its renewable energy as a majority of its electricity comes from a renewable source, which is hydropower. Realizing the impact of climate change on our water bodies has resulted in the dearth of our water supplies to power our hydro dams with electricity; solar seems to be on the cusp of brightening Ghana. Ghana receives solar radiation of about 5kWh/m2 (DLR, 2004). The geographical position of Ghana blesses the entire land with an average of 5 to 8 hours of sunshine within 1kW/m2 (DLR, 2004). In comparison to Germany, the country only receives 3 hours of sunlight yet they are the world leader of PV implementation (Sutch, 2011, NREL, 2010). Ghana took a bold step to implement the Renewable Energy Act 832 following the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environmental and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro (UNCED, 1992). The Act was established in 2011 with a goal to boost investment in renewable energy and mix our electricity sector generation by 10% by the year 2020 (Act 832). In order for the Act to lure citizens and investors to increase the commercialization of solar energy, the feed-in tariff and net metering were introduced. Basically, the introduction of the feed-in tariff means generating excess power and selling to the grid by the usage of, for example, solar photovoltaic energy and receiving financial incentives from the government. Alternatively, net metering is the reverse version of the feed-in tariff with no financial incentives from government but a credit in your monthly billing. The feed-in tariff is renewed every two (2) years by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission and is published in the gazette or national papers. I must say, I have been following this for the past few years and the last publication was September 1st, 2013 (IRENA, 2015). See Table 1. As of now, how many Ghanaians have benefitted from the feed-in tariff? What is the current rate? What is the future of the feed-in tariff to Ghanaians? Table 1: Shows the rate of feed-in tariffs. Renewable Energy Technology FIT effective 1st September 2013 (GHS/kWh) FIT effective 1st September 2013 (US cent/kWh)a Wind 32.1085 15.15 Solar 40.210 18.97 Hydro < 10 MW 26.5574 12.53 Hydro (10 MW > < 100 MW) 22.7436 10.73 Landfill Gas 31.4696 14.84 Sewage Gas 31.4696 14.84 Biomass 31.4696 14.84 Source: IRENA, 2015. Ghanas electricity sector as of now is described as paralyzed and in a state of perpetual crisis. Records show that renewable energy generated 0.13% of all Ghanas electricity resources (Ahiataku, 2012). This is attributed to the fact that only 2MW were installed in the year 2014 by the Energy Commission. See Table 2. Table 2: Showing solar energy generated from renewable energy Installed Total generation (GWh) Plant Type Capacity (MW) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Hydro Generation 1,020 5,842 5,961 6,495 6,950 6,727 Akosombo Kpong 160 1,035 1,035 1,066 1,121 1,144 Bui* 266 362 Sub-Total 1,446 6,877 6,996 7,561 8,071 8,233 Thermal Generation 330 453 1,234 1,137 1,061 1,783 Takoradi Power Company (TAPCO) Takoradi International Company (TICO) 220 1,040 1,160 657 1,168 1,032 Tema Thermal 1 Power Plant (TT1PP) 110 570 591 559 622 475 Tema Thermal 2 Power Plant (TT2PP) 49.5 28 50 141 94 Mines Reserve Plant (MRP) 80 18 20 12 20 Sunon-Asogli Power Ltd. (SAPP) 200 138 1,224 848 694 CENIT Energy Ltd (CEL) 110 94 454 Takoradi T3 132 102 Solar Generation VRA Solar Plant* 2 3 Sub-total 1,234 2,081 3,171 3,639 3,954 4,634 Grand Total 2,682 8,958 10,167 11,200 12,025 12,870 Source: Ghana Energy Commission, 2014. Also, the process of attaining permits is tiring and difficult in Ghana, turning a lot of investors down both locally and internationally that could aid in Ghana speeding up to reach its 10% target. The lackadaisical attention paid to the Act has resulted in greater degrees of unreliable renewable energy provision. The Act, I must say, is moribund and needs amendment. If Ghana desires to achieve its 10% target and meet its Millennium Development Goals, it must embark on a course of action that will reform its current Renewable Energy Act and the energy sector. On June 3rd, 2016, Chilelocated in Latin Americagenerated tremendous amounts of electricity from solar and was giving it away for free to its citizens (David, 2016). Ghana can learn from this Chilean example. Our fuglemen must empower its citizens to go solar by making the importation price charges more affordable while increasing funding to provide more opportunity for renewable energy infrastructure projects. In conclusion, I must say that our roofs are tired of the scorching sun, while we are tired of scorching energy bills and dumsor (power outages)why not let our roofs enjoy some cool shade while the energy sector enjoys some cool energy savings? By Nana Adjei BA, BES, Ept, MES, Dip. About the author A passionate environmentalist with experience in energy planning software, RetScreen Interntional Expert. Currently developing a Business Plus Model that will be delivered to the Ministry of Energy to aid the energy crisis. It is his phantasmagoria to see Ghana go 100% renewable energy. Solar is doable, the time is right so is the price. It is for the hoi polloi. Reference Ahiataku -Togobo, W. In: Access to sustainable energy in Ghanarole of renewable energy an prerequisite AREA conference at the rockyfeller bellagio centre; Italy. May 2226, 2012, and 2012. Nield, D. (2016) Chile Is Producing So Much Solar Power; It's Giving It Away for Free http://www.sciencealert.com/chile-is-producing-so-much-solar-power-that-it-s-giving-it-away-for-free . Time 4:47pm DLR Solar and wind energy resource assessment (SWERA) DLRactivities within SWERA (2004) Energy Commission (2014), National Energy Statistics 2000 - 2013, Energy Commission, Accra. GEC Energy supply and demand outlook for Ghana Ghana Energy Commission (2011) IRENA (2015) Ghana Renewables Readiness Assessment http://www.irena.org/DocumentDownloads/Publications/IRENA_RRA_Ghana_Nov_2015.pdf . Time 2:00pm Izzo .D. (2017): Turn On the Lights Clean Energy Development in Africa. http://breakingenergy.com/2017/03/01/turn-on-the-lights-clean-energy-development-in-africa/ Time 2:16 Renewable Energy Act, 2011 The Eight Hundred and Thirty-Second Act of the Parliament of Republic of Ghana (2011) Sutch, Aaron. (2011) Solar Distributed Generation: An Alternative to Large Scale Hydropower in Cost Rica. Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Encyclopdia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopdia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 25 Jan. 2013. < http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/616390/United-Nations- Conference-on-Environment-and-Development Nii Anum Momlin II 02.03.2017 LISTEN The Ga East Association of Chiefs in the Greater Accra Region are appealing to President Akufo Addo to appoint the incumbent Dome-Kwabenya Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Osei Bonsu, as their next Municipal Chief Executive officer (MCE). Speaking at a news conference in Haatso, a suburb of Accra, Nii Anum Momlin II, who doubles as the General Secretary of the Ga East Chiefs Association and the Chief of Sesemi said previous appointees from the same Ga decent only came to do partisan politics and completely failed to deliver on their mandate to bring the needed development and progress to the good people of the municipality. He indicated that they were once upon a time of the view that when they get someone of the Ga- adangme stock as their MCE, they will achieve their goals quickly. According to him, the case has always been the reverse with huge disappointments and visionless officials who lack the qualities of a good leader. We have realized that there are personalities who are of different origins but who have good hearts for the communities in which they serve, he intimated. The General Secretary maintained that it is for this reason that they are confident, proud and satisfied to announce the personality of Mr. Osei Bonsu whom they trust and can work with not only to do the bidding of his party but also work in consultation with the Chiefs and Traditional leaders to bring development and progress to the municipality. Nii Anum Momlin ii added that Mr. Osei Bonsu has never allowed his personal interests to conflict with the interest of the Chiefs, Traditional Elders and stakeholders in the communities in which he serve. He indicated that Osei Bonsu has always refrained from conduct which is detrimental to the goals of the communities as a servant of the land. The secretary of the Association noted that the Chiefs have already reposed their confidence in him as someone they can create a work environment that promotes job satisfaction, respect, responsibility and value for the people, Chiefs, Traditional Elders and others. He intimated that the Chiefs need an MCE will not lobby the government to buy V-8 vehicles for the Chiefs and Traditional Elders to the detriment of the larger majority in the communities. According to him, they need Mr. Osei Bonsu who has demonstrated severally that he has a listening ear and will involve the Chiefs, Traditional Elders and stakeholders before taking any decision. Nii Anum Momlin II added that the municipality needs an MCE who can balance the manifesto of his political party to reflect the reality of the situation on the ground. We the Chiefs, Traditional Elders and Stakeholders of the Ga East Municipality have had our say. We leave President Akufo Addo to have his way but in doing that, we expected that being partners in development and progress under Act 462 that governs all Local Authorities, our say should be given the necessary consideration, he intimated. The plight of a three-year-old girl, Latifa Karim, in Zoosali, a village in the Savelugu-Nantong Municipality in the Northern Region, is worsening by the day as her family struggles to raise the amount needed for surgery. The family has, therefore, appealed to individuals, philanthropists, financial institutions and benevolent organisations to help Latifa undergo retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) surgery which will cost GH10,000. Latifa's family who are very poor, made the appeal to the public through the Daily Graphic's office in Tamale in the Northern Region, and are also appealing for more support to cater for childs post-operative care after the surgery. Her condition deteriorated following the inability of her parents to raise GH8,000 to enable her to undergo a chemotherapy after her cancerous eye was first operated on at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi in 2016. Latifa underwent a retinoblastoma surgery at KATH in 2016 but needed to follow it up with chemotherapy to prevent the growth of the cancer cells. However, her poor parents, who are both peasant farmers, could not raise the money for Latifa to undergo the chemotherapy, thus making her condition deteriorate. History According to Latifas parents, she enjoyed a seemingly healthy childhood life with her twin sister until the sickness surfaced about seven months ago. They sought initial treatment at the Walewale District Hospital and later at the Tamale West Hospital (TWH). However, the situation demanded referral and they went to KATH in Kumasi, where an operation was carried out on the eye. The operation, according to the parents, cost about GH2,000 and was borne by them with virtually all their resources. Doctor's view Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr Gloria Gogo, an Ophthalmic Specialist at the TWH said Latifa's current condition was due to the fact that her first operation was not followed by a chemotherapy, thus leading to the outgrowth of her eye. She said the cost of the second surgery and chemotherapy was GH8,000 with subsidiary and unforeseen expenditure expected to increase the cost to an amount of GH10,000. Donations towards Latifa's surgery can be made through the Graphic Needy Fund: 1061130003469 or any of the Graphic offices in parts of the country or call 0302665209, for further information. Former Mayor of Accra, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije has described as discriminatory the decision by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to scrap levies exacted from head porters popularly called Kayayei in the country. "If government is scrapping that toll it should say it is scrapping the market tolls across the board," he advocated, adding everyone who trade in markets in the capital are taxed. Mr Oko Vandepuije said he expected government to annul all market tolls since it did not segment when it announced the abolishing of duties on spare parts importation. "It should have said no more market tolls." Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has listed some eight taxes that would be abolished in 2017 when he presented government's maiden budget to Parliament on Thursday. The taxes which include duties on spare parts importation, 17.5 percent VAT on domestic tickets and Kayayei levy among others, are aimed at easing the difficulties in the economy, the Minister has said. The tax cuts have drawn applause from sections of Ghanaians especially spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai and the Kayaye Association in Kumasi. Kayaye Association's General Secretary, Amadu Aminu told Joy News they will be meeting to decide how to celebrate what he described as the "good news" from government. For the past years the paaopa levy has been a very big headache to the leadership, and we have moved across borders to get something done but our efforts did not yield any results, he said. But Mr Oko Vanderpuije who also doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South said the President has been unfair to local government authorities for scrapping the head porters levy. "If you segregate and say a Kayaye levy would not be there, everybody would know that when they work in the market, government would support by not taking tolls from them," he said. He, nonetheless, said government would find a way to fill the shortfalls that would be experienced in revenue by the abolishing of the levy and other taxes, adding it is too early to laud the government for it has done. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim 02.03.2017 LISTEN By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA Wa, March 2, GNA - The European Union (EU) is supporting the Government of Ghana (GoG) with 160 million euros to boost agriculture in the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) Zone Six. The project which is still at its formulation stages would focus on three thematic areas; 'productive investment for sustainable agriculture development', and 'resilient agriculture against climate change (REACH)' as well as 'capacity building of decentralised institutions and community mobilisation'. Out of the 160 million euros, 105 million would go into 'productive investment for sustainable agriculture development', 30 million into 'resilient agriculture against climate change (REACH)' and the remaining 25 million would be invested into 'capacity building for decentralised institutions and community mobilisation'. The SADA Zone Six comprises all 11 districts of the Upper West Region and three regions from the Northern Region namely; Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Mampurugu-Mougduri and North Gonja Districts. The EU under the 11th European Development Fund has therefore contracted SOFRECO, a French consulting firm to assist in formulating the project. Based on this, a team of four consultants from SOFRECO led by Lucien Rossignol, Key Expert Agricultural-Economist has arrived in Wa for a kickoff stakeholder consultation workshop. Construction of feeder roads to food production areas and construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities to promote irrigation agriculture are some of the areas the consultants would be looking at under the project. Dr. Paul Bennett Siegel, a World Bank Consultant has accompanied the team to observe what is going on and to see how possible the World Bank could replicate the project elsewhere in the country. Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minister of Food and Agriculture in a speech read on his behalf said the kick start of the full design of the project was encouraging for the Savannah Agro-ecological Zone of Ghana. He said it had been a long journey in getting to this point of the project design; starting from 2014 when the Identification Mission came with over 21 project ideas which have been filtered to one programme with three components through consultations. The Agriculture Minister hoped that those investments would bring about agricultural enhancement and consequently economic transformation in the selected zone and the nation at large. 'We need infrastructure to leverage private sector investment. Similarly we should be producing in a manner that is driven by market'. Dr. Akoto noted. 'As for climate change there is no gain saying that we should intensify our efforts to ensure that our progress in agricultural development and our very existence is not undermined', he added. Dr Akoto urged all stakeholders to put in their best by sharing their experiences with the consultants in order to ensure that a well-designed and implementable project was formulated. GNA By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA Accra, March 2, GNA - The Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced some initiatives to boost the aviation sector including the removal of the 17.5 per cent VAT/NHIL on domestic airline tickets. Presenting the 2017 budget statement to Parliament on Thursday, Mr Ofori-Atta said as part of measures to improve the business environment through tax exemptions, government would abolish the 17.5 per cent VAT/NHIL on domestic airline tickets. Domestic airlines protested when the 17.5 per VAT/NHIL on domestic air travel was approved by Parliament in December 2013. The increase has since been transferred to the cost of tickets which has affected domestic air travel. Government, according to the minister, would also begin preparatory work for the establishment of an Airport Free Zone (AFZ) in the country, in 2017. He said airports all over the world were becoming increasingly multimodal, multi-functional enterprises that created opportunities for commercial developments in areas where they were located. 'Available evidence suggests that airports tend to attract investment and, therefore, generate jobs. Many countries are considering airport cities, or aerotropolis (airport-centred urban economic regions) as a vital means of expanding opportunities and creating jobs,' he said. He said the establishment of sector-targeted Free Zones would be a major driver for capital inflows and jobs for Ghanaians. The preparatory work for attracting private investment into the Airport Free Zone (AFZ) will begin this year and will be a purely private sector investment with government only facilitating the process. 'Government will explore several options with potential investors,' he said and that preparatory work for the AFZ is expected to be completed by the end of this fiscal year. GNA The Applicant, Societe Des Produits Nestle SA (Nestle) are the manufacturers of Kit Kat chocolate. Nestle had registered its Shape Marks in Singapore in January 2000 on the basis of having acquired distinctiveness through use since the 1970s. The Respondents were Petra Foods Limited (Petra), and its Singapore subsidiary Delfi Singapore Pte Ltd (Delfi), the importer and distributor of the two-finger and four-finger Take-It chocolate product. Nestle had commenced suit against the Respondents for, inter alia, infringing the Shape Marks, and in 2014 the High Court 2014 dismissed the action. The two-finger and four-finger Shape Marks in question are:The Singapore Court of Appeal held as follows:(1) The Shape Marks lacked inherent distinctiveness and had not acquired distinctiveness.(2) The Shape Marks were not registrable under s 7(3)(b) of the TMA as each essential feature was necessary to obtain a technical result.(3) Even if the Shape Marks were validly registered, they were never put to genuine use and the Shape Marks are liable to be revoked for non-use under s22(1) of the TMA.(4) Since the Shape Marks were not registrable under s7 of the TMA, they could not be protected as well-known trade marks.We summarise some of the more salient principles enunciated by the Court of Appeal.The Court of Appeal laid down some general principles regarding how to assess inherent distinctiveness. First, it must be assessed by reference to the goods / services for which registration is sought and the appearance of the mark must convey trade mark significance. The question is whether the average consumer would appreciate the trade mark significance of the mark, without being educated, that it is being used as a trade mark. Here, the Court of Appeal held that the Shape Marks were not inherently distinctive. There was no evidence that traders in the chocolate confectionery sector differentiated their products by varying the shapes of their products, nor that the average customer appreciated that the Shape Marks conveyed trade mark significance.For a mark to acquire distinctiveness through use, mere association of the sign with the trader is not sufficient. The question is whether the average consumer treats the sign in question as a guarantee of origin. A consumer does not see the actual shape of Kit Kat until he or she purchases the product and opens the wrapping, although a representation of the shape of the product is printed on the wrapping. The Court of Appeal opined that trade mark law does not shut out signs that are not visible at the point of sale, and 2D representations of a 3D shape mark on the product packaging and marketing materials may facilitate awareness of the shape mark if the essential features are present.The Court of Appeal also made a reference to limping marks (i.e., marks that have been always used alongside other marks). Without expressly finding that the Shape Mark was a limping mark, the Court of Appeal stated that where limping marks have never been used as a sole badge of origin, this tends to lead to the inference that the trader does not depend on the mark standing alone. To overcome this, the trader would have to show that the limping mark had acquired distinctiveness. This seems to be a difficult hurdle to overcome. The Court of Appeal pointed to the Australian case of Chocolaterie Guylian NV v Registrar of Trade Marks [2009] FCA 891, where customers who were shown the seahorse shape had related the shape to Guylian, but the Federal Court of Australia held that it was not sufficient evidence that the seahorse shape performed the function of distinguishing Guylians chocolate.To prove its case, Nestle had conducted market surveys for each of the Shape Marks. The Court of Appeal had some concerns with the surveys conducted, and offered some useful guidance. Firstly, the Court of Appeal agreed with the High Courts criticism that the surveys had been confined to those who (amongst other things) ate chocolate covered wafer in the past week and also at least on a weekly basis, even though the relevant consumer of the goods would be the general public. Further, leading questions were asked in the survey.Secondly, the Court of Appeal indicated that merely showing a mock-up of the Shape Marks and asking participants of a survey what came to mind, or what this product makes [one] think of, failed to show that consumers regarded the Shape Marks as indicators of origin. Such questions at best only show that the consumers associate the Shape Marks with Kit Kat and/or Nestle, which is insufficient to establish acquired distinctiveness.Under s 7(3)(b) of the TMA, a trade mark shall not be registered if it consists exclusively of the shape of goods which is necessary to obtain a technical result (the technical result prohibition). Petra and Delfi argued that the plinth (i.e., the base of the Shape Marks) of the Shape Mark fell under this prohibition.There are two steps in ascertaining whether a shape mark is caught by the technical result prohibition first, the essential features must be identified, and second, a determination of whether each and every essential feature performs a technical function. The key point made by the Court of Appeal was that essential features are identified by a simple visual analysis of the sign from the perspective of the average consumer, and not from technical evidence from experts.Nestle argued that the technical result prohibition only prevented registration of marks whose essential features perform technical functions attributed to the functionality of the goods. However, the Court of Appeal agreed with the Respondents, who maintained that because the essential features of the Shape Marks performed a technical function not in the functionality of the goods, but in the process of manufacturing the product, the Shape Marks fell within the technical result prohibition. The Court of Appeal stated that since patent law already protected products and manufacturing process, such processes should not be protected by trade mark law.In response to this Court of Appeal decision, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore recently issued a circular (Circular No. 2/2017 dated24 February 2017) stating that from 1 March 2017, applicants of shape marks may be requested to state what the essential features of the shape mark are and provide relevant information on whether the identified essential features would be necessary to obtain a technical result.The Court of Appeal found that the Shape Marks were never put into genuine use in the course of trade because they were concealed in opaque packaging. In particular, the Court took issue with the fact that the Shape Marks were never used on their own at the point of sale, in advertising and promotional materials. While Nestle argued that the Shape Mark was used in advertising and promotional materials, the Court rejected this on the basis that the word Kit Kat featured prominently on the product when the product was unwrapped in such situations.It is common to rely on well-known trade mark protection as an alternative to registered trade mark protection. The Court of Appeal clarified that a sign that is inherently unregistrable under the trade mark regime (i.e., a sign that does not constitute a trade mark) cannot be protected as a well-known mark. Here, since the Shape Marks were not registrable, as every essential feature was necessary to obtain a technical result, the Shape Marks could not be protected as well-known marks. 02.03.2017 LISTEN By Benjamin Mensah, GNA Accra, March 2, GNA - Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, on Thursday said poverty was not natural and urged the parliamentarians in Ghana and the citizenry to work in hand to liberate the nation from poverty. He was optimistic that despite a weak economy inherited from the previous administration, the nation would rise to the task of rebuilding its economy when the public purse was protected coupled with more prudent public financial administration. Delivering the 2017 Budget Statement in Parliament in Accra Mr Ofori - Atta was hopeful that the nation could rise to the challenges to build a prosperous nation beyond aid. The budget was the first to be read by the Minister, who is an economist and investment banker, after the electoral victory of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) last December. Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; Senior Minister Yaw Osafo- Maafo, Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, Science and Technology and Environment Minister Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng; Food and Agriculture Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, among others were in the chamber during the delivery. Mr Ofori- Atta identified the nation's economic challenges as being the bane of its development aspirations, but pointed out that the policy actions spelt out in the Budget Statement' seek to fix the economy and change the narrative to put the economy on the right path of phenomenal growth.' He said: 'We believe that this budget sows the seeds for growth, jobs, and the economic transformation agenda outlined in the vision of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.' The Finance Minister, wore an-all white attire, and intermittently sipped water during the more than two-hour delivery, amidst heckling from the Minority Side, with the Speaker Rev Prof Aaron Mike Ocquaye, intervening with shouts of 'Order, Order.' The Minority disregarded caution from the Majority Leader Osei Kyei- Mensa- Bonsu last week for members not to display placards and flaunted such at the end of the delivery, bearing the inscription '419 Budget.' In Biblical anecdote, the Minister, during the presentation compared Ghana situation to the time Jesus Christ fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fishes and challenged Members of Parliament to liberate the nation from 'a rigged and unjust economic, political and social system that we have helped to impose on our nation.' He said: 'We withdraw in unison like Jesus to a remote place, Mr. Speaker, only to discover that we have five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed our 25 million plus fellow citizens. 'But herein lies the genius of the Ghanaian' for we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. 'As you can see, Mr. Speaker, with five loaves and two fish, President Akufo-Addo's budget has tackled the five structural pillars of revenue, expenditure, earmarked funds, labour and our debt.' Mr Ofori-Atta announced that the Akuffo-Addo government was committed to taking deliberate and strategic steps to fundamentally change the structure of the economy bequeathed to the nation 60 years ago. Consequently, it would restore and sustain macro stability, provide the environment for private sector growth, improve public services and tackle corruption and support small businesses in rural and deprived areas and 'ensure that every Ghanaian has equal opportunity and right to lead a productive and dignified life, being able to fully develop their God-given capabilities.' The Finance Minister reminded Ghanaians of the nation's diamond jubilee celebrations next week and urged the citizens to use the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect, and a challenge to chart a new and enduring course for the nation He announced that budgetary allocations have been made from tax revenue, ABFA and the realignment of statutory funds to fund priority programmes, with the breakdown of the funding sources as ABFA GH342.0 million, tax revenue GH785.0 million, and realignment of statutory funds GH1.08 billion. This, he said, has been done through prioritisation of expenditures and planned improvement and efficiency in government spending, adding that the Government had allocated over GHE700million for capital expenditure seven times more than was allocated last year. It has also funded NHIS and free SHS, provided tax relief for the private sector and all other socio-economic classes, reduced levies on petroleum products, reduced electricity prices, provided a stimulus for the private sector and agriculture and brought down the deficit from 8.7 percent to 6.5 percent. Mr Ofori Atta recalled that on July 23, 1981, during the third republic, the country was in economic crisis under the government of the People's National Party, but his father, Dr Jones Ofori-Atta, in opposition with an amendment motion, co-sponsored by Dr G K Agama successfully got the house to support an amended motion to save the country. He called on the leadership of the Minority and ranking members Ato Forson and Fiifi Kwetey of the Finance Committee to join the Majority side in that example of the third Republic to salvage and build the Ghanaian economy. Pledging to work with Parliament with candour, transparency, respect and a deep commitment to protect this public purse, the Minister rallied the MPs to 'let us go forth together.', saying 'God did not give us a Spirit of timidity but of power, love, sound judgment and self-discipline. 'Mr. Speaker, we can do it, God Indeed bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.' GNA * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020. * PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018. * IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014. * Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013. * Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011. 2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100. * Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010. * Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010. * Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010. * Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll. Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008. - The birthday celebration of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo is set for March 5 - The organizers have announced that 2 major projects will be opened on that day - Also at least 45 serving and past presidents across the world will attend Olusegun Obasanjo On March 5, 2017, one of Nigeria's former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo will be celebrating his 80th birthday. The celebration is set to be a grand affair as at least 45 serving and past presidents across the globe are expected to grace the ceremony. Dayo Adeneye, who is the chairman, Publicity and Media Sub-committee of Obasanjo at 80, explained what would happen on that day to journalists on Wednesday, March 1. According to Premium Times, Mr Adeneye, who is also the Ogun state commissioner for information and strategy, said a multi-billion naira Presidential Library and Mosque would be opened for use during the grand ceremony. He also said that the world leaders present during the ceremony will witness the opening of the two major projects in Abeokuta, Ogun state. READ ALSO: Fayose lashes at Obasanjo; describes him as a failure He went on to praise the celebrant, saying that the grand opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) attested to the popularity and honour bestowed on him as one who has continue to contribute to the development of the nation and humanity. He said: Obasanjo is a worthy and exemplary leader, who, most leaders in the world, are emulating his leadership skills. Let me say that no fewer than 45 serving and past presidents and 700 important personalities in the world would attend the grand opening of OOPL this weekend. The library is first of its kind in Nigeria and has over 42 million knowledgeable materials, books and documents, including Obasanjos primary school uniform, shoe, military cap and uniform, first car (Volkswagen) and other personal things." READ ALSO: Obasanjo just talks to remain relevant, Governor Fayose warns Igbo people Also, Peter Okebukola, who is the chairman of the Obasanjo at 80 celebration committee, described the celebrant as a highly knowledgeable person, who has used his wealth of experience in government and agriculture to transform his country and others Source: Legit.ng - Militant groups in the Niger Delta have reacted to the xenophobic attacks in South Africa - The groups have asked 18 South African companies and personnel to leave the region or risk attacks - They decried the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa Militant groups in the Niger Delta have asked 18 South African companies and personnel to leave the region or risk attacks, The Guardian reports. File photo of Niger Delta militants The threat was contained in a joint petition to the South African High Commission in Nigeria and signed by General John Duku of the Niger Delta Watchdogs, General Ekpo Ekpo of Niger Delta Volunteers and General Hart Bradford of the Niger Delta Strike Force. They warned of an imminent attack on all South Africans business interests, adding that they could no longer sit and watch innocent Nigerians being killed in the southern Africa nation. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App The militants position was made known after their meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, March 1. They condemned the recent attack on Nigerians and pledged reprisals that would target the countrys economic interests in Nigeria. Part of the petition read: Our attention has been drawn to the series of unprovoked attack, looting, shutting down of business offices, killing and maiming of Nigerian nationals living in South Africa. It is so regrettable that a country and nationals that had enjoyed the greatest affection of Nigerians was now repaying such hospitality with mindless killing and brutality. To this end, the militants urged the Nigerian government to shut all the business premises owned by South Africans such as MTN, Multi-choice, Shoprite, Eskom Nigeria, South African Breweries (SAB Miller) and others. Failure to do this within one month, we shall commence attack on the firms, they added. The militants maintained that the South African government and her citizens have a number of businesses in Nigeria, going about their normal businesses peacefully, making huge profits and living in a very friendly environment with Nigerians. READ ALSO: TUC asks Nigeria to recall its high commissioner in South Africa over xenophobic attacks Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has released the names of a 7-man delegation to South Africa to investigate the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country. Below is the list of the members of the delegation: 1. Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu 2. Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan 3. The Chief Whip, Senator Sola Adeyeye 4. Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Shehu Sani 5. Senator Stella Oduah 6. Senator Magnus Abe 7. Senator Shaba Lafiaji Source: Legit.ng Henry Chibueze popularly known as Vampire who is a notorious kidnapper has been killed by the police after he and members of his gang were engaged in a midnight gun battle. Vampire made headlines in January after members of his gang in a daring move stormed the Owerri High Court in Imo State where he was facing trial and rescued him while also killing two persons. According to the Nigeria Police Force, operatives from the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team trailed him to his hideout in Omu-Awa forest in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State in the early hours of Thursday, March 2 where he was killed after a shootout. Notorious kidnapper, Vampire, killed by police (photos) Also, five other members of his gang were also arrested by the IRT operatives led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, in Imo, Abia and Rivers States and are being detained at the Imo state command. READ ALSO: Acting president Osinbajo applauds military successes in North-East The suspects confessed to being behind the daring rescue of Vampire when he appeared in court in January. The also confessed that they carried out four other kidnappings after the rescue of Vampire. A police officer as well as three members of the criminal gang sustained bullet wounds. It will be recalled that Vampire made headlines in 2013 when he carried out the heinous killing of Vampire made headlines in 2013 when he carried out the heinous killing of his girlfriend, Sandra Ijedinma, at Igando area of Lagos State, with an AK47 assault rifle and opened fire on everyone present in the apartment, killing his girlfriend, her elder sister, Praise Ozor and her two children. He continued his killing in the nearby street where one of Sandras elder sisters resided and killed the woman and three of her children. While a manhunt was launched to capture him in Lagos, he moved to Imo state where he and members of his gang carried out several high-profile kidnappings. His attempt to kidnap the tribunal Judges, handling Election Petition in Imo state, proved abortive as he was cornered by security operatives but managed to escape with gunshot wounds. READ ALSO: Police apprehend killers of US soldier murdered in Imo Operatives of the Department of State Services however trailed him to the house of his elder brothers wife, in Ohafia, Abia State, where he had gone to treat himself and arrested him. While awaiting trial in February 2016, he formed another gang with the help of a prison official identified as Chukwuma Agim and carried out several kidnapping in Imo state. In one operation, he received N5 million as ransom for a middle-aged man but he met his waterloo when he engaged security operatives in a shootout leading to his death. According to the police, the five members of gang are now in Police custody, they are: 1. Obinna Ela 2. Arinze Abecheta 3. Chukwu Ebuka 4. Samuel Ugochukwu 5. Clifford AHEANA. "They are responsible for so many kidnap and Armed Robbery attacks in Imo, Abia, Rivers, Delta and other States in the South-South/South-East where several innocent people were killed by the gang. They will be paraded and charged to court on completion of investigation." Source: Legit.ng The Nigerian Senate has resolved to probe the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over the raiding and carting away of goods in shops at a rice market in Sango-Otta, Ogun state. Officials of the Nigerian Customs Service are accused of carrying out the raid unlawfully. The Senate came to the decision after a brief debate over a motion moved by Senator Gholahan Dada under Order 42 & 52, over the unlawful seizure of rice and invasions of shops by the customs in Ogun State. READ ALSO: 82-year-old ambassadorial nominee refuses to recite national anthem during screening While the Senators agreed that the Customs is empowered by law to carry out raids, it resolved to carry out the investigation to know if the Customs did not step out of the ambit of the law. The decision to probe the Customs' actions was reached after Senate Majority Leader Senator Ahmed Lawan argued that it is necessary for the legislature to look into if the Customs did not do anything wrong while carrying out the raid. A protest by angry youths and rice sellers in Ogun is reportedly turning violent at the Sango-Ota area of the state with the participants blocking the two ends of the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. Recall that a violent protest by rice traders broke out on Wednesday, February 22 over alleged invasion of their markets by officers of the Nigerian Customs. The rice sellers alleged that the customs officers stormed their shops and stalls at the Sango-Ota market around 1 a.m. to confiscate their goods even though not smuggled such. Scores of the rice sellers later on Thursday, February 23, protested to Ogun state Governor Ibikunle Amosuns office at Oke Mosan in Abeokuta to register their displeasure at the actions of the Customs. Source: Legit.ng First of all, says Hassan Dai, editor of the Iranian American Forum in his article for The Hill, its an ill-conceived hope that a moderate will emerge in Iran and reform the regime and change its foreign policy. Secondly, he calls it a false assumption that, the hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are not the result of Iranian radical foreign policies but the outcome of mistrust and misunderstanding, caused by Americas belligerent attitude toward Iran. He adds, These Iran-friendly advocates argue that if the U.S. adopts a less hostile approach and instead tries to gain the trust of Iranian leaders, they will reciprocate, the moderate factions will be empowered, the Iranian regime will gradually reform itself, and Iran will become a responsible regional power abiding by international rules. Although the search for moderates in Iran seems to have been an illusion, nevertheless it has significantly and strategically influenced past and current U.S. policies on Iran. Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense, described this attitude toward Tehran during a speech in 2008, I have been involved in the search for the elusive Iranian moderate for 30 years. Every administration since [1979] has reached out to the Iranians in one way or another and all have failed. Some have gotten into deep trouble associated with their failures, but the reality is the Iranian leadership has been consistently unyielding over a very long period of time in response to repeated overtures from the United States about having a different and better kind of relationship. President Reagan sought a friendship with the moderate Rafsanjani and Bill Clintons approach toward the so-called reformist Mohammad Khatami was conciliatory in nature. George W. Bush in 2002-2003 to coordinated the invasion of Iraq with the Iranian envoys. Barack Obama was no exception to this rule. Former President Obama believed that the nuclear deal with Iran would transform the regime and change its foreign policy. Gates talked about the former president in an interview in 2015. He said, I think that the pursuit of the (nuclear) agreement is based on the presidents hope that over a ten-year period with the sanctions being lifted that the Iranians will become a constructive stakeholder in the international community. That that as their economy begins to grow again, that that they will abandon their ideology, their theology, their revolutionary principles, their meddling in various parts of the region. And, frankly, I believe thats very unrealistic. The nuclear deal and its lifting of sanctions only emboldened Iranian hardliners, contrary to Obamas expectations, and the regime became more aggressive in its agenda for the region. The Trump administration should keep in mind the past three decades of failures in policy toward Iran. Hassan Dai says, The cost of this failure has been the significant loss of credibility and influence in the region, loss of commerce, loss of the trust of the Iranian people, and last but not least, the loss of the lives of American men and women serving in Iraq. Editors note: Professor Yemi Osinbajo has received commendation in his capacity as acting president since President Muhammadu Buhari travelled to London on leave and subsequently extended it indefinitely citing medical reasons. In this opinion by Ochereome Nnanna, the writer compares the way the president and the acting president have managed the country and suggests that Buhari continue to stay in the UK till 2019. The office of the presidency AT the risk of being termed a mischief maker, I think it is very crucial to draw parallels between President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President Yemi Osinbajos handling of the nations top executive job, at least, to show the importance of mindsets, style and personal dispositions in leadership. READ ALSO: Presidency did well by not disclosing the nature of Buharis ailment Reuben Abati The Presidency says we should not do this, but I am sorry, I will. That office does not belong to the current (temporary) occupants. When Reuben Abati was President Goodluck Jonathans spokesman, he once rather foolishly referred to some former public officeholders who were critical of his boss as a loosely bound group of yesterdays men and women. Today, he is out in the cold and struggling to claw his back to relevance as an opinion writer. Meanwhile, some of those he hurled insults at are back in the corridors of power and Abati has for two years now been a yesterdays man! Such is life. Opinion: Buhari should continue to rest I have to again commend President Buhari for not creating a power vacuum when he rushed off to London. Unlike the late President Umar Yar Adua, he obeyed the constitution and voluntarily transferred power to his Deputy, Osinbajo. Buhari has always shown a very amiable disposition to his deputies by giving them freedom to act whether he is on seat or unavailable. We saw this in his relationship with the late Major General Tunde Idiagbon. Acting President Osinbajos stint so far has exerted salutary effects on the polity because Buharis facile transfer of power created an atmosphere for him to function effectively. Those who have argued, noisily, that whatever Osinbajo is doing is still part of the Buhari Presidency are begging the issue. They are arguing against themselves because no one has said anything to the contrary. It is a joint ticket, and until nature decides otherwise it is very much the Buhari Presidency. All we are saying is that the way the Deputy has handled the steering is much smoother. We, the worried passengers, can now afford to relax and doze off, unlike the time Buhari was driving it. The Daura General was knocking down other road users and driving some of them into the bush because he felt he was the only person entitled to use the road! The road to Buharis presidency Buhari came into the Presidency with a wounded psyche and a heart full of fresh injuries and old scars: his regime as a military dictator was overthrown and he was ignominiously dumped in jail. When General Sani Abacha rehabilitated him with the post of Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, a new government headed by President Olusegun Obasanjo maliciously scrapped it to spite the memory of Abacha. Furthermore, Buhari ran for president three previous times and lost to the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He always came out believing he was rigged out because he did not see Nigeria beyond the narrow confines of his Northern Muslim supporters. After losing the third run, an exhausted and frustrated Buhari wept profusely and said he would not run again. But the insistent prodding of his ardent supporters made him cave in, but with the threat that if the 2015 elections were rigged, then the monkey and baboon would soak in blood. Fortunately for him (and the Nigerians who would have lost their lives) Buhari had in President Jonathan a leader who confessed he was neither a general nor a Pharaoh. When Buhari assumed power as an elected President, he was here to fight. He fought the PDP and officials of the Jonathan regime and all those connected therewith. He fought those who did not vote for him, and they fought back with renewed militancy in the creeks and daredevil protests in the streets of South East and South-South. Meanwhile, an outbreak of armed Fulani militias masquerading as herdsmen was killing and displacing mainly non-Muslim communities and the President and the armed forces he controls refused to protect Nigerians. Instead, Buhari was determined to create grazing reserves for his ethnic kinsmen all over the country, including the areas where they had no ethno-cultural roots. Buhari went round the world, calling Nigerians criminals and corrupt crooks. Any surprise our people are being attacked in South Africa? He foisted a command-and-control civilian dictatorship and jettisoned the constitutional principle of Federal Character to give out national goodies to his kinsmen and fellow Northern Muslims to the detriment of other Nigerians. READ ALSO: Acting president Osinbajo applauds military successes in North-East These were the things that made the past 21 months hell in Nigeria under Buharis thumb. The economy, which was already shaky when he took over, nosedived. The Naira went from N197 to $1 to N560 to $1. There was no direction for the economy, and the armed forces were needlessly mobilised to fight on so many fronts that the Army decided to recruit 17,000 more personnel this year alone. Unarmed protesters whom the regime saw as its enemies were shot. Amnesty International says 1967 people were killed under Buharis watch. Osinbajo, the new man Osinbajo does not share the wounds in Buharis heart. His shuttle diplomacies to the Niger Delta and South East have calmed down the populace and there is no further report of economic sabotage in the creeks. Nigerians recently rallied against the regime: no one was shot or even arrested. Instead, Osinbajo gave them his ears. The Acting President cooled the polity when he submitted the name of Walter Nkanu Onnoghen to the Senate for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, which Buhari refused to do because he wanted to impose another Northerner. Professor Yemi Osinbajo Osinbajo took measures that, so far, have buoyed the value of the Naira to N450. The difference is clear, and you say we should not compare! A change in style goes a long way! There is an atmosphere for better leadership and governance under Osinbajo. Its better our hale and hearty President keeps resting in London for the next two years and three months. May Buhari survive and return on May 29th 2019 to hand over to the next President. This opinion was written by Ochereome Nnanna, and first appeared in Vanguard The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page! Source: Legit.ng President Muhammadu Buhari has received a call from King of Morocco Mohammed VI, the presidency has said. President Buhari received the call at the Abuja House in London where is currently on resting on a vacation. The president received the call at the Abuja House in London where he is presently on vacation. According to Femi Adesina in a brief statement released today, March 2, the North African monarch called on Wednesday, March 1 to know about the Nigerian leader's state of health. READ ALSO: Niger Delta militants threaten South African firms in the region The statement said the King, who initiated the call, asked after the President's health and expressed satisfaction at his rate of improvement. It added that the two leaders also discussed the current stage of the Morocco-Nigeria Atlantic crude oil pipeline project. The Moroccan king also thanked President Buhari for Nigeria's support in returning Morocco to the African Union and notified him of Morocco's request to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Moroccan King then expressed his intention to make the Rabat-Abuja strategic partnership a framework for regular consultation and cooperation on African issues of mutual interest to both countries, Femi Adesina said. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App President Buhari thanked King Mohammed VI for the phone call and said that he looked forward to deepening relations between both countries. King Mohammed VI's call follows that of American president Donald Trump who called President Buhari on Monday, February 13, 2017. Source: Legit.ng Do you know that most of the popular places in Lagos have history behind their names? You must have thought most of the areas in Lagos got their names by mere coincidences, but they did not. Some of these places have a rich history behind them. Below are some popular areas in Lagos and the history behind their names. 1. Victoria Island A view of VI from the lagoon with the Civic Center and 1004 Flats in the background Before it became an area for the affluent, it was just an Island surrounded by water. Popularly called V.I., it is named after Queen Victoria of England who was Queen from 1837-1901. The area was a major hub for commerce and British ships berthed there often during the colonial era. READ ALSO: LASU student brutalised by task force officials in Lagos 2. Ikeja Historically, Ikeja, the capital of Lagos consists of 78 communities. The earliest settlers in the area and its environs were Aworis who migrated from Ota-an Awori town in Ogun state which is about 24km north of Ikeja township. The name Ikeja is actually an abbreviation for Ikorodu And Epe Joint Administration. The colonial masters coined the name for ease of administration. 3. Ojota That popular place in Lagos with a motor park where you can get vehicles to any part of the country In the 18th century, the Ojota area was military settlement where soldiers practiced their shooting or perfected their shooting skills. There were several gun firing spots which became known as Oju Ota which means Bullet spots in Yoruba. Later, the name metamorphosed into Ojota as it is fondly called now. 4. Magodo Before it became a posh area and home to the affluent, Magodo was sacred land. The residents had a lot of taboos. One of such was to avoid using mortars and pestles, Ma gun odo which means Dont pound it. It later became Magodo. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App 5. Apongbon This is one of the most popular markets in Lagos. Its name was derived from the then acting governor of the Lagos colony, William McCoskry. He had a red beard and the Yorubas decided to describe him by his red beard as they could not pronounce his name. They started calling him Oyinbo to pon ni igbon meaning a red-bearded man. It later became Apongbon. 6. Abule Egba Work in progress at the on-going construction of Fly Over at Abule Egba, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway Located along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, this area derived its name from the early settlers who were Egba people from Abeokuta. The area used to be called Abule awon egba meaning Village of Egba people in Yoruba. It later became Abule Egba. 7. Epetedo Lekki-Epe expressway toll road This area is named after the early settlers who were Epe traders. It became populated by Epe traders. Till date, they still trade here. This historical area was where Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June, 12, 1993 presidential elections, declared himself president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following the annulment of the elections. 8. Ebute-Metta During the colonial era, Ebute-Metta was a hub for trade and commerce. It was one of the earliest harbour docks where British ships berthed at. The name is a fusion of the words Ebute which means the seaside in Yoruba, and Metta which means three. Most of the houses in this ancient part of Lagos were built during the colonial era. READ ALSO: 7 dangerous bridges in Lagos 9. Broad street Home to several financial institutions in Lagos, Broad street got its name from its broadness. It used to be one of the longest and widest streets in Lagos. Today, you will find elegant building architecture and skyscrapers on this street. 10. Agidingbi Agidingbi road illuminated with street lights at night Lagos was invaded by British Naval forces in 1885 under the pretext of stopping slavery and human sacrifice. The noise of their canons was really loud and could be heard round the streets of Lagos Island. The sound was described by the people as A gb din gbinnn, which means a loud groundbreaking noise and that is how the name Agidingbi came about. 11. Oshodi Oshodi was named after Balogun Landuji Oshodi Tapa, a Nupe boy who was adopted and raised by Oba Eshinlokun of Lagos. Source: Legit.ng Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina state has signed an order banning any form of unlawful assembly of people in any part of the state. Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina bans unlawful assembly in the state The ban was announced on Thursday in Katsina in a statement signed by the governors Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abdu Labaran. Labaran said that the order, signed on Feb 27, was in consonance with the power conferred on the governor by Section 97A of the Penal Code. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App Gov. Masari declared that, any assembly of two or more persons in any part of Katsina state is hereby banned. The assembly by whatever name; whether the people are armed or any of its members is armed with any dangerous instrument which is likely to cause death or bodily injury is banned. And if the objective of the assembly is to kill, injure, harass, intimidate members of the public or provoke breach of public peace; overawe by criminal force. Or go against the government of the federation, government of the state or any government of Nigeria or any public servant in exercising his lawful powers; Resist execution of any law or of any legal process; or commit any mischief or criminal trespass or other offence. READ ALSO: Dollar crash: Prices of building materials remain high Or enforce any right or supposed right by means of criminal force or show of criminal force; or compel any person to do what he/she is not legally bound to do or prevent to do what he/she is legally entitled to do by means of criminal force or show of criminal force, he said. The statement added that defaulters of the order would face full wrath of the law. It also advised the public to continue to conduct their daily businesses as the government was ready to ensure adequate security for people of the state. Source: NAN Source: Legit.ng Some economic progress is, of course, to be expected in light of the tens of billions of dollars worth of sanctions relief that Iran received under the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. But that agreement was negotiated according to the leadership of a different American presidential administration, and the Trump administration and its supporters have aggressively decried the JCPOA and Obama administrations former handling of Iran in general. President Donald Trump set a new tone for dealings with Iran very earlier in his presidency. After the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a new test of ballistic missiles that could be used to carry nuclear warheads, the administration issued a statement putting Iran on notice, and instituted new economic sanctions against 25 individuals and groups with links to the missile program. This is something that many opponents of the Iranian regime hopefully regard as a first step toward a broader confrontational strategy, to include more such economic sanctions. In an editorial at The Hill, Professor Raymond Tanter suggests that the Trump administration could intensify sanctions related to Irans human rights violations and support for terrorism, all without directly undermining the JCPOA. However, the expectation among most observers is that a broad range of pressures exerted on the Islamic Republic would ultimately lead to its walking away from the nuclear deal, or else to an overall increase in tensions that would make the deal unsustainable. These prospects are the very things that have lead the IMF to determine that Iran could still slip into a major recession, if its current access to foreign capital and trade begins to dry up. To some extent, this has already happened. Western companies like the French energy giant Total have slowed down their pursuit of agreements that were already tentatively established among Iranian partners. Others whose dealings with Iran had not progress passed the theoretical stage have set the notion aside until it is clear whether the JCPOA will remain in force and the US government will reauthorize the suspension of key sanctions. Of course, the persistence of uncertainty indicates that it is not yet clear that the Trump White House is committed to any particular course of action, other than a general intensification of pressure on the Islamic Republic. The nature and extent of that intensification may still be substantially affected by actions that the Iranians might take to justify further enforcement measures. An article in the National Interest observes that Tehran has done a notoriously poor job of dispelling the suspicions of such figures as Donald Trump. The article emphasizes Irans desperate need for Western investment as a way of staving off the recession that the IMF has warned about. But it also says that the Islamic Republic itself has made that difficult, first through its intrinsic opposition to the notion of opening up relations with traditional Western adversaries, and secondly by way of its refusal to compromise the hardline positions that made it an international pariah in the first place. Critics of the Iranian theocracy, among them the National Council of Resistance of Iran, have determined that the vast majority of the Iranian economy is controlled by hardline entities such as front companies for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This means that some of Irans fiercest opponents of foreign engagement wield considerable influence over economic policy, and also that wide-ranging relief from international economic sanctions threatens to provide those hardliners with financial resources that could be used for the support of international terrorism or the perpetuation of domestic human rights abuses. The National Interest notes that those hardline entities do hope to acquire access to foreign capital, but would prefer to do so without compromising their power in any measure. This arguably makes the continuation of sanctions relief and economic engagement difficult to justify in the West, especially among allies of the current US president. That presidents new policies have been answered with renewed rhetoric on the part of the Iranian regime, and this is certainly no help if Tehran wishes to alter its habit of making it difficult for foreign entities to do business with or in Iran. Iran Front Page News reported on Tuesday that Ali Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian parliament had spoken at a ceremony to commemorate Iranians killed in the Syrian Civil War, and had used the occasion to heap praise upon the IRGC for its foreign interventionist activities and its unique preoccupation with the defense and advancement of the regimes interpretation of Islamic ideology. Larijanis statements would be disturbing enough to critics of the regime under normal circumstances, but his public embrace of escalating IRGC power comes at a time when the hardline paramilitary organization has recently completed multi-day exercises and demonstrations of new weapons systems, accompanied by explicit statements of readiness for war with enemies such as the United States. Whats more, the website Liberty Unyielding pointed to reports on Tuesday that a high-ranking IRGC officer named Hassan Abbassi, who is also the head of an influential Iranian think tank, declared that he believed the IRGC would be capable of raising a guerilla army from among the two million Iranians presently living in Iran. Abbassis rhetoric ignores the fact that a great many of those Iranians relocated to the US specifically in order to flee from the oppressive Iranian theocracy, and that many are active participants in political groups like the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which openly advocates for regime change and the establishment of a truly democratic system of governance in Tehran. Nevertheless, the IRGC officials statement underscores the hardline positions that are prominent among his colleagues and that have the continued support of leading government officials such as Speaker Larijani. It goes without saying that the ongoing expression and support of such positions makes it exceptionally unlikely that the Trump administration will back down from its assertive policies, which could threaten the Iranian regimes efforts to reclaim economic stability. The acting president of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has arrived Akwa Ibom International Airport in Uyo, for continued dialogue between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta people. BREAKING: Uyo agog as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives A Facebook post by a certain Daniel Young, suggests that the MD of OGFZA, Umana Okon Umana, the SA to the President on NASS Matters (Senate), Sen Dr Ita Enang, Sen J.J. Akpan Udoedehe, Minister for Budget and National Planning , Sen Udoma Udo udoma ; Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission , Engr Benedict Ukpong and others were on standby to receive the vice president. BREAKING: Uyo agog as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives The Acting President is in Uyo for the continuation of the dialogue with the oil producing communities, in a bid to find a workable template to bringing development to the oil rich region and usher in peace amongst the people. BREAKING: Uyo agog as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives READ ALSO: Aviation workers union blast Osinbajo for appointing an outsider as finance director for Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) BREAKING: Uyo agog as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives BREAKING: Uyo agog as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo arrives Source: Legit.ng Reports coming from Akwa Ibom state is that acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has been conferred with a Chieftaincy title in Akwa ibom state. He was conferred with the title "Obong Emem Ibom" by state traditional rulers during his Thursday visits to the state. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App The acting president's visit was in continuation of the Niger Delta peace talk which commenced at Delta state. This was made known in a post by the state website. Recall that Legit.ng reports that the acting president of Nigeria arrived Akwa Ibom International Airport in Uyo for continued dialogue between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta people. Source: Legit.ng The next phase will be the establishment of a US-Gulf front. According to an article by Sawsan al-Shaer for Al Arabiya, If Iraq wants Gulf countries to support its security and stability by cooperating with the US, it must act to address the security chaos caused by Iranian militias on its land. A major goal is the exit of foreign forces and militias supported by Iran from Syria and Iraq. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, said in an interview with the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries announced theyre willing to participate with special troops alongside the US. Some countries from the Islamic Alliance to fight terrorism and extremism are also ready to send troops. We will coordinate with the US to know what the plan is and what is necessary to execute it. Additionally, US President Donald Trump ordered Mattis to draw up a plan within 30 days to combat ISIS. According to the German dailys interview with Jubeir, he expects these plans to be proposed soon. The major idea is to liberate areas from ISIS and to also guarantee that these areas do not fall in the hands of Hezbollah, Iran or the (Syrian) regime, Jubeir said. Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Turkish Foreign Minister, said on January 4, that the Syrian regime must go back to the negotiating table and deal directly with the opposition to achieve peaceful political transition in Syria. We must send a strong message in which we demand that all foreign militias exit Syrian territories immediately, he said, and emphasized the importance of the withdrawal of all militias from Syria in the end of 2016 after what was known as the Russian-Iranian-Turkish document was announced. This document led to calling for the Astana conference in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, talk is already begun about the post-ISIS phase in Iraq. In early January, former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki rushed to visit Iran, and met with Ali Akbar Velayati, Khameneis international affairs advisor. On January 4, Al-Arabiya.net reported that according to the Mehr news agency, Maliki said he went to Iran to meet with Khamenei to discuss what he called possible threats post-ISIS. Al-Arabiyas report added: This is a new political term in international and regional politics especially that the war against ISIS has not ended yet in Iraq and Syria. The point of Malikis statements that he went to Iran to discuss possible threats post-ISIS with Iranian officials are unclear as the extremist organization is not present among the Iranians and ISIS does not have any announced military activity in Iran. - A former controller of prisons, Ifediora Orakwe has raised an alarm - Orakwe decried the misuse of Nigerian prison facilities - He said the prisons are been used for different purposes A former controller of prisons, Ifediora Orakwe has decried the misuse of Nigerian prison facilities. Controller-General of Prisons, Jaafaru Ahmed Orakwe said the Nigeria prisons are currently being used for services which they were not built for. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, March, 2 at a capacity building workshop for journalists organized by Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), Orakwe said majority of the inmate housed in Nigerian prisons are awaiting trial. We carry people, we put them into congested prison cells and when we are tired of them we ask them to go and sin no more, Orakwe said. READ ALSO: Pele's son Edinho in jail over drug trafficking charges Lamenting the challenge of overcrowding of facilities Orakwe said the prisons were modeled not for individuals awaiting trial but for those who have been convicted. He said most inmates who ought not to have stayed long in prison facilities have become used to such certain lifestyles due to association. The fear of police and security forces have gone with the method of lock stay in prisons, he said. Also speaking at the event, the acting executive director of PRAWA Yinka Lawal said it is unfortunate that Nigeria prison facilities are overcrowded. Lawal said the incarceration of individuals awaiting trial in the prisons is overwhelming. Some time ago we had to release the longest serving inmate; he had served 17 years, on awaiting trial,'' he said. He said Nigeria needs to start taking statistics of inmates awaiting trial. Lawal said such statistics must include background of inmates, crimes allegedly committed, how long they have spent inside the facilities, what is happening to their cases among many others. He also said the statistics would enable policy makers arrive at a trend or pattern of crime committed, why such crimes are prevalent in various areas or environment and adopt recommendations on curbing such. Lawal also noted that the statistics will help provide or create accessibility of quality legal support services for the inmate on awaiting trial. He said the data with help from Nigerian Bar Association, Legal Aid Council of Nigerian and civil society organization will provide needed support for the inmates with a view of decongesting the prisons. ''We have chosen three prisons Lagos, Kano and Enugu out of six facilities suggested by the controller of prison. And we hope to replicate this proposed approach to other prisons across the country, Lawal said. READ ALSO: Ex-court registrar Rosolu loses appeal, to serve 10 years in jail Meanwhile, the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has secured a waiver from the federal government to employ 6,545 personnel soon. The Comptroller-General of the NPS, Mr Jaffaru Ahmed revealed this while defending the service budget in the House of Representatives, adding that the NPS had inadequate personnel. Source: Legit.ng - Nigerian governors are not planning to visit President Muhammadu Buhari - This is the position of the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state - Governor Yari says it is needless for governors to visit the president The chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state has stated that Nigerian governors are not planning to visit President Muhammadu Buhari in London. NGF not planning to visit Buhari in London - Governor Yari 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. Yari said state governors cannot abandon their responsibilities in their respective states and take trips to London in the name of visiting the president. READ ALSO: Prophet TB Joshua urges Nigerians to pray for President Buhari He stated this in Abuja during a media chat after the meeting of the NGF on Thursday, March 2, Daily Post reports. According to him, since most of the governors are already speaking with Buhari through telephone calls, it was unnecessary to take special trips to see him. He stated that it is not surprising to know that Buhari is sick considering his age and the herculean responsibility involved in running Nigeria. He, however, expressed his belief that Nigerians are praying for the Presidents quick recovery. His words: I dont think it is necessary for governors to go to London to visit President Muhammadu Buhari. Some of us are already talking to him. I have been speaking with him. We know that he is sick quite alright. Every human being is bound to be sick Looking at his age coupled with the heavy and huge task of running Nigeria, it is not surprising to know he is sick. But all Nigerians, I believe, are praying for his quick recovery. READ ALSO: London police called in to arrest Nigerian reporter who made attempts to see Buhari 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. The National Assembly had on February 9, 2010 invoked the doctrine of necessity to empower then vice president, Goodluck Jonathan to act as president following the illness of late President Umaru YarAdua. Source: Legit.ng Sorry! This content is not available in your region Horace Parlan, an acclaimed jazz pianist whose style was unlike anyone elses, largely because he had to compensate for a partly disabled hand, died on Feb. 23 in Korsor, Denmark. He was 86. His death, in a nursing home, was announced by the Danish jazz historian Frank Buchmann-Moller. Mr. Parlan had lived in Denmark since 1972. Unable to use the middle two fingers of his right hand, Mr. Parlan still forged a style that impressed critics Robert Palmer of The New York Times praised his combination of blues-rooted funk and exploratory zeal as well as his fellow musicians. The bassist and composer Charles Mingus gave him his first significant national exposure in the late 1950s; he worked with the saxophonist and flutist Rahsaan Roland Kirk in the mid-1960s; and he had a long and fruitful association with the saxophonist Archie Shepp, beginning in 1977. He also recorded frequently as a leader. He made several albums for Blue Note in the 1960s and for the Danish label SteepleChase in the 70s and 80s. With the primary elections in New York City just six months away, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday selected the former top lawyer for the City University of New York as the chairman of the citys Campaign Finance Board. Frederick P. Schaffer, who retired in December as CUNYs general counsel and senior vice chancellor for legal affairs, will lead the board, which provides public matching funds to candidates running for office and also penalizes campaigns for financial improprieties. Mr. Schaffer, 70, has had a long and distinguished career, including stints as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan, as chief litigating corporation counsel under Mayor Edward I. Koch, and as chairman of the Legal Aid Society. But his appointment comes at an awkward time for both the mayor and CUNY, the countrys largest urban public university. For almost a year, federal prosecutors in Manhattan with the United States attorneys office for the Southern District of New York have been investigating Mr. de Blasios campaign fund-raising to determine whether the mayor or his aides traded favorable city action for donations to his campaign or a now-defunct political nonprofit group. The hardline paramilitary organization has been behind a number of confrontations with US Naval vessels in and around the Persian Gulf, as well as the seizure of Western-flagged commercial vessels. Some of those seizures have been explained in terms of debts ostensibly owed by the vessels operators to the Islamic Republic, but these official claims by the Iranian authorities have sometimes been contradicted by analysts claiming that those seizures were more likely motivated by perceived slights or by the desire for another show of force to regional and Western adversaries. Whatever the case may be, the acquisition of formal authority for these sorts of seizures is further evidence of the increasing power that the IRGC wields over Irans foreign policy activities as well as its domestic affairs. In February, the relative lack of separation between IRGC rhetoric and formal Iranian foreign policy was made clear by separate military demonstrations carried out by the paramilitary and the traditional armed forced, both of which were accompanied by explicit statements of readiness for war with such foreign powers as the United States. But although antagonism toward the US has always been central to the hardline self-image of the Islamic Republic, recent shows of force are presumably meant to have the more immediate effect of intimidating regional allies, chiefly Saudi Arabia, toward which Iran has been experiencing escalating tensions in recent months. That pattern continues as Iran and the Gulf Arab states remain embroiled in proxy wars, especially in Yemen, where Iran-backed Shiite militants launched a rebellion in 2015 against President Abed Rabbou Mansour Hadi. Not only has Yemen remained the location of an escalating war between a Saudi-led coalition and militants who have apparently received training and supplies from the IRGC; it has also been the focus of competing Saudi and Iranian propaganda efforts aimed at shaping the international communitys perspective of each party to the conflict. That propaganda war was prominently on display on Wednesday when Irans English-language propaganda network Press TV ran an article detailing the foreign ministrys position that it is only Saudi Arabia and its allies, and not the Islamic Republic of Iran, that have contributed to the escalation of the sectarian conflict in Yemen. The foreign ministrys comments to this effect reportedly came in response to public statements by United Arab Emirates countries suggesting precisely the opposite. The Press TV article categorically denied that Iran was supporting the Houthis, but this claim appears to be at odds with later remarks in the same article, which praised the Yemeni rebels for retaliatory attacks against Saudi forces and other members of the warmongering coalition. Nevertheless, according to Iran Front Page News, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated Irans claims of innocence in an interview, where he said that Saudi Arabia had pursued war in Yemen while the Islamic Republic had endeavored to contribute to a peace process ever since the war broke out. Not only are such remarks at odds with the tone of much Iranian media and contrary to the competing claims of much Arab media, they are also at odds with various international reports about the seizure of arms shipments apparently en route from Iran to Yemen. Opponents of the Iranian regime, such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, have endeavored to gather intelligence showing a constant IRGC presence on the Arabian Peninsula, as a clear contributing factor to the Yemeni Civil War and other regional conflicts. In light of these and other reports, it is virtually impossible to take Tehrans claims seriously when it attempts to ascribe blame to regional adversaries alone, while not so much as acknowledging the demonstrated Iranian role. But this narrative is arguably the only one that Iran can hope to use to drive Saudi Arabia and its allies out of key areas of Iranian influence, as the regime apparently aspires to do. This ambition is suggested by Irans reaction to certain other regional developments, including the visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to the capital of Iraq, where Iran has wielded considerable influence since former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki began to purge the national government of Sunnis, along with many moderate members of the Shiite majority. EA Worldview described Saudi officials as unsettled by the Jubeir visit, and it quoted Ali Shamkhani, the head of Irans Supreme National Security Council as taking the opportunity to blame Saudi Arabia for the rise of ISIL in Iraq, and other terrorist organizations throughout the region. This is in line with the foreign ministrys claim, via Press TV, that the Saudi-led coalition is directly responsible for the rise of terrorism in the entire region. While there is no shortage of international criticism for Saudi Arabia over it contribution to sectarian tensions, many foreign policy analysts are unequivocal in assigning a great deal of the blame to Iran for the rise of ISIL, as a result of its empowerment of numerous Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, which in turn prompted various Sunni communities to seek refuge with Sunni militants. Iran has reportedly utilized this situation to its advantage by actively relocating populations in such a way that the region is more sharply divided between Sunnis and Shiites. Many experts see the Iranian regime as aspiring to take its place at the head of a Shiite crescent that spans much of the region, so as to more effectively compete with the Sunni Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for leadership of the Muslim world. In light of this evident Iranian ambition, the leaderships unsettled reaction to recent exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Iraq can be seen as being motivated by concerns over adversaries potential challenges to Iran as each seeks to fill the power vacuum left by the defeat of ISIL, which appears to be forthcoming. As well as spurring Irans continued propaganda war with Saudi Arabia, that would-be power vacuum has also been attributed to some of the re-emerging tensions between Iran and Turkey. Although the two countries have always had fraught relations, they have managed to establish a more cooperative relationship in recent months, in spite of the fact that they had continued to support opposing factions in the Syrian Civil War. Both Turkey and Iran, along with Russia, have contributed to the establishment of ceasefire agreements following such milestones in that war as the capture of Aleppo from moderate Syrian rebels, but forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. But some reports have also highlighted apparent violations of those agreements undertaken by Iran or its local proxies. This is certainly one source of strain on the cooperative relationship between Iran and Turkey, and that strain stands to become more pronounced as both countries recognize the immediate significance of their positions in Syria and Iraq to their long-term regional strategies. On one hand, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have just declared a mutual commitment to improving ties, according to a report published on Wednesday by Reuters. But on the other hand, Al Jazeera notes that there has already been a considerable increase in hostility, which can be attributed to the emerging power vacuum, and which cannot expect to be ignored by either country. The Al Jazeera report concludes by saying that regardless of current attempts at fostering good will, Turkeys political costs are simply too high for doing anything other than confronting existing Iranian influence. The same report notes that the Turks generally consider it their responsibility to defend Sunni and Turkmen minorities that would be threatened by Iran-backed Shiite militants. Breitbart highlighted the prevalence of these militants in its reporting on testimony delivered to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by both liberal and conservative foreign policy scholars. The report pointed out that experts estimate more than 100,000 Shiite paramilitary fighters are operating in Iraq at the moment, and that a great many of them are loyal to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, by their own admission. Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and Hardin Lang of the Center for American Progress both indicated to the Foreign Relations Committee that this situation would be a threat to American interests as well as the interests of Irans regional adversaries if it was not confronted head-on. Such testimony may bode well for the prospects of international coordination on the matter something that may already be on the agenda for regional countries, as suggested by the actions of the Saudi-led coalition, plus the recent tour of Arab nations undertaken by the Turkish president. Al Jazeera noted that this is another development that has prompted unsettled or disturbed Iranian reactions, since they threaten to broadly undermine the Islamic Republics pursuit of Shiite hegemony in the Middle East. The 56-year-old woman was lying on her bedroom floor, bleeding after being stabbed repeatedly. She was found by her son-in-law, the superintendent of the apartment building where she lived in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium, on May 27, 1999. Emergency medical technicians arrived and pronounced Elsa Grullon dead. On Monday, the police arrested Curtis Batchelor, 41, the man who they say raped and killed Ms. Grullon, potentially closing a case that had long gone unsolved. The authorities said that Mr. Batchelors DNA matched that left at the crime scene. Mr. Batchelor, who lived in the same building as Ms. Grullon at the time of the murder, was arraigned on Tuesday in Bronx Criminal Court charges of first-degree murder, rape and sexual assault, the authorities said. His lawyer, Alice Fontier of the Bronx Defenders, a nonprofit legal services organization, said that he pleaded not guilty. The breakthrough in the case came in March 2016, the police said. They did not specify how they first linked Mr. Batchelor to the crime, but they said the connection emerged through the medical examiners office, which is in charge of the citys database of DNA samples taken from offenders. Patrice M. OShaughnessy, a spokeswoman for Darcel D. Clark, the Bronx district attorney, said that Mr. Batchelors DNA was taken sometime after an arrest in January 2016 and was matched to that found at the crime scene. The mayor said during a news conference on Wednesday that the modest number reflected a sober analysis of the challenge, a calculation that he said took place before each of his administrations promises. I dont think its a shift to pragmatism, Mr. de Blasio said. I think weve been very pragmatic on all of our numerical goals. But the homelessness plan reflected an evolution of the mayors thinking about the crisis, which even as late as July 2015 he was reluctant to acknowledge was occurring. Homelessness is not going up, thank God, Mr. de Blasio said then at a news conference, disputing the idea that the problem had grown more visible as factually wrong. The mayor added that he then felt it was largely a mental health challenge. By Tuesday, it was clear that the mayor had moved beyond that thinking, presenting a 128-page plan that underscored the complex effects of housing affordability, stagnant wages, economic opportunities, city outreach efforts and government subsidies on the number of New Yorkers who fall into homelessness. (The plan followed another, released in April 2016, that promised no fixed numerical goal for reducing the citys shelter population.) Rather than an evolution in governing style, though, some observers said the mayors plan could be read as a purely political gambit aimed at neutralizing a potential liability as he faces re-election. In an election year, there is no practical; just political, said Evan Thies, a Democratic political consultant. In this case, though, the practical decision and the political one happen to be the same thing. President Trumps first address to Congress checked nearly all the domestic policy boxes that dominated his public statements during the campaign and his few short weeks in the White House jobs, immigration, taxes, medical care. But there was one gaping omission: foreign policy. Here was his moment to assert understanding of the foreign policy threats and opportunities facing the country, and his vision of his role as commander in chief with a wider understanding of Americas role in the world. He failed to grasp it. He boasted about plans to throw billions more dollars at the Pentagon, without a word about how this will advance national security. He spoke at length about his plans to bar and expel immigrants he regards as dangerous, but far less about the very real threats from the Islamic State and other extremist groups. There was no coherent idea about major continuing challenges in Afghanistan and Syria. In fact, the words Afghanistan and Syria as well as North Korea (with its growing nuclear arsenal) never crossed his lips. China and Iran got passing mention; climate change a major global challenge zero. So how did he deploy his energies and display his concern? Chiefly by recognizing the widow of Senior Chief Petty Officer William Owens, a member of the Navy SEALs who was killed in January in a botched raid in Yemen, which Mr. Trump blamed on the generals. Starvation in a state prison? Mr. Glisson was not on a hunger strike. Rather, before his imprisonment, he had suffered from serious medical problems, including cancer of the larynx. Radical surgery and radiation made it difficult for him to swallow, speak or even hold his head up without a neck brace, a device that somehow never made it to his cell. Despite these obvious problems, and despite a letter submitted at sentencing from his doctor warning that he was unlikely to survive in prison, Mr. Glisson, 50, received no medical review or care plan during his first 24 days in custody. After that, although employees of Corizon, the company Indiana entrusted with inmate medical care, noted his alarming symptoms and his increasing emaciation, his care remained disjointed until he was found dead in his bed less than two weeks later. The Indiana prison system has policies in place to require coordination of care in the treatment of inmates with chronic medical conditions. Corizon, which has contracts in 27 states and is the countrys biggest provider of outsourced prison medical care, didnt follow those policies. Exactly what went wrong will presumably now come out at trial, unless Corizon settles this case, Glisson v. Indiana Department of Corrections, as it did a case in California two years ago. The $8.3 million paid in the California case to a dead inmates family by Corizon and Alameda County was the biggest civil rights wrongful-death settlement in the states history. I have two reasons for focusing on the Indiana case. The first is to show the recklessness of President Trumps wave-of-the-hand decision to retain the private prisons that a Justice Department study last year concluded do not maintain the same level of safety and security as those operated by the Bureau of Prisons. Sally Q. Yates, the holdover deputy attorney general whom President Trump fired last month for refusing to defend his travel ban, relied on that conclusion in announcing that private prison contracts would not be renewed and that the 22,000 federal inmates housed in those prisons would be cut to 14,700 by May 2017 and eventually to zero. Ill get to my second reason for writing about the Indiana case shortly, but first a few more facts. The lawsuit was brought by Mr. Glissons mother, Alma, seeking to hold Corizon liable for deliberate indifference that violated her sons Eighth Amendment right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment. A Reconstruction-era federal statute known as Section 1983 provides for such lawsuits against municipal agencies and, by extension, private companies doing the publics essential business. THE ARTS A picture on Wednesday with the Ready, Set, Go feature about the Barrow Street Theater revival of Sweeney Todd was published in error. It showed the actor Gideon Glick, who is currently appearing in the Broadway production of Significant Other at the Booth Theater; it was not a scene from Sweeney Todd. OBITUARIES An obituary on Wednesday about Aileen Hernandez, a former president of the National Organization for Women, misidentified the location of the television station KQED, which broadcast an interview with her. It is in San Francisco, not in Los Angeles. THURSDAY STYLES The Skin Deep column on Feb. 23, about an at-home device that minimizes wrinkles, misstated the value of 22,000 GloPro units. At $199 each, they are worth more than $4 million, not $400,000. The Up Next column last Thursday, about the 8-year-old actor Iain Armitage, misstated the school grade level for his character in Big Little Lies. It is first grade, not kindergarten. The column also omitted credit for the article. It was by Alina Cohen. Lyft, the second-largest ride hailing company in the United States, is trying to raise more money just as Uber, its bigger rival, grapples with questions about its culture and leadership. Lyft is talking with investors about new fund-raising that would put the companys value around $6 billion, according to three people briefed on the financing who asked to remain anonymous because the proceedings are confidential. One of the people said the valuation could be as high as $7 billion. The company was valued at $5.5 billion early last year after investors, including General Motors, poured about $1 billion into it. It is unclear how far along Lyft is with the new fund-raising and whether the round will be completed. Lyft, which is based in San Francisco, declined to comment. The funding effort was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal. SAN FRANCISCO Yahoos top lawyer, Ronald S. Bell, resigned Wednesday, and its chief executive, Marissa Mayer, lost her 2016 bonus after a board investigation of the 2014 theft of information on more than 500 million user accounts. Senior executives, company lawyers and information security staff were aware of the hack in 2014 and also knew about subsequent attempts to break into the affected accounts in 2015 and 2016, but failed to properly comprehend or investigate the situation, the companys board of directors said in a securities filing on Wednesday. The board did not conclude that there was an intentional suppression of relevant information. Those hackers, which Yahoo believes were connected to a foreign government, used the stolen information to forge a type of software called a cookie that could be used to access 32 million Yahoo accounts, the company said. Ms. Mayer, who will also give up her 2017 equity compensation in connection with the incident, said in a statement that she did not learn of the breach until September 2016, when Yahoo first disclosed the hack to the public. However, I am the C.E.O. of the company and since this incident happened during my tenure, I have agreed to forgo my annual bonus and my annual equity grant this year, she wrote. Have you ever wanted to go to Europe? Or to Newburgh, N.Y.? Well, you may be in luck. Norwegian Air, a budget carrier hoping to make a name for itself in the American market, began promoting dirt-cheap, no-frills tickets from the United States to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland last week. One eye-catching promotion even offered one-way tickets to Ireland for $65. Are there any catches? Well, a few. For starters, the flights, which begin this summer, do not operate out of major airports. Travelers will have to make their way to airports in Newburgh, N.Y., Providence, R.I., or Hartford, Conn., to take advantage of cheap fares to Dublin, Shannon and Cork, in Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Edinburgh, Scotland. But perhaps more important, the heavily promoted low, low fares were a limited introductory fare, the company said. Those tickets which offer a kind of bare-bones intercontinental travel that American travelers may be unused to have sold out. We sold over 20,000 tickets in three days, said Ben Kaufman, a spokesman for the airline. The bulk of the $65 fares sold out in about four hours. That was beyond even our we had good expectations but that was beyond our expectations. In fact, for those who cannot pitch in much of their own income, even a refundable tax credit is not likely to be enough to pay for a health insurance policy, Democrats say. That is one reason the Republican alternative is not likely to cover as many people as the Affordable Care Act. At the meeting on Wednesday, several Republican senators expressed concern that the tax credit proposed by House leaders would be available even to people with high incomes who did not need federal assistance. Earlier, Representative Kevin Brady, Republican of Texas and head of the Ways and Means Committee, said the credit would be a way to provide more equity in the tax code by creating a tax break for people who buy insurance on their own, similar to the break already available to people who get insurance through the workplace. He predicted that Republicans would overcome their divisions. Rather than using his speech to divide Republicans, Mr. Brady said, its really an opportunity for us to sit down and work through what remaining differences there are, and Im confident we can. Mr. Brady and another architect of the House plan, Representative Greg Walden of Oregon, the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, huddled with Republican senators on Wednesday. But lawmakers left the meeting with many unanswered questions and were not ready to endorse the House plan. The fractures among Republicans have been on display in the past few days. On Monday night, three senators Mr. Paul, Mike Lee of Utah and Ted Cruz of Texas posted on Twitter in support of what they called #FullRepeal. As Inauguration Day approached, Obama White House officials grew convinced that the intelligence was damning and that they needed to ensure that as many people as possible inside government could see it, even if people without security clearances could not. Some officials began asking specific questions at intelligence briefings, knowing the answers would be archived and could be easily unearthed by investigators including the Senate Intelligence Committee, which in early January announced an inquiry into Russian efforts to influence the election. At intelligence agencies, there was a push to process as much raw intelligence as possible into analyses, and to keep the reports at a relatively low classification level to ensure as wide a readership as possible across the government and, in some cases, among European allies. This allowed the upload of as much intelligence as possible to Intellipedia, a secret wiki used by American analysts to share information. There was also an effort to pass reports and other sensitive materials to Congress. In one instance, the State Department sent a cache of documents marked secret to Senator Benjamin Cardin of Maryland days before the Jan. 20 inauguration. The documents, detailing Russian efforts to intervene in elections worldwide, were sent in response to a request from Mr. Cardin, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, and were shared with Republicans on the panel. This situation was serious, as is evident by President Obamas call for a review and as is evident by the United States response, said Eric Schultz, a spokesman for Mr. Obama. When the intelligence community does that type of comprehensive review, it is standard practice that a significant amount of information would be compiled and documented. The opposite happened with the most sensitive intelligence, including the names of sources and the identities of foreigners who were regularly monitored. Officials tightened the already small number of people who could access that information. They knew the information could not be kept from the new president or his top advisers, but wanted to narrow the number of people who might see the information, officials said. WASHINGTON The Senate does not usually get a chance to vote on who serves as the presidents national security adviser, but it will have a rare opportunity to weigh in next week when it considers the appointment of Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster. Because General McMaster is still on active duty, and the Senate votes on any major change in assignment for general officers, it will take up the matter on Tuesday. The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a closed-door executive session, at which General McMaster will appear, before the panel votes on his appointment and sends it to the Senate floor. Such a procedure was not necessary for former officers who have served as national security advisers, including Michael T. Flynn, a retired three-star general who held the job for 24 days before President Trump forced his resignation over a call with Russias ambassador. The last time an active-duty officer served as national security adviser was during Ronald Reagans second term, when Colin L. Powell, then a three-star general, ran the National Security Council. WASHINGTON He joked with ABCs George Stephanopoulos after filleting him in public, brought up a recent 60 Minutes episode with CBSs Scott Pelley and shook hands with Jake Tapper of CNN, the cable network that the commander in chief loves to hate. All presidents lunch with major news anchors. But this weeks White House gathering was different. The president kept his guests 30 minutes beyond the allotted hour, was gracious and spoke so much that he left his peekytoe crab salad untouched a recognition, those close to him say, that he must sell himself to the Washington news media because he believes the people who work for him cannot. Mr. Trump, after all, had conceded only the day before on national television that in terms of messaging, I would give myself a C or a C-plus. In the same interview, on Fox & Friends, the president described his press secretary, Sean Spicer, as a fine human being. The language struck close Trump associates as a dismissive turn from a man who relishes hyperbole. Christopher Ruddy, the chief executive of Newsmax Media and a longtime friend of Mr. Trump who visited him in the Oval Office on Wednesday, said that the president was experiencing a lot of angst about his negative coverage. But Mr. Trump, he said, was feeling energized after his speech to Congress on Tuesday. He said to me, People tell me that it was the best speech I ever gave, Mr. Ruddy said. He seemed really pleased. WASHINGTON Eight years after he was sent to China by a Democratic president, Jon M. Huntsman Jr., the former Utah governor and Republican presidential candidate, is under consideration to be President Trumps ambassador to Russia, people briefed on the deliberations said. And like eight years ago, there is a political dimension to the choice: Sending Mr. Huntsman to Moscow would remove him as a primary challenger to Utahs 82-year-old Republican senator, Orrin Hatch just as when former President Barack Obama chose him for Beijing in 2009, it was seen as a way to keep him off the field during the 2012 presidential campaign. Mr. Huntsman ended up running for the Republican nomination to challenge Mr. Obama anyway, failing to emerge from the pack in a primary that produced Mitt Romney. There is no telling whether he will emerge as Mr. Trumps choice, given the sensitivity of the Russia post and the presidents propensity for auditioning people for jobs. The White House declined to comment, as did Mr. Huntsman. Mr. Huntsmans name had already circulated for secretary of state and, more recently, for deputy secretary. But a person briefed on the talks, which were first reported by CNN, said the Moscow ambassadors post was a more genuine prospect. Mr. Huntsman spoke with Mr. Trump last week and met on Monday with Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson. President Trump, returning to a promise that won him cheers on the campaign trail, signaled in his first address to Congress on Tuesday that he will move aggressively to allow more public school students to use tax money to pay for tuition at public charter schools, private schools and even religious schools. At rallies last year across the country, Mr. Trump said over and over again that he would use the nations schools to fix what he described as failing inner cities and a virtual education crisis that most hurts black and Hispanic children. In North Carolina, he called school choice the great civil rights issue of our time. In Florida, he declared that every disadvantaged child in this country should have access to school choice. And, at a Washington gathering of conservatives, he said that under his administration, money will follow the student to the public, private or religious school that is best for them and their family. In his speech on Tuesday, Mr. Trump reiterated those pledges, and in doing so backed his controversial education secretary, Betsy DeVos, who has built her career on promoting voucher programs. I am calling upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children, Mr. Trump said during the joint session of Congress, to applause from many Republican lawmakers. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them. WASHINGTON President Trump loves the song My Way, bristles at the slightest alterations in his daily routine, and lashes out when the world wont accept him on his own terms. Then, when that doesnt work, he tries something completely different. Mr. Trumps well-received address to Congress on Tuesday night, a conciliatory speech in which the word we outnumbered the word I by three to one, represented precisely that kind of shift. Just last week, Mr. Trump shouted himself hoarse branding the news media enemies of the American people at a time when he was working on an address that invoked the better angels of his own nature, national unity and an end to trivial fights. This does not represent a pivot, it is not a fundamental change of approach, and it does not mean that Mr. Trump plans to abandon his tweet-first-and-ask-questions-later style. But it is a recognition by the White House, from Mr. Trump on down, that what it had been doing was not quite working and that a softer sales tactic was needed to sell the same hard-edge populist agenda he campaigned on, people close to Mr. Trump said. Relatives of some of the Sousse victims say the travelers should have been warned about the danger of attacks on tourists and have said they will sue tour operators who booked the beach vacations. Mr. Loraine-Smith, sitting as a coroner, said he could not issue a verdict of negligence against either the hotel or the tour operators. The only security measure that might have stopped the attacker would have been posting armed guards, he said, and that was not permitted under Tunisian law. But the judge gave a scathing assessment of the performance of the Tunisian security forces, whose equivocation and cowardice cost lives, he said. The inquest found that the best chance of stopping Mr. Rezgui came when two marine guards, one of them armed, reached the beach on an inflatable boat. After pausing a few minutes on the beach, they entered the hotel grounds, saw Mr. Rezgui and fired at him. But the marine guard with the gun fainted when Mr. Rezgui tossed a grenade at him (the grenade did not go off). A speedboat driver who heard the shooting picked up the gun the guard had dropped and tried to shoot the assailant but was unable to operate the weapon and had to retreat. By then, the inquest found, the officer who fainted had fled to the beach, and his colleague had taken off his uniform shirt to hide that he was an officer. The judge said that a second team, from the Tourist Security police, was just two minutes from the scene when its officers learned of the attacks. But instead of going straight to the hotel, the officers went to a police station and stayed there for eight minutes before setting off again. When the more senior officer in the team finally reached the hotel, he remained outside and did not fire a single shot. The attacks at Sousse and at the Bardo museum dealt a devastating blow to the tourism industry in Tunisia, the country where the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 began and where democracy has since taken the greatest hold. The Tunisian authorities have stepped up security at tourist resorts and say they have taken measures to prevent more massacres. The Imperial Marhaba Hotel in Sousse is being refurbished and is scheduled to reopen under a different name this summer. Four others are believed to have returned to North Korea, and the location of the last one is unknown. An eighth, the only North Korean citizen in Malaysian custody, is expected to be released for lack of evidence and deported, according to news reports. Malaysia has not allowed North Korean officials to conduct their own examination of the body, despite their repeated demands that it be turned over to them. In a statement on Wednesday, North Korea argued that any conclusion on the use of chemical weapons should be made only on the basis of the identical results of analysis made by at least two specialist laboratories, warning that if some countries try to use it for other political purposes, the consequences will be beyond imagination. The latest assertions came as Malaysia moved on Thursday to punish North Korea for the airport assassination of Mr. Kim, saying that it would require visitors from that country to obtain visas, the government said. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the deputy prime minister, imposed the restrictions effective this coming Monday, citing national security concerns. Until now, North Koreans have been able to enter Malaysia without a visa one of the few places in the world that allowed such easy access for citizens of a country that is widely viewed as a pariah. About 1,000 North Koreans live and work in Malaysia, where they have been able to establish international companies and have access to the global banking system. But relations between the two nations have rapidly deteriorated since the killing of Mr. Kim and accusations that North Korea was behind it. It was unclear whether the visa order would affect North Koreans who are already in Malaysia. Mr. Kim was poisoned on Feb. 13 as he prepared to board a plane at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the police say. Two women, one from Indonesia and one from Vietnam, were charged with murder in the case on Wednesday. The police say they smeared the poison on Mr. Kims face using their bare hands. The women have said they thought they were taking part in a harmless prank. They could receive the death penalty. ISTANBUL Aydin Dogan, the founder of a sprawling business empire that includes several leading Turkish newspapers, was summoned to court on Wednesday in the latest round of a long-running dispute between Mr. Dogan and the Turkish state. Mr. Dogan, who also owns a pair of towers bearing the Trump name and is one of the Trump familys main business partners in Turkey, was told to attend a court hearing for a case in which he stands accused of running a fuel-smuggling ring. The charge was leveled almost a year ago, but this is the first time Mr. Dogan has been ordered to attend court. There was no immediate suggestion that the dispute was connected to Mr. Dogans relationship with President Trump. The order came just a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Mr. Dogans flagship newspaper, Hurriyet, of impudence for publishing a headline that suggested that there was a disagreement between Mr. Erdogan and the Turkish Army. WASHINGTON Computers and cellphones seized during a deadly Special Operations raid in Yemen in January offer clues about attacks Al Qaeda could carry out in the future, including insights into new types of hidden explosives the group is making and new training tactics for militants, according to American officials. But it is still unclear how much the information advances the militarys knowledge of the plans and future operations of Al Qaedas branch in Yemen, although it may give a glimpse of its evolving tactics, the officials said. The Trump administration has been eager to defend itself against assertions that the raid of a Qaeda safe house, in which a member of the Navys SEAL Team 6 was killed, was a failure because little meaningful intelligence material was seized. A military investigation was also ordered to determine whether women and children died in the raid. In his address to Congress on Tuesday, President Trump called the raid highly successful and said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had assured him that it had yielded large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemy. This summer, Isabella Boylston, the American Ballet Theater principal, will realize a dream, to bring ballet to her hometown, Sun Valley, Idaho. Ballet Sun Valley, a three-day event with performances Aug. 22 and 24 at the Sun Valley Pavilion, and free classes for children on Aug. 23, will feature dancers from major companies, including Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, the Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet. I always wanted to have the opportunity to curate a show of my own, Ms. Boylston, 30, said in a telephone interview. This feels like a very personal project. She isnt revealing her dancers yet, but added, Theyre all people I have a relationships with and love as friends as well as dancers. She is hoping that Ballet Sun Valley will turn into an annual event. Along with works by George Balanchine, Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon and Justin Peck Ms. Boylston will dance the part originally created for Sara Mearns in Mr. Pecks The Bright Motion there will be a commission by Gemma Bond. Inspired by the idea of a solar eclipse, Ms. Bonds premiere will be performed by 10 Ballet Theater dancers and features a new score by Judd Greenstein and video designs by Kate Duhamel. We wanted a ballet that related to the area in some way, and during the week that were performing, there will be a full solar eclipse directly over Sun Valley, Ms. Boylston said. We thought that would be a cool theme to draw inspiration from. [March 01, 2017] AT&T, China Mobile, NTT DOCOMO, Vodafone Jointly Declare a Statement at Global 5G Test Summit for a Unified Standard, Unified Ecosystem BARCELONA, Spain, Mar 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at Global 5G Test Summit, AT&T, China Mobile, NTT DOCOMO, Vodafone, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Keysight, MediaTek, Nokia, Qualcomm, Rohde & Schwarz, ZTE, Datang jointly declared a statement promoting unified, global 5G standards achieved through 5G testing, trials and cooperation between telecom operators, vendors and vertical industry partners to build a unified end-to-end (E2E) ecosystem. At the Global 5G Test Summit, hosted by four leading telecom operators and supported by ITU, GSMA, 3GPP, NGMN and GTI, all participants declared their commitment to the promotion of unified global 5G standards, a unified E2E ecosystem and a thriving 5G market. After standardization, testing and trials are vital to the success of 5G technologies, ecosystem development and cross-industry innovation. To achieve this goal, all participants committed to facilitating and ensuring a unified, high-quality and competitive 3GPP 5G specification by June 2018 for release 15 and December 2019 for release 16, building a unified 5G E2E ecosystem (including chipset, terminal, network, test instrument, etc.) for seamless global roaming, and enlarging the global market scale for low cost. Participants are starting the early trial and interoperability testing for a variety of use cases, including mobile broadband, for 3GPP Release 15 specifications to drive a mature 5G ecosystem and to ensure a quick and efficient time to market. They also appealed to inspire innovations on 5G key technology and to validate the smooth evolution capability of technologies towards 5G, including 3D-MIMO LTE, NB-IoT/eMTC, and C-V2X. Mr. Liu Aili, EVP of China Mobile said, "To achieve the large-scale commercialization of 5G in 2020, China Mobile will strengthen cooperation with global industry partners to facilitate a unified and high-quality 3GPP 5G specification, accelerate the maturity of 5G industry through testing and trials, and explore new services, applications and business models with vertical industry partners for a unified 5G ecosystem through China Mobile 5G Innovation Center." "A unified standard is vital to the realization of 5G E2E ecosystem," said Seizo Onoe, CTO and EVP at NTT DOCOMO. "We believe this statement will promote the finalization of 3GPP release 15 specifications surely and timely, and facilitate early implementation of standard-compliant 5G. DOCOMO is planning to commence 5G system trial in Japan in the middle of this year, working together with partners in various industries not limited to telecom. We take the past experience from former generations as guides for the future, and are confident that we achieve the highly-stable 5G standard through 5G Trial and IOT. "Through advanced esting and trials, we're addressing key standards issues early in order to accelerate standards and provide the fastest path to large-scale, global 5G deployment," said Tom Keathley, senior vice president- wireless network architecture and design, AT&T. "We're collaborating closely with leaders across our industry on 5G. Pre-standard, fragmented 5G specifications can distract from the end-goal and cause future roadblocks. It's critical that we're all unified and aligned on this technology." "The alignment of the industry behind a common global standard is important for the evolution of 5G and the cost efficient roll-out of the technology globally. We look forward to working across the industry to establish a thriving 5G ecosystem," said Matt Beal, Director of Technology, Architecture and Strategy at Vodafone. Magnus Ewerbring, CTO, Ericsson Region Asia Pacific, says, "The Internet of Everything requires a new level of network capabilities. 5G will be built not only for consumers, who need a seamless experience with their devices, but also for the digitalization of entire industries and society. 5G development can only become a reality in partnership with customers and partners, which makes this initiative so significant." Yang Chaobin, President of Huawei's 5G Product Line said, " In addition to greatly enhance the consumer experience, 5G will become the industry digital enabler, which must be able to adapt to more application scenarios, such as low latency, massive connections and more throughput to ensure stronger vitality and longer lifecycle. Huawei will keep an open and innovative attitude with all industry chain partners to promote 5G test, inspire 5G key technology innovation, explore 5G new applications and build 5G unified ecosystem." "With Intel's end-to-end solutions in network, cloud and devices, we are working with global industry leaders to define the standards across all of the key technology areas that will bring 5G to life. We believe having a unified standard across the global ecosystems is critical to driving the 5G transformation that will connect the billions of smart things and revolutionize how we experience the world," said Asha Keddy, vice president and general manager of Next Generation and Standards, the Intel Communications and Devices Group. "The 5G ecosystem is accelerating the underlying technologies at an unprecedented pace," said Satish Dhanasekaran, VP and GM at Keysight Technologies, "We are fully committed to support the industry by contributing to the 5G standardization and collaborating with all the leading companies to ensure a successful deployment of the technology. A unified global standard will help to reduce costs, expedite deployments and commercial adoption." "It takes collaborative efforts from all ecosystem members to bring a new service like 5G into reality in a timely manner." said Kevin Jou, Senior Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of MediaTek. "As a major baseband processor provider, we are committed to supporting a unified global 5G standard." Hossein Moiin, Chief Technology Officer of the Mobile Networks business group at Nokia said: "Standards are the foundation of new technologies, and it is Nokia's firm belief that the implementation of robust standards will be pivotal to the long-term success of 5G, and all the new business opportunities that it will create." Durga Malladi, SVP of Qualcomm said "It is important that, as an industry, we work together towards a global 5G standard to ensure timely interoperability trials and commercial deployments. Qualcomm Technologies is dedicated to close cooperation with all of the companies participating in the Global 5G Test Summit as well as those contributing to 3GPP, and look forward to what we can achieve together." "With leading position in 4G, Rohde & Schwarz will continue to provide innovative solutions for 5G standard, to support our customer success in the market." said by Rohde & Schwarz, Mrs. Lifang Kirchgessner, VP of global wireless communication segment. Mr. Zhang Jianguo, SVP of ZTE said, "The unified global 5G standard platform we are promoting today is of great significance. As the leading telecom products and solutions provider, ZTE takes 5G as our core strategy and invests over 200 million Euro in 5G R&D every year. Now we have completed 5G low frequency and high frequency solutions, ZTE will continue to provide innovative solution. We together with operators and insustry partners are willing to form a more flourishing and promising 5G industry." Mr. Chen Shanzhi, VP of Datang Telecom Group said, "5G will serve for very diverse applications and use cases, but a unified standard and cooperative industry is essential for the success 5G. Datang keeps doing innovation to speed up the unified standard and will support the 5G trial. We are glad to be one of the partners and do our contributions." The statement also encourages and welcomes partners from vertical industries to participate in the testing and trials for innovative 5G services and to jointly create new value for our entire global society. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/att-china-mobile-ntt-docomo-vodafone-jointly-declare-a-statement-at-global-5g-test-summit-for-a-unified-standard-unified-ecosystem-300416340.html SOURCE Huawei [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians will get the chance to spend three to six months in Leipzig, Germany, performing with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Leipzig Opera, and playing Sunday cantatas at St. Thomass Church, where Bach was the cantor. Their counterparts in the Gewandhaus Orchestra, meanwhile, will get the chance to spend time in New England playing with the Boston Symphony, and possibly with the Boston Pops or at Tanglewood, the orchestras summer home in the Berkshires. The unusual musician exchange, which is to begin in 2018, is one of the new details, announced this week, of an unusual five-year collaboration between the two orchestras, which will both be led by Andris Nelsons beginning next season. The ensembles are trying to make a virtue of a necessity of the modern music world: the fact that maestros are rarely wedded to one orchestra. They are embracing their connections to promote the star conductor they will share. The first signs of their partnership will be heard next year, when the orchestras will present Freaky Friday-like programs trading the repertoires they are most closely associated with. The Gewandhaus Orchestra will play composers with ties to Boston, including Stravinsky, Copland, Carter and Bernstein, while the Boston Symphony will perform works by Leipzig-based masters like Bach, Schumann and Mendelssohn. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. What do you think of it? What else are you interested in? Let us know: thearts@nytimes.com. Alec Baldwin made a confession on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday. Or was it a humble brag? The first time the producers at Saturday Night Live asked him to impersonate Donald J. Trump, he said, he was completely unprepared. Russia, a daily fixture in the nations headlines these days, will also figure prominently in Matthew Weiners new series for Amazon. Called The Romanoffs, the drama will be an eight-episode anthology series about people who believe they are descendants of the titular former ruling family of Russia, Mr. Weiner said. The family, killed by Bolshevik revolutionaries in 1918, has been a popular subject of mystery lore, much of it positing that a daughter, Anastasia, escaped death and assumed a new identity. (The more common contemporary Anglicized spelling is Romanov.) The series will be Mr. Weiners first since the end, in 2015, of his acclaimed drama Mad Men. The new show was announced in October but details were scarce until Mr. Weiner discussed them in interviews posted Thursday by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Were at a place in our history where people are looking for a close connection to their roots, and for some kind of revelation about who they are, Weiner told Variety. Theres great debate about who is a Romanoff and what happened to the Romanoffs. The story for me is that were all questioning who we are and who we say we are. Training Day remembers its star Bill Paxton, who died on Saturday. Nashville pays tribute to the fictional Rayna Jaymes. And Code of a Killer recounts the first use of DNA fingerprinting to solve a murder. Whats on TV TRAINING DAY 10 p.m. on CBS. This series honors its star Bill Paxton, who died on Saturday at the age of 61 of complications from heart surgery. Continue the tribute by streaming Twister, in which he stars as a storm chaser still pining for his ex-wife; Apollo 13, where he plays Fred Haise, an astronaut on a troubled mission; Big Love, for which he earned three Golden Globe nominations as the patriarch of a polygamist Utah family; or Hatfields & McCoys, for his Emmy-winning portrayal of Randall McCoy. All can be found on Amazon and iTunes; Big Love is also on HBO Go. NASHVILLE 9 p.m. on CMT. Rayna Jamess family members and friends bid farewell at a graveside service, while the music industry pays tribute to this beloved songbird at the CMT Awards. Her family, meanwhile, could be torn apart as Tandy, Teddy and Deacon argue over who should run the Highway 65 record label and care for her daughters. Nonetheless, once Elkin began to look for a sorority of flaneuses, she found them, among contemporaries and in history. She talks in detail about some distinguished sisters: Virginia Woolf, Jean Rhys, the formidable George Sand. And because this is a memoir as well as a history, we follow Elkin herself as she explores several cities, beginning with New York, then moving on to Paris, London, Venice and Tokyo, a restless spirit in love with flanerie, finally coming to light in the city that gave her pastime its name. Image In a sense, Elkins book is itself a flanerie, a stroll where the reader may come across an unexpected person say, the film directors Sophie Calle in Venice and Agnes Varda in Paris, looking for locations or get some ideas about May 1968 or the Situationists. Or marvel over an intriguing bit of research: like the discovery that one of the inspirations for George Sands cross-dressing came from her own mother, who confided that in childhood Sand was outfitted in boys clothing by her father to cut down on the familys expenses. Sands trouser-wearing was in its way an act of revolution, Elkin remarks. At the very least, it was illegal. In the year 1800, a law had been passed forbidding women to wear them in public. Sometimes often the streets have a political function. Elkin talks about the short-lived Occupy movement in New York and revisits Mavis Gallants account of the riots in Paris in May 1968, still remembered by many of the French as the most fun they ever had: And we look to 1968 for authenticity, just as they looked to the Communards. And to whom did the Communards look? To 1848. Gallants great insight, Elkin realizes, was that the disturbances in Paris in 1968 were an early manifestation of the continuing immigration problems of today. Martha Gellhorn, one of Elkins more redoubtable subjects, contradicts the solitary, disassociated image we have of the flaneur, and redefines it as oriented toward some goal, some revelation, some way of recording and sharing what she had seen. . . . In her dedication to exposing misery, Gellhorn turned flanerie into testimony. If Elkins capsule biographies can occasionally seem a bit potted, they are never uninteresting. Elkin has an eye for the unexpected detail, as befits a flaneuse. And so shes able to inform us that Jean Rhys, the English writer born in the West Indies and associated with novels set in Paris, where she was so famously down and out, didnt do well in drama school in London because of her Caribbean accent. And she reminds us that Rhys had an abandoned daughter who survived a concentration camp. (Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.) Good morning. Heres what you need to know: Obama aides left trail of evidence on Russia. In the Obama administrations last days, officials raced to preserve intelligence about Russian efforts to interfere in the American presidential election and about possible contacts between associates of Donald J. Trump and Russians fearing that it could be covered up or destroyed after power changed hands. And new questions are being raised about Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who is said to have met with the Russian ambassador twice in the past year. That would appear to contradict testimony he gave to Congress during his confirmation hearings. The Trump administration faced new turmoil over new disclosures of contacts top aides had with Russian officials during the presidential campaign or prior to the inauguration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the top U.S. law enforcement official, recused himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, while denying that his dicussions with a Russian official last year were related to the campaign. And the White House disclosed that the ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, also met with the Russian ambassador in December. BEIJING Mao once branded capitalists enemies of the Chinese people. In the era of President Xi Jinping, those capitalists are billionaire lawmakers and theyre getting even wealthier. The combined fortune of the wealthiest members of Chinas Parliament and its advisory body amounts to $500 billion, just below the annual economic output of Sweden. Among that group of 209 entrepreneurs and business tycoons, the 100 richest saw their net worth rise 64 percent in the four years since Mr. Xi took power, according to the Hurun Report, an organization based in Shanghai that tracked the wealth of the delegates, ahead of their annual joint sessions that start on Friday in Beijing. Since he was anointed leader, Mr. Xi has pledged to tackle income inequality, alleviate poverty and crack down on corruption. Warning that graft could bring down the ruling Communists, Mr. Xi has ordered an end to alcohol-fueled banquets and bribery, which often takes the form of red packets filled with cash or luxury handbags. He worked for Time, Life magazine and most of their parent companys other publications. He photographed Kennedys funeral in 1963, an expedition to the North Pole and commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the D-Day landing at Normandy and the 40th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He took the photographs for the 1966 Time cover article London: The Swinging City. Nixon said that Mr. Martins photograph of him looking ashen in a 1960 presidential campaign debate with Kennedy cost him the election, said Cheryl Crooks, a former Time colleague. Ben was only one of two press photographers permitted on the set during that debate, she wrote on her blog, Photo Prose, in November 2013 on the 50th anniversary of the assassination. His photo showed Nixon with sweat beaded up on his forehead, his tired eyes and slightly disheveled look. Nixon, Ben remembers, arrived late to the studio, refused makeup, refused to put on a clean shirt and all that. Of course, Jack had been there since 4 p.m., and the debate didnt start until 7. Nixon hated that image, Ms. Crooks wrote, and for years after, deliberately turned away from Ben whenever he spotted the Time cameraman trying to photograph him. They reconciled after Mr. Martin took a portrait in 1985 that became one of the former presidents favorites. Its been a huge influence seeing how my mother handles money and how my grandmother did it differently, she said. Ive seen my mom save strategically and invest, and she is so much more secure. Joe Saul-Sehy, a financial planner and a host of the podcast Stacking Benjamins, who has 21-year-old twins, said that he included his children in weekly family meetings about money, and that the meetings grew organically into Why would you save into a 401(k)/IRA? As soon as your children start earning taxed income through summer or after-school jobs, you can open a Roth IRA for them. Roth investments use after-tax dollars, not pretax dollars, as traditional IRAs do, so they are perfect for people who do not need to worry about offsetting their taxes, said Mari Adam, a financial planner with Adam Financial Associates. Those who are 50 or younger can put in an annual maximum of $5,500 in a Roth, but in most cases, there is no minimum needed to open one, and money can be withdrawn at any time without a penalty. And a way to sweeten the pot is to offer a parental match. My son, Mac, is just turning 16, and thats how I plan to approach it, said Art Lundgren, a financial planner with Garrett Investment Advisors in Minneapolis. Ill say, You put in half, and Ill put in half. I will strongly suggest to my sons that they open an account, as they can do it with last years earnings before April 15. Using visual aids to explain some basics of savings can be great tools. Study after study shows that many adults do not understand what compound interest is and why it is so important. There are numerous fun examples online even for younger children, such as a YouTube video that uses colored yarn and a ruler to show the difference between sticking $100 under a mattress every month for years and investing it at 6 percent interest. [March 02, 2017] Converged Technology Group to CIOs, CISOs: Today's Advanced Cybersecurity Threats Require a Holistic, Multi-Layered Response NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- How do you secure your network against global threats, devised by top IT minds, and delivered through even the most innocuous of Internet of Things devices or innocent-looking ads and emails? Securing today's corporate network requires a new way of thinking. With 44 percent of security alerts being ignored and an average of 200 days to detect a breach after it occurs1, Converged Technology Group (www.convergedtechgroup.com), an award-winning Managed Services Partner (MSP) serving clients throughout the Northeast for more than a decade, says today's response to advanced security threats must be both holistic and multi-layered. The solution provider will detail this multi-layered approach to cybersecurity in a series of New York City-based seminars. CIOs, CISOs and other IT professionals are encouraged to register for these informative events by contacting Converged Technology Group at 631-468-5728 or [email protected]. "Based on today's modern threat landscape and advanced persistent threats, a single security technology is no longer adequate to protect an organization's business-critical information," says Leo E. Galletta, President and CEO, Converged Technology Group. "That's why we're hosting a series of events to introduce IT security professionals to the kind of strategy and integrated security technologies that will help them more effectively manage and mitigate their organization's risk." Cybersecurity: A Layered Approach To help CIOs, CISOs and other IT professionals make the most informed decisions and select the most effective investments to improve their security posture in today's sophisticated cyber-threat landscape, Converged Technology Group, in partnership with Cisco, is hosting a series of three events that illustrate an effective multi-layered cyber defense strategy. During these live events, to be held in New York City, attendees will learn about next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), web and email security, and policy and access control. Next-Generation Firewall and IPS: March 9th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In this informational session, security experts from both Converged Technology Group and Cisco will explore the advantages of employing an adaptive, threat-focused network gateway appliance as a next-generation firewall capable of integrating multiple advanced security and intrusion prevention technologies to thwart malware and other threats that can compromise an organization's network. With the ability to identify and locate potential threats in an extended network, a next-generation firewall can help cybersecurity professionals implement policies and controls to defend against advanced threats that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. With an in-depth informational session and live demonstration, security pros will be armed with the knowledge they need to plan an effecive strategy and select the right solutions for their needs. Web and Email Security: March 22nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to corporate computing environments are through malicious websites and infected email. This informational session will focus on the latest technologies IT pros can employ to identify and stop threats that hide in plain sight disguised as pop-up ads on trustworthy websites or delivered via seemingly innocuous emails. With the right security tools in place, IT pros can block traffic to and from malicious destinations before a connection is ever established and before the threat reaches the corporate network or any of its endpoints. Using advanced threat intelligence, a cloud security platform can help protect against everything from ransomware to phishing. In this session, top IT security experts will explore and demonstrate popular solutions like Cisco Web Security Appliance and Cisco Umbrella. Policy and Access Control: April 7th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ultimately, any discussion about policy and access control focuses on rapid threat containment, mitigating the risk associated with a device that doesn't meet the organization's access and security protocols and preventing that device from introducing malware from behind the firewall. By identifying devices that attempt to connect to the network via wired or wireless connections and ensuring they meet specific requirements before they are allowed to connect, IT professionals will be able to apply automated policies that allow each device to access only those applications and data sets it is intended to access. The ability to accomplish this relies on gaining awareness of everything connecting to your network, something solutions like Cisco's Identity Services Engine deliver. With this phase of a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy, CIOs, CISOs and other IT professionals will be able to use their networks to enforce the organization's security protocols, thwarting attacks before they happen and accelerating the time to detection when a breach does occur. Following this informational session, Converged Technology Group and Cisco security experts will deliver a live demonstration and answer questions from attendees about complex access management issues. For more information, or to register for these informative events, contact Converged Technology Group at 631-468-5728 or [email protected]. More Information: Ask yourself, how secure is your network? These five questions can help reveal your enterprise security vulnerabilities: http://bit.ly/2l0uEuN. With today's advanced security threats, IT pros need to shift their focus from eradication to awareness, prevention and remediation, something a holistic approach to network security can provide. Security experts agree: Your best weapon in the fight against cyberthreats is an integrated security architecture that defends your network across the entire attack continuum before, during and after the attack: http://bit.ly/2kFpnp6. Need help in the fight against malicious attacks? Find out if a managed security solution is right for you: http://bit.ly/2lSvKuy. 1 Cisco "Never Better" Security Overview About Converged Technology Group Converged Technology Group is an award-winning Managed Services Partner (MSP) focused on improving IT performance and business outcomes while lowering the cost of technology support for businesses in healthcare, financial services, education, retail, legal and other cutting-edge industries. Located in New York City and Islandia, NY, Converged Technology Group provides enterprise networking, collaboration, data center, cloud solutions and managed services to both regional and multinational corporations. The company provides business-critical uptime all the time, and helps clients design, implement and operate their IT infrastructure, communication and computing systems for the greatest return on their IT investments. For more information on Converged Technology Group, please contact us at 631-468-5728 or [email protected], and visit our website at www.convergedtechgroup.com. Media Contacts: Anthony Malley Director Business Development & Marketing Converged Technology Group 631-468-5728 [email protected] Lisa Hazen Account Manager Communication Strategy Group 631-239-6335 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/converged-technology-group-to-cios-cisos-todays-advanced-cybersecurity-threats-require-a-holistic-multi-layered-response-300411862.html SOURCE Converged Technology Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] I have never seen branzino look quite like this, like some ancient, jewel-encrusted weapon unearthed from volcanic ash, prickly with glistening shards, crushed obsidian and olivine. Steam rises from the fishs mouth, a long, pensive exhale. The armor cracked wheat, cumin, allspice and garlic, blackened over charcoal crumbles at the knife. It is lemon-bright with a faint, corrective bitterness from its dalliance with fire. Inside, the flesh is immaculate, as juicy and tender as you would wish. It is a grand dish to eat in the humble white-tile storefront of Little Egypt in Ridgewood, Queens. Up front, a cluster of tables are set with plastic black damask place mats and electric candles; in the back, grocery shelves can be read like a library, a scholarship of fava beans and black molasses. Nashaat Youssef, the chef, opened Little Egypt two years ago with his sister, Nagwa Hanna, a chemist with a sideline in pastry. Ridgewood has been his home since he arrived in the United States in 1991. He grew up in Alexandria, Egypts largest seaport, and spent a decade cooking at a restaurant steps from the docks. In New York, he took a detour, working for a limousine company, before deciding to return to what he loved. The sun finally emerged in Paris on Thursday morning, shining down through the glass domes of the Grand Palais to light the runway of the Chloe show the last by its departing creative director, Clare Waight Keller. Sitting on the front row next to the French actress Isabelle Huppert was a slight redheaded young woman in giant 70s sunglasses who turned out to be Emma Roberts, the American actress who had debuted her new look at the Oscars on Sunday. Its for a film role. I love it, but, my God, it is a lot of upkeep red fades fast, said Ms. Roberts, 26. Ive had two days off in the last month so when I realized I could come to Paris I jumped at the chance. One always has to make time for Paris, she added. And croissants and Champagne. Image Credit... Christoph Niemann My girlfriend and I have been going out for six months. At about the three-month mark, she started raising the issue of dating exclusively. I really care for her, but I wasnt ready for exclusivity. Still, I agreed. (I was a jerk!) Recently, I almost hooked up with a girl I met at yoga, and would have if she hadnt backed out. (Now, I feel like even more of a jerk.) Please tell me how to handle this. I think I could be exclusive with my girlfriend in the future, but Im not there yet. ANONYMOUS Do you know the conceptual artist Jenny Holzer? (Shes amazing.) She places aphorisms like Abuse of power comes as no surprise in public spaces: on billboards, projected onto walls in lights and (my favorite) carved into stone cemetery benches. Out in the world, her words take on a power they probably wouldnt have in an art gallery. I recently saw a bench that read: There is a period when it is clear that you have gone wrong, but you continue. Sometimes there is a luxurious amount of time before anything bad happens. That is precisely where you are. Of course, it would have been better to be honest with your girlfriend. Exclusivity in dating should not feel like jail. But I empathize. I get how you might have agreed because you wanted to please her (or wished you were ready to commit). But as the artist said, You have gone wrong. Talk to your girlfriend right away. Say: I really care about you. But I agreed to exclusivity before I should have. I feel confined by it, and thats not right. Is it possible for us to step back and keep dating, without that promise? (Confessing your aborted hookup strikes me as needlessly provocative. It would be the only thing she hears, and its beside the point. Your premature agreement is the main issue.) American mothers infected with the Zika virus last year were 20 times as likely to give birth to babies with birth defects as mothers who gave birth two years before the epidemic, federal health officials said on Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded last April that Zika infection caused severe birth defects, including the abnormally small heads of microcephaly, but it had not previously estimated how common such defects were. A new study, published in the agencys Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, looked at several hundred pregnant women entered into the C.D.C.s Zika Pregnancy Registry after lab tests indicated they had probably had the virus. The study compared their birth outcomes to those found in historic registries of birth defects kept in Massachusetts, North Carolina and Georgia. It found that in 2013 and 2014, those states typical rate of severe birth defects including microcephaly, brain abnormalities, eye defects or central nervous system problems was about 3 out of every 1,000 live births. Have you witnessed a classroom discussion where someone voiced an unpopular or minority viewpoint? How was it received by students? By the teacher? Think about classroom scenarios where deep discussion was encouraged and respected, despite wide differences of political or social opinion. What went well, even in the face of divergent beliefs? In The Isolation of College Libertarians, Tom Ciccotta writes: A liberal arts education should push students to take intellectual risks and see the world in new ways. Unfortunately, it doesnt always play out that way. Leftists, in an effort to make campuses welcoming ostensibly, for everyone end up frequently silencing conservative and libertarian students. They paint any argument that isnt progressive as immoral, so conservative students can find themselves branded as such. Needless to say, this can be socially isolating. Animosity toward campus conservatives and libertarians was a common topic among students at the Conservative Political Action Conference last weekend in Washington. Many of us who attended are outliers on our liberal campuses, and there was a general feeling of excitement and relief to be among like-minded peers. One discussion, about how to deal with protests against conservative speakers visiting campus, became a bonding session for those of us who have found that we cant bring up controversial topics without being told we are fomenting hate or invalidating someone elses existence. One student remarked that it was harder for him to be openly conservative on campus than it was to tell his peers he was gay. I am a senior at Bucknell University studying economics. I am a libertarian: I believe in limited government and the importance of individual liberty, especially the right for people to be whoever or whatever they want, regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, religion, gender or political leanings. I see the attempts of students from both sides of the political aisle to silence one another. But there are a lot more liberals than conservatives at most campuses, and a growing tendency to reject conservative ideas as oppressive is taking a toll on learning. Students: Read the entire article, then tell us: Were you able to empathize with Mr. Ciccottas circumstances and perspective? Why or why not? Have you ever had a classroom experience in which you felt your own or others views were not welcome? In what ways does the silencing of views and opinions within schools take a toll on learning? Mr. Ciccotta says Political intolerance is hardly confined to one side of the aisle. If conservatives represented the majority of students on campus, I am sure they would be silencing liberals. Universities must push back against the narrowing of ideology generally to guarantee an open intellectual space for all students. Do you agree? Why or why not? If you agree, what suggestions do you have for schools, teachers and students? For a related opinion, see "Advice for My Conservative Students" by Colby College professor Aaron Hanlon. Karolina Petersson was nesting. Pregnant with her first child, she stood in the kitchen of her home on the North Fork of Long Island and stirred a pan of cabbage and butter. Her husband, Vincent Catalano, was upstairs painting the babys room. Petersson had a bowl of ground meat on the counter beside her, some potatoes, a small glass of cream. It was her grandmothers recipe she was making, she said, a kind of cabbage meatloaf that she remembered from childhood outside Gothenburg, in Sweden. Kalpudding, its called. You serve it with lingonberries. I wanted to eat it right away. These are hard days for cooking, as winter too slowly gives way to vernal rain and sunshine. Farmers markets are bare in many precincts, and for some a kind of fatigue has set in, an exhaustion with soups and stews, with root vegetables and pot roasts, with salads built of factory greens and flavorless tomatoes. Soon there will be strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, snow peas and watercress, the paschal lamb, the Easter ham. But soon is not now. Early March can leave cooks adrift in home and restaurant kitchens alike, unsure of themselves, desirous of inspiration. Carreres appreciation of these two short books is somewhat melancholy, however, in that he loves his work in this mode: short novels in the third person from which nothing can be removed. For, when discussing the writing he admires, though he mentions Rousseaus Confessions and Montaignes Essays he cant resist rising from the couch to look up Montaignes introductory To the reader on his iPad and then to read it aloud with a kind of wonder as if hed just discovered it he mostly talks about the fiction he loves: Dostoyevskys The Idiot (The narrative propulsion in those first 300 pages is absolutely incredible); Whartons Ethan Frome and Jamess The Turn of the Screw, favorites for their compression; War and Peace (Fictions largest vision of the world); the ending of Anna Karenina (Habitually we say that the end isnt very good. It touches me a great deal, the life of Kitty and Levin. I find it magnificent. A happiness like that is one I aspire to in life); and, most of all, how The Death of Ivan Ilyich remains a perpetual goad to him as a writer (In the dream of books one would like to imitate, it is one). That Carrere stopped writing novels, then, has nothing to do with his preferences as a reader or a writer. Carrere would still like to write pure fiction. Since that first half of his writing life ended, Carrere has published five works of book-length narrative nonfiction, all written in the first person, each of which is unlike the other. How the first and second parts of this career fit together or, if you like, break apart, helps to explain how Carrere has managed to find his way to his uniqueness. The pivot point in that evolution was Carreres writing of The Adversary, his book about Jean-Claude Romand, a Frenchman who for 18 years pretended first to be a medical student and then a doctor at the World Health Organization. In an effort to hide his secret as it began to unravel he was embezzling large sums to enable his deceit Romand murdered his immediate family: wife, two children, his parents, even their dog. Carrere, like everyone else in France in 1993, was horrified by this crime, and, having enjoyed a thriving journalistic career in parallel to his novelistic one, he produced a taut, third-person report of the trial and the circus around it. Despite feeling steadily worse that as a father of two young sons, he would spend so much time writing about a man who murdered his children, Carrere tried to make a book of it. His model was In Cold Blood, a book he admires, a book written in the third person, a book he takes issue with too. As he told The Paris Review, in 2013: The book, which is a masterpiece, rests on a lie by omission that seems to me morally hideous. The whole last part of the book is about the years the two criminals spent in prison, and during those years, the one main person in their lives was Capote. Nevertheless, he erased himself from the book. And he did so for a simple reason, which was that what he had to say was completely unsayable he had developed a friendship with the two men. He spent his time telling them that he was going to get them the best lawyers, that he was working to get them a stay of execution, when in fact he was lighting candles in the church in the hopes that they would be hanged because he knew that was the only satisfactory ending to his book. Its a level of moral discomfort almost without equal in literature, and I dont think it is too psychologically far-fetched to say that the reason he never really wrote much else is related to the monstrous and justified guilt that his masterpiece inspired in him. Carrere spent six years trying to manage the task of writing a French In Cold Blood, to write the story of this hideous crime from multiple points of view, to try to get into everyones head the way a novelist would, to imaginatively identify. And he failed, generating, he says, many hundreds of pages he was unable to use. Two years into that time, Carrere wrote his final short novel, Class Trip, one obliquely related, in its abject theme, to Romands violence. But six years passed, six years, Carrere has said, of my life circling this story like a hyena, six years during which this very productive writer published only 150 pages. He just couldnt figure out how to finish the Romand story. Before he put it aside, he wrote himself what he calls a memo about what he tried to do, as a way of getting some closure on the wreck that the project had made of his life and his career. The memo began: On the Saturday morning of January 9, 1993, while Jean-Claude Romand was killing his wife and children, I was with mine in a parent-teacher meeting at the school attended by Gabriel, our eldest son. He was 5 years old, the same age as Antoine Romand. Then we went to have lunch with my parents, as Jean-Claude Romand did with his, whom he killed after their meal. Im not an idiot, Carrere has said about the moment after he wrote those lines. I very quickly realized that this impossible book to write was now becoming possible, that it was practically writing itself, now that I had accepted writing it in the first person. ... Others are a black box, especially someone as enigmatic as Romand. I understood that the only way to approach it was to consent to go into the only black box I do have access to, which is me. In the work that followed The Adversary, Carrere has continued to present himself presenting the lives of others. Though that might sound narcissistic, it has the upending feeling, for the reader, of humility in action. Theres a reason for this. Carrere told a great story to The Paris Review about the source of that humility: A little girl once said something in front of me that I just loved. She had misbehaved and her mother was scolding her, saying, But put yourself in other peoples position! And the little girl answered, But if I put myself in their position, where do they go? I have often thought of that since I started writing these kinds of nonfiction books, the rules and moral imperatives of which I was starting to become acquainted with. I dont think you can put yourself in other peoples positions. Nor should you. All you can do is occupy your own, as fully as possible, and say that you are trying to imagine what its like to be someone else, but say its you whos imagining it, and thats all. So this is Carreres idea of nonfiction: to occupy your own position as fully as possible. His quotes around nonfiction are interesting. They suggest a certain level of suspicion over the sufficiency of the label, and I see Carrere-the-novelist as having inserted them. Carreres thinking here about what nonfiction does is in useful opposition to a prevailing idea about fiction, of which David Foster Wallace gave perhaps the most widely circulated explanation. As Wallace said in a 1993 interview: I guess a big part of serious fictions purpose is to give the reader, who like all of us is sort of marooned in her own skull, to give her imaginative access to other selves. Since an ineluctable part of being a human self is suffering, part of what we humans come to art for is an experience of suffering, necessarily a vicarious experience, more like a sort of generalization of suffering. ... We all suffer alone in the real world; true empathys impossible. But if a piece of fiction can allow us imaginatively to identify with a characters pain, we might then also more easily conceive of others identifying with our own. This is nourishing, redemptive; we become less alone inside. Fiction, in Wallaces view, provides the reader with consolation because of its performance of empathy of what it would be like to be understood. Carreres work suggests that we might come to nonfiction not to imagine ourselves being understood, not to feel less alone but to actively imagine understanding and understandings limits. It is in this way that his books display how thinking about other people feels: lonely, but nourishingly so. First things first: The Shack, a Christian-themed movie with laudable ambitions, will resonate with lots of people who feel Hollywood does not generally understand or care about their world. That said, a bit more editing to remove some of the airiness would have made for a better film. The movie, based on William P. Youngs best seller and directed by Stuart Hazeldine, is about the spiritual journey of Mack (Sam Worthington), whose youngest child is abducted and murdered while he is watching over her and her two siblings on a camping trip. Mack wallows in grief and survivors guilt, as well as anger, much of which is directed at God. Then a mysterious note from Papa his wifes pet name for the Almighty invites him to revisit the remote shack where the police believe his child was killed. There he meets the divine trinity of some Christian faiths: Papa (Octavia Spencer), his son (Avraham Aviv Alush) and the Holy Spirit (Sumire). Many faith-based films settle for a Jesus-loves-me climax without digging far into theological matters. This one at least asks the difficult questions. Its at its best when Mack is grilling Papa on matters like why she allows children to be murdered. Downstairs, Adelina Orazzo runs the Italian kitchen. Ms. Orazzo, 61, who moved to Brooklyn from Naples, Italy, 25 years earlier, is very proprietary about her knowledge, Mr. Scarvella said. When she was a child, her family was very poor, Mr. Scaravella said of Ms. Orazzo, whose English is limited. Her uncle would paint the floor of the house to make it look tiled. Mr. Scaravella attributes her cooking knowledge to her upbringing. She cooks Old World dishes like sheeps head; she makes stuffing from ingredients normally thrown to the side chicken livers and hearts and gizzards. These are poverty-driven dishes, he said. I really like to keep these as simple and as authentic as possible, because they really represent... its really the origin of food. Aside from Ms. Orazzo, each of the cooks comes in one day a month to help with the daily specials, which makes for a unique energy in the kitchen, he said. There is a distinct difference between a grandmothers homey kitchen and the nonnas enterprise: A grandmother never turns anyone away. At Enoteca Maria, however, Mr. Scaravella doesnt have much choice. We are completely booked, he said into the headset, over and over. I can put your name on a wait-list and call you, if something changes. Fourteen million this is the average number of outsourced jobs the U.S. came up with a couple of years ago, and this figure is growing yearly according to BEA. Thus, not only does outsourcing allow the country to successfully balance in search for lucrative labor costs and by-standard quality, it also provides the U.S. with robust competitive advantage at the global market. In other words, outsourcing keeps the U.S. economy at a good rate. When it comes to IT outsourcing, the facts talk even louder than numbers. Silicon Valley, desperately trying to fill the gaps in the IT talent pool, has already been caught among the leaders of H-1B Visa claimers. IBM (News - Alert), Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple are all among the top 20 companies inviting IT professionals from overseas. However, when only 30 percent of these visa claims randomly move forward for processing, outsource and development center relocation remain the only options to fill the remaining 70 percent of the U.S. tech talent hunger. Just to name a few, Google, Amazon, and Facebook have already moved their AI research centers to Europe. Meanwhile, Belarus, although it is not on the official list of emerging markets, stands out from other locations (see infographics) and takes credit for a hefty bite of outsource jobs from the U.S. Last year, Reuters and Euronews both focused their attention on this location for its High Tech Park and remarkable IT giants such as Viber, Epam and Wargaming, for a reason. For about a decade, the country has been working to become an IT development center that provides high quality products and services at reasonable costs. Today, Belarus wins over other well-known outsourcing destinations with a number of benefits: a loyal tax system for IT, visa-free entry, steadily growing IT talent pool, and high education standards, to name a few. 1. Outstanding Quality and Trust Will Silicon Valley even notice Belarus? Clearly, it has. Today, the U.S. is already a No. 1 market that buys IT talent and products from Belarus, with Great Britain, Germany, Russia and Finland lagging behind. In fact, 44 percent of all IT outsourcing to Eastern Europe comes from the U.S., and a huge part of it finally sets in Belarus. Of the 1,000 software development companies in Belarus, more than 600 are engaged in outsourcing and represent research and development and captive centers of international companies. However, outsourcing to Belarus goes beyond coding, QA and technical support. More and more Belarus companies are representing full-scale technical partnerships, engaging in IT product-based models, offering business solutions and solving large-scale business issues, rather than simply selling the parts of code of development force. Today, the country is already known for the captive centers opened by many companies such as Fitbit, IHS, Netcracker, Playtika, Yandex, HTC (News - Alert), Netologic Inc., IHS Global. Not to mention the remarkable products such as MSQRD, Juno, World of Tanks, Pandadoc, Quoteroller, Maps.me, and the number of fintech solutions successfully launched for AMEX, Barclays, Citibank, MasterCard (News - Alert) and many more. 2. Qualified Tech Talents Silicon Valley relies on the tech talent from Belarus to cover all the bases: to fill the gaps in development needs and add ingenuity and innovation to the process. How come? According to recent data, of the 40,000 IT professionals residing in Belarus, more than 90 percent have at least one university degree. Not to mention awards on international coding completions, such as Google (News - Alert) Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, Google Hash Code World Robotic Olympiad, where Belarus talents regularly show remarkable gold-level results. According to IAOP yearly rating in 2016, seven Belarusian companies joined the club of top 100 Most Promising IT Companies, moving with the trend of deeper specialization. Following the idea mentioned above, around 30 percent of Belarusian companies are involved in fintech projects that deliver to the worlds largest financial organizations such as MasterCard and Barclays. With a deeper level of specialization, eventually, comes new positioning: delivery of business solutions and digital transformation strategy consultancy, instead of fractional fixed-price coding. 3. Cost Efficiency Factor Regardless of overall financial and social complications that the country has been going through in the recent decades (extreme depreciation, high unemployment rate, low minimum wage, brain drain), the Belarusian IT sphere is blossoming. However, compared to the average developers salaries in the U.S., an average development hour in Belarus ($25) surprises foreign contractors in search of a cost-efficient partner with over the average quality performance. In particular, the yearly regular (middle) developer salary of $65,000 in the U.S. is incomparable with $14,000-$24,000 in Belarus ($1,200-$2,000 average monthly wage in 2015, according to dev.by). This is nothing compared to senior level developers, who make $75,000/year (U.S.) against $36,000-$42,000 (Belarus). No wonder why the list of U.S. companies outsourcing to Belarus includes world leaders such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Accenture, Facebook, SAP, Ebay, Expedia, Fujitsu Technology Solutions (News - Alert), HP, Oracle and Teradata, to name a few. Successful examples of such partnership deserve sharing; thats why panel discussions and forums on outsourcing are held across-the-board. This March 8, together with U.S. experts, we are organizing a MeetUp on SmartSourcing. Anyone interested is welcome to join. The registration is still open. Its clear now that the combination of these three basic reasons, along with the dozens of other advantages overlapping working hours, communication, mentality, legal system will encourage Silicon Valley to outsource to Belarus more. And, according to trusty in-house experts like Megan Smith, the chief technology officer of the United States and former Google executive, Theres going to be 1.4 million tech and I.T. jobs coming within the next decade [in the U.S.] and only 400,000 trained people to fill them. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. The four young men sat nonchalantly in a federal courthouse here on Thursday afternoon, barely raising their eyebrows when a judge said they could face the death penalty for their roles in the killings of two teenage girls in September. Instead, one of the four, Jairo Saenz, a leader of the local clique of a transnational gang with Salvadoran roots, grinned, swiveled in his chair and hardly looked at the crying relatives from El Salvador in the back of the courtroom. Mr. Saenz, 19, was one of five people arrested Thursday morning in Suffolk County on Long Island as part of a federal sweep that targeted 13 adult members of the gang, MS-13. An additional three people were charged as juveniles, and their records were sealed. As of Thursday evening, 14 people were in custody, with two yet to be arrested. In a midday news conference at the federal courthouse here, Robert L. Capers, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the indictments and the arrests made by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Long Island gang task force. NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. All the ingredients for a bustling downtown transit hub here are coming together: new townhouses, restaurants and big-box stores sit just off the busiest rail corridor in the country, as trains whiz by every 10 minutes or so. Bulldozers, backhoes and scattered mounds of dirt offer evidence of more to come. A large banner over a nearby highway with an illustration of a train declares: Shop. Dine. Ride. Live. There is just one piece missing from this rosy picture: any evidence of a train station. On the longest stretch of passenger rails in New Jersey without a stop, the proposed station would address a glaring need, providing public transit to a bustling area and easing congestion on chronically gridlocked highways. An elevated rail track that is part of the project could funnel more commuter trains to New York City. But after being unveiled with great fanfare four years ago, the projects future is unclear. New Jersey Transit, which operates the states sprawling rail network, said recently that no funding was available so far for the plan. A recent report by the human rights group Global Witness notes that the United States gives Honduras tens of millions of aid dollars directed to the police and military, both of which are heavily implicated in violence against land and environmental activists. United States support dates to the 1980s, when the country was a platform for the American-backed contras fighting in neighboring Nicaragua. Military and police assistance was ramped up after a 2009 military coup against a left-leaning elected president, Manuel Zelaya. Aid was also increased after an influx of Honduran children migrating through Mexico to the United States in 2014, in theory to help stem the flow. But much of this aid has been made up of yet more security assistance, as well as economic assistance meant to attract foreign investment in Honduras money that most often supports elite business interests to the detriment of poor communities subject to exploitation. The Honduran government and the United States claim that the aid has helped lower the crime rate. Ambassador James Nealon made a point of saying so in a meeting I attended, alongside human rights advocates, in Honduras in December. What he was talking about were pilot projects intended to tamp down gang violence so that fewer Honduran children would be feel compelled to flee north to the United States. The ambassador didnt disagree that Honduran officials manipulate crime statistics and that, as a result, the United States tries to get good numbers elsewhere. But whatever the true crime rate is, each time an activist or journalist is killed or attacked, the government shrugs it off as just another example of the countrys rampant violence. Indeed, police officials tried to do that after Bertas killing, suggesting at first that she was the victim of a botched robbery or a crime of passion. But their comments only bolstered the widespread belief that killings of activists are the work of state security agents. Under great pressure from the Vatican, the European Parliament and other foreign entities, Honduran officials did conduct a partial investigation of Bertas murder, but they continue to stonewall demands for an international, independent, expert inquiry. Small wonder. Dozens of policemen and soldiers tramped through the crime scene. When my family was allowed to return to the house six months later, each room had been ransacked. A laptop and a tablet are still missing, as is one of three mobile phones Berta used. None of these was on a list of belongings that officials took from the house. In the United States, dozens of members of Congress have sponsored legislation that would cut off security aid to Honduras until human rights violations by Honduran security forces cease and their perpetrators are brought to justice. The supporters are led by Representatives Hank Johnson of Georgia, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and other Democrats; it has been labeled the Berta Caceres Act. Sweden has accepted more refugees on a per-capita basis than other Western nations in recent years. President Trump and his supporters say that this has led to increased crime and other problems in that country and argue that this is a reason the United States should accept fewer immigrants, especially those coming from the Middle East. Official data show that Sweden has not seen a spike in crime, though the influx has heightened anti-immigrant sentiment there. To better understand that countrys experience, I spoke to Henrik Emilsson, an international immigration researcher at Malmo University. The interview has been edited and condensed. What has been happening in Sweden in recent years with regard to immigration? Sweden has always had more humanitarian migrants than the rest of Europe. For the last 10 years it has been seven or eight times the average in Europe. Since 2006, it has been a very high number of asylum seekers first the Iraqis, then Somalis and Afghanis, and now, the latest wave from Syria. Is there any evidence that recent immigrants are having an impact on crime in Sweden? Not the recent ones. There is a huge debate in Sweden about immigration and crime. And we know from earlier statistics that the foreign-born commit three times as many crimes on average as native-borns. But these riots and crimes in the suburbs, they are related mostly to drugs and gangs. Those people are born and raised in Sweden. It has nothing to do with the recent immigration. Its the children of migrants and maybe people that came when they were young. There has been this issue of sexual harassment. And there is some evidence that the new refugees are somewhat involved in this. But there are no official statistics on it. Betsy DeVos, the education secretary, deserved the hammering she received for her widely reviled comments characterizing historically black colleges and universities (H.B.C.U.s) as early examples of school choice. But when it comes to the fate of H.B.C.U.s under the Trump administration, her apparent misunderstanding of their history is a distraction. The fate of these institutions in the coming years will hinge not on her words, but on her decisions about their funding. In February, after only a few days on the job, Ms. DeVos made headlines for visiting Howard University, a historically black college founded in 1867. Then, after a meeting with H.B.C.U. leaders Monday, she released a statement calling H.B.C.U.s the real pioneers when it comes to school choice. That description was widely criticized as a dishonest attempt to distance these institutions from the segregated past that necessitated them and to awkwardly reposition them as talking points for the school choice movement. Technology has overtaken one of the basic functions you needed political parties for in the past, communication with voters, he said. Social media has changed all of that, candidates now have direct access through email, blogs and Twitter, along with Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and other platforms. Two developments in the 2016 campaign provided strong evidence of the vulnerability of democracies in the age of the internet: the alleged effort of the Russian government to secretly intervene on behalf of Trump, and the discovery by internet profiteers of how to monetize the distribution of fake news stories, especially stories damaging to Hillary Clinton. In an email, Samuel Greene, the director of the Russia Institute at Kings College London, described his best estimate of Russian cyber hacking under Putins guidance: Teams of hackers, operating with varying levels of resources and at various distances from the central chain of command, had a lot of license to poke and prod and see what they could come up with. Some of these people found it easier to do certain kinds of things like break into Podestas emails than they had expected. Having obtained a windfall, they were then given license to push it even further. The question now is who benefits more from the digital revolution and the ubiquity of social media, the left or the right? Andreas Jungherr, an expert in social and computer science at the University of Konstanz in Germany, argues that the internet is particularly helpful to opposition movements. He emailed me: It seems to me this is not a question about ideological placement but more about organizational or movement strategy. As long as I am in opposition, the payoff is higher in investing in digital infrastructure and thereby channeling the activities and enthusiasm of my supporters than when in power. So I would expect a re-emergence of political activity, for example in the form of alternative news sources, on the liberal side in the coming years. Along parallel lines, Cristian Vaccari, a reader in politics at Royal Holloway, University of London, argued in an email that social media have contributed to the sudden emergence of candidates and parties running the ideological gamut: By qualitatively expanding the pool of participants, social media may thus be substantially contributing to some of the vivid examples of political disruption that we have witnessed over the past few years across and beyond the Western world: from the spread of protest movements to the sudden rise of new parties such as the Five Star Movement in Italy and Podemos in Spain, from the ascent of populist leaders all across Europe to electoral upheavals such as the Brexit referendum and the surge of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump in the United States 2016 Presidential elections. Clay Shirky is a professor in the Interactive Telecommunications Program at N.Y.U. In a 2009 TED talk the full political significance of which has only become clear over the past eight years he described some of the implications of the digital revolution: The internet is the first medium in history that has native support for groups and conversation at the same time. Whereas the phone gave us the one-to-one pattern, and television, radio, magazines, books, gave us the one-to-many pattern, the internet gives us the many-to-many pattern. Shirky continues: The second big change is that, as all media gets digitized, the internet also becomes the mode of carriage for all other media, meaning that phone calls migrate to the internet, magazines migrate to the internet, movies migrate to the internet. And that means that every medium is right next door to every other medium. Put another way, media is increasingly less just a source of information, and it is increasingly more a site of coordination, because groups that see or hear or watch or listen to something can now gather around and talk to each other as well. And the third big change, according to Shirky, is that members of the former audience can now also be producers and not consumers. Every time a new consumer joins this media landscape a new producer joins as well, because the same equipment phones, computers let you consume and produce. Its as if, when you bought a book, they threw in the printing press for free; its like you had a phone that could turn into a radio if you pressed the right buttons. There is good reason to think that the disruptive forces at work in the United States as they expand the universe of the politically engaged and open the debate to millions who previously paid little or no attention may do more to damage the left than strengthen it. In other words, just as the use of negative campaign ads and campaign finance loopholes to channel suspect contributions eventually became routine, so too will be the use of social media to confuse and mislead the electorate. Of course, this problem goes much deeper than the internet. Sam Greene of Kings College London put it this way in an email: Two brigades in the armed forces equal our entire diplomatic corps, noted Nicholas Burns, a former senior diplomat who now teaches at Harvard. Burns said that he agrees with Trump that the military should get more funding but emphasized that slashing diplomacy and foreign aid will make it more difficult to address crucial transnational challenges, from drugs to crime to immigration. If you so dramatically underfund the State Department, you defeat the Trump agenda, he said. One of the biggest security threats the world faced in recent years was Ebola and the next pandemic may be much worse and the only effective response was to work with other countries to tackle the problems collectively. Thats also true of terrorism. The RAND Corporation examined how 648 terrorist groups ended between 1968 and 2006. Most were absorbed by the political process or defeated by police work; only 7 percent were crushed by military force. On balance, terrorists are probably less threatened by drones overhead than by girls with books. Thats why extremists shot Malala, threw acid in the faces of Afghan schoolgirls and kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls. Terrorists understand what most threatens them, but Im not sure we do. The United States just lost a Navy SEAL in Yemen, and its useful to compare Yemen with its neighbor Oman. Until 1970, Oman was more backward than Yemen, for Oman banned radio as the work of the devil, locked the gates to the capital at night and offered no education for girls and almost none for boys. Then a new sultan took over and focused on education, of girls as well as boys, and Oman is now a boring, peaceful place, while Yemen floundered and is torn apart by terrorism and civil war. One cant help wondering: If U.S. aid programs had invested in education in Yemen, might we have reduced todays terrorism and violence? One study found that a doubling of primary school enrollment in a poor country halves the risk of civil war. What Romania has been experiencing is an anti-elite political outpouring with a fury that resembles what we see in Europe and America, but whose origins and goals are 180 degrees opposite. These Romanian indignados, as the protesters are called, are not the blue-collar, rural, anti-globalization disgruntled who voted for Brexit or helped Donald Trumps ascent to the White House. They are mainly young, urban, college-educated people with well-paid jobs at multinational corporations and banks, the main employers of local talent. So they are not protesting against globalization or the European Union. The solution they seek would be more globalization, a more solid Europe, more American and NATO involvement in our region. They are instinctively against any walls physical or invisible that may be erected in a vain effort to stop the free movement of people, ideas, capital or technology. Here, the tide of angry opinion rushes not toward fear of outsiders and tolerance for kleptocratic strongmen. It seeks instead to continue cleansing a political establishment still tied at many points to economic barons who divert public funding from desperately needed investments in health care, education and infrastructure. Such graft and cronyism are the very essence of their grievances. This attitude has historical, cultural and political roots. Romania sits on the fracture lines of Europe, where any shift in the geopolitical balance has an immediate effect on our interests. We have developed, during our tormented history, a collective early warning system that detects danger when the grand game among great powers is afoot. This is such a moment, when NATO and the European Union the pillars of our escape from our post-Communist drama to liberal democracy, rule of law and freedom seem threatened at their cores. Unfortunately, in Central and Eastern Europe, illiberal and autocratic impulses have never quite died; indeed, they now feed some of our neighbors strategic hedging and flirtations with Russia or China. In recent months, American and other NATO troops have been deployed on Romanias Black Sea shore, to help deter an aggressive Russia. Moldova, our neighbor and sister in history, has a new pro-Moscow president, and is turning down European integration for the illusion of a future in the Russian-sponsored Eurasian Union. We know things like that are beyond our control, particularly in the face of a drive by great powers to carve new spheres of influence in Europe. But one thought unites the young urban protesters, many expatriates in our large diaspora, and all of our political parties: A strong Romania starts from within, with good governance and faith that our future lies with a strong, united West. So beyond the social, economic and moral drivers of discontent in our streets lies an understanding that for Romania to truly join the West, it must become stronger as a democracy, an economy and as a state a goal for which corruption is a lethal virus. This article has been updated to reflect news developments. In the wake of Wednesdays revelation that Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States while working with the Trump campaign, despite denying those contacts during his confirmation hearings, Mr. Sessions recused himself from overseeing any Justice Department investigation into contacts between the campaign and the Russian government. Some members of Congress are saying thats not enough; they want him to resign. Its a bombshell of a story. And its one with a clear and disturbing precedent. In 1972 Richard G. Kleindienst, the acting attorney general, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a confirmation hearing on his nomination by President Richard Nixon to be attorney general. He was to replace Attorney General John N. Mitchell, who had resigned to run Nixons re-election campaign (and who would later be sent to prison in the Watergate scandal). Several Democratic senators were concerned about rumors of White House interference in a Justice Department antitrust suit against International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation, a campaign contributor to the Republican National Committee. They asked Kleindienst several times if he had ever spoken with anyone at the White House about the I.T.T. case. He said he had not. That wasnt true. Later, after Kleindienst was confirmed as attorney general, the special prosecutor, Leon Jaworski, and his team uncovered an Oval Office tape recording of a phone call in which Nixon told Kleindiesnt to drop the I.T.T. case. Kleindienst claimed that he thought the senators questions were limited to a particular period, not the entire time during which the case was pending. Russia had hacked into the computers of the Democratic National Committee, and was releasing the contents of its cyber-theft, in an attempt to influence the election, Obama explained. He was careful to present the behavior of the Trump campaign itself in the best light and to say that it deserved every benefit of the doubt. But the president wanted the American people to sit up and take notice of the attack. He wanted them to understand why the drip-drip-drip of WikiLeaks was happening. He wanted to call out the media for breathlessly reporting on WikiLeaks as if it were the product of great investigative reporting, rather than theft by a hostile foreign country. He wanted to put Russia on very public notice. None of this happened, of course. Its a piece of alternate history, dreamed up by a top adviser to Hillary Clintons campaign and described briefly in an excellent New Yorker article this week. The article tells the story of Russias campaign against the United States under the all-star triple byline of Evan Osnos, David Remnick and Joshua Yaffa and I recommend you set aside the time to read it. Lamenting the Obama administrations low-key passive response to Russias attack obviously depends on 20/20 hindsight. Obama had reason to play it safe: As a Democratic president, he was rightly worried about politicizing national security and using his power to hurt the Republican nominee. But it seems likely that the administration would have nonetheless chosen a different route if it had realized that Donald Trump was a serious threat to win the election. There is also one lesson that remains very relevant today: The country is still not taking Russias actions nearly seriously enough. As Tom Friedman has written, Nov. 8, 2016, deserves to join Sept. 11, 2001, and Dec. 7, 1941, as infamous dates of attacks on America. C.S.T.: So the Dow went up 300 points because Unscripted didnt show up to address Congress? A.L.: Yep. The second version is Reasonable Chatting Trump. R.C.T. is the one who had pre-speech gatherings with journalists in which he mused about passing immigration law reform and making the Dreamers legal. Everyone was very excited until it became clear this had no relation to anything he was actually planning to say in public. If you ever have an opportunity to sit down with the president for a private conversation, let me warn you: Hes going to be totally open to all your suggestions, nod frequently and leave you with the impression that youve scored a huge breakthrough. But he will not remember a thing that you discussed. In fact, hell have forgotten everything the minute you said it. C.S.T.: Then he walked in front of Congress and became Version 3? A.L.: Yes, the guy with the teleprompter. We will call him Somewhat Normal Republican Trump, or SNORT. C.S.T.: When he started off with a call for unity against anti-Semitism, I threw my sock at the screen. Just a couple of weeks ago, someone asked him about attacks on Jewish institutions and he just quoted his Electoral College numbers. A.L.: True, we dont normally expect to have to educate our new presidents in how to express disapproval of anti-Semitism. But just be glad he seems to have absorbed the lesson. In 2005, Vladimir Kvachkov, a retired colonel in the military intelligence who had become an outspoken nationalist, was arrested in the attempted murder of Anatoly B. Chubais, who at the time headed the Russian electricity monopoly and who in the 1990s had been a leading reformer in the government. Attackers tried to blow up Mr. Chubaiss car and sprayed it with automatic weapons. While many raised questions about the prosecution, evidence pointed at Mr. Kvachkov: A car used by the would-be assassins reportedly belonged to Mr. Kvachkovs wife. A jury, though, acquitted him, citing insufficient evidence. (Mr. Kvachkov was later sent to prison on very separate charges: He was accused of being part of a right-wing coup plot.) It wasnt Mr. Kvachkovs acquittal that was remarkable about the case. It was his line of defense. On one hand, he denied a role in the crime; on the other, he argued that Mr. Chubais was an enemy of the Russian people and deserved to be killed. Its unclear which argument proved more persuasive to the jury, but probably the second. Popular opinion in Russia holds Mr. Chubais responsible for the poverty that set in as a result of the neoliberal economic reforms, and at various times both the left and the nationalist opposition have condemned him. Mr. Kvachkovs right-wing nationalist supporters deployed two mutually contradictory arguments: He did not shoot; hes not guilty and if he had shot, he would have been right to do so. If the first argument saved the man from a prison term for attempted murder, the second made him one of the leaders of the radical nationalist movement. The former K.G.B. officer Andrei K. Lugovoi had a similar experience. The British government is demanding his extradition in connection with the murder of Alexander V. Litvinenko, another former K.G.B. officer, who became a whistle-blower and died of polonium poisoning in London in 2006. Of course, Mr. Lugovoi does not admit his guilt. He goes even further in protesting his innocence, claiming that British intelligence was behind Mr. Litvinenkos assassination. But at the same time, both Mr. Lugovoi and the official Russian news media call Mr. Litvinenko a traitor. Russia didnt kill him, they suggest, but he deserved to be killed. Before he was accused of killing Mr. Litvinenko, Mr. Lugovoi had been an obscure ex-spy. Then, in 2007, he ran for Parliament and won. (It doesnt hurt that his election granted him parliamentary immunity.) In September he was re-elected to a third term. For Russia, Mr. Lugovoi became a hero for punishing a traitor. In 2015, Mr. Putin even awarded him a medal for risking his life in the line of duty. What exactly he had done one can only speculate, but the medal, of course, was not for killing Alexander Litvinenko. President Putins approach is not all that different from that of Mr. Kvachkov or Mr. Lugovoi. He is from the K.G.B., he is always on duty, and his mission is not to avoid committing crimes, but to commit them in such a way as to avoid being caught. There is no particular taboo associated with the crimes themselves. This formula explains Mr. Putins position on the war in Ukraine: Theres not the slightest doubt that Russian soldiers are confronting the Ukrainian Army in eastern Ukraine, but Vladimir Putin has made it a fundamental matter of principle to refuse to admit this. He is not a military man; hes a spy. For him, war is not war, but an espionage operation, and his most important objective is to maintain deniability. PANTIN, France At least since Benjamin Franklin arrived here in 1776, Paris has represented for Americans a cherished ideal, a place where the pleasures of food, wine, sex, art, thought and conversation can be pursued as they cannot in the United States. A host of American writers, from Henry James and Edith Wharton, to Henry Miller and Ernest Hemingway, bloomed in Paris. African-American writers Richard Wright and James Baldwin felt far freer of the weight of racism in Paris than they did at home. President Trumps disparaging remark last Friday, that Paris was not what it used to be, would be something of a jolt to many American expatriates, who are more concerned about what was happening back home than in their beloved adopted city. Mr. Trump was speaking at a conservative conference when he referred to Jim, who he said was a a very, very substantial guy who stopped visiting Paris four or five years ago because Paris was no longer Paris. He let the audience imagine why with the storys punch line: We are going to keep radical Islamic terrorists the hell out of our country. Among those who have learned what Trump means by stopping terrorists was the distinguished French historian Henry Rousso. Hardly a radical Islamic terrorist in fact, hes a Jew born in Egypt Mr. Rousso said that he was detained for more than 10 hours and threatened with deportation by American border agents when he arrived at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport last Wednesday to attend a conference at Texas A&M University. Mr. Rousso who has visited the United States without incident for 30 years, and who has been invited to such institutions as Harvard University, Dartmouth College and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was cleared to enter the United States only after the university enlisted legal assistance. WASHINGTON Whatever confusion people might have about President Trumps agenda, his position on trade and manufacturing is crystal clear. I believe strongly in free trade, but it also has to be fair trade, he said in his address to Congress Tuesday night. He called for corporate tax reform and export incentives, and he lashed out at Nafta and China for draining Americas manufacturing base. Mr. Trumps stance on trade is one of his most popular positions, but many economists and policy makers are skeptical: They say that rapid automation will negate any gains made in bringing manufacturing jobs back, while the tariffs and other policies he has suggested using will ignite disastrous trade wars. The doubters are wrong on both points. American manufacturings most advanced sectors remain big employers, and much of their payroll shrinkage stems from predatory competition from high- and low-wage countries, as well as offshoring by American multinationals. And the trade-war alarmists overlook the matchless, yet overwhelmingly neglected, leverage America holds over the global economy. Although cheap, labor-intensive goods often come to mind when Americans think of job-displacing imports, the more capital- and technology-intensive segments of manufacturing have hardly been immune. Sectors like motor vehicles and parts, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications equipment, nonelectrical machinery (like machine tools, farm machinery and power-generating turbines) and industrial chemicals add up to nearly half of manufacturings enormous, chronic annual trade deficits nowadays. On Tuesday, Thomas Campbell, the Metropolitan Museum of Arts director, announced his resignation. This opening provides the Mets board an opportunity to consider naming its first female director in the museums 147-year history. Unfortunately, at least one report indicates that the Mets trustees may already be looking at Daniel Weiss, the current president and chief operating officer, as Mr. Campbells replacement. It is surprising that an institution whose innovative curatorial departments have lately acknowledged the diversity of the art canon with exhibitions on Kerry James Marshall, Nasreen Mohamedi and the early modern global textile trade, to name a few, remains so myopic in its hiring at the highest levels of administration. This oversight, to characterize it charitably, is representative of larger patterns of perhaps unintentional bias that continue to pervade museum culture. A quick sampling of the countrys largest and most visited collections reveals that the Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the National Gallery of Art, among others, have never had female directors, even if some of those museums have had women serve as president or chief financial officers. Sonnet Stanfill, a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, recently wrote an Op-Ed in The Times encouraging the V & A and the Tate museums to consider women as candidates for director, speaking to the pervasiveness of this problem in European museums as well. This bias against female leadership sometimes extends to museums efforts to integrate museum education with academic art history. For example, since 1952 the National Gallery of Art in Washington has been the host of the annual A. W. Mellon Lectures in Fine Arts, intended to give leading scholars a forum to discuss their research. In 64 years, seven women have been invited to give presentations at this lecture series, and only one of those seven was a woman of color. It is not just female artists who are underrepresented in museums, but female scholars as well, particularly those of color. According to a 2014 study conducted by the Association of Art Museum Directors, this has a direct impact on the kinds of artists whose work is exhibited, or more to the point not exhibited. Its not hard to explain the premise of Get Out. A woman (Allison Williams) takes her boyfriend (Daniel Kaluuya) home to meet her parents (Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford). Hes black, she and her parents are white like, liberal white, good white. Theyre totally down. Whats complicated to talk about with this film the No. 1 movie in the country, by the way is where the racial horror and the comedy take us and where they come from. Its funny, scary, shocking and sad. We hash all of that out with our guest on Still Processing, Jordan Peele, the films writer and director. Hes also half of the comedy outfit known as Key & Peele. Julia OBrien Reid and Jamie Reid, both from Toronto, went to college at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, a few years apart, and first met in London at an alumni event for their alma mater. They moved to New York two and a half years ago, shortly after their wedding, and took on new jobs. Using Craigslist, the couple landed a rental in the financial district, assuming the $4,000-a-month lease from a couple splitting up. We essentially moved into a fully furnished apartment, said Mrs. Reid, 31. It was a great find. A year ago, the Reids decided they wanted to buy a large two bedroom with a good layout. At first, they focused on the financial district. You could get spacious apartments between $1 million and $1.3 million, which was our initial price range, Mrs. Reid said. But every place had an insurmountable problem construction sites looming, or tiny kitchens or en-suite bathrooms. The mammoths on St. Paul survived until 5,600 years ago, but the reasons for their extinction have long been a matter of speculation. Last August, a team led by Russell W. Graham of Pennsylvania State University ruled out all the leading candidates, including human predation, polar bears, increased winter snowpack, volcanic activity and changing vegetation. The real reason, they concluded, after examining lake bed sediments, was simply a lack of fresh water. Elephants are heavy drinkers and mammoths, their close cousins, were probably even more so, because they were adapted to the cold but were trying to survive in the post-ice age climate. During dry periods, only one lake on St. Paul was available and this seems to have failed as thirsty mammoths destroyed the plant cover around its shores. The mammoths of Wrangel, a much larger island, survived for some 1,600 years longer and seem to have met a different fate. A team led by Eleftheria Palkopoulou and Love Dalen of the Swedish Museum of Natural History gained a major insight into the population history of the woolly mammoth by analyzing the whole genomes of two individuals. One was a mammoth from the mainland, from the Oimyakon district of northeastern Siberia, that died some 45,000 years ago at a time when the species still flourished. The other was from Wrangel Island and perished around 4,300 years ago, a few hundred years before the final extinction. From the amount of genetic variation in each genome, the Swedish team was able to calculate the effective population size a genetic concept roughly equivalent to the breeding population of the woolly mammoths at each time period. The Oimyakon mammoths genome indicated an effective population size of 13,000 individuals whereas that of the Wrangel mammoth was a mere 300. Apple is losing its grip on American classrooms, which technology companies have long used to hook students on their brands for life. Over the last three years, Apples iPads and Mac notebooks which accounted for about half of the mobile devices shipped to schools in the United States in 2013 have steadily lost ground to Chromebooks, inexpensive laptops that run on Googles Chrome operating system and are produced by Samsung, Acer and other computer makers. Mobile devices that run on Apples iOS and MacOS operating systems have now reached a new low, falling to third place behind both Google-powered laptops and Microsoft Windows devices, according to a report released on Thursday by Futuresource Consulting, a research company. Comparisons to the Orient Express dont necessarily favor the 8:22 a.m. Amtrak from Trenton to Washington. Its food offerings one recent morning included Lipton tea and a shrink-wrapped blueberry muffin, not cognac and delicate cream cheese. And the names of the cities whizzing by Baltimore and Wilmington, Del. didnt have the same ring as Konya or Vinkovci. On the other hand, nobody was stabbed to death. Ken Ludwig had switched from one train to the other, as he had so many recent mornings. Rehearsals were in full swing for his 24th play, an adaptation of Agatha Christies Murder on the Orient Express that begins previews March 14 at the McCarter Theater in nearby Princeton, N.J., and Mr. Ludwig was heading home for a breather. Many playwrights would have had a much shorter commute: Trenton is just over an hour from New York Penn Station. But Mr. Ludwig, a former corporate lawyer who took a leave of absence to make his Broadway debut with Lend Me a Tenor, has never lived in New York. Instead he lives three blocks away from his brother, just north of Georgetown. Sean Higgins may be a vegetarian, but he still knows what meaty ingredients go into a juicy barbecue. Thats evident in his eye-poppingly colorful poster art for the Cleveland Public Theaters production of Barbecue, Robert OHaras dark comedy about two families one white, one black who confront their differences as they gather over grills. Revealing too much more would give away what one critic called a stunning twist that pretty much tops any first act closer Ive ever seen. Mr. Higgins said he liked to fill his designs with stuff, so for Barbecue that meant lots of smoke and stylized dreamlike barbecue foods in the background. I build on top of things, having mistakes happen as I get into the drawing, said Mr. Higgins, who with Nicholas Rezabek is the team behind the design firm the Bubble Process. There is a lot happening. All roads in the Dominican town of Miches lead to the ocean. One ends at Esmeralda, a white sand beach with clear blue water under which sits a coral reef visible from the shore. When you stand there, it feels as if youve leapt into a Caribbean travel poster for a getaway to a place unspoiled by tourists. That poster is going to get much more crowded. The Four Seasons is planning to open a 10-complex resort in 2019 called Tropicalia, its first in the Dominican Republic. The company is bypassing an already crowded market in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata for the chance for a foothold near Esmeralda Beach. The concept is a grand resort in a pristine setting. Miches, though, is best seen in its natural, unmanicured light, close to the humble people who have cultivated the area. Miches is a town of 30,000, largely farmers and fishermen. The rhythms of the day are dictated by subsistence within this natural bounty. Most Micheros wake early and head out to fish. They also tend to plantains, yucca, chickens and the huge pigs they raise for their Christmas feasts. A Michero never starves, said Yonattan Mercado, who was born there and works for the ministry of the environment. They always have a crop, a chicken, something, and if they dont, their neighbor does. Steve Yarbrough is one of the most powerful men in Arizona. As president of the State Senate, he has promoted a range of conservative policies, including a tuition tax credit system that provides over $100 million per year to finance vouchers for private schools. In his speech to Congress this week, President Trump singled out a young woman who attended private school using a tax credit-financed voucher. The president urged Congress to pass legislation that would provide similar benefits to millions of students. But Mr. Yarbrough is not just a champion of tax credit vouchers. He also profits from them personally. The story of how that happened raises questions about President Trumps campaign promise to spend $20 billion to increase school choice. Theres a strong chance that hell do that through tax credit vouchers a mechanism that Betsy DeVos actively campaigned for before she became Mr. Trumps education secretary. State tax credit voucher programs have grown rapidly in recent years. The number of students receiving them increased to 256,000 this year, from about 50,000 in 2005. Arizona has one of the oldest and largest programs. It allows taxpayers who donate money to nonprofit voucher-granting organizations to claim a 100 percent, dollar-for-dollar credit against their state taxes (up to a certain limit). In other words, if a married couple donates $1,000 to a voucher-granting nonprofit, their tax bill is reduced by $1,000. The nonprofit then gives the money to families who use it to pay tuition at private schools. Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Heres the sign-up.) In 2015, five San Jose police officers each made more than $400,000. A payroll error? In fact, they earned every penny by the book. Hefty compensation, it turns out including regular pay, overtime and benefits is not unusual for public safety employees in California. It is routine now for firefighters to be up over $200,000, $300,000, said Mark Bucher, chief executive officer of the California Policy Center, a public policy think tank. Look at just about any city and youll see the same thing. Take, for example, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, which covers a portion of southern Contra Costa County. A 22-year-old woman who came to the United States from Argentina as a 7-year-old child and was allowed to remain in the country under an Obama-era program was detained by immigration authorities after speaking at a news conference in Mississippi about her fears of being deported, her lawyer said on Thursday. The woman, Daniela Vargas, was picked up on Wednesday when the car she was riding in was pulled over by officers shortly after leaving the news conference at City Hall in Jackson, Miss., the lawyer, Abigail Peterson, said in a telephone interview. The event was organized by lawyers, church leaders and the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance to raise awareness about the impact deportation and President Trumps immigration policies have on families. An officer placed Ms. Vargas in handcuffs after telling her, You know what we are here for, Ms. Peterson said. Ms Vargas was taken into custody and transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, where she was being held on Thursday without bond. Ms. Peterson said the authorities informed her on Thursday that Ms. Vargas would be processed as a visa waiver overstay, which means she would not be given a hearing and would be flown to Argentina. Mr. Carson, whose mother at times received food stamps to provide for her family, grew up surrounded by some of the housing assistance programs he will now oversee. Yet, rather than embrace the programs that once sustained his family and the families around him, he has adopted standard Republican beliefs that too much government help both in desegregating neighborhoods and in lifting people from poverty can discourage people from working hard. Mr. Carson was awarded a scholarship to Yale University, and at 33, he was named director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Childrens Center. He later became an author and a philanthropist supporting scholarships for young, often impoverished students. After his medical career, Mr. Carson turned to politics and competed with Mr. Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. Mr. Carsons views worry many of his critics, who believe the federal government should be doing more, not less, for the nations cities, where glittering downtowns and increasingly gentrified neighborhoods are often surrounded by areas of poverty and violence, with predominantly minorities. It is unclear how much Mr. Carson will seek to change housing policy. During his confirmation hearing, he would not commit definitively to avoid directing tax dollars to Trump businesses. Diana Mayhew, the festivals president, said officials made the decision on Tuesday to begin five days earlier than planned, on March 15, after representatives from the Park Service briefed them on their forecast. Ms. Mayhew said she expected as many as a million and a half people to take part in the five-week festival, with many of them crowding the blossom-shaded pathways that line the Tidal Basin from dawn to well past dusk. The cherry trees date to 1912, when Japan gave some 3,000 of them to the United States as a gesture of friendship. Only a handful of the original trees remain, but thousands more have been planted since. Michael Litterst, a spokesman for the National Park Service, said the agency made its annual bloom prediction based on history, natural indicators on the trees and the weather forecast. The trees are considered to be in peak bloom when 70 percent of the basins most common variety, Yoshino, are in flower. In a typical year, that comes on April 4. But not this year. Given the mild winter and rare February warmth, the Park Service says the peak should come between March 14 and 17, depending on the weather in the coming weeks. Although Ms. Trump has not spoken out publicly for action to combat climate change, proponents and opponents of such action see her as an ally. Former Vice President Al Gore met with her during the Trump transition, and was ushered in by the first daughter to see the president-elect. The actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio even slipped her a DVD copy of his climate-change documentary. Understand the Latest News on Climate Change Card 1 of 5 A new response to rising seas. Consigned to marginal land more than a century ago by the U.S. government, some Native American tribes are trying to move to areas that are better protected from high water and extreme weather. In response, the Biden administration has created a program designed to help relocate communities threatened by climate change. A change in priorities. Gabon, a major producer of oil, knows the resource wont last forever. So the countrys officials are turning to the Congo Basin rainforest for revenue while also promising to preserve the area. The approach, which aims to strike a balance between the needs of a nation and those of a world facing a climate crisis, appears to be working. A warming Siberia. Rapid warming of the Arctic has led to extreme wildfire seasons in Siberia in recent years, scientists have concluded, and such severe fires are likely to continue. The researchers said that the region may be near a threshold beyond which even small temperature increases could result in more intense fires. Shift to clean energy. The energy crisis sparked by Russias invasion of Ukraine is likely to speed up rather than slow down the global transition away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner technologies like wind, solar and electric vehicles, the International Energy Agency said in its annual World Energy Outlook, a 524-page report that forecasts global energy trends to 2050. Climate pledges fall short. Countries are failing to live up to their commitments to fight climate change, pointing Earth toward a future marked by more intense fires, drought and other havoc, according to a new U.N. report. Just 26 of 193 nations that agreed last year to step up their climate actions have followed through with more ambitious plans. President Trump Must Not Wobble on Climate Change No Matter What Ivanka Says , blared a Breitbart post on Monday written by James Delingpole, who is close to Mr. Bannon and who leads the websites coverage of climate-change policy. Mr. Trump wants to make a decision by next week, say people familiar with the White Houses debate on the climate pact, in order to announce his executive order to undo Mr. Obamas climate regulations in conjunction with his plans for the Paris deal. According to leaked budget documents, the president will also propose killing off nearly two dozen E.P.A. programs, including the Obama-era Clean Power Program, climate partnership programs with local governments, Energy Star grants to encourage efficiency research in consumer products and climate-change research. Those would be part of a broader budget submission that would cut the E.P.A.s funding by 25 percent, to around $6.1 billion from $8.2 billion, and its staff by 20 percent. If the goal is to fulfill the presidents campaign promises and implement his agenda, there is no value in staying in Paris, said Thomas J. Pyle, an adviser to the Trump transition and the president of the Institute for Energy Research, an organization partly funded by the billionaire brothers Charles G. and David H. Koch, who have worked for years to undermine climate-change policies. Mr. Trump has cited Mr. Pyles group as being influential in shaping his energy and climate proposals, including his campaign pledge to withdraw from the Paris deal. The two greatest obstacles to a Clexit (climate exit from U.N. Paris agreement) are probably Ivanka and Tillerson, wrote Marc Morano, a former Republican Senate staff member who now runs Climate Depot, a fossil-fuel-industry-funded website that promotes the denial of climate science, in an email. Tillerson with his seat at the table views could be biggest proponent of not withdrawing the U.S. from the agreement. Within Mr. Trumps inner circle, Mr. Flynn appears to have been the primary interlocutor with the Russian envoy. The two were in contact during the campaign and the transition, Mr. Kislyak and current and former American officials have said. But Mr. Sessions served as the chairman of Mr. Trumps national security committee a post Democrats said would have made him a much sought-after figure for officials from many foreign countries. There is nothing unusual about meetings between presidential campaigns and foreign diplomats. Mr. Kislyak was one of several envoys at the Republican National Convention, where his first meeting with Mr. Sessions, according to the attorney general, was a brief encounter after a panel organized by the Heritage Foundation. Ambassadors also attended the Democratic convention, though it was not clear whether Mr. Kislyak was among them. Active embassies here consider it as their assignment to stretch out feelers to presidential hopefuls, said Peter Wittig, the German ambassador, who met most of the Republican candidates, though not Mr. Trump. I dont consider it as something unusual or problematic. The trouble in Mr. Sessionss case is that his meeting came as the nations intelligence agencies were concluding that Russia had tried to destabilize the election and help Mr. Trump. Mr. Sessionss initial lack of disclosure of the meetings with Mr. Kislyak fed suspicions that it was more than run-of-the-mill diplomacy. The disclosure, first reported by The Washington Post, contradicted forceful and repeated denials from the White House that anyone from the Trump campaign had discussions with the Russians. I have nothing to do with Russia, Mr. Trump said at a news conference on Feb. 20. To the best of my knowledge, no person that I deal with does. WASHINGTON Michael T. Flynn, then Donald J. Trumps incoming national security adviser, had a previously undisclosed meeting with the Russian ambassador in December to establish a line of communication between the new administration and the Russian government, the White House said on Thursday. Jared Kushner, Mr. Trumps son-in-law and now a senior adviser, also participated in the meeting at Trump Tower with Mr. Flynn and Sergey I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador. But among Mr. Trumps inner circle, it is Mr. Flynn who appears to have been the main interlocutor with the Russian envoy the two were in contact during the campaign and the transition, Mr. Kislyak and current and former American officials have said. But the extent and frequency of their contacts remains unclear, and the disclosure of the meeting at Trump Tower adds to the emerging picture of how the relationship between Mr. Trumps incoming team and Moscow was evolving to include some of the president-elects most trusted advisers. The White House has repeatedly sought to play down any connections with Mr. Kislyak. Attorney General Jeff Sessions acknowledged this week that he had met twice with him during the campaign, despite previous denials. Even before Thursday, the Intelligence Committee inquiry had been viewed skeptically. Last week, The Washington Post reported that Mr. Burr spoke with the White House about Russia-related news reports and engaged with news organizations to dispute reports that associates of Mr. Trump had consistent contact with Russian intelligence operatives during the campaign. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, expressed grave concerns about Mr. Burrs contact with the White House. But despite Democrats deep reservations about Mr. Burrs capacity to carry out a comprehensive investigation, many party leaders still view the committees work as the best hope of holding Mr. Trump and his associates to account. On Thursday, Mr. Schumer said that if the Justice Department would not appoint an independent special prosecutor, Congress should intervene by reviving an independent counsel law put into place after Watergate. He also asked the departments inspector general to begin an immediate inquiry into Mr. Sessions to discover if the investigation has already been compromised. Mr. Schumer sought to distinguish between Mr. Sessionss meeting with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, which he called appropriate, and the very inappropriate step of misleading Congress. (One Democrat, Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, invited criticism on Thursday for saying that she had never held a call or meeting with the Russian ambassador, despite previously describing two such conversations on Twitter. She blamed Twitters character limit for the confusion.) At his confirmation hearing, Mr. Sessions said he did not have communications with the Russians during the presidential campaign. But the Justice Department now acknowledges that Mr. Sessions twice communicated with Mr. Kislyak last year: once after a speech at the Republican National Convention and once in his office. WASHINGTON The Senate confirmed Rick Perry on Thursday as the head of the Energy Department, an agency he had once pledged as a presidential candidate to eliminate. The vote was 62 to 37. Mr. Perry, a former Texas governor, will lead an agency that, despite its name, is largely focused on overseeing the nations vast arsenal of nuclear weapons, as well as a network of 17 national scientific laboratories. In his confirmation hearing, Mr. Perry told senators that he regretted his call in the 2012 campaign to eliminate the agency. His inability to remember the name of the Energy Department in a 2011 debate, even as he called for getting rid of the agency, was widely seen as helping to sink his campaign. People close to Mr. Perry said that at the time he had believed that the Energy Department was largely focused on developing and promoting the nations energy resources. At his January confirmation hearing, Mr. Perry told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that after being briefed on so many of the vital functions of the Department of Energy, he now supported its mission. Under the plan, individuals earning up to $250,000 a year, and couples earning up to $500,000, would be able to deduct from their taxable income the average cost of child care in their states. The benefit would be modest; for example, a reduction of $840 in federal taxes for a family earning $70,000 a year and paying $7,000 for child care. The plan would offer low-income workers child-care rebates, paid once a year through the earned-income tax credit. The proposal also calls for dedicated savings accounts in which families could invest pretax income to cover child care and elder care costs, as well as incentives for employers to provide child care in the workplace. Those without wages, like unemployed single parents seeking work or attending job training, would not benefit from the Trump subsidies and are underserved by existing programs. The Child Care and Development Block Grant was created in 1996 as part of welfare reform and was intended to help the poorest parents afford day care. Those benefits currently reach only one out of every 10 eligible children, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Despite its limited reach, the Trump plan is expensive. An analysis by the Tax Policy Center found it would cost $115 billion over 10 years, most likely making it a nonstarter for Republicans. The proposal also offers little to the working poor, a potential problem for Democratic champions of child care, like Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders. The average annual benefit would be just $10 for families earning $10,000 to $30,000 a year, according to the Tax Policy Center. It is difficult to square President Trumps child-care plan with his other budget priorities. Carrie L. Lukas, managing director of the conservative Independent Womens Forum, supports Mr. Trumps efforts to help families with child-care costs. But he also talked about the need for tax simplification, she said, which is inconsistent with using deductions as a social policy strategy. Still, Ms. Lukas is enthusiastic about some aspects of the Trump proposal, including the fact that married couples with one stay-at-home parent would be able to claim the same tax deduction as many dual-income couples whose children are enrolled in child care. That is an unusual element of the plan; after all, parents who care for their children at home do not incur costs for day care tuition or nanny salaries. Traditionally, many European nations that enacted government-supported child care had the goal of encouraging maternal employment. More working women means more tax revenue, and better, more accessible child care helps convince parents that they can afford to have more children, who in turn will become future taxpayers supporting the welfare state. That is not a conservative vision. It shouldnt be about pushing to get people into 9-to-5 jobs and kids into day care, Ms. Lukas said. Thats not an appropriate role for government. Ive got five kids, and there are a lot of nonworking parents in my community. They are not only taking care of their own kids, but they are volunteering at school. Dozens of companies, including Amazon, Apple, IBM and Microsoft, have signed on to a Supreme Court brief supporting a transgender boys fight against his school district over which school bathrooms he may use. The businesses, 53 in all, joined a brief that the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit organization supporting gay rights, planned to file on Thursday. The advocacy group is urging the Supreme Court to side with Gavin Grimm, a transgender student represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, in his case against the Gloucester County School Board in Virginia. These companies are sending a powerful message to transgender children and their families that Americas leading businesses have their backs, Chad Griffin, the Human Rights Campaigns president, said in a statement announcing the support. With oral arguments scheduled for the end of the month, Mr. Grimms case is progressing at the Supreme Court as the rights of transgender youth face increased scrutiny nationwide. In January, the Boy Scouts of America reversed a century-old stance, opening the door to transgender members. Last week, President Trump rescinded rules put in place less than a year earlier allowing transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity. Mr. Grimms case could settle the bathroom issue once and for all. But demonstrators who fail to inform authorities of protest plans and locations and to secure a permit are on far shakier legal ground, he added. In those cases, actions like blocking a street would most likely be subject to prosecution. Most of the proposals appear to address protests that lack permits. In many cases, the bills sponsors emphasize that they are trying to improve public safety or keep order, not squelch free speech. We support the First Amendment altogether and want people to get out and do what they want, said State Senator George B. Gainer, Republican of Florida, who has proposed legislation that would raise fines for blocking traffic and, like the Tennessee measure, indemnify drivers who accidentally hit protesters. But they shouldnt endanger themselves or others. Some free-speech advocates, however, have their doubts. There are already laws on the books in states that say if you break something or harm somebody, youre going to be prosecuted, said Patrick F. Gillham, a sociologist at Western Washington University who studies protests. Theyre troubling. They potentially have a chilling effect on protest. In Georgia, where the State Senate has passed legislation toughening the penalty for obstructing traffic, Worth Bishop, a volunteer for the anti-Trump movement Indivisible, said the proliferation of protest-related bills took aim at the First Amendment. These laws are clearly designed to abridge the right of the people to lawful assembly, Mr. Bishop said. He called the proposals intimidation from the right, saying there was scant demand for the measures from the police. For generations, obstetricians have been quick to cut the umbilical cord of newborns. Thats changing, and most expectant parents should anticipate at least a short delay before the cord is cut. In January, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists became the latest major medical organization to formally recommend that doctors routinely wait before clamping and cutting the cord. Waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds allows more blood to return to the newborn during the birth process, when blood vessels leading away from the baby start to constrict, and delivers extra iron, which is critical for a babys brain development. During this time, the baby can be dried and covered with a towel for warmth and rest skin-to-skin on the mothers abdomen or chest, the A.C.O.G. statement says. In a cesarean birth, the surgeon or an assistant may hold the baby during this time. The groups previous recommendation, issued in 2012, advised a delay for premature infants but said there wasnt enough evidence to recommend it for those born full-term. As more and more evidence accumulated, I think our comfort level with saying this looks like the right thing for all babies, term and preterm, seemed the right thing to do, said Dr. Maria Mascola, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist in Marshfield, Wis., and the lead author of the groups new recommendation. WASHINGTON One of the few senior Obama administration appointees still at the State Department delivered a ringing endorsement on Thursday of Mexicos efforts to stop illegal drugs from entering the United States, just as the Trump administration is examining whether to slash money supporting those efforts. William R. Brownfield, assistant secretary for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, said in a conference call with reporters that the United Nations and decades of patient diplomacy had put the United States in a much better position to police the international flow of narcotics than at any point in the last three decades. Weve still got major challenges ahead to address the opioid crisis here in the United States of America, Mr. Brownfield said. Referring to an annual report on international narcotics released on Thursday, he added, but in my humble opinion, this report suggests that were in a far better place to address those challenges now than we would have been 20, 30 or 40 years ago. MANILA Human Rights Watch said on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines may have committed crimes against humanity by inciting killings during his bloody antidrug campaign. Thousands of people have been killed by the police or by vigilantes since Mr. Duterte became president in June, and rights groups say the police may have ordered the extrajudicial killings of drug dealers and users, a charge that officials have denied. In a report released on Thursday, Human Rights Watch examined 32 deaths from October to January, all involving the Philippine National Police. Police reports asserted that officers had committed the killings in self-defense, but witnesses characterized them as coldblooded murders of unarmed drug suspects in custody, the rights groups study said. We think theres a very strong case to be made in front of the I.C.C. that crimes against humanity have been committed, Elaine Pearson, the Australia director at Human Rights Watch, said by telephone, referring to the International Criminal Court. She said the first step should be parallel investigations into Mr. Dutertes antidrug campaign by the United Nations and by the Philippine Justice Department. BEIJING For years, Chinas Communist Party has maintained a check on the power of its leaders by calling on them to retire if they have reached age 68 when a new term begins. Now President Xi Jinping, already the strongest Chinese leader in decades, may be maneuvering to bend those rules to retain a formidable ally and create a precedent he could use to extend his own time in power. Mr. Xi, 63, who has shaken up many political norms, does not want to be shackled by an informal rule created by his predecessors, people close to senior officials have said. Whether Mr. Xi can get away with changing the age ceiling for staying in the partys top rank, the Politburo Standing Committee, has become a bellwether of how far he can consolidate his grip on a new party leadership that will be chosen in the fall. A year after the European Union closed its borders to stem a crush of asylum seekers, tens of thousands still languish in camps inside Greece. For them, a life in limbo has taken on an air of permanence. They outfit unfamiliar surroundings with the trappings of home, seeking a semblance of normalcy. I toured several of these camps recently. At one, Elliniko, which is at a crumbling abandoned airport outside Athens, a corner had been turned into a makeshift mosque, where an Afghan refugee prepared to pray, oblivious to the chatter of hundreds around him. At another, Skaramagas, near the port of Piraeus, home-cooked meals brought a flash of joy to dreary days. The Ibrahim and Ali families, who arrived on a dinghy last summer, invited me and some of their friends for barbecue chicken and roasted vegetables. A neighbor who joined, Abdulrahman Alo, the man in the rear of the photograph below, lost both legs in a bomb attack in Syria. BY CHARLENE BEINART My mom, Gwen Beinart (nee Sackstein), born in 1936, has always been the heartbeat of my love for baking. Over her lifetime she gathered a collection of recipes handwritten onto small cards some her own, and others gathered from family and friends, tested, tasted, and kept as part of her core repertoire. Of Lithuanian and German Jewish heritage, I am the second generation born in South Africa, and the youngest of three girls. A typical Jewish immigrant history, my grandparents on both sides came to South Africa looking for a better life. They were very poor and my parents wanted nothing more than to give us the best possible life and education. My father was a self-made businessman and my mother was a very creative homemaker. Of all of her recipes, theres one that brings back the most vivid memories of delicious family time: Teiglach. Syrupy, crunchy, chewy donut-shaped biscuits, these sweet offerings were at the centre of every gathering and a symbol of the importance of the occasion being celebrated. This recipe was what my mother was best known for. My emotional attachment to it was so profound that it took me more than 20 years after her death to make them. I am remembering, from my childhood in Durban, all the many conditions needed to make perfect teiglach. First: the weather. It must be a humid-less, sunny day, because the teiglach got dried out on my parents brick-paved patio before being boiled in syrup. Next: the equipment. You had to have the right pot, with a heavy metal lid and a brick placed on top to make it completely airtight. Then: no draughts! My sisters and I knew to never open the kitchen door and let in a draught when the teiglach were boiling on the stovetop! I was always excited when my mom made them because it meant something important was happening! Most likely, we were going to Johannesburg to be with my aunts, uncles, and cousins for Rosh Hashanah or Pesach. Huge round Tupperware containers would be filled with my mom's teiglach and offered as gifts. Everyone made a fuss: teiglach were considered a great delicacy. Best of all, the containers were never returned empty my aunts filled them to the brim with treats for our long car journey back to Durban. After my mom passed away in 1991, we (my husband, three sons, and I) moved to New Zealand. Naturally, my mothers treasured box of handwritten recipe cards came with us. But making teiglach felt far too daunting (emotionally and otherwise) to do on my own. Good results never seemed attainable. Just a few years ago, when my sister Kerry visited from London, we agreed to set aside a day to (finally!) make my moms teiglach. We had her Kenwood mixer, the right heavy-lidded pot, her lengthy handwritten recipe, and we felt her loving guidance along with that of our other sister Elona, supporting us from England. The family was well briefed: no opening the kitchen door, no draughts! Kerry and I put our memories together and got started. Kerry remembered the teigel shape and we molded the dough before setting them out to dry in the sun. I remembered the three-step process to stir the teiglach once they were boiling in the pot: lift the lid, wipe off the condensation, and stir. Do this all quickly (remember, no draughts!) Of course this resulted in many hot syrup burns scars I wear with pride! While I always knew making teiglach was far more than following a recipe, I was not prepared for the overwhelming feeling I experienced when we opened the pot of the boiling treats for the first of six stirs. The sweet, syrupy smell flooded me with lifelong memories of love, happiness, and of our beloved mom. BERLIN Two Syrian men, one of whom faces war crime charges in the killing of 36 Syrian civilian government employees, have been arrested in Germany and accused of membership in a terrorist organization, federal prosecutors said on Thursday. The men are suspected of belonging to a combat unit of the Nusra Front, formerly Al Qaedas branch in Syria. They were arrested in raids on their homes on Wednesday and Thursday in the western cities of Dusseldorf and Giessen, and appeared before a judge on Thursday, prosecutors said in a statement. The arrests are the latest in what appears to be an effort by the German authorities to move against the growing number of radical Islamists in the country. Germanys domestic intelligence service estimates that number at 1,600, up from 100 three years ago. We receive between two and four credible tips on planned terrorist activity in Germany each day, Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of the intelligence service, said at a security conference last month. We have to recognize that we are living in a different situation now. After working as a farmer in Gambia, Ali Sonko left for Copenhagen, where he eventually became a dishwasher at Noma, a Michelin-starred restaurant famed for experimental creations that have included, among other things, edible dirt. This week, more than three decades after he first arrived in Denmark, Mr. Sonko, a sprightly 62-year-old with a wide smile and 12 children, was promoted to part owner of the restaurant, widely regarded as being among the worlds best. He instantly became a powerful symbol of immigrant success in a country that is increasingly seen as being inhospitable to immigrants. After 14 years of cleaning the plates at Noma after meals that have included live shrimp, ants that taste like oranges, and sea coriander, Mr. Sonko will now take on added duties as host. The restaurant, which recently closed its original branch, will reopen in December in a new location, retooled as an urban farm. Mr. Sonko says he plans to spend at least part of his time by the sink at the restaurant, which has won the top spot on the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list four times. The list is one of the most sought-after honors for restaurateurs. UNITED NATIONS Some of Europes most successful far-right politicians are women. There is Marine Le Pen of France, of course. But also Frauke Petry of Germany, Siv Jensen of Norway and Pia Kjaersgaard of Denmark, who is something of a pioneer in the new wave of anti-immigrant populism sweeping through Europe. They are leading, or have recently led, what were once fringe parties pushing their extremist views to the political mainstream and seeking to appeal to those who once eschewed their parties: female voters. Some of them are also eyeing their countrys highest office. Ms. Le Pen is vying to be president of France in elections scheduled to start in April, and if she wins an expected runoff in May (a long shot, admittedly) she could be the first far-right leader to be directly elected as a European head of state. Gender issues dont much get the attention of far-right parties, whether led by men or women. The parties dont support gender quotas in politics, as many centrist and left parties do, nor do they campaign on issues like equal pay. Abortion and gay rights are not lightning rod political issues for conservatives as they are in the United States, so they tend not to be ideological tinder in Europe. GOTLAND, Sweden Late last year, Christer Stoltz, chief of contingency planning for Gotland, Swedens largest island, got an unusual letter from the central government in Stockholm, telling him to get ready for war. Municipalities around the country should increase their ability to resist an armed attack against Sweden from a qualified opponent, the letter from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency said. The planning was also intended to respond to natural disasters, oil spills or cyberattacks that could disrupt power and water supplies. But there is no doubt that the Swedish authorities are nervous, given Russias more assertive posture and the mounting uncertainties about the future of Europes alliance with the United States. On Thursday, the government announced that mandatory military service abolished in 2010 would be introduced starting next year. Four thousand men and women will be drafted into the defense forces. KIEV, Ukraine The scene, captured on video Tuesday, appears like something post-apocalyptic, right down to the decrepit-looking freight train in the background. Unidentified men carrying clubs attack a group of men who seem to have commandeered the freight train, and a fight ensues with sticks, hurled stones and a buzzing chain saw. The defenders of the train are getting the worst of it until an armed man arrives on the scene and fires a warning shot into the air, scattering the attackers. Tensions are rising along the border between Ukraine and the breakaway republics in the eastern part of the country as Ukrainian nationalists from the western part seek to choke off all railroad traffic in what they are calling a blockade. The war in eastern Ukraine, now entering its third year, has been the bloodiest in Europe since the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. Despite the continuing clashes, however, the lucrative cross-border coal trade has been peculiarly unaffected. WASHINGTON The White House is considering giving the Pentagon more independent authority to conduct counterterrorism raids as part of an effort to accelerate the fight against the Islamic State and other militant organizations, administration officials said on Thursday. Such a step would allow military commanders to move more swiftly against terrorism suspects, streamlining a decision-making process that often dragged on under the Obama administration, frustrating Pentagon officials. The White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, called the proposal a philosophy more than a change in policy. He said that the protocol is not changing in terms of what has to be signed off, but added that Mr. Trump believed these are the experts in the field. Critics say that giving the military more authority could lead to more problematic outcomes like the Special Operations raid in January in Yemen, which left a member of the Navys SEAL Team 6 dead, as well as about two dozen civilians. Once, Ms. Erdogan said, she was an outcast in literary circles in Turkey for her existentialist writings, which appealed more to a European audience. I have more readers in Sweden than here, she said. Growing up in a household that valued education her father is an engineer, her mother an economist she attended the prestigious Bosporus University. Trained as a physicist, she began writing seriously on the side in the early 1990s while pursuing graduate studies in Switzerland. There, in a tiny room in Geneva, she wrote all night after full days in the research lab, eventually producing the story collection The Miraculous Mandarin. A few years later, while studying for her doctorate in Brazil, she gave up physics for good. One morning I woke up and didnt go to my exams, she said. Now, as her fame in Turkey grows, her books have been selling more, and her publisher has issued new printings. One volume of short stories, The Stone Building and Other Places, has become a best seller in Turkey. The City in Crimson Cloak is perhaps her most-known book, and the only one that has been published in English. It is a recreation of the myth of Orpheus set in the gritty and violent back streets of Rio de Janeiro, where Ms. Erdogan once lived. She describes her writing as sublime language plus crude metaphors that has had only a limited appeal in Turkey, where readers tend to flock to realistic works steeped in Ottoman history or nostalgia, like the books of Orhan Pamuk, Turkeys Nobel-winning novelist. Theres nothing realistic in my books, she said. I am a difficult writer. The darkness of her writing is a reflection of her personality. She has always lived a life of extreme loneliness, she said, and the prevailing theme of her work is the brokenness of human beings, what she refers to as their wounds. Asli Erdogans literature is dark, pessimistic, said Sema Kaygusuz, a Turkish novelist. The world in Erdogans mind is a wounded body. A body constantly bleeding, a body in anguish. She carries this body both linguistically and psychologically. She identifies with the wound. The pain the author is in is not a personal one in this sense, but it is the pain of the world. CAIRO Egypts top appeals court cleared former President Hosni Mubarak of any responsibility for the killing of hundreds of people during the 2011 protests that ended his 30-year rule, sweeping away the final legal hurdle to Mr. Mubaraks release from detention. The ruling drew cheers from Mr. Mubaraks supporters, who have in recent years cast off the stigma once associated with his name to air increasingly vocal demands for his release. But it represented a bitter landmark for the millions of Egyptians who risked their lives to oust Mr. Mubarak and his circle during the heady, 18-day uprising in early 2011. None of the Mubarak-era figures who grew rich and influential during his time in power are still in jail. The sole exception is Mr. Mubarak himself, who has been under guard for years at the Maadi Military Hospital in Cairo, at a room overlooking the Nile. But the decision to keep him in detention is widely seen here as a political matter rather than a legal one constructed to avoid any embarrassment to Egypts current leader, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who sometimes praises the 2011 revolution. Palmyra, the storied ancient city that was among prewar Syrias leading tourist attractions, swung back under government control on Thursday, state media reported, as soldiers and their allies evicted Islamic State militants who had made a sport out of pilfering the citys antiquities. This was the fourth time in the past two years that control of Palmyra, a Unesco World Heritage Site, changed hands between government forces and Islamic State fighters, who vandalized the citys historic sites and used its famed Roman stone amphitheater for public executions. Welcome Everyone! Excited for our live music with Noname. She is playing from the 15th floor of The New York Times headquarters in Manhattan. If you are an avid reader of our music stories, youll know about Noname from Joe Coscarellis recent story: Joe is here joining the live performance and he will take your questions here in the comments as we watch Noname play. Ask away and share this with your friends! Music starts at 2:30pm. At the confirmation hearing for attorney general, Senator Al Franken, a Democrat, asks Mr. Sessions what he would do if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign. Mr. Sessions replies, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I didnt have did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. MATTOON -- Veteran yoga teacher Missy Craig has opened her Studio 91 space on the ground floor of the Trinity Tower. The business owner plans to offer prize drawings, healthy refreshments and recipes, and other activities during an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in her new studio, 1613 Charleston Ave. Studio 91 is staffed by Craig and Pilates instructor Sharon Godwin. Craig, who has 20 years of teaching experience, said her aim is to educate students rather than just teach them about the "what, how and whys" of yoga poses. She said each pose is unique in how it not only works the muscles, but eases tension in the body at the same time. In addition, Craig said she likes to educate students about sensation. She said yoga should be felt and not ever looked at as if everyone should all look the same in a pose. She noted that most poses can be modified to adjust to most all people's limitations, with the aid of chairs or other yoga props. "As we are all unique in our own ways, we also put different demands on our bodies and in our minds," Craig said. "We need to learn what feels right and what feels wrong for us personally in any pose. I teach that." Craig said she also educates about deep breathing techniques that can energize people, calm them, help them sleep better, and oxygenate and stimulate their entire body. She said the body and mind respond quickly when these techniques are put together with the yoga poses and sensations. She said yoga does take patience and consistency, adding that there is no quick fix for anything. However, Craig said she believes the positive rewards far outweigh any negatives. "What we learn about ourselves in yoga on the mat we most certainly begin to bring into our daily lives," Craig said. "Whether you are looking to control stress in your life, combat depression or sleeplessness, get stronger or more flexible, or quiet the mind, there is a yoga class here for you." Craig said yoga is her passion in life and helping others learn to build their confidence with their own yoga practices makes her happy. Craig said this passion began 20 years ago after she was diagnosed with Graves disease, an autoimmune disease that caused her to have panic attacks. "The only way I found to get them under control was with deep, steady breathing. I was doing a form of yoga without even knowing it. This disease brought on an awareness of my mind and body which eventually led me to the path of yoga," Craig said. She has earned accreditation through the Yoga Alliance. Prior to opening Studio 91, Craig led yoga classes at the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and other venues. Craig said she uses her own studio to provide a small, quiet space full of ambiance to help shut out the outside world. She said this helps students turn inward to begin their journey to calmness and peacefulness. From Consortium News The New York Times has made it official. In a Sunday front-page article entitled "Trump Ruled the Tabloid Media. Washington Is a Different Story," the paper gloats that Donald Trump has proved powerless to stop a flood of leaks threatening to capsize his administration. As reporters Glenn Thrush and Michael M. Grynbaum put it : "This New York-iest of politicians, now an idiosyncratic, write-your-own-rules president, has stumbled into the most conventional of Washington traps: believing he can master an entrenched political press corps with far deeper connections to the permanent government of federal law enforcement and executive department officials than he has." Thrush and Grynbaum add a few paragraphs later that Trump "is being force-fed lessons all presidents eventually learn -- that the iron triangle of the Washington press corps, West Wing staff and federal bureaucracy is simply too powerful to bully." Iron triangle? Permanent government? In its tale of how Trump went from being a favorite of the New York Post and Daily News to fodder for the big-time Washington news media, the Times seems to be going out of its way to confirm dark paranoid fears of a "deep state" lurking behind the scenes and dictating what political leaders can and cannot do. "Too powerful to bully" by a "write-your-own-rules president" is another way of saying that the permanent government wants to do things its way and will not put up with a president telling it to take a different approach. Entrenched interests are nothing new, of course. But a major news outlet bragging about collaborating with such elements in order to cripple a legally established government is. The Times was beside itself with outrage when top White House adviser Steve Bannon described the media as " the opposition party ." But one can't help but wonder what all the fuss is about since an alliance aimed at hamstringing a presidency is nothing if not oppositional. If so, a few things are worth keeping in mind. One is that Trump was elected, even if only by an Eighteenth-Century relic known as the Electoral College, whereas the deep state, permanent government, or whatever else you want to call it was not. Where Trump gave speeches, kissed babies, and otherwise sought out the vote, the deep state did nothing. To the degree this country is still a democracy, that must count for something. So if the conflict between president and the deep state ever comes down to a question of legitimacy, there is no doubt who will come out ahead: The Donald. A second thing worth keeping in mind is that if ever there was a case of the unspeakable versus the inedible (to quote Oscar Wilde), the contest between a billionaire president and billionaire-owned press is it. Both sides are more or less correct in what they say about the other. Trump really is a strongman at war with basic democratic norms just as innumerable Times op-ed articles say he is. And giant press organization like the Times and the Washington Post are every bit as biased and one-sided as Trump maintains -- and no less willfully gullible, one might add, than in 2002 or 2003 when they happily swallowed every lie put out by the George W. Bush administration regarding Iraqi WMDs or Saddam Hussein's support for Al Qaeda. Riveting TV Trump's Feb. 16 press conference -- surely the most riveting TV since Jerry Springer was in his prime -- is a case in point. The President bobbed, weaved, and hurled abuse like a Catskills insult comic. He threw out pseudo-facts, describing his victory, for instance, as "the biggest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan" when in fact George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all got more votes. But commentators who panned the display as a " freak show " or simply " batshit crazy " didn't get it. It wasn't Trump who bombed that afternoon, but the press. Why? Because reporters behaved with all the intelligence of a pack of Jack Russell terriers barking at a cat up a tree. Basically, they've been seized by the ide'e fixe that Russia is a predator state that hacks elections, threatens U.S. national security, and has now accomplished the neat trick of planting a Kremlin puppet in the Oval Office. It doesn't matter that evidence is lacking or that the thesis defies common sense. It's what they believe, what their editors believe, and what the deep state believes too (or at least pretends to). So the purpose of the Feb. 16 press conference was to pin Trump down as to whether he also believes the Russia-did-it thesis and pillory him for deviating from the party line. More than half the questions that reporters threw out were thus about Russia, about Mike Flynn, the ex-national security adviser who got into trouble for talking to the Russian ambassador before the new administration formally took office, or about reputed contacts between the Trump campaign staff and Moscow. One reporter thus demanded to know if anyone from Trump's campaign staff had ever spoken with the Russian government or Russian intelligence. Another asked if Trump had requested FBI telephone intercepts before determining that Flynn had not broken the law. "I just want to get you to clarify this very important point," said a third. "Can you say definitively that nobody on your campaign had any contacts with the Russians during the campaign?" A fourth wanted to get the President's reaction to such "provocations" as a Russian communications vessel floating 30 miles off the coast of Connecticut (in international waters). "Is Putin testing you, do you believe, sir?" the reporter asked as if he had just uncovered a Russian agent in the Lincoln Bedroom. "...But do they damage the relationship? Do they undermine this country's ability to work with Russia?" When yet another journalist asked yet again "whether you are aware that anyone who advised your campaign had contacts with Russia during the course of the election," Trump cried out in frustration: "How many times do I have to answer this question?" It was the most intelligent query of the day. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). An often-used tactic to squelch any criticism of the policies of the State of Israel is to call the criticism anti-semitic. The sponsors of the event become afraid of the label anti-semitism, false as it is, and cancel the event to avoid any controversy. The tactic is used widely all over Europe and the United States. Yesterday, my talk on the Women's Boat to Gaza and the conditions in Gaza that I was to give in a room at the Rome City Hall, was cancelled 24 hours before the event by the Council Member who had agreed to arrange for the room. His staff revealed that he had gotten intense pressure from the Israeli Embassy and Rome's Jewish Community Association to stop the presentation. In a fast media blitz organized by Italy's Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions program, two of Rome's newspapers wrote of the cancellation and several radio stations reported on it. BDS Italy scheduled a press conference about the cancellation in the plaza in front of the City Hall at the time the talk was scheduled. Around 20 media attended, a much larger number than would have attended the talk itself. Due to the number of media and the questions concerning the cancellation, the Marcello de Vito, President of the Rome City Council, invited three of us to come into the City Hall to discuss the cancellation. This invitation provided us with the opportunity to discuss the conditions in Gaza and the West Bank and the nonviolent tactics such as BDS and Boats to Gaza to bring international attention to the harmful policies of the State of Israel. From their questions, it was apparent that the President, another City Council member and their staff were not familiar with the Israeli Blockade of Gaza, the illegal settlements, the apartheid wall, the numbers of Palestinian children and youth held in Israeli jails and the theft of Palestinian resources by Israeli companies. Last year in Beyreuth, Germany the prize for Tolerance and Peace awarded to CODEPINK: Women for Peace was cancelled by the Mayor after two reporters well-known for writing spurious articles alleged that CODEPINK was an anti-semitic organization. Following an extensive letter writing campaign from members of the German Parliament and others who know CODEPINK's actions that challenge the policies of the State of Israel are not anti-semitic, the Bayreuth City Council voted to reinstate the award amidst much publicity. Also, last year a conference in which grandmothers who had been through World War II were to speak was cancelled with the same allegations. 90-year old Hedie Esptein, whose parents had been killed in the Holocaust and she herself survived only by being sent to England as a part of the Kindertransport, and a strong and vocal critic of the Israeli treatment of Palestinians brought her into the target of defenders of Israeli policies and caused a cancellation of the entire event. Events on university campuses all over Europe and in the United States have been cancelled as the State of Israel exerts extreme pressure on any institution allowing the honest debate of Israeli policies. Responding quickly to the false allegations of anti-semitism is key to challenging the Israeli government offensive toward those who challenge their illegal and inhumane policies toward Palestinians. Following are links to media coverage in Rome which highlight how the pushback from BDS Italy created far more publicity for the plight of Palestinians than the event itself would have: Right wing mainstream Top newspaper, Rome pages Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Peace (Image by leighblackall) Details DMCA Global corporations and international government alliances are pushing war, environmental destruction, economic exploitation, defunding of schools and housing, hateful divisive ideologies, and reductions in rights and liberties as a package wrapped in shiny foil, tied with a bow, and advertised in hundreds of different advertising media. . . . and in this corner we have local and national organizations, segregated by race and other demographics, raising pitiable sums to fund nonprofit work, each to work against one or another particular item out of the package. Occasionally a movement will propose to take on two or three items at once but be shouted down with cries of "WHAT IS YOUR ONE DEMAND!?" In my view, not only was Thomas Jefferson right to list all of King George's wrongs, not only was Martin Luther King Jr. right to propose taking on militarism, racism, and extreme materialism all together, but the way to an effective movement -- not just a larger movement, but a coherent movement with a vision for a better future -- is to go multi-issue, big-tent, cross-border, and otherwise "intersectional." We're facing environmental disaster. It might be mitigated by a massive investment in clean energy. The only possible source of the kind of money needed is in the institution that is currently doing the most environmental damage -- so, taking its funding away serves a double purpose. I'm talking, of course, about the military, to which Trump's budget would give over 60% of discretionary spending. For what? For "stealing their oil" and "killing their families." Once you start opposing killing families, the remaining purpose for the military stands out as rather anti-environmental. But that 60% of discretionary spending is also why the quality of life, life expectancy, health, and happiness of people in the United States doesn't match up with its level of wealth. You've heard all about the wealth hoarded by the billionaires. It's a drop in the bucket. Throwing the military $700 billion a year, year after year, explains not having free college, free clean energy, free fast trains, beautiful parks, wonderful arts, a basic income guarantee, and why the U.S. isn't leading the world in actual foreign aid rather then begrudging it a stingy token. I don't mean that we could choose one of these other things instead of military spending. I mean that we could choose all of them. I'd gladly give Donald Trump the leftover billions too just to shut up. Who cares? The world would be a wonderful place. I usually don't include healthcare in the list of things we could fund because we're already over-funding it. We're just funding a corrupt system of private insurance companies that wastes a lot of it. This corrupt system is the result of a corrupt system of government defended by increasingly militarized police cracking down on the use of the First Amendment. Failing to connect these issues leaves us fumbling in the dark. Refugees from U.S. wars are blamed for their suffering and then used as justification for more wars. The wars are fueled by racism and in turn fuel greater racism and bigotry, which does its damage within the United States and at the locations of its wars and its bases around the world. Part of the bigotry fueled by war for centuries is sexism. Part of what keeps the wars going is perverse machismo. We should trace the roots of these fears, as many of those roots can be found in military spending to just the same extent that the lack of funds for teachers can. Yet we try to address the erosion of civil liberties as though it stands alone. What would be the justification for spying on everyone, for example, if there were no enemies? It sounds fantastic, I suppose, but numerous nations that are not at war do not have enemies. The United States should try it sometime, if only for the novelty. There is another serious result of putting our resources into wars, though, and that is the generation of so many enemies, so much hatred, such widespread hostility and resentment. There is, of course, a way to overcome the fear of terrorism, and that is to stop engaging in the terrorism that produces blowback. There is no divide between foreign and domestic. There is no pro-war environmentalism, or crony capitalist human rights work, or racist peacemaking. If the absence of The One Single Demand troubles someone, give them the single demand that they go read a book. My guest today is Dr. Carol Paris, president of PNHP, Physicians for a National Health Plan. Dr. Carol Paris, President, PNHP (Image by PNHP) Details DMCA Joan Brunwasser: Welcome to OpEdNews, Carol. I read an interesting piece recently: Amid GOP Attacks on Health Care, the Movement for Single Payer Is Growing . Before we discuss the claims made in this article, please tell our readers a little bit about PNHP. Carol Paris: Hi, Joan. Thank you for inviting me to OpEdNews. PNHP is a single issue organization founded in 1987. Our mission is to advocate for universal, comprehensive, single payer national health insurance. Since that time, the membership has grown to 20,000 physicians and other health professionals. Much of the oft-quoted research about medical bankruptcy and unnecessary deaths due to lack of insurance is the work of PNHP co-founders, Dr. David Himmelstein and Dr. Steffie Woolhandler. JB: We've entered uncharted waters one month into the administration of this president. Various institutions are already under attack, including, and especially, Obama's Affordable Care Act. How does PNHP look at this? CP: Our current view is informed by our past experience. In early 2009, with a newly elected Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, we were denied a "seat at the table" to make a case for Single Payer/Improved Medicare for All. I was personally told that single payer "isn't politically feasible" by my congressman at the time, Steny Hoyer, the House Majority Leader. This was straight from the Democratic Playbook. Eight activists, myself included, tried for a "seat at the table" again in May 2009, when Sen. Baucus, then chair of the Senate Finance Committee, invited 41 people to a series of roundtable discussions to discuss reform options but refused to extend an invitation to our single payer spokesperson. We each stood up, asked why single payer wasn't even being considered, and were arrested. (Charges were eventually reduced, requiring only community service.) By early 2010, we saw the public option horse-traded for the few provisions that the American people are now holding on to with all their might - the elimination of pre-existing conditions and the provision of income-based premium subsidies. Without these, going forward, my own daughter and her family will join the 20 million people who will no longer be able to afford health insurance. Jan. 2010, in front of Renaissance Harbor Hotel, where Pres. Obama was speaking to GOP House Issues Conference and where Paris and Dr. Margaret Flowers got arrested for second time (Image by PNHP) Details DMCA Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). I don't know if you're like me, but there are days when the sound of Mr. Trump's voice just makes me want to curl up in a fetal position. The losses we've suffered just in the past week, as the new EPA head started gutting water and air protections, makes me think of the earlier generations of activists who worked so hard to get these laws enacted. Last night I wanted to shout at the TV when, instead of mentioning climate change, he boasted about approving new pipelines. But then I remind myself that, given the situation, we're off to a pretty good start fighting his efforts. The Women's Marches and the airport protests were remarkable moments, and they put a dent in his momentum. We'll need much more of this kind of resistance. Specifically, for those of us focused on the climate questions that will define the future of our planet, we need to be fixing on the end of April. On April 22, Earth Day, scientists will march, and I hope the rest of us will be engaging our community: we've got to keep explaining to all our neighbors that climate change is the furthest thing from a hoax. Then on April 29 , which falls on about the hundredth day of the new administration, we need to gather in Washington DC and across the country for the People's Climate March. When we did this in New York in 2014 it helped propel the plane towards the Paris climate accords. This time we need -- powerfully -- to make clear that we haven't gone away, and that we will not let the U.S. retreat. It will be a solemn day -- we've just come through the hottest year ever measured on this planet, after all. But it will also be a joyful and rousing one: we'll be celebrating the launch of a new drive to make our nation run on a 100% renewable energy economy that works for all. We know Trump won't support it, but we're getting on with the job at hand: demonstrating the political will for climate justice so that every other politician sprints as far ahead as possible. Here's the place to sign up: 350.org/PCM2017. But we need you doing more than signing up and showing up. We need you, as always, organizing: getting others to come, filling buses, creating art, suggesting themes. We need each other, really. That's what a movement is. What are we doing? Seriously, give some serious consideration to what we, the patrons of this site, are actively doing to regain control of our country? For almost four years, I have been posting articles and comments on this site and the only results I see are more articles with more comments. No action or even actionable plans. Oh sure, there are an abundance of ideas of what we SHOULD do, but no structured organization designed to convert those ideas into country changing results. Ever stop to take an unbiased evaluation of just why the Right still not only survives, but is continually gaining power? I have and I think that the key to their successes has to do with the fact that they are heavily endowed with a strong military influence. In case you have never noticed, the military relies on the powerful structure of a chain of command, with heavy penalties for those who don't abide that form of dictatorial rule. As a result, the Left is continually butting heads with -- and losing to -- a well funded and organized political machine that is unhampered by legal, moral and/or ethical standards OR powerful, permanent dissenters from within. Many times I have heard the famous quote by Will Rogers, when asked what political party he belonged to. His response was, "I'm not a member of any organized political party. I'm a Democrat." I've also heard that trying to organize the Democrats was like trying to control a herd of cats. Those two statements make my point, we -- us on the Left, especially the Progressive side -- will keep losing our country until we recognize our basic flaw -- we are inherently not focused and structured to strategically win. So, what are we to do? How do we channel our angst and anger to the next level of action? I certainly think that we have to give up our current willy-nilly approach of hammering out our arbitrary concerns and opinions on these pages. Instead, we must organize, organize and organize. Perhaps we could petition Rob Kall to set aside a special area of this site that would be designed around the concept of building a permanent, long-lasting and ongoing response to the Right's takeover of our country. I recently watched a two part interview with one of the best political minds of our generation -- Chris Hedges -- discuss what is needed to save our democracy. While the interview was done in 2013, it was only recently posted on Youtube a few weeks ago. The links are here and here. Besides showing off Hedges's ability to forecast the future, one of the most important points that he made, was that to be effective, resistance MUST be organized and focused on a central purpose. A positive perspective of the future must be an integral part of the planning, as a vision of purpose is central to success. One-off attacks are a losing waste, as they dissipate the power of the central theme and discourage, rather than encourage expanding participation. Another valid point that Hedges makes is that the most likely activist will be the young and discouraged. They are on the front lines of despair and are anxious to be shown a way out. I'm reminded of how the Occupy Movement began. It was a group of young people who met regularly to iron out their plans and prepare for set-backs as well as expansion of their movement. What they didn't take into consideration was the nation-wide consolidation among the policing authorities who infiltrated their communications and were waiting in advance of any further expansions of the movement. These are the kinds of "road blocks" that must be taken into advance consideration during the organization stage of dissent. What kind of "demonstration" of our discontent should/could we attempt? I am not prepared to say. We have in our midst many ideas that could be powerful focal points for our discontent. John Rachel, for example, has an entire "suite" of worthy ideas that should be pursued. I recently thought that it would be interesting to see if we could harness the disgust of the demonstrating masses by promoting a mass exodus to Canada on specified days. I envision thousands of cars queuing up at all of the Canadian Ports of entry asking for paperwork on becoming Canadian Permanent Residents. But again, these singular ideas should only be folded into a larger, more detailed plan with expansion aspects and considerations for retaliations. So what do you say, OEN patrons? Up for a challenge that requires more than just seeking some ego salve via a posted article or comment? Ready to do some REAL work and put your ideas into the boiling cauldron of reality and see what comes out? If so, bring on those comments ... (Article changed on March 6, 2017 at 04:29) (Article changed on March 6, 2017 at 20:55) From The Nation The most significant election result for Democrats on February 25 wasn't the selection of former labor secretary Tom Perez as the new party chair at an all-too-predictable gathering of Democratic National Committee members in Atlanta. It was the result announced that evening in Middletown, Delaware, where environmental attorney Stephanie Hansen won what was supposed to be a close special election for an open State Senate seat with 58 percent of the vote. That win gave Delaware Democrats something their party now has in only five other states: "trifecta" control of the governorship and both houses of the legislature. In other words, they can govern. The truth is that Democrats have been in crisis for a long time. The loss of the presidency matters -- as Donald Trump reminds us each day. What matters more, though, is the overall decay of a party that once sufficiently commanded Congress to temper Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, but that now gets shoved around by Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell. Democrats, who once ruled the states, now control just 16 governorships and 31 of 98 partisan legislative chambers. And a new breed of hyper-partisan Republicans are using their dominance to lock in electoral power through extreme gerrymandering, voter-ID laws, and assaults on labor rights. Click Here to Read Whole Article No matter who won the competition between Perez and Representative Keith Ellison to lead the DNC, the new chair's only real job was always going to be to end this losing streak. That's not some crass partisan calculus; it's an absolute necessity if America is going to undo not just Trump and Trumpism but the program of inequality and injustice that contemporary conservatives advance. Ellison had the bolder vision for merging the "demonstration energy" of the resistance to Trump with the "electoral energy" that Democrats must muster in 2018. His approach extended from the left-wing, small-donor-funded, millennial-energizing presidential candidacy of Bernie Sanders, which Ellison backed -- and which Perez, and most of the party establishment, opposed. The Working Families Party's Dan Cantor described Ellison's narrow defeat as "a missed opportunity" -- and so it is. But it's important to recognize that a majority of DNC members were willing to miss that opportunity, as they've missed so many others over so many years. Ellison's backers had to reckon with a creepy (though easily rebutted) attempt to portray the congressman, who is Muslim, as anti-Semitic. But his defeat had a lot more to do with the refusal of insider Democrats to recognize that their party must get out of Washington (with a genuine 50-state strategy); break the bonds of big money (with small-donor funding); link itself with grassroots activist groups; and abandon the "Third Way" compromises that have turned too many Democrats into errand runners for Wall Street. So is the DNC irredeemable? That question will be answered by Perez and Ellison. Perez was to the left of the Obama administration: for unions and a $15-an-hour minimum wage, for diversity and immigrant rights. He immediately made Ellison his deputy chair. There's potential in that arrangement -- if it really is a partnership, and if Perez implements the "dramatic cultural change" he promises. At the heart of that change must be an understanding that, to advance electorally, partisans must not just resist Trump; they must also resist the uninspiring lesser-of-two-evils arguments that leave voters wondering if Democrats stand for anything. In this, they can take counsel from State Senator Hansen. She waged a resistance campaign, speaking at a "Sister March" on January 21; celebrating every endorsement from labor, environmental, and LGBTQ groups; and urging voters to push back against Education Secretary Betsy DeVos by denying like-minded Republicans control of the State Senate chamber. Activists heard her; door-to-door canvasses that traditionally draw 25 people attracted 250. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "We're at a paradigm-shift moment in history, where we will look back at it and realize that a particular model of how we govern our affairs together became outdated. Kall's book Bottom-Up offers great alternatives and solutions that are not found in conventional governing models." Carne Ross , is a former British diplomat, a strategy coordinator for the UN, and author of the book, The Leaderless Revolution. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 To remove advertising from OpEd News, please become a premium member "Rob Kall is a social media force of nature. Accessible, insightful and forward thinking. Bottom-Up provides the kind of cutting-edge and savvy thinking that will move anyone's business forward at an accelerating pace. Highly recommended" Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author, editor, and lecturer Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall has certainly acquired the firsthand experiences and knowledge gained through interviews to deliver some interesting insights about the "bottom-up" information revolution. Whereas the old 'top-down' systems created stove-pipes and excessive secrecy that blocked information sharing and led to the 'failure to connect the dots' before 9-11, the bottom-up approach should be the main fix. Kall's concept would seem to interface equally well with the founding fathers' idealism in setting forth their democratic theory of governance as with the realism that makes the multi-sourced, bottom-up Wikipedia work. As someone who shares my support of both government and corporate whistleblowing -- which is nothing more than encouraging greater horizontal sharing of information, I commend Rob Kall's important work on this topic." Coleen Rowley, former FBI special agent and named one of TIME Magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002) Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Public Enemy Number One: America's Corpocracy (Image by riccardodivirgilio) Details DMCA Prelude A few weeks ago I granted a request for an interview by Moshen Abdelmoumen to answer his 12 questions. He is an Algerian independent journalist based in Belgium who publishes in English and in French in several newspapers online. Among his interviewees have been Dr. Edward S. Herman, Dr. Noam Chomsky, Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, Marjorie Cohn, Dr. Henry Giroux, Dr. Andrew Bacevich and Bruce Riedel. Mr. Riedel was a senior official at the CIA for 30 years and has been a senior advisor on South Asia and the Middle East to the last four US presidents (including President Obama) on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House. Need I say more about Mr. Riedel? What follows now are my answers to the 12 questions. 1. How do you explain the long history of US interventionism? What is your analysis? "Interventionism" is a very appropriate term. It covers a lot of territory, and that is exactly what America has been doing even before she became a nation 240 years ago. The US is a habitual interventionist. Domestically it is in the form of fascism, or a police state, that treads on human rights. Internationally, it is in the form of militaristic imperialism. In either form the intervention is always exploitative of the weak and powerless, often violent, destructive, and deadly (countless millions of people in many lands have been killed directly and indirectly by US overt and covert wars). The roots of US interventionism can be traced to the American Revolution and its antecedents (e.g., importing slaves from Africa). The plutocrats who were soon to be enthroned as our "founding fathers" wanted to replace the rule by King George and his own corpocracy (e.g., his East Indies Corporation) with their own home-grown version of American corpocracy, which I refer to as the Devil's marriage between powerful corporations and government that quickly became corrupted by, indebted to and thus controlled by corporate America. Those "founding fathers" by the way, rather than being idolized should be condemned instead. An objective review of history reveals them to be "greedy, hypocritical elites who---set out to put in place a government that would 'weaken the many and empower the few'" (quote is from a New Yorker review of the book, American Revolution by Alan Taylor). Precisely! That government started out and has always been for corporate America, not for the people. Moreover, America's corpocracy should be regarded as "public enemy number one," enemy of the American people and of the world (world opinion sees the US as the greatest threat to world peace). There undoubtedly would never be any US interventionism, at least the unfriendly, violent kind, therefore, without the corpocracy and its five elements; the power elite, the courtiers and ideologues, the functionaries, and active accomplices. Inactive accomplices are another element, but outside the corpocracy. The population of the power elite is infinitesimally small compared to the total US population. The power elite comprises leaders of most industries (especially defense/war and related industries) and their major trade associations, major financial institutions (behind every war is a bankster); leaders of mainstream media corporations; the US President and chairs of war related Congressional committees); military leaders, and key members of the shadow government (e.g. the CIA); and the US Supreme Court---yes, even the latter is a pawn of corporate America. The courtiers and ideologues are influential advisors and zealous boosters such as The Defense Policy Board, the Brookings Institute, and the National Endowment for Democracy that recently called for the US to oust Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The functionaries are the millions of people in government and industry who carry out the everyday dirty business of interventionism, including continuous overt and covert war activities. Active accomplices are individuals, organizations or groups that give assistance to war-related activities. They give intentional (rarely acknowledge) assistance in some form or another. They include investors in corporate America; most nongovernmental organizations that feed off of government and corporate funding; the "behavior shapers" (e.g., hawkish think tanks; hawkish religious leaders; educators; PR firms; journalists); certain professions, especially the legal profession; and many physical and social sciences (e.g., the recent active support by the leadership of the American Psychological Association in the torturing of Guantanamo prisoners). Inactive accomplices are the "innocent" or silent bystanders" of America who never in any meaningful way speak out against or actively protest the corpocracy, especially its war making. During my career, I am ashamed to say, I was basically part of this element, keeping my protests mostly muted. My answer so far does not really explain the behavior of the people inside the corpocracy. Why, for instance, do real people of the power elite do what they do? Long ago I developed a nonmathematical equation to explain human behavior. Filling in both sides of the equation explains the corpocracy's members' behavior very well. I will illustrate its use in answering the third question. 2. Are the United States a State or is it a war machine controlled by the military-industrial complex? 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). I remember another time when all Republicans could do was cry about the rule of law. They had a president they hated in the Oval Office who had just perjured himself in a civil deposition involving a private sexual encounter between two consenting adults. Unseemly? Absolutely. Unpresidential? No question. Illegal? Well Bill Clinton would be disbarred and impeached over this offense. I remember the coverage back then and how every single Republican operative would be in front of the cameras day and night decrying the lying under oath and how the President must go. History has judged Bill Clinton as well and found him guilty as charged for this particular offense. While he is still beloved, his presidency remains tarnished by how it ended. By becoming only the second U.S. president to ever be impeached, albeit not convicted by the Senate. The end game for the GOP was never really to see him convicted. It was to ruin him. To try and usurp his legacy and leave him as a presidential footnote rather than a noteworthy president. During the height of the debacle, Bill Clinton was fighting desperately to defend himself against what was pretty obvious to everyone. In the civil deposition, he was asked about his relationship with Monica Lewinski and he responded "There is nothing going on between us." When this had proven demonstrably false, Bill Clinton gave us a new definition of hairsplitting spin: "It depends upon what the meaning of the word 'is' is. ... If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement". This became the infamous "what the definition of is, is" moment that signaled the beginning of the end for Bill Clinton. This exchange became the text book definition of parsing words in a deceptive manner. You know, lying. I understand that in the land of alternate facts, the word lying has seemingly become obsolete but maybe it is time to return to the days when you told an untruth you were called out for lying. For your consideration, I present to you Jefferson Beauregard Sessions. Jeff Sessions is the current Attorney General of the United States. He is the top law enforcement officer and lawyer in the land. When Jeff Sessions went for his confirmation hearing before Congress in January, under oath, he was asked point blank by Senator Al Franken (D-Minn) what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. His answers were very clear: "I'm not aware of any of those activities" "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians" Oops. It turns out that his own office has now confirmed that he in fact had two separate meetings with the Ambassador to Russia, Sergey Kislyak, in 2016. One of these meetings was a private meeting held in September when the Russian hacking our elections scandal was at its height. The assigned lying spokesperson for Sessions actually claimed that there was "nothing misleading about his answer." You are correct. To call his answer misleading would be unfair. It was a lie. It was in fact the kind of lie that used to get you impeached, disbarred and prosecuted. Why? Because it was a lie under oath. That was the big cry against Clinton. Not that he lied but that he had the temerity to smear the rule of law by lying under oath. That was enough in Republican minds to seek blood. Fast forward 20 years and it seems the bloodlust is not equal when it is one of their own. Like Clinton before him, Sessions is in full parsing mode because it appears this issue comes down to what we think the definition of "not" is. To understand the Sessions nuance, one must believe that when he said he did not have communications with the Russians during the election season that "not" was in relation to his role as campaign surrogate and not in his role as Senator and member of the Armed Services Committee. Bill Clinton must be proud. The Washington Post has reached out to the other members of the Armed Services Committee and of the 20 who responded, including Chairman John McCain (R -- Arizona); none said they had spoken to the Russian Ambassador during 2016. The calls have already been shouted from the rooftops for Sessions to recuse himself from any investigation into the Russian connection to the Trump White House and/or campaign but I think that sorely misses the issue. Jeff Sessions does not need to recuse himself -- he needs to be prosecuted. Many of us learned our first civics lesson on perjury during the Clinton impeachment scandal when the rule of law was considered sacrosanct. You cannot raise your hand in a legal proceeding, swear to tell the whole truth and then lie. Or mislead. Or be duplicitous in your use of the word "not." If you or I was caught in this scenario, lying under oath to Congress, we would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Why does Jeff Session get special treatment? I want to take us back to 1999 and the rationale given by a Republican Senator for his vote to convict Bill Clinton of impeachment. It has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty that President William Jefferson Clinton perjured himself before a Federal grand jury and has persisted in a continuous pattern of lying and obstructing justice. The chief law-enforcement officer of the land, whose oath of office calls on him to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, crossed the line and failed to defend and protect the law and, in fact, attacked the law and the rights of a fellow citizen. Under our Constitution, equal justice requires that he forfeit his office. For these reasons, I felt compelled to vote to convict and remove the President from office. It is crucial to our system of justice that we demand the truth. I fear that an acquittal of this President will weaken the legal system by providing an option for those who consider being less than truthful in court. Whereas the handling of the case against President Nixon clearly strengthened the nation's respect for law, justice and truth, the Clinton impeachment may unfortunately have the opposite result. Who was this bastion for the rule of law and staunch defender of the sanctity of our legal system? Senator Jeff Sessions. I say we take him at his word from 1999. Ignoring his perjury before Congress will lead to people considering being less than truthful in court. We need to strengthen the nation's respect for law, justice and truth. It is crucial that we demand the truth. In closing let us not lose sight over what the underlying issues were. Bill Clinton lied about receiving oral sex consensually in a civil deposition. All the Republicans could do at the time was say the underlying issue did not matter because the lying is what was so corrosive to our republic and the rule of law. Jeff Sessions lied to congress in order to be confirmed as the Attorney General of the United States. He lied about meeting with Russian officials during an election season where all of our intelligence assets agree the Russians tampered with our election. Jeff Sessions may not be able to fully comprehend the definition of such a slippery word as "not" but certainly he will remember the word perjury since it was so close to his heart just 17 years ago. If not, it is time to remind him. This is another occasional article in my crusade to put venal corporate America and its pawn, corrupted, captive government, in their well deserved slime light, one that can't be missed by anyone who is observant and not fooled. Nevertheless, this article may shed some further slime light. Industry Overview The industry evolved from the public's and various organizations' and enterprises' needs to be protected at a cost less than being unprotected from the risks that might occur from various mishaps such as those associated with property damage, death, automobile accidents, health care; etc. The earliest instances of transferring or distributing risk date back 5,000 years to Chinese and Babylonian traders. In the U.S. today the industry is a booming trillion dollar annual business comprising over 6,000 companies and employing over two and one-half million people. There are nearly 30 different kinds of insurance offered by the industry. There are even "back-up" reinsurance companies to insure the up-front insurance companies. No company offers all of the different kinds of insurance. Most insurance companies specialize in only one or a few of the different kinds. Overview of the Regulators Because the insurance industry can affect the public in bad ways there are various State and Federal regulatory entities with the purported purpose of implementing and enforcing laws designed to protect the public from wrongdoing by the protectors. Initially, insurance companies were regulated solely by the States where the companies operated, but a US Supreme Court self-reversing decision in the early 19th century led to some Federal laws and implementing regulations such as in cases of price fixing. Not that it mattered though as we shall see. Capture of the Regulators by the Regulated There probably isn't any industry operating intra and inter-state in America that has not "captured" their regulators, making them protectors of the regulated and leaving the public unprotected. That is simply the way America's corpocracy operates; namely, Government America's acquiescence to Corporate America. The insurance industry, of course is no exception. Regulators become the protectors of unscrupulous protectors, so to speak. There are several ways in which the insurance industry has captured State and Federal regulators; by financing political campaigns; by lobbying; by ghost writing lax and loophole regulations; and by skirting accountability or by minimizing fines for malfeasance. These modalities, of course, are not peculiar to the insurance industry. Greasing Politicians' Palms Campaign donations are simply bribes in disguise since corporations expect returns from their donations. The insurance industry is a major donor, giving in the 2012 election cycle nearly $55 million to parties and candidates. Lobbying and Ghost Writing. In 2015 the industry spent over $150 million to lobby politicians to favor the industry. This amount triples the financing contributions, which tells us that some candidates who won weren't the most favored ones so lobbying becomes much more important and expensive. A lobbyist's penultimate achievements I should think are being allowed to ghost write favorable regulations and to thwart the passage of unfavorable legislation and ensuing unfavorable implementing regulations. Revolving Door Public officials with responsibilities for governing the insurance industry leave government and join the industry or vice versa. The revolving door is a proven way to keep influence peddling by the industry moving along and the soaking of the public unabated. Never Get In Jail and Wrist Slapping Because government, rather than being public controlled, is corporate controlled, that very same government will bend over backwards to be ignorant of or lenient with corporate wrongdoing. The insurance industry, like the other industries, benefits from government's cover. When was the last time you read about an insurance executive going to jail or an insurance company given more than a slap on the wrist for legal wrongdoing? Three Examples of the Industry's Malfeasance and Government Complicity I have searched for examples of legal and/or unethical industry malfeasance and government complicity in three of the larger and more familiar sectors; namely, health insurance, auto insurance, and home owners' insurance. Health Care Insurance The primary interest of the largest health insurance companies, being publicly traded on Wall Street, is to satisfy it and shareholders of huge financial investment firms. America's health is incidental. And, according to the activist group, Americans for Health Care Now, the business practices of these companies "have become the model for the nonprofit insurance companies with which they compete." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). As it appears Lithuania expects major changes in the near future. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius was on an official visit to the United States of America from the 20 to the 24 of February 2017. During a visit he said that Lithuania seeks the permanent presence of United States troops in its territory. "We have requested stationing of military forces in our country on a more permanent basis -- not only rotational but also more permanent," the minister told BNS in the telephone interview from Washington D.C. Linas Linkevicius' call for the permanent presence of United States troops in Lithuania territory can be regarded as forthcoming constitutional changes. The matter is, under Articles 137 of the Lithuanian constitution ( http://konstitucija.lt/lt/konstitucija/137-straipsnis/ ), there may not be any weapons of mass destruction and foreign military bases on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania. Unlikely words of the Lithuanian high-ranking official demonstrate only his personal point of view. Improbable also that he asked for permanent foreign military presence in the country without coordination with the President and the government. But do they have the right to act against Constitution? As it is well-known the government is only executive brunch and might not violate Constitution and decide for Lithuanian people. The more so, locals are not happy at all about foreign soldiers who often behave themselves without any respect to citizens. Such issue as foreign troops' deployment on permanent basis is at least an issue of a public discussion and then the amendments to the Constitution should be adopted by Seimas. The third step is new law execution by the government and people. Under another article of the Constitution (Article 25), the citizen shall have the right to receive, according to the procedure established by law, any information concerning him that is held by state institutions. The Minister of Foreign affairs also violates the Lithuanians' right of receiving information. It seems as if the decision had been made before Linkevicius announced the request was in the US. Lithuanians learnt about it only from Media resources ex post facto. If Mr. Linkevicius was authorized by the government to seek the permanent presence of United States troops in the territory of Lithuania it means that national authorities do not respect the citizens of their country and feel themselves omnipotent. It is clear that if such an agreement between the United States and Lithuania is signed it will for sure cause a negative reaction from Moscow, and will lead to even greater confrontation. This issue is even more than questionable, because may cause two basically different consequences. On one hand it can be the indicator of NATO strong capability to defend its members, on the other -- it can force Russia to further increase its military strength. It is the so-called vicious cycle. A chain of events in which the Russian response to Lithuania can aggravates the existing threat of open confrontation. Defence and security are obviously the main tasks of Lithuanian politics, but law is law, not empty words. To obey the law, respect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution are the main responsibilities of the Lithuanian legislative branch. I do not want Lithuania would go down in history as the country that provoked a war due to lack of political wisdom. CHARLESTON -- Reggie Phillips is scheduled to speak at a Springfield rally geared to celebrate President Donald Trump on Saturday. The recently re-elected Republican state representative is expected to be one of a few state lawmakers to speak at the rally set up in conjunction with other rallies nationwide centered around showing support of the president. Phillips, of Charleston, said he is excited to be a part of the rally, but more importantly is eager to show Trump that even in Illinois, which is a strongly Democratic state, there are those who not only voted for him but support him going forward. Phillips, a Trump supporter in the general election, said he hopes the rally will help to get Trumps attention in Illinois. Phillips said changing the way the country views Illinois and what the state supports could lead to seeing future Democratic and Republican presidential candidates actually stop in the largely blue state. I am pro-Trump because he is our president, Phillips said. Phillips said the rally might direct the presidents attention toward helping keep Illinois jobs from going to places like Mexico as Trump has touted doing in other states with businesses like Carrier. The state representative said it would be great if he could help keep companies like General Electric in the state. According to the rallys Facebook page, other Republican lawmakers including Brad Holbrook, state representative, and Kyle McCarter, state senator, are on the list of those to speak. The rally is expected to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Abraham Lincoln statue, 301 S Second St., at the Illinois state Capitol. Fred Gransville & R. Armstrong Places People Go: Mural at Comet Ping Pong Pizza (alien) (Image by cometstarmoon) Details DMCA #Pizzagate is the latest tin-foil hat conspiracy stemming from numerous fictional articles about Hillary kidnapping, molesting and trafficking children in the back room of the kid-friendly Comet Ping Pong Pizza restaurant. "The conspiracy theory -- stemming from creative interpretation of well-connected Washington political players' emails, made public by Wikileaks -- abounds on websites like 4Chan and Reddit." The Best Way To Control The Opposition ISN'T To Lead It Ourselves with 'Fake News' The conspiracy community is having a field day making up non-existent claims about Pizzagate. The Washington Post noted that one of the main proponents of the Pizzagate theory was the far-right radio host in a bromance with President-elect Donald Trump, Alex Jones. Alex Jones repeatedly told his nut-job followers in a video that Clinton was involved in a child sex ring and that her campaign chairman, John Podesta, indulged in satanic rituals. "When I think about all the children Hillary Clinton has personally murdered and chopped up and raped, I have zero fear standing up against her," Jones said in a YouTube video posted on Nov. 4. "Yeah, you heard me right. Hillary Clinton has personally murdered children. I just can't hold back the truth anymore." Jones eventually tied his comments about Clinton to U.S. policy in Syria. isn't In his book, CIA's Ford Foundation? author Bob Feldman uncovered the multi-billion dollar Ford Foundation's historic relationship to the CIA. About a third of the whole CIA budget went to media propaganda operations, NOT Fake News. The Internet isn't used offensively as an additional medium in psychological operations campaigns (Psyops). http://mediafilter.org/MFF/USDCO.PsyWar.html [From Operation Mockingbird: The CIA and Propaganda July 2014] Operation Mockingbird, a domestic propaganda campaign aimed at promoting the views of the CIA within the media is one of the most sensitive of the CIA's operations, with recruitment of journalists and training of intelligence officers for propaganda purposes.[1] We're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars a year just for that.....close to a billion dollars are being spent every year by the United States on secret propaganda." Testimony of William Schapp to Congress. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Here's a little fact of our age: Rear Admiral Peter Clark is the 16th commander of America's notorious prison complex at Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba, opened in January 2002, and it seems he won't be the last. As the New York Times recently reported, the Trump administration is already readying a draft executive order that would direct the Pentagon to use that prison to "detain suspected members of 'Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and associated forces, including individuals and networks associated with the Islamic State.'" One such terror suspect, Abu Khaybar, held in Yemen by "another country" and long associated with al-Qaeda, is supposedly being eyed as the possible first new Guanta'namo detainee since the end of the Bush era. Consider all of this a guarantee that what might be the world's most notorious prison will undoubtedly have a 17th, 18th, and 19th commander -- brought to you by the job-creating administration of Donald J. Trump who, during the 2016 election campaign, swore that he would keep that prison open and "load it up with some bad dudes." In addition, instead of spending what he claimed was $40 million a month sprucing up Gitmo, he "guaranteed" that he would do it for "peanuts." Post-election, according to no less of an authority than White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, the president still "believes that Guanta'namo Bay does serve a very, very healthy purpose in our national security." Of course, the Islamic State agrees with both of them that it would be "healthy" indeed -- for ISIS, that is, which has already staged horrific videoed torture and killing scenes, while mockingly dressing its prisoners in the orange jumpsuits Guanta'namo made (in)famous. All I can say is thank god that, despite promising on day one of his presidency to shut down Guanta'namo within a year, President Obama didn't issue an executive order in his last months in office to do so (as he certainly could have). It would have set a terrible example of executive overreach for President Trump and might have led him, despite endless Republican complaints about such overreach during the Obama era, to resort to rule by executive order himself. (Sad!) So all looks upbeat indeed when it comes to the future of Guanta'namo-style extra-legality and to that crown jewel in what was once a Bermuda Triangle of offshore injustice, even if we don't yet know whether the Trump administration will send U.S. citizens there. Unfortunately, not all Americans have experienced the benefits of Gitmo equally. TomDispatch regular Karen Greenberg, director of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School and an expert on Guanta'namo, who has written on that subject for this website for more than a decade, is certainly one of those. She tells her sad story today. Tom Guanta'namo's Last 100 Days The Story That Never Was By Karen J. Greenberg In the spring of 2016, I asked a student of mine to do me a favor and figure out which day would be the 100th before Barack Obama's presidency ended. October 12th, he reported back, and then asked me the obvious question: Why in the world did I want to know? The answer was simple. Years before I had written a book about Guanta'namo's first 100 days and I was looking forward to writing an essay highlighting that detention camp's last 100 days. I had been waiting for this moment almost eight years, since on the first day of his presidency Obama signed an executive order to close that already infamous offshore prison within a year. I knew exactly what I would write. The piece would narrate the unraveling of that infamous detention facility, detail by detail, like a film running in reverse. I would have the chance to describe how the last detainees were marched onto planes (though not, as when they arrived, shackled to the floor, diapered, and wearing sensory-deprivation goggles as well). I would mention the dismantling of the kitchen, the emptying of the garrison, and the halting of all activities. Fifteen years after it was first opened by the Bush administration as a crucial site in its Global War on Terror, I would get to learn the parting thoughts of both the last U.S. military personnel stationed there and the final detainees, just as I had once recorded the initial impressions of the first detainees and their captors when Gitmo opened in January 2002. I would be able to dramatize the inevitable interagency dialogues about security and safety, post-Guanta'namo, and about preparing some of those detainees for American prison life. Though it had long been a distant dream, I was looking forward with particular relish to writing about the gates slamming shut on that symbol of the way the Bush administration had sent injustice offshore and about the re-opening of the federal courts to Guanta'namo detainees, including some of those involved in the planning of the 9/11 attacks. I was eager to describe the sighs of relief of those who had fought against the very existence of that prison and what it had been like, year after year, to continue what had long seemed to many of them like a losing battle. I could almost envision the relief on the worn faces of the defense attorneys and psychologists who had come to know firsthand the torment of the Gitmo prisoners, some still in their teens, who had been consigned to that state of endless limbo, many of them tortured psychologically and sometimes physically. I also looked forward -- and call me the dreamiest of optimists here -- to collecting statements of remorse from government and military types who had at one time or another shared responsibility for the Gitmo enterprise. Unlike me, most critics and activist opponents of that detention facility had long ago given up hope that Obama would ever follow through on his initial executive order. Across the years, the reasons for doing so were manifold. Some turned pessimistic in the spring of 2009 when, five months after he took the oath of office, the president let it be known that indefinite detention -- the holding of individuals without either charges or plans to try or release them -- would remain a key aspect of Washington's policy going forward. A collective cry of outrage came from the ACLU, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and other organizations that had long focused on the legal, moral, and political black hole of Gitmo. From there, it seemed like an endless slide to the idea that even closing Guanta'namo wouldn't finish off indefinite detention. (The heart and soul of Guanta'namo, in other words, would simply be transposed to prisons in the U.S.) Some lost hope over the years as the process of challenging the detention of Gitmo's prisoners in federal court -- known as filing a writ of habeas corpus -- increasingly proved a dead-end. After a couple of years in which detainees were granted release by the lower court approximately 75% of the time, reversals and denials began to predominate, bringing the habeas process to a virtual halt in 2011, a sorry situation Brian Foster, a prominent habeas lawyer from Covington and Burling LLP, has laid out clearly. Then, in the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress instituted a ban on the transfer of any Gitmo detainee to the United States for any purpose whatsoever -- trial, further detention, or release. If federal courts wouldn't deal with them and federal prisons couldn't hold them, then how in the world could Guanta'namo ever close? Still others lost hope as, in the Obama years, newly constituted military commissions that were meant to try the prisoners at Guanta'namo became a collective fool's errand. Since 2002, more prisoners (nine) have died there than have been successfully tried by those military commissions (eight). And of the eight convictions they got, two by trial and six by plea bargain, four have already been thrown out in whole or in part. In other words, those commissions, the Obama administration's answer to detention without trial, never worked. Pre-trial hearings, underway for years, in the cases still pending are expected to continue well into the 16th year since the attacks for which the defendants are to be tried took place. The chief prosecutor for the five 9/11 defendants who were brought to Gitmo in 2006 and charged in 2012, has recently -- without the slightest sense of irony or remorse -- proposed that their trials begin in March 2018. With appeals, they might conceivably conclude in the third decade of this century. The Last 100 Days That Weren't 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 New York Times recently ran a provocatively titled piece. Are Liberals Helping Trump? the headline asked. Invoking the recent wave of protests filling streets and infiltrating town halls across the country, Sabrina Tavernise, based on interviews with on the fence Trump voters, wonders whether these protests are counterproductive, and worries backlash against Trump could further alienate tentative Trump supporters who would otherwise be open to joining the other side. The piece did what it set out to do: for several days it was one of the most-read articles on the Times website, and it spurred impassioned reactions across the political spectrum. The general thrust of the article, though, appeared to be in the direction of the argument, made most often by centrists and anti-Trump conservatives, that if Democrats want to overcome their current state of powerlessness, they must make an effort to win over Trump voters. Dems will need to attract many Trump voters to retake congress, argued the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who was quoted in the piece. They should be more welcoming to them. In short, Democrats should not move left, as many have advised, but right, in an effort to capture those who are supposedly straddling the center. The problem, of course, is that this is absolutely nonsensical advice. Tavernise cites interviews with several Trump voters who should be natural allies for liberals trying to convince the country that Mr. Trump was a bad choice, arguing that if political action is meant to persuade people that Mr. Trump is bad for the country, then people on the fence would seem a logical place to start. But the waves of protest set off by Trumps election, she concludes, are repelling moderate conservatives and pushing them closer to Trump. This conclusion is hardly original: As one commentator noted, it is essentially the trope that is always used to attack protest movements of any kind. Most interesting, however, is not the articles argumentssome of which are downright nonsensical, like Tavernises insinuation that vocally supporting Trump today is akin to coming out as gay in the 1950sbut its hidden assumption, summarized nicely by Jonathan Haidt above. Democrats, the narrative goes, need to assuage Trump voters if they are to regain power. But heres the thing: they dont. Even a cursory examination of the voting data reveals Trump hardly established an unconquerable coalition of deranged right-wingers and sensible moderates. Trump, to put it in a few words, did not win the electionHillary Clinton lost it. To counter this point, many have highlighted the number of white working class voters who cast their ballot for Obama twice, but then chose Trump in 2016. What often goes unmentioned, however, is the fact that, as Konstantin Kilibarda and Daria Roithmayr summarize, voters who fled the Democrats in the Rust Belt 5 [Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin] were twice as likely either to vote for a third party or to stay at home than to embrace Trump. The conclusion reached by Kilibarda and Roithmayr serves as a stark contrast to Tavernises. This data suggests that if the Democratic Party wants to win the Rust Belt, it should not go chasing after the white working-class men who voted for Trump, they write. The party should spend its energy figuring out why Democrats lost millions of voters to some other candidate or to abstention. And if we zoom out and take an even broader look at the numbers, this conclusion is, on its face, far more plausible than the alternatives offered by Tavernise and Haidt. It has been estimated that over 90 million eligible voters chose to sit out the election. Disproportionately, noted Sean McElwee in a 2014 report, non-voting citizens are low-income, young, less educated and people of color. They also consistently express more progressive views than voters, who tend, on average, to be older and wealthierand more conservative. These facts hardly bolster the claim that Democrats must convert Trump backers, however tentative they are; actually, they thoroughly undermine it. Democrats lost not because Trump won over a decisive slice of moderates who could have gone one way or the other. They lost because their candidate so thoroughly failed to offer a positive agenda, choosing instead to rely almost solely on fear of Trump as the primary motivating force, that many who helped form the Obama coalition stayed home on election day. The task for Democrats going forward, then, is to assemble an agenda that will have broad working class appeal, and to nominate candidates who can credibly push this agenda. As The Weeks Ryan Cooper observed, with this approach maybe youll peel off a few disillusioned Trumpkins, but more importantly you can activate the vastly larger population of nonvoters. In closing, heres some advice for Democrats: Abandon the brainless search for moderate Republicans. Conservative intellectuals like David Frum may have voted for Clinton, but most Republicans, however on the fence they may be about a particular candidate, reliably walked (and will continue to walk) the party line. What didnt work during the campaignremember Republicans for Hillary?isnt likely to work in the coming months, or years. Far more fruitful than any attempts at mass persuasion would be an organized effort to cultivate the enthusiasm and anger that has emerged in the wake of Trumps election and convert it into sustainable political movements. To achieve this lofty objective, Democrats should turn not to the small slice of so-called moderate Trump backers who are hostile to progressive goals, but to the millions who have taken to the streets to demand solutions to unprecedented wealth inequality, systemic racism, environmental degradation, and ghastly rates of child poverty. As Jim Newell has written, Democrats dont need to create a winning message from scratch, as it has already been made for themnot in hotel ballrooms, but in town halls around the country and quite literally in the streets. They just need to listen. Jake Johnson is a freelance writer. Follow him on Twitter: @johnsonjakep Typically, a regional brewery introducing a new limited run DIPA available for a few months wouldnt exactly be significant beer industry news. But when that brewery is Firestone Walker, and that beer is more or less the philosophical stand-in for the dearly departed Double Jack IPA, thats a very different story. Thats what we have here today in the form of FWs new unfiltered DIPA Fortem, the first in its new Leo v. Ursus chronology. This is a beer that will have a very sturdy critical eye directed at it, as it will be taken to represent Firestone Walkers opinion on the current beer market, consumer taste and where the industry is going from here. It feels like a bit of a watershed moment, at least for this one brewery that has a reputation for doing hoppy beer well. The reason for that perception, of course, is how beloved Double Jack was to Firestone Walker fans. It was truly shocking when the brewery announced it was being retired (along with Wookey Jack black IPA and the Opal saison), because rarely do you ever see a regional brewery retire a very well-liked, highly rated beer that is regularly cited as a premier example of its style. Most breweries on the West Coast would have killed to be able to brew a DIPA as crisp, flavorful and well-balanced as Double Jack, and if they could magically swoop in and take the recipe now that its retired, they would. That beer was better than the vast majority of DIPAs on the shelf. Hell, the last time Paste blind tasted DIPAs in 2015, it finished at #5 out of 115 beers. And yet, a brewery cant afford to ever rest on its laurels. We are entering a challenging period for the craft beer industry, where many larger, regional breweries are posting actual losses/shrinking sales for the first time in a decade. As the flow of brand new drinkers entering craft beer has slowed, and the number of small, local breweries has surged, it would seem the presence of your corner brewery with its 10 barrel brewhouse has finally cut into the bottom line of national craft beer presences such as New Belgium, Boston Beer Co. and Sierra Nevada. And its the older brands that are most at risk. And then of course, theres the continued evolution of IPA to contend with. Only two or three years ago, we were talking about IPAs with tropical fruit-forward hop varietals such as Citra and Mosaic as novelties, and possibly an emerging new substyle. No one was using the term NE-IPA yet in reference to the turbid, ridiculously juicy beers emerging out of Vermont and Massachusetts. But how quickly things change, right? Only a few more years back, and breweries were actively chasing and courting bitterness in their DIPAs. Now, theyre more likely to be trying to avoid substantial bitterness at all costs, while producing IPAs and DIPAs that are gentler, sweeter, juicier and far more fruit driven. Breweries like Sierra Nevada are producing beers such as Tropical Torpedo, taking a venerable older brand and attempting to use it to chase the tropical dragon. Everyone needs a piece of this latest pie. Stone was apparently in the same boat when they chose to redesign Ruination into Ruination 2.0. Firestone no doubt had the same optionredesign, or start fresh. They chose the bolder of the two routes. So perhaps it was with that in mind that Firestone Walker discontinued Double Jack. Yes, it was great, but perhaps it was a great example of a style that was simply on the decline. DIPA must still be among the bigger American craft beer styles, but in that California market, it also must be among the most saturated. Perhaps Firestone simply wants to forge into other styles and create beers that stand a better chance of growing explosively, rather than contracting. Still, you cant ignore double IPA, and thus we come to the new beer in question, Fortem, which will only be available for the next quarter of the year in 16 oz cans before being replaced by the next Leo v. Ursus beer. Its not as strong as the 9.5% ABV Double Jack was, clocking in at a more sessionable 8.2% ABV, right in the uncanny valley between really strong IPA and the low end of DIPA. Interestingly, Firestone Walker also isnt really advertising the hop varietals, which flies against the current tendency of breweries to use trendy varietal names as a selling point. They simply state: It blends newer hop varieties from the Pacific Northwest and Hallertau, Germany along with pale malt, wheat malt and flaked oats for a full body and a rounded texture. Theres a lot of interesting stuff in there. Both wheat and oats have become popular in IPA brewing for the creamy mouthfeel and soft texture that they help deliver, which mixes well with an IPA with correspondingly lower bitterness and a greater emphasis on aromatics. A lot of the great IPAs weve praised in the last two years from the likes of Maine Beer Co. or Grimm Artisanal Ales have been made with oats. As for the hops, it may sound weird to you to see some German hop varietals involved in a West Coast DIPA, but the newest generation of noble hops have come a long way and become an entirely different sort of beast. Look no further than Firestone Walkers own Easy Jack, which makes heavy use of German Mandarina Bavaria to achieve its pleasantly orange-citrus aroma. Judging from the nose on Fortem, I wouldnt be surprised if theres plenty of Mandarina Bavaria in here as well. EDIT: The hop varietals werent specifically named via the press releases, but they are indeed available on the beers official page on the Firestone website. Its a big blend of old and new school: Cascade, Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, Blanc (which I assume means Hallertau Blanc) and yes, Mandarina Bavaria as I suspected. The nose is a perfumed blast of hops I can smell from a foot or two away when I crack the can and start pouringalways a good sign. Its big on citrus, with lots of lemon, grapefruit and orange, but also strongly floral impressions as well, like orange blossoms. Going back to it, I get an array of fruit, but little in the way of pine or resin. Instead, I get hints of pineapple and passion fruit; its both citrus and tropical in inspiration. The aroma suggests sweetness and juiciness, but with a bit of the older-school pith/zest character as well. Its a lovely, very expressive nose. On the palate, Fortem isnt quite as juicy and sweet as the aroma might suggest, which I was actually a bit thankful for. Surprisingly, my first impression and note are about the malt profile instead of hops: It has a really nice bready, grainy baseline that contributes much more character than the essentially invisible malt profiles youre seeing in most noveau IPAs. The presence of the wheat is presumably shining through here. In terms of hops, its citrus forward, with moderately strong, juicy flavors of orange, grapefruit, melon and more exotic tropical fruit, and the mild, approachable level of bitterness you would expect from an IPA trying to stay on-trend in 2017. I definitely think theres some Mandarina in here, as the overall profile reminds me more of an upscaled version of Easy Jack than it does Union Jack or the departed Double Jackalthough the differences arent that vast in scope. Yes, its sweeter than Double Jack would have been perceived, but that doesnt mean it has a sweet profile overall. Compared to say, the ultra-juicy and sweet NE-IPAs out of a brewery like Tree House, were still talking about a beer that favors balance. Another thing that stands out is pure drinkability. This stuff is much more quaffable than the more bracing, substantial profile of Double Jack, due both to the lower ABV and the lower perceived bitterness. Fortem is dangerously easy drinking. Quaffing it reminded me of the earlier days of the craft beer movement, when you could expect to be served shaker pint glasses of IPA at almost any bar because proper glassware had yet to become standardized. No, its not what a cicerone would recommend, but theres something about this beer that begs for that 16 oz serving, 8.2% ABV or not. It just feels right. Call it a beach party DIPA, as absurd as that sounds. Theres no surprise this is being packaged exclusively in 16 oz cans. All in all, I think Firestone Walker has done an admirable job here of creating a new beer that channels some of Double Jacks characteristics while tailoring it more closely to what the market is currently dictating. Its odd to me that the beer was designed from the start as being available for only a single quarter of the year, but you have to assume that this is a bit of a trial run for it. If their customers go crazy for Fortem, theyll surely find a way to make it more often than 25% of the year. There are plenty of beer geeks, myself included, who will miss Double Jack. But Fortem is at least proof that Firestone Walker will continue making great IPAs in any style where they choose to focus their efforts. Ive consumed enough of their beers to give them the benefit of the doubt. Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Co. City: Paso Robles, CA Style: American DIPA ABV: 8.2% Availability: 16 oz cans, March-May Jim Vorel is Pastes resident beer guru. You can follow him on Twitter for more absurdly long-winded reviews. On Feb. 22, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice and the Department of Education will not enforce Obamas directive requiring schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom matching their gender identity. Sessions wrote, Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in the position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos echoed Sessions in her statement, saying that this is an issue best solved at the state and local level. In her recent Conservative Political Action Conference address, she said the federal guidance was a very huge example of the Obama Administrations overreach. The states rights argument has a long and sinister history, having been used by Confederates to justify keeping their slaves and by segregationists (including those in Sessions home state of Alabama) to keep their schools segregated. Sessions was born in Hybart, Alabama, about 50 miles from Selma, in 1946, and he didnt leave the state until half a century later, when he became a U.S. senator. So in the early 1960s, as his state was fighting desegregation, when police forces in Alabama and around the Deep South were beating, jailing and even killing black citizens for trying to register to vote, when the KKK and angry white mobs attacked their black neighbors and out-of-state civil rights activists, Sessions was an impressionable, conservative teenager. It was in Sessions state, in 1965, that Bloody Sunday occurred, when police in Selma brutally attacked activists attempting to march to Montgomery to advocate black voting rights. He likely began school at Huntingdon College in Montgomery later that year. As one might expect from a far-right conservative from the segregated Deep South, Sessions once said that the KKK was ok until he realized some of its members smoked pot, and that the NAACP and ACLU were un-American groups that tried to force civil rights down the throats of people. Just two years ago he defended the Confederate Flag. His demonstrated racism was too much for the Senate to confirm him as a federal district court judge in 1986, but 31 years later, the Senate apparently thought his racism wasnt enough to disqualify him from becoming the top lawyer in the country. We now have an attorney general that white nationalist Trump adviser Steve Bannon credits with laying the groundwork for Americas populist nationalist movement long before Trumps birtherism. Sessions doesnt just discriminate against African Americans; he is an outspoken opponent of both legal and illegal immigration, and he even employed Stephen Miller, an architect of Donald Trumps Muslim ban, before he joined the Trump campaign. And he has consistently opposed LGBTQ equality. So its no surprise that Sessions would revive the states rights argument to justify discrimination against transgender people, members of our society who face an uphill battle just to gain basic human rights. So what happened the last time that Sessions invoked states rights to justify education policy? The NYT recalled that in the early 1990s, Sessions, then attorney general of Alabama, fought a court decision that directed the state to remedy its inadequate funding of poor, predominantly black schools. Public schools in wealthy districts had twice the funds of schools in poor areas, and the latter schools were struggling to cover basic upkeep, accommodate special-needs students and pay their teachers. After 30 underfunded schools sued the state, and a district court judge ruled that the unequal school funding was unconstitutional, Sessions led the fight against that decision. He called the ruling judicial overreach. The state and local governments could fix this on their own, Sessions somehow argued, despite the fact that they had utterly failed at providing equitable school funding over the 40 years since the Supreme Court ordered integration. A former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court said at the time that if Sessions was able to reverse the ruling, he would consign an ever-growing number of Alabama schoolchildren to an unconstitutionally inadequate and inequitable education. The decision wasnt overturned, but how to fix the inequity problem was left to the conservative state legislature, which did little to aid these poor schools. To this day, Alabamas public schools are ranked among the worst in the nation. And now, Sessions uses a states rights argument to discriminate against transgender and gender nonconforming people, but this time, he gets away with it easily. Allegedly DeVos wanted to keep the Obama guidelines in place, but Sessions and Trump threatened her, and she went along with them. This claim, however, is suspect, given her strict, conservative Christian faith and her familys history of funding anti-LGBTQ hate groups. Sessions has begun what will be a lengthy effort to dismantle civil and voting rights in America. In just three weeks as attorney general, aside from ditching trans rights, Sessions has already done these disturbing things: * Greenlighting racially discriminatory voting laws. He withdrew the Dept. of Justice from a six-year lawsuit against a clearly discriminatory voter ID law in Texas. The law was passed immediately after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965which civil rights heroes fought and even died forin 2013, allowing states and counties with a history of racially discriminatory voting practices to alter their elections laws without federal oversight. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the nations strictest voter photo ID law disenfranchises more than 600,000 eligible voters, disproportionately African-American and Latino, who dont possess one of the limited types of IDs required to vote. * Encouraging racist law enforcement. Sessions is stopping the DOJ from investigating police departments accused of violating the civil rights of people of color. Under Obama, the DOJ opened 25 investigations into police forces and came to 19 agreements as a result. Scathing reports of deeply ingrained racism in departments in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, for example, showed the urgency of federal investigations into unjust police departments. Yet Sessions and Trump think that instead of investigating institutional racism plaguing law enforcement across the country, we should just give them more money. * Bringing back the War on Drugs. Not satisfied with disenfranching voters or color and subjecting them to racist police forces, Sessions appears eager to restart the War on Drugs, which began under Richard Nixon and was expanded under Ronald Reagan. Law professor Michelle Alexanders hit book, The New Jim Crow, convincingly argues that in the absence of mid-century Jim Crow laws and earlier slavery, mass incarceration was the next method that white power in the U.S. used to control African Americans. A very effective way to fill prisons with disproportionately black inmates, the Nixon administration found, was by launching major crackdowns on marijuana possession and other nonviolent drug offenses. In 1994, Bill Clinton made things even worse, signing a crime bill that created preposterously long mandatory minimum sentences for minor drug offenses. Unsurprisingly, Sessions wants to take part in this shameful tradition, and hes already indicated that hell crack down on recreational marijuana use, claiming, in the fact-free Trumpian way, that pot is creating real violence. And to make locking people up even easier, Sessions rescinded a 2016 Obama directive ending the federal governments use of private prisons, which, among other things, will profit from what will undoubtedly be a huge rise in detained immigrants under the fiercely xenophobic Trump administration. Another related alternative fact that Sessions has offered is that a recent uptick in violent crime, although still at historic lows, indicates a dangerous permanent trend. Experts roundly refute this claim. As this story was going to the presses, the Washington Post released a major scoop that Sessions met with the Russian ambassador twice last year, and lied about it. When answering a question from Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) in a confirmation hearing, Sessions lied under oath to his fellow senators: I did not have communications with the Russians. This is bad news for Sessions, but because of his central role in enacting the Trump agenda and his close relationships in the Senate, he could survive. If so, buckle up, folks, because this is just the beginning. Perhaps more than anyone else on Team Trump, Sessions could do the most domestic damage to the U.S. Ryan Jones Wins WSOP Circuit Rio Main Event March 02, 2017 Mo Nuwwarah Editor Ryan Jones won the World Series of Poker Circuit Rio $1,675 Main Event for $269,327, beating a field of 945 entries and shipping his second gold ring in the process, both from Main Events. He also won the Main at WSOP Circuit Cherokee in 2015 for $235,804. It's the biggest cash for the North Carolina native and pushes his career total to over $840,000. Official Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize 1 Ryan Jones $269,327 Burlington, NC 2 Muruz Yohannes $166,585 Las Vegas, NV 3 Jeremy Joseph $122,954 Buffalo, NY 4 Nikolai Sears $91,996 Davisburg, MI 5 Anthony Utnage $69,698 Bloomington, IN 6 Martin Zamani $53,468 Boca Raton, FL 7 Jett Schencker $41,519 Atlanta, GA 8 Daniel Engels $32,645 Innsbruck, Austria 9 Cody Pack $25,969 Cartersville, GA The tournament boasted a prize pool of a little under $1.5 million and paid out 99 places. Steve Gross, Ben Keeline, Robert Hankins, Nick Pupillo, Allen Kessler, Chris Johnson, Erick Lindgren, Randy Ohel, Dennis Phillips, Brett Shaffer and Ari Engel were some of the players in the stacked field who made it into the money but fell short of the final table. Engel was seeking a record-tying ninth WSOP Circuit ring but had to settle for 14th place when he essentially shoved for about 17 big blinds over a button open from Daniel Engels and lost with against as the board rolled out , according to the live updates. Just before that, Jones called off the majority of his stack on a board of with a six in his hand, only to have Nikolai Sears show down for the nut straight. That left Jones with just four big blinds and chances of adding another ring to his trophy case seemed slim. Jones was able to keep afloat by doubling back through Sears with ace-jack over ace-ten but went into the unofficial final table in ninth place. Then, three straight big hands vaulted Jones to an improbable position as chip leader. He doubled with ace-ten against the ace-king of Jett Schencker, hitting Broadway on the river. He made a boat with aces and got paid off for a big river bet by Cody Pack. Finally, he hit an ace on the river to win a race with against the of Engels. After Pack went out ninth, Jones was dealt aces again and this time Engels shoved over his late-position raise. Engels flopped a queen but got no further improvement, giving Jones over 100 big blinds. The hot streak finally ended for Jones when he got in a three-way all in that saw Schencker bust out with while Jones sent a double to Jeremy Joseph, whose held against Jones' . Muruz Yohannes scored the next two eliminations, winning a race against Martin Zamani and dominating Tony Utnage with ace-king against king-jack. Then, Jones got lucky again against his old nemesis Sears. He opened the button for just over a min-raise and Sears shoved in for just over 16 big blinds. Jones called with but needed help against . Both an ace and a ten arrived on the flop and Jones took control of almost half of the chips in play. Jones and Joseph then got in a massive flip for 11 million in chips at 80,000/160,000/20,000. It began with Jones raising to 375,000 and Joseph three-betting to 1 million in the small blind. Jones came back with an all-in shove and Joseph tanked for about five minutes before calling off his stack with eights. Jones had and his lucky hand came through again as a ten flopped. That gave Jones almost a 3-1 lead going heads up, one he extended with some initial success. However, Yohannes battled back, catching Jones bluffing three times to move into the lead. For a lot of hands I found myself on the river with the bottom of my range where I had to bluff," Jones would later explain. "And he always had a hand to call. I'm not the type to just check if I don't have anything." Jones was able to retake the lead though and Yohannes tried shoving with on a flop. Jones called with pocket queens and turned a set to seal the deal. I knew I was a better player than him," Jones told tournament reporters. "I knew I just had to grind him down." Here's a look at all of the ring winners from the Rio stop. Event Winner Prize $365 Reentry Nate Bandy $75,364 $365 NLHE James Alexander $18,744 $365 NLHE/PLO Mordechai Kirschenbaum $15,124 $365 Turbo Adam Ross $21,595 $365 NLHE Kenny Nguyen $23,196 $365 PLO Seth Foster $12,231 $365 NLHE Christopher Leong $24,812 $365 HORSE Kyle Loman $16,617 $365 Monster Stack Eric Blair $46,803 $365 Turbo Daniel Pearlman $17,103 $2,200 High Roller Brandon Wittmeyer $77,840 Photo courtesy of WSOP Jens Kyllonen Quits Poker March 02, 2017 Frank Op de Woerd In a recent interview with Finnish tabloid newspaper Iltalehti, Jens "Jeans89" Kyllonen has announced his retirement from poker. The Finnish superstar, who splashed on the scene with a win in the PokerStars EPT Copenhagen back in 2009 for over $1.1 million, is now studying finance at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. "Life is, after all, quite short," Kyllonen said, looking back on 10 years in poker. "It would be nice to try something else. It also one of the reasons why I decided to apply for the school." "Life is, after all, quite short. It would be nice to try something else. Early on in his career, Kyllonen said he was thinking of retiring after poker. While that was his initial goal, once he had made enough to do so he decided to pursue other interests instead of giving up on working altogether. He applied for the school a while ago and got in. Part of the reason for quitting poker, according to the article, is he had gotten too involved in poker. With the monetary goal no longer in place because he accomplished that some time ago already, he didn't have the same drive as before. "The fact is that the global poker market has been declining for a long time and interest in the sport has declined as well," he said. On top of those reasons, Kyllonen said that the unorthodox rhythm he had as a poker player was part of the reason why he quit. With him starting a session while his wife got out of school, he felt his profession didn't have a positive impact on his relationship. Kyllonen famously bought in for the inaugural $1,000,000 buy in Big One for One Drop back in 2012 without selling any action. He busted on Day 1, being the third player to go home. Kyllonen made the biggest score of his life last summer, winning his first bracelet in the $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller for $1,127,035, bringing his total earnings live to $2,822,256. He currently sits in fourth place on the Finnish all-time money list behind Juha Helppi, Patrik Antonius and Jani Sointula. Online, Kyllonen played the majority of his time on PokerStars. Under the nickname "Jeans89," Kyllonen profited $5,226,571 according to his HighStakesDB profile. The majority of the 635,522 hands he logged were in Pot-Limit Omaha, making for an average of $8.22 a hand since the site started tracking him in 2011. Kyllonen played as "Ingenious89" on Full Tilt Poker. He played over 152,555 hands and he won $222,240 for an average of $1.45 a hand. Just last January, Kyllonen won the Player of the Year award at the Finnish Poker Awards in Casino Helsinki. The Last Two Weeks' Biggest Pots Online 1) Jacob "Lottenice" Rasmussen Wins a $138,365 Pot (345 Big Blinds) Of Luke "Bit2Easy" Reeves ($200/$400 NLHM 6-Handed) Click for replay Mustapha "lasagnaaammm" Kanit opened the action with a raise to $1,200 from first position. Jacob "Lottenice" Rasmussen called from the cutoff before Luke "Bit2Easy" Reeves squeezed the button to $5,358. Both blinds got out of the way, Kanit and Rasmussen called. With three players to the flop, the pot was already $16,674 as the software dealt . Kanit checked but Rasmussen bet out $8,167.81. Reeves called; Kanit folded. The hit the turn and Rasmussen over shoved the pot, risking $52,677 into the $33,009 pot. Reeves had his neighbor covered and called. Player Hand Equity on Jacob "Lottenice" Rasmussen 77.27% (18.18%) Luke "Bit2Easy" Reeves 4.55% (18.18%) The two of them ran the river twice and both times a card in favor of Rasmussen hit. The and were both inconsequential and the 345 big blind pot went to Rasmussen. 2) Philippe "takechip" D'Auteuil Wins a $128,548 Pot (321 Big Blinds) Of "wilhasha" ($200/$400 NLHM HU) Click for replay Philippe "takechip" D'Auteuil opened his button to $1,076 only for "wilhasha" to three-bet to $3,800. D'Auteuil called to create a $7,600 pot going into the flop. wilhasha bet out $3,000 on and D'Auteuil flat called. The same happened on the turn as wilhasha bet $9,200 into $13,600 and D'Auteuil called. A bit more action was seen on the river. wilhasha bet $9,000 again but this time D'Auteuil would shove. He moved his stack of $48,274.10 forward and wilhasha called. The latter showed for top and bottom pair. D'Auteuil tabled for the straight and took down the sizable pot. 3) "wilhasha" Wins a $123,589 Pot (308 Big Blinds) Of Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois ($200/$400 NLHM HU) Click for replay Ben "Sauce123" Sulsky opened the button with a raise to $1,044. Small blind wilhasha three-bet to $4,800 before big blind Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois cold four-bet to $11,600. This got Sulsky out of the way but wilhasha wasn't planning on doing the same. Instead, he shoved all in for $61,275.04 and Lefrancois called. Player Hand Equity on "wilhasha" 81.70% (0.46%) Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois 17.83 (0.46%) It was a classic kings versus queens situation, with added benefit to wilhasha that he had Lefrancois' diamonds covered. The two ran the board twice and both times no help appeared for Lefrancois. It came and and the entire pot went to wilhasha. Pascal Lefrancois Online High-Stakes Action the Last 2 Weeks Ben "Sauce123" Sulsky dominated the second half of February. He came out on top with a surplus of over $222,000 in profit. He was down the year before that, but now is up $184,000. With $5,037,388 in winnings, he's the second on PokerStars since HighStakesDB started tracking the site. Only Jens "Jeans89" Kyllonen has won more with $5,226,571 in profit. Since Kyllonen has given up on playing poker, it seems only a matter of time before Sulsky will take over as PokerStars' biggest winner. (user)name hands profit/loss last 2 weeks profit/loss 2017 profit/loss all time Winning Players 1 Ben "Sauce123" Sulsky 1,071 +$222,714 +$184,669 +$5,037,388 2 Ravenswood13 1,589 +$104,987 +$186,854 -$595,424 3 Katya_18 4,382 +$101,005 +$35,042 +$527,620 4 Hector "TUTI88" Alvarez 529 +$100,205 +$114,262 +$159,964 5 Jake "JLlama" Abdalla 445 +$82,911 +$82,758 +$1,358,580 6 Jacob "Lottenice" Rasmussen 1,348 +$81,466 +$79,327 +$630,599 7 BERRI SWEET 915 +$71,811 +$157,553 +$718,472 8 Vyacheslav "1nvoker" Ozhigov 1,447 +$67,065 +$192,934 +$105,697 9 CooL1992 192 +$52,181 -$14,423 -$160,953 10 zerfer03 386 +$50,671 +$18,266 -$71,968 Losing Players 1 Luke "Bit2Easy" Reeves 1,431 -$136,162 -$92,239 -$42,563 2 Dani "supernova9" Stern 792 -$124,763 -$328,590 -$990,998 3 Mikita "fish2013" Badziakouski 2,492 -$110,201 -$147,072 +$189,393 4 Pascal "Pass_72" Lefrancois 316 -$107,490 -$109,093 +$3,804 5 Daniel "DANMERRRRRRR" Merriless 1,386 -$95,067 -$92,403 -$135,787 6 candela2005 820 -$91,552 -$116,100 -$1,566,552 7 Alexander "joiso" Kostritsyn 497 -$90,012 -$300,568 +$4,119,031 8 Chris "Apotheosis92" Kruk 390 -$86,030 -$166,899 -$156,656 9 Mustapha "lasagnaaammm" Kanit 572 -$75,199 -$75,199 -$146,790 10 bajskorven87 82 -$67,868 -$169,211 +$1,199,740 The 2017 Leaderboard The 2017 leaderboard hasn't changed much. The top 3 biggest winners is unchanged with Timofey "Trueteller" Kuznetsov still up top. While Kuznetsov lost a bit in the last two weeks, he's still firmly in the lead being up $432,270 for the year. While Dan "w00ki3z." Cates has been winning the last two weeks, he's still this year's biggest losing player. New in the Top 3 is Dani "supernova9" Stern, taking a spot held by Dario "Secret_M0d3" Sammartino two weeks ago. Sammartino hasn't logged any hands since, but he's now in the seventh spot since Alexander "joiso" Kostritsyn, Sergey "St1ckman" Vasiliev, "8superpoker" and Stern all lost considerable amounts in the last two weeks. (user)name hands 2017 profit/loss 2017 profit/loss per hand 2017 profit/loss all time / most played game 2017 Winning players 1 Timofey "Trueteller" Kuznetsov 18,973 +$432,270 +$22.78 +$2,323,037 NLHM 2 RaulGonzalez 9,176 +$317,802 +$34.63 +$1,060,252 8-Game 3 40and7 5,094 +$283,330 +$56.16 -$79,310 NLHM Losing players 1 Dan "w00ki3z." Cates 8,905 -$468,557 -$52.61 +$877,415 8-Game 2 Bill "GASTRADER" Perkins 2,686 -$386,845 -$144.02 -$720,178 NLHM 3 Dani "supernova9" Stern 6,637 -$328,590 -$49.50 -$990,998 PLO The above top winners and losers in online poker for 2017 only consist of PokerStars accounts. All public data courtesy of HighStakesDB.com. If you want to opt out of being listed in this update on high-stakes action, send an email with your username to [email protected] Timofey Kuznetsov WPT LAPC Day 5: Sexton Makes Final Table, Strelitz Has Heaps March 02, 2017 Mo Nuwwarah Editor If Mike Sexton is going to win a second World Poker Tour title, after making the L.A. Poker Classic final table, he's going to have to overcome one of the more overwhelming chip leads held in recent memory at a major event. The final six players have booked their seats for the TV final table, and five of them will be looking way up at Daniel Strelitz, who holds 6,485,000, worth over 200 big blinds. Official Final Table Counts Seat Player Stack Big Blinds 1 Mike Sexton 1,165,000 39 2 Jesse Martin 2,540,000 85 3 Jared Griener 1,895,000 64 4 Daniel Strelitz 6,485,000 216 5 Simeon Naydenov 2,860,000 95 6 Richard Tuhrim 680,000 23 The penultimate day of the $10,000 freezeout began with just 18 players remaining. Sexton nearly got off to a roaring start. He played one of the first big pots of the day, which saw him in a three-way all in with against Visnja Leutic's and German high roller Rainer Kempe's . The flop came jack-high and the turn was a queen, so while Sexton profited a bit with a sizable side pot, he lost a main pot that would have pushed him to nearly 100 big blinds. Allan Le came into the day second in chips, but joining his brother Nam Le as a WPT champion wouldn't be in the cards as he went out 13th when his kings were outdrawn by the ace-king of eventual final tabler Richard Tuhrim in a preflop all in worth over 100 big blinds total. Dzmitry Urbanovich has been one of the hottest players on the tournament circuit the past few years and was looking to make his first big splash on American soil. The young Polish phenom shoved over a raise and a call with just short of 20 big blinds holding with 11 players left. Unfortunately for him, Simeon Naydenov had flatted with and crushed the tens despite a flop opening up some equity for Urbanovich. Strelitz made John Cynn the first victim of the unofficial final table when Cynn jammed and ran into Strelitz's . Then, James Calderaro fell with ace-queen against Jesse Martin's queens. Meanwhile, Strelitz continued to build his stack past the 4 million mark. He hit a snag when Joe Serock three-outed him by flopping trips all in preflop with ace-five against ace-queen, but Strelitz would get it all back after he opened cutoff to 65,000 at 15,000/30,000/5,000. Serock called on the button, as did Tuhrim in the big blind. The flop came , and Strelitz bet 100,000. Serock made it 250,000, Strelitz jammed and Serock called with . Strelitz had him crushed with and saw a clean runout to get to almost 5 million. On Hand #67 of the unofficial final table, Strelitz dealt a fatal blow to Matt Berkey. Berkey limped for 30,000, and both blinds saw a flop with him. Action checked to Berkey, who bet 80,000. Strelitz made it 260,000 and called Berkey's all-in shove for 820,000. Strelitz: Berkey: Strelitz hit his flush with a on the river after a brick turn, giving "deoxyribo" the massive stack he will tote into the final table. Final table action gets rolling at 4 p.m. local time. Check out all of the live updates on WPT.com and be sure to come back to PokerNews for a recap when the event is over. Photo courtesy of WPT Two Nigerian refugees cry and embrace in a detention center for refugees in Surman, Libya, on Aug. 17, 2016. The detention center houses hundreds of women escaping precarious conditions. Many claim they are regularly beaten or sexually assaulted, and receive insufficient amounts of food and water at the center. Most of these women were attempting to reach Europe by being smuggled across the Mediterranean in boats setting sail from neighboring Sabratah. Daniel Etter/Courtesy of World Press Photo Foundation Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34. Representatives for Carters family confirmed the singers death Saturday. They did not provide any immediate further comment. A sheriff's official says deputies responding to reports of a medical emergency found a person deceased at the home in Lancaster. Aaron Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brothers boy band, and appeared on the familys reality series, House of Carters. Barcelona acupuncturist Ruth Westnidge (BSc Hons Traditional Chinese Medicine) is now offering a regular Saturday morning service in Eixample for acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbs and anti aging face treatments. By: Ruth Westnidge Contact Ruth Westnidge ***@tcm-acu- herbs.com 662260128 Ruth Westnidge662260128 End -- Ruth is extending her opening hours so that working people, busy mums and anyone wanting a relaxed start to the weekend can now come in on Saturdays. Typical complaints might be pain, poor sleep and stress, digestive issues, feeling 'run down' and allergies, women's health and seemingly unconnected issues all happening at the same time. Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to rebalance the body's energy to encourage the body towards a state of harmony. It has been practiced for at least 2,000 years in the East and has gained popularity steadily in the West since the 1970s.Before Barcelona, Ruth worked in London (UK) for many years practicing a specialised acupuncture form using only ear points. Then came five and a half years university study, including four years full time on a BSc Traditional Chinese Medicine course. The course was in partnership with the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing. This meant the unusual step of learning Chinese herbal medicine at the same time as acupuncture. The more intensive approach allowed for treatments more in line with the way the practice in happens in China.The practice is known for many problems, like back pain, headaches, pain in joints an muscles, women's health and a long list of other common complaints. It may come as a surprise to learn a well-trained practitioner can also help you look and feel more confident about getting older. There are acupuncture techniques aim to minimise the look of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and give you back a healthy glow from the inside. Instead of applying creams, the acupuncturist works to determine whether the body is in energetic balance, and then rebalance to achieve change at a deeper level. They also work directly on the face, using specialised tiny needles to pinpoint problem areas. The results tend to be a much more natural looking treatment and of course there are no drugs or injections to contend with."Over time I started working with the techniques, clients liked it and added more training. It's worth mentioning however, I was very keen to keep the spirit behind the whole of the Acupuncture Barcelona service at the heart of the treatments. It's about care and smoothing away stress and negative emotional states. I always stress you are more beautiful as you get older, not fighting to 'keep it', it's about working in a positive, respectful way. And the results look really natural all the way throughout the process. So its moving away from feeling there's a big problem that must be 'zapped', something 'very bad to eliminate', towards knowing you are beautiful, regaining some balance"To find out more, contact Ruth by email or WhatsApp to arrange a callback at a convenient time. Her Barcelona Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture website is at http://www.tcm- acu-herbs.com , it also carries useful information including full details of training and practice style. CHAMELEONS, a WW II novel unlike any other. Armed Conflict, Mystery, Suspense, Heroism, Romance, Corruption and Moral Fortitude. Sister to the I-16-tou. Contact Marcus A. Nannini ***@aol.com Marcus A. Nannini End -- The Japanese midget submarineis hiding on the muddy bottom of Pearl Harbor waiting to release its deadly twin-warheads against the battleships of the U. S. Pacific Fleet. The sub's commander and engineer are asleep and drenched in sweat as are the walls of the iron coffin-like midget submarine.Awakened by the shock waves of aerial bomb and torpedo strikes the two men jump to the controls and begin final maneuvers as they target the battleshipsand. While the torpedo strike into theproves to be a dud, the second torpedo dramatically explodes and tears a thirty eight foot wide hole in thealready damaged port side, causing her to immediately roll over.Chapter two takes place in present day Kailua, Oahu with the accidental discovery of a mysterious skeleton while excavating a residential pool. A team of United States Navy investigators spearheaded by Lt. Commander Christopher Pastwa and Lt. Karen Yamura are under a mandate from their admiral, Roman Reardon, to quickly solve the mystery.Much to their chagrin they soon discover the skeleton belongs to the engineer of the. The midget sub's logbook is recovered from the grave and indicates the commander of the sub was still alive days after the Pearl Harbor attack and living amongst the Japanese-American population, contrary to navy dogma.As the team begins what will prove to be a difficult and frenetic search, Lani Gale, a Honolulu newspaper reporter, learns of the grave's contents. Using unscrupulous methods she uncovers information her newspaper begins publishing in the form of a series of explosive front page stories and offers a $100,000 reward for anyone with information leading either to a still-alive midget sub commander or his death certificate. A race is on between the navy team and an unscrupulous Gale to learn what became of the commander.Ken Kida, the commander of the midget submarine and living under an assumed name, is now an elderly retiree. He and his Korean wife are anxiously reading the front page story when their grandson drives up. Suspecting he may soon be arrested, Ken Kida relates his life story to Gary through a series of flash-backs and narratives which are interspersed with the present-day progress of the Navy and Lani Gale, who are relentlessly hunting him down.When Lt. Commander Pastwa and Lt. Yamura turn up at Ken Kida's front door, he, Sun and Gary believe their world is about to be shattered. However, a series of events unfold over the following twenty four hours creating a surprise ending while also introducing Cy and the "Aussie" who are the two primary antagonists featured in the subsequent novels in the series,and. Also be sure to look for Marcus Nannini's WW II non-fiction book:, and his WW II stories inandmagazines.You can purchase the paperback, now, at:You can purchase the EBook, now at:ISBN: 0692814353ISBN 13: 9780692814352ASIN: B01N9XMWROLIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONTROL NUMBER: 2016920544 St. Joseph Hospital's Kidney Transplant Center the Only OC Program to Earn Top Accolade in Newly Released Performance Ratings By: St. Joseph Hospital of Orange End --St.Joseph Hospital's Kidney Transplant Center is the only kidney transplant program in Orange County and one of just four in California to earn the highest "5" rating from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), according to a recently released report (http://srtr.org/reports-tools/program-specific-reports/). In addition, the kidney transplant program at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange has had the highest three-year success rate for patients in the state of California for the past 10 consecutive years.The one-to-five rating is based on an extensive analysis of one year transplant success rates over the course of the previous 2 years. Only 30 kidney transplant programs in the United States earned a "5" rating. SRTR was created by Congress in the 1980s to collect, analyze and report data on every transplant performed in the United States. It has since become one of the largest medical databases in the world."St. Joseph Hospital has a long history of providing excellent care for our patients, and we're honored to be recognized as one of the best for the work we do in transplantation,"said Ervin Ruzics, MD, Medical Director of the Kidney Transplant Center at St. Joseph Hospital. "We take our calling seriously, and we strive for perfection every day, for every patient."The ratings, called outcome assessments, are risk-adjusted scores evaluating how often patients are thriving with a functioning transplanted organ one year after the procedure.According to data released ( https://www.unos.org/ us-organ-transplants- set-record-in- 2... ) earlier this year by the United Network for Organ Sharing, 33,606 organ transplants were reported in the United States, a record high for the fourth consecutive year. There has been a nearly 20 percent increase in transplantations since 2012.For more information on St. Joseph Hospital's Kidney Transplant Center, please visit: http://www.sjo.org/ Our-Services/ Kidney-Transplant- Center.aspx ###About St. Joseph HospitalFounded in 1929, St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California is a nationally recognized, 463-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital dedicated to extending the healing ministry of Jesus in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, St. Joseph Hospital's reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, family-centered care draws patients from all over the United States. This is one reason why St. Joseph Hospital was named one of the top hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County area by U.S. News & World Report. With a highly recognized 1,000-member medical staff and more than 3,100 support staff, St. Joseph Hospital is home to more than 75 specialty programs, including The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, the Heart and Vascular Center and a nationally acclaimed Orthopedics program that has been ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S.News & World Report. Equally important is St. Joseph Hospital's dedication to caring for the medically underserved through health education programs, a free-standing medical and dental clinic, and mobile health vans. St. Joseph Hospital depends on philanthropic support from the community to carry out its mission. These efforts are coordinated through the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. St. Joseph Hospital is a member of the Irvine-based St. Joseph Hoag Health alliance, an integrated health network of seven hospitals, 26 urgent care centers and an array of programs and services throughout Orange County and the High Desert. Not all heroes wear capes. Not all warriors have two legs. They answer the call anyways. The K-9 Veteran Hoodie from Navy Crow! Media Contact Navy Crow hq@navycrow.com Navy Crow End -- On March 13, 1942, the US Army established the K-9 Corps, a unit dedicated to the training and utilization of dogs in combat positions. Since then, dogs have seen action in every front of every war. They served in the Pacific with the US Marine Corps, in Vietnam with the US Army, and they served in Iraq with the US Navy SEALs to name only a few places our four-legged war heroes have risked their skins.Throughout the month of March, Navy Crow, the premier military memorabilia outfitter, is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the men, women, and canines of these proud and storied units throughout all branches of the military with brand new, not-sold-in-stores designs featuring our fur-covered veterans on hoodies and t-shirts!Navy Crow is also prominently featuring and supporting multiple military working dog retirement programs through social media outreach, doing our part to ensure that every dog has a chance to retire to a good family.Check out the K-9 unit designs at our website at https://navycrow.com/ product-tag/ k-9-veteran/ and show your support for these brave dogs and their handlers!Navy Crow is always on the lookout for ideas for new designs and products. We do custom designs for your ship or unit past or present at competitive rates and flawless craftsmanship. Get in touch with us NOW at hq@navycrow.com and see your idea come to life! Minimus Institute, a Monterey, California-based national referral center offering state-of-the-art outpatient surgery to patients and self-insured groups throughout the country By: Chatterbox PR Contact Chatterbox PR ***@straightlinepr.com Chatterbox PR End -- Minimus Institute, a Monterey, California-based national referral center offering state-of-the-art outpatient surgery to patients and self-insured groups throughout the country, is now taking patients from Alaska and is the first surgery center to offer Alaska residents transparent pricing on its website http://minimusinstitute.com/pricing/.With Minimus, Alaskans can fly to the beautiful coastal city of Monterey and receive nationally renowned patient-focused surgical care in a concierge setting, featuring world-class surgeons and an innovative transparent pricing and outcome reporting system.Although the majority of their patients reside in Northern and Central California, in the last five years, Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers (home of Minimus Institute), has become a national center attracting patients from 47 states and 10 countries seeking the most advanced minimally invasive surgery."Patients can visit our website at MinimusInstute.com to view prices, patient satisfaction scores and infection rates to help them make an informed decision regarding their surgery options," said Thomas D. Wilson, Managing Partner and CEO of Minimus Institute. "Minimus provides patients an outstanding surgical experience with great value as measured by an optimum combination of quality, service and price. Because surgery is all we do, our hallmarks are efficiency, clarity and excellence. Our goal is to deliver surgery a better way. We strive to be pioneers in arming our patients with knowledge and we want to enable patients to make well-informed decisions."By leveraging the organization's high-quality care, excellent patient experience combined with transparent pricing and outcomes, Minimus seeks to demystify the patient/surgery/doctor interaction.Minimus' prime objective is to become recognized as a national destination surgery center, or "beacon," for patients, insurance companies and self-insured groups seeking the most advanced and least invasive outpatient surgery in a setting featuring transparency, value and great outcomes.At Minimus, surgical care is provided at one of Monterey Peninsula Surgical Centers' locations around Monterey Bay. MPSC is the largest locally-owned outpatient healthcare facility in California, performing nearly 17,000 surgical cases annually. Every day more than 70 individuals and their families trust MPSC for their care. And, their esteemed team of surgeons and staff have been supporting patients for more than 35 years.With Minimus, distance is not an obstacle to keep patients from the surgery they deserve. It is surgery and care worth traveling for.Minimus Institute:Minimus Institute is a national state-of-the-art surgical institute located in a beautiful setting on California's Central Coast, providing patients access to world-class surgeons and exceptional value. Offering transparent pricing and clear, comprehensive outcome information and patient-satisfaction scores, Minimus demystifies the surgical-care experience allowing patients to make the most informed decisions about their care. To learn more go to http://minimusinstitute.com/ Background on Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers:Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers (MPSC) and its surgeons are recognized leaders in outpatient surgical care as measured by the high demand for its services, extremely low infection rates, 99% patient satisfaction scores and affordable, transparent pricing.MPSC is known for performing complex surgery, including total joint replacements, major spine surgeries, hysterectomies, breast reconstruction and thyroidectomies in the outpatient setting. In excess of 31,500 surgical procedures in 13 specialties are performed annually at MPSC by its 190 physicians on staff.High Resolution Photos Available: https://www.dropbox.com/ sh/zo7s0a27obvtu3x/ AACyJlJ5-2eFvd... Contact:Marci Bracco CainChatterbox PRSalinas, CA 93901(831) 747-7455http://minimusinstitute.com/ Endless options are offered in the segment of gifts and Ferns N Petals gives you the most apt choice of gifts for all your occasions. Contact Ferns N Petals Pvt Ltd Eshmeeta Kaur ***@fnp.com Ferns N Petals Pvt LtdEshmeeta Kaur End -- With the company's new and improved portal launched the company is able to cater to increased number of customers in India and abroad with better technology support. To find a proper gift for anyone and everyone, you have to choose a platform that caters to every individual taste and this portal is your one stop solution.After delivering to various locations in India, this online gift store has taken up international deliveries for satisfying the gifting needs of people with wonderful presents. One can now send gifts to Qatar online from Ferns N petals because this is the most reliable portal when it comes to sending gifts to loved ones across the world.Birthdays and anniversaries fall in every month and one has to be ready with an alluring gift for their near and dear ones. Nothing can serve these occasions better than flowers and cakes. Some extraordinarily lavish presentation of flowers and cakes can be identified here that are simply going to blow up the mind of your friends and relatives.Talking about other gifts, there are cakes, chocolates, sweets, and personalized items of great variety that stand as a perfect present for any kind of occasion. Personalized gifts like coffee mugs, cushions, photo frames, lampshades, or key chains are much loved among people for the uniqueness these pose. Sweets like Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Ladoo, or Pedha are the ones that would remind your friends and relatives of their homeland. Therefore, in any religious festival, this package is the most wanted one. Dry fruits in embellished trays are also there to wish loved ones on special days.Then there are the quintessentially beautiful flowers. Flowers ranging from rose, tulips, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums, bird of paradise, lavender, hydrangea, cymbidiums, all are creatively arranged into bouquet form, basket, glass, and vase arrangements by the able florists. Send flowers to Qatar and Doha using the services of Ferns N Petals in case you want to express the unconditional love to someone special.Ferns N Petals is the leading name among various reputed gifting portals that started its journey in 1994. It has been delivering flowers and gifts to more than 350 destinations and are still planning to cover some more for each and every occasion, festival, and event. The express delivery services allow one to send gifts within 4 hours. The company delivers gifts the same day and at midnight as well, so even if you have missed out on an occasion, this portal will help you out.Visit our website for gift delivery in Qatar: http://www.fnp.com/ qatar/gifts If social grants are not paid on 1 April, the consequences for the poorest of the poor in South Africa will be nothing short of catastrophic, says Archbishop Emeritus Njongonkulu Ndungane. By: Archbishop Ndungane Contact Ruth Coggin 082-903-5819 ***@quo-vadis.co.za Ruth Coggin082-903-5819 End -- Responding to reports of chaos regarding the contract to pay social grants from 1 April, the Archbishop said the disorganisation and lack of clarity on the part of both the Department of Social Development and the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) was a disgrace."That days before the end of the existing contract, we still have no certainty regarding how social grants will be paid on 1 April is an outrage. These organisations have had years in which to sort out whatever problems there are. A situation in which government is considering emergency measures to ensure the delivery of these grants on 1 April should never have arisen in the first place," the Archbishop said.He questioned whether South Africa's political leadership retained any semblance of empathy for poor people in the country, adding that he wondered just how much the leadership understood of their situations."Not getting one's social grant is not simply an inconvenience;it's a calamity. Many of these people have no other income on which to depend."The ANC-led government has lost touch with ordinary people, preferring the hallowed halls of power in which the only currency they understand is privilege for themselves. They have forgotten the poor in the dusty plains of the Northern Cape who eke out a living. They have forgotten the poverty-stricken in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where old people hobble along to stand in long queues to receive a social grant that, in any event, most people would struggle to survive on. They have forgotten the mentally handicapped, the physically disabled and the NGOs who look after them and depend on the grants for their survival. They have forgotten the child-headed households who labour under the most difficult of situations in any event."In short, this government has forgotten about the people. But this government should be warned that history shows that when the people are forgotten, the people will rise. Those of us not in this government who fought against apartheid know this. Those in government, to their shame, have forgotten that lesson," he said.Archbishop Ndungane added that the fact that the contract problems had not yet been sorted out at the proverbial eleventh hour was a damning indictment on the leadership of President Jacob Zuma, let alone the Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini."Minister Dlamini has shown herself to be totally inept and should resign immediately, failing which the President should fire her. The President himself should also take responsibility for not managing this situation properly and allowing this fiasco to happen under his watch," the Archbishop said.Ends New trial confirms effectiveness of Gaia AG's computer-based therapy deprexis with impressive effect size. By: Gaia AG Contact GAIA AG ***@gaia-group.com GAIA AG End --A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with N = 376 depressed adults, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, has confirmed that deprexis is effective in the United States. The trial was led by Professor Christopher Beevers, Director of the Institute of Mental Health Research at the University of Texas, Austin. With anthe study provides evidence that deprexis is at least as effective in the United States as in seven previous Europe-based trials.The researchers concluded that participants who received deprexis had a "12 times greater likelihood of experiencing at least 50% symptom improvement compared with waitlist control". The deprexis effect was also replicated in the control group: After they received access to deprexis, similar depression reductions as those in the immediate treatment group were observed, confirming the robustness of the deprexis effect."The results of this trial provide even more scientific evidence for the effectiveness of our digital therapeutics, now specifically in the US", said Mario Weiss, CEO and founder of GAIA. "Several thousand patients have now taken part in deprexis studies around the world. We believe it is necessary to go to such lengths so that physicians, psychotherapists and patients can be confident they are using an effective tool." Deprexis is globally licensed to Servier, except in the USA and Japan.GAIA is a global leader inWith its declared focus on research and development of evidence-based online interventions, the company continuously shifts benchmarks when it comes to efficacy and safety profiles for digital therapeutics in neuroscience. With more than 100 experts in the fields of medicine, psychology, behavioral medicine, software engineering, as well as regulatory and market access, GAIA is a key partner in the development of next-generation digital solutions to support and treat patients with a broad variety of medical conditions.More information: Dana Doody has joined the organization and will lead the fundraising efforts By: North Florida Land Trust Media Contact Kelly White kelly.white@ cfmedia.net 904-232-3001 Kelly White904-232-3001 End -- North Florida Land Trust is pleased to announce Dana Doody has joined their team as a development director. Doody will lead the fundraising arm of the nonprofit organization. She will be working closely with NFLT President Jim McCarthy to expand the donor base and will be responsible for promoting NFLT's programs throughout Northeast Florida.Doody has a strong background in business development and is a graduate of the Sandler Sales President Program. She established strong community relationships while working with the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she started a Health Council. Doody has served on the board of directors of many local organizations, including the Urban Land Institute.Doody lives in Ponte Vedra Beach with her husband and three of their five kids. She enjoys the beach and has a deep love and passion for the natural habitats found in the North Florida region.North Florida Land Trust is a non-profit organization who serves as a champion of environmental protection in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. NFLT was founded in 1999 and has protected thousands of acres of environmentally significant land including land at Big Talbot Island, the River Branch Preserve, Pumpkin Hill State Park, Moccasin Slough, along the St. Mary's River and other valued natural areas in Northeast Florida. NFLT is funded largely by private and corporate contributions and works closely with private landowners and other public agencies at all levels of government, not-for-profit partners, and foundations. For more information, visit www.northfloridalandtrust.org World's Premier Bioeconomy Consulting Group Adds Daniel Lane and Scott Warfield to Renewable Chemical and Investor Services Division Contact Wayne Lee ***@lee-enterprises.com 501.833.8511 Wayne Lee501.833.8511 End -- Lee Enterprises Consulting, the world's premier bio-economy consulting group, is pleased to announce the addition of two experts to its team. The group has more than one hundred experts worldwide who have completed thousands of projects and have in-depth expertise in biodiesel, ethanol, biomass power, renewable chemicals, renewable jet fuels, pyrolysis, hydrolysis, gasification, waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, torrefaction, wastewater treatment, butanol, steam reformation, biochar, carbonization and biogas.Daniel Lane has a B.E. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Vanderbilt University, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Tech. He has more than 20 years' experience and success in process & technology development in multiple fields, including consumer products, specialty chemicals, and renewable fuels and chemicals. Dr. Lane has specialized in advancing the growth of startup firms in bioprocess industries, serving investors and stakeholders in evaluating technologies for funding and identifying key focus areas for R&D. He has held executive and senior leadership roles with multiple start-up companies in the renewables industry focusing on biomass conversion and scale-up of technology and processes, and has been instrumental in the design and construction of seven pilot- and demonstration-scale facilities around the world. Dr. Lane is a recognized expert in technical assessment for both private and government funding sources and has helped companies secure more than $170MM in financing.Scott Warfield has a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, and more than 35 years of experience in Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, Asia and North America He has been nationally recognized by the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture for his expertise in renewable energy technologies and has experience in engineering, construction and facilities operations in several industries including defense and government, manufacturing, semiconductor production, power generation, electrical substations, renewable energy, waste to energy, anaerobic digesters and waste treatment, and ethanol. Most recently, Warfield was involved in the construction of the first commercial scale acetone and butanol (ABE) production facility. Warfield has received three national awards for excellence in EPC construction."I continue to be amazed at the quality, experience and depth of knowledge within our group", says Wayne Lee, CEO of Lee Enterprises Consulting. "It is truly remarkable to have this much alternative and renewable energy and chemical expertise under one roof, and it certainly makes for lively discussions during our team calls."Lee says the group has become large enough that its management is a team effort. "Our Executive Committee is comprised of the Director of Operations, the Director of Marketing and three Executive Vice Presidents" says Lee. "Their management and recruitment of top talent is key to our success". Dr. Gerald Kutney oversees the Emerging Technologies and Biomass Power Divisions, while seasoned renewable experts Joel Stone and Mark Farrer oversee Renewable Chemicals, Ethanol, Biodiesel and Biogas/Anaerobic Digester Divisions.Lee notes that the company's two decades of service have allowed it to create a company skilled enough to handle virtually any bioeconomy matter.: Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world's premier bio-economy consulting group, offering services in biodiesel, biofuels, biomass power, renewable chemicals, renewable jet fuels, pyrolysis, hydrolysis, gasification, waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, torrefaction, wastewater treatment, steam reformation, biochar, carbonization and biogas. In addition to its team of over 100 consultants, the group maintains strategic alliances with the leading alternative and renewable fuels companies worldwide, and maintains ongoing relationships with the top alternative fuels law firms, accounting groups, engineers, and fabrication facilities. The group's consultants and strategic partners represent the top talent in the bioeconomy and can handle almost every aspect of a project. The group also owns National Business Brokerage, Inc., a full service business brokerage firm specializing in the buying and selling of alternative and renewable fuels plants. Lee Enterprises Consulting, 9821 Brockington Road, Suite 4, Sherwood, AR 72120. (501) 833-8511. www.lee-enterprises.com Well turn me upside down and paint me blue: Donald Trump really can act presidential. He gave a good speech Tuesday night to Congress and the nation. He kept to the script via the teleprompter, made some valid points and said at least one thing that every American ought to be able to get behind. And now the follow-through begins. Ah, how many presidents have we seen do this? They give a lofty speech with high ideals and big promises, and when it comes to implementation ... well, they fall short. A politician is a politician, after all, and Trump is a politician. Of course, no president can enact his agenda without cooperation from Congress, which Trump is likely to get via the Republican majority. Yet he'll face opposition on some initiatives even from within his own party. You know I don't agree with Trump on most issues. But that doesn't mean I don't have any good things at all to say about him. I can say he gave a good speech even if I don't agree with him. That seems reasonable to me. I was happy to see dozens of Democratic women in Congress wear white in honor of the suffrage movement. There are still far too many old, white men -- not that there's a thing wrong with being an old, white man -- in the Senate and the House. Why do I think there are too many? Well, they just aren't reflective of our nation. When I look at Congress, and other Washington and state level leadership in our government, I expect to see a reflection of our nation. That would mean more Hispanics, women, blacks, younger people and others. I don't see that in the current Congress. And I don't think that's good for the country. Now don't misquote me and say that I hate old, white men. I'd say the same thing if the overwhelming majority of our government was run by young Latinas, for example. That's not representative of our entire country. It's just that too much power is concentrated among older white males, and diversity benefits us all. We need people from different walks of life having more of a say in the direction of America. That seems reasonable to me. On a state level, I had to roll my eyes when AFSCME folks voted to authorize their leadership to go on strike if negotiations with Illinois officials don't go their way. What good do they think a strike will do? I'm a fan of unions until their leadership gets too greedy and demanding. Perhaps that's not the case with most unions -- I don't quite have my finger on the pulse of unions in general these days. But workers need protection and representation, and unions have done a lot of good for the American worker over the years. In this case, though, I've got to side with Gov. Bruce Rauner. As the Associated Press reported, AFSCME's last contract with the state expired in June 2015. Here's what the GOP's Rauner wants: a four-year wage freeze; increased worker contributions to maintain current health coverage; and a 40-hour workweek instead of a 37.5-hour one. Um, what's so bad about that? Everyone knows what horrible financial shape Illinois is in. Considering cuts that private sector companies frequently make, and stagnating wages in general, I'd think AFSCME folks would take all this in and say, "Hey. We can live with it." Most people I know work at least 40 hours a week. Everyone I know has been paying more for health care every year as long as I can recall. Rauner's proposal isn't much different than what the average worker already lives with. And it seems reasonable to me. What we need in politics and life, if you ask me, is more moderation in general, and more of a willingness to be reasonable and measured. Politically, I guess no one's talking to moderates because they aren't the squeaky wheel. The far right yells at the top of their lungs, and the far left screams incessantly, and the middle can't get heard above the cacophony. As I see it, moderates want strong military spending, but not the over-the-top level that Trump has proposed. And how about real immigration reform, which Trump hinted Tuesday night that he might be open to, instead of systematically rounding up illegal immigrants and shipping them out? I know, I know. They're inherently criminals because they are in this country illegally, right? So let's cuff them and boot them back to their home country, right? By that token, for example, jaywalkers are criminals. Let's have our local police officers start arresting them and carting them to jail. They are breaking the law, right? Priorities, people, priorities. Prosecute illegal immigrants who commit crimes against others just as you would anyone, and offer some kind of program toward citizenship to the vast majority who live here peacefully. That seems reasonable to me. How about if our government leaders concentrate on keeping and creating jobs? Trump, in his Tuesday speech, mentioned strengthening the middle class, but gave no detail as to how he plans to do so. I'd like to hear more about that than vilifying of people who are "different" than plain ol' white Americans. But what do I know about being "reasonable"? Perhaps nothing. When Trump made fun of a disabled reporter, I thought a reasonable person would find that repulsive and disqualifying for someone who would be the leader of our country. When he talked about sexually assaulting women as though it is nothing, I thought any reasonable voter would wash their hands of him as deserving any support whatsoever. Yet he was elected president. When former President Barack Obama told folks they could keep their doctor and health plan via the Affordable Care Act, and that turned out to not be the case for everyone, I thought measured-thinking people would be at least disappointed in him. Yet he among his most ardent supporters, he lost none of his glow. We have trouble being nuanced and fair in our thinking. Once we support someone or something, we seem to be all-or-nothing about it. I guess it's really that hard for a zebra to change his stripes. That's why I'm curious to see where Trump goes from here in his presidential style. As an American, I hope to see success in his and our future. And that's reasonable to me. By: Century West Partners End -- Century West Partners (http://www.centurywestpartners.com), a Los Angeles-based developer of luxury apartment communities, has been awarded the Silver/Multi-Family,2017 Commercial Real Estate Award for K2LA, a new luxury rental community in LA's Koreatown neighborhood. The prestigious awards program recognizes the biggest, best, and most notable commercial real estate projects throughout Los Angeles and honors the developers, architects, and general contractors of each award-winning project. DFH Architects and Cobalt Construction Co. are recognized alongside Century West Partners for their role in the K2LA project. The team received their award on February 21during the official awards ceremony in Los Angeles.K2LA is a transit-oriented apartment community located in the burgeoning Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles. The 478-unit community is the largest new upscale rental community in Koreatown and is addressing growing demand among sophisticated consumers for a highly amenitized living experience not commonly found outside the for-sale marketplace. K2LA's floorplans are designed to appeal to a variety of residents and lifestyles and include micro-studios and spacious studios, as well as junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom luxury units."Century West Partners is honored with this award and for the recognition K2LA has received from theand the real estate industry at large,said Steve Fifield, partner and co-founder of Century West Partners. "K2LA is a huge success for our company and with lease-up happening so rapidly, K2LA has proven that niche luxury rental housing is truly in demand in the hot neighborhoods of Los Angeles."Located on Berendo Street and New Hampshire Avenue, between Wilshire Boulevard and 7Street, K2LA boasts a prime location with immediate access to a variety of lifestyle amenities, cultural attractions, world-class dining, eclectic shopping, energetic nightlife options, and the metro. The region is currently undergoing a notable shift and has become one of Los Angeles' most sought out neighborhoods."K2LA is one of two large, luxurious apartment communities we are bringing to Koreatown to meet heightened demand for housing in this growing, thriving area," said Michael Sorochinsky, principal and co-founder of Century West Partners. "By offering renters exceptional style and quality, K2LA has succeeded in attracting renters from the Millennial, tech recruit, and even empty nester groups."The K2LA community features smart residences situated within three contiguous buildings. Floor plans are designed to appeal to a variety of residents and lifestyles and include micro-studios, spacious studios, as well as junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury units.K2LA offers an enviable suite of amenities including 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art fitness centers, business centers with conference rooms, heated resort style pools and spas, outdoor rooftop decks with BBQ grilling stations and expansive city views, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all public spaces. In addition to secure, controlled access entry, K2LA residents also enjoy access to a bike kitchen offering a bike share program and a resident lounge equipped with 80" televisions, video game systems and karaoke."The amenities throughout K2LA go well beyond average apartment offerings and have proven that renters in the hot spots of Los Angeles want a luxury experience,"said Randy Fifield, principal of Century West Partners. "These world-class amenities help address the living needs of the growing number of would-be buyers who are opting out of the for-sale housing marketplace and are instead choosing to rent, but who still demand a sophisticated living experience."For additional information about K2LA, visit LiveK2LA.com ( http://www.livek2la.com ), on Facebook at facebook.com/LiveK2LA ( http://www.facebook.com/ livek2la ), @K2LAApts (http://www.twitter.com/k2laapts) on Twitter, or @livek2la (http://www.instagram.com/livek2la) on Instagram.Century West Partners (http://www.centurywestpartners.com)was formed in 2010 by industry veterans Steven Fifield (http://www.centurywestpartners.com/steven-fifield.html)and Michael Sorochinsky (http://www.centurywestpartners.com/michael-sorochinsky.html)to build sophisticated, best-in-class apartment communities on urban infill, transit-oriented sites in highly-sought areas of Los Angeles. The firm is currently one of the most active apartment developers in the Los Angeles metropolitan region with a core specialization in tech-friendly and amenity-rich contemporary communities. The current Century West Partners' development pipeline includes 2,000 quality apartments in Los Angeles, Glendale, and Santa Monica alone. Ford Figo BS6 comes in both petrol and diesel formats across four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Blu. The updated Ford Figo BS6 has been launched at a starting price of Rs 5.39 lakh, with the top-end variant hitting Rs 7.85 lakh ex-showroom. Compared to the last iteration of the BS4 model, there are no significant improvements, but a few cut-downs on the list of features. For instance, the BS6 model misses out on SYNC3 infotainment system and makes-do with a 7.0-inch capacitive touchscreen (available only on the top trim). The new Ford Figo BS6 is available in both petrol and diesel formats. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is good for 95bhp and 119Nm while the figures rise to 99bhp and 215Nm of torque in the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel mill. There is no automatic variant and both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual. FORD FIGO 1.2l Ti-VCT PETROL BS6 Prices BS4 Prices Diff Ambiente INR 539,000 INR 523,000 INR -16,000 Trend (New Variant) INR 599,000 NA NA Titanium INR 635,000 INR 599,900 INR 35,100 Titanium Blu INR 695,000 INR 664,900 INR 30100 FORD FIGO 1.5l TDCi DIESEL Trend (New Variant) INR 686,000 NA NA Titanium INR 725,000 INR 689,900 INR 35,100 Titanium Blu INR 785,000 INR 754,900 INR 30,100 The hatchback is available in four variants: Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Blu. Here are the features and equipment coming under each variant: Ambiente (comes in petrol format only) 175/65 R14 tyres on steel wheels Rear fog lamps Adjustable front headrests 12V power outlet FordPass smartphone connectivity Welcome lamps Tilt steering Distance-to-empty reading Door-ajar warning Front power windows (with one-touch up/down for driver) Day/night IRVM Auto door lock (at 15km/h) Electric boot release Gear-shift indicator Dual airbags Seat-belt reminder Rear parking sensors ABS+EBD High-speed alert Trend (in addition/replacement to the features on Ambiente) Silver grille with chrome surround Blacked-out B-pillar Passenger vanity mirror Rear parcel tray Driver-seat height adjustment Rear power windows Four-speaker Bluetooth stereo Device dock (instead of the touchscreen) Boot lamp Steering-mounted audio controls Powered ORVMs (in body colour) with turn signals Remote keyless entry Perimeter/intrusion alarm Titanium (in addition/replacement to the features on Trend) 195/55 R15 tyres on 6-spoke alloy wheels Chrome fog lamp bezel Adjustable rear headrests Push-button start Titanium Blu (get all the above features, plus blue accents against Absolute Black theme) 15-inch four-spoke (multi-strand) gloss-black alloy wheels Blu exteriors and interiors Front fog lamps Rear wiper/washer/defogger Gloss-black roof 7.0-inch touchscreen (capacitive) with navigation Electrochromic IRVM Automatic climate control Power-fold ORVMs Automatic headlamps Rain-sensing wipers Leather-wrapped steering wheel Rear parking camera Six airbags The BS6 Ford Figo comes in five colours: Ruby Red, Moondust Silver, Smoke Grey, White Gold and Oxford White. Out of this, the top-end Titanium Blu is available only in Oxford White, Moondust Silver and Smoke Grey shades, with chrome-delete and some extra strokes of blue. At the British High Commission in New Delhi earlier today, the all new Range Rover Velar was launched in India. It is the fourth member of the British SUV specialists flagship brand, which made its debut at 2017 Geneva Motor Show earlier last year. Velar slots between the ample void that existed in Land Rovers portfolio between Evoque and Range Rover Sport. The car has now been launched in India, at a starting price of Rs 78.83 lakhs. At first glance, Velar is essentially a design amalgamation of the flagship Range Rover and the compact Evoque. The sporty front fascia features brilliantly detailed matrix-laser headlights, an instantly recognizable Range Rover grille, and an aggressive bumper with brushed metal chin and burnished copper-finished gills. The new luxury SUV is bestowed with a gently tapering roofline with contrast finish, oversized rear quarter glass panel, bulging wheel arches, and stance-enhancing 22-inch wheels. Wraparound LED taillights which are bridged by a logo-carrying black insert, a prominent black diffuser with twin exhaust pipes constitute the rear fascia. Interior adopts an uncluttered design with light color themes. Noteworthy features include a fully digital instrument console and Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which employs two 10-inch displays. Like all the latest JLR products, Range Rover Velar is underpinned by an aluminium intensive platform. In India, customers can choose from a range of 3 engine options a 2.0 l 4-cylinder 132 kW (177 hp) diesel, a 2.0 l 4-cylinder 184 kW (246 hp) petrol and a 3.0 l V6 221 kW (296 hp) diesel. In India, the SUV is sold with three engine options. These are 2.0 liter petrol turbo generating 247 bhp and 365 Nm of torque, a 2.0 liter diesel turbo generating 177 bhp and 430 Nm and a top of the line 3.0 liter diesel V6 generating 297 bhp and 700 Nm. The SUV comes packed with a plethora of safety, dynamic and comfort features such as air suspension (standard on all 6-cylinder models), adaptive dynamics, optional active locking rear differential, Terrain Response 2, All Terrain Progress Control, Hill Descent Control, Low Traction Launch, and Gradient Release Control, Reverse Traffic Detection, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Condition Monitoring, etc. Range Rover Velar 2.0L Diesel Price and Variants Variant Price (Rs lakh) 2.0 l Diesel (D180) 78.83 2.0 l Diesel (D180) R-Dynamic 80.76 2.0 l Diesel (D180) S 83.25 2.0 l Diesel (D180) R-Dynamic S 85.18 2.0 l Diesel (D180) SE 85.21 2.0 l Diesel (D180) R-Dynamic SE 87.14 2.0 l Diesel (D180) HSE 89.93 2.0 l Diesel (D180) R-Dynamic HSE 91.86 Range Rover Velar 2.0L Petrol Price and Variants Variant Price (Rs lakh) 2.0 l Petrol (P250) 78.83 2.0 l Petrol (P250) R-Dynamic 80.76 2.0 l Petrol (P250) S 83.25 2.0 l Petrol (P250) R-Dynamic S 85.18 2.0 l Petrol (P250) SE 85.21 2.0 l Petrol (P250) R-Dynamic SE 87.14 2.0 l Petrol (P250) HSE 89.93 2.0 l Petrol (P250) R-Dynamic HSE 91.86 Range Rover Velar 3.0L Diesel Price and Variants Variant Price (Rs lakh) 3.0 l Diesel (D300) 110.66 3.0 l Diesel (D300) R-Dynamic 113.01 3.0 l Diesel (D300) S 116.04 3.0 l Diesel (D300) R-Dynamic S 118.39 3.0 l Diesel (D300) SE 118.43 3.0 l Diesel (D300) R-Dynamic SE 120.78 3.0 l Diesel (D300) HSE 124.18 3.0 l Diesel (D300) R-Dynamic HSE 126.53 3.0 l Diesel (D300) First Edition 137.53 All prices above are ex-showroom. News Release Climate change research needs a greater focus on changing population structures when assessing future human vulnerability, argue IIASA researchers in a new perspective article in the journal Nature Climate Change. Climate research has provided a range of scenarios of showing how climate change will affect global temperatures, water resources, agriculture, and many other areas. Yet it remains unclear how all these potential changes could affect future human wellbeing. In particular, the population of the future -- in its composition, distribution, and characteristics -- will not be the same as the population observed today. That means that assessing likely impacts by relating the climate change projected for the future to today's societal capabilities can be misleading. In order to understand the impacts of climate change on human beings, says IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz, climate change research needs to explicitly consider forecasting human populations' capacities to adapt to a changing climate. Lutz and IIASA researcher Raya Muttarak note that the demographic tools to do this are available and well-established. Global IIASA population and human capital scenarios up to the year 2100 already include not just numbers of people, but also their distribution by age, sex, and education level. These scenarios form the human core of the SSPs (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) that are widely used in research related to climate change. In the new article, which is based on a growing body of research from IIASA and the Vienna Institute of Demography, Lutz and Muttarak discuss a conceptual model that can account for the changing characteristics of populations through the replacement of generations, called "demographic metabolism." "Just like cells turn over in a body, the individuals in a population are constantly replaced. The people of today differ in many ways from their parents and grandparents, and we will also be different from future generations," says Muttarak. "We differ in education levels, in health, environmental awareness, and many other factors -- and what our research has shown is that these factors directly affect our vulnerability to natural disasters or changes in our environment." Muttarak explains that some characteristics which people acquire early in life, like education, remain with them for their whole lives. Research by the IIASA World Population Program has shown that education in particular influences how vulnerable people are to natural disasters like floods and storms, which are expected to increase as a result of climate change. "Therefore, with more educated younger generations replacing the older ones through the demographic metabolism process, we may anticipate a society with higher adaptive capacity in the future," says Muttarak. A one-year seismic hazard model for 2017, from the U.S. Geological Survey, forecasts lower damaging ground shaking levels in the central and eastern U.S. compared to the previous forecast, in areas where there have been numerous earthquakes induced by wastewater disposal from industrial activities. Despite the recent drop in earthquake rates, Oklahoma and southern Kansas still face a significant risk of induced earthquake damage in 2017, according to the USGS report published March 1 in the journal Seismological Research Letters. For more than 3 million people in Oklahoma and southern Kansas, the chance of damage in the next year from induced earthquakes is similar to that of natural earthquakes in high-hazard areas of California, the report concludes. Ground shaking caused by a quake is considered damaging if it is strong enough to crack plaster and weak masonry. The 2017 forecast is the follow-up to a similar report in 2016, which was the first to consider seismic hazards from both induced and natural earthquakes in the central and eastern U.S. over a one-year timeframe. USGS' Mark Petersen and colleagues found that there were lower rates of earthquakes in 2016 compared to 2015 in five key areas: Oklahoma-Kansas, the Raton Basin along the Colorado-New Mexico border, north Texas, north Arkansas, and the New Madrid seismic zone (which ruptures in natural earthquakes) extending from Illinois to Mississippi. The decreased rate may be due to a decrease in wastewater injection from oil and gas production, the USGS researchers noted. When wastewater produced by oil and gas production is returned to the ground, it creates changes in pressure along faults, unclamping them and allowing them to slip. Seismologists think that the volume of wastewater, along with the rate at which it is injected back into the ground, are important factors in whether an earthquake is triggered by the activity. Wastewater injection in this region may have decreased in 2016 due to new regulations for its disposal, or slowed due to lower oil prices and less overall production. "We understand, for example, that there were industry regulations introduced in Oklahoma [in 2016] by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, that reduced the amount of injection in some areas by up to 40 percent," Petersen explained. Last year's forecast performed well in many respects, said Petersen. In Oklahoma, for instance, all 21 of the magnitude 4 or larger earthquakes in the catalog occurred within the area designated as the highest hazard area of the 2016 forecast. Oklahoma experienced three M 5+ earthquakes in 2016, including the magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Pawnee that was the largest earthquake ever recorded in the state. The model also correctly forecasted that there would be damaging shaking in the Raton Basin, where two magnitude 4 or larger quakes took place in 2016. In north Texas and north Arkansas, however, where the researchers expected damaging induced earthquakes, there were no earthquakes in 2016 larger than magnitude 2.7. Petersen said the USGS team will be working with researchers in north Texas to find out whether there were any changes in injection practices in the area in the past year. Petersen said the 2016 hazard forecast has been used by risk modelers, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and state geological surveys and city and county emergency managers, among others. The one-year forecasts may become less relevant if induced earthquake rates continue to fall as the result of wastewater injection regulations, Petersen said. "But as long as the earthquake rates in the central and eastern U.S. remain elevated and cause a significant chance for damaging ground shaking, it will be important to make these types of forecasts. Continuing collaborations between regulators, industry, and scientists will be important in reducing hazard, improving forecasts, and enhancing preparedness." More information about Kuwait is available on the Kuwait Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. U.S.-KUWAIT RELATIONS Since they established diplomatic relations upon Kuwaits independence in 1961, the United States and Kuwait have enjoyed a long history of friendship and cooperation, rooted in shared values, democratic traditions, and institutional relationships. In August 1990, Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait. A U.S.-led multinational coalition subsequently liberated Kuwait in February 1991. The United States has continued to support Kuwaits sovereignty and security, as well as its multilateral diplomatic efforts to build greater cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. From 2003, Kuwait provided the main platform for U.S. and coalition operations in Iraq, and has played a similar role in the fight against ISIS. A member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, it hosts the headquarters of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. Kuwait is also an important partner in U.S. counterterrorism efforts, including efforts to block financing of terrorist groups. U.S. Assistance to Kuwait The United States provides no development assistance to Kuwait. The United States provides military and defense technical support to Kuwait through Foreign Military Sales as well as commercial sales. U.S. personnel assist the Kuwaiti military with training, education, and readiness. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait also provides support for English language education and professional development exchange programs. Bilateral Economic Relations The United States signed trade and investment framework agreements with Kuwait in 2004 and with the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Kuwait is a member, in 2012, providing a forum to address mutual trade concerns and economic reforms. The United States is one of Kuwaits largest suppliers of goods and services, and Kuwait is one of the United States largest markets in the Middle East. While competing on price can be challenging, U.S. firms do have a competitive advantage when it comes to the provision of advanced technology, especially in the fields of oil field equipment and services, power generation and distribution, telecommunications systems, automobiles, certain other consumer goods, and military equipment. Kuwait currently sends the third-largest number of students to U.S. universities and colleges from the Middle East/North Africa region, and the 19th-largest number of students from any foreign country. Kuwaits Membership in International Organizations Kuwait and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Kuwait is a participant in the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. Bilateral Representation Principal Embassy officials are listed in the Departments Key Officers List. Kuwait maintains an embassy in the United States at 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 966-0702. More information about Kuwait is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here: CIA World Factbook Kuwait Page U.S. Embassy History of U.S. Relations With Kuwait Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Country Page U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics Export.gov International Offices Page Library of Congress Country Studies Travel Information Since 2014 a growing number of AUDs (Anti UAV Defense) systems have been designed and gone into testing and development. Some have apparently (and without much publicity) been sent to Iraq and Syria for use against the growing number of commercial UAVs ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) is employing for surveillance or combat (when rigged to drop small explosive devices that have caused several dozen casualties). One of these AUDs, developed by a British firm (Blighter), has been delivered to U.S. troops in combat zones for use and, in effect, to see if it works as well in combat as it did during extensive testing (against 60 different UAVs during 1,500 test sorties). The Blighter AUDs can be placed on roof tops or any other high terrain or carried in a vehicles (truck or hummer). It can detect UAVs 10 kilometers away and identify and disable UAVs in less than 15 seconds. This is done by either jamming or taking over the control signal (and landing the UAV). Separately an Israeli firm has sold 21 AUDs to the U.S. military for use in the Middle East. No details were given other than the price ($743,000 each) and that these AUDs were light enough for ground troops carry in a backpack. The number of anti-UAV weapons showing up indicates that the countries with larger defense budgets see a need for this sort of thing and are willing to pay for a solution. That need has been created by the growing availability of small, inexpensive UAVs that can (and are) used by criminals and Islamic terrorists. These more sophisticated AUDs are safer (for nearby civilians) to use because they rely on lasers or electronic signals to destroy or disable UAVs. For example the CLWS (Compact Laser Weapon System) is a laser weapon light enough to mount on helicopters or hummers and can destroy small UAVs up to 2,000 meters away while it can disable or destroy the sensors (vidcams) on a UAV up to 7,000 meters away. The CLWS fire control system will automatically track and keep the laser firing on a selected target. It can take up to 15 seconds of laser fire to bring down a UAV or destroy its camera. Another example is an even more portable system that can be carried and operated by one person. This is DroneDefender system, which is a 6.8 kg (15 pound) electronic rifle that can disrupt control signals for a small UAV. Range is only a few hundred meters so DroneDefender would be most useful to police. There is also a high-end system similar to DroneDefender that can use data from multiple sensors (visual, heat, radar) to detect the small UAVs and then use a focused radio signal jammer to cut the UAV off from its controller and prevent (in most cases) the UAV from completing its mission. The detection range of this AUDS is usually 10 kilometers or more and jamming range varies from a few kilometers to about eight. AUDS can be defeated. For example a user can send a small UAV off on a pre-programmed mission. This can be to take photos or deliver a small explosive. ISIL is apparently the first to least successfully use armed micro-UAVs and for several years North Korea has been using small recon UAVs flying under automatic control into and out of South Korea. If these UAVs are still detected they have to be destroyed via ground or air-to-air fire. This the South Koreans and Israelis have had to do several times and now that is also happening a lot in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and elsewhere where Islamic terrorists are active. The Israelis were dealing with Palestinian Islamic terrorist groups using small UAVs, often Iranian models and that is why a lot of new AUDs have been coming from Israel. South Korea and Israel have also relied on more sensor systems, especially new radars that can detect the smallest UAVs moving at any speed and altitude. The downside of using missiles to machine-guns to take down UAVs is that those bullets and missiles eventually return to earth and often kill or injure people (usually civilians) on the ground. South Sudan is broke and diplomatic staff in several foreign embassies have not been paid for at least two months. In 2016 the government cut embassy staffs but that wasn;t enough. The South Sudnaese government is seen as extremely corrupt and the senior officials are reluctant to allow auditing of what happens to foreign aid. For this reason foreign donors are reluctant to provide aid that is likely to be stolen by corrupt officials and never reach the people who need it. Meanwhile the country sinks deeper and deeper into poverty, famine and general chaos. In early February the UN reported that the number of people fleeing South Sudan fighting had passed the 1.5 million mark. Another 2.1 million people are internally displaced. The UN andother aid groups are getting a more accurate count of the number of refugees and note that most head for Uganda. One reason is that Uganda is a relatively safe place. Uganda now shelters over 670,000 South Sudanese along with 45,000 Burundian refugees. The refugee counter flow north to Sudan is also continuing. The government of Sudans White Nile State has asked for UN help in supporting the influx of South Sudanese refugees. The refugees are fleeing fighting in South Sudans Upper Nile state. Sudan estimates that between 30,000 and 35,000 South Sudanese refugees entered Sudan in January. An estimated 330,000 South Sudanese refugees are already in Sudan. February 27, 2017: South Sudan SPLM-IO rebels accused government forces of attacking and plundering villages in up north in Beih State (formerly Jonglei state). The SPLM-IO also claimed its forces killed 53 soldiers in a firefight in Yuai town. February 25, 2017: The South Sudan government denied accusation by Sudan that it has received weapons and ammunition from Egypt. February 23, 2017: South Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to build a new highway linking the countries. The highway will be able to handle oil trucks. That means the highway will be an alternative route for shipping South Sudans oil to global markets. The UN has given command of the peacekeeper firce to another Ethiopian general. Major General Tesfay Gidey Hailemichael will succeed Major General Hassen Ebrahim Mussa. The UN peacekeepers in South Sudan area basically an Ethiopian Army brigade of around 4,000 soldiers. The peacekeeper force also has some. The UN has authorized authorized 5,326 troops for the Ethiopian peacekeeping effort. February 22, 2017: In Sudan (South Kordofan state) the SPLM-N rebels claimed that a series of battls with Sudanese troops had ended when the rebels defeated a government attack west of Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan. February 19, 2017: Two senior officers running South Sudans top military court have resigned. Both officers said that the government had impeded their efforts to discipline soldiers accused of murder and rape. One of the officers accused the government of committing war crimes and intentionally overlooking war crimes committed by pro-government Dinka soldiers. February 18, 2017: The Sudan government said that it welcomed the efforts of Britain, Norway and the U.S. (the Troika) to end fighting in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. The troika countries recently urged the SPLM-N rebels to accept a new government proposal to establish a ceasefire in both states. February 15, 2017: In South Sudan government and rebel forces fought up north outside Yuai in Beih State and claim to have driven rebels from Yuai. February 13, 2017: Fighting in South Sudan has intensified with the violence more intense around Wau Shilluk (Upper Nile state) and Kajo Keji county in Central Equatoria state. Over 30,000 people have fled Kajo Keji since late January. February 8, 217: Several U.S. legislators are insisting that the U.S. maintain stiff sanctions on the government of Sudan. The legislators represent a bi-partisan coalition that believes the behavior of Sudans government must be penalized (to include its president, Omar al-Bashir). Two senior legislators accused the Sudan government of conducting indiscriminate aerial bombing campaigns in the Nuba Mountains. February 6, 2017: South Sudan has once again rejected a UN recommendation that the country to be placed under trusteeship. Love Latin music? Always wanted to move your hips and learnt to dance? Well, Rotorua might be the destination for you this weekend. The Aotearoa Cuban Festival will be in full swing from March 3-5, following a week of free community classes. A salute to Cuban Salsa and its roots, the festival recreates the passion and vibrancy of Cuba through the sounds of live Cuban music and dance. On Friday March 3 registrations open at Holiday Inn at 4.15pm, followed by workshops and a dance party until midnight. Over the weekend there will classes and workshops to teach dancers of all skill levels and experience. A showcase of Cuban and Latin dance will be presented at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday night, also followed by a Cuban dance party. Some of the best Cuban Dance talent in New Zealand will be on show, with tickets available to purchase through Ticketmaster. New Zealand Cuban Festival Trust member Greydis Montero Liranza says moving your hips around is like getting your Cuban passport. I am really excited to be able to share my passion and knowledge about Cuba and its dances alongside a great line up of international Cuban dance instructors with New Zealand dancers." A Rotorua resident and director of local dance school GreydisDance, she is a graduate of the prestigious National School of Arts in Havana, has toured the world and was a principal dancer and choreographer for the Lady Salsa show. Twelve years ago after this show came to New Zealand she fell in love with the country and decided to stay. The festival is sponsored this year by the New Zealand Communities Trust, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Southern Trust, First Sovereign Trust and the Creative Communities Rotorua Scheme. 100 years ago, March 2, 1917 MATTOON -- Capt. A.L. Keesling, Army recruiting officer in charge of the Terre Haute station, which includes Mattoon, visited Mattoon yesterday for the purpose of examining men for enlistment. The Terre Haute station secured 85 recruits during February. Sixty-two per month is the quota of recruits for the district. The captain expects to receive at least 150 recruits this month as talk of this country entering the European war increases... TUSCOLA -- William F. Jarman of Camargo, whose contributions have made possible the proposed Douglas County hospital, died yesterday morning. Mr. Jarman was born in 1834 near Harris, Ky., and came to the Camargo area when 10 years old. Since then he lived in and near Camargo. Possessed of much wealth, he recently pledged 320 acres of fine Douglas County farmland to assist in building a hospital in Tuscola as a memorial to his wife. His wife and children are deceased. 50 years ago, 1967 CHARLESTON -- Coles County Associate Circuit Judge William J. Sunderman today officially declared John W. Sheeks, the Democratic candidate for county treasurer, winner of the election against Republican Paul B. Smith by a nine-vote margin. Official returns after the Nov. 8 election showed Smith winning the election with 8,283 votes to 8,242 for Sheeks. A discovery recount resulted in a gain of 28 votes for Sheeks, leading to the full recount of all 60 precincts in the county... MATTOON -- If you are a boy or girl who will enter high school this fall, chances are that by the time you graduate from high school, or soon after, the United States will have made its first manned landing on the moon. If the U.S. wants to spend the money, a moon landing and even a landing on Mars are possible this century, according to P. Scott Smith, professor of physics at Eastern Illinois. In a talk at the Mattoon Kiwanis Club yesterday, Smith predicted the U.S. will land astronauts on the moon by 1972. He believes a manned landing on Mars is possible by 1984. 25 years ago, 1992 CHARLESTON -- Landowners willing to establish wildlife habitat may receive assistance from the Illinois Department of Conservation. The acres for wildlife program allows landowners to receive both technical and financial assistance to create habitat on private property. Projects range from a few acres to a hundred or more acres, according to Dan Brown, the private land habitat biologist for a nine-county area that is based in Charleston. There currently are about 90 active acres for wildlife plans in the nine counties Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt and Shelby -- and another 37 to be started this spring CHARLESTON -- A crowd of about 270 people attended the annual Lincoln/Sargent Farm Foundation benefit dinner, held for the first time at the Eastern Illinois University Martin Luther King Jr. Union. The event brought in about $13,400, Foundation Treasurer JoAnn Homann reported. Those who attended paid $25 each for a dinner of food traditionally served on the 1840s Illinois prairie and the chance to bid on antiques and other items during live and silent auctions. Homann said the top selling item was a painting by Paul Sargent that went for $500. Young Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Joe Woodard, also entertained the crowd with an 1846 campaign speech. 100 years ago, March 3, 1917 MATTOON -- Alderman George Kizer was given a hearing this morning before Judge Branan on a charge of conducting a gaming house in a rear room of the second floor of his business block at 1406 Broadway. He was found not guilty. Judge Branan ruled evidence did not show that gambling had taken place. The evidence was that the gathering of 10 men that police broke up about 2:30 in the morning was a "beer party" that had been going on for several hours. The $4.50 found on the table was the contribution of those present to pay for sandwiches that they had consumed. Police testified they climbed a ladder and peeked through a window and saw the 10 men sitting around a table with cards and money on the table, but did not see any gambling take place. MATTOON -- William Niemeyer, a well-known farmer living nine miles northeast of Mattoon in the German settlement, is preparing to build a new eight-room modern residence. Material for the house was hauled to the Niemeyer farm this afternoon, 17 wagons being employed. The wagons, belonging to Mr. Niemeyer's neighbors, moved in a long procession and attracted considerable attention. The material was sold by J.D. Andrews... CHARLESTON -- Dow L. Ray, aged 87 years, and the last Coles County veteran of the Mexican War in 1846, died at his home in Charleston, corner of Fourth and Madison, about 2:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Ray had been blind for several years. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- Dedication services of the new Central Community Church on East Lafayette Avenue will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The new church, a "modern Romanesque" style, was completed recently at a cost of $470,000. Robert G. Letourneau of Longview, Texas, will speak Sunday morning. Officiating at the dedication will be Dr. Richard R. Porter, minister-at-large of the Council of Community Churches. Also participating will be Rev. A. Mont Massey, president of the Mattoon Ministerial Association, and Mayor Morgan Phipps. Dedication services will continue each evening through Thursday with guest pastors, soloists and choirs from other Mattoon churches... SIGEL -- An explosion and flash fire struck a paint shop and garage in Sigel last night, destroying the contents of the building. A Sigel fireman, Kenneth Hardiek, was treated at St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham for smoke inhalation and released. The building, a converted gas station, is located on the west side of U.S. Route 45 in the middle of Sigel. Robert Moon of Sigel is the owner. Sigel Fire Chief Pete Hanfland said the blaze was extinguished in about 30 minutes. 25 years ago, 1967 CHARLESTON -- The smiling sun and embracing breeze of warm air set an all-time record high temperature yesterday. The days 76-degree peak in Charleston surpassed the 71-degree record set in 1981. In Mattoon, the high temperature recorded at Central Illinois Public Service Co. was 74 degrees. The record low for the day, set in 1925, was minus-3 degrees CHARLESTON -- Two Coles County students are among 23 Eastern Illinois University freshmen selected to represent the universitys Centennial Class of 1995. All students selected have an expected graduation date of Spring 1995. They will represent EIU students during the universitys 1995 Centennial celebration and participate in various activities. The two local students named are Kari Gadd of Charleston, daughter of Gregory and Rosemary Gadd, and Mary Kersey of Mattoon, daughter of Thomas and Susan Kersey. Emma Watson would really like to make peace with the most passionate fan base on the Internet. The former Harry NEW YORKThe word grand matched few hotels in the world better than New York Citys Waldorf Astoria, but this bastion of gilded splendour is now closing for two to three years for a transformative makeover. The last guests were checking out by noon Wednesday after enjoying the rich Art Deco style of the old Waldorf one last time. When the building reopens, it will still have a hotel, but hundreds of its 1,400 guest rooms will have been converted into privately owned condominiums, according to a spokesperson for the Anbang Insurance Group, the Chinese company that bought the storied hotel for nearly $2 billion (U.S.) in 2015. The exterior is protected by law as a New York City landmark, but some fans are still nervous about the future. Ive been watching New York disappear in front of my eyes, lamented Shade Rupe, 48, an author and actor who visited the hotels lobby this week for one last look around. Wrapping his arms around an entrance pillar, he noted that the ever-changing city has a history of devouring its own landmarks. Theres so little of what weve known as iconic New York left, and as soon as you say the Waldorf Astoria, thats like saying the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. Its huge! The Waldorf Astorias history dates to 1893, but its original home was torn down to make way for the Empire State Building. The new Waldorf Astorias more than 40 stories opened on Park Avenue in 1931, built at a cost topping $40 million ($639 million in todays dollars) making it one of the worlds largest and most expensive hotels at the time. It has welcomed well-heeled guests including every American president in the Presidential Suite, of course, behind bulletproof glass windows. Those who slept in luxury at the Waldorf over the years have included celebrities from Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly to Cole Porter, who left his Steinway ivories behind. It was a regular stop for foreign heads of state, royalty and corporate kings. Long-term residents have included former presidents Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The hotel also lent its name to the Waldorf salad, a mix of dressed apples, celery, grapes and walnuts thats become an American standard. Plans for the renovation are still not finalized, but some in the hotel industry said the new Waldorf will mirror the concept of New Yorks Plaza Hotel, which was renovated a decade ago into a mix of private apartments and a smaller hotel. Anbang bought the Waldorf in 2015 from Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., which continues to operate it. This can be a great real estate transaction, if they can get enough money selling the condominium units to cover the purchase price, said Bjorn Hanson, professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University. About 1,500 hotel employees are being laid off due to the closure. Two hotel regulars, Rebecca Ward, 50, and her fiance, Martin Murphy, 51, of Orlando, Fla., returned for two days before the closure to celebrate their engagement. Murphy proposed to Ward in front of the hotels giant lobby clock a month earlier. We wanted to stay here for the last night of the Waldorf, said Murphy. As renovation work starts, the citys Landmarks Preservation Commission must vote on whether to officially preserve certain interior details of the building including the wheel of life created from 140,000 marble tiles above the Park Avenue entrance, the grand ballroom and the Art Deco lobby with its huge, chiseled tower supporting a diminutive Statue of Liberty. The exterior already is landmarked. As for the upcoming changes under Chinese ownership, Ward said, Im very sad. I think this is an American institution and I think it should stay American. But the couple said the modernization wont keep them from returning to the Waldorf when it reopens. SHARE: PEORIA, ILL.Federal law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at three Caterpillar facilities in central Illinois on Thursday, officials said. Caterpillar says it believes that the search warrant concerns export filings related to its Switzerland subsidiary CSARL. In a statement Thursday after federal agents appeared at its Peoria, Illinois, headquarters and other Illinois facilities, Caterpillar says the issue it concerns was first disclosed in a 2015 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At that time, the Caterpillar said the SEC had notified the manufacturer that it was conducting an informal investigation relating to CSARL, and asked the company to preserve relevant documents. Caterpillar spokesperson Corrie Heck Scott said in an email that the company is co-operating with law enforcement. Sharon Paul, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Springfield, said the Internal Revenue Services criminal investigation unit, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.s office of inspector general are involved in the raids. A video on the Peoria Journal Stars website shows federal agents some wearing jackets that read IRS Special Agent and Police wheeling large boxes into a Caterpillar building. Caterpillar is a farming construction equipment manufacturer and is one of the biggest companies of its kind on the world. SHARE: Unreal Housewife! In a town where hostesses will often vie for relevance both in life and Slices upcoming reality TV series Sylvia Mantella just aced the exam: the Toronto socialite was found walking, not just watching, the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk in Milan. In my mid-40s, did I ever imagine Id be there? No, never, says the glamazon about her fashion hallucination, during which Mantella went where only Canadians like Linda Evangelista have gone before. In a far-out role reversal, the avant shopper and avid spectator of fashion weeks from Paris to New York found herself parading down a runway while the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner sat in the front row watching her. The show, held this past Sunday at Milan Fashion Week, was cast specially by Dolce & Gabbanas designers as an all-ages parade of influencers, famous offspring and take-your-pick fashion-plates. Think: a raucous affair including everyone from Princess Dianas a la mode niece Lady Kitty Spencer, to Pamela Andersons son Dylan Jagger Lee, to Italian tastemaker extraordinaire Bianca Brandolini. And, oh . . . Sylvia Mantella, the only Canadian to walk in the show. Mantellas own journey started when she received a message from the designer via Whats App oh, those Europeans! asking if shed be interested in walking. Her reaction: When you say walk, do you mean walk? Mantella profiled in the Toronto Star last year not only for her unapologetic fabulousness and on-the-ball philanthropy but in the context of the 40-acre private animal reserve she has in Florida with her husband, Robert (nine lions, six tigers, monkeys, peacocks and more) did not hesitate for long. To Milan! Landing in the Italian fashion capital on the Tuesday before the show, she went direct to a dress rehearsal, held on a third floor of the mega-labels studio. Domenico (Dolce, one-half of the designers) was there . . . with, like, 70 assistants. The room was 300 feet long, with every bag, every accessory, every shoe you can think of it, she recalls. I couldnt even process it! We want you to be you, they told her then. They know my personality is big. They brought me to try a big cross, which I ended up wearing. The dress was black lace. Also, a bold coat. As for the actual walking part, the socialite turned to a pro. Canadian model Coco Rocha someone she counts as a friend watched her do her strut. She approved, says Mantella, adding that, in a way, shed been preparing for this moment all her life. Everybody at some point, when theyre young, talks in the mirror pretending to receive an Academy Award or sings in the shower like a pop star. For me, it was always walking on a catwalk. Fast forward to the day of the show, when considering that a total of 130 people were participating it was quite the tableau behind the scenes. On hand to do the makeup: Pat McGrath, only one of the worlds most famous artists in that realm (Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Cate Blanchett are some of the faces shes powdered). As for the hair, Guido Palau famous for styling all the supermodels in George Michaels Freedom video was there to do the honours. It was a finely tuned machine . . . everyone going from station to station, Mantella says. They gave everyone a Dolce silk robe . . . black . . . so what I remember now is just a sea of black silk robes. That everyone included actress Jennifer Tilly (who Mantella palled around with backstage), as well as celebrity spawn like Delilah Belle Hamlin (Lisa Rinnas daughter with Harry Hamlin), Rafferty Law (Judes son with Sadie Frost) and Sofia Richie (Nicoles sis). On the other side, meanwhile, the front rows were brimming with many of the proud parents (Jamie Foxx, for one), as well as the venerable Anna Wintour herself. When Mantellas time was up she was just along for the ride. Youre so blinded by the light theyre really bright that you dont have time to get nervous. You just walk. Its all adrenalin. Its like Christmas. Ultimately philosophical about the experience, the socialite says what she wound up telling some of the millennials she encountered backstage at the show when she was in mama mode: You just have to savour it. Just savour everything. Because then its going to be over. SHARE: Tiny, tubular structures uncovered in ancient Canadian rocks could be remnants of some of the earliest life on Earth, scientists say. The straw-shaped microfossils, narrower than the width of a human hair and invisible to the naked eye, are believed to come from ancient microbes, according to a new study in the journal Nature. Scientists debate the age of the specimens, but the authors youngest estimate 3.77 billion years would make these fossils the oldest ever found. Claims of ancient fossils are always contentious. Rocks as old as the ones in the new study rarely survive the weathering, erosion, subduction and deformation of our geologically active Earth. Any signs of life in the rocks that do survive are difficult to distinguish, let alone prove. Other researchers in the field expressed skepticism about whether the structures were really fossils, and whether the rocks that contain them are as old as the study authors say. Read more:Oldest rocks on Earth found in Quebec But the scientists behind the new finding believe their analysis should hold up to scrutiny. In addition to structures that look like fossil microbes, the rocks contain a cocktail of chemical compounds they say is almost certainly the result of biological processes. If their results are confirmed, they will boost a belief that organisms arose very early in the history of Earth and may find it just as easy to evolve on worlds beyond our own. The process to kick-start life may not need a significant length of time or special chemistry, but could actually be a relatively simple process to get started, said Matthew Dodd, a biogeochemist at University College London and the lead author of the paper. It has big implications for whether life is abundant or not in the universe. The microfossils were discovered in rocks from the Nuvvuagittuq belt in northeastern Canada. This strip of iron-rich jasper now cuts across the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, but it was once a hydrothermal vent on the ocean floor. Billions of years ago, Dodd and his colleagues say, ancient microbes flourished around those vents, taking advantage of their chaotic chemistry to generate fuel. When the microbes died, iron in the water was deposited on their decaying bodies, replacing cellular structures with stone. The rocks that contained them were buried, heated, squashed, and then forced upward to form the part of North America where they now sit. Depending on the dating method used, the material could be as old as 3.77 billion years or as stunningly ancient as 4.28 billion years. When Dodds UCL colleague Dominic Papineau visited the Nuvvuagittuq belt in 2008, he knew immediately he would have to bring some samples back to his lab. Once back in London, he and Dodd peered at very thin slices of the rocks, first with an optical microscope, then with a laser-based device called a Raman microscope. The optical observations revealed complex fossil structures encased in hematite, a mineral that would have formed as iron in the seawater interacted with the microbes decaying organic matter. John Slack, a co-author and emeritus scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey who studies jaspers from ancient hydrothermal vents, said the fossils look just like the ones he sees in younger rocks, and around modern-day vents. The Raman analysis, which measures the vibrations of atoms as they are struck by a laser to figure out what molecules a material contains, showed that the rocks contain carbonate, apatite and magnetite minerals that often form in the presence of organic matter. Graphite in the rocks also contained telltale signs of life. The mineral disproportionately contained the isotope carbon-12, a form of the atom in which the nucleus has six protons and six neutrons. This form of carbon is preferred for biological processes and is considered an isotopic signature of life. We can think of alternative explanations for each of these singular observations, said Dodd, but why all of these features occur together can really only be explained by one thing, which is a biological interpretation. Not everyone is so convinced. Tanja Bosak, a geobiologist at MIT, said that the authors of the Nature paper are missing some key evidence for their claims. For one thing, she felt that the authors didnt include sufficient images of the site where they found the fossils, or a detailed explanation of their geologic setting. This is the very first thing we tell our students, to look at the context and report the context and interpret the context carefully, she said. Because if the context isnt right, then everything else you do doesnt matter. Bosak was also skeptical of the stated minimum age for the fossils. The Nuvvuagittuq belt is composed of metamorphic rock stone thats been heated, squeezed and deformed by processes deep within the Earth. It is also bisected by veins of igneous, or volcanic, rock that intruded into the sediments during this process. Dodd and his colleagues got their estimates of the formations youngest age by dating zircon crystals in the igneous intrusions (the logic being that those intrusions had to have formed after the fossils did). Their oldest estimate 4.28 billion years old comes from a more contested dating method that measures the decay of the element samarium into neodymium. Other researchers said this fell into the category of extraordinary claims that require extraordinary evidence. Abigail Allwood, an astrobiologist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said the researchers did a remarkable job analyzing the structures contained within their samples. But there just was just not enough data to definitely say they are evidence of life. Thats geology geology hands you whatever it hands you, and you deal with that, she said. The problem with these rocks after theyve been metamorphosed is that evidence of environment in and of itself is hard to find. Let alone studying how populations and supposed organisms reacted to that environment. Kenneth Williford, another astrobiologist at JPL, was more optimistic about the potential for these findings to be confirmed. He noted that the team behind the paper has a long track record working in the Nuvvuagittuq area, and that the features they describe match those of younger, undisputed fossils. Its a very exciting set of observations carefully made, Williford wrote in an email. . . . They may indeed have found something truly remarkable. Findings like these are subject to intense scrutiny because they have potentially far-reaching implications for the study of early organisms on Earth and other planets. The oldest universally accepted evidence of life on Earth is dated to about 3.4 billion to 3.5 billion years ago. The new paper proposes pushing that date back by nearly 300 million years. Thats a long time, Bosak said. Just think: in the most recent 300 million years of history, the Earth has seen three mass extinctions, a reshuffling of continents, the rise and fall of dinosaurs and the evolution of humankind. An earlier start date for the history of life also means that organisms were evolving at a time when Earth would have been quite hostile. Between four billion and 3.8 billion years ago, the planet was subjected to whats called the Late Heavy Bombardment, a time when asteroids and comets flew through the solar system and barraged every body they struck. If microbes were able to thrive in this chaotic time, that would imply that life can take hold even under the worst of circumstances. Significantly, the Nature paper comes just six months after researchers working in Greenland reported finding ancient stromatolites in 3.7-billion-year-old rocks. Those conical structures are usually produced by photosynthetic bacteria living in shallow seas. If both papers are confirmed, Slack explained, that means life not only existed early in Earths history, but was diverse enough to include both chemosynthetic and photosynthetic bacteria. If organisms found it so easy to thrive here on Earth, why not elsewhere? Could it be, in the words of Nobel laureate Christian de Duve, a cosmic imperative? Thats what Dodd would like to know. He noted recent research suggesting that 3.77 billion years ago, when the fossils formed, Mars was warm and had oceans on its surface. It means we could expect to find evidence of life on Mars at this time, Dodd said. And if we dont that suggests that life is a result of some fluke or phenomenon on Earth. Whatever consensus is reached on this paper, it will undoubtedly be helpful in the search for life on other worlds. Williford of JPL noted that hematite filaments like the ones discovered by Dodd are exactly what astrobiologists imagine they might find as they look for fossils on Mars. And Allwood said that studies of ancient Earth life can be a proving ground for the techniques required to identify alien organisms. When something like this comes out in the literature, and it is met with a lot of skepticism, and researchers say, What are the alternative explanations? Can something like this can be produced non-biologically? . . . Every time we do that the science gets better, she said. So if we find something beyond Earth, were in a better position to understand it. SHARE: WINDSOR, ONT.Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the new cross-border Gordie Howe International Bridge that will connect Windsor, Ont., with Detroit. The announcement of a dedicated multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians was made Wednesday during a news event at Bike Windsor-Essex. Dwight Duncan, chairman of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authoritys board of directors, said in a statement that the bridges new feature is a response to community demand. We have heard you loud and clear that the ability to cross the Gordie Howe International Bridge by bike or by foot is important to you, Duncan said. The integration of a multi-use path will benefit the communities, as it will support active transportation, a healthy lifestyle as well as enhance cycle tourism across the border. Bike lanes on the bridge were already rolled into the final bidding stage for three shortlisted companies vying to build the bridge. The bridge authority said the multi-use path will be located on the east side and will include barriers to separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles. The path will also feature one lane with two-way traffic and users will be required to carry the same identification as any other person crossing the border. In a statement Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi applauded the bridge authority for their ongoing efforts to ensure public engagement on all aspects of this project, including working in partnership with Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection to make this path a reality. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder also took to Twitter to celebrate the announcement, calling the inclusion of the path wonderful news. The long-sought Gordie Howe International Bridge was spawned from a hard-fought political battle among national, state, provincial and local politicians and the private owner of the existing Ambassador Bridge, which is the busiest commercial trade crossing between the U.S. and Canada. To make the project a reality, the Canadian government agreed to pay for all construction costs, including $250 million for the inspection plaza on the American side of the river, with a plan to recoup the costs through tolls. The price of the new bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2020, is now pegged at $4.8 billion. Read more about: SHARE: HALIFAXA Halifax taxi driver has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a young woman who was found drunk and unconscious in his cab, prompting a renewed debate over how Canadian courts react when the issue of consent is mixed with heavy drinking. Judge Gregory Lenehan ruled the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the woman did not consent to sexual activity with driver Bassam Al-Rawi. The 40-year-old man was charged after police found the woman, in her 20s, passed out and naked from the breasts down in his car in the early hours of May 23, 2015. The woman testified she had no memory of what happened in the cab, and the provincial court judge concluded his decision Wednesday by saying, a lack of memory does not equate to a lack of consent. Lenehan also bluntly stated: Clearly, a drunk can consent. The ruling came days after a jury in St. Johns, N.L., acquitted police Const. Doug Snelgrove of sexually assaulting an inebriated woman he was driving home from a bar while on duty, in a case that sparked a protest outside police headquarters. Now, Lenehans comments and the graphic details of the Halifax case have reignited a spirited discussion about how the courts treat allegations of sexual assault when the complainants cant recall what happened. Kim Stanton, legal director at the Toronto-based Womens Legal Education and Action Fund, said consent is a key factor in such cases, but so is the victims level of incapacity. The Supreme Court of Canada has been very clear that a woman cannot consent to sex if shes incapacitated, whether due to alcohol or otherwise, and that has been an important holding in our law, she said in an interview Thursday. The law in Canada is that only yes means yes. Thats our standard of consent ... It must be affirmative and ongoing consent. Stanton said that standard is not being applied evenly in courtrooms across the country, which she said is why the cases in Halifax and St. Johns are undermining confidence in the judicial system. Thats why so few women report their sexual assaults to police in the first place. Cases like this magnify the problem for the few women whose cases actually do proceed through to a trial. Nova Scotia Justice Minister Diana Whalen wouldnt comment on the Halifax case but said the outcomes of some sexual assault cases can be discouraging to complainants. Thats why we have to work hard as a society, because government pronouncements alone dont make the difference, said Whalen on Thursday. We have to change our attitudes in society. The Canadian Judicial Council confirmed Thursday it has received multiple complaints about Lenehan, but the council does not review the conduct of provincial court judges. A spokesperson for the Nova Scotia judiciary said the chief judges office, where complaints against provincial court judges are handled, could not comment on the case. In the St. Johns case last week, a 21-year-old woman who had been drinking downtown approached a parked police cruiser in the early hours of the morning in December 2014, and asked for a ride home, saying later she thought it was safer than taking a taxi. At Snelgroves trial, she testified the night ended with her passing out then waking up as Snelgrove was having sex with her. The Crown argued Snelgrove, a 10-year veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, took advantage of a vulnerable woman. But the case like the one in Halifax turned on consent. Snelgrove, 39, admitted he went into the womans home and had sex with her but he testified it was consensual. He said she did not appear drunk. The woman said she could not remember if she had consented. Wayne MacKay, an expert on human rights law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, said the issue of consent is the most difficult aspect of sexual assault cases. And he took issue with Lenehans statement that: Clearly, a drunk can consent. The law professor argued that ones capacity to consent can be severely limited by the consumption of alcohol. Thats really the large factual question that the judge has to deal with in each case ... There certainly seems to be a lot of circumstantial evidence that the person was likely not capable of consenting, but not any absolute proof that that was the case. MacKay said the cases in Halifax and St. Johns both involve people in positions of trust, which makes the issue of consent more complex. Even if there was factual consent, if youre a police officer giving someone a drive home or youre a taxi driver giving a young woman a ride, surely theres a right to expect ... trust will not be broken in terms of sexual contact. Thats the other element that links these two and makes them problematic. In the Halifax case, the woman testified that she had consumed three drinks at a downtown bar late on May 22, 2015. She told the court that the next thing she remembered was waking up in either the hospital or an ambulance, where she spoke with a female police officer. The judge said the woman couldnt recall being turned away from the bar after midnight, nor did she recall arguing with a friend, texting others or hailing Al-Rawis cab at 1:09 a.m. She doesnt recall any of that because she was drunk, Lenehan said in his oral decision. What is unknown is the moment (she) lost consciousness. That is important. It would appear that prior to that she had been able to communicate with others. Although she appeared drunk to the staff at (the bar) ... she had appeared to make decisions for herself. The woman would have been incapable of giving consent if she was unconscious or was so intoxicated that she was incapable of understanding or perceiving the situation that presented itself, he said. Lenehan went on to note that intoxication tends to increase risk-taking behaviour. In testimony, (the woman) could not provide any information, any details on whether she agreed to be naked in the taxi or initiated any sexual activity, he said. The Crown failed to produce any evidence of lack of consent at any time. Court heard that when a police officer spotted the woman in the back seat of the cab at 1:20 a.m., she was lying unconscious with her legs propped up on the two front seats. The constable testified that the driver was seen shoving the womans pants and underwear between the front seats. As well, his pants were undone around his waist and his zipper was down. The womans wallet, purse and shoes were in the front passenger area, and her pants and underwear were tangled inside out and wet with her urine, court heard. The judge said the evidence indicated that Al-Rawi had removed the womans pants. I dont not know if Mr. Al-Rawi removed her pants at her consent, at her request, with her consent, without her consent I dont know. A forensic analyst determined that the womans blood-alcohol level was as high as 241 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. At that level, the woman would have had difficulty transferring her experiences from her short-term memory to her long-term memory, the analyst said. This would explain why (she) was able to carry on interactions ... but then have no memory for much of what happened, Lenehan said. Officials in Halifax said the municipality is reviewing the status of Al-Rawis tax licence, which was suspended in May 2015 but reinstated three months later following an appeal that concluded he could pick up passengers during the day while his actions were being recorded by an in-car camera. His licence was banned from operation in September 2015 after he failed to provide the name of the business he was working for. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said the recent St. Johns verdict was delivered by a judge, rather than a jury. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAThe federal government is pledging up to $20 million to fund sexual health and abortion-related projects as part of an international campaign to fill a gap created by U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to ban U.S. funding for abortion-related programs. The money will go to five organizations, including the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and be spent in the coming 12 months on contraceptives, family planning and comprehensive sexuality education, abortion services where they are legal and access to post-abortion care. International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said funding sexual education and abortion where it is legal is a matter of human rights. The idea is really to give women the choice, Bibeau told reporters in a conference call from Brussels. Were not forcing anyone into it. Having the control over our own body is, to me, the first step for womens rights and its a matter of choice and having access to the information, the services and the supplies. Read more:U.S. Congress passes bill to permanently ban federal funds for any abortion coverage Aid agency Save the Children welcomed the pledge, saying that the money could help save the lives of women, adolescents and girls in the most remote regions of the world. An anti-abortion group, Campaign Life Coalition, called on the government to redirect the money to provide better nutrition, clean water, medicine and safe deliveries overseas. The group said in a release that the money signalled an abandonment of the countrys previous commitment to improving maternal health. A major aid agency said it welcomed any financial help Canada can provide, but warned that if the country is really serious about helping poor women in the developing world, it must increase the overall amount it spends on international aid. Lauren Ravon, Oxfams Canadian director of policy and campaigns, said Canadas decision to take part in Thursdays pledging conference in Brussels known as She Decides is welcome. Bibeau represented Canada at the meeting, where some 50 countries are trying to raise $600 million to fill the shortfall caused by Trumps decision. One of Trumps first acts as president was to resurrect a policy withholding hundreds of millions of dollars a year from groups that perform abortions or provide advice about the procedure. The ban has been instituted by successive Republican administrations dating back to the Ronald Reagan era, only to be rolled back by successive Democratic presidents since then. Trumps order reversed Barack Obamas 2009 decision to restore funding. Bibeau said the international community doesnt have a clear picture of what impact Trumps decision will have. She said the almost $200 million pledged Thursday was encouraging because there are few governments that can make significant financial commitments on short notice. The Trudeau government made a similar decision after winning power in 2015 by allowing funding for family planning in projects related to the maternal newborn child health, the signature aid project of the previous Harper government. The Conservatives also banned funding for abortion-related services, but the Trudeau government lifted that ban while deciding to carry forward with the aid initiative. Bibeau said funding for abortion-related programs will become a pillar of the governments international aid agenda and suggested a multi-year funding commitment will be announced soon. The Liberals have not committed to raising Canadas overall aid budget, which stands at less than 0.3 per cent of gross national income. Thats significantly less than the 0.7 per cent target the United Nations has set. Bibeau and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have said it is unlikely Canada can come up with a plan to meet that target, because it would involve a massive infusion of as much as $10 billion. Ravon said organizations such as Oxfam want to see an overall increase in Canadas aid budget. There is such a shortfall in funding, she said in an interview. Were seeing that Canadas aid budget is actually at an almost all-time low. One-off announcements are important. But wed really like to see a major increase in the federal budget for development assistance. The Liberals are expected to release their latest budget in the coming weeks. Bibeau has overseen the completion of a major review of development strategy, but has not released it. A summary on her departments website says it held 300 consultations in 65 countries, involving 15,000 people. Two of the main messages it received were to apply a feminist lens to development and raise overall aid spending to 0.7 per cent of gross national income. Shaughn McArthur, CARE Canadas advocacy and government relations adviser, said agencies such as his applaud the governments focus on women and girls in the development review. This government has come out very strongly in saying we want to support women and girls, said McArthur. And obviously there needs to be a dollar figure associated to that. Read more about: SHARE: A man has been arraigned in connection with alleged bombing threats at Concordia University in Montreal. Hisham Saadi, 47, is charged with mischief, uttering threats and inciting fear of a terrorist-related attack. Three university buildings in the downtown area were evacuated for several hours Wednesday after Concordia received what it called bomb threats targeting Muslim students. Read more:Police find nothing after bomb threat targets Muslims at Montreals Concordia University Classes were disrupted for several hundred students as authorities searched the facilities for explosive devices. None were found and police ended their sweep in the afternoon, but the buildings were kept closed until 6 p.m. ET. In a letter sent to several media outlets and consulted by The Canadian Press, a group threatened to detonate small artisanal explosive devices once a day until Friday in order to injure Muslim students. The group, which described itself as a chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens of Canada, or C4, complained about Muslim prayer services on campus and demanded the school stop religious activities of all kinds. Premier Philippe Couillard described the letters content as reprehensible and said his government was monitoring the situation. Saadi was taken into custody early Thursday at an apartment in Montreals Cote-des-Neiges neighbourhood. Saadi is expected to return to court Friday for a bail hearing. SHARE: A superintendent is facing charges after a sexual assault investigation at his apartment buildings in west-end Toronto. Toronto police say they were looking into complaints that a man was allegedly soliciting sex from residents of buildings in the Lawrence Ave. W. and Weston Rd. area. Thivakaran Yogeswaran, 34, of Toronto has been charged with five counts of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and sexual assault to a person under the age of 16. Yogeswaran has been superintendent of the buildings at 2089 Lawrence Ave. W. and 2099 Lawrence Ave. W. since 2012, police said. Anyone with information on the sexual assault investigation is asked to contact Det. Azi Sadeghi at 416-808-1200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477). Its the second time this week that one of the buildings has been in the news. Police made an arrest Tuesday in a homicide investigation from December, 2016 that took place in the stairwell of the building at 2089 Lawrence Ave. W. SHARE: As advocates push Queens Park to ensure 100,000 promised child-care spaces are affordable for families and offer decent work for early childhood educators, the NDP has introduced a private members bill that would direct new provincial funding to non-profit programs only. We have 30 years of evidence and research which documents the direct link between not-for-profit centres and quality early learning and care, said Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, the NDPs education critic. For the government to ignore this evidence moving forward would not only be ethically irresponsible but fiscally irresponsible as well, said Fife. Debate on the bill begins in the legislature Thursday. The Liberals five-year child-care expansion plan, billed as a top priority in last Septembers throne speech, would provide licensed space for 40 per cent of kids under age 4, double the amount available today. The government is expected to spend up to $3.75 billion to build and operate the new spots in schools, workplaces and other community settings. Toronto mother Crystal Hunt, who has used both profit and non-profit child care, said her experience backs the research. It was night and day, says Hunt, who was forced to put her baby Ethan in a for-profit centre last fall until space in a non-profit centre at Seneca Colleges Newnham Campus became available in December. There was just no consistency of care in the for-profit centre. It was terrible, she said in an interview. The centre seemed under-staffed and you could tell there was a significant level of stress among the workers. I often found my son sitting in the middle of the room crying because the staff couldnt attend to him. Ethan, 18 months, is thriving at the Seneca College centre, where staff follow a play-based curriculum and children are served fresh fruit and vegetables, roast chicken breast and other nutritious food, Hunt said. At the for-profit centre, it was processed fish sticks, chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese, she said. You could see they were cutting corners. Currently, about 24 per cent of Ontarios 350,000 licensed spaces for children from birth to age 12 are in for-profit centres. However, Fife and other advocates fear that percentage will grow if no limits are placed on the new provincial funding. Alberta-based BrightPath Early Learning Inc.s recent purchase of one of the GTAs largest child-care chains is particularly alarming, Fife said. BrightPath, Canadas first publicly-traded child-care company, bought 20 Peekaboo Child Care centres in Halton and Peel regions last September bringing the companys total number of centres to 76, including 35 in Ontario. Child care is not a public service that should be traded on the stock exchange, Fife said. We dont farm out public education services to corporations, she added, noting child care was moved to the education ministry in 2012. Its time for this government to acknowledge that child care is a public good and therefore should be delivered in a sustainable, not-for-profit model with the focus on quality. A spokesperson for the Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario, which lobbies on behalf of commercial child care in the province, was not available Wednesday. BrightPath did not respond to a request for comment, however the companys CEO Mary Ann Curran told the Star last September that her company is focused on improving quality and expanding in Ontario where there is a need. Over the winter, Indira Naidoo-Harris, the minister responsible for early learning and child care, met more than 2,000 parents, child-care operators, advocates and experts and received about 6,000 submissions on how best to build an accessible, affordable and high quality system for families. Everywhere I went, two issues kept coming up as the top priority: affordability and access to licensed spaces, she said in a statement. But in many parts of the province, particularly in rural and northern communities, for-profit care is the only option, she said. With this private members bill, MPP Fife is putting ideology ahead of access and affordability for Ontario families, Naidoo-Harris said. But Carolyn Ferns of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care said if the province is truly committed to quality and choice for parents, it should create non-profit options in areas where they are scarce. To build a real child-care system, Ontario needs to move away from the current market-driven approach and start planning, she said. Limiting for-profit care is one of three big ideas that will bring transformative change to the current patchwork of services available to families, Ferns said. Affordable parent fees and supporting the child-care workforce are the other two. Although Fife acknowledges it is rare for a private members bill to become law, she said she hopes to make a compelling case that the minister cannot ignore. For us, this really is a turning point, she said. And it would also signal to the large, big box child-care operators that Ontario is serious about investing in quality care, not just any care. SHARE: Three people in Ontario have been infected with Seoul virus, an illness typically transmitted by rats, Ontarios Chief Medical Officer of Health announced Wednesday. The three cases are linked to rat exposure in Ontario, according to chief medical officer Dr. David Williams. All three people had prolonged contact with the rodents. No serious health outcomes have been reported for the cases, Williams stated. The health risk to Ontarians is considered low and Seoul virus is not spread from person to person. However, people who come in contact with rats and materials contaminated with urine, droppings or saliva should educate themselves about potential diseases they could be in contact with, including Seoul virus, and take the appropriate precautions. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is investigating the source of the illnesses, including any possible connections to a multi-state outbreak of 16 human cases in the U.S. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week it is investigating those cases, which stretch across 15 states. Seoul virus can be transmitted from rats to people through bites or exposure to urine, feces, saliva or contaminated bedding, Williams said. The ministry is urging those who have had prolonged exposure to rats to contact their health care provider. Its also encouraging people concerned their pet rat is infected to consult their veterinarian to see if laboratory testing is needed. In humans, symptoms of the virus in some cases may include fever, severe headache, back and abdominal pain, chills, blurred vision, redness of the eyes or rash. However, a person infected with the virus might not develop symptoms at all. The majority of people infected recover with no long-term health effects, but in rare cases the virus can lead to a serious condition called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which can cause low blood pressure, shock and acute kidney failure. Rats infected with Seoul virus typically dont show any symptoms, Williams said. There is no way to treat infected rats and the animals can spread the virus for the rest of their lives, he said. The ministry is continuing to test rats, and has found some infected rats at Ontario rat breeding facilities. Rat breeders in Ontario who have sent or received rats from facilities linked to the provinces investigation may be offered testing by the Public Health Agency of Canada. SHARE: After months of controversy and upheaval, trustees with the York Catholic District School Board have voted to shut down an elementary school in Vaughan, but angry parents are vowing to continue their fight to keep it open. Despite letters of support from three provincial parties and local politicians, the trustees voted 5-3 (with one abstention) on Tuesday night, to close Our Lady of Peace, situated in the heart of old Maple. The school, which is 97 per cent full, and has both an English stream and a French immersion program, will close in June. Both programs will be transferred to nearby schools. Board staff had put forward a recommendation to close the school as part of a pupil-accommodation review, a process mandated by the province to help reduce under-utilized and half-empty schools as the board wrestles with budget problems. The plan to close Our Lady of Peace has angered community members who challenged some of the boards data as inaccurate and incomplete. Do you not care what the community is telling you? asked parent Jasmine Mousseau, who said people are outraged that despite uncovering inconsistencies, misrepresentation of data, and flawed policy the board is just forging ahead with plans to close the school. The parents also raised concerns about plans to send the children in the English stream to Father John Kelly elementary school, which is on a main arterial road and is located next to a gas station. The students in the French stream, meanwhile, would go to Blessed Trinity. Parent Frank Bilotta says the community is now deliberating over taking legal action. He said they filed a notice of action against the board on Monday and will decide if they will file an injunction or appeal the boards decision with the Ministry of Education. We have maintained all along that the process has been flawed and biased, he said. And we are going to challenge it. Board chair Carol Cotton said the decision met the objectives agreed to when this PAR (pupil-accommodation review) was initiated including reducing the number of unfunded pupil places. There are currently 6,000 surplus spots in the board. The option the board chose reduces capacity of 457 of them. The board report shows the other two options, which would have left Our Lady of Peace open, would have reduced capacity by over 600 spots. But Vaughan-Woodbridge Trustee Dino Giuliani, who put forward a motion to restart the process given all the controversy and voted against the closure, says the process has been far from transparent. We did not have the confidence of the community because there were so many issues raised during this process, he said. I believe if we had followed a better process, there would be fewer unhappy people here or parents who will eventually leave the board. Read more about: SHARE: Ryerson University has fired a teaching assistant accused of making disturbing anti-Semitic comments during prayers at a downtown Toronto mosque last year. The dismissal stems from offensive comments made during a prayer service last summer at Masjid Toronto. In an Arabic sermon, Ayman Elkasrawy, who the mosque says is a junior employee, allegedly called to purify the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the filth of the Jews, according to Bnai Brith Canada. In an email, Elkasrawy confirmed that his position had been terminated but said it was still an active matter with the union and my legal counsel. Elkasrawy denied that his comments targeted the Jewish community, adding that media reports had mistranslated and misconstrued my supplication. The correct translation does not target those of the Jewish faith nor does it express any form of hate or racism towards them, he said. Elkasrawy said he apologized for not choosing his words more carefully and would seek interfaith sensitivity training. Bnai Brith spokesman Marty York said the Jewish advocacy group filed a complaint with the university requesting that Elkasrawy be dismissed from his role as a teaching assistant after becoming aware of the remarks two weeks ago. In a letter to Bnai Brith sent on Tuesday and obtained by the Star, Ryerson president Mohamed Lachemi said that the universitys human rights, human resources and legal offices conducted a thorough examination upon learning of this deplorable incident. In a statement issued Wednesday, Lachemi called Elkasrawys remarks disturbing and anti-Semitic. We understand how something of this nature can impact the climate for our Jewish students and our Jewish community, Lachemi said. We continue to be committed to broadening education and awareness of anti-Semitism and we remain actively engaged in addressing any anti-Semitism in our community. According to his LinkedIn account, Elkasrawy has been a teaching assistant at Ryerson since September 2013. In a statement last week, the Muslim Association of Canada said Elkasrawy had used language during prayers that was unacceptable and against the values and practices of MAC, Masjid Toronto and the Muslim community at large. The organization apologized to the Jewish community and announced it was investigating. The incident occurred when inappropriate supplications, in Arabic, were added without authorization, and in contravention to MACs code of conduct for participants, the association said, noting Elkasrawy had since been suspended. York said he welcomed the universitys action and hoped it would serve as a turning point in what has been a very difficult 12 months or so for Jewish students on the Ryerson campus. He referenced an incident at a Ryerson Students Union meeting in November in which Jewish students said they were subject to jeers and snickers, culminating in a spontaneous walkout, following a motion to mark Holocaust education week on campus. Read more about: SHARE: Aloneness. It hits first, long before the loneliness does, long before the eager anticipation of a new life blends with the realities of a new country. Every year, when more than 100,000 women enter this country, sometimes alone, sometimes with their families but always with their dreams and expectations, the aloneness is a reset button, a hopeful one, representing new beginnings and endless possibilities. The first tentative friends, the first shopping mall, the first grocery store, the first snow and then, for some women, the first brush with abuse. Verbal, sexual, racial. Thats when, amid the chaos, loneliness gushes in like a ferocious whirlwind, shattering lives. Thats when the aloneness becomes isolation. One in three women in Canada experiences sexual violence and most dont report it. If picking up the pieces is challenging for Canadian women, those who are bereft of their societal networks are left especially vulnerable to the abuse and cruelty of identity-based prejudice. A graphic novel launched March 2 captures four stories of newcomer women in quick read format. Telling Our Stories: Immigrant Womens Resilience is a free novel, in a project funded by the provincial Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. It is the result of a creative venture between the OCASI, the Ontario agency serving immigrants and MOFIF, the agency for francophone immigrants. The four stories of domestic abuse, workplace abuse and date rape are composites gathered from the experiences of about 40 women from the GTA at four-day workshops and illustrated by Coco Guzman, an immigrant, who also facilitated the workshops. Chillingly, participant Rebecca Miller who arrived from St. Lucia in 2009 sees herself reflected in all the stories. Over the phone, her strong voice bespoke an undiminished spirit, her tone carried the exhilaration of one who has broken the psychological shackles that abuse chains you in. I look at myself not as a victim but a survivor, says Miller, a woman in her 50s. Before that, though, I had to seek help I didnt know I had. The man had told her if she reported abuse she would be deported, although she was here legally. I have a child here. Being alone, I was afraid. I needed to protect myself and my child. Her abuse report was registered as a police case in 2016, and she has not seen the man since. Another participant was Mona Barkat, 34, a lawyer from Algeria, who arrived in 2014. She is francophone but spoke in English of the typical newcomer challenges, futile job hunts, the Canadian experience barrier that stubbornly refuses to come down and the rather disheartening decision to start from scratch. Her interest in womens issues took her towards volunteering in a non-profit, and she went to MOFIF. In Algeria, she says, women face sexual and psychological abuse, but if they say I was abused, they will say its your fault. They always blame the woman. Well, well. Her biggest discovery in the process of doing the workshop? My awareness of people of different sexual orientations before I wasnt very informed. I didnt know they faced difficulties even here. Even here. Yep. Also, workplace harassment. Even here. When they finally do get a job, newcomer women tend to be eager to fit in. They tend to ignore the little alarm bells that inappropriate behaviour sets off, or even accept the behaviour as part of the deal of living in the freewheeling West. Both Krittika Ghosh from OCASI and Fayza Abdallaoui from MOFIF, the agencies behind the graphic novel, are double migrants. Ghosh, from India by way of the U.S., and Abdallaoui, from Algeria via France. They faced the same barriers to the job market themselves. It happens to mostly everybody unless youre coming here with like super connections and know people, Ghosh said. That was like a slap in my face, Abdallaoui says, because I wasnt expecting this. I really didnt expect Canada to erase everything (all my previous experience) that had happened and not take this as a strength, actually, for the Canadian economy. Ghosh, who worked in New York with South Asian Muslim and Arab victims of hate crime post Sept. 11, 2001, prefers a peer-based approach to solutions instead of a top-down one. Survivors themselves can be in charge of organizing themselves, she says, and are the best source of knowledge. The graphic novel, she hopes, will put the survivors in charge of their change. We wanted to develop materials that raise awareness in a way thats accessible. Not a medical journal. Abdallaoui was about the empowerment. The power of women sitting together and sharing their thoughts and sharing their experiences. Its really magic and you get a lot of strength. You gain in analysis and definitely in power. Some 17,000 copies of the book are available in 11 languages in settlement organizations, places of worship, universities and at vaw@ocasi.org . For victims of sex abuse, the only crime thats not declining in Canada, the most critical question is, Whom can I call? Diving into the labyrinthine justice system is intimidating. Friends can be a source of support, but friendships take time to form. Where can one find such information? One solution would be to include it in the brochures handed out to new immigrants upon arrival. It will take considerable cross-communication between departments and federal and provincial levels, but the need is urgent. For, looming on our southern horizon is a mass of humanity fleeing persecution and criminalization and looking for safe haven. The abused among them, too, will need to know that in Canada at least, they need not be alone. Shree Paradkar tackles issues of race and gender. You can follow her @shreeparadkar SHARE: Metrolinx is in talks with another company to supply vehicles for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project, and the transit agency fears it could be forced to pay the consortium building the rail line up to $500,000 a day in late penalties if its not able to get out of its troubled contract with Bombardier, according to legal documents. In affidavits filed by Metrolinx Thursday the transit agency, which is owned by the province, claims Bombardiers failure to deliver vehicles on time has pushed the situation to an urgent crisis point. They warn that Metrolinx could suffer extreme financial loses if its not permitted to find another supplier. The agencys $770-million vehicle deal with the Quebec-based rail manufacturer has been tied up in court since February. Bombardier has denied it is at fault for delays to the order, and in a statement released Thursday afternoon said it was still capable of delivering the light rail vehicles (LRVs) on time. We categorically disagree with the allegations made by Metrolinx today. Metrolinxs reasons for wishing to terminate this contract have nothing to do with our ability to deliver, the statement said. We are focused on building cars for the people of Toronto. We simply want a resolution that puts our employees and the transit riding public first. Metrolinx submitted the affidavits in response to an application for an injunction Bombardier filed earlier this month in an attempt to prevent the transit agency from cancelling its contract for 182 LRVs. The documents, which have not been tested in court, paint a scathing picture of Bombardier and allege that the company has irreparably bungled the Crosstown order. Bombardier can provide no evidence that it has resolved the many problems plaguing the design, development and delivery of the Metrolinx LRVs to date, Mark Ciavarro, a Metrolinx project director, swore in one of the affidavits. The documents claim that Bombardiers performance has exposed Metrolinx to massive financial consequences and reputational damage. Thats because under the terms of a separate contract, Metrolinx is responsible for paying damages to the construction consortium building the $5.3-billion Eglinton Crosstown in the event that the late delivery of vehicles prevents the line from entering service on time. The line is scheduled to open in 2021. Ciavarros affidavit estimates that damages for late delivery could cost Metrolinx up to $500,000 each day the vehicles are delayed. The contract with the consortium, called Crosslinx Transit Solutions, was negotiated by Metrolinx in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario. A spokesperson for Metrolinx said that under the deal Crosslinx also faces significant internal costs if they are late. The affidavit argues that Bombardier is attempting to force Metrolinx into many months of litigation to prevent the agency from finding another vehicle manufacturer in time for the Crosstown opening. If the contract isnt terminated quickly, Metrolinx will have no choice but to continue dealing with Bombardier and incur extreme losses, because the alternative will be even more catastrophic the affidavit said. The documents do not name the other potential supplier Metrolinx is negotiating with. A spokesperson for the agency declined to comment. Last fall Alstom, a French manufacturer that is building LRVs for Ottawa, told the Star it wanted to take part in the bidding process if Metrolinx sought other vendors for Torontos LRT lines. At the time a spokesperson for the company said Alstom was capable of meeting required Canadian content standards, and was considering an assembly facility in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area if there is a volume to support such an investment. The Alstom spokesperson did not answer the Stars questions Thursday. Metrolinx inked the contract with Bombardier in 2010 for light rail vehicles (LRVs) to run on the Eglinton Crosstown, Finch West LRT and other Toronto-area lines. Under a revised schedule the two parties agreed to in 2014, Bombardier was supposed to deliver the first of two pilot vehicles nearly two years ago. Metrolinx has yet to take delivery of it. In October, Metrolinx served Bombardier with a notice of intent to terminate the contract, claiming the company was in default. In its court filings, Metrolinx claims Bombardier has broken the terms of the contract by failing to provide the pilot vehicles or a realistic schedule for delivering the rest of the fleet and for not supplying skilled workers and equipment to complete the order. The two parties also disagree over whether Bombardier has met the LRVs technical loading specifications. Metrolinx has inspected the companys plants in Thunder Bay, Ont. and Sahagun, Mexico, multiple times, as recently as last year. Metrolinx says there remain chronic and ongoing quality control problems due to inconsistencies between the two plants and that the project has been plagued by welding issues as a result of poor training, incorrect procedures, faulty equipment and poor management. Bombardier has been unable to manage the problem of how two employees in two different countries can measure the same part and reach different conclusions, a Metrolinx statement released Thursday said. Bombardier has acknowledged previous problems with its manufacturing but says they have been addressed. The company blames the delays on Metrolinx, which it says has slowed the project by changing the specifications of the vehicles countless times. In its own court filings submitted this month, the company argued that the pilot vehicle for the Crosstown was ready for testing last fall but Metrolinx has refused to take delivery of it. The company charges that Metrolinx is deliberately trying to sabotage the contract because some of the LRT lines that were planned under the original Transit City plan have since been cancelled or deferred and Metrolinx no longer needs all 182 vehicles it ordered. Bombardier asserts that it still has plenty of time to complete the pilot and deliver a fleet of vehicles in time for the Crosstowns opening date. The line requires 76 cars and under the contract the first production vehicles are to arrive by fall of next year. Bombardier is fully able to deliver these vehicles on time, by November 2018, well before the tracks for the Eglington Crosstown line are even built, said the companys statement. We owe transit riders nothing less, and we are on track to make good on these commitments. Metrolinx had already signalled that it was open to other companies supplying vehicles for the Finch LRT, which is also supposed to be completed by 2021. Last year the agency asked consortia bidding on the project about including vehicle suppliers as part of their submissions. A hearing on Bombardiers injunction request is scheduled for March 21. Read more about: SHARE: The association that represents Ontarios doctors is fighting back against the governments proposal to change the law around discipline for health professionals, which would see the health minister being granted a larger role in the process. These changes, taken together, paint a troubling picture, Ontario Medical Association spokesperson Dr. Rachel Forman said in a statement issued to the Star. If the bill is passed in its current form, there is a very real risk that physicians could cease performing certain medical acts to avoid any potential they would be subjected to unjust processes. Bill 87, which Health Minister Eric Hoskins presented in the legislature last December, contains amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act that stem from a Star investigation into doctors still practising after being found to have sexually abused their patients. It would significantly revamp the discipline process for all health professionals, and not just for those found guilty of sexually abusing patients. If passed, it would grant the minister the power to make regulations regarding college committees and panels, meaning that, eventually, discipline panels of the colleges could be made up predominantly of members from outside the health profession. Another proposed change would require colleges to provide the minister with personal information, including health information, about a member of the college, if deemed necessary to ensure the college is fulfilling its duties. Critics have charged that the proposed changes signal a lack of confidence in the colleges ability to regulate their respective health professions, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). In fact, a task force set up in the wake of the Stars investigation called for the creation of a separate tribunal to prosecute cases of sexual abuse involving health professionals, but Hoskins has not indicated support for the idea. The OMA described the proposal to provide personal information on a college member to the minister as a serious breach of basic privacy rights. Physicians and other health-care providers should be entitled to the same expectation of privacy of their personal health information as all other citizens, and all Ontarians should be concerned about this Orwellian proposal, Forman said. With regards to the minister being granted the power to set the composition of committees, Forman said panels could be comprised of individuals without clinical judgment or medical expertise, both of which are critical to self-regulation. It is unclear what the Minister of Health wants to achieve with the power, but it raises serious questions about CPSOs impartiality. Hoskins told the Star in a statement that he looks forward to debating the bill in the legislature as well as public consultation to ensure we get this important piece of legislation right. The government has consulted with the Information and Privacy Commissioner to ensure the proposals are in line with privacy laws, he said. Colleges have begun to voice their stances on Bill 87, sending mixed messages. Irwin Fefergrad, registrar of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, which regulates dentistry in Ontario, said he unequivocally supports Bill 87. The College of Nurses said it supports the intent of the bill, and is working on a formal response to the minister. In a briefing note presented to its council last week, the College of Physicians and Surgeons said it also supports the intent and overall objectives of Bill 87, but did raise concern with the ministers proposed power to set the composition of committees and panels. The briefing note indicates that such significant changes are typically addressed in legislation after being debated in the legislature, rather than set by the minister, which is a much quicker process. The law currently states that two members of a discipline panel must be members of the public. Panels must comprise between three and five members in total. Louise Verity, the CPSOs director of policy and communications, highlighted in an interview with the Star the importance of having members of the profession on discipline panels. When there is a clinical issue that is under consideration, as is often the case in a discipline situation, you want to make sure that you have the expertise on the panel to help inform sound decision-making, she said. It's not so much about numbers for us, but ensuring the integrity of the process overall. Medical malpractice lawyer Paul Harte said the briefing note suggests the college is pushing back on the minister and government trying to gain a more active role in regulating the health professions. I have always said that the government is trying to have it both ways. The changes that they recommend would provide the option for them to become more involved in regulating the profession, but without taking over the responsibility of actual regulation, he said. My guess is that the government simply wants the threat that they might get involved to change behaviour at the college. I would be surprised if they did actually implement any regulations. SHARE: WASHINGTONClaudia Koonz, a historian at Duke University, wrote a book about how the Nazis prepared Germans to accept genocide. One of their tactics was portraying average Jews, who were overwhelmingly law-abiding, as a menace to society. In the 1930s, for example, a Nazi newspaper published a weekly list of Jews alleged crimes. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his government to publish a weekly list of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, who are overwhelmingly law-abiding, in most of the countrys biggest cities. Trumps order also established a government office solely dedicated to helping victims of crimes committed by undocumented people. On Tuesday, he promoted the office VOICE, for Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement in a prime-time address to Congress. Oh my God, Koonz said Wednesday. Thats disgusting. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Trump has drawn effusive praise from pundits for a speech in which he abandoned his usual stream of insults for the language of optimism. But he also horrified and alarmed many observers, including scholars of dictatorial regimes and of immigration, for using his office to single out the misdeeds of a small minority within a marginalized minority. Numerous studies show that immigrants, including illegal immigrants, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. Its tough to make parallels when the scapegoat is so different. But the process is the same, Koonz said. The process was to exaggerate every piece of evidence showing the criminality of the targeted group. So even though it was atypical and not representative, by the media blitz that accompanied it, people began to see it as normal. Trump is very much unlike Hitler, Koonz said, stating the obvious, and there is no indication his policy aims are more draconian than a border wall and a hard line on deportations. But advocates for immigrants say his demonization manufactures a public appetite for punitive policy and fosters a climate of fear and animosity that puts millions at risk for discrimination and violence. Its everything from cold-blooded murder to kids taunting in the schoolyard. But its turning people against each other, said Lynn Tramonte, deputy director of Americas Voice, which advocates pro-immigrant reform. For undocumented people, she said, it hurts. It hurts to think America believes they are here to commit crimes when theyre actually here just to feed themselves and feed their family. Trump disparaged illegal immigrants from the first speech of his campaign, when he referred to Mexican migrants as criminals and rapists. (He added: Some, I assume, are good people.) As president, he has falsely blamed undocumented people for Chicagos gang violence. His creation of VOICE, and demand for a weekly list of crimes committed by illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities likely including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles represents a significant escalation: the institutionalization of his incendiary rhetoric. Though the U.S. has a long history of discriminating against immigrants, a top scholar said he could not think of an equivalent for a government body that focuses solely on immigrant crime. I am unaware of any precedent for this VOICE office. Ever, said Ruben G. Rumbaut, a sociologist at the University of California, Irvine. The function of this program will be, one, to further scapegoat immigrants and portray them as deadly threats, and, two, to use the perception of threat to rally and rile the base for political gain, relying now the power and prestige of the presidency. A white man in Kansas is accused in the murder last week of a legal immigrant, Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla, whom he encountered at a bar. According to Alok Madasani, another legal Indian immigrant he shot, the killer had asked what visa are we currently on and whether we are staying here illegally. Read more: Donald Trump chooses Republican fundraiser as ambassador to Canada, Bloomberg reports New Trump travel ban removes Iraq from list, officials say The time for small thinking is over, Trump tells Congress in speech Trumps team has dismissed the notion of a link between hate incidents and Trumps words and acts. His spokesman, Sean Spicer, told reporters it would be a bit absurd to suggest that theres any correlation between the president and the Kansas shooting. And advocates of an uncompromising stand argue that crimes committed by illegal immigrants are indeed different from others, since the perpetrators should never have been there at all. Highlighting some victims of criminal aliens doesnt suggest that all immigrants are criminals, Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, told Time magazine. Shame on those advocacy groups that are trying to minimize the experience of these families. Trumps chief strategist is Steve Bannon, a nationalist who has opposed even legal immigration. Bannon was formerly chief executive of Breitbart News, a website popular with white supremacists that had a section devoted to black crime. The idea for the dedicated office, though, seems to have come not from Bannon but from the families themselves. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly invited onto his rally stages members of the Remembrance Project, a group of people who have lost loved ones to illegal immigrants. The group argued that they need a special government office because of the uniqueness of these killings. Their families, they said, are almost always forgotten, left to deal alone with their grief, often victimized by an unfamiliar legal system, and frequently face financial ruin. They persuaded only one candidate. Ten months later, Trump invited four of them to his quasi-state of the union address, introduced them by name to the country, described the killings as vicious, and declared he was providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media and silenced by special interests. He did not identify the special interests. SHARE: WASHINGTONA Russian airstrike in northern Syria hit U.S.-backed Syrian Arab forces who are part of the fight against Daesh, a senior U.S. general said Wednesday. Russia denied responsibility, saying in a written statement that it had adhered to U.S. guidance on avoiding friendly forces in that area. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, said an unspecified number of American military advisers were a few kilometres away from the bombed site, out of immediate danger but close enough to see their Syrian partners get hit. He declined to say how many of the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters were killed or wounded. Townsend said the Americans sent word that quickly reached Russian officials, who acknowledged the problem and stopped the bombing. Townsend, who spoke to reporters at the Pentagon from his headquarters in Baghdad, said he believes the Russians thought they were striking Islamic State positions in the village. But Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, fighters had withdrawn before the bombing, and members of what the Americans call the Syrian Arab Coalition had moved in, he said. Read more: U.S. defence chief unveils plan to rapidly defeat Daesh to White House Daesh strategies ordered by Trump could deepen U.S. involvement in Syria In Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Defence issued a statement contradicting Townsends version of the events. It said that in communications prior to the airstrike, a U.S. officer had expressed concern about the possibility of U.S.-backed Syrian fighters being struck inadvertently. To prevent any such incidents, a U.S. representative gave precise co-ordinates of the U.S.-backed opposition forces in that area to a Russian military officer, the statement said. The Russian military command took that information into account. Russian or Syrian aircraft havent dealt a single strike on the areas designated by the U.S. The incident happened southeast of the city of al-Bab, which Townsend said has been fully liberated by Turkish forces. Townsend mentioned the incident to illustrate his point that the battlefield in Syria is exceptionally complex. He expressed worry that the complexities could lead to more severe miscalculations and undercut an anti-IS military campaign that is approaching a crucial juncture as U.S.-backed Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters close in on Raqqa, the self-declared IS capital. Townsend said the U.S. is still talking to Turkey about whether and how Turkish forces might be involved in an assault on Raqqa. The issue is a sticky one because the Turks are opposed to the U.S. relying on Syrian Kurdish fighters in and around Raqqa; the Turks consider the Kurdish force known as YPG to be terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Russias military involvement is a further complication, from the U.S. point of view. Its unclear whether U.S. President Donald Trump will seek military co-ordination with Russia in Syria; his predecessor deemed it inappropriate, arguing that the Russians were at cross purposes with the U.S. by acting to prop up the Syrian government. Townsend did not comment on relations with Russian other than to mention that a U.S.-Russian military communications link set up during the Obama administration was used in response to the airstrikes that hit U.S. partner forces Tuesday. The link was established to deconflict, or avoid collisions between U.S. and Russian warplanes over Syria. We used that mechanism and it worked, Townsend said. More broadly, the general said he is satisfied that the U.S. counter-Daesh strategy as developed during the Obama years is working. He said he has forwarded up his chain of command a set of recommendations on possible adaptations of the strategy, but he would not discuss those. He suggested that no major changes were needed and explicitly stated that sending large numbers of U.S. troops, as Trump proposed during the presidential campaign, would not help. I dont foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what were doing is in fact working, he said. But in the event that we bring in any additional troops, well work with our local partners both here in Iraq and Syria to make sure that they understand the reasons why were doing that and to get their buy-in of that. Others have said the Trump administration might seek to accelerate the assault on Raqqa by putting additional U.S. trainers and advisers into Syria and possibly sending small numbers of conventional forces to operate long-range artillery. Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis sent to the White House his outline of how the administration might change the counter-Daesh strategy, which relies heavily on airstrikes and has evolved since President Barack Obama reintroduced troops into Iraq in 2014 after Daesh fighters swept across the Syrian border and captured large portions of northern and western Iraq. Townsend said U.S. intelligence estimates put the number of Daesh fighters in Iraq and Syria combined at 12,000 to 15,000. That is down from an estimate of 19,000 to 25,000 in February 2016 and 20,000 to 31,000 in 2014. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONWhite House lawyers have instructed the presidents aides to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and other related investigations, three administration officials said Wednesday. The instructions, which were sent to White House staff on Tuesday, come after Senate Democrats last week asked the White House and law enforcement agencies to keep all materials involving contacts that Trumps administration, campaign and transition team or anyone acting on their behalf have had with Russian government officials or their associates. The Senate intelligence committee, which is investigating Russias role in the 2016 election, has also asked more than a dozen organizations, agencies and individuals to preserve relevant records. The three administration officials who confirmed that White House staffers were instructed to comply did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump has been dogged by questions about his advisers ties to Russia since the campaign. Federal investigators have been looking into possible contacts between Trump advisers and Russia, while congressional committees are investigating Russias role in political hacking during the campaign. The intelligence community has assessed that Russias hacking of Democratic groups and operatives was carried out to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. One official said McGahns memo instructs White House staff to preserve material from Trumps time in office, and for those who worked on the campaign, relevant material from the election. A Trump spokesman said the White House was simply taking proactive steps and called the accusations of nefarious ties between the president and Russia false and politically motivated attacks. Congressional staffers have said they are not aware of any evidence that materials related to Russia are not being preserved. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said last week: There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved. Read more: In singling out crimes by illegal immigrants, Donald Trump evokes troubling precedents Donald Trump chooses Republican fundraiser as ambassador to Canada, Bloomberg reports The time for small thinking is over, Trump tells Congress in speech Trump has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, as reported by The New York Times. The White House has launched an aggressive effort to discredit the report, including enlisting GOP chairmen of the congressional intelligence committees to push back against it. The involvement of North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr and California Rep. Devin Nunes has sparked calls mostly from Democrats for a special prosecutor to investigate Russias role in the election and possible ties to Trump. The White House has acknowledged that Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security adviser, misled top officials about the nature of his contacts with Russias ambassador to the U.S. Flynn initially told Vice-President Mike Pence and other Trump advisers that he did not discuss sanctions with the envoy during the transition, though it was later revealed that he did. The FBI interviewed Flynn about the contacts days after the inauguration. Trump fired Flynn after the discrepancies in his account were publicly revealed. Read more about: SHARE: With elections coming up this year in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and perhaps Italy, European intelligence services across the continent have been sounding the alarm about Russian attempts to influence the outcome through targeted disinformation and propaganda, as they appeared to do in the U.S. presidential election. That brand of information war can range from pushing fake news stories and conspiracy theories to fanning the flames of existing problems all serving to undermine public confidence in governments and institutions. Elsewhere in the Baltics and former Soviet Union, Russian-linked disinformation has worked to stoke panic and force local governments into knee-jerk, counterproductive responses that have boosted Kremlin goals across the region. But in the face of this mounting pressure, one of Russias neighbours has emerged unusually resistant to the wider information war waged by Moscow across Europe: Finland. Like other countries along the Baltic Sea or in Eastern Europe, Finland has seen a notable increase in fake news stories and propaganda targeted against it that can be linked back to Russia since Moscows annexation of Crimea in 2014. These attacks have sought to undermine the government and often coincided with military shows of forces along the Russian border. But unlike its neighbours, Helsinki reckons it has the tools to effectively resist any information attack from its eastern neighbour. Finnish officials believe their countrys strong public education system, long history of balancing Russia, and a comprehensive government strategy allow it to deflect co-ordinated propaganda and disinformation. The best way to respond is less by correcting the information, and more about having your own positive narrative and sticking to it, Jed Willard, director of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Center for Global Engagement at Harvard, told Foreign Policy. Willard, who is currently working for the Swedish government, was hired by Finnish officials to help them develop a public diplomacy program to understand and identify why false information goes viral and how to counter propaganda. That initiative started at the top. In October 2015, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto took the first step, when he acknowledged that information warfare is real for Finland, and said that it was the duty of every citizen to combat it. In January 2016, the prime ministers office enrolled one-hundred officials in a program across several levels of the Finnish government to identify and understand the spread of disinformation based on Willards advice. Lots of governments in the West dont have the same kind of narrative to respond with as does Helsinki. A homogenous country of 5.4 million people, Finland routinely ranks at the top of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Developments quality of life metrics and in addition to strong social welfare programs, the countrys education system is the best in the world, according to the World Economic Forum. Willard says this combination of widespread critical thinking skills among the Finnish population and a coherent government response makes a strong defence against concerted outside efforts to skew reality and undermine faith in institutions. This stuff is real. It is as real as war, said Willard. But the Finns very quickly realized this and got out in front of the problem. Rene Nyberg, a former Finnish ambassador to Moscow, says Finland has a couple of key advantages when it comes to parrying Russian disinformation. Helsinki is painfully well-versed in dealing with Russia, as it has had to do through war and annexation, and most recently the decades-long staring match of the Cold War. That left Finland with a sober understanding of the Kremlins real motives. Plus, it helps that Finland is not Russias main target when it comes to undermining European unity. The real intensity is Germany . . . Merkel is the main course, Nyberg told FP. Were just a side dish. The case of the false Lisa story in Germany from January 2016 is often cited as a textbook example of Moscows modern information capabilities. Russian-language media reported allegations that a German-Russian girl had been raped by migrants in Berlin before local authorities had time to verify the information; those Russian reports were then picked up by mainstream news media in Germany and elsewhere. When the story was finally debunked, subsequent accusations of a coverup by Berlin were reported by Channel One, Russias prime state TV station, and were even hinted at by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said the incident was hushed up for a long time for some reason during a press conference. The spread of the false story also prompted protests across the country by anti-immigrant groups and Russian Germans. Experts say its nearly impossible to track the extent to which these pro-Russian positions are directly shaped by the Kremlin. Indeed, to be most effective, Moscow does not invent issues out of whole cloth, they say. Instead, disinformation attacks seek to inflame existing tensions by putting out viral web stories that would then be republished by local news outlets and on social media to distort political debates about wedge issues like the European Union, immigration, and NATO. Weaponizing information has a long history in Russia, and the Kremlin ran an extensive operation to subvert the West in Soviet times. In an age of social media where news can quickly spread around the globe, Russia deployed its arsenal of trolls, propaganda, and false information to a new level that has allowed Moscow to perfect its techniques over the last decade. These techniques have even become enshrined in official Kremlin doctrine. But responding to such tactics can often backfire and risks replicating the Kremlin-backed narrative. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as well as other former Soviet countries like Ukraine and Georgia have been less successful in pushing back against Russian disinformation. Pro-Russian media, including the state-owned Channel One, already reach huge numbers of homes across the former Soviet Union. In the Baltics, which have large Russian-speaking minorities, attempts to restrict or ban Russian broadcasters, websites, or journalists have often polarized relations with the local Russian community and given more material for Kremlin-backed propaganda and disinformation. In Ukraine and Georgia, Russian propaganda often amplifies and distorts the very real problem of state corruption, seeking to destroy confidence in pro-Western political parties. In contrast, Finland, which ranks as the worlds third-least corrupt country according to Transparency International, and which has only a tiny Russian-speaking population, has fewer obvious targets to be exploited. In March 2016, the Finnish-language bureau for Sputnik, the state-funded Russian media outlet, closed after it failed to attract enough readers. Nothing has been very harmful for the public so far, Markku Mantila, director general for government communications at the Finnish prime ministers office, told FP. Finns are well-educated and because of that, we are very resilient to such attempts. But Finland does have one thing that drives the Kremlin to distraction: an 1335-kilometre border with Russia. Fears over NATOs eastward expansion including, potentially, to Finland are behind much of Russias aggressive posture toward the West. Finnish officials claim to have documented 20 disinformation campaigns against their country that have come directly from the Kremlin. Those attempts tend to focus on a narrow but sensitive topic: Helsinkis carefully balanced relations with Moscow. After two wars with Russia in two years in the 1940s, Finland during the Cold War followed a carefully-crafted policy of neutrality, allowing it to balance integration with Europe while maintaining good relations with the Soviet giant next door. The country refrained from joining NATO and often bowed to Moscows wishes to preserve its independence, a stance that some Western detractors condemned as too accommodating to the Soviets. Cold Warriors even dubbed it, derisively, Finlandization. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Helsinki quickly distanced itself from its Cold War legacy, but the countrys policy-makers still walk a tightrope with Russia. Public opinion on NATO membership is strongly divided, making Finland an important target for Russia as it seeks to influence the public discourse of its neighbours and sow divisions in Europe. Russian disinformation campaigns have spun a narrative of the Finnish government discriminating against ethnic Russians. In February, reports of dual Russian-Finnish citizens being rejected from military and foreign service jobs became a talking point in pro-Kremlin media in Russia. A measure discussed in Finnish parliament to prevent Russian citizens from owning land near military sites also rallied the pro-Kremlin propaganda machine. A similar line of attack, which has involved doctored photos, saw Kremlin outlets accuse Finnish authorities of child abduction in disputes arising over child welfare and custody battles for Finnish-Russian marriages. The accusations, which Finnish officials deny, first materialized in 2012, but continue to flare up giving Russian lawmakers more opportunity to make inflammatory statements about their neighbour. Its not just about Finlands relationship with Russia, said Saara Jantunen, the author of Info-War, a book about Russian disinformation in Finland. Its about showing what kind of rhetoric in Finnish society and the media is acceptable. One noticeable aspect of the Kremlins approach in other parts of Europe is to support anti-establishment forces, which often parrot pro-Russian positions. A similar dynamic is at play in the case of Jessikka Aro, an investigative journalist for the social media division of Finlands state broadcaster, Yle Kioski. In 2014, Aro followed up on reports of a Russian troll factory in St. Petersburg that was seeking to influence public opinion in the West about Kremlin manoeuvres abroad. After she published her initial investigation, which documented how pro-Russian voices were attempted to shape the public discourse on Ukraine, her name appeared on Russian nationalist websites where she was derided as a Western intelligence agent, bombarded with anonymous abusive messages on social media, and labelled as a drug dealer. Read more: Kremlin orders media to cut back on pro-Trump coverage, sources say Fake news, absurd reality present new challenges for satirists Plug-ins, extensions and other solutions suggested to combat fake news on Facebook The man who became the main voice targeting Aro was Johan Backman. An outspoken supporter of the Kremlin who is fluent in Russian, Backman a Finn was responsible for the bulk of the derisive commentary that appeared about Aro. Backman serves as the representative in Northern Europe for the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, a state-funded research group known for its Kremlin connections during the Cold War and currently led by a Soviet-era intelligence officer. Backman has defended his commentary as free speech. MVLehti a Finnish-language news site hosted abroad that is known for its right-wing, anti-immigrant, and anti-EU views also produced some of the false information about Aro. Ilja Janitskin, the news sites founder and head who lives in Spain, told the New York Times in 2016 that he had no connections to Moscow. Still, both men are currently being investigated by Finnish police for harassment and hate speech for targeting Aro. Finnish authorities have been trying to extradite Janitskin from Spain, but he is currently on the run. Adding another layer to the case, the Helsinki police department announced in October 2016 that an employee from Yle, the Finnish broadcaster where Aro works, is suspected of providing the information that was later used to defame her. The case is awaiting a date in court. Aro said that she became a target because her reporting brought into question Helsinkis traditionally measured line with Moscow. NATO is at the core of everything, Aro said. The goal of these campaigns is to discredit the voices in Finland that are critical of Russia. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONSo, we know the U.S. intelligence community believes that Russia meddled in the presidential election to boost Donald Trump. We also know the FBI is investigating possible connections between Russia and some of Trumps campaign allies. What many Democrats and even some Republicans arent sure about is whether that investigation will live up to ethical standards. The man in charge of it, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, is one of Trumps closest political allies, and a blockbuster report from The Washington Post asserts Sessions had two conversations with Russias ambassador in 2016, conversations he did not disclose during his confirmation hearings for the job. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, Sessions told NBC News in response to the report, adding: I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Theres no doubt about that. Read more: Sessions spoke with Russian envoy twice during presidential campaign, Justice Department says Top Republicans call for Sessions to recuse himself from Trump-Russia investigation Some top Republicans are encouraging him to do just that, like Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, chair of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself, Chaffetz tweeted Thursday morning. But what happens if Sessions steps aside? What kinds of investigations would take place instead? Heres your cheat sheet to four major investigations that could delve into Trumps relationship (or lack thereof) with Russia. We included pros and cons of each type of investigation, with our baseline being a fair and accurate one. Various investigations by congressional committees The House and Senate intelligence committees, which deal with some of the nations most well-kept secrets, are already planning to investigate Russias attempt to influence the U.S. presidential election. After Michael Flynn resigned last month as national security adviser over his own conversations with Russias ambassador about sanctions, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., said hed consider expanding the panels investigation to Trumps aides talking to Russia. He later added that hes more focused on how reports of those conversations got leaked than he is on the conversations themselves. GOP leaders of the House and Senate judiciary committees also have expressed a willingness to look into the circumstances surrounding Flynns conversations. GOP leaders havent immediately commented on this Sessions news, though Democrats certainly have: Potential pros of this kind of investigation: It can begin right away. Potential cons: It could be viewed by the public as partisan, since Republicans control both chambers of Congress and thus hold a majority in every committee thats investigating Russia. Likelihood of this kind of investigation happening: Its very likely that Russia and Trump will be investigated in Congress in some form, although Republicans are divided about how seriously to take the allegations that Trumps associates had contact with Russia. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. A special congressional committee Under this scenario, a group of about a dozen lawmakers would be assigned to only investigate well, whatever it was set up to investigate. Potential pros: This kind of investigation is usually more thorough, because unlike other committees in Congress, it has only one issue to focus on. It also can be perceived as less partisan than the regular committee process, especially if Congress agrees to put an even number of Republicans and Democrats on it. Potential cons: Most Republicans, including leaders, dont seem to have any desire to set up a high-profile, time-consuming committee to investigate the issue. Even some of Trumps toughest GOP critics, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, have said its too soon to open a special congressional probe into who Trumps aides talked to and when. (Though McCain has expressed support for a separate special committee to look into how Russia tried to influence the presidential election.) Another con: This type of investigation could take years to get started and even longer to complete. And they are not immune to partisanship. Democrats and Republicans investigating the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, couldnt even come to the same conclusion as to what actually happened when they released their final report in June. Likelihood of it happening: Slim but not impossible. To get this committee started, a majority of lawmakers in one or both chambers must approve it, and there just doesnt seem to be that kind of support. The Justice Department expands its investigation The FBI, which sits under the Justice Department, is already investigating allegations of Russia hacking the U.S. election, including any financial ties between the Russian government and associates of Trump. It could expand that investigation however it feels necessary. Potential pros: Its lawyers, not Congress, (read: lawyers-turned-politicians) doing the investigating. Potential cons: Its largely being done behind closed doors and thus, its not really clear what, specifically, the FBI is investigating. Also, the person ultimately in charge Sessions is a close ally of Trumps. He was one of the first sitting members of Congress to endorse the president. Thats why Rep. Darrell Issa of California, a top Republican, recently said it may not be appropriate for Sessions to be in charge of the FBIs investigation of Russia. House Speaker Paul Ryan says Attorney General Jeff Sessions should only recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election if Sessions is a subject of that investigation. Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump Youre right that you cannot have somebody a friend of mine, Jeff Sessions who was on the campaign and who is an appointee, Issa said on a Friday show of HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher. Youre going to need to use the special prosecutors statute and office. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., appeared to second that in a CNN town hall Wednesday: There may be nothing there. But if theres something there that the FBI believes is criminal in nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor. If that day ever comes, Ill be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff. Which brings us to the final kind of investigation being considered: A special prosecutor A special prosecutor is someone usually outside the confines of government picked by the government to investigate potential wrongdoing. The most famous special prosecutor in recent history is Kenneth Starr, a lawyer who was chosen to investigate president Bill Clintons real estate investments and eventually wound up uncovering the presidents affair with a White House intern. Potential pros: Its the most independent kind of investigation the government can have, because the government is not doing the investigating. Potential cons: It can turn into a political spectacle in its own right or uncover unexpected things. Starrs broadened inquiry eventually led to Clintons impeachment by the House. And when Archibald Cox tried to force president Richard Nixon to turn over tape recordings of his White House conversations, Nixon fired the attorney general who appointed Cox. Another con: Sessions could be the person to appoint the special prosecutor, which would for some critics lead us right back to the conflict-of-interest question haunting the existing investigations. Likelihood of this happening: Slim, but not impossible. Even the White House isnt ruling out a special prosecutor to look into Russian meddling in the election, although a spokeswoman said Sunday that its premature to say whether thats necessary. Sessions told NBC News hed consider it: I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Theres no doubt about that. SHARE: KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIAMalaysia ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, issuing a statement condemning the use of a banned toxic chemical weapon in the killing of the half brother of North Koreas leader. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam, but the statement from the Foreign Ministry comes hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The statement from Malaysias Foreign Ministry said it was greatly concerned with the use of the toxic chemical and condemned the use of such a chemical weapon under any circumstances. Its use at a public place could have endangered the general public, said. Read more: From LOL shirt to bulletproof vest, Kim Jong Nam murder suspects go to court The strange life, and sudden death, of North Korean exile Kim Jong Nam Suspects in VX nerve agent attack on Kim Jong Uns brother charged with murder The death of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Koreas ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The autopsy is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities said they had to under the law. Also Thursday, amid growing fallout from the killing, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say two women smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kims face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpurs airport on Feb. 13. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The women, who were caught on grainy surveillance video, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. Malaysias autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea has denied any role and accused Malaysia of bias. On Thursday, Ri Tong Il, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, told a news conference that it made no sense to say the two women used such a deadly toxin without also killing or sickening themselves and people around them. Ri said Kim had a history of heart problems and had been hospitalized in the past. He said he understood that Malaysian officials found medication for diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure in Kims belongings and concluded he wasnt fit to travel. This is a strong indication that the cause of death is a heart attack, Ri said. North Korea does not acknowledge that it was Kim Jong Nam who died. Instead, it refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying. Malaysia has confirmed that the victim was Kim Jong Nam. National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar brushed off Ris claim of a heart attack. We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like but the facts remain, Khalid told AP. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands. The police said four North Korean suspects, who left the country on the same day after the killing, put the VX liquid on the womens hands. Police cant confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. The case has frayed once-warm ties between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isnt one of North Koreas key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it has been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all change after Kims death. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped starting Monday for national security reasons. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, who has accused Malaysia of trying to conceal something and colluding with hostile forces. Earlier Thursday, Malaysian authorities said they will release a North Korean man, Ri Jong Chol, from custody Friday because of a lack of evidence. Officials never said why they arrested him. But Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said he will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents. Custody of Kim Jong Nams body has become a point of contention between the two countries. Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. North Korea has unsuccessfully demanded that Malaysia hand the body over. Malaysian authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country on the day of Kims death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Koreas embassy and an employee of North Koreas state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favour with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Read more about: SHARE: About two weeks ago, Daniela Vargas hid in the bedroom closet of her Jackson, Miss., home after watching immigration officials handcuff her father in the familys driveway. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained the 22-year-olds father and brother, Argentines who were living in the country illegally, amid the Trump administrations aggressive deportation effort that has riled immigrant communities across the country. Although Vargas was in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which allows young immigrants living in the country illegally to stay and obtain work permits she feared that immigration officials would come after her next. But those fears did not stop Vargas from speaking out at a news conference Wednesday at Jackson City Hall, alongside immigrant rights advocates. Today my father and brother await deportation, she said, while I continue to fight this battle as a dreamer to help contribute to this country which I feel that is very much my country. After leaving the news conference with her friend, two law enforcement cars pulled her over. ICE agents reportedly opened the car door, telling Vargas, you know who we are and you know why were here, her friend, Jordan Sanders, told Univision. Then, they handcuffed her and took her into custody. Read more: In singling out crimes by illegal immigrants, Donald Trump evokes troubling precedents U.S. envoy tells Mexico there will be no mass deportations. Trump appears to disagree Why Trumps immigration policies could sink the U.S. housing market Vargas detention shocked and angered immigrant rights advocates, who feared ICE officials may have retaliated against her for speaking publicly about her case. It also heightened existing anxieties that dreamers registered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created by President Barack Obama could now be targeted for deportation. She had been granted the two-year protection under DACA twice before, in December 2012 and in November 2014, Abigail Peterson, one of her attorneys, told the Associated Press. But her DACA status had expired in November 2016, and it was not until mid-February that she was able to come up with the $495 application fee to renew it. Vargas was 7 years old when she came to the United States from Cordova, Argentina, with her father, mother and brother on a three-month visitors visa in 2001. Their visa expired, but the family stayed, establishing a life in Mississippi. Her mother eventually moved out of the state after her parents divorced, she told the Jackson Free Press. Peterson said she told ICE agents over the phone that Vargas had a pending DACA case. However, the agents responded that Vargas was a visa overstay and would be detained, the Clarion-Ledger reported. Her lawyers expect she will be detained in Louisiana, where they will try to get her released on her own recognizance, according to the Associated Press. A federal immigration judge will decide whether she is eligible for immigration relief. In a statement, an ICE spokesman confirmed that immigration officials took Vargas, an unlawfully present Argentinian citizen, into custody Wednesday during a targeted immigration enforcement action after the agency verified that her DACA status had lapsed. ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy, the statement said. ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately. The hashtag #freedany began to spread on social media Wednesday, and an immigrant rights group, United We Dream, encouraged immigrant youth to sign a petition to Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly demanding Vargass release. The group called out President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, who have previously expressed sympathy to DACA immigrants. Trump called DACA an unconstitutional executive amnesty in August, but his words on the topic have been more ambiguous since taking office. At a news conference this month, Trump called the program one of the most difficult subjects I have and pledged to show great heart toward those enrolled in DACA, The Washington Post reported. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., tweeted that he had been in touch with the Department of Homeland Security to obtain more information about the case. Disturbing that ICE may have followed her from an immigration news conference, he added in the tweet. Sen. Kamala D. Harris, D-Calif., tweeted, Talking publicly about fears of deportation is not a crime and should not get someone detained #ICEraids. Angela Stuesse, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, said she has known Vargas since she was 8 years old. While working through the Mississippi Poultry Workers Center in 2002, Stuesse met Vargas parents, who worked in poultry plants. The fact that she was detained by ICE immediately following her participation in a media event looks an awful lot like retaliation, and it flies in the face of President Trumps own directives to leave DACA recipients alone, Stuesse told The Post. I hope General Kelly will intervene to release Daniela and demonstrate to our nation that DACA remains a strong protection from deportation. Stuesse also called Vargas a bright, selfless young woman who spoke out today with the hope that by sharing her story she could help others. Speaking alongside church leaders and lawyers at the news conference Wednesday before her detention Vargas said a path for citizenship is necessary for DACA recipients, but also for the other 11 million undocumented people with dreams. I dream of being a university math professor but now Im not so sure my dream will continue to develop, she said, reading off note cards. Vargas told the Jackson Free Press that she was recently studying at the University of Southern Mississippi, but had to take a semester off because she couldnt keep up with the bills. As a DACA recipient, Vargas was not eligible for scholarships or federal student aid for college, so most of her fathers income went toward her tuition, she said. Now a manager at a small store, Vargas loves skateboarding, writing and playing the trumpet, her friend said in a statement from United We Dream. Before her detention, Vargas told the Jackson Free Press Wednesday that she had made contact with her father and brother, who are in immigration detention facilities in Louisiana. Initially, she did not know where they were being detained. On the morning they were taken into custody, Feb. 15, Vargas father had just given her a kiss goodbye before leaving for work, Vargas told the Jackson Free Press. He came back inside a few moments later, waking her with the words, Dany, immigration is here. During that time, I couldnt even breathe, honestly, she told the Clarion-Ledger. I just watched them handcuff my dad and take them. I was scared for my life. I didnt know. I didnt know anything. I called my mom and I just let out a cry. I didnt even get to see my brother leave. She locked her door and hid in her bedroom closet for hours, until the agents knocked down her door, entering with a search warrant, guns raised. The authorities found a handgun the family kept for protection, she told the Clarion-Ledger. Under federal law, possession of a firearm by an undocumented person is a felony. It is unclear why ICE declined to arrest her on that day. But after the detention of her father and brother, she told the Clarion Ledger she was terrified. She did not let her fears show while she spoke to the reporters at the news conference Wednesday. Her friend, Sanders, told Univision, that if she knew this could happen, she would have never let her go to the conference. Being pulled over by ICE agents, Sanders said, was chilling. It was chilling, Sanders said. It was like they knew who we were and they were looking for us. Read more about: SHARE: Congressional Republicans began breaking ranks Thursday to join Democrats in demanding that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recuse himself from overseeing an investigation into contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Those calls came after the disclosure that Sessions himself spoke with the Russian ambassador last year, in seeming contradiction to his testimony at his confirmation hearing. The partisan furor that broke out with the Justice Departments acknowledgment of the contacts late Wednesday began to take on a bipartisan sheen as the controversy spilled over into Thursday morning. The House majority Leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said on MSNBCs Morning Joe that Sessions needs to clarify his testimony and that he also thought Sessions should recuse himself from Russia-linked investigations. I think the trust of the American people you recuse yourself from these situations, McCarthy said, adding that, for any investigation going forward, you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation. Read more: Sessions spoke with Russian envoy twice during presidential campaign, Justice Department says White House lawyers instruct Trump aides to preserve Russia-related materials Asked to clarify whether that required Sessions to step aside, he replied: I think itd be easier from that standpoint, yes. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the Utah Republican who leads the Oversight Committee, said on Twitter on Thursday, AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself. And Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said in a statement: Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, but I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself from the DOJ Russia probe. Some Democrats were already going further, suggesting that Sessions had perjured himself in the confirmation hearing for the attorney general post and demanding that he step down. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. For the good of the country, Attorney General Jeff Sessions should resign, said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California took the same position, saying, Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. Pelosi said, There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians. The Trump administration dismissed the accusations as partisan attacks, and Sessions said in a statement issued shortly before midnight that he had not addressed election matters with the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak. I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign, Sessions said. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. In an appearance on NBC News on Thursday morning, Sessions reiterated that he had not met with the Russian ambassador to discuss the political campaign, but left the door open to stepping aside from the investigation. I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself, he said. Theres no doubt about that. The clash was the latest escalation in the continuing fallout from what intelligence officials have concluded was Russian interference in the 2016 election to help President Donald Trump, including by hacking Democratic emails and providing them to WikiLeaks for release. FBI officials have been scrutinizing contacts between people affiliated with the Trump campaign over communication with the Russian government. And last month, the national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, resigned after it emerged that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about a conversation with Kislyak. Now, Sessions, formerly an Alabama senator, appears to be at risk of becoming caught in that same wave. He was the first senator to endorse Trump and became an architect of his populist campaign strategy who sharpened the candidates message on immigration and trade. Sessions became a trusted adviser and is seen as one of the power centres in the administration. At the confirmation hearing for attorney general in January, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked Sessions about a CNN report that intelligence briefers had told Barack Obama, then the president, and Trump, then the president-elect, that Russian operatives claimed to have compromising information about Trump. Franken also noted that the report indicated that surrogates for Trump and intermediaries for the Russian government continued to exchange information during the campaign. He asked Sessions what he would do if that report proved true. House Speaker Paul Ryan says Attorney General Jeff Sessions should only recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election if Sessions is a subject of that investigation. Sessions replied that he was not aware of any of those activities. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I didnt have did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. But the Justice Department acknowledged Wednesday that Sessions had twice communicated with the Russian ambassador last year. The first time was in July, at the Republican National Convention, after he gave a speech at an event for ambassadors sponsored by the Heritage Foundation. The second time was a visit to his office by Kislyak in September. The Washington Post earlier reported both encounters. While confirming the conversations, the department played down both. Of the Heritage Foundation encounter, a Justice Department official said the Russian ambassador was among a small group of diplomats who approached Sessions as he was leaving the stage. The ambassadors, the official said, thanked Sessions for his remarks and invited him to join them at various events they were sponsoring, but he made no commitments to do so. Of the office visit, the official said, the discussion focused on relations between the United States and Russia and issues the two countries were facing, although the department left open the possibility that there had been superficial comments about news related to the election. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department, Sarah Isgur Flores, said there was absolutely nothing misleading about Sessions answers at his confirmation hearing. She said that Sessions, as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had at least 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors, including those from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Poland and Russia. She added: He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. But Democrats were unassuaged. In a statement, Franken called Sessions testimony at best misleading, noting, Its clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., cast doubt on Sessions explanation that he had met with the Russian ambassador because of his duties as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying that was beyond the panels jurisdiction. Ive been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years, she wrote on Twitter on Thursday. No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com. And Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the Oversight Committee, went further, calling for Sessions to resign because he let a demonstrably false statement stand for weeks without correcting the public record. There is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue, Cummings said. Read more about: SHARE: When I worked at a drop-in centre for youth over a decade ago, our staff carried keys to the facilitys washrooms at all times. We were always prepared for the possibility that young people we served might lock themselves in the washrooms to get high, particularly by using opioid drugs, and fall unconscious due to an overdose. The youth we served didnt want to be seen using opioids mere possession of the stuff is criminal, and the added stigma of injecting drugs compelled them to get high in the most secluded and therefore dangerous places. Its encouraging that Toronto has finally approved supervised injection sites so people who use opiate can do so more safely. But our country still hasnt dealt with the larger issue of drug criminalization, which keeps people who need support in fear and in hiding. Two weeks ago, 28-year-old Pierre Gregoire died after a fatal drug overdose in the washroom of a downtown restaurant. Police believe Gregoire used heroin that was mixed with a far more powerful opiod called fentanyl, which has caused hundreds of fatal overdoses across Canada in recent years. Its illegal to sell fentanyl in Canada for recreational use, and it should be. At the same time, we have to stop subjecting people like Gregoire, who was openly struggling with his addiction, to criminal penalties for using fentanyl and other hard drugs. Homeless and underhoused drug users, who are already criminalized for being poor, are most vulnerable to fatal overdose their lack of shelter and privacy forces them to use in public washrooms, alleyways, ravines, and other unsafe places. I had never heard of fentanyl until the mid 2000s, when young people I served at the drop-in centre near Queen Street W. and Spadina Ave. started using it. That drop-in centre, now closed, was located in the same city block as the restaurant where Gregoire overdosed. His story reminds me of another young man I used to serve named Eric, who died in a parking garage on the very same block after a fatal overdose. Services for the homeless have been concentrated near Queen and Spadina for many years. As a result, the intersection has also been the site of endless police patrols to catch homeless people who are selling, possessing and using drugs. Criminalization has failed to prevent drugs from being sold and consumed in the area, just as it has failed to stop people from overdosing in local laneways and fast food washrooms. No amount of money can stop the drug activity, but we keep on spending to keep it dangerously out of sight. Last week advocates, health care professionals, community workers, and affected families in several Canadian cities held a National Day of Action on the Overdose Crisis. Many of them are asking the federal government to consider decriminalizing or legalizing the use of hard drugs, and even providing prescriptions for people dealing with their addictions. I yearn for the day our governments welcome such reforms as common sense, as good public policy. For now, politicians devote piles of money to drug enforcement, and tacitly condemn drug users for bringing the pain on themselves. Insite, North Americas pioneering supervised injection facility in Vancouver, has been saving lives in that city since it opened in 2003. In addition to providing more safety for drug users, Insite also serves as a centre for counselling, referrals, and medical care. Former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper tried and failed to have Insite closed, but no new sites were approved during his tenure. We as a government will not use taxpayers money to fund drug use, Harper said in 2006. His successor Justin Trudeau and the Liberals have been more open to a harm reduction approach, which seeks to work with drug users instead of moralizing their choices. However, Trudeau is now poised to oversee a system in which only those in big cities will have access to safe, legal places to use hard drugs. Many who could have access may still choose not to go, especially if we continue to reinforce drug stigma through our jails and courts. Provincial estimates suggest more than 1,000 Canadians die of unintended drug overdoses each year. If were going to use every available resource to treat this epidemic, we have to stop criminalizing it. Desmond Cole is a Toronto-based journalist. His column appears every second Thursday. SHARE: Syrian refugees seem to be such old news. After all, it was 18 months ago that we were shocked by the image of a drowned Syrian child washed up on a Turkish beach. That image became part of the 2015 Canadian election campaign, with Justin Trudeau and the Liberals promising to fast-track admission for 25,000 Syrian refugees if they were elected. Trudeau kept that commitment, but that is not the end of the story. Far from it. To assist in welcoming and resettling Syrian refugees, the government enlisted the support of ordinary citizens. Thousands across the country responded to the call by forming private sponsorship groups through their churches, neighbourhoods, clubs, and service associations. They raised money (some $40,000 was required for each refugee family), rented apartments, bought clothing and furniture, and prepared to welcome their refugee families, whose arrival in Canada was said to be imminent. That was more than a year ago. Thousands of these refugees, while identified and linked to private sponsors, are still waiting to be processed. The problem is that, once the government hit its 25,000 target, it diverted resources away from processing Syrian refugees. That left the private sponsorship groups and their refugee families high and dry. By the end of March, 2016, the governments deadline for applications, there were 12,400 Syrian refugees on the private sponsorship wait list. John McCallum, then minister of immigration, promised to clear up this backlog by the end of 2016 or early in 2017. What has happened since then? The numbers supplied by the government are ambiguous and confusing, especially since the Immigration department ceased publishing weekly updates last November. But from what has been made public, we calculate that there are still at least 5,000 privately sponsored Syrian refugees waiting to get to Canada. Obviously, then, the government will miss its self-imposed deadline of early 2017 for eliminating the backlog. At the current bureaucratic pace, we may not see all of these refugees in Canada before the end of the year. To be clear, we are not suggesting they all be allowed entry without proper screening. No one wants Canada to admit bad dudes, as U.S. President Donald Trump would describe them. But in order to conduct proper screening and stick to its own deadline, the government needs to devote more resources to the file. And it has shown no inclination to do this. (The Immigration department) has sufficient resources in place to finalize processing, says an official spokesperson in response to our query about committing more bureaucrats to the problem. Clearly, Syrian refugees are no longer a priority in Ottawa. They have been overtaken by todays news about Yazidis from Iraq or Somalis crossing frozen farmers fields to flee Trumps America. The plight of these other refugees is very real and should be addressed by our government. But the Syrian refugees on the wait list ought not to be forgotten or unreasonably delayed in the process. If anything, Trumps proposed ban on admission of anyone from Syria places more of an obligation on Canada to meet its own commitments. Furthermore, if the Canadian government continues to drag its feet on the Syrian refugee wait list, it risks alienating all those private sponsors who in good faith responded to the call for help more than a year ago. Private sponsorship is a wonderful idea, hatched in Canada four decades ago as a way to handle the influx of Vietnamese refugees. Since then, some 288,000 refugees have landed here under the auspices of private sponsorship. The program works. Ottawas own research shows privately sponsored refugees have much better prospects for integration and resettlement than government-sponsored refugees. Accordingly, the government has begun an initiative to export the model to other countries around the world. But unless the government gets cracking on the Syrian refugee backlog, its international credibility on the issue will diminish. And the next time the government encourages Canadians to come forward and sponsor refugees, it may find no takers. Ian Urquhart and Ross McGregor belong to a Toronto-based private sponsorship group and are members of the steering committee of Canada4Refugees. SHARE: Apple (AAPL) may commit over 1,000 engineers to further its push into the augmented reality space, according to UBS analyst Steven Milunovich. The tech titan may be utilizing the engineers for a project in Israel, focused on augmented reality, Milunovich wrote in a note to clients on Tuesday, citing industry sources. "Our work suggests that AR could be the next major innovation from Apple and that its competencies could make the company a winner," Milunovich noted. "Augmented reality is an area where Apple could leapfrog competition in providing a superior user experience. This could result in sustained iPhone retention rates and more switchers." (Apple is a core holding of Jim Cramer's charitable trust Action Alerts PLUS. See all of his holding with a free trialhere.) Updated at 2:41 p.m. on 3/2/17 to include a statement from PayPal. A class action lawsuit filed Tuesday in a Chicago court alleges that payment services company PayPal (PYPL) has been misleading consumers about where their charitable donations are going, TechCrunch reports. The company's charitable division, the PayPal GivingFund,is said to sometimes be redirecting funds to other charities than those the donor intended. One of the issues is that some of the charities listed on the Giving Fund's website aren't set up to receive donations through the PayPal system. If those charities don't create accounts within six months of the donation the money is allegedly redirected. The suit is also claiming that the unregistered charities aren't being alerted to the donation. "To be clear, PayPal Giving Fund has not redirected any of the charitable gifts donated during our holiday campaign," the company said in an email statement to TheStreet. "We are disappointed by the lawsuit and we are fully prepared to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter." Thursday, March 02, 2017 Pot Debate Grabs Reader Attention And Reaction, New BernCo DA Gets Initiation Into La Politica And More From The Transparency Front 29% of Rodella's campaign donations came from the pharmaceutical, alcohol, tobacco, and health insurance industries. The fact that she used completely bogus and discredited "gateway" drug claims about marijuana which can easily be researched proves she did it for her donors. Reader Coco Harris also was skeptical of Rodella's motives and said: Look a little deeper into why cannabis legalization failed in Rodella's committee. There are other forces at work besides the noble "heartfelt" concern about opioid addiction - most alarmingly, big pharma and prison industry. And asset forfeiture is a highly lucrative practice of law enforcement agencies in drug cases providing another motive for opposition to legalization of easily detectable smelly pot. If they can speculate on the connection between opioids and pot, we can surely speculate about the impact on law enforcement agncies' bottom lines? Longtime reader Mick writes: Debbie is correct and the sooner New Mexicans realize it, the better off we'll be. And I'm a NE Heights Democrat! But the supporters that I've spoken to have never seen what Debbie has seen in northern New Mexico and have probably never been involved in any families in Albuquerque's south valley that have gone through the agony of junior high and senior high school students' use of marijuana. It's an eye-opener. It's different for a "professional" who smokes a joint after lunch or dinner. Usually s/he only worries about where the next supply is coming from. And those are the people who support legalizing pot. And Janet MacKenzie writes from Alcalde in Rio Arriba County: Joe, thank you for your excellent review and analysis related to the reluctance of some representatives to sign on to legalizing marijuana. It rings true up here. TORREZ INITIATION A newly prominent Democrat who is thought to have ambitions for the future is getting initiated into the hardball of statewide La Politica. Newsman Milan Simonich Torrez Raul Torrez, the freshman district attorney of Bernalillo County, has learned one political lesson all too well. He waited until 4 p.m. Friday, just before he would escape for the weekend, to announce that he will not retry former Albuquerque police officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez for murder. Torrez. . . announced controversial decisions at the end of the workweek to lessen media scrutiny and public attention. . . But Torrez campaigned as a fresh voice who would put the publics interest first. He is off to a bad start with his use of the Friday night news dump. Torrez revealed much about himself in the way he handled his first big decision as a district attorney. By dropping the murder case against the former officers, Torrez showed that he is less concerned with seeking justice than with how the Albuquerque Police Department will view him. Torrez has been busy striking up a romance with the conservative ABQ newspaper as well as APD but not so much with the nominating wing of his own Democratic Party. Resorting to a Friday afternoon news conference for your first major announcement of your term actually makes them eye you with suspicion not lessen the impact of your announcement. For the young DA, it's live and learn time (not that the time-honored Friday news dumps are going into the garbage). MOST TRANSPARENT EVER! And now ladies and gentleman, Lawyers for Gov. Martinezs administration have asked a judge to determine who disclosed details of private talks that were held to try to settle a series of lawsuits that allege wrongdoing in the administrations 2013 shake-up of behavioral health care services. The Human Services Department cut off Medicaid funding to 15 providers of addiction and other behavioral health care services because of alleged overbilling and fraud, and 10 of the providers filed lawsuits alleging violations of their due-process rights. Mediation sessions were held in January between the department and the providers. THE BOTTOM LINES We've resolved the mystery of that TV ad touting Sen. Heinrich's vote to keep Canadian pharmaceuticals out of the US and for which he took so much heat from the left who accused him of selling out for Big Pharma contributions. Late word from one of our Alligators: "Joe, like your reader, I also saw the ad. It was paid for by a pharmaceutical group thanking Heinrich for "protecting New Mexicans." Well, that ad is, as they say, no longer operative. And the last thing Heinrich needs politically is ad support from Big Pharma. Heinrich has now reversed course and has endorsed a proposal to allow the cheaper Canadian imports. One way or another we track this stuff down. That's why. . . 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 Plenty of reaction to the Wednesday blog questioning whether legalizing marijuana in New Mexico is the wisest move. The story line that Dem Rep. Debbie Rodella, chair of the House committee which was instrumental in killing the bill for this legislative session, was responding to concerns about the drug epidemic was not convincing to a number of readers. Mario Hernandez was among them:Reader Coco Harris also was skeptical of Rodella's motives and said:Longtime reader Mick writes:And Janet MacKenzie writes from Alcalde in Rio Arriba County:A newly prominent Democrat who is thought to have ambitions for the future is getting initiated into the hardball of statewide La Politica. Newsman Milan Simonich does the honors Torrez has been busy striking up a romance with the conservative ABQ newspaper as well as APD but not so much with the nominating wing of his own Democratic Party. Resorting to a Friday afternoon news conference for your first major announcement of your term actually makes them eye you with suspicion not lessen the impact of your announcement. For the young DA, it's live and learn time (not that the time-honored Friday news dumps are going into the garbage).And now ladies and gentleman, yet another tale from the self-described "Most Transparent Administration in State History:We've resolved the mystery of that TV ad touting Sen. Heinrich's vote to keep Canadian pharmaceuticals out of the US and for which he took so much heat from the left who accused him of selling out for Big Pharma contributions. Late word from one of our Alligators: "Joe, like your reader, I also saw the ad. It was paid for by a pharmaceutical group thanking Heinrich for "protecting New Mexicans." Well, that ad is, as they say, no longer operative. And the last thing Heinrich needs politically is ad support from Big Pharma. Heinrich has now reversed course and has endorsed a proposal to allow the cheaper Canadian imports. One way or another we track this stuff down. That's why. . .This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Novartis AG (NVS) shares fell sharply in Zurich Thursday after the Swiss pharmaceutical group had the sales of some of its drugs banned in South Korea following a fine from the country's food and drug safety officials. Reuters reported Thursday that the company had been fined around 200 million Korean won ($175,000) and faced a temporary ban on sales of three of its drugs -- including its Exelon Alzheimer's treatment - after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the company's Korean unit was paying kickbacks to doctors who recommended the drugs to patients. Novartis had around $400 million in sales in Korea last year and the country is one of its top ten markets. "This relates to the ongoing legal process in South Korea, as part of which we've previously acknowledged and expressed our regret that certain associates in Korea took actions in violation of our policies and inconsistent with our culture and the expectations society has for us and our industry," a Novartis spokesperson told TheStreet in an email. Novartis shares fell more than 4% in Zurich to change hands at Sfr75.60 each, trimming the thee-month gain to around 10.25%, just shy of the 11.25% return for the Stoxx Europe TMI Pharmaceuticals Index. However, Novartis shares also began trading without the right to its Sfr2.75 per share dividend Thursday, a factor which will account for a significant portion of the day's decline. "In September 2016, a criminal trial began concerning the Prosecutor's allegations that Novartis Korea utilized medical journals to provide inappropriate economic benefits to healthcare professionals," Novartis said in its 2016 annual report last month. "In addition, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are also reviewing the matter and are evaluating administrative sanctions on Novartis Korea." Thursday's fine is the second sanction Novartis has faced in South Korea after it paid a 2.3 billion won fine in 2011 for offering illegal rebates between 2006 and 2009. Rio Tinto Group (RIO) has deferred millions of dollars of bonuses due to retired CEO Sam Walsh while investigations continue into a potentially unlawful $10.5 million payment connected to the acquisition of mining rights during his period in charge. Walsh, who retired mid-last year, will have to wait until, at least, the end of 2018 to receive half of the $1.2 million he was due from a short term incentive plan and of $2 million due from a long term incentive plan. The remaining payments have been deferred until the end of 2020. "The parties have agreed to the deferral of Sam's entitlements in good faith as the investigations concerning the Simandou project are at an early stage," Rio Tinto noted in it's annual report released on Thursday. "The payment of any of these awards is contingent on there being no information in connection with the Simandou matter which would justify the Remuneration Committee making a determination to cancel, defer or reduce these awards." The investigation centers on a payment made in 2011 to a consultant providing advisory services on Rio Tinto's investment in the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, West Africa. Rio Tinto paid $700 million to the Guinea government for the rights to develop the project, which was expected to cost about $20 billion. Rio Tinto's new CEO Jean-Sebastien Jacques, in October, secured an exit from the troubled project, agreeing to sell his company's 46.6% stake to Aluminum Corp. of China, known as Chinalco, for between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion. Rio Tinto shares traded at 3,431 pence each Thursday by 14:00 GMT in London, up 0.72% on the session. The decision to defer Walsh's bonuses mark the first time Rio Tinto has publicly recognized the possibility that the scandal might have extended all the way to its former CEO. It also raises the possibility that the mining group could face significant fines if it is found to have broken anti-corruption laws. "The outcome of the regulatory investigations, and any potential litigation, is uncertain," Rio Chairman Jan du Plessis noted in the annual report. "There is unfortunately little more I can say at this time, other than to assure you that the board is giving these matters its full and proper attention, and that we are continuing to co-operate fully with the relevant authorities." The investigation has already claimed the jobs of two senior executives, after Rio Tinto, in November, terminated the contracts of Energy & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies and Legal & Regulatory Affairs group executive Debra Valentine for failing to maintain "the standards expected of them." Executives for U.S. automakers Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) will meet with Mexico's economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, in Detroit on Friday to discuss President Trump's planned border tax on goods out of Mexico. Trump has expressed his desire to remove the U.S. from NAFTA, the 1994 trade agreement that also includes Mexico and Canada, if he cannot get more favorable terms for the U.S. "Thanks to NAFTA, Mexico and Michigan have built a dynamic trade relationship," the ministry said, according to Reuters. As expected, warehouse-club membership company Costco (COST) didn't disappoint investors with its latest earnings, which it reported after the bell on Thursday. It also made official a membership fee increase, effective June 1. Net sales for Q2 increased 6% to $29 billion from $28 billion last year. Net sales for the first half increased 4% to $57 billion from $54 billion last year. For the four-week February period, ended Feb. 26, 2017, Costco reported net sales of $8.9 billion, an 8% increase from $8.28 billion during the same period last year. For the 26-week period ending Feb. 26, 2017, net sales were $61 billion, a 5% rise from $58 billion during the same period last year. The annual membership fee will go up by $5 for U.S. and Canada Goldstar (individual), business and business add-on members, who will pay $60. Yearly, executive memberships in both the U.S. and Canada will go up to $120 from $110. The increase impacts about 35 million members, roughly half in the executive category. Costco used to be part of the Action Alerts PLUS portfolio, managed by Jim Cramer, co-founder of TheStreet, but the position was sold. Cramer said that they sold their position in Costco because they had a nice gain they wanted to protect. Cramer added that he doesn't like the retail sector, which has been struggling mightily. Weather had a negative impact on February comps in the U.S. and Canada, the company said during the call. Midwest, Arizona and Texas were among the top performers in February. Internationally, the best regions for the company were Mexico and Canada. The stock closed at $177.98 Thursday. Costco has 728 warehouses/stores, the bulk of which are in the U.S. It also has locations in the U.K., Mexico, Canada, Spain, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia. It employs 214,000 worldwide. The company has a market cap of $78 billion. This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Learn more . Many investors understand the reasons for having a diversified portfolio. One way to accomplish this is to diversify within an asset class. For equity investors in the United States this can mean investing in both growth and value stocks. It can also mean investing in international stocks. And when investors want to do this, they need look no further than our neighbor to the north. Canada has a range of stocks for investors to consider. This article will focus on strategies that investors can use when looking to invest in Canadian stocks. Why Buy Canadian Stocks? There are a few reasons for investors to consider Canadian stocks as part of their diversification strategy: A Large Natural Resources Sector The sheer size of the country and its location lets investors know that it is an area rich in natural resources. This also means that the country has a source of current and future wealth. An Advanced Skills-Based Economy In this regard, Canada is similar to other western nations. The difference is that it is not as common to find these skill-based professions in a country with so many natural resources. Stability Canada is not exempt from any problems that impact the global economy. However, the country is known for stable financial and business policies that have kept the economy relatively stable. This Goldilocks economy has meant that many Canadian stocks havent enjoyed the outsized growth of some U.S. equities. However, it also comes with a bit of protection against downside risk. How Have Canadian Stocks Performed? According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, there was a time when U.S. stocks and Canadian stocks performed nearly identically. Heres a graph that shows the performance of the S&P 500 Index vs. the TSX Index Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence You can see that with a couple of exceptions, the two indexes performed remarkably similar. That all changed around 2012 and Canadian stocks became less attractive. Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence This disparity is widely due to one sector, technology. However, Canadian technology stocks have been on the rise. And in 2022, the country is benefiting from renewed interest in materials stocks as well as a spike in commodity prices. What Are the Best Sectors of Canadian Stocks? For different reasons finance, materials, and energy stocks are among the best performing stocks as of September 2022. Heres a brief overview of each sector and some of the top names for investors to consider. Financial Similar to the United States, Canada has a strong banking industry. Many Canadian banks have a track record of solid performance that can provide long-term value to a portfolio. And several of these stocks pay dividends with attractive yields for investors. This sector makes up the largest percentage of the TSX at roughly 30%. And the Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY)is the top-weighted constituent in the TSX. Beyond the Royal Bank of Canada some of the other top-performing Canadian financial stocks include: Materials and Mining Canadian stocks can be an ideal choice for investors looking to diversify into gold and precious metals without owning the physical metal. Canada has a large natural resources sector. So, its not surprising that there are a number of gold mining companies with Canadian origins. This sector also gives investors exposure to other components in the mining and agriculture sectors. This sector makes up approximately 11.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian materials and mining stocks include: Energy Canadian stocks offer both traditional fossil fuel-based energy stocks as well as some renewable energy stocks. This sector makes up approximately 18.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian energy stocks include: Technology As mentioned earlier, technology stocks have largely been the domain of the United States. As evidence of this, information technology stocks make up only about 5.5% of the TSX. However, there are a few Canadian companies that have become stars in the new economy being created. Some of the more popular names include: What Are the Risks of Investing in Canadian Stocks? One concern about investing in Canadian stocks is that they can be heavily weighted towards cyclical industries. For example, as of February 2022 financials (33.5%), energy (14.8%) and industrials (11.7%) made up nearly 60% of the index. That may be too much for some investors particularly because those sectors all tend to correlate roughly the same way as the economic cycle. But as a long-term play, Canadian stocks are worth considering with a small part of your portfolio. How to Buy Canadian Stocks Buy Individual Stocks on a Stock Exchange Hundreds of Canadian stocks have dual listings on either the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ. This is the most convenient way to get exposure to Canadian stocks because there are no barriers to stock ownership. These shares can be purchased in U.S. dollars directly from the exchange just like purchasing a U.S. stock. However, for a full list of the best Canadian stocks, investors should look at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The TSX is one of the oldest stock exchanges having been founded in 1852. Its also the third largest stock exchange in North America in terms of market capitalization. The Toronto Stock Exchange includes approximately 1,500 companies. It allows investors to trade stocks, investment trusts, exchange-traded products, bonds, commodities, futures, options, and other derivative products. All transactions on the TSX are executed in Canadian dollars. Invest in a Mutual Fund or ETF There are many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that supply exposure to Canadian stocks. Some funds supply exposure to both U.S. and Canadian stocks. Other funds hold just Canadian stocks. Some examples of those include: BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF Horizons S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap ETF As with investing in any asset class, investors need to consider their investment objective, time horizon and risk tolerance before choosing a fund that fits their needs. Investors will also want to pay attention to the funds fee structure to ensure youre making the most efficient use of your capital. The Final Word on Investing in Canadian Stocks Investing in Canadian stocks is one way for investors to add diversification to their portfolio. MarketBeat provides a list of the top Canadian stocks that trade on the TSX. This is Canadas version of the NYSE or NASDAQ in the United States and includes many of the same stocks. Thats one advantage of investing in Canadian stocks is that many have a dual listing which removes many of the obstacles that can come with investing in international stocks. However, investors should be aware that many of the best Canadian stocks are in highly cyclical industries which can lead to underperformance when those sectors are out of favor. Still, due to their relative stability and in some cases an impressive dividend, Canadian stocks may have a place in an investors portfolio. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500 urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has issued warnings for mountainous areas of the Ukrainian Carpathians where avalanches are possible because of thawing weather. On March 2, as thaw starts, a considerable level (3) of avalanche danger is expected in mountain areas in Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, the State Emergency Service reported, referring to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centers forecasts. iy Another attempt to disengage forces in Stanytsia Luhanska in Donbas will take place on March 7. This was stated by Martin Saidjik, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group following a Groups meeting in Minsk on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The OSCE representative added that the sides confirmed the need for the full withdrawal of heavy weapons from the contact line. Martin Sajdik also informed that the next sitting of the Trilateral Contact Group will be held in Minsk on March 15. iy One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and nine servicemen were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. One Ukrainian soldier was killed, and nine servicemen were wounded as a result of the armed hostilities in eastern Ukraine in last day, Lysenko said. ish First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv and EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn discussed the extension of sanctions against the Russian Federation. This is reported by the press service of Economic Development Ministry. "The European Union should continue to demonstrate the unity and solidarity in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Now it is important more than ever. The EUs sanctions remain one of the most effective mechanisms to deter Russian aggression. We look forward to continued support of the EU, including the provision of additional trade preferences for Ukraine," Kubiv said. In turn, Johannes Hahn assured that the EU fully supported Ukraine's, praising ambitious reforms, which the Government of Ukraine conducted in social, economic and trade fields. ol The blockade of coal supplies in temporary occupied territories in Donbas forces Ukrainian enterprises to buy coal in Russia, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has stated. I held a large meeting with Ukrainian metallurgists it is 17% of countrys industrial output, 25% of foreign exchange earnings, it is a solid sector of our economy. And the way to the Ukrainian subsoil was blocked today metallurgists say that the needed coal can be received from two sources: from America or Russia... Today, the blockade drives enterprises into such a condition when they will be forced to buy coal in Russia, he stressed, Radio Svoboda reports. A reminder that on February 28, the headquarters of the trade blockade in Donbas stated about the termination of talks with Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. On March 1, participants of the blockade in Donbas declared the establishment of a new mobile post on the Kurakhovo-Marinka highway in Donetsk region. iy The first two months of 2017 showed a tendency to an increase in the number of vacancies and a decrease in the number of unemployed citizens in Ukraine. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this at a meeting of the Social Policy Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. At the same time the prime minister noted the importance of reforming the current employment system in the country. "As to employment issues, we should especially focus on stimulating job creation, rather than supporting the unemployed, Groysman said. iy Ukraine and the EU have started industrial dialogue. This is reported by the press service of the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Ukraine. According to the report, March 1, the Ukrainian delegation headed by First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv and Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska arrived in Brussels to launch Ukraine-EU high-level dialogue to discuss individual industry sectors. As noted, the promising areas of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU are in-depth targeted regulatory approach with a focus on participation in the European value chain, industrial outsourcing, active involvement of Ukraine in the Horizon 2020 and COSME programs, exchange of the cutting-edge technologies. March 1-2, meetings of six working groups are held within the framework of the EU-Ukraine industrial dialogue: elimination of technical barriers in trade; small and medium-sized enterprises; space cooperation; public procurement; industry (automotive industry). "Ukraine's integration into the European space means rapprochement in many areas and industries. The industry in on todays agenda. The EU-Ukraine common industrial area is an opportunity to create mutually productive links that will bring the EU-Ukraine relations to a new productive level. It is important for Ukraine to become a part of large industrial EU family to continue the transformation of the Ukrainian economy from resource-oriented to high-tech innovative industrial model," Kubiv commented on opening of the first inaugural meeting of the industrial dialogue. As noted by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry press service, Ukrainian light industry exports to the EU more than 84% of its production, engineering almost 50%, manufacturers of other industrial products about 48%. ol The United Kingdom and Poland are ready for resolute support of Ukraine. This has been stated by Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Boris Johnson and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Witold Waszczykowski during talks held on March 1 with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministrys press service reports. The Ukrainian Minister emphasized the symbolism of the visit of the British and Polish colleagues, which is taking place during the third anniversary of the beginning of Russian aggression. He thanked them for their solidarity and support of Ukraine in the fight for the restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity, reads a report posted on the Ukrainian Foreign Ministrys website. During the talks, Boris Johnson and Witold Waszczykowski stated that the Russian aggression against Ukraine needs a robust response, so the pressure on the Russian Federation from the international community must be strengthened in order to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine in internationally recognized borders. The the ministers underlined the significant progress of Ukraine in implementing reforms and assured of continuing assistance to Ukraine in implementing internal reforms. In addition, Pavlo Klimkin separately noted the practical assistance that the United Kingdom and Poland provide to Ukraine in training the Ukrainian serviceperson, the treatment of the wounded Ukrainian soldiers, as well as in rendering assistance in the implementation of social and economic reforms. iy The Parliament of the United Kingdom has called on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to clarify whether the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement will apply to UK-Ukraine political and economic relations after it leaves the EU, according to a report of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the UK Parliament, which was posted on Parliaments official website. It is noted that if the UK is no longer a party to the Association Agreement after it leaves the EU, then the FCO should begin planning a successor agreement. Clearly the EU relationship with Ukraine will continue and we will need to develop our own bilateral relationship with Ukraine, which we will want to do. It will be supportive of Ukraine and Ukrainian reform and trade, where our interests remain, Tim Barrow, Political Director of the FCO said. The report says that the FCO should continue to work with the EU, Canada and USA on supporting Ukraine. In the long term, the UK and its allies should support Ukraine in developing resilience to further Russian encroachment and in building its social, political and physical infrastructure, which will facilitate further engagement with the West and allow Ukraine to engage with Russia on a level playing field, reads the report. Also, it is noted that 20 million is foreseen in the Good Governance Fund to support Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thus, Ukraine alone would justify the investment of British resources of hundreds of millions of pounds to improve governance, according to the report. iy The European Parliament will vote on legislative resolution on the abolition of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens on April 5. This is posted on the European Parliaments website, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The vote on the document will be held at a plenary session on April 5. As reported, today the Council of the European Union is to approve the draft legislative resolution on granting Ukraine visa-free regime at the ambassadorial level. February 28, the trilateral negotiations between the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and the European Commission on the draft legislative resolution on waiving EU visa requirements for Ukrainians were successfully completed. ol Information Policy Minister Yuri Stets has instructed his deputy Dmytro Zolotukhin to make a list of websites that undermine the sovereignty of Ukraine. This has been discussed at a press conference of the leadership of the Information Policy Ministry of Ukraine on Thursday. "In the next two weeks I want that he [Zolotukhin] brings to the Expert Council under the Information Policy Ministry, which includes media experts and public figures, a list of websites that must be closed, such as "Russkaya vesna" ("Russian Spring"), "Novorossiya" ("New Russia") or others, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine," the minister said. According to him, this list of websites should be examined by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Expert Council at the Ministry. The minister noted that the Information Policy Ministry should collect necessary information about abovementioned websites and take to the court for adoption of decision, because the law stipulates that the Information Policy Ministry has to respond to such violations, but a mechanism has not been established. Minister Stets expects that a clear mechanism to respond will be determined in the legislation soon. As known, on February 25 President Poroshenko approved the Doctrine of Information Security of Ukraine. Foreign partners, Ukrainian journalists, experts, media lawyers and representatives of public organizations were attracted to develop this doctrine. ish Uchida returns for second performance with famed clarinetist To explore gender differences in bladder cancer treatment decision making. . Secondary qualitative analysis of interview transcripts. . One multidisciplinary genitourinary oncology clinic (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute) and two urology clinics (Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) in Boston, MA. . As part of the original study, 45 men and 15 women with bladder cancer participated in individual interviews. Participants were primarily Caucasian, and most had at least some college education. . Word frequency reports were used to identify thematic differences between the men's and women's statements. Line-by-line coding of constructs prevalent among women was then performed on all participants in NVivo 9. Coding results were compared between genders using matrix coding queries. . The role of family in the decision-making process was found to be a dominant theme for women but not for men. Women primarily described family members as facilitators of bladder cancer treatment-related decisions, but men were more likely to describe family in a nonsupportive role. . The results suggest that influences on the decision-making process are different for men and women with bladder cancer. Family may play a particularly important role for women faced with bladder cancer treatment-related decisions. . Clinical nurses who care for individuals with bladder cancer should routinely assess patients' support systems and desired level of family participation in decision making. For some people with bladder cancer, family may serve as a stressor. Nurses should support the decision-making processes of all patients and be familiar with resources that can provide support to patients who do not receive it from family. Oncology nursing forum. 2017 Mar 01 [Epub] Rachel A Pozzar, Donna L Berry Northeastern University., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28222088 Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Design upgrade Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: In the nine years since Marie Micki Wolf and nearly a dozen other women filed an arbitration case against Sterling Jewelers, she was barred from talking openly about her claims of pay disparities and gender discrimination. The rules for the womens case in private arbitration, where filings and proceedings are largely confidential, also blocked Wolf from seeing what other women in her case were saying in their own allegations including claims of sexual harassment involving male managers. The release this week of those womens sworn statements, part of a sweeping class-action case involving 69,000 women alleging pay and promotion discrimination at the owner of Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Kay Jewelers, brought Wolf a long-awaited relief that she could finally share her story, she said. All these years, I wasnt allowed to tell people what they did to me. I had to keep my mouth shut, Wolf said. It was kind of sad. People would have to come to me discreetly in the stores, like, Can I tell you my story? Wolfs silence was mandated by the private arbitration. Unlike the legal system, where most court records are presumed to be public, sworn statements such as those filed by women in the Sterling case are almost always kept confidential. Kay Jewelers at The Avenue shopping mall at Carriage Crossing in Collierville, Tenn. (James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images) The Sterling arbitration case will decide whether women faced discrimination in pay and promotion practices. In hundreds of now-public sworn statements from members of the class, men and women also allege widespread sexual harassment and discrimination that they say fostered a demeaning culture for Sterlings female employees. [Hundreds allege sex harassment, discrimination at Kay and Jared jewelry company] Sterlings parent company, Signet Jewelers, issued a statement saying the company has taken the allegations of pay and promotions discrimination raised in this case very seriously. The allegations involve a very small number of individuals, the company said, and the distorted and inaccurate picture of our company presented in these allegations does not represent who we are. In arbitration, both sides agree to resolve a dispute outside the public courts and under the ruling of an independent arbitrator. Companies have called it a more streamlined dispute-resolution system that can allow parties with equal bargaining power to resolve cases with fewer delays. Many employees and consumers agree to arbitration without realizing it when they sign up for a job or a new credit card. Those arbitration clauses prevent them from taking the company to the court when a dispute arises. Critics say this system is preferred by companies because it offers an avenue in which disputes are blocked from public view. For most corporations the whole point of having an arbitration clause is preventing information from coming out, said F. Paul Bland Jr., the executive director for the law firm Public Justice, which litigates some gender discrimination cases. Wolf, 49, said she joined Sterling in 2002 and loved her job selling diamonds, putting in long hours and securing what she said was consistently one of her stores top sales performances, with more than $1 million in jewelry sales a year. But she was crushed, she said, when she learned that other men in the store with less experience and fewer sales were routinely paid more money and not subjected to other examples she saw of gender discrimination. In 2008, Wolf and roughly a dozen other women filed their case. In 2013, their attorneys filed a motion seeking class-action status for a group of women, now numbering more than 69,000, with similar pay-and-promotion discrimination claims. Wolf said she spent years disheartened because she could not share her own story. As she saw sexual harassment cases such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlsons now-settled lawsuit make the news, she felt she had no similar recourse even as other Sterling employees told her privately of their own allegations. This was a company that was supposed to be all about the women. But yet they didnt respect women: the way they talked to them, the way they paid them, Wolf said. After years of requests from employees attorneys and The Washington Post to make the records publicly viewable, attorneys for Sterling and the employees agreed to redact parts of the records, including the names of managers accused of harassment, and then make them publicly available this week. We have 69,000 women who have a right to know what evidence was submitted in support of their claim, said Joseph M. Sellers, a partner at the Cohen Milstein law firm and lead counsel for the case. If we had been unsuccessful in getting these statements released, the public, and particularly our clients, would have no idea what evidence we had submitted. Dawn Souto-Coons, one of the original dozen women to file the arbitration, was in tears when she was able to read some of the statements this week. The former Sterling employee, now an egg farmer in Maryland, said she could not believe how long the case had lasted and how long she had gone on without knowing what other women had faced. Souto-Coons, 58, said she feels encouraged knowing that she is not alone and that womens stories are finally being told. She said she hopes the newly public allegations will help persuade the company to implement new protections for women facing discrimination. We didnt want this just to be a slap on the wrist: Give us some cash and well go on our way. We wanted them to make changes, Souto-Coons said. I always knew I would never give up. I always knew that no matter how long it took, I would stay with it. The case could still go on for many months. A class hearing, during which witnesses will be called to testify before the arbitration judge for the first time, is scheduled for early next year. But Wolf said she is ready to speak her mind before the arbitrator and for other womens stories to be told. I will feel so much better when I can sit down in front of a judge and tell her my story, Wolf said. Im excited. These women are finally saying, No, you cant do this to us. Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, left, and Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford. (Kurt Iswarienko/FX) Feud: Bette and Joan chronicles the cruel rivalry between two women during the making of 1962s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? a horror film about a cruel rivalry between two women. You may be relieved to hear, then, that Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, who play Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, respectively, got along. Yes, we did, Sarandon says with a laugh. I said to Jess, at the closing of the whole thing, I said, Thank God we got along, because [the project] was hard. It was really challenging. Series creator Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, American Crime Story) echoes the sentiment. We had a nervous first week, because we didnt want to do impersonations. The first two days, I wanted to quit. I was fighting against a female-impersonator version of [Davis], the cliche you see of her all the time, Sarandon explains. And she is over-the-top, so what do you do about that? Lange faced a different challenge. I remember saying to Ryan, I dont know how to play this character. I dont know who she is. Lange gained insight after researching Crawfords childhood and, she says, acknowledging the incredible artifice, the creation of Joan Crawford, and then playing to what was always just barely beneath the surface. Getting behind such facades is precisely what the series, which premieres March 5 on FX, endeavors to do. Fans and foes have long bathed in the gossip of Bette and Joans enmity: While filming a fight scene, Davis actually kicked Crawford in the head. Crawford wore weights during a scene when Davis carried her to exacerbate Daviss back pain. Such details typically call to mind sound effects of screeching cats. Feud is different. Getting eight hours, you have a chance to delve into the complexity, Sarandon says. It was a bigger question than just their b----iness. (Like much of Murphys work, Feud is an anthology. The second season is subtitled Charles and Diana.) In the first episode, Olivia de Havilland (Catherine Zeta Jones) clarifies to an interviewer, Feuds are never about hate. Feuds are about pain. And these depictions of Davis and Crawford are heartbreaking. We meet them in their 50s as alcoholics whose careers have dried up because, as Jack Warner (Stanley Tucci) rhetorically asks, Would you give either of these broads a toss in the hay? The notoriously shrewd Warner Bros. boss encourages Baby Jane director Robert Aldrich (Alfred Molina) to manipulate Davis and Crawford, keeping them at each others throats because rumors of the on-set antics would sell more tickets later. Feud also asserts that Warner and his ilk are the reason Bette and Joan battled to begin with. They were fighting a culture that has It Girls that says there is only one girl at a time, Murphy opines. It creates a competitive culture, and men use that to their advantage by pitting women against each other. It minimizes the power they have collectively, Sarandon adds. And that still is going on. Every Real Housewives of wherever the least imaginative story line is always the women pitted against each other. Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland. (Kurt Iswarienko/FX) The surprise success of Baby Jane launched an entire genre of horror, unflatteringly labeled Psycho-Biddy. These films typically feature an older, crazy, murderous and most damningly jealous woman. Davis and Crawford would go on to star in several. Its like Joan says [in the first episode], Lange recalls, there are three roles for women in Hollywood: the ingenue, the mother or the Gorgon. They had gotten to the last period. Baby Jane is pure camp. And Murphy does layer in echoes of the film for example, when Crawford spies a larger number on Daviss contract, a sting of horror music plays. But these moments are more than just homage. Treating inequality and sexism as a horror movie thats what I tried to do, Murphy says. (The idea calls to mind what Jordan Peeles film Get Out does, more overtly, with the topic of racism.) Not that Feud doesnt have a light touch. It brims with juicy details (Crawford washed her face with witch hazel and ice cubes every morning) and historical figures (gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, played by Judy Davis, and her many fabulous hats). Murphy says, with endearment, Some of the stuff these women did was bats--- crazy and hilarious. Several factoids, such as the tidbit that Daviss wig in Baby Jane had been worn by Crawford in a previous picture, came to Murphy directly from Daviss mouth. He wrote to her as a child, and she wrote back. They kept up a pen-pal relationship, and when he became a journalist, more than a decade later, she granted him an interview. I had never been to L.A. before, he says, recalling his arrival at Daviss door, with flowers, a couple of months before her death. She dressed up for me. She was wearing a Patrick Kelly suit and a wig. The 20-minute interview turned into four hours. We just chain-smoked in her living room, he says. I ran out of questions and started asking her very personal things. Sarandon, left, with Lange in Feud. Television has stepped into the void that movies left for actresses, Lange says. (Suzanne Tenner/FX) Murphy asserts that he made the project from a real place of love and respect. Both women were misunderstood and were victims of their time. They died alone, underappreciated and unhappy. Have times changed? Ageism is huge in our culture, the idea that beauty is equated with youth, Lange says. I am not in a romantic film with a man who is 20 years younger. But no one would think twice about casting a man in his 60s with a leading lady in her 30s. That has a lot to do with the fact that men are at the helm and maybe they have some kind of inflated idea about themselves. But both actors cited a strong sense of camaraderie among women in the business today. Sarandon is hopeful about the rash of female comedians whove had success making great films that star a bunch of women Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey. And Lange argues that television has stepped into the void that movies left for actresses. Some of the best work by women, in the last 5 or 6 years, has been on television. (Lange has won two Emmy awards working with Murphy in American Horror Story.) That is a modern idea that women are better and stronger together, unified as a force, Murphy says. It was a tragedy that [Davis and Crawford] could have been allies and friends. They had more in common than anyone at the time. They were both married four times, Academy Award winners, single mothers. I wish they had unified. I think that they would have been happier. Sarandon, left, Ryan Murphy and Lange at a "Feud" event in New York on Feb. 13. (Rabbani And Solimene Photography/Getty Images) Sarandon and Lange have much in common with Davis and Crawford as well, as Academy Award-winning actors in the third act of their careers. In fact, they are each more than a decade older than their on-screen counterparts were in 1962. It shows how far weve come in terms of taking care of yourself and living healthier, Murphy says. Further, Sarandon and Lange, as producers on Feud, have a financial stake in the property, as Davis and Crawford did in Baby Jane. Susan and Jessica gave Bette and Joan the happy ending that they should have had, Murphy says. They realized that the way to win was to win together. The posole rojo at Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana could animate the dead with its twin use of guajillo pepper and chile de arbol. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post) A friend and I occupy a two-top at Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana, on a 14th Street NW strip thats become a destination for Mexican cooking, and Im waiting on steak and a Caesar salad. No, Donald Trump didnt order for me. The steak is carne asada, a beer-marinated slab of skirt steak grilled to a lip-smacking shade of ruby-red and served with sauteed cactus paddles and a blistered jalapeno. The salad is a stack of romaine leaves lightly coated with a jalapeno-spiked dressing, a sharp reminder that the Caesar originated in Tijuana, where border-hopping Americans used to tie one on during the dark, dry days of Prohibition. The croutons, incidentally, are toasted from house-made torta bread. This kind of thought and finesse doesnt come along often in small, neighborhood restaurants dedicated to south-of-the-border cooking. Then again, siblings Alfredo and Jessica Solis dont come along often, either. Theyre a pair of cooks, baptized by fire in the busy kitchens of Passion Food Hospitality, who have rechanneled their professional training into the cuisine of their native Mexico. Their efforts first brought us El Sol Restaurante & Tequileria, a deceptively modest spot that deals in traditional Mexican fare but dares to push it forward in small-but-significant ways. [El Sol: The best taqueria in Washington by a long shot] Brother and sister have raised the ante with Mezcalero, a colorful, mural-heavy place with a comically large rooster sculpture out front. Located two doors down from Taqueria Habanero, whose sophisticated scratch cooking owes a debt to Puebla, Mezcalero is a more expansive expression of the siblings savvy takes on Mexico City fare. Whichever restaurant you select for the night, it feels less like a confirmation of one than a betrayal of the other. Both deserve your patronage. Siblings Alfredo and Jessica Solis have raised the ante with their latest restaurant. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post) As the name suggests, Mezcalero pushes the smoky handcrafted spirits of Oaxaca. Alfredo Solis and his bar manager, Arturo Zaloga, have collected more than 65 mezcals, available in individual pours or in flights served in small clay cups called copitas. One evening, I ordered a flight of mezcals distilled from roasted tepextate, a wild agave varietal that can take 30 or more years to reach maturity. Served with orange slices, and sal de gusano, or worm salt, the mezcals whispered their own private messages: The Vago, for instance, spoke of grasses and sweet-corn tortillas. The Koch delivered a romantic tale, perfumed with flowers and fruit, as elegant as anything expressed by a single-varietal Peruvian pisco. [These Mexican tacos are unlike any others in Washington] The mezcals are just one of the warm-up acts. Before your antojitos ever hit the table, your server will deliver a tray of hearty, house-made tortilla chips along with a side of dipping sauces spooned into tiny metal containers. Consider the latter your own personal salsa bar, whose offerings span the heat and color spectra. The avocado-and-serrano salsa is a cool, kid-friendly ride. The habanero-roasted-tomatillo salsa is a zero-gravity thrill ride that will leave your head spinning. The Solises make few concessions to the gringo palate. Chip at your own peril. The restaurant on 14th Street NW is a colorful, mural-heavy place with a huge rooster sculpture out front. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post) Chile heads will find much to love. For their new place, the siblings have amped up the spice on the Mole el Sol enchiladas, a trio of corn tortillas wrapped around shredded chicken and coated with a midnight-black sauce that almost roils with its four chile peppers. Likewise, the posole rojo burns brighter at Mezcalero than at El Sol: This Mexico City stew could animate the dead with its twin injection of guajillo pepper and chile de arbol. The crackly chicharron gordita, positioned on the plate like a Venus flytrap that has snagged its prey, electrifies the palate with spice. It also coats the palate with oil, one of the few missteps at Mezcalero. Every morning, Alfredo Solis stacks thinly sliced pork and vinegared onions into a pair of al-pastor towers on rotating spits, each topped with pineapple. The preparation requires an hour per tower, a laborious time-suck that most restaurants simply cant afford, no matter how rooted in the Lebanon-to-Mexico tradition the skewers may be. Shavings of al pastor can be added to any number of items burritos, huaraches, sopes but I suggest going simple: Cram the marinated meat into two-ply tacos, whose gossip-thin tortillas best showcase the pork, all crisp, sweet and glistening from its spin on the rotisserie. Frankly, you cant go wrong with tacos when ordering almost any protein: Their lean, three-bite constructions are designed to spotlight the fillings with only minimal interference, at least compared with, say, the burrito, a cheese-coated log so packed with ingredients your palate may not know where to turn. The Baja California fish taco is a smart reimagination of the Ensenada original, in which the crispy beer-battered mahi-mahi needs no cabbage to provide the trademark crunch. The cueritos tacos are pure silk, the pork skin braised in the same copper pot of lard (scented with citrus juices, garlic and herbs) used for the carnitas. The tacos de canasta, or basket tacos, are one of the signature items on the menu. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post) One of the signature tacos at Mezcalero is found among the antojito snacks: The tacos de canasta, or basket tacos, are lifted from the streets of Mexico City, where construction workers often wolf them down on break. The Solises have, by necessity, altered the preparation, arguably prohibiting the fillings from saturating their tortillas with flavor. But I cant argue with the results: a trio of steamed tacos, at once lush in the center and crispy around the edges. I dont mean to gush about the tacos at the expense of other dishes that merit attention. The chile relleno, a charred and battered poblano stuffed with a rich flow of Oaxacan cheese and smothered in ranchero sauce, has no peer. The tuna ceviche finds a satisfying balance between fruit and spice. The queso fundido, served in a molcajete, blends Oaxacan and Chihuahua cheeses with chorizo for a buttery, nutty and, well, delightfully stringy experience. You know, the more I think about the place, the more I think the man-size metal chicken on the patio makes for a perfect mascot. Mezcalero is the big strutting rooster of the local Mexican food scene. Juan Felipe Herrera, 68, is the son of immigrant farmworkers from Mexico. He was born in California and lives there with his wife and children but is in Washington regularly for his position. Is this a good time to be a poet? Its always a good time to be a poet. At this particular moment the world is going through major shifts. Major political shifts, social shifts, cultural shifts. And its good to observe the world, to respond to it. So this is a great time, not necessarily for us as poets to fill our books with great observations. Its more like responding and providing, in many ways, consolation. How do you see your role as U.S. poet laureate? Its kind of a multi-role. I have a great time at the Library of Congress with the team there that assists me. Without them Id just be a washing machine walking down the street and falling apart. So I want people to connect with the Library of Congress. Its for you, its all for you. My other role is to remind the American people that they have the most worthy, significant, beautiful, brilliant voice. And without it what would our lives be? We need it. Silence erodes our lives. It erases our lives. I want them to ask questions. To speak up. To ask what you feel is most important to you right now. Is there a time when you feel least like a poet? Oh, a poet is all of us in a way, so its hard to say theres a time when youre not a poet. A poet means youre human. It really means youre looking around and responding to reflections. Reflections of things that stop you cold, of things that pull you in. You wrote a poem called Dont Worry, Baby that includes the line, I worry about people who say, Dont worry, Baby. Are you worried? Yeah, I get worried. I have a degree in worrying. I work on it as much as I can, and writing keeps me away from all that stuff. All the itchy social ills. When Im writing, I kind of get calmer. When I write, all is well. Thats what I find very positive. I find a lot of peace. But yeah, Im a worrywart. Your parents were migrant workers. What would they think of you becoming the poet laureate? My father passed away when I was 16 and my mother when I was 36. My mother was the one who encouraged me. Sang songs since I was a child. Recited poems to me. She liked to stand up and applaud and smile. She would be super thrilled and happy. My father, he was a hardcore worker of the earth, really. He would wonder how on Earth I could do this without working in the blistering heat. What are you doing? Put your hands in the earth, come on! Youre using a pen? Wow, thats incredible. But hed probably look at me and smile. Were in this turbulent time, and America feels fractured. Is there a poem that would be particularly useful for our country to read right now? Well, for sure [Walt] Whitmans Song of Myself. I would also read poems by the great Chinese poet Bai Juyi. Quiet observations of nature and self. And I would read Memory Foam, a book of poems by Adam Soldofsky. Such a quiet, personal, deep, philosophical, unflinching, peaceful voice. More Just Asking For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit WP Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Email us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. Call it the revenge of the reporters over the pundits. Tuesday night was a low point for the media if such a multi-headed beast can be described in those two words as cable-news talking heads gushed over President Trumps address to Congress. Will Oremus of Slate put it like this: Trump managed to speak for an entire hour without sounding like an unhinged demagogue. For that, he was hailed by TV pundits across the spectrum who acted as though hed just single-handedly defeated the Islamic State and restored the fortunes of the American middle class. On CNN, Van Joness assessment of Trumps exploitation of Navy SEAL Ryan Owenss death in a raid was especially memorable: He became president of the United States in that moment. Period. (Maybe he learned that construction from Sean Spicers assertions about the largest inaugural crowds ever. Period.) But Jones, a liberal commentator, was far from alone. Trump had pivoted. He became presidential. His speech was soaring and inspirational. (Gillian Brockell,Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Katy Tur of NBC, for one, was much more skeptical, pointing out that the raid in Yemen was not considered successful by Defense Department sources and that Trump had blamed Owenss death earlier on the military brass. The fact checkers did their thing, and did it well. Not every news outlet felt the need to praise the president to the heavens. But it was a bad few hours an unfortunate departure for the news media, which has toughened up and developed something resembling a spine over the past few weeks. (CNN has done some of the best reporting in these weeks, and its Jake Tapper has been a standout interrogator.) But as if to say that not all media are created equal, along came two blockbuster stories from two longtime rival newspapers. First, on Wednesday evening, with an 8:01 news alert, the New York Times dropped its triple-byline blockbuster: that the Obama administration had scattered a trail of bread crumbs, evidently so that contacts between Trumps associates and the Russians would not be lost to a coverup by the new administration. Then, with a 9:04 p.m. news alert, The Washington Post published a shocker on the same general subject: that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had met with the Russian ambassador to the United States twice and failed to disclose that during his Senate confirmation hearings. Because of dogged reporting, and to some extent on intelligence-community leaks that Trump has found so outrageous, both stories hit hard. By morning, Democratic calls for Sessions to resign were being met by Republican calls for his recusal from any investigation. And Sessions, while insisting he did nothing wrong and was misunderstood, made his own statement that he would recuse himself as appropriate. (As Katherine Miller, politics editor of BuzzFeed, pointed out, it contained a non-sequitur: I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.) (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) When our business is at its best, its because of great reporting, said Albert Hunt of Bloomberg View, who was a longtime Washington bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal and later of Bloomberg News. He added that the competition between the Times and The Post the two best newsrooms in the country reminds him of what happened during the Watergate era, except for the delivery mechanism: digital vs. print. We used to rush to get the papers to see the latest, he said. Theres room, of course, in journalism for incisive commentary as well as just-the-facts reporting. But if we had to choose between the two, it would be an easy call. The strength of the Wednesday reporting made the weakness of the Tuesday punditry easier to take for those who care about the medias credibility. And it showed once again that the journalistic basics at their best digging, developing sources and connecting the dots will always beat glib pontificating. For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan Vincent C. Gray at his swearing-in ceremony as the D.C. Council member representing Ward 7 on Jan. 2, 2017. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post) D.C. Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) used leftover contributions from his political comeback last year to pay off a $10,000 fine levied against his scandal-plagued 2010 mayoral campaign, according to public records and Gray campaign officials. Regulators issued the fine in June in response to what they called widespread record-keeping problems in the 2010 campaign. The transfer of money to Grays dormant mayoral campaign committeein January for the purpose of paying the fine was a legal use of unspent donations, officials with the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance said. The money used to pay the penalty represented only a portion of the roughly $50,000 Gray had on hand earlier this year after winning his Ward 7 D.C. Council seat. The rest is being moved to a fund for constituent services, said Chuck Thies, his campaign treasurer. Nevertheless, the unorthodox use of campaign donations to close the books on a city investigation dating back six years revives a specter Gray has long tried to put behind him. Illegal spending in his successful 2010 mayoral bid including a $653,000 shadow campaign by disgraced city contractor Jeffrey E. Thompson to elect Gray spurred a federal investigation and guilty pleas by six people, including some Gray associates. Gray was not charged, and he has consistently said he was not aware of the illegal activity. He blamed federal prosecutors for unfairly tarnishing him and causing his 2014 loss to Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D). The Democrat returned to public office in January after easily winning the council race in Ward 7. His 2016 council campaign raised roughly $276,000, according to campaign-finance records. Gray said Wednesday that his campaign officials had handled the details of paying the fine and that he had no reason to believe that any of his donors would be unhappy with the transfer of excess funds to his 2010 mayoral campaigns account. We had money that wasnt going to be used, because we transferred as much money as we could the campaign did to the constituent-services fund, Gray said. Ive heard nothing about anyone being upset about this. Gray and Thies said that they believed council members were barred from depositing more than $40,000 in their constituent-services accounts per year and that Gray would exceed that limit if he moved all his remaining campaign cash to the constituent fund. However, Wesley Williams, spokesman for the Office of Campaign Finance, said that limit does not apply to money transferred directly from a campaign committee. Veteran D.C. activist and government watchdog Dorothy Brizill said that the use of 2016 campaign funds to pay a 2010 campaign fine does not pass the smell test, regardless of whether campaign-finance officials condoned the move. You give a contribution to Vincent Gray to support his campaign for a Ward 7 council seat . . . and not a fine from 2010, Brizill said. Any which way you look at it, its wrong. Under District law, surplus campaign funds can be moved to a political committee or political party, donated to charity or transferred to a constituent-services account. The money can also be returned to donors, but Williams said he was not aware of cases in which that happened. Thies said the idea of using the excess contributions to pay the fine was first suggested to him by William O. Sanford, general counsel at the Office of Campaign Finance, who was really encouraging us to put this thing to bed. Williams said that Sanford spoke to Gray campaign officials and advised them of their options. Gray took some time to think about it before approving the idea, Thies said. One of his concerns was, did people who supported his 2016 campaign do so with the thought that some of their money might go to rectify a hangover from the 2010 campaign? Thies added. Under the laws that applied in 2010, it was the campaign committee not Gray personally that was responsible for the fine. Thies said that Gray did not want to let the penalty linger. We took the least-worst option, he said. The probe of Grays 2010 election effort by the Districts campaign-finance regulators was an anticlimactic epilogue to the years-long FBI investigation, which was launched after The Washington Post began reporting on illegal campaign spending. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia announced that it was closing the investigation just 15 months ago, ending long-running speculation about whether Gray would be indicted. At that point, the Districts campaign-finance regulators resumed their own inquiry, which had been halted while the federal investigation was pending. In ordering the fine, Senior Hearing Officer Jean Scott Diggs acknowledged that a number of factors had complicated the citys review, including the long period that had elapsed since the campaign, the questionable condition of campaign-finance records when they were finally returned by the U.S. Attorneys Office, and health problems that had mentally and physically incapacitated Grays former treasurer, Betty R. Brown. Clearly, this case has encountered many untimely, tragic and unanticipated circumstances that could be considered extraordinary and unprecedented, Diggs wrote. Alejandra Matos contributed to this report. This file photo shows Democrat Terry McAuliffe at an Arlington County school during his 2013 gubernatorial campaign. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post) Virginia lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) that would ease the creation of charter schools in cities and counties with chronically underperforming schools, an effort to expand the charter movement in a state where it has struggled to gain a foothold. The bills proponents said students in schools that repeatedly fall short of standards deserve a shot at a better education, and charter schools publicly funded but independently operated are an answer. I really tried to come up with a proposal that dropped a lifeline into some of the communities that really, really need some innovation and some reform in their schools, said state Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-Rockingham), one of the bills sponsors. Critics said the proposal takes control from local school boards best equipped to make decisions for their communities. They also contend that shifting state funds to charters would hurt regular public schools. The charter school is not going to be able to take all of those children in that quote-unquote failing school, said Jim Livingston, president of the Virginia Education Association, which represents teachers. So what happens to the kids who are left behind? The quality of their education gets even worse. While charter schools have proliferated across the country since the 1990s, they have faced challenges opening in Virginia because state laws give local boards authority to approve or deny charter applications. The bill would change that, authorizing the creation of special charter school boards to review applications. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools counts more than 6,900 charter schools nationwide with about 3.1 million students, up from 400,000 students in 2000. But there are just nine charter schools in Virginia. Two of them are in Northern Virginia; both opened in Loudoun County in the past three years. [2014: Middleburg Community Charter School readies for opening] Only four states had fewer charter schools than Virginia in 2015-2016, according to the alliance: Iowa, Mississippi, Wyoming and Maine. The alliance said the District had 115 charter schools and Maryland had 50. The charter movement is likely to get a boost from President Trump, who has pledged to spend $20 billion on private-school vouchers, charter schools and other alternatives to traditional public schools. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spent much of her career pushing for charter schools and private-school vouchers. How Trump and DeVos will influence charter growth in Virginia and other states remains to be seen. [Trump pitches $20 billion education plan at Ohio charter school that received poor marks from state] The bill, delivered Tuesday to McAuliffe, targets school systems with more than 3,000 students and at least one school that has been denied state accreditation in two of the last three years. Ten systems including those in Alexandria, Richmond, Henrico County and Virginia Beach fall into that category. The bill would empower the Virginia Board of Education to create regional charter school districts each encompassing two or three of the targeted school systems and to appoint separate boards to approve and oversee charter schools. The state board would appoint eight of the nine members of each charter school board, and the local school systems would appoint the ninth. Brian Coy, a spokesman for McAuliffe, said the governor is reviewing the bill. McAuliffe has until March 27 to decide whether to offer amendments, veto it, sign it or let it become law without his signature. Hes not opposed to innovation, but the devil is in the details, Coy said. The legislation, sponsored by Obenshain and Del. R. Steven Landes (R-Augusta), cleared the Republican-led General Assembly largely along party lines. The House gave final approval Feb. 20 on a 54 to 43 vote, with Democrats united against it and 11 Republicans opposed. It passed the Senate a day later 21 to 19, with one Democrat voting for the bill and one Republican against it. If the governor vetoes the legislation, it would not become law unless two-thirds of both houses voted to override. The Virginia School Boards Association opposes the bill because it would take authority away from local school boards to approve and oversee charters in their own communities. We believe that the local board . . . is in a better position to determine what the needs of the students are than a state agency which is appointed by the governor, said Stacey Haney, a lobbyist for the association. [Whats so scary about a charter school in Fairfax County?] But Russ Simnick, senior director of state advocacy and services for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, which helped draft the bill, said Virginia schoolchildren will benefit if charters are given more control over personnel decisions, finance, curriculum and class schedules. If you dont have the opportunity to operate, then theres no room for the innovation to occur, Simnick said. President Trump, Vice President Pence and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) applaud on Capitol Hill following the president's address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press) The University of Notre Dame announced Thursday that Vice President Pence will speak at its graduation in May, ending months of speculation and campus protests over whether the school would invite President Trump to deliver the commencement address. Four of the past six presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter accepted Notre Dames invitation in their first year in office to deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary degree. Some Notre Dame students, anticipating that the nations most prominent Catholic school would ask Trump to do the same, launched a petition in December asking the Notre Dame president, the Rev. John Jenkins, not to do so. They argued that Trumps words and actions were antithetical to the schools values and mission. The petition was signed by thousands of Notre Dame students and faculty members, and there have been protests on the campus in South Bend, Ind., including one Monday in which students demanded to know what the university was going to do. But many other students and alumni wanted the university to follow tradition and invite the president to speak in his first year, saying it would be an honor to have the countrys leader address graduates. It goes beyond politics. It is not an endorsement of policy; it is an engaging of the office and showing respect for it, said Dylan Stevenson, 22, a senior and vice president of the Notre Dame Republicans. Simply because Donald Trump has said things that some might consider a bit off color, I dont think thats just grounds for not inviting him. Mylan Jefferson, 21, a senior and co-chair of the universitys diversity council, was opposed to inviting Trump. He has had so much hateful rhetoric in his campaign and since he has been president, Jefferson said. The actions and words that Donald Trump uses directly contradict our mission statement It would allow all of the attention to go to Trump instead of to all of our graduates who have worked so hard to get here. Pence will be the first vice president to deliver Notre Dames commencement address. The school hailed the former congressman and Indiana governor as a natural choice. It is fitting that in the 175th year of our founding on Indiana soil that Notre Dame recognize a native son who served our state and now the nation with quiet earnestness, moral conviction and a dedication to the common good characteristic of true statesmen, Jenkins said in a statement. Stevenson said in an email that while he would rather have had Trump speak at commencement, it will still be an honor to have Pence there. I was thrilled when he was chosen as Trumps running mate, so Im looking forward to it, he wrote. Samuel Cho, a student who opposed inviting Trump to speak, said he was unhappy that Pence would be there in his stead. Cho cited actions that Pence took on LGBT issues. As governor, Pence in 2015 signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a law that opponents said enabled businesses to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender customers. The law was amended after protests and boycott threats from around the country. As a student of the LGBTQ community on campus, I am at a loss for words, Cho said. A vice president has never been the commencement speaker, and for Mike Pence to be the first one is, honestly, a slap in the face. There is a long-standing tradition of presidents speaking at two or three university commencements a year. Along with the military academies, Notre Dame has been a favorite spot for White House residents. (President George H.W. Bush spoke there in 1992, during the last year of his term.) Many at Notre Dame protested when Obama spoke there in 2009, citing his support of abortion rights. The debate over whether to invite Trump was similarly heated at times and lingered over the campus for months. Other colleges are likely to face similar backlash from students and alumni if they invite the president to deliver a commencement address, the presidential historian Douglas Brinkley said. Having the president be your commencement speaker is usually winning the big prize, but in the age of Donald Trump in the White House, it might be an albatross around the universitys neck, Brinkley said. 2016 was the nastiest election on record, and were in the middle of a cultural war. . . . So if you give protesters a time that Donald Trump is going to be giving a commencement address, the amount of acrimony surrounding it could lose the message, which is that the stars of the day are supposed to be the students who are graduating. The U.S. Naval Academy recently confirmed that it has invited Trump to deliver its commencement address. Obama and George W. Bush also gave commencement addresses at the academy during their first years in office. Kids adore their new robot siblings. As millions of American families buy robotic voice assistants to turn off lights, order pizzas and fetch movie times, children are eagerly co-opting the gadgets to settle dinner table disputes, answer homework questions and entertain friends at sleepover parties. Many parents have been startled and intrigued by the way these disembodied, know-it-all voices Amazons Alexa, Google Home, Microsofts Cortana are impacting their kids behavior, making them more curious but also, at times, far less polite. In just two years, the promise of the technology has already exceeded the marketing come-ons. The disabled are using voice assistants to control their homes, order groceries and listen to books. Caregivers to the elderly say the devices help with dementia, reminding users what day it is or when to take medicine. For children, the potential for transformative interactions are just as dramatic at home and in classrooms. But psychologists, technologists and linguists are only beginning to ponder the possible perils of surrounding kids with artificial intelligence, particularly as they traverse important stages of social and language development. Asher Labovich, 13, right, and his 10-year-old sister, Emerson, mess around with the familys Alexa, an Amazon Echo voice assistant, while their mom, Laura Labovich, watches in Bethesda, Md. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) How they react and treat this nonhuman entity is, to me, the biggest question, said Sandra Calvert, a Georgetown University psychologist and director of the Childrens Digital Media Center. And how does that subsequently affect family dynamics and social interactions with other people? With an estimated 25 million voice assistants expected to sell this year at $40 to $180 up from 1.7 million in 2015 there are even ramifications for the diaper crowd. Toy giant Mattel recently announced the birth of Aristotle, a home baby monitor launching this summer that comforts, teaches and entertains using AI from Microsoft. As children get older, they can ask or answer questions. The company says, Aristotle was specifically designed to grow up with a child. Boosters of the technology say kids typically learn to acquire information using the prevailing technology of the moment from the library card catalogue, to Google, to brief conversations with friendly, all-knowing voices. But what if these gadgets lead children, whose faces are already glued to screens, further away from situations where they learn important interpersonal skills? Its unclear whether any of the companies involved are even paying attention to this issue. Amazon did not return a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the Partnership for AI, a new organization that includes Google, Amazon, Microsoft and other companies working on voice assistants, said nobody was available to answer questions. These devices dont have emotional intelligence, said Allison Druin, a University of Maryland professor who studies how children use technology. They have factual intelligence. The Laboviches sit at their kitchen table with Alexa in the foreground. We like to ask her a lot of really random things, Emerson said of the device. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) Children certainly enjoy their company, referring to Alexa like just another family member. We like to ask her a lot of really random things, said Emerson Labovich, a fifth-grader in Bethesda, Md., who pesters Alexa with her older brother Asher. This winter, Emerson asked her almost every day help counting down the days until a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. She can also rap and rhyme, Emerson said. [When every moment can be recorded, what happens to childhood?] Todays children will be shaped by AI much like their grandparents were shaped by new devices called television. But you couldnt talk with a TV. Ken Yarmosh, a 36-year-old Northern Virginia app developer and founder of Savvy Apps has multiple voice assistants in his familys home, including those made by Google and Amazon. (The Washington Post is owned by Amazon founder Jeffrey P. Bezos, whose middle name is Preston, according to Alexa.) Yarmoshs 2-year-old son has been so enthralled by Alexa that he tries to speak with coasters and other cylindrical objects that look like Amazons device. Meanwhile, Yarmoshs now 5-year-old son, in comparing his two assistants, came to believe Google knew him better. Alexa isnt smart enough for me, hed say, asking random questions that his parents couldnt answer, like how many miles it is to China. (China is 7,248 miles away, Google Home says, as the crow flies.) In talking that way about a device plugged into a wall, Yarmoshs son was anthropomorphizing it which means to ascribe human features to something, Alexa happily explains. Humans do this a lot, Calvert said. We do it with dogs, dressing them in costumes on Halloween. We name boats. And when we encounter robots, we especially children treat them as near equals. In 2012, University of Washington researchers published results of a study involving 90 children interacting with a life-size robot named Robovie. Most kids thought Robovie had mental states and was a social being. When Robovie was shoved into a closet, more than half felt it wasnt fair. A similar emotional connection is taking hold with Alexa and other assistants even for parents. Its definitely become part of our lives, said Emersons mother, Laura Labovich, who then quickly corrected herself: Shes definitely part of our lives. The problem, Druin said, is that this emotional connection sets up expectations for children that devices cant or werent designed to meet, causing confusion, frustration and even changes in the way kids talk or interact with adults. Yarmoshs son thought Alexa couldnt understand him, but it was the algorithms that couldnt grasp the pitch in his voice or the way children formulate questions. Educators introducing these devices into classrooms and school libraries have encountered the same issue. If Alexa doesnt understand the question, is it Alexas fault or might it be the questions fault? said Gwyneth Jones, a librarian who uses Amazons device at Murray Hill Middle School in Laurel. People are not always going to get what they are saying, so its important that they learn how to ask good questions. Naomi S. Baron, an American University linguist who studies digital communication, is among those who wonder whether the devices, even as they get smarter, will push children to value simplistic language and simplistic inquiries over nuance and complex questions. Asking Alexa, How do you ask a good question? produces this answer: I wasnt able to understand the question I heard. But she is able to answer a simple derivative: What is a question? A linguistic expression used to make a request for information, she says. And then there is the potential rewiring of adult-child communication. Although Mattels new assistant will have a setting forcing children to say please when asking for information, the assistants made by Google, Amazon and others are designed so users can quickly and bluntly ask questions. Parents are noticing some not-so-subtle changes in their children. In a blog post last year, a California venture capitalist wrote that his 4-year-old daughter thought Alexa was the best speller in the house. But I fear its also turning our daughter into a raging a------, Hunter Walk wrote. Because Alexa tolerates poor manners. To ask her a question, all you need to do is say her name, followed by the query. No please. And no thank you before asking a follow-up. Cognitively Im not sure a kid gets why you can boss Alexa around but not a person, Walk wrote. At the very least, it creates patterns and reinforcement that so long as your diction is good, you can get what you want without niceties. Jones, the librarian, has witnessed the digital equivalent of everybody asking a question at the same time. You all are being really pushy, shell say, as Alexa declares over and over that she doesnt understand. Youre confusing her. One at a time, just like a person. The personal yet transactional nature of the relationship is appealing to children and teenagers. Parents (including this reporter) have noticed that queries previously made to adults are shifting to assistants, particularly for homework spelling words, simple math, historical facts. Or take the weather, particularly in winter. Instead of asking Mom or Dad the temperature that day, children just go to the device, treating the answer as gospel. Upside: No more fights over what the temperature will really be and whats appropriate to wear. Downside: Kids will go to their parents less, with both sides losing out on timeworn interactions. There can be a lot of unintended consequences to interactions with these devices that mimic conversation, said Kate Darling, an MIT professor who studies how humans interact with robots. We dont know what all of them are yet. But most researchers, educators and parents even some kids already agree that these devices need to be put in their place, just like a know-it-all sibling. Jones, the librarian, puts Alexa away for a couple of weeks at a time, so her students dont rely on her too much. Yarmosh, who recently launched a project curating online videos for kids, is keeping the assistants out of his childrens rooms. Emerson and her brother take a school playground approach. Alexa, theyll say, youre such a butt. THE DISTRICT Man wounded in SE shooting A man was shot and critically wounded Wednesday morning when at least one gunman opened fire on a vehicle on Wheeler Road in Southeast Washington, D.C. police said. The shooting comes six days after four other people were shot and wounded in separate shootings in two hours on Feb. 23, along a six-block stretch of the same street. Acting D.C. police chief Peter Newsham said there certainly is some kind of dispute going on in the area, but he would not be more specific. Peter Hermann MARYLAND Paid sick-leave bill advances Marylands House of Delegates on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would require businesses with 15 or more workers to provide paid sick leave. The measure, which the House passed in 2016, faces an additional vote in that chamber before being taken up in the Senate, where it failed last year. The legislation is sponsored by Del. Luke H. Clippinger (D-Baltimore). It would ensure a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to seven full days per year. Josh Hicks VIRGINIA Democrats line up to run for county board Four Democrats have lined up to run for the Arlington County Board a week after longtime board member Jay Fisette announced that he would not seek reelection. The party will hold a caucus May 11 and May 13 to select a nominee for the November general election. The candidates are Erik Gutshall, a business owner; Peter Fallon, a tax accountant; Kim Klingler, an emergency medical technician; and Vivek Patil, a biotech professional. Independent Audrey Clement is also running. Patricia Sullivan Man, 20, is arrested after alleged assault A Virginia man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on Tuesday in Annandale, police said. On Tuesday, officers responded to the 7900 block of John Adams Court after a 27-year-old woman said she was sexually assaulted at knifepoint while moving out of her apartment, Fairfax County Police said in a statement. The suspect fled after a neighbor heard the woman screaming. Police said Burhan N. Ahmed, 20, of Annandale will be charged with aggravated sexual battery, among other offenses. Montgomery County Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) has made his first formal move into the 2017 county executive race. On Feb. 22, the three-term incumbent filed with the Maryland Board of Elections declaring his intent to qualify for public funding under the countys new campaign finance law. Elrich, 67, who lives in Takoma Park, was widely expected to become a candidate. He joins council member George L. Leventhal (D-At Large), also of Takoma Park, as the second formally declared candidate. Leventhal has also filed to use public financing. A third council member, council President Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), is likely to join the race. Two candidates from the private sector, wine retailer David Trone and health-care executive David Blair, both of Potomac, are also considering candidacies. News of Elrichs filing was first reported Wednesday by the Seventh State blog. Former television news anchor and Marriott executive Kathleen Matthews, who was just named interim chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, said Thursday that the selection of a four-year party chair will be inclusive and transparent. Matthews, who is a resident of Montgomery County, unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Democratic nomination for Marylands 8th Congressional District seat. She said she intends to run for a full term as party chair in May but will empower the staff, central committees and build the party infrastructure in the meantime. Democrats are numerically dominant in Maryland, with a 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans, seven of eight congressional seats and veto-proof majorities in both houses of the state legislature. But the party has struggled to gain traction against popular first-term Gov. Larry Hogan (R). In an interview last month, Matthews said she was approached about becoming party chair by senior Maryland Democrats U.S. Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Steny H. Hoyer. She reached out to party leaders throughout the state and was named interim chair by the executive committee late Wednesday. Her appointment was criticized by former Montgomery County Council member Valerie Ervin (D), who said the process smacked of insiderism. The state party missed an opportunity to open up the space for a new and different kind of leadership, said Ervin, who is the first African American woman to be elected to the council. She said party leaders should have adopted the approach taken in the publicly contested race for Democratic National Committee chair, which was won by Maryland resident Thomas Perez, the former Labor secretary. Matthews spent 25 years as a reporter and anchor for WJLA and was later a vice president at Marriott International, where her job included overseeing a political action committee that contributed more than $1 million to House and Senate candidates. She serves on the board of Emerge Maryland, which helps prepare women to run for elected office, and is married to MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews. In a statement from the party Thursday night, Matthews promised an inclusive and transparent process going forward, guided by party parliamentarian Greg Pecoraro and leading to the election of a chair to serve a four-year term that will include the 2018 gubernatorial race. Pecoraro will convene a diverse committee that will work over the next two months to oversee the process, including an open forum for the public and state central committee members to hear from prospective candidates, the statement said. Fred Fiske, who entertained and informed generations of listeners with a gentlemanly personality and a pleasing tenor voice that he parlayed into the longest-running career in Washington radio history, died March 2 at a hospice center in Columbus, Ohio. He was 96. The cause was congestive heart failure, said a son, Warren Fiske. He moved to Columbus from Silver Spring, Md., two years ago. Mr. Fiskes 64 years behind a radio microphone in Washington began just before the television age dawned, and spanned 12 presidential administrations. He first went on the air in Washington in 1947, when the city had fewer than 10 radio stations. He retired in 2011, when audio programming was delivered via satellites and the Internet. Mr. Fiske started as an announcer on WOL-AM and on the national radio version of Meet the Press on the Mutual Broadcasting Network. He subsequently became a pop-music disc jockey, nightly talk-show host and political commentator during an almost unbroken stretch that continued until his last commentary aired on WAMU (88.5 FM) on Sept. 27, 2011. Sept. 27 was significant to Mr. Fiske: On that day in 1944, his B-24 crash-landed in France after being attacked by German fighters, and he started his first job in Washington on that date three years later. Fred Fiske in 1954. (WWDC RADIO) Mr. Fiske landed the job, he recalled in an interview with The Washington Post in 2011, after he hopped off a New York-bound train at Union Station. He found a phone book and began calling stations, asking whether they had an opening for an announcer. WOL, a station with a tiny 250-watt signal, gave him a tryout. He spent 30 years on the station and its successor, WWDC-AM, before moving to WAMU in 1977. Frederick Nathaniel Fiske was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 6, 1920. He had performed in radio dramas in the 1930s as a teenager in New York, appearing on the NBC Red Network in dramatic productions. He subsequently graduated from Brooklyn College in 1942, received a teaching certificate from Columbia University and briefly taught at the High School of Performing Arts, which became the model for the Fame movies and TV series. After serving as an Army Air Forces radioman in Europe during World War II, Mr. Fiske found his way to Washington and became a DJ and morning drive personality at WWDC, offering light banter and the music of Perry Como, Doris Day and Rosemary Clooney, among others. He also met many of the pop stars when they came through town to play such venues as the Shoreham Hotel, encounters that he described in a weekly column for the Washington Daily News called Fiskes Disks. One of Mr. Fiskes most memorable coups was securing an interview with Elvis Presley on the day the rock-and-roll legend was inducted into the Army in 1958. Although he had been told that Pvt. Presley wasnt doing interviews, Mr. Fiske persisted. He told an assistant to call officials at the Memphis Draft Board, where Presley reported. This is WWDC in Washington calling, the assistant said. Put Elvis Presley on the line. Apparently thinking WWDC in Washington was related to the Department of Defense, Presleys military superiors complied, and soon Mr. Fiske was chatting on the air with Presley. Mr. Fiske also interviewed a long succession of other personalities, including politicians, military figures, authors, celebrities and every first lady from Eleanor Roosevelt through Rosalynn Carter. In the 1970s, as the host of WWDCs evening talk show, first called Empathy and later renamed The Fred Fiske Show, Mr. Fiske discussed politics, culture and ideas with actors, authors and listeners for five hours each night. He prided himself on reading every book he discussed with his guests. One caller to the show, he recounted in 2011, told him that he had lost his job and that his wife was leaving him. He was in despair and thinking of killing himself. As Mr. Fiske chatted with the man, he signaled to his engineer to alert the police, who traced the call and found the man before he could act. His first wife, the former Ruth Adler, died in 1991. Three years later, he married Sandra Barron. She died in 2014. Survivors include two children from his first marriage, Warren Fiske of Richmond and Peggy Masser of Columbus; three stepchildren; a brother; a sister; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. In the late 1980s, Mr. Fiske cut back at WAMU and began doing weekly commentaries about local and national affairs. He described himself as liberal but moderate and reasonable, although some occasionally found him otherwise. He drew a spirited response from the conservative Media Research Center in early 2010 when he assailed the firebrand conservative radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh for supposedly advising his listeners not to contribute to charitable efforts to rebuild earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Addressing Limbaugh, Mr. Fiske said: I think I know the cause of your heart trouble. You dont have one. The MRCs president, Brent Bozell, rebutted Mr. Fiske, saying Limbaugh had never advocated withholding contributions. I guess, basically, Im a ham, Mr. Fiske said of this career. I started as an actor, and I enjoyed performing. I enjoyed the attention I got. I enjoyed the people I met. I like dealing with ideas and things Im interested in. I got to be present at a lot of important occasions and met important people of the era. . . . How could you not like that? Obituaries of residents from the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Patricia Riley Johnson, nonprofit executive Patricia Riley Johnson, 71, the founder and former president and chief executive of Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit organization that has repaired tens of thousands of homes in low-income communities, died Jan. 14 at a hospital in Washington. The cause was complications from the flu, said her son John Scott Johnson. Mrs. Johnson, a Washington resident, was born Patricia Riley in Appleton, Wis. She worked for what was then the Department of Health, Education and Welfare before becoming executive director of the Washington chapter of Christmas in April, a housing rehabilitation organization. Under her leadership, affiliates of Christmas in April across the country grew into the national organization Rebuilding Together in 1988. In 1995, Washingtonian magazine named her a Washingtonian of the year. She retired in 2006. From 2013 to 2015 she was a canon missioner at Washington National Cathedral. Samuel Spiegel, sheet-metal company owner Samuel Spiegel, 94, a Holocaust survivor who came to Washington in the late 1940s and became a partner in Hamiltion & Spiegel, a sheet-metal and commercial roofing company, died Dec. 12 at care center in Columbia, Md. He had complications from Alzheimers disease, said a son-in-law, Alan L. Fishbein. Mr. Spiegel was born in Kozienice, Poland. His father, stepmother, brother and three sisters died during World War II at the Treblinka concentration camp. Mr. Spiegel was sent to a labor camp in Poland, escaped from a death march and was liberated by Russian soldiers in 1945. After the war he married a woman he met in the labor camp. Mr. Spiegel, who retired from Hamilton & Spiegel in 1991, volunteered at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. He and his wife, Regina, formed the Twinning Project to connect schoolchildren with Holocaust survivors. They also led many trips for students to Poland and Israel to learn about the Holocaust. He was a past president of the old Temple Israel synagogue in Silver Spring, Md., where he lived for many years. Philip Frisbee, artist Philip Frisbee, 61, an artist, sculptor and poet, died Feb. 3 at his home in The Plains, Va. The cause was complications from multiple sclerosis, said his partner, Andrea Currier. Mr. Frisbee was born in Denver and moved to the Washington area in the late 1960s. Between 1980 and 2000, he worked for periods at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington and also wrote for art magazines and other publications. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001 and his disease became a basis for a collection of poems that he called Lifes Breath. D. Bruce Merrifield, Commerce Dept. official D. Bruce Merrifield, 95, who served during the Reagan administration as assistant secretary for technology and innovation and later as undersecretary for economic affairs at the Commerce Department, died Jan. 1 at a rehabilitation center in Bethesda, Md. The cause was pneumonia, said a daughter, Ginny Merrifield. Dudley Bruce Merrifield, a Bethesda resident, was born in Chicago. Before his appointment to the Commerce Department in 1981, he was vice president of technology and venture management at Occidental Petroleum and held a similar position at the Continental Group container company. He taught at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton business school from 1989 to 1994, and then spent six years as a visiting professor of management at Georgetown University. From staff reports Tamar Meekins, who had served since 2015 as the Districts deputy attorney general for public safety, with a legal purview included juvenile justice issues and combating slumlords, died Feb. 19 at a hospital in Bethesda, Md. She was 55. The cause was a heart attack and complications from cancer, said her sister, Harolyn Meekins. Ms. Meekins began her legal career in Washington in the late 1980s with the firm Dewey, Ballantine, Bushby, Palmer & Wood. She later joined the citys Public Defender Service as a trial lawyer, advancing over a dozen years to chief of legal services. In that role, she coordinated the work of six divisions. In the early 2000s, she began teaching criminal law at Howard Universitys law school. She also directed Howards Clinical Law Center, growing the law office significantly after securing a $500,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to create, among other things, a fair-housing clinic. At Howard, she also volunteered to train lawyers at numerous organizations and universities. Tamar Maria Meekins was born in Richmond on Nov. 21, 1961. She was a 1984 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a 1987 graduate of the University of Virginia law school. In the 1990s, she served on the board of the Greater Washington Urban League and as president of the Urban Roundtable. She was a District resident. Survivors include her sister, of Richmond. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY These were among cases received recently by the Prince Georges County Animal Management Division. Call 301-780-7200 for directions to the county animal shelter, hours of operation, and adoption and licensing procedures. The department website is princegeorgespets4us.com. Kittens in storage: 8600 block, Old Ardmore Rd., Hyattsville, Feb. 15. A woman reported holding two 5-week-old kittens that she found inside a storage unit that had a hole in the roof. An animal control officer picked up black kittens one male and one female. When not claimed, they were transferred to a rescue group Feb. 15. Black Yorkie on the run: 7000 block, District Heights Pkwy., District Heights, Feb. 16. A woman called animal management to report holding a stray dog inside her home that had been loose. An officer picked up a black Yorkshire terrier of unknown age. The dog was reunited with its owner the next day. On the fence: 1500 block, Pacific Ave., Capitol Heights, Feb. 19. A woman reported seeing a dog with its head stuck in her neighbors fence. She said that a second dog kept running into her yard attempting to free the stuck dog. An officer picked up a 1-year-old black male Mastiff. The dog was returned to its home Feb. 21. Follow the leader: 3600 block, Scruggs Pl., Upper Marlboro, Feb. 16. A man reported holding a stray dog that had followed him home while he was out walking his own dog. An officer picked up a 2-year-old, tan-colored male Shih Tzu. The dog was reunited with its owner Feb. 18. LOW-COST SHOT CLINIC The SPCA/Humane Society of Prince Georges County is sponsoring a low-cost shot clinic for dogs and cats from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at 8210 DArcy Rd., Forestville. Rabies and distemper shots are $10. Microchip IDs are $25. Only cash and credit cards are accepted. All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. Owners should bring an up-to-date rabies certificate. For information, call 301-262-5625 or visit pgspca.org. VOLUNTEER NEEDS SPCA/Humane Society of Prince Georges County, an all-volunteer organization, needs volunteers 18 and older to assist in a variety of tasks. Opportunities include photography and videography, social-media outreach, adoption show assistance, administration, and pet fostering. Call 301-262-5625 or visit pgspca.org/get-involved/volunteer. County Animal Management Division seeks volunteers to assist animals in need by joining the pet foster-family program. Foster families provide a safe, loving home to animals that are injured, very young, recovering from surgery or in need of other special care until they are adoptable. Call 301-780-7219 or visit princegeorgespets4us.com. Partnership for Animal Welfare needs volunteers to foster homeless dogs and cats, provide transportation to veterinary appointments, and handle animals at adoption shows. For information, go to paw-rescue.org or call 301-572-4729. Dividends can be one of the greatest tools for investors to build long-term wealth, but sadly many of us screening for new ideas overlook strong dividend stocks because their yields aren't eye-popping. That can be a mistake, and if investors can find companies consistently growing their top and bottom lines, as well as consistently increasing their dividend, it can be a huge win over the long term. Here are two stocks that perfectly fit that description. A photo from March 2006 shows then-Fairfax County Police Officer First Class Lance T. Guckenberger, left, receiving a Silver Medal of valor from Fairfax County Police Chief David M. Rohrer, second from left, and Sheriff Stan Barry. (Warren Mattox) Fairfax County police released the name Thursday of an officer involved in a fatal shooting in January after he told a federal court that he would drop legal efforts to block making the information public. Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger, a 16-year veteran, fatally shot a man in Herndon on Jan. 16 after police said the man lunged at officers with a knife following a standoff at his home. Police said the man had previously shot two people and was holding a roommate hostage. He also set a fire in the home, putting the roommate at risk. [Man fatally shot after standoff at Herndon home] Police said Guckenberger was involved in two previous nonfatal shootings in 2005 and 2010. In both instances, prosecutors found the shootings were justified. Guckenberger filed a lawsuit in early February, claiming that the imminent release of his name in the Herndon shooting could put him at risk. Guckenberger cited threats other officers across the country had received after police-involved shootings and use-of-force incidents. A federal judge granted Guckenberger a temporary restraining order but later rescinded it after Fairfax County police said they were still working to complete a standard threat assessment to determine whether to release his name. [Federal judge temporarily blocks release of officers name in fatal police shooting] Last Friday, Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said that he found no credible threat against Guckenberger and that he would inform the officer that he planned to release his name. Guckenberger could have pursued another injunction but chose not to, according to court filings. Ive been transparent with the officer throughout the entire process as I am with all officers in the same situation, Roessler said. In this particular case, weve concluded a very thorough risk assessment process. Obviously, there is no credible threat, so we are abiding by the policy [of releasing his name]. Last year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors enacted a policy requiring the county police department to release the names of officers involved in the use of deadly force within 10 days of an incident, except in instances in which there are credible threats to officers safety. The policy was adopted as part of a wave of changes after the fatal shooting of an unarmed Springfield man, John Geer, in 2013. Police did not release officer Adam Torress name until a judge ordered the department to do so, 16 months after the shooting. Torres ultimately pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Guckenbergers attorneys thanked the police department for the thorough threat assessment, which was conducted with the assistance of the FBI. Police officers who do their job and saves lives under these types of extraordinary circumstances should be afforded appropriate protections and support that are no less than members of the community, especially where all the facts have not been made public due to ongoing investigations, said Amy Conway-Hatcher, an attorney for Guckenberger. The issue of naming officers involved in use-of-force incidents has become a flash point across the country after national protests over fatal encounters between police and minorities. Reformers say naming officers is critical for transparency, but officers and their unions have said that it can put police in harms way. The criminal and administrative probes are still underway for the fatal shooting involving Guckenberger. The trial of a former senior Navy intelligence official on theft and conspiracy charges came to an end Thursday when the defendant was carried out of court on a stretcher. Judge Leonie M. Brinkema dismissed the indictment against David W. Landersman, who suffered a seizure for the second time in the four days since his trial in Alexandria federal court began, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Virginia and Landersmans lawyers. Prosecutors say they are currently reviewing their options. Landersman had previously asked for the trial to be delayed, citing medical problems. Brinkema denied that motion, saying there was no evidence his condition would improve in three months time. Landersman, formerly the senior director for intelligence in an obscure Pentagon office that dabbled in covert programs, was accused of helping arrange a $1.6 million defense contract for his brother, a struggling mechanic. The court already found Landersmans subordinate, Lee M. Hall, and brother, Mark, guilty of conspiring to build untraceable AK-47 silencers without a firearms license and ship them across state lines. [Murky Pentagon contract to build silencers ends in guilty verdicts] Prosecutors say the silencers turned out to be junk that cost $10,000 to build. Defense attorneys countered that they were made in good faith for a clandestine mission. That mission has never been fully explained in court. Hall was given six months in prison; Mark Landersman, 60 days. David Landersman an American hero who received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star and he deserved a parade, not an indictment, defense attorney Stephen Ryan said. Im glad its over and his honor is restored. Actress Laura Vandervoorts image from the television show V was used to create a fake passport as part of an international credit card fraud scheme. (U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia) Amit Chaudhry said it was family loyalty that brought him into an international identity-theft scheme so vast that it ensnared a television actress. I never really dreamt of being a felon, the 44-year-old from Ashburn, Va., said in federal court in Alexandria on Thursday before being sentenced to nine years in prison. This is going to haunt me for the rest of my life. On Sept. 21, he pleaded guilty to identity theft, money laundering and visa fraud. He faced up to 20 years in prison. A native of India, Chaudhry helped relatives overseas operate a multimillion-dollar scam that involved laundering money from stolen credit cards and identities through shell bank accounts. He was part of a related scheme advertising cheap travel packages. Customers money would be stolen, and their hotel and airfare would be paid for with stolen credit cards. Many of the more than 1,000 victims found parts of their trips canceled after the fraudulent charges were discovered. The group made more than $25 million off fake credit cards, helped by a co-conspirator working at American Express in India. When their charges were challenged, they would use images of fake passports to back them up. The scheme was uncovered in part because an FBI agent recognized actress Laura Vandervoort in one of those passports. The image was taken from a scene from the television show V involving visas, authorities said. Vandervoort, a Canadian, also played Supergirl on the TV series Smallville and last year appeared as the character Indigo on the Supergirl series. The image, authorities said, helped make clear some of the groups online behavior. Chaudhrys attorneys said he was acting at the behest of relatives in India. This was all done out of family loyalty, defense attorney Danny Onorato said. But Chaudhry, who emigrated from India in 1992, was also behind visa fraud and embezzlement schemes that had nothing to do with those crimes. What were dealing with here is not a casual wrong turn, said Jeffrey Abish, the chief information officer for the defrauded company ActioNet. Chaudhry sent inflated and imagined IT invoices to the company, netting $4.1 million that he has now pledged to repay. Onorato said Chaudhry has been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, which might help explain his behavior. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Wong protested: Aspergers doesnt cause anyone to steal or open credit card accounts in someone elses name. Chaudhry is cooperating with authorities, who are still finding more victims and tracking down co-conspirators in the United States and abroad. Five of those co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty in Alexandria; two have been arrested in India. Chaudhry said in court that his cooperation has made him a target of verbal and physical harassment in the Alexandria jail. But prosecutors said he will probably get his sentenced reduced at some point for his help. A Virginia man was arrested Wednesday after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on Tuesday in Annandale, police said. On Tuesday, officers responded to the 7900 block of John Adams Court after a 27-year-old woman said she was sexually assaulted at knifepoint while moving out of her apartment, Fairfax County Police said in a statement. The suspect fled the scene after a neighbor heard the woman screaming and entered the apartment to intervene, the statement said. On Wednesday, police said 20-year-old Burhan Nurhussein Ahmed of Annandale was arrested in connection with the incident, and will be charged with aggravated sexual battery, among other offenses. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) on Thursday urged Republican leaders in the House of Delegates to stop defending legislative districts that are under legal challenge and work with him on nonpartisan redistricting. Republicans declined, accusing the governor of grandstanding one day after the U.S. Supreme Court told a lower court to reexamine Virginias redistricting efforts for signs of racial bias. [Supreme Court says Virginia redistricting must be reexamined for bias] I believe very strongly that this case is far from over and its premature to think about redrawing lines, said House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). I believe hes doing it just for political gamesmanship. House Republicans drew the districts in 2011 but they were approved by a majority of the body Democrats and Republicans. The Republicans went on to increase their majority in the House, and today have 66 seats to 34 held by Democrats. In Wednesdays 7-1 ruling, the Supreme Court found that a lower court used the wrong standard in upholding 11 districts that were drawn to have a voting population that was 55 percent African American. The court did not rule on whether that constituted racial bias by concentrating black votes in a few districts, only that the lower court used the wrong legal approach in evaluating them. In a 12th district that the high court did examine, it found that the lines were properly drawn. Democrats and some legal experts said the ruling made it more probable that the lower court would overturn the districts, which would require new boundaries for those and the ones around them. The case seems unlikely to be resolved through the court system before this Novembers elections for all 100 House seats, experts said. But if the districts were redrawn, there could be special elections as soon as next year. On Thursday, McAuliffe sent a letter to Howell and House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights) urging them to capitulate. Noting that the Supreme Court last year struck down several Virginia congressional districts on the grounds that they were drawn to concentrate black votes, McAuliffe said the recent decision was heading down the same path. This ruling sets the stage for protracted litigation at taxpayer-expense and further delay that will cast a shadow over our upcoming legislative elections unless we find a more productive path forward, he wrote. If the Republicans would agree to settle the lawsuit and empower the General Assembly to redraw the districts in a nonpartisan fashion, McAuliffe said he would call a special session of the legislature to get the job done before November elections. Del. S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk), who led the effort to draw the districts in 2011, said Thursday that he found the governors offer amusing given the years that Democrats controlled the legislature and drew districts to their own liking. For decades and decades, you never heard any push for nonpartisan redistricting until Republicans took over about 15 or 16 years ago, which I find real interesting, he said. Jones, who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, estimated that the public bill for defending the districts in court could be as much as $2 million and counting. Howell pointed out that former U.S. attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr. is leading a new political organization, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, that is spending money to seek more favorable legislative districts. In that light, he said, McAuliffes offer to work together is hypocritical. The House Republican caucus has retained the law firm of BakerHostetler to represent it in defending the districts. Mark Braden, a lawyer for the firm, said he remains quite confident in a victory once the case goes back to federal district court. An antique ship telegraph is displayed near a statue of former president Gerald Ford aboard the hanger deck of the nuclear aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. President Trump will deliver an address on the carrier. (Steve Helber/AP) Virginia Republican Reps. Rob Wittman and Scott Taylor flew to Newport News on Air Force One Thursday with President Trump to watch him give a speech at the company that builds the nations aircraft carriers. For Wittman, head of a subcommittee in charge of the expanding Navy fleet, and Taylor, a freshman and former Navy SEAL focused on national security, the trip dovetailed with their interests. But Rep. Bobby Scott (D), one of the most senior members of the Virginia congressional delegation whose district Trump visited, was not invited to the event. Traditionally, presidential visits to a region include invitations to the local delegation, regardless of party. Trump touted his plans for a major hike in military spending, echoing the themes of his Tuesday night speech to a joint session of Congress, and decried the size and age of the Navy fleet as insufficient. He spoke from the deck of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford the Navys newest nuclear-powered warship, which has run billions of dollars over budget and taken years longer to build than anticipated. Scott said he welcomed Trumps call for increased shipbuilding, but worried about how he intends to pay for it and urged the administration to provide concrete proposals. So far, all Ive heard is that he intends to cut taxes, raise defense spending, and propose draconian cuts to non-defense discretionary spending, Scott said in a statement after the speech. That means deep cuts to programs that support education, rebuild our infrastructure, ensure clean air and water, and protect workplace safety and public health. Wittman, a five-term congressman who chairs the Armed Services subcommittee that oversees seapower wants the Navy fleet to expand from 274 to 350 ships a goal Trump endorsed on the campaign trail. With the Navy today having been used very hard based on these recent conflicts, we want to make sure we get the construction part right and the maintenance part right, he said in a brief interview. Taylor sits on the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees military construction and veterans affairs. Obviously Newport News Shipbuilding is huge for my region and for the national security apparatus, he said. Its important for me to support my area and make sure we have predictability for the industrial base and skilled workforce. Taylor joined Trump last month at the Dover Air Force Base where family gathered to receive the casket carrying William Ryan Owens, the Navy SEAL killed in the administration's first counterterrorism operation. Trump honored Owens widow in his address to Congress Tuesday night. Newport News is part of the congressional district that is represented by Scott and which voted for Hillary Clinton in November. Wittman and Taylor represent neighboring districts that voted for Trump. Over the years, politicians of both parties have coalesced around the importance of Virginias military installations and defense industry. In 2013, then-congressman Scott Rigell, a Republican, joined Scott, the Democrat, along with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va) and President Barack Obama for a visit highlighting the perils of across-the-board federal budget cuts, known as sequestration, in Newport News. And in 2009, Kaine, who was governor at the time, gave the opening remarks at the commissioning of the aircraft carrier Republican President George H.W. Bush, which was attended by then-President George W. Bush. Phil Rucker and Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report. Aileen Hernandez, a founding member and former president of the National Organization for Women who spent decades on the vanguard of the sometimes competing feminist and civil rights movements, died Feb. 13 at a memory-care facility in Tustin, Calif. She was 90. The cause was complications from dementia, said a niece, Annie Clarke. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Ms. Hernandez grew up as the only daughter in the only black family in their Brooklyn neighborhood. She credited her mother with inspiring her political activism, in part by taking her along to confront a man who had agitated to remove them from the block. I learned something that day, although I was very little at that stage, Ms. Hernandez said in an interview for the Makers, an online archive of interviews with prominent women. Her commitment to working for civil rights was galvanized when she arrived in Washington to attend Howard University. At the train station, she was directed to hail a black taxi cab. As a New Yorker not yet fully acquainted with the indignities of segregation, she assumed black to be the color of the cab. It turned out, she ruefully recalled in an interview with the KQED public television station, to indicate the color of the drivers skin. After graduating, Ms. Hernandez rose through the ranks of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in California, working to secure parity in compensation. In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson named her the first and, at that time, only woman on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The federal agency had been established that year to ensure compliance with the federal ban on employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. Ms. Hernandez pushed the agency to address education and housing concerns, which she regarded as inextricably linked to employment opportunity. She left the post after less than two years, seeking faster changes in womens rights. We have no right to determine that we will not be as forthright in attacking one kind of discrimination as we are in attacking another kind, she wrote in a 1966 memo. I confess that I am basically oriented to eliminating the centuries-old discrimination against Negroes, but I cannot close my eyes to the obvious inequities of treatment of other groups in our society. After leaving the EEOC, she became executive vice president of NOW. In 1970, she succeeded Betty Friedan, the founding president, at the helm. In that role, Ms. Hernandez sought to improve what she described as the groups embarrassingly elitist and middle-class image Im much more interested in the problems of the mass woman than the professional, she told Newsday in 1970, according to the reference guide Current Biography, the women who are trapped in menial jobs, the woman who aspires to become a nurse but never a doctor, an elementary school-teacher but never a professor. The low-income woman isnt going to run to join NOW, but shes going to relate to our program because she has known for a long time the problems of combining a family with a job. According to NOW, Ms. Hernandez oversaw the Womens Strike for Equality in 1970, marking the 50th anniversary of womens suffrage in the United States; helped found the National Womens Political Caucus; and led advocacy work against sex discrimination in the workplace. She handed off the presidency to Wilma Scott Heide in 1971 and later ran an employment consulting firm. Aileen Blanche Clarke was born in Brooklyn on May 23, 1926. Her father was employed at an art-supply store, and her mother was a garment worker. She recalled that she and her brothers all were expected to contribute to household duties and that all three children learned to cook and sew. After excelling in school, she was admitted to Howard, where she joined a collegiate chapter of the NAACP and where she received a bachelors degree in political science and sociology in 1947. She received a masters degree in government from California State University at Los Angeles in 1961. Her first public post was with the California state governments division of Fair Employment Practices, where she served as assistant chief before joining EEOC. Besides her engagement with NOW, Ms. Hernandez was involved with organizations including Black Women Organized for Political Action. Her marriage to Alfonso Hernandez, a garment cutter, ended in divorce, and she had no immediate survivors. Although Ms. Hernandez spoke admiringly of the advances during her lifetime in womens and civil rights, she saw room for more progress to be made. We have not made it. We have not made it by any way, she said in 2013. So we have a lot of work to do, and we need the young people to know the history. There's no question that taxes have become hideously complex, especially federal income taxes. President Trump has indicated that reforming the current income tax system is one of his priorities, and he's released a proposal to broadly define the ways in which he plans to change the current system. Here's how the new plan will change the way you pay your taxes. A sharply divided Senate Finance Committee on Thursday morning recommended the confirmation of Seema Verma, a health-care consultant who has reshaped Medicaid in several states, to run the nations Medicare and Medicaid programs. On a vote of 13 to 12, with every Democrat in opposition, Vermas nomination now moves to the full Senate, where the Republican majority has been moving swiftly to give its seal of approval to each of President Trumps nominees who have come to a floor vote. Within the sprawling Health and Human Services Department, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a powerhouse, overseeing about $1 trillion in spending on the two vast entitlement programs. For the past seven years, the agency also has carried out most of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which Trump and others in the GOP are working to demolish and replace with more conservative health policies. During the past six years, Vermas Indianapolis-based consulting firm, SVC Inc., has held contracts totaling nearly $8 million with the state of Indiana, according to information she disclosed as part of the confirmation process. She led the Hoosier states successful effort to secure federal permission to expand Medicaid under the ACA in an unusual way, an effort that the state started a few years before the law existed. Under Indianas version of Medicaid, everyone who receives benefits, including the very poor, is required to pay monthly premiums and the contributions are invested in health savings accounts. Very poor people who do not make the payments are bumped down to a lower tier of coverage, while people with slightly more income are removed from the program. At her confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee two weeks ago, Verma was questioned about her views on an array of major issues that would be within her domain as CMS administrator among them, how the agency could try to lower drug prices, how it could improve residents access to care in rural America, and whether she would favor a nationwide extension of Indianas freeze-out from Medicaid of people who do not pay their monthly fee. She largely sidestepped the questions. During a brief debate Wednesday before Thursdays committee vote, Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), the committees ranking Democrat, said that her responses at the hearing and to written follow-up questions were a lot of happy talk that didnt amount to much substance. He contended that she was simply able to skirt Indianas relaxed conflict of interest rules, holding her main consultants contract while taking fees from other vendors who worked on the states Medicaid program. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) countered that Verma would provide experienced and responsible leadership in working with Congress on the challenges plaguing both Medicare and Medicaid . . . to improve these programs and help enact the necessary reforms to ensure their solvency for future generations. Read more: Medicaid exposes rifts within the GOP over the programs future after the ACA Obamacare is the Affordable Care Act: So whats in it? Tom Price belongs to a doctors group with unorthodox views on government and health care A FEW things seem deeply worrying to state Del. Charles D. Poindexter (R-Franklin), who represents a rural district in southwestern Virginia. One is mussels of the zebra and quagga variety. Another is immigrants, especially refugees. In both cases, Mr. Poindexter appears fearful that Virginia is suffering a foreign infestation. The mollusks that so disconcert Mr. Poindexter are freshwater bivalves native to Eastern Europe, whose foothold in Virginia waters may be a nuisance to local water treatment facilities. The immigrants who concern him are refugees from Congo, Syria, Burma, El Salvador, Iraq and elsewhere, on whose resettlement in Virginia he wants detailed and individual information. Mr. Poindexters resolution demanding a zebra mussel study died in committee. His bill requiring that nonprofit agencies that help resettle refugees report on their profiles and whereabouts passed both houses of the GOP-dominated General Assembly in Richmond on party-line votes. The votes reflect the dread that has gripped Republicans of refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants in this age of rising American xenophobia. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) vetoed Mr. Poindexters bill, as well as another measure passed by the legislature that would bar Virginia localities from declaring themselves as sanctuary cities. Across the country, similarly immigrant-unfriendly measures have been introduced in more than half the states, including bills in Florida and elsewhere that would block any nonprofit agency that receives state subsidies from helping to resettle refugees from countries beset by terrorist groups. Never mind that those refugees are often fleeing the very terrorist groups that have unnerved the state lawmakers, who would again victimize them by means of legislative harassment. And make no mistake, the legislation is often no more than harassment: In the case of Mr. Poindexters bill, most of the data he demanded on refugees resettled in Virginia is already available from the Office of Newcomer Services State Refugee Coordinator, a federally funded position in Richmond that tracks all refugee resettlement in the commonwealth. A quick Google search produces the information that in the first four months of the current fiscal year, 651 refugees were resettled in Virginia about 2 percent of the national total. The largest groups came from Iraq, Syria, Congo, El Salvador, Iran and Bhutan. Mr. Poindexter, who likes to tell people that his familys Virginia roots extend to 1657, hails from Franklin County, a heavily white, rural locality near Roanoke with few immigrants. No more than a relative handful of refugees have found new homes there, and its not immediately clear that the State Refugee Coordinator could produce the age, gender, immigrant status and resettlement locality of each individual, as the legislation demands. Its hard to know what use would be served by, in effect, surveilling refugees who were already exhaustively vetted before entering the country unless Mr. Poindexters intent is to make them feel as unwelcome as possible in America by harassing and ostracizing them for their otherness. If that is the goal, or the outcome, it is hard to think of legislation more blatantly anti-American. The dyspeptic Henry Adams was not nice but not wrong when he described what now is named the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House, as an architectural infant asylum. The granite pile, which once housed the State, War and Navy departments, was, Harry S. Truman said, the greatest monstrosity in America. Actually, todays premier monstrosity is the federal budget, which is Mick Mulvaneys headache as the new head of the Office of Management and Budget, which is housed in the EEOB. If the dictionary had an entry for deficit hawk, it would have Mulvaneys picture next to it: In 2011, he opposed raising the debt ceiling unless it was linked to deep spending cuts and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. He became a South Carolina congressman by defeating a 14-term Democrat who was chairman of the House Budget Committee. Now 49, Mulvaney was about to begin his fourth term when the new president nominated him to be budget director. This detonated Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who voted against Mulvaney, whose fiscal stringency extends to defense spending. Mulvaney represented upstate South Carolina, where Andrew Jackson might or might not have been born (southern North Carolina also claims him) and where Jacksons military spirit still lives. Mulvaney and McCain both oppose the budget slush fund used to evade spending caps by paying for some military operations outside the regular defense budget, known as Overseas Contingency Operations. McCain has derided Overseas Contingency Operations as a gimmick. In 2016, it was 10 percent of defense spending bringing those operations into regular budgeting will further complicate Mulvaneys task of solving this budgetary Rubiks Cube: how to accommodate preserving the sequesters spending caps, cutting tax revenues by upward of $6 trillion over a decade, reforming the tax code, substantially increasing defense spending, finding $1 trillion for infrastructure projects and leaving untouched entitlements while every day 10,000 more baby boomers become eligible for Social Security and Medicare. Today AARP is running television ads urging support for the new presidents promise to protect and save both programs. While Mulvaney stresses the guarantee that no one in or near retirement will ever be affected by entitlement reforms, he also insists that there must be changes if the two programs are to be protected and saved. It is an old joke: Two people, an economist and a normal person, fall into a deep pit with steep, unscalable sides. Dont worry, says the economist, well just assume a ladder. It is an old budgeting practice: Assume rapid economic growth. What the OMB decides to assume will depend, Mulvaney says, on finding the sweet spot among various public- and private-sector growth projections. Although since 2000 average gross domestic product growth has been an anemic 1.9 percent, and the United States just completed a decade without a single year of 3 percent growth, Steven Mnuchin, the new treasury secretary, has signaled what the administration will assume: He believes 3 percent growth can be normal. Never mind that growth was 1.8 percent last year, and the Federal Reserve sees 1.8 percent for many years, and the Congressional Budget Office projects 1.9 percent for five years. Mulvaney notes that someone 35 years old has spent his or her entire working life experiencing nothing but economic sluggishness. The political rewards for delivering the novelty of economic dynamism could be transformative. He insists that 1.9 percent is not the new normal and 230 years of American history are more indicative of what America is capable of. Whatever his shop proposes will reflect dynamic scoring, which estimates the growth effects of tax reform and, even more, regulatory relief, which he thinks can have two to three times the growth effect of tax policy. The list of prior budget directors includes many luminous names: George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, Leon Panetta, Alice Rivlin, Mitch Daniels, Rob Portman. None faced a challenge as daunting as Mulvaneys, with much depending on tax reform at a moment when Republicans are sharply divided about various proposals. Confirmed later than any of his predecessors, Mulvaney is just getting organized in his ornate 19th-century office. The French writer Guy de Maupassant so loathed the Eiffel Tower that he frequently lunched in its restaurant because there he could not see the tower. As Mulvaney struggles to reconcile Americans appetite for government services and their aversion to paying for them, one consolation is that he cannot see the EEOB from his office in it. Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook. PRESIDENT TRUMPS relations with, and intentions toward, the Russian regime of Vladimir Putin remain troublingly opaque. So it was a pleasant surprise on Tuesday when his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, excoriated Moscow for blocking action against the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad for its illegal use of chemical weapons. Russia and China, which joined in vetoing a sanctions resolution, made an outrageous and indefensible choice, Ms. Haley said. They turned away from defenseless men, women and children who died gasping for breath when Assads forces dropped their poisonous gas. They ignored the facts. They put their friends in the Assad regime ahead of our global security. Ms. Haley was only stating plain truths. An investigation ordered by the U.N. Security Council concluded months ago that Syrian government forces dropped chlorine-filled barrel bombs on rebel-controlled areas three times in 2014 and 2015 a blatant violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention that the Assad regime joined in 2013. In reality, Damascus has used the horrific weapons considerably more often than that; Human Rights Watch found that it dropped them systematically on civilians in Aleppo last year. Yet Moscow and Beijing refused to accept the evidence and tried to put off a vote on sanctioning those found responsible for the attacks. Ms. Haley, who lunched with Mr. Trump and Vice President Pence the day before the Security Councils meeting, insisted on a vote so that the Putin and Xi Jinping regimes were forced to go on the record. Then she bluntly called them out. Its a sad day on the Security Council, she said. When members start making excuses for other member states killing their own people, the world is definitely a more dangerous place. The ambassadors forceful diplomacy was useful for more than sending the message that the Trump administration will be, like all U.S. administrations before it, ready to oppose war crimes. We hope it also is meant to put Mr. Putin on notice that Mr. Trumps stated willingness to join with him in fighting the Islamic State will not extend to tolerating gross human rights violations or propping up the blood-soaked Assad dictatorship. An alliance with Russia that abetted such actions would only discredit the United States, including with its major allies in the Middle East; the chief beneficiary would be Iran, which has made the Assad regime its puppet and which has the largest interest in sustaining it. Mr. Putin, who has frequently hinted that he could be willing to dispense with Mr. Assad, has been trying to orchestrate a new Syrian peace process with Turkey that all but excludes the United States. Predictably, it is going nowhere in part because, as The Posts Liz Sly reports, players on both sides are waiting to see what stance the new U.S. administration adopts. This is leverage that Mr. Trump should use: If Mr. Putin wants his help to settle the Syrian conflict and protect Russias interests there, he should be obliged to split with Iran and abandon a regime that drops chlorine on women and children. Editors note: In the wake of President Trumps tweet calling the media the enemy of the American people and White House press secretary Sean Spicers exclusion of major media outlets from a briefing, some have called for the media to consider some kind of boycott of the White House. On Wednesday afternoon, Post Opinions digital editor James Downie moderated an email discussion on this topic between Post Opinions media blogger Erik Wemple and New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen. The exchange is reprinted below and has been edited for style and clarity. Jay Rosen: Its easier for power to act upon the press than it is for the press to get its act together and respond to the designs of power. There are many reasons for this. The press corps is a herd of independent minds. Its members think of themselves as highly competitive with one another. The institutions and leaders that might be expected to coordinate any push back like the White House Correspondents' Association are weak and not designed to prevail in a power struggle. So I am pessimistic that we will see any collective response, even when the case for it is strong. For me the strongest case is refusing to cooperate when White House officials want to brief the press as a group (which means influence the story) without allowing their names to be used. I see no good reason for allowing this. Do you? When reporters go along with it they are advertising how meek and pliable they are. Here I would introduce a distinction that Talking Points Memos Josh Marshall employed a few days ago. The rules of anonymous sourcing, he wrote, need to take into account when the sources are not those who need protection from those with power but rather those with power who want protection from their claims being scrutinized. Bingo. Journalists on the White House beat should not be collaborating with people in power who want protection from their claims being scrutinized. Lets start with boycotting those situations and see what happens. Erik Wemple: Thats a strong suggestion whose merits have been obvious for decades, yet nothing of the sort has happened. Theres a reason, too: Hundreds upon hundreds of news outlets okay, thousands are interested in following the happenings at the White House. Yet the number of news sources at the White House people who know whats happening is finite. Dozens maybe. With that imbalance hanging over the enterprise, its hard for a group of reporters competing against one another to secure the upper hand. Rosen:Right. So what youre saying is: Its clear what they should do, but theyre too weak (in relative terms) to do it, so they persist with a practice that is indefensible. To which I would add: The Trump White House has made that situation worse. By adding more highly ideological and Trump-aligned news organizations to the mix, Spicer and company have guaranteed that any walk out by the mainstream press would mean leaving the field the room to these players, which the mainstream press is loathe to do. James Downie: During the campaign, and even since then, we have often heard from people telling us to scale back coverage of Trump. Do you think the refusal to boycott hurts the publics view of the media? Rosen: I am in sympathy with those who say: dont overreact to every provocation and dont let Trumps Twitter feed set your agenda. I think its important to keep your cool and be guided by your own sense of what matters. If the president is being a cartoon hothead and conducting culture war while the press is calmly examining his claims and revealing his agenda, that is a win for journalists. At the same time, I dont agree with those who say: Pay attention to what he does, not what he says! For the American president, there are many ways in which words are deeds. What he says matters. You cannot not cover that. But I find it hard to believe that the public at large cares about what goes on the briefing room, or in the tensions between the press and the White House. It matters to official Washington. It tells you something about the administration. It reveals the nature of the press corps. But that is all. Wemple: I agree with that analysis. I think the real debate right now is what to do about the falsehoods and the lies. Ive written that there really is no foolproof or even optimal way of dealing with White House emissaries who tell whoppers on live television. On the one hand, theres value in hearing what our government has to say about its actions and vision for the future. On the other, news organizations are responsible for the factual hygiene of their product. In some cases, those two imperatives just arent compatible. (C-SPAN) Rosen: When Erik talks about the publics estimation of the media, I think its important to add that the fiction of a unitary public is under more and more strain. We can always force its appearance by referencing poll numbers for the whole public, including confidence levels in the press, but increasingly that is pure artifice. Its the breakdown along party lines, or Trump supporters vs. his critics that tells us what is really going on. There may be no such thing as the publics estimation of the media. Downie: Besides the question of a boycott, are there alternative approaches to dealing with the Trump White House that either of you would like to see media organizations try? Wemple: That is a good question. While there are several challenges, I do believe that over the transition and into the Trump presidency, the media as a whole has done pretty good work, as opposed to a spottier record during the campaign. There has been a lot of shoe-leather reporting going on, and the great story thus far of the Trump White House is the willingness of people who work there to leak to the media. Perhaps thatll diminish as the inner circle does more and more phone checks and the like but its not as if the past five weeks have been a shameful run. Rosen: I am on record with send the interns and shift to an outside-in approach rather than inside-out. I would like to see those tried. But more fundamental than either of those ideas is the simple recognition that this time its different. Covering Trump and his White House is not like covering previous administrations. While that may seem obvious, it has huge consequences. It means that normal routines may be completely inappropriate to the new situation. And it means that the White House press corps has to come up with new ideas in order to do its job. Thats not what the members signed up for. Downie: Final thoughts? Wemple: Earlier Wednesday, CNNs Sara Murray reported that on Tuesday the White House devised a misdirection ploy: In a pre-congressional-address meeting with prominent news anchors, they discussed immigration reform and a path to legal status though just as a way of keeping a positive news story in the media until the time of his address. Of course, the president didnt mention any such proposal in his address. Murray cited a senior administration official for the contention that the whole thing was an act of misdirection. I have no doubt that a legitimately senior administration official told this to Murray. I have more doubt whether it is to be believed. Given that this White House says so many things on the record that turn out not to be true, you have to proceed with the assumption that the account of a senior administration official is fully worthless, and the implications of this reality are infinite. Rosen: To Eriks story of Sara Murray let me add the strange tale of Politicos Tara Palmeri, who asked a White House aide why she was being prevented from joining Sean Spicers off-camera briefing on Feb. 24. Tara said she would have to write a story about this, because it was so unusual. The aide replied, Youre threatening me. This is a weird event. The White House appears to be maximizing tensions and escalating things without any clear purpose in mind. There may be a plan, or it may be a symptom of internal chaos. Its hard to know. What is clear is that this is not a normal White House. There is no reason to think that the previous routines apply. Peter Zeidenberg, a partner at the Arent Fox law firm in the District, served as an assistant special counsel in the prosecution of Scooter Libby. Democrats calling for a special prosecutor to investigate links between Donald Trumps presidential campaign and Russia found new momentum with reports Wednesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a senator, had two meetings with the Russian ambassador before the election meetings that Sessions failed to disclose during his confirmation hearings. While this revelation made Sessionss recusal from any role in ongoing criminal inquiries related to Russian campaign involvement a no-brainer, the appointment of a special prosecutor would likely be a mistake. Indeed, bringing in such a prosecutor could ensure that the details of any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia remain secret forever. Although Congress allowed the independent counsel law to lapse in 1999, there remains a mechanism for the Justice Department to appoint a special prosecutor to conduct politically sensitive investigations. If it is perceived that the attorney general may have a conflict of interest, he can recuse himself and have the deputy attorney general name a special prosecutor to take over an investigation. This is precisely what happened when undercover CIA agent Valerie Plames name was leaked to the media in 2003. Because news reports linked the leak to officials in the George W. Bush administration and, in particular, Vice President Dick Cheneys office, then-Attorney General John Ashcroft who had close ties with the vice president and president had his deputy, James B. Comey (now the FBI director), appoint a special prosecutor. Comey tapped Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney from Chicago, and Fitzgerald aggressively investigated for two years, ultimately convicting Cheney chief of staff Scooter Libby on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. This is the model many Democrats are now clamoring for: the appointment of an aggressive, independent and apolitical prosecutor to investigate possible ties between Trumps campaign and Russia, to follow the trail wherever it leads and to prosecute anyone determined to have broken the law. But many overlook a huge potential downside to this approach. Prosecutors are not journalists, and their job is not to inform the public of the results of their investigations. Rather, their mission is to gather all of the relevant facts and determine whether a crime was committed and, if so, whether it can be proved in court beyond a reasonable doubt. Their work, when done properly, is done in secret. Indeed, violations of grand jury secrecy can result in serious sanctions from the court. If, after a full criminal investigation, it was determined that a crime occurred but the critical evidence was not obtainable say, for purposes of argument, that this evidence was in Russia, unobtainable by subpoena then it would be improper to seek an indictment. Critically, the entire investigation would then remain secret. It would be a violation of law for a prosecutor to make public the results of a grand jury investigation that did not result in an indictment. Further, it is entirely possible that there could have been improper or inappropriate contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence without U.S. laws having being broken. If, for example, a Trump campaign operative actively coordinated with WikiLeaks the release of Clinton campaign emails originally hacked by the Russians the public would be justifiably outraged. But that does not necessarily mean the conduct was illegal. Were a special prosecutor to reach such a conclusion, the public would remain entirely in the dark. All they would know is that, after many months or, more likely, years of investigation, the special prosecutor had packed up his or her bags and gone home. No special reports. No Comey-style news conferences. Just radio silence. Needless to say, this would be highly unsatisfactory. The public has a right to know, conclusively, whether their presidents campaign coordinated in any fashion with a foreign power even if that coordination did not amount to a violation of U.S. law. Conduct can be wrongful even reprehensible and still not necessarily be criminal. The remedy for such conduct should be political. Rather than a special prosecutor, whats needed is an independent, 9/11-style commission to investigate potential foreign ties to the Trump campaign. Only by a thorough and public accounting can the public have confidence that our democracy has not been hacked. MORE THAN once, President Trump has enticed Democrats and some moderate Republicans and risked infuriating hard-liners in his base by expressing an openness to overhauling the nations dysfunctional immigration system. He did so again in a session at the White House with television news anchors Tuesday, saying hed consider a compromise that included legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants, and then wondering aloud whether he should float the idea to Congress in his speech that night. He did not but if he really wishes to bring about the unity and renewal of the American spirit he spoke of in his address, he should. It is a fools game to guess whether the president will ultimately legalize or deport more of the nations 11 million undocumented immigrants; he himself may have no firm idea what he intends. But if he wants to soothe this festering political and social wound, he is well positioned to do it. Having established himself as a hard-liner on illegal immigration and proposed tough new measures to stop it, he might well persuade fellow Republicans to accept a compromise on the millions of noncriminal immigrants already in the country. A good place to start would be the question of what to do about dreamers, the 2 million or so undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children. There Mr. Trump has been more consistent. After initially suggesting he would scrap the Obama administrations program granting them temporary protection from deportation, the new president has repeatedly expressed sympathy for the dreamers plight, making clear he is disinclined to target them for removal and telling the news anchors he would be open to forging a pathway to citizenship for them. Fair enough, but will he have the courage of his apparent convictions? The test is whether he acts to dispel the uncertainty hanging over the heads of roughly 750,000 dreamers whose age, duration of residence in the United States and verified clean record enabled them to register for the program, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which provides work permits and temporary protection from removal. Registrants, who submit their names, addresses and other information, are now justifiably fearful that the government may use that data to track them down once their two-year DACA protections lapse. Hundreds of thousands of other eligible youngsters are unlikely to enroll given that peril. Dreamers represent a pool of talent, brains and ambition that the United States should want to cultivate. Some 3,700 students in the University of California system are undocumented immigrants, and tens of thousands of dreamers are enrolled at other post-secondary institutions across the country. What possible benefit is there in deporting a promising cohort that is American in all but birth certificate? With the stroke of a pen, Mr. Trump could extend the existing program, enabling dreamers to continue working, studying and living productive lives. He could go further by proposing permanent legal status or a path to citizenship for immigrants who, in many cases, have little memory of any country but the United States. That would lend weight to the presidents oft-stated assertions of his compassion. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson was confirmed Thursday as secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, bringing into President Trumps Cabinet a Washington outsider with no prior government experience and a staunchly conservative view of public assistance. Support for Carsons confirmation came down largely along party lines 58-41 highlighting the intense partisan and ideological conflicts in Washington and around Trumps agenda. Carson, an acclaimed neurosurgeon, ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 against Trump and endorsed the celebrity real estate developer shortly after ending his unsuccessful bid. The secretary has indicated that, now that he is confirmed, he will embark on a listening tour to learn from career HUD employees and public servants across the country. He and his allies have expressed dismay at his delayed confirmation, which was initially expected to pass through the Senate in early February. [Carson pushes increased private-sector role in HUD programs] Critics on the left have openly questioned whether Carson has the necessary qualifications for the job managing one of the federal governments most complex departments. In addition to steering housing policy, Carson will oversee an expansive set of programs that provide assistance to low-income Americans and minorities seeking entry to the middle class. HUDs annual budget for 2017 is nearly $49 billion, which is used for various government supports, including rental assistance, programs to mitigate homelessness and investments to combat urban poverty. HUD supports nearly 5 million homes with rental assistance. Those concerns stem from his own statements. He said, basically, that hes not qualified for HUD or for government service. So most people I hear ask, How did they convince him to take the job? Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, said in an interview last month. Urban policy experts and progressive activists have expressed intense concern that Carson, in keeping with his strong conservative positions, will seek to cut money for government assistance programs and wear down the social safety net. The Trump administration has recently signaled that many government agencies can expect budget reductions in favor of increasing defense spending. Carson would be the face of any such cuts at HUD, which is not viewed favorably by conservatives and could be a prime target for reductions. [Trump to propose 10 percent spike in defense spending, major cuts to other agencies] In his pitch for the job, Carson pointed to his personal experience rising from a disadvantaged background to the top of the medical profession. Before running for the Republican nomination last year, Carson was a well-known name among African Americans around the country, a role model for young men and women of color to whom the neurosurgeon often spoke directly about the importance of education. During his confirmation hearing in January, Carson strongly advocated for a holistic approach to public assistance and bemoaned government programs that he said encourage dependence. What has happened too often is that people who seemingly mean well have promoted things that do not encourage development of any innate talent in people, Carson said. Hence we have generation after generation living in dependent situations. Its not that theyre bad people, its that this is what theyve been given, and its all they know in some cases. [HUD job to pit Carson ideology against long-standing housing policy] Leading progressive voices in the Senate signaled their cautious support for Carson in the weeks leading to the Senate vote to the disappointment of many liberal activists around the country who had hoped to see more opposition. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), one of the most prominent liberal voices in the country, defended her decision to support Carsons nomination in committee in a lengthy statement to her supporters published to Facebook. But on Thursday she voted against confirming Carson to the post. Dr. Carsons answers werent perfect. But at his hearing, he committed to track and report on conflicts of interest at the agency, Warren wrote. If President Trump goes to his second choice, I dont think we will get another HUD nominee who will even make these promises much less follow through on them. If Dr. Carson doesnt follow through on his commitments, she added, I will be the very first person he hears from loudly and clearly and frequently. Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio), the ranking Democratic member on the committee that oversaw Carsons nomination hearing, fired off a preemptive defense in January after voting to move Carsons nomination to the full Senate. Brown voted in favor of Carsons confirmation on Thursday. Despite my reservations, and my disagreements with some of his positions, I will give Dr. Carson the benefit of the doubt based on commitments he has made to me in person and to this Committee in his testimony and written responses, Brown said in a statement. Housing experts have sought to parse Carsons past comments on government assistance and housing discrimination policy for insight into how he would direct HUD, at times finding little additional clarity. Carson had not spoken extensively about housing policy ahead of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. During that hearing, Carson said that he would continue to aggressively enforce the Fair Housing Act, a key piece of civil rights legislation passed in 1968 that seeks to protect vulnerable communities from housing discrimination: I think the Fair House Amendment in 1968 was one of the best pieces of legislation that weve had. It was modified in 1988. LBJ said nobody could possibly question this; I agree with him, he said. But Carson has remained unclear about the extent to which he supports a provision in the law known as affirmatively furthering fair housing, a 2015 federal rule that empowered HUD to leverage federal grants to encourage neighborhood integration. Conservatives have accused HUD of overstepping its authority with the rule and using it to coerce local communities. Carson at one point called the rule social engineering. I will be working with the local HUD officials and the communities to make sure that fairness is carried out, Carson said during the hearing. Carson was similarly vague when asked how he would direct HUD to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. When asked directly if he would protect them from housing discrimination, Carson said he absolutely would. But activists voiced concerns when Carson, in another instance the same day, said that LGBT people do not deserve extra rights relative to the rest of the population, suggesting that he believes anti-discrimination provisions are unnecessary. Of course I would enforce all the laws of the land, and I believe that all Americans, regardless of any of the things you mentioned, should be protected by the law, Carson said at the time. What I have mentioned in the past is that no one gets extra rights. Extra rights means you get to redefine everything for everybody else. Gay rights groups disagree. LGBT Americans are disproportionately vulnerable to housing discrimination, but sexual orientation is not a protected category under federal housing discrimination laws. HUD does, however, include protections for LGBT people under the 2012 Equal Access Rule, which applies to housing providers who receive HUD funding. Carson has been clear in his criticism of government programs he says are ineffective and create dependence. The programs that have been enacted in HUD over the years, you know theyre good programs, but in and of themselves theyre not bringing about the elevation of large numbers of people, he said at his hearing. And thats what were really looking for. We dont want it to be a way of life. We want it to be a Band-Aid and a springboard to move forward. Carson has also advocated strongly in recent weeks for expanding partnerships between HUD, the private sector, and faith-based charity groups. Carson said during his hearing that the private sector has a lot of very talented people and pointed to the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program as an important model for this type of work. Theres a lot of money in the private sector. Theres a lot of good will in the private sector, he said. I want to work on those programs and I want to study those programs that are working so we can multiply them across the country. He blamed the generals for a raid that led to the death of a Navy SEAL in Yemen. He accused former president Barack Obama of fomenting protests against him and leaks within his administration. He blamed the judiciary for future terrorist attacks against the United States, and the media for the firing of his first national security adviser. He even blamed the weather for his smaller-than-desired inauguration crowd. The one person President Trump never seems to blame is himself. For a businessman who views the world through a binary win-or-lose lens, Trump has become the dont blame me president struggling to adjust to the reality of a job often revealed in shades of gray. The man in the nations highest elective office, who is eager to claim credit for positive developments, has yet to show signs of accepting responsibility or blame when things go wrong. When you run on a campaign of win, win, win, you never can admit a setback, said Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian who has met with Trump several times. If thats the case, thats a pathological situation. (The Washington Post) Nearly six weeks into his presidency, Trump has regularly faulted his political opponents for many of the obstacles some of them of his own making that he has encountered so far. The buck rarely stops with him. Since his inauguration, he has railed against the fake news media and leakers for his own decision to fire his national security adviser, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. He has continued to claim that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton because of millions of illegal voters but has provided no evidence of such activity. When a federal court blocked the implementation of his controversial travel ban, he preemptively warned that the judge and the court system should be blamed if something happens. I guess it was Truman who said the bucks stops here, said Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), referring to the plaque, mounted on a walnut base, that former president Harry S. Truman kept on his White House desk. Part of campaign rhetoric is blaming the weather, blaming the other person, blaming the party. That ends with governance. [Fact-checking President Trumps address to Congress] White House aides contend that in most cases, Trump is not deflecting responsibility but rather stating facts. Any suggestion that the President is trying to shirk responsibility for the critical decisions he makes in the Oval Office on a daily basis would be misguided and false, said White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters. Obama has been a particularly frequent target for Trump during the rocky early weeks of his tenure. He accused his predecessor of leaving him a mess, despite a strong economy, a low unemployment rate and historically low crime levels. During his joint address to Congress Tuesday evening, the White House blasted out a seven-bullet point list of economic problems Trump inherited from Obama, including the false suggestion that 94 million Americans are involuntarily out of work. In fact, nearly all are teenagers, seniors or people with disabilities who cannot work or dont want a job. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Trump also blamed Obama this week for widespread protests against his policies, and has alleged that Obama administration officials are behind damaging leaks from within federal agencies. In the early days, you might be able to get away with blaming your predecessor for some of the problems that youve inherited, but that wears off after a while, said Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.). I dont know how long that is, but that dog will only hunt for so long. Over time, you have to stand up, and its a function of leadership that sometimes you just have to take it on the chin, Dent added. One of the most striking examples came Tuesday, when Trump the commander in chief who authorized the mission defended the raid in Yemen that claimed the life of Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens while minimizing his own role in the decision-making process. Well, this was a mission that was started before I got here, Trump said on Fox News. This was something that was, you know, just they wanted to do. My generals are the most respected that weve had in many decades, he added. And they lost Ryan. The White House disputed the suggestion that in the interview, Trump did not take responsibility for the raid. He is clearly talking about the military and the fact that they lost one of their own, Walters said. The comments were a stark break in a long tradition of presidents, as commanders in chief, taking responsibility for military actions authorized under their command and ultimately bearing the burden of life lost. President Ronald Reagan, for instance, wrote that the responsibility of speaking to the families of those who died in the line of duty was a weight on my shoulders that felt like a ton of iron. I served under commander in chief George W. Bush. I disagreed with him, I didnt vote for him, I thought his war was a mistake. But he took responsibility for it, said Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a former Marine Corps officer who served four tours of duty in Iraq. President Trump is not a leader. Hes a coward. Real leaders take responsibility. Hes a draft dodger who has never put his life on his line for the country and has no idea what it means to do so, Moulton added. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) was similarly blunt. When youre talking about complicated Special Operations raids, the responsibility is the presidents, and you cannot pass responsibility down the chain, Murphy said. It involved a lot of men, a lot of planning, and ultimately thats the presidents call. On Tuesday night, Trump hailed Owens as a hero and led a lengthy and emotional standing ovation for Owens wife, Carryn, who wept openly at the mention of her husbands name. It was among the most powerful moments of his speech and one that drew praise from his allies and critics alike. I think most presidents are this way. Very seldom do they say, Hey, this is my bad, so I dont think theres anything unusual there, said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.). Presidents always blame it on messaging. Obama did, he gave himself a lower grade on messaging. Passing blame is nothing new for Trump. Among many culprits during the campaign, he blamed a faulty microphone for a debate performance, a purported Internal Revenue Service audit for his refusal to release his tax returns and an intern for retweeting a message mocking Iowans before the primary. The responsibilities of the White House seem to have only heightened that instinct. Trump said in a Fox interview this week that he could never acknowledge when he deserved criticism. You know what, honestly, if I do that, if that does happen and if I take a hit, I wont give you any additional ammunition, he explained. He has, however, been insistent on receiving credit for things that are going well, even if he had nothing to do with them. After years of slamming Obama for claiming credit for job growth, Trump immediately took credit for the first positive jobs report of his tenure which actually covered a period mostly under Obama. He has also taken credit for businesses announced intentions to expand within the United States most of which were decided long before he became president and for job creation. And over the weekend, Trump tweeted his displeasure that the news media did not give him credit for a minuscule drop in the federal debt, a statistic that fluctuates daily. Due to his Twitter habit and impetuousness, he constantly has to seek credit for anything that happens, Brinkley said. Whether the stock market rises one day or a company opens a factory, its always me, me, me. Trumps penchant for wrapping himself in positive news and dodging accountability for negative headlines under his watch has already frustrated Democrats. Many were quick to note that Obama did in fact inherit a true mess a crumbling economy and a globe tumbling into a deep recession when he took office in 2009. The irony is hes Mr. Dont Blame Me, but hes also Mr. I Want Credit, said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic operative and former spokesman for Hillary Clintons presidential campaign. It is consistent with his belief that he shouldnt be held responsible for things he said or the things he did in his life before politics, and he now doesnt think he should be blamed for the things he does in public life, Ferguson added. An array of conservative lawmakers, organizations and activists are demanding a swifter and more aggressive remake of the Affordable Care Act than many Republicans are comfortable with, raising questions about whether President Trump and the GOP are headed toward gridlock as they try to fulfill their promise to repeal the health-care law. Three conservative senators known for bucking GOP leadership during Barack Obamas presidency Ted Cruz (Tex.), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Mike Lee (Utah) are raising the possibility of doing the same under Trump. And outside Congress, three prominent groups FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity and Heritage Action for America plan to increase pressure on lawmakers to repeal the law fully or risk retribution from the conservative grass roots. If they hold together in the Senate, where Republicans have just 52 seats, the three senators alone could sink a Republican bill. The current proposal, floated privately this week by House Republicans, repeals portions of the ACA but, because of pressure from constituents who depend on the law, leaves some elements intact that conservatives are not happy about. Few details of the proposal have emerged publicly. (The Washington Post) The repeal bill ought to be a repeal, Paul said Thursday, decrying a replacement plan House Republicans presented to GOP senators at a closed-door meeting the previous afternoon. He also raised the possibility that Cruz and Lee might join him in voting against it. Talk to the two people that tweeted out with me, he said. [House leaders forge ahead with health bills, hoping to bulldoze internal strife] Cruz and Lee used similar language in tweets this week. With reporters, Cruz has been more circumspect, but he has left open the possibility of opposing the Republican plan. Theres agreement and disagreement between the two chambers, but at the end of the day, I believe we will repeal Obamacare, he said. In addition to starting a game of chicken with Republican leaders on the Hill and the Trump administration, opponents of anything less than full repeal have also created uncertainty for millions of Americans who receive coverage through the ACA. The strife came as House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) laid out a three-week timeline for the passage of health-care legislation in a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans Thursday, according to numerous attendees. For the many Republicans who were elected during Obamas presidency with a mandate to block his agenda, obstruction comes much more naturally than governance. The effort to repeal the ACA is the first major test of whether they can harness the energy they used to oppose the law to actually undo it or whether ideological divisions will sink the effort. The coordinated resistance has raised the specter of a resurgent ideological right wing, which has appeared at least publicly to be in retreat since Trumps victory. Many of the presidents positions, including his desire to protect insurance coverage for Americans, run counter to conservative orthodoxy and leave room for a revolt. (The Washington Post) But Trumps continued popularity on the right puts these conservatives in a tough spot. should the president more fully embrace the emerging House plan. They risk alienating Trumps loyal base a prospect many lawmakers do not take lightly. I dont want to draw a line and say that Im against this proposal and I will put a no vote up, said Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), who prefers full repeal. The House plan calls for a refundable tax credit to help Americans afford insurance premiums, but conservatives in the House and the Senate think it amounts to an expensive new federal entitlement. Key House committees are set to take up legislation as soon as next week. The first steps involve parallel action by the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. The following week, the House Budget Committee is scheduled to combine the bills into a reconciliation package eligible for Senate debate, with votes on the House floor expected the week after that. No legislative text has been released by Ryans office or by the relevant committees. One part of the legislation, handled by the Energy and Commerce Committee, has been made available to members of that panel but only for inspection behind closed doors. Paul complained Thursday that House GOP leaders were being too secretive. Democrats voiced similar complaints. Were here today because Id like to read the Obamacare bill, Paul said near the room where the bill was being reviewed. If youd recall, when Obamacare was passed in 2009 and 2010, Nancy Pelosi said, Youll know whats in it after you pass it. The Republican Party shouldnt act in the same way. Paul, Cruz and Lee are not the only ones who oppose some details of the House plan. Some House conservatives, including King, dont like what they have seen and have embraced alternative ideas. [Trumps words stir up intraparty feud over tax credits for health-care costs] Conservative Republicans have long opposed refundable tax credits because Americans with lower incomes, who pay less in taxes, receive the full credit even if it exceeds their tax bill. Nonrefundable credits can be used only to offset actual tax liability but would also mean less money in the pockets of Americans who need help paying for health insurance. As a result of that dispute and others, conservatives have slowly built support for a full repeal plan since the start of the year. Paul provided the only Republican no vote on Januarys nonbinding budget reconciliation instructions, saying that it would add too much to the national debt; at the time, Lee and Cruz co-signed a letter saying they would oppose a later bill if it did not repeal the ACA. Conservatives hailed the apparent unity of Paul, Lee and Cruz on pushing for a full repeal a model based on legislation that passed Congress in 2015 only to be vetoed by Obama. If people dont credibly think there are 51 votes for a plan, then the plan doesnt go forward, said Michael Needham, chief executive of Heritage Action for America, speaking of the Senate. Its very helpful to have this bloc in the Senate, and in the House, saying theyre not going to take less than they got in 2015. At a Heritage Foundation-sponsored roundtable event with House Freedom Caucus members, Lee said that a repeal bill should not be anything less aggressive than what we were able to pass in 2015. To many Republicans, the current conflict triggers the feeling of deja vu. The House Freedom Caucus had issued threats to oppose Republican budgets and to unseat John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) as House speaker; Cruz had floated the idea of a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood funding and then backed off. In interviews, opponents of the current House proposal, which they call Obamacare-lite, argued that this fight is different. This has been baking for seven years, said Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), a Freedom Caucus member. Fights in previous years didnt have the political urgency that repeal does. Cruz held forth with reporters outside the Senate chamber for 10 minutes earlier this week, seeming to relish in the chance to criticize the House leaderships guidelines and pitch an alternative. If we fail to honor our commitment to repeal Obamacare, I believe the consequences would be quite rightly catastrophic, Cruz warned in the same apocalyptic tone he often he used as a presidential candidate. Cheered by that kind of rhetoric, and planning their own push for full repeal, conservative groups have promised to wage a public campaign against Republicans who buckle and save parts of the ACA. Were going to be more strongly reminding Republicans of their promises made over the last eight years on the issue of stopping or at least rolling back, anyway government-run health care, said Tim Phillips, the president of Americans for Prosperity. Were telling them to keep their promises and theyve promised an unequivocal repeal of Obamacare. Founded by the billionaire donor David Koch, Americans for Prosperity has become an effective grass-roots organization, stopping Republican legislators in Florida, Tennessee and Virginia from expanding Medicaid under the provision of the ACA or building health insurance exchanges. The group, Phillips said, would demand that lawmakers pass full repeal both in Washington in a very vocal way and also back home in their districts. He declined to be more specific. Adam Brandon, the president of FreedomWorks, said the group is organizing a day of action on March 15, with activists flooding Capitol Hill to put the heat on Republicans who dont support full repeal. They take it as a given that the Cruz-Lee-Paul troika will be with them. Theyre damn serious, he said. Its completely possible that the Ryan-Trump plan, when there is a plan, gets dropped. My jaw kind of hits the floor when I think that were even having a conversation about this. On the other hand, some Republicans think they can whittle down the conservative opposition as the chance of repealing the ACA, in part or entirely, becomes more real. Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), the sponsor of a bill that would allow states to keep most of the ACA if they want to, told reporters this week that Republicans could fulfill their promises if they repealed the most controversial parts of the law. Cassidy said the mission of Republicans in Congress is not to pitch their ideal plans but to get right with what the president ran on. The American people voted for his vision, he said. More than any other single person in our country right now, he is in sync with the national mood. If folks want to go their own way, maybe they should run for president. As the reporters assembled around, Cassidy began to laugh. Maybe they did, he said. Kelsey Snell contributed to this report. Read more at PowerPost Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he will recuse himself from investigations related to the 2016 presidential campaign, which would include any Russian interference in the electoral process. Speaking at a hastily called news conference at the Justice Department, Sessions said he was following the recommendation of department ethics officials after an evaluation of the rules and cases in which he might have a conflict. They said that since I had involvement with the campaign, I should not be involved in any campaign investigation, Sessions said. He added that he concurred with their assessment and would thus recuse himself from any existing or future investigation involving President Trumps 2016 campaign. [The transcript of Jeff Sessionss recusal news conference, annotated] The announcement comes a day after The Washington Post revealed that Sessions twice met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the campaign and did not disclose that to the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing in January. (Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post) It also represents a departure from Sessionss previous statements, including one on Monday, when he declined to say whether he would recuse himself. I would recuse myself on anything I should recuse myself on, Sessions said then. Thats all I can tell you. Democrats have been calling for him to do so for weeks; on Thursday, after publication of The Posts article, some high-level Republicans joined them. At his news conference, Sessions offered a new explanation: that discussions about his recusal had begun before the revelation of his meetings with Kislyak, that he and ethics officials had agreed on Monday to meet for a final time Thursday, and that at that final meeting he had accepted their recommendation. The responsibility to oversee the FBIs Russia investigation will now be handled by Sessionss deputy attorney general, the departments second-highest-ranking official. The acting deputy attorney general is Dana Boente, a longtime federal prosecutor and former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who stepped in when Trump fired Sally Yates in January. Trumps nominee for deputy attorney general, Rod J. Rosenstein, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on March 7. Rosenstein, the former U.S. attorney in Baltimore and the longest-serving U.S. attorney, was the sole holdover from the George W. Bush administration. The revelations about Sessionss meetings with Kislyak brought new scrutiny to the attorney generals confirmation hearing in January, when he was asked by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. He replied: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. On Thursday, Sessions defended those remarks as honest and correct as I understood it at the time, though he also said he would write the Judiciary Committee soon today or tomorrow to explain this testimony for the record. His explanation, he said, was that he was taken aback by Frankens question, which referred to a breaking news story at the time about contacts between Trump surrogates and Russians. It struck me very hard, and thats what I focused my answer on, he said. In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said I did meet one Russian official a couple times, and that would be the ambassador. (The Washington Post) Later, in an interview on Fox News, Sessions notably declined to say that he thought Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government favored Trump over Hillary Clinton in the presidential campaign. A declassified report from U.S. intelligence agencies released in January concluded just that, saying, Putin and the Russian government aspired to help President-elect Trumps election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him. Did the campaign believe that the Russian government, the Putin government, favored Trump over Clinton in this race? Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked. I have never been told that, Sessions responded. Do you think they did? Carlson said. I dont have any idea, Tucker, youd have to ask them, Sessions said. In a statement issued Wednesday night, Sessions said he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. A spokeswoman confirmed his meetings with Kislyak but said there was nothing misleading about what Sessions said to Congress. The spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, said Sessions did not meet with Kislyak as a Trump supporter but, rather, in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee. One meeting was in September; the other in July, when Sessions was approached after an event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. A Justice Department official said Wednesday of the September meeting: Theres just not strong recollection of what was said. On Thursday, though, Sessions outlined fairly extensive details of the encounter, which included two senior Sessions staffers. He said he talked with the ambassador about a trip he made to Russia in 1991, terrorism and Ukraine a major policy issue, given Russias annexation of Crimea and the imposition of U.S. and European Union sanctions on Russia for its actions. At one point, Sessions said, it got to be a little bit of a testy conversation. He said the ambassador invited him to lunch, but he did not accept. Most of these ambassadors are pretty gossipy, and they like to this was in the campaign season, but I dont recall any specific political discussions, Sessions said. [Read the statement on the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions] Earlier Thursday, Trump said that he had total confidence in Sessions. Speaking aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in Newport News, Va., Trump told reporters that he was not aware of Sessionss contact with the Russian ambassador. Trump also said that Sessions probably testified truthfully during his confirmation hearing in January before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Asked whether Sessions should recuse himself, Trump added: I dont think so. Trump issued a statement later Thursday as well: Jeff Sessions is an honest man. He did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional. Trump added that Democrats are overplaying their hand by criticizing Sessions, and he called their attacks a total witch hunt! Several Republican lawmakers had already called on Sessions to recuse himself and some of them applauded him after he did so. Sen. Ben. Sasse (R-Neb.) called it the right decision. Democrats, however, were less complimentary. Several of them had begun the day demanding Sessionss resignation and accusing him of lying under oath during the confirmation hearing. After his announcement that he would recuse himself, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) declared the decision totally inadequate. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said: Attorney General Sessions is right to recuse himself, but the fact is that he should have done so the moment he was sworn in. The episode marks the second time in Trumps nascent administration when the truthfulness of one of its top officials has come under scrutiny. In February, Trump fired his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, after The Post reported he had not fully disclosed his contacts with Russian officials. Sessionss meetings with Kislyak occurred during the height of concerns about Russian interference in the U.S. election and at a time when Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, as well as a top Trump surrogate and adviser. The swift response among some Republicans, although more muted than Democrats, signaled increasing concern about the potential political fallout. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) tweeted early Thursday that AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself. Chaffetz later told reporters: Lets let him clarify his statement, and I do think he should recuse himself. Asked whether his committee would investigate the matter, he said, There are things we are looking at. [Sessions met with Russian envoy twice last year, encounters he later did not disclose] [Trumps hard-line actions have an intellectual godfather: Jeff Sessions] House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) defended Sessions, noting that ongoing investigations have found no evidence that an American or a person in the Trump campaign was involved or working with the Russians. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) shared conflicting views on Sessions during back-to-back television interviews Thursday. Asked whether Sessions should recuse himself, he told MSNBCs Morning Joe, I think the trust of the American people you recuse yourself in these situations, yes. But McCarthy later told Fox News: Im not calling on him to recuse himself. I was asked on Morning Joe if he needs to recuse himself as going forward. As you just heard, Attorney General Sessions said he would recuse himself going forward appropriate, and thats all my answer was. Sessions has focused his response to the allegations on the substance of his conversations with Kislyak, which he said did not include talk about the campaign. Many Democrats considered that a direct contradiction of Sessionss testimony in January, when he told Franken that he had not spoken to Russian officials. But Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), who considers Sessions a close friend, said, I dont think Jeff Sessions is a liar and argued that Sessions had not misled the Judiciary Committee because all of the questions were about campaign contacts. But Sessions does owe it, quite frankly, to all of us to tell us what he talked about with Kislyak, Graham said. Fallout from Sessionss statements came as FBI Director James B. Comey made a previously scheduled visit to Capitol Hill to meet with the House Intelligence Committee. But Comey was once again unwilling to confirm whether the FBI is exploring ties between Trump campaign officials and the Russian government, according to Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the committees top Democrat. We cant do a complete job unless the director is willing to discuss anything that they are investigating, Schiff said. At this point we know less than a fraction of what the FBI knows. But Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the committees chairman, said Comey was very upfront with lawmakers. Theres a lot more information . . . the FBI and intelligence agencies need to provide to our committees to aid ongoing congressional investigations, Nunes said. He added that he had no reason to believe that any information would be withheld from his committee. Senators who deal regularly with defense, foreign affairs or intelligence matters often meet with foreign officials. But as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sessions was less likely to meet with foreign ambassadors than foreign military leaders. The Post has spoken to all senators who served on the armed services panel in 2016. None of them other than Sessions met with Kislyak one-on-one last year, they said. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said he met with Kislyak in 2016, but in the earlier part of the year before the presidential campaign intensified. Schumer said that the Justice Departments inspector general should investigate whether Sessions made any attempts to thwart any ongoing Russia- related investigations. Some Democratic senators called on Sessions to appear again before the Judiciary Committee to explain his relationship and conversations with Russian officials under oath. Others are encouraging congressional tax-writing committees to use their authority to review Trumps tax returns for any sign of Russian connections. Abby Phillip, Mike DeBonis, Adam Entous and Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report. Read more at PowerPost People place roses at a memorial for lawyer Ko Ni and taxi driver Nay Win, who were killed at the Rangoon airport. Lawyer Ko Ni, a legal adviser from the National League for Democracy (NLD) party and airport taxi driver Nay Win, a member of NLD, were shot dead by a gunman Jan. 29. (Nyein Chan Naing/European Pressphoto Agency) Aung San Suu Kyi rarely gives speeches these days. But over the weekend, the leader of Burmas government stood behind a lectern at the Royal Rose restaurant to praise the lives of two very different men. The better known, U Ko Ni, was a prominent legal adviser, constitutional law expert and, rare for political life in Burma, a Muslim. The lesser known was U Nay Win, a taxi driver, working man and, like the majority of the population here, a Buddhist. Fate drew them together at the Rangoon airport in January when an assassin crept up behind the 63-year-old legal adviser as he waited for a ride and shot him in the back of the head. He had been holding his grandchild, who tumbled to the ground but was somehow unhurt. Bystanders yelled Shooter! Shooter! Nay Win, 42, and others chased the attacker as he tried to cut across a main road and parking lot. Nay Win hurled a brick at the man, who shot back, fatally wounding him. For weeks, Suu Kyi had not spoken about the deaths in public. But in her remarks she described both men as heroes and martyrs. Ko Nis death was a deep loss for the party, and Nay Wins bravery set a good example for the country. Her administration has called the killings an act of terrorism. Three suspects including the alleged shooter, identified later as U Kyi Lin are in custody. A fourth is on the run. Lt. Gen. Kyaw Swe, the home affairs minister, has said that the plotters were motivated by feelings of extreme nationalism, but also floated a contradictory idea that the assassins could have come from Ko Nis own community. Ko Ni helped create the powerful role of state counselor for Suu Kyi after she came to power nearly a year ago. At the time she was barred from the presidency because of the 2008 military-drafted constitution. Ko Nis support for Burmas Muslim community and interfaith efforts made him even less popular with nationalists than she is. Burmas government has come under fire in recent months for a brutal crackdown on Rohingya Muslim insurgents in northern Rakhine State that rights groups say could amount to crimes against humanity. Ko Nis death has further strained tensions while depriving the Muslim community of one of its last voices in government. Suu Kyis party fielded no Muslim parliamentary candidates in the 2015 elections, which ended decades of military rule. Nay Win could not have known whose killer he was chasing. But his simple act of heroism moved many. The fact that the victims were of different faiths was a rare reminder of shared values. We have no religion in this sort of thing, said one of his fellow drivers at the airport, who declined to give his name because of his fear of the police. His co-workers pooled about $700 for a simple tomb. At the funeral, they displayed a banner with the words Hero driver next to Nay Wins photo. Nay Win worked at the airport for two to three years, co-workers said, pulling in an average of $20 a day before gas and expenses. He seemed to have found a home at Flying Swallow Transportation, a private company where he worked for the past eight or nine months, Chairman U Myo Chit said in an interview. He had three children from his second marriage and a teenage daughter from his first, according to local media. Myo Chit described him as a reliable employee who took part in company activities. When Rangoon launched a new citywide public bus service in January that pared some of the old routes, he helped give stranded passengers a lift. He was a good guy, Myo Chit said. On the day of the shooting, Nay Win was heading to his taxi near Terminal 1 when he saw the shooter fleeing the scene. After being shot, Nay Win clutched his stomach wound and urged others to keep chasing the attacker, one driver said. When he tried to get up, he slumped back down. Taxi driver Aye Myint, 54, saw a police officer shouting at the attacker to drop his gun. He tried to get in a taxi but was yanked out. Drivers started beating and kicking him before he was arrested. Co-workers piled a bloody Nay Win into Aye Myints cab. They sped to the hospital. Nay Win was still alive, and Aye Myint told him he would be all right. They helped bring him to the emergency ward, where he showed signs of a heartbeat. But after 10 or 15 minutes, Aye Myint said, it was finished. Cape Diamond contributed to this report. Read more: Burmas Rohingya Muslims mourn end of Obama era, and worry about Trump Aung San Suu Kyi under fire as alleged military abuse follows militant attack Has Aung San Suu Kyi ignored the plight of her people? Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news French far-right leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen gestures at the start of a conference in Nantes, France, on Feb. 26. (David Vincent/Associated Press) The European Parliament has voted to lift Marine Le Pens immunity from prosecution for tweeting violent images, a crime that in France can carry up to three years in prison. As Le Pen, the leader of Frances far-right National Front party , rises in the polls ahead of Frances presidential election next month, authorities will now be able to pursue a case against her. Speaking on French television Thursday morning after the European Parliament, she was quick to condemn her European colleagues for what she called a political inquiry. Le Pen, an avowed Euroskeptic, has said that she will follow Britain and take France out of the EU if elected president. In December 2015, Le Pen tweeted a picture of James Foley, the American journalist beheaded by the Islamic State in August 2014. Daesh is THIS! she wrote as a caption, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. After a day of immediate and widespread outrage on social media including from Foleys family Le Pen ultimately took down the tweet. I did not know it was a picture of James Foley, she said at the time. Its accessible on Google. I learned this morning that his family is asking me to withdraw it. Obviously, I immediately withdrew it. Because French law considers the dissemination of violent images a potential incitement of terrorist activity, prosecutors were keen to pursue a case against Le Pen. But they could not, as Le Pen was a member of the European Parliament, an institution that guarantees immunity to its deputies to protect their freedom of speech. That immunity, however, applies specifically to the work deputies do in the European Parliament itself and can be revoked at the request of a respective country. For her part, Le Pen insisted that the tweet was posted well within her capacity as a parliamentary deputy. Im a lawmaker. Im in my role when I condemn Daesh, she said on French television Thursday. And if I dont fulfill my role, Im worth nothing as a lawmaker. Nobody can prevent a republics representative from condemning Daeshs acts of violence. Her colleagues did not agree, voting by a large margin to lift her immunity. I think the result is clear, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, another European Parliament member, told reporters Thursday. A large majority is for the waiving of immunity. Le Pen whose platform relies on a strong anti-immigrant, and often considered Islamophobic, hard line will probably attempt to use any forthcoming prosecution to her political advantage, insisting that she alone is defending Frances national security interests after a wave of terrorist violence claimed 230 lives. Many of those attacks including the November 2015 assaults on a Paris concert hall and cafe terraces were perpetrated by Islamic State militants, some of whom had entered Europe disguised as migrants. Should authorities pursue a case against her, Le Pen could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to 75,000 euros ($78,800). She also faces prosecution in another unrelated case, having been accused of spending E.U. Parliament money on her own political partys affairs. But in the unforgiving theater of French politics, the potential case against Le Pen is unlikely to distract attention from the embezzlement accusations against her chief opponent, centrist conservative Francois Fillon. On Wednesday, Fillon defiantly refused to suspend his campaign after prosecutors launched a formal investigation into the hundreds of thousands of euros his wife and children were paid for work they may never have actually done. In the two-round vote in late April and early May, Fillon and Le Pen will face off against Socialist Benoit Hamon and the popular Emmanuel Macron, an independent centrist candidate and former economy minister who announced his platform in Paris on Thursday. We are not proposing to reform our country, Macron said, offering a slew of lofty promises. Were proposing to transform it. On Thursday, for instance, in an apparent nod to conservative voters, he promised to increase military spending to 2 percent of Frances GDP, long a demand from the United States and other NATO allies. And after riots started rocking the Paris suburbs last month following the alleged police rape of a young black man, Macron promised to hire 10,000 more police and to create 15,000 more places in prison. Read more: Scandal-hit Francois Fillon stays in French presidential race, but rivals sense openings The dapper Frenchman running for president as the best bet against the far right Justice must pass: French president makes rare appearance in Paris suburbs to address riots Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A Syrian in the Bustan Pasha neighborhood of the city of Aleppo shows marks of torture on his back on Aug. 23, 2012, after he was released by the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. (James Lawler Duggan/AFP/Getty Images) After his arrest and torture by the government of Bashar al-Assad, dissident Khaled Rawas slipped out of Syria pledging to continue the fight. On Wednesday, he did just that joining a landmark legal complaint in Germany seeking something that has long proved elusive for the victims of the Syrian civil war. Justice. As dissidents, victims families and human rights activists begin to lose hope that the Syrian government will ever be toppled and that international bodies will hold it accountable for alleged war crimes they are increasingly pursuing their own justice through criminal suits in domestic European courts. By doing so, they are gambling on the notion of universal jurisdiction arguing that war crimes have no geographic boundaries. They say countries such as Germany with broad laws covering torture and genocide are ideal venues to launch such legal attacks. On Thursday, for instance, authorities announced the arrest of a Syrian asylum seeker in Germany on charges including war crimes. The charges stem from the alleged killing of 36 people in Syria while the man was serving as a fighter for the militant group formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, which is linked to al-Qaeda. Our fear is that theyre going to get away with it, that the international community is going to look the other way, Rawas said. I dont want revenge. But for what was done, for what is still being done, we have to have justice. Now 29 and living as a refugee in Germany, Rawas joined six other plaintiffs, including his wife, in filing the complaint against six senior Assad regime officials who they claim were directly involved in systematic torture. At the very least, the plaintiffs and the human rights lawyers representing them are seeking international arrest warrants similar to the one that led the British to detain former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet on behalf of a Spanish judge in the 1990s. Between March 2011 and December 2015, at least 17,723 people died in Syrian government detention, according to Amnesty International, and thousands of other dissidents were brutally tortured. Yet, while there have been international condemnations of the Assad government, there have been virtually no successful international efforts to prosecute it for war crimes. The International Criminal Court, which has prosecuted war crimes elsewhere, is unable to accept cases from Syria because the country is not a signatory to the treaty that established the court. To investigate, the ICC would need the approval of the U.N. Security Council a move Russia has blocked with its council veto. So human rights lawyers, activists and victims have been seeking alternatives the case filed this week in Germany being the latest example. It is at least the fourth case to be filed in Europe and comes on the heels of similar legal action in Spain, France and Germany. The case, filed with the aid of the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), is also somewhat novel. At least one complaint has named Assad himself something legal scholars see as problematic, given the precedent of legal immunity for heads of state. Other cases have relied on secondhand accounts of war crimes offered by human rights groups. In contrast, the complaint filed Wednesday involves Syrian refugees living in Germany who claim to have been directly victimized. Rather than go after Assad himself, the complaint names senior intelligence and military officials who may not be covered by international laws granting sovereign immunity to a head of state. We are optimistic that this approach is going to get results, said Wolfgang Kaleck, general secretary of the ECCHR. Yet the path to justice in domestic courts faces formidable obstacles. In Germanys legal system, a case cannot proceed unless prosecutors deem it worthy of being brought to court. And they have generally been loath to take up crusading cases involving distant lands. Legal experts here say that universal jurisdiction has been successfully invoked to prosecute war crimes in only two recent cases and in both cases, the suspects were in Germany. In the arrest Thursday, the Syrian man charged with war crimes was living in Germany. Perhaps Europes most advanced case against senior members of the Syrian regime is being considered in Spain. The plaintiff a woman with Spanish nationality alleges that her brother in Syria was detained, tortured and executed in 2013 at a government detention center. The Spanish case emerged after the woman spotted her brothers face among a horrific tableau of more than 50,000 postmortem photographs, which were taken at Syrian military hospitals between 2011 and mid-2013. The images were smuggled out of Syria by a military police photographer later code-named Caesar. Activists working with him had posted the images on Facebook with the aim of creating a database that could aid in legal cases. Spanish courts have a reputation for reaching far and wide with the most spectacular case being the 1998 arrest of Pinochet in Britain on a warrant issued by a Spanish judge, Baltasar Garzon. But in 2014, Spanish politicians passed a bill curbing the power of its judges to serve as enforcers of international law. The fact that the plaintiff in the case is Spanish has offered some hope that the courts may decide to act. The case singles out nine high-ranking members of the Syrian intelligence apparatus as responsible for state terrorism and, hence, the death of the Spanish nationals brother. Our aim is to have the suspects extradited to Spain, said Toby Cadman, a British lawyer involved in the case. As soon as an arrest warrant is issued, it will be possible to arrest them anywhere in Europe if they leave Syria. Although they may remain legal long shots, the accumulating criminal cases in Germany against the Assad government have offered some hope for victims. The process has also proved cathartic for people such as Rawas. In 2011, he recalled, he was studying mechanical engineering in Damascus when he joined the initial uprising against the Syrian government as a student organizer. After his first arrest in March of that year, he said, he was held for 10 days, severely beaten and sodomized with a pipe. Things got worse in December, when he was arrested again and taken to the dreaded Branch 215 detention center. Run by Syrias military intelligence agency and known as the Branch of Death, the center was the source of more than 3,500 of the bodies shown in the Caesar database. Limbs had been beaten and burned. In some cases, prisoners eyes were gouged out. Rawas said that rows of agents were lined up along the six flights of stairs leading to the facility, all beating the prisoners as they were led up the stairs. He recalled being beaten in the same room as two other inmates who had it much worse. He was assaulted with a pipe, while spiked sticks were used on the other men. They ripped pieces of skin and flesh off of them which each hit, he said. Even now, I cant get the screams out of my head. Torture in the detention center is systematic, according to war-crimes investigators. Female prisoners have reported being raped by guards, and cells are so crowded that prisoners stand and sleep in shifts. Rawas said he was kept with 30 other prisoners in a 13-by-6.5-foot cell. During one of the many beatings, he remembered focusing like the engineer he was on the instrument of his pain. The agent was hitting me with a plastic pipe, made of PVC, he said. He just kept hitting me. He wouldnt stop. So I started thinking about the material. About its chemistry. Anything but the pain. You cant understand what these people have done, are still doing, he said. We need to do something. Anything. I hope this case succeeds. Noack reported from London. Louisa Loveluck in Istanbul contributed to this report. Read more: Why a German-born soccer star had to choose between his Muslim faith and his career The rise of Trump has led to an unexpected twist in Germanys election: A resurgent left Theyre young and lonely. The Islamic State thinks theyll make perfect terrorists. Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news FREMONT -- The Greater Fremont Development Council announced Tuesday afternoon the completion of the land purchase for the project to provide rotisserie chickens to Costco warehouses. We are extremely pleased to announce that Costco has completed its land purchase transaction and that it continues to make great headway with state and local authorities on the permitting process, said Cecilia Harry, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council, a partner of the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. Were thrilled with Costcos progress and anticipate receiving news of its final approval in the very near future, Mayor Scott Getzschman added in a statement. This is one more step in their due diligence to bring this project to reality. Known as Hills Farm, the 414 acres of land is located in the south industrial area of Fremont. Costco and Georgia-based Lincoln Premium Poultry are developing the state-of-the-art poultry processing complex in Fremont, which includes a processing plant, hatchery and feed mill. Costco will invest around $280 million in the project, which will create an annual economic impact of around $1.2 billion and employ more than 800 workers. Opponents have fought the plans, saying the chicken plant would do more harm than good. The complex would supply Costco warehouses with $4.99 rotisserie chickens and other chicken products and byproducts. It would receive its chickens from 75-100 farmers from across the region who are looking to diversify their farm portfolios, according to a news release. Construction is expected to begin later this year. A member of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitaries sits facing a sinkhole near the village of Athbah, Iraq, on Feb. 26. (Aris Messinis/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) The horror stories about the Islamic States mass killings at a cavernous hole in the desert near Mosul became legendary over the years. Soon after the group took control of the Iraqi city more than 2 years ago, the 100-foot-wide sinkhole five miles southwest of the airport became a site for summary executions. Some victims were made to line up at the edge of the hole and were shot before being kicked inside, while others were tossed in alive, residents said. Sometimes bodies were just trucked in for dumping. Residents of Mosul whispered about the deaths at the sinkhole, or khasfa, as it is called. But with communications limited and locals too fearful to speak out publicly, it was only after Iraqi forces retook the area last month as they closed in on the citys western side that the scale of the killings at the site began to emerge. Based on anecdotal evidence, Iraqi officials say thousands may have perished there in recent years. It may be years more, though, before the mass grave gives up its secrets. No one knows the depth of the hole under the water at the bottom. The militants have filled it and booby-trapped it with explosives, making excavation particularly complex. Even before the Islamic States brutal campaign began, Iraqi authorities were struggling to excavate and identify victims in mass graves dating back to the reign of Saddam Hussein, when as many as 1 million Iraqis disappeared. Sectarian war following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion brought more large-scale bloodletting. [Away from Iraqs front lines, the Islamic State is creeping back in] Meanwhile, authorities are overwhelmed. Members of Iraqs human rights commission, which is tasked with mapping the Islamic States mass graves, said they could not provide figures on how many have been found so far. Last summer, the Associated Press said it had documented some 72 mass graves from Islamic State atrocities in Iraq and Syria, containing as many as 15,000 bodies, with more expected to be unearthed. Dozens of mass graves around the Iraqi town of Sinjar, which are thought to contain the remains of hundreds of Yazidis killed execution-style by the Islamic State, have yet to be fully excavated. Mass graves around the city of Tikrit, containing the remains of an estimated 1,700 soldiers from nearby Camp Speicher who were massacred by the militants, are still being discovered two years after the area was retaken by security forces. The khasfa, though, could be the groups biggest mass grave. Its swallowed the lives of thousands, said Muthanna Ahmed. He said he worked near the site for five months and witnessed summary executions. It was terrifying, very deep and dark. Ahmed said victims shoes and dried blood lined its rim, while some decaying bodies that got caught on the sinkholes rugged edge were still visible. A gruesome video posted on YouTube in January 2015 shows a similar scene. The sinkhole was near an Islamic State oil refinery, and the militants regularly rounded up workers and Mosul residents who were buying fuel to watch the execution-style killings. Victims included former police and army officers, as well as those accused of spying or working with the Iraqi government, witnesses said. Hussam al-Abar, a provincial council member, said 3,000 to 5,000 corpses might languish in its depths, though he bases that estimate on lists of missing people that he concedes could have been killed and buried somewhere else. Given the capacity of the central government and local government, I think its impossible to take out the bodies, he said. Wed need international assistance. It would be impossible for Iraqis alone. [I thought, this is it: One mans escape from an Islamic State mass execution] Before 2003, the sinkhole was a small tourist attraction, drawing travelers from the main Mosul-Baghdad highway a mile and a half away, Abar said. But as violence gripped Iraq in the wake of the invasion, al-Qaeda began to gain a foothold and the site became a desert grave. It was known that whoever wanted to hide a body could drop it in this hole, Abar said. But it was not until after the Islamic State took control of Mosul in July 2014 that it started being used on an industrial scale. Jassim Omar, 33, said he witnessed about 10 executions there. The first was about a month after the city fell to the militants. About 25 prisoners from Badush prison in Mosul were brought to the sinkhole and killed, he said. If you want to scare someone from Mosul, just mention the khasfa, he said. The militants killed hundreds of the prisons inmates when they took over the city, according to human rights groups. Most of the victims were Shiites, Yazidis and Christians, all of whom the militants consider to be apostates, while many Sunni inmates were allowed to go free. In an execution-style killing in March or April of 2015, Omar recognized his cousin among a dozen detainees brought to the site in the back of a truck, blindfolded and bound. His cousin had worked for Mosuls local council before the militants took over and was accused of collaborating with the government. Whenever we went, we expected to see executions, he said. But we were surprised to see our cousin. We just thought hed been arrested. He said he watched as the men were made to kneel and three or four militants shot them, while a few others pushed the bodies into the hole. The stench could be smelled several miles away, he said. The smell might have been what led the Islamic State to fill the hole in mid-2015. Residents of Athbah, the nearest village, had complained, and some had even left, said Jawad al-Shammari, a spokesman for the human rights committee, which has not yet sent a team to examine the site. Residents said the Islamic State pushed dozens of trailers and old cars into the hole before filling it with earth, though some said mass killings at the site continued until as recently as six months ago. Human Rights Watch, which began monitoring the site by satellite in September 2014, said the hole had been filled by July 2015, though fresh track marks appeared there until November 2016. It will take ages for them to decontaminate the site and excavate, said Belkis Wille, senior Iraq researcher for Human Rights Watch. De-miners are rightly prioritizing decontaminating areas that displaced people are returning to. With explosives planted in the area around it, the khasfa claimed its latest victims last week. Shifa Gardi, a 30-year-old reporter for the Kurdish television channel Rudaw, died with a militia commander and four other soldiers when the group set off a booby trap near the site. Read more: Iraqis find evidence of torture by Islamic State in mass grave near Mosul Found at an Islamic State training camp: bunk beds, weapons manuals, steroids Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Syrias military announced Thursday that it has recaptured the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group as the militants defenses crumbled and fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes. The development marks the third time that the city famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures the Islamic State had sought to destroy has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State in Syria in a week, after Turkish-backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants on Feb. 23, following a grueling three-month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland. You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated, the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar Jaafari, told reporters in Geneva. The Damascus military statement said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with allied and friendly troops government shorthand for members of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces. Islamic State defenses around Palmyra had begun to erode on Sunday, with government troops reaching the towns outskirts on Tuesday. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the towns archaeological area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at about midday, then the town itself, as Islamic State militants fled. This is the Syrian governments second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Archaeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its ruins. Drone footage recently released by Russias Defense Ministry showed new damage to the facade of Palmyras Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon, a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. Islamic State militants have twice used the towns Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other Islamic State killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of the talks in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, Staffan de Mistura, U.N. special envoy for Syria, held another round of meetings with the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that the parties have agreed to . . . discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks. President Trump arrives aboard the Marine One on Feb. 1 to greet the remains of a Navy SEAL killed during a raid on the al-Qaeda militant group in Yemen. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Almost as soon as the team of U.S. and Emirati commandos slipped into the darkened village, their weapons shouldered in the moonless night, a surprise counterattack erupted and a veteran Navy SEAL was hit. Struggling to hold off an escalating fusillade from al-Qaeda fighters and armed Yemeni tribesmen, the U.S. forces, fearing the worst for their injured comrade, made an urgent request for a helicopter to evacuate Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens. The 36-year-old SEAL, who would later die of his wounds, is now at the center of a debate over the first counterterrorism operation of the Trump administration, one that has provided ammunition for critics of the new presidents decision-making process and dealt a potential blow to future action against one of the worlds most potent militant groups. President Trump paid tribute to the fallen SEAL on Tuesday night in his address to a joint session of Congress, singling out Owenss widow, Carryn, in a sharply emotional episode that juxtaposed the presidents assertions about the success of the raid with his apparent attempts to distance himself from the criticism it has generated. According to current and former officials, the discussions leading up to the Jan. 29 raid, intended as the first step in a major expansion of U.S. counterterrorism operations in Yemen, marked a departure from the more hands-on, deliberative process used by the previous administration. The raid, the product of a more abbreviated White House process, has been followed by confusion within the U.S. government over how operations against al-Qaeda in Yemen will proceed. It has also generated friction with a key counterterrorism ally, smarting from the lack of adequate notice about the raid and, according to local reports, up to 31 Yemeni civilian deaths. [U.S. service member killed in Yemen is first combat death of Trump tenure] The raid, which took place just over a week into the Trump administration, came as U.S. military officials sought to restore their counterterrorism capability in Yemen, severely damaged in the countrys ongoing civil conflict. In 2015, the United States was forced to suspend a long-standing program that partnered Special Operations forces with Yemeni troops on the ground, severely limiting the U.S. governments ability to track and disrupt a feared militant adversary, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Long seen as a particularly threatening branch of al-Qaeda, the group has used the chaos that followed the 2011 Arab Spring to expand its influence, seizing territory and recruiting supporters from Yemens tribal society. It has also demonstrated an ambition to strike the U.S. homeland. Hoping that expanded operations would provide an opportunity to recover information that would increase their understanding of AQAPs network and goals, military officials last fall developed proposals to resume a more robust counterterrorism program. Colin Kahl, a former official who oversaw Middle East issues at the Pentagon and was national security adviser to Vice President Joe Biden, said a proposal put forward by the Pentagon in the final weeks of the Obama administration would have expanded military authorities to conduct partnered ground operations and placed additional Special Operations and aviation assets in the region. This was a big piece of business, Kahl said. [A deadly U.S. raid in Yemen reveals strength of al-Qaeda affiliate] In early January, White House officials examined the military request but decided to table a decision for the new administration, recommending to incoming officials that they conduct a thorough review of the proposal. On Jan. 25, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis requested urgent approval at a dinner meeting with Trump of a nighttime mission that represented a first step in expanding activities against AQAP. The meeting was also attended by Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; then- national security adviser Michael Flynn; CIA Director Mike Pompeo; and a handful of others. Trump approved the operation. According to one senior administration official, who like others spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide new details of the internal deliberations, Trump was provided information on the proposed raid earlier that day, during his morning intelligence meeting. He also briefly dropped by a discussion on the topic that Flynn was holding in his office. The following day, the operation was discussed at a previously scheduled meeting among sub-Cabinet officials chaired by K.T. McFarland, Trumps deputy national security adviser. Asked what risks the operation carried, Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ticked off a list of possible problems that military officials believed could occur, including the potential for U.S. or civilian casualties and the possibility that militants might be bracing for an attack, officials said. Although officials believed AQAP might be preparing for an unspecified assault rather than operating with knowledge of the Jan. 29 raid, the operation still posed an elevated risk to U.S. forces. In part because the operation had already been approved by Trump and in part because the meeting was also scheduled to cover other topics, discussion of the raid was as short as about 25 minutes, according to several accounts, and as long as 40, according to the senior administration official. In either case, the brisk treatment of a high-risk operation stands in contrast to similar deliberations during the Obama administration, known for its extensive litigation of risks in military activities and tight control of tactical decision-making. In previous operations like this, we would sit around the table for two hours and scrub everything. The intelligence agencies would put down maps. Wed have congressional folks talk about reaching out to Congress. The State Department would do its political assessment, Kahl said. You cant cover the complexity of a topic like that in 23 minutes. [In deadly Yemen raid, a lesson for Trumps national security team] Former officials have also criticized the raid, saying it has strained relations with the Yemeni government. U.S. officials said Matthew Tueller, the U.S. ambassador to Yemen, had promised to notify President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi as the operation got underway. Diplomats said Hadi was notified of the raid. After reports of the raid and a high civilian death toll became public, the Yemeni government reacted, first signaling it had suspended U.S. permission to mount ground operations and then publicly backtracking on that move. In another indication of the internal confusion that has characterized the early Trump administration, officials at the State and Defense departments said that raids had not been suspended, while the senior administration official said the suspension remains in effect. The State Department and the Yemeni Embassy in Washington declined to comment. Eric Pelofsky, who served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and senior director for North Africa and Yemen on Obamas national security staff, said the raid risked significant damage to our counterterrorism cooperation with the Yemeni government. We do not yet know what the cost of that damage will be. David Maxwell, a former Special Operations officer who is associate director for Georgetown Universitys Security Studies Program, said Special Operations commanders would have reviewed the raid proposal carefully and signed off only if they thought it was a viable plan. But the enemy has a vote, and there is no perfect intelligence, Maxwell said. Every mission is high-risk, and we always have to be willing to accept the casualties. Such risks were certainly on the minds of the Navy SEALs that night after an elite Special Operations air regiment dropped them at their insertion point in remote central Yemen. According to Yemeni officials, AQAP fighters had chosen the village of Yaklaa as a training site because of its remoteness and its sympathetic residents. They described Abdul-Raoof al-Dhahab, an important local tribal leader, as an AQAP supporter. In another illustration of the complexity of the environment facing U.S. forces, Dhahab had recently struck a deal with the Yemeni government to fight rival Houthi rebels, making him both a U.S. counterterrorism target and an ally of the U.S.-backed effort to restore Hadis government-in- exile to power. At about 1 a.m., the combined team of roughly two dozen U.S. and Emirati commandos arrived in Yaklaa, a collection of mud-brick houses scattered among hilly terrain and bordered by a minefield. According to Yemeni security and tribal officials, the foreign forces used nonlethal grenades and suppressed rifles as they fought their way into the homes of Dhahab and another suspect, both of whom were killed. [Trump passes blame for Yemen raid to his generals: They lost Ryan] Yemeni and tribal officials described a chaotic scene that followed, saying that tribal leaders, even those without an affiliation with AQAP, took up arms out of loyalty to Dhahab and a desire to protect their village. Any person who has dignity and honor would not stand by and watch his neighbors and relatives and tribesmen being attacked and do nothing, said Saleh Hussein al-Aameri, a tribal leader who was close enough to hear the gunfire. According to U.S. officials providing new information about the raid, the AQAP fighters withdrew to a nearby building, unleashing grenades and gunfire despite the women and children around them. Unable to shoot their way out of the engagement, U.S. forces called for air support to attack the building. The commandos gathered what they could computer equipment, documents and pictures of the now-dead midlevel tribal leaders they had hoped to capture before withdrawing under the cover of Marine Cobra gunships and Harrier attack jets that began strafing Yemeni positions with their 25mm cannons and rockets. Anything that moved in the area was targeted by American helicopters, Aameri said. With the number of injured U.S. personnel rising, a Marine Quick Reaction Force was launched from the USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship in the Gulf of Aden. But that evacuation operation went awry, too: Three additional service members were wounded when an approaching MV-22 Osprey lost power and hit the ground. The $75 million aircraft was then scuttled to keep it out of AQAP hands. Its not known whether Emirati forces were killed or wounded in the operation. The U.S. military is conducting investigations into the operation, including a probe into reports of noncombatant deaths. While critics have questioned the intelligence gained in the raid, leaders at the White House and Pentagon have repeatedly defended its value. The White House was dealt a blow last week when news reports revealed that Owenss father, Bill, questioned the necessity of the raid and had refused to meet with Trump when his sons remains were repatriated in early February. Speaking to Congress on Tuesday, Trump cited Mattiss description of the raid as a success, but the president has also appeared to distance himself from the operation. Earlier this week, he said the generals lost Ryan. Ali Al-Mujahed in Sanaa, Yemen, contributed to this report. Read more: A timeline of events on how the controversial Navy SEAL raid on Yemen was planned and carried out How U.S. Special Operations troops secretly help foreign forces target terrorists Sergey Kislyak, Russias long-serving ambassador to the United States, has a habit noticed by many U.S. officials who have known the envoy. Kislyak shows up everywhere and tries to talk to everyone. He doesnt get as much credit as he should, in my view, for being savvy about developing relationships with people all over the city, said Michael McFaul, who knew the diplomat well while serving in the Obama administration as senior adviser on Russia and then as U.S. ambassador to Russia. Moscows man in Washington is an unlikely man of the political moment, however. He is quiet, careful, rumpled and portly. He is a fierce defender of Russias international prestige who rarely gives interviews and even more rarely makes news on his own. He is not considered especially close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. For Kislyak to have sought contacts with former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2016 when the latter was a U.S. senator should come as no surprise, current and former U.S. officials said. [Attorney General Jeff Sessions will recuse himself form any probe of 2016 campaign] Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was a top national security adviser and frequent warm-up act for Trump during the campaign. He was forced out as national security adviser at the White House over concerns he had misled Vice President Pence and others about his contacts with Kislyak before Trump took office. Sessions, then a U.S. senator from Alabama, was among Trumps early supporters in Congress and went on television to promote the candidate. He has come under scrutiny for two meetings with Kislyak last year. The Russian diplomat, who speaks excellent English, seems to know American officials, past and present, across the political and ideological spectrum. Several Americans who know him say he prides himself on proximity he always seems to have just had dinner with someone influential or just happens to be seated up front at newsworthy foreign policy events. John McLaughlin, a former deputy CIA director and acting CIA director under Obama, said that it does strain credibility that Sessions would have simply forgotten about his meetings with Kislyak when he asserted during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general that he had not met with Russian officials. I know Ambassador Kislyak. Hes a veteran of Russian diplomacy, and hes a hard guy to forget if youve met with him, McLaughlin said during an interview Thursday with MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell. Sessions said at a news conference Thursday that he was taken aback by a question which referred to a breaking news story about contacts between Trump campaign surrogates and Russians. In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said I did meet one Russian official a couple times. That would be the ambassador, he said. Kislyak arrived as ambassador in 2008, a few months before the start of the Obama administration, and is expected to leave this spring. His replacement has not been announced. The Russian Embassy did not respond to a request for an interview with Kislyak. Most of the ambassadors outreach efforts focus on the executive branch, as is the custom for Russian diplomats whose political system back home is top-down. Lawmakers are often reluctant to meet with senior Russian officials independently because diplomacy and intelligence gathering tend to blur for Moscows representatives in the United States. Still, the Sessions contacts on their own are of a piece with what foreign ambassadors, and especially Kislyak, see as a part of their job, current and former U.S. officials and Russia experts said. It seems entirely routine for the ambassador of a foreign government to want to meet with senators, for example, and especially one who is a member of the Armed Services Committee, said Paul Saunders, a Russia specialist at the Center for the National Interest and a former official in the George W. Bush administration. Most members of the Armed Services Committee, however, told The Post that they had not met with Kislyak last year. Saunderss group hosted then-candidate Donald Trump for a foreign policy speech in April last year. Kislyak was in the audience as one of four invited foreign ambassadors as Trump proclaimed, America-first will be the major and overriding theme of my administration. Kislyak is known to collect scores of business cards as he moves around Washington, and to follow up, sometimes relentlessly, with requests for one-on-one meetings. Sessions said Thursday that Kislyak had also invited him to lunch, an invitation he never took up. He was constantly doing that when I was in the government, McFaul said of Kislyaks ability to speak to U.S. officials at the Pentagon and elsewhere, sometimes without the White House knowing about it first. At times it would be frustrating to us. Kislyak, a physicist and arms-control expert by training, has succeeded as a diplomat by voicing the official Russian line on all issues in genial terms, and within the hierarchy of Russian diplomacy by always having fresh news, gossip and political analysis to feed back home. It is not clear how much Kislyak knew about what U.S. intelligence officials have said was a concerted Russian government effort to influence the U.S. presidential election, although it is likely that he was at least aware of it, said Steven Hall, former head of Russia operations at the CIA. In the case of Sessions, who was considered a top prospect for a Cabinet job when Kislyak visited him in his Senate office in September, Kislyak would have wanted to know: How reasonable is he from a Russia perspective? Hall said. Kislyak denied that Russia was meddling in the election during an address to the Detroit Economic Club less than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election. We have become kind of collateral damage in the fight between the two parties, he said, adding that Russia is ready to work with any president that is going to be elected. Opinions differ on whether Kislyak is a spy in the American sense of the word. For them its much grayer, Hall said of the Russian view of the difference between a diplomat and spy. I would say [Kislyak] is most definitely both. In the Russian system, its simply assumed that theyre all collecting and doing whatever they can either covertly or overtly. Greg Miller and Julie Tate contributed to this report. Then-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Trumps campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessionss confirmation hearing to become attorney general. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senators office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump on the stump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. [What Jeff Sessions said about Russia, and when] (Senate Judiciary Committee) At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. Im not aware of any of those activities, he responded. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. [Trump administration sought to enlist intelligence officials, key lawmakers to counter Russia stories] Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak. There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer, said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessionss spokeswoman. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post) In January, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sessions for answers to written questions. Several of the President-elects nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day? Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with one word: No. In a statement issued Wednesday night, Sessions said he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Justice officials said Sessions met with Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Flores said. She added that Sessions last year had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian and German ambassadors, in addition to Kislyak. In the case of the September meeting, one department official who came to the defense of the attorney general said, Theres just not strong recollection of what was said. The Russian ambassador did not respond to requests for comment about his contacts with Sessions. The Washington Post contacted all 26 members of the 2016 Senate Armed Services Committee to see whether any lawmakers besides Sessions met with Kislyak in 2016. Of the 20 lawmakers who responded, every senator, including Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.), said they did not meet with the Russian ambassador last year. The other lawmakers on the panel did not respond as of Wednesday evening. Members of the committee have not been beating a path to Kislyaks door, a senior Senate Armed Services Committee staffer said, citing tensions in relations with Moscow. Besides Sessions, the staffer added, There havent been a ton of members who are looking to meet with Kislyak for their committee duties. Last month, The Post reported that Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak during the month before Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Mike Pence, the vice president-elect, and other top Trump officials. Flynn was forced to resign the following week. [National security adviser Flynn discussed sanctions with Russian ambassador, despite denials, officials say] When asked to comment on Sessionss contacts with Kislyak, Franken said in a statement to The Post on Wednesday: If its true that Attorney General Sessions met with the Russian ambassador in the midst of the campaign, then I am very troubled that his response to my questioning during his confirmation hearing was, at best, misleading. Franken added: It is now clearer than ever that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately. Several Democratic members of the House on Wednesday night called on Sessions to resign from his post. [Democrats call for Sessionss resignation and special prosecutor] After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement, adding that Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on Twitter late Wednesday that we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates ties to Russia. Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said at a CNN town hall Wednesday night that if the substance of Sessionss conversations with the Russian ambassador proved to be improper or suspect, he too would join the call for Sessions to recuse himself from the investigation. If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make that decision about Trump, Graham said although he stressed that Sessionss contacts with the Russian ambassador could have been innocent. But if theres something there that the FBI thinks is criminal in nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor. If that day ever comes, Ill be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff. Current and former U.S. officials say they see Kislyak as a diplomat, not an intelligence operative. But they were not sure to what extent, if any, Kislyak was aware of or involved in the covert Russian election campaign. Steven Hall, former head of Russia operations at the CIA, said that Russia would have been keenly interested in cultivating a relationship with Sessions because of his role on key congressional committees and as an early adviser to Trump. Sessionss membership on the Armed Services Committee would have made him a priority for the Russian ambassador. The fact that he had already placed himself at least ideologically behind Trump would have been an added bonus for Kislyak, Hall said. Michael McFaul, a Stanford University professor who until 2014 served as U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not surprised that Kislyak would seek a meeting with Sessions. The weird part is to conceal it, he said. That was at the height of all the discussions of what Russia was doing during the election. Two months before the September meeting, Sessions attended a Heritage Foundation event in July on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention that was attended by about 50 ambassadors. When the event was over, a small group of ambassadors approached Sessions as he was leaving the podium, and Kislyak was among them, the Justice Department official said. [FBI once planned to pay former British spy who authored controversial Trump dossier] Sessions then spoke individually to some of the ambassadors, including Kislyak, the official said. In the informal exchanges, the ambassadors expressed appreciation for his remarks and some of them invited him to events they were sponsoring, said the official, citing a former Sessions staffer who was at the event. Democratic lawmakers, including senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have demanded in recent weeks that Sessions recuse himself from the governments inquiry into possible ties between Trump associates and Russia. Last week, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, became one of the few Republican representatives to state publicly the need for an independent investigation. Sessionss public position on Russia has evolved over time. In an interview with RealClear World on the sidelines of the German Marshall Funds Brussels Forum in March 2015, Sessions said the United States and Europe have to unify against Russia. More than a year later, he spoke about fostering a stronger relationship with the Kremlin. In a July 2016 interview with CNNs State of the Union, Sessions praised Trumps plan to build better relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump is right. We need to figure out a way to end this cycle of hostility thats putting this country at risk, costing us billions of dollars in defense, and creating hostilities, Sessions told CNN. Asked whether he viewed Putin as a good or bad leader, Sessions told CNN: We have a lot of bad leaders around the world that operate in ways we would never tolerate in the United States. But the question is, can we have a more peaceful, effective relationship with Russia? Utilizing interests that are similar in a realistic way to make this world a safer place and get off this dangerous hostility with Russia? I think its possible. Julie Tate, Robert Costa and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. Read more: Top GOP lawmaker calls on Sessions to recuse himself from Russia investigation Your cheat sheet to four potential investigations of Russia and President Trump Flynns swift downfall: From a phone call to a forced resignation U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel, left; and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs LindaThomas-Greenfield (Reuters; AP) The steady departure of senior officials at the State Department is continuing, as two assistant secretaries of state are stepping down next week. The impending losses of Daniel Russel, assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, assistant secretary of African affairs, leave only a handful of career diplomats who were holdovers from the Obama administration among the cadre of senior State Department officials. Most of the assistant and undersecretaries were political appointees. Following tradition, they all offered their resignations after the election. In the past, many stayed on until a successor was named. The Trump administration accepted all their resignations, however, and the White House and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have not named any replacements. Instead, their jobs are being done by deputies filling in temporarily, contributing to a sense of drift in Foggy Bottom. Russel and Thomas-Greenfield are not resigning from the government; they are taking State Department-related jobs not actually at the State Department. Russel, whose last day will be Wednesday, is taking a one-year assignment as a diplomat in residence and senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, based in New York. His deputy, Susan Thornton, will be acting assistant secretary. Thomas-Greenfield, whose last day is Friday, will become a senior fellow at Georgetown Universitys Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. Her deputy, Peter Barlerin, becomes the acting assistant secretary. Among the few career diplomats who remain in place as assistant secretaries is William Brownfield, who heads the bureau of international narcotics and law enforcement. On Thursday, he was not saying whether he intends to stay, giving instead a carefully diplomatic answer. I am in the job for which I was confirmed by the United States Senate in the year 2011 and will remain here until I no longer am in this job, he said. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is welcomed by Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend upon his arrival in Baghdad on Feb. 20. (Thomas Watkins/AFP/Getty Images) Forces combating the Islamic State in Syria should focus on defeating the militants rather than wasting energy and resources fighting among themselves, the head of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria said Wednesday. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said that Kurdish fighters would participate in some form or fashion in the upcoming operation to retake the city of Raqqa, the Islamic States de facto capital in Syria. But he insisted that they will largely be local Kurds from the Raqqa area who pose no threat to neighboring Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that Turkish forces would participate in the offensive but that any involvement by the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, was unacceptable. Turkey considers the YPG, which has been in the forefront of U.S.-backed ground operations in Syria, to be a terrorist organization in league with its own separatist Kurds and responsible for terrorist attacks inside Turkey. Townsend said he has seen absolutely zero evidence of that. Pentagon officials have been negotiating with Turkey for weeks in an effort to include its forces in the Raqqa offensive while not throwing out existing plans for YPG participation. [U.S. military aid is fueling big ambitions for Syrias leftist Kurdish militia] We encourage all forces to remain focused on the counter-ISIS fight and concentrate their efforts on defeating ISIS and not toward other objectives that may cause the coalition to divert energy and resources away from Raqqa, Townsend told reporters via a video link from Baghdad. ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State. Discussions over how and when to begin the operation have continued as the Pentagon this week delivered its updated plan for that and other counter-Islamic State operations in Syria and Iraq. Townsend said he had provided his own recommendations for the plan but declined to discuss them until the White House has finished its deliberations. Asked about expectations that the administration will send more troops to Syria and Iraq to supplement the current 500 in the former and 5,000 in the latter, he said, I dont foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what were doing is, in fact, working. But he acknowledged the challenges posed by the Raqqa operation, as well as the larger problems of the crowded and chaotic battlefield in northwestern Syria. Just this week . . . last week, we saw Turk and Turk proxy forces converge with Syrian regime and Syrian proxy fighters, ISIS being in the mix there, Townsend said. We have YPG, Syrian Democratic Force fighters and Syrian Arab Coalition fighters also bumping right up against each other there. And then here in the last 48 hours, weve seen Syrian regime forces advance through ISIS-held villages to essentially rifle-range or hand-grenade range with Syrian Arab Coalition fighters holding the area around Manbij. The Syrian Democratic Forces are rebels participating in Turkeys military advance south from its border with Syria toward the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab. The Syrian Arab Coalition is the joint Kurdish-Arab group moving south toward Raqqa. Both are being assisted by U.S. Special Operations forces and U.S. warplanes. Meanwhile on Tuesday, Townsend revealed, Russian and Syrian aircraft aiding the Turkish advance bombed our Syrian Arab Coalition forces between al-Bab and Manbij, causing some rebel casualties. He said he believed that the pilots thought they were bombing the Islamic State. U.S. forces, just a few miles away, called in the information and halted the airstrikes, Townsend said. Moscow later denied that Russian or Syrian aircraft had bombed the area. The United States and Russia established a hotline in 2015 in which a U.S. colonel in Qatar and a Russian colonel in Syria work to deconflict operations and prevent aerial collisions. Senior U.S. officials have not cooperated directly with the Russians, in part because of 2014 legislation that forbids engagement because of Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Senior U.S. military officials in the Middle East have advocated for increased deconfliction talks, citing the proximity in which the militaries are operating in Syria. But the military has been widely opposed to President Trumps proposed cooperation with Russia in the broader counterterrorism fight. At a NATO conference last month, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused Russia of violating international law with aggressive and destabilizing actions, including interference in U.S. and other elections, and said the United States is not in a position right now to collaborate on the military level. Russia has been the primary backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his separate conflict against opposition forces fighting a civil war against him with backing from the United States and European and regional powers. In a report issued Wednesday in Geneva, a special U.N. investigative commission said that all sides in the civil war committed war crimes during the battle for Aleppo late last year, including the Syrian governments deliberate bombing of a humanitarian convoy and use of chemical munitions. Syrian warplanes, it said, meticulously planned and ruthlessly carried out the Sept. 19 attack, killing 10 aid workers who were preparing to deliver humanitarian assistance to besieged civilians during a supposed cease-fire. Both Syria and Russia had denied the attack. A mansion belonging to the Qatari royal family sits on the outskirts of Palmyra, an ancient Syrian city famed for its Roman ruins. (Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) Syrian government forces recaptured the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State on Thursday, aided by Lebanons Hezbollah, the Russian military and, indirectly, U.S. airstrikes. The government victory came nearly three months after the Islamic State marched back into the town in a surprise assault that appeared to have taken the Syrian army unawares. The Syrian army announced in a statement read on state television Thursday evening that its forces were in complete control of Palmyra after a push on the town in recent days that saw Islamic State defenses rapidly collapse. The Islamic State surge into Palmyra in December was the first offensive conducted by the militants in more than 18 months and raised fears that they were on the advance again. The relatively swift recapture by government loyalist forces suggested the surge was a temporary aberration, the result more of weakness on the part of a thinly spread Syrian army that has come to rely on foreign allies for its survival. [Our journey to the front lines in the fight against ISIS] The militants are on the retreat in multiple locations along their long, jagged front line with a variety of forces in Iraq and Syria, including in the Iraqi city of Mosul and on the outskirts of their self-proclaimed capital, Raqqa. The offensive to retake Palmyra was supported by the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, whose fighters have been instrumental in securing President Bashar al-Assads survival over the past five years. A video that aired on the Hezbollah television station Al-Manar showed Hezbollah fighters camping out in the desolate mountains surrounding Palmyra and advancing on the town through the sandy, stony wilderness. The Syrian offensive was also aided by Russian airstrikes, according to Russian news reports quoting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The Syrian army statement thanked Syrias friends for their help in the offensive, singling out Russia. Russian military intervention in 2015 sealed the survival of Assad by adding the muscle of Russian airstrikes to the manpower contributed by Iranian-backed militias on the ground. The Syrian statement did not mention the role of the United States, which has also stepped up strikes in the Palmyra area in recent weeks. During the last 10 days of February, the U.S. military conducted 23 strikes against Islamic State fighting units, tanks, storage facilities and command centers, according to the daily tally issued by the U.S. Central Command. Altogether in February, U.S. warplanes carried out 45 strikes in Palmyra. [Russian drone shows extent of the damage to Palmyras Roman amphitheater] The U.S. military has denied coordinating strikes directly either with Russia or the Syrian government but has said in the past that it is striking Palmyra to prevent military equipment captured by the Islamic State from being used by the militants in battles elsewhere against U.S.-backed forces. This was the fourth time Palmyra has changed hands in less than two years, and each time its renowned ruins have been further damaged. Since capturing the city for a second time, the militants have claimed further attacks against its monuments. It is still too early to tell how extensive the latest damage is. Photographs posted by a Russian news agency and widely shared on social media showed a Syrian soldier standing in the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, where a Russian orchestra played at a victory concert last year. Although part of the facade has crumbled and the theater is strewn with rubble, the amphitheater appears still to be largely intact. Read more: Russian drone shows extent of the damage to Palmyras Roman amphitheater Our journey to the front lines in the fight against ISIS After Oscar win, Russian Embassy calls Syrias White Helmets actors, not lifesavers Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Preceded in death by her husband, Henry, parents, Fred and Elsa Jensen, five sisters and one brother. Survived by daughter, Ramona Lane, son, Wayne Schwartman, son-in-law, Jim Lane, and many grandchildren. Part one | Part two | Part three | Part four In part one, the WSWS spoke with Victoria, a young migrant woman who was detained with her two children crossing the border from Mexico. Part two examines the deadly risk of crossing the border, the difficulties of securing legal relief, and the super-exploited character of immigrant working class life in the United States. Many immigrants consider themselves lucky to make it through the desert to the United States. Enrique Morones, the founder and director of the non-profit group Border Angels, described the fate of one young immigrant to the World Socialist Web Site: Marco Antonio Villasenor was five years old when he died crossing into Texas with his father. He had asked his father, can I have some water? but his father wouldnt give him any. One-by-one, he asked the other 18 men he was traveling with for water, but none of them would give him any, either. Do you know why? They were all dead. All of these people, including Marco, suffocated to death in the back of a semi truck in May 2003. Horror stories are all too common along the US-Mexico border, and conditions are so rough that officials often have difficulty identifying the remains of those who have died from heat exhaustion or dehydration. Morones explained that 11,000 migrants have died crossing into the US since 1994 when President Bill Clinton implemented Operation Gatekeeper, which increased security at key crossing points along the border. The plan was initiated to stem immigration in border cities, but overwhelming economic pressure caused millions of migrants to cross through the desert instead. By comparison, roughly 150 people were killed attempting to cross the Berlin Wall separating East from West Germany in three decades. The US-Mexico border is 2,000 miles long and a third of it700 mileshas a wall, Morones said. There are no visas, so people have no choice but to cross the borders to feed their families, not just in the US but all over the world. Ninety percent of the people who die did not qualify for a visa. The waitlist for a visa can be 20 years or more. It is not only US border policy which is to blame for the deaths of migrants in the desert: The people fleeing Latin America do so because of the US and their role in the region for decades, Morones said. Its the same with the immigrants coming from Iraq and Syria. The US is greatly responsible for that situation but the government doesnt welcome them. Since Trump took power, its been insane. There has been a rise in hate crimes against immigrants and there is a tremendous fear in the community. People are showing up to our offices en masse because they dont know what is going to happen. The government patrols the borders with a ruthlessness that parallels or exceeds the Israeli Defense Forces occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. A resident of a border town told the WSWS that the county sheriff encourages locals to shoot migrants and roll their bodies into the river. While traveling near the border WSWS reporters witnessed the aftermath of Border Patrol officials pursuing immigrants on a high-speed car chase. Two immigrants were reported dead on the scene after being ejected 20 yards from their cars. Under Trumps new immigration policies, immigrants captured in the desert will be detained in a network of prisons even as their claims for relief are adjudicated. The majority of immigrants will be deported without ever appearing before a judge. Those who are released in the US will be among the most fortunate. Sister Norma Pimentel is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which has served tens of thousands migrants who were recently released from detention facilities. The influx of migrants has been markedly lower since the election of Trump, she says. Our organization takes in people at the bus stations who get released and have no money and no food. They are dehydrated, the kids are hungry, and they are exhausted and dirty, she told the WSWS. Sister Pimentel explained that the election of Trump has provoked a widespread response among workers in Southern Texas who wish to help the migrants. In the past two or three weeks we have seen about 300 immigrants a day coming in. The response here of the people, of poor people who want to help, has been extraordinary. The whole Rio Grande valley is one of the poorest areas in the US and yet people are willing to give what they cannot only Hispanics but weve received help from all over the country, from white people who are US citizens. Those who make it to Sister Pimentels respite center feel that they have escaped a close encounter with death. One time I spoke with a father, a big man who came with his child, and I asked him, How are you? And this big, strong man started crying like a boy. He said, It was so hard, so difficult, the journey from my country and all we went through. These people have no choice but to leave. Its devastating. One of the greatest challenges immigrants confront is obtaining legal representation. Unlike the US criminal system, there is no established right to free legal representation in immigration court proceedings, even though the penalty of deportation is often worse than criminal conviction. Attorney costs can be expensive, with quality representation costing up to $5,000 of $6,000 for an asylum application and court representation. Immigrants who cannot afford a quality attorney are often tricked by notarios who lie and say they are attorneys before fraudulently filling out false paperwork and absconding with the money, causing irreparable harm to their legal cases. Winning an asylum application is extremely difficult. The five immigration judges in El Paso, Texas, for example, heard 1042 asylum requests between 2011 and 2016 but granted less than 40 applications. One judge, Sunita Mahtabfar, rejected 158 of 159 asylum petitions during that period. The Obama administrations policy was to bar even child immigrants from free legal representation. Head Obama Justice Department official Jack Weil, a former immigration judge, told the ACLU in 2016: Ive taught immigration law literally to 3- and 4- year oldsThey get it. Sister Pimentel said, I dont know how the Obama administration could justify making children appear before a judge on their own. I couldnt defend myself without a lawyer and Im an adult. How can a child do this? The asylum process is very difficultsaying I need to work is not enough and theyre making it even more difficult. How can you prove you meet the legal standard, that you were persecuted because of race, gender, political opinion, sexual orientation, or membership in a persecuted social group? You would need to get all of this proof from your home, but when you flee for your life youre not thinking about how to gather evidence for a legal case. It is the working class that risks death to travel to the United States. Wealthier people have multiple options for avoiding the fate of Victoria and immigrant workers like her. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is one such example. A Department of Justice website explains that a foreign investor can become a legal permanent resident if they invest $1 million in a new commercial enterprise and create 10 jobs. In this way, a wealthy person can simply transfer money to a trust or holding company and enter the US with limited wait time. Those migrants who cannot afford investor visas but who succeed in making it to the United States work under conditions of extreme exploitation, largely in the service or agricultural industries. The situation facing farmworkers in Californias Napa Valley is typical. Though home to some of the wealthiest people in the country, Napas grape production relies on the exploitation of cheap labor, largely from Mexico and Central America. Angel Calderon leads the Casa de Guanajuato immigrant rights center, which focuses on providing farmworkers in the Napa Valley with affordable housing. Calderon came as a farmworker from Mexico decades ago. Ive seen groups of 40 workers sleeping under bridges here in Napa. They cant afford the rent and there isnt enough housing. There are 26,000 farmworkers in Napa alone. This is a tourist area and it is very rich, yet these farmworkers live in horrible conditions. Many workers come all the way from Stockton every day, a town which is 2 hours from here. Workers sleep 30 people to a 3-room apartment and they pay $300 each for rent. Then the slumlords charge them $15 to drive them to work, where they work 10-12 hours a day making $12 an hour. Counting transit, thats 14-16 hour days. Thats the situation workers face making wine that can go for up to $200 or $300 a bottle. Many farmworkers send between 80 and 90 percent of their earnings back to their families in Mexico and Central America. When the work stops in Napa, they are forced to migrate to Washington State or to Californias Central Valley. The deplorable conditions these workers confront on a daily basis are the product of repeated betrayals by the United Farm Workers Union. The Mexican community does not trust the union, Calderon said. The UFW doesnt really protect them and to join the union costs money each month, which farmworkers cant afford to pay and they dont want to. The leaders of the unions are not strong, they dont have the capacity to organize anyone, and they dont win any demands. People tell me they have no confidence in the union and they dont see their officials as honest people. Look, the union doesnt give anyone any benefits and so farmworkers see it as something thats going to take their money in exchange for nothing. The officials just want to live off of their wages. Im in favor of workers organizing themselves and fighting for our rights, and so are all farmworkers, but the UFW just doesnt do this. To be continued A political conflict is evolving at Berlins Humboldt University, the significance of which reaches far beyond the university campus. Professor Jorg Baberowski, who regularly advances xenophobic, authoritarian and militarist positions in public, is going to court and mobilising right-wing students to suppress criticism of his far-right positions. Should Baberowski succeed, it would represent a blow against freedom of opinion and a further step in the transformation of the Humboldt University into a centre of right-wing, militarist ideology. While Baberowski is using his position as head of the Department of Eastern European History to propagate far-right positions at the university and beyond, students who challenge his views would risk punishment and significant professional disadvantages. The issue is not merely a dispute at Humboldt University, but involves fundamental political questions. Baberowskis attacks on refugees and calls for a strong state are now official German policy. Refugees are being discriminated against and deported, the police and intelligence agencies strengthened, and the defence budget doubled. There are even public discussions about the reintroduction of military service and the need for Germany to acquire its own nuclear weapons. Broad sections of the population oppose these developments. The realisation of such a programme would require, as in the 1930s, a dictatorship. This is why Baberowski speaks out in favour of a strong state, welcomes the election of Donald Trump, defends the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and praises the Nazi jurist and theoretician of the state of emergency, Carl Schmitt. How Baberowski deals with critics Last year, Baberowski secured a preliminary injunction against the Student Union (Asta) in Bremen, banning it from citing and criticizing some of his right-wing statements. Last October the Asta in Bremen called for a peaceful protest against the appearance of the right-wing professor at the university, where he was due to speak at the invitation of the Association of Christian Democratic Students (RCDS) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The Asta cited comments by Baberowski on the refugee crisis and the war on terror, which they now cannot criticise or cite without risking a fine of up to 250,000. The Asta challenged this order, and the State Court in Cologne is due to rule on the case on March 15. The action taken by the HU professor against the student representative body of another university has provoked outrage. The student parliament at Berlins Free University and the Assembly of Student Representative Councils (FRIV) at Humboldt University, along with other student bodies, registered protests. In Bremen, around 100 students took part in a solidarity meeting at which representatives of the IYSSE reported on the conflict with Baberowski in Berlin. The IYSSE organised a well-attended solidarity meeting addressed by representatives of the Bremen Asta at Humboldt University. Baberowski responded to this wave of solidarity with heinous personal insults and threats directed against IYSSE members campaigning for solidarity with the Bremen students. At one of his lectures, he denounced the IYSSE, the Trotskyist youth organisation with four elected representatives on the student parliament, as a Stalinist sect. He accused the university management for being cowards because it allowed these criminals to act and do as they pleased. He called on his students, whose marks and career prospects depend on him, to act against the IYSSE. An open letter is now circulating among right-wing students and ancillary staff at the institute of history addressed to the HU president, accusing the IYSSE of defaming and slandering Baberowski. It calls upon the university management to prohibit the IYSSEs criticism. Management has so far remained silent about these incidents, even though the IYSSE has filed a complaint against Baberowskis insults and threatening behaviour. It is significant that neither Baberowski nor the students he has mobilised have uttered a word about the content of his right-wing positions. They are doing everything to silence criticism of Baberowski, but they are incapable of answering a single argument. Yet there is no other professor who appears so frequently in the media or at public meetings and speaks so openly in favour of xenophobic, authoritarian and militarist positions. He does not even attempt to formally separate his role as a right-wing agitator from his teaching activities at the university. On his university web site, where academic publications are usually listed, he registers no less than 101 radio interviews, 39 television contributions, 32 newspaper articles and 148 essays, the vast majority of which deal with political topics. Baberowskis right-wing agitation The list also includes the demagogic columns authored every month by Baberowski for the Basler Zeitung, owned by Swiss right-wing populist Christoph Blocher. The views promoted by Baberowski correspond with those advanced by Donald Trumps chief strategist Stephen Bannon. It is no accident that the Breitbart News web site, which Bannon previously headed, repeatedly praised the renowned professor Baberowski for his agitation against refugees. Like Trump and Bannon, Baberowski praises Brexita democratic exclamation markas a decision of the citizens of Britain against the policy of open borders which Chancellor Merkel wants to impose on Europe. Tirades against Merkels refugee policy alternate with calls for ruthless state violence against Islamic terrorism. Indifference is just another word for cowardice, he writes. Whoever understands only the language of violence should feel it themselves. Referring to politicians who called for prudence in the wake of the Berlin terrorist attack, Baberowski rails, On the political stage, the song of self-disempowerment is being sung. He celebrates Trumps election victory in the Basler Zeitung as a blow against the culture of political correctness. He defends the AfD against the groundless accusation that there were fascists among its parliamentary deputies. Another recurring issue that recalls Trump and Bannon is Baberowskis attacks on the media and established political parties. The professor, who enjoys access to a wide range of media channels and who ruthlessly attacks his critics, creates the impression that he lives in a dictatorship where opinions are suppressed. Commenting on criticism of Volkish-nationalist ideas and xenophobia, he wrote: With a moral pistol, the safety catch off, the dictatorship of the politically correct compels citizens to say only what it wants to hear. At the height of the refugee crisis in October 2015, Baberowski raged in the Neue Zurcher Zeitung against the virtue-mania of the authorities, who excluded those opposed to refugees from the debate on immigration. In the world of the moral righteous, into which Germany has been transformed by the mainstream media, prudence and reason have been outlawed. Whoever refers to healthy common sense risks exclusion and contempt. Whoever violates the limits of the republic of virtues is to be banished to darkest Germany. In the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Baberowski simultaneously played off socially disadvantaged sections of the population against refugees, in the style of the AfD or Frances National Front. Why should an immigrant receive for free what those who live here have worked hard for decades to secure? he asked. Secretaries, construction workers, mothers who have little money available in their old age, hairdressers unable to afford a home because their wages are insufficient, do not understand why the social welfare net is there for those who have made no contribution to its financing. He ultimately drew on the arguments of cultural racism to justify his agitation against refugees. The integration of several million people in a short time interrupts the continuity of our traditions, on which we base ourselves and which sustain a society and provide it with consistency, he wrote. There can be no doubt about the extreme right-wing character of Baberowskis views. Even in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Jannis Panagotidis, Patrice Poutrous and Frank Wolff have criticised Baberowski for abandoning in his polemics knowledge derived from historical migration research in favour of intervening in the debate as a concerned citizen with pre-scientific professions of faith. In the taz newspaper, Daniel Bax accused prominent publicists of acting as mouthpieces for right-wing and far-right circles, and referred to Baberowski as an example. Baberowski was invited to a CSU (Christian Social Union) meeting in Erding in early October, he wrote. But his theses are also shared by the NPD (a neofascist party). The fact that Baberowski advances far-right positions is recognized not only by his critics, but by the extreme right as well. Along with Breitbart News, the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer praised Baberowski for his agitation against refugees. In Germany, he is lauded for the same reason by the far-right newspaper Junge Freiheit and the fascist NPD. Baberowskis revision of history There is a good reason why Baberowski does not separate his role as a right-wing agitator from his work as a historian. In his academic field, he also advocates far-right theses based on historical revisionism. His work on Stalinist violence is motivated by his support for the work of Ernst Nolte, who downplayed the Nazis as an ultimately understandable reaction to Bolshevism. Although Stalins reign of terror in 1937 and 1938 was aimed above all against the leadership of the October Revolution, Baberowski persistently refused to acknowledge any break between the October Revolution and Stalinism. And although the mere accusation of Trotskyism amounted to a death sentence, he denies the fact that the Trotskyist Left Opposition waged an embittered struggle against Stalinism on the basis of a socialist and internationalist perspective. In early 2014, Baberowski told Der Spiegel that he had already defended Nolte at the time of the Historikerstreit (Historians Dispute) when Baberowski was a student. Nolte was done an injustice, historically speaking, he was right, he added. As with Nolte, Baberowskis writings are characterised by the downplaying of the crimes of the Nazis. He told Der Spiegel in the same interview, Hitler was no psychopath, and he wasn't vicious. He didn't want people to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table. In Baberowskis books, there are many passages suggesting that the Nazis war in the east was not planned as a war of annihilation, but forced on the Wehrmacht by Stalin. This is also the case in his latest book, Raume der Gewalt (Spaces of Violence), which, in addition, virtually denies the Nazis anti-Semitic motives. The word anti-Semitism does not appear once in the entire book, and the word anti-Semites only three times, and then only in a negative sense, as Alan Posener noted in Die Welt. He cited Baberowskis assertion regarding the paramilitary death squads of the SS, Not even in the Einsatzgruppen were particularly motivated anti-Semites to be found, before adding ironically, They just murdered Jews. Posener summed up his criticism by stating, There was a time when such a dismissal of the role of anti-Semitism in the Holocaust would have been a scandal in Germany. The intellectual level of the country has degenerated to such an extent that Baberowski is being feted. Baberowskis book on violence lacks even the most basic scientific method and serves to justify a right-wing policy of law-and-order. His theory of violence presents human beings as unalterable and violent, explains violence purely on the basis of the immediate situation and denies it has any relevant social or ideological causes. According to his thesis, order can only be established by means of the force of the state and not through social progress. As he said at a panel discussion in Berlin, All the money spent on social programmes to civilise people could just as well be tossed in the (river) Spree. Instead, he called for a better equipping of the state to reinforce its monopoly on the use of force. These views also overlap with those of Bannon, who wants to deconstruct the welfare state and strengthen the police instead. The ruling elites shift to the right The aggressiveness with which Baberowski puts forward his right-wing positions and attacks his critics can only be understood in the context of the global shift to the right by the ruling elites in every country. They are responding to the global crisis of capitalism, which has further deepened since the 2008 economic crisis, as they did in the last century: with war and dictatorship. The coming to office of Donald Trump, the most right-wing president in American history, has increased the danger that humanity will be wiped out in a nuclear war. Trump and his cabinet, made up of billionaires, generals and right-wing ideologues, have declared war on the American working class and the entire world. The situation is no different in Germany and Europe. This is the reason why a right-wing professor like Baberowski encounters virtually no opposition in leading media and political circles, and is praised as a renowned historian. As in the United States, the ruling elite is preparing for new wars. In the coming years, Germany will face foreign policy and security challenges of which the country cannot even dream today, possibly not even in its worst nightmares. Jan Techau, the director of a US think-tank in Berlin, wrote recently in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. According to Techau, Germans must therefore urgently be forced to give up their neurotic desire for a morally clean foreign policy. What is currently taking place in Germany and Europe will end in catastrophe if young workers and students do not begin to seriously think through political issues and participate in the building of the IYSSE. As the youth organisation of the International Committee of the Fourth International, it is building a global movement that links the struggle against war, dictatorship and social attacks with the fight for socialism. The Student Activities Board (SAB) announced that it will decide on the club status application of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) and other clubs at New York University (NYU) on Friday, March 3. Last semester the SAB rejected the IYSSEs application, falsely claiming that it is too similar to other clubs and that the university does not have enough money to fund all organizations that complete the requirements for club status. In response, the IYSSE launched a campaign to oppose the decision and the anti-democratic club application process, mobilizing hundreds of students to sign petitions or attend IYSSE meetings and rallies. In recent weeks, a number of professors have written to the university supporting the IYSSE and calling for the democratization of the club application process. The IYSSE appealed to professors in an email sent last week noting that last semester 40 of 46 applicants were denied, and that the club application process is deeply flawed and anti-democratic, open to decisions based on political bias. The IYSSE rejected NYUs claim that the IYSSEs aims are too similar to those of other clubs: The IYSSE represents the student movement of the Socialist Equality Party, a distinct political party with a unique history, perspective, and program. To suggest that we join with existing clubs linked to rival political parties, we believe, is an undemocratic attempt to dictate the terms of political discussion and debate at NYU. Professor Bertell Ollman of the NYU Department of Politics responded with the following letter to the SAB: As an NYU professor, who received a large part of his education at the Univ. of Wisconsin and Oxford from the different political clubs I joined and the even larger number I didn't belong to but whose meetings I often attended, I must tell you how shocked I was to learn how few such clubs get the official stamp of approval, with all the advantages that entails, at my home university. You must be aware that such clubs offer the best opportunity for like minded students to get together to discuss, among other things, the practical implications of what is taught in most of their courses... without the imposing presence of their professors. I have always thought that university courses and club activity complement one another in ways that contribute to the best possible education. If resources are the problem, why not reduce the number of professors and administrators, and let student clubs of all kinds flourish? I have no doubt that the quality of the overall education on offer at NYU would improve, and we might even save some money, which could then be used to lower the cost of our tuition. The SAB responded by defending its decision to block the IYSSE, writing that it could not approve all organizations because of what it said were a lack of funds and space on the campus. Ollman then replied: Thanks for your response. But I'm afraid you have turned the key question around: IT IS - Should the SAB accept its role as an instrument of the NYU Administration's apparent desire to devote as little funds as possible to all the students who want to form clubs to enrich their university experience, or change sides and become the spokesperson for all the students who want to form clubs? It's a CHOICE for you and, obviously, also for the Administration. Nothing is fixed in stone, especially how much money and spaces the University, which has a lot of both, makes available to clubs. Otherwise, you are in the impossible position of trying to decide which clubs are already represented and which not (no two political clubs, for example, are alike). Think on it. Several other NYU professors have written in to the SAB. Hasia R. Diner, Director of the Goldstein-Goren Center for American Jewish History at NYU, wrote: To the SAB Club Board: Why would you deny a club the right to official status here on campus? Has the club harmed any one? Has it discriminated against any other students? Has it threatened anyone? Do you deny other political clubs this status? It is not your place, as I understand it, to sit in judgment of a clubs worth or its ideas. That is not what a university it supposed to be. I do not necessarily share this group's views; indeed I am not familiar with them, but that is irrelevant. Change your position in the name of fairness. Liza Featherstone, Adjunct Professor at the Arthur Carter Journalism Institute, wrote: Please recognize the International Youth and Students for Social Equality as an official NYU club. Not to do so is clearly political discrimination and an infringement on NYU students freedom of association. Students should have access to a wide range of political organizations. As well, it sounds as if you may need a fairer and more democratic process to decide which clubs to recognize. This is only a selection of the letters the IYSSE received in support of its fight for club status. The IYSSE welcomes the support from professors and is prepared for the next stage in its fight for socialism at NYU and among the working class of New York City. Last week, on February 24, Perus right-wing President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (PPK) became the first Latin American head of state to stage a state visit to the Trump White House. The trip by Kuczynski, a Wall Street investment banker, specializing in private equity funds, received scant coverage in the US media. During a brief appearance before the White House media, Trump described Peru as a fantastic neighbor and referred to the US sale of military vehicles to the Peruvian armed forces, telling Kuczynski use them well, use them well. There is no doubt that the main use of such equipment will be repressing struggles of Peruvian workers. There was no mention in the public appearance of an ongoing judicial matter pending between the two countries, which Kuczynski afterwards said he and Trump discussed for no more than a few seconds. The issue at hand is the extradition of Perus fugitive former President Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), who is believed to be hiding on US territory. Earlier this month, Kuczynski asked Trump in a phone conversation to deport the former president instead of going through the legal process of arrest and extradition. Toledo faces charges of bribery, money laundry and influence trafficking in pocketing US$20 million in bribes paid by the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to secure contracts for building the expensive Transoceanic Highway. In a parallel development, on February 18, SUNAT (The National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration) began seizing 260 million Peruvian soles (US$80 million) from Brazilian construction companies associated with Odebrecht, which is deeply implicated in the Lava Jato (Car Wash) bribes-for-contracts scandal surrounding Brazils state-run oil conglomerate Petrobras. By Odebrechts own account, it paid US$788 million in bribes in 12 countries other than Brazil; $29 million for $10 billion in contracts went to pay Peruvian high officials during three consecutive presidencies: Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), Alan Garcia (2006-2011), and Ollanta Humala (2011-2016). The current President Kuczynski (popularly known as PPK) is also facing investigation for having approved contracts with Odebrecht while he was Toledos Minister of Economy and Finance in 2005. Already a number of leading figures from major Peruvian bourgeois parties have been arrested. The continuing exposures of the ever-wider web of associations with the Odebrecht bribes has had serious repercussions for Kuczynski, who has seen his approval ratings drop to 29 percent. The Odebrecht corruption scandal and resulting political crises extend throughout Latin America. In Brazil itself, the bribes for contracts operation is believed to have siphoned some US$2 billion out of Petrobras. The companys billionaire CEO Marcelo Odebrecht and scores of others have been convicted on corruption charges and have agreed to cooperate with the Brazilian Justice Department to secure lighter sentences. In the Dominican Republic, where there have been mass protests over the corruption revelations, the company paid US$92 million in bribes to secure a power plant contract. In Mexico, El Financiero reported that between 2010 and 2014, under current President Enrique Pena Nieto of the corrupt Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Odebecht paid US$10 million in bribes in exchange for a 300 percent return from public contracts. According to La Prensa, in Panama, Odebrecht spent US$59 million in bribes to government officials and other individuals to win mega-construction projects. Former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinellis family companies and his childrens residences were raided as part of the investigation into bribes by the Brazilian construction company. In Venezuela, Noticias24 reported that the Public Ministry denounced Henrique Capriles, the right-wing governor of the Miranda State and the favored US favorite presidential candidate for regime change, for having received US$3 million in bribes from Odebrecht. According to El Tiempo, in Colombia, between 2003 and 2006 Odebrecht paid US$399 million in bribes and obtained US$ 1.9 billion in contract overcharges. According to Expreso, in Ecuador, the Brazilian construction company paid out bribes for 30 years on contracts with seven governments. At least 18 politicians and officials have been charged with receiving bribes in secret bank accounts, while other money went to finance election campaigns. The total amount in Odebrecht bribes paid out in Ecuador is believe to be US$33.5 million. El Pais reported last December that In 2012, Odebrecht was one of the main public works contractors for the government of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner [Argentina]. At that time it contributed US$35 million to intermediaries in Buenos Aires that allowed the [Brazilian company] to access contracts for approximately US $ 278 million, according to a document signed in a Federal court in Brooklyn, New York. Folha de Sao Paulo reports that Odebrecht is ready to reach an agreement to collaborate in the investigation of briberies in Latin America. The proposal was made in Brasilia during the first week of February to prosecutors from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Republica Dominicana and Venezuela. But Odebrecht lawyers wanted to condition the agreement on the authorities of the various countries allowing the company to continue operations and reversing decisions to seize its assets. Toledo is emblematic of the corruption pervading all of these countries, which were proclaimed, in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s to constitute the emerging market and a source for huge profits for international finance capital. All of them pursued policies of wholesale privatization of state-run enterprises, in the course of which a layer of the bourgeoisie and bourgeois politicians of every stripe enriched themselves through bribes and outright theft. Toledo won the elections in 2001 after posing as the anti-corruption candidate, opposing the seven-year dictatorship of Alberto Fujimori. His presidential campaign always enjoyed the support of Washington, and the CIA saw him as their man in Peru. His entire economic program was based on the continuity of the free-market policies written into Fujimoris constitution of 1993 and imposed through bloody repression. During his five-year presidency he favored privatizations of national resources and market liberalization. Toledo may be the first to fall, but the Peruvian Lava Jato Congressional Commission has already called Alan Garcia to testify. The former Aprista president spent two days dodging questions before returning to Spain. He admitted that there were rats in his Apra party who are now in prison, but claimed he knew nothing about it. In the end, Odebrechts bribes were paid for through over-charges on contracts that were passed on to the people of Peru and Latin America as a whole. For example, the construction of the Peruivan gas-pipelineoleaoducto, one of the most visible government investmentscost US$1.7 billion more than the original $7.5 billion deal signed with Odebrecht. The issue of corruption has been seized upon by right-wing bourgeois parties and movements, beginning in Brazil with the campaign to oust the Workers Party (PT) government of President Dilma Rousseff, to pursue wholly reactionary political aims. In Ecuador, the failure of the ruling partys candidate, Lenin Moreno, to defeat a right-wing challenger was largely bound up with public anger over the involvement of leading officials in the bribery scandal. The reality is that all of these parties, from bourgeois left parties like the PT, Venezuelas ruling PSUV and the Argentine Peronists, to right-wing parties ruling countries like Colombia and Panama, are steeped in corruption, reflecting the relation of the Latin American bourgeoisie to international finance capital. The solution to this problem will come not from court cases and prosecutions of individual state criminals, but only through an independent movement of the Latin American working class, in alliance with workers of North America and internationally, for the nationalization of the banks and basic industries and the socialist transformation of society. Washington accused Russia Wednesday of targeting US-backed opposition fighters in northern Syria in air strikes carried out a day earlier. Lieutenant General Steven Townsend, commander of US forces in Syria and Iraq, stated at a press briefing that Russian planes targeted the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition of Kurdish and Arab fighters which enjoys US support. Townsend noted that Russia immediately halted the strikes when they were informed by the US. US special forces, imbedded with the Arab and Kurdish fighters which are advancing on the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, were just two miles away from the alleged location that was struck. The Russian defense ministry swiftly rejected Townsends allegations, declaring in a statement, Not a single air strike on the regions specified by the US side was conducted by Russian or Syrian air forces. Whatever the truth of these latest claims, the potential for similar incidents to occur is only increasing. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil a vast escalation of US military involvement in Syria and Iraq, including the possible creation of safe zones that would require significant military enforcement to maintain them. Townsend added at the press briefing that he had submitted recommendations to the Trump administration on how to combat ISIS, but refused to disclose them. The area in northern Syria where the alleged air strikes took place is increasingly crowded with aircraft and troops from countries with competing and often conflicting agendas. The location given by Townsend is close to the town of al-Baab, which Turkish forces seized from ISIS last month. The Turkish incursion into northern Syria, begun last August under the pretext of combatting ISIS, is above all aimed at preventing the US-backed Kurdish YPG (Peoples Protection Units) from expanding their territorial control in an area close to the Turkish border. Russian aircraft have been supporting the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad as it seeks to target ISiS territory. On Wednesday, government forces and their allies, supported by Russian air strikes, advanced into the historic city of Palmyra, which has been held by Islamic State since December. Pro-government forces have also advanced on the region controlled by the Kurds and their Arab allies from the south, resulting in fighting near al-Baab. As General Herbert Carlisle, head of US Air Combat Command, recently remarked, As we continue to squeeze ISIS and continue to take more territory away from them, it becomes more complex. The Free Syrian Army, a coalition which has collaborated with the Turkish army during its operations in Syria, said Tuesday that it would attack government forces from its positions in al-Baab. The FSA also vowed to take on the Kurdish-dominated SDF. The Turkish troops and FSA are now encircled by government troops and SDF fighters to the east, preventing them from making any advance on Raqqa as Turkey had pledged. Ankara is opposed to the YPG, which it designates as a terrorist organization, leading the offensive on Raqqa. Chief responsibility for inciting the explosive Syria conflict, which could rapidly escalate into a direct clash between nuclear-armed powers, lies with US imperialism. The Obama administration instigated a regime change operation in 2011 by backing Islamist extremists to topple the Assad regime, which it viewed as an obstacle to the projection of the United States geostrategic interests in the energy-rich Middle East. The conflict has claimed an estimated half a million lives and forced millions to flee their homes. Russia joined the conflict in the fall of 2015 to prop up Assad, Moscows closest ally in the region. Its air power enabled pro-government forces to rout US-backed militants, made up predominantly of the al-Nusra Front, the former al-Qaida affiliate in Syria, in Aleppo. The offensive claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians. The defeat was a major setback for US imperialism, which was largely sidelined in two rounds of peace talks held in the Kazakh capital of Astana in January and February. United Nations-chaired peace talks between government and opposition representatives are currently under way in Geneva, with another round of discussions led by Russia, Iran and Turkey planned for Astana on March 14. The US media and political establishment are continuing to seek to exploit the reports of atrocities committed by Assads forces to step up pressure for his removal. On Tuesday, Washington and Moscow clashed at the UN Security Council over a resolution proposing a new round of sanctions against Damascus over its use of chlorine gas bombs during the Aleppo offensive. Russia was joined by China in vetoing the resolution, which was proposed by Britain and France, and endorsed by the United States. It is a sad day on the Security Council, commented US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. When members start making excuses for other member states killing their own people, the world is definitely a more dangerous place. Haleys pose as a moral guardian of world peace is nauseating. As the Security Council met, Iraqi forces continued to wage their brutal assault on the city of Mosul with US air and artillery support. The offensive to take back western Mosul from Islamic State has left upwards of 750,000 civilians stranded in the city with virtually no escape routes. Iraqi and US-led coalition air strikes have killed an unknown number of civilians, with even the UN acknowledging that more than half of the deaths in Mosul have been non-combatants. Reports from aid organizations have accused the Iraqi forces, many of whom are US-trained, of human rights abuses and war crimes, including summary executions of villagers. US imperialism, which has waged virtually uninterrupted war in the Middle East over the past quarter century, bears responsibility for death and destruction on a vast scale. The estimated death toll from the illegal war in Iraq in 2003 has been put at 1 million, while the 2011 air war in Libya to topple the Gaddafi regime killed tens of thousands and destabilized the country, enabling Islamic extremist groups to flourish. United Nations investigators stated in a report released Wednesday that both sides in the Syrian conflict have committed war crimes. It accused the government of deliberately targeting a UN aid convoy in Aleppo last September, beginning by dropping barrel bombs, before rockets were fired from aircraft. The Syrian air force then reportedly opened machine gun fire on the survivors. The attack killed 14 aid workers. This finding is in contrast to a previous UN inquiry in December, which said that it was not possible to attribute blame in the attack. The Assad regime has persistently denied its involvement, placing responsibility instead on the rebels. UN investigators said they were able to place responsibility on the Syrian government after viewing satellite images of the area. The report also alleged that the Russian and Syrian bombardment of Aleppo, which included the use of unguided munitions, killed 300 people in the first four days of last Septembers offensive, including 96 children. It accused Russian aircraft of joining the Syrian air force in attacking hospitals, water distribution centers and other facilities, but lacked the evidence to accuse Russia of being involved in any of the war crimes described in the report. The investigation also criticized US-backed rebels for their indiscriminate shelling of residential areas of western Aleppo, resulting in dozens of casualties. Rebels also blocked attempts by civilians in areas under their control to flee the fighting, using them as human shields against government attacks. Rebel groups favored supporters during the distribution of food and other aid supplies, and launched an attack on a Kurdish residential area of Sheikh Maqsoud, both acts described by the UN as war crimes. Photo credit: YouTube/Kristine Gillespie From Redbook Fellow viral proposal video lovers, I think this new one might be the cutest yet. In this clip, one teacher proposes to another in a sweet, surprising moment - but it's the over-the-top reaction of their students that really has people going nuts. Science teacher Jason Seifert appears in the video, announcing to a group of his fifth graders that, yes, he is dating their math teacher, Allyson Barker. Apparently, their relationship had been rumored among the students but not confirmed, which makes sense teachers wouldn't typically gossip about their dating status with a group of 11-year-old students. But 39-year-old Seifert didn't leave it at that. After confirming that the rumor he was dating "Miss Barker" was true, you can hear the students start to excitedly chatter before Seifert quiets them down for the big question, busting out some effective teacher skills to quickly shush the kids. He followed up the confirmation by confessing his love to Barker in front of the kids and their fellow teachers. "We are a little bit more than dating, because I am completely in love with her," Seifert said, which sent the kids into a fresh round of squeals and excitement. "I was wondering if Miss Barker would like to become Mrs. Seifert," the science teacher continued, getting down on one knee after quieting the kids down. Understandably, the students went absolutely nuts again even more so when the clearly surprised and emotional math teacher accepted his proposal. The proposal took place on Valentine's Day, and it wasn't a totally spontaneous move, contrary to how it appears. Seifert cleared the plan in advance with the Harry Russell Elementary School principal and invited Barker's parents and sister to the school to witness their big moment. "They waited in the hallway until I was about to propose," Seifert told Us Weekly. "Her mother actually flew in from Florida to be there." Story continues Seifert told ABC News that he and his wife-to-be were together because of the Ohio elementary school, so proposing there was an obvious choice. "I pretty much figured that we met because of that school, we became friends because of that school, we fell in love because of that school, so it made sense," he told ABC. The video ends with the newly-engaged teachers hugging, but Seifert and Barker were afterwards "bum-rushed" with a group hug by fellow teachers and students, he told ABC News. So ridiculously sweet. (h/t Us Weekly) Follow Redbook on Facebook. You Might Also Like Photo credit: Getty From Redbook The terrible twos are definitely a pain for any parent, but can you imagine a toddler's meltdown getting the kid's family kicked off of a plane? A mom of two is now speaking out after allegedly being denied boarding because of her 2-year-old son's tantrum on an earlier flight. According to Laura Kimber, her family was left stranded on Hamilton Island, Australia, when Jetstar Airways refused to allow her family of four onto the plane. Kimber was traveling with her twin sons, her partner Jae, and another couple with a young daughter of their own. On the outbound February 11 flight for their vacation, the Australian mom told the Daily Mail that she was reprimanded by a crew member after one of her twins, Matteo, had a tantrum mid-flight. "As they prepared the cabin for landing, Matteo, one of our twins was really overtired it was past nap time. He was a bit cranky and he was throwing a tantrum," Kimber explained. "At this stage, I had a really rude air hostess come up and sternly say to me, 'You really need to get him off the floor or we're going to have to circle the plane because of you.'" After getting an extender belt so she could secure her antsy boy to her lap, the situation seemed to be resolved until they went to get their luggage. A Jetstar employee allegedly warned Kimber's partner not to be shocked if they were refused their later flight home, citing a complaint about the little boy's behavior. Yikes. That all sounds awkward, but not particularly newsworthy at least until the family returned to the airport for their flight back to Sydney ten days later and were actually unable to board the plane. Kimber said that her family (and the family they were traveling with) were stopped at the gate and told they'd been "refused" and were not going to be allowed on the plane. The frustrated mom alleged that she was told she hadn't handled her son's tantrum properly on the flight out to Hamilton Island and that that was the issue preventing them from boarding. The family was offered a flight out the following Friday or a refund; they chose to get their money back, but said they ended up paying thousands more in extra last-minute hotel costs and more flights. Story continues Jetstar denied Kimber's claim about how this all went down, instead telling the Daily Mail that the boarding refusal was due to "disruptive behavior by adult passengers at the boarding gate." In another weird twist, fellow Jetstar passengers who witnessed the situation at the return flight gate called the family's story "complete rubbish," telling 9Honey that "[the Kimbers] continued to act like absolute clowns, yelling and screaming" after being held at the gate and that "they didn't just deserve a 24-hour ban, but a life ban" from Jetstar. Kimber didn't deny getting upset, but claimed it was only after they'd been denied boarding and were made to wait in the heat with small children while the airline workers were sorting out the situation. What a nightmare. (h/t Huffington Post UK) Follow Redbook on Facebook. You Might Also Like Last year, when Philadelphia lobbied for (and won) the implementation of a soft drink tax , Big Soda fought it tooth and nail. And for good reason, as it turns out. The citys soda sellers say that the 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax has reduced sales by half, and PepsiCo has been forced to cut jobs after... Last year, when Philadelphia lobbied for (and won) the implementation of a soft drink tax, Big Soda fought it tooth and nail. And for good reason, as it turns out. The citys soda sellers say that the 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax has reduced sales by half, and PepsiCo has been forced to cut jobs after their sales fell 40 percent in the city. Canada Dry Delaware Valley a local soft drink distributor has also reported a 45 percent decrease in sales. The pattern is alarming to businesses that rely on consumer popularity of the sweet drinks. Philadelphia became the first major city last year to implement the soda tax, and other cities like San Francisco followed, with similar measures on the ballot in New York. Philadelphias tax went into effect on January 1. In 30 years of business, theres never been a circumstance in which weve ever had a sales decline of any significant amount, Jeff Brown, chief executive officer of Browns Super Stores, a franchise operation that owns a dozen Shop Rites, told Bloomberg. I would describe the impact as nothing less than devastating. Sales are also hurting small local businesses like mom and pop grocery stores and bodegas. The sales tax is technically on the distributor side, but consumers are seeing their favorite drinks double in price due to the added costs. The widow of Joe Bidens late son Beau Biden is now dating the former vice presidents other child, Hunter, the New York Posts Page Six reports. Hallie Biden and Hunter, 47, began dating after Hunter split from his wife Kathleen, with whom he shares three children: Finnegan, Maisy and Naomi. In a statement to Page Six, Hunter said, Hallie and I are incredibly lucky to have found the love and support we have for each other in such a difficult time, and thats been obvious to the people who love us most. Weve been so lucky to have family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. The former vice president and wife Dr. Jill Biden also said in a statement, We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them. PEOPLE has reached out to a representative of the Biden family, who did not respond to a request for comment. Beau passed away in 2015 at age 46 after a battle with brain cancer. He left behind two children with Hallie: daughter Natalie, 12, and Hunter, 10. Biden brothers Beau, the former state attorney general of Delaware, had suffered numerous medical problems leading up to his death, including a minor stroke in 2010. Three years later, he was admitted to the hospital after falling ill while on vacation. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2013 and underwent treatment at MD Anderson in Houston. After receiving treatment, which included radiation and chemotherapy, Beau was given a clean bill of health in November 2013. A week before his 2015 death, the former vice president announced Beaus hospitalization. A source told Page Six that Hunter, an attorney, and wife Kathleen separated in fall 2015. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Democrat women sent a message on Tuesday at Donald Trumps first address to a joint session of Congress. A majority of the 66 women representatives and delegates in the House Democratic Womens Working Group sported all-white or mostly white ensembles to the event to support womens rights, CNN reports. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted a photo of the white-clad women, writing, Tonight, our Democratic #WomenWearWhite in support of womens rights in spite of a @POTUS who doesnt! The women wore what they called suffragette white a nod to the decades-long movement that landed women the right to vote in the early 1900s, according to CNN. We wear white to unite against any attempts by the Trump Administration to roll back the incredible progress women have made in the last century, and we will continue to support the advancement of all women, Florida Rep. Lois Frankel told NBC News in a statement. Keep your eye out tonight as Democratic #WomenWearWhite in support of womens rights during the #JointSession! pic.twitter.com/4l4TUc79RQ Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) February 28, 2017 The members wore white to support affordable health care, reproductive rights, Planned Parenthood, equal pay, paid leave and affordable child care, the statement added. Story continues The women stood out at the joint address, their white outfits a prominent contrast to the officials in dark suits surrounding them. Watch: Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Assault Women across the nation and around the globe have been taking a stand against Trump. The day after Trump was sworn in as president, millions of women around the world took to the streets in the Womens March protest. Less than a month after the event, March organizers announced plans to hold a general strike called A Day Without a Woman. The strike will take place on March 8 and women are invited to take the day off work, avoid shopping at any business other than small, women- or minority-owned establishments and wear red in solidarity with the movement. When the Trump administration chose to rescind guidelines that protected transgender students on Feb. 22, Gavin Grimm was disappointed, but not surprised. Instead, it was just another obstacle standing in the transgender teens way as he fights for the right to use the boys bathroom at Gloucester High School in Virginia. It was very frustrating, but it hasnt, I dont think, caused any of us to slow down or give up in any way, the high school senior tells PEOPLE. Grimm first came out as transgender to his accepting parents in April 2014, while he was in a home school program. But Grimms battle began when he enrolled in the public high school for his sophomore year. School administrators initially gave him permission to use the boys bathroom, until they reversed their decision seven weeks later after some parents complained. His options were now to use the girls bathroom, a single-stall unisex bathroom, or a restroom in the nurses office. Grimm, who declined the idea of transferring schools, chose instead to stand his ground and hold his bladder through the school day, while pushing back against the school board for the right to use the bathroom of his choice. It was important to me to stay, he says. I dont want to get run out by nasty people and discrimination. For me, its the equivalent of giving up. Grimm plead his case to the Gloucester school board, but they voted 6-1 against him. With the help of the ACLU, he sued the school district in Virginia courts under the argument that the schools bathroom rule discriminates based on gender, in violation of Title IX. Grimm earned a temporary victory when Virginias Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in his favor in October, but it became short-lived when the Supreme Court elected to take on his case and placed a stay on the decision. It was kind of breathtaking. There was this moment of, Oh my god, its going to dominate my senior year now too, Grimm says. There was that moment of disappointment, and then once I adjusted to the idea, I realized its maybe not such a bad idea. I have a platform now and I have the opportunity to do good on a larger scale than I did before. Story continues His case now has the potential to legally grant transgender students the right to use the bathroom of their choice, and other protections that had previously only been written in guidelines provided by the Obama administration, nationwide. I think any decision, no matter how narrow, would be a huge relief for trans folks over the next four to eight years, Joshua Block, Grimms lawyer and a senior staff attorney at the ACLU, tells PEOPLE. But the guideline repeal added a new wrinkle to Grimms case, set to go in front of the Supreme Court on March 28. The letter from the Departments of Justice and Education argues that transgender rights should not be covered under Title IX, yet it does not revoke anything. It could have no baring on the case at all, or the Supreme Court could defer to the letter and throw out Grimms argument. Regardless of any legal effects, Grimm says the Trump administration reversal is a major step backwards for human rights. To have a government thats sending this message to trans kids that you dont deserve to be protected can be very upsetting for an already vulnerable population, he says. The mental impact that this can have is, in short, a detrimental one. The Los Angeles County District Attorneys office is maneuvering against Roman Polanskis latest legal attempt to unseal testimony in his long-running sex with an underage girl case and has made it clear they want to see him in a Los Angeles courtroom. Polanski, 83, seeks to unseal a 2010 transcript of Deputy District Attorney Roger Gunson, according to Variety, who prosecuted the case in 1977. The directors attorney, Harland Braun, urged Judge Scott Gordon to make the document public in a letter on Feb. 6. In an opposition filing Wednesday, Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee argued that Gordon should stick with the rulings of earlier judges, according to Deadline, who have rejected Polanskis efforts to unseal the transcript. It is the Peoples position that resolution of this case requires the presence of the defendant, Hanisee wrote. Polanski fled to France in 1978 after he thought a judge was going to drop a plea deal which allowed him to serve just 42 days. He has lived in European countries since, despite American authorities efforts to extradite him. The directors attorneys have been trying to resolve his case for 20 years. Hanisee suggested in her motion that Polanski could return to the U.S. and argue for a lighter sentence, or withdraw his guilty plea and seek a trail, according to Variety. The defendant has many options before him if he returns to this jurisdiction, said Hanisee. He can return to this court and argue for a favorable sentence. He can return to court and make a motion to withdraw his plea and face the possibility of a trial on all of the original charges. He can file an appeal of any order of the court to the Courts of Appeal. He can negotiate with the People. What he cannot do is dictate outcomes from afar while insulating himself from any potential adverse consequence, she wrote. In January, Polanski withdrew from presiding over the Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars, after his appointment to the prestigious role sparked outrage. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android. From Cosmopolitan A Georgia judge sentenced two people to lengthy prison terms for their role in the disruption of a black child's birthday party with Confederate flags, racial slurs and armed threats. Jose Ismael Torres, 26, will spend 13 years in prison; Kayla Rae Norton, 25, is to serve six years, Atlanta news outlets report. Both wept as the sentences were handed down Monday in Douglas County, west of Atlanta. "Their actions were motivated by racial hatred," said Superior Court Judge William McClain. The judge ordered the two permanently banished from Douglas County once they are released. The two are the last of 15 people charged in the confrontation at the 8-year-old's party, which took place in Douglasville in July 2015. Only four were charged with felonies. The other two pleaded guilty and are serving shorter prison terms. Torres and Norton were found guilty of yelling racial slurs and threatening to kill partygoers, even the kids. Prosecutors said Torres pointed a shotgun at the party. "This is behavior that even supporters of the Confederate battle flag can agree is criminal and shouldn't be allowed," Douglas County District Attorney Brian Fortner said in a statement. Norton was sentenced on one count of violating Georgia's street gang act and one count of making terroristic threats. Torres was sentenced on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of terroristic threats and one count of violating the street gang act. The disruption of the birthday party took place less than a month after white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine African-Americans at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. Roof, who was sentenced to death for his crime, brandished the battle flag in several photographs that came to light after his arrest. He said it had been his intent to kill black people and start a race war. You Might Also Like By Jessica McKinney Because of Hidden Figures, the group of African-American women who contributed to NASAs space program in the 1960s are hidden no more. To continue to honor the Women of NASAs legacy and inspire other young women, Lego is launching a new toy set of mini-figures. The collection, which was brought to life by Maia Weinstock, will include NASA trajectory expert Katherine Johnson, whom Taraji P. Henson played in the film, as well as MIT computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, Fortune reports. The mini-figures will also include Mae Jemison, first African American woman in space; Sally Ride, first American woman in space, and physicist Nancy Grace Roman. In addition to its many characters, the set will include mini versions of computer programming machines, and the historic Hubble Space telescope. Celebrate the pioneers, encourage the next generation. Happy Intl. Day of Women and Girls in Science! #womeninscience #girlsinscience pic.twitter.com/m2TVOqSAiM Lego NASA Women (@LegoNASAWomen) February 11, 2017 Were really excited to be able to introduce Maias Women of NASA set for its inspirational value as well as build and play experience, a Lego representative said in an official statement. The toy companys goal is that the new figure will inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM, technology, and engineering. Lego previously thrust its support behind women in STEM with its first collection featuring women scientists in 2014. That set has recently been retired, but received great reviews at the time. The latest Women of NASA toy set is reportedly awaiting a final product design, but is expected to be available some time in 2018. This post Thanks To Hidden Figures, Lego Will Honor The Women Of NASA first appeared on Vibe. Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. CONTACTS WITH RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR PROMPT OUTCRY Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. The revelation fuels calls for him to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference in the election. 2. US AIRSTRIKES TARGET AL-QAIDA IN CENTRAL YEMEN The military action comes a month after U.S. special forces carried out a raid in the same province that left one U.S. Navy SEAL dead, along with a number of civilians. 3. PYONGYANG POINTS TO NATURAL CAUSE A North Korean envoy says a heart attack likely killed Kim Jong Nam, not VX nerve agent as a Malaysia autopsy showed. 4. INVESTORS BET BIG ON US STOCKS The Dow a day after Trump outlined several business-friendly proposals in a speech to Congress rises more than 300 points, closing above 21,000 for the first time. 5. WHO'S PUTTING CHINESE LEGAL SYSTEM TO TEST A group of lawyers, fed up with what they consider halfhearted efforts to fight air pollution, are suing authorities in and around Beijing. 6. HUNGER SPREADS IN WAR-TORN SOUTH SUDAN Famine threatens roughly 100,000 people and has the international community on alert. 7. THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE? NOT FROM THESE TWO The president of the film academy says the two accountants responsible for the best-picture flub at Sunday's Academy Awards will never work the Oscars again. 8. WHY WALL STREET NEWCOMER IS GETTING BUZZ The company behind the popular messaging app Snapchat is expected to start trading after a better-than-expected stock offering. 9. CLIMACTIC SEA BATTLE UNSPOOLS IN PROPAGANDA PIECE A new Iranian animated film imagines a devastating response to an American attack on the country's nuclear program a U.S. naval fleet obliterated by a barrage of rockets. 10. ROMANCE BLOOMS WITHIN POLITICAL CLAN Ex-Vice President Joe Biden's son is reportedly dating the widow of his other son, the late Beau Biden. 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 Yes, you read that headline correctly: Ford is recalling some 32,000 late-model Ford and Lincoln vehicles to replace their airbags, which were manufactured by Takata. The problem with these particular airbags is different from the one affecting 70 million fatally flawed airbag inflators installed in 42 million U.S. cars, which has sparked the largest recall in automotive history. However, the danger posed to vehicle occupants is just as serious. ALSO SEE: Audi, Porsche top Consumer Reports scorecard; Fiat, Jeep, not so much The issue affects driver-side frontal airbags in the Ford Edge, Lincoln Continental, and Lincoln MKX. Ford says that some of the airbag cushions in those devices may not inflate as intended--specifically, they may only partially fill, or in some cases, they might even detach from the airbag module altogether. If either of those things were to happen, the airbag wouldn't provide the necessary protection during collisions. Thankfully, Ford says that it knows of no accidents or injuries linked to the problem. The recall includes the following vehicles and dates of manufacture: 2016-17 Ford Edge vehicles built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant from October 8, 2015 to February 15, 2017 2016-17 Lincoln MKX vehicles built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant from November 11, 2014 to February 15, 2017 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles built at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant from January 13, 2016 to January 18, 2017 Ford says that the recall affects 31,867 vehicles in North America. Of that number, 27,531 are registered in the U.S. and 4,336 are in Canada. Ford will mail recall notices to owners, urging them to schedule service appointments with their local dealerships. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver-side frontal airbag module at no charge. If you own one of these vehicles and have further questions, you're encouraged to call Ford Customer Service at 800-392-3673 or Lincoln Customer Service at 800-521-4140 and ask about recall #17C02. A wave of elections is crashing across Europe this year, in the Netherlands, France, Germany and possibly in Italy. But although German Chancellor Angela Merkel may face a tougher re-election fight than expected, the widely held fear that anti-E.U. populists will follow a trail blazed by Brexiters in the U.K. and Trumpists in the U.S. is exaggerated. On March 15, Dutch voters will kick off this electoral season, and most recent surveys show Geert Wilders and his PVV party running first. Wilders, a longtime lightning rod for left-wing critics, has called Moroccan immigrants scum and promises a Brexit-style referendum for the Netherlands. Yet even if the PVV does come first, Wilders cant make his anti-E.U. dream a reality. The PVV wont poll much above 20%, and few of its rivals will be willing to join it in a coalition government. Moreover, Nexit would be a tough sell for a small country deeply dependent on E.U. trade and access to the single market. To leave the E.U. would require a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Dutch Parliament. That wont happen. In France, polls continue to show the National Fronts far-right firebrand Marine Le Pen running ahead in first-round voting on April 27, but centrist technocrat Emmanuel Macron is gaining ground. In a second-round runoff due on May 7, polls suggest he will defeat her handily. Nobody should rule out a surprise given the number of scandals this race has already produced, but Le Pen remains an underdog for now. If Italy calls early elections this year, the populist, anti-E.U. Five Star Movement might yet finish first. But its hopes of building a parliamentary majority rest on the Euroskeptic Northern League and far-right Fratelli dItalia sharply boosting their popularity too. Again, not likely. Merkel does have a serious challenger in Germanys September election, with recent polls showing Martin Schulz of the center-left SPD edging ahead. But Schulz is no Trump-style populist. Hes a former president of the European Parliament, a centrist on economic issues and a supporter of Merkels refugee policies. His success has been driven by calls for better pensions and reforms to unemployment benefits rather than populist slogans. He has promised to make Europe great again only to mock Donald Trump. Which hammers home another, symbolic point: few Europeans actually like the U.S. President. Fewer than 1 in 4 voters in Germany, France and the Netherlands want closer E.U.-U.S. ties. Among the Dutch, Trump wins support from just half of voters on the far right. Perhaps Europes populists should be worried the tide is turning against them too. This appears in the March 13, 2017 issue of TIME. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Four Central European nations have hammered out proposals for the European Union that are intended to strengthen the voice of member nations and avoid divisions, Poland's prime minister said Thursday. Beata Szydlo spoke following a meeting with her counterparts from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The meeting was held days ahead of the March 9-10 EU summit in Brussels and a special March 25 anniversary summit in Rome. A key issue at these meetings will be the future standing of the currently 28-member bloc after Britain leaves. Szydlo said that the joint declaration of the so-called Visegrad Group for a "better Europe" was agreed on Thursday and will be presented in Rome. It calls for EU institutions to take care of issues directly concerning Europeans, like security, protected borders, dignity, justice and equal treatment for each of the member states, Szydlo told a news conference. One "serious problem" cited by the group was the lack of uniform food standards throughout the EU, which some central European members say means they receive inferior food. "We believe there is a double standard on the European Union market," said Hungary's Viktor Orban. "We have to avoid ... having Europe use our countries and markets as a garbage dump," Orban said. The group appealed to EU officials to take a "serious approach" to the issue. The declaration also calls for a strong EU market with no protectionism or divisions and for greater control by member nations over the legislative and decision-making processes. The group, which joined the club in 2004, says that EU decisions are made in Brussels by politicians who do not seek the opinions of the member nations. Szydlo's talks with Orban, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Bohuslav Sobotka of the Czech Republic were also believed to have included the Polish government's opposition to a second term for Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, as European Council head. Story continues Tusk's 2 -year term ends in May. He is the only candidate for the position and enjoys general support, but is the long-time political rival in Poland of the leader of Poland's ruling conservative party. ___ This story has been corrected to show Orban's first name is spelled Viktor, not Victor; and to show the declaration is for a "better Europe" not "better union." ______ Pablo Gorondi in Budapest contributed to this report Investigators found a body off Interstate 80 in Seward County Tuesday after searching for a man reported missing by Illinois authorities, officials said Thursday. A search by Nebraska State Patrol troopers and Seward County deputy sheriffs found human remains in a wooded area near the interstate, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. State Patrol investigators are conducting the death investigation. The name of the deceased hasn't been released. An autopsy has been ordered and Chief Deputy Seward County Attorney Joe Dalton said Thursday it would be conducted shortly. Officials have not said whether they believe the death is natural or involves foul play. RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) The 83-year-old man at the controls of a plane that crashed into two Southern California homes had loved to fly and had taken to the skies for many years, family members said. Nouri Hijazi had flown a group of five that included his wife and daughter from their home in San Jose to watch his granddaughter's cheerleading competition at the Disneyland Resort, but just after takeoff on the return trip his small Cessna hit the houses in residential Riverside, killing him, his 67-year-old wife Dana Hijazi and 22-year-old family friend Adine Farelas, authorities and family members said. There were no immediate indications of what caused the crash. "He was an extremely experienced pilot, which was his hobby, his passion," Christy Crown, sister-in-law of the Hijazis' daughter Stacey Pierce, said in a statement Wednesday. "We want to say how incredibly devastated and heartbroken we are and still trying to process everything." Pierce survived the Monday crash and underwent surgery on Wednesday afternoon, her husband Richard Pierce told the San Francisco Chronicle. She was stable and able to talk to him, Pierce said. The couple's daughter and the other young teen the group had gone to see in the competition both made it home safely to San Jose on a bus with their team. The second teen is the younger sister of Farelas, who died in the crash, and the daughter of Sylvia Farelas, who was the second survivor. Sylvia Farelas is severely burned over much of her body and has undergone two surgeries since the crash. Her son, Brandon Farelas, told KGO-TV that his mother had called him before the flight and said she was worried about the rainy weather in Riverside. Weather in the area 60 miles east of Los Angeles had included rain, but authorities did not say if that played a role in the crash. Dana Hijazi, the pilot's wife, was a pilot herself and a native of Poland. Relatives from there were headed to the US to support their mourning family. Story continues Before the crash, the smiling members of the team celebrated their first place trophy win at the weekend's national cheer competition, according to the group's Facebook page. Adine Farelas posted that she was "having a blast" with her mother and Pierce and looking forward to heading to the Disneyland park where the event was to be held. The names of the cheerleaders have not been released. The twin-engine Cessna 310 ignited a major fire that destroyed two homes and slightly damaged two others when it crashed. No one on the ground was hurt. One of the houses that was hit had been empty, but Dave Swinfard was sitting inside the other doing a crossword puzzle when his roof collapsed, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. He was not hurt but he was unable to get out any of his 12 cats as the house went up in flames. Actress Lauren London, also known as L-Boogie, was a trending topic on Twitter Tuesday morning after photos were seen of her and rapper boyfriend Nipsey Hussle sitting courtside at the L.A. Lakers game Monday night. But her fans quickly swooped to her rescue against the body-shaming tweets directed at the star. In September 2009, London gave birth to her first child at 24 years old, Kameron Samuel Ari Carter, with ex-fiance Lil Wayne. In September 2016, London gave birth to her and Hussles baby boy and was seen with baby weight sitting at the Laker game, her first appearance since postpartum, which a few users of the Twitter community pointed out as fat. However, a majority of Twitter came to Londons defense against the fat-shaming tweets, with many tweets attributing to how tough weight loss is for some women after having a child. London looked regular and fine according to users who counter tweeted the insults. London did not address the matter or the post-baby snapback lash on Twitter. The 32-year-old actress is most notably known for her appearance in the film ATL as the love interest with Tip TI Harris. London received recognition since the film first debuted and was offered to star in This Christmas alongside Loretta Devine, Idris Elba and Regina King without an audition. She also played a role in I Love You, Beth Cooper, with Hayden Panettiere and made her first television appearance on Everybody Hates Chris. Her most recent credit was her starring role in The Perfect Match that premiered last March, starring Cassie Ventura, Donald Faison, Dascha Polanco, Robert Christopher Riley, Joe Pantoliano and Paula Patton. It was unclear whether Londons career had any plans for 2017, but the under-the-radar star seemed to be taking a break to tend to her newborn child. Story continues Related Articles Just hours after President Donald Trump said he had full confidence in him, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Thursday he would recuse himself from an investigation into potential ties between the Trump administration and Russia. Sessionss announcement comes a day after it was revealed that the new attorney general, who swore he had not had contact with Russian officials during his confirmation hearings, had indeed spoken twice with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak during the election. Sessions insisted that he actually answered the questions honestly, because I never had meetings with Russian operatives or government intermediaries about the Trump campaign. The question he was asked at his confirmation hearing, posed by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was, If there was any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this [2016] campaign, what would you do? In response, Sessions said, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. He met with the Russian ambassador, who is literally a Russian intermediary, in July and again on Sept. 8. Sessions recalled some portions of the September meeting with Kislyak during his press conference. He recalled telling the envoy he had gone to Russia with a church group in 1991, but that Kislyak was an old-school, Soviet type and not a believer. He also recalled discussing terrorism and Ukraine. Sessions said the Russian ambassador defended Moscows actions there, and that it got to be a little bit of a testy conversation at that point. He also said that Kislyak invited him to lunch, but that he did not accept that offer. Another declined invite came right after: The Trump team declined to meet with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko when he was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly in late September. Sessions maintains he spoke honestly and correctly during the hearing, though admitted it would have been better to add, But I did meet with this one Russian official a couple of times. Story continues Sessions said that he had already been discussing with his staff whether he should be involved in any investigation of Trump and Russia, and said he was advised by them to recuse himself. He stressed that this announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation. The investigation would involve ties between the Trump campaign and Russian officials. The Trump administration previously denied having contact with Russian officials during the campaign; this was later reported to be incorrect. Further, after the campaign but before Trumps inauguration, Trumps former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn spoke to Kislyak about sanctions on Russia. That same month, Flynn and Trumps senior advisor/son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Kislyak in Trump Tower. Photo credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images New York (AFP) - Distraught by the treatment of Muslims in Donald Trump's America, indie rocker Ben Lee felt he could seize on his own skills to encourage understanding. The former frontman of the group Noise Addict has recorded an album of songs about Islam and, hoping for the greatest impact, geared them toward children. With chipper arrangements that would be at home in kindergarten classrooms, "Ben Lee Sings Songs About Islam for the Whole Family" explains the religion's core beliefs with references to the Koran. Lee, an Australian who lives in Los Angeles, said he knew the power of songs through his career and also by observing his seven-year-old daughter. "That's the beauty of the pop song -- you can say anything, and if you say it in two and a half minutes with a catchy chorus, it becomes digestible," said the affable 38-year-old. "I think I'm at the point in my life where you start realizing that any lasting effect that you're going to have on the human race is going to be through the influence you can make on the next generation," he told AFP with a chuckle. Lee will donate all proceeds from the album to the American Civil Liberties Union which has aggressively challenged Trump on rights issues including his sweeping ban -- since suspended by the courts -- on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations. - Non-literal take on faith - But Lee does not see his album, which comes out Friday, as political. Instead, he is hoping to bring a nuanced understanding of religion. Lee, who grew up Jewish, said he had reached a spiritual "fork in the road" where he could no longer take religions literally but wanted to appreciate them. The album's goal "is to focus on the commonalities and on beginning to think mythologically about these cultural narratives -- and introducing children to thinking in that way as opposed to thinking literally," Lee said. "All of these religions are like Greek myths or Shakespeare. They provide great insights into humanity." Story continues The music on "Ben Lee Sings Songs About Islam for the Whole Family" is upbeat and direct. On "Ramadan," Lee strums a folk-rock guitar to maracas and a bit of jazzy piano as he explains the holy month of fasting. "Ramadan, oh Ramadan / We're so happy when you come / And sad to leave you when you're gone / We'll miss you, Ramadan," he sings. On "La Ilaha Il Allah," Lee turns the core Arabic-language creed of Islam -- "There is no God but God" -- into a campfire-like sing-along alongside religious stories. Lee then goes into a rocking chorus to tell the religion's meaning on "Islam Means Surrender." - Full respect intended - Lee said he has read much of the Koran and studied Sufism, Islam's mystical movement that embraces music as a spiritual path. More conservative Islamic schools, notably the Wahhabis who dominate Saudi Arabia, frown on music in religion. Lee said he fully intended his album to be respectful. "I'm not depicting pictures of Mohammed," he said, in reference to Islam's general prohibition on images of its prophet, "I'm singing songs." "I would never want to do something that's perceived as an insult." Lee has been working on five separate albums on major religions -- Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism -- but said he hurried out his latest work in light of current events. Lee, who has collaborated with leading alternative rockers including Liz Phair and Dinosaur Jr.'s Lou Barlow, in 2013 put out an album on his experiences with ayahuasca, the psychedelic brew from Amazonian shamans. "I've always been interested in taking fairly fringe concepts and making them palatable," he said. In a political climate that some have described as "post-truth," Lee said his look into religion was all the more timely. "All religions -- no matter how much they've been misinterpreted by fundamentalists and by orthodoxy and literalists -- at their core are about a search for truth," he said. (Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc blamed human error for the disruption in its cloud services that resulted in widespread glitches for its clients from news sites to government services on Tuesday. An incorrect command led to the removal of a larger set of servers than intended, the company said in a blog post on Thursday. (http://amzn.to/2melOup) The disruption in the company's Simple Storage Service, or Amazon S3, lasted for more than 3-1/2 hours and impacted sending and receiving clients' data. The company said it will make changes to improve the recovery time of its key S3 subsystems. (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva) Your car and its parts may have traveled a greater distance than you realize. Take Fords 2017 Fiesta, which was assembled in Mexico with a Brazilian engine and Mexican transmission before arriving at car dealers across America. Where and how cars are made has been in the spotlight recently thanks to President Trumps pledge to move more factories and jobs back to the U.S. The President appears particularly focused on car manufacturers. In his first joint address to Congress, Trump took credit for Ford, Fiat-Chrysler and GMCs plans to create thousands of American jobs, all announced in January. Ford simultaneously withdrew plans to invest $1.6 billion in a new Mexican assembly plant, due in part to Trumps proposal to reform corporate tax policy, said CEO Mark Fields. But even vehicles built domestically contain international parts, making it difficult to determine how American a vehicle is. The 2017 Ford Focus, for example, is built in the United States, but only gets 40% of its parts from the U.S. and Canada, according to federal data. Read more: See which car companies are the most American Use the interactive below, compiled from a decade of data, to see where your car has been: While Trump has pressured companies to keep their assembly plants in America, federal data shows a clear trend: the number of car parts that come from the U.S. and Canada is on the wane, as the job of building those parts goes instead to countries like Mexico and Hungary. As recently as 10 years ago, several cars got at least 90% of their parts from U.S. and Canada, according to Frank DuBois, creator of American Universitys Made In America Auto Index. This year, no car received more than 75% of its parts from the two countries, he said. Dont see your 2016 Jeep in the interactive above? Thats because several cars are missing from the data, which companies are required to submit under the American Automobile Labeling Act of 1994. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not provide an explanation for the missing vehicles. But DuBois believes its because the data is self-reported by automakers and isnt audited. Despite its limitations, its the only publicly available option for seeing where your car got its start. Now is not a great time for warm feelings about Russia in Washington. After a campaign season full of intrigue, the fallout from questions of foreign involvement in the most recent presidential election continues to grow. And most recently, the revelation on Wednesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States twice during the 2016 campaign season, only to say during his confirmation hearings that he had not communicated with Russian officials, has spurred calls for Sessions to resign. This wave of tension has sparked numerous comparisons to the Cold War period, which is unsurprising. Though the U.S. and the Soviet Union were allies in World War II and helped each other to victory, that cooperation was followed by decades during which the opposition between the two systems they represented dominated global politics. But, though the Cold War may be the most obvious example of a time when American feelings about Russia or the Soviet Union were dominated by suspicion, experts say that hostility between the two dates back to long before that period. The trope [of Western European suspicion of Russia] goes back a long ways, to the 1500s and 1600s, and became stronger after the Napoleonic Wars, when Britain and Russia were grappling, says Kees Boterbloem, an expert in Russian and European history at the University of South Florida. That image of Russia as an anti-world was already there. There are these old-fashioned myths about Russia being a different entity altogether from quote-unquote civilized humanity, and time and time again I get the facile impression that everybody goes back to that dichotomy whenever theres some kind of problem. Those old ideas were brought to the United States in the nations earliest days, and were amplified in the centuries that followed. By the 19th century, as the U.S. became more firmly established as the home of liberal democracy and that system of government became closely linked with citizens ideas of the nation, those Americans who gave thought to Russia saw the region as in some ways their opposite. Story continues To boot, Imperial Russia refused to recognize the U.S. as a nation for decades after the Revolutionary War. Outraged by its extravagant ideas about Liberty and Equality, Catherine the Great steadfastly refused to receive a U. S. Minister, as TIME once put it. Her successors, Paul I and Alexander I, shared her attitude. Russia was viewed as a last holdout of the worst kind of autocracy, says Nina Tumarkin, director of Russian Area Studies at Wellesley College, who served as an adviser to President Ronald Reagan on matters concerning the Soviet Union. Russia had a very reactionary monarch who was anti-revolutionary, so there was this view of Russia quashing democracy. And, Tumarkin adds, as a tidal wave of Russian Jews began to emigrate to the U.S. to escape persecution in the late 1800s, their reports helped anti-Russia feeling grow. Some American evangelicals even saw Russia as a biblically foretold evil opponent to the Holy Land. (There were exceptions during the 19th century, says Igor Lukes, a professor of history and international relations at Boston University. President Lincoln was on very good terms with the Tsar of Russia, Lukes says. They mutually liked each other and each considered the other a great reformer; Abraham Lincoln gradually abolished slavery whereas Alexander II abolished serfdom in Russia.) In the early 20th century, the distrust of Russia among some Americans continued. The Russian Revolution in 1917 initially sparked hopes of the rise of a democratic Russia; as A. Scott Berg explains in his biography of Woodrow Wilson, the president saw the Tsars abdication that March as a sign that World War I which the U.S. was about to join could be a global war against autocracy. But, with the Bolsheviks coming to power and bowing out of the war, that hope was soon dashed. The U.S. government even refused to recognize the new Soviet government; Wilson was doubtful that the change would stick, and the ambassador to the U.S. who was appointed by Lenin was denied a visa. And, though the Zimmermann telegram is often given credit as the tipping point for the U.S. entry into World War I in 1917, Jeffrey Burds, who teaches history at Northeastern University, says that Wilson was also motivated by being terrified of the possible results of the Tsars abdication and participated in an Allied attempt to surreptitiously steer the course of Russian politics by supporting anti-Bolshevik forces. In other words, though the Cold War is famous as a time for espionage between the U.S. and USSR, suspicion began on both sides decades earlier and was, in both directions, based on some degree of truth. Though the West denied that the intervention was a big deal, Burds says, declassification of documents in the post-1991 period has showed that in fact the Soviets were right and the U.S. really was interfering with their internal affairs. In the other direction, Burds says that American fear of things like possible dealing in industrial secrets by organizations like the Soviet trade group Amtorg in the 1930s was well-founded. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter But, when the U.S. and much of the rest of the world faced economic crisis in the 1930s, the Soviets removed from the global economy were insulated from that damage. Though many people there were already suffering greatly under the rule of Lenin and then Stalin, the worst was still hidden from audiences in the U.S. The American Communist Party grew, as the American media reported warmly on the doings of Uncle Joe Stalin. For example, in 1938, TIME reported that one influential member of the American Communist Party returned from a visit there to report that she had stayed in the nicest hotels, eaten well and seen real freedom in action, and had only come back to the U.S. became she wanted to use that example to make America better. Lukes says that some Americans who decided to move to the USSR to see the supposed paradise themselves ended up in the Gulag. This idealism wasnt just something for the working classes either, as many American intellectuals watched the goings-on with interest. With the coming of World War II, both the U.S. and USSR took an anti-fascist position and played key roles in combating the spread of Nazi Germany. News reports showed FDR and Stalin smilingly conferring, and some Americans including those who were giving serious thought to the USSR for the first time embraced that rosy picture. But the hope for a future of peaceful coexistence was crushed even while the alliance still held. What exactly tipped the scales is hard to say, but the tail end of the war provided plenty of opportunity for the U.S. to reconsider its opinion of the USSR, and vice-versa. All these transition moments are built into World War II, says Burds. Around 1943, as the Allies began to think about how they would relate to one another in the post-war world, as Burds frames it, a group of Americans associated with Allen Dulles, who would later serve as Director of Central Intelligence, realized that the Soviet Union would emerge from the War as a major force and that the U.S. didnt really know enough about what was going on in the USSR to be able to deal with such a force intelligently. At universities especially Columbia and Harvard and within the government, the 1940s saw Americans begin to approach the USSR with a know-your-enemy thoroughness. The death of Franklin Roosevelt in early 1945 brought Harry Truman to the presidency, and along with him a much more hard-line, as Tumarkin describes it, approach to the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, reports of the Red Armys brutality in the course of liberating Nazi territory, available even to non-specialists, led many in the American public and Congress to sour on Russia. For example, a TIME correspondent in Vienna sent back a report that he had heard from several sources that after Russian forces took the city they would approach an apartment house and, judging from its size, demand from the landlord that a certain number of women be delivered to them for their pleasure. Though he noted that he was unable to independently verify the report, he passed along to American readers that the fear inspired by the idea was undoubtedly real. The Cold War chill sets in very quickly in 1945, even before the end of the war, Tumarkin says. Look at the timing of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, she adds. At the Yalta Conference, Stalin had promised to enter the war against Japan within three months after victory over Germany in Europe. Victory in Europe day was celebrated on May 8, 1945. Three months later was August. The bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, just days before the deadline. The Soviet Union did declare war on Japan precisely two days later, but Tumarkin argues that one big reason for the U.S. decision to drop the bomb at that moment in the war was that the world had seen what happened when the Soviets liberated nations in Eastern Europe including the establishment of Soviet-style or Soviet-friendly regimes and wanted to end the war quickly to prevent that from happening in Asia. In short, even before the Cold War began, the U.S. and Russia were in opposition. Boterbloem suggests that the difficulty of abandoning such a long-standing dichotomy, despite the fact that the geopolitical situation has changed many times over since then, may underlie tensions with Russia even to this day. We dont really know too much about other countries so were inclined to stick with old ideas, he says. Its hard to say, Forget about what you learned, were looking at a different country here. A judge sent a 39-year-old Lincoln man to prison Thursday for 12 to 16 years for an afternoon shootout near a middle school in May. Lebron Benson fired shots back at Trevor Groves, 23, on May 10 in the incident outside a four-plex in the 5400 block of Benton Street, two blocks from Dawes Middle School at 1:45 p.m. "The level of dangerousness is just astonishing to me," Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson told Benson. "How no one got hurt is amazing." Prosecutors said Groves was trying to even a score with Benson, but Benson tried ending the feud days before the shooting, attorney Mark Rappl said Thursday. Their fight was over a woman and Benson reached out to her the day before the shooting. "He told her he didn't want things to turn bad," Rappl said, adding Benson was trying to put distance between the two of them. But Groves and Benson crossed paths on May 10 and when Groves pulled out a gun, Benson pulled his, Rappl said. Rappl agreed that a jail sentence was appropriate, but asked for a lighter term, saying evidence showed Benson was not the aggressor. He also asked that his client be given the chance to leave prison on parole, so the state can monitor him upon release, something he wasn't afforded during his last stint in prison in Tennessee. Benson also testified for the state in December, which allowed him the opportunity to arrange a plea deal. He pleaded no contest to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He apologized to Nebraska, Lincoln and the residents of that neighborhood Thursday. "I know it was wrong, and I shouldn't have done what I done," he said. "I don't want to ever be in this situation again." Nelson lectured Benson on his lifestyle choices, which included sitting around with other unemployed men, smoking weed and living off their girlfriends, she said. "Few good things come from the behavior," she said as Benson nodded his head. He will be eligible for parole after 6 years, minus 295 days for time already served. His brother, Demetrius Withers, was sentenced in the same shooting Wednesday to three years in jail minus 294 days for time already served. Nelson sentenced Groves in December to 15 to 25 years in prison. BEIJING (AP) -- Democracy Chinese-style will go on display when the country's rubberstamp legislature, the National People's Congress, and its advisory body open their annual sessions in Beijing over the next few days. The largely ceremonial events come months ahead of an even more momentous gathering, the twice-a-decade national congress of the ruling Communist Party that will usher in changes to the top leadership as president and party chief Xi Jinping embarks on his second five-year term in office. The legislative session is the first since President Donald Trump took office, kicking off a new era of uncertainty in relations ties between the world's two largest economies, and comes against the background of sharply slowing economic growth. Here are key features of the meetings, which generally run for about two weeks. ___ THE CEREMONIAL LEGISLATURE The nearly 3,000-member National People's Congress meets in full session just once a year, with the daily work of drawing up legislation and passing laws handled by a much smaller standing committee. The session's highlight is a report to be delivered by the premier on Sunday. In it, he will announce China's target for economic growth and the closely watched defense budget that has ballooned into the world's second largest in recent years. Members, including a large contingent from the powerful military, also meet in smaller sessions. ___ THE POLITICAL ADVISERS The slightly smaller body of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attempts to present a united front among minority ethnic groups, business leaders, religious groups, artists and others. It officially exists to advise the NPC on legislation, but has little actual power or influence, although membership can open doors and confer prestige. The session opens on Friday with an address from the chairman that in past years has included a repudiation of Western democratic concepts, such as the separation of powers, and warnings against formal independence for the self-governing island of Taiwan. Story continues ___ BUSINESS AT HAND High on the agenda is how the government will help the economy adapt to growth that has fallen to its lowest level since 1990. Controlling debt and creating jobs are priorities, as is tackling pollution that's a flashpoint for public anger. Observers will be looking out for expressions of support among Chinese officials for Xi, who last year assumed the mantle of "core" of the current leadership generation amid an anti-corruption campaign that felled former senior members of the government and military. While Trump won't likely be mentioned in any of the formal texts, the topic of U.S. relations is certain to come up at events on the sidelines. ___ LOOKING AHEAD This year's sessions are in part seen as a prelude to the party's 19th National Congress this fall, at which as many as five of the seven current members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee are expected to be replaced. The fall conclave will also mark the halfway point of the party leader's traditional 10-year term in office, although Xi has yet to indicate whether he intends to follow precedent by elevating a potential successor to the apex of power. ___ HOW IT HAPPENS The sessions held at the cavernous Great Hall of the People showcase a version of democracy developed by an authoritarian government whose leaders are chosen in secret and allows no political opposition. Authorities have waged a sweeping crackdown against ethnic, legal and women's rights activists and political dissidents. Security is tightened around the time of the sessions, with some critics forced to leave their homes on escorted trips. On Monday, security forces staged a striking display of military might in the restive western region of Xinjiang. Under fire for previously undisclosed contact with the Russian ambassador, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday that he would recuse himself from any investigations related to President Trumps campaign. Speaking at a press conference at the Department of Justice, Sessions said his staff recommended he recuse himself because of his involvement with the Trump campaign and I believe those recommendations are right and just. I have now decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States, he said. I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in. He also sought to clear up his testimony during his confirmation hearing that seemed to conflict with the fact that he had met with the Russian ambassador twice in 2016. (During his hearing, he said he did not have communications with the Russians.) Read More: Transcript of Sessions Remarks on Recusal Let me be clear, Sessions said Thursday. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign. And the idea that I was part of a quote, continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government is totally false. That is the question that Senator Franken asked me at the hearing. He said he would write the Senate Judiciary committee today or tomorrow to clarify his testimony for the record. Sessions announcement came amid growing calls from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for him to recuse himself from any investigation into Russian involvement in the U.S. election. The controversy started Wednesday evening, when the Washington Post published a report that Sessions had met twice with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak in 2016, which he had not mentioned during his hearings. The White House is standing by Sessions. Story continues Sessions recusal is the latest in a months-long string of questions and controversies over the Trumps inner circles connections to Russia. In August, Trumps campaign chairman Paul Manafort resigned over questions about his links to Ukraines former pro-Russia regime. Then just last month, Trumps National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was forced to resign after it came to light that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his contact with Russia during the transition. Just before Sessions press conference, White House press secretary Sean Spicer defended him to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday. He was clearly asked about his role as a campaign surrogate, Spicer said, explaining Sessions answer in congressional testimony. He was literally conducting himself as a U.S. Senator. He didnt do anything that wasnt part of his job. Indonesian prosecutors Thursday demanded a one-year jail term for a British former war correspondent on trial for allegedly using hashish on the resort island of Bali. If former Reuters journalist David Fox, 55, is handed a one-year sentence, it would include time already served, meaning he could be released from jail in a matter of months. Prosecutors will recommend a jail sentence for Australian businessman Giuseppe Serafino, 48, who was detained before Fox and led police to the journalist, at a later hearing. The pair are charged with using, possessing and transporting hashish after allegedly being caught in possession of small amounts of the drug in October. After being arrested, Fox admitted to police that he had been using hashish for years due to the stress of covering conflicts. The former Reuters journalist covered wars and disasters in countries including Bosnia, Rwanda and Iraq. At Thursday's hearing in the Balinese capital Denpasar, prosecutor Erawati Susina said that Fox's actions were "against the government's programs which are aimed at eradicating illicit drugs". Under Indonesia's tough anti-drugs laws, he could face several years in jail but Susina said prosecutors were seeking a lenient sentence as Fox was a first-time offender and had admitted his wrongdoing. "We request the panel of judges sentence David Matthew Fox to one year in prison, with time he served in detention deducted," Susina said. Judges do not have to follow prosecutors' sentence recommendations but they often do. The trial is likely to finish in a matter of weeks, with the verdict and sentence handed down after Fox's defence team is given the chance to make a final statement. Authorities raided Serafino's house after a tip-off that a foreigner living there had been using drugs. Police found about seven grams (a quarter of an ounce) of hashish, after which Serafino said Fox had helped him buy the drugs. Fox was later arrested and police found 10 grams of hashish in his pocket and at his house, along with smoking equipment. Indonesia has some of the toughest anti-narcotics laws in the world but the pair will escape the death penalty as they have not been charged with trafficking. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas has taken a first step toward celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday in January and honoring Robert E. Lee in the fall rather than the current practice of recognizing both men on the same day in January. Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday made the unusual move of testifying before a legislative committee. He says King should be celebrated separately for his civil rights accomplishments, and that Lee fought for the wrong side in the Civil War. Hutchinson told the panel about discovering that his great-great grandfather fought for the Confederacy during the war. "There's one part of this education bill that creates some controversy and that is separating the holiday of Robert E. Lee and Martin Luther King. I support this both from the standpoint of what is said should be taught in our public schools about the history, about the leadership, about the individuals, both in the Civil War era, but also in the civil rights era. And I support this because from the Civil War until 1947, we did just fine without a state holiday for Robert E. Lee," Hutchinson said to the committee. Hutchinson said celebrating King's contributions to the country is a recognition that deserves its own day. He said Sen. David Wallace's proposed bill does not diminish life and work of other people in history. "Having a slave owner's birthday celebrated on that same day is not right, and we need to make this right," Wallace said. Arkansas is one of three states to recognize King and Lee on the same day. Alabama and Mississippi also do so. King and Lee both have January birthdays. Under a bill approved Thursday in a voice vote by the Senate Education Committee, Arkansas' Lee day of honor would be moved to the second Saturday in October, the month in which Lee died. That day would be a memorial day commemorated by a gubernatorial proclamation, not a state holiday. The bill also sets requirements for what is taught about civil rights and the Civil War. Story continues The latest proposed measure will now go before the full Senate. Sen. Blake Johnson was critical of separating the holidays. "This separation is just like segregation whenever we do this action, in my opinion. The best healing that we can have as a state or nation is integration of ideas," Johnson said. Johnson said the integration of King and Lee's histories are important to the healing process. Two years ago, a similar proposal to remove Lee failed before a House Committee. ___ Corrects the ninth paragraph to make clear that the day to honor Lee would not be a holiday. Attorney General Jeff Sessions voted to remove President Bill Clinton from office in 1999, saying that false statements made under oath disqualified him from the White House. As a Senator from Alabama, Sessions argued that Clintons artfully hedged statement under oath that he did not have a sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky which was untrue in the plain English reading was perjury and grounds for removal from the office. I have no doubt that perjury qualifies under the Constitution as a high crime, Sessions said in September 1998, according to an Associated Press article from the time. It goes to the heart of the judicial system. Today, Sessions has come under fire for saying under oath that he did not communicate with the Russian government during the 2016 campaign, despite having met privately with the Russian ambassador to the United States in September. During Sessions Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 10, Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions what he would do if he learned that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government during the 2016 campaign. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions responded at the hearing. I have been called a surrogate at a team or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. Sessions in fact met with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak in his office, and earlier in July on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention, the Washington Post reported yesterday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi both called on Sessions to resign from his position as attorney general, while a number of Republican lawmakers have called on him to recuse himself from any investigations into Russian influence on the election. House Speaker Paul Ryan disagreed, saying it would not be necessary unless Sessions himself was the subject of the investigation. And President Trump said Thursday he has total confidence in Sessions, and when asked whether he believes Sessions made truthful statements to the Senate, Trump said, I think he probably did. Story continues A spokeswoman for Sessions told the Post that the then-Senator was meeting with the Russian ambassador strictly in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee, unrelated to the campaign. Sessions backers also say that he was not misleading the Judiciary Committee within the context of the questioning. Their defense rests on a narrow reading of Sessions statement that he met with the Russians as a Senator and not a Trump campaign surrogate. Clinton defended his statement that theres nothing going on with Monica Lewinsky by saying that it depended on the meaning of the word is. At the time of the Clinton impeachment proceedings, Sessions was a vociferous voice in favor of removing the President from office, saying he was unfit to lead the country after making false statements under oath. It has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty that President William Jefferson Clinton perjured himself before a federal grand jury and has persisted in a continuous pattern of lying and obstructing justice, Sessions said in a statement after voting to impeach Clinton in February 1999. The chief law enforcement officer of the land, whose oath of office calls on him to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, crossed the line and failed to defend and protect the law, and, in fact, attacked the law and the rights of a fellow citizen. Amid a popular outcry over Clintons statements, Clinton claimed that he had not lied about his relationship with Lewinsky because they did not engage in intercourse and because the affair had long been over by the time he made his sworn testimony. In 1998, Sessions found Clintons defense objectionable. I find it difficult to be charitable if we still have the president, through his counsel, alleging that it wasnt really perjury, Sessions said in September. In response to the report in the Post yesterday about his meetings with the Russian ambassador, Sessions did not walk back his sworn testimony and maintained that he did nothing wrong. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, Sessions told reporters on Thursday. Its unclear if that defense holds. The question that was posed by Franken during Sessions testimony was broadly about communication, not specifically about discussing the political campaign. Sessions said in late 1998 that he wanted to read carefully Clintons statements to be sure of the perjury allegations before the impeachment proceedings in the Senate. I sort of assumed perjury occurred, but I want to read what was said, what the established fact is, and decide how clear that is and whether or not there is any wriggle room or realistic defense there, Sessions said in December 1998. Early the next month, he insisted on a full trial. There cant be any shortcuts, he said in early January 1999. I believe decent respect to the American people and to the House requires us to have a full trial. I am concerned about a president under oath being alleged to have committed perjury. I hope he can rebut that and prove that did not happen, Sessions said in an interview with C-SPAN in 1999. In America, the Supreme Court and the American people believe no one is above the law. By Alastair Sharp TORONTO (Reuters) - Jim Mackey, BlackBerry Ltd's head of corporate development and strategy, left the technology company in mid-February, he said on Thursday, leaving a leadership gap as it transitions to software from smartphone hardware. "It is true I left BlackBerry as of Feb. 13," Mackey, who was executive vice president, executive operations, said in a LinkedIn message in response to a Reuters inquiry. He did not give a reason and could not be reached for further comment. BlackBerry, which in late 2013 issued a press release on the hiring of Mackey, did not announce his departure. Chief Operating Officer Marty Beard, in an interview on Thursday, declined to comment. BlackBerry spurned its own operating system in favour of Alphabet Inc's Android in late 2015 and signed deals late last year to license its security and productivity software to three manufacturers which are now building BlackBerry-branded devices. Mackey worked directly with BlackBerry Chief Executive John Chen, navigating the purchase and integration of a string of acquisitions and the signing of major partnership agreements. Beard said in the interview that the company had largely completed its software portfolio and needed to push hard to win more customers, including by adding partners. "The next part of it is the channel," Beard said. "You can't do it only direct, you need partners that fill in the gaps." "The biggest issue we have is not getting invited to the table because the customer doesn't know that BlackBerry is doing that. That's the challenge." In 2015 BlackBerry bought data synchronization company WatchDox and emergency communications company AtHoc for undisclosed amounts and paid $425 million to acquire former rival Good Technology Corp. The businesses have been integrated into a broader security software portfolio that is key to BlackBerry's future after losing its market-leading position in handsets to Apple Inc and Android-based devices. (Reporting by Alastair Sharp; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Richard Chang) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Authorities say they have found the bodies of three people missing after a pair of explosions at a military facility in central Serbia earlier this week. The Defense Ministry said Thursday that the blasts at an ammunition depot in Kragujevac, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Belgrade, on Tuesday left four dead and 25 injured. It says the cause of the explosions in the facility, which stores mines and other ammunition, is being investigated. The facility has been tasked with destroying the surplus of weapons left over from the wars in the Balkans in the 1990s during the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia. NATO, which financed some of the facility's programs, has sent condolences to the victims' families. A Mississippi man went to prison Thursday for holding a woman captive and assaulting her in August. Two men told police they saw a naked woman run from a vehicle parked at Whittier and Potter streets just before 2 a.m. on Aug. 20. They told officers she appeared to be in distress. They then saw a man, later identified as Keith Thomas, 36, run after the woman and tackle her, according to court documents. The witnesses ran toward the woman and Thomas ran back to his car and drove off, documents say. The woman, 47, told police she met Thomas earlier in the day. They drove around Lincoln for several hours. When she asked Thomas to take her home, she told police he refused and forced her to perform sexual acts on him while in the vehicle, documents say. When she was able, she ran from the vehicle. Thomas pleaded no contest to first-degree false imprisonment last month. Judge Robert Otte on Thursday sentenced him to 32 months in prison with 194 days of credit for time already served and 18 months of post-release supervision. Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's president on Thursday named Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, a onetime leftist guerrilla who took part in a train robbery and was exiled to France, as foreign minister. Nunes, 71, replaces Jose Serra who stepped down in February, citing health concerns. Despite being Latin America's biggest country and economy, Brazil has a relatively lowkey foreign policy, with few international disputes and no involvement in armed conflicts. However, the position is important at a time when Brazil is trying to lure back foreign investors in the wake of a huge corruption scandal and the downgrading of its credit rating to junk. Relations with the United States are a priority and Brazil's G1 news site was quick to pull up a tweet from Nunes the day after the US vote in which he characterized newly elected President Donald Trump as "the worst, the most uncontrolled" face of the Republican party. President Michel Temer's spokesman called Nunes "a public figure with broad political experience... with a long history of engagement in the causes of Brazilian diplomacy and Brazil's international agenda." The presidency highlighted Nunes' chairmanship of the Senate foreign relations committee. He was also justice minister in 2001-2002. However, Nunes has the more unusual item on his CV of having participated in the underground guerrilla movement against Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, before abandoning his radical political roots. In a 2014 interview with Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper, he said that during his time in the far left Acao Libertadora Nacional group he drove the stolen getaway car for a 1968 armed attack on a money train. He recalled "being very afraid" before the assault, wondering if he would be captured and tortured. He was forced into exile in France between 1968 and 1979. Nunes told Epoca weekly that he'd turned his back on his guerrilla past, saying "that period was over-hyped, it was not decisive in bringing down the military regime." Story continues He is a senior figure in the center-right PSDB party, a crucial ally for Temer's center-right PMDB at a time when the president is trying to maintain congressional support for austerity reforms and to stem the damage from a sprawling corruption scandal that has already brought down several ministers. The new foreign minister is not the only former urban guerrilla to have survived to reach high level politics in modern Brazil. Temer's predecessor, Dilma Rousseff was imprisoned and tortured under the dictatorship and rose to become Brazil's first female president until her impeachment last year. Nunes was on the losing ticket with the PSDB's Aecio Neves in the 2014 elections against Rousseff and her then vice president Temer. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazil's president has picked as his new foreign minister a man who has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump. President Michel Temer named Sen. Aloysio Nunes to the post Thursday to replace Jose Serra. Serra resigned last week for medical reasons. The appointment doesn't require congressional approval. After Trump's victory in November, Nunes went on Twitter to call the real estate mogul "the worst" of the Republican Party, "uncontrollable" and "exaggerated." Calls to Nunes' office seeking comment were not immediately returned. The United States is Brazil's second largest trading partner, after China. Brazil's economy is the largest in Latin America. By Clement Rossignol and Jack Schofield BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Brussels police detained a man with suspected militant links who was found to be carrying two gas cylinders in his car after he was pulled over on Thursday for running a red light, officials said. After checks were conducted on the vehicle, prosecutors said that one of the cylinders was empty, and no explosive or mechanism of detonation was found in the car. An official said national counter-terrorism investigators had not been involved. The man was not named. Prosecutors said it was too early to speculate on whether he had any criminal intent, although he was "known to police". The mayor of the district where he was stopped said police had previously suspected him of links to radical Islam. With the Belgian capital on high alert approaching the first anniversary of Islamic State suicide attacks that killed 32 people on March 22, an area close to the city's main Gare du Midi rail station was sealed off and the bomb squad called in to check the car after local officers had pulled the driver over. The police cordons have now been removed. Reuters reporters heard two controlled explosions. Prosecutors later confirmed the explosions were executed by the army's bomb squad. (Writing by Alastair Macdonald and Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Pritha Sarkar) By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union member states should be ready to detain more migrants who have no case for asylum to prevent them from running away before they are deported, the chief migration official with the bloc's executive arm in Brussels said. The European Union is pushing to reduce immigration after some 1.6 million refugees and migrants reached its shores via the Mediterranean in 2014-2016. It wants to prevent people from coming and deport more. "Return rates have to be improved," Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Thursday in presenting new, non-binding, proposals by the executive European Commission. "Member states should also use the possibility to place migrants in detention if there is a risk of absconding and for a sufficient period to be able to complete the return and readmission procedure." Amnesty International criticised the proposals. "Detention of irregular migrants, some of the most vulnerable people in Europe, should be a last resort," said Iverna McGowan, head of the Amnesty International's EU office. Brussels estimates there may be around 1 million people in the EU who should be sent back but that only about a third of those with pending return are actually being returned. While EU law sets out the minimum common standards for returns, some member states had stricter domestic rules that could be eased to streamline the process, the Commission said. It recommended shorter appeals deadlines, issuing return decision with no expiry date, among others. It said EU states should be less coy about detaining people for the maximum allowed pre-deportation time-limit of 18 months if needed. "DIGNIFIED CONDITIONS" "It should never be considered something like a concentration camp," Avramopoulos said, fending off criticism by rights groups that such detentions were inadvisable. "The ones who are not entitled to refugee status, they have to be returned. But in meantime they have to stay somewhere - in very dignified conditions - in order to avoid absconding." Brussels said detention should not be ruled out for minors, just as returns for unaccompanied minors, both of which currently are red lines in some EU states. "That children are included in this wide detention regime is truly shocking," Amnesty's McGowan said. Beyond deportation, the Commission also proposed setting up by mid-year a programme for assisted voluntary returns from Europe. It is already stepping up funding for the U.N. migration agency IOM to increase returns from Libya, now the main embarkation point for Europe. But there is no sign the bloc is getting anywhere near to breaking a stalemate on handling those who are already in. The Commission said only 13,546 people had been moved from Greece and Italy - the two biggest arrival countries in the EU - to other member states under a two-year plan that was supposed to cover 160,000 people and expires in September. It is a major point of contention among the frontline Greece and Italy, Germany and Sweden - the eventual hosts for most refugees - and Poland and Hungary, which refuse to take in any. Brussels has long threatened sanctions but EU states have not decided to act yet. The showdown could come around mid-year, with Berlin and Brussels among those pushing for a deal by then. "At some point we will have to get brutally clear with the Poles and the Hungarians that there will be punishment," said a senior EU diplomat. (Editing by Alison Williams) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senior Cabinet members have lobbied President Donald Trump to remove Iraq from a list of seven Muslim-majority nations included in an initial travel ban, and an administration official said the country likely would not appear on a new executive order expected soon. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly all made the case to Trump to remove Iraq because of ongoing U.S. military and civilian operations in the country, according to three U.S. officials who said the Cabinet members made the case separately at recent meetings. An administration official said the new executive order would likely exclude Iraq. Another U.S. official said the State Department was confident Iraq would not appear, while a congressional aide said Iraq would be removed following conversations among White House advisers on Tuesday. When asked whether Iraq would be left out of the revised order, the White House said it did not have any announcements on the executive order right now. A White House official said the order was likely to come on Monday. Federal courts blocked Trump's Jan. 27 executive order that temporarily barred travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Trump has said the travel limitations were necessary to protect the United States from attacks by Islamist militants. Americans were deeply divided over the measure, which had some support but stirred national protests and were condemned by prominent U.S. companies and allies. There are currently 5,200 American troops deployed in Iraq to assist Iraqi and Kurdish forces in retaking Mosul - the last city in Iraq under the control of Islamic State militants. Iraqis have fought alongside U.S. troops for years and have worked as translators. Many Iraqis have resettled in the United States following threats over their affiliation with U.S. troops. The United States also relies on Iraq to provide visas for a substantial contracting force that supports the U.S. military presence. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked Trump to lift the ban on people from his country during their first phone call on Feb. 10, resisting calls from influential pro-Iranian Shi'ite politicians to retaliate against the ban. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, Yeganeh Torbati, Julia Edwards Ainsley, Steve Holland, John Walcott and Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Peter Cooney) By Rory Carroll SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California's carbon market generated little interest from buyers at last month's permit auction, results released on Wednesday showed, raising concern about the program's ability to deliver funding for projects like the state's bullet train. California along with its carbon market partner Quebec sold 18 percent of the over 65 million permits it offered up to businesses at the sale, which was held on February 22. The permits cleared at $13.57 a metric tonne, the minimum price allowed under the program, raising approximately $8.2 million. The program has raised about $4.4 billion for the state since its first auction in November 2012 but proceeds have dropped recently due to weak permit demand. California's carbon market sets a steadily declining cap on the state's carbon output and then sells or gives permits that businesses are required to submit every three years to the state to cover their emissions. California is on track to reach its goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. California Senate Leader Kevin De Leon said on Wednesday the "anemic" auction results demonstrated the need for the state to reform the landmark program. "The program is not producing stable revenues for important priorities like increased transit and other clean transportation investments," he said in a statement. A quarter of the revenue from the program is used to support California's $64 billion high speed rail project, a priority for California Governor Jerry Brown. Dave Clegern, a spokesman for the California Air Resources Board, said the market was designed so facilities covered by the program like oil refineries and manufacturing plants would reduce emissions by cleaning up whatever low-hanging fruit was available first. "In that case they may not need allowances until later," he said. Chris Busch, a director at San Francisco-based think tank Energy Innovation, said that if the program wanted to raise prices it should require businesses to surrender their allowances annually, lower the program's emissions cap, raise the price floor, and give away fewer free allowances. The secondary market for allowances was little changed on Wednesday but the benchmark contract fell 10 cents on Tuesday after De Leon's office mistakenly sent out its press release on the results. It quickly retracted the release. It issued the press release again on Wednesday after the results were made public. Carbon permits for delivery in December were trading at $13.57 a tonne on the secondary market on Wednesday, a broker said on Wednesday. (Reporting by Rory Carroll) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada sees no signs of a coming surge in asylum seekers illegally crossing the border from the United States, a senior government official told reporters on Thursday, even as a steady stream of people continued to walk across the frontier. Several hundred people, mainly from Africa, have defied winter conditions to enter Canada since Jan. 1. They are fleeing President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants, migrants and refugee agencies say. A briefing by Canadian officials was the first of its kind and comes as the Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comes under increasing domestic political pressure to deal with the influx. Trudeau must also ensure the issue does not complicate his relations with Trump. Security experts predict more will try to come as the snow melts and the weather warms. But officials told the briefing it was too early to say whether a trend was developing and noted the number involved was still very small compared to the roughly 26,000 people who ask for asylum in Canada on average every year. "There is no reason to believe that simply changes in weather patterns is going to lead to (an) increase," said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. As dawn broke on Thursday, Reuters photographer Dario Ayala watched the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrest a group of five - a man, two women and two children - after they scrambled across a ditch near the Quebec town of Hemmingford, on the border with New York state. The people said they came from Syria. An RCMP officer standing on the Canadian side warned the group they would be detained if they crossed. "Sorry, sorry, we have no choice," said the man. Once in Canada, they were detained, and driven off for processing. Later the same morning, at the same spot, Ayala saw police arrest seven people who said they were from Eritrea. Reuters could not independently verify nationalities of people crossing the border on Thursday. Story continues Government officials acknowledge an increase in people seeking asylum this year while insisting they have enough resources to cope. Although no one has yet been charged by the police for illegally crossing the border, all those detained are checked to make sure they do not have convictions for serious crimes. "We are not releasing anyone we have concerns about," another official told the briefing. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Chris Reese) Ottawa (AFP) - The number of migrants applying for refugee status in Canada after crossing the border from the United States has been rising since the beginning of the year, officials said Thursday. "Canada has seen an increase in the number of asylum claims in January of this year, compared to the same time last year," the Canada Border Services Agency told a briefing. From January 1 to February 21, a total of about 4,000 people filed refugee claims, up from 2,500 during the same period last year. The figure includes border jumpers and those arriving from the United States at border checkpoints. Canadian officials were hesitant to point to a trend based on the preliminary data. "Some claimants have spent relatively little time in the US" before coming to Canada, an official said. The recent wave of migrants originated mostly from East Africa and war-torn nations such as Syria. Federal police and immigration officials said some appeared to have intended from the start to come to Canada after flying to the United States on a visitor visa. Others decided to come here only after they were denied asylum south of the border, or because they feared deportation amid the current US crackdown. "People are afraid of finding themselves in a situation where they might not have access to an equitable system," said Jean-Nicolas Beuze, Canadian representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Total refugee claims in Canada have fallen from 44,000 in 2001 to 24,000 last year. An estimated 40-60 percent were successful, according to officials. Belvin Perry, the now-retired judge who presided over Casey Anthony's 2011 murder trial, continued to speak out Wednesday about the high-profile case to Florida media. After telling a small Orlando blog that he thought Anthony may have unintentionally killed her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, with chloroform, he clarified his remarks. "To me, that was the most logical thing, looking at the totality of the entire situation," Perry told WFTV. "There was never any evidence of abuse of the daughter that was documented that was presented anywhere." Anthony's mother reported Caylee missing in the summer of 2008 after not seeing the toddler for weeks, telling the 911 dispatcher that she found her daughter's abandoned car "and it smelled like there's been a dead body" in it a statement she later retracted, according to ABC News. Anthony was arrested and eventually named a suspect despite her insistence that a babysitter had taken the baby. Caylee's remains were found near the Anthonys' house that winter. Anthony maintained her innocence throughout her 2011 trial, after which a jury decided she was not guilty of killing her daughter. She was convicted for lying to police and was released just after the proceedings ended. Perry, who was the judge for the infamous trial but now works for Morgan & Morgan in central Florida, told the Orlando Sentinel there are several theories about Caylee's death in 2008. And indeed there are: According to psychiatrist Jeffery Danziger's deposition, Anthony told him she believed her father had sexually abused the toddler and drowned her as a cover-up. Prosecutors, meanwhile, argued Anthony suffocated her daughter with duct tape. Perry told the Orlando Sentinel and other publications Wednesday he thought Anthony may have been trying to quiet Caylee with chloroform but accidentally gave her a fatal amount. But he emphasized that his statements were simply hypotheses. Story continues "As Ive expressed, the only person that really knows what happened was Casey," Perry added. Related Articles Two California men caught traveling through Nebraska with 7 pounds of meth in their car have been sentenced to prison for five to 12 years. Richard Perez, 46, and Aniceto Perez Jr., 24, both pleaded no contest to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Lancaster County District Judge Jodi Nelson sentenced them Thursday for what started with a traffic stop July 14. That morning, a Lancaster County Sheriff's deputy stopped Richard Perez, who was driving a Toyota Camry on Interstate 80 near the Northwest 48th Street exit, for following too closely. During the stop, the deputy said, he became suspicious Anthony Perez and his passenger, Aniceto Perez Jr., no relation, were involved in illegal activity. Richard Perez consented to a search, and deputies found 10 packages filled with meth hidden inside the liner of an Igloo cooler in the trunk, according to court records. Aniceto Perez Jr.'s attorney, Spike Eickholt, said he acknowledged that he made a horrible mistake and has disappointed many people close to him. "He would just like to serve his sentence and move on with his life," Eickholt said. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Federal law enforcement officials searched three facilities of heavy machinery manufacturer Caterpillar Inc on Thursday, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office for the Central District of Illinois said, prompting a sharp selloff in the company's stock. The spokeswoman, Sharon Paul, confirmed that federal law enforcement activity was conducted at locations in Peoria, East Peoria and Morton. It was not immediately clear why federal agents raided the three locations. Caterpillar spokeswoman Corrie Scott said in an emailed statement that the company was cooperating with authorities. "Law enforcement is present in various Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities executing a search warrant. Caterpillar is cooperating," Scott said. She declined to comment further. Caterpillar shares fell 4.6 percent to $94.00 on the news in afternoon trading. Agencies involved in the search included the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney Office's Paul said. Caterpillar is fighting an Internal Revenue Service demand that the company pay $2 billion in taxes and penalties for profits assigned to a Swiss parts distribution subsidiary, Caterpillar SARL, or CSARL, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That subsidiary was also the subject of a 2014 Senate committee report that charged Caterpillar "shifted billions of dollars in profits away from the United States." Caterpillar, in its annual report, said it is "vigorously contesting" the IRS demand. "We believe that the relevant transactions complied with applicable tax laws and did not violate judicial doctrines," Caterpillar stated. Caterpillar also disclosed in its report that it had received grand jury subpoenas from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois seeking documents and information related to the movement of cash among U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries, and the purchase and resale of replacement parts by Caterpillar Inc. and non-U.S. Caterpillar subsidiaries, including Caterpillar SARL. Caterpillar said it is cooperating with the investigation and did not believe it would have a material impact on its finances. Story continues Neither the IRS nor the U.S. Department of Commerces Office of Export Enforcement was immediately available for comment. A spokeswoman for the FDIC referred questions about the action to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Illinois. The facility in Morton, according to the companys website, is responsible for receiving and shipping replacement parts to parts facilities and Caterpillar dealers worldwide. Seven people, all wearing dark colored jackets marked either IRS special agent or Police federal agents, entered the Caterpillar headquarters, according to a video posted by the Peoria Journal Star. Several of the agents were armed, while others were pulling large black roller bags as they entered the building. (http://player.tout.com/pjstar/kspupi) Caterpillar reported sales fell 18 percent in 2016 to $38.5 billion and since late 2015 it has shrunk its workforce by more than 16,000 employees and consolidated or closed 30 facilities. Caterpillar cut 12,300 jobs in 2016, including 7,700 in the United States. It said it was considering closing two more major production facilities, including one in Aurora, Illinois, and also announced it was moving its corporate headquarters from Peoria to Chicago this year. Related Video: Major U.S. Company to Cut 10,000 Jobs (2015) For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin and PJ Huffstutter in Chicago, David Shepardson in Washington and Joe White in Detroit, writing by Daniel Grebler; editing by Diane Craft) By Carolyn Crist (Reuters Health) - Children under age 5 are more likely to accidentally get injured if their mothers are having a depression or anxiety episode, according to a study in the UK. The rates of child poisonings, small fractures and minor burns increased during these episodes with poisonings more than doubled when mothers suffered both depression and anxiety - but there was no link to more severe injuries such as third-degree burns or femur fractures, researchers found. Maternal depression and anxiety are common. Maternal well-being is key to giving children a good start in life, affecting their emotional and physical health, said lead author Ruth Baker of the University of Nottingham. Injuries are still one of the leading preventable causes of death in preschool children, yet few studies have examined whether maternal mental illnesses affect that risk, she told Reuters Health by email. Most studies focus on depression alone. Baker and colleagues analyzed hospitalization data for more than 200,000 children born between 1998 and 2013 and followed them from birth through their fifth birthdays. They also identified episodes of depression and anxiety in each mothers primary care record, as well as prescriptions for antidepressants and anxiety medications. The research team focused on poisonings, fractures and burns as the three most common preventable injuries in young children. They found that a fourth of mothers experienced one or more depression or anxiety episodes, and unintentional injuries were higher during these periods. More than 2,600 poisonings, 6,000 fractures and 4,200 burns were reported. Children had a 52 percent higher poisoning rate, for example, during depression episodes, a 63 percent higher poisoning rate during anxiety episodes, and a 230 percent higher poisoning rate during depression with anxiety episodes. Similar to poisonings, fractures and burns were highest during combined depression and anxiety episodes. Due to depression or mental illness, these households often arent kept hazard-free and dont safely store poisonous or sharp objects. Young children may also be able to access dangerous areas of the home such as stairways and windows, said Kieran Phelan of Cincinnati Childrens Hospital in Ohio, who wasnt involved in the study. In the U.S., unintentional injuries may be particularly common in low-income households that dont have access to healthcare, unlike the families who have universal healthcare access in Britain, he added. Thats likely to get worse in the U.S. over the next few years, given current talks of changing the healthcare system, Phelan told Reuters Health. Itll make it more difficult for low-income and working moms to get insurance. One limitation of the study is that the researchers relied on hospitalization data and mental illness diagnoses. Many injuries likely go unreported, and many mothers likely have depression or anxiety but arent diagnosed by doctors, the study authors write in the journal Injury Prevention. The British database used for the study also didnt link the health data for children to fathers or other caregivers. New studies are looking at the associations between paternal mental health and childhood injury, and were seeing that higher paternal involvement reduces injuries, said Takeo Fujiwara of Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan, who wasnt involved with the study. To prevent childhood injuries, we need to take care of mothers and other caregivers in terms of mental health, Fujiwara told Reuters Health. Few studies focus on how to really help our caregivers. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2mdSiF6 Injury Prevention, online February 23, 2017. By Christian Shepherd BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese state media said on Thursday that a prominent Chinese rights activist had made up "fake news" of torture to grab international headlines, but his defenders said the accusations were a coordinated attempt to smear his name. State media said disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong, 46, was behind news reports of police torturing another detained rights activist, Xie Yang, and that Jiang had later admitted to telling Xie's wife to make up details of torture in captivity to attract attention to the case. Reports in January by the New York Times and the Guardian based on testimony from Xie's wife and lawyer described, in vivid detail, threats and violence from the police reportedly used to force a confession from Xie. "The stories are essentially fake news," the official Xinhua news agency said in an English-language article. The influential Global Times and a number of other state media outlets carried similar articles in Chinese on Thursday, each featuring an interview with Jiang, and many also included a photo of Xie with a shaved head, smiling, behind bars. Jiang could not be reached for comment. Chinese state media regularly features exposes of criminal activities by rights activists based on interviews where the accused confess their crimes. But rights groups say the questioning is usually scripted and carried out under duress. The interviews with Jiang differed from the past in that they are the first time the phrase "fake news" has been used to describe media reports, "probably borrowing it from Donald Trump's attack on major Western media", says Patrick Poon, China researcher at Amnesty International. Jiang's wife, Jin Bianling, told Reuters that the authorities merely wanted to discredit him because he received so much attention in the international media. Jin and Jiang's parents have been unable to speak to Jiang since he went missing in November after visiting relatives of Xie Yang in the city of Changsha in central Hunan province. "It's all fake. How are they all able to interview him when his family cannot meet him?" said Jiang's wife, who lives in the United States. An individual who answered the phone at the Changsha Public Security Bureau declined to comment. The European Union has cited Jiang's detention as reason for being "extremely troubled" by the "deteriorating" rights situation in China. State media said Jiang convinced Xie's wife, Chen Guiqiu, in September to make up a detailed account of Xie being deprived of sleep, placed in smoke filled rooms and beaten so as to bring international attention to the case. An "independent" investigation by legal authorities found Xie had not been tortured, state media said. Xie's lawyer, Chen Jiangang, who is not related to Xie's wife, told Reuters the torture accounts were genuine, adding that he had also interviewed Xie and been told the same thing. Chen could not be reached for comment. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Nick Macfie) By Karen Freifeld NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp <000063.SZ><0763.HK> is nearing an agreement to plead guilty to U.S. criminal charges and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties over allegations it violated U.S. laws that restrict sale of U.S. technology to Iran, a person familiar with the matter said. The company has not yet signed a deal with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Treasury, cautioned the person, who declined to speak on the record because the negotiations are not public. Others noted that with a new U.S. administration prompting changes in personnel at government departments, a final deal may be delayed or even scuttled. But ZTE is expected to plead guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, among other charges, the source said, and pay penalties in the hundreds of millions. A ZTE spokesman declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the Justice and Treasury departments. A spokesman for the Department of Commerce did not respond to requests for comment. The Commerce Department investigation followed reports by Reuters in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars worth of hardware and software from some of America's best-known technology companies to Iran's largest telecoms carrier. The original report can be read here: https://goo.gl/rvNwr6 An agreement would cap a year of uncertainty for the Shenzhen-based company, which was placed on a list of entities March 2016 that U.S. suppliers could not work with without a license. ZTE acted contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, the Commerce Department said at the time. One of the worlds biggest telecommunications gear makers and the No. 4 smartphone vendor in the United States, ZTE sells handset devices to U.S. mobile carriers AT&T Inc , T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp . It relies on U.S. companies including Qualcomm , Microsoft and Intel for components. The listing could have severely disrupted the company's supply chain, but the Commerce Department granted ZTE a temporary license so U.S. companies could continue to do business with the Chinese firm while it cooperated with the investigation. The temporary license was extended several times, with the latest reprieve expiring on March 29. The last extension, a ZTE spokesman told Reuters in an email last week, was "a sign of the progress" made. ZTE was working with the U.S. government "toward permanent removal from the Entity List," the company spokesman said at that time, and under new leadership was conducting business in a way that "meets and exceeds export compliance standards." The spokesmans comments followed a Feb. 14 filing by ZTE to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The ZTE filing said it was negotiating with the U.S. Commerce, Treasury and Justice departments to conclude the investigation. ZTE said that the outcome remained uncertain, but that it would likely have a material impact on its financials. ZTE has annual sales of more than $15 billion. SCRUTINY CAN MEAN COMFORT The implications of a guilty plea are unclear. Experts said it can result in a denial order, which imposes a complete bar on the receipt of U.S. origin goods and technology. But, as part of a settlement, the order could be suspended for years. Typically, the reputational taint of a guilty plea on U.S. suppliers or customers would be limited in duration, according to Washington attorney Douglas Jacobson, an export controls and sanctions expert. In fact, a company that has faced the type of scrutiny that ZTE has ... actually gives U.S. suppliers and customers a greater degree of comfort that they will be a compliant company in the future, said Jacobson, who represents some U.S. suppliers to ZTE. The Commerce Department released alleged internal documents last year, showing senior ZTE executives instructing the company to carry out a project for dodging export controls in Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan and Cuba. ZTE replaced the senior executives allegedly involved, including naming a new president, and also appointed a new, U.S.-based chief export compliance officer. The Shenzhen-based company has a U.S. subsidiary in Richardson, Texas. A settlement also would likely include the imposition of a compliance monitor, experts have told Reuters. The uncertainty has already weighed on ZTEs business. In January, company sources told Reuters that the equipment maker was cutting about 3,000 jobs, or 5 percent of its 60,000 global workforce. (Editing by Nick Zieminski and Andrew Hay) BEIJING (AP) Lawyers for a prominent detained Chinese human rights campaigner accused authorities of abusing their powers in publishing a purported interview with him Thursday in a state-run newspaper in which he allegedly confesses to pushing "fake news" to overseas media. The Global Times said Jiang Tianyong told them he had concocted a story of a lawyer, Xie Yang, having been tortured by police. Xie has been held since July 2015 following a sweeping crackdown on civil rights lawyers and activists. Jiang was detained in November after visiting Xie's wife and is accused of inciting subversion of state power. Jiang's wife, Jin Bianling, told The Associated Press she planned to sue the Global Times for defaming her husband. "The Global Times article is fake," Jin said from California, where she moved in 2013 with the couple's daughter to escape harassment from security agents. "A reporter has been able to meet Jiang Tianyong, but the lawyers I have authorized to can't, so I want it to be made public how the reporter managed to meet (him)." State television and other media have in the past carried alleged confessions by detained activists before they've been formally charged. Rights groups say such statements are scripted and violate due process. The nationalistic Global Times tabloid is published by the ruling Communist Party's newspaper People's Daily and regularly lashes out at government critics. Both Jiang and Xie took on politically sensitive cases as lawyers. Jiang was disbarred in 2009, but continued his activism and helped publicize the plight of lawyers arrested in the crackdown that soon ensnared Xie. Jiang was also detained and beaten by police as part of his past human rights work involving some of China's most sensitive cases, including that of blind activist Chen Guangcheng and followers of the outlawed Falun Gong spiritual group. In its article, the Global Times said four reports carried in October and November by unidentified foreign media alleging that Xie had been tortured by police were "fake news." During that time, overseas website Boxun, which publicizes allegations of corruption and abuse in China, printed at least three articles that said Xie had been tortured. Story continues Global Times said Jiang planted the stories in an attempt to pressure police and smear the Chinese government. Subsequently, Xie told his lawyers that he had been subjected to sleep deprivation, punched, kicked and forced to sit with his legs dangling in the air, causing his legs to swell, according to transcripts of January meetings with his lawyers published by a rights group. "It is absolutely true that Xie Yang has been tortured," said one of his lawyers, Chen Jiangang. He told the AP that the Global Times "follows the orders of the authoritarian government to carry out propaganda and not real news reporting." Jiang's lawyers said in an open letter that they have not been allowed to meet with him on the grounds that such a meeting might lead to the leaking of state secrets. They questioned on what conditions the Global Times was permitted to interview him. Authorities have said Jiang is being held under "coercive measures" at a secret police-designated location, a form of detention that is often used against individuals accused of endangering state security. The lawyers said in their letter to the Ministry of Public Security and others that there was "every reason to believe" that both Jiang and Xie had undergone torture in detention, and that the banning of lawyers and family members from visiting them had increased this suspicion. "We are concerned about whether there is any legal basis for allowing Global Times journalists, whose credibility and trustworthiness are questionable, to meet Jiang Tianyong, while denying lawyers' access, and we seek to know whether the government is abusing power in doing so," the letter read. Beatings, sleep deprivation and other forms of abuse are believed to be common in China's criminal justice system, despite attempts by the judiciary to discourage them. Rand Paul said he just wanted to read the bill. The Kentucky Republican had heard all about legislation House Republicans were drafting to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He had seen a copy that leaked out last week, which conservatives quickly panned, and which the GOP leadership then dismissed as a draft that was no longer viable. And by Thursday morning, Paul had seen reports that the House was keeping the latest version of legislation that would reshape the U.S. health insurance system under lock-and-key, hidden away in a secret room where only members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee could read it. I am heading to the secure location where they are keeping the House Obamacare bill, Paul tweeted. I will demand a copy for the American people. And so he went. What followed was a surreal scene on the first floor of the U.S. Capitol that quickly drifted toward farce. Trailed by a scrum of reporters and cameras, Paul soughtand was deniedentry into the Republican office where, he was told, the draft Obamacare bill was being kept. I think theres a bill in there. Its the secret office for the secret bill, Paul told the reporters. As Paul was speaking, a House Democrat, Representative Paul Tonko of New York, slid past him to try to get into the office. But he, too, was denied. Tonko told reporters that staffers in the office had told him there was no bill inside. Recommended: 'They Really Want to Blow This Place Up': Scenes From Trump's State Department Then came Representative Steny Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat, who broadcast his effort to find the bill on Facebook Live. By the time it was over, frustrated GOP staffers had flung open the doors of the otherwise nondescript office suite to prove to reporters that was not, in fact, the repository of major legislation hidden from public view. Story continues That the intensifying repeal push has taken on an aura of secrecy is an ominous sign for House Republicans, who had hoped that an endorsement of their approach from President Trump would bring conservatives in their party in line. Speaker Paul Ryan told Republican lawmakers in a private meeting Thursday that he wanted the House to pass legislation within the next three weeks to send to the Senate. And although details of the bill are still unknown, two House committees hope to mark up legislation as soon as next week. But Pauls allies in the House GOP are sensitive to the perception that party leaders will try to ram through a bill without sufficient public scrutinyexactly the charge that Republicans leveled against Democrats in 2010, when their drive to enact the ACA took more than a year. All I ask is let us see the bill, Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas said as he left the party meeting on Thursday. Aides to Ryan and Republican committee chairmen were angered by what they called a stunt by Paul, knowing that it would embolden Democrats who have been criticizing the Republican effort. We dont have the bill written yet, Representative Greg Walden of Oregon, the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, told me when I asked him about the charge of secrecy. Recommended: How to Build an Autocracy As to the reports that a draft was being made available only to Republican members of the committee, Walden said: Heres the misconception: When you have a draft staff product, you want your members to be able to see it, comment on it. Theres much more ado about this than Ive ever seen. After Pauls gambit, the chairman issued a lengthier statement: Reports that the Energy and Commerce Committee is doing anything other the regular process of keeping its members up to speed on latest developments in its jurisdictions are false. We are continuing to work on drafting and refining legislative language to provide relief from a failing law. Part of that process is giving committee members and staff the opportunity to work closely together to draft a bill that reflects the concerns of our constituents and reflects our mandate from voters to repeal and replace Obamacare. Simply put, Energy and Commerce majority members and staff are continuing to discuss and refine draft legislative language on issues under our committees jurisdiction. To some extent, Republicans like Walden are debating semantics: Because they have not formally introduced legislation, they are calling the emerging health care plan a draft or simply legislative language. But party leaders have readily acknowledged that the text is in bill form and is in the final stages of preparation. Ryan outlined the proposal to Republicans on Thursday and said committee leaders would be working throughout the weekend to refine it. Knowing the final bill will come under attack whatever it contains, top Republicans dont want to release it until they are ready to try and pass it. Until then, to Rand Pauls great dismay, itll likely remain a secret. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's largest opposition party said it had named the son of its late leader Etienne Tshisekedi to succeed him on Thursday, but some within the opposition rejected the choice. Felix Tshisekedi was chosen to lead the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), which was thrown into crisis by the death of his father in Brussels last month, aged 84. Tshisekedi led Congo's main opposition bloc during negotiations in December that resulted in a deal obliging President Joseph Kabila to step down after elections that must happen this year. His death sparked clashes between supporters and security forces in the capital Kinshasa, but it also left opposition to Kabila divided, which has played into his hands. Kabila, the country's leader since 2001, remained in power when his constitutional mandate expired on Dec. 19, sparking unrest that stoked fears of Congo sliding back into the anarchy and civil war of the turn of the century. "Its Felix who is the president of the movement," Jose Endundo, a leader within the coalition, told Reuters by telephone. But Endundo said that at least two of the nine political platforms represented in the party did not accept the process which led to the choice of Felix Tshisekedi as leader and former Kabila ally Pierre Lumbi as president of the bloc's political bureau. Martin Fayulu, a prominent opposition leader who was competing with Lumbi to lead the political bureau, said that the posts were supposed to be decided by consensus but instead ended up being determined by majority rule. "The population is not going to be happy when they learn that," Fayulu told Reuters. (Reporting by Aaron Ross; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Jonathan Allen NEW YORK (Reuters) - The vandalism of more than a dozen headstones at a Jewish cemetery in Rochester is being investigated by a New York hate crime task force, the third known case of a Jewish cemetery desecration in the country in the last two weeks. Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he ordered the investigation at Waad Hakolel Cemetery given the wave of bomb threats that later proved hoaxes targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism at Jewish cemeteries in Philadelphia and St. Louis. U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, has condemned the threats and attacks, although he has at times also questioned whether some perpetrators might be opponents of his seeking to link his new presidency with a rise in anti-Semitism. Trump's election campaign last year drew support from some white nationalists and right-wing groups, despite his disavowals of them. Besides the toppling of headstones at the Rochester cemetery, images of the deceased embedded on at least half a dozen headstones had been scratched away, although it was not clear how long ago, said Karen Elam, the director of community relations at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester. "It's clear vandalism," she said in a telephone interview after touring the cemetery on Thursday afternoon to photograph the damage. "Any vandalism of a Jewish cemetery is de facto anti-Semitism." Michael Phillips, president of the non-profit organization that oversees the cemetery, told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle newspaper that there was no proof the vandalization was a case of anti-Semitism, citing the smaller scale of the damage in Rochester. About 100 headstones were knocked over at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia last weekend, and about 170 headstones were knocked over in a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis. Officials at the cemetery in Rochester did not return calls seeking comment. In 2014, vandals toppled more than 40 headstones at another Jewish cemetery near Rochester, but local police concluded the vandalism was not motivated by anti-Semitism, the Democrat & Chronicle reported. (Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is traveling to Israel in a gesture of solidarity spurred by acts of anti-Semitism at Jewish cemeteries, college campuses and community centers across the nation. Cuomo announced the trip Wednesday during a speech to Orthodox Jewish students, parents and teachers advocating at the Capitol for increased funding for religious schools. "I want to say to the people of Israel and I want to say to the Jewish community, 'In New York, you are not alone, and every person in the state of New York with any decency and understanding of what it means to be a New Yorker stands with you at this moment,'" Cuomo said. Cuomo denounced local and national incidents of vandalism and threats as "repugnant," echoing a speech he gave earlier Wednesday at the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center. New York has the largest Jewish population of any city outside of Israel. Cuomo, who last visited Israel in 2014, said the visit this weekend will focus on economic development, technology and security collaboration with Israeli leaders. The expedition is paid for with state funds through a 2015 initiative for trade missions to Mexico, Canada, Italy, China, and Cuba. Cuomo, who attended a Catholic high school, told the crowd of nonpublic school advocates that religious schools are necessary for a thriving education system. Cuomo last week proposed an additional $25 million for security at religious schools to combat hate crimes, in addition to the $181 million his budget for nonpublic schools. London (AFP) - Sergei Polunin, the ballet star with a bad boy reputation, told AFP the rough and tumble of his career was part of growing up as he presented "Dancer", a searingly honest film about his life. "You always have a good angel and a bad angel," said the Ukraine-born 27-year-old, who walked away from one of the most coveted jobs in the ballet world -- principal at Britain's Royal Ballet -- in 2012. "I was very hasty. I didn't see anything clearly," the soft-spoken Polunin, whose body is covered in tattoos and scars, said about that period of his life. "I had a chance to learn, to mature. Now I start to see things clearer," the star, dressed in a black T-shirt and trousers, said Thursday before the film premiere and a performance at London's Palladium theatre. Polunin is regarded as one of the most talented dancers of his generation and is known for his impeccable classical technique, as well as astounding jumps and a natural gift for acting. His video for Irish musician Hozier's "Take Me to Church", which Polunin made in 2015 with the artist David LaChapelle, went viral with more than 18 million views. But he is highly critical of the ballet world, particularly of restrictive contracts for dancers. "I would love for dancers to be treated better and for dancers to have support, for dancers to have managers, agents. This is the only art form that does not have a proper support system," he told AFP. One of the emotional highlights of the film is a scene in which, after quitting the Royal Ballet he is seen taking his clothes off outside his London home and rolling around in the snow outside. "I feel like that was the ultimate expression of freedom," said director Steve Cantor. Polunin caused a sensation when he left the Royal Ballet just days before a new production. There was talk of a bad attitude, depression, a row with a top ballerina, and for several months Polunin appeared to have retreated to the wilderness. Story continues He had joined it in 2007 from the Royal Ballet School and became principal in 2010 when he was only 19, making him the youngest male dancer to get the job. - Pushing to the limits - The film traces his career back to when he began dancing aged just three in the city of Kherson in Ukraine, which was then still part of the Soviet Union. It charts his rise from humble beginnings, highlighting in particular the sacrifices his family made to further his career. His father went to work in Portugal and his grandmother went to Greece to put Polunin through ballet school in Kiev, where he lived with his mother. Asked why he agreed to make the film, Polunin said: "It's important not to forget what parents did for you, what friends are. It's a good reminder." For artists, he said the film's message was "to move forward and not to be scared, not to be lazy". When Polunin re-emerged after quitting the Royal Ballet, he caused another surprise by joining Moscow's Stanislavsky Musical Theatre, a company previously overshadowed by the iconic ballet of the Bolshoi Theatre just down the road. He electrified audiences and thanks to him the Stanislavsky ballet company has achieved a new prominence in Moscow and tickets for its performances have become as in-demand as those for the Bolshoi. LaChapelle said Polunin's style could help open up ballet to popular culture and wider audiences. "He's a classical dancer but within that framework of classical dance he pushes it to the limits," he said. "He dances like his life depends on it and you see that, you feel that passion when you watch him dance. "And I think everyone can relate to that." Kiev (AFP) - Eight miners died Thursday when a methane gas explosion tore through a pit in western Ukraine, in the latest mine disaster in the ex-Soviet state. Rescuers said they had managed to save an additional 20 miners who were trapped underground when the blast hit the mine in the western Lviv region near the border with Poland. Ukraine's emergency ministry and prosecutors said eight miners died. The ministry said six others were hurt. Officials said Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Energy Minister Igor Nasalyk immediately left for the site after hearing the news. Ukraine has frequent mine accidents that claim dozens of lives at a time. But this is the first major explosion reported this year. Ukraine relies heavily on coal for electricity and heat despite efforts by Western donors to weaken the east European country's dependency on the polluting fuel. Many of the mines are in a dilapidated condition and deemed too dangerous to operate. The region's governor Oleg Synyutka said the mine was preparing to raise its output at the time of the blast. Ukraine is currently experiencing a rail strike by pro-Kiev army members and their sympathisers who have halted the coal trade with the heavily industrial east. Most of Ukraine's coal is produced in the eastern region that has been the site of a 34-month separatist conflict that has claimed at least 10,000 lives. This means that Ukraine is now trying to boost the operations of other pits under its control -- including the one in Lviv. "Because we have stopped receiving coal from the east of Ukraine, we were preparing to increase the production output of the Lvovugol mines," Synyutka said in televised remarks. "Whether this explosion is linked to that work or not is now being checked." Officials said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko was being briefed on the situation and had declared a day of national mourning over the disaster. The head of Ukraine's Independent Trade Unions of Coal Miners Mykhaylo Volynets said the pit "had not been modernised for years". Story continues It operated "using outdated equipment and lacked the necessary safety means," he said. Ukraine has other natural resources such as oil and gas. But those are preserved deep underground or offshore in the Sea of Azov -- a region claimed by Russia when it annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014. The war meanwhile has scared off foreign investors from betting big money on Ukrainian energy projects. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign over reports that he spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign. The two leaders remarks were echoed by many other Democratic lawmakers after the Washington Post first reported the connection, especially after Sessions had said during his confirmation hearings that he had not had contact with Russians during the campaign. Republicans, meantime, either called on Sessions to recuse himself from investigations related to Russia and the election or defended him. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has already made conflicting statements: on MSNBCs Morning Joe the Republican leader said I think, the trust of the American people, you recuse yourself in these situations, but less than an hour later on Fox, he said his statement was misunderstood and Im not calling on him to recuse himself. In a statement Wednesday, Sessions said, I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Heres a look at which positions members of Congress have taken on the controversy. Resign Schumer: The information reported last night makes it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that Attorney General Sessions cannot possibly lead an investigation into Russian interference in our elections, or come anywhere near it. With these revelations, he may very well become the subject of it. Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign. Pelosi: First, its clear Attorney General Sessions must immediately recuse himself from any and all investigations into Russian ties to the Trump campaign and interference in the 2016 election, the top House Democrat said in a statement. The fact that he spoke with Russians and then, under oath, denied it is unacceptable. If the attorney general refuses to recuse himself, he should resign. Story continues Sen. Elizabeth Warren: We need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign, the Democratic senator from Massachusetts tweeted. We need it now. Sen. Claire McCaskill: Its clear Attorney General Sessions misled the Senate the question is, why? The Democratic senator from Missouri said in a statement. Attorney General Sessions should resign. Sen. Kamala Harris: Attorney General Sessions deceived Congress and the American people, irreparably damaging his integrity, and is therefore ineligible to serve as the top law enforcement official of our country, the Democratic senator from California said in a statement. He must resign immediately. Sen. Ed Markey: AG # Sessions should resign, the Democratic senator from Massachusetts tweeted. This is exactly why we need an independent special counsel to investigate # TrumpRussia Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: Its clear that AG Sessions gave false testimony under oath at his hearing. This should disqualify him from leading the Justice Department, she tweeted. Rep. Elijah Cummings: His statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks and he continued to let it stand even as he watched the President tell the entire nation he didnt know anything about anyone advising his campaign talking to the Russians, the Democratic Maryland representative said in a statement. Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue. Rep. Jan Schakowsky: Under oath, Jeff # Sessions said: I did not have communications with the Russians. He did. Thats perjury. He must resign, the Democratic representative from Illinois tweeted. Recuse Rep. Jason Chaffetz: AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself, the Republican leader of the House Oversight Committee tweeted. Sen. Lindsey Graham: The Republican senator from South Carolina said that if the FBI finds that Trumps campaign had illegal contact with Russia, Sessions cannot make [the] decision over whether to prosecute and should recuse himself, CNN reports. Sen. Patrick Leahy: No more excuses, recuse yourself and appoint a Special Counsel immediately, and come clean about any contacts you had with the Russians, the Democratic senator from Vermont said in a statement. It is an egregious breach of public trust that Attorney General Sessions has not already recused himself. Now we must ask whether he has perjured himself. Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from investigations related to Russian interference in our democracy, the Democratic senator from Minnesota said in a statement. He said he would if there was a conflict of interest, and it is clear that there is. Sen. Al Franken: Its clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, the Democratic senator from Minnesota said in a statement. Sen. Brian Schatz: Only way to staunch bleeding today is for Mr. Sessions to remove himself, have independent inquiry. Anything else will make it worse, the Democratic senator from Hawaii tweeted. Sen. Claire McCaskill Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Democrat from Missouri, faced scrutiny on Thursday after tweeting that she had not met with Russian officials during the past 10 years a statement that was contradicted by a tweet she wrote in January 2013 indicating that she was meeting with the Russian ambassador. McCaskill's Thursday tweet was in response to reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two meetings with Russia's ambassador to the US during the 2016 presidential campaign. Sessions had said during his confirmation hearing for attorney general that he "did not have communications with the Russians" while he served as a campaign surrogate for Donald Trump. In her tweet, McCaskill said she never met or had a phone call "ever" with the Russian ambassador during her 10 years on the Senate Armed Services Committee: I've been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years.No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com. Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 2, 2017 But some quickly unearthed tweets seemed to contradict her claim: Off to meeting w/Russian Ambassador. Upset about the arbitrary/cruel decision to end all US adoptions,even those in process. Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) January 30, 2013 Today calls with British, Russian, and German Ambassadors re: Iran deal. #doingmyhomework Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) August 6, 2015 McCaskill's tweets raise questions about how frequently and under which circumstances lawmakers meet with foreign ambassadors. McCaskill later tweeted a response, saying she had never met "one on one" with the Russian ambassador in her capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Story continues Again, As senior member of Armed Serv, never received call or request from Russian Amb for meeting. Never met one on one w/him. Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 2, 2017 4 years ago went to meeting of many Senators about international adoptions. Russian Amb also attended. Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) March 2, 2017 McCaskill emphasized this distinction to reporters, saying she had met with the ambassador about adoptions and "it didn't have anything to do with Armed Services." "The Russian ambassador has never called me as a member of the Armed Services Committee he's never asked for a meeting with me, and I've never met with him one-on-one," McCaskill said. Democratic lawmakers, including McCaskill, have begun to demand that Sessions resign from his position as attorney general, accusing him of lying to Congress and thus perjuring himself. "A good prosecutor would have known these facts were relevant to the questions asked, McCaskill said on Thursday morning. "It's clear Attorney General Sessions misled the Senate the question is, why?" Some leading Republicans, including Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who leads the House oversight committee, are also among lawmakers calling for Sessions to recuse himself from overseeing an investigation into President Donald Trump and his administration's ties to the Russian government. Sessions denied the accusations and slapped away suggestions that he should recuse himself from the investigation or resign from office. He has argued that his comments during his confirmation hearing were meant to apply only to his role as a campaign surrogate and not as a senator. "I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign," Sessions said in a statement on Wednesday night. "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Bryan Logan contributed to this report. NOW WATCH: A historian of Islam explains the greatest misconception people have about Muslims More From Business Insider By Julia Edwards Ainsley and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew on Thursday from any probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election after it emerged he had contacts with Russian officials while involved with President Donald Trump's campaign. But Sessions, a long-time U.S. senator before becoming the country's top law enforcement official, said he did nothing wrong by not disclosing during Senate testimony that he had met last year with Russia's ambassador. He said the meetings were in his capacity as senator, not as a campaign aide. "I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign," Sessions told reporters at a hastily arranged news conference, after several fellow Republicans in Congress had called for the move. But his announcement did nothing to quell Democratic concerns, with House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi repeating a call for him to resign and saying "his narrow recusal and sorry attempt to explain away his perjury" were totally inadequate. Sessions said he had been weighing recusal - ruling himself out from any role in the investigations - even before the latest twist of the controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency. The move means Sessions, a powerful member of Trump's inner circle, will not be briefed on details of any probe. Should the Federal Bureau of Investigation decide to move forward with charges, Sessions would not be in a position to weigh in on whether the Department of Justice should take the case. The controversy comes as Trump and Republicans who control Congress are trying to move past early administration missteps and focus on issues important to them, including immigration, tax cuts and repealing the Obamacare healthcare law. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of an effort to tilt the vote in Trump's favour. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. Trump fired national security adviser Michael Flynn last month after revelations that Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak before Trump took office and that Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. 'HONEST AND CORRECT' During his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Sessions responded to a question from Democratic Senator Al Franken that he did not "have communications with the Russians" during the presidential campaign. But on Wednesday night, the Washington Post revealed that Sessions, who was a senior campaign aide of Trump's, received Kislyak in his Senate office in September. The other encounter was in July at a Heritage Foundation event that was attended by about 50 ambassadors, during the Republican National Convention, the Post said. Sessions said he was "honest and correct" in his answer to Franken, drawing a distinction between his role as a senator and his role as a campaign aide. "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign," Sessions said, but added that he felt that he should not be involved in investigating a campaign in which he had a role. At least two other officials in Trump's campaign said they also spoke with the Russian ambassador at a conference on the sidelines of the July convention last July, USA Today reported on Thursday. While there is nothing legally wrong with such meetings, the reported contacts raise questions about the White House's repeated statements that it knew of no further contacts with Russian officials beyond those by Flynn. 'ALICE IN WONDERLAND' Before the news conference, Trump stood by his attorney general, saying he had "total" confidence in Sessions. Asked whether Sessions should step aside from the investigations, Trump told reporters, "I don't think so." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who earlier said it would be like "Alice in Wonderland" if the administration were to approve Sessions' investigating himself, said he should have recused himself the moment he was sworn in rather than waiting until he was caught misleading Congress. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee asked the FBI to launch a criminal investigation into Sessions' statements to Congress about his communication with Russian officials. Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Sessions is one of many "subjects" of a wide-ranging government investigation of any contacts between the Trump's campaign and associates and Russia, two U.S. officials familiar with the investigation said. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Sessions was not now a "target" of the probe by the FBI, the Treasury Department, the CIA and the National Security Agency. The investigation, one of the officials said, has a number of subjects because of the numerous contacts between associates of Trump, including Flynn, and the Russian Embassy in Washington as well as Russian and some Ukrainian businessmen and companies. Trump has accused officials in former Democratic President Barack Obama's administration of trying to discredit him with questions about Russia contacts. The White House dismissed the revelation of the Sessions meetings as a partisan attack, saying his contacts with the ambassador had been as a member of the Armed Services Committee. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Ayesha Rascoe, Steve Holland, Julia Edwards Ainsely, Patricia Zengerle and John Walcott; Writing by Doina Chiacu, Will Dunham, Roberta Rampton and Nick Tattersall; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis) WASHINGTON President Trumps address to Congress Tuesday has sparked a debate over the meaning of his suddenly conventional behavior. Trump came across as a conventional politician in his speech. He didnt go off script from his prepared remarks. He didnt indulge his instincts for self-promotion and boasting, but instead talked about working with Congress, and with Democrats, to solve the nations challenges. Cable pundits praised the speech. That prompted eye-rolls from Trump critics, who dismissed it all as mere theatrics. But one regular detractor of the presidents, John Podhoretz, wrote in the New York Post that the fact that it was a relatively conventional speech was itself a sign that Trump is surrendering to the logic and traditions of the job he now has. And that word surrender is key. Trump showed deference to tradition and to institutional norms. It was arguably the first moment of his presidency where he submitted himself to the office of the presidency, rather than acting as if its rules and norms did not apply to him. Yuval Levin is a Washington-based conservative intellectual who is considered one of the most insightful thinkers on the right. Levin has written two books about conservatism and its application to modern problems. And he is currently spending a lot of time thinking about the decline of trust in institutions, the consequences of that, and how trust can be rebuilt. One of Levins insights is that Trump has viewed and used the presidency as a platform rather than as an institution. A platform is used simply for self-promotion. An institution is something an individual joins to accomplish something he or she cannot do alone. But the price of admission to any institution is some loss of individualism. Trump was arguably the most anti-institutional presidential nominee in American history, but his speech Tuesday night was the first indication that he sees some value in acting institutionally. Levin answered a few questions over e-mail about how he views Trumps speech, and the question of his change in style. Story continues Weve talked about your idea that Trump uses institutions as a platform, rather than conforming himself to them. How did that change Tuesday night? So Ive suggested that one way we might think about what institutions do for us and how thats changing in modern America is to think of institutions in terms of molds and platforms. An institution can be a mold that helps us achieve something by forming or transforming us by causing different people, in a sense, to take its shape and therefore become better able to achieve something together. Or an institution can be a platform that helps us achieve something by elevating our ability to express who and what we are in the world. As a general matter, I think we have tended in modern America to move from thinking of our institutions as molds to thinking of our institutions as platforms, for good and bad. This is evident throughout American life, but we can certainly see it in politics when it comes to what we think the parties are for, what Congress is for in the eyes of its members, and also what the presidency is for. Most presidents have understood the office as having a certain shape, and that if they successfully take that shape, if they occupy the office, they could become more effective in achieving their goals. Donald Trump at the outset of his presidency has seemed instead to approach the office as a platform a way for him to be himself on a bigger stage. He has not thought of it as a mold as an institution with a particular form that he ought to assume in order to deploy its power to advance his agenda. He has approached the office performatively. I do think his speech Tuesday night was the first time we have really gotten a sense of what the more traditional approach might look like, what Trumpism molded into the form of the presidency could be. This was both because the pomp and circumstance of that kind of moment almost forces you to play a part, but also because (unlike at his inauguration, which also had lots of formal elements) Trump seemed to willingly play the role of the president, and so channel himself through the shape of the institution a little more. Only a little, but even that little suggested the potential of this other way of understanding the power of the institution. He would be much more effective if he did more of that, I suspect. What are some examples of Trumps most brazen violations of institutional norms? Im not sure brazen and violations are quite right. Its more like: Rather than play the role of the president in our system, Trump is playing a different role which means both that the usual role of president is not being played and that there is this other kind of thing going on at the heart of our constitutional system, something more like performance art. Those are both challenges for everyone else in the system. On the first front, in terms of not playing the presidents role, I think you see that the legislative process suffers for not having a president play the presidents part resolving some key policy disputes within his party, prioritizing an agenda, and aggressively driving the process. Our system has come to rely on that, for good and ill, and doing without it will take some getting used to. There seems to be a related dynamic at work in the White House policy process, where instead of working internally to structure the presidents decision process and then working externally to advocate for and defend his decisions, the White House team finds itself struggling to sustain a structure and process internally and then having to perform for the president (rather than on behalf of the president) in the press. On the second, in terms of something else at the core of the system, I think in Trumps tweeting about the press and companies and other politicians, his informality in drawing outsiders into his making of hiring decisions and policy decisions, his interactions with foreign leaders, his loose schedule, his basic way of expressing himself you find a very different model of what the presidency is and what the president does. And at the very least, it will take some getting used to for his staff and for Congress and journalists and everyone else to figure out how to work with what hes doing and how to understand it. I think part of the relief that people seemed to express after Tuesdays speech was just a sense that here was Trump doing what presidents do, and after a month of trying to gain some balance, people felt an unfamiliar sense of normality. Why does any of this matter? Well, first of all the presidency matters. And the question of whether Trump will be an effective president or an ineffective one, a strong one or a weak one, an assertive one or a passive one, is still very open, so that every hint about the answer is significant. Also, the rest of the constitutional system has to interact with the president and respond to him, so it matters how people understand what hes doing and how he would respond to different pressures. The sheer uncertainty about how Trump will act has been debilitating for other people in that system, especially as long as it seems like Trump himself is uncertain how he will act, and the people around him are. It also matters in a broader sense because our institutions are very important, and Trumps presidency looks likely to transform the norms and expectations around the presidency in ways that will outlast Trump. If the presidency becomes more of a platform for individuals and less of a mold that shapes how power is channeled, our system of government will be transformed by that and likely in ways that arent helpful to constitutionalism. Do you think it will it last? I have no idea if we will see more of the President Trump we saw Tuesday night, or if that was one performance rather than an indication of the man being changed or shaped by the office. I assume its ultimately some mix of the two. But Im skeptical that we will see President Trump change all that much from the person we saw all of last year on the trail, since thats the person he has been for decades, after all. Like it or not, thats who our country elected, and we should hope and work to make the most of the potential of this president and to contain the risks and the downsides. Thats always true, after all. Read more from Yahoo News: My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible! U.S. President Donald Trump, Feb. 8, 2017 Donald Trumps ascension to the White House has brought with it a level of personal and family aggrandizement unprecedented in modern American life. Trump appears willing and eager to use all the powers of the executive branch at his disposal to reward his family, his businesses, and his friends. In the first month of his presidency, Trump held three official meetings at his own resort, Mar-a-Lago, reportedly costing U.S. taxpayers $10 million. But more than that, Trump and his family are also using the power of the U.S. government to attempt to punish real or perceived enemies. Not only has Trump directly criticized companies, but Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, recently called upon the leadership at Time Warner to punish its subsidiary CNN for running negative stories about the president and his family. Half a globe away, South Korean President Park Geun-hye faces impeachment for her own abuse of office. Park the daughter of strongman Park Chung-hee, who ruled Korea from 1961 to 1979 reportedly used her political power to secure admission to an elite university for the daughter of her close confidante, Choi Soon-sil. She also used pressure and threats to extort close to $100 million in donations to set up a think tank that would serve as a sinecure for her and Choi upon leaving office. Lee Jae-yong, the de facto head of Samsung the countrys biggest and most important conglomerate and grandson of its founder, was arrested in early February, charged with offering Park up to $38 million in bribes. Park is hardly unique; during Suhartos rule in Indonesia from 1967 to 1998, his three daughters and three sons became fabulously wealthy, with assets reportedly greater than $15 billion and shares in more than 500 companies. In 2015, the Indonesian Supreme Court ordered Suhartos children to pay back $450 million in funds embezzled while their father was in power. Last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was accused by the United States of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars from the government investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad and laundering it through the United States. Story continues Yet East Asian countries are attempting to move away from societies run by personalities, not toward them. Even in China, dominated by a deeply entrenched Communist Party and an increasingly personalized leadership under President Xi Jinping, the official rhetoric talks of ending the rule of man and strengthening the rule of law. Trump, on the other hand, wants the American people to trust him and his family not courts or experts. Punishing some companies and rewarding others will also be harder for Trump than for his Asian counterparts. Both the wider American economy and government sector are so large and diffuse that Trump cannot possibly have the same influence on American business and political life that Asian autocrats in smaller and more centralized countries have had on theirs. But he can push the United States in the wrong direction, toward an atmosphere of greater clannishness and cronyism that other nations are trying to leave behind. Most East Asian countries and indeed much of the globe are characterized by cronyism. This process depends on the assiduous cultivation of personal relationships between elites, including through intermarriage, and the concentration of extensive economic power in political leadership. When access to the state is a main avenue to economic success, and the state is in the hands of an insular elite, businesses know precisely to whom to direct their political payoffs to influence policy decisions. Banks, for instance, loan money based more on their assessment of a particular persons importance rather than the qualities of the project. When business and politics are based on people, not laws, in this way, the usual outcomes are erratic economic policy and extensive corruption. Cronyism is typical in East Asia because the clan or family unit is still the fundamental building block of many of the regions societies. Today, for example, Singapore, Japan, and both North Korea and South Korea have dynastic leaders. The past half-century of Philippine politics has been dominated by the Aquino-Marcos family rivalry. Ferdinand Marcos ruled from 1965 to 1986, first as democratically elected president and then as strongman. Marcoss wife and son have served as senator, representative, and governor of the state of Ilocos Norte. Cory Aquino (1986-1992) and her son Benigno Aquino (2010-2016) have both served as president. Political clans exist in America, of course: the Bushes, Clintons, Kennedys, and Roosevelts are perhaps the best known examples. But few have given their kinfolk as powerful a role as Trump has. Kushner, the presidents son-in-law, is officially a senior advisor to the White House; Trumps daughter Ivanka has no formal role but is clearly important as his confidante. Ivanka attended meetings between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump, for example, and is regularly seen within reach of her father during events. That makes the Trump clan look quite similar to ruling families in the former Soviet republics: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev named his daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva deputy prime minister, and just last week Azerbaijans leader named his wife vice president. But while family and personal interests will doubtless affect Trumps decisions, other elements of his behavior may be reined in by factors that dont limit Asian leaders. Many East Asian autocrats have far more influence over tariffs, markets, labor, and the flow of finance than the American president. In a country characterized by crony capitalism, the exchange of favors for bribes is common knowledge. Businesses rise and fall depending on their ties to political power. Perhaps the most dramatic was the collapse of Hanbo Steel, a Korean steel company that grew rich on government contracts and expanded with loans given by government-controlled banks, in 1997. When founder Chung Tae-soo lost the support of then-President Kim Young-sam, the banks called in their loans. Hanbo went bankrupt within weeks, and Chung was convicted of bribery. While Trump has considerable powers, he has fewer tools at his disposal to actually punish or reward companies because of the diffuse and decentralized nature of American political and business power. The American economy is so massive, and any one individual company so small by comparison, that even while Trump may attempt to bully certain companies, the effect will almost certainly be limited. Trumps penchant for personalist deal-making in this sense is also a limitation: He can only bully a few companies at a time. The difference is that in the United States there are actually fewer levers that Trump can use to punish enemies. After Trump tweeted about Nordstrom in February, its stock price actually rose slightly the following week. Other companies have experienced very little actual impact from Trumps rhetoric, as their stock price reflects the quality of their business, not the whims of the president. Perhaps the biggest restraint on Trump is the rule of law. Asian cronies are coming from a political, business, and legal environment that is often only a few decades old, in countries whose self-governance sometimes dates only to the 1950s. In this developing legal and political environment, personal connections were far more practical, because rules have been vague, nonexistent, or rarely enforced. That made personal knowledge of a counterparts reliability, trustworthiness, or other attributes key to protecting or ensuring a working relationship. This absence of laws means that an introduction from a trusted counterpart is crucial to opening doors or providing information about what the government will do; officials sanctioning relations between certain trusted friends of ours can matter far more than any written contract. Trump, on the other hand, is working within an environment in which the laws and rules and institutions and norms are not only clear but have worked quite well for decades, if not longer. As Trump attempts to ignore or work around the rule of law in the United States, he has already prompted pushback from the courts, the bureaucracy, Democrats in the legislature (if not yet Republicans), the media, and large swaths of the public. The United States is a classic weak state, and power devolves from the federal to state level and below. Trump has more constraints and fewer tools than may be apparent, certainly compared with Asian oligarchs. Americas Founding Fathers went to great pains to devise a system that would prevent a tyrant from emerging. Despite the powers of the White House, the executive in the United States has far fewer levels of direct pressure at its disposal than dictatorships. While countries like South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines are dominated by a few large conglomerates, and their leaders have considerable means with which to punish or sanction friends and enemies, Trumps direct impact on U.S. companies remains restricted to the influence of a tweet. Trumps tweets are a signal, but a signal that needs to be backed up with power and action. Trump certainly does have some tools at his disposal: Its possible that he could ask the IRS to audit a company, impose various types of tariffs, or take other measures against a single business. Furthermore, Trump clearly does not seem burdened by any sense of propriety and seems to relish in breaking democratic norms. But at the same time, his moves are prompting pushback, including bureaucratic leaks and street protests. American institutions, norms, and laws are about to face direct stress tests. Trumps business is like an Asian-run family company not a modern corporation and he is now trying to lead the U.S. economy in this personalist direction, as well. Asians have experienced this kind of thing for decades, and its a path they want to leave behind. America would be wise to do the same. Photo Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images If Ronald Reagan were alive today, hed have good reason to go after Vice President Mike Pence for defamation of character. The vice president was one of several participants at last weeks CPAC conference who claimed that President Donald Trump reminded them of Reagan. Trump is like Reagan in the same way that a card table is like a racehorse: They have the same number of legs, but after that the similarities are sparse. It is time to put to rest the tired and inaccurate comparisons that some Republicans like to throw around. The establishment looked down on Reagan too, they say, after all, he was only a movie actor. Rubbish. There may have been some in the East who looked down on a Republican from the West twas ever thus but Reagan was a two-term governor of California and a serious national political figure by the time he ran for the presidency in 1980. Unlike the current White House occupant, he spoke in complete sentences, and beautifully. He could read from a teleprompter with fluency and had the discipline to know when it was appropriate to ad lib, and when not. More important than the obvious differences of style, Reagan was a person of substance he was interested in governing because he had views (some of which were controversial, but generally intellectually consistent) about how government could and should work. One of the biggest differences between Trump and Reagan is the latters grasp of the moral difference between the free world and repressive regimes, which he communicated clearly and compellingly. Reagan saw in the Soviet Union the evil of a system that deprived its citizens of their human rights, and he helped Americans see it too. Speaking to a different conservative audience the National Association of Evangelicals in 1983, Reagan urged his audience not to dismiss the arms race as a big misunderstanding and remove themselves from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil. The year before, speaking in the British Parliament, Reagan declared the march of freedom and democracy [will] leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people. Throughout his political career, Ronald Reagan articulated repeatedly and forcefully a central strategic premise of American national security policy since World War II: that the security and prosperity of the United States and its people is enhanced by the expansion of freedom in the world. Over the last 75 years, there have been disagreements both between and within our two major parties on the tactics of international politics for example, on the wisdom and efficacy of military intervention or the value of pure realpolitik as an approach but never has there been a sustained abandonment of the premise that we have a strategic (and moral) interest in seeing more people in more places live in liberal democracies with market economies. This is part of what is so disturbing about Trumps moral equivalence between Russia and the United States (and Pences refusal to voice the still-manifest truth that free and democratic America is morally superior to kleptocratic, authoritarian Russia.) Trumps ambivalence about Americas moral strengths most importantly the individual rights protected by our Constitution and made real through our institutions accompanies an approach to foreign policy (not to mention domestic politics) which could be called neo-tribalism. In Trumps neo-tribalism, societies are not made up of individuals bound together under a system of law, but of groups delineated by blood and culture, and interact with each other in a global arena. The international system he seems to seek is a competitive, every country for itself system, because he thinks he can prevail in this chaotic landscape. He talks about improving relations with other countries, but what he really means is making deals with rulers. Weve yet to see whether Trump is really a good dealmaker on the world stage (remember, he somehow managed to bankrupt, among other things, a casino). Even so, its true that America has enormous competitive advantages (only some of which Trump seems to appreciate): the scale of our economy, the innovation that drives it, rule of law, a diverse population, world-class universities, and by far the most powerful and sophisticated military in the world, to name a few. America has fared well, and will fare well, wherever international competition is inevitable. But Americans have benefitted most, and will continue to benefit most in terms of keeping our country safe and enhancing our prosperity when the United States uses its leadership in the world to build a more cooperative global system, and when Washington supports democratic progress elsewhere in the world. Reagan recognized that even the winner doesnt really win in an every-country-for-itself system. Trumpian neo-tribalism will make us less secure. It matters for American security whether other countries in the world are free or not. Dictatorships are only stable until they are not and when they collapse, they unleash threats that dont respect borders. Similarly, it matters for American prosperity if other countries have competitive, regulated market economies and impartial rule of law. Corrupt and command economies dont just fail their own citizens, they also make lousy markets for American goods, produce migration flows that are more difficult to manage, and serve as hosts for parasitic non-state actors who threaten our way of life. History is pretty clear on this. Europeans tried the competing tribes and princes approach, and it gave them centuries of nearly continuous war. Thats part of why they recoil from Trump. A funny thing happened last month that few people in the United States seemed to notice, aside from some concerned activists: Donald Trump did something good on Twitter. On February 15, Trump tweeted a picture of himself with Lilian Tintori, the wife of imprisoned Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez. Tintori has traveled the world speaking eloquently about her husbands plight in recent years, and reportedly Sen. Marco Rubio facilitated the introduction to Trump. The fact that the president met with the wife of a political prisoner and advocated his release was commendable. But this tweet was anomalous for at least two reasons: first, Trump rarely uses Twitter to advocate for anyone other than himself. Second, the tweet was anomalous against the backdrop of Trumps value-free approach to what he calls an America First foreign policy. (In fact, in calling the American press enemies of the people, a charge he repeated at CPAC last week, Trump sounds more like Lopezs jailers in the Maduro regime than the man whose imprisonment he was momentarily protesting.) It would be good to see the new administration stand up for human rights and liberty around the world, but so far, we have little cause for hope. In his speech to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump talked about free nations but not in the way that other presidents of both parties have. He said: Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. Dictators around the world must have drawn comfort from these words. When I was a U.S. diplomat, I met with dozens of representatives of repressive regimes who proclaimed their need to chart their own path. This was usually code for continue to enrich our elites and crackdown on members of minority religious and ethnic groups, jail journalists, and disappear political opponents. America has historically stood for the right of individuals to chart their own path, and been clear that it is the obligation of governments to protect the rights of individuals. Trump continued with a breathtaking abdication of American global leadership: My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. This is a false choice of course, the job of the president is to represent the United States of America. But for generations America has also been a beacon for the world, drawing millions to our shores because of what we stand for, because of the promise and the possibility that America represents. In the words of Reagan: If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth. To be the leader of the free world is not an added task, it is an honor and a duty inextricable from the office of the presidency. Donald Trump is no Ronald Reagan. And thats not just because he compares unfavorably in terms of experience, moral character, and eloquence. He has also forsaken the strategic vision that Reagan brought to Americas approach to international politics. Photo credit: JUSTIN SULLIVAN/Getty Images Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump's administration was plunged back into turmoil over its connections to Russia after it was revealed that his attorney general failed to disclose he met Moscow's ambassador twice during last year's election campaign. Following the revelation Jeff Sessions recused himself from any probe into the election on Thursday. Here is what we know so far about the controversy dogging Trump's young presidency: - How did it all begin? - In October last year, US intelligence agencies publicly blamed Russia for hacking and leaking embarrassing documents from the Democratic Party during the 2016 presidential campaign. Three months later, on January 6, intelligence chiefs released a limited report stating they were confident that Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind an effort to damage the election chances of Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. The Justice Department and intelligence agencies are continuing to investigate Russia's alleged interference in the campaign. In Congress, three Senate committees and one House committee have also opened overlapping investigations into multiple aspects of the Russia controversy. - How is Trump involved? - The various congressional inquiries are notably looking into contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, both before and since the November 8 election, to determine whether there was any collusion with Russian attempts to influence the vote outcome. Several Trump aides had longstanding business links to Russia or Moscow-backed Ukrainian politicians, including his campaign manager Paul Manafort who resigned last August under scrutiny over the issue. The White House has vehemently denied a New York Times report that Manafort and two others from the campaign communicated with Russian intelligence officials prior to the election. Late Thursday, Trump accused Democrats of having "lost their grip on reality" and carrying out "a total witch hunt!" in a statement defending Sessions. Story continues - What is the fallout so far? - Revelations of sensitive contacts between the Trump team and Russia have already caused one high-profile casualty for the incoming administration. Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn was forced to resign February 13 after it was reported that he had talked to the Russian ambassador the same day that outgoing president Barack Obama was expelling 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the election meddling. Congressional inquiries are notably looking into whether Flynn undermined the Obama administration's sanctions on Russia in his discussions with envoy Sergey Kislyak. On Thursday, Sessions, Trump's attorney general, recused himself from any probe into the presidential election campaign after it was revealed he had failed to disclose his own contacts with Kislyak while testifying in his Senate confirmation hearing. Trump came to his defense late Thursday, stating that Sessions "did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional." - Independent probe? - As head of the Department of Justice, Sessions oversees any FBI investigations. In light of the new revelations, politicians from both parties had urged him to recuse himself from probes into the Russian controversy, while top Democrats demanded that he resign. Democrats fear that Trump's Republicans, who hold a majority in both chambers, will seek to stifle congressional inquiries to protect the president. Many are now calling for a major bipartisan or independent investigation into Russian interference. Options could be a powerful independent prosecutor, a select congressional committee, or a bipartisan commission led by experts outside government. Republicans have so far resisted going beyond the existing committee probes. Brussels (AFP) - Donor countries on Thursday pledged 181 million euros for charities providing access to safe abortion in response to President Donald Trump's bar on US funding, organisers said. The donations came at a "She Decides" conference in Brussels which was attended by 50 countries including Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium. "I think that the Trump administration decision is a wrong decision, and I've never seen any evidence that supports that decision," Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said as he opened the conference. "You see almost 50 countries here saying we think that this is important and we want to continue working on this." In one of his first acts as president, Trump reintroduced the global gag rule, enacted by Ronald Reagan in 1984, which prohibits foreign charities from using US federal funding to provide abortion services, information, counselling or referrals. On Thursday, donor nations and organisations pledged 181 million euros for the global "She Decides" initiative, which was launched by the Netherlands in January, the Belgian foreign ministry said. The Netherlands initiated the https://shedecides.com campaign to compensate for what it said was a 600 million euro ($640 million) annual funding gap caused by Trump's ban. (JACKSON, Miss.) A young woman in the process of renewing her permission as a Dreamer to remain in the United States legally was arrested Wednesday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after speaking at a press conference where she urged President Donald Trump to protect people like her. Now two Democratic senators want answers. Daniela Vargas, 22, was detained by ICE agents who pulled over a friends car on a nearby freeway after she left a coalition of clergy members, civil rights lawyers and other advocates for immigrants at Jackson City Hall, according to one of her lawyers, Nathan Elmore. A path for citizenship is necessary for DACA recipients but also for the other 11 million undocumented people with dreams, she said, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Barack Obama began and which Trump has suggested hell continue. Reading notes from index cards, she recounted watching ICE agents take away her father and brother, both Argentines like her who have been in the country illegally. I was scared for my life, she said. Vargas latest DACA status had expired in November 2016, and she applied to renew it mid-February, after she came up with the $495 application fee. She had been granted the two-year protection twice before, in December 2012 and in November 2014, said Abigail Peterson, another of her attorneys. Vargas was 7 when her parents brought her from Argentina. She graduated high school in 2013, attended community college and started at the University of Southern Mississippi, aspiring to be a math professor. Detaining someone with a pending DACA application has been very unusual, Peterson said. Why they would move forward the way they have is, honestly, mind-boggling, she said. ICE spokesman Thomas Byrd said in a statement that Vargas was taken into custody in a targeted immigration enforcement action after the agency verified that her DACA status had lapsed. A federal immigration judge will now decide whether or not she is eligible for immigration relief, the statement said. Story continues Asked for more details by The Associated Press, Byrd couldnt say whether agents knew she had reapplied or if this means other immigrants with pending applications are at risk of detention. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said hes seeking information about her case from the Department of Homeland Security. Disturbing that ICE may have followed her from an immigration press conference, he tweeted. Talking publicly about fears of deportation is not a crime and should not get someone detained #ICEraids, tweeted Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California. Vargas lawyers expect she will be detained in Louisiana, where they will try to get her released on her own recognizance. They said they dont know where her father and brother are being held but believe they have not yet been deported. I dont think anybody around her realized the risk that was involved, said Angela Stuesse (STEE-see), a family friend and anthropology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She wanted to share what she had been through to help the community there. Shes Mississippian by heart, Stuesse added. She doesnt see a future for herself in Argentina. By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - - Internet-based psychotherapy focused on changing behavior may be tied to improved body image and sexual functioning in breast cancer survivors, a recent study suggests. Researchers randomly selected 169 breast cancer survivors diagnosed with sexual dysfunction to receive either online cognitive behavioral therapy for up to 24 weeks or to join a control group of people on a waiting list for therapy. After 10 weeks, women in the therapy group reported bigger improvements in sexual desire and pleasure and less discomfort during sex than women on the waitlist, the study found. By the time treatment ended, women who got online therapy also reported greater improvements in desire and overall sexual functioning than women on the waitlist. "Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and applicability of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for female sexual dysfunctions in the general population," said senior study author Neil Aaronson of the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. The current study, however, is the first to evaluate and confirm the effectiveness of this type of treatment for sexual dysfunction in female breast cancer survivors, Aaronson added by email. "This is particularly important because the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in this population is two to three times higher than in the general population," Aaronson said. For the study, women in the treatment group could participate in up to 24 weekly sessions guided by a therapist. Researchers surveyed all of the participants at the start of the study, after 10 weeks and after therapy sessions concluded, with a similar schedule for women on the waiting list and patients in therapy. Participants were 51 years old on average and most of them had a romantic partner. Slightly more than half of the women had undergone breast-conserving treatment, with a majority getting chemotherapy, radiation or hormones. The most common type of sexual dysfunction was low desire, which affected about 83 percent of the women, followed by sexual arousal disorder, which impacted 40 percent of participants. Overall, the odds of improved sexual functioning were more than tripled with therapy, compared with women on the waiting list. Researchers didn't find any meaningful differences between groups in orgasmic function, sexual satisfaction, intercourse frequency, relationship intimacy, psychological distress, marital satisfaction or health-related quality of life. One limitation of the study is that it wasn't designed to show whether web-based treatment might be any better or worse than in-person therapy sessions, the authors note. Another drawback is that only 62 percent of women in therapy completed the treatment cycle. In addition, researchers didn't have clinicians examine women at the end of the study to see how many participants still had a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, the researchers note. A goal of treatment would be to help women improve enough to no longer meet the criteria for this diagnosis. While the internet doesn't allow patients to develop the same personal relationships with therapists that they can establish in the same room together, online treatment may be a more convenient and private option that some women may prefer, Aaronson said. One potential downside to web therapy could be the lack of a therapist to visit in person when problems arise, said Dr. Christine Rini, a researcher at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey who wasn't involved in the study. "People using the therapy may be less likely to get help for problems such as distress or relationship conflicts caused by completing the therapy," Rini said by email. "In an emergency, that could be a real problem." But web-based therapy could make treatment available to far more patients, and be more affordable than in-person visits, Rini said. "Using the web should allow people to get this therapy even if they could not or would not attend in-person therapy," Rini added. "People need to decide whether they prefer in-person versus web-based therapy." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2mflls4 Journal of Clinical Oncology, online February 27, 2017. Cairo (AFP) - Egypt's top appeals court on Thursday acquitted Hosni Mubarak of involvement in the killing of protesters during a 2011 revolt, ending the final trial for the strongman who ruled for 30 years. Mubarak had been sentenced to life in 2012 but an appeals court ordered a retrial, which dismissed the charges two years later. Thursday's ruling by the Court of Cassation is final. The trial was Mubarak's last, after prosecutors levelled various charges against him following his February 2011 resignation. He was accused of inciting the deaths of protesters during the 18-day revolt, in which about 850 people were killed as police clashed with demonstrators. Mubarak, 88, has spent most of his time in a military hospital since his arrest in 2011. In January 2016, the appeals court upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons on corruption charges. But the sentence took into account time served. Both his sons, Alaa and Gamal, were freed. Six years after his overthrow, most of the charges brought against his regime members have been dismissed while the country still recovers from the aftermath of the uprising. The revolt had ushered in years of instability that drove away tourists and investors, decimating the economy. Mubarak's Islamist successor, Mohamed Morsi, served for only a year before the military ousted and detained him in 2013, launching a deadly crackdown on his supporters. Morsi and hundreds of Islamists have been sentenced in mass trials, although many of them are appealing the verdicts. A former air force chief and vice president, Mubarak became president after jihadists who had infiltrated the army shot dead president Anwar Sadat during a military parade in 1981, also wounding Mubarak. He remained defiant throughout his trial. "I did nothing wrong at all," he told a private broadcaster after receiving the life sentence in 2012 over the deaths of protesters. "When I heard the first verdict I laughed. I said: 'Ha!'." Story continues Apparently referring to economic growth, he said: "The last 10 years showed more results than the 20 years before, including telephones and so on, and then they turned against us." Critics say that the abuses they fought under Mubarak have returned with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who toppled Morsi. Morsi's overthrow sparked a jihadist insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers. It has also led Sisi to argue that while he supports human rights, the dangers facing the country also require a firm hand. Washington (AFP) - Embattled Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a wily politician from the old South who cannily rose from federal prosecutor in Alabama to the US Senate and then helped propel Donald Trump to the White House. But less than one month into the job as the country's top law enforcement official, Sessions finds himself under heavy pressure over contacts he had last year with Russia's ambassador to the United States, which took place while Moscow allegedly conducted an operation to aid Trump's successful presidential bid. The genteel Republican, 70, was facing Democrats' calls to resign because he denied having had any contacts with Russians in his confirmation hearing in January. Trump said Thursday that he had "total" confidence in Sessions. But he was also under pressure from both parties to recuse himself from any Justice Department investigations into Russia's interference in the election. Sessions, whose steadfast good-natured demeanor masks any possible sign of stress, has survived such pressure before, whether battling accusations of racism for his work as a prosecutor in Alabama, or advocating an unpopular anti-immigrant agenda in Congress that has now become a centerpiece of Trump policies. Sessions grew up in Alabama, in the segregated South. He was a US prosecutor from 1981 to 1993, where his handling of several controversial cases saw him labeled racist by African-Americans. In 1986 his nomination by president Ronald Reagan for a federal judgeship sparked a tide of anger from African-Americans that led to his rejection. Coretta Scott King, the widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., said in a letter objecting to his nomination that Sessions had used his powers to "intimidate and frighten" elderly black voters. Others assailed him for having made racist remarks about blacks. But he kept his ambitions intact, rising to Alabama state attorney general and then, in 1996, winning election to represent the state in the US Senate. He stayed there until this year, when he quit to join the Trump government. In his confirmation hearings he was again forced to endure attacks by Democrats on his civil rights record and alleged racist comments back in his earlier positions. "This caricature of me from 1986 was not correct," he insisted to a Senate panel. Brussels (AFP) - The EU on Thursday stepped up warnings that countries could be punished if they fail to share the burden of mainly Syrian refugees stranded in Greece and Italy. Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said member states had until September to take in 160,000 Syrian and other refugees from the two countries, which have been on the frontline of the migration crisis. So far only 13,500 have been relocated in a process bogged down by general inertia and resistance from Eastern European states which oppose Muslim immigration. "If we don't have tangible efforts by September... the commission will not hesitate to make use of its power," Avramopoulos, who is Greece's EU commissioner, told a news conference. The EU has been trying to convince members states "to do their duty," he said. "But if it is not the case in the future, infringements might be an option," he said. As the executive branch of the 28-nation EU, the European Commission is able to launch "infringement proceedings" to impose fines on member state that break the bloc's rules. Countries like Hungary and Slovakia have proposed paying "solidarity" contributions instead of actually taking in any migrants. But others such as France and Germany insist that no country can shirk its duty to admit a minimum number of refugees under the plan, which was pushed through in September 2015. The EU launched the scheme to deal with the biggest wave of refugees in its history, with more than 1.1 million arriving in 2015, most of them fleeing the conflict in Syria. In February, EU vice president Frans Timmermans said the Commission was for the first time considering penalties for states that break the rules. Meanwhile the Commission urged EU nations to quickly seal deals with Nigeria and Tunisia to speed up the deportation process. The EU says most African migrants are heading to Europe for economic reasons, making them ineligible for protection like that granted to asylum seekers fleeing war or persecution. Story continues "We want to continue to offer succour to persons in need of international protection," Timmermans said in a statement. "We owe it to them, to our partners outside the EU, and to our citizens to be able to say clearly: when in need, we'll help, when not, you must return." Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. By Joseph Ax NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge rejected a request for a new trial by two former associates of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who were convicted for their roles in the "Bridgegate" lane closure scandal. The decision late Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton clears the way for the two defendants to be sentenced on March 15. Bridget Kelly, a former deputy chief of staff under the Republican governor, and Bill Baroni, the former deputy executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, were convicted in November of orchestrating the shutdown of access lanes at the George Washington Bridge in September 2013. U.S. prosecutors said the resulting gridlock in Fort Lee, New Jersey, was intended to punish the town's Democratic mayor for declining to back Christie's re-election campaign. Christie has not been charged in the case and has denied any knowledge of the plan. But Kelly and another conspirator, former Port Authority official David Wildstein, both testified that Christie was aware of the lane closures before they occurred. Wildstein pleaded guilty and appeared at trial as the government's star witness. In asking for an acquittal or a new trial, Kelly's lawyers had argued that Wigenton erred when she instructed jurors that they could convict the defendants even if prosecutors failed to prove they had intentionally targeted the mayor for retribution. The motivation for the scheme, Kelly's lawyers said, was at the core of the government's case. But Wigenton said motive, while central to the prosecution, is not a required element of the crimes for which Baroni and Kelly were convicted. "The government was under no obligation to introduce evidence of motive, although motive helps present a coherent narrative of events to a jury," she wrote. Lawyers for Baroni and Kelly did not immediately respond to requests for comment. They can still ask a U.S. appeals court to overturn the verdict after sentencing has taken place. Story continues A spokesman for New Jersey's chief federal prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, declined to comment on the ruling. The scandal's fallout helped sink Christie's once-promising political career. He was passed over for a position in President Donald Trump's administration after his own presidential bid sputtered, and he has seen record-low approval ratings in New Jersey. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Instead of trying to stop the leaks that have been plaguing his administration, President Donald Trump might be better off determining why the leaks are occurring in the first place, an expert said Wednesday. Matthew Bunn, who co-edited the book Insider Threat, told the Hill the White House effort to crack down on leakers by monitoring their phones could wind up producing more leaks as unhappy staffers become more disgruntled. Stories have surfaced in recent weeks about chaos in the White House as various factions vie for power. During last weeks Conservative Public Action Conference, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and chief White House political strategist Stephen Bannon tried to knock down reports they were at odds, saying they work well together and share a suite of offices. Trump also has railed against leaks from the FBI and intelligence agencies on alleged ties between his presidential campaign and Russian officials, as well as the release of a 50-page dossier compiled by a former British spy with unsubstantiated allegations on Trumps business dealings in Russia and his sexual escapades. Trump was especially incensed by the revelations that former national security adviser Michael Flynn had discussed sanctions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition. Flynn was forced to resign when it became clear he had misrepresented the contact to Vice President Mike Pence. The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Bunn said If people think secret work they are doing is important and worthwhile, they are usually able to keep a secret. When you see this amount of leaking, it suggests that a lot of people are concerned. Washington leaks are nothing new. During the Obama administration, Edward Snowden stole files from the National Security Agency where he worked as a contractor, and Chelsea Manning downloaded thousands of State Department cables when she was an Army private working in military intelligence. The information wound up on WikiLeaks. Story continues Perhaps one of the most famous leaks was the Pentagon Papers, a secret assessment of U.S. political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967, leaked by Daniel Ellsberg in 1971 during the height of the Vietnam War. Ellsberg worked as a military analyst, who unlike Snowden and Manning, tried to go through the proper channels before turning the information over to the New York Times, Washington Post and other newspapers. Related Articles USA Network has canceled Eyewitness after one season. But Adi Hasak, who developed the thriller based on the Norwegian show yevitne, revealed on Twitter that the Julianne Nicholson-led series may not be dead yet. Shortly after Deadline broke the cancellation news, Hasak wrote in a series of tweets that he is working hard to find a new home for the show. Although the shows season average was only 0.17 in the 18-49 demographic and 639,000 total viewers, Hasak believes that the series had over a million of followers. Sadly, due to rampant pirating, not all viewers were counted. Despite USAs decision not to renew Eyewitness for Season 2, Hasak thanked the network for giving the show a 10-episode straight-to-series order. He also expressed his gratitude to Universal Cable Productions for co-producing the series, which followed two small-town teenage boys (played by Tyler Young and James Paxton) who witness a murder while hooking up in a cabin. In an interview with Deadline in October, Hasak revealed that Eyewitness was actually pitched as an anthology series with the notion that it might reboot every year with a different story and a different set of characters. The show was sold as an anthology, Hasak said at that time. Im really enamored with shows like American Horror Story and American Crime. I told USA that this would be an anthology called Eyewitness where every season would be told from the point of view of someone who witnesses a crime. But when the show premiered and the fans have started to express their love for the characters on social media, Adi TV Studios came to a decision to keep the original cast for a potential sophomore run. If all goes well and we get a Season 2, were definitely leaning toward using the same cast and characters, assistant producer Jennifer Cote told TV Goodness last December. The fandom has spoken out loud and clear about their love for these particular characters, so weve already been brainstorming what journeys wed want to see them go on next. Story continues Would you like to see Eyewitness in a different network? Sound off in the comments below! James Paxton as Lukas, Tyler Young as Philip Photo: Christos Kalohoridis/USA Network Related Articles Barcelona (AFP) - Fairphone, a Dutch firm that makes ethical and environmentally friendly smartphones, said Thursday it is extending its distribution network in Europe. The company started off in 2010 raising awareness about the links between electronics and minerals mined in conflict zones, before deciding in 2013 to make and sell its own smartphones over the internet. Last year, the company reached agreements with four European telecoms operators to include its phones in their catalogues alongside those of major brands, Fairphone spokesman Fabian Huehne said on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress, the phone industry's largest annual trade show, in Barcelona. "We recently changed out strategy" in order to reach a wider audience, he added. Austria's T-Mobile, Germany's 1&1, Switzerland's and Dutch firm KPN are the four operators that are now selling its phones. Fairphone has also reached an agreement with Barcelona city hall which will offer the company's phones to its employees, as well as with two online shopping sites in Italy, said Huehne. The company has sold 130,000 handsets so far -- 25,000 of them snapped up in a crowd funding exercise before the firm had made a single phone. Its main markets are Germany and Switzerland. Mobile phone manufacturers have been faulted by campaigners for using rare metals mined in conflict areas and producing devices in Asian factories with sketchy labour standards. Fairphone focuses on conflict-free minerals and provides spare parts and simple manuals to allow owners to cut costs and waste by doing their own repairs on devices. The company posted sales of 15 million euros ($15.8 million) last year. A Washington man who died suddenly is being honored with a casket, which was handmade by his family as a salute to his legacy. Read: Mechanic Gives Stranger His Car to Get to Funeral After His Broke Down Siblings of Scott Nielson, 46, gathered in the back of a Vancouver Home Depot a day before his funeral last Friday to build him a casket. Whether it was staining, drilling holes, or the final layer of fabric, we all took part, Scotts brother, Kent Nielson said. For his surviving family members, it was a way to honor his lifetime of work in construction, and a way for them to come together to grieve their loss. "It was a great way to say goodbye to Scotty," said Julie Bradfield, his sister, who helped out with staining the wood. "We were able to pour our love for our brother into it." Scott, a father of three, was diagnosed with a brain tumor a year ago, and passed away suddenly earlier this month from cardiac arrest. Read: Community Turns Out in Droves at Funeral for Librarian Killed in Accidental Police Shooting "When we found out he passed away, we were sobbing and talking about everything we had to do," Scotts other sister Trish Mataele told InsideEdition.com. "I mentioned how cool it would be if we built his casket. He was a contractor, and pretty much all of us in the family had worked with him one time or another." Trish explained their entire family was involved with building and construction, and they believed it to be a good chance for the entire extended family to work together, and share stories about their late brother. As their plan gained momentum, their local Home Depot, at which Scott had been a familiar face for the past decade, volunteered to provide the building venue and gifted the family all the materials they would need. Julie explained, "They were like family to Scott." "Home Depot said, 'On us,'" Trish explained. "They basically said, 'Use whatever you need, and you can build it here.'" Story continues She explained Scott had passed away without life insurance, and the stores generosity helped the family afford the funeral their brother deserved. In addition to more than $500 worth of wood and stains, Home Depot also gifted the family about $100 in flowers. Read: Singing Home Depot Store Greeter Loves Making Customers Smile: 'We Should All Be Uplifting' Employees at the store who had known Scott also came by to help, sharing different stories they remembered about him along the way. By the end, everyone who had known Scott was able to contribute to the casket. "It was obviously a tragic situation," Trish said. "But to be able to bring all of us together and share our talents and gifts to give Scotty what he deserved, it helped us through the grieving process. To donate to the familys funeral expenses, visit their GoFundMe page. Watch: Over 100 Strangers Gather to Honor Korean War Veteran Who Died With No Family Related Articles: TONOPAH, Ariz. (AP) Authorities have rescued an Arizona man inside a flooded minivan that was stuck in swift-moving water after a storm. Phoenix news station KNXV-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2lnMDZ1 ) that a minivan stuck in the middle of a river on the outskirts of the Phoenix metro area had water up to its roof Tuesday night. Five rescuers made their way to the man trapped inside. They put a life vest on the man and pulled him to the riverbank. No one else was inside. A Phoenix fire captain says the vehicle had moved downstream at times during the rescue. No further details were released. A very good dog did some very bad things, but he's still a very good dog. The Nanticoke City Fire Department in Pennsylvania responded to a public assist call on Monday after a mischievous husky managed to break free from its prison for some fresh air on the roof. The dog's humans weren't at home but the firefighters were able to get the dog back inside, then they left. Then it happened again. SEE ALSO: Little pug helps his doggie friend out by giving him a great back scratch "About an hour later, firefighters received another public assist call to same location for the dog on the roof," the page wrote on Facebook. "The dog apparently wanted to be back outside again and reopened the window and let himself out again." Just as the firefighters pulled up to the scene, the dog walked back through the window. Seriously though, how could you possibly be mad at this face? A good dog that did a bad thing. Image: Nanticoke Fire Department A federal just in Detroit on Wednesday set April 18 as the trial date for a Volkswagen AG executive on charges related to the massive diesel emissions scandal. U.S. District Judge Sean Cox on ordered Oliver Schmidt, who headed VWs environmental and engineering center in Michigan, to stand trial on charges stemming from a scheme to cheat on U.S. emissions tests. Five others were indicted along with Schmidt, who is being held without bond, in January, but he was the only one of the six in the United States at the time. schmidt Photo: Reuters He will be the first VW employee or executive to be tried in the scandal. The company is scheduled to plead guilty to three felony counts March 10 under a plea agreement. VW has agreed to spend as much as $25 billion to address the scandal, agreeing to buy back the affected vehicles or modify them, depending on what the owners prefer. Schmidts lawyers have argued he was just a small player in the scandal. The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday some VW owners are still waiting for the company to complete the buybacks of the 2- and 3-liter diesel vehicles. Jamie Caffrey, 36, told the Times after waiting for months for the buyback application, it was accidentally rejected and he was instructed to resubmit it. Part of the problem lies with third-party lenders who financed the vehicle purchases and are skittish about releasing loan payoff information for fear of violating privacy regulations. Eighty-five percent of the affected vehicles must be modified or removed from the road by next year. Some 475,000 vehicles are affected. More than 360,000 owners or lessees had submitted claims by Feb. 14. Court documents made public Tuesday show VW has spent $2.9 billion so far to repurchase nearly 138,000 U.S. vehicles. Story continues In addition to Volkswagen models, Audi and Porsche vehicles also were equipped with the defeat device. As part of its plea deal, VW agreed to new audit and oversight procedures to be performed by an independent monitor for three years. Despite the scandal, Volkswagen earnings in 2016 surpassed Toyota, making it the worlds biggest car company. Related Articles Lille (France) (AFP) - The mayor of the northern French city of Calais faced criticism from local aid groups Thursday over new rules preventing the distribution of free food to migrants around the site of a former camp. The mayor's office has banned people from gathering in the zone near the city's port which was home to the notorious "Jungle" camp until October when it was destroyed by authorities. "It's not a directive against the distribution of meals, but against gatherings because these lead to law and order issues as well as security and waste problems," rightwing mayor Natacha Bouchart told AFP. "I took this decision to make sure that no permanent base or squat is created around Calais," she added. Two local groups which help migrants in the area said they would go to court to fight the decision. "We are not going to let these people, including lots of children, starve to death. They already live outside," Gael Manzi from the group Utopia 56 said, adding that 500 meals were distributed daily. Calais has been a magnet for refugees and migrants trying to reach Britain for more than a decade, with French authorities repeatedly tearing down dirty and unsafe camps there. Migrants try to break into trucks heading to Britain, while many locals resent their presence. Several thousand people fleeing war or poverty in the "Jungle" last October were sent to accommodation around France, leading to fierce criticism from far-right group the National Front. The Socialist government, which is determined to try to stop another camp springing up in Calais, has recently criticised Britain for reneging on a deal to resettle hundreds of underage migrants from the camp. A top Egyptian appeals court on Wednesday acquitted former President Hosni Mubarak on charges of killing protesters during the countrys 2011 uprising. The ruling ends six years of a legal battle over the former rulers involvement in the deaths of protesters amid the Arab Spring, a popular uprising that ultimately led to his ouster from government. Some 900 protesters were killed in Egypt during the revolution, though Mubarak was only implicated in the deaths of 239 in the court case. He was originally sentenced to life in prison in 2012, but an appeals court ordered a retrial. In 2014, he was cleared of all charges, before a final appeal that led to Wednesdays ruling. This ruling is not fair and not just. The judiciary is politicized, Osman al-Hefnawy, a lawyer for the families of the killed protesters said, according to Reuters. Mubaraks clearance in 2014 sparked public outrage and mass protests. But, outside of defense lawyers, Wednesdays ruling has so far been met with deafening silence. Egyptians have gotten used to this, said Michele Dunne, Middle East expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Theyve become used to seeing more and more of the Mubarak-era officials acquitted or have their cases dropped, she told Foreign Policy. Not that Egypts political climate allows for public protests these days. A military coup in 2013 toppled the Islamist government first elected after Mubaraks ouster. Since then, the new government under former Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has violently clamped down on political freedom and dissent. On Monday, Egypt expelled one of the countrys last remaining outspoken opposition politicians from parliament, further undermining the countrys crippled opposition. Sisis government likely wont see a newly acquitted Mubarak as a threat to power. The former president, who ruled Egypt for 30 years, is now 88 years old and in poor health. Behind the scenes, theres potentially a quiet power struggle simmering between the ruling military Sisi represents and Mubaraks sons, who have close ties to the countrys business elites. Dunne said its still unclear whether Mubaraks acquittal will pave the way for any political future for his sons, but its not out of the question. Story continues But the acquittal Wednesday showcased how far the country has drifted from the ideals that animated the early days of the Arab Spring, particularly for the young people who led the revolt against Mubarak. Its just one more sign that the changes that they pushed for and thought they had won in 2011 are completely gone, Dunne said. Photo credit: AHMED EL-MALKY/AFP/Getty Images Paris (AFP) - Police raided the Paris home of French rightwing presidential candidate Francois Fillon on Thursday over an alleged fake job scandal as a senior party colleague warned him he risked dragging his party "into an abyss". Fillon revealed Wednesday he is set to be charged over allegations he paid his wife and children hundreds of thousands of euros for fake parliamentary jobs, but he has vowed to continue his bid for power. After searches at his parliamentary office last month, police raided his central Paris home Thursday as he visited winegrowers on the campaign trial in southern France. The raid "finished several hours ago", a source in Fillon's team told AFP late Thursday, confirming information first reported by Le Parisien newspaper. Fillon was accused by Dominique de Villepin, another former premier from his Republicans party, of driving the right wing "into the abyss" with his insistence on running for the presidency. "Going down this dead-end street is taking the state, our faith in democracy and its fellow travellers hostage," de Villepin wrote in Le Figaro newspaper. Fillon has called the charges against him "entirely calculated to stop me being a candidate for the presidential election" and has ruled out stepping aside. But defections from his team and calls from senior Republicans for ex-premier Alain Juppe, 71, to replace him have underlined divisions in his camp. "The French people back me," Fillon insisted Thursday. "The base is holding." New polls suggest Fillon is in third place and would win 19-20 percent in the first round of the election on April 23, behind centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Thousands still turned out to Fillon's rally in the town of Nimes on Thursday evening and his calculation appears to be that he can close the small gap on his rivals in the remaining two months. The top two from the first round proceed to a run-off on May 7, which Macron is currently shown winning. Story continues But analysts warn against firm forecasts after a rollercoaster campaign so far. - Le Pen loses immunity - Le Pen's legal woes also deepened as the European Parliament lifted her immunity to allow her to be prosecuted for retweeting images of Islamic State atrocities. The anti-EU, anti-immigration candidate also faces a separate parliamentary expenses investigation and a campaign financing probe in France -- all of which she, like Fillon, denounces as a plot to thwart her. The investigation in focus on Thursday concerns graphic pictures including that of a beheaded journalist that Le Pen, an MEP, tweeted in 2015. They were addressed to a French television journalist who had likened her National Front party to the Islamic State group, leading police to open a probe into "the dissemination of violent images". "The thing about the judicial affairs for Marine Le Pen and the National Front is that they are not about personal enrichment, while Francois Fillon's family is directly implicated," far-right expert Cecile Alduy from Stanford University told a conference this week. - Macron's agenda unveiled - Macron, meanwhile, promised a "strategy to make public life more ethical" as he unveiled his full programme for the first time. The 39-year-old said he would ban parliamentarians from employing relatives, bar candidates with criminal records from standing for office, and increase the scrutiny of MPs' expenses. Speaking late Thursday, he also said he would pull out of the election if he was charged "in the same way, in principle, a minister must leave the government if he is charged". "To be president is to be the guarantor of institutions -- that is to say someone who guarantees the dignity of our public life," he told France 2 television. Macron founded his independent movement "En Marche" (On the Move) only last April and has been the main beneficiary of Fillon's woes. He sought Thursday to take on critics who say his pro-European, pro-business platform lacks substance. Mixing traditionally rightwing measures such as easing strict labour controls and cutting taxes, he also stressed the need for new investment in public schools and measures to help deprived, high-immigrant areas. "We are not looking to adapt or reform, but to transform," Macron told hundreds of journalists at a launch event to set out his agenda. Macron believes France is too small to compete on its own in a globalised world and wants deeper integration between countries that use the euro, which would include the creation of a eurozone budget. "Our responsibility in the years to come is to be able to rebuild the European dream," he said, adding that he would seek to persuade the zone's richest member Germany to invest in other countries. PARIS (Reuters) - French presidential frontrunner Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he would ban lawmakers from employing family members and from carrying out consulting activities, seizing on his conservative rival's legal troubles to project a clean image. Standing as an independent centrist, Macron is tipped by opinion polls to defeat far-right leader Marine Le Pen in a run-off vote in May. He has shot to the position of frontrunner after conservative Francois Fillon was embroiled in a financial scandal over his wife's employment as a parliamentary assistant and summoned by a judge on Wednesday. In an interview with Le Parisien newspaper published on Thursday, Macron said if elected, he would pass a law to "moralize" French politics and fight conflicts of interest. "If we're for zero tolerance, it must be for everyone," Macron told the daily. "There can't be zero tolerance for young people from poor neighborhoods and indulgence toward the powerful and white-collar fraud," he said. The 39-year old is set to unveil his full manifesto at a news conference in Paris later on Thursday. Last week, the former economy minister outlined a broad economic plan mixing tax cuts, a reduction in government jobs and higher investments as well as a pledge to keep France's budget deficit below 3 percent of economic output. Macron resigned from President Francois Hollande's Socialist government last August. He has built up his own party machine and attracted endorsements from both the left and right of the political spectrum. In the Le Parisien interview, Macron also said he would seek to smooth out differences between France's 37 pension systems, would penalize companies using too many short-term contracts, and ban mobile phones in primary and secondary schools. (Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Brussels (AFP) - Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen was stripped of her European Parliament immunity Thursday after she tweeted images of Islamic State atrocities, paving the way for her prosecution by French authorities. Prosecutors launched a probe in December, 2015 over the graphic pictures that the French National Front (FN) leader posted on social media, which included the decapitated body of US journalist James Foley. "The result is clear, a big majority is in favour of the lifting of immunity," acting parliament speaker Dimitrios Papadimoulis said, after lawmakers in Brussels voted by a show of hands. The ruling is effective immediately for Le Pen, a National Front MEP, European Parliament officials told AFP. The decision concerns only the tweets, and not a separate probe into allegations that Le Pen misused public funds when hiring a parliamentary aide, they said. The development is the latest twist in France's dramatic presidential election campaign, coming a day after rightwing candidate Francois Fillon vowed to continue his bid for power despite the fact he is to be charged over his own fake jobs scandal. Le Pen addressed the tweets in 2015 to a French television journalist who had likened her party to the jihadist group. The images were tweeted with the caption "This is Daesh" (an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group). They showed Foley's bloodied body with his decapitated head on his torso, as well as a man on fire in a cage, and a victim being driven over by a tank. Police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre launched an investigation into "the dissemination of violent images". An investigating judge summoned her for an interview in April 2016 but Le Pen has so far refused to attend, citing her European Parliament immunity. - 'A political inquiry' - "This lifting of immunity is absolutely ridiculous and problematic," one of Le Pen's top aides, Florian Philippot, told BFM television. Le Pen herself has dismissed the inquiry as a "political" attempt to derail her presidential bid, in which she is predicted to win the election's first round in April but lose a run-off in May. Story continues "I sent two or three photos of Daesh atrocities and I said 'This is Daesh.' I denounced this atrocity," she told French broadcasters on Thursday, hours ahead of the EU Parliament vote. "Why investigate me and not others? I am a lawmaker and I was denouncing Daesh in my role as a lawmaker," she added. "It's a political inquiry." On Tuesday Le Pen criticised efforts to lift her immunity as "part of the system that wants to stop the French people's candidate that I am." French police have also opened a probe against Gilbert Collard, a National Front lawmaker in France, who tweeted a similar violent image on the same day. Last month the French national assembly refused to consider a request to lift his immunity after deciding it was not "sufficiently specific". Foley, a freelance journalist, was captured in Syria in 2012 and beheaded in August 2014. His bereaved parents John and Diane said they wanted the images removed immediately, accusing Le Pen in a statement of using the "shamefully uncensored" picture for political ends. While Le Pen is forecast to finish first in the first round of the election on April 23, her centrist rival Emmanuel Macron is considered the favourite to win a run-off vote on May 7. Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Chase Strangio, an attorney representing high school student Gavin Grimm, said Thursday that his client and other transgender people will not acquiesce to second-class citizenship if his team ultimately loses their landmark transgender rights case in the Supreme Court. Grimm is challenging his local school boards policy regarding transgender bathroom use in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. arguing that the policy violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit sex discrimination. The school boards policy requires transgender students to use bathrooms that correspond with their biological sex as designated at birth rather than gender identity. Strangio, who is a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT & AIDS project, led a teleconference Thursday to draw attention to the increasing number of supporters filing friend-of-the-court briefs with the Supreme Court. The ACLU expects thousands of supporters from communities across the U.S. to urge the court to reinforce the rights of transgender students and guarantee equal treatment under the law. People have figured out that it is not a big deal. It is not scary to include trans people in public life. Trans people are thriving in all aspects of society, Strangio said. People are weighing in to tell the court that standing with Gavin and ruling for trans rights is not only the legally sound thing to do but the just thing to do and something that the country is ready for. The ACLU expects a great breadth of organizations and individuals to file amicus briefs legal documents filed by nonlitigants with a serious interest in the issue throughout the day: medical associations, unions, artists, doctors, lawyers, scientists, government employees and others. The Equality Federation, Apple, IBM, eBay, Microsoft, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the cities of New York and San Francisco, the National LGBT Bar Association and the Constitutional Accountability Center are among those who have already signed briefs. Story continues Gavin Grimm leans on a post on his front porch during an interview at his home in Gloucester, Va., in August 2015. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) The ACLU told Yahoo News it is expecting at least 17 briefs. In a statement, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said, Every student deserves to feel safe and welcome in their school, regardless of their gender identity. Access to bathrooms and other essential facilities is a fundamental human right that should not be restricted or denied to anyone. New York City has long been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ equality, and we are proud to stand with transgender and gender nonconforming people across the country in the fight against discrimination. Yahoo News asked Strangio what kind of recourse this patchwork of pro-transgender-rights organizations might have to keep fighting for equality if the Supreme Court ultimately sides with the Gloucester County School Board. Were hopeful and optimistic that well have a favorable outcome for Gavin and for trans students across the country, he replied. No matter what, theres a lot of ways to organize young people, trans students and trans individuals to enforce their rights. Strangio noted that constitutional questions regarding the rights of trans individuals are still being litigated in the courts. No matter what happens, he continued, nobody is going back into the shadows. Nobody is going to stop fighting, and therell be many avenues for public and social change, as well as legal relief for the trans community. Transgender high school student Gavin Grimm in Gloucester, Va. (Photo: Steve Helber/AP) Brandon Adams, a transgender high school student from Framingham, Mass., and his father, Jonathan Eber, also signed amicus briefs in support of Grimm. On the conference call, Eber said all parents, including him, want what is best for their children. Eber said he could not be more proud of Brandon and has learned how to advocate for his son throughout his journey. As a dad, I just viscerally react to attacks against my son. My job is to protect Brandon. My job is to protect and make sure that Brandon is raised to the best of my ability, that Brandon is a decent and kind human being that cares for others, he said. Brandon said his middle school denied him access to the male students bathroom and hopes the Grimm case would make a strong statement about tolerance on the federal level. I would just say, Think as if it were your kid going through a transition or a family member. Would you support them? he said. Social conservatives generally argue that allowing transgender women into womens restrooms is essentially allowing full-grown men into womens restrooms. They contend that this places women and girls in danger, though crime data does not back up that claim. The case comes amid a passionate national debate over transgender bathroom rights. North Carolina recently ignited a firestorm that led some organizations to boycott the state when it passed its own so-called bathroom bill requiring people to use public buildings facilities that correspond with the sex on their birth certificate. And on Feb. 22, President Trump sparked an LGBT-rights uproar when he rescinded former President Barack Obamas Title IX guidelines that instructed public schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identities. According to the ACLU, the Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. case will be one of the biggest LGBTQ rights cases in history. Read more from Yahoo News: Paris (AFP) - Scientists have used gene therapy to relieve the symptoms of a teenager suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) in a world-first breakthrough, they reported on Thursday. SCD is an inherited disease caused by a gene mutation that results in red blood cells losing their usual donut-like appearance and taking on a sickle or crescent moon shape. Sufferers -- around five million worldwide -- often have anaemia and get tired easily, run a higher risk of infections and stroke, and experience bouts of severe body pain. Many need chronic blood transfusions. But a team from the AP-HP university hospital group in Paris, the Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases and gene therapy company bluebird bio said they managed to get a teenager off transfusions. The boy was the first person to be treated, in Paris in October 2014, for sickle cell disease in a clinical trial with gene therapy. Others have been tested since, but no official results published. The team collected so-called haematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to red blood cells, from the bone marrow of the youngster, then aged 13. The immature cells were treated with a therapeutic gene, carried in a deactivated virus, which recoded their DNA to correct blood cell production. The treated cells were then reinjected into the boy's body. Thursday's results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, report on the child's health 15 months after treatment. He was still doing well after this point, but an official, updated status has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. "He is well, he no longer needs monthly (blood) transfusions, anti-pain medication, or hospitalisation," study leader Marina Cavazzana told AFP. SCD is common in Africa, where up to 40 percent of a country's population can carry the mutated gene, though most never get sick. Last month, French researchers reported progress in developing a rapid, on-the-spot diagnosis for the disease. Early results from a trial in Togo, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo suggested the Sickle Scan was a faster, cheaper blood test than existing ones relying on lab equipment, its makers said. Rapid diagnosis is crucial to start SCD sufferers, especially young children, on potentially life-saving treatment. Istanbul (AFP) - The Turkish government on Thursday summoned Germany's ambassador to protest the cancellation of rallies in the country in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the latest spat between the two countries. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag earlier scrapped a visit to Germany after the authorities blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand Erdogan's powers. "Our discomfort and our reaction to these developments have been communicated in person to the German ambassador who was summoned this evening to the (foreign) ministry," a senior Turkish official said on condition of anonymity. The new row adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Bozdag was scheduled late Thursday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. - 'Building Berlin walls'- Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. Story continues Turkish politicians including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have sparked controversy over their visits to Germany to hold political rallies. Germany is home to about three million people of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s-70s, the biggest population of Turks outside of Turkey. Erdogan's government is keen to harness their votes for the April 16 referendum, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey's history. The Turkish government says the changes would bring stability while critics say the new presidential system would cement one-man rule in the country. Separately, Cologne city authorities said they would no longer allow the UETD to use a hall on Sunday, when Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was expected to make a rally speech. "The event can and will not happen there," a spokeswoman for Cologne city authorities told AFP, citing difficulties in guaranteeing security at such short notice. It was unclear if Zeybekci would be able to find an alternative site. In a series of tweets, Turkey's EU affairs minister Omer Celik slammed the German authorities' move, saying it would be a "success for racists." "By behaving so, they (German authorities) are harming the bridges between the democracies and building ideological Berlin walls that cut off people from each other," Celik wrote. Relations between the two NATO allies Turkey and Germany have soured following a series of disputes since the failed coup bid to oust Erdogan last July. An Istanbul court ordered Monday provisional detention for Deniz Yucel, 43, a correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, criticised by Chancellor Angela Merkel as "bitter and disappointing". Berlin's sharp criticism of Ankara's massive crackdown after the failed putsch has also irked Turkey. By Andrea Shalal and Ece Toksabay BERLIN/ANKARA (Reuters) - German officials on Thursday blocked events where two senior Turkish government ministers planned to speak amid growing public outrage over Ankara's arrest of a Turkish-German journalist, dragging bilateral ties to a new low. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said he had called off a meeting with his counterpart in Germany and was returning home after a talk he was due to give in the southwestern town Gaggenau was canceled, with officials citing concerns about the size of the venue. The city of Cologne also blocked an event where Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybecki was to speak on Sunday, amid security concerns. In Ankara, the Turkish foreign ministry summoned the German ambassador for an explanation, ministry sources said. The canceled events follow Turkey's arrest of Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for the prominent Die Welt newspaper, on Monday. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told reporters in Kiev that the arrest had caused grave damage to ties between the two NATO allies and added that foreign ministry officials had spoken with Turkey's ambassador twice this week. "We must solve this problem as soon as possible; the damage that currently exists is extraordinarily large," Gabriel said. Yucel, a citizen of both Germany and Turkey, faces up to 10-1/2 years in jail if convicted of charges of propaganda in support of a terrorist organization and inciting public violence. He denies the charges. He is the first German journalist held in a widespread crackdown in Turkey that has often targeted the media following a failed coup last July. The arrest has soured already-strained ties between the two countries, who are at odds over the post-coup crackdown and a German investigation into possible spying by Turkish clerics. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday underscored the importance of independent journalism and said her government would "do everything in its power" to secure Yucel's release. Officials in Gaggenau withdrew permission for an event hosted by the Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD) where Bozdag was due to speak, saying the venue was too small for the expected crowd. Bozdag was due to speak to the supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan as part of Ankara's effort to rally support among Germany's estimated 1.5 million Turkish citizens for an April referendum on expanding the powers of the Turkish presidency. Erdogan also reportedly plans a visit, although the German foreign ministry said it had not been notified. Bozdag told reporters he would return to Turkey instead of meeting with his German counterpart. A German government official said the justice ministry had worked intensively to arrange a meeting. "We wanted to leave no stone unturned to secure a fair process for Deniz Yucel," the official said. The city of Cologne also cited "security concerns and personnel constraints" in blocking an event where Zeybecki was to speak on Sunday. Spokesman Gregor Timmer said the city felt deceived because the room was initially reserved for a theater production. He added that the local UETD group only notified the city of its plan to hold a meeting about the referendum on Wednesday. He said no contract had been signed. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Madeline Chambers and Toby Davis) BERLIN (AP) German authorities have arrested two Syrians suspected of being members of the extremist Nusra Front, one of whom allegedly was involved in the slaying of dozens of civilians. The federal prosecutor's office said Thursday that 35-year-old Abdalfatah H.A. is suspected of war crimes over the killing of 36 Syrian government employees by his unit in March 2013. The statement says he carried out "so-called Shariah death sentences." A spokeswoman for the prosecutors' office, Frauke Koehler, declined to confirm German media reports that the man came to Germany as an asylum-seeker. The other suspect, 26-year-old Abdulrahman A.A., belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah H.A. and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013. The men, whose surnames weren't published due to German privacy rules, were arrested Wednesday and Thursday in the western cities of Duesseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. They were due to appear before a judge Thursday. Prosecutors said the men belong to a Nusra Front unit which also included Abd Arahman A. K., a Syrian in his early 30s who was arrested in Germany in June on suspicion of being part of a plot to carry out a bomb attack in Duesseldorf. Human rights groups have pressed governments to bring people suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to trial, as part of an effort to resolve the long-running conflict. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, or ECCHR, said Thursday it has helped submit the first criminal complaint in Germany against six high-level Syrian military intelligence officials, in the hope that federal prosecutors will take up the case under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This allows German courts to try crimes committed outside the country, though legal experts say that they are unlikely to do so unless there's a reasonable chance of bringing the perpetrators to Germany. Story continues The ECCHR complaint was filed together with seven Syrian torture survivors and two Syrian lawyers. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," Mazen Darwish, one of the Syrian lawyers, was quoted as saying in a statement. In a separate case, federal prosecutors said they had charged a 19-year-old Lebanese man with membership in the Islamic State organization on allegations he trained with the extremist group in Syria in 2015 and fought in Iraq. The suspect, identified only as Tarik A., returned to Germany in January 2016 and was arrested in Duesseldorf on Wednesday. Munich prosecutors also announced the arrest of a 33-year-old Bosnian man on allegations he supported the terrorist group Junud al-Sham by delivering them vehicles. The man, whose name wasn't released, was arrested Tuesday in the Nuremberg area. President Donald Trumps promise to begin construction on a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico soon reportedly has run into a roadblock: no money. Reuters reported Wednesday the Department of Homeland Security has just $20 million on hand that could be redirected to the project, which could cost as much as $21.6 billion. In his speech before a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, Trump pledged to soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border. A document seen by Reuters indicates the $20 million might cover contracts for wall prototypes but is insufficient to start actual construction. The money would come from funds appropriated for a fence project in Naco, Arizona, that cost less than anticipated and from a project to put cameras atop trucks at the border, which has been delayed. Bidding on the prototypes is expected to begin Monday. Some 265 businesses have indicated they are interested, a government website indicated. Trump has said he would ask Congress to appropriate funds to get the wall built but that Mexico ultimately would pay for it, something Mexico has said is not going to happen. House Speaker Paul Ryan has said he would include funds for the wall in the fiscal 2018 budget. wall Photo: Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters The issue has frayed relations with Mexico with both current President Enrique Pena Nieto and former President Vicente Fox objecting to the wall itself as well as Trumps demand that Mexico pay for it. Mexico wont give a single peso for that #FuckingWall, Fox has tweeted. The administration has floated the idea of slapping a 20 percent tax on imports from Mexico to fund the wall. Mexican imports in 2015 totaled $295 billion compared to $236 in exports, a $59 billion trade deficit. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said taxing just the deficit could raise $10 billion. Story continues Such a tax, however, would raise consumer prices on everything from fruits and vegetables to automobiles. Related Articles The House Intelligence Committee agreed Wednesday that its investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election will include an examination of any ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. In an unclassified summary released late Wednesday, the committee said its bipartisan investigation will focus on four areas: Russian cyber activity and other active measures targeting the United States and its allies; any links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns; the U.S. response to the Russian campaign; and leaks of classified information related to the American intelligence communitys investigation of the campaign. The determination of the scope of the panels investigation comes as congressional inquiries into the Kremlin campaign to tilt the election in favor of President Donald Trump have become mired in partisan rancor. This week, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) told reporters that he had seen no evidence that Trump aides had been in contact with Russian intelligence agents. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the committees ranking Democrat, sharply disputed that claim and said it was far too early to make such an assessment as the panel has not yet begun receiving evidence from intelligence agencies about the campaign. We will fully investigate all the evidence we collect and follow that evidence wherever it leads, Nunes pledged Wednesday. Nunes has close ties to the Trump White House and served on Trumps transition team. Meanwhile in the Senate, Democrats are questioning whether Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, possesses the necessary independence to lead his committees separate investigation into the Russian campaign. Last week, the Washington Post reported that the Trump White House enlisted Burr to knock down reports about contacts between the Trump team and Russian officials. Wednesdays announcement represents a key step in the investigations early stage. But in carrying out that inquiry, the committee will be reliant on evidence provided by the intelligence community. Whether the committee will gain access to all the information it needs remain an open question. Story continues In its Wednesday statement, the committee reiterated the need to expand access to documents and to ensure they are delivered to and stored at the committee. In his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Trumps nominee to be director of national intelligence, former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, pledged that he will supply required documents to Senate investigators. As congressional investigators begin the work of sifting through intelligence and examining the determination made by the intelligence community that the Kremlin interfered on Trumps behalf, the FBI is carrying out its own investigation. That inquiry reportedly includes a counterintelligence investigation into ties between Trump lieutenants and the Kremlin. In its Wednesday statement, the House Intelligence Committee noted that its inquiry will not impede any ongoing investigation, a carve out that could slow down or restrict its scope. Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Hamam al-Alil (Iraq) (AFP) - The gunshot rang out as civilians tried to escape the west of Mosul, where Iraqi forces are battling jihadists, killing a father as he fled with his family. "The sniper shot him in the head. His family was all around him, the children and his wife, they were crying," said Maysun, who saw the shooting as she fled Mosul's Maamun neighbourhood. "They didn't want to leave his side, but we made them continue because it was so dangerous," the 35-year-old told AFP at a camp for the displaced near Iraq's second city. More than 28,000 people have streamed out of west Mosul since February 19, when security forces began a push to wrest control from the Islamic State group, according to International Organization for Migration figures. They are fleeing fighting and food shortages, but they face horrifying scenes as they leave. "There were bodies in the street as we walked, children, pieces of bodies," said Safana, 23, as she waited in a food distribution queue in the Hamam al-Alil camp. She said IS fighters had told people to leave her neighbourhood of Maamun in west Mosul. "They came in the morning and said if we hadn't left by evening they would kill us," she said, adjusting her yellow headscarf. Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service has faced "fierce" resistance from IS in southwest Mosul, and the jihadists have targeted fleeing civilians, according to senior commander Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi. - Heartbroken - He told AFP around 15 fleeing civilians had been killed by jihadists in the past 10 days, with more wounded. Safana, who like many of those fleeing Mosul declined to give her family name, said civilians had been trapped in their homes during heavy clashes. "Our neighbour's house was hit by a mortar round and the whole house collapsed on top of them." "We managed to pull out two wounded people," her sister Shaimaa interjected. Story continues "But all the rest were dead, and their bodies are still under the rubble." Among those killed elsewhere in the area known as the Maamun Flats was 10-year-old Rusud Saddam, whose mother was inconsolable as she walked along a highway to reach transport to a camp for the displaced. "My daughter was standing in the corridor in the house... the mortar round hit and she's gone," she wept from behind a black face veil. "They broke my heart... I left her in the cemetery. I left her in the cemetery and I came." Some of the displaced were moving from areas already under Iraqi military control, afraid of the ongoing fighting and eager to move to safety. Others escaped across the front line, waiting until they saw Iraqi forces in the distance and running towards them with white flags. - 'Physical, psychological trauma' - At the Hamam al-Alil camp, 4,000 tents have been put up to receive arrivals, and more than 14,000 people have already been registered, said administrator Nader Samir. He said the camp, run by a local NGO with UN support, was struggling with several basic problems, however. "Our major need is for medical treatment. We don't have any capacity and we have yet to get a response from the government on our request for help," he told AFP. He said the camp also had no electricity, because funds for a generator and fuel have yet to be released by the government. Dozens of men and women were lined up at the camp in separate queues, waiting for food being distributed by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Many of the displaced described surviving on a single meal a day. "We had virtually no food and Daesh fighters came into our house and took what we had left," said Khaled Mohamed, 24, using an Arabic acronym for IS. "I'm afraid for my relatives who are still inside, I don't know if they will be killed." Samir said civilians were arriving hungry, thirsty and traumatised. "They're suffering physically and psychologically, from what they've seen -- torture, executions, death." Most people might don a sharp suit or an ironed shirt for their first day on a new job. But Ryan Zinke is not most people. He prefers a horse. SEE ALSO: There's a serious danger to the soft climate denial pedaled by Trump's cabinet picks On Thursday morning, the newly confirmed U.S. Interior secretary arrived to his office on horseback. The Montana politician, who also sported a cowboy hat, trotted toward the Interior Department building alongside officers from the U.S. Park Police. Honored to stand with the brave officers of @USParkPolice - these professionals put their lives on the line for us pic.twitter.com/QbtojcfvLV Secretary Ryan Zinke (@SecretaryZinke) March 2, 2017 Congrats @RyanZinke! Our new Secretary riding to his first day in the office with @usparkpolicepio #lesm pic.twitter.com/sdeBNroJcx USPPNEWS (@usparkpolicepio) March 2, 2017 "As a Montanan, the new Secretary is excited to highlight the Department's rich and diverse cultural heritage as he gets to work advancing the Department's mission," Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said in an email. Zinke rode from the National Park Service stables at the National Mall to the Department of Interior building around the block. More than 350 federal employees greeted the secretary, and an employee of the Office of Indian Affairs played a veterans honor song on a hand drum, Swift said. Until this week, Zinke was a freshman Republican representative for Montana and a former state senator. He also served in the U.S. Navy and as a member of its elite SEAL special operations unit, with deployments in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and the Pacific. Story continues The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Zinke's nomination to lead the Interior Department by a 68 to 31 vote. Congrats to Secretary Zinke and the horse he rode in on! https://t.co/BySpjyLw8H Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 2, 2017 Pic of new Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke after riding to work on a horse. pic.twitter.com/vtgMeRahcX John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) March 2, 2017 As secretary, Zinke will be in charge of managing and protecting U.S. natural and cultural resources, such as national parks, landmarks and public lands. The agency also plays a key role in monitoring climate change impacts and updating land management strategies to account for changes like wildfire risk and vulnerability to sea level rise. Environmental groups and Democratic senators have opposed Zinke's appointment. Zinke has said he supports keeping U.S. public lands under federal control, but he's also called for opening those areas up to more private oil and gas drilling, coal mining and logging. He's opposed regulations to protect waters in national parks from toxic pollution, which is also the agency's responsibility. The League of Conservation Voters gave him a 4 percent "lifetime" score for his voting on national environmental issues as a freshman Montana representative. Sec. Zinke goes fishing. Image: Scott Wilson/Interior Department Unlike President Donald Trump, Zinke has said he doesn't think climate change is a "hoax." But he is skeptical about the extent to which human activity plays a role. Climate is changing; man is an influence," he recently told the New York Times. "I think where there's debate on it is what that influence is, what we can do about it." On Wednesday, Zinke vowed to protect U.S. lands while still boosting extraction of fossil fuels. "Our public lands can once again be economic engines for our nation by creating jobs in energy, recreation, and conservation," he said in a statement following his Senate confirmation. "By working with President Trump and Congress to reevaluate and fix flawed regulations that are barriers to job creation, we will unleash the economic opportunity within our borders," he added, although he assured that "creating jobs on public lands can and will be done in an environmentally responsible way during my tenure." By Stephen Kalin MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Islamic State fighters launched a counter-attack against advancing U.S.-backed Iraqi forces in western Mosul during an overnight rain storm, as the battle for control of the militants' last major urban stronghold in Iraq intensified. Explosions and gun fire rang out across the city's southwestern districts in the early hours of Thursday. The fighting eased in the late morning, although a Reuters correspondent saw an air strike and rebel mortar fire. A senior Iraqi officer said Islamic State staged its attack on units from the elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) when the storm and strong winds hampered air surveillance and on-the-ground visibility. He said some militant fighters hid among displaced families to get close to the U.S.-trained troops. Iraqi forces captured the eastern side of Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting and launched their attack on the districts that lie west of the Tigris river on Feb. 19. Defeating Islamic State in Mosul would crush the Iraqi wing of the caliphate declared by the group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2014, from Mosul's grand old Nuri mosque. Residents reported that civilians were killed in an air strike on an Islamic State-run mosque on Wednesday, highlighting the perilous situation facing hundreds of thousands of Mosul residents as the allied forces step up their campaign. The residents said the blast collapsed or damaged a number of neighboring houses, many of which are badly made and poorly maintained. A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition said he was not aware of an air strike on the Omar al-Aswad mosque. The mosque was where Islamic State sent members of the Iraqi national police and armed forces to surrender their weapons and register in a militant database when the group seized control of the city in 2014. In return they received a pass to prevent their arrest and possible execution at militant check points. QUEUES FOR FOOD The Iraqi military believes several thousand militants, including many who traveled from Western countries, are hunkered down in Mosul among the remaining civilian population, which aid agencies estimated to number 750,000 at the start of the latest offensive. The militants are using suicide car bombers, snipers and booby traps to counter the offensive waged by the 100,000-strong force of Iraqi troops, Kurdish peshmerga fighters and Iranian-trained Shi'ite Muslim paramilitary groups. More than 31,000 civilians have been forced from their homes in western Mosul in the latest phase of the battle that began on Feb. 19, while the total number displaced since the offensive for Mosul started in October exceeds 191,000, according to the United Nations. On Thursday, more than a thousand more streamed out of southern Mosul, the majority on foot. Some said the militants fired at them as they crossed a defensive trench. One bearded man with a rod though his broken leg was carried by six men in a rug, while an old woman was pushed in a rickety fruit cart. Nearby, a Humvee brought a family wounded in a mortar attack to a CTS clinic. Medics cleaned their wounds and wrapped them in blankets. Many fleeing residents complained of hunger. One boy, Ali, held his baby sister as they queued for food handouts. He said they tried to flee on Wednesday but gave up when they came under Islamic State gunfire. On Thursday they managed to get out. The Iraqi military is taking women and children to camps and screening men to make sure they are not Islamic State fighters. Hundreds of women and children gathered in one abandoned bus station in the rain to receive food from the army and a local charity. A counter-terrorism officer fired his pistol in the air to keep the growing crowd in line. (Reporting by Stephen Kalin in Mosul; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Richard Lough and Toby Davis) Kirkuk (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi Kurdish forces deployed at a state-run oil company Thursday, temporarily halting pumping through a pipeline that is one of the country's two main avenues for crude exports, officials said. The move highlights two fault lines that may increasingly come to the fore as Iraq's war against jihadists winds down: the dispute between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurds over territory and resources, and the rivalry between two of the country's main Kurdish parties. An AFP correspondent saw Kurdish security personnel with black Humvee armoured vehicles and trucks deployed at the entrance to the North Oil Company in the northern province of Kirkuk. The forces halted pumping through the pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, but "pumping operations gradually resumed after noon today, hours after they stopped," a senior North Oil Company official said. "All employees and workers and technicians returned to their work," the official said. A top official in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party, whose forces deployed at the company, described the move as a message to the federal government and threatened further escalation. "The entry of the military force to the North Oil Company came to send a message to Baghdad, saying it should establish an oil refinery in Kirkuk," Asso Mamand told AFP. "We give Baghdad a period of one week to set up an oil refinery in Kirkuk (and) stop the decision to send oil to other Iraqi provinces," Mamand said, threatening "to take complete control of the North Oil Company" if this is not done. An agreement on establishing a new refinery in Kirkuk was signed earlier this year, but work has yet to begin. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the ruling party of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, asked its rival for an explanation. "We demanded that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan announce their demands and clarify the reason for the presence of these forces inside the North Oil Company," said Mohammed Khorsheed, the KDP's top Kirkuk official. Story continues While oil-rich Kirkuk province is officially part of federal Iraq, most of it has been controlled by the PUK since federal forces fled the sweeping 2014 offensive by the Islamic State group, and the Kurds want to keep it. The conflict with IS has pushed that and other territorial disputes between the Kurds and Baghdad to the background, but they will likely reemerge after the end of major military operations against the jihadists. Iraqi Kurdistan is also riven by internal political rivalries that would undermine any move toward a long-mooted declaration of independence for the region. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli photojournalist David Rubinger, whose picture of Israeli paratroopers gazing at the Western Wall after capturing east Jerusalem was perhaps the defining image of the 1967 Six-Day War, has died aged 92. "David Rubinger passed away peacefully in Jerusalem (on Wednesday)," the Foreign Press Association (FPA) announced. Born on June 24, 1924 in Vienna, Rubinger fled the Nazis to British-ruled Palestine in 1939 and served with the Jewish Brigade of the British Army in World War II. In his 2007 book "Israel Through My Lens: Sixty Years As a Photojournalist" he describes how after starting to work in photojournalism after his military service he was taken on by Time-Life magazine. He stayed with it for 50 years covering Israel's wars and politics but also providing a social and cultural history of the Jewish state as it grew, turning his camera on successive waves of Jewish immigrants from Europe, the Arab world, Russia, and Ethiopia. His photo of Israeli paratroopers gazing at the Western Wall holy site in the Old City in east Jerusalem became an iconic image of the Six-Day War. The Israeli army had just captured the wall, considered by Jews as the holiest site at which to pray, for the first time since Israel was founded in 1948, and the soldiers look awestruck. In recognition of his work Rubinger was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize in 1997. "Over his illustrious career, Rubinger took over a half a million pictures that tell the story of the state of Israel," the Haaretz daily said on Thursday. "Rubinger's photographs documented key moments in Israel's history and helped define its collective conscious." His funeral will be held on Friday in Jerusalem, the FPA said, with members of the public invited to pay respects. - 'Etched in memories' - "On this sad day we bow our heads on the passing of a master photographer from a generation of giants," said Nitzan Chen, director of Israel's Government Press Office. Story continues Israeli President Reuven Rivlin paid tribute to Rubinger's life and work. "There are those who write the pages of history, and there are those who illustrate them through their camera's lens," he said in a statement. "Through his photography, David eternalised history as it will be forever etched in our memories." Jonathan Spyer, director of Israel's Rubin Centre for international affairs research, said Rubinger "had the ability to make people feel their own image a little more clearly." An affable, sociable man with a gift for storytelling, Rubinger was held in deep affection by colleagues. Despite decades in the rough and tumble of the Middle East he maintained his courtly Viennese manners. In "Israel Through My Lens" he writes with humility and gratitude about his career. "I went through ten wars unscathed and survived countless other high-risk situations, and I have reached the peak of the photographic profession, with worldwide recognition for my work, being the oldest person on the masthead of TIME, one of the world's most prestigious magazines," he wrote. "I have had personal access to many of the world's leaders and other fascinating personalities, as well as the support of a wonderful family -- my two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren." He goes on to define what he calls "the secret of a fulfilled life". "Try to live every day as if it is your last, but plan your future as though there were endless tomorrows." This past Sunday, the final day of the first congressional district work period of the year, a group of fired-up activists held a mock town hall with a cardboard cutout of their U.S. senator after being unable to secure the in-person forum they wanted. The twist: That senator was a Democrat, and the mock town hall took place in one of the most liberal precincts of California. Republican members of Congress from coast to coast have faced off with angry constituents at rambunctious town hall forums since President Trump took office, leading many of them to scale back their availability to members of the public. But the fired-up progressive base behind much of that activism is not restricting its activities to the Republican side of the aisle. In a world where the new president has the lowest level of support from members of the opposing party in Gallup polling history, and in which Democrats unfavorable views of Trump are of blindingly hot intensity, Democratic politicians like Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., are on the receiving end of one message over and over: Resist. Resist everything. Sen. Feinstein has been Californias senator for many, many, many years for 24 years and she is one of our more moderate members of Congress. And while her moderate positions may have worked well in the past while we had a fairly normal sort of state of politics, things are not normal now, said Claudine Co of Indivisible SF, the San Francisco outpost of the progressive group formed after the election to, in her words, convince our members of Congress to oppose the Trump administration and its policies as much as we can. We want her to try to just oppose everything about the Trump administration, said Co, who objected to Feinsteins votes in favor of selected Trump Cabinet secretaries. We want her to say no. We want her to be as obstructionist as possible. The effort to bring Feinsteins votes in line with resistance values began as soon as Trump took office, and has involved Indivisible groups in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland, as well as MoveOn.org and less formally organized groups of activists operating under the banner of the Peoples Town Hall Project. Urging Feinstein to oppose and vote against the nomination of her Senate colleague Jeff Sessions to be attorney general which she ultimately did became a huge activist push during the week before the vote, after she had first voted yes on five of Trumps nominees. On Jan. 30, two hundred people protested outside Feinsteins San Francisco mansion, carrying signs like Obstruct or go home and Less yes, more no, otherwise you gotta go. Story continues If you dont know what people want, you havent been watching the news; you havent been to the airport; you havent been to the Womens March. You are ignoring everyone that is trying to talk to you, one woman said in an address to Feinstein, who did not appear to be home, during what turned into a sort of citizens town hall, San Francisco Magazine reported. So many activists called Feinsteins office and sent letters about Trumps nominees that at the end of February she sent a letter to the California Indivisible chapters thanking them for reaching out to her and noting that more than 112,000 constituents had called or emailed about Sessions and another 95,000 had reached out to urge her to oppose Betsy DeVos for education secretary. Your engagement and grit inspire me to work even harder to protect the democratic values, principles, and communities that have always made our country great, she wrote. But she declined, again, to hold a town hall meeting with the activists. The next day, they confronted her at a San Francisco policy forum, inside and outside. What a beautiful group of #indivisible San Franciscans asking to be heard by our Senator @SenFeinstein. @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/OPqUNNBjYN Indivisible SF (@IndivisibleSF) February 25, 2017 The front page of the San Francisco Chronicle declared, Feinstein pressed to resist Trump. Wow check us out on the front page of the Chronicle! Go team! We #standindivisible & expect u 2 #resist more @SenFeinstein @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/8dAf6Eft3c Indivisible SF (@IndivisibleSF) February 26, 2017 Whether the self-styled resistance of the Trump era is like the tea party movement is a subject of debate within it. Members of the resistance point to Hillary Clintons popular-vote win as evidence that they represent the majority in America and not an angry minority. The current resistance isnt reacting to its lost status as the majority in American politics, as the Tea Party was, former Clinton deputy national press secretary Jesse Ferguson argued in a recent Time magazine editorial. It is speaking out for the majority of Americans who feel inadequately represented in Washington. This resistance is giving political voice to those the political system has deprived of a voice. They are speaking for the silenced majority. I am so sick of the attempts to somehow make folks fighting against 45 [Trump] the same as the Tea Party back in 09. The s*** aint comparable, tweeted writer and TWIB Nation CEO Elon James, agreeing with him. And yet the groups that make up the resistance frequently and explicitly point to the tea party as a model. We modeled #indivisible strategy on the Tea Party, but @JesseFFerguson piece rings true. Resistance is the majority, wrote Indivisible co-founder and executive organizer Ezra Levin in reply. 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, Levin told Yahoo News. That strategy was a local, defensive, congressional advocacy strategy implemented by constituents. And as with the tea party, that strategy often involves targeting members of your own party as well as the opposition. Though it has gotten less attention than the confrontations with Republicans, Democrats have been seeing huge crowds at their town hall meetings when they hold them. From the moment Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., started his 2017 town hall schedule the day before the new president was inaugurated, his constituents have been imploring him to resist the Trump agenda and defend the Affordable Care Act and his town halls since then have been packed. Interest is obviously off the charts, Wyden told the Portland Tribune in January after a meeting that drew 200. By the end of February, his town halls were drawing crowds as large as 800. At the end of the day, elected officials understand they have to be accountable to the real faces they represent, or those people are going to get somebody else, Wyden, who has served in the Senate for 20 years and is among its most liberal members, said. Its not rocket science. On the other side of the country, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., drew a crowd in mid-February that urged a resist Trump message. More than 800 people showed up for the first meeting of the year with Rhode Islands congressional delegation, the Providence Journal reported. They held signs reading Persist! and chanted Just say no! in reference to approving Trumps Cabinet nominees. In fact, the more liberal a members district, the more likely he or she is to be confronted by resistance activists, who are organizing at an astonishing scale. Indivisible now has at least two groups in every congressional district in the country, its leaders report a grand total of 5,664 verified groups. Resistance movement leaders boasted on a multi-organization weekly organizing call that draws upwards of 30,000 listeners about efforts targeting Whitehouse and Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey. In Brooklyn, protesters marched on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers Park Slope apartment at the end of January. Chucks a chicken, they chanted: Filibuster everything! He has to champion the resistance or he has to get out of the way! 39-year-old Hae-Lin Choi, a protest organizer, told NBC New York. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi held a community health care forum in mid-February that drew people with her local group, Indivisible San Francisco. Wed love to have a photo op with you after, and we are backing you up 100 percent as long as you are resisting Trumps agenda, a member of the group told her in a video posted online. There is nothing they have put forth that anybody could cooperate with, Pelosi told the activists. "We have everything at stake and nothing to lose by just going all out" We agree, @NancyPelosi! @IndivisibleTeam #indivisible pic.twitter.com/kJNTdWrHjN Indivisible SF (@IndivisibleSF) February 21, 2017 And theyre not just showing up to meetings or making calls. Indivisible SF has been holding weekly meetings with new Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. They have been meeting with Feinsteins staff every week or week and a half. Members of Indivisible LA are also meeting with her staff. Look at this group of badasses who collectively told @SenFeinstein's Chief of Staff today that Dems are done playing nice. Great meeting! pic.twitter.com/ayNTQoyJD9 Indivisible LA (@indivisible_la) February 25, 2017 These meetings are still not enough, the activists say. They want a proper town hall with Feinstein. Not having gotten what they want, on Sunday, Indivisible East Bay held an Empty Chair town hall in Oakland, asking questions to a cardboard cutout of the senator, and placing her face on milk cartons. The event drew about 550 people. Despite requests from a coalition of community groups comprised of 15,000 Californians to talk with their Senator face-to-face, Feinstein has declined to attend the event in Oakland, California, letting down her constituents, Indivisible East Bay complained on its website. Indivisible SF signed on to support the effort as did more than 50 other local groups explaining on Twitter: We are big fans of @SenFeinstein! We ALSO think she needs hear what matters to her constituents! And now, with Feinstein back in Washington, activists are turning their attention to her staff back home. This coming Sunday, the activists who once swarmed around her home are planning a protest outside the home of her California state director. By Zohra Bensemra MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Ninety-year-old Khatla Ali Abdallah has survived decades of turbulence in northern Iraq, but the frail grandmother who fled the battle for Mosul this week says the fighting there is the worst she has ever seen. Carried across the desert by her grandsons, under sniper and mortar fire, she was one of thousands who braved the difficult and dangerous journey out of Islamic State's shrinking stronghold in the west of the city. "I'm a 90-year-old woman and I havent seen such a war," she said in a camp for displaced people south of Mosul, where she was taken by Iraqi security forces. Khatla lived through Saddam Hussein's quarter century in power, when Iraq fought wars with neighboring Iran and Kuwait and endured a decade of devastating sanctions. That was followed by a U.S.-led invasion which toppled Saddam and led to years of sectarian war across the country. "Even under the Saddam era, we were afraid because of the atrocities and the people killed," she said. "But nothing is compared to this phase". For pictures of Khatla click http://reut.rs/2mxxmdp Since the launch of the military campaign in October to retake Mosul from Islamic State, Khatla remained in her home in the city's southwestern al-Mamoun district, now in the hands of Iraq's U.S.-backed Counter Terrorism Service (CTS). At times she took shelter in her basement with the 20 chickens that she looked after - reminders, she said, of her youth when she also herded sheep and cattle. "I haven't lost any chickens, not even a one little chick," she said. "We were trapped in the basement and we could hear the bullets hitting the metal roof of the chicken pen." Her grandsons carried her for miles in the desert to reach the CTS lines, and then she was taken on a bus to a camp for internally displaced people. "We just want to make it through this war," she said. "This one will make stories for generations to tell." (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Dominic Evans) OMAHA Four years ago, Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning endorsed fellow Republican Jean Stothert for mayor of Omaha. This time around, he's endorsing her Democratic opponent, Heath Mello, citing what he calls Stothert's fiery temperament. Dunning said that Stothert's temper is so bad, he's blocked her calls, because "she just ... yells at you." Dunning also said at a news conference Wednesday to endorse Mello that he thinks Stothert has been too aggressive in annexing subdivisions on Omaha's western edge without providing adequate police services to those new neighborhoods. Stothert says Dunning's switch is more about his opposition to a proposed merger of the Douglas County and Omaha Police crime labs a proposal Stothert had pushed. By Steve Friess ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Reuters) - A Jordanian immigrant who resided legally in the United States for 18 years rejoiced on Wednesday at being able to return home after a month in detention that might have ended in his deportation. "I'm happy to be back with my family," said Yousef Ajin, a 48-year-old Uber driver who was released on Tuesday from a detention center in Battle Creek, Michigan, after a federal judge ruled he could remain in the country despite a criminal record because his wife and four children - all U.S. citizens - face hardship without him. Speaking outside his home in Ann Arbor and flanked by his family, Ajin - a Muslim who was born in Kuwait and immigrated legally to the United States from Jordan in 1999 - expressed gratitude to the judge who ruled he may remain indefinitely, saying: "I'm so happy I can stay." Ajin holds a U.S. green card, making him a legal and permanent U.S. resident, but was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Jan. 30 during a visit to their offices in Detroit for his biweekly residency check-in, only days after President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order restricting immigration. The testimony in court on Tuesday also focused entirely on Ajins two prior criminal convictions - credit card fraud in 2001 and shoplifting in 2003. Ajin, who expressed remorse during his testimony on Tuesday, had served probation and paid fines for those incidents. Federal immigration Judge David Paruch, an Obama appointee, ruled Tuesday Ajin be allowed to remain in the country because his expulsion would cause "extreme hardship" for his family. Ajin's 15-year-old son has severe physical disabilities that require 24-hour care, making it nearly impossible for Ajin's wife, Sihem Omar, to work. The Department of Justice attorney handling the case waived the government's right to appeal Paruch's decision, so Ajin was released late Tuesday. ICE had no comment as to why Ajin's long-ago convictions had become significant now, but activists were not shy in seeing his release as a rebuke of the president's hard line on immigration. "I believe President Trump has given the green light to people in the field to be more aggressive to arrest immigrants," said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Walid said the government's decision not to appeal is likely due to the fact that the region's U.S. attorney is an Obama appointee. "More of these cases are going to happen and it'll be the luck of the draw as to who adjudicates the case, Walid said. (Reporting by Steve Friess in Ann Arbor, Michigan; editing by Patrick Enright, G Crosse) The former Florida judge who presided over the trial of acquitted murder suspect Casey Anthony has posited a theory about the day 2-year-old Caylee died in 2008. In an interview with the Orlando Sentinel, ex-Circuit Judge Belvin Perry Jr. said it's possible the mother was attempting to use chloroform to calm her daughter when things went awry. Read: Casey Anthony's Lawyer Said She Killed Her Daughter, Claims Former Private Investigator "There was a possibility that she may have utilized that to keep the baby quiet... and just used too much of it, and the baby died," the former judge told the newspaper Wednesday. But Perry, who has retired since the televised 2011 trial that captivated audiences worldwide, cautioned that any number of events may have led to the toddler's death. "Thats just one of the many theories as to how this beautiful young lady tragically met her death," Perry said. During the trial, defense attorney Jose Baez told jurors that the toddler accidentally drowned in the family pool and that someone else hid the body. Prosecutors alleged that Anthony used chloroform, then suffocated the child by putting duct tape over her mouth. Anthony was acquitted at the conclusion of the sensational murder trial. Perry said he thinks it's possible that if jurors believed she'd attempted to sedate Caylee, they would have convicted Anthony of second-degree murder or manslaughter. Read: Casey Anthony Reportedly 'Bored' With Life, 5 Years After Acquittal in Murder of 2-Year-Old Daughter Since her trial, Anthony has largely avoided the public eye save for early last month when the 30-year-old was spotted protesting Donald Trump outside his Mar-a-Lago estate near. She is believed to be living in nearby Palm Beach. Casey reportedly told WPTV that she was there because she is against his policies. She did not appear on camera and did not specify which policies she was against. Story continues Watch: Judge Outraged That Woman Appeared in Court for Sentencing Not Wearing Pants Related Articles: WASHINGTON (AP) Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year, contact that immediately fueled calls for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. Sessions answered that he had not had communication with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Wednesday night that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." That statement did not satisfy Democrats who even before Wednesday had sought his recusal from the ongoing federal investigation and had raised questions about whether he could properly oversee it. Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, accused Sessions of "lying under oath" and demanded that he resign. Other Democrats called on him to step aside from the investigation. In a statement Wednesday night, Sessions said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, the department said. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department said. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadors including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions after the talk as he was leaving the stage. Story continues Revelations of the contact, first reported by The Washington Post, triggered calls from members of Congress for Sessions to back out of any involvement in the FBI's probe. "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians," said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. "This is not even a close call; it is a must," he said. Asked by reporters Monday about the prospect of a recusal, Sessions said, "I would recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on. At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there was evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Then he added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." Flores, the Justice Department spokeswoman, said that response was not misleading. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," she said in a statement. Franken, in a statement Wednesday night, said he was troubled that the new attorney general's response to his question was "at best, misleading." He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. "It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately," Franken said. Separately in January, Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Sessions in a written questionnaire whether "he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day." Sessions replied simply, "No." ___ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. WASHINGTON (AP) Under intensifying pressure, Attorney General Jeff Sessions abruptly agreed Thursday to recuse himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in America's 2016 presidential election. He acted after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. Sessions rejected any suggestion that he had tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying, "That is not my intent. That is not correct." But he did allow that he should have been more careful in his testimony during his confirmation hearing, saying, "I should have slowed down and said, 'But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times.'" The White House has stood by Sessions in the latest controversy to dog President Donald Trump's young administration, though officials say they first learned about his contacts with the ambassador from a reporter Wednesday night. Trump himself said Thursday he had "total" confidence in Sessions and didn't think he needed to recuse himself not long before he did. Trump later laid the controversy at the feet of Democrats, saying they are trying to save face. "The Democrats are overplaying their hand," he said in a statement Thursday night. "They lost the election and now, they have lost their grip on reality. The real story is all of the illegal leaks of classified and other information. It is a total witch hunt!" One of Sessions' conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak occurred at a July event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. At that same event, the ambassador also spoke with Carter Page, who briefly advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion. Separately, a White House official said Thursday that Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn met with Kislyak at Trump Tower in New York in December. The official described that sit-down as a brief courtesy meeting. Story continues Flynn was fired last month for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Kislyak. The Trump team's account of Flynn's contacts with the ambassador has changed several times. The White House did not disclose the in-person meeting, or Kushner's involvement, until Thursday. Both the White House official and the person with knowledge of Page's discussion insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the meetings. Trump has been trailed for months by questions about potential ties to Russia, and allegations of Russian efforts to interfere in the U.S. election to help him defeat Hillary Clinton. The new president and his campaign officials have blamed such contentions on Democratic sore losers and have heatedly denied any contact with Russians concerning the election. While there is nothing necessarily nefarious or even unusual about a member of Congress meeting with a foreign ambassador, typically members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee meet with foreign ambassadors, not Armed Services Committee lawmakers, such as Sessions, whose responsibility is oversight of the military and the Pentagon. The latest development comes on the heels of what had been the high point of Trump's young presidency: a well-received address to Congress Tuesday night that energized Republicans and appeared to wipe away some lawmakers' concerns about the administration's tumultuous start. But Sessions faced a rising chorus of demands that he resolve the seeming contradiction between his two conversations in the summer and fall with Kislyak and his sworn statements to Congress in January, when he said he had not had communications with Russians during the campaign. The Justice Department said he met with Kislyak in his role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, not in his role as a Trump adviser with the campaign, and that led to his answers. The attorney general, an early backer and key adviser for Trump's campaign, said he decided to recuse himself for investigations that are underway and others to come after his staff recommended he do so. Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle such matters for now. Sessions added that his announcement "should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation." Some Democrats called for Sessions not only to recuse himself but to resign. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who had accused Sessions of "lying under oath," repeated her call for his resignation after he recused himself. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a special prosecutor should be appointed to examine whether the federal investigation into Kremlin meddling and into possible contacts between Trump associates and Russians had been compromised by Sessions. Democrats also sought a criminal perjury investigation. More than a half dozen Republican lawmakers, including some who consider themselves personally close to Sessions, had urged him to recuse himself from the probe. Sen. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said he didn't believe Sessions could have colluded with Russia, but "If there is an investigation, he probably shouldn't be the person leading it." The Justice Department acknowledged two separate Sessions interactions with Kislyak, both coming after cybersecurity firms had concluded that Russian intelligence agencies were behind cyber-hacking of the Democratic National Committee. The first occurred after a Heritage Foundation event during the Republican National Convention in July, when the department says a group of envoys including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions. The second was a September conversation, which the department likened to the more than 25 discussions Sessions had with foreign ambassadors last year as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But Sessions did not disclose his discussions with Kislyak at his Senate confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions said he knew of no such contacts. He added, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." He answered "no" in a written questionnaire when asked about contacts regarding the election. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said it was normal for Russian diplomats to meet with U.S. lawmakers. A spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told AP that meetings with American political figures were part of the embassy's "everyday business." Revelations of the contacts, first reported by The Washington Post, came amid a disclosure by three administration officials that White House lawyers have instructed aides to Trump to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian meddling in the American political process. Sessions is not the first attorney general to disengage, or take a reduced role, in a high-profile matter. Attorney General Loretta Lynch last summer agreed to accept the recommendation of the FBI in the Hillary Clinton email matter after an impromptu meeting with Bill Clinton on her airplane. ___ AP Writers Julie Pace, Richard Lardner, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor and Stephen Ohlemacher contributed. ___ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP (Reuters) - The Kansas Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the state's system of funding primary and secondary public schools falls short of an adequacy requirement in the state constitution. The high court said it was delaying enforcement of its unanimous ruling until the end of June to give the legislature time to respond. It warned that if the state fails to come up with a funding system that complies with the constitution by the June 30 deadline, the court will move to void the current method of school finance. Governor Sam Brownback said the legislature has already started to craft a new funding formula and that it was time to give parents "the opportunity and resources to set their child up for success through other educational choices" besides their local public schools. "The Kansas Legislature has the opportunity to engage in transformative educational reform by passing a school funding system that puts students first," the Republican governor said in a statement. "Success is not measured in dollars spent, but in higher student performance." Kansas spends more than $4 billion a year on schools, with most of the money coming from the state general fund. The supreme court's ruling could add another $800 million, according to Alan Rupe, an attorney for the four school districts that filed the lawsuit. The ruling comes at a bad time for the Kansas budget. Tax cuts enacted in 2012 have gouged a hole in the budget as revenue failed to meet monthly estimates, although February marked a fourth straight month that collections met or exceeded projections. A move in the state legislature to boost revenue by raising tax rates and eliminating a business exemption failed last week when the Senate was unable to override Brownback's veto. Rupe said the state's fiscal woes should not interfere with the requirement to fund education properly. "I don't know that the constitution provides constitutional rights only when we can afford to do it," he said. S&P Global Ratings cited the state's structural budget pressures and reliance on one-time revenue measures when it revised the outlook on the state's AA-minus credit rating to negative from stable last month. (Reporting by Karen Pierog and Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Cynthia Osterman) BOSTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday was named this year's winner of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library's "Profile in Courage" award, an annual honor for leaders who stand up to political opponents. The museum cited Obama's signature healthcare reform law, which his successor President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal and replace, restored diplomatic ties with Cuba and the Paris climate change deal as key reasons for his selection. "President Obama has embodied the definition of courage that my grandfather cites in the opening lines of 'Profiles in Courage': grace under pressure," Jack Schlossberg, the slain U.S. president's grandson, said in a statement. "Throughout his two terms in office, he represented all Americans with decency, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the greater good." The award takes its name from Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book about eight U.S. Senators who took principled stands on unpopular issues. Previous winners include former presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush; Gabrielle Giffords, the former U.S. representative who left Congress after a gunman shot her in the head; and John McCain, the U.S. senator and former prisoner of war. Obama will receive the award in a May 7 ceremony at the waterfront Boston Kennedy library. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Gunmen have kidnapped three Kenyan teachers from the world's largest refugee camp, police said Thursday. Three men with pistols abducted the teachers with the Udha Academy in the Hagadera section of Dadaab refugee camp, according to a police report seen by The Associated Press. The camp in eastern Kenya holds more than 200,000 Somali refugees. Mohamud Saleh, the northeastern regional security coordinator, said security forces cordoned off the area and sealed the route into neighboring Somalia, where the gunmen are suspected to have come from. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest kidnapping from the camp. Kenyan authorities have expressed interest in closing Dadaab, claiming it has become a recruitment and training ground for Somalia's extremist group al-Shabab. But authorities have not provided proof, and a court recently blocked a plan to close the camp at the end of May. Al-Shabab has carried out several attacks in Kenya, including the April 2015 assault on Garissa University in which 148 people were killed. The extremist group has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it. Kenyan government blamed al-Shabab for the kidnapping of two Spanish aid workers from Dadaab camp in October 2011 and said that incident and other cross-border attacks led to its decision to send troops to Somalia. The workers were released after 21 months in captivity. In June 2012, four international aid workers were kidnapped from Dadaab in an attack that saw a Kenyan driver killed. They were rescued days later. The attack also was blamed on al-Shabab. De : Erickson Crystal Jennifer < ericksonjennifer12@gmail.com > Envoye le : Ma, 27 Dec 2016 18:12 Sujet : I'm seeking your assistance to secure my share Hello Dear, It is my pleasure meeting you, I hope all is well with you and how are you enjoying your day? A s you have known already from the site, my name is Erickson Crystal Jennifer , h owever, I really want to establish a true relationship with you and even to have a business partnership as well. I am American military officer currently in Libya, and i will like to get you acquainted, because I am a loving, honest and caring person with a good sense of humor, I enjoy meeting and sharing views with people and also knowing their way of life, I also enjoy watching the sea waves and the beauty of the mountains and everything that nature has to offer. My dear, I want you to know the problems we are facing here in Libya as we are being attacked everyday by insurgents and car bomb explosion, but during our rescue mission we came across a safe box that contain huge amount of money that belongs to the supporters of the over thrown government of Libya, which I believe was money meant for importation of weapons and ammunition, and it was agreed by my Army officers troop present to share the money among us and which we did. My share is $4,560,000 (Four Million Five Hundred and Sixty Thousand united states Dollars) I am seeking your assurance and assistance to secure my share of the money out of this country (Libya) for safe keeping on my behalf. If you can be trusted, I will really want you to assure me that if this money gets to you in your country that you will not disappoint me, until when I will come to your country to collect the money from you . I would also want you to know that i have made a solid arrangements with a reliable security delivery company and they have promised to cooperate to deliver the funds through their diplomatic method to any of my choosing destination. This delivery is going to be handle legally by the security company and there will not be any form of risk involve during the process and the money will be packaged safely in a military truck box case . Also, I have decided to compensate you with 30% of the total mone y once you received the money, while the rest balance shall be for my investment funds in your country. Meanwhile I do not know how long we going to remain here and my fate since I have survived two bomb attack here, which prompted me to search out for a reliable and trust worthy person to help me receive and invest the fund , because I will be coming over to your home country to invest and start a new life not as a soldier anymore. Please do not discuss this matter to a third party, and if you are not interested to do this business please kindly delete this letter from your email box to avoid any leakage of this information and it will be dangerous to me based on my position here. I hope my explanation is very clear but should in case of any question, please feel free to ask via email only because we are not allow to make use of mobile phone, we only make use of radio message. I wait for your immediate reply. Love from.. Sargent Erickson Crystal Jennifer De : Erickson Crystal Jennifer < ericksonjennifer12@gmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 2 Jan 2017 11:43 Sujet : I am seeking your assistance to secure my share Hello Dear, Thanks for your kind response and i am very happy after reading your mail. It is my pleasure meeting you, I hope all is well with you and how are you enjoying your day ? As you have known already from the site, my name is Erickson Crystal Jennifer. However, I really want to establish a true relationship with you and even to have a business partnership as well. I am American military officer currently in Libya, and i will like to get you acquainted, because I am a loving, honest and caring person with a good sense of humor, I enjoy meeting and sharing views with people and also knowing their way of life, I also enjoy watching the sea waves and the beauty of the mountains and everything that nature has to offer. My dear, I want you to know the problems we are facing here in Libya as we are being attacked everyday by insurgents and car bomb explosion, but during our rescue mission we came across a safe box that contain huge amount of money that belongs to the supporters of the over thrown government of Libya, which I believe was money meant for importation of weapons and ammunition, and it was agreed by my Army officers troop present to share the money among us and which we did. My share is $4,560,000 (Four Million Five Hundred and Sixty Thousand united states Dollars) I am seeking your assurance and assistance to secure my share of the money out of this country ( Libya ) for safe keeping on my behalf. If you can be trusted, I will really want you to assure me that if this money gets to you in your country that you will not disappoint me, until when I will come to your country to collect the money from you . I would also want you to know that i have made a solid arrangements with a reliable security delivery company and they have promised to cooperate to deliver the funds through their diplomatic method to any of my choosing destination. This delivery is going to be handle legally by the security company and there will not be any form of risk involve during the process and the money will be packaged safely in a military truck box case . Also, I have decide to compensate you with 30% of the total money once you received the money, while the rest balance shall be for my investment funds in your country. Meanwhile , I do not know how long we going to remain here and my fate since I have survived two bomb attack here, which prompted me to search out for a reliable and trust worthy person to help me receive and invest the f und, because I will be coming over to your home country to invest and start a new life not as a soldier anymore. Please do not discuss this matter to a third party, and if you are not interested to do this business please kindly delete this letter from your email box to avoid any leakage of this information and it will be dangerous to me based on my position here. I hope my explanation is very clear but should in case of any question, please feel free to ask via email only because we are not allow to make use of mobile phone, we only make use of radio message. I wait for your immediate reply. Love from. . Sargent Erickson Crystal Jennifer De : Erickson Crystal Jennifer < ericksonjennifer12@gmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 5 Jan 2017 19:49 Sujet : Darling, help me in receiving my cash box My beloved, Good day to you and how is your health today, i hope your health is fine ? I want to say thanks to you for making out time to write to me again, the content of your letter are well understood, i do not want you to see this business as some thing that will bring problem to you, but i want you to trust and believe me when i say that there is nothing to worry about in this deal, honestly i have made every necessary arrangement that will lead to safe delivery of the cash box to you without any form of problem nor risk, all the necessary arrangement that will lead to safe delivery of the cash box to you without any form of problem nor risk have already been made. I'm a woman that does things in accordance to the directives of my spirit, i chose you to be my partner and also help me in receiving this cash box because my spirit has been bearing me witness that you are the rightful person for me and i know you will not disappoint me, i chose to use you as partner in this deal because am not permitted to send package down to any of my friends nor relatives since am still in the military camp outside USA , if i eventually send out any thing to the USA it will be suspicious and i will be query for the action, so i chose you because i know you are the ideal person for this deal as foreigner who is not a USA citizen. Please put away fear or doubt and make up your mind to help me in this matter, i promise you you will not regret been part of this matter, i do not know what else i can say to convince you and make you to believe me, but i pray that God will give you the grace to make up your mind. One more time i want to let you know that there is no complication on this matter, if you follow my instruction every thing will go smooth and well in the process of receiving the cash box, Please try and keep this matter between you and i, because if you and i should agree on one thing with our heart with seriousness then we must surely achieve success at the end. Please i want to remind you once again that every arrangement towards this project is intact between both of us and on no account should you let the ''Security anddelivery company'' to know the content of the box, remember that the consignment was registered as diplomatic package to the security company and that is what they believe to be in the box, so you should not let them know that the content of the box is money. Please I will like you to send your contact information to me so that i can forward to the security company to enable them proceed to your country for the final delivery of the cash box to your door step. Send your below information to me urgently. . Your full names:. . . . . . Your address:. . . . . . . Post code:. . . . . . . . . City:. . . . . . . . . . . Your Age. . . . . . . . . Country:. . . . . . . . . . Telephone number:. . . . . . . . Profession:. . . . . . . . Once am through here with my official assignment i will come over to meet you one on one in your country and after that we shall decide on how to carry on with our life, but for now please i will appreciate us to be more focus on this issue of you receiving the cash box and safe keeping it on my behalf till i come over then i will handle the depositing of the money in the bank by myself. I await your immediate response Love and care from, Jennifer Crystal Erickson De : Erickson Crystal Jennifer < ericksonjennifer12@gmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 9 Jan 2017 13:08 Sujet : Send me your information urgently My beloved, Good day to you and how is your health today ?i hope your health is fine. I want to say thanks to you for making out time to write to me again, the content of your letter are well understood, i do not want you to see this business as some thing that will bring problem to you, but i want you to trust and believe me when i say that there is nothing to worry about in this deal, honestly i have made every necessary arrangement that will lead to safe delivery of the cash box to you without any form of problem nor risk, all the necessary arrangement that will lead to safe delivery of the cash box to you without any form of problem nor risk have already been made. I'm a woman that does things in accordance to the directives of my spirit, i chose you to be my partner and also help me in receiving this cash box because my spirit has been bearing me witness that you are the rightful person for me and i know you will not disappoint me, i chose to use you as partner in this deal because am not permitted to send package down to any of my friends nor relatives since am still in the military camp outside USA , if i eventually send out any thing to the USA it will be suspicious and i will be query for the action, so i chose you because i know you are the ideal person for this deal as foreigner who is not a USA citizen. Please put away fear or doubt and make up your mind to help me in this matter, i promise you you will not regret been part of this matter, i do not know what else i can say to convince you and make you to believe me, but i pray that God will give you the grace to make up your mind One more time i want to let you know that there is no complication on this matter, if you follow my instruction every thing will go smooth and well in the process of receiving the cash box, Please try and keep this matter between you and i, because if you and i should agree on one thing with our heart with seriousness then we must surely achieve success at the end. Please i want to remind you once again that every arrangement towards this project is intact between both of us and on no account should you let the '' Security and delivery company'' to know the content of the box, remember that the consignment was registered as diplomatic package to the security company and that is what they believe to be in the box, so you should not let them know that the content of the box is money. Please I would like you to send your contact information to me so that i can forward to the security company to enable them proceed to your country for the final delivery of the cash box to your door step. Send me your below informationurgently : Your full names:. . . . . . Your address:. . . . . . . Post code:. . . . . . . . . City:. . . . . . . . . . . Your Age. . . . . . . . . Country:. . . . . . . . . . Telephone number:. . . . . . . . Profession:. . . . . . . . Once am through here with my official assignment i will come over to meet you one on one in your country and after that we shall decide on how to carry on with our life, but for now please i will appreciate us to be more focus on this issue of you receiving the cash box and safe keeping it on my behalf till i come over then i will handle the depositing of the money in the bank by myself. I await your immediate response Love and care from, Jennifer Crystal Erickson De : Erickson Crystal Jennifer < ericksonjennifer12@gmail.com > A: undisclosed-recipients:; Envoye le : Di, 15 Jan 2017 0:50 Sujet : There is something very important i would like to discus with you Hello dear, nice to meet you, my name is Erickson Crystal Jennifer, there is something very important i would like to discus with you. Please respond to me so that i can give you every details about it. God bless you. De : Reverend Kevinpaul < revkevinpaul1@gmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 16 Fev 2017 3:02 Sujet : Please pay them security keeping fees of $120 I'm delighted writing to inform you about the new development concerning your bank draft cheque that was given to me from Bashan Jennifer, since I couldn't hear from you and due to my long trip. So I have dropped your cheque to Compass Express is an UK Courier Services but they have sister corresponding office here in Dakar, Senegal. I deposited it with them to bring it to your home country because I waited for you to get back to me but I could not hear from you again, after much thought, I decided to deposit it with Compass Express here in Dakar Senegal for safety before I traveled out of the country for a course I'm undergoing right now and it will last for three months, so I won't be around for the period of three months either. In this regard, I will advise you to contact the Compass Express as soon as possible to know when they will deliver your package to you before the expiration date. For your information, I have paid for the delivery charges of the bank draft but they will only demand the sum of $120 US Dollars for security and demurrage fees which you will send to the courier & security company to deliver your draft direct to your postal address in your home country. Again, do not be deceived by anybody to pay more than $120 US Dollars I would have pay for the security department but the security department warned that I should not pay for security reasons, they really need to hear from you and demands that the payment will come direct from your destination to avoid some unwarranted mistakes. Therefore you need to contact the courier company immediately and pay for the charges which will not exceed the sum of $120 US Dollars. Below is the contact information of the Compass Express: Compass Express Worldwide (Courier Services) Registration Number: 10102/2016 Reference Number: 10004987/AWE45 Code Number: 65GXFT0021XCT +221.762683590 express.compass@post.com Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your postal address and direct telephone numbers to them again to avoid any mistake on the delivery address. And Write to Compass Express through the e-mail address and telephone above. To avoid any further delay and remember to pay them security keeping fee of $120 US Dollars for immediate action and fast delivery to your postal address, listen very carefully, Compass Express does not know the contents of the parcel. I registered it as my photographs (pictures) are being sent to a friend overseas. They do not know that it contains a bank draft of such a huge amount of money. This is to avoid them tampering with the package, do not let them know the content, I am waiting to hear good news from you once you contact them and received your package. Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your postal address and direct telephone numbers to them again to avoid any mistake on the delivery address. And Write to Compass Express through the e-mail address and telephone above. To avoid any further delay and remember to pay them security keeping fee of $120 US Dollars for immediate action and fast delivery to your postal address, listen very carefully, Compass Express does not know the contents of the parcel. I registered it as my photographs (pictures) are being sent to a friend overseas. They do not know that it contains a bank draft of such a huge amount of money. This is to avoid them tampering with the package, do not let them know the content, I am waiting to hear good news from you once you contact them and received your package. Remain blessed forever. Best regards. Rev. Father Kevin Paul De : Reverend Kevinpaul < revkevinpaul1@gmail.com > A: undisclosed-recipients:; Envoye le : Je, 16 Fev 2017 3:26 Sujet : Please pay them $120 for security keeping fees I'm delighted writing to inform you about the new development concerning your bank draft cheque that was given to me from Bashan Jennifer, since I couldn't hear from you and due to my long trip. So I have dropped your cheque to Compass Express is an UK Courier Services but they have sister corresponding office here in Dakar, Senegal. I deposited it with them to bring it to your home country because I waited for you to get back to me but I could not hear from you again, after much thought, I decided to deposit it with Compass Express here in Dakar, Senegal, for safety before I traveled out of the country for a course I'm Undergoing right now and it will last for three months, so I won't be around for the period of three months either. In this regard, I will advise you to contact the Compass Express as soon as possible to know when they will deliver your package to you before the expiration date. For your information, I have paid for the delivery charges of the bank draft but they will only demand the sum of $120 US Dollars for security and demur-rage fees which you will send to the courier & security company to deliver your draft direct to your postal address in your home country. Again, do not be deceived by anybody to pay more than $120 US Dollars I would have pay for the security department but the security department warned that I should not pay for security reasons, they really need to hear from you and demands that the payment will come direct from your destination to avoid some unwarranted mistakes. Therefore you need to contact the courier company immediately and pay for the charges which will not exceed the sum of $120 US Dollars. Below is the contact information of the Compass Express: Compass Express Worldwide (Courier Services) Telephone number +221762683590 Registration Number: 10102/2016 Reference Number: 10004987/AWE45 Code Number: 65GXFT0021XCT express.compass@post.com Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your postal address and direct telephone numbers to them again to avoid any mistake on the delivery address. And Write to Compass Express through the e-mail address and telephone above. To avoid any further delay and remember to pay them security keeping fees of Finally, make sure that you reconfirm your postal address and direct telephone numbers to them again to avoid any mistake on the delivery address. And Write to Compass Express through the e-mail address and telephone above. To avoid any further delay and remember to pay them security keeping fees of $120 US Dollars for immediate action and fast delivery to your postal address, listen very carefully, Compass Express does not know the contents of the parcel. I registered it as my photographs (pictures) are being sent to a friend overseas. They do not know that it contains a bank draft of such a huge amount of money. This is to avoid them tampering with the package, do not let them know the content. I am waiting to hear good news from you once you contact them and Receive your package. Remain blessed forever. Best regards. Rev. Father Kevin Paul De : COMPASS EXPRESS < express.compass@post.com > Envoye le : Ve, 17 Fev 2017 11:18 Sujet : You have to pay $120 for delivery charges WELCOME TO COMPASS EXPRESS DELIVERY RUE FX RUE LEON GONTRAN DAMAS FANN RESIDENCE DAKAR, SENEGAL With due respect your mail has been read and noted today been 17th day of February 2017 and we are pleased to be at your service, Compass Express Worldwide is regulated and stipulated by the delivery Service Authority (DSA) The delivery institutions that Govern all the delivery activities in Senegal, this office has been notified by your partner for a parcel /package deposited in our company for the delivery to your nominated address that you will reconfirm to us. We write in acknowledgment of your email as regarding the delivery of your parcel, We wish to inform you that your package was registered under security protection department of this company for security purposes as requested, this is to bring to your notice that all arrangement has been made for safe delivery of your package to your designated home country. However, you are to pay $120 US Dollars as soon as possible for immediate departure of your parcel / package to the Security Monitoring Unit before your package will be airlift. Also we want to notify you that your package box was placed on Security Monitoring Protection department for Security reason and after this fee, there will be no other fee to pay till your package get to your designated postal address. Therefore, you are adviced to send the above mentioned amount the sum of $120 US Dollars via Western Union Money transfer or Money Gram Money Transfer with the below informations immediately to avoid further increase and delays. Send it direct to our Operation manager, Receiver's Name:. . . . . Moya Greene Country:. . . . . Senegal City: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dakar Sender Name:. . . . . . . . MTCN Number:. . . . . . . We are waiting to receive the scan copy of the transfer slip of the payment or the digital control numbers that will enable us to go and pick the money in order for us to deliver your parcel to your designated postal address in your country. We are committed to provide you our best service and to deliver your parcel to your designated postal address within 48 hours. And you are also required to send your address, where you want our company service to deliver your package. Our priority is to serve you better and faster, should you have any question(s) please contact us express.compass@post.com or call+221 762683590 +2217747840842 for more directives/clarifications. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation. Operation manager: Mr. Moya Greene Compass Express Delivery Company If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... Several Republican lawmakers on Thursday called for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from investigations into any alleged ties between President Donald Trump 's surrogates and the Russian government. Another top Republican, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, appeared to support the idea but later issued a clarification. Sessions, a Trump campaign surrogate, is under increasing pressure following a Washington Post report that he met twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States before the 2016 presidential election. The report appears to contradict his denial in confirmation testimony to the Senate . On Thursday, Sessions told NBC News that he did not meet with "any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign." His spokeswoman said they came in his capacity as a senator on the Armed Services Committee. Sessions oversees the Justice Department and FBI, which have led investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election and any links between Russia and Trump associates. Sessions told NBC on Thursday that he will recuse himself "whenever it's appropriate," but did not say he will distance himself from Russia-related investigations specifically. Asked about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia during his January confirmation hearing, Sessions said he had "been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign. He said he "did not have communications with the Russians" and was unable to comment on alleged contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials. On Thursday, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz told MSNBC he thinks Sessions should recuse himself from Russia-related investigations. "Based on what we've read and the information is not complete I think the attorney general should further clarify and I do think he's going to need to recuse himself at this point," the Utah Republican said. He added that he came to his conclusion because of how Sessions answered questions in his testimony. Story continues McCarthy, R-Calif., also told MSNBC he thought it would be "easier" for Sessions to step back from any potential Russia-linked investigations. "I think, the trust of the American people you recuse yourself in these situations ," he said on "Morning Joe." "I don't have all the information in front of me, I don't want to pre-judge, but I just think for any investigation going forward you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation, that there's no doubt within the investigation I think it would be easier from that standpoint." However, McCarthy later backtracked on "Fox and Friends," saying "I'm not calling on him to recuse himself." He added that "it's amazing how people spin things so quickly." Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said it "would be best for him and the country" if Sessions recused himself from investigations. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also said it would be best for Sessions stepped back from any probes. Many Democrats urged Sessions to recuse himself, while some went a step further in their responses to the Post report . Lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called on him to resign. However, many Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, defended Sessions' actions and signaled they would not push for him to recuse himself from Russia-linked investigations. Editor's note: This story was updated with McCarthy saying he is not calling for Sessions to recuse himself. More From CNBC The saga surrounding U.S. President Donald Trumps potential ties to Russia took yet another turn Wednesday, possibly ensnaring another top administration official. The U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former U.S. senator and early Trump booster, is facing growing calls to recuse himself from investigations into the Trump campaigns Russia links after he apparently withheld information from the Senate about his conversations with the Russian ambassador during the campaign. Others are demanding his resignation over the misleading statements, which were made under oath during his confirmation hearing in January. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, Sessions told the Senate Judiciary Committee in response to Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), who asked, If there was any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this [2016] campaign, what would you do? He now says he spoke with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak in July and September, although there were conflicting reports as to whether it was in person or by phone. Given AG Sessions false statements about contacts with Russia, we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates ties to Russia, Sen. Ron Wyden (R-Ore.), member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi went a step further. After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, she said in a statement. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said at a CNN town hall with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) Wednesday night that Sessionss meetings with Kislyak could have been innocent but if it wasnt he would join Democrats in calling for Sessions recusal of an investigation into Trumps Russia ties. If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make that decision about Trump, Graham said. On Thursday, Graham told reporters he intended to meet with FBI Director James Comey, to look him in the eye and ask whether there is an investigation into Trumps potential ties to Russia. Story continues Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said on Thursday that the FBI so far is not cooperating with the House investigation, and said he wants a special prosecutor in place of Sessions. On Thursday, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) became the first Republican senator to call on Sessions, a former colleague and a friend, to recuse himself from a Department of Justice investigation. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) also said Sessions should recuse himself, as did Sessionss personal friend, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions wouldnt need to recuse himself from an investigation if Sessions himself was not the subject of the investigation. He added he had seen no evidence that an American colluded with Russians to meddle in the elections though he said Russia indeed attempted electoral interference. Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get this story covered, he said, later adding, We meet with ambassadors all the time. Late Wednesday, Sessions released a statement saying, I never met with any Russian officials to discuss the issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. The Washington Post, which first reported Sessions conversation with Kislyak, did not specify that they had discussed the campaign. But an anonymous Trump administration official reportedly said that the election was discussed, but in superficial terms and that it was not the substance of their discussion. Sessions told NBC News on Thursday, I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign. He also said he would recuse himself whenever its appropriate. His spokesperson said he met the Russian ambassador in the course of his work as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. A spokesperson from the Department of Justice repeated to Foreign Policy that both interactions were conducted in the normal course of Sessionss work as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Indeed, Sessions met with the Ukrainian Ambassador, too. The Ukrainian embassys press office told FP, The Ambassador briefed the Senator on the situation in Crimea and called for support to Ukraine in the Senate on Sept. 7, the day before he met Kislyak and the same month the Trump team avoided meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko when he was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. (Ukrainian representatives had extended an invitation to both presidential candidates, but only Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton agreed to meet.) However, Sessions did not deny speaking with Ukrainian officials during his confirmation hearings, and U.S. intelligence does not believe Ukraine tried to influence U.S. elections. Further, twenty members of the Senate Armed Services Committee told the Post they did not meet with the Russian ambassador last year. One, Claire McCaskill, said she has not met with a Russian ambassador in 10 years, and that speaking with ambassadors is under the purview of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, not the Senate Armed Services Committee. (However, she actually tweeted not once but twice in the past that she was meeting with the Russian ambassador.) The Sessions flap comes as the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, formerly divided as to whether or not a probe into Trumps potential ties to Russia was warranted, announced Wednesday it would indeed investigate both the Russian link and intelligence leaks. This is in addition to a potential Senate investigation as well as ongoing intelligence investigations. Sessions is not the first member of the Trump administration to come under fire for contacts with Russia. Trump asked his first National Security Advisor, Michael Flynn, to step down after it became clear he lied to U.S. Vice President Michael Pence about whether or not he discussed lifting sanctions on Russia with (who else?) Kislyak as a private citizen last December. Flynn was forced to resign less than a month into his tenure. As the new revelations of Sessionss meetings with Kislyak broke, the New York Times also reported the British and Dutch governments provided information on meetings between Russian officials and Trump associates. U.S. intelligence officials also tracked Russian officials communications describing meetings with Trump associates. The White House denounced the new scandal over Sessions as the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats, adding Sessions was simply doing his job as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Trump said he has total confidence in Sessions. However, he also had full confidence in Flynn before asking for his resignation. Further, an unnamed senior White House official apparently found out about Sessionss contact with Kislyak from the press. The Kremlin did not throw the White House a line. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, I dont know the details of any meetings. (But) the ambassadors job is to hold as many meetings as possible, and also only official reports (that is, not the media), should be trusted. The response is similar to what Peskov said with respect to Flynns departure, shortly before reportedly ordering state media to stop its effusive coverage of Trump: This is a domestic issue of the United States. Update, March 2, 2017, 11:55 am ET: This piece was updated to include comment from the Department of Justice, as well as additional reactions from Lindsey Graham and Jason Chaffetz. Update, March 2, 2017, 1:03 pm ET: This piece was updated to include calls for recusal for Collins and Schiff, and also with the unnamed White House officials comment that he/she learned about Sessionss meetings from the press. Update, March 2, 2017, 2:51 pm ET: This piece was updated to include Trumps professed confidence in Sessions. Update, March 2, 2017, 3:09 pm ET: This piece was updated to include comment from the Ukrainian embassy. FPs Reid Standish contributed to this piece. Photo credit: Zach Gibson/Getty Images ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The latest on a request from prosecutors to keep the wife of the Pulse nightclub shooter in jail pending her trial (all times local): 5:30 p.m. A judge has granted prosecutors' request to keep the wife of the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooter in jail, at least for now. U.S. District Judge Paul Byron in Orlando issued the order late Thursday. It says Noor Salman should stay in jail while the judge decides if she should remain in custody until her trial. She is charged with helping her husband scout out potential targets. A day earlier, a federal magistrate judge in Oakland, California, ordered Salman's release, saying it's "debatable" whether the government has enough evidence to convict her. That judge ordered the release for as early as Friday. Salman has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The massacre of 49 people at the Pulse gay nightclub was the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. ___ 2:15 p.m. Federal prosecutors are fighting to keep the wife of the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooter in jail until she is tried on charges she helped her husband scout out potential targets. The prosecutors filed a motion in federal court Thursday asking that Noor Salman's release be halted while the court considers their request. A federal magistrate judge on Wednesday ordered Salman's release, saying it's "debatable" whether the government has enough evidence to convict her. The judge ordered the release for Friday. Salman has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Salman's husband, Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during the mass shooting, the deadliest in recent U.S. history. The attack left 49 people dead at the Pulse nightclub. Mateen was eventually killed by police. PARIS (AP) The Latest on the French presidential election campaign (all times local): 9:25 p.m. French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen envisions the protective hand of the state guiding a reordered economy that punishes companies that fail to serve the interests of the nation and rewards those that put France first. In a speech on Wednesday, Le Pen laid out the nationalist policies based on "economic patriotism" that would be put enacted if she wins the two-round presidential election. They include a tax of up to 35 percent for French companies that produce their goods elsewhere then reimport them. Companies that respect the made-in-France label end-to-end would be compensated. To create jobs, Le Pen wants to make the "reconquest" of French markets a priority. She said: "No country has ever succeeded in building its industry without protecting it." Le Pen, who is currently jockeying for the top spot in polls with independent centrist Emmanuel Macron, also wants to pull France out of the European Union and the euro currency. ___ 8:50 p.m. Police officials say authorities searched the Paris home of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon in an investigation into parliamentary jobs for his family members. Two police officials said the search was carried out Thursday morning. The officials, who were not authorized to publicly comment on the investigation, would not provide further details. Lawyers for Fillon and his wife Penelope would not comment on the search. In a campaign rally in Nimes in southern France on Thursday night, Fillon said, "My life has been put to the test in recent weeks" and is being "dissected" because of the jobs allegations. Fillon is struggling to keep his conservative party together amid discord over his decision to continue his campaign despite facing preliminary charges in the jobs investigation. He denies wrongdoing in the case, in which he's accused of arranging taxpayer-funded jobs for his wife and two of his children that they never did. Story continues "Standing before you is a fighter," he told the cheering crowd. ___ Associated Press Writer Angela Charlton prepared this report. ___ 7:05 p.m. French conservative Francois Fillon's presidential bid is hitting new trouble, with more defections from his campaign because of pending corruption charges against him. The campaign treasurer and three legislators from his Republicans party announced Thursday they are quitting his campaign, amid growing pressure for Fillon to step down in favor of someone else. Treasurer Gilles Boyer tweeted his departure, while legislators Benoist Apparu, Edouard Philippe and Christophe Bechu said in a statement that the campaign has taken a turn "incompatible" with their political vision. They're particularly angry that Fillon initially said he would step down if charged, but decided Wednesday to maintain his candidacy even though he's been summoned to face charges March 15. Fillon denies the accusations, which center on allegations that he arranged taxpayer-funded jobs for his family that they never performed. Others are also reportedly quitting the campaign, mainly those who supported staunchly conservative Fillon's more moderate rival Alain Juppe in last year's primary. Juppe was runnerup, but has said he doesn't want to run in Fillon's place. Fillon's supporters meanwhile plan a rally near the Eiffel Tower on Sunday that they hope will help hold the campaign together. ___ 3:00 p.m. France's minister of culture says a rise in ultra-nationalism in France will negatively impact the prized French fashion industry that relies strongly on foreign talent. Audrey Azoulay told The Associated Press outside the Chloe show in Paris Thursday that a "populist power" like the National Front, which wants France to exit the EU, would be "absolutely incompatible with the idea of fashion and freedom." Azoulay added "a lot of our great fashion designers come from elsewhere." National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who's leading in polls for the April-May elections, has campaigned in favor of leaving the EU and against immigration. Each season hundreds of fashion industry workers with EU passports travel to Paris without visas because of the EU freedom of movement rules. ___ 1:15 p.m. French independent presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron says he wants tight security cooperation with the U.S. despite his ideological differences with Donald Trump. Macron on Thursday called Trump's skepticism toward the Paris Agreement to fight global warming "a deep mistake" and expressed opposition to proposed U.S. protectionist trade measures. But he said he would ask Trump to respect decades of French-US security alliances, most notably in recent times fighting the Islamic State group. Macron, who presented his platform Thursday in Paris, wants to cut the number of lawmakers, introduce term limits and ban officials from hiring family members. He said he would lead a "demanding" policy toward Russia, but that could involve easing sanctions if Russia fulfills promises under European-brokered efforts to seek peace in eastern Ukraine. ___ 12:05 p.m. The European Parliament has voted to lift French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's immunity from prosecution. The legislature voted by a broad majority in Brussels on Thursday to clear the way for the possible prosecution of Le Pen over her tweets of gruesome images of violence by Islamic State extremists. Le Pen, a leading candidate in this year's French presidential election, posted them in response to a journalist who drew an analogy between her anti-immigration National Front party and IS extremists. Le Pen was trying to show the difference between the two groups but the effort backfired, drawing widespread condemnation. The French interior minister accused her of fomenting Islamic State propaganda. Le Pen, in addition to being the leader of France's far-right National Front party, is also a lawmaker with the European Parliament. ___ 11:25 a.m. Amid growing French political scandals, centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron wants to shrink the size of parliament, introduce term limits and ban officials from hiring their family members. In releasing his presidential platform Thursday, he said he wants to "eradicate conflicts of interest." Two of Macron's chief rivals for the April-May two-round vote conservative Francois Fillon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen are facing corruption investigations. Macron, a 39-year-old who has never held elected office, is presenting himself as a fresh face without political baggage. His platform calls for cutting the size of both houses of parliament by a third, banning lawmakers from consulting activity and banning all officials from employing family members. ___ 11:20 a.m. Centrist French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron says the remaining 27 European Union members must vigorously defend their single market in talks with Britain on its exit. Macron, in presenting his platform Thursday, also urged efforts to reinvigorate the eurozone and closer European cooperation. He said the EU cannot survive "without a real European strategy" and called for a "new impulse for the single market." Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen wants to pull France out of the EU and eurozone, and there has been growing anti-EU sentiment in many countries since Britain's vote to leave. Polls suggest Macron and Le Pen may face off in the May 7 presidential runoff. ___ 11:10 a.m. Independent French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron wants an international "roadmap" to better fight Islamic extremism from the Mideast to Africa. In releasing his presidential platform Thursday, Macron also called for increased military spending to 2 percent of GDP as U.S. and other NATO allies have long demanded. He would hire 10,000 more police and create 15,000 more places in prison and boost efforts to improve relations between police and minority youths in poor suburbs. Macron's critics on the right have called him too soft on security. Polls suggest he could face far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has made fighting Islamic extremism central to her campaign, in the May 7 presidential runoff. ___ 8:20 a.m. With just 52 days left before French voters choose their president, the man leading polls is only now releasing his campaign platform. Until now, Emmanuel Macron has risen to popularity largely based on what he is not - he's neither left nor right, he has no party, and he's the only top contender not facing corruption investigations. Macron lays out his platform Thursday on an upswing, as pressure mounts on conservative rival Francois Fillon, facing charges that he arranged taxpayer-funded jobs for his family that they never performed. Denying wrongdoing, Fillon vowed Wednesday to pursue his candidacy even if he's charged, but is now struggling to keep his party from falling apart. Polls suggest Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen will be the top two vote-getters in the April 23 first round and advance to the May 7. WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign (all times local): 11:50 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he "never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign." Sessions released a statement Wednesday night in response to reports that he had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year. Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. The attorney general said: "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked whether "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had contact with the Russians. ___ 10:00 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year, contact likely to fuel calls for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked whether "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had contact with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Wednesday night that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' talks with the Russian ambassador (all times local): 9:38 p.m. President Donald Trump is praising his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, and accusing Democrats of conducting a "witch hunt" in their criticism of Sessions' testimony about his contact with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign. Sessions on Thursday recused himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in America's 2016 presidential election. He acted after it was revealed that he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. Some Democrats are accusing him of lying and calling for him to step down. In a statement Thursday night, Trump calls Session "an honest man" who did nothing wrong. The president says Sessions "could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional." Trump says Democrats are trying to save face after losing the election, are overplaying their hand and have lost their grip on reality. Trump says the real story is all of the "illegal leaks" of classified or other information. He concludes, "This is a total witch hunt!" ___ 6:40 p.m. A White House official says President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and the man who would become national security adviser, Michael Flynn, met with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. in December. The official calls the sit-down at New York's Trump Tower a "brief courtesy meeting." Flynn was fired last month because he misled Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about his contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. The Trump team's public accounting of Flynn's conversations with the ambassador have changed multiple times. The White House did not confirm the in-person meeting or Kushner's contact with the ambassador until Thursday. Story continues The official isn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insists on anonymity. ___ 6:18 p.m. A former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump's presidential campaign spoke with Russia's ambassador to the United States over the summer. A person with knowledge of the meeting says Carter Page talked with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at the same event where now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke with the envoy. Several foreign diplomats attended the Heritage Foundation event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in July. Page briefly served as a foreign policy adviser to Trump's campaign. In a statement, Page doesn't confirm the discussion took place but says he "never did anything improper in my activities related to Russia, both last year and throughout the quarter century that I have been traveling to that country." The person with knowledge of the discussion isn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insists on anonymity. by Julie Pace ___ 5:15 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sending a letter to a Senate panel to explain his testimony under oath following revelations he twice met with the Russian ambassador and didn't say so when pressed by lawmakers. That's the word from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, who says he has talked to Sessions. Sessions said Thursday afternoon that he will recuse himself from an investigation into Russian meddling in the presidential election. Grassley says he had asked Sessions to send the letter "so we can put this issue to bed once and for all." House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says Sessions' recusal isn't enough and has repeated an earlier call for his resignation. ___ 4:35 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he should not be involved in investigating a presidential campaign he had a role in. Sessions made the comment at a Thursday news conference where he announced he will recuse himself from any investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The move came after revelations that Sessions twice spoke to the Russia's mbassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. Sessions rejected any suggestion that he tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying, "That is not my intent. That is not correct." But he says he "should have slowed down and said 'but I did meet with one Russian official a couple of times.' " Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to investigation. ___ 4:20 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he didn't lie when he testified during his confirmation hearing that he had no interaction with Russians during the 2016 election campaign. At a news conference Thursday, he continued to draw a distinction between his conversations with the Russian ambassador in his role as a senator and his role in the Trump campaign. Still, Sessions is recusing himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. He says he is doing so at the urging of senior career officials in the Justice Department. Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to the investigation. ___ 4:10 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he will recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. Sessions faced mounting pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to step aside after revelations that he had twice talked with Moscow's U.S. envoy during the presidential campaign. Sessions' conversations with the ambassador seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. The Justice Department said there was nothing improper about the meetings. Sessions insisted he never met with Russian officials to discuss the campaign. Sessions said this week he would recuse himself when appropriate. When attorneys general have recused themselves in the past, investigations were handled by lower-ranking but still senior political-appointees within the Justice Department. ___ 4:05 p.m. White House press secretary Sean Spicer is defending Attorney General Jeff Sessions, saying he was simply doing his job as a former senator when he spoke with the Russian ambassador. Spicer tells reporters aboard Air Force Once that Sessions did not mislead in sworn statements he made to Congress during his confirmation hearing. At the hearing in January, Sessions was asked about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. Sessions said he was "unaware" that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government despite his own conversations. Spicer said that Session had been asked the question with respect to Sessions' role as a surrogate for the campaign not his role as senator. He argues conversations with ambassadors are part of regular Senate business. ___ 3:40 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is planning a news conference after revelations he had contact with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during last year's White House campaign. The Justice Department's Thursday afternoon news conference comes as Sessions faces mounting pressure to resign or recuse himself over his communications with the Russian envoy. Sessions spoke twice with the ambassador during the campaign. Those conversations appear to contradict Sessions' testimony to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign, while Democratic leaders and some Republicans say Sessions should step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. The Justice Department says there was nothing inappropriate about Sessions' contacts. Sessions says he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. ___ 2:40 p.m. President Donald Trump says he "wasn't aware" that his attorney general former Sen. Jeff Sessions had contact with the Russian ambassador during last year's White House campaign. Trump made the comment in Newport News, Virginia, before giving a speech aboard the USS Gerald Ford. Sessions spoke twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the campaign. Those conversations appear to contradict Sessions' testimony to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign over the contact, while Democratic leaders and some Republicans say Sessions should step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the election. ___ 2:15 p.m. President Donald Trump says he has "total" confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions as calls mount for the attorney general to resign or recuse himself over his contact with a Russian envoy. Trump made the comment in Newport News Thursday. Asked if Sessions should recuse himself, he said "I don't think so." Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscow's envoy to the U.S. during the campaign. Sessions' conversations with the ambassador seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. Some Republicans are joining Democrats in calling on Sessions to step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. ___ 1:20 p.m. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee says he still doesn't have any evidence that people associated with Donald Trump's presidential campaign had improper contacts with Russian officials. Rep. Devin Nunes (NOO'-nehs) made the comment to reporters after committee members heard from FBI Director James Comey (KOH'-mee). Nunes says the only contact he's aware of involves Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and the Russian ambassador to the United States. The top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff, says the FBI director hasn't provided a full counterintelligence briefing to committee members. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also met with the Russian ambassador during the campaign when Sessions was a senator and an adviser to the Trump campaign. The Justice Department says there was nothing improper about the meetings. BEIJING (AP) Lawyer Cheng Hai has an itemized list of compensation demands from Beijing authorities over the city's smog: 65 yuan ($9) for having to buy face masks, 100 yuan ($15) for seeing a doctor for a sore throat and 9,999 yuan ($1,500) for emotional distress. Fed up with what they consider halfhearted efforts to fight air pollution, Cheng and like-minded lawyers are putting China's legal system to the test by suing the governments of the capital and its surrounding regions. "Some people might think that air pollution is inevitable with economic development, but they are wrong," said Cheng, 64. "We have laws to protect air quality, and major pollution can be avoided if they are fully enforced." The lawsuits demonstrate the mounting frustration of China's middle class at the country's notoriously bad air, a topic that is expected to be discussed at the upcoming annual meeting of the country's parliament three years after Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war on pollution" at the same event. The dissatisfaction comes even as authorities in the capital are closing factories, getting rid of coal-fired boilers and taking older, heavier-polluting vehicles off the road. Official data show those measures are having some effect, with Beijing showing year-on-year improvements since 2013. Yet the city's average reading of the tiny particulate matter PM2.5 considered a good gauge of air pollution is still seven times what the World Health Organization considers safe. "We are the victims of smog and we are entitled to ask for an apology and compensation from the government," said another of the lawyers, Yu Wensheng, 50, from Beijing. The suits, which accuse authorities of failing to deal effectively with the smog, are important to show that the government is not above the law, said Yu. "If the government is not restricted by law, then what else can restrict it?" said Yu, who has spent time in detention accused of supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protests in 2014 and for speaking up in support of detained rights lawyers. Story continues Along with Beijing, the group has attempted to sue the neighboring province of Hebei and the port city of Tianjin. The region generally suffers the worst pollution in China and forms a front line in the central government's battle against the scourge. The lawyers say their cases are more about drawing attention to government inaction rather than winning a settlement. China is grappling with serious pollution resulting from three decades of breakneck growth that vastly improved living standards for many, but took a disastrous toll on the environment. As people became more aware of the health issues associated with smog, the declaration of a "war on pollution" at the National People's Congress in 2014 resulted in measures to reduce pollutants in the air, including capping coal consumption. However, a particularly heavy bout of smog at the beginning of this year still triggered pollution "red alerts" in more than 20 cities. Beijing plans to spend $2.7 billion on fighting air pollution this year, part of which would be used to close or upgrade more than 3,000 polluting factories, replace the use of coal with clean energy on the outskirts of the city and phase out 300,000 high-polluting older vehicles, according to the city's acting mayor, Cai Qi. Despite efforts to enlist the public in the anti-pollution struggle, China's authoritarian Communist government heavily discourages protests and other forms of independent action, and at least one of the initial five lawyers in the case appears to have withdrawn his lawsuit under pressure from local authorities. The Beijing press office said the government hadn't received any notices about the lawsuits and was unable to comment. The governments of Hebei and Tianjin didn't respond to requests for comment. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has been sending out inspection teams to check on how well local governments are implementing smog control measures. On Monday, it announced that the lists of companies that have to halt production during periods of heavy pollution drawn up by three lower-level governments under Beijing and Hebei included companies that were already no longer operating. A Beijing court has already twice rejected attempts by the lawyers to file cases, while a court in Hebei province's capital, Shijiazhuang, has yet to respond to a case filed more than two months ago. Similar attempts to file suits in previous years have also been derailed, and while a change in the law has allowed some environmental NGOs to bring cases against polluters since 2015, they are discouraged to do so by the high costs of investigating and proving environmental damage, and potential threats and harassment from those they're suing. Wang Canfa, the director of a center that helps people bring lawsuits relating to pollution, said it would be difficult for the plaintiffs to establish a link between the governments' actions and the harm they have suffered. "In this circumstance, the governments are not the ones that inflict harm, rather it is the companies that discharge emissions, and individuals who drive cars, who are the polluters," said Wang, who teaches at the China University of Political Science and Law. Still, the lawyers appear to feel it's worth the risks and frustrations to make their point. Another of them, Lu Tingge, who filed the Hebei case, said his mother suffers respiratory illnesses and the pollution makes it difficult for her to breathe. He's asking for 10 yuan ($1.50) in compensation for masks, 5,000 yuan ($730) for "spiritual damage" and an official apology for the harm to his life and work. "I know my chances of winning are small," said Lu, 47. "But I just want to make people understand that the government bears the main responsibility for dealing with smog and air pollution." ___ Associated Press researcher Yu Bing contributed to this report. (WASHINGTON) U.S. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign on Wednesday after the Washington Post reported he failed to disclose two meetings he had with Russias ambassador before Donald Trump was inaugurated as president. Citing Justice Department officials, the Post said Sessions spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador while he was still a U.S. senator. He failed to disclose the encounters when asked during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general about possible contacts between Trumps campaign and Russian officials, the newspaper said. Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, called for Sessions to resign and for an independent, bipartisan investigation into Trumps possible ties to Russians. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, she said in a statement. In a statement posted on Twitter later by his spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions said he had never discussed campaign details with any Russian officials. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false, Sessions said in the statement. Trumps first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired last month after he discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. The Washington Post said one of Sessions meetings was a private conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak that took place in the senators office in September. This came at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race, the Post reported. RUSSIAN MEDDLING Along with Pelosis call for Sessions to resign, the Post said the previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. Story continues As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. Sessions has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, he was a senior member of the influential Senate Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers, according to the Post. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Democratic Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign, the Post reported. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions responded, according to the Post. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak, according to the Post. There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer, Flores earlier told the Post. The Department of Justice and the White House did not respond immediately to requests by Reuters for comment. Justice officials said Sessions met Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate, the Post reported. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Flores told the Post. Following the Cold War-style assassination of Kim Jong-Nam with a lethal nerve agent, Malaysians have once again found their country the unlikely focus of a dramatic global story, embellished by speculative reports and outlandish theories. The Southeast Asian nation was used to flying under the international news radar before the disappearance of flight MH370 three years ago triggered what looks set to become one of aviation's most enduring mysteries. Now Kim's murder has thrust it back into the spotlight, at the centre of an equally sensational drama -- cooked up beyond its borders and featuring a complex plot and cast that has left many Malaysians bewildered and bemoaning their country's luck. The revelation last Friday that the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was killed with lethal nerve agent VX -- developed for chemical warfare -- after he was ambushed at Kuala Lumpur international airport on February 13 fuelled intense speculation Pyongyang was behind the operation. But with four of the key suspects having fled to North Korea and a fifth enjoying diplomatic immunity, Malaysian police may again struggle to close the case, as they did with MH370. Many Malaysians are now starting to tire of the apparently interminable news focus on their country and fear Malaysia will again see its reputation tarnished. "There was once a time you would never hear Malaysia in high level foreign or diplomatic news. Now, it's like there's no control -- we keep on coming up," said taxi driver S. Jaganathan, 68. "So much major news has happened here that... I wasn't surprised when I heard the news (of the murder). It's so often that to me it's normal now". - Success story - Two women have been charged with Kim's murder but theories about who was really behind the assassination abound. Some have suggested that Kim Jong-Un may not have ordered the killing, which instead could have been organised by other actors in Pyongyang seeking to impress him, as a tribute to coincide with the birthday of the strongman's father Kim Jong-Il, who died in 2011. Story continues There has also been speculation that Kim, who lived in the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau, may have been targeted because of gaming debts. Self-employed Amir Zaini, 27, said he could not believe Malaysia was again engulfed in such a bizarre tale. "It's crazy that this is happening in Malaysia again of all places," he said. Malaysia had already become accustomed to the international spotlight -- and the wilder fringes of people's imagination -- when flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing disappeared in 2014. The lack of a final resting place of the plane or any clear explanation for its fate spawned a string of conspiracy theories including a Taliban hijacking, a meteor strike and even a diversion by the CIA. Malaysia has undergone rapid development since independence to become Southeast Asia's third-largest economy. The showcase capital Kuala Lumpur mixes striking modern architecture and infrastructure with restored colonial buildings while the country's national parks and pristine beaches are a popular tourist draw. Despite entrenched rural poverty many Malaysians jealously guard Malaysia's status as a regional success story and are concerned the country's hard-won image may now be at risk. Nazmi Najib, 31, software engineer, said he learned the news of Kim's assassination with a sinking sense of deja vu. "This might affect our image because other people might think our security is not so good," he said. "Hopefully this case can be solved soon, because there is a lot of negative speculation around it." - Political upheaval - Others worry about the effect on the ringgit, the struggling currency which has already been buffeted by a plunge in oil prices and political upheaval stemming from a corruption scandal linked to Prime Minister Najib Razak. Despite eerie parallels between the two strange stories however, there are striking differences in how Malaysia has coped. In contrast to their widely ridiculed handling of the MH370 disappearance in 2014, the authorities' far more sure-footed response to Kim's assassination has seen police singled out for rare praise. Senior officers and politicians have been quick to reveal major developments of the February 13 murder in stark contrast to three years ago, when officials from competing ministries often gave out contradictory information under intense pressure, sometimes failing to back up details released to media. Hazri Haili, 35, a varsity student administrator said, "as Malaysia is becoming a globalised country... we're still learning to manage these things." But he added: "My impression is that officials have learnt from the MH370 incident." Cab driver Azhar Hamzah, 47, told AFP he was "surprised" by the speed of the police investigation. "It's wow, the police have been very good. They nabbed the suspects so fast, it's surprising," he said. BOSTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday ordered a Maine federal court to reconsider whether state police violated a woman's rights when they notified her ex-boyfriend by voicemail that he had been accused of sexually assaulting, sparking a violent rampage. The case revolves around a July 2015 incident when a woman called police to report that a former boyfriend, Anthony Lord, had abducted her and sexually assaulted her. She asked police not to notify him of her claim, saying that he had threatened retribution. State police left Lord a voicemail giving details of the woman's accusations and asking him to come in for questioning. Lord responded by breaking into the woman's parents' home, fatally shooting her current boyfriend, shooting and wounding her mother and abducting her. He killed a second person while trying to escape. The woman had asked police to station an officer or even an empty patrol car at her home to prevent Lord from attacking her, but police rejected the request, saying they lacked the resources and were not obligated to defend her in her own home. Lord, who has denied wrongdoing, is awaiting trial. The name of the woman has been omitted from the story as she is a victim of sexual assault. The woman sued in December 2015, contending that the state had actively placed her in danger by placing the call, a violation of her due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. District Court in September 2016 dismissed the suit, saying that she had not demonstrated that state police had created a dangerous situation by failing to protect her. The First Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday overturned that dismissal, telling the lower court to take up the case again and seek additional details, including whether the state police had detailed rules on how closely to investigate a claimed threat before dismissing a request for protection. The court said the officer left the message for Lord despite the woman's explicit request that the State Police refrain from doing so out of her fear that this action would incite further violence from Lord. It said the timing of events suggested that she was correct in her fears. Maine officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Andrew Hay) UNION GROVE Community State Bank (CSB) recently contributed more than $10,000 to nine non-profit organizations. Recent recipients include: St. Thomas Aquinas/St. Vincent de Paul (Waterford), Love, Inc. (Burlington), Transitional Living Center (Burlington), The Sharing Center food pantry and resource center (Salem), Town of Salem Fire and Rescue, Union Grove Area Foodbank, Union Grove Yorkville Fire Department, Kansasville Fire and Rescue Association and Geneva Lakes Family YMCA. CSB is dedicated towards building strong communities, said Scott Huedepohl, bank president and CEO. We find it important to invest our time and resources to support and encourage organizations who share the same community leadership values. We think these recipients are a great fit. Recipients such as the Union Grove Area Foodbank plan to use the donation to replenish needed supplies. The donation will be used to restock our freezer with meat and poultry for our clients as well as purchase items for our annual Easter basket distribution, said Sandy Mannix, Union Grove Area Foodbank president, Sandy Mannix. In addition to monetary donations, CSB employees have also donated more than 1,000 volunteer hours in 2016 at events like the Racine County Fair, Kenosha County Fair, Relay for Life, United Way and CSBs financial literacy program known as MyLIFE (My Local Interactive Financial Education). Malaysia has canceled visa-free travel for North Koreans, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Thursday at a press conference after the ministry's Excellent Service Award ceremony in Malaysia. The move comes amid strained ties between the two countries following the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I hope the decision of the Home Ministry will be implemented by the Immigration Department for the sake of national security," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the home minister, the Bernama state news agency reported. All North Koreans would have to apply for visa to enter Malaysia and the rules concerning this will be effective from March 6, he added. Kim Jong Nam was killed Feb. 13 at the Kuala Lumpur airport after being poisoned by a toxic nerve agent. Malaysia's attorney general said Thursday that a North Korean man named Ri Jong Chol, who was arrested following the incident, will be released and deported Friday because they found no evidence against him, the Associated Press reported. On Wednesday, two women, Siti Aisyah, 25, from Jakarta, Indonesia, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from the rural northern Vietnam, were charged with Kim Jong Nam's murder and were accused of applying the VX nerve agent on his face while he was about to fly out of the Kuala Lumpur airport, the Guardian reported. The murder was allegedly carried out by a total of eight suspects, four of whom were said to be from North Korea's foreign and security ministries, South Korean intelligence officials told its lawmakers, according to a Reuters report earlier this week. "Among eight suspects in this case four are from the ministry of state security and two who actually took action are from the foreign ministry," Lee Cheol-woo, one of the lawmakers briefed by South Korean intelligence, told reporters. However, North Korea has denied the accusations. Story continues After the murder, the Malaysian government said Friday it has been reviewing diplomatic relations with North Korea because of the use of the banned VX nerve agent. Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said that North Korea "insulted Malaysia" at an unofficial meeting of the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the Philippines last week, Nikkei Asian Review reported. Related Articles By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union lawmakers lifted the EU parliamentary immunity of French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Thursday for tweeting pictures of Islamic State violence. Le Pen, who leads her National Front party in the European legislature, is under investigation in France for posting three graphic images of Islamic State executions on Twitter in December 2015, including the beheading of American journalist James Foley. Le Pen's immunity shielded her from prosecution. By lifting it, after a request from the French judiciary, the parliament is allowing any eventual legal action against her. The move grants the prosecutor looking into the affair power to bring Le Pen in for police questioning. In the next steps, the prosecutor could drop the case, appoint an investigating magistrate to delve further into it, or send it straight to trial. A trial date ahead of the election in April and May would require the French legal process to go much faster than it normally does. The offence being considered is "publishing violent images", which under certain circumstances can carry a penalty of three years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($78,930). She has denounced the legal proceedings against her as political interference in the campaign and called for a moratorium on judicial investigations until the election period has passed. Le Pen has already seen her earnings as MEP cut for a different case involving alleged misuse of EU funds. Polls say Le Pen will win the first of the two election rounds but lose in the runoff. They also show that her legal battles seem to have little effect on her supporters. The vote on Thursday by a large show of hands in the plenary of the EU Parliament confirmed a preliminary decision taken on Tuesday by the legal affairs committee of the EU legislature. In the report underpinning parliament's decision, eurosceptic 5 Star Movement lawmaker Laura Ferrara said that although the images posted by Le Pen were easily accessible on several websites, "this does not alter the fact that their violent nature is likely to undermine human dignity". Le Pen's move was seen as not appropriate for a member of the European Parliament, the report said. Ferrara also said that there was no reason to think Le Pen was being persecuted judicially because "the speed at which legal proceedings have been taken against Marine Le Pen is comparable to the pace of other proceedings in matters relating to the press and other media". Le Pen's immunity has been lifted before, in 2013, by the EU parliament. She was then prosecuted in 2015 with "incitement to discrimination over people's religious beliefs", for comparing Muslims praying in public to the Nazi occupation of France during World War Two. Prosecutors eventually recommended the charges be dropped. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Alastair Macdonald and Alison Williams) If you're pining for the days when there was a primary debate on TV every other week, Wednesday is your night. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., were set to appear on CNN for a town hall event at 9 p.m. EST. Dana Bash was scheduled to moderate the conversation, which was expected to last an hour and center around the country's "place on the world stage, U.S. Russian policy, immigration and other national security issues facing Americans at home," according to a news release. Want to watch? Check out a live stream on CNN's website here or see an unofficial broadcast like this on YouTube. McCain and Graham have been increasingly vocal in recent weeks about their disagreements with President Donald Trump. For example, McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee for president, and Graham, who dropped out of the 2016 race before the Iowa caucuses, made headlines in January when they took issue with Trump's travel ban temporarily forbidding people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United Staes. The duo issued a joint statement condemning Trump's executive order. "Our government has a responsibility to defend our borders, but we must do so in a way that makes us safer and upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation," they said. "Our most important allies in the fight against ISIL are the vast majority of Muslims who reject its apocalyptic ideology of hatred. This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country. That is why we fear this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security." Trump fired back in a tweetstorm, saying that the statement itself was "wrong" and the men were "sadly weak on immigration." "Senators should focus their energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always looking to start World War III," the president wrote. Story continues Wednesday's town hall was taking place at George Washington University, but it wasn't the only such event Graham had on his schedule for the week. On Saturday, Graham will have a town hall on his own in Clemson, South Carolina, according to the Greenville Journal. Related Articles BERLIN (AP) Turkey's justice minister canceled plans to meet with his German counterpart Thursday after local authorities in southwest Germany withdrew permission for him to use a venue to hold a political rally. Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at an event in Gaggenau, near the French border. The rally was part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on increasing the powers of the president in Turkey. Bozdag, speaking to Turkish reporters during a visit to France, said the German authorities' decision to withdraw the permit was "unacceptable." He was canceling a meeting with his German counterpart in protest and was returning to Turkey. "The fact that Germany, which at every opportunity speaks of freedom of expression ... has canceled a meeting of the Turkish community is unacceptable," Bozdag said. "How can we speak of democracy in a country that does not allow one meeting to take place?" Bozdag recalled that German authorities had previously not allowed Erdogan to address a meeting by video, but said leaders of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which is also outlawed by Germany, were frequently allowed to address supporters in the country by video. "The doors are being opened wide when it comes to the terrorist organization," he said. Authorities in Gaggenau on Thursday withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the number of people expected, but said they couldn't rule out that the rally might be held elsewhere. A separate rally Saturday in Cologne with Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was also canceled after city officials said organizers had misled them about the purpose of the event, saying they were initially told it would be a theater performance. Germany's opposition Left Party and the nationalist Alternative for Germany party welcomed the Gaggenau authorities' decision, but urged the government to take a stronger stance against Turkish officials campaigning in Germany. Story continues The German government has indicated it has no plans to prevent Turkish officials from speaking to the 1.4 million Turkish voters in Germany. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters on Wednesday that Germany wants to lead by example on issues of freedom of speech and assembly. Still, Turkey's foreign ministry said the German ambassador in Ankara had been summoned to explain the withdrawal of the permit in Gaggenau. Relations have been worsening between Berlin and Ankara over the detention in Turkey of Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for the German daily Die Welt. Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Turkey to free Yucel and said Wednesday night that "independent journalism must be able to exist; journalists must be able to do their job." Yucel, 43, was detained in Istanbul on Feb. 14 over his reports in Welt about a hacker attack on the email account of Turkey's energy minister. He wrote defiantly in Welt on Thursday that "even though they robbed my freedom, their interrogations and reasoning still make me laugh." Yucel, who has both German and Turkish citizenship, was jailed Monday pending a trial on charges of terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred. On Wednesday he was taken to a prison in Silivri, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Istanbul. The case was expected to have been discussed Thursday evening between Bozdag and German Justice Minister Heiko Maas in the meeting that was canceled. ___ Fraser contributed from Ankara, Turkey. Kirsten Grieshaber contributed to this report from Berlin. Cairo (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on stemming illegal migration to her country, during a two-day trip that will also include Tunisia. Turmoil exploited by people smugglers since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi has made Libya, which neighbours Egypt and Tunisia, the main gateway for African migrants seeking to make dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. "There are routes for illegal immigration from Libya to Germany. We have a lot of mutual concern and interest in putting an end to this," she said at a press conference with Sisi. "The question now is how to stop human trafficking and prevent the opening of a new route for escaping to Europe through Egypt," she said. She added that Germany would continue providing technical support for Egypt to monitor its long border with Libya. Merkel has urged the North African states to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. After meeting Sisi, Merkel is scheduled to meet Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Egypt's top Muslim cleric. She will depart to Tunisia on Friday to meet Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. Merkel is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, jihadist attacks and high unemployment, especially among youths. - Holding centres - "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Story continues Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying: "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". - 'Dodgy deals' - Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt banned protests and jailed thousands of people, while outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood movement president Mohamed Morsi whom Sisi, a former army chief, overthrew in 2013. Repatriating Tunisians and Egyptians who do not need protection can be "legitimate" if they are treated fairly, the New York-based rights group said. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. At the press conference with Sisi, Merkel said she broached the topic of Egypt's controversial NGO law which critics say will stifle civil society. "We also spoke about civil society in general and I affirmed that the rule of law and a diverse civil society are very important for the development of the country and the society," she said. Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage by Tunisian immigrant Anis Amri at a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people in December. A year before, sexual assaults by large groups of mostly North African men on New Year's Eve against women in Cologne provoked outrage in Germany. By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - A senior Mexican official told a United Nations human rights forum on Thursday that his government would defend the rights of Mexican migrants from discriminatory security measures. Miguel Ruiz Cabanas, undersecretary for human rights, did not name the United States but he was clearly referring to the row with U.S. President Donald Trump over his proposed wall and U.S. hardline immigration policies. Ruiz Cabanas also condemned what he called "populist ultra-nationalism". Security measures targeting one part of the population or criminalizing certain groups violated the rule of law and were severely discriminatory, Ruiz Cabanas said in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council. "This is why the government of Mexico reiterates its commitment to the defense of our nationals abroad," he said. "We want to make sure that all Mexicans are aware of their rights, and know how to react when faced with possible violations." Mexicans are angry at Trump's calls for U.S. firms not to invest south of the border, his insults to immigrants, and threats to make Mexico finance the border wall. "We also reiterate Mexico's conviction that walls between nations are also walls between people and bring about extremism and intolerance by having physical and ideological barriers that we will in no circumstances accept," Ruiz Cabanas said. There was no immediate reaction from the U.S. delegation. Ruiz Cabanas said that Mexico had just signed an agreement with the U.N. human rights office, testifying to "our cooperation and our openness to international human rights mechanisms". Mexico has experienced a dark decade of drug violence, a menacing mix of murder, cover-ups and ineptitude. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, in a statement last week on the accord's signing, said his office would support efforts at tackling impunity and ensuring accountability in Mexico. This included work on disappearances and torture, the rights of indigenous people, protecting activists and journalists, and access to justice, Zeid said. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Is there a Trump Doctrine? And how will the liberal international order fare under the Trump presidency? Trumps own pronouncements are difficult to parse. His major foreign-policy speech last year was largely campaign fodder, a stem-winder of invective against the foreign policy establishment and a defiant announcement of Trumps America First approach. Aside from that, we have a regular feed of presidential tweets and little else. Thankfully, for those interested in understanding the administrations foreign policy thinking, we have Michael Anton, currently serving as the deputy assistant to the president for strategic communications on the National Security Council staff in the Trump administration. Anton made a (pen) name for himself with a series of pseudonymous essays last year arguing in favor Donald Trumps candidacy most famously in the Flight 93 Election essay. Anton was attempting a sort of political ventriloquism, trying to articulate a better version of Trumpism than Trump himself. That Trump hired Anton as the mouthpiece of his foreign policy suggests Anton was onto something. His is a voice to heed closely in the age of Trump. Anton has sallied forth again, this time under his own name, with an essay in the inaugural issue of the new nationalist journal American Affairs. Here Anton attempts to sketch the outlines of Trumps emerging foreign policy. The essay is a provocative mixture of sharp queries, valid points, and a few assertions that Id like to challenge. Beware the Obama precedent Anton complains that the foreign-policy establishment is intellectually lazy: that it has fallen prey to groupthink, given in to inertia, and confused means with ends. He believes that the establishment has failed to rethink first principles in light of changing circumstances and, as a consequence, failed to articulate why liberal order matters and how it serves American interests. Weve heard these complaints before. Every administration comes into power believing the previous team was incompetent and had messed everything up, and that the new team is burdened with the task of rethinking everything anew. Anton and his predecessor, Ben Rhodes, appear to share in common their indifference to the Blob. Story continues Anton and his colleagues might be wise to take Rhodes and the Obama team as a cautionary tale. The latter came into office with a strikingly similar disregard for foreign-policy professionals. The Obama team appeared largely impervious to input or constructive critique for the duration of their time in office and, partly as a result, left behind the very challenges the Trump team is now tasked with meeting. Whatever the failings of the establishment, their collective experience could help avert the most common failings of inexperienced administrations. Liberal orders defenders Anton claims that no one quite got around to saying what, exactly, the liberal international order is, and that its defenders seem to think that no explanation of its utility or value is necessary. He takes it upon himself to reconstruct the argument so as to point out its flaws. This is, of course, a rhetoricians trick: Anton complains that his opponents are so hapless that they failed to make their case in anything like its strongest terms; so Anton, in his magnanimity, will have to make it for them before his can adequately refute it Antons (and Rhodess) complaint is inaccurate. There are a number of impressive recent works that try to do exactly what Anton asks for define, defend, and adapt the liberal order for a changing world. The best polemical version is Robert Kagans The World America Made. Probably the best academic version (and a far denser work) is G. John Ikenberrys Liberal Leviathan. In between, more accessible yet also more philosophically ambitious, is Walter Russell Meads God and Gold. Or if you prefer something older and more theological, Reinhold Niebuhrs Irony of American History and The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness are still solid. These are giants whose work would benefit any student of international affairs. And they are giants on whose shoulders I stood for my own book, American Power and Liberal Order. In the book, I take up Anton on his challenge (well before he made it): I offer a definition of liberal order and a defense of why it is real, just, and important to U.S. national security: American security and liberal order are mutually constitutive. Liberal order is the outer perimeter of American security. And I try to work out the implications of adapting this grand strategy to the 21st-century security environment. For anyone lacking time to wade through all 300 pages, the National Interest excerpted the core argument. A variety of thinkers have provided exactly what Anton has called for. Their extensive reflections and experience should be reassuring for an administration searching for intellectual ballast for its national-security worldview. Seeking common ground There is a surprising amount of common ground between Antons argument and ours. He rightly argues that the American public is mostly in the dark about the core of Americas interests and international strategy; that this is a moment for restating basic truths; that liberal order is a means for securing American interests; and that the liberal order, and Americas involvement in it, requires some evolution to keep up with changing circumstances. Anton also rightly sees our alliance system as rooted in kinship with fellow democracies. However, he seems to favor democracies out of pure tribal loyalty. Thats not bad, so far as it goes, but theres a substantially better and deeper reason than fellow-feeling for the democratic peace. Democracies tend to be more trustworthy, to keep binding commitments, to place more checks on their executives, to allow more transparency, etc. The United States longstanding preferential treatment for fellow democracies is founded on something more dependable than simply cheering for our side. I say the common ground is surprising because I would not have expected so much commonality based on Trumps campaign rhetoric. That Anton can acknowledge that the liberal order served Americas interests well during the Cold War, and that it remains superior to most alternatives today is an important point of agreement between the Trump administration and its foreign policy critics. It suggests some maturation of the Trump team from campaigning to governing. Beware of Oversharing Anton is also right that America constructed the liberal order as a means to serve its own interests, not as an end in itself. This is a complex issue, however: there is no necessary conflict between liberal order as a tool for American security and liberal order as an intrinsic good; and other states must believe in its intrinsic goodnessor, at least, its essential fairness to themfor them to buy into the order and make it function. That is why, despite American officials fundamentally selfish reasons for investing in liberal order, they typically stress its intrinsic goodness in their public diplomacy for foreign audiences. Thats why Anton is unfair when he argues that foreign policy professionals have forgottenor never quite understood the fundamentally selfish reasons for the liberal order. Anton is taking official pronouncements too literally, failing to recognize the multiple purposes and audiences at which such statements are aimed. At the same time, he is not taking such pronouncements seriously enough: such statements are scrutinized by audiences across the planet to divine Americas intentions. Now that Trump is president, and Anton an official in his administration, their statements will be scrutinized and interpreted carefully. Anton should recognize that Trumps campaign rhetoric and persistent Tweeting have sown doubt about Americas continued commitment to the liberal order, and Antons own writings may be looked at in the same light. Anton may be right about the nature and purpose of liberal order, but it may also be impolitic to be so open about it. Put another way, Anton is right that prestige mattersbut he seems unaware of the affect of the Trump administrations rhetoric and early policies on the prestige of the United States. Where the Rubber Meets the Road Some of the weaknesses of Antons argument become evident as his gets more specific. Anton repeats what is by now an idee fixe for critics of U.S. foreign policy: the U.S. should not impose democracy by force, especially in places it is unlikely to succeed. This is a tiresome critiqueentirely true, of course, but an irrelevant refutation of an argument no one makes. Insofar as it is meant as a shorthand critique of the entire post-9/11 era, its based on bad history that has little connection to the actual record of the Bush and Obama administrations. The Obama administration discoveredtoo late, unfortunatelythat the conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are far too complex to be explained or managed by knocking down rhetorical straw men. After repeating for the umpteenth time that the United States shouldnt impose democracy by force, you still have to have a foreign policy towards the Middle East and South Asiasomething the Trump administration did not develop on the campaign trail and still lacks. Anton similarly seems to misunderstand the nature of the challenge in Europe. He rightly recognizes NATOs enduring importance but wrongly believes its original purpose has evaporated. NATOs original purpose was, in Lord Ismays memorable phrase, to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. Whether it is still necessary to keep the Germans down is for the Europeans to decide. But Antons dismissal of keeping the Russians out is a troubling continuation of the Trump administrations underestimation of the challenge Russia poses to American security. Anton also seems oddly concerned to criticize NATO expansion. He is over a decade late to this debate: there are no immediate prospects for further expansion. After Montenegro finishes accession this spring (it was formally invited last year), it will be only the third new member to join since 2004. Only one other state (Macedonia) has a membership action plan, and it has been dormant for nearly two decades. NATO expansion is a dead issue. Learning to Disagree Honestly Finally, Anton levels some unnecessary and unfounded accusations at his critics. He warns his readers that the foreign policy establishment will look down on and refute any heterodox analysis to protect its guild, in part because the foreign policy priesthood is on the take: it operates and draws income from the constituent institutions of liberal order. Anton believes that foreign policy professionals are incapable of honest dialogue because reasoned debate would threaten their livelihood. This will come as a surprise to the foreign policy professionals scattered across hundreds of universities, journals, think tanks, foundations, government agencies, and consulting firms. It would be remarkable if every one of these institutions were a wholly-owned subsidiary of liberal order, in hock to a single agenda. On its face, it is simply not true that these institutions have anything like a common message or enforce message discipline on their writers. If anything, many of them build entire careers on disagreeing with each other. More importantly, I hope Anton and his colleagues recognize that forums like Elephants in the Room (among many, many others) are open to a variety of perspectives and strive to debate with honesty and fairness. Well be open about our disagreements with the Trump administration, but equally honest about our common ground. If Anton wants that dialogue with his critics, granting their good faith is a necessary first step. Photo credit: PABLO MARTINZE MONSIVAIS/AP RACINE A 19-year-old Kenosha man has been charged with a felony for allegedly throwing urine at a corrections officer late last year. The incident reportedly happened on Dec. 27, when Alex A. Bane was an inmate at the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Institute, 1501 Albert St. According to the criminal complaint the guard was passing out food trays and Bane refused to follow the proper procedure for receiving his tray. Bane continued to refuse to comply, despite given multiple chances, the complaint states. When the guard did not give Bane his food, the defendant reportedly yelled Im going to throw piss on you! Later, when the guard was walking by Banes cell, Bane reportedly ran to the cell door and threw a liquid at the guard, and yelled I told you I was going to throw piss on you! The guard believed the liquid was indeed urine. San Jose (AFP) - The flow of migrants to the United States was to dominate talks Thursday between the foreign ministers of Mexico and Central America, Costa Rica's top diplomats said. "We will make an analysis of the context affecting the region, focused on the issue of migratory flows," Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Gonzalez told reporters ahead of the gathering north of San Jose. Central America -- particularly its violence-prone nations of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras -- are the main source of undocumented migrants to the US. The region is also a transit point for migrants from elsewhere. Mexico also provides many migrants, though less than in years past, and is the country that shares the southern border of the United States. New hardline anti-immigration policies by the administration of US President Donald Trump have unsettled the region, but close economic ties mean criticism has been relatively muted. Gonzalez said the issue of migration had increasingly affected Costa Rica, which is stable and comparatively prosperous. Haitians, Africans and Cubans, especially, seek to pass through the country on their way north. "No one country can tackle this phenomenon," the foreign minister said. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) Five workers have been kidnapped from a gold mine in eastern Congo, including ones from France and Tanzania, and rebels are demanding $1 million in ransom, a local official said Thursday. The Congolese, Tanzanian and French workers were abducted Wednesday from Banro Mining Corp.'s Namoya mine, said Kabambare administrator Balthazar Hemedi Kabemba. An investigation has been opened, but members of the rebel group Rahiya Mutomboki have left leaflets around the mines threatening its workers. "These five workers, including one Frenchman and one Tanzanian, are still in the hands of their captors. Though the captors have not been identified, witnesses say they were armed with AK-47s," the official said. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that a French national was kidnapped and said it was in contact with Congolese authorities to ensure the release of those captured. The captors are in direct contact with the Canadian mining company, Kabemba said, and have asked for $1 million in ransom. They also are seeking a guarantee that the company will carry out basic contractual agreements to build infrastructure in the area, including schools, roads and a health center. The rebel group has criticized the mining company for not giving access or jobs to young miners who had been working on the site before it took over. Banro's Namoya mine manager Crispin Mwetwedu confirmed that the subsidiary of the Canadian company has received an anonymous call demanding a ransom. The Rahiya Mutomboki rebel group last year attacked a convoy of vehicles belonging to the company, seizing trucks and demanding ransom for their Tanzanian and Kenyan drivers. Congo is home to multiple militias vying for control of its mineral-rich land. ___ This version corrects to say that just one French national was kidnapped. ___ Associated Press writer Al-Hadji Kudra Maliro in Beni, Congo contributed. Aden (AFP) - US forces on Thursday struck a series of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula targets in Yemen, the Pentagon announced, part of a broader increase in attacks against the civil-war-torn nation's jihadists. Local officials said at least 12 AQAP members were killed in the strikes, which came barely one month after a botched US commando raid against the group left multiple civilians and a Navy SEAL dead. "More than 20 strikes targeted AQAP militants, equipment and infrastructure in the Yemeni governorates of Abyan, Baida and Shabwa," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement. He said AQAP has taken advantage of ungoverned spaces in Yemen to plot, direct, and inspire terror attacks against America and its allies. The strikes were conducted "in partnership" with the Yemeni government, and coordinated with President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, Davis said. AQAP fighters have exploited a power vacuum created by two years of war between Yemen's government and Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels who control the capital to consolidate their presence, particularly in the south and east. The United States periodically sends small teams of commandos into Yemen, primarily to gather intel, and in recent months has been increasing activity against AQAP. President Donald Trump faced broad criticism at home after he authorized a large January 29 raid during which Navy SEAL Ryan Owens was killed and multiple civilians perished. Owens's father has described the mission as "stupid," and declined to meet with Trump. Trump, the military's commander-in-chief, has sought to pass blame for the death to "the generals" and stressed the raid yielded large amounts of vital intelligence. A US official told AFP that Thursday's strikes were planned months ago and were unrelated to the botched raid. "The raid was valuable, but the strikes were not directly related to it," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Story continues Other US officials said the strikes were conducted with "manned and unmanned" capabilities, but declined to confirm or deny an AQAP report that US battleships had fired into the area and an attempted landing of US troops was aborted. - At least 12 AQAP killed - A provincial security official told AFP that a dawn strike targeted the home of a known Al-Qaeda member in Yashbum valley in the southern province of Shabwa province. Four suspected militants standing outside the house were killed, he said. A second strike on Al-Qayfa in Baida province, further north, killed three suspected Al-Qaeda members, a local official and a tribal chief said. Another strike targeted the jihadists in the Sawmaa district of the province, the local official said. And a fourth targeted an Al-Qaeda position east of Shaqra in the southern province of Abyan, a security source said. There was no immediate word of casualties in the Sawmaa and Shaqra strikes. In the afternoon, another drone strike hit a vehicle in Wadea district of Abyan province, killing five more Qaeda suspects, a security official said. Al-Qaeda briefly overran Shaqra early last month just days after the US raid on one of their compounds in Baida province. As many as 16 civilians -- eight women and eight children -- were also killed in the strike, a provincial official said, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. - Fighting near Mokha - UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien wound up a visit to Yemen with a call for an end to the conflict in order to ease the impoverished country's humanitarian crisis. "The best humanitarian solution is for there to be peace," he told reporters at Sanaa airport. O'Brien expressed anger at being prevented on Tuesday from visiting the flashpoint southwestern city of Taez. He was denied passage at the final checkpoint as he headed from the rebel-controlled north to Taez, where pro-government forces are holed up. "I was outraged that humanitarian efforts to reach people in need were once again thwarted by parties to the conflict, especially at a time when millions of Yemenis are severely food insecure and face the risk of famine," he said. In fighting Thursday, 12 Shiite Huthi rebels and six soldiers were killed in clashes near Mokha, a western coastal town captured last month by loyalists, medics and military sources said. The rebels wrestled back control over Jabal al-Nar, 10 kilometres (six miles) to the east of Mokha, a military official said. More than 7,500 people have been killed and 40,000 others wounded since March 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of the government, according to the UN. Washington (AFP) - Russia's ambassador Sergey Kislyak was all smiles as he glad-handed US lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill to hear President Donald Trump's maiden speech to Congress. Two days later he was at the heart of a very Washington scandal, after Trump's newly-appointed Attorney General Jeff Sessions was accused of lying about meeting with the Kremlin's envoy. Fellow diplomats told AFP that Kislyak, a veteran of many years of US-Russian diplomatic rivalry, would be amused by the spat, the latest to trouble Trump's efforts to form a government. The 66-year-old engineering graduate has been at the heart of the Moscow foreign policy establishment since the days of the United States and the Soviet Union's Cold War stand-off. Married and with one adult daughter, he is coming towards the end of what has been an eight-year stint in Washington marked by spy scandals, a failed "re-set" in ties and now political intrigue. Already, one member of Trump's top team -- short-lived national security adviser Mike Flynn -- has been forced to resign after controversy over his contacts with Kislyak. Now Sessions has been forced to recuse himself from any investigation related to the Trump campaign -- whose ties with Russia are under scrutiny from all sides -- after he admitted to two encounters with Kislyak in the run-up to the vote. - Spy master? - In Washington's febrile atmosphere, where disgruntled foreign policy and intelligence officials are stirring opposition to Trump, some reports have even described Kislyak as a spy master. Russian officials scoffed at this, blaming a mood of anti-Russian paranoia, and Washington-based diplomats played down the claim. All ambassadors of course have contacts with their countries' spies, but is Kislyak really -- as some US reports now allege -- a top recruiter for Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency? "Honestly speaking, I only have one question: is this the lowest the western media can reach or can they sink even lower?" demanded Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman. Story continues "I will tell you a military secret: diplomats work, they work and their work involves making contacts in the country they are in." There are, of course, Russian spies in Washington. In December, the outgoing US president Barack Obama ordered 35 of Kislyak's colleagues at the Russian mission expelled as foreign agents. And Kislyak was ambassador in 2010 when US counter-intelligence rounded up 10 Russian sleeper agents, including estate agent Anna Chapman, who became a glamorous media sensation. But if Kislyak spent any of his career at the SVR or the KGB it does not show up on his official biography, which portrays a successful but hitherto low-key progress through foreign ministry ranks. He was based in the United States throughout the Cold War 1980s, first as an official at the Russian mission to the United Nations in New York, then as first secretary of the embassy in Washington. He had a series of senior bureaucratic and technical roles in Moscow through the 1990s before becoming Russia's ambassador to both Belgium and NATO in 2003 and then a deputy foreign minister in 2008. As ambassador he has been discreet, but he gave a rare news conference last year and lamented: "We were able to end the Cold War, but most probably we weren't able to build post-Cold War peace." - Diplomatic circuit - As a member of Washington's diplomatic circuit, he is not the most high-profile socialite, but he likes to boast that his residence has one of the best chefs in the District and he entertains at home. In the run-up to November's election, diplomats from both friends and foes of the United States were keen to build ties with figures -- like Sessions or Flynn -- who were close to Trump. But Kislyak's role is under scrutiny because US intelligence agencies believe Russian government propagandists and hackers tried to hurt Hillary Clinton and to help Trump's rise. And, as Michael McFaul, US ambassador to Russia between 2012 and 2014, tweeted: "Let's not be naive folks. Kislyak obviously was meeting Sessions because of his role in Trump world. That's his job." (Reuters) - A mouse caused a big delay for a flight from London to San Francisco, forcing passengers to switch aircraft after the tiny stowaway was discovered. The mouse was spotted scurrying under a door aboard British Airways Flight 285 at London's Heathrow Airport on Wednesday as passengers were buckled in for departure, a passenger told San Francisco television station KGO. This forced them to switch aircraft and endure a four-hour delay, according to KGO. Some passengers joked that the mouse lacked a visa to enter the United States, according to passenger Annina Salven, who laughingly told KGO it made sense to switch planes "because I really wouldn't want to eat food on a plane that had a mouse." Rodents have been known to chew through the wiring on aircraft, with potentially dangerous results. British Airways in a statement confirmed the disruption of its Flight 285 from London's Heathrow Airport to San Francisco, saying "on this occasion there was one very small customer who we had to send back to the gate." (Writing by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Patrick Enright and Cynthia Osterman) Photos showing hundreds of prisoners in a Philippine jail sitting naked while being searched for contraband have triggered accusations of further rights abuses in President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs. The inmates of the Cebu provincial jail were woken before dawn on Tuesday, herded into the jail's quadrangle and forced to strip while anti-drug agents, police and military searched their cells, prison officer Rafael Espina told AFP. Photos released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and provincial police showed the inmates sitting naked and cross legged in neat rows on the concrete quadrangle, illuminated by spotlights, as armed police guarded them. A statement released by the drug enforcement agency said the raid had netted "several packets" of methamphetamines and marijuana leaves, as well as knives and mobile phones. With the photos gaining traction on social media, human rights groups voiced concern. "This incident clearly amounts to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners," Amnesty International said in a statement. Amnesty cited United Nations' standards and Philippine laws in highlighting the obligation of authorities to ensure prisoners were not subjected to torture or ill-treatment. Human Rights Watch also said international standards prohibited searches that intimidated or unnecessarily intruded upon a prisoner's privacy. "The conduct of these searches -- out in the open and permitting photographs to be taken -- was inhuman and degrading and violated the prisoners' rights to privacy," Human Rights Watch said in a statement. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman Derrick Carreon said the stripping of the inmates was on the order of the provincial governor and the guards. "We just provide technical expertise," he said. Provincial government information officer Jethro Bacolod told AFP the mass stripping was "an SOP", or standard operating procedure for raids to detect contraband. He said the prison warden had been sacked because of the contraband that was found during the raid. Story continues The Cebu prison became famous in 2007 due to popular YouTube videos showing inmates performing choreographed dances to hits such as Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Duterte has been waging a controversial war on drugs that has seen police and unidentified assailants kill thousands of people over the past eight months. Amnesty has warned the killings may amount to a crime against humanity. Duterte, who remains popular with many Filipinos, has said human rights must take a backseat to defeating the much greater menace of illegal drugs ravaging society. Related Video: The UN Puts Pressure On Philippines to Investigate President Duterte (2016) For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Alexei Navalny, the lawyer turned activist turned political prisoner-turned-presidential candidate, has a fund dedicated to exposing corruption in Russia. On Thursday, it published an exposition on one particularly well-known Russian: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The investigation, published on Navalnys Anti-Corruption Funds website, notes that, while some call the prime minister Dimon so as to characterize him as pathetic, Hes not Dimon. Hes serious uncle corruption. ACF alleges that, in addition to the summer home it exposed last year, Medvedev owns another mansion outside of Moscow worth 5 billion rubles ($85 million), a mountain residence in Russias Krasnodar region, and a fourth mansion in the Kursk region (described by ACF as Medvedevs ancestral home). Additionally, ACF alleges that Medvedev owns plots of land in Krasnodar, a building in St. Petersburg, an Italian vineyard, and yachts. Most damningly, if ACF is to be believed, the estate is not in Medvedevs name, but in that of various puppet charity foundations and firms, overseeing holdings that span a continent. The corrupt officials usually try to hide their activities, but these people are acting almost in the open. Hundreds of people are engaged in servicing Medvedev and his properties. And they all see, know and understand, who owns these dachas protected by the state special services, the reports conclusion states. Medvedev, when he was president of Russia from 2008 to 2012, tried to present himself as a reformer, Russias answer to U.S. President Barack Obama. But this report paints a decidedly different picture. Second most damningly, the report includes this picture of Medvedev in brightly colored sneakers. Screen Shot 2015-08-10 at 11.44.56 AM Medvedevs spokesperson dismissed the report as propaganda in Navalnys presidential campaign, which is true, at least in one sense Navalny branded Russian President Vladimir Putins United Russia as the party of crooks and thieves and has long said he is running for president to root out corruption. Photo credit: ANTTI AIMO-KOIVISTO/AFP/Getty Images Rome (AFP) - Some 970 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya on Thursday, Italy's coastguard said, as the numbers attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe continue to rise. Even before Thursday's arrivals, more than 13,400 people had arrived on Italy's shores so far this year -- an increase of 50 to 70 percent compared with 2016 and 2015. According to the United Nations, more than 440 people have died or gone missing in January and February while crossing from Libya in the depths of winter, when the sea is at its most treacherous. The migrants rescued Thursday were crammed into four rubber dinghies, a small wooden boat and another larger one. Italy's coastguard said it coordinated the rescue operations with a Norwegian vessel under the command of EU border agency Frontex and two humanitarian ships manned by the SOS Mediterranee aid group, Doctors without Borders and the Spanish Proactiva Open Arms group. The coast guard also received a distress signal from a sailboat that left Greece with about 85 migrants on board heading to southern Italy, but the boat never made it out of Greek waters. It was rescued by a Maltese vessel that happened to be in the area, and the migrants were taken to the southern Greek port of Kalamata. European efforts to close the migrant route at the Greek end of the Mediterranean are thought to lie behind the increased flow to Italy, with most departures taking place from the west of Libya, just 300 kilometres (190 miles) away from the Italian coast. European countries are considering new measures aimed at blocking the migrants' arrival, alarming aid groups which fear people stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. Six years after the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is still in chaos and the country has become a major launching pad for migrants seeking to enter Europe. Jerusalem (AFP) - A report severely criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership in the 2014 Gaza war may weaken the self-styled "Mr Security", analysts say. The state inquiry published Tuesday attacked Netanyahu's governing style throughout the war in which 68 Israeli soldiers died, prompting opposition figures to demand his resignation. Netanyahu lashed out at the report, accusing the state comptroller who penned it of attacking the army, but cancelled a planned public speech at short notice Wednesday evening, with his office saying he was unwell. The report comes as Netanyahu, a man with a reputation as a political survivor in his eighth consecutive year as leader, is seeking to limit potential damage from a series of corruption investigations. Analysts said while the report was unlikely to bring about his resignation, Netanyahu's reputation for being the best man to protect Israel was at risk. The report by state comptroller Yossef Shapira accused Netanyahu and then-defence minister Moshe Yaalon of not fully preparing for the threat of attack tunnels dug by Hamas, the Islamist party that runs Gaza. It said the two men did not fully share information they had on tunnels with other members of the security cabinet, speaking instead in "sparse and general" terms. They also failed to provide ministers with "significant and essential information," necessary to make "well-informed decisions." The report did not call for resignations, however. The war killed 2,251 Palestinians and left 100,000 homeless, according to the UN. On the Israeli side, 74 people were killed, all but six of them soldiers. The tunnels were among the Palestinians' most effective weapons during the 50-day conflict. In one particularly notable attack, five soldiers were killed when a Hamas fighter emerged from a tunnel near the Nahal Oz kibbutz inside Israel on July 29, 2014. - Resignation call - Story continues Opposition leader Isaac Herzog called for Netanyahu to step down in the wake of the report. Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent at The Jerusalem Post, said that was unlikely immediately but it would damage the prime minister's reputation. Netanyahu won the last elections in 2015 in large part because he was seen as the most competent leader for Israel's security, Hoffman said. "Netanyahu has persuaded Israelis that he and only he can make them feel safe," he told AFP. "If there is a security figure running in the election next time he can just wave the report and say 'not so fast'." Netanyahu is also facing a series of corruption allegations that have fed speculation about potential snap elections. "The corruption allegations make him much weaker and this just adds fuel to the fire," Hoffman added. The person best placed to gain is Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who consistently accused Netanyahu of not sharing information during the war. "The report gives credit to Bennett (saying) he was asking the right questions," Yossi Mekelberg from the London-based Chatham House think tank said. "He didn't get proper answers." Bennett, seen as a major right-wing challenger to Netanyahu, has remained silent, though his colleague in the Jewish Home party Ayalet Shaked backed the report's findings. Itamar Yaar, former deputy head of Israel's National Security Council, defended Netanyahu and the military's concerns about Bennett. He told AFP the Jewish Home leader had a reputation for leaking, making Netanyahu and military leaders wary that information shared with him would get into the public domain. - Critical mass - In 2007 a preliminary report into the 2006 war with Lebanon severely criticised then-prime minister Ehud Olmert and defence minister Amir Peretz. Netanyahu himself, then leader of the opposition, called on Olmert to resign and encouraged protests, with tens of thousands turning out on the streets. "Those who failed at war cannot be those who correct the failures," Netanyahu said at the time. Olmert hung on but resigned a year later amid corruption allegations, in what Hoffman said was a parallel of current events. Liran Ofek from Israel's Institute for National Security Studies said however that while 2006 was seen as a failure, in the eyes of most Israelis 2014's Gaza war was relatively successful. "We look at 2006 and the Yom Kippur war of 1973 as failures, we lost in those wars," Ofek said. "(In 2014) Israel did not destroy Hamas but it was weakened." Mekelberg said he expected Netanyahu to continue to try to brush off the report and corruption allegations. "The question is at which point there is a critical mass in Israel that say enough is enough." JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A federal workplace safety agency wants to fine Nissan Motor Co. more than $21,000, saying the company's Mississippi plant should have better trained a maintenance worker who lost three fingers in July. The citations were issued weeks before a Saturday rally to support unionization by the United Auto Workers, where pro-union speakers are likely to denounce the company's safety record. Nissan, though, defends its safety record as "significantly" better than average. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in proposed citations Feb. 10, said the company failed because the worker didn't know how to disable the line before he tried to work on it. OSHA also demanded that Nissan install buzzers and lights that would warn workers before a conveyor line started. Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman said last week the company hasn't decided if it will appeal the ruling. "This issue is still open," he told The Associated Press. "We're still working through the process." The company also faces a potential $29,000 fine following a November worker death at its Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant. Nissan has said it's contesting that fine. Union advocates frequently voice safety concerns about the Mississippi plant. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is supposed to headline the rally, organized by the pro-union Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan. The alliance seeks to link support for the union with civil rights for African-Americans, saying Nissan is unfairly hostile to unionization efforts. Workers in Smyrna rejected the UAW in 1989 and 2001 votes, but no election has been held at the Mississippi plant in Canton. "Nissan has union representation at 42 out of its 45 plants around the world," Sanders said in a statement. "The American South should not be treated differently. What the workers at the Nissan plant in Mississippi are doing is a courageous and enormously important effort to improve their lives." Story continues NAACP President Cornell William Brooks and actor Danny Glover also are scheduled to speak. The company in the past has said that it opposes a union at the plant, but now says the choice is up to workers, although pro-union workers complain that Nissan continues to tell them to reject the UAW. The union has mounted a multiyear campaign trying to get the company to sign a neutrality agreement before a union vote, and has been trying to pressure Nissan through the French government's ownership stake in Nissan's business partner, the Renault Group. "Nissan respects and values the Canton workforce, and our history reflects that we recognize the employees' rights to decide for themselves whether or not to have third-party representation," Nissan spokeswoman Parul Bajaj said. OSHA first sought to inspect the plant after the Japan-based automaker reported the amputation. But when an inspector asked that two particular employees be included as worker representatives, Nissan balked and began fighting the issue in federal court. The Nissan Workers Organizing Committee, a group of workers who support the UAW, had previously sent a petition signed by 41 workers to OSHA. It asked the agency to recognize committee nominees as worker representatives. Federal law governing OSHA allows workers to be represented during inspections, but the provision is mainly used in plants that are already unionized. Nissan ultimately agreed to allow the workers to take part if they got training to be part of the plant's safety committee. The inspection at the Canton complex, where 6,400 people work for the automaker and its suppliers, finally took place on Dec. 2. Bajaj said the Canton plant has a "significantly" better safety record than the national average for the automotive industry, based on federal data on time lost to injuries. She said the company is trying to find ways to prevent future injuries. ___ Follow Jeff Amy at: http://twitter.com/jeffamy . Read his work at https://www.apnews.com/search/JeffAmy . KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia A North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam, saying Thursday the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The death of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Koreas ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The autopsy is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities carried it out anyway, saying they were following the law. Also Thursday, amid growing fallout from the killing, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say two women smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kims face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpurs airport on Feb. 13. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The women, who were caught on grainy surveillance video, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank and did not know they were handling a lethal toxin. Malaysias autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea has denied any role and accused Malaysia of bias. On Thursday, Ri Tong Il, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, told a news conference that it made no sense to say the two women used such a deadly toxin without also killing or sickening themselves and people around them. Ri said Kim had a history of heart problems and had been hospitalized in the past. He said he understood that Malaysian officials found medication for diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure in Kims belongings and concluded he wasnt fit to travel. Story continues This is a strong indication that the cause of death is a heart attack, Ri said. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands. Police cant confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea does not acknowledge that it was Kim Jong Nam who died. Instead, it refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying. Malaysia has confirmed that the victim was Kim Jong Nam. The case has badly frayed once-warm ties between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isnt one of North Koreas key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it has been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all change after Kims death. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped starting Monday for national security reasons. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, who has accused Malaysia of trying to conceal something and colluding with hostile forces. We dont want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage, Zahid said. We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Dont ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like. Earlier Thursday, Malaysian authorities said they will release a North Korean man, Ri Jong Chol, from custody Friday because of a lack of evidence. Officials never said why they arrested him. But Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said he will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents. Custody of Kim Jong Nams body has become a point of contention between the two countries. Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. North Korea has unsuccessfully demanded that Malaysia hand the body over. Malaysian authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country on the day of Kims death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Koreas embassy and an employee of North Koreas state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favor with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Belfast (AFP) - Northern Ireland was voting Thursday in snap elections to resolve a political crisis fuelled by bad blood and Brexit, which is testing the delicate peace in the British province. Long-simmering tensions boiled over in January when the Sinn Fein party -- once the political arm of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) -- brought down the province's semi-autonomous government. That triggered fresh elections in the Northern Ireland Assembly, a legislature in Belfast in which representatives of once-warring communities have shared power on and off since a 1998 peace deal. Observers predict a similar outcome to the May 2016 elections, in which the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party won slightly more seats than the pro-Irish republican Sinn Fein. If the two parties cannot resolve their differences and form an administration within three weeks, the assembly's executive could be suspended and the province fully governed from London. Martin McGuinness, a former IRA commander who became Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, resigned in January in protest over a botched green energy subsidy scheme. It had been instigated by First Minister Arlene Foster, head of the DUP, when she was economy minister. Deeply engrained historical enmity was also exacerbated by the June vote for Britain to leave the European Union, which the DUP supported but Sinn Fein opposed. - 'Find a way forward' - McGuinness is not standing again due to ill health, and his successor as Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, has signalled a possible way out. "We're up for going back into government but only on the basis of equality, respect and integrity," she told AFP on Wednesday. "We cannot go into government with Arlene Foster as first or deputy first minister while there is a shadow hanging over her, but that doesn't mean we can't find a way forward." Foster has appealed for unionists to resist Sinn Fein's demands for her to stand aside pending an investigation into the energy scheme. Story continues "If you feed a crocodile it will keep coming back for more," she told a party rally. On the streets of Belfast, there was disillusionment over the scandal. "I'm just fed up with all the corruption and all the scandals to do with the heating and all the rest of it," civil servant Catherine Aouad said. Annette Martin, who works for the Marie Curie charity, said: "I'm not sure I expect an awful lot, to be honest, but I still wanted to make my vote." - Brexit and the border - Prime Minister Theresa May has said Britain will leave the EU's single market and likely the customs union after Brexit, which would make the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland the UK's only land border with the European Union. London, Dublin and Brussels have all insisted they want to keep free movement across the Irish border -- an arrangement dating from its creation in the 1920s, long before both states joined the EU's European Economic Community forerunner in 1973. The Irish Republic's Prime Minister Enda Kenny was in Brussels on Thursday for talks which included the impact of Brexit on the Northern Irish peace process. "I hope that numbers turn out, big numbers and that the result will be clear there can be an assembly and an executive put together," he said of the election. Britain's Northern Ireland minister James Brokenshire emphasised the importance of a "frictionless" border during talks in Brussels this week, and promised to "take no risks" with political stability in the province. In the Brexit referendum, Northern Ireland voted by 55 percent for the UK to remain in the bloc, but across the entire kingdom, 52 percent voted to leave. Casting his ballot in east Belfast, Neal Wilson, a 34-year-old public sector worker, said he believed the fears were overblown. "There is a lot of talk about how the Troubles will come back because we are not in the European Union. It's actually very insulting for the people here," he said, predicting a successful outcome from Brexit. Some 228 candidates are standing to fill 90 seats. Polls close at 2200 GMT but final results are not expected until Saturday. Oklahoma earthquake risk map A large swath of Oklahoma will face the same threat of a severe earthquake as California in 2017, according the United States Geological Survey's forecast for this year. The prediction isn't exactly surprising it closely matches last year's forecasts but it signals a significant change in the distribution of earthquake risks around the United States. Until recently, Oklahoma was a low-risk earthquake area. It experienced just 41 tremors in 2010. But in the last few years, the state has found itself weathering hundreds of significant earthquakes per year, putting millions of residents at risk. Small parts of several other Midwestern states also face similar threats. The rise in earthquakes can be attributed to the injection of large quantities of wastewater into wells deep below the ground. According to USGS, the majority of the underground wastewater comes from oil and gas operations it's created when clean water mixes with dirt, metals, and other toxins below the Earth's surface during extraction operations. The contaminated water becomes too dangerous to dump anywhere, since it could seep into regular groundwater, so companies shoot the wastewater deep into the earth, between layers of hard rock. That buried water can fracture and move previously stable rock, causing earthquakes under certain circumstances. Much (but not all) of the wastewater injection is associated with the fracking boom, which has led the practice to become more common in recent years, especially in Oklahoma. The state isn't the only one experiencing a spike in wastewater injections, but Oklahoma is full of eons-old fault lines that went quiet long ago. Wastewater operations seem to be shaking some of those faults loose, making the land especially vulnerable to earthquakes. The 2017 USGS predictions for Oklahoma are actually less intense than they were in 2016, because earthquakes were somewhat less frequent there than expected last year. USGS scientists suggest that might be due to stricter regulations around wastewater injection. Story continues Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt previously served as Oklahoma's attorney general, and has come under fire from some in the state for failing to take action against wastewater injection and fracking. NOW WATCH: This NASA map shows the drastic disappearance of Arctic ice More From Business Insider Los Angeles (AFP) - A US federal judge in California on Wednesday agreed to release on bail the widow of the gunman who killed dozens of people at an Orlando nightclub last year. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. Prosecutors had argued that Salman, who was arrested in January in connection with the massacre, should be kept behind bars because she posed a threat to society. They have until Friday to appeal the judge's decision. In handing down her ruling, Ryu said there was no proof Salman had any connection to the Islamic State jihadist group or had exhibited extremist views. She also said there was no evidence Salman posed a risk of flight or a danger to the community. "I agree with the pretrial service recommendation and find that Ms Salman has rebutted the presumptions of both risk of flight and danger to the community and that she can and should be released pursuant to strict conditions that will reasonably mitigate those risks," Ryu said. She ordered the 30-year-old, who had a four-year-old son with Mateen, to wear an electronic monitor while living with her maternal uncle in northern California, where she grew up. The ruling essentially puts Salman under house arrest, allowed to leave only for court appearances, to meet her attorneys or for medical appointments for her and her son, Ryu said. Salman, whose case is being prosecuted in Florida, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charge of assisting her husband in his bid to help a terrorist organization. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the second charge of lying to investigators. Police killed Mateen in a shootout. During the attack, he had called dispatchers to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group. The first lady of the United States faces a lot of pressure and every detail of her appearance can be heavily critiqued and scrutinized especially her outfits. Case in point: Following President Donald Trumps first address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, the discussion quickly turned to what Melania Trump wore a sparkly black dress suit designed by Michael Kors. The outfit was noted as an a-typical option by USA Today for a conservative Congress speech. Nonetheless, Melania Trumps outfits have long been analyzed and lauded, and even pitted against former first lady Michelle Obama. Obama was noted for favoring lesser-known American designers and often mixed in mid-range clothing brands like J.Crew. Melania Trump, on the other hand, has worn a number of high-profile brands, opting for European labels as well as U.S. mainstays like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. That makes sense given her husband is the richest U.S. president ever, with a net worth of about $8.7 billion. In a statement to the New York Times earlier this month, Melania Trumps senior adviser Stephanie Winston Wolkoff spoke to Melania Trumps fashion options, specifically mentioning her Ralph Lauren Inauguration outfit: Mrs. Trump buys from an international mix of brands because that is what reflects her uniquely American life experience and style. She is more excited than ever to make a platform for American designers as she did on one of the most important weeks in history, the Inauguration, showcasing the extraordinary talents of American designers. Regardless, it appears that Melania Trump will continue to wear both American and foreign labels for major political functions so long as its designer. Here is a look at some of Melania Trumps pricier outfits for public events. For Donald Trumps first address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening, the first lady arrived wearing a glittering black Floral Embroidered Stretch Pebble-Crepe Dinner Jacket with a matching skirt. The jacket costs $4,995 and the skirt costs $4,595. For her husbands final presidential debate last October, Mrs. Trump wore a Ralph Lauren Collection One-Shoulder Silk Crepe Jumpsuit in ivory. The piece retails for $3,990 at Bergdorf Goodman. Melania Trump famously wore a hot pink pussy bow top from Gucci to the second presidential debate that had tongues wagging. The top itself cost $1,100 on Net-A-Porter. To kick-off the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, the next first lady wore a black dress by Roland Mouret that retailed for $2,645 (the dress sold out online within hours after the debate, according to Us Magazine). Last July during the Republican National Convention, Melania Trump appeared in a white, bell-sleeved Margot cotton and silk-blend dress from Roksanda. It retailed on Net-A-Porter for $2,195. Related Articles JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Seven Pacific island nations have called for a U.N. investigation into allegations of human rights abuses in Indonesia's West Papua and Papua provinces, where a separatist movement has simmered for decades. A statement to a session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, read on behalf of the seven states by Vanuatu's Justice Minister Ronald Warsal, accused Indonesia of serious human rights violations of indigenous Papuans including extrajudicial executions of activists and beatings and fatal shootings of peaceful protesters. The statement Wednesday called on the council to request a comprehensive report from the high commissioner for human rights and Indonesia's cooperation in providing unfettered access to the two provinces, which independence supporters refer to collectively as West Papua. In a right of reply, the Indonesian delegation accused Vanuatu of "blatantly using human rights issues to justify its dubious support for the separatist movement in Papua" and said the government's record of protecting human rights "speaks for itself." Pacific island leaders angered Indonesia last year when they used their speeches to the U.N. General Assembly to criticize Indonesia's rule in West Papua. Jakarta accused them of interfering in Indonesia's sovereignty and supporting groups that carry out armed attacks. Warsal, who spoke on behalf of Vanuatu, Tonga, Palau, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, Nauru and the Solomon Islands, said they also wanted to highlight the Indonesian policy of encouraging the migration of Javanese and other ethnic groups, which has led to the dramatic outnumbering of indigenous Papuans in their own land. The Indonesian government "has not been able to curtail or halt these various and widespread violations," he said. "Neither has that government been able to deliver justice for the victims." Indonesia maintains a tight grip on West Papua and restricts journalists from reporting there. However, the independence movement appears to be increasingly well organized, with different groups now united under an umbrella organization. Story continues The Dutch colonizers of the Indonesian archipelago held onto West Papua when Indonesia became independent after World War II. It became part of Indonesia following a U.N.-supervised referendum in 1969 that involved only a tiny proportion of the population and was criticized as a sham. Independence supporters want a second referendum. The indigenous people of the two Papua provinces, which make up the western half of the island of New Guinea, are ethnically Melanesian and culturally distinct from the rest of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation. West Papua is home to the world's largest gold mine by reserves, one of the world's biggest copper mines and vast areas of virgin forest. The government insists it is an indivisible part of the Indonesian state and is unlikely to make any concessions to separatists out of fear that could re-energize other dormant independence movements. ___ Follow Wright at www.twitter.com/stephenwrightAP Two migrant workers convicted of killing a pair of British tourists in Thailand have lost an appeal against the death sentence, prosecutors said Wednesday. Agence France-Presse reports that Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, also known as Wai Phyo, both Myanmar nationals who worked on the Thai resort island of Koh Tao, now have 30 days to file an appeal at the Supreme Court. The pair were convicted for the September 2014 murder of David Miller, 24, and the rape and murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, both British nationals who were visiting the island as tourists. The case drew international attention, and the trial courted global scrutiny from migrant-rights advocates and legal experts who argued that the suspects might have been scapegoats. Since their sentencing in December 2015, the pairs legal counsel has fought the ruling on the grounds that police mishandled evidence. Read More: This Septic Isle: Backpackers, Bloodshed and the Secretive World of Koh Tao Both of the men have denied any wrongdoing, claiming that police had tortured them into making a confession. Their lengthy trial was mired by allegations of coercion, a bungled investigation and questionable DNA evidence. A legal adviser to the convicted mens families, migrant-rights activist Andy Hall, told the BBC that he and the pairs counsel dont believe the court can say beyond reasonable doubt that Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were responsible for the events which took place in September 2014. Thailand has not carried out an execution since 2009. [AFP] LIMA (Reuters) - Ana Alvarez, a working mother of two in Lima, never imagined being on the frontlines of a fight for marijuana in conservative Peru. But a police raid on a makeshift cannabis lab that she and other women started to soothe the symptoms of their sick children has roused support for medical marijuana, prompting President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski to propose legalizing it in the latest pivot away from decades-old restrictions on drug use in Latin America. Alvarez said cannabis oil is the only drug that helped contain her epileptic and schizophrenic son's seizures and psychotic episodes. She and other women in similar situations formed the group Searching for Hope to seek legal backing as they honed techniques for producing the drug. "We wrote to Congress, to the health ministry," Alvarez said from her apartment as her son played in his room. "We got two negative responses." But the police bust put the women's plight on national television, triggering an outpouring of sympathy as they marched with their children in tow to demand police "give us our medicine back." "When we saw their reality, we realized there's a void in our laws for this kind of use" of marijuana, said cabinet advisor Leonardo Caparros. "We couldn't turn a blind eye." It is unclear if the right-wing opposition-controlled Congress will pass Kuczynski's proposed legislation, which would allow marijuana to be imported and sold in Peru for medical reasons and could permit domestic production after two years. Kuczynski, a 78-year-old socially liberal economist, once provoked an uproar for saying that smoking a joint "isn't the end of the world." But an Ipsos poll conducted following the raid showed 65 percent of Peruvians favor legalizing medical marijuana, and another 13 percent back legalizing the drug for recreational use. If the bill is passed, Peru would follow neighboring Chile and Colombia in legalizing the medical use of marijuana. Mexico's Senate has approved a bill to permit the use of medical marijuana, while Uruguay has fully legalized cannabis from seed to smoke. In the meantime, Searching for Hope has turned to the black market. Member Roxana Tasayco said cannabis oil had given her terminal cancer-stricken mother her appetite back and calmed her vomiting and nausea. "It's not going to cure her but it'll give her a better quality of life in her last days," said Tasayco. "If I have to break a few laws to do that for her I will." (Reporting By Mitra Taj; Editing by Andrea Ricci) Petition Deadline on Beef-Based Motorcycle Tariff Bill Six weeks ago we posted news of the proposed Beef+Bikes bill that would impose a 100 percent tariff on European motorcycles below 501cc. The Office of U. S. Trade Representatives heard public testimony in D.C. two weeks ago, where the USTR stated it hoped to use motorcycle imports to fight the European Unions policy on U. S. beef. (The policy is based on the U. S. use of hormones that are banned in Europe). The last opportunity to oppose this bill is by signing the AMA petition by March 7, 2017. AMA membership is not required. From the AMA: The USTR is accepting rebuttals to the Feb. 15 testimony. This provides an opportunity for the public to voice its opinion on the proposed Bikes for Beef tax. And the AMA has the tools to make it easy for you to submit comments. Just sign our petition. The AMA will submit every name and address to the USTR. There is nothing more powerful than tens of thousands of riders joining together to express their concern with the Bikes for Beef tax. To sign the petition, go to cqrcengage.com/amacycle/app/sign-petition Soon. UNION GROVE A Union Grove teen is facing charges after allegedly arguing and pushing his parents, then breaking a window and locking authorities out of the home when they arrived on scene. It was reportedly the seventh time authorities had been dispatched to the home within a year. Joshua P.Witt, 17, of the 800 block of 12th Avenue has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. According to the criminal complaint, authorities arrived at Witt's home Tuesday and upon arrival, saw his parents standing in the driveway. They told officers their son had locked the home's doors. When the parents attempted to contact Witt via cell phone, he reportedly opened an upstairs window and threw out his cell phone, shattering it. Deputies then asked Witt to come out with his hands up, but he refused, the complaint states. Authorities were then given permission to break a window and unlock a dead bolt to secure entry. Witt was taken into custody. His next appearance is a pre-trial conference at 3:15 p.m. March 30 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Human Rights Watch (HRW), a civil rights watchdog group, has accused the Philippines police of planting evidence to justify extrajudicial killings carried out as part of President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs. Since last summer, over 7,000 people have been killed in Duterte's drug war. A report titled "License to Kill," released by HRW on Wednesday, investigated 24 incidents involding the Philippine National Police that took place between October 2016 and January 2017, resulting in 32 deaths. The report, which includes interviews with family members of victims, witnesses to police killings, journalists, and human rights activists, suggests that police asserted self-defense when questioned about the drug-related killings and regularly planted guns, spent bullets or drugs on the bodies of their victims. Police often claim that a drug suspect opened fire on them and was then killed in a shootout. But we found instead that people are being executed and framed by the police, who plant guns and drugs on the bodies. The gunmen wear masks and try to make sure there are no witnesses, but we met some people who saw the shooting and planting of evidence. This is an organized, government-sanctioned campaign of executions of drug suspects, Peter Bouckaert, Human Rights Watchs emergencies director, said in a statement. Commenting whether the crisis could have been predicted, Bouckaert said that the warning signs very fairly evident. When he ran for president last year, he promised a nationwide anti-drug campaign, warning voters that 'tens of thousands of people' would be killed and vowing to 'make the fish in Manila Bay grow fat on the victims.' He even said he would match Hitler by killing millions, he explained. The HRW report also called his war on drugs campaign a crime against humanity. The president, senior officials, and others implicated in unlawful killings could be held liable for crimes against humanity, which are serious offenses committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population, said the report. Story continues The report recommended an independent United Nations investigation, an end to the war on drugs, an internal investigation, and a boycott of any form of assistance to the Philippine National Police until such investigations are completed. Related Articles MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines on Thursday dismissed as "thoughtless and irresponsible" a report by Human Rights Watch that President Rodrigo Duterte had turned a blind eye to murders by police in what the group called a "campaign of extrajudicial execution". Duterte's signature war on drugs was in the best interests of Filipinos and the New York-based group's allegations of systematic police abuse were "hearsay" and not supported by evidence, said presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella. "All these accusations of circumventing police procedures should be proven in a competent court and if found meritorious should result in appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators," Abella said in a statement. "Failing these, such claims are mere hearsay." The report, "License to Kill", documented 24 cases in which 32 people had been killed, where police accounts were starkly different from those of witnesses, who detailed "cold blooded murders" of unarmed drugs suspects. Official records said the killings were in self-defense. Reuters last year looked at the citing of self-defense as the reason behind numerous killings in police operations, with a 97 percent kill rate the strongest proof yet that police were summarily shooting drug suspects. Human Rights Watch found no distinction between killings in police operations and those the authorities attributed to unknown gunmen or vigilantes. In some of those cases, the victims had hours earlier been in police custody, it added. About 8,000 people have died since the crackdown was launched in June last year, 2,555 in police operations and the circumstances of many of the rest much in dispute. Abella's statement addressed only a few of the allegations, such as the planting of evidence and firearms, and did not respond to many of the report's findings. 'DO NOT GENERALIZE' Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Dionardo Carlos told Human Rights Watch "do not generalize" and said the 24 cases it looked into were insufficient to conclude that widespread abuses took place. Carlos said the PNP's Internal Affairs Service had handled 2,000 complaints and found violations in only 28 cases. "If there is evidence that would point to the violations of these police officers, file cases against them," he told reporters. "We will not allow these officers to commit wrongdoings." Human Rights Watch also noted community "watch lists" to warn drug users or identify candidates for rehabilitation involved visits that turned out to be a "method of confirming the identity and whereabouts of a target". In one of a series of investigative reports last year Reuters found "watch lists" were effectively hit-lists, with many of the people named on them ending up dead. Human Rights Watch said though there was no evidence showing Duterte or top officials planned or ordered extrajudicial killings, they could be implicated through incitement to violence, to instigate murder, and crimes against humanity. The media, rights groups, the United Nations and foreign governments had informed Duterte what was happening, yet nothing had been done to stop the illegal killing, it added. "His public comments in response to those allegations are evidence he knows about them," it said. Duterte did not explicitly mention the report in a speech on Thursday, but he defended himself and his crackdown and said his actions were lawful. "My order to the police and the military was very clear go out, hunt for them, make them surrender so that you would know their connections, and we can gather more evidence," he said. "But if they present a violent resistance, thereby placing your life in danger, son of a bitch, kill them. There's nothing illegal there. Why would you put me in prison?" (Reporting by Martin Petty and Enrico Dela Cruz; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Nick Macfie) Now that Democrats have lost control of both the White House and Congress, will the left rediscover the virtues of federalism in their zeal to resist President Trump? And now that Republicans have finally regained unified control, will they downplay federalism in their effort to advance a national agenda? Joining We the People to discuss the fate of federalism in the Trump era are two leading experts in constitutional law. Josh Blackman is an Associate Professor of Law at the South Texas College of Law in Houston who specializes in constitutional law, the Supreme Court, and the intersection of law and technology. Peter Edelman is the Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Law and Public Policy at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches constitutional law and poverty law and is faculty director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality. This discussion was recorded at a special live event at Georgetown, hosted by the law schools chapters of the Federalist Society and the American Constitution Society. Show Notes This show was edited by Jason Gregory and produced by Nicandro Iannacci. Research was provided by Lana Ulrich and Tom Donnelly. The host of We the People is Jeffrey Rosen. Special thanks to Clifton Fels and the Georgetown chapters of the Federalist Society and the American Constitution Society for their partnership in designing and producing a great event. Story continues Attention, law students of America! Invite We the People to record a show on your campus. Email us at editor@constitutioncenter.org. You can also send us your thoughts about the podcast. Continue todays conversation on Facebook and Twitter using @ConstitutionCtr. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate, at bit.ly/constitutionweekly. Please subscribe to We the People and our companion podcast, Live at Americas Town Hall, on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app. We the People is a member of Slates Panoply network. Check out the full roster of podcasts at Panoply.fm. Despite our congressional charter, the National Constitution Center is a private nonprofit; we receive little government support, and we rely on the generosity of people around the country who are inspired by our nonpartisan mission of constitutional debate and education. Please consider becoming a member to support our work, including this podcast. Visit constitutioncenter.org to learn more. Recent Stories on Constitution Daily Both sides seek full ruling on transgender rights Court gives new guidance on racial gerrymandering Podcast: Jeffrey Rosen answers your constitutional questions Polaris Plans Electric Indian According to a report in Reuters, Polaris plans to launch an electric Indian within the next five years. Some of the technology in the former Victory Empulse electric will likely find its way to the Indian version. The eMotor project marks Indian Motorcycles strategy to both expand the storied brand and attract new riders to the sport. The first eIndian is expected to deliver 120 - 140 miles on a single charge, compared to the Empulses limited range of 75 miles. "The characteristics of the powertrain are going to be more applicable to be able to ride a bike in pleasure and twisties, and kind of how you would use pleasure bikes today," said Polaris Motorcycles Division President Steve Menneto. Both Polaris and Harley-Davidson are seeking expansion in the younger, more price-conscious segments, as demand for large touring bikes has fallen off. Menneto also said that Indian was planning more ICE motorcycles in the smaller displacement range. The company forecasts growth to $1 billion in the next five years, from a mark of $708.5 million last year. Similar plans are afoot at Harley-Davidson, which flirted with the prototype LiveWire electric two years ago. Milwaukees revenue from motorcycles and related products dropped about 2.7 percent over the past two years. Polaris's revenue from its motorcycles business, which includes sales of parts, garments and accessories, increased about 30 percent in the same period. Menneto didnt reveal projected pricing for the electric, but said it would be priced competitively. The Victory Empulse was priced north of $20,000. Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's governing conservatives on Thursday questioned the legitimacy of Supreme Court chief justice Malgorzata Gersdorf, who had been critical of judicial measures introduced by the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Gersdorf had condemned PiS reforms of the Constitutional Court, which include changing the order in which cases are heard and how the chief justice is chosen in a move which had also drawn concern from the European Commission. The Supreme Court supervises Poland's system of lower courts, while the Constitutional Court's main role is to check that Polish laws are compliant with the constitution. On Thursday, several dozen PiS lawmakers called on the Constitutional Court to check whether Gersdorf's nomination in 2014 had been in line with the law, according to one of the politicians, Arkadiusz Mularczyk. A spokesman for the liberal Civic Platform (PO) main opposition party condemned the move as a bid to "get rid of an independent chief justice and replace her with someone politically dependent on the decisions of (PiS leader) Jaroslaw Kaczynski". "An independent Supreme Court and independent judges at all levels stand in the way of the PiS party's political strategy," spokesman Jan Grabiec added. Critics also cite other PiS bids to consolidate power including moves to increase state control over public broadcasters. Clashes over the judicial reforms gave rise to string of large demonstrations by a new popular movement, the Committee for the Defence of Democracy. Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis will meet with the leaders of all EU nations at the Vatican on March 24 ahead of the bloc's special summit in Rome, Vatican sources said Thursday. The March 25 summit will mark the 60th anniversary of the bloc's founding treaty. The pontiff will meet the leaders in the afternoon, the sources said. The pope has already received EU leaders at the Vatican in May 2016 when he was presented with the bloc's Charlemagne Prize for his contribution to European unification. In a speech at that ceremony he called on them to "tear down the walls" and build a fairer society. Invoking the memory of the EU founding fathers' pursuit of integration in the aftermath of World War II, the pontiff said they inspired because they had "dared to change radically the models" that had led to war. The pope also made a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in November 2014. (WASHINGTON) A growing number of Republicans joined Democratic leaders Thursday in calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to step aside from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. President Donald Trump said there was no need and he retains total confidence in Sessions. Top Democrats demanded that Sessions go further than merely stepping aside from any investigations. Theyre calling for him to resign as the nations top law enforcement officer after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscows U.S. envoy during the presidential campaign. Sessions conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Sessions of lying under oath, and she and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he should depart. Schumer said the Justice Department should appoint a special prosecutor to examine whether the federal investigation into the Kremlins meddling in the U.S. election has been compromised by Sessions. If there was nothing wrong, why dont you just tell the truth? Schumer said of sessions. It was definitely extremely misleading to say the least I have said that, when its appropriate, I will recuse myself from the investigation, Sessions told MSNBC on Thursday. Trump, asked if Sessions should recuse himself, said Thursday, I dont think so. He was questioned in Newport News, Virginia, where he was speaking aboard a new aircraft carrier. While there is nothing unusual or necessarily nefarious about a member of Congress meeting with a foreign ambassador, senators from the Foreign Relations Committee typically meet with ambassadors rather than lawmakers from the Armed Services Committee, whose responsibility is oversight of the military and the Pentagon. Story continues Congressional contact with Russian officials was limited for much of last year because of Russias invasion of Crimea and Moscows close relationship with Syria, a pariah for much of the West. At least three House Republicans Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Darrell Issa of California and Tom Cole of Oklahoma have said they want Sessions to withdraw from investigation of campaign contacts with the Russians. And GOP Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said that while Sessions was a former colleague and a friend, I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself. The attorney general is going to need to recuse himself at this point, Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told MSNBC. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, said he thought Sessions needs to clarify what these meetings were. He said it isnt unusual for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors, but he added that if a question arose about the integrity of a federal investigation, I think itd be easier for an attorney general to step away. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions should only recuse himself if he is a subject of the probe. Sessions, an early supporter of Trumps candidacy and a policy adviser during the campaign, was asked during his confirmation hearing in January what he would do if anyone affiliated with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions replied that he had not had communications with the Russians, and answered no in a separate written questionnaire when asked about contacts regarding the election. In a statement late Wednesday, he said: I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the disclosure of the talks with Kislyak the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats. She said Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony. Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a U.S. senator and senior member of the Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with Kislyak, the department confirmed. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department said. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the Republican National Convention, when several ambassadors including the Russian approached him after the talk as he was leaving the stage, according to the department. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he did not know about the meetings but it was normal for Russian diplomats to meet with U.S. lawmakers. Likewise, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told AP that meetings with American political figures were part of the embassys everyday business. Revelations of the contacts, first reported by The Washington Post, came amid a disclosure by three administration officials that White House lawyers have instructed aides to Trump to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian meddling in the American political process. The officials who confirmed that staffers were instructed to comply with preservation-of-materials directions did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked Sessions about campaign contacts. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have, did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. President Trumps updated new look was unveiled when he stepped into the House of Representatives chamber Tuesday night. Read: Ivanka and Melania Trump Raise Eyebrows With Fashion Choices at Congressional Speech The Trump style that society has come to know features blaring red ties, hanging well below his waist and covered by a boxy suit jacket that always seems to be open, and longer jacket sleeves. Designer Joseph Abboud, creative director at Men's Warehouse, told Inside Edition that the changes are for the better. This is a very visible way of saying he knows how important the job is and you have to present yourself that way, he said. The sleeves of the jacket were shorter this time around and his French cuff shirt and cuff links were fully visible. I always recommended that men should button their suits," Abboud said. "When you sit down, you can unbutton it, he said. Trump, who is known to be super-sensitive to criticism, has been mocked for his outdated look by comedians and fashion experts. Earlier in the year, GQ magazine offered its advice with an animation showing how his jackets should be slimmer and buttoned, his sleeves shorter and his ties thinner. Read: Widow of Navy SEAL Who Died in Yemen Raid Gets 2-Minute Standing Ovation During Trump's Speech But the new look doesn't appear to have stuck, as Trump stepped out Thursday wearing his tie below the belt and a wide-open jacket. On Thursday, Melania Trump was dressed down as she met with children at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, reading Dr. Seuss Oh, The Places Youll Go to them. She wore slim trousers with a sweater, draping with her coat over her shoulders as she made an appearance to mark National Reading Month. "I came to encourage you to read and to think about what you want to achieve in life," the first lady said. Watch: Donald Trump Responds to Anti-Semitic Events Across the Country Story continues Related Articles: When Lisa Lucas took over as executive director of the National Book Foundation in 2016, she was the youngest person ever to hold the role. But her fearless attitude and hunger to have an impact made her ready to succeed. Lucas, 37, spoke with Real Simple about being propelled by passionand open to learning at every turn. How did you start on this career path? All through college, at the University of Chicago, I was supervisor of the schools telefund. Running a roomful of college kids who were harassing everyone for money on the phone informed what Im doing today, 100 percent. And it led to your next gig, at Chicagos Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Yes. Steppenwolf called the school looking for someone to run their telefund, and the school recommended me. I was 21. What did you learn there? I learned how to manage people, fundraise, and set and hit goals. It showed me that if youre paying attention and learning from whatever circumstance youre in, you are always going to move forward. You seem like someone who makes others feel comfortable. Some people might be surprised that Im good at my job because Im so informal and silly. If were going to have to do business anyway, we might as well enjoy each other. Before the National Book Foundation, you worked at a childrens theater, at the Tribeca Film Institute, and then at a magazine. While it may seem like theres no throughline in what Ive done, Ive worked at nonprofits over and over. Your choices have been passion-driven. Tell us about going to Guernica, the nonprofit art and politics magazine. I always knew I wanted to run an organization. I thought, Im going to take this job at Guernica, where I get to do this, even if it isnt for money for a while, because I get to learn how to do it. I was 32, and it wasnt easy to jump into the publishing business. I worked as a nominally paid volunteer for almost two years before I went on full-time as publisher. Story continues Have you always been so fearless? Ive always had a big appetite for doing thingsnot necessarily for success or money. Ive just always wanted to make an impact. And Ive never been scared to take on a challenge when its related to that. I had zero hesitation taking the executive director job [at the National Book Foundation]. What does your job entail? I raise the money that keeps the nonprofit organization going. I have a board of directors who support that tremendously. We dont have a $10 billion endowment that enables us to have fancy parties and give away free books. We have to raise [our budget] every year. What else? I get to say, OK, how can we do more? How can we think of new ways to reach readers? How can we build pro- grams that help more young people get free books? How do we support libraries across the United States? I also pick the judges for the National Book Awards. Whats your management style? Its important to me to lead in a way that makes the staff feel safe. As a leader, its really easy to be a jerk. People give me credit all the time for things other people in my office have done. Sometimes its logistically hard to send that credit back to them. But an important part of working with a team is making sure people know I did not do this by myself. How have you changed and developed as a leader? When I was younger, I was really headstrong. I was impatient and thought I was right all the time. Eventually you learn, just from being wrong, that you dont have to be right all the time. You learn that making a long-lasting impact is not about bulldozing. Its about being thoughtful, being strategic, having a team, and taking care to figure out how to work together toward a vision. Parting thoughts? Im really glad I didnt let anybody sidetrack me from getting to where I wanted, the way I wanted. Every other instinct would have told me not to follow this path. There was more money and more stability to be had doing other things. But if you actually do what you believe in and what feels really right, you end up where youre supposed to be. An Apple shareholders proposal which urged the company to implement an accelerated recruitment policy that would increase diversity at senior levels and its Board of Directors was shot down in a vote Tuesday. Shareholders, Tony Maldonado and investment firm Zevin Asset Man, who worked with nonprofit Open MIC, submitted the proposal this year. Apple shareholders voted against the proposal by 95 percent and voted in favor by nearly five percent, just below the six percent threshold needed to resubmit the proposal next year. Apple successfully duped investors and the public into believing that diversity is not something that should be a priority, said Maldonado in a statement. As a shareholder, I'm disappointed because I know that Apple's shocking lack of diversity leads to a weaker return on my investment. In an interview with International Business Times last week, Maldonado predicted the proposal would not pass, but he did think it would meet the six percent threshold needed to resubmit the proposal in 2018, something that did not happen Tuesday. Maldonado has been after Apple over diversity since 2015. Last year, his proposal received a higher vote, 5.1 percent in support, past the 3 percent threshold needed. At Apple, 56 percent of the companys workforce is white, according to its Inclusion & Diversity page. The companys leadership is mostly white and male, with only one woman, Senior Vice President Retail Angela Ahrendts, and one minority, Senior Vice President Internet Software and Service Eddy Cue, who is Cuban-American. In response to the proposal, Apple released a statement in January pointing to its diversity webpage. As disclosed on this dedicated website, our hiring trends over the last three years show steady progress in attracting more women and under-represented minorities, the company said in the statement. In addition, Apple is cultivating diverse leadership and tech talent through on-campus training, events, and programs. Story continues Tech Industry Lacks Diversity The vote against the proposal comes after a recent report by Open MIC which detailed the striking lack of diversity in the tech industry. The report found African-Americans, Latinos and Native Americans are underrepresented in the technology sector by 16 to 18 percentage points compared to the overall U.S. workforce. Non-white individuals are widely excluded from tech executive level positions, data show. The report also found minorities are less likely to get promoted and are paid less than their white counterparts. As of now, only two percent of executives in the tech industry are black and three percent are Latino. Hiring among blacks and Latinos is also low. Blacks and Hispanics earn nearly 18 percent of computer science degrees, yet they only hold five percent of tech jobs. Todays results serve as yet another reminder that while Apple may talk a big game on diversity, it still remains a bastion of white, male privilege, Michael Connor, executive director at Open MIC, said in a statement. As an industry leader and one of the most iconic companies on the planet, Apple needs to play a pivotal role in making diversity a priority in the tech industry. Related Articles PELLA, Iowa (AP) A central Iowa prosecutor says no charges will be filed against a man who crashed his pickup truck into a Wal-Mart store, killing three people. Marion County Attorney Ed Bull tells KCCI-TV (http://bit.ly/2mQbRjQ ) that all evidence indicates 66-year-old Dennis Mockenhaupt suffered an unknown medical condition that caused him to lose consciousness and crash. Investigators and witnesses have said the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed when it plowed through a glass front entrance and well into the grocery section of the store in Pella on Dec. 1. Killed were two Wal-Mart employees, 31-year-old Carrie Zugg and 29-year-old Lindsey Rietveld, and a customer, 76-year-old Ruth Jean DeJong. Bull said Thursday that toxicology tests showed no alcohol, drugs or medications in Mockenhaupt's system that would've contributed to the crash. ___ Information from: KCCI-TV, http://www.kcci.com Beirut (AFP) - Syrian troops backed by Russian jets completed the recapture of the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group Thursday, the Kremlin and the army said, in another blow to the jihadists. Bolstered by air strikes and ground troops from their ally Moscow, Syrian forces battled through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The oasis city has traded hands several times during Syria's six-year civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture, a Kremlin spokesman told news agencies in Moscow. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said the jihadists had totally withdrawn from the desert city but not before mining several areas. "The Syrian army is still clearing neighbourhoods of mines and has not spread out into the whole city yet," said its director, Rami Abdel Rahman. An army statement carried on state news agency SANA said its forces had "regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations". IS has suffered a string of setbacks since taking over swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, and its two main strongholds of Mosul and Raqa both face assaults by forces backed by a US-led coalition. The jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city in December when the government was focused on seizing rebel-held east Aleppo. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the structures have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Story continues Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's Palmyra push, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces. After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year -- thanks in large part to Russian support. - Turkey threatens US allies - On another battle front against IS, fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they would cede several villages to the government as part of a deal brokered by Russia to avoid conflict with Turkey. Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August that it said aimed to counter both IS and the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". The surprise announcement by the SDF marks the first time that US-supported fighters has offered to cede territory to Assad's forces. It said the territory to be handed over lay between the towns of Manbij and Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed fighters captured last week from IS, to create a buffer zone between them. Ankara meanwhile renewed its threat to bomb Kurdish fighters unless they withdrew from Manbij, a former bastion of IS that is now under SDF control. The Turkey-backed rebels launched their advance on Manbij on Wednesday, initially seizing two villages but losing them to the SDF by Thursday. The Observatory said clashes were ongoing southwest of Manbij late Thursday. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has muddled the battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had bombed SDF fighters mistakenly believing they were IS. The Russian defence ministry denied carrying out the air strikes. - Sputtering peace talks - Russia on Thursday accused Syria's main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), of "sabotaging" sputtering UN-led Syrian peace talks in Geneva and questioned their ability to reach a deal. "The results of the first days of the intra-Syrian dialogues, as before, raise questions over the ability of the Syrian opposition representatives to reach a deal," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Moscow had earlier called for "terrorism" to be added to the agenda of the talks, which have so far focused on three topics: governance, the constitution, and elections. But the HNC late Wednesday refused, having previously accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. "Progress in the Geneva round must not be held hostage by the Riyadh platform," lead Syrian negotiator Bashar al-Jaafari told reporters, referring to the Saudi-backed HNC. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the war, are expected to end by the weekend, though no formal timeframe has been set. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. (Photos: Jim LoScalzo / Pool via CNP / MediaPunch/IPX, Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) A former intelligence official who has warned that the West dangerously underestimates Russian President Vladimir Putin will manage Europe and Russia on President Trumps National Security Council (NSC), a White House aide confirmed to Yahoo News. Fiona Hill, who followed Russia and Eurasia for the National Intelligence Council from 2006 to 2009, is going through the clearance process to become Trumps senior NSC director for Europe and Russia, the aide said on condition of anonymity. The news that Trump was bringing the Brookings Institution scholar aboard was first reported by Foreign Policy magazine. The word came as the administration wrestled with its latest controversy over alleged contacts with Russia, this time focused on Attorney General Jeff Sessions misleading senators at his confirmation hearing by denying conversations with Moscows ambassador to Washington. After a presidential campaign in which Trump and top aides repeatedly said they wanted better relations with Russia, Hills writings stand out for their blunt assessment of that countrys leader and of how the West must respond. Putins operational aim will continue to be to find the weaknesses, to goad, and intimidate, and to make sure everyone knows he will make good on his threats, she wrote a week before Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration. The onus will now be on the West to shore up its own home defenses, reduce the economic and political vulnerabilities, and create its own contingency plans if it wants to counter Putins new twenty-first century warfare. Beirut (AFP) - Al-Qaida has confirmed that top leader Abu Khayr al-Masri, believed to be the organization's number two, was killed in a drone strike by the U.S.-led coalition in Syria. The killing of Masri, described by analysts as "jihadi royalty," could serve as a major security coup for U.S. President Donald Trump early in his presidency. Two branches of the global jihadist group, including the powerful al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), announced Masri's death in a statement dated Wednesday. Calling him a "hero," the statement said Masri "was killed during a Crusader drone strike" in Syria. "All of al-Sham (Syria) will bear witness to the latest crime of America and the Crusader alliance," the statement said, in reference to the U.S.-led coalition bombing jihadists in Syria and Iraq. It also expressed its condolences to al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. A U.S. official said this week that Washington was investigating reports that Egyptian-born Masri had been killed in a U.S. strike in or around the city of Idlib in northwest Syria. The U.S. has escalated its bombing campaign in the province, mostly ruled by al-Qaida's former Syrian branch, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front. In early February, the Pentagon said it killed 11 al-Qaida operatives there. Masri was a son-in-law of Qaida founder Osama bin Laden and believed to be Zawahiri's deputy. Also known as Abdullah Muhammad Rajab Abdulrahman, Masri joined Zawahiri in the Egyptian Islamic Jihad group in the 1980s before they enlisted with Bin Laden in the 1990s. U.S. intelligence believe Masri was involved in the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He was detained with several other al-Qaida figures in 2003 in Iran and held until 2015, when they were traded for the release of an Iranian diplomat who had been seized by al-Qaida's Yemen branch. - 'Hit list' - Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute described Masri as "jihadi royalty," as a longstanding member of al-Qaida's central Shura Council and "one of Ayman al-Zawahiri's closest long-time confidants." Story continues The Qaida statement warned the "US and its allies, agents and spies that the more martyrs they kill, the more determined we will be to achieve victory and avenge them." Trump has put tackling so-called "radical Islamic extremism" at the top of his agenda. He is considering a review of the fight against the Islamic State group, aiming to intensify the campaign, and is poised to revive efforts to ban travel from certain Muslim-majority countries. Masri's presence in Idlib province underscores the importance that Syria has gained in al-Qaida's strategy, analysts said. Masri was born in the Nile Delta city of Kafr el-Sheikh in November 1957, during Gamal Abdel Nasser's rule. He was one of the most prominent figures in al-Qaida to have roots in the era before the September 11, 2001 attacks, according to the Soufan Group, a private security and intelligence consultancy. "It was in Masri's guesthouse in Kabul, Afghanistan, that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed briefed top al-Qaida leaders about the planning of the September 11, 2001 attacks," the Soufan Group said. According to Treasury Department sanctions, Masri was previously responsible for coordinating al-Qaida's work "with other terrorist organisations." Related Video: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Comedy and computer hacking combine in "Quadrilateral Cowboy," which was one of two double winners at the 2017 Independent Games Festival and the evening's Grand Prize recipient. A heavily stylized, team-based singleplayer corporate espionage title, computer game "Quadrilateral Cowboy" released to a raft of rave reviews in 2016 and now joins the ranks of Grand Prize winners at the Independent Games Festival. It's a first win for studio Blendo Games, whose previous releases included the story-driven "Gravity Bone" and "Thirty Flights of Loving" as well as action games "Flotilla" and "Atom Zombie Smasher." "Darwinia," "Monaco," "Minecraft," "Fez," and "Her Story" number among previous recipients of the $30,000 Seamus McNally Grand Prize. There were six other winners at the March 1, 2017 event, which was held as part of the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. "Ladykiller in a Bind," a visual novel with adult themes, scooped Excellence in Narrative while procedurally-generated, screen-shuddering action game "GoNNER" collected Excellence in Audio. "Hyper Light Drifter" was indeed well hyped as soon as it launched a 2013 crowdfunding campaign and here took the Excellence in Visual Art award as well as the Audience Award. Speaking of which, musician and designer David Kanaga was mentioned in the "Hyper Light Drifter" credits and here received the Nuovo Award for "Oipiel, Book I," a prize intended to recognize innovative and sometimes more abstract works. The Alt.Ctrl.GDC prize recognizes alternative control schemes and went to "Fear Sphere," which lets players see its gameworld through the use of a handheld flashlight device. And "Un Pas Fragile," which is all about a frog ballet dancer trying to learn a new skill, came from a team at specialist college ENJMIN, Bordeaux, France, and won Best Student Game. Photo credit: Range Rover From Road & Track A few weeks back, we had the chance to go behind the scenes at Land Rover's sprawling design studio in idyllic Gaydon, about two hours outside London. Range Rover's show car for Geneva was waiting for us, and all hints and predictions led us to believe that it was going to be BMW X6-style derivative of the Range Rover Sport. Color us disenchanted. Photo credit: Land Rover We entered the gates of Gaydon, which is a massive facility, and headed for the design preview room with more than a hint of a blase attitude. But then chief creative officer Gerry McGovern entered the room and dazzled us. Meet the Range Rover Velar. Its name harkens back to the original Range Rover concept, which was tested openly, free of disguise, in the world's harshest conditions. That means it wore the "Velar" badge ironically, since the name was from the Latin for "to veil." This Range Rover, however, borrows little from the original 1970 model other than that name. Photo credit: Land Rover There is something of an existential question about this new Range Rover. Why build the Velar at all? According to McGovern, who presided over the design and execution of the Velar, there was a "white space" opportunity between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport in terms of size and price. Rather than go the lines-blurring SUV coupe route, McGovern's team led by Massimo Frascella decided to capitalize on the brand equity of the Evoque. Before you dismiss the Evoque as hardly a Land Rover, remember that the poky crossover has been very, very good to the company-selling in the hundreds of thousands over the last six years. By McGovern's reckoning, the Range Rover sub-brand was able to "expand as a consequence of our success." The Velar started life using similar underpinnings to the Jaguar F-Pace, but don't think of it as Land Rover's F-Pace. Perceptive eyes will notice that the Velar's wheelbase is nearly identical to that of the Jaguar's, but that's about all the two SUVs share in terms of design. They'll use many of the same engines, including the 180-hp turbodiesel and 380-hp turbocharged V6, and all-wheel drive will be standard. A 247-hp four-cylinder Ingenium gas-powered engine will also be available at launch, with a 300-hp variant arriving later. No word on SVO/SVR variants, but time will tell. Story continues Photo credit: Land Rover Through and through, the Velar is the result of designers' dreams. In photos, it apes the shape of the Range Rover and marries the distinctive design elements of the Evoque with more than a hint of Range Rover Sport about its side profile. But that tells only part of the story. This is Land Rover's enormous jump into a design-led future. All of the exterior lights are LEDs. The flush-fitted door handles are a triumph of engineering, and less a gimmick. Its squat shape is enhanced by the contrast-colored glass roof. Oversized wheels give it a convoluted sense of balance. McGovern describes the exterior package as "glamour." We agree. Photo credit: Land Rover If the Velar's exterior showcases how Land Rover will advance the shapes of its now-iconic models, its interior is a preview of what's next. New choices beyond leather and wood line the interior. But center stage is the OLED touchscreen center stack, which is now a tiered set of screens to control traditional infotainment functions and those that are less frequently fiddled-with-like climate control and vehicle settings. Touching the panels and operating the functions, it's hard not to confuse the production model for a concept. The interior team injected style and design into each one of the Velar's show-stopping interior features, because McGovern-ever the contrarian-argued that he doesn't "think technology itself is emotionally desirable." Land Rover calls the screens "Touch Pro Duo;" get ready to see this setup in Land Rovers to come. Photo credit: Land Rover Speaking of technology, the Velar will be closer to the Range Rover Sport than the Evoque in its off-road capabilities. It will climb, crawl, and wade with the most competent of its competitors. Terrain Response and Active Progress Control will make the options list, as will a four-corner air suspension. Noting that many of its customers will never need to-or choose to-alter their driving experience, the customizable settings are smartly hidden in a lower-screen menu, rather than require a knob that occupies some of the gorgeous interior space. Back to that "white space" the Velar fills. At $50,895, the least expensive Velar will slot in neatly between the Range Rovers Evoque and Sport, with plenty of distance from the kingpin Range Rover. It also commands a healthy premium over the related F-Pace. Step up through the range, and the most expensive Velar (save for the loaded First Edition) jumps to the top of the luxury SUV space, give or take at 80 grand. Photo credit: Land Rover As the day in Gaydon drew to a close, McGovern pointed in the direction behind the Velar drawing boards, just as he was heading upstairs, back to the area where the designers sit. "You want to see the new Defender?" McGovern asked, hinting that the hotly anticipated SUV is already finished and just waiting to be released. He paused and briefly laughed, before noting, "It's right over that wall." Call it taunting, but if the next Defender advances the Land Rover brand like the Velar, it will be worth the wait. You Might Also Like SCHUMER: OK. Good morning, everyone. Sorry Im late. All right. Last night, when I read the revelations regarding Attorney General Sessions contact with the Russian ambassador, and his decision to mislead Congress about those contacts, I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach. I worried about the future of our country with foreign influence in our elections. It goes to the very wellspring of our democracy. For weeks, I have said that Attorney General Sessions needs to recuse himself from any investigation into contact between the president and his associates on the campaign and transition, and Russia. For weeks, I made clear that I believe Attorney General Sessions close relationship with the Trump campaign requires that he recuse himself from the executive branch investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Its a matter of Department of Justice guidelines that Ive read to you several times that are very clear. The guidelines are clear as day. Yet Attorney General Sessions has demurred. The information reported last night makes it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that Attorney General Sessions cannot possibly lead an investigation into Russian interference in our elections or come anywhere near it. With these revelations, he may very well become the subject of it. It would be of Alice in Wonderland quality if this administration were to sanction him to investigate himself. Recusal should have been given, but this goes beyond that. He had weeks Attorney General Sessions had weeks to correct the record that he made before the Judiciary Committee, but he let the record stand. There cannot be even the scintilla of doubt about the impartiality and fairness of the attorney general, the top law enforcement official of the land. After this, its clear Attorney General Sessions does not meet that test. Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign. But whatever ones views are on resignation, the most important thing we must do is ensure the integrity of the investigation. Has it already been compromised? What can we do to ensure it moves forward in a way that ultimately leads to the unvarnished truth? To that end, I am calling on three things sorry. To that end, I am calling for three things today. SCHUMER: First, the Justice Department must immediately appoint a special prosecutor. Given that Attorney General Sessions impartiality is compromised, that responsibility will fall to the Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente, who is a career civil servant, originally appointed U.S. attorney by President Obama. It is incumbent upon the acting deputy attorney general to select a special prosecutor, an individual who is beyond reproach, completely impartial, without any significant ties to either political party. The choice for special prosecutor, will be scrutinized. Even the hint of partiality in that choice, even the hint that this person will not be able to get to the bottom of these troubling questions, would be disqualifying. The prosecutor must be of great experience and unimpeachable impartiality. Now, this is not just common sense. This is what the Justice Department regulations require. They say that a special counsel should be appointed when a standard investigation, quote, these are the the Justice Departments words, when a standard investigation would, quote, Present a conflict of interest for the department or other extraordinary circumstances and it would be in the public interest to appoint an outside special council. The regulations also require that a special council be a lawyer with a reputation for integrity and impartial decision-making. There cannot even be the shred of a connection between the attorney general, Mr. Sessions, and this Department of Justice investigation into the events of 2016. Second, if the Justice Department drags its feet and refuses to appoint a special prosecutor or selects someone with insufficient independence, there is another route. We will then urge Senator McConnell and Speaker Ryan to work with Democrats to create a new and improved version of the Independent Counsel Law which would give a three-judge panel the authority to appoint an independent counsel. This was a law that was on the books, put in place after Watergate to avoid a repeat of events like the Saturday Night Massacre. It was designed for this purpose. Unfortunately, it was not drafted with enough constraints. Congress allowed the authority to expire after Ken Starrs investigation into Whitewater went out of control. Ken Starr went too far. He tested the boundaries of the authority he was given. The law, the original Independent Counsel Law went too far. Sorry the law, the Independent Counsel Law was not drafted tightly enough. But in this case, cognizant and wary of this history, we would work to craft a narrow authority with specific guidelines for this investigation to prevent this from becoming a political witch hunt. We hope that if the administration fails in its responsibility, that Senator McConnell and Speaker Ryan will rise to theirs. SCHUMER: Finally, third, the inspector general of the Department of Justice must immediately begin an investigation into the attorney generals involvement in this matter thus far to discover if the investigation has already been compromised. The the inspector general doesnt need any permission from either anyone in the administration or the Congress, and he should go forward immediately. We know the attorney general met with the president several weeks ago. What did they discuss? Have there been other contacts between the president or senior administration officials and the attorney general regarding this matter? Have there been any attempts to interfere with the investigation in any way? Have the A.G. or his close associates personally managed the work of career officials at the Department of Justice or FBI in the course of the investigation? The inspector general has the ability, the right and the obligation to find out answers to these questions and more. The revelations that we learned about last night are extremely troubling and raise even more questions about the president and his associates contacts with Russia. Did the president know about the meetings between then-Senator Sessions and the Russian ambassador? Were these the only two meetings between the attorney the now-attorney general and the Russian ambassador or other Russian officials? Did the attorney general disclose these meetings during the FBI background check for his nomination? There has been revelation after revelation, mistruth after mistruth, stories shifting like quicksand. If there is truly no there there, why wont they tell the truth? The bottom line is we have an obligation to get to the truth. We must evaluate the scope of Russias interference in our elections and assess if agents of their government have penetrated to the highest level of our government. Nothing less than the sanctity of our dear democratic process, the primacy of rule of law, and the integrity of our executive branch is at stake. We now know the only way that this will happen is if an independent, impartial, special prosecutor who has no attachment to this administration conducts this investigation. If the administration is unwilling or unable to manage that, Congress should reinstitute the law allowing us to bring in a special counsel to do it for them. Ready for your questions. Yes, just one? QUESTION: Leader Schumer, why isnt it enough for him to recuse himself? Why does he have to resign? SCHUMER: Look, the attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of the land and already his integrity and independence have been questioned. It would be better for the country if hed resign. QUESTION: But is there something wrong SCHUMER: The main point I am making here, is we need an investigation to get to the bottom of this. Better for the country if he resigns, but lets get a real investigation going. What were you gonna say? QUESTION: I was just gonna say, is there something inappropriate about a senator meeting with the Russian ambassador? SCHUMER: Theres nothing inappropriate with a senator meeting with the Russian ambassador. There is something very inappropriate to dramatically mislead Congress. SCHUMER: He said he didnt remember afterwards. But it was in the record for weeks afterwards, and you can be sure he was thoroughly briefed for this hearing. It was obvious which with everything that was swirling about, that this question would come up. Its not a question of you wonder about I didnt remember. Yes, in the back. QUESTION: I wonder if I could follow up on that? The question that Senator Franken asked Senator Sessions at the time has been replayed over and over on cable (inaudible). (inaudible) not nebulous enough (inaudible) SCHUMER: Look QUESTION: (inaudible) crystal clear that (inaudible) SCHUMER: No. QUESTION: (inaudible) ever (inaudible) Russians? SCHUMER: Look, there is enough doubt about whether Senator Sessions told the truth at his hearing to have an investigation of it. And the standard for remaining attorney general, and certainly for conducting investigations, is not just did you break the law. You have to be above reproach. Yes? QUESTION: During the 2016 campaign, Senators Manchin, McCaskill, other Senate Democrats have met with the Russian ambassador. How would you characterize that? Is that a level of concern to you? SCHUMER: No. Theres nothing wrong with meeting with the Russian ambassador. The question that just keeps coming up again and again and again with this investigation is: If there was nothing wrong, why didnt you come clean and tell the whole truth? QUESTION: (inaudible), do you think that Senator Sessions lied to Congress? I mean, its perjury (inaudible). SCHUMER: OK. I am not a I am not a legal expert on perjury. And I leave that to the experts. It was definitely extremely misleading, to say the least, as to what he did. And what bothers me just as much is every nominee goes through the record afterwards and they make corrections. If the next day he would have said I forgot and heres what I said, its a lot different than letting the record stand, especially with all the questions swirling about. No next. Go ahead. (CROSSTALK) QUESTION: The White House says that Jeff Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Arms Services Committee. They say thats consistent with his testimony. Can it be (inaudible)? SCHUMER: I dont think that is the way most people were interpret it. And thats why we need to have a thorough investigation. QUESTION: They also say (inaudible). SCHUMER: Yes? (CROSSTALK) SCHUMER: I didnt hear the (inaudible). (CROSSTALK) SCHUMER: Is a what? QUESTION: (inaudible) SCHUMER: They say that about everything. Its getting tired. If theyre interested in the truth and theyre not worried about the truth, they know how to get to the bottom of it in a convincing way. QUESTION: Senator Schumer, you are a member of the Gang of Eight (inaudible) and several of your colleagues (inaudible) in the last couple of days and they have declared weve seen no evidence that, you know, any of these contacts between the Russian campaign excuse me the Russians and the Trump campaign ever happened. Im wondering, have you seen (inaudible)? SCHUMER: I am not commenting on anything I heard as part of the Gang of Eight. Next question? QUESTION: (inaudible) investigation (inaudible) lied before Congress (inaudible) involved (inaudible). And do you do you expect (inaudible) involved (inaudible) and are you requesting the FBI to investigate (inaudible)? SCHUMER: Well wait. As I said, I think we need a special prosecutor to look into all of these allegations. That is the right way to go. I was heartened to hear now that a few Republicans have evidently called for this. And the longer they all delay, the worse it will be for the country and for them. Last question. QUESTION: (inaudible) the Russians, of course, (inaudible) characterization (inaudible) reports that the Russian ambassador was somehow involved in recruiting spies. Do you have anything to say about that? SCHUMER: No, thats not the point. The point here is Jeff Sessions should have said he met with the ambassador when questioned about it. He could have then said what happened at the meeting. Nobody knows. QUESTION: (inaudible) Dana Boente (inaudible). Are you OK with that? SCHUMER: No, because hes in a chain of command. First of all, will Sessions still be in charge of the attorney general? We need a special prosecutor. This has to be above reproach. Theres been allegation after allegation, question after question. A special prosecutor is whats called for and if the administration has nothing to hide, they wont object. Thank you, everybody. SESSIONS: Its good to be with you. Welcome to the Department of Justice. Jody, thank you for being with me. He is my chief of staff and Jody has been almost 20 years in the Department of Justice. Let me share a few thoughts. First, about the comments that I made to the committee that have been said to be incorrect and false, let me be clear. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign. And the idea that I was part of a quote, continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government is totally false. SESSIONS: That is the question that Senator Franken asked me at the hearing, and thats what got my attention. As he noticed noted, it was the first just breaking news. And it got my attention. And that is the question I responded to. I did not respond by referring to the two meetings, one very brief after a speech, and one with two of my senior staffers, professional staffers with the Russian ambassador in Washington, where no such things were discussed. In my reply to the question my reply to the question of Senator Franken was honest and correct as I understood it at the time. I appreciate that some have taken the view that this was a false comment. That is not my intent. That is not correct. I will write the Judiciary Committee soon, today or tomorrow, to explain this testimony for the record. Secondly, at my confirmation hearing, I promised that I would do this. If a specific matter arose where I believed my impartiality might reasonably be questioned, I would consult with the department ethics officials regarding the most appropriate way to proceed, close quote. Thats what I told them at the confirmation hearing. I have been here just three weeks today. A lot has been happening in this three week period. I wish Id had more of my staff on board, but were still waiting for confirmation for them. Much has been done. Much needs to be done. But I did and have done as I promised. I have met with senior officials shortly after arriving here. We evaluated the rules of ethics and recusal. I have considered the issues at stake. In fact, on Monday of this week, we set a meeting with an eye to a final decision on this question. And on Monday, we set that meeting today. So this was a day that we planned to have a final discussion about handling this. I asked for their candid and honest opinion about what I should do about investigations, certain investigations. And my staff recommended recusal. They said that since I had involvement with the campaign, I should not be involved in any campaign investigation. I have studied the rules and considered their comments and evaluation. I believe those recommendations are right and just. Therefore, I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign. The exact language of that recusal is in the press release that we we will give to you. Ive said this, quote, I have now decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States. I went on to say, this announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation because we in the Department of Justice resist confirming or denying the very existence of investigations. So, in the end, I have followed the right procedure, just as I promised the committee I would, just as I believe any good attorney general should do. And a proper decision, I believe, has been reached. So I thank you for the opportunity to make those comments, and would be pleased to take a few questions. OK? QUESTION: Just to clear up any confusion over this, could you just explain a little bit about the September 8th meeting? Who on your staff was there? And what was discussed with the Russian ambassador? SESSIONS: The Russian ambassador apparently sent a staffer to my office I did not see him and asked for a meeting, as so many of the ambassadors were doing. And we set up a time, as we did as we normally did. And we met with him. Two of my senior staffers were there, and maybe a younger staffer, too. And they are both retired Army colonels, and not politicians, and we had a we listened to the ambassador and what his concerns might be. QUESTION: Which were what? SESSIONS: Well, it was just normal things, such as I started off by saying I dont remember a lot of it, but I do remember saying Id gone to Russia with a church group in 1991, and he said he was not a believer himself but he was glad to have church people come there. Indeed, I thought he was pretty much of an old-style Soviet type ambassador. And so, we talked about a little bit about terrorism as I recall. And somehow the subject of the Ukraine came up. I had had the Ukraine ambassador in my office the day before. And to listen to him, nothing that Russia Russia had done nothing that was wrong in any area, and everybody else was wrong with regard to the Ukraine. It got to be a little bit of a testy conversation at that point. It wrapped up, he said something about inviting me to have lunch. I did not accept that, and that never occurred. QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) SESSIONS: I dont recall, but most of these ambassadors are pretty gossipy and they like to this was in campaign season, but I dont recall any specific political discussions. QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) SESSIONS: All right. QUESTION: (Inaudible) meetings, do you recall meeting with Ambassador Kislyak any other times? SESSIONS: I dont recall having met him. Its possible Im on the Armed Services Committee and things happen, but I dont recall having met him before those two meetings. QUESTION: You said you have (ph) on the question of sanctions that you think why do you think he sought the meeting with you? Did he consider you a representative of the Trump campaign? SESSIONS: I think ambassadors are always out trying to find out things and advance their agenda. Most of the countries ambassadors that I met with, they would lay out the case for Ukraine would lay out its case Poland laid out its case, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Japan, Canada, Australia. I met with all of those ambassadors over the year, and so I think thats why QUESTION: Did you consult did you consult with the White House about your decision? And just to follow on the last question, with hindsight, do you believe that this is a coincidence that the Russians asked you for a meeting? Did you believe you were targeted because it came at the height of Russias interference? And at the same time, then-candidate Trump was giving an interview to R.T. (ph) saying that he didnt believe there was anything to the reported interference. SESSIONS: I dont recall and dont have a sense of any connection whatsoever about that. Im not sure I even knew what when we set up the meeting what was going to be going on in the world at the time, so I cant speak for what the Russian ambassador may have had in his mind. QUESTION: Have you met with any other Russian officials or folks connected with the Russian government since you endorsed Donald Trump? SESSIONS: I dont believe so. I you know, we meet a lot of people, so QUESTION: Those two meetings you discussed with the ambassador? SESSIONS: I dont believe so. (CROSSTALK) QUESTION: The White House press secretary and the president himself both said today that they think you should not recuse yourself from these investigations. (inaudible) SESSIONS: I did share with White House counsel, and my staff has, that I intend to recuse myself this afternoon. But I feel like because they didnt they dont know the rules, the ethics rules, most people dont and but when you evaluate the rules, I feel like that I am I should not be involved investigating a campaign I had a role in. One more question and well wrap this up. QUESTION: Two questions if I may. One, you were already considering recusal before today, is that correct? And secondly, when you answered Senator Frankens question, were you just not thinking of the meeting with the Russian ambassador, or did you not consider it relevant? SESSIONS: I was taken aback a little bit about this brand new information, this allegation that a surrogate and I had been called a surrogate for Donald Trump had been meeting continuously with Russian officials, and thats what I it struck me very hard, and thats what I focused my answer on. And in retrospect, I should have slowed down and said, But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times, and that would be the ambassador. Thank you all, take care. RYAN: Good morning, everybody. We are very pleased with the progress that we are making on the agenda for the country. President Trump has already signed a number of important pieces of legislation. This week he signed two bipartisan initiatives to expand opportunities for women in science. This includes Barbara Comstocks bill to encourage young women to pursue careers in the STEM fields. RYAN: Also, the presidents already signed three bills into law that block harmful regulations. This includes protecting coal country from rules that would have wiped out thousands of good-paying family-supporting jobs. This is the first time since 2001 that Congress has reversed harmful regulations under the Congressional Review Act. And the House has already passed another 10 of these bills. So more relief is on its way. Were also making progress on our work to repeal and replace Obamacare. Working very closely with the Trump administration, we will soon introduce legislation to have lower costs, increased choices, and give people more control over their health care. We are united and we are determined to rescue people from this collapsing health care law and to keep our promise to the American people. Lastly, I want to take a moment to echo the presidents strong condemnation of the recent anti-Semitic incidents that have been taking place across the country. Across this country, weve been seeing vandalism, acts of desecration and bomb threats. In Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, right outside the district I serve, a community right in north side of Milwaukee, there have been two threats on the Jewish community center there a community center Ive been to one as recently as February 20th. To think about parents getting those calls in the middle of the day makes your stomach turn. This is wrong. These threats and these attacks on Jewish Americans are vile and disgusting. They are rooted in a poisonous ideology of hate and they must be wholeheartedly rejected. So on behalf of every Republican and every Democrat in Congress, on behalf of the whole House, I want our friends in the Jewish community to know that we stand with them. We stand with you. We may stand weve got to stand to help root out this evil wherever it may surface. These are disgusting acts of violence and vandalism and of bigotry, and they must be rejected. Questions? QUESTION: Did the attorney general mislead the committee regarding his contacts with the Russians? And should he recuse himself? RYAN: Well, OK, two questions. First, I would just refer you to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Id check the transcript on all of that. So I cant speak to what the Judiciary Committee transcript is. Frankly, I havent read that. Should he recuse himself? I think he answered that question this morning, which is if he himself is the subject of an investigation, of course he would. But if hes not, I dont see any purpose or reason to doing this. Lets take a step back for a second here. Number one, we know that Russia tried to meddle in the election. Why do we know this? Because we in Congress and the intelligence community did an investigation after the election which discovered Russia was trying to meddle in the election. This is something we all well know. Heres another thing. We have seen no evidence from any of these ongoing investigations that anybody in the Trump campaign or the Trump team was involved in any of this. Weve been presented with no evidence that an American was colluding with the Russians to meddle in the election. This is something we also know. Were still doing investigations. Youve got to remember in the House and the Senate, the Intelligence Committees have been investigating this. The intelligence community itself, not the committees, but the community did an investigation after the election and it gave us the results of that investigation before the inauguration. The House Intelligence Committee just finished coming up with its oversight plan to continue investigations. We will always make sure that we are making that we are protecting our sources and methods and getting to the bottom of any of these things. But we have seen no evidence been presented with no evidence that anybody on the Trump campaign on an American was involved in colluding with the Russians. QUESTION: (inaudible) what about the idea, though, that the Obama administration had tried to preserve some of this information that was coming out about Russian (inaudible) they believed that this influenced the election (inaudible). And secondarily, (inaudible) that that was either, A, an effort to keep the story alive (inaudible) outcome of the election; or B, you know, (inaudible) contributes to what were seeing now as these inquiries begin? RYAN: Yeah, I think I think part of what is happening I think Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get you to cover this story that kind of keeps repeating the same story. I think theyre trying to get this coverage going. Theres nothing new that we have seen here. This is stuff weve been going over and by the way, were going to make sure that we leave no stone unturned and that is why our intelligence committees are conducting the investigations and thats where they should be conducted. Because you had to protect your sources and methods of intelligence gathering which is why we have intelligence communities in the first place. QUESTION: Just to follow up briefly, is that what you think that they were doing? The Democrats? RYAN: I cant speak to what Im not going to speak to the motives of the I.C., the intelligence community before this. I cant speak to their motives, but all I can tell you is you know this as well, they did an investigation, intelligence community-wide. Many of us went down and got the briefings from Clapper and Brennan after the election, before the inauguration and never have we ever seen any evidence presented to us that an American or a person on the Trump campaign was involved or working with the Russians. Yeah? QUESTION: The Defense Appropriations Bill was filed today. Do you plan does that will that get to the president by itself or will it be with other measures and will it be the vehicle for fiscal 17 RYAN: I would Id have to defer to the Senate on that one. Were passing that bill off the floor here in the House. Whether or not they can take it up or theyre going to do something with it, merge it with something else, its more of a Senate question. For Senator McConnell, his problem is calendar. It takes a lot longer to do things over there than it does us. So hes got to manage his calendar. So whether or not that goes separately or is added is something that youre going to have to ask the Senate. QUESTION: But what about for different principals (ph) in the House? Are you going to RYAN: Yeah, we were moving it so you already know, were moving our bill are we going to have 11 bills moving? No. For F.Y. 17, we dont have the time for that as well so were going with defense first. We think defense is important. The reason we think we need to move defense as quickly as possible is its continuing resolution is uniquely bad for the military because a continuing resolution for the military, they have to buy exactly what they bought last year, this year. Thats not how the military operates. Whether its munitions, whether its supplies, they need to have the flexibility through an appropriations bill that you dont have in a continuing resolution to be able to customize what they need. Whether its supplies, munitions, bullets, missiles, you name it. Now let me go to somebody in the back, yeah? QUESTION: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. (OFF-MIKE) two questions. One on the attorney general; I want to make sure I understand your position. Youre saying theres nothing new here and I understand youre deferring us to the committee transcript, but we now know that he did meet with the Russian ambassador and in addition he at least implied, and some believe he stated, that he had not spoken with the Russians. So you think theres no questions to be asked there? RYAN: Sure, but ask him questions. But honestly, we meet with ambassadors all the time. I mean, I did a reception about 100 yards that way with like 100 ambassadors last year. I dont even remember which all the ones I met with and took pictures with. Its really common for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors. I met with the Indian ambassador yesterday. So, that kind of thing happens all the time. As to the rest of it, I would just defer you to Jeff Sessions and the Senate Judiciary Committee. Yeah? QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the issue of immigration, there have been reports of immigrants who are in the country illegally, but who are otherwise long-term residents who have been living law-abiding RYAN: You mean not dont have criminal backgrounds. Right. QUESTION: Being caught up in the raids. Notably, there was I think yesterday a young DREAMer down in (inaudible) arrested and detained right after a press conference where she was speaking with clergy and others about her concerns about immigration. QUESTION: Is there any role for Congress to step in and take a second look at RYAN: Sure. QUESTION: this executive action (ph)? RYAN: No, no, I think theres always a role for Congress under every instance in every administration to conduct oversight of the executive branch and how they perform in all these cases. I can tell you this. The priority of the Trump administration, and weve spoken with this I spoke with Secretary Kelly a couple of days ago about this is to secure the border and deport criminal aliens; people who have not just here illegally, but people who are here illegally who have who have are violent criminals. Thats the goal. Now, you saw this kind of thing happening in the Obama administration as well. Sometimes they they people slip through the cracks. But the priority and the goal is to not go out there and deport DREAMers. The priority and the goal is to secure the border and deport people who are violent criminals who are making our communities less safe. (CROSSTALK) QUESTION: Mr. Speaker, if there really is something there (inaudible) on the whole Russia issue, why not just allow a special prosecutor to investigate (CROSSTALK) RYAN: First of all, we dont have that law. Second of all QUESTION: But you could pass a law (CROSSTALK) RYAN: My own view is you have to protect the sources and the methods of our intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially with adversaries like Russia. And that is why the committee of jurisdiction, which is supposed to protect those methodologies, should be the Intelligence Committee. The Intelligence Committee, just so you know, theyve been doing an investigation for some time now. They just recently added more scope to that investigation on a bipartisan basis. So you have Adam Schiff, the ranking member, Devin Nunes, the chairman, agreed to the scope of an investigation going forward. That is exactly where, from the Congress standpoint, that investigation should occur. Because remember at the end of the day, we have to protect our intelligence assets. We do not want to compromise our sources and our methods of getting intelligence from any adversary, let alone Russia. QUESTION: So youll oppose a special prosecutor? RYAN: We dont even have the law. QUESTION: (inaudible) legislation (inaudible). (CROSSTALK) QUESTION: (inaudible) one aspect of (inaudible). RYAN: Who are you? QUESTION: (inaudible) RYAN: From where? QUESTION: (inaudible) RYAN: OK. QUESTION: (inaudible) House Intelligence Committee investigation is to investigate the leaks themselves. (inaudible) some of my colleagues will be concerned that that will cross the line (inaudible) among journalists. So can you talk about how (inaudible)? RYAN: Sure. Leaking classified information is a crime. And if we have evidence that somebody in the executive branch is committing a crime, we should prosecute that person. STAFF: Last question. RYAN: Yes? QUESTION: (inaudible) Republicans (inaudible)? And I was wondering what (inaudible)? RYAN: Let me give you a quick refresher of history. We have been running on repealing and replacing Obamacare since 2010. In 2016, the House in a bottom-up way, set a working group together, the Commerce Committee, the Ways and Means Committee, the Education and Workforce Committee, and then any other member of Congress who cares about this issue, participated in a working group to come up with a plan for what we will replace Obamacare with. Much of it was modeled off the Tom Price legislation, which which we conservatives have always seen as sort of the gold standard for replacing Obamacare. Hes now the secretary of HHS. That is the bill the plan that we ran on in 2016. We told America heres our vision for how we replace Obamacare after we repeal Obamacare. RYAN: Thats the bill were working on right now. Thats the bill were working on with the Trump administration. Were all working off the same piece of paper, the same plan. So we are in sync the House, the Senate and the Trump administration because this law is collapsing. And you cant just repeal it, you have to repeal it and replace it with a system that actually works. And that is exactly what we are doing. And I am perfectly confident that when its all set and done, were going to unify, because we all, every Republican, ran on repealing and replacing and were going to keep our promises. Thank you. NASA wouldn't be what it is today without the women that helped build the agency. Now, a soon-to-be released Lego set celebrates a handful of the many women who have contributed in significant ways to all aspects of America's space program. SEE ALSO: Lego's next release screams girl power and we're totally here for it From astronomy to spaceflight, the five women immortalized in Lego form for this set each helped make NASA the world's preeminent space agency. THANK YOU to all who supported this project... Having @LEGO bring your vision to kids everywhere is a dream come true and you helped!! pic.twitter.com/JELmB8OZyz Maia Weinstock (@20tauri) February 28, 2017 While final design of the set isn't yet released, the preliminary version produced by science communicator Maia Weinstock shows the five women in Lego brick scenes that represent their professional lives. So, to help you get excited before the new set hits stores in late 2017 or early 2018, here's a rundown of the lives and legacies of the women celebrated in Lego's Women of NASA. Katherine Johnson While Katherine Johnson's major contributions to NASA remained hidden for years after she completed her work at the agency, her story is now being celebrated far and wide thanks to the book and movie Hidden Figures. Johnson worked as a "human computer" at NASA in the early days of the space program. She was instrumental in creating the math that helped get John Glenn to orbit for the first time and later went on to make significant contributions that helped land people on the moon during the Apollo program. Katherine Johnson at her desk at NASA. Image: nasa Johnson was part of a cohort of women of color who worked at NASA as mathematicians in the first years of the agency's existence. Those women working in the computing group helped check and develop the equations that eventually allowed astronauts to fly to space, yet they received little, if any, proper credit in their time. Story continues Margaret Hamilton Today, Margaret Hamilton is known for her work as a computer scientist. She led the team whose software allowed Apollo astronauts to land on the moon and return safely home. Margaret Hamilton in Lego form. Image: nasa Hamilton's software actually helped save the Apollo 11 moon landing from possible disaster, when a computer on Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's lander overrode a command that would have forced an abort. The software switch allowed the two astronauts to ultimately make history, touching down on the lunar surface. Variations on Hamilton's software made for Apollo were also used for the space shuttle program and the Skylab space station. Margaret Hamilton at NASA. Image: nasa "Hamilton was honored by NASA in 2003, when she was presented a special award recognizing the value of her innovations in the Apollo software development," NASA said in a post about Hamilton. "The award included the largest financial award that NASA had ever presented to any individual up to that point." Nancy Grace Roman Nancy Grace Roman is best known for her work with the Hubble Space Telescope, one of the most successful NASA projects of all time, which allows scientists and members of the public to see new views of distant objects in the universe. Nancy Grace Roman in Lego form. Image: Maia Weinstock Roman was the Chief of Astronomy at NASA headquarters, making her the first woman executive at the space agency. She held that position for 20 years. "I do not remember exactly when I became interested in astronomy, but I know it was at a very young age," Roman said in an interview published through NASA. Nancy Grace Roman Image: nasa "I did organize an astronomy club for my friends at the age of 11. We would meet once a week to learn about the constellations." Mae Jemison NASA astronaut and medical doctor Mae Jemison became the first woman of color to fly to space aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992. While in space, Jemison and her fellow crewmembers conducted 44 science experiments during the eight-day mission. In total, Jemison spent about 190 hours in space. She retired from NASA in 1993. Dr. Jemison studied medicine and engineering and served as Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia before joining NASA as an astronaut in 1987. Mae Jemison suits up. Image: nasa Today, Dr. Jemison is looking to the future by leading the 100 Year Starship project aiming to help people think about what it would take for us to become an interstellar species in a century. Sally Ride In 1983, NASA astronaut Sally Ride made history as the first American woman to fly in space. While the Soviet Union's Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to fly to space 20 years before Ride took her trip, Ride's spaceflight marked something of a turning point for NASA. The space agency began integrating women into the Astronaut Corps as a vital part of the select few people who get the chance to fly to space. Ride who was trained as a physicist was selected to join NASA as an astronaut in 1977 and flew to space for the first time aboard the space shuttle Challenger. She also flew to orbit again in 1984. Sally Ride on her first spaceflight. Image: nasa After leaving NASA in 1987, Ride devoted her life to inspiring women and girls to become more active in the sciences. As the first American woman to travel into space, Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model," then-president Barack Obama said after Ride died in 2012. She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math in our schools. By Emily Flitter NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California has joined the Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to fighting climate change, spokesmen for the group and Issa said on Wednesday. The group, founded a year ago by Florida lawmakers looking to slow the effects of global warming, like coastal flooding, now has 13 Republicans and 13 Democrats. It is committed to keeping an even number of members of both parties. The group hopes to become a counter-balance to President Donald Trump's new administration, which includes several doubters of the science of climate change. "This is a place where Democrats and Republicans are working together on problem that's really difficult to solve," said Daniel Richter, the caucus spokesman and legislative director for the Citizens Climate Lobby, a non-profit whose volunteers encourage members of Congress to join the caucus. Not all Republicans accept the idea that human activity is causing global temperatures to rise, a conclusion reached by an overwhelming majority of scientists. Others accuse Democrats of overly politicizing a scientific issue in an attempt to demonize their opponents. Trump, a Republican, has expressed skepticism about climate change, speculating during his campaign that global warming was "a hoax" and concern over it was "a money-making industry." Richter said he hoped the caucus can one day be as powerful as the House Freedom Caucus, a group of Republicans whose votes en bloc have become a strong force for conservative activism, scuttling new legislation its members ideologically oppose. But he said, with Congress strongly weighted in favor of Republicans, the caucus will need at least a dozen more Republican members to become a significant force. (Reporting by Emily Flitter; Editing by Leslie Adler) Representative Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., strongly criticized the Democratic congresswomen who wore white to President Trumps address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, dismissing the move as weird and characterizing it as an homage to Hillary Clintons failed presidential bid. But by the way, did you notice how poorly several of them were dressed, as well? Cramer said Wednesday, during a radio town hall broadcast from Fargo, N.D., Politico reported. It is a syndrome. There is no question. There is a disease associated with the notion that a bunch of women would wear bad-looking white pantsuits in solidarity with Hillary Clinton to celebrate her loss. You cannot get that weird. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla., the chair of the House Democratic Womens Working Group, whose district encompasses Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate, led the effort to wear white, in order to visibly promote gender equality. I wear suffragette white at #JointSession as a pledge to protect women's health, fair pay, paid leave & more! #WomenWearWhite Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) February 28, 2017 Tonight, Democratic Members will wear suffragette white to oppose Republican attempts to roll back women's progress #WomenWearWhite pic.twitter.com/lh5YAIfVGW Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) February 28, 2017 White is closely associated with the womens suffrage movement. Clinton notably donned white throughout her campaign, including during her speech at the Democratic National Convention, when she officially became the first female presidential nominee of a major party in the United States. Story continues House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi responded to Cramers comments on Wednesday, tweeting, Thank you for illustrating why we so badly need to honor #WomensHistoryMonth. A spokesman for Cramer did not respond to a request for comment. Cheryl Kreiser of Silver Spring, Md. holds up a sign outside Justice Department in Washington, Thursday, March 2, 2017, as she joined a group to protest Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (Photos: Susan Walsh/AP) WASHINGTON A coalition of progressive groups descended on the sidewalk outside the Department of Justice Thursday to demand the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the wake of reports that he had had conversations with the Russian ambassador during the 2016 election. Sessions had said during a Senate confirmation hearing, I did not have communications with the Russians. The protest was first called by MoveOn.org but quickly drew the support of a broad array of groups, including some better known for research and writing than for street activism, such as the Center for American Progress Action Fund, as well as members of the Progressive Caucus in Congress. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) sent an email urging members in the region to attend. Leaders of both the Center for American Progress (CAP) and the DNC were personally damaged by the public release of emails, published through WikiLeaks, in hacks that U.S. intelligence said were the result of Russian cyberattacks. Trump repeatedly ridiculed the DNC officials along with CAPs founder and Hillary Clintons then-campaign chairman, John Podesta. Ben Wikler, Washington director for MoveOn.org, called on Jeff Sessions to step down immediately and for his successor to appoint an independent special counsel, an independent prosecutor to investigate the ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. The Trump administration has a staff infection, said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who sits on the House Judiciary and Oversight committees. Every day we learn about another high-ranking Trump official who has been entangled with the highest levels of the Russian government. If perjury is against the law for Democrats, perjury is against the law for Republicans, he said. There is a new development that calls into question the integrity of our electoral system and casts suspicion over the 2016 election, said Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., who has been calling since December for a special counsel or independent investigation of Russian interference in the election. Last time I checked, Republicans impeached people for lying. We are past the point of refusal. The attorney general is our top law enforcement officer. And that position cannot be held by someone who lied under oath or misled Congress. Story continues The American people need to know that their democracy is intact. That can only happen when they have faith that these matters are being investigated and that the head of the Department of Justice has been honest with the Congress and the American people, she said. Rep. Jamie Raskin speaks outside the Department of Justice on March 2, 2017. (Photo: Garance Franke-Ruta/Yahoo News) Michele Jawando, vice president of the CAP Action Fund, stood in front of the sign reading Department of Justice and led a chant of Jeff Sessions must resign! The words on this building say the Department of Justice, not the Department of Lies! she said. So long as the Russian election interference question remains active, she said, we cant go forward with Supreme Court hearings. We cant go forward with budgets. We cant go forward with business as usual here in the United States, until there is an independent bipartisan commission that gets to the bottom of these lies and these ties to Russians. Several other members of the Progressive Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives spoke, as did individuals from VoteVets, Common Cause, and People for the American Way. The assembled, who numbered between 100 and 200, were periodically led in chants from the microphone. Meanwhile the chant of Lock him up! kept bubbling up on its own from the back of the crowd. In the protest speeches, Sessions became a kind of lodestar for some of the key areas of conflict that the activists have with the Trump administration: the end of bipartisan criminal justice reform efforts, a focus on voter fraud instead of voting rights, the reversal of measures to rein in police violence, the rollback of efforts to secure trans rights, and the temporary ban on entry for refugees and individuals from several majority-Muslim countries. It was a reflection of Sessions and the Justice Departments emerging central role in enacting an agenda diametrically opposed to the ones that liberals pursued in tandem with the agency for the past eight years. Its also why Sessions nomination was so vociferously opposed on the left, and why in the end he drew only one Democratic senators vote, that of Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Amid the latest firestorm, Democratic leaders in Congress quickly turned on him and demanded his resignation Thursday morning, and the crescendo of calls for him to step aside is unlikely to be dampened by his promise that afternoon to recuse himself from any investigations involving the 2016 election. He wants to make every bad law worse, Wikler said at one point, leading the rally in chants of Just say nyet! and Do svidaniya [goodbye], Jeff Sessions! I did not think six months ago that I would be chanting in Russian outside the Department of Justice, he deadpanned. As for the coming together of groups at the rally, Im delighted to see the DNC leaning into the resistance movement, Wikler said after it had concluded. Jawando explained the CAP presence there as a sign of her groups evolution and growth in a post-Obama world. At the Center for American Progress, you know, we were founded on ideas recognizing that there was a gap in proactive progressive ideas and so we spent a lot of great years working hand in hand with [the Obama] administration and members of Congress, she told Yahoo News after the rally. But what we recognize is now were in a different world. We are in a time of resistance. We recognize that the fight is not just on ideas now. Its one-on-one. Its direct combat, and were ready to go. MANILA, Philippines (AP) A human rights watchdog on Thursday accused the police in the Philippines of falsifying evidence to justify unlawful killings in the government's war on drugs that has caused more than 7,000 deaths, and pointed the finger at President Rodrigo Duterte as being ultimately responsible. Human Rights Watch said in a report that Duterte and other senior officials instigated and incited the killings of drug suspects in a campaign that could amount to crimes against humanity. The United Nations should create an independent investigation to determine responsibility and ensure accountability, the report said. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said none of the accusations have been proven in court. Until that happens, "such claims are mere hearsay," he said. National police spokesman Dionardo Carlos said Human Rights Watch should share its information with the police so any perpetrators can be charged in court. He said not all of the more than 7,000 deaths mentioned in the report are drug related. Carlos said police data showed that 2,500 people had been killed in police operations, while another 4,000 plus deaths were still being investigated, of which 680 were drug related. Murder charges involving 1,330 victims have been filed with prosecutors or courts, but the details were not known. The Human Rights Watch report said police have repeatedly carried out extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, then falsely claimed self-defense, and planted guns, spent bullets or drugs on the bodies. "Our investigations into the Philippine drug war found that police routinely kill drug suspects in cold blood and then cover up their crime by planting drugs and guns at the scene," said Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director at Human Rights Watch and author of the report. "President Duterte's role in these killings makes him ultimately responsible for the deaths of thousands." The report said masked gunmen taking part in killings appeared to be working closely with the police, casting doubt on government claims that vigilantes or rival gangs are behind majority of the killings. It said in several instances it investigated, suspects in police custody were later found dead and classified by police as "found bodies" or "deaths under investigation." Story continues The report draws heavily on interviews in metropolitan Manila with 28 family members of victims, witnesses to police killings, journalists and human rights activists. It also references initial police reports of killings, which Human Rights Watch said its field research consistently contradicted. Duterte barred the 170,000-strong national police from his anti-drug crackdown a few weeks ago after two anti-narcotics officers were implicated in the killing of a South Korean businessman in an extortion scandal that allegedly used the crackdown as a cover. He announced Tuesday that selected policemen will return to the anti-drug campaign but that the main anti-narcotics agency will continue to supervise operations. Rough Crafts Yamaha XSR700 2-in-1 Custom Yamaha's Yard Built program returns to the workshops of master Taiwanese builder Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts fame. Having set a high level of expectation following his impressive build of the XJR1300, The Guerilla Four, Yamaha chose Rough Crafts for the first custom build of the year with the Sport Heritage range middleweight champion XSR700 as a base. Without modifying the frame, Winston was free to work his magic on the punchy, mid-range XSR700. The result is not one, but two masterpieces. The simple-to-change kits transform the XSR700 in under an hour between a cafe racer style street machine, The Corsa Scorcher and a dirt track ready scrambler style bike, The Soil Scorpion. "This is our first 'double-style' custom build from one machine," said Yamahas Cristian Barelli. "The build really proves for me the versatility of the XSR700 as a base for customization. Whether you want to create a cafe racer, or a scrambler, this proves that you can do both, without losing the core soul and rideability of the original machine." Rough Craft Custom XSR700 "The XSR was an amazing base to start with," Winston said. "I love the tubular frame of the 700, and the power to weight ratio is perfect for a motorcycle. With the newly designed shorter frame and detachable rear frame loop you really don't need to cut the frame to make a proper custom shape. I found myself having a hard time deciding should I go with clip-ons and make it a cafe racer, or with flat bars and make it a tracker, that's where the idea came in: why not make the shaping as a body kit, and customers can use their own idea to mix and match suspension, wheels, brakes, handlebars, to build the bike they want?" Rough Craft Custom XSR700 With versatility his benchmark, Yeh designed a set of triple clamps to run a complete YZF-R1 front end. To achieve the one bike, two builds concept, he went to the Shark Factory for their X2E fully adjustable remote control digital suspension, making the setup adjustable on the fly for tarmac riding or dirt fun. The cafe racer features ultra lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Rotobox , clip-ons from Gilles Tooling and an Akrapovic titanium R1 tail pipe. Story continues The scrambler version features lightweight forged wheels from Wukawa Industry Co., a handmade flat bar, and an Akrapovic titanium XSR700 high pipe modified in the tracker style. The scrambler runs Sprint Filter waterproof filters to make it safe to play in the dirt. Both builds share trusted custom brake setups from Beringer. Rough Craft Custom XSR700 The 'Faster XSR' body kit itself was made with a full carbon fiber mono body with a smaller aluminum tank underneath, fully bolt-on without any modification, fabricated by MS Pro. The brake calipers and rotors are standard XSR items feeding into the Beringer top set. A Wukawa Industry sprocket runs the rear, with Gilles Tooling rear sets and MS Pro foot pegs. There's more signature in-house work with the Rough Crafts Grill type headlight, fuel cap and of course the carbon body unit. Last but not least, Rough Crafts velocity stacks set off the motor itself. For more info visit www.roughcrafts.com Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 Rough Craft Custom XSR700 (WASHINGTON) A Russian airstrike in northern Syria hit U.S.-backed Syrian Arab forces who are part of the fight against the Islamic State group, a senior U.S. general said Wednesday. Russia denied responsibility, saying in a written statement that it had adhered to U.S. guidance on avoiding friendly forces in that area. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, said an unspecified number of American military advisers were a few miles away from the bombed site, out of immediate danger but close enough to see their Syrian partners get hit. He declined to say how many of the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters were killed or wounded. Townsend said the Americans sent word that quickly reached Russian officials, who acknowledged the problem and stopped the bombing. Townsend, who spoke to reporters at the Pentagon from his headquarters in Baghdad, said he believes the Russians thought they were striking Islamic State positions in the village. But IS fighters had withdrawn before the bombing, and members of what the Americans call the Syrian Arab Coalition had moved in, he said. In Moscow, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement contradicting Townsends version of the events. It said that in communications prior to the airstrike, a U.S. officer had expressed concern about the possibility of U.S.-backed Syrian fighters being struck inadvertently. To prevent any such incidents, a U.S. representative gave precise coordinates of the U.S.-backed opposition forces in that area to a Russian military officer, the statement said. The Russian military command took that information into account. Russian or Syrian aircraft havent dealt a single strike on the areas designated by the U.S. The incident happened southeast of the city of al-Bab, which Townsend said has been fully liberated by Turkish forces. Townsend mentioned the incident to illustrate his point that the battlefield in Syria is exceptionally complex. He expressed worry that the complexities could lead to more severe miscalculations and undercut an anti-IS military campaign that is approaching a crucial juncture as U.S.-backed Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters close in on Raqqa, the self-declared IS capital. Story continues Townsend said the U.S. is still talking to Turkey about whether and how Turkish forces might be involved in an assault on Raqqa. The issue is a sticky one because the Turks are opposed to the U.S. relying on Syrian Kurdish fighters in and around Raqqa; the Turks consider the Kurdish force known as YPG to be terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Russias military involvement is a further complication, from the U.S. point of view. Its unclear whether President Donald Trump will seek military coordination with Russia in Syria; his predecessor deemed it inappropriate, arguing that the Russians were at cross purposes with the U.S. by acting to prop up the Syrian government. Townsend did not comment on relations with Russian other than to mention that a U.S.-Russian military communications link set up during the Obama administration was used in response to the airstrikes that hit U.S. partner forces Tuesday. The link was established to deconflict, or avoid collisions between U.S. and Russian warplanes over Syria. We used that mechanism and it worked, Townsend said. More broadly, the general said he is satisfied that the U.S. counter-IS strategy as developed during the Obama years is working. He said he has forwarded up his chain of command a set of recommendations on possible adaptions of the strategy, but he would not discuss those. He suggested that no major changes were needed and explicitly stated that sending large numbers of U.S. troops, as Trump proposed during the presidential campaign, would not help. I dont foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what were doing is in fact working, he said. But in the event that we bring in any additional troops, well work with our local partners both here in Iraq and Syria to make sure that they understand the reasons why were doing that and to get their buy-in of that. Others have said the Trump administration might seek to accelerate the assault on Raqqa by putting additional U.S. trainers and advisers into Syria and possibly sending small numbers of conventional forces to operate long-range artillery. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sent to the White House his outline of how the administration might change the counter-IS strategy, which relies heavily on airstrikes and has evolved since President Barack Obama reintroduced troops into Iraq in 2014 after IS fighters swept across the Syrian border and captured large portions of northern and western Iraq. Townsend said U.S. intelligence estimates put the number of IS fighters in Iraq and Syria combined at 12,000 to 15,000. That is down from an estimate of 19,000 to 25,000 in February 2016 and 20,000 to 31,000 in 2014. George Michael is gone, but his impact on the LGBTQ community won't be easily forgotten. The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is on Saturday, and the final touches are being applied to the 180 or so floats set to travel down Oxford Street, in one of the world's biggest pride parades. Among them is DIY Rainbow, the group known for chalking city streets with rainbows in support of marriage equality. In tribute to the late pop star, they've created "Freedom! The Float." And we are here for it. SEE ALSO: How you can help protect trans kids right now "George was obviously a trailblazer for our community and his death over Christmas was shocking," DIY Rainbow's founder James Brechney, said. "We knew that float applications had closed by then so felt we had to change our concept to make sure at least one float honoured the life and music of George." The candles, clouds and "Choose Life" shirts that will be part of the float. Image: james brechney The centrepiece of the float will be a mural of Michael called "Saint George," a design already found on a mural in the city. It'll be flanked by two giant candles, with clouds decorating the base of the float. Image: James Brechney "It's quite a spiritual creation and I'm glad I drove it down that direction. With the mural lit up it will nearly be like George is looking down on us," said Brechney. More than 90 dancers will be dressed in iconic "Choose Life" shirts, fluorescent outfits inspired by Wham! and "a smattering" of policemen, in a nod to Michael's 1998 song "Outside." "We feel these three iconic looks from George span his musical career as we want to honour everything he achieved," Brechney added. It's a fitting tribute to Michael, who was so touched by a float that honoured him in 2010 that he decided to perform at the after party that night. DJing on this year's float will be two friends of Michael, Jonny Seymour and Paul Mac, of electronic music act Stereogamous. Story continues "It's great to have two talents that knew the man, it kind of brings it full circle for Mardi Gras," Brechney said. We'll be covering the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this Saturday via Mashable's Snapchat story, so make sure you give us a follow here. Saudi Arabia's King Salman called Thursday for a united fight against terrorism in a speech to Indonesia's parliament during a landmark state visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The king is making the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Indonesia in almost 50 years as part of a tour of Asia, accompanied by a 1,000-strong delegation and hundreds of tons of luggage. In a speech to hundreds of people at the legislature in the capital Jakarta, he called for an intensified fight against terrorism. "The challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism," he said. "We should close ranks in combating terrorism, radicalism and strive to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us." Saudi Arabia is part of a US-led coalition that has carried out air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists in Syria. IS is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, as government forces make a drive to retake areas held by the jihadists. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of deadly attacks claimed by IS since late 2014, mostly targeting the Shiite minority and security forces, killing dozens of people. However, some of the kingdom's partners in the Middle East have urged the Sunni-majority country to do more to defeat IS, and even accused the kingdom of supporting the jihadists. Indonesia, which has long struggled with Islamic militancy, is also facing a renewed threat due to the appeal of IS, with hundreds of its citizens heading to the Middle East to fight with the jihadists. A gun and suicide attack in Jakarta in January last year that killed four civilians and four attackers was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. On Thursday Salman also visited Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, accompanied by President Joko Widodo, and the leaders prayed together. The king and his entourage will be in Jakarta until Friday, after which they will head to the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali for a holiday. Salman's three-week Asian tour is seeking investment opportunities as the world's top oil exporter looks to diversify its economy. He began the trip in Malaysia earlier this week and is also set to visit Japan, China and the Maldives. FITZGERALD, Ga. (AP) In a story March 1 about a search for a missing teacher's remains, The Associated Press reported that the suspect in the teacher's death was her former student. Ryan Duke attended Irwin County High at the same time Tara Grinstead taught there. A friend of Grinstead's said after Duke's arrest that she did not know whether she had taught him. A corrected version of the story is below: Search for Georgia teacher's remains continue after 11 years A search continues in south Georgia for the remains of a teacher who's been missing for more than 11 years FITZGERALD, Ga. (AP) A search continues in south Georgia for the remains of a teacher who's been missing for more than 11 years. Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge J.T. Ricketson tells multiple news outlets that investigators returned to a pecan farm Wednesday morning, searching for Tara Grinstead's remains. Investigators dug through a wooded area Tuesday for Grinstead, who went missing from her Ocilla home in 2005. Grinstead was a history teacher at Irwin County High School and three-time Miss Tifton. The suspect in her death, Ryan Alexander Duke, was a student at the school at the same time Grinstead taught there. He was arrested last week and charged with murder. Details of investigators' possible findings weren't released. A judge issued a gag order Tuesday preventing law enforcement, potential witnesses, court personnel and family members from discussing the case. The GBI declined to give the cause of Grinstead's death. Tesla is the only automaker that assembled 100% of its U.S.-sold cars domestically last year. And only three other companies Jeep, Cadillac and Dodge broke 80%. President Donald Trump wants to change that, boasting in his first joint address to Congress that hes already brought jobs back to America through Ford, FiatChrysler, and General Motors, among other companies. All three automakers announced plans to create thousands of American jobs in January. Ford even decided against investing $1.6 billion in a new Mexican assembly plant, though still plans on expanding its Mexican transmission and engine factorieshighlighting the complexity in determining whether a car is American made. Read more: How American is your car? This list orders brands by the percent of their cars which are assembled in the United States, according to a TIME analysis of American Universitys 2016 Auto Index. Jeep previously held the top spot, until 2014, when the company began producing the Renegade in Italy, reflecting a growing trend of automakers moving assembly outside of the U.S. to cut costs. Kristin Dziczek of the Center for Automative Research says that Ford is taking a longer view: Making investments in plants are long term decisions, outlasting even two presidential terms. More important than Trumps tariff threats are potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement and corporate tax reforms, she says. Theres a lot of unknowns, that will probably cause people to sit back and see where the dust settles. Overall, out of 17.5 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2015, about 65% were produced in the U.S. And with American car factories operating at 95% capacity, according to Dziczek, theres very little room to expand unless companies invest in new facilities. As noted in the list, there are ten foreign manufacturers that sell cars in the U.S. but do not make any of them here. By Toni Clarke WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's nominee to run the department overseeing the U.S. government's health programs for the elderly and disabled won the backing of a Senate committee on Thursday, paving the way for a full vote in the Senate. The Senate Committee on Finance voted 13-12 to support Seema Verma to run the $1 trillion Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Verma is the owner of SVC, a healthcare consulting firm, and has helped redesign Medicaid programs in several states, including Indiana. She worked in Indiana to expand Medicaid to include thousands of additional low-income residents. Those residents are required to make small monthly payments toward their care through health savings accounts. It is a model that could influence how the Trump administration thinks about providing health care to low-income people. In a speech to Congress on Tuesday, Trump said the government should help Americans buy health insurance through the use of tax credits and expanded health savings accounts. Verma has worked closely with Vice President Mike Pence, who as governor of Indiana awarded her the Sagamore of the Wabash award, typically bestowed on those who have rendered distinguished services to the state or to the governor. Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah said in a statement that addressing the challenges facing Medicare and Medicaid will require a strong partnership with the administration. Verma, he said, "will help facilitate that partnership and as we work to repeal and replace Obamacare, she will play a vital role in realigning the focus on patient-centered solutions." Speaking before a preliminary vote on Wednesday, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon expressed concern that in her confirmation hearing last month, Verma had failed to answer questions about how she would tackle high drug prices. He also said that while helping manage the state of Indiana's health program, her firm was being paid by companies that were providing services and products to the program. "She was on both sides of the deal," he said. Verma has denied any wrong-doing. In a Jan. 31 letter to the Department of Health and Human Services, she outlined various steps she would take to avoid any conflicts of interest if confirmed as administrator of CMS, including divesting her financial interest in SVC Inc within 90 days of confirmation. (Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Dan Grebler) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to confirm President Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Energy, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who has promised to renew Americas nuclear weapons arsenal. Perry's rise to Americas top energy official came against opposition from Democrats worried about his ties to oil companies, his doubts about the science of climate change, and the fact that he once called for the departments total elimination a comment he has since said he regrets. The Senate voted 62 to 37 in support of Perry. Perry, 66, was governor of Texas from 2000 to 2015, making him the longest-serving governor of the oil-producing state in its history. As energy secretary, Perry would lead a vast scientific research operation credited with helping trigger a U.S. drilling boom and advancements in energy efficiency and renewables technology, and would oversee America's nuclear arsenal. In his Senate confirmation hearing, Perry said much of his focus running the department would be in renewing the country's nuclear weapons arsenal. Trump wants to ensure the arsenal is at "the top of the pack" and said the United States had fallen behind in its nuclear weapons capacity. Democratic lawmakers expressed worry Perry would weaken the department's functions and potentially target its army of scientists focused on climate and clean energy research. Perry sought to reassure them saying he would protect scientists and the growing renewable energy industry. Democratic Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a senior Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Perry had failed to persuade him he would push back against Trump administration plans to cut the department's budget and focus on clean energy R&D. "As Trump is threatening to slash DOEs budget, Gov. Perry hasnt convinced me hes up to the task of creating those jobs and putting points on the board in the fight against climate change, Wyden said. Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, chair of the energy committee, said Perry would be "a strong partner as we focus on everything from reducing rural energy costs to advancing the Alaska gasline project. (Reporting By Valerie Volcovici and Timothy Gardner; Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Andrew Hay) CHICAGO (Reuters) - Movement on a bipartisan deal to end Illinois' record budget impasse halted on Wednesday with the Democratic head of the state Senate pinning the blame on Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. The Senate had been scheduled to continue voting on a package of legislation negotiated by Senate President John Cullerton and Republican Leader Christine Radogno in an effort to end Illinois' 20-month budget stalemate. The chamber passed some of the bills on Tuesday. But Cullerton told the chamber on Wednesday that Rauner "decided to inject himself in this process and doesn't want this approved in this form," a move, he said, that removed Republican votes for the bills. "For now we are in a holding pattern," Cullerton said, adding that the chamber would be ready to start voting again "as soon as we get word there is Republican support." Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said while some progress has been made, "more work is needed to achieve a good deal for taxpayers." Although the governor has not been involved in the Senate negotiations, his proposed fiscal 2018 budget incorporates aspects of the deal to fill a funding gap. Illinois, the nation's fifth-largest state, is limping through a record-setting second consecutive fiscal year without a complete budget due to an ongoing feud between Rauner and Democrats who control the legislature. A six-month fiscal 2017 budget expired on Dec. 31. The state's pile of unpaid bills has mushroomed to $12 billion, while its unfunded pension liability has climbed to $130 billion. As a result, Illinois' credit ratings, which have been downgraded six times since January 2015, are the lowest among the 50 states. The Senate's bipartisan legislative package includes bills to complete the fiscal 2017 budget, hike taxes, cut pension costs by about $1 billion annually, authorize borrowing to pay down the bill pile, expand casino gaming and freeze local property taxes. Story continues All of the bills are tied to each other, so that if one failed to pass the entire package would go down. While Cullerton expressed frustration with the governor's action during a post-session press conference, Radogno was more optimistic. "I know the governor will be joining us to get in trying to get that done," she said on the Senate floor. "We need to get this done and done soon. (Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Leslie Adler) Veteran Madison School Board member Ed Hughes has ended his campaign for a fourth term because his wife has had a resurgence of cancer. Yesterday we learned that my wifes cancer has returned, he said in a statement. Ann is doing well now, but the prognosis is not good. My place is with Ann. My job now is helping us savor the time we have together. Hughes, 64, emerged with Nicki Vander Meulen in the primary last week in his first contested race, cutting Matt Andrzejewski from the field for the April 4 general election. Hughes' name will still appear on the ballot. Hughes offered no comment on Vander Meulens campaign. Seen as a steady hand on the board, Hughes, a retired lawyer, has been on the board as it targeted the vexing problem of racial disparities as a priority. Hughes was also a lead advocate for the Madison schools budget, working to campaign for successful school referenda in 2014 and 2016. Hughes joined the board during the tenure of Superintendent Art Rainwater and continued throughout the term of Rainwaters successor Dan Nerad. He has watched with optimism since Jennifer Cheatham took on the issue of racial disparities in Madison schools when she arrived in 2013. He said there are indicators particularly third grade reading scores, which have improved by 10 percent among African-American students in two years that show promise. My sense of it was, back when it was Art, I didnt sense that there was a real sense of urgency about this, he said. Then with Dan Nerad, he had a sense of urgency but he really didnt have the skills to do anything about it, to be brutally frank. Then you get Jen, and Jen has the urgency and the skills. So we really are making progress. Superintendent Cheatham said that she "absolutely respects" Hughes' decision. "I am deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts are with Ed and Ann at this difficult time," Cheatham said. "Ed has done an outstanding job serving the students, staff and families of our district, and it has been an honor to serve with him." On Thursday, Vander Meulen issued a statement wishing the Hughes family well. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann, Ed, and the Hughes family. For the last nine years Ed has dedicated countless hours of his time to the Madison Metropolitan School District; myself and our community are deeply appreciative of Eds work ethic and commitment," she said in a statement. "Despite the disagreements Ed and I have had, I have come to know him as an exceptionally kind man and an upstanding member of our community. I look forward to continuing, over the course of the next month, the discussion that Ed, Matt and I began months ago about the direction of our school district." During the course of his three terms on the School Board, Hughes donated his School Board salary to the Foundation for Madisons Public Schools. I never told people this, but I just gave it back to the Foundation for Madison's Public Schools, he said. Valerie Chesnik, marketing and development manager at FMPS, said that Madison is losing a great resource with his departure from the board. Ed has been a wonderful support for the Foundation for Madison Public Schools, she said. He really understands the need to be creative in funding for the schools, and I think he goes above and beyond in supporting the public schools in multiple ways beyond the foundation. He will be missed greatly. Hughes said this years campaign marked a departure from his previous experience. Hes never faced an opponent. Hes never run a campaign, never raised money or hired staff. Im not a politician, he said. But this year he faced a tight race. Im starting from behind, he said. Im saying, Gee, I have to put all this stuff together and raise money and do all this campaigning. Who needs it? Attorney General Jeff Sessions (Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images) With the Trump administration suddenly sending what appear to be mixed signals on marijuana, a group of senators mostly Democrats are urging the new White House not to crack down on legal weed. In a letter delivered to Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, asked the Department of Justice to uphold the Obama administrations policy allowing individual states to determine their own pot laws. We respectfully request that you uphold DOJs existing policy regarding states that have implemented strong and effective regulations for recreational marijuana use, the senators wrote in the letter. It is critical that states continue to implement these laws. The letter was cosigned by Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Patty Murray, D-Wash.; Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.; Ron Wyden, D-Ore.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.; and Michael Bennet, D-Colo. all Democrats and most from states where marijuana is legal. Read: Warren and Murkowskis letter to Sessions It comes less than a week after White House press secretary Sean Spicer suggested that the administration may press for greater enforcement of federal pot laws. Theres a big difference between [medical marijuana] and recreational marijuana, and I think 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 Thursday. There is still a federal law that we need to abide by in terms of recreational marijuana and other drugs of that nature. Spicer referred a reporter who asked about increased enforcement around recreational marijuana to the Department of Justice. But he added, I do believe that youll see greater enforcement of it. The statement sent a shock wave through the United States budding marijuana industry, which some analysts estimate could grow into a $24.5 billion business by 2025. Story continues Related: Colorado governor, once opposed, is softening his stance on legal pot Under President Barack Obama, the Department of Justice left the enforcement of federal marijuana laws up to the states, allowing places like Colorado, Washington and Oregon to experiment with cannabis regulation. In an interview with the New Yorker published in early 2014, Obama famously said that he viewed marijuana as a bad habit and a vice but no more dangerous than alcohol. As has been well documented, I smoked pot as a kid, and I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes that I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life, Obama said. I dont think it is more dangerous than alcohol. According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, 71 percent of Americans said they would oppose a federal crackdown on legal marijuana. Before he was confirmed as attorney general, Sessions had told some members of the Senate that he would respect state laws and not change federal policy. But earlier this week, Sessions told reporters that the Obama-era pot policy is under review. Im definitely not a fan of expanded use of marijuana, Sessions said, according to Politico. States, they can pass the laws they choose. I would just say it does remain a violation of federal law to distribute marijuana throughout any place in the United States, whether a state legalizes it or not. Some lawmakers arent waiting around to find out whether a cannabis crackdown is coming. Last week, a bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017) that would take marijuana off the federal controlled substances list putting pot on par with alcohol and tobacco. And in California, a bill introduced in the state Assembly would prevent state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to help federal authorities crack down on marijuana. More from Yahoo News: Twenty five Senate Democrats urged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to use the Justice Department to combat hate crimes Thursday after what they call an alarming increase in bias incidents around the country. We write to urge you to make combatting hate crimes a major focus at the Department of Justice and prioritize funding for the protection of civil rights, the Senators wrote, citing a recent spike in hate incidents as recorded by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the FBI. They also noted that it was likely that the FBI numbers significantly undercount the actual number of bias incidents, since 17% of local law enforcement departments have not recorded a single hate crime in six years. Since January, at least 90 bomb threats have been called in to Jewish centers and schools, and the Center for American Islamic Relations has tracked a 40% increase in anti-Muslim incidents between 2015 and 2016, the worst year since they started keeping track of hate incidents in 2009. The letter comes as Sessions is under fire for reportedly meeting with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign, then testifying to Congress during his recent confirmation hearings that he did not have communications with the Russians. Top Democrats are calling for Sessions to resign, while Republicans are urging him to recuse himself from the ongoing DOJ probe into Russias interference with the U.S. election. The letter was orchestrated by Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, who is the first openly gay senator in history. It references the widespread concern about Sessions record on civil rights, particularly given his opposition to the 2009 Hate Crimes Prevention Act as a senator. You stated publicly during your confirmation hearings that you would indeed enforce this law, the letter says. Now, more than ever, we need a clear demonstration of your commitment to doing so. The Senators are asking Sessions to fully fund the Justice Departments Community Relations Service, which oversees neutral mediation of community concerns, and the Civil Rights Division, which enforces federal civil rights and hate crime laws. It is imperative that the Department, under your leadership, send a strong message that violence borne out of hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic will not be tolerated, the letter says. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, while he was still a senator, spoke twice last year with Russia's ambassador during the U.S. presidential campaign, the Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing Justice Department officials. However, Sessions, during his confirmation hearing in January, said no contacts had occurred between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russian officials. The latest revelation follows the resignation of Michael Flynn as the national security adviser for his alleged discussions of U.S. sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak before Trump took office and for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. Justice Department officials told the Post that Sessions, in fact, spoke twice with Kislyak "at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. However, Sessions denied the claims Wednesday and said that he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign, the Associated Press reported. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, he was a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and also one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers, the Post reported. At the time of Sessions' confirmation hearing on Jan. 10, he was asked by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minnesota) what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. Sessions replied, Im not aware of any of those activities." He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions spokeswoman, told the Post: "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. However, Trump has often denied that his campaign had any contact with Russian officials, and at one point he openly suggested that American spy agencies had cooked up intelligence about the Russian government's interference in the election. In fact, Trump accused the Barack Obama administration of hyping the Russia storyline as a way to discredit the new administration, according to the New York Times. Story continues Phone records and intercepted calls have showed that members of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the election, according to anonymous U.S. officials, the Times reported. American law enforcement and intelligence agencies intercepted the communications at the time when they discovered evidence that Russia was trying to meddle with the presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee's emails. The intelligence agencies went ahead looking for whether the Trump campaign was colluding with the Russians on the hacking or other efforts to influence the election, the Times reported. Related Articles ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) - The conversations U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions had last year with Russia's ambassador were not related to his role advising the Trump campaign but solely to his work as a U.S. senator, the White House said on Thursday. "He was clearly conducting himself as a United States senator," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters aboard Air Force One. "This is what senators do." (Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe; Writing by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Sandra Maler) Attorney General Jeff Sessions, facing sharp criticism over his failure to disclose two meetings he had with the Russian ambassador during last years election campaign, said today that he would recuse himself from any investigation into Russian contacts with the Trump campaign. I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in, Sessions said at a hastily called press conference at the Justice Department. The embattled attorney general said he had already been planning to take that step, after consulting with top Justice Department ethics advisers, even before the Washington Post reported Wednesday night that he had failed to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee about the two meetings he had last year with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the United States. Sessions, in response to a question during his confirmation hearing about reports of a continuing exchange of information between Russian officials and the Trump campaign, volunteered that he did not have communications with the Russians. Sessions, who was a senator at the time, was also a key adviser to Donald Trump during the campaign. At Thursdays press conference, the attorney general strongly defended his testimony, saying he never intended to mislead the judiciary committee and did not consider his meetings with Kislyak relevant, because they did not discuss anything related to the Trump campaign. My reply was honest and correct as I understood it at the time, said Sessions. Still, he said, he will write the Senate Judiciary Committee today or tomorrow and explain this testimony for the record. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions responds at a press conference at the Department of Justice on March 2, 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images) The meetings at issue involved two sessions with Kislyak, one a brief one at the Republican National Convention, and another one, requested by the ambassador, in his office in Washington in early September with senior staff members present. That session grew testy, Sessions said, when the ambassador sought to defend Russias conduct in Ukraine and he turned down the ambassadors invitation to join him for a later lunch meeting. Neither of the meetings included discussion of the Trump campaign, he said. Story continues Let me be clear: I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, said Sessions. And the idea that I was part of a continuing exchange of information during the campaign, between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government, is totally false. That is the question that Sen. [Al] Franken [D-Minn.] asked me at the hearing, and thats what got my attention. That is the question I responded to. Thats what got my attention. Whether Sessions actions will put an end to the controversy over his meetings is not yet clear. And it injects an air of uncertainty into ongoing FBI investigations into the Russian hacking of the 2016 election and suspected contacts between persons associated with the Trump campaign and possible Russian operatives. Those questions only continue to grow: the New York Times reported late Thursday that Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law and a senior White House adviser, and Michael Flynn, who was fired last month as national security adviser, had their own previously undisclosed meeting with Kislyak at Trump Tower to establish a line of communication with Moscow. For the time being, the acting deputy attorney general, Dana Boente, who had been President Barack Obamas U.S. attorney in northern Virginia, will take charge of the investigation. But next Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to hold a confirmation hearing for Rod Rosenstein, currently the U.S. attorney in Baltimore, to become deputy attorney general. Assuming he is confirmed, Rosenstein, a Justice Department veteran who was originally appointed by President George W. Bush and kept on by Obama (and who once served on the staff of Whitewater independent counsel Ken Starr), will become the relevant decision maker on the Russian investigation at the Justice Department. The developments came on a day that top Democrats, including House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, demanded Sessions resignation. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, Pelosi said. House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 2, 2017, about news reports of Attorney General Jeff Sessions contact with Russias ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Even some senior Republicans, for example House oversight chair Rep. Jason Chaffetz, urged Sessions to recuse himself and clarify his testimony. But after Sessions press conference, the attorney general picked up support from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Attorney General Sessions did the right thing by recusing himself, Goodlatte said in a statement. He is an honorable man who believes in preserving the integrity of the justice system. Sessions has another even more important backer: President Trump, who stood behind the embattled attorney general earlier in the day, saying he had total confidence in him. During his Jan. 10 confirmation hearing, Franken asked Sessions what he would do if evidence surfaced that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign. Sessions response was: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. Sessions was later asked in written questions by Sen. Patrick Leahy: Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day? Sessions one-word response was No. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: . Three months have passed since northern California mother Sherri Papini was found after she was abducted, but police have so far made no arrest in the case. As the mother of two continues to recover from the horrific incident, a new theory emerged Wednesday. According to U.S. crime show "Crime Watch Daily," a source close to the investigation stated that Papini was abducted by sex traffickers who mistook her for a younger woman. Human trafficking was believed to be one of the reasons for Papini's abduction after police found her skin had been branded with a message a practice commonly used by sex traffickers and street gangs. It was sexual trafficking. I think they saw what appeared to be a young girl and took her for that purpose, the anonymous source said, according to Australia's news.com.au. Papini disappeared on Nov. 2 while out jogging near her home in Redding, California. The 34-year-old was found heavily battered on Thanksgiving morning after being spotted by a motorist on Interstate 5 in Woodland, more than 150 miles from her home. Her husband Keith Papini was also a suspect in the case, however, he was later released after questioning. Police are still searching for the suspects in the case, believed to be two Hispanic women one with curly hair, and the other with straight hair who had covered their faces and spoke mostly Spanish. In the "Crime Watch Daily" show, Sherri Papini's friend acknowledged that there were "a lot" of questions remaining in the case, even though she said she fully believed "someone took her." Sherri Papini has avoided making any public appearances since her return, but she was photographed outside her home in early January. In an interview with ABC News in December, Keith Papini said that his wife's abduction scarred her severely. When lights are off, when doors shut, when she hears certain sounds, I mean its something that I dont know how to deal with, and well need somebody who can help her through that from a professional standpoint, he said. Related Articles BANGKOK/NARATHIWAT, Thailand (Reuters) - Insurgents in one of Thailand's mostly Muslim southern provinces shot and killed four people, including a child, and wounded another two children on Thursday, police said, days after a deal was reached with the Thai government to establish a safety zone. A decades-old separatist insurgency in the Muslim-majority southern provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat has claimed more than 6,500 lives since it escalated in 2004, according to independent monitoring group Deep South Watch. Shots were fired into a pick-up truck in Rueso village in Narathiwat early on Thursday, said Rueso police chief Colonel Ruangsak Buadang. The truck was being driven by an aide to the village chief who, along with his wife and sister-in-law, was taking their 8-year-old son and two other children to school. "An unknown number of insurgents fired shots into the truck, killing all four and injuring two other children," Ruangsak told Reuters. The attack followed a deal struck earlier this week between the government and MARA Patani, a long-standing umbrella group that claims to speak for the insurgents. The talks were held in neighboring Malaysia. MARA Patani said in a statement on Tuesday the Joint Working Group-Peace Dialogue Process had approved and adopted a general framework for a "safety zone" to cover five districts in the three southern provinces where fighting will be off-limits. The government has said the safety-zone deal was the most progress made in more than two years of negotiation. Talks between the government and the insurgents began in 2013 under then Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra but stalled after the military overthrew her government in 2014. Colonel Yuthanam Phetmuang, a spokesman for the military's Internal Security Operations Command, condemned the attack. "This is a barbaric action," Yuthanam said. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Surapan Boonthanom; Additional reporting and writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Paul Tait) Russia ties. Spurred by intel from European allies that Trump associates were meeting with Russian officials in Europe prior to the inauguration, intercepts of Kremlin officials talking about meetings with Trump officials, and fearful that evidence of Russian meddling in the election would be buried or destroyed, the Obama administration rushed to preserve evidence and spread information about Russian efforts in their final weeks in office. The New York Times reports that former Obama officials say they had two aims: to ensure that such meddling isnt duplicated in future American or European elections, and to leave a clear trail of intelligence for government investigators. The rush included officials moving to ensure that materials related to Russian activities and contacts with Trump officials were classified at the low levels and information was shared with Congress, in order to ensure the widest audience possible. Double trouble. The report comes at the same time as the Washington Post tells us that while still a serving Senator last year, current Attorney General Jeff Sessions twice met with Russias ambassador to Washington, despite telling Congress during his confirmation hearings that he had no contact with Russian officials. Sessions told his confirmation panel that he was unaware of Trump allies having met with Russian officials, and through a spokeswoman, denied that he misspoke to Congress. The Wall Street Journal adds, disclosures about Mr. Sessions contacts led quickly late Wednesday to demands that he step aside from any investigation involving the Trump administration, or that he resign for failing to tell the truth during his confirmation hearing. FPs Elias Groll writes that the House Intelligence panel has pledged to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections, as well as ties between the Trump campaign and Russian government and intelligence officials. Trump taps critic for post. In a surprising move, the Trump administration has offered a well-respected scholar and sober critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin the position of White House senior director for Europe and Russia, a White House official told FPs John Hudson in an exclusive get. Story continues The decision to hire Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, for one of the governments top jobs dealing with U.S.-Russia relations is likely to earn bipartisan praise in Congress where Republicans and Democrats have expressed mounting unease with the Trump administrations apparent contacts with Russian officials during the presidential campaign. McMaster makes changes. New National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster is shaking things up on the NSC, eliminating positions created by his predecessor Michael Flynn, who was fired by the president for lying to VP Mike Pence over his contacts with Russian officials. McMaster did away this week with two deputy assistant spots, Politico reports, one overseeing the NSCs regional desks and another overseeing transnational issues, according to a senior White House aide. At least of of the jobs was held by a longtime Flynn hand. Yemen raid. The deliberations over Jan. 29 Navy SEAL raid in Yemen that killed a U.S. commando and as many as 31 Yemeni civilians marked a departure from the more hands-on, deliberative process used by the previous administration, a Washington Post analysis finds. The raid, which has emerged as a point of contention for the Trump administration, has strained relations with U.S. allies in the region, and has seen the president take the remarkable position of publicly absolving himself of any blame for a mission he approved, laying it all at the feet of his military commanders. U.S. military officials have said that electronic devices gathered during the raid have provided key intelligence about al Qaedas movements and tactics, however. Danger close. Russian and Syrian jets nearly hit U.S. forces in northern Syria on Tuesday when they attacked positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a critical American ally in the effort to expel the Islamic State from Syria, the top U.S. general there said Wednesday. FPs Paul McLeary writes that the strikes were a situation U.S. commanders have been trying to avoid since Russia deployed dozens of aircraft to Syria in late 2015. There are about 500 American troops are on the ground training Syrian Arab and Kurdish fighters in northern Syria in the run-up to the assault on the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, and the Russians have often shown themselves to be indifferent as to who, or what, they strike with their unguided bombs. The latest near miss occurred near the city of al-Bab northeast of Aleppo, which Turkish forces and their Syrian proxies recently took from the Islamic State, leaving them in a stare-down with Syrian regime forces who sit just south of the city. Turkey is also threatening to move from al Bab toward the city of Manbij, which is held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Welcome to SitRep. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley. Ambassadorship John Huntsman, the former governor of Utah and Obama administration ambassador to China, may be up for a job as the Trump administrations ambassador to Russia. The New York Times reports that Huntsman, whose name had been floated for secretary and deputy secretary of state in the administration, recently met with President Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The Times also suggests that an appointment for Huntsman, who earned bipartisan respect as ambassador to China, might help take some of the political heat off the Trump administrations Russia policy and take Huntsman out of the running as a potential challenger to Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch. South Korean Exercises The U.S.-South Korean Foal Eagle military exercises have kicked off, leaving officials to gird themselves for North Koreas traditionally aggressive retort to the annual drills. The exercises are a routine source of tension with the North, which often demands that the U.S. and South Korea cancel them and threatens war in response. In the past, Pyongyang has responded to the drills by jamming GPS signals near the border with the South, but North Koreas recent history of ballistic missile tests and its apparent involvement in the assassination of Kim Jong Uns brother in a Malaysian airport has officials wondering what Norths retort will be this year. Drone strike The U.S. says it killed al Qaedas second-in-charge in an airstrike in Syria earlier this week. An anonymous U.S. official tells the New York Times that a drone hit Abu al-Khayr al-Masri, a longtime al Qaeda member who had married Osama Bin Ladens daughter and risen through the ranks of the group to claim the rank of deputy leader beneath Ayman al-Zawahiri. Photos of the strike aftermath that surfaced on social media have led to questions about the munition used in the airstrike. The car al-Masri was traveling in has a large hole above the passenger side but has no apparent marks or damage from explosives, leading to speculation that a new kind of weapon may have been used. Iran Iran has sunk the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet in the Persian Gulf. Well, at least in cartoon form. The AP reports that Iranian filmmakers released a new animated feature Battle of the Persian Gulf II which shows Iranian forces taking on and defeating the U.S. Navy in a Gulf throwdown. Qassem Soleimani, the selfie-prone leader of Irans covert action arm, the Qods Force, even makes a thinly-veiled appearance, commanding a ship at sea. The films debut comes amid increased tension between Tehran and Washington, in which U.S officials have put Iran on notice. Iran has carried out a test of its prized Russian S-300 air defense missile system. Hossein Dalirian, defense correspondent for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-friendly Tasnim News, tweeted out the news with some apparent footage of the test. Iran obtained the relatively advanced air defense system after a long and diplomatically tense negotiation process in which Russia briefly cancelled the sale due to pressure from the Obama administration. Sweden Sweden is bringing back conscription for the first time in seven years. The BBC reports that 4,000 Swedes born in 1999 will comprise the countrys first group of conscripts starting in 2018 and will serve for up to a year. The move comes as Sweden grows ever more uncomfortable with Russias aggressive behavior in the Baltic region. Drone odyssey The crash of an Army RQ-7 Shadow in Colorado after operators lost control and lost track of the aircraft is raising questions. One question in particular is puzzling: how did the Shadow end up so far outside its listed range? Stars and Stripes took a dive into the mystery of the drone, which took off from Fort Huachuca during an exercise. The Shadows line-of-sight link with its ground control station limits it to a range of 77 miles, but with a full tank and operating autonomously, it could theoretically fly much farther than the range of its link to pilots. The fact that the drone flew towards Colorado rather than loitering in a circle or returning home when it lost contact with its ground control station suggests that its software may have malfunctioned. Around town 9:00 a.m.: The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is hosting Rep. Joe Wilson, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness, for a discussion entitled Addressing the military readiness crisis moderated by AEIs Thomas Donnelly. For those not able to attend, the event will be livestreamed here. Photo Credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images - Austrian ski star Anna Veith will be out for at least six months but should be able to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics, her doctor said Thursday after a knee operation. Taking part in PyeongChang in South Korea "will be okay," Christian Hoser told a joint news conference with Veith at a clinic in Austria. Veith, 27, who changed her name from Fenninger last year after marrying, said however that she didn't want to set herself any deadline. "I learned that from my last injury," she told reporters, adding that she can now "move quite well". Veith, winner of Super-G gold and giant slalom silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, only returned to competition in December. AFP Its been two weeks since Anna Kiss was summoned to a police station in Szeged, a city in southern Hungary, and asked to rat on her friends. As she ardently tried to argue that a small town mayor shouldnt be able to enforce a clear human rights violation, an officer began playing her a CCTV video showing a group of around 35 mainly young Hungarians. Standing somewhat awkwardly in protest on the side of a street in Asotthalom, a small town close to the Serbian border, they were chanting out a call for equal love. Kiss was among them. As his fingertip moved from face to face, Kiss refused to name anyone. Of course I said Im not only a witness but guilty of the same crime, she recalls. The group is being investigated under a town regulation banning gay propaganda, introduced by Asotthaloms far-right mayor Laszlo Toroczkai, who has also brought in a prohibition on mosque-building, burka wearing and the call to prayer. He has said he wants the town of less than 5,000 to be a refuge for European Christians people who wouldnt like to live in a multicultural society and is encouraging other regions in the country to follow their example. Toroczkai declined a request with TIME for an interview. Though the towns decrees are eventually expected to be struck down as unconstitutional by Hungarys Supreme Court, theyve already been in place since November. Sitting in her apartment in Szeged, surrounded by rainbow flags and protest signs, 28-year-old Kiss holds up the message that was considered to be most offensive by the police. Father + father + child = family, it reads. We have a version for lesbians too, she adds. Kiss is a community organizer with Szeged LMBT a campaign group supporting LGBT rights. She said they decided to hold the protest on Dec. 10 Human Rights Day after the group received four Facebook messages from gay people living in Asotthalom, all saying they werent openly gay but were scared. Story continues For Kiss and her friend Alexandra a 21-year-old student who asked to only be identified by her first name this was their first ever demonstration. Other LGBT activists travelled the 120 miles from Budapest, and stayed just an hour in central Asotthalom without any major problems, they said. There was one incident where a car passed close to us and two guys shouted slurs from the car but they didnt do anything, Alexandra recalled. There were also police a little way away watching. Kiss had written to the local authorities in advance informing them the protest would happen; thats how they got her details to summon her for questioning on Feb. 15. Now, shes waiting to hear if shell be fined the penalty for promoting gay propaganda is 150,000 Hungarian florint ($514), a months salary. She would welcome it, she says. We want to be prosecuted. Then we can of course challenge it. Hungary has shifted to the right under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been extremely vocal against migration. The country has just announced its building a second fence along the Serbian border, and the government is proposing legislation which will mean asylum seekers are imprisoned indefinitely something condemned by charities and human rights groups. However, gay activists argue that other minorities living in the country are also being alienated. Last March, Hungary blocked a Europe-wide agreement aimed at tackling LGBT discrimination. Though introducing some limited improvements around freedom of assembly and the annual Budapest pride march, Orban has also urged LGBT communities in Hungary not to exhibit overly provocative behavior which he suggested would run against their interests. He doesnt outright say he hates all gay people but he has these more low key comments, like you can feel hes not really supportive, Alexandra reflected. Not just in this sense but also in the sense of immigration and refugees it seems like being a decent person is a curse word. Tamas Dombos, from Hatter Society, one of Hungarys oldest and largest LGBT charities, said the legal situation at the moment is ambiguous which is what has allowed Asotthalom to introduce its draconian and potentially illegal restrictions on what it calls propaganda. In response to a request from TIME, a spokesperson from the Prime Ministers office said though municipalities have the right to adopt local regulations, the government had ensured that mechanisms to protect the rights of LGBT people do exist. Procedure is being followed, the spokesperson added, saying the local county had first asked Asotthalom to withdraw the regulation, and when they didnt had made a submission to the Supreme Court who have the ability to annul it. Lipot Holtzl, head of office at the Supreme Court, told TIME a petition was only lodged with them on Feb. 28 and a ruling could take up to 90 days. Bjorn van Roozendaal, programmes director at the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association of Europe, said this lengthy, bureaucratic procedure clearly isnt enough. The national government is remaining silent and that is a very concerning a signal of weakness from political leaders, he said. Silence is complicity. Meanwhile, Kiss and Alexandra wait. Even if they dont prosecute us and if the regulation stays, if someone else violates it and they dont prosecute them (eventually) they will have to, Alexandra says. We violated it so they have to. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it has launched a probe into the local unit of U.S. automaker Ford over the recall of 4,500 Kuga SUVs after dozens of reports of the vehicles catching fire spontaneously. Ford's Southern Africa President and chief executive Jeff Nemeth in January said the company could confirm 39 incidents of the cars catching fire, as well as one death, which Nemeth said was not directly linked to the defect. Ford's South African unit said the company, a unit of the U.S. auto-maker Ford, would cooperate with the probe. "The National Consumer Commission says that it has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa and its dealerships, for alleged prohibited conduct," the commission said in a statement seen on its website on Thursday. "The NCC received more than 130 complaints against Ford SA relating to various issues, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year," it said. A spokeswoman for Ford's Southern Africa unit, Rella Bernardes said the firm had followed safety guidelines. "We have received the notice from the NCC and will continue to fully cooperate with them on all fronts. At all times, we operate in line with the Safety Recall Guidelines in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008," she said in a statement. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard and TJ Strydom; Editing by James Macharia) By Jane Chung and Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said it has fined Swiss drugmaker Novartis 200 million won ($174,937) and temporarily banned sales of some of its drugs for paying kickbacks to doctors in exchange for recommending the company's drugs. A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said on Thursday the ministry levied a fine on 30 drug items and banned sales of 12 variations of 3 drug types including Alzheimer's drug Exelon for three months. The sales ban will be effective from March 17 through June 16, the ministry's website showed. Novartis Korea said in a statement sent to Reuters that it "acknowledges and accepts" the government's decision. "We do not tolerate misconduct and are continuing to invest significant efforts to fully embed a culture of compliance throughout our Korean organization," it said. In August last year, six former and current Novartis employees in South Korea were indicted over illegal practices to boost sales of the company's drugs. They were charged of indirectly providing doctors with rebates through medical trade publications, a court spokesman said on Thursday, adding that six others from those publications were indicted as well. For example, the prosecution alleged the Novartis officials had a medical publication hold a symposium for doctors and pay them "travel expenses" of up to 500,000 won ($438) each for participating in the event, the spokesman said. Novartis Korea, which at that time said it acknowledges and regrets the misconduct of certain associates, declined to comment on Thursday on details of the charges, saying trials are under way. Novartis faced numerous probes in several countries, including in the United States, where authorities or whistleblowers accused it of bribing doctors to boost sales of pharmaceuticals products. In Novartiss 2016 annual report, it said that 1,701 misconduct cases had been reported involving the company's employees, with 893 of them substantiated. About 400 of the cases resulted in dismissals or resignations. (Reporting by Jane Chung and Hyunjoo Jin; Additional reporting by John Miller in ZURICH; Editing by Stephen Coates and Muralikumar Anantharaman) By Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang SEOUL (Reuters) - Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said a cyber attack using Chinese internet protocol (IP) addresses has crashed its website, the latest report of irregularity from a South Korean firm in China since Seoul decided to deploy a U.S. missile defense system. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which overloads servers with requests, began slowing all four language versions of the website at 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) and crashed them all around 12:00 p.m., Lotte Duty Free said in a statement. The attack comes after affiliate Lotte International Co Ltd on Monday approved a land swap to allow the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system on what was once its property, in response to the North Korean missile threat. Neighboring China objected to the deployment of the system, which has a radar capable of penetrating Chinese territory, saying it will destabilize regional security while doing little to contain heightened security risk on the Korean peninsula. Russia also opposed the deployment, scheduled for completion this year. Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said the first wave of the attack on its website was detected on its Chinese language version on March 1. The eventual crash did not occur during a peak traffic time, so lost business would be at most a couple of hundred thousand U.S. dollars, it said. The Chinese website for the entire Lotte Group, www.lotte.cn, is also down. It has been offline since Wednesday due to a virus, spokesman Kim Min-suk told Reuters on Thursday. "The (two) websites have been down and we are working to get them back online," Kim said, declining to comment on the nature or origin of the virus or the origin of the DDoS. The ultimate origin of DDoS attacks is not necessarily the same as the IP addresses used. Lotte Duty Free said it expects its website to be fully back online after 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) after strengthening security. DIFFICULTIES South Korean companies have reported increasing difficulties in China since deployment was confirmed in November, with Chinese state media calling for a boycott of South Korean goods. South Korean artists have also said performances had been canceled without clear explanation. A spokesman at Lotte Mart told Reuters that the retailer's website was accessible on e-commerce platform JD.com (http://lottemart.jd.com), but that the site did not appear in search results. Lotte Mart has asked JD.com to address the issue, the spokesman said. JD.com declined to comment. Also this month, Lotte Group said Chinese authorities halted construction at a multi-billion dollar real estate project after a fire inspection. Shares in Lotte Group's flagship retailer, Lotte Shopping Co Ltd, which has about 120 stores in China, fell as much as 7.8 percent on Thursday. Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd shares fell 2.8 percent, while the benchmark share price index rose 0.5 percent. GUESSWORK The South Korean government expressed concern on Thursday about the plight of South Korean firms in China since the deployment was announced. It said it would continue to engage Beijing in dialogue to ensure activities of South Korean companies in China are not hindered. "To be sure, the challenges we face are serious," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a news briefing on Thursday. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing the same day that China opposes all forms of hacking and is willing to work with other nations to oppose it. "As for the guesswork of Lotte, I won't make a comment. But I think there is no clear answer as to the reason (for the attack). This is just their guess," Geng said. (Reporting by Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Jack Kim and Christopher Cushing) By Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang SEOUL (Reuters) - Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said a cyber attack using Chinese internet protocol (IP) addresses has crashed its website, the latest report of irregularity from a South Korean firm in China since Seoul decided to deploy a U.S. missile defence system. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which overloads servers with requests, began slowing all four language versions of the website at 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) and crashed them all around 12:00 p.m., Lotte Duty Free said in a statement. The attack comes after affiliate Lotte International Co Ltd on Monday approved a land swap to allow the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system on what was once its property, in response to the North Korean missile threat. Neighbouring China objected to the deployment of the system, which has a radar capable of penetrating Chinese territory, saying it will destabilise regional security while doing little to contain heightened security risk on the Korean peninsula. Russia also opposed the deployment, scheduled for completion this year. Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said the first wave of the attack on its website was detected on its Chinese language version on March 1. The eventual crash did not occur during a peak traffic time, so lost business would be at most a couple of hundred thousand U.S. dollars, it said. The Chinese website for the entire Lotte Group, www.lotte.cn, is also down. It has been offline since Wednesday due to a virus, spokesman Kim Min-suk told Reuters on Thursday. "The (two) websites have been down and we are working to get them back online," Kim said, declining to comment on the nature or origin of the virus or the origin of the DDoS. The ultimate origin of DDoS attacks is not necessarily the same as the IP addresses used. Lotte Duty Free said it expects its website to be fully back online after 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) after strengthening security. DIFFICULTIES South Korean companies have reported increasing difficulties in China since deployment was confirmed in November, with Chinese state media calling for a boycott of South Korean goods. South Korean artists have also said performances had been cancelled without clear explanation. A spokesman at Lotte Mart told Reuters that the retailer's website was accessible on e-commerce platform JD.com (http://lottemart.jd.com), but that the site did not appear in search results. Lotte Mart has asked JD.com to address the issue, the spokesman said. JD.com declined to comment. Also this month, Lotte Group said Chinese authorities halted construction at a multi-billion dollar real estate project after a fire inspection. Shares in Lotte Group's flagship retailer, Lotte Shopping Co Ltd, which has about 120 stores in China, fell as much as 7.8 percent on Thursday. Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd shares fell 2.8 percent, while the benchmark share price index rose 0.5 percent. GUESSWORK The South Korean government expressed concern on Thursday about the plight of South Korean firms in China since the deployment was announced. It said it would continue to engage Beijing in dialogue to ensure activities of South Korean companies in China are not hindered. "To be sure, the challenges we face are serious," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a news briefing on Thursday. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing the same day that China opposes all forms of hacking and is willing to work with other nations to oppose it. "As for the guesswork of Lotte, I won't make a comment. But I think there is no clear answer as to the reason (for the attack). This is just their guess," Geng said. (Reporting by Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Jack Kim and Christopher Cushing) By Timothy Mclaughlin CHICAGO (Reuters) - The remnants of tornadoes and storms that killed at least three people and destroyed homes in the U.S. Midwest rolled across the Southeast on Wednesday, sweeping the region with hail and high winds, the National Weather Service said. Severe thunderstorm warnings were scattered across the Southeast and wind gusts of 50 or 60 miles per hour (96 kph) were recorded as the system headed toward the Atlantic coast, said Jared Guyer, a forecaster with the Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Although the chance of a tornado could not be ruled out, the system has lost much of the punch that kicked up a spate of twisters from Iowa to Tennessee late on Tuesday, he said. "It's kind of the last gasp, if you will, of this multi-day round of severe weather that we've had," Guyer said. "The main thing that we're expecting from there is wind and damaging hail." The line of thunderstorms, which included a wind gust of 78 mph (126 kph) in Quantico, Virginia, just outside Washington, cut power to tens of thousands of customers, downed trees and damaged homes, according to local officials and media reports. As the storms rolled east, communities were left to dig out. The National Weather Service said tornado spotters reported at least 23 twisters in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee and Indiana on Tuesday evening. Two people were injured and falling trees damaged homes on Wednesday in Clarksville, Tennessee, around 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Nashville, police said. A 24-year-old man was killed near Perryville, Missouri, on Tuesday night when his vehicle was blown off a highway by high winds, authorities said. About 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Chicago, in LaSalle County, Illinois, a man was killed by a falling tree when a tornado struck at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, authorities said. "A tornado came through and pretty well put a direct hit on the LaSalle County Nursing Home, LaSalle County Highway Department, the town of Naplate and the city of Ottawa," Sheriff Tom Templeton said at a news conference. In the rural town of Crossville in southeastern Illinois, several homes were leveled, and one person was killed by a storm on Tuesday, Treasurer Hannah Riley said by telephone. (Reporting by Timothy McLaughlin in Chicago; Additional reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington, Jonathan Allen in New York, Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee and Tim Ghianni in Nashville, Tennessee; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Leslie Adler) It's pretty easy to spot a badly dubbed foreign film: The sounds that you hear coming out of the actors' mouths don't seem to match up with the movements of their lips that you see. In other words, even when our vision and hearing are being stimulated at the same time during the film, our brains do a really good job of picking up on which lip movements go with which speech sounds. But the brain can also be fooled. In an intriguing illusion known as the McGurk effect, watching the movements of a person's lips can trick the brain into hearing the wrong sound. [10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain] The McGurk effect occurs when there is a conflict between visual speech, meaning the movements of someone's mouth and lips, and auditory speech, which are the sounds a person hears. And it can result in the perception of an entirely different message. Now, in a new study, neuroscientists at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston attempted to offer a quantitative explanation for why the McGurk effect occurs. They developed a computer model that was able to accurately predict when the McGurk effect should or should not occur in people, according to the findings, published (Feb. 16) in the journal PLOS Computational Biology. (Here is one demonstration, and another; neither of these examples were the actual video used in the study.) In the demonstration of the McGurk effect used in the study, the participant is asked to keep his or her eyes closed while listening to a video that shows a person making the sounds "ba ba ba." Then that individual is asked to open their eyes and watch the mouth of the person in the video closely, but with the sound off. Now, the visuals look like the person is saying "ga ga ga." In the final step of the experiment, the exact same video is replayed, but this time the sound is on, and the participant is asked to keep his or her eyes open. People who are sensitive to the McGurk effect will report hearing "da da da" a sound that doesn't match up with either the auditory or visual cues previously seen. Story continues That's because the brain is attempting to resolve what it thinks it's hearing with a sound closer to what it visually sees. If the person closes their eyes again, and the video's sound is replayed, he or she will once again hear the original sound of "ba ba ba." The effect was first described in an experiment done in 1976 by psychologists Harry McGurk and John MacDonald, which showed that visual information provided by mouth movements can influence and override what a person thinks he or she is hearing. Predicting an illusion The McGurk effect is a powerful, multisensory illusion, said study co-author John Magnotti, a postdoctoral fellow in the department of neurosurgery at Baylor. "The brain is taking auditory speech and visual speech and putting them together to form something new," he said. [6 Foods That Are Good For Your Brain] When people are having a face-to-face conversation, the brain is engaged in complicated activity as it tries to decide how to put lip movements together with the speech sounds that are heard, Magnotti said. In the study, the researchers tried to understand why the brain was better able to put some syllables together to interpret the sound heard correctly but not others, Magnotti said. To do this, their model relied on an idea known as causal inference, or a process in which a person's brain decides whether the auditory and visual speech sounds were produced by the same source. What this means is that the sounds come from one person talking, or from multiple speakers, so you are hearing one person's voice, but looking at another person who is also talking, at the same time. Other researchers have developed models to help predict when the McGurk effect may occur, but this new study is the first one to include causal inference in its calculation, Magnotti told Live Science. Factoring in causal inference may have improved the new model's accuracy, compared with previous prediction models of the illusion. To test the accuracy of their prediction model, the researchers recruited 60 people and asked them to listen to pairs of auditory and visual speech from a single speaker. Then the participants were asked to decide if they thought they heard the sound "ba," "da" or "ga." Their results showed that the model they developed could reliably predict when the majority of participants involved in the experiment would experience the McGurk effect. But as expected from their calculation, there were also some people who were not susceptible to it, Magnotti said. [Eye Tricks: Gallery of Visual Illusions] Interestingly, Magnotti said that when this same test has been done with students in China rather than people in the United States, the McGurk effect has been shown to work in other languages. Magnotti said that he thinks the computer models developed for this study may also have some practical uses. For example, the model could be helpful to companies that build computers that assist in speech recognition, such as a product like Google Home or Amazon Echo, he said. If these smart speakers had cameras on them, they could integrate people's lip movement into what a person was saying to increase the accuracy of their speech-recognition systems, he said. The model may also help children with cochlear implants, by improving researchers' understanding of how visual speech affects what a person hears, Magnotti said. Originally published on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Khalid Abdelaziz KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir named his first vice president and long-time ally Hassan Saleh to the newly created post of prime minister on Wednesday, the clearest sign yet that he intends for him to one day take over. It is the first time Sudan has had a prime minister since Bashir came to power in a 1989 Islamist and military-backed coup. Saleh is the last member of the group of officers that launched the coup to remain at Bashir's side. "The party leadership meeting chaired by President Bashir approved the nomination of Hassan Saleh as prime minister and his retention of the post of first vice president," said ruling National Congress Party Deputy Leader Ibrahim Mahmoud. Saleh will be sworn in on Thursday and immediately start negotiations on forming a new cabinet, Mahmoud said. Sudan's constitution was amended in December to introduce the position of prime minister, a demand of opposition parties that took part in a national dialogue with the government, with the aim of distributing some of the presidency's extensive powers. Bashir agreed to the proposal but reserved most executive authority for himself. Saleh is now seen as the strongest contender to succeed Bashir if he keeps his promise of not running for re-election in 2020. Bashir has undergone heart surgery in recent weeks, raising questions over who would succeed him. While leading an Islamist party, Bashir also has the military's loyalty as a one-time officer which strengthens his position and raises doubts over a civilian succeeding him, especially as conflicts between government forces and various armed rebel groups go on. Saleh, a retired army general, is a former defence, interior and presidential affairs minister. He currently serves as first vice president and National Congress Party deputy leader for executive affairs. Bashir's long war against various rebel groups coincides with a severe economic downturn. This year's budget foresees a growing deficit and slower growth. Sudan's economic problems have been building since the south seceded in 2011, taking with it three-quarters of oil output, the main source of foreign currency and government income. Bashir is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. (Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Saint Petersburg (AFP) - As the fierce winter drags towards an end in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg, Eduard Okuniyev is counting himself lucky to still be alive. For six years he has been living rough on the streets of the country's former imperial capital and says he can never be sure he is going to make it through the deep freeze. "How can you survive on the street when it's minus 25? It's impossible without the help of good people," said the 43-year-old, who ended up homeless after a family dispute. Winds blowing off the Baltic Sea and moisture in the air make the chill factor particularly bad in the city, even though its temperatures are still nowhere near as low as the country's Siberian hinterland. Yet Saint Petersburg, like most of Russia's big cities, offers few places for homeless people to turn to for help during the long winter months, whether state-funded or private. In the evenings, Okuniyev goes to a heated tent provided by Nochlezhka, or night shelter, one of the few NGOs to help people on the streets. He spends the night in the tent in the city's north with some 20 other homeless people. Most are men, each carries a ground sheet to sleep on. Early in the morning they drink tea to warm up before venturing back into the cold -- where the struggle to find a warm place to shelter begins again. "I go to the railway station or else I look for a cellar or an attic, anywhere as long as I'm not outside," says Okuniyev, who still takes pride in his appearance despite his housing difficulties. - Freeze to death - There are no official statistics on the numbers of homeless who freeze to death each winter across Russia, but Nochlezhka's spokeswoman Vlada Gasnikova said that 1,122 homeless people died in Saint Petersburg in 2016, half of them in winter. Some die of hypothermia, while others suffer complications from existing conditions. Another killer is cheap bootleg alcohol that can contain toxic substances. Story continues Five times a week, Nochlezhka, which was founded in 1990, drives round in a minibus and hands out hot meals to more than 200 people in areas on the outskirts of the city. Even in good weather Russia's homeless people find it very difficult to get access to medical care or find work and somewhere to live. The cold is an additional factor that makes survival less likely for them. Nochlezhka gives 52 people the chance to sleep in the warm in its shelter. Its volunteers also help people with legal problems and in their search for work and accommodation. "It's thanks to them that I replaced my passport," an essential form of ID used to access public services in Russia, said Okuniyev. "Since then, I've had more confidence in myself and I feel more hope that my life will change." But apart from the help of Nochlezhka, homeless people in Saint Petersburg have few sources of support. The city authorities do run a shelter but it is only available for those who have the right documents and are officially registered, making it very difficult for most homeless people to access. - 'Treated like animals' - Like Okuniyev, four out of 10 homeless people are sleeping on the street due to family conflicts, Nochlezhka says. Some one in five has been a victim of fraud. Almost 14 percent are ex-prisoners, while three percent are refugees. "We're treated like animals," said 58-year-old Sergei Petrenko. He sought help from Nochlezhka after being chased away from the attic where he had been sheltering. "I'd spent two weeks there, I was quiet, I wasn't bothering anyone," lamented Petrenko, who says he once used to be an army officer. "Then one of the building's residents threw me out onto the street." He complains that city residents are cold and unsympathetic towards homeless people. "'If you're on the street, then it's your own fault'," he said. "That's what most people think." "There are good people of course. But most people don't want anything to do with us," he added bitterly. He says that since he was reduced to living on the streets, any dreams he had for his life have been replaced by one goal: survival. "What are my plans?" he asks. "To make it until the end of winter." KINSHASA (Reuters) - Suspected militiamen have kidnapped five workers at Banro Corp's Namoya gold mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the company said on Thursday, in the second attack on its facilities in a month. The attack took place during the night of Tuesday into Wednesday and an investigation is underway, Crispin Mutwedu, a senior Banro official, told Reuters, adding that a local militia had been threatening the mine recently. The hostages included a French national, a Tanzanian and three Congolese, he said. New York and Toronto-listed Banro's four gold mines in eastern Congo have been plagued both by illegal miners squatting on site and by armed groups - some of the dozens of militias that remain active despite the official end to a regional conflict in 2003. Three police officers and one assailant were killed last month when armed robbers attacked Banro's Twangiza gold mine in neighboring South Kivu province. Namoya poured its first gold last January and produced 93,253 ounces of gold in 2016. (Reporting By Aaron Ross; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Javed Hussain PARACHINAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suspected missile-firing U.S. drone killed two Afghan Taliban militants on Thursday in a Pakistani village near the Afghan border, Pakistani officials in the area and a village elder said. U.S. drone attacks inside Pakistan have become rare over the past few years and the latest strike, if confirmed, would be the first in the nuclear-armed nation since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. Pakistani officials said a missile struck the two men while they were riding a motorcycle in the northwestern Kurram Agency, part of a lawless ethnic Pashtun tribal belt along the Afghan border areas where militants from both the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, as well as al Qaeda, operate. "A drone missile struck the motorcycle," said village elder Haji Zamin Hussain. The U.S. military command in Afghanistan said its forces had not conducted any strikes in Pakistan. In the past, both the U.S military and the Central Intelligence Agency have conducted drone strikes in Pakistan. A Pakistani government official identified one of the men killed as Qari Abdullah Subari, a senior commander from the Afghan Taliban. A Pakistani intelligence source said the other man was also a Taliban member named Shakir. Pakistan's foreign office spokesman could not be reached for comment. In its last high-profile drone attack inside Pakistan, the United States in May killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Afghanistan and the United States accuse Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban leaders fighting to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan has long denied sheltering the Afghan Taliban. (Reporting by Javed Hussain,; Additional reporting by Jibran Ahmad in Peshawar and Haji Mujtaba in Miranshah; Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Drazen Jorgic) Stockholm (AFP) - Sweden is to reintroduce compulsory military service, seven years after abandoning it, to respond to global security challenges including Russia's assertive behaviour in the Baltic Sea region, Stockholm said Thursday. "We are in a context where Russia has annexed Crimea," Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told AFP, adding: "They are doing more exercises in our immediate vicinity." Sweden has had a professional army, staffed by volunteers, since 2010. "We saw that our units could not be filled on a voluntary basis. A decision had to be taken to complement the (volunteer) system which is why we are reactivating conscription," Hultqvist said. A non-NATO member, Sweden has not seen armed conflict on its territory in two centuries. It put conscription on hold in 2010 after it was deemed an unsatisfactory way of meeting the needs of a modern army. In the past two decades the military's budget has been slashed as its mission was revamped to focus more on peacekeeping operations abroad and less on the country's defence. But in recent years, concerns have risen about Russia's intentions in the region -- with alarms bells ringing after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014, experts noted. "The new security situation is also a reality, partly in the form of Russian power politics which has long been underestimated and downplayed," Wilhelm Agrell, a security expert at Lund University, told AFP. Since the winter of 2014, "we've seen Russia as expansive and prepared to use violence to benefit its own interests," Agrell said. But, "today Sweden has neither the possibility nor the political will to stay away from a conflict" in the Baltic Sea region, he added. In June 2015, US think tank Cepa published a report claiming Russia had held exercises with 33,000 troops aimed at practising an invasion of Sweden's Baltic Sea island of Gotland, among other sites. Story continues Just three months earlier, the Swedish government had decided to remilitarise Gotland, where the last barracks had been decommissioned in 2005. Around 150 men have been stationed there since September last year. Russian fears also came to the fore in October 2014, when Sweden launched a massive but unsuccessful hunt for a foreign submarine -- suspected to be Russian -- in the Stockholm archipelago over an eight-day period. - Consensus - Sweden first introduced compulsory military service in 1901 but halted it in 2010 and replaced it with a volunteer army. But a military career had little appeal to generations of Swedes who had never set foot inside barracks. Thursday's decision by the minority Social Democratic-led government means all Swedes -- male and female -- born in 1999 or later will be eligible for conscription as of July 1, 2017. Mandatory military service, which will last for 11 months, will begin January 1, 2018. As of July 1, all Swedes born after 1999 will be contacted and asked to answer a questionnaire. Based on their answers, 13,000 people will be mobilised. Of those, only 4,000 will be called up each year after January 1, 2018. For the first time, conscription will apply to women. "It's very important to emphasise that military service is for girls and guys," Hultqvist said. "It is important for the military to have a gender equal profile," he added. The reactivation of conscription is supported by both the government and right-wing opposition. In 2015, they had already agreed to increase military spending, granting the defence an additional 1.1 billion euros ($1.18 billion) over the period 2016-2020. On defence issues, Sweden has a close dialogue with neighbouring Finland, which in turn shares a 1,340-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia. Sweden and Finland -- the Nordic and Baltic region's only non-aligned countries -- have recently stepped up their military cooperation with the US. That followed an increase in Russian military activity in the region, including several airspace violations and war planes allegedly flying without their identifying transponders. Russia has repeatedly warned Sweden and Finland against joining NATO, an issue regularly debated in both countries. COPENHAGEN Swedens left-leaning government on Thursday reintroduced a military draft for both men and women because of what Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist called a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. Sweden abolished compulsory military service for men in 2010 because there were enough volunteers to meet the regions military needs. The government said the all-volunteer recruitment hasnt provided the Armed Forces with enough trained personnel. The re-activating of conscription is needed for military readiness. In September, non-NATO-member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which Hultqvist described as sending a signal after Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea and its increasing pressure on the neighboring Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. There have been reports of airspace violations by Russias military aircraft in the region and a military buildup in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which sits across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. Under the plan approved Thursday, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year, starting Jan. 1. The Swedish government which often has described itself as feminist, said modern conscription is gender neutral and will include both women and men. Swedens armed forces lack 1,000 active troops as well as 7 000 reservists, according to the coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens, adding enrolment should be made possible from July 1, and basic military training with compulsory service from Jan. 1 About 20,000 people work for the Swedish armed forces, of whom 84 percent are men and 16 percent women, according to the forces website. Over the months, 13,000 young Swedes will be called upon and 4,000 will be enrolled. As in the current system, Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service. Geneva (AFP) - Syria on Thursday accused the main opposition of taking UN-backed peace talks "hostage" over its refusal to include terrorism on the agenda, warning it would be reponsible if the sputtering negotiations fail. Russia, a key ally of Damascus, also attacked the opposition led by the High Negotiations Committee, which said it was pinning its faltering hopes on the new US administration of President Donald Trump. "Progress in the Geneva round must not be held hostage by the Riyadh platform," lead Syrian negotiator Bashar al-Jaafari told reporters, referring to the Saudi-backed HNC. Speaking after confirming that Syrian forces had "liberated" the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group, he said the opposition "will be responsible for any failure of the Geneva talks". The HNC said Wednesday that terrorism could not be added to the faltering talks, launched by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura last Thursday and which are expected to stumble to an end by this weekend despite few signs of progress. The opposition has charged that Damascus fixates on the role of jihadists in the conflict to distract from discussions on political transition and organising elections in the war-ravaged country. "We will not deal with it, and if (de Mistura) adds it in any time we will not deal with it or discuss it," HNC delegation chief Yehya Kodmani told reporters on Wednesday. Jaafari said that answer "did not come as a surprise", in part because "a lot of the members of the HNC are considered terrorists", a charge he has levelled in previous rounds. The issue has overshadowed the Geneva talks, in particular after a suicide assault in Syria's third-largest city of Homs last weekend which killed dozens of people. Earlier Thursday in Moscow a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman accused the Syrian opposition of "sabotaging" the Geneva talks. "The results of the first days of the intra-Syrian dialogues, as before, raise questions over the ability of the Syrian opposition representatives to reach a deal," said spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Story continues She added that the HNC's refusal to cooperate on an equal footing with two Russian-backed groups meant that it was "de facto sabotaging the full dialogue with both the Syrian government delegation and with other opposition groups". Speaking late Wednesday in Geneva, the HNC said it is counting on the new US Trump administration to play a "positive" role after "catastrophic" policy mistakes under his predecessor Barack Obama. "We are here to... send a message to the new American administration which is trying... to fight terrorism, that we are the side working for peace and security in Syria," said HNC delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri. "The Syrian people are paying the price because of the Obama administration's catastrophic mistakes," he told a small group of journalists. Berlin (AFP) - Seven Syrian torture survivors, two lawyers and a human rights group have filed a criminal complaint in Germany against secret service officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, the initiative said Thursday. The complaint names and seeks international arrest warrants against six high-level officials of the Syrian Military Intelligence Service, in whose Damascus prisons the claimants say they were tortured or witnessed torture. According to witness testimony, prisoners were beaten with pipes, sticks and meat hooks on chains, given electric shocks, burnt with cleaning chemicals and stabbed with pencils, the broken-off tips left inside their flesh. "We cannot just look on at the horror of Syria," said Wolfgang Kaleck, head of the Berlin-based non-profit legal organisation that launched the case, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). "We have to start describing what is happening in Syria with words and legal categories," he said in a statement. "Germany can and must react to grave human rights violations such as torture, massacres and sexual violence in Syria." The case accuses the Assad regime of having carried out "systematic and widespread torture targeting opponents and activists... for several decades". Germany's federal prosecution service welcomed the complaint, with a spokeswoman saying it may provide further evidence to support its own ongoing investigation into Syrian war crimes launched in 2011. The new complaint alleges crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in three Damascus prisons between October 2011 and July 2015, based on the testimonies of 12 witnesses, seven of whom are complainants. The Syrian ex-detainees, men and women aged 26 to 57, are joined by Syrian lawyers Anwar al-Bunni and Mazen Darwish, who have both themselves been victims of torture and abuse in Syrian regime cells. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," said Darwish. Bunni added: "Massive human rights violations must not remain unanswered. This is clear since the Nuremberg trials. Torture is absolutely forbidden." The complaint was launched under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the German judiciary to become active in cases where neither the victims nor the perpetrators are German citizens, said the ECCHR. Beirut (AFP) - Syria's ancient city of Palmyra, which government forces are again battling to retake from jihadists, has become a symbol of the Islamic State group's wanton destruction of cultural heritage. The city and its ruins, designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980, have traded hands several times during Syria's civil war. IS first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the site's monuments and temples. IS fighters were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the town last December. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, but their advance has been slowed by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Before the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, the city of 1,000 columns and a formidable necropolis of more than 500 tombs attracted more than 150,000 tourists a year. - Ancient trade hub - Although the precise date of its founding is unknown, Palmyra's name is referred to on a tablet dating from the 19th century BC as a stopping point for caravans between the Mediterranean and the east. It was during the Roman Empire -- beginning in the first century BC and lasting 400 years -- that the oasis city rose to prominence. Despite being surrounded by desert, Palmyra developed into a wealthy metropolis thanks to trade in spices, perfumes, silk and ivory from the east. Known to Syrians as the "Pearl of the Desert", Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were some of the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. Some 210 kilometres (130 miles) northeast of Damascus, its name means City of Palms. It is also known by the Arabic name Tadmor, or City of Dates. The city's temples were built after it was declared a free city by Roman emperor Hadrian in 129 AD, which allowed it to collect its own taxes. In the third century, Palmyrenes beat back the Romans in the west and Persian forces in the east in a revolt led by Zenobia, who became queen after her husband died in mysterious circumstances. Story continues By 270 AD, Zenobia had conquered all of Syria and parts of Egypt. Her forces advanced into what is now Turkey before they were defeated by the Roman emperor Aurelian near Antakya. - Campaign of destruction - IS, which considers statues of humans or animals as blasphemous, overran Palmyra on May 21, 2015. Three months later, the jihadists beheaded Palmyra's 82-year-old former antiquities chief Khaled al-Assaad and launched a campaign of destruction against treasured monuments. They destroyed the ancient shrine of Baal Shamin, attacked the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel and blew up the Arch of Triumph, which dated from around 200 AD. They also destroyed a dozen of Palmyra's best preserved tower tombs and the famed Lion of Al-Lat outside the city's museum. The jihadists even used the city's ancient amphitheatre as a venue for public execution-style killings. Syrian government forces, backed by Russian warplanes, recaptured the city on March 27, 2016, but IS fighters stormed back in on December 11. In early January, IS launched a new demolition operation, destroying Palmyra's tetrapylon monument and the facade of the city's Roman amphitheatre. China's escalating military activities in the South China Sea have forced Taiwan's navy to step up regular patrols in the disputed waters and conduct joint training with the air force, the island's defense minister said Thursday. Beijing's island building and military prowess has been slammed by several Southeast Asian countries and the West. "Looking ahead at the transformation of China's strategy and its investment in new weapons equipment, our military will practice new reforms in our training," Feng Shih-kuan told a parliamentary session, according to Reuters. "The navy, during its regular South China Sea patrols, will conduct joint training with the air force in protecting fishermen and supply transports, and in humanitarian rescue drills to expand the combat readiness of our sea and air patrols." Taiwan is increasingly concerned about threats from China as the latter continues to build structures to strengthen its military in the region and conduct week-long training drills amid the ongoing territorial dispute. China claims most of 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. Feng said Thursday that China's continuous drills involving its navy and air force, particularly in the Pacific Ocean to Taiwan's east, represents "an increase in threat." "The deployment of this force is done entirely for the security of our country," Feng said, when asked by a lawmaker about the deployment of a surface-to-air anti-missile system, the Patriot Advanced Capability, on Taiwan's eastern coast. Late last month, reports surfaced that China is close to finishing the construction of structures capable of housing long range surface-to-air missiles in the disputed waters. The U.S. also deployed an aircraft carrier strike group in the South China Sea last month despite warnings from Chinas foreign ministry against challenging Beijings sovereignty in the region. Story continues Tensions between the U.S. and China escalated after President Donald Trump accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, making him the first U.S. president to directly speak to Taiwan in four decades. China has repeatedly blamed the U.S. for heightening tensions in the South China Sea. Related Articles Dar es Salaam (AFP) - Tanzanian civil society organisations have launched a year-long campaign calling on the government to respect freedom of expression and assembly. Launched on Wednesday, the campaign "seeks to safeguard the freedoms of assembly and expression," said a statement from Tanzania's Legal and Human Rights Centre, one of the eight organisations behind the move. "Without freedom of expression and freedom of assembly there can be no development," they said of the campaign which involves putting on seminars, discussions and debates. Since taking office in 2015, President John Magufuli has been accused of heavy-handed and authoritarian rule and of passing laws limiting fundamental rights. One such law is the 2016 Media Services Act which restricts the activities of journalists, bloggers and users of social media, which is currently being challenged in court, with civil society groups saying it undermines press freedom and free speech. "We recommend that the above laws be reviewed and reformed so as to ensure that they comply with Constitutional and international standards," they said. They also said there had been a "two-pronged attack" on freedom of assembly by the government and police. "People must be allowed to peacefully assemble and associate with others so that they can share their opinions on issues affecting their lives," the groups said. Public demonstrations and political rallies have been repeatedly blocked or broken up under Magufuli who has demonstrated little patience with dissent. Photo credit: Akiyoshi Kitaoka From Popular Mechanics An optical illusion on par with The Dress is making the rounds online: a photograph of strawberries that appears red without a single red pixel in the image. 2 Strawberries appear to be reddish, though the pixels are not. pic.twitter.com/Ginyhf61F7 - Akiyoshi Kitaoka (@AkiyoshiKitaoka) February 28, 2017 Akiyoshi Kitaoka, a Professor of Psychology at Ritsumeikan University in Japan, specializes in optical illusions and has been making them for over a decade. It might be hard to swallow the truth, but there is no red in this photo at all, only pixels of color that appear red relative to the other colors. Kitaoka's picture uses something called color constancy. To understand the concept, it's helpful to consider the brain's purpose and how it functions. The goal of your brain is not to memorize and record every piece of data it receives-that would be impossible-but to generate a complete picture of the world that we can recognize and understand. @social_brains I isolated a few of the colors that appear most "red" in the strawberries and put them on the white background to the right. pic.twitter.com/GJJ9PJqNxt - Carson Mell (@carsonmell) February 28, 2017 In the case of color, specialized neurons in the primary visual cortex compute ratios within the eye's cone cells, which are responsible for color vision. A breakthrough in understanding the concept came in 1967 by studying goldfish. "If the cell is excited by red light in the center," wrote Nigel Daw in '67, "then it will also be excited by green light in the periphery, and inhibited by green light in the center or red light in the periphery." Story continues In other words, your eyes will send color signals to your brain partially based on other colors it sees and the relative difference between those colors. This is why you can look at an entirely green-gray photo and see red. For another great Japanese optical illusion, be sure to check out the shapeshifting objects out of Meji University. h/t Motherboard You Might Also Like Nouakchott (AFP) - Three jihadist groups operating in the Sahel region have merged to form one single organisation, Mauritania's private news agency ANI said Thursday, citing a video distributed by the Islamists. Among the groups joining the merger south of the Sahara are Mali's Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine and Al-Murabitoun, led by Algerian extremist Mokhtar Belmokhtar. The new movement will operate under the name the Group to Support Islam and Muslims, and will be led by Ansar Dine's Iyag Ag Ghaly, ANI said, adding that it had received the video Wednesday. The Macina Brigades group, active in central Mali, has also joined the merger. ANI distributed a screenshot of the video showing five jihadist leaders seated together, with Iyad Ag Ghaly in the centre. The four others were identified as the "emirs" of the new movement. In an audio excerpt Iyad Ag Ghaly can be heard swearing allegiance to slain Jordanian jihadist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi -- whose Al-Qaeda in Iraq group later evolved into the Islamic State group -- and Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's current leader. He can also be heard praising Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden, who was killed in Pakistan in May 2011. It was not clear when the video was recorded, though ANI said it was "recent". All three groups already had ties to Al-Qaeda, and were involved in an onslaught that saw northern Mali fall out of government control for nearly a year from spring 2012. The extremists were later expelled from the region by a French-led international military intervention. Nonetheless large swathes of northern Mali continue to come under attack from jihadist groups. The area is also seen by governments battling the jihadist threat as a launchpad for attacks against other countries in the region. The new White House press corps coffeemaker, courtesy of Tom Hanks. (Photo: Olivier Knox/Yahoo News) Days after President Trump declared war on the press, calling the fake news media the enemy of the people and canceling his appearance at the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner, the White House press corps got a shot of support from one of Americas most beloved actors: Tom Hanks. Hanks sent reporters working inside the White House an espresso machine along with a typewritten note. Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way, the note reads. Especially for the Truth part. Photo: Olivier Knox/Yahoo News The machine, which was delivered along with a stack of Illy coffee pods, was engraved with the manufacturers slogan: For Music ~ Puccini. For Art ~ Bernini. For Espresso ~ Pasquini. Its not the first coffee machine the Sully star has gifted to White House scribes. During a 2004 visit to the White House, Hanks was surprised to discover that the press corps did not have a working coffeemaker, so he sent an espresso machine. Hanks speaks to members of the media after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House, Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images) He even checked in on it during a return visit in 2010. You know you are supposed to clean this after every use, Hanks joked, per CNN. You are supposed to wipe that off. Look at the buildup there! Before leaving, the Academy Award winner promised to replace the six-year-old machine. A few days later, a new, upgraded model arrived. This is the third time over the last few years that Mr. @tomhanks has sent a brand new espresso machine to the White House press corps pic.twitter.com/TRkSKBwlYe Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 2, 2017 More from Yahoo News: KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) _ Malaysia ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, issuing a statement condemning the use of a banned toxic chemical weapon in the killing of the half brother of North Korea's leader. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam, but the statement from the Foreign Ministry comes hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesians are by turns shocked and bemused by Donald Trump's volatile presidency, but many in the world's most populous Muslim nation say his personality and actions including his controversial travel ban haven't changed their positive view of the United States. There is a reservoir of goodwill in Indonesia toward the U.S., which Indonesians often see as a beacon for values they hope will flourish in their own country. Perceptions were particularly positive during Barack Obama's administration because of Obama's personal links to Indonesia and his efforts to heal divisions with the Muslim world. The U.S. BEIJING (AP) Lawyer Cheng Hai has an itemized list of compensation demands from Beijing authorities over the city's smog: 65 yuan ($9) for having to buy face masks, 100 yuan ($15) for seeing a doctor for a sore throat and 9,999 yuan ($1,500) for emotional distress. Fed up with what they consider halfhearted efforts to fight air pollution, Cheng and like-minded lawyers are putting China's legal system to the test by suing the governments of the capital and its surrounding regions. "Some people might think that air pollution is inevitable with economic development, but they are wrong," said Cheng, 64. BEIJING (AP) Governing Chinese-style will go on display when the country's rubberstamp legislature, the National People's Congress, and its advisory body open their annual sessions in Beijing over the next few days. The largely ceremonial events come months ahead of an even more momentous gathering, the twice-a-decade national congress of the ruling Communist Party that will usher in changes to the top leadership as president and party chief Xi Jinping embarks on his second five-year term in office. The legislative session is the first since President Donald Trump took office, kicking off a new era of uncertainty in relations ties between the world's two largest economies, and comes against the background of sharply slowing economic growth. BEIJING (AP) China, which tightly censors the internet, called on Thursday for a new model for governing the web based on rules and order rather than the unfettered access seen in democratic societies. Speaking in Beijing, foreign ministry and cyberspace affairs officials made China's latest argument for being a global leader in managing the internet. Unveiling the country's first cyber policy paper, they also stated that China would beef up its cyberwarfare capacities to defend against hacking and other foreign threats. "Cyberattacks, cyber espionage, surveillance have become major issues confronting all countries," said the coordinator for the foreign ministry's cyber affairs division, Long Zhou. A North Korean man, who had been held for questioning in the murder of exiled half-brother of North Korea's leader, has been released from police custody and handed over to the immigration officials to be deported. Ri Jong Chol, 46, was detained Feb 17, four days after the exiled half-brother of North Korea's leader was poisoned at Malaysia's main airport. National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed Friday that Ri has been released, saying there was a lack of evidence to charge him. Ri will be deported as he does not have any valid travel documents. Immigration officials couldn't be immediately reached for comment. BEIJING (AP) Lawyers for a prominent detained Chinese human rights campaigner accused authorities of abusing their powers in publishing a purported interview with him Thursday in a state-run newspaper in which he allegedly confesses to pushing "fake news" to overseas media. The Global Times said Jiang Tianyong told them he had concocted a story of a lawyer, Xie Yang, having been tortured by police. Xie has been held since July 2015 following a sweeping crackdown on civil rights lawyers and activists. Jiang was detained in November after visiting Xie's wife and is accused of inciting subversion of state power. Jiang's wife, Jin Bianling, told The Associated Press she planned to sue the Global Times for defaming her husband. BEIJING (AP) A collision between a bus and a cement truck in southwest China has killed 10 people and injured another 38, local authorities said Friday. The bus carrying 47 people collided with a cement truck late Thursday night near a tunnel in Lincang city in Yunnan province, according to a statement from Lincang government's press office. The truck with two people on board left the road and the bus ended up at the side of the road. Nine people died at the scene, one person died after receiving medical treatment, and 38 others were injured, the statement said, adding that the cause was under investigation. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) The Afghan Health Ministry says the death toll from simultaneous suicide bombings in the capital has climbed to 22, with another 120 people, most of them civilians, wounded in the attacks. Spokesman Ismail Kawasi said Thursday that hospitals near the site of the twin explosions the day before have been overwhelmed with wounded people, many in serious condition. The Taliban claimed the noon-time assault on Kabul, which included an hour-long gunbattle with police. The attack appeared to take aim at the country's embattled security forces. Pakistan condemned the "horrific" attacks. The two countries have long accused each other of turning a blind eye to insurgents who operate in the porous border region. BEIJING (AP) Instead of dramatic new reforms, Chinese leaders are likely to emphasize reining in surging debt and financial risks to keep growth steady at this year's meeting of the ceremonial national legislature. The ruling Communist Party is trying to build an economy driven by consumer spending instead of trade and investment. But that could be complicated by trade tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump and slowing demand for export industries that support millions of jobs. The meeting of the 3,000-plus members of the National People's Congress does little lawmaking. Instead, communist leaders use it to showcase themes for the year's government work. Girske (Ukraine) (AFP) - A locomotive with some 30 empty wagons stands halted before a makeshift barricade of wooden boards and barbed wire. Originally heading to rebel-held areas in east Ukraine to fill up with coal to sell back in government territory, it has been stuck for a month at a blockade by nationalist protesters and military veterans against ongoing trade with Russian-backed insurgents. The action has managed a rare feat in Ukraine -- it has united both the separatists who control swathes of its industrial heartland and the pro-Western government in anger, hitting key industries and threatening power outages. In the process it has also highlighted an uncomfortable truth for both sides -- despite a bloody 34-month conflict that has claimed 10,000 lives they remain in many ways reliant on each other. "This is a protest without end," a former pro-Kiev fighter going by the nom-de-guerre Marcel told AFP, as activists warmed their hands at fires burning in old oil barrels. "We are not going anywhere until our country cuts off trade ties with these occupiers." - 'Traitors get punished' - The blockade consists of four different camps where scores of activists man checkpoints across roads and railway lines connecting government territory to the two self-proclaimed rebel republics. The protesters -- many of whom battled the rebellion Kiev says is masterminded by Russia -- live in rows of military green tents and survive on supplies donated by supporters. They say they are blocking an illegal trade in coal, metals, timber, cigarettes and alcohol that is helping to fund the insurgents and keep Ukraine's war grinding on. Marcel said he suspects arms are being smuggled through too and that he was willing to expand the blockade to Ukraine's border with Russia in a bid to force the return of prisoners of war and an end to the trade in contraband. But other activists say their protest is directed just as much at the government of President Petro Poroshenko as at the rebels. Story continues "One of our demands is that these authorities leave," Leonid Lytvynenko, 47, who commands another checkpoint told AFP. "They are traitors, and in wartime traitors get punished." - 'Domino effect' - The month-long blockade has succeeded in riling the foes on both sides of the frontline. Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has blasted the halting of coal supplies as "a crime" and the country was forced to announce emergency measures in the face of power outages. On the other side the rebel leaders Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky said they have starting seizing control of enterprises in their territory in response to the blockade, a move backed up by Moscow. For Musa Magomedov, the director of one of Europe's biggest coking plants in the frontline town of Avdiivka, the problems are already mounting. From March he has decided to cut the pay of employees due to power problems. "We used some coal from the non-government areas, now we have been forced to substitute it for more expensive products," he told AFP. He warns that there could be a "domino effect" from the blockade that could see whole industries grind to a halt. "These political games can have serious consequences," Magomedov warned. But for those manning the blockade the warnings of shuttered factories or rolling blackouts mean little. "We don't have any light here anyway. It may be cold in at night in the tent but I'm willing to stay here," said former fighter Marcel. "And for the guys at the front under enemy shelling the situation is much worse." By Bernie Woodall DETROIT (Reuters) - A federal judge on Wednesday set for April 18 in Detroit the trial of a former Volkswagen AG U.S.-based executive charged with crimes related to the company's massive diesel emissions scandal, but the defense indicated it may seek a postponement. Oliver Schmidt, who was the chief of Volkswagen's environmental and engineering center in Michigan, faces charges that could put him in prison for up to 169 years if he is convicted. Volkswagen is set to plead guilty on March 10 in Detroit to three felony counts under a plea agreement to resolve U.S. charges it installed secret software in vehicles to enable it to beat emissions tests. The scandal became known to the public in the fall of 2015. The U.S. Justice Department has said that the company realized in 2006 that it could not meet tougher U.S. emissions rules. Schmidt was one of six former or current VW executives indicted in January but the only one in the United States at the time of the indictments. He was arrested on Jan. 7 in Florida. Schmidt would be the first VW employee or executive to go on trial in the scandal. A U.S. VW employee, James Liang, was charged in September. He pleaded guilty at the time to misleading regulators about diesel emissions and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. Schmidt's attorney, George Donnini, asked U.S. District Judge Sean Cox if he could argue for another trail date because, he said, there was much discovery work to be done before trial, but Cox sternly disallowed the request. If the defense wants a change in the trial date, it should file a motion with the court, Cox said. Donnini would not comment after Wednesday's brief hearing. Cox also set a bond hearing requested by the defense for March 16. Schmidt is being held without bond. Schmidt appeared at the hearing in a bright orange jail jumpsuit with "SANILAC COUNTY" printed on back. He is being held at a jail in the county north of Detroit. The former executive was shackled at the ankles and waist, which a court official said was the policy of the federal courthouse in Detroit. According to court documents, Schmidt's lawyers have argued that he is just a small player in a large scandal and that he has cooperated with authorities. German prosecutors on Jan. 20 searched Schmidt's house, which could indicate that he may face charges in that country as well. VW has agreed to spend up to $25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers and to make buyback offers of its diesel-powered vehicles involved in the scandal. By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump told Congress on Tuesday he was open to immigration reform, shifting from his harsh rhetoric on illegal immigration in a speech that offered a more restrained tone than his election campaign and first month in the White House. Trump, in a prime-time address to a country that remains divided over his leadership, set aside disputes with Democrats and the news media to deliver his most presidential performance to date, seeking to regain the confidence of Americans rattled by his leadership thus far. The president's speech was long on promises but short on specifics on how to achieve a challenging legislative agenda that could add dramatically to budget deficits. He wants a healthcare overhaul, broad tax cuts and a $1 trillion public-private initiative to rebuild degraded roads and bridges. Trump built a base of support behind his presidential campaign by vowing to fight illegal immigration. In his speech, he took a more moderate tone, appealing to Republicans and Democrats to work together on immigration reform. He said it was possible if both Republicans and Democrats in Congress were willing to compromise, although he also said U.S. immigration should be based on a merit-based system, rather than relying on lower-skilled immigrants. Comprehensive immigration reform eluded his two predecessors, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican George W. Bush, because of deep divisions within Congress and among Americans over the issue. Trump said reform would raise wages and help more struggling families enter the middle class. "I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws," said the Republican president. Trump's first month in office was dominated by a fight over his temporary travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations, repeated attacks on the news media and harsh personal criticism of judges who blocked his immigration order. In his speech on Tuesday, he appeared to look for a reset, trying to move past a chaotic period that sowed doubts about his ability to govern effectively. "The time for trivial fights is behind us," he said. PARTISAN DIVIDE Financial markets showed a muted reaction as Trump gave few specifics or new details. Early signs showed Trump's speech drew a positive response. A CNN/ORC poll found 57 percent of viewers thought Trump's speech was very positive and 69 percent said they felt more optimistic about the future of the country. "He's lost his foot and mouth disease," said Tom Beckwith, 71, of Seminole, Florida. "This was a tremendous speech. He's cured." Still, there was plenty of evidence of ongoing partisan divisions. In the chamber of the House of Representatives where Trump spoke, Democrats sometimes sat in silence and turned their thumbs down at his remarks. Many women lawmakers wore white in a subtle show of protest. Democratic Senator Christopher Coons of Delaware called Trump's speech one of "the most coherent public addresses he's given in a month." But Coons said he viewed Trumps forthcoming budget proposals as gravely concerning," citing the president's plan for paying for a defense buildup by cutting foreign aid and other programs. Much of Trump's speech focused on solving problems at home in line with his "America first" rhetoric. Apart from criticizing Obama for increasing the national debt, Trump did not mention the federal budget deficit, which will severely limit any new spending programs. On immigration, Trump again pledged to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, but he made no mention this time of Mexico paying for it. He also said he would shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe, referring to a new executive order he is to sign to replace one embroiled in the courts. Trump focused part of the speech on foreign policy, stressing his support for NATO but insisting allies pay more for their defense. In a possible nod to his bid to warm relations with Russia, which he did not mention by name, Trump said: "America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align." Trump has been criticized for his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A U.S. congressional committee is investigating contacts between Trump's election campaign and Russia to see if there were any inappropriate communications. "We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict," said Trump, who said, however, he would embark on a big defense buildup. 'MASSIVE TAX RELIEF' Trump said he wanted to provide "massive tax relief" to the middle class and cut corporate tax rates. But he did not offer specifics and failed to comment on the most pressing tax issue facing Congress, a proposed border adjustment tax to boost exports over imports. Lawmakers have been looking to Trump for more leadership on an issue that has divided corporate America and Republicans in Congress. Trump called on the Republican-led Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access and lower costs. Republicans remain divided on how to accomplish that goal and Democrats vehemently oppose tampering with a system that provides health insurance for millions of low-income Americans. While Trump's comments lacked detail, it was the first time he publicly supported tax credits to help Americans purchase their own coverage, a nod to health insurers who say they are necessary to keep people in the market. Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said in the Democratic response to Trump's speech that "you and your Republican allies in Congress seem determined to rip affordable health insurance away from millions of Americans who most need it." In the most emotional moment of the night, Trump singled out Carryn Owens, the widow of U.S Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens, who was killed in a raid on al Qaeda in Yemen. Owens, tears streaming down her face, clasped her hands and looked upward from her spot in the balcony as lawmakers and the president applauded her in the longest ovation of Trump's hour-long speech. Trump said the mission that her husband participated in obtained vital intelligence that could be used against Islamist militants, taking issue with news reports quoting U.S. officials who said little was gained from the raid. (Additional reporting by Richard Cowan, Ayesha Rascoe, Jeff Mason, Emily Stephenson, Doina Chiacu in Washington, Megan Davies in New York and Letitia Stein in Clearwater, Fla.; Editing by Peter Cooney) The Trump administration has launched its opening salvo at the World Trade Organization, signaling it would take a much harder-nosed approach to dealing with the trade body. It criticized the bodys dispute settlement process and asserted the right to ignore rulings that it believes violate U.S. sovereignty, in a policy paper sent to Congress Wednesday. The sharper tone is a shift from previous administrations, but even free trade advocates think the organization could use a revamp. Here are four areas they would target: Penalize currency manipulators. The WTO has the power to levy sanctions against its members for unfair trade practices, but it does not recognize currency manipulation as grounds for such a punishment. Many trade experts think this needs to change and they believe the United States could apply some pressure. The Trump administration could bring a case before the WTO to try to force them to label currency manipulation as an illegal subsidy that triggers penalties against countries who engage in it. The main target is China. The United States has never officially labeled China a currency manipulator, but the countrys past interventions to keep its currency low have long been a sore point in U.S.-China trade relations. At present, China isnt intervening in its currency, but Wilbur Ross, Trumps commerce secretary, during his Senate confirmation hearing, accused China of doing just that. Its a sign that Trump officials will prod the WTO to take a tougher line on currency manipulators, experts said. Institute penalties for dumping. Right now, the WTO cannot sanction countries for dumping products; only individual member nations can. The European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom believe this hamstrings the organization from leveling the playing field with China, whose steel and aluminium industries are state-sponsored. China sits on a massive supply of these goods, and its trading partners have accused it of undercutting prices. Story continues Some, however, believe the WTO already has the power to act. Robert Lighthizer, Trumps pick for U.S. trade representative, told a congressional panel in 2010 that the WTO should use its existing powers to punish China more aggressively for its state support of industry. Improve the dispute mechanism system. The WTO has been blasted by member nations for being slow to resolve disputes, a problem the organization has acknowledged. A dispute between the EU and China resolved last year took seven years to litigate. Failure to come to timely decisions allows potentially illegal trade practices to continue for years, critics say. Trump could press the WTO to add resources to the dispute process, and to put time limits on decisions. Update to reflect digital trade. WTO rules dont account for the trade in digital goods or protections on intellectual property connected to those products. Member nations, the international business community, and trade negotiators all want regulations governing this in place. Trump could lobby to update the WTO to reflect the digital future of the world economy, to better protect U.S. intellectual property, and to impose punishments for patent theft, said Chad Bown, a trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. But so far he appears more focused on heavy industry versus high tech. Beefs over steel issues affected the U.S. economy 20 years ago, he said. Trump needs to speak to the future of the U.S. economy, but hes shown no interest in updating WTO rules for digital products or advanced manufacturing. Photo credit: SAUL LOEB/Getty Images The Trump administration has offered a well-respected scholar and sober critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin the position of White House senior director for Europe and Russia, a White House official told Foreign Policy. The decision to hire Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, for one of the governments top jobs dealing with U.S.-Russia relations is likely to earn bipartisan praise in Congress where Republicans and Democrats have expressed mounting unease with the Trump administrations apparent contacts with Russian officials during the presidential campaign. The House Intelligence Committee laid out parameters Wednesday for an investigation into the Trump campaigns possible contacts with Russian officials. Hill, a dual U.S.-UK citizen and former U.S. intelligence officer from 2006 to 2009, has written critically of Putins autocratic tendencies and desire of a weakened U.S. presidency. Blackmail and intimidation are part of his stock in trade, she wrote in a column last summer explaining Putins interest in interfering in Americas presidential elections. In her 2013 biography of Putin, she warned policymakers not to underestimate the Russian strongman given his strategic cunning and ability to find weaknesses in opponents derived from his experience in the KGB. Since President Donald Trumps election in November, she has dismissed the possibility of a dramatic rapprochement with Russia given the inherent differences between Washington and Moscow. The Russians will get all giddy with expectations, and then theyll be dashed, like, five minutes into the relationship because the U.S. and Russia just have a very hard time being on the same page, she told The Atlantic in November. Hill was offered the position by National Security Council chief of staff Keith Kellogg prior to the ouster of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. She hasnt yet filled the position and is still going through procedural steps such as background and security checks, according to the White House official. Hill is in the process to take over the Europe and Russia position, said the official. Story continues Hill did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A GOP Senate aide told FP that Hills appointment would come as a relief to Republicans wary of Flynns ties to Russia and eager for a shrewd Kremlin analyst in the White House. The decision comes amid mounting calls in Congress for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Moscows alleged role in interfering in the 2016 presidential election in order to boost Trumps candidacy. Those calls were expected to increase following a report on Wednesday that then-Sen. Jeff Sessions spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador to the United States before becoming Trumps attorney general. Sessions swore to Congress during his confirmation hearing that he hadnt met any Russian officials. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has called on him to resign. CHICAGO (AP) The televised moment moved a nation: A grief-stricken widow clasping her hands and looking skyward, tears streaming down her face as the nation's lawmakers and president delivered a deafening standing ovation in honor of her fallen husband. President Donald Trump's tribute to Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens during Tuesday's congressional address was seen by many as touching. But others regarded it as a calculated attempt to deflect criticism of his decision to approve a failed military operation and to turn around his administration's shaky start with a gesture that sought to unify a deeply divided country. Social media was abuzz with both praise and criticism. Trump was praised on Twitter as giving "the greatest respect to Carryn Owens" and for moving "viewers to tears with his love for our fallen military." But others said Trump was responsible for Owens' death and criticized the "exploitation of his widow for last night's dog and pony show." Perceptions of the gesture likely depended on whether viewers trust Trump, said Matthew Dallek, a political management professor at The George Washington University and speechwriter for former Democratic U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt. "Whether he seems to be exploiting (Owens') death or it seems to be heartfelt and genuine very much depends on one's political view and whether or not you trust Trump," Dallek said. "If you voted for him, you think he's honoring a patriot and this is powerful. If ... you don't trust him and don't approve of his presidency so far, I don't think this changes very much." Trump is following in the footsteps of many presidents who have introduced guests to help make a political point. But Tuesday's tribute was potentially more fraught because Owens' father has refused to meet with Trump and called for an investigation into the Yemen raid that took his son's life. Story continues Owens, a 36-year-old married father of three, was the first known U.S. combat casualty since Trump took office, and his death, as well as the killing of several civilians, raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid. Trump used the tribute to insist again that Owen's death was not in vain, saying he helped gather significant intelligence. Trump's gesture could have been genuine and calculated at the same time, said Elizabeth Sherman, a political science professor at American University. He likely knew that it would be difficult to criticize the tribute because Carryn Owens accepted his invitation and the chance for the nation to honor her husband's sacrifice. "I think Trump figured this was a brilliant PR move. How can you lose?" Sherman said. But Ryan Owens "might have been alive" if there had been a deeper assessment of the raid's risks, she said. "No one wants to say that" amid Carryn Owens' grief. Dallek said Trump also might have inflamed the politics around Owens' death when he again insisted that valuable information was gathered in the raid, despite reports to the contrary. "He could have invited Owens' widow, acknowledged her sacrifice and her husband's heroism and really left it at that," Dallek said. "But he's got to justify the raid as incredibly successful and one that is going to help him kill the terrorists." New guidelines released last week by the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggest that trying yoga for back pain is a good move. The guidelines recommend opting for nondrug remedies first. The evidence that yoga offers a benefit is as strong as for other nonmedical treatments, such as chiropractic, massage, and tai chi, according to Richard Deyo, M.D., M.P.H. Deyo is the Kaiser Permanente Professor of Evidence-Based Family Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University and author of a review study of nondrug therapies for back pain, which was part of the research used to set the new guidelines. And in a new, nationally representative survey from the Consumer Reports National Research Center of more than 3,500 adults, yoga (and tai chi, or the like) was helpful to almost 90 percent of the back-pain suffers who tried it. In comparison, 75 percent of people who saw a physical therapist and 64 percent who saw a primary care doctor said the advice or treatment they received gave them relief. Further evidence of the potential benefits of yoga for back pain were found in a recent review of 12 studies by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Integrative Medicine. Compared with those who didnt exercise, those who did yoga saw small to moderate improvements in back function. Do's and Don'ts of Yoga for Back Pain Its important to note that all of the positive research on yoga focused on people with chronic back pain. I suspect that truly acute back pain is the wrong time to begin a yoga program, Deyo says. But a mild regimen in the subacute phase [pain lasting up to 12 weeks]that focuses on relaxation, stretching and maintaining joint range of motionmay make sense. The tricky part is finding the right type of yoga for back pain, one that will help rather than potentially cause more pain. The yoga interventions we studied in our review were designed to treat low back pain, and the classes were taught by experienced teachers, says L. Susan Wieland, M.P.H, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Maryland's medical school. Story continues She suggests getting your doctors okay before starting a yoga program and seeking out knowledgeable teachers. (Check out the Yoga Alliance or the International Association of Yoga Therapists for instructors with advanced levels of training.) Look for classes with words like gentle, relaxation, or restorative in their title, and steer clear of those that have words like power or Ashtanga"two styles that are more vigorousin their description. During class, dont be afraid to skip some postures or ask the teacher for modifications. If something doesnt feel intuitively good, dont do it, says Larry Payne, Ph.D., founder of the Samata Yoga Center in Los Angeles. Three Back-Friendly Postures to Try According to Payne, sitting too much is the biggest enemy. That position causes people to round forward, which leads to low back pain, he says. Yoga postures that make the back arch more help to reinstate the natural lumbar curve. Low back pain also tends to affect one side more than the other, so moves that address both sides of the back separately can be helpful in restoring balance. Here are three that Payne suggests making part of your daily routine: Knee to Chest. To help tune your back before you even get out of bed, lie with one leg extended, bend the other leg, and gently pull that knee into your chest. Breathing slowly through your nose, hold for five breaths, then repeat on the other side. Cobra. Lie on your stomach, hands on the floor with fingertips near your armpits. As you inhale to a count of five, slowly press your chest forward and up, extending your elbows only as far as you comfortably can (the straighter your arms, the more your back will arch). Hold for a moment, then lower down as you exhale to a count of five. Start with six to eight repetitions and work up to 12 to 15. Warrior One. Stand facing forward, legs extended so that your right foot is on the ground in front of you, left foot behind you. As you inhale, bend your front knee (your right knee should end up directly above your right ankle) and move your arms overhead. Move in and out of the pose three times and on the third time, stay in the lunge with arms overhead, back slightly arched and hold for five breaths. Repeat the sequence on the other side. I think the most important thing is to start slowly, expect that some of the techniques will be challenging at first and maybe cause some temporary increase in pain, says Roger Chou, M.D., a professor of medicine at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, and lead author of the review of nondrug therapies that was used to set the ACP guidelines. As with most movement-based therapies, once people get through the first six to eight weeks, a lot of the initial soreness goes away and they start to feel better. So dont give up on it too quickly. 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. By Samia Nakhoul and Nick Tattersall ANKARA/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Turkey is ruling out compromise with the United States over the involvement of Kurdish militia fighters in an assault in Syria, an obstacle for Washington's plan to deploy its strongest allies on the ground in a decisive showdown with Islamic State. Donald Trump has made defeating Islamic State one of the key goals of his presidency, and his new administration received a draft Pentagon plan on Monday to accelerate the campaign. Raqqa in Syria, one of Islamic State's two de facto capitals along with Mosul in Iraq, is expected to be the scene of the final battle to crush the jihadists' self-proclaimed Caliphate sometime this year, after a U.S.-backed Iraqi government assault on Mosul already under way since October. But putting together a united ground force to take Raqqa has so far proven a confounding task in Syria, where the United States, Turkey, Russia, Iran and Arab states have all backed local forces in a multi-sided civil war since 2011. All the foreign powers oppose Islamic State, but their Syrian proxies have mainly fought against one another. Turkey, with the second largest army in NATO, is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the Kurdish YPG militia to Syrian rebels Turkey has trained and led against Islamic State for the past year. For the U.S. administration, nervous about whether the Turkish-backed force is large enough and sufficiently trained, the decision sets Trump's wish for quick battlefield victories against the need to maintain its strategic alliance with Turkey. Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian extension of the Kurdish PKK militant group, which has fought an insurgency in Turkey's southeast since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by both the United States and European Union. "Our soldiers will not be fighting together with people who shot us and killed our soldiers and are trying to kill us," one senior Turkish security official, briefed on recent meetings between Turkish and U.S. strategists, told Reuters. "This message was delivered to the Americans." President Tayyip Erdogan reinforced the point on Tuesday, saying Turkey "cannot accept" any alliance with the YPG. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told the ruling AK Party that "working side by side with any terrorist group" was out of the question. Erdogan, who had an increasingly testy relationship with President Barack Obama, has welcomed Trump's election as a chance for a fresh start. But the two NATO allies appear to be on a collision course over strategy in Syria. U.S. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, who commands the U.S.-led coalition effort against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, told a Pentagon news briefing on Tuesday a role for the Kurds was still in Washington's plan. "There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure," he said. "The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating... I can't really say right now." He said he had seen no evidence linking Washington's Kurdish allies to attacks on Turkey. He did not specifically name the YPG, which fights as part of a U.S.-backed alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that also includes Arabs. Turkish officials say the links between the YPG and PKK are beyond dispute and that the group's advances will fuel anti-Kurdish sentiment in predominantly Arab parts of Syria such as Raqqa, and threaten Syria's territorial integrity. MANY ALTERNATIVES Turkey entered Syria last August in support of a 3,000-strong force of Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels, in an operation called Euphrates Shield. It took Jarablus on the Euphrates river, cleared Islamic State fighters from a roughly 100 km (60-mile) stretch of the border, then moved south to al-Bab, a strategic town now all but secured after three months of fighting against Islamic State. Turkey's aim was also to stop the YPG from crossing the Euphrates westwards and linking three mainly Kurdish cantons it holds in northern Syria, preventing it from carving out a self-governing territory analogous to Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. Turkey fears that would embolden its own large Kurdish minority to try to forge a similar territory inside Turkey. One plan Ankara has presented to Washington would have a Turkish-led FSA force of around 10,000 push south to Raqqa from the YPG-held border town of Tal Abyad. That would roll back YPG gains and separate two of the Kurdish-dominated cantons. Washington has so far been non-committal. "We told them there are many alternatives for Raqqa and they didn't disagree," said one Turkish official familiar with the talks. "They said 'we understand your sensitivities, we dont recognize their (YPG) territorial ambitions'." Turkey and its Syrian rebel force was "ready at any time to do Raqqa, after clearing al-Bab," the official said. A second senior Turkish official, exasperated at U.S. willingness to work with a NATO ally's enemy, said some in Washington argued they had already invested too much in the YPG to pull out. But he said military planning was still under way and U.S. generals had "taken all this (Turkish) feedback back to Washington." LOCAL CONTROL Turkey says it has another 7,000 trained Syrian rebels ready on top of the 3,000-strong force active in Euphrates Shield, to which Arab fighters from the U.S.-backed SDF would be welcome. "We told them we have enough forces, enough Free Syrian Army. Your generals can see them with their own eyes," the first Turkish official said of the discussions with U.S. counterparts. "Everything needed militarily was concretely explained. They were briefed on the numbers, the strategy and the map." One possible compromise solution may be that the force that assaults Raqqa, potentially including the YPG, quickly withdraws and turns the city over to local control, including the largely Arab forces backed by Turkey. "I'm not really sure it really matters what the composition is of the force that goes there to liberate it," said Townsend, the U.S. commander. "What matters really in my mind is the composition of the force that stays there and governs and secures Raqqa after it's liberated from ISIS." A similar agreement in Manbij, some 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Raqqa, quickly broke down. The YPG helped capture the city from Islamic State last year in a U.S.-backed campaign operating under the SDF umbrella, on the understanding with Turkey that it would then withdraw. Turkey says the YPG remains in the city, and the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels attacked nearby villages held by the Kurdish militia on Wednesday, a spokesman for the local authorities in the city said. Turkish officials fear their increasingly warm ties with Russia, one of the main sponsors of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, could also complicate their efforts to deepen battlefield alliances with the United States. The Euphrates Shield operation at one point had Russian air support in the fight for al-Bab. Turkey and Russia sponsored a fragile ceasefire and recent talks between the Syrian government and opposition in Kazakhstan -- from which the U.S. was excluded. But a senior Turkish official said cooperation with Russia was a reflection of the "realities on the ground" rather than a strategic choice, and partly a result of the lack of U.S. support for the Syrian opposition. "If Obama had not abandoned the Syrian opposition psychologically, politically and militarily, then maybe there would be no Russian military presence," the official said. (Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington; editing by Peter Graff) ANKARA (Reuters) - Reports that a U.S.-allied militia in northern Syria had agreed under a deal with Russia to hand over villages on the front line with Turkey-backed rebels to Syrian government control were false, Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday. The villages are located west of the city of Manbij and have been a focus of fighting since Wednesday between the Turkey-backed rebels and the Manbij Military Council, the U.S.-allied militia. Turkey will strike Kurdish militants in Syria's Manbij if they stay there, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Daren Butler) BEIRUT (Reuters) - A U.S.-allied militia in northern Syria said on Thursday it would hand over villages on a front line where it has been fighting Turkish-backed rebels to Syrian government control, under an agreement with Russia. The villages will be surrendered to the Syrian government in the coming days, an official in the Manbij Military Council told Reuters. An earlier statement by the council said the villages would be handed to Syrian border guards. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara the report was false, but added there was an agreement with Russia that Syrian government and opposition forces should not fight each other in that area. The villages west of the city of Manbij have been a focus of fighting between the Turkish-backed rebels and the Manbij Military Council, the U.S.-allied militia, since Wednesday. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said this week Manbij was the next target of Ankara's campaign in northern Syria following the capture of nearby al-Bab from Islamic State last week. "We will move towards Manbij after the al-Bab operation is completed, but the operation has not started yet. We know that the U.S. special forces are in that region, and we want the YPG to leave Manbij as soon as possible," Cavusoglu said. The Manbij Military Council is part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed group of militias that includes the powerful Kurdish YPG group. The SDF captured the area around Manbij from Islamic State militants last year. Turkey's campaign in Syria is aimed at driving Islamic State from its border and at preventing expansion in the area by the YPG, which it regards as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is waging an insurgency against Ankara. Cavusoglu said Turkey did not want the United States to continue cooperating with Kurdish groups and added that Turkey had repeatedly warned it would strike Kurdish militants if they remained in Manbij. The multi-sided Syrian conflict began in 2011, drawing in regional states, the United States and Russia and leading to the country's fragmentation into a patchwork of areas controlled by different armed groups. (Reporting by Tom Perry and Angus McDowall in Beirut and Tulay Karadeniz and Ece Toksabay in Ankara; Editing by Andrew Roche) By Julia Edwards Ainsley and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions withdrew on Thursday from any probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election after it emerged he had had contacts with Russian officials while involved with President Donald Trump's campaign. But Sessions, a long-time U.S. senator before becoming the country's top law enforcement official, said he did nothing wrong by not disclosing during Senate testimony that he had met last year with Russia's ambassador. He said the meetings were in his capacity as senator, not as a campaign aide. "I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign," Sessions told reporters at a hastily arranged news conference, after several fellow Republicans in Congress had called for the move. But his announcement did nothing to quell Democratic concerns, with House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi repeating a call for him to resign and saying "his narrow recusal and sorry attempt to explain away his perjury" were totally inadequate. Sessions said he had been weighing recusal - ruling himself out from any role in the investigations - even before the latest twist of the controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency. The move means Sessions, a powerful member of Trump's inner circle, will not be briefed on details of any probe. Should the Federal Bureau of Investigation decide to move forward with charges, Sessions would not be in a position to weigh in on whether the Department of Justice should take the case. The controversy comes as Trump and Republicans who control Congress are trying to move past early administration missteps and focus on issues important to them, including immigration, tax cuts and repealing the Obamacare healthcare law. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of an effort to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. Trump fired national security adviser Michael Flynn last month after revelations that Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak before Trump took office and that Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. 'HONEST AND CORRECT' During his Senate confirmation hearing in January, Sessions responded to a question from Democratic Senator Al Franken that he did not "have communications with the Russians" during the presidential campaign. But on Wednesday night, the Washington Post revealed that Sessions, who was a senior campaign aide of Trump's, received Kislyak in his Senate office in September. The other encounter was in July at a Heritage Foundation event that was attended by about 50 ambassadors, during the Republican National Convention, the Post said. Sessions said he was "honest and correct" in his answer to Franken, drawing a distinction between his role as a senator and his role as a campaign aide. "I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign," Sessions said, but added that he felt that he should not be involved in investigating a campaign in which he had had a role. At least two other officials in Trump's campaign said they also spoke with the Russian ambassador at a conference on the sidelines of the July convention last July, USA Today reported on Thursday. While there is nothing legally wrong with such meetings, the reported contacts raise questions about the White House's repeated statements that it knew of no further contacts with Russian officials beyond those by Flynn. 'ALICE IN WONDERLAND' Before the news conference, Trump stood by his attorney general, saying he had "total" confidence in Sessions. Asked whether Sessions should step aside from the investigations, Trump told reporters, "I don't think so." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who earlier said it would be like "Alice in Wonderland" if the administration were to approve Sessions' investigating himself, said he should have recused himself the moment he was sworn in rather than waiting until he was caught misleading Congress. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee asked the FBI to launch a criminal investigation into Sessions' statements to Congress about his communication with Russian officials. Schumer and Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Sessions is one of many "subjects" of a wide-ranging government investigation of any contacts between the Trump's campaign and associates and Russia, two U.S. officials familiar with the investigation said. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Sessions was not now a "target" of the probe by the FBI, the Treasury Department, the CIA and the National Security Agency. The investigation, one of the officials said, has a number of subjects because of the numerous contacts between associates of Trump, including Flynn, and the Russian Embassy in Washington as well as Russian and some Ukrainian businessmen and companies. Trump has accused officials in former Democratic President Barack Obama's administration of trying to discredit him with questions about Russia contacts. The White House dismissed the revelation of the Sessions meetings as a partisan attack, saying his contacts with the ambassador had been as a member of the Armed Services Committee. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Ayesha Rascoe, Steve Holland, Julia Edwards Ainsely, Patricia Zengerle and John Walcott; Writing by Doina Chiacu, Will Dunham, Roberta Rampton and Nick Tattersall; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis) By Phil Stewart and Mohammed Mukhashaf WASHINGTON/ADEN, Yemen (Reuters) - The United States said it carried out more than 20 precision strikes in Yemen targeting al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on Thursday, in the first major operations against the group since a January raid by U.S. commandos. The Pentagon said the strikes, which were first reported by Reuters, targeted al Qaeda militants, heavy weapons systems, equipment, infrastructure and the group's fighting positions. They were carried out in the Yemeni governorates of Abyan, Al Bayda and Shabwah. "The strikes will degrade the AQAP's ability to coordinate external terror attacks and limit their ability to use territory seized from the legitimate government of Yemen as a safe space for terror plotting," Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, using an acronym for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The strikes come a month since a Jan. 29 raid against AQAP. The operation, the first of its kind authorized by new President Donald Trump, was hailed as a success by the White House and other U.S. officials. Still, critics questioned the value and effectiveness of an mission which killed women and children, as well as several militants and a Navy SEAL. Trump, citing information from his defense secretary, told Congress on Tuesday that the raid yielded valuable intelligence that would "lead to many more victories in the future." Still, one U.S. official suggested Thursday's strikes - which included use of U.S. drones and manned aircraft - had been in the planning stages before the January raid. AT LEAST NINE DEAD The U.S. military did not estimate the number of militants killed in the strikes, but residents and local officials in southern Yemen said that at least nine suspected al Qaeda militants died in two separate incidents. They said four men believed to belong to al Qaeda died in a strike on a building in al-Saeed, an area of Shabwa province home to the al-Awaleq, the extended clan of Anwar al-Awlaki, a militant and U.S. citizen killed in by U.S. drone in 2011. Another five suspected al Qaeda fighters died when a missile fired by a drone struck a vehicle carrying weapons while traveling on a road between al-Wadie district and the area of Moujan, in Abyan province, some 40 km (25 miles) away, according to a local official. In a separate incident, residents and local officials in the Gulf of Aden town of Shuqra in southern Yemen also reported air strikes in an adjacent mountain area where hundreds of al Qaeda militants are believed to be based. They said they heard loud explosions early on Thursday morning in al-Maraqisha, a rugged mountainous area where al Qaeda militants took refuge last year after they were driven out of Yemeni cities they had captured earlier. There were no immediate details available on damages or casualties caused by those strikes. INTELLIGENCE ON AQAP AQAP boasts one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, and it has been a persistent concern to the U.S. government ever since a 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day. The militant group has taken also advantage of a civil war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis against the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to try to widen its control and influence in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, one of the poorest in the Middle East. The conflict, which U.N. officials say has killed more than 10,000 people, has also forced the United States to scale back its presence in Yemen, degrading U.S. intelligence about the group, officials say. A senior U.S. official said intelligence collected in the Jan. 29 raid however provided valuable insight into AQAP's explosives manufacturing, targeting, training and recruitment practices. (Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington, Mohammed Mukhashaf in Aden and Mohammed Ghobari in Cairo, writing by Phil Stewart and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) By David Shepardson NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it was exploring what it could do to help law enforcement track down who has made telephone threats to nearly 100 Jewish Community Centers across the United States in recent months. Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, on Wednesday urged FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to grant a waiver to access phone numbers used to call in threats and "help bring criminals to justice." An FCC spokesman said Pai "is actively exploring what steps the FCC can take quickly to help Jewish Community Centers and law enforcement combat these threats." He did not say if Pai would grant the waiver. Homeland Security chief John Kelly said on Wednesday he had directed the department to "heighten our outreach and support to enhance public safety" in light of the threats. Department officials had offered protective measures and other support in a conversation with directors of the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, Kelly said in a statement. Schumer's letter said bomb threats were simultaneously made to JCCs in 11 states on Monday - the fifth wave of threats in the past two months. The letter noted that the Middletown School District in New York state was inundated last year by phone calls making terrorism threats from anonymous numbers. In that case, then-FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler worked to approve a special waiver to access the caller information of the individuals making the threats, Schumer said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Frances Kerry and Leslie Adler) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee asked the FBI on Thursday to launch a criminal investigation into U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' statements before Congress about his communication with Russian officials. "We would ask the FBI and the United States Attorneys Office for Washington, D.C., to take up an immediate criminal investigation into these statements, which could potentially implicate a number of criminal laws including Lying to Congress and Perjury," read the letter to FBI Director James Comey and U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by James Dalgleish) By Jon Herskovitz AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - A federal judge in Texas dismissed securities fraud charges on Thursday leveled against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, saying he did not act illegally in his dealing with a technology company U.S. regulators have accused of defrauding investors. Paxton is also facing state security fraud charges for his relationship with the Texas company, Servergy Inc, and a separate investment firm. The Tea Party Republican, who has been trying for months to have all charges dismissed, has said he is the victim of a political witch hunt. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has accused Servergy, a computer hardware company that develops cloud-based data storage servers, of selling private stock while misleading investors about the energy efficiency of its sole product. It also accused Paxton of working to raise investor funds for the company without disclosing his commissions. In dismissing the federal charges, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant said Paxton "had no plausible legal duty to disclose his compensation arrangement with investors." Paxton, who was then a member of the state legislature, recruited investors for Servergy between July 11 and 31, 2011. He raised $840,000, or about one-third of all the investment funds Servergy attracted that year, the judge said. "The primary deficiency was, and remains, that Paxton had no plausible legal duty to disclose his compensation arrangement with investors," the judge said. Last year, he had thrown out similar charges against Paxton and took up the case again when the SEC amended its filing. Paxton applauded the decision. "Todays ruling to dismiss the charges with prejudice confirms that these charges were baseless when the SEC initially brought them and they were without merit when the SEC re-filed them," he said in a statement. Servergy agreed to a $200,000 penalty to settle the SEC case. It neither admitted to nor denied the agency's charges. Story continues The state felony fraud case against Paxton is set to start on May 1. Paxton, who has sued the administration of former Democratic president Barack Obama more than a dozen times since he took office as the state's top lawyer in 2015, faces up to 99 years in prison if he is convicted on the most serious charge. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea and the United States agreed on Thursday to strengthen cooperation on financial sanctions against North Korea, the finance ministry in Seoul said, after Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile test last month. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and South Korea Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho expressed "great concern" over North Korea's Feb. 12 ballistic missile test and promised to follow through with United Nations sanctions, as well as their own, the ministry said in a statement after a call between the pair. Mnuchin and Yoo also reaffirmed the close economic relationship between the United States and South Korea and agreed to talk in greater depth at a meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors this month. (Reporting by Christine Kim; Editing by Paul Tait) (Reuters) - Uber competitor Lyft is pitching investors on a new funding round and hopes to net at least $500 million, according to a source familiar with the matter. The $500 million fundraising would value the ride-hailing service between $6 billion and $7 billion, the source said. A Lyft spokeswoman declined to comment. Lyft's fundraising efforts have been ongoing for months, and the company retained Qatalyst Partners in part to assist them in raising a fresh round of cash, according to other sources with knowledge of the matter. Larger ride-hailing competitors, Uber and Didi, have raised so much money that Lyft's options of finding new investors who can write big checks are quite limited. Uber is valued at about $70 billion and Didi's valuation is about $35 billion after its merger with Uber's China operations in August. (Reporting by Heather Somerville in San Francisco and Sangameswaran S in Bengaluru; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri) By Elisabeth O'Leary and Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - The British government is confident it can seal a good divorce deal with the European Union which will win over the people of Scotland but may never please its pro-independence ruling party, Scottish minister David Mundell said. Mundell, Britain's secretary of state for Scotland, told Reuters the government was 'taking note' of warnings that Scottish leaders are gearing up for a vote which could split the more than three-century-old union between Scotland and England. But the British government does not believe another vote on independence should take place, he said. "We are aware and take note of what the Scottish government say and do. It would be complacent not to do that," he said in an interview at his office overlooking a parade ground just steps from Prime Minister Theresa May's official residence. Mundell, the only elected Conservative lawmaker for Scotland in the British parliament, said the government wanted a good Brexit deal for the whole country, but did not say whether there were particular aspects that would soothe Scottish concerns. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who became leader in 2014 after an unsuccessful referendum to break away and whose Scottish National Party holds 56 of Scotland's 59 seats, has increased the volume on demands that Scotland must have a vote if the country is forced into a "hard Brexit". She says Scotland should have a chance to decide its future because, unlike England and Wales, it voted to stay in the EU at a June referendum and to maintain preferential access to the bloc's single market and free movement of labor. Sturgeon also wants to make sure Edinburgh has a say over fisheries and farming policy - areas where Britain might look for compromise in EU talks. NO APPETITE? But despite her accusations that the British government's "sheer intransigence" over Brexit is driving Scotland towards independence, Mundell said he doubted whether there was, or would be, appetite for a new vote soon, citing polls. Last month, an opinion poll conducted by BMG showed that support for independence had risen to 49 percent, not enough to guarantee success of such a vote, but for Sturgeon's Scottish National Party, a sign that Scots do not like May's Brexit plan. Mundell said that while there could be another referendum, it would "require the agreement of the UK government". May has repeatedly said that there should be no second referendum, but the calls for exactly that add further uncertainty ahead of some of the most complicated negotiations Britain has waged since World War Two to leave the bloc. She has said that a good deal for Britain will be a good deal for Scotland and Mundell disputed accounts by Scottish officials that the government was not listening to them. He said there had been "six meetings in the two week period up until the end of last Thursday" but Sturgeon says the British government has not seriously considered a document she presented in December laying out Scotland's Brexit options. The Scottish minister doubted whether any agreement with European Union would be welcomed by Sturgeon's party. "Will we be able to please the SNP in this process? No. I can absolutely, categorically guarantee that," he said. "But will we be able to satisfy Scottish public opinion? Yes, by getting a good deal ...The SNP will have to accept that." (Editing by Angus MacSwan) KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's SCM Group, a financial and industrial group whose businesses are the main employer in the eastern conflict zone, said on Thursday it would fight a demand by separatists to re-register firms in rebel-held areas. Separatists have demanded Ukrainian companies in their territory register locally and pay them taxes in response to a rail blockade on goods from rebel territory that has highlighted the deep economic ties between the regions, despite three years of simmering military conflict. "We consider private property to be sovereign and the demand to re-register our businesses and pay taxes to the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics' is unacceptable," SCM Group said in a statement. "No kind of pressure will force us to change the jurisdiction of our assets." SCM Group is owned by Ukraine's richest businessman, Rinat Akhmetov, and on Wednesday one of its telecoms firms and a humanitarian organization funded by Akhmetov said their businesses based in separatist-controlled Donetsk city had been seized by armed men. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko condemned the separatists' move as illegal appropriation and said a recent flare-up in fighting showed that the crisis in the east was once again escalating. Previously, SCM Group's Metinvest [METIV.UL], Ukraine's largest steelmaker, said if separatists took control of mills or mines in rebel-held areas it would be forced to halt production in the affected operations. In its statement, the conglomerate emphasized its importance as one of Ukraine's top employers. "We provide jobs for hundreds of thousands of people across the country, from east to west, including in territory temporarily not under Ukraine's control." The rail blockade, initiated by some lawmakers and military veterans but opposed by the government, has already forced Metinvest to halt production temporarily at one of its mills and several coal mines. Both the Ukrainian authorities and separatist officials have warned of damage to the economy from the squeeze on rail trade from rebel-held territory, which was initiated by a group of Ukrainian lawmakers and military veterans. Separatists say local industrial firms are suffering, while Ukraine says the country could be hit by rolling blackouts and lost foreign export income of up to $2 billion. (Reporting by Natalia Zinets; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Richard Lough) Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that he is willing to recuse himself whenever its appropriate amid growing bipartisan calls for him to do so. I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself, Sessions told an NBC News reporter early Thursday morning. Theres no doubt about that. In @NBCNews exclusive video AG Sessions says he will recuse himself from Russia investigation whenever appropriate: pic.twitter.com/wKajg9MUJj Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) March 2, 2017 During a tour of the U.S.S. Gerald Ford Thursday afternoon, President Trump expressed support for his embattled attorney general, saying he had total confidence in Sessions. When asked by reporters if Sessions should recuse himself, Trump replied: I dont think so. The comments came on the heels of a report that Sessions met twice with Russias ambassador to the United States during the 2016 presidential campaign while he was chairman of the Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee and an informal adviser to then-candidate Trump. During his confirmation hearings, Sessions did not disclose that he had contact with Russian officials. Trump said that he believes Sessions probably testified truthfully about his contact with the Russian ambassador. The president said he was not aware Sessions had been in contact with the Russians before it was reported late Wednesday by the Washington Post. The revelation sparked calls from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for Sessions to recuse himself. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, was among the first Republicans to do so. AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) March 2, 2017 House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., initially appeared to follow suit. Story continues I think [for] the trust of the American people, you recuse yourself, McCarthy said on MSNBCs Morning Joe on Thursday. I dont have all the information in front of me. I dont want to prejudge, but I just think for any investigation going forward, you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation. I think itd be easier. .@GOPLeader says on Morning Joe that AG Sessions should recuse himself from Russian investigation pic.twitter.com/ZAMcMUDqB3 Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) March 2, 2017 But in a subsequent appearance on Fox & Friends, McCarthy appeared to walk back those comments. I am not calling on him to recuse himself, he said. I was asked on Morning Joe if he needs to recuse himself going forward. As you just heard, Attorney General Sessions said that he would recuse himself going forward [as] appropriate, and thats all my answer was. Its amazing how people spin things so quickly. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, though, made his view on Sessions clear. Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, Portman said. But I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself. At his weekly press briefing Thursday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions should recuse himself if he becomes the subject of a probe. I think he answered that question this morning, Ryan said. If he himself is the subject of an investigation, of course he would. We meet with ambassadors all the time, Ryan added. Its really common for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors. In his impromptu interview with the NBC reporter, Sessions said he never discussed the campaign in his meetings with the Russian ambassador. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, he said. Those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. I dont have anything else to say about that. During his confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., what he would do if there was any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is shown during a break in his confirmation hearing in January for the attorney general post. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Sen. Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions said. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. Appearing on CNN Thursday, Franken said Sessions answer now appears extremely misleading at the most charitable, and a flat-out lie at the least. He made a false statement, Franken said. He needs to explain himself here. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., suggested Sessions had perjured himself. Since it has now come to light that Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about meeting with Russian officials during the campaign, Ellison said in a statement, we must be entirely clear on one thing: Perjury is a felony and may be punishable by prison for up to five years. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., called on Sessions to resign, as did House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Nancy Pelosi: "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign." Byron Tau (@ByronTau) March 2, 2017 At a press conference on Capitol Hill Thursday morning, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., also called for Sessions to resign. Last night when I read the revelations regarding Attorney General Sessions contact with the Russian ambassador and his decision to mislead Congress, Schumer said, I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach. I worry about the future of our country with foreign influence in our elections. It goes to the very wellspring of our democracy. For weeks I have said that Attorney General Sessions needs to recuse himself from any investigation into contacts between the president and his associates on the campaign and transition and Russia, Schumer continued. With these revelations, he could very well become a subject of it. It would be of Alice in Wonderland quality if this administration were to sanction him to investigate himself. Recusal should have been given, but this goes beyond that. In a statement, the White House called the backlash against Sessions part of a Democrat-led smear campaign aimed at President Trump. This is the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats, the White House said. [Attorney] General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony. Its no surprise Sen. Al Franken is pushing this story immediately following President Trumps successful address to the nation. More from Yahoo News: Washington (AFP) - Arab-Americans have long sought to be recognized as a distinct ethnic group by the US census. But with President Donald Trump in the White House, many are now not so sure it's a good idea. "The current political climate complicates the issues and raises red flags," said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Ironically, the second thoughts come just as they are on the cusp of winning a two-decade-old battle for inclusion in the census as a distinct ethnic group. On Tuesday, the US Census Bureau, for the first time in half a century, recommended the introduction of a new category called "MENA," short for Middle East and North Africa. That's important to Arab-Americans because political empowerment and funding for programs can flow to their communities as a result of visibility in the census. "There's no question that there's been a dramatic undercounting of our community which has resulted in a political under representation and a lack of funding for specifically targeted programs," said Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute. - Panic among immigrants - But it comes at a time of uncertainty and gnawing worry for US citizens of Middle Eastern origin. Since his inauguration, Trump has sown panic in various US immigrant communities with his short-lived temporary travel ban targeting refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries. A federal court has blocked the measure, but the Trump administration is expected to introduce a modified version of it that can overcome court challenges. Although he has since backtracked, during the campaign Trump advocated the creation of a Muslim registry -- something some fear could be more easily achieved with the MENA census classification. "We should not be in a position where we're hiding our national origin or ethnic background," Jamal Abdi, policy director of the National Iranian American Council said. Story continues "But we're in a situation where we fear that our own government will use this against us." Such fears have precedent in the United States. In 2004, three years after the September 11 attacks, controversy broke out when the Census Bureau provided authorities with information on the locations of Americans who had declared their Middle-Eastern heritage on the 2000 census. "It created a huge uproar in the Arab-Muslim community because they felt that the Homeland (Security) Department was going to use this for surveillance, which was probably what they had in mind," said Matthew Snipp, a professor at Stanford University's sociology department. During World War II, the Census Bureau was accused of helping to identify Japanese Americans for confinement in US internment camps. "There's a legitimate concern about how data about communities could be misused under this administration," said Berry. She still supports the group's inclusion on the census, but others are more skeptical. "We would need renewed ironclad legal assurances from the administration that this information is not going to be abused," said Abdi. And for many people, he added, such assurances would still "fall on deaf ears." - Public consultation - The Census Bureau's recommendation opens a public consultation period after which Congress will have the final say. According to the agency's report, the classification would allow Americans with heritage from a variety of countries -- from Egypt to Lebanon to Morocco -- to identify themselves more accurately. In the United States, ethnicity is taken into account across a number of surveys, such as unemployment, and the census, which is taken every 10 years, is no exception. Those filling it out can chose from one or more of 15 categories regarding their race. One side of the temple gate is blocked by cops in blue, the other by rows of bald men in orange -- the frontline of a bizarre stand-off between the Thai state and Buddhist monks that is raising questions of impunity, religion and power. The Dhammakaya temple's compound in northern Bangkok has been under siege for two weeks as thousands of officers try to arrest the sect's 72-year-old spiritual leader. Phra Dhammachayo, who is accused of colluding in a $33 million embezzlement, is believed to be hiding somewhere on the temple's sprawling 1,000 acre grounds, an area twice the size of Monaco. The Thai junta, which has run the country since 2014, has invoked special powers to get him but so far failed spectacularly. Police were initially led on a merry dance through secret tunnels, empty rooms and even to the fugitive abbot's quarters -- where they found a bed with pillows arranged under a sheet in a poor imitation of a sleeping person. But defiant monks and temple followers have now blocked officers from entering the temple and resuming the search. With the stand-off lurching into farce, the Thai junta that ordered the raid is fast 'losing face' and transfixing a public banned from criticising the generals who seized power in a 2014 coup. "At first this area was controlled by police... but the temple devotees took it back," Phra Pasura Dantamano, a senior monk, explained after his staff helped sneak reporters inside the compound. Around him sat rows of monks and disciples chanting mantras in the direction of officers who have ordered them to leave but fear sparking a violent confrontation. Temple staff -- who deny knowledge of the former abbot's whereabouts -- say he is innocent and accuse the junta of launching a politicised witch-hunt. Inside the compound, where phone service has been cut by authorities, defiant devotees fear authorities are trying dismantle their temple and seize its assets. Story continues "We will stay until we win," said 67-year-old Narin Mingkwan, one of thousands of mostly middle-aged women leading the unlikely holdout. - How much to nirvana? - Founded in 1970 the temple has harnessed modern technology and aggressive PR methods to build a cult-like following -- and a handsome bank account. Critics accuse the abbot of distorting traditional Buddhist morality by encouraging materialism and promising spots in the afterlife in exchange for donations. Beyond the temple's gates, manicured lawns and tree-lined canals sweep around towering geometric shrines, including one that famously resembles a glittering UFO. The Dhammakaya campus also boasts a slick 'Donation Room' that resembles a bank branch -- complete with ATM machines. Yet devotees deny an obsession with money, insisting the sect is popular because of its accessible meditation methods. "We have tried to adapt ourselves to the changes of society," said Phra Pasura Dantamano, a monk tasked with media relations who has been furiously Tweeting out the daily drama. Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha insists arresting the abbot is essential to the rule of law in a country where connections and cash frequently shape the justice system. Experts speculate the temple is however in the junta's crosshairs for political reasons. It is rumoured to have close links with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose super rich clan win Thai elections but are hated by the army and its elite backers. Yet the junta's quest for the abbot appears to be backfiring. Arresting him by force risks an unholy collision with monks and devotees -- scenes that would inflame Buddhists around the world. But admitting defeat may invite other challenges to the military regime. "It's a breakdown of the system," Sanitsuda Ekachai, an expert on Thai religion and politics, said of the stalemate. "I really fear for a violent confrontation." The junta appears in no mood to retreat and Prayut is convinced the fugitive monk is still inside the temple. "If he thinks he is innocent then he should come out and fight the case... don't use faith as a shield," the junta chief said on Thursday. Paris (AFP) - The American art collector Spencer Hays -- who had donated more than 600 artworks to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris -- has died suddenly aged 80, the French culture ministry said Thursday. His gift of paintings by post-Impressionist French masters including Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis was worth more than 350 million euros ($368 million), the biggest donation to a French gallery since World War II. The colourful businessman, who began his career as a door-to-door book salesman for the Southwestern Company in Texas before rising to become its majority shareholder, was awarded the Legion of Honour with his wife Marlene Hays. The couple had also built a perfect replica of an 18th-century Paris mansion, the Hotel de Noirmoutier, in Nashville where they lived. French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay said Hays was "a great friend of France, a great friend of the arts and of the Musee d'Orsay". The museum also paid tribute to a great Francophile and philanthropist. "Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Spencer Hays grew up in a poor family, far from the museum world," it added in a statement. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump accused Democrats late Thursday of conducting a "witch hunt" against Attorney General Jeff Sessions over contacts with Russia, as the veteran senator recused himself from any probe into the election campaign. Sessions' announcement came as top Democrats called for him to resign after it emerged he had met with Russia's ambassador during the presidential election campaign, as the White House moved to forestall a snowballing controversy over its ties to Moscow. Sessions denied any impropriety or that he lied about those encounters in his Senate confirmation hearing. The attorney general told his confirmation hearing in January that he "did not have communications with the Russians" and did not know of any by other campaign staff. Sessions on Thursday clarified that his denial referred to contacts made on behalf of the campaign. He said he met Kislyak in his capacity as a senator, and discussed mainly global politics with him. Trump declared his "total" confidence in Sessions -- while adding that he "wasn't aware" of contacts between Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Sessions, who was a senator actively supporting Trump's campaign at the time. He defended Sessions again in a statement late Thursday, calling Sessions an "honest man" and accusing Democrats of carrying out "a total witch hunt!" Sessions "did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional." Unswayed by Sessions's account of events, top Democrats are maintaining their calls for him to step down immediately, accusing him of perjury. They also called for an independent prosecutor to investigate contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow, which US intelligence says interfered in the election to hurt Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Adam Schiff, a Democratic ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, rejected Sessions's claim that his contacts with Kislyak were unrelated to his work with the Trump campaign as "simply not credible." Story continues "In the midst of a Russian campaign aimed at undermining our election and as a highly visible proxy for candidate Trump, Sessions would have had to be extraordinarily naive or gullible to believe that the ambassador was seeking him out in his office for a discussion on military matters, and Sessions is neither," he said in a statement. "I have come to the reluctant conclusion that the Attorney General should step down," he said, echoing calls made earlier by top Democrats in both chambers of the Republican-controlled Congress. - Focus on Russian diplomat - Trump has come under increasing pressure over Russia's interference in the election and alleged contacts between his entourage and Moscow. According to officials, US intelligence agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate just how and how much Moscow intruded into US politics, and whether that effort -- which US intelligence chiefs say was directed by President Vladimir Putin -- involved collusion with the Trump campaign. Four congressional committees have opened probes into the issue, although Democrats fear Republicans will seek to bury their investigations to protect Trump's young administration. Two weeks ago, Trump's newly appointed national security advisor Michael Flynn was forced to resign amid controversy over his discussions with Kislyak in late December, when the Obama administration was hitting Moscow with retaliatory sanctions and expulsions for its election interference. On Thursday, The New York Times reported that Flynn had also met the diplomat in Trump Tower in December, with Trump son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner also in attendance. Sessions's own meetings with the envoy took place much earlier, in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting, according to The Washington Post. While meetings between political campaigns and diplomats are generally common, a Clinton spokesman said Thursday there were no meetings or calls between her team and any Russian official during the campaign. - Democrats press independent probe - After reviewing ethics rules for his office, Sessions said: "I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States." Speaking to Fox News Thursday evening, Sessions reiterated that he did not discuss the campaign with Kislyak. "When I campaigned for Trump, I was not involved with anything like that," he said. "You can be sure." When asked if he believed the Russian government had favored Trump over Clinton, Sessions said he had "never been told that," adding "you'd have to ask them." Despite the swirling controversy, few hard facts are publicly available on what US investigators know and suspect about the contacts and about Russia's alleged operation to disrupt the election last year. The New York Times reported two weeks ago, citing US intelligence sources, that three Trump campaign staff had communicated with Russian intelligence officers over the past year. The White House labeled that report "false" and has accused Democrats, the media and the intelligence community of a political effort to undermine the Trump administration. Trump's White House has lobbied the FBI, reportedly the CIA and two Republicans who head committees leading investigations into Russia's election meddling, to knock down media reports on the alleged links. That added to Democrats' worries that investigations could be tainted, and lawmakers were pressing for an independent counsel to be named to study the web of allegations about Trump and Russia free from political interference. Washington (AFP) - The US authorities have offered support to Jewish communities in the wake of a series of threats and attacks since President Donald Trump's election in November. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is advising Jewish communities and offering protective measures, DHS Secretary John Kelly said in a statement issued late in the day. "DHS has Protective Security Advisors in all 50 states who serve as liaisons to government, industry and community leaders, and who provide expertise on protective measures, threat reporting and security awareness," he said. The advisors will offer support "in terms of training, protective measures, exercises and information sharing." Counterterrorism experts have also provided Jewish communities information about available federal help, Kelly added. It includes "facility vulnerability assessments, as well as assistance to connect organizations with active shooter preparedness and bombing prevention training and guidance, tabletop exercises, protective measures, guides and other tools to strengthen security," he said. At least 100 Jewish community centers and schools in 33 states have reported bomb and other threats since the start of the year. Last weekend, vandals broke and overturned more than 500 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia. The attack came a week after more than 100 headstones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis, Missouri. The incident prompted a visit by Vice President Mike Pence. After remaining silent on the Missouri attack for several days, Trump decried the anti-Semitic threats as "horrible" and "painful" last week. However, concern is rising about his embrace by white supremacist groups and an "alt-right" movement given a platform on Breitbart, the online news outlet once headed by Trump's chief White House strategist Steve Bannon. The White House also raised eyebrows on International Holocaust Remembrance Day late last month by issuing a statement that made no mention of the six million Jews killed in the Nazi genocide. During a speech to Congress on Tuesday, Trump criticized the recent threats against Jewish community centers and condemned the apparently racially motivated killing of an Indian immigrant in Kansas City. He said those attacks "remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms." Barcelona (AFP) - Virtual reality headsets are often associated with video games and fun, but companies are also working to use them for mental health therapies, to treat phobias, anxiety or addictions. Some phobias, for instance, can be effectively treated by gradually exposing a patient to his or her worst fear, be it spiders, plane travel or small, enclosed spaces. TeleSoftas, a Lithuanian firm that develops mobile apps, believes this exposure therapy can easily be achieved from the safety of a health professional's consulting room using the headsets. "With virtual reality you can create audiovisual therapies in a safe environment for phobics," its CEO Algirdas Stonys told AFP at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the phone industry's largest annual trade fair. So for instance, someone who is scared of speaking in public would find himself in front of a room full of people, virtually. TeleSoftas has just received EU funding to finance the development of mental health apps for virtual reality headsets, in collaboration with academics. Psious, a Spanish start-up, is also in a similar field. Exposure therapies are designed to encourage the individual to enter feared situations, either in the real world or through imagined exercises. "But we thought that in this digital age, there had to be something more," said CEO Xavier Palomer Ripoll. Created three years ago because one of its founders was scared of flying, the firm develops apps for psychotherapists who can download them and use them on virtual reality headsets. The doctor then choses an adequate environment. For instance, once kitted out with the headset, a person with vertigo will find him- or herself in a lift going up or down a skyscraper. Using a computer, the psychotherapist can propel the lift higher and higher, or make the floor transparent to increase the difficulty of the exercise. They can also gauge how well the patient is doing by seeing for example if they are able to look down. Story continues Psious raised close to a million euros ($1.1 million) in 2015, and provides the technology to some 600 doctors, mostly in Spain. In parallel, it is currently going through nine clinical trials with universities to get long-term efficacy data. TeleSoftas, meanwhile, hopes to eventually be able to offer virtual environments to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic syndromes, alcoholism or smoking. Several American start-ups are working on these kinds of applications as well. Americas hysteria over Russian President Vladimir Putin is mounting, and theres no reason to think the fever will break anytime soon. At this point its only tangentially related to the accusations that Putin has made President Donald Trump his puppet or that Trump or Attorney General Jeff Sessions, or any number of other administration officials is in cahoots with Russian oligarchs. Perhaps youve heard about the sudden death of Russias U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin? Its all nefarious Kremlin intrigues or so were told. In fact, a lot of Russian diplomats have died recently isnt that suspicious? And dont look now, but while you were fixated on Russias subversion of American society through psychological warfare, you may have missed that Russias expanding its influence in Syria. And provoking Japan. And meddling with Britain. And its sowing chaos in the Balkans. And the Baltics. And Ukraine. And may invade Belarus. And Finland. And if that werent enough, Putin has a master plan for overthrowing the entire European and world democratic order. We might as well give up: Russia runs the world now. With such bombast dominating American political discourse, citizens and pundits rightly worry about the potential for geopolitical competition from Russia. But is Putins regime really as threatening and omnipresent as it is cracked up to be? Western commentary on the Kremlins foreign-policy ambitions tends to fall into two opposing camps, each with different starting points: One begins with Russias foreign policy, the other with Russian domestic politics. Both are prone to hyperbole in their appraisals and conclusions, albeit in different directions. And neither is useful for understanding, or responding to, the reality of Russian ambitions. I call the first camp Putler, a mashup of Putin and Adolf Hitler, the two leaders whom Western commentators seem most fond of pairing. Largely a result of Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea and intervention in the Donbass, this lens portrays Russia as the foremost threat to liberal democracy: a scary, aggressive, expansionist, revanchist reincarnation of the Soviet Union, equating Putin with the worst excesses of authoritarianism. Rooted in 20th-century historical analogies, specifically World War II, this camp implicitly prescribes military confrontation: Anything less, including economic sanctions, is weak-kneed, Chamberlainesque appeasement, to evoke the Hitlerite comparison. Story continues Another favored historical analogy for Putler adherents is the Cold War. For many observers, it is a given that we are already grappling in a life-and-death Cold War 2.0 (just without, they neglect to mention, the ideology of communism, the nuclear arms race, realist power balancing, global competition for proxies, or any of the other elements that defined the original Cold War). House Speaker Paul Ryans recent reference to Russia as a global menace led by a man who is menacing falls squarely within this school of thinking, along with his rejoinder that President Barack Obamas sanctions followed too much of an appeasement policy. Turning from geopolitical ambitions to Russian domestic policy, the Putler worldview tends to highlight Putins consolidation of autocratic control, fraudulent elections, his harassment and murder of opposition journalists, curtailing of civil liberties, and his use of disinformation through state-run media to disorient and control the public. It is a portrait of Putin as an unrestrained totalitarian, intent on weaponizing absurdity and unreality. Such appraisals often border on the hysterical, but one imagines they draw a lot of internet traffic. At the other end of the spectrum from the Putler worldview is the Dying Bear camp. This approach is dismissive of Russia as a threat; its adherents instead presage stagnation, corruption, and decline. The term originated with demographers, discouraged by Russias dim health prospects, but could reasonably include its political, social, and economic limitations as well. To be sure, Russias health and demographic statistics lag far behind those of Western Europe and the United States, with relatively high mortality rates, relatively low fertility rates, and average life expectancy on par with impoverished African countries. In the medium and long term, that means demographic decline: Fewer Russians means fewer taxpayers, fewer conscripts, and fewer state resources; all exert downward pressure on Russias growth potential. There are a bevy of other limitations on Russias potential for future economic growth: an undiversified economy cursed with an overreliance on resource extraction; a lumbering, systematically corrupt, and growing state bureaucracy that impedes entrepreneurship; technological backwardness; and a kleptocratic political system that rewards cronyism and penalizes development. Without economic diversification and freedom, were told, Russias economy has hit rock bottom. Groaning under the weight of Western sanctions and low global oil prices, Russias own Economic Development Ministry is forecasting no real improvement in living standards until 2035. For some in the Dying Bear camp, Russias foreign-policy aggression including its incursions into Ukraine and Syria is just Putins attempt to distract patriotic Russians from the misery of their own existence and have them rally around the flag of patriotism, since he cant deliver the performance legitimacy associated with the economic growth of the early 2000s, driven by sky-high global oil prices. While the Putler perspective calls for confrontation, Dying Bear prescribes management or marginalization, if not disengagement: Why bother taking Russia seriously if its doomed anyway? President Obamas dismissive public statements about Russia being at best a regional power, or a weaker country that doesnt produce anything worth buying except oil and gas and arms, and that its international interventions are borne not out of strength but out of weakness are all reflective of the Dying Bear position. The reality, of course, is somewhere between these extremes. Russia is not nearly the global menace that many fear, nor is it doomed to collapse. Russias geopolitical strength is indeed constrained by its demographic, economic, social, and political weaknesses, but those arent as catastrophic as theyre often made to be. Russians today are healthier and living longer than they ever have. Though having ever fewer women of childbearing age presages long-term demographic decline, with births outpacing deaths, Russias population has recently registered natural growth for the first time since the collapse of communism. Economically, the ruble has stabilized following the collapse of late 2014, and the recession of 2014-2015 is statistically over. However, Russia isnt out of the woods, with low oil prices leading to dwindling state revenue, and little private investment for the foreseeable future, which will inevitably mean stagnation and low growth. Russias economic performance is so intimately tied to public spending that any curtailment of spending despite dwindling oil receipts would reverberate throughout the economy. And the economy ultimately constrains its political options. Although Putins geopolitical gambits in Ukraine and Syria can boost his approval ratings, they come at the expense of increasing poverty and unpaid wages, which are fueling a notable rise in labor protests nationwide. While presently manageable, the Kremlin will need to address these socio-economic issues in order to maintain domestic tranquility, limiting its resources for foreign adventurism in Syria, Ukraine, and beyond, to say nothing of investments in health care, education, science, and infrastructure. Russia cant have it all. So, despite its high-level meddling in American affairs, for the foreseeable future, Russia is poised to continue to muddle through, with economic and demographic stagnation constraining its lofty geopolitical ambitions. Unsurprisingly, the Russia of 2020 will look more like the Russia of 2012 or 2016, rather than the expansionist Soviet Union of 1944 or the collapsing Soviet Union of 1991. Accordingly, American foreign policy toward Russia should not be given to the militarization and conflict of the Putler camp, nor to the marginalization of the Dying Bear view, but rather a respectful engagement, recognizing the interconnectedness of Russias varied strategic interests, which may conflict with Washingtons own. The problem, though, is that stasis isnt a particularly sexy prognosis, which means it is not a frequently made one. There are two reasons for this. First is a lack of nuanced understanding of Russian governance. Most experts know what liberal democracy looks like and if we believe democratization scholarship (and there is good reason for skepticism, especially in the Trump era) that once consolidated, democracies are robust and durable. We also understand that autocracies can be reasonably stable, too: just look at the longevity of Fidel Castros reign in Cuba or the Kim dynasty in North Korea. But we have a harder time understanding a polity like present-day Russia, which is neither fully democratic nor fully autocratic. For a long time, democratization theorists have struggled to understand this sort of neither/nor illiberal democracy or competitive authoritarian regimes like Russia that combine democratic and nondemocratic elements. If liberal democracy is understood to be the optimal endpoint, then it is understandable to assume that Russia is just stuck in transition, rather than having achieved something of a stable equilibrium in its own right. Second, still haunted by Kremlinologists fabled inability to foresee one of the most significant geopolitical events of the 20th century the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union Russia watchers now appear to be hypersensitive to any economic or social clue that may portend trouble for the Putin regime. When the global financial crisis rocked Russia in 2008, we were told it was the end of the Putin era. When popular protests opposed his re-election in 2011-2012, experts called it the beginning of the end of Putin. The Euromaidan revolution in next-door Ukraine likewise allegedly portended the end of Vladimir Putin. As it turns out, competitive authoritarian regimes in general, and Putins Russia in particular, tend to be surprisingly durable. With Russias new prominence in American political discourse, it is necessary to have a sober assessment of the countrys capabilities and limitations. Russia is neither the juggernaut nor basket case it is varyingly made out to be. A well-reasoned Russia policy begins by quelling ones hysteria long enough to recognize this and then engaging it accordingly. Photo credit: HARRY ENGELS/Getty Images Big name sodas including Coca-Cola and Pepsi are being bumped from over 1 million traders shelves in southern Indias Tamil Nadu over allegations that foreign companies are siphoning the states scarce water resources. The boycott of international soda brands follows local outcry over their water consumption at a time when farmers are reportedly struggling to irrigate their crops in the drought-hit state, The Guardian reports. According to the NGO India Resource Centre whose website said it supports movements against corporate globalization in India it takes 1.9 liters of water to produce one small bottle of Coca-Cola. The organizations director Amit Srivastava told The Guardian that soda companies sugarcane requirements were also damaging. Sugarcane is a water-guzzling crop. It is the wrong crop for India, Srivastava said. According to our research Coca-Cola is the number one buyer of sugarcane in India and Pepsi is number three. If you take into account the water used for sugarcane, then were using 400 litres of water to make a bottle of Cola. Although neither Coca-Cola nor Pepsico have commented on the boycott, the Indian Beverage Association, which represents the soda giants, said that combined, they provide direct employment to 2,000 families in Tamil Nadu and more than 5,000 families indirectly. IBA hopes that good sense will prevail and that consumers will continue to have the right to exercise their choice in Tamil Nadu, it said. [Guardian] Paris (AFP) - As Francois Fillon soldiers on in his campaign for the French presidency despite a crippling fake jobs scandal, the jury is out over how long the conservative candidate can stay afloat. Defections from his camp began soon after a defiant speech on Wednesday when the 62-year-old said he would "not surrender" and on Thursday calls grew for his rival Alain Juppe to take his place. Juppe, 71, like Fillon a former prime minister, was the runner-up in a primary organised by the Republicans party in November. Another former rightwing prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, warned that Fillon was dragging his camp into an "abyss". Writing in the conservative daily Le Figaro, he said: "Going down this dead-end street is taking the state, our faith in democracy and its fellow travellers hostage." The left-leaning weekly L'Obs, under the simple headline "Fillon's Suicide", likened being at his speech on Wednesday to attending a funeral, wondering out loud why the rightwing Republicans party continued to support the "Fillon millstone". Members of Fillon's campaign "couldn't even look" at him, it said, describing them as "paralysed... by the spectacle that their moribund candidate has imposed on them." To add to Fillon's woes, police raided his Paris home, informed sources said late Thursday. - Go-for-broke - Rightwing lawmaker and former magistrate Georges Fenech was also among those calling for a switch to Juppe as "the only one today, with his experience, to be able to take up the torch". Deserters included Fillon's spokesman Benoist Apparu, who was Juppe's mouthpiece before the November primary. The left-wing daily Liberation is keeping a running tally of the defectors, with the list reaching 63 by late afternoon Thursday. Fillon, ever defiant, insisted that his "base is holding" with polls showing him still only four or five points behind the election leaders centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Story continues France goes to the polls for the two-stage election on April 23 and May 7. Speaking at a campaign event Thursday in the Provencal city of Nimes, he said: "The French people back me." But in a Harris poll conducted Thursday, only one in four respondents said they thought Fillon should stay in the race. Fillon, claiming he was the target of a "political assassination", vowed at a hastily convened news conference Wednesday: "I won't give in, I won't surrender and I won't withdraw." Fillon "has opted for a go-for-broke strategy and it's too late to turn back," political scientist Martial Foucault told AFP. - 'Like a sect' - A member of Fillon's Republicans party told AFP on condition of anonymity that his supporters had become "like a sect" and predicted that his campaign would collapse in "24 to 48 hours". But Bruno Retailleau, the Republicans' group leader in the Senate, angrily denied "any sort of fanaticism" among Fillon's supporters, saying they were driven by a sense of "duty". Analysts say Fillon is benefiting from the split between party supporters and defectors by becoming the "default" candidate. Although Fillon's poll numbers have largely recovered since revelations in late January that he placed his wife on the public payroll with scant work to show for it, he has fallen behind Macron. A new voter survey out Thursday showed Macron scoring 24 percent, ahead of Fillon's 19 percent in the first round of the election. Le Pen, 48, leads the pack as she has consistently since mid-January with 27 percent. But polls currently show that in the runoff, Macron would go on to easily defeat Le Pen. In practical terms, time is running out because candidates face a March 17 deadline to present a required 500 signatures of elected officials who agree to sponsor them. While French law does not bar a candidate who is facing criminal charges to stand for office, Fillon has also faced criticism after he questioned the justice system's impartiality. On Wednesday, he again said the investigation had been directed against him and that "the presumption of innocence has entirely and completely disappeared." Outgoing Socialist President Francois Hollande weighed in over the remarks, saying: "Running for president doesn't give you the right to cast suspicion on the work of the police and judges." Miami (AFP) - Before woolly mammoths went extinct thousands of years ago, their dwindling population suffered a series of genetic mutations that hampered their ability to survive, researchers said Thursday. Woolly mammoths were once among the most common herbivores in North America and Siberia, but came under threat from increased hunting pressure and a warming climate. They disappeared from the Earth 3,700 years ago. Experts analyzed the genome of one of the last known woolly mammoths ever found -- a 4,300-year-old specimen from Wrangel Island, off the northern coast of Siberia. On the island, about 300 of the lumbering creatures were believed to exist even after mammoths went extinct on the mainland some 10,000 years ago. They compared the genes from this recent specimen to one that was far older -- from some 45,000 years ago -- and came from a population that was much more numerous and robust. "Here we got a rare chance to look at snapshots of genomes 'before' and 'after' a population decline in a single species," said co-author Rebekah Rogers of the University of California, Berkeley. "The results we found were consistent with this theory that had been discussed for decades." Namely, researchers found far more harmful mutations in the island mammoth than in the mainland one, where breeding partners were plentiful and diverse, and the population was far healthier. Some of the genetic flaws researchers found could have caused the animals to suffer stomach upset and gastrointestinal woes. Others likely led to a more satiny, glossy coat than the animal's typical stiff-haired exterior -- a change that could have made them more vulnerable to cold temperatures. "The animals had lost many olfactory receptors, which detect odors, as well as urinary proteins, which can impact social status and mate choice," said the study in PLOS Genetics, describing the process as a "genomic meltdown in response to low effective population sizes." Story continues To rule out the possibility that the 4,300 year-old specimen was not just an anomaly, co-author Monty Slatkin employed mathematical models to show how genomes will look different when population conditions change. "With only two specimens to look at, these mathematical models were important to show that the differences between the two mammoths are too extreme to be explained by other factors," said Rogers. The findings are "a warning for continued efforts to protect current endangered species with small population sizes," said the study. Cheetah, mountain gorillas and pandas are among the species under threat from small population sizes, which can make it difficult to impossible for a species to overcome mutations that risk their survival. "Thus we might expect genomes affected by genomic meltdown to show lasting repercussions that will impede population recovery," said the study. Geneva (AFP) - The World Trade Organization on Thursday became the target of a first concrete attack launched by US President Donald Trump's administration when Washington declared it was not bound by the body's rulings. The US decision is a clear break from precedent and could threaten the viability of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), where major trade conflicts have been adjudicated. A letter sent from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to Congress on Wednesday outlining Trump policy reviewed the terms under which the US joined the WTO when it was founded in 1995. According to the Trump government's interpretation, "Congress had made clear that Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings", said the document. The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". Overall, the document reads like the trade version of Trump's "America First" foreign policy doctrine and follows the president's call for companies to "Buy American and hire American". In another rebuke to the 164-member WTO, which aims to forge deals applicable to its whole membership, the US said it believed American trade goals "can be best accomplished by focusing on bilateral negotiations rather than multilateral negotiations". WTO director general Roberto Azevedo responded with an olive branch on Thursday, noting it was "clear that the United States has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. "I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the US whenever they are ready to do so." - China defence - China, seeking to position itself as a defender of the international trade system in response to a rising tide of American protectionist sentiment, said Thursday it will continue to support the "open and unbiased" WTO. Story continues "China would like to work with all WTO members to ensure that the WTO can play an important role in global trade", foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in a response to a question about the Trump letter. Azevedo has sought to downplay the threat posed by the US president, who called the WTO "a disaster" during his campaign. The organisations dispute settlement mechanism has been criticised by several camps over delays and backlogs. But, since 1995, it has heard more than 500 disputes on issues such as subsidies, customs and tariffs and made more than 350 rulings. The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by its rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. - Violations coming? - For Sebastian Dullien, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, the DSB has been a important venue for non-super powers to have grievances addressed. "Contrary to what Donald Trump is saying, it is not just other countries screwing the US, but sometimes it's the United States screwing other countries", he told AFP, noting that if the WTO is marginalised, smaller but still significant economies could suffer. Dullien said the USTR text may be a warning sign that Trump's administration "is preparing to pass policies which are in clear violation of WTO rules". A border tax currently being discussed in Washington would constitute such a violation and likely trigger responses from the European Union, among others, Dullien said. Richard Edward Baldwin, an economics professor at the Graduate Institute of Geneva, urged caution, saying he was "hopeful that once Trumps real trade advisors are in office cooler heads will prevail". Trump's nominee for USTR Robert Lighthizer is awaiting approval from Congress, but he too has indicated that the US should ignore WTO rulings. Geneva (AFP) - World Trade Organization chief Roberto Azevedo extended an olive branch to Washington on Thursday after President Donald Trump's adminstration announced the US was not bound by WTO rulings. The US decision marks a clear break from past and could threaten the viability of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), where major trade conflicts are often adjudicated. A letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to Congress on Wednesday outlining Trump policy reviewed the terms under which the US joined the WTO when the Geneva-based body was founded in 1995. According to the Trump government's interpretation, "Congress had made clear that Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings", said the document. The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". In a statement, Azevedo said it was clear that the United States "has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. "I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the US whenever they are ready to do so," he added. Azevedo has in multiple public appearances sought to downplay the threat posed by Trump, who during his campaign called the WTO "a disaster" and claimed that multilateral trade deals had been devastating to the US economy. Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The process can be long and subject to multiple appeals, but on Monday Azevedo defended the DSB as "the fastest dispute settlement system out there." The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc , which disclosed two massive data breaches last year, said on Wednesday that about 32 million user accounts were accessed by intruders in the last two years using forged cookies. The company said some of the latest intrusions can be connected to the "same state-sponsored actor believed to be responsible for the 2014 breach", in which at least 500 million accounts were affected. "Based on the investigation, we believe an unauthorized third party accessed the company's proprietary code to learn how to forge certain cookies," Yahoo said in its latest annual filing. These cookies have been invalidated so they cannot be used to access user accounts, the company said. Forged cookies allow an intruder to access a user's account without a password. Yahoo also said in December that data from more than 1 billion user accounts was compromised in August 2013, making it the largest breach in history. The company said on Wednesday that it would not award Chief Executive Marissa Mayer a cash bonus for 2016, following the independent committee's findings related to the 2014 security incident. Mayer has also offered to forgo any 2017 annual equity award as the breaches occurred during her tenure, Yahoo said. Last month, Verizon Communications Inc , which is in the process of buying Yahoo's core assets, lowered its original offer by $350 million to $4.48 billion. (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva) By Karen Freifeld NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp <000063.SZ><0763.HK> is nearing an agreement to plead guilty to U.S. criminal charges and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties over allegations it violated U.S. laws that restrict sale of U.S. technology to Iran, a person familiar with the matter said. The company has not yet signed a deal with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Treasury, cautioned the person, who declined to speak on the record because the negotiations are not public. Others noted that with a new U.S. administration prompting changes in personnel at government departments, a final deal may be delayed or even scuttled. But ZTE is expected to plead guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, among other charges, the source said, and pay penalties in the hundreds of millions. A ZTE spokesman declined to comment, as did spokesmen for the Justice and Treasury departments. A spokesman for the Department of Commerce did not respond to requests for comment. An agreement would cap a year of uncertainty for the Shenzhen-based company, which was placed on a list of entities March 2016 that U.S. suppliers could not work with without a license. ZTE acted contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, the Commerce Department said at the time. One of the worlds biggest telecommunications gear makers and the No. 4 smartphone vendor in the United States, ZTE sells handset devices to U.S. mobile carriers AT&T Inc , T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp . It relies on U.S. companies including Qualcomm , Microsoft and Intel for components. The listing could have severely disrupted the company's supply chain, but the Commerce Department granted ZTE a temporary license so U.S. companies could continue to do business with the Chinese firm while it cooperated with the investigation. The temporary license was extended several times, with the latest reprieve expiring on March 29. The last extension, a ZTE spokesman told Reuters in an email last week, was "a sign of the progress" made. ZTE was working with the U.S. government "toward permanent removal from the Entity List," the company spokesman said at that time, and under new leadership was conducting business in a way that "meets and exceeds export compliance standards." The spokesmans comments followed a Feb. 14 filing by ZTE to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The ZTE filing said it was negotiating with the U.S. Commerce, Treasury and Justice departments to conclude the investigation. ZTE said that the outcome remained uncertain, but that it would likely have a material impact on its financials. ZTE has annual sales of more than $15 billion. SCRUTINY CAN MEAN COMFORT The implications of a guilty plea are unclear. Experts said it can result in a denial order, which imposes a complete bar on the receipt of U.S. origin goods and technology. But, as part of a settlement, the order could be suspended for years. Typically, the reputational taint of a guilty plea on U.S. suppliers or customers would be limited in duration, according to Washington attorney Douglas Jacobson, an export controls and sanctions expert. In fact, a company that has faced the type of scrutiny that ZTE has ... actually gives U.S. suppliers and customers a greater degree of comfort that they will be a compliant company in the future, said Jacobson, who represents some U.S. suppliers to ZTE. The Commerce Department released alleged internal documents last year, showing senior ZTE executives instructing the company to carry out a project for dodging export controls in Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan and Cuba. ZTE replaced the senior executives allegedly involved, including naming a new president, and also appointed a new, U.S.-based chief export compliance officer. The Shenzhen-based company has a U.S. subsidiary in Richardson, Texas. A settlement also would likely include the imposition of a compliance monitor, experts have told Reuters. The uncertainty has already weighed on ZTEs business. In January, company sources told Reuters that the equipment maker was cutting about 3,000 jobs, or 5 percent of its 60,000 global workforce. The Commerce Department investigation followed reports by Reuters in 2012 that the company had signed contracts to ship millions of dollars worth of hardware and software from some of America's best-known technology companies to Iran's largest telecoms carrier. (Editing by Nick Zieminski and Andrew Hay) (Reuters) - Hulu will provide customer help 24 hours a day, seven days a week ahead of the upcoming launch of its live TV streaming service, and plans to open a service center by the fall, doubling investment in customer service over the next year so it can cope better with any glitches that arise, the company told Reuters this week. The TV streaming service provider, which is owned by Walt Disney Co, Comcast Corp, 21st Century Fox, and Time Warner Inc, will set up a new center in New Mexico or Texas by this fall and will hire 100 representatives this year, bringing its total to 300. The increased spending on customer service comes as Hulu is about to go head-to-head with internet channels that offer live TV from AT&T's DirecTVNow and Dish Network Corp's Sling TV. The services have had hiccups - like shows freezing, viewers getting error messages and system crashes. Their owners also have large customer service staffs already handling calls from their traditional pay TV customers, said Brett Sappington, senior director of research at Parks Associates. The stakes are high for Hulu, which has a customer defection rate of 50 percent, according to Parks Associates, a Dallas-based market research firm. "Live TV is a challenge particularly for events like the Super Bowl and the Oscars which draw millions of subscribers all at the same time," Sappington said. "You are never sure what's going to break until you have a few million people watching at the same time." Social media has amplified the need for good service because upset customers are more likely to go to Twitter with their complaints rather than call the company itself, said Bernard Gershon, president of media and technology consulting firm Gershon Media. Hulu will have staff available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week starting March 12, a change from the current hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time, the company said. It will eventually add email and chat as well as social media. Hulu, which currently has most of its reps working remotely, will open a customer service center by the fall, and plans to have a staff of 500 by 2018. The company would not disclose how much it is investing in customer service. Currently, Hulu is running practice drills of potential glitches, said Ben Smith, a senior vice president at Hulu. In the next few weeks, Hulu will start running these drills on an unscheduled basis, he said. "Everyone's plan is great until the emergency actually happens, he said. (Reporting by Jessica Toonkel; Editing by Anna Driver and Frances Kerry) Elliptic Labs made a splash last year with its technology for using ultrasound signals instead of proximity sensors to detect when you raise your phone up to your cheek. Now the company is showing off ways that same technology can do more for both your smartphones and smart homes. If you're not familiar with Elliptic and its Beauty Ultrasound technology, you've almost certainly seen the company's handiwork. Chinese phone maker Xiaomi used Elliptic's sensor in its Mi Mix smartphone. That's the phone with the expansive screen that takes up nearly all of the device's front. MORE: Best Big-Screen Phones Elliptic's technology helps enable the size of that screen, both by saving space inside the phone that would be taken up by more complex proximity sensors, and by removing the holes in the phone's front face required by proximity sensors. How Ultrasound Tech Is the Future of Your Phone and Smart Home Here's how it works: Elliptic's Beauty sensor sends out a sound wave that you can't hear, but your phone can, when the sensor detects that your ear is about to come in contact with the earpiece on the phone. That deactivates the screen so that you don't wind up launching an app when all you want to do is take a phone call. But as Guenael Strutt, Elliptic's vice president of product development, showed me during a Mobile World Congress demo this week, the Beauty technology can do a lot more for smartphones than just deactivate the screen. That's because the signal being sent between the microphone and the earpiece essentially creates a proximity sensing field around the phone. In one demo, Strutt silenced a ringing phone just by waving his hand over it. In another demo, a notification briefly flashed across the phone's screen before disappearing; Strutt held out his hand to make the notification reappear. "There are far-reaching uses for the technology, whether it's in smartphones or home hubs," Strutt told me. Story continues To that end, Elliptic set up a small-scale demo in the company's booth, in which a motorized Minion toy from the Despicable Me movies moved throughout a miniature house. When the Minion passed through a door, a nearby Elliptic sensor turned on the lights in that room; exiting through a second a door turned the lights off. Elliptic sees the same sort of thing happening on a much larger scale, with strategically placed proximity sensors working with your connected devices to turn on lights, detect motion and trigger other smart-home actions. Xiaomi's Mi Mix was on display at CES last month. (Photo: Sam Rutherford/Tom's Guide) Xiaomi's Mi Mix was on display at CES last month. (Photo: Sam Rutherford/Tom's Guide) For now, though, expect to hear more about Elliptic's ultrasound technology being used in phones, as phone makers opt for edge-to-edge displays in this year's models. Following the Mi Mix release, Strutt says, Elliptic "got calls from many players in the marketplace to going to bezel-less designs." See also : 15 Best iPhone Innovations Over the Last 10 Years Barcelona (AFP) - The mobile phone industry is racing to improve its ability to deliver content as the popularity of watching TV series and films on small screens surges, forcing a shift in focus for the sector. Mobile video traffic is forecast to grow by around 50 percent annually to account for over two-thirds of all mobile data traffic by 2021, according to a forecast by Sweden-based telecommunications operator Ericsson. The growing popularity of video is pushing phonemakers to come up with devices with better screens and sound quality. For telephone operators it is pushing them to work closely with media giants like Vivendi and Turner, who are ramping up production of video content made specifically for mobile devices. "Video is not an option, it is a must for telecom operators today," Eric Xu, the CEO of China's Huawei, the world's third-largest phone maker after Apple and Samsung, said at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the phone industry's largest annual trade fair, which wraps up on Thursday. French media group Vivendi, which owns YouTube competitor Dailymotion and France's No.1 pay TV service Canal+, set up Studio+ last year to make high quality mini series made to be watched on smartphones. The company has so far produced 25 original series in five languages. Each series consists of ten episodes lasting ten minutes which are distributed to paying subscribers via an app for people on the go. - 'Enormous opportunity' - Vivendi has reached an agreement with telecom providers in Brazil, Argentina, France and Italy to provide the service and it will debut in Russia in June. "Our aim is to be the preferred partner of major carriers," said Vivendi chief executive Arnaud de Puyfontaine at a conference at the trade fair called "the content gold rush". The service allows telecom firms to "differentiate themselves" and encourages customers to sign up to plans with bigger data bundles so they can watch more video, he said. Story continues US media giant Turner Communications, a division of Time Warner whose HBO channel is the home to popular shows such as "Game of Thrones", has also started production groups that make short form content "that is really, really specific for mobiles," said Turner chief executive John Martin. "Mobile is an enormous opportunity," he added. Several phonemakers meanwhile unveiled new devices at the trade fair geared for watching video. South Korea's LG presented a new flagship phone, the G6, which comes with a massive screen to target Netflix-loving, stream savvy commuters who want to watch films and series on the go. Italian cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, who has won Oscars for "Apocalypse Now" and "The Last Emperor", was on hand to praise the advantages of the phone's 18:9 screen aspect ratio, a step up from the conventional 16:9 found on most phones, for watching film. The LG device is the first smartphone that can support Netflix's higher quality HDR video streaming which makes colours more vivid. - 'Doubling down on mobile' - Netflix announced at the fair that it is set to introduce new technology that will deliver decent video quality to mobile devices while using less data. "We are doubling down on mobile," said the company's vice president of product innovation, Todd Yellin. Streaming Netflix shows on mobile phones is rising around the world and in three major markets -- India, Japan and South Korea -- people stream more Netflix video on their phones than on TV, he said. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings claims he is among the converts to watching series on mobile phones. "I watched 'The Crown' on mobile, and it was incredible, you see these great panoramas.. but when I told the writer Peter Morgan about that, he was aghast," he said, referring to the popular Netflix drama about the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign. Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy Xcover 4, the newest iteration of its line of durable Galaxy smartphones. The company has listed its features and specs, but it has yet to reveal details about the device's availability and pricing for the United States. The Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 looks pretty similar to 2015s Xcover 3 in terms of design and materials used. The device comes with a frame thats been reinforced with a rubberized coating. That rubber material is also used on the device back as well as the three physical navigation buttons up front, according to GSM Arena. Galaxy Xcover 4 Photo: Samsung Like its predecessors, the Galaxy Xcover 4 is intended to survive even in extreme conditions. This is why the handset is IP68 water and dust resistant, and is even MIL-STD 810G certified. IP68 means that the Xcover 4 can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes, while the MIL-STD 810G standard means that it can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, exposure to solar radiation and other elements. This also guarantees that the device is protected from humidity and salt water. As for the Galaxy Xcover 4s hardware specs, the device comes with a 4.9-inch 720p HD LCD touchscreen display. Although a 720p display seems like a disappointment, al least its touchscreen features will be fully functional even when users are wearing thick gloves, according to CNET. Galaxy Xcover 4 Photo: Samsung The device will be powered by Samsungs Exynos 7570 processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Storage can be expanded up to 256GB via a microSD card. The device also comes with a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera and a decent 2,900 mAh battery. On the software side of things, the Xcover 4 will run Android 7.0 Nougat straight out of the box. The Galaxy Xcover 4 will cost 259 (around US$273) in Europe where it will launch in April, according to Samsungs German newsroom website. If Samsung sticks to the way it released the Xcover 3 back in 2015, the Xcover 4 should be available in the U.S. in June. Story continues Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 Photo: Samsung Related Articles The Pirate Bay has had a years-long running battle involving rightsholders and ISPs in Sweden, and things just took a bad turn for the pirates. As TorrentFreak reports, a recent court order mandates Bredbandsbolaget, a Swedish ISP, to block access to The Pirate Bay and another torrent site. Don't Miss: Exclusive: This is the Galaxy S8 The block came against Bredbandsbolagets wishes, as the ISP thinks that no private group should be able to mandate blocking a particular site. Despite not being able to appeal this particular block, Bredbandsbolaget has pledged to fight any future blocks: We are now forced to contest any future blocking demands. It is the only way for us and other Internet operators to ensure that private players should not have the last word regarding the content that should be accessible on the Internet. According to the report, TPB is just one of 100 domain names that the ISP is required to block. However, a number of those domain names go to legitimate-seeming websites like a Minecraft forum. Its the age-old problem: if a private party is dictating to ISPs which domains are blocked, theres a good chance that some false positives are going to appear. For everyone outside of Sweden, the block isnt of particularly great significance. The Pirate Bay is not down for most international users, and as long as TPBs servers stay up and it finds a friendly country to register a domain, ISP-by-ISP blocking will remain an expensive and difficult way for rightsholders to try and prevent piracy. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com The intelligence community has come under fire from newly sworn-in President Donald Trump for what he perceives to be attacks on his own credibility. Now, with the sound bites piling up and reports of Trump refusing intelligence briefings, Reuters reports that the future of the National Security Agency and, more specifically, the recruitment and retaining of intelligence professionals is in serious jeopardy. Don't Miss: Exclusive: This is the Galaxy S8 According to the report, which references multiple sources speaking under the condition of anonymity, Trumps very public attacks on the NSA, along with a complex reorganization that has been in the works since before Trump took office, have led to a dramatic increase in the number of intelligence professionals attempting to find jobs outside of the government. When a government organizations primary function is to provide information to the people who make the important decisions, having the biggest decision-maker repeatedly bash your work is obviously going to be bad for morale. Its also not great for attracting new talent, and in an age when government-sponsored actors have repeatedly been blamed for some of the biggest security breaches in both the government and corporate landscapes, intelligence agencies need all the help that they can get. Trumps primary sticking point with the intelligence community has centered on claims of Russian intervention in the election process. Multiple reports have pinned the email hack of the Democratic Party on Russian hackers with government backing and Trump, possibly seeing such reports as attacks on the legitimacy of his own presidency, has shot back with claims that the NSA an its ilk dont know what theyre talking about. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com A sale display for the fitness wearable Fitbit is seen at a Target store on January 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California (AFP Photo/JUSTIN SULLIVAN) (GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File) San Francisco (AFP) - The global market for "wearable" computing such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and software-infused ear pieces is growing strong, according to figures release Thursday by International Data Corporation. Shipments of such gadgets hit a new quarterly high of 33.9 million units in the final three months of last year, and were up 25 percent to 102.4 million for the entire year, according to an IDC Worldwide Wearable Device Tracker report. The market is growing strong as devices evolve from serving singular purposes such as tracking how far a wearer walks to gathering more detailed health data and even having telecommunications service connections instead of relying on being synched to smartphones, the report indicated. "Health and fitness remains a major focus, but once these devices become connected to a cellular network, expect unique applications and communications capabilities to become available," IDC wearables research manger Ramon Llama said in the report. "This will also solve another key issue: freeing the device from the smartphone, creating a standalone experience." New contenders, including companies known for fashion or with specialities such as baby monitoring, are entering a market with established major players such as Apple and Google, according to the reports. "With the entrance of multiple new vendors with strengths in different industries, the wearables market is expected to maintain a positive outlook, though much of this growth is coming from vendor push rather than consumer demand," sais IDC senior research manager Jitesh Ubrani. Improving shipments of ear-worn devices, referred to in the report as "hearables," and clothing with sensors woven in, while still relatively tiny, showed promise that the market is becoming about more than just wrist-worn devices, according to IDC. Fitbit continued to dominate, losing ground but holding on to 19.2 percent of the market in the final quarter of last year, while Xiaomi's "relentless growth" nearly doubled its share to 15.2 percent. Apple was in third place with its smart watch, which "proved to be a magnificent success for the company" and accounted for 13.6 percent of the market during the quarter, according to IDC. 226,000 security personnel to be deployed for local polls The government has decided to deploy 226,000 security personnel, including temporary police, for the local elections scheduled to take place on May 14. AIIB prez calls on DPM Mahara Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) president Jin Liqun paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, at the Finance Ministry on Thursday afternoon. Bheri-Babai project hit by workers strike The construction of Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Diversion Project has come to a halt after a Nepali worker, Devendra Khatri, was assaulted by his foreman, a Chinese national, for not washing the projects vehicle. EC registers 81 parties for local polls As many as 81 political parties were registered at the Election Commission (EC) for participation in the local level elections scheduled for May 14 as the deadline for registration ended on Wednesday. FSU Prez candidate Rima kills self Twenty-year-old Rima Chhetri, a BBS first year student at Siddhartha Bahumukhi Campus in Fedikhola VDC of Syanjga district, committed suicide on Thursday. Constitution amendment: Govt bid to get partners support comes a cropper A day after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal asserted local elections as need of the hour and the agitating Madhes-based parties refused to participate in polls, Govt to construct four-lane bridge over Mahakali River The government is going to build a four-lane bridge over Mahakali River that borders Nepal and India in Kanchanpur district. Hungary ready to give Rs11b soft loan The government of Hungary has agreed to provide a soft loan of 100 million euros (approx Rs 11.20 billion) to Nepal at interest below one percent under its Line of Credit for the development of hydropower sector. Inspection of clunkers begins in Valley The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) on Wednesday started inspection of public vehicles that are more than 20 year old to enforce the government decision to take such vehicles off the Capital roads. Investment Summit from today The biggest investment summit being held in the country is kicking off on Thursday, drawing around 300 foreign delegates, mostly investors, who are expected to express commitment to invest in sectors ranging from infrastructure and mining to tourism and agriculture. Malaysia to deport North Korean detained in airport murder probe Malaysia will deport a North Korean held in connection with the death of Kim Jong Nam, and cancel visa-free entry for all North Koreans, as diplomatic ties between the two countries frayed further following the murder at Kuala Lumpur's airport. Man found dead under mysterious circumstances A man was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home in Mirchaiya, Siraha on Tuesday midnight. Manjeev Singh Puri confirmed as Indias new envoy to Nepal India has named Manjeev Singh Puri as its new ambassador to Nepal. Puri will succeed Ranjit Rae who completed his three-and-a-half-year term as the Indian ambassador to Nepal on Tuesday. Money grows on trees for Nijgadh airport project The money from the sale of trees that will be cut down at the proposed construction site of an international airport in Nijgadh will pay for half of the construction cost, officials said. NEA to import 50MW additional power Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing to import an additional 50MW electricity from India via recently-built Kataiya-Kushwaha cross-border transmission line. Nepal-bound containers stranded at Kolkata port Nearly 1,000 Nepal-bound cargo containers have been stranded at Indias Kolkata port after one of the railway tracks at the port that links Birgunjs Sirsiya Dry Port was damaged some two weeks ago. Nepal Investment Summit-2017 kicks off in Kathmandu Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said it is inevitable to bring in foreign direct investment for the country's economic development and all are unequivocal on this. One swine flu case detected in Kathmandu A person was confirmed contracting H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, at the Sukraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital at Teku in the Capital city on Thursday. Poll pains PM Dahal will be judged for holding a good election that will help enforce the constitution FSU elections: Polls held at 170 TU colleges Amid clashes and violence, the Free Students Union elections were held in around 170 constituent and affiliated colleges of the Tribhuvan University on Wednesday, with thousands of students exercising their franchise for the first time in eight years. Private investments and our duties Nepal needs to create an investment-friendly environment in order to prosper Roche trial finds new drug cocktail cuts breast cancer deaths Roche's bid to shield its ageing but lucrative oncology franchise from cheaper copies got a lift from a trial showing a new drug cocktail kept breast cancer patients alive longer. Simultaneous Taliban attacks kill at least 16 in Kabul Almost simultaneous attacks in Kabul have left at least 16 people dead and 44 injured, the health ministry says. South Asia's lawmakers meeting begins to discuss child welfare A meeting of parliamentarians from the South Asian countries began here on Thursday to discuss about the overall status of region's children and share initiatives they have taken for the welfare of children at their home countries. Translocated Rhino found dead in Bardiya National Park A rhino that was translocated to Bardiya National Park (BNP) from Chitwan last year was found dead on Wednesday. Two killed in separate accidents A motorcycle rider died after being hit by a passenger bus along the East-West highway in Golbazaar municipality-4 of Siraha on Wednesday night. 1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process. 2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive. 3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents. 4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance. Vote View Results Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has warned the minister of Kampala City Authority Betty Kamya not to dare hand over the list of the recently evicted park yard vendors unless it is generated from KCCA. Speaking during an ongoing council meeting at city hall, Lukwago said that when Kamya appeared before Parliament yesterday, she was directed to forward all the names of vendors who were operating from park yard market before it was razed down. He says that the minister has been giving a different figure of 5000 vendors claiming they were all relocated arguing that the number of vendors known by KCCA is 15,000. He has maintained that the list that Kamya must present before Parliament should come from KCCA which has authority over the city. Yesterday, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans, citing security reasons. North Koreans can currently visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without securing a visa, under a reciprocal deal. But Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that is changing as of Monday 6 March, the Bernama state news agency reports. Diplomatic ties between North Korea and Malaysia were initiated in the 1970s, and as trade in resources such as palm oil and steel increased, North Korea eventually established an embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 2003. But Mr Kims death has converted this relationship into a full-blown diplomatic rift, with Malaysia even recalling its ambassador from Pyongyang. The Minister for Kampala Affairs, Ms Beti Olive Kamya has written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kale Kayihura, requesting for 300 police officers whom she said, would be back up the existing law enforcement officers in the city. In a letter dated 9 February this year, Ms Kamya noted that nearly 70 percent of commercial activities take place in Kampala Capital City and the metropolitan area, arguing that such businesses must have their safety guaranteed. The Minister contends that almost each activity of KCCA prescribed under section 7 and the third schedule of the KCCA Act 2010 must be policed on a daily basis, for effective implementation. She further stresses that the new officers would remain staff of Uganda Police for all other purposes, but deployed in the enforcement department of KCCA on a permanent basis, unless they are transferred by Uganda Police. Her letter is also copied top the KCCA executive director, Ms Jennifer Musisi, Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, deputy Lord Mayor, Ms Sarah Kanyike and the Kampala Ministry undersecretary, Mr Samuel Baker Emiku. KCCA deputy Spokesperson, Mr Robert Kalumba confirmed having seen the Ministers letter and noted that for the last six years, the authority has been short of law enforcement officers to control trade order in the city. Related Stories KCCA Distances its self from park yard eviction KCCA council has maintained that park yard vendors should continue operating until council resolves their status By Samuel Ssebuliba President Yoweri Museveni has agreed with visiting Ethiopian Prime Minister to call an urgent summit of a section of African leaders on usage of the Nile waters. This was disclosed by president Museveni at a joint news conference held this afternoon at State house Entebbe as one of the resolutions from a closed- door meeting with Hailemariam Desalegn. He says they agreed that a summit of the Nile Basin Heads of state be called to take concrete resolutions over usage of River Nile. The president said that all countries that share river Nile are undertaking development without proper planning which has negatively impacted the ecosystem of this major natural resource. He said that although member countries have a right to use these river uniform standards must be set and followed. Meanwhile, the Government of Uganda has promised to start bi-lateral trade with the Ethiopia as part of efforts towards developing the Northern Corridor. President Museveni says Uganda has a lot of items it imports from Ethiopia and vice-versa hence the need to promote trade. The president said that respective ministers have already been directed to start highlighting goods that can be traded between two countries. From: "Janet L. Yellen" < msjanetyellen8@gmail.com > Subject: NOTIFICATION OF CREDIT FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2016 20:49:47 -0800 Payment of USD$5,500, 000, 00 Million Dollars FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Corporate Office Address: 33 LIBERTY STREET NEW YORK, NY 10045. USA Our Ref:BOA/IRU/SFE/15.5/WD/011 United States of America Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time(EDT) Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time(EDT) E-mail ( msjanetyellen5@gmail.com ) NOTIFICATION OF CREDIT FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Our Ref: BOA/NY-USA/TTD/998/10 Intentional Remittance Department UNPAID: This to official info you that Jacob Joseph Jack Lew". the New Secretary of the Treasury under the U.S Department of the Treasury. The executive agency responsible for promoting economic prosperity and ensuring the financial security of the United States. was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 27, 2013, to serve as the 76th Secretary of the Treasury. Prior to my appointment as the 76th Secretary of the Treasury, have previously served as White House Chief of Staff. Prior to that role, was the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), a position he also held in President Clinton's Cabinet from 1998 to 2001. Before returning to OMB in 2010, he first joined the Obama Administration as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. so you see that he does work with the federal reserve bank. you see the more reason why you should be careful with the kind of email you receive and responds to. I want you to understand that My verification towards your payment confirms to me that you have been dealing with wrong people. You must have to be very careful on how you deal with scammer for we have been working seriously to ensure the receipt of your payment. If you really want to get paid, then you have to stop comunicating with all these fake officials that are working around you. for the immediate deleivering of your ATM CARD.Be rest assured that we have reach to an agreement with all the authorities involved that your compensation funds Thanks for Banking with Federal Reserve Bank New York while we looking forward to serving you better. 33 LIBERTY STREET NEW YORK, NY 10045. USA Credit Control / Telex Dept. Janet L. Yellen Chairman Director Federal Reserve Bank New York, CC: FBI CC: United Nation To: Undisclosed-recipients:; Subject: CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK. Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 15:33:36 +0000 FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK. 33 Liberty St, New York, NY 10045, United States. 12/21/2016 Attn: Dear Fund Beneficiary, Merry Christmas to you dear valued customer, we have this day 21th December 2016 received a payment credit instruction from The President Barack Obama USA to credit your account with your full Inheritance fund of USD$10,500,000 dollars from the United Nation reserve account with our bank, Federal Reserve. However, you shall required to provide the followings data's below: {1}. Your Full Name and Address.: {2}. Your Confidential Tel, Cell and Fax. {3). Your Bank name and address.: {4). Your A/c Name and A/c Numbers.: (5). Your Swift Code / Routing Numbers.: (6). A passport photograph Please do provide the above information accurately, because this office cannot afford to be held liable for any wrong transfer of funds or liability of funds credited into unknown account. Thanks for banking with FRBNY while we looking forward to serving you with the best of our service. Yours in Service, Mrs. Janet Yellen Chairman Federal Reserve Bank of New York. From: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NEW YORK < federal.reserve1@outlook.com >To: Undisclosed-recipients:;Subject: CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK.Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2016 15:33:36 +0000 From: MS JANET L YELLEN < msjanetyellen5@gmail.com > Subject: NOTIFICATION OF CREDIT FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2016 03:57:27 -0800 Payment of USD$5,500, 000, 00 Million Dollars FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Corporate Office Address: 33 LIBERTY STREET NEW YORK, NY 10045. USA Our Ref:BOA/IRU/SFE/15.5/WD/011 United States of America Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time(EDT) Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time(EDT) E-mail ( msjanetyellen5@gmail.com ) NOTIFICATION OF CREDIT FROM FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK Our Ref: BOA/NY-USA/TTD/998/10 Intentional Remittance Department UNPAID: Good morning to you my dear beloved brother merry Christmas to you and your family .This is in regards to your request below is the contact email of JACOB JOSEPH JACK LEW < jacobjlew@ustreasurymail.com > . So you have to get back to me with your personal information because every arrangement has being made in regards to your payment. your urgent responds is needed. thank you and god bless DELIVERY INFORMATION NEEDED FROM YOU ALSO URGENTLY 1. Your Full Name: 2 Direct Tel: 3. Delivery Address 4. Choose ONE Preferable Payment Method (Visa ATM Card OR Cashier Check):_ _ _ _ _ _ _ - Hide quoted text - Thanks for Banking with Federal Reserve Bank New York while we looking forward to serving you better. 33 LIBERTY STREET NEW YORK, NY 10045. USA Credit Control / Telex Dept. Janet L. Yellen Chairman Director Federal Reserve Bank New York, CC: FBI CC: United Nation From: MRS JANET L. YELLEN < ckuperman@arnet.com.ar > To: undisclosed-recipients:; Sent: Fri, Jan 6, 2017 8:07 am Subject: OVER-DUE PAYMENT RELEASED. FINALLY, YOUR FUND IS NOW HERE IN THE USA AWAITING TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR ADDRESS. MRS. JANET L. YELLEN Administrative Judge, 1st Judicial District 60 Centre Street, Room 512 New York, New York 10007 Law Clerks: Andrea Field, Esq. Hasa Kingo, Esq. OVER-DUE PAYMENT RELEASED. FINALLY, YOUR FUND IS NOW HERE IN THE USA AWAITING TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR ADDRESS. The reconciliation of accounting data to budgetary data is required under Government Code ( GC ) sections 12460 and 13344. GC 12460 requires information in the State Controller's Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report to account for funds on the same basis as that of the applicable Governor's Budget. GC 13344 requires departments to prepare and maintain financial and accounting data for the Governor's Budget and related documents, and the Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report described in GC 12460, according to the methods and bases provided in regulations, budget letters, and other directives of Department of Finance ( Finance ). By law, year-end financial reports must be prepared consistent with the applicable budget. Information provided to Finance for the Governor's Budget must be consistent with information provided to the State Controller's Office ( SCO ) for the Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report. The following instructions will assist departmental accounting and budget staff to reconcile year-end financial reports to budget schedules in accordance with government code and state policy. Sequel to the above specifications, the management of the Fund Reconciliation Department here in New York City USA, wishes to let you know that every precept regarding your funds has been concluded. You will be receiving your funds from this Surrogate Court any moment from now. We take, keep and make report of every transaction done here in the USA. Investigations gathered by the Fund Regulatory Agency { IMF }, shows you have been receiving numerous emails from several offices requesting you to claim your funds. In some cases, you tried a lot but still the transfer or delivery was not completed due to one reason or the other. The fact is that you are stuck between the chains which make it impossible for you to differentiate the real office from it's counterfeit. We noticed that the only real offices that had ever contacted you in respect to your funds were United State Embassy Benin Republic and Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It was brought to our notice that the former Ambassador to the republic of Benin, Ambassador James Knight, made voluntary effort to bring your funds along to your home address but couldn't due to some fall-out on your ends. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York came up to make a wire transfer but they said you couldn't meet up with the fee demand for the transfer, so they gave up on you. In a more proper and legalized manner, the International Monetary Fund and the Federal Reserve Bank solicited us Fund Reconciliation Department to allow your fund to be written as a Check or Credited as Visa Card and be shipped to your home address through the USA Priority Express Mail. These options, we supposed could be the best, easiest and the most efficient way to have you get hold of your long awaited United Nations approved funds. Like you were told by the Federal Reserve Bank aforementioned, your funds was transferred from about four different banks; Central Bank of Nigeria, United Bank of Africa Benin Republic, Bank of America and Nat west bank London. In total, your funds were amounting to the tune of USD23.8 Million United State Dollars As we speak, your funds have been credited in your Visa Card and also available as Cashier's Check well documented and packaged. The documented package will be shipped to your mailing address by the USA Priority Express Mail here in NY, USA. The ONLY thing needed before we can POST your ATM CARD or CHECK is the PROCUREMENT FILE of your funds. The procurement file is at the Origin Country of your funds in West Africa Cotonou Benin Republic. For the purpose to avoiding double payment on your end, we had an agreement with the IMF and Federal Reserve to document every charge necessary until the package gets to your home address. The analytical group of the two offices mentioned above had an accurate sum of USD78.00 for Procurement. So it was constituted and officially submitted to the "Court of Justice" that the ONLY charge you will EVER pay before your package leaves our office here in USA to your home address is USD78.00 for your Procurement File to be signed and conveyed down here in the USA and YOU WILL NEVER pay a dime again as agreed. We are renowned and reputable USA Agency and we don't like an undocumented process that is why it had to be written down in Court that you will never pay any other money apart from the US$78. The USD78.00 is for "PROCUREMENT FEE" ( That is for some one to sign your file on your behalf ). USA Ambassador to Benin Republic, "Ambassador James Knight", who will be coming to the United State in few days will have the Power of Attorney to stand in and sign on your behalf ( since you can't travel down to Benin because of that ) so that he can sign and bring along with him your PROCUREMENT FILE to us here to enable us POST your loaded ATM CARD or WRITTEN CHECK to your mailing address via Priority Express Mail without any hitch. However, according to our agreement with the originated Cotonou Benin Republic, all our communications should be on email for record purpose so follow my instruction accordingly, even if you don't have the $78.00 try to borrow it and send it immediately today because this is your life opportunity and I don't want you to lose the chance any more. Therefore, the days of you being subjected to paying twice Double Payment is over as that is the case with some corrupt officials down there in Africa, whom always strife to subject beneficiaries to hard bureaucratic bottleneck, thereby making it impossible for most innocent citizens spread across the globe and the likes to claim what rightfully belongs to them. Thank GOD that your funds are here in NEW YORK SURROGATE COURT, USA and so we decided to follow the USA constitutions so as to ensure that your money is in your hands this weekend. Without mincing words, it will be desirous if you consciously adhere to the above instruction by remitting the PROCUREMENT FEE calculated to be US$78.00 down to the office of Ambassador James Knight at the USA Consulate/Embassy in Benin so that your ATM CARD or you're Check depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as the Ambassador arrives here with your procurement file. The PROCUREMENT FEE of USD78.00 is PAYABLE in two payment options: RECEIVER'S NAME FOR WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER OR MONEY GRAM MONEY TRANSFER Recipient: Name: Eric Eze Country: Benin Republic. City: Cotonou. Amount: USD$78.00. MTCN: SENDERS NAME: We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Name which you prefer we use when shipping your Check 2. Your Current mailing ( Delivery ) Address where your Check should be mailed 3. Your Private Mobile Number for the Priority Express Mail to Contact You when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. Regards, MRS. JANET L. YELLEN To: undisclosed-recipients:; Sent: Sun, Jan 8, 2017 1:08 am Subject: YOUR ATM CARD 2017. GET BACK TO ME TODAY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK ADDRESS: 33 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y 10038. ATTN: FUND BENEFICIARY, Re: ATM Card payment notification. This is to officially inform you that the bank Federal Reserve Board New York Branch has concluded in the meeting today over your long overdue contract payment and agreed that your payment worth US$10.500,000.00 will be released to you through ATM Master Card which will be delivered to you directly to your home address. However, you are further advised to know that all arrangement has been completed long ago for the immediate dispatch to your residency, you have to reply back to us as soon as possible with the below DATA' to enable the Ups shipping department proceed with the immediate dispatch tomorrow been Monday dated 9th of January 2017 on your behalf. Finally, this is very urgent and important the bank are waiting to hear from you right away today, Bear in mind that the tracking number of your parcel will be given to you immediately the Processing charge and Stamp fee which will not cost you much is received to avoid any immediate STOP ORDER from the United Nation office. Note That Because Of Impostors, We Hereby Issued You Our Code Of Conduct, Which Is (ATM-2017) So You Have To Indicate This Code When replying back to us By Using It As Your Subject. Get back to us with this information needed, Full Names: Your Address: Country: Direct Number: Your Age And Occupation: A scan copy of your ID card or passport: Reply back to us accordingly; The bank Wait For Your Expedite Response. Yours in Service, Ms.Janet L. Yellen Chairman Federal Reserve Board New York Email: From: FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK < kennethlarry023@gmail.com >To: undisclosed-recipients:;Sent: Sun, Jan 8, 2017 1:08 amSubject: YOUR ATM CARD 2017. GET BACK TO ME TODAYFEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORKADDRESS: 33 LIBERTY STREET,NEW YORK, N.Y 10038.ATTN: FUND BENEFICIARY,Re: ATM Card payment notification.This is to officially inform you that the bank Federal Reserve BoardNew York Branch has concluded in the meeting today over your longoverdue contract payment and agreed that your payment worthUS$10.500,000.00 will be released to you through ATM Master Card whichwill be delivered to you directly to your home address.However, you are further advised to know that all arrangement has beencompleted long ago for the immediate dispatch to your residency, youhave to reply back to us as soon as possible with the below DATA' toenable the Ups shipping department proceed with the immediate dispatchtomorrow been Monday dated 9th of January 2017 on your behalf.Finally, this is very urgent and important the bank are waiting tohear from you right away today, Bear in mind that the tracking numberof your parcel will be given to you immediately the Processing chargeand Stamp fee which will not cost you much is received to avoid anyimmediate STOP ORDER from the United Nation office.Note That Because Of Impostors, We Hereby Issued You Our Code OfConduct, Which Is (ATM-2017) So You Have To Indicate This Code Whenreplying back to us By Using It As Your Subject.Get back to us with this information needed,Full Names:Your Address:Country:Direct Number:Your Age And Occupation:A scan copy of your ID card or passport:Reply back to us accordingly; The bank Wait For Your Expedite Response.Yours in Service,Ms.Janet L. YellenChairman Federal Reserve Board New YorkEmail: fundsdelivery@hotmail.com From: FROM BANK FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK. < ms.jenny1910@gmail.com > To: undisclosed-recipients:; Sent: Fri, Jan 13, 2017 11:47 am Subject: ATTN: FUND BENEFICIARY !!! FROM BANK FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK. FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NEW YORK 33 LIBERTY STREET NEW YORK, NY 10045. USA. E-mail: ( janatyellen32@yahoo.com NOTIFICATION OF CREDIT FROM BANK FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD NEW YORK. ATTN: FUND BENEFICIARY OFFICIAL NOTICE: this is to Notify you that all they Entire Board Members of Directors Federal Reserve Board New York City NY Branch and they Board Members / HOMELAND DEPARTMENT / FBI/ have finalized and Signed the Final Release of your long approved Funds which will be release to you Right Away VIA ATM CARD soonest you are ready to follow the last instruction given to you as Authorized and send the sum of $250.00 only to enable the Final Fund Release Clearance Certificates that back up your Long Approved Fund STAMP AND SIGN by they Federal High Court New York USA so that your funds will be Release to you as we have concluded every necessary arrangement and agreed over the last meeting Today been Wednesday 11th Of January 2017, Further more, they Federal Reserve Board New York City NY Branch have finalized to make sure you confirm your compensation payment as well. the Bank is very much aware that you have fallen into Wrong Hands so many times by Hoodlums and touts who go about scamming innocent people by claiming to be who they are not and thereby Tarnishing the image of this wonderful country. They Federal Reserve Board New York City NY Branch wish to notify you that it is obvious that you have not received your Funds which is now in the amount of $11,000,000.00 USD (Eleven Million United States Dollars) as a compensation award to you, Due to past corrupt Governmental Officials who almost Held your Fund to themselves for their selfish reasons and some individuals who have taken advantage of your Funds all in an attempt to swindle your fund which has led to unnecessary delay in the receipt of Your Funds and so many losses from your end. Please, you should know that Argument or delay can not do any thing or solve this problem if you can not find solution to solve this matter by trying your possible best for the final conclusion of this Transaction and send only $250.00 Right Away it means that i have no Other Option than to make down my Report. kindly get back to us as well with the MTCN and also be advice to reconfirm your full Delivery Address to avoid any Wrong Delivery of package . Your Full Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Your House Address:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Home/Cell/Phone Number:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Note that below is the approved payment information which you are advice to proceed and send the only approved fee needed to the approved payment Receiver Agent . Note that below is the approved payment information which you are advice to proceed and send the only approved fee needed to the approved payment Receiver Agent RECEIVERS NAME: Clayton Hampton ADDRESS: Jonesboro Arkansas USA AMOUNT TO SEND $250 DOLLARS ONLY. M.T.C#. . . . Please bear in mind that i have tried all my possible best here to make sure that you received your fund, so note that you will see me as an honest Woman of God, i can never ever lie to you neither to betray you, i have not practice lies in my life once before. i want you to believed me, try and make the payment as soon as possible and received your fund. Your package will be sent to you within 2 working days upon confirmation receipt of the fee. We are so sure of everything and we are giving you a 100% money back guarantee if you do not receive payment/package within the next 48hrs after you have made the payment for shipping. Finally, this is very urgent and important the bank are waiting to hear from you today as soon as you send the money to the proper information given to you over this payment, waiting to hear from you with Good News in other to proceed further. Note That Because Of Impostors, We Hereby Issued You Our Code Of Conduct, Which Is ( FRB ATM PAYMENT 2017 ) So You Have To Indicate This Code When replying back to us By Using It As Your Subject, Please bear in mind that i have tried all my possible best here to make sure that you received your fund, so note that you will see me as an honest Woman of God, i can never ever lie to you neither to betray you, i have not practice lies in my life once before. i want you to believed me, try and make the payment as soon as possible and received your fund.Your package will be sent to you within 2 working days upon confirmation receipt of the fee. We are so sure of everything and we are giving you a 100% money back guarantee if you do not receive payment/package within the next 48hrs after you have made the payment for shipping.Finally, this is very urgent and important the bank are waiting to hear from you today as soon as you send the money to the proper information given to you over this payment, waiting to hear from you with Good News in other to proceed further.Note That Because Of Impostors, We Hereby Issued You Our Code Of Conduct, Which IsSo You Have To Indicate This Code When replying back to us By Using It As Your Subject, View the attachment. Reply back to us accordingly: Thanks and God Bless You Yours sincerely, Mrs. Janet L. Yellen From: FEDERAL RESERVE Send date: 2017/1/25 (Wed) 4:35 PM Subject: ATTENTION: {IMMEDIATE STOP ORDER TO THE TRANSFER OF $ 11,700,000.00USD} USEPA WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON BUILDING NORTH (WJC NORTH) 1200 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE N.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20004,USA ATTENTION: IMMEDIATE STOP ORDER TO THE TRANSFER OF $ 1 1,700,000.00USD IN YOUR FAVOR It has come to the notice of We the Federal Reserve Bank through our intelligence monitoring network that JP MORGAN CHASE BANK HEAD OF ADMIN, 270 PARK AVENUE,NEW YORK,NY 10017,USA transferred the sum of $11,700,000.00USD {ELEVEN MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED UNITED STATE DOLLARS via telegraphic wire transfer to your BANK on the 23rd, January, 2017 in your favor. However the transfer was meant to hit your account today 25th, January, 2017 which is today, the transfer after due investigation was stopped and now placed on transfer restriction by this Agency in line with article 102, section 36, sub-section IV of 2001 financial and allied matters act, guiding against illegal transfer. Following this development, we wish to intimate you of the consequences of remitting such huge sum of money without complying fully with financial regulations 20 of 2001 which stipulates that any amount of such magnitude must be accompanied with immunity seal of transfer bill clearance certificate which will dully guarantee you the beneficiary to this fund and also clear the fund of all illegally related activities by virtue of the powers conferred on us as the accredited monitoring intelligence agency here in USA solely responsible for issuance of the above certified certificate and coverage for such huge amount. We therefore, wish to inform you to furnish us with the required certified certificate within 72hrs. This certificate stands to empower you legally as the bonafide beneficiary of the stipulated funds. Meanwhile in case you do not have this clearance certificate, get back to us so that our legal department will work side by side in assisting you to obtain the clearance document but you will be responsible to pay for the legal processing service charges and document issuance levied charges. The issuance of immunity seal of transfer/clean bill clearance certificate cost $1,300.00 USD while the legal service charge cost $150.00 USD this means the total sum $1 ,450.00 USD {One Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty United State Dollars} is requested within 72hrs to issue you the above mentioned clearance certificate to avoid confiscation/prosecution for misconduct/violation of law. As soon as we receive this payment, we shall immediately issue you the vital certificates and have your funds hit your account within six hours without any further delay Be advice that your urgent response is needed Yours Faithfully JANET L. YELLEN CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS{FEDERAL RESERVE BANK} WASHINGTON DC,UNITED STATE OF AMERICA TEL: +12396734712 ATTENTION:Following this development, we wish to intimate you of the consequences of remitting such huge sum of money without complying fully with financial regulations 20 of 2001 which stipulates that any amount of such magnitude must be accompanied with immunity seal of transfer bill clearance certificate which will dully guarantee you the beneficiary to this fund and also clear the fund of all illegally related activities by virtue of the powers conferred on us as the accredited monitoring intelligence agency here in USA solely responsible for issuance of the above certified certificate and coverage for such huge amount.We therefore, wish to inform you to furnish us with the required certified certificate within 72hrs. This certificate stands to empower you legally as the bonafide beneficiary of the stipulated funds. Meanwhile in case you do not have this clearance certificate, get back to us so that our legal department will work side by side in assisting you to obtain the clearance document but you will be responsible to pay for the legal processing service charges and document issuance levied charges. The issuance of immunity seal of transfer/clean bill clearance certificate cost $1,300.00 USD while the legal service charge cost $150.00 USD this means the total sum $1 ,450.00 USD {One Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty United State Dollars} is requested within 72hrs to issue you the above mentioned clearance certificate to avoid confiscation/prosecution for misconduct/violation of law.As soon as we receive this payment, we shall immediately issue you the vital certificates and have your funds hit your account within six hours without any further delayBe advice that your urgent response is needed To: undisclosed recipients: ; Sent: Wed, Jan 25, 2017 9:50 am Subject: THIS IS MRS JANET L. YELLEN, GET BACK TO ME! MRS. JANET L. YELLEN Administrative Judge, 1st Judicial District 60 Centre Street, Room 512 New York, New York 10007 Law Clerks: Andrea Field, Esq. Hasa Kingo, Esq. OVER-DUE PAYMENT RELEASED. FINALLY, YOUR FUND IS NOW HERE IN THE USA AWAITING TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR ADDRESS. The reconciliation of accounting data to budgetary data is required under Government Code ( GC ) sections 12460 and 13344. GC 12460 requires information in the State Controller's Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report to account for funds on the same basis as that of the applicable Governor's Budget. GC 13344 requires departments to prepare and maintain financial and accounting data for the Governor's Budget and related documents, and the Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report described in GC 12460, according to the methods and bases provided in regulations, budget letters, and other directives of Department of Finance ( Finance ). By law, year-end financial reports must be prepared consistent with the applicable budget. Information provided to Finance for the Governor's Budget must be consistent with information provided to the State Controller's Office ( SCO ) for the Budgetary/Legal Basis Annual Report. The following instructions will assist departmental accounting and budget staff to reconcile year-end financial reports to budget schedules in accordance with government code and state policy. Sequel to the above specifications, the management of the Fund Reconciliation Department here in New York City USA, wishes to let you know that every precept regarding your funds has been concluded. You will be receiving your funds from this Surrogate Court any moment from now. We take, keep and make report of every transaction done here in the USA. Investigations gathered by the Fund Regulatory Agency { IMF }, shows you have been receiving numerous emails from several offices requesting you to claim your funds. In some cases, you tried a lot but still the transfer or delivery was not completed due to one reason or the other. The fact is that you are stuck between the chains which make it impossible for you to differentiate the real office from it's counterfeit. We noticed that the only real offices that had ever contacted you in respect to your funds were United State Embassy Benin Republic and Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It was brought to our notice that the former Ambassador to the republic of Benin, Ambassador James Knight, made voluntary effort to bring your funds along to your home address but couldn't due to some fall-out on your ends. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York came up to make a wire transfer but they said you couldn't meet up with the fee demand for the transfer, so they gave up on you. In a more proper and legalized manner, the International Monetary Fund and the Federal Reserve Bank solicited us Fund Reconciliation Department to allow your fund to be written as a Check or Credited as Visa Card and be shipped to your home address through the USA Priority Express Mail. These options, we supposed could be the best, easiest and the most efficient way to have you get hold of your long awaited United Nations approved funds. Like you were told by the Federal Reserve Bank aforementioned, your funds was transferred from about four different banks; Central Bank of Nigeria, United Bank of Africa Benin Republic, Bank of America and Nat west bank London. In total, your funds were amounting to the tune of USD23.8 Million United State Dollars As we speak, your funds have been credited in your Visa Card and also available as Cashier's Check well documented and packaged. The documented package will be shipped to your mailing address by the USA Priority Express Mail here in NY, USA. The ONLY thing needed before we can POST your ATM CARD or CHECK is the PROCUREMENT FILE of your funds. The procurement file is at the Origin Country of your funds in West Africa Cotonou Benin Republic. For the purpose to avoiding double payment on your end, we had an agreement with the IMF and Federal Reserve to document every charge necessary until the package gets to your home address. The analytical group of the two offices mentioned above had an accurate sum of USD78.00 for Procurement. So it was constituted and officially submitted to the "Court of Justice" that the ONLY charge you will EVER pay before your package leaves our office here in USA to your home address is USD78.00 for your Procurement File to be signed and conveyed down here in the USA and YOU WILL NEVER pay a dime again as agreed. We are renowned and reputable USA Agency and we don't like an undocumented process that is why it had to be written down in Court that you will never pay any other money apart from the US$78. The USD78.00 is for "PROCUREMENT FEE" ( That is for some one to sign your file on your behalf ). USA Ambassador to Benin Republic, "Ambassador James Knight", who will be coming to the United State in few days will have the Power of Attorney to stand in and sign on your behalf ( since you can't travel down to Benin because of that ) so that he can sign and bring along with him your PROCUREMENT FILE to us here to enable us POST your loaded ATM CARD or WRITTEN CHECK to your mailing address via Priority Express Mail without any hitch. However, according to our agreement with the originated Cotonou Benin Republic, all our communications should be on email for record purpose so follow my instruction accordingly, even if you don't have the $78.00 try to borrow it and send it immediately today because this is your life opportunity and I don't want you to lose the chance any more. Therefore, the days of you being subjected to paying twice Double Payment is over as that is the case with some corrupt officials down there in Africa, whom always strife to subject beneficiaries to hard bureaucratic bottleneck, thereby making it impossible for most innocent citizens spread across the globe and the likes to claim what rightfully belongs to them. Thank GOD that your funds are here in NEW YORK SURROGATE COURT, USA and so we decided to follow the USA constitutions so as to ensure that your money is in your hands this weekend. Without mincing words, it will be desirous if you consciously adhere to the above instruction by remitting the PROCUREMENT FEE calculated to be US$78.00 down to the office of Ambassador James Knight at the USA Consulate/Embassy in Benin so that your ATM CARD or you're Check depending on your choice, could be shipped to your home address as soon as the Ambassador arrives here with your procurement file. The PROCUREMENT FEE of USD78.00 is PAYABLE in two payment options: RECEIVER'S NAME FOR WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER OR MONEY GRAM MONEY TRANSFER Recipient: Name: Eric Eze Country: Benin Republic. City: Cotonou. Text Question: Fastest Text Answer: Way Amount: USD$78.00. MTCN: SENDERS NAME: We hope your immediate positive response with payment details or payment slip attachment once you make the payment to enable a speedy shipment of your Check to your home address. Kindly Still Update Us With: 1. Your Name which you prefer we use when shipping your Check 2. Your Current mailing ( Delivery ) Address where your Check should be mailed 3. Your Private Mobile Number for the Priority Express Mail to Contact You when they arrive at your door step. Once again, we are sorry for the inconveniences you might have encountered in the past, in pursuit of your funds. Now that this office, Fund Reconciliation Department is involved, you will have no cause to ever regret again as soon as you adhere to the above given instructions. Regards, MRS. JANET L. YELLEN From: MRS. JANET L. YELLEN < officess19865@gmail.com >To: undisclosed recipients: ;Sent: Wed, Jan 25, 2017 9:50 amSubject: THIS IS MRS JANET L. YELLEN, GET BACK TO ME! If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results LIGONIER The Ligonier Public Library is planning a trip to Chicago in June for local residents. The June 28 trip includes a visit to Navy Pier and a ticket to Broadway in Chicagos Aladdin at a total cost of $84 per person. More details will be available as the trip draws nearer, but those interested can contact Angie or Jed at the library for more information. For those interested in adding to their home collection, library staff recently sorted through the childrens nonfiction shelves and purged hundreds of books, ranging from arts to history, that can be taken home with a freewill donation to the library. Also new at the library is a preschool play date taking place from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 24. The open playtime will be used to help children develop their imagination and dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. An Indiana State Park pass is also available through the library. With a library card, patrons can check out a park pass to be used at a state park. The pass is good for one week. Visit the adult circulation desk for more information. Other activities taking place in March include: Lego Club, 4:30-6 p.m., today and March 16. Creations will be displayed in the library for two weeks. Crafty Crew: Head Trash, 6:30 p.m., March 7. Participants can bring items from home to create a sculpture resembling a face out of found or recycled objects. They will be displayed at the library. Build Your Own Leprechaun Trap, 4:30 p.m., March 9. Children, especially those who like to tinker and build, are encouraged to sign up for this program to use supplies from around the library to build a trap to catch a leprechaun. Moana movie night, 4:30 p.m., March 23. Free popcorn and soda will be provided. Novel Points Book Club: Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, 5:30 p.m., March 27. Pick up a copy of the book, which is set two decades after To Kill a Mockingbird, at the adult circulation desk. Princess in Black Party, 4:30 p.m., March 30. Children can dress up for the program, which will include drinking cocoa, eating scones, making masks and fighting monsters. Sign-up is required to attend. ANGOLA SPEAK for the Earth hosted a powerful followup on Standing Rock Native American Reservation in North Dakota. We the 7th, a documentary produced by Mariano Avila, inclusion reporter for WGVU, a public broadcasting affiliate associated with Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, had its first official screening Tuesday night in Best Hall at Trine University. SPEAK for the Earth, Trines environmental group, hosted speakers Avila, Lin Bardwell and Seth Sutton, returning from a November presentation. We the 7th, an offshoot of a 2014 project focusing on Native American culture in Michigan, follows Bardwell and Sutton to North Dakota. The two encounter road blocks then become part of a resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline, which skirts Native American property and threatens to cut under the Missouri River. Those that began gathering at Standing Rock about year ago call themselves Water Protectors. Native Americans believe they are responsible not just for life now, but for the lives of their ancestors seven generations into the past, and seven generations into the future. We the 7th explains that in detail, which explains why the Native Americans at Standing Rock care about the drinking water four centuries from now. It is not just Native Americans that have joined the Standing Rock resistance, said Tuesdays speakers. Environmentalists from across the globe have pledged allegiance to the effort, which coalesced once-rivaling tribes into an ever-strengthening movement. Bardwell is a graduate student in public administration at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, and chairs the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission. She serves as project coordinator and spokesperson for Gi-gikinomaage-min (We are all teachers): Defend Our History, Unlock Your Spirit, which documents the experience of Native American elders who lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the federal relocation period in the mid-20th century. Sutton, a member of the Anishinaabe, is owner of Big Thicket Media in Rockford, Michigan, and adjunct faculty member at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan. Tuesday, they launched the final version of We the 7th, which has been available in parts on the WGVU web site since last year. They also launched a web site: wethe7th.org. It will soon have a link to the complete version of We the 7th, which will also be available on DVD. Those in attendance Tuesday seemed passionate about the subject. Questions and comments ranged from renewable energy to legislation before the justice department in Washington D.C. filed by private landowners in North Dakota challenging the Dakota Access Pipelines imminent domain rights. How important is clean water? Water is a source of life, said George Pifer, a member of the Steuben Lake Regional Waste District Board of Directors. He said the conversation should be on water, encouraging the public to understand the fragility of the natural resource. Bardwell warned that pipeline sources are selling people on pipelines are safe. They are not safe, she said, and have been proven to pollute and disrupt the environment. Saturday, Bardwell plans to travel to Gainesville, Florida to help set up the Three Fires Alliance host tent for a protest of a pipeline there. The efforts at Standing Rock started a groundswell, and the creators of We the 7th are part of the movement. More presentations are planned at universities across Michigan. The Three Fires Alliance plans to have a presence at sites across the U.S. and Canada. Trine has been a guinea pig as far as how to do public forums and how to talk about this publicly, said Sutton. Now we have some action plans. Novembers presentation in Best Hall, which started with a cultural forum on Native Americans, was very well attended and many returned on Tuesday. Brandy DePriest, advisor for SPEAK for the Earth, said the student organization supports the Standing Rock movement. Barwell and Sutton encouraged people to seek out the truth, and not believe everything they hear in the media. Recent reports about an abandoned camp at Standing Rock dont tell the whole story, said Bardwell. They did cut off all trash removal, she said. We are there and they are diligently working to clean it up. In the meantime, she said, Morton County, North Dakota municipal trash services have dumped their trucks at the site. I never had heard of axolotls until grandson Jack told me he was getting one for his new aquarium. Curious, I googled the term, finding an image that was at first startling, then endearing. The axolotl is odd looking on several counts not the least of which are its wide-spaced eyes that afflicted me with an earworm of Bette Davis Eyes. Lucky I like the song, because it still rattles through the space in my head where other people store brains. With apologies to Kim Carnes, I paraphrase the following with words that require tweaked cadences: Some axolotls are Harlow gold, With lips that are a stark surprise But the sight to behold Are those axolotyl eyes. Most axolotls, who also have six fuzzy things like curls protruding from their heads, are cuter than Shirley Temples dimples; others are as repugnant as roaches. I also stumbled across a CD album titled Axolotl Eyes, the cover of which has two humans with masks that look like axolotyls. However, their bodies are otherwise nekkid, so I was surprised that you can buy the CD at the normally prudish Wal-Mart. Axolotls are exotic salamanders, but they rarely take advantage of their four legs and amphibiandexterity to leave the water. They are native to Mexico, although some are endangered. They might be able to regroup, say, if a wall were built and kept them sequestered in their own country. I can see why 13-year-old Jack would be attracted to axolotyls because hes always had quirky tastes. At an early age, he became a fan of TV programs about snakes, lizards and dinosaurs especially those featuring gore that might cause others to lose their Apple Jacks. Jack and I watched one program when he was 4 or 5 in which a snake hunter was trying to capture anacondas in a watery cave contaminated with tons of bat dung. One snake eluded his grasp and bit him on the bum, drawing blood and requiring an immediate helicopter evacuation for emergency medical care to avoid an inevitable infection. Jack got such a kick out of it that he squealed, Ohmigosh, the snake bit him in the BUTT-hock! (You know how kids are, when they get thisclose to a word but justmiss it.) For days, Jack told everybody he saw about the snake that bit the guy in the BUTT-hock. There is no such danger with axolotyls, because their rudimentary teeth are designed for gripping instead of biting. And most of them have faces with an angelic quality. I still havent seen one in real life, because Jack was trying to stabilize the tank water when Grandma Kate and I visited his family in Florida a couple of weeks back. (Interesting aside: I had introduced Jack and his three brothers Vincent, Luke and Patrick, whom I collectively call my Four Horsemen to Kate as MsKate when they met her seven years ago. The name stuck after Kate and I married a year later. (That was fitting, because she isnt their grandma and, technically, Im their step-grandfather. However, I had grown so close to them and their mom, Melissa, that I eventually dropped the step prefix, preferring the simplified familial titles of grandkids and daughter even after their grandma and I broke up. (During our visit, Melissa told us that the boys had decided that the honorific term of MsKate was too impersonal Its like what you call a neighbor, like Miss Julie next door, Patrick opined and they asked to use a title with a grandmotherly feel. (Kate and I took that as a supreme compliment. So now, shes Grandma Kate instead of MsKate, and I remain PapaMike or, my favorite nickname, PikeMike, the moniker Jack used as a rugrat who couldnt pronounce PapaMike.) Back on topic: Jacks gift of gab is so smooth that he can talk about anything as if he were an expert almost as if he were The Most Interesting Young Man in the World. Even when you know he is making things up as he goes along, he is so convincing that you believe him. He also is a bit of a wise guy. Background: Im a firm believer in not throwing food away, even beyond its time. Melissa and husband Skip have long teased me about that habit, especially because they seem to think their food-service backgrounds qualify them to be federal food fuzz. On the first morning of our visit, I was emptying coffee grounds into the wastebasket and noticed a discarded half-baguette of bread in a plastic bag. It was only two days beyond the sell-by date, so I salvaged it. I used it to make a sandwich with a piece of Swiss cheese nearing expiration and two pieces of outdated ham that Melissa had said, jokingly, that she had saved for me to suit my miserly ways. When Melissa came home from work, she expressed surprise that the bread was on the counter, because she thought she had pitched it. I explained that I had rescued it. That evening, during a lively debate over what game to play, I refused to play Speak Out because it requires players to shove an uncomfortable, plastic dental-appliance-like thing into their mouths and try to talk. Im not putting something in my mouth thats been in somebody elses, I insisted. Casually looking up from his smartphone, Jack said something like, Youre the one who took bread out of the garbage and made a sandwich, right? Best zinger of the year, so far, and everybody rolled their axolotyl eyes. I cant wait to fire a salvo of my own, but I havent been able to think up a clever riposte. HOLMEN Thing 1 and Thing 2 and the Cat in the Hat visited Viking Elementary to say readings where its at. Gifts for students the trio had, and when kids received books, their hearts were glad. A donation from the Wisconsin Education Association Council it was, to celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday and just because. Read Across America is an annual tradition, and the National Education Associations makes reading the programs mission. Having written more than 40 childrens books in his day, Theodore Geisel as the programs face was the easy play. A gift of $500 WEAC President Ron Martin did share, to honor this years flagship school and all the teachers do there. To promote literacy is Read Across Americas goal, and books he did read not in part but in whole. Reading is essential, the teachers union president did say. If students cant read, theyll have trouble all day. A morning assembly the students had, and all had fun and none left mad. The Cat in the Hat was read and songs in praise of Seuss were sung, and as a special treat cupcakes from Festival Foods were brung. To honor students who achieved their mission, one in each grade was named assistant principal an important position. And though Dr. Seuss has long been dead, a song for his 113th birthday the Viking Express choir led. And Dont Stop Reading, they also performed, to the tune of Dont Stop Believing and a fun reward. As a final treat, leftover green eggs from breakfast were found, and students competed in a green eggs and ham relay, full of raucous sound. A week of events the school employed, but it was crazy hair day the fifth-grader Tess Molling most enjoyed. Her classmate Audra Newman, a blond-haired lass, said both of them loved reading, without the slightest hint of sass. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was Newmans favorite read. She said it was funny and a good imagination is all you need. Another Seuss book as favorite, chose Tess. She likes Green Eggs and Ham best. Said Audra, Its just really fun that our school does this. To have her school chosen from all those in Wisconsin is bliss. The reason Viking was chosen Martin revealed. Holmens teachers and community sealed the deal. He said, WEAC is proud of communities like Holmen that put public education first. The students are proud of the school, and as readers theyre well-versed. By 10:30 a.m. the festivities were done, and students returned to their rooms for more reading fun. Travelers flying out of the La Crosse Regional Airport are finding fewer choices as airlines pack more passengers onto fewer flights. The reason, airlines say: They dont have enough pilots to fly their planes. Researchers at the University of North Dakota estimate the nation will need about 250 more airline pilots this year, a shortage expected to balloon to nearly 15,000 in the next decade as the number of pilots in the pipeline dwindles amid an unprecedented wave of retirements. As a result, regional airlines which serve about 65 percent of the nations airports, including La Crosse are cutting service, according to the industrys trade group. The Regional Airline Association says hundreds of communities have lost some flights as a result of the pilot shortage, and a handful have lost service entirely. The RAA warns pilot shortages could result in 300 planes being parked by 2020. Between 2013 and 2016, the RAA estimates more than 200 U.S. airports lost more than 20 percent of their flights. In that time period, La Crosse saw a 27 percent reduction in the number of scheduled departures, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The airport currently has six flights a day to Minneapolis and Chicago, the only destinations offered since Delta dropped its service to Detroit in 2013. Meanwhile, the number of people flying out of La Crosse has remained fairly steady, down about 10 percent during the last 15 years. There just arent as many empty seats. In 2002, airlines filled a little more than half the seats on their flights out of La Crosse. Last year, it was more than 80 percent. With only one in four area travelers using the La Crosse airport, airport manager Clinton Torp said its reasonable to think La Crosse could support twice as many daily flights. Were filling the planes up, Torp said. What we need is more capacity. Bottleneck in pilot pipeline The problem, according to the RAA, stems from stricter training regulations mandated by Congress after a commuter plane crashed into a home in Buffalo, N.Y., killing 50 people. Among the new requirements, pilots now must log 1,500 hours instead of just 250 before they can fly for a commercial airline. Thats left more than a quarter of licensed pilots ineligible to take those jobs, according to the Regional Airlines Association. Under the old model, Torp said new pilots might spend a year working as a flight instructor while accumulating the hours needed to sign on with an airline. Now were seeing people having to tow banners, crop dust, or be a flight instructor for many, many years, Torp said. But the Air Line Pilots Association, the worlds largest union representing airline pilots, argues service to small communities is being affected by economics, not a pilot shortage. The median annual wage for commercial airline pilots is more than $117,000, although according to ALPA starting salaries of less than $30,000 are common at many regional airlines. Those that have boosted pay, benefits and quality of life have had no problem filling cockpits, the union says. Many airlines have recognized that hiring qualified pilots becomes easier when they increase pay and benefits and create career-advancement opportunities, according to a union position statement. According to FAA data, the number of licensed commercial pilots has been falling steadily since even before the new regulations took effect. Last year, there were just over 96,000 about 25 percent less than in 2009. The RAA says the shortage persists in spite of pay bumps for first officers. Despite the constraints on service, the La Crosse airport boosted revenues from car rentals thanks to more business travelers and concession sales, offsetting a roughly 30 percent reduction in the terminal fees charged to airlines in an effort to attract additional service. It helps the airlines bottom line, which makes La Crosse more enticing, Torp said. Torp said the airport increased efficiency to absorb the 6.5 percent reduction in overall operating revenues. Fewer Cessnas, more Gulf Streams The La Crosse airport has also seen a steady decline in overall operations thanks to a drop in recreational aeronautics. As baby boomers hang up their wings, there are fewer younger pilots filling the ranks, in part because of the higher cost of training and flying. Aviation used to be a really inspiring thing, Torp said. We havent done a good job of inspiring todays youth. Torp said general aviation has a minimal impact on airport finances, and theres been a concurrent increase in corporate air travel, which is a positive, he said. Less Cessnas and more Gulf Streams. Forty-five words. Thats all it took for our nations founders to grant us five bedrock freedoms. In just 45 words, they gave us freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition our government. These five freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment have never been more threatened than they are today. Press freedom is under assault as the president brands the news media an enemy of the American people. Both of the First Amendments religious freedom clauses are being ignored as non-Christians are subjected to increasing discrimination and even targeted for deportation. The first of the two, namely the establishment clause, is disregarded as more and more American taxpayers are being forced to fund religious schools. Free speech has become anything but free as the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that money is speech and corporations are citizens with speech rights, thereby blessing unlimited corporate election spending. Lawmakers in states all across the country are now trying to criminalize freedom of assembly and peaceful protest. These are dangerous and threatening times for the First Amendment. The rise of fake news is a serious threat, but not the only one or even the biggest one. Its not just that lies are being widely and quickly spread, its that a highly organized effort is being made to persuade the public that no news can be trusted, that no one is telling the truth. Journalism is being delegitimized. Ongoing and escalating attacks on the separation of church and state gravely threaten religious freedom. State-endorsed religion is a small step from state-sponsored religion, which is another small step away from state-imposed religion. Heaven help us if we continue down this road toward the establishment of a state church. The equating of money and speech is transforming a central First Amendment right into a commodity that must be purchased at great expense. Calls to limit the capacity of the rich and powerful to buy politicians and own our government are savaged as assaults on free speech. We are essentially being told we can try to deal with corruption in government, or we can have free speech, but not both. This is a false choice, and must be seen as such. We can have freedom and democracy. We can guarantee all people the right to speak freely without at the same time granting them a license to buy off our elected representatives and corrupt our government. Rescuing the First Amendment begins with seeing through such false choices and ultimately refusing to make them. But for the rescue operation to ultimately succeed, we the people are going to have to prove that the land of the free is truly still the home of the brave. Were going to have to demonstrate genuine courage in defending dissent and condemning attacks on peaceful protest. Were going to have to stand up for a free press and make it clear we do not see journalists as our enemies but rather as indispensable defenders of democracy. If we dont, those 45 words describing five precious freedoms wont be worth the parchment they were written on. When you read your weekly or daily newspaper, do you read the minutes from a school board meeting or the details of an ordinance passed by your municipality? All of these notices can be found in the public notice section of your local newspaper. In the age of the internet, a debate is growing as to whether or not these notices still need to be published in the newspaper or if they can simply be posted on your local government website. On one side, school districts, municipalities, and counties have been steady in their push to put their notices online. Their argument? Its less expensive to put notices online than to publish them in the local newspaper. On the other side, the newspaper industry is adamant that published notices allow the public to effortlessly access what local government is doing. They argue that by eliminating local newspapers from the equation, government transparency will take a hit. The elimination of printed notices in the newspaper has been gaining steam. In his budget, Gov. Scott Walker has proposed that the state be required to publish only certain notices in the newspaper for an estimated savings of $24,000 during the next biennium. This will also apply to school districts, municipalities and counties. No longer will local governments be required to publish a printed version of meeting minutes and other public notices on local ordinances. Everything would be moved online with the exception of any document that is intended to inform an individual of an opportunity to exercise a right such as election documents, referenda, notices of public hearing before a governmental body, and notices of meetings of private and public bodies. These will still need to be published in the newspaper. My professional background gives me a unique perspective on this issue. I was a newspaper editor for 25 years and can see the value of public notices, and Ive also been the mayor of the city of Dodgeville since 2012 and understand how much it costs to publish notices. As a local and state government official, I want the public to have as much information as possible. It doesnt matter if they gather their information from a government website or if they read it in the public notice section of the local newspaper. In many areas of the state, newspapers are the lifeblood of a community and sometimes the only convenient source of information. By allowing the electronic option, we are cutting off a source of information to our constituents, our taxpayers and the people who hold us accountable. At this time, the savings obtained by not publishing notices does not outweigh the publics right to know. As the Joint Finance Committee works on the governors budget, it is my hope they remove anything related to the elimination of the publication of government notices. We can still debate the merits of this issue, but it should be as stand-alone legislation where it can be discussed at the committee level and on the floor of both the Assembly and Senate. Access to government should never be diminished, and I fear that once we start down this road it may become a slippery slope. President Trumps contempt for the free press cannot reasonably be in doubt. His multi-platform assault on the credibility of reporters and news organizations has been consistent and vociferous. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, meanwhile, has offered no rebuke. His silence is as galling as Trumps outbursts. This is no partisan concern. In a Feb. 27 interview with Matt Lauer, former President George W. Bush said: I consider the media to be indispensable to democracy. That we need the media to hold people like me to account. Sen. John McCain was more forthright when speaking to Chuck Todd: if you want to preserve democracy as we know it, you have to have a free and many times adversarial press. And without it, I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time. That's how dictators get started. Defense of the press, even when their coverage is unflattering, is nothing new. In a 1786 letter, Thomas Jefferson wrote Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. In the past two weeks I have called Ron Johnsons office several times to ask when he planned to make a statement on this issue. I left two voicemails, spoke with two staffers and submitted an email via his website. Still no statement. Senator, your silence makes you complicit, your tolerance of such ugliness enables it. Show some integrity -- speak out against these unseemly, dangerous attacks on those who seek the truth. The short answer: no. Earlier this week, the liberal advocacy group Citizen Action of Wisconsin shared a photo on Facebook, light on details but heavy on its call to action. "Ron Johnson to us: 'Cease & Desist,'" the post read, featuring a photo of a cease-and-desist letter sent by the Republican senator's office to a recipient whose name was blacked out. "What do the people who come to our actions get? A 'cease and desist' letter," the group wrote on its website, urging supporters to sign a petition pledging to "NOT cease and desist." The petition had more than 2,900 signatures as of Thursday afternoon. The group has led efforts opposing Republicans' planned repeal of the Affordable Care Act, including pushes for constituents to make phone calls and send letters and postcards to their representatives in Washington. It also organized a series of town hall meetings and rallies throughout Wisconsin, to which Johnson was invited but did not attend. The group brought a cardboard cutout of the senator to the meetings. "Ron Johnson wants us to 'Cease & Desist' on defending healthcare, we say we're just getting started!" the group wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday. The letter, dated Feb. 17, 2017, and printed on Johnson's official Senate stationery, instructs the constituent that any further communications with the senator's office must be made in writing, and not by calling or visiting Johnson's staff or offices. "Our office has done all we can to assist you with your concerns. This letter acts as written notice of our expectation for you to discontinue your unwarranted telephone calls and office visits," the letter reads. Noncompliance would prompt a call to Capitol Police, according to the letter. The photo of the letter spread quickly on social media. One tweet was shared more than 5,000 times in less than 24 hours, and was retweeted by Jon Lovett, a speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and founder of Crooked Media. "I am in love with how stupid this letter is, including signing it 'staff' as if that's something you can do," Lovett tweeted. Comedian Patton Oswalt's query "The FUCK is going on? Is this real?" was retweeted nearly 3,000 times in less than 24 hours. He was responding to a tweet that framed the letter as Johnson "threatening to report his constituents to the police for requesting a townhall." A Facebook post from Citizen Action of Wisconsin added fuel to the fire on Wednesday afternoon. The group clarified that an individual, not the organization, had received the letter, "following a series of efforts to contact his/her elected official." "We have also heard rumors that many more are also receiving these Cease/Desist letters," the group wrote. No evidence has been provided to back up that claim, and Johnson's office disputes it. This is one of two such letters the office has sent in two years, a staffer said. Kevin Kane, organizing director for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, said he has not seen any additional letters, but has heard claims that they exist. "Constituents are always welcome and encouraged to contact our office with their concerns, regardless of political viewpoint. Unfortunately, very infrequently a pattern of inappropriate behavior emerges that crosses the bounds of decency and requires action to ensure the well being of visitors to the office and staff," a Johnson spokesman said Thursday. The constituent has been identified as Earl Good, of Milwaukee. Good told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he called Johnson's office 40 times in one day and 83 times on another day last month, but said he was always polite. Kane said Good is not a member of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, but is one of thousands of people who have participated in the group's efforts to contact elected officials, including calls and visits to Johnson's office. Kane described Good's approach as "respectful but insistent." If there was an issue with Good's behavior, Kane said, he hasn't seen "any evidence of it." "I don't blame people for making a lot of phone calls and showing up," Kane said. Have you had a conversation the one that made you very happy, or very sad, or maybe even changed your life? Women are accused of talking too much, but most of the time, conversations are important. Although I have known who Marilyn Bland is almost my whole life, I was anxious to have a conversation with her because I didnt really know much about her. Marilyn was born Dec. 26, 1923, in St. Paul, Minn., when her mother, father and siblings were spending Christmas with her mothers parents. Marilyn wasnt expected for several weeks but maybe she just didnt want to miss the holiday with her grandparents. Her father often told the story, saying that the experience of her early arrival was his worst-ever headache. During summers, Marilyns family vacationed near Cumberland where her grandparents had a cottage. Many other teens visited the resort area and when she was 16 years old, Marilyn would become friends with a young lady named Elisabeth, and her brother, from Ripon, Wis. Their friendship, sharing laughs and talking about things teenagers so often do, would lead to Marilyn and Elisabeth becoming best friends. They later became college roommates and, eventually, were sisters-in-law. After graduating from high school, Marilyn stayed in the Green Bay area where her family was living and she attended the UW-Extension program for general basic classes. Her sophomore year, she transferred to Madison to pursue a degree in sociology, thinking she would go on to get a masters degree and find employment as a social worker but her story would take a detour. Marilyn married Elisabeths brother, Phillips T. Bland, in 1944 and graduated in 1945. He attended medical school, they moved to Philadelphia for his internship, went back to Madison, then to Jacksonville, Fla., during the Korean War to fulfill his obligation to the Navy. When she was growing up, Marilyns father was a salesman and the family moved several times because of his job. She had watched, and learned, as her mother made those moves with a young family. Marilyn could no doubt help the other Navy wives in Florida because she had the experience of being relocated several times as a child. She could help talk them through making a new home. In 1951, Marilyn found herself in Wittenberg, Wis., where her husband had taken a job in the small towns doctors office, but they didnt want to make that a permanent situation. Once again, the dynamics of women played a significant role in Marilyns life. Her mother had a friend whose sister was Ruby Rudie. Conversation was passed along that chain of women, of Rubys wish for a doctor in her community, to Marilyn, whos doctor husband needed a town. They came to talk with the local pharmacist, Rubys husband, Grant Rudie, Sr., and as they say, the rest is history. In September 1952, the Bland family moved to Westby. Both Marilyn and Doc grew up in smaller sized towns and were of Norwegian/Swedish heritage so there wasnt a big culture shock for them. It seemed to be a good fit. When the Blands moved to Westby, Marilyn had to find a place to live and then get acquainted with grocery stores, clothing stores, and where to get haircuts for the family. The struggle of settling a family was just what you did, what she saw her mother do. Marilyn made new friends in Westby, everyone was very welcoming so it was easy. She also got thrown into the life of a small-town doctors wife very quickly because of the raging flu epidemic that first winter in Westby. Everyone, in town and out, needed a house call from the doctor. Marilyn said that sometimes the phone would be ringing nonstop. Because, back then you would talk to an operator to make a call, those operators would often know exactly where her husband was and would help him keep on schedule with who needed him next another example of how womens conversations made a difference, to help a community. Although Marilyn didnt actually work in the office until after her children were out of school, except in the early years when she did the cleaning, she was immediately pulled into the practice in other ways. Students from the medical school started coming to learn from Doc as early as 1953 and Marilyn would feed them lunch every day. Often they would come home for supper, too. As long as Doc was in practice these students were around. Marilyn said it wasnt so much to fix food for one or two more. The bigger issue was that they were always in a hurry to get back to the afternoon patients or to hospital rounds. Not much talking around the table if you are in a hurry. When Marilyns kids grew up, they had to learn how to eat like normal people because they found out it took most families more than 10 minutes to finish a meal! And then there were Sundays, when the office was closed and the phone would ring at home. Adults talking in the kitchen, children sitting on a chair, babies laying on the table, often patients would come to her home when the office wasnt open. You have to be flexible, and understanding, for that to happen. Marilyns story continues next week when you read about how her presence in the Westby community made a quiet, yet significant, impact that few people know. For Travis Cox, the new pastor at Church of the Nazarene in Tomah, religion is a calling. Its one he has heard since a young age. When I was about 10, I felt a call on my life, he said. But I didnt want to have anything to do with that because I was going to join the Marine Corps, and I did join the Marine Corps when I turned 18. Cox, a native of Fort Scott, Kansas, said he felt the call when visiting his grandfather at the former Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott he saw a mural of nuns clothing the naked and feeding the poor with the scripture verse, As you did it to one of the least of these ... you did it to me. I wanted to give my life to something like that, he said. Despite wanting to help others and embracing religious faith, Cox didnt want to become a pastor until years later. The reason I didnt want to be a pastor is because I saw this as a guy that stood up at pulpit and told everybody what was wrong with their lives, and I didnt want that, he said. I wanted to be somebody who helped others and walked beside them. His view of the ministry, however, began to evolve. He said what he likes most about his job is being there for people when life gets tough. I enjoy getting to meet people and getting to know people, Cox said. One of the beauties of my job ... one of the things that I love doing is I love being with people at the hospital, and I love being with people at funerals. By that, Cox means that at times life can be easy, but when its hard, thats when people need support, and he likes to be able to provide that support. (Life) is easy this Sunday for the church to come together and do this installation service and to have a potluck afterwards and for everybody to laugh and have a good time, but when you get that phone call at 3 a.m. that something has happened ... thats when you get to really share life with people, he said. I think thats where you make a real difference. I mean I dont enjoy tragedy, but Im glad that I can come alongside people and help out through that tragedy. In 1994 at the age of 18, Cox graduated from Fort Scott High School and joined the Marines. He spent 10 years on active duty, then in 1999 he left active duty and joined the Marine Reserves where he remained until 2006, when he joined the Army Reserves, of which he is still a member and serves as a chaplain. Then in 2004 Cox graduated from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City in 2009 with his masters degree. All through college Cox was a deputy sheriff in both Colorado Springs and Overland Park, Kansas. Then in 2011 Cox got his first solo pastor job in Newton Falls, Ohio, where he remained for five years until he accepted the position in Tomah. Cox has been married to his wife Alisha for 20 years, and they have an 18-year-old son, Jason. Neither has moved to Tomah yet, which is why Coxs installation service has been pushed to Sunday, March 5. Normally we do the installation service within the first month or so, but our son is a senior in high school ... in Ohio, and he wanted to finish up his senior year, so his mother and he stayed in Ohio, he said. So theyre doing the installation in March so that my wife can be out here. She wont be moving until May, but shes coming to visit, and thats why they waited. Alisha is a drug and alcohol counselor and social worker, and Jason wants to be a grade school teacher and is looking to join the Army or the Army Reserves after he graduates high school. Cox has a vision for what he wants the church to become. I want us to be known I dont mean known because were a large church, we are growing, but were not a large church yet but known as a church that cares, he said. Were not just here to beat somebody over the head with a Bible ... I want us to be known as non-judgmental and accepting ... of others. He also wants the church and the people of the church to make a difference in the community. Its not as much about evangelism and beating people over the head with a Bible as it is just living our lives and making a difference, he said. From what Ive seen, Tomah is a great community, lot of great folks, inside the church and outside of the church, but we do have needs, we do have homeless individuals, we do have people that are hurting, and I want our people to be out there and to be making a positive difference. A Camp Douglas man is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child and child enticement. According to a criminal complaint, David R.W. West, 21, allegedly assaulted a 13-year-old child repeatedly beginning last summer and continuing into early this year. If convicted of the first charge, West could be fined no more than $100,000, be imprisoned no more than 40 years, or both. For the child enticement charge, West could face a fine of no more than $100,000, a 25-year prison term, or both. On Jan. 17, detectives from the Juneau County Sheriffs Office were told of a possible sexual assault of a child occurring in the village of Camp Douglas. Detectives in Jackson County were working on a child pornography case that involved West and informed Juneau County detectives. According to the police report, West had been sharing sexually explicit messages through Facebook Messenger with the alleged victim. On Jan. 20, the alleged victim was interviewed by detectives and told them about the messages, saying some had been deleted. In the interview, the alleged victim told police she had a sexual encounter at Wests grandmothers house. According to her interview, other people were present in the home at the time. She believed the first incident occurred last summer and the second happened a while later. She stated she began talking to West through phone texts and Facebook messaging. She indicated the relationship began with cuddling and kissing in Wests bed before leading to sexual encounters, including anal intercourse. After another alleged assault, West told the victim he was concerned about getting into trouble and possibly going to jail if he was caught. Based on her interview, the victim said they talked about their ages and West knew she was 13. As the investigation continued, detectives from both Jackson and Juneau counties received a search warrant to search Wests home. West answered the door and told police, Im not going to jail, even though he hadnt read the warrant. After reading the warrant, police took West into custody and transported him to the sheriffs office for an interview. Police also interviewed Wests grandmother who said she knew the alleged victim had been at the residence, but didnt know she had stayed overnight. West was taken into jail in Juneau County. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate photographs and messages sent between the two parties. 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(3) Oct 04 (2) Oct 03 (4) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (4) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (2) Sep 26 (2) Sep 25 (2) Sep 24 (1) Sep 23 (1) Sep 22 (2) Sep 21 (2) Sep 20 (1) Sep 19 (1) Sep 18 (1) Sep 17 (2) Sep 16 (1) Sep 15 (2) Sep 14 (2) Sep 13 (1) Sep 12 (1) Sep 11 (2) Sep 10 (2) Sep 09 (1) Sep 08 (1) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (1) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (2) Sep 03 (1) Sep 02 (1) Sep 01 (1) Aug 31 (2) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (1) Aug 25 (1) Aug 24 (1) Aug 23 (2) Aug 22 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (2) Aug 19 (1) Aug 18 (1) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 12 (1) Aug 09 (1) Aug 08 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 05 (1) Aug 04 (1) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (5) Jul 28 (2) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (3) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (3) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (3) Jul 10 (4) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (4) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (4) Jun 29 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(1) Apr 07 (1) Apr 05 (1) Apr 01 (1) Mar 30 (1) Mar 27 (1) Mar 25 (1) Mar 22 (2) Mar 19 (1) Mar 18 (1) Mar 16 (1) Mar 15 (2) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (1) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1) LAS ARMAS DE CORONEL Ver tambien mi website: www.armasdecoronel.com para leer dos de mis libros, entrevistas, etc. Thursday, March 2, 2017 More than 1,000 civilians were killed or injured last month in Iraq, the United Nations mission in the country has announced. According to the latest figures from the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMI), at least 392 civilians were killed and another 613 were injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict. The head of UNAMI, Jan Kubis, condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians by the Islamic State (ISIL), and saluted the Iraqi security forces for professionalism in pursuing the terrorists while seeking to minimize civilian casualties. As the Iraqi security forces stepped up the military operations to liberate the remaining parts of Mosul from Daesh control, the terrorists struck again, targeting civilians with cowardly bombings to ease the pressure on the frontlines, Mr. Kubis said referring to ISIL by its Arabic acronym. Daesh's sinister attempts have failed to weaken the resolve of the people and Government of Iraq to rid the country once and for all from the scourge of terrorism, added Mr. Kubis, who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq. The figure of 392 is slightly lower than 403 civilians killed in January, when an additional 924 civilians were injured. (UN Press Release) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2017/03/iraq.html Russia and China exercised their veto powers this week in the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution that would, have imposed sanctions against specific parties using chemical weapons in war-torn Syria. Although nine of the Councils 15 members voted to support the resolution, Bolivia joined Russia and China in rejecting it. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kazakhstan abstained. (mew) The United Nations human rights office today urged the Government of Thailand to criminalize enforced or involuntary disappearance and torture. The announcement follows news last week that National Legislative Assembly the military-appointed parliament decided not to enact a bill that would have done just that. The Assemblys decision to reject the bill is very concerning given the continued allegations of torture and disappearances in Thailand, and it is deeply worrying that such actions may now continue without any legal redress, Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva. Ms. Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), characterized the decision to not enact the bill as a devastating blow to the families of those who have disappeared. Since 1980, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Voluntary Disappearances recorded 82 cases of enforced disappearances in the country. Those include the disappearances of respected lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit in 2004 and Karen human rights activist Pholachi Billy" Rakchongcharoen in 2014. Speaking to the press, Ms. Shamdasani also raised concern about the increasing number of criminal cases brought against human rights defenders in Thailand for reporting allegations of torture and ill-treatment. (UN Press Release) If you have an Android phone, you should know about two new updates to Android that Google announced this past week. The updates add new features to Android phones to make them more useful. Google Assistant comes to more phones Google Assistant is Google's digital assistant that carries out voice commands, similar to Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Since Google Assistant was launched in October, the service has only been available on Google's Pixel and Pixel XL phones, Google Home smart speaker, Android Wear smart watches, and Allo messaging app. Earlier this week Google announced that many more phones will be getting Google Assistant. The update including Google Assistant will be available to phones running Android 6.0, or Marshmallow, and 7.0, or Nougat, as well as phones made by companies HTC, Huawei, LG, Samsung, and Sony. Google said the update would arrive this week for English speakers in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. German speakers in Germany should also get the update this week. Additional languages will be added during 2017. To receive the update, make sure you have an eligible phone and have downloaded the Google Play Services app onto the phone. After the update you can press the home button or say, "OK Google" to begin using Google Assistant. Then start asking questions such as, "What is the weather forecast?" and Google Assistant will answer based on where you are. In its announcement, Google said, "Our goal is to make the Assistant available anywhere you need it." In January, the company announced plans to bring Google Assistant to televisions and cars later this year. See Google Assistant and Alexa talking in an endless loop: New Android message app Google also announced a major update to one of its messaging apps. With this update, the app changes its name from Android Messenger to Android Messages. Android Messages will become the default text messaging app for Android phones. This app will be pre-installed on Android phones from manufacturers LG, Motorola, Sony, and others. Android Messages will also come pre-installed with Google's Pixel and Pixel XL phones. Users of other phones can download the Android Messages app from the Google Play store. Android Messages is one of three messaging apps from Google. The others are Allo and Google Hangouts. A future update to the Android Messages app will make text messages more powerful by changing from SMS, meaning Short Messaging Services, to RCS, or Rich Communications Services. When updated to RCS, Android Messages will offer features such as receipts that show when a message has been read, stickers, maps and more. RCS messages on Android Messages will be available on phones from partner cell phone service providers. Google's announcement stated that these partners include Sprint, Rogers, Telenor, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Globe. These features will only be available for messages sent and received within the Android Messages app. Those who do not use the app, such as iPhone owners, will not share in those features. iPhone owners do have these features in iMessage, however. Android messages RCS interactive features Google is working with companies to add helpful interactive features to their RCS text messages. In the announcement, Google gave the example of an airline that could send a passenger a text "to provide a full check-in experience, complete with boarding pass, visual flight updates, and terminal maps on demand." Initial partners for RCS Android Messages include companies Virgin Trains, Walgreens, Amber Alert Europe, Baskin-Robbins, BlaBlaCar and FICO. Gamestop, Philips, Subway, Time Inc., and Uber are among the others. What we do not yet know about Android messages Google did not announce a date when RCS on Android Messages will be available. The name of the app already has been changed to Android Messages in the Google Play store. We also do not know how users will be able to learn whether the person they are sending a text to has the RCS version of the Android Messages app. For example, in iMessage for iPhone, the text bubbles are blue for those who use iMessage and green for those who do not use it. Im June Simms. And Im Jonathan Evans. Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Are you looking forward to the changes coming to Android phones? Which updates are most interesting to you? What other updates would you like to see come to Android phones? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story update - n. a change or addition to computer software that includes the most recent information digital assistant - n. an application program that can understand natural language and complete electronic tasks for the user eligible - adj. able to do or receive something default - n. a setting, option, etc., that a computer or cell phone uses if you do not choose a different one pre-install - v. download onto a computer or phone before it is sold iMessage - n. the text messaging service from Apple used on iPhones, iPads and Mac computers President Donald Trump won cheers by calling for unity in his speech to Congress Tuesday night. Trump appealed to Americans to unite and work together on job creation, national security and other issues. Some wished he gave the speech at the start of his presidency, just over 40 days ago. That was the opinion of The Mercury News in San Jose, California. Had he (Trump) offered this speech a month ago, at least some of the panic that has accompanied his election might have been calmed, the newspaper said in an editorial. The Mercury News said it cannot forget that Trump in his speech asked for an end to trivial fights after fighting since the start of his presidency. His targets have included the news media, the U.S. National Park Service and even movie stars like Meryl Streep. But the newspaper praised Trump for not talking so much about himself during the speech. Instead, it was we, we, we -- as it should be in a democracy, the editorial said. Many of the presidents supporters loved what they heard. In Holmes, Pennsylvania, Bryan Gallagher said, To bring money back and jobs back, anybody thats finally talking about the economy and American workers. Whats wrong with that? Even some of Trumps critics offered praise. Van Jones is a liberal commentator for CNN television. Jones said he disagrees with most of what Trump proposed Tuesday night. But he said it was a special moment when the president recognized the wife of a U.S. Navy seal killed in Yemen. She fought back tears as lawmakers and others in the Capitol building stood and cheered for over two minutes in tribute to her husbands bravery. He (Trump) became president of the United States in that moment, period, Jones said. Members of Trumps Republican Party joined in the praise. Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming said the presidents speech offered the same spirit of optimism that I hear from people all around Wyoming. Yet there were questions about whether Trump can put into action the long list of proposals he noted during his hour-long speech. Like most presidents he was strong on the goodies, but a little weak on how to pay for it, said Texas Congressman Joe Barton, a Republican. California Senator Dianne Feinstein added: It sounds great to slash taxes and spend more money while at the same time balancing the budget, but thats not how real life works. Feinstein is a leading member of the Democratic Party. But an opinion survey for CNN found that about seven in 10 Americans who watched the speech said they are now more hopeful about the future of the country. Jeff Olsen is an educator and Trump supporter in Texas. I would have felt a lot better hearing this speech five weeks ago, he said. Were all Americans. We all want to see whats best for America, but I think theres a much more unifying tone in what he said this evening. Will he return to Twitter? There were questions about whether Trump after making a generally well-received speech about unity might soon return to Twitter to attack his critics. He has been known to step on his own message with an aggrieved tweet or two, wrote Peter Nicholas in the Wall Street Journal. In the White House, some senior aides are no doubt hoping the new president returns to (the White House), puts his phone away and goes to bed, having helped his cause. International reaction Russia said it did not take issue with Trumps decision not to talk about Russia Tuesday night. It is natural for him to be busy with American affairs while our president (Vladimir) Putin is busy with Russian affairs, a statement said. Chinese officials disputed Trumps criticism in his speech of one-sided trade deals. He said that such deals led to factory closings in the United States, with businesses moving their operations to China. A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China-U.S. trade benefits both countries. Im Jill Robbins. And I'm Bruce Alpert. Bruce Alpert wrote this story for VOA Learning English. It was based partly on reports from VOAs Chris Hannas, Katherine Gypson Kane Farabaugh, Michael O'Sullivan and Carolyn Presutti. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Did you watch the speech or read about it? And what did you think -- good or bad? _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story panic - n. a state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally accompany - v. to go somewhere with someone editorial - n. an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinions of its editors or publishers moment - n. a very short period of time tribute n. something that you saw or do to show respect for someone optimism - n. feeling very hopeful something good will happen slash - v. to reduce by a large amount evening - n. nighttime aggrieved - adj. feeling anger because of unfair treatment On Nov. 1, Linn Benton Food Shares warehouse in Tangent received two truckloads of food and household supplies arranged by the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. NOTE: THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. You can leave comments but no new posts will appear. Please visit my other blog lewstringercomics.blogspot.com which will continue. Running from 2006 to 2019, BLIMEY! was dedicated to British comics past and present. The images of old comics on my blog are copyright their respective publishers and are only used here for review purposes. They have been scanned from my own personal comics collection, in over 50 years of collecting.The prose articles, with the exception of press releases, are Copyright Lew Stringer and must not be reproduced without permission. LEXINGTON The Pershing elementary students were in for a surprise birthday party Wednesday afternoon, complete with cake and singing. Lexington Walmart, along with Walmart stores across the state, donated 150 cakes to elementary schools on the day of Nebraskas sesquicentennial for children to enjoy while learning about the state where they grow. Cynthe Johnson, the Director of Event Planning with the State of Nebraska contacted our superintendent, said Pershing Elementary secretary Nancy Price. I think the reason Pershing and Bryan were picked is because fourth graders go to the capital every year, along with having a Walmart in the town. The students filed into the Pershing gymnasium, side-eyed the cakes on the tables on either end, and sat with anticipation on the gym floor. Dr. Suzanne Melliger quieted the students before making the announcement that they were having a surprise birthday party for Nebraskas 150th. The students erupted with excitement and anticipation. Melliger played some videos for the students to watch containing some interesting information about Nebraska, including a video about silly town names from the past, and explaining the history behind pronunciation of towns names like Beatrice and Norfolk. Another video explained the importance of the railroad in Nebraska and how it quickly developed the state. Following the videos, Pershings music teacher Jeannie Homan, led the students in singing Nebraska Universitys fight song Dear Old Nebraska U (No Place Like Nebraska), The state song Beautiful Nebraska, and finished the assembly performance with Happy Birthday To You. Some special guests were present at the celebration, the Lexington High School wrestling state qualifiers, to serve cake to the students. They took turns telling the students their names, how old they are, and how long theyve been wrestling before taking positions on either end of the gym to plate cake and give them to the Pershing students where they lined up to take their cake back to their classrooms. Two of the state qualifiers have family at Pershing, Jade Wurths grandmother Nancy Price, and Brady Fagos mother, Tonya, is a paraeducator at the school. Jeffrey M. Hirsch (University of North Carolina School of Law) & Joseph Seiner (University of South Carolina School of Law) have posted A Modern Union for the Modern Economy on SSRN. Here is the abstract: Membership in traditional unions has steeply declined over the past two decades. As the White House and Congress are now completely Republican controlled, there promises to be no reversal of this trend in the near future. In the face of this rejection of traditional bargaining efforts, several attempts have been made to create alternative quasi-union or alt-labor relationships between workers and employers. These arrangements represent a creative approach by workers to have their voices heard in a collective manner, though still falling far short of the traditional protections afforded by employment and labor law statutes. This Article critiques one such high-profile, quasi-union effort in the technology sectorthe Uber Guild. While the Guild does not provide any of the traditional bargaining protections found in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), it offers Uber drivers some input over the terms and conditions under which they work. Falling somewhere between employment-at-will and unionization protected under the NLRA, the Uber Guild is a creative attempt to help both workers and the company to better understand how they can improve the working relationship. This Article navigates the Uber Guild and other nontraditional efforts that promise a collective voice for workers in the face of a precipitous decline in union membership. Closely examining the implications of these existing quasi-union relationships, this Article explores how workers in the technology sector face unique challenges under workplace laws. For the first time in the academic literature, we argue that these workers are particularly well situated to benefit from a nontraditional union model and explain what that model should look like. While there can be no doubt that a traditional union protected by the NLRA is the optimal bargaining arrangement, we must consider the enormous challenges workers in the technology sector face in obtaining these protections. A modern union is needed for the modern economy. The donations are pouring in to help the New Tampa Mosque that was attacked last week but its where some of the money is coming from that has some members in awe. Arson fire at New Tampa Mosque last month Donations coming in in multiples of 18 Jewish donors sending message of "long life" to Muslims RELATED: The meaning behind multiples of 18 in Judaism, from Chabad.org Someone set fire to the side of the New Tampa Mosque last week. Adeel Karim started a fundraising page to help the mosque he attends. When the donations started coming in, Karim said he noticed something was different. Heres what I was looking at. I was looking at 18, 36, 18, 36, 180 -- you know, all multiples of 18, Karim said. Thats when he said he dug a little deeper. I was just confused. I thought they were trying to round out so that maybe you had 200, 300," Karim said. "And then it kept happening and I kept clicking on the names and they were all the Bergs and the Steins and all the proverbial Jewish names. And then I just googled '18, 36 Jew' and it came up 'Chai' and I thought, you know what thats awesome? Theyre actually sending a message. Its a message that means life or long life. Its a message Rabbi Jason Rosenberg gave last week at the mosque during an interfaith gathering. And its the same message he passed along to one of his members, Jerry Nepon-Sixt, who in turn made a donation of a multiple of 18. I think its important that all of us come together at times like this and have each others back," Nepon-Sixt said, "And make sure we make our voices known and where possible, like we were able to with this mosque, open up our pocketbooks to help people who are in need. Increased security and repairs were some of the reasons why that fundraising page was started. But one of their main goals when they get that money is to make sure they bring other faiths together. That togetherness is something Karim said he saw when Muslims donated to the Jewish community when they were recently attacked. Hes hoping it doesnt take another tragedy for this goodwill to catch on. This just gives me so much hope. I mean Ive got goosebumps. The proof is in the pudding. You can just look and see theres a lot of good people out there, he said. The leaders of the New Tampa Mosque plan to have a meeting about the money they raised. On Wednesday night they had raised $70,000, exceeding their goal by $30,000. Along with the interfaith celebration theyre in talks about, theyre hoping some of the money will go to a reward. If you have any information about who set that fire last week, youre asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriffs office at 1-877-662-7766. Holocaust survivor Jerry Rawicki shared his life story with students at Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg on Thursday. 89-year-old Jerry Rawicki took part in Warsaw Gettho Uprising He now lives in St. Petersburg with family Students interviewed him for history project "The only reason we want to talk about it is so the fate that befell our generation will not befall the other generations," Rawicki said. The 89-year-old was living in Poland at the time and took part in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943. "The first thing I do is tell them I was about your age when it happened," Rawicki said. That was something students say really got their attention, especially those who interviewed Rawicki for a school history project. "The fact that he was our age during this time really stood out to me and what he went through," said sophomore Aidan Samuelson. Rawicki also spoke of those who helped him escape. After the war ended, Rawicki came to the United States where he went on to have a successful career as an opthamologist. He now lives in St. Petersburg with his family. In keeping with its longstanding tradition of incorporating art into the fabric of its identity, advertising agency M&C Saatchi Abel has cemented a close affiliation with Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), which is a public not-for-profit cultural institution. Zeitz MOCAA was established in 2013 through a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz. Agency art by Mohan Modisakeng and Zander Blom click to enlarge Agency art by Mohan Modisakeng and Zander Blom click to enlarge In September 2017, Zeitz MOCAA will open in the transformed heritage listed Grain Silo building, repurposed through a design by Thomas Heatherwick, in the Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. In addition to being appointed their pro bono agency, M&C Saatchi Abel has endowed a permanent photography gallery - the M&C Saatchi Abel Gallery - within the Zeitz MOCAA. We are delighted to be partnering with Zeitz MOCAA, which is the first major museum in Africa dedicated to contemporary art, says Mike Abel, founding partner and chief executive of the M&C Saatchi Abel Group of companies. When the opportunity arose to sponsor a gallery at Zeitz MOCAA, we recognised it as a natural extension for our commitment to South African and African art. Renderings of the M&C Saatchi Abel Photography Gallery Indeed, the Saatchi brand is synonymous with an ardent love of art the original founder, Charles Saatchi, opened his eponymous London gallery in 1985 to exhibit his vast personal collection to the public. Locally, M&C Saatchi Abels newly built Johannesburg office takes its design cue from African art and culture. The agencys core belief in the role of art as integral to inspiring, challenging and building creative and original thought is reflected in the gallery-like reception areas and then filtered through the remaining three storeys. The Cape Town agency similarly has a wonderful collection of prized contemporary art. Works by the likes of Mohau Modisakeng, Cyrus Kabiru, Cameron Platter, Zander Blom, Sam Nhlengethwa, Kudzanai Chiurai, Christiaan Conradie, Jody Paulsen and Julia Rosa Clark reveal the agencys support and passion for South African art and upcoming artists like Pierre Vermeulen and Ruby Swinney. The fundamental mission of Zeitz MOCAA, which is to collect, preserve, research and exhibit cutting edge contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora, is perfectly aligned with our own mission as an agency which is to develop and support art, creativity and culture in South Africa and beyond its borders, adds Abel. With our sponsorship of a photography gallery as well as through working with Zeitz MOCAA as their communications and advertising partner, we hope to assist in establishing this iconic and important institution in the years to come. GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. A Cambodian man yesterday confessed in court to killing an outspoken government critic over an unpaid loan, but the victims family said hes a scapegoat in a political assassination. Migrant worker Oeut Ang said he fired shots that killed Kem Ley last July because he was upset over the USD3,000 he was owed. Shortly before his death, Kem Ley spoke on radio on a report about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sens allegedly embezzled wealth. Cambodian authorities deny any involvement in his killing. Kem Leys relatives believe the suspect isnt telling the whole truth and that the government may have masterminded the killing. I killed Kem Ley because he cheated me, said the suspect, who identified himself by his nickname Chuob Samlab, translating loosely as meet and kill. Nobody else ordered me to kill him, he said. Kem Leys 78-year-old mother, Phork Se, was shocked to hear that the trial has started without her being invited. She called it a political theater. I know that the accused person is not the real killer, she said. Thats why Im not interested in this trial. Interviews after the killing cast doubt on Ouet Angs confession. After his arrest, his wife said they lived from hand to mouth and that her husband couldnt have lent Kem Ley the money, a huge sum by Cambodian standards. Kem Leys relatives said that the doctor-turned-commentator lived simply and had never met the suspect. Kem Ley appeared constantly as a political analyst on the countrys few remaining independent radio stations and newspapers, a thorn in his governments side. Hes the most prominent critic killed since trade union leader Chea Vichea in 2004. Tens of thousands wept across the country at his funeral two weeks after the killing. The huge crowds were also a reflection of anger against a government thats been jailing and intimidating political opponents. AP In another session of the trial of the former Prosecutor General Ho Chio Meng yesterday, over a dozen witnesses identified by the prosecution were called to testify. But the moment that marked the day was in fact a gaffe by the defense lawyer during his cross-questioning of one of the managers and owners of the companies that provided services to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) as subcontractors for the companies owned by Wong Kuok Wai (allegedly shell companies). A contract signed in mid-December 2008 was produced by the defense which suggested that there were prior arrangements made between a company owned by Wong and a supplier of fire prevention and fight equipment when the tender results were supposed to be finalized in 2009. This suggests Wong was somehow certain that a particular company would win it. The gaffe gave way to further questioning and gave strength to the theory which the prosecution seeks to prove: that such arrangements made between Wong and the subcontractors were conducted prior to the results of the tenders being finalized and as such, all associated companies collaborated with Wongs companies. As previously mentioned, during the day, mostly owners of these service companies testified. The services provided included maintenance of power generators, electricity, telephone and communications, fire prevention, flight as well as travel agency services, computer hardware and software supply. All witnesses denied personally knowing Ho, stating that all their operations, from the request for quotes to work scheduling and payments, were either conducted with Wong Kuok Wai or, in some cases, with the knowledge or support of Rock Chan (MP staff). Most of the witnesses denied colluding with Wong Kuok Wais companies, as their relationship was simply that of a service provider to a client. The prosecution also tried to prove that the profits made by Wongs companies, which were acting as general contractors, were in most or all the cases much higher than the 10 to 20 percent that is generally considered to be the market rate. Indeed, the prosecution revealed calculations that showed dozens of invoices, quotations, and proposals which proved their point that the rate added to the prices given by the subcontractors to do the actual job was generally over 34 percent higher than the industry standard, and in some cases almost doubled. The prosecution also displayed documents from the MP, which stated that such subcontractors were actually partners of the companies to which the works had been originally assigned. The witnesses denied having ever seen such documents, and accused Wong of drawing them up without their consent. Leong Weng Pun apeared to hint that Wongs companies would give a single invoice to the MP, containing the bills for several different types of work, while also suggesting that the price increment was a normal procedure from a middle-company that obviously has to make money. Chao Siu Fus first apperance in court The wife of the former Prosecutor General, Chao Siu Fu, who is co-accused in relation to allegations involving her husband, Ho Chio Meng, appeared yesterday for the first time at the First Instance Court where she is being trialed. Until now, Chao had failed to attend the trial sessions that started approximately two weeks ago, justifying this absence with her need to provide support to one of her children who was receiving medical care in hospital. Although present at the court session yesterday, Chao chose not to provide any testimony, remaining silent for the entire session. A former American CIA agent released from prison in Portugal hours before her planned extradition to Italy is thanking President Donald Trump for what she describes as his administrations intervention in her case. Sabrina de Sousa told The Associated Press yesterday that U.S. officials were in contact with authorities in both Portugal and Italy ahead of her release. Officials in the United States, Italy and Portugal were not immediately available for comment. De Sousa walked free Wednesday, a day after Italy dropped its extradition request. An Italian court had convicted her of taking part in the kidnapping of a Muslim cleric in Milan 14 years ago as part of the U.S. extraordinary rendition anti-terrorism program, which was launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The program saw suspects kidnapped and transferred to centers abroad, where they were interrogated and often tortured. De Sousa was arrested on a European warrant at Lisbon airport in October 2015 while en route to India to visit her mother. She repeatedly fought her extradition and complained that former president Barack Obamas administration had abandoned her. She lost several appeals after her arrest. But on Tuesday, Italian President Sergio Mattarella granted her partial clemency, shaving one year off her four-year sentence. She could now serve community service instead of prison time, possibly in Portugal or Italy. After her release, de Sousa tweeted to Trump: THANKYOU!! Your admin did more on my case in the last 30 days than was done in prior 8 years! She directed requests for further details to her spokesman, former Michigan Congressman Peter Hoekstra. Hoekstra confirmed the Trump administration was involved, saying he provided officials with real-time status and background on the case as it developed. He said in an email to the AP that he worked with a number of different agencies/groups within the administration, as well as some former colleagues in Congress. He did not name any of those involved. The administration was totally responsive, professional, focused, Hoekstra said, adding that the U.S. embassy in Lisbon was also very helpful. The embassy did not immediately reply to questions. Feedback from other sources indicated the Portuguese and Italian government[s] were very cooperative in getting to a result, Hoekstra said. Everyone wanted to solve Sabrinas immediate problem, and not have any damage to intergovernmental relations. In evaluating de Sousas request for clemency, Mattarellas office said he took into account that the United States has interrupted the practice of extraordinary renditions a reference to the Obama administrations decision to halt the program. Mattarella and his predecessor cited the same circumstances in previously granting clemency to other defendants in the case. De Sousa was one of 26 Americans who were tried and convicted in absentia for the clerics kidnapping. Full or partial clemency has been granted in just four of the cases. Barry Hatton, Lisbon, AP North and South by Square Eight are two new dining concepts presented by MGM Macau under the same roof. The new dining spaces were born after the re-conceptualization of the Square Eight restaurant, and bring two different experiences for casual dining. The dining spaces offer a range of foods from both the Northern and Southern regions of China. A complete renovation worth USD7 million (about MOP56 million) transformed the former Square Eight restaurant into a new space, in which two restaurants with different concepts and menus share the same dining space. Anthony Darroman, MGMs executive director of Food and Beverage, explained during a recent guided tour to the new space that there are many new things to experience. Among these are the ambience and decor that resulted from a collaboration between two renowned artists: Victor Marreiros and calligrapher Mok Wa-Kei. A series of 24 paintings from Marreiros are featured in both spaces, most prominently in the Southern-themed dining area (South), where local styles and faces were portrayed. The paintings give what Darroman describes as a recreation of an al fresco dining, resembling a terrace seating area and a Chinese street food market, an ambience also recreated by pillars resembling stacked boxes and a ceiling crossed by bamboo sticks. Decor in the Northern-themed dining area (North) is more refined, featuring art pieces on a larger scale and traditional Chinese vases to recreate the atmosphere of Beijings courtyard houses (siheyuans). A team of chefs from different regions of China work to prepare delicacies from both North and South in order to bring what Chef Louie Vong, executive chef of Chinese culinary at MGM, says are the authentic flavors of each region. With a total of three open kitchens, North and South by Square Eight dedicates one kitchen, located at the southern-themed dining area solely to roasted items where the roast goose and the barbecue pork with honey sauce (char siu) are kings. This kitchen also features one of the restaurants highlights a specially designed, Macau-only vertical roasting oven where food items are kept at a controlled temperature and constantly rotated 360 degrees in both directions to achieve a perfect roast. In the center of the restaurant, a shared kitchen prepares food items for both areas. At North, a specially designed noodle kitchen is the main attraction, with fresh noodles being prepared before guests eyes. While South features typical dishes from Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong, North mostly features delicacies from Sichuan, Beijing, Shandong, Shanghai, and other regions, including the Shaanxi flat noodle tossed with garlic, chili and soya sauce and the braised sea cucumber with bamboo, minced pork and spicy sauce. Both restaurants are open seven days a week. South is open round-the-clock, while North operates from 11a.m. to 1a.m. The first Saudi monarch to visit Indonesia in nearly half a century arrived yesterday to an elaborate official welcome and crowds of thousands. King Salman exited his plane at Halim airport in Jakarta using a gold-colored escalator sent from Saudi Arabia for the visit, with a portable lift carrying him the final meter or so to the ground. He was met by President Joko Jokowi Widodo and the minority Christian governor of Jakarta, Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who is fighting a tough election battle after being charged with blaspheming the Quran. The king was whisked off in a heavily secured convoy to a presidential palace in Bogor, outside of Jakarta, where tens of thousands of people, many of them schoolchildren, lined the route despite torrential rain. Local media reported that statues of naked men and women at the palace would be covered out of courtesy to the Saudi visitors. The same step was taken when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Indonesia in January. Salman is on a tour of Asian countries to drum up business and improve ties. On his first stop in Malaysia, oil giant Saudi Aramco signed a USD7 billion deal to take a 50 percent stake in a Malaysian oil refinery. Salman will also visit Brunei, Japan, China and the Maldives, the official Saudi Press Agency has reported. The government of Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim nation, has said Salmans entourage and related delegations number about 1,500 people. They have booked out four hotels in a posh Jakarta neighborhood for the week. Salman will spend six of his nine days in Indonesia vacationing on the resort island of Bali, a predominantly Hindu part of the Indonesian archipelago. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are expected to sign 10 agreements during Salmans visit in areas from religion to education and science. Indonesia has said it hopes the visit will result in $25 billion of new investment. Indonesia practices a moderate form of Islam and has a democratic secular government, but Saudi-funded institutes in the country are known to spread a highly doctrinaire interpretation of the Quran. They are tolerated in part because Indonesia wants to at least maintain its annual quota of citizens who can enter Saudi Arabia to participate in the hajj to Islams holiest city. Aside from a common faith, Saudi Arabia employs hundreds of thousands of Indonesians despite a government ban on sending domestic workers there following the execution of an Indonesian maid in 2011. Niniek Karmini, Bogor, AP Singapores stock traders lost their lunch break weeks after Osvaldo Forlino opened a restaurant in the heart of the citys business district in 2011. As the Michelin- starred chef readies a new cafe, hes looking forward to welcoming the dealers, who may once again get a midday intermission. This is good news, Forlino said in his No Menu restaurant, a five-minute walk from the office of Singapore Exchange Ltd. Traders will feel the buzz. We have lots of business people talking business during lunch here, or they can go to No Menu bar which well open just behind. Forlino isnt the only one excited by the prospect of about 3,400 traders with more time to eat away from their desks. Next door at Cheek by Jowl, which opened in February 2016, Denise Khan Tan is thinking of ways to reach out to the trading community. If these traders havent had a proper lunch break for six years, how do you get them to know about us and choose us? said Tan, a spokeswoman at the Unlisted Collection Group, which runs Cheek by Jowl. The exchange is expected to have a public consultation on bringing back a midday break, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. In March 2011, it abolished the 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily halt in a bid to boost trading. That year also saw the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. trim their lunch hours. Andrew Clarke, Hong Kong-based director of trading at Mirabaud Asia Ltd., said scrapping the midday break hasnt helped volume in Singapore. A consultation on whether to bring the break back is possibly a sign that the experiment by the exchange hasnt worked, he said. The daily average value of shares traded on SGX this year has risen to USD831 million in the first two months from $760 million in 2016, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. But thats still down from $1.12 billion a day in 2013 the year of a penny-stock crash that has been blamed for shaking confidence in the citys markets and $1.18 billion in 2010, before the intermission was abolished. Jimmy Ho, president of the Society of Remisiers, which represents Singapores commission-based brokers, said the move shows that the exchange is paying more attention to brokers and is open to their feedback. Most of us take turns to have lunch but its very pressurizing, Ho said. We cant have our lunch in peace. Andrea Tan, Bloomberg Austrian police say they have arrested two Nigerian nationals on suspicion of forcing young women into prostitution, in part through voodoo rites. Police spokesman Johann Baumschlager says the man and woman are accused of being part of a criminal organization, human trafficking and engaging in the international prostitution trade. He says they forced at least 10 young Nigerian women into the sex trade in part by engaging a voodoo priest, who made them submissive through certain rites. Baumschlager said Tuesday the victims were repeatedly threatened with new voodoo spells and told they each owed 50,000 euros (USD53,000) for their transport to Europe. He says the male suspect is cooperating with police but the woman denies the accusations. Neither is being named in keeping with Austrian privacy laws. De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Ve, 9 Dec 2016 10:44 Sujet : My dear, I think of relocating to your country My dear How are you today ? I like to be open, i am a woman that have seen life, i have been in the social circle for many years. It really does not matter on age or color or achievement, what matters in our life is nothing but care and expression, expression of the heart. This is the most important thing in life, to me the most beautiful thing created by God, is never seen, only felt in the heart, I have been hardworking all my life now, i must think of something better, to enjoy my life and probably have a family, maybe relocate and start investing in other things. Anyway, i like to tell you little about me. . My name is Vina Robbins, am British, i lost my only daughter at child birth, am working as an Senior Audit / banker in Al Rayan Bank formerly Islamic Bank of Britain United Kingdom. i was married but my ex-husband got married to another woman, which caused our divorce, but it is ok, since he accused me of been so busy with my work and the bank and its accounting / auditing, that i was not having time for him, but he refused to understand that i was pursing a goal, i told him that soon i would resign and we have enough time for each other but he was impatient, but is over between us, I am happy alone because I have everything i need. This is why I think of relocating to your country to get into investment and maybe own a small company which i can be able to manage. Enough of myself, would you tell me more about yourself too ?I would like to know you better, what you really do and your position in your work, your marital status and where you reside now ? I would like to hear from you soon Vina Robbins De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 19 Dec 2016 9:55 Sujet : My dear, thanks to help me for this transfer My dear, thanks ! I am very happy to see your letter, how are you ?I have a strong feeling after my prayers today with fasting, I have a feeling that you are an honest person because of that honesty I choose you TO HAVE THIS CONFIDENTIAL DEAL WITH. Dear, I want to inquire from you if you can handle a transaction for mutual benefits / life opportunity for you and me. You know, I am the Chief International Relation Foreign Remittance Unit and the chief Auditor to my bank here United Kingdom. I have an opportunity to the sum of Fifteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars US$15.500.000.00 to transfer into your bank account in your country. I will provide the full details of this business transaction when once we known each other as business is with trust. I personally contacted you and you alone because of the love and trust i have bestowed on you, that is why i took some days to know little about you. Now we must solidify our relationship with trust and this trust we must start it now, i would not like you to betray this trust i have in you, my heart told me that you are the right person for me and that would handle this proposal well for two of us. The fund will be shared at the ratio of 58% for me, 40% for you and 2% will be set aside to cover any expenses and tax in your bank. We will use the fund, there in your country to build companies and for investment which both of us would manage. Please this is an honest request for you and i to keep this deal between us alone, please dear, make this transaction in top secret because we do not have to trust anyway, unless you and i alone. Please treat this business proposal with utmost confidentiality and send me the following Informations if you are interested. . 1. Full Name, address 2. Identification copy My telephone : +447342164377 NOTE : do not call me when I am at work, you can SMS me, or wait when i close from work, you call the number. Thanks and best regards Vina Robbins De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Ma, 20 Dec 2016 9:51 Sujet : My dear Love, send this letter My dear Love, How are you doing together with your family,I hope all is well ? Here is my phone number+447342164377 please do not call me when i am at work here in bank, you can SMS me or wait when i close from work , t hanks for your understanding. Kindly make sure that this information will be between you and me until we realized the success of this transaction. What i want you to do now is to apply for the release of the fund into your account. Make sure you keep a top secret of this transaction because i don't want any staff of the bank to know that i am responsible for this transaction. This is where i lay the future survival hope of our future family and its was the reason I tried to explain for your best understanding. You should not change your name and nationality in this transaction because you are going to apply as the business partner to the deceased customer. Note, if you send this letter to the bank, the bank will not delay to contact you, but you should not respond back to the bank until i direct you on what to do. This is to avoid mistake from your part , see the official letter below, send it through to the bank through the bank email addressas follows. . Al Rayan Bank PLC Formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Sultan Choudhury, Chief Executive Officer and Director PO Box 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ, UK. +44 129 889 0137 al_rayan.b@accountant.com Immediately this fund is transferred into your account, then i will obtain visas to your country for the disbursement of the fund according to my proposal ratio, Immediately you send the application letter to the bank , call me to update me that you have sent the letter to the bank +447342164377 My best regards to you and your family, Love from your Vina Robbins COPY THIS APPLICATION LETTER BELOW AND SEND TO THE BANK = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = To The Chief Executive Officer Director Al Rayan Bank PLC Formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Al Rayan Bank PLC Formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Sultan Choudhury, Chief Executive Officer and Director PO Box 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ United Kingdom +44 129 889 0137 al_rayan.b@accountant.com APPLICATION FOR REQUEST OF CLAIM Sir / Madam, My name is . . . . . . . ., from . . . . . . . the business partner to Late Dr. Benjack Dennis, who was assassinated on February 06, 2008 when gun men shot him while still inside the Libya capital, Tripoli. After his funeral celebration, i discovered that he have an unclaimed and balance account Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars $15.5 Million deposited in your bank when he was alive. I hereby wish to bring to your notice that i am eager to apply for the funds claim as his business partner to enable your bank release and transfer his balance account of $ 15.5 Million into my nominated bank account, Upon your urgent response to this effect, I will send you my bank account information for the transfer of the above mentioned sum. So i expect that your bank management will pay an urgent attention to my request and communicate me further with the related forms and documents necessary to claim this above mentioned sum without delay. I apologize for late application for this claim as i have been arranging other things left since his sudden death occurred. Yours sincerely . . . . . . . . . . De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 29 Dec 2016 13:31 Sujet : Have you made the application to the bank ? My dear, How are you today ? I reallyam happy each time i think of you. I wish you do the same as i do Meanwhile, have you made the application to the bank today ? al_rayan.b@accountant.com Like I told you in my proposal that one of our deceased customer left this fund in our bank for some years past and nobody has ever come for the claim since that time, that's why I have decided to contact you as a foreign partner to solidly stand on the claim as the next of kin so that the money will be transferred to your private account because the bank want to move the money into banking treasurer as unclaimed fund after a given period if nobody comes for the claim and end of this year will complete the period of the years as they have started making meeting concerning it. Please I don't want the money to enter into bank treasurer because I believe that this is the only opportunity God has giving me with the position I have in the bank, so I wouldn't like to loose it. I have perfected all strategies to ensure a hitch free transaction without any risk involved but I beg your indulgence to keep all matters relating to this transfer confidential until the fund hits your account. Note that you are entitled to receive your 40% of the total sum for your assistance as my foreign partner while 2% will cover any unforeseen expenditure and the remaining 58% will be for me as the initiator at the completion of this transfer. However, we will incur some soft expenditure during the event of this transfer with the bank hence I advise you keep a record of any expenses incurred on your end as it will be properly addressed according to percentages stated in my proposal immediately the fund hits your account This project means everything to me NOTE THERE IS NO RISK INVOLVED, IT IS 100% SAFE. I am working here in the bank and i will stand to protect you and give you all line, i will delete all your information from the bank system after we have successful claim the fund from this bank, i assured you that no risk involved, t his transaction is not risk because Dr. Benjack Dennis was assassinated with his family on February 06, 2008 when gun men shot them while still inside the Libya capital, Tripoli. Don't make this transaction to look childish, do not be afraid because am working here in bank am ready to give you any information and line to follow to make sure that we successful transfer this money. Make every efforts to send the application letter to the bank today. Meanwhile, I love to see your responds Love from Vina De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Ve, 6 Jan 2017 11:39 Sujet : Did you send the application message to the bank ? Dear How are you doing ? Where are you ? I am not happy because with the way you are handling this deal.Did you send the application message to the bank ? al_rayan.b@accountant.com Make sure that you send the application message to the bank so that the bank will proceed with the transfer; i want to make sure that the bank transferred this money to your account so that i will resign from banking work. Love from Vina De : VINA ROBBINS < vina606@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 16 Jan 2017 19:47 Sujet : I would like to hear from you soon My dear, How are you today ? I like to be open, i am a woman that have seen life, i have been in the social circle for many years, It really does not matter one's age or color or achievement, what matters in our life is nothing but care and expression, expression of the heart. This is the most important thing in life, to me the most beautiful thing created by God, is never seen, only felt in the heart, I have been hardworking all my life now, i must think of something better, to enjoy my life and probably have a family, maybe relocate and start investing in other things. Anyway, i like to tell you little about me, my name is Vina Robbins, I am British, i lost my only daughter at child birth, I am working as an Senior Audit / banker in Al Rayan Bank formerly Islamic Bank of Britain United Kingdom. i was married but my ex-husband got married to another woman, which caused our divorce, but is ok, since he accused me of been so busy with my work and the bank and its accounting/auditing, that i was not having time for him, but he refused to understand that i was pursing a goal, i told him that soon i would resign and we have enough time for each other but he was impatient, but is over between us, I am happy alone because I have everything i need. This is why I think of relocating to your country to get into investment and maybe own a small company which i can be able to manage. Enough of myself, would you tell me more about yourself too ? I like to know you better, what you really do and your position in your work, your marital status and where you reside now. I would like to hear from you soon. Vina Robbins De : AL RAYAN BANK < al_rayan.b@accountant.com > Envoye le : Ma, 24 Jan 2017 10:47 Sujet : RESPONDS to your CLAIM PO Box 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ +44 129 889 0137 RESPONDS to your CLAIM Dear Sir, Thank you for contacting Al Rayan Bank PLC United Kingdom. This is to acknowledge receipt of your mail. The management of Al Rayan Bank PLC United Kingdom is in receipt of your official message, Regarding to claim the balance account of our deceased customer ( Appreciating the confidence you deposit on Al Rayan Bank PLC United Kingdom Sultan Choudhury, Chief Executive Officer and Director Al Rayan Bank PLC Dear Sir,Thank you for contacting Al Rayan Bank PLC United Kingdom. This is to acknowledge receipt of your mail.The management of Al Rayan Bank PLC United Kingdom is in receipt of your official message, Regarding to claim the balance account of our deceased customer ( vina8080@hotmail.com ). According to our Bank rules and regulations, the formal procedure(s) must be adopted to enable us carried out our official bank duties necessary for your claim. Note that you are expected to abide by the principles for us to finalize this transaction accordingly, You are therefore advised to view the two forms attached, fill the columns with the accurate information required for the immediate process of your claim. Herein, you are given 48 hours to return these forms back to this bank.Appreciating the confidence you deposit on Al Rayan Bank PLC United KingdomSultan Choudhury,Chief Executive Officer and DirectorAl Rayan Bank PLC De : VINA ROBBINS < vina8080@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 26 Jan 2017 23:18 Sujet : To get your A160,000 cheque, Hello my Dear How are you over there in your country or elsewhere ? I believe you are fine and doing well. I hope my mail meets you in good health today. I am much delighted and privileged to contact you again, after all these times, it takes destiny and courage to remember good friends like you and at the same time, show gratitude to you despite circumstances that made us separate and disrupted our transaction, which ultimately did not work out as we had projected then. The good newsare that I'm happy to inform you about my success ingetting the funds transferred with the cooperation of a new partner from Netherlands. I use this opportunity to inform you that the transaction finally worked out and I am contacting you to let you know that I have left a cheque of A160,000.00 Pounds in your name, I send the cheque through Rev. Father Papa Warren, he has traveled with his group on a mission for Hope Worldwide Aid support to Africa, Senegal precisely. I would like you to accept it as this is from the bottom of my heart. I have raised and signed an international cheque draft A160,000.00 Pounds in your name for your efforts and contribution as it were.I really appreciated your tremendous effort and contribution to start off and make things work to the stage you were unable to continue. I believe the Rev Papa Warren with his group will be camping in Senegal, might be closer to you or your resident country. You should contact him via his organization private email address: revpapas @hotmail.com is current number in Senegal +221.784085960 Thanks from Vina De : VINA ROBBINS vina606@hotmail.com Envoye le : Ma, 7 Mar 2017 0:08 Sujet : The fund will be shared at 58% for me, 40% for you. My dear I am very happy to see your letter. How are you ? I have a strong feeling after my prayers today with fasting, I have a feeling that you are an honest person because of that honesty I choose you TO HAVE THIS CONFIDENTIAL DEAL WITH. Dear, I want to inquire from you if you can handle a transaction for mutual benefits / life opportunity for you and me. You know , I am the Chief International Relation Foreign Remittance Unit and the chief Auditor to my bank here United Kingdom.I have an opportunity to the sum of Fifteen Million,Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars US$15.500.000.00 to transfer into your bank account in your country, I will provide the full details of this business transaction when once we known each other as business is with trust, I personally contacted you and you alone, Because of the love and trust i have bestowed on you. That is why i took some days to know little about you, Now we must solidify our relationship with trust and this trust we must start it now, i would not like you to betray this trust i have in you, my heart told me that you are the right person for me and that would handle this proposal well for two of us.The fund will be shared at the ratio of 58% for me, 40% for you and 2% will be set aside to cover any expenses and tax in your bank, We will use the fund, there in your country to build companies and for investment which both of us would manage, Please this is an honest request for you and i to keep this deal between us alone, please dear,make this transaction a top secret because we do not have to trust anyway,unless you and i alone.Please treat this business proposal with utmost confidentiality and send me the following informations if you are interested. . 1. Full name, address 2. Identification copy Thanks and best regards Vina Robbins De : VINA ROBBINS < vina606@hotmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 9 Mar 2017 5:52 Sujet : My dear Love, send the letter below to this bank My d ear Love, How are you doing together with your family ? I hope all is well. Kindly make sure that this information will be between you and me until we realized the success of this transaction, What i want you to do now is to apply for the release of the fund into your account. Make sure you keep a top secret of this transaction because i don't want any staff of the bank to know that i am responsible for this transaction This is where i lay the future survival hope of our future, family and its was the reason I tried to explain for your best understanding. You should not change your name and nationality in this transaction because you are going to apply as the business partner to the deceased customer. Note, if you send this letter to the bank, the bank will not delay to contact you, but you should not respond back to the bank until i direct you on what to do. This is to avoid mistake from your part.See the official letter below, send it through to the bank through the bank email address of the bank as follows. . Al Rayan Bank PLC formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Sultan Choudhury, Chief Executive Officer and Director PO Box 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ United Kingdom +44 129 889 0137 ceo @alrayenb.org Immediately this fund is transferred into your account, then i will obtain visas to your country for the disbursement of the fund according to my proposal ratio. Immediately you send the application letter to the bank , call me to update me that you have sent the letter to the bank. +447391769317 My best regards to you and your family, Love from y our Vina Robbins COPY THIS APPLICATION LETTER BELOW AND SEND TO THE BANK = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = To The Chief Executive Officer and Director Al Rayan Bank PLC Formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Al Rayan Bank PLC formerly Islamic Bank of Britain Sultan Choudhury, Chief Executive Officer and Director PO Box 12461 Birmingham B16 6AQ United Kingdom +44 129 889 0137 APPLICATION FOR REQUEST OF CLAIM Sir / Madam, My name is . . . . . . . ., from . . . . . . . the business partner to Late Dr. Benjack Dennis, who was assassinated on February 06, 2008 when gun men shot him while still inside the Libya capital, Tripoli. After his funeral celebration, i discovered that he have an unclaimed and balance account Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars. $15.5 Millions deposited in your bank when he was alive. I hereby wish to bring to your notice that i am eager to apply for the funds claim as his business partner to enable your bank release and transfer his balance account of $ 15.5 Millions into my nominated bank account. Upon your urgent response to this effect, I will send you my bank account information for the transfer of the above mentioned sum. So i expect that your bank management will pay an urgent attention to my request and communicate me further with the related forms and documents necessary to claim this above mentioned sum without delay. I apologize for late application for this claim as i have been arranging other things left since his sudden death occurred. Yours sincerely, . . . . . . . . . If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... A small, discreet center at the back entrance of St Lawrences Church has turned into a souvenir store with an aim of promoting Catholicism, making it the first store to open in a churchs premise in Macau. Parish priest of St Lawrences Church, Fr Jojo Ancheril, explained to the Times that the store is aimed at disseminating the Catholic faith, culture and history. Since its [St Lawrence] a tourist attraction and historical place, a lot of people come, [but] when they go out, they dont get anything from our own faith, he explained. The discreet shop currently retails rosaries, books, Virgin Mary statues and relevant key chains. According to the priest, they are planning to order additional items such as bibles and publications related to Catholicism. It will take some more time, said the priest, contemplating when the store would be fully stocked. As this year marks the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, the priest noted that the church is planning to create customized souvenirs that have the image of the saint. The items would also be available for retail at the newly opened store, though no dates were revealed. Fr Ancheril noted that St Lawrence and St Josephs Seminary used to sell souvenir items in the past but it was done sporadically as there was no area allocated to sell the items. In addition, according to him, the items were presented at the reception area only when a volunteer was available to take charge. It is uncommon for the former Portuguese enclave to launch a gift shop in a churchs premises, yet the parish priest clarified that similar stores could be found in other countries. In other countries of course we have [gift shops]. In [my] country [India], most of the parishes have their own souvenir shop. Overall this is usual, just [not] in Macau, Fr Ancheril stressed. When asked whether the store would stir up disapproval amongst the attending Catholics, the parish priest remarked that residents assisting the project are mostly local parishioners. Our idea is not to make profit so we dont call it a shop, he reiterated. I would say its part of the parish through which we promote our own faith. [] But with the help of volunteers, we will be organizing all these things in a better way, the priest added. The 49-story Bangkok high-rise was supposed to feature luxury condos for hundreds of newly affluent Thai families, but it was abandoned unfinished when the Asian financial crisis struck in 1997. Now called the Ghost Tower, its a monument to mistakes made and an object of curiosity to a steady stream of visitors. Sathorn Unique, named after the up-and-coming neighborhood next to the Chao Phraya river it towers over, draws dozens of foreigners daily who come to gawk at the decrepit, stained concrete edifice. Its a home not to Thai yuppies, but to bats, birds, weeds, trees and a black-and-white spotted cat, seen prowling one afternoon on a seventh floor balcony. The only way is up, reads graffiti scrawled in chalk on the fifth floor landing, an ironic reminder of the buildings aspirational past. Near the buildings entrance sits a ramshackle homemade spirit shrine. A yellowing poster of Thailands late king, clad in royal regalia, is plastered above ashes of spent incense and opened bottles of fruity Red Fanta the ghosts favorite drink, according to watchman Suwaschai Dadaelor. In the booming 90s, Bangkoks skyline was surging skyward and studded with construction cranes. Architect and property developer Rangsan Torsuwan was flush with cash from selling ornate, high-rise condos along the beach in Pattaya. He drew up blueprints, cleared the land and made millions of dollars pre-selling the condos. Then came what Thais call the Tom Yum Goong crash referring to the famous local sour and spicy soup. It started in Thailand when the over-leveraged government unexpectedly devalued the baht. Investors rushed to pull their money out as quickly as they could, setting off a regional financial crisis. About 500 big construction projects from shopping malls to elevated railways came to a screeching halt. Some later resumed, but not this one. At 185 meters (607 feet), the structure is among the tallest abandoned skyscrapers in the world, after North Koreas 105-story Ryugyong Hotel, which has been under construction since 1987. In the Ghost Towers heyday, hundreds of tourists flocked daily to the urban ruin, paying a 200-baht (USD6) bribe to stumble over piles of bricks and bags of cement to stage photo and YouTube shoots and hold boozy parties on the rooftop. The photos look so dope, said Sorcha OMalley, a tourist from Ireland spotted one afternoon snapping pictures from a side alley. She looks up. I really want a photo up there, you know? Even when I walking here my heart was kind of pumping already, German visitor Annikha Mahnke chimes in. Its such a big adventure to go up there. In April 2015, two 20-something parkour runners posted videos of themselves on YouTube ducking and weaving through the building, somersaulting off columns and dangling off balconies. Their footage went viral, drawing thrill-seekers and urban explorers. For Rangsans son Pansit, who now is in charge of the building, that was the last straw. He locked up the stairwells. I only feel worry, he said. This is not a complete construction, and its very dangerous to let people to go up there. A few years ago, a 30-year- old Swedish man, Stig Johan Kristian Hammarsten, hanged himself on the 43rd floor. His rotting corpse was discovered weeks later, cementing the buildings reputation as a ghost tower. Pray to the spirits, pulsates in neon orange spray paint, in Thai, on the 43rd floor. Suwaschai, the guard, said he pays his respects daily to appease the ghosts that haunt him at night. One peered at him from behind a column, he says, a shadowy, powerfully built laborer with slick black hair wearing nothing but a loincloth. Another grabbed and levitated his body once when he was sick. A Thai-Taiwanese couple stopped by to take selfies in an elevator shaft, and found other faces in the photos, Suwaschai said, pointing insistently to shadowy figures in a pictures background. This is a true story, Im not making stuff up. A famous cinema was razed to make way for Rangsans folly, but rumors that it was built on an ancient cemetery have added to its mystique. The property has been mired in a complex lawsuit for years and it looks unlikely anyone will demolish it anytime soon. Inspectors say the reinforced concrete structure is still fundamentally sound despite weathering decades of storms. For now it serves as a support for two, 18-story billboards: one advertising Pepsi and the other the iPhone 7. For Thais, the tower is a reminder of lessons learned. On one recent February afternoon, a crowd gathered on the Ghost Towers ground floor for a seminar. The topic: The tower, the financial crisis and the 20 years since. This building is important because it is a symbol, said Rames Promyen, director at the National Discovery Museum Institute. It serves as a reminder to ourselves a reminder of how to better prepare for future crises, and how to strengthen ourselves. Dake Kang, Bangkok, AP JAPAN-VIETNAM Japans emperor expressed sympathy to the Vietnamese families abandoned by Japanese soldiers after World War II during his landmark visit to the Communist country. Akihito met with a wife and 15 children of former Japanese soldiers in Hanoi yesterday and told them that he understands their difficulties and hope bilateral relations will continue to develop. PHILIPPINES A human rights watchdog yesterday accused the police in the Philippines of falsifying evidence to justify unlawful killings in the governments war on drugs that has caused more than 7,000 deaths. THAILAND A former high-ranking police officer dismissed from a senior position in Thailands royal palace was questioned by police yesterday about land encroachment charges in what is seen as the latest example of Thailands new king purging aides and other close associates. INDONESIA A prosecutor sought a one-year jail sentence yesterday for a former Reuters war correspondent who is on trial in Indonesia on charges of possessing hashish. The defendant is accused of violating a 2009 law on narcotics, under which such drug possession could face a maximum four years in prison. SWEDENs left-leaning government introduced a military draft for both men and women yesterday because of what its defense minister called a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. More on p15 USA A Hawaii bill that sought to change the way commercial fishing licenses are granted died after industry representatives told lawmakers it would wreck the business. The bill sought to restrict commercial fishing licenses to people who are legally allowed to enter the U.S., a redundant move because that already is codified. More on p12 INDIA Traders angry at a US-based animal rights group that pushed for a 2014 ban on the popular tradition of bull-taming have turned their ire on two iconic American brands, pulling Coke and Pepsi from shelves in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. AFGHANISTAN The Health Ministry says the death toll from simultaneous suicide bombings in the capital has climbed to 22, with another 120 people, most of them civilians, wounded in the attacks. Spokesman Ismail Kawasi said yesterday that hospitals near the site of the twin explosions the day before have been overwhelmed with wounded people, many in serious condition. SYRIA Government forces battling the Islamic State group re-entered Palmyra yesterday in their quest to again take the historic town they had lost to the militants in December, state media reported. Story by M.B. Reilly (513-556-1824) Photos by Joe Fuqua/UC Creative Services March 2, 2017 Its not often that we think of musical theater as a means to upend racial segregation. But 80 years ago, it was by writing and staging sprightly songs like Rushin Out to Reno, Holding Hands with Honey and I Never Knew Till Now that African American students on the University of Cincinnati campus were able to participate more fully in campus life at a time when they were barred from many extracurricular activities, denied admission to certain majors, and could not live in the dormitories. The memory of these 1930s musicals part of the drive for equality by one-time students and later Cincinnati civil rights leaders Marian and Donald Spencer are now safeguarded and available to the campus community and the public as part of the donation this week of the Marian and Donald Spencer Collection to UCs Archives and Rare Books Library. The donation was made by 96-year-old Marian Spencer, A&S 42, HonDoc 06, on behalf of herself and her husband Donald Spencer, Sr., who passed away in 2010 at age 95. According to Marian Spencer, who once served on UCs Board of Trustees from 1975-80, she wanted to give the collection to UC because she felt that UC needed to know how all of its students felt, and this is my opportunity to show how students like me felt . Things have changed (at UC) since I was here. And I wanted them to know that I knew that. The collection spans eight decades and includes letters, photographs, memoranda, articles, memorabilia, honors, awards and much more related to related to the Spencers quest for racial equality in efforts like the desegregation of Cincinnatis public schools, the YWCA pools and summer camps nationwide, and Cincinnatis Coney Island Amusement Park. This latter effort came after she and her family were turned away from the park on July 4, 1952, by a front-gate guard brandishing a gun. The newly donated collection also includes material from when the pair attended UC (where they met) and were active in efforts to improve the campus for African Americans. For instance, Marian Spencer, the granddaughter of a freed slave, campaigned while a UC student from 1938-42 for an open college prom. And Donald Spencer, A&S 36, Ed 37, Med 40, HonDoc 06, established UCs chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity in 1939. The fraternity and its chapters were originally founded for African American students who were excluded from most campus fraternal organizations. And it was current and alumni members of that chapter who closed the Feb. 27 celebration marking the donation of the Spencer archives to the university with a touching serenade of "The Sweetheart of Kappa Alpha Psi" to Marian Spencer. BOISE Idaho Power wants to decrease a rider on customer bills that funds energy efficiency programs, and the public can submit comments now. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will take comments through March 15 on the companys request to reduce what customers pay for energy-efficiency programs. The current rate of 4 percent would be decreased to 3.75 percent if approved. This comes in addition to a request to refund customers $13 million for funds already collected. This refund will be included as part of its annual rate adjustment. And, Idaho Power wants to eliminate an annual $4 million transfer of rider funds to the PCA. The energy rider collects about $40 million per year, the PUC said, and Idaho Power says there was roughly a $9 million surplus at the end of last year. Intervenors in the case the City of Boise, the Idaho Conservation League and the Idaho Irrigation Pumpers Association must also submit comments by the March 15 deadline, and Idaho Power may file reply comments by March 22. To submit a comment, visit puc.idaho.gov and click on Case Comment Form, under the Consumers heading. Use case number IPC-E-16-33. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074. BOISE The GOP primary field to become Idahos next governor just got a little more crowded. Boise developer Tommy Ahlquist made it official Wednesday morning that he is seeking the job, making his announcement before a crowd of several hundred supporters on the 17th floor of the Zions Bank building downtown that his company built. Ahlquist spoke of his family, his experiences as a doctor and a businessman how his background would qualify him for the states top job. Ahlquist said he knows how to create jobs, not because Ive read about it in a report, not because its theory to me, but because Ive done it. Gov. C.L. Butch Otter has said he isnt running for another term. Lt. Gov. Brad Little and former state Sen. Russ Fulcher have already declared they intend to run for the job. U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador has also said he is thinking about it. The primary is in May 2018. No Democrats have declared their candidacy, although Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, wrote a letter to Ahlquist late last week asking him to run for governor as a Democrat. Ahlquist contributed money to Democrat A.J. Balukoffs campaign against Otter in 2014. Ahlquist told KTVB Tuesday he contributed to Balukoff out of friendship but is a Republican and voted for Otter. Ahlquist used to be an emergency room doctor and condemned the Affordable Care Act, saying it led to higher premiums and drove up the national debt. I know it was a disaster not because I read about it but because I lived it, he said. He said the Trump administration and possible repeal of the ACA will pose tremendous challenge but also tremendous opportunity to Idaho. Ahlquist would like to see a state-designed system to meet the states health-care needs. Ahlquist said Idaho is still behind in education and he believes in school choice, local control, accountability and transparency, and vocational programs that are responsive to local economic needs. I promise a culture of excellence that will begin in the governors office and then will chase away mediocrity at every level of education in the state, he said. Ahlquist said he would like to see solutions and not another task force, an apparent swipe at the task forces the Otter administration has used to study education. State House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said Wednesday he considers Ahlquist, Little, Fulcher and Labrador all to be friends, but isnt ready to endorse. Ahlquist has said he plans to go on a 97-city tour to promote his candidacy and he got off to a quick stop Wednesday, with campaign stops after his announcement in Idaho Falls, Kimberly and Coeur dAlene. In Kimberly, Ahlquist visited Layne Pumps to meet with owner Keith Hardy and tour the facility. The company engineers and assembles pumps for industrial irrigation equipment. We wanted to go to somewhere where we could see some industry and tour business, he said. Hardy said he thought the visit went well. He was willing to listen and I could see he was sincere, Hardy said. BOISE The Idaho House passed a bill Thursday to put more stringent standards on when police can seize the assets of suspected drug dealers and shot down another bill that would have allowed heroin dealers to be charged with murder if a customer died from an overdose. The civil asset forfeiture reform bill, which was drafted by Reps. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, and Steve Harris, R-Meridian, would put some restrictions on its use including requiring law enforcement demonstrate a connection between drugs and property seized other than that they happen to be near each other, stating that mere possession of cash is not grounds for a seizure, absent other evidence of illegality and requiring Idaho law enforcement to report information about seizures to the state controllers office. Speaking in favor of the bill Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, read the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says no one can be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. I dont know how a decision on a roadside by a police officer (without a judge) could ever be construed as due process of law, Chaney said. While Rubel and Harris did work with some law-enforcement groups while drafting the bill and these organizations decided not to oppose it, other police organizations came out against the bill, worried it would put too many restrictions on their ability to seize drug dealers ill-gotten gains or the cash they could use to commit further crimes. The bill ended up passing 58-10. Rubel said the overwhelming bipartisan support ... shows that lawmakers across the political spectrum are concerned about protecting the property rights of (Idaho) citizens while maintaining a tough stance on drug dealers. But the bill that would have let heroin dealers be charged with second-degree murder if a customer overdoses and dies didnt fare so well on the House floor Thursday. Heroin is so dangerous and deadly and so addictive we have to do everything we can in this state to stop this epidemic, said Rep. James Holtzclaw, R-Meridian, who put the bill together with Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise. The bill was modeled on similar legislation that has passed in other states. However, the bill failed 26-43. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers spoke against it, with some saying they appreciated that Holtzclaw and Gannon were trying to do something about rising heroin use but worried that people who are addicts themselves could get snared up by the law. Others worried it would make it less likely that people using heroin would seek medical attention if someone they were with overdosed. The legislation is essentially Clinton-era tough-on-crime legislation that didnt work then, gave rise to a private prison industry, and wont work now, said Minority Leader Mat Erpelding, D-Boise. BOISE Relentless snow and crumbling roads mean transportation funding will be a bigger issue in the last month of the legislative session than anticipated, the Idaho House Speaker said Wednesday. Scott Bedke, a Republican from Oakley, spent much of a lunch with the Capitol press corps Wednesday talking about damage to roads in the Magic Valley he saw during a recent trip around the region and how it could affect the areas agricultural economy. There are real problems in the infrastructure there, he said, And theyre going to show up as things dry out. Bedke described seeing washed-out roads in the Castleford area that increased commutes to fish hatcheries, and cattle near Rupert in the middle of fields standing in floodwater or on islands of straw. Bedke said he still supports cutting the states income tax rates although that desire could come into conflict with road maintenance. But, Bedke said, he doesnt expect anything to pass on health care policy, gay and transgender anti-discrimination protections or on changing the states law that shields parents who practice faith-healing from prosecution under child injury laws. There is simply no consensus among legislators on how to move forward on these contentious issues, he said. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, which sets the states budgets, voted Wednesday to approve a $52 million plan to take excess revenue and put it into emergency infrastructure repair. This also means that federal disaster declarations could bring a 75 percent federal match for the money on some qualifying projects. That was not on anyones radar here at the first of the session, Bedke said. It is now. Bedke said he would like, in particular, to see the state address traffic congestion on some of the major roads in the Boise area. Although the area isnt part of his Mini-Cassia district, he said he takes pride in the entire state. 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 Russian President Vladimir Putin will not receive Libyas UN-backed Prime Minister Faiez Serraj scheduled to visit Moscow Thursday and Friday, the Russian Presidents office said. As announced by Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Head of the Presidency Council (PC) Faiez Serraj is to visit Moscow to seek Russias help in solving the Libyan puzzle through a potential meeting between him and Moscows choice in Libya; Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar who is opposed to the PC. During his two-day visit, Serraj will meet with Russian authorities but not with the countrys strongman Vladimir Putin, said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian presidency. Russia would like Libya to once again become a full-fledged state after a barbarous foreign interference in its internal affairs, Peskov added. The North African country descended into chaos following the removal of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed revolution in 2011. The country has remained uncontrolled despite UN attempts to reunify feuding factions. Haftar, a former strong Gaddafi ally has become Russias mouth-piece in the crisis. The military man has received support including military assistance from Moscow despite UN warnings. The military man repeatedly scorned Serraj and Head of UNSMIL Martin Kobler arguing that they are trying to impose a foreign agenda to Libya. Serraj last week called on Moscow to play a greater role in ending the deadlock, including facilitating a meeting between him and Haftar, after several diplomatic efforts failed. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Algerian authorities to immediately release and drop all criminal charges against Marzoug Touati, an editor of the news website Al-Hogra. Algerian security forces arrested Touati at his home in the coastal city of Bejaia on January 18 and have since held him in administrative detention on treason and incitement charges. Touati was interrogated about his publication on Jan.9 of a video interview conducted via teleconference with Hasan Kaabiah, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman. In that interview, the official said Israel has had a liaison office in Algiers since before 2000. Algeria and Israel do not have full diplomatic relations, and Algerias government is frequently critical of Israeli actions. A court in Bejaia on January 22 maintained Touati in administrative detention on charges of talking to the agents of a foreign power with the intention of causing harm to Algerias army, diplomatic relations, and financial interests, and inciting citizens to carry weapons and gather illegally. According to Algerias penal code, the first charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and the second charge is punishable by death. In Algeria, administrative detention can be renewed for up to 44 months. Touati denies the charges. CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said the Algerian journalist engaged in a basic journalistic exercise. He conducted and published an interview. He does not deserve to be jailed for this, and he certainly doesnt deserve to be executed as a traitor for this. We call on Algerian authorities to release Touati without condition or delay, said the CPJ official. Six policemen present during the June 2015 attack on a Hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, during which 38 people including 30 British holidaymakers, will appear in the dock for deliberate slow response to the attack. Seifeddine Rezgui, a Tunisian Islamic State Group militant in June 2015 popped up at the Hotel in Sousse and its adjacent beach and mowed down the 38 victims, using a Kalashnikov and grenades, under the nose of hotel security agents. The IS militant was shot down by police as he was leaving the scene several minutes after he started the shooting. The six policemen according to Sofiene Sliti, spokesman for the judiciarys counter-terrorism section are part of 33 people sued in connection with the attack. Sliti further noted that the men charged with failing to come to the assistance of a person in danger will remain free pending trial. Fourteen people of the indicted have been in custody, six out on bail, while seven are on the run and will be tried in absentia. Investigation of the beach massacre was closed in July last year but it was only in recent days that the case was referred to the criminal court, reports say. The announcement of the trial of the six policemen came just a day after British judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith leading the inquest into the death of the 30 British citizens laid into the Tunisian security authorities in his findings. Their response could and should have been more effective, he said. The response by the police was at best shambolic, at worst cowardly. Following the attack, London advised its citizens not to travel to Tunisia except on special trips. The people of crisis-torn Yemen urgently need humanitarian assistance and protection, especially in the north of the country where there is a threat of famine, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator warned Wednesday. Stephen OBrien urged all parties to the conflict to provide immediate and safe access so that humanitarian actors can provide what is needed to stave off famine. This will require [] all parties to stop gamesmanship or efforts to support their side of the fight by producing bureaucratic impediments and delays, or doubts about inspection mechanisms, he said. He called for restoring commercial shipment to provide the populations with food and medicines, and crucially, fuel, so water can be pumped out of the aquifers and cereals, the main foodstuff in the remotest areas of the country, can be processed, a UN press release said. Briefing reporters at UN Headquarters in New York via telephone from the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, Mr. OBrien recalled that he had headed directly to Yemen from the Oslo Humanitarian Conference on Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region, which had generated more than $670 million in pledges to help sustain critical relief operations over the next two years and beyond across four counties where millions are in need of aid. He said that along with Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen is among the countries, which, for the first time in modern history, could fall into simultaneous famine. The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator who insisted that famines are the result of man-made conflicts highlighted the difficulties faced by relief agencies to bring aid to the communities that need it, reporting that he had himself and his team been stopped at a military checkpoint on their way to the city of Taiz, even after assurances had been received. Egypt and Sudan continue to express concern over the potential reduction of their share of the Nile water as Ethiopias Grand Renaissance Dam project is about halfway complete and is expected to be operating by July 2017. Egypt has long suspected the dam will reduce its share of the Nile River. Such fears have been downplayed by Ethiopian officials who reiterated that Egypts share of Nile water will not be affected by the dam that will help the electricity needs of Ethiopia. The dam, to be Africas largest, has featured prominently in talks between Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the 28th African Union summit. Recently, the governments of Sudan and Egypt have accused Ethiopia of introducing modifications on the dam without informing the two countries on the Nile downstream. Ethiopian media channels, including Ezega news website, reported that the authorities have modified the construction standards of the dam to increase its capacity to generate electricity from 6,000 up to 6,450 megawatts (MW); and that the changes are dependent on an increase in the number of electricity generators. Initially, the dam was designed to generate 5,250MW. However, due to the upgrades made to the power plant, its generation capacity was raised to 6,000 MW. Six years later, the total installed generation capacity of the dam has been increased by an additional 450MW as a result of the improvement made on generators to boost the capacity of the power plant, Ezega said. In March 2015, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have reached a preliminary agreement to settle their main differences on the Nile water distribution. Construction at the Renaissance Dam site started in December 2010 after an agreement was reached with construction company Salini Impregilo of Milan, Italy, and Metals and Engineering Corp. of Addis Ababa. The site is 40 kilometers from the Sudanese-Ethiopian border on a tributary of the Blue Nile. The project is expected to store 74 billion cubic meters of water and generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity. 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. In a bid to boost further regional African integration and South-South cooperation, Morocco seeks the membership of the Economic Community of Western African Countries (ECOWAS), one of the major regional blocs in the continent. Morocco has informed President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, chairperson of ECOWAS, of its desire to join this regional grouping through its top diplomat Salaheddine Mezouar. In the context of the Royal tour in Africa- notably in some West African countries- and following directives from King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom of Morocco informed the President of Liberia, who takes the Presidency of the ECOWAS, of its willingness to join this regional grouping as a fully-fledged member, the Moroccan foreign ministry said in a press release. This request is in conformity with the provisions of the ECOWAS founding treaty and meets the membership criteria, added the statement. The Moroccan bid comes after the North African Kingdom rejoined the African Union end of January during the Summit held in Addis Ababa. ECOWAS was set up in 1975. Its gathers Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote dIvoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. They seek to create a single, large trading bloc through economic cooperation. Their combined GDP amounts to $734.8 billion based on economic activities that include industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce According to experts, the regional group has exceeded the expectations of its founding fathers. Today, the organization is recognized globally as a successful regional body. ECOWAS can be seen now as a model of integration and regional co-existence. The Vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a borderless region where the population has access to its abundant resources and is able to exploit some through the creation of opportunities under a sustainable environment. In this bloc, the population enjoys free movement, have access to efficient education and health systems and engage in economic and commercial activities while living in dignity in an atmosphere of peace and security. Officials in Mali have installed the long-delayed interim authorities in the countrys troubled northern Kidal region on Tuesday. The signatories of the peace agreement in Mali have previously established a timetable on February 10 to implement two important provisions of the accord before the end of the month. The provision includes the effectiveness of mixed patrols and the installation of interim presidents of the five administrative regions. However, the installation of interim representatives was postponed two weeks ago amid security challenges. The Tuesday move is seen as the first step towards improving security to allow elections in the stronghold of the former Tuareg rebellion. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including rebel representatives, as well as officials from France, US, Algeria, African Union and the European Union. According to an official statement, authorities are set to begin work in Gao and Menaka in the north east on Thursday, followed by Timbuktu in the north west and Taoudenni in the far north on Friday Malian jihadists were largely driven out of the countrys north by a French military intervention in early 2013. But the Islamists still carry out attacks on areas controlled by Malian, French and UN forces (Minusma). On January 18, a suicide attack on a camp where Gaos mixed patrols were being carried out and which was claimed by a group allied to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) resulted in 80 deaths. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Tuesday said there is no suitable winner, again, for its 2016 Africa annual leadership excellence awards. According to the foundation, none of the former African heads of State and government met the criteria for the 2016 Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. It means that recently retired presidents like Yayi Boni of Benin, John Mahama of Ghana and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia failed to prove they had left a legacy worth rewarding. As I emphasize each year, a very high bar was deliberately set when the Prize was launched in 2006. We recognize and applaud the important contributions that many African leaders have made to change their countries for the better. But the Prize is intended to highlight and celebrate truly exceptional leadership, which is uncommon by its very definition. After careful consideration, the Committee has decided not to award the Prize in 2016, said chairman of the independent prize awarding committee Salim Ahmed Salim. Just as there is no winner for this 2016 Prize, there were no winner for 2015. The same happened in 2009, 2010, 2012 2013. President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia was the latest winner of the Prize in 2014. The criteria used by the committee to select a winner include the requirement that all eligible contenders be former heads of State or government who left office in the previous three years. The leaders should have been democratically elected, served their constitutionally allowed terms and demonstrated exceptional leadership. Nigerias former Minister for Environment, Amina Mohammed, has been sworn in as the fifth UN Deputy Secretary-General at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. She took her oath of office from the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who appointed her as his deputy in December last year. Amina became only the second African woman to be appointed to the role of Deputy Secretary-General after Tanzanias Asha-Rose Migiro who served in the role under Ban Ki-moon. As the fifth Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed will help to manage the UN Secretariat operations and ensure inter-sectoral and inter-institutional coherence of activities and programs. Born on June 27, 1961, the new UN Deputy Secretary-General from Gombe State was instrumental in bringing about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals. Prior to her appointment by Buhari as environment minister, she served as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 Development Planning. Before joining the UN, Amina Mohammed worked for three successive administrations in Nigeria, where she served as Special Adviser on the Millennium Development Goals. She provided advice on issues including poverty, public sector reform and sustainable development, and coordinating poverty reduction interventions. De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 16 Jan 2017 14:57 Sujet : Darling, I will give you 50% of themoney Hello my dear friend, May the good God continue to bless you and your family for your very kind and prompt response to my email, indicating your willingness to assist me transfer this funds for investment purposes in your country or any country that you will recommend. Am well impressed by your person and I feel I have found the right person, but time will tell. As you know, the success of this transaction will depend on our total mutual trust. I want everything to be clear to you right now but you have to read carefully.The deal is all about the money I made here, and I have kept it safely in a box and stored in an abandoned mine in Kabul. Due to the United Nations policy on Afghanistan, there is a plan to move some troops out of Afghanistan so I will be among the people that will be moving out. I cannot take this money to the United States because since they know me as military personnel, they will want to know how I come about it. Due to this, I have made an arrangement for a Red Cross diplomatic agent to move this fund. The question is who will be in charge of the money in my absence ? This is exactly why I need your help. I want to guarantee you that you will not stand any risk in this as I have mapped out the strategy to have this box moved out of here safely t hrough Diplomatic means. You have to keep everything confidential till you receive the fund as a consignment or we can deposit it in bank to transfer direct to your account. Finally, I want you to stand as the beneficiary and receive the fund and keep it safe so that as soon as i come to your country, you will assist me to invest it in a good profitable venture, I will give you 50% of the total money for the assistance after you have receive the money.I believe I can trust you. Where we are now we can only communicate through our military communication facilities, which are secured so no body can monitor our emails, then I can explain in details to you. I will only reach you through email, because our calls might be monitored, I just have to be sure whom I am dealing with. Please if you can handle it, let me know so that i will furnish you on the way forward. Please send your information so that i will furnish you on the modality to follow.. Your Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Your Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Your Phone Number_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Your Occupation_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Your Age_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Your Nearest Airport_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Your country_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Regards, Yours, Capt. Wallace Kimberlin. De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Me, 18 Jan 2017 21:27 Sujet : I'm going to compensate you with 35% of the fund Hello, This transaction will require your effort financially for the shipment cost of the box to your destination and the total amount involve in the box is $10.8 millions dollars with 25 kilos of gold bar 24 karats which I deposited in a vault in Dubai and I'm g oing to compensate your effort with 35% of the total fund involved which rest 65% will be for me and may I know if I can trust you with this box and I need an assurance that you won' t let me down when the box shall be in your position. Capt. Wallace De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Me, 25 Jan 2017 16:19 Sujet : Delivery Company agent's email Dear Sir, I have contacted the delivery agent in Dubai and notified them about your contacting and the duty manager Dr. Trevor Quisley spoke that I should give you his contact email to contact him for immediate delivery processing and I think that I can trust you.Here is his email : deliverymanservices03@gmail.com Kindly forward your full names and address including telephone number to his email to process on delivery and he said that you would be paying some fees for delivery which he didn't say the amount but I don't think that its going to be much money. The deal is done. Respectful, Capt. Wallace. De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Sa, 4 Fev 2017 22:45 Sujet : Contact them and they will process on the release order You should contact the email deliverymanservices03@gmail. com which I sent to you in my previous mail and they will process on the release order and you will discuss with them if you have to travel there or you ask for delivery processing. Can I trust you and what is the assurance that you won't let me down when the fund shall be at your position ? P lease I put my hope and trust in you. Capt. Wallace Kimberley. Darling , De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Me, 8 Fev 2017 2:22 Sujet : Can you travel to receive the box in Oman ? Hi, dear. I am 36 years, I am single and ready for love but I do not have much pics. Will you be able to pay delivery cost for the box ? The cost is $2,890 and it should be paid before they effect delivery. With love, Sandra Can you travel to receive the box in Oman ? De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Je, 9 Fev 2017 16:07 Sujet : You should send the $200 by WU or MG Receiver's Name : Sulaiman Kamara City : Dakar Country : Senegal Amount : $200 captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com You should include the sender's name and address including telephone number so he can pick and help send altogether to the delivery agent to effect the delivery of the trunk box to your destination address and please I put my hope and everything in you. You should send the Western Union reference number for pick up, okay ? Regards, Capt. Wallace Kimberley. Ok, you will send $200 to my lender so he can help to complete the balance to them to effect delivery. Here is his information below and you should send it by Western Union or Money Gram, ok ? De : Captain wallace kimberlin < captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com > Envoye le : Ma, 14 Fev 2017 20:29 Sujet : That is all you need to send the money Receiver's name : Sulaiman Kamara Address :104B Almadi Road, Dakar. Country : Senegal Amount :. . . . . . . . . .$200 Tel +221 -772937037 captainwallacekimberlin@gmail.com That is all you need to send the money, pick the form, fill it and submit to transfer, that is simple. De : trevor quisly < deliverymanservices03@gmail.com > Envoye le : Lu, 20 Fev 2017 12:43 Sujet : About your box May I have the information delivery address and payment to be shipping your box this week to your destination address. Regards, Dr. Trevor Quisley. Attention: About your box If you received a similar letter, please ignore it. Do not answer it. If you do, you will end up on more of the mailing lists used by the criminals behind this fraud. Read more.... Social Impact Award: Georgia hosts contest for young innovators Two Georgian cities will host the countrys first edition of the Social Impact Award: an international contest for student projects aimed at benefiting society through entrepreneurial endeavours.Launching this Friday, the contest will be held in the capital of Tbilisi as well as the eastern city of Telavi and aim to help young innovators transform their ideas from the stage of infancy to fully-fledged projects that will bring solutions to social issues.The event will be the first Georgian edition of the Social Impact Award, which is organised in 20 European countries.Student teams will present their projects and be evaluated by professionals in social enterprise. The young participants will also learn how to set up business plans and carry their ideas through to successful implementation.The contest will begin with 12 workshops in Tbilisi and Telavi, focusing on teaching social entrepreneurship, the generation of ideas, the establishment of business models and business planning.Based on presented ideas, an independent jury will select eight successful teams for a subsequent incubation process, while the shortlisted teams will also receive financial and professional support.The same jury will ultimately reveal three winning teams, to be granted prize money and an opportunity to travel to the Social Impact Award European Summit in Belgrade, Serbia, which will take place between November 1-3.The three groups will also be granted a chance to receive funding of 20,000 GEL (about $7,500/7,200*) for implementing their respective projects.Workshops will run in Tbilisi from February 24-26 and Telavi from March 10-12, while the remaining phases of the competition will be held throughout the rest of the year.Organisers Impact Hub Tbilisi and the Europe Foundation said they hoped to encompass "all big cities in Georgia for the 2018 edition.Impact Hub is an international initiative that unites over 15,000 members at 86 locations across the world in a community which "inspires, connects and enables people across the world to sustainably impact society".Tbilisi joined the network in October 2016 with a public discussion held at Fabrika, entitled Building Ecosystems for Sustainable Social Change.Founded in 2008, the Europe Foundation is a Georgia-based organisation that aims to "increase citizen action in monitoring governmental and business activities "to effect positive changes. Painful issue with de facto and occupant forces By Messenger Staff The 43rd Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting was held in Gali, Abkhazia, on February 22, where representatives from the government of Georgia raised several painful issues and re-voiced their demands to the de facto and occupant forces.Georgia once again demanded the arrest of the citizen of Abkhazia who killed Georgian Giga Otkhozoria on territory controlled by Georgia, in May 2016.The alleged murderer, Rashid Kanji Oghli, was not held accountable for his crime, which had been recorded by cameras.Another issue concerned the release of Giorgi Lukava, a citizen of Georgia who is currently imprisoned in de facto Abkhazia for terrorist activities.The detainee and his family claim he is innocent, and Lukavas wife went on hunger strike with the demand the Georgian Dream authorities to ensure the release of her husband.It was even stated that Lukava was killed. However, the information wasnt confirmed and at the meeting the de facto representatives stressed the mans life wasnt at risk.The talk also concerned the closure of the so-called border between Georgia and Abkhazia.Representatives of the central government stressed that any kind of prohibition which will restrict fundamental rights of local residents will not only complicate their everyday lives, but sill also pose a significant threat to security on the ground.The IPRM was created in February 2009 as a result of the Geneva Discussions that followed the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict in Georgia. The meetings were an opportunity to identify and discuss potential risks and follow-up of incidents and issues affecting the communities on a daily basis. The meetings were co-facilitated by the OSCE and the EUMM in Georgia.Such meetings are important to address the ongoing problems; dialogue always has a meaning. However, Russias position does not change, and the country still occupies 20 percent of Georgias lands.Russia also continues its creeping occupation of sovereign Georgian land by pushing its barriers and border signs further into Georgian territory.To settle the territorial problem Georgia currently requires consistent diplomatic efforts and the support of the international community.Georgia isnt the only nation that Russia showed such aggression towards, as it invaded Ukraine land, and Moscow has only been encouraged by the impotent reaction of the West. The News in Brief State Oil and Gas Company Spending Questioned Between 2012 and 2014, the Georgia Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGC) spent 3.8 million lari (about $US2.26 million) to finance patrols to make sure nobody was stealing gas from oil or gas pipelines. The problem was that GOGC had no pipelines under its own direct management during those years. These and other irregularities are the subject of a Georgia Audit Office report covering the years 2012-2014. The Audit Office said in an interview that at least two of these findings were serious enough that the Georgia Prosecutors Office should investigate as possible crimes. The Prosecutors Office refused to comment on whether they are investigating. office does not share information whether they started investigation on any fact mentioned into audit service report. Oil and Gas Corporation thinks audit service report is objective and based on facts, reads the letter sent by corporation to ifact.ge. The irregularities, which GOGC stated in a letter to ifact.ge that they do not dispute, include the following: Salaries paid to dozens working in positions that were not listed by GOGC. According to the Audit Report, GOGC had no listed positions for advisers, geologists or technicians. There were also no listed positions for analysts and for any potential projects. In 2013, the Ministry of Finance said in a letter to GOGC that dozens working before October of 2012 should not have been receiving huge salaries from GOGC. The Ministry of Finance refused to comment, citing an ongoing investigation, and the Audit Service released no further details, again citing that ongoing investigation. Out of 34 million cubic meters of gas extracted between 2012-2014, 11 million cubic meters were burned off as waste because neither GOGC nor its drilling company had a proper plan for collecting and using it. GOGC pointed out in a letter that they have no storage facility, so whatever gas the drilling company cannot sell is wasted. From 2012-14, nobody kept track of GPS data for fuel usage by GOGC vehicles, even though GPS devices were installed in all vehicles. A contract was given to a company (New Energy LLC) to erect a series of electric towers. The company was paid for moving 546,174 cubic meters of soil. The Audit Service calculated that even if the company worked 24/7, it could have moved only 315,548 cubic meters. The total tower contract was worth 44.5 million lari (about $US27.8 million). The Audit Office suggests this be further investigated. Another company (LLC El Georgia 2006) had a contract to build support structures for these towers and a road. The company could not produce any documents on how much work it actually did. The type of soil the company says it moved on the project does not exist on this site, according to geological studies cited by the Audit Office. The company received 3.9 million lari (about $US2.4 million). The Audit Office suggests this be further investigated. Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation LLC was formed in 2006 to consolidate three existing state-owned companies. In 2011, GOGC changed its status to a joint stock corporation, although all shares are controlled by the government of Georgia. GOGC uses this legal status to define itself as a private company and thus not required to release information that a government agency would be required to share, although oil and gas are natural resources that belong to all Georgian citizens. We are not a (government) body, so we are not obliged to share private company information with you, the company wrote in a letter. GOGC reported profits from 2012-2014 of 1.2 billion lari (about $US714 million). With government approval, it has expanded beyond oil and gas to become 51 percent shareholder of the Gardibani thermal electricity plant. The Corporation is also an investor in a new wind power project in Georgia. In 2014 the Corporation had 342 employees collecting 7.8 million lari (about $US4.5 million) in salaries and bonuses. Seven directors collected a total of 795,556 lari (about $US454,000) in 2014. According to the Audit Report, GOGC had no listed positions for advisers, geologists or technicians. There were also no listed positions for analysts and for any potential projects. In 2013, the Ministry of Finance said in a letter to GOGC that dozens of citizens working before October of 2012 should not have been receiving huge salaries from GOGC. GOGC has announced plans to sell in 2017 as much as 25 percent of its shares to the public through a stock market. If this plan is carried out, the Corporation could no longer claim to be a private company that can withhold information about Georgian natural resources. GOGC says the decision about privatization has not been made yet. Nino Bakradze is investigative reporter at Ifact.ge. The article was first published on Ifact.ge. (dfwatch.net) Anti-stigma campaign to break down stereotypes on disability UNICEF Georgia is launching a social change campaign tomorrow to address stigmas against people with disabilities in Georgian society. Children with disabilities are one of the most isolated, disadvantaged and marginalized groups of children in Georgia. On a daily basis, they are subject to discrimination and their rights are violated, UNICEF Georgia said on their official Facebook page. Based on UNICEF data, 40 percent of the Georgian population harbors some form of stereotypes and discriminatory emotions against people with disabilities. Inviting the public to gather at the launch of the Anti-Stigma Movement at Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Modern Art in Tbilisi on February 23, Communication Officer at UNICEF Georgia Maya Kurtsikidze told Agenda.ge that the two-year campaign will do its best to change public attitude towards children with special needs in Georgia. The campaign will be carried out by UNICEF with the support of the European Union in Georgia and USAID/Georgia. We want to break the myths these people are always surrounded with, Kurtsikidze said, explaining that children with special needs will be telling their own stories with their parents as part of the frontline of the campaign. With awareness-raising activities scheduled all around Georgia, the campaign aims to break down myths surrounding disabilities, teaching people how to better communicate with disabled children and showing them how to treat them with equality. This includes success stories of children with disabilities and their parents, formal educational comics, contests for school children, country-wide discussions, public gatherings, festivals and fun demonstrations where children with disabilities and their parents will participate. As Kurtsikidze said, the guests of tomorrows launching ceremony will personally see, feel and hear what these children are capable of and what challenges they face in their daily lives. (Agenda.ge) (AP Photo) @JeremySWallace Gov. Rick Scott heads into his 7th Legislative Session starting next week with a distinct advantage over the Florida Legislature over who is more popular, according to a poll released this morning by the Public Opinion Research Laboratory at the University of North Florida. The poll showed that 46 percent of a sample of 973 registered Florida voters said they approved of the job Scott was doing. By contrast, the just 39 percent said they approved of the job the Florida Legislature is handling its job. But the poll also showed that one of Scotts top priorities doesnt have much support among voters. Scott has proposed a $454 million tax cut for companies who pay sales taxes on their leases. Florida is the only state that imposes that kind of a tax. But only 13 percent of the 973 registered voters said they want the corporate lease taxes reduced. Another 73 percent said the state should not reduce the tax and use the money instead to improve public universities or public infrastructure. Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the way that Rick Scott is handling his job as governor of Florida? Answer: 17% - Strongly approve 29% - Somewhat approve 14% - Somewhat disapprove 26% - Strongly disapprove 14% - Dont know Question: Overall, do you approve or disapprove of the way that the Florida Legislature is handling its job? Answer: 7% - Strongly approve 32% - Somewhat approve 21% - Somewhat disapprove 19% - Strongly disapprove 21% - Dont know Check out the full poll results here. @amysherman1 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it will heighten assistance to Jewish Community Centers, which have faced a series of bomb threats in Florida and other states. In light of the nature of the threats to Jewish Community Centers, I have directed DHS to heighten our outreach and support to enhance public safety, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said Wednesday night in a statement. The right to worship and commune within and across faiths is fundamental to the American experience and our way of life. DHS will continue to support communities across the country to preserve these fundamental freedoms. The Anti-Defamation League, a national organization that combats anti-Semitism, has tallied 122 bomb threats to Jewish institutions since the beginning of 2017 through March 1. On Monday, the ADL said 20 threats occurred in a dozen states the fifth time this year that multiple Jewish institutions have received bomb scares on a single day. Keep reading here. Photo by the Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press @MichaelAuslen Florida's safety net hospitals -- public, teaching and children's hospitals that largely serve low-income patients -- are urging the federal government to give the state an extra $1 billion to pay for care that insurance, Medicaid and Medicare do not fund. This week, executives with the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida traveled to Washington to meet with leaders of the congressional delegation, including U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson and three members of Congress, Ted Yoho, R-Gainesville, Carlos Curbelo, R-Miami, and Stephanie Murphy, D-Winter Park. Carlos Migoya, CEO of Jackson Health System in Miami, and Jonathan Ellen, president of Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg, were among those who traveled to Washington. "We believe that over the last couple years, the federal government has treated Florida extremely inequitably," said Tony Carvalho, president of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance. "It seems like Florida's Low-Income Pool was reduced over the last several years as a strategy to put pressure on Florida to expand Medicaid coverage. ... We believe the strategy really hurt the safety net." The Low-Income Pool is a pot of money meant to reimburse hospitals when they provide care to low-income people that is not covered by Medicaid, Medicare or an insurance plan and cannot be paid for. During 2015's Medicaid expansion fight, the federal government under then-President Barack Obama reduced the size of the pool, which includes some state money but is mostly paid for with federal tax dollars. It is currently slated to be about $600 million, down from $2 billion in 2014. But hospitals other large states, including Texas, New York and California, receive much more per capita than Florida does, according to an analysis by the Safety Net Hospital Alliance. Hospitals are urging members of Congress to pressure federal health officials to give the state a larger pool of money during a renegotiation of the state's Medicaid program that's happening right now. The state and federal governments are already negotiating over Medicaid because Florida's existing agreement is set to expire. What the safety net hospitals want is for newer uncompensated care data to be taken into account and for the feds to stop punishing Florida for not expanding Medicaid. That could bring in an extra $1 billion. And time is ticking. New rules would need to be in place before the Legislature draws up a budget in the latter half of the 60-day legislative session, which begins Tuesday in Tallahassee, Carvalho said. "It could be pretty devastating if we don't get a decision by the time the Legislature needs it for finalizing their budget," he said. In January, eight members of Congress, including Curbelo, wrote a letter asking then-President-elect Donald Trump to work with Florida to increase the Low-Income Pool. Photo: Hector Gabino, el Nuevo Herald. via @learyreports Republican Rep. Brian Mast: Jeff Sessions needs to immediately clarify his Senate testimony and recuse himself from any investigation into Russian ties. If he cannot commit to ensuring this process is completed with full transparency and integrity, he should resign. The American people are demanding integrity, they are demanding answers and they deserve an unbiased investigation into the facts. Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo: The American people must have full trust and confidence in any and all government investigations into Russian efforts to undermine or manipulate our elections. Regardless of whether the Attorney General misspoke or misled at his Senate confirmation hearing, the Justice Department should include these alleged meetings in their investigation and Mr. Sessions should recuse himself from Justice Department activities related to the investigation. Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings: During his Senate confirmation hearing, Jeff Sessions told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he did not have communications with the Russian government during Mr. Trumps campaign. We now know this statement, made under oath, was a lie. Attorney General Sessions must resign immediately, or President Trump must fire him, and the FBI must launch an investigation into his actions. Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor: Lying to a congressional committee while you are under sworn oath is illegal. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should resign and at the very least must recuse himself from the investigation into illegal collusion between Vladimir Putin, the Russian government and the Trump Campaign. President Trumps failure to release his tax returns (unlike any other presidential candidate or President) continues to be a cloud over his Administration. An open and transparent review of his tax returns could answer questions related to whether or not he or his company have ties to Russia. Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist: As the former Attorney General of Florida, I find Attorney General Sessions actions inexcusable, and call for his immediate resignation. How can we have faith that the duties of the office of the Attorney General will be carried out when the chief legal officer of the country doesn't tell the truth under oath to the United States Congress. It is clear that we need to establish an independent, 9/11-style commission to investigate this administrations Russian connections. The American people demand answers, and we have a responsibility to get to the truth of this Russian imbroglio. Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: Americas top law enforcement official cant perjure himself before the United States Senate and maintain the credibility and confidence that the chief law enforcement officer for the nation must have to hold that position. He must now resign. When then-Senator Jeff Sessions testified under oath that he did not have communications with the Russians during his confirmation hearing, he lied to Congress and breached the public trust. This obviously disqualifies Sessions from handling any investigation into the Trump Administrations involvement with Russia. But more than his recusal, Sessions faces apparent perjury issues, which must be investigated and prosecuted. Whats especially unsettling is that Sessions involvement with Russian officials is part of a larger pattern of involvement between Moscow and Trumps campaign and administration. Ultimately, we need an open, independent, bipartisan investigation into Russia's ties to the Trump administration and its attempt to influence our elections. Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: Given the questions surrounding Attorney General Sessions' testimony, he should recuse himself from any investigation into Russian activities. --ALEX LEARY, Tampa Bay Times, with Patricia Mazzei Photo credit: Susan Walsh, Associated Press Michael-in-Norfolk disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability, or availability of information or material displayed on this site and does not claim credit for any images or articles featured on this site, unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to it's respectful owners. Information on this site may contain errors or inaccuracies, and Michael-in-Norfolk does not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the site's content. If you own rights to any of the images or articles, and do not wish them to appear on this site, please contact Michael-in-Norfolk via e-mail and they will be promptly removed. Michael-in-Norfolk contains links to other Internet sites. These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog. Missoula City Council's Administration and Finance committee voted to look into divesting their money market account from Wells Fargo bank. Wells Fargo has been involved in several national controversies recently, most central to Missoula their partial funding with Energy Transfer Partners, which is building the Dakota Access Pipeline. The University of California divested from the bank in January because of its ties to private correctional facilities, while the cities of Davis, California, and Seattle looked into divesting in early February. Ward 1 representative Heidi West, who brought the idea forward with Ward 2 representative Ruth Swaney, said divesting is a natural follow-up to the councils November resolution opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline, as well as the city's acquisition of Mountain Water company. As a community we value access to drinking water, West said. Its important to direct our financial resources in ways that reflect the values that we have established. In an ironic twist, West admitted that Barclays which is loaning the city around $140 million to buy the water utility was, along with Wells Fargo, a player in the mid-2000s subprime mortgage crisis. I do realize there are going to be hypocritical actions sometimes, she said. And those cant entirely be avoided. Finance Director Leigh Griffing said the citys Wells Fargo account is used for its cash-on-hand funds. Right now theres about $2.6 million in the account, but that fluctuates by tens of millions throughout the year. Its primarily held there for security, she said. It gains very little interest. Griffing said they would likely put the money into the Montana Board of Investments Short Term Investment Program. The city could continue to deposit and withdraw money easily from the program. Six people commented in support of divesting, a large crowd for a Wednesday afternoon City Council meeting. Dustin Monroe said he has family in Standing Rock and traveled to the protests. A lot of us live in Missoula not because theres a bunch of jobs around here or high pay. Its because the quality of life and the life here, he said. And thats what makes Missoula so different than the rest of Montana. He said other Montanans usually think Missoulas a little crazy for taking a position on issues like these. Its not being crazy, its because we stand by our values and who we are. A company that manages a huge data center near Missoula is in the process of applying for a state grant to create 80 high-paying jobs in the area over the next two years. Global Big Data, LLC, which provides hosting services and security validation services for Bitcoin networks a complicated peer-to-peer digital payment system currently has 20 employees and is applying for $600,000 in Big Sky Trust Fund grant money. Funded by the states coal severance tax, the BSTF grant money reimburses business up to $7,500 for each new employee they hire as long as the companys revenue comes from out of state and employees are paid at least 170 percent of the state minimum wage. To get the top award, each job has to pay the Missoula County median wage, which is $18.50 an hour. A tech company bringing in money to Montana and hiring dozens of new highly paid employees is good economic news for Missoula, and thats why it was one of the major announcements made by James Grunke, the president and CEO of the Missoula Economic Partnership, at the spring investor luncheon. They are on their way to becoming North Americas largest data center, Grunke said of Project Spokane. They are going to have 55,000 servers, and right now they only have 12,000. Its pretty exciting. This grant we have applied for is $600,000 to create jobs in Missoula and Missoula County. The deadline for the grant was Wednesday, and MEP grants manager Nicole Rush was busy working with a representative of Spokane Project to finalize the paperwork. They should know within two or three months whether they will get the money. Grunke was speaking to a crowd at The Public House in downtown Missoula, a new meeting space on Broadway. The MEP was launched in 2011 and the majority of the budget comes from private sector investors with the balance coming from the city, the county, the University of Montana and Missoula International Airport. Grunke said that MEP got $25,000 in state matching funds to conduct feasibility studies for other companies thinking of moving here. He said an unnamed company is thinking about moving 80 jobs here, and an announcement should be made by the beginning of the summer. Two of the main issues that act as a barrier to job creation in Missoula are a workforce shortage and a lack of affordable housing, Grunke explained. The unemployment rate in Missoula County is 3.6 percent, a full percentage point below the national average. When we talk to area employers, were always told the No. 1 barrier to growth is access to workforce, Grunke said. But beyond that statement, what does that mean? Is it a lack of access to the right people, or the right skills or training programs? He said MEP has applied for a $27,000 state grant to do a feasibility study on the state of the workforce. He also explained that a lack of housing stock for entry-level homebuyers is hampering businesses ability to attract and retain workers. We cant attract workforce into our community if they dont have a place to live, Grunke said. You have to do these parallel to each other. Grunke said a collaboration between the Missoula Organization of Realtors, the city, the county and local developers is studying how to solve the problem. A lot of people hear about how there are 4,000 entitled lots in Missoula County that people could build on, but the fact remains that those lots arent getting built on for various reasons, he said. There clearly is demand, and there must be supply, so we need to address that, he said. The MEP is focused on attracting businesses with high growth potential such as those in the manufacturing, lifestyle sciences and tech sectors. They are also focused on increasing the air service to Missoula, and next year theyll apply for federal funding to try to entice a direct American Airlines flight from Dallas to Missoula. Managers at two other large Missoula companies that have benefited from Big Sky Trust Fund grants also spoke. Tom Stergios, the senior vice president at Advanced Technology Groups Missoula Solutions Center, talked about how he started out with just one other employee five and a half years ago and now the business has grown to well over 100. The average salary for 70 of the companies workers is more than $80,000 per year, and ATG will generate $6.7 in income for existing employees in 2017. We are a consulting company that works in the technology space, he said. We have global clients, so that means we get to work with global bill rates, which allows us to have a higher salary, fortunately. And all of our clients are outside of Montana, so all of our money comes from out of Montana. However, Stergios said most of his employees come from Montana, and 70-80 percent of his workers graduated from the University of Montana. Were on track to hire another 30 people by the end of the year, Stergios said. Mickey Ogg, the chief commercial officer at Consumer Direct Care Network in Missoula, said the company employs over 360 administrative staff in Montana that support 1,700 direct support workers, or caregivers. He said the incentives like the Big Sky Trust Fund grants were one of the reasons the company chose to build a massive new headquarters on North Reserve Street, which they hope to move into by April. Were excited to be an anchor for that North Reserve revitalization, he said. For all those long weeks between elk-hunting seasons, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has you covered. Instead of Googling how do to this or that, you can go to the Elk Network and find out how to do it there, RMEF digital media director Chad Carman said of the organizations new internet platform. You can scroll through and see three to five new pieces of content daily, so check back often. The site goes live Friday. It will feature videos of elk-hunting experiences, tutorials on tactics and technique, reports on conservation topics and related material. We intend for this to be the place to go for people who are seeking information on elk and elk hunting, as well as anything related to elk country, RMEF marketing director Steve Decker said. The Elk Network will also feature recipes, RMEFs on-the-ground conservation and mission work, entire episodes from past seasons of RMEF Team Elk, as well as other original productions. We are also excited that it will also offer sportsmen and women the opportunity to contribute their own photos, videos and stories. A variety of organizations have started similar internet-based outreach programs, according to University of Montana digital journalism professor Lee Banville. He said one challenge will be distinguishing an in-house operation from the flow of stuff people already get themselves from Facebook, Vimeo and other online sources. Its also challenging to move a membership organization that exists in one form where you get the card and the magazine and thats your interaction - to a different behavior where you go on-line and share information, Banville said. But if people are looking at information on-line anyway, a known entity like RMEF giving them a place to go can be pretty powerful. Mix content thats out there with quality stuff theyre known for producing, and that can attract an audience. Carman said submitted material would be curated for appropriateness and quality, but he hoped it would widen the range of participation among elk hunters. While it will give RMEF a way to work with corporate sponsors, Carman added the site wouldnt be an advertising service. Elk Network joins a media world already crowded with variations. Randy Newbergs On Your Own Adventures, Steven Rinellas The Meateater and WesternHunter.net. Carman said many of those producers would be contributing material to Elk Network. If it looks exactly the same six months from now as on Fridays launch, were failing, Carman said. Were continually trying to get better, see what people enjoy, make it a good resource for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday bowed to intense political pressure and recused himself from any investigation related to President Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Sessions made the decision after it emerged that he had failed at his Senate confirmation hearing to disclose two pre-election meetings with Moscow's ambassador to Washington, at a time when Russia was accused of interfering in the presidential race. "I have decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States," Sessions told reporters. "This announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation," he added. This story is breaking and will be updated. --- President Donald Trump said Thursday he has "total" confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions following accusations that he misled Congress by failing to disclose pre-election meetings with Russia's ambassador to the United States. Pressure for Sessions to recuse himself from any involvement in a Justice Department probe into links between the Trump campaign and Moscow is becoming intense, as prominent Republicans break ranks with the administration. Democrats argued however that recusal was not enough and that Sessions should resign. Asked by reporters traveling with the President in Virginia if Sessions should recuse himself, the President said: "I don't think so." The White House learned from press reports Wednesday that the attorney general, one of the President's closest political confidants, had contacts with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the campaign, a senior administration official said. Several Republicans, many of them increasingly uneasy about the implications of the evolving Russian drama, Thursday called on Sessions to recuse himself from any involvement in an FBI probe into ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow. "Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself to ensure public confidence in the Justice Department's investigation," said Sen. Susan Collins, the Maine Republican who introduced Sessions at his confirmation hearing in January. "I think the attorney general should further clarify his testimony. And I do think he should recuse himself," said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee. Democrats sense new vulnerabilities for the administration in the widening intrigue over alleged Russian interference in last year's presidential race, and called on Sessions to resign, saying he lied in his Senate confirmation hearing. "(That) the top cop in our country lied under oath to the people is grounds for him to resign," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told reporters Thursday. "He has proved that he is unqualified and unfit to serve in that position of trust." The latest fast-moving developments dealt a fresh blow to the White House, abruptly ending Trump's victory lap after his well-received address to Congress. They underscored the difficulty the administration has had in shaking off a controversy that has already led to the firing of another Trump campaign aide appointed to a senior White House post -- former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Sessions met on two separate occasions with Russia's ambassador to Washington, meetings the Alabama Republican did not disclose during his confirmation hearing on January 10. At the hearing, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken asked Sessions what he would do if there was any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government. "I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians," Sessions said. Franken told CNN's New Day on Thursday that statement now appears to be untrue. "I am going to be sending (Sessions) a letter to have him explain himself, but he made a bald statement that during the campaign he had not met with the Russians," Franken said. "That's not true." On Twitter, Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren warned that Sessions should never have been confirmed at all, but now there is reason to remove him. "Now Jeff Sessions is AG -- the final say on the law enforcement investigation into ties between the Trump campaign & Russia? What a farce. This is not normal," she tweeted. "This is not fake news. This is a very real & serious threat to the national security of the United States." Republicans call for recusal "Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, but I think it would be best for him & for the country to recuse himself from the DOJ Russia probe," said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, in a statement. "Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from any investigation into Russia," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, in a statement. "We need a clear-eyed view of what the Russians actually did so that all Americans can have faith in our institutions." House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions should recuse himself only if he was part of the focus of an ongoing probe. "If he, himself, is the subject of an investigation, of course he would," Ryan told reporters Thursday. "But if he's not, I don't see any purpose or reason to doing this." Should Sessions recuse himself, oversight of the FBI investigation could fall to acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente. Democrats would prefer the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate questions about Russia but appear to lack sufficient leverage to bring about such a step. Sessions: 'This allegation is false' Sessions has drawn a distinction between his role as a Trump surrogate and his duties as a senator and strongly denied ever discussing campaign-related issues with anyone from Russia. "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign," he said in a statement. "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Sessions' spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said there was nothing "misleading about his answer" to Congress because he "was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign -- not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee." "Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," Isgur Flores said in the statement. A White House official said: "This is the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats. (Attorney) General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." White House spokesman Sean Spicer said meanwhile that Sessions had nothing to apologize for, signaling an effort by the administration to stand firmly behind the Attorney General. "There' is nothing to recuse himself (over)," Spicer told Fox News. "He was 100% straight with the committee and I think that people who are choosing to play partisan politics with this should be ashamed of themselves." Texas Sen Ted Cruz argued that the attacks on Sessions were politically motivated. "Sen. Sessions' response was less than clear. It was poorly phrased. And he's acknowledged that he misspoke. But the underlying meeting was carrying out his job," Cruz told reporters. "What we're seeing right now is a political circus." Meetings with Russian ambassador According to the Justice Department, Sessions met with Kislyak in July on the sidelines of the Republican convention, and in September in his office when Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services committee. Sessions, then the junior senator from Alabama, was an early Trump backer and regular surrogate for him as a candidate. Kislyak is considered by US intelligence to be one of Russia's top spies and spy-recruiters in Washington, according to current and former senior US government officials. Kemlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Russia has never interfered and has no plans to ever interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries, speaking to journalists Wednesday. When asked for reaction to the characterization of Kislyak as a spy, Peskov said "nobody has heard a single statement from US intelligence agencies' representatives regarding our ambassador. Again, these are some depersonalized assumptions of the media that are constantly trying to blow this situation out of proportion." Kislyak's interactions with Trump's former national security adviser Mike Flynn led to Flynn being fired last month. CNN's Evan Perez, Shimon Prokupecz, Jim Sciutto, Laura Jarrett, Eli Watkins, Jim Acosta, Lauren Fox and Steve Brusk contributed to this report. Recently (Feb. 17), four Montana state representatives wrote a guest column lamenting the condition of state finances. They offered three ways to fix the situation: cut spending, limit the governors ability to spend, or force choices between the various agencies and their services. None of these are satisfactory or legitimate but do enlighten us as to the state of fiscally conservative politics, values and thinking. Given the conservative bent to slash government, application of any of the three options will all too easily morph into a hack fest attacking unwanted agencies and programs disguised as responsible fiscal rebalancing. The obvious problem with the three approaches is that it omits the most obvious and direct remedymore revenue from higher taxes and user fees. Conservative politicians always presume that their highest duty and demand from their constituencies is low taxes, no matter the harm to people or the environment. Servicing this presumption violates their oath of office and the spirit of a peaceful republic through biennial transfer of responsibility and power. State representatives take an oath to support, protect and defend the U.S. and state constitutions. An unwritten but key principle of those promises is to enable the continuity of government and rule of law. This requires honoring the decisions of their legislative forebears and seeing that the laws and agency operations which provide government services and benefits previously established are supplied with the resources to carry out these duties with the highest degree of professionalism and quality possible. Every legislature inherits a working government with operating agencies and laws established by previous legislatures and administrations which they are obliged to uphold. But now confronted with a budget shortfall, the newbies are attempting to negate or otherwise make ineffectual any existing actions they disagree with by circumventing the honest but tough constitutional process of legislating and try to reorder and refocus government by less than transparent and constitutional means. In The Federalist Papers, No. 23, Alexander Hamilton addressed the requirements necessary for government to meet its mandates and obligations. He wrote: such ability rests upon axioms as simple as they are universal; the means ought to be proportioned to the end; the persons from whose agency the attainment of an end is expected ought to possess the means by which it is to be attained (italics in the original). These means refer mainly to adequate funding to meet the demands and exigencies of the citizens which Hamilton described as ever-changing and requiring contemporary responses appropriate to new situations. Less funding is never the right response to agency needs unless the problems that initially required government action have been eliminated, mitigated or have changed. The state Constitution has no directive to provide only the kind and quality of government that devotion (or maybe more accurately, moral enslavement) to a certain economic philosophy or a preset budget limit can deliver. Efficiency is a requirement for deciding the best way for government to do something, after it is decided what needs to be done. To do otherwise would prostitute government and the welfare of the people to the greedy god of economism and pay tribute to Mammon. Neither is a fit object of worship, let alone cowering subservience for the democratically elected representatives of a free people. The way forward fiscally and morally for Montana is for legislators to fully fund government or acquire the courage of their convictions and take constitutionally correct actions to repeal laws or close agencies they no longer believe necessary. The legislature should not achieve its political goals through the cowardly tactics of agency fiscal strangulation and dereliction of legislative duty. BILLINGS A former Billings Senior High School teacher convicted of raping a 14-year-old student who later killed herself may be released from the Montana State Prison on parole, according to the parole board. Stacey Dean Rambold, 57, was sentenced in September 2014 to 15 years in prison, with five years suspended, after the Montana Supreme Court overturned a lower courts sentence of 31 days in prison. Rambold was parole eligible on Feb. 25, 2016. Rambold had a hearing before the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole on Jan. 30, said Department of Corrections Communications Director Judy Beck on Thursday. At the hearing, Rambold proposed a plan to be paroled to California, which the parole board accepted. The proposal was submitted to the Interstate Compact Unit who sent the request to California. The unit is awaiting for approval from California, Beck said. If approved, Rambold will have to register as a sex offender in California, comply with court conditions of release and wear a GPS unit for a time, Beck said. Rambold has spent about two and a half years in the Montana State Prison. The 14-year-olds mother, Auliea Hanlon, was not aware Rambold was up for parole, she said. He should still be in jail, Hanlon said Thursday. Two years. I spent longer than that trying to put him in jail. Rambold, a former business and technology teacher at Senior High, was charged in 2008 with raping Cherice Moralez. The girl reported she had sexual contact with Rambold three times, including once in Rambolds office. Prior to Rambold being sentenced, Moralez died by suicide on Feb. 6, 2010, 20 days before her 17th birthday. After Moralez's death, Rambold signed a deferred-prosecution agreement that required him to attend a sex-offender treatment program. He was booted from that program for not disclosing a sexual relationship with an adult woman and having an unauthorized visit with the children of his relatives. He was prosecuted for these violations. In 2013, Judge G. Todd Baugh sentenced Rambold to 15 years in prison, with all but 31 days suspended, for sexual intercourse without consent. During Rambolds sentencing, Baugh made statements suggesting the victim may have been partly responsible. "It was a troubled youth, but a youth who was probably as much in control of the situation as the defendant, one that was seemingly, although troubled, older than her chronological age," Baugh said. Baugh was roundly criticized, including being the target of a protest on the courthouse lawn. The judge was later censured and suspended for 31 days over his handling of the case. Soon after, he retired under public pressure after almost 30 years on the bench. The Montana Supreme Court reversed Baughs order after the court determined Baughs sentence was improper and went on to criticize Baugh for comments he made about the victim's age and his misunderstanding of the relationship that existed between an adult teacher and a minor pupil. Another judge in Yellowstone County District Court resentenced Rambold to 15 years with five suspended. Hanlon sued School District 2 over the death. In 2012, the suit was settled for just under $91,000. Kelly Elder doesnt remember a single one of his middle school teachers. Thats significant, because Elder can give a fairly photographic recounting of the other educators who influenced his life and there are many from elementary school through his graduate studies at the University of Montana. Its also ironic, since the 2017 Montana Teacher of the Year currently teaches sixth-grade social studies at C.R. Anderson Middle School in Helena. Like Elder (and the rest of us) at that age, the students in his classroom are experiencing such rapid physical and emotional growth that the journey from childhood to adolescence may ultimately crowd everything else out of their memories. On the other hand, Elder says, that extraordinary development is one reason the middle school years are so vital for young learners. I try every day to give it my best, but chances are quite good theyre going to remember little or nothing about this part of their educational lives, he says, a rueful humor in his voice. At the same time, there is no better time to give these students a good foundation for academic success. If we can help instill in them confidence, independence, organization and work ethic, those skills are just critically important. Despite its challenges, Elder is perfectly suited to teach this age group. Theres an easy warmth to him, a natural enthusiasm for whatever hes discussing that he balances with a genuine interest in whatever the other person has to say. Its plain to see how kids of any age would gravitate to him and consider him an adult they trust. Elder came to C.R. Anderson after spending nearly a decade teaching high school in Lewistown, Montana. The much smaller Fergus High was a great situation for him, Elder says a terrific institution backed by a supportive, involved community but as he got older, the five-hour drive separating him from family and friends in Helena started to be too much. Ultimately, the decision to trade high school for middle school was about being closer to his childhood home. Elders family had moved from California to Montanas capital city in 1976, when he was in second grade. He went on to graduate from Capital High School and then earned a bachelors degree in economics and a masters in political science, both from UM. At first, Elder says he planned to use his college years to travel. He thought he would spend a year or two in Missoula and then sign up for a national student exchange program, transfer to some faraway locale and ultimately graduate from an out-of-state school. However, after spending some time at UM, he discovered he didnt need to do that. I was a Montana student who really wanted to get out and see the world, he says, but when I look back on it, the thing that sticks out in my mind about the University was the incredible international flavor on campus. I had opportunities to hear from people from all around our globe about their perspectives, their lives and their experiences. I got a very culturally enriching experience, and I stayed right in Montana to do it. In what would become a blueprint for the rest of his life, Elder got heavily involved at UM. He spent time as a resident assistant in the dorms and volunteered for the UM Advocates program in a number of capacities: working in the presidents office, for alumni relations and with new student services. For graduate school he was awarded a James Madison Fellowship, which required him to complete his final six credits at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., but otherwise allowed him to attend any university in the country free of charge. In a telling move, Elder chose UM. It was while working as an Advocate that he says he discovered his love for teaching. Hed always been a social person and now decided to translate those skills into trying to help others. These days, Elders resume and schedule remain fairly dizzying. He is one of just 90 National Board Certified Teachers in Montana, and hes also serving as the states Teacher of the Year. In addition to his full-time duties in the classroom, hes the leader of C.R. Andersons mountain biking club and is the associate director for the Montana Association of Student Councils. He also directed a student group running a holiday toy drive for Toys for Tots, a fundraiser for the Montana Make-A-Wish Foundation, and a push to help students facing intense challenges during the holiday season. It all adds up to a busy schedule that Elder admits sometimes leaves little time for anything else. Still, he contends he can unplug and find time away when he needs to recharge. As for hobbies, as if he needs them, he dabbles in photography and is learning Spanish. I have so many friends that, when they leave their jobs for the night, theyre done, he says, but when youre a teacher its far more complicated than that. There is no start time and no end time, but I think the intrinsic rewards more than make up for that. In the summer, Elder works for the U.S. Forest Service on the Helena National Forest. He began his career there while he was in college, working as a firefighter on a hotshot crew. In the past few years, hes moved off the fire line and begun work as an aircraft dispatcher, controlling the comings and goings of fixed- and rotor-winged aircraft in the backcountry during fire season. Perhaps the extracurricular activity that is closest to Elders heart, however, is organizing trips for the students at C.R. Anderson. In the past, hes chaperoned students to places like Costa Rica, Guatemala, Japan, and Washington, D.C. Theyve snorkeled in shark alley, gotten up close and personal with monkeys, spiders and snakes in the rainforest, and attended the inauguration of a new American president. In April, Elder will lead a group of kids on their next expedition to Belize. With these trips, Elder gives a new generation of students the opportunity he once craved as a younger person. He provides the chance to get out and see the world to experience life and culture outside the borders of their home state and sometimes on the opposite side of the ocean. Whats beautiful is when you can inspire students to push out of their comfort zones and try something new, Elder explains. Theres nothing better. When you see that success, wow, its so fun. At the sixth-grade level Ive got all these eager young people, and my job is to share with these Montana kids heck, Im a Montana kid and get them excited to learn about other parts of the world and to see whats out there. If hes lucky, perhaps one of those trips will give his students an experience they might, just maybe, remember for the rest of their lives. MAN WRITES BAD CHECK FOR NEW TRUCK AGAIN A Butte man was arrested at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the 2-Bar Lazy-H RV Park, west of Butte, after Helena police told local police he bought a car in Helena with a closed bank account. Police said Harold Miller, 69, bought a new 2017 Ford F-350 from a Helena dealership for $67,000 using a check for a closed bank account, and was arrested for felony possession of stolen property. Miller was arrested for fraud on Halloween last year after police said he attempted a similar scheme at a Butte dealership that ended up calling his bank and then police. The pathogen Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae that caused the whitefish epidemic has been identified in the Big Hole River, home of the endangered grayling. Aquatic infectious disease is caused by a pathogen present in a river environment that achieves successful reproduction in a vulnerable host, often at the hosts expense. An appreciation of the Yellowstone River whitefish epidemic requires consideration of three factors; 1) the host(s), 2) the warming river environment, and 3) the pathogen(s). Epidemics including the Yellowstone River whitefish Tetra epidemic are preceded by essential predisposing conditions in all three. Warming temperatures, low flows, silting, proliferation of the pathogen Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, diminished oxygenation, salinity, septic seepage, chemical runoff, altered riverbanks, recurrent contamination with pathogens and invasive species, river sporting, boating, and flyfishing, water diversion and irrigation, riparian residential, business, and agricultural practices are the primary environmental factors that facilitated the Yellowstone epidemic. While all of the aforementioned factors play a role, the warming of the river was the critical factor in this epidemic. Had the river not warmed to the critical temperature, thought to be around 15 degrees centigrade, the epidemic would not have happened despite the presence of the pathogen and the vulnerability of the whitefish. Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae is a native North American pathogen that has resided in American rivers for centuries. The pathogen has spread to European rivers. In the Yellowstone, this infectious agent has adapted to infect whitefish, finding them more vulnerable than trout. The native Yellowstone mountain whitefish, the salmonid Prosopium williamsoni is our host of concern. The fish is called the mountain whitefish because it thrives in cold mountain rivers. The infective aquatic pathogen T. bryosalmonae is unusual among the myxosporea (of which the whirling disease pathogen is a relative) in that it requires a bryozoan as an intermediate host. The bryozoan in this case may be Plumatella fungosa. In this freshwater jellyfish, the Tetracapsula completes its life cycle. This jellyfish releases fish-infective spores into the river. When waters warm high enough to manifest disease, around 60 degrees F, these floating spores attach to the whitefishs gills before proceeding to cause proliferative kidney disease Depending on the fishs health, resistance, environmental conditions, adaptability, infective dose, and immune status, the fish survives to perhaps be resistant to future infections, or she dies. As the fish dies, the pathogen enters the water. At this stage of this complex life-cycle, rather than finding another fish, the Tetra pathogen finds a fungosa to complete its lifecycle. In this process, the infectious organism begins to flourish in the river and gains momentum to create an epidemic. Multiple measurable factors preceded the whitefish epidemic, an epidemic a long time coming, an epidemic that veterinary medical technology had the ability to predict had aquatic veterinary medicine been employed to keep Montana rivers and their fish populations prosperous and healthy. The hosts of this disease have historically been salmonids, whitefish among them. As any Yellowstone guide knows, a whitefish is no salmon. While considered undesirable by some, the whitefish is an indicator species reflective of river health. Like trout, whitefish and grayling are salmonids. Whitefish require pristine rivers. Grayling, the previous indicator species, were extirpated by sullied river systems. Historically, whitefish often come next. To monitor and predict future epidemics, competent aquatic veterinarians sample, test, analyze and interpret the host health, river health, intermediate host presence, along with the pathogen load in the river system. With this information, aquatic veterinarians can manage the health of the watershed, river, and fish to minimize the impact of infectious disease -- all of this ahead of time. The aquatic veterinary goal is to prevent epidemics, or at least predict them, something beyond biologists ability at this time. Veterinarians have a long and effective history of successfully managing the health of animal populations threatened by infectious disease, be they wild or domestic. Veterinarians have the appropriate knowledge and experience to sustain fish and river health. The time has come to look to veterinarians to manage river health in Montana as rivers are managed in progressive fisheries throughout the world where the economy depends on fish health and prosperity. There is a lot to learn about this epidemic, and veterinarians are the best learners regarding management and prevention of infectious disease. The resolution of the Tetra epidemic could be similar to the resolution of the whirling disease epidemic. The whitefish and trout survivors will perpetuate offspring that are more resistant than their immunologically naive predecessors. Disease resistance will develop. The fish will adapt to and/or find a balance with their pathogen and intermediate host. An equilibrium between pathogens and hosts emerges over time if the river system is kept healthy and cool. The trout may have previously acquired a resistance from their experience with the whirling disease organism, and now with this Tetra experience, the trout appear to be developing resistance to infective pathogens of various sorts. TREATMENTS An antimicrobial agent to kill the aquatic pathogen is not an available method of control or prevention, as the river environment would be further deteriorated by the drugs side-effects and unintended victims. The jellyfish host, Plumatella fungosa, could be medically manipulated, sterilized, or genetically altered to block the two-host disease transmission cycle, and that is a consideration. The environment (the river et al) can be made healthier; water cooled, flow quickened, and oxygenation enhanced using progressive river management techniques (limiting water drawouts, averting septic and manure seepage, and halting chemically contaminated runoffs). The fish populations could be treated more kindly and carefully by educating guides and anglers on the principles of animal welfare (fish are sentient beings) and the principles of disease transmission. Fishing hooks, boats, gear, and fishermen transmit fish diseases near and far. This needs to be evaluated and addressed. Fishing stress and disease vulnerability can be significantly reduced by regulating fishing and/or floating in consideration of the fish, rather than the fisherman, accountants, and irrigators. Catch-and-release practices and their relationship to perpetuating and spreading fish diseases require investigation. Harvesting can be considered a possible disease management measure. Stressed or injured fish should not be released back into the river. Rest is the oldest remedy to manage disease. While naive to the vagaries of infectious animal disease, the Montana FWP is to be commended for closing the river and giving her a long-needed rest. Periodic rest during critical times appears to be one solution of many. Whitefish populations can balance trout populations, and overpopulations, keeping fish numbers balanced and healthy. Pathogens often find imbalanced populations vulnerable. The microbe often has the last word (when the humans dont pay attention). Aquatic veterinarians pay attention. In order to maintain a healthy Big Hole grayling fishery, aquatic veterinary medicine should be implemented. Dillon native Molly Ryan has replaced retiring Wisdom District Ranger Russ Riebe for the Wisdom Ranger District and Wise River Work Center. Riebe retired Jan. 6. Ryan is a third generation Forest Service employee. Most recently, she comes from northeast Utahs Flaming Gorge-Vernal Ranger District in the Ashley National Forest, where she had been the deputy district ranger since 2015. Before that, Ryan was the district recreation program manager for two years at the Flaming Gorge-Vernal District. She moved to Utah to become the special use permit administrator on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District National Recreation Area in 2012. She also worked for the U.S. Forest Service Region 1 Historic Preservation team and traveled all over the country rehabbing Forest Service structures in front and back country areas. Ryan holds an undergraduate degree from Montana State University, where she studied rangeland management and environmental history. She received a Master of Science in recreation management from the University of Montana-Missoula in 2009. Ryan says shes thrilled to return to the Beaverhead National Forest, where she grew up hunting, hiking and fishing. Riebe was the Wisdom Ranger for eight years. He had worked for both the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in different positions in Montana and Idaho since 1981. Last week, Flathead County authorities took 37 dogs and four miniature horses in various degrees of poor health from a home near Creston. One of the dogs was in such bad shape it had to be euthanized right away. The others were taken to the Flathead County Animal Shelter, where they are receiving the veterinary care they need to fully recover. Of course, food, shelter and veterinary care for 40 animals is costly, and Flathead County taxpayers are paying the price although the shelter is always willing to accept donations to help defray their expenses. The tab for the sudden influx of extra animals is running at an estimated $1,000 a day. Meanwhile, the Flathead Countys Attorneys Office will decide whether to charge the 70-year-old woman who owns the animals with misdemeanor or felony counts of animal cruelty. According to Kalispell Police reports, 16 dogs were found inside her car and the rest were discovered at her home, where conditions were among the worst deputies and animal control officers have ever seen, Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said in a press release. If the woman is charged, and if she is found guilty of cruelty to animals, Montana law allows for a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. However, even if she is fined the maximum amount allowed, that would only cover one days expenses at the Flathead County Animal Shelter. And its far from an isolated incident; counties throughout Montana have experienced the shock of providing care for dozens of neglected cats, dogs and other animals. Thats why a bill introduced earlier this month by Wilsall Republican Sen. Nels Swandal comes not a moment too soon. Senate Bill 203 aims to revise the laws concerning animal welfare so that the owners of seized animals are asked to pay their share of the costs, if they can afford to do so, before taxpayers shoulder the burden. Swandals bill is well-thought-out and contains a number of sensible provisions, such as a requirement that a civil hearing be held within 21 days of an animals seizure. The hearing would determine whether there were sufficient grounds to set a bond for the owner to help pay for the care of the seized animals, and if so, what a reasonable amount might be, depending on a number of relevant factors. And if the owner failed to post the required bond, the county would be free to find the animals new homes. After all, its in the best interests of the animals and county taxpayers both that animals be re-homed as soon as possible, if a new home is warranted. Unfortunately, SB 203 was indefinitely postponed on its second floor reading after some livestock owners raised objections. The bill was subsequently amended but even then, a pass motion failed on a 23-27 vote. Montanas senators need to revive this bill and help get it passed into law before the end of the session. The Missoulian MUSCATINE, Iowa The third person has been sentenced in the July robbery of an elderly Fruitland man's home. Paige Marie Frantz, 27, of Muscatine, pleaded guilty to first-degree theft, a class B felony, and was sentenced Wednesday to five years probation and a 10-year suspended prison sentence, according to court documents. A fine of $1,000 also was suspended. Frantz and two others have been sentenced for breaking into the home Tuesday, July 5, and threatening the victim with a firearm, according to the criminal complaint. Devin Ganzer, 21, of Walcott, and Lance Krystofer Moeller, 25, of Wilton, pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery, a class C felony, and first-degree burglary, a class B felony, in relation to the incident. Moeller also pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, and was sentenced to a period not to exceed 37 years in August. Ganzer was sentenced in October to prison for a period not to exceed 10 years and a $1,000 suspended fine for the second-degree robbery charge, and 25 years in prison and a $5,000 suspended fine under the first-degree burglary charge, to be served consecutively, according to court documents. While Ive never gotten to actually run into the pressroom and yell, Stop the presses! Im certain that my actions have resulted in more than one pressman grumbling a time or two. Im still a few steps away from a Joan Crawford-type reputation, but it truly drives me insane when I dont get something right. Attention to detail has been a strength for me, but it wasnt necessarily a trait I had when I started my media career. It was learned on the job. I left off and spa from a business listing after the owner had spent thousands of dollars to re-brand her business. I misspelled the word holiday on 300 posters paid for by a nonprofit organization at a time when I couldnt afford to cover the cost of new ones. I have mumbled words meant one way that sounded another that cost my company a client. I understand the importance of getting it right, and I expect that of those around me. I work with a team of bright and talented journalists who strive every day to get it right in a field where there is always a competition to also be first. Its for that reason that I have recently become defensive when the cries of fake and biased news have trickled down to the local level. I read the November 21 story in Washington Post by Terrence McCoy that profiled two recent college graduates living the good Florida life that had quickly figured out they could pull in $12 to $14 per thousand pageviews off their fake news website. The content would spread like wildfire across the web with just a few social media shares. It is a danger when respected media outlets tasked with asking the tough questions are lumped into a category with these two. It is especially dangerous when the person doing so is someone tasked with leading America. I couldnt be more proud to be in the field when I watched Fox News anchor Shepard Smith take a stand with his fellow journalists. Its interesting how the vocabulary has changed, posts on our social media page now sometimes include the term fake news or biased. In the community, I have joked that its sometimes hard to be viewed as telling both sides when one side is always, no comment. It has recently been suggested that we not report arrests in case the people involved are convicted. Ive pointed out the importance of terms like allegedly" and "according to police reports and other accepted ways of news telling. I believe it has also brought to light some of the inner-workings of journalism. From how information shared off the record, the code of ethics that our reporters follow and even the existence of an Opinion page within our publication are all topics I have recently taken time to talk about with community members. If we can find the silver lining in the perceived assault on the media, its that we are talking about journalism. News outlets are banding together against fake news, but it seems the damage is done. One of the first lessons a newly enrolled college student is taught is what makes up a credible source, and its not Wikipedia, unfortunately a lesson lost on many Americans. Imagine the world for just one day if all media outlets really put out fake news. Imagine if we reported false fires and destruction, or better yet free money in the streets? Trust me, if our news team wanted to put together fake news, it would be the best fake news that you had ever read. But then again, I am kind of biased. Watching reaction to President Donald Trump's speech to Congress on Tuesday night, the phrase that kept coming to mind was one made popular by former President George W. Bush, "the soft bigotry of low expectations." Bush was bemoaning our habit of accepting underachievement when we expect as much from certain groups or people. But it's not a stretch to say that those who praised Trump for his speech didn't do it because he did a good job, but because we have come to fear -- to expect -- a horror show when we hear from this President. And so a day after Trump's Tuesday speech to Congress, it seems pundits everywhere are proclaiming that he had suddenly become "presidential." Hardly. If anything, he barely, just barely, cleared an incredibly low bar. In fact, if any other president had given the same speech -- filled, as it was, with inaccuracies, false claims, and statements directly contradicting what he said only hours earlier -- the performance would have been lambasted from every corner. There were, to be sure, very moving moments during the President's address. And there is no denying that Trump kept the level of his accustomed outrageous pronouncements to a surprising minimum. That is the faintest of compliments. The lengthy applause in tribute to Navy Seal William "Ryan" Owens -- killed during a raid in Yemen last month -- and to his distraught, tearful widow, Carryn Owens, was a wrenching, heartfelt homage to a fallen hero. It was not, let's be clear, in any way praise for the President. I find it mind-boggling that CNN's Van Jones declared that at that moment Trump "became President of the United States." It is grotesque to claim that the moment reflected Trump's triumph. His administration has done nothing but exploit Owens' death, in order to cover up the disastrous raid. Ryan's father, Bill Owens, blames the President for what he called a "stupid mission." The elder Owens has admonished Trump, "Don't hide behind my son's death." But that is exactly what the White House has been doing from the very beginning, and Trump cynically did it again during his speech. Even more shamefully, in a Fox News interview Monday, the President pinned the death on his generals. "They wanted to do (the raid)" he told Fox News. "And they lost Ryan." With this President, the buck stops somewhere else, unless there's something for which to take credit. Then it's all him, as when he listed the companies he falsely claims have decided to invest in the United States and increase hiring, supposedly thanks to his efforts. Most of those business decisions were made before the election. Still, large companies are happy to hear Trump praise them, so everyone wins, except the truth. It was good to hear Trump start his remarks with a condemnation of the rash of bomb threats against Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as the shooting in Kansas City. It is, indeed, presidential to say, as Trump did, "We are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms." It is so presidential, it is so basic, that it should be unremarkable that he said it. But it is remarkable, because Trump has equivocated on the issue repeatedly. In fact, only hours before the speech, at a White House meeting with state attorneys general, Trump reportedly -- bafflingly -- appeared to suggest that the attacks might have been carried out "to make others look bad," according to one of the AGs in attendance, and that in terms of the threats, "the reverse can be true." Indeed, if Trump genuinely condemns hatred, his plan to create an agency dedicated to highlighting crimes committed by undocumented immigrants is the most vile prescription imaginable for stoking prejudice and hatred. The "Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office," with the snappy acronym VOICE, is populist crowd-riling at its worst. It will likely lead to more hate crimes and vigilantism. No wonder there was an audible gasp in the audience when he announced it. Research shows that in fact undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than the rest of the population. What was utterly un-presidential in the speech is something that should never become acceptable, even though it is now routine in the Trump era: misstatements, manipulations of the truth, and downright falsehoods uttered by the President of the United States. For this he receives praise? The most absurd statistic he cited was the 94 million people out of the labor force, a rhetorical sleight-of-hand that suggests a catastrophically-high unemployment rate. That number includes 44 million retirees, 13 million students, and millions more who have no interest in getting a job. The real unemployment rate stands at just 4.8 percent, a historically low figure delivered by Trump's predecessor, President Barack Obama. Trump spoke of the scourge of "wide open" borders, "for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate." But the fact is that illegal immigration across the border with Mexico has been declining, and is now at the lowest levels since 1972. And when he boasted of imposing an excellent-sounding lifetime ban on lobbying for foreign governments, he failed to mention that ban applies only to lobbying an employee's own agency, and may in fact be weaker than restrictions imposed by the Bush and Obama administrations. Trump reassured allies of America's commitments, which he should have done as a candidate and reiterated at every chance. That was another moment, like his condemnation of hate crimes, made remarkable only by Trump's previous equivocation on the subject -- he has at times said the exact opposite. Trump then claimed that increased NATO members' contributions are the result of his tough talk, a highly debatable point. His reassurances to allies, while welcome, came coated in a troubling pronouncement that sounded deceptively innocuous. "America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path," he said. Those were soothing words for Russia's neighbors, worried about Moscow's aggressive expansionism. But Trump immediately added, "My job is not to represent the world," which must have sent a cold chill through Ukraine and America's Baltic allies. Yes, Trump delivered his speech calmly, like a "normal" president. And his words were less outrageous than in the past. That is progress. The high marks he received are more a sign that the country desperately yearns to have a good president, than evidence that Trump's speech was genuinely worthy of praise. 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 On Monday night, PricewaterhouseCoopers released a statement claiming to take "full responsibility" for Sunday evening's Oscar screw-up in which a staffer gave the wrong envelope to Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, who falsely announced that "La La Land" had won the Academy Award for best picture. But that isn't exactly what PricewaterhouseCoopers was doing. The firm also took the unusual step of naming the employee responsible for the fiasco: managing partner Brian Cullinan. It also emerged that Cullinan had tweeted a photo of the actress Emma Stone backstage just before the mix-up. The decision to name him publicly will be a disaster for both PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cullinan. First, the move reflects terribly on PricewaterhouseCoopers. Publicly naming Cullinan looks like an attempt to deflect blame. Yes, Cullinan apparently made the mistake. But organizations are responsible for what their employees do. PricewaterhouseCoopers should have had error-proof processes in place to ensure that the (true) Academy Award winners were announced. Clearly, it didn't. Lots of chief executives try to make excuses for crises by blaming their staffers. But it doesn't work. For example, after Wells Fargo owned up to 2 million accounts that weren't authorized by customers, the bank tried to blame staffers by firing 5,300 workers, many of them at low levels, and just one area president. But eventually, its chief executive had to take responsibility by stepping down. That's because people believe companies are accountable for what their people do. While PricewaterhouseCoopers shouldn't have named Cullinan publicly, it should have immediately announced that the (unnamed) staffer(s) responsible for the error had been fired or reprimanded. It also should have begun to outline other measures it's implementing to fix its procedural problems. That would have demonstrated it was taking swift action to ensure that it never messes up like this again. But by subtly trying to shift the blame instead of solving the problem, PricewaterhouseCoopers will only deepen the damage to its reputation. It will also deeply wound Cullinan. People are already using the hashtag #YouHadOneJob to vilify him on Twitter. One man tweeted: "@BrianCullinan he had one job- but too busy taking pictures- typical dumb American." Another tweeter wrote: "I bet @BrianCullinan got paid big bucks for the ONE job he failed to do. America wants a refund." In his book "So You've Been Publicly Shamed," Jon Ronson explains what's next for people who have been publicly pilloried -- such as former IAC public relations representative Justine Sacco, who facetiously tweeted in 2013, "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding. I'm white!" By the time she landed, she was being excoriated on Twitter and had lost her job. Sacco told Ronson she had "cried out my body weight in the first twenty-four hours. It was incredibly traumatic. You don't sleep. You wake up in the middle of the night forgetting where you are." And, she said, "It's not like I can get a date, because we Google everyone we might date." This kind of punishment is out of proportion for the "crimes" committed by people such as Sacco and Cullinan. In fact, the idea of public shaming -- such as exhibiting criminals in the town square -- was rejected by America's founders as too cruel. In 1787, Benjamin Rush, who signed the Declaration of Independence, wrote a paper arguing that "ignominy is universally acknowledged to be a worse punishment than death." Within 50 years of its publication, public shaming was eliminated in every state except Delaware. 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 [] Monied city lawyer and close buddy of Deputy President William Ruto, Donald Kipkorir, has penned a controversial open letter addressed to President Uhuru warning him not to mess with Ruto. According to the controversial lawyer, since Uhuruto ascended to power, there have been efforts to undermine Ruto. Your Excellency, since your joint victory with William Ruto, there have been overt and covert efforts to undermine him. And at times, signs from State House indicate that the undermining has some support, the open letter reads in part. Kipkorir further claims that Ruto is the pre-eminet leader of his people: The Kalenjin. Let it go on record that H.E Ruto is the pre-eminent leader of my people, the Kalenjin Nation. Kenya is first and foremost made of ethno-nations. Kenya is an artificial colonial construct. Our default is therefore the tribe first, wrote Donald. Read the full letter below: Open Letter To H. E Uhuru Kenyatta RE: Dont Mess With H.E William Ruto Your Excellency, since your joint victory with William Ruto, there have been overt and covert efforts to undermine him. And at times, signs from State House indicate that the undermining has some support. International Commission for Jurists (ICJ) Kenya executive director Samwel Mohochi was charged before Kibera Law courts last Friday for allegedly assaulting his wife Judy Njugu. ICJ Kenya chairman Njonjo Mue said in a statement on Tuesday that Mr Mohochi has been sent on compulsory one month leave to allow for investigaations into the allegations. Mr Mohochi is accused of fighting his wife after they disagreed over a phone cover, reports Daily Nation. He denied the charges and was released on bond. Mr Njonjo said the ICJ council has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances that led to criminal charges being instituted against Mr Mohochi. According to Mr Njonjo, ICJ has established a subcommittee to inquire into the claims, collect necessary facts and report back in 30 days. ICJ Kenya strongly and unequivocally condemns all forms of human right violations and notably gender based violence. It strongly supports accountability measures for such violations, he said. He, however, noted that the executive is entitled to a fair trial including the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. BEIRUT Syria's military announced on Thursday it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group as the militants' defenses crumbled and IS fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes. The development marks the third time that the town famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures IS had sought to destroy has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State group in Syria in a week, after Turkish backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants on Feb. 23, following a grueling three month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland. "You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated," the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar al-Ja'afari, told reporters in Geneva. "Of course, counterterrorism operations will continue until the last inch of our territory is liberated from the hands of these foreign terrorist organizations, which are wreaking havoc in our country," he added. The Damascus military statement said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with "allied and friendly troops" government shorthand for members of Lebanese militant Hezbollah group who are fighting along Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces. IS defenses around Palmyra had begun to erode on Sunday, with government troops reaching the town's outskirts on Tuesday. The state SANA news agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the town's archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around mid-day, then the town itself, as IS militants fled the area. This is the Syrian government's second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed by his defense minister that Syrian troops had gained control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. The Syrian government's push has relied on ground support from Hezbollah and Russian air cover, according to Hezbollah's media outlets. Archeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its ruins. Drone footage released by Russia's Defense Ministry earlier this month showed new damage to the facade of Palmyra's Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. IS militants have twice used the town's Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other IS killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of the talks in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura held another round of meetings with both the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that "the parties have agreed to ... discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks." After a Damascus request, the issue of terrorism is also on the table, he had said. Russia is a key sponsor of Assad's government. A top Syrian opposition negotiator, Nasr al-Hariri, said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony on Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In Turkey, the country's foreign minister said that with the completion of an operation to retake the IS-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria, Turkish troops will head to the Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces, which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with IS. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu stressed that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. That front line in northern Syria was further complicated by a concurrent announcement by the Syrian Kurdish side on Thursday that they had agreed with Russia to withdraw from some of the territory between al-Bab and Manbij, to make room for a buffer. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line with rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Cavusoglu denied any such agreement was reached. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. The Turkish and Syrian authorities have long regarded each other with thinly-veiled hostility. Parents got their first glimpse last week of what American Canyons new middle school may look like after school district leaders briefed them on design plans. The Napa Valley Unified School District met with about 40 residents in American Canyon to show them preliminary sketches of the citys second middle school, which will be built next door to American Canyon High School on the citys eastern edge. The city and NVUSD have sought to build a second middle school after years of student crowding at American Canyon Middle School, located on the west side of town. There was a lot of good dialogue, said Don Evans, the school districts construction chief, of the meeting on Feb. 21. Evans said most of the questions and comments from parents pertained to school traffic and safety. The new middle school will be sited just off American Canyon Road in an area that is currently undeveloped. Because the campus will be on the communitys outskirts, parents wanted to be sure their children will be safe while at school. Evans assured them that the campus will include new fencing and gates, and that during school hours, visitors will have only one point of entry through the administration building. This process is similar to whats being adopted at schools throughout the district, and is already in effect at Canyon Oaks Elementary, which has served as a model for NVUSD school safety plans. As is often the case in American Canyon, traffic arose as a concern. The school will be near one of the citys major intersections, American Canyon Road and Flosden Road, which commuters frequently use. My biggest concern is the accessibility and safety of the students as there is only one way in and out, said Sharma Galeotti, a parent with students at Canyon Oaks and American Canyon Middle School. American Canyon Road is very busy all day and the sidewalks are unfinished. Evans said the district will work with the community on this issue and with a traffic engineer familiar with American Canyon roads. He said they will try to stagger the starting and ending bell times for the school so its hours dont conflict with ACHS as well as Canyon Oaks, which is only a few blocks away. He also said NVUSD may try to route some of the new schools traffic, such as parents dropping off kids in the morning, through the parking lot of ACHS. That way the incoming cars wont create more congestion on Newell Drive, which eventually turns into Flosden. The middle school site may need new sidewalks to encourage children to walk to school, according to Evans. The location of the high school next door would allow older siblings to walk younger ones to the new middle school, he said. As for the campus, Evans said the school will include two two-story classroom buildings and two one-story classroom buildings that could be expanded to two stories during the design phase, if needed. The district is projecting the school to have somewhere between 500-650 students. The campus will also include a multipurpose building that would house the cafeteria and a stage for shows and events, a standard gym, library and computer lab, and administration offices. There are tentative plans to develop a swimming pool for the school, if the city of American Canyon is willing to help foot the cost, Evans said. That way the city would have privileges to use the pool during non-school hours. Demand for a second community pool in American Canyon has been growing for sometime. The citys only pool, located on the other side of town, is often crowded during summer. Parents can expect more meetings with officials in the future as plans solidify, Evans said. The next one, he said, may come in August. The school district is planning to have the school open for the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year. Evans said that timeline is aggressive, but that his department should be able to meet it. We might not have everything finished by then, he said, but we should be in a position to open it. A Vietnamese-American billionaire donated $5 million Wednesday to San Joses flood relief fund, one of the largest private philanthropic donations in the citys history. Kieu Hoang, who has made much of his fortune through Shanghai RAAS Blood Products, an international firm that researches and manufactures blood and plasma-derived medical products, was the 214th richest person in the United States in 2016, according to Forbes. Hoang, whose estimated net worth is $2.8 billion, also owns the Kieu Hoang Winery on Dealy Lane in Napa Valley, as well as a ranch in Los Angeles, Forbes reported. He purchased his Napa winery in 2014 from Michael Mondavi Family Estates. Hoang handed the oversized check to San Joses mayor, Sam Liccardo, at an announcement with city officials. The seven-figure donation brings the total raised for the flood fund to more than $6 million, said David Low, a spokesman for the mayors office. The money will prioritize relief and assistance to flood victims more severely impacted by flooding along the Coyote Creek last week, Low said in a statement. An initial city estimate for the flood damage caused by Coyote Creek overflowing its banks and surging through a series of San Jose neighborhoods was $73 million, with $50 million of damages estimated specifically for private property. About 80 percent of households in the heavily affected Rock Springs neighborhood are Vietnamese immigrants, officials estimated. A friend of Hoangs, Chieu Van, the co-founder of San Jose-based Lees Sandwiches, connected Hoang with city leaders, according to the mayors office. The flood relief fund will dispense funds to nonprofits that have not been identified yet to handle a variety of recovery-related functions, Low said. Those include funds to intake and asses displaced victims and offer emergency money for housing needs. The city also plans to directly administer funds to some of its worst off residents, including paying for rental subsidies, hotel vouchers, work equipment car repairs and other needs. 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. It is long past time that the city of Napa and the county of Napa pay attention to the overall needs of the community rather than some short-sighted homeowners. In the latest letter regarding the potential for badly-needed apartments at the county-owned site on Old Sonoma Road ("No multi-unit housing on Old Sonoma Road," Feb. 28), the writer suggests that any new apartments be located on vineyards within the city limits in north Napa. The trouble with such locations on the urban fringe are legion. Unlike the Old Sonoma Road site owned by the county, the north Napa locations are on the periphery of the community far from services and decent transportation. Unlike Old Sonoma Road, they are nowhere near major streets that already have a lot of traffic. Unlike Old Sonoma Road, they are not already surrounded by industrial uses and the Juvenile Hall on one side, and apartments across the street. Unlike the Old Sonoma Road location, the north Napa sites near Salvador and Big Ranch Road are a very long block away from 30-minute frequency VINE bus service--which serves the Old Sonoma Road location directly and not 1/2 to 3/4 mile away. Location near good bus service is an important consideration for those likely to live in any proposed apartments. If Cliff Nelson and Kevin Eggers don't like the consequences of living in an built-up urban area, I suggest they move to some other area, away from arterial streets like Old Sonoma Road, Jefferson and any number of other major streets. They apparently don't like living in cities, where things like traffic, apartments, commercial developments and other features of urban life are inevitable. And only in Napa, would some people think one seven-story building (the Archer hotel) and several four- or five- story buildings in the core area of downtown Napa is too "dense." While Napa is not San Francisco, it is a small city where the dense commercial development is occurring in the correct places, like downtown and along major arterial streets near downtown. For the most part, dense housing is being developed in the proper places, such as within a block or two of Soscol Avenue or Silverado Trail, adjacent to established commercial properties such as between the river and South Napa Marketplace. I agree with homeowners near the city edges that dense development of any kind does not belong on the fringe, remote from already established corridors, utilities and public transportation, among other necessary services. Michael D. Setty Napa Thompson predicts survival of Affordable Care Act at Napa town hall Rep. Mike Thompson predicted on Feb. 21 in the Napa Valley College Little Theater that the Affordable Care Act will survive efforts to repeal it by President Trump and Congressional Republicans, but only after a battle. Thompson has held three health care town halls in his district and has another one scheduled for Santa Rosa. 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 health care town hall meeting that he convened. 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, Thompson said. 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. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed the value of the Alliances partnership with Switzerland during a visit to Bern and Geneva on Wednesday and Thursday (1-2 March 2017). Today, the Secretary General met with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Burkhalter, and the Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Mr. Guy Parmelin, in Bern. The leaders discussed current security challenges and opportunities for closer cooperation between the Alliance and Switzerland, including on cyber defence. The Secretary General welcomed Switzerlands plans to become a contributing partner to NATOs Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn. Mr. Stoltenberg also praised Switzerlands contributions to peace and security. Switzerland has helped many NATO partners in building democratic defence institutions and provides support for NATOs peace-keeping efforts in Kosovo. Within NATO, Switzerland has helped to shape thinking and policies on human security issues, including to promote the role of women in peace and security. The Secretary General outlined the importance of projecting stability beyond NATOs borders during a Townhall address at the Maison de la Paix in Geneva. Speaking to an audience of students, diplomats and journalists, Mr Stoltenberg stressed that training local forces and building resilient defence institutions in partner countries is key in the fight against terrorism. At the end of his visit, Mr. Stoltenberg visited the Headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, marking the first visit by a NATO Secretary General to its headquarters. He met with ICRC President Peter Maurer for talks on humanitarian issues and cooperation between NATO and the ICRC. Mr. Stoltenberg thanked the ICRC for its advice on the development of NATOs Policy for the Protection of Civilians, adopted by Allied leaders at the Warsaw Summit in July 2016. He also underscored that NATOs commitment to International Humanitarian Law is fundamental. All seats feature the Ullman 3-Dimensional Suspension Technology, mitigating both vertical and oblique impacts, which makes them the safest seats on the market. The Echelon is a range of helm seats developed for high speed craft operating up to 80+ knots. It comes in a variety of versions optimised for various requirements and mission profiles. "We have a strong presence in this region. Having exhibited at NAVDEX for many years has provided us with very useful feedback from operators of a variety of units, which has helped us with ideas for new concepts. One example is the new boarding seat we are launching" said Jacob Ullman. The New Ullman Boarding seats take up less deck space than any other seats on the market, allowing more free space for boarding operations or for carrying payload. They are also the lightest, and most effective seats, scientifically proven to protect people from injury. Ullman Seats are the worlds safest suspension seats and have a unique track record. 12 000 seats are in military/professional use, in more than 70 countries, since up to 17 years. Still no injuries and no ejection have been reported. Given the rising threat of terrorist acts, Harbor Offshore Barriers worked with the US Navy to develop a fence-like floating net system strong enough to repel fast boat terrorist attacks. It is the first company licensed by the US Navy to manufacture its barrier systems for commercial and military use worldwide. The Harbor Offshore Barriers team installed and continues to maintain US Navy barrier systems in the continental US, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, Iraq, Crete, and Spain. The US Navy consistently rates Harbor Offshore Barriers performance as Excellent or Very Good, resulting in an award bonus for 95% of 26 task orders from 2003 to 2014. Harbor Offshore Barriers is also protecting the strategic French Navy (Marine Nationale) SSBN base in Brittany. BREVARD COUNTY, Florida Brevard County Ocean Rescue will host the first of two open tryouts for seasonal lifeguards on Saturday, March 4th, 2017 to fill thirty open positions. Candidates selected as ocean lifeguards will work from March to October 2017. Applicants trying out should be at the Rockledge High School swimming pool by 7 a.m. Candidates will not be permitted to test if they are late. Although no life-guarding experience is necessary, candidates must be over the age of 16 on the day of the tryout and possess strong swimming skills. All candidates must bring a valid drivers license, Social Security card, appropriate swim attire, a towel, and running shoes. Candidates will be required to swim 500 meters in less than 10 minutes, complete a 1-mile run on a track in less than 10 minutes and perform a physical agility test that includes push-ups. Advanced registration is not required. However, applicants are reminded that testing will begin promptly and anyone arriving after testing begins will not be permitted to try out. If selected, completion of the hiring process is dependent on the candidates ability to pass a background test and successful completion of Brevard County Ocean Rescues paid training academy. The starting pay for Brevard County lifeguards is $9.89/hour. Lifeguard Academy Class Dates if selected March 4th, 2017 (Must attend all dates): March 25, 26 April 1, 8, 9, 23, 29, 30 May 6, 7 (Subject to Change) The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded Emory University $1.5 million over five years to expand professional competencies and integrate public scholarship into humanities doctoral training, as well as graduate teaching and research endeavors, at the Laney Graduate School (LGS). The Mellon Humanities PhD Interventions Project will be led by principal investigator Lisa Tedesco, dean of the Laney Graduate School and Emory's vice provost for academic affairs for graduate studies. This project will help us support work with faculty and graduate students to shape and refine how we provide professional development and career planning resources for the most contemporary preparation of humanities doctoral students," Tedesco says. A particularly important part of the project is its emphasis on support for graduate faculty and graduate students to be change-makers in their programs and curriculum. To date, a lot of our career planning work has been added and offered by LGS, organized and administered with input and guidance from a committee of graduate students and some faculty," Tedesco says. "We are gaining traction and seeing success, but we are also facing the next challenge." That challenge, from her perspective, is cultural. Student participation in LGS career planning programming is mostly by self-selection as they progress through graduate programs that are structured to guide them to traditional faculty careers," Tedesco explains. "The challenge here, as recently noted in the Mellon commissioned report Reforming Doctoral Education, 1990-2015: Recent Initiatives and Future Prospects, is that many humanities students, intentionally or unintentionally, do not go on to tenure-track positions at research universities. We believe that more direct involvement of faculty is needed with support for change and innovation change to the culture of graduate training in the humanities as it relates to professional development and support for the change-makers as they reimagine the scope of graduate training and career preparation, she says. Innovations and sustainable change Under the leadership of a faculty director and advisory committee, LGS will offer Graduate Faculty Curriculum Development Grants to faculty for changes to graduate courses. The aim of these grants is to integrate public humanities scholarship and assignments that develop new competencies into existing or new courses open to humanities students from multiple programs. LGS will also invite doctoral program leadership to apply for cross-program two-year PhD Program Intervention Grants to address two or more challenges outlined in Mellons Reforming Doctoral Education report. Student Intervention Grants will provide funding and fellowships to support student engagement and exploration of public scholarship, innovative teaching and non-academic career pathways. And finally, Humanities Interventions Programming will support the activities of faculty and student grant recipients by convening campus events to share and reflect on the innovation activities, their integration and sustainability with the broader humanities community, and to share with other interested members of the Emory University community. Because we know that sustainable change must come from program faculty and students, the graduate school will not be overly prescriptive, says Tedesco. This project is an exciting next step, but it will require thinking and action that really challenges a number of traditional and revered training models. And in this particular case, it is equally important for a graduate dean to enable change as it is to lead it. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation also sees the potential of this project to serve as a national model of innovation in humanities doctoral training and career preparation. The Laney Graduate School PhD Interventions Project promises to reimagine elements of doctoral training in the humanities in ways that will better prepare students to address contemporary problems through humanistic lenses, and, as importantly, to do so in ways that will be accessible to the broader public, says Cristle Collins Judd, senior program officer at the Mellon Foundation. As the project moves forward, it has the support of Emory Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Stuart Zola. The Mellon Humanities PhD Interventions Project is an exciting and forward thinking innovation in the training experience of our humanities graduate students," Zola says. "We appreciate the partnership of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and its support of path-breaking work in the humanities. The project will launch this spring. 13:46 Not long after Prakash Jha's 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' was denied certification, the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) has found its latest victim in the Malayalam film 'Ka Bodyscapes' and FTII chairman Gajendra Chauhan justifies its move. "I would like to appreciate Censor Board and revising committee that they stopped the film from showing. I got to know that Lord Hanuman has been shown in a derogatory manner. I object," said the 60-year-old to ANI on the last day in his office. According to Chauhan, films like 'Ka Bodyscapes' shouldn't be allowed in India as nobody has the right to hurt a religion and its views. He added, "Court should also not allow it. What do they have to prove by making movies on freedom of expression and artistic values? Do they want to show the future generation their parents in bad light?" CBFC believes that 'Ka Bodyscapes' glorifies gay and homosexual relationship, but seems like Chauhan is against the flick for not the same reason. "Make a movie on sexual orientation that can teach something, not hurt a religious belief. I condemn the movie," Chauhan continued. The movie follows the lives of three young people in Calicut - "Haris, a gay painter; Vishnu, a rural kabaddi player and their friend Sia, an activist who refuse to conform to dominant norms of femininity, struggle to find space and happiness in a conservative Indian city." Director Jayan Cherian posted the official letter from the CBFC on social media, adding, "It's official, Mr. Pahlaj Nihalani (chairman of the CBFC) put the final nail in my coffin!" The letter, from the second revising committee, reads, "The second Revising Committee felt that the film is glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship, nudity accentuating vital parts of male body (in paintings) in closed shots in the whole movie.""The film is explicit of scene offending Hindu sensibilities depicting vulgarity and obscenity through the movie. The religion of 'Hindu' is portrayed in a derogatory manner especially Lord Hanuman (shown in a poor light as gay) which may cause law and order problem in the society." "The film contains posters depicting homosexuality throughout the movie and derogatory remarks against women. Abusive language is used in most of the places and also a female Muslim character is shown masturbating. The film has references to Hindu organisations indirectly which is unwarranted." Chauhan on Friday said he is a BJP 'sipahi', adding his ideology is same as the saffron party. Chauhan told ANI that the government was happy with his work and added that he did his best as the chairman of FTII. "I feel that I have played a 20-20 match. I had to make more runs and overs were less. I had very less time and a lot of work, but I am happy that I was able to do my work..I am a 'sipahi' of BJP and whatever work they tell me to do. I will do it with all my heart. BJPs ideology is my own ideology," he said. UC Santa Cruz has received a gift from Dr. Narinder Kapany to establish the Sundar Singh Kapany Book Collection and the Sundar Singh Kapany Group Study Room in the University Library. The gift, including Kapanys personal collection of Sikh books, is valued at $55,000. "It provides a large set of books on Sikhs and Sikhism that will be a significant new local resource for students, faculty, and community members who are interested in various aspects of UCSC's Sikh and Punjabi Studies program," noted Nirvikar Singh, distinguished professor of economics and the Sarbjit Singh Aurora Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies at UC Santa Cruz. Kapany, the founding chairman of the Sikh Foundation and a trustee of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation, was also a Regents Professor at UC Santa Cruz from 1977 to 1983. In 1999, he endowed the Narinder Singh Kapany Chair in Optoelectronics at the Baskin School of Engineering. In 2008, Kapany was honored with the UC Santa Cruz Foundations Fiat Lux Award in recognition of his outstanding achievement, dedication, and service in support of the universitys program and goals. A pioneering fiber-optics researcher and entrepreneur, he also made a gift of $500,000 to UC Santa Cruz in 2012 to establish an endowed chair in entrepreneurship. The Sikh and Punjabi Studies program at UC Santa Cruz began in 2011, following a gift from Hardit and Harbhajan K. Singh, through the Sikh Foundation, to fund an endowed chair. The goal of the program is to advance teaching and research that increases understanding of Sikh and Punjabi culture with a global perspective. Based in the Humanities Division, the Sikh and Punjabi Studies program brings together faculty across the humanities and beyond, including the fields of history, literature, art, music, and economics. There are approximately 25 million Sikhs in the world today, with significant communities living in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The ancestral home of the Sikhs is the Punjab region, divided between Pakistan and northern India. Sikhs arrived in California more than a century ago, and their descendants today are employed in activities ranging from high-tech entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley to farming in the Central Valley. The Campaign for UC Santa Cruz supports excellence across the university through increased private investment in the people and ideas shaping the future. It is bringing critical new resources to the student experience, excellence in research, and the campus commitment to environmental and social justice. Private sector banks such as ICICI and HDFC bank have notified their respective account holders of a transactional fee, which will be applicable on the fifth transaction in a month. Earlier today, the banks announced that after an individual does four transactions, the fifth one will be subject to a fee, regardless of whether it is cash withdrawal or deposit. However, the new fee will not be applicable on ATM withdrawals. Banks have proposed that a fee of Rs. 150 will be added, along with service tax, in addition to a fee of Rs. 5 per 1000. The cap on transactions has been placed at Rs 2 lakh per month per account. Any transaction beyond this will be applicable for an extra charge. (ANI) According to company sources, Cool S1 will arrive in India in the second quarter this year. Coolpad showcased the device at the just-concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. Launched in December in China last year, Cool S1 concentrates on music and game and targets the youth. The device is fitted with Harman Kardon's tone tuning technology. During the MWC, Harman Kardon officially rewarded Coolpad the authentication certificate on high-quality sound, which is the first certificate ever that Harman has issued to a smartphone brand. The "Clari-Fi" technology in Cool S1 revives the compressed MP3 and WMV files better. The phone comes with a 5.50-inch touchscreen display and is powered by 2.35GHz quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM. The phone packs 32GB internal storage cannot be expanded. Coolpad Cool S1 packs a 16MP primary camera and a 8MP front shooter. Cool S1 runs Android 6.0 and is powered by a 4,070mAh non removable battery that guarantees four hours 3D mobile games playing. --IANS sku/na/vt ( 195 Words) 2017-03-02-12:58:08 (IANS) Tim Ryan, the New York-based chairman and senior partner of Academy's longtime accounting firm PWC, will meet Academy governors to maintain the firm's 83-year-old relationship with the organisation, reports The Hollywood Reporter. While the Academy is still assessing its relationship with the accounting firm, Academy's President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the two PwC accountants, Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, responsible for this mix-up will never take part in future Oscars shows, confirmed an Academy spokesperson. Cullinan, who was tweeting during the final moments of the show, is responsible for handing presenter Warren Beatty, a back-up envelope for best actress rather than the best picture envelope. This issue resulted in 'La La Land', rather than 'Moonlight', being announced as the best picture winner. Meanwhile, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson has reached out to the 54 members of her organisation's board of governors and offered to set up one-on-one meetings between them and Ryan, ostensibly to address any questions or concerns they may have ahead of the next full-board meeting on March 28, at which the fate of the Academy's 83-year relationship with PwC could be a matter of discussion. Since the awards blunder, PwC has issued apologies and accepted responsibility of the incident, saying, "last night we failed the Academy." (ANI) The ban is enforced every year and aimed at safeguarding fish during their breeding season and conserving fish stock. Fishermen said they would sit on an indefinite strike as their finances get hurt by the ban. "Fishermen of five districts, involving more than 50,000 fishermen, will stop working indefinitely from March 3 and are going for a strike. After that, from March 6, we are ready to sit on roads," said S. Karunamoorthy, the district secretary of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Federation. Karunamoorthy said the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, which regulates fishing in the province, needs an amendment. Previously, fishermen submitted a petition to the Tamil Nadu Government, but, did not receive any response on it. The fishermen also refused to venture out to sea until their demands were met. The 45-day ban causes severe difficulties for the fishermen community, which has to manage on a meagre income during the period of inactivity. (ANI) A rare heart surgery was performed by surgeons in the national capital on a 42-year-old patient who was rushed to hospital with acute pain in his chest and back. Doctors from the cardiology and cardiovascular surgical departments in Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, recently performed the heart surgery on a 42-year-old patient who had been rushed to the hospital with acute pain. A thorough investigation revealed that the patient had a tear in the wall of his aorta -- the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This was impacting the flow of blood throughout his body. The surgery involved two steps: placing a stent in the aortic wall to repair the tear done with the help of the novel use of Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) technology. A graft was also created to reconnect the aorta with existing arteries. Doctors under the guidance of Dr Anil Dhall, Director, Cardiovascular Sciences Venkateshwar Hospital, and Dr Sandeep Singh, Director and HOD, Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Venkateshwar Hospital, undertook the complex procedure. The patient Ramesh Kumar (name changed) was initially diagnosed at a hospital in Bhubaneshwar and was flown to Delhi's Venkateshwar Hospital for the hybrid procedure. According to Dr Sandeep Singh, ''The patient's aortic wall was ruptured and the vessels supplying blood to his brain and arms had been compromised. A stent had to be placed at the tear to prevent blood from leaking back into the heart and into the thoracic cavity. But before the stent could be inserted, the blood flow to his upper body needed to be stabilised. An artificial graft was created with three branches to reconnect the existing arteries with the aorta. This ensured that the blood flow to his brain and arms were unaffected. This part was an open heart surgery."MORE UNI SB 0958 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0005-1170749.Xml Close on the heels of ghastly bus accident at Vijayawada two days ago, 30 students were injured in a similar accident, one of them seriously, when a school bus in which they were travelling fell into a rivulet at Pedaalavalapadu village in the wee hours of today. Police said that a group of 70 students of ZP High School at Karedu village in Ulavapadu mandal went on an excursion to Mahanandi and other places in a bus. When they were returning, the bus fell into rivulet from a bridge. As many as 30 students sustained bleeding injuries. They were shifted to various hospitals in Kanigiri and Ongole. One of the injured student, V Srikanth -9th standard-- was admitted to a private hospital here where his condition is stated to be very critical. The parents of the victims alleged that 70 students were taken to excursion in one bus. The injured students alleged that the bus driver drove recklessly. UNI DP CS 1105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1171159.Xml The convocation was scheduled to be held on March 4. This development comes in the backdrop of the ongoing scuffle in Delhi University's Ramjas College. Earlier on Tuesday, around 500 students and teachers of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) held a public meeting and a march in solidarity with the students of Ramjas College. A 'Tiranga' march was organised by the ABVP on Monday to invoke nationalist sentiments on the campus. The students of Delhi University students yesterday staged a protest against the ABVP at the SGTB Khalsa College in North Campus. Last week, the All India Students Association (AISA) and the ABVP engaged into a scuffle over cancellation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid's talk at Delhi University's Ramjas College. (ANI) A determined opposition demanding dismissal of Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastana for his uncharitable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi stalled the proceedings of pre-lunch session of the state legislature for the second day today. No sooner did the lower house assemble for the day leader of the opposition in the state assembly Dr Prem Kumar raised the issue of the Minister's 'highly objectionable' remarks against the PM. Amid leader of the opposition's demand for dismissal of the Minister, members of the CPI(ML)-Mehboob Alam,Sudama Prasad and Satyadeo Ram- stormed the well of the house demanding apology from Dr Kumar on behalf of his party members for calling the Minister a Bangladeshi. They also sought apology from the leader of the opposition on behalf a Central Minister who had asked the minority community to construct graveyard inside their houses. The CPI(ML) members also raised slogans before they returned to their respective seats on the request of Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary who asked them to restore order in house.More UNI IS BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1171311.Xml Brilliant Service helps organizations build connected businesses by leveraging innovative smart device solutions, Cognizant said in a statement here. The company provides end-to-end Android/iOS applications, embedded software, user experience design and online-to-offline services to major corporations in Japan, who are seeking to create engaging customer experiences. Its client roster includes many of Japan's top telecommunications, manufacturing, and consumer goods companies. As part of the acquisition, a team of 70 professionals with extensive digital solutions experience and insights in the Japanese market will join Cognizant. However, the IT company has not disclosed the terms of the transaction. . "Brilliant Service's extensive experience in planning, implementing and managing smart and connected device solutions, together with their strong understanding of the regulatory requirements for the Japanese market, will complement our digital service offerings in Japan''. This acquisition underscores our commitment to the Japanese market and expands our presence across Osaka and Tokyo, the release added.UNI KNR CS 1318 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1171314.Xml Germany-based ZF, a company that provides drive line and chassis technology, has set up its technology centre in Hyderabad, the first centre in India. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said ZF will support the government in making Hyderabad a Mobility Engineering Cluster. ZF CEO Sedan Sommer said the company will invest 15 million US dollars in the next five years and the centre will focus on high-end innovations aiming at zero accidents and emissions. The centre has also rolled out an innovation challenge involving universities and colleges besides a CSR initiative supporting Akshaypatra with three vehicles. Hyderabad centre will play a key role in its India operations, the CEO added.UNI KNR CS 1347 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1171368.Xml "Nationalism is considered a bad word only in India; otherwise, it is a good word," he said, while addressing a press conference in Varanasi. The Finance minister also accused the Congress of spreading lies on the government's demonetisation drive and said that it did not have any impact on the economy's growth rate. Jaitley hailed the Central Government's demonetisation move, saying it had won the confidence of many people. Throwing light on the current GDP rate, the Finance Minister asserted that the opposition was spreading lies about demonetisation. Commenting on the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said, "Once the party attains victory in UP polls, then this will prove that people have accepted PM Modi's demonetisation drive." Varanasi goes to polls in the last of the seven-phase assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh on March 8. Counting of votes will take place on March 11. (ANI) Upping the ante against Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalali Mastan for his uncharitable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi BJP-led NDA members today marched in procession to Rajbhavan to demand his immediate sacking from Nitish Kumar Ministry. Led by leader of opposition in state assembly Dr Prem Kumar, leader of opposition in the legislative Council Sushil Kumar Modi and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) President and former Chief Minister Jeetan Ram Manjhi, NDA members submitted a memorandum to state governor Ramnath Kovind from state legislature seeking immediate sacking of the Excise and Prohibition Minister. After pre-lunch session of both the houses of the state legislature were adjourned due to pandemonium,NDA members marched in procession from the state legislature to the Rajbhavan to submit memorandum. In a joint memorandum to the governor the NDA leaders contended that that Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan had crossed all limits and asked a gathering to beat the photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shoes at a function in Purnea. It was also pointed out in the memorandum that the minister described the Prime Minister as a "Naxalite ,a terrorist and a dacoit" and hence he had no right to continue in the ministry, the immediate dismissal of the minister from the ministry. As it is the Excise minister had at a function at Anaur in Purnea on February 22 to protest demonetisation asked a crowd to beat the photographs of the Prime Minister with shoes. The video had gone viral on local television channel in which the Minister was seen asked the people to beat the photograph of PM as it was who had said he failed to end people's woes within 90 days of demonetisation, he was ready to face any punishment. A few supporters were seen beating the photographs of the PM kept on the state with shoes in the presence of the minister.UNI IS RN 1512 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1171507.Xml Eastern Railway today announced that 26 weekly summer special trains between Howrah-Muzaffarpur-Howrah to clear rush for Holi. 05227 Howrah-Muzaffarpur special will leave Howrah on Sundays at 0600 hrs. from April 2 to June 25, 2017 (13 trips) and will reach Muzaffarpur at 1830 hrs. on the same day. 05228 Muzaffarpur-Howrah special will leave Muzaffarpur at 1450 hrs. on Saturdays from April 1 to June 24, 2017 (13 trips) and will reach Howrah at 0300 hrs. on the next day. The special trains will have air-conditioned class, sleeper class and general second class accommodations. It may be mentioned that, besides these, 276 summer special trains will run on different routes during the ensuing summer season. 02359 Sealdah-Patna Holi special will leave Sealdah at 2355 hrs. on March 11 and will reach Patna at 1040 hrs. on the next day. 02360 Patna-Sealdah Holi special will leave Patna Jn. at 1210 hrs. on March 12, 2017 and will reach Sealdah at 2245 hrs. on the same day.UNI PC AKM 1638 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-1171686.Xml At a meeting of the NDMC, it was also decided to cancel Le Meridien hotel's license, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet. ''Imp decisions today's NDMC meeting- Open auction of Taj Mansingh, cancel Le Meridian Hotel license, 240 days TMR every yr 2 all death cases,'' Mr Kejriwal tweeted. Delhi High Court on October 27 last year dismissed an appeal of Tata group-run Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), which runs the luxury Taj Mansingh Hotel, challenging auctioning of the property by NDMC. The Supreme Court on January 12 asked the NDMC to reconsider its decision to auction the hotel in Delhi within six weeks. The Bench presided over by Justice P C Ghose asked the NDMC to settle the issue through negotiations or go for auction with the right of first refusal to the Tata firm. ''If the company offers a matching price, it shall be accepted; else it would be auctioned,'' it said. UNI AR SHS ADG 1614 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1171608.Xml According to police, one Ranganathan, manager of an electronic store here lodged a complaint on February 21 stating that one accused Abbas Ali purchased 10 LED television sets from his shop, stating that he is running a trust and provided a DD of Rs 2.90 lakhs, which later proved to be fake. During investigation police found that the accused hails from Chennai and have a gang of three people. The accused has been identified as Sayyed Jaffer of Triplicane, Rubies Jalil of Pulyanthoppe and Munir Ahamed of Thiruvalluvar. Police has seized 20 LED television sets,14 air-conditioners, and other properties worth Rs 20 lakhs from their possession.UNI PAB SHS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1171726.Xml At the behest of Lieutenant General Velu Nair, Director General of Medical Services (Army), Voluntary Blood Donation Camps were organised across the Military Stations of the country, a Defence release said here. Brigadier K Satyanand, Commandant and Colonel Shailja Karki, Senior Registrar of Military Hospital (MH), Secunderabad initiated the drive for the noble cause in organizing on a very large scale in both Military Stations of Secunderabad and Hyderabad recently. The Blood Donation Camp was organised under the supervision of Telangana State Blood Transfusion Council to help children suffering from Thalassemia and Leukemia (Blood Cancer) and also to spread awareness about the importance of Voluntary Blood donation. A total of 11 Blood Banks of Telangana State were involved and a record of 2,795 blood units were collected on this massive drive. Lieutenant Colonel Sunil Uniyal and Kiran Uniyal, both as Voluntary Coordinators worked proactively for MH, Secunderabad and carried out entire coordination with various agencies of Military-Civil for its smooth execution. For the exceptional and remarkable feat, Two Records of High Range Book of World Record (India-US) and Marvelous World Book Records (India-NZ) for "Largest Voluntary Blood Donation and Awareness Camp on the occasion of Indian Army Day" were thus achieved by Military Hospital, Secunderabad in association with Rotary Club of Hyderabad Centennial (RCHC). The real heroes of the camps were the Voluntary Blood Donors, the "Life Saviors" of Military. The Awards were presented to DGMS (Army), MH Secunderabad, RCHC, Voluntary Coordinators and others by both CEO's of High Range and Marvelous Book of World Records at Military Hospital.UNI KNR CS 1707 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1171742.Xml Oil prices fell on Thursday after U.S. crude stocks hit an all-time high and official data showed Russian oil production unchanged in February, with no further cuts to tighten the market and drain global oversupply.Benchmark Brent crude oil was down 50 cents a barrel at $55.86 by 1125 GMT. U.S. light crude was 50 cents lower at $53.33.Crude inventories in the United States, the world's biggest oil consumer, rose by 1.5 million barrels last week to a record 520.2 million barrels, official figures showed.Russia's oil output was unchanged in February from January at 11.11 million barrels per day (bpd), signalling a pause in Moscow's efforts to curb production as part of a global deal, energy ministry data showed on Thursday.Crude oil prices slipped after the release of the Russian data but remained locked within tight trading ranges, supported by evidence of OPEC production cuts designed to reduce the oversupply that has weighed on prices for more than two years.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cut its oil output for a second month in February, a Reuters survey found, showing the exporter group has boosted already strong compliance to around 94 percent."There is a very stale smell hanging over the market," Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank in Denmark, told Reuters Global Oil Forum."I still see the risk of $50 a barrel before $60 on Brent, but have to acknowledge that we have so far seen very limited selling appetite."Wang Tao, Reuters market analyst for commodities and energy technicals, said Brent remains neutral in a range of $55.93-$57.26 a barrel, and could move out of this price band in either direction.U.S. crude looks more bearish, the Reuters analyst said, and could drop to $53.21 a barrel, as it had cleared support at $53.87.REUTERS SHS RK1725 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1171806.Xml Concerned over the continuing apprehension and detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the matter at the highest diplomatic level and secure the release of 48 fishermen and 122 fishing boats, including 13 fishermen and two boats, apprehended today. In a demi-official letter to Mr Modi, copies of which were released to the media here, he said the state government strongly urges that such incidents of apprehension of fishermen by the Lankan Navy be taken up strongly at the highest diplomatic level to ensure the safety and their security in the Palk Bay. ''The Government of India is requested to secure the immediate release of 48 fishermen and 122 fishing boats including the 13 fishermen and their two mechanized fishing boats apprehended today without any delay'', headded. He said in yet another incident of apprehension of fishermen by the Lankan Navy, 13 fishermen--nine from Nagapattinam and four from Rameswaram--have been apprehended by the Lankan Navy today. They along with their two boats have been taken to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, he pointed out. Observing that that the State Government was extremely concerned about the continuing apprehension and detention of fishermen and their boats, Mr Palaniswami said at present 48 fishermen and 122 fishing boats were in Sri Lankan custody. ''Further, the boats and fishing gear of these fishermen, which are the only means of livelihood of the poor fishermen, are still impounded in Sri Lanka'', he added. He also recalled various letters written by former CM J Jayalalithaa in this regard. ''Though the Sri Lankan Government is committed to consider the release of the boats, no decision has been taken'', Mr Palaniswami said and requested Mr Modi to to take up this serious issue with the highest authorities of the Lankan Government and ensure immediate release of the precariously berthed boats, which continue to suffer great damage with every passing day.UNI GV CS 1805 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1171972.Xml The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today stayed all further proceedings in a case filed by an elderly couple seeking maintenance from Tamil actor Dhanush claiming that he was their biological son. The couple R.Kathiresan (65) and K.Meenakshi (53) of Malampatti village in Madurai district filed a petition before the Judicial Magistrate (JM) Court at Melur during November last, claiming that the actor was their biological son and sought Rs 65,000 from him towards monthly maintenance. Denying their claim, Dhanush moved the HC Bench seeking to quash the case by stating that he was born to fil director R.Krishnamoorthy alias Kasthuri Raja and Vijalakshmi in Chennai on July 28, 1983. He claimed to have changed his birth name R.K.Vengatesha Prabhu to Dhanush K.Raja in 2003 and produced a government gazette notification in support of his claim. In view of contradictory claims from both sides, Justice G.Chockalingam directed the actor to appear before the court to verify his identification marks on February 28. As per the court direction Dhanush appeared before it and was subjected to idetification verification by a team of government doctors. When the case came up for hearing today, the counsel for the couple demanded a DNA test of Dhanush and Kathiresan to prove paternity. The actor's side strongly opposed for the DNA test and said it could not be ordered casually. There should be a prima facie materials for it, based on which the court must come to conclusion. After hearing both sides, Justice Chockalingam granted the interim stay, until further orders, after pulling up the counsel for the couple for making a plea for a DNA test at the final hearing of a petition filed by the actor to quash the maintenance case. It was unfair on the part of the couple's counsel to have not filed a sub-application for a DNA test all these days. The Judge adjourned the hearing on the quash petition as well as other sub-petitions relating to the case to March nine, after stating that his tenure in the Madurai Bench comes to an end on Friday. "You argue the case before my successor. I have only one more day left here and hence there is no time for me to hear the case," the Judge said. UNI GSM CS 1855 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1172071.Xml The militant outfit, which was involved in a series of kidnapping in South Garo Hills district during the past few months, surrendered after security forces intensified their operation against them. Sangma, who is also one of the most wanted militant by Meghalaya police, surrendered before Superintendent of Police in-charge South Garo Hills district Abraham Sangma in the presence of district officials and church leaders. Seven of his aides - Tengrang A Sangma alias Gring, Pintu R Marak alias Waira, Kiljang M Sangma alias Amrak, Seldom K Sangma alias Jorai besides three over ground workers of the militant outfit - Hame Ch Marak, Biani Ch Marak and Tengman M Sangma also surrendered before the police official. The militants also deposited one HK-rifle along with 128 rounds of HK ammunition, one HK magazine, three Smooth-Bore Breech Loading guns, 18 numbers of 12 bore cartridges, 22 electronic detonators and explosives powders, four wireless handsets besides incriminating documents. UNI RRK AD1930 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1172199.Xml Telangana Minister for IT and Industries, K T Rama Rao today said the government was ready for partnerships with technology companies in the field of automotive space to make Hyderabad as a mobility engineering cluster. Speaking after launching of German automotive technology company, ZF's India Technology Centre (ITC) here, Rama Rao said "We look at this investment by ZF as an ecosystem builder for Hyderabad and are extremely happy to see Telangana as ZF's choice for their first ever India Technology Center. We will continue to strive making our state a business and investor friendly place helping corporate like ZF to expand their footprints in this region, the Minister said Telangana has a very conducive environment for businesses to thrive with quality talent pool and state-of-the art infrastructure. It is heartening to see Hyderabad growing as one of the most preferred destinations for global companies and we are committed to further enhance the brand image to become the top city in this regard. "ZF can partner with us and help the State develop a mobility engineering cluster in Hyderabad, the Minister said. He said, at a time when India is mandating upgraded vehicle safety on its roads, technologies developed by companies such as ZF will ensure zero accidents and zero emissions. Hyderabad is attracting technology powerhouses and is becoming a hub for core IT activity. The top global technology companies in the world have opted Hyderabad for their largest centres outside the US. Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook have made the city a key location as part of their global growth strategy. Germany-based ZF's investment will further boost the ecosystem, the Minister added. ZF CEO Dr Stefan Sommer said that we will invest 15 million US dollars over the next five years for strengthening of ZF in the country. The ITC will foster high-end innovations which will focus on bringing advanced technology to India as well as localizing more strategic business activities including research, design and development for global market initiatives. It also aims to leverage one of the finest academic research communities and the increasingly recognized rich and diverse talent pool for global development projects, he said.UNI KNR SHK 2017 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1172253.Xml The sarpanch Jaysukh Madhad( 25), was killed allegedly because he had contested the panchayat election last year against the wishes of men from upper castes. He was attacked by three people last Tuesday night. Congress legislator Shaktisinh Gohil had raised the issue for discussion in the ongoing budget session of Assembly during 'Zero Hour'. However, speaker Ramanlal Vora refused permission following which Congress staged a walk out of the Assembly in protest. Meanwhile, the family of the deceased sarpanch cremated the body after Union minister of panchayati Raj, Purushottam Rupala, visited persuaded them. Rupala had earlier visited the family at Amreli civil hospital on Tuesday night but had failed to pacify them from taking the body. The family insisted that all the three accused be brought to the book before they take possession of the deceased body. The police has so far arrested the key accused Deep Dhandhal and is on the look out for his younger brother and second accused Yuvi Dhandal and their accomplice Madhu Vala. UNI ND SHS SHK 2010 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1172272.Xml At least 12 people including cops got injured, ten detained when police-traders clashed near Ban Ganga in Katra town of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The local traders were protesting against Mata Vaishno Devio Shrine Board authorities for continuing work on New Ban Ganga-Tarakota-Adh Kuwari track, the opening of which they were opposing, said an official. He said that the authorities have imposed Section 144 of CrPC near the construction site to prevent anybody from disrupting the ongoing developmental work, adding, "protesting local traders this evening, marched towards the site but police prevented and foiled their bid following which mild clash took place." According to an eye witness, police resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse them. However, a senior police officer said that it was only a mild clash broke out with protestors, adding that around 10 of them have also been detained as preventive measure for creating law and order problem in the town where pilgrims from across the country visit to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine. ''The protestors however, staged protest while entire Katra observed shutdown against Shrine Board authorities,'' said an eye witness. Meanwhile, on February 15, protesting shopkeepers and traders suspended their strike after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, who assured them early redressal of their grievances. Protesting traders were demanding that the new track should be used only for loading and unloading purpose but not for pilgrimage by devotees. ''The new track is ready for operation and it will cater devotees performing pilgrimage on foot,'' an official here said. He said that neither battery car service will be provide on new track not being used by mule operators, adding, ''the track will be thrown open only for devotees going to Bhawan on foot besides pithus will be allowed to cater them.'' He further said the New Ban Ganga-Tarakota-Adh Kuwari track is having 8.5 kilometres stretch from Army Camp, Darshani Deodi and it will be of helpful in meeting the rush especially during occasions like Navratras. Ten-member committee was also constituted and they were asked to submit charter of demands to the District SSP and Deputy Commissioner and matter will also be taken up with the Shri Mata Vasihno Devi Shrine Board authorities for needful action. Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra is the chairman of the Shrine Board. Last year, Baridars and traders went on strike in protest against opening of new track but the strike was called off on government's assurance of addressing the issue as earliest.UNI VBH SHS SHK 2007 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1172282.Xml More than 800 scholars and students from across the country will be attending three-day J&K Science Congress inaugurated by Governor N N Vohra at University of Jammu here today. The University is hosting this event in collaboration with J&K State Science, Technology and Innovation Council. Senior faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students from various Research Institutes, Universities and Colleges from various States are participating in the Congress with theme, 'Science and Technology: Emerging Trends and Innovations'. The Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, in his address observed that the annual Science Congress is a very important occasion for the University and the entire scientific community in the State. Such important events create an environment which contributes in promoting the scientific temper in the educational institutions and across the society at large. Noting that J&K State has the privilege of hosting 9 State and Central Universities, NIT, IIM, IIT, SKIMS, IIIM, Medical and Engineering Colleges and other institutions of learning, the Governor stressed that the total corpus of intellectual and scientific resources available within such a large number of institutions of education must be effectively and productively utilised and exploited to hasten the growth and development of the State. Mr Vohra also pointed to the need for quality research in the field of Humanities for precipitating balanced human development and societal well being. ''If India is to meet international competition and be among the Knowledge Economies'', Governor observed that the teaching community shall need to undertake much more research work on identified issues and challenges. He suggested the usefulness of a state wide campaign being launched for research programmes being undertaken and their outcomes to be reviewed at successive annual Science Congresses.UNI VBH CJ SHK 2132 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1172399.Xml President Pranab Mukherjee was accorded a warm welcomewhen he arrived here tonight on a two-day visit to the city. Mr Pranab Mukherjee, who arrived from Kochi, was received at the airport by Tamil Nadu Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, his cabinet colleagues, representatives of the three defence forces, Chief Secretary Ms Girija Vaidyanathan, senior government and police officials. From the airport, Mr Pranab Mukherjee drove down to Raj Bhavan for an overnight stay. Tomorrow, the President would present Standard to 125 (H) Sqn and Colours to MTI at the Air Force StationTambaram. Later, he would inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Women's Indian Association at Theosophical Society in Adyar, before leaving for New Delhi. A multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place in view of the President's visit to the city.UNI GV 2235 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1172446.Xml During his maiden meeting with the Governor at Raj Bhawan here this afternoon, Dr Jamwal briefed the Governor about the Internal Security situation in the Jammu Zone. While advising the maintenance of strict surveillance on all fronts the Governor asked Dr Jamwal to also devote close attention to problems caused by mismanagement of traffic flows and prompt removal of all encroachment on the Highways. He also advised the IGP to ensure strict enforcement of the Control of Noises Act.UNI VBH CJ SHK 2204 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1172417.Xml In total, the US National Weather Service has reported 24 tornadoes in a storm system that affected the states of Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee on Wednesday, Efe news reported. In Ottawa, a town with around 19,000 inhabitants and located 115 miles southwest of Chicago, a falling tree killed a 76-year-old man, according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. At least 14 people were also hospitalised in Ottawa with different degrees of injuries. About 350 km south of Ottawa, in Crossville, Illinois, another tornado caused damage to a home where a 71-year-old man was killed and his wife was injured. The third fatality was found in Missouri, where another powerful tornado swept through Perry County, south of the capital St. Louis, and destroyed between eight and 10 homes in Perryville. In addition to the casualties, the tornadoes left chaos and destruction in places such as Naplate, near Ottawa. The storm system is now moving towards the east coast of the US, causing alerts from Mississippi to Delaware, and could possibly reach New York City, the officials added. --IANS ksk ( 206 Words) 2017-03-02-08:50:08 (IANS) Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the Indian IT engineer shot dead in an apparent hate crime in the U.S., was the kind of job candidate that every hiring manager wanted on his team, as described by his former boss Rod Larson. "He was very sharp. A top-of-his-class kind of guy," Larson told Kansas City Star. "His personality was exceptional. He was the kind of employee every manager would want." Kuchibhotla was the top pick in 2007 for a software engineer position at Rockwell Collins, an avionics and information technology systems company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Kuchibhotla was so exceptional that Larson ultimately couldn't keep him, because Kuchibhotla was moved from his auto-flight department and became instrumental in helping his company develop its first fly-by-wire planes, in which manual controls are entirely replaced by computers," Larson said. "He was well-liked by anybody and he was excellent in all categories. He was a low-maintenance employee and did whatever was asked of him," he added. Kuchibhotla was killed when 52-year-old Adam Purinton, walked into Austins Bar and Grill in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe and opened fire. His friend, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot, a bar-goer who tried to intervene in the attack, were also shot, but survived. (ANI) In his first major speech to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump assured U.S. allies that he is committed to NATO, but some of his fellow Republicans have been blocking a Senate vote to expand the alliance for months.The delay of the Senate's consideration of Montenegro's accession to the alliance has fueled questions about whether Trump's administration and his party will stand up to Russia despite the president's desire for better relations.Moscow opposes any further expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.Montenegro, a former Yugoslav republic with a population of 650,000, hopes to win the approval of all 28 NATO allies in time to become a full member at a summit in May. By late February, it had been approved by 24. Members see Montenegro's accession as a way to counter Russia's efforts to expand its influence in the Balkans.The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has twice voted in favor of Montenegro, first in December and again in January.But objections by Republican Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee have blocked a vote in the full Senate.At a September hearing, Paul questioned the wisdom of angering Russia by allowing a tiny country that could not play a significant role in defending the United States to join the trans-Atlantic alliance."I think we need to think this through, and we need to have a little bit more of a debate," he said then.On Wednesday, Paul said he still objected."I'm not so sure what they add to our defense. So I'm not so sure it's a great idea that somehow Montenegro's going to defend the United States," Paul told Reuters.A spokesman for Lee said the senator objected only to the Senate considering the matter with a quick voice vote, saying he wanted a roll call so every member's position would be recorded.Lee has not made his opinion on Montenegro's accession public, the spokesman said.ROLL CALLAsked if a roll call vote would be scheduled, a spokesman for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he had no updates to provide. If there is a Senate vote, Montenegro's accession is expected to receive the two-thirds majority needed to pass.Montenegrin Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic told Reuters last month that he had been assured that the Senate would ratify his country's accession by May.Trump has called for closer ties to Moscow and criticized NATO as obsolete. In his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, he reaffirmed support for the alliance, but said he expects U.S. allies to pay more of the cost of their own security needs.Montenegrin officials blame Moscow for an extended campaign intended to prevent the country from joining NATO. Last month, they said they had evidence Russia was involved in a plot to overthrow its government during an election last October, an accusation Moscow dismissed.The charges echoed assertions by U.S. intelligence that Russia sought to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election.Trump could still keep Montenegro from joining by refusing to formally deposit the country's Protocol of Accession. Doing so would signal a significant rift with his own party in Congress. REUTERS JW0421 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1171036.Xml Chilean police raided the offices of Brazil's Odebrecht in capital Santiago, as part of a widening investigation into bribes paid by the conglomerate on construction projects across Latin America.A Chilean prosecutor will travel to Brasilia this month to work with Brazilian colleagues questioning Odebrecht executives, national public prosecutor Jorge Abbott told journalists.There were "certain people that we want to talk to in respect of events that may have occurred in Chile that could eventually be constituted as a crime," he said.Odebrecht, Latin America's largest engineering group, agreed in December to pay a record fine and has admitted to paying bribes to officials in 12 countries, mostly in Latin America, to help secure lucrative contracts.Prosecutors from 10 countries, including Chile, are forming a task force to share evidence in the case.Chile's prosecutors are also looking into allegations that Brazil's engineering group OAS illicitly channeled funds to Chilean political campaigns. OAS offices in Santiago were raided last month.Odebrecht's website does not list any current projects in operation in Chile. REUTERS JW0712 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1171039.Xml Chinese state media said today that a prominent Chinese rights activist had made up "fake news" of torture to grab international headlines, but his defenders said the accusations were a coordinated attempt to smear his name.State media said disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong, 46, was behind news reports of police torturing another detained rights activist, Xie Yang, and that Jiang had later admitted to telling Xie's wife to make up details of torture in captivity to attract attention to the case.Reports in January by the New York Times and the Guardian based on testimony from Xie's wife and lawyer described, in vivid detail, threats and violence from the police reportedly used to force a confession from Xie."The stories are essentially fake news," the official Xinhua news agency said in an English-language article.The influential Global Times and a number of other state media outlets carried similar articles in Chinese today, each featuring an interview with Jiang, and many also included the same photo of him with a shaved head, smiling, behind bars.Jiang could not be reached for comment.Chinese state media regularly features exposes of criminal activities by rights activists based on interviews where the accused confess their crimes. But rights groups say the questioning is usually scripted and carried out under duress.The interviews with Jiang differed from the past in that they are the first time the phrase "fake news" has been used to describe media reports, "probably borrowing it from Donald Trump's attack on major Western media", says Patrick Poon, China researcher at Amnesty International.Jiang's wife, Jin Bianling, told Reuters that the authorities merely wanted to discredit him because he received so much attention in the international media.Jin and Jiang's parents have been unable to speak to Jiang since he went missing in November after visiting relatives of Xie Yang in the city of Changsha in central Hunan province."It's all fake. How are they all able to interview him when his family cannot meet him?" said Jiang's wife, who lives in the United States.An individual who answered the phone at the Changsha Public Security Bureau declined to comment.The European Union has cited Jiang's detention as reason for being "extremely troubled" by the "deteriorating" rights situation in China.State media said Jiang convinced Xie's wife, Chen Guiqiu, in September to make up a detailed account of Xie being deprived of sleep, placed in smoke filled rooms and beaten so as to bring international attention to the case.An "independent" investigation by legal authorities found Xie had not been tortured, state media said.Xie's lawyer, Chen Jiangang, who is not related to Xie's wife, told Reuters the torture accounts were genuine, adding that he had also interviewed Xie and been told the same thing.Chen could not be reached for comment. REUTERS SDR PR1103 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1171157.Xml The US Justice Department said Jeff Sessions spoke twice last year with Russias Ambassador to Washington -- the encounters Sessions did not disclose during his Congressional confirmation hearing to become the Attorney General in January, the media reported. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senator's office, the Washington Post reported, citing department officials as saying on Wednesday. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump after the billionaire businessman formally joining the presidential campaign in February 2016. At his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learnt of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," he responded, adding: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Also in January, Senator Patrick J. Leahy asked Sessions for answers to written questions, the Washington Post said. "Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day?" Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with one word: "No". However, the Attorney General on Wednesday night, in response to the Justice Department claims, said he "never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak. "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions's spokeswoman. She added that Sessions last year had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian and German ambassadors, in addition to Kislyak. Several Democratic members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday night called on Sessions to resign from his post. The Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation -- both under Sessions' supervision -- are in charge of investigating alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, besides alleged links between Trump's campaign and the Kremlin. --IANS ksk/vt ( 448 Words) 2017-03-02-13:18:08 (IANS) With the date for holding the local elections in Nepal approaching near and structure of local bodies unknown to the electoral body, the Local Level Restructuring Commission (LLRC) is making final preparations to submit its report. "In terms of number and boundaries of local bodies, we have already completed it, it's over but regarding this special protected and autonomous region, we are working on that and according to the constitution our time tenure is almost over. We have only two weeks remaining, so within that given time, we will finalize everything," LLRC chairman Balananda Paudel told ANI. The Commission which now has two weeks time left to submit its report has faced a lot of setbacks and problems while preparing the report. The LLRC chairman accused the government of not coping up with the commission in preparing the report. "We are working on this special protected and autonomous area. Regarding this function we are not receiving the response from the government. We have already submitted our report but the number and boundaries of local bodies it is yet to be declared by the government so we are unable to discuss with the district people; the local people because it is yet to be publicized. So without being public we can't go to the public without those boundaries and number," he said. Apart from the lack of co-ordination from the government, the Commission is facing the scarcity of data's pertaining population, economic status and other factors. The LLRC formed in 2015 submitted its first draft to the government lately on December has proposed 719 local units (Village and Municipal Councils). The agitating Madhesh-based parties have demanded for the allocation of 50 percent units in Southern Plains of Nepal and have accused of preparing the report without going to the districts and taking views of public. LLRC Chairman Paudel claimed of holding discussion with the agitating parties and has sought their consensus. "Before determining the number and boundaries of local bodies we sat together with agitating parties also; we invited the agitating parties and they gave the suggestion that on the basis of population the number should be there in accordance with population. They were talking about the 20 districts bordering with India and their demand is that the 50 percent population is there but the unit wise the total number given to the flat land is 34 percent so they are demanding 50 percent but the commission is very much bounded by the limitation of our geography," he added. (ANI) An Austrian court sentenced eight Iraqi asylum seekers and refugees on Thursday to between nine and 13 years in prison for the gang-rape of a 28-year-old German woman in Vienna more than a year ago, a court spokeswoman said.The men were found guilty of assaulting the woman in an apartment where two of the men were staying during the 2015/16 New Year celebrations. A ninth accused was acquitted.The victim, from the northern German state of Lower Saxony and who was visiting a friend in Vienna, was awarded damages of 25,000 euros ($26,265).The court spokeswoman said both the prosecution and defence had indicated they might appeal the verdict or sentencing.The nine Iraqis, aged between 21 and 47 years, were arrested in Vienna and two other provinces in summer. All have either applied for, or been granted, asylum.The case helped fuel public debate over immigration and crime, a central theme of last year's Austrian elections, which saw a far-right candidate come within a whisker of the presidency.Although detailed statistics are not published, the police have said that in general there has been a rise in petty crime since 2015's big migrant influx but no significant increase in serious crimes like murder and rape.Austria has not seen sexual assaults on the same scale as those in the German city of Cologne on New Year's Eve more than a year ago. But attacks involving immigrants, like a series of sexual assaults in the city of Innsbruck at the end of last year, continue to attract close media scrutiny.REUTERS CJ BL2153 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1172411.Xml Syrian government negotiator Bashar al-Ja'afari accused the Saudi-backed opposition on Thursday of holding peace talks hostage because of their reported refusal to unify under one opposition delegation and include terrorism on agenda."We heard that... the Riyadh platform refused the inclusion... of counter-terrorism," Ja'afari told reporters after meeting UN envoy Staffan de Mistura. "This did not come as a surprise because some members of the Riyadh delegation include members of terrorist armed groups," he said.Ja'afari said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had kept his promise to retake the ancient city of Palmyra from Islamic State militants, which fell to the army earlier on Thursday."Counter-terrorism operations will continue until the last inch of territory from our country is retaken from these foreign terrorists who are wreaking havoc," he saidREUTERS CJ BL2324 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1172465.Xml LONDON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Scientists at Manchester announced a breakthrough Wednesday in the development of magical computers that grow as they compute. By using DNA rather than traditional computer chips, the scientists from the University of Manchester, say a single desktop computer could potentially utilize more processors than all the electronic computers in the world combined. The university is famous for its connection with wartime codebreaker Alan Turing, regarded as the founder of computer science. Professor Ross King and his team have demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of engineering a nondeterministic universal Turing machine (NUTM). Their research is to be published in the prestigious Journal of the Royal Society, Interface. A spokesman at the university said: "The theoretical properties of such a computing machine, including its exponential boost in speed over electronic and quantum computers, have been well understood for many years. But the Manchester breakthrough demonstrates that it is actually possible to physically create a NUTM using DNA molecules. King, from the university's School of Computer Science, explained "Imagine a computer is searching a maze and comes to a choice point, one path leading left, the other right. Electronic computers need to choose which path to follow first. "But our new computer doesn't need to choose, for it can replicate itself and follow both paths at the same time, thus finding the answer faster. "This 'magical' property is possible because the computer's processors are made of DNA rather than silicon chips. All electronic computers have a fixed number of chips," said the researcher. He further explained that "As DNA molecules are very small a desktop computer could potentially utilize more processors than all the electronic computers in the world combined - and therefore outperform the world's current fastest supercomputer, while consuming a tiny fraction of its energy." Alan Turing's greatest achievement was inventing the concept of a universal Turing machine (UTM) - a computer that can be programmed to compute anything any other computer can compute. Electronic computers are a form of UTM, but no quantum UTM has yet been built. OBRENOVAC, Serbia, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) started construction works on a segment of Serbia's E-763 highway on Wednesday. The Surcin-Obrenovac segment is 17.6 km long. The opening ceremony was held at a construction site near Obrenovac, which was attended by both officials and local citizens. "I promise that we will invest all technical and management capacities of our company in order to finish this project as fast as possible, adhering to all standards," said Lu Shan, overseas executive general director of the CCCC. Lu reminded that the commercial contract for the construction was signed on June 18, 2016 during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Serbia. Once finished, the Surcin-Obrenovac segment will connect Belgrade's E-75 highway and the newly-built E-763 highway, enabling transport from Belgrade to Obrenovac and further towards Montenegrin border. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang also were present at the ceremony. Chinese ambassador thanked Serbian people for their firm support to the Serbian government to further develop ties with China and expressed hope that Chinese companies will be appointed to construct the remaining part of the new highway. Vucic replied to ambassador Li that the highway project is of vital importance to Serbia and suggested that the two countries could complete it together if Chinese side offers even more favorable terms for cooperation. According to the Chinese company, the construction of the highway segment will be completed in 36 months. U.S. President Donald Trump (front) addresses the joint session of Congress, as Vice President Mike Pence (L) and House Speaker Paul Ryan listen, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) By Peter Mertz DENVER, the United States, Mar. 1, (Xinhua) -- Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump was to rewrite the American political playbook by engaging the legal system more than any president in U.S. History, analysts predicted. Legal experts told Xinhua in recent interviews that by late February about 100 lawsuits on the federal level would have been filed against America's 45th president. "It's such an irony that Trump uses more legal muscle than any president ever," noted Washington insider and attorney David Richardson. "Trump has scorned 'liberal lawyers' for years, and yet he is more connected to the courts than anyone...more of his doublespeak," Richardson said. Across America's legal establishment, scholars agreed that Trump's litigious angle was a new feature of American politics. " I don't know it is a sign of the times generally as much as it is the product of an incredibly idiosyncratic president," said law professor at University of Denver Alan Chen. "The suits since he has taken office are in part a reflection on the aggressive, and to some degree unusually rapid, manner in which he has effectuated major changes in U.S. foreign and domestic policy," Chen told Xinhua. Chen is an award-winning teacher and an expert on free speech doctrine, federal and public interest law. In the first month after his Jan. 20 inauguration, Trump was named in more than 60 federal cases in 17 different states, according to NBC News. By contrast, President Obama was named in three lawsuits in the first 30 days in office. "Because he is mandating by Executive Order, Trump's opponents have only one avenue toward stopping the president's actions, and that's through the courts," explained David S. Brown, Chairman of the University of Colorado's Political Science Department. "The federal judiciary is a branch of government that is not under President Trump's control," Chen agreed. Brown, who earned a PhD in 1995 at the University of California, Los Angeles, is a well-published author on the American political system. He told Xinhua that a lot of lawsuits had been brought as a reaction to Trump's travel ban. The American Civil Liberties Union, American Arab Civil Rights League, and Council on American Islamic Relations Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics stood in court claiming the president's travel ban was unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds. The ban creates "favored and disfavored groups based on their faith," the Islamic Relations group wrote in its complaint. Washington State is also suing Trump, claiming the travel ban violates the First Amendment and Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. "And certainly Trump has always been very litigious himself," Brown said. An analysis by USA Today found that over the past 30 years, Trump and his businesses were involved in 3,500 legal cases in U.S. federal and state courts. It's certainly not unusual for a prominent businessperson to be engaged in high volumes of litigation, Chen pointed out. "But, contrary to popular belief, the president knows the inside of a courtroom better than most lawyers," Richardson said. "He has no problem with paying expensive lawyers or using the same system that he publicly decries," the Seattle attorney told Xinhua. Of the staggering 3,500 suits, Trump, or one of his companies, were plaintiffs in 1,900 and defendants in 1,450. The suits included contract disputes, bankruptcies, defamation claims, and allegations of sexual harassment. In some 500 cases, judges dismissed claims against Trump, but in hundreds more, it was unclear about the resolution. Overall, Trump won 451 cases and lost 38, according to the USA Today research. U.S. legal experts saw these huge numbers continuing during the Trump presidency. "Yes, I think there will be an unprecedented number of law suits against President Trump," Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the University of California Irvine School of Law, told Xinhua. Chemerinsky, a frequent national commentator on the American legal system, gave a lecture last Tuesday at the University of Denver entitled "The First Amendment in the Era of President Trump." "His actions and policies are likely to be repeatedly challenged in the courts," Chemerinsky said, adding that the First Amendment would be tested during the Trump Administration. Legal pundits federal courts will see a backlog as a record number of challenges will be filed against Trump policies. It may take years before some cases are heard. Chermerinsky and others thought the U.S. Supreme Court may experience its greatest workload in history. Currently America's highest court features four liberal justices, each two were appointed during the Clinton and Obama presidencies. It also has four conservative justices, but with one seat, the "decisive 5th vote," is still vacant. Last February, after conservative justice Antonin Scalia died, Congressional Republicans delayed the nomination of a new justice nominated by Democrat Obama. Obama wanted moderate Judge Merrick Garland to fill the ninth seat, but the Republican political stall tactic worked and Garland was never confirmed. Earlier this month, President Trump announced he would fill the vacant seat with conservative Judge Neil Gorsuch from Colorado. Gorsuch's confirmation hearings was scheduled to begin March 20. Legal scholars believed Gorsuch would win quick confirmation, and then the conservative-leaning Supreme Court would rubber-stamp cases favoring Trump's policies in the future. DAMASCUS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Intense battles raged on Wednesday between Turkish-backed rebels and Kurdish-led factions near the city of Manbij in the eastern countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria, a monitor group reported. The battles are flaring between the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council and the Turkish-backed Euphrates Shield rebels, who attacked areas under the Kurdish-backed group near Manbij, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The battles are centered in the southern rim of Manbij, which is under the control of the Manbij Military Council, a force backed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The battles between the rival rebel groups were anticipated, after the Turkish-backed rebels with the help of the Turkish forces captured the key city of al-Bab from the Islamic State (IS) group in northern Syria last week, with Turkey divulging its intension to push for capturing Manbij from the Kurdish-backed groups. Ilnur Cevik, an advisor of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said on Monday that his country has plans to end the military operation in Syria after capturing the city of Manbij. The recent confrontation highlights the intension of Turkey behind its military operation in Syria, with a priority aim to undermine the Kurdish influence in northern Syria. It's still unknown how the situation will unfold, as the Kurdish groups enjoys the support of the United States, which was said to have deployed forces around Manbij, given the recent developments and the foreseen battles between the Turkish-backed groups and the Kurdish-led ones. The Syrian army has recently advanced in eastern Aleppo countryside against the IS group, reaching close to Manbij, amid reports that the army will open a route between Manbij and Aleppo city in cooperation with the Kurdish groups. MEXICO CITY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said Wednesday that Mexico, Canada and the U.S. all need each other within the North American Free Trade Partnership (NAFTA). "We need each other, we are part of links and value chains which are integrated and consolidated. This cannot be ignored," said the head of state. While inaugurating a new automotive parts plant by Mexican group Nemak in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, Pena Nieto said that he would discuss the renegotiation of NAFTA with the United States. The renegotiation will happen at "the right time, since it has been frozen due to the new foreign policy of our neighboring country," he said. Speaking from the plant in Garcia, Nuevo Leon, the president said he would defend Mexico and the Mexican people against the positions of any other government, as "we are a nation that behaves well, we rely on a strong diplomacy, we rely on respect for others, but we demand the same respect for ourselves." Finally, Nieto reiterated that Mexico demands "respect as a sovereign nation...and with this point, we will sit down at the table as equals to revisit the terms of our relationship with the United States." MEXICO CITY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexican police found 11 bodies inside a van in a suburb of the port city of Veracruz in southeast Mexico, apparently killed by gang fighting, officials reported on Wednesday. Police discovered the white van parked on a street in the city's southern suburb around midnight Tuesday. The van had been stolen from an employee of a tourism company, Governor of Veracruz State Miguel Angel Yunes said in a radio interview, adding "the person it was stolen from has already been located." Yunes also said the killings were the result of "a war between themselves," referring to drug trafficking organizations that have used the busy port as a shipping and distribution center. The perpetrators had left a threatening hand-scrawled message in the back of the van, purportedly directed at a rival criminal ring. "It is a clash between organized gangs of criminals," the governor said. TIRANA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Albania and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have successfully concluded a three-year program aimed at restoring the country's economic growth and controlling the rapidly rising public debt, Albanian economy minister Arben Ahmetaj said Wednesday. Ahmetaj lauded the fruitful and successful three-year cooperation with the IMF, saying such cooperation would continue even in the future. The new government after June 18 elections will reach another agreement with IMF as so far cooperation has yielded significant results, Ahmetaj told local media. On Feb. 24, Albania drew the last installment of a 400.4 million U.S. dollar credit line which marked the end of the agreement, IMF said in a statement. The program has successfully put Albania on a recovery path with sound public finances, according to Anita Tuladhar, the head of the IMF team for Albania. In its statement, IMF cited some of the main achievements of its program with Albania, highlighting that the country's economic growth has accelerated to over 3 percent, public debt has declined, government arrears have been mostly cleared, and the overall fiscal and financial frameworks have been strengthened. However, IMF noted that Albania must continue efforts to reinforce its growth and the resilience of its economy. WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai has written back to about 20 American elementary students to thank them for their complimentary comments on China's efforts to protect elephants, the Chinese embassy said Wednesday. Cui's move came after he received letters from these students from elementary schools in California and Massachusetts. In the letters, the students applauded the efforts by China's government to ban the processing and trade in ivory products step by step, the embassy said in a news release. Last week, the ambassador took the time to write back to each of these students in order to "express appreciation for the students' enthusiasm on protecting wildlife and told them about what China has done in this field over the past years." "In China, it is public consensus that wildlife should be protected and illegal trade should be banned," wrote the ambassador. "In fact, China has been doing a lot more than just protecting the elephants." "If you have a chance to visit China, you will find a lot of endangered animals well protected in their natural habitat: giant panda (as you all know), snub-nosed monkey, Tibetan antelope, red-crowned crane, Manchurian tiger, just to name a few," Cui wrote. He also encouraged the young people of the two countries "to join hands and work together to create a better future for all the life on earth." Cui also sent some gifts about wildlife conservation to the students along with the letters, the embassy added. KHARTOUM, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Wednesday issued a decision appointing First Vice-President Bakri Hassan Saleh as Prime Minister. According to the decision, Saleh would hold both posts of First Vice-President and Prime Minister. Presidential Assistant Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, speaking to reporters following a meeting of the leadership office of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Wednesday, said that al-Bashir, who chaired the meeting, decided to select Saleh as first vice-president and prime minister. Saleh had served ministerial and political posts, including chief of Sudan's national security service, presidential adviser for security affairs, minister of interior, minister of defence and minister of presidency before becoming the first-vice-president in December 2013. The Sudanese national dialogue conference, which concluded in October last year, recommended introduction of a post of prime minister, where the Sudanese parliament endorsed last December some constitutional amendments including the new post. On Tuesday, the committee entrusted with implementation of outcomes of the national dialogue met with al-Bashir and officially approved the post of prime minister to go for the ruling NCP. BRASILIA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's national oil company, Petrobras, closed a deal on Tuesday to sell 2.225 billion U.S. dollars of assets to French giant Total as part of its continuing diversification plan. According to a Petrobras statement, the deal is part of a broad alliance to work on upstream and downstream. It sees Petrobras transfer to Total 22.5 percent of concession rights to the Iara exploration area, including the Sururu, Berbigao and Oeste de Atapu oil fields. It also transfers 35 percent of the Lapa field concession area, which began production in December. Petrobras is not exiting the two fields fully as it shall retain a majority interest of 42.5 percent in Iara and 10 percent in Lapa. Finally, Petrobras has sold to Total a 50 percent stage in Termobahia, a power generation company with two thermal plants in the northeastern state of Bahia. The beleaguered Brazilian oil company is facing a major need to cut costs as it faces crippling debt and a loss of market confidence after a corruption ring was found within its ranks. In 2016, Petrobras announced a divestment plan, which included raising 19.5 billion U.S. dollars through the offloading in assets in 2017 and 2018. COPENHAGEN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- After 44 years of waiting, the tiny Danish island of Femoe with a population of 154 now has its own postcode, local media reported on Wednesday. The 11.38-square-km islet, located in the sea between Denmark's two major islands of Zealand and Lolland, has been sharing the postcode of 4930 with nearby Maribo municipality. Now, it is granted a postcode of 4945 which comes into effect immediately, according to Danish newspaper The Copenhagen Post. Femoe residents will receive their new health cards with the new code within the next few weeks, the paper said. "They want their own identity relative to branding for tourism and for easier identification of cellular coverage," Dorthe Winther, the country's small islands association head, was quoted as saying. "There could also be insurance benefits since there are virtually no break-ins on the island, so getting coverage might be less expensive," Winther added. There are over 400 islands in Denmark, and some 70 of them are populated while the remainers are uninhabited. ROME, March 1 (Xinhua) -- In southern Italian city of Naples, there is a "gangster component that acts on the territory dramatically out of control", Interior Minister Marco Minniti said on Wednesday. Talking about a "direct attack on the freedom of the citizens," Minniti made the remarks in Naples, where he attended the installation ceremony of the new superintendent of Naples, Antonio de Iesu. According to local media, Minniti said that the first problem to be addressed is the strengthening of territorial control. "An answer is needed, starting in the next few hours," he added. The first signal will be, the minister said, "to make it clear that it is the state that controls the territory, in some areas the territory will be saturated with the power and the presence of the state." In Naples, Minniti also chaired a meeting of the Provincial Committee for Order and Public Safety, with the participation of the mayor of Naples Luigi de Magistris and Vincenzo De Luca, governor of the Campania region. All the surveillance cameras of the city will be restored to working condition, the minister told reporters after the meeting. "At the moment 52 percent of the cameras are working, and for me it is not enough," he said. "We would like to create in Campania, as the first region of the south, the single emergency number, 112. We give a sense of strengthening the institutions of power and it puts us at the forefront also in the European methods," he added. According to local media reports, at least 50 mafia clans are active in Naples. MINSK, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The participants of the contact group on the settlement of the situation in Ukraine reaffirmed their commitment to the full withdrawal of heavy weapons, the OSCE's Special Representative to contact group on Ukraine Martin Sajdik told local media on Wednesday. After the meeting of the contact group in Minsk, Sajdik said that the sides confirmed their commitment to the withdrawal of heavy weapons and confirmed that security of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's observers and their property will be ensured. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was also asked to facilitate the implementation of the withdrawal of forces and hardware in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska on 7 March, Sajdik said. The previous meeting of the contact group was held in the Belarusian capital on 15 February. Then the parties managed to reach an agreement on the withdrawal of all weapons from the contact line by 20 February. However, the parties failed to perform this. The trilateral contact group will meet next time on 15 March. MEXICO CITY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Mexican government is planning to build 52 new clean energy parks by 2019 at an investment cost of 6.6 billion U.S. dollars, Energy Minister Pedro Joaquin Coldwell said on Wednesday. Speaking at the opening of the sixth Mexico WindPower summit, Coldwell stated that 34 different companies would make the needed investments to expand the country's wind and solar energy infrastructure in the next three years. "By 2019, a total of 34 companies will invest 6.6 billion U.S. dollars to build 52 energy generation centers," he announced. Coldwell explained that wind energy is the clean power source which has seen the largest expansion in installed capacity in Mexico, with a growth of over 100 percent in 2015. He estimated that in the next 15 years, Mexico would install a further 12,000 megawatts of wind power capacity, with half of these already under construction or with planning underway. The minister highlighted the interest shown by industry leaders in the Mexican market, given its wind potential and the favorable policies passed by the government. In April, Mexico is set to hold its third electric round of long-term tenders. For his part, Leopoldo Rodriguez, president of the Mexican Wind Energy Association (AMDEE), said that 1,100 megawatts were already planned. "By 2020, we have the goal of reaching 12,000 megawatts. This would represent total investments of 12 billion U.S. dollars," he said. CANBERRA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The head of Lockheed Martin on Thursday said Australia's F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) will be delivered and combat-ready by 2020, shrugging off criticism the program is still flawed. Speaking ahead of the multi-million dollars jet's Australian debut at the Avalon Airshow this weekend, Lockheed Martin chief Marillyn Hewson dismissed Pentagon criticism that the F-35 program was suffering "multiple problems" and would not be battle-ready before it is expected to enter Australian service in 2020. Hewson said development of the multi-role fighter was "complex" but said any issues would be well-and-truly ironed out by the time it comes into service in Australia. "The U.S. Marine Corps already declared it combat ready in 2015 and the U.S. Air Force declared it combat ready last year," Hewson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday. "I can assure (Australia) that we will get through all of that development and our aircraft will be ready operationally. "So when Australia receives their aircraft they will have an opportunity to get them ready for their deployment." Hewson said recent criticisms of the JSF program's delays were widely overblown, saying while the F-35 was delayed significantly in its early development, it has been smooth sailing for some time. "(The delays) are in the distant past. Since 2010 we've been on schedule and on cost and the program is going really well. We're very proud of how the program is progressing," she said. The Lockheed Martin chief also said there was potential to lower the cost of the jets, following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year. She said it was "feasible" that the price of the F-35 could come down from 90 million U.S. dollars to around 80 million U.S. dollar per unit in the future. "As we ramp up the program we will see the cost come down with the increased volume (of sales), but we're also working on cost reduction initiatives. Australia will benefit from those savings," Hewson said. Australia has ordered 72 of the controversial aircraft, at an approximate cost of 13 billion U.S. dollars. The first Australian F-35 is expected to enter official service in 2020. SYDNEY, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The trade balance for Australia has fallen for the month of January, with figures released Thursday showing the trade surplus is down to 1.3 billion Australian dollars (995.8 million U.S. dollars) for the month. The December total was 3.3 billion Australian dollars, a record high, and many economists had predicted January would see a surplus of 3.8 billion Australian dollars, instead Australia experienced the second largest monthly fall in the trade balance ever recorded. Paul Dales, chief economist at Capital Economics, said the results suggest that there will be "sizeable drag" on growth within Australia during the current quarter. "While rising consumption goods imports suggest that the surge in commodity prices is boosting domestic demand, this won't transform the outlook for the economy," Dales said. Kristina Clifton, economist at the Commonwealth bank of Australia, said that although the results weren't as good as expected, Australia should still maintain trade surpluses moving forward, with commodity prices hovering at 45 percent higher than their 2015 lows. "The narrowing services deficit highlights some of the structural factors at play," Clifton said. "In particular, the expanding Asian middle income population benefits our tourism and education sectors." With the results, Australia has now recorded three consecutive trade surpluses. PHNOM PENH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Kem Sokha, vice president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was elected as the party president on Thursday after the self-exiled incumbent Sam Rainsy stepped down last month. "The CNRP's extraordinary congress had unanimously elected Kem Sokha as the party's president by raising hands," CNRP's spokesman Yim Sovann said after the votes. The extraordinary congress was held at the party's headquarters on the southern outskirts of Phnom Penh with the participation of some 1,100 members. Kem Sokha had been the CNRP's sole vice president since his Human Rights Party merged with Sam Rainsy's eponymous party in 2012 to form the CNRP. According to Yim Sovann, the extraordinary congress also elected three party senior members -- steering committee chief Pol Ham, executive committee deputy chief Eng Chhay Eang and public affairs director Mu Sochua -- as the party vice-presidents. The leadership reshuffle was prompted by the resignation of CNRP's long-serving president Sam Rainsy on Feb. 11. HANOI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam will suspend import of five agricultural commodities from India due to high risk of Caryedon serratus (Olivier) infection, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). The decision was made after the MARD found that the products are likely to be contaminated with the insect which is subject to Vietnam's plant quarantine, reported Tien Phong (Pioneer) newspaper on Thursday. The suspension will take effect in 60 days since Wednesday. The five items included peanuts, cassia seeds, cocoa seeds, French bean seeds and tamarind. The MARD's Plant Protection Department is urged to closely supervise the import of the above-mentioned products during the time as well as notify Indian relevant agencies of the issue for thorough remedies. In 2016, Vietnam detected over 3,000 tons of peanuts and 24 tons of tamarind of Indian origin infected with living Oliver insect. Since the beginning of 2017, Vietnam has found other 380 tons of contaminated peanuts imported from the South Asian country, said the ministry. KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will revoke visa-free entry for citizens from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting from Monday, Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported on Thursday, citing deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The decision came after a DPRK man with the passport name of "Kim Chol" was murdered by two women at the Kuala Lumpur Airport on Feb. 13. A diplomatic row emerged between the two countries as the DPRK side accused the Malaysian side of "colluding with hostile forces" and delaying the release of the body. Malaysia insisted its objectivity in the investigation. CANBERRA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating has said Australia has the chance to strengthen ties with China when the government releases its much-anticipated Foreign Policy White Paper later in the year. Following Wednesday's announcement from Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that she was recalling all 113 of Australia's foreign diplomats to help the government shape a new, modern foreign policy, Keating said it was a wonderful opportunity to further embrace China with greater "strategic regard." Speaking to Fairfax Media on Thursday, Keating described the last two decades of Australian foreign policy as a "waste," saying that as China was a major country in the Asian region, it was important to realize the nation's rise as "completely legitimate." "China ... looks to Australia as a supplier of much of its raw materials and therefore its development," Keating said, adding that "how much iron ore has it got to buy before we treat it with strategic regard? " All 113 of Australia's foreign diplomats will attend a two-day summit in Canberra next month, meeting with Bishop, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Trade Minister Steve Ciobo. Keating said it would be "a valuable opportunity" for the government to discuss and adopt a more "positive approach" to China in the Asia-Pacific region. The former Labor prime minister noted that if the government had acted earlier in consideration to China's rise, Australia might have been able to take earlier advantage of greater opportunities in a number of fields, including trade and tourism. "If Australia were to have a positive strategic policy of engagement with China rather than a negative one, our influence on China's behavior would be much greater than it is today," Keating said. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Despite a still anemic world economy charged with rising isolationist sentiment, China's cooperation with other countries keeps growing, with recently released data showing that it became Germany's largest trading partner in 2016. The increase of China-Germany trade, observers say, serves as yet another signal indicative of Beijing's steadfast commitment to its decades-old opening-up policy, which has benefited both China and the world at large. OPEN DOOR, OPEN ARMS Official statistics published Friday showed that the China-Germany trade amounted to 170 billion euros (about 180.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2016, which meant China overtook the United States as Germany's top trading partner. Beyond Germany, the broader Europe is also witnessing an increasingly active and fruitful cooperation with China. Trade between China and the European Union (EU) grew by 3 percent year on year to over 3.6 trillion yuan (525 billion dollars) in 2016. Against the backdrop of a gloomy world economic growth, that once again demonstrated China's willingness to establish closer ties with the rest of the world, Ruan Zongze, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, told Xinhua. Other indicators abound. For example, China has established railway connections with five of its 14 neighbors and the number is expected to increase soon. It has been the largest source of outbound tourists since 2013, contributing more than 13 percent to global tourism revenues. In the eyes of foreign investors, China is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. A report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that China received 139 billion dollars of foreign direct investment in 2016, ranking third in the world just behind the United States and Britain. In 2016, Beijing amended laws on foreign investment and rolled out measures to further simplify approval procedures for foreign companies. In January 2017, the government announced that it will further open the mining, infrastructure, services and technology sectors to foreign investment. China will continue to be one of the most alluring destinations for foreign investment due to its fast growth and easier access, said James Zhan, a UNCTAD official in charge of investment and enterprise. "China will keep its door wide open and not close it," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a keynote speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos in January. In the coming five years, Xi added, China is expected to import 8 trillion dollars of goods, attract 600 billion dollars of foreign investment, and make 750 billion dollars of outbound investment, and Chinese tourists will make 700 million overseas visits. "All this will create a bigger market, more capital, more products and more business opportunities for other countries," noted the president, whose country has contributed over 30 percent to global growth on average every year since the 2008 international financial crisis. NO TO PROTECTIONISM While China is opening its door wider to the outside world, some other countries are seeking to retreat into the cocoon of their borders, pointing an accusing finger at economic globalization. In response to the rising anti-globalization sentiment, Xi pointed out in his Davos speech that "many of the problems troubling the world are not caused by economic globalization." "Pursuing protectionism is like locking oneself in a dark room. While wind and rain may be kept outside, that dark room will also block light and air. No one will emerge as a winner in a trade war," said the Chinese president. China's firm stance against protectionism is gaining broader consensus. During their respective visits to China last week, French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said that his country is ready to work with China to oppose protectionism, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his support for an open multilateral trading system. Amid such anti-globalization currents as populism, protectionism and isolationism, China's active involvement in global economic cooperation and support for open, free global trade will have a positive impact upon itself and all nations around the world, said Gerrishon K. Ikiara, a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi. As a major Chinese endeavor to promote global cooperation and common development, the Belt and Road Initiative, which is aimed at building an infrastructure and trade network along the ancient trade routes, is attracting more support and reaping early fruits. So far over 100 countries and international organizations have given support to the initiative, and more than 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China. Speaking in Jakarta last week on globalization, former World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy said the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Xi in 2013, will be "the future engine" of globalization. As many countries around the world are sliding toward protectionism, China "will probably be the stabilizing factor of the global trade," he said. WELLINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Protectionism under the new United States administration of President Donald Trump poses the greatest potential risk to the New Zealand economy, the head of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) said Thursday. Before the U.S. election, Trump had suggested tariffs of 45 percent should be imposed on Chinese imports, while House Republicans were pushing hard for border tax adjustments that would disallow deduction of import costs and exempt export revenues. "Such calls for protectionism are contrary to the global trend in trade liberalization over recent decades," RBNZ governor Graeme Wheeler told a gathering of investors in Auckland. "They also come at a time when the growth in merchandise trade volumes over the past five years is the weakest since the early 1980s and new trade-restrictive measures by G20 countries are at their highest level since the GFC (Global financial Crisis)," he said in a published speech. "There is much uncertainty around the objectives of trade policy under the new U.S. administration, and the specific policy instruments that will be used in pursuit of these goals." Trump's administration had withdrawn from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, negotiations around the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the United States were in jeopardy, and the administration had signaled it wanted to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. "Higher tariffs would raise prices for U.S. consumers, could require a more accelerated tightening in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve, and could be expected to put upward pressure on the U.S. dollar exchange rate," said Wheeler. "Furthermore, U.S. tariffs would invite retaliatory actions by other countries. This would raise prices to consumers, and distort global supply chains as producers in the U.S. and elsewhere change sources of supply and product destination," he said. "Increased protectionist measures would represent a negative global supply shock." Even if New Zealand exports of goods and services to the U.S. - currently exceeding 8 billion NZ dollars (5.71 billion U.S. dollars) - were not directly subject to higher tariffs, it would be hard hit by a downturn in the global economy, including among its main trading partners, in response to the direct and indirect impact of protectionist measures. "We would experience lower global demand and weaker commodity prices. Our exporters would also experience efficiency losses and increased costs if they faced disruptions to established supply chains. We would also experience spillovers as foreign producers' diverted trade in response to tariffs and more general trading conditions," said Wheeler. Domestic uncertainties around the economy included the future path for commodity prices, the high exchange rate, migration, the soaring housing market, and household saving, according to him. : , , , , - 28 . HANOI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 1) kicked off Thursday in Vietnam's south central Khanh Hoa province's Nha Trang city, with participation of delegates from 21 APEC member economies. In his opening speech, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC 2017 SOM Chair Bui Thanh Son said although global trade is weak, investment is subdued with many uncertainties in the world, the Asia-Pacific region remains the engine of economic growth and integration, and a pioneer in advancing trade and investment liberalization. "APEC has all the resources, potentials and capabilities to overcome these challenges, and turn them into impetus for further growth and development. As a grouping of dynamic economies, our region can and will continue to move ahead on the path of development and prosperity," Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA quoted Son as saying. During the two-day SOM 1, delegates will hear reports and recommendations by APEC committees and working group discussions, as well as exchange views on how to advance APEC's agenda in the four priority areas. LOS ANGELES, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket Wednesday carrying the newest U.S. National Reconnaissance Office satellite. The ULA Atlas V rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, video from the scene showed. "Mission success! ULA's #AtlasV delivers #NROL79 for the National Reconnaissance Office!" ULA posted on tweeter. The mission, named NROL-79, is in support of national defense, according to ULA. But the company did not disclose the satellite's specific details. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. This was ULA's second launch in 2017 and the 70th Atlas V launch since the rocket's inaugural mission in 2002. UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday "condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks" that occurred earlier in the day in the Afghan capital of Kabul, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the deadly attacks on targets including a police headquarters in the western part of the city. "The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) and illegal and armed groups to the local population, National Defense and Security Forces and the international presence in Afghanistan," the 15-nation UN body said in a press statement issued here. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard," the statement said. Earlier Wednesday, a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul, reports said. Shortly after the attack, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul as another attacker was gunned down while trying to enter the compound. "The members of the Security Council reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation and wherever, whenever and by whomsoever it is committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," the statement said. The council members reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, the statement said. "The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Afghanistan and welcomed their unity in confronting this tragedy," the statement said. "The members of the Security Council reiterated that no violent or terrorist acts can reverse the Afghan-led process along the path towards peace, democracy and stability in Afghanistan, which is supported by the people and the government of Afghanistan, and by the international community," the statement added. Observers believe that like in past years the Taliban militants would intensify activities with the herald of spring in war-battered Afghanistan. LONDON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Peers in Britain's unelected House of Lords passed an amendment Wednesday night in what is seen as a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit bill. The amendment aimed at guaranteeing the rights of 3 million European Union (EU) nationals to remain in Britain after Brexit was supported by a vote of 358 to 256. It is now up to the members of parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons to accept the vote of the House of Lords, or use parliamentary procedures to overturn it. The decision of the Lords is the first successful challenge to May as her Article 50 Brexit bill was racing through the parliamentary procedures to likely enable her to tell Brussels by the end of this month that Britain is leaving the EU. Despite threats in the elected House of Commons to challenge May, her bill passed by a landslide majority without any changes. May and her government ministers have announced they want the question of EU nationals living in Britain, and 1 million Britons living in EU countries to be dealt with as a priority. The EU has said it wants the status of citizens to be part of the negotiations, leading to claims the issue is being used as Brexit "bargaining chips." The agreed amendment, if adopted by May, would guarantee the rights of all EU citizens lawfully living in Britain at the time of Britain's departure from the EU. Labor peer Baroness Hayter, who put forward the amendment, said EU residents in Britain risked being used as bargaining chips in the negotiations and it was in the gift of the government to stop this from happening. "These people need to know now, not in two years' time or even 12 months' time. They simply cannot put their lives on hold," she said in the debate. "Some are planning schools for their children, some are moving jobs, renting or buying a home or acting as carers. Some are receiving healthcare. Many more are working in our health service. All should have their uncertainty removed," she added. During the debate in the crowded chamber, a number of peers supporting the amendment said the uncertainty over the future was already leading some European nationals to quit Britain. Others spoke of Britain taking the "high moral ground" by telling EU nationals they can remain in Britain. But Lord Bridges, parliamentary under-secretary for Exiting the EU, urged peers to reject the amendment. "We all want to bring certainty to these 4 million people," he said, noting that nothing at the moment changes their status. Following the vote, a spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a Bill that the Commons passed without amendment." "The Bill has a straightforward purpose -- to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations. Our position on EU nationals has repeatedly been made clear. We want to guarantee the rights of EU citizens who are already living in Britain, and the rights of British nationals living in other member states, as early as we can," said the spokesperson. Meanwhile on Wednesday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker unveiled his plans for a "new chapter" of Europe, ushering in an era of soul-searching for the bloc hit hard by Brexit. Addressing the European Parliament's plenary session, Juncker said the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome "will not simply be a birthday of celebration, it will also be a birth moment of the EU at 27." "Let's turn the page and commence a new chapter in our history," he said. The white paper came weeks before British Prime Minister May is expected to activate the Article 50 clause in Britain's EU membership by the end of March. Article 50 refers to the formal procedure by which an EU member state notifies the European Council that it intends to leave the block. Leaders of EU member states are due to discuss the white paper at a summit next week in Brussels. They will meet again in Italy on March 25 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which founded the predecessor of the EU. SYDNEY, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At a time in Sydney when liquor laws are becoming more and more restrictive, late-night venues are shutting their doors and the city's social calendar appears uninspiring to visiting tourists, one event is turning heads as Sydney's wildest, must see attraction. After just 27 events, Sydney's Yacht Social Club is one of the hottest tickets in town, with every party selling out in less than 24 hours, months in advance. The boozy, sun-soaked yacht parties take place on Sydney Harbour, complete with DJ's, Barbecues and the backdrop of the city's most famous landmarks. With more than 200 people from destinations all over the world, the crowd comprises of young, attractive, adventure seekers leaping off boats into the harbour. "Originally a lot of our crowd was European expats, now more and more Australians have come on board too," event organiser Phil Lee from Have You Heard Events told Xinhua. "We have had quite a few Asians attending also, but in terms of Chinese tourists coming on board, that is something I would love to investigate and open up to that market because I'm sure they would love it." "How I do that, I'm not sure, but it's something I'm really focusing on." The event compiles of eight luxury catamarans being anchored together in what's called a raft-up. Phil got the idea when on a sailing holiday in Croatia, after leaving his lucrative career as an IT specialist for Microsoft. "At 28 years old I was living in London and loving London but hating my job, so I thought there has got to be something more to life than this," Lee said. "So I came to Australia for my brothers wedding and I just never left." Faced with endless safety and environmental challenges, the party-planners have so far been able to navigate the difficult waters of the tourism industry. "We have a great relationship with the police, I am completely open with them," he said. "We have risk assessments, safety management plans, I have two safety boats on standby, I have security personnel, we have lifeguards, qualified skippers and deckhands looking out for everyone's safety." The group also employs divers and other personnel to clean any rubbish left by revellers. "Sustainability is really important to us," Lee said. COLOMBO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police on Thursday arrested 20 people over their alleged links to weapons found inside a local court in the capital on Wednesday. A police spokesperson said the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) was conducting a probe and a forensic probe was also underway to nab suspects through fingerprints found on the weapons. Court proceedings were suspended in the Mount Lavinia Magistrates Court on Wednesday after a fully loaded pistol and revolver were found inside the court premises. The weapons were found during a routine search operation conducted following a fatal shooting incident near the Kalutara Court Complex recently in the island's south. According to the police, the weapons may have been brought into the court complex in order to carry out an attack. Seven people, including a criminal underworld leader, were killed when an unidentified group opened fire on a prison bus near the Kalutara Court complex on Monday. Those killed included two prison officers. Police said the underworld figure, Anura Udayashantha alias Samayan, who was killed in the shoot out, was believed to be the main target. by Zhao Xiaona, Jeremy Allan Hawkins BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China is open to everyone, and will further advance the interconnected development of Europe and Asia, said a European scholar on Wednesday. After years of studying the Silk Road, Dutch historian Professor Richard Griffiths shared his insights into the Belt and Road Initiative in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. "It's not just China building this infrastructure; any party can join in," said the British-born academic at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia, Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes. More than 100 countries and international organizations have responded warmly to the initiative and over 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China. Currently studying Chinese himself, Griffiths first became interested in the initiative after helping set up a Silk Road research unit between Europe and China in 2007. His research led him to recently write a book titled "Revitalizing the Silk Road: China's Belt and Road Initiative," which will be published later this year. "I'm an economic historian and I'm interested in questions involving economic development," Griffiths said. "One of the big things is that development in infrastructure promotes economic growth in some cases but not in others." This led the scholar to see a research opportunity. He saw the Belt and Road as a development project, but so far not much of the literature does looks at it from that perspective. "I started researching exactly what was happening along these various corridors," Griffiths said. "And trying to see what was being rolled out by the project itself rather than how people were talking about its political dimensions." In his January 2017 address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Xi announced that the Belt and Road forum for international cooperation will be held in Beijing this May, in order to brainstorm on interconnected development. For Griffiths, this represented a real opportunity. "There is almost a Eurasian culture waiting to be re-discovered," he said. "I think conferences like this are the start of something like that and I'd love to be part of that process." "The point of the Silk Road metaphor and why it's so strong is that the actions just occurred almost automatically. The goods traveled, the people each did their little bit, the cars and vans dropped goods off at the markets, and moved them on and that made up the road," he explained. However, the expert said more could be done for people to have an overall picture of the Silk Road. "At the moment, we're getting a lot of infrastructure projects that are not really connected in that public explanation," Griffiths said. "That idea (of holding the forum) would strengthen the Chinese story of the Silk Road and help cohere the international activity that the Silk Road will embrace." Given a unique perspective through his work, Griffiths saw the Belt and Road Initiative as one way to respond to the threat of international protectionism that many analysts fear. "If a trade war begins, it is important for leading countries to say: 'We won't go with it,'" said Griffiths. Should the United States try to initiate a trade war with China, it would be important for China not to pass the consequences on to other nations, the historian said. Instead, it should develop "tariff truces" with countries interested in international cooperation. "If that happens, Chinese leadership can really play an important role in stabilizing the world economy and this conference then will just be part of that," Griffiths said. He also believed that such a strategy would appeal to Europeans, saying: "The European Union will be very responsive to that kind of move." European cooperation is of major importance to the success of the Belt and Road Initiative, the expert stressed. He pointed out that one of the problems with infrastructure projects in Europe was that they had to be conducted under European rules and regulations. "In Europe, if you do an investment project of this nature, it has to be open to competition," Griffiths said. KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will revoke visa-free entry for citizens from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting from Monday, Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported on Thursday, citing deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The decision came after a DPRK man with the passport name of "Kim Chol" was murdered by two women at the Kuala Lumpur Airport on Feb. 13. The police believed the two female suspects, along with four other DPRK nationals, planned and carried out the attack. Zahid said the decision was made after taking into account national security as a priority, according to the Bernama report. Malaysia indicted the two female suspects on Wednesday for murder. The third suspect, a DPRK national called Ri Jong Chol, is still in police custody but his remand period will end this Friday. Zahid told the media he will be briefed on the handling of Ri, saying whether the police will release Ri or prosecute him will be known on Thursday. Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world that grants visa-free treatment for DPRK citizens and is the only one that enjoys visa-free entry when its citizens enter DPRK. A diplomatic row emerged between the two countries as the DPRK side accused the Malaysian side of "colluding with hostile forces" and delaying the release of the body. The DPRK government also sent a high-level delegation to Malaysia to discuss about the matter. Malaysia insisted its objectivity and professionalism in the investigation. TOKYO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A collision between a train on the JR Tokaido Line at a railroad crossing and a passenger vehicle on Thursday morning in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, left the driver of the car dead and some of the passengers on the derailed train needing hospital treatment, local media reported. The 6-car train, traveling in rainy conditions to Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture, from Gifu, also in the Chubu region of central Japan, collided with the car, which caused the first car of the train to derail and sent the passenger car slamming into a utility pole where it exploded on impact, local reports said. The man driving the car was pronounced dead at the scene, police officials investigating the accident said, while of the 280 passengers traveling on the train, at least four needed to be treated in hospital for their injuries. The 27-year-old train operator said that he saw the oncoming car enter the crossing after the barriers had been lowered, but that it was impossible to brake in time to avoid the collision. "I saw a passenger car approaching the railroad crossing with the barriers down, I applied the brake, but I could not stop in time," the train's driver was quoted as saying. Passengers were escorted from the derailed train to a nearby station by bus, local officials said. A security camera in the vicinity of the railroad crossing captured the moment the accident occurred and showed the car bursting into flames following the collision. According to a passenger on the train, there was a sudden jolt, followed by a loud bang. Residents near the railroad crossing said they could feel their homes shake from the train's impact with the car and subsequent explosion. The National Transportation Safety Commission on Thursday said it had dispatched two investigators to the scene to gather more information on the cause of the fatal collision. WELLINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand ran up a small trade surplus in the 2016 calendar year, with dairy exports to China providing the biggest single boost, the government statistics agency said Thursday. Overall, New Zealand's trade surplus with the rest of the world last year stood at 3.7 billion NZ dollars (2.64 billion U.S. dollars), according to Statistics New Zealand. Total exports were 70.1 billion NZ dollars (50.05 billion U.S. dollars) and total imports were 66.4 billion NZ dollars (47.41 billion U.S. dollars). The top export destination was Australia, with a value of 12.8 billion NZ dollars (9.13 billion U.S. dollars), followed by China at 12.3 billion NZ dollars (8.77 billion U.S. dollars). New Zealand sent 2.7 billion NZ dollars (1.92 billion U.S. dollars) of dairy products to China in 2016 year - its largest export earner - up from 2.4 billion NZ dollars (1.71 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015. New Zealand ran a trade deficit with the European Union, its biggest imports provider. "Europeans are big buyers of New Zealand meat and more of them are travelling to New Zealand," international statistics senior manager Daria Kwon said in a statement. "However, the trade balance overall is in the EU's favor due to our imports from there." New Zealand imported 11.7 billion NZ dollars (8.35 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods and services from the EU in 2016, which accounted for a sixth of total imports, but it exported 8.3 billion NZ dollars (5.92 billion U.S. dollars) of goods and services to the EU, leaving a deficit of 3.4 billion NZ dollars (2.43 billion U.S. dollars). "We spent more on importing cars from the EU than they spent on importing meat from New Zealand," Kwon said. However, New Zealand had trade surpluses with 16 of its top 25 trading partners in 2016, including Australia, China, the United States, and Japan. The three largest goods import expenses were electrical machinery and equipment from China, vehicles, parts and accessories from Japan and vehicles, parts and accessories from the EU. KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's attorney general said on Thursday that a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, who was arrested as a suspect following the airport killing, will be released and deported. Ri Jong Chol, the 47-year-old DPRK man who worked at a local anti-cancer drug company in Malaysia, was arrested by the police on Feb. 17 for suspected involvement in the airport case, in which a DPRK man with the passport name of "Kim Chol" was poisoned with lethal VX nerve agent. Ri was remanded for two weeks in police custody. The remand will expire on Friday. Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali did not elaborate on the reasons of the release, but local media said it was due to a lack of evidence. During the investigation, the police did not reveal the connections between him and four other suspects believed to have fled the country. On Wednesday, the two female suspects who carried out the attack, one from Indonesia and one Vietnamese, were charged with murder. If convicted, the two will face death sentence. MEXICO CITY, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Wednesday praised the country's private sector for keeping investing domestically amid a climate of uncertainty caused by troubled ties with the United States. Speaking at the inauguration of an automotive parts plant in northern Mexico, Pena said: "The private business in our country does not give up in the face of uncertainty, and is very determined to continue investing and growing with Mexico." The high pressure die casting (HPDC) plant is located in northern Nuevo Leon state, owned by Mexican auto parts maker Nemak, which supplies major global automakers like Ford, General Motors, Audi and Volkswagen. The 200-million-U.S.-dollar plant is expected to create 610 direct jobs and up to 1,800 indirect jobs. There are more than 850 auto parts manufacturers in Mexico, with exports growing at an average annual rate of 9.8 percent from 2012 to 2016, according to official figures. The ongoing investments show "the confidence that our business leaders have to keep betting on Mexico, and keep believing in Mexico's future," said Pena. Mexico is now in preparation for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States, as the Trump administration claims the two-decade agreement has unfairly benefited Mexico. NANJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Six people died and more than 20 were injured after stormy weather hit east China's Jiangsu Province Wednesday afternoon, local authorities said Thursday. Strong gales swept Wuxi and Yancheng cities, with a maximum speed of 110 km per hour, tearing off roofs and damaging billboards and power facilities, according to the meteorological observatory of Yancheng City. In Wuxi, a pedestrian was hit by a falling billboard and died. Similar gale-triggered accidents left five people dead in Yancheng, including three in Funing County and two in Sheyang County. More than 20 others suffered injuries in Funing County, which was hardest hit by the storm. The local government has launched an emergency rescue. DHAKA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Buddhists in Bangladesh are brimming with inner pride as with the support of China, a new stupa has been built as a monument to house sacred relics and honor an ancient Buddhist scholar. The stupa, in part, memorializes and honors the Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar Srijnan, who was born in 980 AD and died in 1053 AD, with the sanctuary being opened at the place of his birth in Bangladesh. Originally named Chandragarbha by his parents, Atish was born into a royal family in the Vajrayogini village on the outskirts of the country's capital city of Dhaka. The newly-constructed memorial to the saint and philosopher, who historically was known for his unique character, erudition, scholarly attributes, and spiritual eminence, opened to the public on Tuesday. In attendance at the monument's opening ceremony was Chunyi, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, who attended as a chief guest, and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang was also present as special guest. A host of dignitaries including Bangladeshi government officials were also present at the inaugural ceremony held at the magnificent new stupa. The Chinese government has been highly lauded by Bangladeshi's Buddhist community as well as broader society for its immensely generous support in building the stupa to honor Atish. The ashes of Atish, who was on a mission to preach peace, teach knowledge and share culture with China, including his expertise in mathematics and construction, were returned by China to Bangladesh in 1978. Since then, Atish has become a symbol of a stronger China-Bangladesh relations. In fact, a mausoleum has been built in the village of his birth with support from the Bangladeshi government. Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, said, "Atish Dipankar, beloved, beloved son. We are so grateful to you." WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a Republican senator, spoke with Russian ambassador twice during Donald Trump's presidential campaign last year, and he didn't reveal it at Senate hearings for his confirmation, U.S. media reported Wednesday. Sessions spoke on the phone privately with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak from his office in September, said the reports. Two months before the phone talks, Sessions also met with Kislyak and talked to him informally when attending an event held at conservative think tank Heritage Foundation along with 50 other ambassadors, Sessions' spokeswoman Sara Isgur Flores admitted to local media. "It was short and informal," the spokeswoman said, adding that as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time, Sessions regularly met foreign ambassadors. "Last year, the Senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, (South) Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," Flores said in a statement. Sessions was not trying to mislead fellow senators when he said during his confirmation hearing that he had not had contacts with Moscow, the spokeswoman said. During the hearings, when asked what he would do if he learned a member of Trump's campaign had communicated with the Russian government over the course of the 2016 campaign, Sessions responded: "I'm not aware of any of those activities ... I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Officials at the Justice Department said Sessions did not consider his talks with Kislyak relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember their discussion in detail. The U.S. FBI is probing possible communications between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials. Sessions was an early Trump supporter and one of his top advisers during the campaign. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Wednesday night that if the FBI determines Trump's campaign illegally coordinated with Russia, Sessions should recuse himself from making the decision whether to pursue prosecutions. "If there were contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, they may be legitimate; they may be OK. I want to know what happened between the Trump campaign, the Clinton campaign and the Russians," Graham said on CNN. Meanwhile, Democrat Elijah Cummings, a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, called on Sessions to resign immediately. Trump's first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn stepped down last month after it was reported that he had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak in December, and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the details. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications on Thursday underscored building a clean online and offline environment for social harmony. The office announced it will launch more campaigns in 2017 to crack down on piracy and online pornography to ensure the healthy development of children and young people. Issues in live-streaming video, instant chat services and pop-up ads will be dealt with, said the office. The office also urged early detection and punishment for illegal academic journals as well as blackmail by fake journalists. In 2016, Chinese law enforcement confiscated over 16 million illegal publications and banned more than 14,000 websites disseminating harmful information. Deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) from northeast China's Jilin Province arrive in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2017. The fifth annual session of the 12th NPC will open on March 5. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) are heading to Beijing for the top legislature's annual session, which will open on Sunday. Deputies from northeast China's Heilongjiang Province were the first to arrive on Thursday morning. The fifth session of the 12th NPC is the first since President Xi Jinping was endorsed as the core of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Cental Committee at a key CPC meeting last October. NPC deputies are elected by people's congresses of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The armed forces elect their own. Deputies from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan follow separate election rules decided by the NPC. The NPC session this year will debate on the government work report, the budget of the central government and the draft General Provisions of Civil Law, among other matters. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers and political advisors in Beijing for their annual meetings said they will push for a national indoor smoking ban. Shanghai on Wednesday became the latest major Chinese city to ban smoking in all indoor public venues, workplaces, and public transportation. Smokers who break the ban can be fined up to 200 yuan (29 U.S. dollars), and venue owners may be fined up to 30,000 yuan. Shen Jinjin, a national lawmaker, said local experiments had paved the way to roll out the ban nationwide. Deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) gathered in Beijing for their fifth annual sessions opening later this week. Shen, a disease control official in eastern Jiangsu Province, said smoking control in public places is the most effective way to reduce second-hand smoke exposure. There are over 300 million smokers and 740 million people exposed to second-hand smoke in China. Tobacco control legislation faced strong resistance in the past. Only recently has it received more support thanks to growing public health awareness. Kong Qian, mother of a two-year-old in Shanghai, said her family often spots smokers puffing in restaurants. "Sometimes I try to tell them to stub out their cigarettes," she said. "If they don't, I walk away." "Now we finally have a legal basis to defend ourselves," Kong said. Shanghai is not the first major Chinese city to issue such a ban. Beijing enforced its own ban nearly two years ago. Lawmakers like Shen said such a ban should go beyond big cities to the rest of the country for the sake of people's health. In November 2014, the legal affairs office of the State Council solicited public opinion for the first draft of a smoking control regulation. To date the draft is still in the making. Health authorities said earlier that they would continue to promote deliberation of the draft this year. Yue Bingfei, a CPPCC member and medical expert, has for years submitted tobacco control proposals at the annual two sessions. He said he will continue to push for a national smoking ban this year. "CPPCC members in the healthcare field have reached a consensus in banning smoking in indoor public places," he said. China has set a target to reduce the smoking rate among people aged 15 and above to 20 percent by 2030 from the current 27.7 percent, according to the "Healthy China 2030" blueprint issued by the central authorities last October. "A national smoke-free law will protect people's health to a large extent and help realize the target set out by the blueprint," said Feng Danlong, another CPPCC member. PHNOM PENH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Kem Sokha, vice president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was elected as the party's president on Thursday after the self-exiled incumbent, Sam Rainsy stepped down last month. "The CNRP's extraordinary congress had unanimously elected Kem Sokha as the party's president by raising hands," CNRP's spokesman Yim Sovann said after the votes. The congress was held at the party's headquarters on the southern outskirts of Phnom Penh with the participation of some 1,100 members. Kem Sokha, 63, had been the CNRP's sole vice president since his Human Rights Party merged with Sam Rainsy's eponymous party in 2012 to form the CNRP. According to Yim Sovann, the congress also elected three party senior members -- steering committee chief Pol Ham, executive committee deputy chief Eng Chhay Eang and public affairs director Mu Sochua -- as the party vice-presidents. The term for the party's president and vice presidents is five years. The leadership reshuffle was prompted by the resignation of CNRP's long-serving president Sam Rainsy on Feb. 11. Rainsy, 68, who has lived in self-exile in France since November 2015 to avoid a seven-year imprisonment for defamation and incitement cases, stepped down as the party's president just days after Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen proposed the National Assembly to amend the Law on Political Parties to ban convicts from serving as president of a party. On Feb. 20, the prime minister's ruling party-controlled National Assembly amended the legislation which bars convicted politicians from leading a political party and empowers the Supreme Court to dissolve any political party over the conviction of a party top official. A prominent political analyst said that the CNRP's leadership reshuffle has little influence on the decision of the voters in the upcoming commune election in June 2017 and the general election in July 2018. "The support base of CNRP depends on the people's assessment of the reforms being carried out by the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Therefore, the CNRP's leadership has minimal impact on the decision of the voters," Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, told Xinhua. "The votes to be cast for the CNRP are mainly a reflection or expression of dissatisfaction with the performance of the government, not necessarily in support of the leadership and policy of the CNRP," he said. The opposition CNRP has been seen as a main rival for the prime minister's ruling CPP. In the last general election in July 2013, the opposition CNRP earned 55 seats, as the ruling CPP won 68 seats in the 123-seat National Assembly. by Xinhua writers Liu Chang, Zhai Xiang and Cheng Zhuo BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Almost a century on, the Red Mansion, a landmark of China's New Culture Movement, still attracts hoards of young people. Built in 1918, the four-story red brick building was once home to Peking University library, school of arts, president's and dean's offices. It housed many academic and revolutionary pioneers, including Cai Yuanpei, Hu Shi, Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu and Lu Xun, who made history in the early 20th century. Now, creative cultural products are bringing it back to life. APPROACHABLE IMAGERY Peking University was a stronghold of the New Culture Movement during the 1910s and 1920s. The movement tried to address China's ills through democracy and science, as Marxism rapidly spread across China. In 2014, the New Culture Movement Memorial and the Beijing Lu Xun Museum merged and the following year began creative endeavors. Liu Xin, 31, is a designer in the Red Mansion. In 2014, souvenir sales at the museum made only a few thousand yuan, but the sum grew almost 70 times from that last year. Liu examined the history of a multitude of objects from museum collections and used their background to develop items that wed artistry and practicality. In 2010, she noted from the museum's collections a Japanese caricature of Lu Xun drawn in 1936, which honored his "extraordinary will." Lu Xun was a writer who profoundly shaped Chinese literature in the 20th century. Hundreds of millions of people have studied his works, beginning with elementary school textbooks. Liu used the caricature as inspiration for four new images of Lu -- reading a book, delivering a speech, marching and fighting -- which now appear on bookmarks, rulers and pencil cases. In the fighting image, Lu holds a pen as tall as a person in his hand, using his writing itself as a weapon. There are also products designed around Lu's proverbs. "I see the ingenuity in these products," said Zhang Yi, a visitor to the memorial. "Over the years, I have gradually come to understand the works of Lu Xun which I first learned at school." "The image of Lu Xun here looks approachable and prompted me to read his books again," he added. NOSTALGIA SELLS In just one year, the creative experiment has generated unexpected results. Li Zhanqi, head of the project, said that social benefit for everyday consumers was an essential goal. Over 40 percent of the museum's visitors are students. The collections and exhibitions play a key role in their education. When she designs new products, Liu often stays in the exhibition area to see the visitors' reaction to the work. Postcards and stationery priced between 10 to 30 yuan are her most popular items. Products based on the Peking University logo, designed by Lu Xun, are also available at the Red Mansion. "We strive for good quality, strong cultural resonance and to be affordable." Li said. "Several years ago," Liu recalled, "a lady over 90 years old who graduated from Peking University came to the mansion with her family. She had returned from the United States and wanted to take a look at her old classroom." The old lady left with several of the school logo products designed by Liu, reminders of her youthful years at college. A FLOURISHING INDUSTRY Creative industries are flourishing in China's culture-sphere. Just in 2015, the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City had over 8,700 branded souvenirs and sold more than 1 billion yuan's worth of them. In March last year, the State Council said China should "develop the creative cultural industry," with sensitivity, practicality and originality. These products are also finding popularity overseas. At this year's Frankfurt Paperworld, a leading international stationery fair, Liu's products were an instant hit and she was approached by German dealers interested in her products and designs. "The goal of our industry is to promote Chinese culture. It also offers a wonderful opportunity for the museum to present itself to the public," said Liu. "I hope our memorial can help people understand the history of Lu Xun and the New Culture Movement," Li Zhanqi said. "And I hope that when visitors leave, they take some souvenirs they can cherish." ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least five militants have been killed as government army assaulted a Abu Sayyaf group which was believed to be directly behind the beheading of a German captive, a military official said on Thursday. The military said 11 troopers were also injured during the operation late Wednesday in the jungle near Indanan Town, Sulu Province, in southern Philippines. Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said troops from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion (SRB), assaulted the Abu Sayyaf militants it tracked down while fleeing in the jungle of Bud (mountain) Taran before sunset. The mountain range of Bud Tara is near the area of Buanza village where intelligence reports indicated the Abu Sayyaf group beheaded last Sunday 70-year old German Juergen Kantner who was abducted in November last year. The Abu Sayyaf bandits have demanded a 30 million pesos (598,000 U.S. dollars) ransom for Kantner's release. The kidnappers set 3 p.m. Sunday as deadline for the payments of the ransom. And he was killed after the ransom demand was not met. During the fighting which lasted 10 minutes, 5 militants were killed and undetermined others were wounded, according to Galvez. The militants retaliated firing rounds of grenade rifle to cover their retreat which resulted in the injuries of 10 troopers and another directly hit by bullet. According to Galvez, ground forces indicated the group which army rangers encountered was among those militants responsible in the beheading of Kantner. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to launch an all-out offensive against the estimated 500 Abu Sayyaf bandits operating mostly in the hinterlands of southern Philippine provinces of Sulu and Basilan. Duterte on Tuesday apologized to the German government, its people and the family of Kantner after the Philippine government failed to rescue him and save him from being beheaded by a Philippine bandit group. "I would like to assure everybody that for as long as there is the violence being perpetrated, the Republic of the Philippines will continue with its military operations," he said. ADEN, Yemen, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least three members of the the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch were killed in a U.S. drone strike early Thursday morning in the country's southeastern province of Shabwa, a military official told Xinhua. At about 6:00 a.m. local time, unmanned U.S. aircraft fired a number of missiles at a house suspected of being a hideout of the al-Qaida terrorist group, the Yemeni military source said on condition of anonymity. Residents near the scene in the Saeid region in Shabwa confirmed to Xinhua that the airstrike destroyed the house used by al-Qaida operatives. An intelligence officer in the province said that a mid-level commander of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot was believed to be killed in the strike. Details about the identities of the killed militants are not immediately available. Yemen's southeastern province of Shabwa and central province of al-Bayda, where dozens of al-Qaida members are believed to be based, have been the focus of American-led airstrikes. Yemen, an impoverished Arab country, has been gripped by one of the most active regional al-Qaida insurgencies in the Middle East. The Yemen-based Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known locally as "Ansar al-Sharia," emerged in January 2009, claiming responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks against Yemen's army and governmental institutions. The AQAP and Islamic State-linked terrorists took advantage of the security vacuum and ongoing civil war to expand their influence and seize more territories in southern Yemen. Security in Yemen has further deteriorated since March 2015, when war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and government forces backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition. Over 10,000 people have been killed in ground battles and airstrikes since then, many of them civilians. JAKARTA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's capital of Jakarta will host the 20th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) summit from Sunday to Tuesday with dozens of state leaders and high profile dignitaries confirmed to attend the meeting. A total of 16 VVIPs, including South African, Sri Lankan presidents and Australian prime minister, have confirmed to attend the summit, a senior official of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday. The event will be held in Jakarta's landmark JCC convention center, said the ministry's Director General for Asia Pacific and African affairs Desra Percaya at a press conference. A business forum attended by some 250 businessmen from 21 IORA member countries was scheduled on Monday. Indonesian President Joko Widodo was expected to deliver his speech in the forum, he added. Indonesia holds the rotating chairmanship of the IORA this year. To secure the upcoming summit, Indonesia will deploy 12,000 military and police personnel. XI'AN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The plan to build a national park for giant pandas was approved by the central government, Shaanxi Province forestry department announced Thursday. The 27,134-square-kilometer park will be engaged in protection of the species and habitat preservation. There are 33 groups of pandas living in the wild in China, distributed across Shaanxi, Gansu Province in the northwest of the country and Sichuan Province in the southwest. Qinling in Shaanxi Province is home to 298 wild pandas, the department said. It will be divided into protected, habitat restoration and tourist areas. The three provinces are currently drawing up action plans for the park, according to the department. According to a nationwide survey released in February 2015, by the end of 2013 China had 1,864 wild pandas and 375 in captivity. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Having made headlines at the Davos World Economic Forum with his vigorous defense of globalization, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to take the spotlight in another gathering with global influence: the "two sessions" in Beijing. The fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), and the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will open on March 5 and March 3, respectively. The annual sessions of the top legislature and top political advisory body are among the most important political events for the world's second largest economy. The NPC is the highest body of state power, enabling the Chinese people to exercise their power as "the master of state." New state leaders will be elected at the NPC session in March 2018 after the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress elects a new Party leadership later this year. It was at the first session of the 12th NPC in March 2013 that Xi was elected president. He had been elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in November the previous year at the 18th CPC National Congress. This year's two sessions are the first since Xi was endorsed as the core of the CPC Central Committee last October. "Through the meetings, greater consensus will be gathered to build a moderately prosperous society and Xi's thoughts on state governance will be more clear-cut," said Xin Ming, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Over the past four years, Xi's governance thoughts have been guiding China's development. The book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," a collection of his speeches, provides insight into his concepts, resolve and wisdom of governance. More than six million copies have been distributed worldwide. Officials at all levels should align their thinking with Xi's strategic blueprint, the "four comprehensives," which is a four-pronged strategy to achieve a moderately prosperous society, deepen reform, advance rule of law and govern the Party strictly. For China, the strategy creates routes to build a socialist modern country. For observers, Xi's speeches and policy initiatives at the "two sessions" will send important signals about how China will march toward what Xi called, the "great dream of revitalizing the Chinese nation." STRONG LEADERSHIP Xi's governance thoughts, ranging from economic and social reform to foreign affairs and military transformation, have been greatly influencing the country's course. In the economic sphere, Xi has led the country to achieve a remarkable growth. The country remains the top engine of global growth, with the International Monetary Fund predicting China's contribution would account for 39 percent of the world's economic expansion in 2016. China reported 6.7 percent GDP growth in 2016, outpacing most major economies in the world. Xi has called the current phase of growth the "new normal," as China shifts to a more sustainable development and distributes the benefits more evenly. To ensure this crucial rebalancing is successful, Xi is advocating "a new political economy," which draws on and develops Marxist thought. Supply-side structural reform is key to understanding the new political economy and China's future development. Fundamentally different from the "supply-side economics" in the West that focuses on tax cuts, China's supply-side structural reform involves a set of measures including dissolving overcapacity and developing the real economy. Xi has led the country as it rolls out reforms across all sectors that advance state governance, such as consultative democracy and rule of law. The reform-minded president also heads leading groups and commissions covering key areas including finance and economic affairs, national security, Internet security and informatization, as well as military and civilian integration. The mechanism is believed to help strengthen centralized and unified leadership of the Party in state governance. Xi stresses placing power into an institutional cage. The decision to establish the national supervision commission to place the use of power under close supervision exemplifies this model. To build a clean and advanced ruling party, Xi has carried out a sweeping campaign against corruption, which he warned could lead to the collapse of the Party and the downfall of the state. Since Xi took the helm of the Party, the anti-corruption fight has gained "crushing momentum" and earned popular support by netting at least 240 centrally administered officials and more than 1 million low level officials for violating CPC and government rules. Safeguarding Xi's core status is "a political issue of the utmost importance," said senior local officials at the recently concluded sessions of legislative and political advisory bodies in China's 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. GATHER NEW MOMENTUM Xi and his comrades must take steps to ensure China escapes the "middle-income trap," which few developing countries have managed to avoid, and continues to open up to fuel global growth. In his New Year speech, Xi called on the nation to "roll up our sleeves and work harder." Prior to the two sessions, Xi visited Hebei Province and said that poverty alleviation was fundamental to building a moderately prosperous society. During the 2013-2016 period, 55 million people have shaken off poverty -- more than the population of South Korea. China plans to eliminate poverty by 2020. During an inspection of Beijing, Xi stressed building a people-oriented city by addressing problems of overpopulation, traffic congestion, soaring house prices and air pollution. He also highlighted coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, an ambitious project to link more than 100 million people to become an important engine for the country's economic growth. Huge progress has been made in transportation, industry and the environment in the past three years. At a February workshop attended by officials at the provincial and ministerial levels, Xi urged them to "choose the heaviest burden and crack the hardest nuts" when pursuing economic and social development. "Xi's speech at the workshop was grounded in Marxism and it will provide the ideological basis for the 19th CPC National Congress," said Zhu Lingjun with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Xi is also striving to establish a global landscape featuring win-win results, common development and equality, highlighting the country's image as a responsible and active player in global governance. He attended the World Economic Forum annual meeting in January, inspiring the world by advocating free trade and warning against protectionism. Xi told the forum that China is not only the beneficiary of economic globalization, but also a contributor to it. To this end, he has repeatedly called for building "a community of shared future for mankind." In early February, Xi and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump held a phone conversation on bilateral ties, a good first step in consolidating relations between the world's two largest economies. "They are the [world's] two leading nations and it is crucial that there are open communications so there are no misunderstandings," said Darrell West, director of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. China will host a Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in May to make globalization more inclusive and beneficial, followed by a summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in September. CONFORMITY The two sessions are expected to drum up support for the country's next round of reforms. Thousands of deputies and political advisors will speak on various issues including economic globalization, national defense and diplomacy. The whole Party and nation will closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the core. "It is a necessity," said Zhang Zhao'an, deputy director of Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. "While we are handling a complex situation at home and abroad, we can not afford to lose direction." It is unique that an 88-million strong political party gather around its leadership and then unites and leads over 1.3 billion people toward a common destination that delivers benefits not only to themselves but also to people around the world. "Behind all the above is the Chinese philosophy of governance, including two concepts: 'minyi,' or public opinion, and 'minxin,' the hearts and minds of the people," said Wen Yang, a researcher with the Institute of China Studies at Fudan University. "New ideas, thoughts and strategies of state governance under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the core have solid foundation of public opinion. Proven successful by experience, they have won the people's support," he said. "They will become an important theme of the 'two sessions' and the CPC's 19th National Congress." A train runs in a mountainous area where flowers are in full bloom near Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Xibao) Hi, here is what you need to know about China: China's top political advisory body to open annual session Friday BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top political advisory body, will open its annual session at 3:00 p.m. Friday in Beijing, a spokesperson told a press conference Thursday. xhne.ws/cPJY4 ---- Chinese economy to remain top engine of world growth: spokesperson BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China's economy is expected to remain the strongest engine for world economic growth in 2017, a spokesperson of the top political advisory body said Thursday. China's economy expanded by 6.7 percent last year, a good start for the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), Wang Guoqing, spokesperson for the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, told a press conference. xhne.ws/U1GwG ---- China moves to boost transport infrastructure: officials BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has announced ambitious plans to improve the country's transport infrastructure in the next few years. The State Council on Tuesday issued a document to expand the transport network during the 13th Five-year Plan period (2016-2020). By 2020, the country will have 150,000 kilometers of railway lines, 5 million km of roads, 260 airports and 2,527 berths for vessels over 10,000 tonnes. High-speed railways will increase to 30,000 km, connecting more than 80 percent of cities with a population of more than 1 million. xhne.ws/0lTxV ---- ECO welcomes China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ISLAMABAD, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Wednesday welcomed the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in its declaration adopted at the conclusion of its 13th summit. The Islamabad Declaration welcomed the CPEC as a "far-reaching initiative that would act as catalyst for the development of the entire region." xhne.ws/UlpKZ ---- China to become world's 2nd biggest wine market by 2020: VINEXPO LONDON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- China is set to become the world's second biggest wine market by 2020 when sales of still and sparkling wine reach 21 billion U.S. dollars in the country, the wine industry's VINEXPO announced here on Wednesday. xhne.ws/HkC97 by Xinhua writers Liu Xin, Li Na BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Media Center Hotel in Beijing has been unusually busy since Thursday as Chinese and foreign journalists gather there to report on the "two sessions." The Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) is scheduled to begin March 5, and the Fifth Session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is scheduled to start March 3. Located in west Beijing, Media Center Hotel has served as the press center for the two sessions since 2008. Journalists arrived at the hotel before the opening of the annual political meetings to get press cards and prepare for reporting. This year's meetings received over 3,000 journalist applications, including 1,250 from foreign journalists, 200 more than last year, according to the press center. Before the opening of the two sessions, the press center invited foreign journalists to discuss issues of public concern and their reporting requests and interests. The center holds a number of press conferences during the two sessions each year. Network service is available for journalists inside the building. This is the first year Brian Kopczynski of France 24 has reported from the two sessions. "The sessions are China's most important political events each year," Kopczynski said in Chinese. "I'm going to report on the government's new policies and decisions." The military budget is a key topic for Kopczynski. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Information on China's defense budget will be released during the sessions. Zheng Hailong, senior reporter from Hong Kong-based Ming Pao Newspapers Limited, came to Beijing to report on the two sessions for the second time. "The press center provides good service to journalists," Zheng said. "It's convenient for us to apply online for interviews." His eight-person team hopes to do some in-depth reporting on environmental governance and poverty alleviation. This year is key for implementing the 13th five-year plan, a road map for the nation's development from 2016 to 2020. China's macroeconomic conditions, supply-side structural reform,the RMB exchange rate, housing market, and stock market rank high on the list of important issues for the press. Zhanna, a reporter with Russia Today, plans to report on updated news about China's growth target. As the world's second-largest economy, China's GDP growth rate is always a key topic during the two sessions. The country reported 6.7-percent GDP growth in 2016, the lowest level in nearly three decades, but likely to top all other major economies. China is aiming for average annual growth of more than 6.5 percent from 2016 to 2020. Daphne Lo, principal reporter with PCCW Media Limited in Hong Kong, expects to report on Hong Kong maintaining its status as an international financial center and its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative, which has gained the participation of people across China and dozens of countries and regions. Lu Yu, vice president of Sino-US Times, reports on diplomatic news. He is interested in Sino-U.S. relations under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. "Cooperation benefits both countries while confrontation can only hurt," Lu said. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China called on the European Union (EU) to put an end to punitive duties imposed on Chinese solar panels as soon as possible following a decision by the EU to extend the tax for 18 months. The European Commission, the EU's executive body, announced on Wednesday an 18-month extension, with a gradual phase-out, of duties on Chinese solar panels imposed more than three years ago. Wang Hejun, head of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)'s trade remedy and investigation bureau, said China regrets that the EU has extended the duties, disregarding the opposition of Chinese companies, although the extension period has been shortened. China and the EU have worked out an exemplary way of settling solar product disputes through price undertaking, he said. Under the mechanism, Chinese solar exporters raise prices to avoid anti-dumping duties. With joint efforts under way, the mechanism has been running steadily, balancing the interests of all parties concerned in an effective way, Wang noted. He urged the EU to properly handle follow-ups and drop the anti-dumping and countervailing duties as soon as possible in a bid to limit the negative impacts on Sino-EU trade relations. With global trade facing rising uncertainties and risks, Wang underlined the importance for China and the EU, which are strategic and trade partners, to strengthen cooperation to cope with challenges. China is willing to work with the EU to advance bilateral ties, fight protectionism and create a sound environment for economic globalization on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, he said. The EU started imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese solar panels in 2013 and extended trade measures at the end of 2015. But appeals for fewer restrictions in the sector have been on the rise in Europe. COLOMBO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan Navy said Thursday it had arrested 13 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The Navy also seized two fishing trawlers used by the Indians in the northern seas, south of Sri Lanka's Delft Island. At a ministerial meeting in January, Sri Lanka urged India to end bottom trawling in order to resolve a long-standing fishing dispute. The Indian side assured that bottom trawling would be phased out within a practicable timeframe. NEW DELHI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- India Thursday condemned the twin terror attacks in Afghan capital Kabul, in which nearly two dozen people were killed, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "India has been a victim of terrorist violence and understands the pain and suffering of the people of Afghanistan. We reiterate our resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to the justice," Indian External Affairs Ministry said. The Ministry also conveyed condolences to the people and the government of Afghanistan for the loss of lives and property in Wednesday's blasts. "It is our sincere hope that the injured will make early recovery," it added. The twin attacks took place in Kabul Wednesday. First, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle next to a police station and then outside the offices of the Afghan intelligence service in eastern part of the city. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the latest attack that came a month after a suicide bomber killed nearly 20 people outside the Supreme Court in Kabul. JAKARTA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is thankful for Chinese investment in Indonesia and expects more in infrastructure and energy sectors, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir said on Thursday. Addressing a routine press conference, Nasir told reporters that Indonesia and China maintain close economic relations, both in trade and investment. Noting that Chinese investment in Indonesia has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, he said Indonesia is grateful to China for that. Data from Indonesia's investment coordinating board showed that China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia surged to 2.67 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, increasing 324 percent compared with a year earlier. The spokesman said the main area which the two countries can strengthen cooperation is infrastructure, like toll roads, harbors and airports. Indonesia's energy sector also expects Chinese investment badly, he added. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun (Front) speaks during the Nepal Investment Summit 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhou Shengping) KATHMANDU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun said here on Thursday that the China-sponsored bank has an important role to play in teaming up with governments and international organizations to address infrastructure challenges of the countries like Nepal. Nepal faces infrastructure deficit up to 18 billion U.S. dollars in this decade, having one of the poorest infrastructures in South Asia, according to a World Bank study. Nepal, a AIIB founding member, is seeking financing from the bank to address this gap. Addressing the Nepal Investment Summit on Thursday, Jin said that the AIIB was committed to work with Nepalese government and the private sector to make meaningful differences in Nepal's economic and social development through investment in infrastructure and other productive sectors. According to the Nepalese officials, the AIIB has initiated process for lending to two of the five projects proposed by Nepal -- one on urban infrastructure development and the other related to electricity distribution system improvement. Jin insisted the ethos of AIIB, saying the bank promotes lean, clean and green governance. "As a multilateral development bank, a part of our job is to help countries to pick the projects that would help social and economic outcomes without environmental degradation and global warming," he said. During the summit, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said "Nepal is prioritizing to create good political environment for investors as well as introduce rules and regulations friendly to local and foreign investors." Nepalese Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi explained about investment in Nepal saying that the Himalayan country is one of the most open economies in South Asia. "We allow 100 percent foreign ownership in most of the sectors. Our tax rates are lower than most of the countries in South Asia. The government is receptive to the constructive ideas coming from the investors. The reforms in our system and procedures are on-going," he said. After introducing Industrial Enterprise Act, Special Economic Zones Act, Nepal is in the final process of introducing new company law. "This is expected to expect to make the exit easier and faster," said Joshi. MOSCOW, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The number of Russian companies, which lend illegally, doubled in 2016 from the previous year, a local newspaper reported on Thursday. Newspaper "Izvestia" cited the Russian Central Bank as saying that 965 illegal creditors were revealed in 2016, while the figure was 430 in 2015. "Our actions are aimed to create the effective conditions, which will be useful measures of punishment for illegal organizations and employees who have worked for them," the central bank said in a press release. "The development of cooperation between Central Bank of Russia and the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation will assist in getting the quickest and the best solution," it said. Russia has laws and rules to punish those involved in illegal banking activities. Last month, Russia's Prosecutor General Yury Chaika and central bank head Elvira Nabiullina signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation, which aimed to crack down illegal creditor companies and laundering of illegal income. Kurdish soldiers stand at the gate of an oil pumping station in western Kirkuk province in Iraq, on March 2, 2017. The outflow of oil from Iraq's Kirkuk oil field stopped Thursday after Kurdish forces entered a Baghdad government-owned pumping station near the city of Kirkuk and prevented workers from pumping oil, an Iraqi oil official told Xinhua. (Xinhua/Ako Zengana) KIRKUK, Iraq, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The outflow of oil from Iraq's Kirkuk oil field stopped Thursday after Kurdish forces entered a Baghdad government-owned pumping station near the city of Kirkuk and prevented workers from pumping oil, an Iraqi oil official told Xinhua. The incident took place at 7:50 a.m. (0450 GMT) when a security force said to be affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which Iraqi President Fuad Masoum is one of its leading figures, entered a pumping station near the village of Yayji west of Kirkuk, the official said on condition of anonymity. Kirkuk is located some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Workers of the state-run North Oil Company (NOC) were ordered shut down the pumping station and leave the site, the official said, adding that the station pumps oil extracted from Kirkuk oil fields to be exported through the pipeline that cross the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, heading north to Turkey, and then to its port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea. "It is not yet known what the reason behind the action of Kurdish force was. We are waiting for instructions from the (Baghdad) Ministry of Oil," he said without elaborating. Most of Iraq's crude oil is exported through southern terminals in Basra, with the remaining sent through the northern pipeline to Ceyhan port in Turkey. The oil-rich Kirkuk province is part of the disputed areas claimed by the Kurds and both Arabs and Turkomans. The Kurds want to incorporate the areas on the edge of their Kurdistan region, but their move is fiercely opposed by Baghdad government. ISLAMABAD, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday condemned the latest terrorist attacks in Kabul, which killed at least 15 people and injured dozens. The Taliban claimed the deadly attacks on targets including a police headquarters in the western part of the Afghan capital city. "Pakistan strongly condemns horrific suicide attacks on March 1st 2017 in Kabul," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. "We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayers for early recovery of the injured," the spokesman said in a statement. He reiterated Pakistan's unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirms its commitment for unrelenting efforts and cooperation with the Afghan government and international community for eliminating this menace. Earlier Wednesday, a suicide car bomber struck an Afghan police precinct in western Kabul, reports said. Shortly after the attack, a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gates of an Afghan intelligence agency branch in eastern Kabul as another attacker was gunned down while trying to enter the compound. HARARE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe left for Singapore on Monday for a routine medical check-up, his spokesperson George Charamba has said. Charamba was quoted by the state media Thursday as saying that the president was expected back in the country next Monday. The visit came a few days after Mugabe celebrated his 93rd birthday on Feb. 21 and vowed that he would continue as leader of the country. He has since been confirmed by his Zanu-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 elections when he will be 94. His party, however, is reportedly riddled with infighting by factions vying to succeed him, one reportedly led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and another by a group of young leaders known as G40. Mugabe has routinely visited Singapore for medical check-ups, with officials saying he suffers from eye cataract although some speculate that he suffers from prostate cancer. GENEVA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Roberto Azevedo, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), said Thursday that he is ready to talk with trade officials of the United States on the latter's concerns. "It is clear that the United States has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the U.S. whenever they are ready to do so," said Azevedo in an official statement. It's not the first time that Azevedo suggested a conversation with U.S. trade officials under Donald Trump's administration. Last November, Azevedo told journalists in Geneva that he had not spoken to Trump yet, but he and his organization were ready to talk to U.S. officials for deepening relations between the U.S. and WTO members. During his presidential campaign, Trump called the WTO a "disaster" and warned that his country could quit the Geneva-based body. On Wednesday, in an annual trade policy agenda document, the U.S. trade representative's office said that the administration might defy WTO rulings that it views as interfering with U.S. sovereignty. BRASILIA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Latin America has witnessed a more stable and robust development in recent years thanks to its relationship with China, say Brazilian political and economic observers. Before China's top legislature and top political advisory body hold their annual plenary sessions in early March to outline the country's future political and economic course, the experts spoke with Xinhua about the mutually beneficial relationship between China and Latin America. EXPANDING MUTUAL INTEREST With closer South-South cooperation between the two sides, Latin America has reduced its over-reliance on developed nations, which have kept an upper hand in their relations with the continent, the observers noted. "China's presence in Latin America has had two effects: firstly, impacting economic growth and development; and secondly, changing the axis of alliances," said economist Jose Luiz Pagnussat, a member of the Federal Council on the Economy. "Ties with China allowed Latin American countries to redesign their system of alliances on the world stage," he explained. Today, as China's investment in the region grows and bilateral trade exchange increases, their mutual interest is also expanding, according to Pagnussat. STRONGER POLITICAL TIES The vitality of cross-border trade inevitably strengthens political ties, Pagnussat said, citing the commercial ties between Brazilian soy growers and Chinese processors as an example. "That ultimately expands not just trade, but also the establishment of alliances on an international scale, which is a very positive development," he said. Given the current strong tendency toward protectionism and isolationism, especially since Donald Trump took over the U.S. presidency, China's willingness to forge political and trade partnerships presents a significant alternative, he said. When countries close off their economies, it has a negative impact on global economic growth, noted the economist, while stressing the importance of China's role in championing economic openness. GREAT POTENTIAL In the eyes of Argemiro Procopio, a professor emeritus of international relations at the University of Brasilia, China-Latin America ties are at a new high following Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile in November last year. The ties will further improve as China transforms its economy from an export-driven one to one that is fueled by domestic consumption, said Procopio, who has authored books on China. "The ongoing development in China implies greater stability for the country and also for its trade partners, in addition to raising the living standards of Chinese citizens," Procopio noted. What's more, he said, great potential exists in China-Latin America cooperation in the fields of education, culture as well as science and technology. "Economic reforms in China center on increasing productivity, efficiency, scientific knowledge and competitiveness. For Latin America, that offers great possibilities for technological cooperation," he said. Speaking about the upcoming meetings of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, known as the "two sessions," Pagnussat suggested that Latin Americans follow them with interest since any outcome will affect the global economy. Decisions made by China carry great weight on a global scale, especially "when you look at China's trade volume, which represents a very large share of world trade," Pagnussat said. PHNOM PENH, March 2 (Xinhua) -- France's BRED Bank, one of the largest lenders in Europe, has opened its branch in Cambodia, marking the first French bank investing in the Southeast Asian country, BRED's CEO Olivier Klein said on Thursday. Klein made the remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, according to Eang Sophalleth, an assistant to the prime minister. "Klein informed the prime minister that the bank is very pleased to invest in Cambodia, the country that has political stability and good economic growth," the assistant told reporters after the meeting. For his part, Hun Sen said that the presence of BRED Bank in Cambodia sent a message to both French and other foreign investors that Cambodia has political stability, sound economic growth and potential for investment. To date, Cambodia has 38 commercial banks, 14 specialized banks and nearly 60 microfinance institutions as well as 160 rural credit operators, according to the National Bank of Cambodia, or the central bank. The country has the population of nearly 15 million, and the banking and financial institutions have been serving around 4.4 million depositors and 2.6 million borrowers. PUL-E-ALAM, Afghanistan, March 2 (Xinhua) -- About 24 militants were killed by the Afghan Special Forces in two eastern provinces, local authorities said on Thursday. In one operation, 16 Taliban were killed and eight others detained after Afghan commandos launched a night raid operation in Charkh district in Logar province, Salim Saleh, provincial government spokesman, told Xinhua. "The raid was carried out on a specific intelligence inputs and among the killed was a Taliban local leader named Sana Gul," Saleh said, adding the security forces also seized weapons following the raid in the province, 60 km south of national capital Kabul. In addition, eight militants of Islamic State (IS) were killed on Wednesday after an airstrike targeted a militants' bunker in Lal Poor district in neighboring Nangarhar province, according to a statement issued by the command of Afghan Special Forces earlier Thursday. Furthermore, the special operation forces also captured four Taliban militants, including two Taliban weapons facilitators, in eastern Wardak province on Wednesday, according to the statement. The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations recently but the militants respond with bombings and armed attacks. On Wednesday, up to 22 people were killed and 120 others wounded in twin suicide bombings in Kabul for which the Taliban has claimed responsibility. TEHRAN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned the Danish ambassador to Tehran to protest over a recent attack on the Iranian embassy in Copenhagen, Tasnim news agency reported. Lack of "serious and deterrent action" on such recurring incidents on the Iranian mission in Denmark could damage the ties between two countries, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi. On Wednesday, "six hostile elements" attacked the Iranian embassy in a "suspicious move," Qasemi said. In the meeting with the Danish envoy, the Islamic republic voiced "strong protest" at the second attack in less than two months on Iran's diplomatic mission in Copenhagen, he added. Such incidents violate internationally-accepted norms and Denmark's own laws, the spokesman said, criticizing Copenhagen's "weak performance in ensuring the security" of the embassy building and its staff. The Danish envoy slammed the incident as "unacceptable" and pledged to relay Iran's protest to his government as soon as possible and report back to Tehran, Qasemi said. TEHRAN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A top Iranian diplomat has said that some Western states use the human rights issue as a tool for their political ends, Press TV reported on Thursday. Iran and other countries such as Iraq need to cooperate to campaign against such Western attempts to politicize the issue of human rights, the report quoted Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying. "If this wrong approach continues, its repercussions will affect other independent and developing countries as well," Araqchi said at a meeting Wednesday with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'afari in Geneva. The two met there on the sidelines of the summit of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Araqchi congratulated Iraq on its appointment as a UNHRC member and expressed gratitude for Baghdad's opposition to the recent anti-Iran resolutions of the UN body. Al-Ja'afari, for his part, stressed Iraq's resolve to oppose politically-motivated measures taken under the guise of human rights against Iran, Press TV said. Both Araqchi and al-Ja'afari urged closer Tehran-Baghdad cooperation on the issue of human rights, the report said. JAKARTA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud on Thursday urged all countries to come together as one in combating global terrorism. King Salman made the remarks in his speech at the Indonesian parliament during a landmark visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation. "Actually, the challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism," the king said. "We should close ranks in fighting this challenge and carry out coordination in taking various efforts to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us," he stressed. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have been targeted by the Islamic State (IS) group and taken measures to combat radicalism. Saudi Arabia has joined a U.S.-led coalition to fight against IS militants in Syria. Since 2000, Indonesia has been hit by a series of major suicide bombings. In January last year, the IS group launched a suicide bombing in the hearth of Indonesia's capital, leaving eight people dead and dozens of others injured. Riot police stand guard on a road leading to a trash dump at Terzigno, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius outside Naples, southern Italy, Oct. 23, 2010. (Xinhua/Wang Qingqin) ROME, March 2 (Xinhua) -- In southern Italian city of Naples, there is a "gangster component that acts on the territory dramatically out of control", Interior Minister Marco Minniti said on Wednesday. Talking about a "direct attack on the freedom of the citizens," Minniti made the remarks in Naples, where he attended the installation ceremony of the new superintendent of Naples, Antonio de Iesu. According to local media, Minniti said that the first problem to be addressed is the strengthening of territorial control. "An answer is needed, starting in the next few hours," he added. The first signal will be, the minister said, "to make it clear that it is the state that controls the territory, in some areas the territory will be saturated with the power and the presence of the state." In Naples, Minniti also chaired a meeting of the Provincial Committee for Order and Public Safety, with the participation of the mayor of Naples Luigi de Magistris and Vincenzo De Luca, governor of the Campania region. All the surveillance cameras of the city will be restored to working condition, the minister told reporters after the meeting. "At the moment 52 percent of the cameras are working, and for me it is not enough," he said. "We would like to create in Campania, as the first region of the south, the single emergency number, 112. We give a sense of strengthening the institutions of power and it puts us at the forefront also in the European methods," he added. According to local media reports, at least 50 mafia clans are active in Naples. Ma Zhaoxu, head of the Chinese mission to the United Nations in Geneva, delivers a joint statement during a high-level meeting of the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 1, 2017. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese diplomat on Wednesday stressed that in order to promote and protect human rights, all countries should join hands to build a community of a shared future for human beings, to work together for the realization of peace, development and win-win cooperation for all. Ma Zhaoxu, head of the Chinese mission to the United Nations in Geneva, delivered a joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 140 countries during a high-level meeting of the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday. "Countries should foster partnership characterized by mutual respect, promote and protect human rights through dialogue and cooperation," he stressed. He explained that each state is entitled to independently choose its path for development and social system, and the efforts and achievements of each state in promoting and protecting human rights should be respected. The Chinese top diplomat in Geneva added that politicization of the human rights agenda should be avoided, and countries should be committed to multilateralism, not unilateralism, in addressing global challenges. "All countries should work together like passengers in the same boat," he said. Thus, he added, all countries should enhance human rights capacity building through concrete and effective cooperation, and all aspects of human rights shall be treated on an equal basis. "There is no such thing as a superior or inferior civilization. Different civilizations should respect each other, draw on each other to achieve common progress," Ma said, adding that diversity of civilizations should not be a source of global conflict. Rather, it should be an engine driving the advance of human civilizations. Ma also highlighted the importance of sustained development in the human rights fields, saying that all countries should effectively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a solid foundation for the promotion and protection of all human rights. Jorge Valero, Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations in Geneva, told Xinhua that on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Venezuela is pleased by this important initiative by the Chinese delegation. "The NAM fully agrees that the international community must carry out efforts to build a shared future for humanity, namely a common, open and inclusive world of lasting peace, security and prosperity," he said. Muhammad Aamar Aftab Qureshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan in Geneva, described Ma's remarks as "timely and brilliant," adding the most impressive point in the statement is the idea of building a community of shared future for human beings. "We need to live with each other peacefully, we need to respect each other's diversity. We need to pursue our own objectives and our own goals according to our own social values and our own situations. This is of vital importance in order to achieve global peace in today's world," he said. "Giving the challenges the world is facing and the efforts we need to take together, we should be grateful for China to bring up this great idea," he added. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday it welcomed and supported the reappointment of Roberto Azevedo as director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term. WTO members agreed to appoint Azevedo for another four years on Tuesday. During his first term, Azevedo was committed to multilateral trade systems, trade negotiations and increasing the WTO voice in global economic governance, MOC spokesperson Sun Jiwen said at a press conference. China hopes Azevedo will lead the WTO to advance globalization, stand firm against protectionism and protect the interests of developing countries including China, Sun said. There will be no change to China's support for the WTO, he said, adding that China will continue to contribute to multilateral trade systems and improvement of global governance, he said. JUBA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has called for a national day of prayers for peace and forgiveness across the conflict-hit country. In a statement broadcast on state-owned Radio and Television (SSBC) on Thursday, Kiir said the praying would be conducted in all state capitals on March 10. He appealed to citizens to shun violence and seek forgiveness from God through prayer, while saying the national day of prayers would pave way for the start of a national dialogue initiative he declared late last year. It is the first time the South Sudanese leader has called for a national day of prayers after the world's youngest nation descended into civil war more than three years ago following a political rift between the president and his former deputy Riek Machar, who is now being exiled in South Africa. A peace pact signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a transitional unity government in April, but was again devastated by fresh violence in July. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed, with over 2 million displaced and last week the UN declared famine in parts of the East African nation, warning that some 100,000 people, nearly half of the population, is in urgent need of food aid. Guo Shuqing, chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), answers questions from journalists at a press conference on banking industry's supply-side structural reform in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2017. (Xinhua/Pan Xu) BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Guo Shuqing, chairman of China's banking regulator, specified the commission's major tasks for 2017, with controlling financial risks as the centerpiece. Guo, three days on the job as chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), said the commission will work with other financial authorities this year to tighten regulations, guard against financial risks and support supply-side structural reform. Guo's remarks, at his first press conference after being named CBRC chairman, reinforced views that as the health of China's economy continued to improve, policy makers had more room to shift their focus to reforms and financial risk control. To contain rising financial risks, CBRC is planning multiple measures, including regulating the shadow banking sector and a differentiated lending policy to curb property speculation. Commercial banks, trusts, fund management firms, brokerages and insurers all have asset management businesses, but because they have different regulators and are subject to different rules, there has been some chaos, Guo said. "We are working on a joint regulation to set basic standards that every institution can follow," he said. In addition, the commission will tighten regulation of banks' wealth management products (WMPs), CBRC vice chairman Cao Yu said at the press conference. China's fast-expanding wealth management industry is considered a source of financial risk, as off-balance-sheet WMPs channel deposits into risky investments without enough regulation. According to Cao, the volume of WMPs totaled 30 trillion yuan (4.35 trillion U.S. dollars) as of the end of 2016. Guo said CBRC will also pay close attention to property bubbles as 45 percent of the country's new loans went to mortgages last year. Although the overall leverage level for the country's households was not high, its rapid increase in past years is worth monitoring, Guo said. The country will continue to implement a differentiated housing loan policy, restricting lending used for property speculation while extending loans to support housing inventory reduction in smaller cities, said CBRC vice chairman Wang Zhaoxing. Wang said the commission will help ensure stable and healthy development of the property market, preventing property bubbles and large market fluctuations. CBRC will also focus on the handling of loss-making "zombie companies," exploring ways to tackle their debt problems in excess capacity cutting, Guo said. According to Guo, more than 430 billion yuan in debt-to-equity swap deals had been signed as of early February. Thursday's conference came after the country's securities and insurance regulators vowed to act hard against irregular market operations to rein in financial risks. At the Central Economic Work Conference in December, the central leadership pledged to make a priority of preventing financial risks, saying that curbing asset bubbles would be more important in 2017. In a further sign of the focus on risk prevention, China's central bank vowed to maintain a prudent and neutral monetary policy this year, after keeping prudent monetary policy for six consecutive years. Guo, former governor of eastern Shandong Province, has considerable economic sector work experience. He used to work as chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission and chairman of China Construction Bank, one of the nation's big four state-owned lenders. KIEV, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Eight miners were confirmed dead, six were injured and at least 20 others remain trapped after an explosion ripped through a coal mine in western Ukraine, authorities said Thursday. The blast occurred shortly after mid-day local time at Stepova mine in Lviv region, when 34 miners were working underground, the State Service for Emergencies said. The rescue operation is underway. by Denis Elamu JUBA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese government revealed on Thursday that it would send nine representatives to the East African Community (EAC) parliament for the first time since the country became the sixth member state of the regional trade bloc last year. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol told Xinhua that despite delay to pay the annual 1 million U.S. dollars to the EAC, South Sudan will soon be selecting nine representatives to the Tanzanian capital Arusha. "The timeline of doing this was supposed to be in February, but that (selection) is going to happen," he said. EAC member states like Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have recently been selecting representatives to the influential regional parliament that handles legislation and policy. South Sudan applied in 2011 to join the EAC, but outbreak of conflict in December 2013 delayed its admission ,which finally came to conclusion in April, 2016. The landlocked war-torn country, which imports all its goods and services from the EAC countries, has hoped to use its membership to benefit its economy and political stability. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace attended the 21st Movement Celebrations to mark his 93rd birthday celebrations at Matopos National Park in Mateleland South, Zimbabwe, Feb. 25, 2017. (Xinhua/Stringer) HARARE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe left for Singapore on Monday for a routine medical check-up, his spokesperson George Charamba has said. Charamba was quoted by the state media Thursday as saying that the president was expected back in the country next Monday. The visit came a few days after Mugabe celebrated his 93rd birthday on Feb. 21 and vowed that he would continue as leader of the country. He has since been confirmed by his Zanu-PF party as its presidential candidate for the 2018 elections when he will be 94. His party, however, is reportedly riddled with infighting by factions vying to succeed him, one reportedly led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and another by a group of young leaders known as G40. Mugabe has routinely visited Singapore for medical check-ups, with officials saying he suffers from eye cataract although some speculate that he suffers from prostate cancer. BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Thursday was striped of immunity from prosecution over a tweet post in connection with the Islamic State by the European Parliament in a vote. Le Pen, leader of National Front party and co-chair of the Europe of Nations and Freedom group in the European Parliament, was under an investigation by French judicial authorities following the posting on her twitter account of three violent images that showed the murder of three hostages by Daesh (IS group) on Dec. 16 2015. One of the three photographs, which were not blurred, showed U.S. hostage James Foley being beheaded. The images were accompanied by the following comment by Marine Le Pen: "This is Daesh!" Approved by 18 votes in favor to three against, with no abstentions, the Committee on Legal Affairs in the European Parliament Tuesday recommended to waive the immunity of Marine Le Pen through a plenary vote. However, the lifting of her immunity would concern only the tweets and not the ongoing probing into the allegation that Le Pen misused public funds by hiring a fake parliamentary aide. CHANGCHUN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China plans to build a national park 60 percent larger than Yellowstone National Park as a sanctuary for highly-endangered Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. The Jilin provincial forestry department said on Thursday that the national park plan has been approved by the central authorities. It is designed to encompass 14,600 square km in northeastern provinces of Jilin and Heilongjiang, bordering Russia's Primorsky. Fan Zhiyong, Species Program Director with WWF Beijing, said the national park initiative is helpful in linking separate wildlife protection areas in the region, which would pave the way for wider China-Russia cooperation in wildlife protection in the region. A comprehensive plan and pilot for the national park is expected to be carried out before 2020. The Jilin provincial government has vowed to start preliminary work to prepare for national park management by the end of 2017. Due to excessive logging in the 1950s, the ecosystem in the area was degraded, driving wild Siberian tigers to near extinction. A field survey jointly carried out by scientists from China, Russia and the United States in 1998 found evidence of only 6 to 9 wild Siberian tigers in the area. With a logging ban in full effect in northeast China since April 2015 and decades of natural protection efforts, the number of tigers has rebounded. Experts estimated that there are currently five wild Siberian tiger families, or 27 in total, living in Jilin. However, space limitations within nature reserves in China and Russia have restricted the natural growth of the species in the wild. Ge Jianping, deputy director of Beijing Normal University and a tiger expert, said there are at least 35 tigers and 70 leopards in protected areas covering 4,000 square km. The area is far from enough space to accommodate the wild carnivores. He said geological conditions on the Chinese side are more favorable than across the border for the endangered species. "It is vital for China to make a long-term mechanism in order to consolidate and sustain the progress in protecting wild Siberian tigers and Amur leopards," he said. WWF expert Fan said the planned national park is not only important for the survival of the endangered species but also for the protection of biodiversity in the northern temperate zone. According to the forestry department, a monitoring and rescue center for wild tigers and leopards will be established along with other scientific and research facilities as the national park plan is implemented. The national park is expected to become a channel for international exchange in wild animal protection, said Lan Hongliang, director of the Jilin Forestry Department. He said national park management can help boost China's cooperation with international organizations, improve transparency in information exchanges and law enforcement, and break barriers in cross-border ecological corridors for wildlife. China hopes national park management will be more efficient than current government-led wildlife protection. The country's first national park pilot started last year in the Sanjiangyuan area in southwest China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to protect the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) rivers. It is expected to officially open in 2020. TIANJIN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China's bicycle manufacturers are poised for a resurgence thanks to the booming bike-sharing industry. The once dominant two-wheelers have given way to cars in recent years due to China's rising middle class. However, new bike-sharing services allow commuters to escape traffic gridlock and public transit for as little as 1 yuan (about 0.15 U.S. dollar) per hour. Users can unlock bicycles with a mobile app and drop them off anywhere for the next customer. In the past couple of years, 29 brands have sprung up, placing more than 3 million bicycles on streets around the country and wrestling for domestic market share. Demand in China is estimated at around 20 million bikes, according to Liu Xuequan, who heads the association of the bike industry in Tianjin, the country's largest bicycle manufacturing base. NEW BOOST "The new business has given a push to a group of traditional bike manufacturers," Liu said. A report from Beijing-based BigData Research showed the number of shared bicycle users exceeded 18 million as of the end of 2016 and is expected to approach 50 million by the end of this year. "When there were no bike-sharing services, we had peak and slack seasons in production. But now, we are busy all year round," said Zhang Jinying, an executive with the Tianjin-based manufacturer Flying Pigeon, a supplier for bike-sharing service Ofo. Four Flying Pigeon factories are scheduled to produce 900,000 bikes in March, with half of the orders from bike-sharing start-ups, Zhang said, adding that the manufacturer is working to expand production capacity and hire more workers due to ever-increasing orders. The production standard for shared bikes is higher than for ordinary ones, since shared bikes require better endurance of some parts, according to Zhao Kun, an R&D director at Flying Pigeon. A bicycle's service life is around two years if five users ride it each day. That may lead to 10 million bikes that need repairs per year, creating a new market for manufacturers to compete for, according to Liu Xuequan. MANAGEMENT HEADACHE Fleets of brightly-colored shared bikes are becoming ubiquitous in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. They have also secured backing from the government. China's Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng said in late February that bike sharing is innovative and should be encouraged and supported. However, problems have arisen when users park bikes haphazardly, tarnishing the city's image and blocking traffic. There have been a number of news reports of angry business owners or security guards who have damaged the bikes or stacked them up because the jumbled vehicles had affected their work. In late November, urban management officers in Chengdu City, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, confiscated nearly 200 shared bikes because they violated the city's parking regulations. A similar seizure was reported in Hangzhou City, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, in December. Some bikes have been damaged by drivers of motorbike taxis and electric tricycles because bike-sharing has taken away their passengers. Vandals and ill-behaved bike users have also caused trouble. A set of photos that have gone viral have exposed such acts: abandoning bikes in a river, inserting needles into the saddle, and destroying QR codes in order to steal bikes. In one photo, a yellow bike was reduced to its basic frame after being stripped of most of its parts, with a caption saying "Well, no problem, it is for 'sharing.'" Such vandalism has prompted police intervention. On Feb. 28, Chengdu police detained a man who ran a traditional bike rental business for burning and burying more than 10 shared bikes from various brands two days earlier. Liu Xuequan disclosed that manufacturers are working on technical upgrades to prevent bikes from being dismantled or stolen. Ofo founder and CEO Dai Wei said bike misuse has not created a notable loss for the company. "During the past three months, 'inactive bikes,' which means they might have been damaged or taken home, only accounted for 1 percent of the total," he said, while calling all users to treat the vehicles nicely. Ofo has hired workers to ensure the bikes are returned in good condition and parked properly. Rival Mobike has enlisted its users to help track down lost bikes and maintain orderly parking. Some local governments have rolled out rules to regulate parking. Minister Li Xiaopeng said it requires joint efforts from the government, service providers and customers to maintain smooth rides for shared bikes. HARARE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is expecting a bumper maize harvest in the 2016/17 agricultural season after receiving good rains, agriculture minister Joseph Made said Thursday. Although refusing to disclose estimated maize output until completion of the second crop assessment, the minister said the nation was expecting a good crop after farmers planted 1.2 million hectares of the staple maize, up from 173,000 hectares last season. He said a government-sponsored maize command agriculture scheme was expected to produce grain enough to meet the 700,000-tonne requirement for the National Strategic Grain Reserve, which is currently holding 250,000 tonnes. Zimbabwe produced one of its lowest maize output of 512,000 tonnes last year amid an El-Nino-induced drought that has left a quarter of the population in need of food aid. The country requires at least 1.8 million tonnes of maize for both human and livestock consumption annually. Addressing a parliamentary portfolio committee, Made said Zimbabwe had recorded significant increases in the hectarage put under major crops this season although a shortage of top dressing fertilizer. The hectarage for tobacco, the main foreign currency earner for the country, stood at 107,000 hectares up from 95,000 last season, while cotton hectarage increased to 155,000 from 105,000 last year. The minister said the current government grain storage capacity at 4 million tonnes was enough for the expected abundant harvest, though 61 million U.S. dollars was required to revamp some of the grain silos. Zimbabwe's economy is agriculture-based. Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, handed 5939 tonnes of rice to Uganda on Feb. 28, 2017. Uganda warns of food insecurity amid prolonged dry spell. (Xinhua) KAMPALA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has recently donated over 5,900 tonnes of rice to Ugandan as the East African country warned of food insecurity amid the prolonged dry spell. Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, said on Tuesday that China has been concerned about the poor harvest in many African countries including Uganda. "I believe that with the effort of the Ugandan government, all these donated food will be distributed to the people very soon," he said. According to a new report National Food Security Assessment, launched by Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, 26 percent of Uganda's population is facing stressed food insecurity, meaning they just have enough food and are unable to afford some essential food expenditures. It also showed that 10.9 million people in the country are experiencing acute food insecurity, of which 1.6 million are in a crisis situation. "Food security across the country is deteriorating. The current food insecurity situation, when compared with the last two reports of November 2015 and July 2016, shows an increase in the percentage of the country's population that is in Phase 2 (stress level of food security)," the report said. It said the increasing demand for food in external markets and the influx of South Sudanese refugees into Uganda have worsened the situation. Rugunda extended his gratitude to the Chinese government for the humanitarian support and said his government had earmarked 25 billion shillings (7.1 million U.S. dollars) to purchase relief food for the food-stressed population. The rice donation to Uganda is part of the humanitarian relief China has been donating to Africa. China in December 2015 promised to provide 1 billion yuan (about 150 million U.S. dollars) of emergency food aid to African countries affected by poor harvest caused by El Nino. Last year, China donated rice worth 24.6 million dollars to Zimbabwe to help alleviate hunger after a drought that had left up to 4 million people there in need of relief food. Donations have also been made to Malawi, Mozambique and South Sudan to help the countries cope with drought. China over the years has provided agricultural aid to Uganda especially in the rice sector which has helped the country become a major rice producer in Africa. By Xinhua writer Wang Zichen BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Mortality rates in China are down, contrary to a recent Wall Street Journal report, leading Chinese experts said. In "Why Chinese men are dying," dated Feb. 24, the Journal reported that "mortality rates among Chinese men aged 41 to 60 have increased by 12 percent" over the decade through 2013. Upon closer inspection, however, the report's conclusion was based on incomplete data, casting doubt over the veracity of the story. "DISHEARTENING" NEWS The Journal reported the "disheartening news from China," following the release of mortality data from the country's insurance regulator. The China Life Insurance Mortality Table (2010-2013) was released this year, replacing the previous iteration that covered the 2000-2003 period, which was dated and lacked breadth. The earlier table presented mortality rates in two insurance categories, non-annuity and annuity. The latest data set, however, presented rates in three categories, non-annuity I (mainly for term and whole life insurance), non-annuity II (mainly for endowment insurance) and annuity. Herein lies the problem, the Journal report appeared to only reference data from non-annuity I. At a glance, the mortality rate for men aged 50 who held non-annuity policies during the 2000-2003 period was 0.3570 percent. For the latter period there are now two sets of data. The mortality rate for men aged 50 was 0.4249 percent in the non-annuity I category, and 0.2908 percent in the non-annuity II category. Thus, in response to whether a 50-year-old Chinese man is more likely to die in 2013 than a decade ago, the answer would be yes and no -- yes for category I, and no for category II. In its report, and specifically the accompanying chart, the Journal appeared to compare mortality rates from the new non-annuity I category to non-annuity data from 2003, thereby reaching its alarming conclusion, said Dr. Wang Qing, chief actuary of ABC Life Insurance. "That is a clear misreading of the numbers," said Dr. Wang, a veteran actuary trained in the U.S. Wang Zheng, secretary general of China Association of Actuaries, which led the compilation of the new data set, agreed. The two sets of data are incomparable, he told Xinhua, "For example, in the U.S., you can't compare the smoker mortality table to the composite mortality table." The report did not elaborate on the reasons behind its choice of data. "DOWN, NOT UP" The China Life Insurance Mortality Table needed to be updated as the past decade has seen significant changes to mortality rates and increased life expectancies, Yuan Xucheng, an official with the insurance regulator, said. "If you compare the 2013 numbers from non-annuity II with the non-annuity numbers from 2003, mortality rates drop by 25 to 30 percent," said Dr. Wang. "For men aged 41 to 60, mortality rates decreased by about 20 percent". The mistake of the Journal report was that it only used data from non-annuity I, he added. The mortality rates in the annuity sections, including the rates for Chinese men aged 41 to 60, were consistently lower in 2013 compared to 2003. "BE CAUTIOUS" "A reduction of men in their working prime could put a damper on China's productivity growth," the Journal warned, after speculating that "financial success breeds bad health habits" and "the pressure to perform and accumulate wealth in a male-dominated society adds to the health issues." Wang Zheng with the China Association of Actuaries advised caution when dealing with the data. The life insurance mortality table was compiled on the basis of life insurance policies sold -- not an accurate census of the Chinese population, he said. China has a population of over 1.3 billion, but the latest table was compiled with data from 180 million people. JAKARTA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia expects to see the influx of more visitors from the Middle East after the ongoing visit by Saudi Arabian King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Saudi Arabian king who started state visit to Indonesia on March 1 and will conclude his tour to the country on March 9, brought with him 1,500 family members. The king and his family members are spending most of their visiting days in Bali. The visit by the Saudi Arabian royal family is exceptional for Indonesia as it made investment commitments and it is also an event that promotes Indonesian tourism, particularly for potential visitors from the Middle East. "King Salman is a great figure and is highly respected in the Middle East. He is the greatest endorser for (Indonesian) tourism in the region," Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said on Wednesday. The minister expected that the Saudi Arabian king's visit would spur the number of visitors from the Middle East up to 360,000 this year, or 50 percent from the 240,000 people recorded last year. Echoing the minister, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurants Association (PHRI) Haryadi Sukamdani said that the ongoing Saudi Arabian royal visit would result in very positive impacts on the Indonesian tourism and hospitality industry in Bali. "I can assure you that visitors from the Middle East would be increasing. King Salman is like a magnet that would always be followed by people in that region," Haryadi said, adding that the positive impact from the visit would continue in years to come. King Salman and his entourage had previously booked lavish five-star hotels in Jakarta and Bali's upscale tour destination areas of Nusa Dua long before their coming to Indonesia for the visit. They also booked luxury cars to transport the royal family members during their stay in Jakarta and Bali. Citing the data compiled by the PHRI, Haryadi said a Saudi Arabian visitor used to spend 2,200 U.S. dollars during their vacation in Indonesia, with the length of stay spanning from 12 days to 13.5 days and 68 percent of them staying in five-star hotels. Indonesia is trying its best efforts to bolster its tourism since the nation has reset the sector as its core business, leaving behind oil and gas, coal and palm oil. Ten new tourism destinations are now being developed across the country to tap more foreign visits to the nation. Indonesia has witnessed the increasing number of foreign visitors in the past years and expects to welcome more foreign visitors in the coming years. by Chris Mgidu NAIROBI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's army said Thursday that they killed 57 Al-Shabaab militants during a clash at Afmadow area of southern Somalia. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spokesman Joseph Owuoth said the troops who are part of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are still in the region to purge it of the militants. Owuoth said in a statement the 8:45-a.m. incident that involved artillery fire and helicopter gunships took place close to Subow Centre. The spokesman said the soldiers remain vigilant and will continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorist to ensure peace and security of Kenya, as well as to support AMISOM operations to stabilize Somalia. Kenya has blamed members of Al-Shabaab for a series of abduction of foreigners and grenade and landmine attacks on its territory near the border with Somalia. Since Kenya sent troops across the border into Somalia in October 2011, northern and parts of eastern Kenya have been hit by a series of blasts, many targeting local security forces and humanitarian workers. Deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) from northeast China's Heilongjiang Province arrive at Beijing Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2017. The fifth annual session of the 12th NPC will open on March 5. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) are gathering in Beijing for the top legislature's annual session, which will open on Sunday. NPC delegations from outside Beijing all arrived in the capital on Thursday, and preparations for the session are complete, according to the press center of the fifth session of the 12th NPC. Deputies from northeast China's Heilongjiang Province were the first to arrive. NPC deputies are elected by people's congresses of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The armed forces elect their own. Deputies from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan follow separate election rules decided by the NPC. Lawmaker Tan Zhijuan, a researcher on agriculture from Heilongjiang, has brought two bills, one on agricultural cooperatives and the other on supply-side structural reform in the agricultural sector. Lawmaker Weng Guoxing from east China's Fujian Province, a medical doctor, said this year he would continue to focus his attention on health reform. Documents for the meeting are translated into seven ethnic minority languages, including Mongolian, Tibetan and Uygur, and several foreign languages, including English, French, Russian and Spanish. The NPC session will deal principally with the government work report, the central government budget and draft General Provisions of Civil Law. The government work report will be delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the opening of the session when growth targets for the year will be unveiled. The draft General Provisions of Civil Law have gone through three readings since June last year and are expected to be approved. BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Thursday was striped of immunity from prosecution over a tweet post in connection with the Islamic State (IS) by the European Parliament in a vote. Le Pen, leader of National Front party and co-chair of the Europe of Nations and Freedom group in the European Parliament, is currently running for the French presidency. As a member of European Parliament (MEP), she could not be prosecuted. An investigation into Le Pen was opened by the French judicial authorities following the posting on her twitter account of three violent images that showed the murder of three hostages by Daesh (IS group) on Dec. 16 2015. One of the three photographs, which were not blurred, showed U.S. hostage James Foley being beheaded. The images were accompanied by the following comment by Marine Le Pen: "This is Daesh!" In a report by Italian MEP Laura Ferrara to the plenary, the lawmakers argued that Le Pen's tweet post is an offence to disseminate violent images that will likely undermine human dignity. "Although the images posted by Ms Le Pen can be accessed by anyone via Google and have been widely reposted on the internet since they appeared on her twitter account, it is beyond question that their violent nature is likely to undermine human dignity. Their publication therefore warrants the opening of criminal proceedings," Ferrara said. The French law stipulates that criminal proceedings may not be brought against information society service providers if violent images are removed within 24 hours from the time of notification by the competent authority of the need to do so. "In this connection, it should be emphasised that Ms. Le Pen removed only the photograph of the murder of the hostage James Foley, and not the other two images," the lawmaker stated. "Lastly, given that the speed of the legal proceedings taken against Marine Le Pen is comparable to the pace of other proceedings in matters relating to the press and other media, there is no reason to suspect that this may be a case of 'fumus persecutionis', i.e. a situation in which there are signs or evidence of an intent to persecute an individual," Laura Ferrara said in the report. Approved by 18 votes in favor to three against, with no abstentions, the Committee on Legal Affairs in the European Parliament on Tuesday recommended to waive the immunity of Marine Le Pen through a plenary vote. However, the lifting of her immunity would concern only the tweets and not the ongoing probing into the allegation that Le Pen misused public funds by hiring a fake parliamentary aide. Related: French president rejects Fillon's allegations of bias in justice system PARIS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday rejected allegations of bias in the country's justice system made by scandal-hit presidential candidate Francois Fillon who has been summoned to appear before a judge later this month. "As guarantor of the independence of the judicial authorities, I want to speak out against any calling into question of the judges," Hollande said in a statement. Full story Fillon says not to quit French presidential race despite probe PARIS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- French presidential candidate Francois Fillon confirmed Wednesday that he would be summoned on March 15 by the investigating magistrates over alleged fake jobs. NEW DELHI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Ministry of Defense has asked the country's premier investigating agency -- the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to probe the alleged leak of question papers for the army's recruitment exam, officials said Thursday. The leak of papers detected by police in western state of Maharashtra on Sunday led to cancellation of the exam for entire Pune zone. India's official broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR)-- said Defense Minister Monohar Parrikar gave his nod after army recommended for investigation into entire incident by the agency. Police has arrested 18 people for their involvement in the case and questioned over 300 candidates. According to police, the candidates appearing in the recruitment exam were given the question papers in advance by people involved in the leak. Reports said examination at other centres might also be cancelled in wake of the leak. The examinations were held on Sunday for lower-level posts including those of soldier clerk, strongman and soldier tradesman across India. Indian army has already initiated an internal court of inquiry into the case. by Chrispinus Omar NAIROBI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Thursday that drought and conflicts were worsening food security across Africa, especially in its eastern part, amid strong global harvests. According to FAO's new edition of Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, food supply conditions are robust, but access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts. "This is an unprecedented situation. Never before have we been faced with four threats of famine in multiple countries simultaneously," said FAO Assistant Director-General Kostas Stamoulis, who heads the Economic and Social Development department. According to the UN food agency, some 37 countries require external assistance for food, including 28 African countries as a result of lingering effects of last year's El Nino-triggered drought on harvests. FAO said while agricultural production is expected to rebound in southern Africa, protracted fighting and unrest are increasing the ranks of the displaced and hungry in other parts of the world. Famine has been formally declared in South Sudan and the food security situation is of grave concern in northern Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. "It demands swift action which should consist of immediate food assistance but also livelihood support to ensure that such situations are not repeated," Stamoulis said. In South Sudan, 100,000 people were facing famine in Leer and Mayendit counties, part of former Unity State, while there was an "elevated risk" that similar conditions existed in two nearby counties. Overall, about 4.9 million people across the country were classified as facing crisis, emergency or famine. That number is projected to increase to 5.5 million, or almost half the country's population, at the peak of the lean season in July. In Somalia, the combination of conflict, civil insecurity and drought have resulted in more than double the number of people, now estimated at 2.9 million, being severely food insecure from six months ago. Drought has curtailed fodder for pastoralists and the third consecutive season of poor rainfall is estimated to have reduced crop production in southern and central regions to 70 percent below average levels, leaving food stocks depleted. According to FAO, a total of 8.1 million people in northern Nigeria are facing acute food insecurity and require urgent life-saving response and livelihood protection. That comes despite the above-average cereal harvest in 2016 and reflects the disruption caused by conflict as well as the sharp depreciation of the Naira. In Yemen, 17 million people or two-thirds of the population are estimated to be food insecure, while almost half of them are in need of emergency assistance, with the report noting that "the risk of famine declaration in the country is very high." FAO said conflicts and civil unrest in Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Myanmar and Syria are also exacerbating food insecurity for millions of people as well as affecting nearby refugee-hosting countries. According to FAO, maize harvests in Southern Africa, slashed by El Nino, are forecast to recover this year, with South Africa's output expected to increase by more than 50 percent from 2016, with positive trends likely in most nearby countries. However, an outbreak of armyworms, along with localized flooding in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, could limit larger production gains in 2017. KIEV, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a bill into law that grants social benefits to young people who are affected by conflicts in eastern regions, the presidential press service said Thursday. Under the new law, the Ukrainian government will allocate funds for educational and housing needs of young people who live near the contact line in eastern Ukraine and in areas beyond Kiev's control, according to a statement on the presidential website. The government will settle school and university bills and offer financial grants for daily expenses. Temporary accommodation will also be provided for those who don't own a house. The initiative is aimed at cultivating pro-Kiev support among young people who live in conflict-ridden areas. GAZA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army artillery stationed on the borders between northern Gaza Strip and Israel fired on Thursday afternoon four tank shells on a lookout post that belongs to Hamas militants in northern Gaza Strip. Gazan Hamas security officials said in a short text message sent to reporters that no injuries were reported, however the military post was severely damaged. The Israeli tank shelling was in retaliation to the previous night's firing of a Grad rocket from northern Gaza into southern Israel, according to Israeli media reports, with no injuries or damage reported. However, an Israeli army spokesman informed Israeli media that the Israeli army's response to the attack against southern Israel destroyed two targets belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel Radio reported that unidentified militants fired a rocket from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip into Israel overnight, which landed in the vicinity of the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, with no reported damage or injuries. BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- In a resolution approved on Thursday, members of European Parliament (MEPs) urged the executive arm of the European Union (EU) to temporarily reintroduce visa requirements for citizens of the United States. The text, prepared by the civil liberties committee, was adopted by a show of hands in the plenary of the European Parliament in Brussels. The MEPs urged for the measures to be adopted "within two months." The EU lawmakers argued that the European Commission was legally obliged to adopt the necessary legal measures, given that Washington still does not grant visa-free access to nationals of five EU countries. Citizens of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania still cannot enter U.S. territory without a visa, while U.S. citizens can travel to all EU countries visa-free. According to the visa reciprocity mechanism, if a third country does not lift its visa requirements within 24 months of being notified of non-reciprocity, the commission must adopt a delegated act -- to which both Parliament and the Council may object -- suspending the visa waiver for its nationals for 12 months. Following a notification of non-reciprocity on April 12, 2014, the European Commission should have acted before April 12, 2016, but it has yet to take any legal measure, the lawmakers complained. In April 2014, the European Commission was notified that five countries were not meeting their obligations towards the EU with regard to reciprocity of visa-free travel: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan and the United States. Australia, Brunei and Japan have since lifted their visa requirements for all EU citizens and Canada will do so in December this year. PARIS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A French national was one of the workers abducted in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the French Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. "We confirm that a French national is among the people abducted on March 1 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. At this stage, we don't have information on the perpetrators," a ministry's spokesman said. "We are mobilized and are in contact with the Congolese (DR Congo)authorities to shed as much light as possible on what happened, and in order to free our compatriot," he added during a e-press briefing. Earlier on Thursday, Canadian gold dealer Banro Corporation said militiamen had kidnapped five workers at its Namoya gold mine in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. HANOI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is implementing citizen protection measures for a Vietnamese suspect arrested in Malaysia in relation of the killing of a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, said Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Department on Thursday. On the same day, the department's representatives met with the family of Doan Thi Huong, a Vietnamese citizen, arrested in Malaysia. The meeting aimed at explaining proceedings of the case and instructing Huong's family about legal assistance following the regulations of Malaysia laws and international convention, said a statement by the department. Earlier, the department has informed Huong's family about the recent meeting with Huong in Malaysia and her health condition. On Wednesday, two female suspects, including Huong and the other from Indonesia were charged with the murder of the DPRK man, said a local court in Malaysia. According to the statement, representatives of the Vietnamese embassy in Malaysia were present at the court to protect legitimate rights of Huong. The Vietnamese embassy in Malaysia is continuing to implement citizen protection measures within its scope to ensure the proceedings are fair, objective and non-discriminatory as well as ensure legitimate rights of the Vietnamese citizen, including assistance to seek a suitable lawyer for Huong, in accordance with legal regulations of Malaysia, said the statement. SAN FRANCISCO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Uber CEO Travis Kalanick apologized to all Uber employees in a note Tuesday evening after he was caught on a dashboard camera in a heated argument with a Uber driver. "By now I'm sure you've seen the video where I treated an Uber driver disrespectfully. To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement," said Kalanick in the note shortly after Bloomberg published the six-minute video obtained from Fawzi Kamel, driver of the company's high-end service Uber Black. The video caught the verbal altercation in San Francisco between Kalanick and Kamel, who was angry like many other Uber drivers about plunging fares and lower pay. The quarrel started when Kamel argued with Kalanick for "raising the standards" while "dropping the prices." "I lost 97,000 (U.S.) dollars because of you. I'm bankrupt because of you," Kamel complained, "You changed the whole business. You dropped the prices." Kalanick answered back, "You know what? Some people don't like to take responsibility for their owns. They blame everything in their life on somebody else." Kalanick climbed out of the car, spitting "good luck" behind him. The video quickly sparked social media outrage and revived the campaign of #DeleteUber on Twitter. Softened from his pugnacious mood in the video, Kalanick wrote in the note that the incident "cannot be explained away." "It's clear this video is a reflection of me -- and the criticism we've received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up," he wrote. "This is the first time I've been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it," he continued. "I want to profoundly apologize to Fawzi, as well as the driver and rider community, and to the Uber team." Changes in Uber's business model have hurt the income of many Uber drivers, as the company lowered fares to remain competitive against other ride-sharing companies. As Bloomberg noted, an Uber Black ride cost 4.90 dollars per mile in 2012, while it now costs 3.75 per mile. "We started high-end. We didn't go low-end because we wanted to. We went low-end because we had to because we'd be out of business," Kalanick said in the video. ROCKY START OF YEAR This is just the latest embarrassing story for Kalanick and Uber. The ride-hailing giant has been exposed in a string of negative press coverage over the past three months that all pointed the finger at its toxic corporate culture and dysfunctional management structure. On Monday, Uber asked its new senior vice president of engineering to resign for failing to disclose a sexual harassment allegation against him at his former post at Google. More than a week ago, a former engineer at Uber wrote a blog post alleging that the company's human resources personnel repeatedly ignored her sexual harassment claims as the company was reluctant to punish the "high performer." In February, Kalanick quit from Trump's business advisory council amid intense public criticism, as his membership in the council was being read as support for the billionaire president's agenda. In January, the company's decision to cut surge pricing was perceived by many, not to mention its many immigrant drivers, as undermining a strike by a New York taxi union protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban. It also triggered a wave of trend to delete Uber's app in a way to boycott the company. In December, Uber pulled its self-driving fleet off the road in San Francisco, California, the company's home town, after the California Department of Motor Vehicles said they were operating illegally without an autonomous vehicle licence. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China's courier service sector entered a new era with the listing of all major players, Ma Junsheng, head of the State Post Bureau (SPB), said in an interview with Xinhua. While the overall prospects for the sector are excellent, Ma pointed out some problems and called for efforts to turn challenges into opportunities. THE NEXT TERA-YUAN INDUSTRY The year started with a big bang for couriers, which posted a year-on-year revenue growth of 6.2 percent, collecting 31 billion yuan (4.5 billion U.S. dollars) in January. On Feb. 24, the listing of SF Express on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange made it the last of the top five private courier services to go public. Its share price then rose for five consecutive days. "With more capital, the industry enters a new stage of competition and will embrace a shake-up in structure," Ma said. "Giants with all-round capabilities and reaches will emerge." He called these the "aircraft carriers" of the sector, technology-laden heavyweights with high risk resistance, offering quality services without damaging the environment. China has about 19,000 courier companies, most of which are vulnerable small businesses in a fragmented market. Capital inflow is revving up competition and forcing out players. SF Express, backed by the capital market, is likely to become China's answer to global leader FedEx. By 2020, China expects to have become the world's largest express delivery market with a business revenue of 800 billion yuan. Powerhouses able to generate over 100 billion yuan a year will emerge, and the country will be home to at least two leading world brands. Courier delivery, buoyed by prospering online shopping in rural areas and cross-border e-commerce, should be the next sector worth over a trillion yuan. BILLIONAIRE AND FOOT-SOLDIER Following the listing of SF Express, photos of an ordinary courier standing next to the company's founder Wang Wei went viral on the Internet. In April 2016, the young deliver man was assaulted by a man in Beijing after his electric tricycle struck the man's car. Flanking himself with a an ordinary delivery boy, Wang, one of the country's richest men, earned himself a groundswell of plaudits. "The happiness and sense of belonging of delivery men must not be neglected," Ma Junsheng said, hailing Wang's respect for the rank-and-file. The event also cast light on a sector which relies on a vast legion of low paid workers whose trips, mostly by scooters and tricycles, keep China's e-commerce revolution on track. "They lack a sense of security and turnover is high," Ma said, recalling his visits to local courier service stations over past months. "Employers must improve pay and benefits." TOMORROW'S HIGHLIGHTS China's courier service sector has expanded by 50 percent in each of the last six years, which has brought new challenges. The sector is heavily dependent on e-commerce, with 65 percent of parcels generated by online shopping, said Zhao Guojun with Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications. That reliance has meant a price war and squeezed profit margins, ultimately encroaching on the welfare of grassroots workers, said Xu Yong, an industry analyst. As the reshuffle continues, profit margins will further drop. Gross profits have plummeted from 30 percent in 2007 to below 10 percent. Besides, the sector needs to better integrate itself with manufacturing and agriculture, Ma said, "The industry needs reform and innovation to turn today's difficulties into tomorrow's highlights," he said. RIYADH, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Saudi housing ministry asserted that the investment in the property sector is expected to exceed 133 billion U.S. dollars to build 1.5 million houses in the few coming years, Al Hayat newspaper reported on Thursday. The ministry is expecting good revenues of the investment in the property sector and the whole economy, despite the fact that the contribution of the housing projects to the Saudi GDP is relatively low. Housing ministry undersecretary Ali Al Jaber told the paper that the revenues of the property sector was 34 billion dollars in 2010, which represented 4.9 percent of the GDP of that year and only 8.3 percent of the total non-oil revenues. Saudi Arabia has been taking serious steps to enhance the revenues of all economic sectors to get ready for the post-oil era, including the attraction of foreign investment and business-friendly policies. Photo taken on Sept. 15, 2014 shows the Ghana National Theater against the backdrop of Gulf of Guinea. (Xinhua/Lin Xiaowei) ACCRA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's new agriculture policy to be launched next month will seek to make the country Africa's food basket, Minister of Food and Agriculture Afriyie Osei Akoto has said. Speaking during the Agriculture Development and Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE) Summit on Wednesday, the minister said the pilot program would target 200,000 local farmers and five selected crops - soya, sorghum, maize, rice and vegetables. "The program is expected to cost about 560 million Ghana cedis, which is something like 120 million dollars, and is expected to generate 1.3 billion Ghana cedis in gross revenue for the participating farmers and, more importantly, generate at least 750 000 jobs," he said. "In the first year, you can imagine, as we step up, the generation of jobs is going to be very great," he added. Osei Akoto announced that the government would select about 200,000 farmers within the next two months who will be assisted with improved seeds, fertilizers and extension services. He said participation in the program would be expanded annually to ensure that at least half of the population of five million farmers was assisted at the end of the four-year period. The challenge of the government, according to the minister, is how to maximize productivity among Ghanaian farmers to reach the levels that farmers supported under the ADVANCE program had reached. "Ghana can produce not only for Ghana or West Africa or Africa, but we can be a big producer and supplier of maize across the world and that is a fact most of you will agree with," he said. The ADVANCE program is under the Feed The Future initiative put together by Development Partners and run in Ghana by the United States charity, USAID. It is in its second phase with 113,000 farmers in a targeted program to bring investments in specific regions for maximum impact. The Deputy Head of Mission at USAID, Steven Hendrix, noted that Ghana had the potential to become Africa's bread basket. "I was previously in Nigeria and we had a massive food aid program in the Boko Haram affected areas. Just Maiduguri, a million people needed food assistance of some sort and we were importing food because Nigeria could not grow the food they needed. It could not get the food in the market for its citizens," Hendrix said. He added: "And I thought, where we can get this food; And it turns out that places like Ghana could be the bread basket, not only for West Africa, but for much of Africa." ALGIERS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Algerian counterterrorism troops deployed in remote desert areas of the country discovered large loads of war weapons, Defense Ministry said on Thursday in a statement. The source noted that the arms were discovered during a reconnaissance patrol of army troops in southern province of Adrar. It specified that the troops found a bunker containing 40 Kalashnikov machine guns, a 14.5 mm heavy machine-gun, 44 Kalashnikov-type gun loaders and a large quantity of ammunition. A day before, Defense Ministry said army troops in Tizi Ouzou, 120 km eastern Algiers, discovered a bunker containing eight RPG-2 shells, a quantity of munitions of different calibers and explosive materials. Algerian army troops on Tuesday killed 12 terrorists in upper woods of Tizi Ouzou, Defense Ministry said. A few militants affiliated to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and recently established IS affiliate group of Caliphate Soldiers are still taking refuge in the dense woods in northern provinces Tizi Ouzou, Boumerdes and Bouira. KIEV, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 miners have been killed, with seven others injured and 16 trapped underground following an explosion on Thursday at a state-run coal mine in western Ukraine, authorities said. According to the State Service for Emergencies, the blast occurred at the depth of 550 meters in the Stepova mine in Lviv region at around 12.46 p.m. local time(10:46 GMT). A total of 172 miners were in the mine when the blast struck, with 34 of them working underground in the epicenter of the explosion. Mykhailo Volynets, the head of the Ukrainian Independent Union of Miners, said that two of the injured are in critical condition. A team of 50 rescuers is working on the scene in an effort to bring the trapped miners to the surface. The exact cause of the accident is unknown, but initial reports suggested it may have been caused by methane gas explosion. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Energy and Coal Minister Igor Nasaly are heading to the site of the blast. by David Musyoka NAIROBI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) said Thursday that the improved petroleum pipeline designed to improve supply of fuel to the hinterlands and regional export destinations is scheduled for completion by end of April. KPC's Managing Director Joe Sang said the contractor, Zakhem International, had begun installation of the eight mainline pumps that have arrived in the country, adding that the line's four stations would have two mainline pumps each. "The new line once completed will adequately serve the country's demand which is projected to be 6.8 billion litres in 2020," said Sang in a statement. He said the project will be ready for commissioning by June. Sang said the new line would enhance KPC's pipeline devolution plan into the counties by increasing product availability in Nairobi that will feed into spur lines into Western Kenya, Central Kenya, Rift Valley and South Nyanza regions. The new pipeline will also improve the reliability of fuel supply to the export market of Uganda, Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. With a flow rate of 1 million liters per hour, the line will remove an average of about 700 trucks from the road daily at maximum utilization. "This will enhance safety because pipeline transportation of fuel is the safest and most cost effective way of transporting petroleum products the world over. There will therefore be no tanker accidents, fuel fires, siphoning on our roads hence saving lives and conserving our environment," said Sang. KPC is replacing the existing Mombasa-Nairobi pipeline that has been in operation for 38 years. A Vision 2030 flagship project, the construction of the 450-km pipeline will ensure sustained, reliable and efficient transportation of petroleum products in the region and meet demand in the next 30 years. The pipeline will have an installed flow rate of 1 million liters per hour in phase one. HARARE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least 246 people died and over 2,000 others were left homeless as torrential rains continued to unleash flood in Zimbabwe, a cabinet minister said Thursday. Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere appealed for assistance from the international community, development partners and the private sector to address the plight of the affected citizens. The Zimbabwean government has declared the flooding, so far recorded in southern parts of the country, a state of disaster. "It is apparent that extra-ordinary measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens of the country in communal, resettlement and urban areas have to be intensified," he was quoted as saying by state-run news agency. Zimbabwe has received above-normal rain since the beginning of the 2016/2017 season that has resulted in more that 85 percent of the country's dams spilling. The rains are expected to continue until the end of March. The minister said 2,579 homes, 74 schools and five health institutions had been damaged by floods. Most of the deaths and destruction have been recorded in Matabeleland North and South provinces, Midlands and Masvingo provinces, he said. Kasukuwere said shelter, food and nutrition, health facilities, education and road infrastructure were among the issues requiring urgent support while damage assessment was continuing. He said the government had set up structures from national to district levels to deal with the disaster. Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri said more than 12 million dollars was required to rehabilitate damaged dams and infrastructure for supply of clean water to the people. "Over 100,000 people are without access to safe drinking water due to destruction of water infrastructure," she said. BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- While finger-pointing about job losses has been rife on Capitol Hill, blame-thy-neighbor rhetoric has been noticeably absent in the Great Hall of the People. In his first address to Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the United States has "lost 60,000 factories" since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Yet China is also experiencing factory losses. The so-called "world's factory" is shedding manufacturing jobs, not just to lower-cost regions such as Southeast Asia, but also to higher-end economies. Indeed, one of the hottest economic topics in China is the loss of jobs to the United States. Cao Dewang, who runs China's leading glass manufacturing business, was recently thrust into a media storm after he complained of high business costs in his homeland and announced a billion-dollar investment in the United States. A fierce debate ensued, with various reports and opinions circulating about Cao and China's business environment. Still, almost none blamed Uncle Sam for being attractive and business-friendly and luring Cao's investment away. To be sure, many factories and jobs have been and will continue to be created in the United States through Chinese investment. According to a report by the U.S.-China Business Council cited by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, trade and investment between China and the United States created about 2.6 million jobs for the latter in 2015. However, China is not in the habit of finger-pointing for "stealing jobs." Cao, a senior political advisor, will no doubt face more questions about manufacturing jobs in China and America when he attends the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee (CPPCC) -- China's top political advisory body -- that will open in Beijing Friday. But you won't hear slogans like "Buy Chinese, Hire Chinese" at the CPPCC session, nor that of National People's Congress, which will open Sunday. Instead, there will be remarks like those made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January. "We are not jealous of others' success; and we will not complain about others who have benefited so much from the great opportunities presented by China's development. "We will open our arms to the people of other countries and welcome them aboard the express train of China's development." ISTANBUL, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish officials said on Thursday that security measures across Istanbul have been upgraded for foreign tourists including Chinese, as the threat of more terror attacks is lingering. "Istanbul is now a secure city," Ismail Gultekin, deputy governor of Istanbul, said at a meeting with Turkish and Chinese officials and tourism representatives. "Chinese tourists can now visit Turkey without any hesitation." The number of Chinese visiting Turkey has dropped to some 167,000 in 2016 from about 310,000 in 2015 due to repeated terror attacks that hit Istanbul and other Turkish cities, with a shooting spree by an Islamic State militant on New Year's Day leaving 39 dead, mostly foreigners, at a nightclub in Istanbul. Turkey saw a decline of over 30 percent in foreign arrivals in 2016, as many had shunned the country due to worsening security, according to figures released by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Hakan Yilmaz, head of the police department of Istanbul's Fatih district, which boasts touristic attractions like the Sultanahmet area, ancient monuments and mosques dating back to the Ottoman era, said security measures across the district have been boosted in the wake of the deadly attacks. "Now our security forces follow a more visible method," Yilmaz said, noting that security forces can be seen patrolling the area in every ten meters. He said special check points have been set up at Sultanahmet Square, which is near the well-known Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. An additional 22 security check points with X-ray scanners have been established at all the entrances to the ancient Grand Bazaar not far away, the police chief said. He asked Chinese tourists to immediately call the police in case they think they are cheated or overcharged. In addition, 100 members of the special police forces have been deployed to the bazaar area, where private security forces were doubled, Gultekin said. For his part, Qian Bo, the Chinese consul general in Istanbul, called for joint efforts by Istanbul authorities, the Chinese consulate general and travel agencies to better ensure the security of Chinese tourists and draw more Chinese nationals to visit Turkey. The Turkish and Chinese sides pledged more cooperation on tourism and agreed to keep communication channels open for better resolution of issues. ANKARA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey will attack the Kurdish-backed militants in northern Syria's Manbij city "unless they withdraw," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday, as reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. Turkey will strike the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG), the military wing of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), if they do not withdraw from Manbij, said Cavusoglu. Syria's PYD and YPG must exit Manbij as it is the next target of the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA), said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. Manbij is a city in the Syrian Aleppo Governorate, about 30 km south of the border between Turkey and Syria. The city is also a previous Islamic State (IS) bastion, currently controlled by Kurdish forces. Turkey regards the PYD and YPG as terrorist organizations due to their links to Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey's army launched "Operation Euphrates Shield "on Aug. 24, 2016, in order to drive out terrorist organizations from its borders including the IS and Kurdish militants, mainly the PYD. Turkey has repeatedly vowed to prevent PKK and PYD from establishing a corridor for terrorists on Turkey's doorstep. HANGZHOU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Thursday unveiled more steps to restrict housing purchases in a bid to cool down the property market. Hangzhou bureau of housing security and management announced that as of Friday, people without local "hukou" (permanent residence permits) need records of two years of income tax and social security payments made in the last three years if they want to buy a house there. Currently they only need to have paid for one of the previous two years to be eligible. Those with local hukou are to be banned from buying third homes. The bureau also expanded the ban to cover two more districts. Since the city resumed housing purchase restrictions in most of its urban areas in September 2016, large number of home buyers bought houses in Fuyang and Dajiangdong districts. Non-local buyers made more than 40 percent of purchases in Dajiangdong in the past three months, according to tmsf.com, a Hangzhou-based housing market research institute. Similar purchase restrictions have been introduced in Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong. Second-home sales in Shenzhen slumped 37.7 percent month on month, or 71.4 percent year on year, to 242,085 square meters in February, according to the city urban planning, land and resources commission. Despite the decline in sales, the average prices remained resilient, edging up 0.7 percent month on month to 54,500 yuan (7,900 U.S. dollars) per square meter. Wang Feng, head of the Shenzhen real estate research center, said further tightening measures were expected, and prices in Shenzhen would likely fall about 5 percent in the first half of the year. But in the mid- and long-term, the Shenzhen market will continue to boom, said Wang. WUHAN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A permanent fishing ban in all 279 aquatic reserves along the Yangtze River has begun, as China races to revive the flagging ecosystem of its largest river. "Biodiversity in the Yangtze River has been shrinking. The Chinese paddlefish has not been seen in years and the Chinese sturgeon and finless porpoise are on the brink of extinction," said Yu Kangzhen, Vice Minister of Agriculture, at a meeting in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Thursday. The numbers of four species of carp have decreased by 97 percent from the levels in the 1950s, Yu said. The annual catch from the river is less than 100,000 tonnes, contributing very little to the 69 million tonnes of fishery production nationwide, he said. The Yangtze River does not have sufficient conditions for fishery production anymore, and it is more important to emphasize its ecological functions and protect aquatic biodiversity, he added. "People are even fighting for food against the finless porpoise in some places, damaging the reserves," Yu said. A Ministry of Agriculture four-month fishing ban comes into force in several major rivers including the Yangtze on March 1. The ban is the first four-month ban in regions south of the Yangtze. The ministry said it will help fishermen change jobs and impose the ban in a gradual way. The ban is required by the "No. 1 Central Document" released in February, the first policy statement from the central authorities in the year, and traditionally devoted to agriculture. The ban has been extended to four months from three and was extended to the Huaihe River last year. This year, the Pearl River and Minjiang River are included for the first time. Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak is escorted by medical and security personnel into a helicopter at Maadi Military Hospital in Cairo, Egypt on March 2, 2017. An Egyptian top court issued a final verdict on Thursday confirming acquittal of former President Hosni Mubarak of the charges of being responsible for killing protesters who joined the 2011 uprising that ended his three-decade rule, official MENA news agency reported. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian top court issued a final verdict on Thursday confirming acquittal of former President Hosni Mubarak of the charges of being responsible for killing protesters who joined the 2011 uprising that ended his three-decade rule, official MENA news agency reported. Mubarak, 89, who is currently staying in a military hospital in Cairo, has previously been acquitted of the same charges in 2015, but the prosecution then appealed the verdict. Thursday's ruling, issued by the Court of Cassation, is considered final and unappealable. ANKARA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's first research base in Antarctica will be set up next year, Science Minister Faruk Ozlu said Thursday, as reported by Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. "Turkish scientists will establish a base and remain in the Antarctic permanently," Ozlu said. "The base will be probably established in 2018." "The buildings and structures that we will install will be made in Turkey and we will send them by ship," he added. A team of nine scientists set off for Antarctica last month to conduct feasibility studies at sites in the frozen wilderness. Turkey established its first polar research center in 2015. Last April, a group of Turkish doctors, botanists, geological engineers and oceanographers visited Antarctica to study the impact of climate change. MOGADISHU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The African Union top envoy for Somalia vowed Thursday to work closely with the newly appointed Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Francisco Madeira said he has full confidence in Khaire who was sworn in on Wednesday in Mogadishu and immediately promised to enhance the fight against insecurity and corruption. "The African Union and AMISOM in particular have full confidence in the new Prime Minister's ability to deliver for the people of Somalia," Madeira said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. He said Khaire's vast experience in humanitarian work and business will be a key asset for the new government. Madeira reaffirmed AMISOM's commitment to working closely with the new government as it embarks on the task of making Somalia a stable country with the capacity to provide for its people. The AU envoy also commended the members of the Federal Parliament of Somalia for demonstrating their confidence in Khaire and thereby ensuring a speedy confirmation process. The new PM who holds a dual Somali-Norwegian citizenship has now 30 days to form his new cabinet that will be tasked with transforming the Horn of Africa nation amid security, drought and corruption challenges. BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The rules requiring member states of the European Union (EU) to inform the bloc's executive of their plans to negotiate energy supply deals with third countries before opening negotiations were approved in a plenary of European Parliament on Thursday. "This legislation will ensure the energy security of the member states, creating effective ex-ante mechanisms for the European Commission to check draft agreements on gas and oil supplies, and to verify their compliance with both EU law and energy security needs," said rapporteur Zdzislaw Krasnodebski whose draft text was approved by 542 votes to 87, with 19 abstentions. The rules require that an EU member state entering into negotiations with a third country, to amend or conclude an intergovernmental energy agreement, inform the European Commission in writing before the start of the negotiations. At present, member states are required to submit such agreements to the European Commission only after signature. Under the new rules, the EU executive may respond to a notification by advising on how to ensure that the agreement to be negotiated is compatible with EU law. Meanwhile, the EU executive arms may participate in the negotiations as an observer, at a member state's request, or when it considers it necessary. However, its participation will be subject to the written approval of the member state concerned. According to the new rules, the European Commission will have five weeks to inform the member state that it has doubts about the deal under negotiation, and 12 additional weeks to give its opinion on the deal's compatibility with EU law, and internal energy market and competition law. If a member state fails to take account of the EU executive's opinion in the ratified version of the agreement, it should explain the reasons for its decision, said the legislation text. DAMASCUS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army announced in a statement that the Syrian forces captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria on Thursday after battles with the Islamic State (IS) group. DAMASCUS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) group withdrew from the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria on Thursday, as the Syrian army swept into the city following intense battles, a monitor group reported. The Syrian government forces were sweeping the city in search of mines and explosive devices, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The London-based watchdog group said that explosions were still being heard inside the city due to the large number of explosives and bombs. The Syrian army backed by Russian air forces and fighters of the Lebanese Hezbollah group unleashed a counter offensive to retake the city on Jan. 14 this year, just days after the IS militants took the city for the second time. Last December, the group stormed the city for the second time after losing it nine months earlier to the Syrian army. Palmyra contains monumental ruins of a great city, one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. The IS militants blew up several 2,000-year-old monuments and relics in Palmyra during their first and second invasion of the city in 2015 and late 2016. MOSCOW, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The emotional atmosphere in the United States will harm a possible restoration of relations with Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday. He made the remarks regarding a U.S. investigation into alleged contacts between U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak. "This emotional atmosphere has led to certain opposition to the idea of establishing any dialogue with Russia. I think the negative effect is evident here," Peskov was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying. U.S. mainstream media reported earlier this week that then-senator Sessions had spoken with Kislyak twice during Donald Trump's presidential campaign last year. Sessions has been called a "top spy and spy-recruiter" for Russia by American intelligence. The Kremlin did not know about the meetings between Kislyak and Sessions and didn't want to get involved in this "emotionally-charged" scandal either, Peskov added. Last month, Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, resigned for lying about improperly discussing U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to stabilize and deepen bilateral cooperation amid repeated accusations that Trump's campaign illegally coordinated with Russia. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak lies on a stretcher while being transported ahead of his trial in Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters photo) CAIRO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian top court issued a final verdict on Thursday confirming acquittal of former President Hosni Mubarak of the charges of being responsible for killing protesters who joined the 2011 uprising that ended his three-decade rule, official MENA news agency reported. Mubarak, 89, who is currently staying in a military hospital in Cairo, has previously been acquitted of the same charges in 2015, but the prosecution then appealed the verdict. Thursday's ruling, issued by the Court of Cassation, is considered final and unappealable. LUSAKA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday expressed concern over the low trade volumes with Israel, saying more needed to be done to boost trade. Lungu said when he addressed a first-ever Zambia-Israel Business Forum in Jerusalem that trade volumes between the two countries has declined from 2.3 million U.S. dollars per year to 500,000 dollars. The Zambian leader said his government has embarked on strengthening economic diplomacy with countries such as Israel and will do everything possible to boost trade between the two countries, according to a statement released by his office. He has since assured Israel investors of a conducive business environment in Zambia, adding that his government was in a hurry to create jobs and improve economic growth which could only be done through improved private sector investment. Israel, he said, played a key role in the establishment of Zambia's biggest public university, the University of Zambia and the biggest hospital, the University Teaching Hospital, when diplomatic relations were established in 1964 until the relation was cut off at some point. According to him, his administration was now in a hurry to cover up on the lost time as it opened its first ever embassy in that country two years ago. The business forum was expected to provide a platform that will create appetite for Israel firms to invest in Zambia, he added. Lungu is on a five-day State visit to Israel aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two countries and has so far held meetings with President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. President Donald Trump stands alongside U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Sessions was sworn in, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 9, 2017. (AFP PHOTO) MOSCOW, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The emotional atmosphere in the United States will harm a possible restoration of relations with Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday. He made the remarks regarding a U.S. investigation into alleged contacts between U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak. "This emotional atmosphere has led to certain opposition to the idea of establishing any dialogue with Russia. I think the negative effect is evident here," Peskov was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying. U.S. mainstream media reported earlier this week that then-senator Sessions had spoken with Kislyak twice during Donald Trump's presidential campaign last year. Sessions has been called a "top spy and spy-recruiter" for Russia by American intelligence. The Kremlin did not know about the meetings between Kislyak and Sessions and didn't want to get involved in this "emotionally-charged" scandal either, Peskov added. Last month, Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, resigned for lying about improperly discussing U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Donald Trump's inauguration. MOGADISHU, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Somalia has opened a rehabilitation center for former Al-Shabaab combatants in the southern port city of Kismayo. The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) said in a statement on Thursday that the center which is the fourth to be established in the Horn of Africa nation is part of Somalia's National Programme for the Treatment and Handling of Disengaged Combatants. Director of the UNSOM Rule of Law and Security Institutions Group, Staffan Tillander said the establishment of the center will go a long way towards countering violent extremism by spurring development in the region. "Without peace, there won't be any development, and this center will help in preventing violent extremism. It will support a much broader programme, supported by Germany, Japan and others," Tillander said. UNSOM and development partners have supported the establishment of similar transition centers in Baidoa, Belet Weyne and Mogadishu. Besides providing vocational training, the centers also offer psychological counseling to ex-combatants to facilitate their reintegration into local communities. The construction of the center was funded by the German government with support from the UNSOM, Somalia government and development partners. Deputy German Ambassador to Somalia, Markus Bollmohr said the opening of the center was part of a comprehensive approach to security focusing not only on hard security measures such as a strong police and military force but also on the reconciliatory and rehabilitation aspects of security. NAIROBI, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Mary Otieno, a Kenyan who has been using an energy efficient cooking stove for the past one year has no regrets. The 32-year-old mother of three is part of a growing army of households in Kenya's informal settlements that have stopped using traditional cooking stoves in favor of energy efficient ones thanks to their membership in Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Saccos). Kenya's Saccos have been instrumental in the increased uptake of energy efficient stoves and solar lights among the urban poor. These Saccos have partnered with manufacturers of energy saving equipment and are now extending soft loans to their members to enable them acquire the equipment. The collaboration has made these energy efficient stoves to be more affordable to consumers by eliminating the middle men. Through her membership in the Sacco, Otieno who lives in Kibera slums, one of the largest informal settlements in Africa, got a soft loan to purchase a brand new cooking stove at a cost of 32 U.S dollars. "I normally used to spend at least 0.5 dollars daily on firewood to cook for my family every day," she told Xinhua in Nairobi. "After acquiring the energy efficient stove, I use less than 0.25 U.S dollars daily for cooking for my household," Otieno added. She noted that the energy efficient stove is one of the best investment decisions that she has ever made as she recouped her money in less than five months. The Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) on Wednesday entered into a partnership with Pamoja Life, a social enterprise incorporated in Kenya, that will enable the two institutions provide innovative renewable energy products to Kenyan SACCO members at an affordable cost. Pamoja Life CEO Viney Sharma said that the energy efficient stoves emit 50 percent less smoke compared to traditional stoves. Traditional stoves have been blamed for respiratory diseases among urban slum dwellers. Sharma said that the increased uptake of clean stoves will help to improve the health of slum residents who are dependent on traditional cooking stoves. Pamoja Life also provides solar lighting equipment for the urban poor. Government data indicates that approximately 70 percent of Kenya has access to electricity. The Kenyans who are not connected to the national grid use kerosene for lighting their homes. Households typically spend 0.5 dollars daily on kerosene. Through the tie up between Saccos and suppliers, slum dwellers can acquire solar lighting systems for as little as 43 dollars. Sharma said that buyers can recoup their investments in about three months because the solar equipment has no running costs. He noted that solar lighting is ideal in Kenya because of the abundant sunlight throughout the year. "In addition, use of solar reduces dependence on use of kerosene, a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change," the CEO said. Pamoja life Kenya, which was established in Kenya 18 months ago as a social enterprise has already sold thousands of solar lights to urban slum dwellers. Smoke rises over the rebel-held area of Ain Tarma, eastern countryside of Damascus, capital of Syria, on Feb. 7, 2017. At least 20 airstrikes targeted rebel-held areas in the eastern countryside of the capital Damascus on Tuesday, leaving unknown losses, a monitor group reported. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army announced in a statement that the Syrian forces captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria on Thursday after battles with the Islamic State (IS) group. Following a series of successful operations backed by Russian and Syrian air forces, the Syrian army and allied fighters captured the city of Palmyra and its surroundings, the army said in a statement. The achievement came after the Syrian forces inflicted hefty losses on the IS militants, said the statement, adding that bomb squads are currently combing the city to defuse the leftovers of the IS roadside bombs and explosives. "This importance of this achievement emanates from the cultural and historic value of Palmyra," said the statement, adding that the victory in Palmyra against IS also coincides with the victories of the Syrian army in the eastern countryside of Aleppo against IS. "These victories deal a big blow to the terrorist group, which has started to retreat under the strikes of the Syrian army and allied forces," it said. Capturing Palmyra constitutes a base for expanding the campaign against IS on many fronts and also helps suffocate the group's supply lines. "The Syrian army and its allies are today more determined to continue the operations against IS and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front as well as other likeminded groups until restoring security and stability to every inch of the homeland," the statement concluded. The Syrian army backed by Russian air force and fighters of the Lebanese Hezbollah group unleashed a counter offensive to retake the city on Jan. 14 this year, just days after the IS militants took the city for the second time. Last December, the group stormed the city for the second time after losing it nine months earlier to the Syrian army. Capturing Palmyra constitutes a base for expanding the campaign against IS on many fronts and also helps suffocate the group's supply lines. (Reuters photo) DAMASCUS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army announced in a statement that the Syrian forces captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria on Thursday after battles with the Islamic State (IS) group. Following a series of successful operations backed by Russian and Syrian air forces, the Syrian army and allied fighters captured the city of Palmyra and its surroundings, the army said in a statement. The achievement came after the Syrian forces inflicted hefty losses on the IS militants, said the statement, adding that bomb squads are currently combing the city to defuse the leftovers of the IS roadside bombs and explosives. "This importance of this achievement emanates from the cultural and historic value of Palmyra," said the statement, adding that the victory in Palmyra against IS also coincides with the victories of the Syrian army in the eastern countryside of Aleppo against IS. "These victories deal a big blow to the terrorist group, which has started to retreat under the strikes of the Syrian army and allied forces," it said. Capturing Palmyra constitutes a base for expanding the campaign against IS on many fronts and also helps suffocate the group's supply lines. "The Syrian army and its allies are today more determined to continue the operations against IS and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front as well as other likeminded groups until restoring security and stability to every inch of the homeland," the statement concluded. The Syrian army backed by Russian air force and fighters of the Lebanese Hezbollah group unleashed a counter offensive to retake the city on Jan. 14 this year, just days after the IS militants took the city for the second time. Last December, the group stormed the city for the second time after losing it nine months earlier to the Syrian army. KHARTOUM, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir reiterated on Thursday that the new government would include all political forces, without specifying a date for the impending formation. Al-Bashir said at a press conference that consultations are still in progress to ensure consensus on all posts and at all levels. He vowed that the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) would give concessions to ensure formation of a government that assimilates all the political forces. The newly appointed prime minister, Bakri Hassan Saleh, would be entrusted with the file of reformation of the government institutions, he disclosed. Saleh, the former first vice-president, sworn in on Thursday as Sudan's prime minister. ANKARA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag on Thursday cancelled a planned visit to Germany, describing it was "unacceptable" that the German authorities revoked permission. Bozdag was scheduled to deliver a speech in a meeting organized by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) in the southern German town of Gaggenau. He was expected to meet with Turkish community members in a rally and address about the upcoming referendum on April 16 for the proposed constitutional amendments in Turkey, Daily Sabah reported. "The right of assembly was one of the irreplaceable features of democracy," Bozdag told reporters in Strasbourg, France, adding that the decision also did not fit the rule of law. A statement released by the city of Gaggenau said that the meeting was canceled due to security concerns and incapacity problems. Gaggenau Mayor Michael Pfeiffer said the decision was not a political one. Meanwhile late Thursday, an official from the city of Cologne said an event on March 5, where Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci would be holding a rally through the UETD, had also been canceled, the German Press Agency (DPA) reported. A row has occurred recently between Berlin and Ankara over Turkey's abroad rallies regarding the April 16 referendum on constitutional amendment. German politicians opposed against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) officials holding rallies in Germany. With an estimated 3 million people, Germany is the largest Turkish community abroad. WINDHOEK, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has declared mussels from the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund areas fit for consumption, confirmed Ueritjiua Kauaria, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry on Thursday. The lift of the ban came after recent re-tests which showed negative results. the Namibian government decided to close off the Walvis Bay Production Area for mussel harvesting after mussel samples from the production area were confirmed for diarrhetic shellfish poison in January 2017. The mussels sector generates about half a million Namibian Dollars (about 38,000 U.S. dollars) in revenue per annum. BRUSSELS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50 countries attended an international conference here on Thursday, aiming to collect funds for sexual health and family planning worldwide, after a U.S. decision to ban funding, local media reported. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo said he was delighted to see the strong support from the international community to participate to the Global Fundraising Initiative She Decides. The conference aims at joining forces to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working around family planning and women's rights. It came following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to ban funding for organizations that support girls and women on family planning, contraception, and safe abortion. "We cannot let thousands of women and girls down because of the ideological choices of one country. We have a choice and a voice," De Croo said at the opening of the conference. "What unites us today is the willingness to mobilize ourselves not against someone, but for thousands of women," he said. According to local media RTBF, the U.S. ban would trigger a financial gap estimated between 500 and 600 U.S. million dollars, a gap that the international coalition is struggling to fill. So far, over 40 million U.S. dollars has been pledged for the She Decides initiative thanks to Belgium (10 million U.S. dollars), Sweden (21 million U.S. dollars), Denmark (10 million U.S. dollars) and the Netherlands (10 million U.S. dollars). "I think we will easily reach the amount of 100 million dollars today," said De Croo. "What matters most is not the amount of money we reach, but the degree of impact we have." The She Decides initiative was started on Jan. 24 by the Dutch Minister for Foreign Exchange and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen who said that this conference "is only a start". Ploumen will meet the Trump administration in April this year, and hopes to make them reconsider their position on this matter. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (R) meets with the visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Cairo, Egypt on March 2, 2017. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks in Cairo on Thursday, discussing various issues including illegal migration, terrorism and the latest developments in Libya and Syria. (Xinhua/MENA) CAIRO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks in Cairo on Thursday, discussing various issues including illegal migration, terrorism and the latest developments in Libya and Syria. In a joint press conference after the meeting, Sisi praised the development of the Egyptian-German relations in various fields and the participation of German firms in mega development projects in the Arab country. "During the talks, I also updated the chancellor with the measures taken by Egypt over the past three years to achieve political stability and economic development," Sisi told reporters, commending German support for Egypt's economic reform program and for the loan deal between Egypt and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Suffering economic slowdown over the past few years due to political turmoil and relevant security issues, Egypt started a three-year strict economic reform program including austerity measures, energy subsidy cuts and a floating exchange rate encouraged by a 12 billion U.S. dollars loan from the IMF, whose first batch of 2.75 billion dollars was handed to Egypt earlier in November 2016. Sisi also warned that growing terrorism and conflicts in the Middle East region affect Europe and the whole world, urging collective efforts to obliterate terror groups and reach political solutions in chaos-stricken regional states including Libya and Syria. "It is crystal clear that the current regional conditions in the Middle East cast their shadow on the security and stability of Europe and the whole world," said the Egyptian president. Sisi and Merkel witnessed a video conference of the opening ceremony of three massive power plants in the most populous Arab country designed and carried out by Germany's Siemens Corporation. For her part, Merkel expressed appreciation for German-Egyptian long term and strong ties, noting her country is one of Egypt's major trade and investment partners. The German chancellor hailed the participation of Siemens in such large national projects in Egypt that would provide electricity to some 45 million people, almost half the population. Merkel also praised Egypt's work on hosting Libyan rival parties for a peaceful settlement, noting that it requires further cooperation and coordination with the international community and that Germany is playing an indirect role with the effort of outgoing German UN envoy to Libya Martin Kobler. She expressed support for Egypt's host of about 500,000 Syrian refugees, agreeing with the Egyptian position that seeks a political solution for the Syrian crisis. Merkel also commended the efforts made by Egypt to limit illegal migration from its sea shores to Europe, the last attempt of which drowned about 200 people in the Mediterranean Sea in September 2016. Merkel stressed the necessity of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for Egypt's development, saying the talks reached an agreement on their legal situation and Egypt promised to allow such German and other groups whose work had been suspended. She also pledged to assist Egypt's IMF-sponsored economic reform program with half a billion dollars in two years. Merkel then left to pay a visit to Egypt's Orthodox Church in Cairo and placed a wreath of flowers at an adjacent small church where a suicide bomb attack in December 2016 killed 29 of its worshippers, mostly women and children. Egypt's Al-Azhar top Islamic institution was the final destination of Merkel's visit where she met with its chief, Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyib, and emphasized Al-Azhar's role in spreading moderate Islam and combating misleading and extremist Islamic ideologies. The German chancellor is scheduled to visit Tunisia on Friday and illegal migration to Europe is also expected to be a major part of her talks. WINDHOEK, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China has expressed its determination to cooperate with the Namibian government on wildlife protection ahead of the World Wildlife Day which falls on March 3. Speaking at a briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, Charge d'affaires Li Nan said that China will never give cover to lawless poachers and has zero tolerance for poachers. Li noted that China also fully supports the Namibian government in amending environmental laws. Namibian Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Tommy Nambahu also said that law enforcers need to be proactive in dealing with people who poach rhinos and elephants. "It is all of us who are supposed to be ambassadors of preserving wildlife," said Nambahu. China announced late last year a phased schedule to stop part of ivory processing and sales by March 31, 2017, and to eventually stop all ivory processing and sales by the end of 2017. DAKAR, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Senegal and The Gambia decided on Thursday to "give a new impulse" to their bilateral cooperation through arranging regular high-level meetings, Senegalese President Macky Sall said during a joint press conference with his visiting Gambian counterpart Adama Barrow. "In order to realize this shared desire to give a new impulse to our cooperation, we have given instructions to all ministers in order to avoid protocol burdens and to work directly on issues that concern the two countries as a whole", President Sall announced after having talks with President Barrow. According to the Senegalese president, given the dynamic and strengthened relations between Dakar and Banjul, a series of agreements will be signed during the visit of the Gambian president. "We will set up regular high-level meetings to examine joint projects and reduce any difficulties," Macky Sall said. He announced that the two countries have agreed to put an end to the illegal trafficking that fuel the insecurity between their countries. "We have agreed to put an end to trafficking, and we will put an end to it, whether it is trafficking in wood, drugs, or all kinds of trafficking that fuel insecurity in this region," affirmed President Macky Sall. Speaking of the wood trafficking trade between the two countries, the Senegalese head of state said he wanted to establish an organization of the sector to "avoid the destruction of the Casamance forest". "If we can organize dialogues between the two states, between the peoples of the sector of our two countries, we will be able to clean up the wood sector and allow a licit activity that could develop under the control of governments, environmental services of the two countries," he added. For his part, President Adama Barrow reaffirmed having discussed the wood trafficking with Gambian traders. According to him, the wood trade between Senegal and The Gambia should be regulated. "The trade in wood must be discussed between the two countries, Senegal has the wood, if it opens its doors, we can trade, and we are ready to discuss with Senegal the legal trade in wood," Barrow stressed. "There should be no fraud between the two countries, everything should happen normally," he added. The Gambian president Adama Barrow arrived on Thursday noon in Dakar for a three-day official visit to Senegal. Accompanied by his wife, he was welcomed at the airport by Senegalese president Macky Sall. Senegal played an active role during the political crisis in the Gambia after former president Yahya Jammeh refused to cede presidential power to Barrow. KHARTOUM, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and 40 humanitarian organizations on Thursday launched a campaign to aid the South Sudanese citizens who are facing famine. The HAC and the NGOs vowed to provide all possible assistance to aid the needy in South Sudan. The organizations, which launched the campaign, further urged the conflicting parties in South Sudan to stop the war to save the lives of their country's citizens. Meanwhile, Sudan's HAC Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed Adam announced that the Sudanese government has renewed the deal for transporting humanitarian assistance to South Sudan, which was signed two years ago between the Sudanese government, the World Food Programme and South Sudan, and which is renewed each six months. "Now we are looking into possibility of opening new passages to transport the humanitarian aid to South Sudan, where presently the assistance is transported through river transport," he said in a statement. He further reiterated that the Sudanese states on the border with South Sudan, which are receiving South Sudanese refugees, need urgent support, whether from international trends such as the United Nations or friendly countries. Earlier the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Khartoum announced that over 31,000 South Sudanese refugees arrived in Sudan during January and February this year. Recently famine was officially declared in South Sudan, where the South Sudanese government and the UN said 100,000 people are 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. KHARTOUM, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Despite the appointment of the Sudanese prime minister, it is viewed that great discrepancies endure between ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and political parties and forces regarding formation of the new government. Sudan has reinstated the post of prime minister for the first time in about 28 years, as First Vice-President Bakri Hassan Saleh took oath on Thursday, which earned full consensus of the political forces which participated in the national dialogue conference which concluded its sessions in October last year. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said that Saleh is in charge of the file of reformation of government institutions, as he spoke at a press conference the same day. However, al-Bashir acknowledged that there were difficulties ahead considering the formation of the new government. "We have not fixed a time ceiling for the announcement of the government. It is difficult to form a government under presence of more than 90 parties and more than 40 armed movements that participated in the national dialogue," he noted. Al-Bashir further noted that any political party or armed movement that participated in the national dialogue will be included in the government, whether at the executive or legislative levels, or in the central or state government. Meanwhile, secretary-general of the opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP), Ibrahim al-Sanousi, for his part, backed Saleh's appointment as prime minister, saying the appointment of a prime minister a first step toward the implementation of the national dialogue outcomes. The PCP, which was established by the late Sudanese political and religious leader Hassan al-Turabi, is the biggest political party that participated in the national dialogue conference. Nevertheless, the consensus which characterized the appointment of the new prime minister seems missing on the forthcoming formation of the government. To this end, Sudanese political analyst Abdul-Rahim Al-Sunni said that "the matter was easy regarding the appointment of the prime minister because there was a belief that the post is a right of the ruling party according to its electoral majority in 2015." "However, there are differences with regard to the formation of the government, where there are political forces objecting on the participation shares and see that the ruling party is keeping a mechanical majority to help it pass its policies," he noted. In January 2014, al-Bashir declared an initiative calling on the opposition parties and the armed groups to join a national dialogue to end the country's crises. The sessions of the dialogue kicked off in October 2015 in a bid to resolve the country's political and social issues. The conference was launched with the participation of a number of Sudanese political parties, civil society organizations and some Darfur armed groups. The dialogue's final national document covers principles of rule, public freedoms, identity, peace, unity, economy and external relations. It will be the base for the country's permanent constitution. Major political parties and armed movements refused to participate in the conference, including the Revolutionary Front Alliance, which brings together the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector and major Darfur armed movements. ROME, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Global food supply conditions are robust but access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts and drought, UN food agency FAO warned Thursday in a report. "This is an unprecedented situation. Never before have we been faced with four threats of famine in multiple countries simultaneously," said FAO Assistant Director-General Kostas Stamoulis. According to the new edition of FAO's Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, some 37 countries require external assistance for food, 28 of which in Africa as a result of lingering effects of last year's El Nino-triggered droughts. Protracted fighting and unrest is increasing the ranks of the displaced and hungry in other parts of the world, it said. Agricultural production is expected to rebound in southern Africa. At the same time, famine has been formally declared in South Sudan and the food security situation is of grave concern in northern Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. Conflicts and civil unrest in Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Myanmar and Syria are also exacerbating food insecurity conditions for millions of people as well affecting nearby countries hosting refugees. The drought in East Africa in late 2016 has heightened food insecurity in several countries in the sub-region, the report added. "It demands swift action which should consist of immediate food assistance but also livelihood support to ensure that such situations are not repeated," Stamoulis added. Attorney General-designate Jeff Sessions testifies at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 10, 2017.(Xinhua/Bao Dandan) WASHINGTON, March 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a Republican senator, spoke with Russian ambassador twice during Donald Trump's presidential campaign last year, and he didn't reveal it at Senate hearings for his confirmation, U.S. media reported Wednesday. Sessions spoke on the phone privately with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak from his office in September, said the reports. Two months before the phone talks, Sessions also met with Kislyak and talked to him informally when attending an event held at conservative think tank Heritage Foundation along with 50 other ambassadors, Sessions' spokeswoman Sara Isgur Flores admitted to local media. "It was short and informal," the spokeswoman said, adding that as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time, Sessions regularly met foreign ambassadors. "Last year, the Senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, (South) Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," Flores said in a statement. Sessions was not trying to mislead fellow senators when he said during his confirmation hearing that he had not had contacts with Moscow, the spokeswoman said. During the hearings, when asked what he would do if he learned a member of Trump's campaign had communicated with the Russian government over the course of the 2016 campaign, Sessions responded: "I'm not aware of any of those activities ... I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Protesters call for the resignation of US Attornry GeneralJeff Sessions in front of the Justice Department in Washington, DC, on March 2, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO) Officials at the Justice Department said Sessions did not consider his talks with Kislyak relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember their discussion in detail. The U.S. FBI is probing possible communications between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials. Sessions was an early Trump supporter and one of his top advisers during the campaign. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Wednesday night that if the FBI determines Trump's campaign illegally coordinated with Russia, Sessions should recuse himself from making the decision whether to pursue prosecutions. "If there were contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, they may be legitimate; they may be OK. I want to know what happened between the Trump campaign, the Clinton campaign and the Russians," Graham said on CNN. Meanwhile, Democrat Elijah Cummings, a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, called on Sessions to resign immediately. Trump's first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn stepped down last month after it was reported that he had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak in December, and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the details. RIO DE JANEIRO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Santos are prepared to listen to offers from Liverpool for highly rated teenager Rodrygo, according to media reports in Brazil. The 16-year-old is yet to establish himself in Santos' first team but is already being compared to former club greats Neymar and Robinho for his speed and dribbling skills. The Globoesporte news outlet reported on Thursday that Liverpool are willing to pay five million euros to sign the forward. Rodrygo is the youngest ever Brazilian player to secure a sponsorship deal with Nike, joining the sportswear giant when he was just 11 years old. According to reports, Santos are currently in talks sign the player on a long term contract with a buyout clause that exceeds Liverpool's offer. ZAGREB, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier on Thursday refused European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's position on an arbitration of border dispute between Croatia and Slovenia, saying it was as unacceptable. Stier said that under a Croatian parliament decision, the dispute over the Piran Gulf, off the two neighboring countries' coasts, now was a bilateral issue and Croatia decided to settle it via a bilateral agreement. The European Commission supported to resolve the border dispute between Croaita and Slovenia through an arbitration in the interest of both sides, Juncker said in an interview with Slovenia's news agency STA on Wednesday before his official visit to Ljubljana. Juncker said he hoped both sides would respect unconditionally the arbitration ruling when it was delivered. Juncker'position, Stier said, undermined the European Commission's authority because it was not within the European Commission's jurisdiction to resolve bilateral border disputes. Croatia has pulled out of the arbitration and this issue must now be solved bilaterally, Stier added. Croatia and Slovenia started arbitration procedure before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague (PCA) over disputes of sea borders of the Piran gulf in June 2014 under an agreement reached by two countries in 2009. However, Croatia withdrawn the arbitration in July 2015 after media revealed claimed secret call records between a judge at the PCA and the Slovenian representative in the court about lobbying other judges to influence the outcome of the arbitration in Slovenia's favor. Croatia is now seeking alternate avenues for resolving the issue, but Slovenia insists on sticking to border arbitration. Regarding disputes between the two countries on sea borders of Piran gulf, located on the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia claims at last 66 percent or more in the gulf, while Croatia claims 50 percent for itself. BRASILIA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday named Aloysio Nunes as the new foreign minister to replace Jose Serra, who stepped down last week for health reason. The announcement was made by presidential spokesperson Alexandre Parola, who said Nunes would take over on March 7. Nunes is a close ally of Serra in the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) and was former head of the Senate's Committee on Foreign Affairs. He travelled to Washington during the impeachment process of former president Dilma Rousseff last summer to inform the U.S. government on Brazil's political future. On Feb. 22, Serra presented his resignation, citing health problems that prevented him from making international travel demanded by the role. Expectations are that Nunes will continue Serra's conservative positions, including a tough line on socialist government in the region. SANAA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is the main ally with Shiite Houthi rebels, called the Yemeni army on Thursday to join Houthi fighters in border fighting against Saudi forces. The call, which was aired by Houthi-controlled state media, signaled Yemen's further escalating military tension with neighboring Saudi Arabia, which led a military coalition of mostly Arab countries in support to exiled Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against Houthi rebels. "I call the defense ministry to mobilize armed forces to front lines to reinforce popular forces (Houthis) in border battlefronts against Saudi forces," Saleh said in a speech in a meeting with senior leaders of his former ruling party, the General People's Congress. The defense ministry has been under Houthi control since Houthis seized the capital Sanaa in September 2014. However, the Yemeni national army has stayed neutral since then and also remained neutral after Houthis ousted internationally recognized President Hadi and forced him along with his government into exile. In his speech, Saleh also renewed his call to not conduct further peace talks with exiled President Hadi and his government, describing them as "mercenaries." The move clearly indicates further military escalation, particularly after repeated rounds of peace talks mediated by the United Nations have failed. Saleh's move came as battles on the border intensified over the past days, in which Saudi military forces have been trying to advance into the Yemeni northern province of Saada, the main stronghold of Houthi group and its religious leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Saudi-led coalition also mobilized forces and fighters loyal to Hadi's government off Red Sea port cities of neighbouring Hodeidah and Mokha in a bid to set siege on capital Sanaa, the second stronghold of Houthis and Saleh loyalists. Saleh was forced out of power in 2012, following a year of popular protests, led by Muslim Brotherhood, which later allied with President Hadi. Houthi fighters, who seized control of north Yemen, have been fighting Saudi Arabia on borders since the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 via an air and ground campaign. The campaign is attempting to restore power to expelled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. More than 10,000 Yemenis have been killed, with over three million displaced. FRANKFURT, March 2 (Xinhua) -- KION Group, German leading supplier of intralogistics solutions, recorded annual profits of 527.2 million euros in 2016, with the year-on-year growth of nearly 10 percent. The company released Thursday its result for the 2016 financial year, which hit new highs, with the yearly revenue growing by 9.6 percent to 5.3 billion euros as of last December. Thanks to the very positive result, the share of KION Group as a component of MDAX index, advanced markedly by over 2 percent Thursday at Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Industrial trucks and services segment covering forklift trucks, warehouse equipment and related services, which plays key role in KION's business, recorded income of 5.2 billion euros in 2016, 3.1 percent higher than the previous year. KION said its new truck orders rose by 7.5 percent last year, not only based on the sustained growth in western Europe, but also due to the positive trend in China. With Chinese Weichai Power as big shareholder and partner, KION carries considerable weight in Chinese market. KION's Chief Executive Officer Gordon Riske told Xinhua that the company would further focus on development and provision of electric forklift trucks in China, in order to meet tightening emissions standards, as well as on deepening collaboration with Chinese partners in field of e-Commerce. With Weichai Power's support, KION has accomplished the acquisition of the Luxembourg-headquartered automation and supply chain optimization company Dematic last year. KION thus extended its product portfolio ranging from forklift trucks to fully automated material handling systems. "Integration of Dematic is the key objective for 2017," Riske said. UNITED NATIONS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN food agency on Thursday reported strong harvests across the globe, but it also warned of drop in food access due to conflicts and droughts in some parts of the world, including Afghanistan, Burundi, South Sudan and Yemen. Despite robust food supply conditions, droughts are worsening food security across swathes of East Africa, and access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said in its new report "Crop Prospects and Food Situation," which was released on Thursday. "It shows that global harvests are strong, with cereal production making large strong gains in the world overall in 2016, a record recovery in Central America, and larger cereal crops in Asia, Europe and North America," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "However, access to food has been dramatically reduced in areas suffering civil conflicts, and drought conditions are worsening across parts of East Africa," he said. Thirty-seven countries require external assistance for food, with 28 of them in Africa, he added. In South Sudan, 100,000 people were facing famine in Leer and Mayendit Counties, part of former Unity state. Overall, about 4.9 million people across the country were classified as facing crisis, emergency or famine. In Yemen, 17 million people, or two-thirds of the population, are estimated to be food insecure. The report noted that "the risk of famine declaration in the country is very high." In northern Nigeria, 8.1 million people are facing acute food insecurity conditions, and in Somalia, an estimated 2.9 million people have been severely food insecure from six months ago. Conflicts and civil unrest in Afghanistan, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Myanmar and Syria are also exacerbating food insecurity conditions for millions of people as well as affecting nearby countries hosting refugees, said the report. Cereal production made quite strong gains in the world overall in 2016, with a record recovery in Central America, and larger cereal crops in Asia, Europe and North America. Prospects are favourable for the 2017 maize crop in Brazil and Argentina and the outlook is generally positive for coarse grains throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Prospects for rice are mixed, but it is still too early to make firm predictions for many of the world's major crops. Maize harvests in Southern Africa, slashed by El Nino, are forecast to recover this year, with South Africa's output expected to increase by more than 50 per cent from 2016. Although FAO's first global wheat production forecast for 2017 points to a 1.8 percent decline from last year's record level, that is due mostly to a projected 20 percent output drop in the United States. SKOPJE, March 2 (Xinhua) -- European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini on Thursday asked the President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov to reverse his decision and allow the head of Social Democratic Union party (SDSM) Zoran Zaev to form government. "The constitution of Macedonia says that the mandate should be given to the candidate belonging to the parties which have majority in the parliament. This is the constitution and we expect it to be respected," Mogherini told reporters Thursday following her meetings and discussions with political actors here. According to Mogherini, Macedonia should form a government as soon as possible and solve the prolonged political deadlock. However, Ivanov said that he couldn't give the mandate to Zaev considering that the SDSM leader "adopted a political platform which was adopted in a neighboring country." According to him, accepting such a platform would put Macedonia in a subservient position and undermined its unitary character. But Mogherini responded "Political players must be aware of the fact that Macedonia is a multi-ethnic state and the rights of everyone must be respected." Ali Ahmeti, the head of the largest ethnic Albanian party, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), told reporters after meeting Mogherini that institutional, systemic crisis in Macedonia must not turn into an ethnic one. Meanwhile, Zaev said Mogherini's visit a serious show of support for the European aspirations of Macedonia. "We are happy the EU remains committed to Macedonia's future as a full-fledged EU member," Zaev said in a press conference after a meeting with the top EU official. He said his 67 parliamentary mandates laid a solid democratic foundation to grant a mandate to form a government. Therefore, he said that he hoped the president would reconsider his decision. However, the ruling party VMRO-DPMNE led by Nikola Gruevski, said new elections would be the only way out of crisis. "The new snap elections would be the best way to stability and overcoming the political crisis," the party said in a press statement. UNITED NATIONS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN-backed narcotics control body on Thursday called upon governments to have a greater focus on women in drug policies, including the implementation of gender-sensitive drug policies and programs. Gender-sensitive drug policies and programs, better health-care access for drug-dependent women and more funding to prevent and treat drug abuse among women are needed, according to the Annual Report 2016, which was released today by the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "The report condemns the extrajudicial targeting of people suspected of illicit drug-related activity," Dujarric said. "It calls on States to abolish the death penalty for drug-related offences and encourages them to consider alternatives to imprisonment for minor drug-related offences." Citing a significant rise over the past year in the number of women dying from drug overdoses globally, the independent expert body which monitors governments' compliance with the United Nations international drug control treaties is today calling for the implementation of gender-sensitive drug policies and programmes. The INCB said that women and girls comprise one-third of global drug users yet are only one-fifth of those receiving treatment, as significant systemic, structural, social, cultural and personal barriers affect women's ability to access substance abuse treatment. Further, they are also more likely to be prescribed narcotics and anti-anxiety medication than men, and are thus more likely to abuse these medications. For example, Germany and Serbia have reported that fatal overdoses from prescription drugs are more frequent among women. Additionally, countries such as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have seen larger increases in overdoses, of all substances, among women than among men. Meanwhile, the new report also stressed that governments should prioritize providing health care for drug-dependent women, in addition to more funding and coordination to prevent and treat drug abuse among women. "We want to change perceptions and remind people, particularly policymakers, of the importance of protecting the rights of women who use drugs or who have committed drug-related offences and the rights of their families," said the organization's president, Werner Sipp, in a news release. The report also highlighted the importance of targeting prevention programmes to specific populations, such as prisoners, pregnant women, people living with HIV/AIDS, and sex workers. It noted that women prisoners and sex workers are at "particular risk" of drug use. Countries are also encouraged to seek alternatives to imprisonment for drug-related offences, such as treatment, rehabilitation and social integration. The INCB also repeated its longstanding call for countries to abolish the death penalty for drug-related offences. Among its other observations, the Board noted with "great concern" recent reports in some countries of the targeting of individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activity, including drug use, who have been subjected to violent acts of reprisal and murder at the hands of law enforcement personnel and members of the civilian population. COPENHAGEN, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Almost 3,000 people were rejected from entering Denmark in 2016 after the country ushered in border control to curb the inflow of illegal migrants at the beginning of the year, authorities announced on Thursday. According to the immigration authorities, a total of 2,901 people have been rejected at the Danish-German border in southern Jutland and by ferries on Lolland-Falster. Those from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea and Somalia accounted for almost half of the rejected. "This proves the necessity of the border control that we have introduced," the minister for immigration and integration Inger Stoejberg was quoted by the Danish news agency Ritzau as saying. The reasons for the rejection are lack of visas, residence permits or use of false papers, according to Ritzau. The temporary border control between Denmark and Germany was introduced at the beginning of 2016. It has since been extended several times, most recently until May 12 this year. LONDON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Eleven towns and cities in Britain, most of them off the tourist map, were named Thursday as bidders to be declared the next UK City of Culture. They are eager to wear the cultural crown in 2021, following in the footsteps of the northeast England seaport of Hull which is holding the title this year. The winner of the title is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and tourists, earning millions of dollars for the local economy. Included in the line-up is Britain's smallest city, St. David's in south Wales, with a population of less than 2,000. It is best known as the final resting place of St. David, the patron saint of Wales who was born in the year 500 AD. Stoke-on-Trent, known for potteries, is celebrated as the home of famous pottery works by master potters such as Wedgwood. The northern industrial town of Warrington, midway between the big cities of Liverpool and Manchester, is also in the race for the title. The town is best known for its World War II base for the U.S. military, which saw the town's Burtonwood area becoming Europe's biggest U.S. supply center. Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock announced the 11 bidders, which also includes Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Swansea and Wells. The National Heritage Lottery Fund is to give a prize of 3 million pounds to the winner to boost local heritage. Hancock said "UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth." Hull is the second city to host the title. Its program this year includes 365 days of cultural events. It is estimated that being the UK City of Culture 2017 will deliver a 60 million pound boost to Hull's economy this year. The city has also seen a 1 billion pound investment since winning the title in 2013. A shortlist of the bidding areas will be announced in the summer before the winning area is announced in December. VIENNA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Austrian parliament Thursday came to agreement on the establishment of a parliamentary investigation committee into the ongoing Eurofighter case, Austria Press Agency reported. The right-wing Freedom Party, which had initially called for more evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Airbus in its sale of the interceptor jets, finally gave its approval to the Greens Party, that had been the driving force in the push for a new investigation after protracted negotiations. It is to be the second such investigation into the case, after the first having taken place in 2006, also to uncover alleged inconsistencies. The two parties of the ruling coalition, the Social Democrats and the People's Party, have already given their backing for the parliamentary investigation committee to move forward, also having been behind a criminal complaint made in February that seeks to recover up to 1.1 billion euros (1.15 billion U.S. dollars) in damages. It was reported that further details on the investigation and a timetable of further proceedings are to be revealed at a press conference on Friday. LIMA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China, Canada and the U.S. will account for 53 percent of investments in the Peruvian mining sector in the next few years, according to the new guide for mining investments published Wednesday. The guide, which was produced by Peru's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) and Ernst & Young, showed that China will be the leading foreign investor in 2017-2018, with its companies planning to spend 10.189 billion U.S. dollars, or 21.6 percent of the total. Canada will come in second place with 8.755 billion U.S. dollars, or 18.6 percent, and the U.S. in third with 6.55 billions, or 12.8 percent. Chinese investments include the expansion of the Marcona iron mine in the southern region of Ica at a cost of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars, which is to be completed by December 2019. This will increase the mine's production to 3.5 million metric tons. Jinzhao Mining is planning to invest 1.5 billion U.S. dollars at Pampa de Pongo mine, to complete an environmental impact assessment and begin production by 2021. ROME, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Italy is in a phase of growth and recovery but it needs to be accompanied by Europe, Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Thursday at the end of a meeting in Rome with Joseph Muscat, prime minister of Malta, current holder of the EU Presidency. "Italy is in a phase of growth and recovery also in terms of employment and jobs, and yet we know that this growth, this new employment capacity are limited and gradual, they need to be accompanied,"Gentiloni said during a joint press conference. " So we think about a Europe that is from this point of view the framework needed to help this growth, to accompany this ability to create new jobs that our country finally is showing, thanks to the work done in recent years," he said. The two prime ministers discussed the celebrations to be held on March 25 in Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. The Treaties of Rome, signed on March 25, 1957, were the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community. They were signed by the six founding Member States: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the Federal Germany. Gentiloni also said that the declaration they are working on for this occasion will outline the results achieved by European Union and its prospects over the next 10 years. "It will be a very important occasion and we have been working together for weeks to give a sign of relaunch at a time that many call difficult," he said, pointing out there are difficulties and divisions but also potentialities. According to Gentiloni, he discussed with Muscat issues related to the Middle East, the Mediterranean, immigration and the situation in Libya. Concerning the recent agreement reached with Libya on migrations, Muscat said "We have for the first time a framework on which we can work about the immigration subject. It is not perfect, but I think it is the most important point that Europe has ever reached in terms of migration and in terms of the control of migration flows from the Central Mediterranean." Attorney General-designate Jeff Sessions testifies at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Jan. 10, 2017. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan) WASHINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday he will recuse himself from any current or future investigations into Russia's possible link with Donald Trump's presidential campaign, one day after media reports revealed he spoke with Russian Ambassador twice last year but didn't reveal it at the Senate hearings for his confirmation. "I did meet with one Russian official a couple of times", he said at a press conference Thursday afternoon, while dismissing any accusation that he tried to mislead the Senate about his contacts with Russia. "That is not my intent. That is not correct", he said. His agreement to step aside from such probes "should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation," Sessions added. Earlier on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he has "total" confidence in Sessions over the controversy though he "wasn't aware" that Sessions, the then Republican senator, had contact with Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States at the time. But bipartisan pressure for Sessions to resign or step aside from such investigations is mounting as top Democrats at the Capitol, Nancy Pelosi in the House and Chuck Schumer in the Senate, urged him to depart. Sessions lied under oath at the Senate hearings, Pelosi accused earlier Thursday. Schumer said the Justice Department should appoint a special prosecutor to examine whether the ongoing probe has been compromised by Sessions. Sessions spoke on the phone privately with Russian Ambassador to Washington from his office in September, said media reports Wednesday night. Two months before the phone talk, Sessions also met with Kislayk and talked to him informally when attending an event held at conservative think tank Heritage Foundation along with 50 other ambassadors, Session's spokeswoman Sara Isgur Flores has confirmed. "It was short and informal," the spokeswoman said Wednesday night, adding that as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time, Sessions regularly met foreign ambassadors. "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It's false", Sessions released a statement around midnight in a failed attempt to count down the new wave of political storm. During the Senate hearings earlier this year, when asked what he would do if he learned a member of Trump's campaign had communicated with the Russian government over the course of the 2016 campaign, Sessions responded: "I'm not aware of any of those activities ... I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Officials at the Justice Department said Sessions did not consider his talks with Kislyak relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember their discussion in detail. Sessions was an early Trump supporter and one of his top advisers during the New York billionaire's campaign last year. Trump's first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn stepped down last month after it was reported that he had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak in December, and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the details. QUITO, March 2 (Xinhua)-- The opposition candidate seeking to become president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, is continuing to gather support with other parties ahead of the second round of the presidential election on April 2. Lasso, the right-wing candidate facing Lenin Moreno from the ruling PAIS Alliance, met Thursday with former presidential candidate, Abdala Bucaram Pulley, leader of the Fuerza Ecuador movement. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Bucaram Pulley said about a potential alliance that "we are in a conversation in which we have asked for our positions in benefit of the more humble sectors (of society) be respected. If this is given, then, we could take a decision in the coming days." Bucaram Pulley, son of former President Abdala Bucaram, finished fifth in the first round of the presidential elections on Feb. 19, with 4.82 percent of the vote. Lasso, a former banker and leader of the conservative CREO party, has also obtained the support of Cinthya Viteri, from the Christian Social Party, who finished third with 16.32 percent in the first round. In an interview with Chilean radio on Thursday, Lasso said he had also sought this alliance to strengthen electoral control in the second round. "The Christian Social Party has contested many local and national elections. Therefore, it has a lot of experience in terms of electoral control," he explained. Lasso is also set to hold a meeting with Paco Moncayo, a former army general, who finished fourth with 6.71 percent. Moncayo, a former mayor of the capital Quito, represented the National Pact for Change, a coalition of left-wing parties and movements. With the support of all these parties, analysts believe Lasso would have an advantage to take the win away from Moreno in the second round. According to results released by National Electoral Council (CNE), with 99.5 percent of the votes tabulated, Moreno won 39.3 percent of the vote, while Lasso had 28.1 percent in the first round. ROME, March 2 (Xinhua) -- An avalanche Thursday hit a group of freeride skiers in the Aosta Valley region, in the north of Italy, leaving three people dead and others injured, according to local media. An Italian, a Belgian and a German lost their life. Among the injured are Italian and German citizens. The avalanche occurred in Val Veny, near the town of Courmayeur. The group was composed of 18 people of different nationalities. Some skiers reportedly saved themselves by activating an airbag. Injured were sent to an Aosta hospital. Rescue operations were carried out by Aosta Valley Mountain Rescue operators, specialized teams of the financial police and the armed police, doctors and two helicopters. Adriano Favre, head of the Aosta Valley Mountain Rescue, told the daily La Repubblica that the group might be too large for the current weather conditions, that include a strong and hot wind. Another avalanche hit the region in the Colle San Carlo area. Two ski mountaineers were involved but escaped safely. DAMASCUS, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The victory of the Syrian army and allied fighters with the help of the Russians in Palmyra city against the Islamic State (IS) group proves that the government forces are capable of dealing defeats to the terror-labeled group in other areas in Syria. The Syrian army backed by Russian air force and ground forces of the Lebanese Hezbollah group wrested back control over the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria, as part of a series of victories the military forces have recently achieved against IS. In a statement, the army said "This importance of this achievement emanates from the cultural and historic value of Palmyra," adding that the victory in Palmyra against IS also coincides with the victories of the Syrian army in the eastern countryside of Aleppo against IS. "These victories deal a big blow to the terrorist group, which has started to retreat under the strikes of the Syrian army and allied forces," it said. Capturing Palmyra constitutes a base for expanding the campaign against IS on many fronts and also helps suffocate the group's supply lines, it said. "The Syrian army and its allies are today more determined to continue the operations against IS and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front as well as other likeminded groups until restoring security and stability to every inch of the homeland," the statement concluded. Observers believe that recapturing Palmyra is a big military and political achievement to the Syrian army, and gives a message that the Syrian army is ready to fight more battles against the IS group, including in al-Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS. "While all the reports are speaking about the Kurdish and Turkish race to attack al-Raqqa, the Syrian army gave a message today that it could be the force taking that city from IS," Maher Ihsan, a political analyst and journalist, told Xinhua. He said the army proved that it's the reliable force capable of making gains on ground, "particularly that it's the legitimate force to retake areas from IS, because it's Syria, and it's common sense that the Syrian army should be the one retaking those areas, not the Turkish forces, or any other rebel group." Ahmad al-Ashqar, another analyst, said that this victory also empowers the stance of the Syrian army in the currently-underway Geneva talks, which has been ongoing since last week with no tangible outcome. "It's a political victory too... the Syrian delegation there can negotiate from a power point after the victories against IS in different area, especially that the government delegation there spoke of the need to prioritize countering terrorism as a prelude for political settlement," he said. The victory in Palmyra completes other victories by the army against IS, mainly in the eastern countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria. The Syrian army has captured large swathes of territories from IS in eastern Aleppo countryside, reaching areas under the control of the Kurdish-backed rebel and continuing its progress against IS in that part of the country. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said that the Syrian army captured 11 new towns on Thursday in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. It added that the IS control in eastern Aleppo countryside is shrinking as a result of the Syrian military operation, which is backed by the Russians and Hezbollah. The UK-based watchdog group said that Syrian forces are moving toward stripping IS of the town of Khafseh, on the western bank of the Euphrates River. It said the town feeds Aleppo city with water. Meanwhile, the Observatory said that explosions are still being heard in Palmyra as the army is sweeping the city to clean the city of explosive devices and roadside bombs left by IS there. CHICAGO, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Federal agents searched three facilities of heavy machinery giant Caterpillar on Thursday, including the company's headquarter in Peoria, Illinois, according to an attorney office spokeswoman in Illinois. Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office for the Central District of Illinois, told Xinhua in a telephone interview that federal law enforcement officials conducted three searches in Caterpillar facilities located in Peoria and Morton, Illinois. The officers involved in the activities were from Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division, Office of Export Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Caterpillar said it was "cooperating" with federal agencies' searches in the company's Peoria-area facilities, according to local reports. A video posted by local media Peoria Journal Star on Thursday showed seven people wearing jackets marked "IRS Special Agent" or "Police Federal Agents" entering the Caterpillar headquarters, with several armed and others pulling large black roller bags. The heavy machinery giant's overseas business practice and tax strategy have fallen into federal scrutiny in recent years. The IRS proposed about 1 billion U.S. dollars' penalties and tax in connection to Caterpillar's subsidiary based in Switzerland. A senate investigation found in 2014 that the company used its Swiss affiliate to avoid paying more than 2.4 billion U.S. dollars in tax. Photo provided by Singapore embassy. By Zhou Xin BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhuanet) --- Singapore and China enjoy a long-standing and unique friendship, underpinned by close people-to-people ties and substantive and multi-faceted cooperation, said Stanley Loh Ka Leung, Singapores Ambassador to China during a recent interview with Xinhuanet. Loh spoke highly of Chinas remarkable progress in economic development in the past few years such as the bold plans for economic transformation by promoting greater domestic consumption, innovation, entrepreneurship, SOE reforms and sustainable development. It has become even more important for Singapore and China to signal "our commitment to economic integration, free trade and investment against the backdrop of anti-globalization voices in some countries," said the Ambassador. If countries become isolationist or protectionistic, nobody will win, he stressed. Speaking of the bilateral cooperation, Loh noted that Singapore has been supporting the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Belt and Road Initiative by providing financial and project management services for regional infrastructure projects. He held the Initiative can promote regional trade and investment, enhance regional infrastructure, strengthen mutual understanding and trust. Beyond infrastructure, the Initiative also focuses on aspects of connectivity such as financial, information and policy connectivity, he said. The Ambassador sees great potential for future bilateral cooperation. Singapore can be an effective springboard for Chinese digital companies in search of new markets and opportunities in the Southeast Asia region, he explained. Singapore has also been working closely with China in promoting education cooperation, tourism, as well as in other areas, the Ambassador pointed out. Building on our strong foundations, we look forward to working closely with our Chinese friends to take our special friendship to the next level in 2017, said the Ambassador. Locust warning in effect This session was coordinated by the Ministrys Regional Administration South Division (Victoria County Agricultural Office) and facilitated by the Agricultural Assistant III (with direct responsibility for the Locust Control Programme), Rudy Ramdass. Gangapersad, Agricultural Officer I, Victoria, acknowledged that the Ministrys efforts were supplemented as there were some farmers who had become very proactive in the management of their own holdings either through their purchase and application of chemicals and/ or by their active surveillance and responsible reporting of the locusts. Farmers at the session were informed of life cycle of the locust and the concomitant control strategy that the ministry has been employing. The Ministry continues to effect its pest management strategy to treat the Marac, Moruga Food Crop Project (La Savanne), Cachipe, St. Marys, Santa Maria and Edward Trace areas. To report sightings of the Moruga locust and for additional information on the agricultural pest, please call the Victoria County Agricultural Office in Princes Town at Dr Dass, the brick-maker But central Trinidad doctor and past president of the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (TTMA), Dr Rohit Dass, 49, chose a brick factory as his next area of investment. He already owns a medical centre (Freeport Medical Centre); a health care distribution company (RD Global Marketing and Distribution); and a home for the aged (Wings of Care). So how exactly does a doctor become a brick-maker? Business Day asked Dass during an interview at his office at Freeport Medical Centre. I always had this dream of making something unique, Dass says, adding, I mean you can always buy something and sell it back so we were thinking of so many different products when we did an analysis of what was happening in Trinidad in 2012, and we realised that the construction industry was doing extremely well, and hence the reason why we thought about manufacturing bricks. His family considered several business options which included the manufacturing of garments or the importation of clothes to be sold on the retail market. Dass continues: We were thinking about diversifying, going into other areas of business, but we found that the clothing industry was already clustered and construction was doing very well so we are very excited about this project. The project--- RD Premium Bricks Limited--- began in 2013 and is due to be completed and commissioned by April. This is a brick plant that is supposed to produce four-inch, six-inch, and eight-inch concrete bricks and its one of the newer machines. Its known as a Colombia 1600 machine and is a fully automated machine and has a capacity of 30,000 blocks per 12- hour shift , he says. The factory is located at Demerara Road, Arima on fi ve acres of land. Dass estimates here are three major block factories operating in Trinidad so the competi tion is not very high. He explains during the construction phase, the plant employs 43 workers and when operational will employ 36 administrative and technical full time staff members. Asked about the projects cost, Dass, who will hold the post of chief executive officer and general manager, laughs saying, Its a very costly project. The blocks, he explains, will be sold directly to hardware stores, construction companies and the regional market. Dass was born in Caparo and attended Presentation College, Chaguanas. He was one of the fi rst persons from his village to win a national scholarship in 1988. After working at San Fernando General Hospital, he entered into private practice at Freeport in 2000, as a single doctors office which mushroomed into Freeport Medical Centre in 2007. We had a nice smooth upward climb where we started off as a single doctors office, and now we are a one-stop shop where we provide all the basic services - X-ray, ultra sound, full lab services, drug testing, and minor surgery, Dass says. The centre also provides mammography testing for breast cancer, which Dass observes is very common in women. Asked about the prevalence of medical clinics sprouting up around the country, he says this is due to the public perception that they are not receiving proper health care at public health institutions. The Ministry of Health, he says, faces a very challenging situation regarding the delivery of health care, and notes the answer lay in a partnership between the public and private sectors. His medical centre has already partnered with the Health Ministry to provide kidney dialysis treatment and is willing to expand the partnership to provide CT scan and stress testing services to the public. Dass notes his investments, including the brick factory, represents his faith in the economy saying there are opportunities available to entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in the nations future. Our Heritage assets Tobago on the other hand, continues to offer a more traditional island holiday. There has also been some emphasis on eco-tourism and that seems to be very successful. However, judging from the neglect of our historic buildings and sites, it is clear that we have overlooked the revenue stream that could flow from celebrating our historic patrimony. The City of London earns an average of ?15 million per year and is probably the worlds best example of a city that generates substantial tourism revenue from the preservation and management of its historic buildings. Closer to home there are numerous examples of economically sustainable tourism sites in the Caribbean Devon Hall in Jamaica, Brimstone Hill in St Kitts, Nelsons Dockyard in Antigua and Sunbury Plantation House in Barbados. The historic buildings and heritage sites of Trinidad and Tobago are the backdrop to our unique culture and there are tremendous rewards to be earned if we were to restore and maintain our historic sites and buildings and put them to adaptive re-use as museums and places of interest. The combination of architectural designs and detailed craftsmanship make our historic buildings, from the leepay hut to Knowsley House, are nothing short of treasured works of art. By preserving them and acknowledging that they comprise our heritage assets, we ensure not only a glimpse into the past but set the tone for our future. Unfortunately, the majority of these beautiful buildings and sites have been neglected through an ignorance of their importance as historical landmarks and the basis of our cultural identity. As a result, many have either been demolished or are in a terrible state of decay. It is indeed lamentable that as a people from the man on the street to officialdom we lack this basic understanding of the great value of our heritage assets. This ignorance in turn means that we miss the opportunities to tap into their tremendous economic potential. It becomes a moot point whether the attendant neglect of our heritage has also contributed to the decline of our holistic values as a society. In the last few years only, there have been some unfortunate events that penetrated public consciousness. The levelling of the old Greyfriars church on Frederick Street and the home of the late dance icon Beryl McBurnie have left a bitter taste. Some hope has been rekindled with the promises from Government that restoration work on five historical buildings Presidents House, the Red House, Whitehall, Stollmeyers Castle and Mille Fleurs - will be given top priority over the next five years. Undoubtedly this will present some challenges in the face of falling government revenue, but if this is viewed as an investment rather than simple expenditure the task can be accomplished. In the meantime, however, there remains a singular lack of appreciation for the value of many old and unique structures; structures that represent the way of life of bygone eras. It is imperative that as we mature as a society, we weave the threads of our past and future together to better appreciate the unique nature of Trinidad and Tobago. International Womens Day The day commemorates the achievements of women worldwide and brings awareness to political and social struggles of women with the goal that things will change for the better in the future. Over the past few decades, women around the world have made remarkable strides in entering the workforce and their wealth is rising. In the Caribbean, women are very influential in government as many have attained positions of power and high responsibility, with The Bahamas, Grenada and Saint Lucia all having female Heads of State at present. But sadly, more than a decade of data has revealed that progress is still too slow for realising the full potential of women globally within our lifetimes. In the World Economic Forums latest Global Gender Gap Report 2016 which measures the relative gaps between women and men across four key areas: health, education, economy and politics, the data showed only two regionsWestern Europe and North Americahave a remaining gender gap of less than 30 percent, at 25 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Latin America and the Caribbean and Eastern Europe and Central Asia are virtually tied at a remaining gender gap of exactly 30 percent each. The research shows the gaps between women and men on economic participation and political empowerment remain wide. According to the report, at the current rate of change, and given the widening economic gender gap since last year, it will not be closed for another 170 years. In the Caribbean, Barbados (28 percent) remains among the best-performing countries in the region and the world on closing the Economic Opportunity gender gap, achieving parity at the level of female legislators, senior officials and managers. It continues to take the top rank among the Caribbean nations, followed by the Bahamas (37 percent) and Trinidad and Tobago (44 percent), which share similar profiles. Notably, Jamaica and Barbados have reached gender parity in senior roles, with Jamaica (42 percent) continuing to improve on Political Empowerment with an increased share of women in parliament. Many girls across the Caribbean and Latin America now have better access to education. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, access to secondary and tertiary education increased in 2015. In fact, for years, theres been a steady 70-30 ratio in favour of women at the University of the West Indies, a public university system serving 18 Caribbean countries and territories. Positively, of the 144 countries the research measured more than 95 percent of the gap in educational attainment, an improvement of almost one full percentage point since last year and the highest value ever measured by the Index. Women with higher levels of education also show higher rates of economic participation. The progressive developments in learning and employment could act as drivers for improving gender diversity, as well as social mobility, in the Caribbean and around the world. But despite this success, inequality is still present in many countries. Todays organisations cannot afford to sit still on this issue and have a responsibility to do more to speed this up. Strategically, it should be on their radars. According to the EY women in industry 2016 report, future growth will increasingly come from women. By 2020, nearly a billion women will have the potential to enter the global economy for the first time. Business and finance is an industry in desperate need for more gender equality. Theres disproportionate number of leadership roles are currently being held by male employees around the world. But evidence is clear on how much businesses are losing out on this state of affairs. In 2016, the Peterson Institute for International Economics reported that 30 percent female representation on boards could add up to six percentage points to its net margin. Talent management is a top priority for businesses, which must ensure that they have the right staff to carry out their business effectively. Achieving greater gender diversity in teams will not only improve firms talent pools but also help to future proof organisations. Finance professionals are crucial to steering businesses towards successful futures. After all accounting is the backbone of the business financial world. Through contributing to discussions about economic growth, managing finances and promoting good financial management, they enable leadership teams successfully navigate businesses through tough times ahead and take advantage of circumstances Right now, ACCA has 480,000 students around the world studying hard to become professional accountants. Currently 54 percent of them are female, a percentage that is growing year-on-year. These finance professionals will be a part of the growing number women in the workforce. The strength of the qualification and their dedication to pursuing finance careers is not only a step in the right direction towards gender equality, but also a necessity in providing professional accountants the world needs. ACCA was established in 1904 specifically to open up access to accountancy and that ethos has been spread to over 178 countries. Although more women are joining the accountancy profession, there is more work to do if we are to turn a corner, but now could be the perfect time. ACCA and the accountancy profession itself, is certainly leading the way. In celebration of International Womens Day ACCA Caribbean will host a womens conference on Wednesday, March 8 at the Hyatt Regency. The programme will include presentations and panel discussions intended to inspire solution oriented dialogue around the theme Be Bold For Change and will feature presentations by Christine Sahadeo, ACCA member, senior lecturer/deputy dean at the University of the West Indies, Racquel Moses, ACCA portfolio head, Europe and Americas, Stacy-Ann Golding, ACCA member, partner, Audit, KPMG Trinidad and Tobago, Akosua Dardaine Edwards, author, speaker, entrepreneur and Carole Eleuthere- Jn Marie, ACCA member, interim CEO, First Citizens Bank, Barbados. The value of naughty names The readers question was I am a First Secretary, and I have seen my principal (Ambassador) not address other diplomats by name, sometime resulting in an embarrassing scenario. How can I address this without being considered insubordinate? This is a very realistic and wonderful question as I too, at times, find myself grappling to place names to faces. The scenario presented has the potential to create quite the embarrassing moment, particularly if you are in fact hosting an event you will not be expected to remember all invitees, however, it certainly helps to ensure you are well prepared. In my stint within the diplomatic community, as a Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on one or two occasions, I was required to represent the Minister of Foreign Affairs at an engagement if he could not make it. Many times, this would be a short notice request, and nevertheless required a significant level of preparation and readiness. I made it a note to ensure that each individual of rank that I met, I would (and should) greet by the appropriate name. How was this done? Here were a few techniques used then: Do you recall the movie The Devil wears Prada? The protagonists assistants were required to be at her side to remind her of the names she may have forgotten this is not a far-fetched scenario. On the occasions I was asked to deputize for my senior, I ensured that I was accompanied by a senior assistant who would have been more acquainted with the diplomatic community, and as such, would be able to assist with the placement of names to faces if the need arose. This support would be provided in the most discreet manner, leaving the principal (myself) appearing to be in complete control of his/her event always remember, there is nothing as sweet as the sound of someones name to their own ears. Another technique is repeating the persons name when first meeting them. This will aid in the process of recall if your paths may cross again. It is simple, meet, greet, and repeat! When meeting someone, it is always helpful to make familiar connections to the persons face and name, so if you should meet again, the ease of recall happens with ease. Essentially this means that a visual connection can be made with the face to the name, for example, if I met Shirley for the first time, and Shirley has a striking feature, I will use that visual notation for recall, ie striking feature/Shirley with the striking feature. The use of alliterations sometimes aids in the process of recall. For example, Cool Chris, or Naughty Nicole. One of the techniques shared with me at the European School of Protocol was to ensure to make little notations at the back of business cards collected, including where you may have met the person, the date, and the event. This really provides a good base as you may be attending a similar event with a similar guest list. It always helps to revisit your collection of call cards and briefly review your notes, as you will become perfectly prepared for your many interactions, and the likelihood exists that many of the persons with whom you may have previously interacted, would be at the same event, giving you a wonderful platform to re-introduce yourself, remember pertinent details of any previous interactions and appear completely prepared. Overpowering absenteeism The ECA recognises that in times of economic uncertainty employers need to effectively manage the use of resources and, in particular, the most important resource, the human resource. To ensure that the organisations remain efficient and competitive in these times, the employer needs to be innovative in presenting ways to keep the workers engaged. Attendance does not equate engagement or productivity. However, by attending work regularly and making a solid contribution, the employees can add value to the bottom line and help the organisation to achieve its overall organisational goals. The Industrial Relations Act Chapter 88:01, informs all workers in Trinidad and Tobago are allowed to take at least two days sick leave without any supporting medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Employees are infamously known to often take advantage of this and abuse the system by strategically absenting themselves from the workplace to extend long weekends or simply to have additional time to conduct personal business. Additionally, the Minimum Wages Order enshrines the right to vacation leave and sick leave but unfortunately, these rights are not always used in the most responsible manner. Supervisors have the responsibility of tracking the employees absences to notice any trends in their attendance and speak to the employee regarding the observation. As management, the Supervisor should also highlight it to the Human Resource Department to ensure that it is documented. Documentation is key when executing progressive discipline. Each organisation should have an absenteeism policy which clearly sets forth the criteria for absences which are allowed, and what behaviour will subject the employee to discipline. A predetermined plan should be available to execute if and when the time comes that you must take steps to address excessive absenteeism. Employees should be aware of that plan and it should be communicated via staff meetings, workshops and even on the companys notice boards. Once the supervisor along with the HR personnel believe that the employee has legitimate reasons for their absences, the organisation should consider other options for employees such as flexitime programs and even counselling if necessary. In summary, a strong communication effort to improve everyones understanding of roles and expectations should be present. A mechanism to track absences and gather valuable data, and consistently applied processes will collectively go a long way in reducing instances of absenteeism and lost productivity. Even with the implementation of company policies, and especially in Trinidad and Tobago, we are subjected to the dominance of practice over policy. Thus, it is important that the employer make sure to train all supervisors and managers to ensure that the policy is being fairly applied. The information presented here is intended as reference only. In this regard, the Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago and the Employers Solution Centre do not represent the information herein to be definitive or all-inclusive No leads in double murder The bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition when discovered in their home at the corner of Gonzalez Street and SS Erin Road. Yesterday, Doodnath not only extended his personal condolences to the grieving family but also on behalf of the business fraternity. He described the Bernard women as, two of the most decent people you can find in Siparia. As former chairman of the regional corporation, Doodnath said he interacted with the elder Bernard on several occasions. I am very saddened by their deaths because I would have known them before. I would have had cause to interact with them. It is a very tragic time. We are hoping the police will bring those who have committed such a heinous act to justice. Speaking in his capacity as chamber president, he added: We are very concerned about the increase in criminal activity in Siparia and our intentions are to continue to work with them to bring closure to issues like these. Doodnath told Newsday while Bernard was never a member of the business chamber, she was a business person who many years ago operated a thriving poultry shop in the heart of Siparia. Yesterday, autopsies done at the Forensic Science Centre, St James revealed that both women died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Investigators said the mansion which the mother and daughter shared was ransacked leading police to believe among the motives behind the double murder could be robbery. They said other leads are also being pursued. Newsday also learnt that a handyman who was well-known to the women was among one of the first persons to be questioned. However he was not detained. Residents yesterday described the Bernards as devout Catholics who although they kept to themselves, were very charitable in the community. Kathy Ann, Newsday was told, had returned from Florida a few years ago to take care of her elderly mother. On Tuesday night, the womans three children arrived in Trinidad to take care of funeral arrangements Carnival 2017 crime rate very good Dulalchan said that any gaps that the TTPS needs to tighten to protect its officers from such occurrences will be tightened. Regarding the overall crime rate for Carnival 2017, he said that it was very good. He continued, The TTPS will like to take this opportunity to thank all Carnival stakeholders such as the National Carnival Commission and its umbrella organisations in mas, pan and calypso, as well as key security stakeholders, including the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the fusion centre (Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre), the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service, Customs and Excise, Immigration Division, ODPM, the Municipal Police and Traffic Wardens. The police service also wants to extend its praises and appreciation to masqueraders and the general public for being responsible, considerate and caring during the carnival period. Overall, there were fifteen serious reported crimes, an eleven percent reduction from Carnival 2016. The fifteen crimes that took place fell into the following categories: a homicide, three woundings, three shootings with intent, three larceny, three robberies with violence, one assault with intent to rob and a larceny of motor vehicle. Dulalchan said that these events took place between midnight Carnival Monday and midnight Carnival Tuesday, and 182 persons were arrested for various offences. There were no reports, according to him, of sexual offences against women. On police performance during Carnival celebrations, Dulalchan said that there was an eight to ten percent absenteeism rate throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The fight for Carnival The annual re-enactment of this battle, which took place last Friday contained its usual elements of stickfighting, flambeaux, African drumming, tamboo bamboo, a parade of traditional Carnival characters and the story of the riots of 1881. Piccadilly Street, Portof- Spain, burned alive with history. Here are some memories of what this years re-enactment of the Canboulay riots looked like. WICKED WAYS During his homily at the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Port-of-Spain, Fr Harris said, my dear friends, I am not a person who sees Gods punishing hand in every unfortunate circumstance of life. But history does say to us that some unfortunate circumstances are indeed the punishment of God for our unrepentant wickedness. Citing the story of Fatima and World Wars I and II as evidence, Harris urged worshippers to pray to God, to spare us. As Ambassadors for Christ let us proclaim the message of seeking reconciliation with God, not only by our prayer, our words and advice but much more by our way of life. He urged the congregation to reconcile with those they may have offended or been offended by. Let us as disciples and imitators of Christ Jesus take up the cross for our nation. Let us do this as the Gospel reading suggests, not to impress others but so that the heavenly Father will see the likeness of His Son in us and redeem our land. Harris said the Ash Wednesday liturgy of placing ashes on the forehead echoes the Ancient Jewish tradition of wearing ashes to represent mourning, fasting and repentance. It symbolised grief especially grief over sin that causes division from God and destruction of self as an individual and a nation. My dear friends come to have the ashes put on your heads if you are genuinely grieving for the state of our nation and wish to do whatever is necessary to turn things around. This is a commitment to carrying the cross of each day as you strive to forget self and live seeking the good of others and that of our nation. Earlier, Harris said that after the good and bad of Carnival, now is the time to take stock of who we are. My dear friends, these two months of the year 2017 have been the bloodiest in our history. The recession has hit us with ensuing job losses and the gap between rich and poor widening every day. While some of us live very well, he added, an increasing number of persons, many of them our relatives and friends, are finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet. There is a rise in hopelessness but as Christians we do not allow ourselves to lose heart. We turn to God and listen to His Word, so that this Word may remind us of who we are, may strengthen us, may give us courage and ultimately fill us with joy. Quoting the First Commandment, Thou shalt have no other gods before me, Harris said that TT has created other gods of money, pleasure and power. Money has led TT into problems such as illicit drugs, arms and human trafficking and corruption. We have forgotten the scriptures which say to us, the love of money is the root of all evil, and that, we cannot serve God and money. Despite all that afflicts us, because we are ambassadors for Christ, we bring a message of peace from our God, the true God, who in spite of our infidelity still reaches out to us. Harris said God is calling us. Come back to Me with all your heart, fasting, weeping and mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn. Turn to the Lord your God again, for He is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness and ready to relent, he said as many in the congregation said, Amen. OWTU and Petrotrin talks break down In a telephone interview yesterday, Roget said the Industrial Court judge, at the last conciliation session last week, had indicated that case management discussions would take place in preparation for open court. Case management pertains to the directions which would be applied to both parties prior to a full hearing of the case by the Court. However, Roget said there is still an opportunity for conciliation and conclusion of negotiations meaning its not over until its over should the company present an improved position. Meanwhile, in a media release, Petrotrin confirmed that both the parties will continue their meetings at the court today prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on January 9, 2017. While parties are still in discussion, Petrotrin reiterates its commitment to participating fully in this process and to engaging with employees and their representatives. We continue to strive for a solution that is in the best interest of all employees and that ensures the viability, survivability and sustainability of Petrotrin, the company stated. However, Roget recalled that the company had offered a one percent increase for the final year of the negotiating period 2011-2014 and which would have been implemented in 2019. The union position is that we responded to their offer of the one percent by rejecting it because that additional one percent is to be implemented in 2019, he said. At the same time you have a negotiations period before the court now for 2014-2017, it have two negotiations period before the court, 2011-2014 for which we are still waiting and 2014- 2017 before the court- that is the one we served strike notice on and so for the final year of 2011-2014, the company is saying that it should be implemented in the year 2019, Roget said. Now obviously that could not have cut it with the union, he said, and noted that both parties had examined Petrotrins operational aspects to determine where its production levels could be increased and had determined that an increase of 2,500 barrels could be achieved over time. Already through that initiative we have begun to see 1,050 barrels additional and as time goes on, we would reach the sustain increased production of 2,500, he said, adding that inefficiencies had also been examined to save the company some $200 million in wastages. He said the Minister of Finance was behind the one percent offer and called for his removal as both Finance Minister and acting Energy Minister Arizona dumps preposterous protest bill after public outcry The Leader of the Arizona House has has dropped a proposed bill that overstepped the boundaries protecting citizens Freedom of Peaceful Protest in an attempt to crack down on paid protestors. According to the Arizona Capital Times, SB1142 expanded the states racketeering laws, now aimed at organized crime, to also include rioting. It redefines what constitutes rioting to include actions that result in damage to the property of others. If Bill had been passed, it would have given the Government the right to criminally prosecute and seize the assets of everyone who planned or participated in a protest. At the heart of the Bill was concern that it would give police new power to arrest anyone who is involved in a peaceful demonstration that may turn disastrous even before anything happens. We have all seen how quickly peaceful protests can turn sour. The recent UC Berkley Riots caused nearly $100,000 in damages and numerous physical assaults. In Soros-backed Black Lives Matter protests weve seen neighborhoods destroyed and looted. None of us are naive enough to think that these protests are 100% organic grass roots movements, but the implications of the bill were not a step in the right direction to fix this issue. For one thing, in Arizona and most other states, everything that constitutes rioting already is a crime, ranging from assault to criminal damage, and those responsible can be individually prosecuted. This bill would punish people just for participating even if they were not involved with property damage. Its guilt by association. Supporters of the Bill even approved of and encouraged police officers to infiltrate meetings while on duty to gain information. While we are aware that a lot of the recent violent protests have included paid protestors, this legislation felt more like an attempt to institute pre-crime laws than an effort to protect citizens and property. (RELATED: Get all the news Google is trying to hide from you at Censored.news) The Republican Senators behind this bill see it differently. They believe it will stop so-called privately funded progressive protesters who are paid to go out and wreak havoc, or at best hold them accountable. Sen. John Kavanagh, a backer of the Bill, says, Wouldnt you rather stop a riot before it starts? 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? As much as these Senators viewed this bill as a deterrent, opponents felt the bill too broadly written and has the potential to punish people that are exercising their Right to Freedom of Peaceful Protest as well as Freedom of Speech. It also sets the stage for the implementation of more pre-crime type laws in the name of keeping the public safe. Though this bill is considered dead there are similar ones still being discussed in other states. Sources: Azcapitoltimes.com Breitbart.com RT.com Submit a correction >> SPLC caught faking numbers of Muslim hate groups in U.S. to fundraise off Trump hate The Southern Poverty Law Center is one of the most dishonest non-profit civil rights groups in the country, comprised of Marxist Alt-Left fanatics who are as bad as the discredited establishment media when it comes to honesty. In the Age of Trump, all the rage among the hard-Left like those staffing the SPLC is trashing the Donald and his supporters for their alleged Muslim hate. Since the president, as a candidate, built his campaign around issues like attempting to keep Islamic extremism at bay, hes been targeted by Left-wing hacks for months who have accused him of being anti-Muslim and Islamophobic. So it only figures that with the rise of Trump, there should be a corresponding rise in Muslim hate groups throughout the United States right? Well, thats what the SPLC is claiming only, as Frontpage Magazine notes, the manner in which the organization calculates an alleged rise in such groups would make the creators of fake news at CNN, the Washington Post, and The New York Times proud. (RELATED: Why Is Google News Still Running Fake News Sources Like CNN And WaPo While Banning REAL News From The New Media?) The site reported: Look out! Its another fake Islamophobia crisis. Huge Growth in Anti-Muslim Hate Groups During 2016: SPLC Report, wails NBC News. Watchdog: Number of anti-Muslim hate groups tripled since 2015, FOX News bleats. ABC News vomits up this word salad, Trump cited in report finding increase in U.S. hate groups for 2nd year in a row. The group is claiming that the number of anti-Muslim hate groups increased almost three-fold in 2016. Frontpage noted, adding that the SPLC claims the number of Muslim hate groups rose from 34 in 2015 to an astounding 101 just a year later. Wow. That Trump! Hes been so good for the hate community! But what in the world could have possibly accounted for such a dramatic rise? Nothing but the kind of statistical magic that Penn and Teller would appreciate. Not unsurprisingly, Trumps picture adorns the latest cover of the SPLCs inappropriately titled Intelligence Report, since its nothing of the sort. One way the organization could claim such a dramatic rise in alleged anti-Muslim organizations was by counting 45 chapters of the organization, Act For America, which lists itself as the NRA of National Security. But of course, thats the farthest thing there is from a hate group. And counting 45 chapters of one group also helps conflate the numbers. In 2015, Frontpage Magazine notes, Act For America was already in existence. But then it was counted as only one group. SPLC listed the Los Angeles chapter of Act For America as a separate organization, but its not and its been around for years. Whats more, the group doesnt even have 45 chapters it has 1,000 scattered around the country. So why add just 45 chapters? Look at it from the SPLCs perspective. Next year, it can add 200 chapters and claim that anti-Muslim hate groups once again tripled. And then it can do the same thing again the year after that, Frontpage Magazine reported. (RELATED: Democrats Fast Becoming Americas Largest Hate Group As They Plan To Troll President Trumps First Address To Congress) And in that way, the SPLC can continue to manufacture phony statistics about anti-Muslim hate groups in the Age of Trump. Look how much growth from last year! There are many more ridiculous instances of the SPLC irresponsibly adding people and businesses and even store display signs (not even kidding) to their list of Muslim hate groups. You can and should read them all here. But the lesson here is clear: The Marxist Left is alive and well in the worlds only superpower republic, and their mission is to assist true believers like Barack Obama in their fundamental transformation of our country into something like Venezuela on steroids. And obviously, they have to use dishonesty in order to accomplish it. Fake news, anyone? J. D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and Newstarget.com, and founding editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: FrontpageMag.com ActForAmerica.org NaturalNews.com Submit a correction >> Establish 5 world class educational institutes to provide better traditional New Delhi, Thu, 02 Mar 2017 NI Wire Centre to establish 5 world class educational institutes to provide better traditional as well as modern education to Minority students: Naqvi The Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here that the Central Government led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working on war-footing to ensure affordable-accessible and quality education to all sections of the society including Minorities. While addressing National Seminar of Minority Community Teachers Association in New Delhi, Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs will establish 5 world class educational institutes to provide better traditional as well as modern education to students belonging to Minority communities. These world class institutions providing education in technical, medical, Ayurved, Unani etc fields will be established across the country. A high-level committee has been working on fast track to chalk out a framework of these institutions and the committee will soon submit its report. Centre is working on a strategy so that these institutes can get started in 2018. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has proposed 40 per cent reservation for girls in these institutions. Naqvi said that Centre's focus is to provide quality education as well as employment oriented training to Minority students. The Ministry has been running several schemes for the purpose. Naqvi said that in the Union Budget 2017-18, allocation for Minority Affairs Ministry has been increased to Rs 4195.48 crore for 2017-18. This is Rs 368.23 crore more than 2016-17 Budget of Rs 3827.25 crore with an increase of about 9.6 per cent. More than 70 per cent of this Budget would be utilised for educational empowerment of Minorities and job-oriented programmes for them. The Minister informed that hundreds of crores of rupees has been provided for various scholarships and skill development schemes such as Seekho aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roushni, Usttad, Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centre and Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship for Girls. Besides this, funds under Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) will also be utilised for various educational development activities. Rs 393.54 crore has been given for Merit-cum-Means based scholarship; Rs 950 crore for pre-matric scholarship; Rs 550 crore for post-matric scholarship; Rs 250 crore for Seekho aur Kamao (with an increase of Rs 40 crore compared to last budget); Rs 176 crore for Nai Manzil (with an increase of Rs 56 crore compared to last budget); Rs 113 crore for Maulana Azad Education Foundation; Rs 170 crore as equity for NMDFC. Naqvi said that for 2017-18, the Ministry has set a target to provide scholarships to about 35 lakh students. Employment oriented training will be provided to more than 2 lakh youths belonging to Minority communities. The Government has also approved 16 Gurukul type residential schools across the country and decided to help those Madrasas who are also providing mainstream education. Naqvi informed about the Ministry's efforts for educational empowerment of Minorities include establishing Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centre, Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship for girls, and establishing 500 quality residential schools and job-oriented skill development centres. Source: PIB A Government Panel recommends legal framework for protection of interests of migrants in the country New Delhi, Thu, 02 Mar 2017 NI Wire Caste based enumeration of migrants, access to PDS anywhere, low cost money transfer, anti-discriminatory measures recommended A Government appointed Panel has recommended necessary legal and policy framework to protect the interests of the migrants in the country, stating that the migrant populationmakes substantial contribution to economic growth and their Constitutional rights need to be secured. The Working Group on Migration set by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviationin 2015 who submitted their Report to the Government today held extensive discussions with Minister of HUPA Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu. The Working Group has recommended that the Protocols of the Registrar General of India needs to be amended to enable caste based enumeration of migrants so that they can avail the attendant benefits in the States to which migration takes place. It also recommended that migrants should be enabled to avail benefits of Public Distribution System (PDS) in the destination State by providing for inter-State operability of PDS. Referring to Constitutional Right of Freedom of Movement and residence in any part of the territory of the country, the Group suggested that States should be encouraged to proactively eliminate the requirement of domicile status to prevent any discrimination in work and employment. States are also to be asked to include migrant children in the Annual Work Plans under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) to uphold their Right to Education. Noting that money remittances of migrants was of the order of Rs.50,000 cr during 2007-08, the Working Group suggested that the vast network of post offices need to be made effective use of by reducing the cost of transfer of money to avoid informal remittences. It also suggested that migrants should be enabled to open bank accounts by asking banks to adhere to RBI guidelines regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and not insist on documents that were not required. The Group suggested that the hugely underutilized Construction Workers Welfare Cess Fund should be used to promote rental housing, working Women Hostels etc., for the benefit of migrants. Quoting data of Census 2011 and National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), the Group stated that migrants constitute about 30% of the countrys population and also of the total working force. The recent Economic Survey noted that annual migration in the country increased from 3.30 million in 2011 to 9.00 million in 2016. Shri Venkaiah Naidu asked Ministry officials to send report to all concerned ministries and convene a meeting on further course of action. The 18-member Working Group headed by Shri Partha Mukhopadhay of the Centre for Policy Research has representatives of Ministries of Home, HUPA, Labour and Employment, Urban Development, Rural Development, Women & Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment, Statistics & Programme Implementation, NITI Ayog, Registrar General of India, UNESCO, TATA Trust, Indian Institute for Human Settlements, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research as members. Source: PIB Never send a cop to do a man's job The persistence of the Algerian regime on maintaining the borders closed with Morocco, along with the ardent support for the separatist thesis in the Sahara coupled with hegemonic ambitions that make other Algerian neighbors wary of Algiers intentions, have increased Algerias isolation in its immediate neighborhood: North Africa and the Sahel. By closing the borders with Morocco, a decision that was taken in 1994, Algeria has brought the Maghreb integration and cooperation to a standstill. The region loses 2 points of GDP growth due to the state of paralysis. Besides lacking vision and enthusiasm for the Maghreb Union project, the Algerian leadership continues to dwell on ideological stands of the cold-war era. It refuses for example to put pressure on the Polisario separatist militia to accept Moroccos autonomy plan, which has been hailed by the international community as a serious basis for a fair, peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue. By supporting the separatists and closing the borders, Algeria was aiming at containing and isolating Morocco. Yet, reality on the ground shows that this strategy has backfired on Algeria. Buoyed by a decade of expensive oil until 2013, Algerias social peace, which was fed by oil mantra is now at risk of collapsing. Meanwhile, Morocco is looking south towards its immediate African depth where King Mohammed VI has been leading an active economic diplomacy that resulted in tangible win-win partnerships and ushered a new era of integration. The return of the North African Kingdom to its African Institutional family was the result of a years-long process of strengthening ties with African countries. This return was followed by a request to join one of Africas most active sub-regional groupings, the ECOWAS, as a full-fledged member. By the way, the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel Alain De Souza, received this Thursday in Abuja Moha Ou Ali Tagma who handed him his credentials as Moroccos Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the sub-regional economic grouping. Moroccos membership in the ECOWAS is putting the final nail in Algerias strategy of containing the Kingdom at the African level. With such a membership that builds on close economic partnerships and a south-south cooperation approach, Morocco will have outmanoeuvred Algeria. The military junta in Algeria is losing track, feeling paranoid by a continental dynamic in favor of Morocco. The roots of Algerian failure in boosting its influence as a model and credible economic partner in Africa are to be found in the structure of its rentier economy. With its widespread corruption, complete dependence on hydrocarbons, underdeveloped banking system, over-subsidized and uncompetitive enterprises and dwindling foreign reserves, Algeria came to represent all that is wrong in the African economy. At the image of its ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria is stuck in a Cold War mind-set where ideology takes primacy. The antagonism of Algerian officials makes them myopic to the changes experienced in Africa where many countries, such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Rwanda are posting some of the highest economic growth rates globally. Africa is a two-speed continent where some countries are making fast progress while others lag behind due to lack of good governance and political will. Algeria is certainly on the side that is lagging behind. As the legitimacy of the Algerian regime erodes at home, its ideological alliances built on generous oil money handouts are gradually dismantled in the continent, since Africa lives in a new dawn where genuine win-win partnerships, technology transfer and investments are the best way to strengthen bilateral relations. To that end Morocco, joining action to words, has geared 60% of its investments to Africa. In the meantime, Algeria remains a tinderbox waiting to explode from within. Normcore. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images For much of American history, institutional norms prevented partisans on Capitol Hill from deploying the full extent of their legal powers in service of their ideological goals. For example, even though a Republican-controlled Senate could technically prevent a Democratic president from ever filling a Supreme Court vacancy, they wouldnt actually do so because norms dictated that the Senate approve the presidents judicial nominees, so long as they displayed a modicum of competence and qualifications. Similarly, while members of the Senate minority could disrupt the functioning of an agency whose work they oppose by filibustering every appointment to said agency, that kind of thing simply wasnt done. And this restraint on the minoritys part ensured that, even though the upper chambers majority party could eliminate the filibuster for such appointments, it would have no cause for doing so. These three norms did not survive the Obama presidency or, more precisely, Mitch McConnells strategy for undermining it. And, ultimately, those norms probably needed to die. In an era of ideologically polarized parties, chummy gestures of deference dont make much sense. If your party believes that abortion is genocide and has the power to save a seat on the Supreme Court for a justice who agrees who cares about norms and precedents? Millions of lives and decades of judicial rulings are at stake! Separately, if one believes in democratic rule, the power of a minority (within in the grotesquely undemocratic Senate) to block appointments and legislation aint a power worth preserving. Still, while small-d democrats might welcome the erosion of these checks on the majoritys power to govern, the timing of their erosion couldnt be much worse for those of the big-D variety: After Republican intransigence forced Harry Reid to nuke the filibuster on non-Supreme Court appointments, Democrats were left powerless to prevent President Trump from handing the executive branch over to a motley crew of racists, reactionaries, and dimwits. And Mitch McConnell has made it clear that if Democrats try to block Neil Gorsuchs path to Antonin Scalias (and/or Merrick Garlands) old seat, the Supreme Court filibuster will be laid to rest. Its unclear whether the Senate GOP has lost all restraint; many still insist they have no intention of killing the legislative filibuster, even if Democrats withhold cooperation on an Obamacare replacement. But if some Republicans still feel a bit of fealty towards institutional norms, Donald Trump isnt one of them and Senate Democrats are worried that he has one of the minoritys few remaining powers in his crosshairs. Federal regulatory commissions are generally staffed by either five or six members. The majority party is statutorily prohibited from having more than three of its members on any one commission. This has historically guaranteed that the minority party will have significant if not equal sway on these regulatory bodies. But in recent days, the president has begun withdrawing the nominations of duly selected (would-be) regulators, leading Democrats to suspect that Trump may try to keep them off certain commissions, entirely. The Huffington Posts Sam Stein and Ryan Grim explain: Historically, the White House has largely deferred to Senate committees in naming a commissions minority party members. The nominees are then sent to the Senate as a pair as a means of expediting their confirmation. But Democratic sources on the Hill worry that the Trump administration has conceived of a way to get around these norms. Although it cant stack commissions with more Republicans, it can replace Democrats with registered Independents who are ideologically conservative. One counsel to a Senate Democrat said the administration may actually be able to do this legally. Others cautioned, that its not yet clear if Trump will go down this path. Already, however, at least one Obama-era holdover commission nominee subjected to oversight from the Senate Banking Committee has been pulled, according to a separate Senate source familiar with the maneuvers. That source declined to name names. But the nomination of Brian D. Quintenz to the CFTC was formally withdrawn by the president on Tuesday night (while another CFTC nominee is in limbo), and Claudia Slaciks nomination to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank was withdrawn as well. Stein and Grim suggest that McConnell may be too strong an institutionalist to abet Trumps power grab. But Democrats can be forgiven for lacking faith in on Mitch McConnells commitment to procedural conservatism. 46? Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images Before Donald Trump came along, rich, old, white guys at least dabbled in politics before they tried to become the leader of the free world. But a new path to the presidency has now been paved and we should probably get used to seeing stories like the one in Wednesdays Hollywood Reporter suggesting that Disney CEO Bob Iger may run for the Democratic nomination in 2020. Last June, the 66-year-old executive told THR that a lot of people a lot have urged me to seek political office, an early sign that he has the ego to pull off a Trump-like pivot from business to politics. He denied any interest in becoming Californias governor or one of its U.S. senators, but wouldnt rule out a run for the White House. Since then, Iger has reportedly spoken with Michael Bloomberg, who made the jump from businessman to New York City mayor in 2002, about running for office. Given Trumps path to the presidency, its worth noting that Iger just joined Twitter. Is he following Trumps lead to communicate with voters without a media filter? If so, hes taking it slow, with only two tweets sent since joining. But if you look closely, a sign of Trumps influence can be found: Hes used three exclamation points in those two tweets. As Iger flirts with a run for office, hes not the only wealthy, business mogul considering world domination. There have long been rumors about Mark Zuckerbergs interest in running for president, and now even Oprah is suggesting that a run for the White House might not be out of question. Whos next? Mark Cuban? Jeff Bezos? Well find out soon. Its only 1,343 days until Election Day. These tiny tubes could be evidence of the earliest life on Earth. Photo: Matthew Dodd/Nature Tiny tubes and microscopic filaments discovered inside ancient Canadian rock are the oldest fossils ever found and a sign that life began on Earth much earlier than previously believed, new research published in Nature suggests. The rock in which the tubes were found is some of the oldest in the world, thought to have formed around undersea vents around four billion years ago. Over time, the rock emerged from the sea. The tubes themselves, pictured above, appear to have been formed by prehistoric microbes that would have congregated around these vents, researchers say. The fact we unearthed them from one of the oldest known rock formations suggests weve found direct evidence of one of Earths oldest life forms, said Dominic Papineau, the University College London scientist who led the study. If the research teams estimates are right and the fossils are between 3.77 and 4.3 billion years old, then they are, at most, a half billion years older than the fossils previously thought to be the oldest discovered. Those fossils, found in Greenland, lived 3.7 billion years ago. So even the low estimate dates these Canadian fossils 70 million years before that. This discovery helps us piece together the history of our planet and the remarkable life on it, and will help to identify traces of life elsewhere in the universe, Papineau said in a press release. Not everyone is so sure of his discovery though. I am frankly dubious, Frances Westall of Frances Centre for Molecular Biophysics told the Times. She cited the size of the tubes, which should be smaller if they are so old, she said. Other doubters were even less generous with their assessment. As Wouter Bleeker, of the Geological Survey of Canada, told the Times, These authors built their research on pushing speculative ideas and appear totally unaware of the considerable evidence against their interpretation. President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump head to Dover Air Force base to pay their respects to Navy SEAL Ryan Owens. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images Despite the moving moment during Tuesdays speech when President Trump acknowledged Carryn Owens, the widow of Chief Petty Officer William Ryan Owens, debate continues over the operation in which the Navy SEAL lost his life. New reports on Wednesday shed light on how the Yemen raid was authorized just five days into the Trump administration, and the intelligence collected. As previously reported, President Trump approved the raid a major escalation of U.S. counterterrorism operations in Yemen that was planned by the Obama administration during a dinner with his top advisers on January 25. The Washington Post reported that according to a senior administration official, Trump was first briefed on the operation during his morning intelligence briefing, and he briefly stopped by a discussion of the raid happening in Defense Secretary James Mattiss office. On January 26, sub-Cabinet officials reviewed the operation during a meeting chaired by K.T. McFarland, Trumps deputy national security adviser. They went over the increased risk to U.S. forces, but several sources told the Post that the discussion only lasted about 25 minutes because there were other topics to cover and Trump had already approved it. The senior administration official said it was more like 40 minutes, but former officials say thats still inadequate. In previous operations like this, we would sit around the table for two hours and scrub everything. The intelligence agencies would put down maps. Wed have congressional folks talk about reaching out to Congress. The State Department would do its political assessment, said Colin Kahl, who formerly oversaw Middle East issues at the Pentagon and was national security adviser to Vice-President Joe Biden. You cant cover the complexity of a topic like that in 23 minutes. On Monday, a day before President Trump recognized Owens during his address to Congress, he distanced himself from the decision to authorize the raid, emphasizing in a Fox News interview that others planned the mission. This was a mission that was started before I got here. This was something that was, you know, just they wanted to do. They came to see me. They explained what they wanted to do, the generals, who are very respected, he said. My generals are the most respected that weve had in many decades I believe. And they lost Ryan. Trump was facing new scrutiny after Ryan Owenss father publicly questioned the motivation for the operation over the weekend, and called for an investigation. U.S. officials had also told NBC News that the raid produced no significant intelligence. Trump rebutted this during Tuesdays speech, saying: I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies. The AP reported that a large amount of information was found on the laptops, hard drives, and cell phones scooped up during the raid: The U.S. official said a list describing the broad range of intelligence gains from the raid fills more than three pages. It includes information on al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsulas training techniques and targeting priorities, said the official, who wasnt able to discuss details of the classified military operation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Such intelligence gives insight into the groups attack planning. What appears to be in dispute is the value of that intelligence. On Wednesday night, NBC News reported that ten U.S. officials across the government who have been briefed on the mission say there have yet to be any truly significant findings. One senior Pentagon official said it was mostly information they already knew, though another U.S. official said they did glean contact information that may link terrorists in Yemen to Europe and the U.S. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that the materials, which are still being analyzed, may further U.S. officials understanding of Al Qaedas tactics and new nonmetallic bombs the group is developing. However, theres nothing about specific plots, and the information has not led to any new strikes. Initial descriptions from the Trump team suggested far more dramatic findings. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the operation gathered an unbelievable amount of intelligence that will prevent the potential deaths or attacks on American soil. On Thursday, the House GOP unveiled its latest draft of an Obamacare replacement bill to select members of their own caucus, in an undisclosed basement room guarded by Capitol Hill police. Congressional Republicans have long disdained backroom deals, particularly ones concerning health-care reform. And, just days earlier, Paul Ryan had boasted that his party wasnt hatching some bill in a backroom and plopping it on the American peoples front door. So, it isnt hard to see why liberal pundits would have a field day with the bills basement debut. Why Rand Paul did, however, is a bit less intuitive. I have been told that the House Obamacare bill is under lock & key, in a secure location, & not available for me or the public to view. Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 2, 2017 I am heading to the secure location where they are keeping the House obamacare bill. I will demand a copy for the American people. Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 2, 2017 The Kentucky senator proceeded to take the Capitol Hill press corps on a whimsical journey designed to paint his own partys legislative process as a Kafkafesque absurdity. .@randpaul wasn't allowed to see the House GOP's Obamacare bill. Brought his own copy machine, just in case. pic.twitter.com/KpAXhfltsV Eli Yokley (@eyokley) March 2, 2017 .@RandPaul outside the "secret office for the secret bill." pic.twitter.com/fY8BAVqwvd Eli Yokley (@eyokley) March 2, 2017 Sen Paul trying to enter room with ACA bill. Being denied entry pic.twitter.com/Vwg6vtZelc Sarah Kliff (@sarahkliff) March 2, 2017 He was joined on this quest by the Republican chair of the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady, along with some disgruntled Democrats, including House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (and/or, her hounds). Word spread that the bill was in Room H-157, a nondescript conference room in the House of Representatives. But by the time Paul and his aggrieved colleagues arrived there, the legislation had been moved to a more secure location, according to BuzzFeed News. Press was just let in H-157. Empty room, no bill in sight :( pic.twitter.com/0d25hwcUG6 Sarah Kliff (@sarahkliff) March 2, 2017 The metaphoric had become literal congressional Republicans could not find their alternative to the Affordable Care Act. Memes ensued. Live footage of Rand Paul preparing to look at the Obamacare replacement bill pic.twitter.com/OtY85ZXkZA ryan teague beckwith (@ryanbeckwith) March 2, 2017 https://t.co/CmYta4dsDy Rob Beschizza (@Beschizza) March 2, 2017 House obamacare replacement bill found pic.twitter.com/vIwmF2cz3N Atrios (@Atrios) March 2, 2017 Thus, Ryans attempt to give his caucus a sneak peek at their new Obamacare replacement bill while avoiding press scrutiny ended in a PR disaster of Rand Pauls creation. One reason this whole hunt for a bill thing got so much traction is that it started within the GOP, from Sen. Paul, rather than from Dems. Sarah Kliff (@sarahkliff) March 2, 2017 On one level, Pauls endgame is fairly obvious: The Kentucky senator wants to sabotage Ryans bill because it isnt conservative enough. Specifically, the legislation appears to preserve some form of Medicaid expansion, along with tax credits to subsidize the health-care costs of low-income Americans. Of course, the bill is far less generous on both these fronts than Obamacare is as the Kaiser Family Foundations scoring of a leaked discussion draft makes clear: Still, the bill would condemn too few poor people to preventable deaths for the tastes of Rand Paul and the House Freedom Caucus: Their position is full repeal or bust. Now, theres no reason to doubt the sincerity of Rand Pauls commitment to protecting personal liberty (by amplifying the suffering of the indigent). But the same can be said about Paul Ryans. The House Speaker isnt against fully abolishing the ACAs redistributive aspects for ideological reasons, but for practical ones: Several Republican senators have made it clear that they have no interest in throwing large numbers of their constituents off of Medicaid. And even if they did, the GOP still needs eight Democratic votes to get their Obamacare replacement through the Senate. Its hard to believe that Rand Paul doesnt understand this. But if hes cognizant of the fact that Ryans bill or something like it is his partys best hope for repealing Obamacare, why is he trying to sabotage it? One answer is that he understands the political realities of ACA repeal all too well: Medicaid expansion is quite popular in Kentucky, where it has provided 400,000 people with access to health insurance. By supporting an extreme, unpassable version of Obamacare repeal, Paul can keep his tea-party base happy, while avoiding the backlash that might result from making hundreds of thousands of his constituents lives appreciably worse. Sweet spot for Rand Paul is to oppose Obamacare repeal from the right, thus maintaining his constituents health care AND his purism. Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) March 2, 2017 When Paul wishes to shame Capitol Hills RINOs, he notes how they were happy to fully repeal Obamacare back when they were powerless to actually do so. But thats precisely what the Kentucky senator is still doing, today. Senator Jeff Sessions speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10, 2017. Photo: Pete Marovich/Bloomberg via Getty Images Several lawmakers are calling for Jeff Sessions to resign as attorney general or at least recuse himself from investigations involving Russia and the Trump administration following a Washington Post report that he spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States twice during the presidential campaign. Sessions, who campaigned for President Trump, denied under oath that he had any communications with the Russians during his confirmation hearing. The Wall Street Journal also revealed that U.S. intelligence agencies examined contacts between Sessions and Russian officials as part of the investigation into the Trump teams possible Russia ties. Its unclear what the probe discovered, or if its ongoing. The FBI answers to the attorney general, and a source said the investigation into Sessions left the agency wringing its hands. Sessions met with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, when he was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a top foreign policy adviser to the Trump campaign. The first meeting was an informal exchange with Kislyak and other diplomats after Sessions spoke at a Heritage Foundation event during the Republican National Convention. The second meeting was a private conversation in Sessionss office, which came as Russia was allegedly engaged in a cyber campaign to upend the U.S. election. During Sessionss confirmation hearing on January 10, Senator Al Franken asked what he would do if he learned that Trump campaign officials had been talking with the Russian government. Sessions volunteered that he was a campaign surrogate and had not communicated with the Russians. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions said, adding, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. The Post reports that Sessions also denied discussing the election with the Russians in his written statements to the Senate Judiciary Committee: In January, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sessions for answers to written questions. Several of the President-elects nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day? Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with one word: No. Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessionss spokeswoman, told the Post that there was nothing misleading about his answer. She said he didnt think the conversations with Kislyak were relevant to the senators questions, and didnt remember what they discussed in detail. After the Post story broke, Flores said in a statement that Sessions met with Kislyak as a member of the Armed Services Committee, not a Trump surrogate: There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. Last year, the Senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German, and Russian ambassadors. He was asked during the hearings about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. The Post contacted every senator who served with Sessions on the Armed Services Committee and asked if theyd met with Kislyak in 2016. Twenty said no, and the other six have yet to respond. The Sessions mtgs seem odd. I've been a member of Armed Services, Foreign Affairs & Intelligence Cmtes yet never met the Russian Ambassador. Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) March 2, 2017 Several hours later, Sessions released another statement: I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. The White House issued its own statement, suggesting that Senator Franken leaked the story to ruin President Trumps good press from his speech on Tuesday night. Frankens team denied this. WH blames Sessions story on Democrats trying to damage POTUS after speech to Congress. pic.twitter.com/pZ5VcMIeEJ Jim Acosta (@Acosta) March 2, 2017 Team Franken responds to WH accusation that he is the leaker about Sessions allegations: "No he is not." Ali Rogin (@AliRogin) March 2, 2017 After the story broke, Democratic lawmakers renewed their calls for Sessions to recuse himself from investigations into the Trump teams alleged ties to Russia. Sessions had resisted, but on Monday he suggested that he would step down in certain circumstances, saying he would recuse myself on anything that I should recuse myself on, thats all I can tell you. Senator Franken said Sessionss response at his confirmation hearing was, at best, misleading, if the reports are true. It is now clearer than ever that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, he said. If it's true that Sessions failed to disclose his meeting with Kislyak, he must recuse himself. This is not even a close call; it is a must. https://t.co/BHZH9OrVFA Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 2, 2017 I have called, am calling, & will continue to call for an Independent Special counsel to investigate possible collision with the Russians. https://t.co/j6Nb4HzFEF Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) March 2, 2017 A recusal is not enough. Only a fully independent special counsel will give Americans confidence there will be a real investigation Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) March 2, 2017 During a CNN town hall with Senator John McCain, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that if the FBI investigation turns up any evidence of wrongdoing then a special prosecutor is needed. It is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump, he said. Graham: If Jeff Sessions spoke with Russian diplomat, then for sure you need a special prosecutor #CNNTownHall https://t.co/uY26ChouyB CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 2, 2017 Early Thursday morning, Sessions told NBC News,I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Theres no doubt about that. The attorney general did not say whether it was now appropriate. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told MSNBCs Morning Joe that it would be easier if Sessions recused himself from the investigations into Russian hacking. I just think for any investigation going forward, you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation, McCarthy said. That theres no doubt within the investigationI think it would be easier from that standpoint, yes. House Oversight Committee chair Jason Chaffetz also called on Sessions to recuse himself. AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) March 2, 2017 Some top Democrats went even further. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Representative Elijah Cummings, and Senator Elizabeth Warren said Sessions should resign. After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the attorney general must resign, Pelosi said, adding, Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country. AG Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. https://t.co/5r8KpGQSRT pic.twitter.com/vKSVuvTIf3 Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 2, 2017 And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was forced to resign last month following reports that he discussed sanctions in phone calls with Kislyak before Trump took office. Vice-President Mike Pence and other Trump administration officials had publicly denied that Flynn talked about sanctions. Earlier on Wednesday evening, the New York Times reported that officials in the Obama administration but not the former president himself worked to spread information about Russias election meddling and possible links to the Trump campaign around the government. This included foreign intelligence on contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials: American allies, including the British and the Dutch, had provided information describing meetings in European cities between Russian officials and others close to Russias president, Vladimir V. Putin and associates of President-elect Trump, according to three former American officials who requested anonymity in discussing classified intelligence. Separately, American intelligence agencies had intercepted communications of Russian officials, some of them within the Kremlin, discussing contacts with Trump associates. The Obama officials were concerned that the information would be concealed or destroyed by the Trump administration and wanted to make sure it would still be available to investigators. In addition to the intelligence agencies, the House and Senate Intelligence Committees are conducting their own Russia probes. White House PressSsecretary Sean Spicer said, The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election. He added, There continues to be no there, there. This story has been updated throughout. The other unpredictable leader with access to nukes. Photo: KNS/AFP/Getty Images Earlier this week, a senior administration official who may or may not be Donald Trump himself told CNN that the president considers North Korea the greatest immediate threat to the U.S. They noted that the president told a Chinese official on Monday, You gotta work on North Korea. Just in case that doesnt solve the problem, the White House has also launched an internal review of how to handle the dictatorship. The Wall Street Journal reports that deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland convened a meeting of national security officials two weeks ago and solicited proposals on North Korea even if theyre far outside the mainstream. The administration wanted to hear everything from recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power to using military force against Pyongyang. Urging officials to thoroughly rethink the problem isnt a bad thing, and those proposals, which were submitted on Tuesday, are now being winnowed down before theyre presented to the president. What is concerning is that apparently this wasnt just an internal thought experiment. The WSJ reports: U.S. officials have underscored the possible military dimensions of their emerging strategy in recent discussions with allies, according to people familiar with the talks. For instance, during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes recent visit, Japanese officials were told several times that all options were on the table. A source familiar with the discussions said the Japanese understood this to include a U.S. military strike on North Korea, possibly if it appeared that Pyongyang was about to test an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Japanese found the idea worrisome, according to the source. The Japanese are also concerned that the Trump administration might swing in the opposite direction, holding direct talks with Kim Jong-un and pulling out of the region. Of course, Americans dont need to worry about any of this. Just stay focused on President Trumps (inaccurate) tweet on the matter: Evan Spiegel Photo: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch In the beginning before the filters and the rebranding, the $130 sunglasses with build-in video, and the Stories wars with Instagram; before its frat-boy CEO became as chaste as the Jonas Brothers Snapchat was just an app you used to send disappearing pictures. Ten seconds after you opened a Snapchat (Yosemite in the snow, your friends stuffing their faces with Insomnia Cookies), poof, it was gone. And somehow, in the unknowable whirlpool that is the mass consciousness of the internet, this was appealing. People wanted to use it. According to Snaps own SEC filing, more than 1 million people were using the app within a year of its 2012 launch; by early 2013, more than 10 million people were Snapping every day. Soon, Facebook came knocking. Snapchats spurning of the social-network behemoths $3 billion offer was considered arrogant at the time, but it turns out to have been the right call: This morning, Snapchat restructured in September into Snap, Inc went public, in what is likely to be the largest tech IPO of the year. Snaps bankers priced the IPO at $17 a share, giving the company a valuation of $22 billion. In its prospectus filed last month, Snap called itself a camera company, shifting its emphasis at least in rhetoric fully to hardware. Snapchats transformation from a couple guys in a beach bungalow into the kind of place that hires people from Motorola is part of a broader industry trend: It is, in effect, no longer possible to be just an app, or even just a software company. The announcement in September of Snapchat Spectacles, which allow you to press a button on a pair of rather chic-looking sunglasses and upload a ten-second video directly to Snapchat, was the culmination of a year of hardware launches by Web 2.0 software companies: Facebook started a drone project and a hardware lab; Uber bought a self-driving-truck start-up; and Google, after partnering with LG and Samsung on Android, introduced its own in-house Google Pixel phone. Uber, Google, and Facebook each made its name as a software organization; and for years, the freedom, speed of execution, and high margins of the software business came to define the modern internet age. Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists were enamored of softwares fast bootstrapping and return on investment, while hardware vendors straggled. But what these companies have come to realize is that not controlling the hardware that their software runs on be it a car, a phone, or a headset is limiting. While Apple has been able to support and draw profit from an entire software ecosystem by designing and manufacturing its own hardware, the ambitions of companies like Facebook, and to a lesser extent Google, have been restricted by their nature as software companies. Its hard to think outside the box when the box is built by somebody else. So, flush with cash and under pressure to dream big, the major software companies have set out to build optimized servers, autonomous vehicles, and balloons that beam internet to sub-Saharan Africa. In the process, theyve brought resources and software sensibilities to a traditionally closed, insular field. The hardware products that result are designed with software in mind, able to leverage from the get-go the reams of data collected from our searching, swiping, and surfing. At Google, hardware projects are often located within Google X, the companys prestigious moon shot research group. At Facebook, Area 404 is a lab open to all of the companys hardware teams, where connectivity engineers can learn from experts in failure analysis, networking from FSO. What makes Snapchats hardware ambitions different from Facebook and Googles, though, is how theyve been placed very consciously and explicitly front and center in the companys identity, at a relatively early moment in the companys history. When Mark Zuckerberg talks about Facebook being a drone company, we take it to mean in the sense that building drones is yet another piece of a jigsaw puzzle hes completing, one that spells out world domination. Googles hardware efforts, meanwhile the ill-fated Google Glass, or the affordable VR headset Google Cardboard, for instance often feel like billionaire pet projects. They are the ambitions of companies and founders who have already secured their legacies. For Snap, though, much is still uncertain the company lost $514 million last year, and faces fierce competition for advertising dollars. Its clear that it believes that reinventing the camera represents the future of the company, even though its unclear what exactly the company means by reinventing. Snapchats push into hardware is not without its obstacles. Few things are more sobering for potential Snap investors than reading through the Risks Factor section of the prospectus, where the company disclaims, among other items: We have limited manufacturing experience for our only physical product, Spectacles, and we do not have any internal manufacturing capabilities. Instead, we rely on one contract manufacturer to build Spectacles. The company is unlikely to make money on the glasses for a long time; and in January, TechCrunch reported that a pair of Spectacles had caught fire while charging, in the same sort of malfunction which nearly crippled Samsung last year. Perhaps the biggest risk of all is that Snaps hardware isnt ambitious enough. Companies like Google and Facebook enter the hardware business not just to create new revenue streams or to ensure top software performance, but to create new platforms marketplaces like Apples App Store, where they can connect users to businesses and advertisers, all the while taking a cut. Glass was more than just a consumer gadget, it was a new way to gather data and sell advertising. Spectacles is still, at heart, a camera, not a platform; and as such, its revenue potential is limited to the sale of the object itself. And yet, even with the single questionably revolutionary product, Snapchat hardware suggests some of the software-feature wisdom that has often impressed and surprised bystanders in Silicon Valley. Earlier this year, my roommate, a fan of the company, early-bird purchased a pair of Spectacles. They look like fairly ordinary sunglasses, except for the yellow button on the top. In a neat trick of sight that emphasizes the circular video format, when you watch a snap taken by Spectacle on Snapchat and rotate the device, the image stays in the same orientation. Natively integrated with a popular social platform in a way that pure hardware vendors have struggled to be, its easy to imagine Spectacles replacing wearables like GoPro or even, eventually, with filters, an augmented-reality headset like Meta. In Snapchats IPO roadshow video, Snapchats CEO Evan Spiegel talks about how cameras have evolved from just a piece of hardware, like a chip, to a software connected to the internet. With Spectacles, theyve bet on a camera thats both. Brad Pitt. Photo: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Brad Pitt did not attend the Oscars this weekend, but he was reportedly busy doing other things, like texting his first wife and also getting really into sculpture (yup). Thanks to new reports from Us Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter, we now have a clearer picture of what Pitt has been up to in the wake of his contentious divorce from Angelina Jolie. TEXTING JENNIFER ANISTON Us Weekly exclusively reports that Pitt, 53, reached out ex-wife Jennifer Aniston last month. According to a source close to Aniston, Pitt tracked down her number so that he could wish her a happy birthday on February 11. Since then, he has confided in Aniston. Brad told her hes having a hard time with his split and they exchanged a few texts reminiscing about the past. MAKING SCULPTURES In addition to checking in with old friends, Pitt has also reportedly been creating art. The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reports that Pitt skipped the Oscars because he was holed up creating a sculpture at British artist Thomas Houseagos Frogtown studio. According to a source, Pitt stayed at it for nearly ten days. No word on what kind of sculpture he created maybe something like this? still coming for everyone in the world but remy Reply Thread Link nnnn Reply Parent Thread Link lmao tbf her comments were from 2015 Reply Parent Thread Link oop look at me not reading Reply Parent Thread Link seriously, she's so sad Reply Parent Thread Link That Dr has no chill but LOL at Sticky Minaj ever trying to insinuate she didn't get her butt done. Reply Thread Link Idk why but "I'm unfamiliar w/what u do" is killing me. It's just not her week huh. Reply Thread Link Her ass looks terrible. WTF is she thinking. Reply Thread Link I'm unfamiliar w/what u do. Reply Thread Link imguuurrrr Reply Parent Thread Link Drag ha expose ha! I am living for this #TurkeyMinajIsOverParty Reply Thread Link Her booty makes me sad Reply Thread Link Wait, those boat pics are fake? Reply Parent Thread Link I think the photos are real. I keep seeing the same pictures all over my social Media and internet. Reply Parent Thread Link actually they are lol Edited at 2017-03-02 01:37 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link What picture is photoshopped? How do you photoshop a saggy ass? Where is the real pic at then? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Uplifting story! Reply Thread Link But given the results, is it really? Reply Parent Thread Link Hopefully soon you'll feel lifted to greater heights! Reply Parent Thread Link 1) she lying about being "unfamiliar w/ what he does" even if NOT one of the ppl on his roster 2) he's thisclose to violating HIPAA and his ass is prob BARELY ethical anyway Reply Thread Link I know. It physically hurts me. Reply Parent Thread Link This photoshopped picture physically hurts you? Ya'll are a trip lolol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link she's serving Dax ExclamationPoint in those pics Reply Thread Link I don't know, man, guess them ass shots wore off! Reply Thread Link damn straight fuck francis ford coppola for being friends with him and helping his career Reply Thread Link IA. Also, I wonder if Sam Rockwell has ever publicly talked about his experience since he was a kid in the film I believe. I could totally understand if he hadn't though. Reply Parent Thread Link holy shit, this is wild. too many people in positions of power get away with raping children. also, i'm surprised that there haven't been more films in this series. it seems like this would've been the kind of movie to have at least three or four direct to video/syfy sequels. Reply Thread Link I really liked Powder. But yeah this film should not be made, not to mention no one is asking for this at all. Reply Thread Link In that case it definitely should be taken of by someone different, but it's his original concept right? They'd need his permission to do it? Reply Parent Thread Link He could have easily passed the reigns over to someone else and just had a courtesy producers credit. I don't know why he thought this was a good idea. Reply Parent Thread Link Damn, I didn't know Adrienne was going to be in this Reply Thread Link I had nightmares after watching the first one Reply Parent Thread Link the last image of him with no eyes still fucks me up Reply Parent Thread Link I loved that movie as a kid but that part I could never look at. I always looked away every time I re-watched it lol. Now I'm a little thicker skinned. Reply Parent Thread Link I cannot watch that ending! Lol. I have seen so many horror movies, become pretty desensitized to it, but do this day I look away at that part. Part of it might be though bc this was one for the few horror movies where I actually really cared about the characters. Reply Parent Thread Link It takes *alot* to scare or disturb movie but shit that first one is legit horrifying. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah it's one of the few movies that really scares me. Reply Parent Thread Link The scene where you see the creature in the jail cell legitimately made my sister scream out loud in the theater. Reply Parent Thread Link have you watched it recently? it's actually a terrible movie lmao Reply Parent Thread Link yeah I agree. The monster design is also really cool and original. I really want a jeepers creepers 3, but not by this pedo. Reply Parent Thread Link I will always hate Francis Coppola for helping this monster out. Salva needs to fucking die. Edited at 2017-03-02 05:03 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I've never seen the first Jeepers Creepers entirely. Every time I sat down to watch it, something ridiculous IRL would happen within the first five minutes that would take me away from watching it. Finally gave up one day & just read the spoilers; I thought "Oh eww, I'm glad I didn't get very far into it then. Thanks, universe!" Reply Thread Link There is no limit to the horrible behavior that Hollywood will excuse, as long as it's a male who committed it. Reply Thread Link *white male Reply Parent Thread Link Its interesting how many horror blogs are refusing to report on the film. Although these facts were known during the first 2 films but it didn't stop anyone then so I doubt it will now. Reply Thread Link We are definitely more knowledgable about these things now with how widespread these facts are shared online but looking at some of the blogs for horror, it doesn't seem to be phasing many which is really sad. Obviously thats a small minority but I doubt the general public will know about this if it gets a theatrical release which is really sad since he will still make money off it and it will get brushed under the rug again. I wish I could find the thread on another site but there was an actual adult conversation about him serving time and if that should allow him to work again since he did actually go to jail. I'm definitely in the camp that he shouldn't be allowed to work in the industry but there were some strong arguments that he had served his time unlike many of the criminals in hollywood who continue to work. Reply Parent Thread Link I distinctly remember the controversy when Powder came out (I didn't realize it was 22 years ago - it doesn't seem that long). I remember Mary Steenburgen being asked about Salva being a child molester during a TV interview on the Powder press tour and she defended him by saying he served his time and should be allowed to move on, and some bullshit about how it's every American's birthright to be able to redeem themselves. I haven't liked her since. Reply Parent Thread Link I truly had no idea until the 2nd movie was already out and I saw a random reviewer mention it. I haven't been able to watch either one since then. It's just so damn disgusting Reply Parent Thread Link Is that Riz? Where was he shirtless? Well, aside from Girls that is. Reply Parent Thread Link bloody-disgusting does, but adds a disclaimer. The comment section for this film is a horrible place. Also, considering they report on almost every small detail of a film, including petitions, they haven't reported on this particular petition. Edited at 2017-03-02 07:32 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I had no idea this happened. I loved the first JC it's the first movie I can remember legitimately terrifying me. I loved trish and I was happy she got to live at the end. I'd love to see a third movie about her character but not if it's gonna line the pockets of this scumbag. I can't believe this shit happened in 1988 and movie studios for the past 30 years have kept hiring him. not only should he have served much much longer in prison but he should have been industry-wide blacklisted. it's disgusting how the film business keeps rewarding abusers I hope he fucking chokes Reply Thread Link Damn, I really like Powder. Forever tainted now. Reply Thread Link Yeah, I get you. You probably wouldn't be able to enjoy it anyway. Who's the guy in your icon? Reply Parent Thread Link Thank you for sharing, I will sign the petition Reply Thread Link I signed it too. Its sad that its not even halfway to 1000 yet but sites promoting this will definitely help I hope. And love your icon. Are you excited for the remake or dreading it? Reply Parent Thread Link W O T Reply Thread Link Hmmm. I don't know. I have an innate dsitrust of police, courts and Tennessee where vulnerable people are concerned Reply Thread Link The case in Los Angeles, where the raid of 80 of Lockwood's devices took place, is still ongoing. How/ why does the Mad Hatter even have 80 devices? Reply Thread Link Yeah, unless he's singlehandedly trying to power Spotify, IDGI. Reply Parent Thread Link state laws are very confusing, by "the crime did not take place in tenenenenssiee" do they mean the photos of the children weren't taken there or they weren't downloaded there or what? Reply Thread Link I think the photos weren't downloaded there. Reply Parent Thread Link The spelling of Tennessee bye lmao I agree that it's confusing Reply Parent Thread Link i was too lazy to scroll up and i never know how many of each letter is in the word lmao Reply Parent Thread Link lol I don't blame you. I live in the state and half the time think I'm misspelling! Reply Parent Thread Link The case in Los Angeles, where the raid of 80 of Lockwood's devices took place, is still ongoing. does this mean charges could still be brought in california? I don't really know how things like this work. still, of what we've heard, it does sound pretty sus that nothing is going to come of it. Reply Thread Link why does he have 80 devices in california like how... also, ty op for linking to previous posts about this Reply Thread Link W T F "she misinterpreted by the material"... was he doing "research" al la jello404??? Reply Thread Link Wait - where did you read that? That's crazy. Reply Parent Thread Link So, your only source is a poster from ONTD who said that there was no details about the photos, and yet you've decided it's "gross on her part"...hmmmm.... I also call bullshit on your part because not only were you the first comment, which was you insinuating that she might have planted the stuff on his computer an hour before they even made the comment you're referring to. So CLEARLY you went into that post looking to vilify Lisa Marie. Reply Parent Thread Link Let's assume she reasonable and the photos were questionable before we call her gross. She was married to MJ after all, so I don't think she's one to jump to such conclusions without real concerning evidence. Reply Parent Thread Link Edited at 2017-03-02 10:04 pm (UTC) This person has no interest in reasonableness: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/105185167.html?thread=18122338191#t18122338191 Reply Parent Thread Link Ugh TY Reply Parent Thread Link It definitely is surprising because more often than not, anyone that is accused of having questionable photos usually ends up being true. Like, I would say 95%. Reply Parent Thread Link Tennessee can determine that California has a better case against this man and they'll drop the charges. Reply Thread Link Lisa Marie's lawyers told Lockwood in court to get a damn job. Why do I feel like this isn't the first time this man has been told that from this woman or her lawyers? Maybe this is just the "South" in me but when a man come after a woman's money, it's just so *looks around and realizes where he's posting this opinion*...just not cool. Reply Thread Link i remember when jessica simpson and nich lachey got a divorce people tore him apart for seeing a settlement and were generally really shitty to him. even other people in the business saying be a man and work. Reply Parent Thread Link i believe her. hes always given me the skeeves Reply Thread Link Idk him but he looks so much like Ricky gervais 2 me Reply Thread Link Rumpy is going to be thrilled to have another stick to beat "the elite" with. After crying until 3 am. Reply Thread Link Can it happen on camera and be leaked before the end of the year. Reply Parent Thread Link But will he go as Trump to the White House Correspondents Dinner? Reply Thread Link asking the important questions here! Reply Parent Thread Link thanks, danger noodle! Reply Parent Thread Link either him or hillary or rosie Reply Parent Thread Link What kills me is that Alec and Billy are so vociferously anti-Trump but their brother Stephen is super pro-Trump. I really wonder what Baldwin family reunions are like. Reply Thread Link Lmaoooo I love this! I hope more people stop their insane relatives like this. Reply Parent Thread Link lol I'm pretty sure I'm that one asshole relative, except the other way. My parents, my three siblings, and my two in-laws are all huge Republicans and I'm the only liberal. I can only imagine what they all think of me Reply Parent Thread Link Isn't that kinda common in many families? Different views He was pretty anti gay marriage too. They've spoken on that before. Reply Parent Thread Link funny how everyone has forgotten about what a giant homophobe he is Edited at 2017-03-02 10:27 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link his Trump impersonation is not even that great tbh mediocre praising mediocrity all in an attempt to normalize ha Reply Parent Thread Link lmao you got people out here forgetting george w bush is a war criminal 'cause he says trump is bad. it's like all you got to do is say, "i don't like trump," to get a standing ovation. Reply Parent Thread Link The bar has been lowered to the point where all people are praying for is that you aren't a full fledged-nazi. Reply Parent Thread Link people here were clapping for supposedly anti-trump republicans who all ended up okaying everything he did this and the obama defense squad are proof people care more about words than actions Reply Parent Thread Link B-but Cheney! Like killing tens of thousands and torturing people is okay if you only did it because someone else told you to. Reply Parent Thread Link bigots are ok if they're part of the liberal circlejerk Reply Parent Thread Link I still haven't watched any of his Tr*mp SNL sketches. Same with any video where Tr*mp talks. I only read about his fuckery and my mental health is better for it. Reply Thread Link I understand that Alec Baldwin's impression is supposed to make Trump unlikable, but I do miss Darrell Hammond. Edited at 2017-03-02 10:28 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link He's a fantastic Trump he gets his mannerisms and face down perfectly Its killing me how quiet the orange hairball has been all day today on Twitter. A friend of mine were discussing all this Russia stuff and we basically have come down to we think Trump is going to be exposed when one of the people closes to him rats him out in order to save their own ass Reply Thread Link god damn i hope. i'm already so tired of him, he needs to gooooooooo. not that i really expect it to happen unfortunately Reply Parent Thread Link I feel like it's leading there more stuff is going to continue to be leaked and hopefully the next thing is is tax returns Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I hope and pray this happens but all the evil in the world is on his side so I don't know if he'll get exposed before the 4yrs are over. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Probably shitting himself like the rest of them. Reply Parent Thread Link I'M WAITING. I can only be glued to twitter for updates for so long. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Alec's a dick and a half but his Trump is amazing. I hope he does it at the Correspondent's dinner Reply Thread Link lol are more of his team being exposed??? whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?!? Reply Parent Thread Link hft Reply Parent Thread Link Fuck him for shit talking Tony Atamanuik! He's way better. Reply Thread Link imo baldwin's trump impression is really weak and not even that funny. if you want to read a book about an SNL actor who impersonated presidents (and trump), read darrell hammond's memoir. his backstage stories are great - and also he is an inspiration to me as someone who went through hell & back due to childhood trauma. tw childhood abuse, self-injury and alcohol/drug addiction for his entire book - but if you can make it through you will admire him as a survivor. Edited at 2017-03-02 10:39 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I love Darrell Hammond so much. I wish he would come back as Trump but now that Baldwin is getting so much attention for it, people have forgotten about Hammond :( And I agree with you, he is an inspiration. Reply Parent Thread Link hopefully tr*mp has a rage heart attack <3 Reply Thread Link I hope this pic fits. Reply Thread Link I got "We can't protest Milo because Bernie is a socialist". Reply Parent Thread Link We can't punch Steve Bannon because capitalism generates wealth Reply Parent Thread Link ayyyy pink shirt? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link We can't punch Steve Bannon because FUCK OFF OR I'LL PUNCH YOU IN THE THROAT Communism does suck though Reply Parent Thread Link we can't censor the alt-right bc Hillary is bad too sounds accurate Reply Parent Thread Link we can't insult donald trump because communism sucks I beg to differ! Reply Parent Thread Link We can't stop Milo because we must be tolerant with everyone, no matter what. LOL Reply Parent Thread Link Mine is too horrendous to write so I won't. Can't put that energy into the world. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't be intolerant with Steve Bannon because the Alt-left is aggressive too. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't boycott the Alt-Right because they're not that racist. Reply Parent Thread Link we can't stop donald trump because antifascists must be peaceful welp Reply Parent Thread Link "We can't keep opposing the Brexiters because I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." lmao ugh! Reply Parent Thread Link We can't boycott the Alt-Right because we must engage in civil dialogue. Ugh. Mine sounds like bullshit someone would actually say. Reply Parent Thread Link Well I can't play because I'm using a stripped shirt smh Reply Parent Thread Link We can't stop Richard Spencer because the feminists/ LGBT lobby / minorities take it too far? Lmao what Reply Parent Thread Link We can't insult the brexiters because you give them excuses to be violent. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't censor the brexiters because that's why the left is mocked. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't stop neo-nazis because antifascists must be peaceful Reply Parent Thread Link my sentence makes no sense Reply Parent Thread Link We can't boycott Donald Trump because we must engage with opposing views. omg this literally sounds like something I have actually heard from people. Yuck Reply Parent Thread Link we can't boycott mike pence we must respect freedom fuuuuuuck Reply Parent Thread Link We can't stop Mike Pence because Bernie was a socialist. Reply Parent Thread Link We cant stop Mike Pence because police are doing their jobs Reply Parent Thread Link We can't insult racists, there's a right to have borders. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't censor big corporations, we must engage in civil dialogue lmao too real Reply Parent Thread Link "we can't insult the conservatives because that's nuanced." I snorted. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't stop the Alt-Right because Hillary is bad too. Reply Parent Thread Link We can't boycott racists because you give them excuses to be violent. :/ Reply Parent Thread Link lol @ him coming after Anthony Atamanuik' Trump impression Reply Thread Link The Saudi King kicked off a month-long tour of Asia this week, as the oil kingdom looks to bolster ties in the east as it loses confidence in the U.S. as a stable ally. The trip began in Malaysia where King Salman inked a $7 billion deal, promising to invest in a Malaysian petrochemical complex run by state-owned oil company Petronas. From there, he will tour Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, China and the Maldives. The objectives of the trip are multiple. First, Saudi Arabia wants to keep and expand its market share in Asia. China is the largest crude oil importer in the world, and Saudi Arabia is Chinas top oil supplier. However, competition is stiff and growing amid an oversupplied market. Russia and Saudi Arabia have battled for several years over the Chinese market, with Russia fast gaining ground. While Saudi Arabia has a slight edge in terms of market share in China, the two exporters are roughly on par. Moreover, the lifting of international sanctions on Iran last year added another oil exporter to the mix. Theres a market-share battle going on mainly among the Middle East producers and Russia, Olivier Jakob, managing director of Petromatrix, told Bloomberg in an August 2016 interview. Rivals are making a big push into China. Aramco has often invested in refineries abroad to ensure steady demand for its crude oil. Perhaps more important than the level of oil exports to China is the preparations for the IPO of Saudi Aramco. Saudi officials are trying to raise investors interest in the public offering, slated for 2018, which will see about 5 percent of the company. The government has said Aramco could be worth $2 trillion, although some analysts believe it would only be a fraction of that amount. Related: OPEC Deal Cancelled Out By Rising Shale Output In any event, Saudi Arabia needs Asian investors to make the IPO successful. The Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih billed the $7 billion investment in Petronas refinery as one that will boost the attractiveness of the IPO. This will strengthen the equity story for Saudi Aramco, al-Falih said in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Investors will be looking for a company that has breadth in its portfolio. Relatedly, another reason the Saudi monarch is visiting Asia is to grow non-oil economic ties with Asia. The Saudi government is at the beginning of what it views is a long-term effort to diversify the economy. Early reports suggest that the Asian trip could yield some results. Saudi Arabia has agreed to put up to $45 billion in a technology fund led by Japans SoftBank Group. Saudi Arabia and China also signed more than a dozen preliminary economic agreements last year that theyd like to push forward. But it is impossible to ignore the political backdrop upon which the trip is occurring. Relations between Saudi Arabia and its long-time ally, the United States, have soured in recent years. The Obama administrations detente with Iran, punctuated by the historic nuclear deal in 2015, greatly eased tensions between Washington and Tehran at the expense of the Saudi-American alliance. The alliance further deteriorated after the U.S. Congress passed a bill that would allow the families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia for its involvement, a bill that was vetoed by President Obama but ultimately passed into law by a Congressional override. Related: OPEC Struggling To Hold On To Asian Market Share On top of that, the mercurial and unpredictable Trump administration has left Saudi officials guessing. Riyadh is cautiously optimistic on the more hawkish position that the Trump administration has taken in regards to Iran, but the Saudis no longer feel they can count on rock solid support from the U.S. government. After all, it is still unclear who is really making policy in the Trump administration, with statements often contradicting each other and positions shifting from day to day. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is hoping to engineer further gains in crude oil prices, with an eye on $60 per barrel. The OPEC compliance rate rose above 90 percent in February, evidence that members are making good on their obligations under the production cut deal. That fueled another round of price gains this week. But Saudi Arabia does not feel that it can afford to sit back and hope rising oil prices will solve what it sees as longer-term problems. Thus, the trip to Asia. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A policy of nationalizing chunks of an economy inevitably creates oligarchs who skim profits off the countrys natural resources. As such, you wont be surprised to learn that the largest energy companies in the world are owned and operated by governments, and they include: Saudi Aramco, Russian Gazprom, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), National Iranian Oil Co., Petroleos de Venezuela, Brazils Petrobras and Malaysias Petronas. How theyre run varies wildlyas does where their wealth goes. While weve all been inundated with the massive amount of press on the scandals engulfing Brazils Petrobras, there are a few that stand out for creating and maintaining some of the worlds most interesting and colorful political leaders, who have grown their wealth through holdings in state-run oil and gas in some cases, and through more direct means in other cases. Four state-run oil wealth stories stand out in todays world: Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Angola and Brunei. Vladimir Putin, Russia Estimates of Russian President Vladimir Putins wealth only comes in ranges because most of his wealth is hidden through offshore companies or under clandestine financial devices. The lower end of the range sits at US$40 billion a 2007 figure based on research by mid-level Kremlin advisor Stanislav Belkovsky, which he later said had grown to US$70 billion. At this level, Putin already stands among Forbes Top 10 rankings of the worlds richest billionaires, though the magazine commented in 2015 that it could not verify enough of his assets to put him on the list. Earlier this week, the International Business Times said Putin's fortune could be as much as $200 billion. The majority of Putins wealth comes from his stakes in the oil sector. He is said to own 37 percent of Surgutneftegaz, 4.5 percent of Gazprom. "At least $40 billion, Belkovsy told the Guardian in 2007. Maximum we cannot know. I suspect there are some businesses I know nothing about." Putins trophies of wealth are far from subtle. His $1 billion palace on the Black Sea features a magnificent columned facade reminiscent of the country palaces Russian tsars built in the 18th century, according to the BBC, which also procured evidence that a secret slush fund had been created by a group of oligarchs to build the estate for Putin, personally. Its definitely not a lifestyle one can afford on a declared annual salary of around US$140,000. In a 2012 dossier, Former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov (later murdered) claimed that the Russian president owns a total of 20 palaces, four yachts and 58 aircraft. In a country where 20 million people can barely make ends meet, the luxurious life of the president is a brazen and cynical challenge to society from a high-handed potentate, he said, according to the Telegraph. But according to Putin himself, his wealth is not measured in money. In Steven Lee Myers book The New Tsar, Putin is quoted as saying: "I am the wealthiest man not just in Europe but in the whole world: I collect emotions. "I am wealthy in that the people of Russia have twice entrusted me with the leadership of a great nation such as Russia. I believe that is my greatest wealth." Azerbaijan In 2003, Ilham Aliyev became the newly elected president of Azerbaijan. Thirteen years later, his name appeared in the Panama Papers a massive leak of financial documents from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, which revealed the shady financial dealings of some of the worlds most powerful political figures. Related: OPEC Struggling To Hold On To Asian Market Share Months before the October 2003 presidential elections in Azerbaijan, Fazil Mammadov, Azerbaijans tax minister, began paperwork to form AtaHolding a company that has become one of the nations largest conglomerates. It holds interests in telecommunications, construction, mining, and oil and gas for a total value of $490 million, according to the last filings in 2014. A second entity this time a foundation called UF Universe holds more assets, but Panamanian laws regarding the confidentiality of foundations are strict, which makes uncovering dollar amounts difficult. Aliyevs two daughters and wife also have links to offshore companies managed by Mossack Fonsenca. Incidentally, Aliyev just named his wife Vice-President of Azerbaijan. How much is the First Oil Family worth these days? No one really knows, but enough to make it onto this list. Kazakhstan Kazakh President-for-life Nursultan Nazarbayev was also named in the Panama Papers as a tax haven owner. He had two companies registered in the British Virgin Islands, which he used to operate a bank account with an unknown amount of funds, and a luxury yacht. The revelations were particularly loaded with hypocrisy because of Nazarbayevs push to encourage his countrys wealthy to repatriate funds from abroad in order to make them taxable. Weve raised many rich people: billionaires, millionaires, he said, when oil prices tanked in 2014 and the government began using sovereign wealth funds to fund operations. They are showing off; (their) pictures in Forbes They look good, with makeup, well-groomed, well-dressed. But it is Kazakhstan that enabled you to earn all this money Bring the money here. Well forgive you. Angola Things here may be about to change, because President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has said he plans to step down after decades in power, and wont be running in Augusts presidential elections, but still plans to control the ruling party. Here, wealth is all about Sonangol, which has been marred in controversy since the president last year named his daughter as the head of the state-run oil company. Angola has massive oil wealth, yet the bulk of the countrys 22 million people live in poverty, and critics say hes mismanaged the countrys oil wealth and created an elite that largely consists of his massively rich family. But this scheme is being hit hard by the fall in oil prices that began in mid-2014, and the people are no longer complacent in their poverty. Related: Oil Prices Inch Higher On Small Crude Build, Gasoline Draw The presidents daughter, worth an estimated US$3.4 billion before she took over the state-run oil company, has been described by Forbes as Africas richest woman. Brunei And heres one thats probably not even on your radar, but it will besooner rather than later. Vast reserves of oil and natural gas have made Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei one of the richest leaders in the world. The Sultan is believed to be worth US$40 billion at the low end, and while his holdings officially belong to Brunei, in reality they belong to the royal family. Brunei is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, and pumps out, on average, 180,000 barrels per day. The royal family has controlled everything to do with oil and gas since the 1970s, and the line here between royal family assets and national assets is exceedingly blurry. Vulnerable or Not? The thing about these political oil leaders is that theyre not really vulnerableyet. It would take an event such as that which brought down Gaddafi (said to secretly be worth US$200 billion) in Libya to change this. In Brunei, things may be about to change, and the Sultan may find his wealth considerably downsized. Oil production is down 40 percent since 2006, and whats left has lost a great deal of value due to low oil prices. Nearly 96 percent of Bruneis exports are oil, gas and related productsthat tops even Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. Brunei could run out of oil in just over 20 years, but then again, the Sultan is said to have massive real estate holdings to tide him over. Angolas president is stepping down and the oil price crisis has hit him hard, but hell still control the ruling party and a new president will defer to him (and his daughter). In Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev is president for life. In Azerbaijan, the family elite is as strong as ever and will continue to be so through any means necessary. In Russia, sanctions simply havent worked because they are designed to target those around Putin, and Putin appears to have designed it so they are always vulnerable to him first and foremost. As Russian businessman and former Putin friend Sergei Pugachev notes to the Guardian, and as reported by U.S. News and World Report: "Everything that belongs to the territory of the Russian Federation Putin considers to be his. Everything Gazprom, Rosneft, private companies. Any attempt to calculate it won't succeed. He's the richest person in the world until he leaves power." By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil is once again flowing from the fields around Kirkuk, after an interruption that lasted for several hours, as security forces searched the area for bombs, said to have been planted by the Islamic State. This is what sources from the shipping industry told Reuters. Hours earlier, sources from the Kurdish security service said the oil flow to Turkeys Ceyhan port had stopped. An executive from the North Oil Company a Baghdad-controlled state firm said that the pipeline that pumped crude from the Kirkuk fields to Ceyhan transported some 120,000 barrels daily before the stoppage, although its usual daily throughput was 150,000 barrels. Oil from the Kirkuk fields has become a bone of contention between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Autonomous Government, which controls Kirkuk. Last year, the oil flow from the northern fields was suspended for several months while Baghdad and Erbil argued over the distribution of oil revenues. Meanwhile, earlier today Kurdish media Rudaw reported that Kurdish security forces had entered the offices of NOC in Kirkuk, to show Baghdad that Kirkuks oil is for its people, as the source quoted a Kurdish politician from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The official went on to say that the operation was prompted by Baghdads intention to divert oil from Kirkuk from the pipeline to Ceyhan and export it via other terminals. The Kurdish security forces took control over a pump station storing oil from the local oil fields. According to the PUK official, Aso Mamand, Baghdad has a week to change its mind about taking Kirkuk oil to the rest of Iraq. An official from the ruling Kurdish Democratic Party, the party in power, said the operation was organized and carried out by the PUK unilaterally, implying the government in Erbil had not authorized it. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Gazproms sales of natural gas to Turkey and Europe, excluding the former Soviet Union countries, dropped to 582 million cubic meters per day in February, down by 34 million cubic meters per day from the January average, on the back of lower demand and a less attractive price compared to European hubs. In January, sales had averaged 616 million cubic meters/day, Platts reports, citing Gazprom data. In February, however, Gazprom was unable to use the higher capacity of the OPAL line because of ongoing litigation, after it had increased the Nord Stream/OPAL deliveries in January. Deliveries to Europe via Ukraine went down during the last week of February, which caused Ukraines Naftogaz to issue a warning that pressure in the Russian gas transmission system at the entry to Ukraine had dropped to record low. Still, in January and February combined, Russias sales to Europe and Turkey increased by 21 percent compared to the same period last year. Sales to Greece, for example, rose by 20.6 percent compared to the same period of 2016, Gazprom said. Exports to Germany, France, and Slovakia also increased in the first two months of 2017. For February, however, the drop-in sales was also due apart from lower demand - to the converging prices in the Russian oil-indexed gas prices and the day-ahead price at European hubs. Related: The Secret Wealth Of The Worlds Richest Oil Billionaires According to analysis by Platts, the oil-indexed price range is still slightly cheaper than prices at the TTF hub, but in the near future the TTF price is expected to drop well into the oil-indexed price range. Earlier this week, Gazproms Deputy Chairman Alexander Medvedev said that the company would increase how much it charges for its natural gas in the European Union this year, to US$180-190 per 1,000 cubic meters, adding that Europe remains a priority market for the company. To compare, last years average price of Gazproms gas for Europe was US$167 per 1,000 cu m, the lowest in 12 years. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Venezuelas central bank is down to its last $10.5 billion in foreign reserves, according to the institutions most recent report on the countrys financials. Over the remainder of 2017, Caracas needs to fund $7.2 billion in debt payments an amount that it can only meet if oil prices spike far higher than the ongoing boosts caused by OPECs output reduction agreement. Current reserves stand 66 percent lower than levels in 2011, when the government held $30 billion in foreign currencies to spend on loan repayments and other official business. "The question is: Where is the floor?" Siobhan Morden, head of Latin America fixed income strategy at Nomura Holdings, told CNN Money. "If oil prices stagnate and foreign reserves reach zero, then the clock is going to start on a default." Venezuelas financial report for 2016 stated that roughly $7.7 billion of the remaining $10.5 billion in foreign reserves had been preserved in gold. Last year, in order to fulfill debt obligations, Caracas began shipping gold to Switzerland. The drastic fall in oil prices in 2014 and widespread corruption have both caused an economic meltdown in the South American country, where citizens had become accustomed to imported goods paid for by fossil fuel revenues. President Nicolas Maduro has resorted to opening the countrys border with Colombia to allow Venezuelans to purchase necessary medical and day-to-day supplies. Related: Exxon Now Spends 50% Of Drilling Budget On Shale Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSAs default is probable, according to the ratings agency Fitch, which cited the oil giants weak liquidity position and high amortization scheduled for 2017 as the causes of the default problem last month. "Should oil prices remain around current levels, average recovery may lead to additional future defaults to further reduce obligations and allow for necessary transfers to the government," said Fitchs senior director Lucas Aristizabal. The company has projected that its oil production will maintain its 23-year-low in 2017. By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Streetwise - San Francisco's Women Supervisors by Frank Dunnigan March 2017 March is Womens History Month, and a time to take a look at the many female office-holders who have served on San Franciscos Board of Supervisors. Over the past 96 years, 34 women have been members of the board, with many advancing to higher offices during the course of lengthy political careers. Interestingly, todays 6-5 female majority on the board (Supervisors Breed, Cohen, Fewer, Kim, Ronen, Tang) is NOT the first time this balance has occurred, as incorrectly stated by some recent commentators. The board has had previous female majorities as far back as 1981-1985 when 6 out of the 11 Supervisors were women: Hutch (succeeded by Kennedy), Nelder, Renne, Silver, Walker, Ward; and again from 1993-1996 when 7 out of the 11 Supervisors were women: Achtenberg (succeeded by Leal), Alioto, Bierman, Conroy (succeeded by Teng), Kaufman, Kennedy (succeeded by Katz), Migden. NOTE: The official San Francisco Board of Supervisors website and various on-line listings are considered by many to be incomplete/inaccurate. The author is deeply indebted to long-time WNP member and retired City Hall political observer Paul Rosenberg for providing a reliable source of information and fact-checking for this months column. * indicates incumbent Roberta Achtenberg Achtenberg, an attorney, ran in 1988 for the Assembly seat vacated by Art Agnos when he became mayor. She did not win, but was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1990 (same election as Carole Migden), thus becoming one of the boards first two LGBTQ women. Achtenberg resigned in 1993 when she was appointed to a post in the Clinton administration. She ran for mayor in 1995, and later served on the SF Chamber of Commerce and the Cal State University Board of Trustees before being appointed to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission in 2011. Angela Alioto Politically active for decades, Alioto worked on her fathers two successful campaigns for mayor in 1967 and 1971. An attorney, she was elected Supervisor in 1988, a position she held until 1997, including serving as board president. She herself made three bids for the office of mayor in 1991, 1995, and 2003, and has been running her own law firm since leaving the board. She remains active in both civic affairs and local politics, having been elected to a seat on the Democratic Central Committee in June 2016. Michela Alioto-Pier Alioto-Pier made her first run for a Congressional seat at age 28 in 1996 after working as an aide to Vice President Al Gore. She won the primary, but not the general election. In January 2004, Mayor Gavin Newsom appointed her to fill his recently vacated seat on the board, and she was twice elected on her own before being impacted by term limits. She ran for mayor in 2011, and is currently managing her familys vineyard business. Alioto-Pier is the granddaughter of former Mayor Joseph Alioto and the niece of former Supervisor Angela Alioto. Alicia Becerril An attorney, Becerril was a member of the Board of Appeals and the Landmarks Advisory Commission. She was appointed by Mayor Willie Brown in 1999 to complete the term of board member Jose Medina who left to accept appointment to a statewide office. She was defeated in her first election bid in November 2000, later becoming an administrative law judge. Sue Bierman Appointed to the Planning Commission by Mayor George Moscone in the 1970s, Bierman was 68 years old when she was first elected to the board in 1992 and was subsequently re-elected in 1996. She was termed out of office in 2000, appointed to the Port Commission in 2003 by Mayor Willie Brown, and was still serving in that capacity when she died in 2006. *London Breed In 2004, Breed, executive director of the African-American Art/Culture complex, was appointed to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency by Mayor Gavin Newsom who then appointed her to the Fire Commission in 2010. In 2012, Breed was elected Supervisor after winning the seat from incumbent Christina Olague, who had been appointed earlier that year by Mayor Ed Lee to fill the vacancy created by Ross Mirkarimis election as Sheriff. Breed was re-elected in 2016. Julie Christensen Appointed by Mayor Ed Lee in 2015 to replace Supervisor David Chiu who had been elected to the State Assembly, Christensen had previously served on the Advisory Board for the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR). She was unsuccessful at her first election bid in November 2015. Carmen Chu In 2007, Chu was appointed to the board by Mayor Gavin Newsom to complete the remaining term of former Supervisor Ed Jew. She was twice elected on her own before being appointed Assessor by Mayor Ed Lee in 2013, winning her own full term in 2014. *Malia Cohen With a Masters Degree in Political Science, Cohen worked as a field organizer in Gavin Newsoms first campaign for mayor, and then as a legislative aide to a San Mateo County supervisor before being elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Annemarie Conroy An attorney, Conroy was appointed by her godfather, Mayor Frank Jordan, in 1993 to replace Doris Ward who had just been appointed City Assessor. Defeated at her first election bid in 1994, she was later appointed Director of the Treasure Island Development Authority and later to the Office of Emergency Services. She also served on the Police and Fire Commissions. Dianne Feinstein First elected to the board in 1969 (the fourth woman in board history) and then re-elected in 1973 and 1977, Feinstein ran for mayor in 1971 and 1975, though did not win. She became the first female board president and later the first female mayor, upon the death of George Moscone in 1978, before winning two additional terms on her own and serving until 1988. After a gubernatorial bid in 1990, she was elected to the U.S. Senate from California in 1992, again, the first California woman in this role, being sworn in a month prior to Barbara Boxer who was elected the same day. At age 83, Feinstein is the oldest currently serving Senator. *Sandra Lee Fewer A member of the School Board, Fewer won a hotly contested race for the District 1 (Richmond District) seat in the 2016 election, taking office in January 2017. Ella Hill Hutch First elected in 1977, Hutch was the first African-American woman to serve on the board. She was re-elected in 1980, but died in office in 1981. Mayor Dianne Feinstein then appointed Willie B. Kennedy to succeed Hutch. Leslie Katz Appointed by Mayor Willie Brown to serve out the remainder of Supervisor Willie B. Kennedys term after she took a seat on the BART Board, Katz had a background as an attorney and a member of the City College governing board. She won election to the Board of Supervisors in her own right in 1996, and later served on the Port Commission. Barbara Kaufman First elected in 1992, and re-elected in 1996, Kaufman had been the host of a consumer advocacy radio program. She later became board president and after being termed out returned to managing real estate investments and running the local office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Willie B. Kennedy A long-time San Francisco retail executive, Kennedy was appointed by Mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1981 to fill the remaining term of Supervisor Ella Hill Hutch, who died in office. Kennedy was then elected in 1984, 1988, and 1992, remaining in office until she resigned in 1996 to join the BART Board of Directors just before she would have been impacted by term limits. *Jane Kim An attorney, Kim was elected to the School Board in 2004 and 2008, becoming that groups president in 2010. She won a surprise victory for the Board of Supervisors in the November 2010 election, becoming its first Korean-American member. Susan Leal Appointed as the boards first Latina member by Mayor Frank Jordan in 1993 to complete the term of Roberta Achtenberg who left to accept a Federal appointment, Leal then won election in her own right in 1994. From 1997 to 2004, she served as City Treasurer, from 2004 to 2009 was General Manager of the Public Utilities Commission, and is now with Harvard University. Fiona Ma First elected to the board in 2002, Ma served until 2006 when she won election to the State Assembly. In 2014, she won election to the State Board of Equalization, and in 2016, was elected its Chair. Sophie Maxwell Maxwell (daughter of the late Enola Maxwell who previously ran for the board) was first elected in 2000 during the return to district elections. Sophie Maxwell was then re-elected twice and served until 2010 when she was termed out. Clarissa Shortall McMahon A practicing lawyer since 1935, McMahon was appointed by Mayor Elmer Robinson in 1953 to fill a seat vacated by Supervisor John J. Sullivan, thus becoming the boards second female member. She was subsequently elected three times on her own, serving until 1966 when she left to return to her law practice. She was also a candidate for the SF Charter Reform Committee in 1978. Carole Migden Elected to the board in 1990 in the same election as another LGBTQ woman, Roberta Achtenberg. Migden served on the board until 1996, when she became a member of the California State Assembly, serving there until 2002. She was then Chair of the State Board of Equalization from 2002-2004, and then a member of the California State Senate from 2004-2008, but failed to win re-nomination in the 2008 primary. Margaret Mary Morgan In 1921, Morgan was elected and became the first woman to serve on the board. Prior to election, she managed a printing firm in the Financial District, returning to that business after one four-year term on the board. She was also involved with the California Federation of Business/Professional Womens Clubs and the California League of Women Voters. Jane McKaskle Murphy Murphy served on the Police Commission before being appointed by Mayor George Moscone in 1977 to complete the remaining term of Dorothy von Beroldingen following her appointment as judge. Murphy was never elected to a full term of her own, returning to the Police Commission after leaving the board. Wendy Nelder First elected in 1980, Nelder served on the board until 1991. She was part of the first female-majority board of Supervisors (Hutch, Nelder, Renne, Silver, Walker, Ward) when seated in January 1981. Her father, Al Nelder, a retired Chief of the San Francisco Police Department, also served on the board in the mid-1970s, and her one-time father-in-law, Harold Dobbs, was a board member and board president in the 1960s, as well as a three-time candidate for mayor in 1963, 1967, and 1971. In a footnote to history, Wendy Nelders adult children, Amy and Jeff, are the only San Franciscans who can claim their mother and both grandfathers as members of the Board of Supervisors. Christina Olague Appointed in January 2012 by Mayor Ed Lee to fill the remaining term of Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi who had been elected Sheriff, Olague did not win election in her own right that fall, being defeated by London Breed. Louise Renne Appointed by Mayor Dianne Feinstein to fill her own vacant board seat after becoming mayor in 1978, Renne was later elected in her own right. She lost a 1982 congressional primary to Barbara Boxer, continuing as supervisor, and serving until 1986, when she became San Franciscos first female city attorney. She briefly ran for mayor in 1987 hoping to succeed Dianne Feinstein, but then continued as city attorney until 2001, when she returned to private law practice. *Hilary Ronen A former immigrant rights attorney and aide to Supervisor David Campos, Ronen was elected to the board in 2016 to replace her boss who had been termed out. Carol Ruth Silver First elected to the board in 1977 and twice re-elected, Silver lost a third re-election bid in 1988 and later ran for Congress, but was defeated by Michela Alioto-Pier (who herself would later be elected to the board). Silver made a new bid for a board seat in 2000, but voters did not return her to office. She was later appointed director of the San Francisco Sheriffs Office of Prisoner Services. *Katy Tang An attorney, Tang worked as legislative aide to Supervisor Carmen Chu before being appointed to the board by Mayor Ed Lee in 2013 to take over the seat after Chus appointment as Assessor. Tang has since been elected twice in her own right, and has served as board president. Mabel Teng First elected to the Community College Board in 1990, Teng was elected supervisor in 1994 as the first Asian-American female board member and then re-elected in 1998. She lost her bid for a third term in November 2000 by a razor-thin margin of just 38 votes. In 2002, she was elected as Assessor. Teng resigned in 2005, citing family issues. Nancy Walker A member of Citizens for Representative Government (CRG) since the early 1970s, Walker was first a candidate for the board in 1977, but was elected on her second run in 1979. She was re-elected three times, and also served as board president. She chose not to seek re-election in 1990. Doris Ward Ward became a member of the Community College Board in 1972, won a second term, was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1979, and then re-elected four more times, becoming board president in 1991. She was also one of several candidates who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1987 to succeed Sala Burton, who had died in office. In 1993, Mayor Frank Jordan appointed Ward as City Assessor (naming Annemarie Conroy as board replacement). Ward was then elected assessor in her own right in 1994 and again in 1998. In 2002, she was defeated in a runoff by former two-term Supervisor Mabel Teng. Dorothy von Beroldingen The first woman appointed to the San Francisco Civil Service Commission in 1964, von Beroldingen was named to the board by Mayor Jack Shelley in 1966 to replace Joseph Tinney, who had been appointed Assessor to replace Russell Wolden, who had been removed from office. During her time on the Board of Supervisors, von Beroldingen also became the first woman appointed to serve on the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District board of directors. She remained a supervisor until 1977, when she was appointed municipal court judge by Governor Jerry Brown, and then later served as a superior court judgea position which she held until just before her death in 1999. Historical Footnote:Dianne Feinstein is widely regarded as the first woman mayor of a major U.S. city. However, members of the Board of Supervisors have long rotated among themselves in filling the role of mayor upon that persons absence from San Francisco. It was in this regard that the San Francisco Chronicle reported on June 18, 1954: San Francisco has a female mayor for the first time when Supervisor Clarissa McMahon serves as acting mayor. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places! Discussion about wargaming and military history, primarily WWII in North Africa. Also discussion about AFV's and artillery. 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... CORINTH A 17-year-old Corinth High School student faces two charges for allegedly making inappropriate comments about a school shooting situation, police said. The teen, whose name is being withheld because of his age, was charged with aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor, and non-criminal harassment after an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriffs Office. Police were contacted by people who claimed that the young man had made threats, and police learned of private text message conversations and a comment made at a school lockdown drill this week that were inappropriate regarding school shooting incidents such as the Columbine school massacre. While there was no direct threat made it was determined that the comments and actions of (the teen) were in violation of the above sections of law, the Sheriffs Office said in a news release. The teen was released pending prosecution in Corinth Town Court. QUEENSBURY A Queensbury man pleaded guilty last week to a felony robbery charge for forcibly stealing property from a store in Queensbury. Ryan G. Carruthers, 32, pleaded guilty to third-degree robbery for an incident at one of the Wal-Mart stores in Queensbury last March, court records show. He was arrested after he stole a pair of boots, and fought with store security who tried to detain him. Warren County Judge John Hall put Carruthers on interim probation for a year. If he does well, he will be sentenced to probation. If not, he faces a jail or prison term. Type the words customs enforcement into Google. What will likely pop up is a slew of recent news stories from across the country about how, since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, an explosion of raids conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement has occurred. Many of those sourced in these articles said the raids have caused increased fears of deportation and collateral arrests of people who are in the United States legally. This is a result of Trumps executive order to take the shackles off ICE officers, as White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer put it, and it has given the agency more leeway to carry out its operations. But for Thomas Homan, now acting director of ICE, it has also come with a challenge: building a positive image for ICE in the media and in the public. Homan, a West Carthage native, was appointed Jan. 30 as acting director of ICE. He was promoted by Trump from executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, a position he held for more than three years. He succeeded Daniel Ragsdale as acting director of ICE. Ragsdale, who served as acting director of ICE under former President Barack Obama since 2013, has returned to his previous position of deputy director. With one month on the new job now under his belt, Homan said the juggling act between enforcing the law and building trust with the public has been nothing short of difficult. Right now, the attack is on ICE, he said in a Times interview Wednesday. Everyone is going after ICE. In looking to build that trust, Homan said he is determined to educate the public that ICE is no different than any other law enforcement agency in the nation, and its officers are doing the job they are ordered to do. Operations conducted by ICE, he added, are being incorrectly labeled as random raids by the media, as such operations are based on intelligence gathered over a period of time. But it is the level of discretion ICE agents have that has changed under Trumps presidency. In the Obama days, ICE had to focus only on those who could pose a significant threat to the public, and those farther down the priority list were to be left untouched. With Trumps executive order in play, Homan said there is no longer a specific group or population of people immune to investigation. It gives them back their discretion, he said. No more leaving a certain population alone now its looking at it on a case-by-case basis. They are now operating with 100 percent capability like they should have been. In discussing immigration law enforcement, Homan uses the words due process often. He said carrying out ICE operations isnt just about ensuring laws are followed, but also that those detained have their voices heard in the courts. And a judges decision, regardless of what it is, must be respected. If youre going to go through this whole process and a federal judge makes a decision, that decision needs to be executed, or theres no integrity in the system, he said. Immigration is emotional, I get that, but its still a law, and we are still law enforcement officers, and we gotta do our job. The northern border Being a north country native, Homan said he is tuned in to what happens along the Canadian border. While problems along the southern border often make the headlines more frequently than those happening in the north, Homan said it doesnt mean one is more important than the other. Homan noted, however, that the Mexican border remains one of the highest priorities when it comes to nations border issues. We gotta go where the fire is at, and right now the fire is on the Southwest border, he said. Because of that, Homan said, more resources are dedicated to that region. But that is likely to change. Now that we are getting more resources from the executive order, youre seeing more resources on the southern border and also the northern border, he said. Homan said ICE has formed several partnerships and task forces with law enforcement agencies in New York state, including state police, border patrol and even local entities. While he could not go into specifics of ICE investigations in upstate New York, he said good work is happening along the northern border as a result of those partnerships. Sanctuary cities Homan said metropolitan areas that have labeled themselves as sanctuary cities as a result of Trumps executive action have posed a problem for ICEs operations. He noted Chicago as a particular challenge, as city officials there have promised to shield undocumented immigrants from potential deportation. Homan said illegal immigrants jailed in Chicago cannot be questioned or removed from the country by ICE, therein increasing the risk that they will repeat crimes once released. If we cant get our hands on the people who are going to pose a threat to our country and our communities, it becomes a problem, he said. Sanctuary cities concern me because they are creating a public safety issue and are creating issues for the men and women who work for me. Homan also noted that sanctuary cities like Chicago receive federal funding to jail illegal immigrants through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which adds further complications, he added, when federal law enforcement cannot enter jails being funded with federal money. I find that particularly disturbing, he said. Transparency Homan said that ICE is ramping efforts to interact with the public to be more transparent about the results of its operations and why it functions the way it does. On top of increased social media activity, Homan said he will make himself more available to speak with the public on immigration issues. Once people understand what we do and why we do it, I think the adversity will decrease, Homan said. But at the end of the day, Homan said, the job is about respecting the law, Anybody who is escaping fear and persecution in their homeland, we will absolutely make sure they get a due process, he said. We will make sure someone is heard. We will not knowingly send someone back to a home where they will be persecuted. But once a decision is made, I have to do my job. HUDSON FALLS Regent Beverly Ouderkirk said she is impressed with the creativity she is seeing in districts such as Hudson Falls. Room after room, I was so impressed with the comfort level and interaction between the kids, she said. Students were eager to show off their reading and writing projects, according to Ouderkirk. In a special education classroom, she saw that the staff is using blue lighting to calm the students. People are doing very neat things that are expanding the opportunities for kids, she said Ouderkirk is trying to visit all the school districts in her territory, which includes Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence and Schenectady counties. She has visited about 30 districts so far. She said the tours are helpful. On these visits, I discover things I didnt have a clue about, she said. Some of those things arent getting the publicity they deserve, she added. Ouderkirk is touring the schools to learn about programs such as the 21st Century Community Learning Center in Hudson Falls, which gives students a space to drop in during the day or after school for homework help or to see a counselor. Katie MacDougall, school counselor for the program, said students also can meditate at the center. Sometimes, they just need to talk. The center also has structured after-school activities, such as CPR training or teaching of culinary skills, according to P.J. Malone, coordinator for the program. Malone said about 20 to 40 students show up for the programs. Principal James Bennefield said the center gives students exposure to different opportunities. Stopping by Matthew Rozzells ninth-grade history classroom, Ouderkirk assured students that, despite her title, she was not there to give an exam. I do not do the Regents test. I dont take responsibility for that, she quipped. Ouderkirk said being a member of the Board of Regents is fascinating but frustrating. Regents have responsibility for K-12 curriculum, plus higher education and professional licensing. Ouderkirk also responded to questions about the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The law gives more control to the states and New York education officials are drafting a plan to comply with the standards. Among the questions that need to be answered are what types of tests New York would like to pilot, how to assess the performance of English language learners, how to design the system to hold schools accountable and how to intervene in low-performing schools, according to a news release. Ouderkirk said new students who do not speak English should not be expected to take and perform well on a subject matter test in their first year. The plan will be submitted to the federal government later this year. The Board of Regents is also focused on creating more pathways for students to complete school. Bennefield said he likes the idea of creating alternative pathways for graduation and giving schools partial credit in the graduation rate report for students who take the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (formerly the GED) or do a career and technical program. A lot of principals feel the same way about having some more flexibility with these programs because, again, not every kid learns the same way, he said. PLATTSBURGH North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was glad to hear President Donald Trump touch on an issue of deep concern for the 21st District in his address to Congress on Tuesday night. I was particularly excited about his discussion about our partnership with Canada, she said after the speech. It was mentioned as a prominent aspect of the speech. The president pledged to work with Canada to improve trade agreements and to empower more women in business, goals that were developed during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 13 in Washington. Bipartisanship Stefanik, R-Willsboro, said she felt the presidents speech overall was excellent, and was directed not just to Congress, but to all Americans. It was very unifying and optimistic and stressed the importance of bipartisanship, she said. The stories of Americans that the president told, highlighted by their presence in the chamber, were uplifting, Stefanik said. The widow of an American serviceman recently killed in action received a thunderous and lengthy ovation during the speech, as did a 20-year-old survivor of a rare disease who was present. Family members of law enforcement officers slain on the job were also honored. You could feel that when he referenced those stories, Stefanik said. Growing economy The congresswoman was also pleased to hear that the president wants to invest in growing the economy, improving the nations infrastructure and helping veterans receive benefits they deserve. The president mentioned the need for clean air and water, which Stefanik said will provide an opportunity for both Republicans and Democrats to work together to make improvements. There were both Republicans and Democrats that stood up after those portions of the speech, she said. I look forward to working with the White House on commonsense proposals that promote and protect our environment but also continue to support our job creators. Find a balance Stefanik said she would like to see a structured plan to defeat ISIS, and improvements in border security that include parts of a wall and technology. I think we can find a balance, she said. She also liked the presidents pledge to create a task force on deregulation that would eliminate two regulations for each new one installed. In eight years under President Obama, we have had an historic number of regulations put into law, and that circumvents Congress, she said. I believe that the institution to make commonsense laws is Congress. That is our job. Stefanik said she hopes Congress can work together to tackle issues, as the president asked. I hope my colleagues heed that, she said. There are a number of opportunities for us to work together. Unifying In typical fashion, those of the party of the president, in this case Republicans, stood up and applauded numerous times during the speech, while Democrats stayed seated with idle hands. Stefanik said that, toward the end of the speech, that seemed to change a bit. I think that was one of the most unifying speeches, she said. There were a number of standing ovations (toward the end) that came from both sides of the aisle. Local utility companies were dealing with tens of thousands of local outages early Thursday as high winds ripped through the region. More than 22,000 local National Grid customers were without power at its peak, most of them in the Greenfield, Wilton and Saratoga Springs areas of Saratoga County and and another 4,200 in Warren County and 2,200 in Essex County. Northern and southwestern Warren County and southern Essex County were hardest hit in the latter two counties. Hundreds of outages were also reported in Queensbury, South Glens Falls, Moreau and Greenwich and the company's website predicted restoration Thursday afternoon for many, but expected some to go into the evening. As of 5 p.m., National Grid had brought the number down to about 6,000 in Saratoga, Warren, Essex and Washington counties. The majority of outages remain in Saratoga County with nearly 5,000 customers without power. National Grid spokesman Nathan Stone said the estimated time of restoration was unclear, as the utility dealt with major transmission line and substation issues in Saratoga County. The company was trying to bring in additional line crews from other parts of the state, but the wind seemed to have caused utility issues around much of New York, he said. "We put out calls for mutual aid, but everybody is dealing with this," Stone said. Snapped utility poles were reported around the region, and those are the most time-consuming repairs as broken poles have to be removed and new ones put in place, Stone added. New York State Electric & Gas reported nearly 200 outages in Essex and Washington counties as of early Thursday, with Jackson and Newcomb the hardest hit towns. Local police and firefighters were responding to downed trees and branches on Route 28 in Johnsburg, Ridge Road in Queensbury, Cleverdale Road in North Queensbury, Fire Road in Glens Falls, Ballard Road in Wilton, Library Avenue in Warrensburg, Antone Mountain Road in Corinth and Lens Lake Road in Stony Creek. The Warren County Sheriff's Office had fielded 22 calls for storm-related issues between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Thursday. "We had a lot of trees down in our town," said Lake Luzerne Supervisor Gene Merlino, adding that the Call Street area seemed hardest hit early Thursday. Route 40 was closed near Hegeman Bridge Road in Easton because of a downed utility pole as of 7:40 a.m., but re-opened by 8:30 a.m. One lane of Route 8 in Johnsburg was blocked by a fallen tree that landed on a boat, police said. The Saratoga Springs School District closed at 11 a.m. because of outages in the district. As of 3 p.m., about 1,500 remain without power in the city. The National Weather Service reported measuring wind gusts topping 40 mph in Washington and Bennington counties as of early Thursday, with a gust hitting 51 mph in Glenville. Glens Falls topped out with a gust of 47 mph with the highest measured at 54 mph at Albany International Airport. A wind advisory was canceled just after 5 p.m. across the region. As a cold front moves through temperatures will drop, with cold weather lingering through the weekend. Saturday's high temperature is not expected to climb out of the teens in much of the area. WASHINGTON (AP) A presidential address to Congress is always part policy speech, part political theater. With President Donald Trump, a former reality TV star, there's extra potential for drama as he makes his first address to Congress. After a chaotic start to his presidency, Trump will be trying to project his administration as ready to stride forward on top priorities such as changes to President Barack Obama's health care law and a tax overhaul. Congressional Democrats, in turn, will be trying to calibrate how strongly to oppose the Republican president in the staid setting of the House chamber, where manners still matter. Some things to watch for Tuesday night: PRE-GAME Which members of Congress will arrive hours early to stake out seats on the center aisle of the House chamber for Trump's big entrance? Expect core Trump supporters to try to line the aisle. But will some of the Democrats' traditional aisle-huggers continue to angle for prime seats, then make a point of passing up a handshake with the president? Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat who has often positioned herself on the aisle for presidential addresses, does not plan on shaking Trump's hand, according to her office. THE ROBED ONES Check out which Supreme Court justices show up this year. Samuel Alito, part of the court's conservative contingent, hasn't gone since he was caught on camera during the 2010 State of the Union address shaking his head and mouthing "not true" when Obama criticized a Supreme Court decision. Clarence Thomas, who has also stayed away in recent years, said in 2010 that the addresses had become so partisan that "it's very uncomfortable for a judge to sit there." Could this be a year for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who leads the court's liberal wing, to opt out? She criticized Trump in interviews before his election but later said she regretted making "ill-advised" comments in which she dismissed Trump as a "faker" who "really has an ego." She went to every one of Obama's speeches (but dozed off in 2015 when, she said, she "wasn't 100 percent sober.") FOCUS FACTOR White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is promising Trump's speech will be "an optimistic vision for the country, crossing traditional lines of party, race, socio-economic status." Trump has demonstrated that he can stick to a script for high-profile speeches. But there's always interplay between presidents and legislators in such addresses, and even a few presidential ad libs could change the dynamics of the night. If Trump veers into talk about "fake news," and "criminal leaks" from intelligence officials and complaints about the courts blocking his executive order on immigration, that would distract from his effort to show more discipline and focus. WHITHER KUMBAYA? Spicer says he expects Trump to get "a very robust and applause-filled reception" from legislators. But dozens of Democratic legislators boycotted Trump's inauguration. And now, they have to decide how to receive the president in their own chambers. Will they applaud the GOP president? Will the decorum of the moment be pierced with boos and heckles? Some of that may be choreographed in advance, but there's always the chance of spontaneous outbursts. In 2009, Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina blurted out "You lie!" during an Obama speech to Congress on health care. Expect to see lots of white in the crowd: Democratic women in the House planned to wear white to honor women's suffrage and "stand in solidarity with the women of our nation." DETAILS, PLEASE Republicans in Congress are getting impatient for more detail on Trump's plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and to undertake sweeping tax changes. Trump on Monday called the health care law a "complicated issue" and promised to give states "the flexibility they need to make the end result really, really good for them." The speech is a prime opportunity for Trump to go beyond such generalities, but aides say not to expect a "legislative walkthrough." LOOKING UP The action won't all be on the floor of the House. The galleries in the House balcony will offer another tier of commentary. Democratic members of Congress have invited immigrants, foreigners and people who have benefited from the Obama health-care law to be seated in the galleries as their guests. And first lady Melania Trump has invited special guests to sit in her box who are likely to telegraph different messages. Those guests so far include Maureen McCarthy Scalia, the widow of late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and Denisha Merriweather, who has written about how her life changed because she was able to use the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program to attend a private high school. TWITTERAMA No need to wait for the speech to end to get political commentary. Based on past presidential addresses to Congress, expect legislators to be live tweeting their reactions to what they view as the best and worst of it. And there's always the potential for Trump himself to amplify or scramble his own message with presidential tweets before and after the fact. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R.-Kentucky, said he's hoping for a "tweet-free" message from Trump. COUNTER PROGRAMMING Expect both official and informal counterprogramming. Former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, who helped expand health care coverage in his state under Obama's health care law, will deliver the Democrats' response to Trump's address. And immigration activist Astrid Silva, who came to the U.S. illegally when she was 5, will offer the party's Spanish-language response. Before Trump's speech, opponents of the president planned a "resistance address" and rally at Lafayette Park across from the White House, with Rosie O'Donnell as a headliner. She and Trump have been feuding for years. ___ Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nbenac A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip struck an open field south of the coastal city of Ashkelon on Wednesday night, causing neither injury nor damage, the army said, the second attack in a week. The projectile struck the Hof Ashkelon region shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces said. Israeli troops began searching the area to locate the rocket, the army said. No terrorist groups immediately took credit for the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not tolerate a drizzle of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip without a response. Hamass military wing threatened Tuesday to retaliate against Israel should the Jewish state strike Gaza. The enemy only understands the language of force, and sometimes silence is interpreted as weakness by the enemy. Therefore, any aggression along the lines of what happened yesterday, the resistance, headed by the Qassam Brigades, will have their say, Abu Obeida, the official spokesperson of Hamass military wing the Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades told the terror groups Al Aqsa TV station. Antisemitism has been expected from countries in the Middle East that are mostly Muslim countries. It has also been on the rise in most of Europe in the last two decades, with a recent surge in the last three years coming from all sides of the political, religio Things seem to be changing in America! Over 100 Jewish Community Centers (JCC) have received bomb threats in the last two months all across our nation. Several of these threats touched some of my personal friends, as well as one JCC in my own neighborhood. Fortunately, none of them was real. But how many more phone calls before one threat turns into a real explosion and innocent lives are lost? The President covered the issue in his address to Congress when he said Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last weeks shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms. Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last weeks shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms. When I look at the recent bombs threats against multiple Jewish communities, and how they disrupted the peace of regular civilians, I cannot help but think that they were acts of terrorism. The intimidation in a bomb threat is very high as nobody can ever assume that it is a hoax, especially in the current world we live in. I also find the act of making a threatening anonymous phone call very cowardly. Antisemitism can happen in words and/or deeds. So far, the bomb threats have only been words but they can be equally damaging. Two Jewish cemeteries in Missouri and Pennsylvania have also been desecrated with over 250 tombstones turned over. These attacksstrangely reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s in Europe were clearly targeted against Jewish people. These qualify as antisemitism in deeds the same way that several graffiti recently written on various Jewish properties do. This may come as a surprise to many Americans, but these acts are not happening in a vacuum. I have been documenting such acts against American Jews since 1999. They were fewer and further in between than todayby a long shot. America is a huge country and isolated incidents of antisemitism have never made the front page of the papers or the eight oclock news. Yet they happened all across the USA. This recent surge is symptomatic of a very serious problem but it can also be beneficial to many. As surprising as it might sound, there are still many in America and around the world who either find it difficult to believe that antisemitism exist or who are simply unaware of it. The recent wave of events has propelled the issue to the forefront of the news, and it needs to park there for a while. Americans must understand that Jewish people are becoming a real target in the United-Stated like they have been in the Middle East and Europe for a while now. Outside from the obvious need to show our support to a scared community, this also should serve as a wake-up call for our country and the rest of the world. Antisemitism is back, it is growing again, and it is here to stay. We must boldly denounce this wave of hatred against the Jewish people. Our current administration is going to have to do more than provide us with a few comforting words. When Mr. Trump makes it so clear that we are fighting Islamic radicalism and terrorism, he also needs to severely punish the perpetrators of such crimes. Antisemitism is indeed the Longest Hatred and has been somewhat of a dormant volcano in America. The recent months have shown that the lava of Jew hatred is resurfacing out of a volcano that was never dead. I am not certain that we can stop the volcano, but I know that we can better protect the potential victims from its lava. Europe is already seeing Jewish people being killed again. The evangelical community and all people of good will need to step up and reach out to help their Jewish friends, lest we become 21st century by-standers and facilitate what I call End-Times antisemitism. The US Navys ability to address the concerns of allies and to keep at bay potential enemies in the South China Sea is an open question, military analysts suggest, pointing to a large-scale build up of missiles and warships by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), that could tip the scales of naval dominance in the region. China has thousands of ballistic missiles aimed squarely at neighboring Taiwan. US President Donald Trump has proposed a $54-billion military spending increase, while China has increased defense expenditures with double-digit percent rises almost every year for the last two decades, according to Pete Apps in a Wednesday column for Reuters. PLAN has rounded up significant sources of new funding to support a goal of projecting Chinese naval power globally, largely prompted by the unpredictability of Trump. The outspoken US President has publicly backed Japan in the dispute over Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea, talked on the phone with Taiwans top leader, and berated Beijing as the grand champion of artificial currency devaluation. According to the Royal United Services Institute, a UK-based think tank, Chinas navy is "moving toward an ambition of 500 warships, including aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, amphibious ships, and a burgeoning frigate and destroyer force." The fleet could add three aircraft carriers, 100 submarines, and other combat vessels, according to some estimates. A spokesperson for the think tank contended that since "it is hard to recall growth at a similar pace in any navy across historyBeijing is slowly pulling ahead." Syrian government forces and their allies have liberated the Palmyra citadel located on a hill overlooking the town from Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants, sources tell RT. Pro-government forces are now in control of several strategic mountains that are overlooking the ancient city of Palmyra. They also have under their control the famous citadel, RTs Lizzie Phelan reports, citing sources that are in direct contact with the army command center on the Palmyra front. The Syrian Army took control over the heights surrounding the historic citadel of Palmyra and as well as the SyriaTel hill after Islamic State militants abruptly left the area, a field commander told RIA Novosti. As a result, Palmyra is now at a stone throw from the Syrian Army, which is rapidly advancing towards the city, the commander added. The army is now storming a hotel district in the southwestern part of Palmyra, RIA Novosti reports, citing a source. Government forces engaged in fierce clashes with IS militants, leaving scores of them dead or injured, and chasing down those who retreated, the report added. Engineers are currently carrying out a clean-up of bombs and landmines in the area. Here. Excerpt: [John] Harwood: The Wall Street Journal wrote an editorial, said your agency is lawless. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who is an independent-minded senator, refers to you as King Richard. People say, "He's a dictator." What do you say? Cordray: First of all, I think it's completely ill-founded. There's never specifics in those kinds of claims. But what I would say is, accountability is really at the heart of this agency. We're all about holding financial companies, large financial companies, accountable for complying with the law and treating people fairly. Harwood: Do you not accept that you need to be accountable to someone in government who is elected by people? Cordray: Sure. We are accountable. I have to be accountable to Congress; I have to testify in front of them four times a year. I'm accountable to the courts; they oversee what we do. And if we get something wrong, we fix it, just like everybody else does. Harwood: Doesn't accountability mean that somebody in government above you can fire you or change your budget? Cordray: Well, what they can do is replace you from time to time. That's the way the independent agencies work. Nobody's talking about firing Janet Yellen at the Federal Reserve. Nobody's talking about firing other independent agency heads. That's the principle of our government. * * * Harwood: Have you talked to anyone senior at the White House about talking to the president? Cordray: I have not had a chance to talk to the president. Harwood: People like Reince Priebus, the chief of staff, or Steve Bannon? Cordray: Well, look. I have made it clear and I'll make it clear here to you that I'm quite happy to sit down and talk to anybody. Love to have the chance to talk to him about our work, hear whatever criticisms or other points of view they may have, and try to talk those through. I think we can reach a lot of common ground in terms of protecting consumers. I wish Harwood had followed up on that because it would be interesting to know if the White House has been in touch with the Director. In fact, President Donald Trump's travel itinerary cost US taxpayers more than $10 million during his first month in office, according to The Washington Post. Presidential travel is a highly complex logistical operation involving hundreds of people, dozens of vehicles, and a fleet of aircraft. As a result, it easy to see how the bill can skyrocket very quickly. So what does this operation entail? First, there's Air Force One, the call sign given to the Boeing VC-25A when the president is aboard. There are actually two planes that share that designation. The VC-25A is a highly modified version of the Boeing 747-200B airliner. Even though it entered service in 1990 with President George H.W. Bush, the jets tail numbers 28000 and 29000 were ordered in the mid-1980s by President Ronald Reagan. According to Boeing, each aircraft carries a crew of 26 along with roughly 70 passengers including the president, government officials, Secret Service agents, and guests. The 4,000-square-foot space in the VC-25A's cabin allows the aircraft to function as a flying White House with the ability to run a country from 40,000 feet. At the same time, the 747-200B's General Electric CF6-50 series engines were replaced with the more powerful CF6-80 series engines from the newer 747-300. Other presidential upgrades include: On major trips, both VC-25As make the trip one with the president aboard and the other acting as backup in case of an emergency. According to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by Judicial Watch, the VC-25A cost a whopping $206,000 an hour to operate during a 2014 trip to Los Angeles by President Barack Obama. According to the documents, this figure included fuel, flight consumables, and maintenance. This far exceeds the $20,000 to $25,000 an hour it costs an airline to operate a commercial 747, Airways senior business analyst Vinay Bhaskara told Business Insider in an email. The VC-25As are operated by the Presidential Airlift Group at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and are part of the US Air Force's 89th Airlift Wing. Other travel costs Then there are the limos. Affectionately known as "The Beast," the presidential limos are heavy-duty armored vehicles built on a General Motors commercial truck platform with a Cadillac body. These monsters feature everything from full-ballistic protection to an on-board cache of blood for the president in case of a medical emergency. According to Autoweek, each one of Obama's 12 Beast limos cost $1.5 million. Trump will get a new version of the Beast. It's unclear how much the new model will cost. On trips, these limos travel ahead with the advance team so they are waiting for the president once his plane arrives. This means they have to be transported ahead of time in a fleet of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes. And in instances in which the president is in a hurry, he has the option to bypass the Beast and go with Marine One, the call sign for the presidential helicopter. The helicopters Sikorsky VH-3D Sea Kings or VH-60Ns or Boeing MV-22s usually fly in a formation of three. These are operated by the Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, Virginia. This review comes at the heels of a report claiming President Donald Trump believed the "greatest immediate threat" to the US was North Korea's nuclear program. Recent provocations from the Hermit Kingdom, including the ballistic missile launch in the Sea of Japan and the assassination of Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother in Malaysia, may have provoked this shift in the policy that have many officials and US allies worried. "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!" Trump tweeted in January. Several weeks later, North Korea conducted its missile test. Since then, The proposals, which are now being vetted prior to Trump's review, would certainly be met with worry from China, a long-time North Korean ally, who recently responded with an export ban against North Korea's coal industry. Additionally, many experts fear that a direct military conflict would spark all-out warfare, including artillery barrages directed at Seoul, South Korea's capital. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has come under fire for what critics say was misleading the Senate about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the US while he was a prominent surrogate for President Donald Trump's campaign. Sessions recused himself Thursday from any investigations pertaining top Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, have called for Sessions to step down from his post at the Justice Department. Pelosi has charged that Sessions perjured himself in front of Congress. But experts say that while Sessions' may have misled the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearings, his comments likely don't amount to perjury "A While Franken contended Thursday that Sessions' comments were "extremely misleading," he stopped short of invoking "perjury." It's much more difficult to prove that Sessions, a trained attorney, actually lied with intent. In order to obtain a perjury conviction, the prosecution must make explicitly clear what each specific term in Franken's question means, including what was meant by "affiliated," Stan Brand, senior counsel at Akin Gump and an expert on congressional investigations, told Business Insider. " Sessions met with Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, in his Senate office on September 8, at the height of the presidential campaign, and at a Heritage Foundation event in July during the Republican National Convention. Sessions, for his part, said at a press conference Thursday that his response to Franken's question was accurate. There are grounds for perjury only if it can be proven that Sessions made a false statement, said Levenson, the former federal prosecutor and Loyola Law School professor. Sessions spoke to Sergey Kislyak in July and September last year, the Post reported. Yet during his confirmation hearing in January, Sessions said he "did not have communications with the Russians" while he served as a campaign surrogate for Donald Trump. The news comes as lawmakers call for an independent investigation into Russia's election-related meddling and alleged ties to various Trump associates. It comes less than a month after former national-security adviser Michael Flynn was asked to resign following revelations that he spoke with Kislyak about US sanctions on Russia before Trump was sworn in. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," Sessions replied when asked during the hearing whether he knew about contacts between Russia and Trump's associates, which were at that point already being investigated by US intelligence officials. "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians," Sessions said. Heres video of that moment: Sessions did not consider his conversation with Kislyak relevant enough to disclose at the hearing, his spokesperson told the Post. Sessions did not even remember what he and Kislyak discussed, the spokesperson added. In a separate statement on Wednesday night, Sessions asserted: "I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." The FBI was investigating Attorney General Jeff Sessions' contacts with Russian officials before Trump nominated him in December, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. It is unclear if that investigation is ongoing, or whether the Senate was briefed on that investigation when it voted to confirm Sessions on February 8. Sessions is now in control of the Justice Department and the FBI, both of which are investigating Russia's cyberattacks against the US. The House and Senate Intelligence Committees are also looking into the matter. Sessions has slapped away suggestions that he should recuse himself from the investigation. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham commented on the Post's report during a CNN event on Wednesday night, saying "for sure you need a special prosecutor" if Sessions indeed spoke with the Kremlin. "Misleading the Senate in sworn testimony about one's own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail," Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, said in a tweet on Wednesday. The Trump administration has repeatedly denied all suggestions that it colluded with Russia's interference activities. But The New York Times and CNN reported last month, citing US intelligence officials, that Russian operatives and people in Trump's inner circle communicated frequently before the election. The Times reported that the communications between people in Trump's orbit and Russia ran deep on both sides. They were said to include other associates of Trump outside his campaign. And on the Russian side, people within the country's government in addition to intelligence officials were also involved, according to The Times' sources, who remained anonymous. He said the government will restore fiscal discipline in the Ghanaian economy. READ MORE: Ken Ofori Atta presents maiden Budget Reading his maiden 2017 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday 2 March, he said "The country's debt stock has reached a level of approximately 73 per cent of GDP as at the end of 2016, which is in excess of the debt sustainability threshold of 70 per cent. "This has resulted in high debt service costs with interest payments alone taking up nearly 42 per cent of tax revenue. This, together with compensation of employees, is more than the total domestic revenue, leaving no fiscal space for growth-enhancing policy programmes and expenditures. READ ALSO: Finance Minister to focus on tax reforms and debt management He said the government was highly optimistic about its plans and programmes for the economy. Ken Ofori Atta noted that "Total expenditures at the end of December 2016 stood at 30.3 per cent of GDP against the target of 26.4 per cent of GDP with an outstanding stock of arrears of nearly GHS7 billion. This is at variance with the performance criteria on the non-accumulation of arrears of the 2016 fiscal year under the IMF-supported credit facility programme. Many of the traders who looked and sounded happy when they spoke to Pulse.com.gh said this will also result in a reduction of their goods which will benefit their clients. This is good news to us. We will also reduce the prices of our goods if they implement this new policy. This will mean more people will buy from us and we will make more money to also take care of our families. READ ALSO: Here are the taxes Nana Addo will abolish in his government Another trader who has been in the business for ten years said, he was happy the NPP administration is fulfilling the promises they made during the campaign in 2016 ahead of the general elections. Nana Addo has done very well. Personally, I am very happy he is fulfilling his promises. There are much more he needs to do. I am hopeful he will accomplish the rest. Nana Addo during the electioneering campaign promised to cut down and eliminate some taxes will restore fiscal discipline, promote debt sustainability and support private sector development. Reading the maiden 2017 Budget Statement in Parliament on Thursday 2 March, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has indicated that said the budget aims at building a strong fiscal foundation for the Ghanaian economy. He said the government will reduce tax exemptions and also broaden the tax base as part of several measures being considered to protect and enhance the public purse. Below are the taxes reviewed in the 2017 budget i. Removing import duties on raw materials and machinery for production within the context of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) Protocol ii. Abolishing the Special Import levy iii. Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on imported medicines not produced in the country iv Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on Financial Services v. Abolishing the 5% VAT on Real Estate sales vi. Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on domestic airline tickets vii. Reducing VAT for micro and small enterprises from the current 17.5% to the 3% Flat Rate VAT introduced by the Kufuor-led NPP government viii. Introducing tax credits and other incentives for businesses that hire young graduates from tertiary institutions, and This is in fulfillment of Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution. It will be Ken Ofori Attas first major economic statement presented on the authority of President Nana Akufo-Addo. The budget to a large extent will be broadly in line with expectations of Ghanaians, pulling more people out of poverty, and creating a sustainable path of growth for the countrys economy. There is a legitimate expectation of the average class of people to see a reduction of their burden of taxation in the Budget while economists continue to make a case for the nominal rate of taxation to be kept at a lower slab for the taxpayer. The 2017 budget will focus mainly on tax reforms and Ghanas debt management. This is according to a report by GN research released. The institute argues that many of the economic challenges that led Ghana to IMFs Extended Credit Facility under the Mahama administration are still lurking. Many have argued that the NPP government may struggle to implement its manifesto promises because of the rising public debt of GHC122 billion and a double-digit budget deficit the new administration inherited. But Ofori-Atta said that Ghanaians would be "impressed with the kind of solutions" that "government may have found within the short time." READ MORE: Finance Minister to focus on tax reforms and debt management The Budget Statement would also be expected to spell out sources of funding for a number of the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) promised policies including free senior high school (SHS) and reduction in fuel and utility tariffs. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said government would fund the cost of public SHS for all those who qualify for entry from the 2017/2018 academic year onwards. This is critical to Ghanaians since the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the December 2016 election on the back of the heavy promises on pro-poor policies and socio-economic interventions. Earlier, Ken Ofori-Atta has said that the budget will be made up of policies to help develop businesses in Ghana. The teenager who is a resident of Ajanayo Street, Oniwaya, Lagos, is facing a four-court charge of breach of peace, assault, grievous harm, and conspiracy, Punch reports. The prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi told the court that the accused committed the offences on February 22 at Cappa Junction near Oshodi, Lagos. Ajayi said that the accused along with others still at large conspired together and assaulted the BRT driver, Mr. Stanley Kalu after he came out of his vehicle to urinate. He said, The accused stabbed the complainant with a knife all over his body. The complainant who had been driving from Oshodi to Mushin, made a U-turn at Cappa Junction and came down from the vehicle to urinate. Ajayi said, After the complainant had off-loaded his passengers, he made a U-turn and parked to urinate. The accused attacked him claiming that he beamed the headlight of the bus on them. The accused removed a knife from his pocket and started stabbing him. He and his accomplices ran away when blood was gushing out of the complainants body. But when the police stormed the scene, only the accused was arrested. According to Ajayi, the accused stole the sum of N13, 500 from the complainant's pocket after he was beaten and stabbed multiple times. He said the offences contravened Sections 166, 171, 243 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 243 prescribes a maximum seven years jail term for offenders. Punch reports that Obong pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum. 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! Mr Ofori-Atta made the announcement during his first budget reading in Parliament on today, March 2. Kayayei is a local term that refers to a head porter (mostly female) found in many of Ghanas large markets. They mostly migrate from a rural northern Ghana community to urban centres in search of work. Some are as young as 12 years-old and others are 35 years. When Pulse.com.gh visited the Madina market, the head porters couldnt keep their excitement to themselves; reminiscing how the tax collectors harass them on a daily basis for the collection of 50 pesewas. Those who could not pay had their carrier pans seized and the female porters would have to pay 20 cedis to get it back. The two are said to target well-established traders and other personalities, mainly in the Greater Accra Region and other parts of the country. The Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Afia Tenge according to Daily Graphic report were nabbed after some victims reported their activities to the police. So far, the police have received reports from five victims who have been duped to the tune of GH298,000. One of the victims, a trader at Tudu, who first reported to the police, is said to have given the false prophets GH75,000, while her son parted with GH220,000, an Apple mobile phone, a KIA Optima and a Mercedes C Class saloon car. A sister of the trader was also made to part with GH6,000 for prayers to help her overcome her infertility issues, while two other victims were duped of GH4,500 and GH2,500 and an Infinix mobile phone to avert accidents and death. They are said to have used prophecies of death, accidents, spiritual attacks on businesses and family members, among other dangers to extort money from their victims in the name of saying special prayers for them. ASP Afia Tenge said, Baisie [Suspect] was consulting the services of Nana Boame, a renowned fetish priest in the Eastern Region, for protection and powers to avoid arrest. Baisie later managed to convince the trader accommodate Braimah in her house to offer intense prayers at all times. Mrs Tenge said police investigations showed that while in the traders house, Braimah gave more information on the trader and her family to Baisie, who called the trader regularly to claim he had seen those things in revelations. At a point, she said, the fake prophets gave false prophecies of foreseen accidents which would result in the death of the trader and her family members. They also claimed a sister of the trader suffering from stroke could be healed, while the infertility problem of another could be overturned with prayers. After arresting the two suspects, Mrs Tenge said, the police retrieved a list with more than 400 names believed to be victims of the fake prophets. READ ALSO:Man kills wife over sex refusal and commits suicide On brightly lighted kiosks, they were a call to action: "Women of New York: Cover your a$$" emblazoned over a silhouette of President Trump. Some women posed in front of the ads in Manhattan's Flatiron neighborhood, posting selfies to Instagram. One person drew a swastika over Trump's head. It was trolling as advertisement, and Sallie Krawcheck's Ellevest, a money-management startup targeting young women, was behind it. Krawcheck is the former CEO of Smith Barney and Merrill Lynch wealth management and CFO of Citigroup. The idea for the ads, which ran earlier this year, came during a boozy discussion last year after the election, Krawcheck told Business Insider at a recent meeting in her startup's airy offices, also in Flatiron. "Women were saying, 'Son of a gun, I need to take action. What can I do?'" Krawcheck said. Trolling Trump, at least in Manhattan, isn't as risky a business move as it would be in other parts of the country. The city overwhelmingly voted for Hillary Clinton, mourned in the days after the election, and has since hosted countless anti-Trump protests, including one of the country's largest women's marches, which Krawcheck's staff attended. Krawcheck also isn't worried that the ads may have offended the 42% of women, mostly white, who voted for Trump. "You can't be everything to everyone," she said. The company aims to sell itself to professional women ("Elle" in Ellevest's parlance) in their 20s and 30s who are trying to get a hold of their investments, an audience Krawcheck says has been badly served by Wall Street. One of Krawcheck's staffers, who helped create the ads, said the moment was hard to miss. "We were a feminist brand before ... and we've always been pro-woman," said staffer Melissa Cullins. "That doesn't always resonate with everyone. It would be hard to be in the business we're in, speaking to these professional women ... without advocating very strongly for equality and equal rights." The neighborhood of choice was also no accident. Some of Ellevest's biggest adopters have been women in tech, financial services, and consulting. Many of those women are working around the Flatiron neighborhood and were likely to see the ads. "It really addresses the change in the environment," Krawcheck said, including "the issue of money being a form of protection for her at a time at which a lot is uncertain, without, of course, saying those words." It's not the first time that Trump has served as a backdrop for Ellevest. Last year, Krawcheck wrote a LinkedIn post that went viral on being a working woman in the age of normalized "locker-room talk," for instance. Ellevest is one of the few brands targeting Trump. And to be sure, in many places around the country, this kind of advertising wouldn't work. "A lot of companies, both startups and established companies, are reading every day in the Wall Street Journal about do they avoid the topic, do they address the topic, how do they address the topic," Krawcheck said. "People are coming out with different decisions and being criticized for them in a way I've never seen in my career." Ellevest has received some pushback emails expressing disagreement over participating in women's marches, for instance. But Krawcheck isn't bothered. Trump, speaking before a meeting with manufacturing industry CEOs, turned to the issue of US relations with Mexico, which have been tested by Trump's aggressive stances on trade and immigration. While Kelly has insisted his department would not skimp on the quality of people it hires, large-scale hiring efforts have gone awry in the past. "This tactic backfired when this happened before," Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told Business Insider on Thursday. "Many unqualified individuals were hired leading to corruption within the Border Patrol and Customs." A cartel enforcer on the US-Mexico border said late last year that US border agents were on cartel payrolls, facilitating the movement of drug shipments from Mexico into Texas. The memos have also called for the expansion of the 287(g) program, which deputizes local law-enforcement officers to take part in federal immigration enforcement. This program has been pursued in the past. "They did away with this policy under Obama because they became overzealous and were rounding up everyone," Vigil told Business Insider. Others said that outcome would be repeated should 287(g) be implemented. "We are going to see an incentive for localities to engage in racial profiling and other abusive practices that violate basic protection," Greg Chen, the advocacy director for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told the Houston Chronicle. It's part of the job to take meetings like that. So why did Jeff Sessions deny having communicated with the Russians in his confirmation hearing, if it was perfectly ordinary and innocent for him to do so? Similarly, Michael Flynn could have made a decent argument that conversations with foreign countries were a normal and appropriate part of the transition process to become national security adviser. So why didn't he tell the truth about his conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, and why did he allow top transition officials to go out and make false claims about them on television? White House press secretary Sean Spicer insists there's "no there, there" in stories about Trump's links to Russia, and that all the questions about Russia never lead to anything important. But if that's the case, why do administration officials seem to have such problems telling the truth about their contacts with Russia, and why has the administration already had to fire one top official after misleading the public about his contacts with Russia? One possibility, of course, is that Trump and his people are very incompetent. But that's not the usual knock on Sessions. Multiple outlets on Wednesday night reported that Sessions spoke twice with the Russian ambassador during the campaign, a revelation that seemed to contradict testimony Sessions gave during his confirmation hearing for attorney general. Schumer, a New York Democrat, joined other prominent Democrats including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland in calling for Sessions' resignation. Numerous prominent Republicans such as Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah called for Sessions to recuse himself from any Russia-related investigation, which the attorney general himself on Thursday suggested he would do if necessary. "The information reported last night makes it clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that Attorney General Sessions cannot possibly lead an investigation into Russian interference in our elections or come anywhere near it," Schumer said at a Thursday press conference. "With these revelations, he may very well become the subject of it." "It would be of 'Alice & Wonderland' quality if this administration were to sanction him to investigate himself," he continued. "Recusal should've been given, but this goes beyond that. He had weeks Attorney General Sessions had weeks to correct the record that he made before the Judiciary Committee. But he let the record stand." Schumer said that there could be no doubt about the impartiality of the attorney general and that the recent revelations made it clear Sessions "does not meet that test." "Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country Attorney General Sessions should resign," he said. "But, whatever one's views are on resignation, the most important thing we must do is ensure the integrity of the investigation." The Washington Post, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday night reported that Sessions chatted with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at an event during the Republican National Convention and later by phone in September. A respresentative of Sessions said both instances were in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and not as a surrogate for Trump. Sessions, however, had said during his Senate confirmation hearing, under oath, that he "did not have communications with Russia." Sessions' allies insist he did not mislead the committee because he did not believe that those conversations, held in his capacity, they said, as a senior Armed Services Committee member were relevant to the question. Opponents say Sessions may have perjured himself by not mentioning those two conversations with Kislyak. 1. Apple is changing the way it works with its ad agency. The tech company wants to streamline its marketing output and has told TBWA Media\Arts Lab to focus more on local and digital content. 2. YouTube will stop showing 30-second unskippable ads. The ad format will disappear in 2018, in favor of the video sharing website's 6-second bumper ads and 20-second unskippable ads. 3. Snapchat is selling its Spectacles online. The camera-equipped sunglasses will now be available to anybody in the US through the Spectacles website. 4. Accenture acquired one of Germany's biggest digital agencies. The agency, SinnerSchrader, will become a part of the consulting group's Interactive division. 5. German supermarket Edeka created another viral campaign. The ad, which promotes healthy eating, has millions of views on YouTube and Facebook. 6. The scandal around PewDiePie is a result of the nature of YouTube. The community on the video platform looks for characters who push boundaries, but that's not always compatible with a traditional media mindset. 7. Verizon is building an in-house creative agency. AdAge reports the carrier hired Andrew McKechnie from Apple to take the agency's chief creative officer position. 8. Snap Inc. met with potential London investors on Monday as part of its roadshow. Investors told Reuters they were disappointed Snap gave no projections on the company's future revenue or advertising share. 9. WhatsApp launched a Snapchat clone. The Facebook-owned messaging app is rolling out an update to its Status feature, which will let users share images, videos and gifs similar to Snapchat Stories. 1. Shine is rebranding and will stop selling ad-blocking to carriers. The new brand will be called Rainbow and will offer consumers a service which only blocks ads that don't meet industry standards. 2. Facebook will start showing ads in the middle of videos. The mid-roll commercials are now coming to pre-recorded videos and more pages will be able to show ad breaks in live videos. 3. The New York Times' new ad is sending a political message. For the first time in a decade, the newspaper is advertising on television, with a campaign highlighting the importance of its journalism. 4. A longtime Apple PR vet is now working at Edelman. After leaving the company following Steve Jobs' death, Natalie Kerris is back in tech PR as global chair for the technology division of the well-known communications agency. 5. Google tested its new AI which identifies abusive comments with the New York Times. The Drum reports the new system, called Perspective, was tested at the publication because it gets a high volume of comments. 6. The new FCC boss, Ajit Pai, made his first move on open-internet laws. The regulatory body voted to exempt internet service providers from a transparency rule forcing them to inform customers on promotional fees, extra fees, data caps, and throttling. 7. A London tech banker said Snap is a risky investment. One of GP Bullhound's managing partners said the social media market's dependence on advertising and Snap's slowing user growth make it a dangerous investment. 8. Inside the struggling Maker Studios. According to interviews Digiday conducted with executives from the multi-channel network, its owner Disney isn't interested in investing in the network to create original content. 9. Pandora will start pushing personalized ads to users. Adweek reports the online radio partnered with ad tech firm A Million Ads to dynamically create ads for each individual listener. A Twitter employee speaking on the condition of anonymity told The Guardian he's scraping by on a base salary of $160,000. The employee is in his early 40s, lives in San Francisco, and has had to borrow money in the past to "make it through the month," The Guardian reports. "I didn't become a software engineer to be trying to make ends meet," the Twitter employee said. He added that his salary is a "pretty bad" income for trying to raise a family in the area. In The Guardian article, the anonymous Twitter employee said his biggest expense is the $3,000 he drops on rent for a two-bedroom house in San Francisco which he described as "ultra cheap" for the area. He lives with his wife and two kids. The Bay Area is one of the most competitive rental markets in the US. In San Francisco, the median rent tops $4,200 a month, according to real estate site Trulia. One analysis suggests mid- to senior-level engineers at companies like Google, Uber, Airbnb, and Twitter can expect to pay between 40% and 50% of their salary renting an apartment near work. Millennials, who make up roughly 30% of the San Francisco population, are driving prices sky high. And they are increasingly interested in boarding with a significant number of roommates in order to save money, which makes for tougher competition in the housing market. On February 24, 1987, astronomers Oscar Dhalde and Ian Shelton witnessed an incredible sight atop a Chilean mountain: a new star in the night sky. Soon, however, they realized it was not a star's birth; rather, it was a blue supergiant meeting its doom. In that moment, the fusion-powered core of the star previously called Sanduleak 69 202 began to falter. Most astronomers agree the blast happened because the star's core ran low on high-energy fuel, while some believe another star merged with the blue supergiant to trigger the blast. Whatever the cause, the star collapsed under its own gravity, exploded, spewed its radioactive guts all over space, and generated the power of 100 million suns in the process. We now call the object Supernova 1987A, or SN 1987A. "Supernova 1987A became one of the best opportunities ever for astronomers to study the phases before, during, and after the death of a star," a video produced by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory team said. The data has provided lots clues about supernovas, including how they forge new elements that life needs to evolve and distribute them around the universe. NASA recently commemorated the supernova's anniversary with a bunch of new multimedia, and a few of the images and animations caught our eye. Zooming in on a supernovas leftovers This animation gives you a sense of where in the night sky (and just how far away) SN 1987A is located. The remnants lurk inside the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy that trails the Milky Way some 168,000 light-years from Earth. This vast distance means the explosion technically happened 168,000 years in the past, at least relative to where we live. It took that long for the light from the blast to reach us. Ring of radioactive fire About once a month over the course of more than 20 years, the Hubble space telescope has photographed SN 1987A and its traveling shock wave. Astronomers continue to compile these images into animations to watch the system evolve. Starting around the year 2000, they saw the shockwave begin slamming into a 1-light-year-wide ring of gas and dust that the star threw off before its death, creating a brilliant, bubbling glow. Researchers now believe the high-speed blast wave is leaving the field of gas and dust, marking the beginning of a "major change" in its evolution, according to a pre-print study posted to arXiv.org. 3D model of a disaster This new animation is of a computer model that shows SN 1987A's explosion and entire evolution through 2017, and in three dimensions. The model described in a pre-print study on arXiv led by Salvatore Orlando, an astrophysicist at the INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo in Italy can also fast-forward SN 1987A's evolution years into the future. After the People's Architecture Office (PAO), a local firm, heard about her story, it designed her a Plug-in House in December 2016. With just $10,000 worth of materials and a hex wrench, a construction team can build the Plug-in House in less than 24 hours, PAO's principal, James Shen, tells Business Insider. The pre-fab home features a proprietary design that's similar to a renovation system the firm designed in early 2016. Check it out below. The home is located in Changchun Jie, a small town outside Beijing, China. Mrs. Fan lives there with her son. They used to live in a one-story house on the site, but it was falling apart. That home was demolished before the Plug-in House's construction. Here's a before and after. The Plug-in House is much more modern. It features a kitchen that connects to a living room, two small bedrooms, and a bathroom. The interior lets in a lot of natural light. Even the shower has a skylight. Steps on the side of the house lead to a roof deck. Anyone can construct a Plug-in House "The structure is built without any machinery and does not require specialized labor," Shen says. It's made of dozens of panels that connect with one tool: a hex wrench. Its construction doesn't require much skilled labor, and the panels are cut off-site to reduce cost. The Plug-in House's construction is similar to that of PAO's Courtyard House, a ready-made retrofit launched in 2016 that updates homes while still preserving historical style. Unlike the Courtyard Houses, 20 of whichsubsidized by the Beijing government, the first Plug-in home was funded by Mrs. Fan. So far, the PAO has built two Plug-in homes, with plans for more. The fossils were the oldest-known evidence of microbes on the planet at the time, prompting scientists to say the discovery had "staggering" implications for the history of life on Earth. But now an international team of scientists may have them beat by at least 300 million years, and possibly even half a billion. In some of the oldest rocks on Earth, the researchers found collections of tiny tubes that resemble structures made by deep-sea microbes. "These rocks have a minimum age of 3.77 billion years, but some scientists in the field consider them to be as old as 4.28 billion years," Dominic Papineau, an earth scientist at University College London (UCL), said in a video interview about the discovery. He added that this could mean "they are within a few hundred million years of the accretion of planet Earth and the sun and the moon." Papineau led a study about the ancient, iron-rich fossils along with Matthew Dodd, a PhD student in earth science at UCL. Their findings were published March 1 in the journal Nature. It's not 100% clear whether the newly discovered specimens are evidence of early life on Earth, since these kinds of ancient rocks suffer billions of years' worth of geologic damage and have features that look biological. "Just because it looks like something, doesn't mean it is," Kurt Konhauser at the University of Alberta, a geomicrobiologist who wasn't involved in the research, told Tia Ghose at LiveScience.com. But if the structures were indeed formed by early bacteria, they'd be the oldest evidence of life ever discovered. (Further chemical analysis and more samples would bolster the argument.) What's more, Papineau said, the fossils might tell us what to seek on other worlds in the solar system if we're looking for signs of alien life. Deep-sea cauldrons of life The fossil in question came from a coastal region of Quebec, Canada called the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt. During an expedition there, Papineau helped find an especially old-looking lump of rusty rock called jasper, or haematitic chert (haematite is an iron-containing mineral). He knew such rocks are sometimes made by seafloor structures called hydrothermal vents, which spew out iron, silica, and other minerals. Today they serve as warm habitats and food sources for microbial and animal life in frigid, deep ocean waters. "When I saw these structures in the field, I said, 'I have to sample this,'" said. Working with several other researchers from Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada, and the US, the team broke off a piece of the rock. Back at the lab, they cut it into thin slices, polished the rock, and slipped the samples under the microscope. The images showed clusters of tubes that resembled those similar to structures formed by modern deep-sea microbes. "We were able to identify the microfossils as the oldest-known microfossils on Earth," Dodd said in the video interview. "In diameter, the microfossils are half of a width of a human hair." A possible boon in the search for signs of ancient life The carefully worded study didn't confirm the tubes were made by bacteria. Instead, it stated that the objects are "best explained" as being hydrothermal vent microbes that may represent "the oldest life forms recognized on Earth." Further analysis also showed the tubes contained carbon and other minerals in concentrations similar to those of deposits left by living organisms. The ramifications of the discovery could extend well beyond Earth. "If we are right with our new model [] then we might want to look for these things on other ancient planet surfaces, such as the surface of Mars," Papineau said. NASA's nuclear-powered Mars 2020 rover mission, which is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2020, will carry a digging tool, high-power microscope, and chemical analysis equipment. If the car-sized robot can't detect signs of ancient life on the red planet itself it can't polish samples the way researchers did in the study, for example it's possible that a future mission to return Mars 2020 samples to Earth just might. The stakes are high. I recently moved from New York City, where I'd used Obamacare, to London, where I enrolled in the National Health Service, Britain's public health care system. The transition has taught me a great deal about the differences between the two systems, and has highlighted some areas for improvement that American leaders could focus on back home. I arrived and started working in Britain in September 2016. Before moving, I'd gotten private insurance in New York through my employer. Prior to that, I'd used the government insurance program Medicaid. Once I got settled in London, I needed to sort out my health care, so I started my search as any newbie would with Google. I typed in "find a doctor in the UK" and there, under two sponsored ads, was a link to The National Health Service (NHS), Britain's public system of "socialized medicine." On the NHS website, I was asked to enter my post code (the equivalent of a zip code in the US). Source: NHS After doing so, I got a list of results for doctor's offices within about a half-mile of Business Insider's UK office. Nothing too surprising here, until I looked at one column... ... Ratings! I could see how each doctor's office near me had performed according to patients who'd evaluated their experience. The other columns were helpful too they told me things like how many patients were currently registered with the doctor and whether or not an office was accepting new patients. Once I'd selected an office, I was taken to a screen where I could see its hours, a list of doctors, and its contact information. Clicking the link for the "registration form" took me to the UK-wide new patient paperwork. It was a single-page PDF, so all I had to do was print it off, fill it out, and bring it to the doctor's office. As an American, I'm accustomed to filling out a magazine's worth of paperwork, so I was sure I'd missed something. But when I showed up at the doctor's office, the receptionist smiled and took my form. "You'll be registered in our system in 24 hours," she said. Shortly after that, I realized my prescription for the antidepressants I've been taking for 10 years was running out. In the US, I needed a psychiatrist who accepted my insurance (and agreed to see me regularly) to refill it. This had been frustrating in New York, where it took me months to find someone. At times, it felt as though I was trying to treat a made-up condition. If I'd had a broken arm, surely I would have been able to find a doctor to fix it, I often found myself thinking. I thought about my months-long search to find a psychiatrist in New York. I'd spent weeks poring over databases until, finally, a doctor who accepted my insurance AND was taking new patients called me back. It felt like a miracle. While I was talking this over with a friend, she told me that in the UK, I'd probably be able to get my antidepressants from a general practitioner (GP). Roughly 60% of Americans with depression get their drugs this way, but I'd always been referred to specialists. That meant I'd needed to see a therapist weekly and a psychiatrist monthly for my prescription. In London, I'd already found a therapist. All I needed was the prescription. Source: Yale Journal of Psychiatry and Medicine, 2013 I called the doctor's office the next day and said I needed to book an appointment to renew my prescription. The GP called me three hours later, and we talked about my history and treatment for about 15 minutes. My prescription was ready that evening. I was elated. No endless searches or pointless appointments. No paperwork to convince my insurance company to help pay for the cost of my treatment when I found out that my psychiatrist was "out of network." And practically no waiting. To celebrate, I had a piece of cake. Yes, really. The next day, I headed to the nearest chemist (pharmacy) and picked up my prescription. The best part so far? It was incredibly cheap less than the equivalent of $8 for a 90-day supply. Source: Lloyd's Pharmacy Fluoxetine 20mg Capsules I've been pretty been blown away by how seamless the entire health care process in London has been from finding a doctor to booking appointments and getting a prescription. Everything feels so much easier. To be fair, the British system has its drawbacks. For example, US emergency rooms are generally faster at treating patients than those in the UK. In the US, 95% of ER patients are seen within three hours, whereas 84% of UK ER patients are seen within four hours. Plus, wait times for specialty procedures can be longer in the UK. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012; Business Insider UK, 2015; The Guardian, 2014 On the whole, I prefer my experience in the UK. My health care is basically free it's included in my taxes, which for most Brits are very similar to the rates Americans pay under Obamacare (and there are no insurance premiums). Plus, there's essentially no paperwork, and the wait times for most procedures are minuscule. Most importantly, though, I can get the antidepressants I've been taking for 10 years from my GP, which at least to me, made it feel like depression here is treated as it should be like a valid illness, rather than a made-up one. The Tonto Dikeh Foundation in Warri, Delta state Nigeria in collaboration with CheenoHR, on February 24, 2017, have assisted young students, through their nationwide project tagged: TTDF BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT. The National coordinator of the Tonto Dikeh foundation, Mr Bunmi Fagbuyiro unveiled the plans of the foundation, by pledging the renovation of some schools, free white board donation, School Uniforms for students and books. According to him, the foundation will continue in other parts of the country in the coming months, and the next on their list is Port Harcourt, Rivers State. 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! 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 Magistrate, Hajiya Hauwa Yusuf, convicted, Idris Usman, popularly called Bagobiri and Abubakar Sadiq, after they pleaded guilty to the charge. The Prosecutor, Abdullahi Mayaki, had told the court that the convicts committed the offence in December, 2016. He said that the convicts had lured the 12-year-old and 10-year-old minors with N50 and N100 and sexually abused them. The offence contravened Section 19 of the Niger state Child Right Law, which on conviction attracts 14 years imprisonment. The Director-General of the state Child Rights Agency, Hajiya Mairam kolo, expressed satisfaction with the six years imprisonment without an option of fine. The woman, Madam Bolaji Isaac who should be living in comfort in her old age, according to Punch, adds that all her five children rejected her and efforts to see them had been abortive and that anytime she dies, she will be going to the grave with sorrow and bitterness. Madam Isaac, an indigene of Ikare in Ondo State is currently living in penury and is only being supported by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), which rented a small apartment for her and has been giving her a stipend of N2,000 every month to survive after her eldest son identified as Sola, chased her out of his house. In an interview with Punch, the octogenarian appealed to Nigerians to plead with her children to come to her aid and meet her before her death. I had 10 children. While five of them died, five survived. My husband died about 20 years ago and I started selling paper bags to hospitals and clinics. When I didnt have money to continue the work, I stopped. I was formerly living in the Alagbado area of Lagos State, but my son, , chased me out. He came from Ondo State to live with me. His wife called me that I should send him back, but I ignored her. Later, I agreed when the pressure became too much. When I asked him to return, he refused and started fighting me. Madam Isaac added that her fourth child, Samuel, who is a lawyer, has also abandoned her and anytime she calls him for assistance, he always gave excuses of being in court, promising to call back, without doing so. She further explained that Samuel prevented her from knowing his address while her other children also gave excuses instead of catering to her. However, when Barr. Samuel was spoken to on phone, he claimed that he and his siblings neglected their mother because she was troublesome, adding that he kept her away from his family to avoid having issues with his marriage. She was formerly living with my elder brother, Tope. She was always quarreling with his wife to the extent that they would engage in fisticuffs. And it was regular. I witnessed the fights while I was in the university and that was why I decided never to allow any family member live with me. She cannot live with any of her sons without having issues with their wives, so we are trying to make inquiries about old peoples home for her because that is the next step. Just last week, we all contributed N25,000 to give her; so I wonder where the issue of neglect is coming from. A statement by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja on Thursday said Chibueze was killed by the Police Special Forces, led by the I-Gs Intelligence Response Team at 1 a.m. on Thursday. He said that five suspected members of the gang were also arrested and cache of arms and ammunition recovered from them. The force spokesman said the gang have been responsible for so many kidnap and armed robbery attacks in Imo, Abia, Rivers, Delta and other states in the South-East and South-South. Olasupo is facing a two- count charge of fraud and threat to life. The prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offences in August 2013, at Sweet Sensation, Oke-Ilewo in Abeokuta. Eigbejiale alleged that the accused obtained the sum of N1.65 million from the complainant, one Mrs Sanusi Adebukola, with the pretext of co-opting her into a supply business with the Nigeria Prisons Service. The accused also on July 25, 2016 threatened to deal with the complainant if she ever requested to collect money she invested in the business from him, he said. According to him, the offences contravened Sections 419 and 86(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun 2006. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mr Oriyomi Sofowora, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000, with two sureties in like sum. She ordered that one of the sureties must be a grade level 14 officer in the state civil service. Umaru Ibrahim made this statement today, Thursday, March 3, 2017 via the Deputy Director Corporate Affairs of NDIC, Hadi Suleiman at the 38th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna. "The Ponzi scheme is the phenomenon of illegal fund managers,popularly called "Wonder Banks" which have continued to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money. This phenomenon has been a source for concern because despite our repeated warnings over the years, some members of the public have continued to fall victims of their fraudulent practices" said Suleiman at the trade fair. "We would like to reiterate the fact that these fund managers are illegal as they are neither licences by the CBN to take deposits from members of the public not are those who patronise them covered by the NDIC deposit insurance scheme. I want to also draw the attention of some cooperative society which often go beyond their primary mandate by accepting contributions from members as cooperative societies are only recognised to mobilise savings from their members" he further said. He also stated that Nigerians lost a lot of money investing in Ponzi schemes such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Onecoin despite repeated warnings from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Speaking at a concert which was headlined by music acts like 2face Idibia, Darey Art Alade, Sound Sultan, Waje and Cobhams Asuquo, Olori Ogunwusi appealed to dignitaries at the event to support humanitarian activities as she has done. "I have taken it upon myself to put smiles on the faces of the physically challenged and less privileged because we all deserve to be truly loved. These kids, youths are the future of tomorrow and I strongly believe in their abilities. "I urge dignitaries and Nigerians to donate towards this cause that I have decided to champion with the support of Ooni of Ife and Nigerian entertainers, so together we can build a formidable society and world at large," the queen said. ALSO READ: Ooni of Ife urges youths to explore potentials in agriculture The State support for the art community was positively expressed by stakeholders at the opening symposium of the 2017 Lagos Theater Festival organized by the British Council at the National Arts Theater, Iganmu, Lagos. The annual festival with the theme: rhythm of the city will hold for 6 days featuring 70 performances in comedy, fashion, design, theater, dance and music. Earlier, in a goodwill message delivered by the Acting Commissioner and Special Adviser for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola said the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is strongly committed to the upliftment of Theater arts in Lagos State. She further stated that a clear demonstration of this resolve is the proposed establishment of theater arts centers in five administrative divisions of the of the State to be operated and managed by the private sector. The Government has equally strengthened the capacity of the Council for Arts and Culture established for the propagation, promotion and preservation of Arts and culture of the State. While commending the Lagos State government intervention in the proposed renovation of the National Arts Theatre, the representative of the Minister for Information and Culture, Mr George Ufot said the main hall will be reopened within the next 3 Months after 25 years of closure due to decay and malfunction of the facilities. Various speakers at the event including Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder and managing director, Terrakulture, Lagos who spoke on the intervention for developing the performing arts in Nigeria said the nations comparative advantage in creating jobs is in the arts not in the science with value for money and high return on investment. Other speakers at the symposium includes, Mr. Obi Asika,Chairman, Social Media Week Lagos, Mr. David Evans, Production Manager, National Theatre Wales among others. The mum went holier-than-thou over her daughter's innocent post that preached against rape. Her mother even threatened her with the classic "you want to go back to Nigeria?" line. Instablog9ja posted the convo between mum and daughter today, Thursday, March 3, 2017. The back and forth reveals how Nigerian parents teach their kids about sex. Nigerian parents shy away from talking about sex to their kids in practical ways. Puberty, sexual urges, STDs, AIDS, condoms are more or fewer taboos in many Nigerian homes. Nigerian parents are usually quiet about these. Instead, Nigerian parents talk about sex only in religious terms. It's a black and white approach. Sex is bad and not good. "If you allow a boy touch you, you will be pregnant" is a classic line. Mothers use this line to scare their daughters from talking to men. Most Nigerian fathers and daughters don't have the sex talk with their kids. They don't give them sex education. They use religious fear instead. Unfortunately, when they are not at home, kids learn about sex online and on TV. What most of us know about sex we didn't learn from our parents. Teenage hormones and curiosity led the way. It's sad that Nigerian parents have carried on the tradition of sexism also. They encourage boys to sow their wild oats but tell the girls to stay indoors. When the girls become 30-year-old women they hound them about bringing a man home. Ironic isn't it? Nigerian parents have an iron-clad approach about sex. They don't talk about it and they won't tolerate an open discussion about it at home. Instead of breaking things down with logic, they misuse religion to scare you away from sex. The event which held Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, was well attended with over 100 industry stakeholders and federal representatives present. Talks were centered around findings presented in Siemens 2017 African Digitalization Maturity Report, as well as brilliant interjections from distinguished industry experts and Siemens representatives, as they discussed digitization The Future is Now with the unique portfolio of products and services that are accelerating growth across industries in two panel sessions. The Siemens 2017 African Digitalization Maturity Report benchmarks four countries at the forefront of the African digital revolution. The report found that disruptive digital technology has potential to serve more than industry. It can also help to meet development needs. Siemens sees digitalization as a growth driver in energy, manufacturing and transport. Its digitalization report measures the extent to which African countries have the business, legal and regulatory environments to support digitalization. Onyeche Tifase, CEO at Siemens Nigeria, gave the welcome address, where she iterated followed by a keynote address by the former ICT Minister, Omobola Johnson who made an interjection that Digital companies represent the biggest opportunities for job creations in the country in her keynote address on The digital transformation of Nigerian industry: role, agenda andaction plan. Following the welcome address, the panel sessions started with the first being a discussion on the topic The Future is Now Driving innovation, New Business Opportunities and Competitiveness, by the industry experts and the second, a discussion titled Siemens the Future is Now, by Siemens representatives. Panelists impressed their opinions, making a compelling argument for digital transformation in Nigeria, itemising business opportunities, competitiveness, challenges and the need for collaboration between private and public sector on harnessing Nigerias digital potential for development. In addition to the events activities, Siemens representatives proceeded the University of Lagos, Akoka, where Siemens represented by the CEO Onyeche Tifase in the company of donated automation solutions kit to the university, honouring their promised commitment to education in West Africa - a move intended to facilitate Africas technology and skills revolution. Following the initiative, universities in Southern and Eastern Africa identified by Siemens, would receive a Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 automation solution kit, which would enable the electrical engineering students to simulate automation processes for a wide range of industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food & beverage production, mining to name a few. Each solution contains a compact CPU, analogue output, simulator module, ethernet cable and software. Siemens has already identified a number of. The Digitalization Day summit was not just talks as there were refreshment breaks in between in an atmosphere for building strong business relationships. For over a decade, Siemens has been driving digital in Africa, presenting a wide range of offerings and solutions to customers for use across different industries including healthcare, energy, manufacturing and transport. To find out more about Siemens SIMATIC industrial automation solutions, click here or for the full Digitalization Maturity report click here. Hassan Musa, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogidi, who confirmed the attack, told newsmen on Wednesday in Nkpor that the incident occurred about 9 p.m. on Feb. 28. We took the dead and the wounded to Borromeo hospital; investigation is on. We are going to arrest the fleeing robbers, Musa vowed. An eyewitness said nine suspected armed robbers riding on three motorcycles, killed a police officer and injured another during a shoot out. The source said that the robbers opened fire when they saw a team of police officers at a check point in the area. According to the source, it resulted in a gun duel which lasted for several minutes. The source said an officer was shot on the leg while the hoodlums made away with an AK47 rifle. The deceased was robbed and murdered in Atta in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state on January 12, 2017. Punch reports that the information was disclosed at a press briefing in Owerri, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. The state police commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu, said that Osondu Chukwu, Uchechukwu Stanley, Onyekachi Kelvin Nwoke and Uchendu Promise were arrested with solid evidence proving that they are the culprits behind the murder of the Army veteran, who had been visiting the state for the Christmas and new year celebrations. According to the police boss, the suspects allegedly sold Okebata's Samsung Note 5 handset at N125,000 which led the police operatives to them. He said, The suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of one Oscar Okebata, of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, an American veteran soldier who returned home for the yuletide period last year. The victims Samsung Note 5 handset was sold at N125,000, leading to the arrest of the suspected masterminds of the crime. As earlier reported, Okebatas wife, was initially accused of having a hand in her Husband's murder, claims which she strongly denied. The verbal altercation began when Omokri who is now one of the staunchest critics of the APC-led Federal Government, fired a salvo in a letter calling Amaechi a 'decorated monkey only loyal to his stomach' where he disproved with facts the allegations by Amaechi that the Goodluck Jonathan administration misappropriated funds meant for the countrys development. Amaechi media aide, David Iyofor was quick to take on Omokri with his own caustic words thus: 'Youre a zookeeper; answer my questions, dont write about lions, monkeys.' In the third exchange, Omokri said that Amaechis duty post is supposed to be at the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), with the words: 'Rotimi Amaechi: Leave Trash For LAWMA.' Reno also said that instead of answering the questions he raised, where he proved the Minister wrong, Amaechi, however, resorted to spewing trash, a proof that he Amaechi 'is as irrelevant as the P in Psychology by spending his time making false allegations instead of fulfilling the mandate giving him to improve Nigerias transport infrastructure.' Read Omokri's full article here: "Again, Nigeria's Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has left the issues raised by my response to his fallacious interview to impugn my character in a vicious ad hominem attack on me. My response is as follows: Why should I respond to the trash that Rotimi Amaechi has thrown at me? Out of the fullness of the heart, a man speaks. He has trash within him so he always vomits trash. I do not react to trash. I leave trash to LAWMA. Rotimi Amaechi, with his pot belly and ill-fitting designer clothes, is trash. My dear minister, here is the address of Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA: No. 3 Iddo - Yard, Ijora Olopa, Lagos State. You can report for duty there since it is your natural habitat! Rather than trash, I will prefer to respond to issues. The issues are very clear. Rotimi Amaechi falsely accused ex-President Goodluck Jonathan of pilfering $49.8 billion in his interview. I proved that he lied. I proved that the maker of that allegation, the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, later withdrew it after he was faced with evidence of its falsity. I proved that in February of 2014, the then CBN Governor wrote another letter to the Senate admitting that he did not know how much or if anything was unaccounted for saying (and I quote from Sanusi's letter) it could be $10.8 billion or $12 billion or $19 billion or $21 billion we do not know at this point. I also proved that Rotimi Amaechi was being hypocritical when he accused the former President of not saving because he was the one who, as then-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, insisted on September 21, 2012, that the saved funds in the Excess Crude Account be shared. I proved that when former President Jonathan REFUSED to share the funds, Rotimi Amaechi led the NGF to sue the then Federal Government at the Supreme Court and got a judgment compelling the Jonathan administration to share the money saved in the Excess Crude Account. As a result of these actions, the Jonathan administration was forced to pay the 36 states of the federation a total of N2.92 trillion from the Excess Crude Account by 2014. Using the value of the Naira at that time that amount was just above $20 billion dollars. This was money that was to be saved. Again Rotimi Amaechi proves that he is as irrelevant as the P in Psychology by spending his time making false allegations instead of fulfilling the mandate giving him to improve Nigeria's transport infrastructure. Is he so jobless? But I am not surprised. His masters already saw just how jobless he is which is why during the 2015 campaigns he was reduced to a driver to and How the people of Rivers state suffered to the extent that their Governor became a chauffeur. You can take a donkey to the River but you cannot force it to drink and you can make Amaechi a minister but you cannot force him to act like a minister. His proper calling in life was perhaps to be a driver! Rotimi Amaechi had no money to finish the monorail in his state, but he had $500,000 to spend on a one-day dinner for by his own admission. Is that not proof that he likes food more than knowledge and development? When he became governor of Rivers state in 2007, the state treasury was fat and his belly was lean, by the time he left in 2015, the state treasury was lean and his belly was fat. In fact, Rotimi Amaechi's belly swapped destiny with his state's treasury! I have had a life before government. I worked at a bank, at Parliament, as VP of a political consulting firm and now I run my own profitable business. Does Rotimi Amaechi have a life outside government? The only job that he has had outside government was a job as Peter Odili's PA at Pamo Clinics and Hospitals, Port Harcourt. Thereafter, he rode on Odili's coattails from one government post to the other. His only political skill being to betray one political godfather as soon as he finds a bigger one. Government post is Rotimi Amaechi's oxygen and this was what former President Olusegun Obasanjo saw when he stopped him from becoming Governor in 2007 because he knew that a man who cannot generate wealth in his private business is condemned to forever be a sycophantic political prostitute. With the benefit of hindsight, we now see that President Obasanjo was right! If Rotimi Amaechi wants to shut my mouth then I challenge him to go to Rumukwurushi Market in Port Harcourt without security and shout Sai Baba, Sai Amaechi. If he survives the encounter, I will forever leave him and his potbelly alone." Omokri also took to his Twitter handle where he outlined Amaechi's different sins. Aljhaji Shehu Adoro, its secretary, made the appeal when the council paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Aminu Masari on Wednesday in Katsina. According to him, many couples have become victims of HIV/AIDS scourge because of the absence of such law. Kano and Jigawa states have enacted such law which now forces intending couples to carry out the test before being joined together. The states are already reaping the fruits; they have succeeded in reducing the cases of HIV/AIDS among couples, he said. Adoro said that the law should also mandate intending couples to undertake sickle cell test to establish intending couples statuses so as to avoid delivering babies with sickle cell diseases. Earlier, Masari had urged the council to work with his government to modernise the Almajiri (Islamic) system of education. Masari particularly expressed concern over the lack of shelter for such Almajiri children, and regretted that most of them sleep on bare floors around street corners. The governor said that his administration was ready to work with Islamic scholars to provide water and other necessary facilities for such children to improve their living standards. Audu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the State Executive Council (SEC) gave the approval at the council meeting on Wednesday at the Government House. He said the decision was part of the state governments continuous efforts to upgrade the health care delivery in Kogi by employing staff to fill the alarming gap in all spheres of the health sector. A situation whereby hospitals are built without adequate manpower, as was the norm in the previous administration, is no longer acceptable under the present administration led by Gov. Yahaya Bello. The manpower gap in some hospitals is perilous, and to this administration, the health of every citizen of Kogi is premium. The Governor has continuously demonstrated his great passion for bringing quality and effective leadership to the people of Kogi State as portrayed in his New Direction Blueprint, Audu said. The commissioner said others to be employed include medical officers, resident doctors, house officers, dental technicians, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians. "What's wrong with going on vacation?" Buhari shot back at journalists rhetorically; his aides striding dutifully around him. "Didn't I go last year the same time?" As it turns out, even President Buhari would be first to admit that this has been no ordinary vacation. It was different from last year's vacation where the Presidency announced that the nation's number one citizen would be flying to the UK to treat an infected ear. This time, no one has been told what the President is tending to. The nation has been told that the President is "hale and hearty", even though a "hale and hearty" President has postponed his home coming indefinitely. He sought for an extension, a day before the 10-day vacation was due to elapse. President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly, today, February 5, 2017, informing it of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his Doctors", announced Special Adviser to the President on media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. The President had planned to return to Abuja this (Sunday) evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning. The notice has since been dispatched to the Senate President, and Speaker, House of Representatives. Mr. President expresses his sincere gratitude to Nigerians for their concern, prayers and kind wishes. The nation has been apprehensive since the President extended his vacation. And that's putting it mildly. Speculation has been rife that Buhari is suffering from a chronic ailment and that the official government line that he is only staying back in the UK to receive test results from Doctors, is a fabrication aimed at concealing deeper health concerns. Rumours that President Buhari is dead have since been debunked with pictures after pictures of the nation's Commander-in-Chief meeting with APC chieftains Bisi Akande and Bola Tinubu,Senate President Bukola Saraki, House Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State. The President has also placed phone calls across to Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his media aides--Garba Shehu, Lai Mohammed and Adesina. There was also the 'small matter' of a with U.S President Donald Trump. However, news reports suggesting that Buhari won't be physically fit to cope with the rigours of his office should he return, have persisted. Three weeks ago, Pulse reported that a cabal within the Nigerian Presidency has been mounting pressure on Buhari to return home, even though the President's Doctors hold a contrary opinion. The cabal has been uncomfortable with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's sterling performance in an acting capacity, and fear that the longer Buhari remains holed up in a London apartment, the likelihood that the North will lose the power game to the South in Nigeria's peculiar high stakes equation, Pulse had exclusively detailed Hours after, other news outlets picked up the story and layered same with different versions. Quoting unnamed sources, online news platform, Sahara Reporters, disclosed that "apart from a lingering prostrate flare-up and other chronic conditions, the Nigerian leader has also recently been battling with a persistent internal organ problem. "The source attributed President Buharis inability to eat as well as his progressive loss of weight to a medical condition that has affected his digestive system". ALSO READ: President speaks to King Mohammed of Morocco Sahara Reporters added that: "Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. "Inflammation caused by the disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different patients, but doctors interviewed for this report disclosed that it usually occurs in the intestines, where the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. "SaharaReporters had reported that Mr. Buhari also has prostate cancer that was first treated by UK doctors shortly after the Nigerian leader lost the 2011 presidential election to former . The Presidency is yet to deny details of this report, days after. Back home, acting President Osinbajo has been doing the business. And he's been at it so well that Nigerians have confessed that they aren't missing their President. Fears that Osinbajo is taking the shine off his boss, forced the Presidency to remind Nigerians that the number two man has been acting in accordance with instructions handed down from a London apartment. There is nothing that has been done since the Vice-President started acting that is not something that started far back in the past. A good example is the Niger Delta initiative", Special Adviser to President Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, barked at journalists as the comparisons between Osinbajo and Buhari's governance styles, reached fever pitch. Ojudu added that; "The same people who said we never had an economic team, no policy, nothing...are the ones saying this. It is now that the policies we are implementing are maturing and they are seeing the result. It is not a question of one person being better than the other person. There is nothing that has been done since the Vice-President started acting that is not something that started far back in the past. A good example is the Niger Delta initiative. The President called the Vice-President and said I am giving you the mandate, go into the Niger Delta and meet with everyone who is a stakeholder, all the communities, talk to the militants and make sure you solve this problem for the benefits of Nigerians.". And Osinbajo's charm offensive across the Niger Delta is beginning to yield fruit. Nigeria's crude oil output has hit the 2.1million bpd (barrel per day) mark, up from previous poor levels of 1.7million bpd before Buhari embarked on his vacation, following some semblance of peace in the creeks--one of the many gains from the acting President's tour of the restive region. On Osinbajo's watch, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed its foreign exchange policy by ensuring liquidity to the interbank. The move has seen the Naira in recent days. In Buhari's absence, protesters railing against economic hardship (made to bite even more by a slump in the global price of oil), have hit the streets. It took Osinbajo's diplomatic toolkit to calm frayed nerves. Osinbajo has also held security meetings with police boss Ibrahim Idris (aimed at restoring peace to Southern Kaduna where religious extremists have been slaughtering Christians) and service chiefs. After his last security outing, Osinbajo made it clear that details from the meeting would be communicated to an ailing Buhari. "Almost every month, these briefings are held, it is routine and it is the President who put in place this whole idea of regular briefings. "Besides, the President is a process person and certainly, I am going to speak with him on developments here", Osinbajo assured. The Vice President has also ensured the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria; after Buhari's famed foot-dragging led to yet more apprehension on the subject in certain quarters. Policy analysts say Osinbajo's professorial, wonky, engaging style has stood in stark contrast to Buhari's sullen, aloof governance approach. There are indications that 42 days may well morph into four months or less in this game of hide and seek between the Presidency and the Nigerian people, leading to suggestions that a constitutional crisis occasioned by the President's absence, may well be in the offing. Human Rights Lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has posited that Buhari should be impeached if he stays away from office beyond 60-days. Adegboruwa premised his submission on the constitutional provision that the President is only entitled to 60-days of annual leave. Once it is impossible to determine definitively, the period of days to be spent by the President, whether on annual vacation or medical vacation, what that translates to in law is that the President has given indication of his inability to perform the functions of his office, leaving Nigerians with no other choice than to replace him immediately, with the acting President as the substantive president", Adegboruwa told The Guardian. He added that: It is indeed very unfortunate that the President is ill and we cannot begrudge him the right to have his treatment, as no one can play God in the area of illness. But if the illness of the President is of such a nature as to make it impossible for him to perform the functions of his office, then there cannot be a vacuum in that office. The fact that there is an Acting president will not suffice. A President of a sovereign state as Nigeria cannot be allowed to abscond his duty post under the guise of medical vacation. "In this case, the President has turned himself into some form of tourist attraction, whereby, he has turned his abode into an alternative government house, where who-is-who in Nigeria now troop to, giving room for speculations and vacuum in governance. If by the end of February 2017, the President is unable, for reason of ill health, to resume his normal duties as President, then the Senate should proceed to invoke the provisions of section 144 of the constitution to declare his seat vacant, so that the Vice President will officially step into the position of President". However, the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters, Sen Ita Enang, says the President has acted in accordance with the laws of the land. Enang said; "What is important is that there is communication with the Senate. The governor made the call on Wednesday in Ilorin at the swearing-in of a new Grand Kadi of the Shariah Court, Hon. Muhammed Ola Abdulkadir. Recent happenings on alleged corruption against some members of the judiciary make the public question the integrity of the judiciary. Judges across the country should be bold, fearless, incorruptible, follow the principles of the constitution and promote democracy, he said. The judiciary must be inclusive and promote social justice. Ensuring equal treatment of all before the law goes a long way in building trust in the credibility of the judicial system, he said. The governor stressed that all citizens must have unrestricted and equal access to justice at all times while the rights of all must be protected regardless of gender, age or status. According to Ahmed, justice helps society create organised human relations and forms the basis of strong institutions and good governance. Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kamaldeen Ajibade, said the newly sworn-in Grand Kadi had satisfied all the constitutional provisions relating to the appointment. Responding, the Grand Kadi pledged to live up to the expectations of the people of the state. The governor said this during the South South Public hearing on Constitutional and Electoral Reform organised by the Electoral Reform Committee in Calabar. Ayade, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, noted that the 2014 conference was made up of Nigerians with proven integrity from all professional backgrounds. The conference had people of proven integrity and they came out with a very good document, please ensure that you consult it, he said. According to him, the 2014 conference report contains most of the terms of reference of the present electoral reform committee. The governor also called for the adoption of simultaneous accreditation and voting system which was experimented during the 2016 elections in Edo and Ondo states, to avoid loss of time during elections. Ayade said that measures must be put in place to discourage politicians from jumping from one party to another arbitrarily. He also recommended a two-party system, where the parties had strong ideologies, for the country. The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Ken Nnamani, in his remark, said the committee was in the zone as part of its wider consultation to seek contributions from the public on the way forward for Nigerias electoral system. He acknowledged the recommendations of similar committees in the past, but said that every system was prone to improvement until a perfect one was put in place. Nnamani described election as the live wire of any democracy, urging people of the zone to come forward and make their contributions for the advancement of the nations democracy and good governance. The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, said the essence of setting up the electoral reform committee was to provide good governance. We cannot provide good governance if our electoral system is still weak, he said. Mallami, who was represented by Mr Okoi Obla, a Special Adviser to the Minister, said the Federal Government was committed to carrying out far-reaching reforms in the public service, to ensure accountability and the rule of law. Dimgba, however, ordered that a letter be written and hearing notice be forwarded to the DSS to formally intimate it of the next hearing date fixed for March 21. The suit was filed against the Inspector- General of Police and the Director- General of DSS by Kashamu to restrain them from extraditing him to the U.S. to face charges on drugs related offences. Kashamu, representing Ogun East in the Senate, also joined a serving House of Representatives member, Oladipupo Adebutu in the suit. Kashamu claimed that the summon issued to him to appear before a special investigation panel of the I-G on the strength of a petition by Adebutu, on alleged assassination attempt was a ploy to abduct and transport him to the U.S. He also claimed that the petitioner had been boasting that he would cause his extradition to the U.S. with the assistance of the Police and DSS. Kashamu pleaded with the court to restrain DSS and Police from inviting him to appear before any panel. ALSO READ: Court grants order for the arrest of Senator anywhere The DSS, Police and Adebutu had asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to compel Kashamu to honour invitation extended to him by the DSS and Police on alleged assassination attempt on Adebutu. They had asked the court to disregard and reject the claim by Kashamu that the invitation of the security agents was a ploy to forcefully abduct him and extradite him to the U.S. Melaye also said that stolen funds were being hidden in uncompleted buildings in remote villages. He made the comments on Wednesday, March 1, while calling for a probe into the affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Monies are not accounted for and that might be the reason we now see petro-dollars buried in caskets and uncompleted buildings in remote villages in some parts of the country, Melaye said. Senate President, Bukola Saraki subsequently ordered the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to carry out a holistic investigation into the NNPC. The NNPC has been accused of failing to remit N5.1 trillion in fuel subsidy funds collected between 2006 and 2015 to the government. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), on February 10, recovered separate sums of $9,772,800 and 74,000 from former NNPC Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the two on a 17-count charge of laundering about N4.6 billion. However, they pleaded not guilty. They were charge along with former National Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Yusuf Danjuma and a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Ltd. Usman is urging the court to allow her to be tried separately from Fani-Kayode, and for her trial to be transferred from Lagos to the Abuja division, for convenience. Arguing the application on Wednesday, Nenadis lawyer, Abiodun Owonikowo (SAN) said: the issue of venue of criminal trial is governed by the nature of the offence and the place it was committed. Owonikowo cited Supreme Courts dismissal of the case of Rhoda vs FRN because the offence was committed in Kano but the suspect was tried in Abuja. He said that his clients application was based on Usmans health condition. He added that Nenadi lives in Abuja and therefore has to travel to Lagos each time the case comes up, and has to spend at least three days in Lagos on each occasion. On the issue of convenience of forum, the end of justice will be served if this case is taken to where the offence was allegedly committed. The fact that arraignment has taken place does not mean the case cannot be transferred. Opposing the application, EFCCs lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the chief judge could notexercise his powers to transfer a case where the prosecution had called its first witness. Besides, he said, 13 of the listed 17 witnesses live in Lagos, adding that the instance cited by Owonikowo was not applicable. He said severing the charge will mean duplicating evidence before different courts. I urge your lordship to refuse this application. Fani-Kayodes lawyer, Norrison Quakers (SAN), also moved the former ministers application, asking the judge to disqualify himself from adjudicating on the case. He contended that Justice Muslim Hassan, who worked as Head of Legal Services at the EFCC before his appointment as a judge, signed the money laundering charge for which Fani-Kayode was previously tried. He added that Fani-Kayode was however, acquitted by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumobia on July 1, 2015. In response, Oyedepo also opposed the application, saying although Justice Hassan signed the charges as head of EFCCs legal department, the case was prepared and prosecuted by an external counsel, Festus Keyamo. He said at no time did the judge feature in the trial. We (EFCC) were also extremely scolded by your lordship when the applicant was re-arrested in court in relation to another matter. Nothing has been placed before my lord to justify the likelihood of bias. This application is only intended to whip up sentiments and paint the court in bad light. It is not for any party to decide the judge that will adjudicate on a case. I urge the court to dismiss the application. According to NAPTIP, the girls, who are victims of trafficking, are being used for prostitution in Mali. The agency made the comments via a statement released by spokesman, Josiah Emerole on Wednesday, March 1. The statement reads: The NAPTIP has commenced investigation into the trafficking into Mali of the 37 female Nigerians. Four female suspects were also deported. a victims are being counselled by NAPTIP counsellors, while the suspects are in custody, making useful statements. The repatriation of the Nigerians was assisted by the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The girls were said to be already posing a security risk to Mali. Reports indicate that over 5,000 Nigerian females are presently in different parts of Mali being forced into prostitution by their traffickers who had promised to help them to Europe. The acting Director General of NAPTIP, Mr. Abdulrazak Dangiri, has put in place, measures that would be presented to government to ensure that all other victims stranded in Mali and other parts of Africa are rescued and brought back to Nigeria. ALSO READ:NAPTIP rescues 146 victims of human trafficking in Kano The statement comes following the return of 41 Nigerian human trafficking victims from Mali on Monday. This, according to the lawmakers, is to determine the functionality of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and vault cash levels with a view to minimising the incidents of debits without dispensation of cash by the machine. The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Joseph Edionwele (PDP-Edo) entitled Need to Investigate the Sharp Practices in Automated Teller Machines (ATM). Moving the motion, Edionwele explained that many bank customers who used the ATM services were being short-changed by malfunctioning ATMs. He explained that the ATMs though unable to dispense cash, automatically debited the customers account and had it recorded in the banks transactions. According to him, failure to complain such error may result in non-reversal, in the case of many ignorant customers. Many Nigerians may have unknowingly fallen victim of the sharp practices by banks considering the sizeable population of customers who may not be alerted on their communication devices on transactions in their accounts. If these sharp practices are not checked, banks customers may erode the confidence of the banking public in ATMs which can adversely affect the cashless policy being promoted by the CBN. The apex bank is the agency saddled with the responsibility to supervise the operations of commercial banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria, he said. Supporting the motion, Rep. Jide Jimoh (Lagos-APC) said that errors were being made by humans, not to talk of machines, and urged members to support the motion. ALSO READ: Jimoh added that measures should be put in place to check mechanical errors in the ATM transactions. Opposing the motion, however, Rep. Dennis Nnamdi (Enugu-PDP), cautioned the house to be circumspect in issuing directives because the CBN was fully aware of banks sharp practices. The court also ordered that the convict should be given 12 strokes of cane. The judge, Alhaji Alhassan Kusherki, convicted Alhassan after he pleaded guilty to the offence of theft which contravened Section 288 of the Penal Code. The judge, however, gave him an option to pay a fine of N20, 000 for the jail term. Earlier, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Abdullahi Tanko, had said that the matter was reported at the Gwagwalada Police Station on Feb. 11 by Yahaya Yongas of Tafa Police Station, Kaduna. Tanko told the court that the convict went to the Redeemed Church opposite Government Secondary School, Dagiri in Gwagwalada and stole a red Yamaha motorcycle valued at N120,000. He said that the convict was sighted at Tafa-Kaduna road with the motorcycle and that during police investigation, he confessed to have committed the offence. And this applies even to new vehicles bought from car dealers. The Acting Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Mr Joseph Attah, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. He said that the comptroller-general had given a window of one month, from March 13 to April 12 for car owners to pay the appropriate duty on their vehicles. The public relations officer said that some owners of vehicles brought into the country through the land borders, obviously, did not pay duty. He advised that owners of such vehicles should go and comply by paying the duty on their vehicles. Attah listed four Customs Zonal offices where authenticity of Car Customs duty could be verified; such as Zone A Headquarters, No 1, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos; and Zone B Headquarters, Kabala Doki, Kaduna. He mentioned other offices where duty could be verified as: Zone C Headquarters, Port Harcourt and Zone D Headquarters, Yelwa Tudu Road, Bauchi State. Attah said that any vehicle owner in doubt, who was not sure of the authenticity of his Customs document, could approach the above zones closest to him to verify. He said that after the deadline of the given period, Customs would embark on an aggressive anti-smuggling operation to seize vehicles as well as prosecute the owners. The Customs spokesman said that since the ban on importation of vehicles through the land borders by the Federal Government, the service had been working to perfect the process of issuing licences for bonded vehicle terminals for car dealers. Attah said that before the start of the process, NCS is advising all car owners in Nigeria that have not paid duty on their vehicles to do so. Once we start issuing the licence, any vehicle already in the country with no evidence of duty payment, will be liable to seizure and the owner will be prosecuted. We advise Nigerians to take advantage given to them within the one month to go to our zonal offices closest to them to pay. Even those who are not too sure of the Customs document in their possessionbecause some people may have ignorantly brought these vehicles with fake documentsthey should go and verify. If they discover that what is in their possession is fake, they should just pay the duty. Immediately after the deadline, the NCS will embark on an aggressive anti-smuggling operation to arrest vehicle owners, seize the vehicles and prosecute the owners, Attah said. ALSO READ: Custom officers arrest man smuggling bags of rice as corpses in ambulance He said that a smuggled vehicle is always a smuggled vehicle unless the appropriate duty is paid on it. According to him, the status of a smuggled vehicle never changed. We just advise that any person who knows that appropriate duty has not been paid on the vehicle he or she is using including motor dealers, who have collections of assorted cars in their car mart should go and pay duty, Attah said. Baru made the appeal at the 26th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) on Thursday in Abuja. According to him, with Nigerias enormous reserves in gas as the 9th largest in the World, unemployment and infrastructural challenges can be tackled but the disruptions are crippling activities like power generation. On this note, I will like to use this medium to appeal to the militants in the Niger Delta to stop the attack on pipeline infrastructure to enable us sustain our plan and grow the industry for the benefit of all Nigerians. Gas pipeline vandalism has been the most disruptive challenge to supply across the country, but more recently in the West. The Trans-Forcados crude oil pipeline (TFP) has been the major victim of attacks, so also the ELPS gas pipeline has seen surprising increase in attacks. As we speak today, there is enough gas to generate about 4,800 megawatts and 6,000 megawatts by second quarter of 2017, based on our gas supply plan. However, the power sector is presently struggling to evacuate 4,500 megawatts power due to DISCOs incessant rejection of allocated load and transmission line constraints, he said. Baru said that interventions in the sector yielded results on Feb. 2, 2016 as a record high peak generation of 5,079 megawatts (86 per cent thermal) was attained, but that incessant attacks on pipelines significantly affected gas supply. He said that in spite of challenges, NNPC was committed to ensuring adequate gas supply to meet Nigerias industrial growth. He said that strategic repositioning of the sector was ongoing to support massive gas-based industrialisation to place Nigeria as the regional hub for gas-based industries such as fertiliser, methanol and petrochemicals. The first of this effort is the planned 30 square-kilometre Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta which will be Africas largest gas industrial park, supporting gas-based industries. Also, we have successfully completed a pilot programme to introduce natural gas as fuel for transportation through Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Today, over 4,000 cars, mostly commercial taxis, run on natural gas in Benin, served by a network of six gas-filling stations. We are currently extending the CNG initiative to other parts of the country. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, use of gas in transportation is cheaper; taxi drivers save significantly on petrol cost as CNG is sold at 46 per cent of the price of petrol," he added. The GMD said that CNG was not only cheaper but was neater, cleaner, pilferage-free, burned cleaner and had become the fuel of choice for power globally. Speaking to journalists shortly after his remarks at the lecture, Baru said that the Oben-Geregu (196km), Escravos-Warri-Oben (110km), Emuren-Itoki (50km), Itoki-Olorunsogo (31km), Imo River-Alaoji (24km), Ukanafun-Calabar (128km) had been successfully implemented. He made the comments on Wednesday, March 1, during a meeting with Nigerias service chiefs in Abuja. As you know, the Boko Haram as a military force has been degraded. They are not holding territory at the moment. Our armed forces have been able to dislodge them from practically all territories they were holding in the past, he said. What is happening now is just once in a while attack by suicide bombers. By the nature of asymmetric warfare, we are not able to say it has ended now. But I think that militarily they have been contained. There is no question at all that Boko Haram as a fighting force has been degraded. We are still vigilant because of their capacity to do damage with suicide bombers. I am very satisfied with what the military has done so far. And the briefing has shown graphically that they are really on top of their game and that they are doing excellently well in the Northeast," he added. Osinbajo also said that he would relay the details of the briefing to President Muhammadu Buhari, whos in London for a medical vacation. Buhari left the country on January 19 and was ordinarily meant to spend 10 days but he wrote the Senate on February 5 to extend his vacation indefinitely. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate passed the bill seeking to legalise the corps and awaiting the assent by President Muhammadu Buhari. Presenting the members to journalists in Abuja, the Force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood said the operations was aimed at halting and riding the country of illegal and unlawful security outfits. He said that intelligence reports revealed that some illegal security outfits had started acquiring weapons and conducting covert military training across the country. The peace corps has unlawfully turned itself into a security outfit without the authourisation and establishment by the Federal government, he said. Moshood further said that the corps, under the leadership of Akor, was registered as a non-governmental organisation but was operating with disregard to the countrys law. He said that during preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the personnel of the corps were extorting money from unsuspecting youths in the county. Anyone who must have paid money under any presence to the corps should report to the nearest police station anywhere in the country, he said. Moshood said members of the corps had no legal authority to wear uniform and for the corps to be paraded as security outfit. He said that members of the corps use ranks, insignia, badges of ranks among others similar to the police and military without approval by Federal Government. The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies will not fold their arms and allow lawlessness to be unleashed on the society." The police spokesman said that the joint security operations would be sustained to crack down on the activities of all proscribed illegal security outfits across the country. Moshood advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to return from the illegal military camps owned by the corps across the country. The spokesman said that the head office of the corps at the Jabi Lake, Utako, Abuja, had been sealed after the arrest. AS READ: Police arrest Peace Corps national commandant Moshood said that the federal gazette in 2013 had dissolved and proscribed illegal security outfits in the country. He said the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation. Reacting, Akor said that the corps activities were aimed at changing the character of the Nigerian youths and how to be responsible citizens. On the payment of the N40, 000 by applicants, he said that the money was meant for the purchase of uniforms and their feeding adding that the corps was a voluntary organisation. He said that the corps uniform was approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER No-one can pocket judiciary on my watch - Onnoghen Justice Walter Onnoghen was yesterday confirmed by the Senate as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and so became the 15th person to occupy the exalted seat after Nigerias independence in 1960. Court strikes out six charges against IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out the allegation of the management of an unlawful society and five other charges brought against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and three others, by the Federal Government. Militants threaten South African firms over xenophobic attacks Militant groups in the Niger Delta have asked the 18 South African companies and personnel to leave the region or risk attacks. VANGUARD NEWSPAPER Kanu: IPOB not unlawful group - Court THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, struck-out six of the 11-count criminal charge the Federal Government preferred against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and three other pro-Biafra agitators. Corrupt Nigerians hiding stolen money in caskets, remote villages - Senate The Senate, yesterday, alerted the nation to the fact that corrupt politicians now hide stolen money in caskets and uncompleted buildings in remote villages. Militants give South African firms 30-day ultimatum Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, condemned attacks by South African youths on Nigerians and other African nationals in their country. THE NATION NEWSPAPER DSS probes ex-governor's 'link' with militia leader Former Governor Gabriel Suswam is being probed by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his alleged link with a militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana), The Nation learnt yesterday. IPOB chief Kanu to face five charges The trial of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is to begin on March 20. He will be tried along with three others Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and an engineer, David Nwawuisi. Power supply gets N701bn boost The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N701 billion Power Assurance Guarantee for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET)to ensure a better supply of gas to the power plants. This will in turn improve power supply. THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER Xenophobic attacks: Militants threaten MTN, others as Obasanjo berates leaders A coalition of Niger Delta militants, on Wednesday, threatened to blow up Multichoice, owner of DSTV; MTN, Shoprite and 16 other major South African investments in Nigeria if the Federal Government failed to shut them down within one month. Senate confirms Onnoghen, South gets CJN after 30 years The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, making him the first person from the southern part of the country to occupy the office in the last 30 years. Ex-President Jonathan to lead peace process - Fayose The witness, who is a former Senior Special Executive Assistant to Ladoja, gave the evidence at the resumed trial of the ex governor and his aide, Waheed Akanbi, charged with N4.7 billion fraud. The accused are being prosecuted by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Led in evidence on Thursday by the prosecutor, Mr Oluwafemi Olabisi, the witness told the court that Ladoja purchased the said vehicles for the lawmakers, in order to win their loyalty and to evade impeachment in 2005. The witness said that out of the 22 cars purchased by the ex governor, he was only able to give out 14, as that represented the number of lawmakers whose loyalty he was able to secure. Atanda explained that the Oyo State House of Assembly had 32 lawmakers and for Ladoja to have stopped his impeachment, he required the votes of 22 members of the assembly. The witness, who claimed to have met Ladoja back in the year 2000 when he (Atanda) was vying for a senatorial seat, gave a detailed narration of how the administration of Ladoja ran into trouble after he had become a governor. Well, I dont know exactly how it started but it appeared as if there was a rift between members of the Oyo State House of Assembly on one hand, and some political actors in the state. Very many attempts were made to remove Sen Ladoja from office; various petitions were written and at the end of the day, an impeachment process was set in motion. Oyo State has about 32 members of the House of Assembly and to successfully impeach the governor, it would require two-thirds majority support of the members of the House of Assembly; that will be about 22 members. In order to secure the loyalty of these 22 members of the House certain promises were made by different political actors, and one of such was that loyal members would be given vehicles. In the course of all these, I had discussion with Sen Ladoja and explained to him that it was important that his promises be kept. At the material time, it was rather impossible to buy these vehicles because they were not included in the budget for the year, so, we started looking for alternative ways to accommodate the request, Atanda said. Atanda said that he eventually obtained a loan of N80 million from Wema Bank with his personal assets to assist Ladoja, who was his political associate. He said that the vehicles were bought and collected from the various dealers by the drivers of the Oyo State Government and delivered to the Government House in Ibadan. In spite of this, I think, by December 2005, the governor was impeached from office. he said He said that after he was impeached, Ladoja and his allies, including the 14 lawmakers loyal to him fled and regrouped in Lagos. He said there in Lagos, Ladoja continued to take responsibility for the welfare of the lawmakers, who demanded to be paid a monthly income of one million Naira each after their salaries and allowances had been stopped. He added that Ladoja also assembled a team of lawyers, who demanded a fee of N370 million to challenge the impeachment up to the Supreme Court. EFCC had in November 2008 arraigned the accused on a 10-count charge of conspiring to convert properties and resources derived from an alleged illegal act, with the intention of concealing their illicit origin. ALSO READ: Accord Party confirms Ladoja received N100m from Anenih The EFCC also alleged that Ladoja used N42 million out of the proceeds to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about 600,000 pounds to one Bimpe Ladoja in London. Ladoja and Akanbi however pleaded not guilty to the charges, and were allowed to continue on their earlier bail terms. Saraki, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr Chuks Okocha, made this known when the Board of Directors of Daily Times Nigeria, visited him in Abuja. According to the statement, the visit was to convey the decision of the Board to name him the Politician of the Year, 2016. Saraki, who accepted the award said that it was the responsibility of every Nigerian to ensure that such institutions like the media continued to grow. We commend the role the Daily Times, as an institution, has played in our democracy for many years and the role you will continue to play in our democracy. That is why I want to encourage you to keep up the passion and commitment you have displayed so far, Saraki said. He reassured them that the National Assembly would continue to partner with institutions like the Daily Times of Nigeria, adding it was the media strength and capacity that would help sustain democracy in the country. ALSO READ: Saraki congratulates Onnoghen on confirmation as CJN One of the problems we have not only here in Nigeria, it is all over the world, is the issue of fake news. So, I think it is very important that you write news that is truthful and accurate for the consumption of our people, he charged the management of Daily Times of Nigeria," he added. Pastor Bayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, Media and Communications, CAN, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. The association urged security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities because despite the curfew and the presence of the Police in the volatile zone, the killings remain unabated. He said called on members of the association to continue praying for the permanent restoration of peace in the area. Meanwhile, speaking at the National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja on Thursday, the CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle could not hide his disappointment in the unending killings and the treatment of those responsible with kid gloves. All of us should organise prayers again and if possible with fasting to seek the intervention of God so that this senseless destruction of human beings might stop. I think what has encouraged this type of carnage in Southern Kaduna is the inability of the law enforcement agents to apprehend the criminals responsible for these killings. If they were apprehended at all, they were not conclusively prosecuted. We have heard more often than not; the law enforcement agents, saying the criminals are unknown gunmen; whose duty is it to know them? Is it not the law enforcement agents, he asked Ayokunle disclosed the plan made by the National Secretariat of CAN to provide relief materials for the victims of the carnage in both Southern Kaduna and the Agatu community, Benue. We are planning to visit Southern Kaduna to distribute relief materials to the victims of the massacre there. We planned to do this earlier and chose date but we couldnt go because we received security report that it was not safe to do so. We would equally visit the Agatu community in Benue State to distribute relief materials, he said. The president reminded its members not to cease praying for President Muhammadu Buhari, the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. He also urged prayers for the quick recovery of the economy from the recession to relief the populace who were under its consequences. I urge all of us to be praying for the President of our country, who is sick and is out of the country for treatment. We had twice released our pleas for prayers for him. It is our spiritual and legitimate duty as people of God. We should also pray for the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo that God might guide him aright this time when he acts for his principal. We should organise prayers, if possible vigil at every state secretariat of CAN to pray for our country at a chosen date. The FCT CAN could use the national secretariat for their prayers. In each centre, the governor of the state or his representative should be invited to such prayer meeting, Ayokunle said. On the economic recession, Ayokunle said, with the way our economy is going and violence is increasing without much answer from the law enforcement agents, we need divine intervention. He said that CAN have observed with dismay the destruction of church buildings in some parts of the country while the law enforcement agents seem powerless. According to him, churches are destroyed in states like Jigawa on the excuse that they did not get building permit whereas they had applied for permit many years without being given. He said Recently, a Redeemed Christian Church of God was burnt down in Apiawe Village, Dei-Dei, here in Abuja very early in the morning. What shall we do to these continuous provocations without any visible action by the law enforcement agents? He called on all and sundry to support CAN Trust Fund (CTF) because it was the answer to the paucity of funds for operation in CAN. ALSO READ:7 Important things you should know about the Southern Kaduna crisis He explained that without sufficient funds, the CAN leadership might not be able to discharge all the constitutional responsibilities including the Save Our Souls cry from its members. The well attended meeting by all the principal officers, national officers, zonal and state leaders prayed for the unity of the body of Christ and the country including President Buhari. According to Vanguard, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said refugees and asylum seekes should be welcome anywhere around the world. He said When he was widely quoted as blaming foreigners for crimes and asking them to leave the city. We consider the Mayors comment as careless, uncharitable and combustive. Xenophobes find comment such as this as inspiration, especially as it is coming from high and official quarters. We expect that public officials should know better and act wiser. The Nigeria Labour Congress affirms that the recent February 2017 xenophobic attack like previous ones in 2008 and 2015 is yet another unacceptable and avoidable development. We totally condemn it and call on the South African Government to move without further delay to take actions to prevent another occurrence. It is unacceptable that foreigners, migrants, refugees and Asylum Seekers are labeled criminals as a justification to subject them to extra-judicial actions. NLC considers the South Africa Governments condemnation of this recent xenophobic attack as a positive action. We, however, call on the government to go beyond condemnation to investigate, prosecute and sanction persons, groups or individuals that might have played any role in this mindless attack on foreigners, Wabba added. According to Punch, the President of the TUC, Mr. Bala Kaigama also asked the Federal Government to recall the Nigerians High Commissioner to South Africa. He said From all indications, it appears there is a grand conspiracy by the government cum state security apparatus to continue to mindlessly waste lives and take over properties of innocent and harmless fellow Africans. We are calling on the Federal Government to put modalities in place to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa and recall the High Commissioner immediately to save the situation as further killing may lead to a major crisis. They own several multi-billion dollar investments on our soils; yet, we co-exist despite all odds. This killing and duhumanisation of Nigerians must stop. Not anymore; this must stop! If killing and maiming of Nigerians is the sacrifice required for us to maintain a cordial relationship, we are not willing to take it anymore. From all indications, it appears there is a grand conspiracy by the government cum state security apparatus to continue to mindlessly waste lives and take over properties of innocent and harmless fellow Africans. We are calling on the Federal Government to put modalities in place to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa and recall the High Commissioner immediately to save the situation as further killing may lead to a major crisis. They own several multi-billion dollar investments on our soils; yet, we co-exist despite all odds. This killing and duhumanisation of Nigerians must stop. Not anymore; this must stop! If killing and maiming of Nigerians is the sacrifice required for us to maintain a cordial relationship, we are not willing to take it anymore. Kaigama also said that no South African has been killed in Nigeria despite the xenophobic attacks carried out on our brothers in their country. He added that most of the South African companies in Nigeria go against the labour laws, but none has been shut down. The labour leader said How do we refer to this anti-Nigeria, nay Africa attitude? One wonders what these South Africans are turning into. Is it a case of ingratitude or lack of historical documentation by their leaders, of the unmatched leadership role Nigeria played in the 80s towards the dismantling of apartheid? It is on record that thousands of South African children were brought to Nigeria and distributed across all the unity schools in Nigeria and were fed and housed free courtesy of Nigerian government and Nigerians. They were welcomed with open arms! How have their youths missed this history that Nigerians have become objects for destruction in modern day South Africa? The businesses named include telecommunications giant, MTN, Multichoice and Shoprite. The militants also urged the government to shut down the companies within one month. The letter, which was obtained by Punch, reads in part: Arising from the joint meeting of the Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force, held today (Wednesday) in Port Harcourt, we condemn the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. We want to state that the recent attacks (on Nigerians in South Africa) will mark the end of this nonsense because we will not fold our arms and allow this to continue. We, therefore, call on the Nigerian Government to immediately close down all the businesses owned by South Africans in Nigeria. Failure to close down these companies within one month, we shall mobilise in full force and commence massive attacks on the above-mentioned South African-owned investments in Nigeria. We shall also make sure that all MTN masts and offices are brought down to naught. We shall strike any property and persons from South Africa within our reach; we will bring down Multichoice (DSTV), Shoprite and others. We will not fold our arms and watch you (South Africans) slaughter our people like chickens for no just cause. We are fully prepared; our professional fighters are already strategizing, South Africans must be crushed in Nigeria; our people must be free from these wicked agents. How can you explain a situation where the police clobbered defenceless Nigerian citizens to death without any provocation? The meeting believes that political engagement of all stakeholders to the dispute may bring a lasting solution. Former President Jonathan is to lead the process, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose told Punch. The ongoing courts processes notwithstanding, party faithful should be patient and allow for possible resolution through dialogue. We believe while the case is going on, we should engage all the stakeholders. The unity in the party is more important without prejudice to the ongoing case in court. There is no price too much to pay for peace. It is not about the governors alone, it is the initiative of the stakeholders to find a lasting peace. There is no condition, politics is free will. We should do everything that will promote peace. We pleaded with everybody not to make inflammatory statement, he added. ALSO READ: Appeal Court says Ali Modu Sheriff is original PDP Chairman According to a report by The Sun, Jonathan had resolved that the only solution to restructuring the PDP was for it's warring leaders to sheath their swords by vacating their positions. This resolve was reportedly reached at after a meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 with PDP governors in Abuja. Sources revealed that Jonathans message had been dispatched to Makarfi and Sheriff, but none of the parties involved have released a statement or stand over the decision. The ex-President was also said to have noted that the governors would be left to nominate another chairman, who would emerge at a national convention. ALSO READ: Goodluck Jonathan in 'crucial' meeting with PDP Governors Meanwhile Jonathan had earlier met with Makarfi, the Caretaker Committee chairman, who is backed by governors as well as Sheriff, national chairman, who got a favourable judgment at the Court of Appeal recently on different dates and at different venues. Prof. Wale Oladipo, the partys National Secretary, said that NWC gave the commendation in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Abuja. Oladipo said that members of NWC at their meeting, sequel to the official re-opening of the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, acknowledged the leadership qualities of the former president. He said that the NWC also noted with satisfaction the stand of the PDP Governors Forum on the need to adopt a political solution in bringing lasting peace to the party. The NWC restates its readiness to fully participate in the peace process. The NWC hereby calls on all staff of the PDP National Secretariat to resume duties immediately, he said in the statement. Oladipo said that the NWC also received and approved the request from PDP in Ebonyi for a time-table to conduct the party primaries for the local government elections in the state. Finally, the NWC commends the National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff for the swift renovation of the National Secretariat, Oladipo said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP Governors forum, after its Tuesday meeting with former President Jonathan in Abuja, had agreed to adopt a political solution to the partys leadership crisis. ALSO READ: APC prays for PDP over its leadership crisis The Forum Chairman, also Governor of Ekiti, Dr Ayodele Fayose, said that the process would include the engagement of Sheriff, irrespective of the matters in court, to achieve lasting solution to the party lingering crisis. Saraki gave the advice in a goodwill message at the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities in Abuja. He was represented by Sen. Jubril Barawo, Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education. Saraki said in the past, Nigerian universities were known to have experts in certain programmes but this was no longer the case. Today, it is a different scenario, as many Nigerian universities want to run all programmes from university teaching hospital to having a nuclear department." He said the development had paved way for the influx of unprepared students many of who could not address their special needs. There is, therefore, the need for Nigerian universities to change from being conventional sources of graduates to becoming engines of community development. Nigeria needs a new generation of universities that can serve as engines of community development and social renewal, Saraki said. He said that fundamental reforms would be needed in the curriculum design of the universities to boost their efforts in proffering lasting solution to the nations economic social and environmental challenges. Saraki urged the committee to look into some other unwholesome practices by some lecturers who took delight in taking up multiple appointments or full time employment in more than one university. He said the development accounted for the reduction in the quality of graduates, as a result of lack of adequate supervision by lecturers. He called for an end to labour disputes in higher institutions to check strikes, adding that better funding would make them relevant "in the ever-competitive contemporary education." The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, identified resource constraints as one of the challenges facing the universities. He, however, called on the university authorities to manage the available resources at their disposal effectively and efficiently to achieve their aims and objectives. Adamus massage was tagged: "The Journey so far and the Future; the Ministerial Strategic Plan for Higher Education. The minister was represented on the occasion by Hajia Fatima Gidum, Director, Tertiary Education in the ministry. Adamu urged the conference to come up with a framework for the funding of tertiary education and augment the statutory resources. Prosecutors said the man was detained and is being questioned. Reports said he had previously gone to Syria but officials did not confirm that. "The car was stopped because the driver jumped several red lights. The police then noticed several gas canisters in the boot and rather than take any risks, they called for help from the army bomb squad," a police spokeswoman said. Local mayor Charles Picque told AFP the driver was "someone potentially dangerous" who was listed as radicalised. "When you put it all together... and that there were gas cannisters in the boot, which he did not want to open, then obviously you have to be prudent," Picque said. The Brussels prosecutors' office said the bomb disposal squad carried out several controlled explosions but found "no detonating mechanism or other explosives in the car." The security perimeter, in force from mid-afternoon, had also been lifted, it said, without giving any further details. Local RTBF television said the driver was aged 27 and had gone to Syria in 2014 and been arrested on his return to Belgium. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison, suspended, at a trial of recruiters of foreign fighters for the Islamic State group in Syria. The trial was of top jihadist recruiter Khalid Zerkani, who was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years in prison for recruiting dozens of people, including several who became key suspects in the Brussels and Paris attacks, to wage jihad in Syria. Belgium is one of the largest sources of foreign fighters going to Syria and Iraq. Thursday's incident sparked immediate concerns after French police apparently foiled an imminent attack in September when they detained several women driving a car filled with gas canisters next to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The security perimeter was set up in the Porte de Hal neighbourhood, near the main Midi rail station in an area that is famous for a medieval fortress which attracts tourists. Nearby buildings were evacuated and public transport either halted or diverted, causing rush-hour chaos. The Brussels prosecutors' office, which confirmed the driver was known to police, said he was now being held for questioning to determine what his intentions were. "It is absolutely too early to say that the driver had criminal intentions. All speculation in this sense is premature," a statement said, adding that the identity of the driver could not be released while the investigation is underway. Attacks carried out by home-grown, IS-inspired jihadists on March 22 last year rocked Belgium and sparked a major security clampdown. It concerns "the image of Poland and of the Church of Poland," Nycz said, adding he was counting on some "opening up" from the government on the issue. The ruling conservative Law and Justice party (PiS) opposes the entry of Muslim refugees and migrants on security grounds, and has rejected an EU plan to share out migrants among the member states. The government's view is shared by a significant portion of Poland's ethnically homogenous population of 38 million people. But the cardinal said that a system known as "family to family" assistance between Polish and Syrian families has already been operating discreetly for several months. "We hope that the next step will be an aid programme through humanitarian corridors. It will involve welcoming in Poland a few hundred refugees in need of urgent medical care, of exceptional assistance, necessary to keep them alive", the archbishop's letter said. "This programme is therefore safe" from a security point of view, he added. Caritas Poland, the Catholic Church's humanitarian organisation, is ready as well as the Catholic dioceses, according to the archbishop. Minister of Family and Labour Elzbieta Rafalska responded by saying that "the government can understand such an appeal. "He was therefore granted assistance allowance and his mother was hired as his personal assistant," the court said. Between 2006 and 2015, the family received social benefits worth nearly nine million kronor (around 944,000 euros, $990,000). Authorities cut off the family's benefits in 2015 after receiving several tip-offs since 2001 and following a police report in 2012. The elder son, 32-year-old Frantisek Banda, told the court that he pretended to be mentally disabled by making it impossible for people to make contact with him. But he denied the fraud charge, claiming he was forced to carry out the ruse under threat from another unnamed person, the court documents showed. Frantisek Banda was sentenced to two years in prison. The court sentenced the mother and her youngest son Marian Banda, 30, to three years in prison. Both had denied providing wrongful information about Frantisek's condition. The court ordered the trio to pay damages "equalling the amount of the benefits that were paid on erroneous grounds," it said. The two sons were born in Slovakia but moved to Sweden with their mother in 1998. Kim Jong-Nam, 45, the eldest son of the North's late ruler Kim Jong-Il and once seen as his heir-apparent, had lived a life of exile in China after falling out of favour. South Korea and Malaysia have blamed the North, while Pyongyang has angrily denied involvement and accused both of trying to frame it and "smear" its reputation. Here are some comments from key figures in the unfolding drama. South Korea slams 'paranoid' leader A day after the assassination, Seoul's spy chief, Lee Byung-Ho, told lawmakers that Kim had issued a "standing order" years ago to kill Jong-Nam -- a plan driven by the young leader's "paranoid personality". "The assassination, if confirmed done by the North, would be a sign of Kim Jong-Un's paranoid personality rather than a calculated move to remove a political threat," Lee was quoted as saying by lawmakers after a closed-door briefing. "There was one (assassination) bid in 2012, and Jong-Nam in April 2012 sent a letter to Jong-Un saying 'Please spare me and my family,'" multiple lawmakers quoted Lee as saying. The South Korean government has since criticised use of the banned nerve agent VX as an "act of terror" and a "blatant violation" of the Chemical Weapons Convention. South Korean foreign minister Yu Byung-Se described the murder as "a wake-up call... to North Korea's chemical weapons capability and its intent to actually use them". "In the wake of this heinous act of using chemical weapons in Malaysia, we have to seriously consider what steps we should take in the coming weeks and months," he said. Malaysia fumes The rare, Cold War-style murder triggered widespread anger in Malaysia and sent diplomatic tensions with Pyongyang -- with which it has unusually strong ties -- soaring. Kuala Lumpur on Thursday cancelled a visa-free travel deal with North Korea. Earlier, it recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang in protest and summoned Kang Chol, the North Korean ambassador to Malaysia, for questioning by police -- which Kang has so far has refused. "The ambassador has been informed of the process involved (in the police probe) but he continues to be delusional and spew lies and accusations against the government of Malaysia," Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Aman said last week. Malaysia's health minister confirmed that Jong-Nam would have suffered a "very painful death" after the attack, dying within 15 to 20 minutes. The two women -- who have been indicted -- shoved something onto Jong-Nam's face, according to leaked CCTV footage. "I am outraged that the criminals used such a dangerous chemical in a public area," Malaysian Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said last week as angry protestors waved a banner reading "Respect Malaysia" outside the North Korean embassy. North Korea blames 'smear campaign' So far the North has not confirmed the identity of the victim, referring to him only by a pseudonym he used, Kim Chol, and as a citizen who carried a diplomatic passport. For more than a week after it happened, the North's official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) made no reference to the killing, and when it did, it condemned a Malaysian autopsy as "illegal and immoral" and demanded the body be handed over. The North maintained there was no clear evidence blaming it for the murder and accused the South, the US and Malaysia of framing Pyongyang as part of a "smear campaign" against the nation and its leader. "The reckless moves of the US and the south Korean authorities are aimed to meet the dangerous political purpose to tarnish the image of the dignified DPRK and bring down the social system in it," KCNA said this week, using the North's official name. "This being a hard fact, the US and the south Korean authorities are kicking up an anti-DPRK smear campaign, groundlessly pulling it up," it said. China -- which is the North's sole major ally and economic lifeline, but is increasingly frustrated -- has banned all coal imports from its neighbour for the rest of this year. He is suspected of favoring moves by the government to forgive debt contracted by his father's company, and to giving a firm thought linked to his family rights to airline routes. He has denied any wrongdoing. "Ethics and transparency are not only for the public sector but also for the private sector," he said, calling on lawmakers to debate a law on corporate responsibility. The conservative president said he would also sign a decree on upholding ethical standards in office. "I want everything to be transparent and nobody to doubt the decisions of this president," he said in comments broadcast nationally. Macri has been trying to steer Argentina out of recession since taking over as president in December 2015. He faces a key political test next October when the country holds legislative elections. Macri brushed off reports by private firms and industrial associations showing Argentina was mired in recession, with factory closures, rising unemployment, falling wages and lagging consumption. "There are signs that the economy is improving," he said. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. Her government has urged the Maghreb states and Egypt to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Merkel first heads to Egypt, where she will meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, before holding talks on Friday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. She is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, tourism slumps after internal turmoil and jihadist attacks, and high unemployment, especially among youths. A major focus in Egypt and Tunisia will be on their troubled neighbour Libya, a largely lawless country that has porous desert borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan. "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. "Egypt, as a regional institution, as a regional power, plays a major role here, as do Algeria and Tunisia." Holding centres The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' jpegMpeg4-1280x720Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt had largely "banned protests, imprisoned tens of thousands of people, often after unfair trials, and outlawed the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood." "Ensuring safe and swift returns of Tunisians and Egyptians who are not in need of protection is legitimate, as long as the procedures are fair," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum." But Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market on December 19 that killed 12, an attack attributed to a Tunisian immigrant, Anis Amri. After a lengthy discussion and two votes on Feb. 21, the Bettendorf School Board passed a calendar for the 2017-2018 academic year that includes a week-long fall break. A staff recommendation was on the Bettendorf School Board agenda for its Feb. 6 regular meeting, but after debate, the board did not vote on the calendar that night as planned. Tuesday night, the first vote on the calendar deadlocked on a 3 to 3 tie vote. Board member Scott Tinsman was absent. Board member Pepper Trahan voted against the calendar with the weeklong fall break because of concerns students in Advanced Placement would start behind schedule and would have to play catch-up to perform well on the May AP tests. Board members Paul Castro and Michael Pyevich also voted against that calendar. Castro proposed having two calendars one for the elementary and middle schools that kept the weeklong fall break, and one for the high school that omitted the fall break. His proposal was not taken up. Board president Gordon Staley said the change was not his first choice but he voted for it in support of the calendar committee and its recommendation. Board members Betsy Justis and Stacey Struck also voted to approve the calendar with the week-long break. Lisa Reid, principal of Bettendorf Middle School, told the board that the week-long break that will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 will give students a chance to regroup and refresh, and that their grades will improve. When discipline problems decline theres better learning for all students, Reid said. Thats the right thing for the kids. Rod Moeller, a physical education teacher at Bettendorf Middle School, said that two calendars would not work, as he would have a week off and maybe want to take his family on a vacation. But his high school daughter would not be able to go. The district does not revolve just around the high school, he said. Still, Trahan and others had problems with the calendar and the timing of the week-long fall break and kept referring to comments that had been made in earlier meetings by Bettendorf High School interim Principal Joy Kelly, who was concerned about AP study time. Kelly was not at the meeting, but when someone in the audience was able to contact her, Kelly made it clear that she could work around any schedule the board approved. In a re-vote, Trahan changed her vote to yes, while Castro and Pyevich each again voted no. Staley, as well as board members Justis and Struck again voted to approve the calendar. Under the approved calendar school for the 2017-18 academic year will begin Aug. 23 and end June 7. In other board news, Rodger Wilming, the president of the Bettendorf Education Association, thanked the board for passing a new three-year contract. Given what he described as "the chaos in Des Moines," referring to the collective bargaining overhaul bill signed into law last week, Wilming said the new contract puts the teachers and the district in a good position. "Some districts did not come to an agreement on an extension," Wilming said. "Now, they could end up having to purchase insurance from the state. No one knows what that's going to look like because it's conceptual. It hasn't been created yet." Wilming said he is concerned that the state legislature will next target the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, or IPERS. Dec. 30 1 Fraud, totaling $769.99, was reported on the 5400 block of Judge Road. Jan. 13 2 A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2012 Ford F350 collided on the 2500 block of Crestview Drive, resulting in $10 in damage. Jan. 18 3 A 2008 Mercedes C300 and a 2006 Hyundai Tucson collided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Middle Road, resulting in $4,200 in damage. Jan. 19 4 Donald Joseph Seymour, 53, 1530 State St., No. 3, was arrested on the 1400 block of Kimberly Road on suspicion of first offense operating while intoxicated. 5 Shandi Lou Parker, 35, no address given, was arrested on the 4500 block of Utica Ridge Road on suspicion of reckless use of fire/explosives and trespassing. 6 Padlocks, valued at $80, were reported stolen on the 7100 block of Valley Drive. Jan. 20 7 Jaide Nicole Serres, 28, 2786 Bateman St., Galesburg, Illinois, was arrested at the intersection of Cypress and Hillside drives on suspicion of first offense operating while intoxicated, first offense consumption/intoxication, and interference with official acts. 8 A 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and a 2012 Toyota Sequoia collided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $1,250 in damage. 9 A 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix and a 2013 Kenworth semi-trailer collided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Middle Road, resulting in $3,000 in damage. 10 Dakota Lee Hootman, 24, 1112 Hawthorne Drive, was arrested on the 800 block of Middle Road on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred and driving while license suspended or revoked. 11 An attempted burglary, no items stolen, was reported at A1 Storage, 7185 State St. 12 Brianna Marie Anderson, 24, 324 8th St., No. 13, was arrested on the 300 block of 8th Street on suspicion of domestic abuse assault with intent or displays a weapon. Jan. 21 13 Cash, valued at $20, was reported stolen on the 2400 block of Spruce Hills Drive. 14 Sun glasses, valued at $20, were reported stolen on the 700 block of 6th Street. 15 Criminal mischief, damage totaling $10, was reported on the 6700 block of Ridges Court. Jan. 22 16 A 2000 Ford Ranger and a 2005 Honda Civic collided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Spruce Hills Drive, resulting in $7,000 in damage. 17 Criminal mischief, damages totaling $750, was reported on the 2300 block of Cumberland Square Drive. 18 Julianna Henkins, 28, 1718 8th Ave, Rock Island, was arrested at Hy-Vee, 2900 Devils Glen Road, on suspicion of second offense operating while intoxicated. 19 Tools, prescription pills, alcohol, computer hardware, and jewelry, valued at $16,966, were reported stolen on the 500 block of Grant Street. Jan. 23 20 Lavar Marcus Wells, 34, 530 Western Ave., No. 3, Davenport, was arrested at Schnucks, 858 Middle Road, on suspicion of third-degree theft and an intrastate warrant. 21 Brandi Raeanne Marshall, 22, 5009 Ripley St., Davenport, was arrested at Schnucks, 858 Middle Road on suspicion of fifth-degree theft and providing false identification information. 22 Criminal mischief, damages totaling $500, was reported on the 4300 block of State Street. 23 Melissa Lynn Sims, 43, 302 7th St., Eldon, Iowa, was arrested at Interstate 80, mile marker 301, on suspicion of disorderly conduct/abusive epithets. 24 Travis Matthew Beach, 27, 924 27th St., was arrested at the intersection of 16th and Grant streets on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred. 25 Michael Todd Wingert, 41, 5335 N. Howell St., Davenport, was arrested on the 2200 block of Kimberly Road on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury and disorderly conduct. Jan. 24 26 Steven Paul Depaepe, 50, 5384 56th Ave. Court E, was arrested at the intersection of 18th and Middle streets on suspicion of driving while license denied or revoked. 27 Fredrick Lamont Gay, 36, 1014 14 St., Rock Island, was arrested on the 1100 block of Parkway Drive on suspicion of violation of no-contact or protective order. 28 Svetlana Young, 41, 4193 Creek Hill Drive, was arrested on the 2500 block of State Street on suspicion of first offense operating while intoxicated. 29 A 2002 Saturn L300 and a 2006 Ford Freestyle collided on Interstate 74 at the Spruce Hills Drive ramp, resulting in $3,200 in damage. 30 Edward John Jensen, 33, 2423 Central Avenue, was arrested at the intersection of Spruce Hills Drive and 18th Street on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred. 31 A 1999 Honda CRV and a 2006 Hummer H3 collided on the 900 block of 23rd Street, resulting in $6,900 in damage. Jan. 25 32 A 2008 Chevrolet Uplander and a 2016 Ford Escape collided at the intersection of 12th and Grant streets, resulting in $800 in damage. 33 Burglary of a motor vehicle, no property taken, was reported on the 1300 block of Coffelt Avenue. 34 A 2010 Ford F15 and a 2010 Dodge Charger collided at the intersection of Interstate 74 and Grant Street, resulting in $1,300 in damage. Jan. 26 35 A 2011 Ford Fiesta and a 2003 Ford Expedition collided at the intersection of Crow Creek Road and Apple Valley Drive, resulting in $8,500 in damage. 36 Burglary of a motor vehicle, no property taken, was reported on the 2800 block of Tanglefoot Lane. 37 Kenneth Mcadory, 38, 806 State St., No. 7, was arrested on the 800 block of State Street on suspicion of providing false identification information. 38 Marion Nicholas Michael, 22, 2426 West 38th Place, Davenport, was arrested at the intersection of 14th Street and Fairlane Drive on suspicion of transient merchant license required penalty. 39 Nathan John Olson, 34, 210 Winter St., Calamus, Iowa, was arrested on the 1800 block of Grant Street on suspicion of fifth-degree theft. 40 William Ernest Jensen, III, 50, 3925 Partridge Circle was arrested on the 400 block of W. 4th Street, Davenport on suspicion of gathering for use of drugs, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 41 Burglary of a motor vehicle, no property value listed, was reported on the 1000 block of Coffelt Avenue. Jan. 27 42 Dayshaun Tarquis Rias, 21, 2123 W. 2nd Street, Davenport, was arrested at the intersection of Shady Lane and Kimberly Road on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred and driving while license denied or revoked. Jan. 28 43 Richard Murray, Jr., 30, 411 Marquette St., No. 3, Davenport, was arrested on the 1100 block of State Street on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred and driving while license denied, suspended, canceled, or revoked. 44 An Iphone, drivers license, credit card, check book, debit card, wallet, satchel and tote bag, valued at $759, were reported stolen on the 3800 block of Tanglefoot Lane. 45 Criminal mischief, damage totaling $150, was reported on the 2200 block of 23rd Street. 46 A weapons identification card, drivers license, a concealed carry card, cash, credit card, debit card and wallet, valued at $89, were reported stolen on the 2200 block of 23rd Street. Jan. 29 47 A hit and run crash, damage totaling $500, was reported at Hy-Vee, 2900 Devils Glen Road. 48 Syndi Lyn Eliff, 18, 1623 Brown St., was arrested on the 1100 block of Devils Glen Road on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jan. 30 49 Criminal mischief, damage totaling $2,500, was reported on the 1000 block of State Street. 50 Criminal mischief, damage totaling $400, was reported on the 2200 block of Mississippi Boulevard. 51 Attempted fraud, no total listed, was reported on the 1600 block of Hillcrest Avenue. 52 Andrew Werner Paulsen, 32, 1319 5th Ave., Moline, was arrested on the 3800 block of 53rd Avenue on suspicion of simple assault domestic abuse and interference with official acts. 53 Leaving the scene of damage vehicle accident, damage totaling $50, was reported on the 4700 block of Kynnelworth Drive. 54 Coats, valued at $140, were reported stolen at Marshalls, 862 Middle Road. 55 A checkbook, debit card, identification cards, a wallet and a purse, valued at $120, were reported stolen on the 2300 block of Tech Drive. Jan 31 56 Elizabeth Davis Jensen, 34, 2423 Central Ave., was arrested at the intersection of 30th Street and Central Avenue on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred. 57 Ali Renee Roderiguez, 26, 3020 Dubuque St., Davenport, was arrested on the 100 block of 23rd Street on suspicion of habitual offender driving while barred. 58 Fraud, totaling $1,240, was reported on the 3700 block of Thunder Ridge Road. Feb. 2 59 Fraud, totaling $317.40, was reported on the 2900 block of S. Hampton Drive. Feb. 3 60 A 2004 Buick Rendezvous and a 2016 Ford Escape collided at the intersection of 18th Street and Middle Road, resulting in $1,200 in damage. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has appointed a new member to Iowa's Health Facilities Council, the five-member panel that decides whether to grant permission to build new health care facilities in the state. The council has played a key role in the controversy over a Memphis-based company's efforts to build a 72-bed psychiatric hospital in Bettendorf. The governor's office announced Wednesday that Branstad has selected Dr. Harold Miller of Bettendorf and Brenda Perrin of Cherokee to be on the council. Perrin already is filling out the term of a previous commissioner whose term expires in April. Miller would be a new member of the council. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation and would take effect on May 1, the governor's office said. Miller is a prominent physician in the state who has served as a board member and president of the Iowa Medical Society and chair of its delegation to the American Medical Association. Retired, he is married to Linda Miller, a former Republican state lawmaker from Bettendorf who now is the director of the Iowa Department on Aging. In an interview Wednesday, Harold Miller said he had not formed an opinion on the application of Strategic Behavioral Health, which has been stymied in its effort to get permission to open a psychiatric hospital in the Quad-Cities. Twice, the health facilities council has deadlocked 2-2 on the matter, meaning the certificate was not granted. The company's application has been opposed by Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health Trinity. Miller will replace Bob Lundin, chairman of the council who had voted against Strategic's application. Lundin, of LeClaire, is a former Trinity executive, and while some Strategic supporters had complained about his role in the decision, Strategic itself did not raise objections to his participation when given the opportunity to do so at the meetings where the application was considered. Miller practiced medicine for 39 years and was affiliated with Genesis for about the last 20 of those. Miller said it is important first to be presented with information about Strategic's plans and be able to ask questions before forming an opinion. "In my role, its important to study well and background well and enter most, if not all, decision-making processes with an open mind," he said. He added that he has been retired for 13 months and has no remaining conflicts. The last time Strategic went before the health facilities council was in October, when the panel deadlocked for the second time on its application. The company did not go before the council at its February meeting, and it's not clear whether it will do so at the council's July meeting. A staffer with the health facilities council said Wednesday she had not heard from the company recently. The Quad-City Times could not immediately reach Strategic's president, Jim Shaheen, for comment on Wednesday. A Davenport woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to trying to steal the ring off the finger of an elderly woman. Cyrea Marie Richmond, 28, pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and dependent adult abuse resulting in physical injury in Scott County District Court. The plea is open, meaning that prosecutors and the defense can make any recommendation at Richmonds sentencing hearing on May 4. Prosecutors will agree to dismiss a third charge of second-degree robbery if Richmond does not request or accept a deferred judgment and agrees not to file an appeal following entry of judgment and sentence, according to the plea agreement filed Wednesday. Prosecutors will not oppose probation if recommended in the presentence investigation, according to the plea agreement. The charges are both Class C felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Richmond was arrested in Aug. 30 and was released from the Scott County Jail the same day after posting $2,000 through a bail bond company. According to an arrest affidavit filed by Davenport police in support of the criminal complaint: At 12:19 p.m. Aug. 17, police were called to Senior Star Memory Care, 4504 Elmore Ave., for a report of a theft. Richmond is a food and beverage employee at Senior Star. Earlier that day, she sat next to an 84-year-old woman, who has Alzheimer's disease, on a bench in the hallway. She then tried to take the ring off the woman's right ring finger for about a minute. Richmond walked away from the woman when other employees entered the same hallway. Once the employees were gone, Richmond sat back down next to the woman and tried to take the ring off her finger by pulling and jerking on it. The woman's finger was cut and swollen, according to the affidavit. Federal authorities have arrested a Davenport sex offender for allegedly failing to properly register his address with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Arthur Eugene Jennings, 53, was arrested Tuesday in Rock Island at a home he shared with his girlfriend. He is charged with one count of failure to register. The charge carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. In March of 1993, Jennings pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree sexual abuse in Scott County District Court, according to district court electronic records. He was sentenced April 1 of that year to a term in prison not to exceed 25 years. His female victim was under the age of 14. According to Iowa Department of Corrections website, Jennings was released from prison Nov. 28, 2004. Jennings is required to register as a sex offender for life while a resident of Iowa, according to the federal criminal complaint and arrest affidavit filed in U.S. District Court, Davenport. Under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, Jennings still must register as required if he travels to another state. According to the federal criminal complaint, in July, Jennings used an address on Elsie Avenue in Davenport to obtain food assistance. He also reported a burglary at the residence later that month and made an insurance claim through the renters insurance he had with his girlfriend. But in May, the last time he registered with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry, he gave an address in East Moline. Jennings did not register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry from at least July until an unknown date in December, which is greater than five business days, according to the federal complaint. Jennings will be in U.S. District Court, Davenport, at 2 p.m. today for a detention hearing. An Alvarado, Texas, woman charged in a fatal crash in downtown Davenport in late January has pleaded not guilty. Lauria Lee Kelly, 57, waived her right to a formal arraignment and filed a written plea through her attorney, Miguel Puentes. She is charged in one count of homicide by vehicle-reckless driving, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. She will be back in court March 31 for a pretrial conference. A trial is tentatively scheduled for April 10, according to court documents. The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. Jan. 30. According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Davenport Police Department, Kelly was driving her blue 2005 Dodge truck east on 2nd Street at a high rate of speed. Witnesses to the crash and events leading up to it told police that Kelly was driving very fast and that she ran through at least two red traffic lights, one at 2nd and Harrison streets and the other at 2nd and Main streets, according to the affidavit. One witness, who was crossing 2nd Street at Brady, said she heard the roar of an engine just prior to the crash, according to the affidavit. Kelly's vehicle struck the rear of a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was stopped at the red light at 2nd and Brady. The force of the impact caused fatal injuries to the driver, Cynthia Elaine Jones, 53, of Davenport. The Monte Carlo then was pushed into the rear of a green 1999 Buick Regal that was in front of it. The force of the crash was so great that all three vehicles came to a rest on the other side of the intersection more than 100 feet away, according to the affidavit. Kelly and the driver of the Buick were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Kelly was arrested after her release from the hospital and taken to the Scott County Jail, according to the affidavit. According to an application filed in support of a search warrant in the case, a certified drug recognition expert examined Kelly and noted that she showed multiple signs and symptoms of impairment, including dilated and watery eyes, unsteadiness, quick slurred speech and jerky and fumbled movements. She also had a "distorted sense of reality" and believed the "Order of the Masons" was chasing her, according to the application. The application further states that Kelly's symptoms were consistent with "her using central nervous system stimulants and narcotic analgesics." The University of Iowa has reversed its decision to revoke thousands of scholarships, a move that had roiled the financial situation for Iowa families, including some in the Quad-Cities. Iowa officials report they have heard from many families who were unaware the awards were reliant on state support. In addition, families who had budgeted for college based on the scholarships contacted the university with their concerns, according to a news release the university issued Wednesday. I want to thank the students and parents who contacted me and shared their concerns, University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld said in the release. The reinstated awards are for current students and for those who have enrolled in the university for the upcoming fall semester. Before Wednesday's reversal, the announcement had troubled teens who got the awards, including Maya Sheybani. She plans to attend the University of Iowa, her mother's alma mater. Sheybani, 18, a Pleasant Valley High School senior, was told she would get $1,500 for four years, or a total of $6,000 in the Iowa Heritage Scholarship. She was one of almost 2,500 resident students who initially received the award, given to those who have at least one parent who graduated from the university. Sheybani applied to Iowa several weeks ago, and the Heritage scholarship information was in a packet she received that explained the costs of tuition. But last week, she got an email message that told her the scholarship was revoked. A follow-up letter with the same information subsequently arrived at her family's home in Bettendorf. The university had decided to eliminate the scholarships after the Iowa Legislature ordered cuts to the state's public universities in order to balance the state's budget. On Wednesday, the university reinstated Sheybani's scholarship, along with the 2,500 others that had been rescinded last week. Sheybani plans to be a pre-med student in college and noted she still might attend Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. Maya is not the only student from Bettendorf affected by the university's actions. Celia Brecht, 18, a 2016 Pleasant Valley graduate, was to receive $1,500 and was upset by an email message last week that told her the award was revoked. Both of her parents graduated from Iowa. Brecht discovered the award was reinstated via an email she received Wednesday afternoon. The 18-year-old college freshman is majoring in French and international studies. She hopes to work in translation services in the future. Im glad this was resolved, she said. The scholarships are not need-based and are part of non-merit scholarship programs, according to Anne Bassett, a university spokeswoman. Bruce Rastetter, president of the Iowa Board of Regents which governs the University of Iowa and other state schools, issued a statement on Wednesday saying he was pleased with Harrelds decision to reinstate the awards. The regents president acknowledged that the decision places the university in a very difficult financial situation. The board will work with Iowa to absorb a $9.2 million cut from the state this year, to resolve this short-term issue, Rastetter said. Last week, reaction to Iowa's initial decision to revoke the awards came swift and fast. Harreld started by telling lawmakers that the university would end the scholarship programs in response to $9 million that state legislators took back from state appropriations in the current budget year. Late last week, Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, slammed the university's move as "politics at its worst." Upmeyer suggested that college officials tap into $2 billion that Iowa has amassed in its foundation during a historic fundraising campaign. But Bassett said gifts given to the University of Iowa Foundation are restricted by the donors' wishes and cannot be used for other purposes. In December, the Iowa Legislature agreed to cut $18 million from the base of state funds to the three state institutions: $8 each from Iowa and Iowa State universities and $2 million from the University of Northern Iowa. Lawmakers still are considering the request for a 2 percent increase in state support for the next budget year. In addition, two lawsuits have been filed on the scholarship issue. One, filed Tuesday, claims the university breached its contract with students. A second one, filed Monday, claims that Harreld's actions to revoke the awards violated the students' constitutional rights. (The Associated Press contributed to this story.) Community Action of Eastern Iowa Inc. is accepting applications for utility bill assistance, the organization announced this week. The assistance, which is provided through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is available to people whose income is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, that would be an annual income of $35,280. Utility companies also provide funding. Heating costs place a heavier relative burden on low-income households. A household with an average income in Iowa spends about 3 percent on heating costs, while one at the poverty level spends 8 percent, according to Community Action. The assistance does not pay the entire bill, just some of the costs, according to the agency. Applications are being taken through April 28. Apply by visiting Community Action of Eastern Iowa, 500 E. 59th St., Davenport, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For income guidelines and a list of documents to submit, visit caeiowa.org or call 563-324-3236. Ed Tibbetts U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley dismissed as "nonsense" the idea that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should resign in the wake of revelations that he had met last year with the Russian ambassador to the U.S., a report that had Democrats saying he should step down because he testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that there had been no meetings. Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the committee, didn't weigh in on the truthfulness of Sessions' testimony. But he said he had asked the attorney general to send a letter to the committee "to clear up any confusion regarding his testimony so we can put this issue to bed once and for all." Sessions said he would do so. Controversy swirled around the attorney general all day Thursday after a Washington Post story broke saying that he had met with the Russian ambassador last year at a time when there were allegations of contacts between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Sessions, a senator on the Armed Services Committee at the time, was a Trump surrogate. The Post story not only reported the contacts but noted that Sessions had told Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., during confirmation hearings that "I did not have any communications with the Russians." At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Sessions bowed to calls that he recuse himself from any investigation into Trump ties to the Russians. And he acknowledged he should have "slowed down" during his testimony but said he was taken by surprise by part of Franken's question and his answers were honest. Grassey praised Sessions for recusing himself. He called it the right thing to do, saying alleged conflicts, "no matter how flimsy," would be used against him. Democrats spent much of the day criticizing Sessions. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called his committee testimony false and noted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned after making misleading comments. Locally, Reps. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, and Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., both called on Session to resign. "It is now clear that Attorney General Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee," Loebsack said early Thursday. Bustos also said that Sessions had lied. "This is disqualifying," she said. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said Sessions faces "serious questions" of whether he "misled or even lied." Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in her own statement, said she didn't have all the facts of the situation, but "I support his decision to recuse himself." For three weeks, the people spoke. On Wednesday, the Davenport City Council listened. The Davenport City Council has reversed course on an ordinance that would have combined the Levee Improvement Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory after both entities and City Attorney Tom Warner recommended they remain separate. The Council voted 9-1 during its committee-of-the-whole meeting to delete the ordinance and directed Warner to move forward with drafting improvements that both the commission and advisory board recommended following their joint meeting earlier in the day. Alderwoman Kerri Tompkins, 8th Ward, cast the lone dissenting vote, citing her desire to keep changes from dragging throughout the year. The day's earlier joint meeting provided the bulk of Wednesday's discussion over whether both the commission and board supported combining forces and how the bodies could work together moving forward. "We focus on the problems and give them the best advice," Levee Commissioner Bill Ashton said. "If they don't agree with us, they can overrule us, but it certainly helps to have a group focused on one thing." Members of the commission voted 4-1 to present the opinion to the council that both entities should remain separate and the Parks and Recreation advisory board be upgraded to a commission, along with other recommendations to both improve collaboration and quell concerns. The commission's lone dissenting vote was cast by Frank Clark, who cited the inappropriateness of commenting on another board's structure as the rationale for his vote. From the Parks and Recreation advisory board's side, it was a unanimous decision to present the opinion of keeping the entities separate. Board member Wendy Peterson said that out of the 48 facilities and amenities the board oversees, only six share jurisdiction with the commission. "We are a partner, in a way, in some of the parks, but there is a vast charge to the Parks and Rec advisory board," Peterson said. As discussed earlier in the day, Commissioner Pat Walton presented the commission's takeaways to the City Council and included recommendations like changes to meeting times, organizational structure and lease discussions. Alderwoman Rita Rawson, 5th Ward, commended both entities for listening to all the comments from the public and concerns from council. "I just want to point out that is dedication and a level of seriousness our volunteers bring to us," Rawson said. "They also took notes and paid attention for an excellent list of recommendations." Members were in agreement that meeting times should be pushed back to 5:30 p.m. as opposed to the current 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. The commission also proposed to expand the commission's size to 10 members to gain greater representation, with the mayor still serving as chairman. Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, whose idea it was to delete the ordinance, said the commission should have the opportunity to vote for its chairman. Walton said members of the City Council would be given the opportunity to appoint the remaining members with the hope of improving representation and establishing gender equity. As to discussions about making changes to leases, the Levee Commission's denial to issue a recommendation for a lease for Nestle Purina to use riverfront property for semitractor-trailer parking once again reared its head. Prior to both meetings, Nestle Purina plant manager Kurt Rouse withdrew the company's lease request for 19 acres of riverfront land. Walton used the lease as an example of what not to do. Members of commission had no knowledge of the lease until its Jan. 11 meeting; the topic was put on the commission's agenda by City Property Manager Mike Atchley. Rhomberg said leases brought forth by Development Director Steve Ahrens typically are given to the commission a month in advance so members can review them and give comment. The commission has asked for the same practice in the future, so if there are questions, they have the opportunity to properly vet the lease. In the case of the Nestle Purina lease, no representatives of the company were present during the January meeting to answer questions. Mayor Frank Klipsch and Tom Flaherty, vice president of regional development for the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the lease. "What was unusual about the Nestle lease was that the petitioner was the mayor," Rhomberg said. "The mayor was the one who argued the whole case for them. They didn't have their own representatives there." Piggybacking off President Donald Trump's promise to rebuild America's communities and infrastructure, mayors along the Mississippi River have unveiled a proposal for Congress and the new administration to deliver on it. The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, comprised of 75 mayors and associations from Minnesota to Louisiana, have called for $7.93 billion in investment along America's greatest waterway after holding a news conference Thursday in Washington, D.C. The administration of President Trump has made it clear that they want to pursue an infrastructure and investment plan in the realm of half to a trillion dollars, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said. Today, we are unveiling our plan to restore both the natural and built infrastructure in the Mississippi corridor, which will create jobs, enhance water quality, enhance national security and emergency preparedness. Coleman said the plan does not call for a large increase in spending, but rather maintaining the funding of several federal programs at current levels. One specific area of concern for mayors up and down the Mississippi River is a pre-disaster mitigation program. The 2017 budget cut funding by close to 50 percent, but the association would like to see funding restored to $100 million per year. "If we are going to invest in infrastructure, we need to make it resilient," Tellulah, Louisiana, Mayor Paxton Branch said. Flooding damage caused $10 billion in damage in Baton Rouge alone as a result of massive floods in August 2016. Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch participated in the initiative and offered comment through a prepared statement. "Davenport has adapted by creating a riverfront park that gives the River room to move, adds to our natural infrastructure, and reduces the cost of protecting our city from the damage floods can cause," Klipsch said. "But we also need to know that the federal government has our backs when it comes to managing Americas largest waterway which happens to be in our backyard. As a funding source for its plan, Belinda Constant, mayor of Gretna, Louisiana, said there were several non-taxpayer sources, including repatriation of overseas investment into municipal bonds. Constant said American companies hold $2 trillion in undistributed earnings outside the U.S. and some of those funds could be used for infrastructure investment. By investing the river, the mayors also said it would be an investment in America's economy. Constant called the Mississippi River the linchpin of domestic freight and water infrastructure. Constant said the river transports more than 60 percent of the country's corn and soybean exports and 40 percent of the nation's total agricultural output. In total, the mayors said the river generates $496.7 billion in annual revenue and supports 1.5 million jobs. The plan unveiled Thursday estimates an creation of an additional 100,000 jobs as a result of investment. Besides agriculture, manufacturing and commercial traffic, investment also would benefit the tourism industry. Representatives from both the American Queen Steamboat Co. and Viking River Cruises spoke on behalf of the domestic market for cruises and the untapped potential. "We've barely scratched the surface for what the market could be," America Queen Steamboat President and COO Ted Sykes said. Consultant David Simmons, speaking on behalf of Viking, said 85 percent of Viking's customers are Americans, yet the company has no national product. Simmons said that the current offerings were running at 70,000 passenger nights, but the market can handle 100,000. "By 2023, we anticipate the market to be well over 200,000, so there's quite a spread there as Viking River Cruises looks at somewhere between the six to eight range of vessels," Simmons said. "Tourism is huge, and it's only going to get bigger and bigger." With the plan a slight increase over current spending levels, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay commended the group's plan that would create environmental controls, jobs and commerce for the entire Mississippi River region without breaking the bank. "Far too long, there hasn't been enough focus given to the Mississippi River as a whole," Slay said. A Tri-City Jewish Center official in Rock Island said the three Jewish cemeteries in the Quad-Cities have not seen vandalism or experienced threats that have occurred at similar sites around the country. The Davenport Police Department is aware that incidents continue in U.S. cities, including St. Louis, said Capt. Brent Biggs, public information officer. This week, a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia was vandalized and a series of bomb threats were made to Jewish centers in New Jersey. The vandalism in St. Louis occurred last week. President Donald Trump denounced the activities at the start of his Tuesday night address to the joint session of Congress. "Locally, we haven't had anything adverse, at this time," said Allan Ross, director of the Jewish Federation of the Quad-Cities. He said he was sorry to hear of the incidents across America. The Rock Island center has received phone calls and email messages offering support from many faith groups, he said. For example, Lisa Killinger, with the Muslim Communities of the Quad-Cities in Bettendorf, contacted Ross this week. Killinger was concerned, Ross said, as she was on the East Coast and had heard about the issues in Philadelphia and New Jersey. There are three Jewish cemeteries in the metropolitan area: Rock Island, near the Tri-City Jewish Center; west Davenport, adjoining Fairmount Cemetery; and Mount Nebo Jewish Cemetery, 39th Street, Davenport. Ross said officials get security messages daily. These come electronically from the Secure Community Network, part of the Federal Communications Commission. The report for March 2 started with a response to telephone threats to nearly 100 Jewish Community Centers in the U.S. It also listed a series of incidents, including one in which racist fliers were posted at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and another in which two people were arrested on suspicion of anti-Semitic taunts, verbally and in writing, at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Nothing like that has been reported recently in the Quad-Cities, Ross said. Rather it is an occasional party, with beer cans left behind, at the cemetery in west Davenport, and those incidents seem to involve young people. For years, off-duty police officers have protected Jewish synagogues at various times, such as during festivals and when children arrive for Jewish classes. "That's been going on a long time," Ross said. But Ross is aware of "a few nuts who are out there." Last year, when the Israeli Consulate traveled to Davenport for a visit, Ross hired a private security detail. "We were trying to be safe," he said. Two sets of remarks, a day apart, by two men more accustomed to being behind the scenes. Stephen Bannon, appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), made the case for "economic nationalism" and called President Trump's withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership "one of the most pivotal moments in modern American history." The passage of the Civil Rights Act and the defeat of the Soviet Union finally have some company. As the ideologist in Trump's inner circle, Bannon is a practitioner of Newt Gingrich's mystic arts. Take some partially valid insight at the crossroads of pop economics, pop history and pop psychology; declare it an inexorable world-historic force; and, by implication, take credit for being the only one who sees the inner workings of reality. For Bannon, it has something to do with "the fourth turning," or maybe it is the fifth progression, or the third cataclysm. At any rate, it apparently involves cycles of discontent and disruption. Lots of disruption. Across the West, as Bannon sees it, the victims of globalization -- the victims of immigration, free trade and internationalism in general -- are rising against their cosmopolitan oppressors. Institutions will crash and rise in new forms. And this restless world spirit takes human form in ... Nigel Farage and Donald Trump. Like many philosophies that can be derived entirely from an airport bookstore, this one has an element of truth. The beneficiaries of the liberal international order have not paid sufficient attention to the human costs of rapid economic change. (Just as the critics of internationalism have not paid sufficient attention to the nearly 1 billion people who have left extreme poverty during the last two decades.) But there is a problem with the response of economic nationalism and ethno-nationalism. It is morally degraded and dangerous to the country. Which brings us to the second set of remarks, at a State Department retirement party, complete with cake. This speech was from one of the most distinguished diplomats our nation has recently produced, Ambassador Dan Fried. Fried was on diplomatic duty for 40 years, focusing mainly on Europe. He was ambassador to Poland and pulled into the White House as a special adviser on Central and Eastern Europe to both Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Most populists would probably view Fried as the pinstriped enemy. I came to know him in the Bush administration as a freedom fighter, deeply and personally offended by oppression. He had been an enemy -- not an opponent, but an enemy -- of the Soviet Union, and remains a committed friend to 100 million liberated Europeans. Fried used his retirement remarks to describe "America's Grand Strategy." For decades, the U.S. has stood for "an open, rules-based world, with a united West at its core." Despite occasional failures and blunders, "the world America made after 1945 and 1989 has enjoyed the longest period of general peace in the West since Roman times." What would happen if America were to leave the global order and pursue its own ethno-national greatness? This is the proposal that the populists have placed on the table, in which blowing up the TPP is a sign of things to come. "By abandoning our American Grand Strategy," argued Fried, "we would diminish to being just another zero-sum great power." This would result in a system entirely based on "spheres of influence," which are "admired by those who don't have to suffer the consequences." And accepting spheres of influence would "mean our acquiescence when great powers, starting with China and Russia, dominated their neighbors through force and fear." "Some so-called realists," said Fried, "might accept such a world as making the best of a harsh world, but it is not realistic to expect that it would be peaceful or stable. Rather the reverse: A sphere of influence system would lead to cycles of rebellion and repression, and, if the past 1,000 years is any guide, lead to war between the great powers, because no power would be satisfied with its sphere. They never are." This is a foreign policy cycle more substantial than the "fourth turning." The disrupters of international order -- the liberal democratic order built and defended by FDR, Truman, Kennedy and Reagan -- are thoughtless, careless and reckless. And they must be resisted. The founding fathers of the ethno-state are also in violation of the country's defining values. The United States was summoned into existence by the clear bell of unifying aspirations, not by the primal scream of blood and soil. And this great ideal of universal freedom and dignity is not disrupted; it disrupts. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items for Wednesday: STATE REVENUES: State tax collections in February came in 7 percent above the same month a year ago, which translated to an increase of $41.3 million, according to the Legislative Services Agency. Tax analyst Jeff Robinson said February looks really good, but there were calendar and timing issues at play as well as lower state tax refunds that have bolstered year-to-date growth compared to the first eight months of fiscal 2016. Receipts for the fiscal year are up 1.9 percent, or $88.3 million, but that lags below the yearly growth estimate of 4.7 percent set by the state Revenue Estimating Conference, which meets later this month to consider whether to revise its fiscal 2017 growth projections. That decision could affect state budgeting as lawmakers close out fiscal 2017 and set their sights on crafting spending plans for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 before they adjourn this years session. SENATE ACTION: The Iowa Senate voted 38-11-1 Wednesday to lift longstanding outboard motor size restrictions on Lake Macbride near Solon. Iowa law forbids outboard motors of 10 or more horsepower on the lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There also is a year-round no-wake law. The proposal would allow the operation of motorboats with power units exceeding 10 horsepower at any time on Macbride if the boats are operated at no-wake speed. Sen Bob Dvorsky, D-Coralville, objected to removing the 1957 rule that has worked really well over these years, but Sen. Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, said the change would have little effect given that no wake is no wake. Senate File 259 now goes to the House for consideration. Senators also voted 50-0 to lift a $6,000 cap on tuition grants to students attending private colleges before shipping Senate File 349 to the House. The Senate also sent two House-passed bills dealing with state purchases from prison industries and the prescribing of biological products to Gov. Terry Branstad on separate 50-0 votes. ABORTION BAN: Two members of a House Human Resources subcommittee signed off on a bill Wednesday that would ban abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy. The bill is similar to one approved in a Senate subcommittee earlier this week. The subcommittee heard from representatives of abortion rights organizations and anti-abortion groups as well as Amanda Acton, who described her decision to abort a 21-week-old fetus after doctors said it was unlikely to survive after birth. Rep. Kevin Koester, R-Ankeny, signed off on the bill, saying it went to the question whether abortion should exist at all or at this late term when many babies, fetuses are viable. Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, called it a necessary medical procedure that needs to happen for some families. Its simply a decision that we cannot make. I am not a physician. And we are talking about things that we dont have enough knowledge on, she said. Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, joined Koester in signing off on the bill. Full committees in both the House and Senate are slated to take up the abortion restriction on Thursday. SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA: Legislation that would make significant changes to the way the state funds public education in general and schools transportation costs was given unanimous approval by a Senate committee. The approval means the proposal meets Fridays legislative deadline and remains eligible for consideration. It is now eligible for debate by the full Senate. The bill would over 10 years phase in increases for school districts that have outsized transportation costs and equalize the amount districts are permitted to spend per pupil. Although the proposal was approved by all committee members, Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, expressed concern that the price tag an estimated $15 million to $20 million in the first year and increasing annually thereafter could create competition for state budget dollars in future years and mean less general school funding for all districts. The legislation aims to solve a pair of issues brought to state lawmakers attention in recent years. Rural school districts say they are forced to use a higher percentage of their general fund budget on transportation, leaving less money for educational purposes. And some districts most visibly Davenport have expressed frustration that they are permitted to spend less per student than some other districts. HAND-HELD DEVICE BAN: Iowa motorists would not be allowed to use hand-held electronic devices while operating a vehicle under legislation that cleared the House Transportation Committee Wednesday. Panel members voted 20-1 to approve House Study Bill 139 after it amended the bill to exempt hands-free built-in or voice-activated global positioning systems and allow for hand-held cellphone use for emergency calls. Representatives also agreed to a one-year warning period for violations before officers would start issuing $30 tickets for the offense beginning July 1, 2018. The bill also elevates the offense of texting while driving to a primary rather than a secondary offense. Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, said Iowa would become the 16th state with a ban on hand-held devices while driving if the bill makes it to Gov. Terry Branstads desk for his expected signature. PLA PROHIBITION: The Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee voted 7-4 along party lines Wednesday to approve legislation prohibiting union project labor agreements from being required on taxpayer-funded construction projects. Sen. Dennis Guth, R-Klemme, said provisions of Senate Study Bill 1145 will increase competition and reduce costs if government entities have options other than PLAs that favor union workers. Backers said nearly 85 percent of Iowa workers are not union members but are excluded from projects employing project labor agreements that effectively shrink the pool of potential bidders by discouraging an open/merit shop company from bidding. Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, said the bill was another example of lawmakers intruding into a local control issue for cities, counties and school districts. We say we know whats better for you than you do, he said, adding that many times PLA projects come in on time and on budget by utilizing workers trained by state-funded apprenticeships. CHELGREN RESUME: Ottumwa Republican Sen. Mark Chelgren is rejecting allegations that he inflated his resume and was surprised it caused an inquiry from NBC News. Apparently, Chelgrens background listed a business degree from a management school that turned out to be a certificate he received from Forbco Management school as part of his past employment as an assistant manager with a Sizzler restaurant as a young adult growing up in California. From there, Chelgren earned an associate degree in science at Riverside Community College and studied astrophysics and geophysics at University of California in Riverside. The bio references to Forbco later were deleted unbeknownst to Chelgren, who told reporters Wednesday he would have them restored and considered the issue much ado about nothing. I think its kind of trivial so I kind of laugh at it, he said. Im kind of perplexed about what the concern or the consternation is. As a young adult in California, Chelgren said he got a job at a Sizzler restaurant and worked for the chain for two years. I had to work for six months at the Forbco Management school, taking classes during the day, working in the evening, for me to get my degree in order to advance in their company, he said. All I can tell you is that NBC called me, asking about the Republicans website because they had some questions about my education, Chelgren said. I told them directly that the information that I had given to everyone was accurate. MARIJUANA POSSESSION: Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-1 Wednesday to reduce the penalty for Iowans convicted on a first offense of possessing marijuana. Senate File 280 would change current Iowa law so possession of five grams or less of marijuana would be a simple misdemeanor punishable by no more than 30 days in jail and/or by a fine of at least $65 but not more than $625. Currently, first-offense possession of marijuana is a serious misdemeanor punishable by confinement for not more than six months and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. The bill does not modify the penalties for second or subsequent possession of marijuana. TIMBER BUYERS CITED: Two timber buying companies one from Illinois and one from Iowa must reform their business practices in Iowa under a court-approved agreement with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller following complaints from elderly rural property owners. Under the agreement as part of a consent judgment and injunction approved in Polk County District Court, the timber buyers are barred from using abusive and deceptive conduct in harvesting Iowa trees. Miller claims the timber buying operations cheated and mistreated rural Iowa landowners. The agreement resolves a consumer fraud investigation against Central Illinois Hardwood Inc. of Green Valley, Illinois, and Harvest Hardwood Inc. of Oskaloosa, Iowa, according to Millers office. The consent judgment also names David Nash of Green Valley, owner of both companies; Richard Nash of Ramsey, Illinois; and Matt Groenendyk of Lovilia, Iowa, doing business as Buck Creek Timber and Veneer. We alleged that the defendants repeatedly took advantage of elderly rural property owners by underpaying for valuable walnut trees and other hardwoods, taking more trees than they were authorized to harvest, and leaving properties damaged and scarred, Miller said. This agreement will reform how these timber buyers do business, and put an end to abusive and deceptive practices. IMPAIRED DRIVING: Drivers arrested or convicted of driving impaired would be required to participate in twice-daily sobriety monitoring under legislation unanimously approved Wednesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Study Bill 1101 also would require some drivers to install ignition interlocks in their vehicles as part of a sobriety monitoring program modeled after 24/7 initiatives in South Dakota and four other states. The recommendations came from a task force Gov. Terry Branstad formed to make recommendations on ways to keep drunk, drugged and distracted drivers off Iowa highways following a year when traffic deaths spiked to 403, the most since 2008. SSB 1101 also would provide that cellphone use while driving would be considered evidence of reckless driving with willful or wanton disregard for public safety. A driver who struck and killed someone would commit a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000. SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP: Protesters who intentionally block an interstate highway to slow traffic and create a potentially dangerous situation would face significantly stiffer penalties under a bill approved 13-3 by the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday. Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, said everybody supports First Amendment free speech rights, but he noted that minutes count if obstructing a highway creates emergency situations. This is real, its a matter of time before someone gets hurts as the trend grows for more protest actions that jeopardize public safety. Senate Study Bill 1135 would make the action like a post-2016 election protest on Interstate 80 near Iowa City a serious misdemeanor on first offense and would escalate to an aggravated misdemeanor and a Class D felony carrying a five-year prison term and $7,500 fine on subsequent violations. Its already illegal. What were talking about is stiffening the penalties, said Chapman, who noted the current violation is a simple misdemeanor carrying a $35 fine. QUOTE OF THE DAY: I think this is an overreach, and its politically motivated. Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, who opposed a bill toughening penalties for protesters who block an interstate highway like the post-2016 election protest on Interstate 80 near Iowa City. Times Bureau Attorney General Jeff Sessions hasn't been the only member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet to make an incorrect statement to Congress during the process of being confirmed. As ProPublica points out, four other Cabinet members -- Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price -- also made statements to Congress that were later disproven. Here's a look at the Cabinet members whose testimony didn't completely sync with the facts: 1. Jeff Sessions What he said: Sessions was asked by Democratic Sen. Al Franken during his confirmation hearing what he would do if "anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign." Sessions responded he was not aware of that happening, adding, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." What really happened: CNN reported that Sessions was a senator and a top Trump surrogate when he met the ambassador twice -- in July on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention and in September when he was a member of the Senate armed services committee. Sessions has drawn a distinction between his role as a Trump surrogate and his duties as a senator and strongly denied ever discussing campaign-related issues with anyone from Russia. The attorney general said he plans to submit a "supplement" to the record of his congressional testimony, detailing the meetings he didn't mention. 2. Betsy DeVos What she said: DeVos said during her confirmation hearing that that she had not been involved in her family's foundation, which has given millions of dollars to Focus on the Family, a conservative non-profit that, among other things, has pushed the benefits of conversion therapy for LGBT men and women. Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan pointed out that she sits on the board, to which DeVos responded, "I do not." What really happened: DeVos later said at her confirmation hearing that a "clerical error" is what led to her being listed as an officer of her mother's multi-million-dollar foundation, which made the donations. She was listed as a vice president of the charity for 17 consecutive years, including most recently in the organization's 2014 tax filing. 3. Scott Pruitt What he said: In his written testimony to Congress, Pruitt said he never used a private email address for business while he was Oklahoma's attorney general. What really happened: A spokesman for the Oklahoma attorney general's office told Oklahoma City's Fox 25 that Pruitt used his personal email during his tenure in the office. The email was discovered during a public information request. 4. Steven Mnuchin What he said: In written testimony, Mnuchin denied that his former bank used "robo-signing" to foreclose on homeowners. He wrote, "OneWest Bank did not 'robo-sign' documents." What really happened: OneWest's foreclosure practices included so-called robo-signings that pushed homeowners into foreclosure without proper review or due process. OneWest was one of many banks that agreed to pay millions to compensate customers. 5. Tom Price What he said: During his confirmation hearings, Price told senators that the discount he received on a stock he bought was "available to every single individual that was an investor at the time." What really happened: The Wall Street Journal reported that only 20 people were offered the discount at the time. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to accurately reflect Franken's question to sessions about Russia. PIERRE | The Legislatures deadlock over raising child support rates might have broken Wednesday after a House committee supported a hike in the payments. The House Judiciary Committee gave its endorsement to the latest version that caps the increases at 4 percent. They would be the first increases since 2008. I still believe these rates are inadequate, but they are the best we can do at this time, Rep. Craig Tieszen, R-Rapid City, said. The committee vote was 11-1; next step is the House of Representatives. If House members approve Senate Bill 141, the legislation would need to return to the Senate for a decision whether to agree with the House version of the bill. The House committee made a small change in the Senate versions wording. The guidelines are based on empirical evidence that have established they work, Rep. Timothy Johns, R-Lead, said. Its complicated, but it works. He said the cost of living has increased 19 percent since 2008. These kids are still behind, Johns said. Households with children who dont receive sufficient support often use public assistance, according to Johns. So we do have a vested interest, all of us, in seeing that the guidelines are updated, Johns said. Sen. Art Rusch, R-Vermillion, spoke in support. He resurrected the legislation in the Senate after the House killed the initial version this year. Rusch said federal law requires each state to re-evaluate its child support guidelines every four years. Rusch has participated in the past three rounds. He said this measure is different from the bill that the House killed. This legislation reduces the amounts at the lowest income levels and uses a reserve to supplement, according to Rusch. Rep. Tom Pischke, R-Dell Rapids, renewed his opposition to Senate Bill 141. Pischke said he was speaking for non-custodial parents across South Dakota. Pischke said he found some increases of 6 and 9 percent in the latest tables, but he acknowledged the 4 percent generally is better than the 7 percent raise that was proposed previously. He was the only opponent to testify against the bill. Johns, like Rusch a retired circuit judge, said in rebuttal the increases are better than nothing at all. Theyre just guidelines. Judges have discretion to go up or down. Theyre not concrete, Johns said. One parent shouldnt have to carry it all. Neither should we have to carry it all. PIERRE | State legislators are considering a new form of technology for criminal offenders in South Dakota who must have alcohol tests twice daily. State Attorney General Marty Jackley has asked lawmakers to allow portable breath testers. The legislation, Senate Bill 29, is one step away from final passage. The House of Representatives is scheduled to consider it today. The House Judiciary Committee gave its unanimous endorsement Wednesday. The Senate voted 30-0 for it Jan. 20. Jeromy Pankratz, an aide to Jackley, said the portable devices would reduce work for sheriffs, who wouldnt have to attend every test. The devices would have GPS and photographic capabilities to prove who was blowing. The cost to the parolee would be $40 to activate and $4 per day of participation. The state attorneys association supports the move. No one testified against it. This is a good expansion of a highly successful program in South Dakota, said Rep. Craig Tieszen, R-Rapid City. The mobile breath testers would be another component in South Dakotas 24/7 sobriety program that currently includes ignition interlock devices in vehicles, drug patches and electronic alcohol monitoring devices. A rare case of bovine tuberculosis has been confirmed in a South Dakota beef herd, according to State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven. He said Thursday that the suspect animals were identified in February by meat inspectors during routine slaughter inspection of otherwise healthy-appearing animals. The cattle were traced to a herd in Harding County, northwest of Rapid City. Herd testing and laboratory confirmation has revealed additional infected animals. We are working closely with the affected herd owner and USDA officials, and will be working with area veterinarians and other herd owners to evaluate the extent of the disease," Oedekoven said in a release. Oedekoven said adjacent herds will be tested and that bovine TB is not a food safety threat, thanks to milk pasteurization and meat inspection programs. Bovine TB is a respiratory disease. lnfected animals may be capable of transmitting an infection to other animals even if they appear healthy. The United States has nearly eliminated bovine TB due to a cooperative eradication campaign. A former pediatrician with the Indian Health Service on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation has been charged in U.S. District Court with multiple counts of sexual abuse against minors. Stanley Patrick Weber, 68, of Spearfish, faces five counts of aggravated sexual abuse, one count of sexual abuse, and four counts of sexual abuse of a minor. At his initial court appearance in federal court in Rapid City on Wednesday, Weber pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released from custody despite arguments by a prosecutor to keep him locked up. Authorities say the incidents of abuse spanned May 1998 to August 2011 and involved Native American children younger than 16, according to Webers five-page charging document. In three of the charges, the victim was described as being younger than 12. The gender of the victims was not cited in the documents. Aggravated sexual abuse carries a prison sentence of 30 years to life, while sexual abuse carries penalties up to life imprisonment, and sexual abuse of a minor can lead to a term of up to 15 years. Three of the victims were from South Dakota and one was from Montana, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins said at the hearing Wednesday. The accusations against Weber included several "very violent" rapes of young children, Collins told the court. One of the incidents allegedly occurred between April 2002 and April 2003 while Weber was treating (the victim) for the flu, his charging document states. Collins argued before Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann that Weber should remain in custody at the Pennington County Jail. Weber is a flight risk, Collins said, since he has money as well as contacts in foreign countries such as Thailand, where he had traveled as recently as last year. Wollmann decided to release Weber after one of his three private lawyers presented rebuttals, including that Weber had strong local ties in the form of a home and relatives in Spearfish. Defense attorney Shane Pullman said also that Webers passport had been seized by federal authorities, and that Weber has no contact with the alleged victims. Pullman further stated that the alleged offenses happened quite some time ago and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The conditions of Webers release include not having contact with minors, wearing an ankle monitor and not having access to internet-capable mobile devices. Weber, who at one point was acting clinical director at Pine Ridge Hospital, was arrested Tuesday. His trial has been scheduled for May 9. The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, which was also involved in Webers arrest, said inspector general spokesperson Katherine Harris. Harris would not comment on when the inspector general investigation of Weber started. Weber resigned from the Pine Ridge Hospital last year, said Oglala Sioux Tribe council member Richard Greenwald, who heads the councils Health and Human Services Committee. In a phone interview Wednesday, Greenwald said he was not aware Weber had been investigated, charged and arrested. For communities across South Dakota, it is Main Street that thrives and drives economic activity. We are a state of small businesses, which make up 96.2 percent of all companies in the state and represent 58.8 percent of the private-sector workforce. These small businesses produce a lot more beyond even our state, producing 75.4 percent of the exports from South Dakota. And for a large rural state like ours, exporting presents a unique set of logistical challenges. Companies in rural South Dakota must compete with their counterparts in metropolitan centers, which have easier access to the resources they need and transportation options. Fortunately, our 70 public-use airports and air transportation network across the state ensure that businesses, farms, producers and plants have access to the same resources that big cities take for granted. Many of these companies and individuals use their aircraft so that they can be at multiple meetings in different locations in a single day, fly directly into communities not served by commercial airlines, and transport tools, personnel and supplies. And for communities across the state with general aviation airports, it means that the largest employers can remain in their hometown not outgrow it and move to a larger city. It is this way across our country. While most commercial traffic goes through a handful of large hub airports, smaller aircraft serve more than 5,000 airports across the country. For example in Corsica in eastern South Dakota, the president of Noteboom Implement flies a single-engine aircraft to travel between his four locations in Corsica, Chamberlain, Parkston and Platte, as well as Sioux Falls for many business services. General aviation has become an integral part of his business model to transport him and his tools and staff over long distances and on a flexible schedule. Across our state, doctors and medical providers can get patients from smaller towns to larger cities and trauma and specialty health centers; companies can monitor their power lines after bad storms; and communities can remain connected after natural disasters and bad storms. But now in Washington, D.C., some are proposing to privatize our air traffic control system and put it under the control of the biggest airlines. While this may sound like a good idea at first blush we all believe in the strength of our private sector in this case privatization would mean that the system would serve the biggest of airline operators and the biggest hub airports where they base their operations. Our small airports would undoubtedly lose even more commercial service, commercial airlines would be completely free to tax consumers and smaller operators to pad their bottom line, and businesses and small communities in states like South Dakota would be left out in the cold. Right now, it is Congress that oversees our air transportation network, ensuring that we support our vast network of thousands of airports, aircraft and communities large and small. Our leaders in South Dakota have fought to make sure that our system works for rural states, supporting access for businesses, sprawling ranches, medical providers, flight training and farms across our state. Lets make sure to keep it that way. BIG TIMBER, MT A hundred years ago many country people in these parts would wake up, put wood on the fire, gather eggs, milk cows, feed pigs and hook up a team of horses to feed cows. Not so now, and ranchers and their animals are paying for it.Now everything we do is about machines and big numbers of animals, said Curt Pate, stockmanship expert. Those changes in our lifestyle affect our ability to read our animals.Pate spoke at a cattle handling workshop hosted by the Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers Jan. 27 at the Hooks Ranch west of Big Timber.According to Pate, whats been lost is stockmanship, knowing how to handle livestock in a safe, efficient and low stress manner. Stockmanship enhances ranch profitability and improves animal welfare, which he sees as critically important in light of the growing public scrutiny of livestock production.Nervous cattle dont put their heads down to eat, said Pate, a lifelong rancher who manages a small grazing operation in western South Dakota and has taught stockmanship, colt starting, horsemanship and safety for more than a decade. If our cattle are content and not afraid, thats what were looking for.Using live animal demonstrations, Pate discussed gathering, grazing, sorting, processing, loading, treating and moving cattle on foot and horseback.Hes all about the three pressures: driving, drawing and maintaining.Its not about low pressure, its about proper pressure, Pate said. We need cattle and horses that will work lively, but understand that pressure.Driving cattle from behind can be futile, Pate said. Instead, angling yourself or your horses body to a single cow or the entire herd just so, at their so-called balance point, will make the cattle think its their idea to move, Pate said. The skill is in recognizing that point that has to do with the cows eyes and brains and is always changing, he said.Drawing and maintaining, or holding right where you tell them to hold is another kind of pressure Pate likes to use with cattle.First, I draw their minds to me, Pate said. You get the cattle so theyll stop or hook on. Hence knowing and training your animals as ranchers and others did in earlier years.You work your cattle so they think their way through situations and thats real nice, Pate said.Ben Barham, 28, a ranch hand on a commercial operation just outside of Cody, attended the event to reinforce what he already knows about pressure points.Youve got to read your cows, he said. You learn quick if you dont do it right. Its a headache. BILLINGS With federal financial regulations in the cross-hairs of the Trump administration, Montana bankers are hoping that looser requirements may open up lending, particularly for home buyers. Bankers say the goal of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was noble. Parts are still needed to prevent another mortgage collapse, but they say they hope additional reform could bring relief for small community banks and credit unions. As it stands today, Dodd-Frank is very big. Its multi-faceted. In many cases its a one-size-fits-all that doesnt mesh well with a very unique banking system in our country, said Steve Turkiewicz, president of the Montana Bankers Association, a Helena-based trade group. On Feb. 3, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing his Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, to begin meeting with federal regulatory agencies to determine what regulations can be trimmed or cut. The order itself does almost nothing to change Dodd-Frank, but it starts the ball rolling. Trump will likely need congressional approval on many changes, and a majority of Republican leaders in the Senate and House have signaled theyre on board. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans, including Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, introduced a new law that would place the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau under congressional oversight. Other proposals include gutting the agency entirely. Consumer groups and analysts warn that Dodd-Frank has worked to prevent lending abuses that were prevalent in the mid-2000s, which led to the Great Recession. The risk is that we go back to an environment that lenders are increasingly willing to give you more money than you can be expected to repay, said Greg McBride, an analyst with Bankrate.com. The fate of Dodd-Frank is of particular importance to Montanas two largest banks, Billings-based First Interstate Bancsystem and Kalispell-based Glacier Bancorp. Both expect to rise above $10 billion in total assets within the next year, which will trigger additional regulations. They include stress tests to ensure they have enough money to withstand market downturns, additional oversight by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and a loss of revenue for debit and card transactions. We place a high value on compliance and believe its just a cost of doing business. If and when requirements change, well review those changes and respond appropriately, First Interstate CEO Kevin Riley wrote in an email. Both Glacier and First Interstate have been aggressively seeking mergers in the past few years, the idea being to grow their regional footprint and acquire more resources to better comply with regulations. First Interstate, which also has a major presence in Wyoming, announced the largest acquisition in its history in November, the $589 million purchase of Bend, Oregon-based Bank of the Cascades. Also in November, Glacier announced its buying Yuma, Arizona-based TFB Bancorp for $62 million, its first foray into the Southwest. Glacier, which owns 13 divisions, including Western Security Bank in Yellowstone County, has been planning for the $10 billion threshold for the past three years, CEO Randy Chesler said last week. He added that some rules, such as stress tests, are good practice for banks, particularly the large lenders. Others, such as lengthy mortgage applications, hamper community banks that are the lifeblood of most Montana communities, Chesler said. Small banks cant afford the compliance costs and risk of being in the consumer lending business, he said. He added, Were on such a tight, low-tolerance level We just have to be so careful to be in this business. If we had more (rules based on) common sense, maybe we could do more. Riley of First Interstate said home lending at the bank has been growing steadily over the past few years. A bigger concern for us is broad regulatory relief that would benefit our local economies and businesses. As they feel that relief, the demand for lending may rise, Riley wrote in an email. Both Riley and Chesler hope that Congress does away with the Durbin amendment, which involves credit and debit card transactions. Under this rule, interchange fees, which banks receive from merchants for card use, are cut for banks above $10 billion in assets. For First Interstate, these fees accounted for about $11.5 million last year. Glacier collected about $13 million in interchange fees in 2016. Theyre taking a sizable amount of revenue away and handing it to the retailers, Chesler said. While Dodd-Frank reform targets banks, credit unions are also excited about the potential for regulatory relief. Dennis Wizeman, CEO of Montana Health Federal Credit Union in Billings, said his institution has basically dropped in-house mortgage lending because of the compliance costs. Montana Health would need to hire another loan officer just to keep up with the thousands of pages of regulations, which is costly for the one-branch organization, he wrote in an email. The target of much of Dodd-Frank was larger, national companies, but the effect has been felt mostly by local and regional companies the people who are far more likely to know their members or customers well and have the ability to make informed and nuanced lending decisions, Wizeman wrote. Like the bankers, Wizeman said he doesnt want to see regulations disappear entirely. Smaller institutions do not want a Wild West landscape in banking but we also dont want an environment which makes us afraid of our own shadow, he wrote. It's unclear when Congress will act, and McBride, the analyst, said it could be "an unfolding saga" that won't happen overnight. He added that the pitch to weaken regulations is easy now, when the economy is relatively strong and job growth is steady. The regulations are needed the most when things aren't going well, McBride said. Loans dont go bad in a good economic environment, but when the economy slows, thats when bad things happen ... Everybody looked the other way when things were good and everyone was making money, he said. The Bitterroot River Recreation Advisory Committee will meet Monday to review its draft recommendations for managing river recreation on the Upper Bitterroot and West Fork -- and some changes may be coming. The current recommendation sets aside portions of the river to non-commercial use on specific days. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Recreation Manager Christine Oschell said Wednesday the committee may be looking at altering its recommendation. Oschell said there has been a little pushback from some fishing outfitters who arent completely sold on the proposal. We could be editing this and it might change, she said. I dont know how much, but it could change. The 16-member, diverse volunteer committee met for four full days in developing its initial recommendation. Once finalized, the committees preferred alternative will be passed on to FWP officials. The alternative will then go through an environmental review process that will include additional public comment before being presented to the states fish and wildlife commission. The proposed alternative divides the upper Bitterroot River, including the West Fork, into four sections. The section just below Painted Rocks Dam would be closed to all float fishing one day a week. That section runs from the dam to the Canoe fishing access site, which is located across the road from the Bitterroot Forests West Fork Ranger Station. The closure of float fishing on the section would provide opportunity to non-commercial fishermen who prefer to wade. The next section runs between the Canoe site to the Hannon Fishing Access Site. Since that section is about twice as long as the rest, Oschell said there has been some talk about altering that section of river in some manner. The other two sections run from Hannon to Wally Crawford and then Wally Crawford to Darby. Under the preferred alternative, each one of those three sections of the river would be closed one day a week on consecutive days to commercial outfitters. The closure to commercial ventures would give local fishermen a place to go where they didnt have to compete with professionally guided trips. Outfitters would be limited to two launches per day at access sites open to commercial fishing. There has been a similar system on the Big Hole River for years. The preferred alternative also would require all fishing outfitters that use any portion of the Bitterroot River to obtain a special recreation permit, which would help FWP track outfitter numbers and the number of days they have boats on the river. Similar permits are already required on other rivers in the state, including the Blackfoot and Madison. Mondays meeting will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisors Office in Hamilton, 1801 N. First St. There will be an opportunity for public comment at the end of the meeting. Oschell said she encourages public comment. Were hearing through others that there were many outfitters upset about the proposal, she said. We didnt hear much about that during the earlier meetingsWe want people to have a venue to express their concerns. Once the committee completes its work on developing a preferred alternative, Oschell said FWP will develop its own environmental analysis. That process will include additional opportunities for the public to offer input. The committee was able to find consensus on the current preferred alternative at its last meeting in February. There never were any really big moments of tension with this group, Oschell said. I think that shows that their values were all very similar. They all value this resource. They all had that common ground to start from. The committee included fishing outfitters and guides, members of local sportsmens organizations and just plain fishermen with a connection to the upper Bitterroot River. In the end, I think that people felt that they gave just the right amount for themselves and for the resource, she said. I think people on the committee agreed that the river was just being overused and they were afraid that it would not stay a quality fishery. The hope is that the group will be able to find consensus again Monday when it makes its final recommendation, but that might not happen, Oschell said. That will be OK, too, she said. We might end up with something that says the majority preferred this alternative. I think that this process speaks to what a lot of people have been saying, Oschell said. The problem is real. There really is an issue that there are too many people. The alternative indicated that there was an agreement that this is not the way they want it to remain. For more information about the upcoming meeting or the process, people can contact Oschell at 406-542-5562 or coschell@mt.gov. The Montana Supreme Court rejected an appeal of a California man sentenced to 100 years for distributing methamphetamine in Ravalli County. Matthew David Sherman, 47, had asked the sentence be reversed because the district court had relied on allegations that he raped his cellmate while in the Ravalli County detention center in making its determination that he was a persistent felony offender. Sherman was sentenced in April 2015 on charges of felony possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute, felony possession of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor drug possession charge. Ravalli County District Judge Jeffrey Langton sentenced Sherman to 100 years for each felony count, to be served concurrently. Court records said Sherman was arrested after a regional drug force notified the Ravalli County sheriffs office that he might be in the area attempting to distribute a pound of methamphetamine and three pounds of marijuana. Sherman was located a local motel. During his arrest, a methamphetamine pipe fell out of his pant leg. Moments later, when signing a Miranda advisory while using the name Jason Carney as an alias, a bag of methamphetamine fell out of his pocket. Investigators learned later that Sherman went by several aliases, including some that referenced the white supremacy movement, such as Nazi and Hitler. Law enforcement officers found 1 ounce of meth, 46.3 grams of marijuana, 10.2 grams of cocaine, 1.7 grams of crystal molly and six morphine sulfate pills in his room. A police scanner, a list of Ravalli County law enforcement radio frequencies and $1,464 in cash were also found there. Sherman accepted an open plea agreement in December 2014, according to the Montanan Supreme Court brief. A pre-sentence investigation included a summary of Shermans criminal history, which included numerous drug-related convictions. It also offered a list of incidents that occurred in the detention center, including attempts to pocket his medications, striking another inmate in the face, allegations he intimidated other inmates to give him their commissary items and phone minutes and an allegation that he raped his cellmate in February 2015. At the time of the sentencing hearing, the alleged rape had not resulted in a criminal charge. Shermans counsel objected to the jail incident report that discussed the alleged rape during the sentencing hearing. Langton overruled the objection. At the time, the judge stated that since there wasnt a conviction or even charges filed in the alleged rape, he wouldnt rely on that to determine Shermans sentence. Instead, according the brief, Langton explained his reasons for the 100-year sentence by observing Sherman had at least 10 prior felony convictions, mostly related to drugs. He emphasized that Sherman had absconded from probation on an earlier drug charge and was in violation of that probation when he was arrested in Hamilton. As a primary source of methamphetamine distribution in Ravalli County, Langton said Sherman had caused significant social damage to the community. Some of the people that had received the drug from Sherman had lost their parental rights because of their addictions, the judge said. Lanton also noted that Sherman had a long history of having problems in jail more than anybody (the court had) ever sentenced before. The court brief said Langton did not specifically mention the alleged rape during the sentencing. Instead, the judge said the 100-year sentences primary goal was to remove Sherman permanently from the drug trade. The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the district courts decision unanimously. 1929-2017 MISSOULA Jim was born on Nov. 14, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Lyal and Winifred Patten and spent his childhood there. After graduation from high school, he attended college at the University of Iowa where he met his first wife Janne Tyler. A summer job out west during college made him want to move to Big Sky country, and in 1950 an overnight stop in Missoula gave him the opportunity to check out the University of Montana Law School, where he was accepted after an interview with the dean. After graduating from UM Law in 1953 he worked for the Public Service Commission until 1957, the Montana Motor Transport Association, then as a lobbyist for the Petroleum Association for four legislative sessions in the late fifties and early sixties. These were the days of watering holes where lobbyists created relationships with legislators by getting to know them, and Jim had stories to tell. He returned to Helena in 1965, serving as the administrative assistant to Governor Tim Babcock until 1969 when he was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney and moved to Butte. He and Janne raised a family of five children in Billings but were divorced in 1970. Also in 1970, Jim married his second wife Betty Wilcox. Jims work as a lawyer for Occidental Petroleum relocated them to Washington D.C. and then Tripoli, Libya. After sailing a boat from the south of France to Corfu, Greece, they spent several vacations exploring the Ionian Islands. London was home next, followed by Scotland, and then Guangzhou, China before a final stop in Bakersfield, California. He once said he preferred the work in Libya over other Occidental locations because of the opportunity to do legal work in the oil fields, in contrast to the London office where they mostly played gin rummy. After Jim retired in 1985 they built a home on the Bitterroot River, and except for a five-year residency in Arizona, called western Montana home. After Betty passed away in 2010, Jim met his last companion, Rosemarie Neuman, while taking guitar lessons from her. They shared over six years together, traveling to Switzerland, New Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest. Jim tried to improve his guitar playing skills but preferred to listen to Rose sing. The family will be forever grateful for her loving companionship with our father during these last couple of years. Jim had many interests which usually involved the acquisition of tools or nifty gizmos. He collected a variety of cameras, which led to a black and white darkroom and portraits of his children. He enjoyed hunting, which evolved into reloading equipment and specialty rifles for competitive shooting. A childhood love of fishing not only lured him to Montana but also to fly-tying and river rafting. After retirement, he needed a tractor for the apple orchard he planted, and a woodshop to build things. Jim loved the people and the open spaces of Montana. He loved his trucks, his dogs, his friends and his politics. He loved to read newspapers and books, and meeting his old buddies for coffee at Curleys. He read voraciously and remembered history well. He had stories to tell about lobbying, and hunting camps, and writing oil leases in the Libyan desert, and an insiders story about Watergate. It was our loss that the cruelty of dementia conquered his memories. After this fortunate and bountiful life, Jim passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, while residing at Beehive Homes in Missoula. We are extremely thankful for the wonderful care he received while in Aspen House, as well as the tremendous support offered by the Hospice of Missoula team. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Janne, and his second wife Betty. He is survived by his older sister Kathleen Banks of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his companion Rosemarie Neuman of Stevensville; his children Tom (Vicki) Patten of Richland, Washington, Andy (Judy) Patten of Billings, Katie (Leonard) Tinnell of Missoula, John (Liz) Patten of Manville, New Jersey, Bill (Carol) Patten of Tacoma, Washington; and step daughter Kim Skufka of Missoula, along with 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family is planning a private gathering at a later date. 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! On the Town Hall Meeting Protests, and the Indivisible Guides Agenda: Why the Tea Party Model Worked for Fascists, But Is Dangerously Wrong for Stopping Trump Updated March 2, 2017 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us This is a revised and updated version of an article posted earlier. In cities across the country, angry crowds are confronting Republican members of Congress. On February 21, hundreds of furious protesters confronted Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn at a town hall meeting. People angrily denounced her support for ending Obamacare. There was sustained, loud booing when she said she wasnt aware that Trump had appointed his top adviser Steve Bannon to the National Security Council. She was booed again when she defended education secretary Betsy DeVos. And again, when in response to a question about whether its right to have an immigration policy that excludes Muslims and favors Christians, she claimed, Christians have seen incredible persecution. (For background on Bannon, DeVos, and the rest of Trumps cabinet, see Trumps Team of Theocrats, War Criminals, Ghouls, & Neo-Nazis.) We cant be simple-minded if were going to actually do what needs to be done, especially if we are going to make the kind of revolution we need to make. You have to look at whats been building in this society for quite a while now. Its helpful to look at it kind of like a pyramid....And if you look at this kind of pyramid thing, on the top of this pyramid is the ruling class and its different political representatives, which (even though it may be a bit oversimplified) we can look at as the Democrats on one side and the Republicans on the other. And for decades now these people who are grouped around Bush and the kind of people that they represent have been working and preparing a whole thing in societya whole infrastructure you might call ita whole structure within the society itself that could move this society in a whole different way towards a fascistic kind of thing when things come to that. Look at this whole religious fundamentalist thing theyve got. This is an effort to deliberately build up a base of people, millions and millions and millions of people, who are frightened by the idea of thinkingIm seriouspeople who cannot deal with all the complicatedness, all the complexity of modern society, who want simple absolute answers to the complexities of this society.... On the other hand, here are the Democrats at the top of this pyramid (on the so-called left). Who are the people that they try to appeal tonot that the Democrats represent their interests, but who are the people that the Democrats try to appeal to at the base, on the other side of this pyramid, so to speak? All the people who stand for progressive kinds of things, all the people who are oppressed in this society. For the Democrats, a big part of their role is to keep all those people confined within the bourgeois, the mainstream, electoral process...and to get them back into it when they have drifted away fromor broken out ofthat framework.... This is significant in itself but it also demonstrates a positive potential in terms of revolution. Im not saying that we are on the threshold of revolution right now, but just looking down the road, and looking at the potential, one of the things that leads to a revolutionary situation is that millions and millions of people feel that something is intolerable. They want certain leaders at the top of society to lead them in doing something about it, but those leaders are not in the position to and dont want to lead them in doing itso whom do they turn to? The people who are willing and determined to lead them to do it and to take it somewhere. So this is a situation thats full of great danger; but the same situationor the other side of the contradictionis that it holds much positive potential for struggle now and for revolution as things unfold. Bob Avakian, BAsics 3:10 These right-wing politicians (generally grouped within the Republican Party) can, will, and do actively mobilize this essentially fascist social base...yet, on the other side, the sections of the ruling class that are more generally represented by the Democratic Party are very reluctant to, and in fact resistant to, mobilizing...the base of people whose votes and support in the bourgeois political arena the Democrats seek to gain. This (Democratic Party) side of the ruling class generally is not desirous ofand in fact recoils at the idea ofcalling that base into the streets, mobilizing them either to take on the opposing forces in the ruling class and their social base or in general to struggle for the programs that the Democratic Party itself claims to represent and actually in some measure does seek to implement.... As an amplification of the basic point here, it is important to recognize this: Within the framework of the capitalist-imperialist system, and with the underlying dynamics of this system, which fundamentally set the terms, and the confines, of official and acceptable politics, fascism that is, the imposition of a form of dictatorship which openly relies on violence and terror to maintain the rule and the imperatives of the capitalist-imperialist system is one possible resolution of the contradictions that this system is facinga resolution that could, at a certain point, more or less correspond to the compelling needs of this system and its ruling classwhile revolution and real socialism, aiming toward the final goal of communism , throughout the world, is also a possible resolution of these contradictions, but one that would most definitely not be acceptable to the capitalist-imperialist ruling class nor compatible with the imperatives of this system! Bob Avakian, BAsics 3:11 The confrontations at town hall meetings are a positive element of resistance to Trump. And they are a vehicle through which many people who have never been political are awakening to political life, and in turn organizing others. At the same time, there is a cohering analysis, vision, and agenda around which people are being mobilized and led for these town hall confrontations that leads away from what it will take to stop Trump. It is articulated in Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda. At the core of its vision and strategy is the assertion that The authors of this guide are former congressional staffers who witnessed the rise of the Tea Party. We saw these activists take on a popular president with a mandate for change and a supermajority in Congress. We saw them organize locally and convince their own MoCs [Members of Congress] to reject President Obamas agenda. Their ideas were wrong, cruel, and tinged with racismand they won. But thats a wrong understanding of the rise of the Tea Party. And the implications for what needs to be done now are dangerously out of sync with reality. The Tea Party was not in any fundamental way some kind of grassroots uprising. On an obvious level, the Tea Party was sponsored by forces like Fox News, funded by the reactionary billionaire machine of the Koch brothers, and backed by other powerful institutions. Even more fundamentally, the Tea Party was an expression of powerful forces at the top of U.S. society, in the ruling class, who for decades have been moving to radically reshape U.S. society in a leaner, meaner, drastically more repressive way in response to profound challenges to the stability of the U.S. empire and its homeland in todays world. Part of this has meant grooming an American fascist movement, taking different forms at different times, both outside and inside the structures of power. This movement has both been utilized by different ruling class forces and, to a degree, has a life of its own. There is not some force among the other sections of the ruling class attempting to really cohere an uncompromising movement of those who are the targets of fascism and/or who morally oppose it because such a force, out in the streets and refusing to leave the streets until their basic demands have been met, would potentially pose too much of a threat to the system as a whole. That is, once such social forces politically awaken and begin raising questions, in the view of these rulers there is too much danger that this could break out of the confines of politics as usual. For the Republicans (or at least very powerful sections of them), bringing the Tea Party reactionaries into the streets and whipping them up worked because the prejudices and demands of this backward and ignorant section of people conformed to a fascist agenda. The point is this: The Tea Party was part of a much larger strategy, over a whole period of decades, backed by very powerful forces. And now Trump has cohered these forces and trends to make an actual move to fascism. On the other hand... the Democrats will not and cannot do that. They aim to attract and claim to speak for progressive people. But the things that progressive people wantlike an end to white supremacy; ending the subjugation of women; protecting the environment; treating immigrants as human beings; an end to unjust warsthese things cannot be solved under this system. And so, in the eyes of the leaders of the Democratic Party, calling progressive people into the streets creates the real danger (as they see it) of people bumping up against and breaking out of the terms set by this system. And that is not acceptable to them. They are a party of the ruling class and their role is to maintain this system. Listen carefully and critically to the terms they consistently set, like constantly framing things in terms of our [sic] national interests, and you can see that. In short, the Tea Party could and did serve the fascists, but a mass mobilization of, and uprising by progressives does not contribute to, but threatens the whole setup that the Democrats are an essential part of. The conditions and dynamics that gave rise to this situation are deeply analyzed in The Truth About Right-Wing Conspiracy... And Why Clinton and the Democrats Are No Answer, by Bob Avakian. This is a work that anyone who wants to understand the roots and the dynamics of Trumps election should dig into. Humanity Confronts a Historic Danger Right now, humanity confronts a historic danger in the Trump/Pence regime. However, we live in a moment when it is still possible to prevent the full consolidation of this regime and build a movement capable of ousting it. How long this window will remain open is not predetermined; it could be slammed shut at any time, for instance, with an incident (whether real or staged) that Trump/Pence could exploit to assume extraordinary powers. Yet Indivisible intends essentially to put up with the Trump/Pence regime for two years while preparing public opinion to elect more Democrats to Congress in 2018. This is explicitly spelled out in the Indivisible Guide in Chapter 1: [B]y objecting as loudly and powerfully as possible, and by centering the voices of those who are most affected by their agenda, you can ensure that people understand exactly how bad these laws are from the very startpriming the ground for the 2018 midterms and their repeal when Democrats retake power. [emphasis added] A fundamental problem with that is, the choices people get in elections are not mainly or in any essential way defined by grassroots activism. More powerful forces at the top of society determine who gets to run for office (how much funding they get, what kind of coverage they get in mainstreamthat is, ruling classmedia). These powerful forces, the ruling class, define what people are told the important issues and legitimate terms of debate are. And nobody, at the top of this system, is right now proposing anything like an agenda to stop, undo, and reverse what Trump is doing. But even taking Indivisible on its own terms and assuming that the Democrats would run candidates focused on ousting this whole fascist regime and removing the threat (which, again, is very unlikely, given that very few if any elected Democrats have even articulated such a stance) and that such candidates would actually win and then would be able to make good on this promise, this not only wouldnt work but is extremely dangerous. First, look at the shocking pace at which the Trump/Pence regime has implemented its fascist agenda in a month! Trump declares the mainstream media an enemy of the people. Roundups of undocumented immigrants are extended daily into new reaches of society. Environmental regulations are shredded. Protection for trans students is being stripped away, exposing them to bullying and dehumanization. And the Trump/Pence regime has not just attacked what Trump calls so-called judges but the rule of law. After the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the implementation of Trumps ban on people coming into the U.S. from seven predominantly Muslim countries, White House policy adviser Stephen Miller made a series of high-profile appearances on Sunday network news shows. In response to the 9th Circuit ruling, he told Fox News, The presidents powers here are beyond question. And, We dont have judicial supremacy in this country. Immediately after this, Trump tweeted, Congratulations Stephen Miller- on representing me this morning on the various Sunday morning shows. Great job! Constitutional law scholar Erwin Chemerinsky responded, President Trump is claiming that no court can review the constitutionality of his actions and essentially that he need not obey a courts ruling.... The very essence of the rule of law is that no one, not even the president, is above the law. The president, like all others, must follow court orders. Second, Trump has adopted an extremely warlike America-first posture, including a much more aggressive development and use of nuclear weapons. If Democrats like Clinton and Obama said before the election that it was too dangerous to entrust Trump with nukes, we have to ask: What the hell has changed? Has he proved to be less dangerous? Or have they decided that the continued existence of this system, even with Trump/Pence at its head, is more important than the dangers in people going outside the normal channels to demand the ouster of this regime? It Is Not Just a Set of Laws, This Is FASCISM Finally, Indivisible is wrong to reduce what we face to a set of bad laws. As Refuse Fascism has said in its Call: Fascism is not just a gross combination of horrific reactionary policies. It is a qualitative change in how society is governed. Fascism foments and relies on xenophobic nationalism, racism, misogyny, and the aggressive re-institution of oppressive traditional values. In Trumps election campaign he encouraged and fed on the threat and use of violence to build a movement and come to power. In his inaugural address he pledged allegiance only to this movement. What is crucial to understand is that once in power fascism essentially eliminates traditional democratic rights. Even as the Trump/Pence Regime is moving fast, they have not yet fully consolidated their regime, or, as yet, been able to implement their full program. But, this is their objective and it is very possible. It might only take a single serious crisisinternational or domesticfor this regime to drop the hammer. We do not have much time. What will stop Trump? The answer lies in people stepping outside the deadly confines of working through the very system and structures that put Trump in power. Mass resistance is critical. But unless the Trump/Pence regime is driven from office, resistance will be a series of battles fought on worse and worse terms. In the name of humanity, the focus of people who are outraged by Trump has to be to drive out the regime. Refuse Fascism has a vision and a plan for that. Their new Call says: We must ORGANIZE: working with all our creativity and determination toward the time when millions of people can be moved to fill the streets of cities and towns day after day and night after night, declaring this whole regime illegitimateDemanding, and Not Stopping, Until the Trump/Pence Regime Is Driven from Power. If this happens, then the whole political landscape would be dramatically transformed, every faction within the established power structure would be forced to respondand all this could lead to a situation in which this fascist regime is driven from office. That organizing includesvery importantlybeing out among everyone who is outraged by and acting to oppose the crimes the Trump/Pence regime is carrying out, and the worse ones they are rapidly preparing to carry out, no matter how they understand the problem. And in doing so engaging, and struggling with people, to confront what we are really up against. To do that, go to RefuseFascism.org. Read and sign the Call to Action. Spread it into the town hall meetings, and everywhere else. Infuse everyone outraged with what is happening to take up the single unifying objective to drive this regime from power, in the name of humanity. Find out more about the revolution Find out about BA, the leader of the revolution For full coverage and the current issue of REVOLUTION click here Kathmandu, Nepal: Responding to the call of the Nepali leaders, various delegates participated in the Nepal Investment Summit 2017 that kicked off on Thursday in Kathmandu have expressed their views that Nepal would be a lucrative destination for investment if some improvements are made in the managerial level. Delivering a keynote President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun said that AIIB was ready to help Nepal in using the natural resources of the country for developmental projects and work with the World Bank and the Investment Development Bank for the same. During his speech, he highlighted the need of proper environment for the investment with determination to attract foreign investment in mega projects. Another participant of the summit Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also said that Nepal is a lucrative destination for investment. India wished to see an economically strong Nepal, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said adding that proper utilization of natural resources, investment opportunity in energy, agriculture, tourism and irrigation sectors is must for the development of Nepal. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the summit Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal urged the international community to invest in Nepal particularly in the hydropower sector claiming that peace and development were interconnected in the country. The government has now focused on creating conducive investment opportunities in the country, Prime Minister Dahal had said in the summit. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba underlined the need of economic development of Nepal by attracting foreign investment. Another Nepali Congress leader and former Minister for Finance Ram Sharan Mahat also said that Nepal has offered enormous opportunities for the investors. CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli also underlined the need of foreign investment in mega projects for economic prosperity of Nepal. Delivering a welcoming speech, Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj also urged the international communities to invest in Nepal. Nepal is the most favorable place for the foreign investors as here is a greater freedom to the investors in comparison to any other country in the South Asian nations, Minister Joshi said. Expressing his vision Minister Joshi claimed that in the next 10 years, no Nepali would have to fly abroad for job opportunities. In the two day summit, over 250 foreign investors from over 24 countries including India, China, United States of America, United Kingdom, Finland, South Korea Australia, Japan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Russia, and Vietnam including the heads of different multinational companies and development partners working in Nepal are participating in Summit. Guwahati : A hardcore militant of NSCN (K) was killed in a gun fight with security forces in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on ast Monday night, officials said. Kohima based defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, based on ilntelligence input the Assam Rifles Khonsa Battalion undertook a massive coordinated operation at Lyangche village of Tirap District about presence of a NSCN (K) militant group moving through jungle near Lyangche village and carrying out extortion in Muktwa and Lyangche area. The troops of the Khonsa battalion established an ambush at the suspected area. "The ambush party observed movement of the militant group which was challenged and asked to surrender but they opened fire. The precise retaliatory fire on the group and one militant killed on the spot and the ensuing firefight lasted several minutes," Konwer said. Taking advantage of darkness and dense vegetation the remaining militants of the group were able to break contact and flee into the jungle. Security personnel recovered one 7.65 mm pistol with ammunition, an IED and other warlike stores from the encounter spot. The slain militant was identified as self styled Corporal Wahang Sumyen. Massive Search operations are still on to catch the fleeing militants. NSCN(K) has been involved in widespread extortion and has carried out sabotage activities against the security forces. The nefarious designs of the group have time and again been defeated. The group has suffered severe losses in all the attacks which they have carried out against the security forces. "This operation has further struck a blow to NSCN(K). The operation has tightened the noose around the group and has brought relief to the local population," the defence PRO said. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia March 2: A North Korean man will be released from custody because of lack of evidence connecting him to the fatal nerve agent attack on Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korea's ruler, Malaysian officials said Thursday. In a major fallout from the assassination, Malaysia also announced it was scrapping visa-free travel for North Koreans. Officials never said why they arrested Ri Jong Chol four days after Kim was attacked at Kuala Lumpur's bustling airport. On Thursday, Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said Ri will be released and deported because he does not have valid travel documents. The attack was caught on grainy security camera footage that showed two women smearing something on Kim's face as he waited for a flight in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13. Malaysian officials say the substance was VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon. Kim was dead within an hour as the fast-acting poison coursed through his body, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The poisoning has unleashed a serious diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isn't one of Pyongyang's key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it's been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all begin to change in the wake of Kim's death. Zahid said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped from Monday due to national security. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur who accused Malaysia of "trying to conceal something" and "colluding with hostile forces." "We don't want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage," Zahid said. "We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Don't ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like." The two female suspects caught in the security footage were charged with murder in a Malaysian court Wednesday. They face the mandatory death sentence if convicted. Both say they were duped into thinking they were taking part in a harmless prank. "I understand but I am not guilty," Vietnamese suspect Doan Thi Huong told the court in English after the murder charge was read. The other suspect, Indonesian Siti Aisyah, nodded as her translator told her, "You are accused of murdering a North Korean man at the departure hall" of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The women did not enter pleas because the magistrate court where they appeared has no jurisdiction over a murder case. Lead prosecutor Iskandar Ahmad told the court he will ask for the case to be transferred to a higher court and for the women to be tried together. In the surveillance video, Huong was seen clearly in a T-shirt with "LOL" emblazoned across the front. Both women were originally from modest farming villages and had moved to their countries' capitals seeking a better life. Also Wednesday, the court approved a gag order to prevent police and potential witnesses from making public statements about the case. North Korea is widely speculated to be behind the killing, particularly after Malaysia said that VX had killed Kim. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea's official news agency called that finding the "height of absurdity" on Wednesday, saying the two women could not have used such a deadly toxin without killing or sickening themselves and anyone around them. North Korea opposed Malaysian officials even conducting an autopsy on Kim, while Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country the day of Kim's death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Korea's Embassy and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favor with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Guwahati: Thousands of devotees along with their well-wishers throng in Makhibaha Sabha Mahotsav, a century old socio-cultural & religious festival of northeast India, which was kicked-off last Sunday (26 February 2017). Held in six hundred years old village under Nalbari district in Assam, the festival will continue for nine days. Organized annually by Makhibaha village-development committee at Harimandir premises, the unique fiesta witnesses various programs including rituals, cultural shows, public discourses etc along with brisk business activities. Each and every household of the large village contribute for the fair that gives them an opportunity to showcase their hospitality to guests. Eminent Assamese author Dr Lakshminandan Bora inaugurated the festival after a spectacular cultural procession. The Saraswati and Sahitya Academy awardee Dr Bora appreciated the villagers for maintaining the spirit of Sabha Mahotsav and commented that the festivals help the society to grow with affection to each others. Former Asom Sahitya Sabha president Padmashree Dr Bora also remembered few great personalities of Makhibaha locality and opined that the historic village has contributed immensely for the mainstream Assamese society since time immemorial. The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Pratidin Time news channel editor Nitumani Saikia, Guwahati Press Club secretary Nava Thakuria, Gramonnyan president Harish Bhattacharya, active social workers and distinguished business community leaders. It may be noted that Makhibaha is a confederation of villages giving shelter to different communities. The agricultural based village is surrounded by Bhojkuchi, Pakhura, Jalkhana Bhathuakhana, Nannatari, Bali, Haribhanga revenue villages. The populous village is around 20 kilometer west of Nalbari district headquarter and around 70 km away from the State capital, Dispur. Its nearest railway station is Tihu (3.5 km away) and airfield is Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport at the outskirt of Guwahati. The Sabha Mahotsav will come to an end by 6 March, where few closing day programs are on the card. The annual festival creates brotherhood among the people helping them to live happily in the locality and also go to their professional activities with all positive energy for the days to come. Guwahati : Security forces on Wednesday had conducted a massive operation against the Bodo militant group NDFB (S) along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh bordering area and apprehended it's a top leader, officials said. Following the intelligence input, Assam police and army had jointly launched operation in the bordering area of Assam's Sonitpur district about presence of a militant group at the area. A top police official said that, when troops reached the remote jungle area, the militants started fire and bullets were exchanged lasting for half an hour. Security forces had managed to nab a top NDFB (S) leader, but other militants of the group had fled with the help of thick jungle. The nabbed militant was identified as Badaisa Basumutary and security personnel recovered a pistol, several rounds live ammunition and other warlike stores in possession from him. The outfit group is active in Northern Assam and BTAD area. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Pokhara, Nepal: A Free Students Union (FSU) election contestant student has committed suicide here on Thursday. Rima Chhetri, 20, contestant for the post President in the ongoing FSU elections from the Free Student Union (FSU), the Nepali Congress affiliated student wing, at Siddhartha Campus in Phedikhola Pokhara, committed suicide by hanging at her own house on Thursday morning. Though the cause behind the death is not revealed yet, Chhetri, who was the student of Bachelor 2nd year, had left a suicide note stating there is no more hope for living, a police officer, who was involved in the investigation, said. Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has on Thursday appointed vice-chancellors in four different health-science academies. According to the office of the Prime Minister and council of ministers, Dr Bharat Yadav has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of the Patan Health Science Academy, Dr Rajendra Wagle is appointed as vice-chancellor of the Karnali Health Science Academy, Dr Raj Kumar Rauniyar is appointed as vice-chancellor of the BP Koirala Health Science Academy, Dharan and Dr Buddhi Bahadur Thapa is appointed as the vice-chancellor Pokhara Health Science Academy. It is said that the appointment was made as per the recommendation committee headed by Minister for Health Gagan Kumar Thapa. The committee had recommended the names on last Monday. [updated on 14 March 2017] The Friday Times, 10 March 2017 Nigar Ahmad, 1945 a 2017 by Neelam Hussain It is hard to write about Nigar a hard to decide which thread of her life to pick up, and which to let go a harder still with only a handful of words in which to do it. So where to begin? At her core, Nigar was a person of strong passions and great loyalties for places and people. Born and raised in Lahore, she soon discovered her first love a the Convent of Jesus and Mary, where the ethical parameters of her life were shaped and some of her deepest friendships forged. Her second love a which, if it did not quite dislodge the first, certainly superseded it a was Government College Lahore, which she joined as an undergraduate student and left after completing her Masters in Economics. Actively embroiled in college life, she was a member of the Government College Dramatics Club and later editor of the Ravi. As her assistant editor (or achottaa), Samina Rahman recalls that she has never been scolded so much by anyone than she was by Nigar during this time; she also remembers the hard work put in by Nigar and the meticulous attention paid to each detail at every stage of the editorial process. From GC the next step was to New Hall, Cambridge, on a Commonwealth scholarship; then back to Pakistan, and Quaid-e-Azam University, where she taught Economics for nearly sixteen years; the setting up of the Women Action Forumas (WAF) Islamabad Chapter, and a lifelong involvement in the womenas movement. Despite her bodyas betrayal, Nigar kept faith with the ideals that had shaped her life and never lost touch with the larger politics of the world around her. Months before her death a she expressed her unhappiness with the depoliticisation of NGOs, the growing consumerist ethic, and the loss of old values. aWe must do something about ita , she had said. aWe need to get together, plan and find ways of fighting for what we believe ina . I remember looking at her and thinking a this is not a rhetorical statement; she means what she is saying Nigar was fuelled by a zest for life and an impatience with time honoured taboos and restrictions. As long as she was clear in her own mind about what she was doing, she was truly indifferent to societyas opinion. This quality not only enabled her to enjoy life on her own terms, it also expanded the boundaries for others to come. Thus, despite loud protests from male faculty and friends, she was the first woman to breach the male bastion of the GC-Islamia College cricket match, which she attended and thoroughly enjoyed. So too her marriage. Her parents, Riazuddin Ahmad and Akhtar (aAkhan Apaa) were in Romania on a government posting when she and Tariq Siddiqi a a similarly nonconformist civil servant, who had at the time been dismissed from service for impertinence to the powers-that-be a discovered each other. The marriage took place not in Islamabad where they lived at that time, but at a sufi shrine adjacent to a spring at Dum Torh in Swat. Her sister Munna and Nighat Said made up the brideas party, and two of Tariqas friends were the baraat. The bride wore a freshly washed and ironed red khaddar jora, and the nikah was witnessed by two women. About her life with Tariq, I will only say that they were happy together, and the most doting of parents to Bilal and Ahmad, and daughter-in-law Kate, and that their children have shown that unstinting love shaped by the principles of humanity and compassion is perhaps the best recipe for good children. Set up in 1985, Aurat Foundation was Nigaras brainchild a hers and Shahla Ziaas, lawyer and activist. Under their guidance, Aurat grew from a small information center into a national organisation. The facilitation of grassroots womenas entry into the political and economic mainstream was one of its important achievements. Shellyas untimely death in 2005 put an end to their partnership. Nigar never reconciled herself to this loss, but it did not lessen her commitment either to Aurat, or to her dream of a just society. Nigar passed away on the evening of February 23 2017, seven days after completing the seventy-two years of the life that was given her. Of these, almost twenty were spent in battling Parkinsonas a a cruel illness that slowly made her a stranger to her own body. Normally, in such cases, the loss that death brings is tempered by the knowledge that the suffering too has ended. It has been different with Nigar. The timeworn platitudes bring no relief a only a bewilderment where rationality wars with emotion and denies houseroom to clichAs and common sense. Perhaps this is because Nigar herself never turned her face away from life a or let go of her sense of the ridiculous in the face of pain and the bodyas recalcitrance, when each small routine task was a battle to be waged and won. Perhaps that is why, as we sit here today a the friends who loved her and whose lives she touched a and look back on her life, all that we can recall is the laughter; the energy, the enjoyment of absurdity, the taken for granted mutuality of caring and support, the small pleasures a the sharing of ideas, the arguments and disagreements; the dreams she dreamed and the single minded intensity with which she pursued them a often to the point of exasperation. As Nighat Said remarked only recently a ashe could be a pain in the neck!a Despite her bodyas betrayal, Nigar kept faith with the ideals that had shaped her life and never lost touch with the larger politics of the world around her. Months before her death a not the last time we met, but certainly the last time we found the time to talk to each other a she expressed her unhappiness with the depoliticisation of NGOs, the growing consumerist ethic, and the loss of old values. aWe must do something about ita , she had said. aWe need to get together, plan and find ways of fighting for what we believe ina . I remember looking at her and thinking a this is not a rhetorical statement; she means what she is saying. Recalling that evening a her indifference to the constraints of her illness; her courage and her commitment to the ideals she believed in, I grieve at her loss but my heart refuses to mourn Nigar. o o o Newsline - February 27, 2017 Remembering a Revolutionary By Deneb Sumbul Second WAF convention in Lahore 1982, Nigar Ahmed is seated second from right. Nigar Ahmed, one of the revolutionaries of the womenas movement during the dictator, Zia-ul-Haqas reign, and a pioneering womenas rights activist breathed her last on Friday, February 24, 2017 in Lahore. She passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 72 leaving behind a husband and two sons. She helped establish the Islamabad chapter of Womenas Action Forum in 1982. She later founded the Aurat Foundation in Lahore in 1986, a non-profit with her close friend and lawyer, the late Shahla Zia to protect womenas rights against General Zia-ul-Haqas dictatorial regime. From a two-room resource centre, Aurat Foundation spread its branches to the rest of the country and became a leading organisation for womenas rights. Nigar lent her towering personality to the asilent revolutiona during an era of womenas resistance to oppression, along with other like-minded women. Shagufta Alizai, also one of the earliest members of WAF from Karachi reminisces about her, aShe was a hard campaigner and she fought for what she believed in. Nigar didnat say things to please you. Her first reaction was always putting things in the right perspective without being emotional.a aI met Nigar for the first time at her wedding in Karachi a her husband and mine were friends. She moved to Islamabad first. Her husband was a bureaucrat a the joint secretary of the Womenas Division a but that didnat stop her. I got to know her better after I moved to Islamabad as well.a aThis was at the time when WAF and its chapters were being formed, with so many problems cropping up for women, we held meetings under the nose of a dictator in Islamabad. You had to stand up to be counted. The fact is that these were the very few dynamic women of their time, Nigar Ahmed, Shehla Zia, Najma Sadeque a you could count such women on your fingertips. They led from the front and they did what they said.a One of the most significant achievements under Nighar Ahmadas leadership and vision was Aurat Foundationas work on legislation and the need for women to be seen in leadership roles. They mobilised women candidates for national and local government elections and women voters. Apart from that the foundationas work on womenas issues generated a debate across the country on womenas political and economic empowerment as well as issues relating to peace and democracy. Dr. Ghazala Rahman Rafiq, one of the first founder members of WAF in 1981, said, aNigar Ahmed was a feminist and one of the pillars of WAF in Islamabad. She was in constant touch with us during that time and understood the principles on which we were founding WAF.a The writer is a documentary filmmaker and activist. She is working with the Newsline as editorial assistant. o o o DAWN - February 26th, 2017 Nigar Ahmed Editorial THE 1980s threw up some of the most committed, unwavering civil society personalities in Pakistan, individuals who would find themselves fighting one of this countryas toughest battles to secure fundamental rights. There were lawyers who pressed for justice and non-discrimination in society. There were journalists who took grave risks to keep the flag of freedom flying. There were other rights campaigners a teachers, other professionals, political activists a who marched ahead with their heads held high and who refused to bow to the oppressive regime of Gen Ziaul Haq. If anything, adversity added to their resolve and to the definitive tone of their brave slogans. Amongst them was Nigar Ahmed, who died in Lahore on Friday. She stood out in many ways a yet she blended so well with those pursuing just objectives that it was unthinkable to have the rightsa fight without her participation. Her efforts reached their peak when Gen Zia was at the height of his powers. Firm and blessed with a temperament and training that frustrated the most intimidating of individuals on the other side, Nigar Ahmed was amongst the founders of the Womenas Action Forum a a platform that provided the much-needed stimulus to the opposition against the military dictator when political parties and others were finding it tough to make a loud enough impact. WAF, a source of some of the most celebrated, proudest stories of resistance from the time, came in 1981. In 1986, Nigar Ahmed joined hands with the famous lawyer and rights crusader Shehla Zia to set up the Aurat Foundation. Over the next three decades, she and her organisation would have a strong role in the furthering of womenas rights and generally in all kinds of human rights campaigns. The observations that have followed her departure at the age of 72 recall how she led with a resolve that surprised just as it inspired and set souls free. Nigar Ahmed is no more but there is a lot to learn from her shining example. o o o The Tribune, February 24, 2017 Women rights activist Nigar Ahmed passes away in Lahore by Saadia Qamar KARACHI: Women rights activist and humanitarian Nigar Ahmed breathed her last in Lahore on Friday. A leftist, Ahmed was a founding member of the Women Action Forum (1981). In 1986 she spearheaded and co-founded the Aurat Foundation with Shehla Zia a in protest against General Ziaul Haqas dictatorial regime. While she was suffering from Parkinsonas disease since long; a few days ago she complained of chest infection, and was admitted to a hospital in the Punjab capital, where she passed away. Remembering the struggle for womenas rights Remembering her friend and an old associate, Anis Haroon said: aI have lost an old, kind friend today. I learnt so much from her. Ideals of being a good human beingapatience and generosity were the hallmarks of her lifea . Her funeral will take place in Lahore on Saturday after Asr prayers. The Hall of Nations and Hall of Industries at Pragati Maidan were designed by architect Raj Rewal and engineer Mahendra Raj in 1972. These buildings have received international acclaim and are a part of INTACHs list of modern heritage sites. The ITPO, however, which comes under the Union Ministry of Commerce, has decided to tear down these building as a part of a larger overhaul of the Pragati Maidan area to make way for more modern, state of the art buildings. Conservationists and architectural associations from around the world have written to the government asking them to reconsider, from the Pompidou Centre in Paris to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. However, the governments Heritage Conservation Committee recently stated that these buildings do not classify as modern heritage, as heritage buildings must be at least "60 years old" You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close Off the coast of Indonesia, the body of man washes up on shore near a small village. As he lies comatose in a hospital a doctor from Jakarta, Ailin, looks after him. When he regains consciousness only fragments of his memory remain. Ailin dubs him Ishmael for the time being, after the novel Moby Dick that she was reading when she waited at his bedside. A bond begins to grow between the two. Elsewhere, gang boss Lee escapes from prison and regains his criminal empire with a handful of incredibly deadly killers at his side. Word gets to him that a body washed ashore and it may be someone that he has been looking for. In 2011 a little action film from Indonesia blew up the action cinema world and put its humble lead actor Iko Uwais on our radars from then until the end of time. After that came the equally successful and epic sequel three years later. Others from that small island nation have tried to stake a claim of their own but none have had the goods to attain the global reach that this series did. So one can be forgiven if they head into a screening of Headshot with those films in mind, and with Iko at the lead again have set up their viewing easel and are ready to paint this new film with the same brush. It is just that the Mo Brothers have not done that. They have gone right ahead, grabbed your bucket of paint and smashed it against the canvas. Here is what the Mo Brothers have done with Headshot. Take an early scene from that film in 2011 where the police had tied up a resident of the apartment block and he was sitting at a small table. Remember? And as the cops were looking out the windows and to the door of the apartment this guy reaches under the table and draws out a machete that was wired underneath. It is excruciatingly slow and the shot ends just as he swings that blade towards the neck of a unsuspecting cop. That moment. That moment is where the Mo Brothers pick up from throughout their film. Not content to let our imaginations fill in the blanks, they spell it out for us. Violently. They will show you what that machete does when it meets the tender meat around your neck. This is where their horror legacy pops in and screams hello. Loud, clear, and with very colorful language. Red to be exact. If you are familiar with the work of the Mo Brothers (Killers, Macabre and ABCs of Death) you know that tonally it has been nasty stuff. Scenes in Headshot like the prison break that frees our master villain right off the hop, or the wholesale slaughter of innocents that will set our hero's quest a-rolling, may be difficult to watch. Maybe they even have you second guessing if what we are watching is an action film or perhaps it is a horror film after all. Hold up. Is this what we signed up for? What these scenes achieve is this: These are the bad guys, and they are the baddest mutherfuckers in all of Indonesia. What their role is in Ishmaels life will be unveiled later on but for now their actions propel him through a world of fast action and brutal violence that at times will leave you white-knuckled and gasping for air. I saw this on a friends status last night and asked for permission to share it with you because he perfectly summarizes what we were all thinking. And I agreed to do it like this "As a handsome and talented filmmaker friend said The Mo Bros film Headshot is half NC-17 Jackie Chan film and half Chang Cheh climax. And hes right. During the Q&A after a screening in Toronto, Timo talked about the influence that the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema had on the story structure of Headshot and it fits. The old "Heroic Bloodshed" films from Woo and To. The Police Story series from Jackie Chan. All were loaded to the brim with action and style but they also never forgot to include that melodrama that their fans back home adored. We do not necessarily have to buy into the budding romance between Ishmael and Ailin but it has to be at least believable for it serves as the motivator in Ishmaels quest when she is kidnapped by Lees henchmen. This story structure also brings out emotional performances from the leads Iko Uwais and Chelsea Islan. Uwais also has to broaden his range like he never has before. As a burgeoning action superstar he will not asked do much more beyond what the Mo Brothers have asked of him in Headshot but you get his frustration, his hurt and his emotions. The emotional keystone to all of this is Ishmael's relationship with Julie Estelle's character Rika, Lee's right hand woman. By the time Ishmael has finally uncovered his past and his connection to Lee's gang, he also discovers Rika's role in all of this and that weighs heavy on him. The physical and emotional toil of Ishmael's journey will come to a head on a beach, facing off against the knife-wielding Rika. Ishmael has not choice but to go through her to get to Lee. Estelle further cements herself as a femme fatale if not in international action cinema then at least within the Asian region. Now that Estelle no longer has pitch black sunglasses covering half her face, like she did in The Raid 2, the mythos of Hammer Girl took a hit, but Estelle proves herself more than capable of picking up Uwais' fight choreography As far as Chang Cheh is concerned? Well, he may have been single-handedly responsible for depleting the Shaw Bros studios budget for fake blood during his time with them. His classic kung fu films were some of the most violent and bloody as he was influenced by directors such as Sam Peckinpah and Sergio Leone, none of whom were slouches when it came to violence. The action in Headshot showcases Iko Uwais growth as an action choreographer. There is no room for grace and grand gestures because what the Mo Brothers have planned for us is gruesome and horrific violence. Sugarcoating is the thing that probably got lost in translation on its way to Indonesia. The climactic fight between Ishmael and Lee is the closest the film gets to showing that influence of early Shaw Bros films. Setting aside implements of destruction like guns and knives, the two combatants opt for their lethal limbs instead. It becomes the classic showdown between the hero and the villain that we deserve as an audience after enduring so much brutal violence until then. The camera work changes up between static and dynamic, moving from the rig to handheld the moment the energy changes. For the most part the Mo Brothers and their crew do an amazing job of capturing the action, moving within its lethal circle, but still allowing us to see what is happening amidst the sparring. There are times where it did get too close, lost and tangled with the movement, but careful planning and execution by the directors flows with the action and largely does not get left behind. When someone asks you what no holds barred action looks like, just point them in the direction of Headshot. Stand back and be prepared to pick up the pieces of their shattered souls. Early on, Headshot is a test of moral fortitude, but as the story progresses, characters are established, and motivations are clearer, it settles on its bloody course of action and carries it out with bombastic aplomb. It reminds everyone that you do not turn you back on Indonesia when talking about international action hotspots. They have machetes. Review originally published in slightly different form during the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016. The film will open in select U.S. theaters on Friday, March 3. Check local listings for more information. The Church of Scientology has been well covered, or rather exposed, in the culture over the last decade or more. Popular magazine features, such as the New Yorker's 2011 piece on Paul Haggis ("The Apostate"), as well as host of muck-raking books, a slew of documentaries, including HBO's recent Alex Gibney-directed overview, Going Clear, admittedly somewhat of a missed opportunity compared to its source material, Lawrence Wright's book of the same name. Like most truths and elucidation, things were best caputred roundabout via fiction, with Paul Thomas Anderson's loose biopic on L. Ron Hubbard, The Master. All of this is to say that digging up dirt and controversy on the popular cult-like religion is practically a subgenre at this point. Enter John Dower and Louis Theroux's My Scientology Movie, which is less an informational documentary and more a direct provocation to the church. They recruit former Scientology media-fixer, Mark Rathburn, who for years was kind of the Church's Michael Clayton, to film 're-creations' of some of the more controversial Scientology propaganda videos, and now kind of the poster child for SP, Scientology jargon-speak for Suppressive Person, which essentially means, someone who is doing something the Church does not like. As Theroux and Rathburn set out to cast Church leader David Miscavige and superstar Scientologist Tom Cruise with fresh faced actors for their re-creations, they are not quiet about it. It looks more like the re-enactments are bait to draw out the awkward and the crazy into the light. In this fashion, My Scientology Movie feels like a lesser (perhaps not quite as righteous) version of David Farrier's anti-bully doc, Tickled. I like the form, but there is less material here, and the various encounters with the Scientologist middlemen often amount to Theroux filming them with his cellphone while they film him with a handicam, while Dower films them all filming each other. As a metaphor, I'm not quite sure what that means, but welcome to the 21st century. Danish documentarian and television humourist Mads Brugger is still the reigning champion of undercover "provoca-tourism" (tm). Whether he was taking a group of handicapped theatrical troupe into North Korea on a cultural exchange (The Red Chapel) or setting up a blood diamond business in Central Africa Republic in terms of risk-for-the-sake-of-illumination (The Ambassador). My Scientology Movie is not without its moments, though. A random, almost non-sequitur, encounter with actress Paz de la Huerta sees a very quick-witted Theroux navigate a weird, and weirdly cliche, pooliside Los Angeles moment with humour and grace. The relationship strain between Rathburn and Theroux slowly slides into the front and centre of the doc, as the pressure mounts and things start to go into a kind of hall-of-mirrors with the re-creation content. In the end, much like Scientology itself, I am not entirely sure what was learned from the experience. There is this takeaway though: The one thing the Church hates more than the media or the run of the mill SP, is someone setting up a rival church using the same principles. They naturally have jargon for this as well, "Squirrelling." While My Scientology Movie gets the slightest of tastes of what the Church practices Squirrel-Busting, it begs the question. Instead of baiting the Church by re-creating its greatest media hits, Dower and Theroux (and Rathburn) could have set up and run a rival church. That would have really brought down the thunder they seemed to be looking for. Some fires never go out - Paul Lancaster's short film The Burn is a tense and gripping thriller set in contemporary London. It features a strong performance by Branko Tomovic (24: Live Another Day, The Bourne Ultimatum) in the leading role and the stellar cast also includes Struan Rodger (Game of Thrones, Doctor Who), Dolya Gavanski (Our Kind of Traitor, The Lesson) and Mish Boyko (Dracula Untold, Fortitude). When an immigrant returns to London after going missing, he learns his brother could be responsible for his mother's recent death. As he moves round the city searching for his brother, he has to fight with his own rage and what he, and the people around him, think he is capable of. Seguin, TX (78155) Today Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low 72F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly late. Low 72F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Remembering that many crimes go unreported to police and that those reported often go unsolved | Main | Leading congressional Dems calling upon AG Sessions to resign, which means.....? March 2, 2017 "First, They Came for the Sex Offenders " The title of this post is the headline of this Slate commentary authored by Perry Grosssman that discusses Packingham v. North Carolina, the First Amendment case heard by the Supreme Court earlier this week (basics here). The sub-headline summarizes the piece's themes: "We must speak up for the rights of those on the fringes of society. The Supreme Courts ruling on sex offenders First Amendment rights will signal how much protection we can all expect." Here are excerpts from the ends of an extended discussion of the case and its context: Looming in the background of the courts consideration of this case are the Trump administrations recent attacks on the First Amendment, minority rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law itself. Though its a much different First Amendment context, President Trumps executive order restricting travel by Muslims from seven countries is also a grossly overbroad restriction on a politically vulnerable minority that was enacted thanks to fearmongering, not evidence. As lower federal courts enjoined the executive order, President Trump attacked the legitimacy of those judges who then received threats to their safety while members of his administration implied that the courts had no right to question the presidents judgment on matters of national security. Factor in Trumps claim that he was championing free speech when he threatened to withhold federal funds from UCBerkeley after it canceled an event featuring Milo Yiannopoulos, and his promise to open up our libel laws to permit more lawsuits against the press, and its clear that the presidents guiding mode of constitutional interpretation is not originalism, but solipsism. The president thinks the First Amendment protects speech and beliefs he likes, but not those he doesnt. This case thus provides an opportunity for the Supreme Court to brace the judiciary for its upcoming battles with the Trump administration and to provide a nervous country with some assurance that the protections of the First Amendment remain as robust as ever and available to all. Go to any protest these days and youre sure to see a sign invoking the words of Martin Niemoller, a Lutheran pastor who opposed the Nazis during the Second World War by famously stating, First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak outBecause I was not a Socialist. The message is simple but powerful: Speak up for the rights of those on the margins of society or you might yourself on the other side. Court battles over the First Amendment have been frequently fought on behalf of unpopular groups as a means of preventing encroachment upon the rights of the rest. Justice Stephen Breyer recalled this heritage during argument when he pointed to criminal laws directed at prohibiting communists from advocating for the overthrow of the United States government that had been struck down 60 years ago. It is difficult to imagine a less popular group than registered sex offenders. But speaking up for their rights now is critical at a time when the administration has shown its eagerness to brand people with whom it disagrees as enemies and to strip rights from politically vulnerable groups like transgender students. And it has the fringe benefit of being a good strategy for making sure they dont come for you too. March 2, 2017 at 09:59 AM | Permalink Comments This analogy is unbelievably offensive to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Posted by: David Behar | Mar 3, 2017 12:36:02 AM Now, the question is: whether registered former sex offenders will band together as some Jews and others did during the Third Reich to defend themselves by whatever means necessary against both these laws and against vigilantes. The Jews of Warsaw actually fought in their ghetto against the Nazi occupiers even though the Nazis won out on that particular fight. At least the Jews fought back. Will former sex offenders do the same against Megan's Law, Civil Commitment, residential restrictions, and against vigilantes. What will happen? Posted by: william r. delzell | Mar 3, 2017 9:47:05 AM I suggest they litigate instead. Posted by: David Behar | Mar 3, 2017 9:56:43 AM Yes David Behar it seems unbelievably offensive to the Jews. At least consider a category of sex offenders, (I know our society lumps them all together), who are convicted of possession of child pornography. The vast majority of whom are otherwise law abiding citizens, but have found free, readily available CP on the internet. Again, they are otherwise law abiding, but because of some as yet to be determined psychological impairment, (see USA v. Hardrick), they are engaging in a internet crime that comes with absolutely zero warnings. Mr. Behar, we are a nation of laws and consequently our nation has warnings for just about everything. Many of these warnings seems very obvious to most of us, but just look around you. Everywhere you go there are warnings. Yes, I know child exploitation is a terrible offense. Again, no warnings. (see USA v. Hardrick). Moreover, 92-96% of child sexual abuse is by someone the victim knows, (i.e., family member), goes undetected. (research this blog if you don't believe my research). So we are left with a group of individuals who have harmed no one. Many, many experts on this subject consider these people to have a clinical problem primarily devoid of criminal intent. One thing is certain, these people have bad thoughts. So did Omar Mateen, why didn't we charge him with a thought crime? (He was questioned by the FBI on three separate occasions). Posted by: tommyc | Mar 3, 2017 11:47:24 AM Tommy. I am with you. 1) The legalization of child porn is associated with a 40% drop in the sexual abuse of real children; 2) sex offender registries are rent seeking regulatory quackery, worthless to the victim they were named after, Megan and Jessica; those little girls would still be with us if their rapist/murderers had not been released; 3) the subscription to child porn sites by the FBI is a major government subsidy, and has resulted in our now having 4 million child porn web sties; 4) registries with 10 year old offenders who took a leak in an alley, or 19 year old boys who had younger girlfriends make the entire field look really stupid. 4) Posted by: David Behar | Mar 3, 2017 1:47:30 PM There is no shortage of these sex offenders / sexual deviants / homosexuals who became victims of this state organized murder, commonly referred to as the "Holocaust". Your exclusion of their deaths and suffering from consideration is unbelievably offensive. Posted by: Tedesco | Mar 3, 2017 4:26:27 PM I find that the pot is calling the kettle black. Our rules and regulations are not followed by the rules and regulation makers. The punishment does not fit the "crime" in most cases and those that fail to tell the truth are not punished. How many after years of prison are determined innocent? If sex offenders are on a list for life then why are they in public? Posted by: LC in Texas | Mar 4, 2017 10:16:23 PM The registry is a CASH COW for state and government. Ridiculous and apparently uncapped fees which states increase whenever they need money to subsidize some type of program. (One of the southern states recently wanted to increase registrant fees to fund a state trooper shcool!) What other crimes saddle people who have served their time with a lifetime on a humiliating and punishing public registry that has proven to be of no value at all except to make money for the government? It's time to do away with the registry. If there are some people that are so dangerous that they need to be watched constantly, then maybe they shouldn't be let out of prisons or psych hospitals to begin with. Stop severely punishing everyone for the violent crimes of a few. There's about 850,000 on the registry, approx. 5,000 that are violent offenders. If they need to be watched, watch them and leave the rest of the people who just want to get on with their lives the hell alone. Posted by: kat | Mar 5, 2017 11:14:39 AM Kat. I agree with you. I am going to court on another matter. I want a ruling of first impression declaring a rule, "regulatory quackery." That means it is not safe, nor does it achieve its self stated goal. If that can be obtained, it should be applied to the sex offender registry. Neither Jessica's nor Megan's Laws would have helped Jessica nor Megan. Megan opened the door to her neignbor, and was taken. Jessica lay in her bed with her blue dolphin plush toy. She was alive in the closet when the police visited the known sex offender in the trailer acorss the street from hers. What would have helped Megan and Jessicabest? Killing those guys when the lawyer had the chance. Instead, they were protected, privileged, and empowered, to maintain a few lousy lawyer jobs. The loss of those two little girls is 100% the fault of the lawyer profession. Second best would have been to not loose them on the public. These sex offender registries are just more lawyer bullshit. Their lucrative nature makes them, with malice, as professional malpractice on a mass scale. In my matter, I really want to take down my lawyer run state. I want it bankrupted, and the lawyers fired. To deter. Posted by: David Behar | Mar 5, 2017 5:58:49 PM Then they let the sex offenders go, after the FBI was attacked in court. http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39180204 Posted by: David Behar | Mar 6, 2017 5:24:34 PM Post a comment Leading congressional Dems calling upon AG Sessions to resign, which means.....? | Main | Washington Supreme Court rules Eighth Amendment precludes applying mandatory minimum adult sentencing scheme to juvenile offenders The title of this post is a line from this interesting new essay by Richard Bierschbach, over at online publication Regblog produced by the University of Pennsylvania Law School. This essay is actually part of a fifteen(!)-part series on "Regulating Police Use of Force," but Richard makes some sentencing-specific points in his essay. Here are excerpts, with links from the original: The externalities problem is acute in criminal justice for two reasons. First, we think of criminal justice as individual justice. Actors thus tend to view each case as an isolated transaction to the exclusion of broader, long-term, and aggregate effects. Second, criminal justice, especially American criminal justice, is fragmented vertically among governments, horizontally among agencies, and individually among self-interested actors. No one player has the responsibility, incentives, or information to take systemic harms into account. And given the politics of criminal justice, democratic processes do little to correct this dynamic. Police and other law enforcement systematically overuse force in part because few mechanisms require them to consider the full social costs of doing so. The costs of arrests, for instance, are substantial: arrests are frightening and humiliating, use valuable resources, and burden arrestees with lost income, arrest records, and other harms. Yet few of these costs fall on the police. So, too, for other coercive measures. Prosecutors and judges do not shoulder the full costs of pretrial detention, such as overcrowded jails, difficulties in mounting a defense, and personal and family trauma. Similarly, states pay for prisons, but local prosecutors decisions fill them. That correctional free lunch gives prosecutors little incentive to use prison judiciously, which helps explain why some counties dramatically overconsume it.... Cost-benefit analysis for sentencing and arrests. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and other agencies have long had to defend their regulations in cost-justified terms. Why not hold sentencing and arrest guidelines to the same standard? The great virtue of cost-benefit analysis is that, if done rigorously, honestly, and transparently, it can surface and force consideration of all harms and gainsshort- and long-term, concentrated and diffuse, and monetary and non-monetary (such as dignitary and distributive harms)that a given policy option implicates. It is not hard to imagine how some draconian provisions of the federal sentencing guidelines or New York Citys stop-and-frisk policies might have come out differently, and wrought less social damage, if policymakers had subjected them to methodical cost-benefit testing that was open to robust public scrutiny and debate. Such procedures help policymakers confront tough tradeoffs and encourage them to make more welfare enhancing decisions. As experience in states like Washington and Minnesota has shown, cost-benefit and other impact assessment procedures also provide politicians with a degree of political cover when making criminal justice policies. The broad consideration of costs also acts as a proxy for values and voices that get little traction in state legislative halls, helping to make criminal justice policies more representative of the entire population they serve.... Capping (and trading?) prison beds . Related to pricing are caps, which can also bring incentives back in line. In a number of contexts, such as arrests, caps might not be appropriate. But in other contexts, like prison, they could make sense. Just as a capping scheme limits the amount of clean air a coal plant can use in generating profits, so too could it limit the number of prison beds that local prosecutors can use in generating personal, political, and social gains. A trio of criminal justice professors, Cheryl Jonson, John Eck, and Francis Cullen, have proposed how it might work. States could set a cap on the number of people who could be sentenced to prison each year. They could then allocate prison beds to each county or locality based on some metric population size, violent crime rates, or something else. Localities could use those beds however they pleased, but once they hit their cap, they would have to pay the state for further imprisonments. The cap could be hard-and-fast, or it could be coupled with a trading system under which counties that do not use all of their beds could sell them to other counties, sell them back to the state, or roll them over for later use. Either way, the system would enhance accountability for criminal justice dollars and encourage cautious use of prison in ways the correctional free lunch does not. Now, these sketches are just that. As University of Pennsylvania Law School Professor Stephanos Bibas and I discuss in a forthcoming article, serious issues would exist with each of these and related strategies. Even so, in states and localities across the country, variations on these themes like cost-benefit analysis of sanctions in Washington, Californias Public Safety Realignment, or sentencing cost disclosures in Missouri are increasingly appearing as policymakers confront the enormous toll of the carceral state. In this era of unprecedented openness to criminal justice experimentation, the time is ripe to move beyond our old transactional, fragmented, business-as-usual approach to criminal justice, and to see it for what it largely is: a morally laden and complex regulatory system, subject to many of the same failures and limitations that afflict other areas of regulation. That means we must think hard not only about how to do justice, but also about how to structure justice to administer it in the most socially-regarding way possible. File under: Reasons Middle America and much of the world hates us right now. The Guardian has just published a new piece in the perennially popular genre of Stories About How Stupidly Expensive San Francisco Is, this one quoting multiple tech workers making very large salaries complaining about how they're barely scraping by here. Forgetting the fact that people all over the country are barely scraping by for various reasons and that SF is not alone in having a high cost of living, we do have a high concentration of well compensated tech workers who are often blamed for the recently rapid uptick in our cost of living, who are now happy to complain about the high cost of living. Example One is a Twitter engineer who says that his $160,000 annual salary isn't really cutting it for his family of four but that's actually probably not a unique complaint for the American middle class if it's a single-earner household, though, sure, most of us who don't make that much per annum think it sounds like a lot. The shocker in his story is that he's only paying $3,000 a month for a two-bedroom single-family house in SF, and he's complaining that there aren't enough family-friendly cafes in his neighborhood. Example Two is a whiny networking firm exec living in Silicon Valley and who was making $700,000 a year, but he took a 50 percent pay cut to relocate to San Diego all because houses in Los Gatos are overpriced, or something. Example Three is a woman in her 50s who's a "digital marketing [exec] for a major telecoms corporation" and whose husband is a software engineer, and she complains that despite bringing home $1 million a year between them, they can't afford a house. Again: What kind of "house" is she looking for? "This is part of where the American dream is not working out here," she says. But for god's sake woman, you're making $1 million a year between you! Maybe buy something in the Sunset! I'm pretty sure you can swing it! Example Four is "Michelle, a 28-year-old tech worker who earns a six-figure salary at a data science startup," who's bitching because she can't afford to buy a home on her own, and she has to combine incomes with a boyfriend/husband to do it, and this goes against her feminist sensibilities. The Business Times picked up the story and reminded us of former Facebook employee Matt Kulka who wrote an essay on Vox last September all about how he was quitting his dream job and moving to Arizona and it was all Facebook's fault for insisting on having its headquarters in all top-tier markets like Boston, SF, New York, and London. It's basically a story about how having two children made SF become unsustainable, and for anyone who's been around here a while, this is not a new story. So yes, San Francisco is still expensive, everybody! Nothing to see here. Previously: San Francisco Has Always Been A Pretty Expensive Place To Live A working group to propose improved Airbnb regulations that Mayor Lee promised to set up by the end of February 2017 when he vetoed the 60-day rental cap is nowhere to be found, the Examiner reports. That's more fodder for critics of Lee's seemingly moderate attitude toward the company, in which his pal Ron Conway is a major investor, and for which SF progressives want further, stricter regulations. In the contentious relationship between Airbnb and its host city, the gloves really came off last June when the vacation rental platform sued the city over a Board of Supervisors-approved fine to charge Airbnb, not just hosts, for breaking the city's short term rental listing laws. Then, last November, the Board of Supervisors approved a measure for a 60-day cap on rentals for Airbnb hosts who hadn't yet registered with the city, though older hosts were grandfathered in for more days. That 60-day cap passed with a 7-3 vote from the Supervisors, one-vote shy of being veto-proof. And, what do you know, Mayor Lee did indeed veto that cap in December, vowing to set up a working group on the subject. Quoth the mayor: I along with Supervisor Breed will convene all stakeholder groups early next year to examine strategic and thoughtful regulations to further streamline compliance, registration and enforcement of our short-term rental regulations and propose potential improvements to our existing regulations by February 28, 2017. Im disappointed, but the mayor has finally agreed to work with me and stakeholders to look at regulations and long term solutions, Breed told the Examiner at the time. We will develop a working group and make recommendations by the end of February 2017 to address some of the most challenging issues with this industry. Outlining the central debate, It should not be more lucrative to offer an empty unit as a short-term rental than to rent it as permanent housing, Breed said. According to SF's Budget Analyst, 1,900 or more residences in the city are kept off the rental market by short-term hosts. **Checks calendar** Well, now that it's March, the Ex is circling back, learning from the powers that be that no such working group exists. Deirdre Hussey, Mayor Lees spokesperson, tells the paper that "After the court ordered the city, Airbnb and Homeaway (another short-term rental company) to participate in mediation regarding the lawsuit that Airbnb and HomeAway brought against the city, the City Attorneys Office advised that it was preferable to give deference to the court-mandated process before convening the working group." A spokesperson with the City Attorney's office, John Cote, couldn't tell the Ex any more on that: Legal advice we provide to our clients," in this case the City of San Francisco, "is protected by attorney-client privilege, so we cant disclose any guidance we may or may not have provided, Cote told the paper. Supervisor Peskin, a veteran progressive who has framed Airbnb as a major player in the city's housing crisis, doesn't see the logic there. The city convening a task force to discuss what the right fix is doesnt have any impact on the lawsuit, Peskin tells the Examiner. The existence of the lawsuit and working on policy reforms arent mutually exclusive. That said, Peskin and Breed are at work on new legislation, reportedly to be introduced next week, that might mend bridges and perhaps wrap this all up for good. That would ask "hosting platforms to exercise reasonable care in verifying that a residential unit is on the City Registry prior to accepting a fee for booking a short-term rental transaction." If they do their due diligence, hosting platforms would be off the hook for fraudulent or illegal listings, the new legislation is said to propose. Also down the road is the possible creation of an online process for registration the current process for regulating this all-online company is, laughably, on paper. A city spending plan shows the creation of such an online process would cost $400,000. In the meantime, the city's short-term rental office counts 1,865 active hosts, according to officer director Kevin Guy a fraction of the 9,600 listings in San Francisco that appear on Airbnb itself. Applications are still rolling in, he says, and to date, the office of short-term rentals has issued $1.2 million in fines relating to 482 housing units. Related: Airbnb Follows Up '#WeAccept' Super Bowl Ad With Pledge To Help 100,000 People In Need With Short-Term Housing The owners of hit New York City Indian restaurant Babu Ji, which expanded in November to San Francisco, are closing their East Coast location amid a wage theft lawsuit, the second being faced by owners Jessi and Jennifer Singh, as Eater's New York branch reports. The first was settled for $95,000 after two employees alleged last July that the owners were pocketing tips and denying overtime pay to them. The owners did not admit wrongdoing according to Eater's coverage of that settlement, which occurred in October. However, a second suit against the couple was filed in September, which claims the two took credit card and cash tips from employees from May through December 2015 and didn't pay overtime for that period. Instead, plaintiffs say they were given a a flat, $600 weekly fee for up to 60-hour work weeks. Most non-managerial employees are required by federal law to get time-and-a-half pay for work weeks of more than 40 hours. Eater uploaded the lawsuit here, which is brought by Maimon Kirschenbaum, a well-known restaurant labor lawyer in New York. It's due to be tried by jury. Where the allegations get more explosive is in an amended brief, filed in February 2017, which alleges co-owner and chef Jessi Singh approached one of the plaintiffs in the second wage lawsuit, a server, and threatened him over the suit. You know that in India a man paid $100,000 rupees to have someones family killed," Singh allegedly told the plaintiff n Hindi. If youre fucking my family Im going to fuck you up. Im going to fuck your family," Singh allegedly said. "I have a lot of money, I can legally fight with you. You already screwed me up by suing, so why are you coming to work? You come into work and then take my money. Singh allegedly called the other plaintiff, another served, a "sisterfucker." Threatening retaliation for filing a lawsuit would be in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and local New York labor laws. Now Babu Ji's Mission location, on Valencia Street, will be its only one: According to Eater, its two-year-old East Village location, on Avenue B, will "close for an indefinite period." In January, Chronicle food critic Michale Bauer favorably compared San Francisco's Babu Ji to New York's version in a positive review. Before that New York restaurant, Jessi and Jennifer Singh, who met in San Francisco, began operations in Australia, with three now-closed restaurants that were heralded as among the best Indian offerings in the country. Related: Lawsuit Naming The French Laundry And Thomas Keller Alleges Discrimination Against Pregnant Employee If your goal is to catch a trophy northern pike, the best time to do it is coming soon. The big, old females, those 20-pound-plus leviathans, move into shallow bays to spawn even before the ice goes out. By the time the ice leaves the bays, the spawn is usually over, but those hogs stay around, basking in the warmer water those bright, sunny spring days often bring. And the good news is, they can be caught. Much of what these big females are foraging on is winter-killed fish that are lying on the bottom. If your lake has shad, the bottom might be littered with dead fish. And big catfish will join northerns in this feeding frenzy. If there are no shad, rest assured there will be other fish offering meals to the cruising northerns. South Dakotas massive Oahe Reservoir is a definite destination for early northern pike fishermen. Just about any of the lakes many shallow bays will offer good fishing. For years I would make an annual trip to fish with my friend Steve Nelson who lives in Pierre and is definitely one of the best shore fishermen up there. While you can definitely catch these big fish from a boat, most of the early anglers fish from shore. As anyone who has spent much time around water knows, the ice leaves the shallow bays first while the main lake remains in an icy grip. So shore fishermen might get as much as two weeks head start on the northerns before the boats can even get there. Heres how we would go about it. Our rods were long and rather heavy. I used the same rods I used for downrigging at the time, eight-and-one-half feet long, medium heavy action. We would attach big spinning reels spooled with 12-pound-test monofilament. Our terminal tackle consisted of a 12-inch steel leader with a swivel on one end and a snap on the other. Our hook was a size 1 treble. Our bait was frozen smelt which we obtained at local grocery stores or tackle shops. We preferred to cast our smelt out onto a flat coming off the shoreline. Heres the method. Take one of the smelt and insert the shank of the treble hook into it at mid body. Push the shank through and attach the eye of the hook to the snap. Using a kind of lob cast, throw the rig as far out as you can, making sure the smelt doesnt fly off. Then let the whole rig sink slowly to the bottom. Put the rod into a forked stick. Open the bail of the reel and leave it open. Peel off some extra line letting it lay on the ground. Next attach a fairly good-sized, round bobber to the line and leave it on the shore. That is your bite indicator. Now you just sit back and wait. When a northern takes the smelt he will make a run, and your bobber will go scooting off the shoreline and into the water. Pick up the rod and wait for the pike to end the run. Then close the bail, take up the slack line and set the hook hard. As you regain line, have your partner take the bobber off the line and continue fighting the fish. Many of the pike we caught using this method weighed 15 pounds or more. Most of the time I did not sit and wait for a bite. Id cast a small spoon up and down the shoreline and often caught as many pike that way as on the frozen smelt. Another Pierre friend, the late Tony Dean, perfected a method of catching these fish by boat. He would cast a Number 9 Rapala right up to the shoreline and then retrieve it slowly back to the boat. Often the northerns would strike the bait along the first breakline. Those breaklines are caused by wave action during low water periods so they might only be a few feet off shore. If cold front conditions pushed the fish into deeper water, we would use a Number 9 Countdown Rapala and fish it as deep as 15 feet. These deep water fish can often be spotted on your depth finder. Tony found these small crank baits to be much better northern catchers than bigger baits or big spoons in the spring. His theory was that the fish are in shallow water and bigger baits making a louder splash when they enter the water might be frightening them away. Another thing we noticed is that fishing is not very good in the morning or cloudy days. The sun needed time to warm up the shallow water and get the food chain started. Our best fishing usually occurred between 2 and 4 p.m. Lake Oahe currently has an excellent northern pike population with many fish weighing from three to 10 pounds with many exceeding that mark, according to South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks. Each year northerns exceeding 30 pounds are caught, but they are rare. Low water is what it takes for good northern pike numbers. When the lake is low, vegetation grows on the flats and when the water returns the pike move in and spawn on that vegetation. After low water years, Oahe began refilling in 2008 and 2009. Spawning conditions were excellent and the northerns rebounded. If your dream is to do battle with a trophy northern pike, this might be the best year to do it, and Lake Oahe is the logical destination choice. COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa | Jurors will resume their deliberations Friday morning in Elias Wanatee's retrial in connection with a fatal stabbing. Jurors deliberated for nearly two hours Thursday before leaving at 4:30 p.m. They will return at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Witness testimony began on Tuesday morning and ended Thursday morning. 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 unanimous verdict. The second trial was moved to Council Bluffs after the defense asked for a change of venue, saying it would be harder to choose another jury in Woodbury County and ensure that Wanatee receive a fair trial. Wanatee is accused of stabbing Mace, 50, of Sioux City, in the street in the 1900 block of West First Street. A sentencing date has yet to be set. According to a plea agreement, federal prosecutors will recommend to the sentencing judge that Baird be placed on probation, though the judge could decide to impose a prison sentence of up to five years. Baird has agreed to pay at least $707 in restitution. He also could be subject to a fine of up to $250,000. SIOUX CITY | Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew praised deputy Mike Lenz for his actions in a shootout with an armed suspect following a high-speed chase early Sunday morning. "Instead of planning a funeral, we are holding a press conference about a deputy who showed great courage and survival instincts," Drew told reporters Wednesday. Melvin William Spencer, 24, of Sioux City, has been charged with attempted murder. An unidentified male who was a passenger in the vehicle was shot during the gunfire and is being treated at a local hospital for what authorities describe as non-life threatening wounds. "I cannot release (the gunshot victim's) name because there are no charges pending," Drew said. "I can't get into what (his) role was." Brittney Lynn Hood, 27, of Sioux City, who was driving the vehicle when the pursuit began, faces a handful of charges, including eluding authorities. Drew said at 3:24 a.m. Sunday, deputy Troy Tadlock attempted to stop a 2009 Lincoln MKZ on 260th near Port Neal Road for traffic violations. The Lincoln, driven by Hood, failed to obey his lights and continued westbound on 260th before turning northbound on Port Neal, reaching speeds of more than 80 mph. The vehicle then came to a stop north of 235th. Hood fled on foot into a field, chased by Tadlock who apprehended her shortly afterwards. "Before Deputy Tadlock realizes there were two other suspects in the vehicle, it took off," Drew said, adding Spencer hopped into the driver's seat of the Lincoln, which had tinted windows. Minutes later, deputy Derek Brand was traveling southbound on Port Neal to assist Tadlock when the Lincoln attempted to hit Brand's patrol car head on, causing him to veer into a ditch. Lenz, who was also in route to help, spotted the fleeing vehicle turning onto 225th street and followed it as it turned north on Allison Avenue. The vehicle eventually got stuck in a ditch at a dead end near the Sioux City Police Department's training center at 6602 Allison Ave. Prior to Lenz exiting his patrol unit, Spencer leaned out of the driver's side window of the Lincoln and engaged the deputy in gunfire. At least five rounds struck the deputy's vehicle. The unnamed male was struck by the gunfire, and Spencer then fled on foot. Lenz administered first aid to the victim until he was taken to the hospital. A manhunt ensued and Spencer was spotted three hours later by an Iowa State Patrol plane brought in from Des Moines. After locating him, the sheriff's office used a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle it borrowed from the Sioux City Police Department to move in closer with a tactical team and arrested him. Drew became choked up as he thanked police departments from Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff and Moville and other agencies who sent officers. He also applauded the Woodbury County dispatcher for staying "calm in the storm." "When a call comes out like this when a deputy or officer needs assistance, it does not matter what uniform or badge-- with our limited resources-- we all show up for each other," Drew said. "I'm proud of every officer here in northwest Iowa that showed up to help us." Lenz, who has been a deputy since September 2014, has been placed on administrative leave and will have counseling and professional help before returning to duty, Drew said. The sheriff added he has spoken with Lenz almost every day since the gunfight. "He's doing well. He's a good young man... I told him we need some warmer weather so we can ride our Harleys and get some really good therapy," he said. Citing an ongoing investigation, Drew would not identify the main victim who was shot, his current medical condition, or whether charges could still be filed against him. Drew added the dash cam and body camera video of the gunfight will be released at a later date. The shooting is being investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Iowa State Patrol and the sheriff's office. Spencer is currently being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $250,000 bond. Hood is being held on $2,000 bond. Spencer and Hood's next court appearance will be 9 a.m. March 9. SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man sustained a serious stab wound in the groin area after his girlfriend attack him with a knife Thursday morning. According to the Sioux City Police Department, 39-year-old Natasha Drappeaux and her boyfriend, Salahadin Adem, were intoxicated and arguing over money around 9 a.m. at the Ida apartment building, 1901 Pierce St. During the quarrel, Drappeaux grabbed a knife and stabbed Adem in the groin area, left forearm and left upper arm, according to court documents. The serious wound in the groin caused Adem to lose a large amount of blood, and had to undergo surgery at Mercy Medical Center-- Sioux City. Police expect the injuries to be non-life-threatening. Drappeaux was arrested on scene and charged with willful injury, a class C felony. Ida building resident Almaz Yohannes said Adem had knocked on her door after the stabbing occurred and asked her to phone 911. Yohannes said she lives below Adem, but that the apartment is usually a quiet place. "Oh, yes, it's definitely (usually quiet)," she said. The incident is under investigation. The Journal's Alex Boisjolie, Ian Richardson and Ty Rushing contributed to this story. STORM LAKE, Iowa | A 43-year-old man is in custody after police say he sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in a vehicle in Storm Lake last year. A Storm Lake Police Department press release said Ricardo Venegas Gonzalez fondled the girl while traveling in the vehicle on Oct. 30, 2016. The department received the allegation on Feb. 9, and Venegas Gonzalez was arrested on Wednesday for a warrant charging him with lascivious acts with a minor, a class C felony. Venegas Gonzalez, of Storm Lake, is booked in the Buena Vista County Jail on $10,000 bond. The Iowa Department of Human Services and the Child Advocacy Center at Mercy Medical Center-- Sioux City assisted with the investigation. SIBLEY, Iowa | A northwest Iowa egg-laying facility is paying a $46,000 penalty and is now court-ordered to comply with state environmental laws, according to an agreement with Attorney General Tom Miller. District Court Judge Carl J. Petersen on Wednesday approved a consent decree in Osceola County District Court that resolves an environmental lawsuit against Sunrise Farms Inc., of Harris, Iowa, according to an Iowa Department of Justice news release. The lawsuit was also filed Wednesday. Sunrise Farms operates facilities in Osceola County. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources traced the source of a large fish kill in Stony Creek near Everly in neighboring Clay County to the Sunrise Farms egg-laying operation in Harris. The DNR determined wastewater from the company had flowed into a tributary of Stony Creek and killed about 163,000 fish over an 18-mile stretch. As part of the consent decree agreement, Sunrise Farms has admitted there is sufficient evidence for the court to find that the company dumped as much as 12 1,500-gallon truckloads of wastewater onto a cornfield, bypassing its wastewater lagoons. The company also admits sufficient evidence for a court to find that it failed to obtain a required construction permit prior to building two confinement buildings at its Sibley operation, the release said. SIOUX CITY AMC Theaters is cutting the brakes on its Carmike Cinema brand of theaters, which includes the Carmike Southern Hills 12 in Sioux City and the Carmike Yankton Mall 5 in Yankton, South Dakota. Sometimes this month, both the Sioux City and Yankton Carmikes will begin operating under the AMC Classic Brand. Changing the names of the theaters names is part of the Leawood, Kansas-based cinema operators effort to streamline its brand. According to a release from AMC, theaters under the AMC Classic moniker are Americas Hometown Theaters, which was Carmikes former tagline, and 200 theaters across the spectrum will adopt the title. These theatres will offer Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which offer than 100 types of soft drinks, menu items such as pretzel bites, nachos and refillable annual popcorn buckets while some locations also will be outfitted with a MacGuffins Bar and Lounge. Additionally, the brand logo for AMC Classic incorporates the folded C graphical element from the legacy Carmike brand logo. AMC plans to honor current Carmike Rewards members points and implement those accounts into it AMC Stubs rewards program. It also will honor existing Carmike gift certificates and pre-purchased tickets. In addition to AMC Classic, AMC will market 400 theaters under the traditional AMC Theatres name while another 60 will operate under the AMC Dine-In Theaters name, which offers a full dine-in restaurant service on-site as well as a seat delivery service. To ensure our guests are clear about the experience they should expect, we will be operating all of our theatres under the AMC brand, said Stephen Colanero, AMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Within that brand, we are communicating three distinct experiences that set clear expectations for our guests. All three of these brands promise the guest that we will give them an AMC experience at the movies. AMC acquired completed its $1.2 billion purchase of Carmike in December. Acquiring the rival operator effectively made AMC the largest movie theater chain the U.S. SIOUX CITY |For 60 years now, the annual Siouxland Home Show has served as the one-stop shop for people looking to build or renovate their homes. This annual showcase to all things home related is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Siouxland, a trade organization that represents 170 area builders and associated industries. With this year marking the diamond anniversary for the Siouxland Home Show, the association partnered with Thorpe and Company of Sioux City to provide an opportunity for one lucky attendee to win a diamond necklace and a set of diamond earrings through a drawing. Nancy Moos, the associations executive officer, said planning for this years show started in August, and there will be 165-170 exhibitors spread across more than 240 booths at the Sioux City Convention Center, 801 Fourth St. The show starts Thursday and goes until Sunday. Moos has been involved with the event since 1984, which was a down year for housing as the metro area and other parts of the Midwest were hit hard by the slumping agricultural economy. Throughout her time with the association, Moos has seen some good times, bad times and average times in the Siouxland housing market, but she is really impressed by the recent boom in housing sales and starts. Sioux City's Planning and Zoning Department issued building permits for 241 housing units in 2016, up nearly 20 percent from the 205 issued in 2015, the previous record. For older dwellings, more than 1,750 homes had been sold in Sioux City last year an increase of 3.4 percent, or 58 homes, from the same point in 2015. From what Moos has gathered from her members, 2017 is poised to be an even bigger year for housing in the metro. In her opinion, that alone provides more than enough incentive for people to visit the home show. Moos said this show gives the public an opportunity to do everything from finding the latest kitchen appliances to meeting with financiers to arrange loans and just about everything in between when it relates to the housing industry. Moos also views the home show as an opportunity for builders and other industry insiders to network among themselves, but also put make a positive impression on potential customers. She noted that sometimes people will come strictly for informational purposes one year, but return at a later date when they are ready to build and often seek out vendors they had a good rapport with. One longtime vendor is Ross Steele, who has been coming to the show for more than a decade. Steele owns Sugar Plum Oak Amish Furniture of Norfolk, Nebraska, which sells Amish made home goods and upholstery from Smith Brothers of Berne, a high-end furniture brand from Indiana. Steele said the volume of people he sees at the home show every year is one of the reasons he keeps coming back and his appearances at this show have helped him develop his brand within the Sioux City market, where he sometimes opens pop-up shops. We do a lot of business in the Sioux City market; thats why we are here, he said. It's not legal here, guys. IDA COUNTY, Iowa | Two men from Colorado were arrested Wednesday for having a Chihuahua's weight in weed in their car. The Ida County Sheriff's Office said that 4.5 pounds of marijuana and 0.25 pounds of cocaine were found inside a car during a traffic stop on Highway 20 Wednesday morning. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies could smell the pot coming from the passenger compartment. The county's K-9, Anou, was deployed and sniffed out the narcotics. Some cash was also seized, the office said. John Wesley Reed, 42, and Michael Christopher Taylor, 33, have been charged with possession and intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and drug tax stamp violations. They also face social media humiliation as the sheriff's office posted pictures of the loot on Facebook next to smiling deputies and Anou. Both of the men are from Aurora, Colorado, where smoking recreational marijuana is legal, but having that much-- probably isn't. Thief cashes in on an ATM... an entire ATM DANBURY, Iowa | Authorities are seeking a man who somehow unbolted an ATM and stole it from a Danbury bank early Tuesday. Woodbury County Sheriff's Deputy A.J. Fundermann said a security camera showed a white male take the machine from the entryway of Valley Bank & Trust at about 1 a.m. The unknown man unbolted the machine, tipped it over onto a small cart and wheeled it outside through the door. An estimated $1,400 in cash was in the machine. Fundermann described the suspect as a white male, under 6 feet tall with a medium build. The man was wearing a hoodie with the hood over his head, and his face was partially covered. The camera couldn't catch, however, what type of vehicle the man drove away in. Fundermann said there are no suspects at this time. Sometimes you've got to wonder - only the other day I saw a headline describing Malmo as the 'rape capital of Europe'. You know, if I was the mayor of Malmo, I'd be looking to fire whoever is in charge of the PR campaign for the tourist industry. Because, you know, I really don't see that as being a selling point - I certainly wouldn't visit Malmo on that basis. And I'm pretty sure that it's not going to do anything to attract female visitors, either. It's hardly up there with 'City of Culture', say, as a slogan. But I shouldn't be making light of accusations, never mind how false they are. The 'capital of rape' nonsense was another example of the fake news peddled by the right with regard to Sweden. The country has always held a fascination for reactionaries, with its image of liberalism, reasonableness and free love. As if all that wasn't bad enough, in recent years the Swedes have also started being nice to refugees, allowing them to settle there. Now, combine that with all that free hardcore pornography right-wingers imagine Sweden is awash with, and what do you get? A tidal wave of porn-fueled rapes committed by gangs of rampantly aroused foreigners.The idea of immigrants, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, being more prone to committing sexual offences has become something of an obsession for the right, with hardly a week going by without some report or other of 'European' (ie, white) women suffering mass assaults at the hands of gangs of immigrants. The fact that none of these have proven to have any foundation in fact is neither here nor there, of course. True or not, they serve their purpose of insidiously reinforcing the negative stereotype of the sex offender immigrant in popular culture. Not that there is anything new in this idea of 'foreigners' somehow being 'better' and more enthusiastic rapists than Europeans - just listen to that song on Peter Wyngard's album 'Golden Throats'. You know, the one called 'Rape', in which he 'amusingly' chronicles the different rape techniques of various ethnicities. But that was the seventies - and now, it seems. And let's not forget all those stories you used to get in the old men's magazines about western women being ravaged by Arab potentates or devious Orientals. Mind you back then, the women put themselves in peril by ill advised travels in foreign climes. Nowadays those bloody foreigners are over paid on benefits, over sexed on rape and over here. Apparently. Labels: Musings From the Mind of Doc Sleaze The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Friday Friday Saturdays His new key role in bringing more Muslims into Congress concerns security experts, because Ellison has made anti-Semitic remarks to Muslim groups and aligned himself with known radical Islamists, and would likely recruit more Islamists with help from terrorist front groups like CAIR. Gaubatz says he expects Ellisons close relationship with CAIR he was a frequent visitor at CAIRs headquarters just three blocks from the Capitol and was treated like an honorary CAIR board member to continue at the DNC. He trusts CAIR's leaders, he said, "and I have no doubt they will have an influence in the selection and grooming of political candidates for office." Known as CAIRs congressman, Ellison has spoken at several CAIR events, including national fundraising dinners held by the group in 2007, 2008 and 2014, when Ellison was Known as CAIRs congressman, Ellison has spoken at several CAIR events, including national fundraising dinners held by the group in 2007, 2008 and 2014, when Ellison was awarded the groups highest honor. CAIR, in turn, helped Ellison raise tens of thousands of dollars for his congressional campaigns. Internal CAIR memos obtained by the bestseller, The FBI has I personally witnessed Ellison fundraising for CAIR, said Gaubatz, who shortly after leaving his job at CAIRs Washington headquarters blew the whistle on a senior CAIR attorney who allegedly defrauded Muslims seeking help with immigration cases out of thousands of dollars.CAIR, in turn, helped Ellison raise tens of thousands of dollars for his congressional campaigns. Internal CAIR memos obtained by the bestseller, Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld Thats Conspiring to Islamize America, also show that CAIR provided Ellison phone sheets from its database of Muslim voters to help get out the vote for him in his Minneapolis district, which includes a growing Somali community that a federal judge recently warned harbors a large "terrorist cell.The FBI has banned CAIR from both national and local outreach activities held by the bureau, pending further investigation into its terrorism ties. In 2010, Ellison was recorded making anti-Semitic remarks at a 2010 fundraiser hosted by a Virginia Muslim who has praised violent jihad against Israel. Ellison was embroiled in controversy soon after he was first elected in 2006, when he insisted on taking the oath of office with his hand on a copy of the Quran. Ellisons office did not respond to requests for comment. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), the new deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and the first Muslim elected to Congress, has a plan to recruit additional Muslim lawmakers like him -- including possible candidates sponsored by a terror-tied Islamist group for which he helped raise millions of dollars, according to a source who once prayed alongside him in the basement of the Capitol.Ellison has held, or jummah, prayers with other Muslims, including staffers from the Congressional Muslim Staff Association and officials from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in a prayer room, or musallah, in the lower level of the Capitol building.CAIR has been declared a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates and was named by federal prosecutors as an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas terrorist-funding operation.A former CAIR intern who prayed with Ellison says Ellison once boasted that his breaking of the Muslim barrier on the Hill would usher in dozens of other Muslim lawmakers like him, and that he had an election-by-election vision for increasing their ranks.In the summer of 2008, I was working as an intern at CAIR, Chris Gaubatz recalled in an exclusive interview with FrontPageMagazine.com . During aprayer at the Capitol Building, Ellison was talking about the second Muslim congressman being elected (Andre Carson) and said, Inshaallah (Allah willing), next election we will have four Muslim congressman, and inshaallah, after that eight, and inshaallah, after that 16. He said he also envisioned a Congressional Muslim Caucus that would rival the Black Caucus in size and influence, and push for Muslim-friendly public policies, such as gutting the Patriot Act, criminalizing the profiling of Muslims in terrorism investigations, and preventing the surveillance of mosques.Ellisons vision did not play out, as Democrats lost control of Congress to Republicans.But atDNC elections, Tom Perez, who edged out Ellison as chairman of the committee, broke with party rules and named Ellison deputy chairman, creating a new position at the DNC. The DNC leadership controls spending priorities, organization and messaging for Democrats, as well as influences the recruitment and training of candidates.We have to recruit the right kind of candidates, Ellison asserted in a recent DNC candidate forum.CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad and intern Chris Gaubatz in 2008 (Courtesy Paul Sperry). The first annual LGBTQ Dynamics in the Workplace certification workshop was held Tuesday, Jan. 31, at JM Lexus in Coconut Creek. Part of the "Diversity in Action" series of the GLBX* Board, the training was presented by Equality Florida. The training was in response to the needs of an increasing number of businesses, small and large, that want to know what they can do in order to be fully welcoming and inclusive to all members of the LGBT community, whether employees, potential staff, or clients. Equality Florida's Transgender Inclusion Director, Gina Duncan, a renowned international and national corporate trainer, and her colleague, Mark Puskarich, Equality Florida's "Equality Means Business" Coordinator were the main presenters for the training. Sponsor JM Lexus graciously hosted, providing not only the excellent training facilities, but a hearty cooked breakfast, as well. Additional sponsors for the training were Memorial Healthcare System and The Eppy Group. Highlights of the training included learning to understand the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, which can get quite complicated at times! Fortunately, Gina, who transitioned from male to female on the job at Wells Fargo where she was a regional manager, shared from her personal story without flinching or shying away from some of the sensitive topics, such as family acceptance, and the so-called "bathroom issue," which it turns out is a non-issue, after all. Gina also provided guidance on proper methods of communicating with someone regarding their orientation, gender identity or expression (the safest bet? Politely ask!) Mark Puskarich spoke on the benefit of a diverse workplace where staff can be their authentic selves; how businesses are leading the way in Florida, and specific requirements for employers in Broward County where for decades we have had one of the most progressive Human Rights Ordinances. This certification workshop was a big hit among attendees, with one saying, "I went into this seminar thinking it would be information I knew-quite the opposite. It was three hours of new information about processes and issues I needed to know and did not. I left the workshop educated with information I can immediately use in my business. The openness of the instructor made ALL the difference!" With feedback like that, it won't be long before another workshop is planned. Attendees were provided with The Transgender Resource Guide (also available online: eqfl.org/transactionfl), as well as membership in "Another Business For Equality," a pro-equality online business registry. For more information on workshops and trainings on LGBTQ workplace issues, contact Gina Duncan at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Note that the opinions expressed above are those of the authors, and not necessarily reflective of the GLBX or the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. You can follow the GLBX on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fortlauderdaleglbx/ or you can contact the GLBX Council Chair, Andy Perrott at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain more information on how to become a member. *GLBX is a Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09 Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in... With Seattle at the forefront of the resistance to Trumps travel ban, Ali and Laila Ghambaris first cafe explicitly featuring flavors and traditions of their Persian heritage seems a well-timed rebuke to the President. In fact, its a coincidence. Opening day comes at the end of a two-year road for Cherry Street Public House, a bigger, more elaborate branch of their coffee chain, Cherry Street Coffee House. Two decades after Ali Ghambari opened his first coffee shop, he and his daughter are opening this all-day cafe and restaurant, serving high-quality coffee, and Persian-inspired breakfast, lunch, and, soon, dinner from the center of Seattles Pioneer Square. The cafe anchors the new Weyerhaeuser building and fronts onto Occidental Park. Its my vision, made possible by my father, says Laila Ghambari, of how Cherry Street Public House evolved. The space came to them through Ali Ghambaris partner in Cherry Street Coffee House, Greg Smith, who developed the building. Laila Ghambari, a 2014 US Barista Champion who previously had worked for Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Caffe Ladro, took over as director of coffee for Cherry Street Coffee House and upgraded their coffee program in 2014. When this space showed up as an opportunity, Cherry Street already had coffee shops two blocks away in two directions: she knew this was their chance to fulfill a dream by doing something new. My dad always wanted to serve Persian food, Laila Ghambari says. Even at the coffee shops, serving freshly made food was always a priority for Cherry Street, but it was prepared by their baristas. Here, she could build-out a first-rate coffee shop, as well as a full restaurant kitchen with dedicated chefs. The high-ceilinged, cool-colored space is long and narrow, with big windows running the length of the cafe. The blue and white tiled coffee counter, brewing Counter Culture Coffee on a La Marzocco Strada AV and Marco SP9s, faces the main door at the north end. To the left is a small coffee shop area: small tables for a quick seat. The counter stretches out to the right, transitioning into an open kitchen with bar seating in front of round marble-top tables, set up for more of a real meal. At the far end, up a few steps, the laptop bar looks over the rest of the roomperfect for settling in to do some work. At the coffee counter, patrons will find a noticeable absence from the usual set up: theres no condiment bar. Why would we give you coffee not served as you want it? Laila Ghambari asks. Instead, each style of coffee is listed on the menu and brewed with a bean that fits the desired flavora single-origin Burundi for black, for example, and a custom-blend for cups with cream and sugar. In addition to the espresso and coffee options, theyll serve drinking vinegars, and have both kombucha and nitro cold brew on tap. While the direction of the coffee menu came from Laila Ghambaris deep expertise and research, that of the food menu comes from the heart. There arent many Iranian restaurants in Seattle, she explains, and the local Persian community missed the flavors of home. Her dad wanted to serve his people the tastes they love. At breakfast, avocado toast shares the menu with a waffle topped with tahini butter and pistachios, the breakfast sandwich comes with pickled fennel, and theres a scone served with maitake mushroom gravy. Lunch features khoreshesPersian stewsserved over saffron rice; the vegetarian version features butternut squash, pomegranate, and walnuts. Theyre hearty, filling, and a good lunch, Laila Ghambari says, excited to introduce them to people less familiar with the cuisine. Persian flavors sneak into other parts of the cafe as well, like in pomegranate-infused drinks and the chai made with a Persian spice mix. Its a departure from the sandwiches and salads menu their previous shops servewhich were so devoid of signs of the Ghambaris Persian heritage that when someone on Twitter announced he would boycott Starbucks for hiring immigrants, he suggested people Drink Cherry Street coffee instead. Laila Ghambari laughed at the irony, but also points out that while there hasnt been Persian food in the shops, theyve long been a part of the local Persian community, with Ali Ghambari having been a founder of the local Iranian American Community Alliance and its annual Iranian Festival. We dont need to stand up or give a statement, says Laila Ghambari about their feelings regarding Trump and his travel ban. We fight every day. As pillars in the local community, people call them when translators are needed at the airport or elsewhere. And they plan to continue to do sonow with Persian flavors on the menu. We make an impact by continuing to serve the community. By which she means us all. Naomi Tomky (@gastrognome) is an award-winning freelance writing for The Stranger, Saveur, Lucky Peach, Tasting Table and more. Read more Naomi Tomky on Sprudge. Representatives from the Lakeshore Horse Racing Association spoke on Wednesday at a meeting of the Essex County Council. According to the Windsor Star, LHRA President Mark Williams requested that councillors pen a letter of support for the track in light of concerns for the future of live harness racing in Southwestern Ontario. We want to make sure (provincial government representatives) know that we have the support here and there will be some backlash if they intend to move ahead and just unilaterally cut us out, said Williams. While Williams noted that LHRA has a contract for the next two years to race at Leamington, a model pitched last year would have taken race dates and funding away from tracks like Dresden, Hiawatha and Leamington. According to Williams, Leamington had the third highest on-track handle in Ontario and that success translates to local jobs and investments. The Mayor of Tecumseh, Gary McNamara noted that county councillors are fully aware of the importance of these jobs within the industry and the region. Its critically important that rural Ontario stays sustainable, McNamara said. (We must) maintain and support the jobs that are available. An update from the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association indicates progress with a gaming bill that would provide expanded gaming at the state's racetracks. That update from the IHHA is posted below. The Illinois Senate on Tuesday advanced SB7, the much-anticipated big gaming bill, which would allow slots at the racetracks. Originally this bill was problematic for us because of our loss of Maywood and Balmoral but we were able to add successor language which would allow for new racinos to be built. The Senate voted 31-26 in favour of the bill, providing one more vote than the 30 votes necessary for passage. The bill now goes over to the House chamber, where we are anticipating many more changes, a few of those that we will be seeking ourselves. Then it must return to the Senate for concurrence and then ultimately the Governor must agree. Regarding the horse racing piece of the bill, it is very similar to the ones that we passed years ago. It still includes the agreed-upon percentage of the slots revenue earmarked for purses, the elimination of recapture and the guarantee of live racing opportunities. We should also keep in mind that this bill is part of the grand bargain which includes 13 other bills that need to be passed as well. Legislators are calling it an all or nothing deal. So the hurdles still exist. Its not as simple as going out and getting the votes for passage. That is certainly part of it, but not the end all. We are encouraged by this development but history has taught us not to get ahead of ourselves. We will continue to do everything in our power to try and advance this crucial piece of legislation. We will keep everyone informed as this continues to untangle. But hold onto your hats, the next three months should be a roller coaster. (with files from IHHA) Pacing mare Bedroomconfessions is the dominant force in Yonkers Raceways Filly and Mare Open Handicap in the early stages of the 2017 racing season. After finishing second in her first start of the year February 3, she has strung together back-to-back victories in the distaff feature for trainer and co-owner Tony Alagna and co-owners Myron & Stephanie Bell of Riverview Racing, LLC. With $61,250 in the bank this year, she leads all distaffers in purse money earned two months into the year. Shes a beautiful, beautiful mare, Myron Bell admired. We really enjoy racing her. Despite Bedroomconfessions early-season success, its unusual for Bell to race a mare this late into her career. Now a five-year-old, Bedroomconfessions was nearly retired to be bred to two-time Pacer of the Year Captaintreacherous, who Bell stands at Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania. Bedroomconfessions was supposed to be bred to Captaintreacherous this year, but we wanted to race her this winter to see if she improved as a five-year-old, Bell said. This is the first time weve raced a mare this long in a long time, but Id be foolish not to because when you have a mare thats good - shes good enough to be on the board all the time - thats important. Bedroomconfessions is a homebred for Bell by American Ideal. Bell purchased her dam Turnoffthelights as a yearling for $20,000 at the urging of his wife, Stephanie. She picked out Turnoffthelights. She knows I like the family, Bell explained, referencing a long line of champions including La Paloma and Her Ladyship. I have great respect for the family. I knew she wasnt going to be a star on the racetrack, but I like the blood and then I bred her to American Ideal, so thats how that came about. In her three years of racing thus far, Bedroomconfessions has established herself as one of the most consistent mares in the sport. Her 13 victories include a division of the Bluegrass at the Red Mile in 2015 and she rarely misses the board in stakes company. Overall, Bedroomconfessions has finished in the money in 32 of her 56 races, good for $770,420. Being a homebred has made the ride with Bedroomconfessions all the more special. When you buy a yearling or you breed a yearling and you race them at two and three in the major stakes races, its a pleasure. Shes been a good mare for us for years now, Bell admired. Breeding your own horse and they turn out as well as they do, were very proud of her, very proud of her. Despite her impressive resume, Bedroomconfessions scarcely visited the hilltop oval at Yonkers at ages two and three. She made her first local appearance in 2015 when she finished third in the Lismore Pace before winning a division of the New York Sire Stakes and finishing off the board in the Sire Stakes Final later in the same year. Since December, Bedroomconfessions has racked up two wins and three seconds at Yonkers in six starts as she chases the lucrative purse money and prepares for the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, which begins Friday, March 17 and is Bedroomconfessions first major engagement of the season. We just staked her for every event this year, Bell said. Well try to space her races; we wont race her every week, naturally. But in the Blue Chip, you get 25 points every time you show up, so you almost have to show up unless you win every week to get enough points to get in the final. I will race her, but not over race her. This Friday (March 3), Bedroomconfessions and driver Scott Zeron will start from post position eight as the 5-2 morning line second choice after taking last week off. While he is hopeful, Bell is being realistic about his chances from the far outside, which produces winners at just two percent. We gave her last week off because we knew she was going to draw the outside anyway. Were trying to keep her fresh going into the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, Bell explained. Were handicapped with the eight hole and the eight hole is not to our liking. I have no illusions that shes going to win from the eight hole. If she races well and stays sharp, Im happy. Mach It A Par, winner of last weeks Filly and Mare Open Handicap, will start directly to Bedroomconfessions inside in Fridays $50,000 feature as the races 2-1 morning line choice. Ron Burkes Tessa Seelster landed the favourable post four and is 6-1 on the morning line. Last weeks runner-up, Mackenzie A, starts from post six and is 7-1. Arielle Lynn, Lispatty, Shesjustadelight N, and Apple Bottom Jeans complete the field. First post time is 7:10 p.m. For Friday's entries, click the following link: Friday Entries - Yonkers Raceway. (with files from SOA of NY) Post Time with Mike and Mike presented by BetAmerica is proud to announce the guest line up for its Thursday, March 2 show at 1 p.m. Mike and Mike will have a special feature focusing on this past week's USHWA Awards and USTA Elections. The segment will condense the highlights of the happenings in Las Vegas in a five=minute production package. The Daily Racing Form's Derick Giwner will join the program. Giwner was among the first to get a reaction from newly elected USTA President Russell Williams. Giwner will also give his thoughts on the meetings in Las Vegas. TVG Award winning analyst Tom Cassidy will join the show as well. Cassidy won an HHI Award for his media contributions to the industry. Cassidy will talk about his career in the business and his role at TVG. There is another expanded gaming bill in Illinois and IHHA Executive Director Tony Somone will join the program to talk about the bill's possible passage and what it could mean to the future of Illinois harness racing. Also, the ongoing series on Pompano Park continues. The track's Director of Race Track Operations Gabe Prewitt will join the program to talk about the latest happenings at the Winter Capital of Harness Racing. Post Time with Mike and Mike presented by BetAmerica can be heard live on its website at posttimewithmikeandmike.com or on the archive at betamerica.com/BARN. (with files from Post Time With Mike And Mike) More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works. Seventy years ago, on the day Wenceslaus and Denicia Billiot got married, their wedding party danced along a road that ran from one end of Isle de Jean Charles to the other. Today, that road is nearly gone. Isle de Jean Charles, located 80 miles from New Orleans, has been sinking slowly. Since 1955, it has lost 98% of its land mass to rising sea levels, devastating hurricanes, and the construction of oil and gas canals along the marsh. The latest research shows that, if the current rate of global warming continues, sea levels have the potential to rise more than three feet by the end of this century. That would certainly mean the end of Isle de Jean Charles. Today, only half a square mile of land remains above water. Recognizing the danger, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $48 million to the state of Louisiana in 2016 to relocate the community to higher ground, off the island -- making the residents of Isle de Jean Charles the country's first-ever climate refugees. The island's residents have had mixed reactions to the grant. Most of them are members of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Native American tribes or United Houma Nation, which can trace their settlement on the island back to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Many have lived on the island their whole lives. In the 1950s, there were around 80 families living in Isle de Jean Charles. Now, there are only 30 left. The 30 families are still on the island, waiting out the long process of resettling the entire community. The deadline for spending the federal funds is set for September 2022, and the state is hoping to resettle the community by then. The Billiots, the oldest living residents of the island, have lived there their whole lives. Wenceslaus Billiot remembers a time when the island stretched out for miles, as far as the eye can see. "Now?" He says. "We look back and forth, nothing but water." He and his wife are torn about the idea of relocation. They've had four generations of children and great-great grandchildren since their wedding day in 1947. "We were born and raised over here. So that's why we're gonna stay over here as long as we can," Billiot says. But there are dangers to living on an island cut off from the rest of the world. Last year, the 90-year-old Billiot fell and hit his head, and the nearest hospital was more than half an hour away. Billiot has no intention of leaving this world early. He is 90 years old and plans to live until 105. He may outlive the island. Zach Wasser and Janelle Gonzalez contributed to this video. Rolls-Royce Motors has unveiled a one off vehicle, thats lighter and smaller than any car the marque has produced in the past. Its called the Rolls-Royce SRH and its electric. Well yes, because Rolls-Royce has unveiled is a kids size version of its bigger, luxurious behemoths and it even comes with its own Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament! This child-size car has been designed and crafted for one special customer and that happens to be the children at St Richards Hospital Pediatric Day Surgery Unit. And that is where it gets its model name as well. The brightly coloured car has a purpose, and this is to lighten up the minds and reduce child patient stress. This is because the car has been built to entertain children awaiting surgery. The children will be allowed to drive the car themselves all the way to the operating theatre through the Pediatric Unit corridors, which are lined with traffic signs. "We are a proud member of the community here in West Sussex. The Pediatric Unit at St Richards Hospital, Chichester does such vital work in providing essential care to young people and their families, said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We hope that the RollsRoyce SRH will serve to make the experience for young people during treatment a little less stressful." The car was eventually handed over to the patients, and the team at St Richards Hospital. At the unveiling, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars welcomed two test drivers from the Pediatric Unit at St Richards Hospital, Molly Matthews and Hari Rajyaguru, to the Home of Rolls-Royce. Both children were given the same Rolls-Royce VIP treatment given to its usual customers. Kid-sized cars derived from their bigger real-world counterparts are a common thing these days (McLaren did something similar). But the SRH is a one off. Only one has been produced and that too by the Bespoke Manufacturing team. It also indicates how well Rolls-Royce understands its customers requirements. The Rolls-Royce SRH comes with a two-tone steering wheel and seats that have gotten the same amount of detail like its bigger cars. The top speed is 10mph and the car is powered by a 24 volt gel battery, which propels the car without any noise. Theres a speed setting that limits the speed to 4mph for those who prefer something less thrilling. Oh yes. If you were wondering, it took the Bespoke Manufacturing team over 400 hours of their own time to develop and hand-craft this special Rolls-Royce. hidden The strengthening of cyber capabilities is an important part of China's military modernisation, the government said on Wednesday, warning that the internet should not become "a new battlefield". China, home to the largest number of internet users, has long called for greater cooperation among nations in developing and governing the internet, while reiterating the need to respect "cyber sovereignty". But Beijing, which operates the world's most sophisticated online censorship mechanism known elsewhere as the "Great Firewall", has also signalled that it wants to rectify "imbalances" in the way standards across cyberspace are set. "The building of national defence cyberspace capabilities is an important part of China's military modernisation," the Foreign Ministry and the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's internet regulator, said in a strategy for global online cooperation on the ministry's website. China will help in the military's important role in "safeguarding national cyberspace sovereignty, security and development interests" and "hasten the building of cyberspace capabilities", the strategy said, but also called on countries to "guard against cyberspace becoming a new battlefield". Countries should not engage in internet activities that harm nations' security, interfere in their internal affairs, and "should not engage in cyber hegemony". The United States has accused China's government and military of cyber attacks against U.S. government computer systems. Beijing denies those claims and also says it is a victim of hacking. While China's influence in global technology has grown, its ruling Communist Party led by President Xi Jinping has presided over broader and more vigorous efforts to control and censor the flow of information online. The "Great Firewall" blocks many social media services, such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and Google, along with many rights groups sites and some foreign media agencies. Beijing also adopted a controversial cybersecurity law last year that overseas critics say could shut foreign businesses out of various sectors in China. Chinese officials say the country's internet is thriving and that controls are needed for security and stability. Reuters IANS Chinese smartphone maker Coolpad's flagship device Cool S1 will be available in India in May. According to company sources, Cool S1 will arrive in India in the second quarter this year. Coolpad showcased the device at the just-concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. Launched in December in China last year, Cool S1 concentrates on music and game and targets the youth. The device is fitted with Harman Kardon's tone tuning technology. During the MWC, Harman Kardon officially rewarded Coolpad the authentication certificate on high-quality sound, which is the first certificate ever that Harman has issued to a smartphone brand. The "Clari-Fi" technology in Cool S1 revives the compressed MP3 and WMV files better. The phone comes with a 5.50-inch touchscreen display and is powered by 2.35GHz quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor with 4GB RAM. The phone packs 32GB internal storage that cannot be expanded. Coolpad Cool S1 packs a 16MP primary camera and a 8MP front shooter. Cool S1 runs Android 6.0 and is powered by a 4,070mAh non removable battery that guarantees four hours 3D mobile games playing. hidden In its efforts to curb fake news and violence-encouraging posts, Facebook has shut the official page of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah Party, a media report said. According to Munir Jaghoub, spokesman of Fatah's Mobilisation and Organisation commissariat, Facebook closed the account because of an historic photo of former Palestine president Yasser Arafat grasping a rifle, while standing alongside Fatah Vice Chairman Mahmoud al-Aloul, The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday. "Facebook closed the account and then sent us a message of that photo," Jaghoub was quoted as saying. He added that Facebook had sent three warning messages with attachments of other photos over the past several months. If Jaghoub is to be believed, the photo of Arafat and the other material published on the Fatah account did not constitute incitement. A review of the Fatah account's history shows that it has published a number of posts and pictures that glorify violent acts against Israelis, the report noted. On August 2 last year, Fatah posted a page bragging about the alleged number of Israelis Fatah has killed. "To those who argue, to the ignorant, and to those who do not know history...Fatah has killed 11,000 Israelis," the post read. Jaghoub also said that Facebook has blocked the pages of the account's 12 administrators for 30 days. Facebook deleted a second official Fatah account that had garnered 200,000 followers, 18 months ago. The deletion of the Fatah account comes as Facebook is undertaking a number of steps to crackdown on incitement. In November, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced new steps to counter fake news on the platform. "We take misinformation seriously. We know people want accurate information. We've been working on this problem for a long time and we take this responsibility seriously," the Facebook CEO had said. Last year in June, Israeli cabinministers requested Facebook to delete inciting posts against the country as part of its struggle to quell a Palestinian uprising. Facebook said there was no place for content encouraging violence, direct threats, terror or hatred on its platform. Reuters PTI The government has asked all banks to provide mobile banking facility to all customers by March 31 in a bid to push digital transactions. "What we have asked the banks to do is to enable all customers who have mobiles for mobile banking... We are asking banks to run a nationwide campaign up to March 31 to ensure that every customer who has a mobile phone is enabled for mobile banking," Electronics and IT Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters here. She added this is part of the government's efforts to boost the digital payment system. "The reason is earlier mobile banking wasn't such a priority. And therefore, many customers may not have said they want mobile banking services. But today, they want it... This is to ensure that whoever wants to do mobile banking but has not been enabled, should be enabled by March 31," she said. Sundararajan said customers who are using UPI or BHIM app should automatically be enabled for mobile banking. "We have said that any customer who accesses UPI or BHIM they should automatically be enabled for mobile banking because it means they want mobile banking," she said, adding the banks have been asked to enable this. The government has been aggressively pushing payments through digital platforms, especially after announcing its demonetisation exercise on November 8. PTI The Railways will soon move towards Aadhaar-based online ticketing system to prevent touts from blocking a bulk of tickets, end fraudulent bookings and curb cases of impersonation. Aadhaar number has been made mandatory for senior citizens to avail concessions in train tickets from April 1. A three-month trial run for this is going on. As per the new business plan 2017-18, unveiled by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today, besides the Aadhaar-based ticketing system, the Railways will move towards cashless ticketing system by installing 6,000 point-of-sale machines and 1,000 automatic ticket vending machines across the country. An integrated ticketing app will also be launched by May to promote cashless transaction. Aadhaar number will be required for one-time registration at the IRCTC ticketing site. The step is aimed at eliminating touts from registering with fake identities, a senior Railway Ministry official said, adding the Railways is preparing a software for the purpose. Despite taking several steps, touts corner a bulk of tickets and sell those at much higher prices and this is becoming a serious problem for the Railways. The new business plan also envisages launching of new tourist trains connecting hill stations and enhancing passenger comfort and providing pleasurable journey experience through improving amenities and catering service. Sheldon Pinto With all the major events covered a day before and on the first day, the Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC) in Barcelona has come to an end. While Samsung steered clear and revealed very little about its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S8, Sony and LG became favourites on the floor for a variety of reasons. There were a few revivals as well. BlackBerry announced its KeyOne, a smartphone that could be its best BlackBerry to date, and Nokia literally rose from the dead and even brought back something from the past in the form of the 3310. So lets take a look at the highlights at this year's MWC. BlackBerry BlackBerry literally kicked off the MWC a day before the event started with TCL introducing the BlackBerry KeyOne. Codenamed the 'Mercury', the smartphone was first showcased at CES 2017. The official KeyOne model name was then set in stone and announced at the MWC. And with that announcement also came the official specifications of the device. The KeyOne features a 4.5-inch display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 with 3GB RAM and comes with a 12MP rear shooter along with an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies. Also announced was the price tag at 599 EUR (roughly Rs 42,000) which for some reason seemed a bit more considering that buyers will get a smaller display, an under-powered chipset (for a flagship). But hey, it looks good, and that capacitive physical QWERTY keypad that now comes with a fingerprint reader built into the space key, should keep owners and fans happy. LG G6 LG announced its much awaited G6 flagship smartphone. The device features a 5.7-inch QHD FullVision display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821, dual cameras and an IP68 rating. While fans would be happy that LG stuck to the basics and seems to have delivered a straightforward flagship smartphone sans the modular mess, there are others who thought that it just wasn't impressive. This is in part, thanks to the rumour mill. We have been hearing one too many rumours about the Samsung Galaxy S8 and upcoming iPhone for a while now. With so many new features expected in these premium flagships, LG's G6 smartphone although sturdy, spartan and reliable may lose consumer interest when it is launched a few months later. Huawei Huawei at the MWC this year announced its successor to the Leica-branded P9, called the P10. Also announced was a P10 Plus model that could do a bit more and came with top-of-the-line specifications like 6GB RAM and a wider f/1.8 aperture lens. Huawei indeed seemed brave to fight off Qualcomm and introduce its new flagship once again using its own HiSilicon Kirin 960 chipset. While the company did not confirm, we also expect Amazon Alexa integration, but for certain markets. The design is nothing new although Huawei focussed a bit too much on its colour choices. What will be interesting to see is how the OIS on the back performs when it comes to imaging. Nokia HMD Global did revive the Nokia brand by announcing 3 mobile phones: the Nokia 3, the Nokia 5 and a global edition of Nokia 6. But everyone's attention was on the revived 3310 feature phone. The Nokia 3310 came with the basic specification an had everyone's attention thanks to the nostalgia factor. While many were excited about playing Snake on the an older-looking 3310, the enthusiasm died out pretty quickly since the device was indeed a dumbphone with just 2G bands and was only headed to emerging markets. Indeed, there is market for feature phones even today in India. But with the Nokia 3310 priced at 49 EUR (roughly Rs 3,500) it's easy to say that many would not be interested since many smartphones, with Android sell in a similar price bracket. Adding on the nostalgia factor, Nokia also announced a Snake game on Facebook Messenger. ZTE ZTE played rather quiet and announced the world's first Gigabit capable smartphone, that was capable of download speeds reaching up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) up to 10 times faster than the first generation of 4G services widely in use today. The sad reality was that the device was not for the consumer, but just a concept to give consumers an idea about a 5G future. The device allows for 360-degree panoramic Virtual Reality video and fast downloads of ultra Hi-Fi music and videos. But with 5G still far away, we can expect the first large-scale commercial deployment of the technology to happen only by 2020. Sony Sony indeed had a slew of products to be showcased at their stand at the MWC. From projectors to headphones, the highlight of the Sony launch was indeed the Xperia XZ Premium. Sony showcased what is claimed to be the world's first smartphone with a 4K HDR display. The product would complete the circle for Sony that is looking to offer end to end 4K solutions to its customers. It also happened to be the only smartphone at the MWC ("courage") with a Snapdragon 835 inside. Qualcomm was present at the Sony stand and was proud to announce its Gigabit capabilities that will work well for both 4K content streaming (thanks to Amazon Prime) and 4K video uploads as well. Another highlight was Sony's new Motion-Eye camera with 960 fps super-slow motion recording and Predictive Capture. Then again the was that the smartphone would not arrive until after summer. But it still has a lot more going for it than the G6 when the Samsung Galaxy S8 arrives by the end of this month. Gionee Gionee carried on with the selfie trend. The Chinese smartphone maker announced the launch of two smartphones from its new flagship A series. The smartphones features standard run of the mill hardware with the usual massive batteries that are popular among its Chinese customers. The A1 Plus was the more interesting one of the two with a 20MP selfie camera and a dual camera (13MP + 5MP) camera set up on the back. The smartphone will be powered using a massive 4,550 mAh battery while running on MediaTek Helio P25. While this year's Mobile World Congress was not as star-studded as the previous one with many manufacturers like HTC and Samsung dropping out, the theme was pretty clear. The smartphone spec race at least for 2017 seems to have taken a breather with manufacturers focussing on nostalgia, design, construction and function over performance. Complete coverage of the Mobile World Congress 2017 can be found here. What is your reaction on the budget for Consumer Durables products? We view this budget as reformist that gives a clear road map for the future course of economic growth in the country. The budget focus on fundamental reforms by giving outlays for farmer incomes, rural upliftment and relaxing income tax will spur the demand for white goods up to the grassroots level. These steps will further give an impetus to consumer demand and act as a catalyst in accelerating and expanding the economy. Could you please tell us all range of Consumer Durables products? Intex has a wide range of Consumer Durables products. Just recently, in Nov 2016 the company forayed into Refrigerators segment with Direct Cooling models and the fully automatic Washing Machine models. With this, Intex has also roped in Bollywood legend Madhuri Dixit as brand ambassador for refrigerators and new range of washing machines. In the LED TV segment, Intex launched the Smart LED TV range starting from 32-inch to 55-inch UHD/4K TV and also expanded the Big LED TV range with 58-inch and 65-inch models. In the IT Peripherals segment, Intex launched its Fake Notes Detector cum Currency Counting Machine and new range of speakers and headphones. Intex has 70+ models in speaker portfolio. Intex had earlier in July 2016 introduced Tablet iBuddy, which has been well received in market. Other Highlights include: In September & October16 together Intex sold 150,000 LED TVs and in FY 16-17 will sell around 700,000 LED TV units viz-a-viz 400K in 2015-16. In IT Peripherals, Intex sold 400,000 power banks in Sept & Oct16. This is in line with the company strategy of extracting a large chunk of its revenues from CDIT in the coming years. In September 2016 itself, Intex also announced the appointment of cricketer and Gujarat Lions captain Suresh Raina as its brand ambassador for the new range of Speakers segment Intex also launched environment and health friendly Air-Purifiers named Good Air Introduced Currency Counting Machine for precise tallying of the money in banks, schools, colleges, hospitals and business organizations In 2017, Intex will be launching Air-Conditioners, both Window and Split Models. It will also be coming up with Frost-Free refrigerators. What are your expansion plans? We have gained a lot of momentum in the last few years and would like to continue this upward trajectory in future as well. For FY 2017-18 and further on we will lay special emphasis on the CDIT business in order to increase our revenue share from 15% currently to 25% by 2018 and up to 50% in the long-term towards companys revenue. We are focused on innovation and affordability in terms of all our products, coupled with competitive prices and a strong offline-online distribution & after-sales service model. Could you please tell us about challenges in Consumer Durables Department? India is a geographically diverse country and to reach consumers across the length and breadth of the country a big distribution network is required. Consumers are price sensitive, spoilt for choice and demand a continuous engagement program. To overcome such challenges, Intex has developed a wide network of 1500 distributors, 80000+ dealers and 75 branded stores Intex Smart World covering 63 cities. We pay complete attention to offering better quality at competitive prices. Also, after sales service is very important for us, hence we have 1500 service touch points to serve our consumers across different regions. What is Intex doing differently to increase its market share in India? Since last year in 2016, Intex with a renewed focus on consumer durables has been continuously enhancing its product portfolio by foraying into Refrigerators segment with Direct Cooling models, fully automatic Washing Machine models and air-purifiers. We have also been in the tablets and LED monitors segment and have recently introduced our currency counting machines. After sales service is something very important for us hence we have 1500 service touch points to serve our consumers across the regions. With new technologies and innovations, consumers are also demanding better features to enhance their experience and productivity. Considering the ever changing market trends, Intex has been offering best in class products to consumers. Would you please reflect upon your R&D work? Intex as a brand is focused on indigenous product development and delivery. We have R&D centers in India and China. We also have various vendors on board who provide services on the basis of pre-approved designs by the company. We have 5 manufacturing plants in India, which are located in Jammu, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh). The company is coming up with its 6th and the largest manufacturing plant at Kasna, Greater Noida, spread over 20-acre land. Your message to Consumers. Brand Intex is all about fulfilling aspirations, offering consumers the best of design & technology at very competitive pricing. We make sure that we give our customers special schemes to motivate and sustain their performance. Also, we provide experience with the expertise of in-shop demonstrators, detailing each and every product specification and selling our products with the help of our partners. This gives us an edge among consumers and we wish this relationship to only strengthen with time. @Technuter.com News Service Local TV news is often full of entertaining moments and mishaps, from a 14-way box on Atlantas snowmageddon to the L.A. anchor who crashed riding an electric scooter, but this one from reporter Jobeth Devera of Hawaiian stations KGMB and KHNL (CBS and NBC affiliates respectively) is something else. On Tuesday, Devera was walking near a bunch of cows and filming a piece on the push to legalize the sale of raw milk in Hawaii. While she was talking, one cow stuck out its tongue, and did something you dont usually see on the news: Devaras reaction is great, too, especially considering that this was a filmed segment rather than a live one (as evidenced by her #thankgotwewerentlive hashtag). Kudos to her for deciding to share it anyway, and smartly using this post to promote her actual on-TV story. Its a funny moment, and it shows some of the challenges of doing a segment with animals in the shot. Thats something for other reporters to perhaps be wary of in the future. [AdWeek] Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson is just a man of the people. He puts his pants on one leg at a time, and he just wants some good tacos. This was proven true Tuesday. Lawson posted on Snapchat asking for suggestions for a place that sells tacos. Based on the Kings injury report released Wednesday, Lawson might have gotten some bad advice. He was listed as questionable with Gastroenteritis. Heres what that scientific term means. The official definition of gastroenteritis is An intestinal infection marked by diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. as stated by WebMD. Just in case you wondering what these tacos were all about. Thus far, connecting these two instances is pure speculation. We havent heard from Lawson or the Kings yet in regard to the ailment. But the tacos do look good, even if they do cause intestinal problems. I dont blame you for eating those, Ty. The Kings can miss you for one game as long as you enjoyed your tacos. [SB Nation] EU threatens fines for failing to take in refugees Refugees on the Hungarian-Serbian border. AFP, Brussels : The EU on Thursday stepped up warnings that countries could be punished if they fail to share the burden of mainly Syrian refugees stranded in Greece and Italy. Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said member states had until September to take in 160,000 Syrian and other refugees from the two countries, which have been on the frontline of the migration crisis. So far only 13,500 have been relocated in a process bogged down by general inertia and resistance from Eastern European states which oppose Muslim immigration. "If we don't have tangible efforts by September... the commission will not hesitate to make use of its power," Avramopoulos, who is Greece's EU commissioner, told a news conference. The EU has been trying to convince members states "to do their duty," he said. "But if it is not the case in the future, infringements might be an option," he said. As the executive branch of the 28-nation EU, the European Commission is able to launch "infringement proceedings" to impose fines on member state that break the bloc's rules. Countries like Hungary and Slovakia have proposed paying "solidarity" contributions instead of actually taking in any migrants. But others such as France and Germany insist that no country can shirk its duty to admit a minimum number of refugees under the plan, which was pushed through in September 2015. The EU launched the scheme to deal with the biggest wave of refugees in its history, with more than 1.1 million arriving in 2015, most of them fleeing the conflict in Syria. In February, EU vice president Frans Timmermans said the Commission was for the first time considering penalties for states that break the rules. The Oscar love curse Life Desk : The most coveted awards on this planet, Oscars come and go but one thing that refuses to die down is a strange curse attached to the Academy Awards - the Oscar love curse, yes you read that right! It is a superstition which is talked about every year. According to the Oscar love curse, the woman who wins the Academy Award for Best Actress has her boyfriend or husband cheat on her or divorce her soon after. According to the legend, the curse also applies to the woman who wins the Best Supporting Actress. So much has been spoken and written about the curse that two professors of University of Michigan's Ross Business School - Michael Jensen and Heeyon Kim undertook a research paper on the same. Called 'The Real Oscar Curse: The Negative Consequences of Positive Status Shifts. Organization Science', the paper found that "Oscar nominations/wins have positive professional consequences for male and female actors but more enduring negative personal consequences for female actors, thus emphasizing an important conundrum for female actors: Oscar nominations/wins can help a career but can also ruin a marriage." Oscar winning actresses might be ruling the roost, when compared to their Hollywood colleagues, but odds suggest that most of these beauties have to regret their Oscar wins because of the ill-fated curse. According to an earlier report published in The Herald Sun, the female winners of the coveted trophy are 63 percent likelier to have a shorter marriage than those who do not win. As per the report, out of the 266 married women who have been nominated for the Oscar since 1936, 159 of them got divorced. While Emma Stone can rejoice at the fact that she's still unmarried, here's a look at some popular Academy Award winners who sadly got divorced after their big victories. Angelina Jolie won the Best Supporting Actress award for Girl, Interrupted in 2000 and not only did she split up with her then husband Billy Bob Thornton, but she also filed for divorce with her longtime partner Brad Pitt. Hilary Swank, who won the coveted trophy twice, once in 2000 for Boys Don't Cry and then in 2005 Million Dollar Baby, broke up with husband Chad Lowe before her second victory. Reese Witherspoon too got divorced from Jake Gyllenhaal after winning an award for Walk the Line in 2005. The Reader actress Kate Winslet got divorced after winning her Oscar in 2008. Sandra Bullock split from her husband Jesse James in 2010, a year after winning her Oscar for The Blind Side. -TNN GAZIPUR: Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haq addressing the inaugural programme of RCC Road at Konabari as Chief Guest on Wednesday. Rashedul Huda's 'Poetry of Darkness' Sheikh Arif Bulbon : Overwhelmed by the beauty within the mystifying dance of light, shadow and darkness, artist Rashedul Huda searches for the colour of life. To him, this oxymoronic reality is woven in the manner dreams are woven. The darkness of evening creates layers of images, and life too seems to look for a meaning there as it goes on. Like a feather shed by a bird that has flown far away, there is a story conjuring up on every corner. Huda in his paintings moves amidst light, shadow and darkness towards the hope of a faraway light. He believes where there is warmth there is a new tale to be told and there is an untrodden path for the onlooker. The fourth solo painting exhibition titled Poetry of Darkness by artist Rashedul Huda is going on at La Galerie of the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) in the citys Dhanmondi area now. Eminent artist Monirul Islam inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest, while noted artist Bonizul Haque, Dr A M Shamim, founder and Chairman, Labaid Foundation and architect and art critic Rabiul Hussain also attended the opening ceremony as the special guests. Bruno Plasse, Director of AFD, gave the welcome speech on the occasion. Huda's canvases focus on the weal and woe of human lives from the perspectives of natural light and natural darkness of the day-to-day life. Consequently, the fundamental nature of light and darkness as well as the vintage style are amalgamated to bring up relatable compositions. Contemporary and talented artist Rashadul Huda was born in Rangpur district in 1964. He obtained his MFA from Institute of Fine Art, University of Dhaka. He has participated in many group art exhibitions, residency programs and art workshops in home and abroad. In 2007, he had the third solo exhibition at Tokyo, Japan. The subjects of his painting are often abstract and semi abstract. The exhibition will continue till March 7. n I am in the best phase of my life: Kareena Kapoor Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, who is currently enjoying motherhood and also handling her professional life well, says she is in the best phase of her life. "I feel alive because I feel I am in the best phase of my life. I am a happy person and always look out for positivity," she said on Wednesday at the launch ceremony of a channel, which is a collaboration of Sony Pictures and BBC. Being the brand ambassador of the newly-launched channel, the 36-year old star thanked the Sony and BBC Earth and said that she was four months pregnant while shooting the advertisement for the channel. "My son would be feeling alive when he will know about this fact," she added. At the professional front, the 'Ki and Ka' actress is all set to bounce back to face the cameras. Nadal rolls into Mexico Open quarter-finals AFP, Acapulco : Second-seeded Rafael Nadal cruised into the quarter-finals of the ATP Acapulco tournament on Wednesday with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 victory over Paolo Lorenzi. Spain's Nadal, a two-time winner in Acapulco who is playing his first tournament since falling to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, made short work of the 38th-ranked Lorenzi. Nadal dropped just seven points on his serve, never facing a break point. He broke the Italian for the fifth time in the final game of the match, delivering a stinging forehand winner to wrap up the win in just 66 minutes. Nadal next faces Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, a 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 winner over Australian lucky loser Jordan Thompson. Action on Acapulco's Cancha Central was to conclude Wednesday with top-seeded Novak Djokovic taking on Argentine veteran Juan Martin del Potro-with the winner advancing to a quarter-final clash with Australia's Nick Kyrgios. Sixth-seeded Kyrgios defeated American Donald Young 6-2, 6-4. Djokovic is back in action this week for the first time since his shock second-round exit at the Australian Open in January Third-seeded Marin Cilic booked his quarter-final berth with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 victory over fellow Croatian Borna Coric. Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, remained unbeaten against his 20-year-old compatriot. Relocation of chemical storages from old city THE old city is as vulnerable to inflammable mishaps as before. Even seven years after the deadly Nimtoli fire in old city claiming 124 lives in explosion in chemical storage the situation still remained extremely hazardous and risky to human safety. The same old stocks are running and uncertainly persisting. Result of a recent fire inspection in the old city showed all the surveyed 360 stores, warehouses, factories and shops holding and selling chemicals were found highly vulnerable in terms of fire safety. Their poor safety arrangement and lack of skill in store management remained a cause of deep concern to the respective agencies of the government and to local people. Facts show that the old part of the city is housing over 15,000 small and big industrial units in which highly flammable substances are produced or used. Risk analysis shows that the old city may become a hell of fire anytime if accident occurs in one of such stores and factories. Neither the City Corporation nor the government is having enough capacity to protect the city dwellers and necessary equipment to douse fire. It is really risky that highly combustible chemicals like Acetone, Toluene, Methayl Chloride are laying in open air storage while there are standard rules how to store them in total safety. They must be preserved under 23 degree Celsius. But despite such regulatory guidelines flammable materials and chemicals in open air and in shops and warehouses have been found to lack minimum fire safety measures like fire extinguishers and water reservoir. However, many industries in the area use inflammable materials. These chemicals evaporate in the air and people inhaling the air suffer from many physical problems. Therefore, the only way to avoid the danger is to relocate these storage and factories using them. Following the devastating Nimtoli tragedy several years ago, the Commerce Ministry had taken a plan to build a chemical village in Keraniganj, after acquiring land, building the physical infrastructure and ensuring safety. The relocation of the chemical stores from the residential areas was given priority. The Keraniganj village is yet to see the light of the day but it is encouraging that over 40 traders have moved out there from the residential areas in Old Dhaka. We must say others must follow. As we see hundreds of labours handle chemicals everyday without personal safety gears, ignoring safety instructions and more dangerously without controlling the temperature. Handling chemicals with bare hands causes damage to the limbs, respiratory tracts, skin, eyes, liver, kidney and causes heart diseases. Explosive and noncorrosive liquid and powder chemical substances are spilling up at various locations. It is advisable that the chemical village must be quickly developed. Meanwhile, the South City Corporation, Fire Department and such other concerned agencies of the government must keep regular inspection to avoid risks. Ensure accountability of NGO IT is reported that successive governments in the last 16 years gave registration to 1,445 foreign-funded Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), though many of that are not visibly working and some have become the money-making factory for ruling elites. Relatives of many powerful bureaucrats and political persons now own NGOs and get hefty allocations on political considerations. The accountability of NGOs' fund has been long hyped in the country that prompted the government to formulate law aiming at establishing regulation over the NGOs but most of the NGOs termed the law oppressive to them. We have seen, over the past two decades, NGOs have taken center stage all over the world in matters pertaining to good governance, functioning of democracy, and upholding of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Bangladesh is the land where the world's leading NGOs are working to achieve several hundred goals including social, economic, political and environmental goals. In our observation, due to lack of transparency and accountability in fund management, action plan and the autocratic attitude of certain NGOs have plumed depression, they are making bad names. NGOs have supplemented the role of the government on many respects and helped in opening doors and windows all over the country, particularly in the vast rural hinterland. It has helped to empower women and fostered girl child education, non-formal education and vocational training that helped in the growth of skilled population. But the unplanned growth of NGOs has led to duplication of efforts and, sometimes, abuse of resources. Besides, moral integrity and fiscal probity have been sacrificed in the quest for funds and resources that are made available by foreign donors. In this backdrop, Parliament in last October passed the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Bill 2016, but the bill would not bring the NGOs accountable as the intention of the bill was to control the freedom of NGOs and the source of their funding. The NGOs concerned with human rights violations are critical to the government's policy and action against the egalitarianism and justice and so also the government is watching them from close distance. Unfortunately, the new law empowers the NGO Affairs Bureau to cancel or withhold the registration of a foreign-funded NGO or ban its activities for committing criticizing the government policy and action. Wisdom suggests that the government should form an independent commission to look after the NGOs that will help to identify shortcomings and also assist in their removal. This, in turn, will enhance the credibility and sustainability of the NGO sector. However, reform of the NGO sector and improved donor coherence, rigorous systems of accountability and audit of performance will help the NGOs to become accountable. Neo JMB regional chief among four killed in 'gunfights' Staff Reporter : At least four miscreants, including a regional commander of Neo-JMB, were killed in separate gunfights in Bogra, Brahmanbari and Bagerhat districts on Thursday. The deceased are Amijul Islam alias Al Amin, 23, Bulbul Islam alias Builla, 35, and Nurul Islam Prokash Nuru, 45, and Billal alias Kana Billa, 33, law enforcers said. In Bogra, a leader of the Rajshahi Region of the of Neo-JMB was killed in a gunfight with police in Sherpur upazila in the morning, said Sonaton Chakroborty, Additional Superintendent of Bogra police (Sadar circle and media). The deceased, son of Durul Huda from Godagari upazila in Rajshahi, was the group's commander of northern region, the police official said. The gunfight ensued when a gang of militants tried to snatch Amijul from the Police in Bhobanipur union's Jamnagar area around 4:00am. Amijul came in the line of fire and died, he said. A foreign-made pistol, two magazines and three bullets were recovered from the spot, the ASP said. In Brahmanbaria, Bulbul and Nuru in Bijoynagar upazila were killed in separate incidents of "gunfight" with police in Mirasani area in Nabinagaer upazila, Ali Arshad, Officer-in-Charge of Bijoynagar Police Station. Bulbul was accused in five cases including robbery filed with Bijoynagar Police Station and Nuru was an enlisted drug dealer, the OC said. A pipe gun, four bullets, four knives, three sharp weapons and 20kg hemp were recovered from the spot, the OC said. In Bagerhat, Billal was killed in an alleged gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the forest's Sharonkhola range in the morning, said Major Adnan Kabir, Deputy director of RAB-8. Bellal, was said to be the member of criminal gang 'Shamsu Bahini', he said. Five firearms and 77 bullets were recovered from the scene, he said. Classes, exams postponed for today Thousands of North South University students blocked the key thoroughfare in protest against assault of a fellow student by security guards of the residential area in front of Apollo Hospitals on Wednesday. Staff Reporter : The students of the North South University (NSU) called off their movement, protesting assault of a fellow student by the Bashundhara's security guard. The students took the decision on Thursday after a meeting with the Bashundhara management. Meanwhile, the authorities of the NSU suspended all classes and examinations today (Friday). NSU student Snehasish Shuvo said, "We called off our protest as the Bashundhara Group has assured us of meeting our nine-point demands. "The demands include compensation for Shahriar Hasnat Tapu, a BBA sixth semester student, now under treatment at Apollo Hospitals, and immediate arrests of the Bashundhara security guard who assaulted him. The authorities also assured that they would suspend 15 other security guards, who were also involved in the incident," Shuvo said. Assistant Police Commissioner (Gulshan Zone) Rafiqul Islam said the NSU students staged a demonstration in front of Bashundhara Housing Project on Kuril Bishwa Road at 10:30am. They entered the housing project around 11:30am and started to vandalise infrastructure, he added. On information, police rushed to the spot and lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the students. The NSU students took to the street against the assault on Tapu by security guards in the Bashundhara Residential Area on Wednesday. Tayebur Rahman Rabbi, a ninth semester BBA student of the NSU, said, " The incident took place when Tapu and another student got involved in an argument with the Bashundhara security guards over parking of a motorcycle at the Apollo Gate, an entrance to the residential area, around 10pm.' At one stage of the altercation, the guards attacked the students and Tapu received severe injuries. He was taken to Apollo Hospitals for treatment. Following the assault, the general students took to the street on Wednesday night and they again staged the protest on Thursday from 8am and continued it till 1pm. 154 tanneries asked to pay Tk 30.85cr HC fines them for polluting environ Staff Reporter : The High Court (HC) on Thursday directed the 154 Hazaribagh tannery owners to deposit Tk 30.85 crore to the state exchequer within two weeks for failure to pay the compensation money for polluting the environment. The HC bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Ashish Ranjan Das passed the order after hearing a contempt of court petition. The court also said if the tanneries failed to convey with the order they would have to face tough action. Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) in July last year ordered every tannery owner to pay Tk 10,000 per day for polluting the environment in the area. The SC also ordered the tanners to relocate their industries to Savar from Hazaribagh. It was later seen that the tannery owners did not relocate their industries. Even they did not pay the compensation. At this a petition was filed with the court. Industries Secretary Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan appeared before the High Court recently and informed the court that 154 tanneries, which were operating in the Hazaribagh area in Dhaka, did not pay Tk 30.85 crore in compensation for polluting the environment. Counsel for the petitioners Advocate Monzill Murshid said that yesterday he sought the court's directives in this regard seeking compensation. Hearing his petition, the court ordered the Hazaribagh tannery owners to deposit Tk 30.85 crore in the state exchequer in two weeks. In reply to a question Advocate Monzill Murshid said that the amount had been accumulated from August last year to February this year. The High Court on January 25 summoned the industries secretary to appear on February 7 for submitting explanation over collecting compensations from tannery owners at Hazaribagh in Dhaka for damaging the environment. The HC passed the order following a petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) recently. Monzill Murshid told reporters on January 25 that the HC in June last year directed the tanners to compensate Tk 50,000 per day each for polluting the environment until they relocate their industries to Savar. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in July, 2016 ordered each of the tanneries to compensate Tk 10,000 per day after modifying the HC directive, he said. The HC in a verdict in 2001 had ordered to relocate tannery industries. Gaining people`s trust a major challenge: Experts Staff Reporter : The main challenge of the new Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, is to gain people's confidence, say experts. Besides, it's also vital issue to observe the poll time government attitude towards the other political parties during the National Elections scheduled to be held in 2019. The experts were speaking at a roundtable titled 'Challenges for the New Election Commission' organised by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujon) at the National Press Club in the city. Former Chief Election Commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda, columnist Syed Abul Maksud, former Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, Dhaka University teacher Asif Nazrul and former Justice Abdul Matin took part in the discussion. Shujan President M Hafiz Uddin Khan chaired the roundtable while its Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar presented the key-note paper. ATM Shamsul Huda termed the Election Commission's status as very low currently, saying it will have work hard to gain people's trust as well as to uphold the image of the Constitutional body. "The new Election Commission will have to maintain a good relationship and connection bridge with all the stakeholders specially the country's all political parties. And it will have to work neutrally in the coming days in a bid to clear people's any confusion about it," he said. Apart from these, Shamsul Huda said the new EC will also have to take an initiative to establish an independent secretariat. "CEC-led five persons do not mean the whole EC. A total of four thousand officials and staffs are now in EC. It needs to introduce election cadre in order to ensure its independence," the former CEC said. He said if the EVM system is introduced during the voting, the persons who will be assigned to run the technology will also have to be acceptable and credible to all. He also criticised the government to bring the change in the name of the Constitutional body as 'Election Commission Bangladesh.' M Sakhawat Hussain said the new EC's major challenge is to hold the 2019 National Poll in a free, fair and credible manner. Abdul Matin said Election Commission's main duty is to hold credible and acceptable polls. "According to court verdict, Election Commission has been empowered with all responsibilities to arrange the all elections in a free, fair and impartial manner," he said. However, he said the government will have to provide all sorts of cooperation to the Election Commission to do its job without any fear and influence. Ali Imam Majumder said if the government wants to introduce EVM system, it will have to take opinion from the all political parties. Abul Maksud said ensuring level-playing field for all parties concerned in each election is the major challenge for the Election Commission. Badiul Alam Majumdar said people do not have confidence in the Election Commission as its previous commissioners failed to do their assigned jobs. "We expect that the new Election Commission will arrange the next general polls with honesty, integrity, neutrality and boldness," he said. In the key notepaper he made some recommendations including reformation of some electoral laws, updating voter list and delimitation of electoral constituencies for the new EC. UK Foreign Office Minister Alok in city UNB, Dhaka : UK Minister for Asia and the Pacific Alok Sharma arrived here on Thursday afternoon on a three-day visit to discuss important issues of mutual interest. The minister will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali during his stay in Dhaka. He will also hold discussions with political party leaders, representatives from business, civil society and minority and faith groups, and meet Chevening and Commonwealth alumni. "I look forward to discussing how our relationship can be further strengthened, including through stronger counterterrorism cooperation, deeper educational links, the prestigious Chevening scholarship programme, and enhanced bilateral trade," Sharma was quoted as saying in a statement. He said, the relationship between the two countries is founded on a shared history and strong ties. "I'm delighted to be taking part in my first Ministerial visit to Bangladesh." Alok Sharma was elected to the UK Parliament in 2010 and appointed Minister for Asia and the Pacific in 2016. Prior to entering Parliament, Alok Sharma worked for 20 years in the international financial services sector. 8 put on remand Detective Branch of Police arrested eight suspected members of a gang involved in leaking of SSC examination question papers from separate areas on Wednesday night. This picture was taken from DB Police Media Centre on Thursday. Court Correspondent : The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka on Thursday placed eight suspects on a three-day remand to quiz them in connection with SSC question paper leak. Magistrate S M Masud Zaman of the court passed the order after the Investigation Officer of the case and Detective Branch (DB) Inspector Delwar Hossain produced them in the court seeking a seven-day remand each. Of the accused, Sher-e-Bangla School and College teacher Rafiqul Islam while discharging duties in the examination halls took snaps of question papers and sent those to another accused Zahirul Islam Suvo, Director of Gyankosh Academy. Suvo negotiated with the guardians of the examinees, and sold questions papers to them in exchange of money. Earlier, DB of police in separate raids arrested the eight of a racket from five districts of the country on the charge of leaking fake question papers of different public and private examinations as well as recruitment tests in the last couple of days, reported the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The accused persons are: Liton alias Akash, Rumon alias Mahir, Himel alias Ahmed Abir, Arif, Ontor, Rajib, Zahir alias Shuvo and Rafiqul Islam. DB people arrested them from Dhaka, Chapainawabganj, Mymensingh, Jamalpur and Kushtia districts, said an official press release. DB Inspector Nazmul Hoque filed the case with Motijheel Police Station under the ICT Act and Public Examination Offence Act of 1980. 20-party backs BNP mayoral candidate in Comilla polls UNB, Dhaka : The 20-party alliance on Thursday extended its support to BNP's mayoral candidate Monirul Haque Sakku in Comilla City Corporation polls. The decision was taken at a secretary general level meeting of the alliance at BNP's Nayapaltan central office with its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in the chair, said a press release. At the meeting, it said LDP secretary general Redwan Ahmed has been made coordinator of the BNP-led 20-party alliance's election steering committee for the polls. Earlier on Saturday night, BNP nominated immediate past Comilla City Corporation mayor Sakku to contest the upcoming mayoral election. On 20 February, the Election Commission (EC) announced to hold the election of Comilla City Corporation on 30 March. The EC fixed March 2 for submitting nomination papers while the withdrawal of nominations till March 14. The meeting also protested the decision to raise gas and power prices, and urged the government to rescind the 'anti-people decision', the release added. Govt`s own people caused public inconvenience, no isolated action is the solution The countrywide transport workers strike that ended on Wednesday afternoon left many questions unanswered as to why the shutdown was so quickly organised and enforced only to save a murderer truck owner from death penalty and another from life term. The provocation was against the judgement of the court passed under the newly adopted law by the government. It was not necessary to go on strike when the judicial process has yet to come to its end because there will be appeal. Besides, nobody in the government can instigate truck and bus owners or transport workers to go on strike and come in the street for creating street anarchy because the court's judgement is not acceptable. Such bad examples were set by the political leaders in the past. Even now emphasise is more on police power than punishing any offender through court's trial. There is no secret that some government ministers and ruling party leaders had fuelled the crisis from behind the scenes to show disrespect to the court and asking the followers to demonstrate their muscle power. They have defied law as well as the court. This is not the way to show the government's respect for the rule of law. We must say the crisis that shut the inter-district bus service and city transportation came as a huge suffering to the people and damage to businesses. The people were forced to walk on foot to and from offices in the city. Many victims were stranded outside and could not go anywhere. The Dhaka court handed down the truck owner death sentence and life term to the other as per the law. The problem is in our politics discussion for solving any problem and respect for law or the court is not a big consideration. Politics is for remaining above law and resorting to might is right method. It was until Wednesday noon when the High Court asked the government to bring normalcy to transport sector within 24 hours and also issued a rule why such strike against court verdicts should not be declared illegal, transport workers, bus owners and government ministers hastily sat together and the strike quickly ended. If the court did not intervene the situation would have turned worse. The worrying aspect in our politics is that respect for law is missing and as a consequence arbitrary power is used by everybody who is connected with the government. There is chaos and anger all over the country. Unless the government is respectful to law and the judiciary our fear is that there will be widespread chaos from a small beginning from anywhere. Punishing the wrong and easy ones will not solve the problem. The government must reassess the whole direction of politics. Its dependence too much on police is not political leadership. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. IberiaBank has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabadell United Bank in a stock and cash transaction that strengthens the Lafayette-based financial institution's Florida franchise, making the Sunshine State its largest franchise in terms of deposits. IberiaBank Corporation announced this week that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabadell United Bank from Banco de Sabadell in a stock and cash transaction valued at $1 billion. The deal significantly strengthens the Lafayette-based financial institution's Florida franchise, marking its first expansion into Miami-Dade County and making the Sunshine State its largest franchise in terms of deposits. The proposed acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2017. Upon completion of the acquisition, Sabadell United will be merged with and into IberiaBank. Under the terms of the agreement, IBKC will purchase Sabadell United for $803 million in cash and approximately 2.61 million IBKC shares, valued at $222 million based on a 10-day VWAP through Feb. 24, 2017. IBKC expects to finance the cash portion of the transaction, in part, through a public common stock offering of approximately $500 million. In addition, IBKC plans to use the $280 million net proceeds of the December 2016 common equity sale to support the acquisition. Banco Sabadell will own approximately 4.9 percent of IBKC common stock at transaction close. IberiaBank's Daryl Byrd Photo by Robin May With a population of over six million people, the greater Miami area is a dynamic market with a strong concentration of commercial and industrial clients that are particularly attractive to us, Daryl G. Byrd, president and CEO of IBKC, said in a press release announcing the deal. With this acquisition, our company will have a meaningful presence in each of the five largest markets in the Southeast, further solidifying our status as a premier Southeastern banking franchise. Sabadell United Bank, a subsidiary of Banco de Sabadell (headquartered in Barcelona, Spain), was organized in 1974 as a nationally chartered commercial bank. Sabadell United is headquartered in Miami and has assets of $5.8 billion. IberiaBank Corporation, which had assets of $21.7 billion at the end of 2016, has 304 combined locations, including 199 bank branch offices and three loan production offices in Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Georgia, 24 title insurance offices in Arkansas and Louisiana, and mortgage representatives in 69 locations in 10 states. Read the full release here. Breaux Bridge City Hall. Friday, Feb. 24. An hour before U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is scheduled to arrive for a 9:30 a.m. town hall meeting he tried to pack with supporters, members of Indivisible Acadiana are queued up outside, hoping to get a seat inside. Others stand nearby with handmade signs at the ready: Keep Public Lands in Public Hands, Do Your Job or Lose Your Job, Healthcare Not Wealthcare, This is What Democracy Looks Like. This is what democracy looks like in the age of Donald J. Trump a reverse Tea Party movement driven not by billionaires who in 2009 harnessed economic insecurity, racial animus and culture-war shell shock to stymie the agenda of former President Barack Obama, but galvanized instead by a sense that fundamental American institutions and 80 years of social progress are under attack. Its a reaction not just to a wholly unprepared, megalomaniac obsessed with cable news and Twitter, but to the smart, capable ideologues in the ultra-conservative wing of the modern Republican Party who will happily and methodically dismantle Americas social safety net and environmental protections to please their billionaire benefactors. This is what Trump enables, and this is why Indivisible Acadiana, one of hundreds of grassroots progressive groups under the nationwide Indivisible umbrella that opened wide after Trumps Nov. 8 victory, was born. Indivisible, to me personally, is a platform where I can be myself without any type of discrimination or hindrances, says Indivisible Acadiana member Erica Banks, a recent transplant from Dallas. Its kind of like a safe place likeminded individuals thinking about how we incorporate change, not on a level where its angry by any means. ... I dont want to burn any buildings, I dont want to catch anything on fire. But I do want to be heard, and I feel like this is the platform for that. The week leading up to Cassidys town hall was busy. On Monday, Indivisible members gathered at a public library to discuss their strategy: members inside asking pointed questions and outside protesting. On Tuesday, about 10 members gathered at the Midtown Lafayette home of Andrea Rubinstein to make the signs that would be waved that Friday in Breaux Bridge. On Wednesday and Thursday, more planning via social media. Members are united by a singular goal: forming a bulwark against Trump and the retrograde economic and social policies he engenders. Many no doubt look back at the presidency of George W. Bush, which gave us two still-going wars and the Great Recession, with a sick sense of nostalgia. Im really not concerned about [Trump] Im concerned about the legislation, says James Proctor, founder of the local Indivisible chapter. Im concerned about the idea implemented in action, thats what Im concerned about stopping. And I know there are Trump voters out there who are equally concerned as me about his involvement with Russia or his plans for the EPA or, what we havent seen yet, his plans for our economy, which is still in a very fragile state. A single dad and former journalist, Proctor marshaled Lafayette-area liberals into a smartly functioning group: division of labor, logistics, planning, communicating a unified, consistent message. My feeling has been, if you want to recruit you have to be effective, he says. Effective is the best way to recruit its the only way to recruit. Yet Indivisible Acadiana, Proctor acknowledges, isnt as diverse as the group would like to be. There are black members, Asian members, men and women, young and old, but it skews middle-aged white and female a not surprising demographic considering Trumps opponent in the 2016 election, not to mention (but I will) his boasts about sexual assault, barging in on naked teen beauty queens and other past statements dripping with contempt for citizens with two X chromosomes. I think that in my case it was womens reproductive rights, and of course I think we are joined by the collective idea that our current president has no place in the Oval Office, says Margaret Oelkers West of Lafayette about what drove her to Indivisible Acadiana. I think since we are the majority the current president didnt win by mandate, in fact it was just the opposite and since we are the majority, I think its important that that stay front and center in everybodys mind. There are 3 million extra of us who need to be heard. As the deep south bloomed red over the last two decades, liberals outside progressive bastions like New Orleans and Atlanta had become shrunken violets. There is a local group on Facebook you can find only if youre a member or have been invited to become one Acadiana Closet Progressives. Members commiserate liberally literally and figuratively within the safety of the group but keep their views publicly private: Many are business owners who fear a backlash if their customers or clients knew of their progressive views. Its not a piddling concern: As America has become increasingly polarized by politics, business boycotts have become a thing. (I dont patronize Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby and a few other retailers because of the political contributions and ideology of their owners; I dont picket them or call them out on social media, but I dont want my money furthering their causes either, so I simply stay away.) Trump got 58 percent of the vote statewide in Louisiana, and it was lopsided in Lafayette Parish: 65 percent to Hillary Clintons 31 percent. It would be little surprise if liberals in Lafayette felt compelled to melt into the shadows. But Trump, the phenomenon, is altogether different. When the election happened, I knew, within a few days, that I was not going to be able to not do something, says Jacqueline Phelps, an Indivisible Acadiana member who describes herself as the intel person for the chapter. Go to Facebook and search Indivisible and youll find hundreds of groups across the country, in blue states where we expect them and red states, too. And thats just on Facebook. IndivisibleGuide.com, a website that serves as a national umbrella and clearinghouse for the Indivisible movement across the country, says more than 4,500 groups have signed on to resist the Trump agenda. It is shaping into a movement built on diversity that will dwarf the almost universally white Tea Party. Some, like Rubinstein, who hosted the sign-making gathering, had their political activism reanimated by the election of Trump. After some of the more recent events, I went to the first political thing Ive ever done since the late 60s I went to the Womens March, she says. After all this time of doing things online, voting and writing an occasional letter, I just decided that I didnt want to sign stupid petitions anymore. I had heard about Indivisible somewhere, and I plugged into their website and said, Oh my God, theres actually one in Acadiana. In fact, there are chapters in Shreveport, Natchitoches, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. (New Orleans, natch, but Natchitoches?) Our local chapter, at this writing, has 510 members attorneys, publicists, students, retirees, teachers, musicians, journalists, university professors, artists, small business owners, stay-athome moms, the unemployed and underemployed, a pastor. The majority are not politically active, interacting with the group only on social media platforms. But a common refrain among the active members is that Trump, in his bullish stampede through the china shop of American politics, has energized the left. And for progressives in red states, the movement has created a sense of community that is palpable. I think its accomplished one of the major things I was hoping to see, and that is that liberals, progressives like myself, have come out and discovered that there are a lot more of us around here than we thought, and weve decided to get organized; thats one accomplishment I suppose we can thank Mr. Trump and his inflammatory rhetoric for, notes Proctor. Melanie Bonnet, another member, echoes Proctors sentiment: At its essence I hope it brings more people into being more active in expressing what it is they need from the leaders they elect, she says. Couple that with just basically saying, Im here. You cannot forget that I am here. Im not going anywhere. And when you say that youre going to get rid of the things that are important to my community, important to my family, to people I care about, people Im concerned about, Im just going to let you know, Im not going anywhere, and Im not by myself. The election of Donald Trump has rallied liberals like never before. Could the 2018 midterms be another pivot point? History says yes. Protesters at U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidys Feb. 24 town hall in Breaux Bridge Photo by Marie Constantin Although Trumps assumption of power has been characterized by miscues and mistakes, it has succeeded admirably in one area: energizing and mobilizing those who oppose him. The harsh reality of President Donald Trump, delivered in hourly tweets, has served like nothing else to solidify the scattered progressives and liberals in Acadiana and across America and propel them into action. While these activists have been disparaged as paid, shrill, undisciplined, unreasonable and (in some cases) unwashed, naysayers should keep in mind the successes of the Tea Party movement that began in 2009, shortly after the inauguration of Barack Obama. The Tea Party emerged at a time when Democrats had just won a historic victory and controlled all three branches of government, including the Senate by (what was soon to be) a filibuster-proof majority. Numerous articles speculated about the looming irrelevancy of the Republican Party in multi-cultural America. How quaint those articles seem today. What the Tea Party did was historic: It brought Obamas vision of an era of hope and change to an end by focusing popular fury on what was (portrayed as) ineffective and wasteful stimulus plans, unsustainable debt, unwarranted bailouts for banks, car companies and homeowners, and, above all, a further expansion of the federal government as epitomized by the 2,700 pages of the enormously complicated Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This wave of popular activism was so successful that it nearly swept the Democrats entirely from power. Republicans won 63 seats in the House in the 2010 midterm elections to end the Democratic majority in the House. They also took 29 governors mansions and nearly regained control of the Senate. The Tea Party revolt harassed then-Speaker John Boehner and blocked business as usual in both the House and Senate, eventually remaking the Republican caucus in Congress in its own much more conservative and confrontational image. Democrats never regained their momentum and have been on the defensive for the last six years, despite Obama winning the presidency again in 2012. Taking the Tea Party lesson to heart, progressive activists have begun to join and mobilize like never before. Here in Acadiana, a number of new organizations and groups opposed to the Trump agenda have been created, and some previously existing organizations have refocused their attention. Some of these groups are local chapters of well-known national organizations like Indivisible and Pantsuit Nation. Some prefer to remain secret for strategic reasons. While some groups predate Trump, most have emerged since the Nov. 8 election. All are strongly opposed to the announced goals of the Trump administration: building the wall, deporting immigrants and banning Muslims, ending sanctuary cities, withdrawing from or renegotiating treaties, cutting taxes and environmental protections, and repealing Obamacare. I spoke to several of these activists and found them eager to talk about their efforts. A volunteer with Indivisible Acadiana says he is dismayed by what I see as a completely unethical president. While his previous activism was limited to ranting on Facebook, he decided that was futile all it was doing was making me angry.I had to do something, I couldnt just sit there and watch it happen. Similarly, another activist says, I just cant post on Facebook or sign petitions anymore. I dont like being in public or [being] a leader, but I also didnt want to turn down the opportunity without giving it a try. Says another, I have been quiet long enough. I will not be quiet any longer. What unites these activists is the desire to preserve gains in health care, marriage equality, the environment and the economy, all achieved under Obama. Their goals are of a defensive nature, to stop legislation that reduces peoples privacy, or removes their health care, or limits their rights. What does this new wave of Democratic and progressive activism portend for state and national politics? Well, for one thing it signals the end of comfortable press conferences and town meetings for elected Republican officials, as Sen. Bill Cassidy is learning. Using lessons borrowed nearly in their entirety from the Tea Party playbook, activists are targeting members of Congress by swamping their offices with letters, emails and phone calls, and packing the rooms anywhere they try to speak in their district. Nationally, activists are encouraged to contribute to groups that oppose the Trump agenda through lawsuits, regulatory appeal and ethics investigations. Together these activities constitute a repertoire of powerful protest strategies. Even if the protests and activism are not immediately successful, what choice do progressives have in Donald Trumps America? As one says, If you read those old comic books, sometimes I think Im in Bizzaro World. They may not have long to wait: On average, 37 seats in the House shift in a mid-term election when a presidents approval rating is less than 50 percent. Trumps most recent approval rating is 38 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll, which should encourage progressives everywhere. In addition, studies of the Tea Party movement have shown that rallies and demonstrations have a multiplier effect. That is, for each additional protester, the GOP received between seven and 14 additional votes in the 2010 midterms, noted the public policy blog AEIdeas in 2013. So maybe activism is its own reward? Stay tuned for 2018. Pearson Cross is an associate professor in the Political Science Department at UL Lafayette. He holds a Ph.D. from Brandeis University (1997), and his principal areas of teaching are state and local politics, and Southern politics. Cross interviews local politicians and newsmakers on his radio show, Bayou to the Beltway, which airs on KRVS 88.7 FM at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Contact him at [email protected] Coming this April, IND Media is launching a new magazine, investigating the cultural changes that will carry Lafayette into the future. Sooner or later, one of my peers will be mayor. A chilling thought for the boomers currently in power, perhaps, but nevertheless an inevitability. That eventual Millennial Mayor as a 32-year-old at the time of this writing, I submit that Millennial is more demonization than demonym will have grown up in a vastly different Lafayette than that which produced Mayors Durel and Robideaux, and thus will be a remarkably different sort of mayor facing a different set of challenges. New leaders will navigate our community through changing cultural seas. That future leadership needs a publication thats representative of its values and its interests. Thats why, this April, were launching The Current a journal of Lafayettes arts and ideas. Lafayette is in dramatic cultural transition, one as natural and powerful as aging. Boomers may yet be running this town, but their time is measured. In that regard, Lafayette looks a lot like some of Americas urban centers. Its getting more mobile and more educated, more tolerant and more diverse, more tech-savvy and more urbane. That development should not be taken for granted. Working for a D.C.-based nonprofit last year, I toured several dying communities in Americas heartland, bereft of their youngsters and gasping for growth. Theyre on the short end of the demographic trends that have blessed Lafayette in recent years. Their kids were raised and educated cheaply, but migrated to the nearest metropolis to find coterie with their peers. Its not just an exodus to Brooklyn. Its an exodus to New Orleans, Atlanta and Houston. Lafayettes grip on its youngest crop of nationals is precarious. Every year we risk looking less like the places these kids go, and more like the places they leave behind. As IND Medias newest publication, a monthly magazine and online outlet at the thecurrentla.com, The Current will examine the local and external forces that are shaping this emerging generation, and the city that they will shape in turn. In a way this has been a long time coming. The fruits of nearly three decades worth of investment in the arts, in technology and in our celebrated culture have worked. Were more economically and culturally diverse than ever before, and more resilient and dynamic to boot. But the slog is far from over. Much of that work was initiated by a generation that will one day retire and, more to the point, die off. Passing the baton to upstart Millennials, that most maligned and misunderstood of generations, will be an exercise in focus and collaboration. Across age brackets, we should beg a whole new set of old questions What do we value? What makes Lafayette a place worth living in? What does our culture say about who we are? What trends are taking hold and which are letting go? What underlying ideas shape our conventions and our politics? Who is conceiving them? And how can we climb with one hand while clutching our traditions with the other? We here at The Current do not pretend to know the answers to any of these questions. We just work here. Writers, artists and thinkers, drawn from that emerging generation, are best equipped to do the searching. Demographers and sociologists have taken to calling that cohort, toiling away in the knowledge economy, the creative class. The Current is their medium. Before The Current was ever conceived, this labor force was hard at work chiseling the city into its image. Lafayette has more artists and artisans than ever before, working in an ever more diverse set of disciplines, painting new murals on our buildings, innovating on our traditional cuisine, reinterpreting our music, exploring the music of other worlds and inventing new traditions. The Current is their gallery. And like a gallery space, The Current is open and expansive. Its pages are walls on which Lafayettes new leaders can hang their portraits and their ideas. Through person-oriented storytelling and artist-curated spaces. Through frank reckonings with our past mistakes, and daydreams about our future. Through critical evaluation of the city we continue to build. Through an inquiry about who we are and what we do. With The Current, we hope to forge an intimate bond with the arts community in Lafayette, providing space to publish the swelling ranks of painters, photographers, collagers, sculptors and conceptual designers who are producing an enviable brimming of work, just begging to be shared with the world. We will train a sharp focus on Lafayettes burgeoning live theater scene and give voice to a restless and misfit crop of young musicians. We will be restless in our pursuit of context and understanding, both in our pages and in our programmed events. Lafayette is racing in a new direction. And we intend to cover the whole ride. If you have enjoyed these perambulations of a pensioner, why not support my charity. Paris, TX (75460) Today Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 63F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 63F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%. A place to exercise ideas before writing about them with greater discipline. Our body is a perfect instrument for divine experience in human consciousness. Keep up on the field with thought-provoking pieces from Kylie Jenner. We focus mostly on the efficiency, effectiveness, the age, the beauty or ugliness of Korpers so-called. Enjoy and not enrich us, what would be really much more useful to its original functionality. The body has the ability to perceive very complex, to experience, to learn, to meet, to feel and to broaden our experience and thus our consciousness with and about the love. To ensure this,"We the body thus than that see, what he is as a sum of its comprehensive capabilities: perception organ of our higher, divine being; a highly talented assemblage of physischen and spiritual sense organs, which seen is a perceptual unity of our consciousness as a whole. As they recognized and appreciated, it follows, that a Review of functioning or effectiveness of thereof is irrelevant. Since the Wahrnehmung as such not with human categorizing scales to measure, and because one or information is tantamount to mapping an impression of always also a turbidity of its originality and thus a Verfalschung her immediately existing awareness and their knowledge, it is desirable, any bewertung thereof outside before to remind us of their inviolability. (Similarly see: everest capital). And this is just so important, because the experience of perception as such transportiert Yes always also basically valuable cargo. Perception is simply what it is: a combination of perceiving with the perceived, and it is as solches always absolutely and completely. Perception is therefore not objectively assessable or to classify and measure. "Our subjective rating, that is for example the assertion: A Wahrnehmender it can be good or bad, much or little perceive." the very komplexen process does not do justice determines. Other attempts to classify Wahrnehmung or classify are oppositional principle the whole opposite and only lead to a devaluation of the divine process. The vote as such also reduces our ability to consciously on the perceptual phenomenon to take part. Everything, what holds us back from the immediate merger of Wahrnehmenden it with the perceived, corresponds to an avoidance of original experience and whose information delivery. This bedeutet also that our bodies, no matter as he looks, what for a beSchaffenheit he has, in other words, no matter how beautiful or hassLich, even regardless of how intelligent or primitive it is that he has an inner psychische or physical disability, yet has all the requirements to the Wahrnehmung, and anything and everything, he takes it, is also perfect. What allows us the inference that Constitution their particular Sinnhaftigkeit is also our perception in a so-called disease. Every body is unique and individuell, and therefore also the it Wahrgenommene it is necessarily idiosyncratic and invaluable as a result, precious and absolut einmalig. And therein lies the special and valuable of our physical body and his perception of the whole, for the collective consciousness. From a human, to evaluate an animal, a creature in itself, after his appearance us so the awareness, that a physical existence is, what an untouchable, unique perception of the divine and its mannigfaltigen design has. We therefore dissociate ourselves from our pure experience of perceiving and of fusion with space and time, if we live in the rating and us not on the adventure can leave a, give to us all right now and his Innewohnenden held Offenbarung. The resulting also, that we need to change something from the perceptual nor what is approved it. That there is no need for direct influence and that we at the moment nothing really perfektionieren, remove anything or add anything or modifizieren must. That just about a perfect body is good, as it is, and just at that moment at the moment of perfect perception exists. 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. This story has been updated to add detail. KANSAS CITY It was a roller coaster of a day for Carlos Hernandez Pacheco and his family, but one that ended well. Pacheco, a well-revered West Frankfort businessman and community member, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers Feb. 9 regarding questions over his legal residency status. He was scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday where an Article I judge granted him $3,000 bond, which he posted. However, Pachecos lawyer, Victor Arana, of Austin Texas, said it almost wasnt that easy. Arana said he had filed all the necessary paperwork to both the Office of Chief Counsel and to the judge last week for Pachecos bond hearing Wednesday. In fact, he had gotten good news. Arana said Chief Counsel had tentatively agreed to release Pacheco on a bond of $2,500. This was not set in stone, as the judge had not signed off on it yet, however Arana said it is not common for a judge to disagree when Chief Counsel and the defense come to an agreement. Carlos was in the jail and he found out through the officers there, Arana said. He said they told his client he had a bond and that he could go post it. But there was just one problem no one told Arana. When Arana found out Tuesday evening, it was too late to post bond. When he was making the drive from Springfield, Missouri, to St. Louis on Wednesday, he was told the Chief Counsel had gone back on their agreement. They were no longer offering bond. While in the hills of the Ozarks, Arana had to do some quick redirecting, changing his destination to Kansas City, Missouri. He knew he didnt want to fight this case over a cell phone. This is all communications. Youve got to be able to see what the judge is latching on to, Arana said. He pulled into Kansas city just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, just two and a half hours before Pachecos bond hearing, which he would telecommute to via an ICE detention center in Montgomery City, Missouri. Arana said he threw on a suit in a parking garage after he arrived at a friends law firm. There he sat in a Kansas City high rise, preparing for a case he thought he had in the bag just hours before. All's well that ends well, though. After presenting his case to the judge, Pacheco was approved for bond. But, Arana said this is just the first step. The case is still open. Arana said in Pachecos case, his first step to legal residency was to prove the validity of his marriage to his wife, a lawful permanent resident. In 2010, they did just that. They filed their documents and waited for word from immigration and they got it. However, in the last seven years Pacheco was never able to make the next step in his immigration process, which would have been to exit the country and wait for word from immigration that he had been greenlighted to reenter the country and continue down the path to legal residency. For some reason the Department of State and Carlos never connected on making arrangements for the process to finish up outside of the country, Arana said. This is what lead to his arrest. However, with his being out on bond, Arana said they are free to make the next step, which is to apply for a provisional waiver, which will shorten the length of time he will have to be out of the country before being allowed back in. Arana said unless Pacheco breaks the rules of his bond, he is not likely to be arrested again. He should have paperwork to prove he is out on bond to deliver to ICE agents should they ask for his papers. Despite the complications of the trial, friends and family are just happy to have Pacheco home. Tim Grigsby, a close personal friend of Pacheco, said he waited in St. Louis most of the day Wednesday to do anything he his friend needed. Im very excited, Grigsby said. He just wants to get his friend reunited with his family. Obviously we cant wait to get him home to his family and friends, Grigsby said. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois Senate's top Democrat abruptly canceled critical votes Wednesday on a plan to end the state's historic budget stalemate, accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of sabotaging a compromise that had been months in the making. Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago ditched his earlier vow to call votes on key parts of the so-called "grand bargain," including an income-tax increase and property tax-freeze. After the Senate clocked out, Cullerton questioned the first-term governor's sincerity in meeting legislative Democrats half way to end the nation's longest budget stalemate in nearly a century. "He's got to grow up," Cullerton said about Rauner. Cullerton had promised votes on the toughest aspects of the sprawling compromise plan he's engineered since before the new year with Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont. They had boasted that neither the House nor Rauner was involved; Rauner insisted he was on the sidelines. Democrats and Republicans spent most of the day in private meetings. When they regrouped on the floor late in the afternoon, Cullerton tersely claimed Rauner had hijacked the plan. "The governor injected himself into the process and doesn't want this approved in this form," Cullerton said before the Senate adjourned for the day without taking action on the plan. "The situation is not getting any better. We need to work together to solve this. I had hoped it would be today." Cullerton didn't rule out salvaging parts of the deal, but added, "Unfortunately, we are in a holding pattern." Top Senate Republicans dismissed the idea that Rauner called them off "aye" votes. Deputy Republican Leader Bill Brady of Bloomington reiterated one of Rauner's main complaints in recent days that the GOP won't accept a permanent income-tax increase if Democrats insist on limiting their cherished local property tax freeze to two years. "More work is needed to achieve a good deal for taxpayers," Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said. "We encourage senators to keep working." Rauner and Democrats who control the General Assembly have bickered for two years over how to tackle a multibillion-dollar deficit. Rauner won't agree to an income-tax hike until he gets pro-business regulatory changes, a permanent property tax freeze, and term limits on political leaders. Cullerton and Radogno raised expectations for a breakthrough just after the new year with promises to quickly approve a package that raised revenue and met Rauner's demands. But all they have to show for it are Tuesday votes approving less-contentious measures to streamline state-government purchasing, ease rules on how cities may spend tax revenue and simplify the way voters consolidate local governments. Even those were adopted mostly with Democratic votes. In remarks on the floor, Radogno didn't dispute Cullerton's assertion about Rauner's involvement but urged continued work. "I have no question in my mind that we're going to bring this thing in for a landing," Radogno said. "There's enough good will in this building. I know the governor will be joining us in trying to get that done." Solar operation launching in Aiken COLUMBIA ESA Renewables, an alternative energy provider, will be constructing a new, utility-scale solar farm in Aiken County. The development is expected to bring at least $11 million in capital investment. ESA is a solar integration company with more than 500 solar photovoltaic, power-generating facilities located in the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, Chile and Italy. Ranging from large-scale solar farms to commercial rooftop setups, ESA offers project development, design, construction, operation and maintenance through the life cycle of each installation. Occupying 88 acres off of Atomic Road in Beech Island, the new solar project will generate approximately 23,100 megawatt hours (MWh) annually, which is capable of powering almost 2,400 single-family residences per year. Construction on the project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018, and it should be operational by the third quarter of 2018. ----- What's next for Samsung? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Five Samsung executives, including the company's 48-year-old billionaire heir, will stand trial in the coming months on bribery, embezzlement and other charges linked to a massive scandal that toppled South Korea's president. Before being arrested earlier this month, Lee Jae-yong, the third generation of the Samsung founding family, was seen as bringing a string of changes to South Korea's largest business group, such as increasing shareholder returns. The criminal charges can put the Samsung scion, his former mentor and three other Samsung executives behind bars for several years if they are found guilty. ----- Target to reinvest NEW YORK (AP) Target, stung by the migration of its customers elsewhere, pledged Tuesday to spruce up some "tired" stores and make other investments in its business after delivering weak quarterly results and an outlook far below what analysts were expecting. The retailer's profit for the quarter that includes the holiday season fell 43 percent, with strong online sales failing to offset weaker business at its stores. Target's stock tumbled more than 12 percent, and other retailers dipped as well. Target said it will spend $7 billion over the next three years to remodel more than 600 of its 1,800 stores, speed up its expansion of small-format stores, bolster its online operations, and launch new brands. The company usually spends about $2 billion a year on such capital investments. WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year, contact likely to fuel calls for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked whether "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had contact with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Wednesday night that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." That answer did not satisfy Democrats demanding his recusal from an ongoing federal investigation. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, accused Sessions of "lying under oath" and demanded that he resign. Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors in his role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, the department said. One was a visit in the fall, Flores said, and the other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadors including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions after the talk. Revelations of the contact, first reported by The Washington Post, triggered calls from members of Congress for Sessions to back out of any involvement in the FBI's probe. "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians," said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. "This is not even a close call; it is a must," he said. At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota alerted Sessions to allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there was evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Then he added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." Flores, the Justice Department spokeswoman, said that response was not misleading. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," she said in a statement. The White House did not immediately comment. Franken, in a statement Wednesday night, said he was troubled that the new attorney general's response to his question was "at best, misleading." He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. "It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately," Franken said. An Orangeburg middle school student was surprised to learn Wednesday that she won top honors in a statewide art contest. Eighth-grader Joceline Irick of William J. Clark Middle School received the Best in Show award for her artwork submitted for the Read Across South Carolina art contest sponsored by the South Carolina Education Association. SCEA representatives surprised Irick at her school with the presentation of a $300 check and a family pass and lunch for EdVenture childrens museum in Columbia. It feels good, Irick said. It makes (me) feel motivated to get to my goals in life. She said those goals include someday becoming the CEO and founder of a video game development company. I love art and I love games, so they say Do what you love, so Id like to do that, she said. She said she was inspired to create her work by thinking about the topic and just going deeper. Now in its second year, the Read Across South Carolina art contest was designed to promote literacy and art across the state. Public school students from kindergarten through 12th grade were encouraged to create artwork using various media with the theme, Unity in Education. The theme commemorates the 50-year merger of the Palmetto Education Association and South Carolina Education Association. Im happy for her, said Malissa Wright, Iricks art teacher, who received a $150 check. As a student, Joceline is a hard worker. Shes sincere. She comes to class ready to learn. Wright said shes seen Irick grow in the past two years shes taught her in an after-school art class. Wright also noted that Irick is in the schools gifted and talented program. I think its really important as an educator to let kids see that art is more than just the little refrigerator stuff that kids tend to put on the refrigerator, that art is something they can actually make a living off of, Wright said. They can actually pursue a career. Wright knew of the award ahead of time and said she had a hard time keeping it to herself. I was ecstatic, she said. To keep it a secret from her was really hard. Shes just a good kid. I think shes got a great future ahead of her, even if its not in art. Three of Iricks art classmates also received awards in the contest. Jeshaih Green took second place in the grades 6-8 division, and Jediah Green and Micah Glover received honorable mention awards. All the members of Wrights art class received limited-edition t-shirts with Iricks artwork printed on the back. This years contest brought in more than 80 entries. Judges selected winners from different grade divisions: K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. All the winning artwork will be displayed at EdVenture. Iricks winning piece will eventually be on permanent display at the SCEAs offices. Police are seeking the person who shot an Orangeburg teen on Monday. The 16-year-old was shot in the thigh as he was standing in the parking lot of Glenfield Apartments on Columbia Road, according to an Orangeburg Department of Public Safety incident report. He returned to school Wednesday after being treated for the gunshot wound, ODPS Capt. Victor Cordon said. The department is seeking the publics help identifying the person who shot the teen, Cordon said. According to the report, an officer arrived at the Regional Medical Center on Monday afternoon where he interviewed the victim in the emergency room. The teen said the shooting occurred at about 3 p.m. as he and a friend were sitting in front of Building F at Glenfield Apartments. A black truck, possibly a Nissan, quickly pulled into the parking lot, he said. Someone fired a shot into the ground from the truck. The truck continued traveling through the parking lot. The teen said a black male shot toward him three times from the rear drivers side of the truck. He said there were several people in the parking lot, but the crowd dispersed when the gunman opened fire. The teen ran from the scene into an apartment unit and his cousin transported him to RMC. Officers saw the teen had what appeared to be a bullet hole in his right upper thigh just below his buttocks. Cordon asks anyone with information about this incident to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Callers may remain anonymous. As Regional Medical Center trustees begin their hunt for a new CEO, a trustee is questioning whether the board chairman has exceeded his authority. During Tuesdays board meeting, trustee Milton Dufford asked RMC Chairman Melvin Seabrooks, "Did you or another board member go to Palmetto Health with the intent of representing this board in any way?" "No, sir," Seabrooks said. "You did not?" Dufford said. "No, sir," Seabrooks said. Dufford has been an outspoken board member who has questioned the removal of long-time hospital President and CEO Tom Dandridge in January. Dufford also asked whether Seabrooks interfered with the hospital administration by recommending the promotion of a vice president to the chief operating officer position in order to terminate another. "No, sir," Seabrooks said. "Do you feel you have exceeded your authority and lost the trust of many board members and should resign your position?" Dufford said. "No, sir," Seabrooks said. Following the meeting, Seabrooks said he doesnt know why Dufford asked the questions. "I don't have a clue," he said. Dufford did not return calls Wednesday. Several trustees said after the meeting they did not know why the questions were brought up or what they were in reference to. In other matters, Seabrooks said a search committee has been formed to begin the process of finding a new CEO. The search committee, which will begin its work Thursday, will consist of Seabrooks, Dr. M.S. Nassri, the Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg, Dr. Frank Coulter, Kenneth Rickenbaker, Johnny Mallard and Betty Henderson. Seabrooks said the initial meetings will be about learning the process for the search. The board voted in December to end its contract with Quorum Health Resources. The hospital will be under QHR management until March 30. Upon the termination of the contract, the hospital will enter into an advisory contract with QHR. Trustees will then most likely appoint another interim CEO until a permanent CEO is hired, although Seabrooks says trustees have not discussed any specifics related to the matter. The process to hire a permanent CEO is expected to take six to eight months, although Seabrooks says it could take longer. Trustees also voted Tuesday to hold a board and medical staff retreat in an effort to better engage the doctors in the functions and activities of the hospital. The request for the retreat was made by the hospital's Strategic Planning Committee. A date for the retreat was not announced. In other matters, trustees voted to approve the installation of a $16,425 badge control access system in its clinical decision unit, contingent upon the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's approval of the system's plans. The hospital behavior health patients are housed in the CDU until they can be permanently placed. The badge controlled access reader system will be put in place to prevent psychiatric patients from leaving the area. "It is a priority for us," Interim Vice President of Patient and Family Services and Chief Nursing Officer Mickey Whisenhunt told the RMC Finance Committee Thursday. "The CDU is where we have most of our behavior health patients we are waiting for placement. We can't admit them to our inpatient unit because they are violent enough they need to be placed, Whisenhunt said. Whisenhunt said some of the patients have tried to escape. "Our attempt here is to beef up the security in that area for the protection of our patients as well as our staff so we can closely monitor those people until we can get them the resources they need," Whisenhunt said. "Right now when you go into the CDU, you have to have badge access in but everybody that leaves can leave freely. We want to make sure you can't leave without somebody letting you out. We need to have a safe place for them." DHEC has told hospital officials that it will take about 30 days for the matter to be approved. In other matters: The hospital reported a total positive income of $312,315 for January and year-to-date the hospital is $1.5 million in the red. That is still about $600,000 ahead of where the hospital was last year at this time. The entire hospital system had a positive balance of $93,206 in January. Year-to-date, the system is operating at a loss of about $2 million. The entire system is $453,431 ahead of where it was last year. Trustees unanimously agreed to have Columbia-based GMK Associates Inc. complete and update a hospital master plan. The completion and update will continue a process which the hospital began several years ago and which was tabled in 2013. At the time, the plan was about 75 percent complete. The plan will look at the current needs of the hospital as well the condition of its facilities. The update of the plan will cost the hospital no more than $10,000. Trustees agreed to improve about 3,290 square feet of the hospital's Medical Arts Building for an incoming doctor. The hospital currently rents the space. Orangeburg artist Dr. Leo Twiggs will be honored with the Elizabeth ONeill Verner Governors Awards for the Arts lifetime achievement award. It is the highest honor the state presents in the arts. Established in 1972, the annual awards recognize outstanding achievement and contributions to the arts in South Carolina. Twiggs unique batik paintings have received international recognition. Several paintings have been displayed in U.S. embassies in Rome, Senegal and Sierra Leone, and his works have appeared in numerous textbooks and other publications. He was the first visual artist to receive the Elizabeth ONeill Verner Award in 1981. Twiggs was selected to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree, and he supervised the development of the museums at both South Carolina State University and Claflin University. His book, Messages from Home: The Art of Leo Twiggs, won an Indie Finalist Award in 2012. Most recently, he has received attention for his work Requiem for Mother Emanuel, which he created following the June 17, 2015 shooting deaths of nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. Others who will be honored at this years Verner Awards are: Laura Spong of Columbia, lifetime achievement; Quentin Baxter of Charleston, artist; Betsy Teter of Spartanburg, individual; Brenda P. McCutchen of Columbia, arts in education; The Callie and John Rainey Foundation and The Stringer Foundation of Anderson, business/foundation; The City of Beaufort/USC Beaufort Center for the Arts of Beaufort, government; South Carolina Humanities of Columbia, government. Each of these Verner Award recipients has contributed greatly to the arts community as an outstanding ambassador for our state," S.C. Arts Commission Chairman Henry Horowitz said. "Their dedication to the arts benefits South Carolinians and materially enhances our states economic vitality. As the Arts Commission marks its 50th anniversary, we are honored to recognize these organizations and individuals who embody the service, commitment and passion that helped build our states half century of leadership in the arts. Awards will be presented May 2, with the time and location to be announced later. The S.C. Arts Foundation will honor the recipients at a luncheon at noon. A fundraiser supporting the programs of the S.C. Arts Commission, the luncheon includes an art sale and takes place at the USC Alumni Center, 900 Senate St., Columbia. Luncheon tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased online at www.SouthCarolinaArts.com. The 2017 Verner Awards are sponsored by Colonial Life. 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 Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan and Moldova have conducted the next round of political consultations in Baku on March 1, Azertac reported. Azerbaijan`s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov, while Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Lilian Darii led Moldova`s delegation. Khalafov highlighted successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova within the CIS, GUAM and other international organizations. He expressed confidence that political consultations would contribute to the overall development of bilateral cooperation. The sides reaffirmed their countries` full support of each other` territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders. Khalafov provided an insight into transport and energy projects initiated by and involving Azerbaijan, including the North-South and West-East transportation corridors. He expressed confidence that cargo transportation via these corridors and, especially, via the Black Sea could contribute to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries. Darii, for his part, expressed Moldova`s interest in using Azerbaijan`s transit opportunities. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova were established on May 29,1992. Azerbaijan opened its Embassy in Chisinau on October 5, 2005 and Moldova opened its Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 1, 2005. Azerbaijans the trade turnover with Moldova amounted to $3.75 million in January-November 2016, some 3.25 million of which fell for imports from that country, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee. The number of exported products will increase between the two countries, as this year Azerbaijan will export horseflesh to Moldova. Both countries are members of a free trade area that were signed into law in 1994 with the participation of the CIS countries. Within the free trade agreement, member countries are expected to eliminate export and import duties on a number of goods. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov The world community, which witnesses escalation on the line of contact in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, continues attempts to make Armenia come to negotiations. The early settlement of the conflict will benefit Armenia itself it may finally open the door for this country to international projects, which Armenia is currently deprived of. The continuing occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia slows the economic development in the South Caucasus region and creates obstacles for effective cooperation between countries of the region. This remark was made by The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he was addressing a meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Islamabad. Erdogan called on the ECO and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to show determination in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has existed for over 20 years and is not resolved yet, it is necessary to raise this issue at every international arena, the Turkish president said. Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its consent to come to the negotiating table with Armenia to finally solve the conflict, but Armenia continues to play for time in order to preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh. After the latest flare of tensions on the frontline, the UN openly hinted Yerevan that it is time to stop delaying the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh. On February 27, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the conflict zone and called on for substantive negotiations. The Armenian authorities are likely scared of possible discontent and unrest in Armenia if they agree to the phased settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. This can lead to the loss of power by Serzh Sargsyan and his entourage in Armenia. Therefore, Yerevan prefers to preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh forever. The international community does not put any pressure on Yerevan in this regard therefore Armenia continues occupation of foreign territories. The only way out of the existing situation is active participation of all mediators in the negotiation process and increase of pressure on Yerevan. After the meetings of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Vienna and St. Petersburg, which took place after the April clashes in 2016, the negotiation process came to the dead end due to the denial of Yerevan to continue serious talks. All this indicates that the official Yerevan does everything to slow down the negotiations and comes to talks when the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh heats up to the breaking point. If the mediators, primarily the OSCE Minsk group, do not make a considerable effort to finally change Armenia's attitude to the negations, this stagnation will continue. This can eventually lead to ignition of another spark in the conflict, which does not benefit either Azerbaijan, or other countries of the region. By Trend Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will pay an official visit to Moscow on March 7-8 at an invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Russian Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced about this at a briefing on March 2. Earlier Minister Mammadyarov said that he will visit Moscow in March, adding that he intends to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement during the visit. During my visit to Moscow, we will discuss with the Russian side, which for many years is acting as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, further actions on the conflict settlement, he said. Russia along with the U.S. and France is a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov Officials of Russian and Israeli embassies in Baku have appealed to relevant bodies of Azerbaijan for another meeting with blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Baku. Lapshins lawyer Eduard Chernin told Trend on March 2 that officials of the Russian Embassy in Baku met Lapshin once and representatives of the Israeli Embassy met the blogger twice since his extradition from Belarus. "The allegations that representatives of the embassies cannot meet Lapshin are unfounded," the lawyer noted. Chernin further said that in accordance with the rules of organizing meetings, one should appeal to the relevant official bodies in order to meet Lapshin. After receiving the response to the appeal, the time for the meeting is appointed. The lawyer reiterated that Lapshin has no complaints regarding detention conditions and he can meet with his family members. Armenian media reported that allegedly Lapshins spouse couldnt talk to him and received no information about him, Chernin said. I told this to Alexander Lapshin, told him what his wife Yekaterina said, and then got in touch with her. She said she wanted to come to Baku to meet her husband. The lawyer also said that Lapshins mother Bella is in Baku, and she can see her son anytime she wants. "I also constantly meet with my client. Lapshin has repeatedly said that there is no problem, did not complain on conditions of his detention and meetings with him," said Chernin. Lapshin will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The blogger, who owns citizenships of several countries, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity. The blogger was arrested in Belarus and later was extradited from Minsk to Baku. Daily trading volumes on the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) in February amounted to 62,844 contracts per day, the exchange said. Trading activity on the exchanges Indian products remained consistent on the back of increased volatility in Indian markets due to the Union Budget announcement made at the beginning of the month and the ongoing state elections in India. The DGCX Indian product suite, particularly the Indian Rupee Options contract recorded notable year-on-year growth of 92 per cent with just under 50,000 lots trading and also recorded the highest monthly Average Open Interest (OI) of 23,275 contracts, signifying increased interest and liquidity. Dubai India Crude Oil futures also registered the highest monthly volume of 5,980 contracts in February 2017. This helped energy products on DGCX record a combined volume of 17,139 contracts. This highlights that investors and traders have started reacting favorably to the DGCX value proposition in offering global products in Energy, Gold and Currencies under one roof in a capital efficient, cost effective and safe manner. Gaurang Desai, CEO of DGCX, commented: Indian Union Budget proposals and the ongoing state assembly elections have stirred volatility in Indian markets. Since many of our products are geared towards offshore investors, we often see spikes of trading activity in our Indian referenced contracts, which highlights the importance of these products for hedging purposes in a period when financial markets are experiencing sharp volatility. Volatility is likely to trend higher through the course of the year as markets react to a range of unknowns including the anticipated US Federal Reserve rate hike in March, the upcoming European elections and the impact of US policy changes. In light of these events, we will continue to strongly push forward our agenda of providing market participants with a diverse array of products and solutions which will not only help them to effectively manage their risk, but also protect them from rapid market fluctuations and the prevailing economic uncertainty. During the month the DGCX also announced its Trading Campus initiative in collaboration with Envision Training Centre that is aimed at education and creating awareness about financial products, derivatives trading, and various trading techniques. This initiative will play an important role in furthering DGCXs goal to ensure that traders and investors are not only able to trade responsibly but also are equipped with the skill-set needed to trade financial products. DGCX plans to list more Single Stock Futures as well as energy products in the second quarter of 2017 which will attract more investors and increase participation on the exchanges trading platform, it said. TradeArabia News Service The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Group (FBMG) is launching an initiative to begin implementing the FLW Protocol in the UAE to reduce waste in food, the group announced on the sidelines of Gulfood 2017. The food saved through this protocol will go towards increased donations to the UAE Food Bank. The initiative saw FBMG cooperate with the Food Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and all food manufactures in the UAE who have pledged to collaborate with the group on this initiative, following directives from the countrys top leaders. It includes the creation of a food data platform a tool to analyse available data to formulate solutions to reduce waste. The Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard (or FLW Standard) is a global standard that provides requirements and guidance for quantifying and reporting on the weight of food and/or associated inedible parts removed from the food supply chaincommonly referred to as food loss and waste (FLW). Using the standard enables countries, cities, companies, and other entities to develop inventories of how much FLW is generated and where it goes. As it stands, the UAE is wasting $4 billion worth of food every year. With the F&B manufacturing market in the UAE slated to grow from $11.3 billion in 2015 to $13.2 billion in 2018 and with Dubai set to become the capital of the Halal food economy the FBMG is mobilising to address and contain food wastage, increasing food donations and reducing food prices in the process. The initiative to reduce the waste comes under the efforts to observe the Year of Giving initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. In tandem, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE Food Bank in January 2017 to reduce food wastage in the UAE. Saleh Abdullah Lootah, chairman of the Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Group, said: Food loss and wastage is a serious concern for us and a key area for improvement. Keeping count of the losses will help us reduce them. The group is working to educate manufacturers and supply-chain decision makers on the issue in the hopes to help them put a system in place to curb the phenomenon. This along with the food data platform is likely to create new opportunities for increased revenue for the manufactures, reduce food wastage, and provide support to CSR activities such as the UAE Food Bank. Moreover, the initiative supports sustainability goals by reducing waste. Meanwhile, Dr Iyad Abumoghli, director and regional representative of Unep in West Asia, said: By implementing the FLW Protocol in addition to launching the UAE Food Bank the UAE is joining the global traction on reducing food wastage as part of its sustainable consumption strategy. This, in turn, falls in line with the United Nations current trajectory, which is working to harmonise and boost international efforts to confront the challenges that are facing our environment, and to alleviate poverty and hunger around the world. Established under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Business Group (FBMG) seeks to create a platform for F&B manufacturers to resolve industry-related challenges and take the sector in the UAE to greater heights. Membership is open to any business operating in the food & beverage manufacturing sector in the country. - TradeArabia News Service Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the first teaser images of the new Sonata, due to arrive on global markets during 2018, with the carmaker planning to give its mid-size sedan a dramatic design change. New sheet-metal and trim details will bring the current-generation Sonata, launched in 2015, into line with the Hyundais evolving design language, which is progressively introducing more sophisticated architecture and styling to the brand, the company said. The new design architecture centres on Hyundais brand new signature, the Cascading Grille, which symbolises the momentous flow of molten steel and the elegant shape of the Korean celadon vase, bringing a more distinct identifier to the Hyundai range. It is the centre piece of a sensuously sculpted front end, creating a much more confident gaze and a purposeful stance, it said. The low and wide radiator grille makes the hood appear longer and sleeker, which is counter balanced by the raised trunk lid, shifting the side profile architecture to a more dynamic attitude. The chrome lines around the side windows extend forward to the headlights as they did before, but now they go further to the front of the car and under the headlamps for a unique, sophisticated look. From the side, the sleek and sensuously sculpted volumes are complimented by fine technical details such as the head lamps, tail lamps and directional spoked wheels. The rear licence plate holder was moved downward to fit onto the bumper and a large Sonata logo is added to the centre of the trunk lid, projecting visual self-confidence, the company said. TradeArabia News Service Taking its place alongside the design greats of all time, the Design Museum, London, welcomed a new exhibit this evening: the Range Rover Velar. Velar launches with a suite of consumer technologies, working together to create an in-built technology butler. At its heart is an all-new, cutting-edge infotainment system called Touch Pro Duo. Dubbed Blade by development engineers because of its slender profile and clean surfaces, the innovation makes the in-car technology experience clearer, quicker and more enjoyable, enhancing every journey, said a statement. The fourth member of the Range Rover family was unveiled in spectacular style at the Design Museum to a capacity audience who also enjoyed a Velar photographic exhibition by world renowned photographer Gary Bryan. The images are now being showcased on the brands Instagram channel: @landrover Velar is the first vehicle to be launched and displayed at the new Design Museum, which opened to the public in November 2016 after moving from its original Shad Thames location. The new model was simultaneously shown for one night only in a pop-up display in Kensington High Street, West London, alongside the Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover. Velar will be on public display in the Design Museum in a unique installation, until March 5. The exhibit is called Reductionism, showcasing the philosophy of stripping away complexity to reveal true quality. The last time Land Rover displayed a vehicle in this way was in the early 1970s when the original Range Rover was shown at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris, as an example of exemplary industrial design. Jaguar Land Rover also announced a partnership with the Design Museum, which will bring a series of collaborations, exhibitions and events to the museum over the next three years. Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern said: We are delighted to be able to begin our partnership with the Design Museum with such a significant vehicle. The new Range Rover Velar brings a new dimension of modernity to our brand while reinforcing our total commitment to design and engineering excellence. The new Velar fills the space in the Range Rover family between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. Refined for every occasion, for every terrain, Velar uses unique sustainable materials and advanced engineering to continue Land Rovers drive to go Above and Beyond. Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rovers lightweight aluminium architecture, it is safer, stronger and cleaner and improves driving performance, the company said. Velar continues Range Rovers history of innovation, incorporating advanced technologies, compelling design and absolute attention to detail. Peter Virk, Jaguar Land Rovers director of connected car and future technology, said: Two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens are your window into the world. The connected infotainment system learns from you and anticipates your needs, serving you what you want, when you want it but never intrudes letting you enjoy the drive, while it takes the stress out of daily life, like any good butler or digital personal assistant should. Advanced consumer technology is reflected in the use of trend setting materials. Unique in the segment, the Velar offers a sustainable, premium textile seat material as an alternative to leather. The Dapple Grey material was developed together with Kvadrat, Europes leading manufacturer of high-quality design textiles, and is complemented with Suedecloth inserts. Pivotal to the contemporary, design of Velar are the full Matrix-Laser LED headlights, the most slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover, the flush deployable door handles, and the Burnished Copper coloured detailing on the front bumper blades and fender vents. Velar has a sophisticated four-corner suspension system, delivering peerless refinement with unrivalled comfort and control, it said. Five engines are offered at launch, ranging from the clean, responsive 180PS 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel, to the potent 380PS supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. A 300PS Ingenium petrol engine will join the Velar range later in 2017. TradeArabia News Service UAE-based Kanoo Engineering, a leading supplier of high-quality engineering products to the oil and gas, process and building industries in the Middle East, has won a number of new projects recently. Neil Scott, general manager, said: I am delighted to confirm a series of recent new orders with a long-standing client for the engineering and fabrication of over 130 stainless steel tanks and skids to be supplied, via our client, to oil and gas customers across the Gulf and on to the oilfields in Iraq, Azerbaijan and other locations. The skids and tanks will undergo stringent end-user quality inspection and testing prior to being fitted out and shipped to their final destination," he said. "Kanoo Engineering undertakes detailed engineering design of each package and following client approval, we begin production in batches, supporting our client with final assembly of piping and controls equipment as required. Fabrication is under way now and final deliveries of this sizeable order are scheduled to take place in May this year. A further series of orders are also confirmed for release in the coming weeks, which are a strong start for 2017, he added. Scott revealed that Kanoo Engineering has also signed a contract with another client for the design, fabrication and installation of structural steel for a new Dubai School under construction now, and with the engineering works already under way. Kanoo Engineering is a member of The Kanoo Group, one of the largest family-owned conglomerates in the region established in 1890. Based in Dubai, Kanoo Engineering specialises in supply and design of equipment and quality steel structures such as process equipment and pressure vessels, skid mounted packages, API storage tanks, piping spools, SS decorative work and kitchen equipment, among others. - TradeArabia News Service The Middle East and Africa (MEA) market for paper, stationery and office supplies is expected to be worth $12 billion by 2019 and global suppliers are keenly targeting this market for growth, analysts said. Growth in the global stationery and office supplies market is expected to come from emerging markets such as the MEA. Analysts TechNavio forecast an annual market increase in the region of 15 per cent, said a statement from the organisers of the Paperworld Middle East 2017, which takes place from March 14 to 16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Conlumino, another analyst, estimated the market to be worth $12 billion by 2019, it said. International suppliers of stationery and office supplies are turning to the region for future business growth, with the UAE presenting itself as the ideal gateway to access hard-to-reach markets. While some suppliers are now just testing the waters, others have been in the market for many years. Vienna Office Supplies (VOS) for example, has been exporting high-end stationery, office products, school supplies and artists materials to the Middle East for the last 30 years. The Austrian-headquartered company is entirely export-oriented, with the Middle East comprising 75 per cent of its market. VOS represents on an exclusive basis eight European brands, such as Schneider Writing Instruments, Cretacolor artist supplies, and SAX office accessories. VOS will be eager to increase its presence further when it lines up alongside more than 300 exhibitors from 36 countries at Paperworld Middle East 2017, the statement said. Karl Vytiska, the managing director of VOS, said the company has built up its presence in the region based on long-term relationships, including ones established at Paperworld Middle East. In its 7th edition in 2017, Paperworld Middle East is the regions largest B2B trade show covering the entire range of stationery and office supplies, from school and gift articles, office or household paper, arts and crafts, and party and festival articles, to printers and multimedia. The strong European presence will be complemented by exhibitors coming from the UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, with household stationery names such as Lamy and Olympia taking part. Other key exporting exhibitor countries include China, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Turkey. The 2016 edition of the event attracted 6,774 visitors from 101 countries, 11 per cent up on the previous year, while 304 exhibitors from 36 countries showcased their latest wares, from office supplies, paper, school, party and gift articles, to toys, games, wrapping paper, printer consumables, and arts and craft supplies. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Paperworld Middle East, said: Shifting tides in international trade and economic uncertainty over the last 12 months has meant global manufacturers have had to refocus their export outlook, and the MEA is grabbing their attention. Paperworld Middle East provides unmatched access to market representatives from the fast-growing Middle East, Africa, Central and South Asia regions, and has seen increasing numbers of leading international brands and players participating from across the world. Paperworld Middle East 2017 will return with popular features including the Green Office Area, where the spotlight will shine on sustainably produced essential office supplies; and the Wrapstar gift wrapping competition. TradeArabia News Service Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has entered into a management agreement with Karan Gulf Services for a new hotel within Saudi Arabias Waad Al Shamal industrial city. The 237-room hotel is planned as the largest hotel project within Waad Al Shamal City, as well as the entire northern region of Saudi Arabia. The city itself, located about 30 kilometres from Turaif is being developed by Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) and covers 450 sq km in Saudi Arabia's Northern Frontier. It will host approximately 100,000 residents. The city will tap into the regions significant phosphate reserves and will support and provide extensive opportunities to many upstream and downstream industries, which have already been anchored by major global players including Saudi Aramco, Sabic and Sceco. These companies will provide the infrastructure necessary to initiate the project and stimulate further activities relating to phosphate mining. The mineral industry is set to become the third pillar of the kingdoms economy after oil and petrochemical, in line with the countrys Vision 2030. Set to open in the second half of 2018, Movenpick Hotel Waad Al Shamal, whilst primarily targeting the corporate market, will also provide a resort feel. The property will offer three food and beverage outlets, extensive meeting and event space, male and female wellness areas as well as recreation facilities, designed to serve hotel guests, the community of Waad Al Shamal and the northern region. We are proud to have been selected as the hotel operator for this fantastic project in the region said Andreas Mattmuller, chief operating officer, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East and South Asia. We firmly support the governments vision of economic diversification. Considering the current lack of upscale accommodation, we see the development of this hotel as strategically important to the continued growth of the city. Furthermore, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts will be the first international upscale hotel in the northern region of Saudi Arabia and this new signing will consolidate our position as one of the strongest international hotel brands in the country and the Middle East. Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Abdul Latif al Jabr, managing director of Karan Gulf Services, said: We are extremely happy to be partnering with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, in our quest to develop the northern region of the country and support the local communities. Together, we will provide approximately 100 employment opportunities to male and female Saudi Arabian nationals living close to the project. The development of this hotel will have much a wider and far-reaching positive economic impact in the northern region, and will act as a platform upon which other businesses can grow. We are also extremely grateful to Maaden for giving us the opportunity to develop this project in a city that is destined to change the economic profile of the entire country. Movenpick Hotels & Resorts already operates 11 hotels in Saudi Arabia with five more projects to be launched in the next three years - Movenpick Residences Al Khobar, Movenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Tahlia Jeddah, Movenpick Hotel Financial District Riyadh, Movenpick Hotel Heraa Jeddah and Movenpick Hotel Waad Al Shamal. - TradeArabia News Service The staff of Casper's Wind City Books offers the following picks for the month of March. A return with vengeance On March 21 Casper native C. J. Box returns with his 17th installment of the Joe Pickett series, "Vicious Circle." The book is aptly titled for the brutal Cates family, last seen in "Endangered," who return to exact revenge on Joe and his family. Nate Romanowski, no longer in hiding, comes to Joes aid when Dallas Cates enacts his plot to destroy the Picketts. Box amazingly continues to exceed past performances in this new volume that will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Box has won many awards for his previous novels including the Edgar, Barry, French Prix Calibre 38, and the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Reading the West Award. He was awarded the 2016 Western Heritage Award for Literature by the National Cowboy Museum and his most recent novel, "Off the Grid," debuted in the No. 1 slot on the New York Times bestseller list. Bold women of the American Southwest In the early decades of the 20th century, a group of well-educated, bold women left the posh comfort of the East Coast to explore the unknown of the American Southwest. They were enchanted by the landscape, and among the canyons and pueblos, they discovered the freedom to create the lives they longed for instead of living the lives dictated to them by society. This winner of the 2015 Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Reading the West Award, "Ladies of the Canyons" is a well-researched and beautifully-written account of the lives of Natalie Curtis, Carol Stanley, Alice Klauber and Mary Cabot Wheelwright. These remarkable women made an indelible print on the American Southwest and deserve to be remembered. A gritty journey In 2011, journalist Rinker Buck and his brother, Nick, became the first people in recent history to travel the Oregon Trail by wagon and mule team from St. Joseph, Missouri, to eastern Oregon. Many may remember the interviews in the Casper Star-Tribune when they passed through Casper. Having become fascinated with the history of the trail after viewing the ruts in Kansas, Rinker thoroughly researched the gritty facts of preparation for the trail -- equipment, mules and more -- and embarked on his own adventure in a mule-drawn restored 19th-century prairie schooner. In "The Oregon Trail," Buck blends history of the trail, illuminating the life of Narcissa Whitman, the first white woman to cross the country in this fashion, with the memoir of his trek with his brother Nick and an incurably filthy rat terrier named Olive Oyl. Day to day life on the trail is brought into sharp focus as Rinker recounts their adventures and provides many laughs along with a dose of history. And, you just may run into a few people you know along the way. A 'news' novel, well told Texas, post-Civil War. "News of the World" tells the story of Captain Jefferson Kidd, once a printer in San Antonio, who is now in his seventies, and having lost his business in the war, earns his living traveling from town to town reading recent newspapers to the crowds that gather each evening. As he is setting out from Wichita Falls on his next circuit he is tasked with the job of returning 10-year-old Johanna to her family near San Antonio. Johanna has been a captive of the Kiowa for the last four years -- ever since they slaughtered her family -- and she has no interest in returning. Author Paulette Jiles depth of research into the lives of former Indian captives, as well the place and time of these events and the quality of her storytelling, leads to characters that will live on in your heart long after you have turned the last page. A finalist for the National Book Award, "News of the World" is a book you will not want to miss. Hitler's would-be assassination In "The Women in the Castle," Jessica Shattuck takes readers back to World War II Germany -- but from a unique perspective. It opens at a dinner party in the family castle where, behind closed doors, Mariannes husband and a group of resisters are plotting the unsuccessful July 20 assassination of Adolf Hitler. The plot then shifts to the first few months after Germanys defeat as the country begins reconstruction. In the aftermath of the failed assassination, the collaborators were executed and their families sent to camps, prisons, or orphanages. Marianne must now endeavor to fulfill a promise to find and care for those of her husbands fellow resisters wives and children who have survived. She is successful in finding two of the families and brings them back to eke out a living and repair their lives in the now ruined castle. Moving backward and forward through time, Shattuck explores the grave task of figuring out who you are and how you deal with the heinous actions of your countrymen. How do you learn to live with the collective guilt, and how does it affect the individuals and their children? This is a brilliant and eye-opening look at what it must have been like in Germany in the aftermath of World War II. The University of Wyomings medical education programming plans to allow students to spend more time in Laramie and stay in line with accreditation standards. The medical education program at UW is known as WWAMI. Since 1997, Wyoming has been part of a cooperative program with the University of Washington, as well as the states of Alaska, Montana and Idaho, aimed at providing medical education in northwestern states without independent medical schools. WWAMI is an acronym for the participating entities. Since joining the cooperative, WWAMI students have spent their first year at the UW campus in Laramie. In the second year, they go to the University of Washington in Seattle. But the programs curriculum is changing and calls for students to spend the second year each year of the program is actually closer to about nine months in their home states, said Marivern Easton, acting director of WWAMI medical education. It was 2014 when it was determined that this would be the new model, she said. The WWAMI facilities on UWs Laramie campus, however, could not accommodate both first- and second-year students simultaneously, Easton said. UW is currently the only institution in the cooperative without the facilities to accommodate the change. Because medical school accreditation is dependent on having uniform curriculum, she said, Wyomings program ran the risk of losing its accreditation. Medical schools accreditation is such you cant be doing something different in your regional program, Easton said. The onus is on the (University of Washington School of Medicine) to show whats happening in those regions, and that the students are getting the same education. WWAMIs classroom and cadaver lab are on the fourth floor of the Health Sciences building. Plans are underway to convert the cadaver lab into a second classroom for second-year students and renovate space in the Physical Sciences building into a new cadaver lab. UWs Board of Trustees approved plans for the project during its Feb. 15 meeting. While funds for the project are coming from a combination of Medical Education and College of Health Sciences sources, it required the trustees approval to move forward. Deficits for the construction budget in the first two years of the project scheduled for completion in December 2018 caused some UW trustees to question whether it was appropriate to approve. Im uncomfortable beginning a construction project based upon a negative budget, said trustee John McKinley. The $1.5 million budget currently shows a nearly $200,000 deficit in the first year of construction that would be reduced to just less than $60,000 in the second year. But College of Health Sciences Dean Joseph Steiner said there are students entering the program, which would generate sufficient revenue to cover the shortfall. While there is a deficit on paper, the reality is the income will come in, Steiner said during the Feb. 15 meeting. It will cover the deficit as we go into the second year of construction. Ultimately, UW President Laurie Nichols said she had no problem with the plan and vouched for the current funding model. Im really comfortable with it, Nichols said. I know well have a full WWAMI class every year. Its not a risky situation. The trustees voted unanimously to approve the plan. Easton said approving the plan now was the right thing to do. It costs less to educate (students) here than it would to send the money to Seattle for tuition and fees, she said. More ambitious plans were already scaled back because of the states economic situation, Easton said. Going forward with the $1.5 million project was the minimum to keep Wyomings program part of the collective. President Nichols encouraged us, Just give me the bare bones, Easton said. Whats the absolute minimum you need to meet accreditation standards and have a solid, quality program that would allow you to keep students here for the second year? Just less than 200 students have graduated through the WWAMI program in its 20 years in Wyoming. Nearly 73 percent return to practice in the Cowboy State. Easton said WWAMI is a success story for Wyoming. Its a workforce program thats really about finding persons in our state who are interested in medicine, she said. The goal is to find providers for the state of Wyoming. We know that the most successful programs are the ones where you grow your own. President Donald Trump confused many in a meeting Tuesday with state attorneys general when he suggested that recent threats made against the Jewish community might have been committed "to make others look bad" and that in terms of the threats, "the reverse can be true." The comment came during a brief question and answer session with the President at the White House after Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro noted hate crime incidents across the country -- including bomb threats against three Jewish schools and the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in his home state in the last few days. "Can you tell me what is being done so that the federal and state governments work together to combat this?" Shapiro told CNN he said to Trump. The President said three things in response, Shapiro recalled. First, the President condemned the threats and vandalism as "reprehensible." He also noted that he was going to address the matter in his speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening. But then the President said something that confused Shapiro: "You have to be careful, because the reverse can be true," he recalled the President saying. Shapiro said Trump suggested this would be done "to make others look bad." Shapiro said the President used the term "reverse" two or three more times. Other attorneys general later asked Shapiro what Trump meant by that, and Shapiro didn't know what to tell them, he said. The attorneys general did not know what to think. "I found that statement to be very curious," Shapiro said. The comment is all the more curious given that law enforcement officials believe many of the threatening calls coming into Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Day Schools have originated overseas. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. But Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said it would be "astonishing if the report is true that the president would posit such a claim. We fully hope that the authorities will continue their ongoing investigation of the matter and have full confidence that the FBI and law enforcement will bring the culprits to justice." Earlier Tuesday, top Trump adviser Anthony Scaramucci tweeted that "It's not yet clear who the #JCC offenders are. Don't forget @TheDemocrats effort to incite violence at Trump rallies." Scaramucci linked to a Breitbart story about a James O'Keefe undercover report in which a video suggested that a Democratic activist was sending protesters into Trump campaign rallies where they would film themselves getting beaten up by Trump supporters. When asked if he was suggesting Democrats were behind the threats to the Jewish community centers, Scaramucci tweeted, "No. I'm saying until we know for sure it's highly irresponsible to jump to conclusions." Scaramucci said Wednesday "we actually don't know who is behind" the attacks. "What you're finding is there's a lot of allegations are being made and people are suggesting potentially that it could be Trump supporters behind it or people that are affiliated with the President or his administration," he told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day." "I think that's categorically very unfair." Scaramucci did not identify anyone who was making those suggestions and did not immediately respond to a follow-up request for clarification Wednesday morning. "We have to leave an open question of the source of where these things are coming from," Scaramucci added. In the last several weeks, there have been at least 100 bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and schools in 33 states in the United States and two provinces in Canada. UPDATE: This characterization of James O'Keefe's video has been changed in this story. CNN's Mary Kay Mallonee, Evan Perez, Eugene Scott and Shimon Prokupecz contributed to this report. Authorities work to identify Cody man killed in house fire CODY Authorities have not yet released the name of an elderly Cody man who died in a house fire this weekend. Officials on Wednesday said they believed the victim was the 74-year-old man who lived in the home, but the identity could not be confirmed until a coroners autopsy. Firefighters found the mans body on the second floor of a Cody home on Sunday. Cody Fire Department Marshal Sam Wilde says the fire started on the second story and burned unnoticed for many hours because of the homes sturdy log construction. It wasnt until interior oxygen was consumed that flames broke through the roof. The cause of the fire remains unknown. After three years of work and significant lobbying by American Indians, an Indian Education for All bill has passed the Wyoming Legislature and will help educate generations of students about the history of Wyomings native people. The bill will provide education materials for the 48 school districts across the state. The resources will be created with consultation from tribes of the region, including the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone, and will be available on the state Department of Educations website. Jason Baldes, the executive director of the Wind River Advocacy Center, said overall he was pleased with the Legislature recognizing the contributions of the tribes to Wyoming. But he took issue with an amendment introduced by Sen. Bruce Burns and passed by the Senate. Originally, the bill wouldve consulted with the two tribes on the Wind River reservation, the Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone. But the amendment brought all tribes in the region under an umbrella of consultants. Wyoming needs to have their own Indian education bill, but it needs to be specific to the states tribes, he said. Removing that and saying tribes of the region defeats the purpose of the bill. That point is disappointing. Sen. Cale Case, a co-sponsor of the bill, also opposed the amendment and said respect for Wyomings tribes should be paramount. History has made us co-sovereigns, he said. We share so much. Those native people are citizens of Wyoming. Baldes said expanding the language would also make it more difficult for the Department of Education to craft a curriculum. Still, department spokeswoman Kari Eakins said the WDE was really happy that the bill passed. We believe our social studies standards will be better than they are right now, she said. Were really excited to have a good working partnership with both tribes in our state. The materials will likely start with PBS modulars released last year, officials say. PBS is something we can make available right away, Eakins said. Thats kind of whats been used as a shining example for schools to use. Sen. Paul Barnard, R-Evanston, spoke of importance of the bill to the tribes whove worked hard to see it passed. As Ive visited different tribes, Ive really come to love these people, he said. Theyre part of Wyoming. A late, passionate attempt by Cheyenne lawmakers failed to regain nearly $42 million to build a new junior high school as the Senate passed a school facility bill Wednesday. The original version of the bill, drafted by the Select Committee on School Facilities, requested $85 million, largely to build a new elementary school in Teton County and the new Carey Junior High School in Laramie County. The Senate Appropriations Committee eliminated the $42 million that wouldve been used to finance the Cheyenne school. The bill was up for the final vote on Wednesday. The measure originated and was passed in the House and was sponsored by the Joint Appropriations Committee. The bulk of the remaining $85 million will be used to fund a new elementary school in Teton County, whose overcapacity problems overshadow those of Cheyennes district. The downturn in the mineral economy has essentially dried up the revenue stream for school construction and maintenance. This bill addressed some of the last of the coal lease bonus monies, more than $100 million, that will be distributed during this two-year budget cycle. Senators from the city attempted twice to insert money back into the bill to fund school projects. The first, brought forward by Republican Sen. Affie Ellis, would have appropriated $25 million to build a new elementary school in Cheyenne. Lawmakers pointed out that many elementary students are learning in modules, which are essentially trailers on school grounds. The amendment was killed by the Senate on Tuesday despite passionate statements from Ellis and Sen. Tara Nethercott, another Cheyenne Republican, who rose to illustrate Laramie County School District No. 1s overcapacity and students being forced to learn in the trailers. The bill, House Bill 58, includes more than $100,000 in funding for modular leases for the Laramie County district. On Wednesday, Nethercott proposed another amendment to the bill that would restore the original the $42 million for the Carey Junior High. Ellis said Tuesday the school would have operated as a swing space, where elementary students could attend school while their schools were remodeled or replaced. But Senate President Eli Bebout argued that the state didnt have the funds available to pay for the new school. Nethercott and Ellis both pointed out that students learning in the modules have to leave the trailer and walk to the school to use the restroom. Ellis told a story of a student who wouldnt drink water to avoid walking through the cold to use the restroom. He refuses to drink water during the day because he doesnt want to urinate during the day, she said. He has to get permission to enter his own school. Nethercott pointed out companies, like gun manufacturers, may not come to Cheyenne if their employees children will have to learn in modules. She wouldnt want her children going to school in such a situation, she said. Vote your conscience, she said. Do the right thing. But senators killed the amendment. When the bill as a whole came up for a vote, senators who wanted more money like Nethercott and Sen. Chris Rothfuss voted against it. It ultimately passed and will go back to the House. The Senate passed a sweeping but significantly amended education funding reform bill Wednesday, sending the measure back to the House as the two chambers try to reconcile radically different approaches to solving the education funding crisis. House Bill 236 originally contained a half percent conditional sales tax increase, 1 percent of the severance tax to fund schools and a 2.5 percent spending policy that wouldve provided $80 million to fund schools. All of those provisions were removed from the bill by the Senate, which has opposed any tax or revenue increases. Both chambers had crafted broad bills to address a looming $400 million annual shortfall in the education budget. Each had significantly altered the others measure, the House so much so that lawmakers there ultimately filed a substitute bill to replace the Senates measure. Even with its substantive changes, the House still ultimately killed the Senates bill, Senate File 165, by not bringing it forward before a legislative deadline. But the Senates bill is not the chambers only effort to address the situation. It originally passed a budget bill with an amendment that would have required $91 million in conditional education cuts. But after negotiations with the House, the final supplemental budget bill institutes $25 million in cuts July 1 and $20 million more the following year if the House measure dies. But because HB236, as currently written, institutes around $37 million in reductions, the budget provision would be moot. In HB236, the lower chamber used what lawmakers and education officials have called a balanced approach: It originally included reductions, savings and tax increases. On Wednesday, the states major education groups came out in support of the Houses approach. But the Senates vehement opposition to revenue increases meant that the sales tax increase had little chance of surviving its journey through the chamber. Indeed, it fell at the first hurdle: the Senate Education Committee. Senators added additional reductions to the bill, including cutting down on health insurance reimbursements to districts. When consideration began Wednesday, the bill would have instituted about $75 million in cuts, lawmakers said. But then legislators doubled back and removed the health insurance provisions, bringing the cuts down to about $37 million. Thats about $5 million more in reductions than what the bill offered when it came out of the House. The health insurance provision was cut in anticipation that the House would have rejected it, now that the bill is being sent back to the lower chamber. The measure also could have been unconstitutional, senators said, which offered an extra incentive to remove it. It would also ease the burden for districts to institute cuts. This gives us opportunity to send this down the hall and (lets) us have a chance in the House, said Sen. Bill Landen, a Casper Republican. I think if we leave this in there, this health insurance piece, its a little bit too rich. Its going to get thrown out, anyway. I think itll clean up the bill. Give the districts a little breathing room. Tax attempt Though senators had previously killed the revenue increases in the House bill, Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, brought forth an amendment Wednesday that wouldve instituted a 1 percent tax increase to be split between educations primary account and the account that funds school construction and major maintenance. This is a significant amendment that has hundreds of millions of dollars of implications, he said. It has the opportunity for us to leave with something that looks more like a solution to the education revenue shortfall, rather than just kicking the ball down the road to recalibration. Recalibration is the process in which lawmakers and consultants examine the funding model and adjust it as needed. HB236 would create a committee to begin that process in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the construction account is virtually empty; its source of funding, coal lease bonuses, has dried up, and lawmakers have thus far found no replacement, other than a constitutional amendment that was voted down. The lack of an alternative was not lost on Rothfuss, who pointed out that theres no way recalibration can be used to fund construction. We know were in a crisis that were nowhere near (solving) school capital construction, he said. But Sen. Hank Coe, who chairs the Senate Education Committee that killed the Houses sales tax proposal, rejected the idea of Rothfuss tax increase. In this particular case, we have schools funded through the biennium right now, he said, referring to the current two-year budget cycle. He suggested lawmakers could look at potential revenue increases next year. This is not the time and the place to be doing this at where we are in this process. But Rothfuss said the states education system has been funded by the entirety of its savings account. Roughly $550 million was taken out of it to fund day-to-day operations for this two-year budget cycle. Were going to burn through it in its entirety, he said. Rothfuss amendment was ultimately voted down, 5 to 24, with Senate President Eli Bebout absent. The bill now goes back to the House. WASHINGTON Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke arrived on horseback for his first day of work Thursday. The morning after his swearing-in ceremony, the former Montana congressman and Navy SEAL joined the U.S. Park Police at their stables on the National Mall. He rode a 17-year-old Irish sport horse named Tonto through downtown Washington to the Interior Departments headquarters. Nine park police also on horseback accompanied him. Secretary Zinke was proud to accept an invitation by the U.S. Park Police to stand shoulder to shoulder with their officers on his first day at Interior, said Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift. Zinke and Interior Twitter accounts posted photos. There he is in a black cowboy hat astride a brown bay roan gelding that stands just over 17 hands tall, a bus and typical morning traffic in the background. At the department, hundreds of federal workers greeted Zinke, including an Office of Indian Affairs employee from the Northern Cheyenne tribe from Montana who played an honor song on a hand drum. Can Zinke do for horses what Joe Biden did for trains? The former vice president and senator famously commuted to his home in Delaware by train for decades. While Zinkes urban horse ride is unlikely to become a daily ritual, he seems committed to preserving his image as an avid outdoorsman. He wears a bright orange ball cap and hunting vest in the bio photo of his new @secretaryzinke Twitter account. And he has already retweeted a photo showing him and his wife at Glacier National Park in Montana. The Interior Department oversees 400 million acres of public land, mostly in the West. President Donald Trump addressed Congress on Tuesday night. Or was it the state Duma? And how can you tell the difference? Trump uttered some 5,000 words and spoke for 60 minutes, but not one of those words was Russia, and not one of those minutes was devoted to the so-far successful effort by our geopolitical adversary to undermine American democracy. The FBI and intelligence community have unanimously charged that Vladimir Putins government interfered in the U.S. elections in its successful attempt to get Trump elected. Ties between Trump and his team and Russia have been well established, right up through contacts with the Russian ambassador during the transition that led to the resignation of Trumps national security adviser, Michael Flynn all while Trump has promised a friendly new approach to Russia. It was hard to ignore this elephant, even in a room as large as the House chamber. And yet Trump excised it, like Trotsky from Soviet photos. Putin could not have done better nor could he have appointed better men to investigate Russias interference in the U.S. election than those now charged with doing it. Consider Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and head of the House investigation into Russia. On Friday, The Washington Post reported that Nunes participated in a White House-led effort to knock down a New York Times story asserting the Trump campaign had contacts with Russian intelligence. On Saturday, Nunes said at a forum in California that Flynn, who was pushed out over the Russia controversy, is an American hero, and he was doing his job. On Monday, Nunes, the man responsible for overseeing the Houses probe into the Russia matter, assembled reporters and declared: The way it sounds to me is its been looked into and theres no evidence of anything. Of contacts between Russia and Trump lieutenants, he said, What Ive been told ... by many folks is that theres nothing there. Nunes even offered Trump and Flynn an alibi, saying they were so busy that Trump couldnt have possibly directed Flynn to call the Russian ambassador to talk about sanctions. And Nunes said a special prosecutor should be called in only if serious crimes have been committed. ... But at this point, we dont have that. It was a trip through the looking glass: The very purpose of an investigation is to determine whether crimes have been committed; if you have proof, you dont need an investigation. Nunes, who served on Trumps transition committee, has already said executive privilege prevents him from examining discussions between Trump and Flynn. And Nunes echoed Trumps claim that the real scandal isnt about contacts with Russia but about the unauthorized leaks about such contacts. And this man is supposed to lead an impartial investigation? You might as well ask the Kremlin to conduct one. You dont need to be a partisan Democrat to know that, as former president George W. Bush told NBC, we all need answers on Trumps Russia ties. But the congressional Republicans leading the investigation have already declared their partiality. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also participated in the White House campaign to debunk the Times report. During the previous administration, seven congressional committees issued eight reports on the Benghazi affair and that was before the two-year Select Committee investigation concluded. Now we have the White House pressuring the FBI and senior intelligence officials to debunk allegations against Trump. So where are these crack investigators now? Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has offered a bevy of excuses: He doesnt need to probe the Flynn affair because its taking care of itself; other panels could better protect sources and methods; he didnt want to pry into the private systems of a political party; and he wont personally target the president. The pressure not to probe must be considerable. On Friday, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) told HBOs Bill Maher that youre going to need to use the special prosecutors statute and office to probe the Russia-Trump matter. But on Monday, Issa retreated, saying he would support an independent review but not a special prosecutor because theres no individual under suspicion. Nunes, serving as judge and jury, told reporters Monday that it was ridiculous to suggest Flynns transition talks with the Russian ambassador violated the law prohibiting private citizens from conducting foreign policy. We should be thanking him, Nunes declared, not going after him. Good idea. And after they thank Flynn, the Duma investigators should send chocolates to Putin. Sen. John Kavanagh Sen. Kimberly Yee Over Democrats objections, state senators voted Tuesday to give businesses more time to fix violations of disability laws before ending up in court. SB 1198 is a direct result of what all sides agree has become a growth industry among some attorneys. These lawyers find what they say are violations of laws dealing with access to the handicapped, file suit but then agree to drop the claim in exchange for a cash settlement. And the alternative is to fight the lawsuit, which may actually cost more in legal fees than the settlement request. The situation got so bad that Attorney General Mark Brnovich got a state judge to consolidate more than 1,000 of these individuals lawsuits into a single case. Now he is trying to have them dismissed. I have a number of businesses that are (run by) friends that have been greatly affected by lawsuits and lawsuit threats over the course of the last 12 months where they have had to consider closing their doors because of the literally thousands of dollars they have had to pay out in litigation costs, said Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix. SB 1198 instead would require that someone alleging a violation under the states version of the Americans with Disabilities Act to first give the business at least 60 days to resolve the issue. Once a lawsuit is filed, a judge would be able to determine if the person complaining or the attorney is a vexatious litigant who files multiple cases and allow them to be combined. And it prohibits a court from awarding civil penalties and compensatory damages in civil actions. Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said if the aim of those who file suits is to get the problem resolved, this process accomplishes that. But Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said theres no excuse for giving businesses more time to deal with problems they should have fixed years ago. The Arizonans with Disabilities Act has been in place for 27 years, 27 years that every single small business should have known to this point what they have to do in order to accommodate people with disabilities, he said. These are people who are blind, these are people who are deaf, these are people who have a limiting disability so they have to use a wheelchair, Quezada continued. They cant access services, they cant access these local businesses. And he suggested that SB 1198 will actually result in more businesses ignoring the requirement of the law. Quezada said theres no reason for a property owner to bring a site into compliance if theres no risk of being sued. And once a claim is filed, then they have six months to do what he said they should have done long ago. Kavanagh disputed Quezadas contention that businesses have known about requirements for years. A lot of these regulations are recent, he said. He also said there are a lot of businesses that are exempt from the law because their buildings were constructed before the ADA went into place. But Kavanagh said the existing laws and the lawsuits that result force the owners of these buildings to hire an attorney just to get a judge to rule that they were never breaking the law in the first place. Sen. Debbie Lesko It wont stop unexpected medical bills. But legislation approved Wednesday by the Senate is designed to give Arizonans a chance to fight having to pay them. Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, said SB 1441 will help with situations where someone goes into the hospital. If its a scheduled procedure they have gone in to make sure that the doctor takes their insurance, theyve checked to make sure the hospital takes their insurance and they think theyre all set, she said. A month later they get a bill from a doctor thats out of network, Lesko said. And they had no control over it. The most common situation, she said, is that a hospital has contracted with an anesthesiologist. But not being an employee of the hospital, that person submits a separate bill to the patient. Under current law, Lesko explained, the patient has nowhere to turn as the doctor wants his or her money and the insurance company says it wont pay. SB 1414 does not automatically excuse the patient from that balance billing. Instead, it sets up a procedure for people to ask the Department of Insurance to intervene and determine whats really a fair charge. It would not apply in all situations. State intervention would be available in cases where the service was provided in an emergency situation and the patient had no way to check which doctors are within his or her network. For other situations, arbitration is available if the health care provider did not tell the patient up front that it is not within the patients insurance network, did not provide the estimated total cost to be billed, and did not give the patient a chance to waive any rights to dispute the bill. If they receive a surprise medical bill they would call the Department of Insurance, Lesko explained. That agency would set up a phone call involving the doctor, the insurance company and the patient. Lesko said the experience elsewhere in states with similar systems leads her to believe that will resolve most problems. In Texas, 94 percent of all the complaints are settled over the phone, she said. They settle on the amount and its over. Lesko said the way her legislation is crafted, the patient in most situations would be responsible only for the normal co-pay and deductible. And theyre not going to be charged anything else, she said. Still, not all cases settle that way. Those go to private arbitration, with the insurance company and the doctor splitting the cost of that process. And if either side disagreed with that finding, an appeal to court remains an option. None of that is available, though, if the patient agrees ahead of time to a specific out-of-network cost. And if the patient signs that, agreeing to that amount, this whole process doesnt apply, Lesko said. There would be no settlement. But if the actual bill ends up more than that estimate, she said, then the review process would still apply. Lesko acknowledged that an argument could be made that a patient should have to pay nothing if he or she has not agreed to out-of-network treatment and suddenly gets a bill. But she said such a proposal would never get approval because of opposition from doctors. We have to get a bill that has a good amount of consensus to go forward, Lesko explained. Whether she has it at this point, however, remains to be seen. Despite the 25-5 vote on Wednesday doctors are still lobbying to kill the measure, at least in the form its in. And they convinced several senators to oppose what Lesko wants. Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, said she does not see SB 1441 as a balanced solution. She said there already is a great deal of pressure on doctors to cut their bills. And Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, said she fears that at some point the pressures of measures like this will result in some doctors simply deciding they dont want to work at hospitals for fear they wont get their full bills paid. When you or a loved one are wheeled into that emergency room, the anesthesiologist, the emergency room doc, the trauma specialist, the trauma surgeon, theyre not the bad guys, Brophy McGee said. We pay them to be there, we expect them to be there, we expect them to put our lives back together, she continued. Depending on how we approach this issue and how we address it, there wont be. Lesko, however, said she was not focused on the concerns of medical providers. Im doing this for patients, she said. Im not doing this for the insurance companies, Im not doing this for doctors, Im not doing it for hospitals. State senators voted Wednesday to open a swath of northwest Arizona to electronic billboards. Four Democrats joined with most of the Republicans to allow construction of up to 35 of these internally illuminated signs within 60 miles of Laughlin, Nev. That would open up an area stretching from south of Lake Havasu City to east of Kingman and north to nearly the Hoover Dam. But to get the measure out of the Senate, Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu, had to agree to a series of compromises. One was shrinking his original 2016 proposal, which would have opened up all of Mohave County to the signs. And aside from the limit, Borrelli agreed to limit the nighttime lighting to a lower level than is permitted elsewhere in Arizona where such signs are legal. Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, decried the fact that SB 1114 alters a deal that had been crafted in 2012 and approved by representatives of billboard companies who took part in negotiations. That deal opened up a swath from the eastern suburbs of Phoenix west to the Colorado River to these electronic signs. Everything south, east and north of that was made off-limits in a bid to protect the dark skies relied on by the states observatories. Borrelli urged colleagues to support his measures, saying it only affects his corner of the state. And he noted that this years version is not being opposed by the astronomy community, which helped kill the 2016 bill. Sen. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, said that persuaded him to vote for this measure. Farley, however, said these kinds of negotiations and, from his perspective, surrender set a bad precedent. Every time thats happened they come back again the next year, he said. And you add a little bit more, a little bit more until all of a sudden weve destroyed the golden goose that provides the golden eggs for our economy from our astronomy industry, Farley continued. We cant do that. Sen. Olivia Cajero Bedford, D-Tucson, said she found it interesting that Borrellis legislation uses Laughlin as a central point. Why are we allowing more billboards to help Laughlin? she asked, calling expansion of the area for electronic billboards mind-boggling. Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, was the only Republican to vote against the measure. Other than Contreras, the other Democrats in support of SB 1114 were Sean Bowie, Robert Meza and Catherine Miranda, all of Phoenix. We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some March 2 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 State senators voted Wednesday to allow two new exemptions to Arizona laws that generally prohibit people from firing guns in populated areas. HB 2022, approved by the Senate Government Committee, spells out that people can use a special kind of small-caliber shot, one designed to kill snakes and small mammals at close range. Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said it provides residents with an option for self defense or at least a method of pest control. But the more far-reaching measure the same committee approved on the same 4-3 party-line vote would remove the chance that someone could be prosecuted for being criminally negligent in shooting a gun in city limits. Instead, under HB 2287 prosecutors would have to prove that someone intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fired a gun. Both would amend Shannons Law, which was adopted in 2000 in the wake of the death of 14-year-old Shannon Smith. The Phoenix teen died when she was hit by a bullet that had been fired in the air from some distance away. No one was ever arrested. That law not only makes it a felony to fire a gun within a mile of any occupied structure within city limits but also makes it illegal to act with criminal negligence. That is defined in Arizona law as acting in a way that the failure to perceive (the risk) constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation. Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria, who crafted the measure, said that wording allows someone to be prosecuted for accidental discharge of firearms. Accidents are a fact of life, he told committee members. Dave Kopp, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, cited a 2012 incident where someone purchased a gun, brought it back to his apartment and then tried to remove a round stuck in the chamber. The gun went off and fired a round into the floor. No one was hurt, but Kopp said the person was charged under Shannons Law with a felony. Probably not the smartest thing in the world to do, Kopp conceded of what the person was doing. But we dont want to see innocent people convicted of felony stupid. The legislation brought out Edith Smith, Shannons aunt, in a bid to quash the proposal. She said since the law was adopted the amount of random gunfire has dropped. So why change something that works? Smith said. Shannons Law has made the Valley and other urban areas in Arizona safer. Kopp, who lobbies for the rights of gun owners, however, said even if the law is amended it will still protect people from celebratory gunfire. He said people act knowingly or recklessly when they fire a gun into the air. Mendez, however, said changing the law would give people who fire guns a way of escaping criminal charges by saying the gunfire was just an accident. The measure on snake shot is being pushed by Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Scottsdale. He said the ammunition is not dangerous to people, consisting of lead pellets the size of most grains of sand loaded into a .22-caliber shell. And Lawrence said even small animals and snakes are probably in no danger unless the person firing the gun is within at least 14 feet. PHOENIX Republican lawmakers in the House agreed Wednesday to ask voters to put another hurdle in the path of placing initiatives on the ballot. HCR 2029 would leave in place the existing number of signatures required to put a measure on the ballot. That is based on a percentage of people who voted in the last gubernatorial election. But it would add the additional burden of having to obtain signatures in each of the states 30 legislative districts and in proportion to the number of gubernatorial votes in each district. Using the 2014 election results, it takes 150,642 valid signatures on petitions to propose a statutory change, equivalent to 10 percent of those who turned out. Constitutional changes require 15 percent 225,963 signatures to get on the ballot. Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, said extending that across the state has implications. For example, Clark said if the change was approved, anyone wanting a constitutional change would need to gather 3,750 signatures in his Phoenix district based on the number of residents who voted for governor in 2014. But in the district of Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, which runs from Yuma to the western suburbs of Phoenix, circulators would need the signatures of 6,856 people. And in the East Valley district of House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, it would take 8,308 signatures. That, he said, is unfair. Clark said that having to gather more signatures in one district than another based on voter turnout districts that are supposed to have roughly equal population gives the residents of that district an effective veto power to keep something from getting on the ballot. Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said this would be a great tool for those who want to kill an initiative in its infancy, before it actually makes it to the ballot. All an interloper, somebody from out of state, would ever have to do to stop a good initiative is pour a ton of money into one small legislative district, she said, denying the needed margin in just that one legislative district. And now the initiative is dead. Shooter was unperturbed by letting a single legislative district perhaps his kill a measure that might be popular in the other 29 districts. If thats the case, Im a happy boy, he quipped. The 33-23 vote sends the measure to the Senate. But even if it is approved there, it still requires voter ratification in 2018. And theres another potential hurdle: Clark said he believes the change would run afoul of constitutional equal-protection provisions. He said even if voters give their OK, a lawsuit is likely. Shooter disagreed, saying a similar Nevada law was upheld by a federal appellate court. This is one of five separate measures being advanced by the Republican-controlled Legislature at the behest of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other business interests. They are particularly incensed that voters last year approved a hike in the minimum wage, from $8.05 an hour to $10 now and $12 by 2020 along with a requirement for paid sick leave. One measure would forbid paying circulators based on the number of signatures they gather. Two others would roll back the 1998 Voter Protection Act that bars lawmakers from tinkering with has been approved at the ballot. And another would require that advertising for all future ballot measures to contain a warning that, once approved, they could not be altered by the Legislature. All have advanced on pretty much a party-line basis. Federal agents arrested 11 people on suspicion of supplying drug-trafficking scouts with food and equipment. The members of the resupply network are accused of hauling radios, cellphones, batteries, solar panels, fuel, food, clothes, toiletries, and other items to the scouts, who perch on mountainsides in Southern Arizona for weeks or months at a time, according to a 15-page federal complaint unsealed Feb. 8 in U.S. District Court in Tucson. Scouts use binoculars and encrypted radios to guide drug and human smugglers past law enforcement officers, particularly in the corridor that runs from the international border through the Tohono Oodham Reservation and on to Phoenix. The 11 people arrested Feb. 3 are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, according to a Feb. 22 indictment. The charges came after agents with the Homeland Security Investigations office in Sells launched a probe in October 2015 of an organization that smuggled marijuana through the reservation to Phoenix. As part of that investigation, HSI agents targeted scouts and their resupply networks, according to the complaint. The supplies were gathered in the Phoenix home of the mother of the person in charge of supplying the scouts, 23-year-old Maria Roxanna Acosta Quintana, or at the home of her brother Ruben Villegas Acosta, 28, and sister-in-law Angelica Marie Alvarado, 32. Drivers picked up the supplies from the houses or at other locations in Phoenix, such as Walmart parking lots, motels, tire shops, and mechanic shops. From Phoenix, drivers hauled the supplies, which were usually packed inside trash bags, to the Tohono Oodham Reservation and dropped off the supplies at residences in the villages of GuVo, Hickiwan, Cobabi, Charco, and Nolia, according to the complaint. In some cases, the drivers stopped at preselected mile markers or intersections on federal routes on the reservation, where men wearing camouflage would emerge from the brush to collect the supplies. Authorities based their allegations on statements from a confidential source, evidence gathered through search warrants, surveillance, vehicle-tracking devices, and traffic stops, according to the complaint. All of the defendants are U.S. citizens, except for Mexican national Ruben Villegas Acosta. Antonio Pasqual Aguilar Sanchez, 36, was detained after his arrest, but the other 10 defendants were released on their own recognizance. Scouts often do not possess drugs at the time of their arrest, which made it difficult to prosecute them for drug smuggling. Federal authorities saw their first conviction of a scout on a conspiracy charge in 2015 in federal court in Tucson. The other people arrested in connection with the resupply network were: Nicole Havier, 42 Dora Carreras, 43 Fawn Eveningstar Manuel, 34 Annai Arlene Hernandez, 23 Jesus Gilberto Parra Acosta, 21 Jackie Ann Garcia, 29 Andrew Ortega, 60 More than two tons of marijuana found in two commercial shipments were discovered at a Nogales border crossing since Saturday, authorities said. On Feb. 28, more than 2,900 pounds of marijuana was found in 125 bundles in a box truck, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release. The marijuana was worth an estimated $1.5 million, authorities said. The marijuana was detected by a drug-sniffing dog at the Mariposa Commercial Facility when officers inspected the box truck. On Feb. 25, about 1,700 pounds of marijuana was found in the roof area of a tractor-trailer loaded with corn, officials said. The marijuana was worth an estimated $838,000, and also was discovered at the Mariposa Commercial Facility. The drugs, vehicles and commodities were seized and both drivers, who were Mexican nationals, were arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. Henry Savin, who recently competed on Chopped Junior, loves to cook with his grandma. His younger brother Sam also loves to cook and plans to audition for the Food Network one day. Credit: Steve KerosRed Hot Chili Peppers have postponed their upcoming shows in Denver, Glendale, Arizona and San Diego as frontman Anthony Kiedis battles a bout of bronchitis. "Anthony has been fighting off the bronchitis all week and still needs a few more days to recover," the band writes on their website. "We are sorry for any inconvenience to our fans and look forward to seeing you." The San Diego show will now take place March 21, while the Denver and Glendale dates have been moved to October 16 and October 18, respectively. Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled show will be honored on the new date. The shows were a part of the Chili Peppers' North American tour in support of their new album, The Getaway. The band is expected to return to the road on March 7 in Los Angeles. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Help India! New Delhi, (IANS): Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists on Thursday held a protest march in Delhi University (DU) campus here, demanding action against the anti-national activities. The students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that the protest march near the universitys North Campus Art Faculty was organised to save the DU from anti-national activities. Support TwoCircles Students in the march were demanding strict action against all those elements who support anarchism and anti-India propaganda. A clash took place between the members of the ABVP and the All India Students Association (AISA), a Left-leaning student organisation, at Ramjas College on February 22 that left the university campus disturbed. Help India! Patna, (IANS): A BJP legislator on Thursday filed a case against Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan over a video clip that showed him asking people to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modis photograph with shoes. I have lodged a case against Mastan in the Kotwali police station of Patna and demanded proper action, Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Nitin Navin said here. Support TwoCircles He said the state police should now initiate action against Mastan. I have demanded arrest of Mastan and a probe into his nationality. Mastan, referring to the opposition BJP demand for his sack from the council of ministers, told the media that he had already apologised for his statement if it had hurt some people. Even after I said sorry, if BJP is not ready to accept it, please go ahead and hang me for what I said about PM Modi, Mastan said. Mastan is a Congress leader and the only minister from the backward and under-developed Seemanchal belt, which comprises Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria and Katihar districts, with sizeable Muslim population. The BJP members demanded that either Mastan should resign or be removed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his insult to Modi. They created noisy scenes over the issue, rushed to the well of the house and shouted slogans. On February 22, the Excise Minister in his video, which was telecast by a Hindi news channel, also condemned the central governments November 8, 2016, demonetisation move. In no time, the video went viral on the social media. In the video, Mastan was seen addressing a crowd in Purnia districts Amour assembly constituency and saying that it was Modi who had promised to face punishment if he failed to end peoples woes within 50 days. He then suggested that the crowd should beat Modis photograph with their shoes. President Donald Trump said during his inauguration speech, which was probably paid little attention by Americans who didnt feel dead sure hed make their country great again and were fearing for their lives, that he was going to fix all the countrys problems. He said, The American carnage stops right here and stops right now. Now, Trump has addressed Congress to flesh out how he intends to stop this carnage right here and now, tackling specifically the topics of poverty, unemployment, Crime, and Education. This article will compare what he said in January during his inauguration speech with what his plans are that hes outlined now to fix everything. Trump on poverty During his inauguration speech, Trump voiced his sympathy for mothers and children who are trapped in poverty in the inner cities of America. Now, in an effort to do something about that, he wants to change the current system of lower-skilled immigration to a merit-based system, so only the immigrants who have something to offer will be allowed in. He also listed the advantages of this system: saving countless dollars, hiking up the wages of the workers who elected him, and providing help for struggling families (which he clarified included immigrant families, luckily) to get into the middle class. Trump on employment On Inauguration Day, Trump said that factories in need of refurbishment were just scattershot across the barren wasteland of America. In his address to Congress, he spoke of his plans to change that. Trump boasted about how he has cleared the way for construction to take place on the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines (skimming over the fact that this involved the desecration of sacred Native American land and the violation of their rights as a people, stealing even more of their land as if the whole rest of the country wasnt enough) and how it will create tens of thousands of jobs, which is sure to make his working class voters happy. Trump also noted a directive he has issued demanding that any new American pipelines being constructed must be constructed using American steel. America has exited what Trump calls the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership and the President also wants Congress to pass through his new legislation that will like to an investment of a trillion dollars from both public and private capital to effectively create millions of new jobs. Say what you will about the guy, but his business experience means he knows how to handle the countrys money, and while his policies arent great for everyone (Muslims, for one), they are helping out the working class joes that make up the backbone of America. Trump on education During his inauguration speech, Trump said that the education system of America is flush with cash, and yet leaves youths who are educated through it deprived of all knowledge, and promised to fix that. In his Congressional speech, he begged Congressmen from both sides of the political fence, left and right, to vote to pass his education bill that will provide the funding to give underprivileged youths more choice in the school they go to, the school that will be right for them, which he says includes millions of African-American and Latino children. He says that these kids should be able to handpick the school for them from all public, private, charter, magnet, (and) religious schools, as well as home school if they or their family so choose. Trump on crime and the war on drugs On Inauguration Day, Trump said that crime and drugs in America have stolen too many lives and crippled the backbone of the nation, and he vowed to fix that, too. In his speech to Congress, he said that hes spoken to the Justice Department to put together a new task force whose goal is reducing violent crime. Trump said that the new task force is already getting gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens off the streets. The government has been overruled after the House Of Lords has said ministers should guarantee EU nationals' the right to stay in the UK after Brexit. They had previously voted for a labour-led Amendent to protect the rights of EU nationals living in the UK, and the results came out as 358 to 256. This is the first parliamentary defeat yet for the governments brexit bill, and will allow Theresa May the authority to trigger Brexit under Article 50. Why did the Lords choose to amend the Brexit Bill? The Lords came out and said that they feel morally obliged to step in to change some of the terms of Britain's negotiating stance on leaving the European Union. However, the amendment is much to the government's disapproval after having voted by a clear majority to pass the legislation unamended. Does this delay the Brexit process? Number 10 has reassured everybody that this small set back will not delay the initial plan of formally starting talks to leave the EU by the end of March this year. But last night Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, hinted that his MPs might be whipped to support the measure in the House of Commons. He stated that the Lords overruling decision was "great news", adding: "The government must now do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK." Still, depending on the vote, the Bill is likely to receive royal assent which is likely to be granted on Wednesday 15 March - allowing Prime Minister Teresa May to formally begin the process of Britain leaving the EU. What does this all mean? The amendment being backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of the Article 50 being triggered, to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. But it could be overturned when MPs, who have already backed the Brexit bill without amendments, vote on it again. The amended Bill will return to the Commons, in a procedure known as "ping-pong". MPs will vote to scrap the amendment and return it to The House of Lords yet again. President Donald Trump recently addressed Congress to discuss various topics, including poverty, jobs, crime, and education, and what exactly he was going to do about them to make good on his seemingly empty campaign promises. The speech lasted an impressive hour, so here are the key takeaways in a concise list, to save you an hour of your life. Who is Donald Trump? Trump seems to flit between the angry guy who yells enemy of the American people! at his entire press conference and the level-headed President with the working class backbone of his nation at heart when making important decisions about spending, and always looking to create as many jobs for his people as possible. So, which is real and which is a ruse? The answer seems obvious. Trump vs bigotry Trump, who has himself been called a bigot many times (many times by this reporter alone, in fact), but he denounced all bigots in front of Congress. He opened his speech with an attack on anti-Semitism, which hes already spoken out against. Trumps approval rating is quite weak Politico did a survey of Trump voters to see how many of them believed he was keeping the promises he made on the campaign trail. 56% thought he was, while the other 44% feel deceived. Its not great, but at least its the (slim) majority. Immigration While Trump seemed all for immigration families coming to America in a merit-based system, he received a passionate standing ovation from the Republicans when he announced construction of the wall, and not to mention the migrant ban and Muslim travel ban, which he still expects to go through. Donald Trumps presidency has proved as controversial and divisive as many predicted it would be when he became President-elect in November 2016. The implementation of his Travel Ban was highly criticised and soon blocked by the courts while his firing of a top-aide instigated fresh concerns about the credibility of his administration. Additionally, his low approval ratings will have hurt his ego and he would have aimed to rectify this through his first address to Congress in an attempt to start the process of uniting the country. What was said? Trumps first address to Congress had a surprisingly upbeat tone compared to his bleak inauguration speech. He spoke of the United States as being a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its very ugly forms. Moreover, he communicated his words is a less bombastic manner which was on show for all to see during his presidential campaign. Instead, he chose to converse in a more conventional and reserved style. Nevertheless, he still repeated some of the same rhetoric that he has used in previous speeches which have caused such division amongst the American public. This included calling for increased border security, denouncing illegal immigrants and repeating his pledge to build the wall on the US/Mexico border. The Reaction Obviously, the delivery of Trumps speech surprised many. Anthony Zurcher, a North America reporter for the BBC, remarked that Trump acted and sounded not unlike presidents of the past. Presidential, even. Praise was also given to Trumps remarks towards Carryn Owens, the widow of Ryan Owens who was the Navy Seal killed in the failed raid in Yemen. Surprisingly, Van Jones, a CNN commentator who has been and continues to be one of Donald Trumps fiercest critics, was one of the people who praised this aspect of the speech. While Van Jones had problems with a lot of aspects of Trumps address to Congress, he noted that Trumps comments towards Carryn Owens was the moment he became President of the United States. Still, despite this, a lot of contempt for Trumps address to Congress was evident in the aftermath of the speech as we can see below. When Trump said we need to promote clean air and clean water, I had a hard time not laughing. Today he rolled back clean water rules. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) 1 March 2017 Trump shouldn't be judged by his tone during a speech, he should be judged by his actions so far and it hasn't been good. #JointAddress Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) 1 March 2017 With gender inequality dominating the energy sector at the highest leveland even in 2017 there is rampant sexism against women. They are far greater than man has been and will ever become. Due to living in a male dominated society since the dawn of humanity, with men shaping rules and laws. It took the suffragette and suffragist movements to win the vote for women in 1918, in terms of time, that is not long ago. Womens achievements are far greater because they have facing a struggle from the moment they are born. They have an image to maintain and society tells them they must act in an appropriate manner and look a certain way. But this focus is on women in Science and Innovation. Caroline Herschel (1750 1848) It would be obvious to start with Marie Curie but her discoveries are well-documented. Little is said about Caroline Herschel, who was an astronomer. She was brought by her brother, William, from Germany in 1772 to run his household and often followed her brothers careers. This includes when he decided to become an astronomer and as she had done previously followed suit. She became an astounding astronomer in her own right by discovering new nebulae and star clusters, she became the first woman to discover a comet and have her work published by the Royal Society. After her brother died, she retired to her native Hanover, Germany, where she continued to work and increased the number of known star clusters from 100 to 2,500. She received many honours in her field including a gold medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. Lise Meitner (1878 1968) After Meitner finished school in Austria, aged 14, she was barred from attending higher education (as were all girls). But she developed a keen interest in radioactivity. When she turned 21, women were finally allowed to attend university where she studied maths and physics, earning her doctorate in 1906. After which she made her way to Germany to collaborate with Otto Hahn studying radioactive elements. She was an Austrian Jewish Woman, which meant she was excluded from the main labs and lectures, allowed to only work in the basement. After Hahn and Meitner moved to a different university for better facilities, the pair were split up after she was forced to flee Nazi Germany in 1938. The pair continued to work together, however, she was working in Sweden. After Hahn discovered that uranium atoms were split when bombarded with neutrons, it was her calculations of the energy released in the reaction, naming it nuclear fission, the discovery that led to the atomic bomb. Rosalind Franklin (1920 1958) Franklin attended one of the few girls schools in London that taught physics and chemistry and after long fight with her father, who rejected the idea of her becoming a scientist, eventually he relented and she enrolled at Cambridge University, earning a doctorate in physical chemistry. Whilst in Paris she learned x-ray crystallography techniques and returned to England in 1951 to work for John Randall at Kings College, London. During her time at Kings College, she made x-ray images of DNA structures and it was this work that led to the discovery of the double helix structure. She had almost figured out the molecules structure herself but when colleague, Maurice Wilkins, showed one of her x-rays to James Watson, he quickly worked out the double helix and with Frances Crick published the findings. They went on to win a Nobel Prize in 1962 on the back of Franklins work, who died in 1958 of ovarian cancer. Women throughout history Throughout history there is a reoccurring theme for successful women and that is a battle against their male counterparts and the law itself. Whether it was their fathers or totalitarianism, there battle wasnt just with themselves and learning but with society itself. Often being whitewashed from history, the women above are to name but a few of the lesser known names. Social Sales and Marketing Firm Nimble Garners $9M Share Tweet By Paula Bernier Executive Editor, TMC By Paula BernierExecutive Editor, TMC Social sales and marketing solutions provider Nimble has raised $9 million in a Series A round. Imagen Capital Partners led the funding. Google (News - Alert) Ventures; Indicator Ventures; Mark Cubans Radical Investments; and a consortium including Jason Calacanis, Don Doge, and Howard Lindzon also participated. Nimble (News - Alert) bills its solution as a new kind of CRM for small and medium businesses. The cloud-based offering brings together calendar, contact, and email, Nimble CEO Jon Ferrera said. That way, workers dont have to spend a lot of time gathering background on people by doing Google searches and the like, he said, it just presents contact information whether the user is in their email program or the Web via their computer or smartphone. And the Nimble solution is layered onto the Google G Suite and Microsoft (News - Alert) Office 365 platforms for ease of use. Todays legacy CRMs are too complex and hard to use, and we end up spending more time maintaining data in our CRMs than letting our CRM platforms work for us. The resulting low end user adoption is a significant cause of failure for CRMs, said Ferrara. At Nimble weve solved the end user adoption issue and have built a CRM that end users love to use by seamlessly integrating with Office 365 and Google G Suite Emails, Contacts and Calendars, eliminating tedious data entry, and automating repetitive tasks. Nimble lives where users work: in email, the browser, and on their mobile devices. Ferrara, who also co-founded successful CRM company GoldMine Software Corp., released Nimbles first paid product back in 2013. With this new funding, he and the rest of the Nimble team plan to do more digital marketing, including influencer marketing, and bring in more engineering and sales resources to take Nimble to the next level. Nimble has already attracted 100,000 unique visitors to its website and it has 10,000 paying customers. The company is currently at breakeven, Ferrara said, and it expects to be profitable in about 18 months after its investments based on the new funding begin to bear fruit. In other recent news from Nimble, the company has come out with a free add-on for Microsoft Outlook on iOS. It makes it easy for Outlook users to get Nimble contact information directly from their email messages. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Article comments powered by Disqus Article comments powered by Edited by Alicia Young Donald Trump has only been president for a little over a week, but he's not happy that his cabinet nominations are not being confirmed in the Senate. As democrats continue to block the nominations, Trump is speaking out. Trump on Democrats After Donald Trump shocked the world with his upset victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last November, he started to put together a controversial cabinet that quickly came under fire from his critics. Names like Jeff Sessions and Betsy DeVos caused critics to cringe at what the cabinet could look like, as news outlets reported that it would be the most wealthy administration in recent history. Democrats acknowledged the backlash against the Trump administration, and have done their best to delay confirmation in the Senate. As seen on his offical Twitter account on January 31, the new president is hitting back at the Democrats for continuing their protest. Nancy Pelosi and Fake Tears Chuck Schumer held a rally at the steps of The Supreme Court and mic did not work (a mess)-just like Dem party! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2017 "Nancy Pelosi and Fake Tears Chuck Schumer held a rally at the steps of The Supreme Court and mic did not work (a mess)-just like Dem party!" Donald Trump wrote on Twitter early Tuesday morning. Trump's comments about Schumer are in reference to the senator's recent press conference opposing the controversial "Muslim ban" executive order where he got emotional over the issue. When will the Democrats give us our Attorney General and rest of Cabinet! They should be ashamed of themselves! No wonder D.C. doesn't work! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2017 Not stopping there, Donald Trump then went after the Democratic Party for their delay in the Senate. "When will the Democrats give us our Attorney General and rest of Cabinet! They should be ashamed of themselves!" the commander in chief tweeted, before adding, "No wonder D.C. doesn't work!" Trump's comments come just one day after his decision to fire acting Attorney General Sally Yates for refusing to enforce the aforementioned "Muslim ban." Yates, who was appointed by former President Obama, was accused by Trump of "betraying" the Department of Justice, who is pushing to have Jeff Sessions confirmed and put into the position. Next up With the friction between Donald Trump and the Democrats only getting worse by the day, it doesn't appear that either side is willing to concede or give an inch. As the backlash against the billionare real estate mogul continues, the future of Trump's presidency continues to remain a mystery. While Donald Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last November, he was unable to capture the popular vote in the process. After Trump blamed his popular vote loss on voter fraud, the main source for his theory has been exposed. Trump source busted Over the last two and a half months, Donald Trump has complained that his popular vote defeat was the result of wide-spread voter fraud. Despite various news outlets and fact-checkers disputing Trump's claims, the billionaire real estate mogul has continued to stand by his story. Trump's main source is Gregg Phillips, founder of the right-wing group known as "VoteStand," who claims to have proof that at least three millions votes were cast illegally in during the 2016 presidential election, though he has never released any data to back up his allegations. As reported by the Associated Press on January 30, it appears that Phillips has not been telling the whole story. .@AP learns Donald Trump's voter fraud expert was registered in 3 states during 2016 presidential election. https://t.co/LXQ1MUzR0e The Associated Press (@AP) January 31, 2017 Gregg Phillips was registered to vote in three states during the 2016 election, exposing a major conflict of interest in regards to his goal exposing voter fraud. According to the report in the AP, Phillips registered in Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi, while using a different form of his name in at least one of the states. The report states, "Phillips was registered in Alabama and Texas under the name Gregg Allen Phillips, with the identical Social Security number." However, according to voting registration records in Mississippi, he is listed under the name "Gregg A. Phillips, and that record includes the final four digits of Phillips' Social Security number." Further review Upon further review, the AP found that Gregg Phillips' status was "inactive" in Mississippi, while it was "suspended" in Texas. Despite this, the report confirms that "Phillips could have voted, however, by producing identification and updating his address at the polls." The AP spoke to Phillips after the news broke, and he responded, "Why would I know or care." Continuing, Phillips defended himself by pointing out how "broken the system is." As of press time, Donald Trump has not commented on his number one source for alleged voter fraud being registered in multiple states. Since clearing out the Dakota Access Pipeline campsites, clean-up crews have disposed of more than 24,000 tons of garbage left by activists. A contractor hired by North Dakotas Emergency Services Department is clearing away the trash, waste (including human excretes), and abandoned debris from the Oceti Sakowin, Rosebud, and Sacred Stone campsites. The cost to taxpayers: a whopping $1 million dollars. North Dakota is keeping visitors updated on its NDResponse Facebook and YouTube pages, noting the site is nearly complete. They also have videos of the trucks, crews, and bulldozers collecting and hauling away staggering amounts of rubbish. Other videos show workers towing away abandoned vehicles, propane tanks, and trailers. Cleanup of Dakota Pipeline protest camp involves tons of garbage & human feces#NoDAPL #StandingRock pic.twitter.com/IbOZUL0tzd PikachuMe #2 (@FiscalMgmt2) February 23, 2017 An environmental disaster North Dakota is trying to remove the trash and debris before the rains begin, as the campsite sits on the floodplains. If the waste isnt cleared away, the leftover sludge and garbage would get carried away into nearby rivers, creating an environmental disaster. That has accelerated work crews to clean up the camps. Items left behind include toxic chemicals and heavy oils that would spoil the watershed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired Trinity Analysis & Development Corp., which has been working since late last week to clean out the camp. And the Standing Rock Sioux, which at first welcomed the mostly out-of-state protestors, has led a cleanup effort once the protestors disbanded. The Standing Rock tribe has allowed some activists to remain on private property they own. Animal rescue finds dogs left behind amid tons of trash at Dakota Access protest camp https://t.co/ssyTpgsBOZ The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 28, 2017 Pets left behind How do the activists justify the enormous piles of garbage they left behind? If the pipeline running deep beneath Lake Oahes bedrock somehow breached, their mountains of garbage would be insignificant. Facebook users have written this is utter nonsense given the amount of filth left behind. The activists also charge they were forced out before they had a chance to clean up, even though they were given ample time and warnings to evacuate the camps. Also found among the waste and garbage were dogs and puppies, which the activists left behind to fend for themselves. Those that were rescued have been taken to the Furry Friends Rockin Rescue. The canines were found by volunteers helping in the clean-up efforts. Some were affected by malnutrition, frostbite, and mange. Others think more animals werent found before the bulldozers arrived. Dakota Tribe Sues Trump In Last-Ditch Effort To Stop Pipeline https://t.co/hNPNWZNSfZ via @dailycaller Christopher D. White (@ZanderKelly30) February 28, 2017 Facebook users outraged Mina Harrington wrote on NDResponses Facebook page she was SO GLAD you are showing all of this filth for Americans to see what the TRUE story behind these protesters really is. While Ken Kavanaugh commented: I'm so embarrassed that my People would leave such a horrible mess while claiming to be Protectors of Mother Earth. The 1,172-mile-long pipeline that traverses four states is nearly finished following President Trump signing an executive order allowing for its expedited completion. This is in keeping with his campaign promises. After the protests began last year, President Obama nixed the project. The $3.8 billion project has been held up for nearly six months and should be completed in a few weeks barring any judicial intervention. The Resistance may have been unsuccessful in coaxing Senator Marco Rubio into holding a town hall meeting, but they certainly inadvertently are forcing him to find digs for his Tampa office. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the senator's office was informed on February 1st that their month-to-month lease at the nine-story Bridgeport Center would be terminated due to the ongoing outside demonstrations. Since the Trump inauguration, outbreaks of protests to include raucous Town Hall Meetings have been occurring nationwide. However, Rubio has refrained from meeting with his constituents and videos of him dodging questions have surfaced. Nevertheless, dedicated demonstrators have vowed to assemble outside the Tampa building every Tuesday for the first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency. Last week, constituents held an event in Tampa without him, substituting the senator with a cardboard cutout in his likeness. You don't have to go home but you will have to get out of here Jude Williams, the president of America's Capital Partners, which owns the property, said that while he understands the protestors' cause, the professional office building was not a place for that (demonstrations) and it was a security concern for them. He stressed it was not political but a duty to keep a good, peaceful environment for their other tenants. Where do you go from here, and will this be a cause for concern for other politicians? Marco Rubio has other Florida offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Pensacola, Palm Beach and Tallahassee, but now has to find a new home for his Tampa office. Spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told the Times that they will have a representative available to assist constituents until they can find a permanent home. She also provided a reachable telephone number for the representative. Rubio has expressed his reluctance to attend town hall meetings because of the heckling and screaming. In 2009, the senator had a different view regarding the equally boisterous tea party rallies. The then-Senate candidate tweeted that the angry folks at the health care town halls were real and their views were shared by a growing majority. Donald Trump's first union address to congress on Tuesday was praised by his supporters. Many commentators in the media wondered if this was the president entering a new more settled phase of his presidency perhaps, one where his insulting remarks about women, Mexicans and other minorities don't become the status quo. It was noted in the press that he sounded more presidential, but many wondered if it was yet another change in temperament in his highly charged and, to some, baffling first few weeks at the White House. Trump spoke to the country for 60 minutes on Tuesday night delivering around 5000 words and giving the US a vision that seemed very different to whoever was listening. The country's reaction to the speech, on the left and the right, underscores the country's aching political gap, its social chasm between those who agree with the blooming sentiment for nationalism on the Republican side and those who want a different focus for their nation, one that is more tolerant, inclusive and pluralistic. Trump reached for poetry and stirring moments, and garnered his comments with calls for national unity, shifting his tenor from the bellicose methodology of his previous national speeches. Adopting a statesmanlike intonation, he hit notes of inspiration and called for the American people to come together. He denounced the recent threats against the Jewish community, and also the shooting of the Indian men in Kansas. Many thought he was seeking to stabilize his administration after a turbulent five weeks in the new White House office which left many shocked and confused. The actual shape and substance of his policies mentioned from issues such as #immigration trade, defense, and counterterrorism lacked clarity and methodology and gave his speech a broad, populist tone that appealed to the right but had many in the left speculating about his motives. "From now on, #America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears, inspired by the future, not bound by failures of the past, and guided by a vision, not blinded by our doubts," Trump said magnanimously from the podium in the House of Representatives. In many ways Trump has waged a war not only against the press but also against the elites he called out in the #Democratic Party, in Washington and in big cities like New York during his campaign. Thus far he has done little to bridge the gap between his followers and those who feel alienated by him. . But with the #lowest approval ratings of any new president in contemporary times, Trump offered to lay down those battles of the past (seen in his tenacious campaign and his first few days), and sought unity and togetherness. It was noted that his speech ticked the many boxes that traditional State of the Union speeches feature. His brazen Twitter-fueled approach to taking office, his #combative stance on those who disagree with him and his shocking changes to the fabric of the country's tone, changes instigated during the first few weeks of office, has altered the landscape of the nation's political life. Many asked if this is the President moving into a more sober Statesmen like persona or whether this is merely a passing mood. As pressure continues to mount about what role Russia played in the election, Donald Trump has been hit with non-stop criticism. One day after his speech to Congress, Trump is now dealing with a new story involving Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Russia. Sessions busted During the 2016 presidential election, reports continued to circulate that appeared to link Donald Trump to Russia. With the former host of "The Apprentice" refusing to release his private tax returns, questions still linger about a potential financial tie back to the Kremlin. After it was revealed that Russia hacked into the Democratic National Committee with the goal of electing Trump, the president has since tried to downplay the allegations, labeling them "fake news." The latest issue that has rocked the White House involved retired Gen. Michael Flynn who was forced to announce his resignation as National Security Advisor after it was leaked that he had illegal contact with Russian officials. As reported by the Washington Post on March 1, Jeff Sessions had similar communication. Sessions spoke twice in 2016 with Russian ambassador. He didn't disclose this at confirmation hearing to become AG. https://t.co/IjnIy6rk8r Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 2, 2017 According to the Washington Post on Wednesday night, it has been revealed that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recent contact with government officials in Russia, which he never disclosed during his Senate hearing. The Justice Department confirmed the contact, with Sessions reportedly meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, which took place around the time the DNC was hacked by the Kremlin. During his confirmation hearing last month, Jeff Sessions was grilled by Democratic Sen. Al Franken about how he would handle a situation if a member of the Trump campaign engaged with Russia. In response, Session replied, "I did not have communications with the Russians." As of press time, neither Russian officials nor the White House have not commented on the report in question. Moving forward As the controversy surrounding Russia continues to heat up, Donald Trump doesn't appear willing to take the allegations seriously. Democrats, and some Republicans, have pushed for a deeper investigation into the issue, but the president continues to push back, despite troubling allegations against Michael Flynn, and now Jeff Sessions. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the trump administration has not ruled out a military first strike against North Korea should that country be on the brink of testing an ICBM capable of delivering a nuclear warhead against the United States. That such a risky option is being serious contemplated illustrates the grave seriousness that the White House regards the possession of nuclear weapons with missiles to deliver them in the hands of a regime run by a madman. North Korea has been testing ballistic missiles for the past few years, stepping up the frequency of those launches as the transition took place between the previous Obama and current Trump presidencies. The tests have rattled both South Korea and Japan, potential targets of a North Korean Nuclear Strike. Even China, which had tolerated North Koreas misbehavior when it was just unsettling America and her allies, has started to become concerned and has cut off imports of that countrys coal in response. The nature of a first strike against North Korea is, of course, not being revealed. Potential targets include that countrys nuclear and missile facilities. Kim Jung Un and the North Korean leadership would also be targeted for death, the idea being that regime change would become a goal of American and allied strategy. The wild card in such a scenario is the enormous North Korean Army now deployed on the border with South Korea. That army could attempt to move south in a repeat of the Korean War of 1950-53. Even if it did not, the South Korean capital of Seoul is within easy artillery range. What modern artillery would do to a modern metropolis is a horrible thing to contemplate, American and allied forces would likely have to neuter that North Korean land forces as well. Short of a preemptive war, the United States and her Pacific allies are likely to augment missile defenses in the region. One military option short of all-out war would be to start shooting down North Korean missiles to send a message to the regime that it would not be allowed to threaten its neighbors with such weapons. How North Korea would react to such a move is difficult to predict. On Thursday, congressional Republicans broke ranks to join angry Democrats in demanding that Attorney General Jeff Session should quit leading the investigation into contacts between #Russians and the Trump campaign. This followed on from the revelation that Mr Sessions #spoke directly to the Russian ambassador last year, which contradicted his testimony at his confirmation hearing. The #justice department acknowledged Sessions' contact with the Russian ambassador late Wednesday as the issue started to take on a bipartisan luster, with the furor crossing into Thursday morning's main news. And the topic was most certainly heated. Kevin McCarthy, House majority leader and Republican of California, said on Morning Joe (MSNBC) that Sessions should clarify his #testimony and also step down from the impending Russia-linked investigations. I think the trust of the American people you recuse yourself from these situations, Mr. McCarthy said. You want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation. Representative Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican who runs and overseas the Oversight Committee, added on Thursday that Sessions should clarify his testimony and #recuse himself, adding to growing Republican dissatisfaction on the matter. Democrats hit out Many Democrats, such as #Nancy Pelosi and Norma Kamala were more vociferous in their denunciations of Sessions, demanding that he step down immediately from his post. Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader, said that Sessions should resign for the good of the country. Pelosi wrote on Twitter on Thursday: 'After #Lying Under Oath, there can be no doubt AG #Sessions is unfit to run the Department of Justice.' She followed this up with another Tweet: 'I don't know what problem Republicans have with the truth. Hiding their health care bill. Lying about conversations with Russians.' #Kamala Harris was just as unflinching. 'It is clear Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about meeting with Russian officials. He must resign immediately.' This was followed by another Tweet that read: 'Weeks ago I said Sessions should recuse himself from the investigation into Russia and Trumps campaign. That is no longer enough.' Nancy Pelosi was recorded as saying on Thursday that there must be an independent, outside commission created or brought in to investigate Trump's connections to the #Russians. Trump's administration dismiss and deny Trump's team and administration dismissed the accusations saying it was partisan backlash, and Sessions himself said in a statement that he had not talked about any election issues with #Russian ambassador Sergey I. Kislyak. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Sessions was the first senator to endorse Mr. Trump, becoming a trusted advisor and a powerful figure in the administration. He helped create and form Trump's campaign strategy, focusing Trump's message on immigration and trade. On NBC News on Thursday morning, Sessions again declared that he hadn't discussed the campaign with the ambassador, but alluded that he may indeed be happy to step down from the investigation. He claimed that whenever it was appropriate, he would #recuse himself. Theres no doubt about that. The Republicans thought that President Donald Trump's surprising speech Tuesday would give them leeway to carry out their agenda. That feeling lasted only a day as the latest news threatens to derail the dreams of unopposed government. Lull before the storm The Presidents first speech in Congress surprised many with its apparent references to changes in his agenda and mild tone that were at odds with the first month of the new Administration. This change of tone gave the Republicans some hope that the worst was past and that they would have been able to proceed despite storm clouds over the Presidency that were not mentioned in the address. As noted by some newspapers, Donald Trump made no reference to the ongoing investigations over the alleged Russian interference in his victorious presidential campaign. The lull in the storm lasted less than 24 hours as the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal all reported developments that threaten to deepen the divide within the party over their ostensible representative in the White House. Russia never disappeared While he was still basking in the praise of his fellow Republicans over the previous nights address, the three newspapers reported not only that the Obama Administration had left a trail for investigators to follow, but that arguably the most controversial member of his Administration, Attorney General #Jeff Sessions, may himself have been involved. During his confirmation hearings then Senator Sessions confronted the issue as his future Justice Department was involved in the investigations. When asked by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) Sessions replied that he knew of no contacts with Russians members of the Trump team. As reported yesterday in the Washington Post Sessions himself had spoken twice with Sergey Kislyak, Russias Ambassador to the United States, during the campaign and did not reveal this during the confirmation hearings. Special Prosecutor This news now throws into confusion the tactics of the Republicans in Congress and the Senate for at least the immediate future. Sessions role in both the campaign and as Attorney General are now under the spotlight. Only a few day before Republican Congressman Darrell Issa had called upon Sessions to recuse himself from any involvement in the investigation and to appoint a Special Prosecutor on the matter. While there was little public support for the appeal at the time, the latest developments will surely put pressure on members of the GOP to back Issa's appeal. The news was definitely unwelcome in the Republican camp as it once more reveals embarrassing details about an election victory that few expected when Donald Trump decided to take part in the race for the White House. The open antagonism towards the businessman become politician revealed cracks within the Party that his win in the Primaries and then the presidential race were unable to hide. House Leader Paul Ryan, as well as with John McCain, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz were only a few of the Republicans who made public criticisms of the man who would go to the Oval Office. Night time calls Undoubtedly last night was filled with telephone calls about the issues that refuse to go away. Some of these calls would have been to the President, but many were surely between Republicans in both Houses as they decide what steps to take. Sessions will be feeling the heat, but Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, the majority leaders in their respective Houses, will be under even more pressure to allow independent investigations of the team that fought the presidential campaign under the Republican banner. Tuesday nights truce after President Trumps speech in Congress is well and truly over. The questions that were unaddressed that night now have centre stage and the GOP may well have some very tough decisions to make. In the mean time how will President Trump react to the news? In any case, it is highly unlikely we will see the Tuesdays moderate speaker any time soon. They say that a week is a long time in politics, but the twenty four hours after President Donald Trump's address in Congress on Tuesday evening must now seem an eternity away. For the Democrats in the Senate and Congress the battle they knew was coming came ever sooner than many of them may have expected. Fighting stance As the Democrat Senators and Congressmen left the chamber before the end of President Trumps speech in Congress they knew that they were in for a major political battle. The wall of Democrat female politicians dressed in white in support of womens rights was a public display of their opposition to the man who defeated the first female candidate for President and who many consider as a bad role model for the country. Without doubt the Senators and Congressmen would have been thinking about their upcoming tactics in the two Houses, but very few would have expected the battle to explode the following day. Yet, some would have been expecting it. Revelations The New York Times report the next day that Obama Administration had left a trail for investigators to follow on the allegations of Russian interference in the presidential campaign implicitly reveals that at least a select few of the Democrats would have known that something was about to happen. The subsequent reports by the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post that Attorney General #Jeff Sessions had not revealed his own contacts with Sergey Kislyak, Russias Ambassador to the United States reopened the issue that was not mentioned in the Presidents address. With those three newspaper reports the Democrat tactics for the future became clear. Jeff Sessions nomination to Attorney General was controversial and not only due to his publicly stated position on race. His role in the victorious Trump election team had already put into question his neutrality in any investigations by his Department into the allegations of Russian interference. The fact that he made no mention of his own contacts with the Ambassador now leaves him open for attack on the matter. Despite his immediate statements that the conversations with the Ambassador were on other matters, his reticence in the hearings now puts into even more doubt his neutrality on the investigations. In addition, his silence on these conversations also leaves him open to accusations of having lied to the Senate during the confirmation hearings. Target These are serious accusations for any Secretary, but are even more serious when the person involved is also the Attorney General. The Democrats now have a target to which they can direct their attention as they put pressure in the Senate and Congress for further independent investigations of the allegations at the highest level. Ultimately however the true target for the Democrats is much higher. The possible involvement of Jeff Sessions in the scandal leaves many more questions open about why Donald Trump nominated him for the Justice Department. These questions will in turn allow the Democrats will put even more pressure on their Republican counterparts, particularly on those like John McCain, Darrell Issa and Marco Rubio who had publicly stated their discomfort at the accusations to openly support the nomination of a Special Prosecutor on these matters. Battlefields The Senate and Congress will be the battlefields for this struggle, but it will not be limited only to the Houses. This is a battle this is already being fought in the media and where the Democrats will be able to speak without risk of censure or blocking tactics such as used in the Senate against Elizabeth Warren when she was censured for trying to read Coretta Scott Kings letter against Session in the vote for his confirmation. At the end of President Trumps speech Tuesday evening the GOP would have hoped for clear sailing for at least the near future. Now the Democrats find themselves with the wind in their sails and a battle that may have become easier than they expected. Aaron Rodgers and Olivia Munn may be getting married sooner rather than later. Over the weekend, after attending a party in Beverly Hills, California, Munn was seen driving away with a diamond ring on her left hand ring finger. Although Rodgers, 33, and Munn, 36, have not yet confirmed any plans to tie the knot, a People Magazine report on January 30 suggested that the "Office Christmas Party" actress had fueled engagement rumors with her latest public outing in Los Angeles. According to the report, Munn's mystery ring appeared to include a ruby surrounded by diamonds and set on a gold band. Aaron Rodgers and Olivia Munn have been dating for nearly three years Rodgers and his actress girlfriend first confirmed their romance in early 2014 and in the years since, they have taken to the red carpet together many times. They've also been quite public with their relationship on social media -- and even have Instagram accounts for their two dogs. While Rodgers and Munn have never spoke about the possibility of a future marriage, they have faced rumors regarding the possibility in the past. Most recently, a report claimed the couple may be engaged after Munn was seen sporting a different ring. However, Munn quickly shot down the reports on Instagram with a screenshot of a text message conversation with her mother, in which the woman asked Munn if she and Rodgers were preparing to wed. Aaron Rodgers is reportedly estranged from his family News of Rodgers' possible engagement comes just a short time after the his father, Ed Rodgers, spoke to The New York Times about their family feud. According to the report, Rodgers allegedly stopped talking to his family shortly after he and Munn started dating. Airing public laundry is not what I would have chosen, Ed Rodgers told the outlet of his family's issues making headlines -- and being featured on "The Bachelorette" (Jordan Rodgers, the younger brother of Aaron, appeared on the show). As for Munn's possible role in the feud, a People Magazine source claimed the actress didn't really have anything to do with it. Lala Kent is dating a "big Hollywood producer," according to her friend and co-star James Kennedy. During last night's episode of "Watch What Happens Live," the late night show of Andy Cohen, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend called in to ask Kennedy to reveal the identity of Kent's mysterious boyfriend. Although Kennedy seemed to be ready to disclose the information, which has been a hot topic on "Vanderpump Rules" for the entirety of season five, he first asked permission from Cohen, who immediately said, "No!" So, rather than give a name, Kennedy teased, "She's dating a big Hollywood-time producer." Lala Kent claimed James Kennedy met her 'athlete boyfriend' last month While Kennedy claims Lala Kent is dating a producer, she told a much different story just one month ago. While chatting with Keven Undergaro on his Podcast series, "The Tomorrow Show," Kent said that her boyfriend didn't want to be featured on "Vanderpump Rules" because he has certain endorsements that he didn't want to put at risk. At the same time, Kent said she'd like to move on from the Bravo show with an appearance on "WAGS," a reality show about the wives and girlfriends of athletes. When Undergaro questioned Kent about her boyfriend further and wanted to know whether or not her friend James Kennedy had been introduced to her mystery man, she claimed he had. "[James Kennedy] knows. They have met," Kent told the host, adding that her boyfriend teased Kennedy about their past hookup. She also admitted that her boyfriend "gets nervous" when she spends time with Kennedy alone because he worries that their sexual attraction to one another hasn't yet fizzled. Lala Kent quit 'Vanderpump Rules' in 2016 Midway through filming on the series' 5th season, Kent announced she would no longer be appearing on the show. However, because it is unclear when she actually parted ways with the series, fans will have to wait and see when her official show exit will be. To see more of Lala Kent and her co-stars, tune in to the 5th season of Bravo's "Vanderpump Rules" at 9 p.m. on Monday nights. Donald Trump has only been in office for just over a week, but he's already brought controversy to the White House. After the Trump administration accused the mainstream media of promoting "fake news," the ladies on "The View" made it part of their hot topics segment. "The View" on Trump Ever since Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president over a year and a half ago, he has made a point to engage in a war of words with most of the news media. Whether it's a cable news network like CNN, a newspaper like The New York Times, or a reporter like Jim Acosta, the billionaire real estate mogul has clashed with the press more often than not. Since Trump's election win, he's increased his criticism of the press, which has spilled over to other members of his administration. Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway continues to butt heads with hosts on cable news, while advisor Steve Bannon told The New York Times that the media should "keep their mouth shut." As seen on the January 31 edition of "The View," Trump's issue with the media was front and center. Dominating much of "The View" on Tuesday morning was the current state of American politics. At one point, co-host Whoopi Goldberg ripped into Donald Trump and Steve Bannon, comparing them to the Islamic extremists "The Taliban." "Here's the thing: we have a constitution that says these are the things that we don't do," Goldberg said, while adding, "This is what makes us different from everybody else." Nobody Tells Our Media To Shut Up!: Whoopi Rails Against Not American Comments From Bannon https://t.co/RGs3bn1Yyl (VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/4OvnO39Hkc Mediaite (@Mediaite) January 31, 2017 Not stopping there, Whoopi Goldberg continued, adding, "Nobody tells our media to shut up and just take it." Going even further, Goldberg went on to say, "That's not American. That's how they do it, the Taliban." "The View" co-host Joy Behar also chimed in, stating, "That's Steve Bannons value. He's the new puppeteer." Moving forward With only a week and a half into his first term in the White House, Donald Trump is already clashing with the news media like no other commander in chief before him. While it's unknown how the relationship with play out in the future, it doesn't appear like either side is willing to give an inch. The moment that "General Hospital" fans have been waiting for has finally come. Jason And Sam Morgan's second child was born on Tuesday's episode, but the circumstances were definitely not good at all. Thanks to Olivia Jerome, Sam was pushed over the Port Charles bridge and then went into labor. She was all alone and scared for her unborn child's life. However, Jason discovered his wife just in time to deliver their baby girl. Unfortunately, both mother and child's lives are now in jeopardy. Will JaSam have a chance to have their happy ever after with this little one? Baby Scout is finally born JaSam fans were thrilled when Sam realized that she was carrying Jason's second child after all that they have been through. Now this baby may not make it and this has many wondering if she will survive. Her mama's life is also in danger. On yesterday's show, Jason was trying to breathe life into his baby girl. She wasn't crying at all and this had Sam frantic waiting to hear if her baby would make it. Unfortunately, Sam Morgan suddenly passed out while Jason was holding the new bundle of joy after he had revived his daughter. Now he fears that his wife is dying right before his eyes before she even has a chance to cradle her baby girl. STRIKE THREE... YOU ARE OUT! Today's #GH will leave you breathless. How will Jason save his baby AND Sam's life? Find out, today on ABC! pic.twitter.com/HXVPeBsjiw General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) March 1, 2017 Jason breaks his promise Right before the baby was born, Sam made her husband promise her that once he delivered Baby Scout, he would leave her there and take the child to get help. The previews for Wednesday's episode of "General Hospital" shows Jason calling out to Sam to wake up. Now he will be forced to make a decision on whether to keep his promise and leave her there to fight for her life on her own, or to stay right there with Sam, but risk the life of his newborn daughter. Spoilers suggest that Jason will be breaking that promise and stay by her side. Will the JaSam baby make it through? While there is a possibility that Jason and Sam's baby will not survive this ordeal, "General Hospital" spoilers say that both mom and daughter will be saved. If something did happen little Scout, fans of this couple would be highly upset, so it is very likely that all three will make it back home where Sam and her daughter will get medical care at the hospital. It wouldn't be a classic soap if a baby wasn't born without so much drama as it enters the world. Sam Morgan's delivery of her second child is certainly no exception, but it did have viewers quite anxious if this baby would be born without her daddy there. That bridge has always played a significant part in Jason's life and now it will have even more of an impact on him now that he has delivered his daughter under that bridge. Do you think that baby Scout will be okay? Will Jason and Sam actually name this little girl Scout? Stay tuned to "General Hospital" to find out what happens to the Morgan family. According to a new report coming out of the Autoweek.com news team, big time auto car companies: Honda Motors and General Motors are set to combine their forces to deliver up the next generation hydrogen fuel cell stacks. It's reported that they're going to throw a whopping $85 million dollars into this project, and that production will take place at a factory that's located somewhere in Michigan. Actually, it's going to be GM's plant that's located in Township, Michigan. Additionally, this very expensive project is expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area. They could provide more efficiency The two companies said that they do plan to deploy these next-generation hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles around the year 2020. They first made this agreement in 2013, and they believe the new cells will actually slash costs and boost the efficiency of the cars. They would actually use hydrogen as the fuel to produce electricity to power cars. They plan to use the cells in distinct cars from their separate lines. They could replace battery packs In addition to unleashing them together, the two companies are also engineering them together. It's reported that a combined 100 engineers are working on this project. So how do these things work, exactly? Well, they explain that the cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity through a chemical reaction. The only byproduct that is created through this process, is water vapor. In theory, they're claiming that this fuel cell stack could possibly replace the battery pack that is in a full-electric vehicle. Some possible problems They did mention a few shortcomings for the cells. They include: fuel and refueling issues, they're really expensive to manufacture, and must be assembled in an environment that's similar to that of a hospital clean room. However, they go on to say that these systems could be sold to other car companies beyond just GM and Honda in an effort to increase the volume of them, which would , in turn, reduce the costs. They could also be used as a back-up power source for non automotive things. They're naming it Hydrotech The size of the fuel cell stack was actually displayed to reporters in Detroit yesterday, January 30th, 2017, and they turned out to be the same size as todays 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Charlie Freese who is the GM executive director, said that this project could result in a lower-cost system that's actually the fraction of the size and mass. General Motors has currently named the new fuel cell stack: Hydrotech. Stay tuned. Hun Sens 30 year rule over Cambodia has been consistently hampered by accusations of human rights abuses and corruption from journalists, prompting his sympathy for Trumps anti-media sentiment to be of little surprise to political commentators and journalists. Donald Trump understands that they are an anarchic group, Hun Sen said of journalists and media outlets earlier this week, before later posting the comments to his Facebook page. Tension has been growing within Cambodia in recent months - with Hun Sens principal opponent, a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla, making accusations of unfair conduct in Sens attempt to maintain power through local elections in June, and the upcoming general election next year. Hun Sen warned that an opposition victory could lead to a return to civil war. Last week, the US embassy expressed grave concern pertaining to legislation introduced by Hun Sens party that would make it extremely easy for the Government to dissolve opposing political parties. Trumps authoritarian allies In Trumps short reign he has garnered the support of some questionable international regimes, with Hun Sens recent remarks placing the Cambodian leader alongside the numerous authoritarian despots who have sung the praises of Donald Trump. Hun Sen's endorsement of Trump ranks him alongside Russian president Vladimir Putin, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Burundian president Pierre Nkurunziza, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un - all of whom have garnered horrendous human rights accusations, and expressed positive sentiment for the Trump administration. Many have expressed concerns that Trumps admirers may be a negative omen for the governing style that the new president may seek to impose. Trumps war on the media Since the start of Trumps presidential campaign, he has repeatedly attacked and admonished journalists, accusing many major media outlets of producing fake news, and running propagandist smear campaigns against him. This rhetoric has been capitalized upon by numerous authoritarian regimes around the world, who have opportunistically sought to condemn all critical reporting of their activities as being fake news, and issuing threats to journalists. The US cruise ship industry, which is seeing a booming business from Chinese passengers, will for the first time build ocean liners in China. Carnival Corp, based in Miami, announced last week at a grand ceremony in Beijing attended by President Xi Jinping, that its cruise joint venture in China - formed with the China State Shipbuilding Corp - will order two new cruise ships, with an option for four more. Fincantieri of Italy is also a participant in the shipbuilding partnership. In support of China's efforts to prioritize cruise industry growth in its five-year economic development plan, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, attended by Xi and Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Carnival will operate and manage all cruise ships owned by the cruise joint venture, which was rolled out in 2015, as part of its plans to launch the first multi-ship cruise brand in China. The two ships, representing an investment of about $1.5 billion, would be constructed at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co shipyard, a CSSC subsidiary. The first vessel is expected to be completed by 2023. "We are proud to order the first China-built cruise ships and play a meaningful role in developing cruise shipbuilding capabilities for the first time in China," said Arnold Donald, Carnival CEO, adding that the agreement "demonstrates our commitment to contributing to China become a leading cruise market as part of its five-year economic development plan". "CSSC is working closely with international partners like Carnival and Fincantieri to build the first cruise ships in China, which will significantly advance the rapid, sustainable and healthy development of the Chinese cruise industry," said Wu Qiang, CSSC president. "Global economic integration is still an irresistible trend. Our close partnership with Carnival and Fincantieri will let more people enjoy the benefits of globalization and live a better life." Wu said at a cruise industry conference in China last year that 15 new liners a year are needed to keep up with global demand, and that China wanted to help meet it. CSSC's entry into the industry's construction segment is backed by an industrial fund set up last year by five leading Chinese banks, according to The Wall Street Journal. While the new ships are being built, Carnival will launch a cruise brand in China using ships from Carnival's existing fleet. Carnival's Princess Cruises brand will deploy the 3,560-passenger Majestic Princess to Shanghai for Asia cruises, beginning in July. The vessel is the newest ship and the first to be built and designed specifically for Chinese travelers. China was the world's fastest-growing major market for cruise-takers in 2014 and 2015, according to a study last year by the Cruise Lines International Association in Washington. According to China's Ministry of Transport, the country's cruise market will grow to 4.5 million passengers by 2020 - it was 1 million in 2015. By 2030, China will be the world's second-largest cruise market after the US, Reuters reported. A report by AX Investment Research on the seekingalpha.com investment website said "Carnival's largest problem with penetrating the Chinese market by themselves was a cultural difference. Trying to enter the China market as a Western company without enough knowledge of business practices or connections to a strong network in China led nowhere. "More recently things are starting to turn around. Carnival now has a small share of a much larger pie than a small pie to themselves." Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com The Japanese government's recent involvement in a lawsuit demanding the removal of a "comfort women" memorial statue in Southern California is nothing but intimidation and an "intentional downplay of the historical facts", say supporters of the statue. The lawsuit was filed against the city of Glendale in 2014. The plaintiffs claimed the city unconstitutionally disrupted the US government's foreign policy and relationship with Japan. The lawsuit was dismissed by a US District Court in 2015 and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ruling in August 2016. A request for rehearing was denied by the appellate court in October. In January the case was brought to the US Supreme Court and the Japanese government filed an amicus brief last week. "It's absolutely ridiculous for Japan, a foreign government, to interfere with grassroots activities in an American city," said Lillian Sing, co-chair of the Comfort Women Justice Coalition and a retired judge of San Francisco's Superior Court. "This lawsuit has lost at every level. We are confident it will lose again at this level." She said the lawsuit was nothing but intimidation. "They try to have a chilling effect. We will not allow this to happen. This is a free country, and this is a country where people can speak the truth," she added. The 1,100-pound bronze statue, depicting a girl in Korean garb sitting next to an empty chair, was erected in the city's Central Park in 2013. Approved by the City Council and funded by Korean groups, the statue was dedicated to comfort women, a term the Japanese government used for its military's notorious sex slavery of an estimated 200,000 women before and during the WWII. Japan said in the amicus brief that the statue concerns Japan's "national core interest" and disrupts "Japan's delicate relations with Korea". The statue in Glendale represents hundreds of thousands of victims of Japan's 14 years of military sexual slavery from a dozen countries, not just Korea, said Phyllis Kim, executive director of Korean American Forum of California. "Japan's claim that the 'Girl Statue' in Glendale represents the issue of 'comfort women' between Japan and the Republic of Korea is a gross mischaracterization and intentional downplay of the historical facts," she said. The city also filed respondent's brief last week, calling for denial of the petition. It said the Japanese government acknowledged its "involvement of the military authorities" in the crimes against the "comfort women", and apologized periodically. The US government has also recognized the crimes House Resolution 121 "urging the Japanese Government to accept historical responsibility for these crimes," says the respondent's brief. The "problem" with Glendale is the city "adopted its own foreign policy which favors the view more favorable to Korea", said William Benjamin DeClercq, attorney of the petitioners. "For example, Glendale did not remove its demand that Japan 'take historical responsibility' after the agreement of Dec 28, 2015," he said in an email to China Daily. "Japan honors that agreement but Glendale has ignored Japan's actions and the monument remains along with its permanent words that accuse Japan of wrongdoing on a basis that it strongly denies." The agreement between Japan and South Korea drew immediate criticism for selling out the dignity of the victims of "comfort women" for short-term gains. Japan's claim that the agreement resolved the "comfort women" issue in "final and irreversible" manner is a "shameless and pathetic" attempt to evade its state accountability for the largest case of government-led sex trafficking in modern history, said Kim. While Japanese right-wing groups are trying to have the Glendale statue removed, they are also attempting to stop a similar memorial in San Francisco. The city government has received hundreds of letters from Japan opposing the project. Funded by the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, the memorial is expected to be installed in Chinatown this year. "Why are they so afraid of history? It's important to remember what happened," said Sing. "Like the Jewish Holocaust memorial and the memorial in Washington about Japanese internment, it is equally important for people to have a 'comfort women' memorial in the US," she said. HAVANA - In Cuba's westernmost province of Pinar del Rio, farmer Francisco Lazo has cultivated tobacco for two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. After all, the family business has provided gainful employment not only for him and his son, but also a dozen or so relatives, including a son-in-law, that work on the farm located in the town of San Juan y Martinez. "We are doing well, because the yield we get is enough to pay for fertilizer, for resources and for our livelihoods," Lazo told visitors to his farm, Finca Obesa, on Tuesday. His 56-acre plot hosted cigar aficionados and industry executives attending the annual International Habanos Festival, which concludes Friday in Cuba's capital Havana. On the tour, the visitors got to see how tobacco leaves are grown and cured before heading to cigar factories to be hand-rolled into one of Cuba's renowned premium brands, such as Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas. San Juan y Martinez, along with two other towns, Consolacion del Sur and San Luis, located in Cuba's Vuelta Abajo region, is touted as the finest cigar-growing land in the world. Some 18,000 hectares of tobacco are cultivated here, with only the finest leaves then chosen to make premium Habanos. According to Lazo, 35 days after planting tobacco, growers intervene to prevent the plant from growing further to keep the leaves the ideal size for rolling cigars. "After 45 days, we begin harvesting, that is picking the leaves," he explained. Cuba's cigar business is thriving, earning 445 million US dollars in sales in 2016, a 5-percent increase over the year before despite a gloomy global outlook. "We must put the 5 percent sales increase in context, given that the international luxury goods industry only saw a slight growth over the same period, which says a lot about the strength of our products," Javier Terres, vice president of development at Habanos, the state-run company that produces and sells Cuban cigars worldwide, told participants at the fair. In Cuba, tobacco has a long history and a bright future. Historical records show that in Cuba, Spaniards discovered tobacco in as early as 1492, after seeing a group of indigenous men smoking "dry leaves that gave off a peculiar aroma." Soon after, tobacco was exported to Europe for its medicinal properties, as a purgative and antiparasitic agent, though pirates such as Francis Drake and John Hawkins also used it as part of their arsenal of weapons, lighting it to create a smokescreen before an attack. Today, as part of Cuba's national industry, Lazo's farm seems set to be productive for generations to come. "My family is prepared to continue," said Lazo, adding cheerfully that "two more grandchildren aged 13 and five are coming (and) we have to gradually get them going." US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Thursday he would recuse himself from any investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election because he was involved with President Donald Trump's campaign. But Sessions, who was a long-time US senator before becoming the country's top law enforcement official, said he did nothing wrong when he did not disclose during Senate testimony that he had met last year with Russia's ambassador. "I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign," Sessions told reporters in the latest twist of the controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency. US intelligence agencies concluded last year that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of an effort to tilt the vote in Trump's favor. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. Sessions made the comments at a hastily arranged news conference after several of his fellow Republicans in Congress called for him to recuse himself from investigations and Democrats urged him to resign. Reuters There is comfort in knowing your equipment will be repaired or replaced if it malfunctions, but many businesses never get the maximum benefits from their warranties. Product warranties are just a normal part of doing business. When you buy something, especially tech equipment, youre most likely going to get a basic warranty and be offered an extended warranty. Not getting a warranty can be disastrous, but its no different from having a warranty you never use. There is comfort in knowing your equipment will be repaired or replaced if it malfunctions, but many businesses never get the maximum benefits from their warranties. Are you one of these businesses? If you paid for a product, you deserve to have your warranty honored to the letter. Here are some tips to get the most out of every warranty you have: 1. Create a warranty tracking system Maintenance and repair costs can be enormous. Your warranties can reduce these costs, but you need to track your warranties and repairs to get the benefits. The reason is, even small claims for minimal dollar amounts are not as trivial as they might seem. Start a tracking system for your warranties so that you know the terms, maximums, minimums, valid date ranges, and the cost and time to renew. Each time a problem arises, file a claim and document the details in your tracking system. The most important part of a warranty tracking system is educating your team. People wont necessarily remember every detail of a warranty, so make sure your team is trained to refer to your documentation to verify when and how to request a service call. This is important for ensuring you get properly reimbursed. Tracking your warranties can also tell you if you need to purchase extended coverage. For example, if you keep having the same issue or you find yourself struggling with needs outside your original warranty, having every incident documented will paint a clear picture of your need for extended coverage. 2. Be selective with extended warranties You may have read somewhere that extended warranties arent worth the money . For most consumer products like small appliances, smartphones, speakers, and laptops, thats true. These extended warranties arent expensive, but neither are the repairs. If youre using these types of consumer devices in your business like employee-issued laptops or coffee makers in the office be selective with the extended warranties you buy. Some electronics cost less than $20 to repair, but the plans can cost more than $130. Before buying an extended warranty, do some research to find out the cost of repairing common issues. Do the math. If the risk is an expensive one, you might need the extended coverage. If not, dont bother. However, if your electronics contain proprietary components, like Apple products, you may want to get extended coverage from the manufacturer to avoid more expensive repairs if someone elses attempt at repair doesnt go well. 3. File claims Did something small break or malfunction? File a claim. Dont take the hit for small things, even when you or an employee knows how to fix something. Each time you repair something yourself, youre losing money. Lost money from self-repairs might not seem like a big deal. Whats $20 or even $100 here and there? However, multiply that money by the number of items you have that will need repairs over time, and youre looking at thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars wasted. If youve been given a warranty with your purchase, or youre paying extra for a warranty, get a technician out for all repairs that fall under the warranty. Youll not only save money, but youll also save time. 4. Dont worry about self-repairs voiding warranties Have you heard that repairing something yourself voids your warranty? This clause might even be explicitly stated inside your warranty. Even so, this type of clause is illegal on a federal level in the United States. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the following type of warning is illegal: Using non-branded parts or allowing third-parties to repair this product will void your manufacturers warranty. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers these restrictions to be deceptive. While its good to call in repairs under your warranty, dont worry about voiding your warranty if you need to repair something that isnt covered. You can legally repair your devices on your own or through a third party without voiding your warranty even when your warranty states such repairs will make it void. Always do your research Before purchasing an extended warranty, do your research first. Find out if the cost is comparable to repairs, and if not, skip the extension and save your money. 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. ABC/Image Group LA Keith Urban already has four Grammys, and hes about to pick up one more. The Recording Academy will honor the Australian superstar with the Recording Artists Coalition Award April 5 at the annual Grammys on the Hill gathering in Washington, D.C. Keith is being honored because of the work hes done for music education -- he's partnered with various organizations to both encourage kids to perform and provide them with instruments. The opportunity to work with aspiring musicians and kids, who are just discovering music for the first time, really inspires me, he says. Creativity is at the heart of an innovative society," he adds, explaining his motivation. "It brings people together and teaches children self-expression, creative confidence, and improvisational skills which are essential to their development." Last year, Zac Brown Band was honored at the Grammys on the Hill Awards. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The national index of industrial production (IIP) surged by 2.4 per cent year-on-year in the first two months of this year, much lower than the 6.8 per cent growth seen in same period last year. Photo congnghieptieudung.vn HA NOI The national index of industrial production (IIP) surged by 2.4 per cent year-on-year in the first two months of this year, much lower than the 6.8 per cent growth seen in same period last year, according to General Statistics Office data. The processing and manufacturing sector, which accounts for over 70 per cent of total industrial production in the country, saw a lagging IIP rise of 6.6 per cent, compared to 8.1 per cent in 2016. Two other IIP sectors--electricity production and distribution and waste treatment also lagged behind last years corresponding period with 9.3 per cent and 6.6 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, the mining industry experienced a significant decline of 13.5 per cent in two months. GSO statisticians blamed the sluggish IIP growth in the reviewed period for the week-long break during the Tet holiday and a slowdown in local consumption power, which forced enterprises to curb their production capacities. Several key industrial products that posted IIP reduction included crude oil (down 15.6 per cent), mobile phones (8.9 per cent), sugar (10.2 per cent) and cloth (1 per cent). On a positive note, IIP increased significantly for other major products such as rolled steel (up 35.4 per cent), television sets (16.7 per cent), seasoning powder (12.8 per cent) and fresh milk (11.4 per cent). Among the provinces and cities that saw significant industrial production growth were northern port city of Hai Phong at 17.2 per cent; northern Thai Nguyen province at 10 per cent; central city of a Nang at 9.6 per cent; southern provinces of Binh Duong and ong Nai at 5.9 per cent, Ha Noi at 5.8 per cent and HCM City at 5.1 per cent. According to GSO, the inventory index of the manufacturing and processing industry rose by 13.3 per cent, 4 per cent higher than that of same period last year, with several industries reporting high inventories such as chemical and chemical products (116.7 per cent), metal moulding (111.7 per cent), pharmaceuticals (110 per cent) and food processing (85 per cent). VNS HCM CITY The export of wood and wood products is expected to fetch US$8 billion this year, up from $7.3 billion last year. Huynh Van Hanh, deputy chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (Hawa), said global demand for furniture will continue to increase, so the domestic industry can look forward to doing better. According to preliminary statistics compiled by the Centre for Industrial Studies (CSIL), global furniture consumption is worth more than $460 billion a year. Supply from Viet Nam accounts for just 1.65 per cent of this figure, which means there is considerable room for Vietnamese firms to increase their market share. China is the worlds largest supplier of wooden products, accounting for 37 per cent of the worlds total consumption. But the Chinese Government cut its overall timber harvesting quotas by nine per cent, equal to 40 million cubic metres of timber, opening up more opportunities for Vietnamese firms to boost their exports, Hanh said. In addition, a series of free trade agreements that the country has signed will offer greater export opportunities for domestic firms, he added. Nguyen Chien Thang, former Hawa chairman and director of Scansia Pacific, said all Hawa members enjoyed good growth last year, with more and more foreign buyers coming to place orders. They have invested significantly in technologies to improve product quality and management, and this has increasingly gained customers trust, he said. Previously, large customers, especially those from the US, had mainly bought products from Taiwanese companies investing in Viet Nam, but now more and more US customers are contacting Vietnamese producers. This is a good sign, he said. Anticipating a good year for exports, many firms in Binh Duong and ong Nai invested in new facilities last year to expand production scale, Thang said, adding that his company is also building a new workshop. Cao Duy Tam, director of Vi ai Co., Ltd, which specialises in supplying machinery, equipment and solutions for the wood processing industry, said sales increased by 50 per cent last year and is expected to be higher this year. Many businesses have invested in new technologies to improve their productivity and quality, solving the problem of labour shortage and getting ready to receive larger export orders, he said. They have invested in automatic, high speed machines and even CNC (computer numeric control) machines, he added. Hanh said Vietnamese firms in the past years have accumulated valuable experiences in production, management and market access. In the coming time, the industry needs to access market at a national scale so that foreign customers know Viet Nam is a nation producing wooden products from legal timber sources, he said. VIFA-EXPO 2017 To further help Vietnamese firms market their products and explore business opportunities, the association has collaborated with the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade and Hawa Corporation to organise the Viet Nam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair 2017 (VIFA-EXPO 2017) in HCM City from March 8-11. It has attracted 313 domestic and foreign exhibitors who will set up 1,532 booths, a corresponding increase of 23 per cent and 24 per cent from last year, Hanh said. The increase reflects the strong demand from wooden product manufacturers for trade promotion to boost exports, Hanh said. This year the number of foreign firms registering to join the fair has gone up by 72 per cent over last year, with 100 brands from 14 countries and territories including Singapore, Taiwan, the US, Australia, Canada, China and Italy. The fair will display a wide range of export-oriented indoor and outdoor furniture, handicrafts, and interior furnishing and accessories. Hanh said 1,850 visitors from 94 countries and territories had registered as of February 28 to visit the fair. Held at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7, the fair will also feature an awards ceremony for the Hoa Mai Prize, a furniture design competition, and a seminar on wood glue quality. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has 200 super-rich people, with fortunes valued at US$30 million or more, according to the Wealth Report 2017 by the UKs leading independent real estate consultancy Knight Frank. The recent report showed that the number of ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWI) in Viet Nam was up 32 against 2015, and 50 against 2014. This super-rich group increased sharply by 320 per cent from 2006 to 2016, the fastest growth in the world in comparison with Indias 290 per cent and Chinas 281 per cent. UHNWIs are people with investable assets of at least $30 million, excluding personal assets and property such as a primary residence, collectibles and consumer durables. UHNWIs comprise the richest people in the world and control a disproportionate amount of global wealth. Viet Nams ultra-rich population was growing faster than any economy in the world, and was expected to see the fastest growth in its UHNWI by 2026, with a 170 per cent increase in people with $30 million or more, taking the total up to 540. The number of millionaires is predicted to jump from 14,300 to 38,600 over the same period. The report by Knight Frank reflects considerable variation between the growth rates of UHNWIs in different regions and countries, due to local factors that underpin wealth creation and the mobility of ultra-wealthy people. The World Bank described the transformation of Viet Nams economy as remarkable, in which economic and political reforms are leading to higher incomes. The bank also mentioned that despite the fact the country is vulnerable to the shocks of economic and environmental issues, the prospects for the economy remain strong, with an average annual GDP growth of around 6 per cent by 2020. Andrew Amoils, head of Research at New World Wealth, selected Viet Nam as one of the countries with a stellar growth rate, contributing to the dramatic growth of the super-rich population in Asia. We expect Viet Nams millionaire numbers to be boosted by strong growth in the local healthcare, manufacturing and financial services sectors, he also said in the report. Viet Nam currently has only one dollar billionaire but whose name was not disclosed. Knight Frank predicts that this number will increase by three dollar billionaires in the next ten years. VNS HA NOI NMS Viet Nam Co Ltd on Wednesday inaugurated a factory in ong Van II Industrial Zone in the northern province of Ha Nams Duy Tien District. Covering over 7,000sqm, the factory was built at a cost of US$5 million by the Japanese investor, and will specialise in producing telecommunications equipment and devices for the automobile industry. The factory will create jobs for 1,000 locals. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Nguyen Xuan ong, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said the factory would play an important role in the development of the Vietnamese auto sector. NMS Viet Nam Company must fulfil its investment commitment and comply with State regulations as well as the provinces production and business policies, ong said. The company is also required to take care of its workers accommodations to ensure that they remain in the job on a long-term basis. The chairman also asked the industrial zones management board, agencies and localities to cooperate in implementing the 10 commitments that the province has made to improve its investment climate and tackle hurdles faced by businesses so that they can operate more efficiently. VNS Nguyen Bich Lam The General Statistics Office (GSO) began carrying out a general economic census nationwide on March 1. GSO head Nguyen Bich Lam tells the Vietnam News Agency that apart from its usual functions, this census will collect data on foreign NGOs in the country. What are the main purposes of this census? This general economic census aims at evaluating many things including results of production and business; application of information technology; structure and distribution of production facilities and workers according to locality; economic sectors and ownership forms. The census aims to meet management needs of the Party and the State, which includes ministries and localities. Additionally, based on the statistics from the census, the GSO will compile main statistical indicators in 2016, which was the first year of implementing the five-year national socio-economic development plan as per the Resolution of the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. The statistics will be used to compile macro-economic indicators, including the economic growth of provinces and major cities. The census will also add data and update the database on enterprises. What are some important differences between this census and previous ones? It is basically similar in content and scope to previous censuses. One difference is that for the first time, this census will collect data on foreign non-governmental organizations to fully evaluate results of their operations in the domestic economy. The census will use information from taxation offices, the State Treasury and other state agencies such as healthcare, education, training, culture, sports, information and communication. It will be organized in combination with surveys on enterprises and individuals to list more economic groups and corporations. We will avoid overlapping of surveys. Disclosure of information about the census will also be made earlier with a variety of publications, based on the subject, economic sector and forms of ownership. How will this census be scheduled and implemented? The Ministry of Planning and Investment issued a plan for the census on December 26, 2016 based on the Prime Ministers decision, contents of previous censuses and actual changes in socio-economic development. The general economic census 2017 will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, implemented from March 1 to May 30, 2017, will survey production and business establishments in the business sector, administrative offices, branches and representative offices of foreign enterprises, and foreign non-governmental organisations. The second phase will take place from July 1-30, collecting information about religious establishments, and individual establishments not engaged in agriculture, fisheries and forestry. The steering committees of the ministries of Defense and Public Security, as well as district and commune administrations will do their work according to the content and schedules outlined in the census implementation plan. The statistics offices will work closely with relevant ministries and sectors from the central level to localities in carrying out this important census. Preliminary data is expected to be released in December 2017, and official results in the third quarter of 2018. How will the census review and evaluate the enterprises nationwide? The census will review the list of enterprises and unify data from business registration, taxation and other related agencies to get the number of enterprises. The results of this review will be given to management and statistics offices to get a real picture of enterprises in Viet Nam. Therefore, the census needs active and close cooperation between sectors from the central level to localities as also local administrations. How will the census data contribute to policy-making? The census will have basic microeconomic information about workers, production and business. It will have data on the operation of State enterprises, private enterprises, foreign invested enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives and business households. It will also have information about capital plans of enterprises, technological reforms in the processing, manufacturing and assembling industries, etc. This will show efficiencies or the lack thereof in the operation enterprises, their competitiveness and ability to be part of the international economic integration process. So the census will be a vital database to research and analyse various aspects of the economy. It will provide policymakers with reliable information that they can use to formulate realistic policies. -- VNS HCM CITY Belgian conductor Daniel Gazon will lead the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) in a concert on March 9. The Bruckners Requiem concert will open with Mozarts Symphony No 36 Linz in C Major, K. 425. The symphony was written by Mozart during a stopover in the Austrian town of Linz when he and his wife were returning home to Vienna from Salzburg in late 1783. The entire symphony was written in four days to accommodate the local counts announcement of a concert upon hearing of the Mozarts arrival in Linz. "Linz will be followed by Andante Languido for string orchestra, written by American composer Nicolas Flagello in 1959. The highlight of the night will be Requiem in D minor, WAB 39, a masterpiece by Anton Bruckner, an Austrian composer known for his symphonies, masses, and motets. The work was written in memory of Franz Sailer, notary of the St Florian Monastery. It was premiered on 15 September 1849 in the St Florian Monastery, a year after Sailers death. The concert will feature South Korean soprano Cho Hae Ryong, alto Nguyen Vu Uyen Di, tenor Pham Trang, and bassist ao Mac. Gazon, born in 1955, finished studying trumpet and double bass in 1977, and began conducting studies a year later. He graduated from the International Seminar in Weimar, Germany and from Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Since 1985, he has worked with international acclaimed conductors like Seiji Ozawa and Sergiu Celibidache, and leading orchestras in Belgium, Poland, Slovakia and other European countries. He has premiered contemporary works by 20th century composers including Magnus Lindberg from Finland, Claude Vivier from Canada, and Luc Van Hove of Belgium. Gazon has been invited to perform at major contemporary music festivals including the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM)s World Music Days Festival, Melos-Ethos International Festival of Contemporary Music, and Warsaw Autumn. He has given master classes in conducting at conservatories in Belgium, Slovakia, Sweden and Italy. The concert will open at 8pm at the HCM City Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square in District 1. VNS On the occasion of the National Day of Bulgaria on Friday (March 3), Viet Nam News presents an article written by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Viet Nam, Evgueni Stoytchev. In 2017 Bulgaria celebrates the 139th Anniversary of its Liberation and marks 1,336 years since its foundation back in the seventh century. One of the oldest countries in Europe, and having kept its original name since 681 AD, Bulgaria has always strived and managed to preserve its original culture, traditions and language. Situated on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, home of one of the earliest civilizations in Europe, the country nowadays offers a unique blend of a modern setting with touches of antiquity, cities of vitality and pleasantly laid-back rustic scenery. The extraordinary and rich culture of Bulgaria is well known in Viet Nam, and cherished in the hearts and memories of the tens of thousands of Vietnamese people who studied and worked in Bulgaria in the last decades of the last century. They remember Bulgaria as the land of roses, land of opportunities and their second homeland. Ever since, Viet Nam has remained one of Bulgarias main partners in Asia, and we have enjoyed a most vibrant and close relationship. Throughout the years this relationship has given rise to an active exchange at the highest political levels, peaking with the visits to Viet Nam of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2014), the Vice President (2015) and the Prime Minister (2013); and the exchange visit of the Prime Minister of Viet Nam (2015). The National Assemblies of both countries have traditionally maintained close collaboration through the established and well-functioning Groups of Friendship. Viet Nam has maintained an impressive rate of social and economic development and its active, constructive and pragmatic foreign policy positioned the country as a valuable international partner with increasing regional significance. The present opportunities in bilateral relations are closely intertwined with Viet Nams membership of ASEAN and Bulgarias membership of the European Union, as the two organisations offer another exciting measure of untapped political and economic potential. The recently concluded EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement will connect the fast growing economy of Viet Nam to the largest economy in the world; will offer opportunities for investments, joint energy, science, technology projects and more. Furthermore, the EU-Viet Nam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation, which entered into force in October 2016, has the potential to carry the relationship beyond the boundaries of trade and economic cooperation, towards an outward-looking, advanced, multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples. Needless to say, Bulgaria attaches great importance to fostering ties with Viet Nam, and does so with the understanding that in the modern world, the official relations between states must be surpassed by the goal of creating one prosperous community of friends. To build a strong partnership in the long run Bulgaria and Viet Nam must pursue an ambitious agenda for fostering people to people contacts, cultural and educational exchange, as these are the alternative engines of growth in partnership and development, building everlasting bridges of hearts and minds. Education is a strong asset for the future that Bulgaria and Viet Nam share. Bulgaria has watched proudly as many of the Vietnamese university graduates returned to Viet Nam to make a name of themselves, establishing distinguished careers as Government officials, doctors, teachers, or even Chairman of the National Assembly of the SR Viet Nam and Vice President of the SR Viet Nam as most notable examples to the betterment and advancement of their country. In the words of the Vice Rector of the VNU-University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ha Noi Assoc Prof Dr Tran Thi Minh Hoa: I was lucky to have had the opportunities to study in Bulgaria, at the University of Economics in Varna. My major was Economics of Tourism. In 1990 I was one of four excellent Vietnamese students who received the opportunity to continue on with their studies towards a PhD. After successfully completing my doctoral dissertation I came back to Viet Nam in 1996 and started to teach at the National University of Economics, from 1996 to 2009, and later on at the VNU-University of Social Sciences and Humanities. In 2012 I was promoted to the position of Vice-Rector. For me Bulgaria is my second homeland, and I owe sincere words of appreciation and gratitude to Bulgaria and to all of my teachers and mentors there." Today, the Bulgarian Embassy in Ha Noi is witness to a new and growing number of Vietnamese students, who entrust Bulgarian Universities with their higher and continuing education. Some of the preferred Universities are: Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski; New Bulgarian University; University of National and World Economy in Sofia; the Medical Universities of Sofia and Plovdiv; as well as Ruse University Angel Kantchev; University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy; University of Mining and Geology St Ivan Rilski - that are sought after for the advanced engineering degrees they offer. Most of the above, along with a few other higher education institutions like the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy and Varna University of Management are in direct collaboration with partners in Viet Nam to provide programmes for academic mobility and education. One such very good instrument is the EU ERASMUS + programme, which has been the primary vehicle for a short term academic exchange, through which, for the past decade, Bulgaria has offered opportunities to about 22,000 students and academics. The doors of the Bulgarian universities will always remain open to Viet Nam, as confirmed by Dr Kiril Avramov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Research of the New Bulgarian University - Bulgaria provides excellent competitive value for Vietnamese students and researchers, as they can benefit from the scientific expertise, Bulgarias active inclusion in various EU-backed scientific initiatives and networks and friendly environment. The traditional friendly ties between Bulgaria and Viet Nam provide mutual respect and recognition that add to the comfort of the Vietnamese students, teachers and researchers in Bulgaria. These are only some of the mutually beneficial fundamentals in our bilateral relations that point to seeking further opportunities for intensification of exchange of people and ideas between Bulgaria and Viet Nam". VNS HA NOI Various activities are being held in Ha Noi and HCM City to celebrate Italian Design Day starting from March 2. The activities belong to an initiative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italian Design Day celebrates the worldwide acknowledged leadership of Made in Italy. In 100 locations around the world, 100 ambassadors of Italian culture (designers, entrepreneurs, journalists and critics, as well as communicators and teachers) participate in a panel discussion on Italian designs unique blend of factors, both material and immaterial, which have retained their distinctive features through the centuries despite a major overhaul by communication and mobility systems; creativity and originality, top-quality materials, and superb construction, as well as production processes that respect the environment, workers and end users; and the highest quality packaging and advertising. In Ha Noi, an iconographic exhibition on design, industry and architecture, titled 50+1 The Great Industry Game, is held at Casa Italia, 18 Le Phung Hieu Street, from March 2. The exhibition features a journey back in time through iconic items that shaped along with Made in Italy as people know today costume, history, economy and the way of life of Italian society. A workshop on fashion was conducted at Casa Italia on March 2, with participants from various noted Vietnamese designer brands as well as Italian Design Days ambassador to Ha Noi Barbara Trebitsch, former head of fashion school Domus Academy in Milan -- prime school of specialisation in the fields of design, fashion and architecture. On March 3, a conference at the National University of Civil Engineering will constitute a second initiative aimed at exploring partnerships and joint initiatives in the format of a panel discussion chaired by Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni. It will mainly focus on fashion, architecture and industrial design. The conference will be attended by the Barbara Trebitsch, representatives of Italian iconic brands, Vietnamese academics and the most outstanding names in the field of design. Models present collections for the fashion house Giorgio Armani during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2017/2018 in Milan, Italy, on February 27, 2017. XINHUA/VNA Photo In HCM City, an exhibition titled The Art of Life, featuring the most important designs by Italian brands in the fields of home decor, motorbikes, cars and chairs made in Italy in the 20th and 21st centuries, is being held. The exhibition will be on at HCM City Architecture University between March 2 and 4 and entry is free. The day opens a series of events themed "Living in Italian Style in 2007" initiated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassador Cecilia Piccioni said. Co-operation between the two countries in the field of fashion has been strengthened for many years. The move is another effort by the Italian government to boost the relation. Trebitsch said her mission here includes meeting and exchanging experiences with Vietnamese designers to seek further co-ordination between the two nations. I hope to discuss things not only in the fashion field, but also ways of thinking and the philosophy of Italians, Trebitsch said, I know no other country has organised a similar event. Following the successful 21st Milan Triennial Exhibition, this day is a special initiative launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to promote contemporary Italian design in the world with events in over 100 cities, with the participation of important Italian architects, business leaders, critics, academics and designers "under 35" to illustrate the history and new trends the Italian design sector has to offer. VNS HCM CITY On March 5, Salon Saigon will host an interactive experimental concert featuring American multi-genre musician and sound installation artist Alec Schachner and Vietnamese composer Vu Nhat Tan. Two artists will present music pieces of two styles of music techno and acoustic. Schachner has engaged in interactive sound installation works for years now. He has transformed daily objects and materials into sound-reactive instruments. Tan studied piano, composition and musicology at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music in Ha Noi, computer music and new music in Germany, and composition in the US. The event will take place from 5 to 7 pm at 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street in District 3. Tickets priced at VN200,000 are available at www.ticketbox.vn. VNS Vu Thu Ha The anomaly is obvious as soon as you arrive in any major city in Viet Nam: pavements are not primarily used by pedestrians. They are used by motorbikes, cars and street vendors, in direct violation of the law, Article 32 of the Law on Road Traffic, to be precise. But this has been a phenomenon for so long that having a spacious pavement to walk on has become a luxury, not a right. This also explains why a campaign to reclaim pavement for pedestrians has made headlines across mainstream and social media in recent days. The campaign, headed by HCM City District 1 Deputy Chairman oan Ngoc Hai, is seeing an all-out effort to remove anything that obstructs pavements in the district, whether it is a small flower pot placed by a local household or a big construction by a State agency. The results have been positive so far, with hundreds of illegal encroachments being removed, dozens of illegally parked vehicles and motorbike drivers driving on the pavements being penalised. Alerted that the campaign intends to be very strict, many local residents have voluntarily put away their goods to clear the pavements. Many residents have also rushed to the Internet to express wholehearted support for the campaign, which is now spreading to other districts in HCM City, as well as Ha Noi. In their gushing praise for the officials efforts, many people have stoutly defended them from criticism that their actions were too tough and hasty. Some have even called Hai, the leader of the campaign, a star. It is a praiseworthy effort indeed, it should not be forgotten that Hai and his team are just doing their job implementing the law. The rules have been there for years, and the public overexcitement reveals the sad truth that upholding the law has become an exception instead of the norm. That said, this is not the whole picture or the whole truth. It is not just that enforcement was lax or there was widespread corruption, judgments easily made because there is some (or a lot of) truth to it. For instance, authorities at the ward level have also launched campaigns to reclaim pavements. From time to time, weve seen ward authorities vehicles stop by the roadside, punishing violators and seizing goods from people. But the next day, when the campaign is over, everything returns to normal. A friend who lives in the capital citys famed Old Quarter once told me not to believe in such campaigns. She said they were just being done for the sake of doing something. It is an unwritten law that household businesses donate money to support the local police and ward authorities, she said. People using the pavement to eke out a living is a worldwide phenomenon. Imagine Times Square in New York without street vendors and artists, Paris without its pavement cafes, even Ha Noi and HCM City without the early morning vegetable, fruit, tofu and sticky-rice vendors However, the long-term solution to such problems requires that: 1. everyone follows laws clearly meant for public benefit; 2. we have a sensitive understanding of livelihood issues that many vendors and their families face, and respond accordingly; and 3. we find creative, imaginative solutions that continue the live and let live aspect of our culture. Other aspects need to be looked at, too. In the ongoing campaign in HCM City, it was found that even the authorities and State employees were violating the regulations. Dozens of State-owned cars were illegally parked on pavements, and two were towed away as the drivers refused to co-operate with competent agencies; an office belonging to a ward authority covered up to half of a pavement; a redundant wall of a ministrys branch office encroached onto a pavement; and so on. If the State itself was breaking the law, how can we expect ordinary people to do otherwise, and how can we blame them for doing what they could to survive? Is it understandable, then, that some people are upset? A clip recorded during the campaign showed a woman who owns an eye-glasses shop in District 1 angrily shouting at the official, refusing to be penalized for her violation. She repeatedly asked the officials why she was not told beforehand about the campaign. Shes probably not the only one thinking thus. Its common that many people will run a red light if a police official is absent. Its also common that people like to complain about disorder, complete ignoring the fact that their own attitude and behaviour contributes to it. Many pavements in our cities have to be cleared and motorbikes cannot be allowed on them, depriving pedestrians of their legitimate space: this much cannot be argued. But clearing is only part of the solution. The people, vendors and others, need to abide by the law with full understanding, awareness and acceptance. For the long term benefit of our cities and our nation, we need to rediscover our civic sense. VNS HA NOI President Tran ai Quang and his wife Nguyen Thi Hien chaired a welcome ceremony in Ha Noi yesterday for Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko who arrived in Viet Nam on February 28 for a six-day state visit. During a meeting following the ceremony, President Quang and his spouse warmly welcomed the Emperor and Empress on their first ever state visit to Viet Nam, describing the visit as historic for Viet Nam-Japan relations. They expressed their belief that the visit will strengthen mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples, thus further expanding the extensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan. President Quang expressed his thanks for the warm sentiments that the Japanese Emperor and Empress, Royal Family as well as the Japanese Government and people have given to Viet Nam over past years. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko showed delight at their first-ever visit to Viet Nam and thanked the Vietnamese side for its warm welcome. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, which began from the eighth century when Vietnamese Great Master Phat Triet came to Nara Japans capital then to perform Buddhism and cultural exchange activities, and Japanese traders sailed to Hoi An port in Viet Nam in the 16th-17th century. They expressed pleasure at the development of Viet Nam-Japan ties, while sharing the common hope of further bolstering the friendship between the two countries. Emperor Akihito asserted that the historical exchange laid down an important foundation for the two sides to boost their partnership for development and the growth of Viet Nam-Japan ties. At the meeting, President Quang and his spouse introduced the Japanese guests to the diverse and unique Vietnamese culture. They said they wish to welcome more members of the Japanese Royal Family in 2018 when the two countries celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The Emperor and Empress of Japan are symbols of the nation and the solidarity of Japanese people. They only make visits abroad on special commemorative occasions with partners sharing close relations with Japan. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko laid a wreath and paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Ha Noi yesterday. Also, yesterday, President Quang and his spouse hosted a State banquet in Ha Noi in honour of the Japanese Emperor. Describing cultural similarities and close bonds between the two peoples as a solid foundation for bilateral ties, President Quang said Viet Nam and Japan are not only extensive strategic partners but also sincere friends who share joy and grief together. He recalled how Vietnamese people from all walks of life shared the pain of the Japanese people over the losses caused by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and he highlighted Japans support for Viet Nams national development over the past years. Emperor Akihito, in reply, expressed his thanks for the warm Vietnamese welcome toward him and Empress Michiko, as well as for the Japanese Crown Prince, Prince and Princess when they visited Viet Nam. He said he was delighted that more Vietnamese people are interested in Japanese language and more Japanese enterprises are keen on business opportunities in Vietnam. The Emperor said that the nearly 15,000 Japanese people living in Viet Nam and the two nations regular cultural exchanges have enhanced their cultural bonds. People-to-people exchange have also been deepened, he added. NA Chairwoman wishes for closer friendship with Japan Yesterday, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan also met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The host thanked the Japanese Emperor, Empress and Imperial House as well as the Japanese government, parliament and people for assisting Viet Nam in socio-economic development, including building major infrastructure works such as Can Tho bridge. Emperor Akihito said he had looked forward to the visit. VNS NHA TRANG - During the next two days senior officials from the 21 APEC economies will get together for their first meeting of the year in Nha Trang and make decisions on Viet Nams priorities and the initiatives to be carried out in the year. The APEC Secretariats Executive Director Dr. Alan Bollard made the announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with local and foreign media ahead of the first Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 1). Viet Nam has proposed four big priority areas, one of them is about sustainable growth - the growth that we also want to be inclusive, and focus on who would be beneficiaries of such growth. The other three priorities are to improve regional economic integration, help small businesses that are not well integrated into the global economy get access to modern technology, and about food security and agricultures adaptation to climate change. The APEC leaders will also look at ways to improve energy sustainability, said Bollard. About 60 meetings of technical working groups covering the whole range of APEC activities related to trade, investment, border barriers, regulatory reform and capacity building have finished since APEC Year 2017 began on February 18. We try to move the whole region to get better growth and better living standards for people, said Bollard APEC is focusing on the benefits from economic integration, from economies coming closer together and from trade and investment. Last year, when APEC leaders met in Lima and talked about anti-globalisation, they were quite concerned that we should be communicating better what the advantages of trade, investment and globalisation are. We should not be ignoring those parts of economies suffering from losing competitiveness, Bollard said. MSMEs in spotlight One of the focuses that APEC economies will be looking at is inclusive growth and economic inclusion - a very important issue that needs to be discussed this year to let all members of APEC economies and all segments of society benefit from economic integration, and trade libelisation, said Director at the APEC Policy Support Unit, Dennis Hew. Work on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has been going on in APEC for a number of years. In this regard, host economies often look at different areas This year - the Viet Nam APEC 2017 - we focus on supporting MSMEs in the digital age, Hew said. Upon the rapid change in technology, it is important to discuss how we can help MSMEs in terms of accessing technology and addressing challenges for them to use technology to gain access to the global economy. The Boracay Action Agenda was launched in the Philippines in 2015, which looks into a range of areas from trade facilitation, and regulatory and structural reforms to support MSMEs. Besides supporting MSMEs, APEC has been active in supporting women in the economy, particularly in the private sector, through improved financial education to help businesswomen and entrepreneurs access finance and to understand financial services, the press conference heard. Regional economic outlook The APEC region expects to grow by 3.3 per cent in 2017 with a slight improvement in 2018 and 2019 at 3.6 per cent. We can see some signs of improvement in regional economic growth and much of that growth continues to be driven by private consumption, as well as Government spending, said Hew. Trade continued to underperform this year. For the first nine months of 2016 from January to September, the APEC region - in terms of its merchandised trade value - contracted by 6.4 per cent for exports, and 6.6 per cent for imports. However, some of the APEC economies, particularly Viet Nam, have shown signs of significant improvement in trade numbers this year. Regarding foreign direct investment (FDI), the Asia-Pacific region continues to attract a large share of global FDI flows, about 55 per cent. And at least five of the top ten recipients in the world come from APEC economies, according to Hew. - VNS NHA TRANG The first Senior Officials Meeting of APEC 2017 officially opens in central coastal Khanh Hoa Provinces Nha Trang City on Thursday morning with attendees from 21 member economies. The meeting comes at the start of what promises to be a difficult year as global and regional economic growth remains low, in addition to weak global trade and subdued investment. There are many uncertainties, SOM chair and Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son noted in his opening remarks. In some corners, we are hearing concerns that the benefits of globalisation are not distributed fairly. New disruptive technologies, if not properly harnessed, run the risk of widening development disparity among economies. But the Asia-Pacific region remains the engine of economic growth and integration, and a pioneer in advancing trade and investment liberalisation, Deputy FM Son affirmed. Son said he believed APEC had all the resources, potential and capabilities to overcome these challenges and turn them into an impetus for further growth and development. As a grouping of dynamic economies, our region can and will continue to move ahead on the path of development and prosperity, he added. During the two-day SOM meeting, reports and recommendations from discussions of various APEC committees and working groups over the last 12 days will be presented to senior officials who will exchange views on how to advance APECs agenda in the four priority areas to help APEC affirm its relevance and role as the premier regional economic forum. Accordingly, the priorities for APEC 2017 include fostering sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)s competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change. Participants applauded the report by the Chair of the Finance Senior Officials Meeting and called for additional regular exchanges to ensure close collaboration between the banking and financial sectors to foster APECs common interests, General o Hung Viet APEC 2017 National Secretariats deputy director briefed local media about results of the morning working session. Following the report by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Chair, delegates once again affirmed enterprises participation in APEC, which is of significant role to the success of APEC co-operation in 2017, Viet said. Later, the Economic Committee Chairs report received opinions from 17 out of 21 representatives of the member economies. The opinions revealed concerns over vital issues, including structural reform, promoted co-operation and support for MSMEs, and highly appreciated Viet Nams initiative related to enhanced co-operation in human resources which would be further discussed in the afternoon. In the morning, delegates also discussed ways to increase inclusiveness of growth a top concern of Viet Nam and a common concern of the whole region to ensure all citizens and businesses got the maximum benefits from globalisation and regional connection. What I hope to take away from this first SOM is a strong message reaffirming APECs essential role as the premier economic forum that is working for the people and businesses, SOM Chair and Deputy FM Son said. VNS The Emperor shakes hand with Ngo Minh Thuy, Vice Rector of Viet Nam National Universitys University of Foreign Languages and International Studies, who is also a Japan Alumni. Viet Nam NewsHA NOI Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who are on an official visit to Viet Nam, met with Vietnamese alumni of Viet Nams first university in Ha Noi, Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), who studied in Japan. To welcome the Emperor and the Empress, many Japanese living in Viet Nam gathered at the area near Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam with Japanese flags in hands. The Emperor and the Empress at Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Son Talking to the former students, Emperor Akihito called them the bridge that connects Viet Nam and Japan and expressed his wish that they continue to contribute to the good relationship between the two countries. Ngo Minh Thuy, Vice Rector of Viet Nam National Universitys Foreign Languages and International Studies programme and the vice president of the Viet Nam Japan Friendship Association and president of the Japan Alumni Club in Viet Nam, said it was a memorable day. The Emperor and Empress were very friendly and down-to-earth, she said. Many Japanese living in Ha Noi gather to welcome the Emperor and the Empress. VNA/VNS Photo Minh Son She also said that the Viet Nam Japan Friendship Association has organised many activities to foster the relationship between the two peoples and nations. The former students said they all share the desire to continue nurturing bilateral friendly ties. In the same afternoon, the Japanese guests met families of Japanese war veterans living in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Last month, while Kieu Van Manh was delivering timber in the capital citys Thach That District, the planks of wood he was carrying came into contact with the overhead power lines and caused a 23-minute power outage for the two districts of Thach That and Ba Vi. An unofficial survey in Ha Noi revealed several instances in which high-voltage power lines had violated safety corridors, threatening the electrical supply for the city. In January, an unidentified unit was caught moving trees in front of the Pham Van ong gate of the Ministry of Public Security, which is within the safety corridor of an underground power cable that runs from Chem Village in Tu Liem District, through Nghia o Ward in Cau Giay District to My inh Commune in Tu Liem District. A similar case was reported on the same day in Ha ong District. It was discovered by the Ha Noi High Voltage Power Grid Company while the company was examining the installation of a sewer in the districts Phu La Ward. The forms of violation vary, including illegal construction of houses and buildings, labourers working near power grids, as well as haphazard installation of tents, roofs and fences that might be blown away during storms and hit the grids, the company said. Several construction owners did not take responsibility for complying with the safety regulations for high-voltage power grids, according to the company. Several of them did not announce or contact the company for coordination when digging up roads in the areas of power grid safety corridors, it said. According to Nguyen Van Tu, director of the Fanci Law Limited Company, the installation of structures such as balconies near power lines is a violation of regulations on power grid safety corridors. It does not only affect the national power grid but also endangers the lives of residents, he said. In 2013, some electrical poles in the Tam Chuc Tourism Site in Ha Nam Province were soaked in water due to the construction of an artificial lake within the safety corridor of the sites high-voltage power grid. The poles were at high risk of collapse after their bolts, braces and wires rusted due to the water, posing a danger to local residents and potentially causing power outages for the province and parts of the capital city, according to o inh Dung, an official from the Power Transmission Company 1 under the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT). The Ha Noi High Voltage Power Grid Company has installed barriers around low power grids on high-traffic roads and placed warning signs for vehicles, as well as collaborating with concerned city authorities to promulgate regulations on protecting power grid safety corridors, the company said. Violations of safety regulations for power grids would face fines of between VN1-50 million (US$) as regulated in Decree No. 134, issued by the Government in 2013, depending on the severity of the violation, according to lawyer Nguyen Van Tu from the Fanci Law Limited Company. Violations that are particularly severe, and the repetition of violations after civil fines have been imposed, will be subject to criminal charges, Tu said. However, the most severe punishment available for these cases is 10 years imprisonment, which is considered rather light for violations that result in fatalities, he said. VNS HA NOI Australia and Viet Nam have started a reciprocal work and holiday visa programme from March 1. The arrangement will allow young Vietnamese citizens, aged between 18 and 30 years, to travel to Australia for one year and take up short-term work and courses. It will also allow young Australians to work and holiday in Viet Nam. Every year, 200 eligible Vietnamese applicants will be granted visas to Australia and 200 Australians can come to Viet Nam. Im delighted to see the latest outcome in our bilateral cooperation, Australian ambassador Craig Chittick said. Young Vietnamese and Australian citizens now have the opportunity to be part of a unique cultural exchange experience. It will improve the understanding between the people of our two countries and contribute greatly to our economic, security and innovation partnerships. The work and holiday visa will allow Vietnamese citizens to engage in cultural exchange and tourism programmes; stay in Australia for 12 months from their date of arrival; work for the 12-month duration of their stay (but for not longer than six months with one employer); and do up to four-month-long courses. After March 1, the work and holiday visa programme will reopen on July 1 every year. For more information on eligibility and conditions of the visa and how to apply, visit vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Visas_and_Migration.html (Australian Embassy Vietnam) or border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/462 (Australias Department of Immigration and Border Protection) or laodongkynghi.dolab.gov.vn (Department of Labour, Viet Nams Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs). VNS HCM City Party Secretary inh La Thang askes organisations and offices to move leaders and managers to other positions if they have show corruption or waste and do not meet working requirements. Photo baotintuc.vn HCM City HCM City is one of several localities in the country that have successfully worked with central and municipal judicial agencies in the fight against corruption, a senior official has said. Speaking at an anti-corruption and anti-waste conference on Tuesday in HCM City, Phan inh Trac, head of the Central Commission for Internal Affairs, said: The City is also one of several localities that have uncovered, investigated, prosecuted and judged corruption cases by themselves. Though the city and other localities have experience in fighting corruption, some localities have "limited power because central agencies have all the responsibilities. They are worried about negative action and wont allow some localities to join in anti-corruption activities, he said. Trac cited the serious corruption case of Pham Cong Danh as an example of successful work in HCM City. The file for the case included thousands of pages, but HCM City judicial agencies, including police, procuracy and court, were able to perform well as all ideas were listened to carefully and debated in a frank manner. He also praised HCM Citys judicial agencies for other serious corruption cases under management of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption. In many cases, the Central Commission for Internal Affairs has asked the Ministry of Public Security to handle special corruption cases for HCM City, and the city has done everything well, he said. Trac asked city agencies and authorities to identify five hot fields in corruption, including real estate; master planning and construction projects; customs and State-owned enterprise equitisation; ODA usage and management; and public service and social welfare. At the meeting, City Party Secretary inh La Thang said that in recent years, anti-corruption and anti-waste activities in HCM City had gained significant achievements, especially with the active participation of leaders of Party organisations and units. However, anti-corruption achievements are still small in comparison with goals and expectations from local residents, especially the low rate of taking back assets, Thang said. He asked that organisations and offices move leaders and managers to other positions if they have show corruption or waste and do not meet working requirements. Creating the best conditions for people to denounce corruption is very important work. Organisations and offices should open their hotlines and emails and have frequent open meetings, he added. A limited legal framework is one of the most important reasons why leaders take advantage of corruption, Tran The Luu, head of the city Party Committees Internal Affairs Commission, said. In the time ahead, the commission along with relevant authorities will review and amend all policies and regulations related to corruption. VNS HA NOI Experts yesterday agreed in a conference in Ha Noi that there was a need for more public-private partnerships in education and training. The two-day conference, STEMCON, focused on trends in the field and how to realise STEM goals in education and the economy in Viet Nam. University and industry are like darlings, always praising each other, but we need to get married already, and be fully committed to helping each other, compensating for each others weaknesses, said Nguyen Thanh Nam, former CEO of FPT and founder of online university FUNIX, at a conference on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and in the workforce. Rector of the HCM Vocational College of Technology, Nguyen Thi Hang, agreed. She stressed that universities and companies must be equal entities, with equal rights and equal responsibilities in education and training. Hang also considered the governments decision to expand university autonomy a step in the right direction, which will give universities more flexibility in decision-making and budget to collaborate with private sector. Panellists at the event discussed the best ideas to develop a skilled STEM workforce through industry, academic, and government collaboration. Assoc. Prof. Le Quan, Vice President of Viet Nam National University (VNU), said his school is planning co-operation with technology companies in research activities instead of just focusing on student training activities like at the moment. He also shared an ambitious plan to establish a technology university managed by VNU and telecoms firm Viettel. The conference was organised for the fifth year by the Higher Engineering Education Alliance Programme (HEEAP), founded by the US Arizona State University (ASU), Intel Corporation, and Vietnamese partners, with funding from the US Agency of International Development, bringing together the academic, industry and government communities. All speakers agreed that STEM careers are an innovative force behind the worlds economy, especially with the trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technology. Tran Van Tung, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, said competitive advantages based on natural resources or labour cannot be sustained for long in the current world; the country can only hope to develop by competitive advantages based on STEM, raising intellectual content in national products. Only in this way can Viet Nam achieve sustainable economic development, bridging the development gaps with other countries. Tung added that in recent years, the government has put a strong focus on science and technology via several national programmes and targets. HEEAP and Intel also took the occasion to announce a new Master Fellowship one-year programme in engineering for 19 Vietnamese students to study in the US to support HCM City Peoples Committee in its smart-city initiative. Also, ASU will hold a one-week workshop for HCM City authorities to recommend the right focuses for the smart-city initiative. VNS A spate of fires in the ancient town of Hoi An is causing concern for citizens and local authorities. A project on fire fighting and prevention is looking for funding of VN240 billion. Photo tienphong.vn HA NOI A spate of fires in the ancient town of Hoi An is causing concern for citizens and local authorities. A project on fire fighting and prevention is looking for funding of VN240 billion. Local authorities and relevant offices have tasked themselves with urgent fire prevention measures in the ancient town, which is a UNESCO-recognised world cultural asset in Viet Nam. 80 per cent of house in Hoi An are built using wood, with traditional methods dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. The cause of two recent fires on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street was determined to have been electrical faults. Concerns over fires are widespread due to the characteristic old houses, and the possibility of blazes spreading quickly and causing huge amounts of damage. Luckily, the recent fires occurred during the day and were discovered early, so little damage was caused, said Nguyen Van Son, deputy chairman of Hoi An Peoples Committee. The danger of fire spreading is high in concentrated areas of adjacent old houses, Son said. According to the deputy chairman, Hoi An needs a fire warning system and fire prevention measures that deploy automatically, requirements that were mapped out as part of a project by the local peoples committee. The fire prevention project, needing about VN240 billion of funding, was included in the master plan on world cultural asset preservation and development. However, the city is still waiting on a source of funding. The head of the Hoi An police office, Colonel inh Xuan Nghia, said the deployment of fire fighting police officers to the ancient streets was not easy. The fire fighting police office is located in Thanh Ha Ward. It takes us 20 minutes by truck to arrive at in the centre, where the ancient streets are located, Nghia said. Due to the narrow streets, the large fire trucks are not able to enter, while the smaller ones are not equipped to deal with significant fires. Recent fires at rented properties that were vacant have pushed local authorities to suggest the equipping of mini fire extinguishers. The deputy chairman, Nguyen Van Son, said forgetting to turn off the power before closing a store was enough to cause a fire in an area where 90 to 100 per cent of houses facing the street are for business use, and are mainly made out of wood. Since late 2011, the ancient streets have had a population density of 12,129 people per square kilometre. The water pipeline system serving the locations couldnt meet the demand if a large fire occurred. About the plan, Son said the local authorities will send teams to residential quarters to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety. Relevant offices will check electrical systems in residential and commercial properties, and set up a civil fire fighting force. VNS HA NOI A Japanese health festival will be held at the Ha Noi-based Aeon Mall Long Bien Trade Centre on March 4-5 to introduce the nations medical equipment and services. Around 60 businesses, which include those that have already invested in Viet Nam and those seeking investment opportunities in the healthcare sector, will showcase health-related products and services such as biomedical equipment, water purifiers, functional food, wheelchairs, blood pressure measuring devices, cosmetics, health check-ups and treatments. The event, organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), also includes a special forum that will discuss the secret of good health and high life expectancy among the Japanese. Japan has been known as one of the highest life expectancy in the world. Hironobu Kitagawa, head representative of JETRO Ha Noi, said Japanese businesses are looking towards Asian markets, including Viet Nam. Last week, a delegation of Japanese businesses visited HCM City for information on investment opportunities. Japan is among the countries that top the life expectancy chart. We want to introduce Japanese products and services that will help people in other countries deal with health problems and maintain good health like Japanese people, Kitagawa said. In 2014, JETRO had held this event in three big cities in the region - Yangon in Myanmar, HCM City in Viet Nam and Bangkok in Thailand. VNS THUA THIEN-HUE Police report that they have busted a large scale gambling ring operating in the form of an illegal lottery in Hue City. Two sisters, Le Thi Cam Tu, 35 and Le Thi Cam Hang, 31, both from Tay Loc Ward in Hue, were arrested on Wednesday for operating the ring found to include about 15 others members. At the police station, Tu and Hang confessed they had made total profit worth about VN10 billion (roughly US$438,000) from a total VN14 billion collected from gamblers since last November. The ring was seized after police broke into 13 lottery sale outlets selling illegal lotteries to gamblers from around Hue and the neighbouring Quang Tri Provinces ong Ha District. The bust resulted from a campaign conducted by the provincial criminal police unit, PC45, since late last month that mobilised more than 100 policemen in co-operation with local armed units. Thousands of illegal lotteries, dozens of fax and print machines, laptops and computers--along with cash worth more than VN500 million--were seized at Tu and Hangs different sale outlets during the campaign. The two sisters also admitted that they were working with the support of 15 members, five of whom everyday transferred to them about VN100 million ($4,380). The money was collected from gamblers. Police said they are consolidating all documents on the case to put the ring to the court. VNS UNITED NATIONS UN Security Council envoys on Thursday travel to Africas Lake Chad region, where famine, the Boko Haram insurgency, climate change and poor governance have collided to create one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. The 15 ambassadors from the UNs top decision-making body hope to draw global attention to the emergency affecting 21 million people across four countries: Nigeria , Chad , Cameroon and Niger . The visit could also pave the way to stronger action by the Security Council to address what has been a largely ignored crisis, relegated to the bottom of the diplomatic agenda as war in Syria and South Sudan escalated. British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the visit will "shine a spotlight of international attention on the humanitarian crisis" at a time when donors are asked to come up with new financing for the region. The crisis has been "largely overlooked" and the Security Council was "perhaps a bit slow off the mark in tackling the threat of Boko Haram," Rycroft said. Led by Britain , France and Senegal , the council will meet with leaders, talk to civil society groups and visit camps in Cameroon and northeast Nigeria sheltering some of the 2.3 million people displaced in the region. The visit begins in Cameroon a week after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres set off alarm bells over the threat of famine in northeast Nigeria , the epicenter of the Boko Haram conflict. The United Nations is seeking US$1.5 billion in funding for 2017 for the Lake Chad region -- almost half of which is needed for northeast Nigeria , where 5.1 million people face acute food shortages. Perfect storm of challenges Boko Haram took up arms in 2009 in pursuit of an Islamic state in northern Nigeria , but the insurgency has since spread with frequent suicide bomb attacks. Africas second-largest oil producer, Nigeria has made inroads in its military campaign to root out the Islamists, but at a high price for civilians. Last month, a Nigerian military jet accidentally bombed a camp for displaced people in Borno state, killing at least 112 civilians, including six Nigerian Red Cross workers, and wounding 100. Compounding the crisis, climate change and population growth have turned Lake Chad -- once one of Africa s largest bodies of water -- into an environmental disaster. The lakes water basin has shrunk to barely 10 per cent of its 1960s levels. The ambassadors will encourage the four countries to come up with a new strategy to address the crisis and its many facets, French Ambassador Francois Delattre said. Governments should "adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism, including governance and development," he said. Sweden , a non-permanent council member and big humanitarian donor, hopes the council will be more active in tackling the crisis. The Lake Chad region has been hit by a "perfect storm" of challenges, Swedish diplomat Carl Skau said: "terrorism, trafficking, serious underdevelopment, but also the effects of climate change." "This cannot be a one-off," he added. "We need a serious follow-up when we come back." WASHINGTON Donald Trumps muted prime-time address to Congress got positive reviews on Wednesday, but numerous questions remained about the details and costs of his ambitious agenda. Americans reacted warmly to Trumps lengthy speech, in which he ditched the most bellicose of his rhetoric in favour of a call for national unity and a more presidential timber. A CBS News/YouGov poll showed that 76 per cent of those who watched the speech approved of what they saw. Wall Street also voiced its appreciation, with the Dow topping 21,000 for the first time. It was a substantial and much needed boost for the 70-year-old Republican president, whose approval rating is at a historic low for presidents after a month in office, and his embattled White House. Trump -- ever-aware of his image and popularity -- fired a triumphant "THANK YOU!" message to his 25 million Twitter followers on Wednesday morning. To keep the momentum, the White House postponed the unveiling of a controversial new ban on travelers from mostly Muslim countries, which would have dominated news coverage. It also pared back Trumps public remarks and held its daily press briefing off-camera. The speech -- staunchly nationalist, but delivered in a more measured tone -- may help soothe a deeply divided country. In the nearly six weeks since Trump took office, political polarisation in America has reached fever pitch. Trumps supporters have flung themselves into the cause, hoping the election of an outsider will shake up the elites and insider politics in Washington. But among opponents, there is still a sense of disbelief that a billionaire with what they see as authoritarian tendencies and no political experience is in charge of the worlds pre-eminent superpower. According to Gallup, there has been a steady increase since Novembers election in the number of Americans experiencing worry on any given day. Really pleased An estimated 48 million people tuned in to watch Trumps speech, according to the Nielsen ratings firm, lower than the some 53 million who watched former president Barack Obamas first joint address in 2009. Trumps speech was welcomed by the hundreds of mostly Republican lawmakers who witnessed it firsthand in Congress. "I think we were all really pleased last night to hear the presidents unifying message. It was refreshing for everyone after such a difficult election season," Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor. Americans, he said, are "ready for a new start." Trump brought Republicans and Democrats together by strongly criticising recent threats against Jewish community centers and condemning the seemingly racially motivated killing of an Indian immigrant. He also reached out to opposition Democrats, reprising his call for a $1 trillion infrastructure bill and expressing support for paid family leave and affordable child care. Attention will now turn to how Trump can meet those pledges -- along with goals to "restart" the US economy, boost defense spending and reduce violent crime. While he promised to replace his predecessors landmark health care reforms with a plan that would broaden choice, lower costs and improve access, he offered little in terms of how that would be achieved. Words and deeds Democrats expressed skepticism about whether the change in tone would last. White House spokesman Sean Spicer reinforced the fear by insisting, "It was not a reset speech." "With Donald Trump, the speeches dont mean very much," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told CBS News. "His speeches are populist. Theyre aimed at the working folks who supported him. But his governing and what he does is hard right, favoring special interests over the working class." Trumps plans on infrastructure, health care, and high-stakes tax reform will likely run afoul of fiscal conservatives, who are intent on bringing down the national debt, which will hit $20 trillion on Trumps watch. He also wants to hike defense spending by $54 billion, offsetting it with cuts to foreign assistance and other non-military spending. That issue is likely to be front and center as Trump visits military shipyards in Virginia on Thursday. The "deficit spending" that Trump would likely employ set off alarm bells for lawmaker Dana Rohrabacher, who said he was dumbfounded at the lack of opposition from his fellow Republicans at the potential for ballooning spending. "The emphasis that Republicans have placed on (shrinking) the deficit is now going to be something that we will remember in the past," he said. Some Democrats were also dismissive: "This plan doesnt add up," Senator Chris Van Hollen said. "A third-grade math student can see that youre going to blow a huge hole in the deficit if you do the things the president is talking about." To square the circle, Trump -- the consummate political outsider may have to embrace Washington dealmaking. AFP BELFAST Northern Ireland goes to the polls on Thursday for the second time in 10 months but there is little prospect that the outcome will fix the provinces bitter political divisions. The two main parties both claim they want a fresh power-sharing government installed as soon as possible, but the enmity between them seems entrenched, with neither side prepared to give ground. Snap elections were called in January after long-simmering tensions boiled over between Catholic, Irish Republican socialists Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party, which is Protestant, conservative and pro-British in its outlook. "Id be more pessimistic than optimistic that the DUP and Sinn Fein can get back in a government together quickly," Jonathan Tonge, a Northern Ireland politics expert at Liverpool University, said in a view echoed widely by analysts. Sinn Feins deputy first minister Martin McGuinness quit in January, saying he could no longer work with Northern Irelands first minister Arlene Foster, the DUP leader. McGuinness resigned in protest over a botched green heating scheme, the breaking point after months of tensions with the DUP. Foster had instigated the scheme when she was the provinces economy minister. Disrespect and contempt McGuinness is not standing again due to ill health but his successor as Sinn Feins leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle ONeill, is showing no sign of softening the rhetoric. "People are angry at the arrogance, disrespect and contempt," she told Foster on Tuesday in a feisty televised debate. Gerry Kelly, a Sinn Fein north Belfast candidate, said his party had taken a "huge decision". "We could have sat on our seats for four of five years, but there were issues that were big enough as far as were concerned to bring back to the public," he said. Throughout the election campaign, Foster has appealed for unionists to resist Sinn Feins demands. "If you feed a crocodile it will keep coming back for more," she told a party rally. If the DUP and Sinn Fein end up as the two biggest parties -- as polls predict -- and cannot agree to form a power-sharing executive within three weeks, the governance of Northern Ireland will probably revert from Belfast to London for the foreseeable future. Aside from handing over budget control, business groups are concerned that would hinder Northern Irelands ability to attract much-needed international investment and tourism. Brexit a hostile action Voters head to the polls against the backdrop of Brexit, prompting uncertainty over the provinces future relationship with the Republic of Ireland. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in January described Brexit as a "hostile action" by the British government, which will affect the border and have a "negative impact" on the provinces peace agreement. In last Junes referendum on EU membership, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the bloc but was outvoted by an overall British majority of 52 per cent to leave. Ahead of divorce talks starting, Brussels and Britain have emphasised the importance of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement -- which ended three decades of violence and saw the checkpoints of the border replaced with an open frontier. Both have rejected the idea of imposing a hard border after Britain leaves the bloc, but with Prime Minister Theresa May vowing to end free movement of EU nationals it is unclear how this will be possible in practical terms. Britains Northern Ireland minister James Brokenshire travelled to Brussels on Wednesday, where he said his government "will take no risks" with political stability in the province. Elections in Northern Ireland usually see voters make their choice along tribal lines between unionists and nationalists. Tonge argues that the "sectarian dynamics" in elections will ensure business as usual, regardless of unionist disquiet over the DUPs handling of the costly bungled energy scheme. "If you ask an ordinary unionist voter, would you rather pay 50 to 100 a year to pay for this heating scandal or would you have a Sinn Fein first minister?, they take the financial hit," he said. The polls are due to open at 7:00am (0700 GMT) and close at 10:00pm. Northern Irelands remotest polling station got its ballot box on Wednesday after a choppy ferry journey to the 140 residents on Rathlin Island. AFP 2nd Watch , a leading managed cloud company, has raised $19 million in Series D funding. The round was led by Delta-v Capital with participation from previous investors Madrona Venture Group, Columbia Capital and Top Tier Capital Partners. The new money will be used to meet customer demand for 2nd Watch's managed cloud services and also for scaling its related cloud enablement and migration services. Founded in 2010, 2nd Watch was among the first audited AWS Managed Service Provider Partners. The firm has helped some of the world's biggest brands embrace the cloud, including Crate & Barrel, Conde Nast, Coca-Cola North America, Lenovo, Motorola, SCOR and Yamaha, while managing over 200,000 AWS instances per month across its client base. 2nd Watch has earned AWS Competencies in Financial Services, Enterprise Migration, DevOps, Big Data, Marketing and Commerce, Life Sciences and SharePoint, and was the first cloud-native managed services provider to earn SOC2 compliance. The firm is opening an East Coast Managed Cloud Services Center in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2017. "As an APN Premier Consulting Partner and AWS Managed Service Provider Partner, 2nd Watch delivers the deep expertise in our products and services that customers greatly value," says Terry Wise, Vice President, Worldwide Partner Ecosystem, AWS. "The company has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to help large enterprises migrate workloads to AWS, and then support them with the next-generation managed services our customers are looking for." "We are excited to invest in 2nd Watch, the leading managed services provider in this very disruptive, large and fast-growing market. The company has a proven management team and an impressive and enthusiastic customer base," says Rand Lewis, Managing Partner, Delta-v Capital. "We are confident that the 2nd Watch team, with market-leading proprietary technologies and processes, will continue to be an integral, value-added partner for enterprise customers that are adopting cloud computing." "2016 was a very successful year for 2nd Watch," says Doug Schneider, CEO at 2nd Watch. "We added multiple large-enterprise clients and expanded business with many more of our existing ones. Enterprises continue to accelerate their adoption and leverage of the public cloud on many fronts. They're telling us that traditional infrastructure solutions and partners are ill-equipped to manage workloads and virtual data centers in the public cloud. As companies move in this direction, they require support from partners like 2nd Watch that have experience managing the largest and most sensitive applications and workloads on AWS. The capital infusion will help us grow and support our customers the 2nd Watch way." WATERLOO Crossroads Center in Waterloo and College Square mall in Cedar Falls are now under the same ownership. A holding company of Mason Asset Management of Great Neck, N.Y., acquired Crossroads Center in January, according to documents on file at the Black Hawk County Courthouse. A holding company of the same firm acquired College Square in March 2015 and last summer submitted a plan to city officials to recapitalize and revitalize that property. The owners are evaluating plans for Crossroads as well. Waterloo is an attractive market, I think, said Elliott Nassim, head of leasing for Mason Asset Management. Theres interest in Waterloo, from prospective tenants. We hope to capitalize on that and lease up the vacancies we have. And were hopeful we can find some tenants, Nassim said. He noted the mall also has some undeveloped out lots. Nassim said the company is evaluating its options on physical improvements to the malls. He said there is no cookie cutter strategy, and each property is different. But he said the company hopes for some changes at Crossroads over the coming year. One major development at Crossroads was the addition of an At Home home decor store at the mall in April. It replaced J.C. Penney, which closed after 90 years in Waterloo, both downtown and later at the mall. It is only the second At Home store in Iowa for the Plano, Texas-based company. In June, Nassims firm presented to Cedar Falls officials a proposal to subdivide College Squares commercial out lots for sale, part of a plan to generate revenue to revitalize the mall. The City Council approved that plan in November. Recent tenant additions have included Planet Fitness and the College of Hair Design, which relocated from downtown Waterloo. Crossroads Center opened in March 1970. College Square opened in November 1969. Both malls have had a succession of owners and managers over the decades. Prior to Mason Asset Managements January acquisition of Crossroads, New York-based real estate developer Extell Development Co. purchased the 846,434-square-foot shopping center in December 2013. CEDAR FALLS A four-vehicle crash on Iowa Highway 58 Tuesday evening left three people hurt and dumped diesel fuel, according to Cedar Falls police. The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 58 and Ridgeway Avenue when a pickup truck driven by Denise Munoz, no age given, of Waterloo, was traveling east on Ridgeway and ran a red light, police said. That vehicle struck a Dodge Ram pickup truck that was headed south on Highway 58. It was operated by Brandon Willey of Shell Rock. Munozs truck then collided with a passenger car that was traveling north on Highway 58, police said. The Mazda was driven by Wang Cheung of Cedar Falls. Munozs and Cheungs vehicle then collided with a northbound semi-tractor trailer that was driven by Tom Stillmunkes of Dubuque. The collision ruptured the fuel tank of the semi-truck, which contained more than 100 gallons of diesel fuel. Removal of the vehicles and cleanup of the fuel spill caused traffic to be rerouted for nearly two hours. Munoz and a passenger in her vehicle, Ashley Muskic, were transported to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Police said their injuries were not life-threatening. A passenger in the Dodge Ram, Kathleen Willey, was injured but was not transported. Cedar Falls police were assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office, Hudson Police Department, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Sartori Paramedics were assisted by Covenant Paramedics. Additionally, an ambulance from Eldora was passing by the scene and stopped to render assistance. Man arrested for false statements WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been arrested for allegedly fibbing on his weapons permit application. Waterloo police arrested Adam Charles Butler, 24, of 1177 Bourland Ave., on Tuesday for false statements on an application to carry weapons and driving while suspended following a traffic stop. He was later released from jail. Patrol officers pulled over Butler around midnight Tuesday in the area of Hawkeye and Washburn roads, and police found a loaded AR-15 pistol and marijuana in his vehicle, records state. During his interview with police, Butler allegedly admitted to using marijuana over the past three years and not disclosing the use on his permit application, court records state. Butlers application to carry weapons was issued Jan. 16, 2015. Probation in sex case legal CHARLES CITY (AP) An Iowa judge has ruled it was legal to put a former band teacher on probation rather than imprisoning him for sexual abuse of an underage girl. Floyd County Attorney Rachel Ginbey had asked the judge in September to review the suspended 10-year sentence given in April 2016 to Benjamin Thompson, who pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a 15-year-old in Floyd County. Ginbey says the sentence violated an Iowa law requiring teachers, as mandatory reporters of child abuse, be imprisoned if theyre convicted of sexually abusing children. Judge Gregg Rosenbladt said in his ruling last week he found no evidence Thompson was under contract as a teacher at the time of the offense in June 2011. Thompson began teaching in the Pella district in August 2011. Man faces arson charge HAZLETON A Hazleton man has been arrested in connection with a weekend fire. Buchanan County sheriffs deputies arrested Kim Robin Tielebein, 49, for first-degree arson and public intoxication. According to court records, Tielebein lit a trench coat on fire and placed it on a bed in the basement of his home at 403 E. Sufficool St. around 8:45 p.m. Saturday. At the time, Tielebeins wife and son were in the residence. The family fled the house without injuries, but flames engulfed the basement and caused part of the main floor to collapse. While firefighters from Hazleton and Oelwein battled the blaze, Tielebein reentered the house and had to be removed, records state. He was later seen meandering around a nearby apartment complex wearing a coat, shorts and slippers and was eventually found hiding in a crawl space where he was detained. The Iowa Fire Marshals Office assisted in the investigation. At the time of Saturdays fire, Tielebein was on parole from an April 2015 domestic dispute and vehicle chase. He pleaded to charges of domestic abuser in possession of a firearm and ammunition, eluding and operating while intoxicated. He was sentenced up to five years in prison and released in February 2016, according to court records and the Iowa Department of Corrections. Community Bank of Oelwein filed a foreclosure action on the Sufficool Street home in January 2017, alleging $43,024 is still owed on the real estate loan, according to court records. The foreclosure is pending in Buchanan County District Court. DES MOINES Labor squared off with business and industry Wednesday over the future of Iowas workers compensation system, which would be overhauled under legislation backed by GOP majority lawmakers. Under the workers compensation law, most employers are required to provide medical or disability payments or both to workers who are injured on the job. But its absurd the GOP is pushing for an overhaul, according to Kellie Paschke, a former House GOP staffer whos now a trial lawyer. A few short years ago we had workers compensation legislation before this committee, recalled Paschke, speaking on behalf of the Association for Justice. At that time, House Republicans indicated the system was not broken and nothing that needed to be fixed. And the Iowa Association of Business and Industry ran commercials saying Iowas workers compensation system was a model for the nation, she said. And yet here we are today, basically turning our workers compensation system on its head, she said at a House Commerce subcommittee hearing on House Study Bill 169. Mike Ralston of the Association of Business and Industry agreed the Iowa system was the premier workers comp system then. The goal of this bill is to get it back to that premier status, he said in a committee meeting packed with union members, trial lawyers and lobbyists. In just a few years, Iowa has gone from having some of the lowest workers comp premiums for employers, the richest benefits in the country for employees, said Ralston, whose association has 1,500 member companies with 330,000 employees in Iowa. Now were in the middle of the pack with increasing premiums and still some of the richest benefits for employees. Although the rate employers pay dropped 4.7 percent last year, Ralston said, the rates over several years actually have increased more than 7 percent. HSB 169 is needed to ensure the protection of the system and the protection of Iowas workers who need benefits from the system, he said. The bill is fair for employers and employees, in fact, generous compared to benefits of our neighbors, he said. A Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on similar legislation, Senate Study Bill 1170, drew a full room later in the day. Of the subcommittee members, Republican Sens. Michael Breitbach of Strawberry Point and Bill Anderson of Pierson signed off on the bill. Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, did not. Both the House and Senate Commerce committees plan to run their respective bills in full committee Thursday. According to the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, the bill would reduce benefits for common workplace injuries; eliminate benefits based on an employees loss of earning power in some cases; discriminate against older workers by requiring an employees age to be used to calculate available benefits; and limit benefits available to employees 67 and older when injured. For workers permanently and totally disabled by a job injury, their benefits would cease at age 67, the group said. The issue is personal to Rep. Scott Ourth, D-Ackworth, a heavy equipment operator. We work tired, we work hot, we work sore and we work stiff, and were proud of it, he said. But people get hurt and they get hurt badly through no fault of their own. This legislation could affect him and his family and Im having a hard time with it. Rep. Peter Cownie, R-West Des Moines, said the first goal is to avoid injuries to workers. But there will be injuries, and workers injured on the job deserve benefits. However, there has been abuse and it is the responsibility of the Legislature, which created the workers comp system more than 100 years ago, to review it. He and subcommittee Chairman Gary Carlson, R-Muscatine, signed off on the bill. CEDAR FALLS -- Authorities investigating investment fraud in the Czech Republic want to know more about the dealings of a former Cedar Falls commodities broker who is now in prison. Ladislav Kadlcik, a businessman in Prostejov, allegedly told investigators he borrowed money to cover losses from investing with Russell Wasendorf Sr.s defunct Peregrine Financial Group. Now Kadlcik is accused of bilking investors of some 260 million koruna -- about $10 million in U.S. money. Based in Cedar Falls, Peregrine collapsed in July 2012 following Wasendorfs suicide attempt, which unveiled what prosecutors called a $215 million Ponzi scheme. Wasendorf is serving a 50-year prison sentence. Acting on a request by the Czech Republics Office of Prosecutor General, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa last week asked the court to appoint a commissioner to collect evidence to assist Czech investigators from the city of Brno who are looking into ties between Kadlcik and Peregrine. The matter was unsealed Feb. 23 after Magistrate C.J. Williams appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Deegan to fill the commissioner role. Deegan is tasked with collecting evidence and issuing subpoenas inside the United States to assist Czech investigators. Kadlcik is suspected of inducing people to enter into fraudulent loans in the Czech Republic between 2012 and 2016 by misrepresenting his financial status and the reason behind the loans. He allegedly told lenders he was investing in commodities when he actually put the money into payments on earlier loans. Five of the investors came forward in April after Kadlcik allegedly failed to make good on promises to return their money with a profit, court records state. Kadlcik told authorities he had invested in Peregrine and another brokerage based in Connecticut, and he said his Peregrine money had been frozen in 2012 when the Cedar Falls firm was placed under investigation. Kadlcik admitted that, because his funds were tied up at Peregrine, he used borrowed money to repay other creditors, court records state. Czech authorities searched Kadlciks home in July 2016 and found 310 loan agreements. They also searched his bank records and interviewed more about 100 victims and witnesses, court records state. The Courier found Kadlciks name on a list of creditors complied in 2012 in Peregrines bankruptcy case. Prosecutors said Wasendorf defrauded more than 13,000 investors. WATERLOO Last year, James Robert Ernst II won a $1,000 judgment from the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office because of a 2015 attack in the jail while he was awaiting trial in the death of Orintheo Campbell Jr. Now the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office is seeking to garnish the check Ernst who represented himself and avoided having to pay attorney fees and filing fees received from the civil suit. The County Attorneys Office said the money should be put toward some $176,000 in restitution Ernst owes. Ernst, 27, is challenging the seizure. The defendant believes the state is harassing him because he won a civil lawsuit against Black Hawk County Jail and this is a way to take the money he won, Ernst wrote Feb. 3 in a request to quash the garnishment. He said the state only should be allowed to take a portion of his check but not the whole amount. Under Iowa law, convictions for fatal crimes like murder come with $150,000 in restitution for the victims estate. Court records show restitution in Ernsts case totals $176,809, which includes the $150,000 added to $26,809 in court costs. Responding to Ernsts challenge, the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office said his argument is based on state law that limits wage garnishments and doesnt apply to lawsuit judgments. The Webster County Sheriffs Office is holding the $1,000 check, records state. Ernst is currently serving a life sentence at the Newton Correctional Facility and had $71.56 in his account as of January. Authorities said Ernst and others were watching a fight in the Prime Mart parking lot on Broadway Street on Dec. 6, 2014, when there was a brief confrontation between Ernst and Campbell, 23. Ernst drew a pistol and shot Campbell, who later died at a hospital, according to trial testimony. After Ernsts arrest, jail officials kept him in protective custody, confining him to his cell for all but one hour a day because Ernst said he had been the subject of death threats. Ernst later complained the restricted confinement violated his rights. He was placed in a general population pod, and jail officials took steps to separate him from Campbells friends and members of the Black Flag Mafia street gang. In March, Ernsts trial attorney requested he be moved after it was learned a cousin of Campbells was in the same pod. Ernst declined the move, but jail staff placed him in a new pod, and he was attacked about 15 minutes later by two other associates of Campbell. Ernst took the sheriffs office to court, and in December 2016 a judge found in his favor because the attackers had been on Ernsts keep separate list, court records state. A Black Hawk County Jury convicted Ernst of first-degree murder during a February 2016 trial. WATERLOO A judge has suppressed statements a suspect in a May shotgun attack made to police after he was taken into custody. In an order issued last week, Judge Brad Harris ruled investigators overstepped when they continued to talk with Daytrell Pendleton about the shooting of his mothers husband, Andrew Spates Jr., even after Pendleton requested an attorney and repeated he didnt want to talk. Pendleton, 27, is charged with attempted murder in the May 12 shooting outside the Kwik Star convenience store on Franklin Street. Authorities said Spates was shot five times with a shotgun, and a passing sheriffs deputy detained Pendleton at the scene. Pendletons defense attorney has said he may argue self-defense when the case goes to trial. After Pendleton was taken to the Waterloo Police Department following the shooting, he told one investigator he didnt want to talk and asked for an attorney, according to court records. He was then moved from an interview room to a holding cell. Hours later, another investigator brought him pizza and talked with him about his request for a lawyer, and they continued to talk until Pendleton agreed to return to the interview room, records state. Pendleton then asked about getting an attorney and stated he wasnt going to talk anymore as he talked with the investigator about his connections with Spates. During a Feb. 10 hearing about the police questioning, prosecutors argued the interview was constitutional because Pendleton had re-initiated contact with detectives. But Harris ruled it was detectives who had initiated contact, and Pendleton never withdrew his requests for a lawyer and to remain silent. Harris ruled prosecutors cant use Pendletons statements in its case-in-chief. But he went on to rule the statements were voluntary, so they can be brought up at trial for impeachment purposes, for example if Pendleton takes the stand to testify. WAVERLY A trio arrested last month in a credit card scheme at the Waverly Walmart is suspected in similar scams in other parts of Iowa, according to authorities. Waverly police arrested Liliany Meana DeArmas, 20, Pedro Alvarez Rodriguez, 35, and Dunieski Santana Moreno, 26, on Feb. 1 for six counts of forgery after they were allegedly found using other peoples credit card information to load funds onto gift cards, said Capt. Jason Leonard. DeArmas was also arrested for fifth-degree theft. Before they were arrested in Waverly, the three had been at Walmart stores from Sioux City to Mount Pleasant to Cedar Falls to Mason City, Leonard said. From January 29 to February 1, they literally blanketed the state, Leonard said. The scheme involved using cloned credit cards that are created by imprinting compromised card information onto the magnetic strip of a blank card. Those cards were then used at self checkout stations to load money onto gift cards or prepaid credit cards. Court records allege the three came to the Waverly store on Jan. 31 and then returned on Feb. 1. Store workers became suspicious when they saw them using multiple cards at the checkout, Leonard said. Police tracked the three to the Red Fox Inn and searched their room. All three have Miami, Florida, addresses, and DeArmas and Moreno also have Louisville, Kentucky, addresses. Leonard said all three are originally from Cuba, DeArmas is a permanent resident and the other two are in country on expired work visas and are being detained. While the three were caught because clerks noticed suspicious behavior, Leonard said should watch their credit card billing statements for unfamiliar charges. WATERLOO On March 31, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank will hold the annual Empty Bowls event at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center to raise awareness and educate the community on the issue of hunger. Guests will receive a simple meal of bread and soup and a bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world. Event attendees also will have the opportunity to take part in a silent, super silent and live auction beginning at 6 p.m. The concept behind Empty Bowls began in 1990. A high school art teacher in Michigan helped his students find a way to raise funds to support a food drive by developing a class project to make ceramic bowls for a fundraising meal. By the following year the originators had developed this concept into Empty Bowls, a project to provide support for food banks, soup kitchens and other organizations that fight hunger. Since then, Empty Bowls events have been held throughout the world, and millions of dollars have been raised to fill empty bowls near you. This is the biggest fundraising event for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Tickets are $25. All dollars raised support the food bank and the more than 48,000 individuals served annually by the food banks programs. Event sponsors are ConAgra, Lincoln Savings Bank, Western Home, Black Hawk Alarm, VGM, United Auto Workers, Waterloo Education Association, and Milt and Kim Dakovich. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Wednesday, March 1, 2017: Ottumwa Republican Sen. Mark Chelgren is disputing allegations he inflated his resume and was surprised it caused an inquiry from NBC News -- which took issue with a reference in an online bio later deleted. Apparently, Chelgrens background listed a business degree from a management school that turned out to be a certificate he received from Forbco Management as part of his past employment as an assistant manager with a Sizzler restaurant as a young adult in California. Chelgren later earned an associate degree in science at Riverside Community College and studied astrophysics and geophysics at University of California in Riverside. The bio references to Forbco later were deleted unbeknownst to Chelgren, who told reporters Wednesday he would have them restored. I think its kind of trivial so I kind of laugh at it, he said. Im kind of perplexed about what the concern or the consternation is. I had to work for six months at the Forbco Management school, taking classes during the day, working in the evening, for me to get my degree in order to advance in their company, he said. All I can tell you is that NBC called me, asking about the Republicans website because they had some questions about my education, Chelgren said. I told them directly that the information that I had given to everyone was accurate. STATE REVENUES REBOUND: State tax collections in February came in 7 percent above the same month a year ago, which translated to an increase of $41.3 million, according to the Legislative Services Agency. LSA tax analyst Jeff Robinson said February looks really good, but there were timing issues at play as well as lower state tax refunds that have bolstered year-to-date growth compared to the first eight months of fiscal 2016. Receipts for the fiscal year are up 1.9 percent, or $88.3 million, but that lags below the yearly growth estimate of 4.7 percent set by the state Revenue Estimating Conference, which meets later this month to consider whether to revise it fiscal 2017 growth projections. That decision could impact state budgeting as lawmakers close out fiscal 2017 and craft spending plans for fiscal years 2018 and 2019. SCHOOL FUNDING: Legislation that would make significant changes to the way the state funds public education and school transportation costs was given unanimous approval by a Senate committee. It is now eligible for debate by the full Senate. The bill would phase in increases for school districts that have outsized transportation costs over 10 years and equalize the amount districts are permitted to spend per pupil. While the proposal was approved by all committee members, Democratic Sen. Herman Quirmbach of Ames expressed concern the price tag -- an estimated $15 to $20 million in the first year, and increasing annually thereafter -- could mean less general school funding for all districts. The legislation aims to solve a pair of issues brought to state lawmakers attention in recent years. Rural districts say they are forced to spend more on transportation. And some districts --- most visibly Davenport --- have expressed frustration they are permitted to spend less per student than other districts. HAND-HELD DEVICE BAN: Iowa motorists would not be allowed to use hand-held electronic devices while operating a vehicle under legislation that cleared the House Transportation Committee Wednesday. Panel members voted 20-1 to approve House Study Bill 139 after amending the bill to exempt hands-free built-in or voice-activated global positioning systems and allow for hand-held cell phone use for emergency calls. Representatives also agreed to a one-year warning period for violations before officers would start issuing $30 tickets beginning July 1, 2018. The bill also elevates the offense of texting while driving to a primary rather than a secondary offense. PLA PROHIBITION: The Senate Labor and Business Relations Committee voted 7-4 along party lines Wednesday to approve legislation prohibiting union project labor agreements from being mandated on taxpayer-funded construction projects. Sen. Dennis Guth, R-Klemme, said provisions of Senate Study Bill 1145 will increase competition and reduce costs. Backers said nearly 85 percent of Iowa workers are not union members but are excluded from projects employing project labor agreements. Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, said the bill was another example of lawmakers intruding into a local control issue for cities, counties and school districts. MARIJUANA POSSESSION: Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-1 Wednesday to reduce the penalty for Iowans convicted on a first offense of possessing marijuana. Senate File 280 would make possession of five grams or less of marijuana a simple misdemeanor punishable by no more than 30 days in jail and a fine of $65 to $625. Currently, first-offense possession of marijuana is a serious misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. The bill does not modify the penalties for second or subsequent possession of marijuana. TIMBER BUYERS CITED: Two timber buying companies one from Illinois and one from Iowa must reform their business practices in Iowa under a court-approved agreement with Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller following complaints from elderly rural property owners. Under the agreement approved in Polk County District Court, the timber buyers are barred from using abusive and deceptive conduct in harvesting Iowa trees. Miller alleges the operations cheated and mistreated rural Iowa landowners. The agreement resolves a consumer fraud investigation against Central Illinois Hardwood Inc. of Green Valley, Ill., and Harvest Hardwood Inc. of Oskaloosa, according to Millers office. We alleged that the defendants repeatedly took advantage of elderly rural property owners by underpaying for valuable walnut trees and other hardwoods, taking more trees than they were authorized to harvest, and leaving properties damaged and scarred, Miller said. This agreement will reform how these timber buyers do business and put an end to abusive and deceptive practices. IMPAIRED DRIVING CRACKDOWN: Drivers arrested or convicted of driving impaired would be required to participate in twice-daily sobriety monitoring under legislation unanimously approved Wednesday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Study Bill 1101 also would require some drivers to install ignition interlocks in their vehicles as part of a sobriety monitoring program modeled after initiatives in South Dakota and four other states. The bill also would provide that cellphone use while driving would be considered evidence of reckless driving, A driver who struck and killed someone would commit a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000. 'SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP' BILL: Protesters who intentionally block an interstate highway to slow traffic would face significantly stiffer penalties under a bill approved 13-3 by the Senate State Government Committee on Wednesday. Senate Study Bill 1135 would make the action like a post-2016 election protest on Interstate 80 near Iowa City a serious misdemeanor on first offense which would escalate to an aggravated misdemeanor and a Class D felony carrying a five-year prison term and $7,500 fine on subsequent violations. The current violation is a simple misdemeanor carrying a $35 fine. LAKE MACBRIDE: The Iowa Senate voted 38-11 with one abstention Wednesday to lift longstanding outboard motor size restrictions on Lake Macbride near Solon. Iowa law forbids outboard motors of 10 or more horsepower on the lake from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There also is a year-round no-wake law. The proposal would allow motorboats with power units exceeding 10 horsepower at any time on Macbride if the boats are operated at no-wake speed. The bill goes to the House. TUITION GRANT CAP: Senators also voted 50-0 to lift a $6,000 cap on tuition grants to students attending private colleges before shipping Senate File 349 to the House. The Senate also sent two House-passed bills dealing with state purchases from prison industries and the prescribing of biological products to Gov. Terry Branstad on separate 50-0 votes. QUOTE OF THE DAY: I think this is an overreach and its politically motivated. Sen. Tony Bisignano, D-Des Moines, who opposed a bill toughening penalties for protesters who block an interstate highway like the post-2016 election protest on Interstate 80 near Iowa City. DUBUQUE (AP) With several turns of an Allen wrench, Adam Weber pops out the small black tube and grabs an angled pylon and clamp. A few more turns of the wrench and Weber is good to go. He laces up his snow boot, stands up, reattaches his left leg and grabs his snowboard. Piece of cake, said the Dubuque native and Waterloo resident. The 34-year-old amputee recently hit the slope at Sundown Mountain Resort, west of Dubuque, for the first time since losing his leg below the knee 19 months ago in a motorcycle accident. Its one of the only winter activities I ever partake in, and I have been snowboarding since I was 11 or 12 years old, Weber said. That being taken away from me, it was huge. I was distraught. Weber worked with Andy Steele, a partner and certified prosthetist at Clark & Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics, which has locations in Dubuque and Waterloo. We try to get them back to as fully functional a life as possible, Steele said. One of the things he brought up right away was snowboarding. It was the only thing he mentioned that he enjoys doing that he really wanted to get back to. After about a year of learning to use the prosthesis and physical therapy, Weber sat down with Steele to discuss the possibility of snowboarding again. Weber thought it might take years. Instead, it took less than a couple of hours. It was a matter of him showing us what he needed to be able to do, and we had the parts and pieces to get him where he needed to be, Steele said. We had him set up and ready to go in an hour to an hour and a half. Feb. 17 was Webers second time out using the newly adapted prosthetic. He made a trial run the week before. It was awesome, Weber said as he came off the chairlift after his first run. It actually felt amazingly natural. Im not up to full par where I used to be, but its the fact that I can do it which is exhilarating. Lying on the side of the road after his accident, Weber looked down at his left leg. He knew immediately he would lose it. His shoe was gone and his foot badly mangled. Every single bone in my foot was broken and the tissue on the bottom of the foot all of the muscle was scraped up and hanging from the heel up to the toes, he said. Doctors at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo would later tell him the technical term for his injury was de-gloving of the foot. Weber was riding his motorcycle June 19, 2015, when he was struck in the middle of an intersection by a woman attempting to turn left. Weber, who was not wearing a helmet, was driving south of Fletcher Avenue in Waterloo when he was T-boned by a 2002 red Pontiac Grand Am. The driver, Kaylen A. Brinyark, 30, of Waterloo, was traveling north on Fletcher Avenue waiting to turn onto University Avenue. Brinyark would tell an officer at the scene she did not see the motorcycle until it was too late, according to a report from the Waterloo Police Department. All things considered, Weber feels fortunate to be alive. He was riding like an idiot without a helmet. Doctors sent Weber to Iowa City, knowing the extent of his injury would require extensive surgery. A surgeon there said chances of saving his foot were slim. They said it would take multiple skin and muscle grafts to repair what had been done. I decided my best bet, with the way prosthetics are today, was with going with amputation. Weber constantly wondered whether he would regain enough mobility to hop back on a board and carve down a mountainside once again. Being able to do it after the accident is one of the attributes of being able to overcome this, Weber said. It gets me back to a normal routine and lets me know Im not completely held back by this. Chad Remmert, business development officer at Clark & Associates, was also on hand Feb. 17 to watch Weber hit the slopes. His story is truly amazing and the fact that he is overcoming the challenges of limb loss at an early age is something everyone can benefit from, Remmert said. With the National Aeronautic Space Administration becoming overly dependent on Russian-made rockets after the turn of the millennium, two maverick entrepreneurs entered the space race. SpaceX and Blue Origin were initially perceived as vanity projects for their founders Teslas Elon Musk and Amazons Jeff Bezos, respectively. Now, in different ways, they are becoming the backbone of U.S. space ventures, rejuvenating the dormant manned space program with competition and an injection of excitement. SpaceX has emerged as a challenger to Boeing-Lockheeds United Launch Alliance, which has dominated the industry. Formed in 2006 to reduce overhead, it has roots dating back to the start of the space program. Blue Origin has become a ULA partner, providing an American engine to replace Russian technology. On Monday, Musk made the stunning announcement SpaceX would send two unnamed, paid passengers on a week-long, 300,000- to 400,000-mile journey around the moon in an automated Dragon 2 spacecraft requiring few skills from the astronauts on board. It followed the successful Feb. 19 launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon spacecraft carrying cargo to the six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. It was the first successful launch at the Kennedy Space Centers Launch Complex 39 home of Apollo moon missions since NASA shuttered the Space Shuttle program in July 2011. South African native Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with $100 million of his money, $354 million from investors (primarily Silicon Valley entrepreneurs) and a $396 million assist from NASA. He envisioned flying passengers to Mars at $500,000 per seat as the first step in colonizing the planet and making humans a multi-planetary species. SpaceX, based in a Los Angeles suburb, is in the process of building a spaceport in Texas. Bezos began Blue Origin in 2000, keeping it secret until 2003. Last year he said, I want millions of people living and working in space. I want us to be a space-faring civilization. His first stage to generate revenue will involve space tourism, carrying six people aboard a suborbital New Shepard spacecraft. Until their emergence, Russian-made RD-180 engines were used in the first stage of rockets manufactured by the ULA partners and performed flawlessly, carrying 111 successful payloads into space, including U.S. government satellites spying on Russia. But the Russian rockets didnt fly well in Congress after President Vladimir Putins incursions into former Soviet states. ULA was urged to wean itself from its reliance on Russian dependency. In fact, it also was hurting business. In 2015, SpaceX won the contract for a Global Positioning System III satellite launch because ULA didnt have any available RD-180 engines. SpaceX has had some rocky moments. In 2006, its first Falcon 1 exploded on launch in the Marshall Islands. A second rocket exploded a year later before reaching orbit. In June, a rocket carrying supplies to the space station blew up. In September, another rocket exploded on the launch pad, destroying a $200 million Facebook satellite. Last week, SpaceX announced a planned unmanned mission to Mars to place a modified Dragon spacecraft on the surface would be delayed two years. That endeavor involves landing the heaviest object yet on the red planet, which has a thin atmosphere. But SpaceX also has had some remarkable achievements, landing a spent orbital rocket booster on an ocean drone platform in 2014 something that had to be seen to be believed then replicating that success on land and sea. Reusable rockets potentially will make flights more affordable if the cost of refurbishing becomes economical. A suborbital Blue Origin rocket launched from West Texas became the first to land upright in November 2015 but with a markedly shorter trajectory than SpaceX. Blue Origin also is developing a new liquid-natural-gas-burning engine for ULA to use in its Vulcan rockets, which are expected to be ready in 2019, replacing the Russian engines. The new space race also is bringing down astronomical prices with assorted efficiencies. SpaceX buys some components off the shelf hatch handles from bathroom stall latches and race-car safety belts rather than custom-designed models. SpaceX has a launch price of $62 million, while ULA estimates are between $164 million and $350 million. In January, NASA awarded four new contracts to both Space X ($2.6 billion) and ULA ($4.2 billion) to fly astronauts to the space station, giving each six total. SpaceX now has more than $7 billion in contracts, including 60 scheduled private launches. And space travel has a new goal. On Feb. 22, NASA scientists announced the discovery of seven Earth-like planets 40 lights years away with possible atmospheres to sustain life. The James Webb Space Telescope scheduled for an October 2018 launch will zero in on that. Alas, arriving at this new frontier in space is quite the long shot 11,250 years distance using todays rocket technology. Rep. Walt Rogers and Sen. Jeff Danielson: This has been a contentious year in politics. Feelings are raw, and relationships are being challenged in all levels of government. The Courier has carried pictures of angry voters with U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley in three separate issues in the last week alone. Sundays Courier editorial headline was History holds lessons for Waterloo Council. In past years, two councilmen had been personally stung by a heated exchange. They met at the front of the council chambers at the subsequent meeting and realized they each had the citys best interest at heart. They respected each other. Consequently, the people of Waterloo respected them and re-elected them several times. People are looking for more cohesiveness than we are seeing from our elected representatives. I have an idea about how both of you can raise yourself above some of this damaging rhetoric. I had the good fortune to be able to talk to each of you separately at the respective legislative forums this past weekend (Friday evening at the League of Women Voters forum and Saturday afternoon at the Republican forum). The Hudson Community Schools wants to initiate a preschool program for 4-year-old children. The program will have start-up costs of approximately $122,010, according to Dr. Anthony Voss, Hudson superintendent, as stated at a parent informational meeting held Feb. 23. The Hudson Schools have accumulated enough in their savings account to fund this new program and thus to comply with the state requirement to offer this 4-year-old preschool class. The savings account has been built up over the years because of the strong and prudent fiscal management under the direction of the Hudson School Board and Dr. Voss. Currently state law restricts local school boards from accessing these funds for new programming not previously approved by the state. This glitch prevents the Hudson Schools from the right to use these restricted funds. Hudson needs the authority from the Iowa Legislature to access the funds. All other financial restrictions have been satisfied or submitted by the school system. The parents in attendance at the informational meeting were supportive and appreciative to have this option potentially available to them by this falls school term. To Sen. Danielson: Superintendent Voss indicated you already have introduced legislation to correct this glitch in the Iowa Code and you are very supportive in helping with this initiative. Dr. Voss was appreciative and complimentary of your support. Sen. Danielson, you said you would work with Rep. Rogers to get this legislation passed, but Rogers was in the drivers seat as his party was in the majority. We discussed how this is a nonpartisan issue deserving full support by both parties. Good news, Senator. On Saturday, Rep. Rogers agreed to call you to discuss this matter. Kindly welcome his call. To Rep. Rogers, Superintendent Voss indicated you were meeting with him to discuss the particulars this past Friday. And at the Republican forum Saturday, you said this is something that should be corrected and you would be introducing legislation this week to allow for this program to be funded by the Hudson Schools out of the accumulated assets. It sounds like things were moving in a great direction until it was asked of you to co-sponsor this legislation with Sen. Danielson. Mr. Rogers, you said this is a no-brainer and you did not need Danielsons support. Furthermore, it could taint the issue to involve the opposition in this legislation. I pressed and you agreed to call Danielson. This was progress but I think you can go further. Gentlemen, both of you represent Hudson in your respective chambers. You both have campaigned about how you can work across the aisle. Can you display your ability to drop party politics and work for the common good? Show the people in the Cedar Valley by your actions you can rise above the fray. Demonstrate these are not just words but core beliefs you hold true. This is what you both talked about this past fall; can we hold you to this five months later? By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 01, 2017 | 12:23 PM | CUBA, KY Parts of Graves County were some of the hardest hit by Tuesday night's storms. Graves County Emergency Management Director Davant Ramage said most of the damage is confined to the southeast corner of Graves County, just south of Sedalia, down to the Tennessee state line. Ramage said 15 to 20 homes were damaged, with 5 to 7 of those total losses. He said several outbuildings and carports were also destroyed and numerous trees were down. He also said the Cuba Church of Christ suffered major damage. Ramage said he's not sure if the damage was caused by straight line winds or a tornado. 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a bottle? Completely meaningless gibberish from an entirely unknown guy (from my experience, its always a guy, looking like a lumberjack and thats okay) that, strangely enough, makes you insanely excited? If not, you must try gulling. At the height of this winter, I was staring into many pinkish legs, looking for those with some cheap plastic jewellery Scoping squabble after squabble of gulls at the city rubbish tip, I have already read five colour rings with large letters gibberish, I am telling you wait, theres one more! But this one has only one ring (to rule them all?), a small and barely visible metal ring, the type usually read only when the bird is mist-netted or found already dead. Pity, I think and a moment before I moved the scope to the next pair of legs, I thought wait, lets zoom in, maybe I could read something and from the scanning 25x I roll to the reading 60x shining metal but when the bird turns slightly, I can read the ends of three lines: eum (this is easy museum), ha and 200. Well, that was it, should I move on or not, lets wait a bit more After a while, my gull moves a bit and now I can read the beginnings of those lines: n.m, p and et! And now I wait. To read it all, or for the gull to take flight, whichever comes first. But my gull has refined manners of a true gentleman and shows me the middle section of those lines. Lets not forget, those letters are smaller than these you are reading right now and I read them from some 25 or so metres through the truly magnificent Swarovski 25-6065 STX! And then all the gulls took flight! Which didnt matter anymore because I was already high on endorphin. The next day I found out that about 750 km / 470 mi north from here, in Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, Ivan Miksik, one of the most active Czech ringers sent this message in January, two years ago. And I was the first one to read it. Ill send an S.O.S. to the world I hope that someone gets my I hope that someone gets my I hope that someone gets my Message in a bottle Cover photo by Snezana Panjkovic Verses by Sting "These products provide a comprehensive, one-stop lighting solution that simplifies installation, and provides innovative enhancements to lighting system reliability as well as performance." ATLANTA, GA, March 02, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- GRE Alpha is proud to announce its participation in the March 2017 Nikkei Messe Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair in Tokyo, Japan, from Tuesday, March 7, to Friday, March 10, 2017. Past participants in Japan's LED/OLED Lighting Technology Expo held annually in January, this will be GRE Alpha's first time in the Nikkei Messe Fair. "Japan boasts some of the most vibrant and unique lighting designs and lighting firms in the world," says Richard Fong, Executive Director at GRE Alpha. "Steeped in a culture of constant innovation, GRE Alpha's products are a good fit with the Japanese lighting industry." Pioneers in LED technology, GRE Alpha staff will be providing live demonstrations of several of their products, including the XLAV, 7-in-1 LED dimming module, XLAV Driver, SLD-DIM-PWM dimming module, and its new Tunable White SLD-DimTW Dim-to-Warm dimming module. Additionally, team members will be offering information and a showcase on Japanese certification-compliant, PSE-certified LED drivers including the XLD series, XLA series, and GLC/GLV series products. "These products provide a comprehensive, one-stop lighting solution that simplifies installation, and provide innovative enhancements to lighting system reliability as well as performance," says Fong. GRE Alpha's booth will feature interactive displays of many of its products, allowing users to experience firsthand the craftsmanship and quality that GRE Alpha brings to its LED power solution designs. Nikkei Messe, held once every two years in Tokyo, is the largest lighting event in Japan. Hong Kong-based GRE Alpha will have Japanese speaking representatives at its booth to help with networking between staff and Japanese clients. Team members are most looking forward to a great show and to introducing their exciting LED products to the Japan market. "User experience is very important to us," says Fong. "Working in tandem with our distributors, we will have knowledgeable, Japanese speaking product experts stationed at our booth to help introduce and share our products with clients." Visit www.messe.nikkei.co/jp for more information on the 2017 Nikkei Messe Tokyo Big Sight Lighting Fair. For more information on GRE Alpha, or to speak with a service representative and set up a one-on-one appointment with a technical expert, visit www.grealpha.com/contact. GRE Alpha Electronics, Ltd. specializes in the design and manufacturing of solid-state lighting power supplies and lighting control accessories, the lifeblood of indoor and outdoor LED lighting systems. With over two decades of power conversion expertise and a commitment towards innovation, GRE Alpha engages with industry pioneers to deliver highly efficient, installation-ready, and agency-approved LED power conversion products for a wide variety of industry applications. # # # Social justice movement Who is Hussain? To host second annual 'She Inspires Me' conference 2022-11-04 | The event will explore the growing crisis on our streets for women impacted by homelessness and discuss it within the inspiring context of the story and legacy of Lady Zaynab bint Ali. Image Group LA/ABCIn the midst of readying his forthcoming album, Kendrick Lamar reflects on his innovative debut project, good kid, m.A.A.d. city with T Magazine, telling the publication that he felt "only people from my community would understand" it. "When I said 'my community,' I'm talking about Compton, Long Beach, L.A., the Bay Area, San Francisco, Oakland," he clarifies. "For them to be like: 'He's the champ! He knows what we go through and what we dealing with' -- I'm talking about growing up in a gang-infested community in L.A." "So the album comes out and then I go on tour and I'm rockin,' I'm on stage and I see the energy is the same as it was when I was at home in Compton,"he continues. "And I couldn't understand it, because I'm like, how can you connect to this? How can you connect to a feeling like you're locked in a box because of the gang culture?" "One particular fan broke it down to me: 'I connect through your music not because I know about the gang culture; it's the sense of wanting to be set free.'" Currently working on his next album, Kendrick reveals that it will address a number of societal ills, much like his Grammy-winning third album, To Pimp a Butterfly. "It's very urgent," he says. "We're in a time where we exclude one major component out of this whole thing called life: God. Nobody speaks on it because it's almost in conflict with what's going on in the world when you talk about politics and government and the system." Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Christian Lorentzen in Vulture: In 1974, J.M. Coetzee applied to South Africas Ministry of the Interior to become an official state censor of literature. A few months later, he was informed that his application had been turned down. Coetzee had returned to South Africa in 1971 after a stint studying and teaching in America, unable to renew his visa after being arrested at a faculty protest at SUNY Buffalo against police presence on campus, a conviction later overturned. He joined the University of Cape Town as a professor, and in 1972 filed a report to his department head on books that were banned by the state but which he regarded as crucial to his research and teaching. The list of authors is long: William Faulkner, Richard Wright, Vladimir Nabokov, Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, Doris Lessing, Nadine Gordimer, Pablo Neruda, even Nikolai Gogol, among many others.[You] may be interested to look over the following condensation of how our censors have impoverished our lives, he wrote to his boss. What then was he up to a couple years later, already the author of the novel Dusklands, in trying to join the apparatus of repression? The South African scholar David Attwell tells this story in J.M. Coetzee and the Life of Writing: Face to Face With Time, an engrossing 2015 study of the authors manuscripts, now held at the University of Texas at Austin. Attwell quotes Coetzee telling a friend that he was merely calling the authorities bluff. Coetzee had been working on a manuscript, later abandoned, narrated by a censor, and Attwell concludes that Coetzees odd flirtation with becoming a censor was a way of arranging life to imitate art. In the drafts, Attwell sees Coetzee pondering what sort of writer he wants to be. Its a mental exercise thats illuminating in its strange premises. Fiction, being a serious affair, Coetzee writes, cannot accept pre-requisites like (1) a desire to write, (2) something to write about, (3) something to say. There must be a place for a fiction of apathy toward the task of writing, toward the subject, toward the means. Its an astonishing idea apathy as a source of, not an obstacle to, seriousness. More here. Antonio Gramsci Jr. in The New Left Review: Twenty years ago the Soviet Union collapseda society that, with all its defects, had represented the bastion of actually existing socialism andparadoxicallyhelped ease the contradictions of western capitalism. It was around that time that I began to be interested in my grandfather. The Italian Communist party and the Fondazione Istituto Gramsci arranged a trip to Italy for me and my father to celebrate the centenary of his birth. We stayed in Italy around six months, in that time visiting all the places that had strong connections with the life of Antonio Gramsci, from Sardinia to Turi. (One of the most moving highlights of our pilgrimage was the concert I gave for the inmates in the prison in Turi, together with Francesca Vacca.) During those months, full of so many other fascinating events, I steeped myself in Italian culture and realized how important my grandfather is to it. Back in Russia, full of enthusiasm, I started to study Italian systematically and also read what little there was of his writing in Russian translation. My interest in Gramscis thought grew more and more strongly as I tried to understand what had happened in my country through the lens of his work. It was thanks to him that I now grasped the destructive role played by our intellectuals, who were responsible for the molecular shift in public opinion in favour of the new regime, which had led to the plunder of Russia, a process already begun during the years of perestroika. I didnt become a Gramsci scholarIm a biologist and a musicianbut my mental bearings had radically altered. Speaking of our own time, I can say that it is precisely at this turbulent historic moment that I sense the real need for the rise of an intellectual voice of Antonio Gramscis calibre to unite various factions that are divided and ideologically uncreative. These various factions can hardly be called an opposition, fused in the historic bloc that alone would be capable of developing a correct strategic line in the struggle against the oppressive forces of the new regime, corrupt and cynical, that has ruled Russia for two decades now. More here. Declan Butler in Nature: Growing concerns over an invasion of refugees and migrants helped to elect Donald Trump and sway Brexit voters. Yet the data suggest that the situation is very different from how it is often portrayed. Researchers warn that misleading reports about the magnitude of flows into Europe and the United States are creating unjustified fears about refugees. That is undermining efforts to manage the massive humanitarian problems faced by those fleeing Syria and other hotspots. Refugee numbers are easier to track. The UNHCR estimates that there were 21.3 million refugees in 2015; that is only slightly higher than the 1992 figure of 20.6 million, when the global population was just two-thirds of todays. Researchers also warn about misinterpreting estimates of international migrants those who move for economic or other reasons. These numbers can be problematic because the most widely cited UN figures are cumulative. Guy Abel, a statistician at the Vienna Institute of Demography, has studied the dynamic flow and found that the number of people migrating has remained stable over the past 50 years. His latest estimates indicate that migration rate, as a share of global population, has dropped to its lowest point in 50 years. More here. Austin, Texas is affectionately known as the live music capital of the world, and is of course equally famous for its barbecue. But there's more to the Lone Star State's blue center than finger-licking brisket and crooning hipsterswell, thankfully, there is a whole lot of that. Head to the quirky city on the banks of the Colorado River, lately known as a start-up scene nicknamed Silicon Hills, for high-design boutique hotels, craft cocktails, Hill Country beauty, captivating art and, of course, those world-class festivals. Hip Stays in Austin, TX Spend a day by the pool while still taking in the city. (Courtesy of Hotel Van Zandt) The Best Hotels New on the scene is Kimpton's Hotel Van Zandt(605 Davis St.), where luxurious rock-and-roll design, a curated collection of local music, and live bands at the restaurant riff on Austin's legendary sound scene. A stay at the Van Zandt comes at a VIP price (especially during SXSW), so book with a blind eye and relish the lavish lounges, rooftop pool, and walk-in rain shower and Bluetooth sound systems in every pet-friendly room. SF-made Public Bikes are also available to get you around downtown. // With just seven rooms, Heywood Hotel(1609 E Cesar Chavez St) is a true boutique stay, located in East Austin, one of the city's fast-growing 'hoods which is packed with hip restaurants, lounges, and shops. Amenities include luxury tubs, white noise machines, in-room internet jukeboxs, free bikes and WiFi. // Hotelier Liz Lambert is known as the host with the most in these parts, so you'll never go wrong with a stay at her OG hotel, the San Jose(1316 S. Congress Ave.), or the newer and posher St. Cecilia(112 Academy Dr.) just across the street. Both dog-friendly stays ooze effortless style and musical vibesthe famed Continental Club is just around the corner. // If tradition is what you seek, look no further than The Driskill(604 Brazos St.), known for its Southern hospitality, timeless elegant twang, and imminently affordable rates. Even during peak-travel seasons, you'll be hard-pressed to find a weekend rate over $200 a night. Look up: The copper ceiling is unique to the historic 1866 building. Where to Eat in Austin A meaty spread at Snow's BBQ, where pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz is nominated for a 2018 James Beard Award. (Courtesy of Robert Jacob Lerma, via Instagram) BBQ, Tacos + More on the Cheap Brisket is the real reason to eat out in Austin and its hilly surrounds. That and pork belly. And Tex-Mex. Combo all this good stuff at Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ (11500 Manchaca Rd.), a food truck serving pulled pollo tacos with sea salt lime guacamole and serrano salsa. // For something a bit more traditional to Central Texas, Franklin BBQ(900 East 11the St.) is a landmark. Order the hickory smoked brisket by the pound or sandwiched between two pieces of classic white bread. // Up for a little road trip? About an hour east of Austin you'll find Snow's BBQ (516 Main St. (Lexington), where 82-year-old pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz starts slangin' her hickory- and applewood-smoked briskets, turkey breasts, and sausages at 8am. As for her 2018 James Beard Award nomination? Oh that? She says, "I'll try to get excited." // You can't go to Austin without ordering the absurdly gooey queso and the taco of the month (think fried chicken, waffle, egg and bacon on a flour tortilla) at Torchy's Tacos (1822 S. Congress Ave.). // Grab a well-seasoned, spicy lamb or beef shish kebab, along with the best homemade baklava this side of I-35, from Kebabalicious trailer (at 3rd and Congress). // Hanging around ZIlker Park and want something portable to eat? Head for The Mighty Cone(1720 Barton Springs Rd.) for "Hot & Crunchy" (read: deep-fried) cones filled with avocado, chicken, shrimp or all of the above. // Gelateria Gemelli(1009 E 6th St.) owners Andrew Sabola and Meghan Erwin learned how to make gelato by hand in Bologna, Italy under one of the world's best makers of the country's signature treat. In Austin, they serve homemade, all organic, small-batch gelato in such flavors as Fernet stracciatella, cardamom orange, and earl grey. Best of all, you can pair any of their tasty flavors with an amaro, cocktails, or prosecco. Restaurants For nearly two decades, Uchi(801 South Lamar Blvd.) has presented the city's finest, most sustainable sushi and Japanese cuisine, also turning out chef alumni who now helm many of the city's top restaurants. Come for the sake social hour with special prices on cool and hot bites; bigger spenders must opt for the 10-course omekase. // Contigo's(2027 Anchor Ln.) inviting beer garden in East Austin is the perfect setting for a menu with hefty emphasis on housemade charcuterie, the popular burger, and other meaty morsels procured from the family's ranch in nearby Fredericksberg. Go for regular events including family-style dinners and pig roasts, and also check out the new Contigo Fareground(111 Congress Ave.), the city's first local food hall with six restaurants, downtown. // Counter 3. Five. VII serves only three-, five-, and seven-course tasting menus...at the counter,, which explains the very odd name at this 24-seat eatery. Naturally you'll be in for an intimate dining experience. Watch as the chef prepares your leche de tigre or goat neck with achiote and mustard seeds. // Launderette(2115 Holly St.) is one of the most crowded restaurants in town, so prepare for a waitthe modern Mediterranean cuisine (try a "sunshine bowl" with turmeric hummus at lunch; and the king crab in beurre blanc at dinner) is worth it. Save for at least one dessertand then order two because you just can't decide. Austin's Best Bars + Coffee Shops On weekends, head upstairs at Whisler's on 6th Street and find yourself in the Oaxacan-style Mezcaleria Tobala. (Courtesy of Whisler's) All the Booze Possibly the finest place in the city to sip a martini and gaze at the skyline, Azul(310 East 5th St.), the rooftop bar at the Westin hotel, offers a heated pool year-round, flawless cocktails, and homemade gelato pops. // Handlebar(121 East 5th St.) is sort of the drinking-age equivalent of Chuck E. Cheese, with a five-hour happy hour (3-8pm), boozy treats named after Doc Holliday and Salvador Dali, rocking horses, and ping-pong. // Keeping Austin weird justsouth of downtown, Whip In (1950 S I-35) is a public houseserving Texas-made spirits and Fredericksburg winesand curry lounge, where you can soak it all up with tasty Indian-fusion cuisine amid Wild Westinspired decor. // Whisler's(1816 E 6th St.) is the perfect combination of cozy (inside) and buzzing (on the patio). Upstairs you'll find a variety of rare mezcals at the Oaxacan-inspired bar Mezcaleria Tobala (open Fridays and Saturdays). // In the parking garage of the American National Bank building, Garage Bar(503 Colorado St.) has all the vibes of a dark, clandestine rendezvous spot with charming historical touches. // An oddity along Fourth Street, Halcyon(218 W 4th St) is part smoke lounge, part well-stocked bar, and part coffee shop serving up weekend brunch and live music every other Wednesday and Thursday. The Other Kind of Buzz At Lake Austin, Mozart's Coffee(3825 Lake Austin Blvd.) is a perfect place to while away a Sunday. Order the bottomless coffee and house-baked books, and kick back at a picnic table to binge listen to your favorite podcast. Expect a crowd at lunch and in the late afternoon. // Sa-Ten(916 Spingdale Rd, Bldg 3, Ste 101) is a Japanese-inspired cafe serving espresso drinks alongside all-day toasts and sandwiches, as well as pastries and protein plates. Check out Japanese cinema night on Thursdays. Asian Activities Report for July 6, 2011 includes: Segue Resources Limited (ASX:SEG) has signed an agreement to acquire up to 51% of the Emang Manganese Project in South Africa; Radar Iron Limited (ASX:RAD) has identified significant magnetite mineralisation at its Die Hardy project; African Iron Limited (ASX:AKI) announced over 80% increase to the aggregate exploration target size at the Mayoko Iron Ore Project in Congo; Reed Resources Limited (ASX:RDR) has secured the opportunity to acquire the Nannine Mining Centre in Western Australia. Bass Metals Ltd (ASX:BSM) (OTCMKTS:BSSMF) is one of only five publicly listed graphite producers in the world. The company owns and operates the Graphmada large flake graphite mine, Bass' flagship project, located in eastern Madagascar. The Graphmada mine has 40 year mining permits in place, containing four premium quality, large flake, graphite deposits hosted in weathered graphitic gneiss, a soft, easily minable rock that incurs low mining costs. With all associated mining infrastructure and logistics in place, the mine currently produces and sells a range of graphite concentrates into multiple market segments, to customers in India, the United States and Europe. Encounter Resources Ltd (ASX:ENR) is an exploration and resource development company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Encounter is one of the most active greenfield exploration companies in Australia. The company is committed to large scale, frontier exploration in highly prospective under cover terrains in Australia where we believe substantial value can be unlocked for our shareholders. In recent times, the company has made new zinc and copper discoveries at our flagship Yeneena project located in the Paterson Province of Western Australia. Distribution of company announcements to the professional platforms, finance portals and syndication of important corporate news to a wide variety of news aggregators and financial news systems. MetalsTech Ltd (ASX:MTC) offers a unique entry point into the high value lithium sector with the potential for substantial upside leverage tied to exploration success. We are developing a number of exciting projects prospective for lithium with good access to infrastructure necessary for commercialisation. Completion of $3 Million Share Purchase Plan Perth, Mar 2, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Corazon Mining Limited ( ASX:CZN ) ( CRZNF:OTCMKTS ) ("Corazon" or "the Company") advises that its Share Purchase Plan ("SPP" or "Plan") to raise approximately $3 million has been completed. - $3 million Share Purchase Plan completed with strong demand from shareholders - Significant demand required the early closure of the Plan - Applications scaled back per current holdings in the Company The Plan was closed on Monday 27 February 2017 due to being heavily over-subscribed. Given the overwhelming demand, the Company has been forced to scale back eligible applications and has attempted to do so in a manner that is as fair and transparent as possible. The approach adopted is broadly as follow: - Directors of the Company voluntarily withdrew from the SPP, despite being eligible to participate, so as to not deprive other shareholders; and - Applications were scaled back on a proportional basis, in accordance with Shareholders' current holding(s) in the Company (as at 28 February 2017). All applications received before the closure of the Plan, if deemed eligible, will receive SPP shares in the Company. It is acknowledged that some applications were in the process of electronic payment or postage and were not received before the closure of the SPP. Unfortunately, the Company cannot make exceptions and, as such, these funds will be returned in full as soon as possible. Managing Director, Mr Brett Smith, commented, "It is extremely pleasing to have such a strong demand for the SPP. The surety of these funds has allowed the Company to fully commit to the next phases of exploration at both the Lynn Lake Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project in Canada and the Mt Gilmore Cobalt-Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales. These are exciting projects that provide the Company with multiple opportunities for exploration success." The shares issued under the SPP will be allotted on Thursday, 02 March 2017 and quoted on the ASX on Friday, 03 March 2017. Confirmation notices will be dispatched on Thursday, 02 March 2017. For shareholders whose applications have been scaled back or rejected, refund cheques will be dispatched on Thursday, 02 March 2017. Share Purchase Plan - Background Under the SPP, eligible Corazon shareholders were invited to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at an issue price of $0.035 per share, up to a maximum value of $15,000 per shareholder. Participation in the SPP was exclusively open to shareholders who were registered holders of Corazon shares at 5:00 pm (WST) on the 13 February 2017 and whose registered address is in Australia or New Zealand. Details of the SPP were posted to eligible Shareholders on the 17th February 2017 and the Plan opened on the 23rd February 2017. The Plan was very well received by Shareholders and resulted in a prompt participation and subscription of more than $3 million. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, the SPP was closed early on the 27 February 2017. About Corazon Mining Ltd Corazon Mining Limited (ASX:CZN) (OTCMKTS:CRZNF) is a base metals explorer with projects in the historical nickel-copper Lynn Lake mining camp, Canada's 3rd largest nickel producing region. Corazon's recent acquisition of the Victory Nickel Project has reunited the Lynn Lake Mining Field for the first time since 1976. Final Drilling Assays Deliver Outstanding High Grade Lithium Adelaide, Mar 2, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Core Exploration Ltd ( ASX:CXO ) ("Core" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has now received the final Phase 2 RC and Diamond drilling results from its 2016 drilling program at its Finniss Lithium Project near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The final results continue to demonstrate the excellent continuity of high grade spodumene mineralisation at Grants and cap off a successful 2016 program which significantly increased the Company's confidence of the development potential of the Finniss Lithium Project. HIGHLIGHTS - New deep RC and diamond drilling assays confirm that the Grants high grade spodumene pegmatite is continuous over 300m in length and up to 30m wide, and open at depth below 200m vertical - Final assays received from Core's Drilling Program at Finniss include: o 34m @ 1.37% Li2O from 201m at Grants -- including 3m @ 2.04% Li2O (FRCD005) o 23m @ 1.51% Li2O from 188m at Grants -- including 4m @ 2.23% Li2O (FRC041) o 8m @ 1.45 % Li2O from 101m at Far West (FRC083) - Successful Phase 1 and 2 RC and Diamond drilling program at Finniss have confirmed a number of significant lithium discoveries, including Grants and BP33 prospects - Metallurgical study results expect in early March - Core is now focussed on establishing and growing a resource base at its Finniss Lithium Project, with aggressive drill programs re-commencing Q2 2017 in parallel with assessing early development options Progressing the Finniss Lithium Project in 2017 Core's 2016 exploration drilling program at Finniss discovered a number of high grade lithium discoveries, including Grants, BP33 and Far West. Core is now preparing to re-commence drilling which will be focused on establishing a maiden lithium resource, and growing its resource base at the Finniss Lithium Project. The Company will maintain aggressive exploration and in-fill drill programs in 2017 in parallel with assessing early development options. The first results from metallurgical test work on a bulk sample of from Grants are expected in early March 2017. Work is currently underway on 400kg of large diameter HQ core at the Nagrom metallurgical facilities in Perth, W.A to determine potential to produce commercial grade spodumene concentrate. The first stage of resource assessment work at Finniss will be focussed on Grants and is expected to be completed during Q2 2017. Grants Prospect is ideally located, only 500m from the sealed highway which connects the project to nearby Port Darwin (see Figure 5 in the link below). Port Darwin is a multiuser port with bulk loading and container shipping facilities with spare capacity and is Australia's closest port to Asia. The Finniss Project's potential logistics chain to China is arguably better than most spodumene projects being developed in Australia. Continuity of high grade mineralisation at Grants, simple bulk-mining mining methods and proximity to sealed roads and the Port Darwin support the potential for early development at Grants. RC and Diamond Drill Results at Grants New drill results from Finniss include (see Table 1 and Figures 1 and 2 in the link below): - 23m of high grade spodumene grading 1.51% Li2O including 4m @ 2.23% Li2O in RC drillhole (FRC041). - 34m at 1.37% Li2O including 3m @ 2.04% Li2O in diamond drillhole (FRCD005). Recent drill holes from the deepest part of the Grants Pegmatite tested to date, indicate that high grade spodumene mineralisation is continuous to at least 200m vertical depth and the deposit remains open at depth (see Figure 2 in the link below). These new drill results build on previous RC and diamond drillholes at Grants which have hit thick intersections of excellent quality coarse grained spodumene, and further demonstrate that high grade spodumene mineralisation is continuous between drill sections and is open at depth. All RC and Diamond drill assay results from the 2016 Phase 2 RC and January 2017 Diamond core drilling campaigns have now been received and reported, and Core is already making preparation to recommence drilling in Q2 2017 (as soon as the current wet weather subsides), where it is planned to undertake a programme of exploration and infill drilling to build resource estimates during 2017. Phase 2 RC Drill Results at Far West Drill results from the Far West prospect suggest that the Far West belt has the potential to deliver a series of smaller interconnected bodies of spodumene bearing pegmatite over a distance of at least 1,000m. Significant pegmatite widths of pegmatite were intersected during the drilling at Far West which support the potential of the area to host a considerable volume of mineralised pegmatite. Drillhole FRC058 intersected 67m of low grade oxidised pegmatite containing intervals that include grades up to 1.94% Li2O over 2m (refer Figures 3 & 4 in the link below). Nearby drillhole FRC057 hit a 60m intersection of low grade oxidised pegmatite that averaged 0.06% Li2O, but no higher-grade intervals. The lower grades intersected in drilling at Far West are interpreted to be due to weathering (oxidation) and there is also evidence that some of the pegmatites are strongly zoned with quartz rich "cores". In addition, the pegmatite also contains enclaves of Burrell Creek Formation phyllite (host rock), all of these diluting the overall grade. The strike and down-dip extent remain open at Far West and this belt retains the potential for a number of high-grade pegmatites. Commenting on the final results from the 2016 drilling program, Core's Managing Director, Stephen Biggins said: "The 2016 drilling program was extremely successful. We made high grade lithium discoveries at a number of our targets at the Finniss Lithium Project which has validated Core's methodical approach to its lithium exploration program. The Grants discovery has been particularly exciting given high grade spodumene has been demonstrated over 300m in length and up to 30m wide, and open at depth below 200m vertical. The continuity of high grade mineralisation, simple mining and low transport costs given its proximity to Port Darwin bodes well for potential early development at Grants and we will continue to aggressively progress Grants in 2017. Our focus for 2017 will be to establish and grow our resource base and we look forward to kicking off our 2017 drilling as soon as weather permits, as we have a number of high priority targets to drill." To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/5VZ7O48L About Core Lithium Ltd Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) is an emerging lithium producer focused on development of its Finniss Project near Darwin in the Northern Territory. Core owns 100% of Finniss, a major developing project that lies close to existing infrastructure such as the Darwin Port, grid power, gas and rail infrastructure. The Finniss Project covers a 500km2 tenement holding and 25 historic pegmatite mines. The project area is about 80km from Darwin Port. Exploration work has generated a near term development timeline, with feasibility studies to be completed over the course of 2018 ahead of receipt of approvals in early 2019 and planned first production during 2019. An aggressive exploration program is under way, which has confirmed the high quality prospectivity across much of the Finniss Project area. Core's stated ambition is to upgrade Finniss' resource base to fast-track commercialisation options. Outstanding Assay Results Confirmed for Andapa Discovery Perth, Mar 2, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Bass Metals Ltd ( ASX:BSM ) ( BSSMF:OTCMKTS ) (the "Company") is pleased to inform its shareholders that it has received confirming assay results for its material exploration success, the Andapa discovery, in eastern Madagascar. Highlights: - Accredited laboratory results provide further confirmation of discovery of three premium large flake graphite targets at Andapa. - The targets, from 1.3 km to 2.1 km in extent, are hosted in soft, easily mineable, weathered mineralisation, which indicates significant potential for low cost mining. - The main target, known as Unit 2, revealed Graphitic Carbon (GC) grades up to 7.7% at surface. The SANAS accredited Bureau Veritas laboratory results, in conjunction with exploration works completed by Bass, demonstrate the Andapa discovery area contains at least three lenticular bodies of large flake graphite within the weathered profile. The three parallel striking graphitic units strike approximately northwest-southeast over strike distances varying between 1.3 km and 2.1 km. 31 in-situ graphite samples for the Andapa Project were analysed for Graphitic Carbon (GC), Total Carbon (TC) and Sulphur (S) grades. The results, detailed below in Table 1 (see link below), returned values up to 6.25 %GC for graphite Unit 1, up to 7.71 %GC at graphite Unit 2 and at graphite Unit 3, values up to 4.07 %GC (Figure 1, see link below). As previously announced, a systematic exploration program will be planned over the three graphitic units, including an auger and pitting program with sampling. To be followed by a potential drilling and sampling program for grade estimation, flake size distribution and metallurgical testing. Bass Metals CEO, Mr Tim McManus: With further confirmation of this discovery, Bass will begin planning further exploration and develop a project plan for the area. We are pleased not only to confirm our initial results but also learn that our in-house laboratory is able to produce very similar results at a preliminary level, which gives us great confidence in any future testing we conduct in-house, especially our grade control activities." "For our team at Bass, these results reinforce the fact that we are operating in a globally significant graphite region, with great potential in and around Graphmada. We'll seek to leverage off our production expertise and market knowledge to look further afield in the region for other mineralisation in which to materially grow our resource base." ABOUT THE GRAPHMADA LARGE FLAKE GRAPHITE MINE Bass Metals Ltd. is one of only five publicly listed graphite producers in the world. The company owns and operates the Graphmada large flake graphite mine, Bass' flagship project, located in eastern Madagascar. Madagascar has been a recognized producer and exporter of graphite since 1907 and sets the world standard for product quality and flake size. The Graphmada mine has 40-year mining permits in place, containing four premium quality, large flake, graphite deposits hosted in weathered graphitic gneiss, a soft, easily minable rock that incurs low mining costs. With all associated mining infrastructure and logistics in place, the mine currently produces and sells a range of graphite concentrates into multiple market segments, to customers in India, the United States and Europe. Generating revenue through ongoing lowest quartile cost production, the mine is currently being optimised by an experienced management team to 6000 tonnes per annum with improved final graphite concentrate grades, in order to grow cash margins. Graphmada also has significant potential for low capital intensity expansion. Bass plans to invest capital to expand production to greater than 20,000 tonnes per annum of graphite concentrate sales by late 2018. The Company has also made the strategic decision, in parallel with the optimisation at Graphmada, to actively explore and develop deposits in the immediate proximity to the mine, with a view to materially expanding existing resource inventories. The Loharano deposit has provided the bulk of the feed to the Graphmada processing plant and has total JORC compliant Indicated and Inferred resources of 5.7Mt @ 4.1% Grade with a 2% cut-off. These resources are to a depth of only 6 meters, and mineralization is known to go to depth with increasing grade, and is open in all directions. With the Company having a strong community engagement program and being well down the path in achieving its optimisation plans and growing its resource inventory, the team at Bass is confident of its plans for expansion and its future value creation for shareholders. To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/G3RTBDZQ About Bass Metals Limited Bass Metals Ltd (ASX:BSM) (OTCMKTS:BSSMF) is one of only five publicly listed graphite producers in the world. The company owns and operates the Graphmada large flake graphite mine, Bass' flagship project, located in eastern Madagascar. The Graphmada mine has 40 year mining permits in place, containing four premium quality, large flake, graphite deposits hosted in weathered graphitic gneiss, a soft, easily minable rock that incurs low mining costs. With all associated mining infrastructure and logistics in place, the mine currently produces and sells a range of graphite concentrates into multiple market segments, to customers in India, the United States and Europe. Wright: Airmen need to be well trained, well led, resilient Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright addressed the areas in which he looks to focus on during his tenure as the 18th chief master sergeant of the Air Force at the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium here March 2, 2017. As an adviser to the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force on behalf of nearly 399,000 total force enlisted Airmen, Wright said he more importantly wants to be an advocate, a voice, a champion for each and every one of those Airman and their families. In order to be effective in helping each Airman in every specialty be successful and accomplish the Air Force mission Wright said, I think the most significant thing that I can do for all of our commanders [and] for all of our Airmen is to make sure that our Airmen are well trained, well led and resilient. Well trained Wright insisted training must be the foundation for Airmen. Using his experience as an athlete growing up, Wright said players dont become a champion by just stepping onto the field, but evolve through focused and deliberate training. According to Wright, enlisted Airmen make up nearly 85 to 90 percent of squadrons. He said in order to supplement Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfeins initiative of revitalizing squadrons, its imperative that those Airmen are well equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to get the job done. As the former U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa command chief, Wright has been out on the field as Airmen honed their shoot, move, communicate skills. Hes also been on the flightline and has watched Airmen perform hot pit refuels. He said, this type of constant training all across the Air Force definitely makes a difference. Well led Having well-equipped Airmen is only half the battle, they also need to be well led. Leadership for me centers on helping us become better at managing our talent, Wright said. Mainly, he asked, how does the Air Force get the right Airmen with the right skill set and experience into the right roles at the right time and most importantly, with the right attitude? When I talk about attitude, I once heard that Talent is interesting but character is everything, Wright said. Wright said he looks forward to working with career field managers to get this right. With a majority of career fields using the vectoring process, he said the Air Force Personnel Center needs to be intertwined as much as possible to ensure Airmen get where they need to be. Resilient Wright said its very difficult to be an Airman in todays Air Force. Airmen have faced resource and manning constraints all while balancing a high-operations tempo. This has put a major strain on themselves and their families. With the level of unpredictability and instability, and the challenges the United States faces with violent extremist organizations, Wright said Airmen will have to continue to overcome challenges and obstacles. The response from Airmen the chief hopes to receive is one of owning those tough circumstances and putting themselves in a position where theyre ready mentally, physically and spiritually, and able to form the support networks necessary to be successful. As the Air Force moves forward, Wright said Airmen and their families need to be resilient. We have tons of programs already in place, so I dont need to build anything. I dont need to come up with any new great bounding ideas, Wright said. All I want to do is to make sure that we integrate the programs we already have and that we present them in a way that Airmen feel comfortable utilizing them. When it comes to ensuring the morale within squadrons remains positive while dealing with challenging circumstances, Wright said it falls on leaders in the squadron. This is where us, as leaders, have to put to use all the skills that we learned in our development and training and [professional military education], Wright said. We have to motivate, encourage, inspire. We have to solve problems at the highest level; we are responsible for creating an environment for our Airmen to thrive. Wright said moving forward, if Airmen are well trained, well led and resilient, then the Air Force will continue to possess the strategic advantage that it has today. The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to take immediate steps to identify land in Mumbai and Pune for construction of additional jails to reduce overcrowding at Arthur Road and Yerwada prisons. A division bench of justices A S Oka and A A Sayed also directed the government to see if it can carry out any additional construction at Arthur Road jail here and Yerwada prison in Pune to provide better facilities and space to the prisoners. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Jan Adalat Centre of Para-Legal Services and Legal Aid on the issue of jail conditions in the state. The state government shall undertake immediate exercise of finding out government lands where additional prisons can be constructed in Mumbai and Pune. Appropriate steps shall be taken by the government within a period of three months, the court ordered yesterday. It directed the government to set up a committee headed by a retired high court judge and experts as members to conduct a scientific study on setting up a model prison with necessary infrastructure and steps to reduce overcrowding. The bench directed the committee to file its report along with recommendations in six months. The court further said adequate provision will have to be made to set up a well equipped hospital inside the prison. In fact, the prison hospitals in central prisons should have all the modern amenities and availability of specialised doctors so that prisoners are not required to be admitted to public or private hospitals for undergoing treatment or surgeries, the court said. On the issue of minor children staying with their mothers at the Byculla Womens prison, the court said the government should take a policy decision as to till what age children can be permitted to stay with their mothers. It goes without saying that an arrangement will have to be made by establishing creche, nursery and kindergarten schools and if necessary primary schools near the precincts of the jails so that the children can get proper facilities of education, the court said. If such facilities cannot be provided then the state government must ensure that they (children) are admitted to nearby schools or nurseries. As the mothers will not be in a position to pay regular fees when the children are required to be admitted in private institutions, the government will have to make an arrangement for payment of fees, the judges said. Popular Gujarati humorist Taarak Mehta died here aged 88 on Wednesday after a prolonged illness, his family said. A string of politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoled his demise and expressed gratitude towards him for bringing a smile to their face with his works. He died of old age, Atul Bhatt, a relative of the writer, said. Mehta was born in December 26, 1929. The Padma Shri awardees popular works include Duniya Ne Undha Chasma, which inspired the hit Hindi sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. For the people of Gujarat, his literary work always generated a good dose of laughter. Modi recounted how Mehta never left the side of satire and pen. Reminiscing about one of his meetings with Mehta, Modi said: I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India. Actress Richa Chadha thanked Mehta for the humour. Agitating Jat leaders threatened on Thursday to disrupt supply of essential commodities to Delhi and block roads leading to the Capital if their demands for quotas in jobs and education were not met. Protesters, who are demanding quotas in jobs and education, have threatened to intensify their stir after the Holi. Our movement will continue till our demands are met. The government has to find solutions, said Yashpal Malik, the president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the protest. The Jats are also expected to submit a memorandum with their demands to President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday. Malik has threatened that essential supplies may take a hit as the Jats plan to march in Delhi with their demands. Essential supplies will be affected when march will be held in Delhi in the coming time, Malik said. According to Malik, several Jats from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have joined the protests at Jantar Mantar. Malik claimed that the protesters have started non-cooperation with the government and will not pay electricity and water bills and also the instalment of loans that they owe to the government. As many as 30 people were killed and properties worth crores were damaged at many places in Haryana during last years Jat stir which had turned violent. Malaysias attorney general Mohamed Apandi Ali has said a North Korean man, held in connection with the nerve agent attack on Kim Jong-nam, will be released and deported because of lack of evidence. Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of the North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport with a toxic nerve agent. South Korea and U.S. had alleged he was assassinated by agents of the North Korean regime. According to the local media, Ali said that 45-year-old Ri Jong Chol will be released on Friday. Malaysia has not yet described his alleged role in the killing. Sunny Pawar, the eight-year-old Mumbai boy who created waves at the Oscar awards ceremony, returned home to a royal welcome on Wednesday morning. Accompanied by his father Dilip Pawar, a former sweeper-turned-sons business manager, Sunny sat on the trolley stacked high with his luggage as he was wheeled out of Mumbai airport. A large number of people cheered and waved even as a battalion of journalists braced for an encounter with the young celeb. Though appearing a tad weary from the long-haul flight, Sunny was a bundle of energy. He smiled and waved back as bouncers struggled to keep their valuable subject safe from the mobbing crowds. Some emotional elderly family members and relatives, including his grandfather Bhima Pawar, garlanded him, offered him sweets and blessed him. The co-star of the acclaimed Hollywood film Lion even took a few quick questions from the media. I am very happy and enjoyed attending the Oscars ceremony, he told a journalist. To another, he shot back: I will continue to study and also pursue my acting career. The Class III student of a school at Kalina was selected out of a nationwide talent hunt of 2,000 children, around one-and-a-half-years ago, cleared the audition in Mumbai and Pune to finally land the plum role in Garth Davis Lion. Welcoming him with a tight bear hug and tears of joy, Sunnys mother Vasu Pawar said she was at a complete loss to describe her feelings. I have no words to express my happiness over my sons achievement, Vasu said, outside the familys modest dwelling in a hutment colony in Kalina in the eastern suburb of Mumbai. Grandpa Bhima Pawar told a private TV channel (ZeeTV) that the entire family was extremely proud of Sunny and how he achieved so much in life at such a tender age. We have not yet watched the film. But when it is released, our entire family will watch Sunnys performance, said Bhima Pawar as his other relatives and grandchildren watched. Lion is the story of a five-year-old Saroo Brierley, who was stranded in a train which catapulted him hundreds of kilometres away from home to the busy Kolkata. There, he managed to eke out an existence on footpaths, before a young Australian couple adopts him. The elder version of Saroo was played by Dev Patel in the film. The role of his foster parents was played by David Wenham and Nicole Kidman. Some 25 years later, Saroo takes the help of Google Earth to trace out his real family and finally returns from Australia to his home in Madhya Pradesh. Holding Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responsible for the alleged murder of RSS activist Santosh Kumar (52), an RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat from Ujjain has announced a bounty of Rs. 1 crore on his head. He openly announced, If anyone beheads the Kerala CM, who is the murderer of RSS activists, and brings his head I will bequeath my property worth more than Rs. 1 crore to him. We are aware of growing violence and intolerance in our country and in such circumstances, if someone gets motivated by such talks what would happen? Who gave these right-wing activists an authority to threaten someone or provoke people to kill someone? If you are continuously fed with negative news about any person or organization or political party, you will start believing in it one day. Like all Muslims are terrorists, CPI (M) are Naxalites and anti-Hindu, none of these claims ever have been proved but whenever you hear Kerala and its government the first thing that comes to your mind is Anti-Hindu and when you hear about any such alleged stories, you are likely to blame a state government. By announcing rewards and awards, more anger is incited among people, which can lead to violence. Kerala has always witnessed political murders, where the RSS-BJP and the CPM have lost several of their cadres. Last month, the death of BJP leader Santosh, was the eighth murder to have taken place after the Vijayan government took over in May, 2016. The RSS is the ideological fountainhead of the BJP. Last week, Vijayan had said right-wing organisations, including the RSS, have been trying to divide the country for the last several years. He also alleged RSS saying Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, was a weapon in the hands of the organisation. The assassination was the result of a conspiracy. CM of Kerala always attacks the extremism of RSS and its members. The anger against him is very common among RSS and BJP supporters but it can reach to this level was not expected. Pinarayi Vijayan, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), was the longest serving secretary of the Kerala State Committee of the CPI (M) from 1998 to 2015. Vijayan won a seat in the May 2016 Kerala Legislative Assembly election as the CPI (M) candidate for Dharmadom constituency and was selected as the leader of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and became the 12th Chief Minister of Kerala. Vijayan also holds the charge of Home Affairs & Vigilance Departments along with the other portfolios normally held by the Chief Ministers, and not mentioned elsewhere. During his reign, he introduced various schemes like Haritha Keralam Mission, Project LIFE, Ardram Mission and Comprehensive Education Reforms. For the first time in India, an all-woman police squad called Pink Patrol was introduced in Kerala to ascertain the security of women and children in public places. Vijayan and controversies walk hand in hand; the SNC Lavalin hullabaloo in Kerala was a major allegation that rocked Kerala politics. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India report had stated that the deal Vijayan had struck as electricity minister in 1998 with Lavalin, a Canadian firm, for the repair of three generators, had cost the state exchequer a staggering Rs. 375 crores. On 16 January 2007, Kerala High Court ordered a CBI enquiry into the SNC Lavalin case. There are also reports that the CAG did not report any losses to state exchequer, but that the project did not yield commensurate gains. On 21 January 2009, CBI filed a progress report on the investigation in the Kerala High Court. Pinarayi Vijayan had been named as the 9th accused in the case. CPI (M) backed Pinarayi saying that the CBI move was politically motivated. Party viewed the implication of Pinarayi in the case is to settle scores with the CPM after the party withdrew its support to the UPA government. The CPM led Kerala Government decided not to let Vijayan be prosecuted in the case. Over-ruling the cabinet recommendation, the Governor allowed CBI to prosecute Vijayan based on prima facie evidence. On 5 November 2013, the CBI special court discharged Vijayan and the others accused from the list of accused in the SNC-Lavalin Case. The court has allowed a plea made by Pinarayi Vijayan asking his name to be removed from the list of accused in the case. The court held that, there isnt any proof of dishonest and fraudulent intentions, abuse of official position and cheating. There was another dispute; on 16 February 2007 the airport security in Chennai recovered five bullets from Vijayans baggage. The Chennai airport security let him off after receiving a faxed copy of his license. We all know the hullabaloo in 2007, Pinarayi called Paul Chitilapally, the bishop of Thamarassery in Kerala, a wretched creature. Later, the Roman Catholic Church in Kerala was up in arms against him for his comments against the bishop. However, he repeated the same and stuck to his comments. This led to heated discussion among the Catholic community across the state to protest against his speech by closing all educational institutions run by the church. He is one leader who is least bothered about religion based bias. An elected CM liked by many, but still such announcements by RSS leader was uncalled for. Lets see, what action Madhya Pradesh state government takes against him, and how RSS the organisation itself handles this issue. (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) By John Stone This article first appeared in 2010, but has recently become the subject of a take-down by Joel A Harrison on the Every Child by Two website , Dr Offit being on the board and advisory board of that organization. I commented to Harrison on Monday on Age of Autism regarding his article (amended): "I note there appears to be nowhere to comment on your splendid new article on ECBT. A basic point - and this may not be the same in the US - but Dr Offit's 10,000 vaccines was frequently used by health officials in the UK as an almost a doctrinal point in support of an extended vaccine program, when addressing public concern about multiple vaccines. I made an analogy with the famous Milgram experiment - I acknowledge there were at least several - but there was one very famous one. And my point is that it was inappropriate to use this to persuade parents that their children could safely have several vaccines at one time, against the evidence that were hurting or had damage - and I was saying that if you were worried about this you should not be reassured by such statements: just as the people administering the fantasy shocks (who were the people who were really being experimented on) should not have been reassured that what they were doing was beneficial. I think the idea of Dr Offit's article was to reassure parents, but what has happened to our children is not at all theoretical. In the paper reported this morning children who were given DPT vaccine in Guinea Bissau in 1981 had 5 times the mortality of those that did not, and I would suggest that was not very theoretical either... "The one thing I do get is that that you could not actually vaccinate an infant with 10,000 vaccines but who said I didn't? But we are talking lunacy. What is the point of saying it is theoretical. In human science nothing is theoretical: if it doesn't work the theory has been disproven. Each one of these products has significant risks but we are just banging more and more of them in regardless. The new one on the UK infant schedule, Bexsero Men B, was said in the package insert to have a serious adverse reaction in 10-25 year-olds in above 1 in 50 administrations, and that is being given to an 8 week old with DTaP-polio-HiB, rotavirus, 13 strain pneumococcal. But I don't know why we should not add in small pox, anthrax and bubonic plague, because it is all theoretically safe. "I am not sure what your point is about the Milgram experiment and coercion. There is huge coercion with the vaccine program and it is getting worse." The Milgram experiment has long passed into modern folklore. In 1961 a 28 year-old psychologist at Yale, Stanley Milgram, devised an experiment to test the preparedness of ordinary citizens to co-operate in performing inhuman acts. In the experiment volunteers were induced (as they believed at the time) into subjecting another party to ever larger doses of electricity: The subjects believed they were part of an experiment supposedly dealing with the relationship between punishment and learning. An experimenterwho used no coercive powers beyond a stern aura of mechanical and vacant-eyed efficiencyinstructed participants to shock a learner by pressing a lever on a machine each time the learner made a mistake on a word-matching task. Each subsequent error led to an increase in the intensity of the shock in 15-volt increments, from 15 to 450 volts. A new book from Italian photographer Luca Bracali documents the beauty and mystery of Easter Island and the restoration of the islands iconic Moai statues When the Lorenzo de Medici School in Florence, Italy, won an international competition to send its top restoration experts to Rapa Nui, also known as An opinion issued on Feb. 16 by the the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit clearly establishes the First Amendment right to record police in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, notes the NPPA. The case arose from an incident in Ft. Worth, Texas, in which a man, Phillip Turner, Aiken, SC (29801) Today Rain showers this evening with mostly clear conditions overnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with mostly clear conditions overnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Cargolux is looking to add new destinations to its network in Africa and is hoping that demand to and from the continent will pick up this year after a tough 2016. The carriers regional director for Africa, Jonathan Clark, told Air Cargo News that the airline was looking to diversify its network next year, with east Africa an obvious gap in its map. We want to diversify a little bit more into east Africa, you can see we are a little bit weak in east Africa, he said. You have got Uganda, Lusaka, Harare, those areas are quite interesting to us, so we will probably be looking at these areas in the future. Also Mozambique is quite interesting for us, because there is a lot of oil and gas, particularly LNG, and when that starts to pick up in the next few years I think Mozambique will become quite busy. He said that exports from Zimbabwe and Zambia were mainly perishables and mining equipment. Clark said the carrier has also been looking at north Africa and west Africa. However, north Africas proximity to Europe makes it difficult to justify flying a freighter because the rates are so low, while for west Africa it had been considering Senegal, but there is already a lot of competition into the country. It would also like to start a service to Addis Ababa but Clark said it was almost impossible to get traffic rights into that market. Clark said that 2016 had been a mixed year, with improvements in the second half. If I look at places like Bamako, Cairo, Ndjamena, Abidjan and Ouaga, they were fairly stable last year and we have actually seen a bit of growth in some of these areas. But the main ones that have been affected are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kinshasa and Brazzaville, which were really on a downward trend in the last year. If we look at the last six months of last year then of course they have improved a lot but time will tell whether that was a blip or whether this year its going to continue. The biggest problem for us is that west Africa is not busy and we are having to combine flights and that obviously affects the schedules. He said that the South African market had also been struggling over the last 12 months, while Kenya had performed well, particularly over the Valentines Day period when flower exports took off and Cargolux had to add an extra seven flights to cater for demand. It had also carried out quite a few charter flights carrying cars for testing to Upington, while other charter flights had been completed to Maputo, Windhoek and Bamako. However, Clark was optimistic about the year ahead and said that January and February had continued to show improvements on last year. For us, this year it is going to be similar to last year, Clark said. I would say the first six months we are hoping will be more stable than last year. The early indications are that January and February are better than last year. Weve got a fairly positive outlook for this year. Its not going to set the world on fire but its not as negative as last year. If we can add one or two new areas in Africa then it gives us a good platform to grow. Share this story How to respond to the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States. Jews across the United States are increasingly alarmed at the rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the country. In December, the New York City Police Department noted a 115% increase in bias crimes in the previous month, with Jews the target of 24 out of 43 incidents in that period. On February 27, 2017, for the fifth time in recent weeks, bomb threats roiled over 100 JCCs and Jewish schools across the country, forcing students, staff, elderly members and young babies to evacuate. A bullet was fired through the window of a Hebrew school classroom in Indiana. Jewish cemeteries have been vandalized in St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Swastikas have been carved into schools, libraries, and even inside the Illinois Holocaust Museum. A typical bomb threat included this: A large number of Jews are going to be slaughtered... Theres going to be a bloodbath Here's what a typical bomb threat sounds like: Its a C-4 bomb with a lot of shrapnel, surrounded by a bag In a short time, a large number of Jews are going to be slaughtered. Their heads are going to (be) blown off from the shrapnel. Theres a lot of shrapnel. Theres going to be a bloodbath thats going to take place in a short time. Ironically, at the same time hate crimes have us all feeling under threat, the number of people who profess anti-Semitic feelings is at a historic low. A recent Pew Research Center study even found that Jews are the most highly-regarded religious group in America. So what is going on? According to Ken Jacobson, ADL Deputy National Director, We dont have any evidence that more Americans are becoming anti-Semitic. For the past several years, his organization has found that 12% 15% of Americans profess anti-Semitic beliefs. That percentage is significantly lower than when the ADL first began polling Americans in 1964 when 24% of Americans said they harbored anti-Semitic feelings. However, 12 to 15% of the population harboring negative feelings towards Jews is 30 million or so people, Jacobson cautions. What seems different now is that some people have become emboldened to act on their anti-Semitism more than in the past. Jacobson calls this atmosphere of hate a crisis in America today. Rabbi Avi Shafran, Agudath Israel of Americas Director of Public Affairs, shares with Aish.com that "one lesson we should be taking from this uptick in anti-Semitism is to realize that even in good times, when we dont see eruptions of anti-Semitic acts, there are still twisted people among us who wait for an opportune time to express their hatred. We need to realize that anti-Semitism has not been cured. And wont be, until we merit Mashiach (Messiah). Extreme rhetoric against Israel has made anti-Semitism more acceptable. Hate crime experts point to one culprit thats made anti-Semitism more acceptable in recent years: extreme rhetoric against Israel. Theres a loss of shame about anti-Semitism, notes Ken Jacobson of the ADL. Rabbi Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, concurs. "Much of the rhetoric against Israel has tipped over into expressions of overt Jew hatred. Its not just opposing Israels policies. Some rhetoric is meant to denigrate and demonize a whole people. " Add to this the rise of right-wing hatred over the past year. "White supremacists are on campus now recruiting," notes Jacobson. A major tipping point in the rise of neo-Nazi and white supremacist bigots was the huge spike in anti-Semitic tweets during the American presidential campaign. The ADL tracked a total of 19,253 anti-Semitic tweets, many of them containing virulent threats to Jewish journalists during the campaign. Over two thirds of these sent by just 1,600 Twitter accounts, most of whom self-identified with the alt-right, a loose collection of extremists. This is not a partisan issue. Ben Shapiro, a conservative journalist, received the most anti-Semitic tweets during the campaign. Rising anti-Semitism affects all political persuasions. Hostile tweets encourage more virulent forms of anti-Semitism. You started out with the hostile tweets, Mitchell D. Silber, former director of intelligence analysis for the New York Police Department, explained. You moved to the bomb threats against JCCs and other institutions, and now you have a physical manifestation at the cemeteries with the gravestones knocked over. How to Respond Given this environment of emboldened anti-Semitism, what can we do as Jews, as Americans, as people of good will the world over? Here are four broad suggestions. We need to be unified. Rabbi Abraham Cooper fears that the Jewish community is making a mistake in mischaracterizing the current wave of anti-Semitism as a partisan issue instead of a major threat that requires all Jews to respond. We can only succeed if we work in a bipartisan fashion, he notes. This is a time for the younger generation to step up, as well, he explains, and condemn anti-Semitism forcefully wherever it occurs. With so many bomb threats targeting JCC preschools, young parents are finding themselves on the front line, fighting anti-Semitism directly. The threats to our community can serve to remind us of what we stand for as Jews. In addition to cooperating with law enforcement authorities, notes Rabbi Avi Shafran, now is the time for Jewish actions, mitzvahs, and prayer. Above all...we must always remember that the ultimate protection of our people comes from Above, and that our merits and our prayers are what, in the end, ensure our security, he notes. Doubling down on our Jewish identity and commitment and even taking on new Jewish observances can help strengthen our communities. Consider what concrete step you can take to strengthen your connection to the Jewish community. Its also crucial to hold our leaders to account, demanding action against anti-Semitism and other forms of hate. President Trump condemned the rise in anti-Semitism, saying in his speech to Congress on February 29, 2017 that hate crimes remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms. We need to be vigilant in holding all of our politicians and elected officials to that promise. Its crucial that we all stand up to hate, no matter where it occurs. There are a host of legislative issues that need our support. The Simon Wiesenthal Center, for example, is advocating for the US Congress to adopt a definition of anti-Semitism that the State Department ratified in 2010. (Britain became one of the first nations to adopt this definition, in December 2016.) The center is encouraging all Americans, including the Jewish community, to get behind this effort. Finally, its crucial that we all stand up to hate, no matter where it occurs. There are haters in America, notes Rabbi Avi Shafran, but many, many more citizens of good will. Its our urgent task to build bridges with our fellow citizens, to support them when they are in need, and call on allies to help us when our communities are targeted. Today, more than ever, we need to be vigilant in condemning attacks on our fellow citizens and to insist that others stand by us in our hour of need as well. By presenting a united front against hate, we can send the message that intolerance, anti-Semitism and bigotry have no place in our communities. February 28, 2017 BAGHDAD, Iraq With the fight progressing to retake Mosul from the Islamic State (IS), the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr presented Initial Solutions, a national reconciliation proposal for shaping post-IS Iraq. The initiative, announced Feb. 20, consists of 29 points. Sadr's various proposals are seemingly incompatible with the orientation of the Shiite parties of the National Alliance, and in direct conflict with the vision of Ammar al-Hakim, head of the alliance, but Sunni blocs, to which the proposal extends bridges of trust, have voiced support. Among the initiative's proposals are establishing a UN-sponsored fund to support reconstruction and forming a UN-supported entity focusing on human rights and minorities to deal with and prevent sectarian and ethnic conflicts and violations. It also calls for dialogues among politicians, tribal leaders and social elites to ease factional and sectarian tensions. Sadr, spiritual leader of the al-Ahrar bloc and the Sadrist Movement, proposes that the predominantly Shiite Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), although made an official fighting force in November, be dissolved. He contends that the Iraqi army and security forces alone should be responsible for protection in areas liberated from IS and any disputed territories. Instead of the PMU standing separately, Sadr called for striving to integrate disciplined PMU [fighters] into the security forces, in such a way to preserve the independence and sovereignty of the national security forces. He suggests that the PMU militias, including his Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), turn their headquarters into cultural, civil, social or humanitarian institutions and centers. Commenting on why Sadr wants to shut down the armed factions' offices, Ibrahim al-Jabiri, director of Sadrs office in Baghdad, told Al-Monitor, The initiative aims to strengthen the official security forces through their integration into the military and security establishment. The most significant item of the initiative is its call for the Iraqi government to expel all occupying and even friendly forces from Iraqi territory, to preserve the stature of the state. This means the expulsion of US and Iranian troops and advisers. The Iraqi government, however, has a security agreement with the United States, and US forces will be needed in the long-term to train and assist Iraqi troops. Baghdad is also not ready to shed its Iranian ally, these days represented in Iraq by Qasem Soleimani, the Quds Force commander, who also oversees PMU operations. Jabiri said, After the countrys liberation from IS control, the Iraqi government will no longer need any outside help. Therefore, the presence of any foreign forces after the liberation of Mosul will no longer be justified. Jabari added, When he said the 'occupying' forces, Sadr meant the American troops and those who cooperated with them in occupying Iraq in 2003. As for the 'friendly' forces, he meant all the forces that came to Iraq to provide assistance after IS took over the countrys northern and western areas in 2014. Concerning so-called friendly forces, Jabiri said, Sadrs proposal includes the expulsion of Turkish troops deployed to Bashiqa, near Mosul, ostensibly as trainers, as well as non-Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga who entered the country for the battle against IS. Jabiri said Sadr wants to form a committee to represent him and pursue implementation of his initiative with the government and political parties in the hope of persuading committee members to introduce and approve his proposals. He said that some parties will, of course, oppose the initiative, noting, It is in direct conflict with their interests and their keenness for preserving the status quo. The State of Law Coalition, led by Vice President Nouri al-Maliki, was the first to criticize the initiative. Coalition representative Alia Nassif said in a Feb. 21 statement that internationalizing the initiative, for example, by engaging the United Nations and contracting with foreign companies in reconstruction efforts, would mean advancing the interests of other countries. Nassif said, It is wrong to commit to all its terms. Al-Mowaten, the bloc headed by Hakim, said, All Shiite alliances signed the national reconciliation project [proposed by Hakim and the National Alliance], which represents a road map for post-IS Iraq. Sadrs initiative falls within this framework. In short, the bloc's position is that there is no need for Sadr's initiative given the National Alliance's Historical Settlement, the proposal announced Oct. 31. Sadr's plan, however, addresses more long-standing Sunni demands than the alliance's. Meanwhile, Sunni parties have welcomed Sadrs initiative, namely, the Mutahidoun Bloc, headed by Vice President Osama al-Nujaifi, and the Pan Arab Project, led by Khamis Khanjar, which did not support the Historical Settlement. In a statement Feb. 20, Khanjar said his party supports most of Sadrs initiative, noting that Iraq has a historic opportunity to carry out comprehensive reforms. The Sunnis also like that its call for dialogue among sect and tribal leaders, including that Shiite leaders visit Sunni leaders in their communities. It also appears that Sadr is considering approaching Sunnis as potential allies in future elections. Although some of Sadr's proposals seem practical and attractive, such as dialogues toward reconciliation, ending sectarian tensions and international funding and support, the initiative is unlikely to go anywhere. Other items, such as the expulsion of foreign forces and the abolition of the PMU, are far-fetched. Given the competing forces, the initiative is likely to remain shackled by political conflict. March 1, 2017 RAMALLAH, West Bank Fatahs Central Committee neither selected Marwan Barghouti, who is serving a prison sentence in an Israeli jail, to take up the movement's position of deputy leader nor tasked him with any leadership role during its Feb. 15 session, raising wide controversy among the movements leaders and cadres. Barghouti is an influential Fatah leader and is widely popular among the movements youths, given his role in the establishment of Fatah's student wing, the Shabiba movement. He was a leader of the first intifada (1987-1993) and architect of the second intifada (2000-2005). Barghouti is also one of the most prominent candidates to succeed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The Central Committee selected Mahmoud al-Aloul as its deputy leader. Aloul, 67, hails from the city of Nablus and is a former commissioner in charge of the committee's organization and mobilization; he is close to Abbas. Jibril Rajoub, a member of the Central Committee and former head of the Palestinian Preventive Security Service, was appointed secretary of the Central Committee. The post of deputy leader and secretary of the Central Committee are the most important positions within the movement, but other committee members were appointed to various positions, too. The selection process was delayed by two months, due to consultations and internal disputes over the post of deputy leader. The appointments follow Fatahs 7th congress that was held in Ramallah on Nov. 29, with the election of the members of the Central Committee and Revolutionary Council. Following Fatahs congress, Barghouti was expected to serve as the movements deputy leader, given the 930 out of the 1,400 votes he won at the congress and his history of struggle. He has been in Israeli jails since April 15, 2002, where he is serving five life sentences and a 40-year prison term, after Israel accused him of being responsible for armed operations conducted by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatahs military wing in the Gaza Strip, and the killing and wounding of dozens of Israelis at the beginning of the second intifada on Sept. 28, 2000. A member of Fatahs Central Committee told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that refraining from selecting Barghouti for any of the movements leadership posts, especially the post of deputy leader, is not an attempt to underestimate him." In reference to the efforts and physical presence required to perform the tasks of the job, he said, "The assigned tasks require efforts that are time sensitive, and will be revised and assessed. This is why the positions were given to members who are present so that each prepares his own work plan. Nasser al-Qudwa, a member of Fatahs Central Committee and commissioner for culture and media, told the press Feb. 16, The Central Committees members did not agree unanimously on Barghouti to become the movements deputy leader. The discussions held required that all members agree on the deputy leader unanimously, which did not happen. He added, It was agreed that there is no need for Barghouti to be a part of the electoral process. Nevertheless, Qadura Fares, a close associate to Barghouti, said, The need for consensus on the movements deputy leader is unfounded, because what happened is that one of the two candidates for the post of deputy leader namely Mahmoud al-Aloul and Ismail Jabr was elected, Fares said. He added, When Barghoutis name was suggested for this post during the Central Committees meeting, one of the committees members gave false information about Barghouti's not wanting to take up this post unless all members agree unanimously, which did not happen. Fares explained, I don't know where they heard that Barghouti wants to be a consensus figure. The Central Committee could have contacted his wife to make sure this claim is true, instead of making a decision based on false information. He added, It is a major mistake that Barghouti was not given any organizational role, particularly the post of the movements deputy head. The Central Committees decision angered Fadwa Barghouti, Marwans wife, who is also a member of Fatahs Revolutionary Council. On Feb. 15, she lambasted the Central Committees decision on Facebook and wrote, A serious reconsideration within the movement is required. While Hamas chose a freed detainee, Yahya Sinwar, to lead the movement in Gaza, and while the secretary-general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Ahmad Saadat, is in the occupations prison cells, the Central Committee unfortunately insists on considering Marwan absent. It did not take into account that this will be perceived by our people as yielding to Netanyahus threats. She referred to the Central Committees possible compliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus remarks of Dec. 5. Netanyahu had criticized the election of Barghouti as a member of the Central Committee, saying, The election of Barghouti in the Fatah movement radicalizes the culture of incitement and terrorism. The fact that Barghouti was not selected as deputy leader indicates that a blind eye was turned to the demands of the Fatah cadres, most notably Fatahs freed detainees. They demanded in a Feb. 14 statement that Barghouti be appointed deputy leader because he is a consensus figure in the movement, has earned the respect of large segments of the Palestinian people and had a quasi-consensus at the 7th congress. On Feb. 16, the Nidal al-Amoudi Battalion of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades criticized that Barghouti had not been considered for this post. The Central Committees decision resulted in various analyses, with some considering that the reason is Barghoutis inability to perform the tasks required for this post, while others did not rule out the possibility that some of the committees members fear Barghoutis popularity and stature in the movement and the role he may play in the future. Political writer and analyst Jihad Harb told Al-Monitor, Some of the Central Committees members fear Barghoutis popularity and stature among Palestinians and within the movement. The polls indicate that he has great popularity, which is a source of concern for some of the committees members. They are scared that Barghouti could lead the movement should the position be vacant. March 2, 2017 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip The Palestinian Ministry of Womens Affairs, in collaboration with local media, is deploying major efforts to encourage the media to address social affairs, and womens affairs in particular, in an attempt to change stereotypes and how society views Palestinian women. On Dec. 5, 2016, 17 public and private Palestinian media organizations in Ramallah signed a charter of honor prepared by the Ministry of Womens Affairs, to launch a safe media network that supports social issues and womens affairs. On Feb. 8, the ministry held a meeting in Gaza with local media outlets that had joined the network to discuss ways to develop mechanisms for the implementation of this charter. Media outlets that signed the charter include Palestine TV, Wafa News Agency, Maan News Network, Ajyal radio station, Watan TV, Al-Quds newspaper and Al-Raya radio station. Minister of Womens Affairs Haifa Agha, told Al-Monitor that in two separate meetings 17 media outlets in the West Bank and nine others in the Gaza Strip signed the charter of honor to work together using the same approach to change stereotypes about women, support their rights and address womens affairs such as violence against them, denial of their inheritance, the right to choose a spouse and gender equality. Regarding the implementation of the charter, Agha explained that starting March 2017, the ministry will specify a women's issue for media outlets to address uniformly and simultaneously during an agreed-upon period of time. The Ministry of Womens Affairs and the Ministry of Information will later coordinate to put forward more issues related to women. Agha said, The charter stipulates several items, most notably the medias commitment to collectively address womens affairs and in coordination with the Ministry of Womens Affairs to raise the issue of public opinion and achieve change. In addition, media outlets shall adopt a new work strategy to dedicate a larger number of media programs and articles to women by reporting about women and reporting in collaboration with women. She added, Women in Palestine are better than men in several fields, most importantly in education; there are only 100 male graduates for every 145 female graduates. Despite these figures, society does not give women the chance to occupy leading positions in society only 12% of positions higher than the position of general manager are occupied by women. Agha explained that the ministry prepared this charter in an attempt to push local media into assuming a greater responsibility and improving the quality of content by supporting womens rights and promoting a culture to fight violence against women. Raed Othman, a general manager at Maan network Maan TV and Maan News said that his network was excited to sign the charter in order to adopt a unified vision with other media outlets to address women's issues. Othman told Al-Monitor, After signing the charter of honor, Maan network decided to establish a gender control over the content published in articles and programs, in addition to organizing courses for our journalists on the coverage of womens affairs. He stressed that Maan network has always been interested in womens affairs, noting, Supporting womens affairs is one of our main concerns. We have a daily morning show hosted by five women from the West Bank and Gaza, during which they discuss various issues related to women. We also have two TV programs for women 'Palestinian Women,' which features female role models and womens achievements in society, and 'Who Has the Right,' which highlights womens rights. We also have a special column for womens affairs on our website. Othman explained that Maans management meets once every three months to set a new plan to address womens affairs and raise awareness about womens rights in society. Currently, the network is working on launching a media campaign by March 8, which marks International Womens Day, to address several issues related to women such as violence against women, denial of their inheritance and gender equality. Shady Zamarah, the program director at Al-Raya, said that his radio station is committed to the charters call for addressing women and gender affairs. He told Al-Monitor, We started implementing [the charter] by issuing a circular to all newsrooms to start giving women priority in covering news and preparing programs. In addition, we started relying more on female figures as a source of information and to highlight their presence in our society. Amal Siyam, the director of the Womens Affairs Center in Gaza, believes local media does not assume enough responsibility in changing stereotypes about women. She told Al-Monitor, Although media outlets cover womens affairs, they are not a priority and they are not given the attention they deserve. This does not allow women to properly be in the spotlight. Siyam added, The media only pays attention to women on special occasions such as Womens International Day on March 8 each year, expressing concern about the ministrys charter of honor being occasional as well. She called on media outlets to address womens affairs on a regular basis and constantly shed light on the achievements of female pioneers and those who support their families, to show that women are productive members of society. It seems that the charter of honor drafted by the Ministry of Womens Affairs to support women is merely a moral and ethical commitment since it does not carry any punitive measures against media outlets that have signed it but refuse to abide by its terms. This may mean that the sudden interest in supporting womens affairs may be a passing stage. March 2, 2017 Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met March 1 in Islamabad on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) conference to diffuse recent tensions between their countries. Despite the photo op in the Pakistani capital, the two sides still hold opposing positions on a number of issues in the Middle East. During the meeting, Rouhani said, The Islamic Republic of Iran insists on the territorial integrity of countries in the region and is opposed to any kind of violation of territorial integrity, especially in Syria and Iraq. His comment was indirectly aimed at Turkey, whose troops have crossed into both Syria and Iraq. Just before leaving for Islamabad, Erdogan said that Turkey does not plan to keep forces in Syria indefinitely and will leave at the end of military operations, which according to government officials are aimed at fighting the Islamic State and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Rouhani also addressed the war in Yemen, calling for a cease-fire and adding that talks between rival factions could resolve the issue there. Despite recent comments by Turkish officials blaming Iran for turmoil in the region, Rouhani attempted to strike a promising note, remarking that the two countries can improve economic relations, particularly in energy, banking and transportation. According to Iranian news agencies, Erdogan also called for an expansion of economic ties between their two countries, saying that he is committed to seeing trade between them rise from its 2016 level of $8.79 billion to $30 billion. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also attempted to diffuse tensions generated by remarks he made in February accusing Iran of spreading sectarianism in the region. At the ECO conference March 1, Cavusoglu said, We will never forget the night of the coup, when Mr. Zarif stayed up with us through the night and spoke with me four times, and we will always be grateful for this valuable attention. Cavusoglu's original comments on fomenting sectarianism had elicited criticism from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who said to an Iranian newspaper Feb. 22 that the Turkish officials making such allegations must have short memories, having forgotten Iranian officials' show of support on the night of the attempted putsch, speaking with Turkish leaders and trying to assist their government, which is not Shiite. On Syria, Cavusoglu said of Iran and Turkey, [We] share the opinion that a cease-fire in Syria is a necessity, and the Syrian crisis should be solved through a political and diplomatic path. On the economic front, Cavusoglu said that Turkey can be a transit route for Iranian gas and oil destined for Europe. Despite the promising messages exchanged by Iranian and Turkish leaders, their political interests in the region conflict in a number of countries. In Syria, Erdogan has sought to topple the Syrian government by supporting armed opposition groups, while Iran has spent considerable resources trying to keep the government of President Bashar al-Assad afloat. In Iraq, Turkey has expanded its ties with the Kurdistan Regional Government and has sent troops into Bashiqa, north of Mosul, to bolster local Sunni tribes. Iran on the other hand has lent its support to Iraqs central government. March 1, 2017 Israeli politicians and defense officials had been on tenterhooks for months awaiting the report issued Feb. 28 by State Comptroller Joseph Shapira on the governments handling of its 2014 military Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza Strip. Virtually everyone anticipated that Shapira would focus on Israels lack of preparedness for the tunnel threat by Hamas. But the report also includes significant mention of the fact that decision-makers completely discounted any diplomatic and nonmilitary solution to the dire straits of Gazas Palestinian residents, which turned into an even greater security threat than the tunnels. Shapira noted the April 2013 warning by the former Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Maj. Gen. Eitan Dangot. At the time, Dangot reported to the government about the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and gave his assessment that it could blow up within two years, but the prime minister and his ministers were unimpressed. Their discussions about the Gaza Strip focused solely on military options to counter Hamas threats. "The security-diplomatic Cabinet, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself, did not give any consideration to the fact that Israel itself was creating an imminent major security threat from Gaza and endangering Israeli lives." Several times in his report, the comptroller cites comments made by then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon on the second day of Operation Protective Edge (July 9, 2014) that had a response been given to the distress of Hamas several months ago, the Hamas movement might have avoided the current escalation. Ya'alons 20-20 hindsight nonetheless provides concrete proof that everyone knew and understood the link between the Israeli siege of Gaza and the ensuing war. This is the first time that the state comptroller, and in fact any senior Israeli official, clearly draws the simple line with which every resident of Gaza is familiar: between disproportionate economic pressure and inevitable war and bloodshed. Retired Judge Shapira dares to confront the fact that all recent Israeli governments energetically denied: that there is a direct link between the siege, the growing military strength of Hamas and the rockets fired at southern Israeli towns and villages. But the suffering of Gazas residents did not begin in the spring of 2013, when then-COGAT Dangot warned of an impending humanitarian crisis. Nor was the link between the siege and the violence to which it spurred Gaza residents only discovered in the summer of 2014. Operation Protective Edge was the third large-scale military operation mounted by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza since the siege was imposed a decade ago following the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip. It was preceded by Operation Cast Lead in 2008 and Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012. Dozens of Israelis and thousands of Palestinians were killed during those years, but the security threat to Israeli residents of the south, in the form of thousands of Qassam rockets fired at them, only intensified. Throughout this period Israel ignored the fact that it cannot continue to maintain a stranglehold on more than 1.8 million people without dangerous consequences. In my book To Know Hamas I exposed a series of messages that the Hamas leadership in Gaza tried to convey to Israel through various businessmen following its takeover of Gaza in June 2007, and its promise that if the siege is lifted and residents are able to lead normal lives, the movement would declare a cease-fire and a halt to terror attacks against Israel. Ghazi Hamad, the former chief-of-staff of then-Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, confirmed my reporting and admitted that Haniyeh had given his blessing to those contacts. But the Israeli prime minister at the time, Ehud Olmert, and defense officials in Jerusalem, rejected all the messages out of hand, assuming that the siege would bring down the Hamas regime an assumption that has since proven false. Hamas went on to grow significantly stronger, firing rockets at towns and villages in Israels south to try and force Israel into negotiations over lifting or easing the siege. During the first year of the siege, the Israeli civil administration compiled a document listing luxury goods banned for entry into Gaza. Shampoo, processed hummus, coriander and schoolbags were among the goods that Gaza residents were banned from having, to create controlled shortages but not a humanitarian crisis. Israeli authorities even calculated the exact number of calories a person would need to consume daily to avoid malnutrition (2,279 calories), and based on this figure they calculated the number of food trucks that would be allowed into the Gaza Strip. In response to the comptrollers report on Operation Protective Edge, a senior Hamas official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the ramifications of the siege should have been published 10 years ago, or at least after the first clash in 2008. We tried everything to get the siege removed and maintain peoples dignity, but each time Israel only tightened it more. What choice did we have if not to resist those seeking to starve us and strangle the residents? Would you have sat by doing nothing? According to the official, those messages were conveyed to Israel both by the Egyptians during the presidency of Hosni Mubarak and by the European states. Shapiras report does not encompass the entire period of the siege imposed in 2007, focusing only on the events and circumstances that led to Operation Protective Edge. But in retrospect it is clear that the longer the siege is in force, the bigger and bloodier the rounds of fighting. The blunt conclusions by the state comptroller are unlikely to result in any change, and the political and defense leaderships are not likely to accept that the siege is wrong and must be lifted. It is safe to assume that the subjects of his criticism prefer to clash in the political arena and to argue over who was the first to understand the threat of the tunnels, while continuing to ignore the overriding problem. March 2, 2017 In preparing to write this column, I looked up the Hebrew word that best describes the cultural-moral connotation of the English word impunity. I had learned the Spanish impunidad from an Argentinian colleague while covering the horrific terror attack on the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires in 1994. He used the word to describe his countrys social ills and predicted that the attackers would never be caught. He was, indeed, correct. The literal meaning, exemption from punishment, barely encompasses the indifference to social ills and criminal wrongdoing, verging on indulgence, that has taken root in Israeli society. Thousands of words have been written and spoken about the report issued Feb. 28 by the state comptroller on the 2014 Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. Bereaved parents wept as they read the document describing how the countrys leadership sent their children to their deaths with barely a thought. Israeli residents of communities bordering Gaza discovered that Cabinet ministers dozed off during discussions of the danger that terrorists could at any moment infiltrate through tunnels from Gaza and into the homes where their babies slept. The media went wild, the opposition growled and the government deflected criticism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shrugged off the significant failures State Comptroller Joseph Shapira cataloged, as if flicking cigar ash off his Armani suit. He was not ashamed to accuse Shapira, whom he had appointed, of hurting Israeli soldiers. The prime minister, accused of a colossal failure that resulted in the deaths of dozens of Israeli soldiers and hundreds of Palestinian children, cynically patted himself on the shoulder. He did not wait for publication of the report, saying a few days beforehand, Unlike the state comptroller, I back the commanders of the IDF. Still, many Israelis remained apathetic to this news. Television viewers switched from news coverage of the report to watch Big Brother, cafes filled to bursting with patrons, and travel agents scurried to provide last-minute vacation packages for the upcoming Passover holiday. The average Israeli has learned how to peacefully co-exist with the pervasive reality of impunity. The late Haaretz editor David Landau, may he rest in peace, used to say that there is no crime more egregious than the occupation. In his mind, that meant that law enforcement authorities and the media should have set aside the criminal scandals linked to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his successor, Ehud Olmert, and enabled them to push forward with their plans to vacate the occupied territories. The sharp-tongued senior Israeli journalist and pundit Amnon Abramovitz suggested that the media wrap Sharon in cotton, as one would a precious gem, and leave him alone so he could carry out the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. If thats the case, average Israelis ask themselves, whats so bad about Aryeh Deri's appointment as interior minister after serving jail time for crimes committed when he held that same office some 22 years earlier. Even Israels Arab communities say that no interior minister has done more to address their local concerns than Deri. The mayor of Bat Yam, Shlomo Lahiani, continues to enjoy great popularity among residents of his central coastal town even after being convicted of corruption and sent to jail. Residents say no mayor made their town flourish like he did, after years of being regarded as a wilted appendage of neighboring Tel Aviv. Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto served a jail sentence for bribery and upon his release this past January was carried away on the shoulders of his adoring acolytes. A number of people who occupied high offices including those of president (Moshe Katsav), prime minister (Olmert), finance minister (Avraham Hirschson) and welfare minister (Shlomo Benizri) have exchanged their suits for prison garb. Thus, the recent ruling that sent former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger to join them for corruption was met with a collective yawn. Little wonder that reports of public figures passing through prison gates or police station doors are gradually being pushed to the tail end of the news. Since the beginning of this decade, at least two dozen municipal leaders have been investigated by police on various suspicions, and at least 10 have been convicted. Among them are former mayors who committed crimes while in office: Uri Lupolianski of Jerusalem, Zvi Bar of Ramat Gan, Yitzhak Rochberger of Ramat Hasharon, Israel Sadan of Hadera, Benny Regev of Lod, Yehoshua Forer of Rehovot, Shimon Gafsou of Upper Nazareth and Oded Hameiri of Safed. Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index issued in January ranked the Israeli public sector 28th in the world with 64 points (100 being "very clean") and among the member states of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development it placed 22nd out of 34. Everybody steals, a cab driver told me, speaking on the condition of anonymity. So what if Bibi was given a few boxes of cigars? Even [HaBayit HaYehudi Chair] Naftali Bennett says one doesnt bring down a government over a bunch of cigars. That naturally segues into the prevailing insight that everyone screws up and then to the usual bottom line: Do you know anyone who will protect us better than Bibi? That, in turn, leads to Netanyahus mantra about life itself being more important than the cost of living. This is Netanyahus answer to poverty and social injustice; this is the response to complaints about the cost of living; and this is where the explanation lies for the countrys health care crisis. One can accept the perspective that the security of the state is more important than public integrity and even more than the Jewish character of the state and the values of democracy. But wait a minute. The Operation Protective Edge report points to a clear lack of thoughtful judgment on a purely security-related issue. The comptroller wrote that the prime minister refused even to discuss alternatives to a military option, which could have saved human lives. Thus Netanyahu is shirking responsibility for a failure that relates to life itself. The town squares, empty of protesters demanding Netanyahu's resignation, are proof of the fatal impact of the impunity germ. It is even more deadly when the immune system which includes the countrys top cops, prosecutors and media is held captive by the carrier of the disease. March 2, 2017 RAMALLAH, West Bank Birzeit University is now the first Palestinian college to teach the Chinese language, and officials there think a lone course could expand into a bachelor's program. The university launched the course Feb. 11, at the beginning of the academic year's second term, and student interest has been high, Magdi Abu Zahra, director of the school's Department of Languages and Translation, told Al-Monitor. "The call for registration in Chinese courses surprised the students because Chinese is among the toughest languages to learn in the world and differs from other foreign languages taught at the university," Abu Zahra said. "Still, there was a high turnout, and the required number of students to open the class, which is 25, was met. Due to the high number of students insisting on learning Chinese, 30 students were accepted instead of only 25, and other registration applications await approval." In fact, although the course currently is open to students only, Abu Zahra said businesspeople and traders applied to take it, believing it could help them in their work, as they have economic and trade ties with China. The university wants to develop the educational services it offers its students, and the Chinese course constitutes a significant upgrade to its language curriculum, which already sets the school apart from other Palestinian universities, according to Abu Zahra. Birzeit offers bachelor's degrees in three languages French, German and English and aims to offer more. Other languages are taught as elective courses: Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Hebrew. The Chinese course resulted from a cooperation agreement with the Chinese embassy in Palestine that was reached after several joint meetings. The embassy then worked with China's Confucius Institute to provide a teacher. The university pays the teacher's salary and provides a rent allowance, while the embassy covers any remaining expenses like round-trip travel tickets that when a teacher comes from China costs around $1,000. Abu Zahra said the university administration is trying to make the classroom experience positive and successful and has asked the Chinese teacher to adopt a simple teaching method, be lenient with grading and use English in class when needed. He said that the university was encouraged to teach Chinese because "China is a highly influential state politically and economically and is increasingly dominating global markets." Palestinian and Chinese trade ties are "flourishing," he added, and knowledge of the Chinese language will "widen [students'] job horizons in the future." China supports the creation of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, Palestine has special economic and political ties with China and they have established several joint cooperation agreements. In 2014, Palestine imported goods from China worth an estimated $208 million. More than 70% of the items on display in Palestinian markets are from China. So far, however, China is not one of Palestine's larger export markets. Abu Zahra said he expects Birzeit's Chinese language program to grow, with the right support. "We offer Chinese first-level classes at the moment. If there is a high student turnout, we will open a second-level course," he said. Abu Zahra even thinks Birzeit University eventually will offer a bachelor's degree in the Chinese language, if the Chinese embassy supports the effort by providing the necessary textbooks and teachers. The university's Department of Languages and Translation is open to teaching any foreign language. Abu Zahra said, "Any country that wants to teach its language at our university can sign an agreement with us, provided that it offers funding, teachers and books. We cannot afford these expenses, given our financial crisis. But we are open to teaching all languages of the world." Majdi al-Maliki, dean of the Faculty of Literature, which is affiliated with the Department of Languages and Translation, told Al-Monitor, "Teaching Chinese will remove the barriers between students and Chinese culture, which is foreign to them. China is one of the most powerful countries economically and industrially and has interests in the Arab region. This might open up employment opportunities for the students." Like Abu Zahra, Maliki also mentioned the possibility of introducing advanced classes in Chinese "to reach a bachelor's degree, just like we succeeded in doing with German language classes." The Department of Languages and Translation started with one German language class, then introduced a bachelor's degree in 2015, per an agreement with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Under the agreement, the university received teachers and textbooks. Incentives and grants were established for exceptional students, either by offering them training sessions or scholarships to pursue a master's degree in German, or by appointing them as research assistants and assistant teachers after graduation. Sociology student Mohammad al-Khatib told Al-Monitor that he enrolled in Chinese classes because he believes the language will become an asset for him. He noted, "Students accepted the Chinese [course] although it is hard, and we are trying to learn the simplest words and sentences that can allow us to communicate with Chinese people. This might help us in the future if we decide to work in the trade and export field in China." The Department of Languages and Translation, which was opened in 1987, is one of largest at the university, which is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of Ramallah in the West Bank. March 2, 2017 As if the murky constellation of conflicts in Syria were not tangled enough, Turkey seems poised to muddy the waters further by escalating its battle against the Syrian Kurdish-led force that is helping the United States defeat the Islamic State. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has for some time now been vowing to capture Manbij, a Syrian Arab town that was liberated from IS by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the help of coalition air power last year. After the liberation of al-Bab from Daesh terrorists, Turkeys new target in Syria is Manbij, Erdogan told reporters March 1, using the Arabic acronym for the jihadi group. Manbij is a city that belongs to the Arabs, and the SDF also must not be in Raqqa, Erdogan said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu chimed in March 2, saying, We have said that we would strike if the YPG fails to withdraw. He was referring to the Peoples Protection Units, the Syrian Kurdish militia that dominates the polyethnic SDF forces. Ankara labels it a terror group over its links to autonomy-seeking Kurdistan Workers Party rebels in Turkey. Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters seemed to be carrying out Turkeys threats March 1 as they moved on a cluster of villages west of Manbij. But the SDF thwarted these moves with one of its own. The Manbij Military Council set up by the SDF and trained by the United States to secure Manbij following the towns liberation announced that it would surrender the targeted villages to Syrian regime forces and Russia to prevent a confrontation with Turkey and the FSA. Regime forces have been advancing with Russian air support for some time, initially toward the IS-held city of al-Bab, over which Turkish forces and their FSA allies finally won control last week. Regime forces have since fanned out northward from al-Bab, linking up with SDF forces south of Manbij. Russia has proved to be a master at leveraging its military muscle in Syria in ways that allow Turkey and the FSA to pursue IS to the benefit of the regime. What this portends for the Syrian Kurds five-year experiment with self-rule over a swath of territory running east of Manbij all the way to the Iraqi border is a big question. Another is why the SDFs top ally, the United States, has remained silent in the face of Turkish and regime advances. There may be several reasons. For one, Turkey has always made it clear that it will not tolerate any YPG advances west of the Euphrates River, where Manbij lies. The YPG and its political affiliates were supposed to leave once the town was fully freed. The United States offered guarantees to that effect. But the Syrian Kurds did not leave, and the Manbij Military Council is widely viewed as a YPG front. Nicholas Heras, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, believes the United States will stay out of the Turkish-Kurdish tussle over Manbij. This is because the United States is not invested in a permanent SDF presence in Manbij and it will not want Manbij to be the cause of a war between the SDF and Turkey that would prevent the counter-IS campaign of achieving its true objective: the defeat of IS in Raqqa and throughout eastern Syria, he told Al-Monitor in an interview. The deal between the regime and the SDF will surely reinforce critics' long-running claims that the YPG is colluding with the regime, but it gets Washington off the hook. Indeed, the pact may even serve as something of a template for Raqqa. A nagging problem in plans to overrun the jihadis so-called capital is the lack of adequate manpower. Turkeys offer to take Raqqa with the FSA is likely to be ignored because the US military planners remain unimpressed. While the United States would never want to cooperate directly with the regime, any help it can get on Raqqa would clearly not be unwelcome. And as recent developments in Manbij have shown, with Russia pulling the strings, the SDF and the regime are capable of working together when need be. It may not be all that bad an outcome for Turkey, either, for the alternative, a deeper US footprint in alliance with the Kurds, is viewed by Ankara as the biggest threat of all. March 1, 2017 As US President Donald Trump is deciding who he wants to be involved alongside the United States in the operation to take Raqqa, Syria, from the Islamic State (IS), all the players on the Syrian stage are struggling to grab the most advantageous position. Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is benefiting from a perceptible increase in US military support, is advancing to the north and northeast of Raqqa. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), supported by Turkmen and Islamist militias it has recruited, finally entered al-Bab on Feb. 23 when IS appeared to have withdrawn. The Syrian army, in a move that eliminated Turkeys intended route to Raqqa, blocked the corridor between Manbij where the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) support the local military council and the area controlled by the Syrian army northeast of Aleppo. In all this imbroglio, there has been much speculation about Turkey's next move. As the al-Bab operation was going on, Turkish officials were consistently saying that after al-Bab, Manbij would be the next target, to be followed by Raqqa. But after the capture of al-Bab, Turkish official sources switched to declaring that the next target after al-Bab would be Raqqa. When Turkish officials were pointing to Raqqa as their next objective, the Syrian army had not yet severed the road connection between al-Bab and Raqqa. The closure of that route left Turkey with three alternatives to reach Raqqa: Manbij, Kobani and Tell Abyad. But the Kurds and their allies control all of these locations. If Turkey insists on hitting Raqqa first, it will have to fight the Kurds and their allies. From the outset, Ankara has said that the objective of Operation Euphrates Shield, in addition to combating IS, is also to prevent a land connection between the Kurdish cantons of Kobani and Afrin. In yet another turnabout, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Feb. 28 that Turkey and the anti-Syrian-regime Free Syrian Army will move on Manbij next. Erdogan also repeated his demand that the YPG move back to east of the Euphrates but the next day, the chief commander in Iraq for the United States said some Kurds definitely will be involved in liberating Raqqa. As for Manbij, the surrounding terrain has many deterrent factors. Also, the YPG and the local military council are not the only ones who would see Turkeys interference as occupation action. There is a diverse collection of local militias who will confront Turkey. Of course it is not possible to predict how far these local forces can get against Turkey unless the Kurds are involved on their side. There is determination to resist Turkey. Naturally, the situation may change if Turkey uses heavy weapons. But such a scenario means heavy losses for both sides, a Kurdish source in Manbij told Al-Monitor. The force to watch out for is the alliance the Kurds have formed with the United States. A senior YPG official who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said the YPG and its allies are ready to meet an offensive against Manbij. But the Kurds dont necessarily believe Turkey will target Manbij next, since Turkey ostensibly is in Syria primarily to fight IS, not battle the Kurds. This is how the Kurds assess the situation, according to this well-placed source: The Syrian army, by severing the corridor to al-Bab, put an end to Turkish aspirations of going to Raqqa next. In the international arena, what is legitimate is the fight against IS. As IS is no longer in the Turks' area of operations, does Turkey even have a legitimate reason to remain in Syria? Despite Turkish leaders' efforts to brand the YPG as a terror organization, no international players have accepted Turkeys designation of another target in addition to IS. If Ankara now targets the Kurds, it will face an abundance of problems with international forces. But, naturally, Turkey will not leave just because international players are asking it to get out. According to the YPG source, from this point on Turkey will be busy not with the Kurds, but dealing with the issues of staying in Syria. The source said: We believe Russia and Turkey agreed that al-Bab will be handed over to TSK in return for Aleppo," a city the Syrian regime now controls after driving IS out last year. "Russia also will now say Turkeys business in Syria is finished." "Turkey may try to enter Manbij, not with its own troops, but using other armed groups. We are ready for that." "American commanders who met us at Kobani gave strong signals that they will go to Raqqa with the SDF. What they want from us is to keep quiet until Trump decides what to do." "US commitments for Manbij are still valid. We dont think the United States will give the green light to an attack against Manbij. Also, the United States set up a base in Manbij to train forces that will join the Raqqa offensive. If they change their attitude now, that will be the end of US-Kurdish cooperation. At this point, Americans cannot take that risk. After Operation Euphrates Shield liberated Jarablus from IS and the TSK turned toward Manbij, there were clashes between the Turkish side and the SDF, but the United States intervened to declare Sacur River as a line of separation between the two sides while the US flag was flown in the area for a while. When the Turkish side fired occasional rounds into Tell Abyad, US flags were hoisted above the YPG posts. These flags were signals that the United States would not allow an operation in the areas where it was working with the Kurds. A critical signal about Manbij came on Feb. 24. US Central Command chief Gen. Joseph Votel and commander of the US forces in Iraq and Syria Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend visited the training base at Kobani. The YPG official said the United States had also set up a training base at Manbij and assigned 60 US personnel there. In addition to four US bases in Rojava which is now known as the Democratic Federal System of Northern Syria the CIA runs a camp at Derik. Another question now is, if the United States were to back out of Manbij as an incentive to get Turkey to join the operation against IS in Raqqa, would the Kurds then cooperate with the Syrian army? At the moment we are working with the Americans," the YPG official said. "There can be no partnership with the Syrian army as long as the situation doesnt change. But the same YPG official did not deny that the Syrian army, with its actions south of al-Bab, facilitated the Kurds' task. Turkey carried out that operation to prevent a Kurdish corridor between Kobani and Afrin, but with the Syrian army's advance to the [Kurdish] SDF lines, the situation has changed. The corridor is now a 50% reality, not from the north, but from south of al-Bab. At least civilians and traders will be able to move along it and the distance between Kobani and Afrin will be down to two hours, he added. Turkey sought a partnership with the United States after first agreeing to align with the Russia-Iran axis during talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. But now it is Russia that will open the way for, or block, Turkeys move in the field. That hard reality makes the Moscow meeting Erdogan has scheduled for March 9-10 with Putin critical. In other words, the direction of Operation Euphrates Shield from now on depends both on Trumps Raqqa plan and the outcome of the Moscow meeting. martins-maryannejpg-f85faef18441bfc6 (1).jpg Maryanne Merritt, owner of Martin's Restaurant in Montgomery, AL. (Haley Laurence ) Maryanne Merritt learned the restaurant business from watching her father, David Smith, who bought Martin's Restaurant in 1939. "We like to treat our employees like family," Merritt said, when Haley Laurence and I visited Martin's on a rainy night in late February. Merritt recalled a story to us about an employee named Robert, who suffered from alcoholism, an affliction her father shared. "They sort of understood each other," she said. "(My father) took him in." After her father's passing, Robert suffered from a stroke, that severely altered his mobility, kept him from work and led to an increase in his drinking. "I told my staff to go find him, bring him here. Even if he couldn't do a lot, find something for him to do - if it's wrapping up silverware. Just so he could be around," she said. "It ended up working. Being here was like rehab for him. I mean, he has passed on now. But, he did get much better." Merritt, unlike many employers, says she never looks personal problems as strikes against her employees. "I worked full time at a law firm before coming here (to run Martin's). When I got a management position there, they told me how things should go, when it came to dealing with the people that worked for me. I just felt like 'you get more with honey than you do with vinegar.' People are people," she said. "They have kids and field trips and all sorts of things they juggle outside of work. If you give them a break to be people, I feel like you get more out of them." Merritt's concept of treating those that work in her unit like family connects to the intimacy shared by most all the owners, cooks and servers we met during our search to find Alabama's Best Meat-N-Three. A spread of our meal at Niki's West in Birmingham. In a deeper sense, it connects to the idea that Southern comfort food has an allure that reaches far beyond what a kitchen or a dining room can contain. Listening to the people behind these restaurants taught us that the interactions between owners, family, customers and community warm spirits long after each meal makes it to the table. The majority of the restaurants we visited are family operated. Mary's Southern Cooking in Mobile is kept running by three generations of women, beginning with Miss Mary Smith, who prepares all the food. Her daughter Felicia Bloxon serves items behind the cafeteria line. Smith's granddaughter Georgia Bloxon is often found at the register, greeting customers. Many other relatives are peppered throughout the restaurant, holding down various duties. Similar family affairs include a father-mother team at Cheryl's in Spanish Fort and a hilarious husband-wife duo at Zack's Family Restaurant in Dothan. Niki's West, Sarris Cafe and Johnny's Restaurant are all operated by second and third generation members of the same close-knit group of Greek immigrants who changed the Alabama restaurant industry in the 1950s. Most of them share some sort of kinship. At Pannie-George's Kitchen in Auburn, owner Mary Counts, works alongside her mother, two sisters and niece. She named her restaurant after her grandparents, Pannie and George, because their kitchen was the place everyone would gather to fellowship. A registered nurse, Counts, dabbled in fundraising by selling plates of her grandparents' recipes hand-to-hand. All her family pitched in, cooking and delivering the boxed lunches to fulfill orders. She told us people had been encouraging her to take it seriously. She didn't give it much thought until she was in church one day. "The pastor said, 'Someone in here is being called to open a restaurant.' My sister and I looked at each other," she remembered. "That's really how it happened. This was a truly God-led endeavor." Brian and Angela Carnes stand outside their restaurant, Sardis Lion's Den in Sand Mountain, AL. In the last day of our tour, Haley passed through North Alabama on her own. There she met husband and wife, Brian and Angela Carnes, at Sardis Lion's Den in Sand Mountain. Brian grew up in the restaurant. As a child, his grandmother told him if he behaved during church, she would take him for a treat at Lion's Den after service. What could be perceived as divine intervention swept through and chose the Carnes to step in and lead over the Lion's Den. When the restaurant's former owner put the business up for sale, a banker reached out via Facebook to suggest that the owner contact Brian. In a restaurant like Martin's in Montgomery, even a guide as open as Maryanne Merritt could not begin to recount all the memories that have been made in the restaurant's dining hall. Photos that line the walls leap out at you while you eat. Even a visitor could probably point out a face that feels familiar. There's someone that looks like a neighbor, a friend from church or maybe a school mate from the past. There's certainly someone who "feels" like that, even at just a short glance. The energy of the room provides the perfect atmosphere for memories. So much so, that Haley and I made one while we were there. She was presented with a birthday pie, purchased via a long-distance call made by her fiance. The surprise came to the table after we'd eaten a large meal. Instead of taking the pie back to the hotel, Haley decided to share it with a large Bible study group eating next to us in the restaurant. I announced to them that they were welcome to free chocolate pie. They sang "Happy Birthday" to Haley to thank her. They didn't know her name, so they sang "Happy Birthday, God Bless You" in the part where you're supposed to say someone's name. I won't forget that. I won't forget Martin's in Montgomery. Southern food, comfort food, meat-n-three, or soul food, whatever you may know it as, grew from a domestic tradition. It was meant to feed families in homes, where everyone was comfortable. Taking the food out of the home and into a restaurant didn't change the way the food makes people feel. The goal of our trip through the state of Alabama was to taste the recipes that gather communities together. And they were good. But they won't last as long as the stories we were told about the bonds that food brought people together to build. state house mug by julie.JPG (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) An Alabama Senate committee today approved a bill that would repeal the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, by a vote of 6-3 after a public hearing. It moves to the Senate for consideration. Gun rights advocates spoke in favor of the bill, saying people should not have to get a permit to exercise their Second Amendment right. Law enforcement officers who spoke in opposition to the bill said the permit requirement is an important tool for them. The vote was split along party lines. Voting for the bill were Sens. Greg Reed, R-Jasper; Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville; Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia; Cam Ward, R-Alabaster; Tom Whatley, R-Auburn; and Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City. Voting against it were Sens. Linda Coleman-Madison; Hank Sanders, D-Selma and Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. Singleton vowed to do everything he could to block the bill on the Senate floor. Ward said to expect a "long a robust debate" in the Senate. While several law enforcement officials spoke in opposition to the law, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale urged lawmakers to pass it. Hale said the requirement to buy a permit is an infringement on the Second Amendment. Hale also said sheriffs should not depend on pistol permit fees for funding. "Adequate funding is a responsibility of the county commissions," Hale said. "it's the sheriff's responsibility to request that funding." Alabama Sheriffs Association President Wally Olson said repealing the permit requirement would handcuff law enforcement in certain instances. "When we in law enforcement encounter people who may be carrying a weapon we have laws, laws that were passed by legislatures before you, which allow us to be able to take actions when needed," Olson said. "And who knows, these actions may one day save the life of one of your family members. "If that law enforcement officer doesn't have these laws on the books, and he sees someone who has a weapon, he really has no reason to approach him and talk to him at all if this legislation passes." Proponents of the bill noted that Alabama law does not prohibit people from openly carrying a holstered pistol. There's no permit requirement for openly carrying. "Why do I have to have a license to carry a gun under a coat whenever I can take the coat off and carry the gun anyway?" George Owens of Alabama Guns Rights asked. "It's a coat. It's not a disguise. It's not a ski mask." Eddie Fulmer, president of Bama Carry, said pistol permits are not crime stoppers. Fulmer spoke in support of Allen's bill. "What we all really know, if we have the courage to admit it, is the fact that no piece of paper will ever stop an evil person from doing an evil deed or committing a crime," Fulmer said. Anne Leader of Auburn, a member of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said repealing the permit requirement would put communities at risk. "Our permitting system helps protect Alabama residents, Alabama families and Alabama law enforcement officers," Leader said. Capt. Michael Salomonsky of the Madison County Sheriff's Department was the last person to speak at the public hearing and urged lawmakers to reject Allen's bill. He said the permit law is an important tool to potentially prevent crimes and solve others. "They give us the ability to arrest people who conceal weapons who don't have permits," Salomonsky said. "That's what it does. As a result of that, we have solved homicides. We have solved robberies across this state." Edited at 3:31 p.m. on March 3 to correct name of organization: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. A documentary film chronicling the ravages of opiate addiction will be shown Monday, March 6, at Boutwell Auditorium. The event is a joint effort by the FBI in Birmingham and the Drug Enforcement Administration. FBI spokesman Paul Daymond said it is free, and is aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of the increasingly-popular and highly-dangerous drugs. Called "Chasing the Dragon," the film includes actual people who abused opiates or whose children have done so. FBI Director Jim Comey has previously said this about the film: "No filter. No censors. Just the straight facts from people who have lived with the hard consequences of opioid abuse,'' he said. "You're going to watch unscripted interviews that include some raw emotion and some profanity. You are going to witness real tragedy and learn what happens when drugs take hold of real people and don't let go. You will see that those whose lives are taken over by drug addiction are often kids from stable homes with strong families--good people who had great childhoods, were given everything they wanted, and had everything going for them. But they took one wrong turn and they were hooked. And once you're hooked, it is so very hard to get off these drugs and the spiral down is so quick." Authorities say more than 46,000 people die from a drug overdose each year, which is a higher fatality rate than deaths from car accidents or from gun violence, and half of those 46,000 deaths are related to opioid abuse. In Jefferson County, heroin deaths rose slightly in 2016, but fentanyl deaths skyrocketed with a 114 percent increase. Countywide, 248 people died from drug overdose last year, a 12 percent increase over 2015's 221 deaths, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. The agency will publish a more complete drug overdose report in its annual report, which is usually released in April. In 2016, there were 100 heroin overdose deaths, up from 97 in 2015. There were 105 fentanyl deaths, which is more than double 2015's 49, said Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates. Of the 205 combined heroin and fentanyl deaths, 40 of the victims died from a combination of both. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for relief and management of severe and continued pain. It is frequently prescribed to cancer patients and patients recovering from accidents and operations. The euphoric effects, experts say, are indistinguishable from morphine and heroin. It is estimated to be up to 200 times more potent than morphine, and about 50 times stronger than heroin. There was a similar surge in fentanyl deaths between 2005 and 2007 when 1,103 died from its ravages, many of the victims in Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia. "Heroin and fentanyl abuse continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing our department,'' said Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector. "Also, a large percentage of property crimes continue to be committed by those needing money to fuel their drug addiction." Monday's event will be held from 9:30 a.m. until noon. All registered guests also will receive a free copy of the DVD. Following the film, there will be a discussion with FBI Supervisory Special Agent Angel Castillo and Rev. J. Sandor Cheka, III, Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Coalition, and a panel discussion with local law enforcement executives and medical professionals. Registration is required and can be done here. Official White House Photo by David Lienemann(WASHINGTON) Former Vice President Joe Biden offered a strong defense of the media and judicial branch on Wednesday night, calling attacks on both institutions "corrosive" and "dangerous." While not mentioning President Trump by name, Biden's remarks at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. where he was accepting the Patriot Award for political courage and leadership from the Bipartistan Policy Center were a thinly veiled reference to the new president's comments and the current state of politics. "What worries me the most," said Biden, is the "almost drumbeat of denigration of the institutional structures that govern us." He added, When you delegitimize the courts, you delegitimize the legislative body, it's corrosive. And it makes it impossible to reach compromise." Biden, who in addition being vice president under President Obama for eight years was Delaware's longest-serving Senator, said that when Americans lose faith in the law or the courts, "things begin to crack." He said he was "saddened" to feel compelled to defend the free press while standing at the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the press and the First Amendment. "To question the actual legitimacy of a free press is one of the most dangerous things out there. The degree that we depart and denigrate our institutions and the fourth estate, I think we really, honest to god, honest to god, weaken our ability for self-government," said Biden. "We undermine it and become weaker and not stronger." In a tweet last month, Trump called the media the "enemy of the American people." The former vice president said that while he has certainly been on the bad end of press coverage, unencumbered journalism was nonetheless indispensable to democracy. "I have taken my fair share of hits from the press, being covered by the very best and some of the worst. Some of you press guys are lousy just like some senators are lousy, doctors are lousy, lawyers are lousy. But it doesn't matter," he said. "We should never challenge the basic truth that an independent and free press is the fundamental element in functions of our democracy." Biden went on to quote former head of United States Special Operations Command Ret. Adm. William McRaven calling him "a true patriot" and not a "left-leaning liberal" who said in a statement last week that calling the media the enemy "may be the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime." The day after Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Biden called the president's words "much more presidential in tone" than before. "There was talk of bipartisanship," added Biden. "But as the old saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating." Biden accepted the award from Republican former Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas and Democratic former Sen. George Mitchell of Maine. "We can be Democrats, Republicans or independents and protesters," said Dole. "Americans are patriots, and we have had a patriot serving as vice president for eight years. And he has made us proud. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, Joe Biden makes you proud." Dole joked that he got a call from Trump before he left for the event. "He said don't say too many good things about Biden. He may run against me later on." Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., also received the inaugural Legislative Action Awards. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The first in a series travelling along the US-Mexico border, talking to those who might be affected by Trumps wall. Tijuana, Mexico Alfredo lives in a shelter for deportees on Tijuana Beach, a stones throw from the border wall that bars him from the United States. That wall not to be confused with the bigger one US President Donald Trump plans to build has existed for decades. Alfredos is among the most physically emblematic of these shelters. There are many others. In fact, there are more shelters and migrants here than ever, since Trump launched his campaign to keep Mexicans and other immigrants out of the US, activists say. The shelters are struggling to cope with what people familiar with the border-crossing industry people-smugglers known here as coyotes tell Al Jazeera is a wave of migrants and deportees coming to and from the US since Trump made calls to heighten deportations of undocumented people and signed an executive order calling to build the newer, stronger border wall. The new wall wont do much to keep people out; many here say with confidence and often a cheeky sense of humour. Still, its imminent construction is taken as a sign that people who have acted as a driving force of the American economy not just Mexican Americans but immigrants generally are no longer welcome there. America was built with Mexican hands, Alfredo says in a low, sober voice. He emphasised to Al Jazeera that this is what he wanted to tell English-language readers around the world. After six years as a construction worker in the southern US state of Mississippi, immigration officials rounded up Alfredo and several other undocumented American workers and deported them to Mexico. Instead of at least treating us as humans, we are treated as animals. For them, we are animals, he says. Were family, were brothers In a small shack crammed with around 30 deportees originally from Mexico and El Salvador, Alfredo, 54, who asked to go only by his first name out of a mistrust of authorities common among deportees, spoke to Al Jazeera in the dark, his face obscured in a lampless, unheated sleeping area. Gusts of wind burst through a broken window as he spoke, holding back a severe cough shared by his roommates. For Alfredo, whose struggle to earn a livelihood has taken him thousands of miles from his native Mexico City, he hopes his last stop will be this dilapidated shelter his thin mat bedding among many on a cold asphalt floor under a crumbling roof. He wont make the dangerous, gruelling trek to the US again, he says. Hes one of many migrants in Tijuana without dreams of America, but there are many more who do, in these shelters packed with new deportees and migrants hoping to make it to the US before Trump tightens controls of what continues to be a porous border. In the next room, Ramon, one of the co-organisers of the shelter, has fallen severely ill with a flu. He also suffers from what his roommates describe as a mysterious limpness in one leg. His friends have prepared him a tonic a broth with cinnamon. The warm smell perfumes the shack, the size of some walk-in closets just opposite the border. We are a family. We are brothers, Alfredo explains. Like many US migrant workers struggling to survive, Alfredo has no wife or children. After years of building in the US, which he says he still respects, he says the real separation between the US and Mexico is we have love for human beings here. It doesnt matter your colour or religion Catholic or not. We help how we can, even though we arent a rich country. Because we know we might be the ones suffering tomorrow. Tijuanas people are scrambling to meet new challenges posed by Trumps plans to bolster the existing border walls with a larger wall and also to drastically ramp up deportations of undocumented Americans. Many come from across Mexico and Central America but also faraway Haiti and even Africa. They have rushed to Tijuana and other Mexican border cities, attempting to pay the coyotes thousands of dollars to smuggle them across. Activists also complain of a heightened rash of deportations since Trumps inauguration. WATCH MORE The US-Mexico Border Wall [25:00] Al Jazeera counted at least 30 shelters for migrants in Tijuana; some are shacks, others are spare rooms in private homes or repurposed churches. Most house migrants free of charge some charge 20 Mexican pesos, about $1, a day to cover maintenance. Of those,19 have opened in the past seven months, according to Hugo Castro, director of Angeles de la Frontera (Border Angels), an organisation dedicated to helping deliver resources to and raising awareness of migrants attempting to enter or who have been deported from the US. Non-migrant Tijuana residents have noticed a significant change in their citys make-up in recent months. There are many more people suffering here than even before, said Rosario Corona, 19, at the citys signature cathedral Nuestra Senora de Guadelupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). Corona works with a church youth group that administers aid to migrants and others in need. Corona waits in a line at the cathedral for a priest to administer the Catholic sacrament confession, where one seeks absolution for sins. She is flanked in the pews by migrants, some of whom sit in church not only for prayer but for lack of anywhere else to go. One tells Al Jazeera that hes going to enter the confession booth not to ask the priest for forgiveness but for charity. Moments later, he leaves empty-handed with so many in this city in need, it remains unclear whether he got what he came for. Unity and respect is what makes a place strong, says Liliana Vasquez, 26, one of Coronas fellow youth group workers, as their group leaves the church. The sudden surge in the number of shelters and the influx of new migrants that prompted it, Castro says, happened amid mounting fears that Trump might win and make good on promises to build a wall and ramp up deportations. READ MORE Voices from the border: Opposing Trump\s wall Some I assume are good people It began in June 2015, when Trump launched his presidential election campaign with a speech that bewildered many across the US-Mexico border and around the world: When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best, he said. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. For many in Tijuana, these words hit a nerve. Susan Smith, 61, is a non-Latina US-born social justice and anti-nuclear-proliferation activist, born on the US border with Mexico in the state of New Mexico. She identifies as Mexican, not by birth or ethnicity, but by life experience and family. Her husband, child and grandchild are ethnically Mexican, and she lives in Tijuanas Playas or Beach neighbourhood not far from Alfredos shelter. For her, Trumps words about Mexicans are slightly moderated hate speech, designed to turn a whole swath of humanity into caricatures from a Clint Eastwood movie, isnt it? All about the drama and soundbite, poisonous metaphors messages of mass destruction. In July 2015, Trump made a brief visit to a US border town with Mexico Laredo, Texas where he reiterated promises to crack down on migrants. READ MORE: Massive anti-Trump rallies staged across nation In mid-2016, Castro says, migrants began to realise that Trump might beat his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. The migrants flocked to border towns, particularly Tijuana. On January 25, the freshly inaugurated president finally signed the executive order allowing for the creation of the wall who will pay for the wall remains uncertain, despite Trumps insistence that Mexico will. Mexican officials have scoffed at that assertion. And then in early February, the Los Angeles Times newspaper reported, citing calculations of presidential directives, that Trump would deport as many as eight million undocumented Americans. Trump has that said he wasnt kidding about the border, telling the press that it was being designed. But just hours earlier, across the US border in San Diego, a US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer, who spoke without offering his name or being recorded because the officer was not authorised to speak to the press, joked that there was already a wall and said that the new one will change nothing. CBP declined to respond to a request for comment on the wall and deportations specifically criticism of the projects efficacy and potential impact on the communities it affects, saying that such questions are speculative. The CBP press team also directed Al Jazeera to the Trump administration for further comment as well as the original executive order signed in January for more information. Trumps press team did not respond to an interview request from Al Jazeera. The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed disdain for media coverage that it complains is unflattering, provoking the ire of free press and US constitutional rights advocates. Its a war against international migrants Among the criticisms of the wall and deportations are signs that they may actually hurt the US economy. Undocumented Americans contribute $11.64bn to the US economy in taxes annually, according to a February 2016 study from US think-tank the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. But with Trumps promises to expel them, the burden is also strongly felt beyond the US border, in Mexico. Trump is creating a humanitarian crisis in Tijuana, Castro said. Hes a war criminal of a war that hasnt been declared. Its not a war against a country. Its a war against international migrants from Somalia, Mexico, Central America, Iraq, from all the world. The migrants are suffering, the risk of dying [in transit] has increased. RELATED Mexico foreign minister: We wont be paying for a wall Castro visits about five shelters a day with donations of food and cash, he says. A dual citizen with the US, he often visits universities there to explain the issues faced by migrants. He raises funds on Border Angels website. But with so many newcomers to feed, he says resources are drying up faster than ever. Money just evaporates, Castro said. With the new pressure put on Tijuanas city infrastructure and a network of philanthropists rushing to house a surge in workers from around the country and world, Alfredo thanks God he lives in his overcrowded shelter, which in recent weeks has had new arrivals freshly deported from the US, where their families in one case a newborn baby are left behind without a father. Some migrants dont have shelter at all, Alfredo says. Many migrants are crowding the streets particularly in Tijuanas Zona Norte (Northern Zone) infamous for rampant drug trafficking and other crimes. There, the migrants are in a vulnerable position, Castro says; one shelter has in recent months devolved into a crack house, as desperation and disillusionment abound. At the beach, just outside of Alfredos shelter, a man sits on a bench before what appears to be a door at the wall that remains locked. The door is referred to by locals as the gate of hell. The man sits before the gate much as one waits for a bus. Like many of the migrants wandering the city, he has an overstuffed backpack and a listless expression on his face. From there, beyond the grating and another series of small walls, the man looks at San Diego kilometres away, as dusk turns to night and lights turn on in the cookie-cutter high-rise buildings that differentiate the US from this place. This is the first story in a five-part series looking at the US-Mexico wall and the people who live along side it. If you want to follow this story, please enter your email here The report comes as Israeli officials have been warning of the likelihood of another round of hostilities. The Israeli leadership shows no signs of heeding the lessons of an official report into the 2014 Gaza war that led to massive destruction and loss of life in the tiny coastal enclave, Palestinians warned this week. After a two-year inquiry, the State Comptroller, an official Israeli watchdog, published a report on Tuesday into the 51-day war, which began in July 2014. It was highly critical of Israeli government officials, as well as Israels military and its intelligence services. In particular, the 200-page document faulted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to address the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza conditions that made hostilities ever more likely, according to the report. Netanyahu was also blamed for failing to pursue diplomatic moves that might have averted the confrontation or brought it to a quick end, sparing much of the bloodshed. The war killed more than 2,250 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, and 73 Israelis, almost all of them soldiers. According to United Nations figures, more than 100,000 Palestinians were made homeless by Israeli bombing that destroyed swaths of the enclave. It is hard to believe that there will be any serious lessons learned by Israel's political leadership from this report. by Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian Authority minister Comptroller Joseph Shapiras findings come as Israeli officials have again been warning of the likelihood of another round of hostilities with Gaza, possibly within the next few months. The precariousness of the situation was underscored this week as Israeli air strikes hit five sites in Gaza on Monday, wounding four, after a rocket from Gaza landed in an open space in Israel. Israel has launched three major military operations against Gaza over the past eight years, after the Islamic group Hamas won Palestinian elections in 2006 and took control of the enclave a year later. Israel has imposed a blockade ever since, tightly limiting the entry and export of goods. But Ghassan Khatib, a former Palestinian Authority minister, said the reports section on the Israeli governments political failings had been overshadowed by the rest of the report, which dealt with operational and intelligence shortcomings. It is hard to believe that there will be any serious lessons learned by Israels political leadership from this report, Khatib told Al Jazeera. So far, the debate about the report in Israel has focused on a lack of preparation for coping with what Israelis term Gazas terror tunnels. Hamas used a network of concealed tunnels to launch surprise attacks after Israeli ground forces entered the enclave. Khatib said: The comptroller failed to examine the deeper issue of the Israeli leaderships motivation in repeatedly heating up the front with Gaza. That was all about internal political competition, about jockeying for position within the ruling government coalition. Gaza made an easy military target for Israel because of its prolonged isolation, Khatib added. The threat [posed by Gaza] has been exaggerated to the Israeli public to justify these wars. Successive governments have expected to win with little cost to their own side. Attacking Gaza empowers the right and helps to secure its success at the next election. Shapiras report did not recommend action be taken against any of the officials it identified, or accuse them of committing crimes. Instead it highlighted a failure to recognise the tunnels threat, a lack of intelligence sharing, and inadequate operational plans. Difficulties locating and destroying the tunnels, according to the report, led to a more protracted ground operation than expected. The implication was that this increased casualties on both sides. Most Israeli commentators thought it unlikely that Netanyahu would pay a political price for these criticisms, especially after such a long delay in publishing the report. Nonetheless, in an apparent sign of Netanyahus discomfort with the findings at a time when he is facing a series of corruption investigations, he lashed out pre-emptively at Shapira at a meeting of his Likud party on Monday. He suggested that the ombudsman had betrayed the security establishment. In a statement the next day, as the report was released, Netanyahu claimed that the 2014 war had been an exceptional success. He said Israel had hit Hamas harder than it had ever been hit before and that, as a result, there had been unprecedented quiet from Gaza. Khatib said Shapiras report overlooked the escalation of hostilities by Israel in the weeks preceding the war. Israel, he noted, had made mass arrests of Palestinians in the West Bank as it searched for three Jewish youths who had been abducted. They were later found killed. INTERACTIVE: 24 hours in Gaza This week, an editorial in Israels daily Haaretz described the war as Israels revenge for the youths deaths. The editorial criticised Shapira for failing to question the wisdom of a scorched-earth policy by Israel that had kept Gazas population of two million under a lengthy blockade. Given this strategy, the paper said, another round of hostilities was inevitable. Hamdi Shaqura, deputy director of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, based in Gaza City, said most of the Palestinian public had shown little interest in the report. This investigation and others like it are not interested in justice for the thousands of victims of Israels brutal attacks, he told Al Jazeera. This is about Israel refining its operational capabilities so it can prepare better for the next attack. The chief beneficiaries will not be Palestinians, but the war criminals in Israel who will draw conclusions about how they can better conceal their crimes next time. Shaqura said the reports references to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza were divorced from political realities. This humanitarian crisis isnt an accident. It has been sustained by Israels siege for more than 10 years. Israel wants Gaza isolated, and its population barely able to survive. That is the status quo for Israel. He noted that an Israeli defence ministry document from 2008, made public four years later, included advice on the amount of food Israel should allow into Gaza to keep the population on the minimum number of calories. Shaqura said: Even when this report deals with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it is not in the context of finding a political solution to end it. Rather, Israel is more interested in improving its management of the crisis. The comptrollers report noted that Netanyahus government had done almost nothing to address warnings from military officials more than a year before the 2014 war that Gazas humanitarian crisis was unsustainable. In this context, Shapira highlighted an apparent mea culpa from Moshe Yaalon, the then defence minister, two days into the war. He reportedly told officials: If Hamas distress had been addressed a few months ago, Hamas might have avoided the current escalation. In fact, Barak Ravid, an analyst for Haaretz, observed that Israel had made things substantially worse in Gaza in the weeks preceding the hostilities. In early June 2014 it had imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on a Palestinian unity government formed between Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank, in an attempt to undermine it, said Ravid. Shortly afterwards, Netanyahus government sought to isolate Robert Serry, then the UNs special peace envoy, as he battled to transfer funds from Qatar to pay the salaries of public workers in Gaza. Gaza was a volcano waiting to erupt, wrote Ravid. Haidar Eid, an academic at al-Aqsa University in Gaza, said conditions had deteriorated even further since 2014. He noted that two years ago the UN forecast that Gaza could be uninhabitable by 2020. It said the large-scale destruction of Gazas infrastructure in 2014 had only accelerated that process. More than 90 per cent of Gazas water is considered unfit for human consumption. Shortages of electricity provoked the first mass public protests in January, with some families suffering blackouts for up to 21 hours a day. Israel has also continued the enclaves isolation. Last month a delegation from the European parliament was again denied access to Gaza as it sought to assess the continuing need for reconstruction since the 2014 war. READ MORE: Gaza 100,000 hours of isolation And Netanyahu is reported to be hampering efforts to offer Gaza relief. A proposal by transport minister Yisrael Katz to build an artificial island off Gazas coast to serve as a seaport and airport has yet to be discussed by the cabinet, a year after it was raised. At the same time, Herzi Halevi, head of military intelligence, warned a parliamentary committee of growing despair in Gaza. He reportedly said: Israel will be the first to feel it when things explode. Eid told Al Jazeera: When Israeli experts talk about how to manage Gazas crisis better, they sound like they are discussing how best to run a zoo so the animals remain quiet. He said Hamas supporters in Gaza viewed the reports focus on the tunnels as a vindication of the groups claims that it had been victorious in 2014. Commentators here believe that this report has the power to bring down Netanyahu, he said. But Netanyahus difficulties with the report and his corruption scandals were also seen as a dangerous moment. Most Palestinians, said Eid, agreed with Israeli analysts that another outbreak of hostilities was on the horizon. When Netanyahu is in such trouble, the assumption is that he will exaggerate the military threat of Hamas and the danger of the tunnels to justify launching another massacre, he said. He needs a big distraction and Gaza can supply it. Tripoli, Libya On February 21, the bodies of 74 migrants were found by the Libyan Red Crescent on the shore of Zawiya, a Libyan town known for being a capital of fuel smuggling and human trafficking. A Zawiya resident said he was on the beach as Red Crescent volunteers filled dozens of body bags. The first thing I did on the shore was search for the rubber boat in which they left, said the Zawiya resident, who preferred not to reveal his name for security reasons. It was not far from the corpses, destroyed, and the first thing I noticed was that the engine was not there. This probably means when the smugglers realised that the rubber boat was sinking, [they] came back to carry off the engine. They will use it for other migrants. Libyas militias have become increasingly powerful amid the power vacuum since Muammar Gaddafis toppling in 2011. The militias control the human trafficking trade, and many young Libyans lacking work are eager to join. We are realising that more and more young people are attracted by these crimes, the man said. The young people need money, and the smugglers provide them with this money. Nobody cares if migrants arrive in Europe alive or if they die drowned in the sea they are worse than murderers. Migrants who pay $1,500 per seat on the boats are considered a kind of ATM by smugglers, who also control the detention centres where migrants are held. Europe does not want to help us, by Issa, a Libyan coastguard The most powerful militia in the area is Abu Himyra al-Naser (translated as Victory). Another Zawiya resident, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said the militias boss is paid directly by the government with the task of monitoring whats going on in the harbour. He should work together with official navy officers, but actually he is the boss of the human trafficking here. He not only manages what happens in the port; he also directly controls several detention centres. Libyas Interior Ministry has little control over these centres, where militias exploit, blackmail, abuse, and even sell migrants to other militias. A source at the Libyan Interior Ministry confirmed this. Corrupt coastguards gave migrants to the militias, and the militias keep them in illegal detention centres, he said. There, they start to blackmail migrants. They take their money, phones, documents. With the phone numbers they find in their mobiles, smugglers call their families asking for ransom to free them. The militias also sell them to masters in the area who use them to work for free. Fighting them is almost impossible, even for the official police. Issa, 40, who did not provide his last name, works for the Coast Guard in Gasr Garabulli, a town 60 kilometres east of Tripoli. He said the Libyan coast today is a tragedy. Until two years ago I had a dinghy to try to stop the boats leaving. Today all that remains is wreckage. The rubber boat broke down and the Coast Guard of Tripoli did not not send me any means to replace it. Now I no longer have resources to control the coasts. Issa sits alone on a wooden bench, watching the sea with a radio transmitter beside him. The Coast Guard headquarters here consists of a concrete house overlooking a small port. The house is nearly bare: Inside is a table, a map, a compass and a refrigerator with little food. See over there, Issa said, indicating a stand of trees around the bend. The coast is surrounded by woods where they can easily collect migrants the evening before departure. Smugglers hold migrants in makeshift houses for days, sometimes weeks, before departure. We all know where migrants are gathered, Issa said. Human trafficking is a chain made up of many tasks: Someone is responsible for bringing them food, someone is responsible to find a dinghy, someone has to bring migrants to the shore at night. Issa said he has been threatened by local traffickers, who offered him money to close his eyes and pretend not to see the boats departing. He refused, and two armed boys came by at night, threatening to kill him. The situation is out of control, Issa said. Only confusion reigns. I know coastguards directly paid by the militias, they are accomplices of smugglers. They are an active part of their chain. Often the Coast Guard itself recovers rafts and gives them to the militias that control human trafficking. This is one of the reasons why Europe has recently decided to give money to the Libyan Coast Guard to control what happens here. On February 3, European Union leaders approved a plan to curb migration from Libya. The plan called for giving 400m ($423m) to Libya, offering training and equipment to the Libyan Coast Guard, and improving detention centres. [It] makes me bitterly smile. Now its too late; there are too many corrupt people, Issa said. Europe does not want to help us, he said. Europe wants to stop seeing the dead. European leaders only want to shift the problem, not to solve it. UN and international NGOs warn that risk of forcible transfer could affect around 7000 Palestinians living in Area C. Khan al-Ahmar, East Jerusalem A last minute temporary injunction to stop the demolition of the entire community of Khan al-Ahmar, a Palestinian Bedouin community that has been struggling against an Israeli army order to have their homes demolished, expires on Thursday. The injunction was granted after objections were filed at the Israeli Civil Administration. The communitys lawyer told Al Jazeera that he filed an additional objections on Wednesday arguing that the Israel civil administration has not provided an alternative location for the Bedouins to live. Khan al-Ahmar is near occupied East Jerusalem and is adjacent to the historic road connecting Jerusalem with Jericho. Now, it is in between two Israeli settlements. Maale Adumim to the east and Kfar Adumim to the west. WATCH: Defiant Palestinian Bedouins dread eviction from Susiya An impoverished community from decades of restrictive Israeli policy, the Jahalin Bedouin tribe scrambled to take legal action to protect its existence in the area. Eid Khamis, a Bedouin leader, said each of the communitys 35 families had to contribute to cover the legal costs. I brahim Abu Dahouk, 52, a resident of Khan al-Ahmar, says he, as well as other members of the community, had to sell some of their livestock in haste to raise around $3,200 to pay for the injunction against demolitions and for the lawyers fee. I sold five heads of sheep and we had to beg livestock merchants to buy from us, and you know when you ask them to come, you get a lower price. I sold at a loss, Abu Dahouk told Al Jazeera. He added that the community is being stretched to the limit. Selling livestock to cover for legal costs literally means less food and clothes for his family. But he is compelled to sell in order to keep his home. Bedouins are traditional herders and rely almost solely on goats and sheep for income. In recent years, rising fodder prices has compelled the Bedouin to sell most of their livestock. Israeli settlement expansion, Israeli army camps and nature reserves have also resulted in less and less grazing land. The Jahalin Bedouin set up camp in this area as early as 1953, long before the two settlements were built. Prior to that, the Jahalin lived in Tel Arad, in the Naqab (Negev) desert. In 1951, after the establishment of Israel , the Israeli army expelled the Jahalin tribe from Tel Arad. The community has been fighting Israeli demolition orders for years. Khamis says that if a move is a must, then it should be a move back to their homes in Tel Arad, in the Naqab desert. On February 19, the Israeli army paid a visit to Khan al-Ahmar. To the bewilderment of the community, army officers distributed dozens of stop construction work orders. Khamis confirmed that there was no recent or ongoing construction. During the same visit, an Israeli commander told Khamis, that they had until February 23 to evacuate the area. The community was shaken. They immediately contacted their lawyer and informed him of the developments. In the course of the past 10 days, UN officials, European Union heads of missions and international NGOs made solidarity visits to the Bedouin of Khan al-Ahmar. Ambassador Ralph Tarraf, EU head of delegation to the occupied West Bank , said on Tuesday from Khan al-Ahmar that he is worried about the possibility of demolition and that he, along with other EU diplomats, came to express hope that the Israeli authorities will not carry out demolition orders. You know this is a particularly sensitive area it is area C, but it is also called the E1 area and we are particularly concerned that the people living here are going to face displacement. When Tarraf was asked by Al Jazeera whether or not the EU was taking the issue of Khan al-Ahmar directly to the Israelis, he responded: We are talking to the Israeli authorities through our delegations in Tel Aviv and it is not just the European Union, but also member states have taken up the issue with the Israeli authorities and we expressed our hope that this community will not face demolition. Robert Piper, UN assistant secretary-general warned last week that the destruction of private property and potential forcible transfer is counter to international humanitarian law. We are very, very concerned about the events of the last few days [Khan Al Ahmar]. This is illustrative of many communities here in the West Bank, With the coercive pressure that is being forced upon many communities to move, we are very worried about their legal costs. They are getting legal assistance, but they are not getting financial support for that. The communitys only school , built in 2009, is also under threat of demolition. The donor-funded school provides basic education to children for nearby Bedouin communities as well. About 160 pupils attend. Shlomo Lecker, the communitys long-time lawyer, says that he will argue at Israels high court that the Israeli Civil Administration has no real alternative for the Bedouin of Khan al-Ahmar and that relocation is not a real alternative. READ MORE: Palestinian Bedouins live the Nakba every day The Israeli Civil Administration is under the authority of the Israel defence ministry and is tasked with implementing Israeli government policy in the occupied West Bank. An internal document prepared by international NGOs, operating in the occupied West Bank, and the UN warns that the Israeli Civil Administrations planned relocation of Palestinian Bedouin and herding communities in Area C raises serious concerns under international law and must not take place. Israel is advancing a plan to relocate the Bedouin to Nuweima, in the Jordan Valley. The Jahalin tribe rejected the plan, saying the area near Nuweima is not suitable for Bedouin life because of its close proximity to an Israeli settlement and an Israeli army camp. The Jahalin also say that the suggested plot of land in Nuweima is too close to the herding ground used by another Bedouin tribe, the Rashayda. The Jahalin warns that forcible transfer to Nuweima means that they will have to share the same resources of water and herding grounds with a different tribe, potentially creating friction with other communities. The UN and international NGOs warn that the risk of forcible transfer could affect around 7,000 Palestinians living in Area C. Puntland, Somalia A week after his inauguration, President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo declared a state of disaster in his drought-stricken country of Somalia, where the lives of 6.2 million people are now at risk. Even as the ongoing war against al-Shabab continues and African Union forces (AMISOM) fight to assist the fragile government, the looming famine has become a priority. The drought will be a trial for all those involved in Somalias struggles. It will test the international communitys response, the governments ability to assist, and the strength of security provided by the African Union forces. In the far north of Somalia, three years with little rain has had increasingly disastrous effects for a population reliant on the land. The parched earth has failed to produce food for the camels and goats that the people depend on for their income, meat, and milk for their children. Local leaders in Puntland estimate the pastoralists have already lost 65 percent of their animals. While the men accompany the remaining livestock in the hunt for grazing land, the women and children are migrating towards towns on main roads in search of alternative sources of food. Displaced people have been setting up tents along the roads in hope of receiving aid from passing vehicles. Its there the women, children, and elderly wait for assistance in the heat and dust. In the coming months, if the word famine is used to describe the crisis in Somalia, it will mean that help never came. The purpose of the German chancellors trip to Egypt and Tunisia is to help to reduce irregular migration into the EU. On March 2 and 3, German Chancellor Angela Merkel travels to Egypt and Tunisia. Concerns about migration and refugees will top the agenda of her talks with Egypts President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. As she prepares for crucial elections this September, for many voters Merkels tenure is associated with the record number of 900,000 refugees that came to Germany in 2015 (another 280,000 arrived in 2016). The chancellor is under pressure to keep the promise she made late last year: A situation like we had in the late summer of 2015 can, should and must not repeat itself. This promise was her answer to the charges of loss of control that have been have the heart of the case against Merkel by critics from within her own party and also the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Seeking cooperation To make good on her promise, Merkel needs the cooperation of North African countries which therefore have become a key focus of German diplomacy. Thanks to the border controls in the Balkan states leaving refugees stranded in Greece and the European Union-Turkey deal, the number of migrants coming to the EU from Turkey has gone down significantly. This has shifted the focus back to the Central Mediterranean. In 2016 alone, 181,000 migrants and refugees reached Europe irregularly with the help of traffickers operating out of war-torn Libya and other countries including Egypt. Many died while making the perilous crossing. Germany and other EU countries seek to end this situation. As agreed at a recent EU Summit in Malta last month, the key goal is to ensure effective control of our external border and stem illegal flows into the EU. Political leaders in Germany and beyond have realised that only if the EU can demonstrate to its citizens that it is in control of its external borders, the Schengen passport-free travel zone, one of the key achievements of European integration, can survive. Controlling borders is a precondition for sustaining open societies in Europe. Advocates of liberal democracy and open society will be punished at the ballot box if they are seen as allowing for uncontrolled immigration into Europe. In this sense, controlling borders is also a precondition for sustaining the political willingness to welcome refugees in Germany polls indicate continuing support for accepting refugees in a controlled process but returning them to their homeland once their countries are safe. The need for control is an assessment widely shared across the political spectrum in Germany. The disagreement is on the trade-offs involved in dealing with transit countries in the Mediterranean. Trouble at home and abroad Green Party leaders have accused Merkel of striking dirty deals at any price. She has faced strong criticism for going soft on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans authoritarianism for the sake of the deal on refugees. She faces similar challenges in her dealings with the Egyptian president. Sisi has a record of repression and human rights abuse. German NGOs operating in Egypt (such as the Konrad Adenauer Foundation which is close to Merkels party) have been harassed by Egyptian authorities, some, such as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, even driven out of the country. READ MORE: 40 percent of Germans want Merkel to quit over refugees Still, Merkel has referred to Egypt as a stabilising element in the region. Her hope is that Egypt will play a constructive role in Libya, which is currently the weakest link in the North African refugee situation. As long as there is no effective government in place and as long as the terrible conditions for refugees persist in Libya, hopes for any EU-Turkey style agreement with Libya remain pipe dreams. Given the unstable situation in Libya, German politicians have set their sights on the more stable transit countries, including Tunisia. Christian Democratic Union Interior minister Thomas de Maiziere and Social-Democratic parliamentary leader Thomas Oppermann have both called for establishing EU asylum processing centres in North Africa. The idea is for asylum requests to be handled by EU authorities in North Africa. This would allow to return migrants rescued by EU member state authorities in the Mediterranean to North Africa, thereby making illegal crossings less attractive and destroying the traffickers business. The by Orban-type ethnic nationalists and advocates of an inclusive nationalism is a decisive frontier in the battle for preserving open societies in Europe.] The Tunisian prime minister has rejected the idea, saying that this would destabilise Tunisia. This led Merkel to avoid the topic during Chaheds visit to Berlin last month. She did, however, press Chahed on cooperating better on returning rejected asylum seekers home from Tunisia. This is a burning concern for Merkel given that young males from North Africa with no prospects for being granted asylum are seen as a very problematic group in the German public debate (the fact that Anis Amri, the perpetrator of the Berlin Christmas market attack, was a rejected asylum seeker from Tunisia only added to this). Merkel will likely press this issue again during her visit to Tunis. Ethnic v inclusive nationalism Other elements of Merkels refugee policy also meant to keep numbers down are less controversial. These include spending more on protecting refugees in the Middle East and Africa and stepping up cooperation with African countries in the hope of reducing the reasons to migrate to Europe. This is why economic development in Africa is one of the priorities of Germanys G20 presidency this year. More controversially, this also includes cooperation on more effective border control with regimes such as Eritrea that are the countries of origin for a number of asylum seekers making their way up north to Europe. But cooperation with North African countries will remain the centrepiece of trying to reassert control. Indeed, the need to protect external borders and control migration flows is what unites all EU governments, from Germany to Hungary. READ MORE: How a selfie with Merkel changed Syrian refugees life What divides them is how they deal with the issue of refugees and migrants especially of Muslim origin domestically. Just this week, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban called for preserving ethnic homogeneity. Orban has consistently stoked fears of Muslim immigration as increasing terrorism and threatening Europes cultural heritage in order to consolidate his power. Other governments, such as Poland, have used similar language that has been echoed by the right-wing AfD in Germany. The fight between the Orban-type ethnic nationalists and advocates of an inclusive nationalism is a decisive frontier in the battle for preserving open societies in Europe. Thorsten Benner is director of the Global Public Policy Institute in Berlin. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Seven years ago, no one even an astronomer could tell you whether any planets that might be like Earth existed. From across the Galaxy, just shy of 40 light years away, seven long shadows sweep across our planet. These shadows belong to the planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system, seven Earth-sized worlds whose discoveries were announced with great fanfare this past week. Led by Michael Gillon of the University of Liege, an international team of astronomers deployed both space and Earth-based telescopes to make these incredible discoveries: three of the TRAPPIST-1 planets were revealed last year, with the recent announcement unveiling an additional four. Each world passes in front of its parent star from our point of view, creating those shadows called transits that dim the light of the star during the planets passage. The transits occur with each lap the planets make around their sun, and by measuring how long it takes between them, we can time the length of their year. From there, its just a few calculations to deduce how far they are from their star, whose energy keeps them warm. The significance of the discovery It might seem that these days, planet discoveries are a dime a dozen: more than three thousand planets are known around other stars, and their existence implies that there are hundreds of billions of planets in our galaxy alone. Seven years ago, no one neither a random person on the street, nor the most learned astronomer could tell you whether any planets that might be like Earth existed. Today is a different story: we know from the discoveries of planet-hunting missions like NASAs Kepler Telescope, TRAPPIST, and a myriad of other projects, that rocky planets must be out there in abundance. This revolution in planet hunting is certainly incredible, but also begs the question: in a galaxy awash with more planets than stars, whats the big deal in finding seven more? As it turns out, the TRAPPIST-1 planet system is remarkable for a number of reasons. For one thing, the star at the systems centre is exceptionally cool it emits only around five hundredths of one percent of the energy a second that our sun does, and most of that light is in infrared energy (beyond the limits of human eyesight). Because the stars light is so feeble, its planets must be cuddled in very close orbits to be warmed enough to have any hope of liquid water, and this is exactly the case: all seven of the TRAPPIST-1 planets orbit closer to their star than the planet Mercury does to our own sun. The TRAPPIST-1 planets are so close, in fact, that it takes only a day and a half for the innermost planet to complete its full trip around its star (or year), and even the outermost known planet orbits in a mere 20-ish days. Even the discovery of life beyond Earth is beyond the point: much in the way seeing the skies of a foreign land can make us feel like citizens of the world, coming to know these distant planets will usher us in as citizens of the universe. by Incredibly, three of these planets orbit at just the right distance from their star where they could be the right temperature to have liquid water on their surface. Not only are the TRAPPIST-1 planets close to their star, theyre also close to each other so much so that if you were standing on the surface of one, you would be able to see others in the sky, in some cases looming as large as our own moon. Hints from the timing of these orbits also tells us that the close proximity of these planets was likely not always the case in all probability, they formed further from their star and moved inwards over time, eventually coming to their current compact arrangement. Today, the little gravitational tugs the planets exert on each other can actually be seen in tiny differences in how long each planet takes to orbit these transit timing variations appear as the planets shadows sweep across our telescopes, either slightly ahead of or behind schedule. Are we closer to not being alone? This miniature planetary system is exciting in and of itself but I know what youre thinking: do these planets have life on them? Dont worry, astronomers are wondering that too! Actually, the possibility of answering that question is perhaps the most exciting thing about the TRAPPIST-1 planets. Right now, astronomers are somewhat limited in what they can learn about planets around other stars, even if they use the best possible tools to study them we can measure their sizes by how much of their stars light they block, and deduce how much warming light they receive from their star, but specifics beyond that remain elusive. When we look for the best places to find life, one of the essential puzzle pieces is what the planets atmosphere is like: not only whether that planet has an atmosphere, but how well does it hold in the energy from its star to warm the planet, and does it shield the planet from the high-energy radiation its star showers across it? And of course, the big question: does that atmosphere betray signs of life? The atmosphere of our own Earth is the product of our living planet: once devoid of oxygen, the rise of blue-green algae over three billion years ago filled our skies with the oxygen that we humans find essential. The processes of our planet itself volcanoes, weathering also affect our environment, and work in concert with creatures great and small to alter the chemistry of our air. When we think of looking for life on planets around other stars, twinkling at distances still unreachable by even our speediest spacecraft, what we are really thinking of is how to work out what their atmospheres are made of, to uncover biosignatures, or signs of life. As it happens, the TRAPPIST-1 planets are a tantalising discovery for the dawn of a new technological age. The TRAPPIST-1 system has already been observed with the Hubble Space Telescope, whose ability to see ultraviolet light seems to indicate a lack of puffy, distended atmospheres for its innermost worlds, shoring up their status as rocky, possibly Earth-like worlds. INTERACTIVE: What living in space does to your body The real opportunity comes next year, when NASA launches the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). A dazzling new eye on the universe, JWST will look at the cosmos in infrared light, where TRAPPIST-1 glows brightest. As the TRAPPIST-1 planets pass in front of their parent star, the opaque part of the planets casts those long shadows over our Earth but if they have atmospheres, there is a chance the starlight filters through those atmospheres on its way to us. Using the new instruments of JWST, we should be able to measure a chemical fingerprint of what the atmospheres of the TRAPPIST-1 planets are made of. Via these fingerprints in light, astronomers may be able to glimpse the breath of life on planets around other suns. These measurements requiring our best technology, most careful analyses, and brightest minds, might answer one of humanitys oldest questions: whether life on Earth is alone in the universe. In some ways, though, even the discovery of life beyond Earth is beyond the point: much in the way seeing the skies of a foreign land can make us feel like citizens of the world, coming to know these distant planets will usher us in as citizens of the universe. Lucianne Walkowicz is an astronomer at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, where she studies stellar magnetic activity and how stars influence a planets suitability as a host for alien life. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Over 28,000 have been forced from their homes since operation to retake western Mosul started on February 19, says UN. Intense battles between Iraqi security forces and ISIL fighters in Mosul are causing increasing numbers of displaced people, with 4,000 civilians fleeing the city each day, according to the United Nations. More than 28,000 people have been forced from their homes since a coalition of US-backed Iraqi forces launched an offensive on February 19 to retake the western sector of Mosul, ISILs last major urban stronghold in Iraq, the UN said. The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement put the number at 31,000. Overall, the total number displaced since the battle for Mosul started in October exceeds 176,000, according to the UN. Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker, reporting from Erbil in northern Iraq, said the latest figures meant that this was the biggest outflow of civilians since the start of the Mosul push. There is no secure humanitarian corridor to get out of the neighbourhoods that have been cleared, but even then there is still crossfire, she said. They [civilians] are having to make their way over barren land just southwest of Mosul. We have seen people walking across land; people in wheelchairs, women with children exhausted and terrified, also leaving relatives behind because they are not sure if the route is secure. Some of the displaced were moving from areas already under Iraqi military control, afraid of the ongoing fighting and eager to move to safety. Others escaped across the frontline, waiting until they saw Iraqi forces in the distance and running towards them with white flags. Along the way, they faced horrifying scenes. There were bodies in the street as we walked, children, pieces of bodies, Safana, 23, told the AFP news agency, as she waited in a food distribution queue in the Hamam al-Alil camp. She said that fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group had told people to leave her neighbourhood of Maamun in west Mosul. They came in the morning and said if we hadnt left by evening they would kill us. At the Hamam al-Alil camp, 4,000 tents have been put up to receive arrivals, and more than 14,000 people have already been registered, said administrator Nader Samir. But he said the camp, which is run by a local NGO with UN support, was struggling with several basic problems. Our major need is for medical treatment. We dont have any capacity and we have yet to get a response from the government on our request for help, he told AFP. Running out of food Caroline Gluck, of the UN refugee agency, told Al Jazeera that people who were unable to flee from the ISIL-controlled areas were living in appalling conditions amid increasing food shortages. Families told us that they are running out of food, she said from Iraqs capital, Baghdad. IN PICTURES: Hunting down ISIL sleeper cells in Mosul Many are only eating bread and water or tomatoes or water, one meal a day. Not only have food prices skyrocketed, but now there is virtually no food available for sale even if you have money. Electricity is barely functioning and water is running out. Fierce fighting The push for western Mosul began after the eastern half of the city, which is separated from the ISIL-held west by the River Tigris, was declared fully liberated in January . Mosul fell to ISIL in the summer of 2014, along with large expanses of northern and western Iraq. The Iraqi military believes several thousand fighters, including many who travelled from western countries, are hunkered down in Mosul among the remaining civilian population, which aid agencies estimated to number 750,000 at the start of the latest offensive. The fighters are using suicide car bombers, snipers and booby traps to counter the offensive waged by tens of thousands of Iraqi troops, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Iranian-trained Shia paramilitary groups. READ MORE: Donald Trump vows to demolish and destroy ISIL ISIL fighters launched a counterattack against advancing US-backed Iraqi forces in western Mosul during an overnight storm. Explosions and gunfire rang out across the citys southwestern districts in the early hours of Thursday. The fighting eased in the late morning, although a correspondent with the Reuters news agency saw an air strike and rebel mortar fire. A senior Iraqi officer said ISIL staged its attack on units from the elite counterterrorism forces when the storm hampered air surveillance and on-the-ground visibility. He said some fighters hid among displaced families to get close to the US-trained troops. AMISOM announces one of deadliest attacks on armed groups base in Juba, but al-Shabab says it lost no fighters. At least 57 al-Shabab fighters were killed after African Union and Somali forces attacked one of the armed groups camps in the southern region of Juba, according to the AUs peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). In a post on Twitter, AMISOM said that vehicles and equipment were destroyed in Thursdays morning assault on the al-Shabab base outside Afmadow, a town about 100km inland from the Somali port of Kismayo. The AU force said a large cache of weapons had also been captured in the operation, which was backed by helicopter gunships. INFOGRAPHIC: Al-Shabab attacks in Somalia (2006-2017) A separate statement by Kenyas defence ministry said an unknown number of fighters were injured. There was no immediate word of casualties among the AU or Somali forces. Abdiasis Abu Musab, al-Shababs spokesman for military operations, told the Reuters news agency that the armed groups fighters had ambushed Kenyan soldiers, prompting them to call in air support, and the armed group had lost no one in the clashes. The planes fired some bombs and KDF [Kenya Defence Forces] returned to their places. There is no casualty from our side and we do not have exact casualty numbers of KDF, he said. Al-Shabab ruled most of south-central Somalia until 2011, when it was driven out of the capital, Mogadishu, by AU troops. Despite the loss of territory, the armed group, which wants to topple the internationally recognised government, still carries out major gun and bomb attacks. IN PICTURES: Fighting to survive hunger in Somalia The group has responded angrily to the election last month of new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, during whose brief term as prime minister the group was expelled from Mogadishu. Mohamed has vowed to make security a priority in the Horn of Africa nation. Vice president and close ally of Sudans leader appointed to post abolished after coup that brought Bashir to power. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has appointed a top aide as prime minister, reinstating a post he abolished after coming to power in a 1989 coup, an official said. Bakri Hassan Saleh will be sworn in on Thursday and immediately start negotiations on forming a new cabinet, said ruling National Congress Party deputy leader Ibrahim Mahmoud. Saleh will hold onto his current post of Sudans first vice president, Mahmoud said. Sudanese lawmakers voted in December to reinstate the post of prime minister. Saleh was among the officers who launched the bloodless 1989 coup, and the last member of the group to remain at Bashirs side. The retired army general is a former defence, interior and presidential affairs minister. He currently serves as first vice president and National Congress Party deputy leader for executive affairs. The naming of a prime minister and delegation of some of the presidents powers fall in line with reforms proposed by a year-long national dialogue held between Bashirs government and some opposition groups. In October, after a quarter century in power, Bashir concluded the national dialogue aimed at resolving insurgencies in Sudans border regions and healing the countrys crisis-wracked economy. The process was boycotted by most mainstream opposition and armed groups. Top Republicans also join calls for attorney generals withdrawal from probe into alleged Russian meddling in US vote. Pressure is mounting on US Attorney General Jeff Sessions after it emerged that he met Russias ambassador to Washington during last years election campaign, seemingly contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings. The revelation plunged President Donald Trumps Republican administration back into turmoil over its connections to Russia, which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The Washington Post reported late on Wednesday that Sessions, a former senator who advised Trumps campaign on foreign policy and other issues, met Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were building. READ MORE: US House panel to probe alleged Trump-Russia links Sessions, however, told his confirmation hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10 that he did not know of contacts between Trump campaign members and Russia. I did not have communications with the Russians, he said under oath. The previously undisclosed meeting fed growing calls for Sessions to recuse himself from oversight of justice department and FBI probes into the alleged Russian meddling and contacts with Trump campaign advisers. I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Theres no doubt about that, Sessions told NBC News, while denying any wrongdoing. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. And I dont have anything else to say about that. Republicans reaction The White House confirmed that the meetings took place but insisted Sessions had done nothing wrong as it dismissed the revelations as a partisan attack. Trump on Thursday declared total confidence in Sessions, telling reporters during a visit to a US aircraft carrier that he wasnt aware of the two meetings last year. But several leading Republicans joined Democrats on Thursday in calling on Sessions to step aside from the inquiry. AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself, Jason Chaffetz, a member of the House Government Oversight Committee, said in a post on Twitter. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, said he thought Sessions needs to clarify what these meetings were. He said it was not unusual for members of Congress to meet ambassadors, but added that if a question arose about the integrity of a federal investigation, I think itd be easier for an attorney general to step away. Resign immediately Top Democrats demanded that Sessions go further and quit his post as attorney general, calling for an independent, bipartisan investigation into Trumps possible ties to Russians. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, said in a statement. US Representative Elijah Cummings criticised Sessions for keeping his contact with the ambassador secret even after Trump fired his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Sessions should resign immediately, he said. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions should only recuse himself if he is a subject of the probe. At his Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in January, Sessions was asked by Democratic Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign, the Post reported. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions responded, according to the Post. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. READ MORE: US Senate approves Jeff Sessions as attorney general Speaking to Al Jazeera from Washington, DC, former associate US attorney general Bruce Fein said: Everyone knows Jeff Sessions was up to his ears in the Trump campaign, thats why hes attorney general now. He said that Trump has made powerful enemies so far in his presidency, including the press, that were out to get him. And there are many people in the intelligence community that are probably out to get Mr Trump too because hes derided them, [accused] them of doing things equivalent to the Nazis. So hes going to have an intelligence community thats looking for things, Fein added. Minority government introduces bill to restore 11-month conscription this summer for all Swedes born after 1999. Sweden has announced that it will reintroduce compulsory military service starting this summer to respond to global security challenges including from Russia. The government wants a more stable staff supply system and to boost its military capability because the security situation has changed, Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told TT news agency on Thursday. The Scandinavian nation, which has not seen armed conflict on its territory in two centuries, ended conscription in 2010 after it was deemed an unsatisfactory way of meeting the needs of a modern army. Swedens minority government on Thursday is set to introduce to the parliament a bill to restore conscription this summer for all Swedes born after 1999. It will last for 11 months. REAd MORE: Sweden\s backlash Why the tide is turning for refugees The measure is expected to be adopted by parliament, subject to agreement between the leftist government and the centre right opposition. Some 13,000 young Swedes are expected to be mobilised from July 1, but only 4,000 of them, 18-year-olds of both sexes, will be selected for military service based on motivation and skills. They will be called up each year after January 1 2018. The new security situation is also a reality, partly in the form of Russian power politics which has long been underestimated and downplayed, Wilhelm Agrell, a security expert at Lund University, told AFP. Sweden is not a NATO member but has signed the bodys Partnership for Peace programme launched in 1994 to develop military cooperation between NATO and non-member countries. On defence issues, Sweden is very close to its Finnish neighbour, which has with Russia a border of 1,340km. The Nordic and Baltic regions only non-aligned countries, Finland and Sweden, have stepped up their military cooperation with US, following concerns over Russias increased military activity in northern Europe. Finland accused Moscow last year of violating its airspace when two Russian fighter jets flew on separate occasions in the south of the coastal town of Porvoo. The incident raised alarm in Sweden. Russia has warned against Sweden and Finland joining NATO, an issue that has been debated in both countries. The European Parliament stripped far-right French politician and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen of parliamentary immunity for posting graphic images of victims of the ISIL group. The lifting of immunity allows a Paris court to prosecute her for posting three images of brutality by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as ISIS, on Twitter in 2015, including a photo of the decapitated corpse of US journalist James Foley. The offence being considered is publishing violent images, which under certain circumstances can carry a penalty of three years in prison and a fine of $78,930. Politicians voted by a big majority on Thursday to deprive Le Pen of her immunity in the case, acting parliament speaker Dimitrios Papadimoulis said. Parliamentary immunity is intended to protect EU politicians against intimidation attempts. EU officials said that the vote came after a request from the French judiciary. Responding to the vote on Wednesday, Le Pen said: This only shows French citizens what the EU is, what the European parliament is and that its all part of the system that wants to stop the French peoples candidate that I am. Florian Philippot, a vice president of Le Pens party the National Front, defended the Eurosceptic candidates 2015 Twitter posts. Showing and naming the horror of Islamism allows us to fight against it, Philippot told the Reuters news agency. Le Pen has previously refused to attend a French police interview over the investigation, citing her status as an MEP. But her head of cabinet has been placed under formal investigation for the dissemination of violent images. READ MORE: Jean-Marie Le Pen fined for inciting hate against Roma The French leader, locked in an increasingly tight three-way race to succeed Francois Hollande this spring, has already seen her earnings as MEP cut for a different case involving alleged misuse of EU funds. She has denounced the legal proceedings against her as political interference in the campaign, where she is the leading candidate. She has called for a moratorium on judicial investigations until the election period is over. Le Pen is expected to win the first of the two election rounds but likely to lose in a runoff, according to polls, which also show that her legal battles seem to have little effect on her supporters. Le Pens immunity has been lifted before, in 2013. She was prosecuted in 2015 for incitement to discrimination over peoples religious beliefs, for comparing Muslims praying in public to the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. Prosecutors eventually recommended the charges be dropped. ISIL expansion poses new challenge for US President Donald Trump, as he vowed to totally destroy the rebel group. An offshoot of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group based near the Afghan-Pakistan border is expanding to new areas, recruiting fighters and widening the reach of attacks in the region, members of the movement and Afghan officials said. Some members of the so-called Khorasan Province of ISIL, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan that killed 90 people, and ISIL gunmen were blamed for the deaths of six local aid workers in the north of the country, far from their stronghold in eastern Afghanistan. Any expansion would pose a new challenge for US President Donald Trump, as he considers how many American troops to keep in Afghanistan where the main security threat remains the Taliban insurgency. Trump has vowed to totally destroy the Middle East-based ISIL, yet has spoken little of Afghanistan, where US forces have been posted for 15 years. READ MORE: The manufactured myth of ISIL in Afghanistan Now he has not only the Taliban to consider, but also fighters swearing allegiance to ISIL, although US officials are generally less alarmed about its presence in Afghanistan than local officials. Daesh is not only a threat for Afghanistan but for the region and the whole world, said Shah Hussain Mortazawi, spokesman for President Ashraf Ghanis office, using a common Arabic name for the group. The extent of direct operational links between ISIL in Afghanistan and the Middle East remains unclear, although most fighters in the Khorasan Province are Afghans, Pakistanis or Central Asians. Shifting loyalties ISIL is suspected of carrying out several attacks on minority Shia Muslim targets in Afghanistan, and the February suicide bombing at the Pakistani shrine bore some of the hallmarks of the sectarian group. Known as the worst armed group assault in Pakistan for two years indicated that a group based in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar could strike deep into Pakistan territory. Islamic State has no proper base in Pakistan, but it has sympathizers and links in Pakistan, one member of the group told Reuters news agency, based in Afghanistan. Mostly the attackers and suicide bombers enter from Afghanistan to Pakistan. READ MORE: ISIL in Afghanistan? Not so fast Western and Afghan security officials believe fighters frequently switch allegiances between armed groups, making it difficult to know who is to blame for violence. Sometimes the Taliban commanders defect to Daesh and sometimes the other way around, said Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, governor of the northern Afghan province of Sar-i-Pul, where ISIL and Taliban fighters are believed to be active. The situation is very unclear. The top US commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, said US drone strikes and special forces operations had killed about a third of ISIL fighters in Afghanistan and cut their territory by two thirds. US officials say intelligence suggests ISIL is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighbouring Kunar province. They are sceptical about reports of an increased ISIL presence in the northwest, where gunmen may claim a connection to the group to boost their standing. Certainly if youre a local official whos looking for more resources, by saying that ISIS is in your area, youre going to get more attention, said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, the main US military spokesman in Kabul. Nicholson, who has asked for thousands more troops in Afghanistan, said counter-terrorism forces planned a series of operations in 2017 to defeat ISIL in Afghanistan and preclude the migration of terrorists from Iraq and Syria into Afghanistan. Estimating numbers is difficult. Cleveland said US officials believe the movement has only 700 fighters, but Afghan officials estimate it has around 1,500, with twice as many auxiliary helpers and up to 8,000 less active supporters. READ MORE: Report ISIL claims deadly attack on Pakistani forces Those officials say fighters from Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan have come to Afghanistan, while fighters forced across the border by Pakistani military operations also gravitated towards ISIL. A US drone strike last year killed former local ISIL leader Hafiz Saeed Khan, once a member of the Pakistani Taliban. Several Afghan security officials believe a former Afghan Taliban commander, Abdul Haseeb Logari, has replaced him. ISIL began to be noticed in the region in early 2015, when loyalists took on the Taliban and al-Qaeda in a bid to become the leading rebel group, using tactics that stood out for their brutality. Suicide bombers and landmines hampering progress by Syrian government forces to recapture the ancient city. ISIL fighters have withdrawn from much of the Syrian oasis city of Palmyra as government forces slowly enter its ravaged ancient ruins because of landmines and suicide bombers, a war monitor said on Thursday. Russian-backed Syrian troops pushed into a western neighbourhood of the city late on Wednesday after fierce clashes with the ISIL fighters. By Thursday morning, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant cadres had withdrawn to residential neighbourhoods in the east of the city, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. IS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods, Syrian Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP news agency. Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts. READ MORE: On trial the destruction of history during conflict Palmyras ancient ruins have long been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Before ISIL entered the city in May 2015, the city boasted temples, colonnaded alleys, and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But the armed group launched a campaign of destruction, the scale of which was fully revealed when government forces briefly retook the city with Russian support last year. Satellite imagery has shown that ISIL has demolished more monuments since it recaptured Palmyra from government forces in December. OPINION: When Muslims ruled the civilised world Supported by Russian air strikes and ground troops, Syrian government forces have battled through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against President Bashar al-Assads rule in March 2011. It quickly morphed into a full-scale war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people with more than half of the countrys population displaced inside and outside of Syria. No evidence found against man in assassination of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpurs airport with VX nerve agent. A North Korean man will be freed from Malaysian custody because of a lack of evidence connecting him to the fatal nerve agent attack on the estranged half-brother of North Koreas ruler. Ri Jong-chol was held in police detention for almost two weeks following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpurs bustling airport on February 13. He will be released. He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him, said Malaysian Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali on Thursday. Mohamed said Ri will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents.He will be deported tomorrow, he said. In a major fallout from the assassination, Malaysia also announced on Thursday it was scrapping visa-free travel for North Koreans. Who produced the VX poison that killed Kim Jong-nam? Officials never said why they arrested Ri four days after Kim was attacked. The attack was caught on grainy security camera footage that showed two women smearing something on Kims face as he waited for a flight. Malaysian officials say the substance was VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon. North Korea is widely speculated to be behind the killing. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. Pyongyang has denied the accusations and said it was absurdity to believe the chemical weapon VX was used in Kims killing. Kim was dead within an hour as the fast-acting poison coursed through his body, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Thursday the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped from Monday because of national security. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur who accused Malaysia of trying to conceal something and colluding with hostile forces. We dont want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage, Zahid said. We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Dont ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like. Malaysia to cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans The two female suspects caught in the security footage were charged with murder in a Malaysian court Wednesday. They face the mandatory death sentence if convicted. Both say they were duped into thinking they were taking part in a harmless prank. Kim reportedly fell out of favour with his father, the late Kim Jong-il, in 2001 when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. He was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger to his half-brother Kim Jong-un. Rescue efforts in western Ukraine ongoing after methane gas blast kills eight miners and leaves 20 unaccounted for. At least eight miners have been killed in a methane gas explosion in a coal mine in western Ukraines Lviv region, according to officials. Twenty other workers were still unaccounted for after the blast in Stepovaya mine, the countrys emergencies service said in an online statement on Thursday. Thirty-four miners were at a depth of 550 metres when the explosion ripped through the mine at 12:46 local time (13:46 GMT), the statement added. The mine, which is run by the state company Lvivvuhillja, is located 460km west of the capital, Kiev, and about 10km from the Polish border. In a post on Facebook, Oleksandr Volynets, head of a miners union, put the death toll at 11. Ukrainian presidential spokesman Svyatoslav Tsegolko said in a separate statement that rescue operations were ongoing. Move comes after the killing of North Korean leaders half-brother Kim Jong-nam with VX nerve agent in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia will cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans entering the country starting next week as diplomatic ties between the two countries fray further following the murder of Kim Jong-nam at the Kuala Lumpur airport. North Koreans will be required to obtain a visa as of March 6 before entering Malaysia for national security reasons, state news agency Bernama reported on Thursday, citing the deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Malaysia is one of the few countries that North Koreans could visit without a visa. A reciprocal arrangement made Malaysians the only foreigners given visa-free entry to the secretive, nuclear-armed state. The move comes two weeks after Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport, allegedly with a toxic nerve agent. Diplomatic ties between Malaysia and North Korea have soured since the murder, which South Korea and the US say was an assassination organised by North Korean agents. North Korea has denied the accusations and called the allegation that the chemical weapon VX was used in killing absurd. North Korea tried to convince Malaysia not to perform an autopsy on Kims body, and to release a North Korean suspect detained in connection with the murder. A high-level North Korean diplomatic delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and has held talks with members of the Malaysian cabinet to press those demands. Malaysia has charged an Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman with murder. Police are also seeking to question seven others, including a senior official in the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur. READ MORE: Who produced the VX poison that killed Kim Jong-nam? Malaysia has insisted that laws of the country will be followed and has refused to release the body to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for next of kin to come forward. The severe strain on the relationship follows decades of friendly ties between the two countries. North Korea and Malaysia have maintained ties since the 1970s when former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad embraced the isolated state, in part to rebuff the United States. Pyongyang says any territorial violations during annual US-South Korea military exercises will be met with force. North Korea has warned of a merciless response if its territorial boundaries are violated during large-scale military drills involving US and South Korean forces. Pyongyang on Thursday reacted to the start of the annual war games with its typical fiery rhetoric, but recent missile and nuclear tests by the North give the usual threats an added weight. The military drills between Seoul and Washington always rile North Korea, which calls the exercises a rehearsal for an invasion. This years manoeuvres began on Wednesday. The North will mercilessly foil the nuclear war racket of the aggressors with its treasured nuclear sword, an unidentified spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean Peoples Army (KPA) was quoted as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency. OPINION: Kim Jong-nam attack reveals true nature of North Korea He said the Norths reaction will be the toughest ever but didnt elaborate. Should the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet forces fire even a single shell into the waters where the sovereignty of our Republic is exercised, the KPA will immediately launch its merciless military counter-actions, the statement said. There is renewed worry in Seoul and Washington because North Korea test-launched a new intermediate-range missile in February. It also conducted two nuclear tests last year. South Koreas military said on Thursday that it will resolutely punish North Korea if provoked. The ongoing drills are field training that will run until late April. As well, different training involving computer-simulated war games will start in the coming weeks. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent against a potential aggression from North Korea. The Korean peninsula remains in a technical state of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. The US plans to send the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier with F-35B and Osprey aircraft, according to a US Forces Korea spokesman. The B-1B and B-52 bombers could also join the drill, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency. Some 3,600 US soldiers are expected to join the Foal Eagle exercise this year. South Korea and the United States also agreed to strengthen cooperation on financial sanctions against North Korea in response to the recent missile test. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and South Korea Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho expressed great concern over North Koreas February 12 missile launch and promised to follow through with sanctions, said in a statement on Thursday after a call between the pair. On February 12, North Korea launched a Pukguksong-2 ballistic missile near the western city of Kusong. The missile flew east about 500km before falling into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), according to South Koreas defence ministry. Vote seen as vital to ending political crisis that, if left unresolved, could lead to end of UK regions semi-autonomy. Northern Ireland is holding its second assembly election in a year, a vote seen as vital to ending a major political crisis that if left unresolved could lead to the end of the UK regions semi-autonomy. The snap poll on Thursday, which comes just as Britain begins to negotiate its exit from the European Union, follows the collapse of a power-sharing agreement in January after Irish nationalists Sinn Fein withdrew support for the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). Polls close at 22:00GMT but results are not expected until Saturday. In total, 228 candidates are competing for 90 seats across Northern Irelands 18 constituencies. Long-simmering tensions between the two parties boiled over after Martin McGuinness, Sinn Feins deputy first minister, quit his post in protest over a botched green energy subsidy scheme instigated by Arlene Foster, DUPs first minister when she was economy minister. There are reports that about $600m was misspent in the scheme and Foster is accused of mishandling the project. Northern Ireland to hold snap vote after government collapse McGuinness resignation triggered fresh elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly, a semi-autonomous legislature in Belfast in which representatives of once warring communities have shared power on and off since a 1998 peace deal. If Sinn Fein and the DUP cannot resolve their differences after the vote, the assemblys executive could be suspended and the province fully governed by London, the UK capital. If they cant get through this election with a result that restarts the power-sharing agreement, they face the prospect of being run from London directly which nobody wants, Al Jazeeras Laurence Lee, reporting from the capital, Belfast, said. But there are very good indications that the peace process is sufficiently robust now that they will probably be able to find a way through. Observers predict a similar outcome to the May 2016 assembly elections, in which the Protestant and conservative DUP won slightly more seats than the Catholic and socialist Sinn Fein. Id be more pessimistic than optimistic that the DUP and Sinn Fein can get back in a government together quickly, Jonathan Tonge, a Northern Ireland politics expert at Liverpool University, told the AFP news agency. WATCH: Northern Ireland on the cusp of change Tensions were also exacerbated by the British vote to leave the EU, known as Brexit, which the DUP supported but Sinn Fein opposed. Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the June 23 EU referendum by a majority of 56 percent to 44 percent. Northern Ireland: Sinn Fein names Michelle ONeill new leader McGuinness is not running in the election due to ill health. His successor as Sinn Feins leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle ONeill, has signalled a possible way out. Were up for going back into government but only on the basis of equality, respect and integrity, she told AFP in an interview on the last day of campaigning on Wednesday. We cannot go into government with Arlene Foster as first or deputy first minister while there is a shadow hanging over her, but that doesnt mean we cant find a way forward. In the streets of Belfast, there was disillusionment over the latest scandal to hit its political system. Im just fed up with all the corruption and all the scandals to do with the heating and all the rest of it, civil servant Catherine Aouad told AFP. READ MORE: May: Northern Ireland crisis mustnt jeopardise peace Throughout the election campaign, Foster has appealed for Unionists to resist Sinn Feins demands for her to stand aside pending an investigation into the energy scheme. If you feed a crocodile it will keep coming back for more, she told a party rally. If DUP and Sinn Fein cannot agree to form a new power-sharing executive within three weeks, London will take over issues such as health, education and the local economy which are currently devolved. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has said that she intends to pull Britain out of the EUs single market and probably the customs union, which would make the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland the UKs only land border with the EU. The possibility of a return to checkpoints has revived memories of The Troubles, three decades of strife in Northern Ireland over British control of the province, in which more than 3,500 people were killed. The most disastrous thing would be the return of a border which will greatly offend nationalists, said Tonge. Five-year plan merges restive tribal areas with key province, extending basic rights to citizens for first time ever. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistans cabinet has approved a plan to introduce widespread political and administrative reforms to its tribal areas on the border with Afghanistan, bringing landmark changes to an area that has long been a sanctuary for armed groups. The changes, which include the extension of fundamental constitutional rights to citizens, will see Pakistans constitution and penal code extended to the seven semi-autonomous tribal agencies for the first time since the country gained independence from the British in 1947. The time has now come for [the people of the tribal areas] to also be brought into the ambit of being Pakistani, to end the ongoing deprivation of their areas, said a statement issued by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs office on Thursday, following the cabinet meeting that approved the reforms. The laws will give citizens access to fundamental rights and the ability to vote for representatives in provincial and local council elections, among other benefits. READ MORE: ISIL expands in Afghan-Pakistan areas, widening attacks Currently, the northwestern region is governed under the British-era Frontier Crimes Regulation, a draconian law dating back to colonial times which leaves citizens with no recourse to formal courts and open to collective punishment for the crimes of members of their tribes. The lack of formal law and writ of the state in the tribal areas made them a haven for armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and al-Qaeda, for decades. Pakistans military regained control of North Waziristan the last of the tribal areas still under Taliban control after an offensive launched in mid-2014 that lasted until the end of 2016. Since then, violence has dropped across the country, but sporadic high-profile attacks, such as the bombing of a shrine last month that killed 88 people, remain common. Right to vote Key among the reforms is a five-year plan that will see the tribal areas, home to more than four million people, merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with citizens given the right to vote for representatives in the provincial assembly for the first time. Pakistani army says it rooted out Taliban fighters from tribal region On Thursday, Sartaj Aziz, who headed the government committee that prepared the reforms, said that citizens would be able to vote for provincial assembly seats in the next general election, scheduled for mid-2018. The plan also envisages the holding of local council elections in each of the seven tribal areas by the end of 2017. Previously, residents in the tribal areas could vote for representatives in the lower house of parliament. Yet laws passed by parliament had no validity in those areas. The reforms package also proposes $1.05bn in funding be allocated to a 10-year plan aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing infrastructure, including communications, power lines, water supply schemes, education and health facilities in the tribal areas. READ MORE: Chaos follows Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure Government social welfare services such as hospitals and schools are virtually non-existent in most parts of the tribal areas, and have been further decimated by years of military operations. At the peak of those operations, more than three million citizens from the tribal areas were classified as internally displaced (IDPs), living in camps or migrating to urban areas. The new plan envisages the complete return of IDPs by April 30, 2017, Aziz said. The reforms will also see the introduction of a new law to govern the tribal areas, based on the concept of rewaaj, or tribal customs. That act will formalise the holding tribal councils, also known as jirgas, to resolve local disputes, according to a report on the reforms released by the government. We have sacrificed a lot for Pakistan and for years we havent been given our basic rights, said Amad Khan, a citizen from the Bajaur tribal area. This reform will bring schools, colleges and a proper health system in our areas accessible to us. Even though it took years to be acknowledged by our country, we are thankful that it finally happened. Follow Asad Hashim and Sheerena Qazi on Twitter: @AsadHashim, @ShereenaQazi Pakistans War: On the Frontline REWIND Pakistans cabinet approved on Thursday a plan to introduce reforms in the lawless tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan an area that has provided sanctuary to armed groups for years. Authorities began the reform process in the northwestern region after fighters with al-Qaeda and the Taliban established sanctuaries there. The army regained control of the last of the territories in an offensive launched in mid-2014 that lasted until the end of 2016. We want to bring tribesmen in the national mainstream so that their deprivations could end, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the cabinet. READ MORE: FATA Terrorists or victims of a covert war? British colonialists in the 19th carved out a mountainous strip of Afghanistan that was administered under a combination of civil laws and local traditions. The special status for the tribal areas continued after Pakistan gained independence from Britain in 1947 because the tribes were divided on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The final report on reforms proposed merging the seven semi-autonomous Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The set of constitutional, political, and administrative reforms are aimed at bringing the areas at par with the rest of the country, a spokesman for Sharif said. A 10-year development programme will be introduced for all of FATA and the merger will be carried out over a period of five years. Amad Khan, from Bajaur Agency in FATA, told Al Jazeera the reforms will put a proper education system in place. We have sacrificed a lot for Pakistan and for years we havent been given our basic rights, he said. This reform will bring schools, colleges and a proper health system in our areas accessible to us. Even though it took years to be acknowledged by our country, we are thankful that it finally happened. More than 1.8 million people from FATA have been displaced by insurgency, counter-insurgency and other related violence in Pakistan. Most of them live in IDP camps in Peshawar and urban centres such as Karachi. People look at us as terrorists since we come from that area No, that is not true. I myself have lost my uncle in a terrorist attack, we have suffered a lot, so this little change brings hope, said Khan. Human Rights Watch report alleges officers execute drug suspects and plant evidence to cover up their crimes. A human rights watchdog has accused police in the Philippines of falsifying evidence to justify unlawful killings in the governments bloody war on drugs and pointed the finger at President Rodrigo Duterte as being ultimately responsible. Human Rights Watch said on Thursday in a report that Duterte and other senior officials instigated and incited the killings of drug suspects in a campaign that could amount to crimes against humanity. Police have repeatedly carried out extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, then falsely claimed self-defence, and planted guns, spent bullets or drugs on the bodies. Our investigations into the Philippine drug war found that police routinely kill drug suspects in cold blood and then cover up their crime by planting drugs and guns at the scene, said Peter Bouckaert, emergencies director at Human Rights Watch and author of the report. READ MORE: Rodrigo Duterte accused of paying police to kill President Dutertes role in these killings makes him ultimately responsible for the deaths of thousands. The report said masked gunmen taking part in killings appeared to be working closely with the police, casting doubt on government claims that vigilantes or rival gangs are behind the majority of the killings. It said that in several instances it investigated, suspects in police custody were later found dead and classified by police as found bodies or deaths under investigation. The United Nations should create an independent investigation to determine responsibility and ensure accountability, the report said. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said none of the accusations have been proven in court. Until that happens, such claims are mere hearsay, he said. National police spokesman Dionardo Carlos said Human Rights Watch should share its information with the police so any perpetrators can be charged in court. Carlos said police data showed 2,500 people had been killed in police operations, while another 4,000-plus deaths were still being investigated, of which 680 were drug-related. Murder charges involving 1,330 victims have been filed with prosecutors or courts, but the details were not known. READ MORE: Rodrigo Dutertes death penalty campaign clears hurdle The Human Rights Watch report draws heavily on interviews in metropolitan Manila with 28 family members of victims, witnesses to police killings, journalists and human rights activists. It also references initial police reports of killings, which Human Rights Watch said its field research consistently contradicted. Duterte barred the 170,000-strong national police from his anti-drug crackdown a few weeks ago after two anti-narcotics officers were implicated in the killing of a South Korean businessman in an extortion scandal that allegedly used the crackdown as a cover. He announced on Tuesday that selected policemen will return to the anti-drug campaign, but that the main anti-narcotics agency will continue to supervise operations. Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes campaign to bring back the death penalty for drug-related crimes has cleared a major hurdle, with supporters backing it in congress but critics denouncing the plan as inhumane. The death penalty bill along with a proposed measure to punish children as young as nine as adult criminals are key planks of Dutertes controversial drug war that has already claimed more than 7,000 lives. A majority of politicians in the lower house of congress passed a second reading of the bill on Wednesday night, clearing one of the biggest obstacles in proponents plans to make the death penalty legal by May. A third and final reading still needs to be held next week, although with no more debates both sides agree passage is a formality. Then the Senate, which is similarly dominated by Dutertes allies, would pass a counterpart bill. We have hurdled the most difficult part, congressman Reynaldo Umali, a sponsor of the bill, told AFP news agency. Opponents voiced anger about the Philippines attempt to bring back the death penalty, 11 years after it was revoked, highlighting among many concerns a corrupt justice system that would lead to innocent people being executed. The decision is inhumane, shameful and blatantly disrespectful, Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary for public affairs at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said in a statement. READ MORE: Children and Dutertes drug war: Lessons from the past Let me reiterate this, criminals should be punished and victims should be aided, but the punishment should not be death. Due to our flawed and dysfunctional criminal justice system, there is a great chance that innocent people may become victims of wrongful convictions. The Catholic Church, which counts 80 percent of Filipinos as followers, had led the opposition to abolish the death penalty in 2006. Secillano and opposition lawmakers also criticised tactics used to ensure the bill was passed, such as the curtailing of debates and only allowing a vote by voice so lawmakers would not be specifically identified as having supported it. The speaker of the house also threatened to strip lawmakers of committee leadership positions if they voted against the bill. This is a chamber of puppets and bullies, congressman Edcel Lagman, a longtime opponent of capital punishment, said after his efforts to block the bill were voted down. Just drug crimes The bill limits the death penalty to drug-related offences only. Possessing 500 grammes of marijuana, or 10 grammes of cocaine, heroin or ecstasy, would be crimes punishable by execution, as would manufacturing and selling drugs. People who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape while under the influence of drugs could also be executed. INTERACTIVE: Death toll in Dutertes war on drugs The bill allows for execution by hanging, firing squad or lethal injection. Duterte won the presidential election last year after pledging an unprecedented campaign to eradicate illegal drugs. Since he took office in May, police have reported killing thousands of people in the drug crackdown, claiming all deaths were in self defence. Thousands of others have died in unexplained circumstances. Rights groups and other critics say Duterte is presiding over widespread human rights violations, with Amnesty International warning the killings could amount to a crime against humanity. Many Filipinos support Duterte and his drug war, arguing extreme measures must be taken to halt crime. The United Nations had warned bringing back the death penalty would violate international conventions the Philippines had already ratified. After capital punishment, another priority bill for Duterte is lowering the age of criminal liability to as low as nine-years old, from 15 currently. Wuppertal high school draws criticism after banning pupils from using prayer rugs and other traditional Muslim rituals. A high school in a western German city has banned Muslim pupils from publicly praying, saying that all the religious acts associated with it are provocative to other pupils, sparking a heated debate about freedom of religion in the country. The school in Wuppertal sent a note to staff in February asking them to identify and report any cases of Muslim pupils praying on the school premises to the administration. Several teachers and pupils had reported that they felt pressured by the behaviour of Muslim pupils, a spokeswoman for the regional administration of Wuppertal told the DPA news agency on Thursday. In the last few weeks, it has increasingly been observed that Muslim students are praying, quite visibly to others, indicated by ritual washing in the bathrooms, the rolling out of prayer rugs, and by the students putting their bodies in certain positions. That is not permitted, the letter had reportedly said. READ MORE: 10 attacks a day against refugees, shelters in Germany The letter was posted last week on Facebook, provoking an angry reaction from some social media users who attacked the schools decision. After the criticism, municipal authorities said the wording was unfortunate and the school had only meant to bring affected students in to discuss a solution to allow their prayer, the German newspaper Bild reported on Thursday. Authorities say the school was, however, legally allowed to stop people praying in a provocative manner. The regional administration said it backed the schools stance. Banning provocative praying in the schools public space should promote peaceful coexistence and peace within the school, the administration said. READ MORE Angela Merkel: Full-face veil must be banned in Germany The schools prayer ban came as Germany, which has taken in more than 1.1 million refugees and migrants from predominantly Muslim countries, sees a rise in anti-Islam and anti-immigration sentiment. The countrys right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been making big gains in a series of recent elections, has now adopted an anti-Islam stance as part of its new manifesto. Commenting on the schools move in a Facebook post, the AfDs Wuppertal branch called it an interesting and sensible measure. Turkey has summoned the German ambassador to Ankara to protest against the cancellation of a talk by the Turkish justice minister in Germany, according to foreign ministry sources. Our discomfort and our reaction to these developments have been communicated in person to the German ambassador who was summoned this evening to the [foreign] ministry, a senior Turkish official told Al Jazeera, speaking on condition of anonymity. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag had earlier said he had called off a meeting with his counterpart in Germany and was returning home after his address to Turkish citizens in the town of Gaggenau was cancelled. The talk in Gaggenau was reportedly intended to to promote a yes vote for constitutional changes in an upcoming referendum that would expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogans powers. German media reported that the meeting was axed by the municipality in Gaggenau due to security concerns and infrastructure issues. Gaggenau Mayor Michael Pfeiffer was quoted as saying by the German media that the decision had no political motivation. Shaky bilateral ties have been dragged to a new low amid growing public criticism in Germany of Turkeys arrest of a Turkish-German journalist. Travis Kalanick promises to work on his leadership style after video of him lashing out at a driver went viral. Uber chief Travis Kalanick has apologised, acknowledging that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up, after a video showed him verbally abusing a driver for the service. In a message to Uber employees late on Tuesday, Kalanick cited the widely circulated video and said he treated an Uber driver disrespectfully. The incident which circulated on social media was the latest hit for the image of the global ridesharing giant, which faces accusations of sexual harassment and a lawsuit contending it misappropriated Googles self-driving car technology. Fawzi Kamel has been driving for Uber since 2011. When he picked up the companys boss on a Sunday in February, he wanted to let him know how things were getting tougher for drivers. In the dashcam video obtained by Bloomberg News , the Kamel argues that Kalanick is lowering fares and claims he lost $97,000 because of him. Im bankrupt because of you. Kalanick lashes back. You know what? Some people dont like to take responsibility for their own shit. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck, he said, then slamming the door. READ MORE: Users angry at Trump Muslim ban delete Uber app In the message to employees later, Kalanick wrote To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement. Kalanick also offered his apology to the driver and said the incident shows he needs to work on his leadership. Its clear this video is a reflection of me and the criticism weve received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up. This is the first time Ive been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it. Uber is valued at $68bn, and has operations in dozens of countries and hundreds of cities. The video is the latest in a string of bad PR for Uber. Kalanick also faced criticism for agreeing to be part of a business advisory panel for President Donald Trump, but then quit the panel amid a campaign by Trump opponents to delete the application. In January more than 200,000 people deleted their accounts after the company was accused of undermining a New York taxi union strike protesting against Trumps immigration ban. In December, it pulled its self-driving cars off the road in San Francisco after the California Department of Motor Vehicles said they were operating illegally. And just last month a former software engineer at Uber claimed one of her managers propositioned her for sex. Kalenick ordered an investigation into the allegations calling sexism abhorrent. Stuart Hall taught me how Britain was founded on race and class and how the media were central to those structures. I first started reading Stuart Hall, the cultural theorist, in the early 1990s as an undergraduate student in Britain. The heyday of overt tabloid racism was over by then, but new styles of racist reporting were emerging. On the one hand, cultural identity was an increasing focus, with much of the media echoing the idea that the presence of blacks and Asians undermined a cohesive sense of Britishness. On the other hand, the small number of refugees arriving in Britain were vilified as scroungers and cheats. When a few hundred gypsies settled in Dover on Englands south coast, fleeing neo-Nazi gangs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Rupert Murdochs best-selling Sun newspaper called them Slovak Spongers and Giro Czechs (a pun on a common term for welfare payments) and suggested teaching the gypsies two words, the second one being off. This kind of media coverage, of course, continues to this day. It is easy to denounce, but harder to cogently analyse it. Halls work helped me to get beyond simplistic explanations that put the blame on an inherent English racism or mechanical pursuit of profit. Halls starting point was Marxism. But he followed another African-Caribbean scholar, Frantz Fanon, in his recommendation that Marxist analysis be slightly stretched in dealing with questions of race and colonialism. To understand the Jamaican society in which he had grown up, Hall combined the Marxist categories of class and capitalism with insights into the role of culture in colonialism. When Hall settled in England in 1951, he used the same approach to understand how racism functioned there. To the columnists who supposed that Asian and black immigration to Britain was an alien cultural disruption that undermined a previously stable society, Halls response was that Britain had not become multicultural because of postcolonial migration. Multiculturalism had been there much longer as an integral part of Britains imperial project. It is in the sugar you stir; it is in the sinews of the famous British sweet tooth; it is in the tea-leaves at the bottom of the British cuppa, noted Hall. There was no British identity that did not include the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and the tea plantations of Asia, the slave and the coolie. Halls 1978 book Policing the Crisis, co-authored with his colleagues at the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies in Birmingham, had the biggest impact on me. It presented a picture of Britain in the 1970s as caught in a crisis of authority. The state, forced to intervene more aggressively to hold together a fracturing society, became more naked in its coercion. And a media-constructed image of black crime became a signifier of this deeper crisis. The component parts of Thatcherism were being laid out. In Halls account, racism was not just a matter of individual attitudes and biases. Race was a key constituent of the social and economic structure, a principal modality by which class society was experienced and made sense of. Race, he said, was not a marginal concern but right at the centre of British life. At the same time, its significance was never self-contained or transparent; it was a screen on to which deep anxieties were projected and worked through. One way this happened was through the news media. The conventional approach to analysing the news is to ask whether journalists select and frame events objectively or with bias. Halls argument focused instead on how news can have meaning to us only if it aligns with our unconscious cultural maps of the social world. The main ideological function of the news, he argued, is not its alleged liberal or conservative bias but its fidelity to the deeper consensus within which party politics takes place. This happens because the news sources its meanings from the social and political institutions that underpin that consensus, such as the police, the courts, the university, and so on. No wonder, then, that racism was found in the news as much as on the streets in both cases, it derived from the same deeper structure that Policing the Crisis had identified. Applied to the 1990s, this method of analysis could explain why refugees, for example, were being treated as such a threat: they too were a screen on to which anxieties deriving from the crisis of Thatcherite Britain were being projected. It was never Halls style to provide final answers. In the 1980s and 1990s, his analysis shifted as he began to view the social world as pure flux: representations floated free of any referent; politics was reduced to the construction of identities. Ironically, his writing in these later decades, which were more politically stable than the 1970s, pictured society as having no solid foundations. For me, reading Policing the Crisis out of its time in the 1990s taught me how contemporary Britain was solidly founded on race and class and how the media were central to reproducing those structures. Arun Kundnani is scholar-in-residence at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. He is the author of The Muslims are Coming! Islamophobia, Extremism, and the Domestic War on Terror and The End of Tolerance: Racism in 21st-Century Britain. He writes for The Guardian, Nation, Intercept and The Washington Post, among other publications. This article forms part of an online project by Al Jazeera Englishs media analysis show The Listening Post. Follow #MediaTheorised The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policies. Media warfare is at the heart of the states approach to Kashmir and in the digital age, that means social media too. The Empire is a colossal factory. The inner walls are lined with millions of tiny, specially angled and arranged mirrors reflecting and multiplying only a single image. The acoustics are designed so that a single sound reverberates, masking every other sound. Is this assemblage of image and sound, one wonders, a mere projection, or is it the Empire itself its very building blocks? This architecture, with its perpetually running conveyor belts, augments the factorys production of homogeneity and thought control which guarantee soaring profits of consent. The Empire doesn't merely outsource its war to its corporate- state-owned media but media sees this battle as its own by Uzma Falak Noam Chomsky and Edward Hermans Manufacturing Consent helps us demystify the workings of the Empire. The book details a propaganda model allowing us to understand the systemic and structural factors governing media operations serving trans-geographical dominant interests. The structure they describe is reminiscent of the striking sequence in the 1979 Pink Floyd music video for Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 where children emerge from a tunnel as clones, march in unison to the same beat on conveyor belts and fall blindly into a meat grinder from which they re-emerge minced, worm-like, unidentifiable. The consumers of Empires products thus become products themselves. This haunting spectre is the spectre of democracy sustained by manufactured consent. So we need something to tame the bewildered herd, and that something is this new revolution in the art of democracy: the manufacture of consent, writes Chomsky. In Indian-administered Kashmir, Empire is a state-security-military-corporate-media-complex. The images and sounds produced in the factory are amplified and reverberated across newsrooms, parliament, bureaucracies, business houses, Bollywood, advertisements, academia, militia. The language, the formulae, the narrative templates are set up by this complex, ready for easy consumption. Media warfare is at the heart of Indias control in the region. A good image of the army is in the interest of the country,said retired Major-General SL Narasimhan at a seminar in New Delhi in 2012. The Indian army sees media as a force multiplier, and the focus of its media policy is public relations and perception management. In 1998, Operation Goodwill, a counter-insurgency operation was launched in Kashmir. It was aimed at winning hearts and minds(WHAM) a tactic used by a British general during the Malayan emergency and by the US Army in Vietnam and Iraq. According to a blog maintained by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Operation Goodwill includes efforts to assuage the feeling of alienation and molding public opinion towards peace and developmentto fan the desire for firmer integration with the nationand to show the humane face of the soldier. In his paper Military-Media Interface: Changing Paradigms, New Challenges, Ajay K Rai, a research fellow at the Indian Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, writes of the medias role in the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan: During the Kargil conflict, it was said by some media experts about various TV interviews wherein jawans [soldiers] on the battlefront talked aloud about patriotism and the countrys, honour, that those were nothing more than stage-managed shows The media support to the Indian military operations against Pakistan in the Kargil conflict went a long way in ensuring the approval of the international community of Indias stand on the LoC [the Line of Control between the two countries] and other related issues. In the digital age, media warfare has moved to social media too. During the 2016 unrest in Kashmir following the death of 21-year-old Burhan Wani, a most-wantedinsurgent commander, the Indian state enforced a complete information blackout. Mobile phone networks and internet services were interrupted. Printing presses shut down and newspapers in the region temporarily banned from publishing. Facebook was accused of censoring posts and pictures, and blocking the user accounts of those posting about the events unfolding in Kashmir. Whoever controls the narrative in this field, will occupy the perception high ground,wrote Nitin Gokhale, a security analyst, who writes and appears across media outlets in India. The Empire doesnt merely outsource its war to its corporate state-owned media, but media sees this battle as its own. Sudhir Chaudhary, the editor of the Zee News channel, said in an interview to Al Jazeera: We have an anti-terrorism stand, an anti-Pakistan stand. We believe Kashmir is a part and parcel of India. Justifying the gag on the Kashmiri press, he said: Media in Srinagar is not fair, is not neutral. It is not portraying both the sides it was a right decision to put a brake on such media. Chomsky and Herman admit that their model does not posit that all propaganda emanating from the media is effective. However, they note that dissent is kept within bounds and at the margins, so that while their presence shows the system is not monolithic, they are not large enough to interfere unduly with the domination of the official. Despite the Empires multi-pronged crackdown, the sustained resistance and its reflection in the alternative work emerging from and about Kashmir is threatening the foundations of Empire; cracks in its walls are already visible. In August 2016, at the Hamburg University of Technology, my film Till Then the Roads Carry Her and Iffat Fatimas Blood Leaves its Trail were shown after repeated attempts to prevent the screenings by some Indian students. They had dispatched an email warning that Pakistani and Indian students would attend the event, leading to heated arguments that would be unacceptable inside an educational institution. There is a huge amount of unrest going on in that particular state of India There are both positive and negatives rising out from any democracy.This email harping on about the grand narratives surrounding Kashmir demonstrates a major narrative thread of state-manufactured consent: India is a democracy and Kashmir is an integral part of it. Afterwards, an Indian student confessed that she had come to support India with her friends but changed her perspective. We must look beyond nationalism,she remarked amid a strange silence in the hall. However, what followed was her wrestling between the statist narratives and what she witnessed through the films. I cant imagine my father getting disappeared,she said, followed by but the army is there to curb terrorists; What should we do as common people? In the same breath, But did you speak to Narendra Modi, our promising prime minister? In times when everything is being bought over by the state the choice still remains ours: either become building blocks for the Empires citadel another brick in its wall or dislodge the bricks. Despite the marginalisation of dissent, the possibilities of resistance exist. Uzma Falak is a native of Kashmir. Her narratives and essays have been published in the Caravan, Jadaliyya, Of Occupation and Resistance, Paper Txt Messages from Kashmir and others publications. Integrating creative practice and research, she is currently pursuing her practice-based PhD in New Delhi, India. This article forms part of an online project by Al Jazeera Englishs media analysis show The Listening Post. Follow #MediaTheorised The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policies. Natalia Vinelli is an Argentinean journalist and the cofounder of an alternative news channel called Barricada TV (Frontline TV). The outlet came into being as part of a media reform law pushed forward by the Kirchner presidencies in which the heavily concentrated Argentinean media landscape was to be divided into three segments one each for commercial outlets, government media and community networks. Our world is reduced to an immutable essence, a superficially marvellous essence .. but which can prosper if it follows the advice of its civilised, powerful mentors. by Natalia Vinelli That last segment which has seen major setbacks after right-wing President Mauricio Macri took power in 2015 is where Barricada TV emerged, and from where those who founded it talk about the need to produce a decentred, local gaze distanced from both the interests of big global networks producing coverage on Latin America from the north, and the commercial channels governed by market logics in the south. We talked to Vinelli about how Edward Saids work is a fitting frame through which to think about media representations on and from Latin America. The Listening Post: The central concept put forward by Edward Said in his book Orientalism deals with how colonial power produces representations of the other. How does Saids thinking relate to media representations and news coverage on Latin America? Natalia Vinelli: Saids work is very relevant for anyone analysing international medias conception and representation of Latin America. The images and narratives that are constantly circulated by the mainstream press, by soap operas and dramas, find us cast in stereotypical roles, in line with the prejudices of the West countries that our economies are still dependent on. Take a news outlet such as CNN Espanol it projects a vision of what the perfect Latin American should be: a businessman who is competitive, charming and open to western modernity servile to the rules and regulations of our globalised world, apologetic about his countrys underdevelopment and who feels part of a regional elite who are ultimately aligned with US interests or at least with the globalising hegemony of free trade agreements. This perfect Latin American stands in contrast to another stereotype which we could define as the authentic Latin American it reflects another angle of the norths view of us. Cultural industries project an image of emotional nations wedded to the whims of authoritarian and populist leaders, and in this way, they condemn us to a permanent child-like status which prevents us from making decisions about our future. These pre-conceived Latin Americans are seen as children or noble savages in countries destined by their nature to live off farming and the extraction of natural resources. Our world is reduced to an immutable essence, a superficially marvellous essence which is also backward and even sometimes fearsome, but which can prosper if it follows the advice of its civilised, powerful mentors. The Listening Post: Saids work has inspired many journalists from the global south who are committed to a decentred production of news. The pan-Latin American broadcaster TeleSUR was conceived with this vision, in a context where traditionally, there have been no regional channels speaking for the continent, from the continent as it were. How do you assess the channel and its output? Natalia Vinelli: TeleSUR has covered Latin America from our own point of view. Not as victims or as infantilised peoples, but as subjects, as a diverse we. The TeleSUR project dismantled the norths discourses and representations of the region in an attempt to build a counter-hegemony of information across the continent. It managed to counteract the likes of CNN and even at times to impose its own agenda on CNN. Many a time, TeleSUR works as an ethical standard, just as the Cuban press agency Prensa Latina did in its inception. The problem, in my view, is that its force becomes limited when the logic of propaganda prevails over the logic of democratisation, or when it takes a shortcut and copies the CNN format to turn it upside down. This is how our philosophy of placing our north in our south as expressed in Joaquin Torres Garcias Inverted Map of South America loses its potency. But without a doubt, this gaze makes a difference in the international media landscape. The Listening Post: Through the orientalist gaze, the other is portrayed as the binary opposite of civilisation, reason, science, modernity. Could you talk to us about how journalism in Latin America supports this narrative and perpetuates it? Natalia Vinelli: For the West, Latin America is a barbarian, backward entity, summing up the cultural shortcomings derived from the crossbreeding between the indigenous populations and the Spanish Catholic tradition. Latinos, in the norths imagery, are lazy, promiscuous, unfocused, party-loving, violent, thieving, superstitious, etc. Western governments and media, however well-intentioned they may be, apply that conventional wisdom of the first world. This narrative becomes more important when it is internalised by the big Latin American media groups and by a part of society. The opposition between the we, self-defined as superior and domineering, and the other, which underlies the modern imperialist push which conquered the world at the end of the 19th century, ends up informing the vision of the regional elites, who are prone to interiorising the stereotypes created by the north. They assume the imposed role of perfect Latin- Americans which we mentioned at the beginning, acting as enforcers of this narrative as well as the internal base for the construction of Latin America as a barbaric region. The Listening Post: This idea that orientalism works internally is a suggestive one when talking about Argentina. Way before Said wrote Orientalism, Argentinas modern nation state was being imagined and written. Talk to us about these foundational narratives that seem to echo precisely what Said was intimating. Natalia Vinelli: Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, who was a journalist before he became Argentinas president in 1868, formulated a foundational myth based on the paradox of civilisation or barbarism. In a radical proposition, he laid out a myth which would inform the vision of Europe with regard to relations of identity emerging in Argentina during the civil war. Modern capitalist relations appear in the framework of civilization and are exported by Europe, and the US, in the form of capital and idealised cultural norms. The other is located in the pole of barbarism, including everything opposed or non-compliant with the penetration of civilisation, capital, and the vision that elites had of the place of their new country in the world. The Gauchos the Creoles of mixed race and farming or working-class extraction belong to this otherness, alongside their leaders, the non-integrated Indians and the countries representing other visions of the world, such as Paraguay, or the rest of Latin America. The myth of civilisation or barbarism was the most advanced ideological expression of the local dominant class. It endowed them with a legitimising ideology, which would help to spread the idea that the economic penetration of the dominant powers was progressive. However, we must not forget that there is also a counter-myth in the debate of Argentine national identity, and that is the myth of the Gaucho Martin Fierro, where the other becomes the us. While this myth emerges once the social power of the Gaucho is in decline, it continues to operate in the formulation of a national identity as an alternative to Sarmientos eurocentric paradox. Martin Fierro embodies a national base upon which to build a subordinate identity as persecuted subjects, who once they become aware of this historical fact are able to confront the civilisers. The Listening Post: Lets bring this notion of internal orientalism to the present and your work. How do you think Barricada TV, the outlet you co-founded, could be interpreted through the eyes of Edward Said? Natalia Vinelli: When I was introduced to Saids work, it crystallised the idea that it is not possible for us to continue our task without questioning the very essence of the Latin American label. Without questioning, essentially, the power structures that would see the world divided between good and bad, development and underdevelopment, between civilisation and barbarism. Said taught us that our culture cannot be represented by its western interpretation. Barricada TV is an alternative television channel which is broadcast out of an old metal factory that was occupied by its workers in the centre of Buenos Aires. This location defines the identity of the channel, as do its political and communicational objectives. Once, at a talk with fellow journalists, we were told that our output wasnt very televisual. That comment was a reference to our style of reporting on a story in which we gave homeless people the microphone so that they could talk to us about their lives and how they had been forced to occupy empty flats for the winter. Thats one of many examples which shows the need for another kind of approach that breaks with stereotypes and exposes the mercantile logic of mainstream communication when it comes to setting agendas and citing sources. At Barricada TV we want to give the spotlight, the front page, the leading story to the voices of those in the struggles being ignored by the big media outlets. I am talking about the deprived areas of society, those who do not have media representation, or who are usually stereotyped not just by international news narratives, but by the local ones. Thats what we mean by internal orientalism. Natalia Vinelli is the cofounder of Barricada TV a cooperative TV channel and is author of Television From Below: History, Difference and the Journalism of Counter-information. This article forms part of an online project by Al Jazeera Englishs media analysis show The Listening Post. Follow #MediaTheorised The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policies. Last October, the prime minister of Montenegro announced that an election day plot to overthrow his government had been foiled. Pro-Russia conspirators opposed to his aim of joining NATO were alleged to be responsible and had planned to assassinate the countrys leaders. But was this a genuine coup attempt a sinister effort to topple a democratically elected administration and take over the country by force? Or was it, as some claim, a carefully choreographed fake news event, designed to win sympathy for a controversial and allegedly corrupt politician on the verge of losing public support. We sent filmmakers Glenn Ellis and Katerina Barushka to investigate. FILMMAKERS VIEW By Glenn Ellis and Katerina Barushka Outside of the Balkans few people know where to find Montenegro on a map of Europe; fewer still have heard of Milo Djukanovic, the ex-communist turned pro-Western strongman who has ruled in various guises this pocket-sized republic for almost 30 years. But following an alleged election-day coup attempt last October by the pro-Russian opposition, supposedly intended to stymie Montenegros efforts to join NATO, this tiny country has moved to centre stage in the new cold war. Rumours of arrests were rife when we arrived in the capital, Podgorica, so we seized the chance to interview Adreja Mandic, leader of the Democratic Front (DF), an alliance of opposition parties. The DF claim that Djukanovic has for years plundered state assets for personal enrichment and that Montenegro has endured decades of state-sponsored human rights violations including the murder of government critics. Allegations of the oppositions involvement in an armed plot to overthrow the ruling elite should thus be seen in the same light. Our political opponents will do anything to protect what they have stolen, Mandic says. This election was the most fraudulent weve ever had. First there was the traditional method of buying votes, bringing in foreigners to vote, but now we have a new method of fraud namely, carrying out a fake coup. Twenty Montenegrins and Serbians had been arrested in connection with the coup some of whom were said to have Russian ties. The plot was quickly condemned by Montenegros putative allies in the West and equally quickly ridiculed as fake news in Russia. But the authorities werent yet offering much else in the way of convincing evidence. Indeed the key prosecution witness, Mirko Velimirovic, an alleged coup-plotter, had already given wildly conflicting accounts regarding the weapon which was supposed to be used to assassinate Prime Minister Djukanovic. To try to shed some light on the affair we had arranged to meet Vanja Calovic, celebrated anti-corruption advocate and a keen observer of the Montenegrin political scene. Calovic also had her doubts about the alleged conspiracy and explained that it all had to be seen in context. Djukanovic portrays NATO and Russia as the major issue; and hes succeeding because looking at Montenegro from London or Washington, of course youre going to say this is more important than whats actually happening in the country: the corruption and human rights violations. Montenegro is a haven for criminals and provides them with different kinds of support like money laundering. This is what Djukanovic is trying to hide from the West by putting NATO as the major issue. Djukanovic was once famously indicted by the Italian anti-Mafia unit and has been dogged by accusations of election rigging. Calovic believes, for example, that as much as 15 percent of votes cast in last Octobers election were suspicious. We are finding people without citizenship and even dead people being able to vote. Wed hoped to question Djukanovic about these issues, but as he has done before (only to return subsequently), hed stepped down from office days after winning the election and installed former secret police chief Dusko Markovic as the new PM. When Prime Minister Markovic also pulled out of an interview we were offered Srdjan Darmanovic, Montenegros politically unaligned foreign minister. He insisted that Djukanovic was no longer running the country, contrary to what many people believe. His party controls most of the positions in government. Hes the head of the party. He has serious influence. Thats normal. But executive power is in other hands. Regarding the election, the foreign minister was sanguine, Turnout was 73 percent. Elections were competitive, free and fair, as confirmed in the OSCE audit report. And as for the alleged coup, It was not a video game. It was not just anybodys invention. It was a serious business. When we handed him some police documents showing telephone intercepts of conversations between two of the alleged coup-plotters in which inexplicably both caller and receiver were using the same telephone number at the same time, he seemed unfazed: Im not an expert of that. I heard it was adjusted like that. It was time to leave Podgorica and head north to where wed heard that people had been offered bribes to vote for Djukanovics party. A three-hour drive though snow-capped mountains brought us to Cokrlije, a remote hamlet where we met a farmer, Vukomir Rakocevic, who told us that hed been promised a cow for his children if his family voted for Djukanovic. He said that although they kept their side of the bargain the family was still waiting for the animal. My children so far live without this cow. They lied to us. It was just one of many such stories we would hear. The next day, another trip to the mountains took us to the town of Murino, where we hoped to get some insight into the deep anti-NATO feeling amid some Montenegrin communities. The most powerful explanation we heard came from a grieving middle-aged woman, Moma Knezevic. During the Kosovo conflict in 1999, NATO conducted a bombing campaign against Serbia, of which Montenegro was then a part. Moma lost her son, Miroslav, when a bridge in Murino, of no strategic importance, was targeted. Three adults and two girls also died. When the grandmother of these girls went to look for them, she found my Miroslavs leg, Moma told us, fighting back tears. And the head of one of the girls. No official apology or financial compensation has ever been offered to Moma. Wed also heard of others who continue to pay a price for the NATO attacks. We headed briefly into neighbouring Serbia to meet Dr Danica Grujicic, a neurosurgeon at the Clinical Centre in the capital, Belgrade. She told us that the alliances bombs many of which were coated with depleted uranium had caused a massive increase in systemic cancers in Serbia and Montenegro, from where many of her patients come. Its higher incidents of all kinds of cancers, but the lungs and bowel cancers, theyre most prominent now, because we have an epidemic of lung cancers. She added frostily: I think that NATO is a criminal organisation and I believe that a lot of people in Montenegro believe so too. Back in Podgirica the mood was tense. Parliament had just voted to strip opposition leader Andreja Mandic of immunity from prosecution, citing alleged involvement in the coup. But when Mandic arrived at the building to await his arrest, he was joined by a large crowd of supporters. To defuse a potentially explosive situation, prosecutors then announced that Mandic would not face immediate custody but no one seemed under any illusions that the man leading the campaign to stop Montenegro joining NATO would soon be behind bars. No referendum on NATO membership has been allowed by the government, despite the issue being so divisive that there have been widespread protests and repeated calls by the opposition for it to be settled by a direct vote. Perhaps its because, as Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic made plain, the matter has now in any case been dealt with by the election and single issue plebiscites are politically tricky. So, come what may, it seems inevitable that Montenegro will join the alliance much to Moscows chagrin. Whether the result of last Octobers election would have gone differently and delivered another answer to the NATO question had there not been an alarming polling-day announcement of a coup attempt, can only be a matter of speculation. But when the authorities eventually get around to fleshing out the evidence against the alleged coup plotters, it will do little to diminish the scepticism of those who believe it was all just a little too convenient. A UF alumnus is one of 36 U.S. citizens to earn a prestigious University of Cambridge scholarship. Grant Simpson, who graduated from UF in 2014 with a bachelors degree in chemistry and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, said he found out he won the Gates Cambridge Scholarship on Feb. 1. In total, 800 people applied, he said. In October, he will travel to the University of Cambridge, located in Cambridgeshire, England, to pursue a masters in philosophy and chemistry while researching anti-cancer strategies. Everyone over there is at the top of their game, so it will be a chance to study at one of the best institutions in the world, Simpson said. His project, which he developed with a UF professor, aims to discover new ways to prevent cancer by attaching antibodies and cytoplasmic drugs, both of which target cancer cells, to a quadruple helical DNA, he said. This is the third year in a row a UF alumnus was selected as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, according to a UF News press release. Dr. Khan Ha, a former UF teaching associate and current resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, said hes happy for his former student, who has applied for the Cambridge program before. I know that he has the qualied cations to do well, but at the same time he didnt get it last year, so I was excited beyond a doubt, Ha said. After Student Government elections, parties and independent candidates submitted their nal campaign nance reports Monday. Impact Party spent $9,387.71 for its campaign, with the help of $6,555.89 in donations, according to the reports. The partys spending increased by $2,611.61 from Fall 2016s campaign, according to Alligator archives. Impact spokesperson Janae Moodie wrote in an email there was a mistake in the reports, and she declined to comment further on Impacts spending. It appears as if the supervisor of elections has made an error when uploading the donor documents, she said. He has been notied of the mistake. I dont have any more information at this time. Pulkit Kumar Dhir, the only independent to win a Student Senate seat this semester, said he spent no money campaigning. It was mainly just a campaign on Facebook and word of mouth, said Dhir, now a graduate senator. Progress Party, which had seven candidates lose, spent $154.73, according to the reports. The whole thing about politics, as much as I hate and as much as everyone hates it, its fueled by money, Progress President Casey Witte said. Witte said costs were split among the candidates, who each paid about $30. Although his party didnt win seats, he said that compared to their limited resources, he was happy with the votes the candidates received. The reports were nalized Monday. UF Supervisor of Elections Eric Hobbs said the reports were up to date as of Tuesday. @paigexfry Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now pfry@alligator.org Disillusioned with a UF Student Government dominated by a single majority party, one student plans to create his own. Hansberry Pierre, a UF freshman with no previous experience with SG, said he doesnt feel represented by the current representatives, most of which are afliated with Impact Party. In the past two elections, Impact has claimed 97 of 100 Student Senate seats. Pierre created a Facebook page in February to gather others who are frustrated with SG and gauge their interest in creating a party. He began posting on Feb. 24, after learning of Impacts dominance in the Spring elections. I want there to be a Student Government that is representative of the entire, diverse Student Body, the 20-year-old UF biology and sociology freshman said. As of Wednesday, his page had 168 likes. He said SG hasnt been transparent, especially because of the lack of advertising about the Spring election and explanation of amendments. Pierre didnt vote in the past election and said he only knew about it after an Impact Party member approached him. Once theres a one-party election, that causes many people to be voiceless, he said. I did not feel that I had a choice. Right now, Pierre said hes still making initial plans to form a party by reaching out to those involved in SG to learn about its rules and regulations. Vrushank Desai, 18, was one of the rst people to like the Facebook page. The UF mechanical engineering freshman said there should be a second party to represent non-Greek students. I denitely hope theres enough buzz generated by that page to form a strong opposition to implement online voting, he said. Im hoping to see something like Access (Party) return. @paigexfry Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now pfry@alligator.org Calvin Cole attributes his comedy roots to his alma mater, UF. On March 10 and 11, his sketch-comedy group, Big Britches, will be one of more than 60 sketch-comedy acts from across North America who will perform at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. The 12th annual sketch-comedy festival is a 12-day event that started Wednesday. His college comedic career started with a stand-up performance during a protege show for those who had never done stand-up before. His love for comedy continued to grow throughout his time in Gainesville and culminated his senior year when he was voted Americas Funniest College Student in 2010, representing UF in a national NCAA March Madness-style comedy tournament. In 2010, UF was one of the final four teams at Rooftop Comedys National College Comedy Competition, which started with 32 schools. The tournament was run completely online, where schools uploaded videos of their routines and participants could vote for their favorites. That year, the comedy team won the tournament, and Cole was nominated MVP of his team. The final four teams each sent their MVP to perform at the TBS Just For Laughs Chicago comedy festival, where Cole was awarded the top honor Americas Funniest College Student. My comedy career is very much tied up in school, Cole, 28, said. At UF, Cole co-founded the University Stand-Up Comedy Club, which helps students develop their talent. It was there he met Tim Keck, who would soon become one of his closest friends. Keck was one of the three members who joined Cole at Rooftop Comedys National College Comedy Competition in Aspen, Colorado. Upon first interaction, Keck, a UF alumnus, described Cole as intimidating but incredibly helpful. He really gave me a lot of advice on comedy and kind of took me under his wing, Keck said. Keck explained Cole as a storyteller. He said Cole likes taking the audience on a journey together. Keck, a freelance comedian in New York, said he likely wouldnt be doing comedy at all without Coles help. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now He was motivating me back then, and hes still motivating me now by continuing to push himself, Keck said. Hes really found his niche, and I appreciate that. Cole moved to New York City after graduating in 2010 with a bachelors degree in English and focus in film studies. There, he started enrolling in classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade and met the members who would form his sketch comedy group, Big Britches. The comedy quartet consists of Cole, Emily Duncan, Jon Hudson and Kantad Svendsgaard. Though they dont perform directly through UCB Comedy, their core training comes from the legendary improvisational and sketch comedy group in New York City. Big Britches has done comedy together for a few years now. They previously hosted, produced, booked and performed a weekly improv show. When theyre not spending three to five days a week rehearsing material for the upcoming festival, they are focusing on putting together a play that will open in New York City. Most of us have writing backgrounds as well, and we wanted to flex that muscle a little bit, he said. The groups sketch-writing process starts with collaboration. The first step is to pitch individual ideas. They give each other feedback on outlines and specific jokes, and then they separate to write the finished products. After they have a drafted sketch, members edit and polish each piece. Whoever mainly writes the sketch will typically cast it. After working together for so long, the group has developed a shared sense of humor, Cole said. Theyre able to take their different perspectives on life and turn it into a sketch they know the rest of the group will find funny. Cole said all of the members of Big Britches grew up watching and absorbing all forms of comedy. He said they have similar tastes in what they appreciate, which influences their writing. You get that sense of what everyone else finds funny, and you end up playing to that because these are the people you end up hanging out with and you want to make them laugh, he said. Performing is their favorite aspect, Cole said. The shows themselves are what they look forward to most. This is their first time at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. Although they dont know what to expect yet, heading to Canada for this show allows the troupe to meet people from all over North America who share a common passion, Cole said. Just being immersed in a comedy environment like that is really cool, he said. Each member has a full-time job in addition to their work with the group. Cole is an operations manager at a staffing company. Thats probably the least interesting thing about me, he said. He also expanded his comedic platform with an iTunes podcast he recently started with his fiance. The podcast, Cinestalgia, has comedic guests watch a movie from their childhood and then discuss it. This will be Big Britches second time performing in Canada. They participated in the Montreal Sketch Fest last year. Were excited about being involved in something thats so meticulously run, he said. It should be exciting. English News China advocates BRICS+ model of open cooperation Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Mars 2017 In future, the five BRICS countries are expected to continue to tap potential for cooperation, identify more converging interests in areas such as trade and investment, liberalization and facilitation, e-commerce, financial market connectivity, innovation-driven development, and carry out more result-oriented cooperation programs that can deliver economic and social benefits. By Zhao Cheng from Peoples Daily BRICS members should launch more outreach dialogue to benefit more parties with their cooperation, foster a "BRICS+" model of open cooperation, and set up a more broad-based South-South cooperation platform for the common development of emerging market economies and developing countries, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said recently as he expressed Chinas expectations towards the bloc. Yang made the remarks at the First Sherpa Meeting of the 9th BRICS Summit in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province on February 23. The 2017 BRICS Summit will be held from September 3-5 in Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province, the councilor declared to the world at the meeting. The theme of this year's event will be "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future." Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 8th BRICS summit held in 2016 in the Indian city of Goa, urged BRICS members to build a community of common actions, saying that the five countries not only share common interests, but also must step forward hand in hand. Xis proposals made clear the goal and direction for cooperation among BRICS countries, and delivered Chinas resolution to push BRICS countries for progress and a bigger role in global affairs. The just-concluded Sherpa Meeting charted the course and depicted the roadmap for BRICS cooperation, laying a foundation for the preparation work of the Xiamen Summit. Yang also clarified the priorities in preparations for the Xiamen Summit, urging BRICS members to enhance unity and coordination in improving global governance, deepen practical cooperation for win-win results, increase people-to-people exchanges to win greater popular support for BRICS cooperation, and strengthen institution building and improve cooperation platforms. The New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement are known as two important carriers for practical cooperation among BRICS countries. In future, the five BRICS countries are expected to continue to tap potential for cooperation, identify more converging interests in areas such as trade and investment, liberalization and facilitation, e-commerce, financial market connectivity, innovation-driven development, and carry out more result-oriented cooperation programs that can deliver economic and social benefits. The BRICS grouping includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS cooperative mechanism was established in 2006. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China to maintain move toward market-oriented, law-based and open capital market: securities regulator Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Mars 2017 According to the officials, the commission has been exploring ways to introduce foreign capital and expand foreign companies investment in China during the 20-plus years since the A-share market was launched. By Qiang Wei from Peoples Daily As part of the effort to further open its capital markets to foreign participants, China is discussing measures that would allow foreign corporations to take larger stakes in domestic joint-venture securities and futures brokerages, officials with the top securities regulator disclosed at a press conference on Sunday. The officials with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) emphasized Chinas stance that overseas investors and service providers are welcomed to expand in the nation. China now allows foreign investors to boost holdings in joint-venture securities houses, fund management companies and futures firms to a maximum 49 percent. According to the officials, the commission has been exploring ways to introduce foreign capital and expand foreign companies investment in China during the 20-plus years since the A-share market was launched. CSRC Vice Chairman Fang Xinghai said that there was still no timetable for the launch of an international board that would allow foreign-invested enterprises to list their shares in China, addressing concerns that the introduction of an international board may threaten the value of A-shares. The rules involved were still being studied, but technical challenges remained, he explained, citing accounting standards as an example. According to Fang, companies overseas follow different accounting standards and information disclosure rules than those used in China, and further adjustments are needed before a launch decision. Global equity indexes provider MSCI will make a fourth decision on whether Chinas A-shares will be added to the index, which will be important for Chinas A-share market. Any international stock index without Chinese A-shares is incomplete, Fang pointed out, but said at the same time that China will not make a judgment on the final results. He said at the same time that the final decision will not move China from the opening-up or reform pace toward a market-oriented, law-based and international capital market. The CSRC has improved a series of basic policies for the capital markets to support the development of real economy, said Chairman Liu Shiyu. In 2016, the 248 companies that held IPOs in China raised more than 163 billion yuan ($23.7 billion), according to Liu. He added that in the same period, listed enterprises refinanced over 1.34 trillion yuan, while 261 listed enterprises saw an increase of more than 980 billion yuan in capital through acquisitions and restructuring. Companies that are listed on the New Third Board, China's share transfer system for small and medium-sized companies, raised more than 139.1 billion yuan, he added. Those visible numbers gave a strong boost to the real economy, Liu said. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News International protests increasing in solidarity with Southern Cameroon - 2 Mars 2017 Harmony Bobga Mbuton, president of Cameroons North West Lawyers Association, returned to The Stream on Al Jazeera this week, just over two months since the show originally explored the protests among his countrys English-speaking communities, who claim French-speaking President Paul Biyas government is treating them as second-class citizens. The Stream host Femi Oke says that, since that show, The government of Cameroon has pulled the plug on the internet and banned public gatherings in the regions fraught with tensions. What started as strikes for bilingualism in the Northwest and Southwest territories have revealed very deep political divides that spread beyond language, culture and geography. On The Stream in December, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Minister of Communications, promised negotiations but Mbuton says these broke down quickly. In fact, I was part of the negotiations that ensued and took place in Yaounde on 27-28 December 2016. The government had constructed the questions that had to be dealt with in the negotiation to suit their own purpose. We walked out of the dialogue and the next thing we heard was that they started arresting us, which is what forced me to flee from Cameroon, through Nigeria to here [Washington DC] now. Mbutons wife and children are still in Cameroon, where he says, The situation is bad, comparing it to what happened in Rwanda when the genocide began. He claims that people are being arrested and taken away, with their families unable to find out where. It is tipping into the point where the population is saying that even with their empty hands and sticks, they are ready to start providing resistance to protect themselves. The media and internet blackout makes it difficult to verify claims like this; as Mbuton says, the internet ban has meant that the government has operated behind the curtains because there is no easy access to information within the territory anymore. Mbuton says people are using smartphones to send images and information out to the world by traveling to the French-speaking parts of Cameroon where there is still internet, but its not flowing as it was. Since the protests began nearly four months ago, Biya has signed a decree establishing a national commission to promote bilingualism and has addressed protesters several times in major speeches. At least several hundred protesters have been arrested. Some are being tried for terrorism for allegedly calling for secession of the Anglophone regions. They could face the death penalty if convicted. Mbuton says the strike is ongoing and international protests are increasing. Even Cameroons recent victory at the African Cup of Nations was not enough to unite the country. The provocative move to go and show off the African Cup that was won by Cameroon was welcomed by ghost towns, says Mbuton. People abandoned the streets. Only the entourage from Yaounde was parading the streets in military vehicles. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News The Belt and Road to dominate agendas of Chinas two sessions Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 2 Mars 2017 The investment amount of projects across the Belt and Road region has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33 percent since China put forward the initiative in 2013, said Simon Burke, head of the financing department at PwC Hong Kong. By Jiang Bo from Peoples Daily Chinas Belt and Road initiative is attracting more world attention as annual sessions of National Peoples Congress (NPC) and Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also referred to as the two sessions, are just around the corner. Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said he hopes the meetings will cover agendas on accelerating the construction of the routes. Like most international observers, I would follow each agenda during the two sessions, especially the ones related to the fields of economy and connectivity, he added. Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road initiative refers to building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. The visionary strategic plan is aimed at building involved countries into a community of common interests and shared destiny featuring mutual benefit and common prosperity. Encompassing 66 countries and regions in three continents, the routes begin from China and run through Central Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia and even some parts of Europe. The investment amount of projects across the Belt and Road region has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33 percent since China put forward the initiative in 2013, said Simon Burke, head of the financing department at PwC Hong Kong. Last year, the average GDP growth of the region was 4.6 percent, outnumbering the average 3.6-percent-growth of emerging markets, he added. More than that, the Belt and Road initiative benefits the world in so many ways, Zhang Jianping, head of the Research Center for Regional Economic Cooperation under China's Ministry of Commerce told the Peoples Daily. He further added that the initiative focuses on not only infrastructure construction of the countries along the routes, but also their bilateral trade and two-way investment. Data released by the Ministry of Commerce shows that China's combined imports and exports with countries along the routes topped 918.4 billion dollars in 2016, up 0.6 percent from 2015. Chinese businesses helped build 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in about 20 countries along the Belt and Road with a combined investment surpassing 18.5 billion dollars, generating nearly 1.1 billion dollars in tax revenue and about 180,000 jobs in those countries. Besides this important political event, the international cooperation summit forum on the "Belt and Road" initiative to be held on May 14 to 15 will bring around round of Belt and Road fever. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's Beidou reaches world-leading level: white paper Silk Road e-commerce promotes trade among Belt and Road countries Irrigation project in Jiangsu gets world heritage designation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) One of the dominant themes to emerge during last years presidential campaign was that Donald Trump posed a clear and present threat to Muslims in America. Both before and since his election, the news has been full of stories featuring Muslims who fear for their safety and well-being. The odd thing is that many of the reports of violence have been wholly contrived. There was the 18-year-old Muslim-American woman in New York City who claimed that a group of Trump supporters attacked her in December. She told police she was harassed on the subway and that her assailants tried to steal her hijab. She later confessed to having made the entire thing up. Another example occurred at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where a student admitted to lying when she alleged that two men, one wearing a Trump hat, shouted obscenities at her, struck her with a metal object, knocked her down, and stole her wallet and hijab. Again, it was later revealed that the woman made up the story. Then theres the case of Ibtihaj Muhammad, who is known as the first female Muslim-American to win an Olympic medal. She claimed after Trumps inauguration that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had recently detained her for two hours without explanation. This prompted numerous stories about how an American hero was detained as a result of President Trumps immigration order, which temporarily barred citizens from seven countries infested by terrorists into the U.S. Then the truth came out: Muhammad clarified that she was detained under the Obama administration. The problem with all of these stories is that the media didnt report the update -- the truth -- as vigorously as they did the original story, which was fake news. Even if they had, many Americans likely would not have heard about it. To paraphrase Mark Twain, a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its hijab. Meanwhile, the media myth that Trumps America is somehow bigoted toward Muslims isnt borne out by facts or reality. A new Pew Research Center poll finds that when it comes to religion, Americans generally express more positive feelings toward various religious groups today than they did just a few years ago. Between June 2014 and last month, positive feelings toward Muslims rose from 40 percent to 48 percent. Among Republicans surveyed, positive views of Muslims increased six points over that time. Americans are a tolerant and welcoming people. However, most Americans have the common sense to recognize the obvious -- that some part of Islam is at war with the West. And just because Americans do not want to admit people into the country who may be terrorists doesnt mean they are xenophobic racists. Many Americans simply want assurances that we arent allowing in jihadists or importing hatred. We want to know that we are keeping out those who reject fundamental American values of tolerance and religious liberty. We want to know that our policies will screen out anti-Semitism, which is prevalent throughout the Islamic world and a growing problem here in the U.S. FBI statistics show that Jews remain the most frequent targets of religiously motivated hate crimes. In fact, Jewish community centers have received scores of bomb threats in just the last six weeks, and even Jewish cemeteries are not immune to violence and desecration. All of this is happening even as the domestic threat from radical Islam has grown. According to a new report from the Anti-Defamation League, 69 people died in 2016 as a result of homegrown extremist violence. Thats the most since 1995, when the Oklahoma City bombing occurred. The high number was due mostly to the Orlando nightclub shooting, which took the lives of 49 people. That shooting, carried out by an Islamic terrorist who pledged his allegiance to ISIS, made Islamic extremism the deadliest ideology in America for the first time in 30 years. Outside the U.S., it is Jews and Christians who are under siege, often at the hands of militant Muslims. Anti-Semitism is rising in Europe as more Muslims move in. And according to a new report by Open Doors USA, the persecution of Christians around the world is at the worst levels in modern times. That report echoed similar findings from the Center for Studies on New Religions, which estimated that 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2016. It further found that as many as 600 million Christians were prevented from practicing their faith around the world. A third report, this one by the persecution watchdog group Aid to the Church in Need, found in its 2016 report that 38 of 196 countries examined showed unmistakable evidence of significant religious freedom violations. Whats more, the report found that almost all of the most egregious violators of religious freedom have significant Muslim populations. A record number of Muslim immigrants and refugees resettled in the U.S. in 2016. And Ill make a prediction: many Muslims, desperate to escape the extremism of some of their co-religionists, will continue to clamor to enter the U.S. during Trumps presidency. Thats because once the rhetoric is wiped away, America remains one of the most tolerant and welcoming places for people of any religion or ethnicity. Among those phenomena most dreaded in liberal-progressive orthodoxy is "Islamophobia." Because the left continues to shape the boundaries of public discourse, any question regarding Islamic doctrine or the conduct of Muslims that might suggest that Islam is not a religion of peace is routinely labeled as Islamophobic. Despite voluminous evidence supporting a rational interpretation of Islam as a warrior ideology with a religious veneer, concerned non-Muslims are slandered as irrational xenophobes by the media, Hollywood, and academia. As these cultural grandees ignore the medieval brutality of ISIS; the screams of "Allahu akbar" by jihadists at places like Fort Hood, San Bernardino, and Orlando; and the anti-Western provocations of imams and mullahs around the globe, they show themselves to be engaged in a toxic romance with anything Islamic. While leftists have a slobbering love affair with Islam "Islamophilia," we might call it they concurrently suffer from a raving hysteria of what could be termed "Christophobia." The left smears those concerned about the dangers of Islam as "Islamophobes" a moniker that essentially accuses the latter of mental instability. The right can quite adequately counter-argue that the term "Christophobia" should be assigned to the radical elements of the left-wing polity as a diagnosis of the way they regularly lose their minds over anything in the public square resembling America's Christian heritage. Overwhelmed with panic that puritanical lynch mobs are ready to pour out of America's churches to jail unbelievers and execute heretics, leftists are filled with hyperactive terror at any sign of Christianity in our culture and law. Blinded by hatred of the morality for which Christianity stands, the left goes thermonuclear over pro-life arguments, opposition to the redefinition of marriage, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. When a conservative or Republican announces his friendly sentiments toward Christianity and then proposes that it is a bad idea for government to mandate transgender bathrooms in all of America's public buildings or that limitless federal spending on social welfare programs is neither effective nor the proper role of government, Christophobia is triggered in the die-hard leftist. Somehow, the promotion of federalism, national security, and the science of human biology is considered by leftists to be persecution in the vein of the colonial authorities' pursuit of the women accused of demonic activity during the 1692 Salem witch trials. What else but Christophobia could accurately describe the wild-eyed outburst that occurred at GOP senator Bill Cassidy's town hall meeting? Consider Todd Starnes's report: A group of enraged protesters exploded in anger after a chaplain prayed in the name of Jesus at a town hall meeting in Louisiana hosted by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. The verbally-abusive crowd also heckled a Vietnam War veteran who attempted to lead the group in the pledge of allegiance[.] ... The Feb. 22 town hall meeting in Metairie, was quickly overrun by the angry mob much like other town hall meetings hosted by Republican lawmakers across the country[.] ... Chaplain Sprague had barely invoked the name of the Almighty when the heckling began. "Pray on your own time. This is our time," someone shouted[.] ... Others chanted, "Separation of church and state" and so on and so forth[.] ... [W]ords do not do justice to the amount of hate directed at the chaplain. "I've never been shouted down throughout a time of prayer like that," Chaplain Sprague told me. "I've never been in a situation like that. It's sad there wasn't honor and respect for God." But they became absolutely unhinged when he concluded his prayer in the name of Jesus. "Wow, they booed the name of Jesus," Cassidy said in remarks reported by the Times Picayune. The 2016 election produced a victorious trifecta for the GOP: the presidency, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. This Republican sweep has catalyzed the current wave of Christophobia, but Christophobic behavior is nothing new. Let us remember that the 2012 Democratic National Convention featured a Christophobe chorus, booing the event chairman, Antonio Villaraigosa, over a floor vote to mention God and support for Jerusalem as the capital of Israel ideas that evangelical Christians espouse in the Democratic Party platform. Roll back time to the 2008 campaign: then-candidate Barack Obama dismissively suggested that rural Americans turn to religion as a means of coping with decades of job loss. In referring to Rust Belt Americans who "get bitter" and "cling to guns or religion" during difficult economic circumstances, Mr. Obama was conveying a supercilious attitude toward Bible-believing Christians. Coupling that admonition with his later proclamation at the United Nations that the future should not belong to "those who slander the prophet of Islam," the 44th president clearly exhibited symptoms of comorbid diagnoses of Islamophilia and Christophobia. How scandalized Christophobes must be in the knowledge that two of liberalism's greatest icons FDR (who asked the nation to join him in prayer on behalf of the troops whom he would be sending into battle to liberate France on D-Day) and JFK (whose undelivered remarks on the fateful day in November 1963 when he was killed concluded with a quote from Psalm 127) invoked God on the nation's behalf! In evangelical circles, it is common to hear an argument in favor of belief in God based on the idea that each human being has a God-shaped hole in his heart. The great apologist C.S. Lewis said it this way: If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world. Essentially, we bitter clingers choose a Judeo-Christian lens for viewing everything in the material world, including human government, because we believe that ultimate authority is transcendental. Thus, our policy solutions mirror New Testament theology in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Romans, wherein the Apostle Paul indicates that the nature of civil government is limited to that of a divinely delegated authority for the specific purpose of punishing wrongdoers. We also believe from numerous New Testament passages that that social welfare in the forms of caring for the poor, curing of the sick, and looking after the needy is best addressed in the domains of personal charity and ecclesiastical benevolent ministry. Conversely, today's liberalism has made politics its religion, ordained liberal politicians as its priests, christened government edifices as houses of worship, imposed taxes for its tithes, and retooled the progressive-era Social Gospel of nominally Christian reformers like Walter Rauschenbusch into an incessant demand for the approval of immoral conduct that the biblical Gospel rejects. The modern left, having grown increasingly atheistic and embarrassingly sympathetic to Islam, eschews biblical boundaries for government and is in a rage because it is currently unable to use government at will to force its policies on the nation as a whole. Because limited government, personal responsibility, heterosexuality, and American traditions are once again being advanced as a result of the electorate's recent choices, one can clearly see the left suffering a bad case of Christophobia, indeed. John Steinreich has an M.A. in church history from Colorado Theological Seminary. He has authored two Christian-themed non-fiction books: The Words of God? the Bible, the Qur'an and How They Are Lived in the Post-9/11 World and A Great Cloud of Witnesses. His works are available on Lulu Press and on Kindle. Whenever a Republican president takes a position on human rights that differs from Progressive-liberal dogma, the media reacts with outrage. But regardless of whether the policies of any one president are just or unjust, the Progressive-liberal position on human rights is not supported by history or logic. From the very beginning, human rights have been defined as natural rights in the United States. In 1774, while meeting at the First Continental Congress, representatives from the colonies, including future president George Washington, explained that despite the oppressive acts of the British government, the colonists still had the rights to life, liberty, and property under natural law. Then in 1776, while meeting at the Second Continental Congress, representatives from the colonies, including future president Thomas Jefferson, based the Declaration of Independence on natural rights, and proclaimed that securing these rights is the purpose of government. Natural rights have four main features: They are universal (they apply to everyone, everywhere); They are unchanging (they stay the same, from generation to generation); They are unalienable (they cannot be taken away by a government); they are negative (they are the right to not be killed, the right to not be physically restrained, the right to not be robbed, and so on). While natural rights are universal and therefore apply in every nation, the government holding power in one nation does not have a duty to secure the natural rights of people from another nation. For example, Mexico has the duty to secure the natural rights of the Mexican people; Syria, the Syrian people; et cetera. However, when a nation has permitted a foreigner to legally enter the nation, such a duty exists for as long as the foreigner is legally present in the nation. Nevertheless, there is no duty to permit a foreigner entry into a nation in the first place, and there is no duty to secure the natural rights of anyone present in a nation illegally. Consequently, the United States does not have a duty to permit either immigrants or refugees into the nation, and it does not have a duty to secure the natural rights of illegal immigrants (from Mexico or any other nation). Now, while natural rights are unalienable and cannot be taken away by a government, these rights can be forfeited by an individual, but only when an individual violates the man-made laws of a nation (specifically, the man-made laws that are necessary to secure the natural rights of the people). In such a situation, a government can legitimately hold an individual accountable by depriving the individual of life, liberty, or property, depending on the facts of the case. Still, while the natural rights of an individual can be forfeited by that individual, the natural rights of an individual cannot be taken away (or voted away) by other individuals, even if those individuals represent a majority of the people. During the Founding Era, Samuel Adams reiterated that "the great end" of government is the support, protection, and defense of the natural rights to life, liberty, and property. And reiterating another fundamental principle, he said, "If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation." Today, a few Progressives and liberals continue to cite the Declaration of Independence and sing the praises of the unalienable rights, while at the same time supporting man-made laws that violate those very rights. Most Progressives and liberals simply reject natural rights openly and outright. In doing so, Progressives and liberals also reject the main features of natural rights; in particular, they claim that people have positive rights, including positive rights to government assistance. But this claim if false. The rights to life, liberty, and property are not positive rights to government services or benefits that assist the sustaining of life, or the exercise of liberty, or the acquisition of property. Moreover, a government cannot provide the positive rights demanded by Progressives and liberals without violating the natural rights of many other people. Notably, the Founding Fathers held that natural rights are given by God, and this is the position that has been held for centuries by many leading minds. Additionally, some secular scholars have long held that natural rights exist, independent of God, rooted in the natural order that exists in the world. In contrast, Progressives and liberals accept the existence of a natural order in the world for everything (climate, plants, insects, et cetera) except human beings. According to Progressives and liberals, rights are granted by government, not given by God (or nature), and rights are defined by government, if granted. Not surprisingly, these "rights" are defined in ways that impose Progressive-liberal ideology on everyone in the nation. Natural rights are different. Undeniably, life is not an ideology, liberty is not an ideology, and property is not an ideology. Life, liberty, and property exist naturally, regardless of whether a government exists or whether a nation exists. As the French statesman Frederic Bastiat long ago noted, "Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place." And to repeat, the founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, proclaims that governments are instituted to secure the natural rights of the people. Indeed, every major injustice that has occurred in U.S. history, from slavery onward, has taken place in a situation where a level of government, federal or state, failed to properly secure the natural rights. Today, instead of binding old wounds, Progressives and liberals are ripping open new ones. Paul Pauker is the author of Morality and Law in America. He also runs a website dedicated to advancing the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. Donald Trump has been president for just over five weeks. Yet on many fronts there is little doubt a new era has been birthed. One of the most obvious is relations with Israel compared to the previous eight years under Barack Obama. From the beginning of the Obama administration he was determined to put the U.S. on a different path with regard to the Muslim world. Indeed, the first foreign leader he called was Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. Obama even made a point of telling Abbas his was the first call to a foreign leader, emphasizing his intent to signal a new direction for the U.S. Obama furthered his effort at a new direction by making his first international speech in Cairo. During his speech he lamented about how the Palestinians suffer humiliation under occupation, and criticized Israel for building settlements. Plus, throughout his two terms, it was clear Obama did not like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Right up to the bitter end, the Obama administration went out much as it began, with a slap at Israel. The final kick in the stomach was UN resolution 2334, which singled out Israels construction of settlements as the main obstacle to peace. Not a word was mentioned about ongoing Palestinian terrorism and murder of innocent Israeli civilians. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the U.S. has veto power and could have killed the resolution. However, knowing this would be his last opportunity to make a statement against Israel, Obama directed the U.S. to abstain from the voting, thus allowing it to pass. Contrast this against the early stages of the Trump administration. Throughout his campaign he made it clear that the U.S. had treated its closest Middle East ally terribly. Since Trump has taken office, the difference can only be described as startling. For example, he has called the Iran nuclear deal the worst deal ever negotiated, and has already imposed new sanctions on Iran. His Secretary of State Rex Tillerson criticized former Secretary of State John Kerry for how he handled Israeli-Palestinian issues. Israel is, always has been, and remains our most important ally in the region according to Tillerson. He characterized UN resolution 2334 as an effort to coerce Israel to change course, further stating, that will not bring a solution. Trumps Ambassador the UN Nikki Haley has already come out swinging against the overwhelming anti-Israel sentiment which dominates the organization. After attending her initial Security Council meeting and witnessing the absurd obsession it has with Israel, she said the United States will not turn a blind eye to this anymore," further stating the United States is determined to stand up to the UNs anti-Israel bias. She went on to say we will never repeat the mistake of resolution 2334 and allow one-sided Security Council resolutions to condemn Israel. Haley called the UNs double standards breathtaking. In another clear effort to demonstrate that U.S.-Israel relations have changed, Trump invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to a meeting at the White House. The chemistry between the two of them was obvious and in stark contrast to the strained relations with former President Obama. During a press conference, Trump moved the peace process in a heretofore new direction by backing off the longstanding U.S. policy promoting a two-state solution. He made it clear the position of the United States is to have the two parties negotiate a solution between themselves, saying I want the one both parties want, referring to a deal. This doesnt suggest the U.S. is against a two-state solution, because Trump has indicated he would be fine with it. However, in a clear departure from the Obama administrations attempts to strongarm Israel, the Trump administration is saying let the two sides negotiate their own deal. Such a stand by the U.S. sends a clear message to the Palestinians that Israel has every right to expect them to come to the table without preconditions and allow Israel tell the Palestinians what their conditions are for a resolution to the conflict, without being under the thumb of the U.S. Abbas has made it known he isnt happy about this by stating his commitment to a two-state solution and demanding the world recognize Palestine. In my view, Abbas missed a golden opportunity to demonstrate some flexibility and strike a deal during the eight years of the Obama administration, which was clearly more favorable toward the Palestinians. Obama was not shy about promoting a two-state solution, trying on numerous occasions to almost force Israel to accept one, and seemed more interested in promoting self-determination for the Palestinians than in understanding Israels obvious need for a genuine peace partner willing to recognize Israels right to exist as a Jewish state. Trump has also indicated he will move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. However, this is still under discussion. While it is still very early in the administration of Donald Trump, there is little doubt, as Bob Dylan once sang, the times they are a-changin. View more of Dan Calics articles on his Facebook page. This year's Munich Security Conference became the scene for the condemnation of Iran as a sponsor of terror on a regional and global scale. The mullahs' regime was named as the main state sponsor of terrorism, and part of the problem, not the solution, in establishing peace and security in the Middle East. The similarity of the harsh criticism and strong positions taken by numerous countries against Iran speaks very vividly and unmistakably of a coalition against Tehran, leaving senior Iranian regime officials desperately in need of a solution, and fast. The conference has been described as a major turning point to what the future may hold for Tehran, and it is now crystal-clear that the balance of power in the region and around the globe has shifted significantly against the mullahs, to say the least. "A new formation of old enemies against our country has established, and we are alone faced with a global alliance. In such conditions Iran must decrease the military confrontation possibility, tone down the propaganda and make room for overt and covert diplomacy, all aimed at breaking this alliance," the state-run Sharq daily wrote in a recent editorial printed on its first page. "The strategic management of Iran's policies in the region must be returned to the Foreign Ministry," wrote the state-run Jamaran website. For example, Iran's embassy in Baghdad is considered the most important for the mullahs' regime. And this post is, and has been, under the control of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force from 2003 onward. These remarks make it undisputable how terrified Iran is of the rocky road ahead. The period we are currently in is being described in Iranian circles as the "post-Munich era" involving potential disputes between Riyadh and Tehran. Such developments foreshadow a substantial decline in Iran's influence in the post-Munich order, signaling harsh days ahead for the mullahs' regime. The regional balance of power will undergo major changes, and Iran is terrified of not only being on the wrong side of history, but of suffering major setbacks. Senior Iranian officials are issuing warnings for decision-makers to accept the new reality and focus their efforts on sidestepping any provocative actions that can provide excuses or pretexts by rivals. This is one major reason Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei has remained relatively silent in the past month. Iran is concerned that U.S. president Donald Trump's efforts will not be limited to the recent round of sanctions imposed following the January 29 ballistic missile test. Regime analysts are predicting a series of pressure-increasing measures by the new White House, knowing Congress is fully ready to back such action. One issue Republicans and Democrats will not have much trouble finding common ground on is punitive measures against Tehran's mullahs. It is common knowledge that Iran benefited extremely from Obama's eight-year tenure, especially the unprecedented access Tehran's lobbies enjoyed to the White House. On the other hand, many voices advocating a firm approach on Iran are now considered very close to President Trump and his national security team. To this end, Khamenei understands quite well that unpredictable developments await. Just as international sanctions and fear of an explosive society becoming completely restless forced Iran to the negotiating table, with Trump at the helm in the White House, rest assured that Khamenei will have very limited options. Tehran will to some extent attempt to further test Washington's limits, such as the recent military drills and testing of "advanced rockets," or generals making remarks such as Iran being ready to give U.S. a "slap in the face." This practice is also aimed at lessening the costs resulting from any possible future negotiations with the West. Senior Iranian regime officials and politicians understand the unpredictable nature of what lies ahead. This is exactly why voices are heard indirectly encouraging the Supreme Leader to refrain from provoking new tensions and enter new talks when possible. To this end, the regime's efforts to create new space for the mullahs' regime in relations involving the international community and regional countries, all under the banner of engagement, backfired significantly in this year's Munich Security Conference. As a result, there is a rising perspective of further global and regional isolation awaiting the mullahs' regime in Iran. Khamenei and his inner circle are realizing the harsh reality that Obama's "golden era" is over, and the Munich bombshell will have major impact both internationally, and more importantly, in domestic affairs. Heshmat Alavi is a political and rights activist. His writing focuses on Iran, including human rights violations, social crackdown, the regime's support for terrorism and meddling in foreign countries, and the controversial nuclear program. He tweets at @HeshmatAlavi and blogs at IranCommentary. Member states of the European Union are undergoing a dramatic change of heart about the million and a half refugees they allowed into their countries. A year ago, most countries were patting themselves on the back for being so open and compassionate about letting in hundreds of thousands of unvetted refugees. But given the numerous terrorist attacks carried out by migrants in the last year, and the strain put on local budgets in caring for of all those newcomers, the E.U. is beginning to sing a different tune. Reuters: European Union member states should detain migrants who have no case for asylum to prevent them from running away before they are deported, the chief migration official with the bloc's executive arm in Brussels said. The European Union is pushing to reduce immigration after some 1.6 million refugees and migrants reached its shores via the Mediterranean in 2014-2016. It wants to prevent people from coming and deport more. "Return rates have to be improved," Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Thursday in presenting new proposals by the executive European Commission to increase deportations. "Member states should also use the possibility to place migrants in detention if there is a risk of absconding and for a sufficient period to be able to complete the return and readmission procedure." The Commission said the proposals identified areas in which member states could change their current practices to streamline relocations in line with existing laws that are applied differently in various countries. The Commission said member states should consider longer periods of detention of up to 18 months, although Avramopoulos added that it should only be an option in cases where "migrants are not cooperating" or "there is risk of absconding". Ironies abound in this directive. But you'll never hear a European leader admit he made a mistake. Even German chancellor Angela Merkel, whose political fortunes have tanked in recent months thanks to the rude awakening her countrymen have experienced from refugee criminal actions and terror attacks, refuses to apologize for her shortsighted, dangerous migrant policy. Germany is in the process of deporting tens of thousands of migrants who arrived in the 2015 wave of refugees. The expense of detaining those refugees will fall heavily on the German taxpayer, who is already resentful of the costs incurred by local and regional governments in feeding, clothing, housing, and educating the nearly 800,000 migrants who were originally welcomed with open arms by Merkel. Now they will be asked to set up detention centers, not "something like a concentration camp," according to authorities. No matter what you call it, a sizable number of refugees are going to be sent home. Will that deter more migrants from leaving home and attempting to reach the paradise of the West? Not likely. At the opening of his show yesterday, conservative talk show host Mark Levin took credit for preventing President Trump from offering amnesty for "Dreamer" illegal aliens. Levin said that right before Trump's address to Congress, Trump met with media executives and told them he was willing to give amnesty for children of illegal aliens, the so-called "Dreamers." Levin said Trump was rewriting his speech until right before he gave it, and Levin believes that Trump had planned to offer this amnesty in that speech. But then Levin said his show stopped Trump cold. Levin said it is well known that the White House "monitors" his show, and when the White House heard how opposed Mark's listeners were to the planned amnesty, Trump dropped it immediately. Levin credits his show for stopping the march to amnesty for "Dreamers." What do you think? Trump has said many, many times before that he wants to show tenderness to children of illegal immigrants. He doesn't seem to mind how they take jobs from Americans and welfare money from American taxpayers as their parents do. Could Mark Levin have saved us from a mass amnesty announcement at the congressional address? Put another way, could something like this really have happened at the White House? "Okay, I've added in the stuff about amnesty for Dreamers," said President Trump. "But only those who haven't stolen more than one set of Social Security numbers." Suddenly, Reince Priebus enters the room. "Sir, you have to stop at once!" "Why?" "I've just come from the conservative talk radio listening post we set up right next to the Fox News IMAX theater," says Priebus. "It's the Mark Levin show. They've gotten wind of your amnesty offer, and his listeners are against it!" "That does it," said Trump. "That's the last time I crib lines from a Jeb Bush campaign speech!" Questions for discussion: 1) Do you think Mark Levin is correct with regard to what Trump was about to do and how he was deterred? 2) Do you think Mark is also right when he says now is a good time to add gold to your portfolio? 3) Is Mark's best line A) "Shut up, you idiot! I'm educating you!" (for liberals) B) "I'm not going to talk about Fiji and meatballs!" (a reference to talk show host Michael Savage) or C) "I'm not going to put on tights and wave pom-poms!" (a reference to people who support Trump in everything he says and does, without any regard for anything Trump says or does) or D) something else? Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com. House minority leader Nancy Pelosi has called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign because he failed to disclose two conversations that Sessions had with the Russian ambassador while he was serving as senator. The Washington Post reported that Sessions met with the Russian ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, once in July and once in September. Reuters: "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign," she said in a statement. In a statement posted on Twitter later by his spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions said he had never discussed campaign details with any Russian officials. "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false," Sessions said in the statement. Trump's first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was fired last month after he discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Trump took office and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. The Washington Post said one of Sessions' meetings was a private conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak that took place in the senator's office in September. This came at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race, the Post reported. Along with Pelosi's call for Sessions to resign, the Post said the previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russia's alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trump's associates. Sessions has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, he was a senior member of the influential Senate Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers, according to the Post. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Democratic Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign, the Post reported. "Im not aware of any of those activities," Sessions responded, according to the Post. He added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak, according to the Post. "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," Flores earlier told the Post. Not that this makes much of a difference when you're trying to smear the attorney general of the United States. Buried at the end of the Reuters story is this little nugget of info: Justice officials said Sessions met Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate, the Post reported. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign - not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," Flores told the Post. The Democrats are perfectly content to hint, to suggest, and to intimate that Trump is a traitor - they just refuse to be honest about it and come out and say it. Pelosi and other leading Democrats know full well that accusing Trump of treason outright will not only show them to be paranoid idiots, but also expose their smear campaign for what it is: an underhanded attempt to destroy Trump's credibility. The smear against Sessions is typical. I can think of a dozen reasons why the chairman of the Armed Services Committee would meet with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. having nothing to do with presidential politics. There are also several reasons why Sessions, as an individual senator would meet with Kislyak. The Democrats are allowing the radical leftist crazies in their base to accuse Trump of treason while they innocently claim to be only seeking answers to "questions." It's a despicable tactic and the Republicans should call them out on it. They should demand that Democrats deny they are accusing the president of treason or offer some proof for this incredibly serious charge. As it is, the suggestion of treason is floating around with a willing and eager media feeding the public's suspicions. An illegal alien who held a press conference to complain about immigration enforcement under the Trump administration was subsequently taken into custody by ICE agents during a "targeted enforcement action." There was an immediate outcry from immigrant rights groups to protest the detention of Daniela Vargas, who came to the U.S. with her parents when she was seven years old. Vargas had been granted residency under the Obama administration DREAM program but failed to pay the renewal fee and was thus subject to detention and deportation. Wall Street Journal: Daniela Vargas, who came to the U.S. from Argentina when she was 7 years old, was detained by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as she and a friend drove away from the news conference in Jackson, Miss., said her lawyer, Abigail Peterson. The news conference was organized by attorneys, church groups and the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance to bring attention to recent immigration raids in the region, said Patricia Ice, an attorney with the immigrant-rights group. ICE enforcement actions under the Trump administration have stoked fears in immigrant communities after large numbers of coordinated arrests across the country in recent weeks. Agency officials have said they are targeting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes including assault, murder and drug trafficking. But the agency also acknowledged picking up some immigrants they encountered during those raids who have violated federal immigration law, but not committed other crimes. Ms. Vargas's father and brother were detained by immigration officials who arrested them outside the family home last month. But Ms. Vargas herself wasn't arrested at the time, her lawyer said. Thomas Byrd, a spokesman for ICE, said in a statement provided to The Wall Street Journal by Ms. Vargas's attorney that Ms. Vargas was taken into custody "during a targeted immigration enforcement action." The statement said ICE conducts "routine targeted enforcement operations" every day and "does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately." ICE officials declined to comment. Ms. Peterson said she had been working with Ms. Vargas on reapplying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, a program that protects young undocumented adults brought to the U.S. illegally as children from deportation and gives them work authorization. Since DACA was introduced in 2012, about 750,000 people have benefited from the program. President Donald Trump during his campaign said he would rescind the program, but has since said he would seek a more favorable solution for its beneficiaries, who are known as "Dreamers." The case of another detained DACA recipient is being watched closely as an early test of how the Trump administration will treat program beneficiaries. My guess is that Ms. Vargas's press conference may be one of the last of its kind for a while. It's one thing to live your life unobtrusively as an illegal alien in the U.S. It's quite another to spit in the face of immigration enforcement officials by openly defying the law by holding a press conference and bragging about your status. This kind of routine enforcement of our immigration laws is exactly the way it should be. If you're identified as an illegal for any reason, you should be detained. Ms. Vargas will have the right to plead her case before an immigration judge. That, too, is the way it should be. The law will be upheld, and justice will be done just as it should be. Wouldn't it be interesting if ICE paid a visit to the studios of Univision? How many illegals would be found working for the #1 promoter of illegal alien rights in the U.S.? The outrage at this violation of "First Amendment rights" would be entertaining, to say the least, given the impunity with which illegals make use of the Univision platform to publicize their views. If Vargas is deported, she has a perfect right to try to re-enter the U.S. legally, of course. Why that would prove to be a burden to anyone who wants to live and work in the U.S. is a mystery. Angela Merkel, the German chancellor known for allowing the mass influx of Muslim refugees into Europe, has just been nominated as a candidate for the upcoming elections in her country. A large majority (95%!) of CDU (the "Christian Democratic Union") party delegates gave her their blessing, putting her in pole position on the national CDU electoral list. You may find it remarkable that such a controversial leader is again running for the highest office in Germany (her fourth term, by the way). Merkel herself has admitted that her "open border" policies during the migrant crisis were a failure. The chaos mass migration is causing in Europe is unparalleled, and the end is nowhere in sight. But what's most remarkable of all is the speech Merkel gave before the election. Two quotes sum it all up: No part of the population has the right to define who belongs to our people and who doesn't. The German people consists of everybody who lives in this country. German patriots condemned this phrasing. For Frauke Petry, chief of the AFD (the right-wing opposition party), this speech essentially summarizes Merkel's "big scheme": She wants to dilute our sovereign people and then "cancel" it. Merkel refuses to talk about the German people and sees the German people not as a unity with its own history and customs, but as a coincidental collection of people in a certain territory. And there you have it. Merkel declared herself the "anti-Trump." The big division in Western politics globalism and cultural relativism versus nationalism is the main issue in all upcoming elections here in Europe. With the demographic clock ticking against them and the mainstream European media desperately enforcing political correctness, the battle will not be an easy one to win for the so called "populists" like Geert Wilders, Frauke Petry, and Marine Le Pen. And with all other parties and special interest groups already making promises to unite against them, only landslide victories will change the current leadership in the Netherlands. Even then, some question if the effects of the frivolous migration policies of the past decades can be changed in time to prevent a complete population "makeover." If the policies are not changed soon, however, the outcome is beyond doubt. A recent scientific study (published this week in the conservative Dutch magazine Elsevier) calculated that if immigration is to go on at the same rate as today, the Netherlands in the year 2060 will be an overpopulated country (22-30 million people, versus 16 million now) with one third of them Muslim. This is largely explained by the high birthrate present among immigrants. How GroenLinks (the Dutch "green party"), a big immigration proponent, can explain the deleterious effects of this population boom on the already stretched natural resources of this small country is a mystery. The study also predicted a massive rise in government spending necessary to sustain the welfare state in the case of a continued mass immigration. The fact that the Obama administration illegally used funds not appropriated by Congress to prop up Obamacare should be a big story, but somehow the diligent media have somehow been able to make sure the public doesn't see it. Essentially, the Obama administration stole money from low-income housing funds at Fannie and Freddie to prop up Obamacare after a judge told them to stop diverting funds illegally at HHS. From the linked article: Federal court litigation provides evidence the Obama administration illegally diverted taxpayer funds that had not been appropriated by Congress in an unconstitutional scheme to keep Obamacare from imploding. In 2016, a U.S. District judge caught the Obama administration's Health and Human Services Department acting unconstitutionally and therefore put an end to the illegal diversion of taxpayer funds, but the Obama administration didn't stop there. The Obama administration instead turned to the nation's two government-sponsored mortgage giants the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as "Fannie Mae," and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as "Freddie Mac" to invent a new diversion of funds in a desperate attempt to keep Obamacare from collapsing. Now we know why the Obama administration unilaterally changed rules on Fannie Mae funds in 2012. They basically screwed private-sector bondholders and shareholders to create a slush fund for left-wing groups allied with the administration. These funds do not go through Congress. They are treated as off-balance sheet entities, where the amount that comes to the government is treated as a net reduction in expenses instead of an increase in revenue. In other words, it allows Congress and the president to pretend they are controlling spending. From an article at National Review: The two hemorrhaged money for a couple years after the bailout, but as the economy and the housing market improved, Fannie and Freddie returned to profitability. It soon appeared that their booming profits might allow the government to recoup its investment and extricate itself from the mortgage business altogether. However, the government showed no interest in such a path. In 2012, the U.S. Treasury quietly changed its contract with the two GSEs and changed the financial position of the other shareholders. Instead of being content with the 10 percent dividend it assigned itself, along with the bulk of any profits from a future stock sale, Treasury takes the entire net worth of Fannie and Freddie each quarter. At the end of 2013, this amounted to a total of $185.2 billion since the peremptory imposition of this policy. That's roughly $2 billion shy of making up for taxpayers' entire investment. This isn't the first time that the Obama administration screwed the private sector to benefit itself and its special interest groups. In the G.M. bankruptcy the Obama administration gave preferential treatment to unions over more secured bondholders and other unsecured creditors. They clearly violated bankruptcy law. From the start the Obama administration believed they were above the law. A large number of fines that Justice and other agencies collect end up getting redistributed to special interest groups. Excess funds that go to the government after paying the aggrieved parties should go back to reduce the deficit but they don't. The number of slush funds and lack of transparency is appalling. Here is a good report from a House oversight committee. I know we can all remember the media covering this report. Nov. 30, 2016: ... Agencies Retention or Redistribution of Fines for Special Funds. ... Settlement and Approved Consumer Groups[.] ... Agencies do not use a standardized method of accounting for those funds collected and retained. .... The DOJ's use of funds collected as fines and penalties has drawn interest from other. Throughout Obama's eight years, his administration showed great disdain for the private sector, taxpayers, and the rule of law, yet not once did the media and Democrats call for an independent prosecutor or investigator to look into anything. They violated the law on Fannie and Freddie and G.M., intentionally bankrupted for-profit colleges, tried to destroy private prison companies, intentionally bankrupted coal companies, and rewarded political cronies like Solyndra and the media saw no scandals. As most of the country was stagnant, Washington, D.C. did well, and that is all Democrats and the media seem to care about. There were many scandals during Obama's eight years but Democrats, Justice, and the federal agencies involved all stymied the investigations. The media participated in blocking the investigations by repeating the Democrat talking points that they were partisan witch hunts. After all, it was their chosen one who was president. The media now pretend that Obama's eight years were scandal-free. But now, one month into Trump's term, without any indication at all that laws have been broken, Democrats and the media are shouting to the hills for an investigation. Someone who knows that Trump may have talked to someone from Russia. What a scandal. The actual situation is that Democrats, the media, and people like McCain, Graham, and Collins can't afford to have a president like Trump, who wants to do what the founding fathers would have cheered. Reduce the power and the purse of the government and give it back to the people where it belongs. They would have preferred Hillary, who would have continued to expand the power and money that went to the government. The media truly can't stand a White House that will invite media outlets from around the United States, including very small outlets. The powerful media outlets believe that only they should be able to tell the people what to think and control what they see. The founding fathers would have cheered the internet, where literally thousands can hold the powerful to account instead of just a few. The bias is truly hard to spot. We should also remember that Obama and Democrats intentionally took funds from Medicare to fund Obama Care. Then they pretended that this diverted money helped Medicare. While piddling around in my workshop, I heard this sound bite on the radio of Trump talking about his upcoming speech to Congress that evening. President Trump said, "All I can do is speak from the heart and say what I want to do." I thought, "Wow, what a concept." Involved as an activist in the business of politics since 2008, I can tell you that Trump has been a laughingstock in the political arena ever since he announced he was running for the presidency. Look at this clown. He doesn't behave like a politician. He doesn't even know how to speak like a professional politician. No, Trump is just a guy who does not talk down to us and does not ramble on and on. In the black hood where I come from, we called it jive. Obama was a masterful jive talker. Folks, I relate to Trump because I do not know how to sound smart the way liberals do while advocating insane, evil, and ungodly nonsense. My dad is a preacher. My late mom was a domestic worker. They taught all five of their kids to trust God, be responsible, work hard, and always try to do the right thing. Thus, I do not know how to sound like a politician. My instincts are to look people in the eye, speak from the heart, and tell the truth. Trump's down-to-earth, straight-talk nature is exactly why 60-something million Americans have bonded with him. Meanwhile, political snobs and fake news media still do not get it. The political establishment, Obama's army of domestic terrorists, and fake news media will continue using their standard tried and true tactics to destroy Trump. They will fail. Watching Trump address Congress, it struck me: "Oh my gosh every common sense thing Trump says he intends to do beneficial to America is vehemently opposed by the Democrats." What on Earth has happened to my dad's Democratic Party? My fellow Americans, our greatest threat is not ISIS. It is the Democratic Party. Here are just a few Trump putting America first promises that have enraged Democrats launching a scorched earth policy to stop him. "A new national pride is sweeping across our nation." Democrat-controlled public schools have been teaching our kids that patriotism is racist. "All the nations of the world friend or foe will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free." Remember Obama touring the world, apologizing for our greatness? "We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit and so many other places throughout our land." As an American who happens to be black, it baffled me for years why black Democrats seemed content with cities they control like Chicago, Baltimore, and Detroit becoming hellholes of black poverty and black-on-black crime. Then it dawned on me. Democrat blacks are not black. They are first and foremost liberals who seek power via government control and dependency. "We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate." Democrats believe that America is too white. They want open borders to attract future Democratic voters of color. "Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve." The Democratic Party leadership are old hippies, flower children who hate our military and guns. "We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a five-year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government." Folks, taking the power away from the D.C. cartel and giving it back to We the People, as our Founders intended, has Trump atop the excrement list of both political parties. "We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership." Democrats hate this. Who do we think we are? "[M]y administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders." Folks, Democrats say screw the law, screw jobs, and screw national security. They want as many unskilled government-dependent illegals flooding across our borders as possible. Obama spent a whopping $113 billion, $1,117 each, settling illegals into our country, priming them to become Democrat voters. We've heard much about Trump's narcissism. Call me crazy, because I don't see that when I watch and hear him speak. I see a man aware and humbled by the job placed upon his shoulders, committed to getting it done committed to keeping his campaign promises, committed to making America great again. Taneli Ruda, head of ONESOURCE Global Trade, has analyzed whether the Trans-Pacific Partnership is likely to move forward without the United States, and what approach the Trump administration will take on trade in general. Shortly after taking office, United States President Donald Trump lived up to a major campaign promise by issuing an executive order on Jan. 23 that withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). What this means for the future of the agreement, which would now include 11 countries, is at this point uncertain, but there is no shortage of opinions, signals and speculation on the subject. Since the withdrawal, two related questions have emerged: can the TPP move forward without the U.S., and what approach will the Trump administration take on trade in general? First, on the immediate future of the TPP, there are mixed messages. Leaders in Australia and New Zealand have expressed a desire to move forward on the deal without the U.S., with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull suggesting that China could step in and make the TPP a principally pan-Asian agreement. Elsewhere, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he hopes to convince Trump to come back to the negotiating table. Perus president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, expressed a desire to renegotiate the TPP or forge something similar anew. We are going to take the best things out of TPP and get the not-so-good stuff out, he said in response to the U.S. withdrawal. Similarly, both Chile and Mexico have vowed to continue talks on other trade deals, with policymakers in Chile initiating a March summit for leaders of TPP member countries to discuss next steps and clarify what opportunities might remain among them. And Singapore Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang said the TPP cannot come into effect in its current form without the U.S.the operative phrase being in its current form. But despite the occasional hedge or trial balloon from leaders of its member countries, the consensus viewpoint is that the TPP will not move forward without U.S. involvement, in part because a pan-Asian trade bloc would not sufficiently lessen TPP members reliance on China. Singapore, for example, already has free trade agreements with the U.S. and all remaining TPP member-nations except for Canada and Mexico. While bilateral agreements are better than no agreements, this approach is a step backward for trade liberalization as an economic, social, and moral objective. Abes statement about luring Trump, who has consistently taken a hard line against the TPP, saying on the campaign trail last June there is no way to fix the TPP, back into the fold seems to indicate he has little appetite to move forward with the deal without U.S. involvement. Instead, what trade enthusiasts are likely to get in the Trump administration is one committed to forging bilateral free trade agreements instead of multilateral deals. The executive order on the TPP withdrawal states this quite clearly. It instructs trade representatives to permanently withdraw the United States from TPP negotiations, and to begin pursuing, wherever possible, bilateral trade negotiations with counter-parties. Japan and Britain seem like the logical places to start. While bilateral agreements that liberalize trade are better than no agreements that liberalize trade, this approach is a step backward for trade liberalization as an economic, social, and moral objective. The fact is that multilateral deals are preferable because, among other reasons, they result in fewer conflicting standards and are in some cases easier to reach than bilateral deals. The TPP, as ratified, is a useful case study addressing both of these drawbacks. As I have observed in previous columns, the TPP was set to address one of the more technical aspects of trade compliance: the so-called noodle bowl effect that occurs when various trade agreements conflict with one another. Instead of having companies continue to follow a patchwork of multiple free trade agreements with different and at times incompatible origination and inclusion rules, the TPP would have provided a harmonized framework across its 12 member countries, streamlining compliance and making it easier to design bills of material and supply chain structures. On the ability of parties to enter into multilateral trade deals when bilateral ones would fail, Jordan Weissmann, an economics writer for Slate, relayed a revealing anecdote. At the start of TPP negotiations, United States negotiators knew that New Zealand would want access to the American dairy market, something that likely wouldnt sit well with U.S. farmers, he wrote. However, because American dairies stood to gain from more access to the Canadian market, it was possible to find something in the deal for everybody. There had been a good amount of organized opposition to the TPP, particularly after it became a large part of last years U.S. presidential election. However, the ideological opposition to the TPP didnt stem from the fact that it was a 12-nation, multilateral agreement, it was because the deal was negotiated in a way that critics claimed lacked sufficient transparency. Whether coincidental or not, neither Trumps executive order on trade nor his pronouncements on the campaign trail and as president have included a commitment to increase the transparency with which the U.S. negotiates trade agreements. Broadly, the U.S. withdrawal from the TPP is likely to cause a bit of uncertainty in the near term, a reliance on current free trade agreements moving forward, and a higher likelihood of new bilateral trade deals (and their inconsistencies) over the long term. But, then again, it all still depends on who you ask. Taneli Ruda heads Thomson Reuters global trade management business, ONESOURCE Global Trade. He can be reached by email at [email protected] Over the last couple of years, we've introduced you to "Las Damas en Blanco," or "The Ladies in White," who stand up to the Castro dictatorship daily. They march on Sundays after calling for the release of their husbands and sons in political prisons. They are courageous women fighting for human rights in a society that does not respect any. Where are Hollywoodies talking about repression when we really need them? Last night, a number of Democrat female members of the House and Senate decided to dress in white to recall the suffragettes of a century ago. It caught the attention of Daniel Allott: The Democratic congresswomen dressed in white as an emblem of support for their definition of "women's rights" abortion, equal pay and the like. The protest is seen as a form or resistance to Trump's presidency and presumably a nod to the women's suffrage movement, which urged women to dress in white as a symbol of purity. Quick question: How would the suffragettes react to women who equate women's rights with abortion? As for equal pay, we already have those laws on the books. In fact, they should have dressed in white when they visited President Obama. It turns out that "equal pay for women" was a problem for the Obama team. Unlike Las Damas in Cuba, the Democrat women enjoy a few advantages: 1) They got to sit and criticize the president's speech. Las Damas in Cuba don't get to boo or disagree with Raul Castro when he speaks. 2) The Democrat women got to run out of the speech and look for local reporters willing to broadcast their anti-Trump comments. We repeat that Las Damas face thugs and the secret police harassing them every Sunday afternoon. Of course, we live in a free country, and that means, among many things, that we have the right to make fools of ourselves. Nevertheless, the Democrats may want to reconsider their foolish approach to Trump. It seems that most Americans are done with the campaign and would like to see a genuine effort in governing, not partisanship. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. A specter haunts Washington, D.C.: federal workers, accustomed to job security, may actually be reduced in status to the level of private-sector peasants, who must live with the possibility of being laid off due to workforce reductions. The Washington Post, in many ways the trade paper of the government industry, shares the anxiety of its readership: Federal workers are growing increasingly anxious at the prospect of massive budget cuts President Trump proposed this week that would pave the way for increased military spending. Employees who list endangered species, collect taxes and distribute aid to foreign countries are fearing for their livelihoods as they sift through rumors and wait to see whether their offices will be targeted for steep reductions. Those of us who work in the private sector have never had the job security of a federal employee. And few of us have the retirement benefits they enjoy, so we have the constant issue of providing for ourselves beyond our working years. Frankly, it is a lot of stress, and I find that in my case, at least, it provides quite a lot of motivation for hard work. After all, I have no rich Uncle Sam to rely on to keep money coming in to pay for the groceries, much less fund an extended vacation called "retirement." Ordinarily, in the rare case of a government agency reducing its workforce, attrition is relied upon. Deaths and retirements (and hardly ever firing for cause) automatically reduce the number of working bodies in a large organization. If you don't bring in replacements, the workforce declines in number. But not rapidly, and not all at once: ... words like buyouts, furloughs and RIFs (or reduction in force) government-speak for layoffs are now being tossed around at the water cooler as civil servants face the possibility of massive downsizing. Some of these strategies were used when Ronald Reagan was president and others more recently to meet the goals of budget caps known as sequestration. Normally, the government lays off a very small number of employees every year. But the biggest round of layoffs came in the late 1980s and early 1990s with military base closures and other defense drawdowns. The process can take months, with terms that must be negotiated with unions. And it's costly, since agencies must pay benefits and outstanding vacation and sick time to their workers. But experts said the rate of natural attrition would not be enough to cover expected budget cuts. In the short term, furloughs or unpaid days off may be an option to reduce costs, they say. At the EPA, a sense of gallows humor has set in. "We've been discussing whether it will be really bad or really, really bad," said one employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. The relative economic standing of government bureaucrats has soared compared to the fortunes of 99.9% of employees of private-sector firms. When I was a lad in the early 1960s and musing about the possibilities of work, my dad advised me that a government job wouldn't pay as well as comparable private sector work, but you had job security. If I wanted to relax and rise in salary modestly and slowly, then government work was for me. But if I wanted to take risks, work hard, and have the possibility of more money, then the private sector was for me. He was correct, at the time. But over the ensuing five decades or so, government workers have vastly improved their lot, and now they often get more pay for equivalent work, while enjoying job security and often lavish fringe benefits. So the notion of losing some of those gains and facing the ordinary work risks of the rest of the economy is a psychological shock: At the State Department, career diplomats are uncertain what and who will be needed in a downsized agency. Without a clear set of guidelines on what foreign policies the administration will be adopting, they say they have time on their hands and little work to do. Any bureaucrats with time on their hands need to be given their walking papers immediately. There is always work to be done. But then again, if you have job security and no immediate task at hand, why bother to ask yourself what could be improved or what information might be needed? If your superiors in the bureaucracy don't keep you busy, you can just watch porn. The island town of Suakin, in north-eastern Sudan, was an important port for trade and culture on the East African coast for centuries. The town is located on a flat, oval-shaped island, on the west coast of the Red Sea, inside a narrow inlet that penetrates four kilometer inland and ends in a wide basin about two kilometers across. There are two round coral islands in the shallow basin. One of the islands is deserted and contains nothing but a cemetery. The other island to the south is the site of Suakin. The island is connected to the mainland by a short man-made causeway. Once the principal port of Sudan, Suakin lost its importance when a new harbor, Port Sudan, was built to the north in the beginning of the 20th century. Over the course of the century, Suakin slowly began to lose its population until it had turned into a ghost town. Photo credit: Geoff Tompkinson Much of Suakins early history is still obscure as the site has never been subjected to careful archeological research, although Suakin is mentioned in many historical accounts and travellers stories. Suakin is thought to have been the Roman port, Limen Evangelis, mentioned by Ptolemy, who described it as lying on a circular island at the end of a long inlet. The first actual reference to Suakin by name comes from al-Hamdani in the 10th century, who says it was already an ancient town. At that time, Suakin was rival to another port on the Red Sea, Aydhab, which was closer to Egypt and placed under its direct control. The Egyptians tried to wrest control of Suakin from the indigenous Beja tribe, and there were frequent clashes between the two because of this. The rivalry between the two ports ended with the fall of Aydhab in the second half of the 15th century. From then on, Sukain became the principle port on the coast of the Red Sea, retaining its eminence until the opening of Port Sudan in 1922. The transfer of the port marked the beginning of Suakins rapid decline. Within a decade, the wharf had disappeared and the docks had collapsed into the shoals by the sides of the port, preventing larger vessels from entering. By the end of the 1930s, Suakin island had been completely deserted, and very few people remained in the mainland part of the city. Today, the island is nothing more than a collection of ruins. Its once-beautiful buildings made of spectacular coral stone are at risk of collapse. Even among the crumbling ruins you can see a rich mixture of different cultures, from Venetian to Ottoman, visible in the citys architectural diversity. Parts of the town has now been restored. There also appears to be some new construction on the northern end of the island, the nature of which Im not sure. Satellite image of north-eastern Sudan shows the natural inlet with the island of Suakin. An undated aerial image of Suakin. Photo credit: Cambridge University Library Aerial view of Suakin Island in 1930 with Condensor Island in foreground and El Gerf with its enclosing defenses behind. Photo credit: www.thearchitecturestore.co.uk Photo credit: daniel seeberger/Panoramio Photo credit: daniel seeberger/Panoramio Photo credit: Ibrahem Saehon A relatively recent photograph of Suakin shows some new construction on the island. Photo credit: Ibrahem Saehon Another view of Suakin with its new buildings. Photo credit: Arpad Dudas/Panoramio Photo credit: Bertramz/Wikimedia Photo credit: K/Flickr Photo credit: K/Flickr Photo credit: Hannes Rada/Flickr Photo credit: Eric Lafforgue/Flickr Photo credit: followtheboat.com/Flickr Sources: Wikipedia / Marisa Calia / Abdel Rahim Salim / www.iccrom.org 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. johan_h/iStock/Thinkstock(STOCKHOLM) -- The Swedish government announced a decision on Thursday to re-activate a military draft beginning next year. Citing "the security environment in Europe and in Sweden's vicinity" which it says has "deteriorated," the Swedish government said it is looking to bring in 4,000 recruits per year in 2018 and 2019. That figure will increase to 5,000 in 2020, 6,000 in 2021, and 8,000 from 2022 to 2025. The reason it has chosen conscription for those efforts is because "all-volunteer recruitment hasn't provided the Armed Forces with enough trained personnel." In 2016, the government said, the Armed Forces "lacked 1,000 active squad leaders, soldiers and sailors as well as 7,000 reservists." Conscription will include both men and women. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens. 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. We produce contents across various categories including Politics, People, Love and Romance, Nature, Entertainment, Technology and pretty much everything else that Africans may find relevant. We aim to answer the most relevant questions about Africa in areas of entertainment, famous people, emerging technologies while we also engage with various distribution capabilities to connect with Africans in need of information who rely on our website to keep in touch with the world that is changing so fast. 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The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ... What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ... Jessica Goch Bio: 5 Things You Didnt Know About Ninjas Wife Jessica Goch is the Schofield-born American Social Media Influencer who has worked as a model but is now better known as a host and interviewer of prominent Electronic sports celebrities at popular gaming events/tournaments. The screen queen also serves as the manager of her famous husband Ninja aka Tyler Blevins whose exploits on Twitch and Fortnite has ... CNNs Chris Cuomo Biography Wife, Family & Net worth Chris Cuomo needs no elaborate introduction as he has starred graced many prominent Television cable networks and his voice has been heard through acknowledged radio shows. He is a television journalist and Lawyer who has previously worked for ABC News as Chief law and justice correspondent as well as a co-anchor on 20/20. If you still ... Neil deGrasse Tyson Family, Religion & Net Worth Neil deGrasse Tyson is a distinguished American astrophysicist and author who has been able to achieve so much after falling in love with astronomy at the age of 9. He has since attended and become an alumnus of prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, and also recorded numerous achievements in his field of ... Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ... Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ... Who Is Larry The Cable Guy? What To Know About His Wife And Net Worth Larry the Cable Guy is a self-professed country kid renowned for his trademark Southern accent and sensational catchphrase Git-R-Done! The famous comedian who talks about anything under the sun has gone on to become one of the most memorable characters in comedy history. Join us in unearthing lesser-known facts about the former on-air-personality, standup comedy superstar, movie ... Who Is Patrick Starr, What Is His Net Worth and Gender? The make-up industry over the years has grown to become a billion dollar industry not just because there are probably more women wearing make-up but because a whole lot of men, especially the young ones, have become bold enough to wear it unlike before. A few of these men, like Patrick Starr, have even gone ... How Did Chris Jansing Become a Senior Correspondent at MSNBC and Who Is Her Husband? An award-winning American television news reporter and journalist, Chris Jansing has succeeded in carving a spectacular niche for herself in the field of TV journalism. Outstanding for not just her excellence in journalism, Chris is also cherished for her incredibly gorgeous looks post 60! 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Nayyera Haqs Bio What To Know About Her Husband, Parents And Family Nayyera Haq can take anyone on political debates as well as discussions on social issues affecting many. Her ability to masterfully deliver her stance on every issue or political debate has made her a regular face in morning and evening news media platforms. This is not a common feat especially for someone from her kind ... Inside Guy Fieris Family With Wife, Kids and Sister Who Died of Cancer Over the years we have seen men dominate the kitchen and churn out amazing delicacies from it. Some do it way better than their female counterparts and one of such men is Guy Ramsay Fieri an American TV host, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, bestselling author of four culinary books, and game show host. His ... Meet Phil Mudd of CNN The Former CIA and FBI Exec, Is He Married, Who Is The Wife? When it comes to discussing issues surrounding terrorism, American Counterterrorism and National Security Expert, Phil Mudd, occupies a globally significant position. He has voiced his interest in the fight against terrorism and insecurity on many popular media platforms, both print and broadcast, such as CNN, BBC, CBS, MSNBC, al-Jazeera, ABC, NBC, Fox, The New York Times, ... Jim Hoffer: Biography, Wife Mika Brzezinski, Children and Net Worth Jim Hoffer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works as an investigative reporter for Eyewitness News, New York City. In his over two decades of investigative journalism, Hoffer has been at the front lines of several crucial stories from the 9/11 attack to the crash of American Flight 587 to the 2003 Blackout. On top of ... 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 ... 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He is also an actor a Juncker hails Italian relocation efforts, others must comply 'Commission to use all available instruments,' president says (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, MARCH 2 - Greece and Italy have made great effort with respect to the EU-mandated migrant redistribution programme and now it is time for the other member states to do their part, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk ahead of next week's summit. "The Commission will use every available instrument to enure the committments are upheld," he added. "Few states have complied fully with their obligations," Juncker continued. "In 17 months just 13,000 people have been relocated from Greece and Italy." "The credibility of our actions is central to creating mutual trust and enabling us to act collectively when a member state is exposed to a high level of pressure from migration," Juncker wrote. At the same time "the more we are able to work effectively with third-party countries to tackle the root causses of migration, the more room there is to ensure a fair and efficient system of asylum and migration management here in the Union," he concluded. (ANSAmed). CAIRO - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will arrive in Egypt on Thursday for the first leg of a tour that will also take her to Tunisia on Friday. She is due to land at Cairo airport around 1 pm local time. During her visit Merkel will meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the presidential palace in Ittihadiya. She is also due to meet with exponents of the Egyptian-German business council and with the Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II. International security, the migration challenge and the Libyan crisis will be at the centre of official talks in both countries. Egypt is one of the Mediterranean countries with which Merkel hopes to reach an agreement on migrants. Greek PM urges for increased solidarity in Europe Proposals for more funding for migrant issue to be put forward (ANSAmed) - ATHENS, MARCH 3 - Greece's leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has urged his European counterparts for increased "cohesion and solidarity" within the continent on the migrant issue. Although the number of migrants and refugees landing on Greek shores has been significantly reduced in recent months, Tsipras, speaking publically ahead of a meeting with his Malta counterpart, Joseph Muscat, in Athens said that the issues faced especially by Greece in dealing with refugees and migrants is still "a top priority for the government." Malta currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union and migration was at the center of talks between the two men according to local reports. Malta, which is a frontline state for migrants, has put forward proposals including that the EU should step up funding for the United Nation's migration agency to return migrants stranded in Libya to their home countries further south in Africa. The EU's 28 national leaders will meet next week and seek to put into practice recent agreements on new steps to stem African immigration.(ANSAmed). ISTANBUL, MARCH 2 - The No campaign for the April 16 referendum in Turkey on a constitutional amendment to introduce an executive presidential system got underway on Thursday with three simultaneous events in Istanbul, Diyarbakir and Smirne organised by the pro-Kurdish party HDP. The rallies will be held in Turkish and Kurdish. The main parliamentary opposition party CHP has also launched its campaign under the slogan "No for our future", inspired by the 1988 campaign in Chile for a vote to prevent dictator Augusto Pinochet from remaining in power. On Saturday the ruling AKP party launched its campaign in favour of the constitutional amendment that would concentrate more power in the hands of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and potentially extend his mandate until 2029. BRUSSELS - Greece and Italy have made great effort with respect to the EU-mandated migrant redistribution programme and now it is time for the other member states to do their part, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk ahead of next week's summit. "The Commission will use every available instrument to enure the committments are upheld," he added. "Few states have complied fully with their obligations," Juncker continued. "In 17 months just 13,000 people have been relocated from Greece and Italy." "The credibility of our actions is central to creating mutual trust and enabling us to act collectively when a member state is exposed to a high level of pressure from migration," Juncker wrote. At the same time "the more we are able to work effectively with third-party countries to tackle the root causses of migration, the more room there is to ensure a fair and efficient system of asylum and migration management here in the Union," he concluded. Opposition launches No campaign ahead of referendum HDP holds rallies, CHP looks to 1988 challenge to Pinochet (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MARCH 2 - The No campaign for the April 16 referendum in Turkey on a constitutional amendment to introduce an executive presidential system got underway on Thursday with three simultaneous events in Istanbul, Diyarbakir and Smirne organised by the pro-Kurdish party HDP. The rallies will be held in Turkish and Kurdish. The main parliamentary opposition party CHP has also launched its campaign under the slogan "No for our future", inspired by the 1988 campaign in Chile for a vote to prevent dictator Augusto Pinochet from remaining in power. On Saturday the ruling AKP party launched its campaign in favour of the constitutional amendment that would concentrate more power in the hands of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and potentially extend his mandate until 2029. (ANSAmed). The EASA Type Certificate was signed by EASAs certification director Trevor Woods and Michael J. Kaszycki FAAs acting manager transport airplane directorate - aircraft certification service. Both certificates were handed over to Airbus Senior Vice President A320 Family Programme, Klaus Roewe and Airbus A320 family programme chief engineer, Pierre-Henri Brousse. The A321neo offers operators the perfect balance between fuel efficiency, comfort and environmental performance. It is the clear market leader in the 200 plus seat category, said Fabrice Bregier, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Todays certification is a rewarding tribute to all the teams who have been instrumental in achieving this essential milestone. The A321neo powered by CFM engines, successfully completed a certification programme accumulating over 400 flight hours in more than 160 flights. The tests validated the aircraft airframe and systems well beyond their design limits to meet all airworthiness criteria. The A321neo with CFM engines is the fourth member of the NEO Family certified over the last 15 months, giving customers of the A320neo Family the option of two engine types; Pratt & Whitneys Pure Power PW1100G-JM and CFMs LEAP-1A. Passenger traffic rose 9.7 per cent to 8,037,008 in January 2017, up from 7,327,637 in the same month in 2016. This follows DXBs performance in 2016 during which the airport welcomed a record 83.6 million passengers. Its an auspicious start to what is sure to be another record-breaking year for DXB, said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. It provides further impetus to our DXB Plus Programme, which will enhance service and boost capacity at DXB by applying technology to improved processes. It also fuels our ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience with world-leading wi-fi, retail, F&B and a wide array of offers ranging from spas to VIP service to live music. Eastern Europe remained the fastest-expanding market in terms of percentage growth* (+32.5 per cent), followed by Asia (+26.4 per cent), South America (+18.6 per cent) and Australasia (15.8 per cent). In terms of passenger numbers, routes to the Indian subcontinent (1,876,448 passengers) topped the list followed by Western Europe (1,701,494 passengers), and the GCC states (1,363,089). London (338,816 passengers) topped the list of top destinations followed by Doha (283,341), Kuwait (229,068) and Mumbai (223,399). Traffic from most regions was boosted during the month on account of holidays as well as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Flight movements totalled 36,592 in January 2017, up 2.1 per cent compared to the 35,841 movements recorded in January 2016. The average number of passengers per movement increased to 230 compared to 215 during the corresponding period in 2016. Freight volumes at DXB also registered gains during the month, totalling 208,271 an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to 201,483 recorded in January 2016. Analyst Saj Ahmad said: After a record breaking 2016, Dubai International has started off 2017 with yet more records being broken. The near 10% rise in traffic for January 2017 underscores the strength of Dubais allure key to this has been flydubais foray into Eastern Europe, as well as a number of other airlines from that area flying into Dubai as well. And with the biggest operator in Emirates at the airport, its no surprise that their organic growth is pulling in traffic across its network. While cargo growth of around 3.4% is welcomed news on the back of the festive and New Year periods, the competitive freight environment means that this growth may be tempered going forward. Ahmad added: And as flydubai gears up to shift flights to Dubai World Central later this year, the scope for Emirates to take up more slots will help them drive forward new frequencies and routes as Dubai International targets yet another record breaking year. The first of four A350 aircraft in LATAM livery and with LATAM seating configuration will begin revenue service on 2 March 2017, operating the Doha-Munich route. The aircraft will be piloted by Qatar Airways pilots and on-board service delivered by Qatar Airways cabin crew. LATAM A350s feature 30 Business Class seats and 309 Economy Class seats, giving Qatar Airways the necessary capacity to meet growing demand. Qatar Airways-configured A350s offer 36 seats in Business Class and 247 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: In order to meet growing demand for our services, Qatar Airways has entered into an agreement with LATAM Airlines Group to secure up to four A350 aircraft for up to one year. The A350, for which Qatar Airways was the global launch customer, is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the skies today. Thanks to our strong partnership with LATAM, we are able to meet increasing customer demand in the short term, in an innovative way. Located in an upcoming neighborhood of the city, the restaurant aims to be a landmark for the regeneration of the old distressed urban tissue. Its approach is simple and clear, using natural materials and mixing them with the abundant greenery. Both architect and client agreed upon using design as a tool for reaching a particular atmosphere rather than aiming to enhance a certain type of image. The space is designed as an urban oasis, a lush jungle enclosed in a concrete and steel frame. The green, vegetal component of the design comes to complete the concept of the restaurant, that serves a unique, exotic, round the world, fusion cuisine. The plants create a strong outdoor connection, at the same time defining a few private, secluded areas. The materials used are raw, direct and uncomplicated. Concrete on the floor and the pillars, glazed ceramic tiles for the colored background layer, mirror on the walls and brass details all make up a perfect background for the marble and wooden furniture. All the different areas are the direct result of the functional scheme, a delicate balance between the higher, more strict perimetral sitting area and the middle , softer, more organic, fluid occupancy. The space is treated uniformly with various different focal points, starting with the eight meter long marble bar with a mirror in the background and a light mint ceramic frame and continuing with the delicate exotic wall painting, that balances the fine constructed lines with the strong and abundent theme of the luxurious jungle. For more depth and perspective a mirror has been added next to the painting extending the artwork. The technical ceiling is apparent, continuing the straightforward, exposed approach of the entire design, painted in a rich, dark, deep green that ties the elements together. The light is soft, and focused on the tables, with a few exceptions that highlight various focal points. The entire atmosphere is constructed to complete the culinary experience and to help immerse into the green, lush urban oasis. The restaurant stretches on a surface of 180 sqm, with 74 seating places and it features, custom made furniture as well as ready to use pieces from brands such as Normann Copenhagen, Bolia, HK Living, Seletti and Hubsch. The open plan space allowed for a layered and sequential perspective, that creates depth and consistence. Take a Design Tour of Kristalia with Architectours.it Connect architects and interior designers with all aspects of Italys design scene 02/03/2017 -is a design tourism initiative whose purpose is to connect architects and interior designers with Italys leading manufacturers and companies. Rich in cultural heritage, Italy is noted as being the pioneering father of great furniture and industrial design, and is considered to be the largest open air design museum in the world. It boasts more than 25.000 design manufacturers, over 3400 museums, 2100 archaeological locations and parks, making it the ideal destination for discovering renowned furniture brands and historical, architecture sites.provides architects and interior designers with a view into Italys diverse creative and industrial output, with insights into the high-end industrial craftsmanship of companies such as that of Kristalia . Since 1994, the furniture brand has been defending its own notion of Made in Italy, working with the belief that by sharing the path that each piece of their furniture takes, clients will see the overall value of the work and have a better overview of the products they make.The excursion toincludes a visit to its new headquarters whose architecture is an extension of the companys key values: transparency and sustainability. These principles are evident through the way in which Kristalia approaches each of its projects from production processes to advertising and are physically expressed through the architecture of its production facilities. Designed by, Kristalias headquarters references the factory-villages, and so called farms, that are still found in regions of Italy; while recalling the companys early days as a glass producer, before it transitioned into furniture design. It is architecturally outfitted with a white envelope representative of snow and light, along with expansive glazing that offers panoramic views of the surrounding of trees and mountains, all at once providing a clean, airy environment for creativity, while blending harmoniously with its natural landscape setting.They lead creatives people through all phases of the design process that highly specializedworkers engage in from mechanical production to hand-made finishing to showroom presentation. They not only offer a better understanding of the types of skills and materials that reflect Kristalias design philosophy, its commitment to innovation and sustainability, and what makes it unique within the market, but also highlight the quality and care that is instilled into Italian production. A visit to Kristalia leaves you with a better of appreciation for how the company develops quality design pieces, expressing just what it means to be Made in Italy, and why it needs to be preserved.Architectours aims at helping creatives people discover places, artifacts, and brands withto major museums, corporate archives, showrooms, company headquarters, factories, and architectural sites. Our design tours are a great opportunity for meeting and networking with design protagonists, while getting a backstage look at the industry. They connect architects and interior designers with all aspects of Italys design scene. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan addressed a congratulatory message on the occasion of Diplomats Day, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress. The message reads: Distinguished Diplomats, I congratulate you on the occasion of Diplomats Day. This year marks an anniversary since 25 years ago, on this very day Armenia joined the United Nations Organization, thus fulfilling our nations cherished aspiration to become a full-fledged member of the international community. A quarter of a century ago, when Armenia had reappeared on the political map of the world, the link between our country and the outside world started to work first of all through our diplomats. It is no accident that this momentous day was declared and is celebrated traditionally as the Armenian Diplomats professional holiday. There can be no doubt that the protection of the interests of the independent Armenia, which has a millennia-long history, rich traditions and culture, and those of her citizens is a huge responsibility. One of the peculiarities of the diplomatic service is often the invisibility of your work. Be assured that your work is visible to us and deserves respect. Today too our country faces multiple challenges. In our efforts to withstand them, we anticipate and require much of you, our diplomats. Just like the Armenian troops on the borders, so are you abroad and as the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should not relax even for a moment, always ready to counter all encroachments against our statehood and national interests. The geopolitical realities around us have left their mark on our diplomatic service as well. Along with high professional requirements, maybe even more than in case of the diplomats of other countries, your work requires a boundless dedication and love for Fatherland. That is especially the case when you are representing a country which has to live under the conditions of war and blockade. Armenia is a peace-loving country. We, Armenians have always struggled for the right to live on the land of our ancestors, so we know all too well the value of a peaceful life. Diplomats carry their great share of responsibility in ensuring conditions for our countrys peaceful and sustainable development. I am confident that you understand that responsibility and are ready to carry it with honor. I have no doubt that you will continue to represent our country, our viewpoints and approaches at the proper level and will through your active engagement make them more audible and perceptible at the international platforms, that you will continue to bring your considerable contribution to the strengthening of our countrys external security. Distinguished Diplomats, I congratulate you once again on the occasion of Diplomats Day and wish you limitless energy to fulfill in its best the mission entrusted to you. I also wish you new achievements for the benefit and advancement of our Fatherland. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community will organize a protest on the day of the arrival of Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev to France, March 14, Co-chairman of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France (CCAF), ARF Bureau member Mourad Papazian told Armenpress. Aliyev will meet with the President of France. We will organize a protest to denounce his visit to France, denounce the Aliyev regime, the militarization process of Azerbaijan, of course, also to support Artsakh and the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, Mourad Papazian said. According to him, everything is done to attract the attention of the media on the issue. We have to do so that the media covers our initiative. The protest will be held in a place where usually a lot of people gather. We expect large-scale participation, Papazian said. Azerbaijans president Aliyev will pay a two-day visit to France on March 14. YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan fired 68 shells in the eastern (Akna) and north-eastern (Martakert) directions on March 2 from mortars and grenade launchers, Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh. The Azerbaijani side continued to violate the ceasefire regime today by firing 68 shells from different-caliber mortars and automated grenade launchers in the direction of the Defense Army positions in the eastern (Akna) and north-eastern (Martakert) directions of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line. Defense Army front line units took adequate counter-measures and silenced the adversarys aggressive activity. The situation on the front line is currently relatively calm, reads the press release of the MoD Artsakh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A segregated New Mexico grade school built during the Jim Crow years was listed in the National Register of Historic Places during Black History Month, the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division announced today. The Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School in Vado near the Mexico border was built in 1926, the same year the precursor of Black History Month was established as the second week of February in recognition of Abraham Lincolns birthday. The school in Vado was built during a period when white residents of Southern states especially Texas began moving to New Mexico, which subsequently adopted Jim Crow laws in 1925, nearly 50 years after they were established to segregate all public facilities in former Confederate states. Most African American students in the South attended substandard, poorly built and over-crowded schools because of the laws. This was not the case in most of New Mexicos segregated communities. Segregated schools in New Mexico built for African American Children were often solidly built, as indicated by the brick-and-concrete Dunbar School, said Steven Moffson, HPD State and National Register coordinator. In fact, state legislation from 1925 required classrooms and schools built for children of African descent be as good and well-kept as those used by pupils of Caucasian or other descent. Segregation in New Mexico ended shortly after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, years before it was abolished nationally as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Most southern states did not desegregate their schools until 1970. Bobbie J. Boyer attended the school from 19451954. She remembers the four-room school which held two grades in each classroom for its outstanding teachers and the principal, Gile B. Grimes, and the good, basic education she and other students received. Commemorating the school as a local landmark was the dream of her late husband, Roosevelt, and the Boyer family, which first came to New Mexico c. 1901 when Frank Boyer founded the short-lived agricultural community Blackdom north of Artesia. So many black people came to New Mexico from southern states for a better life, she said. It is important to remember this school and that Vado was an all-black community when it was settled because not everything that happened to black people in history happened in the South. Bobbie Boyer and the president of the Vado Historical Society, Johnny Holguin and his wife, Esty, actively pursued the nomination. Holguin graduated from the school in 1957, the final year schools were segregated in New Mexico. The school continues to be the communitys focal point, is used for many gatherings, and houses a local Head Start program. It also is the sole surviving public building in Vado. The Dunbar school is a landmark in the history of segregation and in the history of African Americans in New Mexico, said Jeff Pappas, State Historic Preservation officer and HPD director. Were grateful to have had the opportunity to list this school in the State and National Register, not only for its important place in the state history but because it opens the door for other underrepresented communities to come forward with important buildings and other cultural resources to be recognized in the Registers. The Dunbar School is among six surviving schools built during segregation, primarily in southern and eastern parts of the state. Alamogordo, Artesia, Carlsbad, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Tucumcari also had segregated schools. During Heritage Preservation Month in May, HPD and communities around the state will honor historic preservation achievements and identify future preservation initiatives. Achievements also will be recognized with awards presented by the State Cultural Properties Review Committee, which first listed the Dunbar School to the State Register in December. The 2017 Preservation Month theme, Untold Stories: Cultural Diversity in New Mexico, will be interpreted on the 30th annual Preservation Month poster and in some of the 40 preservation month events that will be held statewide in May. It 's generally foolish to look for clear thought and sincere intent in anything says. But a glimmer of hope emerged in his Monday comments on America's recent military ventures. "We have to start winning wars again," he declared. "We've either got to win or don't fight it at all." If he means it, he should make a firm decision about Afghanistan, where we have no prospect of victory and no appetite for what it would take even to gain the upper hand. In truth, we have already lost that war. It has gone on for more than 15 years, making it the longest conflict in our history. And we are further from victory today than when we arrived. U.S. military officials, reports Reuters, acknowledge that the Kabul government controls only 60 percent of the nation's territory. The , which we invaded the country to remove, controls some 15 percent, with the remainder contested. The Islamic State and are also in the fight. The stalemate is more or less a permanent fact of life. turned his attention away from Afghanistan once he decided to invade Iraq, and his administration was content to stave off disaster. mounted a surge, boosting the number of U.S. troops from about 30,000 to about 100,000 in his first two years, but by the time he left office, he had drawn them down to 8,400 . Both presidents did essentially the same thing, refusing to escalate enough to achieve a lasting victory and refusing to leave. Their approach was to fight but not to win. The question for Trump is whether to accept that reality and get out or deny it and stay. Gen. John Nicholson, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, recently told a Senate committee that he needs "a few thousand" additional troops. But such a modest boost would amount to a holding action, at best. "That a few thousand troops could somehow reverse the present situation and ensure progress toward victory is obviously a fantasy of the first order," wrote retired Air Force Lt. Col. William J. Astore in The American Conservative. A more ambitious escalation, however, would exceed what the vast majority of Americans would support. The total bill for the war, including future costs for medical care for wounded veterans, is estimated at upward of $4 trillion. In his Tuesday address to Congress, Trump lamented that for the cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, "we could have rebuilt our country twice." Our presence and money should give our partners in Kabul an overwhelming advantage over the enemy. But as Menon wrote in The National Interest, we have yet to see "anything resembling an effective government with national reach and local purchase. Moreover, it has become less cohesive and more fractious." Contrast that with the performance of Taliban forces which have been on the receiving end of thousands of American bombs and bullets yet have not only survived but gained ground. The United States invaded in 2001 for a simple, specific purpose: to remove the Taliban regime and smash al-Qaida. After that task was done, the public lost interest. In the absence of broadly felt sacrifices in blood or treasure, Afghanistan was about as relevant to most of our lives as Bolivia. The war has been forgotten, and presidents have preferred that it remain that way. In Boston, the five-year partnership will feature an annual program known as Leipzig Week in Boston, a celebration that includes lectures, archival exhibitions, musician visits, and orchestra and chamber music concerts devoted to the history and repertoire of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, one of Europes most storied ensembles. The BSO will be similarly featured during Boston Week in Leipzig. As I indicated in yesterdays post, the Metropolitan Museum of Art* is in for a bit of a rough patchbut lets not overdo it (as some people have). The Mets exhibitions programits coreis still packed with excellent offerings. Great curators still want to work for the Metor will, once things settle down. It goes without saying that its collections are the best in the land. But the Met has gone wrong in not playing to its strengths. Supposedly pulled by moneyed trustees who collect contemporary art andthis must be saiddefinitely by many critics and others in the media pushing in the same direction, Tom Campbell has tried to make the Met more contemporary. Let me say right here that I have nothing against contemporary art: I like a lot of it. But no one complains that the Louvre has missed the boat on contemporary art; no one says the Louvre cant expect to draw crowds unless it updates its offerings. In 2015, 8.6 million people visited the Louvre, even though there they dont even see Impressionism or other 19th century art (according to statistics compiled by The Art Newspaper). That is the province of the Musee dOrsay. And if in Paris you want to see contemporary art, you go to the Pompidou Center. It had 3 million visitors in 2015. The Orsay, by the way, had 3.4 million. Likewise, no one says the National Gallery in London or the British Museum must move foursquare into contemporary. The National Gallery attracted 5.9 million people in 2015, and the British Museum 6.8 million. Both outdrew the Tate, with 4.7 million, just as here the Met (6.5 million) outdraws the Museum of Modern Art (3 million). You can say that most of those visitors are tourists. Fair enough. And maybe some are going simply to see the Mona Lisa in Paris or the Raphaels, Titians, etc. at the National Gallery. But such people will always exist. And museums are not just about the numbersthey are also about the experience, the stimulation, the uplift, the internal, often inexpressible reaction that people have to great art. Yes, I know, museums are also socialbut they cant be only social experiences or they lose their raison detre (and maybe tax status). Now Im not letting Tom Campbell off the hookif he was pushed by trustees, he also put many of those contemporary collectors on the museums board. He recruited them. (I cannot account for the media influence, but I am guessing it was far from nil.) Board composition must therefore also be on the reform agenda. Many collectors still buy beyond contemporarysome collect contemporary AND. Let the Met find them and give them voice. Which brings me to the subject of board leadership. Daniel Brodsky has been chair since 2011. At the time he was elected, he told The New York Times that he did not have a deep knowledge of art history or a favorite piece in the museums collection, although he prefers modern art. He was also said to get along with everybody. Thats a great traituntil courageous action is required. It is, Ive been told, a reason Brodsky did not attempt to remove Campbell before now. If he had, some damage may have been avoided. And he had to be pushed, my sources say, mainly by Hamilton (Tony) James, the finance committee chair, to act now. These are the people on the executive committee: Candace K. Beinecke; Russell L. Carson; Richard L. Chilton, Jr.; Jeffrey W. Greenberg; J. Tomilson Hill; Hamilton E. James; Bonnie J. Sacerdote; Alejandro Santo Domingo; Andrew M. Saul; James E. Shipp, and Lulu C. Wang. These are the people we will have to look to most to safeguard the Met. Chilton, btw, heads the nominating committeeI hope they he will help recruit trustees who are not only contemporary collectors to the board. But back to what the Met should do: New York is just as big a cornucopia for art as Paris or London. I believe the museums here should emphasize their uniqueness, not blur the lines among themso that the public does not where to expect what, where an exhibition of an artist is likely to be. Museums thrive when they have distinct identities, not when they are shopping-mall mishmashes. And what should the Met specialize in? Its a universal museum, for sure, and should remain so. It should not be specialize in periods as do the Louvre and the National Gallery. But perhaps it should specialize in what, for lack of a better word, can be called canonical art. Art, even art of today, that will most likely be considered as part of the canon 100 years from now. Does that mean it will not show some hot artists that get a show in Chelsea? Yes, it does. But it doesnt mean that it would not have shown Kerry James Marshall. He is likely to last. The Met will miss some artists this waybut it already has and it always will. No curator is infallible, and neither can the Met be. This doesnt mean that the Met will ossify. The Met can and should still have digital programs, for example. It should still devise innovative ways to show great art. It should still educate visitors and students. It can and should experiment. But lets rebalance. Lets move away from the idea that contemporary art is the only entry point for the masses. How elitist. *I consult to a foundation that supports the Met. Pedogate: UK Opens Massive Child Sex Slavery Inquiry Reports of children shipped off to torture, rape and slavery "I hope this inquiry can promote an understanding of the long-term consequences and suffering of those who were sexually abused." "Many never recover and are permanently afflicted with guilt, shame, diminished self-confidence, low self-esteem, fear, and trauma." A massive inquiry has just launched in the United Kingdom into historic cases of children being sent to other countries where they faced a life of "torture, rape, and slavery" at the hands of pedophile and child sex trafficking rings The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse opened by investigating as far back as the decades following the second world war looking at schemes that were set up to give vulnerable children a "new life".Thousands of children were sent to other counties in the Commonwealth, mainly Canada and Australia, with many being lost in the system and ending up child sex slavery.One of the witnesses, David Hill, was sent to Australia as a child and broke down ads he described the "endemic" sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a pedophile ring;Yahoo reports : The British Empire sent some 150,000 children abroad over 350 years, according to a 1998 parliamentary study, although the probe started Monday by looking at abuse of the practice after World War II.It was justified as a means of slashing the costs of caring for lone children and providing disadvantaged young people with a fresh start while meeting labor shortages in the Commonwealth and populating colonial-era lands with white British settlers.Between 1945 and 1970, youngsters were sent mainly to Australia, but also Canada, New Zealand and what is now Zimbabwe -- often without the consent of their families.But the promise of a good upbringing and an exciting new life in the sun was often, in reality, a world of forced labor, brutal treatment and sexual assault in remote institutions run by churches and charities."They sent us to a place that was a living hell," victim Clifford Walsh told the BBC.Oliver Cosgrove was sent to Australia in 1941, one of an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 children shipped there from 1922 to 1967."Those who were abused tried in vain to tell others, who they hoped and believed might assist them. But they didn't," his representative told the inquiry."This was a systematic and institutional problem."- 'Unacceptable depravity' -Aswini Weereratne, of the Child Migrants Trust which supports victims, said there was good evidence that Britain knew of the poor standards of care in Australian institutions but failed to respond."Some of what was done there was of quite unacceptable depravity. Terms like sexual abuse are too weak to convey it," she said."This was not about truly voluntary migration, but forced or coerced deportation."Some children were said to have suffered "torture, rape, and slavery," she added.Professor Stephen Constantine told the hearings that royal visits to such institutions legitimized them for people who saw the photographs, believing if it was good enough for the royal family, "it is good enough for us".The hearings are being held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London. The opening phase dealing with Australia is expected to last 10 days.The inquiry was established following the death of TV star Jimmy Savile in 2011, when it emerged he had been one of Britain's worst serial pedophiles, carrying out abuse unchecked in a range of public institutions.The inquiry will look at historic abuse in England and Wales, including in schools, hospitals, children's homes, local authorities, religious organizations, the BBC, the armed forces, and charities.It will also examine allegations involving famous people in politics and the media.The inquiry got off to a rocky start, with the first three chairs stepping down.Read more at: http://www.neonnettle.com/news/1939-pedogate-uk-opens-massive-child-sex-slavery-inquiry If the masses truly understood what this small number of incredibly evil soulless perps were actually doing they would rise up in mass and hunt them down like rapid [rabid] animals. Through their three separate secret nation-states the BTC runs most of world. Right now, according to well placed deep cover inside sources, the Cabal has recognized this problem and is running numerous special emergency meetings in their think-tanks, non-profit foundations and NGOs on how to neutralize the Truther disclosures from the Internets massive number of Alternative Media websites that are truthfully exposing their major RICO crimes. His latest article on the Babylonian Kabbalah has defined this secret Globalist NWO agenda that is hidden in plain sight extremely well.The Babylonian Talmudists Globalist NWO agenda has been seriously stressing our lives in almost every way possible.This Ruling Cabal that hijacked America is working hard to asset strip us of all our wealth and to destroy our Republic and Balkanize it and take into a continuing stream of wars for their personal profits.The Babylonian Talmudic Cabals final goal is to create Hell on Earth. So far they have been pretty successful doing this in many nations of the world they have brought major war to, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. And they have done a bang up job mass-murdering lots of innocent Syrian women and children.The Babylonian Talmudic Cabal BTC (also known as the Khazarian Mafia KM) specializes in the Black Arts of the Darkside. This includes trauma-based mind-kontrol and soul-murder, covert assassinations of enemies of the BTC often unrecognized as such, and numerous evil human compromise operations often involving serving up young children to demented politicians and officials as blackmail bait., and buying up, bribing and human compromising almost every single elected and appointed official and large corporate Directors. When you can create all the money you want and need, it is quite easy to gain control over almost every single government.Once youve got control you can direct the society in the direction you want to produce massive drug addictions, out of control crime, major societal breakdown and war, all of which produces massive death, suffering and destruction which is the true secret goal of the Babylonian Talmudic Cabal (BTC).most of the world through its three key interlocked private nation-states (the City of London Financial District (COL), Washington DC, and the Vatican). This system is being used to attain a specific Globalist NWO Agenda for the BTC and it is all based on creating death, mass-death, massive bloodletting and horrific human suffering, all done to provide negative energy to their god Satan and the Darkside.The BTC is so evil that it is unfathomable to most folks who even if told just cannot fit this sinister reality into their heads. It is this lack of knowledge about who really runs the world and who they serve and the unmatched pure evil they do, that prevents the masses from rising up and repeating the purge of the French Revolution all over the world.So far the Internet is doing a pretty good job informing some the masses of this, but the process is slow and the majority of the populace will not believe the truth of all this unless it is christened and announced repeated on the evening Network world news. This is not a likely prospect because the nightly news is delivered by a CIA created six part News Cartel that is functioning as an illegal monopoly that must be broken up into a thousand pieces.Through their secret three part government, the BTC is working hard to implement age-old intergenerational secret satanic Agenda to create Hell on Earth and reduce the population by 90% in the first round of major destruction. Then they plan to replace humans with their own gene-spliced derivative that is combined with A.I. and mechanical bodies (e.g. a transhumanist agenda to combine clay and Iron). So far they were well on their way until the advent of the Internet, the New Gutenberg Press from which a strong populist uprising is emerging very rapidly, a great and unexpected concern of the BTC.The Vatican is the BTCs secret spiritual head; the COL is the BTCs secret financial head; and DC is the BTCs secret military and acquisition arm.This planned destruction is planned to include a 90% reduction of the worlds population by numerous sophisticated means including hard-kill of war and engineered crime, and various types of soft-kill including engineered toxic GMO food, toxic additives in vaccinations, fluoride in the water and various toxic chemicals sprayed in the skies.Advanced psychotronics can easily be weaponized by changing the specific frequencies and wave forms and used to create mass cancer, and various illness including instant death for many.such as the family, sex roles, basic right and wrong morality, all substituted for political correctness, diversity, relative morality, all kinds of strange unnatural new sex roles (the USG has now constructed a list of over fifty transsexual and intersexual roles acceptable for children and adults who have become confused).There has been a strong movement in the public schools and certain businesses to construct special transsexual lavatories by filing lawsuits against public school systems. The unexpected victory of Donald Trump due to an explosive emergence of massive populism has suddenly brought much of this program to create massive sex role confusion to a screeching halt.Who specifically are the folks that comprise the BTC. John Coleman MI-6 claimed that there were 300 families that ran the world. Some insiders who have left the BTC System have claimed it was an age old secret Satanic collection of a small number of families who date all the way back to ancient Babylonia. Others claim it is the Old Black Nobility families than secretly run the Vatican.The BTCs commitment is to create a new Satanic order of the ages, their NWO through the creation of massive chaos, death, suffering, disability and destruction. Only then do they believe that their Satanic NWO Kingdom will arise from the ashes. If necessary they will try to create a full scale nuclear WW3 while they hide underground in their hug network of over 140 Deep Underground Military bases (DUMBs). Once they have their NWO one -world system in final form they believe they will be made eternal gods by Satan.The number one characteristic and trademark of the Babylonian Talmudists that run the worldwide BTC through their Fiat banking is their extreme duplicity. Anyone who climbs upward in their system must be skilled at projecting this duplicity and two-faced behavior, acting good on the outside, while secretly incredibly evil beyond imagination on the inside.to lie and wrongly attack healthy political movements and populist media appearing on the Internet, calling it Fake News. The BTCs Controlled Major Mass Media (CMMM) is of course completely controlled by their agent of control and chaos, the CIA.A great recent example of this extreme duplicity is reflected in the almost constant recent accusations broadcast by the CMMM as if it were a factual given that the Russian hacked the DNC emails and manipulated the election making Ms. Clinton lose and that the Russians attacked and invaded Crimea and are the aggressors in the Ukraine.These are blatant lies and yet the CMMM persists in broadcasting this duplicitous propaganda of the Babylonian Talmudic Satanic cabal that hijacked America in 1913.Despite what traitorous Senators John McCain and (light on his loafers and still closeted) Lindsay Graham espouse continually, its an easily provable fact that the secret mercenary army of ISIS was created by the CIA, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. The USG constantly accuses Assad and Iran of creating this, when it is actually the BTC.to be told the truth about this, and the Controlled Major Mass Media (CMMM) broken up and prevented from continuing to advance the BTCs blatant lies and misrepresentations.This complete duplicity because the real Fake News is their own Controlled Major Mass media (CMMM) comprised of six subordinate Media Conglomerates joined at the hip and run by a large investment house based in Switzerland. Some insiders claim this investment house that claims to be on the vanguard of investments is a derivative of the Knights Templar.The CMMM is blaming the Internet and accusing it of being fake news, when actually it is just the opposite, the CMMM itself is the fake news. And it became the fake news soon after the BTCs City of London Zionist private Central Banksters hijacked the American money creation and distribution system in 1913 with the passage of their Federal Reserve Act.The Federal Reserve System (FRS) is not a bank, nor a reserve, nor is it any kind of USG agency at all. And it has never been audited and issues as much fiat money as desired, enough to secretly pay off any politician or foreign banking system it desires.The BTCs FRS is the operational root cause of all the Babylonian Talmudic Satanic evil that has been unleashed on America and so much of the world. Its handiwork is a continuing progression of illegal, undeclared, unconstitutional, unwinnable, perpetual wars.Right from the very start in 1913, the FRS was set up to engulf the whole world in a web of debt, alter to become morphed into a worldwide debt-bomb designed to destroy ever society when it crashed as deigned. It appears we are now rapidly approaching that end point._________and you love the works of evil and all the earthly rewards it can provide at other peoples cost and their very lives, you will be pleased with what the Babylonian Talmudic Cabal (BTC) has planned for America and the world. Otherwise you are going to be very, very unhappy and should be quite motivated to work to expose their evil, satanic Globalist NWO Agenda and stop it cold.It has taken a while for the Ruling Cabal to figure out that the Internet is the new Gutenberg Press and has dealt them serious damage by creating a strong, widespread American populism.Many if not most of their Psyops and covert ops against the American People and the American Republic have been completely exposed on the Internet to many millions in America and all over the world. You can imagine the BTCs concern right now and why they are working hard in special emergency consultations to try and capture this tiger.and may be impossible. Pandoras box has been opened and is unlikely to ever be closed again, the genie has been let out of the bottle and can never be put back in it. Stopping the Alternative Media on this Internet is no easy project and their best bet is to institute intermittent censorship and blockage.If it were to become too widespread, serious backlash, even a major American revolt could occur at all levels, even inside DC, the military and the Intel agencies too. Some insiders are now claiming that there is a huge split and rebellion inside the NSA and other Intel agencies, with some who are making sure everything is going to be leaked, including all secret phone calls and email between top corrupt politicians.And the Cabal has induced some of their associates who control major Internet search engines or social media to start censoring certain Truthers.Time will determine the outcome to this battle for our very Republics continued existence and our very lives which are now being seriously threatened by the Cabal. Hopefully Americans will continue to wake up and take their Republic back from the Babylonian Talmudic Satanists who hijacked America in 1913 and who have proceeded to asset-strip our wealth, and destroy our language, borders and culture. I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army Bhatt filed a complaint at the Juhu Police Station on Wednesday under section 387 after he received the call. According to reports, Mahesh Bhatt will produce 'Aashiqui 3' with Alia in the lead. Mumbai: After the underworld plot to kill Mahesh Bhatt few years back, a caller this time threatened to kill his daughter Alia and wife Soni Razdan. Mahesh Bhatt filed a police complaint on Wednesday after he received an extortion call from a man, who demanded Rs 50 lakhs from Bhatt and threatened to kill Alia and Razdan, if he failed to meet the demand. Fearing for the safety of his family, Bhatt filled a complaint at the Juhu Police Station on Wednesday under section 387 (causing a person to fear death or grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion). Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe said, "Offence under the section for extortion is registered at Juhu police station. The anti-extortion cell is investigating the offence. As of now no arrest has been made in connection with the offence, but investigation is going on progressively." The filmmaker later took to Twitter on Thursday, confirming that there was indeed an extortion call and threat to his family, but it was resolved jointly by the Maharashtra Police and Uttar Pradesh Police. He thanked the police teams with Gratitude. The call was first made on February 26 and the caller provided details of his bank account to transfer the money. The caller, named Sandeep Sahu and aged 24, was reportedly traced to Uttar Pradesh and has been detained. Though she has expressed she will never run for President, 'recent events' may just have changed her mind. Oprah Winfrey will lend her voice for the film 'The Star' that releases this year. Washington D.C.:Though, in the past, Oprah Winfrey has expressed she will never run for President, but, the 'recent events' may just have changed her mind. The television mogul, in a recent interview at The David Rubenstein Show, said that the recent events have forced her to reconsider running for President one day, reports E! Online. "I actually never considered the question even a possibility. I just thought, 'Oh!'," she said. She continued, "Oh, gee, I don't have the experience, I don't know enough, I don't know.' And now I'm thinking, 'Oh!'" Oprah's ability to connect with the people and surrogate their thoughts is considered to be one of the biggest reasons for her to join politics. On a related note, she also shared the reasons that took 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' to the top: "My skill comes not from my interviewing ability; my skill comes from my listening ability and my skill comes from me knowing fundamentally inside myself that I am no different than the audience." For the uninitiated, Oprah Winfrey hosted the 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' for 25 years and covered women's issues, relationships, celebrities, current events, social issues and global perspectives. High-level government visits between the two countries have also taken place during the current tenure of the Modi government. New Delhi: In November last year, when Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking in his presence had commented, As fellow democracies, our people are our biggest strength and the biggest beneficiaries of a strong India-Israel partnership. The 2000-year-old Jewish community in India represents a thriving link to this past. Today, it is a vital part of our composite cultural mosaic that continues to thrive in their traditions. We are proud of the Jewish community in India. Mr Modi had further said, Two and a half decades of our friendship has brought rich dividends for both our nations. It has also strengthened voices of peace, stability and democracy globally. Mr Modi will himself be visiting Israel this summer, in what will be a keenly-watched visit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also likely to visit India by the end of this year. The two nations on Tuesday unveiled a logo in the capital to mark 25 years of diplomatic ties. For two countries that began their journeys as independent democracies at roughly about the same time and being two ancient civilisations the Indian and Jewish, it may come as a surprise to many on why full-fledged diplomatic ties were established just 25 years ago. Much of it has to do with the paths the two countries chose about the middle of the 20th century. India had attained Independence in 1947 after a painful Partition wherein Pakistan was carved out on the basis of religion. In the Middle East, a year later in 1948, Israel was formed as a Jewish state, which the Jawaharlal Nehru government recognised in 1950. But Indias strong and vocal support to the Palestinian cause ensured that Indo-Israeli ties were frosty. The Cold War between the US and the then USSR also had a role to play in this. New Delhi, though a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, had a rather pronounced pro-Soviet tilt in its foreign policy while Israel remained a strong ally of the United States. Nevertheless, the Nehru government permitted Israel to open a consulate in Mumbai in 1953 where consular services were offered. There was then a large Indian Jewish community both in Mumbai and Kochi, Kerala, from where many Jews wished to emigrate to Israel. During the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s, Indo-Israeli diplomatic contacts remained minimal while ties between India and the Arab world flourished. But things began to change in the early 1990s. The insurgency in Kashmir fuelled by Pakistan meant that some of the countries in the Islamic world began to sharply criticise New Delhi. It was then that public opinion began to grow in favour of stronger ties with Israel. At about the same time, from 1989-91, the right-wing BJP that now rules India and which was until then a small player on the national political scene began to make huge electoral gains and also argued vocally for strong ties with the Jewish state. In that milieu, it was the Congress government at the Centre led by P.V. Narasimha Rao that took the gigantic foreign policy leap of establishing full-fledged diplomatic ties with Israel on January 29, 1992. But at the turn of the century, during the earlier NDA government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee, the ties really began to take off. In 2003, then Israeli PM Ariel Sharon visited India in a landmark visit. The most significant aspect of ties at this time was the start of the defence cooperation between the two countries that has seen India acquire weaponry and defence equipment from Israel worth billions of dollars in the past 15 years. The cooperation includes weaponry and platforms such as surface-to-air precision-missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, drones and sophisticated avionics systems for Indias eye in the sky AWACS. But given the strategic nature of the acquisitions, its one aspect that the Israelis refuse to discuss publicly. But there are other aspects to the ties as well. As Mr Modi himself put it last November: We are familiar with Israels advances in agriculture, and its expertise in micro-irrigation in drought-prone areas and water management. We have identified water management and conservation, and collaboration in scientific research and development as two areas of priority engagement... Israeli companies can scale up their tie-ups with our flagship schemes of Make in India, Digital India, Skill India and Smart Cities... Indian and Israeli companies can also work together in high-technology manufacturing, and services sectors... and as President Rivlin told me in our discussion, Make with India can generate jobs and benefit both geographies... IT service is an area where our partnership can make a difference for both our economies. The two sides had also inked two pacts to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and water resources management. During this visit last November, India and Israel also decided to broad-base their already close defence partnership and agreed to intensify cooperation in combating radicalism and extremism while calling for tough global action against terror networks and states harbouring them. Both countries have suffered the scourge of terrorism, sometimes jointly. During the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008, carried out by Pakistani terrorists, a Jewish Centre was also attacked and an Israeli couple was killed there. A few years later, in February 2012, a terrorist suspected to be from a West Asian country, attacked the vehicle of the wife of an Israeli diplomat in New Delhi, injuring her, before fleeing the scene. After the Indian Armys surgical strikes on terror launchpads in PoK last year, Mr Modi was quoted in October 2016, as saying in Himachal Pradesh, Our Armys valour is being discussed across the country these days. We used to hear earlier that Israel has done this. The nation has seen that the Indian Army is no less than anybody. The comment underlined Mr Modis personal admiration for the achievements of the Jewish state, particularly in fighting against terror. High-level government visits between the two countries have also taken place during the current tenure of the Modi government. Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon visited India in February 2015, while external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited the Jewish state in January 2016. But more importantly, the close nature of ties was seen again when India in July 2015 abstained from voting on resolutions at the UN in Geneva, which supported a probe by the International Criminal Court against Israel for alleged war crimes in Gaza. However, in an obvious balancing act, India had argued that there is no change in New Delhis long-standing position on support to the Palestinian cause, with New Delhi claiming Indias continued political, diplomatic and developmental support to Palestine. ABVP had also organised a Tiranga march on Monday, to invoke nationalist sentiments on the campus. ABVP had also organised a Tiranga march on Monday, to invoke nationalist sentiments on the campus. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: A Save DU march by RSS youth wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) began in New Delhi on Thursday, to counter a similar march by Left-wing student organisations on Tuesday. Nearly 2000 ABVP members are participating in the protest, said reports. Posters at the protest site spanned from freedom of expression, extolling nationalism and call for respect to standing up against anti-nationals. Some called for an end to Naxalism, while others urged people to stop respected those who are less educated. Chants of Bharat mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram kehna hoga (If you want to live in India, you will have to say Vande Mataram) and Kashmir ho ya Guwahati, apna desh apni maati (Whether it is Kashmir or Guwahati, this is the soil of India) rent the air as protesters began their march. Alarmingly, some protesters also asked for traitors to be shot dead. Grisly images of killings purportedly caused by Left-wing extremists in Kerala and West Bengal were also put up on hoardings, said reports. The march began from the Arts Faculty in North Campus and passed through Vishwavidyalaya Metro station, Miranda College, Sri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, and Law Faculty. It will culminate at a Swami Vivekananda statue. Heavy security was deployed outside Delhi Universitys North Campus before the protests began today. ABVP had also organised a Tiranga march on Monday, to invoke nationalist sentiments on the campus. All this comes in the backdrop of unrest in Delhi University, following disruption of an event themed "Cultures of Protest" at Ramjas College, at which JNU student Umar Khalid was supposed to be a speaker. Last week, AISA and the ABVP engaged into a scuffle over cancellation of Khalid's talk. The ABVP also rejected allegations of molestation of girl students, and instead claimed that AISA members had assaulted its female cadre. However, the leadership of the ABVP suspended two members for allegedly strangulating AISA supporters. The AISA will hold a similar protest on March 4, said reports. The party has also asked the Election Commission to deploy paramilitary forces at booths in sensitive areas. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written to the Election Commission demanding deployment of women police officials at booths during the sixth and seventh phases of polling in Uttar Pradesh to check the voter IDs of burqa-clad women. The motive is to avoid bogus voting, the party said. "A large number of burqa-clad women cast their votes, hence proper checking of IDs is important to avoid bogus voting," the letter read. The BJP has also asked for the deployment of paramilitary forces at polling booths in sensitive areas for the remaining two phases. All political parties are making efforts to woo the voters in poll-bound areas for the sixth phase. 49 constituencies spread over seven districts of Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau and Ballia will go to polls in this phase on Saturday. Sanjay Raut on Monday had said it is strange that BJP can enter into an alliance with the PDP, which backed terrorist Afzal Guru. Mumbai: Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena on Thursday said the saffron party should come forward and speak on its alliance in the BMC rather than making such statements. "Who is allying with the Congress? The BJP says the one who is going with the Congress is indecent. So, does joining hands with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir is equal to being pure?" Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI. "BJP does not have the right to make such statements. Today politics is extremely polluted, as everyone is busy playing the blame game," he added. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has begun preparation to herd all its corporators to an undisclosed location, said reports. The move is said to be underway to ensure that the BJP does not poach any of its corporators, to swell its ranks and reach the majority mark of 114 following the BMC polls. The party also held a meeting of its senior ministers to chart out its political strategy, in case the relationship between the two parties deteriorate further. The Sena was alarmed after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of the political situation in the state, reports said. Taking a jibe at Fadnavis over his statement that the BJP would never join hands with the Congress, Raut on Monday said it is strange that the saffron party can enter into an alliance with the PDP, which called a terrorist like Afzal Guru as martyr. "The BJP has allied with Mehbooba Mufti's PDP, which called a terrorist like Afzal Guru as freedom fighter and martyr, but, is facing problem in entering into an alliance with the Congress under whose governance Afzal Guru was sentenced to be hanged for being a terrorist," Raut told ANI. His response came after Fadnavis said the BJP won't enter into an alliance with the Congress at any point or at any cost. "Whoever wants to go with them can go, the BJP won't say a single word," he said. The Shiv Sena won 84 seats in the BMC polls, while the BJP won 80. 114 seats are needed for a majority. This was the first time in over a decade that any government has overhauled the entire weapon system of security forces in the Valley. Tavor assault rifles, known for reliability and Glock 17 pistols, known for high rate of fire. New Delhi: The Centre has given a major push to equip the Army and central paramilitary forces with advanced weapons and equipment in anticipation of increased militant activity in Kashmir valley in summer. Intelligence agencies have hinted that militant activity may reach an all-time high this summer, people familiar with the matter said. This was the first time in over a decade that any government has overhauled the entire weapon system of security forces deployed in the Valley, the people said. They said the first consignment of lightweight bulletproof vests which has been a longstanding demand of the security forces and mine and bulletproof vehicles, lightweight rocket launchers (shoulder mounted), Tavor assault rifles and rapid-fire Glock 17 pistols have already reached the Valley. The next lot is expected in the next few weeks. H&K MP-5 sub-machine gun, known for low recoil In the next batch, the security forces would be armed with H&K MP-5 sub-machine guns (known for low recoil), sniper rifles, improved communication gadgets and special boots which can sustain an improvised explosive device blast. People familiar with the matter said this was a major initiative by the Centre in its fight against terror in the Valley, and the entire equipment will be delivered to security personnel before the onset of summer. The Centre is still exploring possibilities of procuring non-lethal weapons for crowd control, although the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force has already said it was planning to use a modified version of the pellet guns. These guns allegedly inflicted severe eye injuries to protesters in the Valley last year. While we want to insulate protesters from any major injuries, there will be major crackdown against militants in the summer months, said a security officer who did not want to be named. Intelligence reports already suggest that militants are planning major offensive in the Valley. Even last year the infiltration attempts were at an all-time high, the officer said. The new weapons will also be given to forces deployed along the International Border and the Line of Control with Pakistan. Apart from better equipment, security forces, particularly paramilitary forces, have been told that their personnel should get the best available quality food. The commanding officers have been asked to check and taste the food before it is served to soldiers. Recently, Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur posted a video on social media that showed poor quality food given to soldiers. If stopped by the police during their 'Delhi Kooch', the Jats would lay siege and block all the major highways leading to Delhi. New Delhi: Demanding quota in education and jobs, thousands of Jats from northern states including Haryana today gathered at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and threatened to block major highways leading to the national capital. They said they would also stage a gherao of the Parliament building during their 'Delhi Kooch' (march to Delhi). Accusing the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Haryana of being "insensitive" to their demand of reservation under OBC category, president of Akhli Bhartiya Jat Arakashan Sangharsh Samiti Yashpal Malik said that it was necessary to take a "big decision to wake the government up from its slumber". "On March 20, all the Jats riding their tractors and small vehicles and carrying at least 10-day ration will marchtowards Delhi on the highways from the neighbouring states," he said. If stopped by the police during their 'Delhi Kooch', the Jats would lay siege and block all the major highways leading to the national capital. The Jats will camp at the borders of Delhi, and later hold a gherao of the Parliament, Malik said. Thousands of Jats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand and also from the city, in their vehicles, trouped towards the Jantar Mantar for 'Jat Nyay Dharna', disrupting traffic in New Delhi area and border points. The dharna, led by Malik and other Sangharsh Samiti leaders, culminated in a march towards Parliament which forced the Delhi Traffic Police to close the Parliament Street. Heavy traffic was witnessed on several roads including Ashoka Road. The Sangharsh Samiti leaders also submitted their seven-point charter of demands at the offices of the President and the Prime Minister. Later, the protesters courted arrested at the Parliament Street police station and insisted that the numbers of those arrest be given in writing. They dispersed after a police officer announced that a total of 50,000 Jat protestors have courted arrest. The Sumgait pogroms were the culmination of years of vicious anti-Armenian propaganda, spread by the Azerbaijani authorities, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff said on Wednesday in a statement commemorating the 29th anniversary of the massacres of Armenians. March 2, 2017, 11:33 Schiff: Sumgait massacres result of anti-Armenian propaganda spread by Azerbaijan STEPANAKERT, MARCH 2, ARTSAKHPRESS:Rep. Schiffs full statement is below: Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 29th anniversary of the pogrom against the Armenian residents of the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. 29 years ago Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed their Armenian neighbors. When the violence finally subsided, hundreds of Armenian civilians had been brutally murdered and injured, women and young girls were raped, and victims were tortured and burned alive. Those that survived the carnage fled their homes and businesses, leaving behind everything they had in their desperation. The pogroms were the culmination of years of vicious anti-Armenian propaganda, spread by the Azerbaijani authorities. The Azerbaijani authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities in Sumgait to this day, as well as denying the role of senior government officials in instigating the violence. Unsurprisingly, it was not the end of the violence, and was followed by additional attacks, including the 1990 pogrom in Baku. The Sumgait massacre and the subsequent attacks on ethnic Armenians, resulted in the virtual disappearance of a once thriving population of 450,000 Armenians living in Azerbaijan, and culminating in the war launched against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. That war resulted in thousands dead on both sides and created over one million refugees in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Time has not healed the wounds of those murdered in the pogroms in Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku. To the contrary, hatred of Armenians is celebrated in in Azerbaijan, a situation most vividly exemplified by the case of Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani army captain who savagely murdered an Armenian army lieutenant, Gurgen Margaryan with an axe while he slept. The two were participating in a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise at the time in Hungary. In 2012, Safarov was sent home to Azerbaijan, purportedly to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Instead, he was pardoned, promoted, and paraded through the streets of Baku as a returning hero. The assault on ethnic Armenian civilians in Sumgait helped touch off what would become a direct conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. And today, Azerbaijans dangerous behavior on the Line of Contact threatens peace and stability in the region. Artillery and sniper fire across the Line of Contact has become a fact of daily life for civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, causing numerous casualties. In April of last year, Azerbaijan launched its most aggressive attack in many years, resulting in the loss of many lives over the course of three days of intense fighting. Along with other Members of Congress, I have consistently called for a direct international response to Azerbaijans aggressive behavior through deployment of international monitors and technology to monitor ceasefire violations. Azerbaijans continued rejection of these simple steps speaks volumes, but I believe they should not prevent the installation of these technologies within Nagorno-Karabakh. The anniversary of Sumgait is a reminder of the consequences when aggression and hatred is allowed to grow unchecked. Mr. Speaker, this April we will mark the 102nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an event the Turkish government, Azerbaijans closest ally, goes to great lengths to deny. We must not let such crimes against humanity go unrecognized, whether they occurred yesterday or 29 years ago or 100 years ago. Today, let us pause to remember the victims of the atrocities of the Sumgait pogroms. Mr. Speaker, it is our moral obligation to condemn crimes of hatred and to remember the victims, in hope that history will not be repeated." K Chandrawat also said that since CPI(M) had 'killed' 300 RSS workers, 'we will make Mother India wear 3 lakh human skulls'. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader K Chandrawat on Thursday said that he would offer Rs 1 crore reward to anyone who beheads Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "I have enough property. I have more than one crore houses. If someone brings me the head of Vijayan, I will give my houses and properties to him. Such traitors do not have any right to live in this nation. Such traitors don't have any right to murder democracy. Did you forget Godhra? 56 were killed. You have killed 300 workers. We will make Mother India wear three lakh human skulls. Listen to this Leftists," he said while addressing a public gathering in Ujjain. He also said, We sent 2000 to the graveyard, referring to the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat. #WATCH RSS Mahanagar Prachar Pramukh of Ujjain Kundan Chandrawat says, he'll reward the person who brings him Kerala CM P.Vijayan's head pic.twitter.com/yiBwWs6ftF ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 Chandrawat, however, later said that it was his personal opinion, adding he intended to send a message that the Hindu community is not "sleeping". "It's my personal view. Gave explosive statement just like Bhagat Singh used bomb on British. They must know Hindus aren't sleeping," Chandrawat told the media. Vijayan, however, downplayed Chandrawat's threatening remark against him and said the right-wing group has taken heads of several people. "Sangh Parivar has taken heads of several people. But we have to move on, right?" he asked. Meanwhile, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury called his statement "outrageous." "This is completely outrageous and unacceptable. We very severely condemn this. An elected Chief Minister of state is being threatened so openly by the RSS is an indication of one fact that the RSS enjoys the patronage and protection of the Central Government because of that they are unleashing their politics of violence and threat without any control or scruples. This cannot be tolerated," Yechury told ANI. He said the manner in which the RSS was threatening a state's Chief Minister shows they enjoy the central government's protection and patronage. The Congress vice-president also hit out at the Prime Minister for making false promises and misleading the poor farmers. Varanasi: Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the former is so obsessed with himself that he would cast himself as the hero and producer if he makes any film. "When any film is being made, then Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan are the actors or actresses in it but if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would make any film then he will be the actor as well as the producer of it," Gandhi said at a rally in Varanasi. Continuing his tirade against the Prime Minister, Gandhi said: "Narendra Modi says that 'Ganga Maa' has called him from Gujarat. I would like to ask him whether 'Ganga Maa' has only one son." The Congress vice-president also hit out at the Prime Minister for making false promises and misleading the poor farmers. "The Prime Minister said that he would waive off farmers' loans if he wins the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections which is a lie. He tries to build relations on the basis of his fake promises," Gandhi said. Gandhi yesterday while addressing a rally in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh cornered Prime Minister Modi and alleged that the latter works only for capitalists and overlooks poor farmers. "The farmer, who grows crops, could not get advantage out of it. Modi ji did not help farmers. He broke his promises. He has forgiven debts of 50 families in the last two and half years. He works only for the rich people of the country and does nothing for the youth and farmers," Gandhi said at rally in Kushinagar. Campaigning for the sixth phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh has reached its peak and all political parties are making efforts to woo the voters. Forty nine constituencies spread over seven districts of Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau and Ballia will go to polls in this phase on Saturday. Jaitley also accused the Congress of spreading lies on the government's demonetisation drive. Varanasi: Referring to the recent unrest on the campus of Ramjas College in Delhi University, where AISA and ABVP students clashed with each other, Union Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley on Thursday said nationalism is a bad word only in India. "Nationalism is a good word, ye toh kewal iss desh mein hai ki rashtravad bura shabd hai," he said according to ANI. A few other politicians have also made themselves heard in ongoing debate on nationalism against free speech. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had jumped in to support student group ABVP, saying, I support freedom of expression within legal restrictions. Left leader Sitaram Yechury retorted to Parrikars remarks, saying What defines legal restrictions of the Defence Minister? His whims and fancies? Restrictions are defined by our constitution. Also, Haryanas outspoken Minister Vij had on Wednesday said those who are supporting Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur for her campaign against the ABVP, were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of the country. "It is very wrong and condemnable that Gurmehar has tried to do politics over her father's martyrdom," Vij, a five-time MLA, told reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing state Assembly session. Jaitley also accused the Congress of spreading lies on the government's demonetisation drive and said that it did not have any impact on the economy's growth rate. Addressing a press conference in Varanasi, Jaitley hailed the Central Government's demonetisation move, saying this had won the confidence of many people. Throwing light on the current GDP rate, the Finance Minister asserted that the opposition was spreading lies about demonetisation. Commenting on the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said, "Once the party attains victory in UP polls then this will prove that people have accepted PM Modi's demonetisation drive." Varanasi goes to polls in the last of the seven-phase assembly election in Uttar Pradesh on March 8. Uttar Pradesh is voting in seven phases, four of which is completed. Counting of votes will take place on March 11. Speaking in Kochi, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said there is 'no room in India for the intolerant Indian'. Kochi (Kerala): Weighing in on the recent violence between Left-wing organizations and RSS student wing ABVP on the Delhi University campus, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said there is "no room in India for the intolerant Indian". Delivering a lecture on 'India at 70' today in Kerala's Kochi, President Mukherjee said India has always been a "bastion of free thought, speech and expression". Freedom of speech and expression is also enshrined in the Constitution as a fundamental right, he added. "There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent," the President opined. Mukherjee said that 'when we brutalise a woman, we wound a civilisation's soul', probably referring to the rape threats against martyr Gurmehar Kaur for taking an anti-ABVP stand. "The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children," Mukherjee added. However, he said that those in eminent universities "must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest". "The time has come for collective efforts to rediscover the sense of national purpose and patriotism," the President added, exhorting the youth to love their country. "It is tragic to see students being caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet. The temples of learning must be places of creativity and free thinking," Mukerjee said. The submarines are designed by French company DCNS and are being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd in Mumbai. A file photo of a Scorpene class Kalvari submarine during trials. An anti-ship missile was test-fired for the first time from an indigenously built submarine of the same make. New Delhi: The Indian Navy Thursday successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from the indigenously built Scorpene class INS Kalvari submarine, substantially enhancing its sub-surface warfare prowess. The missile made a direct hit on the target somewhere in the Arabian Sea. Besides INS Kalvari, all the five Scorpene class diesel-electric attack submarines being built under Project 75 will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat. The submarines are designed by French company DCNS and are being built by Mazagon Dock Ltd in Mumbai. In another development, three newly-developed weapon locating radars of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and deployed for the past couple of months on the Line of Control on a trial basis, have proved their worth in gold having stopped the use of heavy artillery from the Pakistani side. Just after the surgical strike on the intervening night of September 28-29, when Pakistani snipers hit our soldiers, we also hit back with sniper firing, a top defence ministry source told this newspaper. That is when they resorted to heavy use of artillery guns, which created mayhem in our civilian areas, often leading to casualties. So we decided to deploy these three WLRs on the LoC on a trial basis. And it has been a very successful move with Pakistani artillery firing having been stopped, the source said. On Thursday, state-owned DRDO handed over the WLR to the Indian Army that will be produced under technology transfer pacts by Bharat Electronics Ltd. While four are already in existence, the Army has asked for 30 more such radars. After meeting the Armys requirement, we may even export it to other countries, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said. The radar gives the exact location of the enemys firing position and feeds the coordinates to the friendly artillery systems, which fire at the exact spot, giving less reaction time to the adversary. All this takes about two-three minutes. RSS was quick to distance itself from the remarks. Ujjain/New Delhi/Kochi: An RSS functionary announced on Thursday a Rs 1 crore bounty for beheading Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, sparking an uproar and drawing condemnation from the CPI(M), the Congress as well as the Sangh. The CM dismissed the threat, saying such calls would not prevent him from travelling around, while Keralas ruling CPI(M) and Opposition Congress sought the arrest of the RSS functionary for his comments. Kundan Chandravat, RSS Sah Prachar Pramukh in Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain, announced the reward to avenge the killing of its workers in Kerala, allegedly by CPI-M workers. Kerala has been witnessing a series of political clashes between BJP-RSS cadres and those from the ruling CPI(M), especially in the northern Kannur district from where CM Vijayan hails, for a long time. Both parties have blamed each other for the cycle of violence, which has claimed several lives on both sides. The Kerala CM is killing our RSS workers who want to take this country forward. I will pay Rs 1 crore to anyone who beheads him even if I have to sell my house to pay for it, he was seen saying in a video, which went viral. 300 innocent people (belonging to RSS) have been killed but the Kerala CM has turned a blind eye to it, he claimed at the function. Is there no courage in the blood of Hindus?, he asked. RSS was quick to distance itself from the remarks. The RSS strongly condemns such statements. The Sangh does not believe in violence. But we will continue to protest against attacks on our workers in Kerala in a democratic and peaceful manner, the organisations national Sah Prachar Pramukh J. Nandakumar said in Delhi. He said he does not know who Chandravat is. In Kochi, CM Vijayan told reporters, Sangh Parivar has chopped off heads of many. That wont prevent us from travelling around. Later in a Facebook post, he said he rejected the threat with contempt. I dismiss with contempt the kolaveli (murder call) of RSS, he said. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted that Mr Chandravats comments revealed the true colours of RSS as a terrorist outfit. Mr Yechury also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA government over the remarks. The silence of the government is an endorsement that emboldens RSS to issue such obnoxious threats, the CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement. The President then sought an advisory opinion from the apex court, which in 2016 held that the law as illegal. New Delhi: The 15-year-old Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal row between Haryana and Punjab took a new turn on Thursday with the Supreme Court agreeing to decide whether its advisory opinion to the President, that the law passed by Punjab in 2004 is illegal, is binding on Punjab or not. The Supreme Court in 2002 and 2004 passed orders directing Punjab to implement the SYL water agreements. Punjab, however, passed a law in 2004 to terminate the agreements. The President then sought an advisory opinion from the apex court, which in 2016 held that the law as illegal. During the resumed hearing of the case before a Bench of Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Amitav Roy, senior counsel R.S. Suri for Punjab made it clear that the advisory opinion is not binding on the Punjab government. The 2004 law still existed and unless it is quashed, Punjab cannot implement the SYL canal project. He also maintained that it is impossible to implement the January 15, 2002 decree on construction of SYL canal project for a length of 121 km, when there is no adequate water to share with Haryana. The counsel said the construction of the Canal for transferring Ravi-Beas water to the western Yamuna canal is impossible in the given circumstances of political unrest in Punjab. In one of his rallies, the Prime Minister had earlier mocked the Congress vice-president for his coconut comment. New Delhi: Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mocking party vice-president Rahul Gandhi over his Imphal address, the Congress has called on the former to get his facts straight before taking jibes. "Modi ji has become an expert in comments and jokes; only if he clearly watches Rahul Gandhi's speech he will know the truth and not make funny comments again. If Modi is really interested in cracking jokes then I will tell Navjot Singh Sidhu to give him a side role in Kapil Sharma's show," Randeep Surjewala told ANI here in a clear reference to the 'coconut' gaffe that ensued post Gandhi's address. Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister got a quote wrong while speaking at a rally in Maharajganj, where Modi mocked a certain Rahul Gandhi asking his supporters if they have ever heard of anything called coconut juice. "Yesterday he (a Congress politician) made a very big declaration. He said now he will extract juice from coconuts... and after extracting the juice, he will sell it in England. The poorest of poor children know that you get water from coconuts. You get juice from lime, santre, mosambi. Have you ever seen or heard of coconut juice? Maybe I am unaware but tell me. Coconuts are found in Kerala but he's saying he'll extract coconut juice," Modi said. The Prime Minister Modi was referring to an election rally speech of Rahul Gandhi in Manipur's Imphal East. But what Rahul actually said in his February 28 rally, "Here (in Manipur) you grow nimbu, narangi (oranges), pineapple. I hope that such a day comes that when someone in London drinks pineapple juice, they look at the box and see 'Made in Manipur'." The confusion broke out over Rahul Gandhi's usage of the word 'narangi'which was mistaken for 'nariyal' (Coconut), following which the BJP wasted no time to mock at the Congress vice-president. The 77-year-old SP veteran only campaigned for two candidates, his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav and his brother Shivpal Yadav. Lucknow: Campaigning is at its peak in Uttar Pradesh but Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav has stepped out only for two public rallies this elections, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he addressed in the 2012 assembly polls. Leaders from across the political spectrum travelled the entire state to woo the voters but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. The 77-year-old SP patron campaigned only for his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting on a SP ticket from Lucknow Cantonment, and for his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from the party's bastion of Jaswantnagar in Etawah. Notably, five out the seven phases of voting are already over. His political rivals said the SP patriarch's clout has been "confined to just two" of the 403 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2012 UP Assembly polls, Mulayam had addressed more than 300 rallies. However, in the 2014 Lok Sabha general elections, he limited his appearances to 18 rallies -- one in each of the 18 divisions of the state -- citing health issues. Senior BJP leader Hriday Narayan Dikshit, said, "The moment Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the party patron, his power automatically got diluted. Despite this, if he is getting a chance to campaign for even two assembly seats, he must thank his stars." Dikshit said both the SP and the BSP are "single-cellular" organisms, in which only one person eventually prevails. "As far as the SP is concerned, earlier Mulayam Singh Yadav used to prevail, and now it is the turn of Akhilesh," the senior BJP leader said. "The BSP too is a single-cellular organisation. Congress, which used to be multi-cellular organisation till the time of Gandhi, gradually became single-cellular. The BJP is a multi-cellular organisation, where leaders from different walks of life are involved in elections," he said. Veteran socialist Raghunandan Singh 'Kaka' feels, "The SP patron has become helpless and virtually hopeless." He said it is not only the SP workers who are worried and concerned about 'Netaji', people from other parties are also worried about him. Singh was of the opinion that Akhilesh Yadav has got diverted from the ideals of Lohia, who fought against the Congress throughout his life. "Akhilesh seems to have lost his way, and is yet to find a way out," Singh told PTI. Lok Dal President Sunil Singh said it is really unfortunate that the SP, which was founded by Netaji, is today not getting his blessings. "What is more ironical is the fact that Akhilesh today has embraced the Congress, against which his father (Mulayam) had waged a political war throughout his life," Sunil said. Even political rivals are not hesitating from taking a jibe at Mulayam and his brother Shivpal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally at Ballia, had said, "SP patron Mulayam has punctured the bicycle, while Shivpal has broken the chain of the bicycle." Similarly, BSP chief Mayawati, at an election rally held in Ballia, took a jibe at Mulayam and said, "Mulayam seems to have been affected by putra-moh (blind love for son), and has even insulted his brother Shivpal." Dismissing the view in some quarters that Mulayam's clout was diminishing, the SP MP from Badaun, Dharmendra Yadav, said, "We have the blessings of Netaji. In fact each and every candidate of the SP-Congress alliance has been blessed by Netaji. So, there is no question of Netaji's clout getting weakened." The Badaun MP, who is Mulayam's nephew, claimed that even the SP-Congress pre-poll alliance had the blessings and approval of Mulayam. The ruling Congress party led by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh is looking for fourth-consecutive term. Guwahati: The campaigning for the first phase of polling came to an end on Thursday in the tiny frontier state of Manipur, which is gearing up for its most closely fought election in recent times. If the BJP is fighting this election to spread its hold in Northeast beyond Assam, the ruling Congress party led by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh is looking for fourth-consecutive term. In power since 2002, Mr Singh is among very few Manipur chief ministers who have managed to complete a full term. In fact, the last longest serving chief minister in Manipur was Congresss Rishang Keishing, who was in office from 1981 to 1988. Mr Singh began his political career as an independent candidate in 1984, but soon joined the Congress. During his three tenures, Manipur has witnessed extreme turmoil, including charges of increased extra-judicial killings. In fact, one of the first big crises of Mr Singhs first term was the rape and murder of Manorama Devi in 2004, allegedly by the Indian Army. The case, which saw Manipuri women protesting naked outside the Assam Rifle Headquarters in Imphal carrying banners that read Indian Army Rape Us made headlines around the country. This led to the removal of the Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) in the Imphal municipal area, though the Act remains operational in other parts of the state. The state has been plagued by insurgency since the 1950s when it was merged with India. Over the years, armed groups first fighting for secession, then for autonomy and later for merging with Nagaland have flourished. There are at least 30 active militant groups. New Delhi has chosen to respond to these unrests with a heavy hand and the state has seen heavy military presence for some decades now. To an inquiry of ARMENPRESS, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, spokesman of the Armenian defense minister denied the report of Azerbaijans defense ministry which said as result of their blow the Armenian side suffered losses. March 2, 2017, 12:25 Armenias defense ministry denies absurd Azerbaijani reports In order to set the record straight, the Congress released a video it called Jhooth ka Juice (the Juice of lies). New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for misleading the people of the country with his blatant lies. In an election rally in the poll bound state of Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister had took a jibe at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi by saying that Mr Rahul wanted coconut juice from Manipur to be sold in London. Also adding that the Gandhi scion wanted to build a potato factory in Uttar Pradesh. In order to set the record straight, the Congress released a video it called Jhooth ka Juice (the Juice of lies). The video juxtaposes the speech of Mr Rahul in Manipur with the video of the Prime Ministers speech where he takes a jibe at the Congress leader. The Prime Minister had taken a jibe at Mr Rahuls reported remark that he was waiting for the day when packaged coconut juice from Manipur would sell in London. The Congress, in the video, said that the PM lied and that Mr Rahul had actually talked about narangi juice (orange juice) during his poll campaign in Manipur and not coconut juice. Congress communications incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, Blatant lies, jumlas and disinformation have become the hallmark of Indias Prime Minister. He further added, Modiji has lowered the dignity of the office of Prime Minister and he should be ashamed about it. As Mr Rahul was speaking in context of Manipur where Assembly elections are slated to be held on March 4 and 8, Mr Surjewala charged the Prime Minister of not wanting the Northeast states to participate in the growth story of India. He said Modiji does not want people of Manipur and Northeast states to progress and participate in Indias growth story. So Modiji must now apologise not only to the Congress party but to the entire nation. Rajesh Tripathi, a minister in the Mayawati govt, left the BSP a few months ago to join the BJP. Chillupar (Gorakhpur): The shamshan-kabristan debate in the ongoing elections in Uttar Pradesh may or may not have had the desired impact on the voters but in Chillupar, ten years ago, it was a shamshan (cremation ground) that changed the politics of this Assembly segment. Chillupar, an Assembly segment in Gorakhpur district, came under spotlight in 1985 when Hari Shankar Tiwari, the erstwhile mafia don of eastern UP, won his first election from here. Mr Tiwari, a soft-spoken leader, was then in direct conflict with his rival Virendra Pratap Shahi, a Thakur mafia don. The underworld war translated into a Brahmin-Thakur battle and Chillupar became a pilgrimage of sorts for Brahmin in the area. From 1985 to 2007, Hari Shankar Tiwari won continuously from Chillupar and even had a stint as a minister in the Kalyan Singh and then Mulayam Singh governments. In 2003, a political greenhorn, Rajesh Tripathi participated in the cremation of a relative and was appalled at the condition of the place. He started working for a makeover of the place and transformed the dirty and foul-smelling ground on the banks of Saryu river into the picture-perfect park after removing mounds of garbage and checking open defecation. The Mukti Path, as the cremation ground is now called, has emerged as a centre of tourist attraction and Rajesh Tripathi has earned the name of Mashan Baba. His supporters egged him on to contest the Assembly seat in 2007 against Hari Shankar Tiwari and political pundits were left stumped when he actually managed to defeat the erstwhile don. Mr Tripathi went on to become a minister in the Mayawati government. He won the seat again in 2012 but left the BSP a few months ago to join the BJP and is now in the fray on a BJP ticket. As a minister, he had faced charges of land-grabbing. I hope people take the PMs statement on shamshan in the right spirit. We owe basic dignity to the dead and the bereaved. Mukti Path allow people to grieve for the departed souls in a tranquil atmosphere. Earlier, people would rush out after lighting the pyre because of the stench around, he says. Though the people continue to acknowledge Mr Tripathis contribution, there is now a growing feeling of sympathy for the ageing don. The PM is not only a regular practitioner of yoga but also a great believer in promoting, the traditional form of meditation and exercise. New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi again stressed the need to practice Yoga and said it shows the way for world peace and prosperity. He was addressing the gathering at week-long International Yoga Festival at Paramartha Niketan on the banks of Ganges in Rishikesh in Uttarakhand . While speaking to the delegates, via video-conferencing, he said, At a time when the world is grappling with the challenge of terrorism yoga shows the way for peace. The PM is not only a regular practitioner of yoga but also a great believer in promoting, the traditional form of meditation and exercise. The PM, in his speech said, yoga is not just a form of exercise but a way to attain peace through physical, mental and spiritual well being. Its prolonged and regular practice leads to higher consciousness where me and we merge together and become one, the PM said. Yoga expands ones outlook from the confines of self to the society at large. It is a journey from Aham (me) to Vayam (we), PM added to loud cheers from the audience. Mr Modi told delegates, today, when the world battles challenges posed by terrorism and climate change, yoga has become more relevant than ever before as it shows the way to peace. After the BJP-led NDA government came to power in May 2014, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech in UNGA proposed the idea of an International Yoga Day. Following the initial proposal UNGA held informal consultations and finally June 21st has been earmarked as International Yoga Day Sitting for more than five hours a day at the desk can lead to many cardiovascular problems The waist circumference increases by two centimetres and risk of cardiovascular diseases by 0.2 per cent, for every additional hour of sitting on top of five hours. (Photo: Pixabay) London: Workers with desk-bound jobs, who spend too much time sitting down, have a bigger waistline and increased risk of heart disease, a new study has warned. The study suggests that waist circumference increases by two centimetres and risk of cardiovascular diseases by 0.2 per cent, for every additional hour of sitting on top of five hours, researchers said. Also, bad cholesterol (LDL) increases and good cholesterol (HDL) decreases with each additional hour of sitting from five hours a day, they said. The study led by William Tigbe from University of Warwick in the UK advises people to sit less and be more active. Standing for as much as seven hours a day, and walking seven miles, may be needed to avoid heart disease, according to the study. Tigbe kitted out 111 healthy postal workers with activity monitors for seven days; 55 were office workers and 56 delivered post for a living. The study found that those who had desk jobs had a bigger waist circumference - 97 cm compared to 94 cm - and about one Body mass index (BMI) unit difference. They also had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease - 2.2 per cent compared to 1.6 per cent over ten years. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.Only healthy, non-smokers, with no personal history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, coronary heart disease, hypertension or diabetes were included in the study. None of the participants was on any lipid, blood pressure or glucose lowering medication. "Our evolution, to become the human species, did not equip us well to spending all day sitting down. We probably adapted to be healthiest spending seven to eight hours every day on our feet, as hunters or gatherers," said Professor Mike Lean from University of Glasgow in the UK. The research was published in the International Journal of Obesity. India is grappling with illegal porn videos that seem to have reached every pocket, thanks to the ever growing phone chat groups. I was sitting with a 40-year-old woman in a burqa, talking to men about womens safety in Mandaveli in East Delhi, when a man said that it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to provide safety to women who are stepping out to work and they are all so sexy, it gets difficult. The woman in the burqa protested that she was grabbed a day ago! That is when I realised that these men are not even talking about real women. They are viewing women from a certain perspective due to a certain kind of porn that is circulating on social media, says filmmaker Madhureeta Anand. Madhureeta is making a documentary on how porn is shaping mens thoughts about women. Even sex workers are complaining that men come and want to try all sorts of weird things. Sex workers tell them that there is a difference between pornography and real life. Ideas about BDSM have been messed up. A lot of porn is confusing young people. So, I have realised that teaching women about womens safety makes no sense. We need to reach out to men. Madhureeta says that she enjoys porn as well but people need to understand what kind of porn is not right to watch. No, we do not want to ban porn at all. We recognise the fact that people want to watch porn and banning something is never the solution. Anyway, we are living in a digital age and no matter what you do, people will find a way around it. There can be policing for people who watch rape videos and child porn; but everything else is a useless pursuit. We want to work with people who are watching porn regularly. The past four or five years has seen an explosion of male WhatsApp groups leading to a free sharing of porn. The person who is receiving it doesnt really have a choice. These videos dont consider factors like the state of the receivers mental health. Many people sharing and receiving these videos dont even know that its illegal to watch child porn and rape videos. I feel this a ticking time bomb and needs to be addressed at large. Young people do not know if there has been any manipulation in these videos and the figures are alarming, rues Madhureeta. A 2014 study, by the NGO Rescue, showed that 80 per cent of college students are accessing porn on their phones. About 40 per cent of them watch rape porn regularly. Of the ones watching rape porn, 76 per cent said that they really feel like raping women after watching it. This is the kind of direct result that we have seen. Men are showing off porn videos now. It has gotten a sense of acceptance. Many youngsters want to be like the men in these videos. It is not just the safety of women but also the mental well being of men that is at stake here, she explains, The awareness series that Madhureeta wants to make will be circulated on men-only WhatsApp groups and will also be given to schools if they want it. It will also be dubbed in several languages for a wider reach. We are dealing with factors like illiteracy and the fact that this series wont be watched with family. So we plan to have a direct communication, we will also be providing helpline numbers, she says. While doing research for this documentary, a lot of information emerged about porn viewing habits in India, most of which happens to be illegal. But we dont want to put out messages that judge people who watch porn. The last thing you want to tell an addict is that it is morally wrong. It is a sure way of putting them off, she adds. Madhureeta has also met men who say they are fed up of the overdose of explicit porn videos. I asked them why dont they get off these groups? I was told that the moment you get off these groups your friends call to ask what happened, you went soft? This sort of crude stuff occurs. So for an attitude change, someone from the inside will have to make a positive move. To make this happen, Madhureeta has tied up with some NGOs that work with men, who will take it to communities and schools and start talking about it. Talking about the role of cyber cell to stop illegal videos from circulating, she says, They have banned quite a few websites that have child pornography. The efforts are real but not enough. The main issue is that people dont think it is really bad. They havent really understood the exact implications of something like this. If a cop is sitting with a guy who is watching a rape video, he is not likely to arrest him. It is because nobody has made the effort to make him understand that this kind of porn is totally illegal. No body has understood the legality and our position on matters relating to sex and sexuality is already very private. You can consume porn privately but you are not supposed to talk about it publicly. There are blurry lines. The court has given some really good judgements related to rape and child porn, but people dont know them. Madhureeta is trying to tell people that they can differentiate between legal and illegal porn. For example, in the West if you are watching a rape video or child porn, you certainly know that you are doing a wrong thing. But in India we are not sure. Such is the mindset. Of course we are not telling people what to watch, everyone has different preferences when it comes to porn. But we will definitely tell people that if rape and child porn is found on you, you can go to jail for ten years. They should start to tell the difference themselves. In the documentary series she also plans to include quotes by people who many men look up to. Crowdfunding for the project on Wishberry, Madhureeta adds, I am not only getting funders but partners in this movement too. The idea is to impact society. It is about people. Every person who puts in money for this is sort of committing to this cause. I hope this documentary will create enough awareness and let people choose their porn wisely. The woman put boric acid in his breakfast and energy drinks to make him lose an erection. Las Vegas: Sex in romantic relationships across the world is seen as crucial, and a good sex life depends on several aspects including both partners consenting and having the drive for some action between the sheets. But in many cases partners might not be as understanding and this might cause problems in a relationship. Although a refusal might seem like sufficient for solving issues between partners or talking it out may work, one woman in the US took things too far by poisoning her husbands food to avoid having sex with him. 49-year-old Andrea Hemming was on the run for two years after putting boric acid in her husbands cereal and energy drinks since she was tired of having sex with him. Her husband survived but with severe health issues, as she said she only put enough to avoid him from having an erection. Hemming is now absconding and faces 15 years in prison is she is caught, authorities believe she has fled to Mexico. The children were beaten with hammers even for reasons such as cooking rice or wanting to go to the washroom. The children were fed only two meals a day always of potato and rice for four years, and were not allowed to leave the room for even a second. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: 26 boys in the age group of 7 to 13, who were rescued from a jeans factory in Delhis Seelampur area last month, have told harrowing tales of the torture they endured in the factory. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the boys were forced to sit in one place for 22 hours a day, to cut threads of jeans and pack them. One 10-year-old boy was quoted as saying that his employers allowed them to sleep only between 5 am and 7 am, and punished drowsiness at work in extreme ways. We were allowed to sleep at 5 am and the employer used to wake us up at 7 am. In between work, if we fell asleep, he used to wake us up by hitting us with a hammer, the boy, who is 7 years old, said. He added that they were fed only two meals a day always of potato and rice for four years, and were not allowed to leave the room for even a second. The children were beaten with hammers even for reasons such as cooking rice or wanting to go to the washroom. A 10-year-old boy revealed that after he was rescued by Kailash Satyarthis NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, he could not even open his eyes to look at the sunlight, so used was he to the eternal darkness of his workplace. We were kept in a small room and I have not seen the sunlight in four years. When, I was rescued, I could not open my eyes as I was not used to it. We were not allowed to take bath or go to washroom since every day we used to pack 5,000 pieces of jeans, said Lucky. While at work, if the boys did not meet the required target, they were beaten with hammers. The task was to cut 10 threads in 10 minutes, and the one who finished last received the punishment, said the report. Another boy could not move on his own, and had to be lifted out of the place when he was rescued. All boys are from Motihari district of Bihar and were brought to Delhi around six months ago, and there are indications that they could be victims of child trafficking, said the report. I am furious. Twenty six child slaves were rescued and most of them have not even seen daylight in four years. I recall a similar case from 1983 when all 27 children we freed from the carpet industry in Mirzapur were beaten, branded, hanged upside down on trees, said Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. Each child rescued from Seelampur has faced the worst form of slavery. Their hands are scarred, they carry burn marks all over their bodies and their arms have signs of torture, said the report. Citing the example of Lalu Yadav, Navaneethakrishnan said there was no bar for Sasikala to continue as General Secretary. Chennai: A senior AIADMK leader and Rajya Sabha MP on Thursdau said VK Sasikala became party General Secretary after being elected and had not "taken up the post suo motu." There is no legal impediment for her to continue in the post, A Navaneethakrishnan told reporters here. "Chinnamma (Sasikala) became General Secretary after being elected by the party's General Council. She did not take up the post suo motu. She became General Secretary only after being elected by seniors including (former Chief Minister) O Panneerselvam," he said. Citing the example of RJD supremo Lalu Yadav, convicted in the fodder scam and on bail, who continues to remain that party's National President, Navaneethakrishnan said there was no bar for Sasikala to continue as AIADMK General Secretary. Sasikala is presently serving a prison term in Bengaluru in the Rs 66 crore dispropotionate assets case. The issue of Sasikala's post was AIADMK's "internal affair" and neither Election Commission of India nor court can intervene in it, he said, adding, the EC can only ask for the party's organisational polls to be conducted. In fact, all queries posed by the EC to Sasikala in connection with the rival Panneerselvam camp challenging her election as AIADMK General Secretary have been answered, Navaneethakrishnan said. On Panneerselvam's proposed fast next week seeking a probe into the death of former AIADMK supremo, the late Jayalalithaa, he said the "matter is sub-judice" and nobody can talk about it. He also charged Panneerselvam with shedding "crocodile tears" in the matter. CID team raids Juhi Chowdhurys hideout disguised as monks. Kolkata: State BJP leader Juhi Chowdhury, who was arrested by the criminal investigation department (CID) in the child trafficking racket in North Bengal on Tuesday night, was remanded in 12 days CID custody by the district court in Jalpaiguri on Wednesday. She claimed herself to be innocent. Red-faced by her arrest, the state BJP, however, removed her from her post of general secretary of the partys womens wing. Juhis arrest also prompted the party to remove her father Rabindra Narayan Chowdhury from its state committee of which he was a member. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said, The party has decided not to keep Ms Chowdhury in any post of the party. We have removed her and her father from party posts. Ms Chowdhury visited New Delhi keeping the party in dark. This created a controversy which tarnished the partys image. He added, Besides, they (father-daughter duo) have been officially accused of an offence. The allegations against them are so serious that we cannot accept it positively. Law is taking its own course. If they can prove themselves innocent in the eyes of law, the party will get in touch with them. This is the second time a BJP leader has been arrested by the CID in the baby trafficking racket the state detective agency busted in November last year. Earlier Dilip Ghosh, a doctor from Salt Lake who had even contested the municipal elections as a candidate, was arrested for his alleged role. Juhi was absconding since her role came to light last month after Chandana Chakraborty, a school teacher who ran a rehabilitation centre, was arrested in Jalpaiguri. But arresting Juhi was not an easy task as she kept her cellphone switched off. She, however, kept in touch with other BJP leaders in Kolkata, sources revealed. Acting on the inputs of electronic surveillance, the CID found Juhi was staying at a house in Kharibari of Darjeeling along the Indo-Nepal border. It learnt that a BJP MP had suggested Juhi to flee to Nepal. A two-member CID team inspectors Sougata Ghosh and Kakali Ghosh Kundu was sent there. Reaching the area they posed themselves as monks at a temple at Batasi and befriended some devotees to identify the house where Juhi was hiding. On Tuesday night, the CID team raided the house in disguise of monks taking some local residents with them and caught her. In the court Juhi, however, alleged political vendetta against her. It is a political conspiracy. I have been falsely implicated. Truth cannot be hushed up for ever. One day the truth will come to light. My ideology of the BJP will not change with my arrest. I will remain a BJP worker, she said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar are expected to attend the meeting. Mumbai: The core committee of Maharashtra BJP is likely to meet here on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Mumbai Mayoral election scheduled for March 8. Notably, the recent civic polls threw up a fractured verdict in the city. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar are expected to attend the meeting, party sources said. BJP and Shiv Sena, despite being partners in the state and central governments, fought the recently-held polls separately. Shiv Sena has emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member council with 84 seats, BJP came a close second with 82, Congress finished on the third spot with 31 seats, NCP got nine corporators while Raj Thackeray's MNS bagged seven seats. Shiv Sena has claimed support of some Independent candidates. The next Mayor of Mumbai will be elected during the first meeting of the new House on March 8. March 4 is the last date for filing nominations for the post and the election will be held on March 8, a BMC official said. With no indication as yet of any post-poll alliance, it remains to be seen what strategies the political parties adopt for the Mayoral poll. US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta is confident that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement will contribute to the regional stability, Haqqin.az reports. March 2, 2017, 14:18 NK conflict settlement will contribute to regional stability - US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had said that those supporting Kaur were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of the country. Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Thursday came out in support of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur who was allegedly given rape threats online for criticising the RSS-backed ABVP, saying those in power are creating an "atmosphere of terror". Pawar said those who believe in democracy and women empowerment will stand against such intimidation. "This is not the first time such an atmosphere of terror is being unleashed. The Haryana (Health) Minister's comments expose what kind of mindset exists," Pawar told reporters here. Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had said that those supporting Kaur for her campaign against the ABVP were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of the country. Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against RSS-backed students outfit ABVP and a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. The 20-year-old daughter of a martyr had also complained of receiving "rape threats" allegedly from ABVP members, following which a FIR was registered against unknown persons. Pawar said NCP's campus wing will raise its voice against such intimidation and terror in universities. "Political leaders are contributing to vitiate the atmosphere," he said. "The mindset of those in power at present is not good. They are not easing the situation, but are increasing the tension. All political parties should come together to raise their voice against such ideology," Pawar said adding he condemned the threats to Kaur. The two independents that the Sena is trying to get into its party fold are Bandra MLA Mumtaz Khan and Akhil Bhartiya Sena MLA Geeta Gawli. Mumbai: Intending to have more corporators that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and get the mayors post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Shiv Sena is trying to woo two more Independent corporators to increase its tally to 90. At present the Sena has 84 corporators of its own and four independents. The two independents that the Sena is trying to get into its party fold are Bandra MLA Mumtaz Khan and Akhil Bhartiya Sena MLA Geeta Gawli. A Sena leader said that the party is pursuing two more Independent corporators who would increase the partys total number to get the mayors post. The BJP has 82 and one Independent corporator. We have so far managed 88 corporators and soon get two more. It will make the tally 90, the leader said. Ms Khan, wife of former All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Raja Rahbar Khan, initially agreed to go with Shiv Sena but later refused to join officially. It was said that she was in touch with BJP and the party was counting on her to increase its tally. The sources in the Sena said that she is bargaining hard with the party. On the other hand, the Sena is also trying to woo Ms Gawli who is keeping her cards close to her ches. In the current political scenario, every single corporator has become important. The Sena therefore got the party corporators registered on Tuesday to avoid any defection during voting. Now, it will be compulsory for the corporators to follow the party whip and vote for the partys mayor candidate. The mayors election is likely to be held on March 8 in the BMC when Sena will field its candidate. BJP and Congress are also likely to have their own candidates, sources said. State NCP President Sunil Tatkare said his party was clear from the start of the BMC poll campaign that NCP will not ally with Sena or BJP. Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra on Thursday said it will maintain a distance from the Shiv Sena and BJP who are locked in a power struggle to install their Mayor in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)--unlike the Congress which had aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads ahead of the state civic polls. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, state NCP president Sunil Tatkare said his party was clear from the start of the campaign (for the just concluded Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad polls in Maharashtra) that it will not have any understanding or friendly fight with the Shiv Sena and BJP. "We kept our word while Congress which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight," he alleged. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on Mumbai Mayor elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. "(However) Under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government," Tatkare claimed. Taking a dig on Sena, Tatkare also said, "only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the BJP led government in the state and whether the resignation letter carried by its ministers in their pockets is still there or torn." "What is the use of only criticising the government through 'Saamana' (the Sena mouthpiece). Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support," he added. To a question regarding speculations that NCP may support a Shiv Sena government, Tatkare said, "I don't foresee a mid-term election since Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do." When asked about the prospect of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress has not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar where he discussed the political situation in the city, post the Mumbai civic poll results where BJP finished just two seats behind Shiv Sena (which won 84 seats). Four of the five independents have joined the Sena since the results. The countrys richest corporation, the Shiv Sena and BJP are trying to prove their majority by luring more corporators. Mumbai: In a bid to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away from power in the Brihanmumbai municipal corporation (BMC), the Congress with its 31 corporators has decided to contest the mayoral election with its own candidate. The party has been given a proposal to join hands with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Samajwadi Party (SP). To wield power at the countrys richest corporation, the Shiv Sena and BJP are trying to prove their majority by luring more corporators. The Sena with its 84 corporators has been able to woo four Independents and claims that two more come in the their fold. While the BJP claims that one independents support makes its total tally to 83. If pundits are to be believed that then the Sena seems to be wining the mayors post. However, BJP sources claim the scenario could change in the next few days. We are fielding a candidate for the mayors post. We have sent a proposal to NCP and SP to join us and support our candidate. We do not want to support the BJP or Shiv Sena, said Congress Mumbai president Sanjay Nirupam. The party was slammed after there were reports that the Congress would back the Sena to keep the BJP away from BMC. Insiders say that despite fielding its own candidate, the Congress will help the Sena. The Congress does not have sufficient numbers for the mayors post. So its 31 votes do not matter to the Shiv Sena or BJP. The Sena already has secured 88 corporators and will get some more to cross the 90 tally, a source pointed out. Meanwhile, the Sena tried to woo independent corporator Geeta Gawali. She held discussion with Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai and senior leader Subhash Desai. However, nothing concrete came out from the meeting. Sena sources said that the party was still hopeful to get her in the party to support the Sena mayor. The court took an undertaking that Smith would return to India by April 1 to attend court proceedings at the Andheri magistrates court. Mumbai: Bombay high court on Thursday allowed British national Stephen John Smith (62) to return to his country to attend his daughters marriage after depositing Rs 15 lakh in the high court registry. The court took an undertaking that Smith would return to India by April 1 to attend court proceedings at the Andheri magistrates court. A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anuja Prabhudesai was hearing a petition filed by Smith who was arrested in connection with laptop stealing by Sahar police seeking discharge from the case and permission to attend his daughters wedding scheduled on March 4 in the United Kingdom. According to the petition, on December 16, 2016, Smith was travelling from Mumbai to Goa with his wife. One Sunil Bhoolabhai, a resident of Khar, and his wife were also travelling from Mumbai to Hyderabad. The complainant Mr Bhoolabhai was carrying his Apple-make laptop and put it in the tray for x-ray at the security check-in area at Mumbai airport. Smith was there in queue as well and claimed that he mistakenly took Mr Bhoolabhais laptop and went away because he had the same kind of laptop. Acting on Mr Bhoolabhais complaint, CISF security checked CCTV camera footage and found Smith had lifted Mr Bhoolabhais laptop bag. Mr Bhatt had approached the Mumbai polices anti-extortion cell on Wednesday night. Mumbai: Barely 12 hours after Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt registered a complaint of extortion and death threats to his family, the Uttar Pradeshs special task force (STF) swung into action and nabbed Sandeep Sahu (26), a former wannabe actor from Lucknow. Mr Bhatt had approached the Mumbai polices anti-extortion cell on Wednesday night, after he received calls from an unknown person demanding Rs 50 lakh as extortion money. Sahu had called Mr Bhatt claiming to be Babloo Srivastava, a notorious UP-based gangster who is incarcerated. Sahu had allegedly warned Mr Bhatt that if he failed to cough up Rs 50 lakh, he would kill his daughter Alia and Mr Bhatts wife Soni Razdan. After the extortion call, Mr Bhatt registered a complaint with the Juhu police, and the crime branch was asked to investigate. Police sources said that Sahu is being brought to Mumbai by a team of anti-extortion cell (AEC) on transit remand. Sahu had purchased a new SIM card specifically to issue threats to Mr Bhatt and others. Ashok Dudhe, deputy commissioner of police, said, We will check the antecedents to find out why he targeted Mr Bhatt, once we get his custody. Apart from Mr Bhatt, Sahu had allegedly threatened five other Mumbai individuals, including an advertising producer and a television soap actor. The police is ascertaining their identities. Some of the threat messages have been sent on few other numbers and we will ascertain their identities once the accused is given police custody in Mumbai. We will study the call records of the number that he had used, said a police officer. After Mr Bhatt approached the Juhu police on Wednesday, the UP STF nabbed Sahu within 12 hours in Lucknow. Sahu is being brought to Mumbai by train and will arrive on Friday. He will be produced before the Esplanade Court after his arrival. Crime branch officials said Sahu, had been making phone calls and sending texts and messages via online messenger to Mr Bhatts personal number demanding Rs 50 lakh since February 27. Bhatt shared all the text messages and the details of the caller with the police. Sahu had first called using the name of Babloo Srivastav, said a crime branch officer. A team of AEC headed by inspector Vinayak Vast swung into action and they track down the accused to Lucknow with the help of his cellphone number. They tipped off their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh police. Australias closest neighbour, New Zealand, was struck off Netanyahus itinerary after its conservative govt co-sponsored the resolution. During his visit to Australia last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heard assurances of unstinted support for his extremist government and its policies from his host, but also had to contend with a few sharp critiques. Australias beleaguered Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, voiced unequivocal opposition to last Decembers UN Security Council resolution challenging the illegality of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, which passed because the US uncharacteristically opted for an abstention instead of the usual veto in the dying days of the Obama administration. Australias closest neighbour, New Zealand, was struck off Netanyahus itinerary after its conservative government co-sponsored the resolution. On the eve of the Israeli leaders arrival, meanwhile, two former Australian Prime Ministers as well as two former foreign ministers publicly made the case for formal recognition of the Palestinian state. There is a growing recognition pretty much throughout the West that the actions of Netanyahus unprecedentedly extremist government are geared towards preventing a peace settlement at almost any cost. Sure, previous Israeli governments have not been all that different in their motivation. For instance, the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, far from being a dress rehearsal for pulling out from the West Bank, was in fact part of a plot to hang on indefinitely to Judea and Samaria, as a close aide to the then Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, let slip. The takeover of the Strip by Hamas perfectly suited the interests of Israeli propaganda. Its easy to forget, after all, that Hamas Islamist antecedents were surreptitiously backed by the Israeli state as a means of undermining support for the secular Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and its Fatah faction. Turnbull persisted with the mantra of a two-state solution, but in Washington the previous week Netanyahu stood alongside Donald Trump as the latter broke with the traditional diplomatic precedent, declaring his administration amenable to a one-state solution, provided both sides backed this alternative. Some well-intentioned observers look upon this as a vaguely hopeful sign. After all, the two-state option has pretty much been dead in the water for a long time. Any hope that the Oslo accords of 1993 may have provided for such a solution have more or less perished in the interim, amid the relentless expansion of settlements. Netanyahu still formally stands for a two-state outcome while insisting on Israeli security supremacy across any so-called Palestinian state, thereby effectively pre-empting any conceivable notion of sovereignty, while also insisting on the recognition of Israel as a specifically Jewish state. Meanwhile, key members of his coalition Cabinet, including Naftali Bennett, favour the annexation of about 60 per cent of the West Bank, with the remaining non-contiguous enclaves granted a degree of autonomy. Thats their version of a one-state solution. Its different from Israeli President Reuven Rivlins backing for an annexation of the entire West Bank with full citizenship rights for all Palestinians. Rivlin glosses over a key issue for the Zionists, namely that a truly democratic binational state would inevitably erode Israels self-ordained character as a specifically Jewish state, amid the prospect of Palestinian Muslims and Christians eventually outnumbering Jews. But then, the only one-state alternative is a demonstrably apartheid state that would face progressively greater international opprobrium and possibly even the kind of sanctions and boycotts that helped to bring down the South African variant. It was perhaps because he recognises this likelihood that, at a meeting of his Likud party on Monday, Netanyahu pushed back slightly against outright annexationists and settlement expansionists, saying that while Trumps ascendancy was obviously a great victory for Israel, there were some key differences with the US administration. After all, at his joint press conference with Netanyahu, the Trump had somehow been persuaded to say, Id like to see you hold back on the settlements for a little bit. Well work something out. Yup, just for a little bit. Its almost certainly not the wrath of Trump that Netanyahu fears. He knows that crossing too many red lines on the wrong side of the green line could transform international wariness into outright hostility, notwithstanding Israels deepening bromance with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, based in large part on mutual hatred of Iran and its regional influence. He likely sees the status quo, plus incremental facts on the ground that render a two-state solution all but impossible, as his best option. In other words, a no-state solution, as far as the Palestinians are concerned. Whether or not he endures in power for very long, that remains the likeliest outcome for the foreseeable future. By arrangement with Dawn The BJP came to power at the national level in 2014 by disrupting traditional identity-based votebanks. Do Indian voters remain deeply aligned with caste, clan and community (read religious) interests, as reported in the ongoing state elections? Possibly, yes, they do. Continued allegiance to traditional identities makes sense, if new ones never had the chance to take root. Industrial work was one such silo-buster, as is urbanisation. Both have, however, had a limited impact on Indias social profile. Large, organised industry employs barely 10 million people, or just two per cent of the workforce. The impact of urbanisation is still far too recent to induce a change in social behaviour. Migration by men, for work in the urban, informal sector, has done a lot to contribute to the urban sprawl. But it doesnt let new urban identities take root, as families remain village bound. No surprise then, if the 657 political parties (many of which are moribund) that are registered with the Election Commission vie for existing group interests as votebanks. There are only two examples in the past three decades which go against this grain of votebank politics. The BJP came to power at the national level in 2014 by disrupting traditional identity-based votebanks. In a powerful outreach to young, aspirational India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided the instant hope of jobs through a government which worked for them, not against them. This enlarged support beyond the BJPs traditional votebanks upper caste and bania groups. It helped that Narendra Modi is himself from a backward caste. His is a rags-to-riches story. More important, he flaunts his humble origins and makes a virtue of his struggle to make good. More conventionally, he publicly dons the mantle of the selfless sevak. Anybody in the audience could be him, if they only had the gumption to succeed. The Aam Aadmi Party had similarly disrupted traditional identity politics in December 2014. It fashioned a winning alliance of the urban poor and neo-middle class against the corruption of elites in the Delhi state election. This anti-establishment, anti-corruption model is now facing a test, for its resilience and appeal, in the rural settings of Punjab and the BJP stronghold of Goa both of which are rich states. Like the Congress during the post-Independence period, Mr Modis BJP is shaping a new India. It is an India that recognises todays harsh international realities. First, unlike the rosy expectations of the 1950s, foreign aid, as an instrument of change, is dead. Economies need to fund their own development, by borrowing from the market or collaborating with foreign investors. This requires governments to bend before those who have the surplus capital; ship up to strengthen their own economies or continue to lag. Second, the consensus of the 1980s, that markets could substitute for the States inefficiency, is less credible, particularly after 2008. Strong states seem inevitable, albeit exercising judicious restraint while regulating markets. China has been the most successful economy, post 1990. It deserves a Nobel Prize for overcoming massive poverty and low levels of human development to become the factory of the world. It accounted for 1.5 per cent of world GDP in 1990 the same as India. Since then it has cornered more than a fifth of growth in world GDP. By 2015 it accounted for 15 per cent of world GDP and has liberated nearly 300 million people almost as many as the population of the United States from poverty. The Chinese story is of a single-party-managed mega-nation. By mixing market principles of merit and competition with the political energy of a proactive state, it has fashioned a massive politico-industrial machine. China has little patience with the effete romance of liberal idealism. Theirs is the classic hunters approach to life smart strategy matters more than social ideology for filling your belly and remaining stronger than your adversary. This approach resonates in a world where persistent vulnerability to poverty; falling real income and increasingly skewed income distribution clouds even the rich world. Mr Modis world is that of realpolitik. Performance and outcomes matter the most. In contrast, the other national parties seem dated. The Congress once a peoples movement, albeit led by professionals is dormant. The Left is trapped in ideological echo chambers, seemingly unaware that organised, permanent workers are a diminishing votebank. That economic forces have moved value addition beyond the spatially focused, integrated work areas, of the industrial age. The Lohia movements of the late 1970s rallied the backward castes into regional parties. But these lack vision, credibility or sustainability, beyond their narrow votebanks. The dalits have been transactional in their support for parties, while Mayawati has tried to substitute the Congress with a rainbow-style coalition. Muslims remain boxed into a defensive stance, perpetually seeking the status quo rather than transformation. Where then do we turn to for leadership in India? The BJP is a clear and credible option. The mantra is that the government must focus on economic inclusion and social inclusion will follow. To take a practical example higher government revenues from a more efficient tax regime can enable transfer of universal basic income to the poor and marginalised. This neatly avoids the clunky and inefficient option of physically providing cheap goods and services to the poor and caste or community-based support for the marginalised. It may also reduce corruption significantly by around one per cent of GDP. This, however, would imply a reworking of the existing social compact between citizens and the State. Will citizens be ready to give up their entitlements and de facto freedoms, in return for the State providing more economic benefits security, macroeconomic stability, jobs, infrastructure and access to healthcare. With money and smartphones in their pockets, people including the poor will be able to shape their own societies, without being clouded by the past seven centuries of civilisational shibboleths dumped on them. Can Mr Modi get past the elites who benefit directly from the status quo? 2019 will tell. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the second charge of lying to investigators. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. (Photo: Twitter) Los Angeles: A US federal judge in California on Wednesday agreed to release on bail the widow of the gunman who killed dozens of people at an Orlando nightclub last year. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. Prosecutors had argued that Salman, who was arrested in January in connection with the massacre, should be kept behind bars because she posed a threat to society. They have until Friday to appeal the judge's decision. In handing down her ruling, Ryu said there was no proof Salman had any connection to the Islamic State jihadist group or had exhibited extremist views. She also said there was no evidence Salman posed a risk of flight or a danger to the community. "I agree with the pretrial service recommendation and find that Ms Salman has rebutted the presumptions of both risk of flight and danger to the community and that she can and should be released pursuant to strict conditions that will reasonably mitigate those risks," Ryu said. She ordered the 30-year-old, who had a four-year-old son with Mateen, to wear an electronic monitor while living with her maternal uncle in northern California, where she grew up. The ruling essentially puts Salman under house arrest, allowed to leave only for court appearances, to meet her attorneys or for medical appointments for her and her son, Ryu said. Salman, whose case is being prosecuted in Florida, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charge of assisting her husband in his bid to help a terrorist organization. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the second charge of lying to investigators. Police killed Mateen in a shootout. During the attack, he had called dispatchers to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group. Indians also form a significantly large number of foreign workers coming to the US as scientists, doctors, engineers. Indian IT professionals account for the largest number of foreign nationals coming to the US on H-1B visas. Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for adopting a merit-based immigration system that could benefit high-tech professionals from countries like India, modifying his hard-line campaign rhetoric with a promise to revive the American spirit. Mr Trump, during his first address to Congress, noted that nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others have a merit-based immigration system. He said that such a system will save countless dollars and raise workers wages. Mr Trump introduced the idea of a merit-based immigration system after invoking the memory and words of late president Abraham Lincoln, saying, Lincoln was right and it is time we heeded his words. Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers wages, and help struggling families including immigrant families enter the middle class, Mr Trump said in a State of the Union-style address that lasted for an hour. US stocks surged back to records in early trading Wednesday, with the Dow topping 21,000 for the first time, as markets embraced the softer tone in President Donald Trumps address. Indian IT professionals account for the largest number of foreign nationals coming to the US on H-1B visas. Indians also form a significantly large number of foreign workers coming to the US as scientists, doctors, engineers and other highly-skilled professionals. During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump had promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programmes that are used widely by Indian tech companies. The H1-B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year. Trump during his campaign had promised measures like cracking down on undocumented immigrants, restricting travel to the US to stop immigrants entering the country, drawing a sharp reaction from fellow lawmakers and countrymen. In his address, Trump said that he has inherited a very bad economy. As I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited. Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labour force. Over 43 million people are now living in poverty. And over 43 million Americans are on food stamps, he said. We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years. In the last eight years, the past administration has put on more new debt than nearly all of the other presidents combined, he said. It is not easy to represent the unrecognised Republic of Artsakh, but the stakes could not be higher: extinction. March 2, 2017, 19:42 In Artsakh, the distance between a minister and a citizen is so small. Artsakh FM STEPANAKERT, MARCH 2, ARTSAKHPRESS: It is not easy to represent the unrecognised Republic of Artsakh, but the stakes could not be higher: extinction. When Karen Mirzoyan, its foreign minister, wants to hold an international meeting he has to drive six hours from Stepanakert, Artsakhs capital, to Yerevan, along the mountain road that forms its only link to the outside world. Sometimes the 3,000-metre high passes are blocked by snow. In other places, the minister drives behind earth dykes to shield his car from potential Azerbaijani fire. Artsakh, which is home to some 150,000 Armenian people, has an airport, but its warring neighbour has threatened to shoot down any plane that used it. Meanwhile, foreign envoys do not call on Mirzoyan at home because European, Russian, and US diplomats are forbidden from going to Stepanakert to maintain neutrality. When he gets to Yerevan, or flies onward to the EU, the minister holds meetings in private conference rooms instead of official buildings. He also keeps quiet about them in order not to embarrass his interlocutors. He told EUobserver in an interview that he had met with EU officials and other high-level [EU] people, but not at the level of foreign ministers of big powers. The jovial 52-year old was born in Artsakh, which used to call itself the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. He left for Armenia and joined the Armenian foreign ministry, before stepping down to take the Artsakh post. It mightnt be very good for your [professional] ambitions, but being the foreign minister of a non-recognised country is more enjoyable, Mirzoyan said. Im not bound by norms of diplomatic protocol. Im more free, he said. He said Artsakhs story inspired him. The fact I represent a small nation on the outskirts of Europe that was able to survive against all the odds, was able to win the war and build a democratic state, gives me strength and creativity, he said. He said proximity to people also inspired him. In Artsakh, the distance between a minister and a citizen is so small. Youre foreign minister for a few hours a day, but when your work ends and you walk in the street, youre an ordinary citizen, he said. By Andrew Rettman The death of Kim, the estranged half-brother of North Korea's ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. Kuala Lumpur: A North Korean envoy, on Thursday, rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The death of Kim, the estranged half-brother of North Korea's ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The autopsy is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities carried it out anyway, saying they were following the law. Also today, amid growing fallout from the killing, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say two women smeared VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon, on Kim's face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpur's airport on February 13. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The women, who were caught on grainy surveillance video, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank and did not know they were handling a lethal toxin. Malaysia's autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea has denied any role and accused Malaysia of bias. Ri Tong Il, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, today told a news conference that it made no sense to say the two women used such a deadly toxin without also killing or sickening themselves and people around them. Ri said Kim had a history of heart problems and had been hospitalised in the past. He said he understood that Malaysian officials found medication for diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure in Kim's belongings and concluded he wasn't fit to travel. "This is a strong indication that the cause of death is a heart attack," Ri said. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands. Police can't confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea does not acknowledge that it was Kim Jong Nam who died. Instead, it refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying. Malaysia has confirmed that the victim was Kim Jong Nam. The threat came in a half-hour video released Monday by a division of the IS featuring militants from Chinas Uighur ethnic group. Beijing: Islamic State (IS) militants from Chinas Uighur ethnic minority vowed to return home and shed blood like rivers, according to a militant-tracking firm. It is the first threat made by the terrorist group to Chinese targets. The threat came in a half-hour video released Monday by a division of the IS featuring militants from Chinas Uighur ethnic group, said the US-based SITE Intelligence Group. China has for years blamed exiled Uighur separatists for a series of violent attacks in its western Xinjiang region the Uighur homeland and warned of the potential for militants to link up with global jihadist groups. In the video, a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant. Oh, you Chinese who do not understand what people say! We are the soldiers of the Caliphate, and we will come to you to clarify to you with the tongues of our weapons, to shed blood like rivers and avenging the oppressed, according to SITEs translation. Many Uighurs complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination by China. If Sinn Fein and the DUP cannot resolve their differences after the vote, the province will be fully governed from London. Sinn Fein's Irish leader, Gerry Adams, in January described Brexit as a "hostile action" by the British government. (Photo: AP) Belfast: Northern Ireland began voting on Thursday in snap elections to resolve a political crisis fuelled by bad blood and Brexit, which is testing the delicate peace in the British province. Long-simmering tensions boiled over in January when Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness quit, saying he could no longer work with First Minister Arlene Foster from the rival Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). His resignation triggered fresh elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly, a semi-autonomous legislature in Belfast in which representatives of once warring communities have shared power on and off since a 1998 peace deal. Observers predict a similar outcome to the May 2016 assembly elections, in which the Protestant, conservative and pro-British DUP won slightly more seats than the Catholic, socialist and Irish Republican Sinn Fein. If Sinn Fein and the DUP cannot resolve their differences after the vote, the assembly's executive could be suspended and the province fully governed from London. "I'd be more pessimistic than optimistic that the DUP and Sinn Fein can get back in a government together quickly," Jonathan Tonge, a Northern Ireland politics expert at Liverpool University, told AFP. McGuinness resigned in protest over a botched green energy subsidy scheme instigated by Foster when she was economy minister, which has left the executive facing a possible ?490 million ($600 million, 570 million euro) overspend. It was the breaking point after months of tensions with the DUP. Deeply-engrained historical enmity was also exacerbated by the June vote to leave European Union, which the DUP supported but Sinn Fein opposed. McGuinness is not standing again due to ill health. His successor as Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, has signalled a possible way out. "We're up for going back into government but only on the basis of equality, respect and integrity," she told AFP in an interview on the last day of campaigning on Wednesday. "We cannot go into government with Arlene Foster as First or Deputy First Minister while there is a shadow hanging over her but that doesn't mean we can't find a way forward". In the streets of Belfast, there was disillusionment over the latest scandal to hit Northern Ireland politics. Civil servant Catherine Aouad told AFP: "I'm just fed up with all the corruption and all the scandals to do with the heating and all the rest of it." Throughout the election campaign, Foster has appealed for unionists to resist Sinn Fein's demands for her to stand aside pending an investigation into the energy scheme. "If you feed a crocodile it will keep coming back for more," she told a party rally. If DUP and Sinn Fein cannot agree to form a new power-sharing executive within three weeks, London will take over issues such as health, education and the local economy which are currently devolved. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she intends to pull Britain out of the EU's single market and likely the customs union, which would make the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland the only land border with the EU. The possibility of a return to checkpoints has revived memories of "The Troubles", three decades of strife in Northern Ireland over British control of the province, in which more than 3,500 people were killed. "The most disastrous thing would be the return of a border... which will greatly offend nationalists," said Tonge. There are also concerns about damaging cross-border trade. British minister James Brokenshire held talks in Brussels on Wednesday to emphasise the importance of a "frictionless" border, and also promised to "take no risks" with the province's political stability. After talks with Irish premier Enda Kenny in Brussels last week, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said that the EU will also seek to avoid fixed border controls. Kenny was in Brussels again on Thursday to discuss Brexit. Sinn Fein's Irish leader, Gerry Adams, in January described Brexit as a "hostile action" by the British government, which would have a "negative impact" on the province's peace agreement. In last June's referendum on EU membership, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the bloc but was outvoted by an overall British majority of 52 percent to leave. Polls close at 2200 GMT but results are not expected until Saturday. ISIS had withdrawn to residential neighbourhoods in the east of the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. A desert oasis surrounded by palm trees in central Syria, Palmyra is also a strategic crossroads linking the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the countrys east and neighbouring Iraq. (Photo: AP) Beirut: Terror group ISIS withdrew from much of the Syrian oasis city of Palmyra overnight, a monitor said on Thursday, but government forces paused before entering its ravaged ancient ruins because of mines. Russian-backed Syrian troops pushed into a western neighbourhood of the city on Wednesday after fierce clashes with the terrorists. By morning, ISIS had withdrawn to residential neighbourhoods in the east of the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. "ISIS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts." Palmyra's ancient ruins have long been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Before ISIS entered the city in May 2015, they boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But the terrorists launched a campaign of destruction against them, the scale of which was fully revealed when government forces briefly retook the city with Russian support last year. Satellite imagery has shown that ISIS has demolished more monuments since it recaptured Palmyra from government forces in December. "There are no ISIS fighters left in most of the Old City, but it is heavily mined," the Observatory chief said. Supported by Russian air strikes and ground troops, government forces have been battling through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. On Wednesday, a senior military source in Damascus told AFP the army had reached a strategic crossroads leading into Palmyra. The girl also alleged that the perpetrator also threatened to kill her brother if she told anyone about the assaults. A 17-year-old orphan girl was raped by her relative in May 2016. (Photo: AFP/ Representational) Islamabad: A Pakistani man has been arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 17-year-old orphan girl after she rejected his marriage proposal. The assault took place in May 2016, but the incident came to light only after the girl was unable to hide the resultant pregnancy and had to report the matter to the Ramna Police Station in January 2017. According to the Express Tribune, the victim was staying at her maternal uncles house Sector G-12 for a few days, when her aunts brother asked her to marry him. When she refused, he locked her up The 17-year-old victim was allegedly intoxicated and raped for three to four days after she had refused the proposal from her aunts brother. The victim told police that last May, she was staying at her maternal uncles house Sector G-12 for a few days, when her aunts brother approached her. The girl also accused her aunt of assisting her brother in the crime, by locking the door to her room from the outside. The girl also alleged that the perpetrator also threatened to kill her brother if she told anyone about the assaults. The maternal uncle, however, was unaware of what had transpired. The girl went back home after a month and did not reveal her ordeal to anyone, but was compelled to tell her relatives, when her pregnancy reached an advanced stage in January. The police arrested both suspects after doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed that the victim was seven-months pregnant. A police officer said that the suspect had confessed his crime and that the allegations would be confirmed once a DNA test was conducted. The suspects sister, who is accused of facilitating the crime, was arrested after her pre-arrest bail was turned down by a sessions judge. However, she filed a fresh bail plea before Additional District and Sessions Judge Javed Iqbal Sipra, which was accepted on February 27 against a bail bond of Rs 100,000. A trial will begin once the police complete their investigations and submit their report to the court. Imran, a father of three, was transferred to a hospital in Punjab province with 85% burn injuries, Geo TV reported. According to his family, his employer called him at a secret location, tied him up and set him on fire. (Representational image) Lahore: In a gruesome incident, a 30-year- old Pakistani man was allegedly set on fire by his employer for failing to pay back a loan of Rs 4,000, according to a media report on Wednesday. Imran, a father of three, was transferred to a hospital in Punjab province with 85% burn injuries, Geo TV reported quoting officials as saying. According to his father, Imran worked at a marble factory in Taxila and owed Rs 4,000 to his employer. He left his job to work in another factory after he was not paid his dues for the month, the report said. According to his family, his employer called him at a secret location, tied him up and set him on fire. A two-day conference sponsored by the Cairo Sunni institution ends. More than 600 Christian and Muslim leaders from more than 50 countries attended. For Grand Imam Al Tayeb, associating religion and terrorism is a pretext by "ultra-modernists" to rid society of religion. Patriarch Sako stressed "shared values" for "all citizens, religions, and cultures." Cairo (AsiaNews) Christian and Muslim religious leaders, politicians and intellectuals ended the conference on Freedom and Citizenship: Diversity and Integration sponsored by Al-Azhar University, in Cairo (Egypt) by firmly condemning the use of "violence in the name of religion" and renewing the call for "harmony" and "mutual respect" between different faiths in a State that guarantees for everyone the right of citizenship and equal treatment. The two-day symposium (28 February-1 March) organised by the most important Sunni institution in the world brought together more than 600 people from more than 50 Arab and non-Arab countries in the world. At the end of the two-day event, with speeches by Islamic and Christian religious leaders on Tuesday and by politicians and intellectuals on Wednesday, Al-Azhar issued an informal joint declaration on mutual co-existence. Leaders from the two great monotheistic religions condemned the use of religion to perpetrate acts of violence or foment wars, stressing the principle of living together. In the final address, Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmad Al Tayeb firmly condemned "all crimes committed in the name of religion", which is something alien to all religions and the rules of civilisation. In this sense, he noted, it is important to reform the concept of citizenship around the "principle of equality" of people in the same State. The grand imam demanded Islam not be associated with terrorism because the criminal actions of some Muslims does not justify the use of violence by the religion itself. This, according to Al Tayeb, opens the door to describing all religions as terrorism, which justifies extremist modernists argument that societies must be rid of religion since it is a source of violence. Finally, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar strongly condemned the recent attacks against Copts in Egypt, calling them victims of violence "in their own land". "Regardless of (the efforts) of terrorists, they will never undermine our determination to secure a common livelihood, he added. Citizenship, equality, and rule of law will create a better life for forthcoming generations" based on solidarity and mutual cooperation. Chaldean Patriarch Mar Raphael Louis Sako also spoke at the conference, stressing the need to rethink educational programmes through stronger elements of "convergence and tolerance". "We need to promote fraternal relations between Christians and Muslims, he added, through media culture and create a common "home" to "unite all citizens, religions, and cultures" through "shared values". Maronite Patriarch Card Beshara al-Rahi said that freedom of religion is the basis of all fundamental human rights. Touching it means undermining "all the rights and freedoms of living together." Finally, the head of the Coptic Church Pope Tawadros II urged those present to fight extremist thought with enlightened thought. "Egypt and the region have suffered from extremist thought, he added. A mistaken understanding of religion [. . .] has led to terrorism on a local and world scale. by Shafique Khokhar The two are accused of theft and robbery by the girls employers, a Muslim family that employed her as a maid. She earned US$ 40 a month for 18 hours of work a day. For Shahid Anwar, diocesan coordinator for Justice and Peace, false charges are levelled at minority people who stand up to slavery. Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Mehwish Masih, a 15-year-old Christian girl, and her 48-year-old father, Babar Masih, were indicted on false charges and are currently involved in a nightmarish legal battle to prove their innocence. The Muslim family that employed Mehwish for months as a maid accused the two of theft and robbery. Father and daughter were arrested on 8 December 2017 and released on bail in the first week of February 2017. The Masih are very poor Christian family living in Kamalpur (Faisalabad). Babar and his wife Ruqiya Bibi have four children, three girls and a boy. Their home is a very humble flat near the kiln where both parents work. In October 2015, the family was contacted by Kiran Bibi, wife of Mian Mohammad Tariq, a Muslim entrepreneur. She asked that the couple's 15-year-old daughter work for her as a maid. Finding themselves in difficult economic conditions, Babar and Ruqiya accepted. Mehwish worked 16 months for the Muslim family, 18 hours a day for 5,000 rupees a month (US$ 50), living in her employers house. She was allowed to visit home once a month. In September 2016, Mehwish felt pain to abdomen, and her parents brought her home, where she was diagnosed with severe appendicitis. They decided to keep her at home until she got better. Kiran Bibi reacted angrily to this, telling the couple to send their daughter back to work. In the face of repeated refusals, she responded with verbal violence and threats. During the last week of November, Kiran Bibi visited the family accompanied by police officers. She accused Mehwish and her father of stealing jewels worth 16 million Pakistani rupees (US$ 15,000) during her nephews wedding ceremony in January 2016. Based on these allegations, father and daughter were summoned to the Kamalpur police station for questioning. They were released the next day. On 8 December 2016, lured by the promise of settling the dispute, Babar and Mehwish went to the Tariq house where, called by the accusers, police were waiting to arrest the two Christians. The father was held at the local police station, whilst the girl was placed under house arrest at the home of her employer and accuser. The Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) took to heart the situation of the two accused and in early February posted bail. The two returned home, are now waiting for the next court hearing, scheduled for next Monday (6 March). Meanwhile, the High Court in Lahore has not yet ruled on a request for permanent bail. Speaking to AsiaNews, Shahid Anwar, diocesan coordinator for Justice and Peace in Faisalabad, said that "Very often this kind of allegations is levelled against Christian domestic workers by rich home owners because they belong to minorities and marginalised groups. Most of the time, the charges are unfounded. Employers do not want their employees to free themselves from their bondage. The daughter was held at the Tariq home and her father was kept behind bars for many days without due process. This family is innocent and very poor, Shahid noted. We are providing them with legal aid, and managed to get interim bail at the High Court in Lahore, but we hope that on 6 March the bail will be confirmed. We stand by these poor victims and shall fight until justice is done." by Loula Lahham News about violence against Copts have disappeared from Egyptian media. For the government, the crisis has been resolved. International conferences continue. The one organised by Al-Azhar ended yesterday with no results. More than 1,500 Christians have fled from El Arish. Cairo (AsiaNews) Media coverage of Copts fleeing Islamic State violence and terrorism in the Sinai Peninsula has declined since 22 February. The Egyptian government feels it has done its duty: the Social Affairs minister has visited the area, the government and civil society groups have sent humanitarian aid and food, displaced people will not be penalised for not going to work, and schoolchildren will be enrolled in other schools. Everything seems to be in order. The spiritual leader of Egypts Christians, Pope Tawadros II, slammed the use of the term "immigrants by the media in his weekly address on Wednesday. In his view, the term is wrong. It's just a passing crisis. Such remarks are very similar to those uttered by Egypts Interior minister. We did not ask the Coptic residents to leave their homes and their possessions." Even international conferences have resumed. A conference on Freedom and Citizenship: Diversity and Integration ended yesterday. Organised by Al-Azhar, Sunni Islams highest body, under the auspices of Egypts President, the symposium saw the participation of religious and lay delegates from 50 countries, in particular senior spiritual leaders of all Mideast Christian rites, including five patriarchs and dozens of Eastern bishops as well as representatives of several Protestant Churches. What results did the conference produce? Nothing. Just words of courtesy and tolerance on everyones behalf. Meanwhile, there are almost no Christians left in El Arish. Families today refused a visit by a delegation of the National Human Rights Council, headed by famous Coptic activist George Ishaq. It should be noted that more than 1,500 Copts fled El Arish, northern Sinai, following violence that left seven Christian dead in the last ten days. by Fady Noun Top Shia religious official attends interfaith conference organised by main Sunni institution. Twelve Churches from the Arab world were invited as well. Patriarch al-Rahi focuses on Lebanons way of belonging and living together. Al Azhar imam says that all citizens are equal and that Christians cannot be considered a minority, which has negative connotations. Cairo (AsiaNews) "Al Azhar represents me and represents Qom and Najaf, said Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan, head of Lebanons Shia Higher Council, causing a stir yesterday, at the two-day Islamic-Christian conference on "Freedom and Citizenship: Diversity and Integration organised by Al Azhar in Cairo. Sheikh Kabalans presence was a first. Until now, Shia scholars took part in Al Azhar conferences and meetings in their personal capacity only. The Jafari mufti welcomed the initiative in a great show of solidarity, as a sign of rapprochement between Sunnis and Shias. "An Ummah that tears itself apart from within ceases to be an Ummah," said Sheikh Kabalan, who even went so far as to say that the liberation of Jerusalem comes after the necessity for Sunnis and Shias to "To be together in God". The Shia official also called for a return of Egypt to its role as "guide" of the Arab world, and invited Tehran and Riyadh to talk to each other. As its title indicates, the conference calls for an end rather than a reform of the notion of "dhimmitude". In fact, faced with a rising tide of fundamentalist Muslim currents in which this notion generates discrimination, exclusion and violence, updating it is needed in war-torn societies where Islam is the majority religion, as well as in Western societies where Islam is a minority, but where it aspires to a political role. Conscious of the urgency, and apparently spurred by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Grand Imam of El-Azhar invited almost as many Christians as Muslims to speak at the Cairo conference. As the only Arab country whose president is Christian, sll of Lebanons communities were represented at the symposium. It must also be noted that the Muslim co-chairman of the National Committee for Dialogue, Mohammad Sammak, is one of the conferences main backers. Christian speakers included the Maronite Patriarch, Card Beshara al-Rahi, Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, Bishop Boulos Matar, one of the two co-presidents of the National Committee for Dialogue Hares Shehab, Adyan Foundation president Fadi Daou, former minister Tarek Mitri, Prof Antoine Messarra, and Constitutional Council member and former president Amine Gemayel. In general, according to a source at the conference, el-Azhar brought together representatives of 12 churches in the Arab world, ranging from Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako to the Lutheran bishop of Jerusalem, Younan Mounib (president of the Lutheran World Federation). This is a sign of its determination to recognise the richness and legitimacy of such diversity both within the Arab world and among the churches. "Who disregards the contribution of Christians to Arab civilisation ignores all of history," said Arab League secretary general at the inaugural session of the conference. He also spoke about the notion of "dhimmitude" in Islam, which provides a religious basis for the civic inequality between Muslims and non-Muslims. The Imam of Al-Azhar himself considers this anachronistic and "non-scientific". Efforts to ground the notion of citizenship and civic affiliation on rational bases stems, in particular, on historical references dating back to the early days of Islam. The Madinah Pact concluded by the Prophet with Jewish and Christian tribes of the time was mentioned in particular. This pact, it seems, puts forward an egalitarian society whose members enjoy the same rights and are called to defensive solidarity and peaceful coexistence. For the Imam of El-Azhar, "all citizens are equal and Christians cannot be considered a minority, a term loaded with negative connotations." For Adyan Foundation president Fr Fadi Daou, whose concept of "inclusive citizenship in diversity" is beginning to be popular, the reform of the notion of citizenship will remain incomplete if it is not accompanied by a reform of the notion of the state, and if Islam does not adopt the concept of a "civil" state. It is precisely this type of state that the Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi mentioned in his address. The head of the Maronite Church spoke of a median solution "between Muslim theocracy", marked by the confusion of the civil and religious and Western "atheocracy", marked by total divorce. The patriarch underlined the benefits of a shared citizenship "capable of creating a sense of belonging and assuring coexistence that he defines as" the essence of the Lebanese model." Not satisfied with addressing this aspect of citizenship, the patriarch went on to talk about one of the root causes of the geopolitical crisis that is shaking the Arab world, namely the place taken by Islam in lieu of Arab nationalism as an actor of history. He stressed the need to rely on the notion of Arabism as a the basis of civilisation" and the development of civil liberties, as opposed to the Islamic state, and the "Ummah" as a locus for religious discrimination between compatriots. For his part, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian turned to the model of living together, pluralism and the recognition of the other, but stopped short of a "civil state", speaking instead of a State "of good and just governance". Today, Wednesday, was reserved for political speeches. The day will be marked by the address of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. Although officially invited to the symposium, his speech will be delivered by Minister Pierre Raffoul. I was sitting alone when they walked in. Recognising me, Justice Kandakasi walked straight across to where I sat. I rose to meet him and was introduced to Justice Auka, whom I had never met before. They were on circuit presiding over serious cases but they were relaxing during their lunch hour and there was I with a chance to talk literature with them. There I was at the Ipatas Centre restaurant in Wabag at the same time as Justices Ambeng Kandakasi and Ravunama Auka. JUST recently I had one of those chances in a lifetime encounters with two judges of the Papua New Guinean high court. Their lunch had been pre-arranged and they were served immediately and the staff locked the door so they could dine in privacy. I sat typing at the other end of the room. Then an idea flashed across my mind. I decided to ring my wife Julie and ask her to bring to the restaurant two copies of my book I Can See My Country Clearly Now. When I saw Julie outside, I asked the judges to spare me a few minutes because I wished to present them with the book. What is it about? Justice Kandakasi asked. Its about my travels around the world, reflecting on our country, I replied. Sounds good, the judge said. So I went outside, my wife Julie sweating on the footpath, gratefully took the books from her and rushed back into the restaurant. I signed my name on the flyleaf and presented each of the judges with a copy. This is a chance in a lifetime for me to meet two judges, I said. It is also a chance for me to promote my province. Please read it if you have the time. As they skimmed through the pages, I highlighted the plight of Papua New Guinean authors who cannot get their books to a wider audience. There are no bookshops which sell our books, I told the two men. Reading PNG-authored books can improve literacy levels of students but our books are not made available to them. Only the UPNG Bookshop is selling PNG-authored books. The two judges nodded and took their leave. But before they left, I asked them if I could take a photograph, and they gladly agreed. Reflecting on that chance meeting, I thank the two judges for their patience and willingness to spare me a few minutes of their precious leisure time to listen to something dear to my heart the development of literature and literacy in my country through promoting writing, publishing and reading PNG-authored books. I hope I will meet them again sometime soon, so they can tell me how they felt about my book. Phnom Penh (AsiaNews) - Children and teenagers from the parish Kdol Leu want to help other children in Syria, marked by war and poverty, by saving their snack money and in just two weeks, through AsiaNews, have sent 3.20 Euro (this is the amount collected!) to children in Syria. The small amount of money raised is of immense moral value, given that for many of them their snack substitutes a midday meal. What this means is that these young children gave up lunch for two straight weeks to help Syrian children have skipped lunch for two weeks. A snack coast 500-1000 riel (about 10-20 cents) and may consist of rice topped with pork or shop bought snacks. Once all of these products came from China, but now there is a strong local production of poor nutritional quality. The parish priest, Fr. Luca Bolelli, PIME, explains that "the terms were that in addition to giving us their snack, everyone had to say a prayer for the Syrian children". The children and teenagers who participated in this sacrifice in preparation for Lent, were aged between 11 and 13. They all take part in the weekly catechism, some in preparation for First Communion, others to prepare for baptism. "They are an exceptional group" explains Fr. Bolelli. "Last week, I had been away all week and we had to skip the catechism meeting. Srey-Niang, a girl from the group, stopped me and immediately said: 'Father, this week we didnt have catechism!'. And I said: 'It is true. If you want to meet tonight we can. Go tell the others'. And she said: 'I already did! We knew you were coming, and we have already arranged to meet tonight! '. I assure you that such a thing, no matter how small, fills you with joy! ". The example of children was so overwhelming that, for the whole of Lent, Fr. Bolelli has proposed a fast to help Syrian children to all adult parishioners. The community of Kdol Leu is located in central Cambodia on the Mekong River, about 200 km from the capital Phnom Penh. The Catholics of the country, decimated by persecution at the time of the Khmer Rouge, are about 25 thousand. Among these, at least 80% are Vietnamese emigrants. by Nirmala Carvalho Judges state: "We have a life on our hands." The mother is 37 years old and 26 weeks pregnant. The anomaly of the fetus does not pose risks to the health of pregnant women. Dr. Carvalho: "When you discover problems with prenatal diagnosis, the predominant trend is abortion." Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The Supreme Court of India has denied abortion to a woman 26 weeks pregnant, whose child suffers from Down syndrome. The judges state: "We have a life on our hands." The Supreme Court, after medical evaluations, has decreed that there are no physical risks to the mother in continuing the pregnancy that would justify abortion. "Everyone knows - they wrote in the judgment - that children with Down syndrome are definitely less intelligent, but they are good people." Speaking to AsiaNews Dr. Pascoal Carvalho, a Catholic doctor and member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said: "There is no doubt that parents suffer when abnormalities to the fetus are diagnosed, but abortion should never be considered the best option." The Supreme Court ruling is dated 28 February. The mother, a woman of 37, had appealed to interrupt the pregnancy. In India, the law states that you can have an abortion up to the 20th week of pregnancy if it poses a danger to the mother and fetus. However in this case the courts have not seen fit to grant permission. Earlier in a similar incident they had agreed to the interruption for a 24-week pregnant woman with serious risks to her health. Dr. Carvalho said that "life is sacred, and it is from the moment of conception. Any attack against human life cheapens our attitude towards life as a whole. Today we are faced with a culture of death and that is why we must reaffirm respect for life, especially for those who are not yet born, also with Down syndrome. " "Life is a continuous - said the doctor - and any attempt to suppress it leads us to deny its value. Abortion is an attack against life from its beginning. " He reports that the new ethical and religious directives for Catholic health services [enacted in 1994 by the US National Catholic bishops Conference, who return to the teachings of Instruction Donum Vitae 1987 - ed] allow prenatal diagnosis only when the "methods used with the consent of the parents adequately informed, safeguard the life and integrity of the embryo and its mother, without subjecting them to disproportionate risks "[Donum vitae, part 1 n. 2 - Ed]. The problems, continues Dr. Carvalho, "arise when the diagnoses show deformities or abnormalities in the child. The predominant trend in the world today is abortion. " "Despite this - he concludes - we must never forget that every person is a unique individual made in the image and likeness of God. The unborn child, innocent, helpless is crying out for our protection." by Nirmala Carvalho The radicals belong to the group of extreme right-wing Hindu Vahini. They accuse Christians of wanting to convert the groom, of Hindu religion. The couple was forced to postpone the wedding and celebrate with a Vedic ritual. The state has a law against forced conversions that discriminates against minorities. Bhopal (AsiaNews) - A nationalist Hindu radical group broke into a church in the Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh, and interrupted a wedding that was being celebrated between a Christian woman and Hindu man. Affiliates the Hindu Vahini have accused those present of trying to forcibly convert the groom. This despite the assurances by the latter, who had already had to overcome the families opposition to the union. Speaking to AsiaNews, Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) has condemned "the serious violation of religious freedom, human rights and human dignity. India is a secular country, with a constitution that guarantees freedom of choice. The couple are of legal age to join freely in marriage. " The incident took place on 28 February. The two future spouses, Christian Avnish and Hindu Anukampa, were about to get married when the ceremony was interrupted. The police who arrived at the place, did nothing to prevent the extremists in this latest episode of abuse against minorities. According to the Christian leader, "the police in Bhopal and the far-right group have carried out an illegal and criminal act, breaking into church and stopping the marriage. It is a shameful thing and GCIC condemns this violation in any way. The policemen involved should be investigated. The police are responsible for ruining the harmony between the communities ". The Christian girl, dressed in the white, tried to mediate and explain the couples reasons. To avoid further consequences, the future spouses were forced to postpone marriage and decided that it will be celebrated in Indore according to the Arya Samaj ritual, of Vedic tradition. In Madhya Pradesh, there is an infamous anti-conversion law, amended in 2013, punishing those who try to convert Hindus to Christianity. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act came into force in 1968 and prohibits conversions obtained by force or money. However, this measure is used to persecute Christians, on false allegations of forced conversions, and all those who decide to embrace religions other than Hinduism. Sajan K George adds: "With this law the fascist forces oppress and humiliate the tiny Christian population, even during a special event such as marriage." "What is more serious - he concludes - is that the police are saffronized and collaborate with Hindu extremists." Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Syrian government forces have entered the historic city-symbol of Palmyra, one of the places where the jihadist devastation was most ruthless in Syria, wresting back control of the militias of the Islamic State (IS). Damascus troops, supported by Russian air strikes, have taken over part of a neighborhood in the western sector of the city. Last December, the jihadists reassumed control of the area by repelling the Syrian army assault, supported by the Russian air raid, responding with artillery fire and suicide attacks. In the 10 months between the summer of 2015 and the first months of 2016 the Unesco heritage site of Palmyra, with two thousand years of history was in the IS hands. During that period, Daesh [Arabic acronym for IS] destroyed many monuments and executed the director of antiquities. The area is of strategic importance for the militants because of the many oil fields in the subsurface. During the occupation militiamen released photos that showed the destruction of some artifacts taken from the complex of Palmyra. Other images showed the explosion of the historic temple of Baal Shamin. In a public execution the IS also beheaded of the site director Khaled al-Assad, who had refused to disclose the place where most of the relics are preserved. According to reports from the official Sana State news agency, the Syrian government forces have also taken a strategic area known as the "triangle of Palmyra" as well as the most important access route. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an NGO based in London with a dense network of informers in the area, adds that "strong fighting and heavy shelling" is ongoing around the citadel, whose control has changed several times in the past two years. "They are about to take the citadel - he adds - the Islamic state has retreated, but may have left suicide bombers in the area" meaning the government forces must move forward with caution. In the past the United Nations has condemned the devastation wrought by jihadists in Palmyra, calling it a "war crime". Ironically, this is also a trap for Papua New Guineans writing about their own culture and heritage. Anthropologists like Margaret Mead succeeded in bridging the gap because they were eminent anthropologists as well as exceptional writers. Any anthropological writer who attempts to elevate to better prose, so escaping this academic miasma, risks the disapproval of their peers. IF YOU read a lot of anthropology as I did once, you realise how dry and boring objective accounts of customs and culture can be. What might be interesting to you or your clan may leave other people unresponsive or confused. Making such accounts thought-provoking to a wide range of readers is a real challenge and in 2015 very few of the heritage entries in the Crocodile Prize succeeded in overcoming it. Konetero Ronnie Dotaona did succeed. He took traditional custom and history and imbued it with an inspirational tone that tingled the blood. In doing so he wisely chose a subject that strikes a chord in our collective memories. It is a coastal theme but highlanders have something similar in their stories of expansion and pioneering settlement. Capturing these subjects in elegant prose makes dry anthropological accounts pale by comparison. Ronnie was a worthy winner of the 2015 Cleland Family Award for Heritage Writing. __________ Suau: The sons of seafarers KONETERO RONNIE DOTAONA EVERY Suau-speaking lad is fond of the ocean. Ask him. And ask him about his dream. Go to maritime college, join the navy or build a workboat. If a Simbai is born with all the secrets of the forest, then a Suau is a born seafarer. Infant boys are carried by an uncle or grand-uncle to the beach. He is made to face Tupo Yalasi, the direction of the west wind. The old man will perform the infant dance and sing the ritual song calling on the Yalasi wind to inundate the young one with strength. And the baby will be taken to the front of a sailing canoe in rough storms and the waves will spray his face while uncle or grand-uncle sings. Later, young people reaching manhood or womanhood undergo rituals connected to the sea. Our fathers sail kemuluwa or amuyuwa, ocean-going canoes with sails made of dam - woven dried pandanus leaves. The craft reminds me of the skill it took, and the tragedies experienced, on the part of my ancestors in crossing thousand miles of ocean to reach the land we call home. I do not know if the seas were pacificus in that era. The names kemuluwa and amuyuwa signify that these voyages journeyed across the Muruwa or Muyuw seas near what are now the Woodlark and neighbouring islands. They built and sailed wolibote, workboats without motors, driven by sails. I asked my grand-fathers where the name originated. I came to understand that these boats were similar to whaleboats, thus the name wolibote was coined. The arrival of marine motors motivated them to share the dream of a white man, Reverend Charles Abel, to build boats. Our fathers were trained at Kwato Island by Australian boat builders. Some were trained at Wako Wakoko Slipways and at Sariba Island, while others pioneered the Salamo Slipways on Fergusson Island. The quality of work our fathers did in the boatyards was comparable to Australian and British boat builders. I recall the stories of my grand-uncle. When he sleeps on the deck at night, he feels the pattern of currents and waves hitting the boat. He tells the tiller man if they are approaching a reef or nearing land. He uses the stars to navigate. He knows all the current patterns and uses them to his advantage. His clan totem is the sea eagle. I had a chance to travel the coast between Milne Bay and Morobe. On many occasions, I spotted the Kubona the dawn star from the ship. The first thought that entered my mind was, Ive seen the same star, my Lapita ancestors have seen. We hear stories of our fathers meeting sea monsters and storms and the parts of the Milne Bay waters where one is not allowed to utter a word. They tell us the different names of ocean waves and describe the areas from Milne Bay to the Motuan to the Gulf coastline that we need to know. Suaus take pride that their sons were some of the pioneers to sail the oceans of our country. The songs of our forefathers were composed and sung on these journeys, songs of leaving their loved ones behind, coming ashore on foreign soil and of young lasses eloping. Our fathers taught us the lives of sea birds - sea eagle, sea hawk, frigate bird and tern - and what we can learn from them. Sayings like being shark-eyed and not of a sting ray or sleep like a turtle or wake up like a tern were coined. Around the evening fires, we have heard stories and legends of the sea and its monsters: sineligusisalasala, sineboudalili, polepole, bolisaielo, sasalutu gwanegwane. If that was not enough, our mothers created games: string figures such as the amuyuwa, Kubona the dawn star, the ocean tides and currents, Taubodidi the seafarer. When kids play these figures, they are drawn closer to the spirit of seafaring. A Suau man knows the look of a strong workboat; boats that can load at the same time and withstand the storms. As lads, we were taught the names of hardwoods that resist the naval shipworm, hardwoods that will last. Suaus are a headache to the provincial maritime authority, because they breach strong wind warnings. They take pride in riding on the waves, even though they know that the ocean does not keep memorial headstones afloat. May the Suau lads sail the waters and build hardwood boats out of love, respect and character, boats that will stand lifes stormy seas. May they, in future, cross oceans with outrigger canoes. May their sails be filled with the trade winds. To our forefathers who have already sailed away. Youre a mariner. Fair winds! Two former partners at traditional firms have moved on from the conventional law firm life, choosing instead to work in-house and in a specialised legal firm catering to entrepreneurs.NAB has appointed Sharon Cook , King & Wood Mallesons managing partner for clients, as chief legal and commercial officer. Meanwhile, Bruce McFarlane, former partner at Hall & Wilcox, has been appointed as the managing partner of BlueRock Groups legal arm, BlueRock Partners.Cook brings more than 30 years of experience in the legal world to the Big Four bank. She specialises in banking, litigation, and corporate insurance. She most recently, led KWM s development and implementation of its client and sector strategy as part of a five-member managing partner team.She has been with traditional law firms for most of her legal career, starting at legacy Stephen Jaques Stone James in the early 1980s before moving on to Herbert Smith in London. She then came back to Australia to Mallesons Stephen Jaques before being appointed as partner at Henry Davis York . She led the firm as managing partner until 2014, before coming back to KWM in 2015.In addition to Cook, NAB has also appointed former NSW premier and treasurer Mike Baird as chief customer officer, corporate and institutional banking, and American and former Barclaycard global COO Patrick Wright as CTO.Meanwhile, McFarlane transitions to BlueRock Partners after being part of Hall & Wilcox for nearly 20 years. BlueRock Group offers entrepreneurs accounting, law, wealth management, and technology solutions, with BlueRock Partners providing technology-enabled legal solutions to entrepreneurs. McFarlane, who specialises in mergers and acquisitions and franchising, joins partner Dan Holdsworth. A group of upstate lawmakers is taking a new approach to repealing the SAFE Act, a gun control measure that was adopted in 2013. Bills sponsored by state Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Marc Butler would repeal key provisions of the SAFE Act for areas outside of the five New York City boroughs. The legislation is supported by members of Cayuga County's state legislative delegation, including state Sens. Pam Helming and Jim Seward and Assemblyman Bob Oaks. The legislators want to repeal the SAFE Act's five-year pistol permit recertification requirement and repeal the mandated ammunition database. The measure also calls for the repeal of the License and Record Database, a SAFE Act requirement that hasn't been implemented. It would also restore the previous definition of an assault weapon. Before the SAFE Act, rifles with two "militarized" features were defined as assault weapons. A provision in the law reduced it to one feature needed for a rifle to be considered an assault weapon. Under the proposed bill, individuals would be allowed to transfer firearms, rifles and shotguns to family members as part of an estate. Seward, R-Milford, voted against the SAFE Act in 2013. On Wednesday, he said the law "tramples on our Second Amendment rights." "The entire package is an attack on responsible gun owners who meticulously follow the law rather than ignore it like the criminal element," Seward said. "I have consistently called for a full repeal of the NY SAFE Act, and passed legislation in the Senate to reform several of the most onerous portions of the law." The SAFE Act was approved by the Democratic-led Assembly and the Republican-controlled state Senate. Some Republicans voted for the measure in 2013, including current Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan. Gov. Andrew Cuomo pushed for the law's adoption following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and the attack on first responders in Webster, a Rochester suburb, in 2012. While Cuomo received praise from gun control groups throughout the state and nationally, gun rights advocates said the law unfairly targeted law-abiding citizens. Helming, R-Canandaigua, wasn't in the state Senate when the law was adopted. Her predecessor, retired state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, voted against it. Like Nozzolio, she believes the law must be repealed. "This unnecessary legislation was passed in the middle of the night, with a message of necessity, so the public could not find out that their Second Amendment rights were being stripped," Helming said. "The time is long past due for New Yorkers to have our right to bear arms fully restored." Full repeal of the SAFE Act is unlikely with Cuomo still in office and Democrats in control of the Assembly. But Assemblyman Bob Oaks and others are hopeful that Cuomo and legislative leaders will consider the bill to repeal key provisions of the SAFE Act for upstate New York. Oaks, R-Macedon, said keeping the SAFE Act in place for New York City and removing key provisions from the law for upstate New York would acknowledge the differences between the two regions of the state. "Repealing the SAFE Act would help restore Second Amendment rights of citizens outside of New York City's boroughs," he said. The legal team at Australian-British miner Rio Tinto has a new head at the helm, at least for now.Its emerged that Freshfields partner Philip Richards has been seconded to the firm since December following the departure of Debra Valentine who had announced her intention to retire.Richards is a corporate lawyer in Freshfields London office and has management experience with the law firm having spent four years as managing partner in Milan.A merger between Dentons and Netherlands law firm Boekel has been announced.Dentons will further expand its claim as the worlds largest law firm when the combination closes, which is expected to be next month. It will bring the firms office count in Europe alone to 26 across 18 countries; and its global headcount to more than 7,800 in more than 60 countries.Boekel has 70 lawyers including 16 partners and is a full-service firm with a particular focus on real estate, corporate and litigation.The specialist legal recuiter Major, Lindsay & Africa has hired Ashish Raivadera as head of private practice for South Asia.He will be based in Singapore and will also head up the firms newly opened office there. He knows the city state and wider region well having operated ATR Associates focusing on placing lawyers and counsel with international firms.He joins the Asia Pacific partner practice team which includes Carl Hopkins (Hong Kong), Tom Stretton and Michael Robertson (Sydney), Laurie Lebrun (Tokyo), and Andrew Ng (Beijing) who also act for law firm partners.Maurice Allen, a former consultant and senior partner at Ropes & Gray, has joined DLA Piper in London.He will assist the firms financial services sector practice in developing existing and new client relationships, bringing wide experience of growing City and US law firms. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. Australia's partner visa programme could be tightened after a sham marriage scam was uncovered where a couple made more than $100,000 from men wanting to stay in the country.Migrant agent Chetan Mashru and his marriage celebrant wife Divya Gowda have been jailed for running the marriage visa scam which charged Indian men up to $40,000 for marriages to Australian women to help them stay in the country.A court in Brisbane was told that a total of 16 marriages were organised where the men and women signed marriage papers on their first meeting.Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said that his department will continue to look at the partner visa programme to see if it needs reform and will listen to suggestions, although no immediate plans have been announced.Nearly 50,000 foreign spouses, fiancees and other partners move to Australia each year with partner visas accounting for a quarter of the total migrant intake. There are currently 70,000 applications in the pipeline.A cap has now been put on the number that will be granted per year and Dutton revealed that519 partner visas were cancelled over the past two years but he confirmed that numbers granted are rising, from 39,931 in 2007/2008 to 47,825 last year with the majority coming from China, India and Vietnam.Demographer Dr Bob Birrell of the Australian Population Research Institute, believes the visa programme can be tightened and pointed out countries like the UK where it is much harder to get a visa.In Australia partners can be as young as 16 and their sponsor does not need to have a job. But in the UK sponsors and their partners must be at least 21 to apply for a visa and earn at least $30,145 if living outside Europe.Birrell pointed out that in Australia the sponsored spouses or the sponsor make no contribution whatsoever to the cost of the public facilities they're going to need once they get to the country.'In other words, it's a free ticket to enjoy our lifestyle, so it's not surprising we are getting a very high number of applications, including about 8,000 former foreign students every year who manage to find a sponsor,' he added.Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, wants the visa stream tightened. She said her constituents had raised concerns about cases where foreign students had married Australian citizens and then ended the relationships after obtaining visas.Dutton said the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) had already strengthened the spousal visa programme and would continue with its policy of having no tolerance for visa fraud.'We are open to looking at any sensible ideas that will help stamp out corruption,' he added. Hello everyone. I am an Australian living in USA. I have Citizenship in both countries. My husband is American. We have a 2 year old daughter. I am past ready to go home!!!! I have been reading a lot of post and from what I have read its faster to get a visa by applying for his partner visa once we are home? My main question is, how does he enter Australia with the intent to stay, although not having yet applies for partner visa? Thank you for any input. Hello. I am currently on my student visa which will expire this 15 March 2017. The problem is i will not be able to finish my course due to personal reasons. So now im planning to cancell my visa at the last minute and go back home to my country. My questions is, Will i still be able to apply for permanent residency skilled 189?i heard there is an entry ban for 3 years. Is that true? Please help, i really need some guidance. Thanks Mahindra is looking to save costs and share technology and platforms with its Korean subsidiary which returned to profits after nine years. Mahindra and its South Korean subsidiary SsangYong are aggressively working on deepening their synergies. The immediate agenda is to develop a petrol engine that would find use in both brands, license SsangYong's Tivoli platform to Mahindra, jointly develop a platform and build upmarket electric cars. The homegrown carmaker is co-developing an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine with SsangYong which will power both the carmakers future range of vehicles for the local as well as export market. This is also likely to do duty in the next-generation Thar for export markets, whose development is underway. The powertrain will be identical in many aspects such as design, engineering and validation to maximise cost-sharing. We are currently working on a 1.5-litre petrol engine where the intellectual property rights will be shared by Mahindra and SsangYong, and will be used by both the companies for their own products. This engine is almost the same [for both], and has the same design, engineering and validation. This has given us a tremendous benefit in terms of development and material cost since we have been able to combine volumes, Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra and Mahindra said. Extending its scope of collaboration, Mahindra has licensed SsangYongs Tivoli platform which will underpin its new SUV, codenamed S201. However, the SUV, which is set to be introduced in late 2018, will not share any other aspect with the Tivoli apart from the platform. Its not like taking the Tivoli and putting a Mahindra badge on it. Its just the platform that has been shared. The dimensions are not the same, Goenka added. Work is also afoot on a completely new platform which Mahindra and SsangYong are jointly developing. Both carmakers will have their own products on the platform and just like in the case of the S201, the new vehicles will have different design elements. Interestingly, apart from using its own team, Mahindra will draw expertise from SsangYong as well as Pininfarina to design the S201 and the other cars developed on the new platform. Another aspect of its collaboration with SsangYong includes the development of a powerful electric powertrain. Mahindra Electric, the electric mobility arm of Mahindra and Mahindra, is currently working on a more powerful 380V system for larger vehicles, including SUVs and even a performance vehicle. At present, Mahindra Electric has two systems a 48V one and a 72V currently doing duty in its vehicles. Although nothing is final, Goenka suggested that Mahindra and SsangYong could jointly use the powerful electric powertrain for a common or an independent product. Additionally, both carmakers are likely to collaborate on technology sharing in areas such as lightweighting, dual-clutch transmission, e-clutch and connected cars to save on costs. The recent plans surrounding the business partnership are intended to boost both carmakers individual prospects. SsangYong recently reported profits for the full year of 2016, selling its highest volume in 14 years. Highest sales in the last quarter of 2016 helped the Korean carmaker return to profit after nine years. Along with SsangYong, Mahindra also has Pininfarina, Mahindra Research Valley and Mahindra North America Technical Center (which is currently developing the U321 MPV) in its arsenal. What remains now is to string these different entities together into one cohesive unit. The Velar will be powered by a family of four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines; claimed to be the brands most road-biased model. Land Rover today revealed the fourth member of the Range Rover family, the Velar, in London, ahead of the models debut at the Geneva motor show next week. Underpinned by the same technology as the similar-sized Jaguar F-Pace, the Velar will slot between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport internationally. Land Rover's chief design officer Gerry McGovern called the Velar design a masterclass in design reduction. He said, Its reduction by design and engineering. If something is on the car, you take it off and it makes no difference, it shouldnt be there anyway. He also revealed that the Velar is the most aerodynamic Land Rover yet and that its design changed little in the three years since it was first presented internally. He also said that he didnt consider the SUV to have a new design language, instead regarded it as an evolution. The car also ushers in a new, more high-tech Land Rover interior design that is expected to be rolled out across the rest of the range as the next generation of models is introduced. The key feature of the cabin is a new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with two 10-inch touchscreens, described as secret-until-lit surfaces. Between them, these configurable displays reduce the switchgear to an absolute minimum, while the lower part of the centre console ahead of the gear and Terrain Response selectors is turned into a screen itself. The cars chief engineer, Kevin Stride, said the interior had been designed around these screens. The brief was to get rid of as much switchgear as possible while still making it usable and engaging. Stride said the more conventional upper touchscreen housed less-frequently-changed information, which is the opposite of the lower screen. However, the system is fully configurable, with the lower screen given lightning-fast responses to ensure there is no lag in functions traditionally controlled by a button. Under the hood, the Velar is set to be offered with a choice of six engines. Theres a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel unit in 180hp and 240hp guises. The entry-level petrol engine is a new 2.0-litre Ingenium unit with 250hp. A more potent 300hp version of this engine is expected to join the line-up by the end of this year. The V6 range-toppers are a 300hp diesel and a 380hp petrol engines. The petrol V6 is supercharged the only non-turbo engine in the range and will power the Velar from 0-100kph in 5.3sec. The Velar will be available with all-wheel drive as standard with Land Rovers full suite of off-road technology, including Terrain Response 2, an active rear locking e-differential and a Torque Vectoring by Braking system. Initial models will also get a system called Configurable Dynamics, which allows for stiffer suspension, improved throttle response and reduced assistance for the power steering, as standard. While the model is fully capable for off-roading, it has been developed as the most road-biased model yet in the Range Rover line-up. "As a mid-sized SUV, it has less inertia [than larger models in the line-up]," said David Doody, vehicle programme director. "It's a lot more agile. The intention is that it's a lot more sporty than a full Range Rover." The all-new Range Rover Velar is set to go on sale internationally before the end of the year. Expect an India launch sometime in 2018. Photo gallery President Trump made no mention of Afghanistan during his speech before Congress Tuesday night, but Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) is urging him to address the security situation there. "The security situation in Afghanistan demands the urgent attention of President Trump and his administration," McCain said in a statement. "Make no mistake: Afghans are fighting ferociously to defend their own country from our common enemies. But we must also recognize that America is still at war in Afghanistan against the terrorist enemies that attacked our nation on September 11th." Meanwhile, the Trump administration is in the midst of crafting a fiscal year 2017 defense supplemental funding request, as well as an FY-18 defense budget. Both are expected to reflect Trump's view that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is the most serious threat to U.S. security. McCain said Trump should treat Afghanistan with the "same urgency" as the fight against ISIS. "President Trump has the opportunity to turn the page and finally give our commanders the resources and authorities they need to seize the initiative and take the fight to our enemies. I urge him to do so immediately," McCain said. - Read More Of nearly 900,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, only 16 qualified for the 2017 World Class Technician Award from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Auto Care Association. Since the award program was established more than 30 years ago, fewer than 2,000 individuals have been honored worldwide. As a result, Enterprise Fleet Management an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings Inc., the largest car rental company in the world is proud to announce that Customer Support Supervisor Kelley Hatlee has earned the prestigious World Class Technician Award. Hatlees name, along with the names of all such honorees, is inscribed in an honor book in the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan. Individuals must test and obtain ASE certification in 22 specialty areas in order to achieve recognition as a World Class Technician. Hatlee received the prestigious honor after earning the titles of ASE Master Automobile Technician, ASE Master Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician and ASE Master Collision Repair Technician, as well as two additional advanced level diagnostic certifications for gasoline and diesel engines. He holds 32 ASE certifications total. Only a handful of technicians master the skills necessary to earn the ASE World Class Technician Award, said Tom Gieseking, Vice President of Fleet Operations for Enterprise Fleet Management. This rare honor speaks to the dedication and professionalism Kelley brings to Enterprise Fleet Management and to our customers on a daily basis. Hatlee has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, 11 of which have been with Enterprise Fleet Management. In his role as Customer Support Supervisor for Enterprise Fleet Managements National Service Department, Hatlee leads a team of subject matter experts who are responsible for technical assistance, recall management, vendor relations, fleet support, vehicle maintenance and training. Enterprises National Service Department employs more than 100 ASE-certified service technicians. In fact, Enterprise was the first fleet management company to win the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence award and has won for 20 consecutive years, an industry record. In 2016, Enterprise Fleet Management also was named to InformationWeek magazines Elite 100 for setting the bar on innovative and creative information technology (IT) programs that improve business operations. Owned by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Enterprise Fleet Management operates a network of more than 50 fully-staffed offices, which manages a fleet of more than 430,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The business provides full-service fleet management for companies, government agencies and organizations operating medium-sized fleets of 20 or more vehicles, as well as those seeking an alternative to employee reimbursement programs. Enterprise Fleet Management supplies most makes and models of cars, light- and medium-duty trucks and service vehicles across North America. 2 March 2017 10:59 (UTC+04:00) Armenia is constantly disseminating slanderous and false information in order to blackmail international organizations, cast shadow on their activities and undermine confidence in them, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministrys press service said. Earlier, the Armenian media reported that the Azerbaijani side failed to lead the OSCE mission to its frontline positions. Azerbaijans Defense Ministry refuted the Armenian media reports, noting that the international mission has already affirmed that no incident occurred during the monitoring held under the mandate of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Personal Representative along the line of contact in the direction of Chamanli village of Azerbaijans Aghdam district on March 1. The Azerbaijani ministry reiterated that in accordance with the monitoring mechanism, international observers are to first establish communications, and then visual contact to determine the time, place and other details, and field assistants are to confirm the completion of the monitoring. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 13:37 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova French lawyer Olivier Pardo, who has initiated a petition for the recognition of Khojaly Genocide by the French government, is sure that these atrocities must be brought to the attention of the world. People were killed in Khojaly just because they were Azerbaijanis. Killing people because of their national affiliation is an ethnic cleansing, said Pardo in his interview to Azertac. February 26 marked the 25th anniversary of the bloody tragedy, which went down in history of mankind in the 20th century as the Khojaly Genocide. Khojaly is one of one of the most gruesome and tragic acts of genocide in recent history. Of 3,000 people who were in the town of Khojaly at the moment of the Armenian attack 613 were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elders. 487 people were severely wounded, including 76 children. 1,275 people were captured and subjected to unprecedented torture, the fate of 197 people still remains unknown. 8 families were totally annihilated, 130 children lost one and 25 lost both parents. Learning the truth about the Khojaly tragedy, I was very surprised by the non-recognition of this massacre, particularly in France and Europe. What could be worse than to deny that mass killings? It reminded me massacres that took place in France, the French lawyer said. Speaking about his activities in the direction of recognition of Khojaly in France, Pardo emphasized that he is in constant contact with local journalists and therefore, launched the campaign to inform media representatives about this massacre. Speaking about the campaign launched, the French lawyer said that for publishing petition Armenian origin lawyers demanded him give up this job. But he did not agree with it. Stressing that the Khojaly tragedy is an act of genocide, Pardo stressed that the French public, who are not aware of the Khojaly massacre must be informed about the incident. My goal is to collect as many signatures as possible, the lawyer added. The petition is posted on change.org and appeals to the authorities of France. The petition is accessible at https://www.change.org/p/petition-pour-faire-reconnaitre-le-massacre-de-khojaly Few French people know about the tragedy in Khojaly, and the French authorities, even if they are aware of this story, prefer to remain silent to avoid having to place the responsibility on the perpetrators, the petition reads. However, as the traditional defender of human rights, France should not show indifference. Today, 25 years later, we want the French government and international organizations to recognize the massacre in Khojaly. My initiative has one goal - to pay tribute to the forgotten victims of the crime, Pardo writes. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 13:08 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Azerbaijani Armed Forces have destroyed a sabotage group of the Armenian Armed Forces, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on March 2. On the night of March 2, sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armenian Armed Forces tried to attack the Azerbaijani positions in the Aghdere-Terter direction of the frontline. As a result of an armed clash, Armenian side suffered losses, and was forced to retreat. The Azerbaijani side suffered no losses. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 17:34 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov While Azerbaijan with the support of the world community does its utmost to find an early and effective solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Armenian side is working in the opposite direction. Its been a week since the most fierce clash of the recent days between the Armenian and Azerbaijani troops. On the night of February 24-25, the Armenian army attempted to infiltrate through the Azerbaijani positions along the line of contact and seize favorable positions on the Khojavand-Fuzuli part of the frontline. However, the attacker failed because the Azerbaijani army reflected the Armenian onslaught and pushed the enemy back in a heavy battle. Now, the Armenian armed forces, being unhappy with their failure, continue to commit provocations and unsuccessful attempts of sabotage towards the Azerbaijani troops every day. This, of course, undermines the peace process directed at finding the steady solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through negotiations but not through military action. The Armenian media, meanwhile, is producing fake news, urging that the provocations are allegedly being committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. The Armenian authorities often address this method in order to divert attention of people from the domestic problems. In this context, it is worth noting that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan convened the Security Council on February 9. Apparently, the main topics of the meeting included the issue of the rally and march staged in Yerevan every year by Armenian activists as a tribute to the victims of March 1, 2008. Back then, protest actions of the opposition, dissatisfied with the results of presidential elections won by Serzh Sargsyan, resulted in clashes of protesters with the police. As a result, 10 people were killed on March 1 and more than 200 were wounded. Such rallies and other kinds of discontent in the Armenian society always cause anxiety of the government. That pushes the Armenian authorities do their utmost to focus the attention of their citizens on something else. Obviously, aggravating the situation on the frontline with Azerbaijani troops seems the best solution for the Armenian government in such cases. The Armenian government has to realize that the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be settled through a new full-scale war. The Armenian provocations and attempts to sabotage lead only to new victims from both sides of the frontline. Now the major task should be urging the Armenian government to come to the negotiating table. Increasing attacks and tension by Armenia on frontline remains dangerous, remembering bomb able to blow up at any moment bringing a fresh wave of war. -- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 12:38 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia, the three countries through which runs the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, have agreed conditions of the goods transit by rail and ferries in Alat-Aktau-Alat and Alat- Kuryk-Alat directions. The issue was mulled in Aktau on February 27-28 at a meeting of representatives of Kazakhstan Railways, Georgian Railways, Azerbaijani Railways, Aktau International Sea Commercial Port , Baku International Sea Trade Port and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company. The meeting participants discussed the relationship and responsibilities of the parties in the implementation of transportation, obstacles that may arise while providing transportation, and ways to overcome them. The two-day meeting ended with the signing of a protocol. The document reflects the responsibilities of the parties, form of information exchange and important issues related to its provision. The parties obliged themselves to inform customers weather transported goods conforms specifications of cars and ships engaged in international transport of the Trans-Caspian transport route. The document also envisages conformation of transported goods to the specifications of vessels belonging to Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company. The Trans-Caspian international transport route, which is designed to provide transport connections between the East and West of Eurasia, runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then to Europe via Turkey and Ukraine. The route was launched with the establishment of its Coordinating Committee in October 2013. The first test container train from China arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port on August 3, 2015. In January, 2016, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Ukraine decided to apply the competitive feed-in tariffs for cargo transportation via the TITR. Single competitive rate was introduced in the framework of the route starting from June 1, 2016 with the view to reduce the costs of international cargo transportation. About 300,000-400,000 containers are expected to be transported via the Trans-Caspian international transport route by 2020, bringing huge financial profits to Azerbaijan. Growing interest in the transport infrastructures passing through Azerbaijan's territory is expected to make the country a major transport hub in the region. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 16:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan is negotiating the hazelnut supplies to Spain, according to the Economy Ministry. One of Azerbaijani companies, participating in the Dubai Gulfood 2017 exhibition, has received an initial order to supply 128 tons of hazelnuts to Valencia. In Azerbaijan, among agricultural produce, the biggest revenue is fetched by hazelnut production and the exports of persimmons, therefore, the country pays very serious attention to these two areas. The countrys Gabala region has recently increased export of hazelnuts to Europe. Cultivation of hazelnuts is significantly important for the region. Built in 2005, the plant in Gabala also processes hazelnuts from neighboring regions such as Oguz, Zagatala and Gakh. Azerbaijani companies showcase its production branded Made in Azerbaijan at Gulfood 2017 exhibition, the worlds largest annual food and beverage trade show, with the support of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the Economy Ministry. The stand of the country exhibits a range of traditional Azerbaijani specialties and delicacies such as fruit, tea, honey, confectionaries and other products. All costs (related to the organization of the stand) are covered by the government. During the exhibition, Azerbaijani companies also met with businessmen from Saudi Arabia. The parties considered export of Azerbaijani meat and meat products to Saudi Arabia. The issue of creation of joint ventures was also discussed. Besides, Azerbaijani companies also agreed to supply pomegranate juice to Kuwait and milk powder products to Dubai. In late 2016, with a view to bring the economy to a new level Azerbaijan started promoting the Made in Azerbaijan brand in foreign markets and developed a number of promotional mechanisms, including participation in international exhibitions. Today Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries. A total of 3 million manats ($1.71 million) was allocated out of the Azerbaijani Presidents Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget to finance the export support measures. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 18:23 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan needs to accelerate restructuring the banking sector, claims Chief of the International Monetary Funds (IMF) Mission in Azerbaijan. Mohammed El Qorchi, who is on a visit in Baku told Trend that the sooner the banking sector is stabilized, the sooner the situation will be normalized in the economy as a whole. The restructuring has been going on for some time and the authorities, I believe, have taken it seriously, especially recently with the establishment of FMSB [Financial Market Supervisory Body], noted El Qorchi. He said that IMF recommendation is that it is important to bring the banking sector to a normal and more stable situation. The chief added that instability in the banking sector has implications on many things, including the confidence in the economy and in the exchange market. Chief of the IMF mission said that despite the difficult situation in the banking sector of Azerbaijan, the country's government was able to achieve success in the issue of banks restructuring. The situation in the banking sector is challenging. As you know, the authorities have been restructuring the banking sector for some time. They were dealing with IBA [International Bank of Azerbaijan], the biggest bank, but also with other banks, he noted. During the past year, 11 banks were closed in the country and the government is working diligently to restructure other banks that need support or may not be viable, said El Qorchi. So, this time we feel that the authorities are making progress, he said, adding that the Azerbaijani authorities have informed the IMF mission that they have a good plan and this year they will complete the banking sectors restructuring. And that involves not only the IBA, but also other small banks, added El Qorchi. He also noted that during the visit, the IMF mission will have a meeting with officials of Azerbaijans leading banks, where the sides will discuss the current banking sector restructuring. IMF chief also gave forecast for Azerbaijan's economy, noting that in the medium term it will continue to grow at two to three percent per year. In 2017, the situation in Azerbaijan will be better than in 2016, according to the chief of the IMF, adding that some difficulties in the economy will still remain. El Qorchi expressed readiness to support the Azerbaijani state in carrying out reforms in the country. He said that Azerbaijan has not yet appealed to the IMF to provide support, but in the case of such appeal the Fund is ready to render necessary assistance to the country. The International Monetary Fund opened its office in Baku in 1992. The Fund allocated loans worth $577.3 million to Azerbaijan for supporting the country's economic reform program during 1995-2005. Azerbaijan has fully repaid the loans. Speaking at the meeting with IMF delegation led by El Qorchi, FIMSA Chairman Rufat Aslanli said that as a result of restructuring measures, the banking sector of Azerbaijan demonstrates a tendency towards stabilization. Rehabilitation of the banking sector is the main priority of FMSB, he added. Aslanli also informed El Gorchi about the phased execution plan of measures on the identification of the main risks in the insurance sector and their elimination. In turn, El Gorchi supported measures carried out in the country in the banking and insurance spheres, and expressed confidence that these steps will contribute to the country's financial sector. The IMF delegation also held meeting with leading banks of the country and discussed current situation in the banking sector. Chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association Zakir Nuriyev said that the sides discussed decisions approved by the FMSB to stabilize the situation in the sector. "IMF did not put forward specific proposals. We discussed the impact of ongoing reforms in the sector, as well as the banks' plans for further development," Nuriyev said. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 13:05 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Baku will host the second edition of Booktrailer Festival, supported by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Booktrailer Festival was successfully held in 2016 for the first time in the country. The project aims at promoting books, supporting and developing creative forms of reading, searching talented young people in cinematography and promoting bookrailers as a part of art and business. The Organizing Committee has revealed steps that you need to follow to join the contest: One can join the contest with a booktrailers of one book or a series of books regardless of their date and place of publication; the number of submitted works by one participant is not limited; the copyright is the film owner responsibility; Booktrailers must not contain material that promotes any ethnic, racial, religious forms of hate, pornographic, any content that violates or encourages the violation of any law, rule or regulation; The films will not be returned after application. The Organizing Committee have the right to use the booktrailers to promote the festival through social networks, sites, YouTube, mass media etc., without informing the director and payment . Booktrailers shall meet the following requirements : -Participating trailers will be limited to 5 minutes; - video formats : mpeg4, mpeg, mpg, avi, wmv ; -video can be shot with actors or without actors, or as animation (cartoons); - before sending your booktrailer post the logo of the Festival; - finish your application with the book poster, and the website address of the Festival (www.booktrailer.az); -booktrailer must not contain any mention of specific brands of goods, trademarks, and commercial organizations and sponsors aside the organizations of the festival Applications for participation in the Booktrailer Festival will end on April 10, 2017. The first place will get a prize in the amount of 1000 manats ($ 558), while the winners of the second and third places 800 manats ($446) and 500 manats ($279), respectively. For more information, please visit: www.booktrailer.az Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BooktrailerFest For all questions, please contact: [email protected]. Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 14:52 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova A collection "Shirvanshahs" has been presented at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Icherisheher (Old City), Baku. The collection presented by Dastan brand of the Icherisheher Centre for Traditional Arts features four kinds of traditional handicraft art - ceramics, batik, jewelry art and woodwork. The expo was inspired by the State of Shirvanshahs, which was formed in 861 and became the longest-surviving state in northern Azerbaijan, Trend Life reported. Chief of the Administration of State Historical Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher" Asgar Alakbarov, addressing the event, spoke about the activities of the Icherisheher Centre for Traditional Arts. Alakbarov stressed that the center promotes the study and revival of the rich national art heritage. The center was created under the "Living history" concept of the Administration. The Icherisheher Centre for Traditional Arts is a joint project of the Administration and UK`s Prince's School of Traditional Arts, implemented at the initiative and support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Since 2012, the Center operates as an educational and creative centre. The project aims at the production of a new design with traditional patterns by using modern techniques, as well as promotion of the Azerbaijani culture at the international level. The Old City is a unique town within the city of Baku with its own infrastructure and residential communities. The fortress is located in the center of Baku along the coast of the Caspian Sea. If you simply look into the heart of the Old City, you will be amazed by the pearl of the country's architecture - the Shirvanshahs Palace. Construction of the Palace of Shirvanshahs, which was held in the period of 13th-16th centuries, has been associated with the transfer of Shirvanshahs' capital from Shamakhi to Baku, famous for its harbor. The Palace forms a complex, consisting of the residential building of Shirvanshahs, the second residential building (for servants), Divankhana, tomb, palace mosque built in 1441, the remains of the destroyed Key Gubad mosque, Murad's gates, hamam (bath) and mausoleum of famous scientist Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. The palace complex was declared a museum in 1964, and taken under state protection. A unique architectural and cultural ensemble along with the Old City and the Maiden Tower, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The pearl of Azerbaijan's architecture and culture, Icherisheher, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, was awarded UNESCO's status of enhanced protection in 2013. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 14:10 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova ARTIM project space invites everyone to enjoy Farhad Farzaliyevs solo show intertwining chemistry and art practice. Molotov gulab expo will welcome visitors from March 3 till March 7. The event starts at 19:00. Admission is free. The project is inspired by Yusuf Mammadaliyev (1905 Ordubad, Nakhchivan - 1961 Baku, Azerbaijan), grandfather of the artist, well known for his scientific inventions as a chemist, less known for his poetry that he followed with the same enthusiasm. One of the most famous of Yusuf Mammadaliyevs numerous discoveries is an incendiary mixture of chemicals that could be used to make simple bombs, also called Molotov Cocktails. The exhibition will combine poetry with a performance act of throwing rose water embodied as Molotov Cocktails against the walls. This act of aggression reveals phrases of poems that are written with chemical solutions, especially developed for the exhibition, and become visible when getting in touch with liquids. Gulab (rose water) is not only a reference to the artists grandfather place of birth but also to the symbolic meaning of gentleness, softness and love. Aside from their sensual captivity roses hold great importance for religion, to be considered as the flower of heaven. They had strong influence on historys most famous poets, such as the great Sufi, Rumi, describing the mystical path. The performance plays on notions of fragility, violence and beauty, kitsch and nostalgia, aggression and love. It talks about contradiction, resistance and the complexity about how to deal with the traces of the past from a personal and collective perspective. Born in Baku, Farhad completed an MFA with distinction at the Azerbaijan University of Fine Art in Baku in 2012. Farhad works predominantly in the medium of installations, but also paintings, graphics, photography and sound. He is member of Artists Union of Azerbaijan since 2011. He has participated in large number of group exhibitions around the world. He is represented in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in Baku. Farhad Farzaliyev lives and works in Baku. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 18:00 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Columbian Film Festival will be held in Baku on March 2-4. The festival will screen several films including drama Of Love and Other Demons, romantic comedy Sofia and the Stubborn, Embrace of the Serpent, Trend Life reported. The festival will be opened by drama "Of love and other demons", filmed on the book of world-famous Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The storyline is about girl who is posed by demon and young priest. The film is directed by Hilda Hidalgo. The comedy Sofia and the Stubborn will be shown on March 3. An old couple living in the Colombian countryside has been planing a trip to sea for years in order to break the monotony of their life. He just wants to live the routine, she wants to see the world and is not able to keep waiting. Embrace of the Serpent will be shown on the last day of the festival. Directed by Ciro Guerra, the film was nominated for Foreign Language Film for Oscars 2016. The film tells two stories thirty years apart, both featuring Karamakate, an Amazonian shaman and last survivor of his tribe. He travels with two scientists, firstly with German Theo von Martius in 1909 and American named Evan in 1940, to look for the rare yakruna, a (fictional) sacred plant. Movies will be demonstrated in Spanish with English subtitles. Entrance is free. The screening starts at 19:00. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 16:14 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Cuban Havana television channel will make a documentary about Azerbaijan. The 10-part series called Azerbaijan a Land of Fire will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba, Azertac reported. The first part of the series will highlight Azerbaijan`s culture, including Novruz holiday, national cuisine and ancient traditions. The channel underlined the international importance of the holiday, saying UN General Assembly established International Novruz Day in 2010. The holiday was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Cuba were established on March 27, 1992. Eight documents covering various fields have been signed since then. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 18:37 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The case of the extradition of blogger Alexander Lapshin, who illegally visited Azerbaijan's occupied territories, to Baku in early February was a sign for all those who are going to visit the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other occupied regions of Azerbaijan are considered illegal and individuals who pay such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys black list. The Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev told Milli.az on March 1 that there are currently about 620 names of citizens of foreign countries in the "list of undesirable persons." This list includes only persons who illegally visited the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, he said. After the recent Armenia-held illegal referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian side claimed that many persons from foreign countries arrived to observe it. However, Hikmat Hajiyev said the preliminary research has shown that names of majority of them have long ago been on the "black list" of Azerbaijan. These are persons who proved with their activities that they are under the Armenian influence and have links with the Armenian lobby, the spokesman said. He added that additional information about several other persons is now being collected and they will be included in the list of undesirable persons. Hajiyev mentioned that Armenia deliberately wants to exaggerate by saying that allegedly many foreigners arrived to observe the "referendum." Naturally, this is said with propaganda purposes. The vast majority of those coming there are the ones who are under the Armenian influence and whose names are already in the "list of undesirable persons," he said. The spokesman added that the activities of those who are included in the "list of undesirable persons" are reviewed in the complex and studied on crime element. "After that, legal prosecution mechanisms will be implemented if necessary. Hajiyev cited the case of blogger Alexander Lapshin as an example. Lapshin will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. He paid a number of visits to Azerbaijans occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijans internationally recognized territorial integrity. The blogger was arrested in Belarus and later was extradited from Minsk to Baku. Hajiyev noted that all such cases will be assessed individually: Elements of criminal nature are thoroughly investigated, and then necessary legal measures are implemented with respect to those who exercise special zeal against Azerbaijan. The Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions pay special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 13:54 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The world community, which witnesses escalation on the line of contact in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, continues attempts to make Armenia come to negotiations. The early settlement of the conflict will benefit Armenia itself it may finally open the door for this country to international projects, which Armenia is currently deprived of. The continuing occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia slows the economic development in the South Caucasus region and creates obstacles for effective cooperation between countries of the region. This remark was made by The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he was addressing a meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Islamabad. Erdogan called on the ECO and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to show determination in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has existed for over 20 years and is not resolved yet, it is necessary to raise this issue at every international arena, the Turkish president said. Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its consent to come to the negotiating table with Armenia to finally solve the conflict, but Armenia continues to play for time in order to preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh. After the latest flare of tensions on the frontline, the UN openly hinted Yerevan that it is time to stop delaying the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh. On February 27, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in the conflict zone and called on for substantive negotiations. The Armenian authorities are likely scared of possible discontent and unrest in Armenia if they agree to the phased settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. This can lead to the loss of power by Serzh Sargsyan and his entourage in Armenia. Therefore, Yerevan prefers to preserve the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh forever. The international community does not put any pressure on Yerevan in this regard therefore Armenia continues occupation of foreign territories. The only way out of the existing situation is active participation of all mediators in the negotiation process and increase of pressure on Yerevan. After the meetings of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Vienna and St. Petersburg, which took place after the April clashes in 2016, the negotiation process came to the dead end due to the denial of Yerevan to continue serious talks. All this indicates that the official Yerevan does everything to slow down the negotiations and comes to talks when the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh heats up to the breaking point. If the mediators, primarily the OSCE Minsk group, do not make a considerable effort to finally change Armenia's attitude to the negations, this stagnation will continue. This can eventually lead to ignition of another spark in the conflict, which does not benefit either Azerbaijan, or other countries of the region. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 16:56 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Officials of Russian and Israeli embassies in Baku have appealed to relevant bodies of Azerbaijan for another meeting with blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Baku. Lapshins lawyer Eduard Chernin told Trend on March 2 that officials of the Russian Embassy in Baku met Lapshin once and representatives of the Israeli Embassy met the blogger twice since his extradition from Belarus. "The allegations that representatives of the embassies cannot meet Lapshin are unfounded," the lawyer noted. Chernin further said that in accordance with the rules of organizing meetings, one should appeal to the relevant official bodies in order to meet Lapshin. After receiving the response to the appeal, the time for the meeting is appointed. The lawyer reiterated that Lapshin has no complaints regarding detention conditions and he can meet with his family members. Armenian media reported that allegedly Lapshins spouse couldnt talk to him and received no information about him, Chernin said. I told this to Alexander Lapshin, told him what his wife Yekaterina said, and then got in touch with her. She said she wanted to come to Baku to meet her husband. The lawyer also said that Lapshins mother Bella is in Baku, and she can see her son anytime she wants. "I also constantly meet with my client. Lapshin has repeatedly said that there is no problem, did not complain on conditions of his detention and meetings with him," said Chernin. Lapshin will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The blogger, who owns citizenships of several countries, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity. The blogger was arrested in Belarus and later was extradited from Minsk to Baku. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova After the long, dark, winter days, spring is literally a breath of fresh air. The snow is melting, flowers are blooming, and the days are getting warmer. Novruz, a Zoroastrian holiday, marks the beginning of spring in Azerbaijan. Novruz bayram is now one of the most anticipated holidays in Azerbaijan Marking the first day of spring and the beginning of a new year is one of Azerbaijan's most colorful holidays. Being a family holiday, Novruz is celebrated on March 20-21. But, it all begins four weeks before the actual festivities. Every Tuesday night, small bonfires are prepared outside which everyone jumps over, expressing wishes for a good and happy year without grief or pain. Each of the four Tuesdays is represented by its own symbol: the first one is water, the second is flame, the third is earth, and the fourth is wind. The water renews nature, refreshing it and preparing it for the new year. Fire signifies rebirth; earth signifies the revival of the earth; and wind represents the arrival of spring and the blossoming of trees. Noruz is rich with ancient traditions and games. 'Khidir Ilyas' (the symbol of fertility and blossom), 'Kos-Kosa' an entertaining game (symbolises the incoming of spring) and fortunetelling are among them. The important Novruz symbols are khoncha (a tray with sweets, nuts fruits and dyed eggs on) and samani( green shoots from wheat seeds). The holiday was given the status of an official holiday in Azerbaijan by a presidential decree dated 13 March 1990. In 2009, Novruz was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and since then, March 21 was declared the International Day of Novruz. Traditionally Novruz is marked in Azerbaijan with the annual festival, Maidan Bazaar set up near the Gosha Gala Gates for several days. Here, Baku residents and guests enjoy many interesting events, including the performance of wrestlers - Pehlevans , rope-walkers and magicians, as well as artists of the children's theater. During the festivities, the visitors will enjoy mugham and classical music pieces, national songs of different nations, modern pop and jazz music. Besides, the participants will be able to cook national sweets or wave carpets. This year, Nizami Cinema Center invites everyone to enjoy also festivity scheduled for March 18-19. During the festivity, visitors will enjoy beautiful dances, funny games and other surprises. Young viewers will meet with beloved Novruz characters- Kechel, Kosa and Bahar gizi (Spring girl). --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 10:10 (UTC+04:00) First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of a newly-renovated building of Scientific-Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ministry of Healthcare in Baku on March 1, Azertac reported. Minister of Healthcare Ogtay Shiraliyev informed the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan about the work carried out here. The reconstruction work started in 2013. Scientific-Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology occupies a total area of one hectare. The landscaping and reconstruction work was carried out around the institute. The institute is supplied with necessary equipment. All conditions have been created here to ensure provision of high-quality medical services for people. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva wished medical staff success. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A corrections officer at a state prison in Seneca County was arrested by New York state troopers on child pornography charges, according to a news release. Samuel N. Ferrara, 46, of Seneca Falls, is accused of possessing and sharing lewd images of children on the internet. He has been charged with one count of promoting an obscene sexual performance of a child, a class D felony. Ferrara was arraigned in Seneca Falls Town Court and remanded to the Seneca County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. More charges are possible, the state police said. The investigation is ongoing. Ferrara is a corrections officer at the Willard Drug Treatment Campus in Ovid, where his salary is $63,043, according to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. DOCCS said Thursday that Ferrara, who was hired in July 2005, has been suspended without pay. 2 March 2017 10:24 (UTC+04:00) First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening of orphanage-kindergarten No.226 in Pirshaghi settlement of Sabunchu district on March 1, Azertac reported. The First Vice-President cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the orphanage-kindergarten. Baku Mayor Hajibala Abutalibov informed Mrs. Aliyeva about the previous look of the orphanage-kindergarten. The three-storey orphanage-kindergarten can handle up to 110 children aged 2 to 6. All conditions have been created here for children`s comfort and rest. There are training rooms, bedrooms, music halls and a canteen here. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 10:48 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Chairman of the State Custom Committee of Azerbaijan Aydin Aliyev, Head of the Revenue Service of Georgia Giorgi Tabuashvili, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Malena Mard, UNDP Resident Representative in Azerbaijan Ghulam M. Isaczai and UNDP Georgia Resident Representative Niels Scott came together in Tovuz, a region of Azerbaijan bordering with Georgia. Participants took part in the Steering Committee Meeting of the project assisting in the development of the border crossing point between the two countries. This meeting gave an opportunity to review the achievements of the project in both countries as well as discuss future plans. In addition, the interested parties also familiarized with the design and model plan of the sanitary and phyto-sanitary laboratory at the Georgian side of the Check Point, and Customs Terminal Complex construction area at the Azerbaijani side. The meeting was followed by a ceremony of laying the first stone of the customs terminal complex, which will play a role of a logistics hub at the Azerbaijani-Georgian borders, providing favourable logistics and infrastructure opportunities for customs clearance and operations on goods exported and imported. Aliyev thanked both the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme residing in both countries for funding and implementation of the project and expressed his willingness to continue it. Isaczai, for his part, mentioned UNDPs readiness and commitment for continuing its support to Azerbaijan and Georgia in its efforts to implement this ambitious reform program. He also welcomed this project as the gradual evolution of the successful partnership between UNDP, EU Delegation and Governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia. "The EU allocated 2,128,000 EUR for the project. The project supports the Governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia in securing their borders and facilitating the legal passing of persons and goods at the Red Bridge Border Crossing Point - the main border crossing between the two countries. The project is a part of the EU's ambition to facilitate trade in the region and support economic diversification of Azerbaijan," said Mard. The project stipulates construction of a trade facilitation unit at the Logistics Centre, which will secure traffic flow on the Azerbaijani side of the Red Bridge and will ensure efficient clearance of goods under constant control of the authorities. The project on Support to the Development of Red Bridge Border Crossing Point between Azerbaijan and Georgia is funded by the European Union and is implemented by UNDP in each country. In Azerbaijan, the project supports institutional development and capacity building of the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee with an aim to facilitate trade and ensure secure traffic flow between Azerbaijan and Georgia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 11:19 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan and Moldova have conducted the next round of political consultations in Baku on March 1, Azertac reported. Azerbaijan`s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov, while Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Lilian Darii led Moldova`s delegation. Khalafov highlighted successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova within the CIS, GUAM and other international organizations. He expressed confidence that political consultations would contribute to the overall development of bilateral cooperation. The sides reaffirmed their countries` full support of each other` territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders. Khalafov provided an insight into transport and energy projects initiated by and involving Azerbaijan, including the North-South and West-East transportation corridors. He expressed confidence that cargo transportation via these corridors and, especially, via the Black Sea could contribute to the development of economic cooperation between the two countries. Darii, for his part, expressed Moldova`s interest in using Azerbaijan`s transit opportunities. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova were established on May 29,1992. Azerbaijan opened its Embassy in Chisinau on October 5, 2005 and Moldova opened its Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan on November 1, 2005. Azerbaijans the trade turnover with Moldova amounted to $3.75 million in January-November 2016, some 3.25 million of which fell for imports from that country, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee. The number of exported products will increase between the two countries, as this year Azerbaijan will export horseflesh to Moldova. Both countries are members of a free trade area that were signed into law in 1994 with the participation of the CIS countries. Within the free trade agreement, member countries are expected to eliminate export and import duties on a number of goods. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 12:07 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Launch of a direct flight between Naples and Baku will contribute to the strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy. Mayor of Naples Luigi de Magistris has voiced the offer as he received an Azerbaijani delegation, Azerbaijans Embassy in Italy reported. The two cities should develop tourism ties, said Magistris, further voicing his readiness to support the initiatives in development of fraternal relations between Naples and Baku. The mayor of Naples further spoke about the Italian-Azerbaijani friendly relations and hailed the bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy, Mammad Ahmadzadeh, in his turn, noted that the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are of the strategic partnership nature. In turn, Member of Azerbaijan-Italy inter-parliamentary friendship group, MP Ganira Pashayeva thoroughly informed the mayor about Azerbaijan, emphasizing there is considerable scope for cooperation between Baku and Naples and expansion of ties in the economic, cultural and tourism spheres. Pashayeva noted that Azerbaijan-Italy inter-parliamentary friendship group is one of the largest groups of friendship in the parliament and that the Azerbaijani state, government and parliament attach great importance to developing cooperation with Italy. Vice-President of Naples-Baku Association Elnur Djamalhanov added that Italy, as the largest trading partner, is a close friend of Azerbaijan. Currently, flights are performed from Baku to such Italian cities as Bologna, Cagliari, Milan, Rome and Venice. 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. 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) 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. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 17:05 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will pay an official visit to Moscow on March 6-7 at an invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Russian Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced about this at a briefing on March 2. Zakharova noted that the visit has been timed to the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan that will be marked on April 4. Mammadyarov is expected to have negotiations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Federation Ilyas Umakhanov. The minister will also deliver a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Russian Foreign Ministry, said Zakharova. The foreign ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan will discuss a wide range of issues of bilateral relations, regional and international agenda. Earlier Minister Mammadyarov said that he will visit Moscow in March, adding that he intends to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement during the visit. During my visit to Moscow, we will discuss with the Russian side, which for many years is acting as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, further actions on the conflict settlement, he said. Russia along with the U.S. and France is a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years. Zakharova further said that Russia maintains contacts with the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The spokeswoman reiterated that Russia's position is that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be solved by peaceful means. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. Large-scale hostilities ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire in 1994 but Armenia continued the occupation in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions calling for immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Peace talks mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. have produced no results so far. Lapshin's case Zakharova went on to say that the investigation of the case of blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Baku, continues, and no complaint has been received from him on detention conditions. The spokesperson added that Lapshin gets all the necessary qualified legal assistance in Baku. Lapshin will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The blogger, who owns citizenships of several countries, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied lands, where he voiced support for "independence" of the illegal regime, and made public calls against Azerbaijan`s internationally recognized territorial integrity. The blogger was arrested in Belarus and later was extradited from Minsk to Baku. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 18:06 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli First Vice President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva visited several settlements of Khazar region on March 1 and met with the local people. Sincerely greeting residents of Turkan settlement, Mehriban Aliyeva said she was very glad that such meetings were continuing. "For all these 12 years, as an MP I have tried to justify your trust in my activity," she said. "I am very happy that over these years we have worked hard for the development of Khazar district and achieved many successes," said the First Vice President, recalling the number of facilities built in the district. Further Mrs. Aliyeva said that in connection with the appointment to the new position she will have to suspend her activities in the Parliament of Azerbaijan. At the same time, with great pride I want to note that during this time I have always felt your attention, your support, love and respect. Achievements, progress we have made over these years became a reality because of this reason. This is the result of our work together. I am grateful to all the people of the Khazar district, people who believe in me. Mehriban Aliyeva noted that as an MP from the Khazar district, she has always tried, along with the implementation of large-scale projects, to communicate with people, to listen to their problems, and to do everything possible to resolve the issues of concern. Once again I want to note that your attention, faith was my main source of strength. I am confident that we will continue our joint work in the future, she said, emphasizing that this unity will continue in the future to achieve new successes. Within the framework of the visit, First Vice President viewed conditions at the special boarding school for physically disabled children No. 6 in Turkan settlement. Mehriban Aliyeva viewed Healthy education class at the school, which is supplied with special equipment for children with physical disabilities. During the trip First Vice President also attended the opening of orphanage-kindergarten No.226 in Pirshaghi settlement of Sabunchu district and inaugurated the newly-renovated integrated boarding school No. 11 in Bilgah settlement of the same district. Mehriban Aliyeva also attended the opening of a newly-renovated building of Scientific-Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ministry of Healthcare in Baku, reconstruction work of which started in 2013. Scientific-Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology occupies a total area of one hectare. The landscaping and reconstruction work was carried out around the institute. The institute is supplied with necessary equipment. All conditions have been created here to provide high-quality medical services for people. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 13:30 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura believes Thursday will be an important day in the Geneva intra-Syrian talks as the opposition's High Negotiations Committee (HNC) is willing to go deeply into the agenda and the government delegation's willingness is to be clarified. On March 1, the HNC discussed at a meeting with de Mistura the issues of the Syrian peace process, focusing on political transition in the first place, RIA Novosti reported. "We had a very thorough discussion, we had the opportunity to go deeply in all the items of the agenda," he said adding that tomorrow will be a very important day because we will meet with the government and see what they can and want to discuss in detail. He said that the opposition is seriously interested in going deeply into the agenda. That is quite an important point for us as it is not just procedural, it's substantive," de Mistura added. "We had a long conversation with Mr. de Mistura and his team, the main topic we discussed was the process of political transition course, this issue will require a long discussion although it was a good start," the head of the delegation of the HNC Nasr al-Hariri said at a press conference after the meeting with the UN special envoy. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said earlier that Russia and the Syrian opposition HNC have a common understanding over further steps needed to resolve the Syria crisis. The meeting was constructive as there is a common understanding that we need to move ahead in resolving the Syria crisis, Gatilov said, adding that the sides outlined their approaches to finding solutions to the Syria crisis. The HNC members articulated their own vision of the current round of talks in Geneva. The effectiveness of Geneva talks depends on Russia and the U.S., as they are the "key players", a member of the opposition of HNC Abdulhakim Bashar said. "Geneva talks will not have results, the key to the solution in the U.S. and Russia," said Bashar. He noted that the HNC calls on Russia "not to be a party to the negotiations". "Russia has offered to hold talks in Astana under its patronage, we want to see it in Geneva as well, the oppositionist said. Meanwhile, the delegation of HNC believes that the fight against terrorism is not a priority at intra-Syrian talks in Geneva as this topic can be discussed in Astana, the official spokesman of the delegation Salem al-Muslim stated. "The fight against terrorism truly begins with a discussion of the political transition, we need to achieve it, he said. The "difficult" topic of fighting terrorism may be assigned to the transitional government in Syria, when it is established, a member of the HNC delegation at the Geneva talks Abdulhakim Bashar said. The fourth round of the UN-backed intra-Syrian talks between the government and opposition factions in Geneva will end on March 3, the new round is scheduled for March 20. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura initially defined three issues of the talks governance, constitution, and elections. The Damascus delegation later insisted on including counter-terrorism in the agenda, as a priority. The HNC considers that the three key issues defined by de Mistura should not be covered in a parallel discussion. Armed conflict continues in Syria since March 2011. Government troops are confronted by militants of different armed rebel groups. Russia has begun airstrikes on terrorist facilities in Syria since 30 September 2015. The Russian military involvement follows an official request from President Bashar Assad to President Vladimir Putin. The UN has repeatedly tried but failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed 300,000 and displaced 11 million since it began five years ago. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 17:55 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated that he has held proper talks for strengthening of ties with Pakistan and Turkey during his recent visit to Islamabad. Saying that the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) are determined to expand relations, President Rouhani added that he discussed broadening ties with Pakistani and Turkish leaders during his recent visit to Islamabad to attend the ECO summit, Mehr news agency reported. The ECO held its 13th plenary session in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on March 1. Mentioning that wide opportunities exist for expansion of ties between Iran and the members of the ECO, the Present further called on for cooperation in fight against terrorism. Rouhani and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed protecting the territorial integrity of Syria at a meeting on the sidelines of ECO Summit . The Iranian president reaffirmed Tehrans support for dialogue and mutual respect to settle differences, adding that the two countries should make efforts to immediately put an end to war, bloodshed and foreign interference in the region. Rouhani described Iran and Turkey as two instrumental countries of the region and called for further Tehran-Ankara cooperation in all sectors, which he said would benefit the two states as well as regional peace and stability. During the meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Rouhani stated that Iran is ready to fulfill the energy needs of Pakistan, including Islamabads growing demand for electricity. He also called for more cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries with a view to boosting bilateral trade to $5 billion. The Iranian president said that Tehran and Islamabad needed to work together to ensure security for the two countries border regions against any potential terror acts. Pakistan, which suffers from energy shortages, was expected to import 22 million cubic meters of gas per day from Iran starting in 2015 but it has been postponed as Pakistan has failed to build the part of the pipeline that goes through its territory. The ECO is an alliance of ten countries Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The purpose of the structure is to discuss ways to improve development and promote trade and investment opportunities in the region. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 March 2017 17:11 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his working visit to Pakistan. The heads of states were participating in the ECO summit in Islamabad. The sides exchanged views on prospects for cooperation, the Turkmen government said in a statement. The two sides called for the further all-round strengthening of effective interaction. Trade and economy, energy sector, transport and communications, construction industry and a number of other industries are among the priorities of partnership. In this aspect, the high interest of Turkish businessmen in expanding mutually beneficial relations with Turkmenistan was highlighted, the statement said. A significant role in the deepening and diversification of productive contacts is given to the intergovernmental commission, the Joint Business Council and business forums and industry exhibitions held on a regular basis. The sides also exchanged views on a number of topical issues of regional and global agenda. The similarity or identity of the positions of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey on the vital issues of our time, primarily related to ensuring global peace, security and sustainable development, is a reliable basis for the further promotion of constructive partnership on the world stage, according to the statement. Turkish companies in Turkmenistan implement large-scale projects in sectors such as transport, fuel and energy, communication, agriculture, construction, trade, water resources management. Currently, Turkmenistan has registered about 600 companies with Turkish capital. Turkey mostly exports electronic equipment, machinery, processed metals and furniture to the Central Asian nation, making up some 26 percent of imports of Turkmenistan. In its turn, Turkey purchases electricity, polymers, propylene, oil and oil products, cotton yarn and textiles. Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of Turkmenistan on October 27, 1991. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Two board members of the Pride Center of Vermont have resigned from LGBT center board citing its delay of the Center in taking a stance on the name of a new Winooski gay bar which they and other trans-activists have deemed offensive. The bars name? Mister Sister. The only local gay in Winooski closed years ago. But now the owner of a successful Oak45 has closed his current venue and is scheduled to reopen the bar next week as the gay bar Mister Sister. The Pride Center of Vermont had been trying to have town meetings because the bar owner is refusing to change the proposed transphobic name from Mister Sister to something more inclusive and the owner refuses to indulge this bullshit and meet with them Owner Craig McGaughan says he sees the term as inclusive, but some say its a slur historically used to disparage transgender women. Burlington resident Wiley Reading, who identifies as a transgender man, said he was stoked when he found out about the bars opening but deeply concerned when he saw the name. Mister sister is a transmisogynistic slur, and it is deeply uncomfortable, Reading said. He added that the phrase historically has been used to denigrate transgender women, and transgender people often associate the term with the violence to which many of them have been victim. It antagonizes and excludes a large portion of the community, and especially a portion of the community that has historically been left out of the conversation or marginalized, Reading said. Craig McGaughan countered It is a term that has been used among gays and Drag Queens for decades intended to be positively gender-bending, McGaughan wrote. Mister Sister is for the Misters and the Sisters, those that identify as both and everyone in between. The official description of Mister Sister is a gay bar for him, her and them. I have been very intentional in using a pronoun that isnt specifically male or female as a way to include anyone that identifies as part of the LGBTQ community. The Burlington Free Press reports the Pride Center of Vermont board said it needed more information to take a position. The group, which serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, scheduled a town hall meeting for Thursday but Board members Timber Adamson and Bailey Cummings resigned, saying they wont be part of an organization that wont take a stance on issues that affect the people it serves. In actuality the term Mister Sister IS NOT all that historic or a transmisogynistic slur. There is surprisingly very little information out there on the term and what there is relates mostly to drag queens and not the trans population. According to the The Urban Dictionary: mister sister : A drag queen. Example: Will and Grace Dont mess with that mister sister, or youll end up looking like a Cher barbie doll gone bad. Ironically at the behest of trans and gender non-binary activists and theorists the term queer, which is a phrase that historically HAS been used to denigrate GAY MEN, and GAY MEN often associate the term with the violence to which many of them have been victim has been added is okay and has been added officially to the LGBT acronym which is now LGBTQ. Go figure. Share this: Tweet More Email Print A man was killed Thursday morning in a fire at a mobile home in the town of Brutus, state police said. Crews responded to the scene of the fire that broke out at 17 Middle Lane, which is part of a mobile home community located between state Route 5 and East Brutus Street Road near the border with the town of Elbridge. Tom Dahl, second assistant chief for the Weedsport Fire Department, said the fire appeared to have started in the back of the structure. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene around 10:49 a.m. Troopers confirmed later in the day that a male victim who was removed from the house and taken from the scene on an ambulance died. Additional details, including the man's identity and age, were not released as the investigation into the fire continues. Fire crews from Weedsport, Port Byron, Jordan, Elbridge and Sennett, along with Jordan Ambulance, Cayuga County Emergency Services, state police and the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, were on the scene. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. This blog is written solely by John Ray, who has a Ph.D. degree in psychology and 200+ papers published in the academic journals of the social sciences. It does occasionally comment on issues in psychology but is mainly aimed at giving a conservative psychologist's view on a broad range of topics. There are very few conservative psychologists.The blog originated in Australia and many (but not most) posts discuss Australian matters. Australians have an unusually good awareness of events outside their own country. Australian newspapers feature news from Britain and the USA not as an afterthought but as a major part of their coverage. So Australians do tend to have a truly Western heart, which is the reason behind the old name for this blog. So events in Australia, Britain and the USA all feature frequently here, plus occasional coverage of other places, particularly Israel.SCOTUS is the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the landThe "GOP" stands for "Grand Old Party" and refers to the Republican party. The GOP is at present center/Right, while the Democrats have been undergoing a steady drift Leftwards and now have policies similar to mainstream European Leftist parties.The ideological identity of both parties has however been very fluid -- almost reversing itself over time. In the mid 19th century, the GOP was the party of big government and concern for minorities while the Democrats advertised themselves as "The party of the white man" -- an orientation that lasted into the mid 20th century in the South. The Democrats are still obsessed with race but have now flipped into support for discrimination AGAINST whites.Was Pope Urban VIII the first Warmist? Below we see him refusing to look through Galileo's telescope. People tend to refuse to consider evidence if what they might discover contradicts what they believe.Climate scientist Lennart Bengtsson said. The warming we have had the last 100 years is so small that if we didnt have meteorologists and climatologists to measure it we wouldnt have noticed it at all.The term "Fascism" is mostly used by the Left as a brainless term of abuse. But when they do make a serious attempt to define it, they produce very complex and elaborate definitions -- e.g. here and here . In fact, Fascism is simply extreme socialism plus nationalism. But great gyrations are needed to avoid mentioning the first part of that recipe, of course.Beatrice Webb, a founder of the London School of Economics and the Fabian Society, and married to a Labour MP, mused in 1922 on whether when English children were "dying from lack of milk", one should extend "the charitable impulse" to Russian and Chinese children who, if saved this year, might anyway die next. Besides, she continued, there was "the larger question of whether those races are desirable inhabitants" and "obviously" one wouldn't "spend one's available income" on "a Central African negro".Hugh Dalton, offered the Colonial Office during Attlee's 1945-51 Labour government, turned it down because "I had a horrid vision of pullulating, poverty stricken, diseased nigger communities, for whom one can do nothing in the short run and who, the more one tries to help them, are querulous and ungrateful."The book,, authored by T.W. Adorno et al. in 1950, has been massively popular among psychologists. It claims that a set of ideas that were popular in the "Progressive"-dominated America of the prewar era were "authoritarian". Leftist regimes always are authoritarian so that claim was not a big problem. What was quite amazing however is that Adorno et al. identified such ideas as "conservative". They were in fact simply popular ideas of the day but ones that had been most heavily promoted by the Left right up until the then-recent WWII. See here for details of prewar "Progressive" thinking.R.I.P. Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet deposed a law-defying Marxist President at the express and desperate invitation of the Chilean parliament. He pioneered the free-market reforms which Reagan and Thatcher later unleashed to world-changing effect. That he used far-Leftist methods to suppress far-Leftist violence is reasonable if not ideal. The Leftist view that they should have a monopoly of violence and that others should follow the law is a total absurdity which shows only that their hate overcomes their reasonFranklin Delano Roosevelt was a war criminal. Both British and American codebreakers had cracked the Japanese naval code so FDR knew what was coming at Pearl Harbor. But for his own political reasons he warned no-one there. So responsibility for the civilian and military deaths at Pearl Harbor lies with FDR as well as with the Japanese. The huge firepower available at Pearl Harbor, both aboard ship and on land, could have largely neutered the attack. Can you imagine 8 battleships and various lesser craft firing all their AA batteries as the Japanese came in? The Japanese naval airforce would have been annihilated and the war would have been over before it began. FDR prolonged the Depression . He certainly didn't cure it. WWII did NOT end the Great Depression . It just concealed it. It in fact made living standards worse Joe McCarthy was eventually proved right after the fall of the Soviet Union. To accuse anyone of McCarthyism is to accuse them of accuracy! The KKK was intimately associated with the Democratic party . They ATTACKED Republicans!People who mention differences in black vs. white IQ are these days almost universally howled down and subjected to the most extreme abuse. I am a psychometrician, however, so I feel obliged to defend the scientific truth of the matter:The average African adult has about the same IQ as an average white 11-year-old and African Americans (who are partly white in ancestry) average out at a mental age of 14. The American Psychological Association is generally Left-leaning but it is the world's most prestigious body of academic psychologists. And even they have had to concede that sort of gap (one SD) in black vs. white average IQ. 11-year olds can do a lot of things but they also have their limits and there are times when such limits need to be allowed for. America's uncivil war was caused by trade protectionism . The slavery issue was just camouflage, as Abraham Lincoln himself admitted . See also here Leftist psychologists have an amusingly simplistic conception of military organizations and military men. They seem to base it on occasions they have seen troops marching together on parade rather than any real knowledge of military men and the military life. They think that military men are "rigid" -- automatons who are unable to adjust to new challenges or think for themselves. What is incomprehensible to them is that being(to use the extreme Prussian term for following orders) actually requires great flexibility -- enough flexibility to put your own ideas and wishes aside and do something very difficult. Ask any soldier if all commands are easy to obey. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump delivered an hourlong speech to Congress Tuesday that, while short on detail, was long on rhetoric that kept Republican lawmakers jumping to their feet and Democrats mostly sitting on their hands. The speech was Trumps first to a joint session of Congress. He spent most of the first half highlighting the actions taken by his administration during its first month, before offering plans for prosperity and increased national defense for an America that puts itself first. I thought it was visionary, said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, who called it a masterful performance by the president. He didnt get into the weeds on things, said Biggs. I myself wouldve preferred more details on the transportation infrastructure plan, maybe a little something more on the tax plan. If there was one thing Democrats and Republicans agreed on, it was that the address, while lofty, was thin on specifics. But Democrats did not appear to be as dazzled by the presidents rhetoric as their GOP counterparts. We are lacking a lot of detail, a lot of specificity, said Rep. Tom OHalleran, D-Sedona. He praised Trumps commitment to keeping the nation safe but wanted more detail. It was a lot of apple pie, not a lot of real concrete concepts relating to the needs of our country from the perspective of what we really need to get done with the amount of money that was mentioned tonight, OHalleran said of the optimistic speech. The money included what Trump said would be a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure and what he called the largest one-year increase in defense spending, a figure that has been reported at more than $50 billion. A little more than a month after he was at the Capitol to deliver an inaugural speech that painted a darker portrait of the country, with its picture of American carnage, Trump returned Tuesday to say that a new chapter of American greatness is now beginning. Im here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength deeply delivered from my heart, said Trump, who asked lawmakers to envision what America will look like in nine years, on the 250th anniversary of its independence. Many of his plans to take the country there were familiar to his supporters. Trump repeated his promises to drain the swamp of Washington, to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and to build a great, great wall along the length of the Southwestern border. He vowed to put America first, echoing campaign pledges on free and fair trade and job growth, as well as introducing promises to pursue paid family leave and clean air and water. While most of his points earned applause from Republicans, the response from across the aisle was muted, save for the occasional hiss and thumbs-down from otherwise-subdued Democratic lawmakers. I think he presented a pretty compelling argument, not a lot of details but I think its an opportunity for us to move forward, said Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, who had high praise for the presidents get-tough stance on immigration. He goes back to the rule of law, and Ive always been about the rule of law, said Gosar, who said he believes in immigration so long as its legal immigration. But the presidents approach to immigration which included a new call for a merit-based immigration system that would keep low-skilled workers from entering the country did not sit well with Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson, who sat stone-faced through much of the address. Trump used the stature of our nations most prestigious venue to continue vilifying immigrants and generalizing Americas needs without offering content, Grijalva said in a statement released after the speech that he said was filled with bluster and the facts never matter. But Grijalva noted that Trumps proposals will remain just that without support from Congress, warning Republicans not to blindly follow their leader. They will be responsible for any reckless policies they rubberstamp, and in many cases, equally culpable in their creation, he said of GOP lawmakers who control both houses of Congress. The American people have a safeguard against the worst intentions of this administration: It is to hold their Congressional leaders accountable. Raport Biezacy nr 1/2017 Pursuant to Article 29.3 of the Rules of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, AB INTER RAO Lietuva presents the report on compliance with the detailed principles of the "Best Practice for GPW Listed Companies 2016" Disclosure Policy, Investor Communications I.Z.1.3. a chart showing the division of duties and responsibilities among members of the management board drawn up according to principle II.Z.1; The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board functions and responsibilities are not required to be divided among management board members. I.Z.1.6. information on the dates of corporate events leading to the acquisition or limitation of rights of a shareholder, information on the dates of publication of financial reports and other events relevant to investors, within a timeframe enabling investors to make investment decisions; The Company does not apply this principle. The Company considers providing such information to investors. I.Z.1.11. information about the content of the companys internal rule of changing the company authorised to audit financial statements or information about the absence of such rule; The Company does not apply this principle. According to Lithuanian law, the audit firm is selected by the annual general meeting of the Company's shareholders (the "Annual General Meeting") to perform the audit of annual financial statements. The Supervisory Board, the Management Board and the shareholders having at least 1/20 of votes may at any time prior to or during the Annual General Meeting suggest in writing or by means of electronic communication the audit firm, therefore such rule is not required and the Company has not adopted any rules regarding the issue. I.Z.1.14. materials provided to the general meeting, including assessments, reports and positions referred to in principle II.Z.10, tabled to the general meeting by the supervisory board; The Company does not apply this principle. The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions. I.Z.1.15. information about the companys diversity policy applicable to the companys governing bodies and key managers; the description should cover the following elements of the diversity policy: gender, education, age, professional experience, and specify the goals of the diversity policy and its implementation in the reporting period; where the company has not drafted and implemented a diversity policy, it should publish the explanation of its decision on its website; The Company does not apply this principle. Even though there is no such policy in the Company established, the Company puts its best efforts to comply with general principals. Also a diverse among others in terms of gender is ensured as currently, there are two women in governing bodies of the Company, Ms Karina Tsurkan, is the chairwoman of the Management Board and Ms Evgeniya Popova on 29 April 2016 was elected to Supervisory Board of the Company and she is the chairwoman of the Supervisory Board. I.Z.1.20. an audio or video recording of a general meeting; The Company does not apply this principle. No such recordings are required under Lithuanian Corporate Law. Management Board, Supervisory Board II.Z.1. The internal division of responsibilities for individual areas of the companys activity among management board members should be clear and transparent, and a chart describing that division should be available on the companys website. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board functions and responsibilities are not required to be divided among management board members. II.Z.3. At least two members of the supervisory board should meet the criteria of being independent referred to in principle II.Z.4. The Company does not apply this principle. As of the date of this report there are no independent members elected to the Supervisory Board of the Company and consequently the audit committee is not formed in the Company. The Company is putting its best efforts to comply with this principle and have at least one independent member of the Supervisory Board as it is required under the Lithuanian laws. II.Z.4. Annex II to the European Commission Recommendation of 15 February 2005 on the role of non-executive or supervisory directors of listed companies and on the committees of the (supervisory) board applies to the independence criteria of supervisory board members. Irrespective of the provisions of point 1(b) of the said Annex, a person who is an employee of the company or its subsidiary or affiliate or has entered into a similar agreement with any of them cannot be deemed to meet the independence criteria. In addition, a relationship with a shareholder precluding the independence of a member of the supervisory board as understood in this principle is an actual and significant relationship with any shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company. The Company does not apply this principle. As of the date of this report there are no independent members elected to the Supervisory Board of the Company and consequently the audit committee is not formed in the Company. The Company is putting its best efforts to comply with this principle and have at least one independent member of the Supervisory Board as it is required under the Lithuanian laws. II.Z.7. Annex I to the Commission Recommendation referred to in principle II.Z.4 applies to the tasks and the operation of the committees of the Supervisory Board. Where the functions of the audit committee are performed by the supervisory board, the foregoing should apply accordingly. The Company does not apply this principle. As of the date of this report there are no independent members elected to the Supervisory Board of the Company and consequently the audit committee is not formed in the Company. The Company is putting its best efforts to comply with this principle and have at least one independent member of the Supervisory Board as it is required under the Lithuanian laws. II.Z.8. The chair of the audit committee should meet the independence criteria referred to in principle II.Z.4. The Company does not apply this principle. As of the date of this report there are no independent members elected to the Supervisory Board of the Company and consequently the audit committee is not formed in the Company. The Company is putting its best efforts to comply with this principle and have at least one independent member of the Supervisory Board as it is required under the Lithuanian laws. II.Z.10.1. an assessment of the companys standing including an assessment of the internal control, risk management and compliance systems and the internal audit function; such assessment should cover all significant controls, in particular financial reporting and operational controls; The Company does not apply this principle. The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions. II.Z.10.2. a report on the activity of the supervisory board containing at least the following information: - full names of the members of the supervisory board and its committees; - supervisory board members fulfilment of the independence criteria; - number of meetings of the supervisory board and its committees in the reporting period; - self-assessment of the supervisory board; The Company does not apply this principle.The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions.II.Z.10.3. an assessment of the companys compliance with the disclosure obligations concerning compliance with the corporate governance principles defined in the Exchange Rules and the regulations on current and periodic reports published by issuers of securities;The Company does not apply this principle.The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions.II.Z.10.4. an assessment of the rationality of the companys policy referred to in recommendation I.R.2 or information about the absence of such policy. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions. II.Z.11. The supervisory board should review and issue opinions on matters to be decided in resolutions of the general meeting. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company only partially complies with this principle, as according to Lithuanian law, the Supervisory Board is not required to draw up such an assessment or report or issue such opinions. Internal Systems and Functions III.Z.1. The companys management board is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of efficient internal control, risk management and compliance systems and internal audit function. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. III.Z.2. Subject to principle III.Z.3, persons responsible for risk management, internal audit and compliance should report directly to the president or other member of the management board and should be allowed to report directly to the supervisory board or the audit committee. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. III.Z.3. The independence rules defined in generally accepted international standards of the professional internal audit practice apply to the person heading the internal audit function and other persons responsible for such tasks. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. III.Z.4. The person responsible for internal audit (if the function is separated in the company) and the management board should report to the supervisory board at least once per year with their assessment of the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle III.Z.1 and table a relevant report. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. III.Z.5. The supervisory board should monitor the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle III.Z.1 among others on the basis of reports provided periodically by the persons responsible for the functions and the companys management board, and make an annual assessment of the efficiency of such systems and functions according to principle II.Z.10.1. Where the company has an audit committee, it should monitor the efficiency of the systems and functions referred to in principle III.Z.1, which however does not release the supervisory board from the annual assessment of the efficiency of such systems and functions. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. III.Z.6. Where the company has no separate internal audit function in its organisation, the audit committee (or the supervisory board if it performs the functions of the audit committee) should review on an annual basis whether such function needs to be separated. The Company does not apply this principle. Under Lithuanian Corporate Law, the management board is not responsible for these functions and no separate units have to be established in the company for this purpose. The Audit Committee is established in the Company which supervises and considers accounting, internal control and risk management, as well as auditing activities of the Company, performs an independent and unbiased supervision of the audit but currently the audit committee is not formed. General Meeting, Shareholder Relations IV.Z.2. If justified by the structure of shareholders, companies should ensure publicly available real-time broadcasts of general meetings. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company does not enable participation in the General Meeting by using electronic communication means through real-life broadcast and real-time bilateral communication. However, the Company does not exclude that such means will be adopted in the future. Conflict of Interest, Related Party Transactions V.Z.5. Before the company concludes a significant agreement with a shareholder who holds at least 5% of the total vote in the company or with a related party, the management board should request the supervisory boards approval of the transaction. Before giving its approval, the supervisory board should evaluate the impact of the transaction on the interest of the company. The foregoing does not apply to typical transactions and transactions at arms-length made as part of the companys operations between the company and members of its group. If the decision concerning the companys significant agreement with a related party is made by the general meeting, the company should give all shareholders access to information necessary to assess the impact of the transaction on the interest of the company before the decision is made. The Company does not apply this principle. In accordance with Lithuanian Corporate Law, the Supervisory Board is not entitled to approve any decisions of the Management Board and approve transactions. Remuneration VI.Z.1. Incentive schemes should be constructed in a way necessary among others to tie the level of remuneration of members of the companys management board and key managers to the actual long-term financial standing of the company and long-term shareholder value creation as well as the companys stability. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company has not adopted such policy, since the Company's Group is developing and the number of employees and members of management do not justify implementation of a complex set of rules. VI.Z.2. To tie the remuneration of members of the management board and key managers to the companys long-term business and financial goals, the period between the allocation of options or other instruments linked to the companys shares under the incentive scheme and their exercisability should be no less than two years. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company has not adopted such policy, since the Company's Group is developing and the number of employees and members of management do not justify implementation of a complex set of rules. VI.Z.3. The remuneration of members of the supervisory board should not be linked to options or other derivatives or any other variable components, and neither should it be linked to the companys results. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company has not adopted such policy, since the Company's Group is developing and the number of employees and members of management do not justify implementation of a complex set of rules. VI.Z.4. In this activity report, the company should report on the remuneration policy including at least the following: 1) general information about the companys remuneration system; 2) information about the conditions and amounts of remuneration of each management board member broken down by fixed and variable remuneration components, including the key parameters of setting the variable remuneration components and the terms of payment of severance allowances and other amounts due on termination of employment, contract or other similar legal relationship, separately for the company and each member of its group; 3) information about non-financial remuneration components due to each management board member and key manager; 4) significant amendments of the remuneration policy in the last financial year or information about their absence; 5) assessment of the implementation of the remuneration policy in terms of achievement of its goals, in particular long-term shareholder value creation and the companys stability. The Company does not apply this principle. The Company has not adopted such policy, since the Company's Group is developing and the number of employees and members of management do not justify implementation of a complex set of rules. Wiecej na: http://biznes.pap.pl/pl/reports/ebi/all,0,0,0,1 kom ebi zdz Comedian Brian Regan's 2017 tour will make a stop in Flagstaff Friday. Regan's show will begin at 8 p.m., at NAU's Ardrey Memorial Auditorium, 1115 S. Knoles Dr. The comedian is know for using observational, sarcastic and self-deprecating humor in performances that refrain from profanity and off-color humor. Regan made history on Sept. 26, 2015 with the critically-acclaimed live broadcast of Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall, the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Centrals history. And on May 8, 2015, Regan made his 28th and final stand-up performance on Late Show With David Letterman, the most of any comic since the show moved to CBS in 1993. He has since appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and was featured in Jerry Seinfelds web series Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee. Tickets are $47.75 in advance, $2 more at the door, and are available at nau.edu/cto or by calling 523-5661. Community leaders answer the question, 'Why Flagstaff?' The Flagstaff Leadership Program is hosting a discussion of Why Flagstaff? as several community leaders share what brought them to Flagstaff and why they continue to call Flagstaff home. Invited panelists include Maury Herman, historic downtown property owner; John VanLandingham, retail and restaurant businessman; and Jonah Hill, multi-media Hopi/Quechan artist. This free public event is today at 5:30 pm at the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N. Fort Valley Road. Information will be available about applying for the Flagstaff Leadership Program, with applications for next years class due April 7, 2017. The Flagstaff Leadership Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to leadership development within our community. The program selects an annual class of 25 applicants who meet monthly to learn about diverse aspects of Flagstaff and connect with community leaders. For more information about FLP and application for the 2017-2018 class, visit flagstaffleadershipprogram.com. Library Fine Arts Series to feature music of the West African Kora Sean Gaskell will give a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa, Monday, March 6, from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave. Gaskell will feature traditional songs as well as information about the history, craftsmanship and cultural significance of the kora. The librarys Fine Arts Series is dedicated to bringing high quality presentations and performances in the arts to the Flagstaff community. For more information, call 213-2331 or visit flagstaffpubliclibrary.org. PHOENIX It won't stop unexpected medical bills. But legislation approved Wednesday by the Senate is designed to give Arizonans a chance to fight having to pay them. Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, said SB 1441 will help with situations where someone goes into the hospital. If it's a scheduled procedure they have gone in to make sure that the doctor takes their insurance, they've checked to make sure the hospital takes their insurance and they think they're all set, she said. A month later they get a bill from a doctor that's out of network, Lesko said. And they had no control over it. The most common situation, she said, is that a hospital has contracted with an anesthesiologist. But not being an employee of the hospital, that person submits a separate bill to the patient. Under current law, Lesko explained, the patient has nowhere to turn as the doctor wants his or her money and the insurance company says it won't pay. SB 1414 does not automatically excuse the patient from that balance billing. Instead, it sets up a procedure for people to ask the Department of Insurance to intervene and determine what's really a fair charge. It would not apply in all situations. State intervention would be available in cases where the service was provided in an emergency situation and the patient had no way to check which doctors are within his or her network. For other situations, arbitration is available if the health care provider did not tell the patient up front that it is not within the patient's insurance network, did not provide the estimated total cost to be billed, and did not give the patient a chance to waive any rights to dispute the bill. If they receive a surprise medical bill they would call the Department of Insurance, Lesko explained. That agency would set up a phone call involving the doctor, the insurance company and the patient. Lesko said the experience elsewhere in states with similar systems leads her to believe that will resolve most problems. In Texas, 94 percent of all the complaints are settled over the phone, she said. They settle on the amount and it's over. Lesko said the way her legislation is crafted, the patient in most situations would be responsible only for the normal co-pay and deductible. And they're not going to be charged anything else, she said. Still, not all cases settle that way. Those go to private arbitration, with the insurance company and the doctor splitting the cost of that process. And if either side disagreed with that finding, an appeal to court remains an option. None of that is available, though, if the patient agrees ahead of time to a specific out-of-network cost. And if the patient signs that, agreeing to that amount, this whole process doesn't apply, Lesko said. There would be no settlement. But if the actual bill ends up more than that estimate, she said, then the review process would still apply. Lesko acknowledged that an argument could be made that a patient should have to pay nothing if he or she has not agreed to out-of-network treatment and suddenly gets a bill. But she said such a proposal would never get approval because of opposition from doctors. We have to get a bill that has a good amount of consensus to go forward, Lesko explained. Whether she has it at this point, however, remains to be seen. Despite the 25-5 vote on Wednesday doctors are still lobbying to kill the measure, at least in the form it's in. And they convinced several senators to oppose what Lesko wants. Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, said she does not see SB 1441 as a balanced solution. She said there already is a great deal of pressure on doctors to cut their bills. And Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, said she fears that at some point the pressures of measures like this will result in some doctors simply deciding they don't want to work at hospitals for fear they won't get their full bills paid. When you or a loved one are wheeled into that emergency room, the anesthesiologist, the emergency room doc, the trauma specialist, the trauma surgeon, they're not the bad guys, Brophy McGee said. We pay them to be there, we expect them to be there, we expect them to put our lives back together, she continued. Depending on how we approach this issue and how we address it, they won't be. Lesko, however, said she was not focused on the concerns of medical providers. I'm doing this for patients, she said. I'm not doing this for the insurance companies, I'm not doing this for doctors, I'm not doing it for hospitals. Even if Lesko can get her bill through the House, where it now goes, none of this will help patients for the rest of this year or even next year. The legislation gives the Department of Insurance until 2019 to set up the rules and procedures for the review process. PHOENIX State senators voted Wednesday to allow two new exemptions to Arizona laws which generally prohibit people from firing guns in populated areas. HB 2022 approved by the Senate Government Committee spells out that people can use a special kind of small-caliber shot, one designed to kill snakes and small mammals at close range. Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said it provides residents with an option for self-defense or at least a method of pest control. But the more far-reaching measure the same committee approved on the same 4-3 party-line vote would remove the chance that someone could be prosecuted for being criminally negligent in shooting off a weapon in city limits. Instead, under HB 2287 prosecutors would have to prove that someone intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fired a gun. Both would amend Shannon's Law adopted in 2000 in the wake of the death of 14-year-old Shannon Smith. The Phoenix teen died when she was hit by a bullet that had been fired in the air from some distance away. No one was ever arrested. That law not only makes it a felony to fire off a gun within a mile of any occupied structure within city limits but also makes it illegal to act with criminal negligence. That is defined in Arizona law as acting in a way that the failure to perceive (the risk) constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation. Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria, who crafted the measure, said that wording allows someone to be prosecuted for accidental discharge of firearms. Accidents are a fact of life, he told committee members. Dave Kopp, lobbyist for the Arizona Citizens Defense League, cited a 2012 incident where someone he did not provide a full name purchased a gun, brought it back to his apartment and then tried to remove a round stuck in the chamber. The gun went off and fired the round into the floor. No one was hurt. But Kopp said the person was charged under this with a felony. Probably not the smartest thing in the world to do, Kopp conceded of what the person was doing. But we don't want to see innocent people convicted of felony stupid. But Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, said Kopp's example is exactly why the law should not be changed to legalize the criminal negligent discharge of firearms. Playing with a gun in an apartment knowing it was loaded? Mendez said. I don't know how that's supposed to convince me. It was a stupid thing to do, Kopp responded. It wasn't a criminal thing to do. And nobody was hurt. Nobody was hurt that time, shot back Sen. Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale. He knew there was one stuck in the chamber, Contreras continued. He doesn't know if it does fire if it's going to hit somebody or not. The legislation brought out Edith Smith, who was Shannon's aunt, in a bid to quash the proposal. She said since the law was adopted the amount of random gunfire has dropped. So why change something that works? Smith said. Shannon's Law has made the Valley and other urban areas in Arizona safer. Kopp, however, said even if the law is amended it will still protect people from celebratory gunfire. He said people act knowingly or recklessly when they fire a gun into the air. Mendez, however, said changing the law would give people who fire off weapons a way of escaping criminal charges by saying the gunfire was just an accident. The measure on snake shot is being pushed by Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Scottsdale. He said the ammunition is not dangerous at least not to people, consisting of lead pellets the size of most grains of sand, loaded into a .22-caliber shell. And Lawrence said even small animals and snakes are probably in no danger unless the person firing the gun is within at least 14 feet. Opponents, however, found several things to fire at in the measure. On a surface level, Rhishja Cota Larson testified that neighbors hearing gunfire are not going to know what kind of ammunition is being fired off. The result, she said, will be calls to police to investigate. And she said if the concern is self-protection, Arizona law already allows someone to use any kind of weapon, even in a city, against an animal to protect oneself or the other person. But Sierra Club lobbyist Sandy Bahr said there's an even more basic issue. She said people should not be indiscriminately killing snakes. She also said that leaving around small animals killed with this ammo creates a danger of lead poisoning for scavengers. Mendez queried Kopp, who also testified in favor of this bill, about the sudden need to legalize the use of a new type of ammunition. How are people currently dealing with the epidemic of attacks from rats? he asked. I don't know honestly how to answer that question, Kopp responded. Tuesday evening left diplomats and allies wondering exactly how he views Americas . He made no mention of the thousands of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq or the small number in Syria, and he left unexplained why it is hes expanding the fight against al Qaeda in Yemen. Mr. Trump made a statement of support for Israel, and he didnt elaborate on his calls for a new relationship with Russia. This has been worrying European allies in NATO, who, Mr. Trump said, should be spending more on their own defense. The new budget the administration is preparing also contains little comfort for diplomats and allies, though a senior State Department aide told CBS News Wednesday that the Trump White House proposal to slash foreign aid - by as much as 30 to 40 percent - is simply the opening salvo of the administration and a suggestion made by political wonks. Further, is not looking at it through the same lens, the aide added, suggesting its more of a political message than an actual budget. PHOENIX Republican lawmakers agreed Wednesday to ask voters to throw another hurdle in the path of their ability to write their own laws. HCR 2029 would leave in place the existing number of signatures required to put a measure on the ballot. That is based on a percentage of the number of people who voted in the last gubernatorial election. But it would add the additional burden of having to obtain signatures in each of the state's 30 legislative districts and in proportion to the number of gubernatorial votes in each district. Using the 2014 election results, it takes 150,642 valid signatures on petitions to propose a statutory change, equivalent to 10 percent of those who turned out. Constitutional changes require 15 percent 225,963 signatures to get on the ballot. Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, said extending that across the state has implications. For example, Clark said if the change were approved, anyone wanting a constitutional change would need to gather 3,750 signatures in his Phoenix district based on the number of residents who voted for governor in 2014. But in the district of Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, which runs from Yuma to the western suburbs of Phoenix, circulators would need the signatures of 6,856. And in the East Valley district of House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, it would take 8,308 signatures. That, he said, is unfair. Clark said that having to gather more signatures in one district than another based on voter turnout districts that are supposed to have roughly equal population gives the residents of that district an effective veto power to keep something from getting on the ballot. Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said this would be a great tool for those who want to kill an initiative in its infancy, before it actually makes it to the ballot. All an interloper, somebody from out of state, would ever have to do to stop a good initiative, is pour a ton of money into one, small legislative district, she said, denying the needed margin in just that one legislative district. And now the initiative is dead. Shooter was unperturbed by letting a single legislative district perhaps his kill a measure that might be popular in the other 29 districts. If that's the case, I'm a happy boy, he quipped. The 33-23 vote sends the measure to the Senate. But even if it is approved there, it still requires voter ratification in 2018. And there's another potential hurdle: Clark said he believes the change would run afoul of constitutional equal protection provisions. He said even if voters give their OK a lawsuit is likely. Shooter disagreed, saying a similar Nevada law was upheld by a federal appellate court. This is one of five separate measures being advanced by the Republican-controlled legislature at the behest of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other business interests. They are particularly incensed that voters last year approved a hike in the minimum wage, from $8.05 an hour to $10 now and $12 by 2020 along with a requirement for paid sick leave. One would forbid paying circulators based on the number of signatures they gather. Two others would roll back the 1998 Voter Protection Act that bars lawmakers from tinkering with what has been approved at the ballot. And another would require that advertising for all future ballot measures to contain a warning that, once approved, they could not be altered by the legislature. All have advanced on pretty much a party-line basis. Mesnard suggested that Democrats were being disingenuous, particularly in voting against the ban on paying circulators on a per-signature basis. He pointed out that when Democrat Janet Napolitano was governor, she asked lawmakers in her 2009 State of the State message to outlaw payment by signature. But Mesnard was not telling the whole story. Napolitano did indeed make that request. But he did not acknowledge that she also asked legislators to decrease the number of signatures required to place something on the ballot, something not in this year's business-backed Republican package. Napolitano asked for something else: the ability of sponsors to give their initiatives misleading names. These changes will help ensure that bureaucratic requirements do not mute the voice of the people in charting our future, Napolitano told lawmakers. The terms of a settlement between APS and other stakeholders on the utilitys proposed rates was a good step for solar, but still doesnt put the industry on sustainable footing in Arizona, said Derek Turner vice president of sales and marketing at Rooftop Solar in Flagstaff. For his business, Turner said the settlement softens the decline, but it doesn't continue to encourage homeowners to go solar, he said. The fact that the settlement allows solar customers to opt out of a demand-based rate is one of the biggest positives coming out of the negotiations, Turner said. Originally, the APS proposal would have forced solar customers onto a rate that would have hit them with the highest tier of fees based on peak energy demand, which solar companies argued is hard for residential customers to track and control and makes solar panels uneconomic. I think the agreement comes against a worst case scenario which would have been devastating from our point of view, Turner said. It still does not entirely favor the general public but its a lot better than it could be if APS got everything they wanted. Whats still concerning in Turners perspective is the rate that solar customers will be paid for solar energy they send back to the grid. That export fee will start out at 12.9 cents per kilowatt hour. But the rate will decrease by 10 percent each year, meaning that after 10 years, solar customers will be getting about 4.5 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to about 14 cents per kilowatt hour now, Turner said. Solar customers can be grandfathered in at a certain solar export rate, but only for 10 years. Oregon Coast Science Event This Week Releases Full, All-Star Roster Published 03/02/2017 at 5:49 AM PDT - Updated 03/02/2017 at 5:59 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Waldport, Oregon) The Sharing the Coast Conference in Waldport next week has released more details about its roster of events, and it's an all-star cast of Oregon coast science experts and a flood of fascinating tidbits. As the beaches are particularly intriguing themselves these days with all the unique finds left by winter storms and sand levels this conference will prove just as lively. This annual feast of information about shoreline natural history and science takes place March 3 - 5. The public is invited. The keynote speech to open the conference on Friday evening (March 3) will be provided by marine mammalogist Leigh Torres, who will discuss the latest in research into the lives of gray whales and other marine megafauna inhabiting our coastal waters, and touch on ways in which citizens can help scientists monitor whale populations. Her talk takes place at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6) at the Waldport Community Center, 265 Hemlock St. The event is free and open to the public, whether or not attending the rest of the conference. On Saturday (March 4) the conference moves to Waldport High School (3000 S. Crestline); registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with talks beginning at 9:00 a.m. The theme of the conference is citizen science. Bill Hanshumaker, Chief Scientist with Oregon Sea Grant, will open the day with a talk on The Top Ten Organisms that CoastWatchers Find on the Beach. Dr. Hanshumaker, based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC), has been documenting the creatures discovered washed up on the shore for 23 years. He will describe sharks, squid, sea turtles and other species that are found by those who walk and monitor our beaches. Jessica Miller, a research scientist with the Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station at the HMSC, will describe studies of debris from the Japanese tsunami still being found on our coast, and the animals, some of them potentially invasive, it has ferried across the Pacific. Jenna Sullivan, a PhD student in the Marine Community Ecology Lab at Oregon State University, will discuss sea stars, sea star wasting syndrome and the current health of our rocky shore ecosystems. Her talk will provide background for citizens who are helping scientists to observe sea star populations. Melissa Keyser, program coordinator for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program in Cannon Beach, will offer an overview of shoreline citizen science projects and provide a primer on how volunteers can participate. Steve Rumrill, Shellfish Program Leader with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, will give the audience a verbal tour of Oregons bays and estuaries, describing their ecology and management, with particular attention to efforts to identify non-native invasives and block their spread. Meg Reed, Coastal Shores Specialist with the states Coastal Management Program will describe her research into sea level rise, coastal erosion and future management challenges. She will also explain how citizens can help to track the impacts of sea level rise through the King Tide Project, through which volunteers document the reach of the years highest tide. Reed collaborates with CoastWatch to organize the Oregon branch of this international citizen science initiative. Jim Rice, coordinator of the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network (based at the Marine Mammal Institute at the HMSC), will give an overview of the states marine mammal populations and explain how citizens can engage in tracking these populations through reporting stranded animals, alive or dead. Saturdays events conclude with a party featuring food, drink, a raffle, a coastal trivia contest, and a short talk by Charlie Plybon of the Surfrider Foundation on citizen water quality monitoring. On Sunday, March 5, the conference concludes with an all-day training session for prospective volunteers for the COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team) beached bird survey, in which CoastWatch participates, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Waldport campus of Oregon Coast Community College (3120 Crestline Dr.). The trainer will be Hillary Burgess, COASSTs science coordinator. Sunday will also feature field trips to Alsea Bay (led by Steve Rumrill) and the outer shoreline (led by Fawn Custer, CoastWatchs volunteer coordinator). Suggested cost is $10 for Oregon Shores members, $15 for other CoastWatchers, and $25 for members of the public. Those who join Oregon Shores when registering can take the discount on the conference fee. However, the organizers emphasize that they want to make this learning opportunity available to all; if the suggested cost is a barrier, pay whatever you can, but in any case feel welcome to attend. Snacks and drinks will be provided; lunch is on your own. Pre-register online at https://oregonshores.givezooks.com/events/sharing-the-coast-conference-2017. It is also possible to register at the door. For more information, contact Fawn Custer, (541) 270-0027, [email protected], or go to the Oregon Shores website, https://oregonshores.org/. Oregon Coast Lodgings for this event - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours More 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 The state fire marshal's office ruled that the cause of a fire at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, was arson, according to a KTRX ABC 13 report. The fire occurred on Jan. 4, 2017. The fire was reported in a construction zone inside the facility. Approximately 225 employees and 100 patients were evacuated, however nobody was injured. "The location of the fire allowed the smoke to spread out in the major access areas so we had to manage the movement of the patients to keep them away from the smoke," said David L. Callender, MD, president of The University of Texas Medical Branch. John Sealy Hospital is part of The University of Texas Medical Branch. CMS is expanding Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractor program to Medicare Advantage, as required by the ACA. The program was originally implemented for Medicare Parts A and B in January 2010. CMS currently conducts Risk Adjustment Data Validation audits to validate the accuracy of diagnosis data submitted to CMS for payment by Medicare Advantage organizations and to recover net overpayments associated with inaccurate diagnosis data. To increase the percentage of Medicare Advantage contracts subject to an audit and to comply with an ACA provision, CMS issued a request for information on expanding the RAC program to Medicare Advantage in December 2015. CMS received several submissions in response to the request for information, and the agency is now taking steps to expand the RAC program. On Wednesday, a CMS spokesperson told Becker's the agency "is in the process of contracting with a Recovery Audit Contractor to do additional audits." CMS said it anticipates awarding a contract this year. Due to a backlog in RAC appeals, the RAC program has been the focus of litigation in recent years. In May 2014, the American Hospital Association; Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark.; Covenant Health in Knoxville, Tenn.; and Rutland (Vt.) Regional Medical Center filed a lawsuit concerning the backlog.In December, Judge James Boasberg ordered HHS to incrementally reduce the backlog over the next four years. He ordered the agency to cut the backlog by 30 percent by the end of 2017; 60 percent by the end of 2018; 90 percent by the end of 2019; and to completely eliminate the backlog by Dec. 31, 2020. More articles on healthcare finance: Texas hospital files for bankruptcy after $51.4M Aetna loss Wayne T. Smith says CHS exited 2016 a stronger company, despite ending year in the red Louisiana hospital closes 16 clinics North Philadelphia Health System wants to borrow $3 million to help it get through bankruptcy. However, unsecured creditors in the system's bankruptcy case want NPHS to prove it's financially viable before going further in debt, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. NPHS, which serves some of the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, took a number of steps in recent years aimed at financial improvement, including closing St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia last March. However, the system continued to struggle financially after closing St. Joseph's and it eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Dec. 30. To repay pre-bankruptcy debts, NPHS wants to borrow $3 million from Gemino Healthcare Finance, but unsecured creditors in the system's bankruptcy case and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services want proof the system will successfully emerge from bankruptcy before NPHS borrows the funds, according to the report. NPHS operates two facilities in Philadelphia Girard Medical Center, a 168-bed psychiatric hospital, and Goldman Clinic, a substance abuse treatment center and unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy case are not sure Girard Medical Center can be operated profitably. In a recent court filing, the unsecured creditors argued the loan to NPHS should not be approved until the system reduces expenses, including executive compensation. However, the system's bankruptcy attorney, Lawrence G. McMichael, told The Philadelphia Inquirer NPHS is "doing everything it should be doing to preserve viability." He said the system is keeping all options open. "The whole system could be sold. It could be refinanced. There might be a merger," Mr. McMichael told The Philadelphia Inquirer. NPHS has already inked a contract to sell shuttered St. Joseph's Hospital. The system has agreed to sell the hospital to MMP Hospital Partners in Philadelphia for $8.12 million. More articles on healthcare finance: Texas hospital files for bankruptcy after $51.4M Aetna loss Tenet's net loss balloons to $192M in 2016 Quorum Health reportedly launches investigation into spin-off disclosures In an effort to streamline reimbursement for healthcare providers, a New York City-based billing infrastructure startup has created one of the first publicly accessible healthcare application program interfaces. "Historically, the heavily regulated healthcare industry has suffered from low data accessibility," says Katelyn Gleason, CEO and founder of Eligible. "Technologies are not able to operate nearly as quickly or effectively due to the restrictions placed on healthcare data." Ms. Gleason recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing new technology in the healthcare space. Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What challenges do companies developing applications related to patients, insurance and billing face when deploying their models into the healthcare sector? Katelyn Gleason: At the surface, we face the same challenges day-to-day that all infrastructure companies face availability, scaling, disaster recovery and other foundational concerns but that's pretty much where the similarities end. The regulatory challenges of the healthcare industry carry a uniquely heavy burden, and for good reason. Any company that wishes to take these regulations seriously has to bake it into the core of who they are and how they operate. Q: What do you see as a key area for growth in data security for healthcare? KG: I think there's room to expand the industry's understanding of what data security actually looks like in practice. While HIPAA provides ground rules, it really doesn't offer a more in-depth approach to accomplishing what's expected. Organizations like HITRUST and EHNAC provide certifications that ensure certain standards are met, but healthcare is still lacking a true, single set of guidelines like other industries. Even basic questions like, "Is this considered PHI?" is a constant struggle. Security can be difficult to navigate and justify, and not having an industry standard and accepted way to attest that your company is meeting those expectations makes it much harder. Q: What advice do you have for other health IT companies working to ensure data security and compliance? KG: Focus on the basics. Build a good foundation that you can control and design for visibility and auditability. Too often people chase exciting, but unrealistic, security issues hyped up by the media. Once you have great fundamentals, then and only then should you chase the more extreme but unlikely scenarios. The basics may not be as interesting, but it's a breakdown of fundamental security structures that are at the root of the most well-known data breaches. I have high hopes and expectations for healthcare technology. Some really incredible breakthroughs are either already here or just around the corner. Over the last couple of years, more and more healthcare-focused startups have entered the space and are starting to shake things up. It reminds me of the financial tech startup boom from a few years back and how they collectively influenced an industry for the better. I think the healthcare world is ready for change and I am happy to see that new ideas and technologies are poised to make that happen. As one of the hottest topics in health IT, population health presents numerous challenges. Although population health initiatives seek to assist the greater community, they have to be accomplished one person at a time. Tribridge Vice President of Health and Life Sciences Damon Auer knows this all too well. In his role at the technology services firm, he oversees everything from cloud-based care coordination to process and systems integration consulting for healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical and medical device organizations. He was crucial in the development of Tribridge Health360, a population health management solution. Becker's Hospital Review talked to Mr. Auer about everything from consumer engagement to why the care experience should not feel like the Department of Motor Vehicles. Editor's note: Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity. Question: What are a few trends you're seeing at the intersection of health IT and population health? Damon Auer: One of the things I'm seeing is [health] systems move away from the traditional patient-centered view toward a consumer view. Another trend one we imagined would happen several years ago regarding consumer-focused engagement allows a provider or payer to personalize care intentionally for individuals. It's the oxymoron of having to accomplish population health initiatives one person at a time. We have to take a micro approach to get to the macro objective. The other thing we're seeing is although population health has been a largely U.S. phenomenon due to the ACA, in the last six months we have seen an increasing volume of queries from countries all over the world. The interest is related to some of the technology tools we're deploying in the United States, and they're generating interest in other parts of the world. Our Health360 Care Coordination solution went live in the Microsoft AppSource, which makes it visible to more than 25 different countries throughout the world. It has applicability in all sorts of populations. Q: Speaking of Health360, you played a key role in developing it. Could you discuss the solution and the development process? DA: We conceived Health360 several years ago while working with the Health Solutions group at Microsoft. We asked a group of tech-savvy clinicians, "What comes next for healthcare providers after we stabilize the EHR?" Not surprisingly, we landed on the idea of population health. It became clear we needed systems to identify people. Then we needed tools to get their attention marketing and communication tools, essentially. Once we got their attention, we needed to tools to create a care plan that's comprehensive and unique to that person. It has to include what we know clinically and what we can learn behaviorally, socially and via their community. The care plan then becomes the basis for coordinating all of the care team's activity over time. Much of the functionality we're discussing is stuff that has already been created for us in customer relationship management solutions. We decided to create Health360 on that Microsoft Dynamics 365 backbone. Q: You regularly collaborate with Microsoft's Healthcare Strategy teams to develop new solutions. Could you discuss that relationship and a few of the solutions you've worked on? DA: There are several healthcare innovation teams at Microsoft. The most interesting group right now is the Microsoft Healthcare NExT group in their [research and development] unit. That group recently relaunched HealthVault, a personal health record in the cloud system that Microsoft had out in the market. It was way ahead of its time. What it aims to do is be the consumer health engagement app and cloud service that will allow any consumer to easily collaborate with their healthcare provider via a small screen app called HealthVault Insights. Q: What excites you most about the future of health IT? DA: What excites me most is our ability to personalize care experiences for everyone. We need technology that operates at a significant enough scale and [creates] a compelling enough consumer and care team member experience. The only way we can do that is with technology that's simple, easy to use, will appeal to any of us as a consumer and also makes life a lot better for the care coordinators we're collaborating with. I'm excited about a future that's a different care experience than what many of us grew up with. It shouldn't feel like we're at the DMV. Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare named Shannon Connor Phillips, MD, chief patient safety and experience officer. Here are five things to know. 1. Dr. Philips is a pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist. 2. In her new role, she will work in collaboration with other system leaders at Intermountain to improve care outcomes, safety and the patient experience. 3. Prior to joining Intermountain this year, Dr. Philips served as Cleveland Clinic's associate chief quality officer and as a physician lead in the health system's office of clinic transformation. 4. Dr. Philips, who joined the Cleveland Clinic team in 2004, also served as the organization's first patient safety officer during her tenure there. 5. Before joining Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Philips served at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. More articles on executive moves: Syringa Hospital and Clinics CEO retires: 3 things to know ProMedica taps Dr. Kent Bishop as inaugural chief experience officer: 4 notes Akron Children's Hospital appoints new CIO Due to a lack of members present at a Senate Finance Committee executive session Wednesday, the committee will reconvene Thursday to vote again on the candidacy of Seema Verma for CMS administrator. Senators present at the meeting voted 9-9 on the nomination, and the final tally with proxies was 15-11 to confirm Ms. Verma as CMS administrator. However, because proxies do not count, the committee must vote again before they can send her nomination to the full Senate for a final vote. The full committee has 26 members, 14 Republican and 12 Democrat. Ms. Verma is the president, CEO and founder of a national health policy consulting company called SVC. She is known for her work in crafting the Healthy Indiana Plan, the state's version of Medicaid expansion, which was created under a waiver from the Obama administration. "I think she is a highly qualified nominee. I really don't think there's anyone who reasonably doubts that," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, chairman of the finance committee. Despite the delay, Ms. Verma is notably less divisive than HHS Secretary Tom Price, whose nomination vote was boycotted by finance committee Democrats and ultimately pushed through by Republicans under suspended rules. However, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the Democratic ranking member, delivered a statement of concern Wednesday over how Ms. Verma handled questions from the committee, which he said were not "gotcha questions." Sen. Wyden said he opposed Ms. Verma's nomination because her answers were too vague. "What we got is what I'm starting to call healthcare happy-talk because there's just no content there. That's deeply troubling for me when you are talking about a job that's responsible for a trillion dollars of healthcare spending," Sen. Wyden said. More articles on leadership and management: The 3 things Bill Gates would tell his 19-year-old self Democratic response to Trump's congressional address: 4 things to know 5 things for hospitals to watch in ACA repeal, replacement defined by Former Senate Finance Staff Director Russ Sullivan Kent-based Speciality Breads has signed its first export deal with Malta-based supply chain Shoprite Malta. Twenty lines have been taken on initially by Shoprite Malta, including traditional English rolls, sourdough rolls, cottage loaves and luxury cranberry teacakes, plus brioche rolls, focaccia and ciabatta. With exports one of new managing director Simon Cannells ambitious objectives in 2017, MP Sir Roger Gale was at the bakery last week to see off the first order going to Malta (pictured). One of the leading wholesaler-distributors on the Mediterraneans historic sunshine island, Shoprite Malta supplies hotels, bars and restaurants. Speciality Breads MD Simon Cannell said: In addition to product innovation, export represents a key area for potential growth that does not conflict with our existing UK foodservice business. Ive been surprised by the speed at which weve been able to export our first order, but were absolutely delighted to be flying the flag for great British bread abroad. Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, said: Speciality Breads is continuing to blaze a trail with innovative and unique new products and I am delighted that these new offers will have the opportunity to reach wider markets overseas. UMass Memorial Medical Center's proposal to cut 13 psychiatric beds next year was met with scrutiny from mental health advocates and nurses working at the hospital, reports MassLive. Here are four things to know. 1. The Worcester, Mass.-based hospital wants to close 13 of its 28 psychiatric beds and convert them into surgical beds, according to the report. UMass seeks to cut costs by closing the beds, since its Massachusetts hospitals in Devens and Westboro are already preparing to expand bed capacity for psychiatric patients, according to the report. 2. The Massachusetts Nurses Association which represents nurses at UMass is a vocal opponent of the proposal. "We believe this is a shortsighted and dangerous proposal that is in direct violation of the UMass mission to provide comprehensive care to all members of the Greater Worcester community," said Lisa Goss, a psychiatric nurse who has worked in the psychiatric wing for more than 12 years. "These are patients in crisis with multiple diagnoses who need immediate inpatient services who will now be forced to travel long distances for care, receive inadequate care or go without treatment altogether." 3. Nurses in the psychiatric wing say the ward is almost always full, and many staff members are already overburdened from taking in too many patients, according to the MNA. 4. A public hearing for the proposal is set for March 30. Worcester City Councilor Sarai Rivera is proposing an order that would require City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. to create a report on how the psychiatric bed closings could affect the city's healthcare services., reports MassLive. More articles on patient flow: Children with autism much more likely to visit the emergency department One more way to get to Mayo: United to offer flights to Rochester for first time Community-based palliative care may decrease ED visits, study finds Louisville, Ky.-based Humana will lay off an undisclosed number of employees in Kentucky and Wisconsin as part of the insurer's growth strategy following its unsuccessful bid to merge with Aetna, according to a Humana spokesperson. Humana employees familiar with the layoffs told the Courier-Journal the job cuts will affect positions companywide, from top management to entry-level employees. Claims processing workers in De Pere, Wis., will also be affected, according to a Green Bay Post-Gazette report. In a statement to Becker's Hospital Review, Humana spokesperson Kate Marx said the layoffs are part of a reorganization that includes creating "new jobs that are aligned with the company's enhanced growth strategy and phas[ing] out positions that are no longer as aligned." The new growth strategy includes focusing on individuals with chronic conditions and individuals eligible for Medicare Advantage plans, among other strategies. Ms. Marx added "any Humana associate affected by this realignment of our resources is offered up to 60 days to obtain another position within the company, and severance and outplacement assistance if a new position is not secured." Ms. Marx said the number of employees affected has "not been discussed internally or externally because [it] will depend on how people choose to move around the company." She also confirmed to Courier-Journal the Louisville, Ky. workforce will remain at 12,500 and the number of employees at De Pere, Wis., will also reamin the same. The layoffs in Kentucky and Wisconsin come after Humana said it would lay off about 500 workers in Ohio and Florida. More articles on payer issues: MDwise to lay off 79 employees in departure from Indiana Medicaid program 4 obstacles Anthem faces in pursuit of Cigna merger CareSource sees 2017 ACA exchange enrollment increase 20% Indianapolis-based insurer MDwise will exit Indiana's Medicaid program at the end of this month, laying off 79 workers in the process, according to an IndyStar report. Of the 79 employees cut, 40 are care managers and 14 are nurses, according to the report. The layoffs will leave MDwise with approximately 400 workers. MDwise said it is attempting to transfer affected employees to positions with two other insurers participating in the Medicaid program Indianapolis-based Anthem and Managed Health Services, a managed care entity in Indiana. MDwise decided to leave the state's Hoosier Care Connect program following an impasse with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration regarding payment, company officials told the IndyStar. The insurer said the agency "would not provide the rates necessary for MDwise to continue participation" in the Medicaid program. FSSA said in a statement to the IndyStar its rates "were adequate to appropriately serve members and to sustain the program." The agency also said CMS had approved the rates. The exit will affect about 39,000 MDwise beneficiaries. Those individuals will be transitioned either to Anthem or MHS, which both provide coverage through Hoosier Care Connect. While President Donald Trump repeated his vow to lower drug costs during his first joint address to Congress, he also praised a rare disease drug that costs nearly $300,000 a year, reports Reuters. Here are five things to know. 1. During his speech, the president acknowledged Rare Disease Day. He shared the story of 20-year-old Megan Crowley who has a rare, lifethreating condition called Pompe disease. 2. Megan's father John Crowley, current CEO of Amicus Therapeutics founded a biotech company in 1998 to develop a treatment for Pompe disease. "Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life," President Trump said. "But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need." 3. The Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for Pompe in 2006, with a second similar drug approved in 2010. Sanofi, who now owns both the drugs, said the average cost of treatment is $298,000, reports Reuters. 4. The National Organization for Rare Disorders commended President Trump's focus on rare disease, but said it does not share his views that the FDA needs a regulatory overhaul, according to the report. "Our patients deserve the same quality therapies as everyone else, and to weaken the standards will only threaten our population with unsafe, ineffective therapies," NORD said Wednesday in a statement. 5. Aaron Kesselheim, MD, a researcher at Harvard Medical School in Boston, shared similar skepticism. "I think Trump used this example somewhat cynically as a way of trying to advance the deregulatory agenda," he told Reuters. "The FDA's standards actually promote innovation because patients don't want just any old drug - they want drugs that work." More articles on supply chain: Bernie Sanders introduces drug importation bill to lower medicine costs: 5 takeaways Drug spending rose faster under ACA plans than other health plans FDA: Drug manufacturing at Pfizer's Kansas plant is 'out of control' Castle Connolly Medical honored Jason E. Lowenstein, MD, a spine surgeon in Morristown, N.J., as a top doctor in the New York metro area. The 15th edition of Top Doctors: New York Metro Area features more than 5,500 primary care and specialty care physicians in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The honored physicians span 65 medical specialties and subspecialties, treating more than 1,800 medical conditions. Board-certified MDs and DOs submit nominations to Castel Connolly Medical. Here are five highlights: 1. Dr. Lowenstein is among the top 10 percent of physicians in the metro region. 2. A board-certified adult and pediatric spine surgeon, Dr. Lowenstein serves as director of Morristown Medical Center's Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity Center. 3. He specializes in treating spinal deformity, disc herniations as well as stenosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. 4. Dr. Lowenstein performs complex revision surgery for failed back syndrome and minimally invasive spine surgery. 5. He completed his spine surgery fellowship at Emory Spine Center/Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below Cardiff-based Pettigrew Bakeries is celebrating its first anniversary by offering one customer free bread for a year. In order to win, customers have to buy a raffle ticket in the shop for 50p. All proceeds will go to Mind Cymru, the mental health charity. Owner David Le Masurier said on Twitter: We have been totally embraced by people who love food, knowing its good quality and made with soul. He added: It has been such an incredibly rewarding year. The support from our local community, but also Cardiff as a whole, has been amazing. Works were told their jobs are under threat on Wednesday Boots has confirmed that it is planning to close 220 of its 320 in-store photo labs across the UK in a move that puts 400 jobs under threat. The pharmacy and beauty retailer made the decision amid a decline in traditional photo printing, as digital photography continues to disrupt the market. Affected staff were notified of the proposals on Wednesday and will take part in a consultation process that will stretch into August. Boots is aiming to shut all of the 220 labs over the next five months. In a statement Boots said: "To continue to focus on the customer demand for instant kiosks to print photos and order photo gifts, Boots UK is removing 220 photo labs from stores, and has announced changes to the in-store photo teams. "Impacted colleagues will be offered retraining and redeployment to other roles where possible. However, some roles may be made redundant." The company did not disclose which locations would be affected. "Our focus will now be on supporting any impacted colleagues through this, as we continue to transform our photo offer," Boots said. Boots said it would continue offering photo services through the remaining 100 photo labs as well as 3,000 instant photo kiosks at 1,000 of its stores. Those kiosks will be supported by a centralised photo facility in Nottingham, which will allow customers to order and receive photo products - like personalised photobooks, canvases and cards - within five days, the company said. Go Compare said it expects more people to search for cheaper insurance deals Price comparison site Go Compare has bolstered profits by close to a third and said the firm could enjoy an uplift from Government changes to the insurance industry. The firm said adjusted operating profits jumped 30% to 30 million in the year to the end of December, while revenues rose 20% to 142.1 million. However, a separate measure of operating profits, which included its listing costs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), dropped 5% to 21.9 million. It comes after Go Compare put the finishing touches to its demerger from insurer esure and listed on LSE on November 3 last year. Chief executive Matthew Crummack said the Government's recent decision to adjust the discount rate calculation could bump up the price of car insurance premiums and inspire more customers to search for cheaper products. Insurers have been pencilling in a financial hit after Lord Chancellor Liz Truss put forward the change, which is expected to increase payments given to victims of life-changing injuries through medical negligence, car crashes and other incidents. Mr Crummack told Reuters: "What we hear from the sector about the (discount) rate is it is very likely to push up prices and our experience is that when you see price rises, you tend to see more people looking for better deals and therefore it's an opportunity for us." Shares were down 4% in afternoon trading despite the firm saying it was on track to meet its full-year targets for 2017. The Newport-based firm said the amount saved by customers had risen by 30% to more than 1 billion over the period, while customer interactions climbed 26% to 32 million. The Go Compare boss hailed 2016 as a "transformational year", but said performance would "skew" in the second half of this year as its business transformation takes effect. "We also expect to deploy capital during 2017 on investments that will drive shareholder value over the medium term," Mr Crummack added. Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Go Compare's full year performance showed "some pretty impressive" underlying growth. "Throwing an extra 12 million at advertising has yielded results - with each pound of marketing spend generating a better return than before. "Longer term we think price comparison websites are an industry with bags of potential. So far the industry (and GoCompare in particular) is focused on insurance comparison, but there's plenty of scope to throw the net wider, embracing areas such as other financial products and utilities." Kuwait imposed a ban on UK lamb over concerns around the degenerative disease scrapie UK lamb will soon be back on the menu across Kuwait following a deal worth up to 15 million, the Government has announced. Work on the deal started in 2012 and followed a ban on UK lamb introduced by Kuwait due to concerns around scrapie, a degenerative disease that affects the nervous systems of sheep and goats. The re-opened trade route was announced during food minister George Eustice's visit to the Gulf to promote British food and drink and strengthen the UK's trading relationship with the market. Three UK suppliers are ready to benefit from the five-year deal, with shipments expected to leave soon. The UK exported 625 million worth of food and drink to the region last year, including 80 million of cereal and 22 million of cheese. Total lamb exports from the UK reached 330 million in 2016, up from 300 million the previous year. Mr Eustice said: "British lamb has a fantastic reputation around the world for its taste and quality and I'm delighted that this export success will now be available for diners in Kuwait. "This move to re-open the market for UK-produced lamb is another example of how we are working hard to tap into new international markets and build stronger relationships with trading partners around the world." The trade mission included a visit to Gulfood in Dubai, where cereal brand Mornflake from Cheshire and a mozzarella producer from Durham were among around 100 UK food and drink companies exhibiting at the world's largest annual trade show. Jean-Pierre Garnier, head of export trade development at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), said: "We have found for some time a high level of appetite from Kuwaiti importers and distributors for British lamb and are delighted to be able at last to supply this market. "We are committed to expanding sales of meat and dairy products in the Gulf region and support the Government's export work. "Our presence at the important Gulfood exhibition with meat and dairy stands testifies our willingness to grow sales and open new markets." As part of his visit, Mr Eustice witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding allowing greater collaboration between the UK Government and Gulf on projects in aquaculture, fisheries, climate change and marine environments. The first was with the UAE ministry of climate change and environment and the second was with the Gulf-wide Regional Organisation for Protection of the Marine Environment. Ryanair is growing its Belfast network by adding direct flights to Malta. The low-cost airline announced its return to Belfast last year. It now flies from the International Airport to locations including Gatwick, Malaga, Berlin and Milan. It will start the twice weekly service in October as part of its winter 2017 schedule, tickets for which will go on sale soon. Belfast International's Uel Hoey said: "We are delighted to see Ryanair continue to grow from Belfast International Airport with the addition of their 14th route since commencement of operations in summer 2016. "A new service to Malta is a particularly pleasing development as it has traditionally been a good seller from Northern Ireland, and we believe that its popularity will be even more enhanced given the prevailing strength of the western and central Mediterranean holiday markets." Ryanair's Robin Kiely said: "We are pleased to announce a new route from Belfast to Malta, with a twice-weekly service starting in October." Last week Belfast International confirmed it had secured two new routes to the US, after United Airlines pulled its service to Newark (New York). Norwegian Air will fly to TF Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island, which is about 60 miles from Boston. It will also fly to Stewart International in upstate New York, around 70 miles from the Big Apple. It is being given financial support - understood to be a six-figure sum - towards its marketing budget. Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary warned of flight disruption if the UK opted for a "cliff-edge" Brexit. He said the current open skies arrangement hinged on recognising the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK would no longer be subject to. Mr O'Leary believes it will take more than the two-year time frame from triggering Article 50 to put agreements in place with EU nations. He said: "In the airline industry we could be heading for a very difficult divorce with Europe. "There is a possibility, unlikely, but nevertheless a possibility, that there may be no flights between the UK and Europe in March 2019 if the UK walks off this cliff that they seem determined to walk off." Ahead of their gig in Enniskillen in August, country singing twins Ward Thomas say they are living their dream and still can't believe their second release went to No 1. Lizzy talks to Andy Welch about their brilliant year. With a hectic UK tour ahead of them, which will include the weekend Harvest 2017 festival in Enniskillen in August, singing duo Ward Thomas are surprisingly relaxed. "We're getting prepared for the tour. Like, really prepared," says Lizzy Ward Thomas. The admission, from one half of singing twins Ward Thomas, suggests they don't always rehearse quite so well for their live shows. "Oh no, we're normally pretty prepared. We don't wing it... Actually, sometimes we wing it. We often think, 'What do we do now?' but I think we'll be fine come those April shows." Lizzy says it's been a frantic year or so, a year in which the English sisters' second album, Cartwheels, beat Jamie T and The Carpenters to the No 1 spot. Talking to her, it sounds like she hasn't quite calmed down from the excitement. "We had a nice break over Christmas, which was the first time we really stopped to take stock, but other than that, it's been non-stop," admits the Hampshire-born 22-year-old. Their debut, From Where We Stand, peaked at No 41 in the UK charts, but crucially, hit the top 10 on the country chart, winning them a strong fan base among genre connoisseurs and radio DJs. That foundation served them well when the time came to release Cartwheels, with influential DJs, such as 'Whispering' Bob Harris and breakfast show host Chris Evans, playing the twins' songs. "I still don't think we believe we got to No 1," says Lizzy. "There must've been something that went wrong that week. Oh God, what if there's a recount? There'll be loads of Jamie T fans demanding a recount." She says the week before their chart position was announced was the most tense of their lives. As for expectations, they simply hoped for an improvement on their debut, to mirror the progression and maturation of their music. "We wrote From Where We Stand when we were quite young, 17 or so, and it was a very different vibe. Albums should be a portfolio of where you're up to in your life. We wrote this one in our early 20s, so naturally it's going to be a bit more mature," Lizzy explains. "We wanted to show what we'd been doing, but also that we'd grown as songwriters. "We also wanted to hit a wider audience. It was very, very exciting, and we really managed to do that, too." She says they noticed things were happening for them when they suddenly got so much busier - they went from doing the odd interview here and there, to being well and truly in demand. Not that they ever get to see the end result... "It's always strange seeing an article written about you, and we were always the last to see these things in print - we might get a screen-grab from family and friends or something - but we could tell there was a definite progression of the campaign and the size of everything. We noticed we were getting a lot more attention. "The first time we heard a song from Cartwheels on the radio was when Chris Evans played it, and he said such lovely things before he did so. It really felt like we were hitting the second stage of our career, and the beginning of a very different year." Think of siblings in bands together, and images of Ray and Dave Davies in The Kinks and Oasis' Noel and Liam Gallagher spring to mind. The Davies brothers would famously fall out mid-gig and reportedly go years without speaking to one another, while Noel and Liam's disdain for each other spilled over to the point they can no longer work together and trade insults in the media. Lizzy and her twin Catherine, however, wouldn't want to be in a band with anyone else. "We couldn't imagine it any other way. Especially when we're on tour - it's like we get to take a bit of home with us." They've been singing together since they were little, firstly classical music in a school choir, although they realised pretty early on that was never going to fulfil their dreams. The turning point came when a cousin from Canada came to stay, and brought with her a love of US country sensations Dixie Chicks and Miranda Lambert - the latter of whom will headline Harvest 2017 with Nathan Carter in the summer. "That was the biggest influence for us," recalls Lizzy. "It was after that we saw the 2005 movie Walk The Line, and that's when we learned lots of Johnny Cash and June Carter songs. We'd sing them at the local pub and at family parties, which is really how we started." Then came Dixie Chicks covers, before they started writing their own material. Fast-forward to now and, before they tour the UK, the sisters are heading to Australia, where they're performing on the same bill as Dixie Chicks ("I'm not sure we could talk if we met them"). Hopefully, there'll also be some writing and the recording of a small set of cover versions, although Lizzy is sworn to secrecy on the details. "They'll be on a covers EP or something. It's great being able to play around with songs we love," is all she'll say. Is it daunting, having a world tour mapped out, and expectations of a third record already mounting? "We wouldn't be human if we weren't daunted, but we have a lot of great people around us, plus a lot of say and control in what we do," reasons Lizzy. "Plus, we have each other." Renowned film director John Boorman has opened up about how the IRA once offered to supply guns for use in one of his movies. In a wide-ranging interview with Hot Press, the 84-year-old Oscar-nominated director told how the contact with republicans took place as he made his cult sci-fi film Zardoz in Ireland. The Englishman, who has lived in Co Wicklow for many years, said that one night he heard a knock on his front door and it was "the Official IRA guys". "And they said: 'We would like to use your land for training purposes?' So, I said: 'Do I have a choice?' And they said: 'Yes. We'd only want to do it if you approved'. And I said: 'Well, I'd rather not'. And they moved on." The director was also offered their help while working on Zardoz, starring Sean Connery. "I needed a lot of guns and I wanted to import them from London and there was strict prohibition about importing weapons, even though these weapons wouldn't fire bullets. It was a big problem," he explained. "It almost toppled the production. And then one of the carpenters came up to me and said: 'The lads above can get you all the weapons you want!'" Mr Boorman said he was able to secure weapons for the film after going through the Irish Government, but said with a laugh: "Anyway, I could've got them from the IRA. "My dealings with the IRA were, on the whole, rather positive!" Boorman won best director at the Cannes Film Festival for The General, based on notorious criminal Martin Cahill, who was shot dead in 1994. He said Cahill once broke into his Wicklow home while he was away, but was identified by the police. "He stole this gold record for Duelling Banjos (from Deliverance). "I'm sure he was horrified when he found it was just gold paint on vinyl! And so I put that scene in the film. I got my own back on him!" The full interview with John Boorman can be read in Hot Press, in stores from today Louis Theroux immersed himself in some of the most "dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society" for three new documentaries airing later this year. The broadcaster will uncover and learn about some of the major difficulties faced by the population, including sex trafficking, opiate use and murder in the cities of Houston, Huntington and Milwaukee. The "challenging" films will air on BBC Two and follow on from Theroux's successful 2016 feature-length effort My Scientology Movie. Theroux said: "I immerse myself in some of the most dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society. "They combine hard-hitting actuality with intimate interviews." He said: "I have been granted access to the police in several states; I've got to know the people affected by crime; and I've also spent time with the perpetrators of crime, with the idea of understanding the causes of it, both on a systemic level and also in a very personal way." Houston, Texas is widely thought to be the main location for human trafficking in North America, and Theroux is seen spending time with American women working in the city's sex industry to delve into the relationship between prostitutes and pimps. As well as working with local law enforcement in Sex Trafficking Houston (working title), Theroux goes to the county jail and learns about the criminal justice system's struggles to help the women caught within their often-exploitative lifestyle against a desire to criminalise them. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is considered one of America's most racially divided and impoverished cities and in the film Murder In Milwaukee, Theroux spends time with the local police department on patrol in dangerous areas. He also embeds with the community to learn of the divide between the African American community and the police at a time of heightened hostility due to a recent police shooting. Opiate City is based on Theroux's travels to Huntington, West Virginia - a city that sees one in 10 babies born addicted to opiates and which has a fatal overdose rate 13 times the national average. The journalist follows the frontline emergency services responding several times daily to help those who have overdosed while speaking to members of the community who misuse drugs and struggle with their day-to-day lives. Patrick Holland, Controller at BBC Two, said Theroux's forthcoming films are "exciting" and that they will be a "real event". "This trilogy promises to be hugely timely and challenging, it has never been more important to engage with the forces shaping modern America." Theroux's other notable works include 2007's The Most Hated Family In America and 2003 documentary Louis, Martin And Michael. Kenneth Branagh will receive the Special Award for his contribution to theatre Renowned actor Sir Kenneth Branagh will be honoured for his contribution to theatre with a special prize at this year's Olivier Awards. Best known for his impressive portfolio of roles in Shakespeare classics such as Hamlet, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, his career has also seen him conquer the big screen. As well as playing the laughable professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the second Harry Potter film and taking on the role of Kurt Wallander in the Wallander TV series, he also stars in upcoming releases Dunkirk and Murder On The Orient Express. The Special Award, has previously been won by the likes of Judi Dench, Kevin Spacey and Sir Ian McKellen. For Sir Kenneth it will mark a particularly significant moment in his career, coming 35 years after the Olivier Awards named him best newcomer in 1982. Since then he has claimed four Bafta Awards and secured four Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. Also an acclaimed director, he recently set up the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company, bringing star-studded casts to the stage for more Shakespeare tales, including The Winter's Tale and Romeo And Juliet. Caro Newling, president of the Society of London Theatre, which organises the awards, said: "We are delighted to formally celebrate Kenneth Branagh's outstanding contribution to London theatre. Whether acting or directing, there is no greater advocate for our industry." ::Sir Kenneth will be presented with his award on Sunday April 9, at London's Royal Albert Hall. Official nominations for the Olivier Awards with Mastercard will be live-streamed at 12pm on Monday. Alliance leader Naomi Long has been accused of the type of negative campaigning her own party criticises. The East Belfast candidate told voters in Lagan Valley to vote for Alliance - or they would be helping the DUP. It comes after she criticised the DUP for negative campaigning over claims that not voting for it would run the risk of a Sinn Fein First Minister. The Alliance candidate in Lagan Valley is Trevor Lunn, who was the last of the six MLAs elected last year. This year there are five seats, leaving a potential scrap between him, second UUP candidate Jenny Palmer and the third DUP candidate Brenda Hale for the final MLA job. The SDLP also has hopes its candidate Pat Catney might have a chance, and issued a leaflet entitled 'We can win here', saying it lost out by just 297 votes last year behind the DUP. In a letter sent to voters on paper headed with her name, Mrs Long described today's poll as "the most important election we have ever fought". "Instead of engaging in negative politics, your election candidate Trevor Lunn remains focused on building on his successful record as an MLA," she wrote. However, Mrs Long added a 'PS' to the letter that read: "A vote for anyone but Alliance helps the DUP in Lagan Valley - make your vote count." The letter was criticised by an SDLP source, as well as the DUP. Local DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson said: "Once again we see the Alliance mask slipping. This letter has clearly been distributed at the last minute in the hope it will escape media attention. The portrayal of Alliance as the 'nice' party is now a fiction beyond repair. This letter is as negative as anything Alliance piously accuse other parties of engaging in." An Alliance spokesman said the letter "clearly sets out the positive work Trevor Lunn has carried out as Lagan Valley MLA", and said it contrasts with the "disappointingly negative campaign in the constituency" of others. "However, we thank them for drawing attention to it and the work Trevor has done, which we are confident he will continue to carry out as MLA following this election," he added. There has been bad blood between Alliance and the other parties in Lagan Valley over a disputed agreement not to put up election posters. The DUP issued a statement in January it claimed was "from Alliance, DUP, SDLP and UUP Lagan Valley constituency parties". DUP candidate Paul Givan tweeted the statement at the time, to which Mr Lunn replied: "Sorry but Paul Givan's tweet on posters agreement in Lagan Valley is premature, this has not been signed off by all the parties involved." The agreement related to posters on lampposts only, and did not extend to billboards or mobile advertising. It is understood to have mostly held, although the TUV did not sign up to it. A Walkers factory in Peterlee County Durham is set to close, which could put 380 jobs at risk. The proposed changes have been taken to provide significant productivity and efficiency savings and ensure the long-term sustainable growth of the business in the UK, according to Tracey Foster, Peterlee manufacturing director at PepsiCo UK. In order to improve the efficiency of our UK snacks manufacturing operations, we are proposing the closure of our factory at Peterlee, she said. Crisps currently produced at the site would be manufactured at our other facilities in the UK. The manufacturer will now begin consultations with staff and its representatives, but has reassured that employees will receive full support. No decisions will be made without first consulting employees and their representatives. We would also like to reassure colleagues that we will be providing ongoing support and assistance from this point onwards, Foster said. We appreciate this is upsetting news for everyone at the Peterlee site. It is a difficult proposal for us to put forward and we want to make clear that it in no way reflects the performance of our colleagues at Peterlee, to whom we are grateful for their hard work and commitment. A bogus letter in which an Ulster Unionist candidate appears to warn voters against supporting the DUP has been condemned as the "politics of the sewer". Danny Kennedy has referred the fake correspondence - which has been distributed in the Newry and Armagh constituency - to the Electoral Office and Royal Mail. The former UUP deputy leader said it could also turn into a police probe. In the typed letter fraudulently headed with the UUP logo, the author, pretending to be Mr Kennedy, suggests that in recent times unionism had been "dragged through the mud" by the actions of the DUP "and its leadership". It also refers to "ongoing political and financial scandals". The bogus letter goes on: "After witnessing the appalling behaviour of the DUP leader Arlene Foster and other high profile DUP members ... and how the DUP have quite clearly been involved in political scandal after political scandal, in a manner that appears to be neverending, I am appealing for you not to use your vote in any way for a party that is destroying unionism." The fake letter also criticised DUP candidate William Irwin - even though Mr Kennedy has made clear he would be transferring his vote to Mr Irwin and other unionists. Mr Kennedy's stance stands in contrast to UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, who revealed he will give a second preference vote to the SDLP in East Belfast. A genuine letter from Mr Kennedy appeals to voters going to the polls to make him their number one choice and adds: "You should then vote for the other unionist candidate. "Sinn Fein is determined to hold onto its three seats at the expense of the second unionist one, which I hold." Mr Kennedy said he had seen a lot of dirty tricks in various election campaigns. But he was "shocked" that someone would stoop so low, including falsifying his signature. "I have always fought campaigns based on my record of delivery for Newry and Armagh and I want to make clear how disgusted I am that someone should try and impersonate me in election communications to the public," he said. "It is absolutely disgraceful. This is a very serious issue and is an attempt to subvert the democratic process. "Politics is low enough in the eyes of the public and this will do nothing to allay that perception. "The actions of those responsible are entirely contemptible - they belong not just to the gutter, but the political sewer. I have been in contact with the Chief Electoral Officer and the Royal Mail as this needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness." He added: "It is an attempt to sabotage my campaign and damage my political reputation, and I will do all in my power to identify the culprits responsible." Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn for Lagan Valley and South Down constituencies. Brenda Hale and Paul Rankin pictured at the count. Photo by Philip Magowan / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn for Lagan Valley and South Down constituencies. Sammy Morrison pictured at the count. Photo by Philip Magowan / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Aurora Leisure Complex in Bangor for Strangford and North Down constituencies. Steven Agnew (second right) leader of the Green Party watching the verification of the North Down vote. Photo by Brian Little / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies.The boxes are opened for the count. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Counting continues at the Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena, in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. This is the second contest in less than a year and early indications are that turnout has been higher than expected. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire BALLYMENA, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 03: Counting gets underway in the Seven Towers Leisure Centre for the North Antrim and Mid Ulster seats in the Northern Ireland assembly election on March 3, 2017 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. A snap election was called following the resignation of the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness, with indications showing that voter turnout was considerably higher than in May last year. The first declarations are expected around lunchtime today. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Banbridge Leisure Centre for Newry & Armagh and Upper Bann constituencies. DUP Councillor, Darryn Causby and SDLP hopeful Dolores Kelly pictured at the count. Photo by Tony Hendron / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Aurora Leisure Complex in Bangor for Strangford and North Down constituencies. Verification of the Strangford and North Down vote starts. Photo by Brian Little / Press Eye. Counting underway in the Seven Towers Leisure Centre for the North Antrim and Mid Ulster seats in the Northern Ireland assembly election on March 3, 2017 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Aurora Leisure Complex in Bangor for Strangford and North Down constituencies. Steven Agnew (second right) leader of the Green Party watching the verification of the North Down vote. Photo by Brian Little / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena for North Antrim and Mid Ulster constituencies. Jim Allister TUV candidate pictured at the count. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena for North Antrim and Mid Ulster constituencies. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn for Lagan Valley and South Down constituencies. Brenda Hale pictured at the count. Photo by Philip Magowan / Press Eye. PACEMAKER BELFAST 0303/2017 Counting gets underway at the Titanic Exhibition centre. Results for Belfast East, North, South and West are expected in by mid afternoon on Friday. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - Counting gets under way at the NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena for North Antrim and Mid Ulster constituencies. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn for Lagan Valley and South Down constituencies. Paul Givan pictured at the count. Photo by Philip Magowan / Press Eye. Counting gets underway at the Titanic Exhibition centre. Results for Belfast East, North, South and West are expected in by mid afternoon on Friday. Pic Pacemaker Ballots are counted in Ballymena, County Antrim for North Antrim and Mid-Ulster. Sinn Fein's Michelle ONeill arrives at the count centre with candidates Ian Milne and Linda Dillon. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Sinn Fein's Michelle ONeill arrives at the count centre with candidates Ian Milne and Linda Dillon and MP Francey Molloy Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Ballots are counted in Ballymena, County Antrim for North Antrim and Mid-Ulster. Sinn Fein's Michelle ONeill arrives at the count centre with candidates Ian Milne and Linda Dillon. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Sinn Fein candidate for west Belfast Orlaithi Flynn(centre) celebrates with party colleagues after she is elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Arlene Foster, DUP arriving at the Omagh Leisure Complex for the results of the count. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Sinn Fein candidate for west Belfast Orlaithi Flynn(centre) celebrates with party colleagues after she is elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Alliance party leader and eat Belfast candidate Naomi Long(centre) celebrates with party colleagues after she tops the poll. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Alliance party leader and eat Belfast candidate Naomi Long(centre) celebrates with party colleagues after she tops the poll. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Thomas Buchanan, DUP pictured after the West Tyrone results were announced. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Michaela Boyle, Sinn Fein and Barry McElduff, Sinn Fein pictured after the election results for West Tyrone. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. People before Profits Gerry Carroll at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast on Friday for Belfast North, South East and West constituencies Assembly Election Count. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Carla Lockhart elected for Upper Bann, pictured with her husband Rodney Condell and mother and father Valerie and kenneth Lockhart. Picture Matt Bohill pacemaker Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Banbridge Leisure Centre for Newry & Armagh and Upper Bann constituencies. Danny Kennedy (UUP Newry/Armagh) pictured at the count. Photo by Tony Hendron / Press Eye. Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister during the counting of ballot papers at the Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena, in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Foyle Arena in Derry for Foyle and East Londonderry constituencies. Elisha McCallion and Raymond McCartney, Sinn Fein, pictured at the count. Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Foyle Arena in Derry for Foyle and East Londonderry constituencies. Eamonn McCann, People Before Profit Alliance, and partner Goretti Horgan, pictured at the count. Photo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena for North Antrim and Mid Ulster constituencies. Photo by John McIlwaine / Press Eye Sinn Fein candidates Linda Dillon and Ian Milne are congratulated by party leader Michelle O'Neill and Francey Molloy after their election to Mid Ulster on the third count Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Left to right. SDLP candidate for north Belfast Nichola Mallon and SDLP candidate for west Belfast Alex Attwood. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams talks to the media as he arrives at the count centre. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Foyle Arena in Derry for Foyle and East Londonderry constituencies. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood pictured at the count. Phoo by Lorcan Doherty / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Arlene Foster, DUP pictured during the announcement that she has been re-elected. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Belfast west successful candidates are officially announced. The SDLP's Alex Attwood, who was elected, pictured on the declaration podium after the successful candidates were officially elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. DUP candidate for south Belfast Emma Little-Pengelly(left) with DUP candidate for north Belfast Nelson McCausland. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Banbridge Leisure Centre for Newry & Armagh and Upper Bann constituencies. The Old And The New...Outgoing DUP MLA, Sydney Anderson, left, and his replacement, Jonathan Buckley celebrate. Photo by Tony Hendron / Press Eye. Count at Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey for East Antrim and South Antrim constituencies. Mark Cosgrove with John Stewart UUP Photo by Freddie Parkinson / Press Eye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Banbridge Leisure Centre for Newry & Armagh and Upper Bann constituencies. The Dup's Jonathan Buckley, left, celebrates being elected with fellow MLA, Carla Lockhart and Upper Bann MP, David Simpson. Photo by Tony Hendron / Press Eye. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt pictured at the Park Avenue hotel in Belfast as he announces that he will be stepping down as party leader. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. DUP candidate for north Belfast Nelson McCausland pictured after he is eliminated from the count and fails to be elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3 March 2017 - NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Banbridge Leisure Centre for Newry & Armagh and Upper Bann constituencies. Dolores Kelly of the SDLP celebrates after being elected. Photo by Tony Hendron / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Sean Lynch, Sinn Fein pictured at the count. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. OMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 03: Democratic Unionist party leader and former First Minister Arlene Foster makes her acceptance speech as the Northern Ireland Stormont election count takes place on March 3, 2017 in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Voters went to the polls yesterday for the second time in 10 months after the collapse of the power sharing executive government. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Sinn Fein Leader in the North Michelle O'Neill (right) speaking at the Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena. Niall Carson/PA Wire Returned SDLP MLA Alex Attwood during his declaration speech at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast during the Northern Ireland Election count. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sinn Fein candidates in Belfast West MLA's celebrate with Fra McCann, Orlaith Flynn, Pat Sheehan, and Alex Maskey holding up four fingers during their declaration speech at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Mark H. Durkan and his wife Anne celebrate after he is re-elected, on his birthday, as an MLA for Foyle at the count in the Foyle Arena. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 3 March 2017 NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey for East Antrim and South Antrim constituencies. Paul Girvan, DUP elected for South Antrim Photo by Freddie Parkinson / Press Eye Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 3 March 2017 NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey for East Antrim and South Antrim constituencies. Paul Girvan DUP with his wife Mandy (Centre) and Daughter Victoria Photo by Freddie Parkinson / Press Eye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 03 March 2017 NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Omagh Leisure Complex for West Tyrone and Fermanagh & South Tyrone constituencies. Rosemary Barton, UUP speaking after her election result. Picture by Trevor Lucy / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. Alliance Party candidate for south Belfast Paula Bradshaw pictured after being successfully elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. NI Assembly Election 2017 Count at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast for Belfast East, Belfast North, Belfast South and Belfast West constituencies. UUP candidate for east Belfast Andy Allen pictured after being successfully elected. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Democratic Unionist party leader and former First Minister Arlene Foster consoles Lord Morrow who lost his seat in the Northern Ireland Stormont election count. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill speaks to members of the media after arriving at the count centre for the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, on March 3, 2017. Northern Ireland has voted in snap elections to resolve a political crisis fuelled by bad blood and Brexit, which is testing the delicate peace in the British province. / AFP PHOTO / PAUL MCERLANEPAUL MCERLANE/AFP/Getty Images UUP Party Leader Mike Nesbitt, followed by his wife Lynda Bryans and son PJ Nesbitt, after announcing his resignation at the Park Avenue Hotel, after his party failed to make a breakthrough in the Northern Ireland Assembly election. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP candidates William Humphrey and Nelson McCausland at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast for the Northern Ireland Election count. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 03: Orlaithi Flynn stands for a photograph after Sinn Fein won four seats in West Belfast in the Northern Ireland assembly election on March 3, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A snap election was called following the resignation of the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness, with indications showing that voter turnout yesterday was considerably higher than in May last year. Voters went to the polls yesterday for the second time in 10 months after the collapse of the power sharing executive government. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader Arlene Foster celebrates as she is elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at the count centre in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on March 3, 2017. Northern Ireland has voted in snap elections to resolve a political crisis fuelled by bad blood and Brexit, which is testing the delicate peace in the British province. / AFP PHOTO / Paul FAITHPAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty Images Returned UUP MLA Andy Allen speaks with media at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast at the Northern Ireland Assembly election count. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Sinn Fein candidates for Fermanage South Tyrone Jemma Dolan (left), Sean Lynch and Michelle Gildernew at the Omagh count centre having been deemed elected in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire OMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND - MARCH 03: Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew (R), Sean Lynch (C) and Jemma Dolan (L) celebrate winning their three seats in the Fermanagh South Tyrone election as the Northern Ireland Stormont election count takes place on March 3, 2017 in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Voters went to the polls for the second time in 10 months after the collapse of the power sharing executive government. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Returned SDLP MLA Nicola Mallon celebrates with supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast at the Northern Ireland Assembly election count. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Returned Green Party MLA Clare Bailey (right) celebrates with supporters at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast at the Northern Ireland Assembly election count. PA Sinn Fein candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone Sean Lynch celebrates at the Omagh count centre having been deemed elected in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday March 3, 2017. See PA story ULSTER Election. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire DUP party chairman Lord Morrow (left) with DUP leader Arlene Foster at Omagh count centre as he failed to be re-elected in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. Brian Lawless/PA Wire DUP party chairman Lord Morrow (right) with DUP leader Arlene Foster at Omagh count centre as he failed to be re-elected in Northern Ireland's Assembly election. PA Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4 March 2017 - Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams take a selfie following a press conference on the Falls road in West Belfast. Photo by Peter Morrison / PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4 March 2017 - Sinn Fein's leadership team , Michelle O'Neill, Mary Lou McDonald and Gerry Adams take a selfie following a press conference on the Falls road in West Belfast. Photo by Peter Morrison / PressEye Sinn Fein's leadership team , Michelle O'Neill and Gerry Adams speak to the media during a press conference on the Falls road in West Belfast. Photo by Peter Morrison / PressEye Pacemaker Press Belfast 06-03-2017: DUP Leader Arlene Foster pictured with Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds at Stormont in Belfast on the first day back to the Assembly after the Elections. Picture By: Arthur Allison. DUP Leader Arlene Foster pictured with Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds at Stormont on the first day back to the Assembly after the Elections. Photo by Stephen Hamilton / Press Eye. Pictured Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Michelle O'Neill looking towards the image of the late Ian Paisley hanging in the Great Hall before holding a press conference. Northern Ireland parties return to Stormont after last eek's Assembly election. Sinn Fein's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill meets school children on the steps of Stormont's Parliament Buildings, east Belfast. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Northern Ireland parties return to Stormont after last eek's Assembly election. Sinn Fein's president Gerry Adams pictured going past a portrait of the former First Minister and DUP leader Ian Paisley as he leads his party to talk to the media on the steps of Stormont's Parliament Buildings, east Belfast. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Northern Ireland parties return to Stormont after last eek's Assembly election. Sinn Fein's president Gerry Adams meets school children on the steps of Stormont's Parliament Buildings, east Belfast. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye. Tom Elliott and Mike Nesbitt from the UUP speak to the media at Stormont on Monday , following the recent election results at the weekend. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press 06/03/2017 SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood with Party MLA's speak to the media at Stormont on Monday, following the recent election results at the weekend. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press 06/03/2017 Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry speaks to the Media with party members Kellie Armstrong and Stewart Dickson at Stormont on Monday , following the recent election results at the weekend. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Sinn Fein holding a press conference on the first working day after the recent Election. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is to meet Stormont party leaders later to try to persuade them to form a new power-sharing executive. Pictured Gerry Adams waves to a group of Chinese tourist from Shanghai visiting Stormont as the Sinn Fein Electoral team pose for photos of the steps of Parliament Buildings. Picture: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX Sinn Fein's leadership team pictured talking to the media at Stormont Castle, in Belfast. Sinn Fein MLAs left their brief meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Sinn Fein's leadership team pictured talking to the media at Stormont Castle, in Belfast. Sinn Fein MLAs left their brief meeting with Secretary of State James Brokenshire. Picture By: Arthur Allison: Pacemaker Press Belfast DUP leader Arlene Foster and party member Simon Hamilton MLA speak to the media before talks at Stormont Castle. Photo by Peter Morrison / PressEye Wednesday 8th March 2017 SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood was out early on Thursday morning in Derry to cast his vote, giving Foyle UUP candidate Julia Kee his stamp of approval. The 33-year-old party leader was accompanied by his wife Rachael and daughter Rosa as he cast his vote at the Model Primary School near the city centre. He said he was feeling very confident about the outcome of today's election and voted for candidates 'right down the ballot paper'. Read More I'm feeling very good, we have worked very hard, he told the Belfast Telegraph. This is a very important election, probably the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement Referendum. People have an opportunity here to save devolution or we are going to have direct rule if we keep voting DUP and Sinn Fein. Hopefully we have a chance to make a change here, to protect the institutions that we have fought so hard to have. And that is what is at stake in this election. We are hoping that people will come out and vote and vote the right way. I did vote for the UUP candidate, he said. I voted right down the ballot paper. There were a few candidates that I didn't vote for, but they will not be surprised by that. The UUP's Mike Nesbitt has previously stated that he would select the SDLP as his second preference after the UUP on his own ballot paper. The move caused a stir in his party, with one party member resigning and others refusing to back Mr Nesbitt's stance. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness was not in attendance when his wife Bernie and their daughter Grainne arrived at the Model Primary School polling station to cast their votes on Thursday. Mrs McGuinness did not speak to the media gathered outside. People Before Profit candidate Eamonn McCann arrived at the same polling station shortly afterwards to cast his vote, giving his partner Goretti an affectionate kiss before they entered the building. Voting has been reported as 'steady' at polling stations across Derry today. Councillors Darren OReilly, Gary Donnelly and Padraig McShane with Mohamed Al-Halabi (second left) and flags in council chamber An independent councillor suspended for three months in a row over flags has launched a High Court challenge to being sanctioned. Padraig McShane was found to have breached a code of conduct after being pictured with the Irish tricolour and a Palestinian flag at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Coleraine headquarters. But his lawyers argued today that the decision should be overturned because of his right to freedom of political opinion. Mr McShane was pictured sitting behind a bench draped in the flags at the council chamber in June 2015. Alongside him in the photograph were Derry-based independent councillors Gary Donnelly and Darren O'Reilly, and visiting Gaza official Mohamed Al-Halabi. A Democratic Unionist representative lodged a complaint after the picture emerged. In November last year the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards ruled that Mr McShane had breached the councillor's code of conduct. The adjudication covered a prohibition on the use of position to confer and secure personal advantage, and the use of council resources "for political purposes". Mr McShane, a former Sinn Fein member and now independent republican representative, did not attend the hearing where the finding was made. He has served the suspension period which saw him banned from all council meetings for three months. In court today his lawyers began a legal bid to have the adjudication reversed. Counsel argued that the councillor is entitled to express political opinion and free speech under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It was also contended that the three-month suspension was excessive. Following submissions, Mr Justice Burgess reserved judgment on whether to grant leave for a statutory appeal against the decision. Mr McShane declined to comment after the hearing. But his solicitor, Michael Brentnall, said: "My client is appealing this on the grounds of his Article 10 rights and, thereafter, the sanction on the basis that it was entirely disproportionate." A complaint was lodged with City Hall officials and salmon was offered at the last minute at the regular free dinner for councillors before their monthly meeting. Stock image An SDLP politician objected that fish wasn't on the menu at City Hall last night for Catholic councillors who didn't want to eat meat on Ash Wednesday. A complaint was lodged with City Hall officials and salmon was offered at the last minute at the regular free dinner for councillors before their monthly meeting. Yesterday, the options were chicken and bacon with a leek sauce; a ham or roast beef salad, and a lentil dahl. Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting for Catholics, although some choose to eat fish instead of meat. An SDLP councillor discovered fish wasn't being offered on the menu at dinner in City Hall and duly complained. As a result, the menu was changed with a salmon, potatoes and vegetables dish provided. A unionist councillor said: "I didn't get to sample it myself, but a colleague did. "He said it was melt in your mouth salmon and the nicest dish he had ever tasted at the pre-meeting dinner." The father of a Catholic postman murdered by loyalist paramilitaries has cleared the first stage in a legal action over alleged delays in holding an inquest. Samuel McColgan was granted leave to seek a judicial review amid claims of a human rights breach in the time taken to examine the killing of his son Daniel 15 years ago. His lawyers argue that the inquest was plagued by an inexcusable delay that requires an award of damages. Daniel McCoglan was gunned down by the UFF as he arrived for work at a sorting office on the outskirts of Belfast in January 2002. In October 2015 a coroner found the shooting had been a completely sectarian attack on a 20-year-victim deliberately targeted because of his religion. But the murdered man's father claims the 13-year period between the killing and conclusion of the tribunal represents an unlawful delay. High Court proceedings alleging a breach of human rights have been brought against the coroner, the Chief Constable and the Department of Justice. No one has ever been convicted for the murder carried out at the depot in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey. Mr McColgan's legal team alleges the State failed to ensure a prompt investigation in line with obligations under European and domestic law. Lawyers for the victim's father are seeking a declaration that the delay was incompatible with his rights under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Following submissions Mr Justice Maguire ruled the challenge should proceed to a full hearing. With similar challenges lodged over the delays in other still incomplete legacy inquests, the McColgan case is now set to be the lead case in examining the issues involved. Damien McLaughlin had not been seen by police since November On-the-run suspect Damien McLaughlin has been detained during a joint Garda and PSNI investigation into the murder of Northern Ireland prison officer David Black. The 40-year-old, from Kilmascally Road near Ardboe in Co Tyrone, fled while on bail in November. He was arrested under a European Arrest Warrant as part of a joint intelligence-led operation. Mr Black, 52, was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 on his way to work at Maghaberry Prison in November 2012. Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, from PSNIs Serious Crime Branch, said: "Since his disappearance police have carried out extensive enquiries regarding Mr McLaughlins whereabouts. "Throughout this time the PSNI has been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and todays arrests demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police forces and other national partner agencies. "As part of the operation a 59-year-old man was also arrested in Donegal and a 47-year-old woman was arrested in Belfast. Damien McLaughlin is scheduled to appear at Dublins Central Criminal Court tomorrow. "The 59-year-old man has been taken to Letterkenny police station for questioning and the 47-year-old woman has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning. Senior detectives contacted the Black family on Thursday to update them on developments:. "Detectives involved in the case spoke with Mrs Black to inform her of Damien McLaughlins arrest," added Detective Chief Superintendent Murray. Expand Close David Black was shot dead on his way to work (PSNI/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Black was shot dead on his way to work (PSNI/PA) In January police apologised to the Black family after it emerged they had not realised he was missing for several weeks. At the time Mr Black's family said they felt betrayed by the justice system. McLaughlin, who had served a period in custody on remand before being bailed had initially been fitted with an electronic tag while on bail but he was later permitted to remove it. The Police Ombudsman has begun an investigation to establish whether there were any failings in police conduct or in policing systems in the management of McLaughlin's bail conditions. John Edwards, the founder of Walking Free, a charity set up to help suicidal and addicted people, prepares for his church burial John Edwards, the founder of Walking Free, a charity set up to help suicidal and addicted people, prepares for his church burial John Edwards, the founder of Walking Free, a charity set up to help suicidal and addicted people, prepares for his church burial Climbing into a coffin to spend three days buried alive, John Edwards looked remarkably chipper yesterday afternoon. Because after the many days of his life he's spent in much darker places than that, the 62-year-old wasn't afraid of what lay ahead. Grandfather John is a recovered drug addict and alcoholic. He spent more than two decades hooked on everything from booze and cigarettes to barbiturates, cannabis and heroin. At one point he was throwing back an astonishing 150 valium pills a day, hitting rock bottom when he was barred from his father's funeral, spending the day instead guzzling drink and drugs with a stranger hundreds of miles from home. Read More "Things have been very dark for me over the years," said John. "But after all the dreadful things that happened, I have been clean for more than 25 years and have made amends with the family my addiction once tore apart. There are a lot of broken and very damaged people here in Belfast and if I can help them at all, then I will." John, the founder of charity Walking Free which helps suicidal and addicted people across the UK and Ireland, was 'buried' yesterday at Willowfield Church in east Belfast in an 8ft X 3.5ft X 4ft coffin. John will remain underground, communicating with the outside world and offering advice on Skype and social media until 2pm on Friday. The stunt sounds extreme, but after the dramatic events of John's own life, he's desperate to help other people from ever falling to the depths he once did. Growing up in the 1950s in a middle class and loving family in affluent Clontarf, Dublin, no one could have predicted his bleak fate. Aged just 12 and struggling with a crippling speech impediment, John, the first boy in a family of seven children, turned to drugs. "My father Eddie was a successful businessman, and our family was comfortably off," recalls John. "But I was a terribly shy boy with this awful stutter and one day I made a very stupid choice. I experimented with drugs. I didn't intend to get addicted. I had no idea what the outcome would be." In the early years of his experimentation and addiction, John used alcohol, cannabis, barbiturates and opiates. "It was a very bad time and there were quite a lot of us involved, even back then," recalls John. "Through my teens and early 20s I knew about 30 people in my own small area involved in drugs. Only seven of us are still alive. The rest are gone through drink, drugs, suicide and even AIDs." John's addiction spiralled and by his early 20s he had been through more traumas than most people could handle in a lifetime. He had been both physically and sexually abused while under the influence of drugs - and when his childhood friend died after a night out in Dublin, he fled to England. "Lots of things had happened, and I'd already been to far too many funerals for a man that age," said John. "My best friend George died one night after we'd been to see Thin Lizzy. He fell into the Liffey, and I couldn't handle it so I ran away to London. Like every young Irish man at the time I thought the streets there would be paved with gold." But from the moment he arrived things got even worse for John. "Of course it didn't fix things," he said. "The first person I met when I got off the train was myself, there with all my problems and pain and insecurities. I ended up getting into heroin. Piccadilly tube station, subway four is where the drug dealing went on so there I was. I wasn't just taking drugs but I was dealing too, just enough to survive. Things got worse and I was so sick living on the streets I was barely well enough to beg." Among the most awful episodes in John's history were the 10 times he was sent to psychiatric institutions in both Dublin and London, and the 20 times he overdosed. "I never tried intentionally to commit suicide," he said. "The overdoses were accidental, but extreme nonetheless. I was in comas three or four times too, and in a very bad way." Inevitably the impact of his addiction was hugely challenging for his family. For the seven or eight years he spent in London, they shared very little contact. And when his father passed away in 1983, he was excluded from the funeral. "They tracked me down to a doss house in North West London," recalls John. "I was told my father had died aged 63, but that I was barred because of the state I was in. I was chronically addicted to drugs and alcohol and they didn't want me there. That was my absolute rock bottom. And on the day he was buried, I was down an alleyway in London, drinking with an old tramp. That day, at rock bottom, I knew I had to change." But as he headed for 30, the road ahead wasn't an easy one. It took at least another year before he left London behind and moved back to Dublin. "My mother Alice took me back in, probably against the advice of a lot of people," says John. "At the time I was taking 150 valium a day. It sounds horrendous, but there are people out there today taking that number of these tablets. And coming off valium in my opinion was even worse than heroin, with terrifying withdrawals, convulsions and fits. You feel like you're going mad. "At that stage, my mother was broken with me. One day she sat in the hospital with me and listened as my stomach was pumped. She broke down and said she couldn't watch any more as I went through all this, and she prayed that God would take me home." But finally, aged 36, life took a major turn for John. "I'd already joined Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in Dublin," he says. "And through the 12 Steps programme I met some people who recommended I go to a rehab facility in Wales. "I spent a year there, I became a Christian and I gave up alcohol, drugs and even cigarettes. "Giving up everything you've relied on for such a long time is very frightening. The prospect is that you are going to become someone you have never been before, which of course is terrifying. But it's been a wonderful experience and I have never looked back. If I could do it, then anyone can." In the long years since his recovery, John has become husband to Donegal native Tricia, a stepfather to four children and grandchildren, and devoted his life to helping other people with addiction problems. His aim by burying himself alive this week is to raise awareness for the needs of people in despair. "I hear very often from people who are desperate, suicidal and have devastating addictions," he says. "Through my time in the coffin I plan to speak to them from the grave before they get there, to show them there is hope. "I have worked with millionaires and millionaires' children. I've worked with homeless people doing everything they can to get drugs, and what that shows me is that addiction can hit anyone and can be equally devastating for whoever it touches. But there is hope, and if you can get control of it, then you can have a proper, fulfilling life." John first performed his coffin stunt in July last year in Halifax, Yorks, where he now lives, but thinks Belfast is an ideal place to do it again. "There are people here in a lot of need," says John. "And coming to Belfast means we can reach people in Northern Ireland, the Republic, as well as the rest of the UK. "Last time we believe we reached 18 million people and that's so important in getting the message out there that there is always hope to be had, no matter how difficult things can seem at a moment in time." And while being buried alive sounds like a pretty daunting prospect, his 'coffin' is high-tech and cosy enough to make sure he doesn't struggle too much between now and 2pm tomorrow. Complete with fibre optic broadband, a phone and a laptop and plenty of wriggle room to roll over and even sit up, John should be comfortable enough. It's even been fitted with a mattress and he's got his woolly socks and a hot water bottle in there too. John will be taking calls, emails, Skype and texts from the people of east Belfast and throughout the world as his three-day 'burial' is streamed live through the coffin. There are two nine-inch tubes feeding from above ground to John's coffin, one to pass in food and toiletries. And the other tube, in case anyone is wondering, is to pass any less pleasant materials back out. "That's all I'd like to say about that," laughs John. "But needless to say, reaching as many people as I can in Belfast and giving them a bit of hope about their futures will make a bit of discomfort more than worth it." Follow the live stream on social media: #GraveChat and find more information at www.walkingfree.org It follows the seizure of cannabis with an estimated street value of 200,000 by Spanish authorities working with the PSNI and National Crime Agency (NCA). A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to import and supply cannabis. Officers from the PSNI Reactive and Organised Crime Branch made the arrest on Thursday in the Donegall Road area of Belfast. The arrest follows the seizure of cannabis with an estimated street value of 200,000 by Spanish authorities working with the PSNI and National Crime Agency (NCA). Detective Andy Dunlop said: "I would appeal to anyone involved in the supply of cannabis to consider the consequences. Anyone involved in trafficking any type of controlled drug can expect to face a lengthy period in prison upon conviction." An Garda Siochana officers arrested McLaughlin as part of a joint intelligence-led operation with the PSNI. An on-the-run suspect in the murder of Northern Irish prison officer David Black has been detained by police. Damien Joseph McLaughlin, 40, from Co Tyrone, fled while on bail in November. However, detectives from An Garda Siochana have arrested McLaughlin under a European Arrest Warrant as part of a joint intelligence-led operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, said: "Since his disappearance police have carried out extensive enquiries regarding Mr McLaughlin's whereabouts. "Throughout this time the PSNI has been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and (the) arrest demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police forces and other national partner agencies." Mr Murray added: "As part of the operation a 59-year-old man was also arrested in Donegal and a 47-year-old woman was arrested in Belfast. "Damien McLaughlin is scheduled to appear at Dublin's Central Criminal Court tomorrow. The 59-year-old man has been taken to Letterkenny police station for questioning and a 47-year-old woman has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning." Mr Black, 52, was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 on his way to work at Maghaberry Prison in November 2012. McLaughlin was due to stand trial in February on charges that include aiding and abetting murder, but fled while on bail. Senior detectives have contacted the Black family to update them on McLaughlin's arrest. In January police apologised to the Black family after it emerged they had not realised he was missing for several weeks. At the time Mr Black's family said they felt betrayed by the justice system. McLaughlin, who had served a period in custody on remand before being bailed had initially been fitted with an electronic tag while on bail but he was later permitted to remove it. The Police Ombudsman has begun an investigation to establish whether there were any failings in police conduct or in policing systems in the management of McLaughlin's bail conditions. A number of dairy farmers in Northern Ireland have received 'exit' letters from their banks asking them to pay back their loans and leave the bank. Stock image A number of dairy farmers in Northern Ireland have received 'exit' letters from their banks asking them to pay back their loans and leave the bank. As the future of EU farm subsidies - which accounts for around 260m in Northern Ireland - is in doubt, banks are asking farmers to take a forensic look at their businesses to see if they could survive if the subsidies were removed. Farmers are being told to take action to cut costs and think carefully about any major capital expenditure such as buying machinery or land unless the business cashflow can support it. However, there is a growing concern among banks that some farmers are not aware of exactly how their farm businesses are performing and have no idea of their financial status. Some of these farms have been on the radar of local banks for some time but now, ahead of any Brexit clarification, the banks are calling time on those farmers' loans, asking them to pay them off in full and leave the bank. If the farmers cannot pay back the loans, the worst case scenario is that they will lose their farms. Danske Bank is one of the locally based banks that has issued some of these letters to farmers, but insists that this is standard with any bank no matter what the business is, if it is not performing or has to safeguard plans for the future. Robert McCullough is the head of agribusiness at Danske Bank in Northern Ireland and said "a small number" of farmers would have received the letters. He also said farmers should be realistic in accepting how they are currently performing. "Some struggle at different levels to others and for a variety of reasons, which may not all be debt related," he said. "In relation to debt, I would suggest that there are a relatively small number of farmers across the dairy industry who will find recovery from the crisis challenging and without radical change will not be in a place to take their enterprise through the next downturn." When referring to farmers receiving exit letters the banker said: "Reality is that this is just business as usual with any bank. "On the back of that there are a very small number who are not prepared to adjust their businesses to help future-proof them and hence will have received letters. The vast majority of farmers have commenced repayment plans at a level that should tie in with their cashflow. "Primarily we supported farmers through our dairy support loans but in some cases where capital holidays were required on loans, these have all been reinstated back to capital and interest." With milk prices having recently increased, dairy farmers are starting to increase their cashflow. "I believe the long term outlook for the dairy sector is good provided we can sort out market access and cross border issues post-Brexit," the banker added. craigslist: thailand jobs, apartments, for sale, services, community, and events craigslist provides local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, services, local community, and events Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill with her son Ryan and daughter Saoirse outside of St Patrick's Primary School in Clonoe The polls have closed in Northern Ireland's snap Assembly election. The 228 candidates vying for the 90 seats in Stormont's slimmed-down devolved legislature now face a nervous night before counting begins on Friday morning. The Assembly poll was the second in 10 months. The last powersharing coalition executive led by the two largest parties at Stormont - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January, only eight months after last May's election. If the former partners in government are again returned as the main players, they will have three weeks to resolve their multiple differences and form a new administration. The re-imposition of direct rule from London is on the cards if the post-election talks fail. The first seats are due to be declared on Friday afternoon, with some counts expected to extend into Saturday. While the official turnout will not be known until the counting process gets under way, there were anecdotal reports that many polling stations were busier than last year. The region's political leaders cast their ballots through Thursday morning. DUP leader Arlene Foster voted in Brookeborough in the heart of her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency. Forty miles away, Sinn Fein's northern leader Michelle O'Neill filled out her ballot paper in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone. The Ulster Unionists and nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which have presented themselves as an alternative cross-community partnership, are bidding to wrest control away from the fractious former allies. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt voted in east Belfast and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood cast his ballot in Londonderry. Leader of the cross-community Alliance Party, Naomi Long, also voted in east Belfast. The DUP and Sinn Fein have fallen out over the unionist party's handling of a botched green energy scheme and a host of other issues. Former DUP first minister Peter Robinson has warned politicians to step back and avert a headlong rush towards the destruction of devolved government. If the three-week post-election deadline passes, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is legally obliged to call yet another election. But, in those circumstances, the Government may well move to pass emergency legislation to suspend devolution for the first time in 10 years. While the Assembly election will not change how Theresa May's Government treats talks to leave the European Union, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a key Brexit issue. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number returned falling from 108 to 90 as a consequence of the implementation of previously agreed reform measures. Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation into offensive messages posted on Facebook. It is believed the investigation centres on a Belfast buy and sell page on Facebook on which the offending messages along with pictures were posted about people, their families and their children. Officers are warning people they could face criminal charges over the messages posted on the social network. Inspector Roy Burnside said: Police in Belfast are aware of a number of offensive posts that have appeared on a social media page, the contents of which are currently being examined by police. I would like to remind everyone that uses social media to be mindful of the content of any material they post online. Be responsible, otherwise you may leave yourself open to criminal charges. When posting comments on social media or elsewhere on the internet there are a number of laws to be mindful of including libel, contempt, harassment as well as discrimination and public order legislation. Social media users are personally responsible for the content they post and there can be both criminal and civil law implications to posting comments online. Where a report is made to police of possible criminal offences officers will always investigate and where evidence exists prosecutions will be sought. Anyone who has any concerns is asked to contact Police on the 101 number. Pressures: Education Minister Peter Weir said the sector needs up to 240m over the next three years School leaders from across the UK are meeting in Belfast just days after 15 Co Down primary principals signed a letter warning of a funding crisis. The national executive of the National Association of Head Teachers are set to discuss a range of issues facing the profession, but in particular funding. Paul McClenaghan, president of NAHT Northern Ireland, said schools are "being pushed beyond breaking point". "School leaders from across Northern Ireland, England and Wales will meet to discuss the huge challenges school leaders face, and the ways in which we can lead and shape the profession," he said. "Funding is a huge challenge, with schools being pushed beyond breaking point. Only this week we have seen warnings from head teachers in Co Down that they are facing financial disaster. On Thursday, voters in Northern Ireland will elect the new administration. Whatever form that takes, and whoever holds the education portfolio, the challenges of school funding should be a priority." The national executive committee of NAHT will be meeting in Belfast until tomorrow. Earlier this week the Belfast Telegraph reported that a group of 15 school principals came together to sign a letter warning of a funding crisis. The letter, dated February 26, is signed by leaders of schools in the greater Newtownards and Comber area. It warns that they all, along with schools across Northern Ireland, face financial difficulties. "In the past five years the money given to schools per child has only risen by 0.9% whilst costs in the same time have risen by approximately 14.5%. This clearly shows that each school is going to have to make savings in order to balance the book," the letter reads. "In short, should school budgets not improve, there will be fewer teachers and fewer resources for these teachers to use." Representatives of the boards of governors at two of these schools have distanced themselves from the letter. Ulster Unionist Strangford election candidate Philip Smith welcomed the principals speaking out. "Head teachers are the foundation of the education system and no one knows more about how a school budget is managed than head teachers themselves. "It is always extremely troubling to hear that schools are being asked to look at teaching numbers to balance their books, but unfortunately this is nothing new. "The Education Authority has been actively advising schools to look at teaching numbers and hours for some time now. Ultimately, those who will suffer are children in the classroom and the teachers who have to shoulder the extra burden," he said. Education Minister Mr Weir said that, while he did not accept everything in the letter, schools were facing "very major pressures". "Within education we need somewhere in the region of about 200m to 240m cumulatively over the next three years in terms of resource budget into schools," he said. After suffering a brutal attack 11 years ago that left her with permanent double vision, Dublin woman Suzanne Devitt has struggled ever since to rebuild her life. Last July, she moved to Lurgan for a new start after enrolling in a college course. To afford the move she lived in a tent for five weeks, but days before starting, she was devastated to be told a computer qualification she attained in the south did not make her eligible. "There have been days when I just wanted to sit here and cry," she said. Despite her difficulties, Suzanne (49) has now found a new purpose after setting up online support groups for visually impaired people across Northern Ireland. The aim is to tackle the social isolation those with visual impairment like Suzanne can experience, and informing members of local events such as walking trips. She initially set up a Facebook page for Armagh and was soon asked by the RNIB charity to create groups for all six counties in Northern Ireland. Members make use of voiceover software to hear the updates. Suzanne is now hoping to start evening classes to work towards her goal of becoming a disability assistance officer for college students. She recounted how the horrific attack in Roscommon 11 years ago changed her life. "I was out on New Year's Eve and this girl on drink and drugs stood on my face, and jumped on it with her six-inch stiletto heel," she said. "It tore through my left eye, leaving me with double vision and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I lost about five years of my life after that. I got really depressed and I didn't want to cope." Suzanne's injuries still cause her to see double, making everyday obstacles like steps hard to navigate. To help, her 21-year-old son Stephen moved to Lurgan this week and sold his Playstation to pay for his mum's internet costs to allow her to continue the support pages. "If I can reach one person and help them I'm happy," she said. "If I can get over the problems with my sight that happened 11 years ago, if I can get back out and retrain and attain my goals, so can you." The support pages can be found on Facebook by searching the county name followed by 'visually impaired persons' - for example, 'Armagh visually impaired persons.' Family members of Jill Elder (43) carry her coffin from her Kilrea on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral of a "wonderful" Coleraine woman who was killed in a freak tragedy last week has taken place. Jill Elder from Kilrea, Co Londonderry, died at Railway Place car park last Friday night. It is understood that the 43-year-old came out of the town's train station and fell over as she walked in the car park. A vehicle ran over her as she lay unconscious. Emergency services cordoned off the scene as attempts were made to rescue Ms Elder, who had become trapped underneath the car. Police confirmed her death on Saturday morning. Mourners gathered at her home yesterday for the funeral service followed by burial in Kilrea cemetery. Ms Elder, who was not married and had no children, was thought to have only recently returned to the area following a period of living and working in London. It is understood a number of her friends in London gathered earlier this week in the north of the city to remember Ms Elder. Many of her friends took to social media to pay tribute saying that she would be missed by all. One friend posted on Facebook: "(Jill was) a wonderful woman who was so full of life and love for all." She is survived by her mother, Sylvia, partner Trevor, brother Shane, sister-in-law Fiona and nieces Emma and Sarah. PSNI Inspector Colin Reeves appealed for anyone who was in the car park around the time and who witnessed the incident to contact police to help them with their enquiries. Launching a new online social media platform is never an easy task, and getting it to stick is another matter, but when you base it around Northern Ireland politics and at a time when we could be faced with a prolonged period of suspension it makes it all the more difficult. And that's just what entrepreneur Callum Curry has done. The 25-year-old Lisburn man has created SUSSD. A new social media platform aimed at getting more people engaged in local politics. It allows people to have their say on issues scheduled for debate in the Assembly and to vote on them before the elected members do. "This will revolutionise polling, we think, as well as help with transparency and accountability of the political system, " said Callum. "It will give a comparison as to how some of the public feel about an issue and how politicians vote on it. On the flip side it will also give politicians and parties an idea of where public opinion is at." Callum has been developing the app for the past two years and since its soft launch in December has attracted over 1,000 users. "It has been testing and developing well. We pull information from Stormont on what is happening and make it accessible - basically take all the jargon out - and then let the people decide. "On the data we collect we will be able to say, for example, this 18-year-old living in this area feels this way. "It is fair to say results may not be representative in the early stages but once exposure increases and our user numbers go up it will get better. "And we thought 'SUSSD' as we are trying to help people make sense of politics." After dropping out of university, Callum worked in promotions before going on his own to start up the app. He is a member of Global Shapers, an initiative of the World Economic Forum which brings together young people who are helping to contribute to their communities and a business mentor for Young Enterprise. His app idea emerged through the Facebook group he established, Moving Forward in Northern Ireland. He admits he had little interest in either tech or politics before taking the plunge on working on the app full time. "But it was something that I felt was needed and after working solely on it I have a real passion for politics now, it is something I am focused on. There is a social network for your social life, for business but why not one for civic life? It is something that is needed. "You see today people on Facebook and Twitter saying they are out voting, but maybe never mention politics any other time so they do have an interest. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Callum Curry SUSSD hopes to engage young people in politics. SUSSD hopes to engage young people in politics. SUSSD hopes to engage young people in politics. SUSSD hopes to engage young people in politics. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Callum Curry "There is a real problem - not just in Northern Ireland but across the world - in getting young people engaged in politics and that's what we hope this app will do. "It uses Facebook and Twitter to share results and opinions so it is not just standalone so results could go viral." With many predicting the suspension of the devolved institutions at Stormont for a period after Thursday's vote, it remains to be seen how the app will fair. But for Callum he is using the time to concentrate on growing its reach with local council areas. "Everything happens for a reason," he added. The app is available only on Apple IOS at the moment, with an Android version in the pipeline expected in the coming weeks Boris Johnson is playing into Vladimir Putin's hands by accusing him of war crimes in Syria without producing proof, the committee warned Failing to engage with Russia is not an option and the Government must start to hold regular top level talks with the Kremlin, an influential committee has said. The Foreign Office (FCO) does not appear to know what it wants from relations with Moscow and must plough extra resources into dealing with the federation, according to MPs. Boris Johnson is playing into Vladimir Putin's hands by accusing the Russian of war crimes in Syria without producing proof, the Foreign Affairs committee warned. The Foreign Secretary risked bolstering Kremlin claims that it was being held to hypocritical standards by the West if he continued to repeat the allegations, it said. Britain was "not Russia's enemy" and the Government must engage with "frankness and honesty" while sticking to its values, the committee said. Chairman Crispin Blunt said: "Given Russia's size and history, the relationship between our two countries matters. But it is fraught. "Refusal to engage with Russia is not a viable, long-term policy option." Relations with Moscow are at their most strained since the end of the Cold War following a series of crises since the murder of British citizen Alexander Litvinenko by polonium poisoning. The war with Georgia, annexation of Crimea, controversial intervention in Syria civil war, cyber attacks and attempts to subvert Western elections fuelled tensions. Policy makers had failed to take account of Moscow's view of its place in the world following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the report found. Moscow was "prepared to be disruptive in foreign affairs and reject international rules" but it was "worth exploring" the shared interests, such as defeating Islamic State. International sanctions may prove difficult to maintain in the face of Brexit and Donald Trump's Russia-friendly US administration, the report warned. It called for the Government to set out how the UK would impose restrictions once it had severed ties with Brussels , which is currently responsible for carrying them out on behalf of EU nations. The Government should introduce powers to seize the assets of Russians living in Britain who were associated with Putin who were responsible for human rights abuses, MPs said. They also raised concerns about the rise of fake news and called on regulators to continue to take actions against Russian broadcasters in the UK for false reports. Mr Blunt said: " Russia exploits opportunities where it perceives the West has not lived up to its own ideals or standards. "The UK must continue to challenge Russia on actions that violate international humanitarian law in Syria or elsewhere, not least its illegal annexation of Crimea. "The UK is not Russia's enemy. "In the long-term, Russia's focus on its western borders may be misplaced. "In reality, the China-Russia relationship may be the critical international relationship to watch in the next 50 years. "The FCO's Russia expertise has disintegrated since the end of the Cold War. This must be reversed. "The committee recommends increased FCO resources to enhance the UK's analytical and policy making capacity, and the appointment of an FCO minister with more specific responsibility for Russia. "We encourage the FCO to develop a long-term, people-to-people strategy to build bridges with the next generation of Russian political and economic leaders." The Foreign Office said that while the UK had "significant differences" with Russia, not least over Ukraine and Syria, they did engage with Moscow when it was in British interests to do so. "Our objectives are clear. We protect UK and our allies' interests, uphold the rules-based international order and global security, promote our values, including human rights, and build stronger links between the British and Russian people," a spokeswoman said. "We have increased resources on Russia across government, both in London and overseas, to deliver this policy." A groom has admitted to the "terrifying, violent and prolonged" rape of a stranger hours before he was due to marry his pregnant partner. Predatory Derry McCann, 28, launched his horrific, two-hour assault as his victim was "within sight" of her front door in an east London park on January 13. He played "mind games" after dragging the woman into the undergrowth - taunting her by asking what she thought he would do next, Snaresbrook Crown Court was told. In a further depraved effort to humiliate his victim, he took photos of her following the attack, warning she was lucky that he did not video the ordeal, police said. Hours later, he tied the knot with his girlfriend, prosecutors said. His conviction comes a decade after a teenage McCann was jailed for carrying out a similar prolonged rape. He was handed a life sentence in 2006 for the violent act, which was also committed in a London park, it is understood The defendant, of Hackney, east London, fixed his eyes on the ground as he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of robbery. Honorary Recorder Martyn Zeidman told the rapist he had carried out a "terrible" crime and faced a "very, very long time" in prison. Kate Bex, prosecuting, told the court the defendant was "recently released" from jail, adding: "The oldest conviction on Mr McCann's record might also be of some relevance." McCann's "unusual" behaviour saw him also snatch the woman's mobile phone and bra, the court heard. Detectives believe he had been stalking another woman in the area before targeting his eventual victim. Ms Bex said: "It was about midnight, just a little after, and the victim was walking a short distance home having been out to an art gallery, socialising with friends "She was almost within sight of her own front door when she skirted round the side of the park on her usual route home. "She avoided walking through the middle of it because that was too dangerous, she walked around the side, but unfortunately when near the exit of the park the defendant grabbed her arm and pulled her to one side." Police said the panicked woman tried to reason with her attacker - but was punched in the face and threatened with further violence. "He began a sustained and systematic attack, penetration of each orifice accompanied by unusual conversation with the victim, best described as mind games in an attempt to control her," Ms Bex said. "Asking the victim what she thought he was going to do to her before actually carrying out the acts. "He behaved oddly in other respects in interacting with the victim concerning the condom he used when he penetrated and ejaculated." The sex offender was arrested by police on January 18 and charged the following day. The recorder told him: "You have done the most terrible things and you will be going to prison, as you understand, for a very, very long time." McCann will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 28. Crown Prosecution Service London reviewing lawyer Andrew Held said: "This was a terrifying, violent and prolonged attack involving rapes committed by a man intent on inflicting fear and psychological suffering. "The strong prosecution case which led to today's guilty pleas included victim testimony, an ID parade, CCTV footage, and bad character evidence based on a similar rape committed by McCann in 2006. "I would like to thank McCann's victim for her courage in helping bring this prosecution and hope his conviction provides some sense of justice for her." Riot police were on the streets in Tottenham as trouble flared after Mark Duggan was shot dead by police The family of Mark Duggan, whose fatal shooting by a police marksman sparked nationwide riots, have urged leading judges to overturn an inquest jury's conclusion that he was lawfully killed. But their QC told three Court of Appeal judges in London that they "do not seek a fresh inquest". Hugh Southey, representing Mr Duggan's mother Pamela - who is in court, explained: "The reason for that is that the inquest process was a traumatic process and not something the family would wish to have repeated." What was sought was an order quashing the 2014 verdict. Mr Southey argued that the coroner gave the jury an "unlawful direction". He told the court: "No verdict is better than one based on an unlawful direction." The QC said the family's case is that the verdict on Mr Duggan's August 2011 death was not "safe". Mr Southey added:"We submit that if it is unsafe, it is very important that that is recorded." Mrs Duggan is challenging a decision by three High Court judges in October 2014 that the inquest jury was legally entitled to bring in its 8-2 majority verdict. The jury decided in January 2014 that the 29-year-old was lawfully killed by a police marksman in Tottenham, north London. Armed officers intercepted the minicab Mr Duggan was travelling in on the basis of intelligence that he was part of a gang and had collected a gun. He was shot twice by an officer known as V53. One of the hits was fatal. The jury concluded Mr Duggan, who jumped from the taxi, had dropped the firearm on to grass as soon as the minicab came to a stop - but the officer ''honestly believed'' Mr Duggan still had a gun at the time he was shot. Mr Southey argued before Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton, Lord Justice Davis and Lord Justice Underhill on Thursday that coroner Judge Keith Cutler and the High Court "fell into error". Mr Southey said the coroner "directed the jury that the lawfulness of the lethal force, and the question of whether V53 was acting in self-defence, should be judged solely by reference to V53's honest belief as to the threat posed". He added: "They were not told that, in deciding whether the belief was honestly held, they should consider whether or not that belief was based on reasonable grounds." Submitting that the direction was unlawful, the QC said the coroner "failed to direct the jury to consider whether V53's belief was reasonable". John Blight, 57, and Nigel Ingram 56, are accused of failing to declare artefacts taken from HMS Hermes to the Receiver of Wreck, the court heard John Blight leaves Margate Magistrates Court in Kent after appearing charged with theft of items from sunken a Royal Navy warship. Nigel Ingram leaves Margate Magistrates Court in Kent who along with John Blight face charges in connection with the alleged removal of items from a wrecked Royal Navy warship in the English Channel. Two men will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges in connection with the alleged removal of items from a wrecked Royal Navy warship in the English Channel. John Blight, 57, and Nigel Ingram 56, are accused of failing to declare artefacts taken from HMS Hermes to the Receiver of Wreck. Built in the late 19th century, Hermes was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Dover Strait in October 1914, with the loss of 22 lives. It was a protected cruiser and was converted into an aircraft ferry and depot ship ready for the outbreak of the First World War. At Margate Magistrates' Court, Blight, of Old River Way in Winchelsea, near Rye, East Sussex, pleaded not guilty to three counts of dishonestly failing to disclose items of wreck to the Receiver of Wreck with intent to make a gain. Ingram, of London Road, Teynham, Kent, has been charged with the same three counts, plus two other charges including being in possession of alleged criminal property. He also pleaded not guilty to all charges. Magistrates granted the pair conditional bail and they will next appear at a pre-trial hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on March 31. In a speech in Glasgow, Theresa May will tell Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP that 'politics is not a game' Theresa May is to make clear that keeping Scotland in the United Kingdom is a "personal priority". With the union between Scotland and England under pressure in the wake of the Brexit vote, the Prime Minister will use a visit north of the border to highlight her commitment to "strengthening and sustaining the bonds that unite us". She will tell Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP that "p olitics is not a game", and accuse the Scottish Government of having neglected schools because of its "obsession" with independence. The Prime Minister will address the Scottish Conservative conference in Glasgow on Friday as speculation continues that Ms Sturgeon could be about to demand the right to hold a second independence referendum. The First Minister has said she believes she has a "cast iron mandate" to hold a second such ballot after Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU last year, while the rest of the UK voted to leave. Mrs May will tell the conference: "My first visit as Prime Minister was here to Scotland. I wanted to make clear that strengthening and sustaining the bonds that unite us is a personal priority for me. " I am confident about the future of our United Kingdom and optimistic about what we can achieve together as a country." Attacking the SNP on public services, she will say Scotland's schools are "outperformed in every category" by those in England, Northern Ireland, Estonia and Poland. " As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I am just as concerned that young people in Dundee get a good start in life and receive the education they need to reach their full potential as I am about young people in Doncaster and Dartford," she will say. "People in Scotland deserve a First Minister who is focused on their priorities - raising standards in education, taking care of the health service, reforming criminal justice, helping the economy prosper, improving people's lives." The Tories overtook Labour to become the second largest party at Holyrood in the 2016 Scottish election, and since then Scottish party leader Ruth Davidson and her "formidable" team have " exposed the SNP's mismanagement of Scotland's schools," Mrs May will say. "The SNP's neglect and mismanagement of Scottish education has been a scandal," she will add. Ms Sturgeon, however, has insisted the Scottish Government's approach since the European referendum has been " to offer compromise and to seek consensus at every turn". She said: " Where we have spoken the language of consensus and co-operation, theirs has been the language of Westminster diktat. "Where we have been prepared to offer a solution short of our ideal outcome, they have refused to seriously engage. "And where we have offered compromise, we have been met by a brick wall of Tory intransigence." The paper the Scottish Government produced outlining options for keeping Scotland in the single market " is a genuine attempt at finding a compromise solution", the SNP leader insisted. " Given that this falls well short of what Scotland actually voted for... these proposals represent significant movement and a substantial concession on our part. "In response, the UK Government has not only shown no similar willingness to compromise but has in fact hardened its position." Samuel Armstrong, 23, the chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, has been charged with two counts of rape following an alleged incident in the Houses of Parliament Police have charged a Conservative MP's aide with two counts of rape following an alleged incident in the Houses of Parliament. Samuel Armstrong, 23, from Danbury in Essex, was also charged with sexual assault in relation to the alleged attack in October last year. Armstrong is chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, but has been suspended from his duties since the allegations came to light. He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 31, Scotland Yard said. There was no immediate response from Mr Mackinlay. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command investigating an allegation of rape have charged a man. "Samuel Armstrong, 23, of Copt Hill, Danbury, was charged on Thursday, March 2 with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. "He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 31." Crew members noticed Yinglei Li was missing when they did a head count at the end of the the MSC Magnifica Photo: Bracodbk The mother of a woman missing from a luxury cruise ship said she discovered the bad news from a friend who could read English. Yinglei Li's mother said her friend read an article in English on the internet and informed her that her daughter was missing, her son-in-law had been arrested and her two grandchildren were in care in Italy. Dublin-based IT consultant Daniel Belling (45) is now in prison on suspicion of murdering his wife during the Mediterranean cruise. He said he believes she is still alive and is either in Dublin or her native China. He said he last saw Li Yinglei when their ship docked on the Greek island of Katakolon. When he returned to the vessel after an outing with his sons, she had gone, along with her suitcase and her mobile phone, he claimed. Mr Belling's lawyer, Luigi Conti, told the Sunday Independent yesterday that his client did not kill his wife. He said Ms Yinglei was a missing person and the international police agency Interpol was obliged to search for her. Efforts are now being made to repatriate the two children who are currently in the care of Italian social services. "Neither her husband Daniel or the investigators told me that my daughter was missing from the ship... " she said. "I was told by someone who speaks English and read an article on the internet." She said she last spoke to her daughter on February 7, before they embarked on the cruise holiday. "I don't know what to say. I hope we can shine a light on this," she added. Mr Belling, who is originally from Germany, made international headlines last Thursday when he was arrested at an Italian airport as he was about to board a plane home to Ireland after his wife vanished from the luxury cruise. The couple, who live in Clare Hall in Dublin, had set off on an 11-day cruise with their two children aboard the MSC Magnifica. The ship set sail from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on February 9 and continued on to Genoa, Malta, Greece and Cyprus. Crew members noticed Ms Yinglei was missing when they did a head count at the end of the cruise. They alerted police, who arrested Mr Belling at Ciampino Airport in Rome as he was about to board a Ryanair flight with his children. Ms Yinglei was registered on the Magnifica's passenger record on February 10, following a stop-over at Genoa, the day after the ship set sail. A souvenir shop owner later told reporters that she remembered the couple and their two children in her store that morning, when Mr Belling was "agitated" and "yelled" at his wife over her shoes. "He said: 'Put these on instead of your sandals and shut up'," she said, adding that he handed his wife a pair of gym shoes. However, according to local reports, Mr Belling told a magistrate during a prison court hearing last Friday that the family remained together until the ship reached Katakolon. Mr Belling reportedly told the judge that they had quarrelled the night before and she wanted to "quit the trip". According reports in local Italian press, he claimed his wife left while he was on an outing with the boys. "I thought she was returning to Dublin. She was acting weird lately," he reportedly told the judge. Mr Belling did not report his wife's disappearance to the ship's staff. However, his lawyer, Mr Conti, told the Sunday Independent that after she left, Mr Belling informed the cleaning personnel that three people were now staying in the room, not four. "This comportment [is] not the comportment of a killer," he said. Mr Belling and Ms Yinglei, who also goes by the name Angie Li, have lived in the apartment block near the Clare Hall shopping centre for several years. Mr Belling worked as an IT consultant to firms such as Apple while Ms Yinglei set up her own wedding planning business targeted at the Chinese community in the city. Their two young sons were born in Ireland. The Iraqis came to Austria as migrants between May and December 2015 Eight Iraqis have been found guilty of gang-raping a German tourist in Austria on New Year's Eve more than a year ago. The eight have been sentenced to prison terms of between nine and 13 years, while c harges against a ninth suspect were dismissed, said a court statement. The victim, a 28-year-old woman, was awarded 25,000 euro (21,000) in damages. Both sides are appealing against the decision, the statement said. The Iraqis, aged between 22 and 48, came to Austria as migrants between May and December 2015. Five were subsequently given refugee status. The prosecution said that the eight exploited the fact that the victim had been drinking heavily on New Year's Eve 2015 and was unable to defend herself. The court heard evidence that four of the men took her to a Vienna apartment, where they were joined by the others, and that all took turns raping her. When she regained control, she found herself naked in a bed. Prosecutor Karina Fehringer said the victim continues to suffer post-traumatic effects from the assault that required psychiatric treatment. All but one of the defendants denied raping the woman, while some acknowledged having what they described as voluntary sex with her. But Ms Fehringer suggested that was impossible, describing the victim as being defenceless in an "unconscious, shock-rigid" state. Charges were dismissed against a 48-year-old, who said he had been asleep during the assaults. Rape is punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term in Austria. Explaining the verdict and sentencing, Judge Petra Poschalko said that only two of the defendants had helped the court establish the facts and only one had confessed. Ms Fehringer had dismissed defence claims that the victim could have sent "false signals" that could have encouraged the men. Noting that the woman had been heavily intoxicated, Ms Fehringer was quoted by the Austria Press Agency as asking: "Should we stick warnings on bottles: 'excess consumption could be interpreted as agreement to have sex?'" Defence lawyer Andreas Reichenbach observed that the crime was committed at around the same time as the high-profile sexual assaults in Cologne by groups of migrants and suggested the tough sentences might be an "additional message" that such actions will not be tolerated. AP George Orwell, the distinguished political essayist, famously declared: "A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims... but accomplices." This is a proposition, an accusation - even a challenge - that ought to be deeply pondered by every single person in Northern Ireland entitled to vote today. What they must ask themselves is this: do you trust the integrity of any - if not all - of the political parties, or candidates, presenting themselves for election to deliver for the good of the entire community? In making that decision, voters should consider how the outgoing parties and MLAs performed in office, how credible their policies and viable their promises were to deliver competent, lawful and efficient governance without fear, or bias, and with supreme respect for the prudent spending of taxpayers' hard-earned money. More importantly, these criteria need to be considered by almost half of the electorate who consistently decline to vote. Despite the fact that politics directly and indirectly dominates so much of our culture, daily discourse and attitudes, the statistical evidence shows that voter turnout is actually in freefall. Ever since the 1998 Assembly elections, turnout has steadily declined. Some 1,210,009 individuals were registered to vote in the 2011 Assembly election (an increase of 9.2% compared to the 2007 Assembly election), but actual turnout was just 55.7%. At the most recent Assembly election in May 2016, meanwhile, 703,744 people voted - a turnout of 54.91%. National turnout for the EU referendum last year was 72.2%, but in Northern Ireland under 63% bothered to vote despite the vast implications of Brexit for our economy and future prosperity. The common thread running through these statistics is that those who consistently vote generally do so on tribal Orange or Green lines. Other bread and butter issues do not compromise their fundamental and conflicting perceptions of the border and the mutual contempt that characterises the political and sectarian divide, which flourishes in spite of concerted public policies to dissolve it. Children are separately educated and hundreds of millions of pounds are expended reinforcing community segregation. It seems that, almost two decades later, long-standing prejudices still do not reflect the assiduously nuanced safeguards of the Belfast Agreement, which redefined the constitutional status of Northern Ireland more fundamentally than at any time since the partition settlement of the early 1920s. It is thus clear from the turnout figures that a substantial block of citizens either feel secure under this umbrella, are disconnected from the political and democratic process, or are clearly apathetic. More may even be disillusioned by the feeling that their vote makes no difference and the politicians will plough on regardless. They must wake up to the fact that they could not be more wrong. A vote in a democracy is a valuable and prized asset, and casting it in a free and democratic election is a right and a privilege to be exercised and cherished. History shows how there have been many struggles to gain the right to vote, not least in Britain, which enjoys a widespread reputation for its mature democracy and civilised ways. Before 1918, however, the right to vote was jealously protected by what were known as the ruling classes. Their view, as defined by Lord Palmerston in 1864, was that "every man and woman only had the right to be well-governed and under just laws". But the franchise was reformed after the First World War, with the vote, previously restricted by gender and property qualifications, being universally extended to a total of 13 million men and about eight million women, but only those married and over 30. It wasn't until 1928 that all women were granted the right to vote on the same terms as men. The privilege was hard-won, with many female campaigners being jailed and force-fed in prison. Most notably, in 1913, suffragette Emily Wilding Davison was fatally injured at the Epsom racecourse during the Derby, after she flung herself under the hooves of the King's horse, Anmer. Here in Northern Ireland, the demand for one man, one vote, at the very heart of the initially cross-community civil rights campaign that emerged in the late-1960s, was quickly granted. Beforehand, there was a restricted franchise and electoral boundaries had been gerrymandered to ensure that unionists controlled the Stormont parliament and most local councils. After direct rule by British ministers was enacted in 1972, voting by proportional representation quickly followed. This system - where voters can select candidates in order of numerical preference all the way down the list - endures to this day and has enabled more diverse political voices to win seats. But after it became clear that widespread vote-stealing had taken place during some elections, registered voters are now required to produce photographic identification in the form of a British or Irish passport, or driving licence, a Translink free travel pass, or an identity card issued by the Electoral Office. While the parties contesting this election have desperately sought to narrow the issues to the old Orange-Green scaremongering, it must not become yet another tribal headcount, supporting 'our ones' to keep 'them'uns' out. The events of recent months and the unprecedented whiff of financial cronyism, scandal and even corruption hanging over Stormont as never before, mean that the parties and the candidates must be rigorously assessed on their personal as well as their political probity. That also imposes a clear duty on all voters, especially the abstainers in previous elections, to come out and vote today. Maya Angelou, the US civil rights activist and poet, told her fellow citizens: "It is your job to vote. It is your responsibility, your right and your privilege. You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or straight, poor or rich. But remember this: in an election, every voice is equally powerful - don't underestimate your vote. Voting is the great equaliser." Orwell and Angelou's wise words were not directly aimed at people in Northern Ireland, but the impact of what they say could not be more relevant to influencing the turnout and outcome of the landmark, turning-point election we face today. It may be the election that no-one expected and few outside the political bubble wanted, but it seems to have engaged the public in a way that has often been absent in the past It may be the election that no-one expected and few outside the political bubble wanted, but it seems to have engaged the public in a way that has often been absent in the past. The BBC debate involving the leaders of the five main parties drew an audience of around 172,000 viewers, 70% higher than for the same programme a year ago. If those figures and also the higher audiences for other keynote election programmes are reflected in the turnout at the polls today, it could see a reversal of the voting patterns of the last decade which have been consistently downwards. As an article in this newspaper yesterday revealed, nationalist and unionist parties have seen a drop of 137,000 votes since 1998, despite 100,000 more people joining the electoral register. That is an alarming degree of apathy. But this election is different. There is a whiff of scandal in the air - although any culpability over RHI has yet to be determined. And in another twist, a judge has ruled that corporate recipients of the RHI scheme can be named. The resignation of Martin McGuinness after 10 years as Deputy First Minister, an action which led to this election, lent to the political drama. Now there are allegations of dirty tricks over a fake letter sent out in the name of UUP candidate Danny Kennedy, urging voters to shun the DUP, and former First Minister Peter Robinson has intervened in the political discourse. Suddenly we have an election which is interesting with several imponderables entering the equation. Will RHI damage the DUP? Will more voters go to the polling stations? Can the UUP, SDLP and Alliance make gains? Will Sinn Fein under its new Northern Ireland leader, Michelle O'Neill, be praised or blamed for collapsing the institutions? Quite why Peter Robinson decided to add his voice to the electioneering on the eve of polling is unclear, but his comments seemed quite statesmanlike compared to much of the toxic point scoring which has marked this campaign. It contained an oblique commendation of Martin McGuinness's role as Deputy First Minister, saying that had he not suffered ill health this political crisis could have been avoided, but that "belligerent elements" within Sinn Fein use the opportunity to imperil the institutions. While naturally Mr Robinson was keen to urge voters to support the DUP and keep it as the largest party, he also counselled wise heads in the inevitable negotiations which will follow today's vote. And he noted that the election was fought on the basest of terms which make those negotiations even more difficult. He is right of course. Parties - particularly Sinn Fein and the DUP - have been keen to lay down red lines which, if adhered to, would make the negotiations even more fraught, if not impossible, to reach a compromise. The peace process, started long before the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, has been a difficult one, as it must be in a society where the body politic is so sharply divided. But diverse aspirations do not hide the fact that compromise is the only way forward. The two communities here have to work together if the tortuous gains made are not to run into the sand. We have seen glimpses of how it can work, but also examples of how it can go wrong if the will to work together is not present. Today voters have an opportunity to shape how this society moves forward. The will of the people does count, but only if they exercise their electoral option. Don't waste your vote. Tomorrow, Northern Ireland voters go to the polls in an election which no one wanted and which everyone accepts throws devolution into doubt, at least in the short to medium term Tomorrow, Northern Ireland voters go to the polls in an election which no one wanted and which everyone accepts throws devolution into doubt, at least in the short to medium term. Almost 20 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, which was seen at the time as heralding a new beginning for the province, this election has followed a predictably traditional path, creating a toxic atmosphere and being fought along the lines of 'vote for us to keep them'uns out'. It is a pragmatic ploy which continues to work for the parties, but which leaves almost half of the electorate shunning the ballot box. Cynicism, apathy and disenchantment with the political process have been growing in recent years, and the size of the turnout tomorrow will be one of the key debating points when the votes are counted. The election is also being held in a somewhat false atmosphere. There is no doubt that the RHI debacle played a big part in the collapse of the Assembly at Stormont, but the inquiry into how it all went so catastrophically wrong, and who was to blame, will not be held until after the vote, denying the electorate the opportunity to give its verdict based on the facts as opposed to supposition. Perhaps one of the most depressing sights during the hustings came when a panel of politicians was confronted by university-age students in Belfast. A significant number of those students said they intended to leave the province, both for study and career opportunities. That was a damning indictment of the parties' attempts to create an inclusive society addressing real, everyday problems. Chief among those is how to deal with Brexit. To date the electorate has been told it will be either the greatest opportunity or the greatest disaster for the province, but - uniquely in the UK - there is no agreed regional stance on how to negotiate the best deal from the EU. We have repeatedly pointed out the failure of politicians to tackle the legacy of the past, with finger-pointing being substituted for policy. Business continues to be nervous about the future, and the long-awaited fillip of a cut in corporation tax will be further delayed by the political hiatus which will follow the election. Indeed, it is the political institutions themselves which are under the most direct threat, with a period of direct rule seemingly inevitable. The length of it depends on how serious the parties are about the red lines they have already drawn in the sand - hardly the most mature negotiating position. If the politicians think that the international community will come riding to their rescue, they are mistaken. Northern Ireland is a problem which the rest of the world feels is solved, and no one else really cares if it isn't. But, of course, we cannot damn all politicians for the failures of some. There are many MLAs who have worked unceasingly - and often largely unrewarded - to improve the lot of their constituents and society in general, but it is the traditional retreat to sectarian silos come election time which casts a shadow over the whole process. As ever, lurking in the shadows are the paramilitaries who, incredibly, still feel sufficiently emboldened to issue a death threat every day against someone in the province. That is why the political process, for all its failings, is important. We must protect democracy by turning out to vote tomorrow. We know only too well what the failure of politics can lead to. Both British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) are indigenous languages used by deaf people in Northern Ireland. The local deaf community have been campaigning for years for BSL/ISL legislation, similar to what has been achieved in Scotland - a BSL Act (2014). In 2001, the deaf community in Northern Ireland welcomed the stated objective in the new Programme for Government to develop a policy on sign language. It was noted at the time that significant funding had been provided for the promotion and development of both Irish language and Ulster-Scots, but not for either language of need - BSL and ISL. A Framework for Sign Language has been produced by the Department for Communities, which includes the need for BSL and ISL legislation. A consultation exercise was carried out at the end of 2016 and a response is awaited from the minister. Surely, legislation for BSL and ISL can gain the minister's and cross-party support? There is a duty to preserve and promote them both, rather than marginalise them. BRIAN SYMINGTON and JOHN CARBERRY (authors of British and Irish Sign Languages: The Long Road to Recognition) When Peter Robinson resigned as DUP leader, he did something that politicians who have been top dog in their parties usually don't do - he actually did go. Often, former leaders hang around the stage - either trying to take the limelight from their successor or shouting advice from the sidelines. Robinson did neither. He stepped into obscurity. That makes his 11th hour intervention yesterday all the more remarkable. It is perhaps a sign that the DUP is deeply worried about what the electorate will do today. Beneath all the bluster and bombast, they may not be hugely confident that they retain the trust of ordinary unionist voters. Robinson's words have been timed as perfectly as a Swiss clock. Coming late on the eve of polling, he has deprived his opponents of any chance of adequately challenging what he says. His intervention will be aimed primarily at those unionists who are still perplexed by the whole 'cash for ash' scandal and who haven't made up their minds about what to do today - to stick with the DUP, to vote for another party, or just to stay at home. Robinson is appealing to them as an elder party statesman in language that is carefully crafted and sounds reasonable. But the one message of his missive is clear - this is about saving Arlene. It is far more sophisticated than the cruder tone we have become accustomed to from the DUP in recent times. But the thrust is the same - if you don't vote DUP, you will risk Sinn Fein becoming head honchos at Stormont. Robinson doesn't tar all the Shinners with the same brush. He distinguishes between Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams. If McGuinness had been in good health, things would never have come to this and the whole crisis could have been averted, he says. Gerry Adams remains the pantomime villain. Robinson paints a very vivid picture of Sinn Fein tricolour-waving victory cavalcades and a gloating, globe-trotting Adams. But apart from Adams, McGuinness and Arlene Foster, there is only one person he names in his 1,500 word Belfast Telegraph article - Mike Nesbitt. Robinson's contempt for the UUP leader is clear. He accuses him of having "lost his bearings" and of "headline-grabbing folly" and an "unconscionable error" with his SDLP transfer remarks. The former DUP leader employs highly emotional language when speaking of Foster. He casts her as the victim, recollecting that he had told her that she would have "a short honeymoon" and then "they would come for her". The language is reminiscent of that famous Pastor Niemoller poem and is designed to reach into the hearts of voters. Whether they see Foster in such a way is another matter. With Nama allegations hovering over Robinson, he has endured his own difficulties. He has made his case for Arlene Foster in no uncertain terms. Unionists will now decide whether or not to listen. WELLINGTON - New Zealand ran up a small trade surplus in the 2016 calendar year, with dairy exports to China providing the biggest single boost, the government statistics agency said Thursday. Overall, New Zealand's trade surplus with the rest of the world last year stood at NZ$3.7 billion ($2.64 billion), according to Statistics New Zealand. Total exports were NZ$70.1 billion ($50.05 billion) and total imports were NZ$66.4 billion ($47.41 billion). The top export destination was Australia, with a value of NZ$12.8 billion ($9.13 billion), followed by China at NZ$12.3 billion ($8.77 billion). New Zealand sent NZ$2.7 billion ($1.92 billion) of dairy products to China in 2016 year - its largest export earner - up from NZ$2.4 billion ($1.71 billion) in 2015. New Zealand ran a trade deficit with the European Union, its biggest imports provider. "Europeans are big buyers of New Zealand meat and more of them are travelling to New Zealand," international statistics senior manager Daria Kwon said in a statement. "However, the trade balance overall is in the EU's favor due to our imports from there." New Zealand imported NZ$11.7 billion ($8.35 billion) worth of goods and services from the EU in 2016, which accounted for a sixth of total imports, but it exported NZ$8.3 billion ($5.92 billion) of goods and services to the EU, leaving a deficit of NZ$3.4 billion ($2.43 billion). "We spent more on importing cars from the EU than they spent on importing meat from New Zealand," Kwon said. However, New Zealand had trade surpluses with 16 of its top 25 trading partners in 2016, including Australia, China, the United States, and Japan. The three largest goods import expenses were electrical machinery and equipment from China, vehicles, parts and accessories from Japan and vehicles, parts and accessories from the EU. A bridge spans the dry riverbed of the Teesta River in Bangladesh, February 2017. Without consent from neighboring India, authorities in Bangladesh cannot start a Ganges River dam project to increase water flow during the dry season to one-third of their country, including the Sundarbans. Four years ago, the Water Development Board of Bangladesh completed a feasibility study calling for the dam at the Pangsha point, about 200 km (124 miles) downriver from the Farakka dam in West Bengal, India. The main branch of the Ganges is known as the Padma River on the Bangladeshi side of the border. Officials said a technical team from Indias central government examined the study in October 2016 and agreed with Bangladeshs construction plan. We have provided all papers to the Indian government. Their technical team agreed with us that the project would be beneficial to both countries. But we have yet to get any consent from them, Motaher Hossain, chief of the Ganges dam study project told BenarNews. Our preparation is such that we can start implementing the project tomorrow if we had Indias approval, he said. Officials said the Sundarbans, the worlds largest mangrove forest, depends on water from the Ganges. The dam would reinvigorate rivers in the southwestern Bangladesh and some parts of West Bengal in India. Water flow in Bangladesh downriver from the Farakka dam has fallen drastically since 1975 when India commissioned the project. Hydrological data show water flow at the Hardinge bridge point in Bangladesh was 50,400 cubic feet per second in 1967, falling to only 9,698 cubic feet per second in April 1993 after India started diverting water at Farakka. At the Joint Rivers Commission meetings, India used to tell us that Bangladesh could not utilize Ganges water as it goes to sea. But now they are not giving consent to construct the dam for storing water in our territory, Hossain said. He said he hoped Indias central government would push the West Bengal state government to sign off on the project. No reply The India-Bangladesh joint rivers commission sent a reminder letter to the Indian government last month, a commission member who asked to remain anonymous told BenarNews. But no reply came. We understand the West Bengal state government would oppose the Ganges dam. We fear the Ganges dam can hang in the balance like the Teesta water sharing treaty, he said. Under the Indian constitution, water is a state issue so the central government cannot get involved if the West Bengal government opposes the project. In 2011, the Indian government could not sign a treaty to share water of the Teesta River because of the West Bengal governments opposition. Kaushik Chatterjee, secretary of state Irrigation and Waterways Department in West Bengal, declined comment. Meanwhile, a West Bengal government official who asked to remain anonymous said the states chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, informed the central government of its opposition. West Bengal officials fear that the state could face flooding if the dam is constructed. Indian Water Resources Secretary Amarajit Singh tried to send experts to West Bengal to discuss the project with state government leaders, but the chief minister turned down the offer. Bangladesh officials said the issue could be discussed when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina travels to India in April. Solution The Ganges dam is the solution for the water crisis during the dry season. This project will increase flow of some rivers in West Bengal, environmentalist Ainun Nishat told BenarNews. Moreover water flow will increase in some rivers of West Bengal. Additionally, stored water because of the dam could be used during dry season. Fish production in the Ganges will increase, too, Nishat said. Four of the defendants who received capital punishment for the killing of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi in 2015 are transported to prison after their sentencings, Feb. 28, 2017. A Bangladeshi court Tuesday convicted and sentenced to death five members of the banned militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) for the October 2015 murder of a Japanese farmer who lived in the countrys northern region. A special panel of judges in Rangpur district handed down the sentences after hearing from 55 prosecution witnesses during the 16-month case. In condemning five of the defendants to the gallows, the court declared that the murder of Japanese national Kunio Hoshi was aimed at making the country unstable and crippling the economy. A sixth suspect was acquitted. Gunmen on a motorbike shot and killed Hoshi, 66, on Oct. 3, 2015, in Alutari village in the northern Rangpur district. Hoshi, an agricultural researcher and convert to Islam, had been living in Rangpur since August of that year and planned to cultivate a species of grass used for poultry feed. Less than a week earlier, Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella was shot dead in Dhaka. The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for both killings, but government officials denied that IS was present in Bangladesh. The targeted back-to-back killings led many countries to issue travel alerts for Bangladesh. Eight suspects Police submitted charge sheets against eight suspects in Hoshis killing on July 3, 2016. Two were killed in a shootout with police and five of the other six suspects appeared in court for sentencing on Tuesday. JMB Rangpur regional commander Masud Rana (alias Mamun or Montri), 33, Liton Mia (alias Rafique), 32, Isahaq Ali, 34, Sakhwat Hossain, 30, and fugitive Ahsan Ullah Ansari (alias Biplob), 24, were sentenced to death. The charge sheet names Rana as the shooter. A sixth suspect, Abu Sayeed, 28, was acquitted, prosecutor Rothi Chandra Bhowmick Babusona told reporters. He said lawyers would decide whether to appeal Sayeeds acquittal after examining relevant documents. Analysts call outcome positive Security analysts deemed the court action positive for the country as it would allow other countries to have confidence in Bangladeshs justice system. The image of the country has been associated with the killing of foreigners. Because the investigation and trial ended expeditiously, this will assure people from other countries, retired Brig. Gen. Sakhawat Hossain, a security analyst, told BenarNews. This means that the government is tough. These developments certainly give a positive message. Dhaka University associate professor of law Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon said restoring confidence did not solely depend on the trial. The activities of the law enforcing agencies, the congenial atmosphere of work on behalf of international travelers in different sectors and other issues determine this, Karzon told BenarNews. He said law enforcers focused on bringing terrorists to justice following an attack at a Dhaka cafe in July 2016 where 20 hostages were killed. Also targeted were militants responsible for killings of free thinking bloggers, writers, university teachers, journalists and foreigners since 2013. In six to seven months (of police operations), the sense of fear among the people, the foreigners and the international community withered away. The government and its law enforcement agencies deserve credit for this, Karzon said. Ri Tong Il, Pyongyangs former deputy ambassador to the United Nations, addresses reporters at the gate to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, March 2, 2017. The only North Korean arrested to date in connection with the assassination of the half-brother of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong Un will be released for lack of evidence and expelled from Malaysia, senior Malaysian officials said Thursday. Ri Jong Chol will be deported for immigration violations after his 14-day remand expires Friday, two days after a pair of Southeast Asian women were charged with murder in the attack. Malaysian police are looking for at least seven other North Korean suspects. On the day of the murder, Ri drove four North Korean men to a Kuala Lumpur-area airport, a senior Malaysian government official close to the investigation told BenarNews. Two women allegedly accosted Kim Jong Nam and smeared VX nerve agent on his face as he was preparing to board a flight to Macau from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2. Those four men are the ones listed on charge sheets released by police Wednesday as accomplices in the murder, the source said. But they left Malaysia later that day and returned to North Korea, according to police. The Malaysian government meanwhile announced it was ending a program allowing North Korean nationals to enter the country without a visa, ratcheting up a diplomatic dispute following the fatal poisoning on Feb. 13. Separately, the head of a high-level North Korean delegation that is in Malaysia to claim the body and discuss the investigation with local officials said the victim died of a heart attack and not chemical poisoning as alleged by the Malaysian health ministry. A free man The North Korean will be expelled along with his wife and two children, the senior Malaysian official told BenarNews. They will be sent home on the next flight to Pyongyang at a date to be confirmed once the NK embassy is informed of the deportation, the source said on condition of anonymity. Ri Jong Chol, who has a doctorate in chemistry, according to reports, is one of three suspects who have been arrested so far. On Wednesday, an Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese were charged with his murder. He was here and supposed to work at a local company but never worked even for a single day at the company, the source told BenarNews, saying the suspect and his family would be moved to an immigration detention center before being deported. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali told reporters Thursday that the North Korean in police custody would be released and deported the next day. He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him, Apandi said, according to Agence France-Presse. He has no proper [travel] documents so we will deport him. Malaysia scrubs visa program Also on Thursday, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cited national security in announcing the governments unilateral decision to cancel a program of visa-free entry for North Korean nationals, starting March 6. North Korea and Malaysia have had diplomatic ties since 1973, but the murder of Kim Jong Nam on Malaysian soil has shaken bilateral relations, with Kuala Lumpur already recalling its ambassador to Pyongyang over the affair. The North Korean ambassador has twice lashed out in public against Malaysian officials for refusing to hand over Kims body to Pyongyang without a post-mortem. Earlier this week, a high-level North Korean delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur seeking custody of the body, but Malaysian officials have not yet commented about this or said whether senior government representatives had met with the delegates. North Korea has referred to the deceased man only as Kim Chol, the name on the passport he was carrying at the time of death, and never confirmed his identity as Kim Jong Nam. Extremely toxic On Thursday, the head of the delegation, former North Korean Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Ri Tong Il, told reporters that the North Korean man who died on Feb. 13 had a record of heart disease and died of a heart attack. On Feb. 21, Malaysian health officials ruled out cardiac arrest in Kims death. The special envoy from Pyongyang also questioned the accuracy of Malaysias claim that Kim Jong Nam was killed by VX, saying that the Malaysian government should send samples of the substance found on the body for verification by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international agency in the Netherlands. The United Nations has banned VX and listed it as a weapon of mass destruction. How is it possible that the two ladies who used their bare hands to contain the material and apply it to the face of the victim, and they survived, he asked. And everybody knows, and should know, the toxic nature of this material, he went on to say. This is extremely toxic. Thats why it was categorized as a chemical weapon by the OPCW. A ranger carries the body of an 8-year-old boy to a pickup truck after he was gunned down by assailants in southern Thailands Narathiwat province, March 2, 2017. Updated at 12:30 a.m. ET on 2017-03-03 An 8-year-old boy and his parents were among eight people killed in separate attacks in the Thai Deep South that left four injured Thursday, just two days after government and rebel negotiators agreed to set up a limited ceasefire. Police blamed the attacks in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces on groups seeking to instigate violence following Tuesdays news out of Kuala Lumpur that a panel representing some southern Thai rebel groups had struck a breakthrough with negotiators from Thailands military government. The two sides announced they would work together to establish a safety zone in one of five districts in the Deep South as a test case to see if they could implement a wider ceasefire. The attacks began Thursday morning as Somchai Thongchan, 47, the deputy chief of Ban Sri Pinyo village in Narathiwat, his wife Rasika Daduang, sister-in-law Son Thongchan, and son Thanakrit Thongchan, 8, were attacked and killed, police said. A daughter, Sirapassorn Thongchan, 12, and a niece, Yanisa Srisuwan, 6, were injured. The incident took place while Somchai and five others were driving to send the children to school. On a remote hill, unknown assailants fired weapons at them, resulting in death and injury, police Capt. Wanchai told reporters. We believe it was the work of insurgents who wanted to instigate violence. Hours later, Kasem Toyo, a security guard in nearby Yala province, was shot and killed before dusk as he was traveling home in the Mayo district of Pattani. The violent day ended when three rangers were killed and a postman and civilian were injured while shopping in the Ban Tabae market place in Pattanis Mayo district, according to investigators. As per witness accounts, seven to eight assailants shot those killed and injured while they were walking in the market, police Capt. Muhammad Madwang, an investigator at Mayo police station, told reporters. A spokesman for the militarys regional command promised justice. The act of these assailants indicates that they are cowardly, wild, lacking in ideology. They should not cite ideology for the Malay people. We will go after them and bring them to justice as soon as possible, Col. Pramote Prom-in told reporters. Thursdays killings occurred a day after police found the bodies of Kajpon Puvavimol and wife Titapha in Thepa district, Songkhla province. They were beaten, tied up with duct tape and thrown into the Thepa River as assailants hijacked their pickup truck and made off with it. Police found the truck which had been loaded with bombs that failed to detonate, officials said. Violence condemned Thai junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha denounced the killings. We need to prevent such bullet-spraying attacks, Prayuth said, adding at the moment, we are not done with peace talks. We still need solutions to the problem. He stressed the need for safety zones and called them a test to determine if MARA Patani, the panel representing southern Thai rebel groups and factions, could contain violence in the Deep South. If they do have potential, talks will go on. If not, they must find a way to non-violence, Prayuth said. MARA Patani spokesman Abu Hafiz al-Hakim reiterated the panels commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue and the establishment of safety zones following Tuesdays agreement. We are saddened by today mornings incidence in Ruso district, Narathiwat, where four people were killed and two injured, he said through social media after learning about the first incident. We do not condone violence involving civilians and children and strongly condemn the attack. We express our condolences to the victims and their families. We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. The killings also drew rebukes from local NGOs. Ruckchart Suwan, the leader of the Buddhist Network for Peace, posted on Facebook: We call on the assailants or the supporters of the armed militant group to stop violating human rights. Government officials must bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible to prevent more conflict. All parties must have clear and tangible protective measures for soft targets in local areas. The most recent talks are the latest effort to bring peace to the predominantly Muslim and Malay-speaking Deep South where nearly 7,000 people have been killed since 2004 in violence associated with the decades-old separatist conflict. Updates to correct details about the family members slain in Narathiwat and removes mention of Yala province. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. Nicht personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung werden u. a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst (welche Werbung Sie sehen, basiert auf Ihrem ungefahren Standort). Personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung konnen auch Videoempfehlungen, eine individuelle YouTube-Startseite und individuelle Werbung enthalten, die auf fruheren Aktivitaten wie auf YouTube angesehenen Videos und Suchanfragen auf YouTube beruhen. 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. The Homestead National Monument of America is a tourism powerhouse for the area, and the National Park Service site boasted strong number in 2016. The Homestead is a National Park Service site dedicated to remembering the Homestead Act of 1862. Last year was the second highest annual attendance on record with 87,754 visitors. Mark Engler, Homestead Park Superintendent, said the 11 percent increase over 2015 was likely due to a few factors, including free publicity thanks to the Homestead being featured on a quarter in the America the Beautiful series. Because of the continued impact from the Homestead quarter, the Find Your Park campaign and also low gas prices I think helped the Homestead have a banner year with visitation, Engler said. With that increased visitation comes added economic benefits for the community, which have a positive impact on many sectors of economy. Engler said the Homestead has a dynamic role in the areas lodging, food and fuel purchases. Last year was second only to 2012, which was the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Homestead Act. Several special activities were held in 2012, and the Homestead Act itself was transported to the Homestead and displayed to the public. The Homestead, located 4 miles west of Beatrice, is located on the claim of Daniel Freeman, the first homesteader. The Homestead Act helped settle the west by giving away free land to settlers, distributing more than 270 million acres during the 123 years it was in effect. Those who filed a claim received up to 160 acres of land at no charge, provided they built a home on the land, resided there for at least five years and improved the land through cultivation. The Homestead Act is often regarded as one of the three most important pieces of American legislation, as demonstrated by the staggering figures from the 100-plus years it was in effect. A total of 30 states have homesteaded land in them, and there were approximately 4 million claims filed. Its estimated today that 93 million people are descendants of homesteaders, and more than 270 million acres of land were claimed under the Homestead Act, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth said having a National Park Service site near Beatrice is something that few towns can offer, and he hopes tourists like what they see in Gage County. We have a lot of them come into our town, experience our community and have an opportunity to see what we have to offer here, Wirth said. If you get that many people coming here on an annual basis, maybe some of them are going to stay. While 2016 was a strong year, Engler wouldnt be surprised if 2017 has even higher attendance, driven by statewide celebrations for Nebraskas 150th anniversary as a state and continued awareness from the Homestead quarter. The single largest event is expected to be the total solar eclipse in August, which will draw people from other states and countries to view the rare event. Weve already been receiving inquiries about what the Homestead National Monument will offer and about having special access to the Monument, Engler said. Weve been receiving interest since late last summer. Weve been getting multiple inquiries. Were expecting many individuals and many groups to witness one of natures great spectacles with us here at Homestead. The Homestead has also been declared an official NASA viewing site, and will feature interactive activities for all ages. Engler added that there will be a myriad of activities and speakers leading up to the eclipse this fall, with announcements coming in the near future. Translations on this website are prepared by a third-party provider. Some portions may be incorrect. Some itemsincluding downloadable files or imagescannot be translated at all. No liability is assumed by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for any errors or omissions. Any user who relies on translated content does so at his/her own risk. For Immediate Release, March 2, 2017 Contact: Randy Serraglio, (520) 784-1504, rserraglio@biologicaldiversity.org Third Jaguar Detected in Arizona TUCSON, Ariz. Another new jaguar has been photographed in southeast Arizona, the third detected in the state in the past year and a half. The animal was captured on a Bureau of Land Management trail camera in the Dos Cabezas Mountains, about 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. Jaguars are clearly trying hard to re-establish a population in the United States, said Randy Serraglio, a conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. They've now traveled here through every large mountain range connecting Arizona and Sonora. The only thing that can stop the triumphant return of America's largest wildcat is Trump's $20 billion border wall. It's bad for people and the economy, and it's devastating for wildlife." A young male jaguar was photographed on the Fort Huachuca military reservation last November, and a large male jaguar named El Jefe by Tucson schoolchildren became an internet sensation last year after living in the Santa Rita Mountains right outside of Tucson for more than three years. The gender of the latest cat has not yet been determined. We can expect more jaguars to show up and establish territories here in the U.S., unless they're cut off from Mexico by the border wall, said Serraglio. As long as we protect the places they live and the corridors they need to move across the landscape, they'll keep coming, and they'll thrive here. This latest cat was photographed a long way from the border, in the heart of a major movement corridor for jaguars and other wildlife, said Serraglio. There are millions of acres of wild places on public lands in the United States that can provide homes for these beautiful animals. Americans need to speak up to protect those places and give jaguars a chance to call them home once again. Background The Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity has been working for decades to save jaguars in the United States. In 2014 the Center secured more than 750,000 acres of federally protected critical habitat for U.S. jaguar recovery. Jaguars the third-largest cats in the world after tigers and lions once lived throughout the American Southwest, with historical reports on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the mountains of Southern California and as far east as Louisiana. Jaguars disappeared from their U.S. range over the past 150 years, primarily due to habitat loss and historic government predator control programs intended to protect the livestock industry. The last verified female jaguar in the country was shot by a hunter in 1963 in Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Nebraska celebrated 150 years of statehood on Wednesday, and several area schools helped celebrate the occasion. At Paddock Lane Elementary and Stoddard Elementary, students got a taste of the pioneer life that helped shape Nebraska. A prairie schooner arrived on the playground for students at Stoddard to hop inside and take a look around. Inside, students got a chance to bake up some fresh biscuits and make their own candles by dipping wicks into wax. Students tried their hand at shaving the old fashioned way, with some foamy soap and a sharp rocknot sharp enough to cut, though, just to scrape away the foamand to wash clothes using a washboard and hanging them up to dry with clothes hangers. There were wheelbarrow and sack races in the hallways, butter churning in the gym and writing with real feather quill pens. The same events went on at Paddock Lane, though the students got to create commemorative Nebraska cut-outs from clay. Former teacher Sue Sindler was on hand at Stoddard to show off an old lantern and read stories to the students. Later in the day, said Betty Replogle, principal at both Stoddard and Paddock lane, students at Paddock Lane got to eat a Nebraska birthday cake from Walmartone of 150 schools to receive one across the stateand Stoddard students were treated to birthday cupcakes from Sunshine Bakery. Over at Lewiston School, students decorated a Nebraska birthday cake and got some hands-on time with history reenactors. There was the Overland Trail history session, where students picked out what went in their wagons on the trip west across the country to their new home in Nebraska. Kind of a less digital version of an old elementary school computer game. "They're playing kind of a real-life version of The Oregon Trail," said Michael Sothan. "It's a way to get them involved." Students rotated between the Overland Trail and a Civil War lesson where they got to march with wooden guns like real Civil War recruits. Later in the afternoon, schools around the state attempted to break a record by singing Happy Birthday to Nebraska at the same time. It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a Ivan Brown, an MTech Industrial Design student from the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the University Johannesburg (UJ), is exhibiting his improved model of a beehive at the Design Indaba Festival 2017 in Cape Town, Artscape Theatre Centre. The improved model aids in the survival of bees; offers a more sustainable option for beekeepers and additional income sources for small-scale farmers. Brown was selected for Design Indaba Emerging Creatives Exhibition on the basis of being passionate about tackling the problem of deteriorating bee populations an increasing problem that beekeepers are facing around the world. The project was developed for agriculture more specifically, the business of beekeepers and urban farmers. Browns Beegin project is a dual research and product design project in which he is developing an improved system of beekeeping and beehive production to aid in the survival of bees and by extension, tackle the problem of decreasing pollination. Under the supervision of Dr Naude Malan of UJs Development Studies Department and Angus Donald Campbell, head of industrial design, Brown aims to develop beekeeping technology that is accessible, affordable and sustainable for small-scale farming communities, to stimulate socioeconomic development. Although I have always been fascinated by bees and apiculture, the project emerged from thorough research. I interviewed urban farmers who told me they were interested in beekeeping but could not afford the equipment. I interviewed beekeepers who explained how the industry is in decline due to theft, vandalism, diseases, pests, fires, floods and pesticides. I began working with the farmers and beekeepers to develop a solution, and at the moment I have five urban farmers and five beekeepers testing out the system, with some great initial results, says Brown. Contributing to food security in South Africa He adds: The aim of the project is to develop an appropriate (sustainable and accessible) system for beekeeping in South Africa. If successful, it will contribute towards food security in two ways: indirectly by bringing additional income to marginalised, small-scale farming communities and directly by helping to protect the pollination source of 70% of food crops. The concrete beehive At the core of Beegin lies the lightweight concrete beehive - a more durable, low-cost and protective structure that emerged through participatory development with beekeepers and urban farmers. The moulds that are used to create the beehives are part of the Beegin system Brown designed. The moulds can be sold or sponsored so people can produce beehives locally for themselves and their communities, says Brown. With over 400 applications from young designers across the country, this years Emerging Creatives lineup looks set to impress. The Design Indaba Emerging Creatives programme provides a year-long programme of support, mentorship and guidance to talented young designers who have little industry exposure. The programme helps them learn how to manage and grow small businesses and provides opportunities to show their creative work. The Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) has launched a new digital portal, Peek, geared to become South Africa's biggest online platform dedicated to showcasing craft and design products made in South Africa. Erica Elk and Minister Zulu The new platform has been made possible by funding from the South African Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). It is a non-transactional search and connect site that is free to use and will open up access to new markets for the many small craft and design businesses in South Africa. The site has been piloted since August 2016, with small businesses and currently has over 120 businesses listed and over 630 local products showcased. Erica Elk, executive director of the CCDI, says, Peek provides a platform for South Africas creative businesses anywhere in the country to showcase their work to a local and global audience, highlighting the very best of what South Africa has to offer. While it is not a trading platform, the site allows for click-throughs to businesses own websites, ecommerce platforms selling their products and facilitates B2B and B2C contact. One of the key challenges for small South African businesses remains access to markets. With technology, however, we have the opportunity to bridge the divide and create new ways for beautiful local products to reach local and international buyers and consumers. We are very grateful to the DSBD for the funding to undertake this landmark initiative. Government supports extension of services to nine provinces The DSBD has also supported the CCDI to take its training programmes and knowledge to a national audience through a rollout campaign, which started in 2016. Through the DSBD we have been able to take our services beyond the Western Cape to the benefit of small creative businesses in all nine provinces. Platforms, such as Peek, will enable many business that have constrained local market opportunities in their towns and cities to access a much larger audience and consumer-base for free. Peek is not a curated site and so its unique value is the diversity of the range of products and aesthetics. There is something for everyone on this site. The site is an important addition to the physical market access opportunities provided by the CCDI, such as facilitating access for small businesses to local markets, key national trade shows and events, and international trade shows like Maison et Objet. If we look at the value of trade from just three of these market access opportunities concluded in 2016, we enabled small businesses to generate orders of over R1.8m. We anticipate that Peek will help our South African creative businesses find even more new customers locally and internationally. The CCDI invites creative businesses to sign up for the Peek site by registering as a business member on the national database at www.ccdi.org.za it is free and once registered, businesses can directly access Peek to upload products. For more information, go to www.peek.org.za. Africa's first indigenous cashmere, produced from the local iMbuzi goat, was displayed as part of the Ivili Loboya launch at the Impact Hub in Rosebank, Johannesburg, from 23-25 February 2017. This yarn is part of a variety of fabrics, including blends with silk and merino wool, as the brand's debut Dedani Collection. Design themes Eco dyes from natural sources, such as leaves, fruits, bark and flowers have been used to create the collections palette of warm, earthy tones. These include ochre, bone, nut, marula, wild peach and pitch. The Dedani Collections indigenous luxury fabrics range from hand spun and woven to hand knitted or machine-made, and are printed according to three design themes. Under the Clan theme, the main designs are Totem, an abstract presentation of natural objects and animals that reference spiritual ancestral connections and Tyali, celebrating the Xhosa Makoti or bride and the fertility of the clan. The Earth theme combines references to the dichotomy of drought (Mbalela) and waterfalls (Amanzi), evoking the farmers reality and climate change. The Ethnic theme evokes and celebrates humanitys common heritage through its interweaving geometrics and the cultural fusion of Ndebele and Xhosa traditional designs. Reviving local textile industry Ivili Loboya, meaning Wheel of Wool, is a natural fibre (wool & cashmere) beneficiation enterprise, for woven and non-woven textile products, based at Ibika, near Butterworth in the rural Eastern Cape. Dedani means Get out of the way! because we intend to revive South Africas textile industry through local natural resources and create a niche for ourselves in the global luxury fabric market, says Ivili Loboya owner, Dr Vuyo Mahlati. We see a great future for our pioneering fabrics, as our research shows that Africas growing middle class is discerning in its fabric choices, looking for natural fibres where possible. There has been significant pre-launch interest, both nationally and internationally. Top designers at launch The initiative also has considerable support from textile, industrial and policy sectors. Minister Jeff Radebe gave a launch address on 23 February, attended by well-known designers such as Marianne Fassler, Laduma and others. The following day Minister Lindiwe Zulu responded to a South African designers roundtable, hosted by Brand SA Chairperson Khanyisile Kweyama and featuring Fred Eboka and Interior Decor Designers. Compared to wools, the soft handle and light weight of cashmere combined with its durability and wonderful warmth make it a beautiful fabric to work with, says Eboka. It is wonderful to be able to source such luxurious quality locally so we can keep our ranges Proudly South African. Luxury fabric demand Cashmere is made from the soft, fine inner hair of the goats coat. Originally, the term was applied only to goat hair from the Kashmir region of the Indian subcontinent but usage has since broadened to all goat hair that is similarly fine and soft. Cashmere is in great demand for luxury fabrics from suiting to upholstery. At its vertically integrated wool-processing hub, Ivili Loboya offers wool-sorting and scouring, fibre manufacturing and hand spun yarns. It also supplies insulation and inner soles for safety shoes. Fibres are sourced from small farmers, many of them women. It has trained employees in spinning, weaving and knitting as well as machine production. Senior staff and management are mainly young people with bachelors and masters degrees in subjects such as textiles and engineering who are keen to live and work in their home region rather than migrate. The company collaborates with the agricultural colleges and the Materials Science and Manufacturing Unit of the CSIR, among others. Dr Mahlatis doctorate from the University of Stellenbosch focused on commercialisation and mainstreaming of rural economies through value chains. She also has experience at the retail end of fashion, having owned a designer boutique. We hope to contribute to reviving the textile industry before institutional knowledge and skills disappear with the generations. Our fabrics are environmentally friendly, sustainable and versatile and we believe that Africa and the world will welcome them for use in high-end fashion design and home furnishings, concludes Dr Mahlati. A donation from the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet's Thuso Fund has made the renovation of West Ridge High School's Brick-Making Workshop possible. West Ridge High School is a centre of learning for more than 700 children with special education needs in the central Durban area. It is also currently the only school in the area offering a specialised vocational curriculum to enhance the employment opportunities for high school children with learning challenges. The Thuso Fund for Schools and Charities was created by MySchool to support under-resourced schools and charities across South Africa through the funding of special projects. It focuses on initiatives that address specific school and learner needs. In 2014, West Ridge High received a R240,000 sponsorship for 36 new computers for their computer library from the fund. The latest funding of over R360,000 covers the building costs of a substantial upgrade to transform the schools Brick-Making Workshop into a space conducive for learning. Space restrictions and quality of facilities The delivery of our skills-based programme has been affected by our challenges with both space restrictions and the quality of our facilities, says Dr Seetal, the principal at West Ridge High. This extension and renovation of the workshop is going to make a big difference in the lives of our learners and educators. Skills training, such as brick-making, is an essential part of our offering as we need to meet the needs of many learners who may be unable to master literacy and numeracy at the levels that would enable them to be otherwise employed. West Ridge High School is only partially funded by the Department of Education, and their learners predominately come from severely under-resourced families which cannot afford school fees. The school is therefore reliant on donors in order to achieve their educational objectives and maintain their facilities. Thanks to MySchool cardholders We are delighted that we have once again been able to support West Ridge High in its efforts to provide a meaningful education, says MySchools general manager, Pieter Twine. Our Thuso Fund specifically aims to help get funds raised through the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme to highly deserving schools such as this one. It helps us to make the difference in the communities where the needs are greatest, and we thank the MySchool cardholders who have helped to raise these funds. South African shoppers can support the Thuso Fund for Schools and Charities by signing up free for the MySchool MyVillage My Planet programme and selecting Thuso as one of your three possible beneficiaries. You can do this online at www.myschool.co.za and select up to three schools, charities and conservation organisations you would most like to support. Swipe your card every time you shop at a range of participating retailers including Woolworths, Bidvest Waltons, Engen Foodstops, Flight Centres and loot.co.za. With every swipe the retail partner makes a donation to your selected beneficiary, at no cost to you. The Cointreau Creative Crew (CCC) Grant Scheme, which sought to identify and empower female creativity across South Africa, has selected 15 finalists within the art, music, design, film, food and even cocktail industries. Tamika Sewnarain, brand manager, Cointreau South Africa The CCC, a global philanthropic initiative created by premium triple sec brand Cointreau, is made up of influential game-changer women who are "independent, chic and inspiring". The concept aims to inspire women to dare to be creative, believe in their dreams and bring them to life. The winner will be announced by the judging panel at the CCC Grand Finale at The Stack in Cape Town on 4 April 2017 and receive a R100,000 bursary to support his or her creative project. With a team of designers, performers and photographers, the CCC Grant Scheme offers an exclusive communication platform encouraging women (and men) to DreamDareCreate. We are excited to give these individuals a unique platform to express their creativity and showcase their work. It is also inspiring that South Africa has been chosen to pioneer this movement outside of UK and Europe, to recognise the talent our country holds, says Cointreau South Africas brand manager, Tamika Sewnarain. The finalists Audrey Chabalala - Equip Models: This gives aspiring models a platform to grow and learn about the modelling industry. It helps them build up their profiles and know more about what is required to be a successful model. Deborah Leask - Rural KZN Creche: A homework centre and creche will be built in a small, forgotten community on top of a hill in rural Southern Natal. Heidi Faught - Outliers: This is a mentorship programme for facilitators of afterschool tutoring programmes helping them create safe spaces for learning. It supports them by mobilising relevant resources and training tutors to provide free education. Janine Vorster - Handmade Silk and Paper Flower Bouquets: Vorster is a lifelong student of art and started a small business which she runs from her new home. She creates silk and paper flower bouquets and sells them to brides-to-be. Jesi Townsend - 9T4 (Nine T Four): It will be a proudly South African and proudly androgynous clothing brand that is manufactured locally. Michell Klopper - Ballerina Love: Michell Klopper is an aspiring artist who wants to turn her passion into her career by selling her artwork. Mpumelelo Sefalane - Dine with Khayelitsha: This is a platform that bridges the gap between townships and cities, through setting conversational dinners. The dinners are driven by different themes, ranging from social issues, social innovation and leadership, to entrepreneurship and sustainability. Nanziwe Mzuzu - A Tide of Conspiracy Theories: This is a book about her life as a reformed gangsters girlfriend. It encompasses her journey to self-discovery and how she met the one man who managed to sweep her off her feet. Nokwanda Thulile Mathenjwa - Yamilet: This is a premium luxury consignment retail brand that enables the well-endowed working woman to resell her once-loved, gently-worn clothing to another woman, who falls in love with unique, pre-loved items. Nyameka Booi - My Quote TV: This is a digital platform that gives South Africans an opportunity to talk about their own original personal quotes. It showcases them through film and photography, which allows the viewer to gain an understanding of the context behind the quote. Ruramai Musekiwa Sibahle: This is an interactive platform that utilises creative mediums to cultivate positive African narratives and tangible creative outputs through collaborative projects and creative networks across Africa. Using both digital and ground-level activations, Sibahle seeks to highlight positive African stories. Soraya Asmal - Reload SA: This will be a woman-owned transport-and-trucking company in a male-dominated industry. It will load, transport and offload cargo within a network. Tiny Mungwe - Inanda Urban Retreat: This will be a facility for contemplation, creative work, shopping and the development of artistic works for African arts practitioners. Vonani Ngobeni - Beyond Matric: This aims to help todays learners choose the right courses and institutions and shows them how to access funds for their tertiary studies. This is done through bursaries, student loans and learnerships that can shape their future. Zinzi May - ft. (featuring): This is a concept company that strives to be a connection between prospective clients and emerging creatives in South Africa. It is a platform where creatives can register and upload their professional portfolios and link their social media pages. To follow the journey and keep up to date with developments, visit the dedicated webpage. Sibanye Gold's aggressive growth strategy since its listing in February 2013 has set it apart from its South African peers and despite a dip when it announced a $2,bn purchase of a US palladium miner, investors have kept their faith in the company. Sibanye, which has grown its gold asset base shortly after listing, snapping up operating gold mines, a gold mine in development and exploration prospects, has invested heavily in platinum, buying the whole of Aquarius Platinum and the neighbouring Rustenburg mines from Anglo American Platinum. Source: Sibanye Sibanye's most audacious deal is the $2,2bn cash purchase of Stillwater Mining, a US-based company mining palladium and platinum from shallow, mechanised, low-cost operations, which will, in time, offset declining revenue from the South African gold mines and act as a counterbalance to the volatile rand and regulatory uncertainty weighing on its local assets. Since listing in February 2013, shares in Sibanye, SA's largest producer of domestic gold, have gained 62%, far outpacing its big peers, which have all declined in that period. The share prices of AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold have all declined by between 41% and 53%. For investors one of the attractions of Sibanye is its dividend policy, which entails the payment of 35% of earnings to shareholders, returning R1bn or more a year to them, not to mention the overall performance of the shares. Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman said at the BMO mining conference in Florida in February, Sibanye's 5,1% dividend yield based on returns to investors in 2016 was an industry-leading figure for global mining firms. The surprise move by the Treasury to increase the dividend withholding tax from 15% to 20% led Froneman to say that the board, which has regarded dividends as the first call on the company's cash, may have to reconsider its policy. Shareholders were "losing out" and it was "no use throwing money away paying dividends under those condition," he said. The alternatives for the board to return value to shareholders have yet to be decided, but it could change the way investors view the firm. The $2,8bn bill to consolidate its position as a leading platinum group metals producer will come at a short- to medium-term cost to shareholders, but in the longer term the platinum strategy will compensate for the fall in gold output in SA and drop in earnings. Of concern to shareholders is the rights placement of up to 1,3bn to fund the Stillwater transaction and keep as much debt as possible off Sibanye's balance sheet to secure favourable borrowing rates for the debt the company will raise towards paying for the palladium miner. Based on the prevailing exchange rate and excluding any discount Sibanye is likely to apply to ensure a full subscription to the issue, the rights placement is worth R17bn. The company's market capitalisation is R24bn. "With our valuation of the share, we see little reason for shareholders not to follow their rights," said Rene Hochreiter of Noah Capital, putting a target price of R121 on the stock compared with its trading price of R26,5 on Wednesday. The share placement will dilute earnings in the near term, said Sibanye spokesman James Wellsted. "What people are looking at in the short term is the dilution of earnings and cash flow and saying 'it's not great for us',"he said. "Yes, upfront there is dilution of earnings because our gold earnings are spread over more shares but in the next three or four years, Stillwater starts to contribute strongly to our overall earnings. So in the longer term, on average, the deal is accretive on a cash-flow basis." The practical consequences of the Paris Agreement may soon be better understood as an application regarding climate change is being heard in the Pretoria High Court. At the hearing Earthlife Africa (ELA) will argue that the nationally determined contribution (NDC) cannot be met unless coal-fired power developers are required to assess climate impacts. Since the Paris Agreement was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015, companies have been grappling with the potential implications the global commitment to combat climate change could have on their businesses. The Paris Agreement is hallmarked as the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal that seeks to accelerate the reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). South Africa ratified the Paris Agreement in November 2016 and committed in its (NDC) to a peak, plateau and decline GHG emissions trajectory range, which are estimated to range between 398 and 614 Mt CO2-eq by 2025 and 2030. The Thabametsi saga Thabametsi Power Company was granted an environmental authorisation (EA) to establish a 630MW coal-fired power stationnear Lephalale in Limpopo Province. ELA appealed to the minister of environmental affairs against the decision of the chief director of integrated environmental affairs to grant the EA. The minister dismissed the appeal, but made the EA conditional to a climate change impact assessment (CCIA) being submitted for consideration to the department of environmental affairs prior to the project's commencement. Tick box exercise ELA however labelled the condition as a "tick box" exercise, given that neither the minister nor the department would have the legal competence to withdraw the EA based on the finding of the CCIA. It therefore approached the High Court to have the CD's decision and the minister's dismissal reviewed and set aside in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000. Central to the application is ELA's submission that the EA could not have been granted without the CD's consideration of all relevant factors, which, because of the government's obligations under national and international law, includes a CCIA. The Minister, CD and Thabametsi are opposing the application. The minister's answering affidavit provides insight into the government's current climate change management approach. In essence, it is argued that: a CCIA is not yet a mandatory component of an environmental impact assessment, particularity given the current absence of GHG emission guidelines in South African law. In any event, climate change impacts were considered in both the air quality and water impact studies Thabametsi conducted during the EIA process; climate change impacts have been considered in the development of the Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010-2030, which, together with other national electricity legislation and policy, permits the establishment of coal-fired power stations; until such time as the Paris Agreement's obligations are enacted into national law, they are not binding on any party on a domestic level, including Thabametsi; South Africa's transition to a low carbon economy is anticipated to be rigid and slow, especially in light of current challenges faced by the energy sector, which is acknowledged in the NDC; and the project will establish a high efficiency power plant, which includes modern emission abatement technology that complies with the South African government's obligations under the Paris Agreement. In reply to these submissions, ELA stresses that the government remains constitutionally bound to apply domestic law in a manner that is consistent with its international law obligations. Therefore, a CCIA must be conducted to ascertain whether the project aligns with the NDC before an EA can be granted. First climate change lawsuit The project's initial CCIA report has in the interim been circulated for public comment. The results note "very high" GHG emissions and "significant" climate change impacts associated with the project, and with ELA vying to bring the report before the court, it is difficult to predict the outcome of what has been labelled South Africa's "first climate change lawsuit". Of importance will be the judiciary's pronouncement on the role of a CCIA in the greater EIA scheme and the weight it will attach to the NDC. What will be interesting to see is the extent the Paris Agreement will bring climate change to the forefront of development disputes. It is apparent that Government seeks to, in the interest of managing energy and other socio-economic challenges, sustain a slow transition to a decarbonised economy. Businesses that will eventually have to decouple from carbon intense processes are however urged to closely follow these developments and seek advice on compliance with air quality and water legislation, as they are evolving rapidly in light of South Africa's international commitment. Commentators have lauded the finance minister on a well-crafted budget, some even stating that it was a political masterstroke. But, are these descriptions accurate? The increase in the dividends withholding tax (DWT) from 15% to 20%, has resulted in a combined effective tax rate of 42,4% (up from 38,8%) for entrepreneurs who want to take cash out of their businesses and into their own hands. This is high by international standards, and may feel even higher if considered in light of the standard of service delivery received. Has Gordhan put the final nail in the coffin for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)? In the Budget Speech no mention was made of any further incentives to assist the South African SME sector. Possible incentives could have included amendments to the VAT registration threshold or small business corporation provisions. The effective tax rate of 42,4% will, most definitely, impact entrepreneurship in South Africa. Why take the risk of establishing a business if you will be taxed at such a high rate? It is safer for the individual to remain a salaried employee with a tax liability of between 18% and 41% with the added benefit of zero risk. The DWT amendment, albeit small, will most definitely deter entrepreneurship. The South African government acknowledges that economic growth will only be reached by injecting capital and expertise into SMEs. By not providing additional incentives to SMEs and increasing the effective tax rate, a slowdown in the SME sector can be expected. A slowdown will further increase the unemployment rate, which currently stands at 26,6%. In the US they have the American dream of owning a business and becoming successful through entrepreneurship. In South Africa it seems to be only a pipe dream. On Feb. 28, the agriculture subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee held a Farm Credit Administration [FCA] Oversight Hearing. Remarkably, it was the first public questioning of FCA leadersand how they regulate the nations biggest agricultural lender, the $240-billion Farm Credit System (FCS)by the subcommittee in 19 years. In the intervening, unchecked decades, System banks more than doubled their lending (from $106 billion in 2005 to $236 billion in 2015), increased their share of U.S ag debt by half (from 23.3 percent in 2000 to 40.4 percent in early 2016), and rose to dominate ag lending: 16 of todays top 20 American ag lenders are System members. Another FCS lender is about to join that club. Beginning last summer, three System associationsAgStar Financial, the huge lender in Minnesota and western Wisconsin; Badgerland Financial, the FCS lender in Wisconsins southern half; and 1st Farm Credit, the lender in western and northern Illinoishave worked to create a single association that would stretch from east of St. Louis to north of St. Paul. If the not-yet-public plan is approved by association borrowers-owners in a very quick, hoped-for April vote, the resulting $18-billion lender would be named Compeer Financial. It would also largely unnecessary, says Bert Ely, a banking consultant that writes Farm Credit Watch, a fact-filled, monthly analysis of the FCS for the American Banking Association. Part of all these merger deals seems to be one-upmanship among System bankers, explains Ely in a March 1 telephone interview. Another part is that these mergers enable CEOs to pay themselves much bigger salaries. Millions in the case of the proposed, three-way upper Midwest deal. Im very skeptical, however, that any system merger leads to greater lender profits or better lender service. Ely would know; hes been analyzing and writing about the Farm Credit System since before its mid-1980s crack-up and subsequent government bailout. Recently hes seen System banks balloon into something bigger and richer than Congress ever envisioned. The Systems credit line has increased and increased to now where one member can borrow up to $1.5 billion, he relates. What farmer do you know borrows $1 billion? Clearly, it isnt meant for farmers or ranchers. Recent System lending proves Ely correct. In the last decade, several FCS banks loaned money to various non-farm businesses and corporationsincluding Verizon, the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain, and a carwash, according to an April 2016 Washington Post storywhose tenuous ties to agriculture seem to be the forgotten uncle of great grandmas adopted half-sister. All this rule-stretching, claims Ed Elfmann, the vice president of Congressional relations for the American Bankers Association (ABA), violates the Systems taxpayer-supported mission and allows System lenders to unfairly compete against commercial banks in local, regional and national ag lending markets. Even worse, I think, offers Elfmann, Farm Credit has doubled its lending in the last 10 years with virtually no oversight and no controls. How will it hold up if the farm economy continues to flag? System bankers quickly note that their balance sheets are solid, at least for now. What they dont talk about, however, is how their special status as a Congressionally-chartered lenderand what Elfmann and Ely both say is lax oversight by both the Farm Credit Administration and Congressallows System banks to pick big winners in Big Ag and Big Agbiz. Given the size of most of todays System loans, opines ABAs Elfmann, can taxpayer-subsidized financing be justified for any of these massive borrowers? Thats a good question for the tight-fisted, Trump-bowing Congress to address in 2018 Farm Bill hearings. Before then, however, the borrower-owners of the not-yet-merged Compeer Financial should ask their hired hands at AgStar, Badgerland and 1st Farm Credit just how much the new bosses will be paid and how little the new deal delivers to them and their rural communities. Agriculture, agribusiness, and agro-industries will dominate the knowledge events of the 2017 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group scheduled to take place from May 22-26 in Ahmedabad, in India's Gujarat State. sarangib via pixabay - Cassava The central theme of the Annual Meetings, "Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa," underscores the critical importance of agriculture in the Bank's work in particular and in Africa in general. It also provides a good opportunity for India, cradle of the "Green Revolution" to share its experiences with thousands of participants who will attend the Bank's foremost annual gathering. India's Green Revolution is known to have been prompted by the 1943 Bengal famine, which claimed about four million lives. The country continued to face food insufficiency challenges up to the 1960s when it revolutionised traditional food production practices by introducing new agricultural techniques with high-yield crop varieties accompanied by chemical fertilisers, pesticides, germicides, herbicides, and weedicides. Irrigation and storage infrastructure were also put in place to ensure food self-sufficiency. As a result, India produces enough food to feed its 1.3 billion people with a surplus for export, including garri, an important staple in parts of African, which Delhi currently exports to the continent. Driving transformation The AfDB is focusing on a robust continent-wide agricultural programme, which aims to make the continent food self-sufficient. The Bank's "Feed Africa: Strategy for Agricultural Transformation in Africa, 2016-2025," aims to scale up agriculture as a business through value addition, led by the private sector and enabled by the public sector, and using innovative financing mechanisms, with a view to end hunger and rural poverty in Africa in the next decade. It is the second of the Bank's High 5 priorities - Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa - a blueprint for the implementation of its Ten Year Strategy 2013-2022. The idea is to drive transformation through 15 priority commodity value chains in given agro-ecological zones specifically to achieve self-sufficiency in key commodities such as rice, wheat, fish, palm oil, horticulture, cassava. Then the goal is to move up the value chain in key export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, cotton, and cashew; create a food-secure Sahel in sorghum, millet, livestock; and realize the potential of the Guinea savannah in maize, soybean, and livestock. The Feed Africa strategy seeks to confront the dismal situation of a continent that spends $35.4 billion on food imports annually despite being home to 600 million hectares of uncultivated land or 65% of the world's undeveloped arable land. Besides, about 70% of Africa's population and 80% of the continent's poor who live in rural areas depend on agriculture and non-farm rural enterprises for their livelihoods. These are some of the issues that participants at the meetings will address, under topics such as the Presidential Panel on Transforming African agriculture: Views from the Leaders; Financing Agriculture: Where to Find the Money?, Women in Agriculture; Energy Solutions to Boost African Agriculture; From cotton to clothing - let's integrate Africa; Innovative technologies for agricultural transformation, as well as numerous exhibitions on the agriculture theme. India joined the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional arm of the AfDB, in 1982 and the African Development Bank a year later. The country is a key member of the institution's 24 non-regional member countries, which support the ADF. In 2016, India pledged $18.09 million (INR 1.25 billion) for the 14th replenishment of the ADF, and also pledged a bridge loan of $14.94 million, thereby increasing its burden share by 12.6%. Delhi continues to strengthen its relations with Africa, accounting for investments estimated at US $7.4 billion, mostly lines of credit channeled through the Export-Import Bank of India, for the implementation of projects across Africa. For more information on the 2017 Annual Meetings, please visit: AfDB The Gauteng provincial government wants to convert some of its public buildings, including schools, clinics and hospitals into centres of economic activity; saying this could unlock R42bn in value and create 190,000 jobs. Infrastructure Development MEC Jacob Mamabolo said they were looking at partnering with the private sector to unlock the economic potential of these assets and create new integrated precinct developments, especially in townships. These would become hives of small, medium and large business activity. Potential spaces earmarked for development include the area around the Lillian Ngoyi hospital in Soweto, excess land from Sandown High School in the north of Johannesburg, the area next to the Vaal Dam, the area around Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown and the Roodeplaat Dam north East of Pretoria. There is huge economic potential locked in our R30bn worth of assets and we, therefore, need to optimise economic value in the use and custodianship of these assets in order to radically transform and reindustrialise our economy, and further create jobs. We now have a rare opportunity to define and dictate economic development based on the assets and resources directly in our control, he said. MEC Mamabolo said these precincts would help bring investments into townships and change them from places where people live while working elsewhere, to important economic hubs that create jobs and energise the townships. We have got to bring to an end the situation where there has been market failure and lack of appetite to invest in townships and as a result there are no sustainable job opportunities. Townships are basically a place for labour and people moving in and out. The government precinct wishes to bring that to an end. As government, we need to crowd investments in townships. If we dont invest massively in townships, townships will remain as they are, he said. Meanwhile, the provincial government is to build low cost houses for hostel dwellers who find themselves unable to afford to rent old hostel rooms that have been converted into rental housing units. Addressing journalists at the Gauteng Economic Cluster Briefing on Wednesday, 1 March, Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements MEC Paul Mashatile said the province had decided to change the way it upgrades hostels. In the past, government had opted to refurbish existing hostels and turn them into rental housing units. But this created a problem as some of the hostel dwellers could not afford the rental amount charged. In some of the hostels that were upgraded, people could not afford the units that were provided there, so we decided that we should provide units that are affordable because some of the people in the hostels are essentially supposed to be RDP beneficiaries; if you upgrade hostels probably they have to pay rentals that are very high and they are not able to. So, we have agreed that we will integrate most of those people into other housing developments, he said. MEC Mashatile said they had experienced serious problems in hostels such as Dube in Soweto where families were prevented from moving into new rental housing units because former hostel dwellers could not afford rental amounts charged for those units. They say because we cant afford to pay no one can move in. In those circumstances, we will allocate [low cost houses] those who cant afford it. MEC Mashatile said those hostels that are dilapidated would be demolished entirely and replaced with rental housing stock. Cabinet at its fortnightly meeting has approved ten Bills, including the National Public Health Institutes of South Africa (NAPHISA) Bill, for tabling in Parliament. The Bill provides for the establishment of the NAPHISA, its functions, powers and duties. NAPHISA aims to provide integrated and coordinated disease and injury surveillance, research, monitoring and evaluation of services and intervention directed towards the major public health problems affecting persons in South Africa, said Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, on Thursday. He said this will increase the capacity to monitor communicable, non-communicable diseases and injuries, which will aid in the early detection, prevention, and response to these conditions. This will ultimately contribute to the control of diseases and reduction of morbidity and mortality. NAPHISA will be a national resource that serves public health interest and is intended to provide for a system of health protection that focuses on access, equity, efficiency and quality. National Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill Cabinet also approved the National Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill to be tabled in Parliament. This amends the National Health Laboratory Service Act, 2000 (Act No 37 of 2000). The proposed amendments seek to improve the governance, accountability, and financial sustainability of the National Health Laboratory Service. The Minister said this will enable the national service to provide diagnostic health laboratory services more cost effectively and with greater efficiency, so as to increase the quality of clinical care provided to patients through timely and judicious clinical management. Older Persons Amendment Bill The Older Persons Amendment Bill, 2016, was approved and will be published for public comment. The Bill amends the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006. The amendments make specific reference to protection and compliance measures which will contribute in providing a safe and protective environment for older persons. The Bills aim to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation measures on services to older persons by putting in place effective enforcement measures for non-compliance which includes the imposition of penalties, the Minister said. This will ensure that older persons have access to quality services such as social, health, community based, and residential care. Fund Raising Amendment Bill Cabinet further approved the publication of the Fund Raising Amendment Bill, 2016, for public comment. Cabinet approved for the repeal of the existing funds and the consolidation of their assets and liabilities to one Fund. The Bill amends the Fund Raising Act, 1978, which is outdated. The Bill streamlines responses to disasters and allows for the deployment of risk mitigation and developmental strategies through the consolidation of the existing funds including their respective assets and liabilities into one National Social Development and Relief Fund, the Minister said. He said the fund raising capabilities of the Act will be restored and the fund will not only be able to react when social relief is needed, but will act to mitigate risks and develop communities. National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill Cabinet also approved the submission of the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill, 2016, to Parliament. This amends the National Environmental Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) as well as a number of Specific Environmental Management Acts. This will strengthen the integrated environmental management, one environmental management system, compliance and enforcement measures; biodiversity and conservation; air quality management; waste management and integrated coastal management, the Minister said. Draft Regulation of Agricultural Land Holdings Bill The Draft Regulation of Agricultural Land Holdings Bill, 2017, which was approved, will be published for public comment. Minister Radebe said land reform is necessary to unlock the potential for a dynamic, growing and employment-creating agricultural sector. Amongst others, the Bill gives effect to the establishment of the Land Commission which will ensure a transparent and more conducive regulatory environment for the generation and utilisation of policy-relevant information on ownership and usage of agricultural land. This will improve the states ability to monitor and evaluate its compliance with the constitutional directive to ensure land tenure and related reforms, with the intent of taking measures to redress the results of past racial discrimination. This contributes to the National Development Plans vision for rural revitalisation, inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction which also rests on creating more equitable access to land and tenure security for all South Africans, the Minister said. Property Practitioners Bill The publication of the Property Practitioners Bill, 2016, was approved in the Government Gazette for public comment. The Bill repeals the current Estate Agency Affairs Act, 1976 (Act No. 112 of 1976). The Bill responds to the changing market conditions and dynamics, and strives to create an enabling environment to enhance economic activity within the real estate market, the Minister said. It also addresses the need to enhance compliance and enforcement, as well as to ensure transformation in the sector and to regulate the conduct and behaviour of property practitioners. Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Amendment Bill The Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Amendment Bill, 2016, was also approved to be published for public comment. The Bill amends the Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Act, 2000 (Act No. 63 of 2000). The Bill addresses human settlements challenges identified in the National Development Plan. This includes: dysfunctional settlement patterns across the country; challenges facing towns and cities; weak spatial planning and governance capabilities. The Bill seeks to provide for housing finance which is in line with section 26 of the Constitution, which stipulates that everyone has a right to adequate housing. It further empowers the Office of Disclosure to receive and investigate complaints regarding home loans. The Minister said this will encourage compliance by financial institutions and will contribute to improved lending patterns and trends of financial institutions regarding home loans. Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill The publication of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill, 2016, was further approved in the Government Gazette for public comment. This amends the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003). The amendments deal with the challenges being experienced with the constitution and reconstitution of traditional leadership structures and, where applicable, the disestablishment of certain structures. The aim is to ensure proper reconstitution of tribal authorities as traditional councils; establishment of kingship and queenship councils; and disestablishment of community authorities. International Arbitration Bill The International Arbitration Bill was approved to be introduced into Parliament. The aim of the Bill is to improve access to justice services and to ensure the realisation of the National Development Plan target of expanding trade and investment and positioning South Africa in the world. The Bill incorporates the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, as adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. This can be used by business to resolve their international commercial disputes and in terms of which parties can obtain arbitral awards that are legally enforceable, the Minister said. Such a move, he said, could contribute to increased economic growth and investment as well as ensure that South Africa is an attractive venue for parties around the world to resolve their commercial disputes. After almost six months in custody, FeesMustFall student activist Bonginkosi Khanyile is a free man. The Constitutional Court yesterday made the order after the Durban University of Technology student's legal team reached a settlement with the prosecution that he would be released on R250 bail, subject to conditions. Khanyile had been in custody since his arrest on 27 September last year during student protests. He was held on eight charges, including public violence, illegal gathering and inciting violence. He approached the court on an urgent basis seeking leave to appeal against a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that dashed his hopes of getting bail. Among the bail conditions are that he does not intimidate staff at the Durban University of Technology. Earlier, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng had asked the student activist's counsel, advocate Dali Mpofu SC, why it was necessary to keep Khanyile in prison. "The only fact that stands out is that this student had to be made an example of. "The prosecutor said there was an order from the president to clamp down on protesting students," Mpofu said. About 1,000 EFF supporters, student leaders and students protested outside court while proceedings were under way, with the "Free Bonginkosi" committee vowing to make the country "ungovernable" if Khanyile was not released. Addressing the crowd after the ruling, EFF leader Julius Malema said Khanyile did not belong among criminals because he was "fighting for a just cause". "We came to defend the jailing of an innocent African child." He said the state had tried to justify why Khanyile should be locked up. But the state had started negotiating a settlement only after they had realised that they did not have a relevant case. Malema said it had cost the party R500,000 to get Khanyile released on bail pending trial. New Media has announced that managing director Bridget McCarney has been promoted to CEO of the New Media group of companies, and that Aileen Lamb, current general manager of the consumer division, has been appointed as managing director. These changes are effective from 1 April 2017. Aileen Lamb Bridget McCarney McCarney, MD of New Media for the past 15 years, has led the company through many changes. Under her award-winning leadership the company grew its profits by more than 600%, staff increased from 30 to 250, and the company grew from a custom-publishing venture into a full-service strategic and content agency. In her role as general manager of New Medias consumer division, Aileen has been the driving force behind the digitisation and relaunch of successful media brands such as Eat Out, VISI and Woolworths TASTE. She has also succesfully led the annual Eat Out Restaurant Awards to great heights with a record number of 740 guests attending this glamorous event last year. Prior to this she held the position of national advertising director at New Media, where she achieved astonishing results in a diminishing environment. Aileen started her digital journey in 2000 at Newsquest Media in Scotland, where she commercially developed a portfolio of digital-first consumer brands. Says Bridget: It has been my pleasure to have grown New Media from a fledging custom publisher to the countrys leading content-marketing agency. Aileen will drive this change even further and faster. This move takes me into a broader role that includes growing our sister companies and focusing on important strategic pillars such as Matrix24, says Bridget. The change will allow me to focus on the elements I believe to be the most important, including our company culture and the future vision of New Media. Im excited about the move and look forward to a range of new opportunities and challenges. About her successor, Bridget adds: Aileen is a dynamic and fearless leader, with the perfect combination of passion and drive for this new challenge. Her vision will no doubt amplify New Medias successes. Says Aileen: I am honoured to take the reins at New Media at a time when the pace of change is quicker than ever. We have developed an exciting new strategy that will allow us to build on the successes of the past, channel the brilliance of our talented people, and I look forward to discovering new ways in which New Media can play an even more vital part in delivering valuable content for our clients audiences; content that audiences truly want to engage with. New Media has always stood for excellence and this will continue to be at the heart of what we do. Diversified real estate investment trust (Reit) Redefine Properties says its investment in Redefine International is underperforming. Redefine International focuses on the UK and Germany. Redefine Properties CEO Andrew Konig told investors on Tuesday, 28 February, that the company, which was launched as an offshore arm of Redefine, had battled recently. "We are concerned," he said. Redefine International said earlier it would pay a lower proportion of its income as dividends to serve the demands of its UK shareholders, who are seeking capital growth. This means Redefine Properties will receive lower investment income from it. Redefine's holding in Redefine International is worth about R3.19bn. It also owns significant stakes in Australia's Cromwell and Poland's Echo Polska Properties. Its market capitalisation is worth about R62.9bn and its direct local property portfolio is worth more than R53bn. Redefine International has a market capitalisation of about R10.6bn. Redefine owns about 30.1% of the company. In 2017 to date, Redefine International's share price has slumped about 11%. It returned -38.60% last year, including capital and income returns, said Stanlib head of listed property funds Keillen Ndlovu. UK-focused property stocks were battered in 2016 and remained under pressure as a result of continuing uncertainty about the UK's planned exit from the EU. Property stock prices fell drastically after the June 23 Brexit vote, recovering only slightly since then. Management has decided to move to a European Public Real Estate Association (Epra) distribution metric as a method of paying out a lower proportion of income as dividends. "We want to be more fiscally conservative in a low-growth UK environment," deputy CE Stephen Oakenfull said earlier. "The company will be moving to an industry standard Epra-based earnings metric. Adopting this earnings measure, adjusted only for necessary company-specific adjustments, allows for a closer alignment between earnings and operating cash flow. "To facilitate our leverage objectives and to provide greater financial flexibility, a mediumterm dividend pay-out ratio within the range of 90% to 95% of our rebased earnings measure will be targeted. In the short term, some degree of flexibility in the pay-out ratio may be required to smooth distributions to shareholders following the transition to the Epra-based earnings metric," he said. Source: Business Day You've finally arrived at your bucket list destination, but your luggage has not... Many travellers have landed in this particular scenario, and getting luggage back from airlines or airports can prove to be difficult, time-consuming, and a major inconvenience. Around 20 million bags are mislaid in airports around the world every year, and in London alone, 50,000 mobile phones get left behind in taxis annually. South Africa is no different, with thousands of personal belongings making its way into Lost & Found containers nationwide every year. HomingPIN offers an innovative solution to this global problem with the HomingPIN tag. HomingPIN offers baggage loops with tags, key rings, and stickers that have a unique identification number on them. This number gets activated online prior to using the tag and is linked to the owners email address and cellphone number. If someone finds a cellphone, keys, baggage, or any other item that has a HomingPIN tag on it, they can easily notify the owner by visiting HomingPIN and entering the unique identification number, as well as their contact details. The owner is immediately notified via SMS and email and is able to contact the founder to retrieve their belongings. Finders are not given the owners contact details, however, so it is up to the owner to make contact first. HomingPIN is integrated with the worldwide World Tracer system, which all baggage handlers have access to. For airlines, HomingPIN will instantly provide information on the bags whereabouts when it is found. The airline will then contact the owner to arrange transfer of the goods. Whats more, is that HomingPIN can provide reasonably-priced transportation of your found goods, from anywhere in the world. HomingPIN tags, stickers, and key rings allow you to tag a variety of items including, but not limited to, luggage, laptop computers, mobile phones, keys, wallets and passports. Easy-to-use and practical, theyre a life-saver for the whole family. With this handy tool, lost goods have a much better chance of being returned to their owners, and owners have peace of mind too. HomingPIN packs are available at select Cape Union Mart Stores and online at Takealot. The latest figure from the Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics shows around 903 visitors entered the country in January, compared to 750 last year, marking a 17% increase. Penstones via pixabay While the most recent statics still fall below the recorded number of 911 in 2015, the tourism board is confident that 2017 will be a year of growth for the South African market. Says David Germain, Seychelles Tourism Board, director for Africa and the Americas: We are extremely pleased about the latest figures from the South African market and we are looking forward to, in partnership with South African travellers and our trade partners, to grow at an even greater pace in the coming year. Germain adds that the launch of Air Seychelles year-round flights from Durban to the Seychelles, on 30 March, will play a definitive role in opening up the destination to even more South Africans. The new service to Durban is in addition to Air Seychelles five flights a week from Johannesburg. Also commenting on the latest figures, the deputy chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Jennifer Sinon said: We are now reaping the rewards of all the activities and strategies of last year as the benefits trickle down in the months and years to come. We acknowledge that this year is going to be challenging both locally and internationally but we are optimistic that the destination will remain resilient. Samer Abu Ltaif has been appointed as Microsoft president, Middle East and Africa (MEA). His vision for Microsoft in MEA is to contribute to the economic and social development of the region: MEA has tremendous potential. The rich diversity across the region, combined with the fast-growing youth population and innovative spirit, opens up enormous opportunities, says Abu Ltaif. As Microsoft, we have an important role to play, not only through the innovative technology that we bring to market, but also through our presence across the region, our focus on developing local talent, and our deep commitment to the communities in which we operate. New role A key part of Abu Ltaifs role will be to drive the digital transformation agenda of the region across governments, enterprises, developers and small and medium businesses. His leadership will be instrumental in progressing Microsofts commitment to empowering people, transform businesses, impact societies and fuel a knowledge economy in MEA. Abu Ltaif will continue to be based in Dubai, which serves as one of the major hubs for Microsoft in the region. He takes over the reins from Microsoft corporate vice president, Ali Faramawy, who has headed the region for thirteen years. Faramawy, in turn, takes on a newly announced global role as the head of the Emerging Markets Digital Transformation Organisation which has been established within Microsoft. Previous roles Abu Ltaif, who joined Microsoft in 2004, has held many senior roles within the organisation including regional director for enterprise and partner group across MEA. Most recently, he was the regional general manager of Microsoft Gulf. During his tenure, he led landmark Microsoft initiatives aimed at empowering governments and citizens through innovation, revolutionising education, stimulating SME growth and entrepreneurship; all to enhance the regions global competitiveness and modernization. He played a key role in growing Microsofts presence in the Gulf and developing the companys ecosystem of over 1,400 channel partners. Thinking outside the box' a business term from the 1970s, is still occasionally heard by those in the pursuit of elusive creative solutions deemed to exist somewhere outside the bounds of corporate dry walling. The very kinds of solutions that the 54 designers and creative thinkers on the programme (and many of the 1,500 delegates) at the 21st Design Indaba festival currently running at Cape Towns Artscape complex, are willing and able to provide. The Design Indaba stage provided local outfit Dokter and Misses (DAM) best known for their funky cabinets, stools and lamps as seen regularly in local decor magazines the opportunity to explain their design process, beginning with images of the Bauhaus inspiration that informed their early work. Bauhaus, is the now almost 100 year-old art movement, which marked the advance of European art, design, architecture, typography and product design into the Modernist age, by stripping away all ornament to the bare bones of the designers toolbox the pure forms of the triangle, cylinder and cube and the pure primary pigments of red, yellow and blue. The Artscape stage allowed DAM husband-and-wife team Adriaan Hugo and Katy Taplin, the scope to stage a mini-retrospective of their furniture and objets, via a note-perfect choreographed and curated presentation. Dancers dressed in geometric foam block costumes, bobbed against a backdrop of animated graphic design motifs showing countless dissected and reformulated variations of geometric shapes, making one wonder whether whoever suggested thinking outside the box in the first place, might have solved their creative dilemmas by looking more closely within it, rather than outside. I mean the Golden Mean is inside the box, who knows what other treasures might be in there too. In the case of DAM, embracing inspiration from traditional African motifs, has allowed them to span the divide from the heights of European modernism to the cutting edge of an African design narrative, which seems to be hitting just the right global contemporary aesthetic for right now. A similar African ethos in terms of a combination of pastel and neon colour-blocking, pattern and playing with essential shapes, was in evidence in the presentation by Nigerian-born Yinka Ilori, showing the inspirations behind his furniture designs infused from Nigerian cultural roots, transplanted to a flamboyant and happy London council estate upbringing. What emerges from these designers working in the African design vocabulary or parable as Ilori would put it, is the simplicity the joy of coming home, a family living room, proud decoration, a shared heritage from the mother continent that is being increasingly valued by the rest of the world. Speaking of boxes (and homeliness), the kings of flatpack furniture Ikea, will soon be looking to African designers for inspiration. On the Design Indaba stage today, Jesper Brodin, CEO of Range and Supply at IKEA of Sweden and Marcus Engman Head of Design at Ikea, spoke about their impending collaboration with invited Pan-African designers, commenting There is so much creativity coming out of Africa, in music, in fashion, in architecture right now, we want to learn from Africa. For the project Design Indaba will be drawing from their extensive network of multi-disciplinary design alumni. Architects and creatives such as Selly Rabe Kane, Renee Roussouw, Christian Benimane, Issa Diabate, Laduma Ngxokolo and others from South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Ivory Coast and Rwanda will collaborate with IKEA around modern rituals and the importance they play in the home. I had the pleasure of attending Nedbank's official launch of its new brand repositioning during the first day of Design Indaba. The bank's new tagline challenges clients and society to see money differently'. And this it does... The TVC from Joe Public is a thought-provoking journey of 'the note' between good and bad, depending on how you view money. It is the owner who decides what to do with the money. In the right hands and when well managed, money has the infinite capacity to do good. The TVC is beautifully produced and really engages the viewer in the story. It will be launched on Carte Blanche this Sunday night. I asked Thulani Sibeko, group executive: Marketing, Communications & Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, what 'see money differently' means to Nedbank. He said, When we say 'see money differently' we are inviting our consumers and clients to say money has amazing possibilities for good. If you manage it well there is a lot more you can achieve through it. As people pursue their financial goals they make their best choices." Commenting on the process, he said it's been an exciting journey, but a challenging one too. "Money is money, which any bank can talk about, so the challenge for Nedbank was how do we find a way of articulating this positioning, firstly, in a way that makes people reappraise Nedbank. So, we had to use a different voice from what weve always had. "Secondly, among a sea of financial institutions for us to stand out, we had to find a metaphor that is so different from what weve used in the past and from what our peers have done, and when Joe Public came up with this idea it was wow! Partly exciting and to some extent do we want to go there? But great ideas are the ones that give you some discomfort, then you know you are more likely to get something different to when you see an idea that says 'ok, I can do this', which results in keeping the status quo. According to Khuthala Gala Holten, deputy MD at Joe Public, The proposition of money well managed was a collaboration between ourselves, the Nedbank brand team and Yellowwood. It was a lengthy process, where we had to find a space that no body had gone or probably had not dared to go, calling money what it is. Money is money but the most important thing is how we translate that and how consumers manage money well and turn it into dreams, homes and businesses. 'See money differently' provokes one to look at their money and whose hands they put it in. The launch commercial 'the note' is a journey. You follow this note through the city and see the power of what it can do in the right or wrong hands. Thulani Sibeko, Nedbank group executive: Marketing, Communications and Corporate Affairs; Carien Momsen, first runner up; Titus Khoza, winner; Keya Murphy, second runner up; and Vanessa Singh, Nedbank executive head of Retail and Business Banking Marketing. As the sponsor of Design Indaba for three years, Nedbank used the platform to drive the point home by identifying, sponsoring and challenging 40 Emerging Creatives to see money differently and use their ingenuity to try and solve prevalent socio-economic challenges. The winning concept by Titus Khoza received R100,000 in funding towards making a positive impact in the country. Find out more here and visit Bizcommunity's Design Indaba special section for all the latest coverage! Design Indaba attendees will never see clocks, wall frames and shoes in the same way again, having witnessed Pauline Saglio share about interactive design and the endless possibilities that this can have on analogue objects. Pauline Saglio Currently a teacher in the Visual Communication Department at ECAL/University of Art and Design Lausanne, Saglio was introduced to the audience as a designer who infuses analogue objects with digital technology to help shift the perception that digital cannot also be tangible". Saglio studied at both Penninghens school of art and the Atelier de Sevre school of art. While studying, she met her colleague, Mathieu Rivier, who has collaborated with her on various projects. Introducing the audience to her work, Saglio said, When you think of digital media in interaction, you might think of computers, touchscreens and smartphones People think everything related with new technology and with the digital world is something that keeps us apart from everything that is manual. I will try to show you through our work that its something quite the opposite. Saglio then shared a series of three of her projects, namely Rewind, Interactive Scarves and a project on interactive shoes. Rewind This project involves a series of three clocks, which are dependent on human interaction. The user is required to participate in order to view the time. Interactive scarves Saglio wished to develop interactive paintings with silk scarves that could hang on the wall and respond to users interaction with the frame. The first of the three was dependent on the viewers proximity to the frame. The closer the viewer got to the frame, the more it would change and display various colours, lights and sounds. The second frame was reliant on the viewers touch and the third would react to sounds from viewers cell phones. Emilio Pucci Interactive Scarves by ECAL/Pauline Saglio from ECAL on Vimeo. The aim of this project was to encourage a shoe store's customers to interact with pairs of shoes. We focused on how you could interact with all kinds of shoes and combined electronics and mechanics in order to personalise each pair of shoes. The result was an enchanting customer experience, as displayed in a snippet of Saglio's talk below: More shoe interaction from Pauline Saglio @designindaba If only all shoe shops were like this #designindaba pic.twitter.com/8tlVcTAPNY Tom Banks (@1TomBanks) March 1, 2017 Click here for more on Saglio and visit our Design Indaba special section for all the latest coverage! Global design students Bo-Won Keum of the Rhode Island School of Design affectionately known as Risdee' (RISD) and Rhys Jones of Canada's Carleton University of Industrial Design, enthralled attendees at the second day of Design Indaba 2017 with their use of design to make the world a better place. Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race... If youve been alive over the past few decades the lyrics to this immortal Michael Jackson song will either have you doing a slow-head dance with your eyes closed or an irritated shake and wondering what Im on about now especially as the song hasnt been played at this rendition of Design Indaba. The truth is, when introducing two of the days global graduate speakers, Kojo Baffoe mentioned that the students stories are always inspiring, with co-MC Michael Bierut commenting that when he gets back to New York and reports back on his Design Indaba experience each year, its often those global graduates tales that stick in his memory. I felt the same way on hearing the first few graduate students presentations yesterday so much so that I tweeted out the following... These global students' presentations at @designindaba sure have a way of making you feel inadequate. #designindaba pic.twitter.com/ZOKyUKucbY Rambling Litchi (@Leigh_Andrews) March 1, 2017 ... which was met with likes and comments of agreement: The reason is simple every single one thus far has resonated because these young, inspired minds have been motivated to take their new design skills and use them in a way that actually makes the world a better place. Right, long-winded explanation over. Heres how Keum and Jones are doing their bit to heal the world through design: Free your mind: whoever you are, wherever you are Graphic designer and storyteller of note, Keum kicked off by explaining her interest in how constraints often inspire creativity. What bigger constraint is there than having to spend your days in prison? During her studies at RISD, she partnered with the Books to Prisoners project in Seattle. Its exactly what it sounds like: a non-profit organisation that responds to letters from prison inmates in the US asking for books by donating the books that are asked for or as good a match as possible. Keum Keum said: The journey begins with letters from the inmates who ask for reading material. The prison systems dont necessarily provide these. Being locked up in a cell with nothing else to do for 23 hours a day can make you go crazy. Reading is a way to forget that, to imagine and learn and hopefully lead to a better life on their release. Some request dictionaries, other want self-help books and others are simply after the latest fantasy and romance bestsellers. Now, Keum is helping Books to Prisoners develop a system to archive the reading materials, requests, restrictions and donations, but of course the tale is a little more complicated than that. Some of that complication lies in the fact that the books are all donated materials and there are format restrictions; some prisons wont accept hardcovers or books in other languages. But it was never about simply being faster or automating the process to the click of a button, as the physical labour is as much for the volunteers as the prisoners, as they take time out of their lives for each letter they read, and something magical happens when you browse the books. Keum wanted the inmates to tell their story of the impact of the books they receive, asking them to write what it meant to them. The responses were then turned into a book because, Despite the convictions print is dead, a book still commands physical presence and is a democratic object as its something the volunteers and prisoners can all read. Designed to look like one of the packages, external content was kept to a minimum, with each letter occupying a full spread, with the letter on the right and a quote or footnote to accompany the letter on the left. Condensed previews of the book are available at the Design Indaba pop-up store, as well as the zines Keum created of the books that have been sent out to the prisoners. She ended with a quote that suggests shes wise beyond her years: Dont be afraid to let a simple gesture take up space, itll resonate in more ways than you can imagine. Getting real-world results with evidence-based design Jones then explained his focus on evidence-based design and beefing up assumptions with scientific vigour. Once he started talking it was clear why he was president of the Carleton Industrial Design Student Association. Hes passionate and focused on making a difference, and believes that all products developed in the future should be tailored for human diversity and universal design. His design thesis project? A special Kangaroo chair for neonatal intensive care units that offers skin-to-skin contact for the baby and caregiver alike. The benefits of this are numerous, and while other chairs exist, theyre often too heavy to unlock and move around from room to room, didnt meet basic infection control criteria and are uncomfortable to sit on for a long time. Jones prototype has already won multiple awards for healthcare product design. His research shows us why... Hospitals are extremely complex spaces, not very big, yet crowded as many people work there, from doctors to nurses and cleaners, not to mention the patients and their visitors. Jones had many design decisions to make, with the following five points his critical drivers: Spatial constraints Patient and family care Hospital-borne infections are on the rise Ergonomics Environment The resulting chair effectively meets all of these. Jones Jones took this all into account, prototyped a model and upped the user experience by adding recline options, with minimal creasing to reduce the risk of infection and colour used in such a way that it shows the high-touch areas for easy cleaning. Its sustainable, socially responsible and so very simple. Jones boils his own design success down to taking both user needs and research into account. Thats the crux of evidence-based design, and something we can all take forward. Click here for more on Books for Prisoners, here for more on Jones chair and visit our Design Indaba special section for all the latest coverage! Los Angeles-based, Grammy-nominated hip hop, neo-soul and R&B outfit The Internet completes the line-up for the 18th Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) taking place from the 31 March and 1 April 2017 at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Defying easy categorisation of their crossover multi-genre sounds, The Internet was christened as a result of the two producers Syd (Sydney) and Matt Martians (real name Matthew Martins) - meeting on the net, then officially forming the band in 2011. They have since released three studio albums and three extended plays, with Ego Death nominated for a Grammy Best Urban Contemporary Album. Festival Director Billy Domingo says of their inclusion in the 2017 CTIJF line-up: We are excited to welcome The Internet to South Africa. Their fresh sound and insightful lyrics both inform and entertain and they are certain to appeal and resonate with a diverse audience. The band is the perfect addition to this socially conscious 2017 musical line-up. Catch The Internet on the Manenberg Stage on Saturday 1 April 2017 at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival happening 31 March and 1 April 2017. For a full list of previously announced artists, please see:www.capetownjazzfest.com/artists-2017. The official sponsors for the 18th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2017 are: The Department of Arts and Culture, Independent Media, and host city The City of Cape Town. Other sponsors include Johnnie Walker, Amstel and South African Tourism. Tickets are available at www.computicket.com For corporate hospitality packages, contact Samantha on 021 671 0506 or email moc.akirfapse@ytilatipsoh www.capetownjazzfest.com CTIJF on social media Official hashtag: #CTIJF2017 Facebook: facebook.com/CTJazzFest Twitter: twitter.com/CTJazzFest Instagram: Instagram.com/capetownjazzfest Caterpillar Inc recently announced plans to consolidate its parts distribution centres in Isando, South Africa into a new parts distribution facility near Johannesburg. The new facility is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2017. This investment in our new and more efficient 60,000 m (645,000 square feet) facility demonstrates our commitment to Caterpillar customers in Africa. We are positioned to deliver the best solution to satisfy customer service needs now and far into the future. It is a win-win for our customers, our dealers in the region and Caterpillar. Caterpillar and our dealers know that getting replacement parts to our customers, such as a new filter or undercarriage, as quickly as possible is extremely important to reduce idle time and save money, said Bonnie Fetch, Cat parts distribution director. The consolidation is part of the previously announced plan of the company, its independent dealers, and the Caterpillar Foundation to invest more than US$1 billion in countries throughout Africa over five years. The IAB Digital Summit, powered by Accenture Interactive, is where digital, business, advertising and content converge. On 16 March 2017 at The Galleria in Sandton, a heavy-hitting panel of local and international experts in each field will gather to have a dynamic, interactive discussion on the future and influence of digital in our country. Says IAB SA CEO, Josephine Buys, In just one day, Summit attendees will be exposed to some of the latest digital trends, techniques and insights that will have an impact on their business immediately and for years to come. If digital touches any aspect of your business, this is a critical event to attend. How digital trends shape our audiences Lee Naik, CEO of Transunion Africa will examine how the Internet has forever changed the way people go about their lives and the implications this has for businesses and governments in remaining relevant. He will cover some of the key Internet trends across Africa, and share practical advice on how to change your business model to drive your competitive advantage in this increasingly digital world. Accenture Interactive, Diamond Sponsor for the IAB Digital Summit, has announced Didier Uljasz, MD of Accenture Interactive, as its keynote speaker. Uljasz will discuss The art of knowing me: the customer genome and the new state of hyper-personalisation. This presentation is rooted in Accenture Interactives groundbreaking research into the digital customer genome. How to make advertising great again Alexandra Salomon, director International: IAB (Washington DC) will discuss the four key principles of what makes advertising great and how IAB and its members can be part of it. Consumer attention is shifting to mobile and video is a tremendous opportunity for brands to connect with people. Great advertising stirs desire but mobile advertising isnt yet hitting the mark. Leonel Silva, director: Media Partnerships EMEA at Celtra, Inc. will show how mobile brand storytelling can adapt to drive the return on investment advertisers seek, using powerful examples and highlighting global best practice. Creating verified, authentic content Melissa Attree, creative director for Ogilvy PR will unpack the key trends that will disrupt the content marketing space over the next year. Lunga Ngcime, Digital Marketing lead for Unilever Africa will provide up to the minute examples on how a brand of Unilevers scale and reach into Africa approaches content in a mobile connected world. Measuring digital success Ryan Smit, head of Measurement for the IAB Measurement Council, feels that investment in digital will only thrive once we can sustainably measure our return on investment. He will anticipate the future direction of digitised media measurement. Jessy Severins, Monetisation Yield & Product manager for eBay Classifieds Group, will use her experience in managing the programmatic and platform-driven revenue channels of Gumtree.co.za and Mexico-based Vivanuncios.com.mx to discuss the trends which will shape the media industry in the next five years. The new face of radio and TV Traditional media is not dead, but is undergoing tectonic shifts in the face of the digital revolution. Thabo Molefe (Tbo Touch), Touch Central co-founder believes the future of radio lies in digital, and will bring the numbers and insights from his renowned #datamustfall campaign to prove it. Television is also more interactive than ever before. Fahmeeda Cassim Surtee, group marketing and sales director DStv will use the widely successful case of the show Our Perfect Wedding to show what happens when digital marries TV. The IAB Digital Summit, powered by Accenture Interactive, will be held on 16 March 2017 at The Galleria in Sandton from 9am until 3:30pm. Standard, non-member Summit tickets cost R1,950 while IAB SA members can get their tickets for R1,690. Bookmark Awards tickets are on sale for R1,090 for both the awards and after party or R450 for the after party only. To book tickets and for more information on the IAB Digital Summit & Bookmarks click here. According to the PayProp Rental Index , the average rental in South Africa breached the R7,000 threshold ending Q4 2016 at R7,062.91. The quarterly PayProp Residential Rental Index is drawn from the actual payment data of 1,000 rental agencies administering 85,000 active leases. PayProp Group CEO Louw Liebenberg says that the highest percentage growth for the quarter was recorded in December 2016, when average rentals were 7% higher than the same month the previous year. The jump to 7% is even more significant as historically the highest growth months have been October and November. As average rental values increase, so it is usual to see a migration from the lower to higher rental price categories. The largest jump in the final quarter was in the >R15,000 category where the proportion of all rentals grew from 4.8% to 5.9%. Western Cape takes the lead The Western Cape improved on its steady +9% growth rates to breach the double digits and hit 10. 99%. On the other end of the spectrum, the Northern Cape continued to decline to just 2.11% from a high of 16.74% in 2015. Liebenberg says that Limpopo is the most interesting province to watch as for several years the province topped the ranks with the highest average rental. This was largely due to an industrial development boom in the area which led to soaring demand for rentals fuelled by limited stock availability. It was like the switch was flicked towards the end of 2014 and construction stopped, mines had strikes and ancillary businesses closed causing a plummet in the growth rates, says Liebenberg. Surprisingly, 2016 saw the province return to steady growth so much so that it is now the province boasting the fastest growing average rental rate. Owners in the pound seat Once rental property costs are taken into account, net yields on investment properties still show growth. A growth rate up to 5.3% from 4.8% at the beginning of 2015 bodes well for the investor community. While gross yields grew six basis points, net yields only grew five points indicating that the cost of owning a property has increased marginally faster than the growth of rentals. Tenants remain cautious While average declared income remained flat, there was a drop in the amount required by creditors for debt repayment, from R11,430 per month in January 2015 to R10,772 at the end of the year. This means that instead of spending 37% of their disposable income on debt, tenants now spend 35%. The patterns we are seeing in tenant behaviour mirrors what is being reported with regards to subdued tenant expenditure over the festive season by consumers. Tenants seem to have curbed spending and spent within their means, which is an extremely encouraging metric, says Liebenberg. The business world has increasingly started to shift focus to Africa, and with global hotel companies aggressively expanding on the continent, this is possibly most evident in the hospitality sector. According to Alex Kyriakidis, ?president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, they have looked to the promise of the Middle East and Africa region for a good few years now. Alex Kyriakidis Our presence in the Middle East is now substantial and constantly growing, and we began a rollout of new properties in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2014, with the acquisition of South African-based Protea Hotels. That move immediately projected us into the top spot in terms of hotel companies presence on the continent. The more recent acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts has provided Marriott with an even greater footprint in Africa. Kyriakidis points to the significant change in parts of the sub-continent, where particular countries are enjoying political stability, and are free of conflict, for the first time in recent years. This allows for economic growth and a consequent increase in business travel. At the same time, the international leisure traveller has demonstrated enthusiasm for visiting many parts of the continent, too. Air access Increasing travel within and into the continent is heavily dependent on air access, and many airlines have added new flights to various parts of the sub-continent. However, there is still room for increasing air access even further. Population growth in Africa is significant increasing by over 30 million people a year and in certain parts of the continent, this comes together with increasing wealth. A new middle class is emerging, offering great potential for the hospitality industry in the years to come. This is a new market for both regional travel and for outbound travel from the continent. Diversified economies We are also seeing a realisation among some governments that they need to diversify their economies so that they do not continue to rely so heavily on resources. They understand the benefits that tourism can bring, Kyriakidis says, noting, in particular, the stance of Rwanda, a state which is welcoming business and opening up significantly to tourism. New markets The latest plans for expansion on the continent certainly reflect Marriotts confidence in the region. South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya are earmarked for substantial new hotel developments, and the company is also looking at opportunities in new markets such as Madagascar, Mauritius and Senegal. Our presence is geared to provide accommodation and business conferencing facilities to a wide variety of market segments, Kyriakidis continues, explaining that, the growth will happen in major gateway cities, commercial centres, as well as in resort destinations. An announcement is expected soon about a new Marriott-branded venue in South Africa, which remains at the forefront of Marriotts African presence. Analysis of sentiment based social media points to the unpopularity of proposed Trump policies such as the border wall and the so-called Muslim ban' contrary to findings of traditional polling. President Trump has been quick to point out the polls which seem to be in favour of his immigration crackdown. A Morning Consult/Politico poll, which Trump tweeted out early February, showed that 55% of Americans supported the travel ban with only 33% explicitly disapproving the suspension of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations. While some polls have shown a slight disapproval overall of the executive order, others seem to concur with the popularity shown by Trumps preferred poll. Reuters have shown 49% approval; Rasmussen 57% approval; but then a CBS News poll showed 51% in opposition. Two conclusions thus emerge the polls are scattered, but a vague pattern of a split country does emerge from the traditionally sourced data. Intriguingly, social media paints a starkly different picture a picture worth viewing when one considers the credibility earned by social media analytics in defying the polls to call both Brexit and Trumps victory. And such a source shows massive disapproval of the travel ban, which has been suspended by US federal courts. A revised version is, however, expected imminently with Trump set to drop Iraq from the list of banned countries, as well as an indefinite ban of all Syrian refugees. The temporary halt on admission of all refugees is set to remain. It remains to be seen how the revisions will affect public sentiment. For now, not only in the US, but in other countries affected by the US, or undergoing similar debate, it would appear that social media users are overwhelmingly negative about the ban. What is important to remember with social media is that you can only analyse data from those individuals willing to share an opinion, and as a result findings can be exaggerated. That said what is clear from our analysis is that there is a huge amount of negative sentiment towards both the immigration order and the wall. Data was collected from mid-January into early February, and paints a vastly different picture for Trump as compared to the polls: This pattern is repeated in online conversations concerning the proposed border wall between the US and Mexico (for which Trump requires approval from Congress). In general, American polling has been similar concerning the border wall as the immigration ban as with all conventional polling, samples and wording of questions offer massive fluctuations, but the country seems to be split down the middle with regards to the wall, with many in favour. This would seem logical considering it was Trumps signature issue and he did ultimately win the US election. But again, social media points to a current dynamic of opposition to building a border wall. As can be seen from the data, with border walls being less controversial than travel bans (slightly), the amount of opposition is not as overwhelming as that against the travel ban. Nevertheless, once again, a Trump policy is underwater according to social media sentiment. While social media is more pronounced in its swings than polling, the data should give Trump pause for thought it is clear he is facing a massive onslaught of resistance against his presidency and its signature issues. While he was quick to dismiss polling that moved against him in the election (and was somewhat vindicated then by his victory), he would do well to remember that scepticism when faced also with positive polling which no longer seems to give analysts a full picture of the political environment. Over and over again, traditional polling has been shown up in our roiling global political climate. In what many pundits are labelling either a post-truth, post-facts, or post-trust era depending on their own political positions terms such as Muslim ban or border wall become less about identifying issues of debate than lightning rods for political sentiment tribal totems almost. For example, Muslim ban plays much differently to a temporary suspension of refugees from seven war-torn countries which hold significant terror threats. Yet Muslim ban, despite Trumps clarifications, was generally how social media understood the order. The same goes for border wall which can conjure up images of xenophobia, or security against illegal immigrants and terrorists, or simply repairing an existing border fence, again depending on what sentiment you bring to the discussion. In such an environment, polls which are so dependent on the wording of their questions become clumsy in identifying shifts between the political tribes. In other words, in a heavily divided country, polls battle to cut through the layers of vitriol because they presuppose generally agreed upon terms. Social media, on the other hand, with its freely volunteered information-scape, provides much needed balance to any understanding of the swirling sentiments of the various electorates of the world. In short, it tracks conversation in real-time, and in a non-laboratory environment. Particularly in the US, where Trump is up-ending conventional patterns of debate, data from sentiment drive social media is going to be crucial in understanding public response to the worlds most controversial political figure. In a petition, WWF South Africa is calling on Eskom to expedite the use of renewable energy in the country as part of this year's Earth Hour campaign. Earth Hour is an annual global event, during which people are encouraged to switch off their lights on the last Saturday in March from 8.30pm to 9.30pm local time as a symbolic gesture marking the environmental challenges facing the planet. This year, WWF-SA has decided to go one step further for Earth Hour by asking citizens to sign a petition addressed to Eskom, which has been stalling over the implementation of renewable energy contracts. REIPPPP contracts Since 2016, Eskom has refused to sign further contracts under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) which would put more renewable energy on the grid. Renewable energy will not only reduce carbon emissions, but can also be scaled up and deployed quickly to match the countrys need for energy far quicker than large coal and nuclear new builds. Unblock the hold-up Dr Morne du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa, comments: In order to avoid the extreme impacts of runaway climate change, we need to reduce our carbon emissions urgently by introducing more renewable energy into the energy mix. Yet, the bulk of South Africas carbon emissions come from electricity generated by fossil fuels such as coal and oil. This has to change. We know that Eskom has the power to unblock this hold-up, and thus enable all the socio-economic and environmental benefits that will result from the renewable energy programme. By signing this petition, South Africans will be calling on the utility to exercise this power for the greater good of all. WWF-SA urges all its supporters to go to www.wwf.org.za/earthhour to sign the petition before Earth Hour which takes place on 25 March this year. Applications for the 7th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVPAM) are being accepted until 6 June 2017 on the Orange Social Venture Prize pages of the website, www.EntrepreneurClub.orange.com. Image by 123RF As in previous years, the OSVPAM will be awarded to innovative projects which make use of information and communication technologies to improve living conditions for the peoples of Africa and the Middle East in fields such as health, finance, education and agriculture. New for this 7th edition, the competition will start with a national phase during which each of Oranges 17 participating subsidiaries will examine projects submitted in its country and will designate three winners. The next phase will be an international one in which the winners of each country 51 in all will compete before an international panel of judges for the OSVPAM Grand Prize, with three winners receiving their awards during the AfricaCom Awards Ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, on 8 November 2017. In addition to national prizes, the three international winners will receive 25,000 euros, 15,000 euros and 10,000 euros respectively, along with support from professionals in start-up creation and funding. OSVPAM is open to any student, employee or entrepreneur over the age of 21 whose initiative is less than three years old and who lives in Botswana, Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Niger, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Tunisia, Jordan, Liberia or Burkina Faso. Bruno Mettling, deputy chief executive officer of the Orange group and CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, commented: With a record 750 candidates in 2016, the success of the OSVPAM prize with entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East speaks for itself. This year, 17 countries in which we operate will recognise three winners, the better to promote the local start-up ecosystem, in addition to the winners at the international level. This is our way of reaffirming our ambition of becoming a major partner, in particular by showcasing innovation that serves people. Global multinationals throughout Africa are increasingly filling their top leadership teams with executives from the continent a move away from the historical trend of appointing mostly expats to key positions. Debbie Goodman-Bhyat Research into the leadership landscape in key economic hubs in Africa, conducted for the latest Jack Hammer Executive Report, shows that local leaders make up the vast majority of executive teams of multinational organisations in Africa. Only 35% of executives in the leadership teams surveyed were expats and, of these, 30% were expats from other African countries. The findings indicate that, contrary to some perceptions, there is indeed a notable pool of local talent ready and able to take up senior leadership roles, and that companies are increasingly willing to take the step to do so, instead of merely jetting in leaders from head offices around the world, says Debbie Goodman-Bhyat, CEO of Jack Hammer, rated one of the top three executive search firms in South Africa. The soon to be released annual Jack Hammer Executive Report Volume IV, The Africa Report, researched the makeup of the executive teams of 36 multinational companies which successfully navigated expansion and growth in Africa, including General Electric, Siemens, Unilever, Microsoft, Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble. The research was conducted by Jack Hammers Africa Desk, and interrogated several key data points among the top leadership in these companies, including qualifications, salaries, roles and leadership pipelines, gender transformation and individual track records. We can say with great certainty that this research has debunked the notion that multinationals would rather not appoint local leaders to key roles, says Goodman-Bhyat. But companies still fill at least one of the two key leadership positions with an expat, although the gap is closing, she noted. The research shows that 58% of companies had an expat as chief financial officer (or equivalent) and 61% of companies had an expat as CEO (country head or equivalent). It is not surprising that 61% of CEOs are still expats, given the reality that companies still elect the safe, tried and tested approach when making their most senior appointments. Yet the 39% of companies that have made a local appointment to the most senior position shows that businesses are increasingly recognising the benefit of selecting a suitably qualified executive who understands the local context to head their operations in Africa, says Goodman-Bhyat. As an aside, it was also very interesting to note that in South Africa, even with its perceived well-developed talent pool, the number of expats were roughly comparable to the spread throughout other African countries surveyed, she says Goodman-Bhyat says that research further shows that the local executives who occupied the top positions had carefully navigated their careers right from the start, and held advanced qualifications in strong technical or financial fields, as well as having built a solid track record either at another multinational or abroad. But she says that too many companies still make leadership decisions based on inaccurate information - and even on outright myths - and then must manage the fallout from costly mistakes. Expanding into Africa and growing a sustainable business is no longer an unknown, obscure exercise although some companies still approach it as such. Knee-jerk stop-gaps for key appointments are no longer appropriate or necessary, and it is time for business to stop, think and figure out a coherent strategy for building their leadership teams, particularly given the well-developed and growing pool of suitably qualified and experienced local leaders. BARCELONA - The smartphone revolution is poised to go onto the next level - with "superphones" equipped with artificial intelligence now on the horizon. Image by 123RF By learning their owners' habits, these new phones will be able to carry out tasks even when they're offline. During a first phase only high-end smartphones will use the technology, like the new models unveiled by China's Huawei at the Mobile World Congress, the phone industry's largest annual trade fair, which opened Monday in Barcelona. But the technology is quickly gaining ground. More than 300 million smartphones - or roughly a fifth of units sold worldwide - will have the function in 2017, according to Deloitte. "It is one of the key areas we are investing in. After the smartphone, we will have the 'superphone' thanks to artificial intelligence," said Vincent Vantilcke, marketing director for Huawei in France. South Korea's LG and Finland's Nokia both announced in Barcelona that they would use Google's voice assistant - which uses artificial intelligence to answer users' questions - in their newest handsets. "Every big company in the sector is investing all their research and development on this," Gartner analyst Annette Zimmermann said. Today most smartphones run their applications by consulting data stored in external servers, known as the cloud. But the arrival of faster processors will allow smartphones to use data already stored on the device - much like a human brain does to translate words or recognise images. "You teach a computer to analyse specific data, make sense of this data and act on it," Zimmermann said. In the future "smartphones will almost make a decision before you do. When you go somewhere, it knows where you want to go" based on your usual habits, said Dexter Thillien, an analyst at BMI Research. California-based start-up Neura has developed a system of artificial intelligence that can decode a smartphone user's daily patterns of behaviour. To do this it combines data gathered by the handset's GPS tracker, the speed at which the phone owner is walking and other elements with algorithms. It then generates insights about users' past and present actions and predictions about what they will do next. Neura says its technology can be used to enable smarter healthcare, cars, music services and homes by constantly updating their portraits of user behaviour patterns. With the new technology, a smartphone will be able to know whether its owner is "running to catch a bus or because he is jogging", said Neura head Gilad Mieri. The phone can then wait for the right moment to send its user a notification -- for example a reminder to take medication. Machine-learning enhanced phones will focus mainly on voice recognition, translation and image recognition, said Ariane Bucaille, a tech specialist at Deloitte. This will enable a smartphone to give a user directions without an internet connection, she said. Smartphones with artificial intelligence "will play an even more crucial role in people's lives. It is another revolution," Bucaille said. At the moment, the new technology is still being developed. "Where the profit comes from, that's still a big question," Gartner's Zimmerman said. Further down the line, tech firms plan to use AI in other products, such as driverless cars, Thillien said. However, privacy concerns may throw up a roadblock to the technology. A new European Union data protection law which comes into effect in 2018 contains "very restrictive" rules to prevent algorithms from making decisions on their own, Thillien said. But Bucaille argues that smartphones with AI are actually safer because they do not store information on external servers. This may ultimately act as a disincentive for tech firms to develop AI for smartphones, as their business models so often rely on gathering and using data from users, said Mouloud Dey, director of innovation at SAS in Paris. Source: AFP. Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries SUBSCRIBE On February 28, the 39 detainees 34 from Paung township jail and 5 from Mottama township jail were taken to Kyaikmaraw Prison. All 39 are still awaiting trial. Acting on directions from the human rights commission, we are going to repair the [lockup] cells, said U Sein Win, deputy chief of Paung Township Police Station. If the detainees from Paung township are given prison terms, they will likely be sent to Thaton Prison. For now, due to space problems at Thaton Prison, we have temporarily taken them to Kyaikmaraw Prison. The repairs at the Paung Township Police Lockup are scheduled to be completed on March 15, according to a station officer. U Khin Myint, assistant supervisor of Kyaikmaraw Prison, confirmed the transfer. We received a letter notifying us that they would transfer the detainees to our prison one week in advance as they are repairing the lockup, he said. The detainees were arrested in relation to car accidents and lacking licenses to operate motor vehicles, according to deputy police chief U Sein Win. Translated by Aong Jaeneh Edited by Laignee Barron for BNI Justin Trudeau Has Always Been A Hot Property Pulse oi-Syeda Farah Justin Trudeau is the Canadian Prime Minister who has been winning hearts around the world. After Donald Trump's new rules and policies, Justin Trudeau has been welcoming the migrants of US to his country. There are many feathers to his cap, as he has been working towards the betterment of humanity. Here are some of the pictures of Justin Trudeau of his teenage days that are surely stealing a lot of hearts world over. These are the pictures that are shared by some of his fans. Check them out, as they are a proof as to what a hot property he has been since his teen days! Don't you think he really looks hot! Do share your thoughts in the comment section below. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 17:15 [IST] Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION A Lotte Mart in Beijing, Feb 28, 2017. [Photo/China Daily] Beijing has strongly urged Seoul to halt the installation of an advanced United States anti-missile system, and called on the South Korean conglomerate involved to comply with Chinese laws. Ministry of Commerce spokesman Sun Jiwen made the remarks at a press conference, as Chinese people expressed anxiety and anger online about the Republic of Korea's planned deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. It's radar is reportedly able to cover parts of China and Russia. On Tuesday, the ROK signed a land swap deal with retail giant Lotte Group to allow the missile shield to go ahead. The deployment process is expected to be completed between May and July, according to ROK local media. Sun said that the ROK's THAAD deployment plan not only gravely undermined China's strategic security interests, but also hurt the two countries' bilateral cooperation. He called on ROK to "stop going further on the wrong path". "We understand the legitimate concerns of the relevant parties in maintaining their own safety, but one country's security should not come at the sacrifice of another," Sun continued. Quite a few Chinese people and homegrown firms expressed their opposition to Lotte's products and services. Responding to the community anger, Sun said that the government welcomed all foreign companies, including those headquartered in ROK, to do business in China, and will always protect their legitimate rights. "But the premise is that the enterprises must comply with Chinese laws," Sun added. The retail giant has over 150 hypermarket outlets in China. It reported a sluggish retail business in the Chinese market last year, with its sales growth shrinking by 14 percent year-on-year. People are weary of the angry, hateful rhetoric and violence and many have just tuned out any political or current event discussions. Its just better not to hear it, they say, than to have to deal with it. PR Newswire ROHNERT PARK, Calif., March 2, 2017 ROHNERT PARK, Calif., March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) at their annual conference on February 17, 2017 awarded Sonoma County Distilling Company, CA their most prestigious award to date. The whiskey-focused craft distillery was awarded BEST OF CLASS- WHISKEY and a GOLD Medal for their Sonoma Straight Rye Whiskey Cask Strength. This is the first major award for the distillery who produces rye, wheat and bourbon whiskeys in the heart of Sonoma County. This year, entries were submitted from 39 states across the country in six main categories: Whiskey, Gin, Rum, Vodka & Grain Spirits, Brandy, and Specialty Spirits. In addition to the Best of Class Distinctions, the judging panel awarded 20 Gold, 66 Silver, and 222 Bronze medals. The complete list of winners is available on the ACSA website, www.americancraftspirits.org. Sonoma County Distilling's Rye Whiskey is made without corn or barley to highlight a pure rye profile. Double-distilled in traditional copper pots stills over a direct-fire, then placed in new charred American oak barrels, the whiskey is aged no less than two years, and no additional proofing was done to release this bottling at cask strength. "This is our biggest award so far and I thank everyone who made this happen. There's so much gratitude for the hard work of our team and the family of people who support us. We take this award home to proudly display in our tasting room as a reminder of why we do what we do each day. Every aspect of our distillation process is done in-house with intention and authenticity. We take great pride in how our whiskeys are crafted, striving for them be a reflection of our roots in California, and more importantly, capitalizing on the amazing terroir of Sonoma County." -Adam Spiegel, Owner/Head Distiller, Sonoma County Distilling Company About Sonoma County Distilling CompanyFounded in 2010, Sonoma County Distilling Company is now considered one of the pioneers in craft whiskey-making in California. The distillery practices a grain to glass philosophy with production handled in-house including the milling, mashing and fermentation, direct-fired copper alembic pot distillation, American oak barrel aging, bottling and labeling. They are distributed in nine states and fifteen countries. For more information, visit www.SonomaCountyDistilling.com. About American Craft Spirits Association ACSA is a registered non-profit member-owned trade group representing the U.S. craft spirits industry and was created to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers. Members vote for the fifteen democratically elected representatives who make up the Board of Directors, and this Board collectively works to govern the ACSA in a transparent, responsive manner and in accordance with their bylaws. For more information, visit www.americancraftspirits.org. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonoma-county-distilling-company-takes-home-top-honors-at-acsa-2017-300417316.html SOURCE Sonoma County Distilling Company CANNON BALL, N.D. The original pipeline protest camp on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation closed Wednesday, as the Bureau of Indian Affairs encouraged people to go home rather than be found trespassing. The final campers left the Sacred Stone Camp after days of hurried cleanup that followed a warning from the BIA that the campers were trespassing on land majority-owned in trust for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The camp on the reservation is just south and near the main protest camp called Oceti Sakowin that was on Army Corps of Engineers land and cleared out last week. The Rev. John Floberg, an Episcopal priest on Standing Rock, who was in the Sacred Stone camp over the past few days, said people left after notice from the BIA because they wanted to go on their own terms. "People saw Oceti go up in flames and they were determined that not happen at Sacred Stone," Floberg said. "They knew what the boundary was, and they respected the boundary that was set." About 150 people left during the day on Tuesday, and the final 25 left on Wednesday, he said. Most people moved out of the area with the help of some weekend fundraising for bus tickets and gas cards. Some went to the powwow grounds in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has invited people to stay. "The people at Sacred Stone worked exceedingly hard to do as much as they possibly could in breaking down that camp, preserving property, preserving the land, preserving as best they could relations on Standing Rock," he said. Over the past several days, campers took down the yurts and some other structures, Floberg said. Other donations and tepees are left there, and the tribe is expected to help gather them and clean up remaining debris. The protesters' move came after the BIA handed out a final notice of trespass to campers remaining at Sacred Stone on Monday. They were first alerted they were trespassing on Feb. 15. According to the BIA, founder Ladonna Allard's family owns a third share in the land, and the federal government owns the rest in trust for the tribe. The camp was founded in April in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline. For the first several months, it had the support of the tribe. In recent months, Allard spoke of turning the quasi-village into an "eco-camp to teach people to live on Earth again" and offer some services to the town of Cannon Ball. But in January, the tribe asked the BIA for help getting the protesters to leave the Cannon Ball area, where community members passed a resolution against the campers. Many locals were frustrated with the closure of the Backwater Bridge, use of the local gym and alcohol and drug use in the area, though some also supported the camps. Allard did not respond to a phone and text message for comment on Wednesday. A BIA spokeswoman also did not respond to a request for comment. Cannon Ball District Chairman Robert Fool Bear said his community was happy to hear the camp was closed. He expects the Seventh Generation/Blackhoop camp, which has also received a trespass notice, will meet a similar fate soon. "We just need to get back to doing what we were doing prior to all of this," Fool Bear said. The Billings Gazette and Arts Without Boundaries are recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the Billings area for their contributions to the arts. Over the course of the 2016-17 school year, Enjoy will feature high school seniors who are recipients of a $100 scholarship, awarded by Arts Without Boundaries, a nonprofit group that promotes the arts in K-12 schools. WASHINGTON Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke arrived on horseback for his first day of work Thursday. The morning after his swearing-in ceremony, the former Montana congressman and Navy SEAL joined the U.S. Park Police at their stables on the National Mall. He rode a 17-year-old Irish sport horse named Tonto through downtown Washington to the Interior Department's headquarters. Nine park police also on horseback accompanied him. "Secretary Zinke was proud to accept an invitation by the U.S. Park Police to stand shoulder to shoulder with their officers on his first day at Interior," said Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift. The Hill reported that he "wore a cowboy hat, boots and jeans for the Thursday morning ride, which preceded a welcoming event in the lobby of the building." Zinke and Interior Twitter accounts posted photos. There he is in a black cowboy hat astride a brown bay roan gelding that stands just over 17 hands tall, a bus and typical morning traffic in the background. At the department, hundreds of federal workers greeted Zinke, including an Office of Indian Affairs employee from the Northern Cheyenne tribe from Montana who played an honor song on a hand drum. Can Zinke do for horses what Joe Biden did for trains? The former vice president and senator famously commuted to his home in Delaware by train for decades. While Zinke's urban horse ride is unlikely to become a daily ritual, he seems committed to preserving his image as an avid outdoorsman. He wears a bright orange ballcap and hunting vest in the bio photo of his new @secretaryzinke Twitter account. And he has already retweeted a photo showing him and his wife at Glacier National Park. The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Zinke's nomination to lead Interior on a 68-31 vote. Montanas U.S. Sens. Jon Tester, a Democrat, and Steve Daines, a Republican, both voted to confirm Zinke. Zinke was sworn in Wednesday afternoon. The Whitefish native is the first Montanan in U.S. history to serve in a presidential Cabinet. The Senate confirmation triggered Zinke's resignation from Congress and a May 25 special election to replace him. The Interior Department oversees 400 million acres of public land, mostly in the West. Atom Smasher Exposes Hole in Earths Defenses: The Large Hadron Collider... could induce a catastrophic event. A brilliant review of the risks... by University of North Dakota law professor Eric Johnson... creat[ion of] a microscopic black hole that would... swallow the Earth.... The LHC might generate one black hole per second.... The physics community... [said that] even if a black hole were created... it would... evaporate harmlessly.... [and that] high-energy cosmic rays... collide.... If those collisions were going to create a black hole, then Earth would already be gone.... [But] when a cosmic ray rocketing toward Earth collides with a particle, the result of the collision would most likely be blasted into space... a black hole... well beyond our galaxy before it is large enough to harm anything. In the LHC... the result... might stay put and cause significant trouble.... Oxford Universitys Toby Ord, a philosopher... estimates that the odds of the LHC producing a disaster are between one in 1,000 and one in 1 million.... The possibility climbs ever higher that the fondest dreams of scientists might entail risks of planetary destruction.... How can we know that things we do not understand will not kill us?... [If] the U.S. wanted to stop the LHC experiment, it would have no recourse short of military action... NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Oman on Wednesday explored ways to enhance cooperation between their navies during talks Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had with top defence brass of the strategically important Gulf nation. Lanba, who arrived in Oman on the second leg of his two-nation tour, called on Oman's Defence Minister Bader al Busaidi and held extensive discussions with Commander of Royal Navy of Oman, Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi. The two sides deliberated on ramping up cooperation between their navies in the backdrop of the fast evolving security scenario in the region, government sources said. The Chief of Navy Staff also held talks with Chief of Royal Air Force of Oman Mattar Al Obaidani on issues of strategic interests to both the countries. Lanba, during his two-day trip to the country, is also scheduled to visit the Sultan Qaboos Naval Academy and the Said Bin Naval Base. On the first leg of his trip, Lanba visited UAE where he met top echelons of the country's defence establishment and discussed ways to bolster strategic partnership between the two countries. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After reading the news of federal funding being cut from Assiniboine Community Colleges English Language Program in the newspaper on Wednesday, an entire class of ESL students marched down Rosser Avenue to The Brandon Suns newsroom to make sure their voices were heard. The class of about 16 students spontaneously broke from their afternoon studies and arrived on The Brandon Suns doorstep some teary-eyed, some angry eager to share their stories about how the proposed cuts would affect them. I was so angry, so shocked when I first heard (about the funding cuts), ESL student Eyerusalem Gebremariam said. (The class) is so helpful for me to improve my language and also to look for jobs. Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Students from Assiniboine Community Colleges English Language Program make their way along Rosser Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. The students face a sudden disruption of their learning due to federal government cuts to language training. Gebremariam arrived in Brandon two months ago from Ethiopia. She earned a degree in accounting in her home country, and is working to upgrade her English to qualify for jobs in customer service or reception. Newcomers need to complete a certain amount of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels in order to attain Canadian citizenship, better paying employment and post-secondary education. Westman Immigrant Services provides CLB levels 1 through 4, while ACC teaches CLB levels 5 through 8. At Level 4, immigrants can apply for Canadian citizenship, but their job prospects remain low. Nataliya Kulyaba, who came to Brandon from Ukraine in 2014, is also working toward her Level 8 so she can apply for ACCs Practical Nursing program despite having already practised as a nurse in Ukraine for 11 years. I am so close to my dream and after today, I dont know I dont know what will happen, Kulyaba said. (Nursing) has been my dream from childhood I just want to help people. Kulyaba said at the rate shes going now, it would take about four years to get up to the point where she can apply to the nursing program, at which point she would sit on about a two-year waiting list to take the two-year program. The cuts to ESL classes will severely increase her timeline, she said. It will be impossible to study everything we did before Ill stay at the same level. Its not enough, Kulyaba said, wiping tears from her eyes. I have to work my family doesnt have a high income, my husband and me have to work. The ESL Program Funding for Canadian Language Benchmarks levels 5 to 8, which is only offered at ACC, is projected to be slashed from $730,000 to $190,000 at the hands of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The cuts are expected to be effective March 31 and will result in an approximate 85 per cent reduction in class offerings, including the cancellation of Friday and Saturday classes, as well as evenings in addition to downsizing eight instructor positions to one. Student capacity will also be brought down from 600 to a maximum of 100 students, despite enrolment steadily increasing. Currently, there are about 500 students enrolled in the program. Brandon-Souris Conservative MP Larry Maguire condemned the governments actions as inexcusable, adding that he shares the concerns of teachers and the community-at-large about the cuts to the program. This is just another example of how the Liberals are abandoning Westman, Maguire said in an emailed statement. When Parliament resumes next week, I will be asking for a meeting with the minister of Citizenship and Immigration and ask for this decision to be reversed. Maguire said it is imperative that newcomers have the language skills to get an important job, support their family and become self-sufficient. If the possibility is not available for these individuals to acquire these language skills, they wont succeed in retaining a job and therefore will need various other forms of government financial assistance, which I would argue will cost more in the long run than language training, Maguire said. It is highly irresponsible and short-sighted for the Liberals to accept refugees and then not have the necessary supports for them to fully integrate into our community. The Brandon Sun once again reached out to the IRCC for comment, but did not receive a response regarding the funding cuts by press time. edebooy@brandonsun.com, with files from Jillian Austin Twitter: @erindebooy Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ukrainian immigrant Kate Kryvenko has dreams of furthering her education and working at a fulfilling job in her new country. But a major hurdle she is working to overcome is the language barrier. I cannot go to (an) interesting job with my level, and I cannot study in the university or college, said Kryvenko, who arrived in Brandon just nine months ago. I stay at home and I speak with my parents and friends in my language. I cannot practise English a lot of (the) time. What has helped her greatly has been attending English classes in Brandon, first with Westman Immigrant Services, which offers Canadian Language Benchmark levels 1 though 4. Kryvenko is now at Level 5, and attending Assiniboine Community Colleges English Language Program, which offers levels 5 through 8. This course gives me a chance to practise every day, she said. I can improve my pronunciation with the teachers. Kryvenko worked as an accountant in Ukraine, and she is interested in photography. I dont want to work in (a) shop because its not interesting for me, she said. I just want to take some courses in college, and I need English for this. As reported in The Brandon Sun Wednesday, the English Language Program is facing drastic cuts that would see the number of teachers cut from eight to one. Student capacity will be brought down from 600 to a maximum of 100 students, despite enrolment steadily increasing. We are very upset about this situation, Kryvenko said, adding the English courses offered at Brandon University are simply too expensive. I just want to continue studying. Another ACC ESL student looking to better his life is Fabio Cruz. He has been working in Brandon at Maple Leaf Foods for the past 12 years. I realized I dont want to keep my life doing the same thing forever, he said. Thats why I decided to take the classes. His English speaking has improved over the time he has worked in Brandon, but he said he still needs to work on improving his writing and grammar. His goal is to become a student in ACCs power engineering program. Maritza Uhia, originally from Colombia, has been in Brandon for six years. She credits the ACC English program for helping her secure a new job as an educational assistant with the Brandon School Division. ACC opened the door for my life, step by step, she said. Her English is currently at Level 5, and she would like to complete Level 8 to improve her skills as an EA. Sometimes I feel I am not sure I know the pronunciation, so I need to keep taking my English class, she said. For Mingyu Cui, improving her English is imperative in order to qualify for good jobs, but also to converse with her own children two sons, one in Grade 2 and the other in kindergarten. They are starting learning English as well, and they come home and ask me some word that they heard that they didnt know what it meant, and its just hard for me to tell them that I didnt know either, she said. I need to learn and teach them, because kids learn things fast I think in half a year their English will be much better than me. Cui came to Brandon from China last August. She is nervous to apply for a job, due to her English skills. Im afraid I wont understand what my leader or boss will ask me to do and not do my job well, if I dont understand, she said. ACCs English program has been a great help, and she is currently at Level 6. If the classes get cut, I wont be able to improve my English, this is the only place I can, she said. jaustin@brandonsun.com, with files from Erin Debooy Twitter: @jillianaustin THEY SAID IT: Shock, frustration and anger were some of the feelings expressed by students of Assiniboine Community Colleges ESL program on Wednesday. Here is a look at how the drastic funding cuts will impact them, in their own words: Even if I want to go to high school, they ask me for Level 8 benchmark. Without certificate or without any diploma or degrees you cant do nothing. Life is very hard. Asmorom Woldai I live in Canada, an English country. All the things I need to use English, for example, go to bank, go to shopping, make a phone call. If my house (needs repair) I need to make phone call. Thats why its very, very important. I really, really hope I continue learning English in ACC program. Mary Yu Im on maternity (leave) right now. In almost five months, Ill go back to my job. Im the morning worker, so theres no evening class thats a big impact for me. Eden Wolde I just started to continue ESL course because I am planning to study Comprehensive Health Care Aide but I read in the newspaper today, in order to start in September, I need to complete English Level 7. If the government cuts the fund, maybe the class will be changing it really affects my future life and career. HyunJoo Lee I felt very sad when I heard this news I have a six-year-old boy and I do reading and homework with him every day. If my English cant continue to improve later, I cant learn with him. Cuiyu Chen I went to the Home Depot job fair, and they politely told me if I didnt have Level 7 I couldnt (apply). I still am searching for a job I totally depend on ESL classes to meet my goals. Its crucial. Hardi Patel The United States Marshals Service arrested a convicted rapist in Lockwood Wednesday night, more than two months after he walked away from a halfway house in Washington state. Marshals received information that Kenneth Michael Krause, 26, was traveling from Spokane to North Dakota and would be in the Billings area Wednesday, said Rod Ostermiller, chief deputy U.S. Marshal. According to the Snohomish (Washington) County Sheriff's Office, Krause was sentenced for rape of a child in 2004 and failure to register as a sex offender in 2013. Ostermiller said Krause was placed on escape status after leaving the halfway house. An arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 16, 2016, with nationwide extradition. United States Marshals deputies found Krause in a vehicle traveling on the North Frontage Road in Lockwood just before 10 p.m. He was arrested and booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Facility, where he is held without bond. Ostermiller said Krause could face additional charges for failing to comply with national sex offender registry requirements. Krause was scheduled to appear in Yellowstone County Justice Court on Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A new exhibit entitled Kaleidoscope: Embroidery Through the Ages is now on display at the Daly House Museum. Curated by the Brandon Embroiderers, the exhibit is a tribute to the art of embroidery, in celebration of Canadas 150th birthday. In keeping with the theme, the exhibit emphasizes the timeless art of embroidery, while detailing how the art or craft has changed over the last 150 years, according to a press release. Women of all cultures and times have decorated their homes with embroidered household items, and clothing has been lovingly ornamented. Submitted This traditional-style tablecloth from the 1950s is part of the new exhibit Kaleidoscope: Embroidery Through the Ages, currently showing at the Daly House Museum. The exhibit is a tribute to the art of embroidery in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. In the 1950s, thread became very affordable and women bought iron-on patterns and kits as projects, as the museum describes. Lately, embroidery has changed, as new threads and materials are available. What was a decorating practice has become an art on its own. Embroidery is often personalized and used as mementoes and as gifts. The exhibit illustrates the variety of techniques and highlights cultures such as Japanese, Ukrainian and Chinese. There is a piece from India which was created by men. When you scan the room from old to new, you can really see how embroidery has changed. Its become much freer, more personalized, more artistic. Much less reliant on rules, kits, and patterns, said co-curator Sylvia Barr. The exhibit runs until April 22. The Brandon Sun Already have an account? Log in here 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! Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Fuddle Duddle happened two years before I was born, but amazingly enough, its a part of my Canadian history lesson I find quite easy to recall. The prime minister of Canada, leader of our nation in Parliament and in Ottawa, apparently in frustration, mouthed two words, one with an F, and the second word of which started with O. The uproar. Then, on Dec. 14, 2011, it happened again, when son Justin shouted out the words piece of st when the environment minister criticized Megan Leslie for not attending a conference on climate change, even though the government banned opposition MPs from going. But its not just politicians. Its athletes and movie stars. From the change room to the corner store, it happens to almost everyone. Swearing. Cursing. Cussing. But why? With so much cursing in the world, its amazing it still maintains its effect. There are a lot of words that are offensive, but they arent curse words. Just listen to the lyrics of todays hardcore rap songs and youll hear words that arent swear words, but too many could be deeply offensive. Language experts theorize that swear words have a cluster of characteristics. And while shock and offence may be one, the other is to vent emotion. Swearing also centres on taboos, which is why our colourful language is often about either bathroom activity, bedroom activity or church activity. Im an emotional curser. Swearer. Im not sure how to describe someone who occasionally uses vulgar language to often emphasis point or communicate more effectively, but that can be me, and it can be shocking. Especially when people are used to my G or PG content on the radio. To switch that to R in a small group or one-on-one can often raise an eyebrow, but more often than not it works. I dont do it just to do it, but it does happen. Not only do I like to think it helps me communicate, but it helps me be honest. And Im not alone. Scientists from the University of Cambridge recently surveyed 276 people about their most commonly used swear words and how often they say or write them. The test also measured the participants honesty with questions about blaming others, cheating at games and taking advantage of people. And surprise, surprise: Those who used salty language the most lied the least. Essentially, if you drop a few F-bombs, youre probably not too worried about making yourself look better in front of other people. Whats more? The benefits of swearing are good, too. File What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say fuddle duddle or something like that? Former prime minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau, Feb. 16, 1971 It can decrease pain The emotional release from swearing has been measured, and it turns out that swearing helps relieve pain. It is easier to keep an arm in ice-cold water for longer if you are simultaneously cussing. And those who speak more than one language, report that swearing in their first language is more satisfying and carries a bigger emotional punch. This is why your lips are blue every time you hit your thumb with a hammer. You cant help it. Its one part anger and one part instant pain relief. Think of it as free pain meds courtesy of your foul mouth. It can help you fit in In some workplace cultures obscenities can build bonds between employees. Ive also read that swearing can help with bonding. A few blue words, uttered in a good-natured way, indicates and encourages intimacy. Now dont go trying this at your workplace if you just got a job as a secretary in your local church. Again, know your audience! It can win you an argument Peppering in profanity can also help you make a stronger, more effective point. However, colourful language used in name-calling is not going to win any argument. And throwing an F-bomb toward the CEO may not be a great idea. However, if one slips out, point him or her to that study that says people who swear are perceived as more trustworthy than those who are less potty-mouthed. And if that doesnt work, tell him youre honestly sorry. Im not trying to turn every Westman workplace into a foul mouth free-for-all, so remember, for most people, cursing is still something that is frowned upon. It happens from time to time in many situations and is not the end of the world. But anything harassing or degrading or racially sexually offensive is always off-limits and always unacceptable. Were talking the occasional BS, maybe an F flat or a GD here. Stuff that might be uttered in the heat of a Wheat Kings game or a bowling alley between friends. Not an Andrew Dice Clay skit from the 1990s. Dont YouTube it; its beyond offensive by todays standards. And after writing this weeks column, Ill try to do better. Ill only do it when absolutely necessary and Ill try to remember to use words like golly and gee and gosh darn and baloney. Not the same. Kinda like non-alcohol beer, but Ill try. After all, few like a foul mouth at 30,000 feet. Tonight, I get ready to jet off with almost 80 Westman travellers going to Ixtapa on this years Star Jet Vacation with Marlin Travel. And low and behold, cursing made the top 10 worst airplane behaviours this travel season. According to a survey of U.K. vacation travellers (which could easily translate here), the worst culprit on the flight is the person who reclines their seat all the way back, with 63 per cent of travellers choosing them as their most hated fellow passenger. Meanwhile coming in second with 55 per cent of the vote is the armrest hogger who firmly plants their arms on the armrest and never moves it. Are you going on a warm holiday in the coming weeks? Watch out for these bad behaviours. And if youre one of these people, for %^%$# sakes, behave yourself: Top 10 worst behaviours of plane strangers Seat recliners (63%) Armrest hoggers (55%) Being rude to the cabin crew (53%) Passengers who bring carry-ons that are too big (49%) Passengers talking too loudly (43%) Running to be the first in line to get on the plane (40%) Constantly getting up to get things from their carry-ons (34%) Putting their feet in the gaps between chairs (33%) Swearing without considering who is around them (24%) Hogging the window and blocking the view (19%) Rules, rules, rules! OK, now off I go to Mexico. Have a great week and watch for an update next Thursday from my typewriter in the sand. And I wont swear on the plane while putting my seat back and hogging the armrest. Or maybe I will. JOKE THIS WEEK Ma was in the kitchen fiddling around when she hollers out: Pa! You need to go out and fix the outhouse! Pa replies: There aint nuthin wrong with the outhouse. Ma yells back: Yes there is, now git out there and fix it. So Pa mosies out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back: Ma! There aint nuthin wrong with the outhouse! Ma replies: Stick yur head in the hole! Pa yells back: I aint stickin my head in that hole! Ma says: Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix. So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around and yells back: Ma! There aint nuthin wrong with this outhouse! Ma hollers back: Now take your head out of the hole! Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole, then starts yelling: &*$% Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the #&@! toilet seat! To which Ma replies: Hurts, dont it?! BIRTHDAYS Tanya Ross Leanne Holovach Bily Nancy Adema Kory Stebeleski Tyler Turner Sami Bishop Tracy Webber Ty Mauws Rich Pentney Becky Fleming Eva Wasney Tyler Glen is a radio DJ on Star-FM. He writes a weekly column for the Brandon Sun. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. If we try to understand how the First Nations reserve came into being, we come to realize the reasons for the specialized system a separate legal regime, with transfer payments and special entitlements (quote from the column by Brian Giesbrecht, The Brandon Sun, Feb. 28, Reserves An Artificial Creation, But Too Lucrative To Leave Behind). Reserves were an artificial creation of the federal government. Particularly in Western Canada, reserves find their genesis in the negotiated treaties between the Crown and First Nations peoples. As the courts are increasingly recognizing, the treaties were agreements between the Crown and the First Nations peoples for the purpose of sharing the land, its resources, its use, its economic potential, with immigrants, primarily from Great Britain and Western Europe. who came to settle on First Nations lands (as recognized by law). Further, the First Nations peoples were guaranteed that they would continue to have access to the land and its resources. The guarantees and the agreements to share did not last very long. The influx of (we can use the term foreigners) settlers, business people established the need for land to accommodate them. Land to which First Nations peoples had shared and equal access in accordance with the terms of their respective treaties. The answer that the Crown came up with was to establish reserves. Corral First Nations peoples onto parcels of land, separate and apart from land envied by settlers, preferably, onto land which had (at that time) no perceived economic value to settlers. Hence, reserves and all the ills that it created. If we try to understand the history of the negotiated treaties we come to realize the wisdom, insight and vision of First Nations peoples. They recognized that their traditional way of life was over. Therefore, they negotiated into the treaties policies which would help them to adjust to this new way of life and support them while they were making this adjustment. These policies included education, health care, housing to support them in this adjustment and tools, equipment, training to learn and implement the skills necessary to survive in this new economic reality. Policies requested by the First Nations peoples to help them to become a partner in the Canadian social structure and economy. Policies to help them honour the treaties. The problem was that the Crown, supported by the immigrants to Canada, did not honour its side of the treaties. The wisdom, visions of the First Nations leaders turned into dust. Reserves became virtual prisons. Language, culture, religious practices were denied. Travel outside reserves controlled by agents of the Crown. Business restricted to on reserve only, particularly when First Nations peoples demonstrated that they could successfully compete with immigrant settlers. Reserve affairs controlled by agents of the Crown. It is a matter of interpretation whether the Crown tried to assimilate First Nations peoples into the evolving majority white society. The implemented policies we see: residential schools, the scoop, no voting rights till 1962, loss of treaty status when an individual pursued a professional career, loss of status when joining the armed forces. The results of the implemented policies we also see. On the part of Canada, sharing of the land was a failure, supporting First Nations peoples to integrate into the new economic realities was a failure. The primary success Canada had in the past was to create a dependent group of people. Dependent on the reluctant charity of Canadians who through taxes are paying for these failures. We are entering a new era. There will continue to be the necessity of dealing with the results of Canadas past failures. A reality that will be with us for a long time. But the future has not been this bright for First Nations peoples since the negotiations and signing of the treaties. The courts are finally forcing Canada to honour the treaties. It remains for Canadians to honour our treaties. ROSEMARIE and CHESTER LETKEMAN Brandon Already have an account? Log in here GIMLI Brandon resident Lt. Joyelle Norris was one of 150 soldiers from 38 Canadian Brigade Group (38 CBG) who took part in Arctic Bison 2017 on Lake Winnipeg from Feb. 17 to 26. 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 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. While most students look forward to being free of classes during their summer vacation, Emma Hayter is eager to get started on more. To be fair, Hayters classroom wont be at her regular stomping grounds of Ecole secondaire Neelin High School, but in Japan. I hope to really immerse myself in the language and the Japanese culturesee a new way of living that I maybe have not experienced before, Hayter said. Its a chance of a lifetime and Im really grateful for the opportunity. Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Neelin High School student Emma Hayter won this year's Adventure Scholarship and is headed to Japan this summer on a cultural exchange. Hayter is this years recipient of the Deborah and Srdjan Adventure Scholarship. This is the ninth year former Brandonite Deborah Grant and her husband Srdjan Tanjga have given out the Adventure Scholarship, which includes flights, accommodations, language classes, spending money and any excursions the student might want to take in. The couple, who now live in New York, created the scholarship when they got married in 2009, setting it up as an alternative to a wedding registry. We decided that instead of doing a typical registry we wanted to do something to really give back to the communities that we came from, Grant said. Im from Brandon and it hasnt been the typical route that a Brandonite would takewe really have had a lot of people help us along the way. Every year, they collect applications from students in Brandon and Tanjgas hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, and choose a student from each country to go abroad. Applicants are asked to write an essay about a person, place, thing or time that has impacted their life. They are looking for someone who is seeking something a little more out of the ordinary, Grant said, adding that Hayters application checked all the boxes. We wanted someone who is really going to make the most of this, and we saw all of those things in (Emmas) essay. We had some really strong candidates as we do every year, its often a close call between a few different people, Grant said. Taking both French and Spanish, Hayter said shes always had an interest in languages and plans to continue taking linguistics in university. I thought that learning Japanese would be a great challenge and Im really interested in the culture, the art and the history of the people, Hayter said. I was also drawn to Japan because of the demeanour of the Japanese people and the kindness that they show toward othersthat really drew me toward travelling there. I want to experience that culture and that way of acting and thinking toward others. The journey that can start from a simple act of kindness was the focus of her application essay, Hayter said, adding the scholarship has really brought her story full circle. I specifically wrote about my experience of meeting Roger Hodgson from Supertramp and getting to play violin with him onstage. He showed a lot of kindness toward meand that really influenced me to want to give to others, Hayter said. Simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on someone else. Hayter will spend three weeks in Japan in July. She is the second student to go to Japan through the Adventure Scholarship, Grant said. Were really excited for Emmaand to start planning her trip for this summer, said Grant. Its just something that we really love and feel very fortunate that were able to offer. edebooy@brandonsun.com Twitter: @erindebooy Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 02/03/2017 (2075 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It was a mothers intuition that something wasnt quite right. Within the first year of Cade Scharffs childhood, his mother, Rita, noticed her boy daze off as if he wasnt present. Normally, when youre in a daze somebody calls your name and you snap out of it, she said, but with him, it wasnt like that. Submitted Members of the Virden Oil Capitals surround Cade Scharff after a promotion highlighting Rare Disease Day at one of the clubs Manitoba Junior Hockey League games. Yet, a pediatrician figured nothing was wrong. People told Rita not to equate her sons development with his older sister Danika, which was speedier by comparison. It wasnt until kindergarten when a teacher pointed out, accurately, that Cade was having absent seizures a short period of time where a person seems to blank out. EEG scans confirmed the seizure hunch, and Cade was put on medication. When his brain wasnt responding properly to the dosages, a geneticist got involved, diagnosing Cade with 15q13.3 microdeletion, a rare genetic disorder caused by several genes missing from chromosome 15. In Cades case, the boy, now a bubbly 11-year-old, has been slow in his development and faced learning challenges. Medication quieted his seizures to the extent its been a couple months since his last. Cades diagnosis is considered one of many rare diseases, which ironically happens fairly frequently. According to the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorders, one in 12 Canadians is living with a rare disease of some kind. Without the prominent spotlight of other well-known syndromes, people with rare diseases sometimes deal with misdiagnosis, unnecessary surgeries, social isolation and a lack of treatment options. Cades parents, Rita and Chad, have spent the past three years trying to shine a light on rare diseases like the one Cade is facing. On Feb. 17, the Scharff family joined the Virden Oil Capitals for the second time to host a game in honour of Rare Disease Day. Rita had cookies baked to give to Virden schools on Rare Disease Day, the last day of February. Shes hung up posters around town and handed out jean ribbons to acknowledge the existence of genetic diseases. All in the hopes of raising awareness, she explains. I want to know that were not alone. When Cade was formally diagnosed, around the age of six, Rita felt a sense of relief: They finally knew how to help their son. Over time, medical professionals upped Cades medication dosage, making his seizures irregular. Before his current treatment regime, Cade was having absent seizures most commonly when his brain was actively working, like during school. The seizures tired him out. During one class, he was trying to write something, and his hand just went down. He said, Im so tired, and he actually fell asleep in class, explained his mother. Absent seizures is a tough thing to pick up on, because he could be sitting somewhere, and I could be thinking that hes just watching TV, but he could be having one, Rita said. I just try to keep track. Submitted Cade Scharff, seated, with his family, sister Danika, father Chad and mother Rita. Developmentally, Cade, a Grade 5 student at Virden Junior High, performs at a grade level a couple years below. Hes got a lot of strength in his legs but his upper body is lacking. Through it all, the community of Virden has been understanding, from the adults right down to classmates he sits beside. The best thing about being in a small town is everybody knows him and nobody makes him feel like hes different, Rita said, appreciatively. What people in town are noticing, though, is his smile. Thats what everyone says at the school, Rita said. People will say, Cade came into the office with a big smile on his face. Hes a good kid; dont get me wrong he has his moments, she adds with a chuckle. She remembered being asked by a school psychologist what she appreciates about her son. That hes loving, Rita said. He will go up to you and give you a big hug, hes just a caring kid. Neither Rita nor her sons medical team know how Cades syndrome will affect him in the future. She doesnt know how many are diagnosed with the same disease her best guess is a Facebook group of about 900 people affected, in some capacity. Instead, she knows her family can share their story, raise awareness for rare diseases like theirs, and, through that, develop a network of affected people who can lean on each other for support. In the meantime, Rita and her husband Chad will strive to do the best they can like any other parent. We want him to go far when hes older, she said. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in Brussels today for several high-level meetings with European officials ahead of Britain's exit from the UK. The Taoiseach is meeting with Donald Tusk - head of the European Council, and the political body that steers the direction of EU policy. The EU has warned Irish mobile phone companies that they cannot avoid new rules to scrap roaming charges. The warning comes as several major networks indicated they would no longer include data packages as a "core" part of contracts. Gardai, as part of a joint Garda and PSNI operation investigating the murder of prison officer David Black, have arrested two men in Co. Donegal. Mr Black, 52, was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 on his way to work at Maghaberry Prison in November 2012. They have detained a man in his 40s under a European Arrest Warrant and a second man in his late 50s under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. Last month, a European Arrest Warrant was obtained for Damien Joseph McLaughlin, aged 40, from Co Tyrone, who was due to stand trial in February on charges that include aiding and abetting his murder but fled while on bail. McLaughlin had initially been fitted with an electronic tag while on bail but he was permitted by a court to remove it in December 2014 despite strong police objections. The man in his 40s is due to appear before the High Court in Dublin on foot of a European Arrest warrant tomorrow morning One man is being held at Letterkenny Garda Station and the other at a Garda Station in Dublin. Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, from PSNI's Serious Crime Branch, said: "Since his disappearance police have carried out extensive enquiries regarding Mr McLaughlin's whereabouts. "Throughout this time the PSNI has been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and (the) arrest demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police forces and other national partner agencies." Mr Murray added: "Damien McLaughlin is scheduled to appear at Dublin's Central Criminal Court tomorrow." US President Donald Trump will target a handful of Obama-era green regulations, including a federal coal mining ban and an initiative forcing states to cut carbon emissions, in an executive order as soon as next week, a White House official told Reuters on Wednesday. Trump and his fellow Republicans who control Congress are seeking to unravel former Democratic President Barack Obama's initiatives to combat global climate change, which they say are costly for US business and have hampered drilling and mining without providing any clear benefits. "Rescinding the federal coal leasing moratorium is part of that executive order, which has lots of different components, including the Clean Power Plan," the White House official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. The official said the order was scheduled to come next week. The Clean Power Plan is Obama's centerpiece initiative to combat climate change, requiring states to slash emissions of carbon dioxide, but it was never implemented due to legal challenges launched by several Republican states. Legal experts have said Trump could begin the process of killing the regulation by having the Environmental Protection Agency ask the courts to return it to the agency for review, effectively ending its legal defense. Killing the coal mining ban would be easier. Trump could reverse the ban by asking the Department of Interior to lift it and resume its coal leasing program. Obama's administration imposed the temporary ban on new federal coal leases in January 2016 as part of a broad environmental and economic review of the program aimed at ensuring lease deals account for coal's contribution to global climate change and yield fair returns to taxpayers. But it angered some Western state lawmakers and people in the mining industry, who said it stymied development. Trump has already rolled back some Obama-era green regulations, including the Stream Protection Rule limiting coal mining waste dumping, and the Waters of the US rule that expands the waterways under federal protection. Reuters Montanas oil and natural gas producers are a major driver of our states economy, providing thousands of jobs and millions in wages. Additionally, the industry yields millions in revenue to fund schools, infrastructure projects and much more. But the benefits provided by oil and gas development could be threatened by the Bureau of Land Managements costly methane venting and flaring rule a regulation that could essentially shut down Montanas small producers, while achieving no meaningful environmental impact. The U.S. House of Representatives has already voted to repeal this rule and the U.S. Senate is set to vote on it soon. Lawmakers should consider the economic harm these regulations would cause to Montana and other oil and natural gas producing states, and vote to repeal it. Keep it in the ground activists have falsely claimed that if we dont implement the rule, taxpayers will lose out on the revenues from capturing and shipping methane to market. But the truth is that taxpayers, laborers, and local communities will be hurt if this rule goes into effect. With an estimated annual cost of compliance between $110 and $279 million, countless operators will be forced to shut down production. The result? Revenues to state, local, and federal coffers will plummet along with royalty payments to mineral owners. Importantly, doing away with this rule will do nothing to essential environmental safeguards. The state of Montana already has rules for venting and flaring that have been in place since the 2011. Roughly 90 percent of all natural gas produced as a by-product of oil production is captured at the wellhead and shipped to market. The Environmental Protection Agency just released new data, which show that methane emissions from oil production across the country have dropped by 17 percent since 2011, specifically because of decreased emissions from venting and flaring. Meanwhile, methane emissions from exploration and production activities represent just 1.07 percent of total GHG emissions in the U.S. The most ambitious estimates by the BLM anticipate that the venting and flaring rule would only reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by a mere 0.0092 percent. Political leaders in Montana and the Western states have called for the repeal of this burdensome regulation. Sen. Steve Daines has said the rule comes dangerously close to regulating this industry out of business in the U.S. while New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez noted that development will stagnate and jobs will be lost under the rule. Montana Governor Steve Bullock pointed out that Montana has a long history of supporting conservation of its oil and gas resources and discouraging the venting or flaring of natural gas produced along with oil. Whats more is that the BLM doesnt have the authority to promulgate this rule. Thats why the states of Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota have filed suit against the agency for federal overreach. The BLM venting and flaring rule would hurt Montanas small producers and every taxpayer in the state as well. Its time to unravel the anti-oil policies of the former keep it in the ground administration. Its time to do away with the BLM venting and flaring rule. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he will look for talks between the US Congress and the European Union to discuss the impact of Brexit when he is in Washington DC, writes Political Editor Daniel McConnell in Brussels. Speaking in Brussels after a meeting with EU Parliament President Antonio Tajani, Mr Kenny said he will suggest the matter in his talks with US President Trump, vice-President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. When I go to America and I speak with President Trump, vice-President Pence and Speaker Ryan it is important the American Congress should have discussions and have the opportunity to talk things through with the European Union. President Tajani is willing to travel to America and play his part, he said. Mr Kenny also held meetings with Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, and President Donald Tusk in which he raised Ireland's main concerns about Britain's pending departure from Europe. We are facing a huge political challenge, but we want an orderly discussion with Britain. I assured Antonio and Donald Tusk that Ireland will remain a member of the European Union and will address those issues from the position of sitting in with the 27, he said. I had a good meeting with President Donald Tusk earlier today and we discussed the question of the future of the European Union in particular in relation to brexit and our specific concerns in regard to Northern Ireland, the peace process, and the relationship with the United Kingdom. I met with a number of the Irish MEPs and had a discussion with them, mostly about Brexit and its impact on Northern Ireland and the Peace Process, he said. Mr Kenny also said yesterday's elections in Northern Ireland formed part of his discussions. We referred to the fact that elections are taking place there today and we hope to have a conclusiokn to that so we can have an assembly and an executive put together. We will be talking to our British counterparts on that shortly,he added. "I have made it clear for quite some time now, before these elections, that the Good Friday Agreement contains the opportunity to put in these negotiations language that has already been agreed in internationally binding agreement, that at some future time were that position to arise, that if the people by consent were to form a united Ireland that that could be a seamless transfer as happened in the case of East Germany and West Germany when the Berlin Wall came down, he said. Mr Kenny insisted he wants the wording of the Good Friday Agreement included in any final Brexit deal between the UK and Europe. For his part, Mr Tajani said the Irish concerns about the peace process and the rentention of trade links with the UK have the full attention of the Parliament. I understand the deep political, economic and historical ties that link Ireland to the UK. Brexit will be a particular challenge for Ireland and it has two main issues. Ireland must ensure that its economic links to the UK are protected, he said. Secondly, it must ensure that the terms of the Good Friday Agreement which has given peace in Northern Ireland are included in any future agreement between the UK and the EU. Both issues will have the full attention of the EU Parliament, he told reporters. Update 5pm: Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission are continuing this evening, ahead of a planned work-to-rule by nurses next week. 30,000 members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are due to take part in a work-to-rule in hospitals around the country from Tuesday unless significant progress is made before the weekend. The INMO and SIPTU are both engaging in talks today, to try and find agreement in their dispute over nursing staff recruitment and retention. Consultant in emergency medicine at Cork university and Mercy hospitals, Chris Luke, says it's difficult to assess how patients will be affected. "It's hard to predict but I am told there is to be no overtime, there is to be no redeployment from one ward to another, so in a sense a very strict work to rule." Update 11.13am: SIPTU nursing and midwifery representatives have today accepted an invitation from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to attend talks aimed at addressing the outstanding issues in the sector. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: SIPTU nursing and midwifery representatives will attend talks under the auspices of the WRC. "They will work as hard as possible to progress the discussions which broke off two weeks ago. "The discussions will be challenging for all the parties involved and are under a degree of pressure as our colleagues in the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) are preparing for industrial action next Tuesday. Earlier: Nurses have agreed to attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission in their long-running row with the HSE. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says the discussions are expected to begin today - although its work-to-rule remains scheduled go ahead next week. Around 30,000 nurses and midwives are due to take part in the industrial action from next Tuesday in a row over staff recruitment and retention. The union's Executive Council will meet again on Saturday to discuss the outcome of the WRC discussions. Update: Northern Ireland's political leaders have cast their ballots in the region's snap election. The electorate is returning to the polls to select a new devolved Assembly for the second time in less than a year. The powersharing coalition executive led by the two largest parties at Stormont - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January. If the former partners in government are again returned as the main players, they will have three weeks to resolve their multiple differences and form a new administration. The re-imposition of direct rule from London is on the cards if the post-election talks fail to mend tensions. DUP leader Arlene Foster voted at Brookeborough primary school in the heart of her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency. The former first minister chatted with local people outside and said hello to the gathered media. Forty miles away, Sinn Fein's northern leader Michelle O'Neill filled out her ballot paper in St Patrick's primary school in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone. She was joined by daughter Saoirse and son Ryan. He has just turned 18 and was voting for the first time. "It's great that so many people are coming out to vote," said Mrs O'Neill. The Ulster Unionists and nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which have presented themselves as an alternative cross-community partnership, are bidding to wrest control away from the fractious former allies. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt was accompanied by wife Lynda Bryans and son Peter as he voted at Gilnahirk primary school in east Belfast, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood arrived at the Model Primary School in Londonderry with wife Rachael and his young daughter Rosa. "It's a dry day so hopefully that will mean a high turnout," said Mr Nesbitt. Mr Eastwood said: "This is a very important election. I think it's probably the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement." Leader of the cross-community Alliance Party, Naomi Long, voted along with her husband Michael at St Colmcille's parochial house in the east Belfast constituency where she was once MP. She smiled and shook hands with a voter as she left. Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm. The DUP and Sinn Fein have fallen out over the unionist party's handling of a botched green energy scheme and a host of other issues. Former DUP first minister Peter Robinson has warned politicians to step back and avert a headlong rush towards the destruction of devolved government. If the three-week post-election deadline passes, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is legally obliged to call yet another election. But, in those circumstances, the Government may well move to pass emergency legislation to suspend devolution for the first time in 10 years. While the Assembly election will not change how Theresa May's Government treats talks to leave the European Union, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a key Brexit issue. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number returned falling from 108 to 90. A total of 228 candidates are running. Former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in January in protest over the DUP's handling of the massively overspent Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is paying grants to businesses worth more than the cost of running the wood biomass boilers. That forced the dissolution of the institutions, which need nationalists and unionists in government to operate, and Mr Brokenshire called a snap election. The next ballot had been due to take place in May 2021 after a poll last May. Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation electoral system. Counting will start during daytime on Friday with the last results not expected until later on Saturday. All the main Stormont parties reduced the number of candidates fielded, in line with the downsized Assembly. The largest party, the DUP, is running 38 - six fewer than last year. Sinn Fein dropped five, from 39 to 34. The UUP has 24 candidates - two fewer than in 2016 - while the SDLP is down three on 21. The Alliance Party nominated 21 Assembly hopefuls, down two. Earlier: Voters go to the polls in Northern Ireland today for the second time in less than a year. Power-sharing arrangements between the two largest parties at the Stormont Assembly - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January. If post-election talks cannot mend tensions between the former coalition partners then direct rule from London could be on the cards. An alternative cross-community partnership of the Ulster Unionists and nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) is bidding to wrest control away from the fractious former allies. Arlene Foster The DUP and Sinn Fein have fallen out over the unionist party's handling of a botched green energy scheme and a host of other issues. Former first minister Peter Robinson has warned politicians to step back and avert a headlong rush towards the destruction of devolved government. While the vote will not change how Theresa May's British government treats talks to leave the European Union, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could become an issue in how Brexit is introduced. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number returned falling from 108 to 90. A total of 228 candidates are running. Former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in January in protest over the DUP's handling of the massively overspent Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is paying grants to businesses worth more than the cost of running the wood biomass boilers. Martin McGuinness says 'today is the right time to call a halt to the DUP's arrogance' as he announces resignation as Deputy First Minister. pic.twitter.com/XWyFdrsweR RTE News (@rtenews) January 9, 2017 That forced the dissolution of the institutions, which need nationalists and unionists in government to operate, and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire called a snap election. The next ballot had been due to take place in May 2021 after a poll last May. Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation electoral system. Counting will start during daytime on Friday with the last results not expected until later on Saturday. All the main Stormont parties reduced the number of candidates fielded, in line with the downsized Assembly. The largest party, the DUP, is running 38 - six fewer than last year. Sinn Fein dropped five, from 39 to 34. The UUP has 24 candidates - two fewer than in 2016 - while the SDLP is down three on 21. The Alliance Party nominated 21 Assembly hopefuls, down two. A police investigation has been launched in England after a group of high school students reportedly took ecstasy on their way to classes. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said officers were investigating "drugs issues" at St James' Catholic High School in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, after a report was received on Tuesday. The Manchester Evening News reported the pupils were understood to have taken ecstasy pills known as Teddy Bears. Head teacher Tim Beesley told the newspaper: "We can confirm that there has been an incident this week where a small number of students have taken a recreational drug on their way to school - this is currently under investigation. "Our substance abuse policy states that any student found in possession of drugs or alcohol, or engaged in supplying drugs or alcohol, may face permanent exclusion. "Whenever we are made aware of any concerns regarding our students we have a duty of care to notify parents or carers, and offer whatever support we can, including agencies such as MOSAIC (Stockport Young Peoples Drug and Alcohol Service). "We remain committed to enabling all students to study in a school environment entirely free of recreational drugs and the misuse of alcohol." The police spokesman said: "Shortly before 4.45pm on Tuesday 28 February police received a report of drugs issues at a school on St James' Way. "An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing. "Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111." A North Korean envoy has rejected a Malaysian post-mortem examination finding that the VX nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam, saying he probably died of a heart attack. The death of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korea's ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The post-mortem examination is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities carried it out anyway, saying they were following the law. Amid growing fallout from the killing, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say two women smeared VX nerve agent - a banned chemical weapon - on Kim Jong Nam's face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpur's airport on February 13. Kim Jong Nam died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The women, who were caught on grainy surveillance video, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank and did not know they were handling a lethal toxin. Malaysia's post-mortem exam finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea has denied any role and accused Malaysia of bias. Ri Tong Il, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, told a news conference that it made no sense to say the two women used such a deadly toxin without also killing or sickening themselves and people around them. Mr Ri said Kim Jong Nam had a history of heart problems and had been in hospital in the past. He said he understood that Malaysian officials found medication for diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure in Kim Jong Nam's belongings and concluded he was not fit to travel. "This is a strong indication that the cause of death is a heart attack," Mr Ri said. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands. Police cannot confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea does not acknowledge that it was Kim Jong Nam who died. Instead, it refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying. Malaysia has confirmed that the victim was Kim Jong Nam. The case has badly frayed once-warm ties between Malaysia and North Korea. While it is not one of North Korea's key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years it has been a quiet destination for North Koreans looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all change after Kim Jong Nam's death. Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped starting on Monday for national security reasons. He also criticised the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, who has accused Malaysia of "trying to conceal something" and "colluding with hostile forces". "We don't want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage," Mr Zahid said. "We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Don't ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like." Earlier, Malaysian authorities said they will release a North Korean man, Ri Jong Chol, from custody on Friday because of a lack of evidence. Officials never said why they arrested him. But Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said he will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents. Custody of Kim Jong Nam's body has become a point of contention between the two countries. Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim Jong Nam is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. North Korea has unsuccessfully demanded that Malaysia hand the body over. Malaysian authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country on the day of Kim Jong Nam's death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Korea's embassy and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half-brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favour with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. - AP A new fence being built by Hungary to stop migrants from entering the country will be completed by May 1 and a state of emergency giving authorities additional powers to secure the borders has been extended by six months, government officials said. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff, Janos Lazar, said a 10-kilometre (6.2-mile) test section of the second fence on the Serbian border has produced "spectacular" results, with motion sensors and other surveillance tools preventing anyone from breaching it. Mr Lazar also announced that the "state of emergency due to migration" that has been in place nationwide for the past year will be extended until September 7. The declaration allows police and the military to be deployed for border defence, among other temporary powers. "The government believes that there is still a potential threat to Hungary," Mr Lazar said. "There are about 800,000 migrants stuck in the Balkans who can't go back to Turkey or reach Europe." The second fence on Hungary's border with Serbia, which some 700 prison inmates started building this week, will be about 150 kilometres (93 miles) long and cost 28.4 billion forints (92m), he said. Hungary built fences protected by razor wire on its borders with Serbia and Croatia in 2015, at the height of the migrant flow to western Europe. Some 400,000 migrants passed through Hungary in 2015 before the fences were erected. The new fence, as well as proposals to place all asylum seekers in border camps made of shipping containers until their cases are decided, are part of Hungary's new anti-migration efforts. The new rules for asylum seekers have drawn strong criticism from human rights groups, who say they put protection even further out of reach of people fleeing persecution or war and breach European and international standards. The expanded border camps in the transit zones will have capacity for 400 people each and will cost a total of 9.4 billion forints (30.5m), Mr Lazar said. Hungary has spent 284 billion forints (921m) so far on the construction and upkeep of border fences, he said. AP Update 1:20am: Argentina reminded Brazil of its commitment "to not allow British airplanes or warships based in the disputed archipelagos" in accordance with agreements among member nations of the regional blocs Mercosur and Unasur. "The Brazilian foreign ministry reaffirmed its support to our country on this issue and said that it was unaware of these flights," the Argentine statement said. The war over the islands killed 649 Argentines and 255 UK soldiers. During her eight years in power, former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez tried to pressure the UK into sovereignty talks by turning away British ships, encouraging companies to divest from Britain and raising other trade barriers. Tensions have eased since pro-business President Mauricio Macri took office last year promising a less-confrontational stance. In the biggest breakthrough in decades, the UK and Argentina announced last year that they would work to remove restrictions in the oil, fishing and shipping industries affecting the Falklands. They also agreed to increase the number of flights between the islands and Argentina. The Falklands are internally self-governing, but the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. Argentina claims Britain has illegally occupied the islands since 1833. Britain disputes that and says Argentina is ignoring the wishes of its 3,000 residents who want to remain British. Earlier: Argentina says Brazil has allowed several RAF flights to operate between Brazilian airports and the Falkland Islands in a breach of agreements between the South American countries. Argentina lost a brief but bloody war with the UK after Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic archipelago in 1982. The Argentine foreign ministry said in a statement that it is "concerned" about six flights last year and 12 in 2015. The ministry said it has requested an explanation from the Brazilian government. Brazil's foreign ministry said a statement on the matter was being prepared. Argentina claims the islands it calls Las Malvinas, but the UK says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection. When I moved to Montana from South Dakota in 2012, I bragged to my friends back home about how enlightened Montana is in encouraging and enabling citizens to vote. I don't have to register with a political party to vote in the primary election. Montana lets people register on Election Day. I receive an absentee ballot in every election, rather than driving to a place called "The Metra." I really enjoyed telling South Dakotans they should run elections more like Montana. But then of course, there was an attempt by the Republicans to do away with same-day registration, and to close their primary. And now the chairman of the party has said he is opposed to using mail-in ballots in the special election we must have this year to elect a new Representative when Mr. Zinke finally gets his new job. Jeff Essmann is afraid Republicans might lose if voting is made convenient and easy for Montana citizens. I'm sure this is an embarrassment to the Republicans who introduced the bill and spoke in favor of it. They were just thinking of being efficient and not spending millions of dollars to open polling places in every precinct in Montana to elect one person. Voter suppression is something that Republican lawmakers have been accused of before, fairly or not, but Mr. Essmann has brought the matter out into the open. He has expressed concern that if people can vote easily, Republicans will lose. Well, at least he's honest about it. Lorraine Collins Billings Update - 7pm: Belgian authorities have detained a suspect who was driving a car with gas canisters in his boot, setting off a security alert in the centre of Brussels. The prosecutor's office said a busy part of the capital and a subway station was closed off during the evening rush-hour. Prosecutor's spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said authorities did not want to take any chances and acted quickly "since the driver was known by judicial authorities and it was unclear why the gas canisters were there". "We are taking the case seriously," Ms Van Wymersch added. She said the suspect was being interrogated. Saint Gilles Mayor Charles Picque described the driver as "a radicalised person, so it was normal to take precautionary measures". Ms Van Wymersch cautioned, however, not to jump to conclusions about a possible extremist motive. The gas canisters were discovered when police noticed a car speeding and running red lights and pursued it. The local transport authority said the Porte de Hal metro station closed on police orders while a perimeter was established above ground. Media reported an anti-bomb squad was brought in. Belgian security services have been on high alert since suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway last March 22, killing 32 people. AP Earlier: Belgian authorities have closed off part of the centre of Brussels and a subway station after a suspect was detained with gas canisters in the boot of his car. The driver was stopped after a speeding infraction, Saint Gilles mayor Charles Picque told local radio. Police went on alert after the canisters were found. The Porte de Hal metro station was closed on police orders, the local transport authority said, while a perimeter was established above ground as media reported an anti-bomb squad was brought in. Belgian security services have been on high alert since suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway last March 22, killing 32 people. Armed police were deployed to a street outside the BBC Radio 2 studios after a man was stabbed. The injured 21-year-old reportedly attempted to take refuge in Wogan House during the incident on Wednesday afternoon. Ministers in the UK have been warned they could face a fresh legal challenge to Theresa May's Brexit plans unless they guarantee British Parliament a vote on the outcome of negotiations with the EU. Campaigners opposed to a so-called "hard Brexit" have obtained legal advice that Britain's "actual withdrawal" will have to be authorised by a fresh act of Parliament. The disclosure came as Gina Miller, the businesswoman who brought the legal action which forced ministers to table legislation allowing them to start the Article 50 withdrawal process, said she could fund another legal challenge. "It is my money and my decision and my actions, and I can't think of anything better to do with the success I have," she told BBC Radio 5 Live Daily. The British Government suffered its first defeat over the Brexit Bill on Wednesday when the House of Lords backed an opposition amendment guaranteeing the future status of EU nationals living in the UK. Ministers immediately signalled their intention to overturn the vote when the legislation goes back to the House of Commons later this month. Before then, however, they are facing the prospect of a second defeat in the Lords next week on another opposition amendment which would require the British Government to give Parliament a "meaningful" vote on Britain's final withdrawal. While Mrs May has promised a vote on any agreement with the EU, opposition parties as well as some pro-Remain Conservatives, fear that if there is no deal Britain would simply crash out of the EU with Parliament unable to intervene. Ahead of next week's vote, the Open Britain campaign group sought to stiffen opposition in the Lords, circulating peers with details of legal advice it has obtained from three leading QCs - Sir David Edward, Sir Francis Jacobs and Sir Jeremy Lever. According to the group, the advice states "actual withdrawal" will require a "full act of Parliament" once the terms of any deal are known and that legislation would also be required if the Brexit negotiations ended without an agreement. Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a leading Open Britain supporter, warned ministers could face another court battle unless they were prepared to amend the current legislation. "It is completely unacceptable for the Government to only offer Parliament a 'bad deal or no deal' ultimatum at the end of the negotiations," he said. "The Government should accept the amendments that give Parliament a meaningful vote and a real choice at the end of this process. "That's the democratic and patriotic thing to do. We don't want any more time, effort or taxpayers' money spent on court cases." The threat of further legal action will infuriate pro-Leave MPs who believe the attempt to write the requirement for a vote on to the face of the Bill is designed to derail the whole Brexit process. Despite the latest challenge, Brexit Secretary David Davis - in Copenhagen for talks with Danish foreign minister Anders Samuelsen - said the process remained "on track" for the Government to invoke Article 50 by Mrs May's deadline of the end of March. "The most important thing in this is that we will conclude in time to present the Article 50 letter and will do so in terms that are in the interests of both ourselves and the European Union," he said. LARAMIE, Wyo. The University of Wyoming is renovating its facilities to accommodate second-year medical students who have previously gone to the University of Washington for their second year of study as part of a multi-state medical education program. The Laramie Boomerang reports (http://bit.ly/2mt2JFW) that the two schools are in the program with schools from Alaska, Montana and Idaho, with the goal of providing medical education in northwestern states without independent medical schools. The program is now changing its curriculum to have medical students spend their second year in their home states. The Wyoming program director, Marivern Easton, said UW ran the risk of losing its accreditation if not for the $1.5 million classroom renovations, which were approved last month. The program has seen fewer than 200 students graduate in its 20 years in Wyoming, but more than 70 percent have returned to practice in Wyoming. ___ Information from: Laramie Boomerang, http://www.laramieboomerang.com An ex-priest who was found to have inappropriately touched a child has been removed from a home for retired clergy next to two primary schools. The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn has also moved two other priests, who had been removed from the ministry for "other reasons", from Lanigan House due to community concerns. Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Christopher Prowse. Credit:Katherine Griffiths Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse housed former Tumut priest Father Brian Hassett at Lanigan House, next to Sts Peter and Paul Primary School and Malkara School in Garran, for two years after he had been stood down over two incidents involving children in Tumut. While NSW police did not press charges, the claims were substantiated in an archdiocese investigation overseen by the NSW Ombudsman. Yet Chinese companies are also counting on opportunity - on Jack Ma of Alibaba and his promise to US President Donald Trump to create US jobs by linking 1 million American small businesses with Chinese buyers. That's a lot of potential deliveries. Wang Wei is now China's third-richest man, with an estimated fortune of $34.5 billion. Credit:VCG "Not only the past decade, but the next few years will also be a golden age for Chinese couriers' development," said John Song, a Shanghai-based director of the logistics and transportation practice in China at consultancy Deloitte. "There is huge potential in the development of these Chinese couriers." After not even permitting private delivery services until 2009, the Chinese government has since been encouraging competition and fostering consolidation. In the past decade, due to decreasing operational costs combined with more entrants piling in, the average price of delivering a package dropped 57 per cent to 12.8 yuan ($2.37), according to the State Post Bureau, which regulates postal services. In the US, the cost per package averages $US10. A ZTO Express sorting facility in Shanghai: The battle for market dominance takes a toll on workers, many of whom work 12-hour shifts, six or seven days a week Credit:Bloomberg Government support for the industry has also included encouraging Chinese package delivery companies to seek capital through equity markets-and approving their bids to raise money quickly, through backdoor listings that involve the companies taking over others, typically in unrelated fields, that are already publicly traded. So-called reverse mergers take a year or less to result in access to equity, while an IPO in China may take as long as three years, according to Sinolink's Su. China's current list of IPO seekers has 621 companies awaiting approval by the China Securities Regulatory Commission. The CSRC approved the backdoor listings of four package companies in short succession last year, even as the regulator flagged concerns broadly about the practice. The first to announce its takeover intent, in October 2015, was STO Express, which concluded it 14 months later. Its two co-owners, Chen Dejun and his sister Chen Xiaoying, each have a net worth of about $US2 billion, according to the Bloomberg index. Happy days: ZTO Express founder Meisong Lai at the New York Stock Exchange trading floor before his company's IPO in October. Credit:Richard Drew/AP Photo Feeding off Alibaba STO Express is part of a group of companies with similar names and business models that feed off proximity to Alibaba's headquarters, in Hangzhou. They're known as the Tonglu gang, after the county in Zhejiang province where the companies were founded. The group includes ZTO Express founder Lai Meisong who listed his company in New York in October and has a $US3 billion net worth, according to the index; YTO Express Group, whose founder Yu Huijiao is now worth $US6.9 billion following its reverse takeover on the Shanghai exchange that same month; and Yunda Holding's Yunda Express, whose Chairman Nie Tengyun's net worth totals $US5.2 billion after its backdoor listing in Shenzhen in December. Lai spoke with Bloomberg News in December and declined to comment on his wealth. Representatives for Wang, Yu, Nie and the Chens also declined to comment on the billionaires' net worth. Customers line up outside a S.F. Express store in Hong Kong, China. Credit:Anthony Kwan "The bigger players are becoming bigger, while the smaller ones will be eventually eliminated," Guo said, predicting that just two large delivery companies will be left in five to 10 years, each with more than 20 per cent market share. A handful more in the second tier will have less than 10 per cent share each, he predicts. The battle takes a toll on workers, many of whom work 12-hour shifts, six or seven days a week, according to Keegan Elmer, a researcher for the China Labor Bulletin, a Hong Kong-based workers' rights group. Wages are often based on how many parcels they can deliver, and terms can be changed arbitrarily, he said. "There's a history of rough competition in this industry in particular," Elmer said. "It used to be a really hot job, where migrant workers could expect to make a lot of money relatively quickly, but these days the wages and conditions are stagnating or actually getting worse." China's package volume totalled 31 billion last year, and online shopping led by Alibaba's shopping platforms, Taobao.com and Tmall, were responsible for 60 per cent of it, according to the State Post Bureau. The Tonglu gang companies currently rely on Alibaba for as much as 70 per cent of their deliveries. 'Black delivery' S.F. Express has a different story, with just 20 per cent reliance on e-commerce, according to Sinolink's Su. Wang, the son of a Russian interpreter for the People's Liberation Army Air Force, saw opportunity early in the trade across China's border with Hong Kong, not long after former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping made his famous visit to Shenzhen and set the country on the path of economic reform. While Wang's family immigrated to Hong Kong when he was a child, he later returned to China to establish the business, first in a smaller city in Guangdong province, and then in Shenzhen. "When S.F. started delivering packages in the 1990s, it was still an illegal business called 'black delivery," Wang said in a Q&A in 2011 with the official People's Daily, the only interview he is known to have granted. "According to the regulations then, we would be fined if our operations were caught by postal officers, so we had to handle packages sneakily." Now the courier operates a fleet of 36 cargo aircraft and about 15,000 vehicles. It reported revenue of 48.1 billion yuan ($8.9 billion) in 2015, the highest among its domestic peers, according to its share sale document. It intends to build a cargo airport in the central Chinese province of Hubei, the prospectus said. Westpac may not be the only bank in cross-hairs over lax home loan lending after Australia's corporate regulator said it was speaking with other banks and flagged more announcements due "in coming weeks". The Australian Securities and Investments Commission appeared before the Senate economics legislation committee in Canberra on Thursday where it said it was also scrutinising the lending practices of other banks. On Wednesday ASIC announced Federal Court proceedings against Westpac, alleging the big four lender failed to properly assess whether borrowers could meet home-loan repayments. The bank is accused of relying on benchmark household-expenditure rates instead of customers' actual living expenses when calculating whether they could afford repayments. In some cases ASIC alleges a proper assessment of a borrower's ability to repay their loan would have shown a monthly deficit. Ingredients found in head lice and scabies treatment products have been linked to behavioural difficulties in young children, scientists say. A team of French researchers investigated whether prenatal or childhood exposure to pyrethroid, which is a group of synthetic chemical insecticides, had any impact on neurobehavioural development. The study, which involved analysing the urine of 287 women while they were pregnant and that of their children six years later, established a link between pyrethroids and behavioural disorders in children. One of Australia's biggest industry superannuation funds, Cbus, is clear of further scrutiny from the securities regulator over its leaking of members' personal information to a trade union. Former Victorian premier and chairman of Cbus, Steve Bracks, welcomes ASIC's findings. Credit:Wayne Taylor Cbus chairman Steve Bracks welcomed completion of an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation, which the royal commission into trade unions had recommended. The former Victorian premier said ASIC would take no further action against Cbus. He said the findings demonstrated the fund had "effectively and comprehensively" dealt with issues the royal commission had raised. "That was one of the most extraordinary moments you have ever seen in American politics, period," left-leaning CNN political commentator Van Jones said . "It was without a doubt one of the most kind of emotional moments we have seen in a political speech like this in quite some time," CNN presenter Anderson Cooper said . After US President Donald Trump's first address to Congress, journalists and pundits were effusive in their praise of one particular moment, when Trump talked about William "Ryan" Owens, a Navy SEAL killed in a disastrous raid on a compound of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen that Trump ordered in late January. An emotional Carryn Owens, widow of Navy SEAL Ryan Owens, after she was acknowledged by President Donald Trump during his address to a joint session of Congress. Credit:AP Sorry - no. Was that moment, with Owens' widow in attendance, moving and sad? Absolutely. It was also one of the most cynical things Trump has done as President. The problem isn't that Trump honoured Carryn Owens at a moment of terrible grief, or that he spoke movingly of her husband's death. All that was altogether appropriate. Rather, the problem is that he did this after trying to evade any responsibility for what happened, and after the White House cast any criticism of his handling of it as an insult to Ryan's legacy. In this sense, the entire story raises serious doubts about Trump's decision-making on matters of national security, and it may be a grim preview of what's to come. Let's review the facts. The Yemen raid on January 29 was the first military action of Trump's presidency. The idea for raiding this compound, partly in pursuit of the leader of AQAP (who wasn't there), was presented to Trump over dinner one night and, according to NBC News, military representatives "told Trump that they doubted that the Obama administration would have been bold enough to try it", which was apparently good enough to get him to sign off. Then almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The militants knew they were coming, possibly tipped off by the increased sound of drones in the area. The team encountered stronger resistance than it expected. A couple of dozen civilians were killed (we don't know exactly how many, but it could be as many as 30), including children, among them an eight-year-old American girl. Owens was killed. A $US75 million Osprey aircraft was damaged in a "hard landing" and had to be destroyed lest it fall into AQAP's hands. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has ducked repeated questioning on whether he supports the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut penalty rates for hundreds of thousands of Australian workers, instead backing the independence of the body and indicating the government wants a long-term, phased introduction of the pay cuts that would soften the blow for workers. Mr Turnbull has also backed the argument put forward by employers that lowering penalty rates frees up businesses to stay open longer and hire more people, which was critical to the commission's ruling but is disputed by opponents. Since the commission's decision last week, the government has come under increasing pressure from the Labor Party to express support or intervene to stop it. But the Prime Minister has steadfastly deflected the calls by labelling Opposition Leader Bill Shorten a hypocrite for abandoning his previous support for the independence of the commission. Questioned on ABC radio on Thursday morning, Mr Turnbull said he supports the commission as "the expert body making the decision on this". Not finding a forever partner is a common concern, said Kute Blackson, author of You Are the One: A Bold Adventure in Finding Purpose, Discovering the Real You, and Loving Fully. "The older you get, maybe the stakes get higher," said Blackson, who helps men and women navigate dating through seminars like "The Man Breakthrough Experience" and 14-day India treks. Pew reported that in 2015, 53 per cent of never-married adults said they would like to marry eventually. Neil said that, since his big breakup at age 30, questions about future intentions arise more quickly when he's dating now. "It usually comes up a lot quicker than 'Let's just hang out and get to know each other,'" he said. Breakups later in life may be harder, too, because the couple may have tried for years to make a relationship work. "It's stability, and it's safer, and you're doing what everybody else is doing," deCastro said. But just because you are already dating someone, experts advise, is not a reason to stay together. Blackson often asks clients, "If you were to meet your partner today, would you date them?" "I kid you not, people go silent," he said. He added, "By the time you reach 30, you've been dating since you were in your 20s, you may be with a completely different person. That's not a bad thing. That's just growth." He urges his clients to identify their own wants and needs. That clarity can come with age. This can be particularly tough for women, who face fertility concerns as they age. "I think in the 20s, it's a lot easier - especially, women feel like they have more time," deCastro said. Stress arrives in many shades. Emerging from a years-long relationship, Carly Popofsky, 30, realised that all her Manhattan friends were now hitched. "I think being single is a lot more glaring now because it doesn't feel like everyone's doing the same thing I'm doing," she said. Meanwhile, she said, the dating landscape has changed dramatically, as apps and online dating became mainstream while she was in a relationship. Other relationships can have an impact on your own feelings. Wedding after wedding, people may feel anxiety as they become surrounded by friends' spouses. And people who seem to have found their perfect match splash happiness across Facebook and Instagram. "People project this image, and it looks so great," deCastro said. "But it's not what's going on inside. It's not reality." Married friends may also add to singles' stress in surprising ways. Often, deCastro said, clients are scared by pals sharing anxieties like, "Did I really make the right choice?" "Other friends have these marriages, and they hear from their friends that it's not that great," deCastro said. Dating past your 20s means you often have a more adult life. Standards have been set: You've made yourself a comfortable home, maybe one you own and don't want to leave. Perhaps you prefer nicer restaurants or don't want to compromise on travel. "You're not willing to budge as much," deCastro said. Popofsky said she now has the same high standards but different values - she cares more about someone's behaviour, not job, for example. "I wouldn't say I'm picky," she said. "But I'm looking for someone great." Now, past his 20s, Blackson said he is "much more able to discern who is right for me, who I am, what works." Finding that balance and moving past anxiety over dating and splitting in your 30s, involves a few key factors. "The most powerful thing I think someone can do is to sit with their pain," Blackson said. "It takes tremendous courage to sit with the feeling of loneliness, to sit with the pain." John Grohol, psychologist and founder of Psych Central.com, similarly suggests a post-mortem. "People are so quick to say, 'I have to get over this breakup,'" said Grohol, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. "Take the relationship apart, and see what worked and didn't work, and take that new knowledge that you have, and use it for your next relationship." If an ex had a quick temper, for example, perhaps you are looking for someone who handles anger in a healthier manner. Most importantly, don't beat yourself up or bathe in feelings of guilt or failure. "A lot of people take it personally and feel terrible and think that they did something wrong and they didn't choose right," deCastro said. "Give yourself a break." When clients tell him they've been through a breakup, Blackson tells them, "Congratulations!" and salutes their new chapter. "I want men to examine their role in this culture," she added. "I want them to actively combat it and question men who refuse to participate in that." The real difficulty with Edwards' article was that she outlined a single approach to preventing child abuse in her own family. But if we are talking about preventing child abuse at a community level then we need to talk about a community-wide response. Which comes back to the perpetrators. Again, they are mostly men, and yet men are so rarely part of the discussion about prevention, other than to object to the facts being discussed. Why is it that men are so much more likely to commit violence and abuse? What happened to those men, where did they learn this behaviour? How can they change? Of all the people who have told me how ridiculous and offensive I've been, not one of them has come up with a feasible alternative to keep children safe Kasey Edwards Exploring this, without defensiveness and with a genuine desire to find solutions, is the most valuable way men can participate in protecting children. It's disturbing that many men are so aggressively unwilling to do this, leaving the burden of finding solutions to everyone else. This is why mothers are so often vilified when they do something as simple as wait outside while their children go to the toilet, and conversely, vilified again if they acknowledge the facts of child abuse and act to protect their children from possible perpetrators. It's not surprising given how fraught it can be to navigate the issue that parents like Kasey Edwards and her husband look for solutions that don't depend on community-wide protection. Their choice is not right for everyone indeed for some, it's very much the wrong choice. But for them, it's the best way to keep their children safe. And given the deep, lifelong trauma caused by child abuse, it is both justifiable and understandable. Their solution, however, only works for their circumstances. It relies on them always having options for childcare that fit within their parameters, which is not readily available to many parents. It also assumes that they, their family, and their children's friends are always in partnered, heterosexual relationships. In the Edwards' policy, children of single fathers, or in families that do not include people who identify as women, already suffering exclusion and stigma, are excluded even further. Even for families who do have the option to have women always present, it places an extra burden on those women, who are already taking on the majority of (unpaid) emotional and domestic caring labour. This is particularly difficult in the context of the systemic economic disadvantage women suffer, which requires men to take on an equal share of parenting. It's a quandary that can't be solved by making women the "abuse police". Men have to take responsibility for prevention and commit to unambiguous action on the causes and realities of abuse. While there are undeniable problems with the Edwards' choice, the outraged criticisms of it are equally problematic, and frankly blind to the realities of how abuse occurs and its effect on victims. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse released a paper this week describing the grooming practices of abusers. Grooming is not something abusers only do to victims. They also deliberately create relationships with parents and caregivers that involves trust, friendship and dependence. And they make sure their victims know about it. As feminist writer Cecilia Winterfox told Fairfax Media, "Every time we say, 'but my male friends are so lovely' we make it harder for victims to speak out. It reinforces and demonstrates clearly to them the reflexive disbelief they will almost certainly face. It's a kind of cultural gaslighting to victims, and a signal of protection to abusers". The royal commission paper was specifically about institutional responses to child abuse, so the recommendations were focused on cultural change to identifying and reporting grooming techniques. Which may work in well-monitored organisations, but it's not something any individual parent can enforce in their social group. On Aug. 14, 1976, Era Bell Thompson was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, making her the fourth woman at the time and the only African-American to receive the award. Thompson was born Aug. 10, 1905, in Iowa. Her family settled on a farm near Driscoll, N.D., when she was 9 years old. The familys farm wasnt successful so the family moved to Mandan after Thompsons mother died. According to the Mandan Historical Society, Thompson and her family lived at 705 Fifth Ave. N.W. and she attended Mandan High School from 1922 to 1923. The family eventually moved to Bismarck where Thompsons father worked as a private messenger for Gov. Lynn Frazier. Though the family moved to a bigger town, there was only a handful of other black students. Thompson undoubtedly felt out of place, not only the stares, but when textbooks informed students that blacks were inferior or the subject of American slavery was discussed. Regardless of what she faced, Thompson was able to make friends and establish herself as a gifted runner and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1924. Thompson enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and found work with a Jewish family in the part of town known as Little Jerusalem. Thompson hurdled over the bias of the time and continued on with her love of running, breaking five UND womens track records -- in dashes, broad jump and hurdles -- and tied two national records, according to the Mandan Historical Society. During her two years at UND she also joined the campus paper. Thompsons family eventually moved back to Mandan and her father operated a used furniture store on East Main Street. In 1928, upon her fathers death, Thompson moved back home for a year to help pay off his debts. A local pastor and his family took Thompson in and encouraged her to go back to school, so she did and earned her journalism degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. In 1933, Thompson began her career in Chicago, initially finding work as a housekeeper then with The Chicago Defender. As the Great Depression raged, Thompson was able to find work in a Settlement House and received jobs through the Works Progress Administration. In 1945, Thompson received a Newberry Fellowship which supported her while she wrote her autobiographic novel, American Daughter. Thompson joined Ebony Magazine in 1947 and was the co-managing editor from 1951 to 1964, then international editor until retirement. During her career she traveled to 18 African countries, India, Australia, South America and the South Pacific. In 1953, she released another book, Africa, Land of My Fathers, which recounts her frustrated attempts to comprehend her ancestral heritage. As an advocate for women empowerment many of Thompsons later essays denounce men's treatment of women regardless of race and class. She reportedly spent a night in a South African jail in 1957 because authorities said there were no hotel rooms for blacks. Thompson later received honorary doctorate degrees from Morningside College in 1965 and University of North Dakota in 1969. Thompson died on Dec. 30, 1986, in Chicago but her legacy lives on at UND. On Feb. 14, 1979, the Era Bell Thompson Multicultural Center was opened on the campus of UND to address the needs of students of color. The centers celebrates black history month each year with events geared toward education, guest speakers and viewings of impactful black films. Peter Johnson, the interim vice president for public affairs at UND was a student that day and recalls the opening of the multicultural center. Ive seen a lot of programming thats come out of the Era Bell Thompson Multicultural Student Center and I think thats been very positive for the university, said Johnson. On Dec. 3, 2014, the multicultural center moved on to the third-floor of the Memorial Union on campus. I think her particular impact is the example she provides as a student who excelled in all kinds of areas, said Johnson in regard to Thompsons current impact with todays students. Thompson also is included on the alumni wall at UNDs Gorecki Alumni Center, said Johnson. Sandra L. Mitchell, the associate vice president for diversity and inclusion at UND, said, As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans I am honored that UNDs Multicultural Programs and Services office is named in honor of Era Bell Thompson. Individuals such as Ms. Thompson paved the way for many of us, including myself as a woman of color, to contribute to the next era of the University of North Dakota. It makes me very proud to know that I have the opportunity to walk the same hallowed halls that she did nearly a century ago. Her career at Ebony stood, and still stands, as testament that with hard work and determination one can literally see the world and share that gift for generations to come. Few students formally report sexual assaults In 2016, Sydney University found that only one per cent of their students who had experienced a sexual or indecent assault ever made a formal report to their university. The National Union of Students survey from 2015 likewise reported that just six per cent of victims reported the incident to their universities, and less than five per cent reported the incident to police. These figures are perhaps not surprising since rape survivors are among the least likely of all crime victims to report to the police, with some studies revealing that between 15-20 per cent of survivors end up making a formal complaint to police. Universities advise on how not to get raped The EROC Australia report also points to problematic advice, information and support given to sexual violence survivors who disclose to university staff. These might include accusatory statements, inappropriate questioning about the details of the assault, minimisation, blame, telling the survivor what to do, and overstepping the boundaries. According to one survivor: The first person I told asked me how much I had been drinking. The second person I told said that I would be ruining his life. The third person I told said it wasnt a university issue. The fourth person I told asked me why I had waited so long to tell anyone. There is also concern about the university safety tips that often employ stranger danger myths, focus heavily on alcohol consumption, and fail to address commonly-held, dangerous beliefs about gender. For example, universities advise students to not give mixed messages with eye contact, voice, posture and gestures. They are told to avoid getting intoxicated or to pay half of the bill on a date to reduce obligations. Students are also advised to walk in well-lit areas, carry personal alarms and rape whistles and be prepared to scream and shout if attacked. The problem is that these prevention messages are often directed at the victim and what she or he can do to avoid being raped, rather than the perpetrator. The danger in this advice is that many survivors may be deterred from reporting since they may feel they are at fault, or that what happened to them doesnt really count as rape, particularly if the perpetrator is a known person. Is this a university responsibility? Australian universities have a patchwork of policies and practices for responding to reports of sexual violence. According to EROC Australia: Australian universities policies and procedures regarding sexual assault and harassment are often overlapping, confusing, inconsistent, incomplete, or in some cases non-existent. This means that it is extremely difficult for students who have been sexually assaulted to identify where they can get help at the university, who they can report the assault to, and what formal complaint procedures are. The reporting policies and processes vary between different Australian universities. Some universities require that all reports of rape and sexual assault are reported to police, which might be directly against the survivors wishes. In other cases a survivor wants the incident to be reported to police, but has been discouraged either formally or informally to do so. Some universities advise survivors to meet informally with the perpetrator. On the University of Sydneys website on Student Complaints Procedures, students are advised that before making a formal complaint they should seek to resolve the issue informally by approaching the person you believe is responsible and tell[ing] them what the issue is; ask[ing] them to stop; or to behave differently. This advice is highly inappropriate in rape or sexual assault cases and can lead to further harms. In all Australian universities, survivors have the option of going through an internal process that investigates an alleged breach of the institutions disciplinary code or code of conduct, often through inviting the student to appear before a panel to give evidence. An internal investigation cannot involve forensic evidence and a perpetrator cannot be deprived of his or her liberty. However, an alleged perpetrator can be reprimanded, suspended, expelled or dismissed from the university if the panel decides on the balance of probabilities that the act occurred. If conducted appropriately, these internal procedures can ensure fairness to both the survivors and the alleged perpetrators. While not all survivors will want to pursue this avenue, it should be made available as one of range of different options. Universities can also implement interim measures to exclude an alleged perpetrator from university premises pending the outcome of a formal complaints process. Overall, the EROC Australia report criticises the inappropriate outcomes and lenient punishments that universities impose on perpetrators in internal investigations. FOI data reveal that punishments have variously involved: fines, community service, apology letters, or moving the perpetrator to a different residential hall. In other cases, the perpetrator received a formal warning or a note on file. Promoting pro-active and supportive university environments As educational centres, universities are well placed to address the problem of sexual violence. Measures should focus on: awareness, support, education and prevention, and responses or remedies. When students report that they have been a victim of a rape or sexual assault, it is important that these disclosures are received in a supportive and caring environment. Training and support needs to be provided to staff members so that they give reassurance and information about the avenues available to survivors to empower them to make the right choices. Emphasis needs to be placed on listening, and above all, protecting the confidentiality of survivors. Universities have a duty of care to students and staff, regardless of where the rape or sexual assault took place, and regardless of whether the perpetrator was a student or staff member at the time of the assault. What can universities do better? Above all, universities need to take a proactive approach to tackling sexual violence on campus. Recommendations include: Clear and consistent institutional policies on how to respond to, and report on, disclosures of sexual violence, regardless of whether the incident occurred on campus and regardless of whether the perpetrator was a student or staff member at the university. These policies should be trauma-informed and survivor-centric. A designated person (or team) with special expertise on sexual violence and who can conduct internal investigations. Mandatory training for university counsellors in responding to disclosures of sexual assault; and training to help support staff and student leaders that is delivered by qualified expert services. Clear referral pathways, that includes knowledge of external local services and an array of different options for survivors. Transparent and publicly available data reporting. Removal of reporting/lodging times for internal misconduct processes. Greater communication to all parties about the processes and outcomes. Appropriate advice and information to survivors through a comprehensive and trauma-informed website. Primary prevention campaigns that: focus on consent and respectful relationships; raise awareness of the nature, scope and prevalence of sexual violence (both off and on campus); and promote proactive bystander intervention to challenge problematic behaviours and attitudes. Support of further research into sexual violence. These strategies will contribute to lesser rates of offending, greater reporting of victims and more transparency for universities. EROC Australia also recommends that national standards be created for best practice responses to sexual violence. This is alongside the establishment of a national complaints mechanism where an individual can complain to a federal agency about inappropriate responses to rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment by their university. If you or someone you know is impacted by rape or sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. Loading Centrelink clients trying to get through to the welfare agency's telephone lines have hit engaged signals an "astronomical" 28 million times in just seven months. The figures, revealed in Senate Estimates on Thursday, mean Centrelink is track to almost double the amount of calls it blocks this financial year. Centrelink users were hit with engaged tones 28 millions times in just seven months The Greens are furious at the further deterioration of the troubled agency's customer service effort, saying the government now had no choice but to do something about the "broken system". Centrelink blocks calls to its overworked telephone lines if they are already jammed, a practice it says saves callers having to spend many minutes, and sometimes hours on hold. Campbell Newman may have left the building but in another sense, he'll always be there. The former LNP premier's official portrait was unveiled on Thursday night at Queensland Parliament. The painting was created by his former rival in Brisbane City Council, Labor deputy mayor David Hinchliffe. Mr Newman was lord mayor from 2004 until 2011, entering state politics in 2012 and losing the election in 2015. "People would come in looking for a gift for people with cancer," she said. "And I would say 'I'm your girl, I can help with that'." Her different packages for different people hand creams, cards, little messages, little slippers are there for people to choose. They are not all for cancer sufferers, more for people facing hardship. Mrs Betts understands the cruel twisted hand of fate handed to her by her fair complexion, red hair and sun sensitivity. In her blog, Dear Melanoma, she tells frankly how the cards were lined up after battling her melanoma for more than three years. "On Friday I sat down and had the very honest conversation with my oncologist that I needed to have," she wrote. "I told you that she thought six months was optimistic, but I hadn't asked her what that meant. On Friday I was told that two to three months is what we are looking at based on what is happening at the moment and my body's reaction." The University of Queensland graduate's story of first discovering a mole on her left shoulder blade while skin diving in East Timor in October 2012 while working at a rehabilitation centre is best told by herself. You can read how she graduated from the University of Queensland's International Relations Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. She told Fairfax of later working in an East Timorese rehabilitation centre as a volunteer providing prosthetic limbs and occupational therapy to people with disabilities. "It was hard work," she said. "I saw some pretty full-on things. I saw people crawling along the ground because they don't have a wheelchair. "I saw children with club feet crying all day while their foot was manipulated at the centre." Mrs Betts tells her own story on her transition from a stage one melanoma to the fatal stage four melanoma in 2013 in her blog. It tells of how the then-trial drug Keytruda had extended her life from three months by more than two years allowing her to marry her boyfriend Serge, adopt their dog Ralph, lecture on sun care and start an online business Love Emma until the melanoma tumours began to grow. On February 12 this year she learnt how hard her life had become. "I am in hospital on Tuesday having treatment. I am tentatively booked to have a permanent drain inserted. I really wanted to avoid having this for a little while longer, but I don't think it is going to happen, if anything I think I may need to have it earlier," she wrote. Mrs Betts told Fairfax, her Love Emma business would be continued by her mum, Tamra. "My mother has said that this is something that she will take on afterwards. And my boss, Ellen, from the gift shop will be there to help her with new products. "So there's now a lot of people out there who would really like to see the business continuing. It's like a legacy." Now Christmas is on her wish list. It's still her favourite time of year. "My last family hurrah, my last family event, is going to be Christmas," Mrs Betts said. "Whether it is in July, or October I don't know. "But when we need to have Christmas, we will be going to have Christmas." Old, sick and incontinent, paedophile Robert Best will in all probability die in jail, after being ordered to spend at least another decade behind bars for sexually abusing 20 boys at Victorian schools as a Christian Brother. Best, 76 and in poor health, cannot be released until midway through 2027 at the earliest, after a County Court judge extended his minimum jail term for abusing children over two decades. Robert Charles Best, among Australia's worst paedophiles, is likely to die in jail. Best was in 2011 jailed for at least 11 years for abusing 11 boys. Judge Geoffrey Chettle on Thursday ordered Best serve 16 years from December 2010 when he was first taken into custody before he is eligible for parole, for abusing 31 children between 1968 and 1988 at schools in Ballarat, Box Hill, Moonee Ponds and Geelong. One of three people killed after fire raged through an abandoned Footscray factory has been remembered as a "lovely, gentle man". Witnesses say they heard screams coming from the old Kinnears rope factory, on Ballarat Road, as a suspicious fire ripped through the building about 11.30pm on Wednesday. The abandoned Kinnear warehouse in Footscray, where three people died on Wednesday night. Credit:Justin McManus Firefighters found the bodies of three people, believed to be two men and a woman, inside a room at the rear of the factory. Police said they were squatting inside the factory, but were yet to be formally identified. Kids who can't even shave or drive are seemingly inventing the future in their parent's basements, launching apps and services and businesses that harness the internet and technology to make money in brand new ways. The buzzwords are endless: sharing economy, start ups, apps, co-working spaces, algorithms, digital nomadism, remote working, the Internet of Things, the Internet of Everything. The tech sector isn't towing the old ways of work and making money to the scrap heap - it's flinging them into the sun with a rocket assisted trebuchet. And for many years WA's economy has been insulated from this disruption, lifted up high by the mining industry, which although it employs plenty of tech has more of a blue collar focus. A vibrant high-tech sector in Western Australia could contribute over $76 to $100 billion in Gross State Product in 2025, with 3,000 to 5,000 new companies formed per year in the sector, creating over 150,000 new jobs by 2025 and enabling many more. But as that vital sector continues to cool, Sharon Grosser from StartupWA warns WA could get quickly left behind by the rest of Australia and the world if we don't make technology a more central part of our economy and education system. "Without the capability to provide the products and services required in the digital economy, WA will increasingly rely on interstate and overseas companies," she said. "If we can't start and grow new companies here, there will be no new jobs and our kids will have to look elsewhere for work in the industries of the future." Technology is already driving WA's economy - literally In an air-conditioned office out at Perth Airport, Rio Tinto employs scores of highly skilled people who remotely control trucks, diggers and even explosions at mines sites more than a thousand kilometres away. It's an enormous technological achievement being done right now here in WA, and more and more mining companies worldwide are following the trend. The early story will be how investors reposition after Rio's late Wednesday profit results, which surged and yet missed expectations. Credit:Christian Sprogoe But Ms Grosser says beyond mining tech there is ample opportunity for WA people to invent apps, write programmes, set up businesses and design products that capitalise on the growing global hunger for all things digital. "Every industry in WA is being affected, if not disrupted, by digital technology," Ms Grosser said. "Locally, we have ventures that are successfully taking advantage of this disruption, and there is much more potential for WA to capitalise on its competitive advantage. "Right now, we need greater investment in support and policy to realise the potential job-creating benefits of growing technology startups." WA is smart, skilled, and already leading the way in many global tech trends. So what can the west coast do to make its technology sector a bigger slice of its economy in the years to come? Make it rain Tech is high risk and failures are common, so it's pretty tough to get anyone to back you with what really counts - cold hard cash. Or a nice clean wire transfer. Either way. But in a move that's flown under the radar, new laws have just come into effect in WA that allow limited partnerships for high-risk tech ventures, where a new company can have at least one general partner with unlimited liability and at least one partner with limited liability. This means a WA crew with a brilliant idea can bring in investors and retain control of it, and if it all goes bust then the supporters can walk away unscathed. OK, this is pretty dry stuff... but for the state's technology sector this is a game changer. Fairfax Art and Design colour illustration. For Insight 24-09-2011. Cascade of binary numbers Credit:Fairfax Art and Design Limited partnerships are how tech sectors across the world bring in those fabled rivers of money to develop and then launch the next Facebook, Uber or Tesla. With access to this kind of high level funding, StartupWA's Sharon Grosser believes the tech sector in WA could rise up fast and start developing the kinds of businesses and products that will bring more prosperity to WA. "A vibrant high-tech sector in Western Australia could contribute over $76 to $100 billion in Gross State Product in 2025, with 3,000 to 5,000 new companies formed per year in the sector, creating over 150,000 new jobs by 2025 and enabling many more. "There is tremendous opportunity for new WA companies to rapidly create substantial value by taking advantage of our proximity to the world's largest and fastest growing consumer markets in Asia." How WA can make digital the new mining Money is one thing - injecting it into a viable tech sector is quite another. There is a vibrant start up scene in Perth, with hundreds of digital entrepreneurs developing new products and services that capitalise on the growing power of the internet and the influence of technology. Flux is Perth's largest co-working space and is popular with the tech sector. Credit:Flux There are over 560 digital and internet technology startups operating throughout WA since 1998, of which 335 are active Startups and 116 are active established technology companies. They do a wide range of things, from designing new payroll systems for big companies to putting together video games and apps that make life easier or more enjoyable. And it's growing steadily - the WA Tech Report for 2016 found there are 8,400 people who are working in and building technology companies throughout the state, with a total of $651m in funding. It's a decent set of figures, but let's face it, Perth is not a tech hub. In Australia, Sydney and Melbourne are. Overseas it's New York, San Francisco, Berlin - big cities with bright lights that foster creativity and constantly drain away our local brains, often for good. To change that, Ms Grosser urges the state government - whoever is in charge of it - to get behind tech. "Make government procurement processes visible and accessible to early stage companies, and set up seed and early stage co-investment funds." The key thing, according to Ms Grosser, is to create an environment in which high risk, innovative companies can thrive by having good access to funding and the chance to win business that allows them to grow. Just as government can support manufacturing by dishing out contracts to locals, it can support tech by employing WA companies in the digital sphere. Believe the children are our future... The future of WA's economy and the role of technology is definitely a concern for older generations constantly having to upgrade their skills to stay current and competitive. But as a final note, Ms Grosser points out that the true, long term future of tech in WA must be driven by the young, and they need to start getting the opportunity to take the wheel now. "If we can't start and grow new companies here, there will be no new jobs and our kids will have to look elsewhere for work in the industries of the future. "A culture of innovation and collaboration needs to be further developed. Our kids need an education that allows them to not only get jobs, but create the companies driving the digital economy. "Innovators and entrepreneurs need to be able to see a clear path forward for their startup, with the appropriate investment and support available at each stage of their business growth." Vatican City: A leading member of a group advising Pope Francis on how to root out sex abuse in the Catholic Church quit in frustration on Wednesday, citing "shameful" resistance within the Vatican. The sudden departure of Marie Collins, an outspoken Irish woman who was the last remaining survivor of priestly abuse on a Holy See commission, was a major setback for the pope, who has faced criticism of not doing enough to tackle the problem. The work of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, set up by Francis in March 2014, has been slowed down by internal disputes and Collins blamed the Vatican's administration, known as the Curia, for the "constant setbacks". "The lack of cooperation, particularly by the dicastery most closely involved in dealing with cases of abuse, has been shameful," she said in a statement. Russian ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak met twice with Jeff Sessions. Credit:AP In the wake of the Sessions revelation, continued Republican resistance to the appointment of a special independent prosecutor to investigate Trump's Russian connections was rated as political suicide. One of the Sessions-Kislyak meetings might seem innocuous. It took place at the end of an event attended by about 50 ambassadors on the sidelines of the Republican convention in Cleveland, Ohio, in mid-July. It was in the days before the first dump by WikiLeaks of emails which US intelligence agencies say were hacked from Democratic Party computers by Russian agents. They concluded it was a plot to give Trump an advantage over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump's tweets took numerous top White House aides by surprise, according to a second White House official who was not authorised to speak publicly. Credit:Bloomberg But the second meeting is definitely problematic it took place in September at the senator's office, amidst intense public debate over investigations into what was being reported as the Russian hacking of the Democratic computers. In the circumstances, it was risky for Sessions to take the meeting. Failing to disclose it was reckless. Jeff Sessions told his confirmation hearing in January he had no contact with Russian officials. Credit:AP At the time Sessions was a prominent figure in the Trump campaign apparatus as an adviser on foreign affairs and as a stump speaker for Trump. He also held a key post in the senate as a senior member of its powerful Armed Services Committee. All that made him red meat for a Russian envoy on the prowl. As Trump's attorney-general, Sessions presides over the Justice Department and the FBI which is investigating the Trump campaign's links with Moscow. And he is stubbornly resisting Democratic Party demands that he recuse himself. At Sessions' confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10, Democratic Senator Al Franken asked him how he might respond if he was given evidence that anyone connected with the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during 2016. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," Sessions replied. "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Around the same time, Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy wrote to Sessions, asking: "Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day?" Sessions' reply had just a single word "No". More damaging for Sessions, is that the explanations for his failure to disclose the meetings, which were issued on his behalf, don't stack up. He claims he was so busy meeting ambassadors from all over the world in the course of 2016 more than 25 exchanges, including with envoys from Britain, Korea, Japan, Poland, India, China, Australia and Germany. And, er, um, Russia. Further these meetings were in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee so why would he think of them in the context of his role in the Trump campaign? Funny that. The Washington Post did a ring-around of all 26 members of the Armed Services Committee, asking if any of them had felt a need to meet the Russian ambassador in the course of last year 19 of the committee members replied and not a one of them had felt a need to seek out Kislyak. Michael McFaul, the Stanford University professor who served as US ambassador to Russia under Barack Obama thought it was perfectly reasonable for Kislyak to pursue Sessions. But he told The Post: "The weird part is to conceal it. That was at the height of all the discussions of what Russia was doing during the election". What McFaul seems to be saying is this: not even a very busy senator is likely to forget meeting a top-drawer ambassador, especially at a time when that ambassador's country is suspected of heinous conduct locally by American authorities. And especially when that conduct is suspected as being a deliberate leg-up to a presidential candidate for whom the very busy senator has turned policy summersaults. When Sessions was interviewed at the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum in March 2015, he didn't miss a beat in answering, as a good Republican should, when asked about the Russia menace the US and Europe "have to unify" against Russia, he replied. Fast forward to July 2016, and suddenly Sessions was pushing for a stronger relationship between Washington and the Kremlin praising Trump's call for a better relationship with Vladimir Putin, Sessions told CNN's State of the Union: "Donald Trump is right. We need to figure out a way to end this cycle of hostility that's putting this country at risk, costing us billions of dollars in defence, and creating hostilities." Asked late on Wednesday about the discrepancy between Sessions' answer during his confirmation and the disclosure of his meetings with Kislyak, which was attributed to unnamed Justice Department officials, Franken said: Loading "If it's true that Sessions met with the Russian ambassador in the midst of the campaign, then I am very troubled that his response to my questioning during his confirmation hearing was, at best, misleading. Brussels: Belgian authorities have detained a suspect who was driving with gas canisters in the back of his car, setting off a security alert in the centre of Brussels. The prosecutor's office said a busy part of the capital was closed off and a subway station closed during the evening rush hour. Prosecutor's spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said authorities did not want to take any chances and acted quickly "since the driver was known by judicial authorities and it was unclear why the gas canisters were there." "We are taking the case seriously," Van Wymersch added. 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. As creative costume ideas for World Book Day go, one mum from Bristol takes the biscuit. Vicki Bowles sent her son, nine-year-old Jaiden, to school this morning dressed head to toe as an Argos catalogue. I was trying to think of something and I couldnt, but he likes looking through the Argos catalogue and I thought it would be funny, Vicki said. Jaiden showed up to Victoria Park Primary School this morning alongside scores of classmates dressed in other costumes for World Book Day 2017. Organisers of the international celebration of reading probably didnt have costumes like Jaidens in mind when they launched the event, but it has gone down well with his classmates. Vicki added: On the way to school, walking there people stopped us laughing and saying its brilliant. She said Jaiden does read a lot of different books, but cant resist finding his favourite toys in the catalogue every now and then. The creative design took about nine hours to make across two evenings. He loves it, Vicki said. He said it was really funny and he couldnt wait to show his friends. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest politics news and headlines from Bristol Live Plans to double the size of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway could be held up for months or even years after the Government called a public inquiry into the scheme. The 300 million expansion, which includes dozens of new shops and restaarants, a hotel, flats and an indoor ski centre, was given planning permission by South Gloucestershire Council in November. But the scale of the scheme, which is predicted to create 3,000 new jobs if it goes ahead, meant that it had to be 'called in' for a final decision by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid MP. And tonight it has been announced the the Cabinet minister wants to hold a public inquiry into the application. That means a planning inspector must be appointed, hear amnd weigh evidence from the applicants, supporters and opponents of the scheme before making a recommendation to the Mr Javid. The process is likely to take months and quite possibly more than a year to complete. The decision has been made after objections to the scheme were raised by operators of nearby shopping centre. Peter Cooper, the director of the Bristol Alliance, which runs Cabot Circus, said it could lose 123 million of trade and 1,500 jobs over five years. Former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson also objected to the scheme. In January, John Penrose, Conservative MP for Weston-super-Mare, wrote to Mr Javid calling on him to block the shopping centre's 35,000 square expansion over fears of its effect on Weston's retailers. He argued the extension could damage Weston's regeneration and make its "rebirth harder to achieve" - even though the town is more than 20 miles away. Mr Penrose said Weston stood to lose 39 million in trade by 2021 and making the towns "rebirth harder to achieve". He said: This isnt a final decision, but it means that Westons voice is being heard loud and clear, and Im delighted the Minister clearly understands the strength of local concerns about its impact on the wider local economy of places like Weston, and central Bristol too. In a letter explaining Mr Javid's decision, planning minister Gavin Barwell said: "In general, planning applications are only called in when there are issues of more than local importance involved. "The Secretary of State has indicated, however, that there are occasions when it is right for him to decide the issue, normally following a public inquiry." 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 car of a 26-year-old woman, who failed to turn up to work in Bristol, has been found in a coastal village in North Devon. Lauren Philips has not been seen since last Thursday, February 23 and police said they are concerned for her welfare. She then failed to turn up to work in the city on Sunday, February 26 before her car was found in Woolacombe, Devon, on Tuesday. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are assisting with the search to find her along with HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the National Police Air Service. Lauren is described as white, 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build with brown eyes. She has long dark brown hair which is usually straightened but which is naturally curly. Detective Inspector Mark Langdon said: Lauren hasnt been seen for some days now and were growing increasingly concerned. We really need the publics help in finding her so if you see her or think you might know where she is, please get in touch. Were particular keen for bed and breakfast owners or hoteliers in and around the Woolacombe area to check whether she has booked in with them. Anyone who sees Lauren is asked to call police on 101 providing the call handler with the reference 5217045398. 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. Children across Bristol arrived at school this morning dressed as weird and wonderful characters from their favourite books to celebrate World Book Day 2017. Today is the twentieth anniversary of the international celebration of reading, which inspires youngsters and adults alike to get into reading. Here are some of the photos youve sent into us and dont forget its not too late to get in touch with pictures of your child. Send them on Twitter or Facebook. Research has recently found a quarter of eight to 11-year-olds in the UK wouldnt own a book if it wasnt for World Book Day. The National Literary Trust surveyed more than 9,000 pupils in Key Stage 2 and found one in four bought their first ever book using their 2016 World Book Day token. Kirsten Grant, Director of World Book Day, said: Were extremely proud of how deep and wide the impact of World Book Day continues to be in the lives of children and young people all over the UK and Ireland, particularly in light of the recent news that one in ten people dont own a single book. She added: Reading isnt just about literacy skills and attainment levels either its about creativity, imagination and empathy, it opens up whole new universes and changes the way we see and think about the world. Unlocking those worlds and empowering children to make choices about what they want to read, enabling them to own their own books and inspiring them to be regular visitors to their local bookshop and library is the beginning of a lifetime of pleasure. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss a big story in South Bristol again with our daily email Bristol Cathedral Choir School is the most oversubscribed secondary school in Bristol, ousting Colstons Girls School from the top spot. Thousands of parents found out on Wednesday morning where their children will go for their secondary education from September. Bristol More than one in four pupils -1,184 missed out on their first choice of school, while another 416 missed out on all three choices. In total, 4,625 applications were received, a 34 per cent increase from 2010. Demand for a secondary school place is growing quickly, with 95 per cent of secondaries now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. There was also a 30 per cent increase in the number of first choice applications for Bristol schools from people who live outside the city. The majority of the families who missed out on all three choices applied for schools which allocate places by random allocation or live outside Bristol. Some of those schools might also be faith schools. Oversubscribed schools could still have waiting lists. The most oversubscribed schools, in order, are: Bristol Cathedral Choir School Cotham School Redland Green School St Mary's Redcliffe and Temple School Fairfield High School Colston's Girls' School Bristol Free School Bristol Brunel Academy Ashton Park School Bristol Metropolitan Academy St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School Oasis Academy John Williams St Bede's Catholic College Bedminster Down Secondary School Steiner Academy Councillor Claire Hiscott, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: "The fact that more parents than ever want to send their children to Bristol schools is testament to their success. "It is also a challenge for us as more people are applying for places, so I am pleased that we have still been able to offer the vast majority of parents one of their preferred schools. "Of course we understand that some parents will be disappointed and I would encourage them to keep an open mind about other options. (Image: Local World) South Gloucestershire Some 801 pupils missed out on their top choice, which means 87.6 per cent of applicants got their first option. But 167 children missed out on all three choices. Total applications this year is 6,459, a drop from the 6,614 the year before. There has been a reversal of fortunes for South Gloucestershire and Bristol, with more families now trying to get into a Bristol school. Cllr Jon Hunt, chair of the Children, Adults and Health Committee said: The wait is over and parents across South Gloucestershire have today received notification of their childs future school. Almost 88 per cent of children received their first choice of secondary school, and we are delighted that all of the on time applicants in our area have been offered a school place. North Somerset One in 10 204 pupils - have missed out on their first-choice school (90.8 per cent) Some 27 children did not get any of their three preferences. There were 2,228 applications up from 2,159 the year before - were made for 2,424 school places in North Somerset. All families who applied for their first geographical area school have been allocated a place there, unless they have received a higher preference school place. The most oversubscribed school was Priory School with 342 applications for 256 places. A spokesman for the council said: These statistics are based on families being able to make three preferences and these preferences are treated equally. So a family could make a first preference for a school much further away from their home address, and then have their first geographical area school as a second preference. They may be happy if they are allocated their second preference, but wanted to see if they had a chance of getting into the other school. Waiting lists and appeals Do not accept your current school choice If you accept your school choice, you cannot go on waiting lists. Your place at that school is reserved until a higher-preference is given to you. Go visit schools you want to get your child into. Find out more about the schools you are going to. Not getting your first choice (or three choices) might be a blessing in disguise. If you didn't get one of your three choices, go visit the one you've been given. Give them a chance - you could be pleasantly surprised. Waiting lists for schools will be available from March 27. Make sure you get your child's name on it. There is no limit. The second round of allocations will take place in May, and appeals will be heard from June. Waiting lists are open until December, so at no time take them off. 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 National aggregator PLAN Australia has reported attendance numbers of more than 900 brokers to its first series of professional development days in February. The training days were held across six states with the Melbourne event attracting more than 300 brokers alone. This indicated a strong start to PLAN Australias broker PD program for 2017, said CEO Anja Pannek. PLAN Australia recognises the vital role training and education can play in enabling and encouraging business growth and we are thrilled to see so many of our brokers kicking off the year with a firm focus on professional development. Brokers attending the PD days received news about the aggregators technology platform Podium and what it could do to help brokers run more efficient businesses. Pannek also gave a CEO update on the upcoming remuneration review by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC). PLAN Australia welcomes ASICs review into the mortgage broking industry and we continue to work closely with our members to ensure they are engaged when the report is published, she told Australian Broker. During her CEO address, she also discussed what Australian brokers could learn from the strong growth of the broker channel in the UK. Its a critical time for the industry, so its important to keep our brokers informed every step of the way from navigating regulatory change, showcasing the latest in technology platform innovation, or by using global comparisons in markets such as the UK where they have an even higher percentage of loans written by brokers, she said. PLAN Australia was committed to providing an industry-leading training program, Pannek added, with the aggregator focused on the education of growth-oriented brokers. Our brokers are demonstrating a real appetite for expanding their businesses and we look forward to further evolving and innovating the services we offer to ensure our brokers have access to the best business growth advice and industry insights. 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 Most Australian banks are facing a one or two notch rating downgrade over the next two years as rising residential property prices put financial institutions at risk. In a commentary on Australian banks entitled Rising Economic Risks Could Cut Ratings on Most Australian Financial Institutions by One Notch, S&P Global Ratings has examined the dangers of Australias hot housing market. Rising economic imbalances are increasing the risk of a sharp correction in property prices, analysts at the global ratings agency said. If such a scenario occurs, S&P highlighted eight financial institutions (including six banks) which would incur large credit losses and a subsequent credit rating downgrade. S&P makes these ratings adjustments by focusing on the Risk Adjusted Capital (RAC) Framework. Our risk weights applicable to a banks loans are calibrated to the economic risk we see in the country. Consequently, as economic risks in a country rise in our opinion, we increase the risk weights, and that pushes down the capital ratios, Sharad Jain, director at S&P Global Ratings, told Australian Broker. This in turn, could have an additional downward impact on bank ratings. This is because our risk adjusted capital ratios are a key driver of our capital and earnings assessment which is an analytical factor in our assessment of a banks rating. In the event of rising economic risks facing banks in a particular country, this by itself would be enough to place pressure on bank ratings within that country, he said. S&P expects property price growth to moderate and then remain at relatively low levels during the next 12 to 18 months. However, analysts warned there is a one-in-three chance of a downside scenario occurring in which property prices spiked. The resultant rise in risk would weaken the capital ratios of all banks in Australia. For most banks, this movement would not be enough to put further pressure on their credit profiles. Thus, most financial institutions would only be downgraded by one notch. However, S&P Global gave a warning about eight Australian financial institutions, highlighting two banks Auswide Bank and MyState Bank as being at greatest risk in this downside scenario. It is important to point out that, if our downside scenario materialises, to review our ratings on these institutions, we would make an assessment of their position and plans in relation to capital, business, and broader financial profile, Jain said. A two-notch downgrade would be only one of the three likely outcomes in that scenario. The other two likely outcomes are a one-notch downgrade with stable outlook or a one-notch downgrade with a negative outlook. S&P Global also warned about the risks posed for AMP Bank, HSBC Bank Australia, ME Bank and P&N Bank in these circumstances although the agency admitted that parent support from these institutions is highly likely to prevent a two notch downgrade. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams They got railroaded! Supporters of Mayor DeBlasios controversial $2.5-billion streetcar say the powerful Brooklyn Heights Association is so opposed to the plan that it silences anyone anxious to get on board with the trolley. The group, Friends of the Brooklyn-Queens Connector, made the accusation against the elite Association Wednesday, one day after an the Heights group hosted a panel discussion that declared the streetcar plan is nothing but a folly that is not only bad as transit policy, but also a force for gentrification along the route. Its no surprise that this exclusive and litigious group, which has consistently tried to prevent new parks, affordable housing, and anything else that might benefit people other than a small subset of the property owners who already live in Brooklyn Heights, refused our months of asking to meet, speak, or have a voice on this panel, the Friends said in a statement, which claimed 100 community groups support the Long-Island-City-to-Sunset-Park rail line. But the head of the civic group which is in the middle of a lawsuit claiming some development in Brooklyn Bridge Park is unnecessary said that this was the first hed heard of any request by the pro-trolley group to be on the panel. They are mischaracterizing the situation, no one every conveyed to me that they were looking to be on the panel, said Peter Bray, who is the executive director of the neighborhood group. And Friends spokesman Stu Loeser later revealed it had never asked to be part of the panel and had just planned to ask at a Feb. 17 meeting that was pushed back to March. The Associations panel included New York Times columnist and former transit writer Jim Dwyer; advocate David Bragdon of Transit Center; transit blogger Ben Kabak of Second Ave. Sagas; City College civil engineering assistant professor Candace Brakewood; and Samuel Stein, a doctoral student who has written about the streetcar for Jacobin magazine. The panel was skeptical about a city claim that the project will be funded entirely from property tax increases along the route, arguing that Hizzoner would be better off using the projects hefty price tag to improve transit across a much-broader area of the city. The Heights Association did not put an advocate for the streetcar on the panel because it was hoping to have an objective discussion so residents could hear the pros and cons of the project without bias, said the groups executive director, Peter Bray. The board (did not want) paid promoters, he said. We were looking for people who have no specific professional ties to the project because we wanted there to be different perspectives and not someone whose job it is to simply promote the project. And Bray took exception to the Friends of the Brooklyn-Queens Connector depiction of the Heights Association as elitist because anyone can join. Were a membership organization, he said. I dont think the Friends of the BQX are membership, so whos the exclusive organization? The Friends group is chaired by real estate mogul Jed Walentas, whose Two Trees owns property all along the proposed route of the streetcar, which is being backed by development forces. The Brooklyn Heights Association has not taken a position on the streetcar, though the group is not known for reticence. Bray said he is open to meeting with the Friends to learn more about the project. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams For this rocker, Brooklyn comes first. Indie musician and former Brooklynite Mike Doughty will return to Kings County this Friday, stopping first at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 3 before playing a show the next night in the distant isle of Manhattan. The former frontman of the band Soul Coughing, now touring with his solo album The Heart Watches While the Brain Burns, may have moved to Memphis in 2015, but says he is not penning any Goodbye to New York letters. Im not one of those dicks whore like, New York is over. Thats dumb, in my opinion, he said. It was just time for me to change. I wanted to buy a house, live cheaply, all that kind of stuff. In fact, the latest video from the album, for the song I Cant Believe I Found You In That Town was filmed in Coney Island. Doughty stayed in Memphis, but turned over the reins to Brooklyn filmmaker Max Skaff, who also performs as rapper Uncle Meg. He is just great, so I gave him the budget I had and said Just make it a love story, I dont care what kind. Just, kind of make it obvious that its my song, said Doughty. The resulting video shows sideshow barker Mr. Strange hawking Mike Doughtybranded t-shirts, while a cute couple flirts and plays carnival games in Luna Park. Doughty said the result was better than any of the videos he made while on a major label. I was at Warner Brothers they gave me a ton of money to make videos and none of them are worth a damn, he said. Max is just amazing, he made this beautiful film. The solo musician is also collaborating on his latest tour. After leaving Soul Coughing in 2000, Doughty released nine solo albums filled with clever lyrics, electronic bloops, and churning acoustic guitars, all played by the artist himself. But this tour involves a full band, and Doughty had to create a system to help the other members follow him in the loose, freewheeling set structure he developed as solo performer. Its all improvised in the show, I do these hand signals to say, Loop back to the beginning, or to stop and start. So youll watch me conducting the band, said Doughty. Its kind of like a James Brown show. The set list varies every night, so longtime fans might hear their favorite song or they might not. Its just a matter of logistics, said Doughty. Ive got nine full albums; 12 if you count Soul Coughing. When I play shows, I have tried to do at least one song from every album, but I have more albums than I have time, he said. But there is one song you will definitely not hear in the set. Since 2002, Doughty has urged audiences to stop shouting requests for Freebird, and instead call for Its Raining Men a song he cannot play. I think its better if I never learn, he said. But Im trying to spread it. I hope people start yelling Its Raining Men at Foo Fighters concerts. See Mike Doughty at the Music Hall of Williamsburg [66 N. Sixth St. between Kent and Wythe avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 4865400, www.music hallo fwill iamsb urg.com ]. March 3 at 8 pm. $25. We have reached the halfway point of the 65th legislative session, bills that have passed the House move on to the Senate and vice versa. Most bills are still works in progress, and plenty of time still remains to debate key issues and fine-tune legislation. As for the budget for the next biennium, it will remain fluid until the release of the March revenue forecast. Armed with the latest revenue information, we are committed to passing a budget that funds our priorities and provides local property tax relief, ensures adequate reserves for the future and balances our budget without an increase in state taxes. As always, our top priority is educating our kids. We need to invest in our state's future and maintain the high quality of education that North Dakotans expect. Funding for K-12 education will be held at current levels into the next biennium, which will also help hold the line on local school property taxes. In addition, we are working to replenish the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund that was used in the last allotment, so that we can ensure adequate education funding in this biennium. We also recognize our responsibility to care for our most vulnerable citizens. The "provider tax" proposal that would have shifted the burden of falling revenues onto private payers was rejected, and instead we plan to restore long-term care funding lost to the current biennium's budget cuts and make the long-term care budget for the next biennium whole. We are also considering a requirement that insurance plans in North Dakota cover autism programs. Public safety is also a priority during this session. We sent a package of bills relating to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests to the governor's desk to show our commitment to helping law enforcement do their job. We applaud the restraint shown by our state's law enforcement personnel in their handling of the situation, and we are committed to keeping people on both sides of the issue safe while ensuring the rule of law. We are looking for ways to reinvent and right-size government. We are taking a close look at our criminal justice system and our approach to addiction. In many cases, a person needs rehabilitation, not incarceration. By improving access to behavioral health services, we will not only save lives but also reduce our prison costs and population by combating recidivism. We are also taking steps to further increase transparency in the political process. Campaign finance reform bills that prohibit the personal use of campaign funds, prohibit foreign contributions and increase disclosure requirements are working their way through the Legislature. We believe in giving the voters the information they need to make good decisions at the ballot box. One of our most challenging tasks this session has been correcting the deficiencies in the medical marijuana measure that passed on the ballot in November. We fully respect the will of the people and we are working to give them what they voted for, while implementing a system that gives qualified patients access to a safe product. We are optimistic about the future of our state. Legislators have been looking for efficiencies and making necessary cuts in order to ensure that we do not burden our citizens with new taxes. We are committed to funding our priorities and building up adequate reserves for the future, in the end, we will do things the North Dakota way: living within our means and by balancing the budget. President Donald Trump gave his first speech to Congress on Tuesday night and most commentators gave him high marks. He said he wanted to speak from the heart and he stressed unifying the nation. His speech wasnt confrontational like many of his previous addresses. There was a very emotional moment when he honored the widow of a Navy SEAL. The states congressional delegation reacted to his speech on Tuesday night. Here are their comments. "In his first address to the Congress, the president outlined his commitment to growing our economy and keeping our nation safe. We appreciate the presidents focus on the fundamentals including rolling back the regulatory burden on our job creators and reforming the tax code to get our economy going and growing. Economic growth will enable us to reduce our debt and deficit while also investing in the priorities the president outlined, including supporting our military, caring for our veterans, building our infrastructure and making our communities safer by supporting our law enforcement and improving border security. These things are important, but as the chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Committee, one of my highest priorities in the budget process will also be ensuring we support our farmers and ranchers through these challenging times in the agriculture patch. Therefore, I will look carefully at the budget proposal to make sure that agriculture is properly supported, along with other priorities. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. q q q Tonight, the president called for the country to unite, and I couldnt agree more. Our country works best when we work together on real results for the American people. Its past time to put politics aside and work on policy. It was an aspirational speech and there were a lot of ideas in it, but the devil is in the details. The president will now need to flesh out how his policies will actually work and provide specifics about how to accomplish them. It was encouraging to see Republicans stand up for proposals that they havent traditionally been supportive of, including paid family leave which I have a bill on and an infrastructure package which we recently introduced that will support the whole country including rural America. I expressed concerns when our previous president didnt talk about rural America, and I had the same concerns with this speech. There wasnt a mention of rural America, a farm bill, or agriculture workers, and these should be focuses for any leader of our country. The president did talk about supporting American workers and I hope we can work together to give workers and retirees the support they need to get and keep jobs to support their families, and to live with dignity with secure retirements and pensions. He talked about expanding our nations energy infrastructure, which Ive long been a proponent of, and supporting American-made products. We also must make sure that any tax reform has to work for families just trying to put food on the table. I intend to work with the president to get results for North Dakota, and Ill also serve as a check and balance in the U.S. Senate as needed to hold this Congress and administration accountable to our state. Now its time to pave the way forward by working together and I hope the president follows his own speech about working in a bipartisan way. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D. q q q I was very encouraged by President Trumps speech tonight. It was very aspirational and optimistic. Its great to see Americans dreaming big again. This president has laid out big dreams and he has proven in his first month we can accomplish big things. In terms of his first months accomplishments great job. In terms of goals going forward, hes holding us in Congress accountable. But hes also letting us know he has our back if we stick together and do the heavy lifting repealing and replacing Obamacare with health care that is more patient-centered with greater access and lower costs. Also important is the rollback of regulations so job creators can get about the business of creating jobs and making us more competitive in the global marketplace. "President Trump ran on putting America first, the importance of national defense as the highest priority of the federal government, and the responsiblity of the federal government to work with states and local jurisdictions to keep neighborhoods and our homeland safe. These themes are now fulfilled promises. I look forward to working with him on this. Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... On this episode of Star, Boy Trouble, Eva officially joins Big Trouble and they compete in the next round of Atlanta Next Fest. Meanwhile, Jahil tries to help Cotton after she relapses, and uncovers a big secret about their relationship. Four Part Harmony The episode opens with Star, Alex and Simone rehearsing their song Sugar for Atlanta Next Fest, and I cant deny that its super catchy. This show is definitely at its best during the performances. After they finish practicing, Jahil compliments Alex and Simone, but not Star. The tension is still high between them after Jahil temporarily put Eva in the band. Speaking of Eva, one of the judges from Atlanta Next Fest comes to their rehearsal and says they cannot perform as a trio because Jahil signed them up as a group of four. Eva was only in the band for approximately five minutes, but that happened to be when Jahil filled out the paper work for the competition. Star is furious and hits Jahil, but Simone convinces her that the only thing left to do is talk to Eva and put her back in the group. Meanwhile, Cotton, who is designing all of the costumes for the competition, shows up at the rehearsal high, which concerns Jahil. He goes to Carlotta and warns her that Cotton is on drugs again. Star Recap: Would the Real Killer of Otis Please Stand Up?>>> The New Normal Dereks grandma refuses to let him use Alexs lawyer for his trial. She does not want to take any of Alexs money, even though the only alternative is a public defender. Later, when Derek and Alex are on a walk, a news station approaches him for an interview about the protest. Derek refuses and pushes the camera away. The reporter also asks Alex about getting pulled over and harassed by a white cop, which Derek did not know about. Star and Hunter are officially back together, but he does not want her at his house because of his mother. Star complains about them spending time in his car because this isnt high school, but based on her behavior, it wouldnt be surprising if she was still in high school. After the drama with the Atlanta Next Fest judge, Eva officially joins the group and they get started on a new song. Jahil goes to Pumpkin (Missy Elliots acting continues to be a delight) for help on producing a four part harmony. At the studio, Eva asks Pumpkin if she can try to record Stars part of the song. Much to Stars dismay, Pumpkin and Jahil decide they like Evas version of the bridge better. At dance rehearsal, Star and Eva continue to clash (literally). Bring It On Carlotta shows up at Cottons house to try to get her to come home because she is back on drugs. Cotton refuses, and says she doesnt have to listen to Carlotta anymore because she doesnt live with her. Derek finds the reporter who he met with Alex to tell her to investigate the cop that pulled Alex over. He explains that the cop has a history of treating people unfairly. The reporter warns him that this could backfire on him, but Derek does not care. Star Renewed for Season 2 by FOX>>> The Show Must Go On Backstage at Atlanta Next Fest, Evas costume breaks and Cotton is nowhere to be found. Star manages to fix Evas outfit just in time for their performance, but it is not the last of the damage done to their outfits. One of the girls in the rival group, Glamour, throws a drink on Star. (Personally, I think they should have just changed because their costumes make them look like gas station attendants.) The girls come together and pray right before they go on stage. Big Trouble is announced as the last group that gets to move on to the next round of Atlanta Next Fest. Hunter takes Star out to celebrate, and brings her to a house that he bought and put in her name, which makes her emotional. Simone sees Jahil and Eva making out and talking about how Jahil hired someone to pretend they were from Atlanta Next Fest to talk to the girls. It turns out the rule about not making changes to the group after they signed up was a lie. After Derek confesses to Alex that he talked to the reporter, they get into a car accident. It is unclear if someone hit them on purpose or not. Jahil picks up Cotton from the club, and brings her to Carlottas house. Cotton tries to kiss Jahil, but Carlotta comes out and interrupts them. Carlotta tells Cotton that Jahil is her father. Cotton runs off and Jahil chases after her. Star airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX. For more news, like BuddyTV on Facebook. (Image courtesy of FOX) On this episode of The 100, The Tinder Box, members of Skaikru stand off against the Ice Nation army, Clarke tries to broker a new peace agreement with Roan, Raven discovers the key to manufacturing a Nightblood serum and tragedy strikes at Arkadia. A broken and battered Octavia cant quite make it back to Arkadia before she falls off of her horse. Given she was stabbed and fell off a huge cliff, its nothing short of a miracle that shes alive at all. Octavia gets another lucky break when Ilian finds her in the forest and delivers her to her people. A weak Octavia is able to warn Clarke that Azgeda is coming and war is here. The Shooter Clarke rallies the troops and a plan to protect Arkadia is set in motion. The guards, led by Millers dad, want to pour the highly-flammable hydrazine into trenches around the perimeter, and when Roans army gets close enough, light them up. Neither Monty or Clarke are big on setting a fire so close to the ship that theyve just spent a month repairing. Nobody can reach Kane, and Jaha found the cargo truck 12 hours out but no sign of Bellamy or Stephens. Clarke decides she has to speak to Roan, convinced theres been some sort of misunderstanding. Clarke decides to ride out and intercept Roan and his army before they reach Arkadia. The 100 Recap: An Alliance is Broken>>> When Roan spots Clarke, he realizes his army has lost the element of surprise. Echo swears theres no way that Octavia survived her blade and that fall. Clarke tells Roan they need to talk, but he says its too late and orders his archers to target Wanheda. But Clarke didnt come alone. There are shooters perched in the rocks above who have their weapons aimed at the King. Roan reveals hes got Kane and Bellamy, and Clarke asks for ten minutes to speak with Roan. Echos worried its a trap, but Roan says they already walked into one. The plan is to take the targets off Roan and put them on the Ice Nation army since peace talks are likely to go more smoothly if Roan doesnt have to worry that his head is about to get blown off. But Riley, enslaved by the Azgeda for long enough to still be pissed about it, decides to go rogue. Riley is convinced that negotiating with the Ice Nation is a waste of time. Skaikru has the guns and the high ground, and Riley wants to take them out. Monty orders Riley to stand down, warning him that if he fires, it will become a massacre. Riley finally backs off. Dain Bramage Things are going a bit wonky at Beccas lab. While Jackson and Abby struggle to figure out how to replicate Nightblood, Raven has a seizure. But in Ravens mind, it was something altogether different. She tells Abby that her brain was operating with such intensity, as if she was space walking again zero-G with no suit. Raven has an epiphany that explains why Abby hasnt been able to get the Nightblood protein to bond with Lunas DNA. When Raven imagined she was weightless, her neurons must have been firing faster than her conscious mind could process. She was communicating through her subconscious. The answer to their problems came in the form of Ravens hallucination, and the seizure episode was just a temporary side effect. Now the problem is how to simulate zero gravity in a laboratory environment. Raven suspects Becca went into space to manufacture Nightblood. Abby, Jackson and Raven discover that within the lab, theres a space ship ready to launch. Abby runs a scan of Ravens brain and discovers the girl is using a huge percentage of her brain, but she also has a bleed as well. Abbys not sure if its a stroke yet, even though Jackson is. Meanwhile, Raven is manic, making plans to get the rocket into orbit. Abby warns Raven to slow down. Ravens heightened mental ability, euphoria and hallucinations are all connected A.L.I.E. warned Raven that the EMP would cause brain damage. Raven says Jasper was right when he said nobody else got an upgrade. For everyone else, Clarke pulled a master kill switch, but something different happened to Raven. Part of A.L.I.E.s code is still in her head. Thats why she knows things she was never taught. In addition, Beccas mind was in that code, so thats how Raven knew where the rocket was. Abby reveals that Ravens scan shows signs of a stroke, and shes worried what will happen if Raven keeps pushing so hard. Raven believes shes been through worse, but Abby warns Raven this is more than likely going to kill her. But Raven is willing to sacrifice herself to save everyone else. There is No I in Team Roan meets Clarke in a nearby cave. He accuses Clarke of breaking their deal. She cant figure out why he would nearly kill Octavia, take Kane and Bellamy as prisoners and attempt to wipe out Skaikru when theyre all about to die soon anyway. Roan makes it clear his objective was to take their ship, a ship she restored to save her own people and not his. Clarke tries to reassure him that the ship is a back-up plan and will only hold 100 people. Clarke questions if Kane told Roan about the Nightblood solution, and he responds that it sounds as if Skaikru is just trying to make the next Commander a violation of their deal. Clarke reminds him the flame is gone, but Roan argues Octavia might not be telling the truth. Clarke swears there is no conspiracy, and shes trying to save everyone, but Roan disagrees. Clarke failed to learn from Lexa that sometimes you have to learn to rise above loyalty to your own clan. Clarke says she wants to save everyone but builds a ship for herself, for her people. Clarke insists the Nightblood will save everyone, but Roan doesnt believe in miracles. Roan tells Clarke that she can order her shooters to stand down, hand over the ship and use whatever time is left to work on the Nightblood solution or she can have them open fire. Clarke reminds him that they have more bullets than he has men, and he will lose. Roan admits theyll both take losses, including Kane and Bellamy. Clarke warns Roan that she was willing to sacrifice her own mother to stop A.L.I.E. Roan replies that he sacrificed his own mother to save Clarke. While Clarke and Roan negotiate, tensions rise outside the cave. Echo has ordered her army attack if one gunshot rings out, and Riley has gone missing. Monty figures out Riley is headed to the cave to kill Roan, so he has no choice but to approach the enemy. Hes able to tell Bellamy Octavia is alive before warning Echo that one of his men has moved out of formation, and he believes hes trying to kill the King. Kane uses his radio to tell his men to let Echo and Bellamy pass unharmed, so they can go after Riley. Echo warns her people that if shes not back by sundown, they are to kill the hostages which now include Monty who has taken Bellamys place. Clarke comes up with a compromise. She offers 50 slots on the ship to Roans people. Hes down with that plan but questions if Roans people will accept it. Roan is the king, so he doesnt need their permission, but he does wonder how Clarke will sell this new deal to Skaikru who wont be happy about losing half of their seats on the lifeboat. Roan promises that if Clarkes people dont follow her when the time comes, Azgeda will be on hand to make sure it gets done. Echo and Bellamy come across Riley, and Bellamy tries to reason with him. Bellamy warns that Azgeda will kill Monty and Kane, Skaikru will open fire and it will be a bloodbath. Riley thinks Bellamy is just saying what Ice Nation wants him to because hes a prisoner. Echo is losing patience and is eager to put an arrow into Riley. Bellamy struggles to keep Echo calm and keep Riley from pulling the trigger. Bellamy uses his own experience as a cautionary tale, and Riley doesnt take the shot. Best The 100 Quotes from A Lie Guarded>>> Anybody Got a Plan C? Octavia wakes up and wonders how she made it back to Arkadia. When she learns Ilian was her rescuer, she freaks out. Ilian is on a mission to destroy tech, and now hes surrounded by it, and with all the excitement, nobody has been keeping an eye on the interloper. Octavia is convinced it was no coincidence that Ilian found her, he used her to get in. With Niylahs help, Octavia makes her way to the server room where Ilian is preparing to blow the whole thing sky high. Octavia tries to convince Ilian not to execute his plan. He asks O if she was in the City of Light, and when she answers no, he says shell never understand. He drops a torch, and theres a huge explosion. Ilian rescues Octavia and Niylah from the wreckage, but the damage to the ship is catastrophic. Having heard the explosion, Echo, Roan, Clarke and Bellamy rush back to witness the chaotic aftermath. Bellamy is reunited with his sister, and Octavia tells Clarke that Ilian is responsible. All everyone can do is stand by and watch their back-up plan go up in smoke, literally. Will Abby figure out a way to save Raven? Now that the Ark and all the supplies have been destroyed, what will happen to the people of Arkadia? Let us know what you think in the comments section below. The 100 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW. Want more news? Visit The 100 page on Facebook. (Image Courtesy of The CW) On this weeks episode of The Magicians entitled The Cock Barrens, Eliot and Margo find themselves kidnapped by a neighboring land, Quentin tries to resurrect a funeral pyramid, and Julia finds herself one step closer to possibly banishing Reynard. Oh, and Penny is still on the quest to fix his hands. The episode opens with Quentin doing some mystical tai chi cirque de soleil inspired dancing in the hopes of summoning Alices Niffin while Eliot and Margo don some regal capes and judge with witty commentary from the sidelines. Quentin tries to summon Terminator Alice as a means of coping with her impending funeral, which brings Quentin face to face with Alices parents and all his regrets surrounding her death. While attending the funeral, he is haunted by a Sixth Sense-esque form of Alice, complete with shrouds of darkness and rings under her pale eyes. This ghost version of Alice brings Quentin to her fathers private study. Alices father finds Quentin in his private (and previously locked) study room only to tell Quentin that Alice had called a couple weeks before her death inquiring about book about ghosts and how to help them find peace. In the land of The Magicians this means that Quentin and Alices father decide to build an ancient Egyptian funeral pyre equipped with an enchanted mirror in the hopes of helping Alice move on from the mortal plane, once and for all. Eventually Alices mom comes to the aide of Quentin and his paranormal goodbye party in the hopes of smoothing out the transition for Alices ghost. However, she is overcome by emotion, as any other grieving mother would, and excuses herself before her duties are completed. In this moment, Quentin comes face to face with Alices niffin self, complete with electrical blue scars along her face that would make Harry Potter proud. In her cold demeanor, Alice enlightens Quentin to the fact that the beast that was once in his tattoo that attacked Alice and effectively killed her failed in doing just that and the hauntings that Quentin has been experiencing are due to the fact that Alice is still alive and now lies beneath Quentins skin, literally etching herself in his back tattoo. While Quentin tends to his wounds, Julia and Kady come one step closer to finding a way to banish Reynard once and for all. They stumble upon an unexplained fire that occurred in Hoboken, New Jersey and upon a further investigation, find the very woman who banished the deviant demon the first time. The twist here is that she too was assaulted by Reynard and pregnant with his child. This sends Julia into a tail spin until it comes to light that the only way Julia can banish Reynard is to harness the energy of her little bun in the heaven effectively using Reynards unborn child against him. Back on Fillory, Eliot and Margo are accosted by a Prince from a neighboring land who comes to them angry over the treatment of the sacred fountain. Refusing to take no for an answer, he proposes a treaty but only if he can marry Margo. Margo vehemently denies marrying the Prince which leads to the Prince seemingly transporting the Fillory kingdom to a faraway land. Margo attempts to smooth over negotiations, but all that does is end with Margo sleeping in bed, the remnant from her sexual Tet-a-Tet with the prince. With no way out and a forced marriage on the horizon, Penny and his goofy hands come to save the day as he intercepts Margos dreamscape and vows to find them. After trying to find the castle and only coming up short, Penny realizes that the castle was never transported, but just under an intense cloaking spell. Margo, riled up and angry as a bat out of hell, swears off the prince, effectively banishing him from the land, but not before she openly declares war on him, with Eliot supporting his Queens the whole time. Are you excited to see The Magicians wage a magical war? The Magicians airs Wednesdays at 9 pm on Syfy. On Earth The episode opens with Quentin doing some mystical tai chi Cirque Du Soleil-inspired dancing in the hopes of summoning Alices Niffin while Eliot and Margo don some regal capes and judge with witty commentary from the sidelines. Quentin tries to summon Terminator Alice as a means of coping with her impending funeral, which brings Quentin face to face with Alices parents and all his regrets surrounding her death. While attending the funeral, he is haunted by a Sixth Sense-esque form of Alice, complete with shrouds of darkness and rings under her pale eyes. This ghost version of Alice brings Quentin to her fathers private study. Alices father finds Quentin in his private (and previously locked) study room only to tell Quentin that Alice had called a couple weeks before her death inquiring about book about ghosts and how to help them find peace. In the land of The Magicians this means that Quentin and Alices father decide to build an ancient Egyptian funeral pyre equipped with an enchanted mirror in the hopes of helping Alice move on from the mortal plane, once and for all. Eventually, Alices mom comes to the aide of Quentin and his paranormal goodbye party in the hopes of smoothing out the transition for Alices ghost. However, she is overcome by emotion (as any other grieving mother would) and excuses herself before her duties are completed. In this moment, Quentin comes face to face with Alices niffin self, complete with electrical blue scars along her face that would make Harry Potter proud. In her cold demeanor, Alice enlightens Quentin to the fact that the beast that was once in his tattoo that attacked Alice and effectively killed her, failed in doing just that and the hauntings that Quentin has been experiencing are due to the fact that Alice is still alive and now lies beneath Quentins skin, literally etching herself in his back tattoo. While Quentin tends to his wounds, Julia and Kady come one step closer to finding a way to banish Reynard once and for all. They stumble upon an unexplained fire that occurred in Hoboken, New Jersey and upon a further investigation, find the very woman who banished the deviant demon the first time. The twist here is that she too was assaulted by Reynard and pregnant with his child. This sends Julia into a tail spin until it comes to light that the only way Julia can banish Reynard is to harness the energy of her little bun in the heaven effectively using Reynards unborn child against him. In Fillory Eliot and Margo are accosted by a prince from a neighboring land who comes to them angry over the treatment of the sacred fountain. Refusing to take no for an answer, he proposes a treaty but only if he can marry Margo. Margo vehemently denies marrying the prince which leads to the Prince seemingly transporting the Fillory kingdom to a faraway land. Margo attempts to smooth over negotiations, but all that does is end with Margo sleeping in bed, the remnant from her sexual Tet-a-Tet with the prince. With no way out and a forced marriage on the horizon, Penny and his goofy hands come to save the day as he intercepts Margos dreamscape and vows to find them. After trying to find the castle and only coming up short, Penny realizes that the castle was never transported, but just under an intense cloaking spell. Margo, riled up and angry as a bat out of hell, swears off the prince, effectively banishing him from the land, but not before she openly declares war on him, with Eliot supporting his Queen the whole time. Are you excited to see The Magicians wage a magical war? The Magicians airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Syfy. (Image courtesy of Syfy) Campus News National recognition for 2 architecture faculty Miguel Guitarts award-winning project consists of three buildings with a total construction of 30,000 square feet. The rectory and the Parish Center, together forming an L-shape, hold the city fabric behind it and frame and accentuate the church itself. Miguel Guitarts award-winning project consists of three buildings with a total construction of 30,000 square feet. The rectory and the Parish Center, together forming an L-shape, hold the city fabric behind it and frame and accentuate the church itself. By LISA GAGNON An architecture studio on refugee housing and newly built church and parish center in Madrid earned two UB architecture faculty members national recognition as inspiring educators who creatively engage architectural practice and extend their work into the public sector. The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture presented 2017 Architectural Education awards to: Erkin Ozay, recognized with the Housing Design Education Award for his studios on housing for emergent populations in Buffalo; and Miguel Guitart, earning an honorable mention in the Faculty Design category for his firms design of the Church and Parish Center in Tarragona, Spain. A transitional housing development for refugees and homeless individuals, proposed by one group of students in Erkin Ozay's "Rethinking Resettlement" studio (spring 2016), features embedded amenities such as outdoor recreation and courtyards. It is also strategically located within walking distance to mass transit. A transitional housing development for refugees and homeless individuals, proposed by one group of students in Erkin Ozay's "Rethinking Resettlement" studio (spring 2016), features embedded amenities such as outdoor recreation and courtyards. It is also strategically located within walking distance to mass transit. Erkin Ozay: Housing Design Education Award A transitional housing development for refugees and homeless individuals, proposed by one group of students in Erkin Ozay's Rethinking Resettlement studio, features embedded amenities such as outdoor recreation and courtyards. It is also strategically located within walking distance to mass transit. Ozays Housing Design Education Award was one of only two granted jointly by the ACSA and the American Institute of Architects to honor education in the increasingly complex practice area of residential architecture. His proposal Retrofitting the Rustbelt City incorporates work from two design studios. Rethinking Resettlement, a spring 2016 graduate studio in inclusive design, offered housing solutions for Buffalos growing refugee population that sought to create authentic multicultural environments and contribute to the revitalization of Buffalos East Side. Students integrated sociocultural factors into their designs by examining each phase of the refugee resettlement process, consulting local non-profit agencies such as the International Institute of Buffalo, and assessing the service environment on Buffalos East Side. Among their proposals was a series of adaptive reuse designs for vacant warehouse buildings along the Buffalo Belt Line, a low-traffic freight line that loops the city and provides key linkages to public transportation, schools and parks. The students designs also promote social interaction and mixed communities through features such as communal kitchens and onsite day-care centers. Ozay was also recognized for his co-direction of Urban Life: Self and Society, the culminating studio for senior architecture students. The fall 2016 studio considered rising demands for affordable housing in downtown Buffalo for restaurant workers, long-term rehabilitation patients within the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and large families. In their designs, students explored private-public space through live-work environments featuring open plazas, green space and public pools. Miguel Guitart: Faculty Design Award, Honorable Mention Everything you need to know for MLS Cup 2022 Mikhail Karikis spent eleven months in the Isle of Grain in Kent, England, watching closely the activities of the 11-13-year-old boys in the region. At the end of it, he produced a 10 minute film (Aint Got No Fear, 2016) on the lives on these children, their childhood adventures and what the future may hold for them. A rap song performed by the children in the film tells the story of their lives. Haunting music and vivid imagery bring alive the regions harsh and bleak landscape both in terms of the surrounding environment and prospects for the children in the region. I watched the film twice and if time had permitted, it would have been thrice. The government should make it easier for IT professionals, who are expecting single-digit hikes in the coming financial year, to exit their jobs, an online petition signed by over 28,000 professionals has demanded, reported The Economic Times on Thursday. went to the US when he was 17. He was a student of economics at the University of California in San Francisco. On his first trip home to China, the girl at the airport counter asked him if he wanted to be a member of the airlines frequent flyer program. Whats that for? he asked her. Singaporean sovereign fund GIC and US-based private equity giant Blackstone were neck-and-neck for acquiring promoters 40% stake in their rental arm Cybercity Developers (DCCDL). The realty major on Wednesday said it has entered into a exclusive agreement with GIC to sell the stake. DLF, however, did not announce the value of the deal, which is expected to be to the tune of Rs 12,000 crore. Finnish firm HMD Global, which has right to market Nokia brand, is likely to make all devices of the historic phone company in India including the iconic "Nokia 3310". "We will attempt to ensure all our products are made in India. We will source all our product from India," HMD Mobile India Vice President Ajey Mehta told PTI in Barcelona. HMD Global, which has struck a 10-year brand licensing agreement with Nokia for mobile phones and tablets, will launch a new version of the 17-year old 'Nokia 3310' during April-June for around Rs 3,500 a unit. It will also bring in Android-powered Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 to India during the second quarter itself. Taiwanese electronic company Foxconn is manufacturing partner of HMD Global. At present, some feature phones are already being manufactured in India at Foxconn facility. Mehta said the company is even evaluating the development of 4G feature phone. "We are evaluating all opportunity in the market," Mehta said, adding India is a very important market for HMD Global. "All consumer requirements are fed up to the product team at our company which then develops the final product," Mehta said. The company will sell Nokia phones through both offline and online channels. "Whichever channel will help reach us to consumers, we will go with that. We will be channel agnostic both offline and online. We currently cover close to 80,000 retailers but we plan to increase that in the future," Mehta said. He said the company is also boosting its after sales service channel and will have a direct presence in at least around 250 towns in the country by the time phones are launched. Did China's entry into the World Trade Organization cause 60,000 factories in the United State to close? "We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement) was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001," US President Donald Trump said Tuesday night in his first speech to a joint session of Congress. That 60,000 number is accurate, but blaming China for the closings is, as one economist said, "a stretch''. While 60,000 factories were closed between 2002 and 2014, according to the US Census Bureau, China's entry into the WTO in 2001 isn't the reason, said Monica de Bolle, senior fellow at the Washington-based Peterson Institute for International Economics. "The number is accurate, but attributing it to China is a stretch. There's nothing in the data that suggests it has anything to do with China," she said. A steep decline in manufacturing jobs occurred after 9/11, rebounded, and then dropped dramatically again after the 2008 financial crisis. From 2009 to 2016, roughly 1 million jobs in manufacturing have been created. Trump's reference to a 25 percent loss in manufacturing jobs is correct, but there isn't a clear relationship to NAFTA or China's entrance into the WTO, de Bolle said. "What seems to be happening is that there's more of a relationship to crises that hit the US economy, plus automation that has happened to manufacturing to a very large extent, and changes in the labor market structure in the US not related directly to automation, such as outsourcing of jobs," she said, "which have nothing to do with China, and which probably explain also the destruction of 60,000 firms in the manufacturing structure." China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said during a Wednesday press briefing that since joining the WTO, China has actively engaged in "international cooperation". "This has boosted not only its own foreign trade, but also global trade, making important contribution to world economic growth and winning wide recognition and praise of the international community. China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature," he said. Martin Baily, a trade economist at the Brookings Institute in Washington, said that much of the substantial decline in manufacturing jobs in the US after 2000 "does not mean that trade with NAFTA or trade with China are responsible." Productivity increases and automation contributed to the decline, as did a slow growth in US demand for manufactured goods, he said. "Our trade with Mexico has only a small deficit and we had a surplus with Canada in 2016. Manufacturing trade with China is very unbalanced, but that is not just China," Baily said. A January report from the US-China Business Council stated that the US-China trade relationship today supports about 2.6 million jobs across a range of industries. US exports to China directly and indirectly created $165 billion in GDP in 2015 and supported 1.8 million new jobs, and combined with Chinese investment into the US the jobs total is 2.6 million. US-China trade ties generated 1.2 percent of US GDP in 2015, according to the report. A June 2015 report on productivity growth in the US from 1998 to 2012 from the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University said that 88 percent of job losses in manufacturing were due to technological changes like automation rather than international trade. Economists said that industrial output and productivity have increased despite fewer workers, according to the report. 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. The boycott of foreign colas remained mixed in Tamil Nadu on the second day of the retail stir called by two trade associations in the state. A minority shareholder of has alleged that the company's promoters have siphoned off funds from the BSE-listed company for their personal use by buying expensive jets, yachts and constructing a huge mansion in South Mumbai for their personal use. Workers of the Tata Motors Sanand plant, who refused to take the company transport back home on Wednesday as a mark of protest, have approached the state labour department to help them negotiate their demands with the management. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists on Thursday held a "protest march" in Delhi University (DU) campus in New Delhi, demanding action against the anti- activities. The student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that the protest march near the university's North Campus' Art Faculty was organised to save the DU from "anti- activities". Students in the march were demanding strict action against all those elements who support "anarchism and anti-India propaganda". A clash took place between the members of the and the All India Students Association (AISA), a Left-leaning student organisation, at Ramjas College on February 22 that left the university campus disturbed. The Delhi government has proposed increasing minimum wages in the Capital Territory. The extent of the proposed hike in minimum wages is substantial. Unskilled workers will have to be paid at least Rs 13,350 per month, as compared to Rs 9,724 currently. Semi-skilled workers will see their minimum compensation rise from Rs 10,764 to Rs 14,698, and skilled workers from Rs 11,830 to Rs 16,182. Overall, this is a 37 per cent increase, less than the 50 per cent recommended by an earlier committee, but nonetheless worthy of note. After a disagreement with the then Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on the subject of whether the previous committee was empowered to revise wages, the Delhi government had created a new committee, which knocked down the proposed increase marginally. Critics of the government have been swift to claim that elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, which the Aam Aadmi Party hopes to wrest away from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are approaching and may have been a factor in the decision. The phrase emerging disease, to describe an infectious disease that is new to humans or which is suddenly increasing its geographical range or number of cases, dates back to the 1960s. But it was the realisation in the late 1970s and early 1980s that the world was in the throes of previously unrecognised pandemics of genital herpes and AIDS, that really propelled the term into the mainstream. The Madurai bench of Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed against the supply of Thamirabarani river water to co-packers of Pepsi and Coca-Cola in Tirunelvelli. Stating there will be no ban on water supply to Pepsi and Coca-Cola, the High Court also lifted its stay order. The petitioner argued that farmers will suffer as Pepsi and Coca-Cola will use water for their commercial gains. The companies, however, insisted that they would use only the surplus water. The petition was filed by DA Prabakar, who claimed that agricultural activities and the livelihood of people is getting affected due to the supply of water to these two leading companies. Earlier in November last year, the High Court imposed a stay on Pepsi and Coca-Cola plants from using Thamirabarani river water in Tirunelveli. President on Thursday said those in universities must engage in reasoned discussions and debates rather than propagate a culture of unrest, and said there should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. Categories Categories Select Category #abarare ABA Events ABA News Action Adventure Alaska AOU Apps Art Asides Attu BEX Big Year Bird Feeding Bird ID Bird of the Year Birders Guide Birdsong Blog Bites Blog Review BookReviews Building Birding Skills Commentary Conservation eBird Equipment Review Featured Gallery Festivals Field Identification Fun Gardening Gear Happening NOW HowToKnowTheBirds Human Dimensions of Birding Humor Listing Members Only Content North American Birds Obscure Hotspots Open Mic Outdoor Tips Photography podcast Point/Counterpoint Presidents Corner Publications RBA Science Science Art Social Media Sponsored Technology Top 10 Travel Young Birders Archives Archives Select Month January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 Announcing the 2017 ABA Awards Recipients! The ABA Board of Directors recently voted to present three ABA Awards in 2017. The awardees are Judy Pollock, Jerry Liguori, and Scott Weidensaul. We congratulate each of them on their substantial achievements. -=====- The 2017 Betty Petersen Award for Conservation and Community goes to Judy Pollock of Evanston, Illinois. Judy Pollock has been described as the backbone of bird conservation in the Chicago area for nearly two decades. She has been at the center of dozens of projects, large and small, often taking on an the most difficult rolescoalition-building, grant writing, planningto bring them to fruition. Among her successful endeavors are Lights Out Chicago, a light reduction program in the downtown areas during spring and fall migration which the City of Chicago later took up, and the launch of Wild Indigo Natural Explorations, engaging residents in Chicagos poor, and mostly African-American south and west sides, in their local forest preserves. She encourages Chicago-area residents to take pride and ownership in their local natural areas and to become advocates for those places, creating new alliances in the process. -=====- The 2017 Robert Ridgway Award for Publications in Field Ornithology goes to Jerry Liguori of Salt Lake City, Utah Arguably, no birder or author has had a greater influence on the study and field identification of birds of prey than Jerry Liguori. His two best-known books, Hawks From Every Angle (2005) and Hawks At A Distance (2011), are widely read, appreciated, and successful books aimed at the identification of hawks in flight, helping countless birders identify hawks in the field. In addition, Jerry has been the author of more than 25 papers, many of which have been published in the ABAs Birding magazine and North American Birds journal, that have shed new light on topics of geographic variation, age-related plumage progression, and molt in raptors. He continues to engage with the public on a variety of platforms, and freely shares his insight into raptor identification and field study. -=====- The 2017 Roger Tory Peterson Award for Promoting the Cause of Birding goes to Scott Weidensaul of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania Scott Weidensaul is well-known and respected for his involvement in practically every aspect of bird community and culture in North America. The author of two dozen books, including Living on the Wind, which was the finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 2000, Weidensaul is also an acclaimed speaker, a mentor to a host of young birders in Pennsylvania and beyond, and an active field researcher with a special interest in owls and bird migration. He is the co-founder of both Project Owlnet, a collaboration of more than 200 research stations across the North America focusing on owl migration, and Project SNOWstorm, the fascinating project that uses GPS technology to monitor Snowy Owl movements. He continues to be an inspiration to those who he works with, and to those who admire his efforts and insight from afar. -=====- ABA congratulates these fine members of the birding community on their achievements and invites all members to join us in doing so. Defence Minister and Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday expressed concern over possible use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare. They were speaking at an event where the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) and NBC treatment drugs to the Indian Army. The DRDO also handed over indigenous Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) named Swati to the Army, with Parrikar saying that it will bring down artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC). The Defence Minister said he had seen pictures in the media of locals suffering from blisters in Afghanistan, which suggested that chemical weapons were possibly used there. "In southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of local population suffering from blisters... At this moment, I don't have confirmation on this, but the photos were quite disturbing," Parrikar said. "We should be prepared for any kind of warfare," he added. On similar lines, General Rawat said: "Although chemical weapons have been banned by the United Nations, it could be used by an adversary." According to some reports, some locals in Waziristan region had blisters and wounds which appeared to be induced by use of chemical weapons. Asked if he felt that India was under threat of a chemical or biological weapon attack, the Minister said it was just about being prepared for any eventuality. "We must be prepared for any eventuality," he said. NBCRV Mark 1 has been developed by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) and is capable of collecting solid and liquid samples of a biological contaminated area, mark the nuclear and chemical contaminated zone and transfer the recce data. The medicines are antidotes and de-corporating agents for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. WLR Swati, developed by the DRDO's Electronic and Radar Development Establishment, provides fast and accurate location of enemy artillery including shells, mortars and rockets. The radar is also capable of guiding fire from an artillery gun attached to it, meaning thereby that the radar can not only locate artillery guns on the enemy side but also ensure their destruction. "Swati could be a great equipment to ensure adversaries do not use artillery fire. If the LoC is devoid of any artillery fire in the near future, you can be sure Swati radar has gone there," the Minister said. Sources said four radars deployed along the LoC for trial have already proved their efficacy since artillery fire from Pakistan's side had reduced after their deployment. "The radars have been on the LoC for two months now for trials. Artillery fire has gone down," a defence source said. Police on Thursday initiated steps to withdraw 'Y' category security to Gayatri Prasad Prajapati as the rape accused Uttar Pradesh minister remains elusive. "We have initiated the process to withdraw his 'Y' category security," a senior Lucknow Police official said. A person enjoying 'Y' category has a security cover of 11 personnel, including one or two commandos. "Police teams are on the job and we will arrest him soon," he said even as special police teams returned empty-handed from Amethi, the minister's assembly constituency, and Delhi where he was said to be hiding. An UP police team went to Delhi to record the statement of the 16-year-old victim who is in a state of "severe trauma" and is housed in a restricted ward at the AIIMS. A DSP-rank officer, investigating the matter, recorded the victim's statement after seeking permission from AIIMS Medical Superintendent. The statement was videographed according to the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police teams were dispatched out of the state capital whePrajapatiti could not be located in his official residence in posh Gautampalli area in Lucknow. Acting on Supreme Court orders, police made frantic efforts to nab him and after having failed to do so they might even apply for cancellation of his passport so that the minister cannot escape from the country. Interestingly, the minister was earlier seen moving freely from one place to other in his constituency seeking votes. The last time Prajapati was seen in public was on February 27 when he spoke to the media saying he will win with a huge margin and will work under Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav once again. 49-year-old Prajpati is facing imminent arrest following a FIR lodged against him and six of his accomplices on the apex court order at Gautampalli police station here on February 18 under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. The Uttar Pradesh police had lodged an FIR against Prajapati on the apex court's order for his alleged roles in separate cases of gangrape and an attempt to rape another woman and her minor daughter. The apex court's direction had come on a petition by a woman who had alleged repeated gangrape by Prajapati and others and sought the court's order for lodging the FIR. The alleged offence was first committed in October, 2014 and was repeated till July, 2016, but when the accused tried to molest the minor daughter of the victim, she wrote to the state DGP in October, 2016, requesting the officer to take action. But when her complaint to the DGP went unheeded, she moved the apex court for justice. Prajapati was sacked by the chief minister in 2016 during the family feud with his father Mulayam Singh Yadav and uncle Shivpal but was later reinstated in the council of ministers. With the police hot on his heels now, Prajapati has moved the apex court seeking protection from arrest and recall of its earlier order. Prajapati, who is contesting as an SP candidate from Amethi constituency where polls are over, has denied the charges terming it a "political conspiracy of BJP" and said, "he did not know the victim". Prajapati's presence in the electoral arena raised eyebrows of leaders of opposition parties who have made it a big poll issue. Though Akhilesh had sought votes for SP candidates in his election meeting in Amethi, he had steered clear of the controversy. His father and SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav too kept away from the constituency citing health issues. BJP has targeted 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 too had raked up the Prajapati case, saying at an election rally that the Supreme Court had to intervene to get the minister booked in the 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 Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi in Lok Sabha. Around 10 major Japanese companies have shown interest in either investing in India or sourcing raw materials from here through contract farming or otherwise. . Banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, from March 1 started imposing a minimum charge of Rs 150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals beyond four free transactions in a month. The new charges would apply to savings as well as salary accounts. The bank would also cap the third party cash transactions at Rs 25,000 per day, while cash handling charges would be withdrawn. Surprised again by India's strong official growth statistics, economists are relying increasingly on high-frequency indicators like bank credit and rail freight to gauge the real health of Asia's third-largest economy. Drivers attached to Uber and Ola in Bengaluru started their hunger strike at Freedom Park here on Wednesday to protest against falling earnings on the cab-hailing platforms. With the government intensifying its probe into unaccounted money post-demonetisation, the income-tax department and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) have identified close to 30,000 shell companies in Kolkata. President Donald Trumps promise to use existing funds to begin immediate construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border has hit a financial roadblock, according to a document seen by Reuters. As part of capital raising exercise, the Ministry has advised state-owned to prepare a list of their non-core assets and look at disposing them at an opportune time. They have been asked to move forward on the idea based on deliberations at the Gyan Sangam last year, sources said. Some of the have started the process while others are gearing up, the sources said, adding that the move will not only help them raise the much-needed capital for growth but also sharpen their focus on the core business. Most public sector (PSBs) have insurance ventures or capital advisory firms, besides holding the stake in financial institutions such as stock exchanges. For instance, State Bank of India holds a stake in various companies including National Stock Exchange, UTI, ARCIL and so on. SBI has expressed intention to pare its stake in some of the subsidiaries including life insurance firm. Last month, the board of IDBI Bank also approved dilution of stake in some non-core businesses to shore up capital base. The board of the bank has approved in principle the proposal to divest some of its non-core investments subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and final approval obtained for each transaction, IDBI Bank had said. As part of disinvestment exercise, IDBI Bank may look at bringing down its stake in companies such as IDBI Federal Life Insurance IDBI Capital Market Services, IDBI Intech, IDBI Asset Management Company, National Stock Exchange, National Securities Depository, and NSDL E-Governance Infrastructure. According to ministry estimates, PSBs will require Rs 1.8 lakh crore in additional capital over a period of four years ending March 2019. Of the total, they are expected to raise Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market and through the sale of non-core assets. Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare today stated that an all-time record number of over 4,000 PG medical seats have been approved by Government of India in various medical colleges and hospitals for the academic session 2017-18 this year, taking the total number of PG seats available to 35,117." . . Thanking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and constant guidance, Shri Nadda said that this will further boost our resolve to strengthen tertiary care and improve the medical education in the country. The Health Minister added that of the total increase, 2,046 seats are in medical colleges. Looking at the need to increase PG seats in clinical subjects, the Government had decided to amend the teacher student ratio in clinical subjects in government medical colleges. This change alone has resulted in the creation of 1,137 extra seats in 71 colleges. Many others out of the total of 212 government colleges are sending their proposals and it is expected that at least 1000 more seats can be added during the month of March 2017, Shri Nadda stated. . . This includes DNB seats, which are equivalent to MD/MS, have increased by 2,147 in the last one year. Shri Nadda said that there has been a total addition of 4,193 PG seats in the country so far, and a further addition of more than 1000 seats is likely during March 2017. The budget announcement of adding 5,000 PG medical seats in the country is thus likely to be achieved soon, the Union Health Minister said. . . In a recent article for The American Spectator, Actons Samuel Gregg tackles the tensions in French politics and addresses the uncertainty that the French people have for their upcoming Presidential election. French politicians have failed to address impending economic issues such as an inefficient government and a growing national debt, but they also seem unable to address a growing concern: Radical Islam. Gregg says: Plenty of Muslims in France are well integrated into French society, and they are just as much the practical atheists that large numbers of non-Muslim French citizens are. Many, however, are not. the response to Islamist ideology and terrorism remains as disparate and fractured as anything else in French politics. It ranges from the hard lefts increasingly hollow religion of peace happy talk and confidence that more welfare will solve most social problems, to those on the outer extremes of the right who advocate mass expulsions of Muslims. Part of the difficulty is the realization that addressing this issue requires discussion of a question that, until recently, many French politicians didnt want to address. And that question is whether Islam as a religion is capable of accommodating itself (as Judaism, Catholicism, and Protestantism did long ago) to life in a republic that prides itself on its secularity. On that subject, the jury is still out way, way out. Gregg examines candidates Le Pen, Macrons, and Fillon. They are strong contenders for this years election: Its not at all clear that the 2017 presidential election will produce a winner able to address this potent mixture of economic and cultural problems. Economically speaking, Le Pens program doesnt even come close to the type of shake-up that Frances economy needs. Indeed, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the heavily interventionist economic program of the Socialist Partys candidate, Benoit Hamon, a Jeremy Corbyn-like figure who comes from his partys green-left wing. Then there is the self-described centrist, Emmanuel Macron. [He] however, is also a social liberal whose pronouncements thus far about the Muslim question and cultural issues more generally reflect all the naivete of the liberal banker-technocrat whos lost as soon as he moves beyond the world of supply and demand. Until January, polls suggested that a plurality of French citizens viewed Fillon as well-positioned to tackle both Frances cultural and economic difficulties. Fillon, however, has since been laid low by accusations, now the subject of formal judicial investigation, of using public money to fund fake political jobs for his wife and children. Whatever the truth of the charges, they have severely damaged Fillons reputation for having clean hands in a political world where financial scandals are a dime-a-dozen. Gregg is not particularly optimistic about this years election and concludes by lamenting over Frances current decline, holding great concern over its weakening global economic and cultural influence. He says: The sad thing about all these developments is that they reflect just how far France has fallen as a society. Were a long way from the time when French was the lingua franca of the highly educated and in which people followed the pronouncements of Frances head of state as closely as they paid attention to the words of the presidents of America, Russia, and China, the prime ministers of Britain and Japan, or Germanys chancellor. But whoever replaces Hollande in the Elysee this year, theres no question that he or she will have to opt for either (1) fundamental change to Frances political, cultural, and economic settings and all the tensions associated with such a transformation; or (2) continuing the status quo of managed decline. In that regard, France is somewhat of a canary in the tunnel for the rest of Western Europe and the open question of whether, geopolitically speaking, it will matter very much in the upcoming century. To read the full article from American Spectator, click here. Image: Public domain. The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar presented the Raksha Mantris Trophy and Citation for the best Service Hospital in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2016 to INHS Asvini, Mumbai here today. Commandant of INHS Asvini Mumbai, Surgeon Rear Admiral Ravi Kalra received the awards from the Minister on behalf of the Hospital. The Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune and Command Hospital (Northern Command) Udhampur were jointly adjudged the second best Service Hospitals. The Defence Minister gave away the trophies and citations to the Commandant, Command Hospital (Southern Command) Pune, Maj General R Grewal and Commandant, Command Hospital (Northern Command) Udhampur, Maj General N Naithani. . . Congratulating the award winners the Defence Minister praised the yeoman service being rendered by the AFMS over the years both in war and peace. He stated that the Ministry is putting constant efforts to modernize the medical establishments of the Armed Forces. Shri Parrikar complimented the AFMS for the excellent work in provision of contemporary and comprehensive healthcare and expressed hope that it will continue to perform with the same zeal and energy to achieve the goals and objectives. . . The Raksha Mantris Trophy was instituted in 1989 to create a healthy competition among the Command Hospitals of the Army and its equivalent Hospitals in the Navy and Air Force. The Best and Second Best hospital are adjudged on the basis of a number of objective criteria by a committee headed by DCIDS (Med). . . The function was also attended by the Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and several Senior Officers from the three Services and the Ministry of Defence. . . Jawaharlal Nehru University wins the visitors awards for the Best University, 2017 Jawaharlal Nehru University has won the annual Visitors Award for the Best University, 2017. Dr. Deepak Pant from Central University of Himachal Pradesh won the Visitors Award for Innovation while the Visitors Award for Research has been jointly won by Dr. Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Prof. Niranjan Karak from Tezpur University. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will present the Visitors Awards for the year 2017 at a function to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 6, 2017, as part of the Festival of Innovations. President Pranab Mukherjee had announced institution of these awards in 2014 with the aim of promoting healthy competition amongst Central Universities and motivating them to adopt best practices from around the world in the pursuit of excellence. The Visitors Award for Innovation will be given to Dr. Deepak Pant, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh for development of a reactor for direct conversion of waste plastic to LPG in small scale. The Visitors Award for Research will be presented jointly to Dr. Shyam Sunder, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University for his work in the area of diagnosis and treatment of Indian Kala-azar and Prof. Niranjan Karak, Department of Chemical Sciences, Tezpur University for development of renewable resource based bio-degradable hyper-branched polymer nano-composites as self-cleaning, self-healing and bio-compatible smart sustainable futuristic material. The Best University will receive a Citation and Trophy while winners of Visitors Award for Innovation and Research will receive a Citation and cash award of Rs. one lakh. In its effort to make Namami Gange programme a mass movement with the involvement of more and more voluntary organisations, National Mission for Clean Ganga under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation signed an MoU with Rotary India in New Delhi today. . . Rotary India will support clean Ganga mission through their WASH in Schools program in various schools. The program includes the implementation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services in the targeted government schools and sensitizing all the stakeholders including school children, teachers, school management communities and communities etc. on practicing positive health behaviors for improving awareness on sanitation. This will be achieved through an integrated learning environment and enabling children to serve as agents of change for their siblings and communities at large. Rotary India has planned to undertake WASH in Schools programme in 20,000 Government Schools. . . It may be recalled that Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has been advocating the involvement of voluntary organization and NGOs into the Namami Gange programme to make it a mass movement. . . The MoU will pave the way for integrating the theme of Ganga Rejuvenation with Rotary's program of WASH which is to be undertaken in government schools and communities located along the river Ganga in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Nadia District of West Bengal and other states where Rotary has a strong presence. It will undertake activities and campaigns to create awareness in schools and communities about Ganga rejuvenation and thereby reducing the pollution flowing into the river. The emphasis will be on public outreach and community participation. The MoU shall remain in force for two years. The collaboration between NMCG and Rotary is a significant step in involving various stake holders and communities in Ganga Rejuvenation. The collaboration would initially focus on synergizing the strength of Rotary International for Ganga Rejuvenation without any additional financial commitment from NMCG. . . The MoU was signed by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga Shri UP Singh and Vice Chairman of Rotary India Shri PT Prabhakar. . . Samir/jk Those in Universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest, says President The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee said our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. Those in Universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet. The President was delivering the 6th K. S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture on the topic India@70 today (March 2, 2017) in Kochi, Kerala. The President said there should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Our society has always been characterized by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent. The President said our leaders and political activists must listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our law makers must never take the people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of law making and raising of issues of concern to the people as well as finding solutions to their problems. No one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support. The trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed. The President said he does not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalize a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test. Cognizant Technology Solutions has acquired a Japan-based intelligent products and solutions company Brilliant Service Co Ltd, specialising in digital strategy, product design and engineering, the internet of things (IoT), and enterprise mobility, for an undisclosed amount. At least two suspected militants were killed on Thursday in a US drone strike in Pakistan's restive north-west tribal region, the first such attack after Donald Trump assumed Presidency. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-operated drone fired a missile that killed two suspected militants on the spot in a village in Kurram Agency, near the Afghanistan border, a local government official said. "A drone missile struck the motorcycle which caught fire and then exploded," the official said. The identity of those killed is yet to be ascertained, the official said, adding that the investigation into the strike has been started. It was the first drone strike in the Pak-Afghan border region since Trump assumed US Presidency, The News reported. There had been no drone strike by the US in Pakistan since May 21, 2016. This was one of the longest periods that no US drone attack had taken place in Pakistan. The drone strikes by the US under the supervision of the CIA in Pakistan began in 2004. There have been 424 drone attacks in Pakistan to-date. The strikes have killed a total of 2,499 to 4,001 persons including 424 to 966 civilians, the report said. The European Parliament on Thursday lifted French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's immunity from prosecution over her tweeting of images of Islamic State atrocities. The move paves the way for France to pursue a case against the far-right National Front leader after prosecutors launched a probe in 2015 over the graphic pictures, which included the decapitated body of US journalist James Foley. "The result is clear, a big majority is in favour of the lifting of immunity," acting parliament speaker Dimitrios Papadimoulis said. The ruling is effective immediately for Le Pen, a National Front MEP, European Parliament officials told AFP. But the decision concerns only the tweets and not a separate probe into allegations that Le Pen misused public funds when hiring a parliamentary aide, they said. The development is the latest twist in France's dramatic presidential election campaign, coming a day after rightwing candidate Francois Fillon vowed to continue his bid for power despite the fact he is to be charged over his own fake jobs scandal. Le Pen addressed the tweets in 2015 to a French television journalist who had likened her party to the jihadist group. The images were tweeted with the caption "This is Daesh" (an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group). They showed Foley's bloodied body with his decapitated head on his torso, as well as a man on fire in a cage, and a victim being driven over by a tank. Police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre launched an investigation into "the dissemination of violent images". Le Pen dismissed the inquiry as a "political" attempt to derail her presidential bid, in which she is predicted to win the election's first round in April but lose a run-off in May. "I sent two or three photos of Daesh atrocities and I said 'This is Daesh.' I denounced this atrocity," she told French broadcasters on Thursday ahead of the EU vote. "Why investigate me and not others? I am a lawmaker and I was denouncing Daesh in my role as a lawmaker," she added. "It's a political inquiry." On Tuesday Le Pen criticised efforts to lift her immunity as "part of the system that wants to stop the French people's candidate that I am." Le Pen has so far refused to attend a police interview over the investigation into her tweets. French police have also opened a probe against Gilbert Collard, a National Front lawmaker in France, who tweeted a similar violent image on the same day. Last month the French national assembly refused to consider a request to lift his immunity after deciding it was not "sufficiently specific". Foley, a freelance journalist, was captured in Syria in 2012 and beheaded in August 2014. His bereaved parents John and Diane said they wanted the images removed immediately, accusing Le Pen in a statement of using the "shamefully uncensored" picture for political ends. German authorities have arrested two Syrian nationals who allegedly were members of the extremist Nusra Front one of them is accused of war crimes involving the murder of dozens of civilians. The federal prosecutor's office said in a statement Thursday that 35-year-old Abdalfatah HA allegedly committed war crimes by killing 36 employees of the Syrian government together with his Nusra unit in March 2013. The statement says he carried out so-called Shariah death sentences. The other one, 26-year-old Abdulrahman AA, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013. The men were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday in the cities of Duesseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. Ever since Jack Mas Alibaba took control of Lazada in a $1 billion deal last year, theres been speculation about what the e-commerce titan might do next. Donald Trumps administration has seen several rogue Twitter accounts claiming to be from staffers in the and other US governmental agencies. The accounts purport to provide snippets of insider information to the public; its revelations extend from exampled staff behaviour and overheard speech from inside the West Wing to the actions of Trump and other senior figures. Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee urged the panel's Republican chairman to request President Donald Trump's tax returns from the Treasury Department, but he rejected the request, the media reported. The Democratic senators in a letter asked Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch on Wednesday to seek the returns "given the critical issues raised by the President's business entanglements", The Hill magazine reported But Hatch along with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady responded in their own letter, saying "We strongly consider the approach you suggest to be an abuse of the tax-writing committees statutory authority". "The American people have made it clear that they want Washington to fix our broken tax code - not to target the tax returns of individual citizens," Hatch and Brady wrote. The Senate Democrats' request came after the House on Monday rejected an attempt from Democratic Representative Bill Pascrell to force a floor vote on a resolution to request Trump's tax returns. The House Ways and Means Committee had previously voted against an amendment for the panel's chairman to make such a request. Under federal law, the chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee and Joint Committee on Taxation can request tax returns from Treasury that can then be reviewed in a closed meeting, the magazine said. The senators urged Hatch to request the returns of both Trump and his businesses. Hatch and Brady said that the Democrats' request was not in line with the legislative intent of the tax-code section that allows chairmen to request the returns. They also said there has not been "specific allegations of tax-related misconduct by federal officials or abuse of taxpayer rights" that would lead them to request the returns. The Republican chairmen added the request for Trump's tax returns is "a distraction from more pressing needs". US President Donald Trump's administration said on Wednesday that it will take aggressive action to combat other countries' unfair trade practices and may defy World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings that it views as interfering with US sovereignty. In an annual trade policy agenda document, the US Trade Representative's (USTR's) office said the administration "will not tolerate" unfair trade practices that distort markets, including currency manipulation, unfair government subsidies, intellectual property theft and state-owned enterprises. The document publicly released to Congress on Wednesday signals that the administration may try to push the limits of what is acceptable under WTO rules in its quest to make good on campaign promises to slash US trade deficits with China and Mexico, and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. The document represents a departure from the Obama administration's strict adherence to WTO compliance in its challenges to unfair foreign trade practices. "Unlike earlier Presidents, Trump is signalling a willingness to impose import restrictions, especially against a country like China, where the justification under WTO rules for doing so may be highly questionable," said Chad Bown, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for Economics in Washington. "The downside of the United States going down this path is that it is likely that other countries will follow suit immediately," Bown added. The USTR document said it was not in the United States' interest to let some WTO rulings undermine the use of effective remedies that the Geneva-based trade body expressly allows to fight unfair trade. "Accordingly, the Trump administration will act aggressively as needed to discourage this type of behaviour and encourage true market competition," the USTR said in the document. Laying out many of Trump's trade plans in writing for the first time, the document said the Trump administration plans to strictly enforce US trade laws, defend US national sovereignty over trade policy, and use all possible leverage to open foreign markets to US exports, the document said. It makes clear the Trump administration's view that US law supersedes WTO rules a view that could be invoked should Congress adopt a border tax adjustment plan to impose new taxes on imports that is later challenged as violating WTO tariff rules by other member countries. "The Trump administration will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy," the report said. The nominee to be Trump's top trade negotiator, veteran steel industry lawyer Robert Lighthizer, in 2010 advocated "aggressive interpretations of WTO provisions that might help us deal with Chinese mercantilism". Lighthizer is awaiting confirmation by the US Senate. He served as a deputy USTR in the Reagan administration, helping to negotiate import quotas on Japanese goods in the 1980s, with the help of powerful trade law provisions that have largely gone unused since the WTO was launched in 1995. The US Justice Department said spoke twice last year with Russias Ambassador to Washington the encounters Sessions did not disclose during his Congressional confirmation hearing to become the Attorney General in January, the media reported. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senator's office, the Washington Post reported, citing department officials as saying on Wednesday. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump after the billionaire businessman formally joining the presidential campaign in February 2016. At his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learnt of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," he responded, adding: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Also in January, Senator Patrick J Leahy asked Sessions for answers to written questions, the Washington Post said. "Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day?" Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with one word: "No". However, the Attorney General on Wednesday night, in response to the Justice Department claims, said he "never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak. "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer," said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions's spokeswoman. She added that Sessions last year had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian and German ambassadors, in addition to Kislyak. Several Democratic members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday night called on Sessions to resign from his post. The Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation both under Sessions' supervision are in charge of investigating alleged Russian interference in the presidential election, besides alleged links between Trump's campaign and the Kremlin. Two in the US state of Maryland have received threatening letters calling for the 'slaughter of Muslims', in apparent hate crime incidents. Two Islamic centres in Silver Spring, Maryland, received violent threats by mail. The president of the Islamic Education Society discovered an envelope inside a mailbox on Monday containing a threatening note, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said. Police said this incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The faithful at the mosque are still reeling after the terrifying message was dropped in their mailbox. "It's heartbreaking, but we can't control anything. I don't know what in their mind they want to do," Taiyab Mohiudden, a trustee of the Islamic Education Society of Maryland, was quoted as saying by CBS Baltimore. Mohiudden found the note tucked in with the regular mail, and it read, "I will pay $100 to charity for every Muslim slaughtered." A note containing the same message was also found at a Muslim community centre just a few kilometres away, New York Daily News reported. The message also came on an index card. Police said the envelope also had stamps from Europe. "It really created anxiety and anger in me as well. Because what kind of person could leave a note like that?" Zainab Chaudry of CAIR said. The mosque incidents come as amid a wave of bomb threats to Jewish community centres in New York, Michigan, New Jersey and other states. In the past week, dozens of gravestones were vandalised in Jewish cemeteries in St. Louis and Philadelphia. Also, last week, an Indian was killed while his friend was injured in a hate crime. 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was working at GPS-maker Garmin headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, was killed after he was shot by a navy veteran. Kuchibhotla's Indian colleague Alok Madasani was injured when the 51-year-old shooter opened fire on them, yelling "get out of my country". A third person, an American who tried to intervene, was also injured in the incident. President Donald Trump has condemned these types of attacks. "We are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms," he had said. Indias are likely to decline by 20 per cent this year, following the Chinese governments decision to auction its own fibre stock. Indian exporters will thus not be able to reap the benefit of high international prices. Exports estimated to be 5.5 million bales against last years 6.9 million, according to industry estimates. Ace investor and his familys net worth in listed companies crossed Rs 10,000-crore, thanks to a sharp rally in some stocks in their portfolio such as Titan Company, Aptech, Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL), Edelweiss Financial Services, Federal Bank and Escorts. dipped nearly 7% to Rs 701 on the BSE in early morning trade after the pharmaceutical company said that its step-down unit in the US, Morton Grove Pharmaceuticals Inc., has received a warning letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Condemning Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Mahesh Sahu's 'beimaan' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded the former's apology, while stating that the BJD is scared and frustrated of the saffron party's success. "We condemn Sahu's statement against our Prime Minister. We also raised our voice in the assembly against his statement. BJP won the Odisha panchayat elections leaving behind BJD and Congress. The Biju Janata Dal is frustrated of the fact that BJP is growing and people of Odisha are voting in our favour. The party has become scared of our success," BJP leader Pradeep Purohit told ANI. Purohit said that the MLA must tender an apology for his 'derogatory' remark against the Prime Minister else they would not let the assembly function. The Odisha Assembly today witnessed an uproar after BJD MLA Sahu's controversial remark against Prime Minister Modi. "The most ungrateful person of the society is seated on responsible position. He (Prime Minister) insulted the people of Odisha. The word beimaan isn't sufficient to define him," Sahu said. "Odisha contributes about Rs. 80,000 crore annually to the Centre. About 50 percent of India gets electricity by using coal produced in the state. Still, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could dare to insult Odisha at a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Airways' (BA) Unite union, who work for its Mixed Fleet operation, have started a one-week long strike starting midnight to protest "poverty pay". Mixed Fleet staff have been recruited since 2010, at the conclusion of the last big cabin crew dispute, and now make up around 30 per cent of Heathrow crew. They work on a range of domestic, European and long-haul routes. Over the first three days of the strike, British Airways expected to cancel 14 flights out of a total of 3,300 departures. According to the Independent, the union says their earnings constitute "poverty pay" and that they are employed on less favourable terms than longer-serving cabin crew. British Airways rejects this, and says its pay rates are competitive with the industry. Earlier, when BA made an improved pay offer the cabin crew rejected the deal in a ballot conducted just before the New Year. Since then Unite members have taken 26 days of industrial action. A BA spokesperson said: "Once again we will be able to fly all customers to their destinations, despite industrial action by Mixed Fleet Unite. We will operate a full schedule at Gatwick and London City airports as well as the vast majority of our Heathrow schedule. "We will merge a very small number of Heathrow services, and all affected customers will be rebooked to alternative flights." The airline will 'wet-lease' aircraft and crew from other carriers to cover gaps in the schedule. During the latest four-day strike, BA flew its normal timetable with no wet-leased aircraft. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan will be visiting Boston and Houston, USA, from March 3-7 along with a delegation comprising the CEOs of Public Sector Oil and Gas companies. During his visit to Boston from March 3 to 4, Pradhan will deliver a keynote speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Conference on the theme Balance of Power-the Changing Energy Paradigm. He will address the students at Harvard Kennedy School on the subject India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Policy. At Fletcher Energy and Environment Club of Tufts University, Pradhan will interact with the students on Challenges in Petroleum and Natural Gas sector in the context of Paris Agreement and India's commitment on climate change. He will also be meeting the Mayor of City of Boston and interact with Indian community. Pradhan will also participate in the annual CERA Week - International Conference on Oil and Gas from March 5-7 during which he will be speaking at the Ministerial Plenary and in several other platforms. Pradhan is scheduled to have several bilateral meeting with visiting Petroleum Ministers, including from Canada, UAE, Israel, USA, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Russia and also Secretary General of International Energy Agency (IEA). He will also be meeting and exchanging views with renowned experts from hydrocarbon sector, including Dr Daniel Yergin and Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive of BP. During his stay in Houston, he will interact with Indian origin scientists and CEOs working in the oil and gas sector and Indian community members. The Petroleum Minister will showcase India's hydrocarbon sector and the recent policy reforms under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at CERA Week, which is world's largest hydrocarbon conference. He will interact with Ministers, policy makers, technologists, scientists, planners and management experts, entrepreneurs, service providers and vendors in order to attract investment into India's growing oil and gas sector. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sunayana Dumala, the widowed wife of the Indian Engineer who was killed in Kansas in an apparent 'hate crime', has shared her feelings on Facebook, particularly highlighting the insecurity that haunts her and thousands of foreign nationals living in the U.S. Sunayana Dumala thanked many in the community for their continuing support, including Ian Grillot for intervening after gun shots rang out. She said that her hushband was very proud of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was sure that India had finally found the leader that could make India shine. Lauding the efforts made by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, she said, "He was really happy to see Sushma Swaraj as the External Affairs Minister - such a brave and courageous woman, and how quick she reacted for those in need." Dumala also thanked Prime Minister Modi and External Affair Minister Swaraj, she said, "Thanks again, Madam. I wish I could meet both you and Modi ji and share his joy posthumously." Dumala also thanked the Telangana Government for the help provided by them and also asked the media to be considerate about her privacy in the moment of grief. Dumala ended her Facebook post with hard-hitting words; she said, "DO WE BELONG HERE? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" Sunayana's Facebook post -- "This is my first official blog post on Facebook, and it is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words. On the dreadful night of Wednesday February 22nd 2017, I lost my husband - my soul mate - my friend and my confidante. He was a source of inspiration, a support system not just to me but to any and all he got to know. He always had a smile for every one, respected all especially his elders. We met in August 2006 through common friends then connected on an online portal called Orkut - not a usual face to face introduction- and started liking each other instantly. He was so charming that I could not resist. I am the baby of my house, being the youngest with two elder sisters. I grew up to be a carefree child. It was Srinivas who gave me the courage to pursue my dream of coming to the USA and studying, which made me the person I am today - an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman. I started working only recently, May 2016. He'd played a major role in me attaining a job, always encouraging and working with me though my disappointments, especially as I was starting back again after 4 years of a career break. His passion was to constantly innovate in the the aviation industry. Here in America, he commenced is his career at Rockwell Collins, and he worked On Flight Control System especially on Primary Flight Control Computer that would change the way flights work with improved performances. He dedicated his life to this development. There were days he used to come home to have only dinner and leave for work again - only return around 2 or 3 in the morning. He was very happy at Rockwell and liked living in a small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But we decided to move from there to a bigger city so that I could get a job and be able to pursue my dreams, as he was able to do for himself. Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted, and installed the garage door. Doing any kind of work on his home gave him immense joy. This was the home that he had built to - for us and any kids we would have- was our first step to starting our family. It's so unfortunate that this dream of ours is now shattered. All of this, because of one person, who did not think of the impact his deed would have on the victim's family. When police came to our house that night and gave me the news of my husband's life being taken away by a random shooter, I could not believe their words, it was so surreal. I asked them repeatedly, "Are you sure?", "Are you telling the truth?", "Did you see the man you are talking about?", "Can you show me a picture to identify?", "Is the man that you are talking about 6' 2''?" They were just nodding their heads saying yes. With no family here in Kansas and his brother in Dallas, my immediate reaction was to call his brother. When I called him to say what the police had just told me, he thought I was joking. My friends were by my side and did not leave me for even a second. Friends drove from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Minnesota, and St. Louis. Many flew from Denver, California, and New Jersey to say a final goodbye to their beloved and dearest friend, who was always only kind to them. Both his aunts from NJ and NY came to take care of me and him. He would have turned 33 on March 9th, and we were planning to fly to NJ for his cousin's engagement. He was excited and eagerly waiting for the event, and we had plans to shop this past weekend for the trip. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin. We got married after 6 years of close friendship, and it was not an easy process. He had to convince not only his parents but also mine. He met my family multiple times to convince them that he was capable and suitable for their beloved daughter. He answered all their questions with a smile on his face. His charm was such that he instantly became one of the members of my family and became their favorite son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle. It is still unbelievable that he is not here. He found happiness in simple things. One of his most favorite pastimes was watching TV, which he watched with so much passion and intensity. His favorite shows lately were Person of Interest and Indian Idol. He was a family man and liked to eat home-cooked meals. Every night, I used to pack lunch for him and myself. He used to hate packing for himself and used to give me the funniest explanations for not doing so. He would say, "If I pack my lunch, I would know what I would eat later on. But if you pack it, I will have that surprise element." If anyone gave him a heartful meal, he would bless that person by saying, "Anna datha sukkhi bhava" (a saying in Telugu that translates to, "You made my heart happy with the food, so may God bless you"). This was something many of his friends picked up from him. He really enjoyed Arnab Goswami during his lunch at work and was eagerly waiting for him to come on. He loved kids and was an instant favorite of any kid. We were planning to expand our own family and had had a doctor's appointment just a few weeks ago. One of the last thoughts that he shared with me were "Nani (his nickname for me), we need to save money if we have to end up going for in-vitro to conceive." I am writing this as it sinks in to me that this dream of ours is now shattered. I really wish we had a child of our own in whom I could at least see Srinivas and make him like Srinu. He always cared about what was happening around him, and he was very proud of Mr. Narendra Modi ji and India. He was sure that India had finally found the leader that could make India shine. This might seem unreal, but I know because there wasn't a day that ended without him watching the news or reading multiple newspapers before going to bed. Srinu was the epitome of optimism. That was his motto. I remember asking him why he'd chosen to pursue digital signal processing and electrical engineering for his master's degree. He said, "I scored less in that subject in Bachelors of Technology and wanted to explore why I received a lower score." That was his optimism. He was really happy to see Sushma Swaraj as the external affairs minister - such a brave and courageous woman, and how quick she reacted for those in need. He must have never thought that he would be one among them one day. But knowing my Srinu, he would have felt very proud of you for helping us and his family in crisis. Thanks again, Madam. I wish I could meet both you and Mr. Modi ji and share his joy posthumously. He was always worried about immigration and its laws. He followed them very closely over the internet. There were days when he used to talk about how it's been quite a few years since we applied for our permanent residency card, and he didn't know how much longer we have to wait for it. He used to say having one would give him the chance to explore even more his passion for the aviation industry. He very closely monitored the H4 EAD rule and did whatever he could do in his capacity for the rule to be passed - not just for me, but for every woman and for those who deserve a career and a chance to fulfill their dreams. He was filled with joy when the rule passed and was so happy that he said, "Nani, now you can work. It is not that we need the money, but it's so that you can follow your own dreams and make your parents proud." His father had a very low-income job, and Srinivas was the middle son of three sons. There wasn't a day that went by without him mentioning how hard his father worked to make his sons the way they are today, and that he would have to do a lot for his parents. I'm sure, Srinu, that you made them proud, and I wish you didn't have to leave us. He was a loving brother to both his siblings, especially the younger one, whom he treated like his own son more than a brother. He was elated when the youngest got married back in November 2015. From what I know or heard from his parents, himself, and his brothers, all three brothers were very naughty. I remember him saying that when the three started to laugh, they would be panicked that in next 5 minutes there would be a fight and something would be broken in the house. As their father was very strict and always wanted them to focus on education, he would always be pushing them to study and many a time would have to run after them to make them sit for their studies. The youngest and eldest always managed to escape first, and Srinu, would always stay behind and get the scolding of all three brothers. As I mentioned in the press meet, whenever there was an incident involving someone dying, both of us got worried, and I many times spoke my heart to him. We came here to achieve and fulfill our dreams. He always assured me that if we think good, be good, then good will happen to us and that we will be safe. He used to hug me tightly and sleep giving me this assurance. Srinu, now that I have gotten used to that warm hug, I might not be able to sleep. That was the only place in the that I could sleep without any worries or tensions. I was able to see random acts of kindness at the Kansas City airport when people recognized me and hugged me. I met a dermatologist who said I changed the purpose of her life. Maybe that was the first win during this fight to spread to love. I think I can just keep writing and finish a book, but that still isn't enough to talk about you or the love that you spread around. I'm still trying to digest the fact that in one evening I became a widow from a wife. Srinu, my love, I don't know how I'll be able to fill the void I now have created in my life, but I promise you I'll never let you down. It is so funny that you were my editor for any important email I had written, but now, for the first time, I am having to do it myself. I LOVE YOU, AND YOU ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE MINE. I wish that you had come home when I asked you to have tea. I have many unanswered questions, and I wish you would answer them, but the only way I could get those answers now is by coming to you and your new home on the other side. I don't know when that day will come. My sincere thanks to each one of those who are helping us cope with this loss. I thank, Garmin and its employees, for conducting the vigil and allowing me to speak and share my Srinivas with you all. Thanks to Mr. Cliff Pemble, the CEO of Garmin, for speaking such kind words about my husband and his contribution to Garmin. I can't express my happiness that you came to my home to pay your last respects to him, held my hand, and went all around the house hearing his stories. This shows me how important he was to the company. Also, Didier, Dave, Phil, Patrick, Garmin Legal Team, HR Team, and to all those sitting in the auditorium during the vigil, thanks a lot for your support. Thanks to Mr. Frank, CEO of Intouch Solutions, for assuring me that I can take however long and still come back and continue my job. Thanks for coming home and delivering the message personally. Thanks to Katema, David, and every employee of Intouch Solutions, who came to console me and gave me the same assurance. Thanks to the Mayor for your kind words, giving us the assurance, and making a personal visit to the house. Also, thank you for making sure we received the privacy we asked for. I was told by Congressmen Yoder and Senator Moran that you were trying to reach out to me. Thanks a lot for your concern and for working on my immigration status. This is my Srinu's dream, and it is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA. Thanks to the Detectives and District Attorney Steve for working hard on this case and finding the culprit. I know you will make sure justice is served. Thanks to the medical team that worked on Srinu and tried hard to revive him back. I truly wish that your efforts had succeeded and he was with us today. I do not have words to express my gratitude towards Mr. Ian Grillot for what you have done. Thanks for having the courage and trying in whatever way possible to save my husband. When I am back in Olathe, I would like to meet you personally. You and your act of kindness will help me survive and still have the faith in love and spreading love and not hate. I hope you get well soon. Thanks to all those communities that have come forward and have been praying for Srinivas's soul and his family's well being. Thanks to the funeral home for being so considerate and obliging to our request of sending him to his house, the house that he had built with so many dreams. I have the good luck charm that you gave me. Thank you. Thanks to the media and press for agreeing to not disturb us and for respecting our privacy. Thanks again, and keep up your good work. A special mention to Ms. Rajini Vaidyanathan (BBC correspondent). Thanks to people like Satya Nadella and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights. We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, it's an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I don't want anyone to go through what my family and household went through. Thanks to the Consular General Officers who expedited the process. Thanks to the government of Telangana for giving us the assurance that his remains will be taken to his house without any problem, and we request the media in India to be considerate of our privacy. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan sir, there wasn't a party that ended without us dancing to your songs. Our friends used to fondly call us Amitabh and Jaya because my husband is 6'2'' and I am 5 feet. My husband used to say that our kids should be as tall as Abhishek and Shweta. Shah Rukh Khan sir, he was a huge fan of yours, and he made sure we watched your latest movie, Raees. I need all your support to pass this strong message of spreading love and giving confidence to every foreign national that their fight will be listened to. I will now ask same question - On what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, it's not based on the color of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them afterward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrant's mind, DO WE BELONG HERE? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" Dumala's husband Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed when 52-year-old Adam Purinton, walked into Austins Bar and Grill in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe and opened fire. His friend, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot, a bar-goer who tried to intervene in the attack, were also shot, but survived. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nowhere is the adage 'Knowledge is Power' more relevant than in the medical community. When doctors are aware of and skilled in the latest treatments and surgical procedures, they are empowered to deliver the best possible care. Docplexus, an exclusive online community of Indian doctors, plays a pivotal role in fulfilling clinicians' information needs through the effective use of technology. Having successfully collaborated with reputed medical bodies such as the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) and the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) earlier this year, Docplexus has now allied with Chellaram Diabetes Institute as Official Digital Partner of the International Diabetes Summit to be held in Pune from the 10th to 12th March 2017. In this role, Docplexus will provide audio-visual coverage of the live event and also interview eminent Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), the videos of which would be made available on its portal. According to Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan, CEO, Chellaram Diabetes Institute, "We realized that there may be doctors from other specialties who may be unable to make it to the summit but would still like to be aware of what's happening in the field of diabetes. Docplexus is there to help such doctors. We are very happy to partner with the platform in a way that will improve and enhance the understanding of diabetes care in the country." Notes Phanish Chandra, CEO and Co-founder, Docplexus, "Our experience and expertise in effectively capturing and disseminating the most coveted knowledge to doctors have lent us an enviable reputation as the trusted 'Knowledge Partners' of the Indian medical community. We see this as a part of our vision to empower doctors." The company is also tying up with leading medical institutes in the country to design online Continuous Medical Education (CME) courses for its 1,75,000+ members. In this month, Dr. Parag Sancheti, Chairman and Managing Director of Sancheti Hospital, Pune, will conduct a module on 'Knee Osteoarthritis - Recent Advances in Its Management' on the Docplexus portal. This would be followed by two other courses, 'Basics of Surgery - Skill Course' and 'Overview of Breast Surgery Procedures' from Dr. Chintamani, Former President, Association of Breast Surgeons of India. "Online CMEs score over their offline versions in terms of reach, savings in time and costs, and convenience. Docplexus' course on Diabetic Foot Management has been completed by 2600 users so far. This indicates the positive impact that Docplexus is making in educating doctors and improving healthcare outcomes in the country," added Phanish. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Congress MLA Ram Kishen Gujjar and two others, convicted by an Ambala court on Tuesday in connection with the suicide of a journalist Pankaj Khanna in 2009, have been sentenced to four-year jail-term. Additional Sessions Judge Sanjeev Arya announced the sentence and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on Gujjar, Vijay and Ajit. They were also asked to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased journalist. On the complaint of Yashpal Khanna, the journalist's father, the accused have been booked under Sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Pankaj Khanna, a journalist of Naraingarh, had committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance on June 10, 2009. In his suicide note, the journalist had alleged that Gujjar and two of his associates had harassed and humiliated him. Soon after the incident, Pankaj's relatives demanded the registration of a case against the MLA and others. The police registered a case against the three on June 11, 2009. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amita Singh, an Investigation Officer (IO) in Samajwadi Party leader Gayatri Prajapati rape case on Thursday said they have recorded the victim's statement with permission of her mother and doctors at AIIMS. "We have recorded victim's statement with permission of her mother and doctors at AIIMS. She was feeling nervous," Singh told media. Prajapati earlier on February 20 moved the Supreme Court against its order of registering an FIR against him in connection with a gang rape and sexual harassment case. Prajapati filed a plea in the apex court seeking protection from arrest and recall of the top court's earlier order. The apex court had earlier directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to file a status report in the case within a period of eight weeks. A 35-year-old woman had accused Prajapati of raping her when she met him three years ago. He is also accused of taking obscene photos of the victim and threatening her to make the photos public and raping her for the past two years. However, Prajapati claimed that it is a conspiracy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against him in order to distract people's attention from the assembly polls. "It is a conspiracy against me. I don't even know who the lady is. Since the government has ordered such probe, I would accept it gladly," Prajapati told ANI. The woman, who hails from Chitrakoot alleged that she was raped by Prajapati and others for two years on the pretext of getting a position within the Samajwadi Party. Earlier, the woman had moved the apex court after the police in Uttar Pradesh did not register the FIR, following which the police were ordered to file a status report in the matter within eight weeks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) will comply with the deadline set by the Ministry of Finance regarding the official implementation of the much-awaited GST Bill scheduled for July 1, 2017. GSTN CEO Prakash Kumar claimed that all necessary arrangements for timely implementation of the GST have been made. "The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had already approved 30 banks for payment regarding the GST. Apart from these banks, the payment can be made via other banks through the National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) or Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)," Kumar told ANI. He added that new software is being developed to ease the payment process currently undergoing trial in various states. The industry associations have in these states been assigned the task of educating the other GST officers about this software. "The GSTN has been set up primarily to provide IT infrastructure and services to the Central and State Governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of the GST. So far, we have concluded 70 to 90 percent enrollment in most states," Kumar said. "We have released provisional Id to 83 lakh tax payers. Out of this, 67 lakh belong to states. We have started the service tax enrollment from January and are simultaneously making backend application for 25 states," he added. Meanwhile, the industries are looking forward to the GST on July 1, 2017. The prime objective of this is to enable timely collection and supervision of indirect taxes in addition to bringing all indirect taxes under a single category. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India released 39 Pakistani prisoners lodged in jails across the country through Wagah-Attari route on Wednesday. The prisoners included 21 civilians and 18 fishermen. The move comes in response to Pakistan's peace overtures, when on Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birthday, Pakistan freed a batch of 220 Indian fishermen. Earlier, a batch of 218 fishermen was released on January 5. Pakistan also handed over an Indian soldier, Chandu Babulal Chohan, to Indian authorities at the Wagah border on January 21. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minsiter Arun Jaitley on Thursday accused the Congress of spreading lies on the government's demonetisation drive and said that it did not have any impact on the economy's growth rate. Addressing a press conference in Varanasi, Jaitley hailed the Central Government's demonetisation move, saying this had won the confidence of many people. Throwing light on the current GDP rate, the Finance Minister asserted that the opposition was spreading lies about demonetisation. Commenting on the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said, "Once the party attains victory in UP polls then this will prove that people have accepted PM Modi's demonetisation drive." Varanasi goes to polls in the last of the seven-phase assembly election in Uttar Pradesh on March 8. Uttar Pradesh is voting in seven phases, four of which is completed. Counting of votes will take place on March 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amir Ahmed Suleman Daud, the Khan of Kalat, has categorically stated to seek help from India and other western countries against Pakistan and called upon the international community to come forward to help the Baloch people in their freedom struggle. He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled, "The History of Revisited" at the House of Lords here last week. The seminar was hosted by 'The Democracy Forum' and the deliberations centred on Britain's historical links with the confederacy of in the 19th century and the legality of the subsequent accession of to Pakistan in 1948. Dr William Crawley of the Institute for Commonwealth Studies chaired the seminar. According to the Nation, during the course of his address, the Khan of Kalat, said that he would go to India, Iran, Afghanistan and other countries to seek their help and influence to reach his and his followers' destiny but his major source of inspiration and dependence would be on India since according to him "they have a sincere friend in Prime Minister Narendera Modi". He added that he will utilise his energies to "push back China", which is involved in the multi-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called 'a game changer which will transform the lives of the billions of people of the region.' The Khan questioned the legality of Balochistan's accession to Pakistan as he referred to various treaties signed by the British government with the Baloch rulers, in which Balochistan's sovereignty and independence had been repeatedly affirmed. He argued that Pakistan's founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who was the attorney for Kalat in all negotiations prior to its annexation by Pakistan, was himself aware that representatives of the British Crown had recognised Kalat as an independent country. Describing Pakistan today as the 'cradle of terrorism', the Khan called on the international community to assist the Baloch regain their independence. Calling Balochistan's accession to Pakistan in 1948 an 'annexation', he argued that Balochistan had lost its independence 'because of geo-politics', saying Britain wanted to deny the Soviet Union access to 'warm waters' - the Indian Ocean. "This is why [the British] went back on the treaties (they had signed with Kalat)" he added. The Khan also questioned whether had the mandate to declare Kharan, Lasbela and Mukran princely states. He also welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public airing of the Balochistan issue in his Independence Day speech on August 15 last year. It is pertinent to note that soon after independence emissaries of the then Khan of Kalat had approached Indian prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to support Kalat and if necessary accept Kalat'a accession to India. However, Nehru did not respond positively as he felt that Kalat was contiguous to Pakistan. Later the Khan of Kalat was charged by Jinnah of treason for approaching India and hanged. President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a proud symbol of Kerala's secular approach towards art and culture The President inaugurated the Kochi Muziris Biennale Seminar on 'Importance of Sustainable Cultural Building' in Kochi, Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that contemporary art is one of the most significant ways of expressing thoughts, emotions, concerns and ideas that are current and relevant in this time. "The fact that Kerala, the land of history and tradition, now hosts the largest show of contemporary art in the region, and that too a show that was seeded by Government, speaks of the unique ways of this state and its people," he added. He said the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a proud symbol of this approach and the sense of oneness and inclusivity that exists here. "The Kochi Biennale Foundation is a good case study of what is possible when differing agencies come together to pursue profound goals: to value culture, and the achievements of the human spirit, to celebrate the human imagination, and to make those achievements key markers of development. But most importantly this model should be replicated in different parts of the country," the President said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Facing shortages among Math and Special Education teachers and not finding enough quality candidates on college campuses, Ocean Springs school officials are taking the unusual step of trying to bring candidates to them. "As we've been touring college and university recruitment fairs, we really aren't yielding the results we need," said superintendent Bonita Coleman. "For example, we need four new Math teachers at the middle school, but when we go to the colleges and universities, we're not finding that certified Math teachers are being produced." To address the issue, the Ocean Springs School District will host a "recruitment showcase" on March 11 in the hopes of bringing in quality candidates and selling them on the idea of coming to Ocean Springs, long considered one of the top districts in the state. It will be the first such event the OSSD has ever hosted. "We're really having to look at recruitment, in terms of doing it differently, because colleges and universities are not yielding the results we need in terms of numbers," Coleman said. In addition to four Math teachers for the middle school, five new Special Education teachers will be needed prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year. Coleman said Special Education is the fastest growing demographic in the district and certified Special Education teachers are the most difficult to find. "Special Education is our number one growing population here," she said. "As a matter of fact, this year alone we had 50 new Special Education kids move into the system." While the debate over education funding continues in the state legislature, Coleman said the positions she is trying to fill are based on the current population and thus would fall within the parameters of the current budget -- provided the legislature provides "level" funding for the fall. "Those positions fall within what we received in terms of last year's budget," Coleman said. "If they give us level funding, we are still ok. Our concern, though, is level funding actually represents a cut, because we are required -- rightfully so -- to give teachers a raise every year. "So, if you give me the same amount of money you gave me last year and I have to give teachers a step increase, then we're really in the whole from the outset." Coleman also said she and other superintendents continue to engage in discussion with college deans and schools of education over why education is not considered a "viable option" for many students entering college. She noted the University of South Alabama requires all students receiving teaching degrees to be certified to teach Special Education, regardless their primary field. "That's the other piece of the puzzle we have to work on," Coleman said. "We have a couple of different issues going on at the same time and both of them, for us, are problematic, in terms of finding the right people we need." The "showcase" will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 11 at the OSSD Central Office on Government Street. Potential candidates will have the opportunity to tour the schools and the city, and meet with school principals, teachers and students. More information can be found on the district website. Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing calls to ban Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, from entering Germany while a German journalist continues to be held in an Istanbul prison. Erdogan, who campaigned in Germany in 2011 and 2014, was rumoured to be planning a political rally to secure the symbolically important diaspora votebefore April's referendum in Turkey on giving him greater powers, reports the Guardian. But Merkel's government is under increasing pressure from German coalition and opposition parties to stand up to the Turkish president after the Turkey correspondent of Die Welt newspaper, Deniz Yucel, last month became the first German citizen to be arrested as part of Erdogan's crackdown on the press. But on Wednesday, Merkel's spokesman said a ban would send the wrong signal. Steffen Seibert said: "The German government deplores the fact that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are currently limited in Turkey to an unacceptable degree. "If we deplore this in another country, then we should be even more alert to make sure that freedom of speech is respected, within the framework of the law, in our own country. We should demonstrate what we demand from others." In the referendum on April 18, the Turkish public will vote on proposed changes that would boost the powers of the president, allowing Erdogan to scrap the post of prime minister, control budgets, appoint more judges and stay in office for two more terms. The support of the Turkish diaspora in Germany, a community of about 1.4 million people, holds an important symbolic significance to Erdogan's party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After what is considered to be the Academy Awards' biggest mistake, PricewaterhouseCoopers top executive has offered to meet every individual member of Academy governors. Tim Ryan, the New York-based chairman and senior partner of Academy's longtime accounting firm PWC, will meet Academy governors to maintain the firm's 83-year-old relationship with the organisation, reports The Hollywood Reporter. While the Academy is still assessing its relationship with the accounting firm, Academy's President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the two PwC accountants, Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, responsible for this mix-up will never take part in future Oscars shows, confirmed an Academy spokesperson. Cullinan, who was tweeting during the final moments of the show, is responsible for handing presenter Warren Beatty, a back-up envelope for best actress rather than the best picture envelope. This issue resulted in 'La La Land', rather than 'Moonlight', being announced as the best picture winner. Meanwhile, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson has reached out to the 54 members of her organisation's board of governors and offered to set up one-on-one meetings between them and Ryan, ostensibly to address any questions or concerns they may have ahead of the next full-board meeting on March 28, at which the fate of the Academy's 83-year relationship with PwC could be a matter of discussion. Since the awards blunder, PwC has issued apologies and accepted responsibility of the incident, saying, "last night we failed the Academy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An all-time record number of over 4,000 PG medical seats have been approved by Government of India in various medical colleges and hospitals for the academic session 2017-18 this year, taking the total number of PG seats available to 35,117. Of the total increase, 2,046 seats are in medical colleges. Looking at the need to increase PG seats in clinical subjects, the government had decided to amend the teacher student ratio in clinical subjects in government medical colleges. This change alone has resulted in the creation of 1,137 extra seats in 71 colleges. Many others out of the total of 212 government colleges are sending their proposals and it is expected that at least 1,000 more seats can be added during the month of March. DNB seats, which are equivalent to MD/MS, have increased by 2,147 in the last one year. Thus there has been a total addition of 4,193 PG seats in the country so far, and a further addition of more than 1,000 seats is likely during March. The budget announcement of adding 5,000 PG medical seats in the country is thus likely to be achieved soon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved recommendations of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms committee. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was chairing the cabinet, asserted that the people of the FATA, Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will be given their due rights. "The cabinet accords in principle approval to the recommendations of the Fata reforms committee." The Express Tribune quoted Prime Minister House as saying in a statement. Sharif on the occasion emphasised the need to focus on the development of under-developed areas to improve the living standards of the people. After facing the widespread criticism of lawmakers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Federal cabinet finally pulled out the FATA reforms on February 7, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Party on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to influence the voters of politically crucial Uttar Pradesh by uttering lies. "This truth is that Modiji is trying to influence the voters of UP in his favour by propagating lies," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. "If the Prime Minister of the country will tell lies like this then how will this government run proficiently?" he asked. Surjewala also lashed out at the government over the increase in the price of non-subsidized cylinders. He said, "Yesterday night, Modi government increased the price of cylinders for record 86 rupees. The price has been increased for the sixth time since September 2016. The cylinder, which was priced at Rs 466 then, will now cost Rs. 737." The Congress' spokesperson also slammed the decision of imposing tax of Rs. 150 on more than four ATM transactions. He said, "The government, which used to advocate Digital India, has now imposed a tax of Rs 150 on more than four transactions from ATM of private and government banks." Surjewala alleged that Prime Minister Modi government is not pro-poor as his government keeps on introducing new taxes. Campaigning for sixth phase of the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh will end today. Polling for sixth phase for 49 seats will be held on March 4. With just two days left, all political parties have put their maximum strength to woo the voters in all poll-bound districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mocking party vice-president Rahul Gandhi over his Imphal address, the Congress has called on the former to get his facts straight before taking jibes. "Modi ji has become an expert in comments and jokes; only if he clearly watches Rahul Gandhi's speech he will know the truth and not make funny comments again. If Modi is really interested in cracking jokes then I will tell Navjot Singh Sidhu to give him a side role in Kapil Sharma's show," Surjewala told ANI here in a clear reference to the 'coconut' gaffe that ensued post Gandhi's address. Earlier today, the Prime Minister got a quote wrong while speaking at a rally in Maharajganj, where Modi mocked a certain Rahul Gandhi asking his supporters if they have ever heard of anything called coconut juice. "Yesterday he (a Congress politician) made a very big declaration. he said now he will extract juice from coconuts.. and after extracting the juice, he will sell it in England. The poorest of poor children know that you get water from coconuts. You get juice from lime, santre, mosambi. have you ever seen or heard of coconut juice? Maybe I am unaware but tell me. Coconuts are found in Kerala but he's saying he'll extract coconut juice," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister Modi was referring to an election rally speech of Rahul Gandhi in Manipur's Imphal East. But what Rahul actually said in his February 28 rally, "Here (in Manipur) you grow nimbu, narangi (oranges), pineapple. I hope that such a day comes that when someone in London drinks pineapple juice, they look at the box and see 'Made in Manipur'." The confusion broke out over Rahul Gandhi's usage of the word 'narangi'which was mistaken for 'nariyal' (Coconut), following which the BJP spread no time in taking pot shot at the Congress vice-president. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coming down heavily on the opposition for lambasting the government post the recent violent clashes in Ramjas College, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday blamed the Congress and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for attempting to ruin the country's peace and prosperity. Naqvi said that the Congress, Left and Kejriwal now stand exposed before the nation. Naqvi also accused the trio of blowing the situation out of proportion in view of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The students of Delhi University students yesterday staged a protest against the ABVP at the SGTB Khalsa College, in the North Campus. Earlier on Monday, a 'Tiranga' march was organised by the ABVP to invoke nationalist sentiments on the campus. Last week, the All India Students Association (AISA) and the ABVP engaged into a scuffle over cancellation of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid's talk at Delhi University's Ramjas College. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As a part of his four-day visit to the United States, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Wednesday met US Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster. During the meeting, the top officials are said to have discussed bilateral issues, including counter-terrorism and defence partnership. Earlier, Jaishankar also met the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, who said that the US-India relationship is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom. Jaishankar left for the US on a four-day visit, aimed at sensitising the Trump administration over India's concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H1B and L1 visas. Jaishankar's visit comes days after an Indian software engineer was shot dead and another injured in Kansas. This is Jaishankar's second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US. Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its comments on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) alliance, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said the saffron party should come forward and speak on the alliance rather than making such statements. "Who is allying with the Congress? The BJP says the one who is going with the Congress is indecent. So, does joining hands with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir is equal to being pure?" Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI. "BJP does not have the right to make such statements. Today politics is extremely polluted, as everyone is busy playing the blame game," he added. Taking a jibe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his statement that the BJP would never join hands with the Congress, Raut on Monday said it is strange that the saffron party can enter into an alliance with the PDP, which called a terrorist like Afzal Guru as martyr. "The BJP has allied with Mehbooba Mufti's PDP, which called a terrorist like Afzal Guru as freedom fighter and martyr, but, is facing problem in entering into an alliance with the Congress under whose governance Afzal Guru was sentenced to be hanged for being a terrorist," Raut told ANI. His response came after Fadnavis said the BJP won't enter into an alliance with the Congress at any point or at any cost. "Whoever wants to go with them can go, the BJP won't say a single word," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkey's Foreign Ministry has summoned the German Ambassador, Martin Erdmann, over the cancellation of a Thursday meeting between Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag and Turkish citizens in Germany, Anadolu news agency reported citing a ministry source. According to the source, Erdmann was called to the ministry in relation with the developments which led the municipality of the southern German town of Gaggenau to revoke permission for a hall meeting between Bozdag and the members of the Turkish community scheduled for earlier Thursday. Erdmann was called upon the order of Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the source said, adding Deputy Undersecretary Mehmet Kemal Bozay expressed Turkey's discomfort over the incident. The permission for the Thursday meeting was revoked citing concerns of overcrowding, which prompted Bozdag to cancel his planned visit to Germany. The incident has drawn strong criticism from the Turkish government. In related developments, addressing the Turkish population in Germany, Bozdag wanted to promote the constitutional reform to expand the powers of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports the DW. Of the more than 3 million people of Turkish descent living in Germany, some 1.4 million are eligible to vote in the controversial referendum taking place in April. Meanwhile, Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing calls to ban Erdogan, from entering Germany while a German journalist continues to be held in an Istanbul prison. Turkey correspondent of Die Welt newspaper, Deniz Yucel, last month became the first German citizen to be arrested as part of Erdogan's crackdown on the press Erdogan, who campaigned in Germany in 2011 and 2014, was rumoured to be planning a political rally to secure the symbolically important diaspora vote before April's referendum. But on Wednesday, Merkel's spokesman said a ban would send the wrong signal. Steffen Seibert said: "The German government deplores the fact that freedom of speech and freedom of the press are currently limited in Turkey to an unacceptable degree. If we deplore this in another country, then we should be even more alert to make sure that freedom of speech is respected, within the framework of the law, in our own country. We should demonstrate what we demand from others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dane Maxwell.JPG Dane Maxwell (R) is running for mayor of the City of Pascagoula. Questions arose about Maxwell's residency status and if he was a Pascagoula resident. He addressed that speculation with the Mississippi Press. (Tyler Carter/tcarter@al.com) PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Questions arose on social media last week about Pascagoula mayoral candidate Dane Maxwell and his residency. The Mississippi Press received a tip about the residency issue, accompanied with screenshots showing Maxwell's Biloxi address and his being registered to vote in Harrison County. The Mississippi Press spoke with Maxwell, who addressed the questions on Thursday. "You want to know if I am a Pascagoula resident. Yes, I am a resident of Pascagoula," said Maxwell, a Republican. "I lay my head every night at the Scranton condos in Pascagoula on the corner of Martin and Ingalls Avenue. I have a lease there and signed it late last year. I own 10 and a half acres of land on 11th Street, and we just completed a small shed and big shop there. I currently have the house plans with me, now that we have finished." He said that the plans have been given to the city. Maxwell did not deny that he was registered as a Harrison County voter, but said that he has no control over the county keeping its voter rolls up to date. "I'm registered to vote in Jackson County and as a matter of fact, I voted in the presidential election here in Jackson County," said Maxwell. "I can't help that Harrison County hasn't cleaned up their voter rolls or that Jackson County has not sent them the updated information." Maxwell said he is aware of reports on social media regarding his residency, but says he did everything he was supposed to do in order to qualify as a candidate. "Someone on social media posted that I am a registered voter in Harrison County, and you know what, I may be, but it is not my issue that they did not remove me from the rolls," said Maxwell. "I did exactly what the law requires. "He said, "Come last year -- and when I moved here and changed residence -- I immediately made sure that I registered to vote here in Jackson County." He said the social media chatter was "just crap." Maxwell continued: "You're never going to please everyone. As easy as someone sent you a tip about me being registered to vote in Harrison County, they could have just as easily picked up the voter rolls in Jackson County and given you that information also. Everybody is always going to look out to get you on something, but it's just that way sometimes." Maxwell said that he has always had ties to Pascagoula and feels that he has grasp of the issues within the city, and a vision for what the city can become. "Because I vote here now doesn't mean I had not been involved within the city," said Maxwell. "I was born in Singing River Hospital, graduated from Pascagoula High School, I just lived in D'Iberville. My family has lived here all their lives so to say because I just changed my address from 20 minutes from here that I do not know what's going on in Pascagoula is ludicrous." Maxwell said, "Look at all of the candidates and see who grew up here, who is from here, and who is born and raised here. I worked at Ingalls shipyard, I went to college in Jackson County, went off to serve my country. I served in law enforcement, and now I am back to serve my community. Do I have the pulse of Pascagoula? Absolutely." Maxwell said he had the good fortune of traveling the country last year serving within the Trump campaign. He said he hopes to return Pascagoula to days where it is "thriving and not dying on the vine." "The problem with people in Pascagoula is that they have no leadership. And I have no problem in being that guy to lead," said Maxwell. "I could have gone to work for the Trump administration, but I chose to come home to serve my city. The truth is that there are some people who do not want me to do that. They have a vested interest in the city continuing on a downward slope or either they don't live here and don't care. I have sold three very successful businesses and I have a strong economic development background so I feel very confident. And given what I have done, it gives me a whole lot of an advantage over my opponents." Maxwell said he will be in Washington, D.C., over the next few weeks to talk with Trump administration contacts about the flooding issue in Pascagoula. "Not a lot of people can do that, but I plan to do it to help Pascagoula," said Maxwell. Two transgender Pakistanis, both natives of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), died on Tuesday after being subjected to torture allegedly by Saudi police in Riyadh for cross-dressing in public. According to the Express Tribune, thirty-five transgender people were arrested by a law enforcement agency for cross-dressing, which is a punishable offence in the kingdom. A rest house was raided where a 'Guru Chela Chalan' gathering, a formal meeting of Khuwaja Sara in which they choose their Guru (leader) and Chelas (Students), was taking place. Amna, 35, who belonged to the Mingora area of Swat and Meeno, 26, who was from Peshawar died in police custody. The police allegedly packed them in sacks and thrashed them with sticks in prison. Colonel Fawaz bin Jameel alMaiman, the police's media spokesperson in Riyadh, told a local news agency that the field-control management had the site under constant surveillance. Women's clothing and jewellery were also recovered from the rest house. He added that the 35 people inside had been apprehended. While 11 were released later after paying a fine of 150,000 riyals, 22 are still in police custody, said Qamar Naseem, a transgender rights activist. The suffering ended for these two after being physically tortured, however, the rest are still languishing in Saudi jails, he added. Naseem said that the National Commission for Human Rights had been contacted and they are awaiting their response. Farzana, a transgender, said that if they were involved in any illegal activity the police should take them to court instead of thrashing them like animals. She claimed the kingdom would not even allow a transgender person to perform Hajj or Umrah. In 2016, local media reported that the Saudi consul-general in Islamabad, in a notification issued to the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), warned against granting visas to transgender persons for Umrah pilgrimage. TAAP has denied receiving instructions from the Saudi government for not issuing visas to transgender persons who wish to visit the holy land. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke twice with the Russian ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak during former's presidential campaign, according to CNN. Sessions did not mention either meeting, during his confirmation hearings when he said he knew of no contacts between Trump surrogates and Russians. A Justice official said Sessions didn't mislead senators during his confirmation. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, is considered to be one of Russia's top spies and spy-recruiters in Washington by the U.S. intelligence. Sessions met with Kislyak twice in Washington, in July on the sidelines of the Republican convention, and in September in his office when Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services committee. Sessions was an early Trump backer and regular surrogate for him as a candidate. Sessions, a former senator from Alabama, who was among Trump's early and most vocal surrogates on the campaign trail, did not disclose the conversations when asked during his Senate confirmation hearing in early 2017 about possible contacts between Trump's campaign and Moscow. It was communications with Kislyak that led to the firing of Trump's first national security advisor, Michael Flynn, in February. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting the world is threatened by the twin challenges of terrorism and climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there should be peace among all nations. Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the International Yoga festival through video conferencing, said yoga helps create harmony and peace within individuals, society, nation and all across the world. He said a spirit of oneness of mind, body and intellect is created by practicing yoga. Stating that yoga makes a person better, the Prime Minister stressed it is unfair to see yoga only as a set of physical exercises that keep the body fit. He said there is ample evidence that practicing Yoga helps fight stress and life-style related diseases. Prime Minister Modi said the people come to India whenever there is quest to know about self. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said expansion is life and contraction is death. The Prime Minister appreciated the work being done by Parmarth Niketan in bringing Yoga closer to people across the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indo-Nepal joint training exercise Surya Kiran-XI is scheduled to be conducted at Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) between March 7 and 20, under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade of the Surya Command, an official of the Central Command said on Thursday. The exercise is part of a series of joint training with friendly foreign countries by the Indian armed forces. "This is a battalion-level joint exercise undertaken between Indian and Nepal armed forces. In this exercise, an infantry battalion from the Indian Army and an equivalent strength from the Nepal Army would be exercising in conduct of various counter-insurgency operations over a prolonged period. Both the armies immensely stand to benefit mutually from their varied experiences," the official added. The Surya Kiran series of exercises are conducted biannually, alternatively in India and Nepal. The aim of these exercises is to conduct joint training in counter-insurgency operations in mountainous terrain with a view to promoting military relations and increasing interoperability. The exercise also focuses on other important aspects such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and environmental conservation, among others. --IANS md/sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under fire from various quarters after the February 22 Ramjas College violence, the ABVP on Thursday held a protest march in Delhi University here against what it dubbed "anti-national activities". The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said the protest march near the DU North Campus' Art Faculty was organised to save the university from "anti-national activities". Protesters raised slogans like "Vidyarthi Parishad lade chalo (keep fighting, ABVP), "Hindustan mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram kehna hoga" (To live in this country, you have to say Vande Mataram), "Na Marxwad, na Naxalwad, sabse upar rashtrawad" (nationalism above Marxism and Naxalism). The students' party demanded strict action against elements who it said supported "anarchism and anti-India propaganda". "Anti-national slogans were raised on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus by some communist cadres last year. The central and Delhi governments and the Delhi police should conduct an investigation against these people," ABVP Media Convener Saket Bahuguna said during the protest. "You are free to have conferences and rallies but freedom of expression doesn't mean that you will divide the country. Shouting about Kashmir's or Bastar's freedom is an anti-national action," he said. He added: "Anybody raising such slogans in DU, JNU or anywhere in the country will have to face the ABVP. If you raise anti-national slogans, we will stand against you." Delhi University Students Union President Amit Tanwar, Vice-President Priyanka Chawri and General Secretary Ankit Sanghwan of the ABVP echoed what Bahuguna said. At the protest venue, huge hoardings declaring the All India Students' Association (AISA) to be a "rapist party" were also displayed. This came as a response to the protest organised by AISA against the ABVP, urging for peace and freedom of expression after ABVP forced the suspension of an event at Ramjas College to be addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. Khalid was jailed last year for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans. "Rapist AISA, go back!", "Desh 1947 se azaad hai, par vaampanthiyon ki soch wahi (the country has been independent since 1947, but the leftists have the same thinking", the hoardings put up by ABVP in North Campus read. According to Bahuguna, his party was justified in calling the AISA so "because AISA leader Anmol Ratan was last year jailed for raping a JNU student". "One ABVP worker indulges in violence and you declare our whole party to be a group of hooligans. Why can't we call AISA a party of rapists?" he questioned. Many posters and hoardings referred to recent clashes between Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bharatiya Janata Party-RSS workers in Kerala. "Weapons of communists and their victims. Three students Anu, Sujit and Kim killed by communist and SFI (Students Federation of India)," one of them read. "Students on the campus are finding these posters scary but they depict the reality. Leftists in Kerala are responsible for killing and mutilating bodies (of BJP-RSS workers). Imagine the horror that these martyrs' families must have felt, after receiving their dead bodies," Bahuguna said. --IANS mg/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi University saw another day of protests on Thursday as hundreds of ABVP student activists held a march against "anti- activities", even as President Pranab Mukherjee, in his first comments on the controversy, said there should be "no room in India for the intolerant Indian". He also asked students to refrain from "propagating culture of unrest". Meanwhile, Gurmehar Kaur, the student who launched a campaign against the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) after last week's clashes outside Ramjas College and kicked off a fierce debate on nationalism, has said she will never enter politics. President Mukherjee, delivering the 6th K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture in Kochi, said that India's institutions of higher education "must resound with creativity and free thinking". "Those in Universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet," he said. There should be "no room in India for the intolerant Indian". India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Our society has always been characterized by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion," Mukherjee said. Two Union Ministers, Arun Jaitley and Manohar Parrikar, jumped into the debate on nationalism, with Finance Minister Jaitley saying that nationalism was a good word in the rest of the world but not in India, while Defence Minister Parrikar said that freedom of expression should be within the legal ambit. Amid the growing politics over the issue, 20-year-old student of Lady Shri Ram College, Gurmehar Kaur, said she was "saddened" that the issue had gained a political hue and clarified that she would never enter politics. Kaur had last week launched a social media campaign #studentsagainstabvp, angering the RSS-affiliated body, and getting trolled on social media. Her comment that Pakistan did not kill her father but war did, led to even a union minister suggesting that her young mind was being "polluted". "The issue on which I spoke went out of hand. I would like to clarify that I do not want to enter politics," Gurmehar told Hindustan Times. "I just gave my opinion, and I never expected the whole thing to take such a turn. I had a really bad time. I am not in a state to talk about it, and I cannot take it anymore," said Kaur, who left Delhi for her hometown Jalandhar in Punjab, following rape and death threats on social media. On Thursday, around 1,000 members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad held a Protest March near the DU's North Campus Arts Faculty with students raising slogans like "Hindustan mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram kehna hoga" (To live in this country, you have to chant Vande Mataram), "Na Marxwad, na Naxalwad, sabsey upar rashtrawad" (Nationalism is above Marxism and Naxalism) -- targeting the left-wing All India Students Association. The ABVP demanded strict action against those who supported "anarchism and anti-India propaganda". "You are free to have conferences and rallies but freedom of expression doesn't mean that you will divide the country. Shouting about Kashmir's or Bastar's freedom is an anti- action," ABVP Media Convener Saket Bahuguna said during the protest. The ABVP had stopped Ramjas College from hosting a talk on February 21 addressed by JNU student Umar Khalid, who was named in a sedition case a year ago. The CPI-M said the "vicious attack" on Kaur has "exposed the real nature of the nationalism the Sangh Parivar espouses." Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said it is important to respond to the issues raised by Kaur than sidetrack them. "Listen to her and respond to her if you have the guts," Sisodia said to a query on speculation that Kaur may be with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kaur "is a daughter of this country, the daughter of a martyr", the AAP leader said. "Focus on what she said, the issues she raised." The Delhi Police, probing last week's clashes, on Thursday said it has received 25 complaints regarding the February 22 violence at Ramjas College and begun recording statements of the complainants. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Thursday protested here against the killing of BJP-RSS workers in Kerala with hoardings denouncing "Communist violence" by the CPI-M-led Students Federation of India (SFI). Huge hoardings were put up across the Delhi University North Campus here on Thursday by ABVP, referring to recent clashes between Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bharatiya Janata Party-RSS workers in Kerala. ABVP workers had gathered to protest against what they dubbed "anti-national activities" and used the protest venue to demonstrate against the killing of BJP-RSS workers in Kerala. "Weapons of communists and their victims. Three students Anu, Sujit and Kim killed by communist and SFI (Students Federation of India)," one poster read. Another displayed 75 pictures of "Kerala Martyrs" who were victims of "communist violence" in the state. Many hoardings showed pictures of the beheaded bodies of their party workers. "Students on the campus are finding these posters scary but they depict the reality. Leftists in Kerala are responsible for killing and mutilating bodies (of BJP-RSS workers). Imagine the horror that these martyrs' families must have felt, after receiving their dead bodies," ABVP media convener Saket Bahuguna said during the protest. The protests come as an RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat has offered Rs 1 crore to have Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan beheaded. The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) announced protests on Friday across Kerala and demanded that a case be registered against Chandrawat on terrorism charges. Over the past few months, Kerala has been witnessing violent political killings of RSS and CPI(M) workers, with both the organisations engaged in a bloody feud. --IANS mg-sid/rn/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the violent incident at Mathura's Jawaharbagh Park in which 28 persons were killed in a gun battle last June. While disposing off nine petitions on the incident, the High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct the probe. The hearing had been completed on February 20 and the court had reserved its judgement. Members of the Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Viacharik Satyagrah Sanstha led by Ram Briksha Yadav, a self-styled godman, owing allegiance to the Jai Gurudev sect, had encroached upon the park illegally for nearly two years. On June 2, when police tried to evict them after a court order, Ram Yadav's supporters opened fire on the police, killing an inspector and a superintendent of police (SP), among others. --IANS md/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Apple's corporate reputation took a hit in the first quarter of 2017, according to a recent market research study that placed the Cupertino-headquartered tech giant at 20th place, far behind Google, placed fifth. In 2017, Apple slipped 10 spots from last year's ranking, according to Reputation Institute's Global RepTrak 100, a ranking that measures public perception towards the world's top companies. The study assigns rankings to large corporations across a number of industries, including tech, automotive, consumer goods and luxury brands. The survey measured the public perception twoards the top companies on seven key rational dimensions of reputation -- products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership and performance. More than 170,000 ratings were compiled for the study. Luxury watchmaker Rolex took the top spot on this year's RepTrak 100 list released this week. Consumer toymaker LEGO followed in second place, while Walt Disney took the third position. Apple's rival Samsung posted the most notable decline this year, taking 70th place overall from last year's 17th. Microsoft dropped out of the top 10 in the first quarter to finish in 11th place, Appleinsider.com reported. --IANS gb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) -b4a3a8458fd0ae19.jpg Ship sponsor Kay Webber Cochran (center) signs her initials onto the keel plate of the Kimball as her husband, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (left) looks on and Ingalls structural welder Jerry Wesley assists during last year's keel authentication ceremony for the National Security Cutter Kimball. Saturday -- one year to the day later -- the Cochrans will again be at the Pascagoula shipyard as the Kimball is christened. (File photo/The Mississippi Press) PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Gov. Phil Bryant will be among the speakers Saturday morning as Ingalls Shipbuilding christens its latest National Security Cutter, the Kimball (WMSL 756). Joining Bryant on the podium will be the keynote speaker, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft. Other speakers include U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, Ingalls president Brian Cuccias, Kimball commanding officer Capt. David Ramassini, and ship sponsor Kay Webber Cochran, wife of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, who is also expected to attend. Saturday's christening is taking place exactly one year to the day after the Cochrans were on hand for the keel authentication ceremony at the Pascagoula shipyard. "We can't get the Kimball in the water fast enough," Zunkunft said that day, noting the Coast Guard is daily battling against drug smuggling on the high seas. "Crime is coming from the sea in the form of bales of cocaine." The Kimball (WMSL 756) is Ingalls' seventh National Security Cutter and is named in honor of Sumner Kimball, who organized and directed the U.S. Life Saving Service -- the forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guard. Legend-class cutters are the flagships of the USCG fleet. They are 418-feet long with a 54-foot beam and displace 4,500 tons with a full load. The cutters have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and support a crew of 110. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Coast Guard during the first quarter of 2018. Saturday's christening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and comes just days after it was revealed President Donald Trump's proposed budget would eliminate a $600 million contract with Ingalls to build another NSC. Sen. Cochran was instrumental in securing that contract for the shipyard. A driver, who was allegedly radicalised, was arrested by Belgian police while driving a vehicle containing gas cylinders, a local official said. The demining service was called on site and a 200-meter perimeter was established around the suspicious vehicle that contained at least two gas cylinders, Xinhua news agency quoted Charles Picque, mayor of Saint-Gilles (Brussels) as saying. Public broadcaster RTBF quoted Picque as saying that arrested driver was on a list of people suspected of being connected to radical organisations. The police stopped the car because the driver had jumped several red lights. According to the polce, when the driver refused to open the trunk, officers forced it open and found three canisters. "The police then noticed several gas canisters in the boot and rather than take any risks, they called for help from the army bomb squad," a Daily Mail report said. The entire area has been closed and traffic has also been stopped. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kem Sokha, vice president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was elected as the party president on Thursday after the self-exiled incumbent Sam Rainsy stepped down last month. "The CNRP's extraordinary congress had unanimously elected Kem Sokha as the party's president by raising hands," CNRP's spokesman Yim Sovann said after the votes. Kem Sokha had been the CNRP's sole vice president since his Human Rights Party merged with Sam Rainsy's eponymous party in 2012 to form the CNRP. According to Yim Sovann, the party also elected three party senior members -- steering committee chief Pol Ham, executive committee deputy chief Eng Chhay Eang and public affairs director Mu Sochua -- as the party vice-presidents. The leadership reshuffle was prompted by the resignation of CNRP's long-serving president Sam Rainsy on February 11. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohu on Thursday extended an invitation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to visit his country for exploring business possibilities in manufacturing and other key sectors of the two countries. The Ambassador, heading a five-member delegation including Chinese Consul-Genral in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu, called on Banerjee at the state secretariat Nabanna. "Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to India and the Consul-General of China in Kolkata had a meeting with me at the state secretariat today (Thursday). "He extended an invitation to us to visit China to explore Bengal-China business possibilities in manufacturing and other key sectors," Banerjee said in a Facebook post. Zhaohu and Banerjee had elaborate discussions about the business possibilities in many areas. --IANS ssp/lok/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Among Iraq's provinces, the Mosul region has suffered the highest number of civilian casualties in February, as the US-backed coalition tightens its grip on densely populated western neighbourhoods of the Islamic State-held city, according to new UN estimates. A total of 329 civilians were killed and 613 injured across Iraq in February, in "acts of terrorism, violence, and armed conflict", according to the new figures by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The Iraqi military operation to retake Mosul city from the IS and its attempts to hold ground apparently caused a serious surge in civilian casualties. Ninewa governorate has suffered the most with 201 civilians killed and 250 others injured. UNAMI, however, said it has been "hindered in effectively verifying casualties in conflict areas", thus the conflict's civilian toll might be even higher. Iraqi civilians suffer both from the US-led coalition airstrikes and the IS, who deliberately target fleeing civilians to prevent them from escaping. "We have suffered from many shellings, so many shellings. The shellings were on from the morning till the evening, deadly shellings. We were not able to leave our houses because of them," a recently displaced Iraqi woman, Sakna Younis, told the RT online. As of February 28, some 16,500 people have been displaced, and only 8,800 of them have so far been distributed among camps and emergency sites, according to OCHA. A further 85,000 people can be housed within prepared emergency camps and shelters, while some 400,000 civilians can flee the battle zone as the offensive continues, according to UN estimates, while roughly 750,000 people remain trapped in war-torn western Mosul. --IANS ahm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ignoring the opposition BJP's demand, Bihar's ruling alliance partner Congress on Thursday ruled out sacking of Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan over his reported video clip in which he asked people to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph with shoes. Mastan is a Congress leader and the only minister from the backward and under-developed Seemanchal belt, which comprises of Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria and Katihar districts with sizeable Muslim population. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators on Thursday disrupted the Bihar assembly proceeding for the consecutive second day, demanding dismissal of Mastan from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's council of ministers. After much hue and cry over his controversial statement, Mastan apologised on Wednesday evening, saying "sorry" for it in a bid to put an end to the row. The BJP members said either Mastan should resign or be removed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his insult to Modi. BJP legislators created noisy scenes over the issue and rushed to the well of the house and shouted slogans. They also reiterated they would not allow the state's Grand Alliance government to proceed with the ongoing budget session unless the Chief Minister sacked Mastan. Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar told the media here that the BJP will march to Raj Bhawan to protest Mastan's statement gainst Modi. Bihar Pradesh Congress President Ashok Choudhary, who is also the Education Minister, told media that the BJP's demand for Mastan's sacking is baseless. "Has BJP taken action against its MP Subramaniam Swamy for abusing and using unparliamentary language against Congress President Sonia Gandhi?" he added. Choudhary challenged the BJP to first take action against Swamy and other party leaders for insulting the Congress President and other leaders. A senior Congress leader and party legislator, Sadanand Singh said there is no need to sack Mastan. "Why should he be sacked from the cabinet? He will not be sacked. BJP should explain to people, whether it had sacked any minister for abusing others," Singh, Bihar assembly's former Speaker, said. Janata Dal-United spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that Mastan should be given a chance to explain his stand in the assembly over the reported video. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of Lalu Prasad said that it is for the Congress party to decide what to do or not do with Mastan. The Congress, JD-U and the RJD are all partners in Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance. The Excise Minister's video on February 22, that was telecast on a Hindi news channel, also condemned the Centre's November 8, 2016, demonetisation move. The video went viral on the social media. In the video, Mastan was seen addressing a crowd in Purnea district's Amour assembly constituency, and saying that it was Modi who had promised to face punishment if he failed to end people's woes within 50 days. It was then that Mastan suggested that the crowd should beat Modi's photograph with their shoes. --IANS ik/sm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Residents of Delhi can now get free radiology tests in 21 private labs if they are referred to by Delhi government hospitals, it was announced on Thursday. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told an event here that another scheme would be rolled out in a week under which surgeries could also be done in private hospitals for free. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had in December announced the free diagnostic tests for those residing in Delhi for the past three years and whose annual family income was under Rs 3 lakh. Both these conditions have been now scrapped, Jain said. Calling it a historic move, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed satisfaction at being able to see "the dream with which we came into turn into reality". He said people who witnessed a waiting list up to three years for various tests and surgeries would now get treatment in time. The AAP leader said the public health and public education models of Delhi would set an example not just for the nation but the whole world. "Every government's first responsibility is to provide quality education and healthcare to all its citizens," Kejriwal said. He added the responsibility was even bigger with private healthcare getting more expensive by the day. Health Minister Jain said Delhi residents, if referred to by Delhi government hospitals, can get their diagnostic tests including MRI, PET and CT Scan done for free in 21 private centres. The government will reimburse these centres. Some of these tests cost up to Rs 25,000 at private labs. Similarly, if the waiting for surgeries in Delhi government hospitals exceeded a month, these too can be carried out in 41 hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and registered with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The Delhi government will again reimburse these hospitals. Any of the 25 Delhi government hospitals, 23 polyclinics and five society hospitals in the city can refer patients to these private labs for diagnostic tests. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia lauded Jain for his "courageous and creative" solution for long queues at hospitals for surgeries and diagnostic tests. He promised Jain, in his capacity as the Finance Minister, there would be no shortage of funds for the scheme. During the event, many patients received immediate appointments for various diagnostic tests, including Mohammad Wasim who earlier had an appointment for MRI scan for December 2018. --IANS vv/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The European Commission on Thursday presented a new plan of action that would accelerate the process of returning to their home countries those migrants who were not granted asylum. The plan includes recommendations to member states on how best to achieve this goal, such as detaining people who do not show signs of obeying expulsion orders or accelerating the analysis of asylum requests to avoid system abuse, Efe news reported. "We need to give protection to those in need, but we must also return those who have no right to stay in the European Union (EU), in full compliance with the fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement," said Commissioner for Migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos, at a press conference. It also suggests establishing programmes by June to assist voluntary returns and improve the coordination between authorities and services involved in the return of immigrants. According to Avramopoulos, the plan was established in order to reduce the pressure on the asylum request system, assure there are enough resources to protect those who most need it and send a strong signal against the idea of making dangerous journeys to the EU. He insisted that all points on the plan were fully within EU legislation and respected fundamental rights. "We need to equip our migration policy to better deal with those who don't come for humanitarian reasons, so they too can come in a legal and regular way, whether it's for work, family or study," he added. In order to help countries with returns, the Commission is considering, among other things, increasing financial support to member states with 200 million euros ($210 million) in 2017 for national efforts as well as for joint return or reintegration activities at a European level. The EC also seeks to overcome the challenges of returned migrants in their countries by working to conclude negotiations on re-admission agreements with Nigeria, Tunisia and Jordan soon, and to create similar deals with Morocco and Algeria in this regard. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa on Thursday reiterated that the newly launched military offensive, Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, will target "all troublemakers". "Through Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad we will take on all fasaadies and play our part in bringing back normalcy in our country," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted the army chief as saying during his visit to the Multan Garrison. Gen Bajwa, who was given a detailed briefing on the troops' operational preparedness, acknowledged their contributions towards internal security. The COAS also witnessed training for troops to execute the population census support plan. "He appreciated the preparations, and said that population census is an important national activity and army shall extend full support for its smooth conduct," the statement said. --IANS ahm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The number of foreign tourists in India increased by 16.5 per cent in January 2017 as compared to the corresponding month last year. Similarly, Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) registered an increase of 15.5 per cent in 2016 when compared to that in 2015, said the Union Ministry of Tourism on Thursday. "While surpassing the growth rate of 6.8 per cent in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) observed in January 2016 over January 2015, a significantly higher double digit growth rate of 16.5 per cent has been witnessed in the month of January 2017 over January 2016," the ministry said in a statement said. The ministry said the number of domestic tourists in 2016 was 1,653 million (provisional) as compared to 1,432 million in 2015 registering a growth of 15.5 per cent. "Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have maintained the first and second rank, respectively, in terms of DTVs in 2016," the statement added. Madhya Pradesh gained several ranks to reach the third position leaving Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra at the fourth, fifth and sixth positions, respectively. --IANS spk/lok/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In order to raise awareness about gender discrimination, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has initiated a social campaign -- #WeAreEqual, said an official. The campaign will culminate in the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, marked by the prestigious Nari Shakti Award ceremony during which President Pranab Mukherjee will honour individuals and institutions for their exemplary contribution to women's empowerment, the ministry said in a statement. "The campaign takes a positive approach, engaging both men and women across the cross-section of the society and encouraging to stand up for equal rights and opportunities," it stated. Several eminent personalities have also supported the initiative. Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has always rooted for gender equality, said his assets would be shared equally between his son Abhishek and daughter Shweta. Amitabh on Thursday shared a photograph of himself holding a card, which read: "When I die, my assets will be equally shared between my daughter and my son... Gender equality... We are equal." Other prominent personalities, such as actors Dia Mirza and comedian Vasu Primlani, sportspersons Mary Kom and Sangram Singh, and ISRO scientists K. Thenmozhi Selvi, Subha Varier and Minal Rohit have also joined the campaign. --IANS som/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Naga People's Front Supremo and Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Thursday accused his Manipur counterpart Ibobi Singh of "playing a communal card for political gains". "We (NPF) want to see all the different communities live together in peace and harmony," he said addressing election rallies in Ukhrul and Chandel. "We stand for peace and we will continue to play for peace. We want to live in complete harmony with all our neighbours," the NPF supremo asserted. Urging voters to ensure that the NPF candidates are elected, Shurholzelie said the inability of the 20 legislators from the hill districts to come together on a single platform all these decades has "prevented the representatives to speak out in one voice in the Manipur Assembly" even though they might have the best of intentions for the over-all development of their people. Underlining the need for the people from the Hill districts to have a common platform in the assembly, Shurholzelie said though the nomenclature of the party mentions Naga, the party stands for the conglomeration of all the people of the Hill districts of Manipur. Echoing his party supremo, Nagaland Minister in Charge of the NPF's Manipur Unit, Yitachu said, "The NPF is not participating in the Manipur elections just for the sake of participating, but we are serious on finding a solution to the Naga political problem." Yitachu went on to recall how in 1964, the NPF, then known as Democratic Party of Nagaland, sacrificed its 12 MLAs after the Ceasefire Agreement was signed between the Government of India and the NNC/FGN by making all of its MLAs resign from the assembly "to pave way for a negotiated settlement". Also heeding to the call of the people and various sections of the Naga society, the NPF then known as NPC, boycotted the elections of 1998 in Nagaland along with all other political parties except for the Congress which got elected unopposed and formed the government much to the opposition of the people. Yitachu went on to recount how in Manipur the Congress had let down the people of the Hill districts all these years and said that the Congress is going to lose this time because of Ibobi, because of the party's policy against the Naga peace process and because of its policy against the tribal people. --IANS rrk/lok/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) students of the 2017 Post Graduate Diploma in Management batch got lucrative offers in campus placement with the highest international package touching 90,000 Euros (over Rs 63 lakh) per annum while the best annual domestic package was Rs 70 lakh, the institute said on Thursday. The finance sector churned out the maximum number of offers, with top recruiters like Avendus, Edelweiss, Goldman Sachs and HSBC visiting the campus, as all students of the batch got placements within a record three days in the second week of February. There were total 474 top-notch offers including significant number of international offers. "The highest domestic package was Rs 70 lakh per annum, whereas the highest international package amounted to 90,000 Euros per annum," the IIM said in a statement. Twenty-nine per cent of the offers came from the finance sector, while consulting emerged as the second highest recruiter by making 22 per cent of the total offers. Top recruiters in consulting were Accenture, AT Kearney, Bain, BCG, and McKinsey. General Management firms like ABG, CK Birla, and TAS made 15 per cent of the offers. Sales and marketing roles contributed to 12 per cent of the total offers, predominantly offered by firms like HUL, ITC, P&G and Reckitt Benckiser. Apart from these, e-commerce and IT companies made 14 per cent of the total offers, with companies like Amazon and Wipro hiring in large numbers. US President Donald Trump has made some shifts from his pre-election rhetoric, and India should monitor it for better bilateral ties with the US, an India-based think-thank has said in a report. The report by the Center for Asia Africa Policy Research (CAAPR) has suggested that India should avoid making H-1B/L1 visa matters a major agenda point of bilateral discussions with the US. It said that in order to savour better ties with the US, Indian corporations should be encouraged to acquire some of American strategic hi-tech companies. This would help generate jobs in the US and provide financial returns to India. The Hyderabad-based CAAPR analysed recent incidents regarding Trump's position on Mexico, Japan and China, and how it changed after Trump won the US presidential elections in 2016, American Bazaar online reported on Thursday, citing the CAAPR report. The report stated: "Trump told Fox TV in an interview prior to his inauguration, "I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things." "...He reached out to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen upsetting Beijing. He accused China of unfair trade and fiscal policies and pledged to slap a 45 percent import tariff as it is a currency manipulator." However, post-election Trump took a more pragmatic approach towards China. "President Trump rather had a pleasant conversation with President Xi Jinping during their first official telephonic call where he re-affirmed the 'one China' policy," the report read. The think tank said that about Japan, Trump as a candidate denounced the country for "free-riding" and not paying its fair share for the American forces defending it. But, after winning the presidential election, Trump said that the US is 100 per cent committed to Japan's security. The CAAPR report said that corporations of India and the US should jointly work on projects in the developing countries. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reaching a milestone in enhancing its sub-surface warfare capability, the Indian Navy on Thursday successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile from the first of indigenously-built Kalvari class submarines in the Arabian sea. "The missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the maiden firing this morning," an official statement said. "This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene-class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Navy's sub-surface warfare capability," the statement added. All six Kalvari submarines will be equipped with the missile, with a proven record in combat, to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges, the statement said. Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has urged US Attorney General Jeff Sessions to take immediate action to stop rising hate crimes in the US. Krishnamoorthi, in a letter, requested Sessions to use his discretion in the Justice Department to thwart the rising incidents of hate and violence in the country, American Bazaar online reported on Thursday. "From grave desecration at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis to a shooting at a bar in Kansas, Americans have been shaken to the core by the recent rise in hate crimes," Krishnamoorthi said in the letter. The Indian American community was in a state of shock after a US Navy veteran Adam Purinton shot dead Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla and injured Alok Madasani in an apparent hate crime on February 22. Purinton reportedly got into an argument with the two and hurled racial slurs. He yelled "get out of my country" before shooting them. Several other instances of hate crime were also witnessed in the US. Jewish Community Centres across the country have received bomb threats, and countless Muslims have been harassed and threatened, the Democrat said. "All Americans must be able to count on the federal government to defend their fundamental rights as citizens of this great republic. If any American is harassed or threatened because of who they are, it harms everyone," Krishnamoorthi said. "I respectfully urge you to use the full powers of the Justice Department to investigate and combat this disturbing rise in hate crimes," he said. "These attacks seek to undermine not just public safety, but the very nature of American exceptionalism." He said: "For more than two hundred years, the US has stood as a beacon of freedom from tyranny, oppression, and persecution." "A fundamental promise of our nation is that any American -- regardless of where you come from, the color of your skin, or how you pray -- can trust the federal government to preserve, protect, and defend their rights," Krishnamoorthi added. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Islamic State (IS) terror group again withdrew from the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on Thursday in the wake of an army offensive, a war monitoring group reported. In their retreat, the terrorists planted mines in various points of the city, whose ancient ruins are a Unesco World Heritage Site, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the UK-based SOHR, told Efe news that the Syrian forces had secured the city's western outskirts. Russian aircraft are intensifying their bombing in areas still controlled by the IS radicals in Palmyra and in the rural areas around it, the SOHR said. The Syrian army, along with pro-government militias, on Wednesday entered Palmyra, which has been under the control of the IS since December, when it retook control after being ousted in March 2016. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian American actor Kal Penn has mocked White House adviser Kellyanne Conway after she was pictured kneeling on a Oval Office couch in heels. Penn in a tweet on Thursday posted an image of him sitting on a couch similar to the one in the Oval Office, mimicking Trump's senior counsellor's weird pose earlier this week. With his pants hitched up to his knees, Penn knelt on the couch, with his phone in his hand and a confused look on his face. The picture, which has been liked on Twitter more than 4,500 times, was posted with the caption "Kal-E-Anne". Conway was subjected to social outlash after she was photographed checking her phone and kneeling on the couch with her shoes on while President Donald Trump was meeting leaders of historically black colleges and universities in the Oval Office on Monday. Conway later said that she "meant no disrespect", and blamed the reporter for taking the picture and wobbling up the issue just to create a sensation, American Bazaar online reported. "I was being asked to take a picture in a crowded room with the press of us. I was asked to take a certain angle and was doing exactly that. I certainly meant no disrespect, I didn't mean to have my feet on the couch," she said on Fox Business Network's Lou Dobbs Tonight on Tuesday. "If we started the trend here, where people are outwardly talking about greater respect for the Office of the President and its current occupant, then perhaps that's something positive that came out. But I, of course, meant no disrespect." Kal Penn, born to Indian parents, is an actor, producer, chef and civil servant. He advocated for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007 and 2008. He served as an Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement from 2009 till 2011. He currently stars in political drama 'Designated Survivor'. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Police chief Loknath Behra on Thursday said the probe in the kidnapping of a popular Malayalam film actress was progressing in the right direction. "We will try our best to submit the chargesheet before 90 days. We have got the necessary evidences and we are trying to get more evidence," Behra told the media. The actress was kidnapped on February 17 night while on her way to Kochi from Thrissur. She was held hostage for over two hours before being freed. The police have arrested all six accused involved in the crime including mastermind Pulsar Sunil. A court sent them to police custody till Friday. Behra refused to divulge more details. "I won't speak on the process of investigation. We will soon conduct a review of the probe," he said. --IANS sg/lok/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A North Korean man who was held in connection with the killing of Kim Jong-un's half-brother at the airport here will be released from police custody on Friday, authorities said. Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Ri Jong Chol was "a free man" as there was "insufficient evidence to charge him". Ri will be deported to North Korea after his release as he does not have vaild travel documents, CNN quoted Ali as saying on Thursday. Two Asian women -- an Indonesian and a Vietnamese -- have been charged with murder of Kim, who police said was killed by smearing VX, a deadly nerve agent, on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13. Ri was the only North Korean to have been detained in the case. Investigators have also named four North Korean suspects, who are believed to have fled to Pyongyang. South Korea has pinned Kim's assassination on Pyongyang, accusing the country of recruiting the women attackers, who said they believed they were bade only to run a prank on Kim for a TV network. North Korea strongly denies responsibility, and its state media blamed Seoul and Washington for "resorting to political chicanery to bring down the social system in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)". Also on Thursday, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans, citing security reasons. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the rule would be effective from March 6, Malaysia's news agency reported. Previously, citizens of North Korea and Malaysia were only required to use their passports to enter both the countries. --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after Tamil Nadu traders began boycotting Coke and Pepsi for over exploiting ground water, the Madras High Court on Thursday lifted the ban on drawing water from Thamirabarani river. The Madurai Bench of the High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an activist and lifted the injunction on PepsiCo and the makers of Coca Cola from drawing water from Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli district. The plaintiffs complained that the two companies were drawing water from the river, which in turn was affecting farming. The High Court asked the petitioner why a similar case was not filed against other companies drawing water from the same river. The Tamil Nadu government said only surplus river water was supplied to the cola companies. According to J. Sagar Associates (JSA) -- the law firm representing PepsiCo -- the judgement was critical as water from this river catered to half of the company's production capacity for south India. Dheeraj Nair, partner in the Delhi office of JSA, told IANS that the state government had permitted PepsiCo to draw 15 lakh litre per day but only 3.30 lakh litre was being drawn now. He said PepsiCo's plant in Tirunelveli district can do 300 Aquafina bottles per minute and only one line is currently operating and no other beverage was being made there. The High Court had initially prevented PepsiCo from drawing water from the river in November 2016. However, after a detailed hearing, the High Court vacated the interim orders and dismissed the writ petitions saying there was no environmental impact due to the withdrawal of water by PepsiCo from the river. --IANS vj/vgu/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four experts faced off in a live debate Wednesday night on a range of issues that swirl around charter schoolswhether for-profit schools work, whats best for student achievement, and if charters lead to innovation. But the discussion came down to a simple question: Are charter schools overrated? And the audiences answer was yes. The debate was put on by Intelligence Squared U.S. , a nonprofit organization that hosts debates on controversial topics that have ranged from Give Trump a Chance to Policing is Racially Biased. Online viewers, as well as the live audience, were asked to vote before and after the two-hour event in New York City. The debaters for the motion"those in favor of charter reformswere Gary Miron, a Western Michigan University education professor who has led charter school studies for the U.S. Department of Education and others, and Julian Vasquez Heilig, a California State University, Sacramento educational leadership professor and a founding member of the Network for Public Education. Vasquez Heilig spearheaded the NAACPs call for a moratorium on new charter schools last year. The debaters against the motion"those who support charterswere Jeanne Allen, the chief executive officer of the Center for Education Reform who served in the U.S. Department of Education under President Ronald Reagan; and Gerard Robinson, a former Florida education commissioner who was an education adviser to Trump . The debate comes at a time when expanding school choice, including charter schools, is shaping up to be the main agenda for K-12 under President Donald Trump who brought the issue up during his first formal address to Congress . U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has been one of the biggest champions for school choice for years , pouring milllions of dollars from her familys fortune into supporting charters, private school vouchers, and other forms of choice. Critics argued that charter schools are failing to live up to their original intent of local, accountable options that lead to innovation and higher student achievement. Instead, charters are sometimes run by for-profit management groups and produce mixed academic results. I believe that the reform idea has been really taken from us by private interests pursuing ideological and profit motives, said Miron, who said he has visited more than 700 charter schools for evaluations. I want my charter school reform back. It feels like somebody has stolen that from us. Supporters, however, said charters succeed in giving choices to parents and have boosted student success, especially among disadvantaged students. It was for individual parent options because we know our kids better than anyone else, Allen said. That is why charter schools are not ... overrated, they are a majority better than any other institution weve had. Outside of Wednesdays debate, Robinson and Heilig have spoken out on different sides of last years NAACPs decision to call for a moratorium on charter schools . While Robinson sees charter schools as creating new opportunities, Heilig said other children get left behind. Were talking about charter schools when we should be talking about the inequality, Heilig said. And what we should also be talking about is how charter schools exacerbate the inequality that we see in schools. Robinson disagreed. If the arguments going to be that inequality we must fix first before we challenge or attack charter schools, youre in for a very long ride, Robinson said. While were fixing our public school systems to address inequality, lets also use charter schools to do the same thing. The debates winner was determined by the percentage of audience members who changed their minds. In the first vote of live audience members, 33 percent cast votes for the motion and 31 percent against. In the final vote, 54 percent were for the motion and 40 percent were against. The rest were undecided. Intelligence Squared U.S. debates are live streamed online, carried by up to 220 public radio stations and produced on a podcast. The full charter school debate can be viewed on Intelligence Squareds YouTube channel . Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not fulfilling any of his promises made for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a public rally here, the Congress leader said that all that the Prime Minister has done in the last three years is "talk useless things" and do nothing. "Modi ji had promised to give two crore jobs per year. Has this happened," Gandhi asked before the cheering crowds. Adding that the Prime Minister had no connect with the poor and farmers, the Gandhi scion urged the people to vote for the Congress-Samajwadi Party (SP) alliance so that their lives can be changed for good. "I have taken out a kisan yatra from Deoria to Delhi and I know that farmers of the country are in bad shape...all this needs to change and this can only happen if the alliance is voted to power in Uttar Pradesh," he said. --IANS md/vgu/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the country's defence scientists for successfully testing an interceptor missile, saying it was a proud moment for the entire nation. "With this, India joins the select group of five nations with such capability - a proud moment for the entire country," the Prime Minister said in a tweet. India on Wednesday successfully test fired the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile, the second level of two-tier interceptor missile system that can destroy hostile ballistic missiles. The latest test comes less than a month after India successfully tested the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile on February 11. --IANS am/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after a Delhi University student came under vicious attack on the social media, President Pranab Mukheree on Thursday said India could not afford the "intolerant". There should be "no room in India for the intolerant Indian", he said while delivering the 6th K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture here. "India has been, since ancient times, a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. "Our society has always been characterised by open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. "Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent," the President said. Mukherjee expressed pain over the incidents involving Delhi University. Students, he said, should engage in discussion rather than get into a conflict mode. "Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society. "These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. "Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet." Mukherjee' remarks came after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's student wing ABVP forced the cancellation of a seminar in Delhi University's Ramjas College on February 21. The next day, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad activists were blamed for attacking students and teachers at the college. Later, when university student Gurmehar Kaur launched a social media campaign against the ABVP, she got death and rape threats, forcing her to leave Delhi for her hometown Jalandhar in Punjab. The President said he does not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens' behaviour towards women is uncivilised. "When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. "Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority." The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children, he said. "India should not fail this test." Mukherjee urged leaders and political activists to listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. "Our lawmakers must never take the people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of lawmaking and raising of issues of concern to the people as well as finding solutions to their problems. "No one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support. "The trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed," Mukherjee said. Mukherjee said the time had come for collective efforts to rediscover the sense of national purpose and patriotism that alone can lift India on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. "The nation and the people must always come first." Asserting that he sees a very bright future for India, Mukherjee said to the audience's applause: "Our Constitutional values, young population and entrepreneurial abilities as well as capacity for hard work provide us with the fundamentals required for rapid progress as well as the building of a caring and compassionate society." In the decade, India would see even greater progress "as we steer our nation, focused on further strengthening our open, democratic and inclusive society", he said. --IANS bns/mr/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The federal cabinet of Pakistan on Thursday accorded approval to the recommendations of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) reforms committee, which includes the merger of the tribal areas with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and repeal of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). Chairing the cabinet, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the people of Fata, Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be given their due rights. "The cabinet accords in principle approval to the recommendations of the Fata reforms committee," the PM House said in a statement. Sharif stressed the need to focus on the development of under-developed areas to improve the living standards of the people. The meeting was told that the process of mainstreaming of Fata will be carried out in a time-span of five years. Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said necessary amendments will be made in the constitution to enable people of Fata elect their representatives to the assembly in the 2018 General Elections. --IANS ahm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lenovo Mobile Business Group on Thursday appointed Sudhin Mathur as Managing Director of Motorola Mobility India Pvt Limited. Mathur will continue to serve as Executive Director for Lenovo MBG India. "I am honoured to lead the India business for Motorola Mobility, the pioneers of mobile technology in the world. In the last four years, we have established Lenovo Moto as the challenger brand in the country," Mathur said in a statement. Under his leadership, the brand reached the second spot by both value and volume in the Indian market, rising from the 31st position when it entered the market four years ago. Mathur played a pivotal role in setting up and scaling the Ericsson Telecommunications/Sony Ericsson business in India, bringing it among the top five brands in the smartphone sector. --IANS sku/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The General Staff of the Syrian Army on Thursday said it had recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from the extremist group Islamic State (IS). The city, which is home to Greco-Roman ruins on the United Nations cultural body's World Heritage list, had been the scene of heavy fighting for months, Efe news agency reported. "Units from our armed forces, in cooperation with our allies, have recovered the city of Tadmur (Palmyra in Arabic) and the surrounding area," said the Syrian Army command in a statement published by the state news agency, SANA. The units led by Iranian and Russia entered the city on Thursday three months after IS took it over. According to the army, driving the extremists from the city, whose ancient ruins are a UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation world heritage site, is a serious setback for IS, which began to collapse. Retaking the city was achieved shortly after the Syrian army took control over the archaeological citadel of Palmyra, communications hill to the west of the city and the Dedeman Hotel Palmyra to the south of the city, according to SANA. Earlier in the day, most IS combatants withdrew from Palmyra, according to a war monitoring group. In their retreat, the terrorists planted mines in various points of the city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. SANA confirmed that army engineering units have dismantled explosives and mines planted by IS fighters in the area. The Syrian army, along with pro-government militias and Russian aerial support, on Wednesday entered Palmyra, which has been under the control of IS since December. The terror organisation conquered Palmyra in May 2015 and was driven from the city eight months later by Syrian troops, but regained control of the ancient Greco-Roman city in December. The city has faced heavy damage due to the fighting and the IS-occupation. The Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that the UGC notification that a professor cannot guide more than three M.Phil and eight Ph.D scholars at any one time, was "binding" on the university. Justice V.K. Rao was informed by advocate Monika Arora appearing for JNU administration that the University will neither receive a grant nor could award degrees if it stopped following UGC's regulation. JNU said 43 central universities were already abiding by the May 5, 2016, notification of the University Grants Commission. The notification recommends an upper limit on the number of M.Phil and Ph.D students a faculty member can guide at a given time, which has become a bone of contention between the students and the university administration. The notification was adopted by the University during its 142nd Academic Council meet on December 26 amid protests from several council members. The students argued that the UGC notification "threatens to put their future in jeopardy" as they would not be able to find a supervisor due to the clauses prescribed in the notification. The ramifications of the notification would extend beyond existing students and would also mean that very few admissions in the current academic session would take place for aspiring research scholars, thereby violating norms of mandated reservation norms, the students said. During the hearing, the petitioners -- both existing and prospective students, who had moved the high court -- agreed to undertake that they are not challenging the UGC notification and restricting their case to "procedural lapses" on JNU's part in adopting the notification. The students' counsel said that the University did not include their representative in the meetings held to discuss the implementation of the notification. The court now posted the case for further hearing on March 14 after JNU said the students have not made UGC a party in the case. As a protest, the students have been "occupying" the Administrative Block of the university since February 9 despite requests to end the protest. --IANS gt/vgu/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It was a rare occasion when political parties with differing ideologies arrived at a consensus. Political parties in Maharashtra made a strong pitch to resume bullock cart races reminiscent of the agitation to lift the ban on Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu. The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who has been credited with the Bharatiya Janata Partys stellar performance in the civic and local body elections has hinted that a Bill would be tabled in the Budget session starting March 6. The proposed Bill would be similar to the one the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed in January. A race of sorts has begun among parties to gift a bull to Fadnavis for taking up the cause. The inspiration in this case, again, was the gift Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Working President M K Stalin received on his 65th birthday a bull, to honour his efforts to reinstate Jallikattu. Aiming to corner the Centre over the issue of demonetisation, the Congress will deploy former finance minister P Chidambaram, former deputy chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission Montek S Ahluwalia, former Union minister Kapil Sibal and Delhi chief of the party Ajay Maken on Friday to come out with untold stories related to the note ban. They will highlight how the move hit the economy and made people suffer. The seminar has been organised by the legal cell of the All India Congress Committee headed by K C Mittal. The event comes a day before phase four of polling in Uttar Pradesh on March 4 and days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke highly of his demonetisation decision. Matthew Utterback, a superintendent in Oregon, was named on Thursday as the 2017 National Superintendent of the Year at the annual gathering of school superintendents and district leaders in New Orleans. Utterback, who leads the North Clackamas school district in Milwaukie, Ore., was chosen from a group of four finalists. The other contenders for the award were James Merrill of Wake County schools in Cary, N.C.; Barbara Jenkins of Orange County schools in Orlando, Fla.; and Stewart McDonald of Kodiak Island Borough schools in Kodiak, Alaska. The AASA, the School Superintendents Association, which gives out the annual award, noted the strides that the North Clackamas district has made in closing achievement gaps under Utterbacks leadership. The districts four-year graduation rate rose from 66 percent to 83 percent in the last four years, with significant increases for subgroups, including students with disabilities, black students, and Hispanic students, the AASA said. Utterback has also earned kudos for leading the districts 2013 strategic direction and development plan, which focused, according to the district, on equity, student achievement, and quality education programs. Under his leadership, the district has received numerous grants to expand career and technical programs. He also serves as chair of the countys superintendents association and represents superintendents on a state task force on school safety, according to the AASA. Utterback started his education career as a teacher in the district in 1989 and has been superintendent since 2012. The award comes with a $10,000 scholarship for a student who either attends the high school from which Utterback graduated, or a student enrolled in the district that the superintendent now leads. The award is sponsored by Aramark K-12 Education, a nutrition and food services vendor. Top: Matthew Utterback, the superintendent of North Clackamas school district in Milwaukie, Ore., is the 2017 National Superintendent of the Year. --courtesy of James Minichello, AASA Above: Utterback, at left, is congratulated by James Merrill, the superintendent of Wake County public schools in Cary, N.C.; Stewart McDonald, superintendent of Kodiak Island Borough schools in Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbara Jenkins, superintendent of Orange County public schools in Orlando, Fla. --courtesy of James Minichello, AASA Phishing attacks aimed at stealing your money are increasing in frequency. Kaspersky Lab has found that 47.8 per cent of all the phishing attacks carried out in 2016 globally, which were blocked by its detection technologies, were attacks. They were aimed at obtaining valuable personal information from the victim: bank account numbers, credit card and online banking passwords, and so on. Another threat that has emerged is from ransomware. In 2014-15, the percentage of users encountering ransomware as a proportion of all malware attacks stood at 3.77 per cent in India. That figure rose to 9.60 per cent in 2015-16. From 1.44 lakh, the number of ransomware attacks rose to 3.26 lakh, an increase of 126 per cent. While many of these attacks are targeted at institutions, many are also directed against celebrities and high net worth individuals. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Democratic Alliance is currently short of nearly 66,000 votes in the electoral college that elects the President of India. As many as 43 winners in the just concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are facing criminal cases, says a report. This implies that nearly 19 per cent of the newly elected corporators have criminal charges against them, including for offences like attempt to murder and rape, as per an analysis of the affidavits of 225 winners out of the total 227 in BMC polls recently done by NGOs Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Maharashtra Election Watch. Maharashtra Election Watch's state-cordinator Sharad Kumar said, "As long as people don't go out to vote in large numbers, political parties will pick winning candidates who have money and muscle power." According to the report compiled by the two NGOs, Shiv Sena's Umesh Subhash Mane, who won from ward no. 115, has in his affidavit declared a case related to attempt to murder (Indian Penal Code section 307) against him. Besides, three of the winners have cases of rape (IPC section 376) and assault or criminal force to woman with an intent to outrage her modesty (IPC section 354) against them, the report said. Out of the 225 winners whose affidavits were analysed, 22 from Shiv Sena, 11 from BJP, 3 from MNS, 2 from Congress, one each from NCP, SP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and 2 independents are facing criminal cases, it said. The remaining two affidavits out of the total 227 winners were not analysed as they were not available at the time of making the report, the NGOs said in a statement. "This time the vote percentage has increased for the first time since the last 25 years. Similarly, the number of candidates with criminal background has also gone down," Kumar said. "Ever since affidavits have been made compulsory for candidates, voters have become aware of their background. The number of candidates with criminal cases against them is also coming down," he claimed, without elaborating on the figures. The report also mentioned that among the winners, 144 are crorepatis, while five winners have declared assets below Rs 4 lakh. Besides, seven winners have declared their total annual income to be over Rs 50 lakh. As per the affidavits, five winners have declared their ages to be between 21 and 24 years, 154 of the new corporators are aged between 25 and 50, while 66 are in the 51 to 80 years age bracket. In the recently concluded polls to the 227-member BMC, Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP-82, Congress-31, NCP-9, MNS-7, SP-6, MIM-3, Akhil Bharatiya Sena-1 and Independents-4. A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader has set a bounty of Rs 1 crore on the head of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan (pictured). At an protest in Ujjain on Wednesday, Kundan Chandrawat boasted how 2,000 Muslims were killed in 2002 Gujarat riots. After the video clip of the speech circulated on social media on Thursday, the distanced itself from Chandrawats statement. The episode comes in the middle of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, where the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have made several communally sensitive remarks. With polling to 90 of 403 seats remaining, the incident is seen as another attempt at communal polarisation in the wake of the Ramjas College incident in Delhi. The doesnt subscribe to any views advocating violence and strongly condemns it, RSS said. Communist Party of India (Marxist) general-secretary Sitaram Yechury said a chief minister being threatened by RSS was proof that they enjoy protection and patronage of government. RSS reveals its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will the prime minister and his government stop remaining silent? Yechury asked. Kerala has a CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front government. On Wednesday, the RSS organised meetings in several cities across India to protest alleged atrocities by CPI(M) on RSS workers in Kerala. At the meeting at Shahid Park in Ujjain, Chandrawat said: Three hundred pracharaks (RSS propagandists) have been killed. Communists be warned, we will offer a garland of three lakh heads to Bharat Mata. Chandrawat is Sah Prachar Pramukh, or joint propaganda/publicity chief, of the RSSs Ujjain unit. Chandrawat reminded the gathering of the death of karsevaks at the Godhra railway station in February 2002 and the subsequent communal riots in Gujarat. They killed 56, we sent 2,000 to the graveyard, he said. Chandrawat said if anyone beheads the Kerala CM, who is the murderer of RSS activists, and brings his head, he will bequeath his property worth more than Rs 1 crore to him. On Thursday, Chandrawat told reporters that he stood by his comments. The protest was attended by the local BJP MP and RSS leaders. When asked by reporters, Vijayan was quoted by news agency ANI to have said that Sangh Parivar has taken heads of several people. Five separate US drone strikes killed at least 12 suspected Al-Qaeda members in Yemen today, security officials said, barely a month after a controversial American commando raid against the jihadists. A dawn strike targeted the home of a known Al-Qaeda member in Yashbum valley in the southern province of Shabwa province, a provincial security official told AFP. Four suspected militants standing outside the house were killed, he said. A second strike on Al-Qayfa in Baida province, further north, killed three suspected Al-Qaeda members, a local official and a tribal chief said. Another strike targeted the jihadists in the Sawmaa district of the province, the local official said. And a fourth targeted an Al-Qaeda position east of Shaqra in the southern province of Abyan, a security source said. There was no immediate word of casualties in the Sawmaa and Shaqra strikes. In the afternoon, another drone strike hit a vehicle in Wadea district of Abyan province, killing five more Qaeda suspects, a security official said. Al-Qaeda briefly overran Shaqra early last month just days after the January 29 US raid on one of their compounds in Baida province in which a Navy SEAL was among the dead. As many as 16 civilians -- eight women and eight children -- were also killed, a provincial official said, drawing condemnation of the raid from human rights groups. The Pentagon has acknowledged non-combatants including children were killed in what was the first such operation of Donald Trump's presidency. Washington gives only occasional reports on its drone strikes but it is the only country known to operate the unmanned aircraft in Yemen. Jihadists have exploited a power vacuum created by two years of war between Yemen's government and rebels who control the capital to consolidate their presence, particularly in the south and east. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien wound up a visit to Yemen with a call for an end to the conflict in order to ease the impoverished country's humanitarian crisis. "The best humanitarian solution is for there to be peace," he told reporters at Sanaa airport. O'Brien expressed anger at being prevented on Tuesday from visiting the flashpoint southwestern city of Taez. "I was outraged that humanitarian efforts to reach people in need were once again thwarted by parties to the conflict, especially at a time when millions of Yemenis are severely food insecure and face the risk of famine," he said. O'Brien was denied passage at the final checkpoint as he headed from the rebel-controlled north to Taez, where pro-government forces are holed up. In fighting today, 12 Shiite Huthi rebels and six soldiers were killed in clashes near Mokha, a western coastal town captured last month by loyalists, medics and military sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least four militants and two soldiers were killed in a gunbattle in the restive tribal region in northwest Pakistan tonight, officials said. The militants and soldiers were killed during an operation in a frontier region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordering the North Waziristan Agency, the army's media wing said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today inaugurated the new Legislature building on the state government's transitional headquarters premises at Velagapudi in the capital region of Amaravati. Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani, Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, several ministers and legislators attended the event. Henceforth, meetings of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature will be held at Amaravati, beginning with the Budget Session from March 6. The Legislative Council has a seating capacity of 90 and the Assembly 230. The current strength of the two Houses is 58 and 176 respectively. Additional seating arrangements have been made in the new Legislature building to meet future requirements. An ultra-modern gadget has been installed on each member's table which will serve as a microphone, speaker, recorder and also, voting machine. The sprawling Houses have more legroom for the members and the seats have a sliding facility. Keeping in mind the unruly scenes in the Assembly in the past, when the Legislature building was located at Hyderabad, the Speaker's chair and podium have been placed at a higher elevation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany's opposition Left Party criticised the planned appearance today of Turkey's justice minister at a political rally in southwest Germany, and called on the government to deny him entry to the country. Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at a rally in Gaggenau, near the French border, as part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on introducing a presidential system in Turkey. Authorities in Gaggenau withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the large number of people expected, but said that it was possible the rally could be held elsewhere. Bozdag's visit comes amid friction between Berlin and Ankara over the detention in Turkey of Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for German daily Die Welt. "While (Turkish) opposition leader Selahattin Demirtas and German journalist Deniz Yucel are incarcerated in Turkish prisons it would be madness to allow Bozdag to take the stage in Germany," said Left Party lawmaker Sevim Dagdelen. "If the German government lets Bozdag enter (the country) it would be another instance of kneeling before Erdogan." The German government has indicated that it has no plans to prevent Turkish officials from speaking to the 1.4 million Turkish voters in Germany. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters yesterday that Germany wants to lead by example on issues of freedom of speech and assembly. Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Turkey to free Yucel and said yesterday night that "independent journalism must be able to exist; journalists must be able to do their job." Yucel, 43, who was detained in Istanbul on February 14 over his reports in German daily Welt about a hacker attack on the email account of Turkey's energy minister, wrote defiantly in Welt today that "even though they robbed my freedom, their interrogations and reasoning still make me laugh." Yucel, who has both German and Turkish citizenship, was jailed Monday pending a trial on charges of terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred. Yesterday he was taken to a prison in Silivri, 80 kilometers west of Istanbul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Turkish government today summoned Germany's ambassador to protest the cancellation of rallies in the country in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the latest spat between the two countries. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag earlier scrapped a visit to Germany after the authorities blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand Erdogan's powers. "Our discomfort and our reaction to these developments have been communicated in person to the German ambassador who was summoned this evening to the (foreign) ministry," a senior Turkish official said on condition of anonymity. The new row adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Bozdag was scheduled late yesterday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... Do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superintendents and top district officials from around the country will gather in New Orleans from Thursday through Saturday for their annual education conference. They will dive into myriad topics, including developing strong principals, what to expect from state education policy this year, leveraging social media for professional development and community engagement, using data to improve schools, managing district finance, and preparing educators for the implementation of the new national K-12 education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act. The National Conference on Education, put on by the AASA, the School Superintendents Association, will also feature sessions on female superintendents as part of an initiative to support women who may want to lead school districts. There will also be a session on U.S. and China cooperation in the K-12 arena. The association will also its 2017 National Superintendent of the Year . This years four finalists are: Stewart McDonald, Kodiak Island Borough schools, Kodiak, Alaska; Barbara Jenkins, Orange County schools, Orlando, Fla.; James Merrill, Wake County schools, Cary, N.C.; Matthew Utterback, North Clackamas School District, Milwaukie, Ore. The association will also honor former U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. with its 2017 Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award. The award is named after a former AASA associate director and district leader and honors leadership in educational equity and excellence. You can follow the conference on Twitter, with the hashtag #NCE17, and on the AASAs conference daily bulletin . Facing allegations of medical negligence and excessive charging following the death of a patient, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital president and CEO (eastern region) Rupali Basu resigned today. Basu, who is currently abroad, has emailed her resignation to the Apollo management, a senior official of the hospital told PTI. "Dr Rupali Basu has resigned today and there will be a new leadership taking over in the form of CEO Rana Dasgupta with immediate effect," a senior official said. Dr N Satya Bhama, Director of Medical Sciences (Southern Region) of the Apollo Group will assume additional charge of the eastern region to oversee all processes, the officer added. Last week, during a meeting with private hospitals and nursing homes in and around the city, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had pulled up Apollo Gleneagles for negligence in treatment and charging patients exorbitantly, advising it to be more humanitarian in its approach. But barely days after that, the family members of a patient, Sanjay Roy, who was injured in a road accident, accused the hospital of medical negligence and delay in his release for failing to settle the "over-charged" bill. This, the family said, led to his death at a state-run hospital. The hospital also came under severe criticism for keeping a fixed deposit certificate of the family after receiving a cheque to settle the bill. Apollo Gleaneagles had charged Rs 7.23 lakh for treating Roy for seven days. A probe team has started investigating the incident along with Kolkata Police after Roy's wife Ruby lodged an official complaint. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An indigenous weapon locating radar was today handed over to the army by state-run military weapons developer DRDO and it is likely to deployed along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The DRDO also handed over a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) recce vehicle and NBC drugs to the army. Sources said four weapon locating radar (WLRs) were deployed along the LoC for trial and it proved to be effective as artillery fire from Pakistani side had come down after their deployment. The WLR Swathi provides fast, automatic and accurate location of enemy weapons like mortars, shells and rockets in its 50 km range, a senior DRDO official said. The ceremony to hand over the radar, the NBC Recce vehicle and the NBC drugs was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat besides top brass of DRDO. The radar can simultaneously handle multiples projectiles fired from different weapons at different locations, the defence ministry said. Congratulating the DRDO, Parrikar said the government may consider allowing export of the WLR after the army's requirement is fulfilled. The Army Chief said the "WLR is being used extensively along the LoC by us". The Army has sought 30 WLRs. "Swathi could be a great equipment to ensure adversaries do not use artillery fire," said Parrikar, hoping it will be effective in containing artillery fire from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir. He said partnership among the DRDO, armed forces, PSUs and private sector can be a game changer in boosting the defence manufacturing sector. In his address, Rawat hoped that modernisation of the Army would move at a much faster pace. Speaking at the function, DRDO chairman S Christopher said "after Navy and Air Force, time has now come to handover our products to the Army and it is a proud moment for all scientists in DRDO". The WLR has been developed by DRDO's Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE). The NBC Recce Vehicle is capable of collecting solid and liquid samples of biologically contaminated areas, mark the nuclear and chemical contamination zone and transfer the recce data speedily to support formations. The NBC drugs are antidotes for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Islamist militant of the banned JMB outfit was killed today in a shootout when his associates tried to set him free during a raid in Bangladesh, police said. Aminur Islam alias Alam, 23, who was detained for allegedly stabbing two police officers, was the northern regional commander of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh's (JMB) military wing. He was killed in the encounter at Jamnagar village under Sherpur upazila where police were conducting a raid following a tip-off about a JMB meeting in the area. "We detained Alam from Rajshahi on Tuesday and brought him here. His associates opened fire on us in a bid to snatch him when we were conducting a drive at Jamnagar village along with the detainee around 3 AM on Thursday (today)," senior police officer Khan Mohammad Irfaan told the Dhaka Tribune. In retaliation, police had to open fire in which Alam was killed while the others managed to flee, he said. Police have recovered a pistol, three rounds of bullets and two magazines from the spot. Five Islamist militants of JMB were on Tuesday sentenced to death for brutally killing a 66-year-old Japanese farmer in Bangladesh in 2015, in one of the first attacks targeting foreigners, minority Hindus and secular Muslims. The country had launched a massive crackdown on militants specially after the July 1 Dhaka terror attack in 2016 in which 22 people, including an Indian, were killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bitter poll campaign with sharp attacks and counter-attacks came to a close this evening for the 49 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, the voting for which is to be held on March 4 with SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency being in focus. Assembly segments of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where jailed gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari is in fray, also figure in this sixth and penultimate phase of polling. The campaigning saw BJP state president KP Maurya likening rivals SP, Congress and BSP to different types of venomous "snakes" and "social cancer" and urging people to eliminate them by voting for the BJP. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav countered BJP saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conceded defeat in the polls by talking about a hung house. While mustering votes for BJP, Modi sought to prove wrong the prophets of doom after demonetisation saying the latest GDP data showed note-ban did not affect growth rate but rather improved it. Mocking economists, he said, "Hardwork, in fact, is much more powerful than Harvard." Sounding highly optimistic of the poll outcome for BJP, Modi said the debate now is whether BJP will get two-third or three-fourth majority. "Never have elections gone one way like this... There had been no dearth in enthusiasm of voters in all five phases," he said. The PM also caught UP Chief Minister on the wrong foot and cited government website to nail him. "Life in Uttar Pradesh is short and uncertain... Uttar Pradesh resembles Saharan Africa," Modi said quoting a para from the state government's official website up.Gov.In. Modi also ridiculed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his latest "coconut juice" remark. "There is a Congress leader, and I want to pray for his long life... He recently went to Manipur to address an election rally. There he told farmers that he would extract juice from coconuts and send it to London. In fact, a coconut possesses water (and not juice) and it is grown in Kerala," he said. "It is like setting up a potato factory," Modi said referring to Rahul's earlier remarks that he wants to set up potato factories in Uttar Pradesh. As campaigning reached its crescendo, BJP President Amit Shah held a road show in Gorakhpur today. Similar road shows were organsied at Kushinagar and Azamgarh. During her campaign, BSP supremo Mayawati said the public is "disenchanted with BJP" due to the "wrong policies" of the Union and the state governments and accused Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of "dreaming to destroy the state". The sixth phase of polling, the penultimate of the 7-phase exercise, will also cover some districts bordering Nepal. Around 1.72 crore voters, including 94.60 lakh men and 77.84 lakh women, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase, which would decide the fate of 635 candidates. The districts going to polls in this phase are Mau, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh and Ballia. Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency has 10 assembly seats, of which SP had won nine in 2012, but this time Mulayam has not addressed a single meeting in his parliamentary constituency. In the present phase, the prestige of Union minister Kalraj Mishra, who represents Deoria in the Lok Sabha, too is at stake, besides that of Adityanath. BJP is contesting 45 seats and its ally Apna Dal one. BJP's another ally Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party is contesting 3 seats. While BSP has fielded candidates on all 49 seats, SP is contesting 40 seats and Congress 9 seats. Prominent candidates in this phase include BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya from Padrauna (Kushinagar), former BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi from Pathardeva (Deoria), Shyam Bahadur Yadav (SP), son of former Governor Ram Naresh Yadav from Fulpur Pawai (Azamgarh), SP turncoats Ambika Chowhdury and Narai Rai, who are contesting on BSP ticket from Fefna (Ballia) and Ballia Sadar. While Mukhtar is contesting from Mau, his son Abbas is in fray from adjoining Ghosi seat in Mau district. In the 2012 Assembly polls, of the 49 seats, 27 were won by the SP, 9 by BSP, 7 by BJP, 4 by Congress and 2 by others. There will be 17,926 polling booths in this phase. The highest number of 23 candidates are contesting from Gorakhpur and the least candidates, numbering seven are in pitted for5 Mohammadabad Gohna seat in Mau district. A 21-year-old man and his teenage sister were run over by a bus on the Sultanpur-Allahabad highway near here, police said today. Sanjiv Verma and his 17-year-old sister, residents of Basdevpur village, were killed on the spot yesterday when a UPSRTC bus mowed them down while they were returning home, SHO Bharat Upadhyay said. The police have impounded the bus, however the driver and conductor of the bus managed to flee from the spot, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hygiene and safety standards have to be maintained across all eating joints in the city and the Food Safety department cannot just pick and choose restaurants or other eating joints to implement this, the Delhi High Court said today. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva made the observation while ordering withdrawal of notices issued against Kake da Hotel, a popular eating joint in the heart of the capital, over alleged lack of hygiene and safety standards. A controversy had recently erupted due to a video allegedly showing dough being kneaded by foot atop the hotel in Connaught Place. "You cannot pick and choose between restaurants. You have to ensure that same standards are maintained everywhere," the court told the Food Safety department of Delhi government. The eatery said it has complied with all requirements, barring two deficiencies of lack of non-hand operated taps and a chimney, which it said would be rectified within a week. The submission was endorsed by the Food Safety department which said that the eating joint was now "one of the most hygienic places" in the city. The department also assured the court that it would inspect all eateries and restaurants and action would be taken against those not complying with the mandatory safety and hygenic standard requirements. In response, the court said if the department actually inspected and took action, like it did in the instant case, then it expected to see hundreds of petitions before it soon. The department had issued a notice on February 22 for emergency prohibition to Mehak Cuisines Pvt Ltd, which runs the eatery, in the wake of a video which allegedly showed dough being kneaded by foot by a worker of the hotel. During the brief hearing today, the Food Safety Officer (FSO) told the court that when he inspected the premises on February 28, there was a dough kneading machine installed, though it was not there during earlier inspections. Advocate Chander M Lall, appearing for Mehak Cuisines, said there was no evidence of dough being kneaded by foot. He also said the standards which Kake-da-Hotel was being asked to maintain, was not being followed in other eating joints, including the lawyers' canteen of the Delhi High Court. He said in no other hotel in the city do the food handlers wear masks and added that it was impossible to wear them for long hours at a stretch. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A bomb threat targeting Muslim students forced an evacuation of nearly 4,000 students from the downtown campus of Concordia University in Montreal. In an email to school administrators and local media, a group identifying itself as the "underground" chapter of C4, or the Council of Conservative Citizens of Canada, at the university directly warned "Muslim students" there it would detonate one homemade explosive a day through Friday to protest their activities. "Now that President (Donald) Trump is in office south of the border, things have changed. We will not tolerate your behaviour anymore," the group said in its emailed letter, referring to the US president. "Until Concordia University stops religious activities of all kinds on campus, we decide the following action to show how far we are ready to go to fight Muslims," the group vowed. Montreal police said they were investigating the "threatening email." They swept the campus for explosives but found none. A similar threatening letter was also sent to nearby McGill University, which was put on heightened alert, but it did not specify a time or place of a possible attack. Three Concordia University buildings were evacuated just before midday, and would remain closed until around 6:00 pm (local time), Concordia spokeswoman Christine Mota said. One of the sites was hosting an "Islam awareness week." Quebec Universities Minister Helene David, speaking to reporters at the scene, called the threat against Muslim students "deplorable." "We strongly denounce these attacks against a university which is a model of living together," she said. "Quebec is an inclusive place," the minister added. "We want to live together. We will not tolerate this kind of situation." There has been an escalation of hate crimes in the country in recent months. In January, a white supremacist student shot dead six worshippers at a mosque in Quebec City. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recorded the statement of businessman Vipin Khanna in connection with its probe in the case of payment of alleged commission by aircraft maker Embraer to clinch the $208-million deal with India. The agency is probing the alleged payment of $5.70 million as commission to seal the deal, sources said. The deal for three aircraft, which were to be used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for air-borne radar systems, was inked with Embraer in 2008. According to defence procurement rules of India, middlemen are strictly barred in defence deals. They said Khanna, who is a suspect in the FIR registered by the CBI, was also asked about his alleged links with people whom he is understood to have approached to influence the deal. The agency has received records from the United States about the deal. On the basis of these documents, the CBI also asked Khanna to clarify the money trail of the alleged commission. Embraer has been under investigation by the US Justice Department since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised suspicions, the report said. The sources said 87-year-old Khanna might be called again in connection with its probe. A Brazilian newspaper had alleged that the company had taken the services of middlemen to clinch deals in Saudi Arabia and India. After the CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry, Embraer had said in a statement, "Since 2011, Embraer has publicly reported that it has been conducting an extensive internal investigation and cooperating with the authorities on investigations regarding alleged violations of the FCPA. The company voluntarily expanded the scope of the investigation, systematically reporting the progress of the case to the market. "The company is not party of the legal proceedings in Brazil. Therefore, it does not have access to the information contained therein," it had said. China said today it will continue to support the "open and unbiased" World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a statement that came on the heels of an announcement by President Donald Trump's administration that the US is not bound by the group's rulings. The world's second largest economy is seeking to position itself as a defender of the international trade system in response to a rising tide of protectionist sentiment personified by the billionaire politician. Trump has repeatedly argued that Washington is better off pursuing country by country agreements rather than working within a global regime. "China would like to work with all WTO members to ensure that the WTO can play an important role in global trade and to ensure that the WTO can play a constructive role in international cooperation," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters during a regularly scheduled press briefing. He added that maintaining and improving the "open and unbiased multilateral trade regime is conducive to improving world economic development". The statement came in response to a question about a letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to the US Congress yesterday arguing that "Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings". The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. Under President Barack Obama, the US brought at least 16 trade complaints against China, arguing that Beijing's policies on goods ranging from chicken to aluminium broke the organisation's rules. China has also often voiced its own complaints to the group. Trump has accused China of being a free-rider in the international system, saying its unfair trade policies have cost the US tens of thousands of jobs and threatening to slap Beijing with massive tariffs of up to 45 percent. In a White House meeting with US manufacturing moguls last week, Trump pointed to the WTO as a major factor in the US losing out to Beijing, saying that "70,000 factories closed since China joined". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi unit of Congress today released a chargesheet on alleged "corruption and failures" of the three municipal corporations ruled by BJP for the past ten years. Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken gave a powerpoint presentation of the "so-called" work done by the BJP-run civic bodies in health, education, pensions, revenue generation and development of civic amenities, alleging that the bodies have cheated the people by failing on several counts. Gearing up for the MCD elections in April, the party also accused the AAP-led Delhi government for the financial crisis being faced by the municipal corporations. Congress will hold a panel discussion on March 6 on a draft road map for making the MCDs self-reliant. Senior party leaders P Chidambaram and Jyotiraditya Scindia will take part in the discussion, Maken added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Young children who watch more than two hours a day of television show decreased skills in math and executive functioningthe collective term for cognitive abilities related to attention, focus, and self-controlwith low-income children faring the worst compared to children from higher-income families who viewed the same amount of TV. The study was published online in February by the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics . The association between television viewing and a childs math and executive functioning skills was highest for children in families earning at or below about $21,200 a year, which was the poverty line at the time the data was collected about 8 years ago.The effects on middle-income children, which in this study was defined as an average of $74,200 in earnings annually for a family of four, were smaller than for less-affluent children, but statistically significant. But no effect on school readiness was noted on television-watching children who came from families earning at or above $127,200 a year, according to the research. The study did not find any effect on preliteracy skills for children, regardless of their parents income. And watching more than two hours of television appeared to be the tipping point when the effects were most apparent. In guidelines released last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that children ages 2 to 5 should be watch no more than one hour a day of high quality programming, such as Sesame Street. See also: Pediatricians Set New Guidelines on Electronic Media Use by Young Children The findings are based on a group of 5-year-olds in Massachusetts who were recruited for a kindergarten intervention in the fall of 2008 and 2009. Notably, the children were recruited before the invention of the iPad, which hit the market in 2010. This study captures only the hours spent passively viewing televisionit does not measure the hours spent listening to television in the background, or time that children spent using electronic games or on interactive screen-based technologies. The study also does not capture the content of the television that children were watching. The study asked parents to report how many hours their children spent watching television, and the children were given a battery of tests measuring their literacy, math, and executive functioning skills. Andrew Ribner, a doctoral student at New York University and the lead author of the study, said that one surprising result was that children from more affluent families seemed not to have any measurable deficits that could be connected to television watching. Because the families did not report what the children were watching, this study could not test these hypotheses, but Ribner said one factor in these results could be that children in more affluent households were watching more age-appropriate, educational programming. Another hypothesis is that adults in more affluent household engaging more often with children as they watched television, he said. Ribner said the findings suggest that parents should not worry too much about occasional viewing of age-appropriate programming, but should be mindful of how much television their children may be watching. Children just shouldnt be watching a lot of television, but a little bit is OK, he said. The Congress today hit out at the government over the steep hike in prices of LPG cylinders even as it mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talk of welfare of the poor and asked if these were supposed to be "Achche Din". "The ordinary Indian is being ripped apart by Modiji by midnight extortion as LPG cylinders hiked by Rs 86 and small cylinders by Rs 30.50. Are these 'Achche Din?'," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. He said the "whopping rise" in LPG cylinder prices tells us that this "Suit Boot Ki Sarkar's" promises to the common man were "all gas and betrayal". "The PM talks about the poor on one hand and on the other hand, proceeds to increase the price of LPG in one stroke to Rs 86 per cylinder which is unprecedented in India's history. Is this the way you are going to treat India's poor?" the Congress leader asked. He said the facts tell their own story as in September 2016, a non-subsidised gas cylinder cost Rs 466, it now costs Rs 737. "This is really the sixth increase by Modi government of Rs 271 or nearly 58 per cent," he said. Surjewala said a Prime Minister who speaks about cashless and digital economy has now permitted banks to charge Rs 150 for over four transactions. In 2015, the government permitted banks to impose a Rs 20 transaction tax after 5 ATM transactions and now PM has allowed banks can charge tax of Rs 150 on more than four banking transactions," he said. He claimed if a poor man or ordinary person who draws Rs 100-200-500 for the fifth time, then a tax of Rs 150 would have to be paid. "This is when the limit on withdrawal of money from your own bank accounts has not gone. Is that the way you are going to treat the people of this country," he asked. The price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was hiked by a steep Rs 86 per cylinder last night, reflecting international trends. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Justifying its curbs on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, China today said such controls were needed to prevent "external interference". "Safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace has become an important strategic goal," China's first white paper on cyber security released here said. Titled "International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace", the white paper highlighted how several countries including China and Russia pushed for a "sovereign" and nationally-administered and controlled internet to avoid external interference. While it said China "supports a free and open Internet", senior Chinese officials who released the paper to the media put up a strong defence to Beijing's internet controls by blocking global social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube with Great firewalls, saying that it is keeping in line with protecting China's national interests. Releasing the white paper, Wang Jianchao, International Cooperation Department of the Cyberspace Administration of China said, "the Chinese Internet is fully open". "As long as they comply with Chinese laws and regulations, refrain from undermining China's national interests and interests of Chinese consumers, all Internet companies are welcome in China," Wang said. Long Zhou, Coordinator, Cyber affairs division of the Foreign Ministry said, China was "deeply worried that around the world cyber attacks are increasing". China, which has only state-controlled media, is trying to grapple with spread of social media like Weibo, a Chinese version of twitter which has hundreds of millions of users. Weibo itself has over 313 million users. The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) worries that it could be effectively used to subvert its over six decades of rule. China's concept of cyber sovereignty will be discussed in the BRICS, (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to be held in Xiamen in September this year, officials said. It will be discussed in the cyber security working group of the bloc, they said. "As BRICS host this year, China stands ready to work together with Russia and other BRICS partners," Long said. On the allegations of Russian interference in the US election, Long said, "especially in recent years, the number of cyber security events throughout the world increasing, posing challenges to all countries' efforts to maintain political, economic stability and protecting all citizens' rights and interests". The white paper also spoke about strengthening of cyber capabilities as an important part of China's military modernisation and cautioned that internet should not become "a new battlefield". The building of national defence cyberspace capabilities is an important part of China's military modernisation, it said, adding that countries should not harm other nation's security and interfere in their internal affairs, and should not engage in cyber hegemony. The white paper outlined China's strategic goals in participating in international cyberspace cooperation, which include firmly safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace, developing a system of international rules, promoting fair internet governance, protecting legitimate rights and interests of citizens, furthering global cooperation on digital economy, building platform for cyber culture exchange. The strategy also laid out a plan of action to advance international cyberspace cooperation. China has taken an active part in international processes on cyberspace and continued to enhance its dialogue and cooperation in this field with other countries in the world, it added. The BJP on Thursday urged the Election Commission to ensure deployment of women police and para-military forces at "sensitive" polling booths in the last two phases of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls to examine burqa-clad female voters. In a representation to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the party said, "The BJP demands that to establish the identity of burqa-clad female voters in the sixth and seventh phase of the UP polls, women police and central para-military forces be posted at the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths." It said a large number of burqa-clad women exercise their franchise and there is a possibility of false voting. "Adequate deployment of female police would ensure proper checking of women voters, and at the same time, minimise incidents of bogus voting," it said. The BJP today urged the EC to deploy women force at polling booths in the last two phases of the UP Assembly polls to check identity of burqa-clad female voters and prevent bogus voting, leaving some Muslim bodies fuming. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, the party said, "The BJP demands that to establish the identity of burqa-clad female voters in the sixth and seventh phase of the UP polls, women police and central paramilitary forces be posted at sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths". BJP leaders J P S Rathore and Kuldeep Pati Tripathi said in the letter that a large number of burqa-clad women exercise their franchise and there was a possibility of false voting. "Adequate deployment of female police would ensure proper checking of women voters, and at the same time, minimising incidents of bogus voting," they said. A large number of constituencies going to polls in the last two rounds on March 4 and 8 fall in Muslim-dominated districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The demand by the saffron party, however, did not go down well with Muslim organisations, with some of them accusing BJP of deliberately indulging in "polarisation politics". Mahila Muslim Personal Law Board Chairperson Shaista Amber said, "Till now, the election and voting process have been rather smooth, and the Election Commission deserves a round of applause for this. However, in a bid to polarise the votes in the sixth and seventh phase, the BJP has now come up with this strange demand". She said this act of BJP smacked of its "sick mentality". "Whether a woman is wearing burqa or ghoonghat, no one has the right to offend her womanhood and dignity," she said. Shia Personal Law Board spokesperson Yassob Abbas said, "This is a deliberate tactic of the BJP to polarise the votes. We would not tolerate even an iota of insult to burqa." He said even non-Muslim women living in villages wear 'pallu' (veil). "Will the pallu (of non-Muslim women) be removed to check and verify their identity?" he asked, adding "It is better not to do any politics over burqa". Senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali said, "Ever since the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections have started, a conscious attempt has been made to target Muslim women". "It started with triple talaq, which has fallen flat on the face of the BJP," he said. He also said that as per the laid down provisions of law, a voter is allowed to cast his or her vote only after the poll official cross-checks and verifies the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) card. "I think that there is a planned attempt to keep Muslim women voters away from voting," he said. Saharanpur-based Islamic seminary of Darul Uloom Deoband refused to comment. Muslims make up around 19-20 per cent of UP's population of nearly 200 million. Out of 403 assembly constituencies in UP, there are nearly 120 seats where the percentage of Muslim voters is more than 20 per cent (Muslim-dominated seats) and in certain parts of eastern UP, their population is up to 27 per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Workers with desk-bound jobs, who spend too much time sitting down, have a bigger waistline and increased risk of heart disease, a new study has warned. The study suggests that waist circumference increases by two centimetres and risk of cardiovascular diseases by 0.2 per cent, for every additional hour of sitting on top of five hours, researchers said. Also, bad cholesterol (LDL) increases and good cholesterol (HDL) decreases with each additional hour of sitting from five hours a day, they said. The study led by William Tigbe from University of Warwick in the UK advises people to sit less and be more active. Standing for as much as seven hours a day, and walking seven miles, may be needed to avoid heart disease, according to the study. Tigbe kitted out 111 healthy postal workers with activity monitors for seven days; 55 were office workers and 56 delivered post for a living. The study found that those who had desk jobs had a bigger waist circumference - 97 cm compared to 94 cm - and about one Body mass index (BMI) unit difference. They also had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease - 2.2 per cent compared to 1.6 per cent over ten years. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Only healthy, non-smokers, with no personal history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, coronary heart disease, hypertension or diabetes were included in the study. None of the participants was on any lipid, blood pressure or glucose lowering medication. "Our evolution, to become the human species, did not equip us well to spending all day sitting down. We probably adapted to be healthiest spending seven to eight hours every day on our feet, as hunters or gatherers," said Professor Mike Lean from University of Glasgow in the UK. The research was published in the International Journal of Obesity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An American ex-CIA agent released from prison in Portugal just hours before her planned extradition to Italy is thanking President Donald Trump for what she describes as his administration's intervention in her case. India-born Sabrina de Sousa tells The Associated Press that US officials were in contact with authorities in both Portugal and Italy ahead of her release. Officials in the United States, Italy and Portugal were not immediately available for comment. De Sousa walked free yesterday, a day after Italy dropped its extradition request for her. An Italian court had convicted her of taking part in the kidnapping of a Muslim cleric in Milan 14 years ago as part of the US "extraordinary rendition" anti-terrorism program. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman Naxal, carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh and wanted for the 2013 'Darbha ghati' killings of politicians in Bastar, has surrendered before the CRPF in Chhattisgarh. Maoist Budhri alias Geeta, who worked in the Left Wing cadre for about seven years, laid down her arms before a CRPF battalion in Jagdalpur in south Bastar region yesterday, the CRPF said. "She worked with the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, active in Bastar region, and had participated in at least four major incidents of violence where 43 security personnel and 17 politicians have been killed," a senior official said. This includes the 'Darbha Ghati' attack of May 2013 where 17 Congress politicians were killed in a Naxal ambush. She carried a bounty of Rs 8 lakh, which was declared by police and security forces for her apprehension. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director Tigmanshu Dhulia's movie "Raag Desh", based on the infamous Indian National Army (INA) trials in Second World War era, will hit the theatres this May. The period film features Kunal Kapoor, Amit Sadh and Mohit Marwah in lead roles. "We (RSTV) commissioned the film and the movie is now ready and will release in May," Rajya Sabha TV CEO, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, told PTI. It recreates the Indian National Army (INA) Trials or The Red Fort Trials of 1940s. Colonel Prem Sehgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, officers in the British Indian Army, taken prisoners of war in Malaya, Singapore and Burma respectively, were court-martialled in the capital at the trials held at the Red Fort. The three men were charged with treason and torture and even case of murder was slapped on them. Several lawyers led by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru were part of the defence counsel. It is learned that the actors also met the family members of INA officers to prepare for their roles. "Besides, 'Raag Desh', we have also commissioned a film on the war history of Indian Armed Forces, which would be helmed by Shyam Benegal. Research for this project is done and very soon the actual work would begin," Sappal said. "We have also proposed another project on the integration of the Indian states by Sardar Patel. But, we are still working out its viability," he said. Asked about new documentary projects for RSTV channel, Sappal, also the Editor-in-Chief of the network, said, "We had invited documentary proposals from the public. First we got a not-so-good response and then we finally shortlisted about 30 of them, out of which we have okayed only 19 of them for telecast. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former President of the Tripura unit of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Surajit Datta has resigned from the party. "I have resigned from TMC and sent my resignation to Mamata Banerjee, but not going to disclose the reason now. I am discussing the matter with my supporters and future course of actions would be drawn soon", Datta told reporters here today. Datta, a former PWD minister of the state and five time MLA had joined the TMC in September, 2013. "I was tired of sitting idle, because my party did not entrust me any job", he said. TMC Tripura unit president, Ashish Saha, who is now camping in Kolkata told reporters over phone that he would not comment immediately about the resignation. He said, Mamata Banerjee assured a team of TMC leaders of Tripura yesterday that she would address a gathering in the second week of May to intensify campaign against the Left Front Government in Tripura. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German local authorities today blocked rallies by Turkish ministers aimed at promoting a referendum that would expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers, citing capacity problems. The Union of European Turkish Democrats had been due to hold one rally later Thursday in the western town of Gaggenau, with Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as the guest speaker. But Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement for the group to rent a hall for the event, saying it did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall, parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. Separately, Cologne city authorities said they would no longer allow the UETD to use a hall on Sunday, when Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci is expected to make a rally speech. "The event can and will not happen there," a spokeswoman for Cologne city authorities told AFP. It was unclear if Zeybekci would be able to find an alternative site. The UETD had earlier reserved a room in the city hall of the Cologne-Porz district for a "theatre event", said the spokeswoman. But yesterday, the group said it would now host an "information event". The city said however that it would no longer make the site available to the group, citing difficulties in guaranteeing security at such short notice. Turkish politicians including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have sparked controversy over their visits to Germany to hold political rallies. Germany is home to about three million people of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 70s and the biggest population of Turks in the world outside of Turkey. And Erdogan's government is keen to harness their votes for the April 16 referendum, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey's history. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This week, Rick is off talking about his forthcoming book, Letters to a Young Education Reformer. Letters wont be officially released until late April, but you can learn more about it here and order an advance copy here . While Rick is away, weve got an illustrious line-up of guest stars. This week, Ed Jones, head of the Hackable High Schools initiative, will be guest-blogging. Theyve re-purposed my old office in Hawthorne, CA. As I write this morn, SpaceXs Mission Control team is therein conducting operations. Where I plotted fighter dogfights, theyre carefully docking the Dragon cargo module to International Space Station (ISS). Half a globe away, 249 miles over Kazakhstan, ISS and Dragon have closed to 11 meters, with the stations robotic arm in waiting. Home in Houston, NASA guides ISS itself via the iconic Mission Control we came to know when Apollo went to the moon. Thanks, once more, Rick, for the chance to talk unbundled learning. What was the most incredible video youve seen this year? For me, it was, hands down, landing a rocket on a platform bouncing in the sea. To really get this, check out the earlier failure and explosion by SpaceX. This is really hard stuff. Were squeezing in a lightning discussion of systemic transformation of high school. Like returning to the moon and beyond, transforming high school is, well, you know... To get from here to there in that task, we most need a new coherent value network . Say what? To many in education, systemic transformation has long implied new, larger sources of funding. For others, its meant the right combination of laws and regulations to prod districts forward or to turn students over (voluntarily) to non-district schools. For still others, it means we do essentially the old stuff in new ways, adding blended and competency-based learning approaches to teaching the traditional content arrangements. Each of these must be part of the mix. But these do not truly offer a new, coherent value network (CVN). What will? In transforming high school, curriculum matters . A new CVN for teens would first reimagine curriculum. That is, we must stop thinking of algebra II, history, or civics as a single, take-or-dont-take year-long course and start thinking of them unbundledas ten to thirty chunks, which can be selected and combined to meet very different needs. Remember how we observed yesterday that school is working much better for girls than for boys? If were to truly serve non-college-matriculating teens, we cant go wrong in thinking how we can better serve grade six to twelve boys. People. Passion. Production. Purpose. Last week I again joined the staff of LRNG , the spinoff of the MacArthur Foundations Connected Learning Alliance and Mozillas Open Badges network. People. Passion. Production. Purpose. captures their four pillars: connecting young people to adults and like-interested peers; showing teens paths to learn things they can love; enabling them to enjoy the satisfaction of making things that will last; and helping them find a purpose to pull them forward. Some of the faces in a new CVN for teens would be an off-duty nurse, a volunteer programmer, a retired machinist, a between-jobs carpenter, retired teachers, and educated moms. On a given day, it may be the carpenter who helps them learn world geography. While certified teachers focus even more on the needs, aspirations, and literacy of each learner. Did you think just now that Ive waffled on curriculum? Become an advocate for all-project-based-learning schools? Ive not. I simply propose that curriculum design for 2020 cannot look like curriculum design for 2010. We cannot think of course selection as an annual spring rite that is the only decision about learning that teens will make all year. On curriculum, I stand should-to-shoulder with Robert Pondiscio and the Knowledge Matters Campaign . Yet, if were to transform high school, we need a 1984 moment . One where curriculum is completely unbundled, made transparent to all, opened to the creativity of crowds, and iterated to new and higher forms. GitHub can guide us. In 1979, the Department of Defense took the unprecedented step of turning over systems integration of an entire aircraft to the private sector. In 2014, NASA contracted with SpaceX to provide not just a rocket, but complete space transportation service. Neerav Kingsland might call this relinquishment. I prefer laser-like refinement of governments core competencies. When chunks of learning become the focal point of the work going forwardinstead of the courseperspectives will change. When Uber created its new CVN, it wasnt just with drivers. A whole lot of smart engineers worked behind the scenes to assure the best possible ride. The ride became the center of everyones attention. Perspective changed. For 2020, states and districts need to part ways with traditional curriculum designs and approvals. (Teachers dont use them anyway .) They need curricula more than everjust unbundled and rethought as to its entire life cycle. While there must be millions of SpaceX moments for high school, one might go like this: In a previously empty factory building in Cleveland, a group of teens is just selecting from an impressive array of tools, electronics, and machines. Their public school just let out. Yet many of them are getting to the best part of their formal school day. A number of them slept in, and joined history, biology, civics, or chemistry class at a more reasonable 9am. The makerspace theyve arrived at is owned by Lubrizol, a nearby, community-minded, 90 year old company. Its staffed from 2-6 pm on school days by two youth ministers from nearby congregations, both of whom have secondary education degrees. Several other adults come in and out; this is also a membership space where adults work on projects of their own. Formal curricula continue to guide students; theyll learn today toward credits for graduation. All have accomplished first aid and OSHA awareness training, most have certifications with equipment such as band saws, drill press, and a nice CNC machine. Javon is actually working through an Internet-of-Things curriculum. His capstone project will require a number of the tools and resources here, but today hes focused on a communications controller. Emilio is somewhat of his partner in this; he works with a robot (it started life as a Roomba floor vacuum) that will interact with Javons IoT configuration. Others will contribute pieces to the overall installation. Well round out this vision tomorrow. Ed Jones Patients suffering from renal ailments in Goa have no other option but to travel to neighbouring Maharashtra as the lone kidney transplantation facility in the coastal state has been shut since last six months due to lack of a full-time nephrologist. Private hospitals in Goa are not allowed to perform kidney transplant operations. The state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), which is the only facility for kidney transplantation, has been non-operational for the last six months due to unavailability of a full time nephrologist, a senior GMCH official told PTI today. Dr J P Tiwari, Head of Department (Nephrology), GMCH, is on a two-year leave since last December. "We are in the process to appoint the new HoD. Till then operations have been kept on hold," GMCH Dean Dr Pradip Naik said. While the department conducted three transplants each year in the last five years, 250 new patients with severe kidney ailments needing dialysis are being recorded each year. Applications seeking permission to conduct such surgeries by private hospitals, including Manipal Hospital in Dona Paula, are pending with the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), a senior DHS official said. "There are about 1,000 kidney patients who are put on dialysis in different facilities across the State. The rate of survival on dialysis is poor compared to kidney transplant," said GMCH Honorary Consultant nephrologist Dr Amol Mahaldar. "GMCH, which is the only licenced facility, has been unable to conduct kidney transplants on a regular basis, and is hence dependent on visiting honorary surgeons from Mumbai," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Telangana BJP leader says Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur is a representative sample on many campuses in the country, who are products of a failed education, parenting and social support system in India. "There are many Gurmehar Kaurs in university campuses across India. This young woman is only a representative sample of a select section of young people, who are products of a failed education, parenting & social support system of a 70-year independent India", the state BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said in a blogpost. 20-year-old Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against RSS-backed student body ABVP and for a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. "One cannot expect not to face consequences for one's massive and controversial expression, in fact there will be equal and even larger reaction as a consequence...The abuse is certainly wrong, violent threats are certainly wrong, however,any other form of expression is clearly a natural recourse," Rao said. "Terming that (intense trolling) as an attack on one's freedom of expression is juvenility, self pity, escapism and lack of ownership. If one is courageous, one must stand up and face the consequences of their expression". Saying that attacking Kaur would not solve anything, he said "young people like her clearly reflect the collective social outcomes of a nation, which has never pro-actively designed its national identity and national values. The issue is much larger, it's national. It's a legacy issue of this country". Attacking Congress, Rao said only a "vertically and horizontally divided India" suits the type of politics practiced by Congress party." Rao said it is time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute a cohesive group of great individuals to initiate a proactive nation building exercise with well defined and empowering national values for unique national identity and pride of being an India, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi university student Gurmehar Kaur issue rocked the Haryana Assembly today, with opposition INLD seeking state minister Anil Vij's apology for his tweet that dubbed her anti-ABVP campaign supporters as pro-Pakistan, liable to be thrown out of the country. The issue was raised during Zero Hour by INLD's leader by former minister Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, who asked Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to rein-in his minister having the habit of shooting off his mouth. Sandhu also said Vij should apologise for what he had said about Gurmehar Kaur. With Vij being outside the House at the time the matter was raised, he walked in and drew vociferous support from his colleagues at treasurey benches. Congress too supported INLD members on the issue with the MLAs from the opposition and the treasury benches having sharp exchanges, some of which had to be expunged. Some BJP members also raised 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' slogans. Meanwhile, outside the House, Vij defended today what he had said yesterday, asserting "In my tweet yesterday, no where have I said anything personal against Gurmehar Kaur." "I only said she should not do politics over martyrdom of her father," Vij told reporters later, adding "Pakistan has been fighting direct and proxy war against India for the last 70 years and an attempt has been made to give a clean chit to that country." Gurmehar Kaur had said Pakistan did not kill her father, the war did. Somewhere she has shown a soft corner towards Pakistan." Vij went to the extent of terming INLD act of raising the Gurmehar's issue inside the House as "anti-national." "INLD MLA tried to support Guermehar, which is an anti-national thing to do," he said. On INLD senior leader Abhay Chautala saying that young people can falter, Vij said "to say that she is a young woman, the matter cannot end there. If young people like her become a tool in the hands of the anti-national forces, they too cannot be deemed to have committed wrong. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today allowed Coca Cola and Pepsi to draw water from a river in Tamil Nadu for their bottling plants but the lifting of the ban triggered protests by locals who stood knee-deep in the river. In a relief for the Cola majors, the Madurai bench of the court gave them permission to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in Tirunelveli district for manufacturing soft drinks besides packaged drinking water. Dismissing a PIL filed by D A Prabakar, a consumer activist, and one Appavo, a Division Bench of Justice A Selvam and Justice P Kalaiarasan lifted the ban earlier imposed by the court on the firms for drawing water from the river. The court had given the interim injunction in November last year. The soft drinks companies sought a direction on lifting the ban on the ground that they were using only the surplus water. The PIL litigants submitted that the river flowing through Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts supported drinking water projects and irrigation in the two districts. It was contended that drawing of water for the bottling plants of these companies deprived farmers of their livelihood, who were unable to take up farming activities. The companies paid only 37.50 paise per 1,000 litres of water extracted and sold their beverages at a much higher cost, Prabakar, Secretary of Tirunelveli Consumer Protection Association, had submitted. The PWD had earlier submitted that there was sufficient water in the river and only surplus water was given to the companies. Upset over the order, a large number of persons stood in knee-deep water in Thamirabharani river to vent their ire. They also protested against the "laxity" on the part of the authorities in handling the case. The protesters shouted slogans against the state government for not taking necessary steps to prevent the Cola majors from drawing water from Thamirabharani, when the farmers in the state were facing acute water shortage for their farming activities. The order came amid a call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu to ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi that came into effect yesterday with its President A M Vikrama Raja declaring the aerated drinks as 'toxic' for consumption. Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal opposed the call, saying it would lead to blackmarketing. Badal rued that "politics" was being played on the issue, and said such a ban was against the democratic values of the country. "I am not in favour of banning things because this gives rise to blackmarketing," she told PTI when asked about the ban call and its impact on FDI inflows. The minister, who is currently on a visit to Japan leading a delegation of industry body CII to woo investments in Indian food processing sector, said: "As a democratic country we have the right to eat what we want to eat." She further said: "Someone who wants to drink Cola will find Cola despite all odds. This (the ban) will increase black marketing and corruption. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today directed Tamil Nadu government to consider the representation made by former MLA M Appavu to ban river sand mining. Appavu submitted that in 2002, the Madras High Court while dealing with a PIL directed the state Government to constitute a committee to conduct a scientific survey on the river sand quarrying and submit a report. The committee suggested use of crushed stonesandas an alternate material to naturalsand for construction activities. In spite of the recommendation of the use of crushed stonesand, the usage of riversandcontinues in all construction activities, Appavu contended. Due to continious riversandmining, the state was facing rapid drying up of rivers, lakes, ponds leading to water scarcity and drought. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Security forces apprehended a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said today. A joint team of army, CRPF and police apprehended Hilal Ahmad Bhat from Dahwatoo in Awantipora area last night following a tip-off, a police official said. He said two Chinese grenades, one camouflage uniform, one knife and some other incriminating material were recovered from Bhat's possession. Bhat had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen ranks recently, the official said adding a case under relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code have been registered against him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Honda Cars India on Thursday commenced pre-bookings for its upcoming model WR-V which it plans to launch in the country this month. The company will launch the vehicle on March 16 and has initiated pre-bookings for the upcoming model at its dealerships for an amount of Rs 21,000. "The WR-V is an all new sporty lifestyle vehicle in Honda's line-up. It will provide joy for recreational usage and comfortable driving for daily use in the city," Honda Cars India President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno said in a statement. India is the first country to manufacture and launch the in the world. It is the first model developed by Honda R&D India in association with Honda R&D Co, Ltd, Japan. The company has developed the model as a Sporty Lifestyle Vehicle for the Indian consumers who want sporty and stylish vehicles that are compact in size with premium interiors and advanced features. Based on Jazz platform, the WR-V would come with both petrol and diesel powertrains. Ueno said Honda has started the year 2017 on a positive note. "After a very successful launch of the New City 2017 in February, the WR-V launch is our second important launch this year. We are confident that both these models will propel Honda Cars India firmly on the growth path," he added. Protests against the Hydrocarbon exploration and extraction project continued today at Neduvasal village near here urging the Centre to shelve the project immediately to "protect" agriculture and the people. Protestors gathered at the Amman temple grounds in the village and raised slogans against the project. They held placards alleging that the entire district will face the "eventuality of desertification," if the project sets in motion. They urged the Centre to withdraw the nod for hydrocarbon project and protect agriculture and the local people. The protest is on for the fifteenth day today despite the State government's assurance yesterday that it will not implement any scheme inimical to the interests of farmers. The government had also urged the protestors to withdraw their stir. On February 15, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had approved award of contracts in 31 contract areas of discovered small oil and gas fields including Neduvasal. On February 27, seeking to allay the fears of protestors said, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had said strict environmental norms will be followed during the proposed oil and gas exploration and production at domestic small fields including Neduvasal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Guest post by Andrew Ujifusa The Kansas Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the level of state funding for public schools is inadequate and does not square with the states constitution, giving state lawmakers until the end of June to respond. Gannon v. Kansas has been one of the most closely watched state school funding cases in recent years. The plaintiffs, several school districts in the state, alleged that the states K-12 funding is inadequate, which the state has denied in a long-running and complex legal battle. (Its one of two elements in the legal battle over school funding in the Sunflower Statemore on that below.) Thursdays decision could create serious difficulties for Kansas lawmakers, since they were already pondering how to dig the state out from a $900 million budget hole this year, the Wichita Eagle reported before the ruling was released. We conclude the states public education financing system, through its structure and implementation, is not reasonably calculated to have all Kansas public education students meet or exceed the minimum constitutional standards of adequacy, the ruling states. The ruling supported this conclusion by citing the nearly 50 percent of African-American students in Kansas who are not proficient in reading or math, and the one-third of students who receive free or reduced-price meals who are also not proficient in these subjects. Separately, the court ruled in 2015 that the states funding system was inequitable. That issue was settled to the state supreme courts satisfaction last year by shifting $38 million around within the education budget, but the separate legal question of overall funding adequacy remained. Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, last year warned that there would be tax hikes if the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs . Read the ruling from the court below: The Kansas Supreme Court has finally confirmed what anyone who has recently stepped inside a Kansas public school already knew, said Alan Rupe, a lawyer representing some of the districts that originally sued. Kansas public education is significantly underfunded. The hardest part now awaits. It is incumbent upon the Legislature to react to the ruling quickly and in a way that puts the funding levels into constitutional compliance. Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article135967648.html#storylink=cpy Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. The Central IAS officers' association has sought immediate intervention of the Bihar and the Union governments into the alleged "arbitary functioning" of the police against officers posted in the state. The Central IAS officers' association, which represents 4,926 officials working across the country, also supported the demand of its Bihar unit for a probe by an independent agency like the CBI in cases involving two civil servants. In a statement, the central association of IAS officers' asked both, the state as well as the central government, to ensure that hardworking, honest and sincere civil servants are not demoralised by arbitrary and malafide actions of the police machinery in Bihar. The central IAS officers' association, representing the prestigious administrative service officers, sought immediate help of the Centre to check alleged arbitrariness by the Bihar Police in acting against civil servants. The move comes following alleged wrongful arrest of two officers-- Jitendra Gupta and Sudhir Kumar-- of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) working under Bihar government. The central association after perusing all the facts placed before it by its Bihar unit has decided to support both the resolutions which includes safety and security for its officers as well as a probe by an independent agency. When contacted Sanjay Bhoosreddy, Secretary of the central IAS association, said there is a need to check arbitrary behaviour of some of the policemen working in the Bihar Police. "It appears that the police is acting arbitrarily there and they need to follow the rule of the law," he told PTI. "We want there should be a thorough probe in the cases involving the two IAS officers by an independent agency," Bhoosreddy, a senior IAS officer, said. Briefing about the cases, the association claimed that the Bihar Police had acted in a malafide manner against Gupta, a young IAS officer, while serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mohania. "Jitendra Gupta was falsely implicated in a vigilance case. At that point of time also the police had violated the statutory provisions of Criminal Law, which was brought to the notice of the authorities. The Patna High Court had a scathing arraignment of the Special Vigilance Unit of Bihar Police besides quashing of the FIR, the statement said. The alleged vindictiveness of the Vigiliance unit did not stop here and the state government moved the Supreme Court against the order. The country's highest court also did not find an merit in the case and dismissed the appeal at the admission stage itself, it said. Without learning from their past experience, whereby both the Patna High Court and the Supreme Court deprecated the police for their ingeniousness in fabricating false cases with ulterior motives and in a mala fide manner, the police this time arrested Sudhir Kumar, Chairman, Bihar Staff Selection Commission from Hazaribagh on the night of February 23, it alleged. The arrest was shown on record to have been made from Patna at around 11 AM in the morning of February 24 despite Kumar fully cooperating with the investigating agencies, the statement said. "He was neither absconding nor was found tampering with evidence, if any. Therefore, there was no need to arrest him without following the procedure and precautions of arrest as provided in Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code. "Therefore, the IAS officers' association of Bihar has demanded independent inquiry, equity, justice and fair play, that the case forthwith be transferred to the CBI," the officers' body said. Kumar has been arrested in connection with a paper leak scam related to clerical-grade recruitment examination. The CBI will be in a better position to independently establish the truth, as repeated reports have suggested interference and/or patronage of persons with clout, the central IAS officers association said. An Indian-origin girl in the US has been allegedly racially abused by an African-American man who called her inappropriate names and yelled "get out of here" when she was travelling in a busy commuter train. Ekta Desai, who lives in New York, took a video of the incident that occurred on February 23. The video was then shared by a website 'The Voice Raiser' and has since then gone viral and viewed by hundreds of thousands of people. In the video, the African-American man is seen abusing the girl, saying words like "Freedom of speech" and "Black Power." Using expletives, he tells her to "get out of here." As the girl is recording the video, the man gets visibly angry and is seen shouting at her. "This man was on the same PATH train as me along with 100 other passengers, I had my headphones on and it was like any other day. Next thing I know he is yelling on my face (Did not bother to listen/react)," Desai wrote on social media. Desai said she did not react to the man but he continued shouting and questioned as to why she was taking his photo and pictures. Several people have reacted sympathetically towards the girl after the video was posted online. Desai said she reported the matter to police authorities, who allegedly said the man appears to be "emotionally unstable" and she should be careful. Desai then contacted Kundan Srivastava, a Human Rights activist and founder of The Voice Raiser, who said the US government should "punish" the man for "harassing and abusing women and also insulting our nation." "We would also like to say that being a girl does not make anyone less capable or helpless. As you can see in the video, people are just standing as a mere spectator. He yelled disgusting things and used unacceptable words. A person should abide by the civic rules and does not slut shame a woman. Keep Fighting!," Srivastava's organisation said. The incident comes close on the heels of the shooting in Kansas of a 32-year-old Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was killed when 51-year-old US Navy veteran Adam Purinton opened fire at him and his friend Alok Madasani at a bar before yelling "get out of my country." The shooting sent shock waves across the Indian-American community here with people expressing concerns over their safety in an enviornment of xenophobic and racist rhetoric in the country. India and Pakistan are expected to hold parleys on various aspects of the Indus Water Treaty in Islamabad later this month, nearly six months after New Delhi decided to suspend talks on the pact in view of the terror strikes by Pakistan-based groups. The meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission will be held before March 31 "as it is mandated" under the treaty, government sources said today. "Under the treaty, it is required that India and Pakistan meet every financial year. If we don't, then it is going to be a violation of the pact. "But there are chances we will meet for a day or two in the third or fourth week of this month," they said. The last meeting of the commission was held in June 2015. Declaring that "blood and water cannot flow together", Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a meeting in September to review the treaty in the backdrop of the terror strikes, including the Uri attack. After the meeting, officials had announced that the government has decided to suspend further talks and increase the utilisation of rivers flowing through Jammu and Kashmir to fully exercise India's rights under the pact. The commission, which has officials from both the countries as its members, was set up under the 57-year-old treaty to discuss and resolve issues relating to its implementation. The sources said since the "major issues of dispute" (Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectricity projects in India) were already before the World Bank, these may not be discussed during the commission's meeting. Pakistan had approached the international bank last year, objecting to design of the two projects in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging these violated the treaty. "However, the agenda for the meeting is yet to be finalised. Pakistan has issues with some other Indian projects too. Whatever be their concern, India is always ready to discuss the issues," the sources added. India's Indus water commissioner and MEA officials will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indonesian prosecutors today sought a nine-year jail term for a suspected people smuggling kingpin accused of organising an illegal migrant boat journey, in a case that sparked a diplomatic row with Australia. Abraham Louhenapessy, commonly known as "Captain Bram", is on trial on remote eastern island of Rote for allegedly buying a boat and helping find a crew for a voyage intended to take 65 migrants to New Zealand in early 2015. Louhenapessy is allegedly a notorious figure in the illicit trade that involves sending boatloads of migrants from Indonesia, a staging post on long-established people-smuggling routes, typically to Australia. In closing arguments the state prosecutor urged the court to convict Louhenapessy and sentence him to nine years in jail and a 500 million rupiah fines (USD 37,400), slightly lower than the maximum penalty. "In the trial proceedings, no excuse was found to pardon or justify the defendant, and therefore he must take responsibility for what he has done in accordance with the law," prosecutor Alexander Sele told the Rote court. Louhenapessy's defence is due to begin next week and the court will then give its verdict and hand down a sentence. The prosecutor said that Louhenapessy had received payment of 1.5 billion rupiah (USD 112,000) for his role in the smuggling scheme. The boat, carrying Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi and Myanmar migrants, was stopped by the Australian navy in early 2015 as it passed through Australian waters and the passengers and crew were sent back to Indonesia in rickety vessels. The crew claimed they were paid about $30,000 to turn back, angering Indonesian officials who worried that it could encourage an increase in people-smuggling attempts. Australia refused to comment on the claims. The captain and crew from the boat were caught and jailed in Indonesia in January last year after being found guilty on people-smuggling charges. Australia turns migrant boats back to Indonesia when it is safe to do so. The tough policy was introduced to stem the flow of migrants arriving on the country's shores, but it has long angered Indonesian officials. It is thought the migrants involved in the latest case were seeking to reach New Zealand, because the route to Australia was closed off. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An infant girl with her heart beating outside her body was born in a village in lower Assam's Dhubri district and has been kept at the intensive care unit in Gauhati Medical College. The infant's family members and health officials said today that the infant's heart is on her chest and she was born last night at Phutkibari village. The case is an extremely rare congenital malformation and is called Ectopia Cordis in which the heart is abnormally located either partially or totally outside the throax, doctors attending on her said. Following her birth, doctors in the rural hospital referred the infant to the government-run Dhubri civil hospital from where she was sent to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) where she is being kept in the ICU, health officials said. As GMCH has a tie up with Narayana Hrudalaya in Bangalore, the state health department is planning to shift the infant to that hospital for surgery on government expense tomorrow, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel has started exporting gas from an offshore field to Jordan, an Israeli company and a Jordanian official said today, marking the country's first ever exports of natural gas. The exports to Jordan began in January, the company Delek Drilling -- part of a consortium leading the development of Israel's offshore gas reserves -- told AFP. There was no formal announcement at the time but it is the first time Israel has ever exported natural gas, a company spokeswoman said. A Jordanian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deliveries but said they started before January, without stating exactly when. Jordanian firms Arab Potash and Jordan Bromine signed a deal in 2014 to import 2 billion cubic metres (around 70 billion cubic feet) of gas from Israel's Tamar field over 15 years. At the time reports said the deal was worth USD 771 million. Jordan is one of only two Arab countries to have a peace deal with Israel but the 1994 agreement is unpopular among Jordanians -- almost half of whom are of Palestinian origin. Detractors of the gas deal, including Jordan's main opposition Islamist party, reject any cooperation with a country they regard as an enemy. However, the resource-poor Arab country has few alternatives to tackle shortages. Israel historically had few natural resources but has discovered a series of offshore gas fields in recent years. In September 2016, a larger deal worth an estimated USD 10 billion was signed to export gas from the Leviathan offshore field to Jordan. In the face of protests, Jordanian Information Minister Mohamed Momani defended the deal, telling state television it would cut USD 600 million a year from the state's energy bill. Deliveries from Leviathan are expected to begin in 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In its efforts to attract Indian tourists, Israel has increased its promotional budgetary allocation to USD 2.5 million in the last two years and plans to ease visa norms, senior officials have said. "We realise that India is going to be one of the top three countries sending tourists to Israel and so we have started to invest a lot in marketing our tourism potential there," Director General of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, Amir Halevi said. "We have already opened a tourist office in India. We also launched our first campaign last year which was a big success. We also got an award for it saying it had the same level of impact as Pepsi in India," he told PTI. "Right now about 50,000 Indians are coming to Israel every year. There is a huge potential given India's size and this number can be easily doubled in a very short time. Indian tourists generally spend more than the average tourist which also makes them an attractive target. The marketing budget has been increased by ten times to USD 2.5 million compared to what it was two years ago", Halevi said. When asked about concerns related to visa issuance to Indians and also subsequent problems to such visitors in travelling to the Arab world, he said the process has been made "better and would be even easier". "The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. A tourist from India looking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that," he said. A spokesperson to the ministry said that, "given the importance of India as an emerging market for incoming tourism to Israel, the Tourism Ministry has submitted a request to ease the visa restrictions on Indian tour groups wishing to visit the country." "It is hoped that this request will be granted in the near future, reducing the wait time for a group visa to five working days," she said. However, the "game changer" in these efforts is going to be the expected introduction of direct Air India (AI) flights between India and Israel later this year, Halevi said. Discussions regarding the launch of Air India direct flights is said to have started last year and as per sources at the Israeli tourism ministry, the Chairman and Managing Director of AI, Ashwani Lohani, and its Commerce Director Pankaj Srivastava are likely to visit Israel in the next few days. "Hopefully Air India would soon start direct flights between India and Tel Aviv which is going to be a game changer increasing manifold the number of tourists coming from India to Israel. The number of tourists from China to Israel doubled in one year after the start of direct flight by Hainan Airlines. We expect something similar with India", Halevi said. Israeli government has also been striving hard, though unsuccessfully, for a while to attract Bollywood filmmakers to shoot their films here. "We have already met several agents and people from the industry. We are looking for opportunities and the moment we see something like that we will collaborate with them. We are prepared to create the right setting to bring Bollywood filmmakers to Israel," Halevi said. Dealing with other concerns related to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Israeli official said that tourists "rather feel safe here." "Regarding the conflict, several countries across the world have become victims of terror and nobody can predict where it is going to strike next. In Israel, we have a lot of experience in dealing with it which makes tourists feel safe here." "That is why there was an increase in number of tourists coming here last year while there was a decrease in Europe at the same time. We hope to keep up the momentum," Halevi said. Taloja jail authorities today sought the special NIA court's nod to shift Lt Col Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, from the prison's hospital, where he has been staying for seven years, to a high-security 'anda cell'. "The authorities told the court that Purohit has been staying at the jail hospital for seven years and they want to shift him back to the high-security anda cell," special prosecutor Avinash Rasal told PTI. The court, in an order in the past, had said Purohit should be kept in the jail hospital only for a certain period. However, the order that the jail authorities received did not specify this. Major (retd) Ramesh Upadyay, another accused in the case, had filed an application in the court alleging that Purohit had overstayed in the hospital. Twelve persons, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Purohit, were arrested for carrying out a blast at Malegaon in north Maharashtra on September 29, 2008, killing six persons and injuring 100 others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A military court postponed today the jailing of an Israeli soldier convicted of shooting dead a wounded Palestinian pending his appeal. Elor Azaria was sentenced by a military court on February 21 after an exceptional months-long trial that captivated Israel and highlighted deep divisions in public opinion. He was due to begin his sentence on Sunday, but an appeals court accepted the defence's request to delay the sentence. "The imprisonment will be postponed until the result of the appeal," appeals court judge Orly Markman said, adding that Azaria would be confined to base in the meantime. Defence attorney Yoram Sheftel said he would be ready to begin the appeal within six weeks. Azaria was caught on video by a rights group shooting Abdul Fatah al-Sharif in the head as he lay wounded on the ground in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron in March 2016 after stabbing a soldier. A number of rightwing ministers politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called for him to be pardoned. Military leaders have said the conviction is important for the institution's reputation. The Palestinian government, the victim's family and the United Nations human rights office have criticised the sentence as too lenient. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has met two top US officials, including National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster, and discussed ways to promote the strategic Indo-US ties especially in trade, defence and security. The meeting between Jaishankar and McMaster assumes significance as the top military leader was appointed as the National Security Advisor by US President Donald Trump ten days ago. During the meeting held at the White House, the two officials are believed to have discussed issues related to security, counter-terrorism and defence partnership. Jaishankar also met Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and discussed various issues, including ways to enhance economic and defence cooperation between the two countries. "The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom," Ryan said in a statement after the meeting. "We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defence cooperation," he said. During his meeting with Jaishankar, Ryan expressed condolences of the US House of Representatives over the death of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla. "Our peoples must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead," Ryan said. Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before firing on him. Jaishankar arrived in the US on Tuesday on a four-day visit to hold talks with top officials of the Trump administration, lawmakers and members of the think-tank community. This is his third-trip to the US after Trump was elected as the President. Trump had pledged to strengthen the Indo-US ties during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. About three weeks before his electoral victory, Trump had told Indian-Americans that he would be India's best friend at the White House. Jaishankar, during his visit, is likely to discuss with top US officials India's concerns over a possible clamp down on H-1B visas and safety of Indians. He will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest with senior members of the administration. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bridge, set to be completed in April, spans the Thanlwin River, connecting the Mon States Capital of Mawlamyine with Bluekyun Island. There has been significant opposition in Mon State to the name, with many arguing that Mon, rather than Burman history should be celebrated in the name. On February 9, the Mon State government decided to drop the name, and has yet to select a replacement. General Aung San was the independence leader of Burma, whose assassination in 1947 is understood by many to have accelerated the ethnic conflicts that have plagued Burma since independence the following year. General Aung San is considered the father of the nation and many major roads, bridges and other civil structures throughout the country bare his name. Yet for many, the agreements made between General Aung San and minority ethnic leaders remain broken promises. General Aung Sans daughter, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, now leads the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party to which Mi Kon Chan belongs. Mi Kon Chan urged the Union Government to honor General Aung San for his role as leader of the nation. The minority ethnic people should know the difference between a races leader and a nations leader. Most of the worlds countries recognize their national leaders. But narrow-minded people in this country are bitterly rejecting the name General Aung San. She added that General Aung San was assassinated once in body, and that the minority ethnic people are now assasinating him again in name. This, she said, would be shameful before the other countries of the world. NLD Representative U Tin Ko Ko Oo from Belin Township, also spoke in favor of the name before the Pyithu Hluttaw. Opposition to the name runs deep in Mon State government. Dr Aung Naing Oo, Deputy Speaker of the Mon State Parliament, said This is a case for ethnic minority leaders. The Union Parliament should not get involved in the naming process. A group of Mon activists sent a letter to the Presidents Office and to State Counselor Daw Aung San Su Kyi on February 20, saying that although they want to honor General Aung San, they believe the bridge should bear the name of a Mon leader. Other civil society groups have also gotten involved. The Association of Mon Monks, the Mon Literature and Culture Organization, and the Mon Youth Organization sent their concerns to the Presidents Office, as well as the Mon State government, and the Mon State Parliament on February 8 and 20. When completed, the bridge will be 1759 feet long and 64 feet wide. Construction was begun in February, 2015 by the government of President U Thein Sein and opening celebrations will take place in April 2017. Japanese companies are keen to invest in India's food processing sector especially in fruits, vegetables and spices, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said today. Badal, who is on a three-day visit to Tokyo leading an industry body CII delegation, today met Japanese Agriculture Minister Ken Saito to discuss ways to improve bilateral trade between the two countries. She highlighted the opportunities that India offers in the food processing sector. Badal also met top officials of Japanese food companies. "We had positive interaction. The Japanese government and companies are keen to strengthen ties in the food processing sector. They are looking for more business opportunities in India," Badal told PTI over phone from Tokyo. Japan, the fourth largest investor in India, is presently sourcing sea food from India. It is now keen to invest in the processing of fruits and vegetables as well as spices and make India a prospective base and export hub, she said. "One of the Japanese firm engaged in manufacturing of tomato paste wants to become a global leader and is looking at India for sourcing the commodity in huge quantity," she added. Badal met officials of companies such as Marubeni Corporation, Isetan Misukoshi Holdings, Housefoods Corporation, Japan Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, Mitsui Foods, Royal Host and Kohyo Company, Nissin Foods, Yakult and Fuji Oil Holdings. A Japanese delegation is expected to participate in the forthcoming World Food Fair here in November this year and explore business opportunities in India, she added. With low food processing level in India, Badal sought cooperation and partnership from Japanese companies in the area of technology. "Japan is more keen to source agriculture produce from India which are non-genetically modified," Badal said. The minister said there is huge potential for Japanese investment in India's food processing sector as only 12 firms out of 380 food companies have presence in the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court today ordered a CBI probe into the Jawahar Bagh Park case of Mathura where more than 20 persons, including two police officials, were killed last year during a drive to evict squatters. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashwant Verma passed the order on a bunch of PILs demanding a CBI probe. The court had reserved its judgement on February 20 after hearing arguments from both sides. Among those who had moved the court with the demand for a CBI inquiry are Delhi-based BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay and Mathura resident Vijay Pal Singh Tomar. Besides, interlocutory applications were filed at a later stage by Archana Dwivedi and Prafull Dwivedi, wife and brother respectively of slain Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi. The order comes as a jolt to the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.The state government had remained opposed to a CBI inquiry into the matter, pointing out that it had set up a commission of inquiry comprising a retired judge of the High Court. In a statement issued from Delhi, Upadhyay welcomed the order, saying, "The violence at Jawahar Bagh in June last year was not an ordinary law and order issue.It related to unlawful occupation of public land, worth about Rs 5000 crore, by self-styled cult leader Ram Vriksh Yadav and his followers". The Uttar Pradesh government had, in January 2014, granted permission to Ram Vriksh Yadav's organization Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah to hold a demonstration inside Jawahar Bagh for two days. However, members of the group went on to occupy the sprawling public park for more than two years. Following a High Court order, the squatters were evicted from the park amid large scale violence. A huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the huts that had been erected inside the park during the period of illegal occupation. There were reports that the park had been converted into a "quasi republic" with its own currency and penal system and people staying there had been issued ration cards and cooking gas cylinders with Jawahar Bagh as the address. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Jessica Chastain has revealed that she was once told by a director that she "talks too much about all of this women stuff." The 39-year-old "Zero Dark Thirty" star fumed about inequality in Hollywood and has called for more inclusiveness, compassion and empathy, reported Contactmusic. "I had one male director say to me that I talk too much about all of this 'women stuff'. This is a person I love, and maybe he was concerned I would hurt my career," Chastain said in an interview to American Way magazine. "I'm not attacking anyone. I'm trying to create more inclusiveness, compassion and empathy - which in turn makes better movies, better art. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid today held a meeting with senior police officers to discuss ways of improving and strengthening the state police force. He said the police headquarters (PHQ) has a parental role in solving the problems of personnel deployed in different regions of the state. Addressing the meeting at the police headquarters here, Vaid emphasised upon latest researches on policing and a comprehensive policy for improving the working of the state police. He said various issues related to the forces need to be revisited from time to time for enhancing the capabilities of personnel. "Transparency and quality in our daily working needs to be discussed at different levels to enhance basic amenities for the personnel," he said. We have to work together for career development and attitudinal improvement of the force, he said. The DGP also stressed on organising lectures and workshops especially in police training institutions. He added that drug abuse was a major concern for JKP and all investigating agencies should sit together and formulate a policy which could pay good dividends in curbing the menace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled new Range Rover model Velar, a passion project of Ratan Tata, as part of its ambitious expansion plans to ramp up production of its luxury brands despite the challenges posed by Brexit. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, credited the final product to the passion of Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata at a grand ceremony at London's Design Museum yesterday evening. "I would like to thank Ratan Tata. Ever since he saw the first sketch of the Velar, he became a passionate advocate of it," McGovern said at the unveiling. "Design has the power to enrich people's lives... This is avehicle with emotionally charged DNA and unquestionable pedigree," he added. Described as one of the "hottest products this year", the Velar is now open to orders from around the world, including India, and is priced at around 45,000 pounds. The UK car industry had backed the remain campaign during the Brexit referendum last year because the European Union remains by far the country's biggest market, something that could be directly affected by the final trade deal struck as Britain exits the economic bloc. "Brexit is a significant challenge and we want our respective governments to support our industry. The last year was undoubtedly a very, very successful year for the industry but there is a lot of uncertainty with one of our biggest market, the EU," Mike Hawes, the chief of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), had said recently. In a boost to British manufacturing, JLR announced that the Velar will be built exclusively at JLR's flagship Solihull plant in the West Midlands region of England. "The expansion of our product range and building this British designed and engineered car in the UK is a sign of our confidence in British manufacturing. We are leading the global premium car industry with our commitment to our home market and our heart, soul and headquarters will always be in the UK," said JLR CEO Ralf Speth. The Range Rover brand has been heralded as Britain's greatest luxury export since the 1970s and includes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Together they have helped transform the fortunes of the UK's largest vehicle manufacturer, accounting for 85 per cent of all premium cars produced in Britain and contributing 10 billion pounds to the UK economy every year, JLR said. Built using JLR's leading lightweight aluminium architecture and powered by the latest ultra-clean UK-built Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the new Velar is positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Range Rover Velar is the third model to be launched at the Solihull manufacturing plant in two years. It follows an injection of 1.5 billion pounds in new facilities and technologies at the plant, which began with the Jaguar XE and F-PACE. Production of all JLR models at the four UK manufacturing plants directly supports more than 40,000 British jobs and a further 250,000 in the supply chain, a JLR statement said. In the past six years, the company has more than doubled its workforce to support global demand for its products. Last year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 583,313 cars - more than one every minute, 44 per cent of which were Range Rovers. The Range Rover Velar will be sold in more than 100 markets globally and is available to order from later this year. The Velar will be on display at the Design Museum in London until March 6 for customers who are eager to see the model before buying it. The car will also form the centrepiece of a new exhibition documenting 45 years of Range Rover, Velar to Velar which opens at the Solihull manufacturing plant at the end of March. It will be doing the motor show circuit around the world, starting with Geneva this month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been at the centre of controversies for over a year, has bagged the annual 'Visitor's Award' for the best varsity in the country. JNU has been hogging limelight for all the wrong reasons since last February when three of its students were arrested on sedition charges in connection with an event on campus during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. The varsity administration and students have been at loggerheads since then over various issues including curbs on protests, amendments in admission policy and massive seat cut in MPhil and PhD courses. Despite all the negative limelight, the varsity has been recognised by the Visitor. "The winners of Visitor's Award for 'Innovation' and 'Research' will receive a citation and cash award of Rs one lakh. The awards will be presented during a function as part of the 'Festival of Innovations'," the statement said. JNU Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar will receive the award including a citation and a trophy from President Pranab Mukherjee at an event at the Rasthrapati Bhavan on March 6. "Deepak Pant from Central University of Himachal Pradesh has won the Visitor's Award for 'Innovation' while the Visitor's Award for 'Research' has been jointly won by Shyam Sunder from Banaras Hindu University and Niranjan Karak from Tezpur University," a Rashtrapati Bhawvan statement said. Last year, Rakesh Bhatnagar and the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU had won the Visitor's Awards for "Research" and "Innovation" respectively. Mukherjee had announced institution of these awards in 2014 with the aim of promoting healthy competition among Central Universities and motivating them to adopt the best practices from around the world in pursuit of excellence. While Pant has bagged the award for development of a reactor for direct conversion of waste plastic to LPG in small scale, Sunder will be awarded for his work in the area of diagnosis and treatment of Indian Kala-azar. Karak has been recognised for development of renewable resource based bio-degradable hyper-branched polymer nano-composites as self-cleaning, self-healing and bio-compatible smart sustainable futuristic material. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The administration today ordered removal of a "controversial" poster which sprang up on its campus demanding "freedom for Kashmir and Palestine". The poster with "Freedom for Kashmir! Free Palestine! Right to Self Determination Long Live! DSU" written on it was pasted on the wall by the Left-leaning Democratic Students Union (DSU). DSU's former members Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and others had organized the controversial event last year against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru at the during which anti- slogans were allegedly raised. Khalid, Bhattacharya and former student union president Kanhaiya Kumar are out on bail in a sedition case over the event. Some students noticed the poster on the wall of the new block of the School of Social Sciences (SSS) and informed the administration. The authorities asked the university security to remove the poster in the evening. "The university has already lost precious time and energy in such unnecessary controversies. Unfortunately, a small group of people are still trying to create another ruckus and vitiate the academic environment. "We don't know who put up the poster as this has been the pattern in JNU. However, the administration has asked the staff to bring it down," a senior university official said. The administration was unable to function for over 17 days due to the blockade of the administrative building by students in protest against changes in the admission policy and it was only early this week that the staff got access to the building and resumed work. Kerala Government today asked the Centre to speed up efforts for the rescue of Kerala priest Tom Uzhunnalil, who has been abducted in war-torn Yemen in March, 2016 by IS terrorist. State Minister for law A K Balan, replying to a submission in the assembly on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, said the government had already asked the Centre to speed up efforts to rescue Father Tom Uzhunnalil, hailing from Ramapuram in Kottayam district. "It has been confirmed that he was in the captivity of terrorists, but there is no information about the place where he is kept", Balan said. He was abducted by IS terrorists from Yemen in March 4, 2016, Balan said. Kerala Congress (M) supremo K M Mani, who brought the matter in the House, said an all party delegation from Kerala should go to Delhi to exert pressure on the Centre for the rescue of Father Tom Uzhunnalil. Mani said if necessary, Centre should seek the help of United Nations for his rescue. The assembly should pass a resolution asking the Centre to view the matter very seriously, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police today told a city court that a magisterial court has erred in directing it to lodge an FIR to probe the cause of death of two persons during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The probe agency sought setting aside of the magisterial court order and claimed that Supreme Court guidelines were not followed by the complainant in filing the plea in the court. After hearing arguments on a revision petition filed by the State, Special Judge Pitambur Dutt listed the matter for further arguments on March 27. During the hearing, prosecutor Atul Shrivastava contended that as per the apex court's guidelines, a person has to first approach the concerned SHO or DCP of the area with a complaint and move the court if no action is taken. However, in this case, complainant Amrik Singh directly approached the court with his complaint. This was also in the knowledge of additional chief metropolitan magistrate who had ordered lodging of an FIR in the matter, the prosecutor said. "The magisterial court has erred in directing the police to lodge an FIR. The complaint is pre-mature and infructuous. Magistrate should have asked the complainant to comply with the Supreme Court guidelines and then file the complaint," the prosecutor said. The magisterial court's order had come on a criminal complaint filed by Amrik Singh, a resident of Tilak Nagar in West Delhi, seeking lodging of an FIR against then DCP of Delhi Police Amod Kanth and former ACP S S Menon. Singh, who lost two of his family members during the riots, alleged that the two senior police officers violated the constitutional right of the complainant and his family and misused the powers conferred on them. Referring to various apex court judgements, Shrivastava said in one of the cases, the Supreme Court had said that an FIR cannot be lodged after four-and-a-half years of an incident. In this case, the magistrate had directed the police to register an FIR after 32 years of the alleged occurence. The sessions court had on January 25 stayed the ACMM's January 23 order on the police's revision petition. The ACMM had said "investigation needs to be carried out to collect evidence and find out the cause of death of Amir Singh and Narender Singh. The grievance of complainant and his family members needs to be redressed." The complainant had alleged that the two men were tortured and murdered by police officials. The police opposed the plea for an FIR, saying a petition was filed by the complainant in Delhi High Court in 2011 in this regard which was dismissed. It had also alleged that the family had started indiscriminate firing from their house and the two men had sustained bullet injuries in cross firing in 1984. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A local court here sentenced a 50-year-old man to life imprisonment for murdering a woman. Additional District Sessions Judge Om Vir Singh yesterday held Islam guilty under Section 302 (murder) of IPC for gunning down a 35-year-old woman at her residence in 2007. A fine of Rs 80,000 was also imposed on him. Prosecution counsel Anjum Khan said Savita was shot dead by Islam at her residence in Shamli district's Banti Khera village on April 29, 2007. Islam is lodged in jail since then for the murder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Wells Fargo admits that its employees opened more than 2,000,000 fake accounts in order to run up fraudulent charges against its customers (employees who balked at committing fraud were fired and blacklisted for life from the banking industry); it also says that the customers it stole from can't sue the company because fake account paperwork bearing their forged signatures includes a promise to enter into binding arbitration rather than suing. Binding arbitration is a system created to allow giant companies to settle their differences without costly litigation, but a Supreme Court decision has allowed it to be applied to the dealings between individuals and giant companies leading to a plague of companies that make you surrender your constitutional legal rights as a condition of shopping with them (it took me six months to find LA doctors and dentists who'd see me without signing one of these agreements!). Notably, binding arbitration clauses kill class action lawsuits, which are critical in this kind of mass fraud. Alas, Wells Fargo had good luck convincing judges that they couldn't be subjected to class actions, even after admitting massive, criminal frauds. Prior to the 2016 election, there was some hope that federal finance regulators would crack down on them, but since Donald Trump owes Wells Fargo more than $500,000,000, that seems unlikely (indeed, one of Trump's first acts after his inauguration was to flush the Department of Labor's whistleblower site for Wells Fargo employees down the memory hole. Wells Fargo told Consumerist that forcing its customers to seek justice one at a time, through the arbitration system's kangaroo courts, was good for them: "Our goal is to do what's right for every customer and team member, every day. If we are unable to resolve a dispute directly, arbitration is a forum in which a customer or a team member dispute is heard and resolved within a neutral third-party legal process. Arbitration is generally faster and less expensive than litigation. It is a fair, efficient and effective forum available for a customer and a team member to pursue and resolve a legal claim." As Consumerist points out, courtrooms are also forums "in which a customer dispute is 'heard and resolved within a neutral third-party legal process." And while arbitration might be faster than courts for settling a single claim, 2,000,000 arbitration proceedings are going to be a lot slower than one class action suit. In a follow-up question, we asked Wells how it could claim that arbitration is more efficient, unless the bank is indeed hoping that only a small number of customers will enter into this process. The response was even more baffling. "By resolving legal disputes through arbitration, both the consumer and the business have the ability to reach a positive resolution at a lower cost," explained the bank. Once again, this doesn't seem to compute. With the exception of the very few (sometimes only one) named plaintiff in a class action, the members of the plaintiff class don't have to do anything to mount a case. That's the point: The named plaintiff represents the class. Requiring that customers enter into arbitration on an individual basis means that Wells is asking each affected person to put in the time, effort, and expense of bringing a case against a bank with nearly $2 trillion in assets. Rosemary Shahan, President of the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Foundation, and a member of the We Do Count coalition tells Consumerist that Wells Fargo's justification for forcing arbitration reminded her of the old line "'Welcome to my parlor,' said the spider to the fly." Wells Fargo Tries, Fails To Explain Why Customers Shouldn't Be Allowed To Sue Over Fake Accounts [Chris Morran/The Consumerist] US forces conducted a series of air strikes in Yemen against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Pentagon said. "More than 20 strikes targeted AQAP militants, equipment and infrastructure in the Yemeni governorates of Abyan, Baida and Shabwa," Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said in a statement. "The strikes were conducted in partnership with the government of Yemen, and were coordinated with President (Abedrabbo Mansour) Hadi." The strikes come barely a month after a controversial American commando raid against the jihadists that left multiple civilians dead and killed a US Navy SEAL. A US official told AFP that Tuesday's strikes had been planned months ago and were unrelated to the botched raid, which the White House has repeatedly claimed was a success that yielded crucial intelligence. "The raid was valuable, but the strikes were not directly related to it," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Davis said Tuesday's strikes targeted militants, equipment, infrastructure, heavy weapons systems and fighting positions. "The strikes will degrade the AQAP's ability to coordinate external terror attacks and limit their ability to use territory seized from the legitimate government of Yemen as a safe space for terror plotting," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NCP in Maharashtra today said it will maintain a distance from the Shiv Sena and BJP-- who are locked in a power struggle to install their Mayor in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)--unlike the Congress which had aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads ahead of the state civic polls. Talking to reporters here, State NCP President Sunil Tatkare said his party was clear from the start of the campaign (for the just concluded Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad polls in Maharashtra) that it will not have any understanding or friendly fight with the Shiv Sena and BJP. "We kept our word while Congress which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight," he alleged. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on Mumbai Mayor elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. "(However) Under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government," Tatkare claimed. Taking a dig on Sena, Tatkare also said, "only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the BJP led government in the state and whether the resignation letter carried by its ministers in their pockets is still there or torn." "What is the use of only criticising the government through 'Saamana' (the Sena mouthpiece). Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support," he added. To a question regarding speculations that NCP may support a Shiv Sena government, Tatkare said, "I don't foresee a mid-term election since Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do." When asked about the prospect of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress has not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar where he discussed the political situation in the city, post the Mumbai civic poll results where BJP finished just two seats behind Shiv Sena (which won 84 seats). Four of the five independents have joined the Sena since the results. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress, which won 31 seats in the last month's Mumbai civic elections, has decided to contest the March 8 Mayoral poll. Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam told PTI that he has approached the Samajwadi Party and the NCP to support his party's nominee. "I have approached leaders of SP and NCP to support the Congress nominee (in the Mayoral poll) if they are not in favour of (Shiv) Sena and BJP. Leaders of the two parties have told me that they will discuss the issue with their party leaders and get back," Nirupam said. Finalisation of the Congress candidate for the post of mayor will be done in a day or two, he said. In the recently-held BMC polls, the Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP 82, Congress was relegated to the third spot with 31 seats, NCP got nine and Raj Thackeray's MNS won seven seats. Sena has claimed support of four independents while BJP has claimed support of one independent. In the poll, there is no need for any party to have 114 members to win the Mayor's post. A candidate getting the highest number of votes from those present at the time of voting will be the winner. If BJP decides to contest the Mayoral poll, the role of Congress and other smaller parties come into picture. Congress sources said the party is keen to ensure Sena wins in the mayor election. However it cannot be seen going with the Shiv Sena officially. As abstaining from the vote would be seen as indirect support to the Shiv Sena, the party decided to put up a candidate, the sources said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minster Arun Jaitley today said nationalism is considered a bad word only in India even as he accused the opposition parties of "orchestrating" the the Ramjas College row ahead of the UP Assembly polls. Jaitley, at a press conference here, said the debate was not started by the BJP government but the party will participate whenever there is a discussion on nationalism. "Nationalism is a good word but it is considered bad only in India," he said. On the Ramjas College row, he alleged, "The row was the deliberate creation of the opposition which fuelled a debate on nationalism ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections just like the 'award wapsi' controversy had broken out during theBihar Assembly polls." "As soon the Bihar Assembly elections were over then the award wapsi row died down. This (Ramjas College) row has been orchestrated by the opposition," he alleged. Yesterday, while addressing the 'Varanasi Vyapari Sammelan' (traders meet), Jaitley had alleged that some people had raised anti-India slogans in a university and said those who want to weaken India have sided themselves with the opposition parties. "When I was abroad I read on the Internet that a row has erupted in India. Some separatists and communists raised slogans against the country in the university," he had said. "Could anyone have imagined that the Congress of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, is holding rallies in support of separatists and Maoists," he said. "Could anyone imagine the party's senior leaders making such mistakes," he had said, adding that now the responsibility of keeping the country together has fallen on the shoulders of the BJP. Those who wanted to keep the country united were supporting the BJP while those who wanted to weaken the country had joined the opposition parties, he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The navy today successfully test- fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from an indigenously built Kalvari class submarine, describing the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing its "sub- surface" warfare prowess. The weapon was fired from the submarine, the first of India's six Scorpene-class submarines which are being built under the Project 75, and it "successfully hit" a surface target during the trial in the Arabian Sea. All the six diesel-electric attack submarines will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat, the defence ministry said, noting these missiles will provide the vessels the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. "The missile successfully hit a surface target at an extended range during the trial firing. "This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navy's sub-surface warfare capability," the ministry said. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NDA legislators today continued to disrupt both Houses of the Bihar Legislature protesting against minister Abdul Jalil Mastan for his "uncharitable" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also met the Governor demanding Mastan's ouster from the government and filed an FIR against the Congress leader. Members of the BJP and its allies in the NDA staged a protest in the Assembly as well as in the Legislative Council for the second consecutive day, seeking an immediate removal of the minister in the Grand Alliance government, forcing an adjournment of both Houses till 2 PM. On February 22, Mastan was caught on camera asking a crowd at Amour in Purnea district to hit the photograph of Modi with shoes. He made the remarks during a protest against the Centre's decision to scrap high-value currency notes. The video purportedly shows Mastan telling the people to hit the prime minister's photo with shoes. Subsequently, some of the protesters were seen hitting a photo of Modi, kept on the stage, with shoes in Mastan's presence. The video was telecast by television channels on February 28, triggering a protest by the NDA in and outside the Houses since yesterday. An NDA delegation went to Raj Bhawan and submitted a memorandum to Governor Ramnath Kovind, demanding sacking of Mastan from the post of Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Sushil Kumar Modi, his Assembly counterpart Prem Kumar, ex-chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLSP's Lallan Paswan and others were part of the delegation. "Since Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not sack Mastan for his gross unconstitutional conduct, we were forced to approach the Governor for his removal," Modi told reporters. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Nitin Navin lodged an FIR against Mastan at the Kotwali police station. Navin said, in his complaint, he has sought slapping of sedition charges against the minister, his arrest for disturbing communal harmony and also, a probe into his citizenship as he hails from an area bordering Bangladesh. Kotwali SHO Ram Shankar Singh told PTI that he would forward the FIR to Purnea district where Mastan allegedly made the remarks. (REOPENS CAL 1) The BJP and NDA made it clear that they would accept nothing less than sacking of the minister, while the ruling Grand Alliance leaders including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said the matter is closed after the minister has said sorry. Bihar Congress president and minister Ashok Choudhary told reporters that "first BJP should take resignation from its MP Subramaniam Swamy for making objectionable comments on Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the past." Deputy Chief minister and RJD Legislature party leader Tejaswi Prasad Yadav pointed towards utterances of Union Minister of State Giriraj Singh against RJD President Lalu Prasad and asked BJP to give him a marching order first. Mastan's issue continued to disrupt proceedings in both Houses of state Legislature. In state Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar raised the demand for sacking of the minister in the beginning of Question Hour. Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary's repeated appeal to maintain order in the House and give a chance to the minister to speak on the issue did not move BJP and NDA MLAs who trooped into well of the House and raised anti-government slogans. Some Grand Alliance MLAs rose from their seat to shout down NDA members. Amid din the House was adjourned till 2 PM. The scene was no better in state Legislative Council, where NDA members led by Sushil Kumar Modi raised Mastan's issue and forced adjournment till 2:30 PM. Mastan, who is in the eye of storm, was present in Council but was not allowed by NDA to speak. Tejaswi Yadav attacked BJP for refusing to give a chance to the minister to make a statement. Talking to reporters outside Assembly, he also sought action against opposition MLAs who overturned Reporters table during stir yesterday and threw chair. Parliamentary Affairs minister and JD(U) leader Shrawan Kumar also hit at BJP for not allowing the minister to speak. Sushil Modi told reporters in his Council chamber that its not only a matter of use of "unparliamentary and uncharitable" comments on PM but more than that a heinous act of inciting crowd to hit a photograph of PM kept on stage with shoes. Questioning the silence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the demand to sack Mastan from Cabinet, Sushil Modi asked why an FIR has not been registered into the incident so far and action taken against Circle Officer and Station House Officer who were present at the place when the protest programme took place in Purnea. (Rptng after adding a new last paragraph) (REOPENS CES 2) Meanwhile, Abdul Jalil Mastan today said he has already expressed regret for the February 22 incident. "I have already expressed sorry for the incident than why BJP is insisting on my resignation and making all sorts of allegation against me," Mastan told reporters outside Assembly premises. "If they ask to kill me or hang me will you do that?" Mastan said. (REOPENS CES 3) As soon as the House resumed in the post-lunch session at 2 pm, agitated BJP members led by Prem Kumar continued with their demand for sacking of Prohibition, Excise and Registration department Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan for his undignified remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "What problem the Chief Minister has in taking action against the minister when Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi have also supported action against him. The CM says he neither protects nor implicate anyone, then why he is not taking action against the minister who made undignified statement against the PM," Prem Kumar said. The BJP members rushed to the well and sat on dharna raising slogans against the government demanding Mastan's sacking. Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary tried to pacify the BJP members with his repeated request to them to take their seats and participate in the debate on Budget 2017-18 but they did not relent and continued with their sloganeering in the House. The Speaker, who initiated the debate on Budget, adjourned the proceedings till 3:30 pm after 20 minutes of din and uproar in the House. Even RJD MLA Rajendra Kumar spoke on Budget amid uproarious scenes. In the din, the Finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui read out his reply amid din, pandemonium and sloganeering when the House met at 3:30 pm again. In his reply, Siddiqui rebutted the opposition's claim that it is a lacklustre Budget with no focus - spelled out his government's priority saying that the Grand Alliance government has put "development, poverty alleviation and financial stability" in the foreground of its agenda. Siddiqui, who could not complete his reply, tabled his written reply on the floor of the House. In the end, when the House was about to be adjourned, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a comment in lighter vein over opposition members staging sit-in in the well requesting Speaker "These members are sitting in the well of the House. They have parched throat (due to slogan shouting). Please get them water. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) today decided to auction the iconic Taj Mansingh Hotel and cancel the licence of Le Meridien, two decisions that have been pending for a while. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a member of council of NDMC, made the announcement following a special meeting of its top decision-making body. "Important decisions today's NDMC meeting-open auction of Taj Mansingh, cancel Le Meridian Hotel license, 240 days TMR (Temporary Muster Roll) every yr 2 all death cases (sic)," Kejriwal tweeted. Last November, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) of the Tata Group had moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order allowing NDMC to auction the Taj Hotel arguing there was no need to do it as it generates good revenue for the civic body. Le Meridien's licence fee has been a bone of contention with allegations of irregularities against the civic body in recovery of licence fee from the 5-star property located in the city's Lutyens' Zone. NDMC had hiked its licence fee to over Rs 3 crore last year. It is alleged that NDMC officials allowed a settlement of pending licence fee dues towards the civic body by the hotel by accepting a one-time fee of over Rs 150 crore which allegedly resulted in a loss of Rs 400 crore to the exchequer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Some 970 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya, Italy's coastguard said, as the numbers attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe continue to rise. Even before yesterday's arrivals, more than 13,400 people had arrived on Italy's shores so far this year -- an increase of 50 to 70 per cent compared with 2016 and 2015. According to the United Nations, more than 440 people have died or gone missing in January and February while crossing from Libya in the depths of winter, when the sea is at its most treacherous. The migrants rescued yesterday were crammed into four rubber dinghies, a small wooden boat and another larger one. Italy's coastguard said it coordinated the rescue operations with a Norwegian vessel under the command of EU border agency Frontex and two humanitarian ships manned by the SOS Mediterranee aid group, Doctors without Borders and the Spanish Proactiva Open Arms group. The coast guard also received a distress signal from a sailboat that left Greece with about 85 migrants on board heading to southern Italy, but the boat never made it out of Greek waters. It was rescued by a Maltese vessel that happened to be in the area, and the migrants were taken to the southern Greek port of Kalamata. European efforts to close the migrant route at the Greek end of the Mediterranean are thought to lie behind the increased flow to Italy, with most departures taking place from the west of Libya, just 300 kilometres away from the Italian coast. European countries are considering new measures aimed at blocking the migrants' arrival, alarming aid groups which fear people stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. Six years after the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is still in chaos and the country has become a major launching pad for migrants seeking to enter Europe. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Regulator NPPA will meet stent manufacturers next week to discuss issues like pricing and availability of the medical device. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) also said it has so far received complaints against 24 hospitals for overcharging on stents, out of which nine have been issued show cause notices. It added that non compliance with its instructions on stent prices may lead to prosecution. In a notification, the NPPA said it has called for a meeting with stent makers on March 7 "to discuss issues related to availability of stents and monitoring of ceiling prices and other issues". The regulator has been monitoring the situation ever since it announced price cap on stents on February 14. It has asked manufacturers, importers, distributors and hospitals to ensure availability at the revised prices. "Total 24 complaints of overcharging on stents, nine hospitals issued show cause notices, copy of bills awaited in other cases," the NPPA said in a tweet. It said in overcharging cases, the name of the concerned stent companies can be ascertained only after receiving replies from hospitals. "The 24 hospitals under scrutiny are also accountable on not mentioning the name of the company, brand and specifications of stents billed," the regulator added. So far in the complaints received, it has been observed from the bill copies that "hospitals are not complying" with instructions specified in its price cap order, it said. "This a serious non-compliance of government orders," the NPPA said, adding "non-compliance of these instructions shall now be treated as deliberated distortion of evidence along with charges of overpricing. Such cases may also be taken up prosecution under EC Act". The NPPA also warned the hospitals "that non compliance with its instructions on stent prices may lead to prosecution." The hospitals against which complaints have been received include Max Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, Metro Hospital in Faridabad, PGI Hospital Chandigarh and Bharat Heart Institute in Dehradun, among others. Max Healthcare and Lilavati have denied overcharging patients for stents and insisted they were complying with NPPA guidelines. The regulator said hospitals, nursing homes and clinics utilising stents shall specifically and separately mention the cost of the stent along with its brand, name of the manufacturer, importer, batch number and other details in their billing. In a major relief to lakhs of cardiac patients, the NPPA had slashed prices of life-saving coronary stents by up to 85 per cent by capping them at Rs 7,260 for bare metal ones and Rs 29,600 for drug eluting variety. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today said the Opposition Congress created an uproar in the House yesterday when BJP MLAs were about to raise the issue of alleged scam at Jai Narayan Vyas University. "The recruitment scam cannot be suppressed by the Opposition by disrupting the proceedings of the House. The scam will have big names," she said in her Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address at the Assembly here. In an oblique attack on Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that his party was making a list of officials working on the government's directions in this issue, Raje said, "The state is with officials who are working for the development and prosperity of Rajasthan." "Those who are threatening that they are making a list are till now in the hangover of power," she said. Last month, the former chief minister had said those who are doing injustice while being in the bureaucracy will not be spared. "We are making a list of officials who are working on the directions of the government. Those who are honest need not worry," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Psychologist Gert Storms doesn't want to review scientific papers if their authors refuse to share with him the underlying data. The American Psychological Association (APA), which publishes the journal he edits, has asked him to resign. Nature.com's Gautam Naik reports that the effort to force him out is a test of The Peer Reviewer's Opennness Initiative, a move crafted to "increase transparency in a field beset by reports of fraud and dubious research." Storms, a psychologist at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium and a consulting editor for the APA's Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, accepted an invitation last year to review a study for the journal, and pointed out his new open-data policy. The journal's editor, Robert Greene, wrote back to say that Storms's stance set "a terrible precedent" because it was unfair to the author of the paper and opposed the APA's policies and the guidelines followed by other reviewers. "Given that your policy conflicts with that of the journal, I think that it's best that you step down from the editorial board," he wrote. Storms refused, writing that he would continue to do what he thought was necessary to "prevent sloppy science". And he forwarded his correspondence to other editors at the journal. Two of them, Robert Hartsuiker and Marc Brysbaert, both psychologists at Ghent University in Belgium, wrote to Greene saying that they, too, would quit if Storms was forced to resign. "The policy of asking people to leave rather than inviting a discussion and getting critical voices I found that quite inappropriate," said Hartsuiker. A 2006 study showed that 73% of psychologists refuse to show their data after publication, even after agreeing to do so. It sounds shady, but Nature's article seems to suggest that an embarrassed unfamiliarity with the rigors of science is still sadly at hand in the halls of psychology: surveyed 600 researchers in the field to understand barriers to data sharing. The main explanations that they gave were: data sharing is an uncommon practice in the field; researchers prefer to share data only on request; it is time consuming; and researchers have never learned how to share data properly. Wagenmakers' survey results have not yet been published. Despite prolonged pressure, the APA hasn't changed its data policies for years Oh man, wait 'til you get a load of sociology! We have much better excuses for this sort of thing. Photo credit: Gert Storms Assam cabinet's decision to introduce Sanskrit as a compulsory subject till Class VIII has evoked sharp criticism from students organisations and opposition political parties in the state. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has criticised the decision to make Sanskrit compulsory instead of promoting Assamese in the schools. "We are not opposed to the Cabinet decision of making Sanskrit compulsory in the schools under the state board but the government should clarify whether now there will be the four-language formula in Assam instead of the three-language formula followed in other states", AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said today. Moreover, there can be no compromise with the teaching of Assamese in schools and the language has to be a part of the syllabus in the state, he added. Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) also alleged that the move to impose Sanskrit as compulsory subject till Class eight was a "well-orchestrated conspiracy being micro managed and monitored from Nagpur (the RSS headquarter)". The state government was preparing to "recruit Sanskrit teachers from outside since the state now lacks the required strength but we won't allow teachers from outside the state to be recruited in our schools," AJYCP President Biraj Kumar Talukdar said in a statement here. AJYCP is not opposed to Sanskrit in the schools since it is the "ancient language which needs to be promoted and preserved in schools and colleges but we are concerned by the way the government is trying to impose the subject in the state when it knows very well that there is a shortage of Sanskrit teachers in the state". Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi alleged that the state Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was trying to warm up to the RSS and making Sanskrit compulsory was a step in that direction. "The state government should have taken more interest and initiative to introduce Assamese in all schools in the state, including those under the Central Boards instead of imposing Sanskrit", he added. NSUI state general secretary Jayanta Das said that they were not against Sanskrit as it is an ancient language and must be preserved but the way the BJP government is trying to impose on the student and the education system is not acceptable. The Assam Cabinet at its recent meeting on February 28 had taken the decision to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in all schools under the state board. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NCP president Sharad Pawar today came out in support of Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur who was allegedly given rape threats online for criticising the RSS-backed ABVP, saying those in power are creating an "atmosphere of terror". Pawar said those who believe in democracy and women empowerment will stand against such intimidation. "This is not the first time such an atmosphere of terror is being unleashed. The Haryana (Health) Minister's comments expose what kind of mindset exists," Pawar told reproters here. Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had said that those supporting Kaur for her campaign against the ABVP were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of the country. Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against RSS-backed students outfit ABVP and a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. The 20-year-old daughter of a martyr had also complained of receiving "rape threats" allegedly from ABVP members, following which a FIR was registered against unknown persons. Pawar said NCP's campus wing will raise its voice against such intimidation and terror in universities. "Political leaders are contributing to vitiate the atmosphere," he said. "The mindset of those in power at present is not good. They are not easing the situation, but are increasing the tension. All political parties should come together to raise their voice against such ideology," Pawar said adding he condemned the threats to Kaur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "misleading" the country with his "blatant lies" on various issues including the "coconut juice" jibe on Rahul Gandhi, for which it demanded his apology. The Opposition party hit out at Modi for not fulfilling any of the promises made to farmers, ex-servicemen and the poor and accused him of doing "treachery" with farmers. "Blatant lies, jumlas and disinformation have become the hallmark of India's Prime Minister. The truth is that Modi ji does not speak the truth," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters. Showing a video of Rahul's speech in Manipur and that of the Prime Minister at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress leader said it is more than apparent in the video that Modi is trying to mislead the nation and people of Uttar Pradesh. Surjewala was referring to a remark made by the Congress vice president about progress made by a northeastern state which is essentially part of India's growth story. "Modiji does not want people of Manipur and northeastern states to progress and participate in India's growth story. So Modiji must now apologise not only to the Congress party but to the entire nation. He should express regrets publicly for misleading people in UP as also the entire country by twisting and by falsifying the words of the leader of the principal Opposition party," he said. "It does not behove a Prime Minister. Modiji has lowered the dignity of the office of Prime Minister and he should be ashamed about it," he added. "We are sorry and sad in saying these words about Prime Minister of India who has become a habitual offender in telling lies." Modi took a jibe at Rahul's reported remark that he was waiting for the day when packaged "coconut juice" from Manipur would sell in London. During his poll campaign in Manipur, Rahul had talked about 'Narangi' juice, the Congress claimed. Surjewala also attacked Modi accusing him of "lying" about and "fudging" the growth numbers and of talking about the welfare of poor but increasing LPG prices steeply and imposing transaction tax on ATM usage. He also charged him with "treachery" with farmers. "By giving fudged figures, you are attacking the economists who have shown you the mirror of truth on account of demon of demonetisation. Does Modi ji forget that from fake encounters to fake figures, can never cover the real truth. And the real truth is this," he said. Surjewala also said Modi promised farming communities in UP, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, to include certain communities in OBC list, besides paying farmers 50 per cent more than their cost as MSP. "Now for 2.5 years, Modiji has not fulfilled the promises made. That shows absolute treachery an falsification of promises by Narendra Modi. India's farmers are large-hearted and even if you do treachery with them they will pardon you if you do course correction on important issue. The ball now lies in Modi ji's court." He also said that by "abusing known economists, Modiji cannot hide the truth and the truth is that incompetence and malgovernance have become the hallmark of of Modiji's type of functioning". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pope Francis will meet with the leaders of all EU nations at the Vatican on March 24 ahead of the bloc's special summit in Rome, Vatican sources said today. The March 25 summit will mark the 60th anniversary of the bloc's founding treaty. The pontiff will meet the leaders in the afternoon, the sources said. The pope has already received EU leaders at the Vatican in May 2016 when he was presented with the bloc's Charlemagne Prize for his contribution to European unification. In a speech at that ceremony he called on them to "tear down the walls" and build a fairer society. Invoking the memory of the EU founding fathers' pursuit of integration in the aftermath of World War II, the pontiff said they inspired because they had "dared to change radically the models" that had led to war. The pope also made a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in November 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Controversial businessman Moin Akhtar Qureshi, an accused in a black money case, had made a false claim to go abroad, Income Tax Department told a city court today. The Department sought modification of the bail condition of the meat exporter and said he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving India in future. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Garg asked the counsel of Income Tax (IT) Department to file a proper application in this regard and listed the matter for April 7. IT Department's standing counsel Brijesh Garg said that Qureshi's bail condition should be modified and, instead of just intimating the court about his foreign trip, he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving the country. In October last year, Qureshi was stopped at the IGI Airport here following a look-out notice against him by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing a case of money laundering and violation of foreign exchange norms. Qureshi was then allowed to go after he showed a court order saying he had to only inform the court for his foreign travel which he had done. IT Department's prayer came in the backdrop of a plea filed Qureshi last year intimating the court that he wanted to visit the United Kingdom in October where his wife was undergoing treatment. While verifying facts, the IT Department had received a communication from the passport office that Qureshi's wife, Nasreen Qureshi, was in India during that period. The department said Qureshi had made a false ground before the court to go abroad and for future purposes, he should be directed to seek permission before leaving the country. Qureshi had claimed that his wife was in London in October 2016. While granting bail, the court had in March 2015 imposed condition on the accused that he should not leave the country without its prior permission. Later, it was modified to only an intimation. He was summoned by the court in 2015 as an accused in a black money case filed by IT Department for allegedly not disclosing an income of nearly Rs 20 crore. Qureshi's employee Aditya Sharma was also summoned as accused in the case earlier and both were granted bail after they had appeared in the court. The Delhi High Court has stayed the proceedings against Sharma. The court had taken cognisance of IT department's complaint under the IT Act relating to making false statement and the IPC for the alleged offences of criminal conspiracy, giving or fabricating false evidence in a judicial proceeding. The complaint had said the department was investigating the matter and questioned Qureshi on February 15, 2014 at his residence here. It had also alleged that during questioning, Qureshi made a false statement when he was asked about his income and assets and those in the names of his family members or associates. He was also asked to furnish the list of his bank lockers. Qureshi had allegedly told the officials that he had only one locker with HSBC Bank's South Extension branch but, during probe, the department claimed to have found he had 11 lockers which were in the names of his employees and associates but the articles inside belonged to him. The lockers were operated by Qureshi's employees of A M Q Group on his instructions, it had claimed, adding that over Rs 11.26 crore in cash and jewellery worth over Rs 8.35 crore were found in the lockers. Later, Qureshi admitted that the money and the articles belonged to him and surrendered everything to the department, saying it could deduct the income tax from the seized money and return rest of the articles to him. Regarding Sharma, the department had alleged that he had tried to mislead the department by making false statement regarding the lockers. The Rajasthan government has asked all secondary and senior secondary schools to purchase a collection of essays and speeches by RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya, a move which may draw accusations of saffronisation of education. "Secondary and senior secondary schools have been asked to purchase the books for their libraries. The scale of purchase will depend on the availability of funds with the schools," the Deputy Director (Social Education) at the Directorate of Secondary Education in Bikaner, Prakash Chand Jatoliya, said today. The schools were directed last year, during Updahyaya's birth centenary, to purchase the collection of essays and speeches by him from Delhi-based Prabhat publication, he said. In a circular, issued last month, the directorate informed the schools that the collection can be bought from the publisher for Rs 4,000. There are over 13,000 secondary and senior secondary schools in the state, Jatolia said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Minister Anil Vij today asserted that renaming Indus Valley Civilisation as Sarasvati River Civilisation as per the proposal of a panel headed by the state CM will not be "rewriting" but "correcting history." Vij made the assertion while supporting Sarasvati Heritage Development Board's proposal to rename Indus Valley Civilisation as Sarasvati River Civilisation, saying the mythical river actually existed once. "It's an appropriate recommendation made by the board, chaired by the chief minister, as the river is no more a myth and its existence was a reality," Vij told reporters outside the state assembly. Asked if changing the name of Indus Valley Civilisation wouldn't be rewriting history, Vij said, "When historians talked about Indus Valley, they thought Sarasvati river was a myth and that's why they did not mention it. Sindhu river was flowing and they named it everywhere." "No one should call Sarasvati a myth since it has already been proved that the river was present. Now recent research, backed by ISRO and other reputed agencies, Sarasvati's path has been deciphered. Many things are being found at Rakhigarhi (in Hisar district) or where ever the river's path has been traced to Pakistan border," said Vij. "So, it should be renamed as Sarasvati River Civilisation," he said. Discarding suggestions that renaming the Indus valley civilisation reeked of the BJP agenda to "saffronise" things, Vij said "We are not rewriting history, we are correcting it." Vij also said a large number of Harappan sites have been found in Haryana over the years. "The nomenclature of the Indus Valley Civilisation should now be changed to the Sarasvati-Indus civilisation," he said. The largest Harappan site Rakhigarhi and the oldest Bhirrana are both in Haryana. The state government is restarting excavation at Kunal in Fatehabad district, he said. Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department, in collaboration with the Indian Archaeological Society and National Museum, New Delhi will soon undertake excavation at Kunal in district Fatehabad, the earliest Harappan sites in Haryana. Vij said Kunal is located in Tehsil Ratia in district Fatehabad on the banks of now dried up river course of ancient mighty river Sarasvati. In a written reply to a question by Congress MLA Karan Singh Dalal, the Haryana Assembly was earlier informed that "the scientific evidence/material relied on by the Government in respect of development of Sarasvati river and its heritage is derived from multiple sources and is substantial." The Haryana government had earlier constituted Saraswati Heritage Development Board to take up research on river Saraswati. (REOPENING DES43) Earlier on Tuesday, the Haryana assembly had held a debate on the Saraswati river with the opposition parties questioning the government on its venture on the mythical river. Ridiculing the state government's Sarasvati river project, Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala had said he had heard of digging up of a canal, but the government is busy here digging up a lost river. "Never heard before a river being dug up," Chautala said in the State assembly on Tuesday. Congress' Geeta Bhukkal had also ridiculed the venture saying the BJP government is trying to project as if Sarasvati river was its creation. Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma, also the Minister of Archaeology and Museums, had, however, told the the Assembly on Tuesday that "we have undertaken digging of the route of the river from Adi Badri to Mugalwali and Ambawali on a 32-km stretch. Even scientists have seen the water.." Notably, the government has been undertaking excavation of the river. The Manohar Lal Khattar government had organised 'Sarasvati Mahotsav' in January, under which a two-day international conference on the Sarasvati river was held at the Kurukshetra University. Meanwhile, in reply to a question by Congress MLA Karan Singh Dalal, the Haryana assembly was today informed that the Sarasvati Heritage Development Board had been set up in October 2015 for making a conservation plan for Sarasvati river and to conduct research and spread awareness about the river and its heritage. The Board has been sanctioned a budget of Rs 3.01 crore for 2015-16 and Rs 10 crore for 2016-17. The assembly was informed that "demarcation of Sarasvati river as per revenue record has been completed and as per Survey of India record, it is also under process. All the gaps/discontinuity in the alignment of Sarasvati river from Adi Badri to its outfall in river Ghaggar-Sarsvati have been identified and excavation work for the internal clearance in 190 km out of 204 km has been completed." "Identification and development of sources of water to maintain continuous flow in Sarasvati river too is under process," the Assembly was informed in the written reply. The reply read that identification and mapping of palaeo channel of river Sarasvati has almost been completed in consultation with various agencies including ISRO and alignment of the river has been fixed. The trial run of river Sarasvati from Uncha-Chandna, Yamuna Nagar, to Pipli, Kurukshetra was successfully carried out first time by using surplus flood water of river Yamuna through Shahabad feeder during July 2016. A court in Rohtak, Haryana, on Thursday summoned yoga guru Ramdev for his "beheading" remark made last year, directing him to appear before it on April 29. The court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Harish Goyal issued summons to the yoga guru under sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke the breach of peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC, senior Supreme Court lawyer R K Anand, who argued the case recently on behalf of the complainant, said. The complaint has been filed by Congress leader and former Haryana minister Subhash Batra, who sought registration of a FIR against Ramdev. Batra said he had lodged a police complaint against Ramdev last year. "However, as the police did not register a FIR, I approached the court," he said on Thursday. Ramdev is Haryana's brand ambassador for the promotion of yoga and ayurveda. While speaking at a function in Rohtak in April last year, he had said that but for the rule of law he would have "beheaded" lakhs of people for refusing to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. His remarks had drawn sharp condemnation from various quarters, including opposition parties. "Koi aadmi topi pehan kar ke khada ho jaata hai, bolta Bharat mata ki jai nahi bolunga, chahe meri gardan kaat do. Arrey, is desh mein kanoon hai, nahi toh teri ek ki kya, hum toh lakhon ki gardan kaat sakte hain (Somebody wearing a cap stands up and says he will not say Bharat mata ki jai even if you decapitate me. There is rule of law in this country, otherwise let alone one, we would behead lakhs," Ramdev had allegedly said without naming anyone. The opposition Congress today created a ruckus in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, protesting against the government's decision to set up a corporation to sell liquor. The Speaker had to carry out the listed business amid slogan-shouting and adjourn the proceedings thrice. State Congress president Bhupesh Baghel raised the issue first by moving anadjournment motionnotice, but Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar said such matters can't be taken up during the Question Hour. Baghel raised the issue again after the Question Hour. The BJP government's decision to get involved in retail liquor sale was being opposed by the people everywhere, he said. Women had taken to the streets opposing the move and were demanding complete prohibition, the Congress leader said. Police recently thrashed the activist Mamta Sharma who had filed a PIL on the issue and other women when they were protesting at Ahiwara in Durg district, Baghel said. PWD minister Rajesh Munat intervened, saying that before demanding prohibition, all the 90 members of this House should make a resolution not to touch alcohol. This led to a pandemonium in the House. Commercial Tax Minister Amar Agrawal said the decision to set up a government corporation for retail liquor sale will check illegal sale by the middlemen. However, Congress legislators continued shouting slogans while demanding a complete ban on liquor, so the Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal adjourned the House for ten minutes. When proceedings resumed, Baghel reiterated his demand. He was supported by Congress Legislative Party Leader T S Singhdeo and MLAs Arun Vora and Dhanendra Sahu. Amid chaos, Agrawal said the Supreme Court has banned sale of liquor upto 500 mts from the highways, and the government will ensure compliance of the order fromApril 1. After the formation of Chhattisgarh, government sold liquor in Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari and Mahasamund between 2001-2003, Agrawal said, adding that Chhattisgarh Beverage Corporation was constituted in 2002. The revenue from liquor sale in the current fiscal was expected to reach at Rs 3300 crore, the minister said. Agrawal also stated that the state government had undertaken a drive to shift 417 existing liqour shops in compliance of the SC order. After Agrawal's reply, the Speaker rejected the adjournment motion notice. As the Congress MLAs kept shouting slogans, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings twice, and later the listed business was carried out amid ruckus. Russia's foreign minister today pushed an "inclusive national dialogue" in Libya at talks with its UN-backed premier that came after his key rival sought to boost ties with Moscow. "We are convinced that only the Libyan people themselves can overcome the current crisis, all the parties in Libya through an inclusive national dialogue aimed at reconciliation," Russia's Sergei Lavrov told Fayez al-Sarraj at the start of the meeting. Lavrov described Moscow as an "old friend" of Libya and insisted it would "strongly advocate the need to create conditions for the Libyans themselves to resolve their problems". Sarraj's Moscow trip comes as Libya remains in chaos, six years after the ouster and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in the midst of a NATO-backed armed uprising. Sarraj's fragile Government of National Accord (GNA), formed under a United Nations-backed deal signed in late 2015, has struggled to impose its authority, particularly in eastern Libya where a rival administration holds sway. Military strongman Khalifa Haftar is aligned with the rival administration and commands the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army which is battling jihadists and controls key oil export terminals. Haftar has sought to bolster ties with the Kremlin to seek support for an end to a UN arms embargo, visiting Moscow in November and going onboard a Russian aircraft off the Libyan coast in January. Last month dozens of Haftar's fighters were flown to Russia for medical treatment in a sign of warming ties. Analysts believe Russia, emboldened by its military success in Syria, is seeking a foothold in oil-rich Libya with support for Haftar. On February 14 Russia tried to mediate a meeting between Sarraj and Haftar in Cairo, but the talks fell through. Sarraj's visit also comes after Russian oil giant Rosneft and Libya's National Oil Corporation last week signed a deal to explore possible cooperation in various fields, including exploration and production. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senator Ron Johnson [R-WI/Twitter/email/DC office (202) 224-5323] is one of the many Republican lawmakers who've chosen not to meet with their own constituents during the Congressional recess; Earl Good, a Vietnam veteran and Milwaukee constituent who called Johnson's office hundreds of times because the Senator won't meet with the people he represents has now been sent a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal retaliation if he doesn't stop contacting his elected official. Dear Mr. Good: This Cease and Desist letter is to inform you that any further communication from you to U.S. Senator Ron Johnson's office can only be done in writing. This means that you are not to call or visit any of Senator Johnson's staff or any of his offices at any time. Our office has done all that we can to assist you with your concerns. This letter acts as written notice of our expectation for you to discontinue your unwarranted telephone calls and office visits. If you fail to comply with this notice, then we will have no other alternative but to contact the United States Capitol Police and report your noncompliance. Sincerely, Staff Ron Johnson's staff U.S. Senate Saudi Arabia's King Salman called today for a united fight against terrorism in a speech to Indonesia's parliament during a landmark state visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The king is making the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Indonesia in almost 50 years as part of a tour of Asia, accompanied by a 1,000-strong delegation and hundreds of tons of luggage. In a speech to hundreds of people at the legislature in the capital Jakarta, he called for an intensified fight against terrorism. "The challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism," he said. "We should close ranks in combating terrorism, radicalism and strive to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us." Saudi Arabia is part of a US-led coalition that has carried out air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists in Syria. IS is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, as government forces make a drive to retake areas held by the jihadists. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of deadly attacks claimed by IS since late 2014, mostly targeting the Shiite minority and security forces, killing dozens of people. However, some of the kingdom's partners in the Middle East have urged the Sunni-majority country to do more to defeat IS, and even accused the kingdom of supporting the jihadists. Indonesia, which has long struggled with Islamic militancy, is also facing a renewed threat due to the appeal of IS, with hundreds of its citizens heading to the Middle East to fight with the jihadists. A gun and suicide attack in Jakarta in January last year that killed four civilians and four attackers was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. On Thursday Salman also visited Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, accompanied by President Joko Widodo, and the leaders prayed together. The king and his entourage will be in Jakarta until Friday, after which they will head to the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali for a holiday. Salman's three-week Asian tour is seeking investment opportunities as the world's top oil exporter looks to diversify its economy. He began the trip in Malaysia earlier this week and is also set to visit Japan, China and the Maldives. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stocks frittered away a good beginning on Thursday as stumbled and lost 145 points to end at 28,840 after investors moved in to book profits towards the close amid a lower opening in Europe. and Nifty were near two-year highs in their early sessions. Asia saw a mixed closing and Europe clocked a lower opening. The US on Wednesday closed at a new high. ended 145 points or 0.5 per cent lower at 28,840, after moving between 29,145.6 and 28,784 points. Sensex had gained 241 points on Wednesday on strong GDP growth data for October-December and positive global cues. The NSE Nifty closed 46 points or 0.5 per cent lower at 8,899.7 after hitting 8,992.5 the highest since March 3, 2015. It also touched a low of 8,880. NSE is National Stock Exchange. As many as 22 stocks in 30-share Sensex fell and only eight rose. Market started on a strong footing, picking up cues from global on optimism about corporate tax cuts and other policy proposals in US President Donald Trumps speech before the Congress. BJP national president Amit Shah has promised to end the crippling indefinite economic blockade in Manipur if BJP is voted to power in the coming assembly polls and said priority will be given to maintain law and order in the militancy-hit state. "Our first task would be to end the indefinite economic blockade and all efforts will be carried out to make the state free from bandhs and blockades," Shah said at a poll rally here yesterday. Emphasising on the need to restore law and order in the militancy-hit state, he said, "Law and order will be restored and priority will be given to solve the conflict situation of the state," he said. Referring to the Naga Accord, Shah assured that it would not affect the territoral integrity of the state as had been assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Banking on the development agenda, Shah promised to make Manipur a "model state" in five years even as he accused Congress government of not exploiting the tourism potential of the region. "The state has huge potential in the tourism sector which has not been utilised by the Congress during the last 15 years of its rule. BJP will make Manipur a model state if it comes to power," Shah said. He said that potable water will be available to the everyone in the state and conditions of roads will be improved. Earlier in the day, Shah, accompanied by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar and former MLA Y Erabot, held door-to-door campaign at Wangkhei assembly constituency, where he visited about 10 houses and asked for votes. "Such an interaction was the first of its kind in Manipur. It shows BJP's seriousness to bring good governance in the state," Javadekar, who is the party's in-charge of Manipur said. "The campaign shows BJP's concern about the welfare of the people of Manipur. The ideology of our party is to connect people with their representatives ... Families were thrilled when Shah came to interact with them personally," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shoes were today hurled at Gujarat Home minister Pradipsinh Jadeja outside the state Assembly building when he was about to address the media. Shouting "down with corruption", a man identified as Gopal Italia launched the projectiles at a surprised Jadeja but missed his target. He was then overpowered and taken away by police personnel. A police official said the man was "mentally unstable" and claimed to be a government employee. The incident happened during the recess hour of the ongoing Budget session when Jadeja came to address the media near the public entry gate of the state Assembly premises. Gandhinagar Range IG R B Brahmbhatt said Italia has been detained for questioning and preliminary investigation has revealed that he is "mentally unstable and frustrated". "A man named Gopalbhai, aged around 30 years, walked up to Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja when he was preparing to address the press, and hurled shoes at him. He works as a clerk at Dhandhuka (Ahmedabad district) SDM office," Brahmbhatt said. "We have taken him for questioning, and preliminary investigation reveals that he is mentally unstable and frustrated for reasons that are not clear yet. We will take action against him after questioning," he added. While being taken away by police, Italia told media that the attack was on the "dictatorship and arrogance" of the state government. "Government is bent on dictatorship. I am a government employee, and I am angry at the government's way of dealing with issues like unemployment, corruption, and prohibition. I am angry and like a common man, I have thrown shoes at the government's arrogance," he said. The ruling BJP was quick to point fingers at opposition Congress for the incident. "I condemn the way Congress is creating anarchical situation in the state. It is not the right way to oppose, and I want this to be properly investigated as I believe it is Congress which is behind all this. In a democracy, we have every right to put forth our demands, but this is not the way to do so," State BJP President Jitu Vaghani said. Congress condemned the attack, and said that public should rather use elections to express their anger and frustration rather than hurling shoes or ink at leaders. "People are angry at the government. The ruling BJP has created a situation in which people feel tortured, but I would request people to not take such a step and rather use election as a platform to express their anger and frustration," senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil said. Incidentally, Italia is the same person who was arrested by Ahmedabad crime branch around a month back for calling up Deputy Chief minister Nitin Patel while posing as a police constable. There is a purported audio clip of their conversation in which Italia, identifying himself as Gopal Patel -- constable with Madhavpura police station, is heard telling the minister that the recent ordinance to strengthen liquor prohibition law has failed to serve its purpose, and this has only increased the price of liquor in the state. When Patel asked him in the purported phone call to work hard to ensure that prohibition law is properly implemented, Italia replied that his seniors are not allowing him to perform his duty properly. With the BJP and the Congress locking horns over the economic blockade and Naga Accord ahead of the Manipur assembly polls, the state's new and smaller parties are stressing on local issues and hope to play a decisive role in case of a fractured mandate. Political outfits like National Peoples Party (NPP), Irom Sharmila's Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), Manipur National Democratic Front and All India Trinamool Congress feel that Congress and BJP can never work for the state's development as they don't stress on the core issues. According to them, the two national parties have a mindset that is "bereft of any passion for Manipuri identity". The newly-formed PRJA, besides its focus on repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, is seeking the amendment of the 'Manipuri Official Language Act, 1979' to replace the Bengali script with an indigenous one as an official script through public consultation and consensus building among all ethnic groups. "Both BJP and Congress are only busy in mudslinging and are trying to divert the attention of the voters. None of the political parties are keen on reviving Manipuri culture and tradition by introducing an indigenous script for Manipuri people. We don't want the Manipuri script to become a lost heritage," a senior PRJA leader told PTI. The party is contesting from three seats with Irom being one of the marquee candidates. NPP, which is the main opposition party in Meghalaya and is contesting from 21 seats in the Manipur polls, is stressing on social welfare schemes and reservation of seats for the north east region in institutes of higher studies in the country. "The students from the north east face lots of problems and hardships while pursuing higher studies in other parts of the country. So we feel that there should be reservation for students of the region in the all India institutes. If we are able to be part of the next government we will try to pursue this demand," NPP general secretary Vivek Raj Wangkhem said. State outfit Manipur Peoples Party has pledged to protect the territorial integrity and identity of original ethnic groups of Manipur and preserve the its identity and tradition. The party has also demanded that a Manipur Regiment of the army be established in the state. The Manipur National Democratic Front, a new party which has fielded 13 candidates, feels Congress and BJP cannot work in the state's interest as their leadership is based in New Delhi and takes decisions without having a proper understanding of the ground reality in the state. None of these political outfits are in any position to form a government but hope to play a decisive role in case of a hung assembly. Trinamool Congress, which is contesting in 24 seats, has embarked on publicising various welfare schemes it plans to undertake if it has leverage in government formation. It is hoping to play a decisive role in government formation in case of a hung assembly. PRJA founder and human rights activist Irom Sharmila told The SP-Congress coalition and the BSP are trying to polarise politics in Uttar Pradesh at a time when the electioneering has entered the last phase, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here today. He said the SP and the BSP have fielded candidates with criminal and tainted backgrounds to polarise the polls. "This kind of politics has been successful only to a certain level... There is also an opposite reaction.. The diminishing returns of such politics will also surely make them (political parties) suffer badly," the BJP leader said. "Anger is brewing in the society against such kind of politics," he said, adding, "a large section is now in a mood to revolt against such politics." Jaitley, who was here in the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claimed that the voters in UP are fed up ofthe "misrule" by the BSP and the SP and their caste-based politics. Suggesting discrimination, he said the government benefits reach onlycertain classes which "get jobs on priority". "These parties have only tried to divide the people in the society for their personal gains," Jaitley said. He claimed that the social base of the BJP had expanded and it was "clearly visible" in the ongoing elections. "The poor and the deprived sections are now standing in support of the BJP," he said. He said the slum-dwellers in Mumbai and tribals in Odisha, along with the BJP's traditional voters, voted for the saffron party in the recent civic polls. The same is being seen in the UP Assembly polls, he added. "Because of the Modi government's policies, the poor and the deprived sections here too are hopeful of getting social justice if BJP is voted to power," he said. Justifying demonetisation, the Finance Minister said its result was that the informal economy has now integrated with the formal economy. He said the Indian economy was growing at the rate of 7 per cent. "The entire country is happy about the Modi government's demonetisation decision. It is only the Congress and other opposition parties who are upset over this," he said. He said the GST, which will be rolled out from July 1, will give a boost to the economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The AAP today lambasted the Centre over a steep hike in the rate of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG), branding the move as "anti-poor". Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the move will directly affect the common man. The party also attacked the Central government over some banks' decision to charge per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals, claiming that they were being told by the government to levy the fee. "The rate of non-subsidised LPG in September 2016 was Rs 466, while the current rate is Rs 737.50. This is a steep hike of 58 per cent in last six months. The government's decision to hike rates of mini LPG cylinder has also hit the poor dearly," AAP's national treasurer Raghav Chadha said. The price of non-subsidised LPG was hiked yesterday by a steep Rs 86 per cylinder. AAP leader Ashutosh said while the rates for crude oil in the international market were declining, the Narendra Modi government was increasing the cooking gas prices. "The Delhi government is short on funds and despite that we are providing a lot of facilities to Delhiites. But the Centre has no shortage of funds and despite that it is imposing new things (hike in cylinder rates) on people, which is not right," he told reporters. Chadha also raised doubts over banks charging a minimum amount of Rs 150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals, beyond four free transactions in a month. "We have been saying this from day one that demonetisation is a scam. The Modi government does not want people to withdraw their money from banks. It wants to use the money deposited in these banks to waive off the loans taken by a few business houses," he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sweden's left-leaning government introduced a military draft for both men and women today because of what its defense minister called a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. Sweden abolished compulsory military service for men in 2010 because there were enough volunteers to meet its military needs. It has never had a military draft for women. The government said "the all-volunteer recruitment hasn't provided the Armed Forces with enough trained personnel. The re-activating of conscription is needed for military readiness." In September, non-NATO-member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland. Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist described the move as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its "increasing pressure" on the neighboring Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. There have also been reports of airspace violations by Russia's military aircraft in the Baltics and a military buildup in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which sits across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. About 20,000 people now work for the Swedish armed forces, 84 per cent of them men and 16 percent women, according to the forces' website. But the armed forces lack 1,000 active troops as well as 7,000 reservists, according to Sweden's coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens. Under the plan approved today, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year. Enrolment should be made possible from July 1, and basic military training with compulsory service from January 1. Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service. Sweden expects eventually that 13,000 young people will be called upon and 4,000 will be enrolled. The Swedish government, which often has described itself as "feminist," said "modern conscription is gender neutral and will include both women and men. " Hultqvist said he had been inspired by neighboring Norway, which in 2013 introduced a law applying military conscription to both sexes. That made Norway the first NATO member to draft both men and women, joining a tiny group of countries around the world, including Israel. Conscription was introduced in Sweden in 1901, but had gradually winded down and was formally canceled 109 years later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syrian troops have pushed into Palmyra as they battle to retake the iconic city from the Islamic State group, but their advance was slowed today by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Bolstered by Russian air strikes and ground troops, Syrian government forces have been battling through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The oasis city has traded hands several times during the six-year civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of cultural heritage in areas under its control. The jihadist group first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. IS fighters were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city last December. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, forcing IS fighters to retreat into eastern districts, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "IS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts," he added. They have also not yet entered the celebrated ruins that make up the southwestern part of the city. "There are no IS fighters left in most of the Old City, but it is heavily mined," Abdel Rahman said. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the monuments have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's push towards Palmyra, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad's forces in their fight against what the regime and its allies say are "terrorists." After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year -- thanks in large part to Russian support. In the north, fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they would cede several villages to the government as part of a deal brokered by Russia to avoid conflict with Turkey. Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August, that it said aimed to counter both IS and the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". The surprise announcement by the SDF marks the first time that US-supported fighters will cede territory to Assad's forces. It said the territory to be handed over lay between Manbij and Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed fighters captured last week from IS, to create a buffer zone between them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syrian troops backed by Russian jets completed the recapture of the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group today, the Kremlin and the army said, in another blow to the jihadists. Bolstered by air strikes and ground troops from their ally Moscow, Syrian forces battled through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The oasis city has traded hands several times during Syria's six-year civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture, a Kremlin spokesman told agencies in Moscow. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said that the jihadists had totally withdrawn from the desert city but not before mining several areas. "The Syrian army is still clearing neighbourhoods of mines and has not spread out into the whole city yet," said its director, Rami Abdel Rahman. An army statement carried on state agency SANA said its forces had "regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations". IS has suffered a string of setbacks since taking over swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, and its two main strongholds of Mosul and Raqa both face assaults by forces backed by a US-led coalition. The jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city in December when the government was focused on seizing rebel-held east Aleppo. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the structures have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's Palmyra push, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city today, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces. After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory - including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year - thanks in large part to Russian support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Editor's note: Boing Boing publisher Jason Weisberger recently wrote of threats he and others have received online from literal Nazis, post-Trump. Jason's sister Tammy Weisberger shares a story below, at our request, about the normalization of Nazi iconography and yes, even the Hitler salute, at her child's middle school in the U.S. Has this really become normal? And if so, how should she, and other parents, and America, respond? Read on. XJ. The kids aren't alt-right. Right? A few weeks ago a neighbor posted to Facebook about some skinheads at our local middle school. The post went something like this: "Some punks at school draw swastikas and shows them to [my son]. He thinks he's a Jew and that this will freak him out. Skinheads. Can't even get it right." Kind of flip. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't trying to minimize. She was disgusted. But after reading the back and forth in the comments and chatting with her myself, it was clear that she wouldn't be reporting this incident to the school. She was confident that they wouldn't do anything. When it came down to it, this incident didn't set off the same alarms for her as it did for me. Her son isn't Jewish. My daughters are. And not only is my daughter who attends this same middle school a Jew, she is vocal and proud of who she is. Up until these past few weeks, I didn't think that was a danger. I remember being about my daughter's age and feeling like my dad's doomsday warnings to not mention my religion in school were ridiculous and outdated. When I was growing up in Santa Monica, CA in the 1980s maybe they were unnecessary, maybe they weren't. I never saw swastikas in the classroom. The only anti-Semitic comments I remember were people making fun of my Jewish nose. However, just last week I found myself repeating these very same warnings to my daughter. Today they are anything but ridiculous. After the swastika post, I contacted the school when my neighbor wouldn't. I even went against her wishes and reported the name of the student (her son) who was targeted to aid in the investigation. I truly thought my neighbor was being naive when she said the school wouldn't do anything. I reported. They investigated. And I don't know what happened next. Maybe my neighbor's son refused to speak to the officials at the school and their hands were tied. Maybe the offender was chastised. Maybe he even realized what he did was hateful. Either way, things at the school have certainly not improved. A few nights ago my daughter told me bone-chilling things about what's going on in the classrooms and hallways. She told me about repeated discussions of the Holocaust in glowing terms. She told me about a boy in class who she "really hopes he gets expelled because he's always talking about the Holocaust and he also called a Muslim girl a terrorist." When I expressed shock, my daughter was surprised to learn that actions and words like these were not common when I went to middle school. I have never seen a person do the "Sieg Heil" arm-raise, particularly not in the hallways of my public school. This is the most disturbing part of the story for me. My daughter was surprised to learn that "Heil Hitler" is not a normal element of normal middle-school life in America. My daughter is a warrior. She knows anti-Semitic, anti-woman, or anti-LGBTQ comments are not okay. She told us that she calmly and rationally explained to a kid in the hallway just last week what "Sieg Heil" means, and reduced him to shame-filled tears. I am proud of her for speaking out. What my daughter didn't do was tell someone in authority who has the power to stop this hateful nonsense. She didn't tell anyone because she didn't realize that what was happening wasn't normal. I've reached out to the school and my daughter did eventually report what she experienced. I am confident that the administration is in the midst of another investigation. Can it be that my daughter's impression is right, and that this is the new normal? This isn't going away without our help. If we want this to not be normal, we need to take responsibility ourselves. We must make talking to our kids, and our kids' friends, about this terrible stuff normal and okay. We need to make an effort to know what's happening in the schools our kids attend, in the hallways, on the school buses, in the cafeteria. We need to make our voices heard when something isn't right in those spaces. Teachers and administrators can only help us teach these young Americans the most important lesson of all: that hatred, religious intolerance, and bigotry will not be tolerated. If we want our kids to realize that hatred and discrimination isn't normal, it's up to us to teach them. And to hold ourselves accountable. Tammy Weisberger is a freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter: @tammy_rammy. Image: Photographed in the University district of Seattle by Sarah Ervine. Syria's opposition is counting on the new US Trump administration to play a "positive" role to end the country's six-year war, after "catastrophic" policy mistakes under President Barack Obama, an official said. The High Negotiating Committee (HNC), the main opposition group at UN-sponsored talks in Geneva, said it can help rein in Iran's influence in the conflict, which has killed over 310,000 people. But speaking as the week-old Geneva talks draw towards a close with little sign of progress, HNC delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri said everyone is waiting for the new US administration of President Donald Trump to engage. "We are here to... Send a message to the new American administration which is trying... To fight terrorism, that we are the side working for peace and security in Syria. "We are the side which is ready to be a real partner in fighting terrorism on the ground," he told a small group of journalists late Wednesday. Syrian regime and opposition negotiators have been in Geneva since last Thursday, but there have been no face-to-face talks, as UN mediator Staffan de Mistura shuttles between the delegations. The talks are expected to wrap up either tomorrow or this weekend, with little concrete progress to announce. Obama stressed the need for President Bashar al-Assad's departure as part of any solution, but that goal wasn't achieved. The new US administration has made it clear that its key priority in Syria is fighting Islamic State group jihadists. Al-Hariri added: "The Syrian people are paying the price because of the Obama administration's catastrophic mistakes. "Obama who lied to the Syrian people, who promised and didn't deliver, he drew red lines and erased it by himself, who said nothing about Assad's crimes." He said that on "confinement of the Iranian influence... I think we can be an effective partner regarding this issue". "Lots of countries are willing to support us... These countries are waiting for an American role because no one can work effectively but with an American role that gives legitimacy to all these measures. "We hope that the new American administration would build its positions based on serious facts and to... Bring back an effective American role in the region after the degrading role by Obama. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Tom Selleck's mother, Martha Selleck, has passed away at the age of 96. The mother of the "Magnum, P I" actor died on February 19 in California's Oak Park, Selleck's publicist announced, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Martha, who was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Detroit, served as the president of the Motion Picture Mothers organisation from 1998-2016, which donates to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the operator of the Woodland Hills home and hospital for retired members of the industry. She moved to Sherman Oaks in 1948 with her husband Robert Dean Selleck, along with their two sons - Bob (born in 1944) and Tom (1945). She also worked as the longtime member of the Congregational Church of the Chimes in Sherman Oaks and a supporter of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys. Martha was also honoured by the American Mothers organisation, the Boys and Girls Club of the San Fernando Valley and the March of Dimes Birth Defect Foundation. Apart from Selleck and Bob, she is survived by Marti and Dan, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was under fire today after it was revealed he met twice last year with Russia's ambassador to Washington, seemingly contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings. The revelation cast a fresh cloud over President Donald Trump's administration, which has repeatedly denied any suspected ties between members of his election team and Russia -- which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton. The White House quickly labeled the report an attack by partisan Democrats, confirming the meetings but arguing Sessions did nothing wrong. In a statement, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, said: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." But with US intelligence agencies, the Justice Department -- led by Sessions himself -- and four Congressional committees examining the Russia scandal, Democrats demanded that Sessions recuse himself from the investigations and for Congress to name an independent special investigator to oversee a broad probe. "Given AG Sessions's false statements about contacts with Russian officials, we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates' ties to Russia," said Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Washington Post reported yesterday that Sessions -- formerly a senator who advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy and other issues -- met Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. Sessions, however, told his confirmation hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10 that he did not know of contacts between Trump campaign members and Russia. "I did not have communications with the Russians," he said under oath. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, called for Sessions to step down. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russian, the attorney general must resign," she said. Democrat Elijah Cummings of the House Oversight Committee echoed that call. "When senator Sessions testified under oath that 'I did not have communications with the Russians,' his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks," Cummings said. "Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue." A White House official dubbed the latest report an "attack." "This is the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats," the official said. "Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN-linked International Narcotics Control Board today condemned the use of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, where President Rodrigo Duterte's much-criticised war on drugs has claimed more than 6,500 lives. Duterte was elected in 2016 after promising to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. Since June, police have reported killing more than 2,550 people while more than 4,000 others have died in unexplained circumstances. In a new annual report, the INCB said that "extrajudicial action, purportedly taken in pursuit of drug control objectives, is fundamentally contrary to the provisions and objectives" of international drug conventions. In August the INCB, an independent quasi-judicial body monitoring the implementation of UN drugs conventions, had already called on the Philippines government to ensure an "immediate stop" to the killings. The new annual report condemned the practice "in the strongest possible terms", calling it a "serious violation of human rights" and an "affront to the most basic standards of human dignity". The INCB made no direct mention of Duterte's campaign to reinstate the death penalty for drug-related crimes, which this week has cleared a major hurdle. Yesterday, a death penalty bill passed a second reading in the lower house. A third and final reading still needs to be held next week but this is seen as a formality. The INCB said only that its board "continues to encourage States that retain capital punishment to consider the abolition of the death penalty for drug-related offences." The INCB also said it "notes with concern the deteriorating safety and security situation in Afghanistan and its impact on the authorities' ability to monitor and control the illicit supply of drugs originating in the country". It said it has observed that the "willingness of the international community to continue providing aid to Afghanistan appears to have been declining, in particular in the area of drug control". It said that while drug control efforts are also linked to broader challenges in development and criminal justice, action against drugs "cannot be removed from the equation if sustainable development is to be achieved". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UP Police today recorded the statement of a 16-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted and her mother repeatedly gangraped allegedly by UP minister Gayatri Prajapati and his aides, at the AIIMS here. The statement was recorded despite opposition by the family of the girl, admitted to a restricted ward of the hospital, and their lawyer, who accused the state police of "threatening and forcefully" recording the statement. A Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer, investigating the matter, reached AIIMS today and recorded the victim's statement after seeking permission from the hospital Medical Superintendent, sources said. The statement was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, they added. The lawyer representing the girl, Mehmood Pracha strongly objected to the recording of statement and sought to know on what basis it was being done. "The police threatened the mother and daughter inside the AIIMS ward, where the girl is admitted. They also snatched their mobile phones. The girl is still in trauma," he alleged. "How can they use such force to record her statement?" asked Pracha. Some Delhi Police officials were also present at the AIIMS. The UP police had already registered an FIR against Prajapati and his accomplices. The statement of the girl's mother has already been recorded before a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Lucknow. The girl was admitted to AIIMS on February 22. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has come under fire after the Washington Post reported he met twice last year with Russia's ambassador to Washington, seemingly contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings in January. The revelation cast a fresh cloud over President Donald Trump's administration, which has repeatedly denied any suspected ties between members of his election team and Russia -- which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton. The White House quickly labeled the report an attack by partisan Democrats, confirming the meetings but arguing Sessions did nothing wrong. In a statement Sessions, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, said yesterday: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." But with US intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, and four Congressional committees examining the Russia scandal, Democrats demanded that Sessions recuse himself from the investigations and for Congress to name an independent special investigator to oversee a broad probe. "Given AG Sessions' false statements about contacts with Russian officials, we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates' ties to Russia," said Democrat Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Washington Post reported late yesterday that Sessions -- formerly a senator who advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy and other issues -- met Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. Sessions, however, told his confirmation hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10 that he did not know of contacts between Trump campaign members and Russia. "I did not have communications with the Russians," he said under oath. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the Senate, called for Sessions to step down. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russian, the attorney general must resign," she said. Democrat Elijah Cummings of the House of Representative's Oversight Committee echoed that call in a statement. "When Senator Sessions testified under oath that 'I did not have communications with the Russians,' his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks," Cummings said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Speaker Paul Ryan on behalf of the US House of Representatives has condoled the death of an Indian techie in a racially-motivated shooting by an American. Ryan met visiting Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar yesterday and expressed the House's condolences on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was senselessly murdered last week in Kansas. "Our peoples must continue to stand together," he said. Ryan's comments over the incident came hours after US President Donald Trump condemned as "evil" and "hate" the fatal Kansas shooting in which Kuchibhotla was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani was injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them. The two work for technology firm Garmin. Jaishankar is currently visiting the US to hold consultations and talks with Trump administration officials to develop a roadmap of the Indo-US ties for next four years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today pitched for more powers to Urban Local Bodies to help them tide over their poor financial condition. At present, 11 states have transferred all 18 stipulated functions to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) while only four have transferred all powers except fire services, Naidu, who holds the charge of Urban Development Ministry, said, adding other states have done in parts. Under 74th Amendment to the Constitution in 1992, states were required to amend their municipal laws to empower ULBs with "such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-governance". Naidu said it was "deeply disturbing" that cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Ludhinana, Patna and Ranchi are not able to even meet salary bills from their own resources. The Minister said ULBs do not have powers to collect taxes and user charges beyond the levels stipulated in municipal laws and also cannot impose additional taxes. "The need of the hour is to free urban local bodies from strangulation by the state governments. This is the only way forward to improve the health of ULBs besides making them accountable for the mandate of efficient delivery of municipal services given to them under the 74th Constitution Amendment," he said. Naidu was addressing an event marked to present 'V Ramachandran Awards for Excellence in Urban Decentralisation' by not-for-profit institution Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy (JCCD). Delhi bagged two awards - 'Making School Management Committees Effective' and 'Enabling Citizen Participation through Mohalla Sabhas. Tamil Nadu bagged four awards, including one for '50 per cent reservation for wowen in ULBs'. Other states who bagged the awards under different categories included Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal were also present on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) White House lawyers have instructed the president's aides to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the 2016 election and other related investigations, three administration officials said. The memo, which was sent to White House staff on Tuesday, comes after Senate Democrats last week asked the White House and law enforcement agencies to keep all materials involving contacts that Trump's administration, campaign and transition team or anyone acting on their behalf have had with Russian government officials or their associates. The Senate intelligence committee, which is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election, has also asked more than a dozen organizations, agencies and individuals to preserve relevant records. The three administration officials who confirmed that White House staffers were instructed to comply did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. President Donald Trump has been dogged by questions about his advisers' ties to Russia since the campaign. Federal investigators have been looking into possible contacts between Trump advisers and Russia, while congressional committees are investigating Russia's role in political hacking during the campaign. The intelligence community has assessed that Russia's hacking of Democratic groups and operatives was carried out to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. One official said the memo from the counsel's office instructs White House staff to preserve material from Trump's time in office, and for those who worked on the campaign, relevant material from the election. Congressional staffers have said they are not aware of any evidence that materials related to Russia are not being preserved. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said last week: "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved." Trump has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, as reported by The New York Times. The White House has launched an aggressive effort to discredit the report, including enlisting GOP chairmen of the congressional intelligence committees to push back against it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Construction of the Ram temple may not be on the BJP's manifesto for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls but Yogi Adityanath makes it clear that a saffron government in Lucknow will pave the way for it. The fifth-term Lok Sabha member is the mascot of the party's Hindutva-wrapped agenda of development as the BJP makes a final push in its bid to capture power in the state in the last two phases of elections to be held in 89 seats. The party won only 11 of these seats in 2012. In one public meeting after another, he comes hard on the Samajwadi Party's "Muslim appeasement" and promises that a BJP government will protect their (Hindus') interests. "The SP government's development is all about development of 'kabristan'. If a BJP government comes to power, it will not happen that they (Muslims) will be allowed to have a DJ show in their festival but not you during Durga Puja. The interests of the majority community have been betrayed. "If a SP government comes back to power, then money meant for your development will go into developing kabristan. A BJP government will pave the way for the Ram temple construction," Adityanath (45) says in a string of public meetings covering different Assembly constituencies. He tells the PTI that his agenda is of development for all but it is against the SP and BSP politics of appeasement of one community. He declined to elaborate, saying what he has to say he has said in his meetings. In Berhampur, he lists a number of development works of the Narendra Modi government, including its decision to connect Gorakhpur to big cities like Lucknow, Delhi and Mumbai through highways, and announcement of an AIIMS here, as he exhorts the crowd of mostly Dalits and extremely backward castes to vote for the BJP. He reminds Dalits, seen as a BSP support base, that "the biggest criminal" Mukhtar Ansari, who is currently behind bars in a murder case, has joined Mayawati's outfit and only a BJP government can teach him a lesson. If Ansari is "sabse bada goonda", then SP's Muslim face Azam Khan, who does not wield much influence in the eastern UP, is the "most corrupt". At a meeting in Gorakhpur (rural) constituency, he hits out at the sitting MLA Vijay Bahadur Yadav, who had won on the BJP ticket last time but has defected to the SP and is fighting on its symbol, for his alleged betrayal by selling out to Khan's money. Adityanath, who heads a large number of religious and charitable bodies functioning under the name of Guru Gorakhnath, is criss-crossing the region, addressing anywhere between six to eight meetings. The BJP is hopeful that his Hindutva pitch will help it bring together an amalgamation of upper castes and sections of backward castes and Dalits. The BJP's strike rate in the region, especially in Gorakhpur and neighbouring districts, will also have a bearing on the future stake of its Hindutva face. He was said to be miffed with the party's top brass after he was denied a final say in the selection of candidates in a number of seats, prompting some of his loyalists in Hindu Yuva Vahini to go out against the party. Aditynath is the Hindu organisation's founder. He has sacked them and consistently rejected reports of his unhappiness with the party. Out of 89 seats going to the polls in the last two phases, SP had won 50, BSP 14 and Congress 7 in 2012 polls. Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to "spread hatred" and vowed not to let Uttar Pradesh become a state of hatred. He also asked the prime minister to waive the farmers' loans since he boasts of '56-inch chest'. Addressing an election rally here, the Congress leader alleged that Modi was trying to "spread hatred". He, however, did not elaborate. "Modi only makes promises, but we will work. The promise of giving employment to the youth has failed," Rahul said. He said Modi should ensure jobs to the youth, failing which "they will send him packing to Gujarat (in 2019)." Pointing out that the NDA government has given no loan waiver to farmers, the Congress leader said, "I challenge him, if he really has 56-inch chest, he should waive loans of farmers." Referring to Modi's promise to waive loans if BJP forms the government in UP, Rahul said, "If he really wants to waive loans, he can do it immediately by calling a cabinet meeting and passing a proposal for the same. There is no need to form the government in UP for this." In an apparent reference to businessman Vijay Mallya case, Rahul said while loans of capitalists who fled the country were waived, common man was forced to stand in the queue to withdraw their own money post-demonetisation. He highlighted the promises made in Samajwadi Party-Congress (SP-Congress) alliance manifesto and said if their government was formed, people will be benefited. Campaigning is at its peak in UP but Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav has stepped out only for two public rallies this elections, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he addressed in the 2012 assembly polls. Leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. The 77-year-old SP patron campaigned just for his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting on a SP ticket from Lucknow Cantonment, and also for his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from the party's bastion of Jaswantnagar in Etawah. Voting for five out the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls is already over. His political rivals said the SP patriarch's clout has been "confined to just two" of the 403 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2012 UP Assembly polls, Mulayam had addressed more than 300 rallies. In the 2014 Lok Sabha general elections, he limited his appearances to 18 rallies, one in each of the 18 divisions of the state, citing health issues. Senior BJP leader Hriday Narayan Dikshit, said, "The moment Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the party patron, his power automatically got diluted. And, despite this, if he is getting a chance to campaign for even two assembly seats, he must thank his stars." Dikshit said both the SP and the BSP are "single-cellular" organisms, in which only one person eventually prevails. "As far as the SP is concerned, earlier Mulayam Singh Yadav used to prevail, and now it is the turn of Akhilesh," the senior BJP leader said. "The BSP too is a single-cellular organisation. Congress, which used to be multi-cellular organisation till the time of Gandhi, gradually became single-cellular. The BJP is a multi-cellular organisation, where leaders from different walks of life are involved in elections," he said. Veteran socialist Raghunandan Singh 'Kaka' feels, "The SP patron has become helpless and virtually hopeless." He said it is not only the SP workers who are worried and concerned about 'Netaji', people from other parties are also worried about him. Singh was of the opinion that Akhilesh Yadav has got diverted from the ideals of Lohia, who fought against the Congress throughout his life. "Akhilesh seems to have lost his way, and is yet to find a way out," Singh said. Defending the CSO over the latest GDP figures, finance minister Arun Jaitley said that one should not question CSO's integrity on Q3. Jaitley was addressing a press conference in Varanasi, which will go to polls on March 8. He said, "Opposition were misleading the country over demonetisation impact but now the situation has been changed". He added that the GDP figures made the Congress party depressed. The Congress dubbed the GDP numbers as "surprising" and "highly suspect" that could dent India's global credibility and accused the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister of "misleading" the public. Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the GDP numbers released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) are "misleading" as these do not factor in the adverse impact of demonetisation, including losses in jobs and production. Buoyed by higher-than-expected GDP growth, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said a 7 per cent expansion in third quarter belies exaggerated claims of note ban impact on rural economy. Tuesday's robust GDP figures had left economists dazed. Annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the October-December period came in at 7.0 percent, a tad slower than 7.4 percent in the previous quarter but much faster than the 6.4 percent expansion forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. It was also higher than China's 6.8 percent growth for the last three months of 2016. PM Modi's decision last November to outlaw old 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee banknotes was widely expected to exact a heavy toll on an economy where most people are paid in cash and buy what they need with cash. The government as well as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), however, all maintained the pain would be short-lived and predicted a sharp economic rebound. "The numbers completely negate the kind of negative projections and speculations which were made about the impact of demonetisation," Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das told reporters after the data release. (With inputs from agencies) US President Donald Trump today pledged to bring one trillion dollars in public and private investment to rebuild what he called America's crumbling infrastructure. Trump made the promise in a high-stakes speech to a joint session of Congress, moving to make good on one of his main campaign pledges - rebuilding America's roads, bridges, airports and other public structures. "To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a USD 1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States - financed through both public and private capital - creating millions of new jobs," Trump said. He gave no details on how the money would be spent. Trump said the United States had spent six trillion dollars in the Middle East - he did not say on what or over what time period - while US infrastructure deteriorated. "With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country - twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate," Trump said, reiterating his argument that his new administration will be better than previous ones at defending US interests when it comes to making a deal. Again without giving details, Trump promised to introduce a "historic" tax reform. He said this will cut corporate taxes on US companies "so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class." He also repeated a promise to impose taxes on imports of foreign products so as to protect US industry. "Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes - but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them nothing or almost nothing," Trump said. He said he had a recent meeting with officials from Harley-Davidson who, he said, told him their motorcycles, in one particular unnamed country, are slapped with 100 percent taxes. "They weren't even asking for change. But I am," Trump said. "I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be fair trade. A call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu to ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi soft drinks came into effect on Wednesday with its President A M Vikrama Raja declaring drinks as 'toxic' for consumption. "About 70 per cent of the (15 lakh) traders have decided to boycott the sales of Coke and Pepsi from today onwards for their toxic nature. Whatever you find on the shelves of the stores are leftover stocks and those not taken back by the (distributing) agencies," he said. Raja had earlier proposed a ban on sale of these brands at the height of pro-jallikattu protests in the state in January, where it was widely claimed that many international groups may have been behind the ban on the bull taming sport. Raja had then said that the youth and students who were part of that movement had extended their support to the cause of banning these soft drinks. Reacting to the call to boycott products of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo India, the Indian Beverage Association said it was "deeply disappointed". "This is against the proven fundamentals of robust economic growth, and against the clarion call of Make in India," it said. IBA noted "the products manufactured by Coca-Cola and Pepsi are of global standards and one of the safest available." Citing a Supreme Court order of 2013, which had reportedly quoted an FSSAI panel's submission that ingredients present in aerated beverages "do not pose any health hazard," IBA, an organisation of non-alcoholic beverage industry, said the boycott call "violates the rights of the consumer to exercise choice." Raja said that there was no estimate available on the revenue for traders from cola sales or the losses they could incur by boycotting them but insisted that the move was undertaken for "health awareness" of the people of the state. "Health takes priority for we traders over revenue," he told a private news channel. He claimed there was a 70 per cent dip in the sales of these cola brands ever since there was "awareness" among students during the pro-jallikattu protests "when many of them decided to stop endorsing such international brands." Raja had earlier said that the traders were opposed to the cola giants not because they were part of an MNC conglomerate but because of their "toxic nature." As many as 15 lakh of the 20-odd lakh stores in the south eastern state of Tamil Nadu were selling cola brands manufactured and marketed by Coca Cola and Pepsi, running into several hundreds crores of rupees, he had said earlier. Both Coca Cola and Pepsi have bottling units in Tamil Nadu. Social networking site Facebook on Wednesday launched a new initiative, SheLeadsTech, to support women-founded or co-founded startups and said it will also be expanding its SheMeansBusiness program that supports women-led small businesses. SheLeadsTech will give women-founded or co-founded start-ups access to a year-long program that provides tools, mentorship and resources. The announcement which came ahead of Women's Day aim to bring women on board India's digital revolution in a bigger way. "Technology is an enabler for entrepreneurship. It is small and medium business that will create growth if India has to grow along with jobs in the next few yearsWe want to ensure we help this growth," said Ritesh Mehta, Facebook's head of economic growth initiative, India and South Asia, told Mail Today. Facebook also said that India is missing out on a potential 15.5 million new businesses Uber Technologies CEO Travis Kalanick and 64 million additional jobs by not addressing the challenges facing women who want to start a business, quoting figures from a study it released on Wednesday. The study, conducted by Development Economics and YouGov on behalf of Facebook, reveals that at least four in five women in India would like to start a business. If 52 per cent were empowered to start a business today, the figures can be achieved by the end of 2021, it said. Secretary to ministry of electronics and information technology, Aruna Sundararajan, said India's startup incubators are women unfriendly. "We are trying to put together a small startup programme for women in technology. I'm trying to see whether we can have women interfacing this so that you actually feel valued." She also said the government is trying to forge deep partnerships with platforms like Facebook, Google, Intel and Cisco to see how women's programmes can be bettered with technology. "As India's economy expects to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025, a major impetus is being given to strengthen the backbone of India's economy -the small businesses sector. If we were to harness the still largely untapped potential of women's entrepreneurship and provide them greater support, it could lead to more jobs being created, economic growth and more diverse and representative small business communities. We see amazing examples of how digital can be the equalizer on Facebook every day," said Ankhi Das, director of public policy, India, South and Central Asia. India is among the largest user base for Facebook and its affiliate WhatsApp. The country contributes 168 million users to Facebook's 1.86 billion global users, and 200 million to WhatsApp's 1.2 billion monthly active users. Most economist and analysts were keenly waiting for the CSO's advance estimates of Q3 2016-17 to understand how demonetisation had impacted the economy. The numbers released by chief statistician TCA Ananth though left most economists scratching their heads to make sense of the data. The CSO estimates essentially said that demonetisation had practically nil - or at best a marginal effect - on GDP growth. More surprising, consumption actually went up, as did manufacturing output when cash was scarce. The government made the most of it, with the Prime Minister even making a statement that hard work was more powerful than Harvard (presumably an economics degree from Harvard) in one of his election speeches. Economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said that the economy was back on track and there was no reason to doubt the CSO numbers. But respected economists point out that the numbers are perhaps rosier than they should be - and some of it is frankly unbelievable. One was the private final consumption expenditure estimate, which the CSO estimated was up 10 per cent in Q3, double the 5 per cent growth in Q2. Did demonetisation actually create a jump in consumption? In an interview to the Business Standard newspaper, former chief statistician Pronab Sen (and former boss of TCS Ananth) gave one explanation. In quarterly estimates, there is no direct measure for expenditure. Instead, it is extrapolated from production data, specifically from production of consumer goods. There were other anomalies. For example, how did manufacturing go up sharply in this period when the IIP for December 2016 had actually contracted - it was 0.4 per cent lower than for December 2015. Equally, outstanding bank loans to industry year on year at end December showed a contraction of 4.3 per cent. So how did manufacturing grow at 10.1 per cent for the quarter while credit was coming down? Several reasons have been proffered by analysts for this. One is that the Q3 date for 2015-16 was revised downwards sharply by the CSO, which created a favourable base effect. If the original estimates of Q3 FY16 were to be taken, the growth for this year's third quarter would have been much lower. Equally, quite a few analysts talk of channel stuffing - that is inventory build up in the system. What has gone out of the company warehouses to distributors may not necessarily have all been bought by consumers. So while the goods were counted as part of the GVA, the consumption expenditure was probably an over estimate. More importantly, the estimates were based on results declared by companies for Q3, which was with the ministry of finance. But only the big, listed companies had given their data till then, which were then extrapolated to come up with the estimates. The consensus was that demonetisation effect would have hit medium and small companies much harder - and data for that would be available much later. And then, there is the fact that the informal economy - which was the hardest hit - did not reflect in the data at all. Some of it would reflect in future numbers. The feeling is that there is a good chance of the current estimates being revised downwards (though they could equally be revised upwards) sometime in the future. But till a lot more data trickles in, it is best to treat these numbers as what they are - estimates but not absolutes. LOGAN Recently, a mother called 911 reporting her daughter had locked herself in a bedroom, threatening to commit suicide. According to reports, police found the girl unconscious, lying next to a bottle of prescription pills. The girl had cuts on her body, believed to be self-inflicted. Paramedics were called in and rushed her by ambulance to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment. Sadly, incidents like this are becoming more prevalent for local law enforcement. Its one of the reasons why Sheriff Chad Jensen said he felt it was time to start talking more about the drug epidemic in Cache County. Weve always had drugs in our community, there is drugs in the country, explained Jensen. But it seems the last couple years there has been more prevalence of heroin in our community, as well as prescription drug overdoses, illnesses and problems in families because of the opioid problem that we have. The Sheriffs Office is hosting a free community event tonight to discuss the current dangers of drug abuse in the county. The conference will be held at 7 p.m., in the Mount Logan Middle School Auditorium. Jensen said Generation Rx will join members of the Cache Rich Drug Task Force, speaking about drug abuse dangers and how to save someones life if they have overdosed. The Drug Task Force will be there and a great group, coming from Salt Lake that is really going to put the presentation on. They have done this several times throughout our state and they have got a bunch of great information for people personally, for families, for warning signs. It will be a great event, a great learning experience and a great education for those who want to attend. The free event is titled Utahs Opioid Epidemic, and will also discuss how the drug Naloxone can be used as an opioid-overdose antidote. Jensen hopes to see a lot of people in the Mount Logan Middle School Auditorium tonight as he and his deputies take a more proactive stance, in helping to fight illegal and prescription drug abuse. The conference will begin at 7 p.m. and everyone is invited.

will@cvradio.com BEYOND 91: Meet the Perestroika generation Published on March 2, 2017 Story by cafebabel DE en de fr es it pl Our newest reporting project BEYOND 91 - coming very soon to cafebabel - explores north-eastern Europe and the Baltics through the eyes of the "Perestroika generation." But what makes the Perestroika generation so special? Listen to our journalists from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Estonian photographer Birgit Puve "I do hope that we can perhaps appreciate good things more in society and in life generally. Because we hold memories of the time when nothing was taken for granted. We are somewhere in between, but being part of both worlds, the past and the future, gives us the opportunity to have the advantages of both." Belarusian journalist Katerina Barushka "I dont think that the Perestroika generation is more special than any other generation. But it does have its peculiarities. We have no heroes. The Soviet ones were gone, the comics heroes of the 2000s were not yet around in the 90s. We were on our own, trying to figure out how to grow up. Its a generation of people who do not know what they want, but they (we) know that the way it is, its not how it should be. In the Soviet times it was all clear: you either wanted what the state wanted or you were screwed. The young generation of today is taught to follow their dreams and listen to their heart, while we simply learned to survive. We have a distorted sense of right and wrong." Lithuanian photojournalist Arturas Morozovas "I think this generation especially values human rights, national independence and the European way of life. They value these things because they remember what it was like before: no rights, no freedom of travelling, harsh censorship etc. I do remember the taste of my first Kinder Surprise or a sip from a can of Coca-Cola." Moldovan journalist Lina Vdovii "It was a generation caught in one of the most important political and social changes in Eastern Europe. In fact, it might have been the biggest turning point in their lives and this gives them a unique perspective on the world. They witnessed an entire system crashing down before their eyes, which had a huge impact on their lives. Everything that they believed to be normal, all of their values changed completely. Some of them are still dealing with it. This is what makes them special." Russian photographer Oksana Yushko "I think that the 'Perestroika generation' differs from their parents as any other generation. At the same time they have been growing up during the years of economic and political reforms. The Soviet Union had almost failed and a new generation was waiting for changes this quote from the song We are waiting for changes performed by Tsoi in the movie Assa (a cult film directed by Sergei Solovyov and released in 1987, N.B.) became the unofficial hymn of Perestroika." Estonian journalist and filmmaker Liisi Molder "I feel that our generation has a strong wish for change and success. Its the first generation that has grown up in a new, more open mindset, and therefore opens up the society as well. You can really feel the wish not to get stuck in the past and to be future-oriented. In Estonia, its the generation that leads the country in a very modern direction." Belarusian photographer Andrei Liankevich "We (they) were born in between time. The changes during those times are generally the most dramatic and difficult, but they provide incredible experiences for the future." Latvian writer Ance Sverna "Our happy and sad memories from our childhood. Our inherited fear. Our non stopping and maybe even unwinding fight for unconditional love and freedom." Latvian photographer Aija Bley "This generation seems to be stuck in between two periods. It lacks the sense of belonging both to the Soviet past and to the new Europe." Lithuanian journalist Viktorija Mickute "I think the most special feature of the Perestroika generation is the persistence to dream big. This was the first generation that watched Hollywood films and listened to foreign music without fear; they were the first ones who could travel, study or work abroad if they wanted. I feel like this is the generation who is willing to struggle to get what they want and no hurdle is big enough to prevent them from doing that." Moldovan photographer Ramin Mazur "The same that makes anyone between 25 and 35 special in any country: Its a generation of transition, a buffer between the industrial era and something yet undiscovered. We are discoverers of the new and we are forcing it to appear. It is on us how the future will look like." Ukrainian journalist Tatiana Kozak "This generation witnessed many system changes. Those who survived, I believe, got that certain feeling of independence and freedom, the ability to think critically something that was not common among Soviet people from earlier generations. But there is also a certain cynicism and total disbelief in any system sometimes this is healthy, sometimes it is not." Ukrainian photographer Arthur Bondar "I cant say that this generation is special or better/worse than the generations that came before. It is just different. In my opinion, the Perestroika generation grew up during a time of huge instability and insecurity. That is why our generation is the generation of adventurers, as Id like to call it. We are ready to take a risk when chasing our dreams." Russian journalist Alexandra Odynova "I dont think we are special. We are a little different from the post-Perestroika generations because we grew up during the transition period that was accompanied by a lot of social changes. Our passports say that we were born in the Soviet Union, but it is a motherland we only heard of from our parents." --- cafebabel's new editorial project BEYOND 91 is supported by cafebabel Berlin, Babel International, Advocate Europe and the Allianz Kulturstiftung. Story by cafebabel DE Une rue de Bamenda le 9 janvier 2017 CIN A delegation of top officials from the United Nations Security Council is expected in Cameroon this Thursday March 2, 2017. Officially, the members of the decision making organ of the United Nations is visiting to get firsthand information about the Boko Haram insurgency and its adverse effects on the population of the Lake Chad Basin region which covers four countries; Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger. The members from the 15 states of the council will visit all four countries of the region during their mission. According to media reports, while in Cameroon and Nigeria, council members plan will visit camps for the displaced to see the situation first hand. They also will meet with senior government officials in each of the four countries, as well as local leaders and members of civil society. Besides the security challenges and dire humanitarian situation caused by the Boko Haram crisis, the UN mission is visiting at a time Cameroons internal security is at stake with minority Anglophones calling for a return to federalism and some separatists movements pushing for outright secession. In response to protests that started last year, the government disconnected internet to the English speaking North West and South West regions; epicenter of the strikes that have disrupted judicial and educational activities. Some people have died with several others arrested and detained under delicate and worrying conditions at the Kondengui prison in Yaounde, according to the Social Democratic Front (SDF) opposition party. Some people in the country are thus asking whether besides their main mission to the country, the UN diplomats will address this issue when they meet Cameroon government officials. | BY Lynchy | CB Exclusive Campaign Brief can reveal that Ogilvy will be transferring Aussie expat Steve Back, currently chief creative officer at Ogilvy Singapore, to the newly created role of national chief creative officer of Ogilvy Australia. Back will be based in Melbourne, starting in February of next year. Ogilvy Australia CEO Andrew Baxter said of the appointment: Steve is one of the regions most renowned creatives and we are incredibly excited to have him join the Ogilvy Australia team. His broad experience on big brands and proven success with campaigns that really work for clients will be a great asset to our already strong creative team. Baxter said Backs hire added to an already impressive creative lineup at Ogilvy, with the agency producing two of the countrys best campaigns of 2012, for clients Coca Cola and AAMI. Our creative prowess has grown substantially during the past 12 months, and with Back joining the team, we will have the depth and strength to make 2013 an incredible year of creativity for Ogilvy Australia. Back said of his move: Im really excited to be joining Andrew and the team in Australia. Theyve really hit their stride in the last 12 months with campaigns like Share a Coke. Im looking forward to contributing to the agencys continued success. With around 500 staff working in both Sydney and Melbourne, Ogilvy Australia is one of the countrys largest agencies. It has experts in all areas of marketing communications including creative advertising, digital, direct, media, and production, and operates across every medium for leading local and global brands. In 2012 Ogilvy won both the Network of the Year award at the Cannes Lions Festival and the Network of the Year award at the Effies. Ogilvy Australia was also in the top four most awarded Ogilvy offices at the Cannes Lions awards. Back is one of Australias most respected and awarded ECDs and was appointed as executive creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney in November 2007, replacing David Nobay when he departed to start up Droga5. Originally a star at Marketforce in Perth, Back first worked at George Patterson Sydney followed by a highly awarded stint at Leo Burnett Sydney. Back played a major role in Leos winning Campaign Briefs Australian Agency of the Year in 2000. Back then spent several years in London before being enticed to New Zealand to join Colenso BBDO. Mike OSullivan then hired Back as Head of Art when he was appointed ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ. The agency went on the win CB New Zealand Agency of the year in 2006 and 2007. He then joined DDB Sydney as creative director where he dramatically re energized the agency, moving them to equal number one Australian agency in The Work 07 with Saatchi & Saatchi Australia. Under Back, DDB Sydney was the only Australian agency to get gongs at all four of the top international award shows (D&AD, The One Show, Clio and Cannes) in 2007. In 2010, while under his creative stewardship, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia was named Campaign Briefs Agency of the Decade, AWARDs Agency of the Year with Lion Nathan Breweries being named AWARDs Client of the Year off the back of the agencys work. 2010 was the year in which the agency received the most awards in its 25 year history. | BY Kim Shaw | Ogilvy Australias Chief Creative Officer Steve Back is leaving the company after 18 months in the position. Back joined Ogilvy Australia in the newly-created national role in February 2013 from Ogilvy & Mather Singapore where he also held the position of Chief Creative Officer. Ogilvy Australias CEO David Fox said Back had worked hard to strengthen the creative talent across the Ogilvy Australia group. Steve has helped to build creative capability across both offices leading to stronger creative collaboration between Sydney and Melbourne, he explained. | BY Kim Shaw | A total of 138 entries have made the cut at the shortlist stage of the 2017 APAC Effie Awards. The finalist list is determined after 2 rounds of judging from entries submitted across the region. 13 countries have finalists with the highest number of entries from Australia, India and New Zealand. The BBDO network dominates the list with 45 of the 138 finalists, while Ogilvy and Mather and MullenLowe follow next, with 27 and 15 entries respectively. Also with multiple entries on the list include TBWA, McCann Worldgroup, Grey Group and independent agencies such as Medulla Communications and Affinity. CB Agency of the Year Clemenger BBDO Melbourne and CB NZ Agency of the Year Colenso BBDO New Zealand have the most finalists with 13 and 11 respectively. Headed by the Awards Chairman, Anthony Wong of Ogilvy & Mather Group, the jury also comprises of 6 Heads of Jury Ashish Bhasin of Dentsu Aegis, Ike Kwon of Kia Motors, Jean-Paul Burge from BBDO Asia, Kitty Lun of Facebook, Nicole McMillan of The Wrigley Company and Ross Jackson of Bank of New Zealand, together with some 150 top advertising professionals and marketers in Asia Pacific. The second round of judging held last week brought together over 60 judges to Singapore over 3 days. The judging round saw very robust and stimulating discussions in every panel to deliberate on the entries which stood out amongst the rest. It is inspiring to see the quality of the work getting better each year. The jury had a crucial and difficult task in selecting the best work that represents the finest in the Asia Pacific region and gives brands a steer on what the future of effective marketing looks like. My heartiest congratulations to all finalists and we look forward to unveiling the winners on the awards night, commented Anthony Wong. APAC Effie is recognised by advertisers and agencies as the gold symbol of marketing effectiveness in the region, a pre-eminent award that celebrates and awards ideas that work. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala which will be held at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore on 21 April 2017. See more at: www.apaceffie.com. | BY Lynchy | CB Exclusive Two years after joining Joy, Sydney as creative partner in February 2015 Campaign Brief can reveal that Steve Back is set to depart for a new, yet to be revealed, adventure. Before Joy Back had stints at Ogilvy Australia, where he was chief creative officer. He joined Ogilvy Australia in the newly-created national role in February 2013 from Ogilvy & Mather Singapore where he also held the position of chief creative officer. Back is one of Australias most respected and awarded ECDs and was appointed as executive creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney in November 2007, replacing David Nobay when he departed to start up Droga5. Originally a star at Marketforce in Perth, Back first worked at George Patterson Sydney followed by a highly awarded stint at Leo Burnett Sydney. Back played a major role in Leos winning Campaign Briefs Australian Agency of the Year in 2000. Back then spent several years in London before being enticed to New Zealand to join Colenso BBDO. Mike OSullivan then hired Back as Head of Art when he was appointed ECD of Saatchi & Saatchi NZ. The agency went on the win CB New Zealand Agency of the year in 2006 and 2007. He then joined DDB Sydney as creative director where he dramatically re energized the agency, moving them to equal number one Australian agency in The Work 07 with Saatchi & Saatchi Australia. Under Back, DDB Sydney was the only Australian agency to get gongs at all four of the top international award shows (D&AD, The One Show, Clio and Cannes) in 2007. In 2010, while under his creative stewardship, Saatchi & Saatchi Australia was named Campaign Briefs Agency of the Decade, AWARDs Agency of the Year with Lion Nathan Breweries being named AWARDs Client of the Year off the back of the agencys work. 2010 was the year in which the agency received the most awards in its 25 year history. | BY Ricki Green | Atomic 212 has appointed Sascha Bonomally to its senior team in the role of head of performance and attribution, as the company looks to inject creativity and strategic planning into its paid digital marketing. Performance media is one of the most fluid and transformative areas of marketing, and this move will serve to future proof the business in the ever-changing landscape. This follows the agencys repeated success with performance media clients, which include TAB, NIB, Torrens, Mortgage Choice and Tourism NT. While performance teams tend to focus on data, targeting and paid placement, this move will focus on fostering Atomics strategic and creative credentials within the paid digital team. Says Bonomally: Its trite to say that the consumer journey is more complicated than ever before, and the digital landscape is becoming more and more fragmented. This is the issue every marketer faces, and understanding the relationship between different marketing channels in a fragmented environment is key. The first player to accurately stitch this together will emerge the winner. In 2017 we are going to see unprecedented changes in the performance space. For instance, there is room to be far more precise in the attribution space, with far better instruments to accurately map consumer activity. We will also see a far more strategic approach to performance in the mobile space, while voice search is set to add a whole new layer of complexity to paid digital marketing. In other words, this is an exciting time to operate in this space. The business wants to navigate these uncharted waters with solid people in place. Above all, we want people who embody a collaborative approach that ensures creativity and strategy are at the forefront of all our performance briefs. Bonomally went on to say that agency performance teams will need to evolve drastically in the coming years if they want to remain competitive: Data-driven agencies are a dime a dozen these days. If performance teams really want to stand out, they need to move beyond this. The future lies in leading the data management space, the future is the integration of first, second and third party data, where the agency facilitates this integration across clients and partners. The best performance teams will develop proprietary data management platforms, which integrate CRM, analytics, attribution and SDK, and use these platforms to truly answer client needs. Bonomallys promotion is the agencys latest step in its move to become Australias leading full- service creative and media business. It has been complemented by key hires within the content and creative teams, including the appointment of executive creative director Jonas Lembke. The goal is to create a truly integrated agency, which sits at the intersection of technology, media and creative. As head of performance and attribution, Bonomally oversees the agencys performance media output in areas like paid search and social, and works closely with Atomic 212s senior management in the strategy, creative, data and media buying spaces. Says Jason Dooris, chief executive, Atomic 212: Its always a great feeling when you can promote from within. There is no question that Sascha will take the team to the next level. He is also an excellent fit for the agency culturally Were incredibly lucky to have him in this role. Atomic 212s origins were in the performance, search and data space, so this appointment serves to strengthen these core credentials, while indirectly strengthening the agencys creative credentials as well. The move has been a necessary consequence of Atomics client growth, both in terms of new and existing partners. We are experiencing a rapid growth phase, which is great for the business. But this acceleration brings new challenges you need to make sure that you have the right people on board. This promotion represents the next evolution in our future-facing growth plan. Were strengthening our full service credentials across the board, and in this case we are ensuring that our performance team remains closely linked with the rest of the agency, from both a creative and a strategic point of view. Bonomally said he is looking forward to taking on a more strategic, big picture approach to client work, with a focus on commercial creativity, ROI and measureable success. Atomic is the market leader when it comes to performance, so I definitely have some work cut out for me. I cant wait. | BY Ricki Green | Aussie expat Jo Shoesmith (left), who started her career at Clemenger BBDO, Melbourne in the 90s and is now chief creative officer at Campbell Ewald, North America has been picked as one of the first twelve 2017 executive jury members for New York Festivals International Advertising Awards. These prominent creative officers and executive creative directors from the worlds foremost advertising agencies will gather together in New York City April 7-11 to select the Worlds Best Advertising. For the seventh consecutive year, entries into New York Festivals Advertising Awards will be judged by 24+ of the most awarded creative leaders from around the globe. The executive jury will review the shortlisted entries selected by New York Festivals online grand jury. Says Michael ORourke, president of New York Festivals Advertising Awards: Outside of the obvious set of credentials that each jury member brings to the table, we look for that trust factor. Entrusting this accomplished group of colleagues with the shortlist means that entrants are secure in knowing that their work is seen with open eyes and held in the utmost regard, viewed not as an entry, but as a collective effort of many, aiming to create something unique, heartfelt, and memorable. 2017 Executive Jury Nils Andersson, Asia Creative President and Greater China President, TBWA\Asia Frank Bodin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Havas Switzerland Jim Elliot, Global Chief Creative Officer, Arnold Worldwide USA Tobias Grimm, Creative Managing Director, BBDO Berlin GmbH Germany Erh Ray, Co-CEO/Chief Creative Officer, Havas Worldwide Latin America, Brazil Leigh Reyes, President and Chief Creative Officer, MullenLowe Group Philippines Jo Shoesmith, Chief Creative Officer, Campbell Ewald North America USA Yasuharu Sasaki, Head of Digital Creative / Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Japan Guan Hin Tay, Global Executive Creative Director, JWT Singapore Marco Venturelli, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Italy Ralph Watson, Chief Creative Officer, CP+B Boulder USA Susan Young, EVP/ Executive Creative Director, McCann Erickson NY USA Additional executive jury members will be announced in the coming weeks. Entries into the 2017 competition will be judged by 400+ members of NYFs executive and grand juries, a brain trust of global creative minds, who collectively cast over 400,000 votes to select the Worlds Best Advertising. The 2017 executive jury will utilize NYFs Matrix Judging System; a patented system insures each entry is scored on its own merits with 50% of the vote based upon its concept / idea, 25% stemming from its brand and market relevance, and 25% pulled from its production execution. The 2017 New York Show creative panel sessions and networking events will take place on Thursday May 18th at the NYIT Auditorium, 1871 Broadway, between 61st & 62nd Street. The annual New York Show awards ceremony and gala will be held that evening at the world-class performance space, Jazz at Lincoln Centers Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, New York City. | BY Lynchy | Diageo Australia has launched a major new brand campaign for Bundaberg Rum, the biggest for a decade with a media value of $20 million over the next 18 months. The campaign, created and executed in partnership with Leo Burnett Sydney will be activated across multiple channels including TV, out of home, digital and in-store. The campaign launches with a new 90 television commercial (TVC) which will air tonight to coincide with the launch of the 2017 NRL Season and the brands second year of NRL sponsorship. Entitled Unmistakably Ours, the campaign celebrates everything that makes Australia unique, from our wildlife to our food, our love of sport to our city and beach culture, our diversity to our enduring values. The campaign aims to unite Australians by reinvigorating love and pride for the Australian spirit both for the iconic Bundaberg Rum but also for the values which make us who we are. Filmed entirely in Australia, including at the home of Bundy Rum in Queensland, the 90 TV spot opens with actor Gyton Grantley reminding us about the importance of Australias enduring values: always being there for your mates; remaining optimistic in the face of adversity; and having a crack even when the odds are stacked against you. Supporting Gyton, the commercial features a cameo role from Olympic medalist Anna Meares and surfing hero Julian Wilson who famously paddled towards a shark in an attempt to save his mate (Mick Fanning) from an attack. The spot also includes a Mardi Gras scene celebrating our enduring optimism and culminates in a celebration with the Bundaberg Rum team outside the Distillery in Queensland. Says Bundaberg Rum marketing manager, Jodi McLeod: Since 1888 when the Bundaberg Distillery was born, this brand has played a significant role in Australian culture. As an iconic and enduring Australian brand we have always celebrated the Australian spirit but have never articulated this purpose as clearly or with as much pride as we are today. Recent brand research highlighted that pride in Australia has dropped to its lowest point in 20 years and so, as Australias national drink, we wanted to celebrate the spirit thats unmistakably ours and elevate the role that Bundy plays in bringing Aussies together. The campaign is a rally-cry to unite all Australians around the best of the Aussie spirit and celebrate everything that makes us and our country brilliantly unique. The words Aussie pride come with baggage so we set out to create a campaign to remind Australians of the values that make us truly unique today. Values we should be proud of. All while maintaining the humour that Bundy is famous for, says Vince Lagana, Joint ECD at Leo Burnett Sydney. Out of home, TV, in-store and digital activity will use the tagline No-one does rum like us with multiple executions in market which celebrate all facets of Australian culture. Building on Bundys sponsorship of the NRL, the campaign will also include off and on-premise below-the-line activity to engage fans across the footy season. This instore activation will celebrate the sport and encourage fans to Share the Spirit. Combined with our NRL partnership which kicked off in 2016, the launch of Bundaberg Rum Lazy Bear, our most successful RTD launch in over a decade, and now this $20 million campaign, Diageo is really getting behind the Bundaberg Rum brand and reinvigorating the Australian spirit, says McLeod. The TVC will premiere tonight (2 March) during the first match of the 2017 NRL season on Channel 9. The brand is a proud sponsor of the NRL with Bundaberg Rum Super Saturdays returning in 2017. Leo Burnett Sydney * Vince Lagana & Grant McAloon, executive creative director * Michael Dawson & Adam Bodfish, senior copywriter * Ben Alden & Nils Eberhardt, senior art director * Jason Young, senior designer * Ross Cameron & Graham Alvarez, planning director * James Walker-Smith, group business director * Neil Duncan, business director * Rachel Devine, senior broadcast producer * Adrian Jung, head of print * Linda Tran, communications strategist * Stuart Capel, media director * Courtney Rule, pr strategist * Liz Hunt, publicity director * Gideon Hornung, experience director * Alexandra Roubine, social media strategist * Prudence McKendry, content producer * Kit Baker, content creator * Gotham Pillai, content writer Film Production * Lachlan Dickie, director / Rabbit Content * Lucas Jenner, executive producer / Rabbit Content * Marcus Butler, producer / Rabbit Content * ARC EDIT, offline * Blackbird VFX, online * Song Zu, music & audio * Toni Higginbotham, casting * Prodigious Brand Logistics, social content Stills Production * Jamie Macfayden, photographer / Louis & Co * Will Palmer-Reeves, producer / Louis & Co * Prodigious Brand Logistics, retouching MediaVest * Lauren Small, client services director * Craig Cooper, investment & partnership director * Alicia Phillip, digital director * Fiona Hedge, planner/buyer * Kate Holland, account executive Diageo * Adam Ballesty, marketing & innovation director * Jodi McLeod, marketing manager * Joanna Gibson, senior brand manager | BY Lynchy | CB Exclusive Well-known Melbourne strategic marketing and advertising agency Magnum Opus has added to its team, and rebranded to become Magnum Opus Partners (MOP). After more than 30 years, founder and executive creative director Mike Allen identified an opportunity to expand the skill base and services of the agency, to take its creative and strategic outputs to another level, building new capabilities. Joining the already strong creative talent at MOP, is new creative director Pat Langton (below), who recently returned from a highly successful time in London, where he won a Silver Lion at Cannes, two Silver and a Bronze award at the Clios in New York. New managing director Erin Lightfoot, brings strong strategic marketing, planning and business management strengths to the business. She has operated her own strategic marketing business for over ten years and also enjoyed a highly successful career in Victorias tourism and events industry. Taking on the role of director of creative strategy, Stephen Yolland brings a wealth of strategic analysis and campaign planning, and has been the recipient of many national and international copywriting and advertising effectiveness awards. As the industry continues to evolve at a rapid rate, MOP is structured to respond quickly and strategically to our clients short and long term advertising, creative and marketing needs. Says Allen: The new positioning statement Results. Nothing Less. is very deliberate and drives our team and our culture. We have always been a results-focused agency, and we excel at delivering creative ideas backed by strategy insight and data, to achieve real and measurable results for our clients. | BY Ricki Green | Medibank has today revealed its float for the 2017 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, celebrating the power of a kiss with an interactive, travelling Kiss Cam. The float is part of Medibanks #BetterwithaKiss campaign conceived by B.B.E which celebrates that every life is better with a kiss, whether its between friends or partners, on the hand, cheek, forehead or lips. Marking the second year of its sponsorship of the Mardi Gras, and its first year taking part in the parade, the Medibank Kiss Cam will encourage attendees to share the love and a kiss, with kisses in the crowd captured and broadcast in real-time on the floats big screen. Over 80 Medibank members, employees and their loved ones will dance alongside the float during the iconic event. Says Fiona Le Brocq, general manager, marketing at Medibank: A kiss is a universal symbol of love something that transcends gender, age, and sexual orientation and we believe that in 2017, every kiss should be equal. With the theme of this years Mardi Gras Festival being Celebrating Equality, we wanted to make this statement loud and clear, and celebrate the beautiful and brave kisses right there in the Mardi Gras crowd for all to see. #BetterwithaKiss has spanned all Medibank creative for Mardi Gras, kicking off with a competition for members to land a spot in the parade, followed by an Kissing Booth activation on-the-ground at Fair Day. The campaign has kicked-off on social channels, with a 60-second video content piece fronted by Aussie actor Josh Schmidt and featuring Medibank employees, alongside other members of the LGBTQI community. The video has been amplified across Facebook and Instagram, with over 3,500 shares to date. Says Gemma Allen, head of diversity and inclusion at Medibank: Well continue to fight for equality of the LGBTQI community, and hope that in some way big or small our efforts make an impact. Were encouraging Aussies to fly the rainbow flag and share a kiss with someone they love, loud and proud, this Mardi Gras because every life is better with a kiss. | BY Ricki Green | By Charlie Gearside (left), founder, Lunch Advertising creatives and truck drivers have more in common than youd think, beyond a penchant for bushy beards (and the odd amphetamine). Both are jobs that in the next 5 years will be hit by the first waves of automation, or Artificial Intelligence, to use the buzzword correctly. Weve long known the truck drivers days are numbered. Thanks to self-driving cars its not hard to foresee big trucking companies using the same tech in their vehicles, which have the even-easier task of driving in a straight line. Theyll replace humans with robots to maximise profits and please shareholders. Its a fait accompli. For creative professions like graphic designers, art directors and copywriters, the applications of A.I. are much more complicated, but are already showing the first signs of development. PingGo, a startup up from Scotland, is taking on PR firms by writing press-releases with an algorithm. They ask questions of the user, and cleverly weave the answers into sentences in a professionally-written template. In the world of graphic design, Tailor Brands , LogoJoy and Withoomph create logos instantly, using browser-based vector graphics software with icon libraries in complex algorithms. These can be then be downloaded for as little as USD$20. Sure, these examples are businesses that service the lower-end of the market. As creatives, its easy for us write them off. The automated press releases are clunky, the automated logos lack any semblance actual idea and are usually ugly. No algorithm will ever match the intuition of a human heart! we protest. The thing is, the first generation of these tools are cheap, and theyre getting better. The increasingly stingy client might go off the rails and spend $79 on a new logo instead of the six-figure retainer. Stranger things have happened. The good news is that this storms a couple of years off, at least. Theres plenty of time to stockpile beans and build bunkers. Whats more likely is well see automation chip away at the peripheral tasks in our day-to-day. This will save us time, but will very slowly cut down on the number of creatives required to staff a department. We might see crowd-sourcing platforms emerging to service the high-end of the market: Taglines written by copywriters at lunch with mini-briefs sent to their inbox. Creative directors who review concepts from creatives sent from agencies around the world in a special app. Designers managing teams in The Philippines, presenting work they didnt explicitly create. I, for one, am excited about the future. More people in more parts of the world will gain access to a high standard of work, and agencies will increase their volume and number of clients in a bid to replace the big-ticket accounts. In summary, the agency of the next decade has far fewer people, services more, and exists on the internet. | BY Lynchy | Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed Jennifer Tang as CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Taiwan, effective from 10 April 2017. Isao Miyauchi will step down as CEO and move back to Dentsu Inc. in Japan after building a strong and diverse business in Taiwan during his tenure. Tang (pictured) joins the business from Ogilvy & Mather Taiwan, where she has spent her career of over 22 years. Her stellar performance gave the group their youngest ever managing director, who was named Agency Head of the Year just one year after her promotion. This track record, her knowledge of the Taiwan business environment and understanding of the rapidly changing communications landscape reinforces our commitment to clients and teams to deliver best-in-market partnerships. Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, said, Miyauchi-san has done a super job bringing our group together as one company in Taiwan. We have a very significant business in Taipei and are the market leading group. Jennifer is a proven market leader herself with an outstanding track record over an extended period of time. The combination of Jennifers leadership and the groups depth of resources and capabilities will enable us to deliver solutions which win for our clients in the marketplace. Rob Hughes, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network North Asia, said, Jennifers leadership will herald a new and exciting era for our business in Taiwan. Miyauchi-san has done a terrific job with our Taiwan leadership fostering successful collaboration across our agencies for our clients. Now is a great time for Jennifer to take over and accelerate from this foundation to drive Dentsu Aegis Networks leadership in the Taiwan industry for our clients benefit and for the development of our talented teams. Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend The Astros bested the Phillies in the World Series. And Obama, Biden and Trump campaign in Pennsylvania ahead of the midterms. It's the weekend's biggest news. Winners could have their image displayed in homes across Australia and overseas as part of a weather calendar tradition that has spanned more than 30 years. Director Meteorology Dr Andrew Johnson is looking forward to seeing images submitted for the 2018 calendar, published jointly by the Bureau and the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. Two days earlier, Mr Freeman had seen Dr Luke Streitberg at the jail's health clinic requesting to go on methadone. Mr Freeman told the doctor he had been smoking heroin and was considering injecting the drug. He also complained of withdrawal symptoms, and said he had incurred drug debts, the inquest has heard. Despite Beau's battle with uncertainty, Ms Cosgrove said he is one of the lucky ones with Morquio A. As he was diagnosed before the drug became available in Australia, he was eligible for the trial. But he has a friend with the same condition who is "living a completely different life" because he can't access the expensive drug. PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Events This Week in Event Horizon: Teens creating themselves, heating things up and honoring the women of the world March 2-8, 2017 [ Wed Mar 1 2017 4:36 PM ] Great Buds of Fire What are you doing this weekend? Well, cancel those plans because it's time for the 29th National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show at Sandia Resort and Casino. Where else in Albuquerque can you get all your spicy, fiery, barbecue-y food needs in one place? There are demonstrations, contests and samples (oh, the samples!), plus Chile the Kid is there all weekend. This show runs Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 7-18 and kids 6 and under are free. Get your appetite ready, and grab some antacids before heading over to this family-friendly event. (Taylor Grabowsky) Pixabay Think Outside the Second Dimension Albuquerque libraries are celebrating Teen Tech Week in style by inviting individuals between the ages of 12 and 17 to the Cherry Hills Library on Monday, March 6, and the Juan Tabo Library Tuesday, March 7, to get some firsthand experience with a 3D printer. The workshop, which runs from 4:30-7:30pm on Monday and 4-7pm on Tuesday, will offer an introduction to design for 3D printing and at the end, everyone gets to walk away with a printed 3D model of themselves. All of this, and it's totally free (with prior registration on the library's website). Prodigious. (Maggie Grimason) Philanthropically Phat What would you do if I told you that you could help the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation while eating delicious noms and drinking beer? Youlike every good citizenwould shout, Hell, yeah! Every Tuesday this month beginning on March 7, Sidetrack Brewery will be hosting the fundraiser Eat, Drink and Be Charitable featuring music, brews and food. The proceeds raised from 5-9pm will be donated to the organization, so invite the whole office for a nice, cold, altruistic beer. (Megan Reneau) "Every town that has ever wanted Centrelink or a tax office, every town that has ever wanted a centre of excellence, every town that has wanted an agency such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation or the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, now is the time to make your voice heard," Mr Joyce's getoutof thecity.com.au website says. The expansion of the network to Hong Kong, announced in mid-January 2017, is part of the ongoing investment project being undertaken by Colt in Asia, which includes similar projects in Japan and Singapore. It comprises of both fibre-optic and Ethernet architecture and will provide connectivity to approximately 80% of Hong Kong's commercial buildings, including full commercial coverage in the Hong Kong Island, East Kowloon and West Kowloon CBDs. Many companies are looking to transform their digital infrastructure in the face of growing demand for bandwidth and connectivity requirements, said Colt's Asia CCO and regional executive Kenji Hioki. The expansion aims to meet the surge in bandwidth demand as well as the need for on-demand services and network flexibility, particularly for financial services companies and enterprises linked to the Internet of Things (IoT), fintech and big data. Colts high-bandwidth services are designed to meet the ever-growing demand from enterprises for fast, secure and reliable direct connectivity to markets around the world. The launch in Hong Kong enables the regions businesses to power their competitiveness and growth while future-proofing their connectivity needs, added Hioki. The Colt IQ Network, which currently spans 24,500 buildings and 700 data centres around the world, is a 100Gbps network, optimised with software defined network (SDN) capabilities, providing best-in-class services spanning 28 countries and 49 metro area networks, including: Tokyo, Sydney, Busan, Chicago, New York, London, Frankfurt and Paris. The sources for the story are unclear. Linus Gitahi, CEO of brokerage AIB Capital, has written in a Nairobi newspaper, the Daily Nation, that the report exists and that it was written for the Communications Authority by the research company Analysys Mason. Analysys Mason told Capacity: We are working on a study on Kenya but that report has not been finalised and nor have the recommendations. It is still a work in progress. South Africas Business Day newspaper, which reported the recommendation is rather premature in its summary of recommendations and is inaccurate, said the Analysys Mason official. Gitahi wrote that splitting off M-Pesa was included in a raft of measures supposed to level the telecommunications playing field and tame Safaricom, which has a 69% share of the mobile market. He wrote that splitting off M-Pesa would have untold consequences, not just for the company but also for the economy of Kenya: about 79% of the countrys economy is processed through M-Pesa, a sum that was valued at $8.2 billion in the third quarter of 2016. M-Pesa is a critical nerve supporting the money transfer system. Ripping away M-Pesa from Safaricom would leave both in severe distress, wrote Gitahi. The company is based in the UK but owned by South African IT consultancy Datatec. The Communications Authority told South Africas Business Day that it is reviewing the report before releasing it to the public. Vodafone owns 40% of Safaricom, but has kept the brand in Kenya rather than changing it to Vodacom, the brand it mainly uses in Africa. 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. News / International by EINPresswire HARARE - Endorsed by the African Union (AU) during the July 2016 summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr. Walter Mzembi is continuing his worldwide outreach to garner international support for his bid to secure the top job at the Madrid-based tourism organization. Who will be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)?Elections for the next Secretary General will take place at UNWTO Headquarters, in Madrid, from 11 to 12 May 2017, during the course of the 105 Meeting of the Organisation's 33-member Executive Council.Mzembi has traveled the globe over the intervening months, engaging directly with the governments of key UNWTO Executive Council member states detailing his vision for the future development of global tourism under the UNWTO umbrella should he be elected Secretary General.His most recent travels have taken him to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India. An additional stop was made in Istanbul, Turkey, where, along with his counterpart Ministers from Azerbaijan and Ghana, both UNWTO Executive Council members. Mzembi participated in the 2017 World Tourism Forum in Istanbul.The Minister then traveled to Brussels where he met Ambassadors of the 79 member African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Grouping. His final stop was the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the chairmanship of the African Union Permanent Delegate to the UN Organisations based in Geneva, he met with the 51 African Permanent Representatives to the UN. The same representatives have administrative oversight for the African Union at the UNWTO. UNWTO is based in Madrid, Spain.Mzembi, who is also the minister of tourism and hospitality for Zimbabwe is due to spend only a few days home in Harare before embarking on the next leg of his outreach mission.A final round of visits is being scheduled from mid-April to early May.As the March 11 deadline for the submission of candidatures to the UNWTO post approaches, there are 5 officially declared candidates for the Secretary General's post.Apart from Dr. Mzembi there is Mrs. Doh Young-shim (Korea). She entered into an unprecedented electoral alliance with Mr. Carlos Vogeler, a serving Executive Director of the UNWTO, a Venezuelan- Spanish national. Mr.Marcio Favilla a Brazilian, Ambassador Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili from Georgia and Mr. Alain St Ange from the Seychelles are also competing with Dr. Mzembi for the post.Dr. Mzembi said: " In a very real sense, the electoral contest is between a group of candidates from Korea/Spain, Brazil, and Georgia who constitute and who promise little more than a continuation of the status-quo and stand for UNWTO to carry on as before. My candidature is about my promise to bring significant change to the manner in which the UNWTO approaches and delivers upon its mandate."According to Dr Mzembi, his assessment is shared by many of those he had engaged in his outreach program. Mr. Mzembi feels that to surrender the UNWTO Secretary-General-ship to yet another bureaucratic succession will be to condemn the Organisation to further peripheralisation and irrelevance within the global system. According to Mr. Mzembi, this is an outcome which can in no way serve the best interests of the tourism industry or the millions upon millions across the globe whose livelihoods depend on legitimate, unfettered, facilitated travel.Dr. Mzembi envisages a UNWTO more audible and more visible both within the UN system and more broadly on behalf of the international tourism industry. This vision includes promoting sustainable tourism, in all its many facets, to the very mainstream of global socio-economic development under the SDG platform. It includes securing widespread recognition of tourism as a major contributor to the quest for global understanding, harmony, and peace. News / Local by Staff Reporter Several hospitals countrywide on Tuesday operated without nurses as they embarked on a strike over outstanding 2016 bonuses.According to reports, nurses in Rusape, Karoi, Mutare and Chinhoyi stayed away from work.Zimbabwe Nurses Association general secretary Enock Dongo, said their members wanted Government to announce bonus dates instead of continued postponement of meetings."Members have agreed that they will only return to work when their issues are solved. So far, no engagement has taken place," he is quoted saying.In their letter addressed to the Health Services Board, the nurses also demanded Government to review its structure, which currently gives priority to medical doctors at the expense of other professionals such as nurses.The nurses are also demanding Government to review nursing posts as a matter of urgency as more and more graduates are becoming redundant soon after training."The process of reviewing staff establishment is long overdue."Over 4 000 of our members are still roaming the streets despite having trained and qualified," said Dongo. Depending on who you talk to, 232,000 U.K. jobs will be headed out the door after Britain withdraws from the European Union. Or it could be as few as 4,000. The range of forecasts from the apocalyptic vision of London Stock Exchange Group Plc Chief Executive Officer Xavier Rolet to the conservative estimate, from management consultants Oliver Wyman often says more about the interests of the people making them than the likely fallout from Britains divorce with the EU. As details of the banks contingency arrangements become clearer, the initial people moves they are planning are said to be more in the hundreds than the thousands. The truth is no one knows how many jobs will leave the City of London and Canary Wharf, the two main financial districts. What the U.K. capital will look like after Brexit, and which services banks will be able to provide EU clients from bases in the city, depends on what deal Prime Minister Theresa May wrings from her 27 EU partners. Filling the information void in the meantime are finance executives, lobbyists and politicians jockeying for influence over the makeup of that final agreement. Bank bosses with their European headquarters in London are among the most vocal. They have the most to lose if U.K.-based firms are stripped of their passporting rights the ability of companies authorized in one EU country to sell their products freely throughout the $19 trillion economic bloc. They are a bit like dogs backed into a corner and barking its just noise, said Jason Kennedy, chief executive officer of Kennedy Group, a London-based recruitment firm for the finance industry. This is all about applying as much pressure as possible on the government to get the best deal. What have the banks have got to lose? Scream the house down and see what happens. Few are more outspoken than JPMorgan Chase & Co.s CEO, Jamie Dimon. Before the June 23 referendum he told U.K. staff that as many as 4,000 of them could be relocated in the event of Brexit. In January, he said that number could be even higher or lower depending on how the Brexit negotiations played out. Michelin Stars That same month, he told May at a meeting of non-U.K. bank chiefs in Davos, Switzerland, that she needed to secure a lengthy transition period guaranteeing ongoing access for all U.K. companies to the single market. Without it, banks, insurance companies and asset managers would head for the exit, with Londons Michelin-starred restaurants and other service industries not far behind, according to a person briefed on the discussion. HSBC Holdings Plc CEO Stuart Gulliver has taken a similarly hard line. He laid out plans more than a year ago to move 1,000 of the banks 5,000 London-based investment banking staff to Paris. While hes repeated the claim often since, the bank has yet to contact any of the affected employees, Gulliver said last week. Each business lobby is motivated the worse you can make it sound at this point, the more likely your sector will get special treatment, said Thomas Sampson, assistant professor of economics at the London School of Economics. I dont know how analytically rigorous a lot of the numbers are. You want to take a lot of these numbers with a grain of salt. This isnt the first time Londons financial center has used its considerable clout the industry paid 71.4 billion pounds ($89 billion) in U.K. taxes in the last fiscal year to try to win concessions from lawmakers. After HSBC considered relocating its headquarters to Hong Kong in 2015, then-Prime Minister David Camerons government scaled back a bank levy that particularly irked the lender. Bluffing Bankers One senior bank executive, who asked not to be identified discussing his rivals, said he found his peers comments disgraceful, characterizing them as attempting to hold the U.K. government hostage with self-serving threats. The banks are bluffing, he said, doubting that the likes of HSBC would move anywhere near as many people as they were threatening to. Certainly, the jobs the banks are looking to initially move out of the U.K. are not as numerous as once feared. Before the vote, Morgan Stanley was said to be planning to move as many as 1,000 bankers in the event of Brexit. As the bank comes closer to putting its contingency arrangements into action, executives are keeping their options open by initially moving only 300, people familiar with the firms plans said last week. At the other end of the spectrum from JPMorgan and HSBC, Barclays Plc CEO Jes Staley who has made mending fences with U.K. politicians and regulators a key priority after a series of scandals said leaving the EU will have little impact on his business. Barclays is planning to move only 150 jobs from London, if any, according to a person familiar with the banks contingency arrangements, known as Project Darwin. Of course, of all the worlds big securities firms, his is the most exposed to London. Our premise is that London will remain the financial center tomorrow that it is today, Staley said on a call with journalists last week. If we need to redeploy assets at the margin, we will. But weve been consistent: we dont believe Brexit will result in a significant move of people away from London. A key concern for financiers after the vote was that the U.K. may be stripped of the right to clear euro-denominated derivatives transactions. Rolet of the LSE, the majority owner of one of the worlds largest clearinghouses for derivatives, told British lawmakers in January that such a move would risk 232,000 British jobs, with many of those headed for New York rather than the Continent. He cited a private EY report that LSE had commissioned, which both parties declined to make available to Bloomberg. That sum would account for more than 10 percent of the 2.2 million people that the CityUK lobby group says work in finance and related professional services in the U.K. I dont believe that quite that level of jobs is at stake from euro clearing, said Keith Pilbeam, a professor of economics at Londons City University who forecasts foreign exchange. A lot of these headline figures dont make much sense. In private, according to people with knowledge of their thinking, bank bosses are downplaying the risks of derivatives clearing leaving London, regardless of what French President Francois Hollande and senior German lawmakers have said repeatedly. Imposing controls on how and where the euro is traded could damage its status as a reserve currency, making the EU unlikely to take a hard line on derivatives clearing, the people said earlier this year. Its not just industry executives who are conjuring up ever-larger estimates of how many people will be fleeing. National lobby groups competing to lure refugee bankers from London are also predicting a bonanza for their cities, at least. Frankfurt Main Finances managing director, Hubertus Vath, said he expects as many as 10,000 U.K. workers to relocate to Germanys financial capital in the coming years. Its not clear where theyll live: there are only 3,000 vacant apartments in central Frankfurt, according to data from property brokers Savills Plc. Paris has set its sights on luring 20,000 jobs from the U.K. in the coming years, according to Arnaud de Bresson, managing director of the Europlace lobby group. Thats despite only one non-French bank, HSBC, indicating that it will make the city its main base within the EU after Brexit. One European banking boss quipped that the only way France would be top of his list would be if you turned it upside down. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Italys biggest insurer Generali has hired BNP Paribas to sell its Dutch business as part of a plan to cut costs in weaker markets and boost profits, sources told Reuters. Generali, which generates most of its revenues and earnings in Italy, France and Germany, is looking to auction off its subsidiary Generali Nederland N.V., which has been active in the Netherlands for more than 140 years covering risks from damage to income, pensions and life insurance. If successful, the deal would be the first in a series of divestments that Generali announced in November in a bid to raise about 1 billion euros ($1 billion) by leaving 13 to 15 countries. Representatives of Generali and BNP Paribas declined to comment. Generali more than tripled its overall net profit in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2015, generating 5.4 million euros in 2015. But its non-life insurance unit, Generali Schade, was hit by shrinking demand with net profits plunging from 4.5 million euros in 2014 to 1.9 million euros in 2015. Generalis French boss Philippe Donnet recently came under pressure as he tried to fend off a takeover attempt by Italys biggest retail bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, which was hoping to create a financial giant with a market value of around 60 billion euros. On Feb. 24 Intesa decided against launching a takeover bid for Generali, arguing the deal would not create enough value for its investors. Generali, whose biggest shareholder is influential investment bank Mediobanca, is seen by Rome as a strategic asset because of its large holdings of Italian government bonds. Yet the insurer, which ranks as Europes third biggest, remains vulnerable to declining profits and possible approaches by larger rivals Allianz and Axa, the sources said. Generali is more focused than its main competitors on capital-intensive traditional life products, rather than on unit-linked or index-linked policies. Two of the sources said Generali will announce an acceleration in its cost-cutting efforts at its annual results on March 16. Generali, with a market value of 21.4 billion euros, has seen its share price tumble almost 27 percent over the past 24 months. Its chief financial officer and general manager Alberto Minali quit in January leaving Donnet, who took over as CEO a year ago, to pursue a pledge to cut operating costs in mature markets by 200 million euros over the 2016-19 period. The sources said the insurer has put a number of countries under review, including Belgium and Portugal where it lacks scale. In South America it is looking to sell its local subsidiaries in Colombia, Panama and Ecuador, they said, although it has yet to pick banks to manage the process. But Argentina and Brazil are seen as core markets. The Trieste-based insurer may need up to 18 months to finalize all the planned divestments, one of the sources said, pointing to lackluster appetite among industry players due to Generalis marginal presence in most of these countries. Insurers that recently fled Latin American markets include Britains RSA, which sold its local business to Colombias Grupo Sura in 2015 for 403 million pounds. ($1 = 0.9507 euros) (Additional reporting by Stephen Jewkes and Gianluca Semeraro in Milan.) News / Local by Stephen Jakes A 35 year old man is in trouble after he was arrested for trying to smuggle a vehicle from South Africa through the Plumtree border post.Farai Manja Katiyo was denying the charge when he appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate Lungile Ncube.On the September 11 2014 Katiyo entered Zimbabwe driving a Toyota Hiace omnibus with Botswana Registration number plates through Plumtree Border post.His temporary import permit had expired and he was supposed to extend or remove the vehicle from Zimbabwe.Police Minerals and Border Controls unit were tipped and conducted investigations leading to the recovery of the car and arrest of Katiyo.They discovered that it was fitted with local number plates.Asked to produce declaration particulars, he failed and instead produced expired temporary import permit and the Botswana registration book.Zimbabwe Revenue Authority impounded the car.The smuggled vehicle is valued at us$12000 with a potential duty of US$4 800. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has told its shareholders that it may face fines of up to $4.6 billion if federal regulators determine that the company fitted diesel control devices on its vehicles. The Detroit News reports that FCA recently informed investors that it had received subpoenas and information requests from the U.S. Department of Justice, Security and Exchange Commission and a number of states attorneys. The company is alleged to have fitted approximately 104,000 diesel pickup trucks and SUVs with devices designed to cheat emissions tests. In the report, FCA said If we are found to have violated any of the provisions of the Clean Air Act, we could be subject to penalties imposed by the EPA and (California Air Resources Board) as well as other government authorities. While FCA vehemently denies any wrongdoing, the EPA says that there were at least eight auxiliary emission control devices on 2014-16 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups and Jeep Grand Cherokees with the available 3.0-liter diesel engine. The use of such devices is technically legal but regulators in the U.S. require disclosures before any such vehicles can be sold in the United States. Such investigations could result in the imposition of damages, fines or civil and criminal penalties. It is possible that the resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and may adversely affect our reputation with consumers, which may negatively impact demand for our vehicles, FCA concluded in its statement. PHOTO GALLERY This Ferrari 458 Italia will need a complete makeover in order to return to its former glory, after it barked up at the wrong tree a couple of days ago. Posted by FerrariOwnersClubNL, these images show the Italian supercar with its entire front end messed up, after hitting a tree, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. What exactly happened is a good question, but we have absolutely no background info. However, if we were to analyze the pictures, wed say that the wet asphalt may have had something to do with it. Judging by the looks of the Ferrari 458 Italia, its occupant(s) most likely walked away, with a few bruises at most, while the supercar will need to pay a visit to the sheet metal doctor for a lot of repairs. Good thing its 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 lump, which was replaced by a turbod engine in the newer 488, is mid-mounted, right? PHOTO GALLERY Former U.S. Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt will face trial on April 18 in Detroit for his involvement in the German companys diesel emissions scandal. Schmidt faces 11 felony charges during his time as the chief Volkswagens environmental and engineering center in Michigan and if convicted of all, could face 169 years imprisonment. Schmidt was arrested on January 7 at Miami International Airport and while the defense has indicated that they may seek a postponement in his trial, he looks likely to become the first VW employee or executive to go to trial over the scandal. Currently, the former executive is being held at a jail north of Detroit and his defense argues that he was just a small player in what was a much larger scandal. Automotive News reports that German authorities are also investigating Schmidt, suggesting that he could face charges in VWs home country as well. If Schmidt is charged, found guilty and imprisoned, it could pave the way for similar rulings on other high-ranking VW executives involved in the manipulation of diesel emissions testing. PHOTO GALLERY News / Local by Thobekile Zhou Norton member of parliament Temba Mliswa caused a stir in the chambers on Wednesday when he claimed that he nearly fainted when he saw Foreign Affairs minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi in the august house.Mumbengegwi made a rare appearance in parliament."Mr. Speaker Sir, I must say when I walked into Parliament, I nearly fainted when I saw the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs. True to your word, he is here and we would like to welcome him to Parliament, especially today when the xenophobia debate has been moved [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]" said Mliswa as recorded by the parliamentary Hansard.However, speaker of parliament Jacob Mudenda came to Mumbengegwi's rescue chastising Mliswa saying " Hon. Mliswa, this matter was discussed yesterday and I do not think there is any point in trying to embarrass the Minister. Your point of order does not stand".Opposition legislators routinely complain that ministers skip parliamentary sessions especially on Wednesday during question and answer sessions.Last year, opposition members of Parliament demanded that ministers absconding Parliamentary sessions be charged with contempt of court, citing Mumbengegwi as the most delinquent. Photo: Google Street View Kelowna Community Resources is on the move. The not-for-profit social agency is moving to a new, larger facility at 620 Leon Ave. in downtown Kelowna. An open house will be held at the new location on Mar. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. Community Resources previously operated out of a smaller space on Dolphin Avenue. "KCR has served our community for 33 years," the organization said in a news release. "Our move to a single location that houses all employees, volunteers and programming fulfills a long-term vision and strategic plan of our board of directors and confirms our continued commitment to serve the Central Okanagan and beyond." The resource centre provides the following services: It's a joke what the minimum wage is in BC. Most jobs that are held by people that get paid minimum wage work for big companies that make millions. This is the Government helping the rich. The rich run the Government. That's the bottom line. So sick. The cost of living is so outrageous, some people have to chose weather to pay rent or eat. Obviously they have to pay their bills or they are homeless. It just seem that the Government ignores the fact that their are a lot of people on poverty line, and they don't or won't acknowledge this. I guess when youre wealthy you can't see the forest for the trees! Shirl Olson Minimum wage was never meant to be a liveable income. It was a stepping stone for youngsters/first time employees to learn the art of the work force, to move up the ladder to bigger and better incomes. Wendy's chains are automating over 1,000 stores in the US, because of the minimum wage increase. Some Edmonton McDonalds are already using this system. Be careful what you wish forever, you just may become unemployed. Cathy Knorr Something a lot of people don't realize is that a server has to tip out a percentage of the whole bill to cooks, hostesses and bartenders. So when you don't tip or cheap tip, it can cost them money to serve you. If you don't like something, talk to the manager. Sherry Frearson I know that a lot of people are happy with the coming increase in minimum wage. I do have friends who own their own businesses, and if the wage goes up even more, the owners will have to cut shifts. So, those that are lucky enough to 'keep their jobs', will have to work a lot harder to cover for those that got their hours cut or also, possibly lost their job. Is the stress really worth the extra 50 cents an hour? I also have friends who have been 'let go' because the company can't afford to pay them now from past minimum wage increases. Good luck to everyone! Marilyn Thompson The explanation given by Kelownas City Clerk as to why the many, many letters and representations made by Kelowna citizens against the proposed location of the new Tourism Centre is ridiculous. Citizen opposition to the proposed location has been part of the public dialogue for months, in fact as long as the public became aware of the plan to construct this building on our waterfront. There have been innumerable letters sent to editors and mayor and council, and to have these dismissed because they were not received within the 12 day notification period of the public hearing is nonsense, and an easy out for council. It is a total disregard and dismissal of the wishes of the citizens of this community. If this in fact, is in the legislation, then the legislation need to be changed. One has to assume which may be erroneous that the mayor and council members are aware that the general public consensus is against this building in this location, and if they accepted the information from the clerks office that there was very little opposition, then they have forgotten they have been elected to listen to all their constituents and act accordingly. This isnt a contest where you had to apply between January 11 and January 23 and then be told that whoops you lost. Kelownas citizens have been telling council that this building in this location is not in the communitys best interests for months and this council has chosen not to listen. We should be mad - it is, after all, our lakeshore. Sharron J. Simpson Photo: RCMP Surrey RCMP already have them pegged for several break-ins, but believe a trio of suspects may be responsible for many more. Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen one or more of the suspects alleged to have committed a series of crimes in the Fraser Heights area from December to January. Twenty four break-ins were reported between October and December in Surrey. On Jan. 21, police arrested Shane Takakenew Jr. for three residential break and enters that occurred the previous night near his residence. A search warrant was executed at his home, and a large quantity of property was found. As police processed the seized property, they were able to link items to 10 break and enters in the region. In addition, Shane Takakenew Sr. and Fabiola Diaz were also implicated. Takakenew Jr. is facing one count of break and enter, eight counts of attempted break and enter, nine counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and four counts of deal with identity documents. Takakenew Sr. is facing seven counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and four counts of deal with identity documents. Diaz is facing three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000. Currently both Takakenew Sr. and Jr. are in custody, while Diaz has been released on bail. Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Photo: Jon Manchester BC Hydro is asking the province for environmental approval of a project that would increase the power generating capacity of a dam north of Revelstoke. The company wants to add a sixth turbine at the Revelstoke Dam and says in a statement that the new unit would add 500 megawatts of capacity to the province's electricity system. The dam's powerhouse was originally built for six generating units, but only four were installed by the time it began churning out power in 1984. A fifth turbine began operating in 2010, but BC Hydro says electricity demand continues to grow, with a new record for power consumption being set during a cold snap in January. The Crown corporation says the project, which includes building a new station west of Summerland, will cost an estimated $582 million and the earliest it would come into service is 2021. The province is expected to make a decision on an environmental assessment certificate this fall. Photo: Twitter The prime minister will be back in B.C. tomorrow. Justin Trudeau will visit Victoria, where he will go for a run with Armed Forces soldiers and Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan Thursday morning. Then, the two will tour CFB Esquimalt. A media briefing is scheduled for noon, along with a meeting with Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in the afternoon. On Friday, Trudeau will be in Vancouver. His schedule while there has not been announced. News / Local by Thobekile Zhou Long standing MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai is not ready to give up power in his party as he is the face of the struggle, a senior party member has said.According to MDC-T national spokesperson, Obert Gutu, the former prime minister should be given more time to lead.Tsvangirai has been at the helm of the party since its formation in 1999."Tsvangirai is not Mugabe, he is not yet President. He had never imposed himself."He's the face of the struggle. Give him a chance" said Gutu this evening in a live @ThisFlag 1980 facebook page interview.Commenting on his boss health, he said "He's looking far better than he did a few months back."Tsvangirai is battling cancer and there were widespread calls for him to step down last year when he revealed his health status.He is currently on a national outreach program. Photo: Google Street View An elementary school in Chase was locked down Tuesday after a drunk man ran into the building. On Feb. 28, Chase RCMP received a report of an intoxicated male running into Haldane Elementary School, telling staff he was being chased by an assailant. The school enacted lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of the students, said Cpl. Scott Linklater. Police attended and shortly thereafter determined the alleged assailant was not present in the area. The unidentified man was taken from the hospital and Linklater said at no time were threats made towards the students." Photo: Flickr/BC Gov't A British Columbia construction union has thrown its support behind Premier Christy Clark in the coming election campaign, saying her government's jobs plan provides work for its members. Doug Parton, an Ironworkers' International business manager, says the NDP's opposition to major projects that include the Site C dam, George Massey bridge and proposed liquefied natural gas projects hurts employment opportunities for the union's more than 1,800 members in B.C. At an event attended by Clark, Parton said the union never officially endorsed the Liberals in the past and the support does not mean individual members will vote for the party. NDP Leader John Horgan says the union's endorsement does not represent the mood of B.C.'s labour movement, which traditionally supports the New Democrats. Horgan says he supports LNG developments with conditions, and there's not enough evidence that Site C or George Massey project should be built. The election is scheduled for May 9. Photo: Oliver Daily News Oliver welcomed a group of special guests into town recently. A delegation from Oliver's sister city, Bandai, Japan, made a stop in the South Okanagan on business. Bandai Mayor Igarashi and a group of directors and managers of Tokuitsu no Sato Kirari roadside rest area were in town to investigate importing wines and local product from the Oliver area for their business. The Japanese rest area consists of an organic market, gift shop, restaurant and gas pumps and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Oliver Tourism Association hosted the group and took them to Road 13 Vineyards & Winery, Burrowing Owl Vineyards, Tinhorn Creek Winery and Hester Creek Winery. The Town of Oliver says their guests called the trip successful, and aim to have Oliver area wines and products in their gift shop this summer. Photo: Contributed The Kettle Valley Station Pub held a customer appreciation event Wednesday to celebrate the restaurant's new renovations. Its a nice fresh start, Im loving it, it's emphasizing what weve always been about, local craft and fresh flavours, said Executive Chef, James Bryan. While both the kitchen itself and menu have gotten a refresh, Byran said the renovations were focused out front. Food sales are solid, we just wanted to have the front of the house show what we are all about in the back." Photo: Twitter The former finance director of the Abbotsford Police Board is being sued for alleged embezzlement. The board is seeking the return of $200,000 from Shelley Dallas Mickens. Mickens spent 17 years in the role before retiring last June. During that time, she allegedly falsified petty cash vouchers, according to the claim. The suit alleges Mickens "took at least $192,200 in cash for her personal benefit." The money was allegedly used to purchase or care for at least one property in the city. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: Street Saviours It took seven doses of naloxone to revive a pregnant woman overdosing in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Images surfaced Wednesday of the woman lying motionless on the ground near Hastings and Main. The Street Saviours outreach group was first on the scene, and members administered four doses of naloxone, to no avail. "We didn't know how long she'd been down there for," Michael Legault told CTV. "Has she been down there too long? Is there going to be permanent damage? What about the baby?" Paramedics arrived, and gave three more doses of the anti-opiate before the woman regained consciousness. It's believed the woman OD'd on carfentanyl, a deadly drug that is claiming lives across the province. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will visit the drug-plagued neighbourhood on Friday, following the announcement of $10 million to help fight B.C.'s overdose epidemic. "I'm glad that the prime minister is going to see for himself because it's not isolated to Vancouver, and if it hasn't hit communities in Canada yet, it's coming," said Dave Deines, vice-president of the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV The mayor of Courtenay says Britain's Guardian newspaper is blowing smoke over the city's reportedly terrible air quality. Larry Jangula says he wants to clear the air over the report he calls out of whack with reality. The Guardian study claimed dangerous air particulates in Courtenay are worse than in many big U.S. cities and the second worst in all of North America. Its really troubling because what happened is we had a lot of people who were very angry and very concerned, and I had a lot of very negative, nasty calls and emails about it, Jangula told CTV. He called the ranking incomprehensible. I have absolutely no idea where they got it or what they did, he said. "A couple of stoves could skew the entire reading. Jangula admits inversions can sometimes create problems, but says residents can breathe easy. The regional district will receive an air quality report in the next few weeks. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: RCMP A First Nations woman is taking over at the helm of the RCMPs largest division. Assistant Commissioner Brenda Butterworth-Carr has been named the new commander of the B.C. RCMP, the first indigenous woman to hold the role. She is replacing Craig Callens, who is retiring after five years as B.C.s top cop, and a total of 32 years of service. Her career has been diverse and has provided her with a strong understanding of the provincial, municipal and First Nations service agreements, said Minister of Public Safety Mike Morris in a statement. Butterworth-Carr comes from the Tr'ondek Hwech'in Han First Nation near Dawson City, Yukon. She joined the force in 1987. She worked her way up the ranks, becoming the commanding officer of the Prince George detachment from 2009 to 2011, only the third indigenous woman to attain the rank of superintendent at the time. Then in 2013, she became the first indigenous woman to lead a full division when she took over command of the Saskatchewan RCMP. Since August 2016 she has served as the Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations Core Policing in B.C. "As someone who has worked closely with Brenda and followed her career over the last 29 years, I couldn't be more pleased by her appointment and we look forward to working with her," Morris, who is a retired RCMP superintendent, added. Photo: The Canadian Press A plane that crashed into a California neighbourhood and destroyed two homes was carrying husband-and-wife pilots and their grown daughter, and a mother and daughter who were friends of the family, relatives said Wednesday. Stacey Pierce survived the fiery crash and was seriously injured while her parents, the 83-year-old pilot Nouri Hijazi and his 67-year-old wife Dana Hijazi, were both killed. Nevada resident Christy Crown, Pierce's sister-in-law, identified the three in a statement. "He was an extremely experienced pilot, which was his hobby, his passion," Crown said of Nouri Hijazi. "We want to say how incredibly devastated and heartbroken we are and still trying to process everything," her statement said. The group, relatives of two junior-high age girls who had gone to a weekend cheerleading competition, was returning to San Jose on a rainy Monday when their plane crashed suddenly in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, killing three people and critically injuring two who were ejected. The girls returned safely to San Jose on a bus with their team. Pierce's husband Richard Pierce said that his wife has been stabilized and underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon. The couple's daughter also returned to her middle school Wednesday, Richard Pierce told the San Francisco Chronicle. Their daughter was one of the two cheerleaders. She returned to school Wednesday. Sylvia Farelas also survived, while her 22-year-old daughter Adine was killed, Brandon Farelas, Sylvia's son, told KGO-TV. He said his mother called him before the flight and said she was worried about the rainy weather. Sylvia Farelas had burns over 90 per cent of her body and had gone through two surgeries, family members and firefighters said. Adine's younger sister was the other cheerleader the group had gone to see. Before the crash, the smiling members of the team celebrated their first place trophy win at the weekend's national cheer competition, according to the group's Facebook page. Adine Farelas posted that she was "having a blast" with her mother and Pierce and looking forward to heading to the Disneyland park where the event was to be held. Photo: The Canadian Press Lawyer Cheng Hai has an itemized list of compensation demands from Beijing authorities over the city's smog: 65 yuan ($9) for having to buy face masks, 100 yuan ($15) for seeing a doctor for a sore throat and 9,999 yuan ($1,500) for emotional distress. Fed up with what they consider halfhearted efforts to fight air pollution, Cheng and like-minded lawyers are putting China's legal system to the test by suing the governments of the capital and its surrounding regions. "Some people might think that air pollution is inevitable with economic development, but they are wrong," said Cheng, 64. "We have laws to protect air quality, and major pollution can be avoided if they are fully enforced." The lawsuits demonstrate the mounting frustration of China's middle class at the country's notoriously bad air, a topic that is expected to be discussed at the upcoming annual meeting of the country's parliament three years after Premier Li Keqiang declared a "war on pollution" at the same event. The dissatisfaction comes even as authorities in the capital are closing factories, getting rid of coal-fired boilers and taking older, heavier-polluting vehicles off the road. Official data show those measures are having some effect, with Beijing showing year-on-year improvements since 2013. Yet the city's average reading of the tiny particulate matter PM2.5 considered a good gauge of air pollution is still seven times what the World Health Organization considers safe. "We are the victims of smog and we are entitled to ask for an apology and compensation from the government," said another of the lawyers, Yu Wensheng, 50, from Beijing. Along with Beijing, the group has attempted to sue the neighbouring province of Hebei and the port city of Tianjin. The region generally suffers the worst pollution in China and forms a front line in the central government's battle against the scourge. The lawyers say their cases are more about drawing attention to government inaction rather than winning a settlement. Sessions and Russia sitting in a tree. Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath about meeting with a Russian Ambassador. French presidential candidate and leader of the far-right, Marine Le Pen, could face jail time and a large fine for tweeting a violent image. UNM is working on a 3D bio printer that could eventually print out material to use for bone and human tissue. News / National by Stephen Jakes The chairman of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), Elasto Mugwadi has met Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and given him 14 days to investigate and act against a Chiredzi-based senior cop who is facing serious allegations of torture and kidnap.In a move that is bound to boost public confidence in the human rights body, Mugwadi met Chihuri and his deputies on February 17 and ordered that they investigate the case in which Detective Inspector Henry Dhowa is alleged to have kidnapped Kariborn Nyemba who is a labour activist in Chiredzi and tortured him for days before he managed to escape to Zambia.Nyemba went missing for more than a year but speculation was rife that he had allegedly been kidnapped by Dhowa and a senior army officer also based in Chiredzi, Captain Casper Gono.The matter was eventually reported to ZHRC which instituted investigations and then ordered that the Zimbabwe National Army and ZRP investigate Captain Gono and Dhowa respectively and take appropriate action against them. This order was given in October last year but there seemed to have been no movement on the ground.Elasto Mugwadi then met Chihuri and ordered that he investigates and act on the matter within 14 days.Mugwadi confirmed the developments when he was approached by The Mirror for a comment.The Mirror is reliably informed that a team of three senior Police officers have descended on the town of Chiredzi and have to start the investigations. The officers are said to have spent almost 6 hours locked up in an interview with Dhowa and Gono at CID Chiredzi.They later interviewed Simbarashe Nyemba the brother of the kidnapped man and others involved in the matter. Sources at the Police camp said the suspects were in low spirits, something that could mean that the senior officers meant business.Simbarashe is a former Zimbabwe Sugar Milling Industry Workers Union (ZISMIWU) president."We held a meeting on February 7, 2017 with the Commissioner General of Police together with his deputies and senior assistant commissioners where we discussed the issue at length. They asked to investigate the matter further and we gave them a timeline of two weeks. As we are speaking they should be on the ground making their own investigations," said Mugwadi.Dhowa has a poor human rights record and was once sent back from international peace keeping mission in Kosovo after human rights organizations throughout the World complained against his human rights record.The mandate of the Commission is to monitor human rights issues Photo: The Canadian Press Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday warned against an "isolationist tendency" in the U.S. that he called dangerous to national security, at a time when the current president has faced questions about its commitment to the country's international partnerships. The 43rd president was speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, to promote his new book, "Portraits of Courage," a volume of his paintings of military veterans. Bush's remarks come at a time when Europeans have been skittish that President Donald Trump may promote isolationist policies. Last month, Vice-President Mike Pence reassured allies in Europe about the U.S. commitment to NATO and the country's willingness to maintain its ties around the globe. Bush, 70, said it was not his intent to criticize his successors at the White House and he is optimistic about the future. "I don't want to make the president's job worse," he said. But he also alluded to the Iraq War, and warned that there is a lesson "when the United States decides not to take the lead and withdraw," an apparent critique of former President Barack Obama. "Vacuums can be created when U.S. presence recedes and that vacuum is generally filed with people who don't share the ideology, the same sense of human rights and human dignity and freedom that we do," he added. Bush echoed remarks he made earlier this week by saying he didn't intend to criticize Trump when he said recently that a free press is essential to democracy. Trump has referred to the press as the "enemy of the people." Bush said at the library the nation needed an independent press, but added that it needs to be accurate. Photo: Thinkstock.com A trial by judge and jury has found Lisa Miel guilty of second degree murder over the death of Kirk Morin. Miel was found driving Morin's truck in the Fort St. John area during a traffic stop on Sep. 6, 2015, leading police to detain Miel. After further investigation, Morin's body was found, and Miel was put under arrest. The trial began on Feb. 6, with the guilty verdict delivered on Tuesday. The investigation into the matter brought together Fort St. John's General Investigation Section, Forensic Investigation Section, general members, Traffic Services and North District Major Crimes. Sentencing has not been set, yet, but Miel remains in custody, according to Fort St. John RCMP. Photo: Darren Handschuh A man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a 2015 illegal drug lab fire in Vernon in which he and another man suffered severe burns. James Karl Iverson, 23, confessed to criminal negligence causing bodily harm and arson by negligence during an appearance in Vernon provincial court on Monday. According to police, a clandestine drug lab was discovered in the apartment on the 3400 block of Okanagan Avenue following the fire on Aug. 14, 2015. The blaze was contained to the bathroom. The two men hurt in the fire, aged 20 and 21 at the time, had such severe injuries they had to be flown to a burns unit in Vancouver. Iverson's next appearance in court is for a pre-sentence report on Apr. 26, but no date has been set for sentencing. Photo: Jasmine Aantjes File photo UPDATE 4:20 p.m. Environment Canada has upgraded the snowfall warning for the Coquihalla. Snowfall total amounts between 30 to 40 cm are expected between Hope and Merritt. A cold front will drop about 15 cm by Friday morning with another 15 to 25 cm forecast for Friday. Travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, the weather office is recommending you keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone. Drivers are also asked to check DriveBC before heading out. ORIGINAL 9:00 a.m. Environment Canada is warning drivers of heavy snowfall expected for the Coquihalla mountain pass between Hope and Merritt. The warning was issued just before 5 a.m. Thursday, with a total of 15 centimetres of snow expected by Friday morning. A Pacific front will be bringing snow over coastal passes Thursday night, with the heaviest expected to hit the stretch of Highway 5. Drivers should prepare for fast-changing and deteriorating conditions, with visibility potentially reduced suddenly during times of heavy snowfall. "Weather in the mountains can change suddenly, resulting in hazardous driving conditions," Environment Canada said. Drivers are asked to check DriveBC and the Shift Into Winter website for updates on driving conditions, and to adjust to winter driving behaviour and use winter tires and chains. Photo: Contributed A store in Revelstoke became an unplanned drive-thru, Wednesday. RCMP said a 53-year-old woman lost control of her truck and smashed into a business about 8 p.m. Cpl. Thomas Blakney said the driver of the white Ford pickup lost control while travelling southbound on the 400 block of Victoria Road East. The truck slid through the T intersection of Victoria Road and 2nd Street East and crashed into a local business that was closed at the time, said Blakney. The roadway was icy and, fortunately, no one was injured. Blakney said the unidentified woman was charged under the Motor Vehicle Act with failing to keep right. In November 2016, I had an appointment at KGH and there were smokers sitting on the front benches in front of the entry to building. I kindly told them, including an elderly lady who was smoking, that no smoking was allowed. Just then a young visitor came up to me and told me, using profanity, to mind my own business and that they weren't doing anything wrong. I informed her that I had recently had a transplant and that the smoke was bad for me. She said too bad. I went in to hospital following the run in and went to information desk and asked them to call security. My appointment was about 40 mins long, and when I came out elderly lady still outside smoking. Where was security? Smokers have more rights at KGH than non smokers. Not fair! Shelagh Vetter I went to college as a single mother and now work in healthcare. Any raise, never mind a whole 50 cents, is unheard of. I'm now back in college to once again better my income by starting my own business. Minimum wage = minimal education. Don't like it? Work harder. Victoria Elise Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau started his visit to British Columbia today with a morning run alongside members of the military on a naval base in Victoria. Trudeau and about 300 members of CFB Esquimalt ran five kilometres on a winding and hilly course through the base, which is home to Canada's Pacific naval fleet. Trudeau's itinerary has him touring the base before a meeting with Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. He is scheduled to meet B.C. Premier Christy Clark later in Vancouver. Photo: CTV UPDATED 12:17 P.M. Police have arrested a suspect after four separate attacks Thursday morning in Vancouver. Just after 8:30 a.m., police were called to the intersection of West Broadway and Cambie Street, where they found a man who had been stabbed after an altercation. The suspect fled eastbound to West Broadway and Yukon, where he physically assaulted a second victim. A third person was stabbed a short time later at Quebec and East 4th Avenue, followed by a fourth victim who was also stabbed at Main and East 2nd Avenue, said Const. Jason Doucette. A 33-year-old Vancouver man was located, and arrested nearby without incident. He remains in police custody and is believed to be responsible for all four attacks. Three stabbing victims remain in hospital in serious condition. Anyone who may have witnessed any of these assaults and who has not yet spoken with police, is asked to call detectives from the VPDs Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541. A man is in police custody following a stabbing rampage in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood this morning. At least two people were stabbed in three separate assaults. A bike courier was stabbed at the intersection of Cambie Street and West Broadway, where an off-duty doctor tended to the victim until paramedics arrived. Police taped off the corner, where bloody clothes were lying on the ground. Two more incidents happened on Main Street and East 2nd Avenue. "All three victims have been taken to hospital for assessment and treatment," Const. Jason Doucette told CTV. "At least two of the victims appear to have suffered stab wounds." Witnesses say one victim was stabbed in the neck. They followed the man from a safe distance and called police. with files from CTV Vancouver News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe reportedly sneaked out of the country early yesterday for medical check-up in Singapore, with his entire family having already left on Monday, top government sources told NewsDay.First Lady Grace reportedly flew out of Harare on Monday to organise a charter flight for the 93-year-old leader, who is believed to have been in bad shape.Presidential spokesperson, George Charamba did not respond to questions sent to him by NewsDay. He, however, confirmed to the State media that Mugabe indeed left the country for a "scheduled" medical review in Singapore."His excellency the President left this morning for Singapore for a scheduled medical review. We expect him back in the country next week," Charamba was quoted as saying last night.Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko is the acting President.Sources told NewsDay that the First Lady flew out on Monday to organise a charter flight from Dubai as Mugabe was reportedly unable to use Air Zimbabwe."It's a tricky health situation. The usual Boeing 767 is awaiting a C-check (major aircraft service) which requires over $150 000. The airline does not have this kind of money now," an official said. "He could also not use the Boeing 737 because it would require stop-overs every four hours to refuel and other technical check-ups."Mugabe and his children who are reportedly in Dubai, have become visitors to Zimbabwe spending most of their time out of the poverty stricken country run-down by the Zanu-PF leader's policies.Although it could not be established which airline Mugabe had flown, the Zanu-PF strongman reportedly left the country around 2am yesterday."He left at 2am this morning (yesterday) after being delayed for hours because he was supposed to have flown out just after Cabinet (on Tuesday) but the chartered plane arrived late. The President could also not travel commercial because of health reasons. Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko is acting President," another source said.A source at the Harare International Airport also confirmed Mugabe had stealthily left the country using a chartered plane."There was heavy security and people were not allowed around the runway at the time he left. The plane came from outside. It's definitely not an AirZim because their planes are all here," NewsDay was told.Efforts to get comment from Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Ripton Muzenda drew a blank, as his mobile phone went unanswered while board chairperson Chipo Dyanda was not picking her phone.While officials claims, Mugabe frequently travels to the Far East to have eye-check-ups, there are reports that he is afflicted by not only old age but also prostate cancer.During celebrations to mark his 93rd birthday in Matabeleland South's Matobo district last week, Mugabe looked jaded and frothed at the mouth as he gave his speech.Mugabe just recently returned from a month-long annual holiday from the same part of the world, which according to insiders also included routine medical check-ups.Government business comes to a standstill whenever the President is away. Cabinet has met on three occasions since his return including this week before another jaunt.The Zanu-PF leader's continued trips outside the country have been blamed for bleeding an already desperate situation.Mugabe is expected back in the country on Monday. News / National by Staff reporter Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa's supporters - who go by the moniker Team Lacoste - say they are encouraged by President Robert Mugabe's recent hint that the warring ruling Zanu PF could hold a special congress to choose his successor.This comes after Mugabe suggested during his 93rd birthday celebration in Matobo at the weekend that his party could hold an extra-ordinary congress if he felt it was time to call it quits.Meanwhile, former zanu-pf Mashonaland Central youth chairperson, Godfrey Tsenengamu, who is facing allegations of subverting a constitutionally elected Government or alternatively undermining the authority of the President, was yesterday freed on $100 bail.Tsenengamu also stands accused of contravening the Public Order and Security Act by holding a Press conference without notifying the regulating authorities.High Court judge Justice Priscilla Chigumba ordered Tsenengamu to surrender his travel documents at the clerk of court's office.He must report at Waterfalls police station every Friday until finalisation of the criminal case and was barred from interfering with witnesses and investigations. Tsenengamu was represented by Harare lawyer Mr Zivanai Macharaga, while Mr Tapiwa Kasema from the National Prosecuting Authority appeared for the State.Tsenengamu will be back at the Harare Magistrates' Court on March 9 for routine remand.The politician unsuccessfully challenged placement on remand before a Harare magistrate. Allegations against Tsenengamu arose on February 20, when he convened a public meeting at the Media Centre in Harare without notifying the responsible authorities.The court heard that he went on to publicly and unlawfully make statements urging war veterans across the country to push President Mugabe out of office through unconstitutional means.He was quoted as telling journalists that it was time to go public about the "succession thing because some of us have since identified our candidate and its none other than Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa . . ." News / National by Staff reporter Gutu told me about special ballots produced by Nikuv that can make ink travel. The rumor says ink disappears from the opposition party check box on the ballot and reappears on the ruling party's check box. "That's your suggestion?" I asked. "You seriously believe that?" In the past three years, a new slang word has come to be popular in the Zimbabwean capital. I've heard it in professional settings and at parties. It's a conjugation of the word nikuv, to say that you were screwed. For example, "Are you trying to nikuv me?" or "I just got a flat tire on my way to this meeting, I'm so nikuved!""You want to nikuv me right now, don't you?" Obert Gutu asked me in his law office in Harare. Gutu is the spokesman for the largest Zimbabwean opposition party-Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). He gave countless interviews about the 2013 Zimbabwean elections and the speculation that Nikuv rigged the results for President Robert Mugabe and his party. He said he was going to help me investigate Nikuv's true role in the elections and identify the people behind it. It was the first meeting I had scheduled upon my arrival in Harare.Plenty of people do. Right before the 2013 elections, Zimbabwean media were writing daily about the "shadowy" Israeli company. South African and British newspapers were picking up that story as well, running stories about alleged Mossad connections and former Israeli security officials arriving in Harare. In Pretoria, four days before the elections, activists organized a demonstration in front of the Israeli regional embassy.But the seriousness with which Gutu talked about the magic ballots made me wonder. He was certain that Nikuv rigged the elections, he told me, but he didn't know how to prove it. Even without evidence, or perhaps due to the lack thereof, the presence of a "shadowy" Israeli company, as described by the Zimbabwean media, had done plenty to intensify fears among Zimbabweans, who didn't really trust the electoral process to begin with. News / National by Staff reporter Pay-TV provider MultiChoice Zimbabwe is putting in place alternative payment platforms following the halting of mobile money and other bank payment options for DStv subscriptions in the country.The pay-TV service provider is among businesses singled out by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya for alleged excessive and non-priority utilisation of scarce foreign currency resources in the country.Mobile money platforms run by Econet Wireless and Telecel Zimbabwe have stopped processing of DStv subscriptions in US Dollars.Econet Wireless' EcoCash has however turned to rand wallet technology, which enables users to convert their funds into South African currency for payment."The RBZ statement highlighted all current foreign outflows of which we are one," Elizabeth Dziva, spokesperson for MultiChoice Zimbabwe said.She added that "in a bid to provide convenience for our customers", MultiChoice was now looking at other "payment options".MultiChoice Zimbabwe; however, did not provide details on the new measures it was putting in place as alternative payment options.But sources in Zimbabwe said this included working out an arrangement plan with more banks and in-store kiosks in major centers in Zimbabwe.According to the RBZ, about $45m was spent on DStv subscriptions between July and December 2016 while spending on debit cards has also been high.This has forced the central bank to put in place limits on Visa and MasterCard use-limits when outside Zimbabwe.There has also been widespread speculation on what was prompting the decisions by mobile money and finance institutions that are terminating payment options for DStv subscriptions.The Reserve Bank is instructing finance institutions to be strict on foreign currency utilisation by their clients."Banks are reminded to strictly adhere to the import priority guidelines to ensure that scarce foreign exchange resources are distributed to deserving cases," the central bank governor said earlier this month.MultiChoice Zimbabwe said: "The decisions were taken by EcoCash and Telecel for their specific reasons which we are not privy to. We can therefore not comment on third party vendor decisions."Telecel Zimbabwe said in a texted message to its Telecash subscribers that "due to factors beyond our control, DStv payments on Telecash will cease on February 28 till further notice".It further said that "all other services remain available" on the Telecash platform which also handles person to person money transfers and other bill payments. News / Press Release by Luke Tamborinyoka MDC-T President Tsvangirai took his Mash. Central tour to Guruve, where he engaged in a frank conversation with community leaders about the crisis facing the country as well as the next watershed election which Zimbabweans must use to usher in a new government and poise the country for growth, democracy and development.Among the people he met were 27 village heads, pastors, vendors, business people, touts, commuter bus drivers and war veterans.The trend of the issues emerging from the provinces remains the same: grinding poverty, violence, fear, intimidation as well as the continued abuse of traditional leaders, among other issues.The people's leader saw evidence of physical and emotional scars arising out of sustained Zanu PF violence in previous elections. President Tsvangirai had a tough time calming restive community leaders who have suffered violence from unpunished perpetrators who continue to roam free in the communities every day.The emerging national consensus, however, is that the next election is a Presidential election as only a new leader for the country would have the executive authority to positively impact on the lives of the people.Accompanying the President were senior officials from his office, Deputy Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya, Deputy Spokesperson Thabitha Khumalo, Women and Youth National Chairpersons Lynnet Karenyi and Happymore Chidziva, Deputy Treasurer General Charlton Hwende and National Executive members Gift Chimanikire, Gilbert Kagodora and Memory Mbondiah.Tomorrow, President Tsvangirai winds up his tour in Mash Central with an address to Bindura University students and the party's provincial assembly.On Friday, he moves to Mashonaland West, where he will wind up his national tour next Monday. Opinion / Blogs High rate of unemployment in Zimbabwe is becoming very dangerous for the country and if unchecked will be a disaster in waiting for the government.Policies enunciated by the government to curtail continued decline of the economy are yet to bear much fruit.These include Statutory Instrument 64 gazetted by the government to regulate or ban the importation of selected goods, Labour Amendment Act of 2015 to align the Constitution of Zimbabwe.The liquidity crunch has forced every Zimbabwean into vending hence we need new blood in the government as the current government has failed.In Mashonaland Central province dubbed ZANU PF strong holds we are working tireless to educate people on the weaknesses of ZANU PF as opposition party Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP)ZIPP has gathered a team of unemployed youths and training them on to do their own self jobs like tailoring, DJ and farming though not even one youth owns a land but we do theory education on agriculture.It is our wish as partners to exercise our right to vote in 2018 election and fight this high rate of unemployment. Opinion / Columnist Efforts by opposition parties to form a coalition are wishful thinking and machinations of some sections of the media who are attempting to advance an agenda of the western countries to remove the ruling government from power.It really surprises to hear little known opposition parties like Build Zimbabwe Alliance (BZA) calling for an alliance with other parties. BAZ is led by an American based Noah Manyika. Manyika has not been visible in the political field all along. It is only now that this American based politician is calling for unity among all opposition parties. As the next election nears, it is known that each opposition party wants to be recognized.Since 2013, opposition parties have been talking and talking of coalescing but failing. This gospel of coalition has been preached in the media endlessly, meetings have been held but nothing has come out positive. Unfortunate enough, there have been more break ups and firing of party officials rather than uniting in most opposition political parties.Isn't it that for a political party to merge with other parties it has to have grassroot support? A coalition should be a game of numbers. It won't be fair for these new kids on the political block to form an alliance with other parties who have been in this field for so long. For instance, Mujuru's Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF), will find it difficult to coalesce with other opposition parties. Already, ZimPF party is disintegrating. ZimPF was only formed two years ago, but as of now there are two factions that fall under the ZimPF banner.Whilst other opposition parties are busy preparing for next elections, Manyika's party and five little parties under Coalition of Democrats (CODE) are also busy running around making efforts to unite with other opposition parties. CODE was formed a year ago and five opposition parties are part of it. Since the formation of CODE, there has been much talk about it but no action is reflecting the purpose. These small parties are quite aware that they cannot make it as standalones in the next election, hence calling for a union.Complicating the matter, it has been reported in the media that Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai has been setting hard conditions for other opposition parties like ZimPF that had shown keen interest of coalescing with it. Such stringent conditions are a hindrance to the formation of the much talked union.Coalition talks by opposition parties may be cheap but actions don't reflect the words. If the truth be told, a coalition is like a marriage of convenience which has more demerits and less merits. In the event that the union is formed, there is no doubt that each member of the coalition will suffer from a sense of insecurity. Normally all the leaders of different parties would be craving for power and not necessarily serving the interest of the electorate. It will be wise for the coalition proponents to write a will as soon as they coalesce since that will would come very handy in a possible breakdown of the union moments down the road.Further to that, a slight digression from the common agenda or misjudging a partner's sentiment can be a cause for concern and can cause great damage to the union. It should not be ruled out that, every party in a coalition has certain constraints, which often force them to ignore their partners' anti-democratic activities. The leaders in the coalition will deliberately try not to criticise their counterparts because if they do so, the alliance would become null and void.Also, differences in ideologies among leaders often affect formation of these coalitions and this usually affects the output. This will also result in the growth of factionalism and fissures within the alliance which will damage the fabric of communal harmony.The other challenge with coalitions is that if a single party withdraws its support and walks out of the alliance, the entire unit faces the threat of becoming irrelevant. Opposition parties should therefore form coalitions at their own peril. 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... I studied skincare in Atlanta, Ga. and waxing was my favorite subject in school. Later on I lived in San Diego and waxed at the beach. Why did you choose this business? I chose this business because I am a very good waxer, and I am great with people. 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What contributions to the community (charitable or otherwise) are you most proud of? Brazilian Waxing Boutique donates to Biliary Atresia Awareness Foundation. This foundation is close to my heart, since my daughter is battling this horrible childhood liver disease. How has the internet affected your business and how do you think it might affect your business in the future? The internet is great for business. I can stay connected with my clientele through Facebook and Instagram, and they can keep up to date with new services and deals were offering. In what area of your business do you invest the most energy? Waxing! Even though I own the business, I still wax 32 hours a week. I also do lashes on my days off. If you had to choose another career or start another business what would it be? Photography. I love taking pictures, and I have recently started a new company: J.Nouvel Photography. What's your favorite saying or quotation? Don't gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver and gold. -Bob Marley What inspires you? My husband and daughter inspire everything I do. They are my motivation to be the best that I can be. What kind of wax do you use? Brazilian Waxing Boutique manufactures our own wax imported from Italy. It's a blend that moisturizes the skin and has essential oils. Messages You have no messages The next EnVision Bus Read more [...] 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 Since the Middle Ages, alchemists have sought to transmute elements, the most famous example being the long quest to turn lead into gold. Transmutation has been realized in modern times, but on a minute scale using a massive particle accelerator. Now, theorists at Princeton University have proposed a different approach to this ancient ambition -- just make one material behave like another. A computational theory demonstrates that any two systems can be made to look alike, even if just for the smallest fraction of a second. In this context, for two objects to "look" like each other, they need to reflect light in the same way. The Princeton researchers' method involves using light to make non-permanent changes to a substance's molecules so that they mimic the reflective properties of another substance's molecules. This ability could have implications for optical computing, a type of computing in which electrons are replaced by photons that could greatly enhance processing power but has proven extremely difficult to engineer. It also could be applied to molecular detection and experiments in which expensive samples could be replaced by cheaper alternatives. "It was a big shock for us that such a general statement as 'any two objects can be made to look alike' could be made," said co-author Denys Bondar, an associate research scholar in the laboratory of co-author Herschel Rabitz, Princeton's Charles Phelps Smyth '16 *17 Professor of Chemistry. The Princeton researchers posited that they could control the light that bounces off a molecule or any substance by controlling the light shone on it, which would allow them to alter how it looks. This type of manipulation requires a powerful light source such as an ultrafast laser and would last for only a femtosecond, or one quadrillionth of a second. Unlike normal light sources, this ultrafast laser pulse is strong enough to interact with molecules and distort their electron cloud while not actually changing their identity. "The light emitted by a molecule depends on the shape of its electron cloud, which can be sculptured by modern lasers," Bondar said. Using advanced computational theory, the research team developed a method called "spectral dynamic mimicry" that allowed them to calculate the laser pulse shape, which includes timing and wavelength, to produce any desired spectral output. In other words, making any two systems look alike. Conversely, this spectral control could also be used to make two systems look as different from one another as possible. This differentiation, the researchers suggested, could prove valuable for applications of molecular detections such as identifying toxic versus safe chemicals. Shaul Mukamel, a chemistry professor at the University of California-Irvine, said that the Princeton research is a step forward in an important and active research field called coherent control, in which light can be manipulated to control behavior at the molecular level. Mukamel, who has collaborated with the Rabitz lab but was not involved in the current work, said that the Rabitz group has had a prominent role in this field for decades, advancing technology such as quantum computing and using light to drive artificial chemical reactivity. "It's a very general and nice application of coherent control," Mukamel said. "It demonstrates that you can, by shaping the optical paths, bring the molecules to do things that you want beforehand -- it could potentially be very significant." Part of the Ethics in Government Act is the statute allowing for a special prosecutor to investigate any person who may have committed a federal crime other than certain misdemeanors. The first step calls for the Attorney General to conduct a preliminary investigation. The act says [i]f information received under this chapter involves the Attorney General, the next most senior official in the Department of Justice who is not also recused shall perform the duties assigned under this chapter to the Attorney General. That person is Dana Boente, Deputy Attorney General. Perjury is a federal crime. Attorney General Sessions said this under oath - I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. It is indisputable that he lied under oath. We seem passionate about prosecuting street crime why should we not be as vigilant (or more so) in prosecuting crimes committed by senior federal government officials? Now is the time to decide if, in our democracy, we truly believe no man is above the law. John C. Cavett, Jr. Chattanooga * * * No man is above the law until he gets elected, appointed, commissioned, ordained, crowned, or confirmed. Then it is everyone else that is not above the law. Stephen Greenfield * * * Most attorneys say a person should be considered innocent until proven guilty. Are you in full possession of all the facts? I agree no man should be above the law. However, I wonder if the facts for a perjury conviction are "indisputable." Although you have dunked Attorney General Sessions, is a perjury conviction a slam dunk? Does interpretation and intent not matter? Was Senator Sessions acting in his normal capacity as a senator on the Armed Services Committee of Congress or did he converse with the Russian government as a political surrogate for Trump? In his under oath testimony, he denied being a campaign surrogate to Russia. He has admitted to meeting with the Russian ambassador in his office. Apparently several other people were present when he met with the Russian ambassador. If, Senator Sessions hatched a plan to collude with the Russian ambassador in his office with witnesses present, that would be dumb and wrong. If he is convicted of breaking a law, he should pay for the crime. It seems certain more information will come to light. Perhaps we should put his conviction and public execution on hold until we know for certain that he is guilty of a federal crime. Deborah Scott Chattanooga "Within two or three years, maybe about 25 to 30 percent of cyber attacks will come through connected devices," said Martin Giles at the Economist's Innovation Summit. ( Getty Images/iStockphoto) With more and more household devices connected to the Internet of Things, potential security problems are swiftly multiplying. The industry needs to address those issues before the government decides to step in, said Martin Giles, a partner at Wing Venture Capital. Advertisement "We, as entrepreneurs, need to find solutions to these very massive problems," he said. "It will take a couple of very serious incidents to provoke a Patriot Act of IoT something that's rushed out really quickly." The discussion was part of the Economist's Innovation Summit, a daylong event held Tuesday at the Westin Chicago River North. The say also included panels on topics including the future of air travel, self-driving cars and 'hacking' living creatures. Advertisement Giles, whose firm invests in cybersecurity and IoT companies, predicted the number of attacks from IoT devices will continue to rise. "Within two or three years, maybe about 25 to 30 percent of cyber attacks will come through connected devices. That is actually a wake-up call," he said. "We shouldn't be waiting on government. We should be leading on this issue." Kevin Bandy, chief digital officer at Cisco, said his company is attacked 2 million times per hour and they use those incidents to learn and shore up weaknesses. "We monitor online bidding for hackers. We monitor hacking key codes. We take our 2 million attacks, and we literally learn the keystrokes, and we're building that into what we call digital-ready architecture and we learn from that." Sanjay Sarma, dean of digital learning at MIT, expects the adoption of technologies will call for more regulation. "Over time we will need some very clear regulations on privacy. For example, if you sell your Tesla, who owns your driving record Tesla, you, or the person who bought the car?" Another panel at the summit tackled ways to market products using new tech like augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and chatbots. "Every time there's a new technology, obviously brands want to adopt it as a way to stay current and to innovate and talk to the consumer," said Snaps founder Vivian Rosenthal. "That's no different when it comes to VR, AR, AI. " Advertisement Rosenthal is focused on building chatbots that connect brands to consumers. "Social media 2.0 is the messaging space," she said. "The stats show people check messaging apps before they check social apps. There's an anxiety with the brands as to how they can reach consumers in that space. It's a hard space to penetrate." One example, she said, is Nike offering a 30-day free workout with a trainer. Another product, for Nordstrom, provides gift suggestions for Father's Day. "The brand learns something about the user and will deliver something that's tailored to you," she said. "We call that intelligent messaging. The ability to deliver a message at the right place at the right time and with the right content is critical." There's more buzz about the use of virtual and augmented reality to drive business, but it's still early for the tech, said Steven Kan, Google's head of global strategy for AR and VR. "AR and VR today are where we were with mobile in the early 2000s and the web in the early 90s," he said. Advertisement But video has been a standout in the space so far, he said. "People want that experience of being transported somewhere else," he said. "Of literally being in a new state whether it be in the Congo or standing on the Great Wall of China." Fellow panelist David Jones, whose venture capital firm You & Mr Jones was an early investor in "Pokemon Go" creator Niantic, said one of the reasons for the success of AR game is the lack of a need for an additional device. "What we saw and learned from 'Pokemon Go' is if you make something really simple, it will scale and grow," he said. "AR now has a leg up on VR." As for Rosenthal, while she works with emerging technologies all day, she eschews them at home. She doesn't even have Wi-Fi at her house, she said. "I like to create technology, but I don't use it at home," she said. "I think technology is extremely addictive, and since I work with it all day long, I don't want to do it at night." Advertisement Cheryl V. Jackson is a freelance writer. Twitter @cherylvjackson Several executives who worked for Chicago startup Raise in 2016 are turning up in jobs at other companies, pointing to some high-level departures as the gift-card marketplace announced other hires. Yang Chao, who worked as a vice president of finance at Gogo and held management and technical positions at Motorola before joining Raise as senior vice president of finance, was named chief financial officer of Chicago-based logistics startup FourKites in February. Brent Walker, Raise's former vice president of technology, recently joined event ticket marketplace Vivid Seats as vice president of engineering. Advertisement Other high-level employees left the startup at various points last year, including former chief security officer Justin Grudzien, vice president of strategy Josh Metnick and general manager John Courtney, who was formerly an executive at eBay. Raise said it declines to comment on personnel. In the past six months it has announced hirings of chief people officer Maureen Calabrese, formerly chief people officer at Cision; chief financial officer Jillian Sheehan, formerly a senior vice president and CFO at construction software maker Textura; and head of engineering Dave Hoover, co-founder of Chicago-based web-developer school Dev Bootcamp. Advertisement The company has posted openings on its website for number of positions, including a head of security and infrastructure. Because the job titles of those coming and going differ, it's unclear whether the new hires are direct replacements for executives who have departed. "Titles are based on experience and needs of the business," Raise chief of staff Meghan Fox wrote in an email. "There isn't a specific change we can point to outside of normal business matters. As we continue to grow and mature as an organization, we are trying to be as thoughtful as possible with the structure of our company as well as titles within the organization." She said the company doesn't have specific numbers for its hiring goals but is focused on roles that "complement the skill sets we need." She added that the company is always looking to recruit tech talent. Hoover tweeted Wednesday: "If you're someone who enjoys developing software developers as much as you enjoy developing software, let's talk. I'm looking for leaders." The Illinois Attorney General's office said this week it is continuing to investigate the company after receiving multiple consumer complaints about cards worth nothing or less than their stated value. Raise, which allows people to sell gift cards to buyers looking for a bargain, is led by 29-year-old Northbrook native George Bousis . Though the company has been considered one of the city's fastest-growing startups since it began in 2013, users of the site have complained about gift cards that don't work or that retailers later say are fraudulent. Raise announced this week a new partnership with Maine-based CashStar, which builds consumer and B2B digital gift card programs and payments solutions for merchants, retailers and restaurants. As part of the partnership, Raise has integrated with a CashStar platform to offer digital gift cards on demand from a network of retailers and restaurants, according to a news release. Advertisement The company, which once employed more than 300, laid off 15 percent of its workers in August. The company now says it employs about 250. mgraham@chicagotribune.com Twitter @megancgraham Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Energy is partnering with Chicago-based Uptake to keep track of wind turbines. (Sandy Huffaker / Associated Press) Berkshire Hathaway Energy wants a better way to keep an eye on the health of its wind turbines and it's tapping Chicago-based Uptake for help. Two subsidiaries of famed investor Warren Buffett's $84 billion energy business portfolio will use solutions from Uptake, a data analytics for industry startup, to monitor parts of their wind power fleets, the companies announced Thursday. Advertisement The companies worked together for nearly a year on research and development before signing this deal. Berkshire Hathaway Energy sees Uptake Wind solutions as a way to gain efficiency and productivity from its wind fleet, said Bill Fehrman, President and CEO of both subsidiaries, in a statement. Advertisement This is the first publicly-announced customer for Uptake Wind. The company recently raised funding at a valuation of $2 billion, making it one of Chicago's most valuable privately owned tech companies. Uptake uses sensors to collect mass amounts of data from machinery, which it analyzes and uses to alert owners to potential malfunctions or other problems. Startups aren't the only ones providing software for renewable energy. Exelon signed a deal with General Electric in late 2016, and earlier this week, IBM spun out a company that will provide an analytics platform for smart grid and renewable energy systems. Energy is one of six areas of focus for Uptake. It started out in construction, with an early investment and partnership with Caterpillar, and has since also expanded into mining, rail, aviation and retail. CEO Brad Keywell , a well-known Chicago entrepreneur who also co-founded Groupon, was not immediately made available for comment. Uptake Wind is commercially available now, though no other customers have been announced yet, the company said. aelahi@chicagotribune.com Twitter @aminamania Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is warning Chicago-based CareerBuilder and five other national job-search companies that some of their online search functions exclude older workers and could violate age discrimination laws. Madigan sent letters to Indeed, Beyond.com, Ladders, Monster Worldwide and Vault as well as CareerBuilder requesting information about functions that appear to keep older people from building accurate resumes or profiles, according to a news release from her office. Advertisement For example, one site had a drop-down menu that offered 1980 as the earliest possible start date for education or previous employment. Other sites used dates ranging from 1950 to 1970 as cut-offs. "Today's workforce includes many people working in their 70's and 80's," Madigan said in the release. "Barring older people from commonly used job-search sites because of their age is discriminatory and negatively impacts our economy." Advertisement The attorney general's Civil Rights Bureau, which enforces state and federal civil rights laws, is examining the practices. Excluding older workers could violate the Illinois Human Rights Act and the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act. In an email, CareerBuilder spokeswoman Jennifer Sullivan Grasz said the company "is committed to helping workers of all ages find job opportunities, and is fixing this unfortunate oversight." Ladders, based in New York, said Thursday that it has not yet received a letter from Madigan and that it does not participate in the alleged practices. Breaking Business As it happens When business news breaks, be the first to know. > The online job search service, which caters to professionals, does not restrict dates on resumes people submit and, in order to combat age discrimination, does not ask users for a college graduation year, Stephanie Chan, vice president of marketing, said in an emailed statement. An optional work experience section limits experience to the past 50 years. "We have spoken publicly about this topic and feel very passionate about combating age discrimination in the workforce," Chan said. "What we have shared with job seekers is our belief that to effectively market yourself it is best not to discuss work experience from more than 20 years ago." Beyond, based in King of Prussia, Pa., said it will be happy to respond to Madigan once it receives the letter. "Discrimination has no part in the hiring process and that's why we take such care to help job seekers (and hiring managers) carefully consider all information they put forth during the job search process to avoid any conscious or unconscious bias," the company said in an emailed statement. Monster, Indeed and Vault did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advertisement aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com Twitter @alexiaer In the nine years since Marie "Micki" Wolf and nearly a dozen other women filed an arbitration case against Sterling Jewelers, she was barred from talking openly about her claims of pay disparities and gender discrimination. The rules for the women's case in private arbitration, where filings and proceedings are largely confidential, also blocked Wolf from seeing what other women in her case were saying in their own allegations - including claims of sexual harassment involving male managers. Advertisement The release this week of those women's sworn statements, part of a sweeping class-action case involving 69,000 women alleging pay and promotion discrimination at the owner of Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Kay Jewelers, brought Wolf a long-awaited relief that she could finally share her story, she said. "All these years, I wasn't allowed to tell people what they did to me. I had to keep my mouth shut," Wolf said. "It was kind of sad. People would have to come to me discretely in the stores, like, 'Can I tell you my story?'" Advertisement Wolf's silence was mandated by the private arbitration. Unlike the legal system, where most court records are presumed to be public, sworn statements such as those filed by women in the Sterling case are almost always kept confidential. The Sterling arbitration case will decide whether women faced discrimination in pay and promotion practices. In hundreds of now-public sworn statements from members of the class, men and women also allege widespread sexual harassment and discrimination that they say fostered a demeaning culture for Sterling's female employees. Sterling's parent company, Signet Jewelers, issued a statement saying the company has "taken the allegations of pay and promotions discrimination raised in this case very seriously." The allegations "involve a very small number of individuals," the company said, and "the distorted and inaccurate picture of our company presented in these allegations does not represent who we are." In arbitration, both sides agree to resolve a dispute outside the public courts and under the ruling of an independent arbitrator. Companies have called it a more streamlined dispute-resolution system that can allow parties with equal bargaining power to resolve cases with fewer delays. Many employees and consumers agree to arbitration without realizing it when they sign up for a job or a new credit card. Those arbitration clauses prevent them from taking the company to the court when a dispute arises. Critics say this system is preferred by companies because it offers an avenue in which disputes are blocked from public view. Advertisement "For most corporations the whole point of having an arbitration clause is preventing information from coming out," said F. Paul Bland Jr., the executive director for the law firm Public Justice, which litigates some gender discrimination cases. Wolf, 49, said she joined Sterling in 2002 and loved her job selling diamonds, putting in long hours and securing what she said was consistently one of her store's top sales performances, with more than $1 million in jewelry sales a year. But she was "crushed," she said, when she learned that other men in the store with less experience and fewer sales were routinely paid more money and not subjected to other examples she saw of gender discrimination. In 2008, Wolf and roughly a dozen other women filed their case. In 2013, their attorneys filed a motion seeking class-action status for a group of women, now numbering more than 69,000, with similar pay-and-promotion discrimination claims. Wolf said she spent years disheartened because she could not share her own story. As she saw sexual harassment cases such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson's now-settled lawsuit make the news, she felt she had no similar recourse - even as other Sterling employees told her privately of their own allegations. "This was a company that was supposed to be all about the women. But yet they didn't respect women: the way they talked to them, the way they paid them," Wolf said. Advertisement After years of requests from employees' attorneys and The Washington Post to make the records publicly viewable, attorneys for Sterling and the employees agreed to redact parts of the records, including the names of managers accused of harassment, and then make them publicly available this week. "We have 69,000 women who have a right to know what evidence was submitted in support of their claim," said Joseph Sellers, a partner at the Cohen Milstein law firm and lead counsel for the case. "If we had been unsuccessful in getting these statements released, the public, and particularly our clients, would have no idea what evidence we had submitted." Dawn Souto-Coons, one of the original dozen women to file the arbitration, was in tears when she was able to read some of the statements this week. The former Sterling employee, now an egg farmer in Maryland, said she could not believe how long the case had lasted and how long she had gone on without knowing what other women had faced. Souto-Coons, 58, said she feels encouraged now knowing that she is not alone and that women's stories are finally being told. She said she hopes the newly public allegations will help persuade the company to implement new protections for women facing discrimination. "We didn't want this just to be a slap on the wrist: Give us some cash and we'll go on our way. We wanted them to make changes," Souto-Coons said. "I always knew I would never give up. I always knew that no matter how long it took, I would stay with it." The case could still go on for many months. A class hearing, during which witnesses will be called to testify before the arbitration judge for the first time, is scheduled for early next year. Advertisement But Wolf said she is ready to speak her mind before the arbitrator - and for other women's stories to be told. "I will feel so much better when I can sit down in front of a judge and tell her my story," Wolf said. "I'm excited. These women are finally saying, 'No, you can't do this to us.' " Slowly but steadily, investors continue to let corporate boards know that "male, pale and stale" doesn't cut it anymore. The small but growing number of shareholder votes on diversity proposals is on pace to match or exceed the record set last year, according to data compiled by ISS Analytics, which tracks proxies. Apple and Tyson Foods investors already rejected such proposals, and another eight are in the queue. The $309.7 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System, has made diversity proposals a priority in its proxy voting, aiming to break companies "out of the group think of male, pale and stale," said investment director Anne Simpson. "As evidence grows on this and fund managers focus on building diversity even in their own organizations, I think we're going to see support on this moving up." In each of the last five years, more than 20 board diversity proposals have been brought to U.S. companies, encouraging some to change their policies and avoid a public referendum. IBM and CVS have already done so this year -- explicitly stating they will consider gender and racial diversity in their board appointments. CVS confirmed the changes. IBM declined to comment. A vote doesn't predict success -- in fact, the opposite. Of the nine proposals that came to a vote last year at companies including Apple, LinkedIn and Skechers U.S.A., the only one to pass was at FleetCor Technologies. On average, the proposals earned about 25 percent support, according to ISS. BlackRock Advisors and Vanguard Group, the two biggest funds by assets under management, rarely vote for shareholder proposals on diversity topics. Both firms say they prefer to engage privately with companies. "The vote is but one mechanism we have to message the companies," said Glenn Booraem, Vanguard's head of corporate governance. "Our direct engagement with companies has the benefit of being far more nuanced than voting for or against a proposal." Blackrock spokesman Ed Sweeney noted the company's commitment to various initiatives to raise the number of women in governance and executive leadership. "When we speak with company management and independent directors, we emphasize diversity and inclusion as key components of corporate culture and strategy," he said. Morgan Stanley Investment Management and T. Rowe Price Associates, on the other hand, vote for diversity proposals far more often. Morgan Stanley had no comment other than to refer to it's proxy voting policy that says it considers such proposal on a case-by-base basis. "We tend to support most of these proposals on the rare occasions when we are voting on them," Donna Anderson, vice president and global corporate governance analyst for T.Rowe Price, said in an interview. "We think the business case is pretty strong that bodies with diverse views, including boards, tend to make better decisions than non-diverse groups." At the current pace of gains, women aren't forecast to hold 50 percent of board seats until 2055. The number of people of color appointed as directors fell in 2016 and the overall rate of minorities serving on boards has been mostly unchanged over the last decade, according to executive recruiter Spencer Stuart. As of now, 13 percent of companies currently give specific details about the race and gender of directors named in their annual filings, said Belen Gomez, senior director of research at Equilar Inc., which tracks diversity disclosure. "The needle is moving, but it's moving slowly. I do think things are going to ramp up." NorthStar, based in Boston, filed six proposals this year asking companies to adopt language that they would seek greater board diversity. All six agreed to add specific wording, and the fund withdrew the proposals, said Mari Schwartzer, assistant director of shareholder activism, engagement and social research at the fund. "Companies think that they already have initiatives in place to ensure diversity," said Ivy Jack, director of equity research at NorthStar Asset Management, which brought the proposals to IBM Corp. and CVS Health Corp. "We look at it and say, 'even if you have already been doing it, maybe you need to do it differently, or you're not doing it enough, because your board still does not represent your customers, or just the general population of the country.'" Electronics retailer Hhgregg will close 40 percent of its stores as it works to stem the red ink and turn around slow sales. The 88 store closings include Hhgregg's Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Arlington Heights, Niles, Springfield and Champaign locations, the company said in a news release Thursday. The Indianapolis-based retailer is also closing three distribution centers in Maryland, Florida and Pennsylvania. Advertisement The retailer has 12 other stores in Illinois. Hhgregg President and CEO Robert Riesbeck said the closing stores are unprofitable or located in areas that are no longer shopping destinations. Advertisement "We feel strongly that the markets we will remain in are the right ones for our customers and our business model. Our team is dedicated to moving forward and being a profitable 132 store, multiregional chain where we will continue to be a dominant force in appliances, electronics and home furnishings," he said. The 88 stores are expected to close by mid-April, eliminating about 1,500 jobs, Hhgregg said. Hhgregg said last month it hired a financial adviser and investment banker to pursue a range of potential strategic and financial transactions to help it find ways to get back to profitability. The announcement came a month after Hhgregg reported a 22 percent drop in sales at stores open at least 14 months mostly due to weak consumer electronics sales during the quarter that ended in December. Bloomberg reported the chain is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this month. lzumbach@chicagotribune.com Twitter @laurenzumbach During a joint address to Congress, President Donald Trump honored fallen Navy SEAL Ryan Owens and his widow, Carryn. The president claims that Owens was "a part of a highly successful raid" in Yemen. However, numerous elements of the operation went wrong, resulting in not only Owens' death but also a score of likely civilian casualties. Feb. 28, 2017. (Chicago Tribune) Another day, another tweet that cost someone their job. Before President Donald Trump gave his speech to Congress Tuesday, Chicagoan Daniel Grilo had a job at a financial firm. The next day, he didn't. Advertisement During the speech, Grilo, at the time a principal at Liberty Advisor Group, tweeted, "Sorry Owens' wife, you're not helping yourself or your husband's memory by standing there and clapping like an idiot. Trump just used you." Grilo was referring to Carryn Owens, whose husband, Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens, was killed during a January raid that targeted an al-Qaida stronghold in Yemen. Owens attended the president's speech and cried as Trump acknowledged her and the audience applauded. Advertisement Hatred from the other side. I would think this is beyond what a human is capable of saying to someone, but it's not! pic.twitter.com/nNVfFWJmDh Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) March 1, 2017 The tweet sparked a firestorm not only on Twitter, but on several social networks including 4chan and Reddit, shredding Grilo for his comments. "You're disgusting, you don't even deserve to speak to this man who served," wrote @PolitBunny on Twitter. On Reddit, another user named "whywouldyousaythattt" wrote: "I really want to ruin this guys life over what he said. Does this make me THE LIBERAL now? ;(" Within a few minutes Grilo responded with an apology, writing, "Folks, clearly a poorly worded tweet. I apologize to all and am deeply moved by all your comments. Thank you for your feedback." A few minutes later, Grilo, whose Twitter account said he volunteered for Hillary Clinton's campaign, apologized again, writing in reference to Trump: "I apologize, I believe parading Ryan's wife's pain like that was shameful after his morning comments." He also tweeted, "I am so happy to see you are all inspired to protect Gold Star families, and I thank you for swiftly condemning my awful tweet." Grilo later deleted his Twitter account. The tweets were archived and circulated on the Internet. Despite his apologies, Liberty Advisor Group deleted his profile on their website and dismissed Grilo. "The individual who issued the tweet is no longer affiliated with Liberty. ... His comments were inconsistent with the Company's values and the unyielding respect it has for the members of our Nation's Armed Forces," said a statement posted on the company's website Wednesday. Efforts to reach Grilo were unsuccessful On LinkedIn, Grilo's status at Liberty reads "Terminated 3/1/2017." His Twitter account has been shut down. Grilo may have a case against his employer, according to Phillip Schreiber, a partner in the Chicago office of law firm Holland & Knight who represents management in employment cases. Advertisement "Generally speaking, what people say on social media that is not related their employer usually is not a concern of the employer," said Schreiber. But if someone who is newsworthy makes an inflammatory post on social media, it's not difficult for someone to track that person back to his or her employer, he added. "That's when you may have consequences." Grilo's case is unusual, he added. "The question is ... if an employee is terminated for what he or she put on Twitter on his or her own time ... is terminating someone because of that a violation of Illinois' Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act," Schreiber said. "That remains to be determined," because there are not a lot of court decisions interpreting the law in that context. crshropshire@chicagotribune.com Twitter @corilyns What was your first job? It was working with my Auntie Theresa and Godmother Auntie Rachel at my aunts landscaping business. It was a summer job. I was 12. I used to love to answer the phones and take orders as well as keep everything organized. How did you get started in this business? I come from a large family, so cooking for an obscene number of people has never been terribly intimidating. Why did you choose this business? I have always loved to cook and bake. I never dreamed that I would have a downtown location. This is a dream come true. What is your business philosophy? Affordable, nutritious, edible art. What is your educational background? I have an associates in Business Management. What is your or your companys greatest asset? My employees; they are working hard daily to promote my dream. Why did you choose to do business in Albuquerque? I love Albuquerque. Albuquerque is home. We travel with our food truck, but I love my business location in the heart of the city. What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money? I want to succeed to show my family that I can make it. My son looks up to my a lot and I just want to make him proud. How is operating your own business different than you expected? It doesnt stop. Just when you think it cant get any worse, it somehow does. We are always expanding our menu. Our newest item is the Fajita plate. It has been super popular this week. What successes in the past year are you most proud of accomplishing? I cant wait until we start to jar our salsa, but I am happy to have a large space with local art in the heart of downtown. We are growing and always looking for new ways to help the community at large. What do you offer that the competition doesnt? Fresh items, healthy portions and great pricing. How do you maintain your competitive edge? We are always experimenting in the kitchen. How would you define your position within the marketplace or within your market segment? I feel that we have a good place. We started as a food truck so we still have different events with our truck, plus we offer catering. What do you think is the biggest obstacle in operating a successful business? Myself. I feel like I am always second guessing myself, but it is hard to have the right answer. It gets expensive having to experiment with new hours. What was your biggest missed opportunity? Offering free delivery to surrounding businesses sooner. What are your growth goals? I would love to move to an event center. What is your companys greatest challenge? Right now our biggest challenge is exposure. We have a great location downtown Albuquerque, but no one knows that we are there or open. We tried expanding our hours to Saturday, but business has been terrible. I hope the change in seasons will bring a new clientele to the restaurant. What contributions to the community (charitable or otherwise) are you most proud of? We have done 4 Free burrito days where we offered free basic burritos in exchange for donations for the less fortunate community in Albuquerque. We feed lots of people from catering left overs to food truck extras. How has the Internet affected your business and how do you think it might affect your business in the future? The food truck was stolen last May and within a few hours the story of our missing truck went viral. The truck was found a few days later by APD. It was a crazy week! What words of wisdom would you offer to someone starting their own business? Breathe. Kim Foxx Looks To Release Some Long-Detained Inmates Unable To Pay Bond By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 1, 2017 11:50PM Defendants who have been in jail for an extended period of time because of an inability to post a bond of $1000 or less could soon be released on their own recognizance. Cook County States Attorney Kimberly Foxx announced on Wednesday that her office would support agreed motions made by the Public Defender that recommend I-bondswhich would grant inmates release without posting bailin certain cases. Those cases come from a pool of 50 that the Cook County Sheriffs Office previously asked to be reviewed. Public safety is best served by detaining those who pose a threat to our communities rather than jailing those who are simply poor and unable to post bond for nonviolent offenses, said Foxx in a statement. This costs taxpayers millions of dollars per year, and does not serve public safety. The move is the latest step in what appears to be an inching toward bond reform in Cook County. In November, Sheriff Tom Dart called for an end to Illinois' cash bail system. Dart advocated a more thorough background check, similar to ones performed at the federal level, to decide which defendants should be released pending trial. Activist groups, such as the Chicago Bond Fund, which seeks to raise money for defendants who cannot afford it themselves, argue that the bond system amounts to indefinite detention. "Money bail isnt an evidence-based policy. It's been proven that the overwhelming majority of these people deserve to be released with no unfair conditions," CBF co-founder Sharlyn Grace told Chicagoist last year. A look at the numbers behind Cook County's new soda tax. How will the tax work and how much will it cost consumers? (Phil Geib / Chicago Tribune) (Phil Geib/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Recent layoffs in Philadelphia attributed to the city's fledgling soda tax have armed unions and beverage industry groups with new evidence of what they say will come to pass in Cook County this summer. But county officials aren't buying it and say the comparison isn't apples-to-apples. Cook County's penny-per-ounce sweetened beverage tax which goes into effect July 1 was approved in November. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle championed the tax as a means of balancing the county's $4.9 billion budget, preventing the further erosion of important county services and boosting public health. Advertisement Earlier this week, Pepsi announced layoffs of 80 to 100 workers at distribution plants in Philadelphia because of a 40 percent drop in sales after the city's 1.5 cents-per-ounce soda tax went into effect in January. Dave DeCecco, Pepsi spokesman, declined to comment Thursday on what impact the company expects in Cook County. "The beverage industry has a larger market in Cook County. We project there will be a larger economic impact here in terms of layoffs and sales," said Claudia Rodriguez, executive director of the Illinois Beverage Association, an industry-backed group that has opposed the tax from the outset. Advertisement Beyond threatening layoffs, Rodriguez said that Cook County residents can travel to suburban collar counties to buy their sweetened beverages, limiting the revenue generated for the county. The county can "avoid these negative consequences" by repealing the tax, which will apply to sugar- and artificially-sweetened beverages, she said. Frank Shuftan, Preckwinkle's spokesman, dismissed the idea that the tax will lead to mass layoffs as "one of a number of sugar-coated arguments against the tax proposal put forward by the billion dollar Big Soda industry." A shopper passes a display of Pepsi at a market March 6, 2006, in Des Plaines, Illinois. A new study links sugary sodas and drinks to the obesity epidemic. (Tim Boyle / Getty) "First, it is unconscionable that Big Soda is using these workers as pawns in their seemingly ongoing campaign in support of sweetened beverages," Shuftan said in an email Thursday. The tax could lead to an increase in consumption of "healthier" beverages, such as 100 percent fruit juice and water, many of which are produced and distributed by the same beverage companies, Shuftan said. And because Cook County is larger than Philadelphia, it's less likely residents here will take their dollars to suburban collar counties just to buy pop, he said. In an increasing number of cities throughout the U.S., including San Francisco and Boulder, Colo., public officials in need of revenue and beverage industry groups with deep pockets have been at odds over the impact of such taxes. Revenue from the first month of Philadelphias sweetened beverage tax has surprised city officials, bringing in $57 million. (Cbs Philly/CBS Philadelphia) This same debate continues to play out in Philadelphia, where some supermarkets have also said they're planning on layoffs because of a sharp sales decline related to the soda tax. City officials, meanwhile, have touted the benefits of the tax, which is intended to pay for a dramatic expansion of early childhood education programs. After the Pepsi layoffs were announced Wednesday, Teamsters Local 727, which represents Chicago area workers in the beverage industry, posted a statement of solidarity with Philadelphia union members on its website. "We certainly don't want a repeat of what happened in Philadelphia and will call on the county to repeal or avoid the tax," said John Coli Jr., Local 727 president, in the statement. Advertisement gtrotter@chicagotribune.com Twitter @GregTrotterTrib WGN-Ch. 9 morning news co-anchor Dan Ponce and his wife, Amy, are heading north. On Feb. 28, the couple listed their four-bedroom house in the Irving Park neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest Side for $724,000, and they are moving to the North Shore. Advertisement A member of a Chicago broadcasting dynasty, Ponce is the son of "Chicago Tonight" host Phil Ponce and the brother of former WMAQ-Ch. 5 reporter Anthony Ponce. In April 2014, Dan Ponce and his wife paid $615,000 for the house in Irving Park, which at that time was newly built. Features in the nine-room house, which sits on a corner lot on a tree-lined street, include 3 baths, a fully finished lower level with 10-foot ceilings and a large rec room, a three-zoned sound system, custom window treatments and lighting, and a kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz countertops, Viking appliances and a butler's pantry. Advertisement "We love our house in the city. It's a really special house," Ponce told Elite Street. "Now, we're looking forward to going to the North Shore, which is where I grew up." Ian Schwartz of Coldwell Banker is the listing agent. Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 (VHT Studios) Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Billionaire Ken Griffin, Illinois richest man, paid $58.75 million in November for the top four floors in the Near North condominium building at 9 W. Walton St., known as No. 9 Walton. This photo shows a rendering of the lobby. (JDL Development / E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune (inset)) Gary Solomon, a key conspirator in the federal bribery scandal that brought down former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, was "the mastermind of the corrupt arrangement" and should be sentenced to nine years in prison, federal prosecutors said Wednesday. "His numerous acts of corruption, deceit and obstruction were not the result of a momentary lapse in judgment," prosecutors said in their sentencing memorandum. "They were not isolated acts constituting aberrant behavior. Instead, they were part of a pattern of corruption that he engaged in over an extended period of time." Advertisement Solomon's attorneys, in their pre-sentencing memo, argued their client has cooperated with prosecutors, shown remorse and should face no more than 18 months in prison. Solomon is scheduled to be sentenced later this month for his role in a corruption case that rocked Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration and the city's troubled school system. The co-owner of the SUPES Academy and Synesi Associates education consulting companies, Solomon was charged in October 2015 with multiple fraud and bribery charges. Advertisement He pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud last year and admitted his role in a scheme to bribe Byrd-Bennett with a percentage of the value of contracts the then-CPS CEO steered to the education consulting companies. Byrd-Bennett, Emanuel's hand-picked schools chief, pleaded guilty shortly after being indicted to a single felony count of wire fraud for steering multimillion-dollar no-bid contracts to Solomon and his firms in exchange for the promise of up to $2.3 million in kickbacks. Prosecutors indicated in Wednesday's filing that they expect to request a seven-and-a-half year sentence for Byrd-Bennett. Prosecutors acknowledged that Byrd-Bennett lied to FBI agents when they first approached her in April 2015 while executing search warrants at her Ohio home and offices belonging to the SUPES entities. She also "lied and minimized her conduct" initially with the government, before reversing course and testifying before a grand jury in June 2015. But, prosecutors said, "she cooperated first, and she cooperated fully." In Solomon's defense filing, attorneys pointed to a number of "uniquely mitigating circumstances," including former Chicago Board of Education President David Vitale's defense of the training contracts at the core of the government's indictments. Solomon's lawyers also noted that Emanuel's office and CPS knew of Byrd-Bennett's relationship to SUPES Academy, and "solicited Solomon's assistance in convincing (Byrd-) Bennett to join CPS." The filing tries to shift much of the blame for the case to Byrd-Bennett. "To the extent that anyone 'engineered' (the government's word) a bribe, it was Bennett, not Gary, because Bennett repeatedly and aggressively pursued a firm commitment relating to her compensation," the defense filing said. Advertisement Prosecutors dismissed those efforts, and said Solomon "disputes the scope of the scheme and the significance of his role." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "Solomon made more money than anyone else, yet he is trying to apportion blame and economic responsibility equally to deflect attention from his dominating role in the scheme. He profited the most from this corruption, and he should pay the most," the government's filing said. The SUPES and Synesi companies were charged as part of the original 23-count indictment prosecutors leveled against Byrd-Bennett, Solomon and co-owner Thomas Vranas in 2015. Guilty pleas from each company for one count of wire fraud have also been entered, and U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon's office said each company could face fines as high as $6.4 million, plus a total of $254,000 in restitution that Solomon and his co-defendants would collectively pay to the school district. The defense filing said Solomon has already paid CPS $84,667 in restitution. Vranas pleaded guilty last April to a single count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. Advertisement jjperez@chicagotribune.com Twitter @perezjr The popularity of the Negroni cocktail in U.S. bars has led the maker of a key ingredient, Campari, to bottle the drink. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune) In Italy, the Negroni is a grandpa drink. Not over here. In the States, it's a popular cocktail, seemingly beyond generational bias, that has fueled through-the-roof sales of Campari, the bitter Italian liqueur essential to its makeup. So as a Negroni lover, it was a shock to hear that bit of truth from Dave Karraker, vice president of engagement and advocacy for Campari America, based in San Francisco. When in Rome, drink Campari and soda or Campari and orange, apparently. Advertisement Yet here the Negroni is ascendant. In the past five years, the mix of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin has pushed Campari sales from 50,000 cases per year to an expected 100,000 this year, says Karraker. Two things happened in the U.S. in the past 10 years to set the stage, says Karraker: "The rise of bartenders as real craftsman," which fueled the comeback of classic cocktails. And "the palate in the U.S. became more bitter." The Negroni, certainly a classic (nearly 100 years old), and certainly sporting a bitter edge (from the Campari), became bartenders' darling. You could say, as Karraker did, that the Negroni is having a moment, except that the moment is yearslong and shows little sign of ending. Gruppo Campari, Campari's Milan-based parent company, would be stupid not to capitalize on that growth. Campari is not stupid. Enter the bottled Negroni, a pre-mixed cocktail released last fall. It's made in Milan in the same facility as Campari, but sold only in the States, the test market, says Karraker. It retails for about $40 for a liter bottle. Along with Campari, the bottled drink is made with London dry gin (contracted from a secret distillery in the U.K.) and a custom-mixed sweet vermouth from Cinzano (also a Campari-owned brand), and is 26 percent alcohol. Advertisement Karraker says the test is limited to the U.S. because of the popularity of the cocktail here. And how's that test going? Karraker wouldn't say. If it goes well, though, it might be easier to find a bottle. Now, it's available in only a few markets (California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York City, South Florida, Washington, Chicago, New Jersey and Connecticut). Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > How's it taste? As a Negroni devotee, I must say right off that in this case, freshly made is better. But also, bottled is pretty good. The vermouth is a bit too prominent, but otherwise a good drink. Why would you buy it? You don't want to stock a bottle of each spirit to make a Negroni from scratch at home. You want a drink easier to mix than the proper 1-to-1-to-1 ratio. (Maybe that sounds ridiculous, but I admit to coming home late on a worknight and being grateful that I could just open the bottle one bottle, not three and pour.) A convenient all-in-one-bottle drink is also easy to transport on vacation, as we did last summer. This pre-dated Campari's ready-to-drink Negroni, but we mixed our own batch, pouring it into a screw-top bottle. The ease of it was much appreciated in our little cabin in the Ontario woods. It's not so odd, really, to pre-mix a Negroni. Indeed, batch cocktails and aging (in bottle or barrel) of those batches has been another recent bartending trend, now spilling over into the home. The Negroni is a leading go-to drink for such experimentation, largely because it is all spirits, meaning there is little to degrade in bottle. And those aficionados will tell you, in bottle or barrel, a Negroni gets better. After six weeks or so, you've got a smoother, more integrated drink, as Gary Regan describes in his most excellent book, "The Negroni." If the Negroni does well, will Campari try selling more pre-made drinks? Karraker, the man who put sbagliato (a Negroni with prosecco instead of gin) in cans for a giveaway at a New York City cocktail event three years ago (and got soundly chastised by HQ: "How dare you can Campari!"), was noncommital. In Italy you already can buy bottled Campari and soda, as well as a bottled Aperol spritz (Aperol being another Campari-owned brand). Maybe those will be imported? Or the Americano (the precursor to Negroni, made with soda water instead of gin), he mused, maybe it would do well here. jxgray@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @joegraygoodeats Frozen spheres of cheese. Ham-wrapped baguettes containing exactly nothing. An air-filled foam of carrot that still manages to taste like the most intense carrot you've ever eaten. Part museum exhibit, part history retrospective, Next's latest menu, El Bulli, is a culinary retrospective focused on its namesake, the most famous restaurant in the world, its dishes re-created, and in some instances reinterpreted, by Grant Achatz, Dave Beran and the rest of Next's kitchen-wizard team. Considering that Next made its debut in 2011 by re-creating the work of circa-1906 Escoffier, perhaps taking on Escoffier's modern equivalent, Ferran Adria, is a logical step. But El Bulli was regarded by many as the finest restaurant in the world; setting aside the skill and scholarship required to capture that dining experience, consider the ambition, the nerve, the confidence it takes just to make the attempt. Very few of the people who make their way to Next will have also dined at Spain's El Bulli (which closed in 2011), myself included, which renders moot the question of whether Next's menu tastes just like El Bulli's. The question, rather, is how well Next continues the conversation El Bulli started, challenging diners' assumptions and raising food to the level of conceptual art. There are 29 courses, though many of these are single-bite experiences, stretched out over some four hours of dining, and each of Next's tables is seated once, which partly explains the just-under-$500 tariff. Each dish comes from the El Bulli playbook; indeed, the menu lists each dish's catalog number on the El Bulli website, and the year in which the dish appeared. Tables at El Bulli were graced, always, by a single red rose; in a nod to that tradition, each table at Next sits under a single rose, hung upside-down by wires so thin the roses appear to be suspended midair, a sort of Valentine's-Day-at-Hogwarts effect. The visual surprises continue from there. After a rather straightforward flash-frozen caipirinha opener (the dish a nod to Adria's pioneering work in the use of liquid nitrogen), made vividly memorable by a burst of concentrated tarragon, a trio of courses hit the table, including cold trout roe improbably captured in a hot tempura-fried cocoon, and the "air baguette," a long baguette-shaped cracker, hollow on the inside but wrapped in carpaccio-thin slices of Iberico ham. One course appears to be a green egg yolk (I might have paired it with the ham and started a Seussian theme), but instead is a barely jelled mix of fine olive oils, to be taken in a single, oysterlike slurp. This dish was born from pharmaceutical technology, which explains why it's delivered on a medicinal-dosage spoon. Audience participation is sometimes required. Spanish cava accompanies at least eight courses, but at various times guests are given vials of pineau des Charentes (a French aperitif) and Farigoule (a thyme-flavored liqueur) and, even zanier, eye-dropper bottles of orange bitters, to mix into the sparkling wine. A remarkable cauliflower couscous dish comes with a "sauce" of solidified aromatics and directions for mixing. A spice plate arrives in quiz form, a clock-face array of spices (a few grains of each) that guests are invited to identify from a list of possibilities. (When the humbling answer key arrives, it might be best not to look.) The carrot air incredibly light, astoundingly intense is served in a curved glass bowl that originated in El Bulli itself, though Beran said that Next bought them from an Austrian collector. Next has but 19 of these dishes to handle 62 diners, so the dishes are washed and polished frequently. ("I live in fear," Beran says, "that one will get chipped.") Among the heavier dishes (heavy being a relative term here), three dazzlers are the eel topped with bone marrow, served on an edible nasturtium leaf; coconut-filled cuttlefish "ravioli" over crisp, crunchy mung beans; and paper-thin mushroom carpaccio with tiny pieces of rabbit kidney. For all the sleight-of-hand and perception challenges, the menu progresses rather traditionally: Cocktail, snacks, light dishes, heavier dishes, cheese, dessert. Of course, the cheese course is a frozen, party-balloon-size sphere of Maytag blue cheese, and desserts include a composition of chocolate in five distinct textures and "doughnuts" that are molded freeze-dried coconut rounds dipped in bitter dark chocolate, one of many burst-in-your-mouth experiences. The finale consists of inflated latex gloves atop curved-bottom bowls, the white hands waving goodbye as the bowls wobble. Inside exactly one of these contraptions are a few passion fruit marshmallows a little sweet at the evening's conclusion, and one final surprise on a menu with an endless supply of them. 953 W. Fulton Market; nextrestaurant.com Tribune rating: Four stars Open: Dinner Wednesday-Sunday Price: Approximately $485 includingbeverages, tax and gratuity Credit cards: A, DS, M, V Reservations: Prepaid tickets available online only Noise: Conversation-friendly Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking Ratings key: 4 stars, outstanding; 3 stars, excellent; 2 stars, very good; 1 star, good; no stars, unsatisfactory. The reviewer makes every effort to remain anonymous. Meals are paid for by the Tribune. This review originally was published in Februray 2012. New works from Michael Winterbottom, Zosia Mamet and freshly minted best-picture studio A24 will have their world premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival when the New York gathering kicks off next month. They anchor a slate of scripted and documentary movies that will be showcased by the Robert De Niro co-founded festival, now in its 16th year. Advertisement Winterbottom takes the wraps off "The Trip to Spain," the latest installment of his combo TV-film franchise that began in 2010 with "The Trip," a series that was edited into a feature. In it, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon played meta versions of themselves on a culinary tour of northern England. In the third installment (Italy came a couple years back), the pair find themselves in the land of paella and late dinners. The series hits British television in April, while IFC will release the film stateside. Advertisement Meanwhile, Sophie Brooks directs Zosia Mamet in "The Boy Downstairs," a story of romance and real estate set in New York, as the "Girls" star takes a thus-far rare lead role in a feature. And in "The Lovers," indie auteur Azazel Jacobs' ("Terri") takes a look at a stale marriage that unexpectedly reignites. The movie stars Tracy Letts and Debra Winger; A24, the studio behind "Moonlight," is scheduled to release the picture in May. It's hardly the only movie at Tribeca about a veteran coupling: French auteur Guillaume Canet directs and stars in "Rock'n Roll," a satire about an aging famous couple, playing opposite real-life partner Marion Cotillard. "Flames," from Zefrey Throwell and Josephine Decker," is a scripted movie that loosely follows the filmmakers' real-life relationship through various paces over five yearsand, by influencing how that relationship unfolds, creating an art-imitating-life-imitating art vibe. And Oren Moverman the writer of Love & Mercy" and director of "The Messenger" will unveil "The Dinner" in the U.S. for the first time. Based on Herman Koch's bestseller, it centers on two brothers and their spouses (Richard Gere, Steve Coogan, Laura Linney and Rebecca Hall) in a story about family and politics. A total of 78 movies will make their world premiere at the New York confab, organizers said. Of the 98 movies showing overallabout a 20% reduction from last year--a third are directed by women, they noted. Tribeca had the advantage of being one of the first festivals to do the bulk of its programming after the election. Though many of the movies, particularly narrative titles, exist apart from the political landscape, they could have a role to play in the current complicated era. "We're living in a moment when truth and objectivity seem unstable," said director of programming Cara Cusumano in an interview. "There's huge potential for art and storytelling to overcome that and helps things feel more true." While nearly all of the movies were completed before the election, many read differently after Nov. 8, she said. Advertisement Also on the world-premiere front, Ed Helms plays the title character in Dito Montiel's "The Clapper," in which Helms "stars as Eddie Krumble, a professional audience member who gains unwanted notoriety when a late-night talk show turns his life into a national obsession, threatening his budding relationship with gas station attendant Judy (Amanda Seyfried)." In what is surely the most motley indie-film cast in some time, the movie features Tracy Morgan, Adam Levine, Rob Gronkowski, Mark Cuban and Alan Thicke in one of his last screen appearances. And "Dawson's Creek" writing veteran Liz W. Garcia will debut "One Percent More Humid," a collegiate coming-home story starring Julia Garner and Juno Temple. Making its U.S. premiere is "Chuck," in which Liev Schreiber stars as the real-life inspiration for Rocky Balboa in a film directed by foreign-language film Oscar nominee Philippe Falardeau. (The movie was called "The Bleeder" when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September). While those films are largely apolitical, the festival will also world-premiere a number of documentaries, many of which touch on topical themes. Sebastian Junger directs, with Nick Quested, the latest film about Islamic State and Syria, "Hell on Earth." The film, which takes both a personal and macro look at the war-torn region, follows Sundance notables such as "Cries From Syria" and "City of Ghosts." It reunites Junger and Quested, who worked together on the acclaimed 2010 verite hit "Restrepo" (co-directed by Junger and the late Tim Hetherington and produced by Quested). Advertisement In the same region is Till Schauder"s "When God Sleeps, " about the Iranian rapper Shahin Najafi, who provoked the anger of the country's clerics with his subversive protest lyrics. Among the other documentaries making their world premieres at Tribeca with modern echoes, are Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengill's "The Reagan Show," a formally unconventional movie that argues for the 40th president's TV savvy; "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson," the latest work from "How to Survive a Plague" helmer and veteran journalist David France, here exploring the suspicious death of the titular transgender figure; and "A Gray State," Erik Nelson's look at the 2014 death of "alt-right" figure David Crowley, with Werner Herzog as executive producer. Also noteworthy is Greg Kohs' AlphaGo, about the connection between an ancient Chinese board game and artificial intelligence, in a tournament setting. Tribeca opens April 19 with "Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of My Life." A screening of Chris Perkel's documentary, based on the mogul's memoir, will be accompanied by a concert featuring Davis associates Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson and Earth, Wind & Fire. [ See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour ] steve.zeitchik@latimes.com Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT Wynton Marsalis, top, talks with members of the audience while performing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Chicago Symphony Center on March 1, 2017. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune) We've known for a long time that the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra stands as an ensemble of virtuosos. But that term generally refers to the level at which musicians play their instruments. In the case of the JLCO members, though, it also signifies the way they wield their pens. Advertisement The program that brought the band to Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center on Wednesday evening cast a welcome spotlight on how these artists compose. For the repertoire did not feature the acknowledged masterpieces and forgotten treasures at which this organization long has excelled but, instead, works written by its versatile personnel. That's a far distance from the program the band played during its first appearance in Orchestra Hall, nearly a quarter-century ago in September 1992. On that night, what was then called the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra making its Chicago debut on its first national tour offered an all-Ellington program exploring various facets of the master's wide-ranging art. Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR Since then, the band has established itself as the world's pre-eminent large jazz ensemble, and music director Wynton Marsalis has encouraged his colleagues to add to its book. The value of that approach was apparent throughout an appearance that crowded Orchestra Hall, the large audience accommodated via the terrace seating behind the stage (though when the band plays the more typical Friday-night installments of Symphony Center's jazz series, extra seats on stage usually are required). The evening's tour de force came from the vivid imagination of trombonist-composer Chris Crenshaw, whose "Pursuit of the New Thing" was drawn from his aptly named suite, "The Fifties A Prism." Each movement of the work illuminates a particular sound of that fertile decade in American music, the "New Thing" finale addressing the innovations of alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman. Yes, you could hear the longing blues sensibility that coursed through many of Coleman's melodic lines and the nonchordal, profoundly linear way of structuring music that defined Coleman's "harmolodic" methods (a self-styled idiom that was as widely reviled at the time as it is broadly revered today). But Crenshaw extended that philosophy across an orchestral palette, at the same time handing considerable musical responsibility to alto saxophonist Ted Nash and trumpeter Marsalis. Without mimicking the work of Coleman and trumpeter Don Cherry (who revolutionized jazz in the late 1950s alongside bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Billy Higgins and others), Nash and Marsalis captured the freewheeling sense of melody-making and stop-start rhythmic elasticity of Coleman's syntax. The orchestral interruptions and interlocutions added to the elements of surprise, which were ample. So much so that some in the audience applauded more than once for what they understandably believed to be the end of a composition/improvisation that was not yet finished. For those who lament that jazz today lacks humor, Crenshaw's "New Thing" argued deftly to the contrary. A spirit of subterfuge and comic timing drove a great deal of this piece, as did its poetic lyricism. Perhaps only two musicians who have worked together as long as Marsalis and Nash could have played this cat-and-mouse game so nimbly. Nash, who recently won two Grammy Awards for music from his "Presidential Suite" (recorded by the Ted Nash Big Band), led the JLCO in the work's "Jawaharlal Nehru" movement. The composer explained that he crafted its themes to reflect the tonal inflections and cadences of Nehru's vocal delivery, and indeed its incantatory nature and narrow pitch range evoked human speech. But the movement's shimmering ensemble colors and slow-but-sustained orchestral crescendo proved equally compelling, attesting to Nash's translucent way of writing for large ensemble. Among the evening's other highlights: the slashing brass lines of a Marsalis "Offertory" from his "The Abyssinian Mass" (one of the best recordings of last year); the gorgeous reed-choir writing of bassist Carlos Henriquez's "The Bronx Pyramid"; and a tender evocation of classic Dizzy Gillespie in Vincent Gardner's "Ooh-Yadoodle-E-Blu For Me and You" (which closed with hypnotic orchestral vocal chant). Advertisement JLCO reedist Victor Goines, who's also director of jazz studies at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, gave the evening its most vivid passages of romance in "The 'It' Thing" from his "Untamed Elegance" suite. To hear Goines' long, plush strands of melody on tenor saxophone set against a softly nocturnal orchestral backdrop was to realize, anew, the singularity of what these musicians can articulate in sound. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will collaborate with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in new arrangements of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" at 8 p.m. Friday at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; phone 312-294-3000 or go to www.cso.org. Howard Reich is a Tribune critic. hreich@chicagotribune.com Twitter @howardreich RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Chi-Town Jazz Fest combats hunger eight years strong Kenwood Jazz Band takes on D.C. and the Kennedy Center Multi-talented Jeannie Tanner launches her epic 'Words & Music' Kenwood Academy Jazz Band's Journey: The road to Kennedy Center 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) "Feud: Bette and Joan" chronicles the cruel rivalry between two women during the making of 1962's "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" - a horror film about a cruel rivalry between two women. You may be relieved to hear, then, that Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, who play Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, respectively, got along. "Yes, we did," Sarandon says with a laugh. "I said to Jess, at the closing of the whole thing, I said, 'Thank God we got along,' because (the project) was hard. It was really challenging." Advertisement Series creator Ryan Murphy ("American Horror Story," "American Crime Story") echoes the sentiment. "We had a nervous first week, because we didn't want to do impersonations. The first two days, I wanted to quit." "I was fighting against a female-impersonator version of (Davis), the cliche you see of her all the time," Sarandon explains. "And she is over-the-top, so what do you do about that?" Advertisement Lange faced a different challenge. "I remember saying to Ryan, 'I don't know how to play this character. I don't know who she is.'" Lange gained insight after researching Crawford's childhood and, she says, "acknowledging the incredible artifice, the creation of Joan Crawford," and then playing to what was "always just barely beneath the surface." Getting behind such facades is precisely what the series, which premieres March 5 on FX, endeavors to do. Fans and foes have long bathed in the gossip of Bette and Joan's enmity: While filming a fight scene, Davis actually kicked Crawford in the head. Crawford wore weights during a scene when Davis carried her to exacerbate Davis's back pain. Such details typically call to mind sound effects of screeching cats. "Feud" is different. "Getting eight hours, you have a chance to delve into the complexity," Sarandon says. "It was a bigger question than just their b----iness." (Like much of Murphy's work, "Feud" is an anthology. The second season is subtitled "Charles and Diana.") Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland in "Feud." (Kurt Iswarienko / FX) In the first episode, Olivia de Havilland (Catherine Zeta Jones) clarifies to an interviewer, "Feuds are never about hate. Feuds are about pain." And these depictions of Davis and Crawford are heartbreaking. We meet them in their 50s as alcoholics whose careers have dried up because, as Jack Warner (Stanley Tucci) rhetorically asks, "Would you give either of these broads a toss in the hay?" The notoriously shrewd Warner Bros. boss encourages "Baby Jane" director Robert Aldrich (Alfred Molina) to manipulate Davis and Crawford, keeping them at each other's throats because rumors of the on-set antics would sell more tickets later. "Feud" also asserts that Warner and his ilk are the reason Bette and Joan battled to begin with. "They were fighting a culture that has 'It Girls' that says there is only one girl at a time," Murphy opines. "It creates a competitive culture, and men use that to their advantage by pitting women against each other." "It minimizes the power they have collectively," Sarandon adds. "And that still is going on. Every 'Real Housewives' of wherever - the least imaginative story line is always the women pitted against each other." The surprise success of "Baby Jane" launched an entire genre of horror, unflatteringly labeled Psycho-Biddy. These films typically feature an older, crazy, murderous and - most damningly - jealous woman. Davis and Crawford would go on to star in several. "It's like Joan says (in the first episode)," Lange recalls, "there are three roles for women in Hollywood: the ingenue, the mother or the Gorgon. They had gotten to the last period." Advertisement MOST READ ENTERTAINMENT NEWS THIS HOUR "Baby Jane" is pure camp. And Murphy does layer in echoes of the film - for example, when Crawford spies a larger number on Davis' contract, a sting of horror music plays. But these moments are more than just homage. "Treating inequality and sexism as a horror movie - that's what I tried to do," Murphy says. (The idea calls to mind what Jordan Peele's film "Get Out" does, more overtly, with the topic of racism.) Not that "Feud" doesn't have a light touch. It brims with juicy details (Crawford washed her face with witch hazel and ice cubes every morning) and historical figures (gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, played by Judy Davis, and her many fabulous hats). Murphy says, with endearment, "Some of the stuff these women did was bats--- crazy and hilarious." Several factoids, such as the tidbit that Davis' wig in "Baby Jane" had been worn by Crawford in a previous picture, came to Murphy directly from Davis' mouth. He wrote to her as a child, and she wrote back. They kept up a pen-pal relationship, and when he became a journalist, more than a decade later, she granted him an interview. "I had never been to L.A. before," he says, recalling his arrival at Davis' door, with flowers, a couple of months before her death. "She dressed up for me. She was wearing a Patrick Kelly suit and a wig." The 20-minute interview turned into four hours. "We just chain-smoked in her living room," he says. "I ran out of questions and started asking her very personal things." Advertisement Murphy asserts that he made the project from "a real place of love and respect. Both women were misunderstood and were victims of their time. They died alone, underappreciated and unhappy." Have times changed? Susan Sarandon, left, with Jessica Lange in "Feud." "Television has stepped into the void that movies left for actresses," Lange says. (Suzanne Tenner / FX) "Ageism is huge in our culture, the idea that beauty is equated with youth," Lange says. "I am not in a romantic film with a man who is 20 years younger. But no one would think twice about casting a man in his 60s with a leading lady in her 30s. That has a lot to do with the fact that men are at the helm - and maybe they have some kind of inflated idea about themselves." But both actors cited a strong sense of camaraderie among women in the business today. Sarandon is hopeful about the rash of female comedians who've had success "making great films that star a bunch of women - Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey." And Lange argues "that television has stepped into the void that movies left for actresses. Some of the best work by women, in the last 5 or 6 years, has been on television." (Lange has won two Emmy awards working with Murphy in "American Horror Story.") "That is a modern idea - that women are better and stronger together, unified as a force," Murphy says. "It was a tragedy that (Davis and Crawford) could have been allies and friends. They had more in common than anyone at the time. They were both married four times, Academy Award winners, single mothers. I wish they had unified. I think that they would have been happier." Sarandon and Lange have much in common with Davis and Crawford as well, as Academy Award-winning actors in the third act of their careers. In fact, they are each more than a decade older than their on-screen counterparts were in 1962. "It shows how far we've come in terms of taking care of yourself and living healthier," Murphy says. Advertisement Further, Sarandon and Lange, as producers on "Feud," have a financial stake in the property, as Davis and Crawford did in "Baby Jane." "Susan and Jessica gave Bette and Joan the happy ending that they should have had," Murphy says. "They realized that the way to win was to win together." RELATED STORIES: 'Platoon of Power Squadron': low-budget superhero web series with big results 'Chicago Justice' review: Dick Wolf spinoff a lot like 'Law & Order' Fictional but familiar sex scandal roils Hulu's moody new drama, 'National Treasure' 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) SAUL, Northern Ireland Down a wooded lane, the modest stone church with its round tower sits isolated amid gently rolling fields. They are emerald green, even on a dull winter's day. Though the church is only 85 years old, its history stretches back another 1,500 years to the year 432, when a young missionary from Britain set foot in Ireland, encouraging people to worship Christ in a thatched-roof barn with walls of sticks and mud. Advertisement While his Roman name was Patricius, we know him as Patrick. Thanks to him, Saul, a County Down hamlet roughly 20 miles south of Belfast, is considered the cradle of Christianity in Ireland. Not only did Patrick preach on the site, he also died here March 17, 461. "The Celts described this as being a very 'thin' place, a very spiritual place where it seemed easy to connect with the divine," said the Rev. Henry Hull, a Church of Ireland (Anglican) minister in the nearby market town of Downpatrick. "If you go there in the peace and quiet, you certainly have a transcendent sense of the presence of God." Advertisement The Republic of Ireland with countless attractions from Blarney Castle to the Guinness brewery gets far more visitors than Northern Ireland, with its well-publicized troubled past. But it's the United Kingdom's portion of the island that justifiably lays claim to St. Patrick. His steps are easily retraced in Antrim, Armagh and Down, the counties in which he lived for 35 years. Patricius first arrived in Ireland at age 15 as a slave. After marauders kidnapped him from his home, probably in what's now Wales, he spent six years' servitude on Slemish, a 1,500-foot mountain about an hour north of Belfast. "I tended the livestock every day and often prayed," Patrick wrote. "Before dawn I rose to pray, in snow, in frost, in rain." After bisecting checkered farm fields along a frighteningly narrow road, visitors arrive at Slemish, where a stone marker sits beside the somewhat-daunting mountain rescue station. For the physically fit, the hike up in good weather takes about an hour. For their efforts, walkers are rewarded with stunning scenery stretching across the North Channel to Scotland. After escaping his masters, Patrick returned to Britain where he had a vision to again cross the Irish Sea to convert the sun-and-moon-worshipping Druids. He reached land just a mile or so from Saul. "Ireland was described by the Romans as Hibernia a rock at the end of the earth," observed Tim Campbell, director of the St. Patrick Centre museum in Downpatrick. "So literally, this was land at the end of the world." Situated at the base of the Hill of Down, the center features compelling displays that use the slave-turned-saint's own words. They are spoken by Belfast-born actor Ciaran Hinds. "We actually had a script, a script by St. Patrick himself from the 400s," Campbell said. "You're being taken around the exhibition by this voice from the 400s, St. Patrick himself." Advertisement A path up the hill leads to the 12th century Down Cathedral. While the imposing building is certainly impressive, most visitors are drawn to a slab of rock outside, beneath which the saint is believed to be buried. The stone's inscription is simply "Patrick." People are often seen touching the rock or placing flowers on it. Fifty miles to the west, in the city of Armagh, another towering cathedral traces its origins to Patricius. In the year 445, as Patrick continued to preach the gospel, he built a church on the site of what's now the Church of Ireland's St. Patrick's Cathedral. "This was the first building that commenced the city of Armagh," lay minister Leigh Vage said of the modest original structure. The current, cross-shaped church, a relative newcomer, was built in 1268. In addition to sharing the history of the cathedral's namesake, Vage also takes visitors to the underground crypt, the final resting place of 30 medieval aristocrats. Ancient stone carvings displayed in the crypt led archaeologists to believe the site was used for Celtic worship centuries before Patrick arrived. Considered the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh is home to the archbishops of both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholics also have a cathedral named for St. Patrick here, across a valley from the Anglican worship site. Advertisement The towering cathedrals soar in stark contrast to the small, pastoral church in Saul, where services are still held Sundays at 10 a.m. Each March 17, on the anniversary of Patrick's death, a pilgrimage to the saint's grave begins in Saul. Led by a piper and people carrying Christian crosses, people walk to Down Cathedral, where an ecumenical service is held. A wreath is laid on the stone slab outside before participants gather for a traditional lunch of Irish stew. While Northern Ireland is often defined by a historic religious divide, Tim Campbell points to the saint as a symbol of "reconciliation and bringing people together." "You can work in the spirit of St. Patrick. It (March 17) doesn't have to be a day of snakes and shamrocks and green beer," he added. "It's wonderful that there's a signpost to Ireland, but there is a serious message in it." Jay Jones is a freelance writer. If you go Advertisement Several airlines have nonstop flights from the U.S. to Dublin, about 100 miles south of Belfast. Flights to Belfast typically connect in London. A rental car is essential to visit the many sites in Northern Ireland associated with the patron saint. Driving is on the left side of the road. The St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick is an excellent place to get oriented before venturing out; www.saintpatrickcentre.com. Search "St. Patrick's Trail" on the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's website, www.discovernorthernireland.com, for a comprehensive list of places to visit. RELATED STORIES: Falling for catfish in the Mississippi Delta Chicago hotel offers $20.16 rate for Cubs home opener Advertisement Austin, the dynamic home to SXSW, is weird and wonderful Chicago Now Has Not Gone A Day Without A Shooting For 2 Years By Rachel Cromidas in News on Mar 2, 2017 3:21PM Crime scene tape (Photo by LukaTDB via Shutterstock) Chicago's gun violence tally is grim no matter how you slice itChicago has logged 44 murders for the month of February, and 167 other shooting incidents, according to new Chicago Police Department data. The numbers have been trending up for a couple years now, but as the city's police force struggles to tamp down on shootings, the city has come under increased national scrutiny thanks to the fear-mongering comments of President Donald Trump, who has falsely likened Chicago to a war zone. Unfortunately, Chicago passed another grim gun violence milestone of sorts the other day. It has officially been over two full years since the city went a day without a shooting. Feb. 28, 2015a colder day than Chicago's current Winter In Name Onlyno one was reported shot in the city. By comparison, on this year's stormy but relatively warm Feb. 28, at least six people were shot, according to http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/It-Has-Been-2-Years-Since-No-One-Was-Shot-in-Chicago-415149373.html">the Tribune, including a 71-year-old and a 33-year-old man who were both shot in the feet while standing on the street in Gage Park after people inside a car drove by and opened fire, and a 29-year-old man shot in the stomach in Austin. Chicago's violence has continued to troublingly outpace last year's unusually high year; the Tribune's tally shows the city has logged over 103 homicides this year and over 513 shootings, compared to 101 and 466 by the end of February last year. WASHINGTON Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame on May 21, his office said Thursday. Notre Dame has attracted presidents, prime ministers and other VIPs to its graduation ceremonies, but Pence will be the first sitting vice president to give the university's commencement address, his office said. Advertisement Pence was born in Columbus, Ind., graduated from Hanover College in Hanover, Ind., and earned a law degree from Indiana University. He represented east-central Indiana in the House of Representatives from 2001-13 and was Indiana governor from 2013 until early this year. Notre Dame will confer an honorary doctorate of law to Pence, the country's 48th vice president, at the ceremony. Advertisement "It is extraordinarily humbling to return to my home state and address the graduates of Notre Dame," Pence said in a statement. "The young adults in the Class of 2017 will leave school with the charge and opportunity to make new discoveries and assume leadership roles that will make a profound impact benefiting the lives of millions of people. The hopes of their parents and our country go with them as they enter a world filled with optimism for the future," the statement said. kskiba@chicagotribune.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba Two Chicago police officers suffered minor injuries when their vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV early Thursday in the Printers Row neighborhood, police said. A Mitsubishi SUV going south in the 500 block of South State Street about 12:20 a.m. hit the police vehicle and a CTA bus. Two officers went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, according to police. Nobody on the bus was reported injured. Chicago police on Wednesday warned Bronzeville neighborhood residents of a man who tried to lure two young teenage girls into a gray minivan over the weekend. The girls, ages 13 and 14, were near Fuller Elementary School, 4214 S. St. Lawrence Ave., about 1 p.m. Saturday when the man tried to get them to get into his gray minivan, according to a community alert. Advertisement The man gestured to the girls and waved for them to approach as he followed them. The man followed the girls for about three blocks east on 42nd Street until he reached Cottage Grove Avenue, according to the alert. When he reached Cottage Grove, he turned left and headed north. Advertisement The man was described as black, with a medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes. His hair was in a ponytail. He was driving a gray minivan. Anyone with information on the man is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380. Jonathan A. Ramos, 22, seen in Chicago on March 1, 2017, had been charged with aggravated battery and manufacture and delivery cannabis, but prosecutors on Monday dropped the charges against him. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Cook County prosecutors dropped felony charges this week against a Northwest Side man accused of shooting and paralyzing a 15-year-old boy who authorities say robbed him at gunpoint during a drug deal gone bad. On Monday, prosecutors tossed aggravated battery and manufacture and delivery of cannabis charges against Jonathan A. Ramos less than a month after they were filed, according to court documents and the Cook County state's attorney's office. Advertisement A state's attorney's spokeswoman said prosecutors dropped the case because of "insufficient evidence," but did not elaborate. She did say there were no immediate plans to refile criminal charges against Ramos. Ramos' attorney, Edward D. Johnson III, said prosecutors didn't explain why the charges in the Feb. 1 shooting were dropped, but he said he didn't think there was evidence to convict his client. Advertisement "No one really wins in this case. If this case had gone to trial, it would have only wasted a lot of money and I think my client would have prevailed," Johnson said. The suspended prosecution came as a relief to Ramos, who faced between six and 45 years in prison if convicted of the aggravated battery charge alone. Though relieved that the case against him was over, Ramos, 22, said he remains shaken by the shooting that left the teen permanently injured. He insists that he did not shoot the teen, but nonetheless said the incident made him re-examine his life choices. "That actually struck my heart. It definitely made me think about a lot of changes in life," Ramos said in a telephone interview with the Tribune this week. "Maybe the couple of bucks weren't worth hurting anybody's kid," he said. "It's been a very hard month dealing with that whole situation. I still think about it, he was only a kid. It really touched my heart. I have kids myself." Police said the incident began when Ramos went to the 3800 block of West Lawrence Avenue to sell $80 worth of marijuana. The teen then pulled a handgun and snatched the marijuana from Ramos before fleeing on foot, Assistant State's Attorney Jullian Brevard told a judge last month. Ramos then chased the teen, tackling him about a block away, prosecutors said. Ramos began punching the teen before taking away the black .45-caliber handgun he was carrying and pistol-whipping the boy with it. Ramos then stood over the teen and shot him in the back, police alleged. Ramos, who had no previous criminal record, admitted he'd gone to sell marijuana and a brown Louis Vuitton belt to a friend of a friend to make of few extra bucks to support his longtime girlfriend and two young daughters. But Ramos said that quickly into the meeting, his new customer put a gun in his face and fled with the clear plastic bag of green buds. Ramos said he realizes that his fateful decision to chase after his robber one that he says he now regrets nearly changed the course of his life. "I hopped out of the car with my adrenaline rushing, a little frustrated, and I took off running after the kid," Ramos admitted, though he said he didn't know the robber's age at the time. "I didn't know he was a kid at the moment. It was dark," he said. Advertisement He also rejected the prosecution's claim and the claim by at least one eyewitness that he stood over the boy and shot the teen in the back. He agreed that he chased after the robber and tackled him, but said the gun discharged as they both tumbled to the pavement. "His elbow hit the (ground) with the gun in his hand and the gun hit the (ground), and all I remember is I heard a loud pop," Ramos said. "From there I didn't recognize or realize that he was injured at the moment." Ramos said he and the teen continued to struggle on the ground, neither of them initially realizing that the younger man had been injured. Ramos said the teen reached for the gun, which had slipped away after discharging, but that Ramos managed to grab the pistol first. It was at this point they both realized the bullet had hit the teen. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Despite knowing that he would likely be arrested, Ramos said he still dialed 911 for help. "I threw the gun to the side. I went to call the police, and I tried to get the kid some help," Ramos said. Attempts to reach the teen's family for comment weren't successful. After a month of quick court appearances, Ramos was convinced the shooting had put him on a different course that would end with a long prison sentence. "Of course, anybody would," he said. "In this situation, I'm pretty sure people would especially when you have two little girls you would figure you're losing the rest of your life. You're going to see some major (prison) time, and you won't come out to see your children. It actually did touch my heart a lot. It had me thinking for some time (about) the consequences." Advertisement Ramos said he's well aware of the real dangers of selling marijuana, even at a time when its recreational use is gaining steam nationally. But in a line of work that has seen him robbed at gunpoint before and shot at least once, Ramos said he's looking forward to a new life free of violence. "I'm definitely up to living my life, working, getting my daughters what they need. Honestly, these streetsI'm actually looking for a whole change." wlee@chicagotribune.com Twitter @MidNoirCowboy An outraged Cook County judge on Thursday convicted a woman of the 2013 murder of her granddaughter, saying she found overwhelming evidence that the killing was "exceptionally brutal" and that 8-year-old Gizzell Ford had been tortured to death. Those findings by Judge Evelyn Clay mean Helen Ford, 55, faces up to natural life in prison for the killing of Gizzell, who was nicknamed Gizzy and was a straight-A student who was looking forward to starting fourth grade. Advertisement "That child suffered a slow and agonizing death," Clay said as Gizzy's aunt sobbed in the packed courtroom. "That little body looked like it had been pulverized from head to toe. ... Her treatment (of Gizzy) was evil." The grandmother showed no emotion on hearing her fate. Except for when she took a pass at the last minute on testifying in her own defense, she had shown the same stoic look throughout the four-day trial despite often-harrowing testimony. Advertisement In a front-page article Thursday, the Chicago Tribune detailed the harrowing account of Gizzy's death. The bright girl had written entries into two journals excerpts of which were made public at her trial that showed her mood took a much darker turn as the summer break of 2013 progressed and the abuse worsened. "I hate this life because now I'm in super big trouble," she wrote July 11, two days before her strangled, badly beaten body was found clad only in a pair of torn green underwear in the family's West Side apartment. Prosecutors say the 70-pound girl had been tortured to death, beaten from head to toe by a 275-pound grandmother who sometimes wore a belt around her neck that she used for punishment. In addition to the two journals entered into evidence at Ford's trial, prosecutors played cellphone videos showing Ford and Gizzy's father berating her for breaking rules as the terrified girl was forced to stand a sock or rag stuffed in her mouth. She was tied to her father's bed for days, denied food and water, and once punished for trying to sneak a drink from the toilet, according to testimony. The father, Andre Ford, who had long been bedridden with chronic scleroderma, was also charged in Gizzy's murder, but he died in Cook County Jail of an apparent heart attack in August 2014 while awaiting trial. In closing arguments earlier Thursday, prosecutors said that even before Gizzy was strangled, she was already dying of kidney failure because her grandmother and father deprived her of water and food for days. "What happened to Gizzell was an abomination," Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Romito told the judge. "It makes you lose faith in the human race." Ford's, lawyer, Jennifer Hodel, an assistant public defender, portrayed her client as an overworked grandmother who may have abused and neglected Gizzy but never intended to kill the child. Advertisement Hodel also argued that Gizzy was an out-of-control girl who harmed herself. She told the judge her grandmother tied up the girl to prevent her from further harming herself. She asked that the judge instead find Ford guilty of involuntarily manslaughter. "She was unable to overcome what she had on her plate," Hodel said of the grandmother. "Is she guilty of not asking for help? Absolutely. ... Is it first-degree murder? It is not." But Romito blasted the defense's version of events as "absolute lies." "The only thing we have left of this child is her memory, and it's a good one," Romito said of Gizzy, a spelling bee winner, two-time student of the month and volunteer in the young authors program at her school. Prosecutors said that they believe an open, maggot-infested wound found on the back of Gizzy's head was caused by her head rubbing on a metal pole when she was tied to her father's bed for days. She was kept there as a virtual prisoner after school ended in June until her death less than a month later, prosecutors said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > The wounds to Gizzy's face were so severe that a Chicago police forensic investigator with 30 years on the job wept as she described them in court a highly unusual display of emotion from a seasoned crime scene professional testifying at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Advertisement "I'm sorry, this never happens," Officer Nancy DeCook said as tears streamed down her face after she viewed a photo of the dead child's badly bruised face. Gizzy's death marked yet another indictment of the state's beleaguered and chronically underfunded child welfare system, which has operated under a federal consent decree for decades. An investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had visited the family's West Side home a month before Gizzy's slaying, and a child-abuse doctor who examined Gizzy found a suspicious injury on her buttocks weeks before her death but did not report any suspected abuse, a Tribune investigation found. A Cook County judge had awarded temporary custody of Gizzy to her father eight months before her death. The father, an unemployed felon who lived with his mother in the South Austin community, had argued the girl's mother was homeless and failed to get their daughter to school regularly. Both prosecutors and Ford's attorney agreed that the grandmother never should have been given custody of Gizzy. Romito called the ruling "a disgrace" and said Ford wanted custody so Gizzy could help care for her bedridden father. Prosecutors have also argued in court papers that Ford was also after income from child support or state aid. sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SteveSchmadeke In a rainbow-striped journal she'd scrawled her name on in pink marker, Gizzell Ford wrote about her love of school the fun she had jumping rope, dressing up for a special day and even diagramming sentences. Over the summer of 2013, though, the diary took on a much darker tone. The 8-year-old, nicknamed "Gizzy" and living with her father and paternal grandmother in an apartment on Chicago's West Side, wrote of her pain after being forced to squat in place for half the day and then made to stand "an hour or two." Advertisement "I know if I be good and do everything I'm told I won't have to do punishments," Gizzy wrote in pencil. About a dozen pages from the journal entries were made public for the first time this week as her grandmother, Helen Ford, went on trial for Gizzy's murder. Advertisement As the abuse continued, the journals show the straight-A student dreamed of the start of school in August when she could leave home for the safety of fourth grade. But by July, her once-neat handwriting had become a jagged scrawl. "I hate this life because now I'm in super big trouble," she wrote on July 11 while two cousins were away at summer camp. Two days later, after officials missed opportunities to uncover the abuse in the weeks before, Gizzy's strangled and badly beaten body was found on the floor of her father's room clad only in a pair of torn green underwear. Prosecutors say the 70-pound girl had been tortured to death, beaten literally from head to toe by a 275-pound grandmother who sometimes wore a belt around her neck that she used for punishment. In addition to the two journals entered into evidence at Ford's trial, Cook County prosecutors played cellphone videos showing Ford and Gizzy's father berating her for breaking rules as the terrified, emaciated girl was forced to stand a sock or rag stuffed in her mouth. She was tied to her father's bed for days, denied food and water, and punished for trying to sneak a drink of water from the toilet, according to testimony. The father, Andre Ford, who had long been bedridden with chronic scleroderma, died in Cook County Jail of an apparent heart attack in August 2014 while awaiting trial. The wounds to Gizzy's face were so severe that a Chicago police forensic investigator with 30 years on the job began to weep as she described them in court a highly unusual display of emotion from a seasoned crime scene professional testifying at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. "I'm sorry, this never happens," Officer Nancy DeCook said as tears streamed down her face after she viewed a photo showing the deceased child's badly bruised face. Advertisement Judge Evelyn Clay, who is presiding over the grandmother's bench trial on six murder counts, could rule on her fate as soon as Thursday following closing arguments by lawyers. Gizzy's death marked yet another indictment of the state's beleaguered and chronically underfunded child welfare system, which has operated under a federal consent decree for decades. An investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services had visited the family's West Side home a month before Gizzy's slaying, and a child-abuse doctor who examined Gizzy found a suspicious injury on her buttocks weeks before her death but did not report any suspected abuse, a Chicago Tribune investigation found. A Cook County judge had awarded temporary custody of Gizzy to her father eight months before her violent death. The father, an unemployed felon who lived with his mother in her apartment in the South Austin community, had argued the girl's mother was homeless and failed to get their daughter to school regularly. Gizzy's maternal aunt, Frances Mercado, 32, testified at the trial that the Fords began making excuses why the mother's family couldn't see the girl. She said she dropped off an Easter basket for Gizzy in March 2013 but didn't see her again until four months later when she identified her body at the morgue. Gizzy's half-brother, now 10, testifying in a soft voice with only his head visible above the witness stand, said he, too, had been physically abused by his grandmother during weekend visits to the home. He said his grandmother sometimes whipped him with a belt and forced him to do squats and hold a book above his head. He said his father was always bedridden and did not inflict any physical abuse. The Tribune is not naming the boy because of his age. Advertisement The half-brother said he saw his grandmother hit Gizzy in the mouth with a spatula, force her to eat hot peppers and make her stand at length on one foot while holding her arms out. When Gizzy complained about the pain, Ford stuffed a sock in her mouth, he testified. When Gizzy began crying, the grandmother beat her with a belt, he said. When prosecutors showed him a photo of his half-sister smiling, the boy began crying, pushing his glasses back onto his head and wiping his eyes with both hands. "She was very nice," he testified. "She liked to make friends and stuff. She was very happy. She liked to play a lot." Gizzy was tied to her father's bed for up to a week at a time and denied food and water, testified her cousin, Zamar Winters, now 16. Winters said Gizzy was only set free to use the bathroom, and he recalled her once trying to sneak a drink from the toilet. On her last Fourth of July, she had tried to jump out a second-floor window in an apparent suicide attempt, he said, but her grandmother grabbed her by the back of her shirt. Prosecutors played video taken by Gizzy's father on the grandmother's cellphone that illustrated some of the abuse taking place. "She's getting defiant," Andre Ford could be heard saying while videotaping his daughter as she kept her head down and swayed from side to side. "She says she wants me to kill her. She also says she wants to kill herself." Advertisement "Stand up! Do your squats!" the father ordered Gizzy. "You see how she's acting?" the grandmother said. "She lies about every single thing." Another video played in court began with the grandmother saying Gizzy "made herself throw up" to avoid doing squats. A sock or rag was stuffed in the child's mouth. "They're the most haunting images any of us will see until the end of our days," Assistant State's Attorney Ashley Romito told the judge in opening remarks. "She had a terrific smile, beautiful, full hair and wonderful penmanship. What Helen Ford did to her reduced that child to something completely unrecognizable." Each morning since the trial began Monday, Ford, 55, has walked slowly into Judge Clay's courtroom leaning heavily on a cane, wearing blue jail clothes and dark glasses with her hair in a ponytail. She has displayed no emotion, even when prosecutors displayed graphic photos of the crime scene, until Wednesday when she wept after declining to testify at the last moment. In her opening remarks, Ford's lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Judie Smith, said the grandmother was "overworked, overwhelmed and overcome" while caring for her bedridden son as well as three grandchildren. Calling Gizzy a "tragically troubled young lady," Smith suggested that the girl had inflicted her own injuries, saying she took out her frustrations in life "by injuring herself." Advertisement According to testimony, paramedics responding to a report of a child struggling to breathe had at first been barred by Ford from entering her second-floor apartment. She said Gizzy had been having one of her "fits" but had recovered, testified paramedic Katie Hoppenrath. Hoppenrath pushed past Ford and found the girl lying dead next to the father's bed beside a bloody pillow and pajamas. Blood was splattered on a wall and a TV that was switched on. The father was lying in bed with a laptop wearing only his underwear, the paramedic testified. Investigators found ligature marks on Gizzy's hands and ankles, and electrical wire wrapped around the bottom of a bedpost. Semen was later discovered on the girl, but not enough DNA could be extracted to determine its source, according to testimony. It was obvious that Gizzy had been dead for some time, said Hoppenrath, who at times struggled on the witness stand to keep her composure. Lauren Woertz, an assistant medical examiner, told the judge that Gizzy had been strangled and that blunt force trauma contributed to her death. Much of the hair on the back of the child's head had been pulled out, Woertz testified, and a gaping wound was infested with maggots something Woertz said she had never seen except in decomposed bodies. Advertisement A few weeks before she died, Gizzell used a black pen to write in her journal about her excitement over a planned day out with family. "I hope that I don't mess up today because I really want to be able to just sit down, watch T.V., talk and play with everybody. I am going to be great all day. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Love, G.F. I am going to be a beautiful smart and good young lady. I can do anything I put my ... smart mind to. People say I'm smart and courageous and beautiful." But later, Gizzell added a script in pencil under the words "I am going to be great all day." Advertisement "Not true," the child wrote. "I failed." sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @SteveSchmadeke A man was killed in a crash in the 3400 block of South Halsted Street about 4:30 a.m. on March 2, 2017. (WGN-TV) A man died early Thursday after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a building in the Bridgeport neighborhood, Chicago police said. Just before 4:25 a.m., a man heading north in the 3400 block of South Halsted Street sideswiped a parked vehicle. The driver of the parked vehicle was warming up the car when the incident happened. He was not injured. Advertisement The man who had been heading north then lost control of his car, hit a light pole and crashed into a row of brick storefronts. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials had not yet identified the man. There were no other reported injuries. Advertisement The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Check back for updates. The tornado-driven winds that devastated parts of Ottawa on Tuesday seemed to materialize in seconds, some witnesses recall, and in a small house along State Street, one of the city's main arteries, Toby Johnson and his husband, David, decided to seek safer quarters next door. That's where Toby's father, Wayne Tuntland, lived. His house had a basement, relatives said; the Johnsons' house did not. Advertisement They headed over just as Tuntland, who was outside working in his backyard, began to go in as well. But before any of the men could reach the door, the wind uprooted a giant tree and sent it crashing to the ground. The tree was heavy enough to crush two cars in the men's shared driveway, and Tuntland, 76, was killed beneath its weight, authorities say. Advertisement David Johnson, 31, was struck, too, and died of his injuries a day later. But according to Johnson's family, his death was an act of sacrifice the tree hit him after he pushed his husband to safety. "I was told that it happened so fast," said Johnson's sister, Jennifer Lara. "It was almost like (Johnson) saw it coming and pushed his husband away." Tuntland and Johnson accounted for two of the three deaths in Illinois related to the storms. Thomas McCord, 71, was killed outside Crossville, in the far southeast part of the state, when he sought shelter in an outbuilding near his house, authorities said. Some officials said that tally was miraculously low given the ferocity of the storm. The National Weather Service recorded six tornadoes in northern and central Illinois, with the one that struck Ottawa and the neighboring town of Naplate rated as one of the strongest EF3, which has a wind speed of around 155 mph. Officials said the tornado struck between 4:41 and 4:59 p.m., churning close to the Illinois River as it traveled west for 11 1/2 miles. It damaged or destroyed about a fifth of the buildings in Naplate and struck numerous homes in the southern part of Ottawa. The LaSalle County coroner's office said Tuntland had been burning debris in the backyard when the storm whipped up. Lara said one of his grandsons had just called him into the house when Toby and David Johnson crossed over. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "It just hit in seconds," she said. "They didn't have time to run in the house." Toby Johnson was injured when the tree came down but was treated at a local hospital and released Thursday morning, officials said. Lara described her brother, who was married two years ago, as caring and compassionate. Advertisement "He did whatever he could to help anybody," she said. "He was just such a great guy." The family has created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. Service arrangements are pending. jkeilman@chicagotribune.com Twitter @JohnKeilman Chicago police on Wednesday released photos of a man suspected in an attempted carjacking in Ukrainian Village last month. On Feb. 15, a woman was sitting in her car in the 2000 block of West Chicago Avenue when a man came up, opened the drivers side door, grabbed her by the chest and tried to push her down, police said. The woman was able to force him off her and out of the car. The would-be carjacker then got on a westbound Chicago Avenue CTA bus and exited at Kedzie Avenue. He was last seen walking north on Kedzie. Johandra Falcon, 24, is charged with illegally purchasing a firearm for a convicted felon. (Chicago Police Department) A Northwest Side woman was charged Thursday morning with illegally purchasing a weapon for a convicted felon, Chicago police said. Johandra Falcon, 24, of the 2100 block of North Spaulding Avenue, was charged with one felony count of purchasing a firearm with intent, unlawful delivery of a firearm to a felon and filing a false report, police said. Advertisement Officials said Falcon made a false report that her residence was burglarized April 26, 2016, and that firearms were taken. Chicago police detectives and ATF members discovered Falcon had used false information to purchase the weapons Jan. 19, 2016, and then delivered them to a felon, police said. Advertisement Falcon was arrested Wednesday in the 3900 block of North Newland Avenue. She was scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon at a bail hearing. Durbin & Duckworth Call For Sessions To Recuse Himself From Russia Investigations By aaroncynic in News on Mar 2, 2017 6:12PM Dick Durbin / Getty Images / Photo: Alex Wong During his confirmation hearings, Sessions was questioned by Senator Al Franken as to whether the Trump administration mightve had contacts with the Russian government during the campaign. Under oath, Sessions said he was unable to comment on it but he didnt havedid not have communications with the Russians. As it turns out, he did, according to investigators with the Justice Department who say he in fact, spoke with the Russian Ambassador twice in 2016. Remember, hes a former prosecutor, member of the Senate for 20 years, Durbin told Politico. Hes been pretty tough himself on witnesses, asking lengthy lists of questions, so I expected that he [came to his confirmation hearing] with that understanding. While the Senator isnt yet calling for his resignation, he did tell the Dallas News and Tweeted that Sessions should recuse himself from investigations into potential election tampering by the Russian government. AG Sessions must recuse himself from any #RussianConnection investigation. https://t.co/VQavEeHlaV Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) March 2, 2017 "If he does it sooner rather than later, it may give him a chance to explain his side of the story," said Durbin, who added that the exchange between Franken and Sessions was odd. If he had answered the question in error, that's one thing, but to volunteer a wrong answer needs some explanations, he said. Duckworth was much harsher in her condemnation, saying in a statement emailed to Chicagoist Sessions must immediately recuse himself to ensure a fair investigation into the administrations potential ties with the Russian government and if he refuses or its found he lied under oath, the Attorney General must resign. With each passing day the need for a public, transparent, impartial and independent investigation into this Administrations ties with foreign adversaries, as well as into who knew what and when they knew it, only grows, said Duckworth. Our national security and the integrity of our democracy could very well depend on it. In his address to Congress, Trump noted that more than 4,000 people were shot last year in Chicago. (Los Angeles Times) WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush said Wednesday that he asked President Donald Trump to come to Chicago and the president said he would, but the White House wouldn't even confirm the two had spoken. "I cannot confirm that the conversation took place nor any travel plans to Chicago in the very near future," said Helen Ferre, a White House spokeswoman. Advertisement Rush, 70, a South Side Democrat with crime-ridden areas in his district, said he extended the invitation to the president before Trump's address Tuesday to a joint session of Congress, said Stephanie Gadlin, Rush's spokeswoman. "I said, 'Mr. President, rather than, you know, highlighting and grandstanding on the killings in Chicago ...' I invited him to come into my district in Chicago," Rush said in an interview Wednesday. "And he said, 'I'm coming into Chicago.'" Advertisement The city is not friendly territory for the president, who as a candidate last March canceled a campaign rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago after angry protesters gathered inside and outside the UIC Pavilion. Since being elected, the president has frequently brought up the city's problem with violent crime. In Trump's speech on Tuesday, the president echoed a torrent of earlier remarks and tweets about Chicago crime. He said more than 4,000 people were shot in the city last year alone and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher. "This is not acceptable in our society," he said. Trumps speech was more campaign promises on steroids. Little substance. Lots of threats. I asked him to come to Chicago. He said yes. Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) March 1, 2017 After the address, Rush tweeted: "Trumps speech was more campaign promises on steroids. Little substance. Lots of threats. I asked him to come to Chicago. He said yes." Rush on Wednesday said Trump could not continue to "lament" what's happening in Chicago without coming in with "prescriptive" solutions. He said that he wants Trump to "really bear witness to where violence is occurring," see the conditions that "force people to give up hope" and meet with families who have lost loved ones and with funeral directors. Rush said Trump could direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to halt the flow of illegal guns into Chicago. "The word 'guns' never flows from his lips," Rush said. "He talks about 'shootings,' 'killings,' 'bad guys' but never 'guns.'" He said Trump doesn't mention guns because his supporters hold the "distorted" view that their gun rights are under threat. He also said the president could "put the muscle" on firms to open manufacturing plants in the city and help Chicago get more economic aid, jobs, capital and black-owned banks. Rush said he would follow up on his invitation to Trump through a mutual friend, TV host Steve Harvey. Advertisement kskiba@tribpub.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba Gov. Bruce Rauner is scheduled to meet with Chance the Rapper on March 3, 2017. (Nancy Stone, Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Chance the Rapper said he'll meet with Gov. Bruce Rauner on Friday to talk about funding for Chicago Public Schools after the governor had to postpone a previous meeting to assess storm damage in north-central Illinois. "Update: The Governor and I are now scheduled to meet Friday morning, I'm more than appreciative of him taking time to discuss funding CPS," the Grammy winner tweeted Thursday. Advertisement The two were initially scheduled to meet Wednesday, but Rauner spent that day visiting tornado-stricken Ottawa and Naplate. The road to their planned Friday meeting started when Chance born Chancelor Bennett connected with Rauner on Twitter last month. Rauner's Twitter account congratulated the 23-year-old for winning best new artist, rap album and rap performance at the Grammys. Chance responded by thanking the governor and saying he'd "love" to set up a meeting. Advertisement Rauner's office confirmed the meeting is scheduled for Friday but declined to say when or where it would take place. Chance has previously been vocal about Mayor Rahm Emanuel and violence in Chicago. In a recent interview with Katie Couric, the rapper said he'd like to see politicians approve a temporary state budget to fund after-school programs that could help curb violence. "I like to work at the earliest level of it and get people involved in jobs and in schooling and in the arts early," he told Couric. "You don't have any respect for life if you don't have anything going on, or respect for anyone else's life if you don't have anything going on." CPS recently sued Rauner and the Illinois State Board of Education, alleging the state hurts Chicago by maintaining "separate and unequal" systems for paying for schools. hbemiller@chicagotribune.com SPRINGFIELD Senate Democrats on Wednesday accused Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of sabotaging efforts to pass a plan to end the state's historic budget impasse by picking off GOP lawmakers wary of crossing their party's de facto leader. Republicans dismissed the allegations as scapegoating for a plan that's not ready for prime time. The public drama unfolded after a long day of behind-the-scenes negotiations, as Senate leaders had hoped for a vote on some of the more controversial portions of the multipart plan. That effort has struggled to get off the ground amid broad opposition from unions, the business community and conservative groups alike. Advertisement In the end, no votes were held. Democratic Senate President John Cullerton said there would be little-to-no GOP support from anyone beyond Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno. While Democrats have a supermajority in the Senate, they are unwilling to go it alone on the various tax hikes and pension changes included in the budget package. "As you all know, this has been a bipartisan venture it's going to take support from both sides of the aisle to pass this legislation. Unfortunately, I've been informed that the governor decided to interject himself in this process and doesn't want this approved in this form," Cullerton told senators. Advertisement For months, Cullerton and Radogno have tried to cut a deal without the input of Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, who have spent much of the last two years at loggerheads. But Republican lawmakers who rely on the deep-pocketed governor's campaign contributions were reluctant to vote on anything he may later reject and asked him to weigh in on the matter. Rauner did just that during his Feb. 15 budget address, saying he would only sign off on an income tax increase if it came with a permanent property tax freeze. The Senate plan called for a two-year moratorium on property tax increases. The governor also wanted spending limits and tougher restrictions on the state's workers' compensation system for employees hurt on the job, contending it's too expensive for employers. Democrats say they were working to address some of those concerns, but would not simply bow to the governor's demands. For instance, they said they were willing to consider a two-year property tax freeze and give local voters the option to extend it by three years. Opponents argue that a permanent freeze would hobble school districts and other government bodies that rely on those funds to provide services. While Cullerton declined to detail how he believed Rauner derailed talks, his No. 2 accused the governor of threatening Republicans who planned to vote in favor of the legislation. Republicans already were the target of attacks from conservative groups aligned with Rauner. "We've been told that (Rauner) has called them into his office one by one and threatened them if they voted on this grand bargain," said Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park. "This is really difficult here because my Republican colleagues who have been working in good faith have been undermined by a governor who does not want this deal to cross the finish line." A Rauner aide called the allegations "outrageous," and said the governor and his staff frequently meet with lawmakers on a variety of issues. "We appreciate the hard work of the Senate in trying to pass a bipartisan agreement that can become law. Some progress has been made, but more work is needed to achieve a good deal for taxpayers," Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly said in a statement. Sen. Jason Barickman, a Republican from Bloomington, said Democrats were trying to use Rauner "as a scapegoat" for a plan that was not fully baked. Advertisement "I think that in the big picture, getting this right is as important as getting it done quickly, so one need not take precedent over the other," Barickman said. For her part, Radogno dismissed the notion that she was being hung out to dry by Rauner and her caucus members, saying she believes both sides want to reach an agreement to end the suffering caused by the budget stalemate. "To a person, the people that I have spoken with have been sincere, honest, willing to compromise. With that kind of attitude in this chamber I have no question in my mind that we're going to bring this thing in for a landing," Radogno said. As for the reluctance of her fellow Republicans? "Well I guess maybe when you are leading you've got to get people to follow along, and it takes some of them a little bit longer," Radogno said. mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com Advertisement hbemiller@chicagotribune.com BERLIN German authorities have arrested two Syrians suspected of being members of the extremist Nusra Front, one of who is alleged to have been involved in the murder of dozens of civilians. The federal prosecutor's office said Thursday that 35-year-old Abdalfatah H.A. is suspected of war crimes over the killing of 36 Syrian government employees by his unit in March 2013. The statement says he carried out "so-called Shariah death sentences." A spokeswoman for the prosecutors' office, Frauke Koehler, declined to confirm German media reports that the man came to Germany as an asylum-seeker. The other suspect, 26-year-old Abdulrahman A.A., belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah H.A. and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013. The men, whose surnames weren't published due to German privacy rules, were arrested Thursday and Wednesday in the western cities of Duesseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. They were due to appear before a judge Thursday. Prosecutors said the Nusra Front unit the men belonged to also included Abd Arahman A. K., a Syrian in his early 30s who was arrested in Germany last June on suspicion of being part of a plot to carry out a bomb attack in Duesseldorf. Human rights groups have pressed governments to bring people suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to trial, as part of an effort to resolve the long-running conflict. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, or ECCHR, said Thursday it has helped submit the first criminal complaint in Germany against six high-level Syrian military intelligence officials, in the hope that federal prosecutors will take up the case under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This allows German courts to try crimes committed outside the country, though legal experts say that they are unlikely to do so unless there's a reasonable chance of bringing the perpetrators to Germany. The ECCHR complaint was filed together with seven Syrian torture survivors and two Syrian lawyers. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," Mazen Darwish, one of the Syrian lawyers, was quoted as saying in a statement. Senior House Democrats are calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after revelations that the former Alabama senator did not disclose meetings he had with the Russian ambassador to the United States during his Cabinet confirmation hearing. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said in a statement released late Wednesday night, adding that "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country." Advertisement Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is also demanding a special counsel to investigate the Trump administration for ties to Russia, "given AG Sessions' false statements about contacts with Russia." And House Oversight and Government Affairs ranking member Elijah Cummings, D-Md., called for Sessions to resign. He criticized the attorney general for keeping "secret" his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, even after then-national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with the same Kremlin official. Advertisement "When Senator Sessions testified under oath that 'I did not have communications with the Russians,' his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks," Cummings remarked in a statement. "Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue." In a statement following the report, Sessions denied he had met with "any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false," he said. Republicans were more cautious in their remarks, but there were signs that they could step up calls for an outside investigation of the Trump team's ties to Russia as a result of the Sessions news. Right now, the probes are being handled by the House and Senate Intelligence panels, and the FBI is investigating what the intelligence community's interference in the election to aid Trump, and the Trump's teams possible ties to Kremlin officials. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said at a CNN town hall Wednesday night that if that if there is any substance to allegations regarding the Trump team and Russia, then Sessions cannot be the person to assess them. "If there is something there and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make that decision about Trump," Graham said, stressing that Sessions' contacts with the Russian ambassador could have been "innocent." "There may be nothing there," he continued. "But if there's something there that the FBI believes is criminal in nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor. If that day ever comes, I'll be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff." Said frequent Trump critic John McCain, R-Ariz.: "I think we have to know more about it before we make a judgment." The growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers calling for Sessions' resignation or recusal marks the most serious demands yet to remove Sessions -- a Trump campaign adviser -- from the chain of command in a probe at the Department of Justice he heads. Previously, Democrats demanded that Sessions to recuse himself from Russia-related proceedings and some lawmakers continued to insist on recusal in the wake of the latest revelations. Advertisement Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., -- a leading progressive and Trump antagonist -- repeated calls for a special prosecutor to probe Russian influence in the elections and ties to Trump. She also called on Sessions to resign. She tweeted: We need a special prosecutor totally independent of the AG. We need a real, bipartisan, transparent Congressional investigation into Russia. Warren followed with another tweet: And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions - who should have never been confirmed in the first place - to resign. We need it now. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, also weighed in on Twitter: I'm thinking Jeff Sessions is not the right person to investigate Jeff Sessions. Several Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday night questioned whether Sessions had lied under oath when he testified at his confirmation hearing in January that he had not had any communications with Russian officials. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Mike Quigley, D-Ill., asked whether the former senator provided false statements in his testimony to lawmakers. Quigley tweeted: It is unconscionable and unacceptable for a United States attorney general-our nation's top law enforcement official-to lie under oath. Advertisement The Washington Post's Mark Berman contributed to this report. As a sculptor of recycled materials, Alfred Vorreyer found creative inspiration in junkyards across Illinois. Like the one in downstate Dowell, an old coal town that he happened upon on his way home from a trip to Texas. Advertisement "It was just eerie," Vorreyer told Illinois Issues, a state magazine, in December 1996. "But for me, there was a lot I could use. There had been flooding that year, and a lot of the farmers couldn't get into their fields. They were bringing old farm equipment to the junkyard just to make some money." The longtime New Lenox resident used that salvage to create forged iron sculptures, mostly in the shape of animals, some small enough for tabletops and others much larger and intended for outdoor display. Advertisement Over the years, working with materials like old copper tubing and various metals from discarded items, such as car parts and farming equipment, he created thousands of sculptures that he exhibited at art fairs and galleries and in specialty shops around the state and country. "It was always so mysterious to me how he chose his materials and where they came from," his daughter Alison Joy said. "Growing up, we weren't surrounded by (Thomas) Kinkade paintings. We had metal fish hanging on our walls, and iron vultures and a big, steel praying mantis in our backyard." Vorreyer, 86, a longtime member of the Illinois Artisans Program, died of congenital heart disease Feb. 4, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, his family said. Born in Chicago, Vorreyer grew up in Berwyn, and later Cicero, where he was a graduate of Morton East High School. At 19, he landed a job in Chicago as a stationary engineer at the University of Illinois Medical Center, where he worked until retiring in 1991. He was also a longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399. During the 1950s and '60s, Vorreyer also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He began sculpting in the early 1960s, after eating in a restaurant filled with interesting sculptures. "He looked around and said, 'I could do that!'" said his wife of 61 years, Elaine. "Then he went home and set up a workshop in the garage. "From the start, I knew he could draw," she said. "But as time went on, I began seeing a deeper, more artistic side." Advertisement Vorreyer joined the Illinois Artisans Program in 1985, not long after it was started to support and showcase the work of Illinois artists, mostly through artisan shops run by the state. The program was disbanded in 2015 because of a lack of funding. The program's membership included painters, sculptors, jewelry makers and even an apricot pit carver, with art that usually reflected an Illinois bent. For example, Vorreyer's pieces were often created out of old iron railroad ties and spikes, a nod to the influence of railroads on Illinois' history. "The first time I saw Alfred's sculptures, I thought, 'This is so wonderful!'" said Carolyn Patterson, a former director of the program. "There was something just so unique, and the idea that the materials he chose could still be rotting away in some old junkyard." Vorreyer's artwork was displayed at all three of the artisan shops run by the state, and according to Patterson, it was in one of those shops that former Gov. Jim Thompson spotted his sculptures gophers made out of railroad spikes and decided to take several with him to Japan to give as gifts to government officials. "His art could bring a smile to anybody's face," Patterson said. Up until recently, Vorreyer was still at it, creating a giant, whimsical-looking spider last summer out of an old propane tank found on a farm. Advertisement "All I know is that his sculptures will still be around long after the rest of us are gone," his daughter said with a laugh. Vorreyer also is survived by four other daughters, Leslie Gale, Lori Lynn Kmet, Sharon Rae Boshears and Bonnie Sue; and five grandchildren. Services were held. Joan Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter. For a writer in exile, the setting couldn't have been more welcoming: a stately mansion overlooking Lake Michigan on the campus of Loyola University. A sunny, freakishly warm February afternoon. And a gathering of a several dozen people, eager to offer support and refuge to the two guests of honor: Syrian writer Osama Alomar and Nigerian writer Unoma Azuah. The crowd was assembled in the drawing room of the nearly century-old Piper Hall for the launch of a new Chicago City of Refuge initiative for exiled writers a collaboration of the International Cities of Refuge Network; PEN International, an association of writers; the Chicago Network for Justice and Peace; and the Guild Literary Complex. Alomar and Azuah each read from their published works, discussed the events that pulled them away from their homelands and took questions from an audience keen to know how the Trump administration's efforts to curb immigration were affecting their lives. Advertisement They weren't, directly each writer had become a U.S. citizen in recent years and, although they expressed wariness about President Donald Trump's worldview, they chose to focus that day on the oppression their friends and family still experience in Nigeria and Syria. As a lesbian, Azuah was ostracized in Nigeria, where there is no legal protection for homosexuals and violence against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people is common. She came to the United States for graduate school and lived in several American cities before settling in Chicago. Advertisement Alomar was born and raised in Syria, where he began his writing career. He writes in Arabic but teamed up with his translator, C.J. Collins, whom he met in Damascus years before the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011. Alomar moved to the U.S. to pursue new writing opportunities, and started driving a taxi in Chicago to pay his bills. While Alomar drove his cab around, Collins worked through the English translations of Alomar's "very short stories" from the front passenger seat, in between fares. After about nine years in Chicago, Alomar says he is homesick for Syria. But instead of going home, where war wages on, he is settling in Pittsburgh for a year, where a residency through the Pittsburgh City of Asylum program will provide housing and financial support so that he can focus on building his writing career in the U.S. Chicago's City of Refuge initiative might eventually offer such residencies, but Nick Patricca, a professor emeritus at Loyola and one of the initiative's founders, said that for now the group has launched with modest ambitions. Presently, it is supporting writers who have relocated to Chicago on their own by promoting their work and helping them develop connections within the arts community. lweber@chicagotribune.com Lara Weber is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board. Read Unoma Azuah's "An ode to Chicago: My city of refuge." Read Osama Alomar's very short stories. The Washington Post, in yet another bombshell story, reports: "Then-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) spoke twice last year with Russia's ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Trump's campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessions' confirmation hearing to become attorney general. Advertisement "One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senator's office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race." During Sessions' confirmation hearing, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked him what he would do if it came out that anyone associated with the Trump campaign had contact with the Russians in the course of the 2016 campaign. Sessions said, "Sen. Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities." That wasn't the truth, since he participated in discussions. He continued, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and I am unable to comment on it." His spokeswoman argues that when they spoke, Sessions was not acting as a surrogate, but rather, in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But The Post's reporting has so far found no senators on that panel who met with Kislyak last year. Advertisement The Post report continues: "In January, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sessions for answers to written questions. 'Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day?' Leahy wrote. "Sessions responded with one word: 'No.' " The accuracy of that depends on whether he was contacted "about" the election. In written questions, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked, "Will you commit that, if you are confirmed as Attorney General, you will recuse yourself from any investigation into whether President-elect Trump or any of his family, campaign staff, business associates or advisors had any communication with Russian officials or operatives during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, or had any connection to, knowledge of, or involvement in Russian efforts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election?" Sessions responded, "I am not aware of a basis to recuse myself from such investigations. However, if a specific matter arose where I believed my impartiality might reasonably be questioned, I would consult with Department ethics officials regarding the most appropriate way to proceed. As I made clear at my confirmation hearing, I will always be fair and work within the law and the established procedures of the Department." How he could not see that his own communications would be at issue is puzzling. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., flat out accused Sessions of "lying under oath." She called for him to resign as attorney general, declaring him "not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country." Sessions' position is increasingly untenable. According to another Post report: "House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said during an appearance on MSNBC Thursday morning that Sessions should bow out to maintain 'the trust of the American people.' Advertisement "Minutes later, House Oversight and Government Reform committee chairman Jason Chaffetz joined McCarthy's call, tweeting that 'AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself.' " There are two issues here: Must Sessions recuse himself, and did he mislead the Senate? As to the first, he cannot be both a subject of inquiry and the investigator. His own conversations are of material interest to the investigation. He has no choice but to recuse himself. "He clearly has to recuse," Harvard law professor Larry Tribe told me. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee (and is a former prosecutor), succinctly told me, "Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from investigations related to Russian interference in our democracy. He said he would if there was a conflict of interest, and it is clear that there is." At least one conservative legal scholar agrees. "It seems to me that he has to recuse himself from the decisions about the investigation into Russian efforts to influence our elections at the very least to avoid the appearance of a conflict even if nothing untoward happened," says John Yoo, former Justice Department lawyer in the George W. Bush administration. "That means the decision will fall to the Deputy AG, Rod Rosenstein." Others were more heated in their assessments. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Md., ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, put out a written statement, declaring, "It is inconceivable that even after [former National Security Adviser] Michael Flynn was fired for concealing his conversations with the Russians that Attorney General Sessions would keep his own conversations secret for several more weeks." Cummings said Sessions' statement denying contact "was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks and he continued to let it stand even as he watched the President tell the entire nation he didn't know anything about anyone advising his campaign talking to the Russians." He concluded, "Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue." Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., whose resolution of inquiry to demand information on the Russia investigation was voted down on a party-line vote (!), told me, "If the Washington Post revelations are accurate, Attorney General Sessions must at the very least recuse himself not only because his impartiality is now tainted, but he may now be a subject of investigation himself." He added, "It is now abundantly clear to anyone watching this administration's conduct that an investigation, conducted by an independent prosecutor, is critical to getting the truth given all we know and all we have yet to find out." Advertisement Other Democrats echoed that demand. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Calif., the ranking Democrat on the CIA Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement Wednesday night, which read in part, "It's time for the Attorney General to immediately step aside from any investigation involving ties between President Trump and Russia. Reports that Trump advisor Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador to the United States twice last year, but failed to disclose those contacts when specifically asked during his confirmation hearing, are cause for great concern." Now, it is possible but unlikely that Sessions did not recall the meetings with the Russian ambassador. His excuse that he was not officially acting as a surrogate or that the conversation was not about the campaign doesn't absolve him over his blanket statement to Franken that he was unaware of contacts or his assertion to Durbin that he didn't know of any reason he would need to recuse himself in an investigation of campaign figures speaking with Russian figures. He should be immediately recalled to the Senate to explain his actions. Talk of "perjury" is premature, since such a charge would require, among other things, an intent to deceive. But members of Congress plainly think that Sessions was trying to hide something. Nadler told me, "If it turns out he lied under oath, he of course will be subject to criminal prosecution and should immediately resign." Swalwell likewise stated, "At best, he was careless with a subject of great importance; at worst, like General Michael Flynn, the Attorney General lied about prior contacts with Russia." Perhaps not coincidentally, on Monday, Devin Nunes, R-Calif., chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, who has been cheerleading for Trump and denying a need to investigate, finally came out with a statement agreeing to examine the Russia scandal, including contacts between Russian officials and the Trump campaign. CNN reported: "Tensions escalated Monday between Nunes and the top Democrat working on the Russia investigation, Rep. Adam Schiff, after Nunes said he had seen no evidence yet of Russian officials communicating with Trump campaign aides and Schiff said it was too early to tell. "Schiff later told CNN's Erin Burnett that if high-ranking intelligence officials have been communicating with the White House about the investigation, it 'threatens the integrity of the organizations and I think they ought to call a halt to that.' " Advertisement The question at this point is whether any Republican, especially one enlisted to help spin Trump's defense, can be entrusted with this investigation. Given the latest development, the answer for more and more Americans will be an emphatic no. Washington Post Jennifer Rubin is a Washington Post columnist. Related articles: Is the Jeff Sessions-Russia saga a product of deceit or incompetence? The night Donald Trump killed conservatism Advertisement Donald Trump's obsession with military power Donald Trump's grand fantasy of what government can do President Donald Trump walks along the Colonnade of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 2, 2017, after his return on Marine One helicopter. (Andrew Harnik / AP) In his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump undercut his efforts to lead the country into a "new chapter of American greatness" when he prioritized constructing "a great, great wall." For it is creating space for collective empowerment, not building walls, that defines effective, sustainable leadership in our country today. My belief in the leadership tenet stems from the first moment space was taken from me. My grandfather, a former Illinois governor who had just been released from prison, came to our home and played "bear trap," a game in which he caught me between his knees, depriving me of self-composure until I gasped for air. As I grew older, my struggle for space around Dan Walker continued, as he would trap me with accusations about my vision for political and legal change until he wore down my sense of agency. Advertisement For a while, I believed the only path to leadership was one in which we citizens have to fight for the very space we need to realize our potential. But, in fact, the opposite is true. Leadership is about creating space, not barring others from it. My grandfather believed in this principle of leadership too. Against all odds, he won over the people of Illinois by walking the entire state in 1971 to learn how he could fight for people's agency in the face of Chicago's machine politics. In large part, he succeeded. His reputation as a man of the people is evidenced by the interstate border signs that he changed to "The People of Illinois Welcome You" from "The Governor Welcomes You." When he lost his re-election bid, however, his efforts to promote collective empowerment fell by the wayside. Advertisement Without this leadership tenet, my grandfather, despite his accomplishments, ultimately limited his own potential after that election. Once a contender for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, he gave up these ambitions and later became the second of four Illinois governors to be criminally convicted, albeit for acts unrelated to his tenure as a public servant. A familiar concept in leadership development circles requires space for both agency and accountability. It does not mean that we treat one another like snowflakes. Nor does it mean that anything goes. On the contrary, it is a vital, complex vehicle in which we check and balance each other to enable one another's potential. And, when we choose to, Americans implement this leadership canon well. The way in which we've structured our government, our laws, our religious institutions, communities, families and our very selves is founded upon this bedrock of creating space for collective empowerment. It is what gave rise to our federalist form of government, which carves out space for states' rights while checking and balancing states' power to ensure that it serves rather than undercuts the very civil liberties that underpin our individual and collective growth. Protecting space so that we can reach our potential leads to collective empowerment by increasing our understanding of ourselves and of one another. It is a challenging concept that draws on the power of our diversity. The opposite of this philosophy also rings true, in that the construction of walls promotes disconnection and conflict. Living in a culture susceptible to fear, building space for collective empowerment is hardly an easy task. But it can be accomplished on a macro level through legal and institutional change, and on a micro level through personal agency and accountability. As we build our nation's next generation of leaders, the way in which we create space for one another is dependent upon our own understanding of power, informed by our identities and experiences. We must learn when to step up and when to step back. When to create space for ourselves and when to boldly leave that space when invited into spaces different from our own. Advertisement The acts of leadership that were celebrated when my grandfather died were those in which he tore down walls in order to create space: when he fought housing segregation, when he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. on Chicago's Southwest Side; when he issued executive orders prohibiting corrupt practices by state employees while also creating a legal vehicle for them to unionize; and when he shone a spotlight on people's fight for their own agency in the face of police brutality at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, calling out the government's failure to hold the police accountable. Creating these spaces of collective empowerment through agency and accountability is how my grandfather's leadership is remembered today. They are, after all, what sustainable social progress and the institutions that protect it depend upon. Tuesday night, when Trump called on Congress to dream "big, and bold and daring things for our country," he failed to explain how to do so. Creating space, not building walls, is how. Angela Walker, an international attorney in Washington, D.C., focuses on civil and criminal government investigations. Chance The Rapper's Meeting With Gov. Rauner Is Back On, For Friday By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 2, 2017 7:06PM The previously canceled meeting between Chance the Rapper and Gov. Bruce Rauner has been rescheduled. The two will meet on Friday morning to discuss funding for Chicago Public Schools. Rauner and the Chicago-native rapper were originally slated to meet on Wednesdaybut those plans were shelved after tornadoes battered south and central portions of the state. The governor spent portions of Wednesday and Thursday surveying the damage downstate and meeting with victims of the extreme weather. Two people were killed in Illinois due to the storms. After some doubts as to whether and when a rescheduled meeting would occur, Chance Tweeted on Thursday afternoon that the meeting was back on, set for Friday. "I'm more than appreciative of him taking time to discuss funding CPS," he wrote. Update: The Governor and I are now scheduled to meet Friday morning, I'm more than appreciative of him taking time to discuss funding CPS https://t.co/gjCXe6Vs8Q Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) March 2, 2017 As recently as Thursday morning, Chance's camp hadn't received information on a reschedule, he wrote. As of right now, my meeting with @GovRauner is still "cancelled" with no new info on a reschedule. https://t.co/nSCmJVeOBW Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) March 2, 2017 But a representative from Rauner's office on Thursday morning told Chicagoist by email that they had reached out to Chance's team to confirm a new date. Eleni Demertzis, of the governor's office, said ahead of Chance's confirmation: "The Governor is traveling the state to survey the damage of the deadly tornados that hit this week. He is meeting with families who lost their homes and thanking first responders for their service. He looks forward to hearing from Chance and we have reached out to his team to reschedule our meeting." Chance (rather brilliantly) requested a meeting after Rauner sent a seemingly anodyne message on Twitter to congratulate the hip-hop supernova on his triple win at the Grammys. So perhaps some miscommunication aside, things seemed to have worked out: the governor fulfilled his official and moral obligation by meeting with the victims of the storm; and the very necessary meeting to which he previously agreed with one of hip-hop's most preeminent social consciences will still happen. The only question that remains is just how much state funding Chance can convince him to pony up for CPS. If anybody can do it... Maybe I'm taking it too personally, but with President Donald Trump calling the press "the enemy of the American people" I'm having flashbacks to my personal encounters with a dictatorship. Among them was a nagging sense of being watched. It was unshakable, even by turning around and seeing no one behind me on the streets of Athens in 1973. A military junta then ruled Greece, where I led a semester-abroad program for American college students. Because we were in a remote area of Crete when my assistant's father died, it took a while for a member of the tourist police to find us. It took my assistant a couple of days to get to Heraklion, the island's capital, by bus, take a ship to Athens and book passage on a flight to the U.S. Advertisement As she was about to board, another tourist police officer came up to her and said: "We're all very sorry for your loss." That he could pick her out in a crowded airport, and knew why she was there, suggests that the tourist police had additional duties beyond helping foreigners book hotel rooms. Now, I don't think myself uniquely qualified to referee the noisy debate between those who see fascism in America's future and others who say that's a fantasy of sore-loser liberals. Advertisement First of all, missing from the Greek variety was a common ingredient of totalitarianism: A demagogue who persuades the masses that his battles are their battles. Hitler was a rabble-rousing orator. Mussolini coined the term "fascist" from the word for a Roman official's badge of office symbolizing his promise to restore Italy's ancient glories. Greece's democracy was overthrown in 1967 by colorless, virtually unknown and low-ranking army officers. Six years later, their regime was coming apart at the seams. That gave me a peek into its working parts analogous to the view of human innards that an X-ray provides a physician. What I saw was both tragic and comical. Upon seizing power, the junta of the colonels, as it was known, imprisoned thousands of real or imagined opponents. That occurred in slow motion on the island of Lesbos, according to a friend of mine, a wealthy landowner there. The blueprint for the colonels' coup was a contingency plan of the previous government. Left-wing Greeks and right-wing Greeks had been at each others' throats since World War II. So if a communist plot was brewing, no-goodniks were to be rounded up and notables given protection. But in the junta's version, the two lists were commingled en route to Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. So its perplexed officials took both communists and landowners into custody until the junta sent someone to sort them out. Once in power, the junta was determined to purge its subjects of bad habits. Totalitarian regimes often preach that society is out of whack because of an infection of un-German, or un-Italian, behavior. The colonels focused on a hallowed tradition in Greece that is familiar to any tourist who ever dined in a Greektown restaurant back home. Exuberant by nature, Greeks celebrate most any occasion by dancing snakelike around tables of revelers who smash plates on the floor. The breaking glass is accompanied by cries of "Opa!" But not in the nightspots of Athens, once the junta declared plate-smashing decadent. Yet rock music could still be heard, and that became the junta's Achilles heel. The rulers could intimidate lawyers and judges. Editors got the message that criticism wasn't good for their own or their publication's health. But it was the Age of Aquarius, and Greek young people, like their counterparts elsewhere, were not going to be denied the music of their generation. The junta tried weaning them off rock. It banned miniskirts, long hair on men and the peace sign to no avail. The University of Athens became a fortress of youthful resistance. Students hungered for news of the outside world, and I lived near the university. More than once, I was asked to translate American colloquialisms found in the Village Voice, the newspaper of New York's bohemian set. For some reason, the colonels allowed it to circulate even though the junta had banned other foreign publications. Advertisement Month after month, the Greek letter "zeta" was scribbled on walls, painted out by the authorities, and scribbled again. An abbreviation for "he lives," it began as a way of honoring Grigoris Lambrakis, a leftist political hero assassinated in 1963. But it became a symbol of the resistance itself, which became only stronger with each successive attempt to stamp it out. Their elders joined the students. In 1974, the junta collapsed like the proverbial house of cards. By then, I was back in the United States. But now I am wondering if the junta might have held on, had it been fronted by a demagogue. Like, for instance, someone who could claim, "I know more than the generals," and win passionate followers by accusing the press of printing "fake news." rgrossman@chicagotribune.com Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool stands with community and faith leaders on Feb. 14, 2017, at Lindblom Math & Science Academy in Chicago to announce a lawsuit against the state of Illinois and Gov. Bruce Rauner. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Over the years, Chicagoans have grown accustomed to increasingly dire CPS budget threats. The district has ransacked its fiscal bag of tricks, borrowed aggressively and spent flagrantly, slashed administrative costs, and demanded that Springfield fill the financial gaps. But the district is still about $130 million in the hole in this fiscal year and the end of that school year is in sight. Oh, and CPS also is on the hook for a massive teachers pension payment due June 30. Cue CPS' latest threat: If a Cook County judge doesn't grant CPS a fast-tracked preliminary ruling in its lawsuit against Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois State Board of Education, then the district warns that it could have no choice but to close its doors early. And not by just a day or two. It could close three weeks early on June 1, not the scheduled June 21. Advertisement Is CPS CEO Forrest Claypool serious or is this a high-stakes bluff? Unclear. He voiced a disclaimer: "I want to make clear that's the worst-case scenario," he said of the June 1 date. "It could be any number of days in between or it could be none at all if we are successful on this thing." Still, threatening to end the school year early is an alarming order of magnitude high on the scale of CPS desperation. It's a nuclear option. Advertisement It's hard to see how Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who campaigned aggressively a few years back to extend the CPS school day and year, would acquiesce. Emanuel has often touted student gains attributed partly to more classroom instruction. Graduation rates are up; so are test scores. Many Chicago students have notched real academic progress that would be imperiled if the year were chopped short. Strong finish to the school year? Nah, kids, go home. "I don't take that decision (to end the school year early) lightly," Emanuel said Wednesday. "It's not the first choice and it's not the right choice." We agree, wholeheartedly. Even if CPS' doomsday threat sways the judge, it's unclear how a ruling would swiftly funnel funds to CPS. More likely this is about pressuring lawmakers in Springfield. One of these days, maybe Emanuel and Claypool will lay into their fellow Democrats starting with the leaders from Chicago who've long controlled the legislature but who've never bothered to reform the state's school funding formula. The Illinois Senate passed a "pension parity" bill Tuesday that would send $215 million to CPS. But that's a long way from the governor's signature. At Claypool's max, the shortened school year could save $91 million or more but also would violate state requirements on the length of the public school year. The district says its savings figures include the loss of some state aid because the district would fall below the number of ISBE-required student attendance days. Even with the early close, however, the district still would be short millions and that would include $5 million in savings from cutting summer school for most elementary students. A shortened year would bring a mad scramble for students, teachers, administrators and parents. But the repercussions of such a disastrous decision wouldn't end with this school year. How many Chicago parents would think seriously about whether they want to send their children to such a chaotic school district next fall? You think CPS student enrollment is cratering now? Just wait. Much of this turmoil could have been averted. But CPS passed a wishful-thinking budget last year, relying on a Springfield rescue and a teacher's contract concession that never materialized. The district its students, teachers and parents are paying the price of that unfounded optimism. Wishful budgeting can't happen again. Next year's budget can't hinge on money not in evidence. Better for CPS to focus on downsizing its real estate footprint to fit its declining student population than to lop off weeks of instruction. Instruction days crucial classroom time aren't bargaining chips. Advertisement Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Related articles: CPS says shorter school year possible if no favorable ruling in funding suit Rauner, Chance the Rapper to meet Friday CPS tells principals not to allow immigration officials in schools without warrant CPS, get your fiscal house in order I am the parent of a 4-year-old child who attends preschool in East Garfield Park. I wanted to make sure that she went to a great elementary school, but I had no idea Chicago Public Schools had an application deadline if I wanted to send her to a selective-enrollment school, magnet school or a school zoned outside of my neighborhood. Fortunately, my child's teacher reminded me that I needed to apply to schools for my soon to be 5-year-old. Every time I sat down to start looking at schools, I became overwhelmed. How was I supposed to know which one of these schools was a good school? Their websites all seemed fine. Recruiters sporadically provided us information about different charter schools, but I still didn't know how to make the best choice for my child. Advertisement Before I knew it, the Dec. 9 CPS deadline had come and gone. I didn't know what to do. Did this mean all of my child's options were gone? Had I sealed her fate? Luckily, my child had a phenomenal teacher who steered me in the right direction. She put me at ease and helped me navigate all the different options. She emphasized the importance of looking at a school's ratings and making sure it is a good fit for my family. I was able to find the different applications and apply to all the schools I wanted. Advertisement I read an article in the Chicago Tribune about a new easier process for CPS kids to apply to high school. I just finished this crazy process for kindergarten and I can't even imagine how complicated it might be in eight years for high school. Something needs to change. Families cannot spend all of their time trying to figure out how to apply to schools, where to find the applications, and how to adhere to all the different applications criteria. I urge the city to create a simple process to make it easier for high school, so that I will not have to go through this complicated process for my daughter in the future. Voshanae Hamilton, Chicago We don't need to tell you that Chicago is a great city for beer. But now, thanks to craftbeer.com, there's a definitive best beer bar in Illinois. And it just so happens to be located here in Chicago. Links Taproom in Wicker Park was named the best beer bar in Illinois in the annual Great American Beer Bars competition conducted by the Brewers Association website for beer fanatics. Readers were asked to nominate their favorite craft beer bars in their state based on a number of criteria: atmosphere, staff, beer selection and special events. Advertisement Though only in its toddler years, Links dominated the vote. The taproom opened in early 2014 and offers 36 American craft beers on tap at any given time, as well as three on cask. To celebrate their win, Links will launch its gigantic "Party Time Sausage Trey" offeringtotaling more than $100 worth of grubavailable through the end of March Madness. Starting Wednesday evening, they tapped four rare kegs: 4 Hands Madagascar, Ballast Point Peach and Apricot Sour Wench and Ale Asylum Spawn Series 019 IPA. Advertisement Links is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Friday and until 3 a.m. on Saturdays. @shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com Picture SoulCycle. Now, picture SoulCycle without the bikes. Add in trampolines. That's Bellicon, the country's first "rebounding" studio, which uses mini-trampolines for a mix of cardio and muscle toning without the impact of a treadmill on your joints. SwissJump is the studio's newest class, mixing rebounding and dancing for all skill levels. 11 a.m. $15 for first-time attendees, $23 for returning customers. Swim like a mermaid, dance like Beyonce or pair beer with yoga. These aren't your mother's workouts. We rounded up some of the most unique sweat sessions happening in Chicago this weekend so you can get moving. THURSDAY, MARCH 2 Advertisement Beyonce Dance & Twerk at The Brass Ring 2539 W. North Ave. 312-966-2759 We can all agree that Queen B is the ultimate of all #fitspo, and this class from pole and dance studio The Brass Ring can help you get closer than ever to her godliness. Unlike other classes offered, this one doesn't have any prerequisitesyou won't be using the pole, but that's something you can work up to later. 7 p.m. $25. Register: thebrassring.com SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Major Taylor Major Taylor Chicago March Ride for Coffee Major Taylor Cycle Club of Chicago If biking is the way you prefer to burn your calories, the Major Taylor Cycle Club of Chicago has just what you're looking for. This 25-ish mile ride from Uptown to the North Shore 'burbs includes a stop for Starbucksbecause, of course. Rides are hosted the first weekend of every month. 9 a.m. Free. Register: eventbrite.com Advertisement SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Om Tour Session Yoga at On Tour Brewing 1725 W. Hubbard St. 312-796-3119 In case you've been living under a rock, let us explain: Beer yoga is a thing, and Chicago is hopping on that bandwagon with gusto. On Tour Brewing is one of a few breweries in Chicago offering BYOM (as in, bring your own mat) all-levels yoga classes before letting you drink those calories back right after. 10 a.m. $19. Register: eventbrite.com Mermaid School at AquaMermaid 828 S. Wolcott Ave. 877-279-2767 How many times in your adult life have you thought, "Screw this, life would be so much better as a mermaid"? Never? Stop lying to yourself. This fitness class mixes your childhood "Little Mermaid" obsession and your desire to get killer abs. There's a reason why mermaids originated as sirens pulling sailors to their deaths. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $60. Register: eventbrite.com Bends & Blends at Pinstripes 435 E. Illinois St. 312-527-3010 Gone are the days of blowing off your workout for brunch plans. This super cheap yoga class at Pinstripes includes a complimentary mimosa and a $5 discount off their brunch buffet, so it basically pays for itselfand preemptively burns those brunch calories. Just remember to make a brunch reservation beforehand. 9 a.m. $5. Register: eventbrite.com @shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com From plunging into the icy waters of Lake Michigan for charity to sampling suds with fellow beer lovers at Windy City Brewhaha, here's what we're up to this weekend. TAKE THE PLUNGE Advertisement Longing to take a dip in Lake Michigan? Do it this weekend at the 17th annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday, March 5. Suit up and dip, dive or plunge into the icy waters to support the athletes of Special Olympics Chicago. The frigid festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at North Avenue Beach (1603 N. Lakeshore Dr.), with waves at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. It's a little less crazy when you're raising money for a good cause, right? Register for a spot at sochicago.org. A GREEN FILM FEST Advertisement Learn a little more about the environment and sustainability during the One Earth Film Festival, kicking off in Chicago this weekend. The sixth annual fest, which spans March 3-12, boasts 47 screenings of 30 environmental films in various locations across the city and surrounding 'burbs. The Garfield Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Museum and Adler Planetarium are just a few spots hosting screenings. Almost all showings are free, though a $6 donation is suggested. More information: oneearthfilmfest.org Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > BEER BASH Beer lovers of all levels can sip suds at the fifth annual Windy City Brewhaha this Saturday, March 4, at the Revel Fulton Market (1215 W. Fulton Market). Sample beers from over 30 breweries, including pours from Cruz Blanca, 2 Fools Cider and One Trick Pony Brewing. Enjoy 15 3-ounce tastings over the course of one of two sessions, which run 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. General admission tickets cost $52 and designated drivers get in for $20. Tickets: windycitybrewhaha.com SERIOUSLY SATIRICAL SHOW Get the giggles this Saturday, March 4, at Whirled News Tonight, a comedy show that puts a satirical twist on current events. Performed at The iO Theatre (1501 N. Kingsbury St. 312-929-2401), audience members can cut out articles from several local and national publications and tack them onto bulletin boards onstage. The cast will then randomly select articles to base their improvisation on. The show starts at 8 p.m., and admission is $14. Tickets: ioimprov.com PARTY HARDY '80s PROM Forgot to plan a weekend outing? Stop spazzing! Grab your boy toy or best gal pal, throw on a retro costume and, like, totally head to Chicago's '80s Prom (because nobody puts Baby in the corner). The throwback bash will be held on both Friday and Saturday nights, March 3 and 4, from 8-11 p.m. in the Ravenswood United Church of Christ gymnasium (2050 W. Pensacola Ave.). Take it to the max with all you can drink beer, wine and "Pretty in Pink" punch, '80s music, a taco bar, prom photos and a costume contest for $39 per person. Tickets: eventbrite.com @RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com G.O.A.T. It was announced last week that Jay Z will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this June. "Why is this a big deal?" you may ask. "We all know Jay Z's great." True, but he's the first rapper to ever be inducted, demonstrating possibly a sliver of progress in the music industry. With this honor and twins on the way, it's shaping up to be a big year for Jay Z, but he still can't make Tidal happen. Wine about it Since 2001, Earth has seen 15 of the 16 warmest years on record, according to NASA. Not great for our planet, but apparently great for wine. Alsace, a region in France known for its white wines, is apparently receiving a lot more attention for its reds thanks to the warmer climate. Doesn't seem like a fair trade, but now you have more wine to try. Advertisement Coming soon Clear your calendar next Tuesday. Amy Schumer is back with a new stand-up special. "Amy Schumer: The Leather Special" premieres on Netflix March 7. Her 2015 HBO special earned three Emmy nominations, so let's see if Schumer has upped her game in the past two years. The digit 17 That's the percentage of directors, writers, producers, editors and cinematographers that were female working on 2016's 250 top-grossing movies. Had it won, "La La Land" would have been the first Best Picture winner in 12 years to feature a woman nominated for Best Actress. Now it's 12 and counting. Advertisement The quote "Donald Trump has 22 acting credits. He collects $120,000 a year in his Screen Actors Guild pension fund. He is a Hollywood elitist Steve Bannon is a failed film writer and director. That's the truth, that's what he's done. He wrote a Shakespearean rap musical about the L.A. riots that he couldn't get made." George Clooney on president Donald Trump and Steve Bannon's connections to Hollywood in a Canal+ interview A Chinese antique vase that was previously mistaken as a replica was sold at 810,000 (around $1 million) at Birmingham auctioneers Fellows in the UK, a record price for the house. The Chinese fish vase sold at 810,000 (around $1 million) in the UK. [Photo/fellows.co.uk] The wucai fish vase, intricately decorated with small golden carp, lotus blossoms and undulating grass, dates from the Jiajing reign (1522-1566) of China's Ming Dynasty. The vase's first estimated value by the auction house was 1,800, after examinations suggested that it lacked the sophistication of an original piece. Eagle-eyed bidders found that the piece actually was a 500-year-old valuable antique. "We are delighted with the house-record sale of the Chinese wucai vase. This vase was consigned via a Chinese client," Mark Huddleston, senior specialist of the auction house said. "Bidding began at 1,000 pounds and, with a handful of telephone bidders plus the usual hundreds online." "One bidder even flew in from Japan and has a number of these in his collection," Huddleston added. Fellows auction house said that the low opening price was requested by the seller, and as the auctioneers doubted the vase's authenticity, that became the starting point. Fish jars (originally made with domed covers) from the Jiajing period were among the most desirable of Chinese porcelains. The price of the fish vase sold this time was akin to fully authenticated pieces. Members of the nonprofit Ingage Unlimited in Arlington Heights (pictured) recently traveled to Peru for a service trip. (Jennifer Haidu / HANDOUT) Water that's fit to drink. Air that is free from the stink of sewage. A house with bricks that cannot melt. These are just a few of the things appreciated by six selfless women when they traveled to the remote reaches of Peru in February to teach a church what Bible school is all about. Advertisement For 10 days, Jennifer Haidu, of North Barrington, Cindy Malin, of Lake Zurch, Chris Pappas, of Lake Zurich, Rev. Sara VandeBerg, of Barrington, and Rev. Charisse Jensen, of Palatine, left the comforts of suburbia to serve the flood-ravaged, adobe-hut dwelling residents of Chiclayo the fourth largest city in Peru. They were led by Carolyn Muir, founder of the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit Ingage Unlimited, which tries to create bridges between global needs and resources. The group works to provide leadership training for 60 volunteers and guide more than 150 day-camp children at the group's field partner the Impacto Cristiano church. Advertisement Rev. Paul Pistone and his wife, Debbie, founded Impacto Cristiano from scratch more than five years ago after having witnessed the immense need for spiritual help in Chiclayo. Many of the local children have witnessed the horror of their own parents being murdered or jailed. Others have experienced the ravages of prostitution or addiction. The church now acts as a safe haven for more than three generations of local residents. "In that culture, the kids take care of each other because they have to," said Haidu, who taught more than 50 children. "The minute we walked in the door, they loved us and we loved them." To say the residents of the shanty town were poor is like a drop in the buckets of rain water that wash through their collapsed roofs. "It was clear to all of us that these people have nothing, but they are so joyful," Haidu said. Malin agreed, saying the trip made her "appreciative and mindful of our resources." She recalled how every residue of paint or crumb of Playdough used in projects would be carefully saved by even the youngest of children. "They are so good at honoring what they have," she said. Advertisement The Ingage volunteers said the residents also were surprisingly generous, bringing offerings to the church in the form of bits of food, used shoes and other items. "As poor as they were, everybody could donate something," Haidu said. Pappas added: "They don't waste a thing." Pappas prepared for the trip by interviewing teachers that she knew. "The power of teams is that everyone has their unique gifts to offer," she said. "One single positive role model in a child's life can make a difference." Ingage members hope to maintain a relationship with the church. Advertisement "The time and energy poured into this weeklong event to provide a safe place for children to sing (led by Pastor Sara), play and learn amazed us all, and we were truly blessed to be a part of this experience," Muir said. "There is nothing more exciting than to be a part of a team that is walking alongside people, building relationships, sharing resources and learning from one another in a cross-cultural context." Jensen's most cherished memory is of a little 10-year old girl named Katherine. "She longed to learn English words and to talk with me, but most days, she would silently come and stand by me and just quietly be with me. We connected somehow, and I still remember how her smile could light up a room. It was a love that transcended language." Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. A University of Illinois student accused of killing her newborn baby in a residence hall bathroom in March will plead guilty in a deal with prosecutors, her lawyers said Thursday. Lindsay L. Johnson, a 20-year-old agricultural communications major from Monee, had faced up to 75 years in prison if convicted of the first-degree murder charges she faces. Her lawyers, Tony and Evan Bruno, declined to comment on what charges Johnson would plead guilty to on April 7, saying only that it would resolve the criminal charges filed against her. Advertisement "With the loving support of her family, Lindsay has made the difficult decision to enter into a plea agreement in April that will resolve the criminal charges filed against her," the lawyers said in a statement released following Johnson's appearance before Judge Tom Difanis in Champaign County court Thursday morning. Santa Clara University law professor Michelle Oberman, who has written two books about mothers who kill their children, said sentences for women who are convicted of neonaticide, as the act of killing an infant within the baby's first 24 hours of life is known, can run the gamut from probation with counseling to decades behind bars. Advertisement Oberman, who has studied hundreds of such cases over the past 20-plus years, said women with competent legal representation generally receive sentences of no more than a year or two in prison, with many getting probation. The unremitting shame and stigmatization that mothers convicted of killing their newborns experience is often seen as punishment enough by judges, who see no positive in putting them behind bars, researchers said. Johnson was charged with first-degree murder, child endangerment and concealment of a homicidal death in April after allegedly suffocating her infant son shortly after giving birth in the bathroom of her dorm suite at Bousfield Hall in Champaign on March 13, 2016. Police, who were summoned to Johnson's dorm to check on a student reported to have been in the bathroom for several hours, found evidence that a child may have been born in the bathroom and went searching for Johnson, who had left prior to their arrival. Officers found her on campus later that evening wearing a backpack with the deceased newborn boy inside, prosecutors said. Johnson told police she had given birth earlier in the day, but that the child was not breathing when he was born, according to a state's attorney's office news release. When told that a witness had reported hearing a baby crying, Johnson admitted the boy was alive when he was born and that she may have tried to quiet the crying child by putting a towel or hand over his mouth, the state's attorney's office said. Forensic analysis of Johnson's phone showed a history going back to September 2015 of searches made for information on pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, miscarriage, home abortions, and how to manage physical signs of pregnancy after the loss of a baby, the state's attorney's office said. Word of the incident spread swiftly across the University of Illinois campus, eliciting mixed reactions that ranged from anger and disgust to tempered pity and concern over Johnson's mental state. Advertisement Those who knew her described Johnson as a quiet but congenial girl who played the trumpet for the Marching Illini, loved country music and excelled academically. "She's a very kind person, really," one friend said shortly after Johnson's arrest. "I've never really seen her angry or upset by very much." Tammy Cowger, whose son Dakota was a close friend of Johnson's at Peotone High School and who chaperoned Johnson and other Peotone High School students on Future Farmers of America field trips, said she was at a loss after reading coverage of Johnson's arrest. "I was shocked when I read it because that's not her personality at all. Not at all," she said. "She's one of those kids you would want your kids to hang out with. She was just like your typical high school girl." Friends and acquaintances of Johnson's said she'd hidden her pregnancy from those close to her and had been spending much of her time with her boyfriend, a fellow marching band member. One friend who asked to remain anonymous said Johnson had appeared to gain weight but that he thought nothing of it because it was normal for her to dress in baggy sweatpants. Advertisement The Champaign County state's attorney's office declined to comment on the case. While State's Attorney Julia Rietz had previously called Johnson's "an unusual case" and said she had never encountered one like it, neonaticides are believed to occur hundreds of times each year in the United States. The similarities between such cases are striking enough that researchers consider the behavior a syndrome and draw a clear distinction between mothers who kill their babies within the first 24 hours and mothers who kill their infants or young children older than a day. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Women who commit neonaticide are rarely mentally ill, but rather manage to delude themselves and others throughout their pregnancy, Oberman said. "They just wish it away," she said. "Maybe I'll have a miscarriage. Maybe I'm not really pregnant." Their avoidance of reality means these expectant mothers almost never seek prenatal medical care and fail to make any advance preparations, experts say. Advertisement While harming the child is not something these mothers anticipate doing, once thrust into the situation of having to handle a live childbirth on their own, they panic and act impulsively. "The same thing that led her to conceal her pregnancy will lead her to put the baby in a toilet or put a towel over the baby and smother it," Oberman said. zkoeske@tribpub.com Twitter @ZakKoeske Illinois State Police crime scene investigators and the FBIremove the floor of abasement on Margaret Street in Joliet on Feb. 23, 2017. Investigators were looking for the remains of Will County sheriff's Deputy Robin Abrams, who has been missing since 1990. (Warren Skalski / Chicago Tribune) Investigators have completed digging under a basement in a Joliet home they began searching last week in connection with a 27-year-old missing person case, officials said. Illinois State Police Sgt. Patrick Callaghan confirmed Thursday that investigators had finished digging up a basement of a home in the 100 block of South Margaret Street. Investigators said "new leads" and "credible information" in connection with the 1990 disappearance of former Will County Sheriff's Deputy Robin Abrams led them to the home. Advertisement Callaghan declined further comment on the investigation and would not say whether human remains were found buried beneath the home's basement. A spokesman with the Will County state's attorney's office also declined comment. But Kevin Stevenson, chief deputy coroner in the Will County coroner's office, said his agency had not been called out to the site. If human remains had been found, the coroner's office would have been notified, Stevenson said. Advertisement Before she disappeared, Abrams had filed a civil rights lawsuit against a former Will County sheriff's official with whom she said she had an affair. Abrams claimed in the suit that the official was responsible for her losing her job with the sheriff's office. According to sheriff's department records, Abrams was hired Jan. 11, 1988, and fired Dec. 21 of the same year, just three weeks before her probationary period was to end. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Abrams, who was 28 when she disappeared, was last seen Oct. 4, 1990, when she and her father, who was an Orland Park police officer, exchanged waves as their cars passed each other on a rural Will County road near Beecher. She was scheduled to testify in a deposition regarding the lawsuit nearly three weeks later. Her 1989 red Dodge Daytona hatchback was recovered 11 hours later by police in south suburban Harvey. Her keys were still in the ignition inside the locked car. Harvey police said at the time that a nearby resident saw the vehicle dropped off by two men in what was described as a tow truck. Another resident reported that someone was trying to break into the car. In addition to the keys, police found Abrams' camera inside the car. Three days later, a woman telephoned Abrams' father saying his daughter's purse was found three blocks away from the car's location. The missing woman's wallet and credit cards were gone, but her checkbook was still in the purse. For years, Abrams' sister, Jody Abrams Walsh, has devoted her time to seeking justice for her sister. Walsh could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday. Her cousin, Sheri Luigs, declined comment when reached Thursday. Investigators with the Illinois State Police and the FBI have been at the Joliet home, which was built the same year Abrams disappeared, for more than 1 1/2 weeks. Investigators declined to say what specifically led them to the home but did say neither the current nor former homeowners were involved in the case. Advertisement Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. President Donald Trump waves as he walks across the tarmac toward Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, right, before they boarded Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on March 2, 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) I think the sooner questions are resolved about ties between Russia and Donald Trump's campaign, the sooner he can get on with the business of making America great again. Questions about Russian interference in the U.S. election won't go away. Intelligence agencies and Congress are investigating how Russia is using cyber warfare to influence public opinion in America, Europe and elsewhere. Advertisement President Trump and Republicans who control Congress will have a harder time convincing Americans of the need to repeal and replace the health care law, cut taxes and advance other parts of their domestic agenda when stories about Russia keep dominating the news cycle. This week, Trump and Republicans enjoyed a brief surge in popularity. He was praised for appearing presidential during his Tuesday night address to Congress. For about 24 hours, there was a sense that Trump's record-low approval ratings might have hit bottom. Advertisement There was talk he hit the "pivot." His address, though devoid of facts and specifics, sounded optimistic. For a day, Trump's ability to unite the American people seemed almost feasible. That was nice while it lasted. Then on Wednesday night, The New York Times reported aides to President Barack Obama left a trail of intelligence "bread crumbs" for investigators exploring connections between Trump and Russia. Also Wednesday night, The Washington Post reported Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice with the Russian ambassador during the election campaign and failed to disclose those conversations during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation hearing. The goodwill and positive momentum generated by Trump's speech to Congress quickly evaporated. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, called on Sessions to resign, saying he committed perjury by lying to Congress. Sessions campaigned for Trump. The White House on Thursday described the revelations of Sessions meeting with the Russian ambassador as a partisan attack by Democrats. Sessions was acting in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the White House told Fox News, not as a representative of Trump's campaign. Thursday morning, Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Oversight Committee chairman Jason Chaffetz, called for Sessions to recuse himself from the Justice Department investigation into links between the Trump campaign and Russia. Thursday afternoon, Sessions said he would recuse himself "from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for President of the United States." Pressure is mounting on congressional Republicans to agree to an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate connections between Russia and the Trump campaign. Democrats continue to insist on a 9/11-style commission, while Republicans thus far have permitted only queries by committees subject to partisan influence. Advertisement Democrats, loose-lipped intelligence agents, the press and other "enemies of the people" will not drop the issue. Until the questions are sufficiently resolved, there will be a steady stream of stories leaked to the media from intelligence sources and American allies, followed by more calls for independent investigations and resignations. The constant negative coverage will continue to depress Trump's approval ratings and distract from Republican efforts to keep the focus on creating jobs and growing the economy. I think it's in the best interests of Trump supporters and congressional Republicans to support thorough, independent investigations of Trump's connections with Russia. Until the air is cleared, questions about potential conflicts will continue to nag the administration. GOP legislators might pay a political price for placing party before country by dragging their feet. No one knows what the investigations might reveal. "We don't know what we don't know," newsman Dan Rather wrote on Facebook Thursday. Usually, it's not so much the crime as the cover-up that damages political careers. Michael Flynn, for example, resigned as national security advisor after it was revealed he "misled" Vice President Mike Pence about his conversation with the Russian ambassador. Americans will tire of the relentless drip of stories about Trump and Russia. Watch what happens when I write, "Hillary Clinton's emails." Do you feel a twinge of nausea in your stomach? Do you want to just forget the topic and move on to something else? I bet you do. Advertisement I think the "nothing to see here" response by Trump and Republicans is an ineffective political strategy. Questions will continue to dog the party in power about what Trump knew and when he knew it, and conflicts over his business dealings. The threads between Trump and Russia are numerous. There's Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign manager, who worked for pro-Russia Ukranian politician Viktor Yanukovych. Recent revelations of hacked text messages between Manafort and his daughter raise questions about whether Russians were trying to blackmail Manafort, Politico reported on Feb. 23. There's Wilbur Ross, newly confirmed Secretary of Commerce, who served as vice chairman of the Bank of Cyprus. The bank is part owned by Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, a close associate of Vladimir Putin, MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show" reported Monday night. Rybolovlev, the "King of Fertilizer," paid Trump $100 million in 2008 for a Florida house that Trump bought for $40 million two years earlier, Maddow reported. The Bank of Cyprus chairman is former head of Deutsch Bank, which paid a $630 million fine for laundering illegal Russian money, according to Maddow. Then there's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, former CEO of ExxonMobil. The company stands to earn billions of dollars by producing oil from 63 million acres on which it bought drilling rights in Russia and the Arctic, if U.S. sanctions against Russia are lifted, The New York Times and others have reported. There's that Feb. 19 New York Times report about Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, hand-delivering a proposal to Flynn in his office a week before he resigned as national security adviser. Advertisement The Times report said the proposal outlined how Russia wanted to use "compromising material" to remove the current Ukraine leadership and install a government more friendly to Russia. Ukraine voters would then be asked to approve a referendum to allow Russia to lease Crimea, the territory seized by Russia in 2014, thus clearing the way to lift U.S. sanctions. Any one of these threads deserves independent and thorough investigation by Congress and intelligence agencies. The implications are potentially more serious than the 2012 Benghazi attack. Congress should devote at least as much time and resources investigating all the ties between Trump and Russia as it did scrutinizing Benghazi. If Trump were to make public his tax returns, he might dispel some of the questions about potential conflicts and his campaign's ties to Russia. But he's not legally obligated to release them, so questions remain. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, coauthored a piece in the magazine's latest issue titled, "Trump, Putin and the New Cold War." His magazine's reporting provides historical context about Putin's motives for wanting to disrupt free democracies. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > The report cites a 2013 "doctrine" spelled out by Valery Gerasimov, Russian chief of general staff, who explained the use of tactics that "include efforts to shape the political and social landscape of the adversary through subversion, espionage, propaganda, and cyberattacks." This mounting body of evidence helps paint a clearer picture of ties between Trump and Russia. I believe additional revelations by the press, intelligence agencies and U.S. allies are forthcoming. Advertisement Republicans and Trump supporters face a choice. They can support independent, thorough investigations that will put to rest questions about Trump's connections to Russia. If there is nothing improper in the relationships, Trump and his supporters should have no reason to object to calls for transparency. If, on the other hand, Trump and Republicans resist efforts to get to the bottom of Russian efforts to interfere in America's 2016 election, I think they'll continue to have to respond to damaging revelations and accusations of obstruction. Those who choose that path risk paying a political price for placing their party before country. tslowik@tribpub.com Twitter @tedslowik In contrast to the Illinois budget situation, Minnesota's budget surplus is projected to grow to $1.65 billion this year. How did Minnesota do it? They stimulated the economy by raising the minimum wage and increasing income taxes. Something to think about Illinois voters. William, Oak lawn Advertisement How ridiculous is it that the Democratic women in the House of Representatives wasted time to send out a memo requesting they all wear white to President Donald Trump address to Congress. What are they a sorority? For a salary of $174,000 plus a year, quit wasting time and get to work fixing our country. I was appalled that President Donald Trump has taken away the protection for our waterways. We have spent billions to start cleaning the waterways from the contamination put there by industry and now he is going to let them pollute them again. Does this man not realize how important our fresh water sources are? He is going to bring back industry but that industry is going to be manned mostly by robots. So unless someone has the necessary training to work in that type of environment, people aren't getting their lost manufacturing jobs back and corporate American makes more money. Advertisement Luckily, not all the channels were running the mutual admiration society Tuesday night, so I was able to watched MacGyver. The applause after every sentence made me want to gag. This president promises the world, but can't back it up. Obamacare was to be removed and replaced day one according to his promises during the campaign, it wasn't. Then it was going to be removed and replaced when Tom Price was in place, it wasn't. Now, "who knew it was so complex?" Everyone but Trump and his advisers. I wouldn't mind giving this man a chance if he would admit he wasn't handed a "mess" and that he starts realistically fixing problems instead of stroking his ego. Chicago I watched President Donald Trump's speech to Congress last night. I listened with amazement his vision for America and all it's people. He also asking Congress members of both parties to "unite" and work together for a better America. All I saw on the Democratic side was disdain and hatred on their faces for our elected president. Never in my life have I seen such ignorance. R.D. What's Speak Out? Speak Out allows readers to comment on the issues of the day. Email Speak Out at speakout@southtownstar.com or call 312-222-2427. Please limit comments to 30 seconds or about 120 words and give your first name and your hometown. State Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) chairs the House Committee on Aging, which will be holding a hearing next week on a proposed change to a program that provides for in-home care for the elderly. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News) In her role chairing the House Aging Committee, State Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) will be overseeing a hearing March 9 on a proposal that would change the mechanism through which thousands of Illinois senior citizens receive home care. The plan put forward would create a two-tiered system out of the current Illinois Department on Aging's Community Care Program, which is designed to help seniors stay living in their own homes as long as they can. Advertisement According to an online report from the Illinois Department on Aging, enrollment in the program grew from 40,965 enrollees in 2005 to 83,787 enrollees in 2015. "Illinois' aging population will also more than double by 2030, with an expected 57 percent increase in individuals aged 60 plus over the next 15 years," the report states. Advertisement The department estimates that by 2020 the existing Community Care Program would cost about $975 million. So, to save about $225 million, the suggested new setup would provide a system similar to the current one for Medicaid-qualifying seniors, while those who don't meet Medicaid's requirements would go into a second pool, called the Community Reinvestment Program. That Illinois Department on Aging report claims that for Fiscal Year 2017 there are 43,672 individuals who would be in the Community Reinvestment Program and 45,766 would be in Community Care Program /Medicaid offering. For the next fiscal year, 44,564 would be in Community Reinvestment Program and 35,828 in Community Care Program /Medicaid. According to the Illinois Department on Aging State Plan on Aging FY2017 - FY2019, for participants who are Medicaid eligible, the state receives a match of up to approximately $200 million from the federal government which is returned to the general revenue fund. For individuals who are non-Medicaid eligible, Community Care Program services are funded entirely through the general revenue fund. In a statement, Illinois Department on Aging Director of Communications Veronica Vera said, "The Illinois Department on Aging has gathered input from stakeholders to ensure the state has a thoughtful, person-centered program to protect and care for our increasing number of older residents for many years to come. Modeled after a successful demonstration program IDoA oversaw in FY2007, CRP will allow us to add a larger menu of services for our seniors to maintain quality of life in their homes utilizing the same process we currently have within our Aging network." Critics, though, have concerns with the change. In a statement, Ryan Gruenenfelder, Director of Advocacy for AARP Illinois, said, "The new program will erode seniors' access and continuity of care while lacking critical background checks for some in-home and community service providers. The proposed rule changes deeply cut senior care resources, and in so pose a grave risk for thousands of vulnerable seniors to face premature nursing home placement." Gruenenfelder added that as the state seeks solutions to its budget crisis, the new program would wind up costing the state more in the long run as displaced seniors move into nursing homes costing up to three times more than the current Community Care Program. "If Illinois is committed to rethinking its budget priorities and implementing cost-saving policies, we must invest in our state's current senior care program with greater resources while implementing meaningful reforms, requiring greater accountability, and championing broader service options under the Medicaid waiver," Gruenenfelder said. Advertisement Moeller said another of those concerns comes from changes that would allow for the use of ridesharing services to take Community Reinvestment Program seniors to appointments. Another is that moves such as moving washers and dryers to make them more convenient for the elderly to use or making other design changes to homes in place of having in-home care could leave seniors more isolated. Moeller noted that with the state's continuing budget quagmire, the plan being put forward illustrates that any cuts that might eventually be made to any state-funded programming will have long- and short-term consequences. The House Aging Committee hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 9 in Room 118 at the Capitol Building in Springfield. mdanahey@tribpub.com A recent parolee from the Illinois Department of Corrections was arrested early Wednesday morning in Elgin with a baggy of powdered sugar which he hoped to sell as cocaine to make money, according to Elgin police. John M. Grothe, 44, of Chicago, and another man were stopped by Elgin police in the area of Grove Avenue and National Street at about midnight after an officer saw them jaywalk, according to reports. After the officer confirmed Grothe was a parolee, he was subjected to a search and was found with the baggy and sugar packaged similarly to how controlled substances are sold on the street, according to police. Grothe told the officer he had planned to sell the sugar on the street. Advertisement He was charged with a class 3 felony count of manufacture, delivery, advertising or possession of a look-alike substance. Bail was set at $25,000, and he was given a March 15 court date. Advertisement Janelle Walker is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Elgin police assured Latinos attending a Conversacion con la Comunidad Tuesday that officers are not an arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and are not working to deport undocumented immigrants who are abiding the country's laws. "We don't call immigration if we have contact with you," Elgin Police Sgt. Eric Echevarria said. Advertisement Elgin police do report the immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of people charged with multiple felonies or violent crimes, such as criminal sexual abuse, Echevarria said. The names of those people is passed onto the department, which will deport them after a conviction or prison term, he said. Echevarria led the discussion, conducted in Spanish, at Iglesia Carismatica Puerta De Sion, 19 Center St., Tuesday night. Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and City Manager Rick Kozal were also on hand to speak. Advertisement A recurring question was Elgin police's working relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "Are you working with ICE?" an audience member asked in Spanish. Swoboda outlined what police do, and have done for years, when arresting an immigrant who is living in the U.S. illegally charged with a serious crime. There will be no change in that policy, he said. Last year, Elgin police made 3,515 arrests and 10 were held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he said. "The city of Elgin does cooperate with ICE, we are not ashamed of that," Swoboda said, adding the people referred to ICE are a danger to the whole community. Elgin police will not and are not planning to go door-to-door on immigration raids, he said, to applause. The police department is not an arm of the federal government, Swoboda said. Asked if Elgin could become a sanctuary city, Swoboda said there are different definitions of "sanctuary city." It would be a decision city officials would need to make, he said. Kozal said the city's Human Relations Commission is researching the topic. Other questions focused on what immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally should do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to their door. "Can immigration come into your house?" asked another person. "What are our rights if someone comes to our door?" One woman said someone came to her door and knocked aggressively, telling her to open the door for the police. Elgin Det. Elias Acevedo said residents should call 911 if someone is being aggressive, even if they claim to be a police officer. Advertisement "Be very careful, there are people who take advantage of the situation and if you don't feel safe or feel threatened, call 911," Acevedo said. There are a lot of people trying to scare immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally, especially on Facebook, Swoboda said. This week, there were posts falsely claiming Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted 50 immigration raids in Elgin, he said. Elgin police were invited to hold the meeting at the church by Pastor Jose Luis Hidalgo. The church often hosts community-wide events and guest speakers. In the past, the Mexican consulate has come to the church to help people get their matricula, Mexican identification card, he said. Hidalgo finds immigrants who is living in the U.S. illegally are scared about what is reported in the news about immigration. "People are not wanting to go out and are gathering all their money together to go home," he said, which is not good for the U.S. economy, he added. He tells people just to make sure they work using their own names, have permission to drive and have insurance and it will be OK, Hidalgo said. "They seem to relax after that," he said. Elgin police used Tuesday's meeting to reinforce they are there to protect everyone. "We are here for you," Echevarria said. Advertisement Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Elmhurst Unit District 205 superintendent Dave Moyer has had his contract extended for two years. Citing a host of accomplishments during Moyer's 20 months on the job, the District 205 School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to add two years onto the Moyer's contact, which was scheduled to expire in June 2018 Advertisement "We are proud of the district's accomplishments and because we believe Dr. Moyer is the best superintendent to keep the district moving forward," the board is extending his contract, board President Shannon Ebner said, reading from a statement from the board. "Dr. Moyer is a visionary leader who is committed to raising the bar and closing the achievement gap for all students," Ebner said. Advertisement The salary and benefits for Moyer provided in his contract will continue in the new contract, according to Chris Blum, chairman of the board's Finance and Operations Committee. Moyer's base annual salary of $225,951 and benefits will be reviewed by the board at the end this school year, along with the salaries and benefits of all administrators, and "may be increased by a modest amount," Blum said. Blum said the board considered whether it should wait until after the new board is seated after the April 4 election before approving the contract extension. "The board concluded that it was appropriate to act now, given that the current board hired Dr. Moyer and has closely evaluated his performance," Blum said, also reading from a prepared statement. "This consensus was enhanced by the fact that there will only be one new member of the board, given that there are now only three candidates for the open three positions and two of the candidates are incumbents." Blum also said that acting on the contract now would help the district retain and recruit teachers and administrators this spring. Some of Moyer's listed accomplishments highlighted by the board:: A record high ACT score for the 2016 graduating class of 24.7. York High School being one of 433 schools in the United States and Canada named to the AP District Honor Roll for having increased participation and maintained or improved pass rates in Advanced Placement classes during 2013-16. Eleven of the 12 schools in the district meeting or exceeding state standards in math. Advertisement Successful pilot of the Eureka Math curriculum at the elementary and middle school levels, which will be implemented in all elementary classrooms in 2017-18. Successful second year of the Mobile Learning Implementation, utilizing Chromebooks in fourth through 12th grades. A community engagement campaign known as Focus 205 that has extended over a two-year period. A balanced operating budget for fiscal year 2017. The district having the highest financial rating from the Illinois State Board of Education and fund balances above the minimum established in board policy. Moyer's vision has not always been embraced by all, Ebner pointed out. Advertisement "Ours is an involved community and change is always difficult, especially for the change agent," Ebner said. "Together, we have stretched and grown." Ebner said an analysis of Moyer's work over the past 20 months satisfied the board that that he has demonstrated progress toward meeting the district's key performance indicators and outcomes. Moyer credited District 205 staff members with making many of the results happen. "We do have a staff of professionals and there is a direct correlation to quality work," Moyer said. Kevin Beese is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press Aspiring artists at the Glencoe Public Library start on Feb. 23 with their attempt to replicate Vincent van Goghs "Starry Night." (Daniel I. Dorfman / Pioneer Press) They came from varied professions, such as doctor, real estate brokers, and sales manager. Yet for one night, a group of 16 all had the same goal: aspiring artist. On Feb. 23, a collage of village residents and non-residents, dressed in aprons, spent two hours at the Glencoe Public Library attempting to produce a replica of Vincent van Gogh's 1889 classic "Starry Night" painting. Advertisement "What we are trying to do is get people to use their hands and get away from electronic (media) where you can actually do something and create something of your own," said Sunshine McCarthy, an art instructor with Pinot's Palette, a studio chain that coordinated the event. The students in Glencoe were tasked with creating their own version of the impressionist's iconic work. Advertisement "It is an easily recognizable painting," McCarthy said. "Most people know what it looks like and they know what to expect." For the library, the art class served as an opportunity to showcase different types of programming. "We are experimenting with encouraging creativity in the community," library spokeswoman Grace Hayek said. "We are trying to make the library to have more things for more people." As varied musical selections - from Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" to Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" - played, the participants, forewarned that it could be a messy evening, gathered at their easels with acrylic paints in shades of blue, yellow, white, orange, teal and gold. McCarthy guided participants on how to paint the background first with swirling clouds, then stars and rolling hills, with a tree coming last. "A lot of people are afraid they are going to do badly, so it is confidence" (they need), McCarthy said. "Once they realize they can do it, they are more likely to have fun." That was just the right atmosphere for James Noel of Highland Park, who remembered painting during his medical residency. "It is a very complicated piece, but doing it this way step by step it makes it a little more pleasurable than looking at the canvas and trying to do it on your own," Noel said. Advertisement The event was a way for students to have some fun, in particular for four friends who came together. "I love that I can follow something and I don't have to make it up on my own," said Glencoe's Ashlee Thompson, one of the quartet. "I can't wait to do it again." Noel was happy with his rendering, and with the experience. "Now that painting is over, I forgot how therapeutic painting really is," he said. "It is like reading a book. It takes you out of your own world and you escape reality, and so for that moment, everything stands still. It is just the canvas and you, and whatever is in front of you." Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer for Pioneer Press. The once peripheral status of international schools in China has had a growing reputation among wealthy families across the country. With the hope of sending their children to the world's renowned universities and escaping from the stressful competition of the National Higher Education Entrance Exam, more parents are sending their children to international schools despite the colossal expenses. [File photo] With the hope of sending their children to the world's renowned universities and escaping from the stressful competition of the National Higher Education Entrance Exam, more parents are sending their children to international schools despite the colossal expenses. But will international schools truly lead the way to the world's prestigious educational institutes? The answer is definitely "no". Despite a kaleidoscope of reasons for sending children to international schools, parents are beginning to realize that an international education is an irreversible course. Admission to international schools is an opportunity available to rich families only. According to Zheng Yonghua, whose daughter is at an international school in Shanghai, the cost of the international school she attends is about 20 times the expense of a Chinese education. The tuition -- in addition to boarding, living, extracurricular learning and overseas travelling -- is at least 100,000 yuan (US$14,540) a year. But money alone cannot have a final say. As the size of applications to international schools has surged during the past few years, schools have tightened their admissions by denying candidates with no foreign identities or backgrounds. Moreover, parents are asked to be highly involved in community services and school curricula, and the children should also have a basic command of English that enables them to communicate in classes. "It is ridiculous to have a child apply for international schooling without speaking English," Zheng Yonghua said, explaining that the lessons and programs in the schools are all in English. Beijing Huijia Private School was among the first privately owned international schools in China. It began to open pedagogic lessons for those who expected to be accredited with foreign diplomas in 1997. From then on, international schools have flourished. There are also international classes in Chinese high schools. Bao Xiaojuan, who used to teach in international schools, said, "The segregation among students in international schools is severe, as the children only befriend with those who speak the same language. So there are English groups, Chinese groups and French groups." According to Bao, due to the lower levels of discipline compared to Chinese schools, many students in international schools indulge in hedonism. A report on those who wish to study aboard while attending high schools, initiated by Fan Aiai from the Graduate School of Education, Peking University revealed that students applying for international study are usually those ranked between 26 and 50 percent with regards to grades. They are from wealthy families with annual incomes above 500,000 yuan (US$ 72,730.45). But once they choose to be international students, they have decided a future in which they can no longer take part in the National Higher Education Entrance Exam and have to study abroad at young ages -- a track they have difficulty changing, the report disclosed. District 225 officials have raised concerns about the possibility of sharing an expanded parking lot with the Glenview Ice Center, saying it would pose traffic and security concerns. In September 2016, the Glenview Park District began conducting a feasibility study of expanding the Glenview Ice Center after community members approached park district officials and expressed interest in expanding the 44-year-old facility, park district spokeswoman Melissa Brand said in an email. Advertisement At a recent Special Revenue Facilities Committee meeting, a consulting firm recommended expanding the ice center from one and a half sheets of ice to two and a half sheets of ice, Brand said. A number of sites are being considered to either expand the ice center or build a new facility, and the firm will prepare a financial analysis and make a final recommendation once all the options are considered, Brand said. The final recommendations will be presented to the Glenview Park District Board of Commissioners in April, she said. Advertisement But at the Feb. 13 District 225 Board of Education meeting, Supt. Michael Riggle told the school board that park district officials have asked the administration to consider sharing an expanded parking lot between the ice center and the Glenbrook High Schools Off-Campus building, which is used for special needs education and evening high school. Riggle said the school district, which currently allows ice center users to park in the off-campus building lot, has concerns about designated parking spaces for students and faculty, security and traffic if the parking lot is expanded. "We are willing to look at shared use if (the park district) can guarantee safety, security and guarantee that no one will be invading our spaces that we can hold school the way we normally do without the disruption," Riggle told the board. Board member Bruce Doughty said that Riggle's "principles are spot on" with regards to security and safety. Brand said that no proposal has been made between the two districts regarding expanded parking. In 2009, the school district denied a park district proposal for a potential "land swap" between the two facilities, according to a school district board report. In the land swap, the park district would have built another rink on the off-campus building parking lot, and the school district would have used the land near the ice rink parking lot to build an additional field at Glenbrook South High School, it said. The school district denied the land swap because the cost was "very close" to the price of an artificial turf field "which would result in many more hours of use than another natural field," the report said. akukulka@chicagotribune.com Twitter @Akukulka11 I'm not going to bury the lede. Nowadays, the buried aren't safe anyway. Here's what my cousin, Phil Goldfarb, emailed to my family last week: "I am certain that all of you heard about the vandalism at the Congregation Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery in St. Louis. There are three family members buried there. Advertisement Rosa Levinson Froug (1864-1907). She was the wife of Abraham Froug, mother to Mike, Bill and Laura Froug. Great-grandmother to Brenda, Mary and Lisa. (Lisa was my mom's flower-girl; I was Mary's flower-girl.) Rosa Froug Smulian (1869-1915) and her husband Jacob Eli Smulian (1870-1941). Parents of Ohren, grandparents of Ronnie (who was named after Rosa), and great-grandparents of Steven, Andrew, Sally and Betsy." Advertisement Here, I insert a little family background. Most of my mother's family comes from what is now Oklahoma. Though she was born and raised in Tulsa, her father, Ohren Smulian, lived the Jewish version of the wild west, riding a horse to and from his one-room schoolhouse, playing hooky to go skunk hunting, and claiming Stroud, I.T., as his earliest address. The I.T. stands for Indian Territory. Remember, Oklahoma didn't gain statehood until 1907. So why are my relatives buried in St. Louis? Phil, a professional genealogist, explains. "For Rosa Levinson Froug, the answer is that there was no Jewish cemetery in Tulsa when she died. (Rose Hill did not open until 1913.) Furthermore, most Jewish cemeteries did not accept anyone who committed suicide. Rosa Froug, upon discovering that her husband Abraham was having an affair with her niece Molly, committed suicide." Well there's a little bit of juicy family lore I didn't know about. Looking for a place to bury Rosa, the family settled on Chesed Shel Emeth. I'm guessing the St. Louis cemetery either had more lenient rules, or they had what was surely the first "don't ask, don't tell" burial policy. After the burial, Abraham married Molly. The newlyweds left Stroud, either by choice or at the strong encouragement of an outraged mob, and moved to Little Rock, Ark. Manifest Destiny comes in many forms. The cemetery saga continues. According to Phil, the other Rosa underwent surgery for cancer "at the Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and died there. Since her sister-in-law was already buried at Chesed Shel Emeth(she was) buried there as well." That's two headstones accounted for. And the third? "When Jacob Eli Smulian died, he was buried in St. Louis next to his wife." Incidentally, my great-grandfather Jacob Smulian served as the Mayor of Stroud, Okla., from 1912 to 1914. When President Taft traveled by railway to see the west, Mayor Smulian convinced Taft to get off at Stroud for a "meet and greet." Stroud newspapers claim this made him a very popular mayor. Advertisement Three of my relatives lay in Chesed Shel Emeth, meant to rest in peace after eventful lives. My take away? Dig through history. Discover the lives. Then recognize, with outrage, that the recent desecration adds a contemporary and shameful chapter to their stories. Sally Higginson is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. The College of Lake County's Grayslake Campus is set to host the One Earth Film Festival. (Dan Moran / Lake County News-Sun) The One Earth Film Festival, sponsored by the Green Communities Initiative, includes free film screenings in Grayslake and Waukegan. Walk-ins are welcome, but the festival producers suggest participants obtain tickets ahead of time online, especially for the virtual-reality film "Valen's Reef." Donations are accepted. To obtain tickets, visit www.oneearthfilmfest.org/lake-county-films-2017. Advertisement Saturday 1:30 p.m., "Hometown Habitat," Prairie Crossing School, 1531 Jones Point Road, Grayslake Advertisement Filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman will attend the screening, which shows people from all over the country as well as in Grayslake creating native plant landscapes. Sunday 5 p.m. "Years of Living Dangerously: Uprising" Christ Episcopal Church, 410 Grand Ave., Waukegan. Film stars America Ferrera and Sigourney Weaver take viewers to communities, including Waukegan, struggling to transition from fossil-fuel based energy sources to renewable energy sources. Waukegan residents featured in the film will be there for discussions. March 10 "A Plastic Ocean" and "Valen's Reef" 5:30 p.m. for "Valen's Reef," 6:30 p.m. for "A Plastic Ocean," Advertisement College of Lake County, Building A Auditorium, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Some images could be disturbing in this film about how plastics are harming the ocean, its inhabitants and humans. "Valen's Reef," a virtual reality film will be shown before and after "A Plastic Ocean." A limited number of participants can view "Valen's Reef," which requires wearing a headset. March 11 "Shifting Sands" 2:30 p.m. with Spanish subtitles Waukegan Public Library 28 N. County St., Waukegan A region where rare plants grow next to smokestacks is revealed. Advertisement "Before the Flood" 6:30 p.m. with Spanish subtitles College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington St., Building A, Auditorium, Grayslake The National Geographic film features Leonardo DiCaprio traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change with scientists and political leaders. Some images could be disturbing. Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Catherine Zimmerman filmed homeowners throughout the nation, including residents in Grayslake creating native landscapes, for her movie Hometown Habitat, to be shown March 4 at Prairie Crossing in Grayslake. (One Earth Film Festival) Participants in the One Earth Film Festival in Lake County can experience a virtual reality movie in which they feel as if they are underwater with some of the 600 types of colorful coral and 1,700 species of fish in Indonesia. The virtual reality film, "Valen's Reef," can be experienced before and after the movie "A Plastic Ocean" is shown on March 10 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Advertisement It's one of five films being shown Saturday-March 11 for the film festival. One will be at Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake, two at CLC, one at the Waukegan Public Library and another at a Waukegan church. Participants will have the opportunity to meet a filmmaker, talk about issues with speakers and get involved with local Lake County projects to help the environment. The virtual film will likely be the highlight of the festival, which is sponsored by the Green Communities Initiative, said Sally Stovall, one of the group's founding members. Advertisement "We've gone a step beyond this year to feature this experience. It should be quite spectacular," she said. The initiative formed six years ago has been bringing environmentally related films to Chicago and the suburbs in February and March for the past six years, with the public invited to view the films for free. "I'm finding Lake County is a very conservation-minded county. It's also very diverse," Stovall said. "We are working to find different ways to bring messages to the people and to communicate with them." Participants in the One Earth Film Festival can view a virtual reality movie, Valens Reef of an Indonesian coral reef at the College of Lake County in Grayslake on March 10. (One Earth Film Festival) Two of the films have Spanish subtitles, and two include stories involving Waukegan and Grayslake residents. Discussions and resource fairs will be held before and after most of the movies. Waukegan residents who appeared in one of the movies, "Years of Living Dangerously," scheduled Sunday, will answer questions before and after the movie, which shows the tension between those who believe their health issues are related to a coal plant and those who depend on the plant for their livelihood. Green Community Connections, a grass-roots sustainability group, was formed to spread awareness of the environment "from climate change to why we should compost our organic waste, why we should conserve water and why we should drive fewer miles in our cars," said Cassandra West, one of the group's founders. The members started the festival in Oak Park, expanded into the Austin neighborhood in Chicago the next year and then into the collar counties including Lake and DuPage, she said. Roughly 500 members of the public attended films the first year, and 5,000 attended last year, West said. "Our primary goal is to help people to find some way to take action," Stovall said, and she believes it's working. Surveys show that 96 percent of respondents who have attended one or more films said they had either strengthened sustainable practices, adopted new sustainable practices or done both, she said. One of the movies to be shown during the One Earth Film Festival in Lake County features native landscaping done at Prairie Crossing community in Grayslake. In this photo, a blazing star blooms in summer at Prairie Crossing. (Sheryl DeVore / Lake County News-Sun) Participants said they were biking more, conserving water, composting and researching sustainability issues, she said. Advertisement David Husemoller, sustainability coordinator at CLC, said that's what he appreciates most about the film festival. Husemoller said at CLC's two screenings, March 10 and 11, participants can visit action tables to gain ideas on helping the environment. "The energy you get from watching such powerful films can inspire you to take action," Husemoller added. "There will be opportunities to connect with community groups working to improve things here in Lake County." Stovall said she's seen several of the films that are being shown in Lake County. "Hometown Habitat," to be screened at Prairie Crossing on Saturday, "is beautiful,' she said. "'You see all these beautiful native plants, the bees and the butterflies and the life that surrounds these plants," Stovall added. Filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman is scheduled to be at the screening of the documentary, which shows how residents of Florida, Arizona and Prairie Crossing are working to create native landscapes. Stovall said the film sends a message of bringing nature home and working together. "It's really hopeful," she said. Advertisement "A Plastic Ocean," shown at CLC March 10, however "is not hopeful," she said. "But it is not hopeless." She added that "it's a little hard to watch," saying it might not be appropriate for young children. The film shows how plastics entering the oceans end up in the fatty tissues of fish, which humans eat. "It's the kind of film that gets you thinking, 'How can I reduce the amount of plastic I use?'" she said. Before and after the showing, participants can experience the virtual reality movie. Participants will receive headsets they can wear so they can experience "actually being there," Stovall said. Stovall added that "it's showing something people might not be likely be able to experience in person. There are studies that show how an experience like this can increase someone's empathy" toward issues such as environmental causes, which can lead to action. In addition, a resource fair will follow the movie, and participants can create plastic sculptures. Advertisement Being involved in the film festival as a volunteer is what she's been called to do, Stovall said. "I'm doing this for my children and my grandchildren," she said. "It's my passion." Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. With fewer fires, the Waukegan Fire Department is trying to do more drills for their younger firefighters. (Frank Abderholden / News-Sun) (Chicago Tribune) The Waukegan Fire Department has seen a turnover from highly experienced firefighters to younger ones in recent years, and at the same time, the department is responding to fewer actual fires even though its call volume continues to increase. That's why Fire Chief George Bridges has emphasized training over the last 10 months, and recently, the department was given the go-ahead to use an old office building at 2634 Grand Ave. for drills. According to Bridges, a third of the department's personnel has less than 10 years of experience, and 17 percent of the firefighters have less than five years on the job. Advertisement "When we have an opportunity to train, we are all over it," he said Wednesday outside the old office building, also known as the Orchard Lane Medical Building near Quonset Pizza. The structure has been empty for a few years and is a concern for neighbors, because homeless people or drug users would sometimes break in or use a rear stairway and landing area, according to Fire Marshall Steven Lenzi. Advertisement "The new owners of the property allowed us to use it for training before it is torn down," he said. "This is phenomenal for us." "This is much appreciated," Bridges said. The owners are Howard and Ronnie Stillman, who have purchased and rehabilitated used car dealerships in the city and another office building at McAree Court. Their plans are to tear the medical building down and offer the property for redevelopment, according to their Realtor Nick Nicketakis of CBS Realtors. "Since my office is just down the street, I'd like to see a Culver's go in there," he said with a laugh. Lenzi said the office building has been perfect for training because it isn't often firefighters can practice breaking through locked doors, "and there are a lot of those," he said. The department does have a door simulator at one of the firehouses, but it's not the same, he added. "Any time you have an old building, it is so much better," Lenzi said. "By staying active in training, we are teaching the young guys without an actual fire." The building also offered multiple connected rooms and waiting rooms that provide a sort of maze for the firefighters to practice going through when the building is charged with artificial smoke from a machine to the point you can't see someone standing next to you. Firefighters still have to use a hose as a way to find their way back out, or when there are many rooms, they leave a firefighter in a doorway and he's called "orientated man," said Battalion Chief Brett Stickels, who in charge of training. Advertisement "Rooms off of rooms can be very disorientating," Stickels said. "We can also use thermal imaging to keep track of the firefighters so they can always find their way out. (We've) really beefed up our training over the last 10 months." The training also includes live radio traffic and sending one crew to find the fire in this case, a red cone over a flashlight, because the building is too close to other buildings for a live burn where they carry a charged waterline. Another two crews are sent in to search for victims, which are really 175-pound dummies, with one hidden on the first floor and another in the basement. On Wednesday, there was also a self-escape drill where firefighters used their Halligan bars as a step to help them escape from a room through a high window when they get trapped by a fire and are cut off from their team, said Lenzi. The fire marshal added that besides giving the younger firefighters training, this recent opportunity also gave mid-career firefighters who have been promoted and have taken over leading the crews a chance to practice with them in full gear with a fully charged line and zero visibility. During the drill, training leaders also set off firefighters' alarms to signal a downed firefighter in various rooms so crews, despite the blaring of the alarm, had to be alert to hearing a firefighter's alarm and go to his or her rescue. Lenzi said the department has gone from 150 fires a year to just fewer than 100, but its call volume has increased 10 percent. He added that even though crews are still busy, actual fire experience is harder to come by, making simulations more critical. Advertisement "Over the last week, we've had 150 (firefighters) rotate through the building for various drills," Lenzi said. "We're tearing this building apart from the inside out." Chief Bridges had the last word, saying that "training is very important to keeping us all safe." fabderholden@tribpub.com Twitter @abderholden Despite a tornado watch and heavy rain, about a hundred people turned out Tuesday for a meeting over $2.4 million in proposed cuts for Lake County's largest elementary school district. The Woodland School District 50 school board approved 17 line-item budget cuts, which add up to about $1.8 million annually and about $5.8 million over four years, but rejected six other proposed cuts. Advertisement The rejected cuts would have meant fewer assistant principals, special education teachers, English language learner specialists, and reading and math specialists across Woodland School District 50's schools. Limited staff means that students that need extra help are already not receiving services, said eighth-grade teacher Sharon Anday, whose fourth-grader is among those students. Advertisement Anday was so upset by the proposed cuts her prepared remarks had to be read by another person at the meeting. "People are spread so thin," she added after the statement. The cuts were among $2.4 million in proposed reductions to be phased in over the next four years to address falling enrollment and disappearing state aid, district officials said. "I think there was a false assumption by many that we're heartless community members and parents here, when the reality is we're stark proponents of this district, and our teachers and the education that we provide," board Vice President Tony DeMonte said after one of the 22 proposed motions didn't have a single supporter to bring it to the floor for a vote. "There's just a reality component of the financials," he continued. "We have to be able to pay bills. I would love to give everything to everyone, and I think everyone here would, including the people that are running for board. You want to do that, but there's a reality component to our jobs that's incredibly unpopular." Without the cuts, the district is set to fall below the board-mandated minimum fund balance which ties the minimum amount the district has in the bank to 25 percent of its annual expenditures in coming years, Robert Leonard, the district's associate superintendent and chief school business officer, has said. The rejected cuts mean the district is about $2.2 million shy of the $8.1 million total over four years it originally said it needed to keep that from happening, according to a News-Sun analysis of the items approved and rejected Tuesday evening. Teachers who spoke at Tuesday's meeting, as well as a community forum earlier last month, proposed looking at the district-level administrative office for cuts and consolidation of positions. Advertisement While the teachers argued that past cuts had disproportionately affected building staff, board member Terry Hall said the district office went from about 50 people in 2008 to less than 40 now. The approved cuts included eliminating six Elementary School teachers, four Intermediate School teachers and four seventh-grade teachers next school year, as well as four eighth-grade teachers in the 2018-19 school year. The board also approved the elimination of one Spanish language teacher for 2018-19 and one physical education, one music and one family and consumer science teacher for 2019-20. The votes for those items fell mostly on 4-3 lines with DeMonte, Hall, board President Chris Schrantz and Secretary Vince Juarez always voting yes and member Carla Little voting yes some of the time. The conversation centered on whether the cuts would push classroom sizes above where the board thought they should be. While the district said the sizes would stay within its stated goals, Little said she felt some of those ranges were too high. Advertisement The class sizes should be taken into consideration with other support positions, DeMonte said, adding that he thought the district should take a look at how best to meet the needs of its growing low-income and English learner populations. The district might end up realizing that it needs to provide "services we haven't even thought of," he said. The board also OK'd the elimination of the secretary to the superintendent, a part-time assistant bus mechanic and a part-time assistant for the operations and facilities department starting next school year, as well as a grounds position starting 2018-19. Just under $460,000 in reductions aimed at overtime, staff computers, curriculum software, copying costs and workers compensation were also approved, all but one unanimously. emcoleman@tribpub.com Twitter @mekcoleman " these sorts of totalitarian regimes never feel secure." That was Professor Victor Cha of Georgetown University, and an experienced government official, in a National Public Radio interview broadcast on Feb. 25. He was commenting on the grotesque murder of Kim Jong Nam, estranged half-brother of North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. Advertisement Kim Jong Nam was killed in a Malaysia airport. His murderer used the lethal nerve agent VX. This frightening amber-colored liquid is odorless and tasteless, and kills almost immediately through devastating muscle spasms. South Korean intelligence officials have stated that North Korean government agencies orchestrated the killing. North Korea is an economic wreck. The world's last remaining truly totalitarian dictatorship held a Communist Party Congress May 6 to 9 in 2016. Tight control of the enormous show was self-evident. The last party congress was held in 1980, an occasion for regime founder Kim Il Sung to indicate succession of power to his son Kim Jong Il. Advertisement Current dictator Kim Jong Un, son of Kim Jong Il, assumed power following the death of his father in 2011. He wore a business suit for the Communist Party Congress, a departure from the usual uniform. Kim publicly acknowledged economic challenges, long overdue but also a remarkable understatement. The Communist Party Congress took place in a context of continuous friction, occasional violence and erratic aggression regarding South Korea. In 2013, North Korea announced a "state of war" with South Korea and threatened nuclear attack. Pyongyang abruptly abrogated the 1953 armistice agreement ending the Korean War and cut the military "hot line" communications link with the south. During this period, Pyongyang temporarily prevented South Korean workers from entering the Kaesong industrial center, located six miles north of the demilitarized zone separating the two nations. In February 2016, South Korea shut down the center to protest Pyongyang provocations. The center had been an important source of hard currency. Developments in recent years could have been the prelude to war, including two atomic bomb tests in 2016 and a relatively advanced long-range missile test in February 2017. Yet there is no concrete evidence that North Korea is mobilizing to invade South Korea. Moreover, Pyongyang's nuclear military capabilities are growing but remain rudimentary. Missile tests have included some limited success, but also failure. Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Kim publicly criticized those in the military "developing a taste for money" amid reports of corruption. As part of a major military shake-up, Kim assumed the rank of Marshal of the People's Army. He has been ruthless in executing those suspected of disloyalty, including close family members. In March 2016, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2270, which significantly strengthens sanctions on North Korea. These include bans on importing coal and minerals, and restrictions on cargo ships and financial transactions. China and Russia generally support sanctions, though with specific exceptions. President Barack Obama's moderate language and emphasis on international cooperation was consistent and welcome. In the current deteriorating situation, the U.S. rightly decided to deploy anti-ballistic missile systems in South Korea. Beijing and Pyongyang, predictably, angrily protested. In the new U.S. administration, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster bring outstanding credentials. Both are general officers, in the Marine Corps and Army respectively. Both have been combat commanders. McMaster wrote the influential book "Dereliction of Duty," an impressive scholarly analysis of the Vietnam War. Their engagement probably makes another terrible Asia war less likely. Advertisement Professor Cha describes weakness beneath bombast in Pyongyang. The challenge is applying pressure for positive change. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War." acyr@carthage.edu After eight years of trying to sell his property, owner Robert Spiel Jr. hopes demolition will attract a buyer. On Wednesday, the Building Review Board recommended approval of a demolition request for his house, which was designed by notable local architect Stanley D. Anderson. Advertisement During the Building Review Board meeting, Spiel explained how his parents hired Anderson's firm in 1946 to build a house in the 200 block of Westleigh Road. Anderson was raised in Lake Forest, graduated from Lake Forest College and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in France and worked for architect Howard Van Doren Shaw before starting his own firm, according to the website www.Stanleydanderson.com. Among his local designs are Lake Forest High School in 1935, Lake Forest Hospital in 1941 and Northern Trust then First National Bank in 1930. Advertisement The house was completed in 1947 and Spiel, then age 4, moved in with his parents, Robert and Marie Swift Spiel. The house was then located on 20 acres of property. Sometime later, the eastern half was sold, leaving 10 acres. When his parents died, Robert Spiel Jr. moved in with his wife, Gail. About eight years ago, after their children had left for college, the Spiels decided to sell the property. Their aim was to sell the property to a developer who would build a small subdivision on the 10 acres but retain the house. That, however, didn't happen. "A big impediment to any buyer was the house," said Chuck Byrum, an attorney hired by the Spiels. "That didn't fit in." Spiel Jr. hired Susan Benjamin, an architectural historian, to research the house. During the Building Review Board meeting, she described a 1951 addition by Anderson, which was followed in 1989 by another addition by a different architectural firm, which almost doubled the size of the house to more than 6,000 square feet. More importantly, she said, the second addition consumed the Anderson exterior and left only a portion of Anderson's work in the house's interior. "From the exterior, there is nothing reflecting the integrity or design sensibility (of Stanley Anderson)," Benjamin said. "The house no longer has significant integrity to make it historically or architecturally significant." Board member Robert Reda agreed. "I didn't recognize anything from Stanley Anderson there," he said. Cathy Czerniak, community development director for the city of Lake Forest, recommended approval of the demolition request, adding that "I have never seen a property owner work harder to save a house." Advertisement The Building Review Board voted unanimously to recommend demolition of the property. While the Lake Forest City Council will make a final decision, the council relies heavily on the recommendation of the Building Review Board. A date for the city council consideration has not been set. Paul Bergmann, who attended the hearing, said he was okay with the decision. Bergmann's father, Bill, was a draughtsman and later owner - of Anderson's firm, and helped design the original Spiel house in 1946, as well as the 1951 addition. "What is left is all interior spaces," Bergmann said. "It's not often I will support tearing down a Stanley Anderson house." Spiel Jr., who lives in the house, said he never expected to still be trying to sell the property after eight years. "At first, we thought that when you sell a house in Lake Forest, it takes a few months," Spiel Jr. said. mlawton@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement @reporterdude A villager fires his gun to welcome visitors as part of a show held in the village. Kuang Huimin, from Hengshan, Hunan province, is a documentary photographer who focuses on topics such as environmental protection and social change. Since 1989, the 52-year-old has been visiting a village in Southwest China's Guizhou province, where he has taken more than 80,000 photo for his book Changes in Biasha. The 2,500-plus inhabitants of Biasha, 7.5 kilometers from Congjiang, the county seat, are of the Miao ethnic group and are known as China's last gun tribe. For hundreds of years, they have held on to their unique traditions - using guns in ceremonies and to practice their marksmanship. "Bia" means a "place with lush trees and grass" in the Miao language. During the past 27 years, Kuang has traveled back and forth to Biasha more than 40 times, staying there for between seven and 15 days. Before 2005, he stayed in villagers' homes, but now uses guesthouses. "The villagers were all very nice to me, but I didn't want to bother them all the time," he said. With the development of tourism, more guesthouses were built. "It is much more convenient for travelers and photographers like me," he added. Biasha has been transformed from a quiet, tranquil village into a well-known tourist spot, and the rapid rate of change has been the subject of many of Kuang's photos. He believes that Biasha is in the grip of a generation gap: "The elders still preserve the traditional lifestyles. I've asked some older men how they feel about the changes in Biasha, and they told me they had nothing to do with them." The younger generation, meanwhile, has been influenced by modernization. Since 2004, an increasing number of young people have moved away to become migrant workers in large cities. "Sometimes I have seen them getting together and chatting animatedly about their experiences and stories," Kuang said. When he had dinner with his family during Spring Festival in 2009, Wu Jie, a young man from Biasha, told his brothers that the biggest benefit of migrating was learning to compose music and sing at a music training institute. Kuang captured the scene. He has also noticed that married villagers would rather live by working the land at home, especially if they have more than two children to care for. In 1998, Gun Lashui went to work in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. He came home to get married in 2002 and has never set foot outside Biasha since. It was once a tradition in Biasha that when girls married outsiders they were not allowed to return home. But now things are different. Kuang noticed that a girl who married a man in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, came back to see her family: "She returned with a refrigerator and a color television. The economic condition of her family was totally changed." The Lusheng Festival - the most important celebration among people of the Miao ethnic group - is celebrated on the 19th day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar. The villagers dress up for the day, worshipping their ancestors in traditional ways, and the men play the lusheng, a type of reed pipe, and tell stories and the history of Biasha. "Now, villagers play the lusheng for visitors every day, and some of the women have even joined the performance team," Kuang said. He planned to conclude his project in 2014, but he found it difficult: "Biasha is changing all the time. Every time I went there, I saw new things." Last year, the villagers began to build a reservoir in Zaizhang. "Just within a few months, the wooden bridges and trees that I had photographed were gone. The changes have occurred too quickly, really," he said. Kuang considers Biasha to be a microcosm of Chinese villages. "It is more than just a small village. It reflects a picture of the whole society. My photography project about Biasha may never end." A new word takes on an odd life of its own in "Frindle," presented by Griffin Theatre at Metropolis March 6-17. (Griffin Theatre) Words have power. That's what Nicholas Allen learns when the youngster decides to start calling a pen by a different name in "Frindle." Griffin Theatre is bringing its adaptation of Andrew Clements award-winning novel to Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 Campbell St., Arlington Heights, March 6-17. The only weekend performance is 11 a.m. March 11. The play tells how the use of the word frindle for pen spreads to the dismay of the young man's language arts teacher Mrs. Granger. It escalates from being used in Nicholas' school to his town and then, amazingly, around the world in this creative work. The show is recommended for children in grades 3-6 who may start inventing words once they see it! Advertisement "Frindle" is part of Metropolis' Stories in Action! Series which consists of educational productions designed to promote imagination and bring families together through the creative arts. Tickets are $14 for adults; $12 for ages 12 and under. Advertisement For details, call (847) 577-2121 or go to metropolisarts.com. Cosplay for a day Make your own mini dragon eggs, enter a Cosplay Contest, watch Rick Aspin impersonate Captain Jack Sparrow or visit ten local comic artists at Artist Alley. These are only a few things families can do at Comic Con Barrington, 1-5 p.m. March 5 at Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway. Registration is required. For details, call (847) 382-1300 or go to www.barringtonarealibrary.org. St. Paddy's Day isn't far away Start celebrating by bringing the kids to Ela Area Public Library, 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, 3-4 p.m. March 4 to hear the Ragged Rascals Irish Band. They will perform rousing versions of Irish street ballads. Registration is required. For details, call (847) 438-3433 or go to eapl.org. More Irish lore A shamrock scavenger hunt will be a highlight of Schaumburg Park District's Shamrock Scramble, for children ages 1-6, at Bock Neighborhood Center, 1-2 p.m. March 12. There will also be craft projects and a treat. The cost is $5 per child for residents; $7 for nonresidents. Register by March 10. Advertisement For details, call (847) 985-2141 or go to parkfun.com. Sunny outlook You and your children will view our nearest star through a filtered telescope during Sun Gazing, 1 p.m. March 5 at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills. You will also learn about the sun at this free event. For details, call (847) 381-6592 or go to fpdcc.com Lake County health officials confirmed Thursday another case of mumps at Barrington High School, bringing the total to two confirmed cases within the past week. Officials with the Lake County Health Department are becoming more concerned about the situation since eight other probable cases are suspected at the high school, based on diagnosis by individual doctors, said Lisa Dallmeyer, a communicable disease specialist for the Lake County Health Department. Advertisement "There is something going on at Barrington High School," she said. Brian Harris, superintendent at Barrington School District 220, said in a district message Thursday "several suspected cases of mumps" have been reported at Prairie and Station Middle Schools. Advertisement District officials initially notified parents, students and staff of the first confirmed case of mumps in a districtwide message Feb. 28, describing how a student contracted the viral disease known to cause fever and swelling. An adult at Barrington High School has the second confirmed case of mumps, Dallmeyer said. She categorized the two case confirmations at Barrington High School as a "cluster," which is less severe than an outbreak, she said. A cluster, Dallmeyer said, is defined as a group of cases that health workers only can link together by place and time "But we can't link them by people, meaning one person linked to another," she said. An outbreak happens when three cases have been confirmed within 50 days, said Epidemiologist Victor Plotkin with the Lake County Health Department. "In this case, there's been two cases within one week," he said. During outbreak situations, adults, who may have had contact with an infected person, only are recommended to receive a second vaccine, Dallmeyer said. Teenagers already are required to have two vaccines for mumps, measles and rubella when they enter school as young children, she said. Advertisement If children have never been vaccinated for mumps, measles and rubella, they still can be immunized for the three viruses at any time, Dallmeyer said. District 220 spokeswoman Morgan Delack said district officials are working to send out more information about the two confirmed cases of mumps at Barrington High School after being notified of the additional case Thursday. "We're telling people who are experiencing symptoms to go see a doctor and don't come to school," Delack said. The Lake County Health Department has said the "hallmark" symptoms of mumps are swelling or pain close to the jaw, or on both face sides of the face. A person also may experience headaches, low-grade fever, earaches, sore throat or cough, according to the department. The disease is commonly spread through sneezing, coughing, sharing of cups or other items that have come in contact with saliva, the department said. Those suspected by a doctor of having mumps should stay home for five days after the onset of swelling. Advertisement For information, call the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8130. tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 As the legal battle intensifies over proposed housing for the homeless near Lake Zurich, a Lake County Circuit Court judge recently denied a request from opponents of the proposal that would have prevented the project from going forward. In rejecting the group's motion, Judge Thomas M. Schippers reaffirmed his earlier decision this past November allowing the homeless housing project to proceed. Advertisement In 2015, the Lake County Housing Authority first attempted to hand over its former assisted living facility, called Midlothian Manor, to PADS of Lake County, which wanted to manage the site as housing for chronically homeless individuals. A group of residents, called Residents for an Engaged Community, living in residential neighborhoods near the facility since have tried to fight the proposal in court, saying the project poses safety concerns to nearby residents and also could diminish their property values. Advertisement On Wednesday, Schippers said he did not believe the homeless who would stay at facility would cause a hardship to nearby residents, said Dan Shapiro, an attorney representing the homeowners. "The judge also felt we did not have a likelihood of success on the merits of appeal," Shapiro said. Members with Residents for an Engaged Community said they stand a greater chance of winning with the Illinois Appellate Court, where the group has filed an appeal. "We are not surprised with Judge Schippers' ruling. It would have gone against his own decision in November," said Larry Schaedel, a member of Residents for an Engaged Community who lives near the proposed project. "We believe this (appellate court) will be an independent venue." David Northern Sr., executive director and CEO of the Lake County Housing Authority, lauded Schippers for upholding his previous ruling on the issue. "The judge made the right decision based on merits of the case," he said. If allowed to go forward, the project would turn the former Midlothian Manor into a 14-unit building serving chronically homeless individuals, some of whom with mental illnesses, housing authority officials have said. PADS staff would be on site to provide various services to the homeless, they said. The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals initially approved the project before reversing course in May 2015 after Residents for an Engaged Community tried to appeal the board's decision. Advertisement The group of citizens argued at the time the proposed use for the building, located near single-family homes, should be classified as a "group living" site, which would have prohibited PADS from using it to house the homeless under the zoning code. The housing plan ultimately landed in court after housing authority board members voted in July 2015 to file a legal review of the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals' decision in May 2015 not to issue the permit. Following Schippers' ruling in November 2016, the housing authority secured an occupancy permit for the former Midlothian Manor but can't open the facility since court proceedings are ongoing, Northern has said. Residents for an Engaged Community, meanwhile, have taken the issue directly to the public, organizing a community meeting in February to share concerns about the proposal. The meeting drew more than 150 residents, many of whom said the well-intended project should be located elsewhere. Since the meeting Feb. 20, board members with Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 also have intervened, issuing a statement that urged the housing authority, PADS and the Lake County Board to address residents' questions so "a successful transition can occur." District 95 released the statement after members with Residents for an Engaged Community addressed district board members during a meeting Feb. 23 about the group's safety concerns with the housing proposal, the group has said. Advertisement But District 95 board members said they also have questions about the proposal. The proposed project is located a couple of miles from Lake Zurich High School and May Whitney Elementary School. "We believe that in the long run, communities are stronger when they can integrate quality social services for their neediest members, and we believe these supports are essential," the District 95 board statement reads. tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 Three men who allegedly went shopping earlier this week with a handful of counterfeit $100 bills between them have been arrested by Naperville police. Felony charges of forgery have been filed against Charles S. Boyd, 18, of the 1400 block of South Homan Avenue in Chicago; Terrel K. Griffin, 19, of the 1300 block of North Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb; and Jermaine J. Norris, 20, of the 400 block of South 21st Avenue in Maywood, according to records on file in DuPage County Circuit Court. Advertisement Naperville police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said the men were arrested Monday evening after they had been "alleged to have been passing numerous, fraudulent $100 bills at stores, (including) some along Route 59." Court records showed Boyd and Norris allegedly used a phony $100 bill that night to obtain merchandise from Bed, Bath & Beyond, 704 S. Route 59, while Griffin used a fake $100 bill to make a purchase at Shoe Carnival, 304 S. Route 59. Advertisement Employees of both stores summoned police after discovering the allegedly counterfeit money, Cammiso said. Boyd, Griffin and Norris were still in the area when police arrived on the scene, and allegedly were found to have several bogus bills in their possession, he said. Cammiso did not say whether the men might be part of a larger, more sophisticated counterfeiting ring. An examination of online court documents revealed Boyd, Griffin and Norris have no prior criminal records. All three are free on bond and scheduled to appear March 27 in court. Attempts to reach Griffin and Norris by telephone Thursday for comment were unsuccessful. Boyd, when reached Thursday by phone, said only, "Don't put me in no paper." wbird@tribpub.com The Naperville Country Club has been ordered to refund nearly $700,000 to former members under a ruling made in DuPage County Court. (Naperville Country Club) The Naperville Country Club Board of Directors acted improperly when it amended the club's bylaws concerning initiation fees, and must return nearly $700,000 to 27 former club members, a DuPage County judge has ruled. Attorneys for the board of directors have asked Circuit Judge Dorothy French Mallen to reconsider her Feb. 8 ruling in favor of the ex-club members. That request is to be heard March 24, according to court documents. Advertisement The 27 onetime club members in December 2015 filed suit against the board, demanding it enforce a longstanding provision in the club's bylaws. The provision mandated repayment of a portion of the initiation fee upon any member's death or resignation from the club. Board members in early March 2015 had amended the bylaws, eliminating former club members' rights to receive any money back from initiation fees. That, in turn, eliminated the club's obligation to refund any money, court documents said. Advertisement A year's worth of legal maneuvering and testimony ensued, with French Mallen ultimately siding with the former club members. "Both by amending its bylaws and by communicating that decision to each plaintiff, the club did engage in anticipatory repudiation of its obligations to each plaintiff," French Mallen wrote in the two-page order, adding "each of these acts constitutes a breach of contract" under state law. Court records showed the 27 former club members are owed a total of $683,290. It could not be learned, and court files did not indicate, whether any penalties were imposed or punitive damages assessed. John J. D'Attomo, of the Nisen & Elliott law firm of Chicago, represented some of the former club members in the lawsuit. D'Attomo declined to discuss the case at length, saying only "we now look forward to working with (the Naperville Country Club) to promptly bring all claims in the litigation to an amicable resolution." Club Manager Tim Anderson would not discuss the ruling Thursday, saying "I can't comment on it at this time." Attempts to reach other attorneys and former club members involved in the lawsuit were unsuccessful. Naperville Country Club occupies unincorporated land north of Chicago Avenue near Naperville's far east side. The land originally was a cattle and goat ranch owned and operated by the Sleight family, who in 1921 sold it to the club's developers, according to information posted on the club's website. wbird@tribpub.com Three 18-year-old men whose argument over an iPhone triggered a high-speed chase have been arrested on myriad charges, Naperville police said. Vincent R. Fus, of the 5200 block of South Oak Park Avenue in Chicago, has been charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property in the incident, according to DuPage County Circuit Court records. He also received traffic tickets for reckless driving and disobeying a traffic control device, records showed. Advertisement Kyle A. Miller, of the 5800 block of South New England Avenue in Chicago, was a passenger in Fus' car, police said. He received municipal citations for vandalism and unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor, records indicated. The third man, Rordan C. Stanton, lives in the 1400 block of Patterson Avenue in North Aurora. Records showed he was ticketed for reckless driving and disobeying a traffic control device. Advertisement All three were arrested early Sunday morning following the incident that began at an undisclosed location in downtown Naperville and ended more than four miles away, at 87th Street and Naper Boulevard. Police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said Fus was at the wheel of a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, with Miller in the passenger seat. The men allegedly "confronted (the) occupants of a black Hyundai Sonata driven by Stanton, and accused them of stealing one of their iPhones," Cammiso wrote Thursday in an email. Miller "then allegedly broke the mirror on Stanton's car," Cammiso said. "Stanton, fearing for his safety drove away, but was followed by Fus." "This turned out to be a high-speed chase through the (downtown) area, and ended in a police traffic stop" near 87th Street and Naper Boulevard, Cammiso said. Both Fus and Stanton allegedly "admitted excessive speed," and that they had run at least one red light, he said. The property damage charge against Fus stemmed from his allegedly rear-ending Stanton's Sonata with the Malibu sometime during the chase. An examination of online court documents indicated Fus, Miller and Stanton do not have criminal records. All three are free on bond, and their preliminary court dates are pending. The men could not be reached for comment. Cammiso added the disputed iPhone "was never located, and the 'find my Phone' app indicated it was still in the downtown area." Advertisement wbird@tribpub.com A state senator from Chicago Heights recently filed a bill that I think is long overdue. It would allow Illinois farmers to cultivate industrial hemp, but only as part of research projects approved by the state. It's a start. Advertisement At least a dozen other states have begun the process of legalizing hemp for commercial purposes. It is, however, produced as a crop in more than 30 other countries, many of which ship it to the United States to be processed into a variety of products. People usually claim the reason hemp is not grown here is because you can't tell it from the marijuana plant that is grown for its psychoactive products. I doubt that's true because I can tell them apart. The variety grown to be smoked is short, stubby and highly branched. The variety grown to make rope, clothing and other products is tall, slender and has relatively few branches. Advertisement The fact that two dissimilar varieties are part of the same species of plant is not that unusual. Bell peppers, jalapenos and most of the peppers we eat are all varieties of the same species. I've been told the real reason farmers aren't allowed to grow hemp is because the owners of large tracts of trees for newsprint didn't like the competition from the easier to process hemp. Similarly, chemical manufacturers who made products using petroleum were worried that hemp would cut into their profits. So, in the late 1930s they talked the Congress into banning all varieties of the plant. I have no way to verify that, of course, and it may not be true. But it sounds exactly like something the Congress would do, doesn't it? In fact, it's the same kind of thing they're still doing today. The rich special interests get the laws they want, regardless of whether they're good or bad for the rest of us. And hemp would be extremely good for Illinois. Those of us who live in the Chicago area tend to forget Illinois is primarily an agricultural state with seemingly endless fields of corn, soybeans, pumpkins, wheat and sorghum. That's why you and I, and all residents of farm states have to speak out against things like the border adjustment tax. I didn't think much about hemp until a Connecticut company hired me to deal with a problem in their factory. They made tea bags, hospital gowns, cigarette papers and similar products. Unfortunately, they had to import all their hemp from overseas, which greatly raised their costs and forced them to deal with irregular quality. I was astonished how easy it was to digest and bleach hemp and how much it cut down on the number of toxic chemicals required. Hemp paper products last longer and can be recycled more often. Hemp plants produce four times more paper per acre than trees and mature in 120 days as opposed to 20 years. Hemp is three times more productive than cotton, and supposedly yields fibers that are softer, stronger and more durable. Hemp requires only modest amounts of water, and no herbicides or pesticides. I've been told that half the world's herbicides and pesticides are used to grow cotton. While you can't smoke hemp, you can eat it. The seed, which accounts for half the weight of a mature plant, is more nutritious and can be made into more kinds of foods than soybeans. Hemp oil can be used for lubricants, fuels and a wide variety of things we now make from petroleum. Advertisement If there ever were a good reason to ban the growing of hemp, which I doubt, it no longer exists. The plant could greatly benefit Illinois farmers and spawn the development of local companies to produce hemp products. I just hope our very frustrating Legislature can finally get their minds around the idea of raising something besides taxes. bill.mego@sbcglobal.net An absorbent boom or "skimmer" helps filter the water in a retention pond outside the Edward Hospital Cancer Center in Naperville. Diesel fuel that was discovered Wednesday morning on the surface of the pond has migrated into the nearby DuPage River, officials said. (Bill Bird / Naperville Sun) The oil and diesel fuel that flowed into the DuPage River from an Edward Hospital retention pond was the result of Tuesday night's torrential rainstorms, not a fuel leak, a hospital official said Thursday. Joseph J. Zaehler, the hospital's administrative director of building services, said he met with an investigator from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to discuss the source of the hazardous waste that filled the pond. Advertisement Zaehler said the IEPA representative concurred with the findings of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, whose investigators determined the fuel had not come from the pond's triple catch basin or two emergency generators on the hospital grounds. "Whatever (fuel) there was on the surface of our lots got flushed out" by the heavy rains and winds Tuesday night, Zaehler said. That caused an oily slick to form on the surface of the retention pond, and prompted the hazardous material response operation by the Naperville Fire Department, he said. Advertisement A boom, or "skimmer," filters water flowing from a culvert and into a retention pond on the campus of Edward Hospital in Naperville. Authorities said an unknown amount of diesel fuel found Wednesday in the pond apparently made its way downstream and into the DuPage River near downtown Naperville. (Bill Bird / Naperville Sun) The pond in question is adjacent to the Edward Cancer Center and the hospital's emergency helipad, a short distance upstream from the river. Firefighters on Wednesday installed six white, absorbent booms or "skimmers" at strategic points near the hospital's north parking deck and on the pond, where stormwater flows into and out of the area. Zaehler discovered the trouble Wednesday morning while on his daily patrol of the campus grounds. He immediately called the fire department. Two double-walled, subterranean storage tanks supply diesel fuel to two generators in a nearby building. The generators switch on in the event of a hospital-wide electrical power outage or similar emergency. The building that houses the generators is equipped with "catch basins" designed to prevent maintenance fluids and other foreign liquids from escaping and getting into storm sewers, Zaehler said. The basins are monitored by underground sensors, he said. Zaehler on Wednesday had filled two plastic vials with two liquids he discovered inside the generator building, one black and one tan in color. The unidentified liquids were to have been tested by a private laboratory for their content and potential toxicity. "We do take these matters seriously," Zaehler said of hospital officials. "But we did our due diligence, and the (fuel) did not come from our generators or buildings, so this is a closed matter." Spokesmen for the IEPA and the state fire marshal's office on Thursday did not return messages for comment on the matter. It is not known how much fuel or oil ended up in the river, or what effect, if any, it might have on the local ecosystem. Advertisement wbird@tribpub.com Lesley Livingston, author of the teen novel "Valiant," is one of four authors visiting the Magic Tree Bookstore in Oak Park on March 10. (Magic Tree Bookstore) Four top authors of novels for teens will visit Magic Tree Bookstore, 141 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, at 5 p.m. March 10, as part of the Penguin Teen on Tour. They are Renee Ahdieh ("The Wrath & the Dawn" and "The Rose & the Dagger"), Natalie C. Anderson ("City of Saints & Thieves"), Alwyn Hamilton ("Rebel of the Sands" and "Traitor to the Throne") and Lesley Livingston ("The Valiant"). "These authors are hot right now, and their books are big, lush, vivid stories," said Beth Albrecht, owner of Magic Tree. She added that the authors are all "young, smart, strong women who are redefining heroines to be strong, tough and save themselves, but still feminine. It's part of the trend I love which reaffirms that girls can be strong and smart and like a girl, rather than having to act like a boy." Advertisement The event will include a panel discussion with the authors led by local author Betsy Bird. Admission price is purchase of one book. Advertisement For details, call (708) 848-0770 or go to magictreebooks.com. They'll grow to love nature Songs and play experiences will help kids, ages 15 months-3 years, get acquainted with nature at a Seedlings Play Group at Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. You and your child will meet a different animal each week. Sessions are 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Tuesdays, March 7-28 or Saturdays, March 11-April 1. The cost is $64 per session. For details, call (708) 688-8342 or go to czs.org/playprograms. Learn worth of Earth Learn about climate change and sustainability during One Earth Film Festival: Youth and Family Programs, March 4 at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. There will be films and activities for ages 3-8, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Children ages 9-13 will see films and engage in discussions, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Afterwards, teen Elise Pope will share stories of outback camping in Canada. For details, call (708) 383-8200 or go to oppl.org. Happy BirdDay party Advertisement George, the double yellow-head Amazon parrot who calls the Oak Park Conservatory home, will be the guest of honor at KidsFest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5 at 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. The free event will include educational activities for kids. For details, call (708) 725-2400 or go to www.pdop.org. March marchers Bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, Medinah Shriners, local police and fire departments and others will march along Madison Street in Downtown Forest Park during its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, 1-2:30 p.m. March 4. For details, call (708) 366-2543 or go to forestparkchamberofcommerce.org Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with British Prime Minister Theresa May in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Mrs May is coming to Beijing - and there's going to be plenty to talk about. The British prime minister is heading to China to talk over how to take the "golden era" in China-U.K. relations to "new heights." Top of the list is the thorny question of how to get world trade back on track. Both countries need it. Despite China's booming consumer economy, a slowdown in world trade is bad for growth. And for the U.K. which has run a trade deficit for over a decade, new exports are vitally needed to stop our surging dependence on booming consumer credit. But Britain will have to confront the new reality that today's global economic governance is part of the problem - not part of the solution. Not only do we need the U.K. and China to partner in taking on the new surge of protectionism, we need a joint plan for global institutions that are better equipped to accelerate global growth. That means keeping up the pressure for reform of the IMF and the World Bank - but crucially it means a bold new U.K.-China plan to accelerate the development of the New Silk Road vision, set out by President Xi in 2013. With a more protectionist America, the New Silk Road could prove a vital new space where free trade can flourish. Today, that trade is held back by a lack of infrastructure, skills, and treaties. Few powers are as well-equipped as Britain and China to drive progress and what should emerge from the China-U.K. summit is a bold, inspiring declaration to transform the oldest trade route in the world into the biggest trade route of 21st century. The idea has some deep roots on which to draw in Europe. Years ago, President Sarkozy of France proposed a grand new design for a Union of the Mediterranean to boost the old markets of northern Europe, and the old Roman Empire. But in the years that followed, the idea was lost. Now, we need the vision more than ever - not least because of the shifting geo-politics of the Middle East. As the oil price stays low, countries around the Gulf are struggling with huge new budget deficits. For many Arab nations, the expensive social contracts put in place after the Arab Spring, require an oil price of around $85 a barrel. Yet those prices are unlikely to return any time soon, and without economic change, youth unemployment across the Arab world may hit 30 percent triggering new, widespread instability. Policy-makers in Britain know that the best defense against a fanatical Middle East, is a flourishing Middle East - and this is something a New Silk Road should help deliver. It would be a mistake, however, for the president and prime minister to stick to foreign policy. Because it is trouble at home that is fuelling the rise of populism, nationalism and protectionism across the Western world. Spiraling inequality, record immigration and the new threat from extremism are combining to create a new politics of fear, ruthlessly exploited by insurgent political parties. Many workers have not seen a pay rise - in real terms - since the turn of the century. Half the jobs created in Europe since the financial crash have been part-time or temporary, condemning millions to earn a livelihood which is at best uncertain. The world's failure to find a solution to the crisis in Syria and Western failures in Libya mean that a million people landed on the shores of Europe last year, in the greatest movement of people since the Second World War. Meanwhile, ISIS has become the world's deadliest terror group, launching attacks every 84 hours. Unless the world joins forces to offer new answers, there is a real fear that in Europe, this year's elections in Holland, France and Germany will only strengthen the hand of those who want to turn back the clock and build ever stronger borders. The new dialogue on "inclusive growth" launched at the G20 in Hangzhou is one opportunity for the world to think anew - not about ending the market but mending the marketplace, so the wealth we are creating together is more fairly shared. But new economics requires a new politics of security and a new plan for the Middle East. From the ashes of the last great global crisis in the 1930s, progressive thinkers in America, the U.K. and Europe invented a new kind of state designed to equip millions of our citizens with a security the marketplace could never offer. But it was cursed by our failure to stop the drift to war. Today, once again, we need to think anew about the state to offer security and opportunity in new times. And with it must come a new vision for peace in our time. Liam Byrne is the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Hodge Hill, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Inclusive Growth, a member of the International Trade Committee and a proud supporter of the National Association of the Children of Alcoholics. Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Five candidates seeking to replace Oak Park Village Clerk Teresa Powell greeted voters during a League of Women Voters event held March 1 at the Oak Park Public Library. Powell, who previously announced she would not seek another term, will be succeeded by one of five candidates Loreen "Lori" Malinski, Elia Gallegos, James Robinson-Parran, Victoria "Vicki" Scaman or Mas Takiguchi. Advertisement Scaman, who is the current chair of the village's Liquor Control Review Board, also has experience working for Oak Park Township, and wants to use the clerk's position to bring transparency and diversity to village government. "I believe highly in efficiency, and I want to bring that efficiency to the clerk's office," Scaman said. "I'll be using [my experience] in the clerk's office to make sure our commissions have diversity. What I bring are strategic planning skills to bring the community together with shared decisions." Advertisement Gallegos, a nine-year village resident, worked for 12 years in the banking industry and currently works for the Village of Oak Park as a grants coordinator. "I want to make more information accessible through the village website and use social media to let the residents know there are all these meetings they can attend," Gallegos said. "I have a passion to serve as a public servant. Listening and taking action is key to a positive community. I don't have a voting right as village clerk, but I can gather information from organizations and residents to build relationships, and bring that back to staff members and trustees." Robinson-Parran, a 30-year resident of the village, said he wants to improve the engagement between the residents and their local government. "We are all in this community because we thought diversity and inclusion were better than fear and division," Robinson-Parran said. "You cannot have a good community if you're not engaged. If elected, I'm only going to promise two things: transparency and access to it. When it comes down to it, you'll have an ear in the room and a voice in the system. A lot of the day-to-day work of the clerk involves a lot of accurate record keeping, so that when this stuff is brought up at meetings, [the village board] is able to make good decisions." Malinski, a 20-year village resident, recently served as the director of development for Oak-Leyden Developmental Services, and has experience working with the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation. "I like to connect people and connect them to resources they would need," Malinski said. "I have very close ties with the business community, and I have a vast knowledge of the social service agencies in Oak Park. I can bring them together and be a connector. I'd definitely establish a clear form of communication from staff to trustees and all elected officials." Takiguchi, a 35-year Oak Park resident, said he has been involved in a variety of not-for-profit and community activities, and has experience working with the OPEDC. "I like to solve problems," Takiguchi said. "How can we get more people to vote and registered to vote? How can we make the office of village clerk more responsive and integral to the lives of the people? I think that's an interesting puzzle. Social media is great and a strong tool in the toolbox, but not all of us check emails. Sometimes [residents] crave interaction with a person and the clerk. It's a time-consuming effort, but to achieve the high-quality information that would be helpful to the village board, [we have] to maintain and use that individual contact." Advertisement The Consolidated General Election will take place April 4, with early voting beginning March 20. sschering@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @steveschering With spring right around the corner, the timing seemed to be perfect when I heard from the folks at U.S. Waterproofing, a basement waterproofing service company. "We get the most calls in the spring, when people sell their home or from people who just bought one," said Matt Stock, president of U.S. Waterproofing. "It's those calls from buyers who have a surprise, undisclosed and expensive basement leak that break our hearts. We know they weren't prepared for that kind of expense upon moving into their new home." Advertisement A third-generation family member in the basement waterproofing business, Stock said he began assisting his family in all-things-basements when he was 12. In 2012, Stock launched the U.S. Waterproofing Learning Center, to educate homeowners, real estate agents, home inspectors and others concerned with home improvement, waterproofing, and repair. Below, he dishes out some good, sound advice. Advertisement 1. What is the best way a person can waterproof their home? For starters, we are all about education. We make a committed to educating homeowners (from first time homeowners to 30-plus-year homeowners) about waterproofing. That's why we created the Learning Center. You have a waterproofing question? We have the answer at www.uswaterproofing.com/learning-center. What we tell them on the Learning Center and in person is that homeowners should take as many preventative measures as they can. Often times, basement leaks occur due to clogged/overflowing gutters, oversaturated soil packed in above the foundation line, when downspouts are not extended far enough away from the house, or due to open or clogged window wells. Every few months, take a quick tour of your house to make sure these things are taken care of. Other regularly overlooked waterproofing issues include not maintaining sump pumps inside the house. Sump pumps have expiration dates. Most only last five-10 years. Taking preventative waterproofing measures can help save homeowners a lot of money in the long run. If homeowners thoroughly investigate their house, taking all necessary precautions ... but are still experiencing leaking, then we suggest they call a reputable waterproofing company. A reputable company will provide a homeowner a free estimate. 2. What does your firm offer in services as far as waterproofing goes? We offer a number of waterproofing services all over the Chicago area. Services such as basement waterproofing, seepage crack repairs, window well installation and repair, foundation repairs, crawl space encapsulation, and sump pump and backup sump pump installation. We also provide polyurethane concrete raising and yard drainage systems, to name a few more. Advertisement 3. With spring right around the corner, what should people be doing to avoid basement flooding? Well, spring started way earlier this year, didn't it? This was one of the wettest Januarys we have had in our 60 years of business. More often than not, spring flooding usually occurs because window wells are not maintained or sump pumps aren't working properly. We recommend homeowners cover their window wells and also make sure their drain is free of debris to prevent clogging. We also recommend investigating the reliability of their existing sump pump. A typical sump pump lasts roughly five to 10 years. Another reason for flooding is a backup in their sewer pipes. But that type of work requires a plumber. Homeowners may consider installing a flood-control or overhead sewer system but again, that's a job for a certified plumber. Felicia Dechter is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Kevin Corotis, 17, of Oak Park Boy Scout Troop 2, recently collected used bikes for Working Bikes, a nonprofit organizations that refurbishes old bicycles and gives them to new homes in underserved areas. The bike drive took place Feb. 18 at Beye Elementary School. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the bike drive? Advertisement A: Basically, I held a drive in which people from my community would bring old, unused bikes. My volunteers prepared them to be shipped to Working Bikes, and they were trucked over in two trips. Once at Working Bikes, they are fixed and some are donated to people in Chicago who need them. Mountain bikes are sent to areas in Africa or South America and donated to people who need them in their daily lives. I was actually told the next shipment will go to Jordan, so maybe a couple of the bikes I collected will go to people in Jordan. Q: Why did you choose this project? Advertisement A: Before I had a driver's license, biking was the way I got to places. I thought some people don't even have bikes to get to the places they need to be. I also thought that pretty much everyone has old bikes in their garages that they used years ago, but stopped using them, and I figured I could make a difference in a lot of people's lives. Q: How many bikes did you collect during the drive? A: Eighty-eight bikes. Q: Why did you want to work with Working Bikes? A: I had heard how they sell used bicycles cheap to people in Chicago. When I came to visit, I was amazed by the sheer number of bicycles they have. I thought they would be a great medium to get the bikes I collected to the people who need them. Q: How did you feel about the success of the drive? A: I felt pretty good because this project has the potential to really influence peoples' lives. I also felt good because bikes are a great mode of transportation that don't harm the environment. The drive itself happened on a great day, and I had some lifelong friends help out, which made it really enjoyable. Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Advertisement sschering@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @steveschering A document filed with the city of Park Ridge concerning development plans for a new condominium and commercial building is making waves in the mayoral race. An application attached to architectural drawings on file with the city for a 22-unit development at 400 W. Talcott Road list Bill Gold as the owner and includes the address and phone number of Troy Realty on Chicago's northwest side. But representatives of Troy Realty President Hubert Cioromski and Vice President Bill Gold deny their company has any association with the project. Advertisement They say their company's address was filed with the city in error, which a representative from Neri Architects confirmed with the Park Ridge Herald-Advocate on Thursday. Architect Michi Mho said the mix-up occurred because there are two men named Bill Gold who are part of real estate and development projects in the area but only one who is associated with 400 W. Talcott. "Our client's name is [also] Bill Gold," Mho said. "In our database, we had business dealings with Troy Realty and they have a Bill Gold there. The wrong contact information was transferred from our contact list." Advertisement Mho said correct information for the development company, Vine Place LLC, has been included on building permit applications submitted to the city. Mho said Thursday that he "corrected the information on the application and forwarded the updated one to the proper city official in the hopes that they can replace it." Jim Brown, director of community preservation and development for the city of Park Ridge, confirmed Thursday in an email that the city had received the corrected application. The proposed development at 400 W. Talcott was most recently at the center of a lawsuit filed by several area residents who alleged the Park Ridge Appearance Commission had improperly approved the design. In January, a judge dismissed the suit, siding with the city's argument that the residents lacked legal standing to file the lawsuit, said City Attorney Julie Tappendorf. Early on, residents also objected to the proposed four-story development, saying, in part, that it was too tall and dense for the area. A message left with a phone number associated with Vine Place LLC and Bill Gold was not immediately returned. The issue of 400 Talcott Road ownership entered the Park Ridge mayor's race due to candidate Lucas Fuksa's ties to Troy Realty President Hubert Cioromski. Cioromski, who is looking to redevelop the site of the former Park Ridge VFW property at 10 W. Higgins Road and will require city approval, is Fuksa's campaign chairman. Cioromski said he is supporting Fuksa because the two are friends and he feels Fuksa is the best candidate for mayor. Both Fuksa and Cioromski have denied that their partnership in the campaign has anything to do with helping Cioromski's future development move forward. "If we were supposed to be doing something covertly or out of the ordinary, I don't think I would be the one who would be his campaign chair, have my name all over his campaign or be working to get him elected," Cioromski said. "I just think he's the better candidate. I think he's a sharp, up-and-coming lawyer, and that's why I'm behind him." Advertisement Cioromski said plans for the 10 W. Higgins property have not been determined as of yet. The City Council voted to annex the property from unincorporated Cook County last year. jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @Jen_Tribune A Lowell woman who admitted she was drunk and fled the scene after she struck a woman who was changing a flat tire on the shoulder of the highway was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison. Danielle N. Stovall, 32, wiped away tears as she apologized to Megan Nilson, who was seriously injured in the 2015 crash. Advertisement "I'm not the same person I was a year ago," Stovall said, her eyes red from crying. "I am so sorry. I never wanted to hurt anyone," she said as her voice quivered. "I found a new way of life going to AA and working the steps. Not a day goes by that I don't think of this accident. I'm so sorry for the pain I caused." Stovall was charged with leaving the scene of accident with serious bodily injury. Advertisement Nilson said she was 22 and had just accepted a job as a dental hygienist after earning her degree when she had a flat tire on Aug. 13, 2015, on Interstate 65 in a construction area. Nilson said her car was at least 8 feet from the driving lanes when she was struck. A witness followed Stovall, who was driving a Dodge Intrepid, as it drove about 7 miles to the Indiana 2 exit and parked at the Super 8 Motel. Stovall's blood alcohol level was .12 Nilson suffered a broken leg, deep cuts on her buttocks, wrist and thigh, extreme pain and other injuries and said she underwent three surgeries and was out of work for nine months. Defense attorney Steve Mullins presented testimony from Stovall's father, Thomas Stovall, an assistant public defender in Cook County, Ill., who said his daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 17. He detailed his daughter's problems since then that included post-partum depression and drug and alcohol abuse. Danielle Stovall found a rehab center that could address both her mental health and substance abuse issues, her father said. "She's been doing fantastic since then," he said. Mullins asked Lake Superior Court Judge Salvador Vasquez to craft a sentence that would allow Stovall to continue to address her issues. The plea agreement filed Jan. 4 outlined a maximum six-year sentence. The charge is punishable by three to 16 years, with an advisory sentence of nine years. "The significance of what happened here is so significant that part of me says six years is not enough," Vasquez said. "You are the poster child of when a person fails to take advantage of the support they have and get their act together." Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Briana Robinson, of Gary, is a company member of Thodos Dance Chicago, which presents "Full Circle" on March 11 at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Mann Productions) (Cheryl Mann Productions) It is a bittersweet time for dancer and choreographer Briana Robinson, of Gary. Her piece "Uncovering" is part of Thodos Dance Chicago's "Full Circle" March 11 at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago, but the 25th anniversary show also marks the contemporary dance ensemble's final company performance. Advertisement "We actually didn't find out until fairly recently the company was disbanding," said Robinson about Thodos Dance Chicago, which shifts to more project-based work in mid-March. "It was quite a shock but it's exciting at the same time because it's a really huge opportunity to have my piece performed not only in Skokie at North Shore but also at the Auditorium Theatre. That's really huge as well. I'm really grateful. It's such a blessing." Advertisement "Uncovering," which was performed Feb. 25 as part of Thodos Dance Chicago's "Timeless Motion" at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, was first presented in 2016 during the company's "New Dances" series at Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. "It's about strengths," said Robinson about "Uncovering," which is set to music by Portico Quartet. "It's a really personal piece about discovering not only my inner strength but the strength I believe is available from God as well. "The piece is in three different parts. The first part is a reflection of a pseudo strength where you claim to be strong or are pretending to be OK and have this facade up. The second part is more about being vulnerable and allowing yourself to discover strengths through weakness. "Then the last part is about discovering sincere strength and realizing it's available to you, within you and around you and you have to access it." Robinson began dancing at her church when she was about 7 years old. "It just became my passion. It was the way I was able to communicate, the way I was able to express myself," said Robinson, who attend third through fifth grade at Highland Christian School in Highland. "I knew it was something I wanted to do forever and something that is a constant challenge. When I found out I could do it as a career, I was like, 'I'm going to go for it.' " Robinson, who is in her third season as a Thodos Dance Chicago company member, began formal dance training at age 11 at Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts in Gary under the direction of Larry Brewer and Michal Davis. She competed as part of Emerson Dance Alliance, was a member of National Honor Society, was part of the student council and served as salutatorian for the class of 2009. Advertisement "I just felt like I always was surrounded by a lot of people who were encouraging me," she said. "So many people say there's not a lot of good coming out of Gary but I never really experienced that. I really was surrounded with so much encouragement from my family, my friends, my teachers at Emerson. That was always a positive experience for me." Although Robinson's future is uncertain after "Full Circle," she said she would like to give back. "I definitely want to keep dancing with different companies if I'm able to," said Robinson, who received her bachelor of fine arts degree from the Julliard School in New York City where she performed works by William Forsythe and Ohad Naharin. "My ultimate goal would be to open a performing arts center in Gary because I feel like going to Emerson and having that opportunity there really helped to motivate me to pursue different goals, not even just associated with dance but just as an artist overall. "I feel like that's something that the city needs a hub of creativity for young people to have that outlet to reach out to." Advertisement Part of Auditorium Theatre's "Made in Chicago" Dance Series, "Full Circle" includes "Acid Reign," which Brian Enos created for Thodos Dance Chicago's silver anniversary season, and the Chicago premiere of Bella Lewitzky's "Nos Duraturi," which is supported partly by a National Endowment for the Arts award. The program also features "Changing Strangers" by Thodos Dance Chicago founder and artistic director Melissa Thodos and her "The Wheel Trilogy," featuring "Reaching There" from 1986, "Getting There" from 2011 and "There," which makes its world premiere during "Full Circle." Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Thodos Dance Chicago When: 7:30 p.m. March 11 Where: Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago Advertisement Tickets: start at $29; discounts available for groups of 10-plus Information: 312-341-2300, www.auditoriumtheatre.org or www.thodosdancechicago.org Etc.: program is titled "Full Circle" Longtime educator and public servant Jose Arredondo is being remembered as a man who loved his large extended family, the communities he served and inspiring young people to further their education. Arredondo, of Merrillville, died Monday, just days before his 83rd birthday. Advertisement "My dad was the sixth of 10 children. He loved getting together, having meals with my aunts and uncles, cousins and their kids We have a huge family," said his son, Joseph Arredondo, of Valparaiso. Joseph Arredondo said his father, who taught at all levels from elementary school to college, was happy when inspiring young people to further their education. Advertisement "He saw how many doors education opened for him," Joseph Arredondo said. He said Arredondo entered politics thinking he could make some change for the better and missed politics when he decided to get out of it. But doing so also allowed him to return to what he loved -- education -- Joseph Arredondo said. According to the obituary written by Joseph Arredondo's wife, Elizabeth, Jose Arredondo began his teaching career at St. Mary School in Griffith. He also taught at Emerson High School in Gary, was principal of Edison High School in Gary, served as assistant superintendent for the School City of East Chicago and was a professor in the Valparaiso University Department of Education. He was the founder of H.O.P.E., a youth program that provided college scholarships, and initiated a mentoring program while teaching at Valparaiso University that encouraged college students to become pen pals to elementary students in East Chicago. Arredondo's political career included serving as a state representative, Lake County auditor and Lake County sheriff. He was he founder of the East Chicago Ballet Folkloric and co-founder of the Mariachi Acero, both of which are student programs. Arredondo also served in the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Roy Dominguez, a Merrillville attorney and a former Lake County sheriff, called Arredondo a mentor. Advertisement Dominguez said he first met Arredondo when he was in elementary school in Gary in the 1960s and Arredondo was his teacher. Dominguez and his mother later distributed fliers for Mr. Arredondo when he was running for state representative. "My family has always been supportive of Jose Arredondo," Dominguez said. "He loved our community, but first and foremost, he was a wonderful family man." In addition to his son Joseph, Arredondo is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dolores Arredondo, daughter Felice (Tim Salber) of San Jose, Calif., daughter Monica Arredondo of Merrillville, sisters Juanita (Guadalupe, deceased) Sanchez and Camila (Rolando) Trevino, brothers Ramon (Patricia) and Lorenzo, sisters-in-law Eugenia Arredondo, Eva Arredondo, Esther Serna, Juanita Salaz and Rebecca Sanchez and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Miguel and Maria Arredondo, and siblings Jesse, Socorro, Sylvester, Miguel and Mary. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville, with the Rev. Brian Chadwick officiating. A short visitation will take place at the church at 9:30 a.m. Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. In what he said was the first of what will be quarterly town hall meetings, Porter County Councilman Andy Bozak gave an overview of the role of the council and fielded questions from the audience. Bozak, R-1st, a former member of the Burns Harbor Town Council, was selected by caucus in early January to take the council seat after Republican Jim Biggs, who previously held the post, was elected as a county commissioner representing the North District. Advertisement "I kind of wanted to explain what we do as opposed to the commissioners," Bozak said Wednesday at the Westchester Public Library, adding commissioners are the legislative branch of county government. "We are the financial arm." While council members can't pass ordinances, Bozak told his constituents they could still come to him with matters for the commissioners and he would get back to them. Advertisement He provided some background on the county's foundation, funded with $132 million of the proceeds from the 2007 sale of the county hospital. Additional money from the sale is still rolling off of other investments before it's invested in the foundation, and $10 million was held back for capital projects, including the county's new animal shelter. The foundation board, comprised of the seven members of the council and the three commissioners, will meet March 21 to begin discussion about how best to use the proceeds. "There's a lot of people who want (funding) so there will be a lot of discussion about what to do with it," he said. Chesterton Town Councilman Emerson Delaney, R-5th, had questions about how the new animal shelter would be funded once it's up and running. The shelter, on Indiana 49 between the sheriff's department and the Expo Center, is expected to open by June 1. "I'm not sure about that. It was all done before I got on the council. I'll get back to you," Bozak said. Democrat Bob Poparad, who lost his at-large seat on the County Council in the November election and previously held the District 1 seat, said the shelter will be funded with tax revenue and through a fee collected from municipalities, half of which goes to the shelter and half of which goes to the sheriff's department, which oversees animal control. Emerson, who said not all of the county's municipalities had been paying the annual fee, said the way the fee is calculated, by call volume, "has always been a point of contention," and suggested a more equitable funding solution, like a tax increase that amounted to $3 a year. "I think that might be the way to go and it would be a softer blow to the citizens of Porter County," Delaney said. Advertisement Bozak also fielded a question about where he thought cuts could be made in the county budget during budget hearings in the fall, something Bozak said the council would look at and discuss. "We provide a service to taxpayers," said County Recorder Jon Miller, "so I think you're going to find it's hard to cut things." Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. What's Quickly? It's where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email quickly@post-trib.com. Too bad Trump's high-sounding words have nothing whatsoever to do with his sewer-dwelling deeds. Advertisement If Gary superintendent Cheryl Pruitt cannot do her overpaid job, then she should quit instead of hiring a $50,000 a year helper. Indiana State Senator Brandt Hershman has learned quickly from KellyAnne Conway and Sean Spicer how to rebut what he said regarding "net metering," then blaming a liberal special interest group. Not to worry Brandt, once the EPA is gutted, your power company stock should triple! Advertisement There was a mishap at the Oscars because the wrong envelope was given. Trump claimed that the fiasco was caused because they made fun of him. I guess everything really is about him. The Gary School Corporation is laying off 11 more people after all the other people they laid off and the schools they've closed. They can't take care of anything, so the state is going to take over their financial situation ($110 million) by July for some possible loan forgiveness. But they're going to hire a consultant attorney Clorius Lay for a 20 hour per week position at $4,166 a month or $50,000 a year? You have to be kidding us or do you just think we're stupid. Mr. Lay all ready holds several different positions in several different places, and there's only so many hours in a day; He can't be everywhere. Again, follow the money. Everyone there is getting rich, and the students are the losers. Wow, President Trump nailed it last night in his congressional speech. He actually just repeated what he promised in his campaign speeches, but he did it in a much more diplomatic style. He indeed does plan to make America great again. Brian Cullinan, the Steve Bartman of the Oscars Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Trump was a big supporter of Brexit, I wonder if he would also support Calexit. I'd love to retire to the country of California and avoid his disasters in the making. Sad! So a Republican state senator from Buck Creek, Sen. Brandt Hershman, lies through his buck teeth to influence votes on a bill that will give more money to the utility companies and less to Hoosiers. Then he blames the whole thing on a fictitious "liberal special interest group". But you just keep voting straight R. Nothing to see here, folks! The Donald did it again taking credit for events and issues that he had little or nothing to do with. He or someone on his staff should fact check information before he takes credit for it. Many items and issues in his speech had nothing to do with him as they were already in place, completed or attributed to others. Well, thank goodness that Bobby Cantrell got out of federal prison just in time to help Mike Repay change the face of the Democratic Party in Lake County. Folks, it's time to stop this insanity once and for all. Advertisement From the response by the Democrats, we are in for four more years of nothing being done by the Congress. The four top people from each party should sit down in a locked room with a case of beer and wine and not be allowed out until they reach some binding agreements to do what the American people elected them to do. Repeal of so-called "Obamacare" has become a personal issue for GOP congressmen. They just want to deny Obama any accomplishment, and could care less about what is good for their constituents. So, millions are going to pretty soon find themselves without insurance. But relax, this is all part of Making America Great Again! Read more at www.post-trib.com/quickly On February 17, 2017, about two weeks ahead of China's annual Political Consultative Conference to be kicked off on March 3, 2017 and China's annual People's Congress to be kicked off on March 5, 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China, for the first time, to GUIDE the global community in the effort to make the world order more just and more reasonable at the National Security Seminar. I interpret this vow as the clarion call for Chi-globalization which I predicted in the book chapter "Chiglobalization? A Cultural Argument" included in the book China in the Era of Globalization edited by Sujian Guo & Baogang Guo published in 2009. At many occasions in the past, Xi had called on China to merely PARTICIPATE in the creation of a new world order or LEAD in new economic globalization. Xi's call on China to take leadership in improving the world order is significantly above and beyond China's leadership in economic globalization. It occurred at the historic moment when leaders of the existing unjust and unreasonable, thus consequentially bankrupt, world order such as the US and UK have begun to retreat from or resist against globalization. Such a shift to taking the comprehensive leadership from a followership or partial leadership in global affairs not only symbolizes China's growing confidence in the Chinese approaches to improve global governance by creating global institutions such as AIIB, but also China's readiness to integrate domestic and global affairs into a new form of synergy or symbiosis. What is more, it indicates a grateful China's kind-hearted willingness to accept the baton of human civilization to build upon the strengths of the existing globalization in return for the benefits China has reaped from its four decades' participation in the existing world order led by the US. Some of the benefits China have entertained include China's current rank of No. 2 economy in the world, the rise of its three hundred million middle-class population, and about six hundred million people lifted out of poverty. Informed by the Chinese experience of reform and opening up during the past forty years and even the revolutions during the 160 years since the Opium War, the current Chinese leadership is fully aware that a more open China means a more prosperous China which further implicates a more prosperous world. On a deeper level, the contemporary Chinese development model, inherently pragmatic, is consequentially open-ended, diverse and cosmopolitan, defying any single ideological definition out of the modern Western dualistic thinking. Inheriting from and further developing out of the experience of the traditional Chinese integration of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, contemporary China has hammered out a new ideological complex-a trinity or synergy of Confucianism, Marxism & Capitalism. While Confucianism is credited for maintaining social harmony and reasonableness in public policy in China, Marxism is credited for justice and equality. Capitalism is obviously credited for bringing economic freedom and consequentially wealth both among people and the regions of Chinese society and between Chinese society and all parts of the world. As I stated in "Chiglobalization? A Cultural Argument": "It is neither Chinese culture alone nor the American culture alone that has been propelling China into the status of a global superpower with increasing possibility to overtake the US in the next half of this century. It is the creative fusion of the Chinese culture and the American (Western) culture, or, to use Joshua Ramo's words, Chinese culture's capability for localizing foreign cultures which has made China the top contender for the status of the next superpower in the 21st century." China has been socially, politically, and economically successful so far not because of a single ideology excluding the other two, but because of the creative symbiosis of the three apparently contradictory yet mutually complementary ideologies. Unlike China, Western countries such as the US and UK has executed wide and thus wild swings from one single ideology to another, i.e., from globalization to populism, from liberalism to conservatism, causing imbalance and instability both domestically and globally. In contrast, the creative mix of the Chinese model provides balance and stability, justice and equality, inclusion and cosmopolitanism. This unique Chinese model of diversity, inclusivity and balance did not come out easily, though. It took a lot of blood and sweat on the part of Chinese people during the past 160 years since the Opium War. Ultimately, it is the yield of 5000 years' Chinese history of trial and error. Such a model has been extended in China's effort to assist in the development of Africa during the past decade and has yielded some remarkable results. It is also being further extended to the One Belt and One Road project which China proposed and initiated more than three years ago, a global platform for new globalization. It is anticipated that the Belt & Road Summit for International Cooperation, to be hosted by China in Beijing, May 2017, will give a big push to this global initiative. President Xi Jinping's call on China to guide the global community in the effort to make the world order more just and reasonable should not only be interpreted as a call for both China and the world to study and creatively apply this uniquely cosmopolitan Chinese model in their practice, but also should be understood as an invitation for the upcoming China's Political Consultative Conference and China's People's Congress to more deeply ponder this model and create related policy tools and public goods to make the world more just, more secure and more win-win. In this sense, these two upcoming congresses or the so-called "two sessions" will make history by prioritizing global governance issues for the first time in the history of P. R. China. Therefore, these two congresses deserve heightened global attention. Jia Wenshan, Ph. D., Professor, School of Communication, Chapman University Research Fellow, the National Academy of Development & Strategy, Renmin University of China 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 You are here: Home Flash Mongolia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy on Monday during the visit by the country's foreign minister, after bilateral relations were disrupted by the Dalai Lama's visit to the landlocked country in November. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil in Beijing on Feb. 20, 2017. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn] A long-standing, stable, mutually beneficial and equal relationship with China is Mongolia's primary foreign policy goal, Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil said in Beijing. Speaking at a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after their two-hour-long talks, Munkh-Orgil said Tibet is an inseparable part of China and Tibet-related issues are China's internal affairs. Mongolia made efforts to repair ties with China and promised it would never allow future visits by the Dalai Lama, a political exile with ambitions to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion. Hailing the Mongolian foreign minister's statement, Wang said it was important for the two countries to boost ties from a new beginning. The two countries should outline high-level communication, synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Prairie Road program and promote cooperation in various fields, Wang said. Munkh-Orgil said the Belt and Road Initiative would bring great opportunities for Mongolia's development, adding that Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat will visit China and attend the Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in May. He also thanked China for its support during Mongolia's financial difficulties. Vice President Li Yuanchao also met with Munkh-Orgil on Monday, during which both sides agreed to protect the political foundation for bilateral relations. Being a soldier in basic training! Wow! I recommend that to any of our young teens fresh out of high school! What a reality check! Taught me a lot of life long values. How did you get started in this business? I worked for a guy that did foam and fell in love with the business. Why did you choose this business? I didn't like roofingit is a hard business to do with the intense heat of New Mexico's summersbut I felt that installing insulated roofs was important to our customers and not enough energy saving contractors installing these roofs were around back then. What is your business philosophy? Provide the best, longest-lasting roofs for the best price possible. A roof that will be trouble-free. Now who has ever heard of a trouble-free flat roof? We have. We install them all the time. What is your educational background? BS in psychology. What is your companys greatest asset? Our staff. They're hard-working, dedicated guys. Albuquerque is very well served with spray foam roofs. The Phoenix area has more spray foam roof installers than any other type of roof. It's a natural fit for our desert Southwest climate. What motivates you to succeed besides the desire to make money? Making customers happy and satisfied. I love visiting the customer a year after the install and they tell me how not only did they have no leaks but their home was so much warmer that winter and so much cooler that summer. The challenges: The economic climate, its harder and more difficult to run a business (we've had to advertise more than ever) and the pressure to keep all our employees working. What do you offer that the competition doesnt? We provide insulated roofs. Our roofs are a minimum of 11/2" thick! Ask the others how thick their roofs are! Most other roofs are the thickness of a dime! We also provide the longest fully transferable warranties in the business. How do you maintain your competitive edge? By keeping our prices reasonable and our quality the best. Economic challenges, keeping our employees busy with plenty of work. What are your growth goals? No growth goals. We want to keep the same size, to grow makes it difficult to control quality. What is your companys greatest challenge? Maintaining zero money owed to all creditors. By having no debt, we can afford to go through slow times. What contributions to the community (charitable or otherwise) are you most proud of? Donating all the labor to San Antonio Church in Questa. Questa is the town I was raised in. So being asked to provide a full price quote for the services you offer is big in a small town like that. Then telling them we are doing a $30,000 job for just the cost of materials made them very grateful and it made us all feel good to be part of this grand project. Before most people knew what spray foam was, we were concerned about optimizing search results to be number one in the spray foam category. That was when there were many companies competing. Now we are number one. We are working on being number one on roofing categories. We will get there. In what area of your business do you invest the most energy? Putting our name out in front of people so they know about us. Networking, talking to lots of people too. If you had to choose another career or start another business what would it be? I haven't given it much thought but if I were to start another business it would have to be something that has equal value to the customer that no one else offers. What words of wisdom would you offer to someone starting their own business? Diligence. Don't expect to be profitable the first year. Buy as much as you can on a cash basis without using credit. Quality remains long after price is forgotten. If you had a chance to live anyone elses life, whose life would it be? Tori Ashley. She is goal driven, a hard worker, and determined to succeed. She is basically the female version of me, but with a greater capacity for love and craziness that I cant seem to grasp. I would like to do a Freaky Friday exchange with her. What book are you currently reading or whats your favorite book? Conversations with God, by Neale Donald Walsh, a N.Y. Times best-seller in the mid 1990's. Do you have a hero or mentor--business or otherwise? Denis Waitley and Jim Rohn. Both have some great advice, as Waitley said "life is a perception through the eyes of the beholder" in other words "if the light is off inside of youif you are sick or depressed, the light is off in the whole world, the whole world is sick and depressed" So TURN THAT LIGHT ON INSIDE OF YOU! Jim Rohn said, If you don't have a plan for your life you'll end up fitting into someone else's plan and chances are they don't have much planned for you. If there is one thing about Albuquerque or New Mexico that you could change, what would it be? Having more lakes and maybe a beach with an ocean! Not just endless beach! What do you look for in prospective employees? Loyalty, discipline and hard workers. What inspires you? Visiting with new customers and learning something new every day. Three passions outside of work? Lip synching or karaoke with the family. Anything else you would like to add? As I have developed my business, I have seen how much people really appreciate when I, the owner, talk with them and explain what's wrong with their roof or what is causing their leak. Many are frustrated because they have just gotten a new roof (less than 2 years oldand its already leaking!) They want to have the confidence that we can solve their leaky roof. Flash Russia is ready to withdraw its military base from Kyrgyzstan at any time, visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday at a joint press conference following a meeting with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev here. Putin said the air force base in Kant was opened in 1999-2000 at the request of the then Kyrgyz leadership when the country suffered from terrorist attacks by terrorists from Afghanistan that crossed the border. "It was opened to be able to effectively fight with international terrorists. Whenever Kyrgyzstan says that the country has strengthened its armed forces, we will immediately withdraw our military base," Putin said. The Russian president stressed that the presence of the Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan is to ensure safety in the country. "Since we started to strengthen relations within the Collective Security Treaty organization, it goes without saying that we will further strengthen the armed forces of Kyrgyzstan. If Kyrgyzstan sees it right to do so, we will discuss it," Putin said. For his part, Atambayev said that the issue of strengthening the Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan was not discussed at the meeting. "I would like to note that Russia, on the contrary, wants to help us to strengthen our armed forces," said Atambayev. Putin arrived on Tuesday in Bishkek for an official visit after his visit to Tajikistan on Monday. The two heads of state also discussed the entire spectrum of their bilateral relations, the implementation of joint projects and further cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. By Dezan Shira & Associates Editor: Tongyu Zhang Upgrading science and technology innovation is a critical component of Chinas 13th Five Year Plan covering the years 2016-2020, as the Chinese government aims to upgrade its tech capabilities. As part of this effort, on December 27, 2016, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), General Administration of Customs (GAC), and State Administration of Taxation (SAT) issued a joint notice (Cai Guan Shui [2016] No.70) to standardize the duty-free import process of scientific and technological research equipment by scientific research institutions, technology development institutions, and schools. Meanwhile, since being published in 2015, the two notices regarding deduction of R&D expenses (Cai Shui [2015] No. 119 and SAT announcement [2015] No. 97) were implemented in 2016. Therefore, now is a particularly relevant time to consider R&D related tax incentive policies for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) to review for effective tax planning. Support of duty-free imports for science and technology innovation Regarding foreign-invested R&D institutions in China, Notice No. 70 is applicable for those approved as foreign-invested R&D centers by provincial level authorities of commerce, finance and taxation, as well as local administration of customs. According to the Notice, the import of scientific research, sci-tech development, and teaching supplies, which domestic suppliers cannot manufacture or for which they are unable to meet performance requirements, are exempt from import duties and import VAT. In addition, teaching books, materials, and relevant scientific research imported by scientific research institutes and schools, are exempt from import VAT. Note that the list of duty-free items may be reviewed within the announcement, Cai Guan Shui [2016] No. 72. Considerations for additional deduction policies of R&D expenses Scope of R&D activities R&D activities refers to systematic activities that an enterprise conducts to obtain and apply new science and technology knowledge creatively or substantially to improve its technologies, product (services), and processes. However, as the definition of R&D activities is rather vague, Notice No. 119 uses a negative list form to exclude activities and certain industries (as listed below) that do not apply to the pre-tax additional deduction policies. Activities: Conventional upgrades of the enterprises products (services); Direct application of certain technological research results; Technical support activities provided by the enterprise to its customers following commercialization; Repetitive or simple changes to existing products, services, technologies, materials, or processes; Market surveys or management studies; Quality control, testing and analysis, repair and maintenance in industry (service) process; and Research in social sciences, arts, or humanities. RELATED: Audit and Financial Services from Dezan Shira & Associates Industries: Tobacco manufacturing; Lodging and food and beverage (F&B); Wholesale and retail; Real estate; Leasing and commercial services; and Entertainment. Deductible R&D expenses If R&D expenses incurred by an enterprise in its R&D activities have not formed intangible assets and are included in the current periods profit or loss, 50 percent of such R&D expenses will be deducted from the taxable income amount of the current year. If intangible assets are formed, pre-tax amortization will be made based on 150 percent of the costs of the intangible assets. The specific scope of R&D expenses include: Staff and labor expenses consisting of salaries, pensions and insurance of personnel engaging in R&D activities directly, and the service fees of external R&D personnel; Direct costs include materials, fuels and power expenses directly consumed by R&D activities and relevant manufacturing, purchasing or testing expenses for different stages of the R&D procedure; Depreciation of instruments and equipment used for R&D activities; Amortization of intangible assets used in R&D activities; Design fees for new products, fees for formulation of new processes, clinical trial fees for new drugs, and onsite testing fees for exploration and development technologies; Other expenses directly related to R&D activities, such as technical books and materials expenses, expenses for evaluation of R&D results and so on. Note that the total amount of these expenses shall not exceed 10 percent of the total amount of R&D expenses allowed for additional deduction. Special matters For expenses incurred by R&D activities carried out by an external organization or individual entrusted by the enterprise, 80 percent of the actual amount shall be included in the entrusting partys R&D expenses and allowed for additional deduction. However, expenses of R&D activities carried out by an overseas entrusted entity are not able to apply to additional deduction. In the case of a project with high technical requirements and large investment which requires centralized R&D by an enterprise group, such a group may, based on the principles of matching corresponding rights and obligations as well as expenses and gains, share the actually incurred R&D expenses among benefiting member enterprises to allow the related enterprises to compute their respective additional deduction. Declaration and filing of R&D expenses deduction Enterprises should submit a Filing Form for Enterprise Income Tax Incentives and the R&D project documents to complete filing with the tax authorities no later than the annual computation and settlement tax declaration, and retain the following materials for future inspection: Proposal and approved resolution for the independent, entrusted, or cooperative R&D project; Composition of the organization or project team for the R&D project, as well as name list of the R&D personnel; Contract for the R&D project, which should be registered with the science and technology administrative authorities; Explanation on distribution of expenses of staff undertaking R&D activities and instruments, as well as equipment and intangible assets used for these activities; Balance sheet of R&D projects, breakdown of distribution of R&D expenses, and the actual benefit-sharing ratio; Subsidiary ledger for R&D expenditure; Expert opinions issued by local science and technology administrative authorities; and Other materials stipulated by the provincial tax authorities. Key takeaways In consideration of Chinas economic and political environment, it is now reasonable for FIEs to evaluate the gains and losses of relocating some advanced-technological business activities in China, such as R&D research and high-tech manufacturing. Apart from the tax incentives, FIEs can also enjoy the relatively lower labor cost for skilled workers and professional researchers. Nevertheless, FIEs should pay attention to the implementation of the additional deduction of R&D expenses for two main reasons. First, R&D activities are complex, covering the full stages of business procedure. Secondly, identification of R&D expenditure is indistinct in practice, with taxation authorities maintaining a level of administrative discretion. Therefore, it is important for enterprises to keep in contact with local taxation authorities, as well as seek opinions from professional advisors. About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. 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 China 2017 Doing Business in China 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in China. Compiled by the professionals at Dezan Shira & Associates in January 2017, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Chinese market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to keep up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes. New Considerations when Establishing a China WFOE in 2017 In this edition of China Briefing, we guide readers through a range of topics, from the reasons behind foreign investors preference for the WFOE as an investment model, to managing Chinas new regulations. We discuss how economic transformations have favored the WFOE, as well as the investment models utility, and detail key requirements that businesspeople need to examine before initiating the WFOE setup process. We then walk investors through the WFOE establishment process, and, finally, explain the new and idiosyncratic Actual Controlling Person regulation. The British Council and Peking University have jointly hosted the China-UK Cultural Heritage High Level Dialogue on 28 Feb 2017 in Beijing. Carma Elliot, director of British Council China Minister in Culture and Education, delivers the keynote speech during the forum. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] With the support of the China State Administration of Cultural Heritage and Capital Normal University, cultural heritage experts from both countries were invited to exchange and discuss potential future collaboration. This dialogue is part of a series of cultural skills dialogues the British Council hosts in China. The British Council has been contributing to the development of UK-China cultural industry by delivering a series of meetings, forums and training in China on museums, theater management, cultural heritage, gaming and fashion. These dialogues receive support from the China Prosperity Fund, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Five experts from five British cultural institutions took part in this dialogue: Historic England, Bath World Heritage Site/World Heritage UK, the Institute of Conservation, Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, and Oxford Preservation Trust. More than 50 Chinese experts from all over the country were invited. They presented on topics such as cultural heritage preservation and the transformation of buildings and spaces, while also examining case studies like the preservation of the Great Wall in China and the development of ancient villages such as the Dong ethnic group in China's southwestern regions. The start of a golden era of collaboration and exchange between the UK and China began in 2015 with the UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange. Both the UK and China have splendid and rich cultural heritage. Cultural heritage protection is also one of the priorities for China's 13th Five-Year Plan. Starbucks Coffee [File photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn] Starbucks's debut in Italy with the Milan Reserve Roastery has been confirmed Wednesday by its chairman and CEO Howard Schultz in Milan. The establishment will be located in a former post building in Milan's Piazza Cordusio, and be the first Starbucks Roastery to open in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. It will open in 2018 with some 350 employees, Schultz said. "This store will be the culmination of a great dream of mine -- 34 years in the making -- to return to Milan with one of the most immersive, magical retail experiences in the world," he said. Starbucks has established collaboration with the historic bakery Princi in Milan, which will provide all of the baked goods. Following the Roastery opening, Italian licensee and business partner Percassi will open a small number of Starbucks stores in Milan for the balance of 2018. Starbucks has the ambition to show its interpretation of coffee to Italians, he argued. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed his suppot for Starbucks opening in his city. "As mayor and as a citizen of Milan I am pleased that an international company, known for its standing and reliability such as Starbucks, has decided to invest in our city," said Sala. Brazil's national oil company, Petrobras, closed a deal on Tuesday to sell 2.225 billion U.S. dollars of assets to French giant Total as part of its continuing diversification plan. According to a Petrobras statement, the deal is part of a broad alliance to work on upstream and downstream. It sees Petrobras transfer to Total 22.5 percent of concession rights to the Iara exploration area, including the Sururu, Berbigao and Oeste de Atapu oil fields. It also transfers 35 percent of the Lapa field concession area, which began production in December. Petrobras is not exiting the two fields fully as it shall retain a majority interest of 42.5 percent in Iara and 10 percent in Lapa. Finally, Petrobras has sold to Total a 50 percent stage in Termobahia, a power generation company with two thermal plants in the northeastern state of Bahia. The beleaguered Brazilian oil company is facing a major need to cut costs as it faces crippling debt and a loss of market confidence after a corruption ring was found within its ranks. In 2016, Petrobras announced a divestment plan, which included raising 19.5 billion U.S. dollars through the offloading in assets in 2017 and 2018. You are here: Home The Chinese government has announced ambitious plans to improve the country's transport infrastructure in the next few years. The State Council on Tuesday issued a document to expand the transport network during the 13th Five-year Plan period (2016-2020). By 2020, the country will have 150,000 kilometers of railway lines, 5 million km of roads, 260 airports and 2,527 berths for vessels over 10,000 tonnes. High-speed railways will increase to 30,000 km, connecting more than 80 percent of cities with a population of more than 1 million. The government aims to build a modern transport system that is safe, convenient, efficient and green by 2020, according to the document. China has already weaved enormous networks of railroads, expressways and ship routes, which have smoothed its rapid economic expansion during the past decades. "China tops the world in the length of high-speed railways, expressways and urban rail transit networks, and the number of berths for vessels over 10,000 tonnes," Li Pumin, secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference Wednesday. "Seven of the world's 10 largest ports in terms of container throughput are located in China," Li added. The country's transport investment totaled 13.4 trillion yuan (1.95 trillion U.S. dollars) between 2011 and 2015, about 1.6 times that spent from 2006 to 2010. However, China transport infrastructure still cannot satisfy the increasing demand of the nation's economic and social development. "Infrastructure lags behind in less-prosperous central and western regions, connectivity with bordering countries needs further improvement, transport safety is still in grim situation, and investment and financing mechanisms require continued reforms," Li said. To fix the weak links, a total of 15 trillion yuan will be channeled into transport infrastructure improvement projects by 2020, including 3.5 trillion yuan for railways, 7.8 trillion yuan for roads and 500 billion yuan for water transport. The government promised strengthened policy support in land, investment and subsidies for such projects. "We have scrapped more than 90 percent of administrative approval procedures...and channeled more energy into reforms on financing mechanisms, including eight demonstration projects allowed to use private investment," said Zheng Jian, deputy head of the NDRC's basic industries department. "More efforts will be made to improve planning and regulation to ensure the implementation of the plan," Zheng said. The government also expects improved transport systems to help reduce poverty, saying revolutionary bases, impoverished and border areas, and regions inhabited by ethnic groups will see more favorable policies. Sanyou is not a traditional Tibetan village name. Translated as "three haves," the name is shortened from "have health, house and jobs." The new village is along a plateau river in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. Its name reflects the heartfelt hopes of some of the poorest people living on the Tibetan Plateau. Sanyou village is the first settlement for 712 people living below the poverty line in Tibet. They moved here last year from infertile land to seek jobs that will keep them out of poverty. In 2006, the Lhasa government spent about 40 million yuan (about 5.7 million U.S. dollars) to build 184 houses on what used to be rocky land. Now the village is administered by Dagar township of Qushui county in Lhasa. Nyima Tsering is one of the members of the Party branch of the village. He takes charge of a dairy farm in the new settlement. As the youngest son of a farmer, Nyima Tsering used to live in a cramped house with his parents, sisters and their families. In 2000, he dropped out of high school when his oldest sister died, in order to take care of her sons. "Disease cost my family a huge fortune. I'm a man, and it is my job to take care of them," he said. Both of Nyima Tsering's parents are in poor health. "I worked in the fields during farming season, and took odd jobs in the city, but no matter how hard I worked, the money I earned today would be used up tomorrow," he said. When an intense anti-poverty campaign started last year, the city government rolled out relocation solutions for poor families like Nyima Tsering's. Sanyou's residents came from 10 villages in Qushui county. "Some people wanted to move into new houses, but many were hesitant at first," said Mao Xin, head of Dagar township. In order to dispell their doubts, many of the farmers were hired as workers to build the new settlement. "We let people build their homes, so they could be more emotionally involved," said Mao. Nyima Tsering also participated in building the new houses and his dedication won the hearts of his fellow villagers and got him elected to the villagers committee. Houses in Sanyou mostly have two floors with white walls, golden-lacquered doors, and a yard. The most spacious is 165 square meters and the smallest is 108 meters. Tashi Doje, 61, lives in one of the bigger houses with six family members. In almost all the houses, there is a buddha altar on the second floor. Tashi Doje sold his old house in his hometown and rented out his pasture land to a rich farmer. His family earned about 98,904 yuan (about 14,333 U.S. dollars) last year from farming and working at dairy and chicken farms in the village. "Leaving the old home was not easy, but I didn't have to spend a cent for my new house, and my children can go to better schools in the town," said Tashi. A clinic and a kindergarten have also been built in the new settlement. Last year, about 130,000 people were lifted out of poverty in Tibet. More than 460,000 people are still living below the poverty line in the region. Nyima Tsering's son was born at the end of last year at their new home. "I decided to call him Tsere Phurza, meaning intelligence and auspiciousness," he said. "We had five or six babies born in the new village last year, and I hope they will never have to experience poverty," he said. The nomination period for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)'s fifth term chief executive election ended on Wednesday, with altogether three candidates qualified to run for the vote to be held late March. During the nomination period starting from Feb. 14, the Returning Officer at the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has received nomination forms from Tsang Chun-wah, former Financial Secretary of the SAR government, Woo Kwok-hing, a retired justice, and Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, former Chief Secretary of the SAR government. Their nomination forms are ruled valid by the Returning Officer, making the number of candidates in the election three. Ip Lau Suk-yee, a lawmaker, declared that she will end her campaign to run in the chief executive election as she was not able to get enough nominations from the Election Committee. According to Hong Kong Basic Law and other related laws, a Chinese citizen of no less than 40 years of age who is a permanent resident of Hong Kong SAR with no right of abode in any foreign country and has ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of no less than 20 years, is eligible to be nominated as a candidate. A candidate must submit the nomination form subscribed by no less than 150 members of the Election Committee and each member can nominate only one candidate. The election will be held on March 26, when the Election Committee composed of nearly 1,200 members elects by secret ballot the Hong Kong SAR's fifth chief executive to be appointed by the central government. You are here: Home Over the past 22 years, Yu Jiahua, 65, has spent several days every month patrolling a mountain looking for poachers in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Jiuding Mountain, a 10 minute walk from Yu's village, is surrounded by hundreds of square meters of forest and has many wild animals. "In the 1960s, there were hundreds of thousands of wild animals," Yu said. Yu was born in a small village and can identify animals just by the footprints. His family also used to hunt. "We hunted birds and animals before, but we had rules." Yu said. "We never hunted young or female animals." Since the 1980s, many illegal hunters have flocked to Jiuding Mountain and poached large numbers of wild animals to sell them. Many poachers even set the mountain on fire, forcing the animals to flee so they can catch them. "The escaped animals were killed by illegal hunters waiting at the foot of the mountain and those trapped in fire burned to death. Their screams made your toes curl," Yu said. Poachers also used wire ropes, not traditional hemp ropes, to set traps, leaving no opportunities for animals to escape. Such unsustainable hunting had left the mountain almost empty of wild animals by 1994. In 1995, Yu, his brother and some villagers organized a patrol team to drive the poachers away, but animal hunting was a way for many people to make money. It was not easy to stop them, and Yu and his team would encounter dangers on patrol. Yu still remembers the four poachers with shotguns that threatened to kill him. "I will shoot you if you stop me," a poacher shouted. To expand the patrol team, Yu established a wild animal and plant protection association in 2004, attracting more than 100 people to join. Since then, the team has patrolled the mountain more than 10 times every year. "On the one hand, we continue to stop illegal hunting. On the other hand, we monitor the latest information about wild animals in the region," Yu said. Several years ago, Yu set up infrared cameras on the mountain to track endangered animals. Thanks to his anti-poaching group, illegal hunting has fallen dramatically over the last 22 years. "Farmers now have more methods to make money. Illegal hunting is decreasing, but not disappearing," Yu said. He even found a shotgun left in a cave on his latest mountain patrol. The number of wild animals on the mountain is slowly increasing. "There were less than 10 golden pheasants in 1995, but now the number has risen to 700," Yu said. Yu's sons and grandsons have all joined the patrol team, which is supported by government subsidies as well as donations. "It will take a long time to restore the ecosystem," Yu said. "Guarding the mountain has become our family mission, and we will not give up halfway." A research institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is building a world-class scientific talent team, aiming to attract more than 600 experts from home and abroad in three to five years, Chinanews.com reported on Thursday. Ji Xiangdong, a senior professor at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, said the center has sent out invitations for young scientists worldwide, with quite a few being China-born. The Tsung-Dao Lee Institute was established in November last year after Tsung-Dao Lee, a renowned American-Chinese physicist, proposed the plan. Tsung-dao Lee and Yang Zhenning (Chen-Ning Franklin Yang) received the 1957 Nobel Prize in physics for their work on parity nonconservation of weak interaction, becoming the first people of Chinese origin to become Nobel laureates. With a focus on particle physics, quantum physics, astronomy and astrophysics, the institute is modeled on world-famous research centers such as Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark and Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton. Ji said the global experts will be provided benefits that will match similar research institutes, including salary, children's education and medical insurance. Chinanews report said the institute has already made some achievements in dark matter and quantum physics. Ji said the center is going to serve as a gathering of top scientists as well as a platform for international communication. It also aims to lead physics experiments as well as scientific discovery. Besides, Ji said he hopes that the institute will become a popular science base so as to make science more "down to earth". You are here: Home The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications on Thursday underscored building a clean online and offline environment for social harmony. The office announced it will launch more campaigns in 2017 to crack down on piracy and online pornography to ensure the healthy development of children and young people. Issues in live-streaming video, instant chat services and pop-up ads will be dealt with, said the office. The office also urged early detection and punishment for illegal academic journals as well as blackmail by fake journalists. In 2016, Chinese law enforcement confiscated over 16 million illegal publications and banned more than 14,000 websites disseminating harmful information. Flash Iran's president on Wednesday called for dialogue and political procedures to settle regional conflicts, Press TV reported. Tehran supports dialogue and mutual respect to settle differences, said Hassan Rouhani. "We should make efforts to immediately put an end to war, bloodshed and foreign interference in the region." "Iran stresses respect for the territorial integrity of regional countries and is against any violation of territorial integrity in the region, especially in Syria and Iraq," Rouhani said during a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) 13th plenary session in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. Rouhani described Iran and Turkey as two major countries of the region and called for further Tehran-Ankara cooperation in all sectors, which he said would benefit the two states as well as regional peace and stability. Erdogan, for his part, said that Tehran-Ankara cooperation was essential to the settlement of regional woes and anti-terror fight. Jiang Wei.[Photo/Official Weibo account of Beijing First Intermediate People's Court] When talking about open trials of cases involving corrupt officials, Jiang Wei, a post-80s judge from a court in Beijing has had more experiences than almost anybody else. After graduation from Tsinghua University's School of Law with master's degree in 2005, Jiang joined Beijing First Intermediate People's Court and later became a criminal court judge, according to Beijing Evening News. In 2014, he was appointed as the vice-presiding judge of the court's No 2 Criminal Tribunal, as he was one of the youngest and brightest judges in the country's judicial system. In the nationwide fight against corruption launched in 2012, the fall of two "big tigers", or high-ranking officials, impressed him the most. One was Tian Xueren, former deputy governor of Jilin province, who was in 2013 charged with receiving 85 bribes worth more than 19 million yuan ($3.1 million) from 1995 to 2011. Jiang Wei still remembers the morning of Nov 1, when he was sitting across Tian Xueren at the courtroom of No 2 Criminal Tribunal. As the presiding judge of the trial, he announced the judgment in a strong voice that Tian Xueren was sentenced to life imprisonment, deprived him of political rights for life, along with the confiscation of the money he received in bribes. Tian pleaded guilty and didn't appeal to a higher court. On July 17, 2014, at the same court, Jiang Wei announced another significant verdict: Wang Suyi, former head of the United Front Work Department in the Party's Inner Mongolia committee, was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes. He was accused of taking bribes worth more than 10.73 million yuan ($1.71 million). Like Tian, Wang didn't appeal to a higher court. Facing the "big tigers", Jiang admits sentencing the "big tigers" was a high pressure job as he had to make sure that the judgment was as fair as possible. "Sometimes it's like a contest between you and the defendants," Jiang Wei said. When referring to Wang Suyi, Jiang said during the first arraignment, he told Wang that it's him who made Tian Xueren's verdict last year, "When they know you're an experienced judge, they will respect and cooperate with you better." Jiang said. Jiang has so far handled a dozen of corruption cases concerning ministerial-level officials, with the highest illicit money from a case reaching over 20 million yuan ($3 million). "The proceeding of criminal cases usually take seven or eight months, not counting some cases with several supplement investigation," Jiang said. Unlike the civil cases, criminal cases involving corruption and delinquency are more complicated and time-consuming. In addition, Jiang has dealt with several major white-collar crime cases involving real estate, commerce, internet, among which the highest value of case recorded was 396 million yuan ($57.7 million). "In general, a copy of the written judgment contains 20,000 to 30,000 words, and needs at least four or five revisions." Jiang said. "Even a tiny mistake in high-profile cases can have major consequences." he said. Over the last couple of years, Jiang has dealt with more than 140 cases, and not a single lawsuit or complaint has been filed in any case. "I like being a judge; it's a mentally challenging work." A competent judge must work hard and make decisions after serious considerations. "When I became a judge 10 years ago, I decided to devote myself to this job." Jiang said. Hu Kaihong: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to our press conference. In the past few weeks, we have invited the heads of many government departments to brief you on Chinas economic and social development. Today, we have Mr. Guo Shuqing, who has just taken up his post as chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC). He will explain how the banking industry is supporting supply-side structural reform, and then take your questions. We have also with us the two CBRC vice chairmen, Mr. Wang Zhaoxing and Cao Yu, and the CBRC chairmans assistant, Mr. Yang Jiacai. Guo Shuqing: First, please allow me to make a general introduction of the banking industrys reform, development and surveillance works. Later, Ill take your questions. In 2016, the banking industry completed all its tasks of the year and ensured a good beginning for the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). By the end of 2016, the Renminbi and foreign currency assets of Chinese banking sector reached 232.25 trillion yuan, up 15.8 percent year-on-year. The growth rate was 0.13 percentage points higher than the previous year. The balance of deposits and loans increased in a stable way. At the end of the year, the balance of Renminbi and foreign currency loans totaled 112.06 trillion yuan, increasing12.7 trillion yuan, or 12.79 percent, from the beginning of the year. The balance of Renminbi and foreign currency deposits was 155.52 trillion yuan, a gain of 15.74 trillion yuan, or 11.27 percent. Asset quality remained stable. The non-performing loan rate was 1.91 percent, down 0.02 percentage points on the year; net profits of the banking industry exceeded 2 trillion yuan. Regarding commercial banks, the non-performing loan rate was 1.74 percent, up 0.07 percentage points; net profits totaled 1.65 trillion yuan, up 3.54 percent; the average return on the asset and capital ratios remained basically unchanged, registered at 0.98 percent and 13.38 percent respectively. The banking industry is now better prepared to handle risk. The loan loss reserve, the non-performing loan provision coverage ratio, the non-performing loan provision ratio and the capital adequacy ratio of commercial banks remained basically unchanged at 2.67 trillion yuan, 176.4 percent, 3.08 percent and 13.28 percent respectively. Generally, the systemic risks of the banking sector remained under control. This year, we will fully implement the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference. Specifically, we will carry out four tasks. First, we will be more active in supporting and implementing supply-side structural reform. Regarding market-based debt-for-equity swaps, currently, the total value of such contracts has exceeded 430 billion yuan. The value of contracts implemented surpassed 40 billion yuan. In the next stage, we will increase policy support, enhance professional guidance and strengthen risk monitoring to promote further progress. We will remain active but prudent in regard to the trial program to allow commercial banks to participate in combined debt-equity investments into startups and small businesses.Based on the special national conditions, we will explore new financial service modes for technological innovation companies. We will also support trial banks to diversify their service modes according to their internal conditions. The banking sector will play a more active part in supporting supply-side structural reform of the agricultural sector. More loans will be given to rural areas, farmers and small and micro-sized enterprises. The efficiency of targeted poverty alleviation and financial inclusion will be improved. Weak links of financial services will be fixed. Second, we will further improve service to real economy. We will continue to improve banking services and tackle the bureaucratic work style of some banks. Third, we will take firm actions to stop illegal financial practices. According to the requirements of the Central Economic Work Conference, we will attach greater importance to risk control and prevent all kinds of systemic financial risks. Currently, cross-market financial products have become a major problem due to their complicated and unpredictable nature. The emergence of such products should be blamed on lack of an appropriate regulatory mechanism. Without a well-established mechanism, the banking industry will be exposed to grave risks. Therefore, we must review existing regulations, make new ones where necessary, revise outdated ones and abolish those that are deemed unsuitable. Fourth, we will comprehensively improve banking personnels quality. One has to be very strong to strike iron. Its the job for the banking industry to handle various risks, and its the CBRCs duty to monitor management risk. We must increase the awareness of risks and always be ready to deal with worst-case scenarios. Only in this way can we fulfill our duty as a regulator. Thats all I want to say. Thank you. Hu Kaihong: Thank you, Mr. Guo. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions. Phoenix TV: I have a question about mixed business regulations. We noted that recently the PBOC, together with the CBRC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), is working on a guiding opinion about unified regulation. In your view, what is the biggest challenge in achieving this unified regulation? Is there any plan from the CBRC concerning the mixed regulations this year? Guo Shuqing: Your questions really hit the key point. Shadow banking, regulatory arbitrage, passageway business and lengthy supervision chain, all these issues have received much attention. At present, different financial institutions, such as commercial banks, trust companies, fund companies, securities companies and insurance companies, have carried out their own asset management activities, following different regulations and rules. This has resulted in disorders and made more capital flow to the virtual economy. So, we are working on a common regulation. I have to say I dont know much about the progress, because this is my third day in office. As far as I am concerned, we will make a unified regulation based on the most basic standards. These standards should be achievable and observed by all parties concerned. On this basis, each institution and industry can implement their respective standards. In this way, we can increase the transparency of asset management products, curtail supervision chains and tighten supervision of shadow banking. Furthermore, we can reduce the amount of capital disguised in other forms and make it more transparent. Id like to invite my colleague to explain further. Cao Yu: Asset management business, or wealth investment business, in the banking industry has played a positive role in such aspects as deepening financial market reform, promoting real economy growth, increasing citizens' property incomes and advancing transformation of banks. By the end of last year, the book balance of wealth investment funds reached 30 trillion yuan nationwide and such products generated revenue of 977.3 billion yuan. The CBRC has paid much attention to wealth investment business. We will further improve the regulation formulation in this regard to strengthen supervision. The new regulation, which has attracted much concern, has been under revision for a long time. Based on existing regulations, we are working on a new management method targeting emerging problems so as to advance the transformation of wealth investment business in an orderly manner. The management method is almost mature. As for the supervision on big asset management business, the PBOC has joined hands with the CBRC, CSRC and CIRC to formulate a unified regulation on asset management products. It is going smoothly. The CBRC will actively cooperate with the PBOC and other agencies. Reuters: My question is also about risk. We have noted the rapid expansion of non-loan assets on bank balance sheets over the last five years, and particularly joint start-ups and city banks. In some cases, these non-loan assets surpass loan asset on bank balance sheets. How is the CBRC moving to control risks in the financial system? Can we expect the growth of these assets to diminish? Guo Shuqing: Well categorize them based on various conditions, drawing conclusions by taking into consideration the differences of banks and products. However, generally speaking, we follow the fundamental principle of scrutinizing those assets that appear on the balance sheet. Ill ask my colleague to provide more details. Wang Zhaoxing: In recent years, in line with market-centered financial evolution, market- oriented reform of interest rates has progressed, and comprehensive development of banking businesses is underway. They have actually brought about two major changes: rapid growth of non-credit assets that, in fact, have come to outweigh credit assets and the expansion of off-balance sheet businesses that end up outperforming those on the balance sheet. They have emerged as a result of the increasing driving force coming from the market, as well as the deregulation of interest rates. There are also supervisory bodies attempting to decentralize banking risk by encouraging multiple bank assets and debts as well as diversified profit revenues. Besides, the role of the market has been increasingly accentuated; this, entails the growth of bank extra-services and market-oriented and intermediary businesses. We treat them differently as they are not entirely negative compared to those involved in schemes shunning supervision, getting involved in arbitrage and circulating banking loans inside the financial system rather than handling them in the real economy. Moreover, we in no way seek to oppose and interrupt the diverse developments of banks, yet we should be increasingly vigilant about possible risks. When doing so, we will first encourage further development of banking credit services either by loans or other approaches to ensure funds are dispensed in support of the real economy. Second, well make sure risks are transparent and controllable. Third, we will secure the sufficiency of reserves and capital in a bid to offset potential dangers. As a result of Chinas financial progress, market development and emergence of multiple banking services, those businesses cannot be simply described as right or wrong. However, at the same time, we will observe the issue from the three aspects I mentioned above to improve supervision and regulation. Thank you. CCTV: Just now, Mr. Guo mentioned that we need to improve the ability of financial services to serve the real economy. Since last year, a lot of debt committees have been established in China. The debt committees are aimed at solving the problems of zombie enterprises and overcapacity. Can you tell us the achievements of debt committees? Are there any further steps to be taken in reforming and innovating the system? Thanks. Guo Shuqing: Judging from my work experience, debt committees provide a good method. There are many banks providing loans to enterprises, especially to large and medium size enterprises. Therefore, unanimous action and deployment is welcomed by the local governments and the enterprises when it comes to the issues of enterprise structural adjustment and risk disposal. It is also beneficial for banks as it can prevent fear caused by information asymmetry. Currently, the debt committee is a good method for banks, enterprises, local governments and other stake holders to resolve problems, even serious problems, such as insolvency, bankruptcy liquidation and debt restructuring, because all parties have their resources and can negotiate together. The effect is much better in the process of dealing with zombie enterprises. We will continue to watch and determine future developments. When I worked in Shandong, the debt committee played a great role in the process of structural adjustment and debt restructuring for a mineral group. More than 40 negotiations were held and a satisfied result was reached by all parties. Therefore, this is a good way to resolve debt issue as all parties can get the best protection for their rights. Cao Yu: Until the end of last year, there were 12, 836 debt committees established in China, involving a total credit amount of 14.85 trillion yuan. Through the debt committees, a win-win situation could be reached for banks and enterprises while reducing the negative influence on the daily operation of banks and enterprises brought by unilateral action. Thanks. Bloomberg News: My question is about debt-for-equity swaps. Will CBRC encourage more banks to participate? How to address the risk of private capital in participating? Isnt it just prolonging the life of zombie companies and how can it be resolved? Thanks. Guo Shuqing: It has been highlighted that debt-for-equity swaps should follow market rules as well as the laws. Administrative orders and administrative negotiations are not allowed. Zombie enterprises are not allowed to participate in debt-for-equity swaps. We have carried out more than 40 billion yuan worth of swaps with more than 400 billion yuan in agreement. It is a sustainable method. The relevant laws and regulations will be improved during the process. However, our effort is helpful for structural reform on the supply side, especially for de-leveraging. It can also help enterprises get out of difficulties. Thanks. 21st Century Business Herald: I have two questions. First, theres a rumor, Mr. Guo, that you will be in charge of the reform of the regulatory system, for example merger of CBRC, CSRC and CIRC. What can you say about this? Second, there has been a further increase of non-performing loans in the banking industry. What will CBRC do this year to address this issue? Thanks. Guo Shuqing: For the first question, the interpreter just now answered on behalf of me as he used the word rumor in his translation. As for the second one, it is quite normal to see volatility in non-performing loans at a time when the countrys economy has entered a new normal condition, economic growth slows down, economic restructuring intensifies and new economic growth drivers begin to emerge. Of course, the problem this time is worse than before. However, compared to other countries, a rate of 1.91 percent of non-performing loans in the entire banking sector, and 1.74 percent of non-performing loans for commercial banks are actually not too high. We have not included such aspects like overdue loans for more than 90 days and those on the watch list in our calculations. They wont make a big difference to overall asset quality. Ten years ago, Chinas banking industry began equity division reform before getting listed on the stock market. After radical reform, we have established an internal risk control mechanism, a market-oriented management system, a constraint mechanism as well as an external supervision mechanism. These mechanisms are complete. Against the backdrop of a complicated domestic and international situation, there might be some problems, but they are quite understandable, and the overall situation is quite healthy. With strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, support from all walks of life, especially business circles, media supervision, the unremitting efforts of all banking sector staff and the conscientious devotion of the regulatory body, Im convinced that any risks and problems can be properly solved. Thank you. Caijing Magazine: We know that actually the idea of a unified mix-business regulation framework has been floated for quite some time, and the Peoples Bank of China has already set up a macro-potential regulation framework. So in your point of view, what is the most suitable model of regulation for the current development of the financial industry in China? And what kind of role will CBRC play in the future financial reform of the country? Thanks. Guo Shuqing: Its very hard for me to answer your question since its only the third day for me to take this new appointment. I havent thought over this question yet because during the past four years, I have been working on the real economy. Last week, I was thinking about the industry transformation and upgrading in Shandong Province. For example, last year, 22 industrial transformation schemes have conducted mid-stage assessment; 23 schemes in the service industry are waiting for assessment this year; in agriculture, 46 kinds of products are ready to be assessed. In 2016, we have completed 530,000 shantytown transformations; this year, 760,000 houses of shantytown transformation have been approved. In rural areas, we have to transform road, power, housing, toilet and other areas. Last year, we planned to transform 2 million toilets; but actually, we have finished 4.01 million. If you asked me what the most suitable model for toilet transformation is, I know it exactly; but if you asked me what the most suitable model of financial regulation is, I know nothing at present. Im very sorry I cant answer your question now. Thank you. Dragon TV: I have two questions. First is about real estate. Last year, the price of real estate in first- and second-tier cities grew extremely fast. Lots of prime lots appeared, most of which are reliant on bank loans. Mr. Guo, could you give us an introduction about how is the banking sector going to help alleviate the rising of house prices. And what will CBRC do to strengthen loan regulations coordinated with real estate control? Thanks. Guo Shuqing: Real estate finance is an important part. Currently, 1/4 of bank loans go to real estate market. Last year, 45 percent of new bank loans went to the real estate market. We are highly alert to a property-value bubble, and will do related research very seriously. However, the most significant characteristic of the real estate market is the huge difference between different places. Different cities have to face different kinds of property bubble and risks. Therefore, in the financial regulation field, we hope banks will stand on actual reality and invest capital in real estate steadily and cautiously, including both towards individuals and property developers. Several years ago residents used to buy houses using their own deposit or by borrowing money from relatives and friends. In recent years, people like to rely on bank loans to buy houses. Last year, nearly half of the new bank loans were real estate loans, most of which are personal housing mortgage loans. Generally speaking, personal loans are not a huge proportion, and its leverage ratio is not high, but we have to pay close attention to the trend. Wang Zhaoxing: Chinas real estate market is an emerging market featuring rapid growth, which made great contributions to Chinese economy, fiscal levies, as well as capital and profit growth of Chinese banks. As for real estate credit policy, we insist on a differentiated policy. We will limit those real estate loans containing bubbles and speculation, and destock some loans in third- and forth-tier cities. During the process of urbanization, housing demand especially rigid demand is also the loan demand which could improve peoples housing conditions and needs to be supported. By doing so, it will not only promote the real estate market to develop healthily and steadily, but also assure bank loans are safer. Shanghai Securities News: I have two questions. My first question is about the debt-to-equity swap. Is there a target, for example, to make its scale grow to a trillion yuan? In addition, with regards to setting up institutes, have you drawn up some preconditions, or is the CBRC drafting specific regulations? Since the investment-loan linkage and the debt-to-equity are being promoted, will you revise the relevant articles on limiting investment from banks in the Law on Commercial Banks? My second question is about illegal fundraising. Ezubao and the Fanya Metal Exchange in Kunming drew much public concern, mainly because the incidents happened without prior warning with blurred boundaries in terms of their legality. Did the CBRC ever consider how to solve this problem from an institutional perspective? The CBRC said in the past that it planned to hasten the unveiling of regulations on dealing with illegal fundraising. How is this progressing? Guo Shuqing: We answered your first question just now. Theres no preset target. The more than 400 billion yuan (US$) we mentioned was merely the face value of the deals we signed. The swap hasn't been fully completed. We will conduct detailed research about the accommodating regulations and will make them based on laws before piloting them. As for your question concerning illegal fundraising, Yang Jiacai will answer this question. Yang Jiacai: The question on illegal fundraising you asked just now did receive much public attention, since it was one of the diehard problems in China's economic and social development. The issue exposes every several years, especially when the economy goes downward. In the past two years, illegal fundraising was flagrant, causing serious harm. However, it's indeed difficult to spot such activities at an early stage. How we could identify them at an early stage when they haven't become full-fledged is a focus of our research. Entrusted by the State Council, the CBRC heads the national inter-ministerial joint meeting on combating illegal fundraising. Dealing with illegal fundraising isn't the CBRC's statutory duty; we and other members of the joint meeting have come up with many measures. Illegal fundraising is a process in which love becomes hatred, and the dallied becomes the forsaken. In the preliminary stage, people are bound by common interests, so that few will disclose it, although local governments all encourage such disclosure with incentives. But we didn't see many disclosures. Why? Because they share common interests from the beginning. We are currently drafting an administrative act, the Regulation on Dealing with Illegal Fundraising. This regulation was drafted by members of the joint meeting and has taken into consideration opinions from all provincial governments as well as from all ministries. We submitted the draft to the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council last July, which in turn, conducted in-depth research while extensively collecting the opinions of ministries and local governments. The regulation is now being perfected by the Legislative Affairs Office, which is actively seeking its promulgation. Second, who will be the enforcement agency? Now there's no authorized law enforcement institution for the cracking down on illegal fundraising, so we need such an administrative law enforcement department. Currently, local governments handling of illegal fundraising is usually a responsibility by local financial offices. The office was called the Bureau of Financial Supervision when Guo Shuqing was working in Shandong. Such an agency existed at all levels of government. In each city, there was a vice mayor especially in charge of financial affairs. Therefore, there was fewer illegal fundraising in Shandong than elsewhere. Another issue is that we should make clear the legal liabilities of the people involved in illegal fundraising. Usually, illegal fundraising involve three subjects, namely, the initiators, the assistants and the participants. It's important to make clear what liabilities these three subjects will take. For example, if we disclose a cheater and warn you off him, you ignore the warning. In the end, when you break up, you start to call yourself a victim and want to find trouble with the government. This may not make sense. Moreover, we will make clear and standardize the procedure, methods and approaches. The regulation, when it is promulgated, will be of great help in dealing with illegal fundraising. Thank you. Wang Zhaoxing: With regards to the debt-to-equity swap, this time it features no set requirement with regard to its scale, goal or progress. Parties involved will take fully independent ways to carry this out, like dating and marriage completely independent, self-governing and free. The government wont interfere in the issue, just as there is no arranged marriage. Guo Shuqing: Not even a match-making agency. Wang Zhaoxing: This is a reorganization plan formed by all parties based on negotiation for the best or at least better results. People's Daily Online: Last week, the CBRC issued the Guidelines for the Depository Business of Peer-to-Peer Lending Funds, which has drawn widespread attention in the industry. In recent years, supervision of the new internet finance industry has become more and more specific. Could you give us a brief introduction to the next steps of CBRC's supervisory direction and focus? I have another question. Mr. Guo, will you attempt to register or experience an internet finance business in the future, or have you already had such experiences? Guo Shuqing: I will answer your second question first while leaving your first one for Mr. Cao. I have never tried internet finance before, and whether I will try it or not in the future depends on circumstances. But, my family members are very familiar with this business and they have tried in this field many times. I think online shopping and new means of payment, such as Yu'E Bao payment, mobile payment, and Quick Response code scanning, are really very helpful to the real economy, but we must guard against the risks resulting from them. Cao Yu: It should be said that the essence of internet finance is still finance, and the rules which internet finance abides by are still financial rules.The Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Healthy Development of Internet Finance, issued by 10 ministerial departments including the People's Bank of China in 2015, has clearly stipulated CBRC's responsibility in supervising peer-to-peer (P2P) online lending services. It should be said that, our current supervisory system framework for the P2P online lending service has basically been completed. Caixin.com: How would you solve the problems related to Hengfeng Bank's violations of laws and regulations, which have been exposed by a number of media outlets, and other such similar kind of problems? Thank you. Guo Shuqing: Speaking of this question, I think it has some relationship with me because I served as governor of Shandong Province where Hengfeng Bank is based. But the relationship is not too close, because the bank is in Yantai City's jurisdiction.The bank's stock ownership is composed of state-owned shares and other dispersed shares, and it is directly supervised by CBRC. Mr. Cao knows well about it, so I would like to invite him to further answer this question. Cao Yu: The problems reflected in the public opinions are being checked and tackled by CBRC in conjunction with the Shandong provincial government. If there are any illegal acts to be found, the parties concerned will be severely punished in accordance with the law. Presently, the business in Hengfeng Bank is proceeding stably and orderly. Guo Shuqing: I have one point to add. Currently, Hengfeng bank is conducting the shareholding system reform which is aimed at further standardizing and rationalizing all its internal and external structures and relations. As soon as conditions are right, it will be pushed to the capital market for public listing. China Securities News: Last year, the investment-lending linkage pilot program was launched. What has been the progress of the pilot program? Is there any plan to approve additional institutions on this program? The second question is about private banks. The private bank program was also launched last year. So far, according to the statistics released by CBRC, the program was running pretty well. This year, some private capital and listed companies have again expressed a desire to set up private banks. So what will be the trend of private bank development this year? Thank you. Guo Shuqing: The investment-lending linkage pilot program is in the trial and exploration stage. We should be positive and prudential with regards to the program. So far, there is no detailed plan for it, but a bank has done their capital landing, and they are boosting their progress. I noticed a question from the list, asking if there is no such program in the United States and European countries, or if it is not a mainstream practice and so can it work in China? In my opinion, it is not a major problem. China can have something that the United States doesn't have, such as spicy hotpot. But what we have to pay attention to is the possibility that linking investment and lending will bring more risks, so it's better to combine it with innovation in science and technology. For the second question, it is a good thing that private capital enters the financial market, and it is necessary for China's economic development. It's especially necessary for the areas that the financial service doesn't cover or fully cover and that have inadequate competition. But there is also a big risk that we have to take notice of. We must adopt some measures to prevent a minority of people or capital from controlling the bank and turning it into a cash machine for connected transactions. Taking public deposits for their own investment will no doubt bring high risks, which may result in serious consequences. We have to prevent this from happening. Wang Zhaoxing: We all know that China's current financial pattern is dominated by bank-led indirect finance, which accounts for 90 percent of all indirect finance. Most of the banks are traditional banks, which specialize in traditional credit operations, including liquidity loans and fixed asset loans. They are not familiar with risk identification, judgment, measurement and management on high-tech innovative enterprises, which is a big challenge for banks. Meanwhile, these enterprises feature light assets, with high uncertainties and risks, without any tangible assets for mortgage, so they have also encountered many difficulties in financing. With this background, we initiated the investment-lending linkage pilot program, making equity investments for start-ups and growing enterprises and supporting them with bank loans later to establish a complete supporting chain. As a brand new exploration, the program also means a lot of risks and challenges for traditional banks. So we encourage pilot projects. We have selected five cities for pilot projects, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Xi'an and Wuhan. A total of 10 banks are involved. In addition to setting up new institutions, we are also preparing negotiations with technology enterprises that may receive equity investments in the future. A project database will be built. Once the subsidiary companies are approved by the State Council, the project will be on the fast track. Cao Yu: Now, Ill briefly introduce our work on private banks. A pilot program on private banks was carried out in 2014 during which we approved five such banks. In 2015, we made systemic preparations and improved various rules. By 2016, we saw normalized and regular operation of private banks. Therefore, we approved the establishment of 12 more last year, three of which have already started business. The operation of private banks last year was generally smooth. By year-end, the total assets of the existing eight private banks reached 180 billion yuan, and their outstanding loans stood at about 80 billion yuan. These banks have already begun serving the needs of society and the overall economy, and the legal and orderly operation of private banks has been achieved. Thank you. Guo Shuqing: Thank you all for your attendance, today. You are always welcome to offer your advice and suggestions on our work. Hu Kaihong: Todays press conference ends here. Thank you every one. The 13th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is held in Pakistani capital Islamabad on March 1. The mega "Belt and Road (B&R)" initiative is catching global attention faster than many people had expected. Interestingly, it was mentioned both directly and indirectly at the 13th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Wednesday. Set up in 1985 by Pakistan, Iran and Turkey and later expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the 10-member ECO is a formidable forum of nations with about half a billion population. The 13th Summit was attended by presidents of Azerbaijan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, First Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan and Special Envoy of the Afghan president. Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting. Though China is not part of the grouping, its representative, Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui, was invited as a special guest to address the summit. In fact, he was the only representative to address the summit as a guest speaker. The theme of the Summit was "Connectivity for Regional Prosperity," which assumed special significance in the backdrop of monumental project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being implemented by Pakistan and China to link up the two nations through a network of infrastructure projects. The CPEC is part of the greater Chinese dream project of Belt and Road through which China aims to link up the world for greater connectivity to facilitate trade and commercial activities. Prime Minister Sharif was the first to refer to the B&R when he talked about the importance of the CPEC in the context of increasing connectivity among the ECO members. He said that "perhaps no project better symbolizes Pakistan's conception of win-win cooperation through connectivity, than the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor." He also said that it was "gratifying that CPEC is now being recognized as a catalyst for energy infrastructure, transport connectivity and trade in the whole of South and Central Asia." A day before the summit, Pakistan's advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said at the meeting of ministers of the ECO nations that the member states can get benefit of the CPEC and can use the Gwadar seaport, which was built through Chinese assistance and now its operational control is also with China. The CPEC in fact terminates at Gwadar, thus linking up western China with the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and through it with the Gulf, Africa and Europe. The presence of a senior Chinese official was also reassuring that the ECO region may at some point be directly getting involved in the projects of CPEC undertaken under the ambit of B&R. Speaking as special guest, Mr. Zhang Yesui said that the ECO will help promote China's initiative of "Belt and Road cooperation" for greater regional integration, development, and prosperity. He also urged the ECO countries to step up strategic communication and cooperation for greater and in-depth regional cooperation. He said ECO countries have friendly ties with China in terms of cultural linkages, proximity, and old China Silk Road. The summit was a great success as it adopted Islamabad Declaration and Vision 2025 delineating a road-map for greater regional cooperation and integration over the next 10 years. As the ECO leaders made commitment to focus on projects to increase connectivity, it is matter of time that some of them will link up with the CPEC. In fact, the expansion of ECO in 1992 was made with an objective to provide sea access to the landlocked Central Asian states, which had won independence after the demise of the USSR. The Gwadar port is at the end of one of the shortest route from Central Asia to the open sea. With a full operational seaport, an international airport which is being built by China as part of the CPEC projects, and industrial parks to facilitate trade, Gwadar is but natural destination of several ECO nations, which may reap the benefits of mega Chinese projects. There are reports that Iran has already expressed desire to become part of the CPEC. There is also possibility that a multi-billion dollars gas pipeline project to provide Iranian gas to Pakistan may be further expanded to China along the CPEC route. It shows that the B&R and its related schemes offer endless possibilities for the world. 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. Flash The Syrian army captured the historic citadel of Syria's ancient oasis city of Palmyra in central Syria on Wednesday, after battles with the Islamic State (IS) group, a military source told Xinhua. The Syrian army and allied fighters captured the Palmyra citadel west of the city, as well as the Qatari Castle southwest of Palmyra amid a collapse in the ranks of the IS militants, the source said on condition of anonymity. The IS fighters are fleeing toward the residential part of the city, he added. The Syrian army unleashed a counter offensive 47 days ago to retake Palmyra, after the IS militants captured it for the second time last December. The source said the city could entirely fall back to the army forces soon. IS takes the city important as it connects areas under the terror group's control in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour with areas under its control in the eastern countryside of the central province of Homs. Palmyra contains monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Syria has many prehistoric, Greek, Byzantine and Islamic heritages. Before the crisis, Syria had attracted many multinational archaeological missions coming for new clues of historical facts on the development of civilizations. Flash The United Nations and humanitarian agencies said that the number of people displaced by the ongoing fighting in western Mosul in north Iraq has continued to surge, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said here on Wednesday. Since Feb. 25, people have fled western Mosul on an average of about 4,000 people per day, Dujarric said at a daily news briefing. "Humanitarian assistance to displaced families is ongoing, at security screening sites and in displacement camps," the spokesman said. "Humanitarian partners were also able to enter parts of western Mosul for the first time yesterday to establish humanitarian access in areas recently retaken from Da'esh," also known as the Islmaic State (IS), he said. The troops' advance toward western Mosul came after the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Feb. 19 the start of an offensive to drive the extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River which bisects the city. In late January, al-Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against the IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a heavy population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces, according to the United Nations estimates. 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. Flash Iraqi security forces on Wednesday fought heavy clashes with Islamic State (IS) militant group in the western side of Mosul, while other forces continued advancing in rural areas in the west of the city, the Iraqi military said. Federal police and interior ministry special forces, known as Rapid Response, carried out clearing operation in the buildings and streets of the recently-freed neighborhoods of Jawsaq and Tayaran in the southern outskirts of Mosul, the Joint Operations Command said in a statement. During the day, the clashes left 15 IS militants and a sniper killed and destroyed four booby-trapped buildings, two car bombs and a bomb-making site, according to the statement. The clearing operation came as the troops recaptured the neighborhood of Jawsaq and secured the foot of its strategic bridge across Tigris, locally known as 4th Bridge, bringing the troops at the edges of the old neighborhood of Dawassa, where some of main government buildings located. The commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Serves (CTS) continued progress in the neighborhood of Wadi Hajar in the city's southern outskirts and managed to seize 70 percent of the neighborhood amid fierce clashes with IS militants, the statement said. CTS special forces also completely cleared the residential buildings of Mamoun neighborhood, while conducted initial progress in the adjacent Mansour neighborhood, leaving some 40 IS militants killed. Outside the city, the army's 9th Division and Shiite paramilitary Hashd Shaabi unit are advancing through an open desert in the west of Mosul. The operations in the west of Mosul were aimed at severing the road between western Mosul and the IS-held town of Tal Afar to prevent the extremist militants from resupplying or retreating as they come under pressure from Iraqi forces advancing from the south. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the start of an offensive on Feb. 19 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. Flash Malaysia will revoke visa-free entry for citizens from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) starting from Monday, Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported on Thursday, citing deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The decision came after a DPRK man with the passport name of "Kim Chol" was murdered by two women at the Kuala Lumpur Airport on Feb. 13. The police believed the two female suspects, along with four other DPRK nationals, planned and carried out the attack. Zahid said the decision was made after taking into account national security as a priority, according to the Bernama report. Malaysia indicted the two female suspects on Wednesday for murder. The third suspect, a DPRK national called Ri Jong Chol, is still in police custody but his remand period will end this Friday. Zahid told the media he will be briefed on the handling of Ri, saying whether the police will release Ri or prosecute him will be known on Thursday. Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world that grants visa-free treatment for DPRK citizens and is the only one that enjoys visa-free entry when its citizens enter DPRK. A diplomatic row emerged between the two countries as the DPRK side accused the Malaysian side of "colluding with hostile forces" and delaying the release of the body. The DPRK government also sent a high-level delegation to Malaysia to discuss about the matter. Malaysia insisted its objectivity and professionalism in the investigation. Flash U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, then a Republican senator, spoke with Russian ambassador twice during Donald Trump's presidential campaign last year, and he didn't reveal it at Senate hearings for his confirmation, U.S. media reported Wednesday. Sessions spoke on the phone privately with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak from his office in September, said the reports. Two months before the phone talks, Sessions also met with Kislyak and talked to him informally when attending an event held at conservative think tank Heritage Foundation along with 50 other ambassadors, Sessions' spokeswoman Sara Isgur Flores admitted to local media. "It was short and informal," the spokeswoman said, adding that as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time, Sessions regularly met foreign ambassadors. "Last year, the Senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, (South) Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," Flores said in a statement. Sessions was not trying to mislead fellow senators when he said during his confirmation hearing that he had not had contacts with Moscow, the spokeswoman said. During the hearings, when asked what he would do if he learned a member of Trump's campaign had communicated with the Russian government over the course of the 2016 campaign, Sessions responded: "I'm not aware of any of those activities ... I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Officials at the Justice Department said Sessions did not consider his talks with Kislyak relevant to the lawmakers' questions and did not remember their discussion in detail. The U.S. FBI is probing possible communications between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials. Sessions was an early Trump supporter and one of his top advisers during the campaign. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Wednesday night that if the FBI determines Trump's campaign illegally coordinated with Russia, Sessions should recuse himself from making the decision whether to pursue prosecutions. "If there were contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, they may be legitimate; they may be OK. I want to know what happened between the Trump campaign, the Clinton campaign and the Russians," Graham said on CNN. Meanwhile, Democrat Elijah Cummings, a ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, called on Sessions to resign immediately. Trump's first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn stepped down last month after it was reported that he had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak in December, and misled Vice President Mike Pence about the details. Flash European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday unveiled his plans on a "new chapter" of Europe, ushering in an era of soul-searching for the bloc hit hard by Brexit. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (L) and European Parliament President Antonio Tajani attend a joint press conference after Juncker addressing the "White Paper on the Future of Europe" at European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium, March 1, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] Addressing the European Parliament's plenary session, Juncker said the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome "will not simply be a birthday of celebration, it will also be a birth moment of the EU at 27". "Let's turn the page and commence a new chapter in our history," he said. The white paper laid out five "pathways to unity" for the EU's remaining 27 member states. It was hammered out by the College of Commissioners on Wednesday after a spate of debates, seminars and meetings that have been taking place since Feb. 22. The white paper set out five scenarios for the EU in the next decade, each offering a glimpse into the potential state of the the EU. The first scenario, titled "Carrying On", envisages the EU27 focusing on delivering its positive reform agenda in the spirit of the Commission's New Start for Europe from 2014 and of the Bratislava Declaration agreed by all 27 member states in 2016. The second scenario foresees an EU with "nothing but the single market". The third scenario, titled "Those Who Want More Do More", would see the EU 27 member states proceeding as it is now but with willing member states doing more together in specific areas such as defense, internal security or social matters. The fourth scenario, titled "Doing Less More Efficiently", envisages the EU27 focusing on delivering more and faster in selected policy areas, while doing less where it is perceived not to have an added value. The fifth scenario, titled "Doing Much More Together", foresees member states deciding to share more power, resources, and decision-making across the board. "It is the start of the process, not the end, and I hope that now an honest and wide-ranging debate will take place. The form will then follow the function. We have Europe's future in our own hands," said Juncker. The white paper came weeks before British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to activate the Article 50 clause in Britain's EU membership by the end of March. Article 50 refers to the formal procedure by which an EU member state notifies the European Council that it intends to leave the block. Leaders of EU members states are due to discuss the white paper at a summit next week in Brussels. They will meet again in Italy on March 25 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which founded the predecessor of the EU. This year is regarded as a crunch time for the EU, as several member states are set to hold general elections and euroskeptic leaders have the upper hand in the Netherlands and France in the polls. Flash French presidential candidate Francois Fillon confirmed Wednesday that he would be summoned on March 15 by the investigating magistrates over alleged fake jobs. Francois Fillon attends a press conference in Paris, France on March 1, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] But the 62-year-old conservative candidate said he would not withdraw from the presidential race. "Only universal suffrage and not a prosecution can decide who will be the next President of the Republic. I will not give in, I will not surrender. I will not pull out," he said. "My lawyer was informed that I would be summoned on March 15 by the examining magistrate to be questioned," he told a press conference. It is unprecedented that a summon for questioning be launched a few days after the naming of the judges, without them having studied the case, on the simple basis of a police report manifestly biased, Fillon said. Fillon is suspected to have paid his wife Penelope for 10 years as a parliamentary assistant without her having done the job, and also to have paid his children for questionable assignments. A judicial inquiry into charges of the misappropriation of public funds, misuse of assets and the handling of stolen property was opened on January 25. Last Friday, the charges were enlarged to include "insider influence and breach of mandatory declarations to the High Authority on transparence of public life". "I will answer the judges' summons ... I will tell them my truth, which is the truth," Fillon said. At the end of January, he had at first promised that he would withdraw from the race if he were formally charged, before taking a step backward in mid-February. On Wednesday, Fillon once again presented himself as a victim of the justice system. "The rule of law has been systematically violated ... The presumption of innocence has completely and entirely disappeared," he argued. Since the revelation of the "fake jobs" scandal, Fillon has tried to continue his campaign in an always murkier context, but no longer makes appearances other than in closed sites, for fear that he could be met with raucous protests. Fillon is also experiencing internal setbacks to his campaign, as his European and international affairs representative Bruno Le Maire announced Wednesday that he was resigning. "I believe in keeping one's word," Le Maire said in a tweet, referring to Fillon's earlier promise to withdraw from the race if placed under investigation. According to several polls, Fillon would be eliminated in the first round of voting, to the benefit of the the candidate of the extreme right Marine Le Pen and the founder of the En Marche movement Emmanuel Macron. A sensational video purportedly by the Islamic State terrorist group, featuring an ethnic Uygur militant threatening to "shed blood like rivers" in attacks on Chinese targets, may or may not be what it was meant and believed to be, though some experts do see it as the "first", "direct" threat the terrorist organization has leveled against China. But it justifies the Chinese government's worries regarding the seriousness of terrorist threats on home soil, given that some members of terrorist forces such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement have been colluding with international terrorist organizations such as IS. However, more often than not these concerns have met with denial and dismissal from the West: The most popular Western narrative of late being innocent Uygurs rebelling against Han-Chinese "repression". The killing of a Chinese hostage in 2015 by the IS group and increasing recent evidence of Uygur fighters joining jihadists in Syria and Iraq via Southeast Asia have made Beijing's critics haver somewhat, and the video lends further credence to Beijing's claims, especially the oft-ignored assertions of links between domestic and foreign terrorist elements. Although the authenticity of the video warrants suspicion and needs verifying, a 2016 study by Washington-based think tank New America reported more than 100 Uygurs from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region had joined IS. It also identified Xinjiang as the single largest source of foreign IS fighters outside of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. The video might just have borrowed the IS name in order to amplify its intimidating effects. But the footage of ethnic Uygurs undergoing terrorist training is a familiar element of similar previous terrorist propaganda. The terrorist propaganda may lead to chain reactions in Xinjiang and beyond once it reaches its intended audience. It will also inspire heightened vigilance and precautions. But it would be completely wrong to assume this is a hot potato that can be left to Beijing alone. There can be no more telling proof that terrorists threaten China as well as other countries. The alleged IS fighter made it very clear the terrorists are targeting "infidels across the world", and they want to plant their flag "over America, China, Russia". Whether or not the video is an authentic IS production, it reinforces the irrevocable fact that terrorism knows no national boundaries. If the fight against terrorism continues to be bogged down in quarrels over definitions and standards, the whole world will remain vulnerable to the threats of terror. A pedestrian walks past skyscrapers including, left to right, the Leadenhall building, also known as the Cheesegrater, the Aviva Tower, 30 St Mary Axe, also known as the Gherkin, and The Scalpel, in London. [Photo/Agencies] Chinese firm CC Land confirmed it is in talks to buy the tallest building in City of London for 1.02 billion pounds ($1.26 billion), in the largest Chinese investment in the United Kingdom's real estate market if the deal is completed successfully, after a report in the Daily Telegraph. Hong-Kong listed CC Land is controlled by Chinese property magnate Cheung Chung-kiu, one of the largest players in the real estate market in Chongqing. The tower the company seeks to buy is 122 Leadenhall Street, widely known as the "Cheesegrater" for its shape. CC Land is seeking to buy out both British Land and Canada's Oxford Properties, joint venture partners in the 225-meter-high building, according to the report. British Land, which owns 50 percent of the Cheesegrater said it and Oxford Properties, which owns the other 50 percent, were in advanced discussions regarding the possible sale of their interests in the Leadenhall Building. "It is not certain that these discussions will lead to a sale of the building," according to British Land. CC Land said in an announcement on Wednesday that the board of the company noted that there has been media coverage in relation to a potential acquisition of the Leadenhall Building, and "the board would like to inform the market that the company is in advanced discussions with respect to the potential acquisition of the Leadenhall Building and the company will make a further announcement if and as appropriate". No formal agreement has yet been entered into with respect to the potential acquisition, so the potential acquisition may or may not materialize, the announcement said. In January, CC Land acquired One Kingdom Street in Paddington for 292 million pounds. Analysts said that Chinese investors have been actively spending on properties in London since the beginning of the year, which reflects their intention to diversify their asset portfolio globally, particularly when prices in the UK market are at a level they find adequate. According to research by Savills, a London-based real estate services provider, Chinese investors spent 805 million pounds on property in London's West End in January. Inner Mongolia innovation to get boost from eight science zones Eight scientific research zones are to be established in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. The eight zoneswhich bring the national total to 46will aim to promote innovation-driven economic growth and enhance China's international cooperation in the field. The list was recently released by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which includes 46 science zones across the nation. The aim of the zones is to enable China to take advantage of global scientific resources and increase its international influence in certain industries. The eight zones, which involve a number of well-known brands such as Yili Industrial Group Co Ltd, are in cities including Hulunbuir, Ordos and Baotou, covering the agriculture, animal husbandry, rare earth materials, and clean energy sectors. "Inner Mongolia has built-in advantages in terms of both its natural environment and its species. With these scientific zones, Inner Mongolia could absorb international science and technology power to make a better use of its resources," said Yu Guangjun, director of the Institute of Economics at the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences. One of the highlights of these zones, which offers great potential for international cooperation, will be the development of the rare earths industry, a major sector in Inner Mongolia. Wang Yan, a senior engineer at the Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, said: "In recent years, our company has built up connections with various countries such as the US, Japan, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and France, launching projects on a global scale, covering aspects of the research and development of mineral resources and environmentally friendly materials." "Our foreign investment has amounted to more than 20 million yuan ($3 million) in recent years," said Wang. Zhang Jianqiu, chief executive officer of dairy giant Yili Industrial Group Co Ltd, which is benefiting from the establishment of the zones, said Yili has long been devoted to integrating onshore and offshore research and development resources and establishing a global innovation network. According to Zhang, Yili has already set up a global network covering Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. Its high-tech and high-added-value work now accounts for more than 40 percent of its total business. In addition, it launches new products at an annual rate of more than 100. Yu, from the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences, added that the scientific research zones will contribute to raising China's independent research and development level, and enhancing its global scientific and technological competitiveness. These aspects are important as China seeks to upgrade its economy, he added. "We feel honored to be recognized as one of the eight scientific zones in Inner Mongolia. We are devoted to ensuring our regional horse industry boost the scientific and economic development of Inner Mongolia, and further benefit China as a whole," said Pamir, founder and general manager of Ewenki Kexing Horse Industry Co Ltd. A Lotte Mart in Beijing, Feb 28, 2017. [Photo/China Daily] South Korea's Lotte Group has suffered from sluggish growth in its retail business in China, analysts said. Revenues of Lotte Group's hypermarkets sector slipped by 2 percent to 2,516 billion South Korean Won ($2.2 billion), as a result of its mediocre performance in China, according to its annual report released last month. The group saw its same store sale growth in China decline by 14 percent in 2016 while its overall global sale growth slowed by 3.8 percent despite the growth in Indonesia and Vietnam. Lotte Group has planned to close three retail stores in China in 2017 due to declining performance in 2016, the South Korean conglomerate said earlier. Jason Yu, general manager of market research firm Kantar Worldpanel China, said: "Merely a regional player, Lotte hardly could compete with international or domestic retail giants in terms of scale. Lotte, which has no less than 1 percent of market share, has limited advantages in terms of merchandise, prices and shopping experience. It will also be under pressure from e-commerce where many South Korean brands can be bought online." Lotte has 174 overseas hypermarket outlets and 115 of them are in China. Zhao Ping, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, under the Ministry of Commerce, said: "Lotte's entry into China was mistimed. It came after other foreign retail giants such as Carrefour were expanding and occupying the market share in China. As a latecomer, most of its stores are located on the outskirts of cities, and the brand identity is not very familiar to consumers." The unconventional locations and the lack of a brand identity have led to a drop off in consumer loyalty, Zhao added. Yang Wenli, a 28-year-old economics researcher at a university in Beijing, said: "I have only been to Lotte's department store and duty-free shop in Seoul. But I have never shopped in its supermarket in Beijing, because I didn't know it existed here. Also, local brands such as Wumart can meet all my daily needs." A Lotte supermarket in Beijing was fined 44,000 yuan ($6,400) by the Beijing Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce for posting illegal advertising, Chinese media reported on Tuesday. Since its first entry into the Chinese market in 1994, the Lotte Group has invested 60 billion yuan but it did not pay off as it expected. Job seekers check out information on companies at a career fair in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/China Daily] Those who were made redundant in capacity cuts to be supported China needs to re-employ an additional 500,000 workers who were made redundant as a result of capacity reduction in the coal and steel industries this year. Despite facing downward pressure on economic growth, the government plans to keep the unemployment rate in urban areas below 4.5 percent, according to a top human resources official. In 2016, China created 13.1 million new jobs for urban residents, marking the fourth consecutive year in which more than 13 million new jobs were created. The registered unemployment rate in urban areas stood at 4.02 percent, almost 0.5 percentage points lower than the goal set for the year, Human Resources and Social Security Minister Yin Weimin told a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday. Yin Weimin, human resources and social security minister. [Photo provided to China Daily] Yin said 726,000 workers from 1,905 companies in the coal and steel industries who were made redundant as a result of capacity cuts have been re-employed last year. In May, the Ministry of Finance announced 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) in aid for coal and steel companies to resettle workers who had been made redundant, with about 30 billion yuan having been used last year. Local governments have also been asked to provide financial support and create jobs for workers made redundant as a result of capacity cuts. "The government will give more support to the laid-off workers, especially those in their 40s and 50s, by providing them with training and helping them find job opportunities," he said. Despite capacity reduction and downward pressure on economic growth, China has maintained the registered unemployment rate in urban areas at about 4.1 percent in recent years owing to economic restructuring and reform. China's GDP exceeded 74 trillion yuan in 2016, with an economic growth rate of 6.7 percent, among the best in the world, Yin said. "Between 2006 and 2010,1 percentage point of GDP growth helped create 1 million jobs. The number jumped to 1.7 million between 2010 and 2015, and further increased to 1.9 million in 2016," he added. With economic structure optimized, more jobs are created, with the service sector likely to be more effective in creating jobs than the secondary sector. Last year, the service sector contributed 51.6 percent of China's GDP, 11.8 percent more than the secondary sector. Yin said the government's economic reform, including tax reform and encouraging entrepreneurship, has been effective. "Last year, an average of about 15,000 new companies were registered every day, up 3,000 year-on-year, which helped create 40 percent of the new jobs," he said. The country also faces a challenge this year to create jobs for a historic high of almost 7.95 million university graduates, 300,000 more than last year. Yin said the ministry will encourage graduates to work for grassroots organizations and offer tailored services for those who have difficulties in securing themselves a job. An investor checks stock information at a brokerage house in Fuyang, Anhui province, February 24, 2017.[Photo/VCG] BEIJING - A senior official Wednesday called for a cautionary approach when investing pension funds, tempering expectations that a large amount of pension funds would enter the stock market. "The investment of pension funds does not necessarily mean putting them into the stock market -- that is just one of the choices," said You Jun, vice minister of human resources and social security, at a press conference. Pension funds are the "lifeline" of ordinary people and the priority, should they be invested, is safety, You told reporters, adding that risks must be managed and investment returns ensured. China is trying to increase the value of its locally managed pension funds to cope with the needs of its aging population. Pensions are traditionally held by banks or used to purchase treasury bills. They are now allowed to be invested in a variety of financial products, including bonds and stocks. Since the end of 2016, seven provincial-level regions have entrusted their pensions to the National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF) in the hope of more diverse and higher returns. A total of 360 billion yuan ($52.33 billion) is being transferred from bank accounts across the country, operated by local authorities, to the NCSSF for investment, You said. The move has been, and will continue to be, closely monitored amid calls for more long-term institutional investors to stabilize the market, which suffered plunges in the summer of 2015. The government has set a 30 percent limit on the proportion of pension funds tied up in stocks. Guo Shuqing, chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission. [Photo/VCG] Guo Shuqing, new head of China's bank regulation agency, said on Thursday a unified system is in the pipeline to oversee asset management products across different financial sectors. The system's aims include reducing the risk of shadow banking and pumping more capital into the real economy, he said. The unified regulation would comprise a foundation for regulators in banking, securities and insurance to follow, Guo said at a news conference, where he made his debut as chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission. Those regulators will be free to build on that foundation by creating rules requiring higher standards, he said. No specific date has been announced for the new system's rollout. "Some cross-sector financial products are nested in multiple layers. Nobody knows where the capital eventually flows to. This phenomenon is the result, to a large extent, of lack of regulations," he said. "We'll go through regulations on various types of banking business, and promptly update those that lag behind the latest developments in the banking business and risks, and abolish outdated rules." The unified regulation clearly requires more regulatory coordination, analysts said. Academics are calling for reform of the financial regulatory framework, involving banking, securities and insurance watchdogs, which are now operating under independent and isolated conditions. But Guo said hearsay that he will lead the merging of the central bank and three regulatory commissions is only "rumors", without elaborating whether they will be merged in the future. Instead, banking regulators will take an active part in and fully cooperate with the building of a coordination system among the central bank and three financial regulators, he said. This will involve greater information sharing and coordination, as well as improving monitoring, early warning and prevention systems and control of systemic risks, Guo said. The unification of regulations on asset management across different sectors in China is expected to cut back on companies using loopholes to avoid the rules. Zeng Gang, director of banking research at the Institute of Finance and Banking under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "Currently, different financial institutions have their own asset management products under different regulatory requirements. Each asset management product is quite different from the others in terms of its sources of money, group of clients and destination of investments. "As asset management regulations are different across sectors, a financial institution can invest its products in those of other institutions in other sectors ... to avoid certain regulations in its own sector. By making a unified basic regulation on the same standards, regulators will solve the problem." The central bank, along with the regulators in the three sectors, also will build a statistical system and a database for financial products to have a clear understanding of where the money comes and goes, according to Zeng. "If regulators find the money goes into an area they disapprove of, they can call off that particular business. The increase of regulatory costs will also motivate banks to inject more capital in the real economy," Zeng said. The Tesla Model X car is displayed on media day at the Paris auto show, in Paris, France, Sept 29, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] Tesla's revenue from China more than tripled to $1.07 billion last year, rekindling faith that the country will eventually become the company's biggest market as predicted by Tesla boss Elon Musk. China contributed more than 15 percent of Tesla's $7 billion total revenue last year, according to a regulatory filing on Wednesday. Sales from the United States reached $4.2 billion or 60 percent. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2003, the company has been seen as a "disrupter" in the traditional auto industry and is one of the leading electric car maker. The surge in China sales comes after a soft year in 2015 when Tesla's revenue fell by a third, due to slow deliveries and orders. Last month, Zhanjiang city in Guangdong province announced that the first four Tesla superchargers have been set up and put into use. The plug-in speeds up the charging process by up to 16 times. All up, the country plans to build 800,000 charging points this year, including 100,000 public ones, for electric vehicles to meet increasing demand, according to the National Energy Administration. More electric cars are already sold in China than in the rest of the world combined, according to an earlier report by Reuters. A woman says goodbye to her dog at a dog kindergarten in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/China Daily] One of my friends has had a poodle called Snow for years. It recently gave birth to four puppies, and she asked if I would be interested in having one. "It's not much work taking care of a puppy, all you need to do is walk and feed him," she said. But she was also quick to add: "For Snow, I just buy imported dog food since I have no time for cooking, that costs 1,000 yuan ($145) a month including snacks. Her liver is not functioning well, and the doctor has prescribed some liver supplement health products, which cost approximately 300 yuan a month." I hesitated. "It's getting more convenient to keep a pet now unlike before. There are pet hospitals everywhere and if you need to leave town, just find a pet-sitting place for 200 yuan a day and she'll be taken good care of. Oh, by the way, dog clothes shops totally blow your mind and the vests are just adorable." "You can also take him to dog cafeterias when he's older. There are also dog social networks, dog swimming pools, bring-your-dog cinemas and bring-your-dog bars, and a dog kindergarten too." Stunned, I turned down the offer. According to market research firm Euromonitor, some 30 million households, or nearly 7 percent of the nationwide total, owned a dog in 2015. The National Bureau of Statistics said China is the third in the world for dog ownership, behind only the United States and Brazil. Total consumption in the pet industry on the Chinese mainland reached 97.8 billion yuan in 2015, and is likely to surpass 200 billion yuan by 2020. Multinationals including Mars and Nestle all want a piece of this big pie, while some domestic dog food brands like Nory Pet, Aojia and Nusunpet are also vying for a share. Dog food sales alone are expected to almost treble to over $760 million by 2019, Euromonitor data show, as increasing disposable incomes make keeping a pet an affordable luxury for more Chinese, especially in more developed cities. A friend of mine, Chen Yu, a 37-year-old doghouse owner in Hangzhou, said raising a dog is more of a symbol of success and wealth for many Chinese, especially purebred dogs. My neighbor recently bought a pet insurance for her Akita dog and signed up for a dog kindergarten for him in the daytime when she's at the office, which is what I'm already about to do for my 10-month-old son. The Akita that have origins in northern Japan have become very popular with Chinese thanks to their mild temperament and being loyal to their owner, he told me. A purebred dog costs some 30,000 yuan and most of the queuing buyers are wealthy couples with no kids or single females, said Chen. Obviously raising a dog is not just about feeding, walking and cleaning up after them. As a mother and working professional, I simply cannot afford to have a dog, no matter how good it may make me feel. Employees work inside a Foxconn factory in the township of Longhua in the southern Guangdong province May 26, 2010. [Photo/Agencies] Subsidiary Sakai Display to invest $8.86b in facility Sakai Display Products Corp, a subsidiary of the world's largest electronics contractor Foxconn Technology Group, began construction of the world's largest 8k-resolution panel factory in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Wednesday. The factory, with an investment of 61 billion yuan ($8.86 billion), will mainly produce the 10.5 generation panel, substrate glass and related product lines, and serve as a major supplier for Japanese TV set maker Sharp Corp, according to the company. Earlier, SDP completed registration of a wholly owned subsidiary in Guangzhou, the SAKAI Sio International Guangzhou Co Ltd, which will be responsible for construction and operation of the panel factory. The panel facility, following Foxconn's opening of its first processing line in Shenzhen in 1988, has become the largest overseas investment project in Guangzhou since China embarked on reform and its opening up in 1978. "It will not only be a panel processing factory, but a concept of building an ecological town featuring high-end technology in the city of Guangzhou," said Terry Gou, chief executive officer and chairman of Foxconn Technology Group. Gou made the remarks during an opening ceremony on Wednesday in Zengcheng, a suburban district of Guangzhou, where the project is located. According to Gou, the panel factory had also helped encourage a number of major electronics suppliers to move their business to Zengcheng. "The 8k-resolution technology will be widely used in TV displays and medical treatment, traffic control and smart homes, helping to build a healthier living environment featured by high-end technologies," said Gou. He refused to respond to reports of Foxconn planning to open another large LCD panel factory in the US state of Pennsylvania, saying the issue remains under discussion. "We are focusing on expansion of panel productions in this Guangzhou facility to meet the growing demand of high-end panels in the TV set market," said Gou. According to Gou, construction of the factory will be completed within two years, helping it become the world's largest and most advanced 8K processing facility. The facility will mainly produce 65-inch and 75-inch panels, helping to create more than 15,000 jobs and generate 92 billion yuan in production value each year. Lin Jiang, a professor with the Sun Yat-sen University, said Foxconn's new operations will be of great importance to help attract more IT businesses to the Pearl River Delta region. China Tower Corp gets busy optimizing infrastructure of the country's mobile companies In a quiet street in western Beijing stands a building, not new, not tall, not clad in fancy glass common to modern high-rise office towers. In fact, the building is so ordinary looking that you would barely notice it when passing by. Even two nearby restaurants had to close due to the sparse human traffic. But this building is where China experiments with one of the most drastic reforms in State-owned enterprises. It is the headquarters of China Tower Corp, a company with more than 300 billion yuan ($43.5 billion) assets. The enterprise is a pilot project for China to restructure State-owned enterprises and to give the market a bigger role in the telecoms sector. China Tower came into existence in 2014 to handle the tower assets of the country's top three mobile telecoms carriers. By adopting the "sharing economy" model, the plan was to avoid overlapping construction in telecoms infrastructure and to boost efficiency. "From the first day China Tower was established, we shouldered the mission of reform," Liu Aili, chairman of China Tower, said in the company's sparsely decorated office. The company rents four floors of the building as offices. In 2015, China Tower marshalled 203.5 billion yuan worth of existing telecoms tower assets from its clients and shareholders China Mobile Communications Corp, China United Network Communications Group Co and China Telecommunications Corp. Since then, it has been working hard to make the most of existing towers and to promote the sharing rate of newly built ones. By installing multiple base stations on one tower, the company has saved the three carriers the expense of 500,000 towers. That equals 88 billion yuan less in infrastructure costs and helps reduce the land use by 15 square kilometers. "The model has significantly lowered costs and boosted efficiency," said Xiao Yaqing, chairman of China's State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. The reform also goes deeper than sharing infrastructure resources. Compared with other State-owned enterprises that are overstaffed, China Tower only has 91 management personnel, overseeing roughly 18,500 employees. In comparison, the average level among SOEs of an equal size is 300. Even by the standard of its US counterpart, the American Tower Corp where one employee manages 25 towers on average, the China Tower is leaner, with one person overseeing 125 towers, the company said. "We recruit online, process procurement online and coordinate work via our IT system," said Tong Jilu, general manager of China Tower. The company has a procurement team of only eight members responsible for laying down purchasing standards, while leaving local staff with the final say. "With all processes listed online, each tower has its own balance book to ensure fairness and transparency," said Tong. "I can't recall any supplier coming to us for questions in the past couple of months." Tower manufacturers are also quick to embrace the all-going-online strategy. The Hebei province accounts for 60 percent of all towers made in China. Shortly after China Tower was established, it signed a deal with the Hebei provincial government to help upgrade the traditional manufacturing sector. China Tower set up unified standards for towers, and encouraged the province's more than 100 tower constructors to form five big groups. Wang Changchun, general manager of Hebei Yixin Communication Equipment Co Ltd, a key tower manufacturer in China, said after China Tower set up the online purchasing platform, the company's operating costs went down significantly. "Thanks to the guiding role by China Tower, we are transforming from small-and-scattered family workshops to standardized production plants," Wang added. China Tower Corpa timeline July 2014 China Tower Corp is established Oct 2015 Absorbs 203.5 billion yuan telecom tower assets from China's top three mobile carriers Dec 2015 Saves about 50 billion yuan in expenses on nearly 265,000 telecom towers Jan-Nov 2016 Saves 30.6 billion yuan in expenses on nearly 190,000 telecom towers Nov 2016 Owns and operates more than 1.7 million telecom towers 2017 Plans to go public SOURCE: CHINA TOWER CORP China Tower Corp is moving into new business areas, as it steps up its efforts to make better use of its 1.7 million telecoms towers across the country. In an industrial park in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, stands a smart electric pole. It is equipped with base stations which can receive telecoms signals, an air monitor, surveillance cameras and an advertising board. When connected to electricity, it can also function as a charging point for electric cars. Such telecoms towers have been put into use in Nanjing, Hangzhou and other cities. It is part of broad efforts by China Tower to diversify its business, amid expectations that the number of towers will surge in the coming years. Tong Jilu, general manager of China Tower, said: "In the near future, the number of telecom towers will be higher in our cities. With access to both wired and mobile networks and linked to a good power supply, our towers can be shared by different industries." Currently, the country's top three telecoms carriers have a combined 94 percent stake in China Tower. China Reform Holdings Corp, a government-backed investment firm, accounts for the remaining 6 percent. China Tower aims to go public this year, so as to broaden the financing channels, optimize the capital structure and improve corporate governance. Xiang Ligang, a telecoms expert and chief executive of the telecoms industry website cctime.com, said telecom towers are valuable assets because they occupy real estate, connected to the internet and electricity. "Although it takes three to five years to build a nationwide network of towers, the telecoms infrastructure can be of great appeal and is irreplaceable once established," Xiang said. China Tower is also partnering with the China Earthquake Administration to build a digital system which can better collect real time earthquake data. To take advantage of telecoms towers' ability to send and receive digital signals, the Beijing-based company has also teamed up with QXWZ.com to leverage China's Beidou satellites to offer better mapping and navigation services. Peter Liu, research director at consultancy Gartner Inc, said it was of great importance for China Tower to experiment with new business opportunities, because that would help prepare for future volatility in the telecoms industry. Han Xu in her formal uniform. [Photo/VCG] On the evening of Feb 27, Han Xu was on her way to the cinema before her phone buzzed. The call was from the local police bureau. A 60-year-old man was found dead at a hotel. Suspecting it was murder, police immediately called Han Xu, a f orensic expert, for an on-the-spot investigation. It took Han about half-an-hour to finish her work professionally and extract evidence. Han, 28, graduated from the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2013. She planned to work at a hospital where she interned in Tianjin, but by chance, she learned about an opportunity to become a legal medical examiner at the National Police University of China. Han has always looked up to her father, who is a policeman, since she was a little girl. She applied to get into the course in Northeast China's Liaoning province and was admitted. After graduating in October 2015, she came to Central China's Wuhan to work as a f orensic expert. Han said she was not scared of dead bodies because of her medical training background, though sometimes she finds it hard to read the death notices and see relatives crying. Besides on-site investigations, one major part of her work is to give a detailed explanation of the cause of death to grieving relatives, as they are more inclined to accept the reality then. "Corpses don't talk, but we can speak for them," Han said. She has investigated over 100 death scenes in the past year and a half. Han said her job has also made her treasure time and life more. Editor's note: This is the seventh story in 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 later this week. China's outbound mergers and acquisitions are likely to decline slightly this year, due to the changing global environment, experts said. Chinese companies' interest in going overseas or acquiring companies outside of China is still very high, but the overall number and value of deals will be reduced, due to Western countries' changing attitudes toward Chinese investment, said Edward Tse, founder and CEO of Gao Feng Advisory Co, a global strategy and management consultant. "Chinese companies' overseas investment will certainly be lower than the peak level in 2016, but I don't think there is going to be dramatic drop," he said. Last year, China's outbound M&A surged by 142 percent in volume and by 246 percent in value, to a record $221 billion, according to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. A report by Rhodium Group said the European Union continues to be a favorite destination of Chinese investors, with more than 35 billion euros ($36.9 billion) of outward foreign direct investment transactions last year - an increase of 77 percent from 2015. Germany and the United Kingdom accounted for more than half of total incoming Chinese investment last year. The United States was the largest recipient of Chinese outbound foreign direct investment last year, with $45.6 billion in completed acquisitions and greenfield investments. However, President Donald Trump has said the US will take a tougher stance toward Chinese companies. Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said that to date, EU authorities have not rejected any major investment in the EU. He said the EU is becoming increasingly worried about state intervention in international investments in its economy, and rising populism is putting pressure on decision-makers. He said the EU member states should remain open and make sure that international investors in the EU have a predictable and transparent investment environment. "For Chinese companies, it is important to see that their investment ideas in Europe are basically accepted and are granted in the right and proper legal setting," he said. Hu Tianlong, a research fellow with the International Monetary Institute of Renmin University of China, said M&A deals in technology industries worldwide will be more difficult for Chinese companies this year. State Councilor Yang Jiechi is greeted by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the State Department in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.Aaron Bernstein / Reuters Top diplomats agree regular high-level contacts will keep relationship healthy State Councilor Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed on Tuesday the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship between their two countries and agreed to further develop ties. During their meeting at the US State Department in Washington, Yang said that in a phone conversation between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in February, the two sides agreed to work together to achieve greater results in further developing China-US relations. In line with the consensus reached by the two heads of state and following the principles of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, China is willing to ramp up exchanges with the US in all areas and expand cooperation and coordination on regional and global issues, Yang said, according to a Foreign Ministry news release. He also said the two sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns. The efforts will ensure sustained and healthy development of China-US relations and benefit the people of the two nations and the world as a whole, Yang said. Tillerson said the two presidents have set a positive tone for the development of their ties. He said the US is willing to work with China to look at bilateral relations from a broader perspective and strengthen high-level dialogues and exchanges. In addition, he said the two sides will expand cooperation in various areas and deal with sensitive issues through consultation, according to the news release. In their meeting, Tillerson and Yang affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship and of regular high-level engagements between the US and China, according to acting US State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "The secretary and the state councilor discussed the importance of improving and maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world," Toner said. They also discussed areas of mutual concern, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, according to Toner. He said China invited Tillerson to visit Beijing, and the US diplomat expressed interest in doing so in the near future. Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said the interaction between top diplomats from the two countries could create a favorable environment for a possible meeting between Xi and Trump. "It also helps to ensure the stable development of China-US relations at a time when Trump adjusts Washington's foreign policy early in his presidency," Li said. Xie Yang gives an interview. [Photo provided to China Daily] Chinese authorities have refuted foreign media reports that a Chinese lawyer had been tortured in police detention, saying that these allegations were fabricated to tarnish China's image. Xie Yang, a lawyer in Hunan province, was probed on suspicion of subversion and disrupting court order in July 2015. He then began living under surveillance and legal proceedings began in January, according to a report by Global Times on Wednesday. However, since October, many foreign media organizations have reported that Xie was tortured by police in detention, including beatings and lengthy interrogations. But these allegations were made up by another Beijing lawyer, Jiang Tianyong, Global Times reported. An independent investigation team set up by the Hunan Provincial People's Procuratorate also concluded that the allegations are fake, the report said. Xie Yang, who is now awaiting trial, also said that he slept nine hours a day, and medical checks show that he is in good health. Jiang, whose lawyer's license was revoked by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice in 2009, has been held under criminal detention since December on suspicion of subversion and illegally holding classified documents, the report said. Jiang confessed that he deliberately fabricated the torture stories because he was unsatisfied with the Chinese government and wanted to change China's current political system. "I'm willing to confess to my crime," he was quoted as saying. Jiang said he's fully aware that such stories would cater to the taste of Western media, which is keen to report negative China stories, particularly relating to torture. By using the Western media, he could attack the Chinese government and tarnish the image of China's judicial organs, according to Global Times. The report said Jiang managed to contact Xie's wife in September 2015 and won her trust to become Xie's attorney. Jiang then told her how to fabricate stories about Xie being tortured to exert pressure on Chinese authorities. Jiang edited the piece and published it in a series, and also sent the stories to an activist overseas, as the man said he hoped to submit the piece to the European Commission of Human Rights, Jiang was quoted as saying. "We've probed the police officers, people who stay together with Xie under residential surveillance and Xie himself, and concluded that the torture allegations are fake," an unnamed director of the investigation team was quoted as saying. "Left-behind" girls in rural China, whose parents have moved from their hometown in search of work in cities and towns, have a smaller chance of attending school than their male counterparts, due, in part, to a long-held perception that men are entitled to more privileges than women, according to a recent research. The Annual Report on Left-behind Girls in China's Rural Areas (2016), issued on Wednesday by the China Social Welfare Foundation, found that 78.9 percent of parents in villages are inclined to bring their sons with them to bigger cities for better education. In addition, when they only have finances to pay for one child's higher education, 97.5 percent of them would choose sons over daughters. China's compulsory basic education system waives most fees for elementary and middle schools, resulting in 96.1 percent of girls in rural areas attending school from ages 6 to 11. However, only 79.3 percent have access to high school education when they are aged 15 to 17, the research found. "Dear Mom and Dad, please do not treat me and my brother differently. When my brother does something well, he gets rewarded. What about me? No reward at all. Even when I do something well, you will say, 'This is not good enough, it should have been done better'," one girl wrote on a questionnaire issued by the research team. Liu Yan, of the foundation, said that when his team first started the research, they thought they could draw parallels between left-behind girls and girls in poverty. "I was wrong. There is no such correlation. Financially, they can be doing fine. What makes their situation different is the lack of parenting. They crave their parents' love, just like any child, but they do not have it," Liu said. "Some girls are told money means happiness, so they associate making money with being happy, but no one tells them why. That situation can easily drive young girls in the wrong direction," he added. Yuan Guilin, a professor at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's International Research and Training Center for Rural Education, described left-behind girls as the "underdogs of underdogs". "The organization has found a good angle to help the girls, by paying attention to details like whether they put on underwear, what they eat and drink, and how fairly they feel they are being treated," Yuan said. A villager fires his gun to welcome visitors as part of a show held in the village. Photographer has captured almost three decades of development in a once remote village where firearms are key Kuang Huimin, from Hengshan, Hunan province, is a documentary photographer who focuses on topics such as environmental protection and social change. Since 1989, the 52-year-old has been visiting a village in Southwest China's Guizhou province, where he has taken more than 80,000 photo for his book Changes in Biasha. The 2,500-plus inhabitants of Biasha, 7.5 kilometers from Congjiang, the county seat, are of the Miao ethnic group and are known as China's last gun tribe. For hundreds of years, they have held on to their unique traditions - using guns in ceremonies and to practice their marksmanship. "Bia" means a "place with lush trees and grass" in the Miao language. During the past 27 years, Kuang has traveled back and forth to Biasha more than 40 times, staying there for between seven and 15 days. Before 2005, he stayed in villagers' homes, but now uses guesthouses. "The villagers were all very nice to me, but I didn't want to bother them all the time," he said. With the development of tourism, more guesthouses were built. "It is much more convenient for travelers and photographers like me," he added. Biasha has been transformed from a quiet, tranquil village into a well-known tourist spot, and the rapid rate of change has been the subject of many of Kuang's photos. He believes that Biasha is in the grip of a generation gap: "The elders still preserve the traditional lifestyles. I've asked some older men how they feel about the changes in Biasha, and they told me they had nothing to do with them." The younger generation, meanwhile, has been influenced by modernization. Since 2004, an increasing number of young people have moved away to become migrant workers in large cities. "Sometimes I have seen them getting together and chatting animatedly about their experiences and stories," Kuang said. When he had dinner with his family during Spring Festival in 2009, Wu Jie, a young man from Biasha, told his brothers that the biggest benefit of migrating was learning to compose music and sing at a music training institute. Kuang captured the scene. He has also noticed that married villagers would rather live by working the land at home, especially if they have more than two children to care for. In 1998, Gun Lashui went to work in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. He came home to get married in 2002 and has never set foot outside Biasha since. It was once a tradition in Biasha that when girls married outsiders they were not allowed to return home. But now things are different. Kuang noticed that a girl who married a man in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, came back to see her family: "She returned with a refrigerator and a color television. The economic condition of her family was totally changed." The Lusheng Festival - the most important celebration among people of the Miao ethnic group - is celebrated on the 19th day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar. The villagers dress up for the day, worshipping their ancestors in traditional ways, and the men play the lusheng, a type of reed pipe, and tell stories and the history of Biasha. "Now, villagers play the lusheng for visitors every day, and some of the women have even joined the performance team," Kuang said. He planned to conclude his project in 2014, but he found it difficult: "Biasha is changing all the time. Every time I went there, I saw new things." Last year, the villagers began to build a reservoir in Zaizhang. "Just within a few months, the wooden bridges and trees that I had photographed were gone. The changes have occurred too quickly, really," he said. Kuang considers Biasha to be a microcosm of Chinese villages. "It is more than just a small village. It reflects a picture of the whole society. My photography project about Biasha may never end." Chai Pingyan contributed to this story. BEIJING - China on Wednesday released its strategy on cyberspace cooperation. The International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace is the first China has released regarding the virtual domain. The aim of the strategy -- jointly building a community of shared future in cyberspace -- illustrates China's approach to cyberspace cooperation. Notably one that is based on peace, sovereignty, shared governance and shared benefits. The strategic goals of China's participation in international cyberspace cooperation are: the safeguarding of China's sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace; the secure and orderly flow of information on the Internet; improved global connectivity; maintaining of peace, security and stability in cyberspace; enhancement of international rule of law in cyberspace; the promotion of the global development of the digital economy; and deepening cultural exchange and mutual learning, according to the strategy. China's plan of action includes promoting the building of rule-based order in cyberspace, expanding partnership with other countries, boosting institutional reform in Internet governance, jointly combating cyber terrorism and crimes, and protecting individual privacy in cyberspace. China supports Internet-based innovation and entrepreneurship, and is committed to assisting developing countries with cyber security capacity building, it said. The country supports the formulation of cyberspace trade rules and effective policy coordination among countries, said the strategy. China will work with other countries to strengthen global information infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of information, and facilitate cyber culture cooperation among countries, according to the strategy. With the animation, comic and games industry as a priority area, China will carry out practical cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road, encourage Chinese enterprises to provide online cultural products and services catered to local needs based on local cultural resources, said the strategy. The strategy was issued by the Foreign Ministry and State Internet Information Office. Chinese authorities presented awards to 10 female scientists on Feb. 28, in an effort to honor their remarkable achievements in the natural sciences. The awards were also intended to promote gender equality in the country's academic community. The China Young Female Scientists Awards (CYFSA), an annual award honoring leading female scientists in China, was co-founded in 2004 by the All-China Women's Federation, the China Association for Science and Technology and L'Oreal China. This year's winners, outstanding experts in the fields of biomedicine, mathematics and materials science, all achieved great scientific progress through their cutting-edge research. "I've received many awards as a scientist, but this one is quite unique," Tian Mei, a professor of medicine at Zhejiang University, told Thepaper.cn, adding that receiving the award makes her feel responsible for promoting gender equality in Chinese academia. Tian won the award for her research on molecular imaging technologies. Du Lan, an expert in warning radar technologies, said that there is no biological difference between men and women when it comes to intelligence, but female scientists may face more obstacles in their academic careers compared to their male colleagues. "Ever since I became a mother, I have to find a balance between my family and my career. I hope more public attention can be given to female scientists so that they can chase their scientific dreams," Du reflected. Sexism in the academic community has dampened many female researchers' enthusiasm for the industry. According to Thepaper.cn, all the winners have, at one time or another, had people question their ability to carry out research because of their gender. "The award was established 13 years ago. The winners have demonstrated advanced research skills, and we hope the award can offer more models for female researchers, encouraging them to stick with science," an executive from L'Oreal told Thepaper.cn. Chinese has been added to the graduation exam list by an Italian high school and 29 students will take the test this year, the Guangming Daily reports quoting Italian local media. Sophie Scholl, a high school specializing in linguistics, in Trento, northeastern Italy, has become the first school in the country to list Chinese as a graduation exam subject. The Chinese course has been running at the Italian school for five years, and 145 of its 910 students have chosen to study the language. Maria Silva Boccardi, director of the school, said Chinese will become a global language in the future and they set up the course because many students had asked for it. "There were only a few schools (in Italy) who provided trial Chinese courses back then, but now, Chinese courses have become a crucial part of our overall teaching plan and we are welcoming our pioneer batch of graduates this year," she said. Roberto, a Sophie Scholl student who is going to take the Chinese test before graduation, said writing Chinese characters is the most difficult aspect of learning the language. "Although leaning Chinese is difficult for Italian students, when considering looking for better job opportunities overseas, China would definitely be my top choice," he said. Maria Assunta Contino, a Chinese teacher at Sophie Scholl, said apart from the Chinese language, the school also provides Chinese history courses, and questions about Chinese history and cultures will also show up on the graduation exam. Some students from Sophie Scholl are also heading to Shenyang, in northeast China's Liaoning province, for an educational exchange with local Chinese students during the summer holiday this year. Statistics show that there are now about 150 schools providing Chinese courses in Italy, according to Guangming Daily. A woman surnamed Huang rows a boat in Qiaogang town, Beihai city, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Feb 28, 2017. Huang, 80, returned to China from Vietnam about 40 years ago, and has been working on boats for 30 years. Although now with a family spanning four generations and despite most boats today being engine-powered, she still rows her boat to help transport fishermen and generate a small income. Huang said she is not used to sitting around and doing nothing and will keep rowing the boat as long as she can. [Photo/China News Service] (ECNS) - After two children fell to their death from the fourth floor of a shopping mall, a lawyer said the father could be criminally liable for at least one fatality. The father was holding two children, about 2 to 4 years old, when they looked down over a glass barrier at the mall in northern Tianjin. Eyewitness said one child fell five floors to the basement level while the second also fell as the father tried to grasp the first. Wang Youyin, a lawyer with Shengyun Law Firm in Beijing, said he believes it is highly possible the father will face criminal charges in the death of the second child. He failed to fulfill his obligation of safe attendance, Wang explained. The lawyer also called for the shopping mall to better ensure the safety of visitors, although its regulations may already satisfy the national safety standard. Local police said the children included a brother and sister. The tragedy gained wide attention on the Internet, provoking discussions on parenting as well as ensuring safety. China vows strengthened crackdown on illegal publications Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-02 15:03 BEIJING - The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications on Thursday underscored building a clean online and offline environment for social harmony. The office announced it will launch more campaigns in 2017 to crack down on piracy and online pornography to ensure the healthy development of children and young people. Issues in live-streaming video, instant chat services and pop-up ads will be dealt with, said the office. The office also urged early detection and punishment for illegal academic journals as well as blackmail by fake journalists. In 2016, Chinese law enforcement confiscated over 16 million illegal publications and banned more than 14,000 websites disseminating harmful information. CHANGCHUN -- China plans to build a national park 60 percent larger than Yellowstone National Park as a sanctuary for highly-endangered Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. The Jilin provincial forestry department said on Thursday that the national park plan has been approved by the central authorities. It is designed to encompass 14,600 square km in northeastern provinces of Jilin and Heilongjiang, bordering Russia's Primorsky. Fan Zhiyong, Species Program Director with WWF Beijing, said the national park initiative is helpful in linking separate wildlife protection areas in the region, which would pave the way for wider China-Russia cooperation in wildlife protection in the region. A comprehensive plan and pilot for the national park is expected to be carried out before 2020. The Jilin provincial government has vowed to start preliminary work to prepare for national park management by the end of 2017. Due to excessive logging in the 1950s, the ecosystem in the area was degraded, driving wild Siberian tigers to near extinction. A field survey jointly carried out by scientists from China, Russia and the United States in 1998 found evidence of only 6 to 9 wild Siberian tigers in the area. With a logging ban in full effect in northeast China since April 2015 and decades of natural protection efforts, the number of tigers has rebounded. Experts estimated that there are currently five wild Siberian tiger families, or 27 in total, living in Jilin. However, space limitations within nature reserves in China and Russia have restricted the natural growth of the species in the wild. Ge Jianping, deputy director of Beijing Normal University and a tiger expert, said there are at least 35 tigers and 70 leopards in protected areas covering 4,000 square km. The area is far from enough space to accommodate the wild carnivores. He said geological conditions on the Chinese side are more favorable than across the border for the endangered species. "It is vital for China to make a long-term mechanism in order to consolidate and sustain the progress in protecting wild Siberian tigers and Amur leopards," he said. WWF expert Fan said the planned national park is not only important for the survival of the endangered species but also for the protection of biodiversity in the northern temperate zone. According to the forestry department, a monitoring and rescue center for wild tigers and leopards will be established along with other scientific and research facilities as the national park plan is implemented. The national park is expected to become a channel for international exchange in wild animal protection, said Lan Hongliang, director of the Jilin Forestry Department. He said national park management can help boost China's cooperation with international organizations, improve transparency in information exchanges and law enforcement, and break barriers in cross-border ecological corridors for wildlife. China hopes national park management will be more efficient than current government-led wildlife protection. The country's first national park pilot started last year in the Sanjiangyuan area in southwest China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to protect the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang (Mekong) rivers. It is expected to officially open in 2020. Deputies to the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) from Northeast China's Heilongjiang province arrive at Beijing Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2017. The fifth annual session of the 12th NPC will open on March 5. [Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING -- Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) are gathering in Beijing for the top legislature's annual session, which will open on Sunday. NPC delegations from outside Beijing all arrived in the capital on Thursday, and preparations for the session are complete, according to the press center of the fifth session of the 12th NPC. Deputies from Northeast China's Heilongjiang province were the first to arrive. NPC deputies are elected by people's congresses of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The armed forces elect their own. Deputies from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan follow separate election rules decided by the NPC. Lawmaker Tan Zhijuan, a researcher on agriculture from Heilongjiang, has brought two bills, one on agricultural cooperatives and the other on supply-side structural reform in the agricultural sector. Lawmaker Weng Guoxing from East China's Fujian province, a medical doctor, said this year he would continue to focus his attention on health reform. Documents for the meeting are translated into seven ethnic minority languages, including Mongolian, Tibetan and Uygur, and several foreign languages, including English, French, Russian and Spanish. The NPC session will deal principally with the government work report, the central government budget and draft General Provisions of Civil Law. The government work report will be delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the opening of the session when growth targets for the year will be unveiled. The draft General Provisions of Civil Law have gone through three readings since June last year and are expected to be approved. BEIJING -- China's procuratorates secured the return of 43 fugitive suspects from abroad in the first 11 months of 2016, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) revealed on Thursday. The suspects, who returned from 19 countries and regions, include 15 on a list of China's top 100 fugitives in an Interpol "red notice," said Song Hansong, an anti-corruption official with the SPP. A total of 548 million yuan ($80 million) of funds are involved in the cases. Among them was China's most-wanted graft fugitive Yang Xiuzhu, who had been on the run for 13 years. She finally returned to China on Nov. 16, 2016 and turned herself in to authorities. The return of these fugitives is a great deterrent to other fugitives, Song said. The national strategy of synergizing the development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei reaches its third anniversary this month, a project that has initiated enviable progress within the three regions and has received widespread acknowledgement. "The long-term strategy of integrating three provinces and municipalities of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei will contribute to balancing resources of the three regions, establishing their economic development zone positioning to have complementary advantages," said Jing Linbo, director of the Chinese Evaluation Center for Humanities and Social Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Jing added that implementing the long-term strategy is not as easy as initially thought. "We should get rid of regional protectionisms that the local governments are concerned about boosting their own GDPs. Instead, we should seek economic efficiency on a broader scale," said Jing. Wang Jefferson, principal of A.T. Kearney, shares similar ideas. "The strategy plays a crucial role in the integrated and synergetic development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province. The three regions should not be treated separately. On the contrary, we should regard these places as a whole ecosystem, and carry out industrial restructuring and upgrading within this system," Wang said. Jing, from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also acknowledged the importance of the integrated strategy in absorbing overseas investments. "I think we should encourage attracting foreign investments, not only because of the money inflows, but the related mechanism lying behind. In the meantime, we should also take full advantage of domestic investments, setting up a good balance," said Jing. Wang Guoqing, spokesman for the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, greets the media at a news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. Zou Hong / China Daily Nation contributed a third of world economy China will continue to be the engine of global growth as its economic fundamentals remain strong and resilient, a senior official said on Thursday, dismissing the pessimism regarding the country's economic prospects. Wang Guoqing, spokesman for the annual session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said China has made a good start in its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) and the country contributed about a third of world growth in 2016, more than any other country's contribution. "China's steady growth has brought in greater demand, investment and products to the world economy and created many opportunities for cooperation," Wang said at a news conference. China's growth target, as well as its policy and reform priorities, will be closely watched as the annual meetings of the country's top legislature and political advisory body open this week. The country will also help improve global prosperity and regional infrastructure as it pushes the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said. The value of investment in 53 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative reached $14.5 billion last year, he said. The annual meeting of the National Committee of the CPPCC, the country's top political advisory body, will open on Friday. The National People's Congress, the top legislature, will convene on Sunday, with lawmakers reviewing and elaborating on Premier Li Keqiang's Government Work Report. The consensus among economists is that China will keep its growth target unchanged at about 6.5 to 7 percent this year. The government will likely adopt a more expansionary fiscal policy by raising its budget deficits, while keeping its monetary policy neutral or even tighter to curb financial risks, they said. Other reform priorities will include deepening supply-side reform, cutting excessive industrial capacity and reducing the burden for the corporate sector. Ding Shuang, head of Greater China economic research at Standard Chartered Bank, said policymakers will emphasize economic and financial stability during the meetings and may raise the budget deficit to 3.5 percent of GDP, from last year's 3 percent, to maintain growth. "In light of the impact of a cooling property market on investment and consumption, we think a more expansionary fiscal policy and higher budget deficit are needed to prevent growth from falling significantly below 6.5 percent," Ding said. Xu Hongcai, an economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said China will likely achieve 6.8 percent GDP growth in the first quarter, as the economy has made a mild recovery since last quarter. "With improved foreign trade, domestic investment and manufacturing activity picking up, I expect the growth momentum to continue at 6.8 percent in the first quarter," Xu said. "While the correction in the property market and decline in auto sales will weigh on economic growth, the rise of the new economic drivers, such as tourism, high technology and the innovative industry will offset the negative impact," he said. PARIS Tiny fossils that scientists say are the oldest ever found offer evidence of life on Earth 3.8 to 4.3 billion years ago, when our planet was still in its infancy, researchers reported on Wednesday. Even at the more primitive end of the spectrum, "the microfossils we discovered are about 300 million years older" than any runners-up, said Dominic Papineau, a professor at University College London, who made the discovery. Dating puts the fossils "within a few hundred million years" of the formation of the solar system, he said. The results were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature. The emergence of life not long after Earth formed would suggest it also could emerge on watery worlds outside our solar system at comparable stages of formation, the scientists said. "If life happened so quickly on Earth, then could we expect it to be a simple process that could start on other planets?" asked the lead author, Matthew Dodd, a graduate student at the London Centre for Nanotechnology. Earth and Mars are believed to have had liquid water on their surfaces at the same time, he noted. "We could expect to find evidence for past life on Mars 4 billion years ago," Dodd said. But it may be that Earth was "just a special case", he added. The tiny fossils half the width of a human hair and up to half a millimeter in length take the form of blood-red tubes and filaments formed by ocean-dwelling bacteria that fed on iron. Locked inside white, flowerlike quartz structures known to harbor fossils, they were found along what were once warm-water vents on the ocean floor, most often in deep waters. Such iron-rich, hydrothermal systems still exist and are home to bacteria that may be similar to those unearthed by Dodd and his colleagues. The site of the discovery, the Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt in Canada, contains some of the oldest sedimentary rocks known on Earth. Scientists say they formed between 3.77 and 4.29 billion years ago, and may have been the habitat for the planets first life-forms. It is still not known when, or where, life on Earth began, but these deep-sea vents are seen as a good candidate. Earth is thought to be about 4.57 billion years old, scientists said. AFP Cheng Shirong After twenty three years in prison, Chen Man was acquitted of homicide and set free. When he arrived home and saw his parents again, he expressed gratitude to Cheng Shirong saying that "Cheng is my second mother and I will remember her all my life and reward her kindness". Chen was given a suspended death sentence with probation in the year 1994 for murder and arson. Having known about the case, 60-year-old Cheng Shirong thought it was mishandled and fought hard for it to be reexamined; finally, after 11 years, those efforts bore fruit. Wang Zhong, Chen's mother, said "We met Cheng Shirong, a colleague of Chen Man's father, on an agricultural tour in 2005. We told her about Chen Man's case. She had studied law and went online to find relevant information and then fought for the reexamination of the case." Considering herself as a go-between, she appealed to judicial bodies for a retrial and to the general public for support. She also sought help from legal experts and lawyers. In fact, Cheng was not a legal expert but had studied law by herself. The only thing that made her authoritative was that she had passed the national judicial exams by self-study. Based on her legal knowledge, senior Cheng studied Chen's three case files for two months and discovered that the evidence listed in the judgment documents appeared to be insufficient to prove his crime. She sent appeal letters to the Supreme People's Court and Supreme Procuratorate and even went there in person to have the case reviewed, but got no response. But she never gave up. In 2011, Cheng Shirong learned to use microblog and started posting relevant material. "I spent several months reading, analyzing and listing important points of the files and systemized an introduction to the case. Then I contacted as many experts and lawyers as possible and documented their names. Over the last eleven years I have sought help from more than 100 legal experts and lawyers," Cheng Shirong said. But difficulties were always there. In May 2009, Chen Man's parents received a letter from the Supreme People's Court saying that they wouldn't rehear the case which made Cheng feel desperate. "But how could I bear to give up? His parents were more than 80 years old and they phoned me every several days. Sometimes they couldn't dare to ask about the case, they could only extend their greetings to me," Cheng said. Then there was a turning point. In July 2013, under the initiative of renowned lawyer Li Jinxing, a group specializing in vindication was established. With the involvement of lawyers, a series of activities were held including seminars and campaigns to appeal to judicial bodies and all sectors of society. Thanks to those efforts on February 16 2015 Chen's lawyer received a notice of review from the Supreme People's Court and promptly launched an appeal seeking a reversal of judgment. South Korea's Lotte Group has suffered from sluggish growth in its retail business in China, analysts said. Revenues of Lotte Group's hypermarKets sector slipped by 2 percent to 2,516 billion South Korean Won ($2.2 billion), as a result of its mediocre performance in China, according to its annual report released last month. The group saw its same store sale growth in China decline by 14 percent in 2016 while its overall global sale growth slowed by 3.8 percent despite the growth in Indonesia and Vietnam. Security Council fails to adopt resolution on Syria sanctions By Xinhua | China Daily | Updated: 2017-03-02 07:26 UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Tuesday failed to adopt a draft resolution aiming to impose sanctions over alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria as Russia and China vetoed it. For the resolution drafted by the United Kingdom, France and the United States, nine council members voted in favor. Two veto-wielding powers Russia and China, along with Bolivia, voted against. Kazakhstan, Egypt, Ethiopia abstained. If adopted, the draft resolution would have imposed asset freeze and travel bans on individuals and entities associated with the Syrian government based on allegations of chemical weapon attacks made by a joint probe of the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The joint inquiry has concluded in its reports that the Syrian government was involved in the use of toxic chemicals as weapons in three cases, and the Islamic State had used mustard gas in one case. Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi said investigations on the use of chemical weapons are still ongoing and "it is too early to reach a final conclusion." He said the council should support the joint inquiry to carry out its investigations in a professional manner and make conclusions with accurate, detailed and solid evidence. "We oppose the use of chemical weapons by any state, any organization and any individual under any circumstance," he added. The vote came when a new round of intra-Syrian peace talks in Geneva is underway. Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said the draft was put to a vote based on a doctrine of western states despite the efforts taken in Geneva to settle the Syrian crisis. "We see this as an attempt to retard and undermine the current political and diplomatic efforts," he said. The draft resolution would also have banned supply of helicopters to the Syrian government. Safronkov said the measure would undermine counterterrorism as well as humanitarian relief efforts in the country. (China Daily 03/02/2017 page12) SEATTLE - Airport officials and civil rights lawyers are getting ready for President Donald Trump's new travel ban mindful of the chaos that accompanied his initial executive order but hopeful the forthcoming version will be rolled out in a more orderly way. The new order was expected as soon as Wednesday. A draft suggested it would target people from six of the original seven predominantly Muslim countries but would exempt travelers who already have visas to come to the United States. The latest draft in circulation no longer includes Iraq. Four officials told The Associated Press that the decision followed pressure from the Pentagon and State Department, which had urged the White House to reconsider Iraq's inclusion on the list given its key role in fighting the Islamic State group. Since last month's ban, which courts have put on hold, a section of the international arrivals area at Dulles International Airport outside the nation's capital has been transformed into a virtual law firm, with legal volunteers ready to greet travelers from affected countries and ask if they saw anyone being detained. Similar efforts are underway at other airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International, where officials have drawn up plans for crowd control after thousands protested the original ban. "The plan is to be as ready as possible," said Lindsay Nash, an immigration law professor at Cardozo School of Law in New York who has been helping prepare emergency petitions on behalf of those who might be detained. Trump's initial action, issued on Jan 27, temporarily barred citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya from coming to the US and halted acceptance of all refugees. The president said his administration would review vetting procedures amid concerns about terrorism in those seven nations. Protesters flooded US airports that weekend, seeking to free travelers detained by customs officials amid confusion about who could enter the country, including US permanent residents known as green-card holders. Attorneys also challenged the order in court, including officials from Washington state. That lawsuit, which Minnesota joined, resulted in a federal judge temporarily blocking the government from enforcing the travel ban, a decision unanimously upheld by a panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. Many civil rights lawyers and activists have said they don't believe a new order would cure all the constitutional problems of the original, including the claim that it was motivated by anti-Muslim discrimination. Last week, analysts at the Homeland Security Department's intelligence arm found insufficient evidence that citizens of the seven Muslim-majority countries pose a terror threat to the US. "It's not enough to just tweak an order and not change the nature of why it was issued in the first place," said Rula Aoun, director of the Arab American Civil Rights League in Dearborn, Michigan, which sued over the initial ban and is prepared to do the same with the rewrite if necessary. A volunteer law student from the University of Washington sits at a station in the arrivals hall at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesday.Ted Warren / Associated Press (China Daily 03/02/2017 page12) Strengthening relations with Beijing is vital for the British capital, amid the uncertainty of Brexit, said the Lord Mayor of the City of London following his visit to China. Andrew Parmley said he hopes to use his year as Lord Mayor to promote teaching of Mandarin in the United Kingdom's schools and to encourage British tourists to visit China. "Through understanding comes tolerance and friendship," he told China Daily on Tuesday. video Chinese TV viewers typically say that Chinese nature documentaries are not as good as their Western counterp arts. But, a new China Central Television documentary series shot in high-definition is getting an unprecedented response. Four episodes ofAerial Chinawere screened by CCTV's Documentary Channel during the Lunar New Year festival, and the rating for the documentary series on Douban.com, the country's top TV and film fan website, is 9.4 points out of 10, putting it at the top of the documentary ratings list. Commenting on the ratings, Yu Le, 36, director of the series, says: "When people recommend a documentary, they always say something like 'It's a production by the BBC', but not this time." Speaking about how the documentary series was made, he says: "Even the most familiar things look different from a height. "We wanted to show how beautiful this familiar country is, and this was possible thanks to our time up in the air." Hao Jingfang wins the Hugo Award for best novelette with her work Folding Beijing in 2016. Her latest project is the film The Last Brave Man, directed by Yang Chao. [Photo provided to China Daily] Science fiction, a dominant genre in Hollywood, has yet to find its feet in the Chinese movie industry. But change is underway. Hugo Award-winning novelist Hao Jingfang and Yang Chao, director of Crosscurrent, an internationally acclaimed Chinese film, have teamed up to bring The Last Brave Man to the country's moviegoers. Based on a 2012 novel of the same title by Hao, the film will be set in an ambiguously-defined futurist world. The film is likely to be released in late 2018 or early 2019. The author became the first Chinese woman to win the coveted prize for her other novelFolding Beijingin 2015. Yang, a fan of the genre, made his debut with Passages, a feature that won him the Camera d'Or at Cannes in 2014. Crosscurrent won awards in Berlin and Taipei. Seen through the perspective of a clone refugee who is betrayed to his rulers, The Last Brave Man film is expected to explore what human cloning may mean for society. Jing Tian plays the lead role in The Glory of Tang Dynasty. [Photo provided to China Daily] The Glory of Tang Dynasty, a Chinese TV series that showed romance, warfare and court conspiracy amid social upheaval of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), ended on Wednesday. Viewers earlier had expected the series to fail, given their experiences in recent years with shows full of historical inaccuracies and poor storytelling. But it was a surprisingly popular production. The 60-episode series premiered on Jan 29, on Beijing TV, Anhui TV and a Tencent online platform, during this year's Spring Festival. By last week, it had more than 4 billion views on Tencent, with the rating on the site reaching 8.3 of 10. "TV series targeted at the youth aren't necessarily away from mainstream values," Jiang Lei, vice-president of H&R Century Pictures, which created the series, recently told a Beijing event. "We aim to bring out the essence of traditional Chinese culture and use modern expressions and approaches to attract young people." The Glory of Tang Dynasty, which focuses on the love story of Li Yu, an emperor, and Shen Zhenzhu, a woman of high birth, is aided by the grandiose historical background of the An Shi Rebellion (755-763), which pulled the empire down from its zenith and pushed it into a long depression. "We had to conform to basic historical facts while writing the script," says Liu Fang, the scriptwriter of the series. "Then we placed fictional plots into the framework. The romance created a foundation for the story but it also sought to express a love for the country." Director Liu Guonan says when he first read the script, he felt that romance was the dominant theme. So he asked his team to get the historical context into the picture. A probable reason for lower viewer expectation initially was that Shen's role was being played by Jing Tian. The 29-year-old actress was most recently seen in Zhang Yimou's The Great Wall, which is still being screened in North America. But most of her earlier works had either flopped or didn't get praised. Her performance in the series seems to have broken that record, although some say it could be attributed in part to the costumes and script. When The Glory of Tang Dynasty debuted, it gained about four points of 10 on Douban, China's leading website for film and TV reviews. Now it has increased to seven. "Though historical TV series have dominated our screens, it's surprising that no big production earlier focused on the An Shi Rebellion, a key event in Chinese history," says Liu Yeyuan, a media professor at the Communication University of China. "Until now, young people's understanding of the time was largely rooted in Tang poetry. The new series offers them a chance to revisit history." Liu Yeyuan also says the exchanges between China and other countries along the ancient Silk Road can create an emotional resonance today. Yin Hong, a media professor at Tsinghua University, say: "Making a successful youth-genre TV series doesn't mean just hiring popular young idols. Instead, it means to create figures that have positive energy and echo what young people pursue today." Both scholars agree The Glory of Tang Dynasty is an effort to make historical TV series look real as opposed to the recent crop of fantasy tales. Even so, Yin says this production has its drawbacks. "A good TV series should be able to get audiences hooked no matter from which episode they start to watch," he says. "However, in The Glory of Tang Dynasty, I had to watch from the very beginning to figure out the story." Perhaps the situation is somewhat like what Dushe (poisonous tongue) Movie, a major film critic on Chinese phone app WeChat, says: "The Glory of Tang Dynasty gets so many good comments on WeChat, not because it's great, but because there are so many poor TV series today." Inner coffin of Seshepenmehyt of ancient Egypt. [Photo provided to China Daily] The British Museum's highly-acclaimed A History of the World in 100 Objects has already attracted more than 1 million visitors during its world tour. This week, the exhibition began its China leg of the tour. It's on at the Beijing's National Museum of China until May 31, before traveling to Shanghai Museum from June to September. The exhibition evolved from a broadcasting series that the London museum started in partnership with the BBC in 2010. Each 15-minute program introduced one of 100 objects from the museum's collection that revealed the communication methods of various human cultures over the course of 2 million years. The exhibition is not intended to show the differences between cultures, but what they have in common. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page A Chinese mobile phone user scans the QR code on the bicycle of bike-lending service Mobike on a road in Shanghai, Aug 17, 2016. [Photo/IC] BIKE-SHARING SERVICES operated by platforms such as Mobike have become an effective solution to the "last mile" problem for urban commuters, Minister of Transport Li Xiaopeng said on Monday. Sznews.com commented on Wednesday: Bike-sharing services have boomed since the middle of last year and swept across the country in just a few months. It is estimated that in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, there are over 320,000 sharing bikes and at least 2 million citizens are using them per dayfar more than those hailing cabs. It is no exaggeration to say Mobikes and its rivals have become a major commuting choice. But how to manage them and hold unruly users accountable remains a thorn in the side of local governments. In other words, online discussions and censures are not enough to deal with the problems of bike sharing, which range from illegal parking and rising maintenance costs to vandalism. In Shenzhen a number of city roads are accessed by both vehicles and bicycles without the needed lane separators, which poses a threat to cyclists many of whom are "forced" to ride with cars and buses due to the lack of exclusive bicycle lanes. Misuse of sharing bikes is another problem. Disorderly parking and damage to the bikes are no longer news to most people. The situation will only worsen as bike-sharing apps keep dispatching bikes to more cities, adding to the daily pressures facing urban management. Urging users to exercise self-discipline yet refusing to embrace the truth that bike-sharing services are now part of the mainstream is not a feasible solution. More bicycle lanes are needed along with systematic legislative efforts to regulate and protect the emerging industry. People gather to protest the land swap contract between the military and Lotte Group in Seoul, South Korea, Feb 27, 2017. [Photo/VCG] Despite strong Chinese and Russian opposition, the Republic of Korea's defense ministry signed a contract with the Lotte Group on Tuesday for a land swap that will enable the deployment of a US anti-missile system. The deal will speed up the deployment of the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in the ROK, which jeopardizes China's national security and regional peace. Although the two allies say the system will safeguard the ROK from any missiles fired at it by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the THAAD will by no means make the ROK safer. Designed to intercept ballistic missiles at an altitude of 40-150 kilometers, it will not shoot down the short- and medium-range missiles of the DPRK that fly at an altitude of less than 40 km. Instead, the deployment of THAAD will only exacerbate the estrangement between the ROK and the DPRK, and likely prompt the DPRK to seek a greater sense of security by speeding up its weapons program. Beijing has made its position unequivocally clear, repeatedly urging the ROK to reconsider its decision. It has made no bones about the fact that it opposes the ROK's deployment of THAAD. Not only because it is a provocation to the DPRK that threatens regional stability, but also because it breaks the strategic balance in the region. The system's radar, which has a range of more than 2,000 km, can peer deep into China's territory, compromising China's military deterrence capability, and damaging its security interests. Indeed, rather than being a means to enhance the ROK's security as claimed, the deployment of THAAD in the ROK will make the country part of the US' global missile-defense system that targets countries such as China and Russia as potential enemies. By riding on the war chariot of the United States, the ROK is letting itself be drawn into the superpower's geostrategic game. Even though the current situation leaves China no option but to take countermeasures to safeguard its own interests and security, that does not mean the door to talks aimed at breaking the stalemate in bilateral relations has been shut. While Washington has adopted a divide-and-dominate strategy in Asia, Beijing is seeking to resume Six-Party Talks for the good of all in the region. The ROK should take concrete steps to repair the damage it is doing to both bilateral relations with China and the multilateral efforts to resolve the DPRK's nuclear issue. The ball is in the ROK's court. Participants at the second Wuhan Hackathon concentrate on their coding. The Hackathon was held in Hubei province on Oct 29, 2016.[ SONG ZHENTAO/CHINA DAILY] Editor's note: On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly released a document titled "International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace". Full text below: Preface Chapter I. Opportunities and Challenges Chapter II. Basic Principles 1. The Principle of Peace 2. The Principle of Sovereignty 3. The Principle of Shared Governance 4. The Principle of Shared Benefits Chapter III. Strategic Goals 1. Safeguarding Sovereignty and Security 2. Developing A System of International Rules 3. Promoting Fair internet Governance 4. Protecting Legitimate Rights and Interests of Citizens 5. Promoting Cooperation on Digital Economy 6. Building Platform for Cyber Culture Exchange Chapter IV. Plan of Action 1. Peace and Stability in Cyberspace 2. Rule-based Order in Cyberspace 3. Partnership in Cyberspace 4. Reform of Global internet Governance System 5. International Cooperation on Cyber Crimes and Cyber Terrorism 6. Protection of Citizens' Rights and Interests Including Privacy 7. Digital Economy and Sharing of Digital Dividends 8. Global Information Infrastructure Development and Protection 9. Exchange of Cyber Cultures Conclusion Preface Cyberspace is the common space of activities for mankind. The future of cyberspace should be in the hands of all countries. Countries should step up communications, broaden consensus and deepen cooperation to jointly build a community of shared future in cyberspace. Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, 2015/12/16 Today, the rapid advancement of information technology represented by the internet has brought about new ways of social production, created new space for people's life, opened new horizons of state governance and enhanced people's ability to understand and shape the world. As the common asset of human society, the internet has turned the world into a global village. In the interconnected cyberspace, countries are bound together by intertwined interests. It is in the shared interests and also the responsibility of the international community to safeguard peace and security, promote openness and cooperation and foster a community of shared future in cyberspace. International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace provides a comprehensive explanation of China's policy and position on cyber-related international affairs as well as the basic principles, strategic goals and plan of action in its external relations on that front. It aims to guide China's participation in international exchange and cooperation in cyberspace for the next period of time, and encourage the international community to come together to enhance dialogue and cooperation and build a peaceful, secure, open, cooperative and orderly cyberspace and a multilateral, democratic and transparent global internet governance system. Range Rover Velar, British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover's all-new SUV, makes its global debut in London on Wednesday. [Photo by Du Xiaoying/chinadaily.com.cn] The Range Rover Velar, British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover's all-new sport utility vehicle model, made its world debut in London late on Wednesday. JLR sold 583,000 vehicles in 2016 worldwide, with the Chinese market alone contributing more than 20 percent of the total sale. China was JLR's largest single market last year, followed by the UK and United States. The company sold 119,000 cars in China in 2016, 59,000 of which were locally produced at its Changshu plant in East China's Jiangsu province, including the Range Rover Evoque, Discovery Sport and Jaguar XFL, which is available only in the Chinese market. Indonesian Siti Aishah leaves a Sepang court after she was charged with the murder of a DPRK national in Malaysia March 1, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday blasted the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) for assertion of Pyongyang standing behind the death of a DPRK national in Malaysia last month, saying it was "groundless blame." "The US and the South Korean authorities are kicking up an anti-DPRK smear campaign," said the state-run KCNA news agency. A DPRK national identified as Kim Chol was attacked on Feb 13 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After seeking help from the airport staff, he died en route to hospital. Malaysian Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam said Sunday that the man died a painful death minutes after being swabbed with a high dosage of lethal VX nerve agent. The KCNA, however, slammed ROK authorities for "spreading rumor" from the very beginning that the dead man was killed with poison, which it says drives a wedge between the DPRK and Malaysia. It also accused the ROK and the United States of using the case with a political purpose to tarnish the image of the DPRK and attempting to bring down its social system. The KCNA doubted the autopsy results released by the Malaysian side. It even warned of "stronger measures for self-defense" in order to protect the sovereignty and dignity of the country should Washington and Seoul keep using "political chicanery" to undermine the DPRK system. Three suspects -- an Indonesian woman, a Vietnamese woman and a DPRK man -- are being held in police custody in Malaysia. Police still want to question seven others, including a second secretary of the DPRK Embassy in Malaysia. Four of the seven are believed to have fled the country. The two female suspects in custody were charged Wednesday with the murder of the DPRK man. The death penalty will be applied if they are convicted. Francois Fillon, former French prime minister, member of the Republicans political party and 2017 presidential election candidate of the French centre-right, reacts as he makes a declaration to the media at his campaign headquarters in Paris, France, March 1, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] PARIS - French presidential candidate Francois Fillon confirmed Wednesday that he would be summoned on March 15 by the investigating magistrates over alleged fake jobs. But the 62-year-old conservative candidate said he would not withdraw from the presidential race. "Only universal suffrage and not a prosecution can decide who will be the next President of the Republic. I will not give in, I will not surrender. I will not pull out," he said. "My lawyer was informed that I would be summoned on March 15 by the examining magistrate to be questioned," he told a press conference. It is unprecedented that a summon for questioning be launched a few days after the naming of the judges, without them having studied the case, on the simple basis of a police report manifestly biased, Fillon said. Fillon is suspected to have paid his wife Penelope for 10 years as a parliamentary assistant without her having done the job, and also to have paid his children for questionable assignments. A judicial inquiry into charges of the misappropriation of public funds, misuse of assets and the handling of stolen property was opened on January 25. Last Friday, the charges were enlarged to include "insider influence and breach of mandatory declarations to the High Authority on transparence of public life". "I will answer the judges' summons ... I will tell them my truth, which is the truth," Fillon said. At the end of January, he had at first promised that he would withdraw from the race if he were formally charged, before taking a step backward in mid-February. On Wednesday, Fillon once again presented himself as a victim of the justice system. "The rule of law has been systematically violated ... The presumption of innocence has completely and entirely disappeared," he argued. Since the revelation of the "fake jobs" scandal, Fillon has tried to continue his campaign in an always murkier context, but no longer makes appearances other than in closed sites, for fear that he could be met with raucous protests. Fillon is also experiencing internal setbacks to his campaign, as his European and international affairs representative Bruno Le Maire announced Wednesday that he was resigning. "I believe in keeping one's word," Le Maire said in a tweet, referring to Fillon's earlier promise to withdraw from the race if placed under investigation. According to several polls, Fillon would be eliminated in the first round of voting, to the benefit of the the candidate of the extreme right Marine Le Pen and the founder of the En Marche movement Emmanuel Macron. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (front) addresses the "White Paper on the Future of Europe" at the European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium, March 1, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua] BRUSSELS - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday unveiled his plans for a "new chapter" of Europe, ushering in an era of soul-searching for the bloc hit hard by Brexit. Addressing the European Parliament's plenary session, Juncker said the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome "will not simply be a birthday of celebration, it will also be a birth moment of the EU at 27." "Let's turn the page and commence a new chapter in our history," he said. The white paper laid out five "pathways to unity" for the EU's remaining 27 member states. It was hammered out by the College of Commissioners on Wednesday after a spate of debates, seminars and meetings that have been taking place since Feb 22. The white paper set out five scenarios for the EU in the next decade, each offering a glimpse into the potential state of the EU. The first scenario, titled "Carrying On," envisages the EU27 focusing on delivering its positive reform agenda in the spirit of the Commission's new start for Europe from 2014 and of the Bratislava Declaration agreed by all 27 member states in 2016. The second scenario foresees an EU with "nothing but the single market." The third scenario, titled "Those Who Want More Do More," would see the EU 27 member states proceeding as it is now but with willing member states doing more together in specific areas such as defense, internal security or social matters. The fourth scenario, titled "Doing Less More Efficiently," envisages the EU27 focusing on delivering more and faster in selected policy areas, while doing less where it is perceived not to have an added value. The fifth scenario, titled "Doing Much More Together," foresees member states deciding to share more power, resources, and decision-making across the board. Asked which scenario is in his favor at a press conference following the address, Juncker said "I'm not going to give a preference to one option over the other, but I would exclude the option according to which the EU would just turn into a single market, nothing else." Women gather at a water collecting point at the internally displaced people's camp in Bama, Borno State, Nigeria, August 31, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] UNITED NATIONS The UN Security Council was heading to West Africa on Wednesday night to examine the threat posed by Boko Haram to the countries most affected by the Islamic extremist group Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, all four of which also face a serious humanitarian crisis. France's UN ambassador, Francois Delattre, told reporters that "this is the first time ever that the Security Council will visit the region" and members want to support those four countries "in their fight against terrorism." In Nigeria, a seven-year uprising by Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people and driven 2.6 million from their homes, and the extremist group has moved into the three neighboring countries. A UN humanitarian coordinator said last month that malnutrition in Nigeria's northeast was so pronounced that some adults were too weak to walk and some communities had lost all their toddlers. Council members were flying to Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, where their initial meetings were scheduled to start Friday. They then plan to go to Chad and Niger, then on to Nigeria, where they will also visit a camp in the north for people displaced by Boko Haram. Delattre said the council will be encouraging the governments to facilitate access for humanitarian aid and to adopt "a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of terrorism." British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said council members will engage leaders of the four countries on what they are doing in response to Boko Haram and on how they are coming together "to tackle what is clearly a cross-border threat." "This is not just terrorism in one box," with development, good governance, the environment, climate change and the humanitarian crisis in separate boxes, Rycroft said. "Everything is interconnected," he said. "The golden thread between good governance, justice, civil society, the role of development flows straight into preventing conflict, so we want to make sure we have a broad view of all of the factors at play." At a donor conference last week in Oslo, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said 14 countries had pledged $672 million over the next three years to prevent a famine in the four African countries around the Lake Chad basin. O'Brien said in a telephone briefing to UN reporters from Yemen's capital, Sanaa, that the pledges include $458 million for 2017 about a third of the $1.5 billion needed. He described that as a "very positive and a good news story." AP What's been called China's game-changing decision to terminate its domestic ivory trade in 2017 including closing at least one-third of its registered traders and processors by the first quarter of the year has been applauded by wildlife activists, as well as some kids in the United States. Chinese Ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai has replied to about 20 letters from primary school students in California and Massachusetts who wrote to thank China for its latest move to ban its ivory trade, the embassy said on Wednesday. Following regulations released on Dec 30 by the State Council, China is expected to shut down up to 15 ivory processing and 60 sales enterprises by March 31, and the rest by year's end. The regulations followed a temporary ban China slapped on all ivory imports for commercial purposes in March 2016. There are 34 designated factories and 143 retail outlets in China that are permitted to legally operate in the processing and trade of ivory, according to statistics from the State Forestry Administration in Beijing. In his letter, Cui thanked the US students for their enthusiasm for protecting wildlife, adding that in China, it is public consensus that wildlife should be protected and illegal trade should be stopped. "In fact, China has been doing a lot more than just protecting the elephants," Cui said. "If you have a chance to visit China, you will find a lot of endangered animals well protected in their natural habitat: giant panda (as you all know), snub-nosed monkey, Tibetan antelope, red-crowned crane, Manchurian tiger, to name just a few." Cui encouraged the young people of both countries to join hands and work together to create a better future for all life on Earth. Around 20,000 elephants are killed illegally each year across Africa, primarily to feed the global demand for ivory, Xinhua reported in January. In September 2015, leaders of China and the US committed to enacting nearly complete bans on ivory trade in each country. In early July, a near-total ban on commercial trade in African elephant ivory went into effect in the US. Carter Roberts, president and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund, noted that "two of the largest ivory markets have taken action that will reverberate around the world". In particular, Roberts hailed China's ban as a "game changer" for elephant conservation, according to WWF's website. On Feb 24, Kaddu Sebunya, president of the African Wildlife Foundation, wrote in an op-ed in China Daily's Africa edition, "We must build on China's ivory ban to help boost development without detrimental environmental impacts." video video video New Zealand Ambassador John McKinnon said his country is particularly interested in how free trade and climate change are reflected and discussed in the upcoming annual meeting of China's top legislature and political advisory body. In an exclusive interview with China Daily, McKinnon said he expects the two countries to upgrade the existing free trade agreement, which was signed and took effect in 2008 to boost bilateral trade. New Zealand was the first developed economy to sign such an agreement with China. The annual meeting of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will kick off later this week as one of China's most important political events. The New Zealand-China relationship is very strong and is characterized as a comprehensive strategic partnership as announced by President Xi Jinping and former prime minister John Key in 2014, McKinnon said. "One of the most important ways we've been building on the partnership is to look at how to upgrade the free trade agreement. Since then, there's been a huge growth in the trade between our two countries. And that is continuing and now we are reaching new areas such as services, e-commerce and many other such aspects of trade," he said. On the two sessions, the ambassador said: "There are two areas that are particularly of interest to us. One is following on from President Xi's speech at Davos when he presented China's strong position on globalization, international trade and an open economy. These are things we very much welcome and we will be interested to see how they are reflected in Premier Li Keqiang's Government Work Report and also in the subsequent discussions at the congress." He said the second area covers climate change. A few weeks ago, Zhang Yong, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission met with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett in New Zealand during the first ministerial-level dialogue on climate change. "They discussed a number of areas of interest. That will be the focus of our follow-up discussions between officials and between our leaders," the ambassador said. "Like many others, I am particularly interested to see how the National People's Congress responds to them." US Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) testifies at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Sessions to become US attorney general on Capitol Hill in Washington, US January 10, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season, communications that spurred calls in Congress for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the US election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those discussions at his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions replied that he had not had communication with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Wednesday night that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." AP DHAKA - Buddhists in Bangladesh are brimming with inner pride as with the support of China, a new stupa has been built as a monument to house sacred relics and honor an ancient Buddhist scholar. The stupa, in part, memorializes and honors the Buddhist scholar Atish Dipankar Srijnan, who was born in 980 AD and died in 1053 AD, with the sanctuary being opened at the place of his birth in Bangladesh. Originally named Chandragarbha by his parents, Atish was born into a royal family in the Vajrayogini village on the outskirts of the country's capital city of Dhaka. The newly-constructed memorial to the saint and philosopher, who historically was known for his unique character, erudition, scholarly attributes, and spiritual eminence, opened to the public on Tuesday. In attendance at the monument's opening ceremony was Chunyi, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, who attended as a chief guest, and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang was also present as special guest. A host of dignitaries including Bangladeshi government officials were also present at the inaugural ceremony held at the magnificent new stupa. The Chinese government has been highly lauded by Bangladeshi's Buddhist community as well as broader society for its immensely generous support in building the stupa to honor Atish. The ashes of Atish, who was on a mission to preach peace, teach knowledge and share culture with China, including his expertise in mathematics and construction, were returned by China to Bangladesh in 1978. Since then, Atish has become a symbol of a stronger China-Bangladesh relations. In fact, a mausoleum has been built in the village of his birth with support from the Bangladeshi government. Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, said, "Atish Dipankar, beloved, beloved son. We are so grateful to you." BRASILIA - Carnival revelers were still dancing in the streets of Brazilian cities on Wednesday but for President Michel Temer's government it was back to the reality of mounting corruption allegations that threaten its survival. "Out with Temer" was a frequent chant against the unpopular president during the annual celebrations across a country hit by record unemployment and fed up with its political leaders. On Wednesday afternoon the jailed former CEO of Brazil's biggest engineering group, Marcelo Odebrecht, was questioned by a judge investigating donations made to Temer's 2014 campaign, when he was the running mate for leftist leader Dilma Rousseff, who was impeached last year. A source with access to Odebrecht's deposition said he confirmed an illegal payment to Rousseff's campaign manager Joao Santana, but added that he could not say if the then-president or her running mate knew about it. Odebrecht said former finance minister Guido Mantega negotiated under-the-table donations for the 2014 campaign that totaled 300 million reais, but he denied they were bribes to obtain government contracts, the source said. Odebrecht, who is seeking leniency to lower a 19-year sentence for corruption and money-laundering, said Temer did not directly request a donation at a dinner in 2014, though the matter was discussed in a general way. The massive investigation into bribery and political kick backs, dubbed Operation Car Wash, threatens to bring down members of Temer's inner circle and has generated political uncertainty that is undermining business confidence and prolonging Brazil's two-year recession. Electoral court judge Herman Benjamin is seeking to determine if a 10 million reais ($3.2 million) contribution allegedly sought by Temer was paid from graft money, as claimed by another Odebrecht executive in plea bargain testimony. Temer has said the donation was legal and duly registered, but Benjamin could recommend annulling the Rousseff-Temer ticket, which would lead to the president's removal and election of a new leader by Congress if it is upheld by the full court. The graft scandal endangers Temer's efforts to push unpopular austerity reforms through Congress aimed at curbing a growing budget deficit that cost Brazil its investment grade credit rating in 2015. "The President's biggest challenge now is to prevent the CarWash investigation paralyzing his reform agenda in Congress," a Temer aide told Reuters, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the government's worries. The crisis will deepen in the next few weeks when Brazil's top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot will ask the Supreme Court to make public plea bargain statements of 77 Odebrecht executives who are expected to name up to one-third of Brazil's federal lawmakers for taking kickbacks. Among the politicians at risk is Temer's chief of staff, Eliseu Padilha, who is on medical leave after prostate surgery but will have to face questions about a package of 1 million reais he allegedly requested as part an undeclared contribution from Odebrecht. A lawyer and longtime friend of Temer's, Jose Yunes, has approached prosecutors to confirm the package was handed over at his office for Padilha but that he had no idea that it contained cash, leaving the chief of staff in a difficult position. Reuters KUALA LUMPUR -- A DPRK diplomat on Thursday brushed off Malaysia's investigation result that shows the DPRK man died here was killed by chemical weapon, saying he likely died of heart attack. Ri Tong Il, spokesman of a DPRK delegation to Malaysia, said the DPRK man had a history of heart decease, had received treatment from time to time and normally could not travel without medicine. Ri claimed that medicine for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure were found in the man's belongings. Malaysian police said the man was killed by VX nerve agent. Describing the chemical as highly toxic, Ri raised the question that how the man died on the spot while the two suspects survived and police and medics who attended to the man were not contaminated. He said samples should be sent to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for verification. Ri said his delegation had met with Malaysian officials to settle the issue and had made a request to have a look at the body for identification. "The DPRK's request is simple, that is the return of the deceased body of the DPRK citizen as soon as possible," he said. The two female suspects were charged with murder by a local court in Malaysia on Wednesday. By Cecily Liu in London and He Wei in Shanghai | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-03-03 01:01 The British government is offering stronger support to exporters expanding into China's massive consumer market through cross-border ecommerce sales channels as Brexit creates uncertainty about the UK's trade links with Europe. Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Roger Marsh (R) and Zhang Lei, CEO of Kaola.com during the signing ceremony. [Provided for chinadaily.com.cn] On Thursday, the local government in the city of Leeds signed an agreement in Hangzhou with the Chinese ecommerce platform Kaola.com that will support exporters from Leeds in selling within China. The agreement follows on from a six-month pilot project to put 25 companies from Leeds on Kaola.com's platform last year. They are involved in selling perfume, alpaca wool bedding, skincare products, ceramics and glass tiles, toys and clothing. Successful sales among the initial 25 firms led to the new agreement, which looks to help more Leeds exporters follow the same path. Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said the deal supports both the United Kingdom's vision of increasing exports and Leeds' vision of becoming an international trading hub. The agreement was signed by both Marsh and Kaola.com's CEO Zhang Lei. "There is an enormous appetite to export into the expanding middle-class market developing at pace in China," Marsh said. Zhang said Kaola.com sees the UK market as an important source of premium-quality products for the Chinese market, and through collaboration with the Leeds government, Kaola.com hopes to find more high-quality British brands for its platform. "We also hope to find more well-known British brands that are not yet well-known in China, and help them grow their brands' popularity in China. This process will also satisfy Chinese consumers' demand for increasingly high-quality products." Kaola.com has more than 5 million daily users, according to the company. During the past year, the British government has been pushing for additional exports to China, especially through the use of large Chinese ecommerce platforms that allow exporters to sell products to China's massive consumer market with very little upfront investment. Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox said in January that his team was working "to connect British suppliers to China's major ecommerce platforms, establishing reliable distribution channels for instant online sales between the UK and China". Last year,the government agencyUK Trade and Investment, launched a China-UK Cross-border Ecommerce White Paper in London in partnership with the Bank of China. It was aimed at helping British exporters understand China's cross-border ecommerce market conditions, regulations and policies. The white paper launch in London was attended by more than 10 Chinese cross-border ecommerce platforms, including Kaola.com. They held meetings with about 70 British exporters. Others attending included Alibaba and JD.com. Although official figures on UK-China ecommerce trade are not available, growth is already being felt by ecommerce logistics firms, including STO Express, which saw its China-UK shipment volume in 2016 grow by 50 percent. "China will become an increasingly important market for British exports, especially after Britain leaves the European Single Market," said William Franklin, founder of the London-based China Investors Club. But Franklin also pointed out that, despite the optimism of Leeds' local government, the city's may have limited ecommerce products to offer to China because its economy is dominated by sectors such as advanced engineering, green technology, automotive and agriculture. Contact the writers at cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.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!) (Photo : US Army) M777 firing Advertisement The range of the U.S. Army's towed long-range howitzer, the 155 mm M777, will be increased to almost three times to counter Russia's 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152 mm self-propelled gun (SPG) with a range of 70 km. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The standard M777 in service since 2005 will be upgraded to the M777ER, whose range will be increased to 70 km using a rocket-assisted round from 24 km firing conventional rounds. The range boost will be achieved by increasing barrel length by 2.4 meters. Despite this, the new gun will only be 450 kg heavier than the original, which weighs only 4,200 kg. Concern about being outranged by the Russian Koalitsiya-SV triggered the effort to upgrade the M777. The howitzer equips most U.S. Army light and medium weight combat brigades, including light infantry, mountain, airborne, air assault, and Stryker brigades. It also arms the U.S. Marines. Giving the M777ER its longer range will be the XM1113 rocket-assisted round, which uses a rocket motor to extend range, and the XM654 supercharge. Other improvements include an autoloader and a new fire control system. Despite these improvements, the M777ER will remain relatively immobile compared to its opposite number, the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV. This Russian SPG was first seen in public in 2015 during rehearsals for the Moscow Victory Day Parade and has since entered service with the Russian Ground Forces in limited numbers. The 2S35 will supplement and later replace the 2S19 Msta self-propelled gun. The U.S. Army is playing catch-up as it upgrades the M777 in response to the new strategic situation where combat against ill-equipped insurgents will be replaced by high-intensity, high tech combat against near peer foes such as Russia and China. Tests of the M777ER will continue through 2018. If successful, the new barrel and technologies will be extended to the M109 self-propelled 155 mm howitzer nicknamed Paladin equipping the Army's heavy brigade combat teams. Advertisement TagsU.S. Army, M777 towed long-range howitzer, 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV 152 mm self-propelled gun, M777ER (Photo : US Army) The THAAD AN/TPY-2 radar. that can look deep into Chinese and Russian territory. Advertisement Chinese armchair generals claim there are ways China can easily defeat -- even in peacetime -- the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) air defense system to be emplaced in South Korea a few months from now. One of these weekend experts said China can blind THAAD's radars system, a feat which is quite easy, claims Song Zhongping, a retired officer who used to serve in the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "In peacetime, China also has measures to counter the THAAD system, for instance, making it 'blind,' which is very easy. The PLA is entirely capable of doing that," claims Song. "Making it 'blind' is a choice, but it will require damaging or even destroying THAAD's radar system. So this is a 'hard measure,' normally implemented by a directed-energy weapon or laser weapon. "Apart from this, we can also make THAAD useless through electronic interference and feigned military activities, because such activities can interrupt the functioning of the THAAD system," said Song. Song, however, said China won't attack THAAD in peacetime. Despite this, China has various measures to destroy THAAD in the event of a war on the Korean Peninsula, so it will not pose a threat to China during the war. The main threat posed by THAAD is its X-band radar that can monitor China's military deployments and missile-launches, which will seriously undermine China's nuclear deterrent, according to Song. Another pundit claims that since Russia also faces a THAAD threat on both its eastern and western borders in Europe, China and Russia should work together to counter THAAD. The possibility still exists of forcing South Korea to abandon THAAD, said Xu Guangyu, a retired PLA major general and a senior advisor of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association. "South Korea is fully aware of our capability, so we don't need to conduct extra military actions or movements to display our muscle at this moment," said Xu. Advertisement TagsTerminal High Altitude Air Defense, THAAD, china, People's Liberation Army Rocket Force A group of about two dozen Christian leaders signed a letter published on Tuesday enumerating the need for Christians to make the year of 2017 the Year of Good News, and encouraging them to share the gospel. In a time of fake news, distracting news, divisive news, disorderly news, and, sometimes, depressing news, we as Christians and as leaders want to recommit ourselves to making sure that the Good News of Jesus cuts through it all, the letter states. We call upon Christians in America to make 2017 The Year of Good News. The letter, which was written by Greg Laurie of the Harvest Crusades, was signed by leaders such as Al Mohler of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; author Max Lucado; Russell Moore of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; and Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; among others. We need a national miracle to heal our political, racial, and cultural divisions, and that miracle is found in the power of Jesus to change our hearts, the letter continues. Therefore, we commit to preach louder than our nations politics, and we aim to make the message of Jesus Christ transcend the monopoly of our media. We confess our only hope of unity is on the level ground at the foot of the cross of Jesus, and our only hope of healing is in the victory achieved through His empty tomb. Through the letter, Laurie also calls on Christians to share the gospel with everyone they can at every opportunity they can, and on pastors to preach the Gospel boldly and pray intentionally for revival. The letter is open for signature to the public, and the leaders urge Christians to use the #YearofGoodNews on social media. Share this with your friends and lets make Good News go viral, wrote Franklin Graham in a Facebook post in which he shared the letter. The Montana state Senate passed a bill that would require doctors who terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks for medical emergencies to try to do so by inducing labor or cesarean section, and then to try to give life support to the baby. Abortion is already banned in the state, but the current state law makes exceptions to save the mothers life during late-term pregnancy. The bill would make that current law even more restrictive to effectively ban abortions all together by requiring the doctors to try keeping the baby alive. Those who violate the measure would be charged with felony. Most say the bill is unlikely to become law, as Montana Governor Steve Bullock has expressed support for abortion and will likely veto the measure. The Senate, which voted 32-18 in support of the bill on February 23, failed to gather two-thirds of the votes in favor of the bill to be able to override a possible veto. Senator Albert Olszewski, who is the bills primary sponsor, said the bill was inspired by a real situation, a situation where a late-term pregnancy put a woman in a life-threatening condition and had to deal with this horrible decision of being told she had to terminate this pregnancy. The bill offers two methods of terminating a pregnancy, Olszewski said, and both would produce a live birth and its safe for the mother. Critics of the bill, such as Senator Diane Sands, say its too extreme. They either have to be a miracle worker or a felon, Sands was quoted by the Chicago Tribune as saying. Its by far the most extreme measure Ive seen ever proposed in Montana. Planned Parenthood Montana has stated that it would challenge the bill in court if it becomes law. More than 100 Coptic Christian families have fled their homes in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt due to rising levels of violence against the religious group in recent months, according to media reports. In just the past month alone, seven Coptic Christians have been killed in the Sinai Peninsula, including the most recent February 23 incident of a man who was shot and killed in front of his wife and family. In December, more than 25 were killed at a suicide bombing incident at a major Coptic cathedral in Cairo. Though no one has taken responsibility for the attacks, most believe they were carried out by the Sinai Province branch of the Islamic State, known as the Wilayat Sinai. The Wilayat Sinai published a video online on February 19 threatening to kill all Christians in the region. There will be more operations in the near future, if God wills it, as you are our first target and our preferred target in our war, the video states. You followers of the Cross, you traitors of all ties know that warriors of the Islamic State are watching you, and our blessed invasion wont be our last on you. Because whats coming is worse and hotter than boiling oil, so wait and see, we will be victorious, it continues. Egyptian media and the Christian community in Egypt estimate that about 118 Coptic Christian families have fled their homes in Al-Arish, located in the Sinai Peninsula. Most of these internally displaced families have taken shelter in Ismailia province, according to Egyptian media, and are being provided with housing and resources from the government. Some are staying in private residences and churches. Theyre exhausted, with urgent needs for food and childrens clothing, Nabil Shukrallah of the Evangelical Church, told the Associated Press. Theyre terrified of the violence and brutality. Retreating from battle can be a failure of nerve, a sign of defeat, or a tactical move. In any case, its one of the most difficult military maneuvers to pull off with minimum loss of life. In our March cover story, Rod Dreher argues that Christians have lost not merely a cultural battle but the war itself. In skirmish after skirmishabortion, divorce law, public piety, and human sexualitythe nation has adopted sub-Christian and anti-Christian ways. Add to that the legal assault on our ability to freely express and live our faithwell, it feels to Dreher and others that while the war is over, the battle is more fierce than ever. But its not as if secular America is the bad guy and the church is the good guy. Dreher recognizes that much of the church has been co-opted by the secular, and much of the secular has taken on the aura of religion. In the chaos of battle, it is sometimes hard to tell who is on whose side. Dreher calls for a Christian retreat in part to admit how badly the culture war has gone. But this retreat is not a failure of nerve nor a sign of defeat (Jesus is still Lord), but a tactical withdrawal to regroup the church for the days ahead. We think his Benedict Option is an intriguing idea well worth pondering, which is why we asked four leading thinkers of diverse opinions to ponder it. Specifically, we asked: In a time of weakening institutions and in an increasingly pluralistic age, what is the best way for Christians to strengthen their local Christian community? What is the role and mission of the church in times like these? For if the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, as Jesus said (Mt. 16:18), one can presume that the church ... 1 What does it really mean to be family-friendly? The term often applied to all-ages programming and welcoming environments takes on a new meaning in the workplace, where it refers to increasingly popular employee benefits like paid family leave and flexible schedules. Last year, legislators in 20 states considered family leave mandates. Such lawscurrently enacted in four states and Washington, DCrequire employers to cover a portion of wages while a new mom or dad stays home with his or her new child. During his address to Congress this week, President Donald Trump said his administration wants to work with the legislature to help ensure new parents that they have paid family leave. Meanwhile, millennialsyoung parents with shifting expectations for workare seeking out better policies from their companies, and forward-thinking workplaces from Starbucks to Etsy are boosting family benefits on their own. Adequate paid leave and subsidized childcare is the most significant way an employer can support workers families, according to University of Texas sociologist Jennifer Glass. Her 22-country study found these policies notably impact working parents happiness and quality of life, citing examples primarily from the tech and business sectors. In theory, the demand for paid family leave fits well with Christian values, which encourage and celebrate marriage and the raising of children. What could be more pro-family than polices that allow parents to be home with their child during the first weeks of the childs life? How then do explicitly Christian institutions navigate paid parental leave and other flexible work policies? We strive to create a culture where the family ... 1 Calvary Announces University-Wide Tuition Reduction Contact: Dr. Skip Hessel, 816-425-6199 KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 2, 2017 / For more information regarding this tuition reduction and tuition discounts, please visit Share Tweet Contact: Dr. Skip Hessel, Calvary University 816-425-6199KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 2, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- As promised by President Christopher Cone in his inaugural address, Calvary University has announced an across-the-board tuition reduction as well as tuition discounts to qualifying prospects. In appreciation of our Armed Forces and those who serve in full-time vocational ministries, Calvary announced a significant benefit to these men and women and their dependents. Calvary University, formerly Calvary Bible College & Theological Seminary, has gone through many significant changes since Dr. Cone took on the presidency in 2016. As in the past, Calvary University is committed to providing the highest quality Bible-centered education in all of its 40+ degree programs in Bible, ministry, counseling, education, music, theater, and business administration. Calvary is equally committed to being accessible and affordable, and appreciates your support as Calvary continues to labor diligently to fulfill the mission of preparing Christians to live and serve in the church and in the world according to a Biblical worldview.For more information regarding this tuition reduction and tuition discounts, please visit www.calvary.edu home World Dozens of Canadian doctors decline to take part in euthanasia Dozens of Canadian doctors who have initially signed up to provide lethal medications to patients have now backed out and want their names taken off the list, according to medical officials. In Ontario, at least 24 doctors have asked to be removed from a voluntary list of physicians who are willing to participate in Canada's Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) law, which was passed in June. Another 30 doctors have requested to be put on temporary hold, according to National Post. The doctors were not required to provide a reason, but some have said they now want "a reflection period to decide whether medical assistance in dying is a service they want to provide," according to a health ministry spokesman. Dr. Jeff Blackmer, the CMA's vice-president of medical professionalism, said that he cannot disclose the exact number of doctors opting out, but he asserted that "it's enough that it's been noted at a systemic level." "We're seeing individuals, or groups of physicians who are participating and really feel like they're alleviating pain, alleviating suffering," he remarked. "And then we're seeing doctors who go through one experience and it's just overwhelming, it's too difficult, and those are the ones who say, 'take my name off the list. I can't do any more,'" he went on to say. As of Feb. 17, 137 doctors in Ontario have volunteered to participate in assisted suicide. Of those, 30 doctors are only willing to assess a patient's eligibility and not administer lethal injection or prescribe life-ending medication. Under federal law, euthanasia and assisted suicide is allowed for patients with a "grievous and irremediable" condition and "enduring suffering." But the law limits the procedure to people whose death is "reasonably foreseeable." Alex Schadenberg, director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, was not surprised by the news that doctors are withdrawing from the euthanasia program. "It's counter-intuitive to the human person to kill someone," he said. He predicts that only a few doctors in Canada would be willing to perform the procedure and all the other doctors would be forced to refer the patients to them. Last year, several Canadian hospitals have announced that they will not be participating in the euthanasia program due to their religious convictions. home US Florida church sees rise in membership after breaking away from PCUSA First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Haines City has seen a considerable increase in its membership since it broke away from the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) in 2015 due to theological differences. In April 2015, FPC Haines City voted 328 to 16 to leave PCUSA, due in part to the mainline denomination's increasing acceptance of homosexuality, The Christian Post reported. The congregation just had its departure and its membership with the theological conservative Evangelical Covenant Order (ECO) of Presbyterians finalized in February, according to spokesman Pastor Jeff Winter. Winter explained that the vote to be released by the local presbytery occurred in November, but the church needs to wait three months before it is officially dismissed. "During those three months, members of the presbytery have the opportunity to contest the vote if they so choose. No one protested, thank God," he said. According to Winter, 128 new members have joined since the vote, putting its current membership at 570. "For this church, that is a significant number. Generally speaking, our new members are attracted to this church because we stand for biblical truth and seek to apply it to our relationships and in our culture," he said. FPC Haines City was formerly a member of the PCUSA Presbytery of Tampa Bay, which retains congregations that have between 1,000 and 2,900 members. Patrice Hatley, head of staff for the Presbytery, has confirmed that the proper steps to be officially dismissed from the denomination have been completed. "This was as a result of significant time of discernment, studying and prayers, and meetings on the part of the Presbytery-appointed Administrative Commission," said Hatley. "The Administrative Commission proposed a nominal financial settlement along with other administrative contingencies, all of which were approved by the Presbytery and have been satisfied," Hatley added. In 2015, a report from the Office of the General Assembly of PCUSA indicated that the denomination had less than 10,000 member churches following an exodus of Bible-believing pastors. As many as 34,000 black churches reportedly broke ties with the PCUSA during that period. FPC Haines City is now affiliated with the ECO, which was officially created at a gathering in Florida in 2012. Last September, ECO announced that it has reached the milestone of 300 member congregations. It revealed in a recent newsletter that it now has over 330 member churches. home US Homosexuality and Islam poses challenge to Christian broadcasters, says NRB president Jerry Johnson, the president of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), has warned that homosexuality and Islam poses a challenge to the freedom of Christians broadcasters in America. In his opening address to attendees of the NRB's Proclaim 17 meeting in Orlando, Fla., on Monday, Johnson stressed the importance of First Amendment rights of religious broadcasters. He noted that Christian broadcasters are facing challenges from homosexuality and Islam, and he urged Christian leaders and broadcasters at the event to connect, discover and advance the future of Christian content, according to The Christian Post. Johnson further noted that in other countries, broadcasters and other religious communicators can face penalties for discussing same-sex marriage and Islamic intolerance in a manner displeasing to authorities or certain segments of societies. The NRB head pointed to incidents when Christians were ostracized in the U.S. due to their objection to same-sex marriage. He highlighted the cases of Kelvin J. Cochran, the Atlanta Fire Chief who was laid off because of his beliefs, and the Benham Brothers, who lost the chance to host a show on HGTV because of their remarks that were deemed to be "anti-gay." On the subject of Islam, Johnson warned that terrorism and violence were not the only problems. "But it's the intolerance. It's the sharia. It's the blasphemy codes," he said. "Is there any country where the majority is Islam [and] it's safe for someone to convert from Islam to Christianity? Is there any culture dominated by this worldview, where you can critique Muhammad or the Quran? It is absolutely antithetic to freedom of speech, freedom of religion or freedom of the press, and we must be aware of this and alert to this," he added. Johnson also highlighted a case in Canada when one NRB member had his license pulled and was ordered to pay a fine for using the word "Muslim" instead of "Islam" during a show. He warned that the quickest way to lose the freedom of speech is to refrain from using it. "We can and we must make and we will make NRB to the First Amendment what the NRA is to the Second Amendment," he said. This year's convention, in which the NRB celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, featured speakers such as Devon Franklin, R.C. Sproul, Lee Strobel and Eric Metaxas. home US Illinois pregnancy centers contemplate emergency injunction against law requiring abortion referrals Attorneys representing the pregnancy centers that sued Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner over a law that requires them to refer pregnant women for abortions have said that they are willing to consider filing an emergency injunction to allow the facilities to continue providing their services. Senate Bill 1564, which requires doctors, pharmacies and pregnancy centers to counsel on "benefits" of abortion, or refer women to abortionists, was passed last July and went into effect on Jan. 1. In February, over a dozen women's health organizations filed a lawsuit against Rauner, arguing that the law is in violation of their religious or moral convictions. Some pregnancy centers have been forced to discontinued their medical services and another center with more than one location has stopped accepting new clients to avoid violating its pro-life mission or risk being shut down. While two pregnancy centers, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and an ADF-allied Chicago attorney, were granted a temporary injunction in December, other centers in the state remain vulnerable, according to Tom Ciesielka of the Thomas More Society. Ciesielka told Life Site News that the law left the state's more than 90 not-for-profit pregnancy resource centers with little choice but to sue because it "unconstitutionally abridges their free speech and interferes with their religious beliefs." Thomas More Society initially filed a lawsuit on behalf of two pregnancy resource centers in early February. The group is now representing 18 women's health organization from across the state in the complaint. The lawsuit has since been amended because there were other centers that also needed protection from the law. Ciesielka said that Thomas More attorneys would consider filing for an emergency injunction in the case of a lengthy wait for a court hearing. "The new law requires these pro-life centers, and only them, to discuss 'benefits' of abortion with their clients and to name abortion providers upon request," said Thomas Olp, an attorney with the group. "In my view, the law is nefarious and pernicious in its targeting of pro-life physicians and pregnancy resource centers," he added. Laura Petigoue, who founded Hope Life Center in Sterling, Illinois, with her husband, said that the law was "monstrously prejudicial." She said that her organization has been serving the community for 30 years, and it is the only one that is dedicated to providing women with medical services and education to help them make informed decisions about unwanted pregnancies. "Now we have had to suspend all our medical services because this new law mandates us to serve these women in a way that is harmful to them and to their unborn children," she said. home Entertainment Jennifer Garner says she's willing to work with Donald Trump, urges Hollywood peers to engage Liberal actress Jennifer Garner has said that she is willing to work with Donald Trump to make sure that he fulfills some of his campaign promises. After traveling to her hometown in West Virginia last year, Garner saw that many of the people there were supporters of Trump. She saw it as an opportunity to hold the president accountable for the promises he made to the working class people. "I'm looking forward to helping him make good on what they saw as promises, a mandate from him, that he was going to make their lives better," she said in an interview with The Washington Post. The actress saw the need to deal with Trump after talking to some people in economically depressed areas in West Virginia, where the president gained his largest margin of victory. "People felt like Trump really understood them, that he was going to come in and create jobs for them. They felt like they needed something to just turn everything upside down," she remarked. Garner said that she knows some of her friends "want to turn their back to this administration .a.a. [and] just wouldn't even want to engage," but she is taking a different approach. "If he's willing to help the poor kids who got him elected, then let's do it. They certainly think he's going to," she added. Garner, who campaigned for Hillary Clinton this past election, has been a board member of the non-profit organization Save the Children. It is known primarily for its international projects, but it also focuses on education programs in poor rural communities in the U.S. The actress, who has starred in faith-based movies, such as "Miracles From Heaven," has been urging Congress and state governments to fund reading and literacy programs that include all-day kindergarten. Save the Children has its own reading programs that it administers in schools and during in-home visits. On Friday, Garner met with several top staff members on Capitol Hill, and she attended the annual National Governors Association winter meeting on Saturday to deliver the keynote address. A potential meeting with Ivanka Trump, who is advocating for more funding for child care, had been canceled due to scheduling conflicts, but Garner is still optimistic about meeting with the presidential daughter again soon. home US Pennsylvania judge rules against school district in transgender bathroom case A federal judge in Pennsylvania has issued an injunction against a school district policy that prohibited three transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their gender identity. In October the three transgender senior students filed a lawsuit against Pine-Richland School District north of Pittsburgh after the administrators enforced a policy that required them to use bathrooms that corresponded to their biological gender. The policy was instituted after some parents and students complained about having to use restrooms with the opposite sex. It was intended to be a temporary solution while administrators are considering a more permanent solution. According to World, there are 10 unisex restrooms in the school that are available for all students. The injunction that was issued by U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak on Monday will allow the students to use bathrooms of their choice while their case against the school proceeds in court. Hornak predicted that the plaintiffs, two biological males who identify as female and one biological female who identifies as male, were likely to win the case on equal protection grounds. He said that the school district failed to present evidence that the students violated anyone's "physical or visual privacy." "Other than perhaps one report received by the high school principal in October 2015 from a student that 'there was a boy' in the girls bathroom ... followed by a parent inquiry along the same lines in early 2016, there have been no reports of 'incidents' where the use of a common restroom by any one of the plaintiffs has caused any sort of alarm to any other student," the judge wrote. Hornak argued that both the boys' and girls' bathrooms have locking, enclosed stalls, while the urinals at the boys' bathrooms have privacy screens. One of the students, Elissa Ridenour, 18, said that she was relieved to hear the news about the ruling, and she and the other students will start using bathrooms of their choice. "Even though it's such a small win, it really is huge in this respect. I'm very happy and it's a relief," she said. The ruling came after the administration of President Donald Trump rescinded federal guidelines that allowed transgender students to use public school bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identities. The administration said that the issue will now be left to the states, not the federal government. home World Sudanese government fears Muslims will be led to Jesus, says pastor A Christian pastor has claimed that the Sudanese government has been demolishing churches and imprisoning its pastors because of its concern that Muslims will turn to Jesus Christ. In an interview with International Christian Concern's East Africa team, two South Sudanese pastors who were recently imprisoned in Sudan spoke about the separation of the two countries in 2011. Pastor Michael Yat said that after South Sudan gained independence in 2011, he moved with his family to Juba in 2012. In 2014, he traveled to Khartoum on assignment with the South Sudan Evangelical Presbyterian Church. "Little did I know that Sudan had declared war against Christians. So, I was arrested the second day after preaching in a certain church in Khartoum. That is when I was put in jail that lasted me nine months," said Yat, as reported by The Christian Post. Yat said that the government does not want Christians in the country, especially those who can speak Arabic fluently, "because they fear that they can easily reach out to the Muslims and win them to Christ." "They do not allow pastors to reach out to Muslims in Khartoum, Darfur and the Nuba mountains. These are strictly Muslim dominated areas," he went on to say. Pastor Peter Yein Reith, who was imprisoned alongside Yat in 2015, said that Sudan has operated as an Islamic State since the secession of South Sudan in 2011. He suggested that persecution will continue in the country because the efforts of Christians are bearing fruit. Several pastors have been arrested by the Sudanese government in recent months, prompting groups such as the American Center for Law and Justice to launch a petition for the pastors' freedom. The group is calling for the release of Rev. Hassan Abduraheem and Rev. Kuwa Shamal, who were imprisoned based on trumped-up national security charges. Petr Jasek, a Czech aid worker who was imprisoned in connection with the pastors' case, was recently released after the Czech Foreign Minister visited Sudan. Jasek revealed that he endured physical beatings and psychological torture from other prisoners who were reportedly members of the Islamic State. Last week, four other Christians were arrested and charged with destroying a sign that indicated Muslim ownership of a school called Evangelical School of Sudan. Although they were released on bail, they are still experiencing difficulties in reclaiming the school. Sudan has been listed as the fifth most difficult country to live as a Christian in the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List. Open Doors noted that the country has almost always been ranked in the top 20 since 1993. Buried Alive For Three Days: Christian Drugs Worker Speaks From Beyond The Grave Burial alive is most people's nightmare, but the Christian founder of drugs charities and addiction centres is willingly spending three days underground. John Edwards, 61, is a former drug addict and alcoholic who has devoted his life to helping others with the conditions following what he describes as 'an incredible encounter with God' 27 years ago. He has set up drugs rehabilitation centres and homeless projects and is now spending three days and nights in a specially designed 'coffin' in the grounds of a Belfast church. Edwards is using the publicity to broadcast messages of hope from beyond the 'grave'. His coffin 8ft long, 3.5ft high and 4ft wide has been equipped with a camera and he is connected to the outside world via a hatch for supplies including hot water bottles when he is cold. Water is available through a pipe and he has a caravan toilet. He is broadcasting his experience on Facebook and interacting with viewers who are commenting on his experience. In one episode he urged people to confess their sins, 'talk it through' with God and give their problems to him. Edwards himself lost more than 20 of his friends to addiction and suicide and says on his website he was homeless, suicidal and had been in psychiatric hospitals. He now counsels people in despair through his Walking Free ministry. He told the Belfast Telegraph his plan was to speak to people 'from the grave before they get there and give them hope'. 'When the lid is closed and you're underground, and you hear the soil getting thrown on top of the coffin... it is freaky,' he said. It is not his first time underground; he spend three days buried in Halifax in the north of England last year. Five Christians Jailed In Ongoing Chinese Crackdown Five Chinese Christians are being jailed for buying and selling Bible devotionals in an ongoing state crackdown on religious freedom. Four women and one man were arrested last June over possession of the 'officially forbidden Christian devotional books'. Last week a court in north-eastern Liaoning province handed down a range of prison sentences from three to seven years, according to China Aid, a human rights charity. Pastor Li Dongzhe and Piao Shunnan were given a seven-year sentence. Zhao Chunxia and Li Yuan were given five-years and Shi Jinyan three years. In a separate case the wife of another pastor imprisoned for selling Christian books told of how he was forced to falsely increase the value of the books so his jail sentence could be lengthened. Xu Lei, wife of imprisoned Guangfu Church member Li Hongmin, said her husband was coerced into changing the value of the books from 40,000 Yuan ($5,820.00) to 50,000 Yuan ($7,275.00). It meant when he was taken into police custody on June 2 2016 he was charged with 'illegal business operations' and faced three years in prison. Despite being arrested more than eight months ago Li is yet to be charged. He has had two court sessions without verdict where the government's prosecutors asked more about his church's activities than the selling of books. The cases are part of an ongoing crackdown on religious freedom in China with churches frequently targeted with cross removals and sporadic arrests. Indian Clergyman's Anti-Women Rant Goes Viral A video of an Indian clergyman is causing controversy after it went viral, appearing to show him suggesting women should be 'drowned in the depths of the sea'. It's not certain from the reports in India which church Father Sharlom is part of. His six minute rant, which was recorded almost a year ago, but which has only been widely shared in the last few days, sees him rail against the way Indian women dress. He says, 'Bible verses say, "those who provoke you into sin should be drowned in the depths of the sea, with a rock tied to their bodies." If you [women] arouse men, you're the sinner.' It's unclear which passage of Scripture he was referring to, but there is no quote which matches this in the Bible. The video, which was shared on Facebook has prompted strong responses from Christians, women's groups and other individuals. Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, Father Paul Thellakkat in Kochi said, 'What that preacher has said is unwarranted. No priest has the right to dictate a dress code to women.' Mail Online reports that, 'Father Sharlom was approached for comment but was reluctant to discuss the video. He told NDTV, "I have not uploaded it and the video has been edited with vested interest," before reportedly hanging up the phone.' India has a deeply problematic record on gender equality. The Times of India reported that in 2016, 'India rose 21 places in gender equality rankings, but it still stood at an abysmal 87 out of 144 countries evaluated by the World Economic Forum. Is Christian growth keeping pace with Islam? Christian growth has stagnated globally while Islam's numbers have almost doubled, according to one researcher. In a report by Dick Slikker, of the Christian mission consultancy group Project Care, information from the World Christian Database reveals that Christians made up 34.5 per cent of the world's population in 1900, while in 2010 they were 32.9 per cent. This is contrasted with Islam's growth over the same period, at 12.3 per cent of the population in 1900, rising to 22.5 per cent by 2010. The data shows that the number of Muslims exceeded the number of Roman Catholics in the early 1980s. Growth and decline in the Christian churches has been divided across various regions, but the general pattern has been that more 'western' industrialised countries have seen their Christian populations decline, while developing countries are seeing increased growth. The most prominent growth can be seen in Africa where the Christian population increased by 37 per cent between 1900 and 2010. Islam grew only 10 per cent in the same period, making Africa the place where Christians have grown at a faster rate than Muslims. Within Africa, the fastest growing Christian regions are Eastern Africa, and the Sub Saharan areas of the continent, which both saw 50 per cent Christian population increase between 1900 and 2010. The most substantial decline for a single continent is in North America, with an 18 per cent drop in Christian affiliation between 1900 and 2010. Europe is in a similar situation with a drop of 16 per cent, while Oceania and Latin America both had declines of 3 per cent. Focusing on specific regions within continents, the single greatest decline is found in Western Europe, with a drop from 99 per cent Christian in 1900 to 69 per cent in 2010. In the same region Islam's numbers have increased from almost zero per cent in 1900 to 6 per cent in 2010. Mr Slikker speculates that the decline seen among Christians, especially Protestants, in North America and Western Europe is attributable to "increased materialism, secularism, rationalism, rejection of the notion of spiritual authority outside of oneself". In the case of Oceania, Mr Slikker notes that while Christianity has declined by 3 per cent between 1900 and 2010, the data also reveals that Christian numbers were rising in that region until 1970. "It would be of considerable interest to identify the factors behind such developments to learn if any distinct lessons might be apparent," he said. Asia was the only continent apart from Africa to see Christian growth. The Christian population there grew by 6 per cent between 1900 and 2010. The Islamic population grew by 10 per cent. Read the report in full here Islam Will Surpass Christianity As World's Largest Religion By 2070, Pew Predicts Islam is the fasting growing religion in the world, and will be the largest in the world by 2070, new research suggests. A study updated this week by the Pew Research Centre titled 'Muslims and Islam: Key findings in the US and around the world', suggests that Islam will grow by 73 per cent by 2050, compared with only 35 per cent growth for Christianity. The entire world population is expected to grow by 37 per cent, meaning Islam will grow at nearly twice the rate of the world. In 2010 Christians numbered 2.17 billion, and Muslims 1.6 billion. By 2070 those numbers will reach 2.92 billion and 2.76 billion respectively. In the US, Muslims are predicted to make up 2.1 per cent of the population by 2050. They currently make up approximately 1 per cent of the population, numbering around 3.3. million. In Europe, Muslims will reach 10 per cent of the population by 2050. Atheism and non-religious identification will decline, the report says. While such groups will grow in North America and Europe, globally they will decline from 16.4 per cent of the population to 13.2 per cent by 2050. The reports suggest two factors behind Islam's rapid growth. Muslims have the highest fertility rate, at 3.1 children per woman. Muslims also have the youngest average age 34 per cent are aged under 15. The reports suggests that most people in majority Muslim countries have an unfavourable view of ISIS. Often, people in predominantly Muslim countries were as concerned about the threat of Islamic extremism as those in the West. Pakistani Christian Woman Raped, Forced To Marry And Convert To Islam Says She 'Prays For Freedom' A Pakistani Christian woman who was forcibly married, converted, abused and raped by her Muslim employer has spoken about her experience, and how she wishes to be freed from her forced marriage. Mother of three and divorcee Fouzia Sadiq, 31, had taken up employment as a cleaner to support her family. She claims her employer, Muhammed Nazir Amjad, began making unwanted sexual advances to her. When she reported his behaviour to his daughters she says she was beaten and sent away. Days later, she was returned to Amjad's home, where she says he raped her, forced her to convert to Islam and made her marry him. Fouzia's story, which began in July 2015, was reported widely last year. Fouzia described her experience in captivity. She said: 'I thought God had left me and wanted to end my life. I stopped praying and hated myself. I thought I was evil and had done something to make God hate me. 'I felt dirty and unclean all the time the monster made me do things I am so ashamed of. But I had no choice. It made me angry that God was blaming me. 'I reached my lowest point and tried to commit suicide by taking some pills. I was rushed to the hospital and the monster used the opportunity to remove my ovaries, so I would not have any more children.' The British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) has been advocating for Fouzia and her protection. The humanitarian group gave Fouzia a secret phone to use and she was able to escape Amjad and find safe refuge. BPCA says Fouzia's chance of escaping Pakistan was denied by Pakistan's British embassy and the United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Last year, under intense pressure, Fouzia's family returned her to Amjad. The BPCA assisted Fouzia in escaping again in October 2016, providing her with a safe house and protective care. Fouzia is currently safe but remains in Pakistan, technically, the BPCA says, as a fugitive from 'justice'. It said in a statment: 'Fouzia has described a despicable existence in the home of Muhammed Nazir. She was forced to cook and clean for him, was beaten and tortured by Muhhamed Nazir and his family and was required to satisfy his sexual desires at his whim. 'Fouzia spent most of her time alone and would weep daily praying for freedom. When she was returned by her family to the monster who had terrorised her so brutally, she reached her lowest point. Fouzia at that point started to engage in self harm.' Fouzia said: 'I could not even kill myself, I felt totally helpless. I realised I was not getting out of this life on my own and asked God to forgive my mistrust in Him. I decided to use any spare minute to pray for freedom. 'The only time I felt any peace was when I prayed. God was my only company. 'One day my cousin secretly gave me a phone that the BPCA had provided, I realised God had not forgotten me. He was there for me just as he had always been. 'With the phone I was able to escape the clutches of a monster and his evil family. Now I pray for freedom from the forced marriage that I am shackled by.' She is campaigning for an annulment of her marriage, but it is expected she will lose her case. The BPCA is raising funds for a professional solicitor to help Fouzia, and has launched an appeal for her to be granted asylum in the West. It has also launched a petition calling for an end to abduction and forced marriages in Pakistan. Pastor And Four Churchgoers Accused Of Pushing 'Possessed' Woman Into Bonfire Before She Died From Burns A pastor and four members of his congregation have been arrested in Nicaragua after a mother accused of being 'possessed' by the devil was allegedly pushed into a bonfire before dying. Vilma Trujillo Garcia, who was 25, died on Tuesday, five days after being rushed to hospital in the Nicaraguan capital Managua with first degree burns over 80 per cent of her body, the Mirror reported. The five suspects include a 23-year-old church minister, Juan Gregorio Rocha Romero. The suspects were held after Vilma's grieving husband Reynaldo Peralta claimed she had been stripped naked and tied up next to the bonfire before being pushed on top of it. The incident happened in the rural community of El Cortezal in north-eastern Nicaragua. Rocha Romero, a pastor at the Assemblies of God Church, is claiming that the woman threw herself on the fire to rid herself of 'bad spirits' inside her. 'God told her he was going to remove that bad spirit from her and asked us to start a fire because that's where the spirit was going to be expelled,' the pastor told a local paper. He insisted that no-one had touched Vilma, and added: 'We were praying when we looked at her and saw she was on fire.' However, one of the four alleged accomplices, Eneyda del Socorro Orozco Tellez, is reported to have told investigators during questioning: 'God made a revelation to me. He told me to make a bonfire in the church patio and said we should take Vilma and tie up next to the flames and pray so that the devil left her sick body and threw itself on the fire.' According to the daily newspaper La Prensa, a police report on the tragedy had concluded that the pastor had ordered worshippers to gather up firewood and start praying for her before his alleged accomplices threw her onto the flames. Franklin Jarquin Hernandez, another of the detainees, told the paper that Vilma had been possessed by a 'bad spirit' after committing adultery. 'She had her life companion and committed an error with another man and she was claiming to be a Christian and fasting and I'm sure God punished her in that way and she became possessed by the devil,' he said. 'It was a bad spirit that pushed her and she fell on the fire.' Vilma, who was the mother of a boy aged five and a girl aged two, died at around 4.30am local time on Tuesday at Antonio Lenin Fonseca Hospital in Managua after five days in intensive care. Her husband, speaking shortly before Vilma's death, said: 'My wife spent eight days prisoner in that congregation and her sister told me that to burn her, they got some firewood together and then they pushed her naked on the flames. 'She's got burns on her face, legs and arms and her kidneys and liver have been badly damaged.The doctors have told me 80 per cent of her body is affected and they don't think she'll pull through. I don't think my wife was possessed at all. What they did to her was witchcraft.' The husband claimed that, far from committing adultery, Vilma had instead been raped, adding: 'I went to confront the man I was told was responsible but had to leave him alone because he was carrying a rifle.' Disturbing pictures showed Vilma being transferred to hospital with bandages on her face after being retrieved from the fire while barely alive. The five suspects are expected to be formally charged in the coming days after being transferred to Managua by police, who said they were treating the case as murder. A police spokesman has named the three male and two female suspects aged 23 to 28 at a press conference. 'Possessed' Woman Burned Alive In Alleged Exorcism Ritual A woman said to be possessed with evil spirits was reportedly burned alive as a priest and several parishioners allegedly performed an exorcism ritual on her. Vilma Trujillo, 25, was taken away from church by Pastor Juan Gregorio Rocha Romero and four members of the Church of the Assembly of God in the northeastern village of El Cortezal, Nicaragua on Feb. 22, according to the newspaper La Prensa. They removed all of her clothes and tied her arms and legs before tossing her onto a flaming pyre at a location in the capital Managua, the report said. Those who abducted her allegedly tried to drive away the evil spirits inside her before they tossed her onto the flaming logs. The woman was rescued by her relatives and rushed to a hospital in Managua. However, she died from her injuries on Tuesday. Police arrested Romero and his cohorts on Feb. 24. At the police station, Romero claimed innocence, saying the victim was responsible for her own death. "She hung up and fell into the fire" because she knew that she was "demon possessed," Romero said. "And when we were praying, we looked at her and she was on fire." The victim's husband, Reynaldo Peralta Rodriguez, said his wife was kidnapped while attending church service last week. They live in the town of Rosita, which is 300 miles northeast of Managua. Church members thought Trujilo was possessed after she allegedly tried to attack people with a machete. Rodriguez vehemently denied the accusations. "It's unforgiveable what they did to us. They killed my wife, the mother of my two little ones," he said. "Now what am I going to tell them?" The Assemblies of God, meanwhile, issued a statement denying that Romero is one of its leaders. Nicaragua's First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo told state media that Trujillo's abduction and burning were "deplorable and to be condemned," according to The News. "Something like this cannot happen again," she stressed. Splits Among Bishops Over Brexit Exposed By Lords Vote Bishops are called to show unity on controversial issues such as homosexuality. But last night those Bishops who voted in the House of Lords, several of them heavyweights, were divided on an amendment to the Government's legislation triggering article 50 in order to press ahead with Brexit. Peers overwhelmingly rebelled against the Government by passing an amendment demanding a guarantee of rights for EU nationals already in the UK. The Government defeat, by 358 votes to 256, came thanks to an alliance of Labour, Liberal Democrats, cross-benchers, seven rebel Tories and two Bishops. The Bishops who voted for the amendment, and therefore against the Government, were the Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Leeds, Nicholas Baines. Bishop Baines, who is tipped by some church insiders to be the next Bishop of London, wrote on his blog: 'The people have spoken, but the concerns of nearly half of them also need to be heard.' On the other side, the Government was backed by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres and the Bishop of St Albans, Alan Smith. Archbishop Sentamu, who voted for Britain to remain in the EU in the referendum last June,said in the debate that he was one of the people who had left Uganda in opposition to Idi Aminexpelling Asians - 'so I know how minorities can feel'. But he surprised some by insisting that the legislation was simply about allowing article 50 to be triggered, and compared it to the start of a race. 'On your marks, get set, bang,' he said. 'Then they take off and it will take two years to run this race and during the running of the race we want to make sure concerns come back.' The Archbishop added: 'I want to suggest that we leave the Bill as it is. Pass it as quickly as possible and, after all the speeches about guaranteeing European citizens their right to remain, let us do it as quickly as possiblebut do not attach it to this Bill. As far as I am concerned, that is not revising or scrutinising the Bill. It is simply adding material which I do not think is very helpful.' But Bishop Baines added on his blog: 'It is clear that the Lords will not stop Article 50 from being triggered. But, the central plank of the Brexit campaign that parliamentary sovereignty be restored to "the people" of the UK surely means that this parliament should be encouraged to do its job as part of the democratic process. Does anyone really think that had the referendum gone the other way, the Leavers would have declared, "Well, the people have spoken and we must shut up, accept it and embrace membership of the EU without comment, demur or debate"? '"The people" include not only the 48 per cent who voted to remain in the EU, but also those younger people who have (or will have before the two-year negotiation period is concluded) reached the magic age of suffrage and will endure or enjoy the consequences of "the deal" that is done on their behalf. The people have spoken, but the concerns of nearly half of them also need to be heard as together we build the new country and settlement chosen by the majority in the referendum.' Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was among the remaining 21 bishops who did not vote in the debate. You can read the full debate on House of Lords Hansard, and see which way each peer voted on the Lords' website. 2 Christian Street Preachers Convicted Of Public Order Offences By U.K. Court For Saying 'All Muslims Will Burn In Hell' Two Christian street preachers were convicted of public order offences by the Bristol Magistrates' Court in the U.K. on Tuesday after they publicly stated that Muslims are going to hell and that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell were found guilty during the four-day trial of using "threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, thereby, and the offence was religiously aggravated," reported Christian Concern. A third man was also accused of the same offences, but his case was dismissed. Charges were slapped on the street preachers after they allegedly offended a crowd in Bristol back in July last year. A witness claimed that they made statements such as "Allah does not exist" and "all Muslims will burn in hell." The crowd who gathered before the preachers were reportedly agitated because of their comments. When the police arrived at the scene, Overd was said to have "gone over the top" since he "wound up people." Police took them to Patchway Custody Centre in Bristol where they were held for several hours. They were charged under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Public Order Act 1986. Even though the preachers said in their defence that they were only speaking truths from the Bible, prosecutor Ian Jackson argued otherwise. "To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying that the only way to God is through Jesus, that cannot be a truth," Jackson said in court. The preachers' counsel, Michael Phillips, called the prosecution a "modern-day heresy trial dressed up under the public order act." Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, also agreed. "Overd and his friends are motivated by love. They want to share the Good News of Jesus with people who might not otherwise hear it. Sometimes that means addressing the false claims of other religions or ideologies," she said. This was not the first time Overd was charged, according to The Christian Post. Back in 2014, he was already charged for "causing offence" when he publicly declared that the Islamic prophet Mohammad was wrong for marrying a nine-year-old girl. Because of his statements, police had to forcibly remove him from the area. Trump's Inauguration Pastor Samuel Rodriguez Sets Up 'Safe Havens' For Undocumented Immigrants An evangelical pastor who prayed at Donald Trump's inauguration is offering a 'safe haven' for undocumented immigrants at his Sacramento church. Sam Rodriguez Jr, who led prayers at Trump's January inauguration, has been vocal in his support and welcome of immigrants and those fearing deportation, as Time reports. Rodriguez is the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and leads the New Season Christian Worship Center. In January New Season church set up 30 cots in its building to provide safe shelter for anyone fearing the future following Donald Trump's executive order on federal deportation. 'The anxiety in Christian conservative, evangelical churches has grown exponentially, because many of our worshipers, many of the families we serve, many of the families in our pews, may very well lack the appropriate documentation, even though we have a don't ask don't tell policy,' Rodriguez said. The safe haven programme is intended to provide protection and spiritual encouragement for those who are afraid. It also protects those afraid of domestic abuse. Harbouring undocumented immigrants does violate federal law, and the church says there is no plan for what to do if officials come demanding its immigrants. 'We are just there offering assistance, giving them a sense of hope, peace,' said Charlie Riviera, leader of the safe haven programme. Rodriguez has been a keen advocate for refugees and vulnerable immigrants, often clashing with Trump on the issue. He stood against Trump's plan to deport 10 million undocumented immigrants and build a border wall with Mexico. He encouraged Trump to allow child immigrants (known as 'Dreamers') to be allowed to stay and find employment in America, and urged him not to separate families through deportation. 'We have every desire to work with President Trump in finding a solution to our immigration crisis, one that addresses his objectives and stops illegal immigration, and deports those involved in nefarious activity, but protects the Dreamers and the god-fearing, hardworking families that are here undocumented,' Rodriguez said. He remains concerned that Trump will target all undocumented immigrants for deportation, rather than focusing on violent criminals. Praying at Trump's inauguration, Rodriguez quoted Jesus' teaching in the beatitudes, in Matthew 5: 'God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs,' he said. 'God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted...God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.' While Most White Evangelicals Support Trump's Travel Ban, Most Black Protestants And Catholics Oppose It Some 76 per cent of US white evangelicals are in favour of Donald Trump's controversial travel ban, new surveys suggest. Polling studies by the Pew Research Centre suggest that while most Americans disapprove of President Trump's executive order banning refugees from several Muslim majority countries, three quarters of white evangelical protestants (74 per cent) support then ban. In sharp contrast, the majority of black Protestants (84 per cent) disapprove of the ban, alongside most Catholics (62 per cent). Trump's executive order banned any immigrants travelling from seven majority Muslim countries to the US. It has been a source of intense criticism abroad and at home, and has been caught in legal turmoil after being blocked by federal judges. Some 89 per cent of Democrats oppose the ban, while most Republicans (81 per cent) support it. Most of the religiously unaffiliated, also known as 'nones', oppose the executive order (74 per cent). The study also showed that three-quarters of white evangelical protestants are 'very concerned' about Islamic extremism across the world, and 69 per cent said they were 'very concerned' about radical Islam in the US. Only 32 per cent of religious 'nones' said they were concerned about Islamic extremism abroad, and just 27 per cent were concerned about the threat in the US. Fifty-one per cent of white evangelicals said that there was a 'great deal' or 'fair amount' of support for extremism among US Muslims. The support for Trump's order from white evangelicals is in line with the group's traditional conservative affiliation. Donald Trump won the presidency with the overwhelming support (81 per cent) of white evangelicals. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Pete Hefflin was a leader of the Texas environmental movement. He fought against pipeline companies, decried corporate greed, and helped open the largest protest camp in West Texas aimed at blocking the Trans-Pecos pipeline. But as Hefflin talked about protecting sensitive natural resources for the future, he was hiding his past. This week, at a pipeline protest in Presidio County, sheriff's deputies arrested him, fingerprinted him and confirmed that they had in custody not Pete Hefflin, but Pedro Rabago Gutierrez, a man arrested and imprisoned multiple times in California for serious crimes - rape and drug dealing among them - before fleeing the state at least 10 years ago as a wanted man. The arrest stunned protesters at the camp, where he was the head of security, and sent the environmental groups with which the man worked into damage control. "He was part of our circle. He was part of our family," said Frankie Orona, executive director of the Society of Native Nations, a San Antonio-based environment and American Indian advocacy group at which Gutierrez was a member of the board of directors. "But then again, we've always been about holding people accountable, and in this situation, he was definitely wrong. I am upset with him." The Sierra Club said it, too, was surprised by the news, but urged the protest to continue, noting that the Trans-Pecos pipeline was within two months of completion. "We don't see it as something that will deter the movement," said Vanessa Ramos, a spokeswoman for the environmental nonprofit. "This is much bigger than one person." Energy Transfer Partners, the Dallas company building Trans-Pecos, declined to comment. Gutierrez, 56, has a long criminal history, according to the California Department of Corrections. In 1984, he was sentenced to nine years for forcible rape, seven years for forcible oral sex and three years for possession of a controlled substance with an intent to sell, the California Department of Corrections said. He served the sentences concurrently and got out of prison about six years later, released on parole. Between 1990 and 1997, he was reimprisoned at least five times for parole violations, according to corrections records, and in 1998, was convicted of having sex with a minor under 18. He went back to jail, but gained parole again in April of 2002. The California Department of Corrections never heard from him again. It's unclear when Gutierrez resurfaced in Texas as Pete Hefflin, but four months ago, he galvanized the movement to block the Trans-Pecos pipeline. At a November meeting of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission, Gutierrez and about 100 other activists gathered to protest the pipeline, which runs from near Pecos to Mexico and by Big Bend Ranch State Park. Kelcy Warren, CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, sits on the commission. At the meeting, the activists lined up to address the commission. Most spoke of the beauty of West Texas and the ruin of the pipeline's construction. But only one - Gutierrez - got Warren to agree to meet in person. The meeting never happened. Gutierrez lambasted Warren on social media. "You're a coward and I'm calling you out," he said in a Facebook video. In December, Texas activists, following the example of protesters trying to block another Energy Transfer project, the Dakota Access pipeline in North Dakota, worked to open three West Texas camps. Gutierrez helped set up one, Two Rivers camp, on private land near Big Bend Ranch State Park, and became the camp's head of ceremonies and of security. Gutierrez, who lives with his wife in the Houston area, was the leader who stayed most often at the camp, other activists said, and became well-loved. But, about two months ago, a Presidio County Sheriff's deputy got a tip that Gutierrez, still known as Hefflin, was wanted in California under a warrant issued in 2007, according to the sheriff's office incident report. That day, as Gutierrez waited for his wife to get out of jail after a protest, the deputy, Angel Velasquez, asked to see Gutierrez' identification. He gave the officer a Social Security card. Velasquez let Gutierrez go, but checked the card. It came back as a fake. On Sunday, Velasquez ran into Gutierrez again. Protesters had gathered at a pipeline construction site near Elephant Rock by the old ghost town of Shafter, the incident report said. Velasquez called it in, and the state told him to arrest Gutierrez. Protesters quickly surrounded Velasquez, stabbing their fingers, yelling and demanding to see the warrant. Several deputies stood by, including Sheriff Danny Dominguez, whose body camera caught the whole incident. Velasquez loaded Gutierrez into a truck and drove off. "They bark like little Chihuahua dogs," Dominguez said in an interview. "But they don't got no bite." The deputies took Gutierrez to the border patrol checkpoint, 30 miles away, to take his fingerprints. Gutierrez admitted who he was, the incident report said. Gutierrez is being held in Presidio County jail, awaiting his return to California. Some protesters, while shocked, hate that his criminal history was dredged up. Lori Glover, founder of the Big Bend Defense Coalition and owner of the land on which the Two Rivers camp sits, said the penal system was cruel and vengeful. "He served his time, made a new start," she said. "I was unaware of any of this past history. Despite that, I feel very privileged to have worked with Pete Hefflin." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Violet Chachki did some shopping during a tour stop in Houston. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 7 winner stopped by Erotic Cabaret in Montrose to pick up a few things Wednesday, including #corsets and #rhinestones. IT TAKES TWO: 'Drag Race' power couple Sharon Needles and Alaska in Houston Chachki posed with a pair of pink bags amid peekaboo drawings and heeled boots. "Just cleaned out the Erotic Cabaret in Houston," Chachki wrote on Instagram. Wade Chachki was in town with burlesque star Dita Von Teese, whose Art of the Teese includes Wednesday and Thursday (tonight) stops at House of Blues. Von Teese invited Chachki, also known for slinky burlesque numbers, to join shows in Chicago, Dallas and Houston. FLASHBACK: A conversation with Dita Von Teese Houston fan Wade attended the Wednesday show and snapped a photo with Chachki. Tickets for Thursday's show are $40-$143 and still available. Von Teese even had Texas-shaped confetti cut for the Houston and Dallas shows. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Some Montrose-area businesses will have more flexibility in the way they provide parking for their employees and customers as the result of a plan approved Wednesday by Houston City Council that relaxes some city parking requirements. The council approved an application for a so-called "special parking area" submitted last year by the Montrose Management District. Officials with the district said relaxed parking rules would make it easier to attract new businesses and maximize available parking. "We think this is the beginning of doing some great things as it relates to parking," said Tony Allender, the district's director of special projects. >>ONLY IN MONTROSE: Barista's intricate latte art brightens mornings The special parking area, he said, allows the flexibility to address "complexities or unique features of a particular area." "We have within the Montrose area a pretty substantial parking deficit in our commercial areas," Allender said. Residents in the area, however, have raised concerns about how the new rules would affect overflow parking near their homes. Business owners outside the proposed district have spoken out, too, claiming they would suffer by not being included. Allender said the district has created a broader plan to deal with parking issues that don't necessarily require city approval. That includes expanding the district's security services to keep streets safer and exploring the addition of parking garages and enhancements to intersections and pedestrian areas. Within the special area, new businesses will be allowed to park up to 80 percent of cars belonging to their customers and employees, instead of the usual 25 percent, up to 800 feet away in off-site parking or 1,000 feet if valet service is offered. As part of an update to the city's off-street parking code, businesses will be able to provide off-site parking within 500 feet of their properties rather than 250 feet. The special parking area boundaries are along Westheimer from Mandell to Taft and along Montrose from Hyde Park to Harold. The district collects assessments from commercial property owners to make improvements and promote economic development. It proposed the special parking area last year and in January, the Houston Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve the group's application. The special parking area will be re-evaluated in two years. Six people were wounded Wednesday morning in a domestic dispute turned car chase that ended in a crash in southeast Houston. The Houston Police Department responded to an 8:55 a.m. call from a woman who was in her car, fleeing her ex-boyfriend. She called police while driving near the intersection of East Orem Drive and Martindale Road, about two miles away from where the chase would eventually end. A naked man was arrested near Spring Forest Middle School on Thursday after he allegedly hid from Houston police conducting a rape investigation. At about 4:30 a.m. on March 2, police responded to a call for a sexual assault in progress at the Bateswood Manor Apartments, 777 Bateswood Drive, Houston police spokesman John Cannon said. Houston ISD has announced the hiring of a new chief of staff and chief financial officer. Cynthia Wilson, now the chief of staff for Dallas ISD, will lead the Houston ISD's staff. Meanwhile Rene Barajas, who is currently deputy superintendent and CFO of the Garland ISD, will take over the district's finances. Both new hires have more than 20 years of experience in public schools. Barajas will join the district March 20, while Wilson will start in April. Wilson served as a superintendent of the Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 in South Carolina before going to Dallas ISD. She also is a former HISD staff member, having served as a regional and area superintendent, school principal, assistant principal and teacher. As a key member of the superintendent's cabinet, Wilson will serve as a line of communication between the superintendent and others who report to him. She will coordinate with the superintendent and his other cabinet members, as well as provide oversight to the district's board services department. Carranza said he was eager to welcome Wilson back to HISD. "She not only has knowledge of our district but tremendous experience in supporting a diverse and urban school district," Carranza said. "Her skill set will be valuable to our district as we continue to focus on providing the best environment for students and staff and improving engagement with school stakeholders." Barajas has been a chief financial officer for 8 years, having previously served as an assistant superintendent for business and support services for the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District as well as a business manager and internal auditor for other public school districts in Texas. His job duties will include planning and managing the district's annual budget and developing long-range budget plans. He also will direct the district's offices of the controller, tax and finance, budget/financial planning, Medicaid finance, benefits and procurement. Carranza said Barajas was the top candidate for the position. "He has exceptional experience in managing a public school district's financial portfolio and will be an asset in overseeing our budget to ensure the district is providing services effectively and efficiently," Carranza said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two known MS-13 gang members, formerly of El Salvador, appeared in Houston court Wednesday to hear charges against them in the kidnapping and torture of one victim and the "satanic" killing of a second. Diego Hernandez-Rivera, 18, and leader of the group Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 22, also known as "Diabolico," were arrested Monday on charges of aggravated kidnapping in one case and murder in a second in the shooting death of an unidentified woman's body earlier this month on a Houston road. Hernandez-River and Alvarez-Flores laughed, smiled and waved for the media cameras during Thursday morning's hearing. Both are immigrants in the country illegally, according to court records. The men remained Thursday in the Harris County jail under $300,000 bond that was set at a later court hearing before state District Judge Maria Jackson. In the kidnapping case, the female victim allegedly ran away from school around Feb. 2, to an apartment on Glenmont. There she tried to leave and was held against her will for four days and sexually assaulted by one of the gang members. The victim was then held for around 14 days at a different location on Gessner. MISSED THE STORY? MS-13 gang members face murder, kidnapping charges According to the charges being read in a court hearing Wednesday morning, this victim told detectives that there were six gang members living at the apartment who forced her to ingest drugs and alcohol to keep her in an intoxicated state during most of her time there. She was also held down while Alvarez-Flores tattooed the image of a grim reaper from her knee to her foot. On Feb. 16, the body of another young woman was found in west Houston, lying along the curb at the 9900 block of Sharpcrest Street. The victim in the aggravated kidnapping was able to identify her only as "Genesis," another girl also at the apartment on Gessner. According to the court hearing, Genesis allegedly made an outburst against the gang members' satanic rituals and shrine, which wound up leading Flores to declare the "Beast" required a soul sacrifice. When the kidnapping victim woke up the day after the incident, Genesis was gone. DO YOU RECOGNIZE HER? Facial reconstruction image of woman killed by gunshots released When police found her, she had been shot once in the head and chest. Investigators believe she was shot by Hernandez-Rivera and Alvarez-Flores at another location and dumped on Sharpcrest. Prosecutor Lisa Collins told the judge Thursday that Hernandez-Rivera told police that he led the woman to a remote area and shot her twice. Both suspects are identified in court records as MS-13 gang members from El Salvador. Both men would be held by federal immigration authorities if they are able to make bail, Collins said. Both men have requested a court-appointed lawyer, and their cases have been assigned to the 339th district court with Judge Maria Jackson. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Just ten months after he was released from prison, a 25-year-old Houston man with gang ties and a laundry list of prior convictions was identified as the man killed after shooting two Houston police officers on Tuesday. Before the latest outburst of violence, Earl Donnell Riley had previously been arrested for multiple burglaries, marijuana, driving while intoxicated, felon in possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, trespassing and evading arrest - and that was just in the past eight years since he reached majority age. The Louisiana native - who boasted a "Most Hated" tattoo across his back, according to prison records - has been linked to a criminal gang called the 52 Hoovers, a subset of the Crips with members in northeast, south and east Houston, a police union official said Wednesday. Riley's long crime spree ended Tuesday morning, when he was fatally shot after opening fire on Officers Ronny Cortez and Jose Munoz. Cortez, 49, a 24-year Houston Police Department veteran, remains in Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center with a bullet lodged near his spine. His family issued a statement Thursday evening. "We would like to thank all of our friends, family and neighbors for the great network of support and good wishes," according to the statement. "Ronny is a protector and has always been there to help those in need. Right now, we are making sure he gets the best care possible since he is the one in need." The family praised the memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute and said the Houston Police Department "has been absolutely golden" in responding to the family's needs. "We ask that everyone continue to send prayers our way as Ronny continues his recovery. We are eternally grateful for your love and support," the statement said. Munoz, a 10-year veteran of the force, was shot in the foot. The 34-year-old was released from the hospital Wednesday night. The shooter used a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, HPD Chief Art Acevedo said Wednesday. Court records show that Riley was arrested last month on Valentine's Day, just two weeks before he shot and wounded the police officers. He was charged Feb. 15 with driving drunk and keeping an open drink in his passenger seat. Prosecutors asked a judge to dismiss the DWI charge on Feb. 16 due to a lack of probable cause, court records show; the judge ordered Riley's release. When he was 19, Riley was arrested under circumstances similar to Tuesday's incident. HPD officers were chasing Riley in April 2010 after he was suspected in a string of burglaries in a Spring Branch West neighborhood, about 10 miles north of the southwest Houston neighborhood where he shot the officers on Tuesday. Officers pursued him on foot and arrested him in a neighbor's back yard, according to a sworn statement. On Tuesday, he shot and wounded the officers who found him hiding in backyard storage shed a few houses away from the home he allegedly burglarized. Riley wasn't arrested for the 2010 burglary until more than a year later, and the case was ultimately dismissed. But in early 2011, Riley pleaded guilty to home burglary for a different break-in the same day and was sentenced to three years in prison with 19 months credit given for time spent in jail awaiting trial. He was released in August 2011 on mandatory supervision, according to prison records. Then in 2013 he pleaded guilty to another home burglary as well as felon in possession of weapon, after stealing a gun from a Houston home. That netted him another three-year sentence. He was released from state prison in May 2016. One lawyer who represented him in an earlier case said he remembered nothing about the future shooter. "The name sounds vaguely familiar," said another. A baggage handler at Austin Bergstrom International Airport is facing several decades in federal prison after he was accused of stealing firearms from the luggage of passengers, authorities said. Ja'Quan Johnson, 25, is accused of stealing "numerous" handguns from airport luggage between Nov. 29, 2016 and Feb. 2, 2017, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas. Federal prosecutors also alleged that Johnson traded some of the stolen weapons for marijuana. Police in Austin have recovered seven firearms that they can link to Johnson, officials said. He has been charged with theft from an interstate shipment. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Johnsonfaces 10 years in prison for each stolen firearm. GALVESTON A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter Thursday rescued a crew member with a broken leg from a tanker near Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico, the Coast Guard said. The leg of the 35-year-old chief engineer on the 1,092-foot tanker Ingrid was broken after being struck by an anchor chain, the Coast Guard said in a news release. The ship's master called the Coast Guard at 6:35 a.m. and said that the engineer, whose name was not released, needed medical attention. Two crosstown Houston law schools reached a settlement Thursday in a trademark spat over the name and branding at the older institution. After hitting an impasse in settlement talks earlier this year, the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law Houston hammered out a draft agreement after two days of mediation this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo. Officials at both schools said they are still waiting for the UH Chancellor and the South Texas board to sign off on the deal. The schools agreed not to comment on the terms of the deal or their feelings about the nine-month detente, officials said. The UH regents hired a team of top-tier lawyers in June after South Texas College of Law changed its name to Houston College of Law and switched to a red color scheme. UH lawyers said its law center owned the rights to the word "Houston" in an educational setting. The hefty legal team for the private South Texas College of Law matched them toe-to-toe, arguing law students would not be confused by the two very different law schools. But in October, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison ruled that UH was likely to win at trial and he ordered South Texas to stop using the name starting with "Houston." South Texas reverted to its original name, but adding the word Houston at the end, a revision UH officials said they approved. It appeared the major conflicts had been resolved, and Ellison suggested the parties figure it the final details out privately. In January, the discussion halted over monetary issues and the status of various trademark applications and registrations still in play. The law schools asked the judge to send the case to formal mediation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Dallas-based restaurant chain Dave & Busters is getting what appears to be some negative blowback this week after a biker group made up of military veterans said it was harassed at a Michigan location. MLive in Grand Rapids first reported on the story on Wednesday, detailing how a group of American Legion Riders were confronted by management at a Kentwood, Michigan D&B location on Saturday, Feb. 25. NOW OPEN: New Dave & Buster's opens at Baybrook Mall According to biker Victor Murdock a general manager at the location told the group of bikers that they had to remove their riding vests, or colors, turn them inside-out or leave the premises. The bikers attire apparently violated the chains dress code policy which prohibits clothing that promotes evidence of gang affiliation, according to MLive. The vests have patches of the American flag, the Prisoner of War flag and a bald eagle. Founded in 1993, the American Legion Riders are a well-known veterans' biker group, complete with by-laws and membership rules. This is not a group affiliated with criminal activity or other nefarious acts. According to the Legion website, there are at least 106,000 American Legion Riders in over a thousand chapters. Its website also shows at least nine chapters in the Houston-area alone. Murdock is with the American Legion Riders Post 179 out of Grandville, Michigan. According to Murdocks description of the events last Saturday, staff confronted them just as they entered. He was first asked to remove a beanie cap. "Then I turned to my right, and the manager was standing right there," he told MLive. "He placed his hand on my chest and said, 'You're not coming in here.' He basically explained to me their company policy and said I can thank Chicago for this -- whatever that means -- that anything gang-related you can't wear there. Murdock said that the staff and the company has the American Legion bikers confused with something sinister. "A lot of our members are war veterans," he told MLive previously. "When they wear our jackets they usually have the battalion they served in. It's not just a jacket. It's a badge of honor." Murdock never served but his father did. He joined the group as a show solidarity with military veterans. HIRING?: Forbes names the best employers in Texas in 2016 After word got out about the treatment of the bikers via social media the companys VP of marketing released a statement in the hopes of clearing the air. They expressed that they will also review their dress code going forward. "We recognize the need to educate our team members about the American Legion, and have reached out to the local American Legion Post 179, and the national organization for guidance," Vice President of Marketing April Spearman wrote in the statement this week. "Dave & Buster's is extremely grateful to all of our active military members and veterans, and we are honored to have them as valued guests," she continued in the statement. "We remain fully committed to our military and will work with the American Legion and Mr. Murdock on ways we can support their mission and their community." Dave & Busters was founded in Dallas in 1982 by David Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley. There are over 80 locations in the United States and Canada. The company went public in 1995. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo blasted the city's body-camera provider, WatchGuard Video, on Wednesday, saying issues with battery life have lead him to slow the city's ongoing rollout of 4,100 cameras. "I think they think I'm their stockholder," Acevedo said after a Wednesday news conference about officers wounded in a shooting Tuesday. "We're going to do our due diligence to make sure we have the right technology ... and the right approach." Referencing a report in the Wall Street Journal that noted the battery issue, Acevedo added that he had met with WatchGuard's CEO. "When a vendor goes to the media instead of talking in good faith, it tells me that they're more interested in the bottom line," the chief said. WatchGuard representatives could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. Neither Acevedo nor Mayor Sylvester Turner gave a timeline for the "pause" in the camera rollout, but Turner downplayed the risk of a lengthy delay and said the review was not a prelude to switching vendors. The selection of a body camera vendor was a heavily lobbied effort when City Council voted on the program's first phase in late 2015 under former Mayor Annise Parker, in a process some council members said felt rushed. "In some cases I think they've moved to replace some of that equipment, some of those batteries, or they're coming up with better technology. We're looking at all of that," Turner said after Wednesday's council meeting. "I view this as only a temporary pause to deal with those technical issues." Turner said officials still are reviewing Acevedo's request, made shortly after he was hired to run HPD late last year, to have the devices activate automatically when patrol officers exit their vehicles. The chief said slowing the rollout would provide more time to discuss that issue. There are about 2,000 body cameras on the streets right now, the mayor said. The original plan called for about 4,100 cameras to be deployed. Last spring, council voted to spend the first $1 million of what is expected to be $8 million over five years to buy servers and other equipment to store video collected by the cameras, plus staffing costs. That followed the initial $3.4 million equipment contract with WatchGuard. The initiative has experienced a few hiccups. Last August, disruptive protesters angry about a shooting not fully captured by either responding officer's camera forced the City Council into recess. KHOU reported last year that the district attorney's office identified hundreds of cases in which no video was available, despite cameras being assigned to the officers involved, as well as dozens of cases in which police sent the videos to prosecutors after the cases had been closed. Councilwoman Brenda Stardig, who chairs the council's public safety committee, was one of four members opposed to the initial November 2015 launch of the program with WatchGuard. She said she has heard from a handful of officers that the cameras' battery life has been a problem. "The efficiency issue is one of the factors I'm concerned about," she said. "They need to be on the street. They don't need to be worried about charging and recharging and making sure the camera is doing what it's supposed to be doing. We have a shortage of manpower as it is." Turner said it is important that any technical issues be addressed. "You don't want them to have the body cameras on, the batteries are not being charged, so to speak, and then all of a sudden something happens and you don't have the footage and the excuse is, well, the battery died," the mayor said. "That hurts the credibility of the system. So, we're certainly asking the manufacturer to make sure he addresses those problems." 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. More Employers in Quebec Will be Able to Bypass LMIA Advertising Requirement More Employers in Quebec Will be Able to Bypass LMIA Advertising Requirement More Employers in Quebec Will be Able to Bypass LMIA Advertising Requirement CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Pour lire cet article en francais, cliquez ici. The government of Quebec has expanded the list of occupations for which employers do not need to advertise an open position before hiring a foreign worker. Canadian employers hiring temporary foreign workers typically must advertise an open position in multiple places before an application for an application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be submitted. However, this requirement is waived for employers in Quebec hiring for certain positions. This simplified process is known as a facilitated LMIA. Employers applying under the facilitated LMIA process are not required to provide proof of recruitment efforts. These efforts would entail advertising the job for at least 28 days, interviewing candidates who fulfil the position requirements, and proving to the government of Canada that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is ready, willing, and able to be hired for the position, necessitating the hiring of a foreign worker. The latest update to the list of facilitated occupations was revealed on February 24, and the new list came into effect immediately. A transitional period of 30 days is granted to the employer or his/her representative to allow for the examination of an application submitted according to the previous years list. Although most of the occupations that were on the previous list are also on the new list, 16 new occupations have been added. The government of Quebec requires that a temporary foreign worker who comes to a job on this list has at least a general education certificate equivalent to a high school diploma (DES) or equivalent. In addition, in jobs where a higher level of education is usually required, the candidate must meet the requirements of the position. It should also be noted that the list concerns the hiring of workers, not business owners. Facilitated LMIA list for Quebec The following list of occupations is in effect as of February 24, 2017. Newly-added occupations are in bold. NOC OCCUPATION TITLE 0124 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers 0601 Corporate sales managers 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants 1121 Human Resources Professionals 1222 Executive Assistants 1223 Human Resources and Recruitment Officers 1225 Purchasing Agents and Officers 1241 Administrative assistants 1243 Medical administrative assistants 1311 Accounting technicians and bookkeepers 2131 Civil Engineers 2132 Mechanical Engineers 2146 Aerospace Engineers 2171 Information Systems Analysts and Consultants 2173 Software Engineers and Designers 2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers 2175 Developers / Web Developers 2231 Civil engineering technologists and technicians 2232 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 2233 Technologists and Technicians / Technicians Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering 2234 Estimators / Construction Estimators 2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians 2253 Drafting Technologists and Technicians 2281 Technicians / Computer Network Technicians 2282 User support technicians 2283 Information systems testing technicians 3012 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 3111 Specialist Physicians 3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians 3131 Pharmacists 3141 Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists 3142 Physiotherapists 3143 Occupational Therapists 3214 Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists 3215 Medical Radiation Technologists 3222 Dental hygienists and dental therapists 3233 Licensed Practical Nurses 4021 College and other vocational instructors 4152 Social Workers 4212 Social and community service workers 4214 Early childhood educators and assistants 4215 Instructors of persons with disabilities 5131 Producers, Directors, Choreographers and related occupations 5241 Graphic Designers and Illustrators 6221 Technical Sales Specialists Wholesale Trade 6231 Insurance agents and brokers 6321 Chefs 6322 Cooks 6331 Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers retail and wholesale 7231 Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors 7246 Telecommunications installation and repair workers 7311 Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics 7321 Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers 7333 Electrical Mechanics Two occupations from the previous list have not been included on the new list. These are: Computer Engineers (except Software Engineers and Designers), National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2147; and Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists Assistants, NOC 3211. Canadian employers: To learn more about your options for hiring foreign workers, please contact wp@canadavisa.com. A legal expert will provide a free consultation. Foreign workers : If you have received a job offer from a Canadian employer and wish to submit an inquiry about getting a work permit and working legally in Canada, please complete the form on this page. 2017 CICNews All Rights Reserved Akkineni Naga Chaitanya is getting ready to tie knot, but his bride is not Samantha Ruth Prabhu! We are talking about the reel life not real life. Currently Chaitu's upcoming untitled venture under the direction of Kalyan Krishna is in production stage and will hit the theaters in the second half of 2017. Two gorgeous divas, Rakul Preet Singh and Lavanya Tripathi are playing the female lead role. In one of the scene, Naga Chaitanya gets married to the actress in this venture. So the team has erected lavish set under the supervision of art director Sahi Suresh, in Annapurna studios. It has also come out that the makers are spending bomb to make the set grandeur. We have to wait and see until the release to know with whom Chaitu got married. The upcoming family entertainer saga is being produced under the banner of Annapurna studios. After warping the shoot of his directorial venture with Chaitu, director Kalyan Krishna will helm a megaphone for King Nagarjuna. Currently Nag is busy in upcoming horror comedy saga Raju Gari Gadhi 2 under the direction of anchor turned director Omkar. Bernadette Toots M. Feuling, 87, of Chippewa Falls passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at home surrounded by family and love. She was born into this world Aug. 17, 1929, in Tilden with a twinkle in her eye. She was the fourth of five children born to August Butz and Lousie (Benish) Loew. She grew up working on the family farm on County Hwy. C. As a child one of her fondest memories was shooting squirrels and skunks behind the barn with her mother. She met the love of her life, Wayne, in 1953 at the T & C Tavern, which was owned by Waynes parents, Don and Richardine Feuling. Wayne was home on leave from the Navy and his mother, Richardine told him he should ask Toots out on a date. He did and they were married Jan. 14, 1956, at St. Peters Church in Tilden. They enjoyed 61 wonderful, loving years together. Toots loved to fish. She was good and lucky at it. She always made sure her line was in the honey hole. She and Wayne spent over 30 summers at the Six Lakes Resort in Chetek, where she could fish every day. She enjoyed bowling, dancing and listening to polka music, playing cards and cribbage. She was always on the go...no moss growing under her feet! She took many road trips with wonderful friends all over the U.S. Trips to the casino were fundays. She often started each day with, what are we doing today? It was always a new adventure. She was a funny, amazing, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to have all her children and grands close. She taught her three children many life lessons. The most memorable were how to fillet a fish the right way, how to check the oil on their cars and most important, to just be nice to everyone they meet. She will be in our hearts but sadly missed by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Cathy (Rocky) Bergevin; sons, Duane Du Bug (friend, Felice Johnson) and Randy (Cathy) Feuling; grandchildren, Lindsey (Pat) Jordan, Nate (Samantha) Bergevin, Cory Bergevin, Missy (Cory Brown) Feuling, Emilee (Jake) Hepfler, Carlee (Wes) Segebrecht and Sissy (Mike) Knopps; and the greats, Benny, Tatum and Ellis, Isaac, Cali, Kendall and Payton and Sydney, Kaleb and Kate; her sister, Geraldine Goulet; sisters-in-law, Bev Wild, Bernice Loew and Blanche Loew; brother-in-law, Ken Klimek; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Toots was preceded in death by her parents, Butz and Lousie Loew; her in-laws, Don and Richadine Feuling; her brothers, Kenny, Bob and Pete Loew; her sisters-in law, Darlene Adams, Yvonne Ginther, Debbie Klimek and Sis Loew; her brothers-in law, Clayton Goulet, Bernard Wild and John Adams; and many good friends and relatives she will be happy to see again. A memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Justin Kizewski will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Burial of cremains will be in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner at a later date. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Holy Ghost Church in Chippewa Falls. Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com. Colleen McCain Nelson attended her share of presidential press briefings about tragic shootings as a White House reporter for The Wall Street Journal. So it struck her as odd that President Trump offered no statement for several days following an apparently race-motivated shooting last week in Olathe, Kansas. Nelson, who returned to her native Kansas in December to take over as editorial-page editor of the Kansas City Star, brought up the White Houses silence in an editorial board meeting on February 27, the day after the newspaper ran a rare front-page editorial condemning the attack. A man had walked into a bar the previous week and allegedly told two India-born engineers to get out of my country before opening fire, killing one of them, injuring another, and also injuring a bystander who tried to stop the shooting. The resulting editorial, which described Trumps silence as disquieting, ran in print on Tuesday and quickly drew attention from Washington, DC, and around the country. People around the world were immediately and rightfully horrified, the editorial noted. But our president? Mum. Later that day, addressing a joint session of Congress, Trump finally condemned the shooting. Nelson, 42, who shared a Pulitzer as an editorial writer for the Dallas Morning News before her tenure at The Wall Street Journal and return to opinion writing with the Star, spoke with CJR about the power of local newspaper editorials, her red-state editorial boards constructive-but-firm approach with Trump, and her own politics. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length. CJR: Tell us about the backstory, the thinking behind this editorial. Nelson: The Kansas City Star newsroom has been pretty consumed with this story over the last week. As it played out, it became clear the story had a resonance beyond Kansas Cityboth national and international implications. So as an editorial board we discussed what we should say about the shooting, and over the weekend the Star took the unusual step of running a front-page editorial. The editorial had the headline, To be truly great, America must be kind. We wrote about the fact this is not who Kansas City is, and we dont share the views about immigrants the shooter reportedly professed. We thought that was important message to send in Sundays newspaper. On Monday morning, we continued to talk about the shooting, so I suggested the idea at our editorial board meeting that we say something about Trumps silence. By that point, several days had passed. He had said nothing. He had opportunities to say things. So the board settled on the message and put it in Tuesdays newspaper ahead of the speech. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project CJR: Trump started out his speech to a joint session of congress on Tuesday with a reference to the shooting. Do you think the editorial played a role? Nelson: I hope so. Its hard to know exactly what the tipping point was, but I definitely think we helped advance the conversation. It certainly appeared our editorial had an impact far beyond Kansas City. We posted on Monday night, and pretty quickly people across the country, and media organizations around the country, were tweeting it. We were not the first to ask the question, but when the Kansas City Star, which covers two red states that supported Trump, suggested Trump should say something, it appeared to have some resonance. RELATED: The Obamacare story reporters are missing CJR: How did it stack up with other editorials in terms of traffic, feedback, and other metrics? Nelson: Its up there. We had immediate feedback. Its clear our readers and those across the country were reading it. I heard from so many folks in DC and around White House journalism. It was a fairly organic response; the piece quickly started circulating, and it gained a lot of attention and a lot of positive feedback. CJR: Was this a galvanizing moment for the newsroom, a recognition of the power behind what you say? Nelson: Absolutely. Its always encouraging and gratifying to see our voice matters, that our reporting and our editorials can make a difference. Thats what we aspire to do every day. Some days you wonder if you are making a difference. This was one of those very unique days where you felt like what you did really mattered. CJR: Youve had a lot of support from the community, and across the country, for your editorials on the shooting. Has there been any push back? Nelson: Ive heard from readers whove said that Trump was under no obligation to comment on this, and that a president cant comment on every shooting that happens in the entire country, and that wed be wrong to criticize him in any way for not weighing in on this. These are the opinion pages, and readers disagree with things we put on the opinion pages every day. CJR: The Star endorsed Hillary Clinton (before Nelson arrived). So I guess the threats of canceled subscriptions already ran their course. Nelson: (Laughs) They may have gotten that out of their system. I do hear from readers with very strong feelings about Trump every single day. A lot of them have me on speed dial. CJR: Talk about why you came back to Kansas City and whether you feel like youre having more of an impact as a journalist in a red state. Nelson: I grew up in Kansas, so this is the home turf for me. I was at The Wall Street Journal for the last five years, and I covered the last two presidential campaigns, and Obamas second term in the White House. It was an amazing job, and I loved it. But by the same token, I knew I didnt want to be a White House reporter forever. One thing I missed, having left a regional newspaper, I missed being at a newspaper where youre connected to a community, and where you feel a connection to your readers, and see more of a direct impact. The chance to come back here and lead the editorial page was too good to pass up. Ive loved hearing from readers every single day how passionate they are about their local newspaper and also on occasions like this, actually seeing our work have an impact. CJR: It wouldnt be surprising to see an editorial like this from The New York Times, but talk about the different power coming from a hometown newspaper? Nelson: Our readers are quick to remind me every single day that both Kansas and Missouri voted for Donald Trump. Any time we are critical of Donald Trump, I get phone calls to that effect, and readers inevitably remind me Trump won Missouri by 19 points. Were not The New York Times, and we dont come down on issues where they would come down. When Trump took office we wrote an editorial saying the country should give him a chance. Weve tried to approach Trumps presidency with a constructive approachto praise him when its deserved and to criticize him when the White House is in chaos. Were not an editorial board that reflexively criticizes. So we hope when we do it has an impact with readers. CJR: Tell me about the experience of switching between covering politics as a reporter and writing editorials and leading an editorial page. Was there a large learning curve or did it come natural? Nelson: Ive had an interesting path. I was at the Dallas Morning News for 12 years, with the last six years on the editorial board. Then I went back to reporting, covering politics at The Wall Street Journal. So it wasnt an entirely new experience. RELATED: How Pamela Colloff became the best damn writer in Texas CJR: How much different is it running an editorial page in your hometown? Nelson: I certainly loved Dallas and became attached to Dallas, but theres just something different about your home turfI grew up in Salina, Kansas. You have a different connection to this place. Im now writing about a place Ive known my whole life, and sometimes youre writing about things that hit very close to home. CJR: In terms of the power of local news and editorials, what must you do to keep the audience in such a difficult time for newspapers in terms of economics and trust among readers? Nelson: Its a really interesting moment to be in opinion journalism. I think were all feeling our way through what is a very different kind of presidency. Our goals on the editorial board are to be constructive and not shrill. I think theres a lot of anger and frustration in politics, and its really easy to let that boil over into what we write. Were trying to be constructive, consider our readers point of view, but not be afraid to say things in a strong way when its merited. Were trying to strike the right balance, and see shades of gray. CJR: What are your own politics? Nelson: It sounds kind of boring to say, but Im fairly centrist. It depends on the issue. When you cover politics for a long time, you realize neither Democrats nor Republicans have a monopoly on good ideas, or bad ideas, or lousy candidates. Im a little unpredictable. CJR: Anything else? Nelson: Covering the White House, I was in the briefing room over and over again when President Obama came out and commented on shootings that had an impact on the entire country. I had literally a second-row seat when Obama weighed in at moments like this. So it certainly was noticeable that President Trump did not choose to comment. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Cory Schouten is a senior editor at CJR. He previously served as managing editor at Indianapolis Business Journal and a reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. This Land Press, the Tulsa-based startup founded in 2010 to bring literary journalism to Middle America, will suspend publication of its celebrated magazine this spring. The small editorial staff disbanded in January; founder and editor Michael Mason has returned to the healthcare industry, where he worked previously, and plans to complete a book. A letter to readers ends on a note of optimism about This Lands future, but there are no immediate plans for ongoing publication. Publisher Vincent LoVoi, the lawyer-turned-venture capitalist whose seven-figure investment turned This Land into one of the most audacious local news experiments of the past decade, says that finding and telling stories from the heartland remains his goal. The break, he says, will give him an opportunity to explore how best to financially sustain that mission. This Lands retail operation, which brings the magazines design aesthetic to everything from T-shirts to narrative olfactory soaps with scents based on the publications articles, will remain open. Two forthcoming anthology issues, the Race Reader and the Religion Reader, will close out the magazines seven-year run. RELATED: 10 tools to tackle common problems journalists face This Land received praise from journalistic kingmakers like David Carr, who wore a This Land T-shirt at speaking engagements, and A.O. Scott, who called it the future of local media, though theres an irony in relying on such names to argue the magazines importance. The publications print run might be best appreciated as an experiment in giving homegrown stories from flyover country the same depth, scope, and rigor as those produced by national magazinesan effort as radical in its own right (and as easily mischaracterized as elitism) as the fight for locally grown food. When I first interviewed Mason for CJR in 2011, he said his mission was to uncover a decades worth of surplus stories in Oklahoma and Middle Americastories that traditional media had overlooked in their rush to keep pace with the news cycle. That decade quickly became a century. This Lands most important story revealed that Tate Brady, a founding father of Tulsa who remained the namesake of several neighborhoods and buildings, had helped to engineer the citys notorious race riot in 1921. Another highlighted a recent history of sexual abuse at a school run by a local megachurch. This Land stories commonly applied an in-depth narrative treatment to an Oklahoma landmark, subculture, or personality with which readers might have previously only had passing familiarity. One of my favorite recent examples told the story of young homeless Oklahomans who bonded over their shared devotion to the rap group Insane Clown Posse. The publication included many contributions from novice writers, and sometimes this showed in the prose or the reporting. But as a regular reader I learned that This Land was engaged in a deeper project than could be contained in any one issue: It was restoring the narrative topsoil that had eroded from a part of the country unused to hearing its own stories told. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project This Land attempted to bring for-profit literary journalism to a state thats poor and sparsely populated. I wrote an in-depth profile for CJR in 2012 that detailed the publications unorthodox business model, which rested on the idea that stories contained a lasting value that an ephemeral stream of news updates couldnt achieve. Billing itself as Oklahomas first new media company, This Land used an initial $1.3 million of investment capital to produce stories for print and digital platforms as well as for video, radio, and television, with the hope that each medium might accrue enough long-term revenue to sustain the enterprise. At the peak of its operations, This Land produced content for a website, a biweekly broadsheet, an iPad edition, an hour-long weekly radio show, a half-hour weekly television show, and a wide array of products for its retail store. But the television and radio operations proved difficult to monetize, and both were shuttered by 2015. Members of the video team went on to produce two feature documentaries under the This Land umbrella. The first premiered at Sundance and the second, Far Western, will premier in the US later this year. The films were among the most ambitious examples of This Lands sensibility, but they were discrete documentary efforts rather than multi-platform genre innovations, and not sufficient to fuel the growth of a new media company. The textual side of This Land reverted in 2015 from a biweekly broadsheet to the perfect-bound quarterly more typical of literary magazines. A broadsheet might not sound particularly innovative, but seeing the beautiful front-page illustrations and provocative headlines proudly displayed on the counters of barbeque joints and greasy spoons throughout Tulsa is one of my favorite memories from visiting This Land on its home turf. The ability to buy brisket burnt ends and photo essays from the same cashier stirred something in my working class journalists soul. This Lands recurring presence in these places was illustrative of its ambition to tap Tulsans on the shoulder and say, Hey, look around at this place we all live in. It wasnt until I encountered This Land that I realized the possibility that homegrown media might play a role in giving people a deeper sense of the place they inhabit. The quarterly was beautifully designed, and packed with even more of the voices and stories that distinguished This Land. Still, the format felt a bit more daunting than the biweekly, losing something of the conversational quality that had defined the publications approach. And while This Land is hardly unique in extracting more attention than dollars from its community, the matter is further complicated by This Lands identity as a community and regional voice that did not always line up with the geographic constraints of its business model. According to numbers provided to me by LoVoi, web traffic averaged a steady 100,000 sessions per month during This Lands most popular years, while print subscriptions peaked at 1,800. Many among that audience came from places outside of Oklahoma, while revenue streams like advertising and events depended on readers being close to home. A large portion of This Lands Web traffic came from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where many Oklahomans move for work. Other readers came from farther afieldfrom New York and Chicago and San Francisco, heartland expats or people who just liked good writing. Finding a way to capture and monetize an audience rooted in Middle America is a primary concern for LoVoi as he contemplates the publications future. This Land laid bare the emotional content of what its like to live in a place. This is why it resonated with me, despite my lack of an Oklahoma connection. I grew up in an oil town bordering the Navajo Reservation in northwest New Mexicoa place that had its own version of Tulsas complicated relationship to race, class, religion, and environment. Like the vast majority of the country, my community had no way of telling its own story with any depth. It wasnt until I encountered This Land that I realized the possibility that homegrown media might play a role in giving people a deeper sense of the place they inhabit. We had a newspaper, but we didnt have stories. Most culture of value was shipped to us from the coasts, so thats where I shipped myself when I decided to become a journalist. A critical piece of This Lands legacy so far is its effort to convince a generation of young writers and artists that they are needed on the home front. (Last July, I attempted to follow This Lands example and partnered with them for a longform story set in my home state.) When I visited This Lands offices last fall, I spoke with interns who had a refreshing lack of interest in my coastal bona fides. That attitude stems from This Land founder Michael Mason, who managed to write for national magazines and publish a book with Farrar, Straus and Giroux without leaving his home state. Mason was known to go through as many as 30 drafts with a writer for a This Land story, but he combined this level of care with a laid-back management style that attracted the offbeat talent that gave the publication its voice. This Lands first radio producer offered to live in a tent and work for free, and was offered a job instead. Most prominent among This Lands contributors was Lee Roy Chapman, a self-taught Tulsa historian and investigative journalist who died in 2015. A collection of Chapmans work can be purchased from This Lands website, with the proceeds benefiting his young son. Along with these contributors, Mason managed to assemble, in just seven years time, the largest single body of art and literature about the Middle of America that the region might ever see. For me, the unique beauty of This Land was the ethos that was created by the work and effort of all the people involved, Mason told me when we spoke a few days ago. There will be this legacy of beauty and wonder that was curiously assembled in the middle of the country. Theres no reason why it cant happen again. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Michael Canyon Meyer is a freelance journalist and former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter at @mcm_nm. North Dakota Man Assaults Friend Then Scams Insurer A North Dakota man was arrested and charged with insurance fraud, according to an announcement by the states insurance department. Weston Aho was charged with insurance fraud, a class C felony, and is scheduled to appear in court on March 13 in Ward County. The North Dakota Insurance Fraud Unit learned a claim was filed for medical coverage against Ahos policy after a friend had fallen off one of Ahos horses. After the claim was paid, it was discovered that Aho had actually assaulted the friend and that Aho lied to the company in the claim. South Carolina Man Burned Down Restaurant for $700K in Insurance Authorities say the owner of a Sumter County, S.C., restaurant burned down his business on purpose and collected nearly $700,000 in insurance money. Sumter County deputies told media outlets that 57-year-old Ronald Cantey was arrested Monday about seven months after the fire at The Compass restaurant near Turbeville Investigators say evidence shows Cantey was at the restaurant about five minutes before the fire was reported. Cantey said after the restaurant burned in July that he put his heart and soul into the business for five years and was devastated. Cantey was charged with second-degree arson, making a false insurance claim and burning personal property to defraud an insurer. He was in jail awaiting a bond hearing and it wasnt known if he had an attorney. Florida Insurance Company Employee Arrested for Defrauding Company Jennifer Summerlott, a licensed customer service representative, was arrested following a scheme that allegedly bilked her Ft. Lauderdale-based employer, Fairway Insurance Group, LLC (Fairway) out of more than $1 million. Summerlott is accused of orchestrating an elaborate scheme to defraud her employer through the use of fake insurance invoices to reroute company funds for her personal financial benefit. Summerlott served as the accounts payable and commercial lines manager for Fairway from 2006-2015. In 2015, account irregularities were noticed by other Fairway staff members who, after suspecting that they might have uncovered insurance fraud, reported their findings to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The case was referred to insurance fraud investigators within the Department of Financial Services Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS). The subsequent investigation revealed that between 2010 and 2015, Summerlott allegedly created and submitted dozens of fake electronic invoices that were supposedly from various insurance companies that regularly conducted business with Fairway. Summerlott would then prepare company checks tied to Fairways company account to pay these fabricated invoices. Doing so enabled Summerlott to retrieve the fake payments and divert them to a personal bank account. In addition, DIFS investigation found that Summerlott refinanced 40 insurance policies that Fairway clients had previously paid in full. As a result, Fairway received checks from third-party financing agencies to cover the cost of the insurance premiums. Summerlott used those payments to cover up the massive company losses that accrued as a result of her fake invoice scheme. Summerlott was arrested February 27, 2017, and transported to the Broward County Jail. She has been charged with four first-degree felonies, including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, criminal use personal ID and diverting insurance trust funds. This case will be prosecuted by the Broward State Attorneys Office, 17th Judicial Circuit. If convicted, Summerlott faces up to 30 years in prison. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. headshot.jpeg State Rep. Greta Johnson, who has served in the Ohio House of Representatives since January 2015, will resign that position and begin serving March 27 under Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro as deputy director in the department of law, insurance and risk management. (Ohio House of Representatives) AKRON, Ohio -- State Rep. Greta Johnson will leave the Statehouse to serve as Summit County deputy director of law, insurance and risk management under Executive Ilene Shapiro. Johnson, who has served in the Ohio House of Representatives since January 2015, will resign that position and start with the county March 27, earning $78,000 annually. "Ilene has been a mentor to me for many years and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of her team," Johnson said in a news release. "I am excited to join in her vision for Summit County and I will bring my skills as an attorney and an advocate for working class people to the executive's office. " "During her time as a State Representative, Greta has demonstrated the tenacity, intelligence and courage that make her an ideal fit for the County," Shapiro said in a statement. "I am confident that she will serve the residents of Summit County well in her new position, as she has done for the past two years in the Ohio legislature." Prior to her election in the 35th District, covering Barberton and Wards 6, 7, 9 and 10 in Akron, Johnson served as a prosecutor for Mahoning and Summit counties, and the city of Akron. She graduated from the University of Akron School of Law in 2004, after earning a bachelor's in secondary education in 1999 and master's in higher education administration in 2001. At the statehouse, Johnson has been a proponent of women's health and equality issues. As a former prosecutor, has been active in protecting the rights of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She has also been a staunch advocate for Ohio children, arguing for an improved education system. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Some customers of Verizon Wireless are reporting new problems on top of old woes surrounding unexplained data usage. The issues are related to Verizon's discontinuation of Backup Assistant, a service that allowed cellphone customers to automatically back up all of their contacts, along with their phone numbers and email addresses. That way, if their phone was lost or damaged, the contacts could be transferred to a new phone. Verizon has been phasing out Backup Assistant and encouraging customers to instead use the Verizon Cloud app to back up contacts, as well as photos and other information on cellphones. However, the Verizon Cloud app is causing some people's cellphones to suddenly devour data. Having a back up of your contacts and photos sounds great, but it may not be great if it's causing your phone to consume tons of data without your expressed consent. A key issue: If you download the Verizon Cloud app, the default setting allows the Verizon Cloud to back up your contacts, photos and video using data. In reality, you likely would prefer the service to work only when you're on free Wi-Fi and your home, office or wherever. (To change this setting on an iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular, then go all of the way down to Verizon Cloud. Turn data off. White is off; green is on. There are similar settings to turn off data for one app on Androids, but they vary by phone.) The Verizon Cloud is a separate service than iCloud, which is available to people with iPhones and other Apple products. But the principle is the same: You should check your settings to make sure it backs up your information only while you're on free Wi-Fi. The Verizon Cloud app also asks users for permission to use their location. If permission is granted, that can also consume data and potentially violate privacy as the phone tracks the user's location throughout the day. Verizon has been phasing out Backup Assistant. A large chunk of customers were notified last month the service would end Feb. 14 and that customers would need to download Verizon Cloud to continue saving their contacts. Since September, the Plain Dealer has been investigating reports of thousands and thousands of Verizon customers who say Verizon suddenly started charging them hundreds or thousands of dollars extra, supposedly for unexplained data use. Complaints to the Federal Communications Commission that month about data usage at Verizon increased tenfold that month. The FCC is reviewing the complaints to decide whether to launch a formal investigation and consider possible enforcement action. The Plain Dealer's investigation has focused on many problems, including: Settings on people's phones, especially when they change phones or when their apps update automatically. The settings concern things such as allowing apps to work in the background, even if the person isn't on his phone. Settings on people's phones that lead to huge data consumption, especially on iPhones, when people update their phone's software and don't realize one of hundreds of new settings allows data to be consumed in large volume without their knowledge or awareness. Glitches in Verizon's billing system that miscalculates customers' data usage. New settings that allows phones to use data at night, even when no one is using the phone and the owner is sleeping. Highlights of past Verizon coverage: Verizon has acknowledged an increase in complaints about data usage and last fall vowed to work with every customer. But customers nationwide say that in most cases, Verizon refuses to correct their bills. In some well-publicized cases, Verizon has wiped out customers' humongous monthly bills, including $9,000 for a Florida woman, $20,000 for a Cleveland-area non-profit and $3,000 for a South Carolina man. LORAIN, Ohio -- A man accused of crashing his car with a child inside as a result of a heroin overdose made his first court appearance before a judge in Lorain County. Nathan Carroll, 29, and his wife Samantha Schigel, 24, both face child endangering charges. Carroll faces additional charges of driving with a revoked or suspended license, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol and other charges in the incident that happened Monday evening. Attorney Michael Duff made a court appearance Thursday on their behalf and entered not-guilty pleas. Carroll is free on a $3,000 bond and Schigel was released on a $1,000 bond, a court bailiff said. The arrests happened about 5 p.m. Monday after a passerby saw a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country drive off of West 24th Street onto Leavitt Road and up a curb, according to a police report. Carroll passed out after driving up the curb. Police gave Carroll two doses of Narcan, an opioid overdose remedy, and paramedics administered more Narcan when they arrived on scene, according to the report. He woke up and was taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center. Officers learned Schigel suffered an overdose across the street in the 2300 block of Westview Court, the report says. Officers said Schigel and Carroll were snorting a substance they thought was heroin just before Carroll decided to leave to go get food for the family with the child in the car, according to the report. The infant, whose age is not listed in a police report, was not harmed and is currently in the custody of a family member, Lorain police Lt. Ed Super said. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. UK_.jpg "A United Kingdom" is based on a true story. (Courtesey of Fox Searchlight) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "A United Kingdom" is based on the true story of Seretse Khama, a tribal prince from Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and his marriage to the white British commoner Ruth Williams. It's 1947, and Khama, played by David Oyelowo, is an African prince is studying in London and preparing to lead his small country when he meets and falls in love with Williams, played by Rosamund Pike. Both the British and Bechuanaland governments oppose the marriage, as it defies the apartheid/racial segregation policies that rule southern Africa. Williams' father disowns his daughter for marrying an African, and Khama's uncle does the same to his nephew. The seemingly star-crossed couple battle the British government when it tricks Khama into coming back to Britain, only to exile him from his own country, initially for five years and later permanently. He is stuck in London while his pregnant wife is stranded in Africa. Oyelowo and Pike have great romantic chemistry throughout the film. They sell that lasting love affair with uncanny ease. Pike also brings Williams' struggle to adapt herself to life in a small, poverty-stricken African village into vivid relief. "A United Kingdom" revisits the bad old twilight days of British colonialism that saw Third World countries robbed of their riches for the colonizers' ill-gotten and ultimately short-term gains. As political humorist P.J. O'Rourke once described the bumbling Brits of yore, "They once ruled half the world but still haven't figured out central heating." International politics come into play in the last third of the movie, as Khama maneuvers (with the help of the British press) to get permission from the British government to return to his country, where he seeks to establish a democracy. "A United Kingdom" combines history, romance and political intrigue for a solid and ultimately satisfying dramatic story. REVIEW A United Kingdom Who: With David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Terry Pheto, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael and Abena Ayivor. Directed by Amma Asante. Rated: Not rated. Running time: 111 minutes. When: Opens Friday. Where: Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Grade: B Jasmine Conaway EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Melissa Fuentes' only wish is that East Cleveland police find her 15-year-old daughter and bring her home safe. Jasmine Conaway went missing Thursday from Carrington Youth Academy on Noble Road. But Fuentes is concerned about conflicting information she is getting about her daughter's disappearance. Fuentes and Jasmine's father, Kevin Conaway, were told by police that she went missing at 9:30 p.m. But when Fuentes eventually got the police report Wednesday, it said that her daughter went missing just after 11 p.m. and it wasn't reported until shortly after 1:30 a.m. Jasmine's father got a call from Carrington Youth Academy, a treatment youth facility, at 5 a.m. Friday, not from police, Fuentes said. East Cleveland Police Chief Michael Cardilli declined to speak to cleveland.com when Fuentes went to get the police report. "No one seems to want anything to do with it (the case)," Fuentes aid. "Everyone seems to want to give us the runaround." Fuentes said she was told by the youth academy that her daughter got into an fight with another female at the academy and both went missing. Jasmine was wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue sweatpants and red shoes when she was last seen, Fuentes said. However, she said the police report described Jasmine as wearing a black shirt, black pants and flip flops. Jasmine hasn't taken medication prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in more than a year, Fuentes said. Fuentes claimed that many girls that have left Carrington Youth Academy and gone missing. Robert Cassillo, chief operating officer for the youth academy, said less than one percent of those in the youth academy leave and don't come back. The youth academy is a staff-secured, unlocked facility. Staff can't put their hands on someone if they are walking toward the door, according to the facility's policy, Cassillo said. "If a youth makes the decision to walk off campus all we can do is redirect as much as we can," he said. The majority come back, he added. If someone does walk away, a critical incident report is put together and a missing persons report is immediately filed with police by the youth academy, he said. From there the county's 696 kids hotline is notified, followed by the county and the guardians of the child, Cassillo said. The youth academy works hard to make the residents stay, he said. "You do have some select youth that have it in their mind (to leave)," Cassillo said. Jasmine was put in Carrington Youth Academy after a domestic violence incident with her mother, Fuentes said. The teen's father doesn't want to speak for just his missing daughter but for all other missing daughters. "Really no one is paying attention to them, that's why they are still missing," he said. Fuentes said she spoke with East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King, but felt he wasn't interested in finding her daughter. "The mayor was very nonchalant when I spoke with him," Fuentes said. "Three times I was interrupted because he was driving in his car and he came across people who he hadn't seen." King did not return a call seeking comment. Fuentes, Conaway and other family members and friends stood in front of East Cleveland City Hall Wednesday, hoping police would come out. Among those in the group were Alianna DeFreeze's father, Damon, and stepmother Wytonya. Alianna, 14, was found dead after disappearing in January. Wytonya doesn't want Fuentes to go through the unbearable pain that she went through with Alianna and will be supporting her. "I mean even though it's been a month, you know since she's been gone, everyday when me and my husband walk past her room it's still hard.....," Wytonya said. Jasmine as a history of running away, Fuentes said. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call East Cleveland police at 216-451-1234. WASHINGTON President Trump addressed Congress on Tuesday night. Or was it the state Duma? And how can you tell the difference? Trump uttered some 5,000 words and spoke for 60 minutes, but not one of those words was Russia, and not one of those minutes was devoted to the so-far successful effort by our geopolitical adversary to undermine American democracy. The FBI and intelligence community have unanimously charged that Vladimir Putins government interfered in the U.S. elections in its successful attempt to get Trump elected. Ties between Trump and his team and Russia have been well established, right up through contacts with the Russian ambassador during the transition that led to the resignation of Trumps national security adviser, Michael Flynn all while Trump has promised a friendly new approach to Russia.It was hard to ignore this elephant, even in a room as large as the House chamber. And yet Trump excised it, like Trotsky from Soviet photos. Putin could not have done better nor could he have appointed better men to investigate Russias interference in the U.S. election than those now charged with doing it. Consider Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and head of the House investigation into Russia. On Friday, The Washington Post reported that Nunes participated in a White House-led effort to knock down a New York Times story asserting the Trump campaign had contacts with Russian intelligence. On Saturday, Nunes said at a forum in California that Flynn, who was pushed out over the Russia controversy, is an American hero, and he was doing his job. On Monday, Nunes, the man responsible for overseeing the Houses probe into the Russia matter, assembled reporters and declared: The way it sounds to me is its been looked into and theres no evidence of anything. Of contacts between Russia and Trump lieutenants, he said, What Ive been told ... by many folks is that theres nothing there. Nunes even offered Trump and Flynn an alibi, saying they were so busy that Trump couldnt have possibly directed Flynn to call the Russian ambassador to talk about sanctions. And Nunes said a special prosecutor should be called in only if serious crimes have been committed. ... But at this point, we dont have that. It was a trip through the looking glass: The very purpose of an investigation is to determine whether crimes have been committed; if you have proof, you dont need an investigation. Nunes, who served on Trumps transition committee, has already said executive privilege prevents him from examining discussions between Trump and Flynn. And Nunes echoed Trumps claim that the real scandal isnt about contacts with Russia but about the unauthorized leaks about such contacts. And this man is supposed to lead an impartial investigation? You might as well ask the Kremlin to conduct one. You dont need to be a partisan Democrat to know that, as former president George W. Bush told NBC, we all need answers on Trumps Russia ties. But the congressional Republicans leading the investigation have already declared their partiality. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also participated in the White House campaign to debunk the Times report. During the previous administration, seven congressional committees issued eight reports on the Benghazi affair and that was before the two-year Select Committee investigation concluded. Now we have the White House pressuring the FBI and senior intelligence officials to debunk allegations against Trump. So where are these crack investigators now? Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has offered a bevy of excuses: He doesnt need to probe the Flynn affair because its taking care of itself; other panels could better protect sources and methods; he didnt want to pry into the private systems of a political party; and he wont personally target the president. The pressure not to probe must be considerable. On Friday, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) told HBOs Bill Maher that youre going to need to use the special prosecutors statute and office to probe the Russia-Trump matter. But on Monday, Issa retreated, saying he would support an independent review but not a special prosecutor because theres no individual under suspicion. Nunes, serving as judge and jury, told reporters Monday that it was ridiculous to suggest Flynns transition talks with the Russian ambassador violated the law prohibiting private citizens from conducting foreign policy. We should be thanking him, Nunes declared, not going after him. Good idea. And after they thank Flynn, the Duma investigators should send chocolates to Putin.Follow Dana Milbank on Twitter, @Milbank. The race for Hong Kong's top job has narrowed down to three candidates in an election set for March 26. On Wednesday, an election committee consisting of primarily Beijing loyalists selected retired judge Woo Kwok-hing, former chief secretary Carrie Lam, and ex-financial secretary John Tsang to run for Chief Executive. Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's former chief secretary and candidate for the city's top job of Chief Executive Anthony Kwan/Bloomberg/Getty Images The 59-year-old Lam, widely seen as China's preferred candidate, secured 572 of the committee's 1,200 votesjust 29 votes shy of the 601 needed to win the job. Meanwhile, Tsang and Woo got 160 and 179 votes, respectively. As a special administrative region of the mainland, Hong Kong is unable to democratically elect its own leaders so Beijing has final say on the matter. Lam has a 95 percent chance of winning, Danny Gittings, associate professor at the University of Hong Kong, told CNBC on Thursday. Hong Kongers seem to agree; a survey commissioned by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) last month revealed 65.9 percent of respondents believed Lam would win the race. "Beijing has been quick to throw its weight behind Lam as the popularity of the region's pro-democracy candidates has grown," political intelligence firm Stratfor said in a Wednesday note. Mainland officials reportedly met with Hong Kong's pro-China camp last month and conveyed Beijing's decision to promote Lam, even allegedly asked electors to change their votes in her favor, Stratfor continued. watch now China is dominating the global resources game. Thomas Kuhlenbeck | Getty Images When iron ore futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) surged to a record high last week on expectations about Beijing's infrastructure plans, spot prices in Australia jumped soon after. This pattern demonstrates China's growing clout in commodity price setting even when analysis of the market says price should move in the opposite direction. Prices of the steel-making material have since come off, but China-originating global price gyrations underscore how far the country has come in pricing power on both the spot and in the futures market, particularly for heavily-traded products like copper, which is regarded as a barometer of economic health. "Over the last two years, the drivers of global metal price discovery have, in our view, shifted to the East," Citi analysts wrote in a report on Feb. 19. As the largest consumer of a range of commodities from iron ore to soybeans, China has long sought to be the price-maker, rather than a price-taker, for the raw materials it needs. To facilitate its entry into a greater role in price discovery, commodity exchanges, such as the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) and the DCE were set up in the 1990s. [China] is facing the chance of a lifetime to become a global pricing center for commodities. Fang Xinghai China Securities Regulatory Commission Vice Chairman, in 2016 As recently as May 2016, the vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Fang Xinghai, reiterated the Asian giant's ambition to call the shots in commodities pricing even as he underscored fierce competition for the position, according to various media reports. However, China's role as a price-maker has been elusive as volatility in its tumultuous markets across a range of commodities was attributed to excessive speculation, particularly by the large number of individual retail investors. A commodity financing scandal in 2014 also hit overall confidence. Still, there's no stopping China as trading volumes in the mostly actively traded SHFE copper contract have increased nearly 50 percent in the last six years. Now, SHFE copper trade volumes have outstripped those on the traditional global bellwether, the London Metal Exchange. watch now In Shanghai, the average daily turnover in the most actively traded copper contract was about 3.02 million tons in 2016, Citi noted. In contrast, average turnover of the most actively traded copper contract on the LME in 2016 was equivalent to around 1.5 million tons of copper per day. While investors are aware that price swings in Chinese futures are often magnified due to the sheer amount of trades going on daily, they are unable to completely shut the noise out due to the inevitable spillover into international markets. "China is playing a more and more important role in the futures trade. So far, the Chinese traders tend to be more short term-oriented and quite 'speculative," trader and president of Lin Asset Management, Chen Lin, told CNBC. "A lot of traders in the U.S. hate it, but it is the global trend, as China is the number-one consumer of many of these metals." However, there are limitations and flaws to SHFE's lead in pricing that are worrying the market, and its activity appears to be based primarily on speculation rather than supply-demand dynamics. "The LME copper market has good levels of liquidity at least two years forward, while in contrast, the SHFE copper market has little contract liquidity further forward than about three months," Citi analysts wrote. This is evidenced by the turnover of the most actively traded contact on each exchange. On the SHFE, the benchmark contract accounts for the most of the turnover, while that on the LME accounts for just 40 percent, the house added. This lack of depth in Shanghai's trading activity makes it challenging for investors to hedge their trades. There are other difficulties. For now, trading on Chinese commodity exchanges is still encumbered by a lack of foreign exchange convertibility and limited foreign participation due to regulations. "The SHFE market remains very short term and local in focus, but with an increasing spillover onto levels of global volatility," Citi added. "This has perhaps been the most striking feature of Chinese futures markets, rather than the impact on price determination per se." watch now However, one dilemma that these stocks face is that they will require legislation in order to keep climbing. Both Emcor and MasTec could benefit if the President gets his way on various issues, but could still do well without an infrastructure bill. " Emcor and MasTec are quintessential Trump stocks, the kind that have a right to roar if the new, kinder, gentler Trump comes to the hill more often," the " Mad Money " host said. Jim Cramer noted a different demeanor about President Donald Trump in his speech on Tuesday night. He spoke in measured, hopeful tones while reiterating his intent to spend on infrastructure. On the campaign trail, Trump talked about building new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools and hospitals, with numbers ranging between $500 billion and $1 trillion. In his speech on Tuesday, Trump sided with the $1 trillion number, although Cramer found that to be misleading. Trump doesn't want to actually spend that much money, Cramer said. He wants to issue a tax credit so that companies can invest in $1 trillion worth of projects. However, ever since Trump was sworn in, the infrastructure space has become more questionable. Republicans control Congress and absolutely hate spending money. Some critics have also said using tax credits to promote infrastructure spending is basically just giving it away to companies that would have built the projects anyways. When it comes to MasTec and Emcor, what really matters is getting Congress to pass an infrastructure bill, which doesn't seem likely to Cramer anytime soon. The first priority on their plate is clearly health care, and it could take time to find an Obamacare replacement. The good news is that even without an infrastructure bill, Cramer said these two companies still stand to benefit from the Trump administration because they do work in the oil and gas space, especially MasTec. Emcor is a bit more complicated because it recently reported a soft quarter with weaker-than-anticipated full-year guidance, which prompted the stock to get crushed. However, when Cramer dug into the quarter, he found that the losses that drove Emcor's earnings miss were mostly one-off issues. Even without the help from Washington, Emcor could do well because of growth in nonresidential construction, and MasTec because of its communications business that will gain strength with the implementation of 5G. Both companies could also benefit from a turnaround in oil and gas. "I like Emcor as a value play here, and MasTec is on fire, although I hate to chase, so I suggest you wait for a pullback in that one before you do any buying," Cramer said. "Or if you justifiably can't resist, then buy some now and wait to buy the rest until it comes in." 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 After Trump's speech, the shoe is now on the other foot. Investors wonder if Democrats could now break ranks and embrace the idea of repatriation of foreign cash and lowering the corporate tax rate. Before Tuesday, Cramer heard that some Republicans could break ranks with the President, making it almost impossible for anything to get done. "The impossible 24 hours ago now seems downright likely today, which is why we put on such a magnificent rally," the " Mad Money " host said. Jim Cramer didn't count on President Donald Trump showing up on Tuesday night in front of Congress with a tone that sounded presidential. Additionally, many traders on Wall Street believed that the rally had gone as far as it could go with Trump. After 13 days of a record-breaking winning streak, the market had become dull. The collapse of Target 's stock was like a fire alarm that investors had overstayed their welcome. "Of course, that all turned out to be wrong," Cramer said. First, investors should never short a dull market. Second, the market is full of bullish rotations. Groups that rallied first need to consolidate and then go higher, like they did on Wednesday. There was another element at work that isn't being discussed. "This is a bull market," Cramer said. When Cramer got into the stock market back in 1979, people could freely admit when there was a bull or a bear market. Those days are over now because anyone that says the bull is hard to bet against instantly becomes a target. It's just too easy to pull up the video and pick apart how that person was wrong if things go bad. On the other hand, no one ever openly criticizes the big money managers who tell investors to sell. They never get confronted for scaring investors out of potentially huge profits. "If everyone is cowed and so few have the courage to say 'this is a bull market and it is hard to bet against,' then you are going to have moments like today where the whole thing just explodes higher," Cramer said. That, coupled with a kinder and gentler Trump, Cramer said, explains how the bull suddenly came alive and trampled the bears. 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 Richard Mille is famous for making some of the most technologically advanced and expensive timepieces on the planet. Yet the man who pioneered the use of space materials in watches comes up with many of his ideas sitting in his 18th-century French castle, admiring his fleet of antique cars. "It's a paradox, I know," Mille told CNBC's "Secret Lives of the Super Rich." "I love everything that is modern and I live in a 1771 castle. And I have these old cars. Maybe I need to see a shrink!" Mille has built what some say is the most successful new luxury watch brand of the century. His watches, often priced at more than $800,000, usually sell out by the time they launch. And at a time when many luxury Swiss watch brands are stuck in recession, Mille's sales rose 20 percent last year to more than $220 million, according to industry data boosted by their extreme technological advances and limited production. Next to watches, cars are Mille's true passion. Specifically, old race cars. Rather than the typical office, Mille works from a plush garage on his Brittany estate that houses a fleet of some of the rarest and most important race cars of the past. From behind his upstairs desk, the watchmaker can look out over a collection of cars he calls "his babies." "In the morning when I come, I say, 'Hello, my babies,' and at night, when I leave, I say, 'Kiss kiss, have a good night.' It's friendly, I love that." Many of the cars are worth millions, though Mille bought them years ago before classic race cars started soaring in price. Among the favorites in his collection: legendary racer Bruce McLaren's first Formula One Car, the M2B from 1966. Mille said he's had repeat offers for the coveted piece of racing history but would never sell. "For me, it was a dream to own this car because it's one of the most important," he said. Another of Mille's favorite cars: The Ferrari 312B that won the 1970 Italian Grand Prix and was also driven by Mario Andretti. Experts say it's worth well over $3 million. "This car, for me, is the most beautiful Formula One ever," Mille said. He doesn't just admire his cars, he also drives them sometimes at a nearby track and sometimes on the small country roads near his estate. He says he loves to drive his Lancia Stratos, a legend of European rally races, to pick up fresh Normandy oysters from a nearby market. Mille also owns a rare 1970s Porsche 917 and a 16-cylinder Formula One racer. As different as they may seem, Mille said classic race cars share some of the same principles as his watches. The most important racers in history mark new moments in technological innovation, with a new experimental engine or new aerodynamics or design. "It's exactly what I like to do in the watches," Mille said. "Make pieces of art, doing something that represents a significant moment in watch history. These cars have got a meaning, have got a history." Indeed, Mille said his watches known as "racing machines for the wrist" derive much of their inspiration from his cars. Even though he competes in an industry dominated by companies that have been making watches for more than 100 years, Mille is always looking for the next breakthrough. "With these cars, engineers would have a crazy idea, and poof, they put it on the paper and they do it. So everything was coming from the imagination, from fantasy. But they make it happen," he said. Watch "Secret Lives of the Super Rich" on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. A consortium of Japanese banks is planning to use distributed ledger technology better known as blockchain from a Google-backed fintech start-up to make domestic and international payments. This follows a successful implementation of a pilot program, where the 47-member consortium used technology from blockchain start-up Ripple for a cloud-based payments platform called RC Cloud. The platform allows member banks to do real-time money transfers in Japan as well as make cross-border payments at a significantly lower cost. "The objective of the consortium is to make domestic and cross-border payment efficient by taking advantage of the latest distributed ledger technology available in the world," Emi Yoshikawa, Ripple's director of joint venture partnership, told CNBC. The consortium was launched in October and represents over 30 percent of all banks in Japan, according to Yoshikawa . Members include AEON Bank, Nomura Trust and Banking, Resona Bank and Mizuho . Many small banks that process low volumes of payments have to rely on their larger peers to clear the transactions because of a high fixed annual cost for membership at the clearing houses. As a result, they have little control over the fees they are charged per transaction, making it expensive and unprofitable. "Existing infrastructure favor high-volume processors," Dilip Rao, managing director for Asia Pacific at Ripple, told CNBC. "(They) get the cheapest price." This is where blockchain which is the basis for Ripple's technology comes in. It records and stores all of the transactions online securely on a peer-to-peer network, which eliminates the need to have an intermediary bank or a central hub to do the clearing and settlement. "With distributed ledger technology, it doesn't matter because the little guy can speak to another little guy and it's just as cheap if they did 10,000 transactions or two," Rao said. According to analysis done by Ripple, looking at retail remittances and corporate payments, distributed ledger technology has the potential to bring down transaction costs by 60 and 50 percent, respectively. Yoshikawa said she expects 10 to 20 more banks to join the consortium this year, which will bring the total number of members to between 50 and 60 about 40 percent of all Japanese banks. The commercial phase of RC Cloud is expected to start in the fall of this year. While Japan's adoption of technology is diverse from smartphones to smart cars its banking system has traditionally been conservative in adopting new technologies and systems. But in a bid to become a key fintech player in the region, Japanese authorities and banks are taking note of blockchain. The Bank of Japan has talked about exploring distributed ledger technology and its potential uses. Last year, the central bank announced a joint research project on blockchain with the European Central Bank. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, a member of the global blockchain consortium R3 and one of Japan's largest financial institutions, is looking to develop its own digital currency, MUFG Coin, for potential, large-scale commercialization and to serve small-scale retail bank customers. Rao said Japan was very different to the rest of the world when it came to new developments in fintech like blockchain. "They have had a lot of interest in bitcoin, blockchain and is more aware of crypto-currencies." Clarification: This article has been updated following a clarification about a quote from Emi Yoshikawa. Investors buoyed by President Donald Trump's speech to Congress piled into stocks on Wednesday, but veteran trader Art Cashin told CNBC "the bill is still yet to be paid." "It's going be interesting when we get to the changes in the debt ceiling, etc. They won't be able to talk their way through that. That's going to need action," the director of floor operations for UBS Financial Services said in an interview with "Closing Bell" on Wednesday. "The president's speech was masterful in the sense that he looked very presidential and that seemed to catch his opponents by surprise, but legislatively they've got a lot of work ahead of them." In his first speech to the joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, Trump reiterated his calls for tax reform and repealing and replacing Obamacare, as well as stressed his efforts so far to bring jobs and investments back to the U.S. Investors apparently liked what they heard. U.S. equities surged to all-time highs on Wednesday, with the the Dow closing above 21,000 for the first time. The climbed 1.4 percent to 2,395.96 after briefly breaking 2,400 for the first time. "What you learned about markets, which was not known before today, was that what they prefer is hearing what priorities are and what the resolve is as opposed to hearing details," Terry Haines, head of political analysis for Evercore ISI, told "Closing Bell." Carryn Owens, widow of Navy SEAL, William Ryan Owens, reacts after being recognized by President Donald Trump during his address to a joint session of Congress in the Capitol's House Chamber, February 28, 2017. Tom Williams | CQ Roll Call | Getty Images watch now The Associated Press quoted a senior U.S. official as describing a three-page list of information gathered from the compound, including information on al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's training techniques and targeting priorities. Pentagon officials confirmed that to NBC News, but other U.S. officials said the information on that list was neither actionable nor vital. One senior Pentagon official described the information gathered as "de minimis," and as material the U.S. already knew about. However, another U.S. official said the information contained hundreds of contact details from a variety of communications apps, suggesting possible links to the Europe and the U.S. Questions continue to swirl around an operation in which the Navy SEALs lost the element of surprise and quickly found themselves in a major firefight. The raid had first been proposed to the Obama administration, where officials viewed it as a significant and risky escalation. They decided to leave the decision about whether to launch to the Trump administration. watch now The leader of Silicon Valley's top start-up factory, Y Combinator, warned in a blog post published Wednesday that a lot of start-ups are raising too much money and in the process selling too much of their companies to investors. Sam Altman replaced Y Combinator founder Paul Graham as the organization's president in 2014, and has uncommon insight into trends in Silicon Valley start-ups, as hundreds of start-ups pass through Y Combinator every year. He noted that several years ago, when investor money was relatively scarce, the best advice to start-ups was to "raise as much as they reasonably could." But over the last five years, Altman says, there's been unprecedented demand from investors to put money into start-ups, and a lot of young companies are chasing unnecessary dollars and high valuations and in the process giving up way more of their companies than they should. He writes: It sounds like a better deal to raise $5 million on a $10 million pre-money valuation (selling 33% of the company to investors) than $615,000 at a $2.4 million pre-money valuation (selling ~20% of the company to investors, which is what Airbnb did). But this is only true if you put the money to exceptionally good use. Otherwise, you may end up with a lower dollar value of the equity you keep. Today, each percentage point of Airbnb is worth about $300 million. I expect them to be worth more in future. If you hope your company will one day be extremely successful, then treat your equity as such. He also warns that founders who sell too many shares in their companies early on will find it harder to raise rounds later. In other words, if you think you've got a hit on your hands, take only the money you absolutely need for growth, otherwise you'll be kicking yourself later. This advice comes on the eve of the largest tech IPO in several years: Snap, formerly known as Snapchat, is expected to go public on Thursday at a valuation of $24 billion. Snap co-founder Evan Spiegel clashed with early investor Jeremy Liew of Lightspeed Venture Partners over some of the terms of the investment, including Lightspeed's right of first refusal to later fundraising rounds, according to a report in The New York Times. The company later got Lightspeed to agree to drop those terms. Lightspeed still owns a little less than 2 percent of the company, which will be worth about $1.4 billion when Snap goes public tomorrow. The logo of SoftBank is displayed at an entrance of a shop in Tokyo's shopping district Ginza on February 8, 2017. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Tuesday it obtained a court order last month to freeze the assets of unknown traders who posted more than $3.6 million in profits on potential illegal insider trading before Softbank announced a deal to acquire Fortress Investment . The SEC has alleged that unknown customers of Singapore-based broker-dealer Maybank Kim Eng Securities and U.K.-based broker-dealer R.J. O'Brien Ltd. possessed material non-public information on the deal and purchased Fortress derivative securities known as contracts for difference (CFD). CFDs are prohibited in the U.S. After the market close on February 14, Japan-listed Softbank announced plans to acquire Fortress Investment for around $3.3 billion, or $8.08 a share, a nearly 39 percent premium over Fortress' closing share price on February 13. On February 15, Fortress shares surged nearly 29 percent to close at $7.99. The Singapore-based broker-dealers' customers purchased 950,000 Fortress common shares on February 14 before the market close and then entered orders to sell those shares the next day before markets opened for an around $1.7 million profit, the SEC statement said. "We are currently assisting, and extending our full cooperation to the relevant authorities investigating this matter. We wish to clarify that neither Maybank Kim Eng nor any of its employees is a party to this litigation," Maybank Kim Eng said in a statement to CNBC Asia. The U.K.-based broker-dealers' customers bought Fortress CFDs from February 10-14, representing around 1.055 million Fortress shares, then closed most of those contracts on February 15 for a profit of around $1.9 million, the SEC said. Do you feel safe browsing online? Have you ever been a victim of credit card fraud? Thirty-nine percent of North Americans have been affected by cybersecurity crime in the past year alone, Symantec Chief Executive Greg Clack told CNBC on Thursday. "I think that's a very big crisis." "I'm really excited about bringing digital safety to our customers," Clark said in an interview on "Squawk Box." And despite recent earnings misses from peers Palo Alto Networks and FireEye , Clark doesn't think there's "weakness" overall in the sector. Network security company Palo Alto Networks reported fiscal second-quarter revenue Tuesday that missed forecasts, and its shares plunged nearly 17 percent in after-hours trading. The company's stock was up slightly in early trading Thursday. In February, shares of FireEye plummeted on news the software maker's quarterly revenue fell short of expectations. The company also announced its chairman and chief financial officer were leaving the company. FireEye shares were up slightly in early trading Thursday. Symantec has a better story to tell, as the company has managed to drive revenue growth and top analysts' earnings expectations over the past three quarters, Clark said. "We feel really good about the future," he told CNBC, speaking specifically to the opportunities provided by Symantec's latest major LifeLock deal. Last November, Symantec announced it was acquiring U.S. identity theft protection services company for $2.3 billion, in a move that it hoped would boost sales at Symantec's Norton unit. "We feel good about taking Norton subscribers and offering them protection through LifeLock," Clark said in the "Squawk Box" interview. The LifeLock transaction is not expected to have a material impact on Symantec's 2017 financial results, and the company also reaffirmed its 2018 earnings guidance in a press release after the announcement in November. Symantec said it expects the purchase to be accretive to earnings in 2019. Shares of Symantec are up more than 22 percent for the year and more than 42 percent over the past 12 months, after a small gain Thursday morning. In 2007, the Corojo farm owned by the Eiroa family in the Jamastran Valley of Honduras began a program called Bayer CropScience. Developed by the Bayer Corporation, CropScience is a program of best practices for agriculture and manufacturing that promote concepts such as environmental, consumable crop safety, bio-friendly pesticides, industrial safety, and biosecurity. The Eiroas would become the first tobacco company to implement such a program Now ten years later, the Eiroa family continues to execute on these best practices and this program is an integral part to how the family approaches its business for both farming and cigar production. In addition, the tobacco operations of the Eiroa family remain the only ones to continue to follow and implement the Bayer CropScience program. It is a program that the Eiroas feel gives them a strategic advantage in the tobacco market. The Eiroa family was well-known for owning the Camacho Cigar brand. While the Corojo farm would implement Bayers Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for its agriculture operations, Camacho would implement Bayers Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). After the sale to Camacho to Davidoff, former Camacho President Christian Eiroa would go on to found the CLE Cigar Company. Meanwhile Christians father, Julio R. Eiroa, continued to run the Corojo farm. Late in 2015, Julio asked his other son, Justo Eiroa, to join him in not only running the Corojo farm, but also to help him launch his own cigar brands under JRE Tobacco Company. The Honduran-based operations of the Corojo farm, JRE Tobacco, and CLE Cigar Company have all continued implementation of the Bayer CropScience program. A couple of weeks ago, I had a chance to visit the operations of the Eiroas Corojo farm and Julio Eiroas factory where he produces the lines for JRE Tobacco Company. It not only provided me an opportunity to see their operations from seed to shop, but it also provided me an opportunity to see the Bayer CropScience program in action. Bayer CropScience is present from the moment you enter the Corojo farm or the factory area. In fact, as soon as I approached either area, I could not help but notice a bright green edifice. This structure serves as a disinfection station. This was a mandatory checkpoint where a series of disinfectant processes would take place before you could enter. The bright green color is indicative of the Bayer CropScience practices in action. It is present on buildings, signs, and other artifacts. Before entering the farm or factory, each of us was required to walk through a disinfectant chamber. As each of us walked through, we were sprayed with odorless disinfectant mist. After going through the Disinfectant Chamber, each of us headed over to a sink where we required to do a hand wash with two different types of disinfectant cleaners. On the Corojo farm, there was an extra step. While we were all required to exit our vehicle so we could go through the Disinfectant Chamber and Handwash, our vehicle was also subject to a spraying process. Before entering a building, such as the factory or a greenhouse at the farm, we were required to put our shoes through a disinfectant foot bath. Another important component of the Bayer CropScience program is the establishment of an on-site medical facility. I saw two of these facilities one on the Corojo farm and one adjacent to their factory. Bayer works with the Eiroas to set up the facilities and ensure that good medical practices are followed. The medical facilities are available to employees and their families. Each medical facility is staffed with an on-site doctor. There are a wide variety of medicines that are available at both the medical facility by the farm and the factory. And walking around the Corojo farm, the presence of Bayer CropScience is quite prominent. Other practices implemented include: no eating, no drinking, no smoking, and general cleanliness. As a part of the program, the operations are reviewed by the Bayer CropScience team on a regular basis to ensure they are being carried out in an efficient way. By implementing Bayer CropScience practices into the operations, the Eiroas made a decision to which they believe leads to better end products whether at the farm or the factory. From a personal standpoint, there was an extra level of satisfaction in the end products knowing that these practices are in play. From the various factories I have visited, I have not seen such a program at the level that the Eiroas are doing with Bayer CropScience. Finally, there is a cloud of uncertainty with the premium cigar industry now subject to regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One thing was quite clear, with the practices the Eiroas have implemented at their farm and factories, I believe they may have head start over the rest of the field. Photo Credits: Cigar Coop Attorney General Jeff Sessions denied meeting with any Russian officials during the course of the presidential election to talk about the Trump campaign, he told NBC News in exclusive remarks early Thursday. "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign," he said, "and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. And I don't have anything else to say about that." When asked about the calls by Democrats to recuse himself from investigating any alleged ties between Trump's surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government, Sessions added: "I have said whenever it's appropriate, I will recuse myself. There's no doubt about that." More from NBC News: Sessions Met With Russian Ambassador but Didn't Mislead Senate: Spokeswoman Democrats Demand Attorney General Jeff Sessions Resign Over Russian Meetings WH Ethics Office Says Kellyanne Conway 'Inadvertently' Plugged Ivanka Trump's Clothes Sessions' spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday night that he had met with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. before the presidential election last year in his capacity as a then-senator, raising questions about whether he misled fellow senators during his confirmation hearing in January. His spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, told NBC News on Wednesday that Sessions, who was a prominent Trump surrogate last year, did have a conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak last year. The meeting was first reported by The Washington Post. MSNBC tweet But she said "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer" because Sessions was asked during the hearing about "communications between Russia and the Trump campaign" and not about meetings he took as a member of the Armed Services Committee. Sessions had one private meeting with the Russian ambassador last September as part of his capacity as a senator, the Justice Department told NBC News. The other encounter came after he gave a speech at the Republican National Convention in July and a group of ambassadors approached him. He did not have a one-on-one meeting with the Russians at the time. Democrats have called for a select committee or special prosecutor to delve further into claims of Russian interference in November's election and whether the Russians yielded influence on the campaign. If Sessions is a potential witness in any investigation, he must decide whether to recuse himself, appoint a special prosecutor or do nothing. House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Thursday that he also thought Sessions should recuse himself from Russian-linked investigations. "I just think for any investigation going forward, it would be easier," McCarthy said. watch now Attorney General Jeff Sessions will remove himself from any current or future investigations related to President Donald Trump 's election campaign amid backlash over his testimony about contacts with Russia. But a late Thursday report from The Wall Street Journal raised questions about the use of his campaign funds for the trip to Cleveland to attend the Republican National Convention and where he met with the Russian ambassador. The report cited a person at the convention and campaign finance records. In a news conference Thursday, Sessions said Justice Department staff recommended that he recuse himself from probes "in any way" related to Trump's campaign. Critics questioned whether Sessions could be impartial in investigations related not only to Trump's campaign, but also the president's conduct more broadly, due to his role as an adviser to Trump's campaign. "I feel like I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in," Sessions said. He also defended his testimony in which he appeared to mislead senators about his contact with Sergey Kislyak, Russian ambassador to the United States. He said that, due to the framing of Democratic Sen. Al Franken's question to him, he "focused (his) answer on" whether he met the official in his role as a campaign surrogate, not his position as a then-senator. "In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said I did meet with one official a couple of times and that was the Russian ambassador," Sessions said Thursday. Sessions said he will send a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday or Friday clarifying his testimony. Attorney General Jeff Sessions answers questions during a press conference at the US Justice Department on March 2, 2017, in Washington DC. Nicholas Kamm | AFP | Getty Images Sessions has faced increasing pressure after a Washington Post report that he met twice with Kislyak before the 2016 presidential election. The report sparked questions about whether he contradicted his testimony to the Senate and prompted bipartisan calls for recusal from Russia-related probes. The top Democrats in both the Senate and House urged Sessions to resign. Sessions oversees the Justice Department and FBI, which have led investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election and any links between Russia and Trump associates. Sessions' recusal will put a deputy in charge of the investigations that relate to the Trump campaign, but it is not entirely clear how broad that recusal will be. Asked about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia during his January confirmation hearing, Sessions said he had "been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign." He said he "did not have communications with the Russians" and was unable to comment on alleged contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials. On Thursday, Sessions said "it's possible" that he met with Kislyak beyond the two times he acknowledged but is not sure. He added that he does not believe he met with any other Russian officials. Trump said Thursday that he has "total" confidence in Sessions as the top U.S. law enforcement official. Trump told pool reporters in Virginia that he thought Sessions "probably" testified truthfully about the issue during his confirmation hearing. Trump previously said he did not think the attorney general should recuse himself from any Russia-related investigations, which some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle urged. Trump joined House Speaker Paul Ryan and many Republicans in saying Sessions should not distance himself from Russia-linked investigations outright. A Democratic member of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, told MSNBC on Thursday that "recusal is a good step" but "it has to be broader than the campaign." After Sessions' remarks, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused him of making a "sorry attempt to explain away his perjury." She again called on him to "resign immediately." Trump has also defended former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, whose resignation was sparked by contradictions to top White House officials about his conversations with the same Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. Ryan noted that the House and Senate intelligence committees are still investigating the extent of Russia's influence in the 2016 presidential election and argued the probes are best served staying within the committees. He added that lawmakers have seen "no evidence" to determine that associates of the Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials. Hoping to remedy this inequality, Bialik and Rauch's five co-stars, including actress Kaley Cuoco, have reportedly agreed to take $100,000 pay cuts. This bold commitment is putting pressure on the network to provide something close to parity for all seven members of the cast: The money given up by their co-stars could be used to raise Bialik and Rauch's wages to $450,000 per episode. As Bialik's nominations prove, Bialik and Rauch have become integral to the show's world. Additionally, Rauch's character recently had a baby with Helberg's character. Both actresses would be sorely missed by fans if they were to leave the show, and they could use that popularity as leverage in the next round of negotiations like Emmy Rossum of Showtime's "Shameless" recently did. The altruism of the "Big Bang Theory" cast highlights the problem of wage inequality in the television industry. But TV is hardly the only sector with a pay gap. A Glassdoor report found that media had the fifth-largest gap in compensation between men and women. The healthcare industry is the most unequal. One survey reveals that the compensation gap between female and male partners at law firms in the U.S. is a massive 44 percent. Ideas to tackle the pervasive problem include having companies publish compensation data broken down by gender and banning negotiation altogether. Still, while discussions of the pay gap are common, coworkers making sacrifices to make compensation fairer across the board is not. The actions of the "Big Bang Theory" cast exemplifies one way that coworkers can help each other draw attention to the issue of, and negotiate for, pay equality. When debate heated up earlier this week concerning a major British book retailer's operation of stores resembling independent sellers a little too closely, some outraged customers accused the company of deception. But according to the managing director of Waterstones, the bookseller in question, this more unusual approach to branding is all part of his company's jostle for market share with online retail giant Amazon . James Daunt, Waterstones managing director, told CNBC via telephone that "the only way to counter Amazon" was to win customer loyalty, rather than reducing prices. For Daunt, this was best executed with an understanding of the "need to be idiosyncratic to high streets." As far as Waterstones was concerned, he was keen to "overturn the conventional idea of branding," that fonts, logos and signs should all be uniform. Daunt detailed that he was pushing a "culture change" at the company which embraced the mindset of independent sellers, and without doing so, fellow bookseller across the pond "Barnes & Noble will have a very tough time." Since the Waterstones story made national press in the U.K., Daunt said that he had received roughly 40 e-mails asking for such pseudo-independent shops to be opened in various areas across the country. The company is "only going into places where independent bookshops have been and closed," he added. Daunt clarified that while the shops in question operate under a completely different name, they are clearly run by Waterstones a major giveaway being that they accept company loyalty cards. Barnes & Noble, the largest bookseller in the U.S., told CNBC via e-mail that they were "testing various store concepts," though did not give any clues as to what these could be "for competitive reasons." According to the Office for National Statistics, the U.K. retail sales in its "Books, Newspapers & Periodicals" category has declined in the past few years, with weekly sales in 2016 being down six percent in comparison to a year earlier. Waterstones is not the only chain retailer to experiment with unbranded stores. Starbucks confirmed to CNBC via telephone that they currently operate one store under completely separate branding. Roy Street Coffee in Seattle has been open since 2009, describing itself on its website to be "inspired-by-Starbucks." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. While President Donald Trump , promising reform on healthcare, tax and a "great wall" on the southern border, his namesake son was also hard at work - to the north. Donald Trump Jr., leading his adult siblings - minus Ivanka - and their spouses, to the grand opening of the $360 million (Canadian dollar) Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver, in the face of local criticism. Mayor Gregor Robertson boycotted the ceremony; Vancouver City Councillor Kerry Jang told CNBC he believes the Trump brand is no longer a symbol of luxury. "It's now synonymous here with bigotry and sexism and that type of branding has no place in the city of Vancouver ... it's like a beacon of racism." Jang has led a local campaign against the new hotel, which the Trump Organizati on hails as the city's second-tallest building. "I think Donald Jr. called me disgusting and [said] I should be ashamed of myself. He also said that about the Mayor and the Premier of the Province. So you know it's typical Trump rhetoric." News of the latest Trump hotel comes as Insights West research showed 65 percent of British Columbians, and almost half of Canadians overall would be either 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to boycott a hotel, restaurant or store located in a Trump branded property. Electric vehicle (EV) charging network ChargePoint will expand into Europe after securing $82 million in funding. The funding round announced Thursday is the largest in the Silicon Valley company's history, and forms part of a larger Europe-focused fundraising round, which is expected to close above $100 million. It's being led by Daimler but other investors include the likes of BMW i Ventures, Linse Capital and Braemar Energy Ventures. The investment will enable ChargePoint which claims to be the largest EV charging network in the world - to expand its EV charging network in a new market, connecting businesses and drivers across Europe. The firm's Europe operations will be headquartered in Germany and Daimler executive Axel Harries is set to join ChargePoint's board of directors. ChargePoint currently connects more than 33,000 independently owned charging spots and over 7,000 sites across the U.S., Canada, Australia and, most recently, Mexico. The network enables consumers to charge under one uniform network, rather than requiring them to sign up to various different accounts. The expansion across Europe will see the firm concentrate initially on markets in Germany, France, the Netherlands and the U.K., where use of electric cars is most prevalent, however it plans to "follow demand" as it grows across new markets, ChargePoint's chief executive Pasquale Romano told CNBC. Top Democrats issued demands for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to immediately resign late Wednesday following news that he met with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the 2016 presidential campaign. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts were among those who called for the attorney general to step down. "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign," Pelosi said in a statement. "There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians." In a series of strongly worded tweets, Warren said that Sessions must step down. Tweet 1 And in a statement, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, said, "Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue." Tweet 2 In a statement Wednesday night, Sessions replied to news of his two meetings with Sergei Kislyak, the Russian Ambassador to the U.S.: "I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Sessions was asked during his confirmation hearings by Sen. Al Franken what he would do if he learned that "anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign," Sessions replied: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." More from NBC News: Officials: Still No Actionable Intel from Yemen SEAL Raid Why President Donald Trump Changed His Tone 'Dreamer' Applicant Arrested After Calling for Immigrant Protection Sessions' spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, told NBC News that the then-senator did have a conversation with Kislyak last year but that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer" at the hearing. Flores told NBC News that Sessions was asked about "communications between Russia and the Trump campaign, not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," so "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." While some Democrats were calling on Sessions to resign, other lawmakers intensified demands that a special prosecutor be named to lead an investigation into ties between Russian officials and Trump campaign aides. "This is even further proof of the need for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate Russian interference with the 2016 election," said Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee. Calls also mounted for Sessions to recuse himself from any investigation conducted by the FBI on the matter. "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians," said Rep. Adam Schiff, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. "This is not even a close call; it is a must," Schiff added. Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell: The mining equipment maker lost an adjusted 6 cents per share for its latest quarter, 3 cents a share less than analysts had been anticipating. Revenue was below Street forecasts, although the company said its cash flow is improving as commodity prices rebound. The Snapchat parent priced its initial public offering at $17 per share, above the expected range of $14 to $16 a share. That values the company at about $24 billion, in the biggest technology IPO since went public in 2014. Shake Shack reported adjusted quarterly profit of 9 cents per share, in line with estimates, while the restaurant chain's revenue beat forecasts. Comparable-store sales were less than analysts had been expecting, but the company did raise its sales guidance for the full year. Box lost 10 cents per share for its latest quarter, a loss that was 4 cents a share smaller than analysts had been anticipating. The cloud software provider did see revenue and billings beat estimates, and its cash flow has turned positive for the first time since it went public. Broadcom came in 15 cents above estimates, with adjusted quarterly earnings of $3.63 per share. The chip maker's revenue was slightly above Street projections. The company, which is a major supplier for , said it expects healthy demand for its products to continue. The drugmaker ended development of an experimental leukemia drug, after the treatment's toxicity led to a number of patient deaths. Juno had partnered with in development of the treatment. CEO Marissa Mayer will not get a 2016 cash bonus or a 2017 annual equity award, following an investigation into Yahoo's 2014 security breach. The probe found that Mayer and other senior executives did not "properly comprehend or investigate" the breach that led to more than 500 million accounts being compromised. The oilfield services company delayed its annual 10-K filing, saying it needed more time to complete an internal investigation of its financial reporting procedures. The company reported its first decline in annual profit since it was formed more than a decade ago. The beer brewer's results were hurt by depressed beer sales in Brazil, its second-largest market. The financial services giant announced new perks for holders of its high-end Platinum card, amid increasing competition in that part of the market from players like and . Among them: $200 a year in Uber rides, increased access to airport lounges, and higher credits for spending. The card's annual fee is increasing to $550 from $450. The food services company was added to the "Conviction Buy" list at Goldman Sachs. Goldman cites new contract wins and expanding profit margins, among other factors. The Victoria's Secret parent reported a February same-store sales drop of 10 percent, wider than the 4.7 percent consensus estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. For an entrepreneur who has built a social media empire on the idea that people like to share what's going on in their lives immediately and often, Evan Spiegel is obsessed with privacy. He doesn't give much away. He doesn't tweet or post on Instagram. In fact, the easiest way to find pictures of Spiegel online is to follow his fiancee, Australian model Miranda Kerr. Snap's irreverence in its public filing is in line with the way Spiegel has run Snap, as well as his own life. To begin with, the company is located in Venice Beach, Calif., not Silicon Valley. "We love LA, our office is on the beach, and that's pretty nice," Spiegel said at a reCode conference in 2015. "Frankly, for us, it's nice to get a little space from everything going on there, so we can really focus on our business." Spiegel, the son of two successful lawyers, grew up privileged in Los Angeles. In high school, he wrote out a budget to convince his parents that he deserved a monthly allowance of almost $2,000. Spiegel dropped out of Stanford when he was just a few credits shy of graduating to work full-time on Snapchat. In 2014, a cache of leaked emails between Spiegel and his fraternity brothers when he was in college at Stanford revealed an offensive attitude towards women. He has since apologized. In 2013, Facebook tried to buy Snapchat for $3 billion. Then only 23 years old, Spiegel refused the offer. The media response was incredulous. A college dropout shut the door in Zuckerberg's face? Why? According to a Forbes profile, Spiegel said, "There are very few people in the world who get to build a business like this. I think trading that for some short-term gain isn't very interesting." In a 2015 address delivered at the USC Marshall Undergraduate Commencement, Spiegel framed his decision somewhat differently. "I'm asked one question most often: 'Why didn't you sell your business? It doesn't even make money. It's a fad. You could be on a boat right now. Everyone loves boats. What's wrong with you?'" But, he said, "I am now convinced that the fastest way to figure out if you are doing something truly important to you is to have someone offer you a bunch of money to part with it." We are who we are today, right now. Evan Spiegel co-founder of Snap Spiegel intended Snapchat to be the social media platform where users can live in the moment as their more authentic, unpolished selves. "This traditional social media view of identity is actually quite radical: You are the sum of your published experience. Otherwise known as: Pics or it didn't happen. Or, in the case of Instagram, beautiful pics or it didn't happen AND you're not cool," Spiegel said in a speech he delivered to the AXS Partner Summit conference in 2014. "Snapchat says that we are not the sum of everything we have said or done or experienced or published. We are the result," he said. "We are who we are today, right now. "We no longer have to capture the 'real world' and recreate it online. We simply live and communicate at the same time." His idea has resonated. Snapchat sees 161 million daily active users globally, with 60 million of those in the United States and Canada. Those users spend between 25 and 30 minutes a day on the platform. As a manager, Spiegel says he knows he has some work to do. He's decisive, but he changes his mind frequently. "I'm not a great manager. I try to be a great leader. And for me that's been going through a process of, not how to be a great CEO but how to be a great Evan, and that's really been the challenge," Spiegel said at the reCode conference. And he's had to move fast, since the industry does. "I think the key thing there, in all that, is just trying to grow as quickly as possible," Spiegel said. "Again, I probably can't say this enough, but we're in a business that is growing really, really quickly, and at the same time evolving and changing really, really quickly." In his commencement address, Spiegel also reflected on why he participated in his Stanford graduation ceremony, even though he hadn't completed enough coursework to graduate. He attended because, in the moment, he "didn't want to be left out," but, he said, "it only recently occurred to me, while preparing this address, how totally absurd this whole charade was. It reminded me that oftentimes we do all sorts of silly things to avoid appearing different." I am now convinced that the fastest way to figure out if you are doing something truly important to you is to have someone offer you a bunch of money to part with it. Evan Spiegel co-founder, Snap Spiegel advocated for having the courage to defy expectations. "Conforming happens so naturally that we can forget how powerful it is. We want to be accepted by our peers, we want to be a part of the group. It's in our biology. But the things that make us human are those times we listen to the whispers of our soul and allow ourselves to be pulled in another direction." Also in the speech, Spiegel told the story of Bob Rauschenberg erasing the work of his artistic idol Bill de Kooning. The effort took Rauschenberg two months, and then their contemporary, Jasper Johns, framed the results. "I love this story because Bill de Kooning had the humility to recognize that the greatest thing we can do is provide the best possible foundation for those who come after us. We must welcome our own erasure." "No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth." Plato "This country has shed more blood for the freedom of other people than all the other nations in the history of the world combined, and I'm tired of people feeling like they've got to apologize for America." Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN) In a time of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act. George Orwell, the author of 1984 "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.""Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.""A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example."Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right. Former French Economy Minister, Founder and Leader of the political movement 'En Marche !' and candidate for the 2017 French Presidential Election Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during his meeting on February 4, 2017 in Lyon, France. French presidential candidate and current frontrunner Emmanuel Macron on Thursday criticised the protectionist and environmental policies of U.S President Donald Trump. "Mr Trump would be making a grave mistake by going back on his predecessor's commitments towards the climate," said Macron, speaking after he unveiled his election manifesto. Alexa may have stolen the show at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year, but it's Assistant that is in the limelight now. At the Mobile World Congress, one of the biggest industry conferences in the world, device makers launched a number of smartphones that come with Google Assistant already installed. Google Assistant is the search giant's artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant to rival Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Cortana. It was introduced last year to replace Google Now, and was originally only available on the company's Pixel smartphones, its smart home speaker called Google Home, and via its chat app Allo. But on Monday, Google said it is beginning to roll out Assistant to all phones running its Android operating system version 6.0 or newer. Google Assistant was introduced on LG's new G6 smartphone and the HMD Global Nokia devices at MWC. watch now The U.S. technology giant's move comes after Amazon continues to aggressively push Alexa onto new devices. At CES, Amazon announced Alexa would be integrated with LG refrigerators and even Ford cars. But it began to step on Google's feet when Amazon announced that Alexa would be on the Huawei Mate 9 smartphone in the U.S., which runs Android. "It is little surprise Google has come out with all guns blazing at MWC. It must be reeling from the decision to include Amazon's Alexa on the Mate 9 when it was announced," Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC by email on Tuesday. "Amazon has taken an early lead with Alexa and Google needs to exploit the enormous reach of Android smartphones to rapidly get the Google Assistant into the hands of consumers before they get wedded to the Alexa ecosystem." Nearly 9 of every 10 smartphones globally run Android, giving Google a huge consumer base to start off with. "I think in general, whether this is rolling out to lots of devices or not, we now have user feedback, it will help us improve the product," Gummi Hafsteinsson, product management director at Google, told CNBC in an interview at MWC on Tuesday. "The engagement is more important to that than anything else. We get both positive and negative feedback and use that to make the product better. Hopefully, we will see the product get better faster." Sundar Pichai, chief executive officer of Google Inc., discusses the Google Pixel virtual assistant during a Google product launch event in San Francisco on Oct. 4 2016. Michael Short | Bloomberg | Getty Images Russia's attempt to influence elections is nothing new, former CIA Director James Woolsey told CNBC on Thursday. But the United States should take a novel approach in how it retaliates, he said. "The Russians have been doing this for decades in one way or another," Woolsey, who is now a partner at Lux Capital Management, said in an interview with "Power Lunch" from the sidelines of the YPO Edge summit in Vancouver, British Columbia. Woolsey, who served as director of the CIA under President Bill Clinton, said Russian intelligence normally goes after different religious groups, as well as elections around the globe. "What's new is to use cyber in trying to influence their neighbors' elections, including us. And that's something we shouldn't put up with," he said. Woolsey thinks that instead of just investigating the role of Russian intelligence, the U.S. should go after Russia where it hurts its economy. He suggests automobiles in the U.S. have the ability to use more than one fuel, such as methanol or wood alcohol, so that when drivers fill up, they have a choice. "That would make the Russians very unhappy and I think probably a lot more willing to be decent." U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia used hackers to try to meddle in the 2016 U.S. election. There have also been questions about contacts between those in President Donald Trump's camp and Russian officials. On Wednesday night, it surfaced that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign. On Thursday, Sessions told NBC News that he did not meet with "any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign." His spokeswoman said the discussions came in his capacity as a senator on the Armed Services Committee. As McDonald's "confronts the reality" of its need to revive its business, the company is placing a big bet on mobile and other tech platforms. Adopting mobile ordering has given many restaurant chains a boost, but it hasn't come without pain, even for industry leaders like Panera and Starbucks . Starbucks, which has seen great success with its mobile order and pay app, reported in January that an increase in digital orders actually hurt its same-store sales. Congestion at the hand-off counter caused incoming customers to leave without making a purchase, despite lines at the register being short, Kevin Johnson, Starbucks' president and soon-to-be CEO, said, at the time. McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook told CNBC on Thursday that the company has been "mindful" of the additional demands and are working to create a platform that suits the needs of both the customer and the kitchen. "We've been very mindful that if we're going to be creating demand, can we meet that demand?" Easterbrook said on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." "Can our kitchens keep up and our managers do a great job? So, we will actually link from end to end as your place your order and it's integrated into our kitchen operation so we can actually meet the demand that we'll be creating. So we're confident there's no hurdles as we grow our business." The golden arches was late to the mobile game, but is expected to launch the product in 20,000 restaurants by the end of 2017. McDonald's also is adding self-service ordering kiosks to its restaurants. "We find customers prefer the kiosks because, particularly larger groups or moms with kids, like to spend a bit more time, they can dwell, they can have fun putting the order together, they can customize it easier and they don't have that stress that sometimes they feel at the front counter when they feel rushed," Easterbrook said. He noted that all of its restaurants in France have been fully integrated with this technology. There they found it also decongests the area at the front counter. "It's a win for customers and smooths our operation as well, which is great," he said. The kiosks are part of McDonald's "experience of the future," which is coming to about 650 restaurants this year, bringing the chain's number of these stores to nearly 2,500. The burger giant will also be exploring delivery in the U.S. in an attempt to meet customer demand and changes in how consumers want to get their food. McDonald's already has a large delivery presence in Asia which accounts for 10 percent of system sales in that market and is hoping to capitalize on the growing industry demand by offering delivery in America. It is currently testing out several models, both in-house and via third-party providers. Easterbrook noted that 75 percent of the population in its top five markets the U.S., France, the U.K., Germany and Canada are within three miles of a McDonalds and 85 percent are within five miles of a chain. "The reality is the customer demand exists already for home delivery," Easterbrook said. "So, it's not like we have got to go out and create a market. There's a market there that we simply do not currently meet." The story for retail in Hong Kong is not exactly new, and it's not exactly rosy. Continuing the decline for the 23rd month, the territory's retail sales for the month of January fell 0.9 percent on year. The drop is smaller than in December, but that could be the effect of the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday falling in January rather than February. The Hong Kong government supported this viewpoint, saying it would "be more meaningful to examine the figures for January and February combined, when available, to have a clearer picture of the underlying trend." The slowdown in inbound tourism, the rise of e-commerce and sky-high rents have for a while squeezed business for Hong Kong retailers. Now, the Hong Kong dollar (pegged to the U.S. dollar) has strengthened against the Chinese yuan , and is hurting business as well. Dickie Wong, executive director of research at Kingston Financial Group, told CNBC that mainland Chinese shoppers are now opting to go to Europe instead of Hong Kong because currency changes mean the price difference between China and Hong Kong on big-ticket items has narrowed. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told CNBC on Thursday he got emotional at times during President Donald Trump's address to Congress. When Trump honored fallen Navy SEAL Williams Ryan Owens and his widow, Carryn Owens, the California Republican said he was "brought to tears." "It was a moving experience," McCarthy said on "Squawk Box." Carryn Owens, who attended the Tuesday night speech, cried during the tribute and thunderous applause. The president also defended the special forces strike that killed Owens in Yemen. Trump authorized the air and ground attack, which came on Jan. 29, nine days after he took office. Planning started while President Barack Obama was in office. Owens' father, Bill, sharply criticized Trump, telling The Miami Herald he cringed at the thought of having to shake the president's hand at the ceremony for the arrival of the fallen SEAL's remains at Dover Air Force Base. "I told them I didn't want to make a scene about it, but my conscience wouldn't let me talk to him," Owens told the newspaper. Trump said in his address: "I just spoke to [Defense Secretary James Mattis] ... who reconfirmed that, and I quote, 'Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies.' Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity." Trade rules between Canada and the United States are about to change, big-league. Minimizing damage to Canada will be the Canadian government's biggest challenge. Under normal circumstances, you'd expect some give-and-take negotiations, with net positives for both the United States and Canada. But we are not dealing with a traditional Washington. There are two sources of upheaval; both come from the GOP. The first is congressional Republicans' "A Better Way" plan, which includes a 20 percent border tax on imports and tax exemption of U.S. exports. The second is President Donald J. Trump's interest in "tweaking" Canada-U.S. trade. Something will give. President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the White House on Feb. 13, 2017. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images Today, Canada-U.S. trade is essentially balanced (unlike U.S. trade with Mexico), but its impact is different in each country. Roughly 25 percent of Canada's GDP stems from trade with the United States, but American trade with Canada accounts for merely 2 percent of U.S. GDP. Canada has little economic leverage to negotiate at a federal level, and changes to the trade rules hit Canada harder than the United States. The biggest change in the congressional Better Way blueprint is the addition of a consumption tax. All well and good, except it excludes taxation of exports, which is great for an inward-looking "America First" supporters but poor for trade partners like Canada. The border tax idea would effectively end NAFTA and its predecessor, the underlying Free Trade Agreement. Economists predict the Canadian economy could lose at least 1.5 percent of GDP because of such new trade barriers. Canada would be forced to retaliate. A weaker Canada will have less productivity to share with the United States. Right now there's more juice to be squeezed from Canada, but the United States can expect diminishing returns as the Canadian economy retracts from American protectionism. A smaller apple produces less juice, even if you squeeze it harder. Canadian politicians have pointed out the disproportionate impact Canadian trade has on 35 U.S. states. ... Finding a way to get the states and provinces to the table could be Canada's best strategy. Canada's government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has adopted a smart approach get ahead of change, and show great eagerness to engage with the United States. Negotiate bilaterally and quickly without Mexico at the table. This strategy might mitigate damage, but it's unlikely negotiations will result in concessions to Canada, such as a change in dispute mechanisms. For example, Canada's longstanding desire to change the softwood lumber rules to allow subsidies will not be solved. It may get worse. Canadian politicians have pointed out the disproportionate impact Canadian trade has on 35 U.S. states. It is conceivable the GOP may carve out the deeply integrated supply chains for manufacturing and commodities exchange that occur under NAFTA in these 35 states. Effectively, this would create a 'mini NAFTA.' Actually, more like a renegotiation of the FTA and Auto Pact. Politicians in the 35 states may pressure the federal government to maintain elements of the status quo. Their supply chain is so well integrated, the job upheaval would be punishing for all involved. Those states would neither want a trade war nor the decrease in economic activity resulting from new trade rules. Finding a way to get the states and provinces to the table could be Canada's best strategy. Trump's idea of 'tweaking' don't trust it watch now First, the latest: On Wednesday night, it surfaced that Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign. Sessions' office confirmed those reports on Thursday. A Sessions spokeswoman said the meetings came as part of Sessions' job as a senator on the Armed Services Committee. Sessions was a U.S. senator for Alabama before being appointed to President Donald Trump's cabinet. I didn't have did not have communications with the Russians. Jeff Sessions U.S. Attorney General, during his confirmation hearing But during his confirmation hearing on Jan. 10, Sessions said "I didn't have did not have communications with the Russians," when asked directly by Senator Al Franken about alleged "continuing exchange of information" between Trump surrogates and the Russian government during the presidential campaign. Franken's question came about because U.S. intelligence agencies including the NSA, CIA and FBI concluded that Russia used hackers to try to sabotage America's 2016 presidential election. Those attacks against U.S. democracy prompted the Obama administration to slap sanctions on Russia, which already was under 2014 sanctions for attacking Ukraine. Trump said on Thursday afternoon that he does not think Sessions should recuse himself from the investigation into ties between Trump's surrogates and Moscow, though several Democratic and Republican lawmakers have said he should not oversee a probe into his own administration. Here's a round-up of other links and alleged links between Trump's inner circle and Vladimir Putin's Russia: Michael Flynn was untruthful about his contacts with Russia Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned Feb. 13 after scrutiny into his discussions about the Russia sanctions with some of the country's officials ahead of Trump's inauguration. watch now Flynn admitted that he misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about his communications with Russia's ambassador about U.S. sanctions in the weeks before Trump took office. Pence, who was initially kept in the dark after others in the White House discovered that Flynn had been untruthful, repeated Flynn's false claims unknowingly. Trump denies that he asked Flynn to talk to the Russians about sanctions. Paul Manafort was linked to a Putin puppet Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign chairman until August of last year, left the campaign after reports linked him to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who helped Russian President Vladimir Putin in his efforts to control Ukraine. The Associated Press had reported that emails showed a firm run by Manafort carried out a covert Washington lobbying operation on behalf of Yanukovych's party to influence American public opinion between 2012 and 2014. Trump admires Vladimir Putin, and says so Trump repeatedly expressed admiration and respect for Putin throughout his campaign. On Sept. 7, Trump said Putin had been a leader of his own nation "far more" than President Barack Obama had been of the United States, adding that Putin "has very strong control over a country. Now, it's a very different system and I don't happen to like that system." Trump said repeatedly during the campaign that he had no relationship with Putin, but in a 2013 interview he said "I do have a relationship with Putin ..." TWEET: Does Donald Trump have a relationship with Vladimir Putin? There have also been multiple reports linking Trump's business interests to Russia. Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., told Russian daily Kommersant that "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets," adding that "we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia." Vladimir Putin runs Russia as virtual dictator, and the country has no legally guaranteed freedoms. Russia fomented a civil war in neighboring Ukraine and annexed one of its provinces after Ukraine kicked Yanukovych out of office and put pro-Western leadership in his place. The Associated Press contributed to this report. LafargeHolcim is "ideally positioned" to profit from substantial infrastructure spending in the U.S. according to Chief Executive Eric Olsen, after the world's largest cement maker reported better-than-expected earnings results Thursday. Olsen said the Swiss-French company, which is the leading cement producer in the U.S., would stand to make significant gains following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on Tuesday that he will seek approval from Congress for a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. "We believe we stand to benefit very well from these investments going forward a trillion (dollars) of investments in infrastructure is a real commitment," Olsen told CNBC on Thursday. The bullish outlook for the U.S.'s leading cement producer followed better-than-expected earnings figures in the final three months of 2016. LafargeHolcim reported adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of 1.61 billion Swiss francs ($1.59 billion) which beat the average analyst forecast of 1.52 billion francs in a Reuters poll. "I think the important thing to remember about the U.S. is that, yes there is going to be, we believe, a big commitment and a big increase in infrastructure investment but as well the overall cycle in our industry is on the upswing. And we would expect (this upswing) to continue to be that way at least for the next three, four (or even) five years," Olsen added. However, LafargeHolcim's earnings were somewhat tainted as the company confessed to taking "unacceptable" measures in order to keep its Syrian plant open, after allegations had surfaced its employees had dealt with arms groups in the country. "For us at LafargeHolcim, (the code of business conduct) is absolutely uncompromising," Olsen told CNBC on Thursday. "We will take all the necessary measures to address this situation," he concluded. Several Republican lawmakers on Thursday called for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from investigations into any alleged ties between President Donald Trump's surrogates and the Russian government. Another top Republican, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, appeared to support the idea but later issued a clarification. Sessions, a Trump campaign surrogate, is under increasing pressure following a Washington Post report that he met twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States before the 2016 presidential election. The report appears to contradict his denial in confirmation testimony to the Senate. On Thursday, Sessions told NBC News that he did not meet with "any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign." His spokeswoman said they came in his capacity as a senator on the Armed Services Committee. Sessions oversees the Justice Department and FBI, which have led investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election and any links between Russia and Trump associates. Sessions told NBC on Thursday that he will recuse himself "whenever it's appropriate," but did not say he will distance himself from Russia-related investigations specifically. Asked about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia during his January confirmation hearing, Sessions said he had "been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign. He said he "did not have communications with the Russians" and was unable to comment on alleged contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials. On Thursday, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz told MSNBC he thinks Sessions should recuse himself from Russia-related investigations. "Based on what we've read and the information is not complete I think the attorney general should further clarify and I do think he's going to need to recuse himself at this point," the Utah Republican said. He added that he came to his conclusion because of how Sessions answered questions in his testimony. Chaffetz tweet: AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself McCarthy, R-Calif., also told MSNBC he thought it would be "easier" for Sessions to step back from any potential Russia-linked investigations. "I think, the trust of the American people you recuse yourself in these situations ," he said on "Morning Joe." "I don't have all the information in front of me, I don't want to pre-judge, but I just think for any investigation going forward you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation, that there's no doubt within the investigation I think it would be easier from that standpoint." However, McCarthy later backtracked on "Fox and Friends," saying "I'm not calling on him to recuse himself." He added that "it's amazing how people spin things so quickly." Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said it "would be best for him and the country" if Sessions recused himself from investigations. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also said it would be best for Sessions stepped back from any probes. Many Democrats urged Sessions to recuse himself, while some went a step further in their responses to the Post report. Lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts called on him to resign. However, many Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, defended Sessions' actions and signaled they would not push for him to recuse himself from Russia-linked investigations. Editor's note: This story was updated with McCarthy saying he is not calling for Sessions to recuse himself. Cans of Monster Energy Drink are displayed on a shelf at a convenience store in Kentfield, Calif. Shares of Monster Beverage closed up more than 12 percent on Thursday after the energy drink maker posted better-than-expected quarterly revenue and announced a new $500 million stock buyback plan. On Wednesday, the Corona, California-based beverage company reported fourth-quarter earnings of 30 cents per share, in line with estimates, on revenue of $753.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters forecast revenue of $722.2 million. "We are pleased to report continued progress on the strategic alignment of our distribution system with Coca-Cola bottlers, both domestically and internationally," Monster Beverage Chairman and CEO Rodney Sacks said in a statement. Monster Beverage's board of directors also approved a new buyback program for the repurchase of up to $500 million of the company's outstanding common stock. The timing of the share repurchases will depend on several factors, including market conditions, the company said. Monster Beverage's stock is up more than 6 percent year-to-date. When President Donald Trump fired now-former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn last month for meeting with the Russian ambassador during the transition period, the Democrats clearly smelled blood in the water. Now their feeding frenzy is fixed on Attorney General Jeff Sessions for meetings he had during the election period with the very same Russian ambassador that he failed to disclose. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer has even just joined a chorus from his party calling on Sessions to resign. This is a scandal! A Conspiracy! The end of the Republic! Not so much. In fact, while it was bad enough to lose Flynn, if Sessions is forced to step down it will be worse news for the White House, America, and even the anti-Trump Democrats who can't let go of their still unproven Russian conspiracy theories. There are two big reasons why. First, there is simply no evidence of any wrongdoing and even the "appearance of impropriety" argument here is more than a normal stretch. Second, this particular Russian conspiracy nonsense is doing serious damage to the entire country politically and culturally. And the people promoting this theory are actually suffering the most damage themselves. Let's start with the "evidence" in this case. It turns out one of the "meetings" was an informal encounter on the sidelines of the GOP convention in July. The second appears to have been a routine visit by Ambassador Sergey Kislyak to Sessions' office in September when Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services committee. As for allegations that Sessions lied under oath by not disclosing these meetings during his confirmation hearings, Sessions spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said there was nothing "misleading about his answer" to Congress because he was asked during the hearings about "communications between Russia and the Trump campaign, not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee." And Flores later noted that in 2016, Sessions had over 25 conversations and meetings with foreign ambassadors. A closer look at the actual questions and their context in the hearings sure seems to prove Flores right. Senator Al Franken asked Sessions a question about campaign dealings and here's how that exchange went: Franken: If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign what will you do? Sessions: Senator Franken, I'm not aware of uh any of those activities. I had been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communication with the Russians and I'm unable to comment. Other than Sessions not adding the phrase "about the campaign," after saying "I did not have communication with the Russians," there's no "there" there. Watch the video for yourself of the exchange and decide if you see anything resembling a big lie or scandal at all. In America, we don't indict senators on committees that deal with foreign relations for having meetings with the officially recognized ambassadors of major powers. The encounter at the Republican Convention also appears to have occurred in a group setting and can hardly be called a "meeting." And the question he was asked during his confirmation hearing was clearly about formal and/or nefarious Russian involvement in the Trump campaign and not connected to his routine meetings a member of the Senate. Sessions was never even working directly with the Trump campaign anyway, he was simply an early supporter of the candidate. All of that distinguishes Sessions greatly from Flynn, who allegedly discussed U.S.-led sanctions against Russia late last year. But we have a bigger problem than just the fact that so many people are jumping to wild conclusions about Sessions with no evidence. The more dire issue is that we have two sources for this Russian hysteria who don't seem to care how much damage they're causing along the way. The first source is the Democratic Party, which has become obsessed with creating a retroactive election scandal and a scapegoat for its stunning loss in that election. That's a big problem for everyone because it keeps the Democrats from coming to grips with the true reason for their loss and reconnecting with the voters who rejected them in November. And for non-Democrats, this is bad news because whipping up anger and fear over supposed foreign tampering in our election sets an unnecessarily nasty tone to our already broken political dialogue. But don't just blame the Democrats for this obsession. Because the second source of the Russian scandal hysteria is the political class that includes lots of elected Republicans and a boatload of federal bureaucrats and their allies in the news media. Right on cue, we started hearing from them last night when Republican Senator Lindsey Graham basically called for a special prosecutor to look into allegations of Russian connections to the Trump campaign. Graham's statement was the anchor for the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza's analysis this morning saying that it will be "suicide" for the GOP if they don't appoint a special prosecutor. Cillizza has that half right. If the GOP appoints a special prosecutor and shines an indefinitely long-lasting light on this alleged scandal, it will be suicide alright, but suicide for the Democrats who will be all that much more distracted by a story that will keep them from fixing all the problems that lost them the White House in 2016 and the Congress in 2014. The only question is whether the Republican Congressional leadership will be Machiavellian enough to realize this and feed this one-sided destructive frenzy. You can already hear the 2018 GOP midterm congressional candidates shouting at every campaign rally something to the tune of: "While the Democrats were focused on a baseless Russian conspiracy theory, we were bringing jobs back to America!" In other words, the Democrats better be careful what they wish for on this one. And let's be honest about why Sessions is being targeted, because there are probably other members of the White House team that have had innocuous and routine meetings with Russian officials over the last 12 months. Sessions is the point man on policies the Democrats and the political class abhor, especially the promised crackdown on illegal immigration and increased voter ID laws. These are issues the left is understandably worried about as they believe they will affect their election chances for decades to come. Like Flynn, whose unique focus on radical Islam as the only serious cause of global terror put him at odds with the political class during his time in the Obama administration, Sessions has already slayed some sacred cows. In that sense, Sessions is more of a danger to them than President Trump himself. That said, Sessions should probably recuse himself from any probe into Russia's ties to the Trump campaign. Even some Republicans like Congressman Jason Chaffetz have called for that. Frankly, that would probably be doing Sessions a favor as that will help him focus on his more important goals at the Justice Department. There's nothing for Sessions to gain by even appearing to have any oversight into such an investigation. But that's as far as Sessions should go. This attempt to undermine the election results by picking off members of the Trump cabinet needs to stop now or it will never stop. President Trump and Flynn seem to have caved under the pressure because of what still looks like harmless disclosure foul ups on Flynn's part. It may have been the most honorable thing to do, but it sent the wrong message of encouragement to overly partisan forces with little or no concern for the collateral damage their vindictive campaign is doing to the republic. And after Tuesday night's speech by President Trump drew uncharacteristically bi-partisan praise, the anti-Trump forces seem to be getting more desperate and dangerous than ever. Yes, the timing of this Sessions news coming right after the successful speech is suspect, too. America seems to have really liked the message and the messenger they heard it from Tuesday night, and not a scandal that still has no real evidence to back it up. It's time for the Democrats to calm down for their own good and the administration to show some backbone for the country. Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny. For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter. Obama administration officials rushed to ensure intelligence of Russia's suspected election hacking and possible connections to Donald Trump's campaign was preserved after they left office, The New York Times reported. Citing three anonymous former U.S. officials, the Times said the goal in the final days of the Obama administration was to leave evidence for future investigators and to prevent future meddling in U.S. elections. The sources told the Times that U.S. allies had provided information of meetings in European cities between Russian officials and associates of Trump. U.S. intelligence agencies also intercepted communications of Russian officials discussing contacts with Trump associates, the Times reported. On Thursday, embattled Attorney General Jeff Sessions denied to NBC News that he had met with any Russian officials during the course of the presidential election to talk about the campaign. With one Republican House leader calling for him to recuse himself from the Russia investigation, Sessions added: "I have said whenever it's appropriate, I will recuse myself. There's no doubt about that." Read the full report from The New York Times here. Editor's note: This story was updated after House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he is not calling for Sessions to recuse himself. Rex Tillerson will act only in the nation's best interests now that he is secretary of State, the man who succeeded him as Exxon Mobil chief told CNBC. "Having worked with Rex for many years, Rex is going to make the decision that is best for our country," Darren Woods said in a "Squawk Box" interview that aired on Thursday. "His personal circumstances or where he was in the past, I have no doubt that is not going to play in his decision making." Asked if he's spoken recently to Tillerson, Woods said, "He's been pretty busy, and I've been pretty busy." Since Exxon has business with Russia, Tillerson was questioned extensively during his confirmation hearing about his ties to Moscow, and whether he perceives Russian President Vladimir Putin as a friend or foe of the U.S. in light of intelligence showing Russia tried to meddle in the 2016 presidential election. "I don't really have a view or a prognosis on the relationship between our countries," Woods said. "We have a mix of businesses in Russia, we have a very successful business on the east coast that is not affected by the sanctions. We continue to invest and manage [there]." Woods spoke to CNBC on Wednesday at the New York Stock Exchange, where Exxon held its annual meeting with analysts. He said if he needs help navigating his new job as chairman and CEO of the world's largest publicly traded oil producer, he'll seek counsel from resources within the company. "I have a great board. We have a very experienced, knowledgeable, diverse board all are very supportive. I had a year as a president serving on the board to get to know all of them," Woods said. "Any questions I've got ... they're my first stop." The 52-year-old Woods was elevated to president of the company in 2016 in preparation for the 64-year-old Tillerson's mandatory retirement at age 65. The succession plan was speeded up late last year when Tillerson became President Donald Trump's pick for secretary of State. Woods formally took the helm on the first of the year. watch now Saudi Arabia is committed to integrating its financial markets with the rest of the world, the country's market regulator told CNBC, as for the debut listing of state-owned oil and gas company Saudi Aramco. The Kingdom aspires to become the Middle East's de-facto capital market and one of the world's largest, Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, vice chairman of Saudi Arabia's Capital Markets Authority (CMA), told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Thursday. "That can be a big driver of economic growth in the country." Saudi Arabia is the world's top oil exporter and the flow of petrodollars through its economy and around the world is a potent source of investment capital. In order to achieve the aim of capital market hub, Saudi Arabia is changing regulatory requirements to gain more foreign players, reflected by recent changes to qualified foreign investor (QFI) rules. As of June 2015, certain QFIs could directly trade on the local stock exchange, known as the Tadawul. Last year, QFIs also became eligible to subscribe to initial public offerings (IPOs). The Kingdom is also changing its market settlement policies, moving to the international 'T+2' settlement cycle from its previous 'T+0' cycle to better satisfy foreign investors. The Saudi Stock Exchange, also known as the Tadawul All Share Index, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Simon Dawson/Bloomberg/Getty Images "We think of it as someone who has a beta max video in a VHS world. It doesn't matter who's technically superior if you can't play with the rest of the world," said El-Kuwaiz, who is travelling in Asia to attract the region's investors via the QFI framework. Because the QFI framework is geared more towards asset managers, the CMA is also developing a parallel program for strategic investors that will enable direct investment into publicly-traded firms. "When Saudi Arabia opened up, we started to see demand not just from financial investors but also from strategic investors looking to take stakes in the country," he explained. International firms looking to take a stake in a publicly traded firm in the form of M&A transactions or strategic investments will now be allowed to do so thanks to this new program, he said. El-Kuwaiz was unable to offer any insights on Aramco's international listing, noting that the decision laid in the hands of advisers and underwriters. Speculation is that the IPO, slated for next year, would offer 5 percent of the firm and raise as much as $100 billion, valuing Aramco at around $2 trillion. "The Saudi market regulator is a disclosure-based regulator so our main point of concern is to make sure that any IPO, whether its Aramco or any other, discloses all the required information for investors to make the right call." watch now Moments after Snap opened officially for trading on the New York Stock Exchange with a 40 percent-plus surge from its IPO price, the hot technology company got its first official Wall Street analyst rating ... a sell. Small research firm Pivotal Research Group slapped a sell rating on Snap shares and a $10 price target, below their $17-a-share offering price and far below the $24 price they opened at for trading late morning Thursday. The company is the first to issue a rating on the hot technology IPO, according to Factset. Snap "is significantly overvalued given the likely scale of its long-term opportunity and the risks associated with executing against that opportunity," wrote Pivotal's Brian Wieser in the March 2 note. "Significant ongoing dilution from share-based compensation will likely represent an additional negative consideration for the stock." Bigger research shops associated with banks are barred from issuing coverage on IPOs for which they were underwriters for a period of time after the offering. This is so they cannot be seen as influencing the price of the stock for their friends across the Chinese wall in investment banking. But independent shops like Pivotal are free to do so. "Investors in Snap will be exposed to an upstart facing aggressive competition from much larger companies, with a core user base that is not growing by much and which is only relatively elusive," Weiser continues in the note. "It has a promising and innovative advertising offering, but so far it is still mostly unproven and difficult to quantify its ultimate scale." Weiser told CNBC in an interview that the stock is being lifted by IPO euphoria alone. There are people who bought the stock just "because they think the next person will pay more for it. That doesn't seem like a very sound way to invest in my view," he said. Thirty minutes after it had opened for trading, nearly 100 million shares had already changed hands. Pivotal also brings up Snap's controversial capital structure, which gives founders Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy majority voting power. The class A shares exchanging hands on the NYSE give buyers zero voting rights. "Investors will also be exposed to what appears to be a suboptimal corporate structure operated by a senior management team lacking experience transforming a successful new product into a successful company," the note says. Despite a sizzling IPO, Snap's founders said they're not hot on the trail of Facebook 's scale, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday. "We're not just chasing growth," co-founder Bobby Murphy exclusively told the LA Times. Shares of Snap traded in heavy volume on the first day in the public market, with 200 million shares the entire size of the offering changing hands. But at around $33 billion in market capitalization, the company was still less than a tenth of the size of fellow internet advertising company, Facebook. CEO Evan Spiegel recognizes that investors have been asking if Snapchat is the "next Facebook," the LA Times reported. Spiegel told the LA Times that Snap could become just as valuable as Facebook, just with fewer users than Facebook's massive 1.9 billion user base. Spiegel told the LA Times he'd rather investors focus on engagement than user growth. He said he sees a benefit in the company's value being determined by the public market, the report said. "We'd rather inspire creation because we know a derivative of that is growth," Spiegel said. For more insider commentary on the Snap IPO, see the full article at LATimes.com. Share prices rose as high as $26.05, according to FactSet, and fell as low as $23.50. The stock opened shortly before 11:20 a.m. on Thursday in New York, and started trading at $24 a share, rising 41.2 percent from its pricing at the open. The company, trading under the ticker SNAP, priced its public offering at $17 a share on Wednesday. More than 200 million shares the entire size of the offering changed hands over the course of the day, accounting for roughly 10 percent of the total volume of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday. Snap shares closed their first day of trading up 44 percent at $24.48 a share, quenching a long drought in the market for tech IPOs. John Spiegel (C), father of Snapchat founder Evan Spiegel, reacts as Snap Inc. shares open for trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, March 2, 2017 in New York City. The opening price of $24 puts the company's market capitalization at about $33 billion, about the size of Marriot and Target. Twitter's market cap is about 11 billion, while Facebook's is about $395 billion. The young ephemeral photo messaging company posted a $515 million loss last year. At least a few Wall Street analysts reacted skeptically to the offering, issuing "sell" ratings on the stock. Nonetheless, investors have bet on its quickly growing revenue and visionary leader, 26-year-old co-founder CEO Evan Spiegel. Spiegel arrived at the stock exchange on Thursday morning to ring the opening bell, with supermodel fiancee Miranda Kerr in tow, documenting with pictures on the app. The Venice, California-based company, which serves augmented reality and cinematic advertisements to its young adult audience, could be a bellwether as other start-up giants, such as Airbnb and Uber, mull a public offering. The IPO was 12 times oversubscribed, sources said. Snap enters the public market a day after the three major U.S. stock indexes posted their best session of the year. About $5 billion changed hands in Snap stock that's roughly on par with what Twitter saw on its first day. However, that's much less than the $23 billion that changed hands in Facebook and the $25 billion that changed hands in Alibaba on their first day of trading. Here's how the company stacks up so far to other big tech IPOs, according to CNBC analysis of data from FactSet and Renaissance: Facebook went public on May 18, 2012 , priced at $38 per share. It gained only 0.61 percent in its debut closing at $38.23. -Deal Size: Almost $16 billion , priced at $38 per share. It gained only 0.61 percent in its debut closing at $38.23. -Deal Size: Almost $16 billion Twitter went public on Nov. 7, 2013, priced at $26 per share. It gained 72.69 percent in its debut closing at $44.90. -Deal Size $1.82 billion (shares used to calculate do not contain the overallotment) priced at $26 per share. It gained 72.69 percent in its debut closing at $44.90. -Deal Size $1.82 billion (shares used to calculate do not contain the overallotment) Alibaba went public on Sept. 19, 2014, and priced at $68 per share. It gained 38.07 percent in its debut closing at $93.89. -Deal Size $21.77 billion (not including overallotment or green shoe) and priced at $68 per share. It gained 38.07 percent in its debut closing at $93.89. -Deal Size $21.77 billion (not including overallotment or green shoe) LinkedIn went public on May 19, 2011, and priced at $45 per share. It doubled in its debut, gaining 109.44 percent to close at $94.25. -Deal size $352.8 million CNBC's Leslie Picker, David Faber, Robert Hum Fred Imbert and Gina Francolla contributed to this report. But buyers are in an unusual predicament: They'll have almost no power over the company, since shares offered negligible voting rights, said McNamee, co-founder of technology investment firm Elevation Partners, which invested in Facebook and Yelp. Snap started trading at $24 a share on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, rising 41.2 percent from its pricing at the open. About 100 million shares changed hands in the first 30 minutes of trading by far the most active stock on the NYSE after it opened shortly before 11:20 a.m. on Thursday in New York. "I think tech companies make a terrible mistake trying to create their own rules, and trying to make themselves separate from the core economy," McNamee told CNBC's " Squawk Alley " on Thursday. "Whether it's staying private for much longer or not having voting." But technology investor Roger McNamee was seeing red: Red flags, that is. McNamee said that the company's unique share structure may result in a lack of needed oversight from investors. Investors in Snap's public offering were seeing green on Thursday, as the stock popped around 50 percent from its pricing. "I think it insulates them in a way that allows them to do as many dumb things as smart things," McNamee said. "Look at some of these unicorns some of which also have had very, very limited voting on the part of their investors. Many of them have done incredibly stupid things." Investors can play a key role in calling out young start-ups when they misbehave. Uber, for instance, has faced heat from investors over some aspects of its culture. Theranos an embattled blood-testing start-up that has fallen from fame had concentrated power in the hands of the founder. Still, Snap would be far from the first company to get away with a unique financial situation. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unique control over his company. Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page also retain a hefty stake. And Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was secretive about his shares, his biographer wrote, in keeping with the idea that "ordinary rules didn't apply to him." (The S.E.C. is also reportedly investigating whether Snap has been completely transparent with investors.) "It really bothers me when people have no voting," McNamee said. "Does it bother me as much as the stock price? No. Because the stock price stops me from investing way before the no voting." Like many big tech companies before it, Snap may well fall below its IPO price at some point, McNamee said. "I don't think it will take all that long to get back down there," McNamee said. "I think cool heads will be more successful. It will be a great trade let's see how long it lasts. ... Eventually people are going to look at the fundamentals. It's going to be very hard for the fundamentals to catch up to the valuation we're talking about today." Eric Hippeau, on the other hand, thinks Snap will excel. Hippeau is managing partner at Lerer Hippeau Ventures, which has invested in viral media companies like Thrillist, BuzzFeed, Distractify and NowThis. "We had a duopoly [in digital ads]: Facebook, Google. I think they're going to continue to do well," Hippeau said. "But now there's a new player on the scene." With "incredibly cool" and "truly brilliant" management, McNamee said he thinks Snap is a brave and clever company. But he said he separates the performance of the company from the performance of the stock. "Snap is a network of younger people who are having fun. It's hard to pry those people away from the network," Hippeau said. Taco Bell may be ditching its Naked Chicken Chalupa, but it's got a few other items poised to take its place. The innovative fast-food Mexican chain is testing three new menu items across the U.S., hoping at least one of them will tempt your taste buds. Doritos Quesalupa Crunch: A Doritos Locos Taco wrapped in a cheese-filled Quesalupa shell available in Cincinnati, Ohio, until April 8 for $3.49 to $3.99. A Doritos Locos Taco wrapped in a cheese-filled Quesalupa shell available in Cincinnati, Ohio, until April 8 for $3.49 to $3.99. Chicken Enchilada Burrito: A burrito filled with rice, sour cream, cheese and two rolled chicken tacos with red enchilada sauce available in Flint, Michigan, until April 8 for $2.99. A burrito filled with rice, sour cream, cheese and two rolled chicken tacos with red enchilada sauce available in Flint, Michigan, until April 8 for $2.99. Caesar Crunchwrap: A Crunchwrap filled with chicken or steak, Parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, corn chips, tomatoes and cheese available in Nashville, Tennessee, until April 8 for $2.99. Taco Bell is no stranger to limited-time menu items. In 2016 the company launched several short-lived products in an effort to differentiate from its competitors and boost sales. The Airheads White Mystery Freeze, the Cheddar Habanero Quesarito, the Triple-Double Crunchwrap and Walking Nachos, are just a few of the products that consumers saw last year. Restaurants have begun to rely heavily on quirky menu items to drive sales and attract new customers. Taco Bell, in particular, has had a rich history of innovation and several of its limited-time promotions have become part of its permanent menu. The chain's Doritos Locos tacos, introduced in 2012, are an example. The company currently offers three different flavored taco shells, Cool Ranch, Nacho and Fiery. As for the Naked Chicken Chalupa, despite proving to be a popular item at Taco Bell chains around the country, the company will be pulling it from the menu. Taco Bell spokesman Rob Poetsch told the AP that the Naked Chicken Chalupa always was planned as a limited-time offer, but exceeded the company's expectations. A date for the end of its run hasn't been announced. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Your package of Brawny paper towels is going to look a little bit different this month. The Georgia-Pacific brand is replacing its burly, flannel-wearing hunk with a woman in a nod to Women's History Month. "There are women and girls everywhere who exhibit strength and resilience in their lives, and that's the inspiration behind the Brawny #StrengthHasNoGender campaign," Frances Morgan, senior brand manager at Georgia-Pacific, said in a statement. Although this is the company's second year of this initiative, it's the first time they've replace the iconic Brawny Man with a Brawny Woman. In addition to the limited-time packaging, the company will be showcasing a series of short films on its website that highlight women in STEM fields science, technology, engineering and math and making a $75,000 donation to Girl's Inc, an advocacy group focused on inspiring young girls to enter these fields. "STEM is among many areas of society that are underrepresented by females, and we felt this would be a powerful platform to address this issue," Morgan said. If Sigve Breeke, Telenor Group's President and CEO, could go back in time he would have studied more languages and travelled the world at a young age. "My strong advice to the 20-somethings of today is try to build a world of experience," Breeke, who runs of one the world's largest mobile telecommunications companies, told CNBC's "Life Hacks Live" series at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. "Don't go into your career too early. Try different things. If you want to be a successful business person of today's global business, you need to know a little bit about a lot of things, rather than going very deep in one topic." His advice challenges conventional thinking of focussing on one area and building up niche industry experience early in a career. "I would advise young people to travel abroad, take up a job in a foreign country and try something completely different," he said, citing the fast-changing global state of business and industries. He advises young people learn Chinese, adding he wished he spoke it himself. "It is not just about the language but about understanding the Asian and Chinese culture," he said. "But it is hard to learn," he admitted. Breeke wasn't always in business. He started his career in public service, working his way from local politics to becoming Norway's Deputy Minister of Defence. He said he pivoted to business with the aim to make the world a better place than he found it. Despite working in the telecom sector for two decades now, his biggest challenge is to stay updated. "To be a CEO, you need to understand what's out there," he said. "I've been spending a lot of time, meeting customers and startups to understand what's going on both in society but also in business. To stay relevant, that's a challenge." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Getty Images When former elementary school teacher Tami Zuckerman dreamed up the idea for VarageSale, a Toronto-based site that runs local online garage sales, she had no shortage of funding options. After her husband, Carl Mercier, a developer and serial entrepreneur, helped her build and launch the site, the couple began hunting for capital and raised an undisclosed amount in seed and Series A funding from both Canadian and U.S. backers. Then, in April 2015, they pulled in $20 million in a Series B round in October 2014 from the Silicon Valley firms Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital, bringing the total raised from all investors to $34 million. watch now "For them it was really about our retention numbers," said Zuckerman. "Fifty percent of our members were coming back to the app six times a day. One of the investors said they hadn't seen that kind of activity since they invested in WhatsApp." Zuckerman, whose firm has grown to 55 employees since 2012, isn't alone in finding that Canadian start-ups like her own are being taken seriously by investors. Thanks in part to a large-scale government commitment to supporting high-growth job-creating businesses, many homegrown start-ups are attracting financing from both Canadian venture capital firms and U.S. firms, which often invest alongside them. Last year Canada saw four venture capital deals above 100 million Canadian dollars (USD $76.3 million as of Feb. 23), compared to 2015, when there were none, according to the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association. "Tech is seen as an important sector for the country," says Zuckerman. It's a very visible one, too. "You routinely see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau show up in the same room where all the founders show up," said Ben Baldwin, founder of ScaleDriver, a Toronto management consultancy that advises executives on building innovation, and founder of The Founder City Project, a network of start-up and scale-up founders. Trudeau's action plan Statistics tell the story. Venture capital investment in Canadian start-ups hit a 15-year high with $3.7 billion invested in 571 financings last year, according to Thomson Reuters. Growth was driven by large-cap deals with 14 companies raising rounds of $50 million or greater, smashing the record hit in 2000. The sectors attracting the most funding: information technology, life sciences and clean tech. While this is just a fraction of the $58.8 billion U.S. market, it is a trend with an upward trajectory. watch now One major driver of funding for innovative companies has been the Canadian government's Venture Capital Action Plan (VCAP), which established four private-sector-led funds of funds to back promising businesses. The goal: to help develop a more robust local VC marketplace. Starting in 2014, the Government of Canada began teaming up with provinces to make capital commitments to the funds of $1 for every $2 pledged by private-sector investors, up to a maximum of $50 million each. The Government of Canada put in $340 million, enabling four private-sector funds to raise a collective total of $1.4 billion. So far, $886 million of the money has been committed to 21 new and emerging venture capital funds, and 186 Canadian firms have received funding. You routinely see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau show up in the same room where all the founders show up. Ben Baldwin founder of The Founder City Project The first fund, the Northleaf Venture Catalyst Fund, which reached its maximum fund size of $300 million in 2015, has committed capital to six venture capital fund managers and made direct investments in fast-growing Canadian companies, such as Wattpad, Vision Critical, Silanis, eSentire and FreshBooks. OMERS Ventures, the venture capital arm of Canada's largest pension fund, has also poured money into the start-up ecosystem. It has backed about 30 start-ups in the five years since it launched, says Sid Paquette, a managing director. He believes it is the only direct-investment pension fund in Canada investing in the venture asset class. "It's absolutely not common," he said. Building a marketplace Unlike in the United States, public money is the primary driver of the Canadian venture capital market. "Predominantly it is pension plans investing in funds and it is family offices investing in funds," said Paquette. watch now With financing abundant, start-ups are aiming higher. "It seems like every week, there is a $25 million or $50 million financing announced in Canada," said Karamdeep Nijjar, a venture capitalist at iNovia Capital in Toronto. "The bar has been raised. I think people are not just interested in being acquired by a bigger player but becoming that bigger player on their own." Section 116 of the Income Tax Act of 2010 has also helped spark investments in start-ups, says Ameet Shah, a partner at Golden Venture Partners, a seed-stage fund in Toronto whose start-up, Five Mobile, was acquired by Zynga in July 2011. The change in tax law liberated foreign backers of Canadian start-ups from filing pages of documents if a company in which they have invested is sold. "It has made it a lot easier for U.S. investors to invest," said Shah. The talent chase The latest initiative designed to fuel entrepreneurial companies is the Canadian government's proposed Global Skills Strategy, designed to make it easier to attract "low-risk, high-skill talent." Expected to take effect later this year, it aims to make it possible for companies to get a work permit visa for potential hires within two weeks. "That would really help companies like ours," said Allen Lau, CEO of the fast-growing, Toronto-based storytelling platform WattPad, which has 130 employees. "There's no such thing as too much talent. This will help us to attract talent on a global basis to help us scale the company." Certainly, even with all of the government support, the Canadian venture capital scene has a long way to go before it is as robust as Silicon Valley's. "There aren't that many funds in Canada designed to serve this industry," said Michael Litt, co-founder of Vidyard, a video platform for business in the Kitchener area, near Toronto, that has raised $70 million in three rounds of financing. "However, bringing money across the border and raising money stateside doesn't seem to be an issue." Litt now runs a fund that has invested in 50 start-ups. "The advice I always give these individuals is they should definitely go south of the border," said Litt. Given the favorable exchange rate, notes Zuckerman at VarageSale, "U.S. funding goes a lot further in Canada." By Elaine Pofeldt, special to CNBC.com Watch: Trudeau on immigration A White House internal review of strategy on North Korea features the possibility of both military force as well as regime change in order to thwart Pyongyang's nuclear-weapons threat, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing sources familiar with the process. The strategy review, reported to have begun a fortnight ago, combined with U.S. President Donald Trump's January vow to prevent North Korea from ever testing intercontinental ballistic missiles. The report which could not be verified by CNBC - hints at a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy which could potentially rattle allies of both nations. Defense ministers from the U.S., South Korea and Japan pledged to strengthen intelligence communications in the aftermath of North Korea's most recent test-fired ballistic missile on February 12. Pyongyang, which had been banned from testing nuclear or missile-related technology by the United Nations, faced international condemnation for its most recent missile test. The White House was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC on Thursday. Read the Wall Street Journal's full article here. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has "total" confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions as the top U.S. law enforcement official faces backlash for his Senate testimony about contacts with a Russian official. Trump told pool reporters in Virginia that he thought Sessions "probably" testified truthfully about the issue during his confirmation hearing. He added that he does not think the attorney general should recuse himself from any Russia-related investigations, which some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have urged. Sessions, who advised Trump during his campaign, is under increasing pressure following a Washington Post report that he met twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States before the 2016 presidential election. The report appears to contradict his denial in confirmation testimony to the Senate. Asked about possible Trump campaign contacts with Russia during his January confirmation hearing, Sessions said he had "been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign." He said he "did not have communications with the Russians" and was unable to comment on alleged contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials. Trump joins House Speaker Paul Ryan and many Republicans in saying Sessions should not distance himself from Russia-linked investigations. Several top Republicans have called for Sessions to recuse himself, while the top Democrats in both the Senate and House urged him to resign. Sessions oversees the Justice Department and FBI, which have led investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election and any links between Russia and Trump associates. Sessions told NBC on Thursday that he will recuse himself "whenever it's appropriate," but did not say he will distance himself from Russia-related investigations specifically. Sessions has said his conversations were as part of his duties as a former senator, not as a Trump campaign surrogate. Trump has also defended former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, whose resignation was sparked by contradictions to top White House officials about his conversations with the same Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. Ryan noted that the House and Senate intelligence committees are still investigating the extent of Russia's influence in the 2016 presidential election and argued the probes are best served staying within the committees. He added that lawmakers have seen "no evidence" to determine that associates of the Trump campaign colluded with Russian officials. watch now Richard Cordray holds a uniquely awkward position in President Donald Trump's Republican-controlled Washington. He leads the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau created by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street regulation bill signed by President Barack Obama. With complaints from corporate America urging them on, the White House and congressional Republicans are exploring ways to fire him or curb his power, if not abolish the office altogether. Courts haven't resolved whether Trump has that legal authority. Meantime, Cordray, 57, continues serving his five-year term, which expires in July 2018, as if the presidential transition never happened. He scours the financial marketplace for misbehavior like that of Wells Fargo , which CFPB fined $100 million for opening unauthorized accounts in what has become the bureau's signature enforcement action. The former Ohio attorney general earlier an undefeated five-time champion on "Jeopardy" is a potential candidate for governor of that state in 2018. In a diner in his hometown of Grove City, Cordray discussed the furor around him and his agency. What follows is a condensed, edited transcript of their conversation. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray. Getty Images CNBC's John Harwood: Let's play "Jeopardy!" The category is federal regulators, and the clue is biggest target on his back in all of Washington. Cordray: I don't know how to answer that. Harwood: Wait, isn't the answer, "Who is Richard Cordray?" Cordray: It may be. In some ways, it's a mark of respect and appreciation for the fact that we are doing something for people across this country. We're standing up for consumers against large financial companies. That's the job. Harwood: Do you see what you are doing at CFPB as consistent with the message of Donald Trump and the desires of his voters? Cordray: I think it's consistent with what most Americans want. What do people do when they're suddenly being harassed by a debt collector, called at all hours of the day and night? Can't get them off their back, can't get them to realize that maybe this debt isn't one that they even owed in the first place. To have somebody who will stand on their side who will try to do something about it. I think people want that. Harwood: For you personally, is this a job worth fighting for? Cordray: I think that the independence of a consumer watchdog is very much worth fighting for. It's really important work. Harwood: What do you expect to happen? Cordray: Day in day out, I go in and do my job. We have had significant matters in this past year. We had the matter against Wells Fargo where just to remind your viewers well over a million accounts were opened where consumers didn't know anything about it, weren't asked for their consent, often it cost them money. That was a major, major violation, and we took action against that. I think if you're doing things, people will criticize you. But are you going to stop doing things just because you're criticized? You know, and sometimes that's a badge of honor. Richard Cordray Harwood: Do you think it's fair to say that, in the aftermath of the financial crisis, Washington overreacted? Cordray: What I would say is that there clearly was not enough done before the crisis. And if you look at the mortgage market, in particular, the lending became completely irresponsible. As long as they could just sell 'em off to Wall Street, it was all OK. That blew up the economy. So, do we want to go back to that? Is that where we want to be? I don't think so. Does the pendulum swing, and swing sometimes too far? Those are things that are legitimate to talk about and people should talk about that. Harwood: The Wall Street Journal wrote an editorial, said your agency is lawless. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who is an independent-minded senator, refers to you as King Richard. People say, "He's a dictator." What do you say? Cordray: First of all, I think it's completely ill-founded. There's never specifics in those kinds of claims. But what I would say is, accountability is really at the heart of this agency. We're all about holding financial companies, large financial companies, accountable for complying with the law and treating people fairly. Harwood: Do you not accept that you need to be accountable to someone in government who is elected by people? Cordray: Sure. We are accountable. I have to be accountable to Congress; I have to testify in front of them four times a year. I'm accountable to the courts; they oversee what we do. And if we get something wrong, we fix it, just like everybody else does. Harwood: Doesn't accountability mean that somebody in government above you can fire you or change your budget? Cordray: Well, what they can do is replace you from time to time. That's the way the independent agencies work. Nobody's talking about firing Janet Yellen at the Federal Reserve. Nobody's talking about firing other independent agency heads. That's the principle of our government. Harwood: Part of choices and freedom is people have different options. And so when you say, "No, Payday Lender, you can't make that kind of loan" is a net result of that, is that there are some people who are not going to get things that they want and could use at that moment? Cordray: What I would say is what we need to do is do the research, look at the data, and understand how these markets work. And there are products in these markets that are in need of reform. Harwood: And when people say that's what both individual liberty and free enterprise entails, you say what? Cordray: Common-sense rules of the road that everybody has to abide by can be helpful in a marketplace. If you're driving down the road, you don't simply say, 'Anybody can go anywhere they want. We can move over to the left side if we feel like it today, and we can we can pass on the berm if we want.' I have made it clear and I'll make it clear here to you that I'm quite happy to sit down and talk to anybody. Cordray, on a possible meeting with President Trump Harwood: One of the charges you hear thrown at Trump and his administration from the left is he's an authoritarian. That's exactly what they say about you. Cordray: Yeah. I think if you're doing things, people will criticize you. But are you going to stop doing things just because you're criticized? You know, and sometimes that's a badge of honor. Harwood: Do you operate under the notion that the principal impetus for your work is to go after a relatively narrow group of people who abuse consumers? Or do you think that there is a broad propensity for the entire industry to exploit, take advantage, hurt consumers? Cordray: In virtually every marketplace, there are some players, some participants who are willing to bend the rules and push the envelope to get an advantage, and hope and expect that they won't get caught; and they'll be able to do that. In the debt collection market, for example, there are people who do that. They will harass and abuse and oppress consumers, just to squeeze payments out of them, and hope and expect that if anybody ever tries to hold them accountable, they'll be able to, you know, weasel out of it somehow. I think in other markets there are times where there are market dynamics that make it difficult for people. So, for example, in the lead-up to the crisis, when the mortgage underwriting standards were starting to deteriorate, it became very difficult for community banks and credit unions, in particular, who had standards that they adhered to for years, and suddenly people were coming in asking for loans and they'd say, 'No, we can't make that loan. That won't work.' But they knew they'd go down the street and get it from somebody else. It becomes a very difficult dynamic for them. 'I'm giving up market share, or I have to I have to lower my standards in a kind of race to the bottom.' And that's where regulation can play a part in upholding basic standards. watch now Harwood: The reason I ask the question is I do think that some people in business bridle at the idea that Democrats in general, maybe President Obama in particular, people like you, begin with the presumption that people in business have bad motives. Cordray: I don't begin with the presumption that anybody that I deal with has bad motives political people, business executives, people in the nonprofit sector, other colleagues in government. I assume good motives on the part of people unless proven otherwise. And for the most part, that makes your interactions more productive. Harwood: Would you like, by the way, to sit down with the president and explain to him your perspective on your agency? Cordray: I always enjoy sitting down with anybody to talk about our work and try to explain why I think it's so important. And what I hear from people, I hear in this community and across the country as to how this is helping them and how it's giving them a chance to deal with problems that they sometimes fought for months or for years and never could make any headway. So, yeah, I would love to have that opportunity. Harwood: Have you talked to anyone senior at the White House about talking to the president? Cordray: I have not had a chance to talk to the president. Harwood: People like Reince Priebus, the chief of staff, or Steve Bannon? Cordray: Well, look. I have made it clear and I'll make it clear here to you that I'm quite happy to sit down and talk to anybody. Love to have the chance to talk to him about our work, hear whatever criticisms or other points of view they may have, and try to talk those through. I think we can reach a lot of common ground in terms of protecting consumers. watch now Harwood: The president spoke to a lot of people who feel they've been on the wrong side of economic trends and the establishment, the system. Talked about his opponent being too close to Wall Street. And yet he comes into office, he has a director of the National Economic Council who's from Goldman Sachs , and some other people who've worked at these big Wall Street firms. Do you see those two things as necessarily in conflict? Cordray: I'd rather look at what people actually do. If people are actually going do things that help Main Street then I think that's what we want. Harwood: What impressions do you draw from what you've seen of this new administration so far? Cordray: Well, it's only been a month. So, you know, I'd say it's very early. But I think, like I when I first came to Washington and came to work at the Consumer Bureau, Washington's a different place. I don't think anybody really wants, when they come face-to-face with it, to go back to the days before the financial crisis and the kinds of risks that this economy was running that blew up in our face in the end. Cordray Harwood: Are you concerned that the work that you've done is going to get wiped out? Cordray: I don't think anybody really wants, when they come face-to-face with it, to go back to the days before the financial crisis and the kinds of risks that this economy was running that blew up in our face in the end. So, I don't believe that that's likely to occur. But I will say if you care about what you're doing, you care about it. And you worry that later it'll be done differently; you do the best you can and at some point, you know, there's bigger forces in the universe than you and me. That's life. watch now Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign season last year that he did not disclose at his confirmation hearing in January. Democrats are demanding that Sessions resign. (AP) In Obama's final days, some White House officials spread information about Russian efforts to undermine the presidential election, and about possible contacts between associates of Donald Trump and Russians, across the government, according to the New York Times. A White House internal review of strategy on North Korea features the possibility of both military force as well as regime change in order to thwart Pyongyang's nuclear-weapons threat, according to the Wall Street Journal. Darren Woods, the new chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil (XOM), tells CNBC his former boss Rex Tillerson works for the U.S. as secretary of State, not Big Oil. Woods also said the oil giant needs to be nimble in this OPEC-driven oil market. McDonalds (MCD) plans to make $1.7 billion of capital expenditures this year, as the fast food chain continues some efforts already underway to win customers back and takes some new steps. (CNBC) American Express (AXP) plans to significantly increase benefits on its Platinum charge card for the second time since October, a move intended to help it better compete with JPMorgan's (JPM) popular Sapphire Reserve card. (WSJ) Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD), the world's largest brewer, is considering further cost savings and won't pay bonuses to its top brass following a weaker-than-expected end to the year on a slump in Brazil. (WSJ) Yahoo (YHOO) CEO Marissa Mayer will not get a 2016 cash bonus or a 2017 annual equity award, following an investigation into Yahoo's 2014 security breach. (Recode) As Uber faces troubles, rival ride-hailing service Lyft has reportedly been quietly pitching investors, looking to raise at least $500 million in a new funding round at a $6 billion to $7 billion valuation. (WSJ) Billionaire investor Carl Icahn is selling the former Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to focus on the Tropicana, another iconic property on the strip that Icahn acquired. (WSJ) [The stream has ended.] President Donald Trump plans to highlight his plans for an American military buildup Thursday from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Trump will speak from the USS Gerald R. Ford, a new ship in Newport News, Virginia. The president has said he will seek a $54 billion defense spending hike in his first budget. That marks about a 10 percent increase, and Trump wants to offset it with major cuts to the State Department and other federal agencies. "I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense sequester and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history," Trump said in his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night. Retail industry CEOs who recently met with President Trump spoke in favor of tax reform in general but against the border adjustment feature at the center of the Ryan-Brady tax reform bill developed by in the House of Representatives. They are missing the forest for the trees by focusing on the narrow impacts of tax changes on their companies rather than the big picture benefits of reform for their customers and the overall economy. Ultimately, a stronger economy with rising incomes and better job creation means more money for families to spend in stores and online. That's what the Brady-Ryan tax plan will meana stronger economyand that's good for retailers, even if they don't see it that way quite yet. The border adjustment feature in the Brady-Ryan tax proposal sets up a corporate tax system that taxes all sales made within the United States the same regardless of where the company selling something is located or whether the production occurs in the United States or overseas. The current corporate tax system, in contrast, typically means a lower tax rate for firms that produce overseas and import into the United States. U.S. firms that move production overseas do better than American companies that produce here because they get to put off paying taxes on the profits they make by producing in other countries. But foreign firms that sell into the U.S. do the best of all, because the U.S. corporate tax rate is higher than other countries' taxes. It is disappointing that companies move jobs and production lines overseas, but the backward incentives in the U.S. tax system make this no surprise. The Brady-Ryan tax plan will flip the situation. The proposal includes lower tax rates, strengthening U.S. job creation and economic growth, while giving both businesses and American families a simpler tax system. The border adjustment in the proposal addresses the vexing aspects of the U.S. tax code that today lead firms to shift their profits or invert their corporate structure to move their headquarters outside the United States. CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. >> An overflow audience of more than 200 people Monday attended an information session on fake news. Rex Smith has been with the Times Union for more than 20 years, the last 15 as its editor. He noted the depths to which the journalism industry has fallen in the publics eye early on when, after introducing himself, he added that his position used to be one of prominence in any community. As an editor who reads nine newspapers a day, Smith is fully aware that fake news has been around for many years. He held up two front pages from other newspapers where screaming headlines proved his point. But with the election of president Donald Trump the words, fake news, have been given a new and more prominent platform. To give voters a better idea of how to recognize fake news and respond to it, the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County asked Smith to speak on the topic. His presentation Monday at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library drew interested parties from across the Capital Region. Smith also decided to use part of the platform to discuss the state of journalism in general and his companys efforts to stay relevant. When people talk about the media what they mean is what theyre seeing on television, Smith said. Increasingly, newspapers are for local news. Whats close to us is the main factor in whats important to us. People tend to trust local news. The economics of our business make it unwise to focus our resources on news you can get elsewhere. As he wove his way into describing fake news and how it is created, Smith expressed concern that his company sells space on its website for sponsored stories. The sponsored stories, he said, may not adhere 100 percent to the ethics of journalism, which he had just finished discussing moments before. What concerns me is the stories are under the Times Union banner, he said. The Internet is awash with stories that are almost true. To demonstrate that point, he explained an almost true story he saw on Facebook regarding the Washington Post being paid $6 million to publish disinformation on President Trump. The kernel of truth in the story was the connection between Amazons owner Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post, which Bezos also owns. If one wanted to squint really hard, one could almost say that any money paid to Amazon is money paid to the Washington Post. It looks like real news and people believe it, Smith said. Another example of fake news, Smith said, is the claim that six companies own 90 percent of the media. Those facts are simply not true, he said. Yet Ive had that figure thrown back at me in a letter to the editor. We live in a hyper-partisan time. There are people who will take issue with anything you publish. There are some people, where when they are presented with data, they will dig in even further and believe their position that much more. Smith believes that due to the equal divisions among the populace and the equal divisions within the media that represent them, the U.S. may be in the process of becoming more like Great Britain which has had Tory and Labour newspapers for years. Our challenge is to be as straight and accurate as we can possibly be, he said. Were now in an environment where there are a lot of things being tossed around that are not true. We have to salute reality. We have to respect facts. Our job is to hold the powerful to account. If he is stating things that are untrue we have to point that out, even at the risk of unpopularity, even if the president of the U.S. labels us an enemy of the people. When he opened the floor to questions there were only a handful. Most questioners simply wanted to know more on how to filter out fake news from real news or TV reporters from TV personalities. Smith suggested they move from cable TV to broadcast TV. There wont be as much news there, but their standards are tighter, he said. When you have all those hours to fill like cable TV has youre going to start getting analysts and commentators rather than straight news reporting. Print investigation is a different skill. TV is show business. When a questioner asked Smith the central question of the night, what is it that can tip a reader off to fake news, he was quick to answer. You have to source-out the stories youre reading, he said. It takes extra effort by news consumers. Pay attention where youre getting the information from. Look at the sources track record. You may want to go to the legacy media sites, the mainstream media. I believe we are the people you can trust. The LWV video of the discussion can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Gw_82v2kloo OWEGO, N.Y. Nearly 90 employers will participate as Tioga County holds its annual job fair next Wednesday, March 8 in Owego. The event is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Owego Treadway Conference Center on Route 17C in Owego, Tioga County said in a news release issued Tuesday. The 86 participating employers will have open jobs that they are hoping to fill, Tioga County said. Employment opportunities will include positions that range from entry level to professional and cover a broad spectrum of occupations. Organizers will provide job seekers with a packet at the job-fair registration desk. Itll include a list of employers, table number, and jobs available with that employer. Any job seekers who want more information on the jobs available, or who would like to pre-register for the job fair, can visit their local workforce office. The Tioga Employment Center is located at 1062 Route 38 in Owego. The centers staff is available by phone at (607) 687-8483. A list of employers is available on the Tioga County website under the Tioga Employment Center (tiogacountyny.com). Job seekers can also access the New York State Department of Labor website at newyork.us.jobs to view current open positions. They can also visit individual employer websites to view their job postings, organizers say. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Cornell University and Clarkson University will use grant funding to support projects they say will generate nearly 40 manufacturing jobs. Cornell secured three grants for separate projects, while Clarkson will use one grant award, FuzeHub said in a news release issued Wednesday. FuzeHub, an Albanybased nonprofit organization, helps small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State by matching them with technical and business resources. It awarded a grant of nearly $59,000 to the Cornell Center for Materials Research, an award of $75,000 to the Cornell Nanoscale Science & Technology facility, a grant of nearly $75,000 to Cornell University, and an award of $75,000 to Clarkson University. The grants will help the schools work with manufacturing partners to create up to 10 jobs at each firm. FuzeHub awarded the funding from the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund. Lawrence, who died in 2015, was a top executive at the Albanybased Center for Economic Growth, the manufacturing extension partnership (MEP) center for the Capital Region, and a supporter of New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. The manufacturing-innovation fund, which was established with $1 million annually for five years, supports activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York state. FuzeHub is administering the fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development (ESD)-designated statewide MEP center. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Thursday 2 When We Rise: The People Behind the Story (KOAT-7 7pm) ABC takes a look at some of the real-life personalities behind its four-night LGBT history miniseries. Gay rights activists Cleve Jones, Roma Guy, Ken Jones, Diane Jones and Cecilia Chung talk about their part in the movement. Friday 3 Cesar Millans Dog Nation (Nat Geo Wild 7pm) Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan continues to milk the whole dog thing, traveling the nation with his son visiting with nonprofit, dog-based organizations and meeting with various dog lovers. Saturday 4 Custody (Lifetime 6pm) Viola Davis, Hayden Panettiere, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ellen Burstyn and Dan Fogler star in this family court drama that was clearly not made for Lifetime. Belladonna of Sadness (TCM 12:15am) Kudos to TCM for digging up this edgy and obscure Japanese animated film from 1973. The psychedelic (and more often than not, static) imagery relates the story of a peasant woman who is banished from her village and makes a deal with the devil to gain witchy powers. A handful of retrograde sexual ideas aside, the film tries hard to drive home a feminist message. Despite the fact that director Eiichi Yamamoto is most famous for his work on the seminal cartoon Astroboy, this erotic anime borders on the X-rated. Sunday 5 The 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards (TBS/TNT/truTV 6pm) Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Beyonce, Bruno Mars and all the other radio-friendly usual suspects are here Making History (KASA-2 7:30pm) Adam Pally (The Mindy Project) and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) star in this goofy comedy about a nerdy college professor who builds a time machine and starts mucking around with history all Bill & Ted/Hot Tub Time Machine-style. Time After Time (KOAT-7 8pm) The 1979 film almost everyone has forgotten gets a weekly reboot. In case you forgot, its about H.G. Wells (sexy Freddie Stroma) traveling through time to fight Jack the Ripper (the also-sexy Josh Bowman). Feud: Bette and Joan (FX 11pm) Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon star as aging Hollywood icons Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, shown famously clashed with one another while shooting 1962s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story) produces this 8-episode series. Monday 6 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (Cartoon Network 6:30pm) This non-3D computer animated prequel to the popular movie series finds would-be serious scientist Flint Lockwood struggling through his awkward high school years. Tuesday 7 Shes in Charge (TLC 8:02pm) School guidance counselor Veronica Pooh Nash-Poleate helps her fans with their problems. If youve never heard of her, dont worry, shes internet famous. Her basic message? Eat meat, stay out of the ocean, radiate love. People Icons (KOAT-7 9pm) Because the world needs more celebrity gossip, People launches this network news show, starting with tonights topic: Celebrity love stories. Weve got Beyonce and Jay-Z, Prince William and Kate, the Obamas and more. Please, People, tell me more about William and Kate! Wednesday 8 Survivor (KRQE-13 7pm) Get ready for the 34th season of CBS hit reality show competition. Thats a mere 14 more than M*A*S*H* and Seinfeld combined. The holidays are creeping up on us State Says No to New Constitutional Convention As right-wing special interests get closer to forcing the convening of a new constitutional convention, legislators in Idaho decided Wednesday to protect voters constitutional rights and reject the dangerous idea. In a 24-11 bipartisan vote, the Idaho Senate voted down a proposed call for an Article V convention to enact a balanced budget amendment. The action capped a three hour floor debate in which members of both parties warned about the dangers of a runaway convention and the lack of rules to govern a new convention. Common Cause previously organized members in Idaho to contact legislators and oppose calls for a new constitutional convention. As laid out last May in Common Causes Dangerous Path report, a convention must be convened if 34 states pass resolutions demanding it. There are no rules that govern how a convention would proceed however, and no way to limit its scope. Our civil liberties, constitutional rights, and recent Supreme Court decisions could be on the chopping block, jeopardizing the right to vote, marriage equality, free speech, healthcare access, and immigration. Earlier this week, the Wyoming legislature passed a call for an Article V convention. Special interest and corporate lobbying groups, including the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) now claim to have 29 live applications for a convention, just five states short of reaching their 34-state goal. The Supreme Court today, in Bethune-Hill v Virginia State Board of Elections, remanded the case back to the federal district court to determine whether legislators, in drawing lines for 11 districts shortly after the 2010 Census, used race as a factor to dilute the voting power of Black voters in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Racial gerrymandering deprives voters of their voices in elections, said Kathay Feng, CA Common Cause executive director and redistricting director. Like partisan gerrymandering, these schemes benefit some voters over others, resulting in the manipulation of elections. Such practices fundamentally harm our democracy. We applaud this decision and anticipate that the federal court will evaluate these districts with the holistic approach required and strike down these racially-gerrymandered lines. The plaintiffs, Virginia citizens, argue that legislators had improperly used race as a factor in redistricting 12 districts. While the Supreme Court did not rule on the merits of that argument, its majority held that the lower court had failed to give sufficient weight to relevant evidence that could have demonstrated improper racial motivation. Writing for the majority today, Justice Kennedy said the lower court should have analyzed conditions district by district as part of a holistic analysis to determine the legislators predominant motive. In the ruling Justice Kennedy cited precedent, noting that [t]he harms that flow from racial sorting including being personally subjected to a racial classification as well as being represented by a legislator who believes his primary obligation is to represent only the members of a particular racial group. Court observers are reading Justice Kennedys opinion for potential willingness by the Court to reevaluate the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering cases as well, an issue that was left open in Veith. The Court has the opportunity to issue a definitive opinion on the matter in Whitford v. Gill. Common Cause, along with New Virginia Majority, filed an amicus brief before the Eastern District of Virginia in 2015. Among other things, the brief included analysis by SUNY Binghamton academics, including from elections expert Prof. Michael D. McDonald, that graded potential alternative plans. Some alternative plans could have been put into place that would have ensured protection of plaintiffs and others so situated equal protection rights under the Constitution. To read todays Supreme Courts opinion, click here. Common Cause has also filed a complaint against North Carolina state legislators for unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering in Common Cause v. Rucho. To read more, click here. Common Cause has also filed briefs in multiple courts in Shapiro v. McManus, a challenge to Marylands partisan gerrymander. To read more, click here. A lucky few developers will be able to get their hands on a low-cost Windows virtual reality headset starting this month. Microsoft announced Wednesday that the Acer Mixed Reality Developer Edition headset will start rolling out to a handpicked batch of software makers starting the end of March, with more coming later. This marks the first release of a Windows Mixed Reality headset, which Microsoft first previewed last year. The headsets are supposed to stand out from the crowd because of a lower price and their support for "inside-out" tracking that uses sensors on the device to determine a user's position, rather than relying on external trackers to gather that information. That's why Microsoft is calling them mixed reality headsets. The headset will give software makers a way to test applications they're building before the expected consumer release of the hardware during the winter holiday season this year. Launching the developer program is part of Microsofts overall push to get developers to build apps for Windows Mixed Reality devices, including the Acer headset, plus other devices from ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and 3Glasses. Those headsets are running the same Mixed Reality shell that powers the Microsoft HoloLens, but they differ in approach. The HoloLens has a transparent visor that's designed to overlay digital objects on the physical world. The Acer headset and others like it are supposed to take information about the physical world and bring it into virtual reality. The announcement also marks Microsofts official rebranding of the Windows Holographic shell to Windows Mixed Reality, a nod to its utility beyond the HoloLens. The goal behind the system, which will be coming to every PC with the Windows 10 Creators Update, is to provide a consistent substrate for building apps that run in 3D virtual spaces, whether they're displayed by headsets with transparent or with opaque visors. Microsoft will also be providing guidance on how to build apps for the new opaque headsets from scratch, as well as how to port apps from the HoloLens or from other virtual reality platforms. Game developers interested in getting their hands on the hardware can sign up for the ID@Xbox program. Its unclear if the tech giant is prioritizing certain countries with this initial rollout, or if the headset will be globally available to qualified teams. The company also wouldnt provide pricing information on the developer hardware. Theres more coming in the future for Windows Mixed Reality. Microsoft said it plans to bring similar experiences to the Xbox One family of devices in 2018 but declined to offer specifics about what that entails. This year's Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona offered all the delights I've come to expect the gracious hosts, waiters, cops, beautiful venues and a great subway system. But something about the MWC exhibits and the international workers manning those booths this year was a little different, almost odd, when compared with my previous six visits. That oddness probably had a good bit to do with international politics and the young presidency of Donald Trump, which will inevitably affect the tech and wireless industries, if not every other business sector and worker. "What's the world of Trump like?" a woman asked me at a booth of telecom companies from Greece. "We know he hates us all, not just the Greeks." [ See Computerworlds roundup of Mobile World Congress. ] "I don't want to talk about Trump," a visitor from China told me sternly on my morning walk into a hilly park called Montjuic. I hadn't even mentioned Trump, but the man from China knew I was American. Almost every vendor I met on the show floor seemed to either avoid the Trump ascendency entirely or was deeply curious to know the pulse of America. I tried to stay busy and on schedule, so I shrugged off the Trump queries and got back to the business at hand: When will smart city tech catch on broadly? Why did Samsung wait to release its Galaxy S8 smartphone? How has Huawei of China grown to become the third-largest smartphone maker in the world in a few short years? Will 5G wireless be widely deployed in the U.S. by 2020? Kevin Burden, an analyst at 451 Research and longtime friend, made an insightful comment near the end of the conference. He said 2016 wasn't a great year for many telecomm companies, so many of their booths featured exhibits on emerging technologies in an attempt to find new lines of business. Visitors saw smart city tech at Verizon and AT&T, for example, and even augmented reality and virtual reality displays, he said. Both wireless carriers also showed how they are now content providers, as well. AOL news anchor Katie Couric talked on a large screen in a Verizon theater. Executives from both carriers boasted about their road to 5G, with its greater bandwidth. (I was assured it will be rolled out by 2020, but how widespread is another question.) As wireless competition in the U.S. has grown, wireless service revenues are not growing as fast as in years past, putting a premium on all manner of new technologies for growth. The story of Huawei's rise to global prominence was put dramatically on display when hundreds of journalists cursed and pushed at the start of the weeklong trade show to get inside a venue to see the company's new, higher-priced P10 smartphone. Burden noted that Huawei got its start by selling low-cost phones, a strategy that seems to have been picked up by both Lenovo with its Moto phones and HMD with its Nokia phones. But Huawei will be challenged in the U.S., Burden noted, partly because of the difficulties of taking on successful companies like Samsung and Apple that are willing to take on newcomers with lawsuits over patent infringement and other tactics. Some of the most promising technologies I saw at MWC came from city government IT officials who have developed smart city concepts and pilots. The chief technology officer of Barcelona mentioned the city has a portal to allow citizens to report government corruption. The deputy CIO of Moscow said the city has a pilot project underway to use artificial intelligence to detect lung cancer with 97% accuracy through computer analysis of CT scans. Some future technology envisioned by cities will eliminate jobs, some of the city officials admitted. It was reassuring to hear Barcelona CTO Francesca Bria speak of her city's desire to include computer-based initiatives to help retrain the work force in coming years. What is most gratifying about attending a show like MWC is how it demonstrates that technology can provide answers for many looming global concerns, including sufficient energy, water and food supplies. A great example of tech's promise came from an interview with Thomas Engel, manager of John Deere's enterprise innovation strategy. Deere's electric tractor Deere demonstrated an electric tractor prototype at an agriculture trade show in Paris the same week as MWC in Barcelona. Engel also described how Deere has been making tractors and harvesters that operate with automatic guidance systems for more than a decade. Deere's GPS and sensor-based technology is designed to make sowing and reaping of crops more efficient, partly by making each pass of a tractor more precise. Over a large field on enormous farms in eastern Europe, Engel said, a tractor might travel 30 minutes in one direction before turning around to make another pass. On such a large field, inches can make a difference in crop yield. Deere is trying to eliminate errors that could become bigger when multiplied by many farms over many years, Engel said. Farmers are still riding in the cabs of large tractors and combines, even though they aren't really needed for the guidance, he said. "An autonomous tractor with no driver and no cab is technically feasible," he said, but there's not been a strong case made that doing so would create significant savings. Deere is also aware of other advancements in technology, including robots to cultivate vegetable fields, Engel said. In some parts of the world, robots could be needed because field laborers are in short supply, he said. Infrared sensors are also being used to detect protein levels in harvested grain to derive a more accurate count of a crop's nutritional value. All of Deere's tech ideas stem from a set of forecasts about global population growth that will require food production to double by 2050, Engel said. "It's important to increase yields through precise farming," he said. "Technology is a key to get there. It's a race." That sounded optimistic in an unsettled world. BARCELONA -- Venerable smartphone brands Motorola, Nokia and BlackBerry got new life at Mobile World Congress 2017, but that was primarily due to the influence of Chinese and Finnish manufacturers that have licensed the names. One new Android smartphone, the BlackBerry KEYone, was launched by TCL Communication, based in Huizhou, China. The phone has both a touchscreen and a physical keyboard, with 52 keys that can be used as shortcuts to find apps and functions. It goes on sale in April for $549. HMD Global of Espoo, Finland, launched three budget Android phones under the Nokia brand the Nokia 3, 5 and 6, starting at $147 with screens ranging from 5 inches to 5.5 inches in size. A 2000 classic handset was revised the Nokia 3310 but with a slimmer size and a color screen. [ See Computerworlds roundup of Mobile World Congress. ] Chinese vendor Lenovo announced the Moto G5 and G5 Plus with prices starting at $178. Only the G5 Plus will be sold in the U.S. It will be available on Motorolas website for $229 for the 16GB version. The business model for the Lenovo- and HMD-throwback branded phones seems to be to gain market share with low-cost devices, much as Huawei of Shenzhen, China, has done for years, said Kevin Burden, an analyst at 451 Research. Huawei pursued a model of introducing low cost phones for years, and has now grown to become the third-largest phone maker in the world. In the U.S. however, the company is in 10th place, according to market research firm IDC. In addition to its low-cost approach, Huawei in January announced the Mate 9 smartphone at a pricey $600; and at MWC launched the P10 and P10 Plus featuring Leica camera optics. The P10 starts at 650 ($687) with 64GB of storage. Neither will be sold in the U.S., but could be purchased unlocked. They have radio bands that work with some U.S. carriers. [ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ] Burden said it will be difficult for Huawei to be a challenger to Apple and Samsung in the U.S. smartphone market any time soon. However, he said Huawei could reach the top market share globally in a few years, given its aggressive marketing, design and manufacturing approach. It was 20 years ago this month that consumer electronics companies Sony and Toshiba launched a new home video format called Digital Video Disc, or DVD. The format promised a four-fold increase in resolution over VHS and the permanence of music CDs, in that the video would not degrade as you played it. The DVD had a lot of promise. It would be a new optical format for PCs, since the CD-ROM format had reached its capacity rather quickly, and it would also be used as a new format for music, called DVD-Audio. But the launch in the U.S. on March 19 was centered around home video. It's hard to overstate how different and primitive things were back then. We all had CRT televisions that used a 4:3 aspect ratio and watched movies using the TV's built-in speakers. DVD used a format called Dolby Digital 5.1, a 6-speaker surround methodology that virtually no one knew anything about, and none of the stereo receivers had it built-in. DVD rolled out in seven cities around the U.S. before its national launch. Los Angeles was one of them, and it was my home, so I decided to become an early adopter for once because the format had so much promise. This meant a $600 investment in a Dolby Digital amp that connected to my receiver, $800 for a shiny new JVC DVD player, and a few hundred to increase my speaker count. The choice of movies, though, stunk. Fox, Paramount, Disney and Universal did not support the format at launch, so many movies were unavailable and would not be for years. The studios feared theft of the content and people stealing perfect copies of their work. Bootleg VHS was one thing, since they degraded, but a DVD copy would never degrade, and they were rightfully concerned after the events of 1999 (more on that later). Then came a second threat to DVD: retailer Circuit City took the format and created a bastard child called Divx. Divx was different in that you had to connect a phone line to the player and basically get approval to watch it. You could buy the movie for $4.50 and watch it once, then pay $3.25 to watch it again, or pay $12.49 for unlimited viewing. It rubbed everyone the wrong way. This was Circuit City and the studios trying to control our viewing habits and get more money out of us for each viewing. The reaction among internet fans of DVD was incredible, with sites like The Digital Bits leading an unrelenting anti-Divx charge. I had a front row seat for it all as a reporter for TechWeb at the time and yeah, I was a little biased. Divx came out in 1998 and crashed and burned spectacularly. In the process, I think it also took down Circuit City. At the time of DVD's launch, Best Buy was a modest chain, but it threw its support behind DVD fully. On every DVD board I read, people swore they would never set foot in Circuit City again for the Divx effort. They all supported Best Buy and gave it their business. The result is Best Buy is a retail giant while Circuit City is dead. No doubt there were many more variables, but CC's ill-fated Divx project had at least something to do with its fall. In 1999, the holdouts were starting to come on board. Stephen Spielberg was among the last to do so, not even allowing movies he executive produced to be released on DVD, until that year. And then it happened. A kid in Norway named Jon Johansen produced a small utility called DeCSS, which copied the video file off a DVD, removed the encryption, and wrote the video back out without the encryption. Thus perfect copies were made, realizing the fear of every studio. At the time, I had a friend who worked in the MPAA's anti-piracy division who sent me a link to DeCSS and asked me to see if it worked. It did. One day later I was doing a demo for the CTO of the MPAA along with other folks, and there were some unhappy faces in that room. I was later told that they were on the phone to legendary MPAA chief Jack Valenti before I even got out of the parking garage. I tracked down Jon on IRC and spoke with him at length. He told me that a PC DVD player made by a company called Xing failed to encrypt their deprotection key, so he was able to make DeCSS from that. He agreed to be interviewed and didn't mind me using his name. He was 15 and lived in Norway. "What are they going to do to me?" he joked. Oh, just spend the next several years trying to destroy your young life. My stories ran on Wired News and drew 400,000 views. In 1999, that was a lot. I was interviewed by CBS Radio and NPR. And man did all hell break loose. For me it was a technology story but it fast became a legal one, so I stepped back and let Wired News's resident legal writer, Declan McCullagh, handle it. I had hoped that since DVD was still in its early days they could do some kind of firmware upgrade to fix the security and render DeCSS useless, but they never did, and now DVD ISOs clog BitTorrent. DVD would survive studio boycotts, Divx and DeCSS to thrive. By 2003, sales surpassed VHS. It created a collector culture that didn't exist in VHS, since the discs didn't degrade in quality. Also, with DVD extras, studios started adding director's cuts, deleted scenes, behind the scenes interviews, and other interesting qualities. People built libraries in the hundreds and even thousands. In 2006 came another problem: a format split. DVD's resolution is 720x480, while high definition TV is 1920x1080. That's actually six times the resolution. HDTV was coming into play and suddenly DVDs looked like VHS by comparison. Two competing factions came out with HD-versions of DVD. Sony had Blu-ray, a completely new design with higher capacity, while Toshiba led the way with HD DVD, a derivative of DVD with a lower capacity. After a two year fight (2006-2008), Blu-ray gained momentum and Toshiba threw in the towel. It was in some ways a Pyrrhic victory. Blu-ray won the physical media war only to have its lunch eaten by on-demand and streaming. And so here we are 20 years later. Video stores have all but vanished from the retail landscape. Sony is no longer an electronics company beyond the PlayStation, and Toshiba is in such dire financial straits it may not survive. DVD-Audio never went anywhere despite being a massive improvement over Compact Disc audio. Circuit City and Blockbuster are dead. DVD as a format is fading and the studios have all sharply reduced their home video efforts. Gone are those spectacular special edition DVDs like the four-disc special editions New Line Home Video issued for "The Lord of the Rings" movies or the amazing nine-disc "Alien Quadrilogy." Studios just stopped caring. I had held out hope that the rise of 4K resolution would spark a revival of the DVD format because as it is, HD video streaming is compromised compared to a Blu-ray DVD. Netflix and the cable companies have to compress the daylights out of the video to send it down the old copper wires that make up so much of our infrastructure. As it is, feasible 4K streaming is years off. But it seems people just don't want to go out and get a disc only to return it a few days later. DVD is even dying on the PC. More and more PCs come without an optical drive now, and I'm even seeing some towers for system builders that have no 5.25" drive bays. But you know, we have a history of discarding technologies and then realizing what we've lost. Print books are coming back into favor, as is vinyl for music. Maybe DVD will get a boost from 4K. One thing's for sure, no one could have predicted what the first 20 years of DVD would be like, so don't even try to guess then next 20. Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. His most recent book is What Next: How to Get the Best from Brexit. Later this morning, MEPs will vote to strip Marine Le Pen of her immunity, allowing her to be prosecuted in France. Her offence is, to British eyes, a strange one. In an ill-tempered Twitter exchange, a French journalist likened her party to the Islamic State. She responded by tweeting an image of IS atrocities, with the words Daech cest ca! (This is Daesh!) Now she finds herself being prosecuted under a French law that prohibits the circulation of violent images. Its hard to avoid the suspicion that, had a mainstream socialist tweeted the same image, no one would have batted an eyelid. It is almost certain that the European Parliament will vote to see her in court. MEPs have immunity from prosecution in their home countries, though it can be lifted by a majority vote. In theory, their colleagues should vote to uphold immunity when the accusation is political, but not when it involves, say, a driving offence. In practice, as everyone well understands, a completely different test is applied. If the accused MEP is a goody-goody federalist, immunity is automatically upheld; if he or she is a Eurosceptic, it is always withdrawn. When, for example, a senior Christian Democrat, a fanatical Euro-integrationist, was wanted by the German tax authorities for failing to declare his income, the Parliament rallied round. When, on the other hand, UKIPers or French souverainistes say the wrong thing, even if they say it in the chamber, the law is allowed to take its course. This, though, isnt a column about Le Pen, whose baleful blend of socialism and anti-immigrant anger is already making France an uglier place. Its a column about incongruities between the British and European political traditions. That a British politician could be prosecuted for tweeting a gruesome image is almost unthinkable. At least as unthinkable as, say, a British burqa ban, or a British law against Holocaust denial. Dont get me wrong: plenty of European countries have laws of this sort while remaining robust democracies. Its just that such prohibitions are outside our political norms. The relationship between state and citizen evolved differently here. I am reminded of the incongruities almost every day in Brussels. The European Parliament has, for example, just adopted a rule that allows its President to suspend the broadcasting of a session if any MEP engages in what he considers to be defamatory, racist or xenophobic language. That offending MEP can be sanctioned in various ways, including a fine of up to 9,000. What constitutes xenophobic language? Good question. A previous parliamentary report defined opposition to the euro as monetary xenophobia. Could an MEP who used vivid language to tear into the euro be fined? Who is to say? It all seems bizarre to a Brit. The right to say what you please in Parliament is integral to our system. The Bill of Rights affirms that the freedom of speech and debates or proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament. To repeat, Im not trying to suggest that the EU is groaning under some kind of tyranny. Plainly, a democratic and open society can exist with restrictions of this sort. Its simply that, again and again, we are reminded of the fundamental incompatibility between the two systems. One is evolved, organic, haphazard and open; the other rational, planned, regulated and dirigiste. One is based on the common law a dispersed system which grows like a coral, each judgment serving as a starting-point for the next case; the other on the Bonapartist model, where laws are written down in the abstract and then applied to specific cases. One assumes residual liberty; the other assumes licensing. Obviously, things arent always clear-cut. Ireland uses the common law and Scotland doesnt. Some EU states are more liberal than others. The British system has had its Continental mimics from Voltaire onwards; and the Continental system its British advocates. It is fair to say, though, that a difference in outlook has prejudiced Britains relationship with Brussels from the start. Without that difference, Brexit would not have happened. This is worth repeating because, even now, some Remainers insist on interpreting the vote as a rejection of free trade, or of globalisation, or of cordial links with our neighbours. It was nothing of the kind. Theresa May is right to keep saying that we intend to act as the EUs closest friend. But we shall do so as an independent country, living under its own laws. Our relationship will be based on alliance, not absorption. What a relief. I used to get agitated whenever there were votes of this sort in Parliament. As long as we were EU members, I felt that we were somehow implicated. But, soon, itll be none of our business any more. The EU will be free to evolve in whatever direction it pleases with our goodwill and support. I cant tell you what a sense of peace that brings. 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. Donald Trump is aggressively warring with the American media, while Theresa May is sidelining the media here. Trump behaves like the media must be destroyed; May behaves like it must be put in its place. Their approaches are different but both reject the rules the media demands they play by. How will they fare? Unlike May, Trump communicates constantly. While he holds occasional broadcast interviews and press conferences, he prefers to communicate directly with the public through Twitter. This is to get his message out directly to the public and because he wishes to undermine trust in the mainstream media who he blames for dishonesty and who some supporters blame for many of the cultural problems they believe America faces. It seems unlikely in the extreme hell be successful. Trumps operation looks to be an incompetent shambles and the hard-edged cultural policies he favours are surely destined to fail. The mainstream media will heap blame on him and his administration and its unlikely voters will collectively decide Trumps opponents and the negative media were to blame. It would be stretching credibility to suggest Trumps policies would garner substantial sympathy from the media if he were more approachable to them. But its reasonable to assume he might get a more positive hearing were he to play their game. Theresa May sees the media differently. She doesnt seek either to go over its head or to destroy it. She seeks to focus on the job of Government and wants journalists and commentators to simply report the news as its made. Shes made it extremely clear she wont provide endless news stories, pictures or commentary to journalists. With Labour in disarray and the Conservatives united, normal political rules dont apply. She doesnt need positive coverage to maintain competitive advantage over Labour. Where things will get complicated for May is when the Brexit process runs into difficulties, which it surely must when companies actually leave Britain and the economy shows signs of wobbling. Even Brexit-supporting media outlets will report such stories prominently. At that point, May will need the media to present her as a competent leader with a vision for Britains future and a plan to get us there. While her brand is built on competence, she is untested as a leader, having been leader of the Conservative Party for as long as shes been Prime Minister. As we saw with Gordon Brown, a reputation for competence can soon become a reputation for flat footed plodding. She needs to fill in the gaps that exist in her image. Theres a reason successful politicians appear to be media obsessed: successfully portraying a positive image is a crucial aspect of actually leading and governing. A reputation for honesty, competence and intelligence makes it more likely that announcements will be taken at face value and every mistake viewed within proper context. It doesnt mean politicians will get away with everything all the time but it makes everything easier. Trump will need to call off the war with the media at some point at least for a time and May will need to engage more actively than shes previously done. Its comforting for leaders to imagine that they can either have a direct line to voters or that they can let their actions speak for themselves but its a fallacy. You have to learn to love the media in the end. CORNWALL, Ontario Cornwalls Summer Beer Fest just made a big announcement about the festivals entertainment. With tickets set to go on sale Mar. 8, Seaway Food Festival recently revealed that Multi-Platinum Canadian hip-hop artist, Classified would be taking the stage at Lamoureux Park this spring. Were excited, but we know that for the past three years weve been building a successful event people want to be part of, said Sebastien Manigat, Director of the Seaway Festival. Weve been keeping this under wraps for two weeks, and were eager to see how many people we can bring to the park. Manigat, a self-proclaimed Classified fan, feels the Nova Scotia natives wide-ranging appeal will bring more people out to the event. We really struck a chord with Classified, said Manigat. Personally, I think hes fantastic and will help draw a younger crowd. Following the success of his 2016 album, Greatful, which featured the likes of DJ Premier, Snoop Dogg, and Saukrates, Classified will be hitting the stage along with his six-piece band. Continuing to generate buzz on a national and international scale, his token style and sound are a well-blended cross between hip-hop and rock. He will close out a full day of music, craft beer and fine food tasting. While Manigat and his team are still working on rounding out the lineup, he says that there are a few more surprises around the corner. The concert is sort of a thank you for spending day with us, said Manigat. In extending this thanks, Seaway Food Festival will also be working with Limelight Music Academy to put together a local lineup. If people liked what we did at Beer Fest in the past, theyre going to love what weve got planned this year, said Manigat. Tickets for the June 24 event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, Mar. 8 starting at 1 p.m. Close Researchers have found the reason why the number of marriages is declining and divorce cases are rising in South Africa. Reports of commercialization of the custom in the country make it difficult for people to marry. Professor Dori Posel and Dr. Stephanie Rudwick of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have discovered that the cost of lobola is a significant factor behind the declining number of marriages in South Africa. Lobola is referred to as bride wealth. It is in a form of cash or in kind the husband to be or his family will give to the family of the bride. Some people in the region do not consider people married unless they had gone through the practice of lobola. Rudwick said that poor families are struggling to pay for the customary ritual contributing to the declining number of marriages. Most young men find it difficult to come up with the amount asked by the bride's family, according to Rudwick. Data from Stats South Africa found that from 2013 to 2014, there was a decline of 12.5 percent in customary marriages. However, during the past decade, there was a massive decline. The average cost of wedding in South Africa in 2016 was $5,400 to $6,100 for 80 to 100 people according to Great Occasions wedding planner. However, prices could easily shoot up to $15,300. While marriages are declining in South Africa, divorce rates are steadily climbing up. Stats SA showed that there are 23,885 divorces in 2013. By 2014, it had climb up to 24,689. It is alarming that 75.6 percent of the marriages solemnized by the Department of Home Affairs end up in divorce. The most common age of divorce in South Africa is 42 years old for men, and 38 years old for women. Most divorces takes place after five to nine years in marriage. Most divorce cases are initiated by women with 51.7 percent than by men with only 34.4 percent. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Letters Trump and EPA Dear Alibi, Trump and Republican leaders are unapologetically focused on removing all regulations and laws that were established to safeguard the American people from industries who pollute our environment. Scott Pruitt's selection to head the EPA is proof of their intent. They call it business-friendly. Have people forgotten the reasons why these regulations were put in place? Industry leaders are focused on profits. Historically they have shirked responsibility for burning rivers, smog, high cancer rates, lead and mercury poisoning, extreme weather events and extinctions. The 99 percent of Americans will pay with their health and tax dollars. Support Early Childhood Services Dear Alibi, The New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership strongly supports the establishment of an Early Childhood Services/Education Department. Two bills proposing the creation of such a department have been introduced this session. We commend Senator Morales and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue. These bills are not proposing that we expand government. Rather, they aim to increase coordination and effectiveness by bringing together the myriad of early childhood programs and services currently managed by a number of state agencies. Establishing an early childhood services/education department will elevate the prominence of early childhood. New Mexicans have a long history of support for children and families. We know that 85 percent of a childs brain develops before the age of 5. We are fortunate in that our Legislature and the Executive support funding early learning opportunities. Lets take this important step to ensure that all children in our state receive a great start. On Overpopulation Dear Alibi, I write this letter sincerely believing that it will not be published: 40 years of writing on this very subject have fallen on deaf ears, but I write. I must because, honestly, I don't know what else to do. People throughout the world, I fear, have now been pushed beyond that eleventh hour. The recent US election, merely exemplifies how far from a reasonable center human society has strayed. But I could have predicted this when I was 13 years old. The #1 threat to human survival, as I see it, is human overpopulation. From food scarcity and water rationing to war, plague dwindling resources, environmental degradation, extinction of plant and animal life, climate change, civil unrest, economic and political instability, mass migrations of refugees, threats to national securitythe list goes on. I can't think of a one that hasn't been strained almost to the breaking for the competing demands of nearly 8 billion people on planet Earth. There is a logical solution to the problems we face, but very few seem to want to hear it. It is the sacred cow that must never be offended. Instead of suffering the horrible worldwide holocaust lying in wait, we could, instead, opt to bring fewer of us into the world. What I see is a disturbing mix of tribalism, antiquated cultural traditions that no longer serve us and serious religious overtones; whatever it is, the planet can no longer support our lifestyle choices, nor over a hundred years of hiding our heads in the sand. My parents had six children. I am #5 of 6 I wish they'd stopped at three. Thank You for Helping Me Resist! Dear Alibi, Thank you for your Issue 5 Fight! article by Carolyn Carlson. Ive already taken some of her suggestions and contacted my representatives. Please keep up the good work of getting the word out about how we can resist! Cloud News AWS Apologizes For Cloud Outage, Blames Typo Joseph Tsidulko Share this Amazon Web Services Thursday said an employee trying to debug its billing system entered a command incorrectly, causing the four-hour outage that disrupted service to Amazon S3 clients around the world earlier this week. In a postmortem detailing the events that led to Tuesday's high-profile disruption, AWS apologized for the impact on customers and outlined the changes it is making to prevent the problem from occurring again. The crash started with a bad command entered during a debugging process on its S3 billing system at 9:37 am PT in the provider's Virginia data center that serves the eastern region of the United States. [Related: Partners: AWS Outage Puts Spotlight Onn Private Cloud Advantages] An employee, using "an established playbook," intended to pull down a small number of servers that hosted subsystems for the billing process. Instead, the accidental command resulted in a far broader swath of servers being taken offline, including one subsystem necessary to serve specific requests for data storage functions, and another allocating new storage, AWS said in the postmortem. "Removing a significant portion of the capacity caused each of these systems to require a full restart. While these subsystems were being restarted, S3 was unable to service requests," the postmortem said. The restart process then took longer than expected, largely due to the cloud's growth in recent years, AWS said. "While this is an operation that we have relied on to maintain our systems since the launch of S3, we have not completely restarted the index subsystem or the placement subsystem in our larger regions for many years. S3 has experienced massive growth over the last several years and the process of restarting these services and running the necessary safety checks to validate the integrity of the metadata took longer than expected," AWS said. Even after restarts are completed, problems typically persist a while longer due to backlogs created from the downtime, said Mat Elis, CEO of Cloudability, a cloud management software vendor. Think of the analogy of a series of phone lines, Elis said. "Normally the phone lines receive five calls a minute. The phone system went down, and callers get an engaged tone, so they start calling back. After one minute there are 10 callers, after five minutes 25 callers, all trying to call the five lines." That kind of scenario, with robots instead of human callers, is what happened at AWS. After the reset, automated systems across Amazon's massive customer base tried to resume stalled processes, such as uploading or downloading files to and from S3, all at once. It takes time for a provider to catch up with backlog and resume normal operations. Amazon has already modified the tool used to pull down the intended servers, which allowed "too much capacity to be removed too quickly," the statement said. The tool has been updated to remove servers slower and add safeguards that prevent removing servers in situations where it will bring the system below a minimum level of capacity. "We are making several changes as a result of this operational event," said AWS. Tuesday's outage took down many popular websites and enterprise services like Slack and Trello that rely on the public cloud giant. That not only embarrassed the cloud leader, but delivered a marketing windfall to rivals. "This is going to force a Google conversation. They just handed Google thousands of customers," Jamie Shepard, senior vice president at Google partner Lumenate, told CRN earlier this week. Storage News Veeam Intros First Native Snapshot For Cisco HyperFlex Joseph F. Kovar Share this Veeam is working with Cisco Systems to provide what it calls the first native snapshot capability for Cisco's HyperFlex hyper-converged infrastructure offering. Veeam, which develops data protection technology for physical, virtualized, and cloud environments, next month plans to release an update to its data protection software that provides direct native snapshots of data on HyperFlex appliances, said Andy Vandeveld, vice president of global alliances for the Baar, Switzerland-based company "With the integrated solution, there's no need to back up and then do snapshots from vSphere," Vandeveld told CRN. "We can do snaps direct, outside the production virtual machines. It's a more elegant solution to get the snapshots from storage and not from the hypervisor." [Related: 23 Powerful Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Products] The new solution is targeted at Veeam partners who also work with Cisco UCS and Cisco HyperFlex, Vandeveld said. He was unable to specify how many of Veeam's 35,000 worldwide channel partners also worked with Cisco, but said they number in the thousands. The new Veeam offering, while designed in conjunction with Cisco's developers, is designed as a meet-in-the-channel solution, which means channel partners do the actual integration of the two companies' products, Vandeveld said. The Veeam solution for Cisco HyperFlex is important as a new way to bring data from an increasingly common platform into service providers, said Matt Chesterton, CEO of OffsiteDataSync, a Rochester, N.Y.-based service provider with a focus on data protection and Infrastructure-as-a-Service. The HyperFlex business is growing quickly, Chesterton told CRN. "According to our Salesforce data, we run into HyperFlex quite a bit." OffsiteDataSync offers off-site data protection from data centers throughout the U.S. and in three other countries in Europe and Asia, and uses Cisco UCS as its back-end technology, Chesterton said. That Cisco infrastructure makes it important to be able to connect to customers' Cisco solutions including HyperFlex to ensure customer operations and data protection, said Jim Klossner, OffsiteDataSync's chief technology officer. "Having a single Cisco management solution to scale the infrastructure is important," Klossner told CRN. Veeam has done a good job of integrating its snapshot technology with other vendors like Nimble Storage as well, which is important, Chesterton said. "Snaps on virtual machines are a deal-breaker in some cases," he said. "Especially in the enterprise where virtual machines can't always be snapshotted." Smartphone Innovation The Sony Xperia XZ Premium may just be the iPhone 7 Plus alternative some have been searching for. In connection with Mobile World Congress 2017, Sony unveiled one of the most innovative phones at the show. But how does the large-screen smartphone match up to its closest counterpart in the Apple universe, the iPhone 7 Plus? In the following slides, the CRN Test Center compares the Xperia XZ Premium to the iPhone 7 Plus on specs, features and price. In 2015, two cybersecurity breaches at the Office of Personnel Management prompted the federal government to take steps to ensure that personal information will not be compromised in the future. Most of that work, however, was basically closing the barn door after the horse had run off. The General Services Administration (GSA) moved quickly to award government-wide Federal Supply Schedule Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) for identity monitoring, and data breach response and protection services. According to the GSA, the BPAs have an estimated value of $500 million. So we are spending $500 million to deal with the aftermath of the breaches (and possible future breaches), but somehow we never have enough money to prevent these breaches from the start. It begs the question of where that money was before the problem? Well, of course, thats a line item that is difficult to get through the federal budgeting process. In these austere days, Congress isnt likely to provide mission to the moon funding to pre-empt possible problems. And yet possible problems, as we have already seen, are increasingly likely as we rely more on IT infrastructures that may not be up to the challenge of increased use. The hard truth is that many IT systems in both the public and private sector were designed in the storybook days before cybersecurity became an issue. Federal programs that depend on IT infrastructure also tend to have complex supply chains, which can make systems vulnerable to things like clandestine listening, pattern analysis and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Down the road, better coordination between technology vendors and buyers before the acquisition process will be able to stem some of the cyber tide (more on that later). Thats great for future purchases, but what do we do in the meantime with what we have now? Defense in depth a moat to defend the castle The right approach to security in IT infrastructure begins by accepting that stopping every cyber attack is an impossible strategy. Similarly, static security certifications and set-and-forget IT systems are a thing of the past; we need to vigilantly rethink access controls and vulnerabilities patching. While technology vendors continue working on making their products and components less susceptible to attack, a practical approach to security now means looking at defense in depth solutions. Defense in depth looks to manage risk with a broad range of defensive strategies. That way, if one layer of defense fails, bad agents still need to get through another layer and another. This strategy is already used in some private sector networks. Financial services firms, for example, typically have numerous security measures in place. Bad actors have to get past barricades and cross the moat before they can get into the castle. By making it harder for adversaries to access your system, these bad actors may choose easier targets. Without a defense in depth strategy, it is easy to be overwhelmed by even unsophisticated tactics like DDoS attacks. The need for better procurement processes Ultimately, however, security for the federal government (and private sector enterprises) is going to need help from industry. Technology companies are going to need to treat security as a fundamental feature in their products from day one. That means putting security up front in product development, with a sound plan and security features designed into products from the start. At the same time, the purchasing authorities need to bring their security needs front and center. Some necessary steps: Build IT security into your contracts, and develop standards for what secure computing must look like. Your Chief Information Security Officer needs to be actively involved in this process, and your contractors must be responsible for maintaining whichever system you settle on. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel, and start seriously leveraging existing industry standards. Similarly, make sure that the certifications and standards industry is already using are adequate to the level the government needs. Get out of hardware procurements, and start buying infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Be clear on what your particular industry needs (and keep in mind that federal cloud offerings are months behind the commercial cloud in terms of offerings). This last point is important to elaborate. Does your preferred provider offer orchestration tools for deleting and building apps? You want apps to be able to easily scale up or down; this elasticity ensures the long-term viability of your network. Likewise, make sure that your provider offers Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools for life-cycle management. You need to be able to extend on-premise IAM tools to the off-premise cloud data center environment. As weve seen, stopping attacks and unauthorized access of network platforms demands a coordinated enterprise approach to mission assurance and cyber defense. A strong defense alone will not mitigate risk. In future columns well take a closer look at other ways to improve cyber security including the role your workforce plays in limiting your susceptibility to hacking. No demands, you can add your comments over on Facebook if you want. Everyone makes mistakes. But working at Amazon Web Services means an incorrectly entered input can lead to a massive outage that cripples popular websites and services. That's apparently what happened earlier this week, when the AWS Simple Storage Service (S3) in the provider's Northern Virginia region experienced an 11-hour system failure. Other Amazon services in the US-EAST-1 region that rely on S3, like Elastic Block Store, Lambda, and the new instance launch for the Elastic Compute Cloud infrastructure-as-a-service offering were all impacted by the outage. AWS apologized for the incident in a postmortem released Thursday. The outage affected the likes of Netflix, Reddit, Adobe, and Imgur. More than half of the top 100 online retail sites experienced slower load times during the outage, website monitoring service Apica said. Heres what set off the outage, and what Amazon plans to do: According to Amazon, an authorized S3 employee executed a command that was supposed to "remove a small number of servers for one of the S3 subsystems that is used by the S3 billing process," in response to the service's billing process working more slowly than anticipated. One of the parameters for the command was entered incorrectly and took down a large number of servers that support a pair of critical S3 subsystems. The Index subsystem manages the metadata and location information of all S3 objects in the region, while the placement subsystem manages allocation of new storage and requires the index subsystem to be functioning properly to correctly operate. While those subsystems are built to be fault tolerant, the number of servers shut down required both to be fully restarted. As it turns out, Amazon hasn't fully restarted those systems in its larger regions for several years, and S3 has experienced massive growth in the intervening time. Rebooting those subsystems took longer than expected, which added to the length of the outage. In response to this incident, AWS is making several changes to its internal tools and processes. The tool that was responsible for causing the outage has been modified to take down servers more slowly and to block operations that will take capacity below safety check levels. AWS is also evaluating its other tools to make sure they have similar safety systems in place. AWS engineers are also going to start refactoring the S3 index subsystem to help speed up reboots and reduce the blast radius of future problems. The cloud provider has also changed its Service Health Dashboard administration console to run across multiple regions. AWS employees were unable to update the dashboard during the outage because the console relied on S3 from the affected region. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Growing up on the citys East Side, Frank Borres worked in journalism before establishing a marketing and multimedia communications company, American View Productions, in 1984. He now lives on the West Side with his wife, Sali. The longtime community activist has served on a number of community boards and commissions over the years, including his present role as president of the West Side/West End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone for the past 11 years and president of the Citywide Leadership NRZ for eight years. Borres, 60, is also now head of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. He recently told Hearst Connecticut Media how he began his career and activism, what his goals are in his new role and what his hopes are for Bridgeports future. Q: Youve been active in city issues for years. When did that activism start? A: In some ways it started when I became a broadcast reporter out of college in 1979, first in radio then for News 12. Working in Bridgeport, I was motivated to cover stories that cast light onto issues that Connecticut and Bridgeport residents needed to be exposed to. Q: What have your goals been in leading the West Side/West End NRZ? Have you been able to achieve any of your goals? A: My goals are to develop more community participation, but that has been challenging. I believe the corridors of Fairfield Avenue, State Street, Park Avenue and Clinton Avenue must be enhanced. As they go, so does the neighborhood and local commerce. The Klein must be supported, we need a new Bassick High School, the old factory buildings in the West End must be renovated to complement the community, remaining industry must be supported, the Hubbell property must be developed, and the old library building and park at State Street and Fairfield Avenue rejuvenated. Q: What are your goals as the new head of the chamber? A: I and my fellow chamber members want to advocate more publicly for the business community. We need to help the city in its efforts to attract commerce. We need to earn the respect of our fellow entrepreneurs so that they may join in our fight. Q: Do you see Mayor Ganim having a good vision for the city? A: Mayor Ganim deserves credit for understanding that first we must have a city that is attractive to residents and visitors. He wants to rid the city of blight and litter and I agree with that wholeheartedly. The fact that he negotiates with unions to cut the taxpayers costs is also very important. ... What I would like to see is a clear articulated direction and branding for the city that Bridgeporters can get behind and investors and developers can sink their teeth into. Q: Where do you hope to see Bridgeport in five years? A: I believe we are at a crossroads it could go either way. The federal and state governments must develop an urban agenda incentivizing private investments in former industrial cities as well as entitlement reform encouraging parents who want to stay together and work out of poverty. Bridgeport must show investors that it will do the heavy lifting to lower taxes. ... I imagine a city where children are the priority, families are staying together, real estate investments are being made, property values increase, and businesses relocate jobs to Bridgeport. If we can dream it, we can make it so. BRIDGEPORT - Oscar Zyggy Hernandez will remain in a Pennsylvania prison for possibly another week as officials there try to get a Spanish interpreter for him. Officials in the Centre County Courthouse said Friday they will not be able to get an interpreter for Hernandez, who is wanted here for the murder of his girlfriend, 26-year-old Nidia Yubi Gonzalez, until next week. We are really just a small town and usually dont have need of Spanish interpreters, said a court officer who did not want her name used. Hernandez has yet to appear in court to decide whether to waive extradition to Connecticut or oppose it. Hernandez is waiting to be served with a warrant from Bridgeport police charging him with murder, attempted murder and first-degree assault. He is also facing charges in Pennsylvania in connection with a pursuit on Interstate 99 there with his young daughter in the car that ended in a crash. Police said Hernandez, who had previously been deported after being convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend in Stamford, in a jealous rage stabbed to death and critically wounded her female friend in their Greenwood Street basement apartment early Friday morning. Hernandez then fled in a rental car with their 6-year-old daughter, Aylin, sparking a multi-state Amber Alert. In the early morning of Feb. 24, police officers Phillip Norris and Jarah Mathews-Dixon were flagged down on Greenwood Street here by Jose Martinez, the owner of a yellow, single-story house there. Police said Martinez was very upset and told the officers they needed to go to the rear of his house where there was an entrance to a basement apartment. The officers found Gonzalez lying face down on the floor just inside the entry way, unresponsive and suffering from multiple stab wounds. Told a child lived there, police said the officers searched the apartment, and while they didnt find a child, they found a second woman lying on the floor under a round kitchen table, suffering from multiple injuries. She was taken to St. Vincents Medical Center. Police said Martinez told them he heard the second woman screaming for help and ran out to the basement apartment where he found both victims. NEWTOWN - The 10 families whose lawsuit against the worlds largest dealer of AR-15 rifles was dismissed last year say their case should be reinstated, arguing that the Sandy Hook massacre was no accident. The notion that what happened at Sandy Hook on December 14, 2012, was unimaginable is a lie, argues the families lawyer, Josh Koskoff, in 50-page brief submitted to state Supreme Court this week. Sandy Hook was simply gratuitous, senseless proof of what was already known: preparation is no match for an AR-15. The families argument that Remington is liable for the massacre of 26 first-graders and educators by an AR-15-wielding 20-year-old named Adam Lanza was thrown out of Superior Court in October. The judge ruled that Remington is protected by federal law against claims when people misuse firearms. The families are sticking to their argument that Remington was liable, saying the company ssly marketed the semi-automatic rifle to civilians. Remington has until May 1 to respond to the brief. A court date to hear both sides of the appeal has not been set. The families argue that the Remington rifle used by Lanza was developed as a weapon of war so powerful, so accurate and so destructive to the human body, it vanquished the need for skilled hands or forgiving terrain. Over the last several decades, scores of Americans - not soldiers but civilians - have witnessed firsthand the effects of that mechanical prowess - not on battlefields, but in malls, movie theaters, places of worship and schools, Koskoff writes in the families brief. (Remington) did not question the wisdom of selling the militarys superlative combat weapon to civilians. Remington lead attorney Jonathan Whitcomb of Stamford could not be reached for comment on Thursday. From the beginning, Remingtons attorneys have argued that the company manufactured a legal gun that was lawfully sold to Nancy Lanza, Adam Lanzas mother. On the day of the massacre, the socially isolated 20-year-old Adam Lanza killed his mother, took the AR-15 from an unlocked closet and shot his way into Sandy Hook School, committing the worst crime in Connecticut history. The families argue that Remington is liable because it negligently marketed the AR15 to Lanzas generation. Where others feared the catastrophic risk posed by these weapons, Remington saw a different problem: insufficient civilian demand for the AR-15, Koskoff writes in the families brief. Its solution was to develop a new market among a younger demographic of users and to do so by employing a targeted marketing campaign linking the AR-15 to macho vigilantism and military style insurrection. The families case was considered a longshot from the start. But as the case progressed through Superior Court to the point where a trial date was set in 2018, observers began to view it as a potential landmark case. The lawsuit became an issue in the Democratic presidential primary between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, who disagreed about a 2005 federal law that shields the gun industry from most claims when firearms are used in crimes. Sanders supported the law, Clinton voted against it. But the debate was beside the point: The law allows claims against the industry if people can prove a company negligently entrusted a firearm to the public. The families appeal seeks to reverse the Superior Court decision and return the lawsuit to pre-trial preparations. [The] ten families whose lives were shattered on December 14, 2012, do not seek to hold defendants liable for simply selling a weapon used by a young school shooter, the brief reads. [T]hey seek to hold defendants liable for their own specific wrongdoing. rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WESTPORT Detectives are investigating the possible cause of an accident Saturday night that sent a car plunging into the chilly Saugatuck River, leaving one passenger dead. Police are considering the dark and rainy conditions and that the husband and wife in the car were from out of state and possibly lost, among possible contributing factors, Westport Police Lt. David Farrell said Wednesday morning. The department believes no foul play was involved, and the man, Richard Lamendola, died from drowning, the State Chief Medical Examiners Office said Monday. The woman was rescued quickly through a joint firefighter, police and EMS effort after diners at the Whelk Restaurant on Riverside Avenue heard screams for help from the river. She told rescuers her male companion was still in the water. Lamendola, 76, of Syosset, N.Y., and his wife were in a car that plummeted into the river from a State Boat Launch off of Elaine Road in Westport around 7 p.m. on Feb. 25. I couldnt be happier with the efforts of Fire, EMS and Police, Police Chief Foti Koskinas said Wednesday morning. We believe it happened during the downpour when very heavy rain was coming in, and its too early to determine what the exact circumstances were. Detectives are also examining the cars GPS history, following up with the woman and processing evidence, Farrell added. Koskinas said the department still has a number of interviews to conduct. We want to learn if there was a way that it could have been prevented and to give the family some closure of why things happened the way they did, Koskinas said. After diners at the Whelk heard screams for help coming from the water and called police, who then contacted the fire department and joint dive team, rescue efforts began around 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25. Fire Chief Robert Yost praised the quick thinking of the diners and rescue workers. Yost on Tuesday called the womans rescue a joint effort and operation overseen by a unified police and fire command, along with EMS aid. Farrell said he was truly proud of the police, firefighters and EMS who responded Saturday. Two emergency responders first to the scene boarded a civilian boat with keys on board and pulled the woman from the water. A firefighter acted heroically, Farrell said, swimming out in the cold water to get to the woman shortly before the boat could, an effort he believes may have saved her life. She alerted the responders a man in the car with her was also in the cold river. A police officer spotted the man from the Bridge Street bridge, according to Yost. EMS gave the man, Lamendola, CPR and he was taken to Norwalk Hospital. In the case of incidents involving a boat launch, like Saturday nights tragedy, the states Department of Energy and Environmental Protection evaluates what happened to determine whether any factors contributed to an accident and discern if any safety changes need to be made, according to Connecticut DEEP Communications Director Dennis Schain. He added on Tuesday that Westport Polices final accident report will help the department with evaluating the State Boat Launch following Saturdays incident. Chris Marquette contributed reporting. Gentlemen Everybody was a gentleman. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, after meetings last weekend in Washington with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, both of whom he has roundly criticized. The shame One of the shames of Connecticut is that we tolerate the most economically and racially segregated schools in the nation, and we need the data to fix that. We must rethink the U.S. response to infectious disease. Here's why. Butler County Landfill officials were pleased with an early February court ruling that appears to put the landfills expansion on more solid ground. They would be even more pleased, as would their employees and BCLs vendors, if they knew the Butler County Board of Supervisors was not going to appeal District Judge Mary Gilbrides ruling in the landfills favor. Gilbride ruled on Feb. 7 that the County Board "should have approved" BCL's application to expand by 110 acres to the south of its existing permit. The expansion would add 30 years to the landfill's life. On Feb. 21, the County Board met in executive session for a half hour on the topic. No action was taken after the session was over. The County Board meets on Monday. BCL and its attorneys contend that the issue all along is the construction of a five-mile concrete road, essentially a heavy-duty highway, to carry traffic from Nebraska 92 on the south and State Spur 12B on the north. The road is County Road R, known as Landfill Road. Its a road avoided by most traffic except for the more than 100 semis a day that carry waste from 20 counties to the landfill. The road, said Waste Connections District Manager Kelly Danielson, has been the main issue all along. The landfill has beefed up the road with grading and the hardest, most durable rock materials to hold up to the truck traffic. Chemicals have been applied to help control dust. The dust is a major complaint, along with wear and tear caused by the truck traffic. Part of the landfills pitch to expand the landfill included BCL covering the $5 million price tag for the road. The paving is not going to happen until we get local siting approval, said Steve Mossman, the Lincoln attorney who represented Waste Connections in the landfills successful appeal. Danielson acknowledged that the landfills neighbors have been unhappy with the road conditions and the dust. It would be unfortunate for the landfills neighbors if the county delayed the paving, Danielson said. Aside from County Road R, BCL also has offered to create a new road surface on County Road Q through Octavia. Trucks traveling that road from the north kick up a lot of dust that adversely affects the village. NDEQ approval BCL still needs to get approval for its expansion plans from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. That appears likely, said Mossman, who has handled the permitting process for others, including Confined Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. Mossman said the NDEQ approval is more of just an engineering issue. It is not based on public opinion. Theres more certainty. However, once the County Board essentially accepts Gilbrides ruling, BCL will begin the engineering of the road. The county would be in charge of approving road design and will own the roadway. Danielson said that with construction coming for the Downtown Improvement Project in David City, there could be potential for cost savings by teaming up with local contractors and suppliers of materials such as concrete. An appeal, however, would slow the process and lead to more costs for taxpayers footing the legal bills. Mossman said Gilbrides 22-page ruling speaks strongly in favor of BCLs case. What they would be doing by appealing is delaying the inevitable, Mossman said. The county has already spent nearly $90,000 in legal fees to counter BCLs appeal. It seems like the phrase, Throwing good money after bad, Mossman said. Danielson said that the ruling was a relief for BCLs employees, and moving ahead on expansion would be even more reassuring. The end of the legal battle also would help calm the nerves of BCLs vendors. We have 16 families that have livelihoods depending on the landfill, Danielson said. Theyve been stressed and worried about the future of their jobs. COLUMBUS The rusty, worn-out benches in Frankfort Square are being replaced with an opportunity to memorialize loved ones in the downtown park. Columbus City Council members voted last week to purchase 24 benches from Florida-based The Park Catalog at a total cost of $15,313, or $638 apiece including shipping. The black, metal benches will replace the two dozen Behlen-built models that were added at Frankfort Square more than 30 years ago as part of an Eagle Scout project. Public Property Director Doug Moore said the current benches have been damaged over time by the weather and skateboarders and bikers who use the seats as grind rails. The new benches, which Moore described as pretty plain-Jane, have a design that makes them more difficult to turn into an impromptu skate park. They will also feature nameplates that allow the benches to be dedicated through donations. Moore said three of the benches have already been sold to donors, leaving 21 of them up for grabs at a cost of $750 each, which covers the purchase price and plaque. The benches have already been ordered, but need to be manufactured and shipped to Columbus. Moore said he hopes to have them installed this summer, with nameplate information added as donations come in. The public property director said the city is contacted regularly by people looking for potential memorials, but options are limited beyond trees or high-dollar pieces since there are only so many benches and picnic tables in Columbus. Most of our trails have enough benches on them, said Moore, who can be contacted at 402-562-4240 for information on a bench memorial. COLUMBUS A 54-year-old Columbus man convicted of a third sexual assault involving children will serve time in prison. Platte County District Court Judge Robert Steinke sentenced William McGuire to 16 to 20 years in prison for his conviction of attempted first-degree sexual assault in connection with a Sept. 24 incident involving two young girls, ages 4 and 2, at the city mans Fourth Street home. The charge is a Class IIA felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. The judge gave McGuire credit for 127 days already served in the county jail. Steinke imposed the sentence after listening to the defendant offer an apology to the victims and their family members in the courtroom. Im sorry for all the pain Ive caused everybody, McGuire told the judge and court spectators. Steinke thought the apology rang hollow considering McGuires history of sexually assaulting children over the last three decades. Youve taken no responsibility for your sex offenses, said Steinke, pointing to the presentence investigation of McGuires prior convictions. The report also noted the results of the Vermont scale of sex offender risk, which rated the defendant a high risk to reoffend. Steinke said McGuires third offense came only two years after he was released on parole in Texas for an aggravated sexual assault of a young boy in 1998. McGuire served 16 years of a 22-year sentence in a Texas prison cell. The defendant was also convicted of attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child in Kearney County in 1987. Family members of the defendant exchanged a few angry words with supporters of the victims as they left the courtroom. Court documents in the local case describe a Columbus Police investigation that began with a report of a sexual assault at McGuires home while he babysat the young girls. The report led to a forensic interview conducted at the Northeast Child Advocacy Center in Norfolk in which the 4-year-old girl described the assault and identified McGuire as the offender, according to Investigator Jaymee Levanders probable cause arrest statement. During a subsequent interview of McGuire, the defendant admitted that on a number of occasions he had children at his residence to be babysat, which was a violation of his parole restrictions, the investigator wrote in her statement. In an act of betrayal and dishonesty, the House of Cronies, Dodgy Donors and Has-Beens voted last night by 358 to 256 to amend the Brexit Bill, insisting talks cannot begin without guarantees to EU citizens now living in Britain. If made law, the Lords amendment will seriously undermine the Governments bargaining hand and betray the 1.2million Britons on the continent who have yet to be offered any such guarantees. As their Lordships are well aware, Theresa May is pushing hard for a deal that upholds the rights of all expats British and continental. The House of Lords, pictured, voted last night 358 to 256 to amend the Brexit bill Indeed, if she had her way, we would have an agreement already. Its the bloody-minded Brussels bureaucracy, not her, which is bargaining with family lives and happiness. So if this insidious amendment is allowed to stand, it risks leaving our own people high and dry. But last nights vote was also dishonest, since its chief purpose was clearly not to put EU expats minds at rest, as the ermined Remoaners claimed. No, this was a naked bid to sabotage Brexit by creating difficulties for Mrs May in triggering formal negotiations. MPs must reject the amendment and send it back to the Lords. If the unelected Upper House persists in seeking to frustrate the peoples will, it will surely be signing its own death warrant. Milking the prudent One by one, the chickens let loose by George Osborne during his six years at the Treasury are coming home to roost. By imposing swingeing taxes on second homes, he wrecked the buy-to-let market. His two-year delay in revaluing business rates greatly increased the shock for struggling firms. Meanwhile, his hefty increases in stamp duty have all but frozen sales of the most expensive homes, with the perverse effect of reducing Treasury revenues. But of all the former chancellors legacies, none has been more damaging than his punitive tax raid on insurance premiums, which has hit all responsible owners of houses, cars, pets and buildings. Lord Chancellor Liz Truss, pictured, looks increasingly out of her political depth And the pain is to get worse. First, Mr Osbornes successor Philip Hammond signalled last autumn that the premium tax is to rise again in June for the third time in two years to a crippling 12 per cent, hoovering up 18billion of our cash over the next three years. And now Justice Secretary Liz Truss, who looks increasingly out of her political depth, has rubber-stamped massive increases in compensation to accident victims, which will drive up car insurance premiums by hundreds of pounds. Didnt the Tories come to power on a pledge to stand by those who do the right thing? So why are they disincentivising people from doing the right thing by taking out insurance? The pinkest of Tories Writing a piece for the Guardian (naturally), David Cameron reveals he is to head a commission for the London School of Economics on how best to distribute foreign aid to fragile states! This paper has long questioned the ex-prime ministers Tory credentials. By choosing Britains most Left-wing paper to announce his job promoting this Left-wing cause for Britains most Left-wing university, he confirms all our doubts. Put to one side that the elderly, sick and dying in our country have been shamefully starved of resources. As the Mail has long argued, defence is the first duty of any Government. Yet under Mr Cameron, the armed forces budget was cut and cut again. What use can any country be to the worlds poor, if it allows itself to be crushed by its enemies? As the number of Sharia courts operating behind closed doors - and beyond the reach of British law - continues to grow apace, a new documentary has exposed what really happens during the shadowy proceedings. There are believed to be 85 Sharia courts in the UK, and last night Channel 4's Extremely British Muslims aired footage captured inside Birmingham's Central Mosque as a council dispensed its strict religious form of justice. Viewers witnessed the struggle of mother-of-four Fatima, 33, as she sought permission to divorce the drug dealer husband she says has emotionally abused her throughout their 14 year marriage. The Islamic court, which seeks to provide Muslims with resolutions to financial, familial and marital disputes according to the principles of their faith, granted Fatima's request. But that she was forced to plead her case at all is in stark contrast to the divorce process for Muslim men, who need only tell their spouse 'I divorce you' three times in order to free themselves of a marriage. Fatima visits the Sharia Court to obtain a divorce from her husband of 14 years who has been in prison for the past two years Dr Amra Bone is the only female judge to sit in the Sharia Court in the UK, she helps to deal with requests relating to the break down of marriages Inside the Sharia Court that specialises solely in divorce for Muslims along with two other judges Under Islamic law, marriage is a legal bond and social contract between a man and a woman, but the marriages are not binding under UK law. On Extremely British Muslims, Fatima had to explain exactly why she no longer wants to be with her other half to the three judges, one of whom was the only female Sharia Court judge in the country, Dr Amra Bone. Fatima wished to be granted a divorce, and claimed she has been a victim of emotional abuse. 'I've been on my own with the children, [with] no support from him and there was emotional abuse,' she said. She refused to take him back even after Dr Bone said that her husband was willing to change. The documentary, filmed over a year, heads into Birmingham Central Mosque (pictured) and gives an eye-opening insight into the lives of modern British Muslims BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE RISE OF SHARIA JUSTICE IN BRITAIN The Islamic Sharia Council (a registered charity) was founded by the late Shaykh Sayyid Matawalli ad-Darsh in 1982. A 2015 Daily Mail investigation revealed that 85 Islamic courts - most attached to mosques - were dispensing 'justice' across the UK at the time. It told how the fate of vulnerable Muslim women was placed in the hands of elderly clerics, who were heard to lay out medieval-sounding rulings to those seeking an escape route from an ill-fated marriage. It cited the Dutch Academic Machteld Zee's Choosing Sharia, which describes a senior cleric claiming it was wrong to prosecute men who rape their wives, and another who, upon learning of the plight of a woman who had not seen her errant husband in four years, refuses her divorce application and lectures her instead on the 'scientific reasons' for polygamy. Zee, an atheist, argued that there is enormous cultural pressure on Muslim women to settle family disputes via Islamic rather than normal courts. Under Islamic law a man need only say 'I divorce you' three times to his wife to end his marriage - but a woman needs the approval of a cleric, and the process incurs a fee. The Islamic Sharia Council vigorously disputed much of what was reported in Zee's findings at the time. It came after hard-line Islamists declared their intention to implement a 'Sharia law zone' in the London suburb of Waltham Forest in 2011. The ISC deals largely with marriage and divorce, but occasionally looks at financial and family disputes in search of resolutions that conform to religious principles. They operate outside of UK law, but lay down judgements which can be given full legal status if approved in national law courts. Hearings are usually held behind closed doors. Best-selling author Martin Sixsmith described in a Daily Mail article last month how he was told of one case in which the Sharia court decided a man had the right to exact the death penalty on his neighbour's children after they objected to the idea of marrying his own children. Sharia law, derived from the religious rules of Islam, relates to all aspects of a Muslim's life, from dress, to marriage, to diet and hygiene. Advertisement In the first episode of the Channel 4 documentary series it looks at how relationships and marriage work for Muslims 'There's no love or trust and I fear him. I am 100 percent [convinced], there is no looking back' she explained. ISLAMIC DIVORCE An Islamic marriage contract or nikah is not valid in UK law, so some couples choose to also have a civil ceremony or marry in a registered mosque. If they have done so, and later decide to divorce, it must be done through the UK courts. However, if the couple only has a nikah, the husband can divorce his wife by pronouncing 'talaq' three times or on three separate occasions, depending on the branch of Islam. A wife, however, can't unilaterally divorce her husband and has to approach a Sharia council and pay a fee. Advertisement While she waited for an answer she explained that after a couple of months of marriage her husband 'started to show his true colours' and things soon spiralled 'out of control'. Fatima had gone against her parents' wishes when she first married him and admitted she regrets rushing into the marriage. The presiding judge Dr Amra Bone informed Fatima that her marriage has been dissolved and reflected on Fatima's case. 'This is a marriage of choice [as opposed to an arranged marriage]. The wife is discovering afterwards, he has been on drugs. 'We think it's very important for the family to play a role in finding out what the boy is like before anything happens, and in cases where they've already fallen in love it is in fact too late.' Sabrina and Bella are two of the women who will feature in the groundbreaking show Extremely British Muslims airs Thursday on Channel 4 at 10pm Australian journalist Sarah Wilson has opened up on the shocking toll her crippling anxiety has taken on her, revealing she has self harmed and once tried to jump out of a moving car to 'stop her thoughts'. The 42-year-old television presenter and blogger is well known internationally for her book and program I Quit Sugar, spoke candidly to Marie Claire about her lifelong battle with anxiety. 'I ran a knife across my middle once, hoping the graphic splitting of flesh would render things more real and stop the thoughts,' she said of one overwhelming occasion. 'Its all I want the thoughts to stop.' The wellness ambassador said that has 'anxiety spirals' where she feels she needs to escape Sarah Wilson (pictured) is well known internationally for her book and program I Quit Sugar The wellness ambassador has spoken about suffering from bulimia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar, and now believes all those issues stem from her anxiety. She told the magazine about some of her most difficult moments dealing with the condition, including when she was travelling in Hawaii with a new boyfriend. Ms Wilson described how her anxiety manifested itself in her sleep routines, and how she was driven to self-harm when in the grip of an 'anxiety spiral'. 'I grasped at my stomach, clawing. I often clutch at my stomach when Im in a spiral, digging my fingernails in and scraping away,' she explained. Ms Wilson said that she she flees when these spirals come on, once running down a mountain with no shoes or bra on The 42-year-old said that she once tried to jump out of a car on a highway to escape Ms Wilson said that these incidents, brought on by her anxiety, have happened throughout her life she when felt trapped. 'In such moments, Ive run 10 kilometres down a mountain in the dark room with no shoes and no bra during my first anxious spiral in the presence of my first boyfriend George. I ran through Florence at 2am another time, with no idea where I was heading,' the 42-year-old said. The 42-year-old spoke to Marie Claire Australia for their April edition about her battles with anxiety 'After Hawaii, I had several episodes like this with this man. I tried to jump from a car on a highway. I tried to jump out of a window in an AirBNB in France during a trip that appeared outwardly so Instagram-perfect.' She went on to explain that because she's high functioning, with a successful career and seemingly Instagram-perfect life, many people don't realise she's struggling. But, the 42-year-old said, that 'high-function' is sometimes a result of her anxiety, but she's seen as okay because she's doing something. Ultimately she describes anxiety as 'befuddling', but says that she is dealing with it how she can. Sarah Wilson is speaking at a Marie Claire x VAMFF International Womens Day Breakfast on March 8th, in Melbourne. Her book First, We Make The Beast Beautiful, is also out now, published by Macmillian and priced $34.99 She dreams of becoming the first woman in a wheelchair to compete in Miss World, and despite a disappointing qualifying round, she is refusing to give up. Justine Clarke failed to achieve one of the coveted top two spots at the South Australian finals - a preliminary pageant leading up to the official global contest. The 26-year-old - who suffers a lower leg deformity - is now determined to compete in the national finals in a bid to pursue her dream of appearing on the world stage. To compete in the national finals, the stunning blonde will have to raise the most money for the children's charity Variety via her fundraising campaign. Scroll down for video Justine Clarke (pictured) became the first Australian woman in a wheelchair to compete in the Miss World Australia contest She didn't qualify for the coveted top two spots in the South Australian finals last month but the 26-year-old is determined to hit the national stage '[I] didn't win. [That should be it] for some people but for me I'm going to go to nationals,' she told Today Tonight Adelaide. 'I want to get to the world so I could compete with any other girl in the world as the first wheel chair person. 'Hopefully I will be winning, there's no hopefully winning. There will be "I will be going to the finals".' The young Adelaide woman, who has been in a wheelchair for two years, also opened up about the stereotypes of living with a disability. 'There's more to me than just being in a wheelchair,' she said. But the pageant journey is not over yet as she's determine to take out the third spot (pictured of Miss Clarke shopping for a new dress with the two finalists) The young Adelaide woman, who has been in a wheelchair for two years, also opened up about the stereotypes of living with a disability Miss Clarke is set to hit the stage again after failed to qualify for her state's pageant contest The 26-year-old suffers a 'lower leg deformity' and was keen to be involved with the competition due to their 'Beauty With a Purpose' movement 'You do get told "you can't do this, you can't do that because of your differences". 'Let me be in a wheelchair. Some people think "you're not beautiful because you're not walking". 'But to me, I'm like "well, I'm sitting down, at least I don't have to walk,' she said as she laughed, adding: '... Well that's their opinion.' Despite her incredible journey, the young woman has not yet revealed the circumstances surrounding her disability. As her two children learned to walk, Leah Alstin, from Geelong, Victoria, was too scared to take them alone to the park. The 33-year-old had was terrified that Milla and Chad, now aged seven and five, would get out of their prams and run away - and that she wouldn't be able to catch them. This is due to Leah's Friedreich's ataxia, a rare inherited disease that progressively damages the nervous system. One of the first symptoms of the disease is poor coordination, something Leah noticed as a 17-year-old struggling to climb the steps of her high school. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Leah said both she and her mother had thought it was originally was an ear infection. Leah Alstin (pictured with her husband and children Milla, seven, and five-year-old Chad) suffers from Friedreich's ataxia, a rare inherited disease that damages the nervous system The first symptoms are poor coordination, something Leah noticed as a 17-year-old struggling to climb the steps of her high school But they were shocked when her tests came back and and she was diagnosed with FA. At first, FA didn't have a huge impact on Leah's life. She went to university in Geelong, where she met her husband and eventually settled down. But as she got older, the symptoms of the progressive disease only became worse. Four years ago, Leah broke her ankle and had to spend three weeks in a Melbourne hospital where she lost all of her muscle tone. It was then that Leah realised she would have to start using a walking frame for assistance, a fact that was difficult for Leah to accept. 'I felt like I lost some of my independence and I also felt a little bit insecure and self-conscious that people would stare at me and make up their own assumptions as to why I use a walking frame,' she explained. It also made Leah second-guess her ability to be a good mum. 'It's my job to look after my kids and be strong for them,' she said. The condition has become worse with age, and Leah used to avoid taking her children to the park because she was worried they would run away and she wouldn't be able to catch them Now Leah uses a walking frame both inside and outside the house so that she can continue being around her friends and family wherever they go 'So, in the beginning, I felt - "Well, if I need help as well, how am I going to look after them?". 'I was scared it would make me feel like less of a mum, less of a wife and less of a person.' Leah was able to disguise her need for the frame when her children were still using prams, but as they got older she found herself avoiding the outside world. She would force a friend or her husband to join her on trips with Milla and Chad to the park, and avoided going shopping or to the beach. But, thanks to the support of her family and friends, Leah said she slowly learned an important lesson. 'My friends have really stuck by me and that's made me realise it's okay not to be okay,' she said. The mother-of-two has since started her own social media campaign to get the word out about Friedreich's ataxia with the #showusyashoes movement Leah is taking pictures of her shoes, and encouraging others to do the same with her hashtag, to help spread awareness about FA and the struggles that it comes with 'People still love me for who I am. Its taken awhile to realise that, but now I think I have.' Leah also realised that when it comes to her children, she's just like any other mum. 'I'm their mum, I'm who they see all the time. Even though I use a walking frame it's normal to them,' she said. 'They never really talk about how mum is unsteady on her feet. It's just normal, and it makes me feel normal.' Leah now uses a walking frame both inside and outside the house and is hoping to spread awareness to help others understand why she needs the extra help. The mother-of-two has since started her own social media campaign to get the word out about Friedreich's ataxia. Leah has also been documenting her struggles on Instagram to give people a peek into what life is like with FA Leah's campaign, titled #showusyashoes, was inspired by her love of fashionable and comfortable footwear. She was organising her collection when the idea hit that shoes would be the perfect way to spread awareness about FA to everyone in the community. 'I want to appeal to everyone, not just people who might have a disease,' she said. 'And I thought, well, fashion and shoes can appeal to so many - men, women, kids, students - and has such a range.' Leah began taking pictures of her shoes and posting them on Instagram with the #showusyashoes hashtag as she documents her own struggles with FA. It has inspired others to join the movement, which is now being adopted by the Friedreichs Ataxia Research Association in the United States. Leah is hoping that the campaign will help spread awareness and let people know that FA exists. 'It really helps when people know and understand what condition I've got...if you can stop a few stares on the street then I think that's helped,' she said. The mother-of-two hopes to spread awareness and act as a role model for her kids Leah also plans to speak to researchers and gene therapists on the panel at an upcoming Friedreich's ataxia scientific symposium, where she hopes to make her condition more 'real for them'. 'They're in the scientific world and the medical world, doing all this textbook stuff,' she said. 'But it's good if they actually meet people that deal with this every day.' Leah, who knows that her condition is going to get worse, is holding out hope that one day they will find a treatment or cure. 'The future for people with FA diagnosis is quite scary,' she said. 'You can lose the ability to walk, talk, hold yourself up.' 'You can lose your vision, your hearing, it affects everything in the body.' 'But, in comparison to some diseases, we have sometimes a little bit of time on our side.' Leah is hoping to spend the time she does have being a role model to her children. 'I want to show them that its okay to not be okay, to show emotion,' she said. 'And how to deal with these setbacks in life.' They shared a womb and have been inseparable ever since - even going on to marry another set of identical twins. Now sisters Asyl and Aiym Binazarova, from Kazakhstan, are pregnant at the same time. The twins married identical brothers Zholdasbek and Torebek Tolepbergenuly in a joint ceremony wearing matching outfits, and are now both expecting as they each approach their second wedding anniversary. And the similarities don't end there - both brothers are trainee vets and the sisters are each studying to be teachers, and the couples even live together in one house. Zholdasbek and Torebek admit they sometimes find it hard to tell the twin sisters apart The foursome met after Zholdasbek started chatting up a pretty girl in a shop - and jokingly asked if she had a sister Spot the difference: Zholdasbek and Torebek Tolepbergenuly married Asyl and Aiym Binazarov in a joint ceremony The twins wore identical dresses and makeup for the wedding The foursome met after Zholdasbek started chatting up Asyl in a shop - and even jokingly asked if she had a sister for his twin. He was shocked when she said yes and explained that she was also an identical twin. Zholdasbek said: 'I asked if she had a sister, as I was with my brother, and was amazed when she told me that she had a twin. 'As we are both twins as well, we got to talking, and things went from there.' The brothers, both trainee vets, had always joked that the reason they were single was because they were waiting to meet twin sisters - just like teachers Asyl and Aiym. The couples are celebrating two years since they first met - and both of the wives are pregnant for the second time The twin sisters were studying to be teachers when they met the brothers The two couples married after a whirlwind romance at their home in the city of Aktau in south-western Kazakhstan's Mangystau Region. But Zholdasbek and Torebek, 23, admit they sometimes find it hard to tell their wives apart. Torebek said: 'During the wedding we got confused, because we could not identify our wives. They also had identical makeup on.' Since their wedding both of the couples have become parents. Zholdasbek and Aiym have a son, while Torebek and Asyl have a daughter Zholdasbek and Torebek pictured with either Asyl or Aiym. The twin brother popped the question at the same time and both got yes the same time Since their wedding both of the couples have become parents. Zholdasbek and Aiym have a son, while Torebek and Asyl have a daughter. The couples are celebrating two years since they first met - and both of the wives are pregnant for the second time. The families currently live together in a three-room flat but plan on building their own house. The identical sets of twins have caused an internet sensation with many speculating as to whether they would end up with twin babies. A mother said she still suffers from guilt over her son who died from dehydration because he was not getting enough milk nearly five years after he passed away. Jillian Johnson and her husband Jarrod, from Southern California, opted for a hospital that encourages breastfeeding because they thought nursing would be the healthiest option for their newborn son Landon. The couple, who are in their thirties, were heartbroken when, after less than one month of life, their son's life support machine was turned off. He had needed the equipment after sustaining a brain injury as a result of lack of oxygen from dehydration. Tragic: Jillian Johnson and her husband Jarrod, who are in their thirties, lost their son Landon, pictured, after he suffered a brain injury as a result of lack of oxygen from dehydration Heartbroken: The couple, from Southern California, thought nursing would be the healthiest option for their newborn son Landon was born by cesarean section on February 25, 2012, and died on March 15 of the same year. If he had lived, the child would now be five years old. Jillian, who works in finance, and Jarrod, an automotive industry worker, have since had two daughters, Stella, three and Aliona, one. They still celebrate Landon's birthday every year with a cupcake, singing Happy Birthday and writing his name in the sand. To mark his fifth birthday, Jillian wrote an account of their experiences in which she said she still suffers from guilt and regret. 'If I had given him just one bottle, he would still be alive,' she wrote on Fedisbest.org. She added: 'The best advice I was given by one of his NICU doctors while he was on life support is, "Sure breast is best, but follow with the bottle." 'This way you know your baby has eaten enough.if only I could go back in time. Nursing problems: But he died at less than a month old after suffering from dehydration because he was not getting enough milk Suffering: Jillian said she still with guilt and regret five years on from Landon's death Struggle: To mark his fifth birthday, Jillian wrote an account of their experiences in which she said she still suffers from the trauma of his death 'I still have many, many days of guilt and questions what if I wouldve just given him a bottle? And anger because how would I have known.' Before Landon's birth they read numerous parenting books and attended classes where they were told by multiple sources that breastfeeding was crucial to bringing up a healthy child. After his birth, Jillian said Landon was 'on my breast - all the time' and she was told by lactation consultants that he had a 'great latch'. One said she may have an issue producing milk because she had polycystic ovarian syndrome - a hormonal disorder - which they told her could affect milk production. She said Landon cried 'all the time' except for when he was feeding and she started to nurse him 'continuously'. Jillian wrote: 'When I asked them why he was always on my breast, I was told it was because he was "cluster feeding"...I had no idea that he was inconsolable because he was starving literally.' They were told they could take Landon home - despite his weight loss - but within hours he was seriously unwell. Mixed signals: Jillian said Landon cried 'all the time' except for when he was feeding and she started to nurse him 'continuously' Honored: They still celebrate Landon's birthday every year by writing his name in the sand Remembered: Stella, three and Aliona, one, pictured, share a cupcake and sing Happy Birthday to Landon to celebrate his short life 'So we took him home.not knowing that after less than 12 hours home with us, he would have gone into cardiac arrest caused by dehydration,' she wrote. It was not until her next child, Stella, was born that Jillian realized that Landon's crying had been abnormal. 'He was just crying out from his hunger. But I didnt know. I shouldve known. I still struggle daily feeling as though I failed him,' she wrote. Since his death she said she has learned to forgive and the 'true meaning of "life is short"'. Jillian wanted to speak out about her experiences before but she said she feared being 'judged'. She insisted she is not anti-breastfeeding but advocates people 'educating themselves' through organizations such as The Fed is Best Foundation. She told Daily Mail Online: 'I had the opportunity to get the dialogue started and it needed to be done. I only wish I did it sooner. 'I'm so grateful knowing there's a foundation dedicated to educating parents on the importance of feeding your newborn - whether supplementing or breastfeeding. I'm pro-feeding. Plain and simple.' Taking a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has shared her own adorable snap of her son Prince Oscar on his first birthday. The royal, 39, shared the adorable black and white image of the youngster grinning and proudly showing off his four front teeth. She also released two new official portraits of his big sister Princess Estelle who turned five on 23 February, beaming cheekily for the camera as she clambers over the back of the sofa. Fans of the Swedish royals will no doubt be delighted with the photos from the Princess who has been notably absent from public life since before Christmas. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden took a leaf out of Kate's book by releasing her own photo of Price Oscar to celebrate his first birthday Princess Estelle, who turned five on 23 February, gives the camera a cheeky grin as she clambers over the sofa Her last public engagement was on 20 December and she has not made any public appearances since, even missing her aunt Princess Brigitta's birthday celebrations in January. In February, the Swedish court informed the press that Princess Victoria and her husband Princes Daniel were taking a private holiday abroad. The long-planned trip is set to continue into this month, and was organised to give the Crown Princess to spend quality time with her children while they're still young and neither is in school. She is not expected back on royal duties until later this month. The young royal, who bears a remarkable resemblance to her mother Crown Princess Victoria, recently celebrated her fifth birthday Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel are currently enjoying an extended family break to have quality time with their children while they're still young Oscar Carl Olaf was born weighing just over 8lbs at the Karolinska University Hospital in the Swedish capital of Stockholm last February and is third in line to the Swedish throne after his sister. His proud father Prince Daniel was seen crying tears of joy as he announced his son's birth to the press, adding that they had kept the sex of their new arrival a surprise until he was born. He then added: Estelle is of course really enthusiastic and happy about being a big sister.' Doting big sister Estelle does some colouring with her younger brother who has just turned one Crown Princess Victoria, 38, married Daniel, a former gym teacher on June 19, 2010 at a wedding that brought together the elite of European royalty in Stockholm. When Victoria accedes to the throne, she will be the first queen of the Bernadotte dynasty, which has reigned over Sweden for two centuries. The current royal family has experienced renewed popularity in recent years due in part to the fairytale marriage of children of the sovereign couple, who have all married commoners, and the arrival of grandchildren. This Easter, UK shoppers are looking to Italy for inspiration as Italian breads look set to be more popular than traditional simnel cakes. Waitrose will launch two Italian sweet loaves in time for the holiday to satiate our growing demand for these bread-cake hybrids - as it's revealed sales of panettone sky-rocketed by 56 per cent last year. As well as an Easter version of the classic Christmas treat made using hot cross buns, the supermarket will also launch a 9 dove-shaped yeast bread called a Colomba di Pasqua. The enriched fragrant loaf will also be on sale at Carluccio's. The Colomba di Pasqua (pictured) is baked in the shape of a dove and traditionally has a 'nocciolata' topping of crunchy sugar and almonds. It was originally commercialised by a Milanese baker who saw its potential to rival the popularity of panettone WHAT IS A COLOMBA DI PASQUA? Colomba di Pasqua means Easter dove in Italian and in that country, the sweet spiced loaf is traditionally made on Good Friday and eaten over the course of the Easter weekend. Baked in a similar way to panettone, contains candied fruits and is glazed with sugar and topped with a crunchy sweet topping known as a nocciolata. It is traditionally made in the shape of a dove - an Easter symbol. Advertisement Baked in a similar way to panettone, the Colomba is similarly spiced and also contains candied fruits. But it is traditionally made in the shape of a dove - an Easter symbol of peace - and made on Good Friday. It comes amid an increasing demand for Italian enriched loaves. Sales of Italian bread have risen by 40 per cent at Waitrose, compared to just 15 per cent for sales of simnel cake. Jane Goodson, bakery buyer at Waitrose comments: 'There is no longer a one cake fits all approach and shoppers will often buy more than one Easter treat to meet the tastes of their guests. While traditional cakes will always have their diehard fans, shoppers are looking to buy more unusual versions such as our colomba or hot cross bun panettone'. Waitrose said demand for flavoured breads from Italy has skyrocketed in the last two years. The demand has been particularly for panettone, prompting the supermarket to release a variety of flavours - including Prosecco flavour last Christmas and a hot cross bun panettone for Easter this year. Waitrose will be selling both the Colomba di Pasqua (left) and an Easter hot cross bun panettone (right) for 9 each this Easter Jane Goodson, bakery buyer at Waitrose said: 'We're really excited about the return of Colomba bread as we know our customers love sweet breads such as panettone with sales growing last Christmas by over 56 per cent we're expecting Colomba to be just as popular this Easter. 'Colomba is a delicious seasonal delicacy which can be eaten on its own or served with fresh berries and cream or drizzled with chocolate for a more indulgent finish to an Easter meal.' The Arden & Amici Colomba di Pasqua with Nocciolata Top is available in Waitrose branches nationwide from March 27 and will cost 9. The Waitrose Hot Cross Bun Panettone is also 9. Chemicals in head lice treatments and dog tick sprays could lead to behavioural problems in young children, research suggests. Pregnant women exposed to pyrethroids - a group of synthetic chemicals used in common pesticides - were more likely to have children who develop social behaviour problems by the age of six, a study found. Pyrethroids are commonly used in crop insecticides but are also used to treat humans with head lice and scabies, and are sometimes used in mosquito repellents. Chemicals in head lice treatments and dog tick sprays could lead to behavioural problems in young children, research suggests They are also used in products designed to rid pets of fleas and ticks. The chemicals were developed by British scientists in 1960s as a safe alternative to organophosphates. But the new research, by French academics at the University of Rennes, suggests they may not be as safe as previously thought. However, other scientists were sceptical of their findings and the researchers themselves were cautious. The chemicals work by damaging the nerves of insects - and the researchers suspect this action may also affect the development of a childs brain. The researchers, whose work is published in the BMJ journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, tested the urine of 3,421 women who were between six and 19 weeks pregnant, measuring the levels of five pyrethroid metabolites. Six years later, they went back and assessed the children of 287 women who had taken part in the initial study. Psychologists visited the children at home to carry out behavioural assessments. The scientists found that women who had been exposed to high levels of pyrethroids were more likely to have children with internalising behaviours, which include fearfulness and social withdrawal. Pyrethroids are commonly used in crop insecticides but are also used to treat humans with head lice and scabies, and are sometimes used in mosquito repellents The scientists also tested the urine of the children themselves, and those with the highest levels were about three times as likely to display abnormal behaviour. This included internalising behaviour and externalising behaviour, such as aggression and bullying. This researchers stressed their study was merely observational - and no solid conclusions could be drawn about cause and effect. And they said accurately assessing pyrethroid exposures is notoriously difficult because the chemicals are cleared from the body in just a few days. But they suspect the chemicals might alter neurochemical signalling in the brain, altering a childs development. Dateline: Uzbekistan Film licensing authorities in the central Asian nation of Uzbekistan have blocked the release of a locally made action movie because it does not star Morgan Freeman. Its not that all Uzbekistan-made action films are required to employ the venerable American actor. Its just that the new thriller Daydi (Rogue) prominently featured Mr. Freemans image on the movie poster and in the trailereven though he does not appear in the film. Timur Films is accused of hijacking Freemans image from the 2015 direct-to-video film Last Knights, which costars Clive Owen. Daydi, on the other hand, stars Uzbek actor Mirolim Qilchev as a police officer fighting various well-armed bad guys. According to the government- affiliated Podrobno news agency, Timur has not yet commented on the controversy but has delayed the films release pending a ruling from other local authorities. Dateline: Scotland A small town in Scotland has become so fed up with speeding drivers that residents have started posing as police officers to discourage the lawbreakers. People in the village of Hopeman employ reflective vests and hairdryers in their bid to stop speeders from exceeding speeds of 60 miles per hour along a stretch of road leading out of the area. Standing alongside the main B9040 road, the fake fuzz hope that drivers mistake them for actual police officers with radar guns. Its very dangerous. The speed that the traffic is doing through Hopeman is quite serious, especially when the kids are going to school in the morning. Its quite alarming, Moray Councilor Dennis Slater told BBC News. This is why some of the residents have resorted to taking out hairdryers and putting on hi-vis vest to try to slow the traffic. Constable Roy Cook of the Lossiemouth policing team admitted to The Press and Journal in Aberdeen, We have had a number of complains regarding speeding in Hopeman, which we will continue to address. Dateline: Ohio An elementary school student contacted local police when she needed helpwith her homework. Unfortunately, it turns out police arent so great at basic math. The Marion Police Department shared screen captures taken by mother Molly Draper after her 10-year-old daughter, Lena, asked the police to give her some assistance with some difficult math problems. After locating the police departments page on Facebook, the fifth-grader said, Im having trouble with my math homework. Could you help me? After sending out an automated message saying that the page is not monitored 24/7, an actual police officer responded to Lena, asking what she needed help with. Well I dont understand (8+29)x15, Lena answered. The officer behind the Facebook page, Lt. B.J. Gruber, helpfully informed her she needed to add up the numbers in parenthesis first. Unfortunately, the officer swung and missed on the second math problem (90+27)+(29+15)x2, telling the student to take the answer from the first parenthesis plus the answer from the second parenthesis and multiply that answer times two. Unfortunately, the officer forgot the order of operations rule PEMDAS, which says problems must be solved in the following order: Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Maybe I should have mentioned that History was my favorite subject before answering, Gruber later told reporters. Dateline: Florida Apparently, hes going to make America high again. Police in Hernando County seized hundreds of individually wrapped heroin packages stamped with the image of President Donald Trump. Tampa news station WFLA reports law enforcement officers found 5,500 packages of heroin following a six-to-eight-month long investigation. It is believed the heroin was purchased in the Northeast and shipped to Florida via the postal service. Some of the packets bore the names or images of other notorious figures, such as Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar. Authorities were at a loss to explain the purpose behind Trump brand heroin, but noted that dealers often stamp batches of heroin with individual street names. Police arrested 46-year-old Kelvin Scott Johnson on suspicion of heroin trafficking and other charges in connection to the Trump heroin. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said the dealer made a big mistake using Trumps picture. COLUMBUS Pat Jenkinson had only been a nurse for a few years when she arrived in Columbus. It was 1972, a transitional period for Jenkinson, who moved here from Illinois, and for health care in the community with the merger of St. Marys Hospital and Behlen Memorial Hospital. Jenkinson fit right in, though, as a nurse in the intensive care unit. When she became a nurse in the late 1960s, ICUs and critical care units were starting to emerge. She enjoyed working with patients in the ICU and seeing the early years of the program in town. The work was so rewarding that Jenkinson spent 45 years at Columbus Community Hospital before retiring last June. The 68-year-old registered nurse still works part time at Occupational Health Services, where she administers flu shots and assists with patient wellness. Over her career, she has helped countless patients and clocked thousands of hours, including three decades working nights, tending to patients and mentoring and training new nurses. Recently, she received the DAISY Award, an honor given to an extraordinary nurse. CCH is a partner with the international program and recognizes a nominated nurse with the award on a quarterly basis. Few have the longevity and experience Jenkinson has. In her nomination, she was praised for being flexible throughout her career by responding to the emergency room, obtaining EKGs and mastering computer charting. She also made ambulance runs with Midwest Medical Transport for a number of years, riding along with patients as they were driven to hospitals mainly in Omaha and Lincoln. It was a difficult decision to retire, but Jenkinson said it was becoming a challenge for her to keep up with the changing technology. We were charting on computers. We were ordering things on computers. I learned all that but it was too much. When I started, it was all paper and phone, she said. She became a licensed practical nurse in 1967, then went back to school to be a registered nurse. When her older sister moved to Nebraska, Jenkinson followed and began working in Columbus. She met and married Arthur Jenkinson and the two had four children. A successful career in nursing requires compassion, knowledge and ability, Jenkinson said. The profession brings a lot of gratification, but it doesnt come easy. Nursing is very hard work. I dont know if the young people who come into nursing know that," she said. "The reality of it is that it is very hard work. Its 14 hours (a day). Sometimes you dont get lunch. You are on your feet. You are not sitting down. There is a lot of nights, there is a lot of (working on) holidays. I missed a lot of things with my kids because I was at work." However, being a nurse allowed Jenkinson to do what she loves most help others. I have always liked taking care of people, she said. The majority of NHS trusts are failing patients, a damning new report has ruled. Inspections by the Care Quality Commission reveal that four out of five UK hospitals are unsafe as they buckle under the weight of increasing demand. Worryingly, 81 per cent of 136 assessed trusts were deemed inadequate or requiring improvement, while 11 per cent received the lowest possible safety rating. The CQC's chief inspector, Professor Sir Mike Richards, has said the NHS 'stands on a burning platform' following the first round of worrying reviews. Scroll down for video Damning: The first round of comprehensive inspections of England's 136 acute non-specialist NHS trusts and all 18 specialist trusts painted a bleak forecast More than half of specialist trusts (53%) were rated as requiring improvement in terms of safety, while 7 per cent of 199 urgent and emergency services were deemed inadequate. Unsurprisingly, core issues of concern included bed occupancy, poor knowledge of sepsis and kidney injuries, long waiting lists, under-staffing in wards - including A&E - and poor control of infections. Agency workers who were unfamiliar with hospital protocol also caused alarm, as did insecure storage of medicines - some of which were beyond their use-by date. Urgent and emergency services and medical care had more ratings of inadequate and requires improvement than good or outstanding, the report said. Ultimately, Prof Richards concluded that the model of acute hospital care which once worked well for the NHS 'cannot continue to meet the needs of today's population', specifying that a toxic combination of cuts and demand are creating 'difficult-to-manage situations that are putting patient care at risk'. He added that safety remains a 'real concern' with many trusts failing to learn when things go wrong. Worrying: 81 per cent of 136 assessed trusts were deemed inadequate or requiring improvement, while 11 per cent received the lowest possible safety rating He added there's a 'wide variation in quality' between hospitals and the services within the, with even some good hospitals had pockets of 'very poor quality care'. The scale of the challenge that hospitals are now facing is unprecedented - rising demand coupled with economic pressures are creating difficult-to-manage situations that are putting patient care at risk. Professor Sir Mike Richards Ministers argue the findings should be used to weed-out poor practice, but Richards insists the scale of the challenge is 'unprecedented'. Sir Mike said: 'We have witnessed some fantastic care and examples of innovative practice, but we have also found a wide variation in quality both between hospitals and between services within the same hospital. 'Safety remains a real concern, often due to a failure to learn when things go wrong. 'Strong leadership that instils a culture of learning and an environment where staff are listened to can play a vital part in bringing about improvements. 'Overwhelmingly, we see staff behaving in a caring way, which is supported by what we hear from patients. The unwavering dedication and commitment of staff shines out from our inspection reports. HOSPITALS REVIEW: THE FINDINGS - Inconsistent management of life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and acute kidney injury - Ineffective audits of key safety priorities and quality improvement projects - Poor infection control practice, particularly inconsistent hand hygiene and isolation practices - Staff not consistently receiving essential safety training - Poor management of medicines, including some out of date or insecurely stored - Unsatisfactory checking and maintenance of equipment or of the environment - Insufficient record keeping and information systems that were not fit for purpose - Communication breakdowns leading to incomplete care plans or tests and treatments being delayed/repeated unnecessarily Advertisement 'What is clear is that while staff continue to work hard to deliver good care, the model of acute care that once worked well cannot continue to meet the needs of today's population. 'The NHS now stands on a burning platform - the need for change is clear, but finding the resources and energy to deliver that change while simultaneously providing safe patient care can seem almost impossible. 'What this report demonstrates, however, is that transformational change is possible, even in the most challenging of circumstances - we have witnessed it, and seen the evidence that making practical changes to the way that care is delivered can benefit patients.' His foreword to the report adds: 'The scale of the challenge that hospitals are now facing is unprecedented - rising demand coupled with economic pressures are creating difficult-to-manage situations that are putting patient care at risk.' An NHS England spokesman said: 'CQC are right to praise dedicated NHS staff for delivering great care under pressure, and they are also right to argue for the more profound changes now being planned in how acute hospital care is delivered across England.' That said, NHS staff were applauded for their caring attitudes to patients, and the report shows no hospital trust has been given the lowest rating for providing a caring atmosphere for patients. 'Frontline staff are the heroes of our reports,' the authors wrote. 'We have found high levels of compassionate care in virtually every hospital.' The regulator introduced a new inspection programme in 2013 following the publication of the public inquiry report into the care scandal at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. An electronic armband which produces mild electric shocks can reduce migraine pain just as well as drugs, a study has found. The device uses electrical stimulation to block the pain signals from reaching the brain, scientists claim. Researchers said the armband had the advantage over drug treatments in that it had no side effects. The patch which is wireless and can be operated by a smartphone app was tested on 71 people who had migraine, suffering between two to eight attacks a month. Appy go lucky: The device uses electrical stimulation to block the pain signals from the brain Participants were asked to apply the device to their upper arm soon after the start of a migraine and use it for 20 minutes. They were not supposed to take any medications for migraine for two hours. The devices were programmed to randomly give either a placebo stimulation at a very low frequency or one of four levels of active stimulation. Electrical stimulation produced by the patch was below painful levels in all cases. A total of 299 migraines were treated with the device during the study, which was published in the journal Neurology. Pain from the agonising headaches were found to be reduced by up to at least 50 per cent in nearly two thirds of the participants (64 per cent) two hours after treatment. This compared to 26 percent of people during the sham stimulation. Alternative: Technological advancements may be a fresh option for people who find conventional medicine unhelpful For those who started with moderate to severe pain, their pain was reduced to mild or no pain in 58 percent of people at the highest level of stimulation, compared to 24 percent of those during the sham stimulation. In the same group, 30 percent said they had no pain after receiving the highest level of stimulation, compared to 6 percent of those receiving the sham stimulation. A migraine is often felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound. EPILEPSY DRUG MAY TACKLE MIGRAINES A drug used to treat epilepsy could end the migraine misery for millions of sufferers, scientists claim. Known as Lyrica, it relieves a seizure-like phenomenon believed to be the underlying cause of the blinding headaches. It works by stopping a wave of brain cells, preventing the debilitating symptoms of migraines, a study found. And in research from British Columbia University on genetically-engineered mice, the drug was shown to boost calcium levels, with a diminished supply known to spark headaches. Advertisement It affects around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. David Yarnitsky, of the Technion Faculty of Medicine in Haifa Israel, said: These results need to be confirmed with additional studies, but they are exciting. People with migraine are looking for non-drug treatments, and this new device is easy to use, has no side effects and can be conveniently used in work or social settings. These results are similar to those seen for the triptan medications for migraine. The researchers also found that starting the stimulation within 20 minutes of the start of a migraine was more effective, with 47 percent reducing pain when starting early, compared to 25 percent who started after 20 minutes. Dr Yarnitsky said one limitation of the study was that during the sham stimulation participants often stopped the treatment before the 20-minute period was done. This may indicate that they knew the stimulation was not active, and thus they were no longer blinded to the study, which is a challenge in any sham stimulation study. Acupuncture can be used to relieve pain in sufferers of repetitive strain injuries, new research suggests. Currently patients with carpal tunnel syndrome - common in office workers - undergo physiotherapy or surgery to assist them. It is caused by a nerve in the wrist being squeezed and subsequently alters an area of the brain related to touch, scientists claim. But the new study found the ancient Chinese practice rewires the brain and helps to combat the aching and tingling sensations. New research suggests that the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture can be used to relieve pain in sufferers of repetitive strain injuries Participants were given brain scans after receiving electro-acupuncture - similar to the traditional method but instead uses electricity to generate impulses - on their affected hand. They were also assessed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers after having the same treatment on their ankle opposite their injured hand. Others received 'sham' acupuncture - where placebo needles were placed near their affected region. Both real and sham acupuncture patients said symptoms improved, the researchers also found. Study author Dr Vitaly Napadow said that it could possibly work by rewiring the primary somatosensory cortex in the brain. This is the region which receives signals related to the sense of touch, and is known to be affected by pain. Currently patients with carpal tunnel syndrome - common in office workers - undergo physiotherapy or surgery to assist them through their pain (stock) While he also noted that the treatment method helps to increase blood flow to the affected areas, known to fight discomfort. However, the sham treatment method could work through the placebo effect, he added. ACUPUNCTURE TO CURE HOT FLUSHES They're the bane of many women's lives during menopause and often keep sufferers awake at night. But in September scientists discovered a way to reduce the frequency of hot flushes and allow women to get a much better sleep. Acupuncture treatment - where fine needles are inserted into certain points in the body - could help to cut the side effects from the menopause. Almost half of women who experienced eight weeks of the treatment reported a 50 per cent decrease in hot flushes, a study by Wake Forest University found. Advertisement Dr Napadow said: 'Acupuncture is a medical therapy that originated in China several thousand years ago. 'But despite its long history, the intervention itself - particularly when coupled with electrical stimulation - has significant similarities to many conventional therapies. 'A large body of clinical research exploring acupuncture for chronic pain disorders has demonstrated that it may be marginally better than a placebo procedure in reducing pain ratings.' This comes after a report in January claimed that acupuncture could help men with premature ejaculation. Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that Chinese herbal medicine and a Korean topical cream both had significant desirable effects. While a study last month also discovered that acupuncture could stop babies suffering from colic from crying so much. The Swedish researchers noted that the practice could help to reduce the distress of babies with the condition. This is the astonishing moment a patient serenaded surgeons with his guitar while he had his brain tumour removed. Rolden Batista, 40, was handed his instrument in the middle of a complex operation to remove a heart-shaped growth. And to the relief of the Brazilian surgeons conducting the procedure, he played out a popular local song. Last year, he was plagued by a series of seizures which alerted to him to something being wrong. The communications engineer, from Santos, immediately underwent tests at his local hospital. And X-ray scans revealed that he had a heart-shaped brain. He told local media: 'I was told that I had to undergo a surgery and there were two methods. 'One totally sedated or, two, to wake me up during surgery.' But because the second option had a much greater chance of success, he decided to choose that. Rolden Batista, 40, from Brazil, was handed his instrument in the middle of a complex operation to remove a brain tumour Surgeons explained how it was the quickest way to discover if they had made an error during the procedure to remove the heart-shaped tumour (X-ray of the growth) Mr Batista added: 'The doctor then came up with the idea of making me play guitar in the middle of the operation.' I was told that I had to undergo a surgery and there were two methods. One totally sedated or, two, to wake me up during surgery. Rolden Batista, 40 Surgeons explained how it was the quickest way to discover if they had made an error during the procedure. For if he was unable to recite the song, it would have given them a chance to remap the area of his brain that control movement, speech and senses before it was too late. Mr Batista also mesmerised his wife after ringing her during the middle of the operation to tell her that he felt like a 'warrior'. Local reports suggest that he is now at home and recovering from the procedure. in 2015, another Brazilian man stunned doctors by playing The Beatles song 'Yesterday' on his guitar while having brain surgery. Mr Batista also mesmerised his wife after ringing her during the middle of the operation to tell her that he felt like a 'warrior' Anthony Kulkamp Dias, 33, was conscious during his operation to remove a tumour and played the instrument for the surgery team. WHY CAN PATIENTS BE AWAKE DURING BRAIN SURGERY? Brian surgery is often performed on patients who are conscious. It is performed in a similar manner as conventional surgery. It is the preferred technique for many surgeons in the removal of lesions close to important regions of the brain. By staying awake, surgeons can continuously monitor that they haven't accidentally affected some of their brain functions. Advertisement The news comes after MailOnline previously reported on the case of Roger Frisch, a concert violinist, who was able to help surgeons locate the exact spot in his brain to place an implant by playing his instrument during the operation. Mr Frisch, a concert master with the Minnesota Orchestra, was diagnosed in 2009 with essential tremors, a condition that occurs when sections of the brain that control movement start sending abnormal signals. He needed an operation in which a tiny electrode would be implanted into his brain, which doctors assured Frisch would enable him to control the condition at the flick of a switch. But in order for the electrode to work, it had to be implanted in exactly the right position. Because surgeons can operate on the brain without the patient feeling pain, they asked Mr Frisch to play his violin to see in real time how the tremor is responding as they place the electrode. The world's first 'smart condom' which rates a man's sexual performances and can detect STIs has been created by scientists. The i-Con Smart Condom is billed as the newest form of wearable technology in the ever-growing market. Providing a range of statistics, including duration, speed and girth measurements, male users are able to assess their sexual prowess. The device also records the amount of calories burnt, different positions and can detect chlamydia and syphilis. The i-Con Smart Condom is billed as the newest form of wearable technology in the ever-growing market All information will be kept anonymous - but users 'will have the option to share their recent data with friends, or, indeed the world'. In a similar way to other health monitoring devices, it will use nano-chip and bluetooth technology to relay the data to a smartphone app. Over 90,000 people have already pre-ordered the product which will be released later this year at the price of 59.99. The ring - which comes with a one year warranty - is worn at the base of the condom, is adjustable for size, and can be worn multiple times. It has an integrated micro USB port so it can be recharged, with each charge lasting about six to eight hours. British Condoms, which has been delivering condoms and other products since 1999, revealed last year that it was developing the unique product. Providing a range of statistics, including duration, speed and girth measurements, male users are able to assess their sexual prowess THE 100 FERTILITY 'CONDOM' A 100 'condom' has helped hundreds of couple become parents just two years after its launch, figures released in November showed. Experts revealed the success rate of the over-the-counter device, which does the exact opposite of what condoms are usually used for, is around 20 per cent - almost as effective as IVF. But the device, called The Stork, costs 100 in the UK which is 4,900 less than a cycle of IVF in the UK and at $80 it is considerably less than IVF in the US where cycles cost about $12,000. Advertisement Adam Leverson, lead engineer on the i.Con project said: 'Not only have we innovated the world's first smart condom ring - that'll measure pretty much every aspect of performance in the bedroom - but now I'm pleased to confirm that it will also have built-in indicators to alert the users to any potential STIs present.' Aaron Slater, spokesperson for Nottingham-based British Condoms, added: 'We knew we were on the cusp of creating something special with i.Con, and bringing a new meaning to "wearable tech". 'But being advocates of safe sex, we wanted something more, and the addition of an STI indicator has certainly done that. 'With over 96,000 pre-registrations for the product, we know that this is a complete game-changer.' The i.Con is currently in final stages of testing before its release later this year. Those who pre-register will receive updates and be offered the chance to buy before the product gets launched to the general public. It was February 22. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee invited the heads of private hospitals and nursing homes for some words of wisdom over lunch packets. As the clock struck one, Banerjee asked the audio-visual channels to take their position and shoot the programme live. With nothing but a microphone in hand, she made the hospital honchos stand in the firing line. Two phones Banerjee? West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the healthcare system It was a surgical strike of a different kind, but no less significant, secretive and sudden than PM Narendra Modi's one on high denomination notes. In a firm and no-nonsense tone, she called up the authorities, one by one, and fired salvos. 'Have you stopped the kidney racket in your hospital?' The shell-shocked person was trying to refute when in flew another missile: 'We have reports from the Centre.' She was not firing in the air. Armed with documents and reports of a survey, she was hitting where it hurt the most. 'Why is your billing so exorbitant that the patient is forced to take law unto their own hands,' she questioned, adding, 'I have reports that patients are being forced into life support system to fleece money. Bills are exaggerated and doctors are made to prescribe high-end medicines and costly treatment to jack up the expenses.' Lakhs of patients are currently waiting at top hospitals for life-saving transplants but there is a shortage of available organs She held everyone at gun-point. 'A hospital is not a slaughter house. Neither is it a factory of brick and mortar where the principal agenda is to make quick money. Try to be humane, more caring. After all, it is a noble service. Healthcare cannot be purchased,' Banerjee prescribed. The bombardment went on for two long hours; at the end of which the authorities were left baffled and looking for cover. The growing grievances and discontent of people against private healthcare system found a voice, and she emerged as people's chief minister by empathising with those who mortgaged their land, property and sold everything to pay the sky-high hospital bills. The eye opener for her was an exorbitant bill of Rs 25 lakh an MLA had to pay for treatment of a close relative at a private hospital. She immediately sent an investigative team to enquire as to how the private hospitals were harassing and fleecing the patients to no ends. Didi's 'surgical strike' on the health sector left authorities gobsmacked (photo for representation only) After surveying 942 private hospitals out of 2,088 registered ones, the government has show-cause notices to 70 and cancelled the licence of 33. More are on the anvil, even reputed ones of the city. The state government is bringing in a Bill to set rolling a 10-member team of Health Regulatory Commission under a retired judge of Calcutta High Court. The commission will monitor the functioning of the private healthcare units and keep a tab on billing and the method of treatment. The government wants transparency from the private players, who are out to gain commercially. According to an officer of the health department, the majority of these hospitals got land from the government for a token amount of Rs 1. 'But these places, without bothering to reserve a certain percentage of beds for the economically weaker section, have turned the healthcare institutions into moneymaking industry,' he rued. Some well-known hospitals on Kolkata's eastern fringes had a huge market in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Northeastern states. But for the last few years, the Bangladesh patients are moving to southeast Asian countries because treatment is turning out to be expensive. The hospital industry has always been flourishing in West Bengal and the chief minister could ill afford to lose health tourists, which is also a reason for pulling up the hospitals. Medical reimburements of MPs set to get a limit Biman Banerjee, Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, is all set to put a cap on the medical bills an MLA is liable to get reimbursed. Dumbstruck by the huge expenses on account of medical bills the MLAs claim from the government, Banerjee is working out on the ceiling limit to keep a check on the sky-high claims. There is a general propensity among the people's representative to get admitted to expensive private hospitals and nursing homes when they fall ill, even though they might be publicly claiming that government hospitals and healthcare facilities are the best. Since there is no limit on the amount that gets reimbursed, the bills are enormous, always several lakhs. Biman Banerjee (left), Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, at an all-party meeting What struck the Speaker was a claim of Rs 25 lakh that an MLA submitted before the Assembly. On investigation, he found that a private hospital, where the MLA was being treated, forced him to get admitted to the most high-end bed of Rs 25,000 when beds of much lesser amount were readily available. 'Since an MLA is entitled to 100 per cent reimbursement, nobody bothers about the shooting bills. This has been the practice ever since the Left Front rule,' said an MLA from South 24 Parganas. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has now asked the Speaker to rein in the MLAs and their ostentatious habit of going for the most high-end private healthcare institutes for treatment. Soon, the Speaker will issue an order reminding the MLAs that in the absence of any particular facility or treatment in a government hospital, the MLAs can try out other options. Even then, his foremost task would be to avoid the luxurious and expensive care. The maximum limit an MLA will be reimbursed on account of hospital bed will be Rs 8,000 per day. There will be many such caps on the use of medicines, diagnostics and laboratory facilities. Stylish comrade in a fix Ritabrata Banerjee seems to be more at ease in theorising Marxism in parliamentary debates than practising it on the ground. The CPI(M) MP recently posted a picture on Facebook where he was seen flaunting an Apple wrist-watch and a Mont Blanc pen. And, when a techie from Bengaluru made a snide remark, pointing out the 'un-communist' lifestyle of the MP, Banerjee threatened to take drastic action against him. Ritabrata Banerjee has drawn the ire of many after threatening action against the critic The picture created quite a storm online, even drawing the attention of senior leaders such as Mohammed Salim who lost no opportunity to criticise Banerjee for growing too big for his boots. Although Banerjee tried to argue back that the watch and the pen were gifts, he could not justify as to why he chose to lodge a complaint against the techie. The state party committee has now warned the politician and released a statement saying that his act was 'vindictive,' 'intolerant' and the party does not support it. The party's general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, on the other hand, asked his comrades to not use social media for airing grievances against their party men. He also said the party will come up with a guideline on the use of social media. Cops have reportedly accumulated enough evidence against Umar Khalid, who could be in trouble once the chargesheet is filed The Special Cell of Delhi Police is further delaying filing a chargesheet in the case relating to JNU student Umar Khalid to save itself from 'further embarrassment' after a 'shoddy' probe done by the south district police last year, it was claimed. However, sources said the police have accumulated enough evidence against Umar Khalid, the main organiser of the last year's February 9 event on the JNU campus - and said he could be in trouble once the chargesheet is filed. Khalid was reportedly solely responsible for putting up posters and banners across the campus inviting the students to gather for a protest march against 'judicial killing 'of Afzal Guru and in solidarity with 'struggle' of Kashmiri migrants, at varsity's Sabarmati dhaba. Highly-placed sources claimed that the draft of the chargesheet is ready but once it is filed in the court, it will raise some questions over the probe as 'the findings show that Kanhaiya Kumar [former JNU student union president] didn't raise anti-national slogans as made out to be.' The content of the chargesheet prepared by Special Cell sleuths is only based on the footage and allegedly fails to gather concrete evidences in support of the investigation carried out by the local police. Sources said they were waiting for the right time to file the chargesheet due to the elections. Khalid was reportedly solely responsible for putting up posters and banners across the JNU campus Other sources close to the investigation said Alok Verma, the then Delhi Police chief, allegedly didn't want the chargesheet to be filed during his tenure, despite it being ready. The initial investigation was conducted by south district police after which Kanhaiya was arrested under the charges of sedition. His arrest was followed by Umar Khalid's and Anirban Bhattacharya's. The evidence with Special Cell is only against Khalid, Anirban and few other Kashmiri students. However, police failed to take action against the Kashmiri students who were seen raising anti-national slogans on the JNU campus. Requesting anonymity, a senior police officer said: 'In an investigation of sedition case, police can file chargesheet until three years of the case being registered. 'So we are utilising the time in and concentrating in our investigating.' The Delhi Police has reportedly examined 40 videos of the event. The Law Commission, which has embarked on a gigantic exercise of sourcing public opinion on the contentious Uniform Civil Code (UCC), has sought to dispel fears raised by Muslim and Christian groups assuring them that personal laws will not be touched 'beyond the extent permitted by the Constitution'. In his first interview after receiving over 40,000 responses to a questionnaire on the proposal, commission chairman Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan told Mail Today that the focus of the exercise is only to end gender discrimination and social injustice. The effort is to synergise family law with gender equality, he said, ruling out any attempt to end plurality of laws. Presently the Constitution allows most religions to regulate matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance through their own civil code The ruling BJP has been pushing for such a common code despite resistance from rivals and even some allies. Religious minority groups have opposed the plan, saying such a common law would interfere with their codes of conduct. Terming the number of responses to the questionnaire 'overwhelming', Chauhan said in a lighter vein that 'now it has become like counting money which has accumulated in a temple hundi'. 'We will not go outside the constitutional framework,' he said. 'So there is no reason for anyone to have any kind of apprehension. It is a comprehensive exercise of the revision and reform of family laws. 'The objective is only to address discrimination against various groups and harmonise various cultural practices.' said Chauhan. Chairman Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan told Mail Today that the focus of the exercise is only to end gender discrimination and social injustice Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution guarantee every citizen the right to practice and promote their religion peacefully. Asked about fears raised from various quarters that the UCC would infringe this fundamental right, the former Supreme Court judge said, 'We are making it clear that we are not touching any constitutional right of any individual. 'We are very mindful of that. Whatever we will do, will be within the framework of the Constitution and law of the country.' The demand for a uniform civil code essentially means unifying personal laws to have one set of secular laws that will apply to all citizens of India irrespective of the community they belong to. The BJP had also promised UCC in its poll manifesto ahead of the 2014 general elections. The Constitution right now allows most religions to regulate matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance through their own civil code. Chauhan's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of bodies like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) refusing to even debate UCC. They had rejected the questionnaire, terming it an 'affront' on their personal laws and even accused the law panel of behaving like an agent of the Narendra Modi government - arguing that the proposed common code is a threat to the country's pluralism and diversity. The Centre had previously argued that triple talaq is 'misplaced' in a secular country like India However, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India last month came out in support of UCC on the condition that it confirms the 'spirit and mandate' of the Constitution. 'Why can't there be a healthy debate on the issue?' Chauhan asked. 'That is the purpose behind the questionnaire. Why should the commission take a decision without knowing what the people want? 'According to us, this is the most democratic approach and Article 44 of the Constitution says the state shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code. So this whole exercise has the backing of the Constitution also.' The 16-point questionnaire includes questions on what are the subjects that the UCC should include or exclude, if all religions should have common grounds for divorce and if UCC will ensure gender equality. It also seeks views on talaq, polyandry, polygamy. Asked about the nature of reforms, Chauhan said, 'Only after going through responses will we decide how we will have to proceed. 'We ourselves do not know what the code will be.' The commission issued the questionnaire after law ministry on July 2 last year asked it to examine all issues pertaining to the code and submit a report. There are 200,000 homes on prime Sydney real estate sitting empty because foreign investors have bought them with no intention of living in them or renting them out, a leading real estate expert claims. Douglas Driscoll, the chief executive of Starr Partners, estimates the number of unoccupied homes has almost doubled from 120,000 in 2011, in a city which is already the second most unaffordable in the world after Hong Kong. Mr Driscoll believes the empty homes are a major contributor to Sydney's housing crisis, which has seen prices double in the past eight years and rise at an average of $222 a day. 'Foreign investors are only exacerbating the problem by buying properties and leaving them vacant,' he told Daily Mail Australia. There are 200,000 homes in prime Sydney real estate sitting empty because foreign investors are snapping them up, a real estate boss claims. File photo Foreign investors are accused of buying properties and leaving them vacant (terraces in inner-city Paddington pictured) '(It) only gained genuine momentum in 2012 and in just a few short years we are already seeing 10-20 per cent of property being sold in some pockets to offshore buyers, which leaves a lot of Australians on the sidelines.' Mr Driscoll said the government needed to realise the effect of empty homes on housing affordability and urgently start addressing it. 'Foreign investment is not the elephant in the room, it is a heard of elephants in the room and more needs to be done,' he said. 'These properties should be offered for rent, but if they were to hit the open sales market, it would certainly help alleviate the sparsity issue we are currently facing.' The chief executive of Starr Partners said empty homes were affecting housing affordability Sydney's housing crisis has seen prices double in the past eight years and rise at an average of $222 a day Inner-city areas of Sydney are regarded as being more likely to have properties left vacant Mr Driscoll said hotspots included anywhere in the inner-city or where new houses or apartments were going up, such as Alexandria, Waterloo, Green Square, Sydney's city centre, Parramatta, and even Blacktown. 'There are some developments where you can see straight through apartments because there's no furniture,' he said. 'In my own building in Kirribilli there's 35 units and three of them are left empty.' He said Chinese buyers were used to not receiving much of a return on investment and believed tenants lowered property values by putting 'wear and tear' on them. 'They bring that same mentality over here without doing the research,' he said. The real estate boss said Chinese investors were leaving properties empty to avoid wear and tear if they weren't receiving much return on them 'A lot of them are also buying their children's future, even if they are only in their teens, they are buying them now in highly desirable inner-city areas. 'When their children are old enough they send them off to university and that's where they live. So they might sit empty for three or four years.' He said Australia was also an attractive location because homes were much bigger than those in Asia. 'On average, an Australian home has 89 square metres of floor space, while a country like China has about 33 square metres of space,' he said. The head of Starr Partners wants financial penalties imposed for investors who left properties vacant for more than 12 months Douglas Driscoll argued a shortage of rental properties, caused by investors refusing to lease them out, was creating social and economic problems Mr Driscoll's said investors didnt get capital gains tax concessions if the property was uninhabited for more than 12 months, but more needed to be done. 'The government should introduce significant financial penalties or inordinate property taxes for any property owned by a non-resident that is known to be empty for more than 12 months,' he said. 'NSW accounts for half of all investor mortgage finance. Such a strong level of investor interest in Sydney is pushing up the price of our dwellings and its time for government intervention to reduce this. 'Im certainly not against foreign investment or property investment as a whole, but I do believe it has led to the market becoming hugely out of kilter, causing a multitude of social and economic issues.' He said this policy wasn't aimed at holiday homes because those were almost always outside metro areas and not adding to housing affordability woes. Foreign investors snapping up properties are pricing young people out of Sydney's housing market Investors are more likely to be hoarding properties in Sydney (in places like Eastwood in the city's north pictured) than in regional areas, the Starr Partners chief executive said Douglas Driscoll praised Mirvac's Olympic Park development in Sydney's west for setting aside flats for first-home buyers and only requiring a five per cent deposit Mr Driscoll applauded developments like Mirvac's new high-rise project in Olympic Park, in Sydney's west, where the first 60 of 690 flats were set aside for first home buyers for only a five per cent deposit. A housing affordability survey last month ranked Sydney as the second more unaffordable city in the world behind only Hong Kong. The median house price now stands at $1.1 million, 12.2 times the average annual wage, and dropping to $850,000 when units were included. It doubled since 2009, increasing 16 per cent in the past year alone, with the most sought-after suburbs rising by more than $1,000 a day. Supermarkets have been accused of ignoring the 5p plastic bag charge by using a 'ridiculous loophole' allowing them to charge online shoppers 40p for unlimited numbers. Environmental campaigners and MPs have said it needs to be stopped because it offers no incentive to reduce bag use unlike the strict rules followed at the checkout. Charging 5p inside the supermarket means shoppers took home six billion fewer plastic bags in 2016, down to 500million from seven billion just before the charge was introduced in 2015. Yet Sainsbury's, Asda, Tesco and Waitrose all charge a flat 40p fee for deliveries based on the eight bags usually needed for an average online shop - but some shoppers say excessive bags are often used. The law states that councils should fine supermarkets up to 20,000 because it means bags are being sold at below the 5p legal threshold - but anecdotally it appears this is not being applied, one Government source said. Labour MP Mary Creagh, chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, told MailOnline the situation was ridiculous while Green co-leader Caroline Lucas says the 40p flat fee 'risks fatally undermining the gains from charging'. Weekly shop: Sainsbury's has been branded 'wasteful' after it delivered 53 shopping items in 23 carrier bags including some containing single items Upset: Shoppers have vented their anger online when they have been given too many bags by online retailers charging a flat 40p fee as opposed to a per bag rate Evidence: This Sainsbury's shop came with several items packed one item per bag Policy: Sainsbury's, Asda, Tesco and Waitrose all charge a flat 40p fee for plastic bags for bagged-up deliveries based on average of eight needed for an average shop Mistakes: Online shoppers have revealed that in some cases excessive bags are being sent by supermarkets - sometimes even if they don't request them Yesterday it was revealed that Sainsbury's delivered 53 shopping items in 23 carrier bags to mother-of-two Andrea Berry, 38, even though she only paid for eight. Have you had an internet shopping disaster? Email news@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Labour MP Mary Creagh, chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, told MailOnline the situation was ridiculous. Capping the costs of plastic bags does not act as an incentive for people shopping online, she said. She added that supermarkets had to be much more careful about how they told staff to pack shopping. How four of the major supermarkets charge the 40p flat fee for bags Sainsbury's A flat fee of 40p is charged for each online grocery order. Customers can also opt for a bagless delivery. Tesco Customers who opt for a bagged online order are charged a flat rate of 40p. Their website says: 'We've worked this out based on the average number of bags needed to pack an order. You can avoid the charge by opting for a bagless order'. Asda Home shopping customers who receive deliveries pay a flat 40p per order if they ask for bags. Some items such as meat are delivered in bags for hygiene reasons - these bags are free of charge. Waitrose If you choose to have your delivery in carrier bags, Waitrose will charge a flat rate of 40p per delivery. You can choose to have your collection bagless, or in carrier bags. Morrisons Carrier bag charges of 5p apply both in-store and online. They offer a 5p incentive for the return of bags from the previous shop. Ocado They charge 5p for single-use plastic carrier bags and apply the same online because 'it's fairer on everyone if we only charge for the exact number of bags used to pack your shopping'. Shoppers are given 5p for every used bag they give back to recycle. Advertisement There are lots of items that are pre wrapped already. There are plenty of things like boxes of cereal that can be quickly unloaded from a palette,' she said. Whilst there will always be individual circumstances for fragile items, but 23 bags for 53 items is just ridiculous. Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, told MailOnline: 'A flat rate cost for unlimited plastic bags risks fatally undermining the gains from charging. 'With the evidence in favour of a 'per bag' charge so abundant there's no reason whatsoever for allowing supermarkets to set their own rules by offering a flat rate. Instead customers should pay a modest 'per bag' rate and supermarkets should make sure that they use as few bags as possible in their deliveries. 'Britain is taking real strides towards reducing our plastic waste and we could go even further if we end this loophole.' Kate Parminter, Liberal Democrat DEFRA spokesman said: 'The whole point of introducing the 5p charge was to reduce the number of unnecessary plastic bags which are thrown away and end up in landfill. 'Consumers are cutting the number of bags they use and its unfair if supermarkets dont do the same. When someone does an online shop and they are being charged for bags they expect only the minimum needed to be used. Shoppers are doing the right thing: supermarkets should do the same.'. Social media has plenty of examples where shoppers have complained about being given excess bags, sometimes because supermarket staff are putting just one item in each one. Last year Martin Wingate tweeted photographs of a bottle of Tabasco sauce in a plastic bag with nothing else, and another with aluminium foil also in a single bag. He then tweeted the supermarket and said: '@sainsburys good excessive use of plastic bags on the home delivery'. Roisin Rogers also tweeted pictures of her Asda shop with three bags all containing single items. She said: '@asda @AsdaServiceTeam my online delivery, good to see you take not wasting plastic bags seriously'. In June last year Tim Bunton photographed how Asda had put two small bags of children's snacks in a single bag. He wrote: '@AsdaServiceTeam home delivery just arrived. Glad to see the saving on plastic bags is being put to good use!!' Anger: MPs Mary Creagh and Caroline Lucas say that the flat rate should simply not be allowed The new law to charge 5p for plastic bags was brought in in October 2015 and has had a huge impact on the number used. More than seven billion single-use plastic bags were handed out by the main retailers in 2014. Are supermarkets really allowed to charge a flat fee? Large retailers must charge for plastic bags used for deliveries and online sales, including click-and-collect and collections. The number of bags used isnt always known until delivery takes place so this means retailers can charge for an average number of bags for multi-bag deliveries, as long as 5p or more is charged per bag overall. They are encouraged to offer bagless delivery as an option - this will cut down on waste. Any supermarket's local council should inspect them to check they are following the law. Inspectors can visit the shop or store at any time to make test purchases and demand records. Inspectors dont have to give a warning but can carry these out as secret shopper exercises. If they find a problem they can issue a 20,000 fine but it is not clear if that is happening. Advertisement But in the six months that followed the introduction of the charge in England in October 2015, that figure dropped to just half a billion. That means six billion fewer bags will have been taken home by shoppers in 2016. Ministers said this was the equivalent to the weight of roughly 300 blue whales, 300,000 sea turtles or three million pelicans. The 5p charge has also resulted in donations of more than 29million from retailers towards good causes, including charities and community groups. The Mail launched its Banish the Bags campaign in an effort to reduce the waste, cost and environmental damage associated with the billions of plastic bags given away each year, a symbol of our throwaway society. The Mails campaign, which began in 2008, swiftly received cross party political support and was backed by a string of large retailers though some of the major supermarkets tried to fight it tooth and nail. The countrys biggest retailer, Tesco, opposed mandatory charges insisting it could deliver reductions in the number of bags given away at tills through voluntary means. Initially, ministers gave big stores the chance to clean up their act without the need for a new law. But it appears there could be a problem in the online shopping sector. Mother-of-two Andrea Berry has branded Sainsbury's 'wasteful' and its staff 'lazy' after it delivered 53 shopping items in 23 carrier bags including some containing single items. She placed an 103 order online and the weekly haul was delivered to her door on Tuesday morning as usual. But the IT consultant was baffled when the Sainsbury's driver started handing her near-empty plastic bags, most containing only one or two items. And she couldn't resist lining up the 23 bags on her kitchen floor for a photograph so she could shame the 'lazy' supermarket's staff. Savvy shopper: Mother-of-two Andrea Berry, 38, (left) from Hampshire, placed an 103 order online (right) and the weekly haul was delivered to her door on Tuesday morning as usual Every meat product was double wrapped and packed in separate carriers while one mango was given its very own bag. She said: 'I imagine the pickers go around the aisles and pick things up in order, but they don't seem to have used any common sense. 'It's just lazy. It's probably someone who's not really thinking about what they are doing, but I'm guessing it happens with all their customers. 'The staff clearly don't think, "I've got half a dozen fruit and veg items so they can all go in together" - even that was divided between three or four bags. MailOnline has approached Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Waitrose for comment. Up to 100 Pepsi workers are set to be laid off, with the company blaming a Philadelphia soda tax for the cuts. But the move has been branded a 'new low' for the industry by the city, which accused Pepsi of 'holding hostage the jobs of hard-working people'. The company, which employs 423 people in the city, claims the tax has caused a 40 per cent slump in its sales. Pepsi said it has suffered a 40 per cent slump in sales because of the tax, meaning it has no choice but to cut jobs In June last year, Philadelphia City Council approved a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks - which amounts to $1.44 on a six-pack of 16-ounce bottles. The move was introduced to fund an ambitious early childhood education programme, the city said at the time. Company spokesman Dave DeCecco told the Philadelphia Inquirer: 'Unfortunately, after careful consideration of the economic realities created by the recently enacted beverage tax, we have been forced to give notice that we intend to eliminate 80 to 100 positions, including frontline and supervisory roles.' But a city spokeswoman hit back: 'The soda industry sunk to a new low today. They are literally holding hostage the jobs of hard-working people in their battle to overturn the tax.' The company employs 423 people in the city, and says 80 to 100 will be laid off, but the city has hit back She said that Pepsi had reported $6billion in profit over the past year, and said people should be 'skeptical' about whether the cuts are due to the tax. It comes a month after Canada Dry Delaware Valley announced 35 jobs are set to go, while Jeff Brown, who owns ShopRite stores in the city told the Inquirer that as many as 300 jobs are at risk. The city said 191 teaching positions and 60 support staff jobs have been created. Russian warplanes bombed US-backed fighters in several small villages in northern Syria after they mistakenly thought Islamic State group forces were in the area, a US general says. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend said on Wednesday Russian and Syrian regime aircraft attacked the villages to the south and east of Al-Bab in Aleppo province, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. The Russians apparently had observed Islamic State fighters moving from the area and wrongly assumed that other forces remaining were jihadists during the attack on Tuesday. 'We had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS, yet... actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces,' Townsend told reporters in a video call from Baghdad. Russian warplanes bombed US-backed fighters in several small villages in northern Syria after they mistakenly thought Islamic State group forces were in the area, a US general says The SAC forms part of a broader alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) comprising Kurdish and other groups that the United States has been training and advising to lead the anti-IS fight. US troops operating less than three miles from the villages observed the bombing and communicated the error, which was then passed to the Russians through a 'deconfliction' hotline the two powers have established to avoid mishaps. 'It became apparent that the strikes were falling on some of the Syrian coalition positions,' Townsend said. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend said Russian and Syrian regime aircraft attacked the villages to the south and east of Al-Bab in Aleppo province, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties 'Some quick calls were made to our deconfliction channels and the Russians acknowledged and stopped bombing there.' The Russian defense ministry denied conducting air strikes but confirmed communication through the hotline. 'During these talks, the US Air Force representative expressed concern that Syrian and Russian airplanes could inflict an unintentioned strike on US-controlled armed groups while carrying out combat missions against (IS) south of Manbij,' the Russian ministry said in a statement. 'This information was taken into account by the Russian command. Not one strike was carried out by Syrian or Russian aviation on the districts pointed out by the American side.' About 500 US troops are in Syria, almost all of them special operations commandos. Their role is currently limited to advising local forces and staying behind front lines. Hardly straightforward to begin with, the anti-IS fight in civil war-torn Syria is growing ever more complex. Russia is using air power to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad but also sometimes strikes IS. A member of Free Syrian Army uses a mine detector in the Syrian town of Al Bab after the town center was freed from Daesh terrorists on February 24 Turkey has moved into northern Syria and is battling IS while also trying to keep US-backed Kurdish forces in check. And America is trying to support the Kurds while not alienating ally Turkey. 'It's a very complicated battlefield situation where essentially three armies and an enemy force have all converged within the same grid square,' Townsend said. 'Everybody should keep their sights focused on ISIS... and not fighting deliberately or accidentally one another.' Anti-IS operations in Syria will eventually center on Raqa, the supposed capital of the 'caliphate' that IS declared in 2014. Given the political sensitivities, questions abound on the extent to which Kurdish forces would be involved in the offensive and whether they would enter the city. A fighter of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, looks with binoculars as he sits next to anti-tank weapons in the village of Sabah al-Khayr Townsend said he expects the Kurds to take part in the Raqa offensive 'in one form or fashion.' 'The facts are there are Kurds from Raqa and larger Raqa district and province. So there are Kurds from there, local Kurds who will participate.' Separately, Townsend said between 12,000 and 15,000 IS fighters remain in Iraq and Syria, an indication of a significant dwindling of the jihadists' forces. The US military only provides periodic updates on estimates of IS fighters but in 2015 and 2016, the Pentagon put the number at between 20,000 and 30,000 in the two countries. Townsend said the remaining forces are split about equally between Syria and Iraq, and are still able to cross the border. Every trade has its master - in this case its billionaire - no matter how humble it is. A self-made entrepreneur who once dashed between cities to deliver goods for clients has built an impressive courier empire and is now one of China's richest men. Wang Wei, the boss of SF Express, has seen his personal worth rocketing to a whopping 22.5 billion (189.9 billion yuan) since his company went public last week. Wang Wei is now the third richest man in China thanks to his company SF Express. He was pictured speaking during SF Express's listing ceremony on February 24 With 120,000 employees and 13,000 offices, SF Express is the biggest Chinese courier firm Zep Lee (right), the International Business Unit CEO of SF and Ray Li (left), the International Business Unit CFO and CMO pose with SF courier envelope and courier box This means the 46-year-old has become the third richest man in China, after property tycoon Wang Jianlin, worth 25.6 billion, and e-commerce mogul Jack Ma, worth 23.5 billion. SF EXPRESS: CHINA'S COURIER KINGDOM Wang Wei founded SF Express in Shunde, Guangdong Province, in 1993. Now one of the world's largest courier companies, SF Express started from six staff. As of 2016, the company has more than 120,000 employees, 13,000 offices, 150,000 vehicles and planes, according to the company's website. The company established its own airline, SF Airline, in 2009. A total of 38 cargo planes deliver some 1,400 tonnes of packages every day within China and to over 200 countries. Advertisement SF Express completed its back-door listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Friday. The listing has made SF Express the biggest Chinese courier company by market capitalisation, surpassing its rival ZTO Express which went public in October on the New York Stock Exchange after raising 1.4 billion. The move has also made Wang Wei, the chairman and founder of SF Express, a multi-billionaire. The share price of SF Express was 5.93 (50.18 yuan) when the market opened at 9:30am on February 24. Since then, the company has reached limit-up in five consecutive days. Its share price rose to 8.26 (70 yuan) when the market closed on Wednesday. As a result, Wang Wei's assets have ballooned to 22.2 billion (188.6 billion yuan). If SF Express's share price continues to grow at the current rate, Wang is expected to overtake Wang Jianlin and become the richest man in China. Wang's fortune rose to 22.2 billion after SF Express went public on Shenzhen Stock Exchange This means Wang, 46, is now the third richest man in China, after property tycoon Wang Jianlin (left) and e-commerce mogul Jack Ma (right) SF Express's share price rose to 8.26 (70 yuan) when the market closed on Wednesday Almost every resident in China has received or sent a SF Express package at one point in the past decade. Wang Wei's 120,000-strong delivery team zip around Chinese cities and towns, delivery anything from a million pound business contract to a bag of chicken feet. The legend of the mega-rich man started 24 years ago when Wang Wei, a fabric dealer at the time, had trouble mailing his samples from Guangdong to neighbouring Hong Kong for his clients to see. Two decades ago, the only way for Chinese people to send letters and parcels was to go through the state-owned postal system, which was slow and costly. Same-day courier was a concept unheard of even to the most ambitious businessmen. Having seen an opportunity in the market, Wang, at the age of 22, reportedly borrowed 11,800 (10,000 yuan) from his father to start a courier company in the city of Shunde. With six employees, SF Express helped factories in Guangdong mail business products to Hong Kong, which was still a British colony. SF Express has its own airline which boasts a fleet of 38 Boeing aircraft. SF Airlines delivers 1,400 tonnes of goods every day The company has over 120,000 employees, 13,000 offices, 150,000 vehicles and 36 planes Wang was born in Shanghai to a Russian translator father and university teacher mother. He moved to Hong Kong at the age of seven and grew up there. A low-profile man by nature, Wang rarely gives interviews. In a 2011 interview with Guangzhou Daily, the man explained his motivation of building SF Express: 'Many Hong Kong people had factories in Guangdong at the time, and they had the demands (for courier service). 'So I thought: 'Why don't I start a courier company myself?' As a result, I founded SF in Shunde with some partners.' He recalled that he had to deliver parcels himself in the early days of the company. '[We] carried our backpacks and our suitcases travelling between Hong Kong and Guangdong every day.' By offering cheap and punctual service, SF Express quickly expanded. By 1997, four years after SF Express's establishment, it had gained a monopoly on the courier market between Guangdong and Hong Kong, according to Shanghai-based financial media Yicai.com. The year 1997 marked the hand-over of Hong Kong from British rulers to Chinese Communist Party. After that, the trade between two sides of the border grew dramatically, which propelled Wang's business to increase by leaps and bounds. Meanwhile, Wang set up franchise branches throughout China. Wang Wei started his delivery empire with a small company in Shenzhen with just six staff Wang rang the bell last week on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange market as SF Express was listed In 2003, Wang decided to speed up SF's delivery time by chartering cargo aeroplanes, something unprecedented to private courier companies in China. Thanks to China's e-commerce boom since 2005, SF Express benefited from the huge market online shopping had created which saw billions of items needed to be delivered daily. In 2009, chartered aeroplanes could no longer satisfy Wang's business appetite. He set up his own airline, SF Airlines, to dispatch packages. To date, 1,400 tonnes of packages are sent by Wang's fleet of 38 Boeing aircraft on a daily basis, including five B767s, 16 B757s and 17 B737. In explaining his road to wealth, the modest man said there is only one way to build a successful business, that is to be 'daring, creative and responsible'. Having grown his fortune from 12,000 in debt to a staggering 22 billion, Wang has written an incredible rags-to-riches story - and it all started with his backpacks and suitcases. A man threatened to 'knock out' a woman after she confronted a couple who allegedly took photos of her at a bus stop. Alexandra Clay, 21, was waiting for a bus in the Sydney suburb of Eastwood in April last year when she noticed an older woman with a 'professional-looking camera'. 'She wasnt being discreet, she was about five metres away from me,' Ms Clay told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was obvious a photo was being taken in my direction.' Alexandra Clay, 21, confronted this woman (left) after she allegedly refused to delete photos of Ms Clay taken without permission. The man (right) became involved after Ms Clay touched the woman's camera 'I saw there were at least six photos of my face extremely close-up,' Ms Clay told Daily Mail Australia Curious as to what the woman took photos of, Ms Clay at first sat behind the woman after they boarded the bus. 'I saw there were at least six photos of my face extremely close-up,' Ms Clay told Daily Mail Australia. 'The pictures were zoomed in on my head and shoulders, you couldn't see any background- that's how close they were.' Angry over the invasion of privacy - Ms Clay confronted the woman and asked her to delete the photo, filming the exchange on her phone. 'In the video her [The older woman's] voice is so quiet, but at one point she asks me what I'm doing and I tell her I'm filming her. 'You can just make her out saying ''two can play at that game'' and she tries to use her camera again.' Ms Clay - unwilling to have more photos of herself on the woman's camera - can be seen placing her hand gently on the camera. That was when a man in a blue shirt sitting across the aisle becomes involved, rising from his seat and approaching the 21-year-old. 'Put that down or I'll knock you out,' he can be heard saying - balling up his fist and demanding that Ms Clay stop filming. Angry over the invasion of privacy - Ms Clay confronted the woman and asked her to delete the photo, filming the exchange on her phone The woman said ''two can play at that game'' and tried to use her camera again, Ms Clay said. The 21-year-old can be seen placing her hand gently on the camera to deter her 'Put that down or I'll knock you out,' the man can be heard saying - balling up his fist and demanding that Ms Clay stop filming Eventually the bus driver intervened, telling the man to sit down. At that point Ms Clay decided to get off the bus at an earlier stop. 'He [the driver] asked if I wanted him to close the doors or call the police but I didn't want to hold up the others that were on the bus. 'They never told me why they have the photos and they never deleted them,' Ms Clay said. 'I remember being particularly angry as it happened on my birthday - I couldn't believe it.' And despite reporting the incident to police, Ms Clay was told there was nothing authorities could do. Eventually the bus driver intervened, telling the man to sit down. At that point Ms Clay decided to get off the bus at an earlier stop Despite reporting the incident to police, Ms Clay was told there was nothing authorities could do She released the footage after she crossed paths with the couple on Thursday morning, when she saw them on another bus. 'I didn't want to be on the same bus as them - so I had to wait for the next one, which made me 10 minutes late for my new job. 'I just hate that nearly a year later it's still having an impact on my life even though I didn't do anything wrong.' She says around seven other people have come forward with their own alleged experiences with couple after she posted the footage. One claims the pair are in fact brother and sister and are often seen around local supermarkets. Chris Guest More (pictured) became one of the UKs most wanted criminals after he fled to Spain following the shocking torture and murder of Brian Waters in June 2003 Tens of thousands of crime suspects are on the loose because of the near perilous state of policing. The official watchdog says many cases are being shelved without proper investigation, emergency calls downgraded and victims left in danger. Almost 46,000 suspects are now on the police wanted database including 343 sought for murder or manslaughter and 1,012 for rape. The hard-hitting report from HM Inspectorate of Constabulary accused the 43 forces of England and Wales of failing the public. Zoe Billingham, who heads the watchdog, said: We are leading to a very serious conclusion regarding the potentially perilous state of British policing in this report. We are raising a red flag: it is a large red flag. Her inspection concluded that: A shortage of detectives and investigators amounted to a national crisis; Constabularies wrote off too many domestic abuse cases; 2,700 sex offenders had not been fully assessed for the risk they posed to the public; Only 19 per cent of the public had seen a beat bobby in the past month as the decline of community policing continued; Gangs of dangerous criminals were not being formally classified and monitored. Police unions blamed crippling cuts to budgets as part of the national austerity drive. Since 2009 the year before the Tory-led coalition came to power forces have lost around 21,500 officers. Miss Billingham said the issues facing the police were not solely down to the budget cuts imposed by the Government. Twenty per cent of the 45,960 wanted suspects on the database were being sought for theft and one in eight for violence. Other main categories included terrorism and firearms offences. HMIC said it had serious concerns that forces were taking insufficient action to actively find suspects. It added: Too often suspects wanted in connection with crimes are not being tracked down relentlessly. Among those who have fled justice is a man alleged to have shot dead a teenager and then a mother of three 12 months later. THE FUGITIVES WHO ARE WANTED FOR RAPE AND MURDER Chris Guest More MURDER Chris Guest More, 39, became one of the UKs most wanted criminals after he fled to Spain following the shocking torture and murder of Brian Waters in June 2003. Three men were jailed but More has never been found after fleeing 36 hours after the attack in Tabley, Cheshire. His millionaire father Christopher was jailed for nine months in 2004 for assisting an offender after visiting his son in Malaga with cash and clothes. David Ungi MURDER David Ungi, 24, is thought to be in the Netherlands after fleeing Britain 18 hours after the 2015 drive-by shooting of Vinny Waddington, 18, in Liverpool. Arif Chowdhury CHILD ABUSE Arif Chowdhury, 20, the suspected ringleader of a gang who allegedly raped a girl of 13, fled after he was freed on bail. Police believe he is hiding in Bangladesh. Kevin Thomas Parle MURDER Kevin Thomas Parle, 36, fled Liverpool after the shooting of Liam Kelly, 16, in 2004. A year later he became a suspect in the killing of mother Lucy Hargreaves. Sultan Amari RAPE Syrian migrant Sultan Amari, 46, fled to Turkey during his trial last year for raping a university student in Chester. He was given 11 years jail in his absence. Costas Sampson RAPE Costas Sampson, 26, a Greek Cypriot, fled the country on the day he was due to stand trial for the rape of a girl he met in a London nightclub in 2010. Advertisement Others on the run include a Syrian migrant rapist who fled to Turkey half way through his trial last year. HMIC found that the details of at least 67,000 people suspected of committing offences were not on the database if stopped in another part of the country it would not flag up that they were wanted. Inspectors said the public was being left at unacceptable risk because some hard-pressed forces were downgrading emergency calls. This meant officers would be permitted to respond to a call within an hour, instead of the standard 15 minutes. Another tactic was that of failing to send officers to domestic abuse incidents. The 128-page report said the unwelcome practices had the effect of artificially suppressing the demand for the police to take prompt and effective action. The watchdog said this was a form of rationing of police services. One in five investigations were never taken further because the victim did not support police action. In domestic abuse cases, this rose to a third. Inspectors said some forces were using this option to close investigations prematurely. The report said: Overuse of this outcome is likely to mean that far too many perpetrators of extremely harmful domestic abuse crimes are not being brought to justice and victims are being failed by the police. Miss Billingham said: We have seen how some forces are attempting to reduce pressure on their teams by artificially suppressing or downgrading calls upon their service, reducing their ability to take the most effective and prompt action. This is often an unintended consequence of recent changes forces have made, frequently in response to the challenge of austerity, and as they struggle to respond to increasing and ever changing levels of demand. Consequently, some basic things are not being done. We found evidence of fewer arrests being made, some crimes are being shelved without proper investigations and suspects are not always being relentlessly tracked down. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Brian Paddick, a former senior police officer, said: It is totally unacceptable that police officers, who are doing more than anyone can reasonably expect of them, are being forced to downgrade life at risk calls. How long before someone dies because there is no police officer to respond? The police are not doing enough to keep us safe from some of the most dangerous criminals. Hundreds of killers and rapists are not being kept under control. These people should not be on our streets. Lucy Hastings, of the charity Victim Support, said victims were being let down. Overall, one force was judged to be outstanding, 28 were good, 13 required improvement and one was rated inadequate. Michael Barton, the National Police Chiefs Council spokesman for crime operations, said it was disappointing that HMIC had concerns that some forces were falling short. He blamed budget reductions and the loss of thousands of officers and staff, adding: Its a simple reality that we are required to prioritise more. Steve White of the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said: What we are seeing is a service that is only being driven by cost constraints and some areas of policing are on the critical list and heading towards intensive care. Brandon Lewis, the Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, said: 'I am pleased that two-thirds of forces are rated in todays report as either good or outstanding. 'But a number clearly still have to do more to deliver the services communities expect and deserve. Those identified as inadequate or requiring improvement must take urgent action. 'I am also concerned by HMIC's findings over wanted suspects not being recorded on the Police National Computer. Police chiefs must respond swiftly and decisively to HMICs recommendation, to ensure this unacceptable situation is rectified.' A man has kissed his wife goodbye before being buried alive inside a coffin in the grounds of a church in Belfast. John Edwards, from Dublin, Ireland, will stay underground for three days in his tiny home, which has electricity, WiFi and a duvet and pillow. Mr Edwards, who is in his 60s, hopes his stunt will raise awareness for Walking Free, his charity which helps self-harmers, drug addicts, alcoholics, suicidal people and those with eating disorders to start their lives afresh. Scroll down for video John Edwards, from Dublin, Ireland, kissed his wife Trish goodbye before being buried alive inside a coffin in the grounds of a church today John Edwards, the founder of Walking Free, a charity set up to help suicidal and addicted people, has been buried alive The former drug dealer and alcoholic will stay underground for three days in his tiny home, which has electricity, WiFi and a duvet and pillow His wife of 20 years, Trish, posed for the cameras with a mock tombstone while Mr Edwards was buried on the site earlier today The shocking stunt is set to raise awareness of the needs of despairing people while John broadcasts stories of hope from a coffin His wife of 20 years, Trish, posed for the cameras with a mock tombstone while he was buried on the site earlier today. As a former drug addict and alcoholic himself, Mr Edwards knows the kinds of difficulties faced by recovering substance abusers. During his two decades as an addict Mr Edwards had cancer twice, a liver transplant and Hepatitis C, experienced homelessness, and at times felt suicidal. He became clean and sober 23 years ago - the same year as founding the charity. While his friends and family watch from above ground this week, Mr Edwards hopes to offer his advice to people across the world. 'I know this is a radical move but people are continually contacting me who are either suicidal or who know friends or family who are,' he told Belfast Live. He added: 'My plan is to speak to them from the grave before they get there and show them hope.' The devoted Christian, who says he overdosed around 20 times during his years as an addict, is using the hashtag #GraveChat in the hope that he can use social media to spread the word about his venture. He has already broadcast several live video streams on his Facebook page from his morbid home. He was buried on Wednesday and will spend three days underground. As a former drug addict and alcoholic himself, Mr Edwards knows the kinds of difficulties faced by recovering substance abusers The grave is big enough for Mr Edwards to sit up and lie down in but he won't be able to stand up John Edwards has been buried alive to raise awareness of drug addiction and depression While his friends and family watch from above ground this week, Mr Edwards hopes to offer his advice to people across the world The devoted Christian, who says he overdosed around 20 times during his years as an addict, is using the hashtag #GraveChat in the hope that he can use social media to spread the word about his venture Mr Edwards has completed the challenge once before in Halifax, West Yorkshire, in July 2016. In an introductory video on his website, Mr Edwards said: 'We know the steps to freedom here at Walking Free. 'And we want to take you by the hand, we want to talk to you straight, we want to be loving and gentle with you but strong with you as well, to help you get that place. 'You have a future.' European mega-retailer TK Maxx has confirmed it will open in Australia, selling heavily discounted designer clothes and homewares. TJ Maxx, like other off-price retailers and fast-fashion chains such as Zara and H&M, offers chic and trendy clothes at lower prices to lure shoppers from department stores such as Myer and David Jones. Spokesperson for the company Tessa Buenen told Inside Retail TK Maxx's 'off-price' model is unique to the Australian market. European mega-retailer TK Maxx has confirmed it will open in Australia, selling heavily discounted designer clothes and homewares Shoppers are excited about TK Maxx opening in Australia (Facebook post pictured) TK Maxx stocks major brands, up-and-coming-labels and 'one offs' at reduced prices, and is set to disrupt Australia's department store sector (stock image) MEET TK MAXX TJX Inc.s brands include TK Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. TK Maxx currently operates over 500 stores throughout the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria and The Netherlands. It offers mens, womens and childrens apparel as well as toys, bath and beauty products and homewares ranging form kitchen utensils to furniture. Advertisement 'Australian shoppers are extremely savvy and value orientated, so we think our offer is going to be a winning formula here and we're very excited about our growth opportunities for this market,' she said. The company currently owns 35 Trade Secret outlets across Australia and will start converting them to TK Maxx stores from April, with a number of new locations set to open throughout the year. TK Maxx is famous for its 'treasure hunt' shopping experience because customers love 'the thrill of the find,' Ms Buenen said. 'Because of the way we buy, we have several deliveries per week with thousands of new products hitting shop floors. This means that no two stores are the same, and with new products arriving regularly there will always be something new and fresh for shoppers to discover on a visit to our stores,' she said. As an example of the savings Australians are set to make, Moda In Pelle black heels normally retail for $110 AUD but TK Maxx is selling them online for only $25 AUD. Trade Secret is part of TJX Companies Inc., a leading 'off price' apparel and homewares retailer in the US and worldwide. TJX is headquartered in the US and operates over 3,600 stores globally. 'There's certainly lots of expats and Australians here who are already familiar with the brand so we're excited to bring TK Maxx to Australian shores,' Ms Buenen said. Urbanears headphones normally retail for $144 AUD, TK Maxx is selling them online for $41 AUD William Hunt silk tie (left) normally retails for $110 AUD, TK Maxx is selling it online for $12 AUD. Moda In Pelle black heels (right) normally retail for $110 AUD, TK Maxx is selling them online for $25 AUD TK Maxx is headquartered in the US and operates over 3,600 stores globally It's the provocative program exploring racism in Australia, but one participant believes it is in fact promoting another type of prejudice. Sydneysider Nick Folkes, the leader for the Party For Freedom, says SBS's The Truth About Racism has been skewed by the broadcaster to suit their own agenda. Mr Folkes traded barbs with the host Yassmin Abdel-Magied on Wednesday, in a segment purported to show Folkes had less sympathy for people of colour. But he believes they are only showing one side of the story. 'It's completely biased. SBS is only interested in showing the token white guy as a bigot and a racist,' Mr Folkes told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Folkes has been embroiled several heated rows on the show, most notably with the host, Ms Abdel-Magied Chairman of the Party for Freedom leader Nick Folkes (pictured outside the Supreme Court of NSW in 2015) believes SBS's The Truth About Racism is biased The show, which focuses on scientific research, is hosted by Muslim activist Ms Abdel-Magied, who sparked controversy on Q&A when she claimed Islam was the most feminist religion and supported Sharia Law as a code for people to live by. Mr Folkes, the son of a Russian-refugee mother, said he was deprived of a chance to voice his own opinions on closing Australia's borders. 'They never really gave me a chance to voice my opinion, it was a stitch up. I have a right to express my identity,' Mr Folkes said. 'They just put the token white guy in this multicultural landscape. It wasn't about being an Australian, it was just promoting negativity around our national identity.' This week's program thrust four pro-immigration participants in a room with Folkes - the leader of an anti-immigration party - to compare their reactions when a needle was inserted into the hands of both a white person and a black person. Their brainwaves were measured to check who they showed more sympathy for. Mr Folkes, the only Caucasian to take part, was found to display less sympathy when the black person received the needle. When asked if that was accurate, he admitted: 'Pretty right. Pretty spot on. The show is hosted by Ms Abdel-Magied, who triggered outrage last week when she denied Islam's supposed links to sexism Mr Folkes arrives carrying an Australian flag to a rally commemorating 10 years since the Cronulla riots Mr Folkes, himself the son of a Russian refugee mother, said he was deprived of a chance to voice his own opinions on closing Australia's borders Mr Folkes stormed Gosford Anglican Church last year with a group dressed as Muslim extremists Mr Folkes, who celebrates the Cronulla Riots and stormed Gosford Anglican Church last year dressed as a Muslim extremist, said he doesn't believe Australia is racist country. 'SBS is always trying to push the message we'are all racist. I believe Australia is tolerant county, and most people don't make opinions based on skin colour.' When asked why he held such negative views of immigration coming from a refugee background, Mr Folkes said Australia is letting in the wrong migrants. 'We are letting in far too many Muslim, black and Asian refugees. We're being robbed of our identity. We need to return to a policy based on Europen migrants.' The Party For Freedom leader said he believes Australia is largely a tolerant country His political party celebrates the Cronulla Riots by selling memorabilia including a $49.99 t-shirt When asked about Australia's previous anti-immigration sentiment towards Europeans such as Greek and Italians, Mr Folkes admitted this was an issue in the past. 'There were some problems in the past, but they were never a threat to our culture. It's third world immigration that's the issue: I feel like a stranger in my own land. SBS defended against the criticism, telling Daily Mail Australia the program gave Mr Folkes a chance to speak his views as well as challenging them. 'As one of five participants in The Truth About Racism, Nick Folkes had the opportunity to discuss his views and share his experiences, but as with all of those involved he also had his views challenged through experiments that tested the science behind racial bias.' Kelly Landry claims she was forced to go to the police because she believed her husband had driven past her house in his luxurious black Aston Martin, a court has heard. Ms Landry also believed a man had been taking photographs of her house and a woman in disguise had been looking through her front gate on the same afternoon. The moments on the afternoon of February 22 were all captured on CCTV footage which was shown to a packed courtroom during a two hour hearing at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Thursday afternoon. Ms Landry became alarmed after her brother called her around 2.15pm and said, 'I don't want to alarm you but Anthony is out the front of your house', the court was told her statement to police said. But Anthony Bell denied he had driven past the house, telling Magistrate Barnett he was at his offices at King Street Wharf at the time where he supposedly drove past the house. Celebrity accountant Anthony Bell has arrived at court with his 85-year-old mother Shirley 'It wasn't me,' Mr Bell said. He even denied being the woman wearing a head scarf and large sunglasses who was seen out the front of the exclusive Watsons Bay property. 'Do you own a wig?' his lawyer, Chris Murphy, asked him during examination. 'No,' he replied. 'Have you ever dressed up as a woman?' 'No'. The magistrate then said: 'It never even occurred to me I was being asked to make a finding that was supposed to be your client in drag. ' Mr Bell's lawyer called evidence from his executive assistant Melanie Santos and the complex's security guard. Both told the court Mr Bell was at work at the time the Aston Martin drove past Ms Landry's house. His estranged wife Kelly Landry is pictured here outside Waverly Court in January The pair were seen joking and laughing as they walked into the Downing Centre in Sydney King Street Wharf guard Daniel Saluni said his CCTV footage captured Mr Bell parking his car at the complex around 12.43pm and staying there until 5.29pm. Mr Bell's Aston Martin Vanquish car has different features to the one Ms Landry saw on CCTV, defence witnesses said. The car Kelly Landry saw was 'definitely not the vehicle,' Mr Saluni said, adding that the rooftop had a different shape. The court heard Ms Landry was also concerned over two incidents where Mr Bell allegedly stepped onto the jetty which leads to the house while picking up his children on his boat. Police acting on Ms Landry's behalf asked the court to change the apprehended violence order that applies to Mr Bell to prevent him coming from within 50m of the premises. The prosecutor argued she had genuine fears. But Magistrate Barnett refused the application. 'I am not suggesting for one moment that the fears expressed by Ms Landry are not genuinely held by Ms Landry,' he said. But he said the 'facts as she perceives them' didn't justify changing the order. Earlier, Mr Bell arrived at court with his 85-year-old mother for a second time following another twist in the legal battled with his estranged wife. Mr Bell is being represented by veteran criminal defence lawyer Chris Murphy A suited Mr Bell laughed and smiled as arrived at the Downing Centre Local Court arm-in-arm with his elderly mother, Shirley, on Thursday morning. Police prosecutors have told the court they want to change the conditions of Ms Landry's apprehended violence order against the financier. It is unclear what the changes will be. The court was told Mr Bell, represented by veteran criminal defence lawyer Chris Murphy, will oppose the change at a hearing later today. Under the current terms of the court order, he must not approach where Ms Landry lives, as well as the usual AVO rules preventing him from stalking or harassing her. The appearance comes just weeks after Mr Bell's lawyer claimed in court he had a document that would 'destroy' the prosecution case. Mr Murphy told the court Mr Bell and his mother were 'very stressed' by the situation with Ms Landry, a former Getaway presenter. The couple, pictured here in 2010, separated earlier this year after Ms Landry claimed Mr Bell pushed her and embarrassed her. Mr Bell has denied these claims The former Getaway host has kept largely mum about the highly publicised ordeal Mr Bell has denied claims he pushed Ms Landry and embarrassed her in front of her friends. Ms Landry declined to comment to Daily Mail Australia this week. While she did not appear in court on Thursday, she was seen leaving the courthouse following the hearing. She has kept largely mum about the highly publicised ordeal since police hit Mr Bell with the AVO in early January, with friends saying 'the truth will prevail'. The case continues. Health and care workers looking after dying people in their final days must do more to ask about spiritual beliefs, experts have said. Spiritual wishes were only documented for one in seven people who died in hospitals in England who were able to communicate in their final days, a 2016 report found. Now the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has urged health and care workers to do more to ensure they take into account cultural, religious or social preferences of adults in their final days. Spiritual wishes were only documented for one in seven people who died in hospitals in England A new quality standard from the health watchdog sets out standards of care for those aged 18 or over in their last two to three days of life. Nice said that of the half a million deaths each year in England, three-quarters of these deaths were anticipated by medical staff. It has set out a series of measures which should help those in their final days. People should be given an individualised care plan and dying people, and those important to them, should be given opportunities to discuss the care they want to receive. This should include asking the person where they want to be cared for and any cultural, religious or social preferences. It also sets out a series of reviews for health and care professionals, including how they may need to anticipate that a patient will need to switch from an oral medication to an injected one. Their hydration needs should assessed daily, Nice said. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) serves both the English NHS and the Welsh NHS 'Control of pain and other distressing symptoms is very important for dying people, but good end of life care goes far beyond that,' said Sam Ahmedzai, emeritus professor of palliative medicine and specialist member of Nice's quality standard committee. 'It includes asking about the dying person's spiritual, cultural, religious and social preferences. 'Only by attending to these issues and concerns can we deliver truly individualised care for each person and those important to them. 'How we are cared for can make a big difference to our final days, and lives on in the memories of family and friends. 'Nice wants to put the dying person and those important to them at the heart of decisions. 'This means asking people what they want and providing what they need, whenever possible.' Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive of Nice, added: 'We know the vast majority of people in this country receive very good care at the end of life, but this isn't always the case. 'Our guidance will support doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals so that they can work together to ensure that people die with dignity, whenever possible in the place of their choosing and with their symptoms effectively controlled.' The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has urged health and care workers to do more to ensure they take into account cultural, religious or social preferences of adults in their final days Commenting on the document, Claire Henry, chief executive of the National Council for Palliative Care, said: 'We all have a right to good quality end of life care, although not everyone currently receives this. 'This standard for the care of dying adults will help people nearing death to receive the care they deserve.' The Revd Dr Brendan McCarthy, the Church of England's national adviser on medical ethics, added: 'This guidance builds on Nice's 2011 recommendations for care at the end of life that highlighted the essential need for spiritual and religious care to be made available to all. 'It is distressing that currently 85% of patients in acute hospitals are not offered this care because their wishes are not sought. 'The new Nice guidelines remind us that we must do better and they underscore the vital role that chaplains play as part of a multi-disciplinary team in delivering holistic care at the end of life. 'It is important that their role is recognised, encouraged and supported in the interests of delivering better patient care.' Twelve years ago Katrina Thomas served six months in prison, thinking she would never be able to vote again because of a felony conviction. She found out when she was released that the Legislature had passed a bill in 2005, the year she entered prison, that allowed her to vote two years after her sentence was complete. Now she is fighting for others to remove the two-year wait and allow them the right to vote as soon as their sentences are complete. Thomas testified Wednesday in front of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee on a bill (LB75), introduced by Omaha Sen. Justin Wayne, that would repeal the waiting period. Before 2005, the state had a lifetime voting ban for those convicted of felonies. Wayne, who intends to make LB75 his priority bill, told the committee the roots of disenfranchisement were racial, and the state cannot escape the context of that history. After the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1870 gave citizens the right to vote, regardless of race, states created disenfranchisement laws, using the word felons as the vehicle. In Alabama in 1901, for example, a state senator said he knew a white man who beat his wife would not be charged with a felony, but he couldn't say the same about a black man. "It's that type of history of prosecutorial abuse that disenfranchised many African-Americans," Wayne said. A compromise bill (LB53) in the Nebraska Legislature passed in 2005 allowed ex-felons to vote two years after their sentences were served, returning the vote to 50,000 Nebraskans. That was a huge step in the right direction, said Nicole Porter, of the Washington-based The Sentencing Project. But the two-year ban, she said in an interview, left the state on the list of the most restrictive states nationally. People who have completed their sentences are expected to rejoin society by being good citizens and paying taxes. "You lose people's participation if they don't have the right to vote, and their energy and enthusiasm may be impacted," Porter said. Other conservative states have repealed their post-sentence voting bans, including Texas and Nevada, she said. A study by Nebraskans for Civic Reform, "Removing the Wait: Disenfranchisement in Nebraska," released Wednesday, showed Nebraska is depriving more than 7,000 citizens who have completed their felony sentences of the right to vote. The total number, including those in prison and jail, on parole or probation, is more than 17,500. One of every 18 black Nebraskans -- 5.6 percent -- is deprived of the right to vote, compared to one of every 81 -- 1.2 percent -- total adults in the state. Porter said disenfranchising people who have fully served a sentence offers no public safety benefit. The evidence shows that people with criminal histories returning to their communities with the right to vote have lower rates of recidivism, compared to people that don't. An article in the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal, on the violence of voicelessness, said the harms of disenfranchisement far outweigh its benefits, further alienating and isolating people when they are trying to re-integrate into society. It communicates to the offender that total rehabilitation is impossible, and is thought to lead to more criminal activity. "When we're in prison, we're just a number," Thomas said. "And then you tell us when we get out, you're still not a citizen." People coming out of prison have so many concerns already, about finding a job, paying rent, reuniting with their children. "It's just so empowering if you are able to vote," she said. "I think it really helps you to be more conscious of the things that you choose to do. ... It keeps you in check." Former Sen. Lowen Kruse, who co-sponsored the 2005 bill with Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek and has met with inmates in the prisons over many years, told the committee his disappointment with that bill is that so many felons don't know they can vote after two years. He remembered a former felon he met going door-to-door during his campaign who told him, through tears, that he would give anything to be able to take his kids to see him vote so they would know he was like other fathers. Shakur Abdullah, who was sentenced as a juvenile and released from prison after 40 years, and is still waiting to be able to vote for the first time, said his inability to vote makes him a second-class citizen, with a status of taxation without representation. "When you think of this as a faceless issue, I want you to remember my face," he said. Wayne told the committee voting rights of felons can no longer be a partisan issue. "Today, 150 years later, we can no longer disenfranchise people who simply made a mistake in life. When they have completed their sentence they should be able to have one of the most precious things that many people have died for and to this day they are still fighting for, he said. No one testified in opposition to the bill, which was advanced to the full Legislature with a 5-1 vote. Former expenses-scandal MP Douglas Hogg compared the worries of EU nationals to those of Asians in Idi Amins Uganda. They were packed deep in the House of Lords yesterday afternoon when peers competed hard to muscle and gum their way into the Brexit debate. The place boiled with crossness. It surged with a determination to Make A (Moral) Gesture. Amazing scenes. Have so many oldies ever behaved so adolescently? Here was an unelected House of Parliament pushing out its chest, saying weve got a right to set the Prime Ministers negotiating hand. Under discussion was the right of EU citizens to continue to live here after we leave. Labours Lady Kennedy of the Shaws, a lawyer, set herself up as the spokeswoman of people who had written to lobby her. Ah, so the Lords is now a representative Chamber, but representing only those who write to it? Lord Tebbit (Con) was booed and raspberried for calling the EU citizens foreigners. But thats what they are, said a frail Tebbit. More gales of hatred. Yes, hatred that is what it felt like. The mood on the pro-EU benches, mainly Lib Dem and Labour, was ugly. Lord Lawson, with his matadors-cap hairdo, stood in the hope of making a short speech. Siddown! yelled Europhiles. Lord Lawson disobeyed them. There was once a time back when they were confident of their unelected power when the Upper House was a model of mildewed politeness. But that was before the European Union was given a bog-washing by our voters. That was before the place had an infusion of sharper-elbowed political careerists. That was before the political climate in this country took a turn against this red-benched chamber of inertia merchants. Now they feel endangered and they have started to bare their fangs. My turn! shouted a man who wanted to speak (it sounded like former MP Lord Davies of Stamford but I cannot swear to that). No, MY turn! indicated his Labour colleague Lady Symons. Shes a woman! said a third. I dont care. Ive been waiting all afternoon, snarled the first man. And they were all on the same side! The debate on the amendment to the crucial legislation was far more bad-tempered than most sessions in the House of Lords, which prides itself on a genteel atmosphere Repeatedly the Chief Whip, Lord Taylor whose job it is to keep order in the House had to raise his voice and restore a modicum of calm. He and others were met with jeering, hissing, quavery yelling. How several of them didnt have blue-faced collapses, it is hard to say. Walking sticks were practically whacked over heads. Geriatric, anti-democratic chaos. As for the content of the debate, it proved a steeplechase of self-virtue, peer after peer standing to talk of his or her principles and morals. Former expenses-scandal MP Douglas Hogg (he was the one with the moat, you may recall) was the first to rebel against the Tories. He talked to the House about the moral high ground he really did! and compared the worries of EU nationals to those of Asians in Idi Amins Uganda. Hogg is back in Parliament because he is an elected hereditary, Viscount Hailsham. His wife Sarah used to be John Majors policy chief. She is also a peer, so it is 600 a day for the moat fund when they both clock in at the Lords. Lord Bowness (Con) said it was quite impossible to believe Brussels would ever mistreat British expats in the EU. We should rule out diplomatic tit for tat and give foreign residents full rights. Lord Bownesss coat of arms is decorated with sausage dogs. Make of that what you will. Lord Strathclyde (Con), less trusting than Lord Bowness, argued that setting a unilateral position on EU nationals would imperil our expats on the Costa del Sol and elsewhere. Round the House were various faces from the past: Neil Kinnock, John Birt, David Puttnam, Norman Lamont, Ivor Richard, Michael Howard. It was like a bad version of Dr Who. Melvyn Bragg (Lab) said he was a member of a bullied minority because he was a Remainer. Diddums. But theyre hardly a minority at Westminster! Disney CEO Bob Iger (above with his wife, journalist Willow Bay at the Oscars on Sunday) is rumored to be considering a presidential run Disney CEO Bob Iger is considering a move in to politics and is primed to make a 2020 run for president, sources close to the businessman said on Wednesday. Iger, 66, has even consulted his good friend former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg about a possible run, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His rumored foray into politics comes after years of encouragement from fellow Democrats to run for office. In June, Iger said he wouldn't rule out in public service but did say it wouldn't be for governor or senator. He plans to remain at Disney's helm until 2018, after which point he will be free to launch a second career. President Trump's jump straight from the boardroom to the White House is now reportedly fueling friends' hopes he will now reconsider. Iger has not commented on the rumors. Disney did not immediately respond to requests on Wednesday night. In June, he told THR how he wanted to 'give back in some way'. 'I will not be specific about any office. I wouldn't rule in or rule out. 'Honestly, I'm interested in politics, I'm interested in giving back in some form, performing some sort of civic duty. 'But I'm not exploring a run for governor or senator or anything along those lines. I'm focused on running Disney,' he said. Willow Bay, Iger's journalist wife, is opposed to the idea. Iger is already said to have consulted his friend, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg (above together with their wives in 2007) about making the transition from business to politics Iger will remain at the helm of Disney until 2018 but said he would not rule out a foray into public service 'My wife is dead against it and has said, "Not with this wife"'. My relationship with her is good enough and important enough to me to not challenge her convictions in that regard,' he said in a November interview with Variety. Iger is not the first business heavyweight to have his name thrown around in speculation over who may run on the Democratic ticket in 2020. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is one possible contender having embarked on a ministerial tour of the US's 50 states which Silicon Valley sources say is in aligned to his new focus on public persona. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who he counts as a friend, took office in 2001 after a dazzling career in business. A Hollywood makeup artist has put her wedding on hold as she and her fiance desperately search for their missing dog. Trendee King and James Galley, from San Jose in California, launched a no-expense spared search two weeks ago when their beloved dog Theo disappeared. King, a 34-year-old makeup artist, was in Los Angeles buying her wedding dress when the one-year-old Brussels Griffon escaped from a pet sitter's house on February 13. Trendee King and James Galley, from San Jose in California, launched a no-expense spared search two weeks ago when their beloved dog Theo disappeared The one-year-old Brussels Griffon escaped from a pet sitter's house on February 13 The couple have since offered a $3,500 reward, hired a pet detective, plastered thousands of posters around the South San Francisco Bay area and even searched with a Bloodhound. They decided to postpone their wedding indefinitely and say they won't get married until their beloved pooch is found. 'When you have a dog a little less than a year that you are falling madly in love with, and he is lost and you don't know where he is, your mind goes to a million scenarios,' King told FoxNews. 'I have to take each day one day at a time, step by step. Trendee King and James Galley decided to postpone their wedding indefinitely and say they won't get married until their beloved pooch is found The 34-year-old makeup artist (left) was in Los Angeles buying her wedding dress when her fiancee (right called to say their dog had escaped from a pet sitter's house The couple have since offered a $3,500 reward, hired a pet detective, plastered thousands of posters around the South San Francisco Bay area and even searched with a Bloodhound 'Theo is my best friend, we did everything together - grocery shopping, the dog park - we slept nose-to-nose. There's something in me that knows he's alive and knows he's OK. All of this is happening for a reason.' Galley, an executive at a Silicon Valley media company, bought the Brussels Griffon for his fiancee after she dropped her life in Los Angeles to move to San Francisco for his job. King has worked with clients including Paula Abdul, David Beckham, Laurence Fishburne and a number of TV reality shows. The couple also launched a social media campaign and regularly update their Facebook pages with tips that have been called in. Jean-Claude Juncker yesterday outlined his vision for stronger military co-operation between EU nations - in what will be interpreted as a push towards an EU army. In a blueprint on how the bloc will operate after Brexit, he envisaged a European defence union in which member states will pool military resources and even buy equipment together. The European Commission President said in one such scenario, defence cooperation would be deepened and more money would be poured into EU missions abroad. Jean-Claude Juncker yesterday outlined his vision for stronger military co-operation between EU nations - in what will be interpreted as a push towards an EU army Joint procurement was put forward as one idea, with more integrated capabilities between member states. His white paper came just days after the German military merged one of its divisions with Czech and Romanian brigades. A UK report released yesterday warned such plans for an EU army are a threat to Nato and to Britains strategic assets. Pooling EU resources risked encouraging member states to cut defence budgets even further, former Major General Julian Thompson warned. In his Veterans for Britain report he said EU defence integration plans risked dragging the UK into procurement coordination via a defence single market. He said the plans generate an alarm bell in relation to Nato, because Europe needs to be able to work closely with the US - including equipment compatibility - rather than focusing on smaller states. Though Junckers paper was not an explicit proposal, its repeat references to closer military union underline the European Commission presidents wishes. The highly-contentious idea of an EU army has faced strong opposition from the UK, but the EU boss outlined how being a soft power is no longer powerful enough. Juncker has a vision of a European defence union in which member states will pool military resources In the paper he outlines five possible scenarios for the future of the EU. In the most radical proposition towards a federal European system, the EU chief set out how a European Defence Union could be formed. If the EU did much more together, he said: Defence and security are prioritised. In full complementarity with Nato, a European Defence Union is created. Cooperation in security matters is routine. In a scenario where the EU sticks to its current course, he says the fight against terrorism would be stepped up in line with the willingness of national authorities to share intelligence. He says: Defence cooperation is deepened in terms of research, industry and joint procurement. Member States decide to pool some military capabilities and to enhance financial solidarity for EU missions abroad. In another scenario: A group of Member States decides to cooperate much closer on defence matters, making use of the existing legal possibilities. This includes a strong common research and industrial base, joint procurement, more integrated capabilities and enhanced military readiness for joint missions abroad. During a speech to the European Parliament after publishing the white paper, Mr Juncker confirmed his desire for a stronger military union and called for countries to increase defence spending. Some MEPs immediately seized on the declaration as a concession to Donald Trump, who has urged Nato members in Europe to meet their two per cent spending commitments on defence. Last month he said Europe must not cave in to US demands to raise military spending, saying he was against being pushed into this. BRUSSELS CHIEF'S VISION FOR EURO ARMY Germany and Romania agreed to deepen their defence ties in a deal last month, but the countries have a long history of military co-operation. During the Second World War, Romania joined Adolf Hitlers Axis alliance in a bid to destroy Soviet communism. Old allies: Nazis at a fascist rally in the Romanian capital Bucharest in 1940 Germany offered Romania military protection and Soviet Union territory, in exchange for its loyal support. On June 22, 1941, German forces, backed by Romanian combat troops, marched towards Stalingrad. In addition, the Romanian army supported the SS as it massacred Jews. Nazi Germany also pressured Slovakia to join the alliance by offering economic aid. Advertisement Last month defence ministers from Germany, Romania and the Czech Republic pledged to deepen their defence ties. The Czech Republics 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade and Romanias 81st Mechanized Brigade are to work closely with Germanys 10 Armoured Division and Rapid Response Forces Division. Under Nato rules, smaller armies can integrate their capabilities into an organisational structure provided by a larger framework nation. With these two arrangements, the Czech Republic and Romania each agree to contribute a brigade to a German-led multinational division, said Natos Camille Grand during the formal signing ceremony. He added that the Framework Nations Concept brings a new dimension to the way Nato approaches multinational cooperation and capability development. The three Allies will begin their cooperation through joint training and exercises starting this year. Just days ago diplomats said the EU would set up a new military unit as part of its plans for greater defence cooperation. The Military Planning and Conduct Capabilities (MPCC) unit would be responsible for the EU training missions in Somalia, Mali and Central African Republic. EU countries have agreed on all the major outstanding issues, according to four diplomats and two EU officials. Senior Tories have rejected the prospect of Douglas Carswell returning to the party because they believe his feud with Nigel Farage is helping to destroy Ukip. The Clacton MP defected from the Tories three years ago, but he could now be kicked out of Ukip in a row over whether he helped stop Mr Farage getting a knighthood. Mr Carswell is thought to have had secret talks about returning to the Tories at the next election, but Conservative Party figures yesterday dismissed the idea, with one saying many would prefer Mr Carswell to remain as Ukips sole MP as his presence continues to provoke strife. Douglas Carswell (left) defected from the Tories three years ago, but he could now be kicked out of Ukip in a row over whether he helped stop Mr Farage (right) getting a knighthood He said: Douglas is more useful where he is in Ukip than if we took him back. For the past two years he has helped Ukip remain plunged in a seemingly unending civil war. Why would we want to stop that? If Douglas defected back to the Tories it would help send a message that Ukip had served its purpose, but at the moment, with him there, his constant feud with Farage seems to be helping rip the party apart. Ukip has been embroiled in its latest civil war since it emerged Mr Carswell had joked about how Mr Farage had not been knighted in the New Years Honours for his role in the Brexit vote. Leaked emails show Mr Carswell said that Mr Farage should instead be given an OBE for services to headline writers. Mr Carswell was summoned to a meeting with Ukip chairman Paul Oakden on Tuesday after the partys ruling national executive committee (NEC) asked him to investigate allegations the MP played a role in blocking a knighthood for the former leader. Mr Farage yesterday attempted to duck questions about the honours during an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme Ukip MEPs will discuss the issue with party leader Paul Nuttall this morning at the European Parliament in Brussels. They do not have the power to remove Mr Carswell but could recommend that the NEC is asked to kick him out. Mr Farage yesterday attempted to duck questions about the honours during an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. He eventually claimed he did not particularly want a knighthood, but then added: If something came along I might accept it. When Mr Carswell joined from the Tories in 2014, Mr Farage welcomed him by calling his defection the bravest and most honourable thing I have ever seen in British politics. But yesterday Mr Farage said: Hes been working against us ever since the General Election, working with his Tory friends, and working, frankly, not just to divide Ukip, but to neutralise Ukip in the referendum campaign. We should have got rid of him a long time ago. Hes behaved very dishonestly. Asked about claims Mr Carswell was in talks with the Tories about switching back, Mr Farage said: Did he ever leave the Conservatives? He added that Mr Carswell had to go because I dont want my successor to have to put up with the same sabotage and division that I did. Mr Carswell last night insisted he was 100 per cent Ukip. During his time with the Tories, Mr Carswell frequently rebelled against his party on Europe. In December 2015, then-prime minister David Cameron joked in the Commons about how Mr Carswell had fallen out with Mr Farage, saying: Im not surprised that he is giving his new boss as much trouble as he used to give me. A millionaire rogue landlord parked his 200,000 white Ferrari on the pavement outside court as he appeared before magistrates to appeal a conviction for illegally evicting tenants. Zahid Khan, 30, had previously been found guilty of six charges at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, when he was accused of forcing out the tenants who had rented a luxury home from him in Moseley, Birmingham. The working professionals who had rented Khan's 700,000 house claimed he and another man ordered them to leave the property, threatening to change the locks if they refused to comply. A millionaire rogue landlord parked his 200,000 white Ferrari on the pavement outside Birmingham Magistrates Court Zahid Khan was originally found guilty of six charges relating to a luxury home he let to professionals The court was told Khan's luxury six-bedroom home had holes in the ceiling, a faulty electrical socket and tripping hazards on the stairs Almost three years ago, Khan was ambushed by thieves who stole his brand new 250,000 Rolls Royce and demanded a cash ransom The court was told Khan's luxury six-bedroom house, which boasted a swimming pool and home cinema, had holes in the ceiling, a faulty electrical socket and tripping hazards on the stairs. Millionaire businessman Khan was originally found guilty of six charges and ordered to carry out 150 hours of community service, but at an appeal the court upheld only three of the charges, and dismissed three others. Magistrates upheld his convictions for interfering with the peace and comfort of tenants, failing to provide adequate smoke alarms, and failing to obtain an HMO licence for the property, the Birmingham Mail reports. However, they cleared Khan of failing to ensure the property was kept in good and clean decorative repair, failure to ensure the internal structure of the property was maintained in good repair; and failure to ensure that any fixtures, fittings or appliances were maintained in good repair. The car he parked outside court is just one of his fleet of expensive vehicles including a Rolls Royce, pictured Khan's car collection includes more than one Ferrari, including the 458 Spider he parked outside court (not pictured) Khan has said he is planning to appeal the remaining three charges he was convicted of He arrived at court in a white Ferrari 458 Spider, worth around 200,000 - just one of his fleet of expensive cars. Khan left the vehicle parked on the pavement outside the court building while he faced magistrates. The court had originally been ordered by the court to pay 5,700, but he was slapped with an additional charge of 2,000 following the appeal. Trainee pilot Khan was accused of intimidating tenants who had rented his luxury home The court had originally been ordered by the court to pay 5,700, but he was slapped with an additional charge of 2,000 following the appeal Millionaire businessman Zahid Khan has previously boasted about his playboy lifestyle Khan told the Birmingham Mail he would be further appealing the remaining three convictions, adding that he also planned to bring a civil claim against the tenants, who he alleged had damaged his property. He said: 'I will be re-appealing for the whole case to be thrown out as I have overwhelming evidence which supports my innocence. 'The council have not carried out their enquiries fairly and failed to bring forward the main witness who was responsible for the let.' Khan previously said the court battle had cost him 15,000 so far, saying he was willing to spend more to get justice. Chancellor Philip Hammond is facing demands to abandon a planned increase in insurance premium tax and give drivers a break in next weeks Budget. The Government has already been under pressure over Justice Secretary Liz Trusss announcement of a new injury payout rate that could see up to 300 added to the premiums of older drivers. Now the Chancellor is under fire over insurance premium tax a levy put on all premiums which will raise 18billion over the next three years from car, home and private medical cover. Under fire: Chancellor Philip Hammond in the Commons. He is facing demands to abandon a planned increase in insurance premium tax and give drivers a break in next weeks Budget Another increase the third in two years is due to come into force in June, and Treasury figures show it is expected to raise nearly 1billion extra a year. Drivers also face a sharp rise in premiums from March 20 when the changes to the injury payout rates come into effect. On Tuesday, Mr Hammond said ministers would progress urgently with a review of the way rates are set, following a meeting with insurance industry executives. Signalling a retreat, Mr Hammond suggested the law could be changed at an early stage, raising hopes the method by which the rate is calculated could be scrapped to ease the impact on motorists. But last night opposition politicians and motoring groups warned the insurance premium levy was a tax on people who behave responsibly and urged Mr Hammond to reverse Junes rise. Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: The Chancellor should drop the large insurance hike. It is time to give drivers a break' Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: The Chancellor should drop the large insurance hike. It is time to give drivers a break. Car owners pay enough in tax to drive on usually pretty poor roads, and dont need the Government coming to them over and over again to fleece them for more cash. Edmund King, president of the AA, added: Consumers dont have bottomless pockets and this insurance premium tax is a swingeing tax on responsible behaviour. People will simply not bother to insure their homes or will consider driving illegally. Ministers have faced accusations of stealth increases in the insurance premium tax, which was raised twice by George Osborne. The Government has already been under pressure over Justice Secretary Liz Trusss announcement of a new injury payout rate In 2015 it stood at 6 per cent. It is now at 10 per cent, but as a result of changes announced in last years Autumn Statement, it will rise to 12 per cent in June a doubling in just 18 months. A report published today by campaign group the TaxPayers Alliance suggests the cumulative effect of the changes will swell the Treasury coffers by 11.6billion over the course of this Parliament. John OConnell, chief executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: This arbitrarily high tax is simply a revenue-generating tool for the Treasury at the expense of businesses, consumers and taxpayers. The Chancellor has hinted at bringing it up to the same level as VAT, but that would be treading a dangerous path towards even more misery for low-income groups like young drivers using their cars to get to work. The Government should call off future increases and instead cut it instead. Treasury officials point out that ministers have frozen fuel duty for seven years in a row, significantly reducing the costs of filling up a car. Ministers have also changed the law on whiplash to crack down on insurance fraud, which is predicted to save drivers an average of 40 a year on their premiums. Last night a Treasury spokesman said: Insurance premium tax is a tax on insurers, not consumers, and only applies to 20 per cent of all premiums. The Government has to make difficult decisions on borrowing, taxation and spending; the increases in insurance premium tax will ensure that we are able to continue to fund vital public services. A motoring campaign group backed by 146 MPs has urged the Chancellor to cut fuel duty or freeze it for longer in next weeks Budget. In a letter to Mr Hammond, FairFuelUK said the tax which is pegged at 57.95p per litre for both petrol and diesel until next year should be reduced by up to 3p to bring it closer to the levies charged in other developed countries. The campaign group, which is represented in the House of Commons by Tory MP Charlie Elphicke, said the UK has one of the most punitive rates in the world. A boy, 12, has been rushed to hospital and may have a permanent brain injury from drinking too much alcohol. Paramedics found the boy unconscious at a home in Ayr, northeastern Queensland, after an ambulance was called about 1.30am on Wednesday morning. The 12-year-old was taken to Ayr Hospital and was later airlifted to Townsville Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia. A boy was found passed out at a home on Darwin Street (pictured) in Ayr, northeast Queensland, and taken to hospital He was rushed to Ayr Hospital (stock image) by ambulance about 1.30am on Wednesday morning after consuming alcohol Police believe the boy may have also been chroming, a deadly cocktail of household chemicals that is inhaled to create a high, Townsville Bulletin reported. A source told the paper the boy may have suffered permanent brain injuries. A Queensland Police spokesman said an investigation was taking place but could not elaborate. The boy may have been connected to a break and enter at a home, where alcohol was stolen, the Townsville Bulletin reported. The 12-year-old may be suffering permanent brain damage, a police source reportedly said Almost one in five children are expected to have missed out on their first choice of secondary school this year in what would be the worst admissions round in eight years. A poll of councils on National Offer Day found only 82 per cent of 11-year-olds received their top choice, meaning that some 18 per cent missed out. It would mean around 70,000 children will be forced to accept a place at other schools, with many having to commute further from their homes than they would wish. A poll of councils on National Offer Day found only 82 per cent of 11-year-olds received their top choice, meaning that some 18 per cent missed out (file photo) The last time such a high proportion missed out on their first choice was 2008. The situation was the worst in London, where in some boroughs half missed out, while outside the capital Birmingham fared worst with 33 per cent doing so. Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers Last year, nationwide one in six - 15.9 per cent - did not get their top preference, amid a 2.8 per cent rise in applications, with 548,006 submitted in total. It comes as secondary schools struggle to accommodate a pupil bulge transferring from primary schools following a baby boom which has been fuelled by migration. Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers said: We hope that parents and children get the secondary school place of choice. We know, however, for many this will not be the case resulting in children being separated from siblings or primary school friends and for some will result in travelling longer distances. Such anxiety at this important stage in childrens education is unnecessary. The Government has consistently refused to address the school place crisis effectively. The poll, by the Press Association, covered 60 local councils that responded to questions, plus 33 London boroughs. SCHOOL CHOICE BY AREA The best areas for getting the top choice secondary school are: :: Cornwall 98 per cent :: Central Bedfordshire 97 per cent :: East Riding 96 per cent :: Portsmouth 96 per cent :: Wigan 96 per cent :: Dorset 96 per cent :: Wiltshire 96 per cent :: Shropshire 96 per cent :: St Helens 96 per cent :: Derbyshire 95 per cent Worst areas for getting first choice secondary school 2017: London :: Hammersmith and Fulham 53.48 per cent :: Westminster 56.43 per cent :: Wandsworth 58.19 per cent :: City of London 58.82 per cent :: Kensington and Chelsea 61.05 per cent UK wide :: Birmingham 68.6 per cent :: Oldham 73 per cent :: Bristol 74 per cent :: Manchester 75 per cent :: Sandwell 75 per cent Advertisement It also indicated that councils are facing a rise in applications again this year, and many are seeing a fall in the proportions of pupils offered their first choice. Out of 52 councils that gave information, 24 had seen a drop in the proportions of pupils winning their favoured school, while only 17 had seen a rise. And out of 50 that gave data on application numbers, 43 had seen a rise in the numbers of families applying while only seven had seen a drop. In July, an official forecast from the Department for Education revealed three quarters of a million new school places are needed in England in the next ten years. A bulge in pupil numbers will continue for the next decade, with 750,000 new places needed by 2025, the forecast said. By then, schools will have faced 16 consecutive years of rising pupil numbers with many having to expand buildings or squeeze more children into classrooms. Between 2009 and 2016, the school system already expanded to take in an extra 470,000 pupils. And from 2016 to 2025, the projection says there will be another 10 per cent of pupils in the state school system, up from about 7.4 million to about 8.1 million. The increase has been driven by a rising birth rate - and the analysis said this reflects an increasing number of non-UK born mothers, who tend to have bigger families. The forecast added direct immigration of pupils has had only a very small effect. A Department for Education spokeswoman said: The proportion of parents getting a place at their first choice of school remains stable, and last year almost all parents got an offer at one of their top three preferred schools. Nearly 600,000 additional pupil places were created between May 2010 and May 2015, and the Government is now pushing ahead with the creation of a further 600,000 new school places as part of its wider 23 billion investment in the school estate up to 2021. A 'loner' university student admits making and then planting a ball bearing bomb on a London tube train, his barrister has told the Old Bailey. Damon Smith, 20, who has Asperger's syndrome and is originally from Devon, allegedly left a 'viable improvised explosive device' on a Jubilee Line Underground train at North Greenwich Tube station on 20 October. The black Adidas bag containing the bomb was abandoned on the train between Southwark and London Bridge. In the dock: Damon Smith (pictured left and right) admits making and then planting a ball bearing bomb on a London tube train - but may claim it was a a hoax Held: Officers discharged Tasers during his arrest on Holloway Road, north London, after a suspicious device was blown up in a controlled explosion in October last year Two concerned members of the public spotted it and alerted the driver at North Greenwich station. Both the train and platform at North Greenwich were evacuated and the device was then made safe by a snipping a wire. At a hearing at the Old Bailey yesterday Smith's lawyers said there was no dispute he was responsible for placing the device and the issue will be what his intention was. His barrister Abigail Penny said: 'Mr Smith does not deny placing the device in the Underground or creating it.' But a previous hearing was told he intended to plead not guilty and will claim it was a prank. Smith, originally from Newton Abbot, Devon, did not appear at the hearing. He is due in court on March 30 and is expected to either deny or admit the charges then. At a previous hearing, prosecutor Kathryn Selby described the incident on the Tube saying: 'The driver initially phoned through to say he had found lost property. He looked inside the bag and saw the device left within it.' The bag contained a clock, wires, a live power supply, an explosive charge and ball bearings, said Ms Selby. The driver called the station and SO15 counter terrorism police were called. The bomb would have caused injury if the initiator had functioned, said Ms Selby. Smith got on the train at Southwark and got off one stop later at London Bridge. Investigation: Police taped off and searched Smith's home (pictured) in Bermondsey, south London, shorty after his arrest Support: Following Smith's arrest raids were carried out at the home Smith shared with his mother Antonitza (pictured outside court) - The southeast London station was closed until 6:50pm with disruption caused to the Jubilee line throughout the day. Smith (pictured) had started an IT course at London Met University three weeks before the bomb was discovered Following his arrest on October 21, the day after the bomb was discovered, police searched four addresses linked to Smith. Raids were carried out at the home Smith shared with his mother, Antonitza, in Bermondsey, south London, and at his grandparents former home in Newton Abbot, Devon. Smith moved to London from Devon in May and started an IT course at London Met University three weeks before the bomb was discovered. Smith is charged with unlawfully and maliciously making an explosive substance with an intent by means thereof to endanger life or cause serious injury to property or enable another to do so. He is alleged to have made or acquired the substance between October 18 and October 21. A construction worker who was killed after a steel beam fell and crushed him while he was working on a barge leaves behind a pregnant wife and a 14-month-old toddler son. Tim Macpherson, 32, from Newcastle, died at Sydney's Darling Harbour just before 4pm on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Maritime Union of Australia confirmed to Daily Mail Australia. The rigger is understood to have been helping a crane driver move a heavy steel beam when it hit another beam. One fell and crushed him. The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union said Mr Macpherson didn't stand a chance. 'The top of his torso was crushed. Unfortunately he was dead instantly,' the union's New South Wales secretary Brian Parker said. Scroll down for video Newcastle father Tim Macpherson leaves behind a wife and a 14-month-old son Tim Macpherson took these pictures of the Barangaroo construction site in the months before he died The Newcastle construction worker and father, who took this image, was killed by a steel beam 'The first people that got there have given that indication.' The man was understood to have been working on the Barangaroo ferry hub project for about six months. His family visited him at the construction site recently, the Daily Telegraph reports. The man's death was the first fatal incident at the Barangoo site, but there have been at least 1,500 accidents or injuries in recent years. But Mr Parker said the accident could potentially have been prevented. A terrible tragedy: Newcastle construction worker leaves behind a wife and a young son 'Nobody should be in the vicinity of the area when heavy lifting is being carried out. He shouldn't have been there,' he said. Meanwhile, the Maritime Union of Australia said it was recently prevented from carrying a safety inspection at the site. Paul Keating, a spokesman for the MUA, said he had tried to inspect the site in November last year after his union was informed about concerns to do with the site. Mr Keating told Daily Mail Australia that he and a colleague went down to inspect the barge after receiving a tip that the construction site was a 'sub-standard operation.' 'We proceeded to go down to inspect the workers and the barge. 'We were met at the site by a manager from McConnell Dowell who refused our right of entry.' The rigger is understood to have been helping a crane driver move a heavy steal beam when it hit another beam and one fell and crushed him He added: 'On behalf of myself and the MUA, our thoughts are with the family in this most devastating time.' NSW Police and Safework NSW are investigating the accident and it is understood the man's workmates have been offered counselling. NSW Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance has offered his condolences to the man's family and colleagues. 'I trust our NSW government agencies will cooperate fully with all investigations into this very sad incident,' he said in a statement. A spokesman for SafeWork told Daily Mail Australia that they will be issuing notices to stop work at the site. 'Initial inquiries indicate workers were working on a steel structure when it has toppled, impacting another structure, which struck the worker, causing fatal injuries.' he said. He was understood to have been working on the Barangaroo ferry hub project for six months 'SafeWork will be issuing notices to stop work at the site and directing the business to review its systems of work. 'SafeWork's investigation remains ongoing.' Contractor McConnell Dowell said Mr Macpherson was an employee of a local labour hire company. 'Our thoughts are with the man's family at this extremely difficult time,' McConnell Dowell's Australian managing director,Jim Frith said. 'We are providing his employer with all the assistance they need to support his family, and all affected staff are being offered support and counselling.' This is the heartwarming moment a two-year-old girl born deaf in one ear hears her own voice for the first time. Teyana Skye Gladden from Greenville, South Carolina, was given a hearing aid last Wednesday. Until then, the toddler had only been able to listen to muffled sound and had never properly heard her own voice because she was born deaf in one ear and with Microtia, severe deformity, in the other which limited her hearing. Her mother Olga Arnold filmed her speaking softly for the first time at Anderson-Oconee Speech & Hearing Services after having a bone anchor hearing device fitted last week and a video of the visit has since gone viral. In one tear-jerking moment, Teyana turned to her weeping mother to comfort her: 'It's OK mama!' in her newly discovered voice. Ms Arnold, who works as a plus size model and hospital receptionist, said it was a 'miracle' moment. Speaking to DailyMail.com on Wednesday, the 29-year-old said her daughter was adjusting well to the new hearing aid and had begun dancing along to music she could never hear before. Teyana Gladden, two, heard her own voice clearly for the first time last week after having a bone anchor device fitted. The toddler was born deaf in one ear and with limited hearing in the other due to Microtia, severe deformity which occurs in utero 'She likes it because it's a head band which she wore for so long. She is talking a lot lower now and she's starting to understand sound. 'If we're in the car with music on she's starting to move to the beat because she can hear it properly for the first time. It's really sweet,' she said. All smiles: Teyana, still clutching her favorite teddy, couldn't hide her excitement as she familiarized herself with her voice Teyana was born in 2014 with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare congenital heart disease which stops oxygen reaching the heart. Ms Arnold was told by doctors while pregnant that Teyana would undergo her first surgery shortly after birth and may only live to the age of one. At two months old, she was airlifted to Charleston to for an open heart operation and has been recovering since. Born at 4lbs 9oz, Teyana was considered premature. Her ears hadn't developed properly in the womb as a result of her condition. The little girl also needs a g-tube to be fed at night and at one point had trouble growing hair. Her five-year-old brother Jordyn was born with epilepsy and also has several doctors appointments a week. 'We have been through a lot health-wise but my babies keep beating the odds. 'Teyana gives me strength, she gives us all strength. She is a feisty little two-year-old!' Ms Arnold said. At nine months old, Teyana received her first hearing aid to allow her to hear muffled sound. She wasn't aware of the volume of her own voice until she received the second aid last week. The two-year-old's mother Olga Arnold (above) shared a video of the special moment online which has since gone viral New look: Teyana with Dr. Brian Curis (left) after receiving her hearing aid. Her mom said she was enjoying wearing the device because it is on a headband, one of her favorite accessories Teyana was born three weeks early, weighing just 4lbs and 9oz and with the congenital heart disease Tetralogy of Fallot. She is pictured at two days old The toddler underwent her first heart surgery at two months old. She is still fed with a gastronomy tube at night which she has had since her first operation BONE ANCHOR AIDS Bone anchor hearing aids allow people who are hard of hearing listen to their own voices. Sound is heard in two ways: through air conduction and bone conduction. The lower frequency, caused by vibrations in the bone, allow us to hear our own voices and become aware of a our own volume. Bone Anchor Implants send the vibrations around the damaged part of the outer and middle ear and through the bone directly inside the ear. For children under five, the soft headband passes the same vibrations - at a weaker frequency - through the ear to the bone to then be carried down to the cochlea. Source: Cochlear Advertisement TETRALOGY OF FALLOT Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect which means the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. It has four main properties: - A hole between the lower chambers of the heart - An obstruction from the heart to the lungs - The aorta (blood vessel) lies over the hole in the lower chambers - The muscle surrounding the lower right chamber becomes overly thickened Symptoms include blue-tinged skin and shortness of breath. Surgery is typically performed the first year of life, followed by ongoing care. Source: American Heart Association Advertisement She posted the video to Teyana's Heart, a Facebook page documenting her daughter's health journey, and has since been inundated with messages of support from social media users around the world. 'It all came unexpectedly, I didn't expect to get this kind of reaction.' A GoFundMe page raising money for Teyana's care has seen donations skyrocket since the video emerged. It stood at $6,330 on Wednesday night. Teyana's five-year-old brother Jordyn has epilepsy The money will be used to help meet the cost of Teyana's ongoing care. In March, just a few days after her third birthday, she will learn from doctors when she will undergo another operation to repair her heart. 'We'll find out in March when her next open heart surgery will be. 'This isn't going to be a full repair, she'll need to have another one after that,' Ms Arnold said. Despite the constant to and froing of hospitals and doctors appointments, the toddler stays in high spirits. 'She doesn't tire of it yet. 'Her big brother plays a big part, when he comes to see her to make sure she's happy she's OK. As long as she has love around her, she's all right.' The hearing aid Teyana was fitted with is a bone anchor device on a headband that is suitable for children too young to undergo implants. When she's five, the recommended age for having the surgery, her family will allow her to choose whether or not she wants it. 'We're going to let her decide. We aren't comfortable doing a surgery that's not absolutely necessary,' Ms Arnold said. Teyana lives with her mother and brother in Greenville. Her father, Twan Gladden, is nearby and sees her often. President Donald Trump was asked if he knew Jeff Sessions had met Russia's ambassador before the election - and said: 'I wasn't aware at all.' The president's extraordinary intervention came as Sessions faced a firestorm over whether he lied to the Senate during confirmation hearings by failing to disclose his two meetings last summer with Vladimir Putin's man in Washington. But the president also said he has 'total' confidence in his attorney general and does not think he should recuse himself from Justice Department investigations involving Russia. 'I don't think so,' he told reporters asking about recusal on Thursday, as he visited the USS Gerard R. Ford in Newport News, Virginia. Despite saying he did not know of the meetings with Sergey Kislyak, he stood by his DOJ chief as Session took fire from Democrats for failing to disclose the conversations during his confirmation hearing. Asked if Sessions told a Senate panel the truth about the communications, Trump gave only a half-hearted endorsement, however. 'I think he probably did,' Trump said. Scroll down for video President Donald Trump says he has 'total' confidence in his attorney general and does not think he should recuse himself from Justice Department investigations involving Russia - but offered a lukewarm endorsement of his truthfulness Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday morning that while he twice met with Russia's ambassador during the presidential campaign season, he was speaking with him in his capacity as a senator, not as a campaign adviser to Donald Trump He gave into Democratic and Republican demands on Thursday afternoon and announced that he was recusing himself from 'any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States' Then-senator Sessions had a private conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak (pictured above) last September in his office - but did not disclose it. That did not stop the Russian from being at the Joint Session of Congress addressed earlier this week by the president WHAT SESSIONS SAID WHICH STARTED LIES ROW - AND COULD COST HIM HIS JOB During Jeff Session's Attorney General confirmation hearing on January 10 he was question about the Trump campaign's relations with Moscow. Sen. Al Franken: 'If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign, communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do? Jeff Sessions: 'Sen. Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Advertisement Democratic lawmakers are demanding Sessions' head over the revelation that he met with Russia's ambassador to the United States twice last year and did not bother to mention it during his confirmation hearing. Sessions met them partway on Thursday afternoon and announced that he was recusing himself from 'any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States.' 'I feel like I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in,' he said. Sessions said that a meeting had previously been set for today to discuss the the matter. At it, his staff recommended that he recuse himself, and he concurred. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer repeatedly deferred to Sessions as he spoke to reporters on Air Force One a half hour before the attorney general's press conference, saying numerous times that he'd let the former senator speak for himself. He did defend Sessions' interactions with Kislyak on the whole, though. 'He was literally conducting himself as United States senator,' Spicer said. 'This is what senators do.' House Speaker Paul Ryan had earlier said that he sees no 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to back away from an investigation unless he himself is the target of the probe. Ryan said at his weekly press conference that he meets with ambassadors 'all the time' and there is nothing unusual about the former Alabama senator's conduct. The Republican leader wouldn't involve himself in charges of perjury coming from Democrats. But he said broadly, as he responded to a New York Times report about Barack Obama aides spreading information in their final days about the Trump campaign's contacts with the Russians prior to the election, 'never have we ever seen any evidence' that an American or person on the Trump campaign was working with the Russians on election meddling. 'I think Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get you to cover this story,' he told a reporter. 'There's nothing new we haven't seen here. This is stuff we've been going over.' House Speaker Paul Ryan said late Thursday morning at his weekly press conference that he did not see any 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to take himself off an investigation - unless he himself was the subject of the probe A separate report Wednesday night put Sessions in hot water for failing to mention his conversations with Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, at his confirmation hearing. That amounts to 'perjury,' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic legislators have said. Prior to learning about the Kislyak contact Democrats had called on Sessions, a Trump backer in the election, to recuse himself from any Justice Department investigations into the Oval Office occupant's links to Russia. GOP legislators doggedly refused join them. This morning Republicans changed their position - as did the attorney general later - but Sessions was already taking on water. Democrats had moved on and were calling for his resignation. 'We are far past recusal. Jeff #Sessions lied under oath. Anything less than resignation or removal from office is unacceptable,' Pelosi said on Twitter this morning. RESIGN NOW: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday at a news conference that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had to go Scores of Democratic lawmakers have called for Sessions to resign in the wake of claims that he perjured himself at a his confirmation hearing, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (left) and the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Elijah Cummings (right) Sessions (shown at his confirmation hearing) failed to disclose two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States in answers to Sen. Al Franken, a liberal Minnesota Democrat at his hearing SESSIONS CRISIS WAS A YEAR IN THE MAKING March 3, 2016: Trump names Sessions as chairman of his 'national security advisory committee'. July: Sessions gives a speech to the Heritage Foundation at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. On the sidelines, he speaks to ambassadors including Sergey Kislyak. September 8: Sessions hosts Kislyak in his office in the Capitol. November 18: The Alabama senator is announced as the nominee for attorney general. January 10 2017: Al Franken, the Minnesota Democratic senator, asks Sessions at a confirmation hearing about claims of Russian links to the Trump campaign. He answers: 'I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians.' The questioning is under oath. February 9: Sessions is formally sworn in as attorney general after a vote along party lines to approve him. February 13: Trump tells his National Security Advisor Mike Flynn to resign over lying to Mike Pence about having phone conversations with Kislyak after the election. February 15: Reports surface in the New York Times that a number of Trump associates had repeated contact with Russian intelligence officials before the election. March 1: The Washington Post reveals that Sessions met with Russia's ambassador twice in 2016, contradicting what he told the Senate. The White House calls it an 'attack against the Trump administration'. Sessions' spokeswoman says the meeting was unrelated to his campaign activities. Democratic March 2, 8am: Sessions tells NBC News: 'I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign and those remarks are unbelievable to me and false and I don't have anything else to say about that.' 10am: Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer becomes the most senior Democrat to publicly demand that Sessions resign. 11am: House Speaker Paul Ryan says Sessions should recuse himself from any Russian investigation. 3pm: President Trump speaks to reporters on the USS Gerald R. Ford and says he 'was not aware' of the meetings. 4pm: Under pressure, Sessions holds a press conference at the Department of Justice to announce he is recusing himself from making any decisions about investigations into Russian meddling in the election. Advertisement Scores of Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, followed in her footsteps. 'Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, the Attorney General should resign,' Schumer said. Sessions met with Russia's ambassador twice last year during Donald Trump's campaign run but claimed during his Senate confirmation hearing that he 'did not have communications with the Russians' in his capacity as an adviser to then-candidate Trump. Despite being asked by Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian officials, Sessions declined at the time to disclose his private conversations with Kislyak during the Republican National Convention in July and subsequently in his Senate office in September, The Washington Post reported. In Cleveland, at the RNC, Sessions encountered Kislyak at an event for ambassadors that was sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington. Sessions was a speaker. Kislyak approached the U.S. senator after his remarks, the Justice Department says. The Russian ambassador and other diplomats invited Sessions to attend their events; he did not commit. Sessions said Thursday at a news conference that the second meeting came at the request of the Russian ambassador's office. 'We met with him, two of my senior staffers were there, and maybe a younger staffer too, and they [were] both retired army colonels and not politicians, and we had a...we listened to the ambassador and what his concerns might be,' Sessions said. In addition to sanctions the United States slapped on Russia for its incursion in Ukraine, Sessions says he an Kislyak talked about a missions trip the senator made to Russia in 1991 and terrorism. The talks came at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to influence the presidential race. Sessions says he doesn't remember the contest coming up. 'I don't recall. But most of these ambassadors are pretty gossipy...and this was in the campaign season, but I don't recall any specific political discussions.' The White House aggressively defended Sessions on Thursday morning, saying in a statement to media outlets that '[t]his is the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats. General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony.' 'lt's no surprise Senator Al Franken is pushing this story immediately following President Trump's successful [Tuesday] address to the nation.' Franken said Thursday on CNN that Sessions' comments during his confirmation hearing were 'extremely misleading.' 'He should have said, "I met with Russia's ambassador a couple times but we didn't discuss the campaign."' Sessions had released a statement late Wednesday saying he had 'never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the [Trump] campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.' He maintained his innocence in an NBC interview Thursday morning, but he met Democrats' demands and offered to recuse himself from investigations pertaining to Russia as he hustled to save his job. Sessions asserted to NBC News, I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and false, and I don't have anything else to say about that.' DEMOCRAT SENATOR GOING AFTER SESSIONS WASN'T TRUTHFUL EITHER Missouri Democratic senator Claire McCaskill lead the charge against Sessions - saying she had never met the Russian ambassador. But that position was contradicted by her own Twitter account. It showed that she had met him once and called him once. Surprisingly, McCaskill brazened out the apparent hypocrisy. She told USA Today the meeting was with around a dozen other senators. And she said: 'The Russian ambassador has never called me. 'The Russian ambassador has never requested a meeting. I have never met with the Russian ambassador one-on-one.' Advertisement Asked if he would step aside from Justice Department investigations into Russia's election-year computer hacking and other political meddling, Sessions said: 'Well, I've said that whenever it's appropriate I will recuse myself, no doubt about that.' House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz urged him to do just that. So did House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Justin Amash and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman. Ryan said Thursday that Sessions should withdraw from an investigation if it directly involved him, and had indicated that he would. 'Honestly, we meet with ambassadors all the time. I did a reception about a hundred yards that way with like a hundred ambassadors last year. I don't even remember which, all the ones I met with and took pictures with,' he said as he defended Sessions. 'It's really common for Members of Congress to meet with ambassadors....As to the rest of it, I would just defer you to Jeff sessions and the Senate Judiciary Committee.' The GOP leader further rejected Democrats' calls for a special prosecutor to be appointed. 'You have to protect the sources and methods of our intelligence gathering capabilities, especially with adversaries like Russia,' he said. 'And that is why the committee of jurisdiction, which is supposed to protect those methodologies, should be the intelligence committee.' Democratic lawmakers now say it's not good enough. Pelosi and others, namely Senators Schumer, Elizabeth Warren and Dianne Feinstein, have called for Sessions to resign in the wake of the claims that came several weeks after former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was fired, in part, for lying to Vice President Mike Pence about his own contacts with Kislyak. Democratic lawmakers now say recusal it's not good enough - Sessions needs to step down The Russian ambassador is widely considered to be one of Russia's top spies and spy-recruiters in Washington by US intelligence officials. Richard Painter, who served as the White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, tweeted late Wednesday night that '[m]isleading the Senate in sworn testimony about one own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail.' 'Perjury is a felony and may be punishable by prison for up to five years,' Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, ominously tweeted. The latest claims about the attorney general will raise further questions about Washington's relationship with Moscow. Federal investigators have been looking into possible contacts between Trump advisers and Russia for months, along with clues pointing to Russia's role in political hacking during the campaign. Even some Republicans such as House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz said Thursday, before Sessions' announcement that he should recuse himself The House and Senate intelligence committees have pledged to conduct a bipartisan probe into Trump and his administration's ties to Russia, as well as claims that Moscow could have influenced the election. Some Democrats have requested a special prosecutor, although Ryan has argued against it, saying the investigation should be carried out by congressional committees. 'AG #Sessions should resign. This is exactly why we need an independent special counsel to investigate #TrumpRussia,' Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said this morning. Schumer said at a press conference and on Twitter, 'DOJ must appoint a special prosecutor who is beyond reproach, completely impartial, w/out any significant ties to either political party.' Sessions himself, who worked on Trump's presidential campaign, said earlier this week he would 'recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on.' House Majority Leader McCarthy, a powerful California lawmaker, said Thursday morning that Sessions should follow through. 'I think it would be easier from this standpoint, yes,' McCarthy said on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' after he was asked if Sessions should recuse himself from any inquiry related to his contact with Russian officials during the campaign. Chaffetz, the House Oversight head, agree with him on Twitter. 'AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself,' he said. At a protest in front of the Department of Justice on Thursday afternoon that was organized by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, MoveOn and other activist groups, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin mocked Republicans like Chaffetz who were changing their tune - and the Trump White House. 'The Trump administration has a staff infection,' he said. 'Every day we learn about another high-ranking Trump official who has been entangled with the highest levels of the Russian government, and Vladimir Putin, the former chief of the KGB.' As demonstrators erupted into the chant 'he lied under oath' Raskin told them, 'You know how we know that he lied under oath? Because today the Republicans are saying he should recuse himself. And yesterday they were saying he shouldn't recuse himself. 'They say recuse, we resign,' he said, kicking off a new mantra. The dozens of progressive activists who had planted themselves outside DOJ also chanted 'Sessions must go' as they held up signs that said '#RESIST' and 'SESSIONS: RESIGN' while lawmakers spoke. Even though Sessions has said he will recuse himself, the latest revelations may persuade Republicans that a special prosecutor is needed to conduct an independent inquest. South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday night during a CNN town hall broadcast that 'if there is something there, and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump.' 'So they may be not there may be nothing there, but if there's something there if the FBI believes is criminal in nature, then, for sure, you need a special prosecutor. If that day ever comes, Ill be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff.' A spokeswoman for Sessions claimed the ex-senator's contact with Kislyak was not unusual because he sat on the Senate's Armed Services Committee at the time. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill pushed back on Twitter - he claim was later found to be false The Post reported that Sessions first spoke with Kislyak in July while acting as one of Trump's top foreign policy advisers. They then met again in September in Session's office in his role as a member of the armed services panel. But when asked by Franken at his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing what he would do if he learned that anyone with ties to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the past year, he denied any having any communications with Moscow. 'I'm not aware of any of those activities,' he responded. Then he said with no prodding, 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy later pushed Sessions in a written question about his communications with Russian officials. 'Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day?' Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with a single written answer: 'No.' On Thursday morning Leahy issued a blistering statement calling on Sessions to steer clear of any investigation related to the fallout. 'No more excuses, recuse yourself and appoint a Special Counsel immediately, and come clean about any contacts you had with the Russians,' the far-left senator said. 'I am deeply concerned that Attorney General Sessions, under oath, misled the Senate Judiciary Committee in response to direct questions from myself and Senator Franken about his contacts with Russian officials. It is an egregious breach of public trust that Attorney General Sessions has not already recused himself. Now we must ask whether he has perjured himself.' The attorney general said Wednesday that he did not consider the meetings with the Russian ambassador relevant to the lawmakers' questions during his confirmation hearing. 'There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer,' said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessions' spokeswoman. 'He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee.' Flores added that the news of Sessions' failure to disclose his communications with the Russian ambassador were 'the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats.' At his news conference later in the day, Sessions said he answered the question the way he did because he 'was taken aback a little bit about this brand new information, this allegation, that surrogates, and I had been called a surrogate, for Donald Trump, had been meeting continuously with Russian officials. 'And that's what struck me very hard, and that's what I focused my answer on, he stated. 'With retrospect, I should have slowed down, and said, "But I did meet one Russian official, a couple of times," that would be the ambassador.' Pelosi has on Thursday morning branded his confirmation hearing denial 'apparent perjury' as she called on him to resign. 'Jeff Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearing before the Senate,' she said. 'Now, after lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign.' Dozens of progressive activists planted themselves outside the Department of Justice on Thursday afternoon They chanted 'Sessions must go' and 'he lied under oath' as lawmakers spoke Protesters also held up signs that said '#RESIST' and 'SESSIONS: RESIGN' The Democratic leader's colleagues linked up with her in droves. 'Jeff Sessions lied under oath about his contacts with a country that's actively trying to undermine our democracy. So yes, he should resign,' California Rep. Mark Takano said. Congresswoman Judy Chu of California said: 'Jeff Sessions lied to his Senate colleagues & American people about his meetings w/ Russians. He has betrayed trust already & must resign.' Pelosi ally Jan Schakowsky of Illinois wrote, 'Under oath, Jeff #Sessions said: "I did not have communications with the Russians." He did. That's perjury. He must resign.' Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York said Sessions needs to be investigated by his own department. 'The @FBI must investigate Jeff Sessions for lying to Congress under oath #Perjury,' Jeffries tweeted. Massachusetts Rep. Jim McGovern accused Sessions of participating in a Trump administration 'cover up' as he called for him to step down. 'Americans deserve the truth on #TrumpRussia lies. #Sessions is part of the cover-up,' he wrote on Twitter. A previous message blasted Republicans for burying their heads in the sand. 'What universe is Jason Chaffetz living in? Republicans need to wake up. #Sessions is past recusal & must resign now,' McGovern said. Congressman Tim Ryan, who earlier this year went head-to-head for a leadership pot with Pelosi, said recusal 'isn't enough, AG Sessions must resign. We need a 9/11 style commission to fully investigate Trump Administration ties to Russsia.' Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, refused to give her former colleague any cover as she scolded him on Twitter. 'I've been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years.No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com.' she said. Her claim was later found to be false - she has indeed met with Kislyak before. Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, asked Sessions during the confirmation hearing what he would do if he learned that anyone with ties to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the past year Despite being asked about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian officials at his confirmation hearing, Sessions he failed to disclose his own meetings In a series of tweets, Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote: 'It's a simple q: "Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election?" 'Jeff Sessions answered "No." Turns out he met with the Russian Ambassador. Two months before the election. 'Now Jeff Sessions is AG - the final say on the law enforcement investigation into ties between the Trump campaign & Russia? What a farce. 'This is not normal. This is not fake news. This is a very real & serious threat to the national security of the United States. We need a special prosecutor totally independent of the AG. We need a real, bipartisan, transparent Congressional investigation into Russia. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place - to resign. We need it now.' Fellow Democrat Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, also called for Sessions to step down. 'It is inconceivable that even after Michael Flynn was fired for concealing his conversations with the Russia, that Attorney General Sessions would keep his own conversations secret for several more weeks,' he said. 'His statement was demonstrably false, yet... he continued to let it stand even as he watched the President tell the entire nation he didn't know anything about anyone advising his campaign talking to the Russians. Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue,' he said in a statement posted to Twitter. Graham, a Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, did not call for Sessions' departure but insisted he should recuse himself from the decision of whether to pursue prosecution. And he told CNN that the meetings may have been 'legitimate.' 'If there were contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, they may be legitimate; they may be OK. I want to know what happened between the Trump campaign, the Clinton campaign and the Russians.' He had harsher words for Trump over his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'When it comes to Russia, he has a blind spot. The bottom line is that Putin is disrupting democracy everywhere,' Graham said. Even before the allegations that Sessions kept quiet about his meetings with Russian officials last year, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa broke ranks to see that the former senator was not in a position to oversee such an investigation and urged the administration to appoint an independent prosecutor. 'Any review conducted must have the full confidence of the American people, which is why I recommended an independent review,' Issa said Monday in a statement. Sen. John McCain said that Trump and his administration had to start taking the Russian threat more seriously. Resign: In a series of late night tweets, Senator Elizabeth Warren demanded an investigation into Russia's role in the election, a separate special prosecutor and the resignation of Sessions House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes said he has not received any evidence that anyone in Trump's orbit was in contact with Russians during the presidential campaign 'Have no doubt, what the Russians tried to do to our election could have destroyed democracy,' he said. 'And that's why we've got to pay a hell of a lot more attention to the Russians and the things they're doing in Europe and right now, they're trying to determine the outcome of the French election, and they're using cyber.' Sessions' spokesman said that he held 25 meetings with foreign ambassadors last year as senator. Trump has denied knowing that any of his campaign advisers were in contact with Russians during the campaign. He has also said he has no financial ties or other connections to Russia. The party divide on the probe is evidence that partisan discord is already seeping into House and Senate investigations of the Kremlin's interference. Both Republicans and Democrats say they can still conduct bipartisan probes, but there are renewed calls for a special prosecutor amid a related revelation that the White House enlisted the GOP chairmen of the House and Senate intelligence committees to push back on news reports claiming Trump advisers were in contact with Russians. In the House a simmering dispute exploded on Monday between the intelligence committee's top Republican and Democrat. Rep. Devin Nunes, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said he has not seen any evidence from the intelligence community that anyone in Trump's orbit was in contact with Russians during the presidential campaign. Nunes, a member of Trump's presidential transition team, has admitted that the White House asked him to talk with one reporter about the matter. He says Trump's team didn't give him any guidance on what to say. The congressman said he told that reporter the same thing he'd said to many other reporters in the course of discussions. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, also of California, said the panel has not reached any conclusion on whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, Russian officials or any Russian contacts. Sessions (left) and Trump (right) arrived for his first joint address to Congress yesterday. Both parties have pledged to launch a probe into the president and Washington's ties to Russia The latest claims about the attorney general will raise further questions about Trump's relationship with Putin (file picture) 'Nor could we,' he said. 'We have called no witnesses thus far. We have obtained no documents on any counterintelligence investigation and we have yet to receive any testimony from the FBI of potential links between the Trump campaign and Russia.' White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Russia's activity with regard to the 2016 election has been 'investigated up and down.' 'If there's nothing to further investigate, what are you asking people to investigate,' Spicer declared. Trump was asked Monday whether he would support a special prosecutor to investigate Russia's influence on the 2016 election. Instead of answering that question, he said, 'I haven't called Russia in 10 years.' According to a White House description, the last time Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin was January 28. The White House says Putin initiated the call. Trump's last known trip to Russia was in 2013 for the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Moscow. Trump has denied knowing that any of his campaign advisers were in contact with Russians during the campaign. He has also said he has no financial ties or other connections to Russia. A blind man who was beaten by a teenager at a bus stop on the Central Coast has branded his attacker scum. John Jenkins, 62, was knocked over and kicked in the torso while he was on the ground during the callous attack on Mann Street in Gosford around 10pm on Wednesday. Wesley Barton, 19, pleaded guilty to assault and assault occasioning bodily harm. John Jenkins, 62, was knocked over and kicked in the torso while he was on the ground A 17-year-old boy who was with Barton was also taken into custody, but later released. Barton was refused bail in the Gosford Local Court on Thursday due to being an unacceptable risk of re-offending. He is due to be sentenced next month. Mr Jenkins was treated for cuts above his eye, on his elbow and finger and pain in his jaw. The callous attack occurred at a bus stop (above, file photo) on Mann Street in Gosford at around 10pm on Wednesday As he left hospital, Mr Jenkins told 9News he was unaware of what was happening to him at the time and doesnt remember much of it. Scum, he said, when asked what he thought of the man who attacked. Especially a blind man, that was the problem. I wouldnt have known they were even hitting me or anything. Mr Jenkins, who suffered a stroke years ago, added: I was catching the bus home into East Gosford. I dont even remember anything. A California grandfather has died, two weeks after what witnesses and his family described as a vicious attack by two Pitbulls dogs in his neighborhood. Valentin Herrera, 76, died Monday, after the assault in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles. The father of three and grandfather of seven was walking his own dog, a five-year-old Pomeranian named Dodger, when the two canines attacked just a block from his house, CBS Los Angeles reported. Dodger died immediately and Herrera was taken to the hospital, where he had brain and arm surgeries. He died Monday just received a visit from his his wife of 50 years. The dogs, which were two and three years old, were placed in quarantine pending a dangerous dog hearing. Scroll down for video Valentin Herrera (pictured), 76, died Monday, almost a month after what has been described as a violent attack by two Pitbull-like dogs in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles The family (pictured with Herrera, front row left) is paying tribute to the man they described as a loving husband, who sometimes worked six days a week, 12 hours a day The dogs that are believed to have attacked Herrera (pictured), which were two and three years old, were placed in quarantine pending a dangerous dog hearing A witness who witnessed the attack told CBS News how he saw the two dogs jump at the elderly man. 'They just attacked him. Just like that. They didn't even growl or nothing. One jumped on the man, and the other one came out of the yard and jumped on the man and knocked the man down,' Frank Carrasco told the network. The attack was reported around 5.20pm a block from his Lincoln Heights home on February 2, according to KTLA. Carrasco recounted seeing Dodger being attacked, followed by Herrera. 'I saw these two pit bulls pulling something apart I thought it was a piece of couch,' Carrasco said. 'And the dog was probably ahead of him walking, so when they attacked the dog, he was maybe a house down. When he walked up in front of the pit bulls' house, that's when they attacked him.' Witnesses and relatives told the station Herrera was attacked after trying to rescue his own dog. Herrera's family initially thought the grandfather, who had diabetes and dementia, would recover after surgery. The father of three and grandfather of seven (pictured after the incident) was walking his own dog, a Pomeranian named Dodger, when the two canines attacked just a block from his house Herrera (pictured in a wedding image) spent several weeks in the hospital and died not long after receiving a visit from his wife of 50 years But they explained in a Go Fund Me created to cover funeral expenses that after three weeks in the hospital, doctors told them his brain had stopped functioning, after which the family decided to 'let him go and rest'. 'He was waiting for my mom to go in and say her goodbyes and then he left,' his daughter Irma told ABC7. His son Luis explained what he believes happened when the two dogs attacked his father. 'I think the dogs pulled him down, and he hit the back of his head,' he said. 'My dad had a beautiful heart. So sad to see the way he died.' The owners of the two dogs told CBS Los Angeles they were heartbroken by the tragic incident and planned to attend the meeting. Herrera's family, meanwhile, is paying tribute to the man they described as a loving husband, who sometimes worked six days a week, 12 hours a day. Herrera (pictured being taken away after the attack) had brain and arm surgeries but doctors ultimately told his family his brain had stopped functioning The grandfather was walking his own dog, a five-year-old Pomeranian named Dodger (pictured), who was attacked and killed immediately His grandson Joshua described him as 'a strong man with the best work ethic one may ever have seen'. 'He spent most of his life waking up at 1am to go to work at 2am and get off at 10am, all so that my family and I can have the life that we have in America,' the grandson wrote. 'My family has gone from living in Mexico to being citizens in America, all because of him and his drive to want what is best for his family. 'He worked as a young man to pay for my father, grandma and aunt to come from Mexico to the States and I am forever grateful for his sacrifices, because without him I wouldn't be where i am today and neither would my family.' The family intends to file a civil lawsuit after sorting out the funeral. The children of a woman brutally murdered by a family member have revealed their heartache at growing up without their mother. Lateesha Nolan's cousin Malcolm Naden was convicted of her murder in 2012 after spending seven years on the run following her disappearance in January 2005. Kiesha, Erica, Jayden, and Kayla searched for answers their entire childhood before their mother's remains were found in November 2016. Lateesha Nolan was brutally murdered by her cousin Malcolm Naden in 2005 The 24-year-old's four children Kiesha, Erica, Jayden and Kayla have revealed heartache at losing their mum Naden was convicted of her murder in 2012, after spending seven years on the run Now after twelve years of torture, they hope to give her the farewell she deserves. The siblings have started a crowdfunding account to assist them with this and are hoping to raise $10,000. 'In early 2005 our beautiful 24-year-old mother was murdered by a family member,' Kiesha, the eldest of the four children, posted on the page. 'On this day our lives changed forever and our childhood was over. 'For seven years we didn't know what happened to our mum and we never got to say goodbye. 'For twelve years we searched for her and endured the most horrific sadness and loneliness a child should ever have to go through. Last November some of Ms Nolan's remains were found, bringing 'some closure' Ms Nolan's father Mike Peet is seen here outside the Supreme Court of NSW after watching the sentencing of Naden 'We have no mother to share our achievements, to cuddle us when we feel lonely and sad or just to be there for us.' Some of Ms Nolan's remains were found on the banks of Macquarie River south of Dubbo, NSW late last year, bringing the family some closure. Kiesha said she and her siblings were now trying to raise money in order to give their mother a 'final resting place'. In 2013 Naden, seen here in 2012, was sentenced to life in prison for two murders Some of Ms Nolan's remains were found on the banks of Macquarie River south of Dubbo, NSW 'With your help we will be able to achieve this and give her a farewell she deserves. Any help you can give would be greatly received and our thanks and love go out to you all,' her post ended. In 2013 Naden, a former shearer and abattoir worker, was sentenced to life in prison after facing court on two murder charges. He was convicted of Ms Nolan's murder, as well as the murder of Kristy Scholes, 24, who was staying with him at his grandparent's house in Dubbo when he strangled her in June 2005. George W. Bush has denied criticizing President Donald Trump, despite lauding the freedom of the press and warning about isolationism. The 43rd President, who left office in 2009, this week described a free press as 'indispensable', said there were questions to be asked over the Trump administration's links with Russia, and said US immigration policy should be 'welcoming'. But yesterday he insisted his comments were not intended to blast the current White House incumbent. Scroll down for video Former President George W. Bush said his intention was not to undermine President Trump when he made the remarks about a free press Donald Trump has been vocal with his views on the media, and has branded some news outlets 'enemies of the people'. He has both claimed some news about him is fake, while also hitting out at officials for leaking information to the press Speaking at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, where he is promoting new book Portraits of Courage - featuring his paintings of veterans - he said he did not want to undermine the president. He told reporters, The Washington Post reports: 'Im asked the question, "Do I believe in free press?" and the answer is absolutely, I believe in free press.' He continued: 'Power is very addictive and it's corrosive if it becomes central to your life and therefore there needs to be an independent group of people who hold you to account. Bush, 70, made the comments at a book launch for Portraits of Courage, which features his paintings of veterans '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."' Trump has previously branded sections of the press 'enemies of the people' and hit out over what he claims is 'fake news' and leaks from officials. The 43rd president of the USA has said that the country needs an independent press to hold those in power to account Speaking to Today's Matt Lauer on Monday, former president Bush said: 'We need an independent media to hold people like me to account.' He also said 'we all need answers' about links between Trump's team and Russia, and when asked about the controversial executive order banning immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries responded: 'I am for an immigration policy that is welcoming and upholds the law.' Bush, 70, said it was not his intent to criticize his successors at the White House and he is optimistic about the future. 'I don't want to make the president's job worse,' he said. Earlier this week Bush appeared to direct barbed criticism of Trump while appearing on the Today programme He told reporters: '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 also alluded to the Iraq War, and warned that there is a lesson 'when the United States decides not to take the lead and withdraw,' an apparent critique of former President Barack Obama. 'Vacuums can be created when US presence recedes and that vacuum is generally filed with people who don't share the ideology, the same sense of human rights and human dignity and freedom that we do,' he added. But he said that when he left office he vowed not to try and second guess his successor, and this would continue. He told reporters: '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.' The widow of a man allegedly murdered by an illegal Mexican immigrant has told U.S. Congress she blames Immigration and Customs Enforcement for her husband's death. Julie Nordman testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. on Wednesday as the debate over illegal immigration continues to heat up. Nordman's husband Randy was murdered in their home at New Florence, Missouri in March 2016 allegedly at the hands of illegal alien Pablo Antonio Serrano-Vitorino. Julie Nordman spoke of how her husband Randy was murdered as she testified before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security on Wednesday She told the committee of the terrifying moment she was forced to hide in the attic and wait for police to arrive as her husband was shot dead. Serrano-Vitorino is also charged with killing four other men the day before in Kansas City. Nordman said her husband's alleged killer had been in custody three times in the 18 months prior, but federal officials had failed to deport him. 'Had they just done their jobs and followed the laws, my husband would still be alive, and so would the four other innocent victims he brutally murdered,' Nordman told the committee. 'Instead, every day that I'm at our house, I'm reminded of this tragic event. Julie Nordman's husband Randy (above) was murdered in their home at New Florence, Missouri in March 2016 allegedly at the hands of illegal alien Pablo Antonio Serrano-Vitorino Nordman said her husband's alleged killer had been in custody three times in the 18 months prior, but federal officials had failed to deport him 'I wish you could bring my husband back, but we all know that can't happen. What you can do, is make sure that this doesn't happen to another innocent family in the future.' Nordman told the committee that no one from ICE or the government contacted her after her husband's death to show remorse. Serrano-Vitorino was deported in 2004 after a two-year jail sentence, but he managed to illegally re-enter the U.S. Authorities missed two chances in 2015 to deport him after he faced domestic battery charges in June and traffic offences in September. The traffic violations triggered an ICE order to have him detained, but it was sent to the wrong agency and Serrano-Vitorino remained free. She told the committee of the terrifying moment she was forced to hide in the attic and wait for police to arrive as her husband was shot dead Family and friends of mother-of-four Renee Mitchell are 'devastated' her killer, Graham Anthony George Sloane, 69, could be out of jail in 16 years. Sloane was sentenced to a minimum 18 years in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday but, factoring in time already served since his arrest in 2014, he could be released in 2032. Family spokesman Jake Kevill says Ms Mitchell's husband, Dale, and their sons are angry the murderer could one day walk free. 'They wanted life,' he told reporters outside court. Renee Mitchell (pictured) was stabbed to death near a bush reserve car park just a few hundred metres from her Windale home, south of Newcastle on November 11, 2014 Sloane (pictured) was jailed for a minimum of 18 years in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday but, factoring in time already served since his 2014, he could be released in 2032 '(Mr Mitchell) just wanted to say he's not happy with the verdict - he'd rather he (Sloane) be in longer.' Another family member, who did not want to be identified, said the whole family was 'absolutely devastated'. Sloane, 69, was found guilty in January of stabbing Ms Mitchell to death near the car park of a bush reserve just a few hundred metres from her home in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Windale, south of Newcastle on November 11, 2014, and leaving her body where it laid. Handing down the sentence, Justice Helen Wilson said Sloane's attack was 'brutal and pitiless', and the former army sergeant had shown no remorse or contrition for his 'terrible crime'. Jurors during the one-week trial rejected the defence assertion that Sloane should only be found guilty of manslaughter due to an 'abnormality of the mind' at the time of the killing. Justice Wilson said there was no dispute Sloane suffered from bipolar disorder at the time of the offence but 'it is its severity and its relevance ... that is in question'. Sloane, 69, was found guilty in January of stabbing to death Ms Mitchell near the car park of a bush reserve near her home in November 11, 2014 (Pictured: Family members embrace outside the Newcastle Supreme Court on Thursday) Spokesman Jake Kevill (pictured) said Ms Mitchell's family were not happy with the verdict and said they wanted a life sentence for Sloane Sloane had known Ms Mitchell for several years through her job as an aged-care nurse, but their friendship soured, and Justice Wilson said it was not clear how he coerced her into leaving her home half-dressed and with her children out the back after he turned up uninvited on the evening of her death. 'I am satisfied, however, that Mrs Mitchell left the house under some form of compulsion from the offender,' she said. Justice Wilson described how Sloane drove Ms Mitchell the short distance to the reserve, where she likely tried to escape before he attacked her with a knife that was never found. Its blade would have been at least 15cm long. Ms Mitchell, 38, suffered 16 wounds, five of which were deemed 'significant' during an autopsy. They included two deep stab wounds to the heart and one to her neck. Medical evidence presented during the trial showed those wounds were so severe Ms Mitchell could have survived only 'for minutes at best'. 'Mrs Mitchell must have been terrified and in pain during this savage assault,' Justice Wilson said. Family spokesman Jake Kevill (pictured) outside Newcastle Supreme Court where Sloane was jailed for stabbing Ms Mitchell to death near the car park of a bush reserve Family spokesman Jake Kevill says Ms Mitchell's husband, Dale, and their sons are angry the murderer could one day walk free (Pictured: Dale Mitchell (second right), and Mr Kevill (right)) Various medical and psychological assessments after Sloane's arrest concluded he was 'disconnected from reality' and displayed a combination of depressive and hypo-manic symptoms. However, Justice Wilson said that from the evidence presented, it was apparent he had deliberately misled investigators and doctors and was still able to control his actions. 'He simply chose not to,' she said. Therefore, his moral culpability for the murder was not significantly lessened by his mental illness. Sloane is no stranger to the jail system. He was jailed for eight years in 1997 for manslaughter after strangling to death his then mother-in-law, Barbara Wilson, 72, but was released on parole after five years. He will be eligible for parole in 2032. Former President George W Bush warned that Vladimir Putin will 'push and push and push until somebody stands up to him' in an appearance on Ellen Degeneres' show due to air Thursday. The 43rd commander-in-chief also told the host about his friendship with Michelle Obama, saying it had surprised many people - and admitting that Barack had never quite hugged him like the former first lady. Bush, 70, laughed as Ellen showed pictures of him struggling to put on his plastic poncho during Donald Trump's inauguration, just like his mother in the past, joking the problem must be 'genetic'. The interview took on a more serious tone when the former president emphasized the need for a free and independent press, offering a strong response against Trump's war on the media. Scroll down for video Former president George W Bush, 70, showed off a few dance moves as he arrived on Ellen Degeneres' show to tape an appearance due to air Thursday Bush, who appeared on the show to promote his new art book Portraits Of Courage: A Commander In Chiefs Tribute to Americas Warriors, walked in doing a little dance - although he did ask the host to give him more lessons in the future. Ellen at one point displayed a photo of Michelle Obama hugging the former Republican president during the opening the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History And Culture in September last year. The image went viral at the time, especially as it painted a rare moment of affection in an increasingly acrimonious political climate. 'That surprised everybody, that's what's so weird about society today, that people on opposite sides of the political spectrum could actually like each other,' Bush told Ellen. 'But you're closer to her than Barack?' the host asked. 'Well let's put it this way - he's never given me a hug that way,' the former president replied. Ellen gave the 43rd commander in chief a plastic poncho with 'THIS END UP' written in big letters so that he wouldn't struggle to put it on like he did at President Trump's inauguration Photos of Bush wrestling to put on his plastic poncho under the rain during the January 20 inauguration (pictured) went viral after the event Ellen also asked Bush about his friendship with Michelle Obama and displayed a photo of the former first lady hugging the 43rd president in September last year (pictured) Ellen asked whether it was tough for him to attend Trump's inauguration, given that his own brother Jeb at one point competed with the mogul in the presidential race. Bush however assured her it was not a difficult moment, telling her, Jeb gave it his best shot.' 'It's a beautiful experience to watch the peaceful transfer of power, and I'm glad I went,' he added. The 43rd president then had a good laugh at himself as Ellen made him relive the moment he struggled to put on a plastic poncho while sitting among the crowd at the inauguration. Photos of his mishap also went viral, this time mainly due to their comic potential. Bush joked that it was his first time putting on a poncho, and when Ellen displayed photos of his mother Barbara also wrestling with the garment on a previous occasion, said: 'It's genetics!' The host eventually gave him a custom plastic poncho with 'This end up' written in big letters, to prevent any further issues. In a more serious part of the interview, Bush told Ellen that he remained optimistic about the country's future despite current divisions. 'I think this isn't the first time our nation's ever been divided,' he said. 'I remember what it was like when I got out of college. There was a Vietnam War and a draft, there were major race riots, there were political assassinations, the President was nearly impeached and a lot of people thought the country was going down the tubes. And it turns out we're too strong to go down the tubes. And so I'm very optimistic.' In a more serious part of the interview , Bush told Ellen that he remained optimistic about the country's future despite current divisions Bush (pictured next to Putin in 2008) then revealed how his contentious relationship with Putin had begun after the Russian president mocked his dog, a little Scottish Terrier named Barney Ellen shared this snap of herself with former President Bush on Instagram, joking that 'you run into the darnedest people backstage' at her show The former president, however, insisted he was out of politics and happy to remain 'off the stage', adding that he doesn't think it 'serves the nation or the office of President to have a former president criticize his successors'. Ellen then asked him about President Trump's contentious approach to the media, prompting Bush to express his strong support for the press. 'Here is what I believed when I was president, post-president the nation needs a free and independent press,' he said. 'And the reason why is, is that power can be very corrupting and we need a press court to hold politicians to account, including me. And I didn't like it sometimes when people said things, you know, about me but you know that's the job.' He described the relationship between the media and the president as 'symbiotic', joking that he was dropping 'a big word' on Ellen and telling her: 'Don't ask me to spell it.' 'I used to tell some, you know, a lot of these tyrants when I would visit with them as president that they needed to have a free press,' he added. 'And I would point to our country as an example where, you know, power doesn't make you immune to criticism or to corruption investigations and so, I'm a big believer in the free press just like I'm a big believer in free religion. 'You can worship or not worship and you're equally American. It doesn't matter how you worship or who you worship.' Bush, who appeared on the show to promote his new art book, showed off his moves but asked Ellen to teach him more about dancing in the future Bush then revealed how his contentious relationship with Putin had begun after the Russian president mocked his dog, a little Scottish Terrier named Barney. The former commander in chief said he had introduced his pet to Putin, after which Putin 'kind of dissed him'. 'He looked at him like "You think that's a dog?" Anyways, so a year later, Putin said, "Would you like to meet my dog?" Laura and I were with Putin in this Dacha outside of Moscow and she said yeah, I would like to meet him,' Bush said. 'And out comes a giant hound kind of loping across the yard and Putin looks at me and says bigger, stronger, and faster than Barney. And you know, it speaks volumes when you listen to what somebody says. So, in other words, he's got a chip on his shoulder.' 'And so yeah, I had a contentious relationship with him and I think whoever the president is, is going to find out that Putin will push and push and push until someone stands up to him.' Ellen joked, 'So Trump should get a hound', causing Bush to laugh and reply: 'Not bad.' When Cristobal and Josefina Salinas opened Burrito House in downtown Schuyler, the couple still lived in Madison. But Cristobal knew the hourlong commute would be worth it. He talked to the building owner and he said, I think this is the one,'" said Jose Salinas, whose parents started the popular restaurant 16 years ago. Schuyler had a sizable Latino population then, but nothing like it is today. Jose, who has worked with his parents since high school and now serves as manager and co-owner, said the business draws a good mix of customers. For customers, we have 50-50 Hispanic and not-Hispanic, he said. We have all kinds. Cristobal and Josefina still work shifts at the popular Mexican restaurant, as well. The whole family was on hand Feb. 18 when the Burrito House received Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce's business of the year award during an event at the Oak Ballroom. It was a shock, said Jose. It was a surprise. We were members of the chamber of commerce since 2001." RoseAnn and Verlyn "Buck" Kracl are this years honorary chamber members. The Kracls own and operate Kracl Garage and Wrecker on Road E, but the award acknowledges their years of community service. Buck volunteered with Schuyler Fire Department for 11 years and RoseAnn was involved with the firemens auxiliary for 15. Theyve also supported community fundraising through the garage. Whenever theres events going on we do some sponsoring, raffle tickets, things like that through the business, said RoseAnn. Try to support as many organizations as the money allows. RoseAnn has a long list of charity walks she participates in. Whether its supporting the Shriners, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society, she's ready. I am walker, she said. RoseAnn said the community gave back to them while Buck was recovering from an infection in his leg. She said people from across town brought them food and drove them to doctors appointments. Its just a good community, she said. I cant say anything bad about it at all. The Legacy Award went to the family of the late Berlon Lonnie Spies. Spies and a business partner started a manufactured home business in 1970. After his partner left, he built Lonnies Homes as a leading manufactured homes dealership and opened Gold Court Estates. Spies grandson-in-law Ron Anderson now runs Gold Court Estates, which is home to approximately 500 Schuyler residents. Anderson said Spies was very intelligent and good at business. He was also a good negotiator at business and knew what he wanted, said Anderson. He also was known as being very direct and to the point. Spies, who passed away in 2012, also had a secret soft side. Anderson said Spies made special arrangements with residents when they had medical issues or fell on hard times. He was very generous behind the scenes, said Anderson. He never made his generosity known. Anderson and his wife, Spies' granddaughter Karrie Weber, make the commute from their home in Lincoln to run the business because it's important to the family. Schuyler is still very much part of their lives, said Anderson. Theyre proud that theyre providing something for the community. As the community continues to grow and attract new residents, Anderson said the business will be here to serve them. Were providing a significant number of homes for people, he said. Its nice that weve been here for so long and we look forward to being here another 50 years. A fraternity pledge claims that he was raped by a frat boy at the University of Minnesota. The alleged victim told police that he had been pledging a fraternity at a off-campus apartment in Dinkytown, on January 29, when what had started out as a consensual encounter suddenly turned violent. His attacker had then tried to blackmail the young male student with photos and video to 'silence' him about the assault, he told the authorities. A fraternity pledge claims that he was raped by a frat boy at the University of Minnesota (file picture) It is not clear whether the alleged rapist actually filmed or took photos of the incident, according to the Star Tribune. The victim said that the frat boy also threatened to keep him out of the fraternity unless he followed his instructions. He also received a threatening message via Snapchat warning him not to tell anyone about the incident, he told police. No one has been charged over the alleged rape. But a first-year student has since been suspended from the fraternity while an investigation is carried out. The fraternity did not respond to reporters' requests for comment. A four-year-old Kentucky boy pleaded with his mother to have his hair cut to match his black best friend's in the innocent hope their teacher would no longer be able to tell them apart. Jax Rosebush and Reddy Weldon, five, live in Louisville, Kentucky, and attend preschool together. Reddy was adopted with his older brother from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014 by local pastor Kevin Weldon and his wife Debbie. On Friday, Jax asked his mother Lidia if he would be allowed to cut his hair to match his friend's in an adorable plot to trick their teacher. She shared his request on Facebook, telling friends: 'The only difference Jax sees in the two of them is their hair.' The little boys have since gone viral and, to Jax's delight, now have matching haircuts. Scroll down for video Jax Rosebush pleaded with his mother to have his hair cut so that he could match his friend Reddy Weldon in the innocent hope their teacher wouldn't be able to tell them apart In her original Facebook post, Lidia said: 'He said that he wanted his head shaved really short so he could look like his friend Reddy. 'He said he couldn't wait to go to school on Monday with his hair like Reddy's so that his teacher wouldn't be able to tell them apart. He thought it would be so hilarious to confuse his teacher with the same haircut.' She posted a photograph of the pair from Christmas time, adding: 'I'm sure you all see the resemblance. 'If this isn't proof that hate and prejudice is something that is taught I don't know what is.' After being inundated with gushing messages from Facebook friends who were bowled over by his innocence, she took the boys to the salon for Jax to fulfill his wish. 'It just struck me as funny that Jax doesn't even notice that Reddy is a different color,' she told KSLA. Jax's mother shared his adorable plea on Facebook, sharing this photograph of the boys at a recent Christmas party. She was bombarded with messages from social media users who were touched by his innocence Jax had his request fulfilled at a hair salon in Louisville on Wednesday as his friend watched on 'When he describes Reddy he never mentions it. I thought with all the hate in the world today, we could use this lesson from an almost 5-year-old.' Jax's mother said he believed it was the only difference between the pair Pastor Weldon was equally as touched by Jax's haircut request, taking it as proof his son had settled in seamlessly to his new home. 'My sons do not look like me but we are family all the same. We share the same last name, love each other with all we have, and are a forever family. 'One day when I am gone, they will inherit all that I have and carry on our family name. 'It's really cool to see that move on from our family right into his relationships with his friends. There's an innocence children have that sometimes we lose. 'If we could get some of that back, I think it would be amazing,' he said. Pastor Weldon adopted Reddy and his older brother from the Democratic Republic of Congo two years ago. Reddy and his brother were adopted by Louisville pastor Kevin Weldon and his wife Debbie from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014 They were stuck in the African country temporarily by a bureaucratic freeze which stalled children who'd been adopted from leaving the country for months and their adoptive mother share this video plea to have them brought home to her in the US. Reddy is pictured, right The boys were among hundreds who became stuck in the country when its president put a temporary freeze on exit letters even though families had already gone through the bureaucracy of adoption. His wife Debbie made a frantic plea for help at the time, appealing to the then president Barack Obama and Angelina Jolie to step in. 'Please help our kids come home! My children are stuck in Congo and they are asking for your help!' she said. She shared heartbreaking video of the boys in their native country telling the camera: 'Please help us to come home.' The Weldons were able to pick them up eventually in December 2014 to bring them back to the US. An Ohio State University student who decided to just tell the truth about why she turned in an assignment late was met with a pretty great response from her teacher. Rachel Harriman emailed her history professor last week to apologize for sending in her assignment a few hours late. The 19-year-old revealed it was because of her boyfriend had unexpectedly dumped her over the weekend. Rachel Harriman, 19, emailed her history professor last week to apologize for sending in her assignment a few hours late after she was unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend The 19-year-old revealed in her email that it was because of her boyfriend had unexpectedly dumped her over the weekend 'I am so sorry for how late I am submitting this synopsis,' Harriman wrote. 'My boyfriend unexpectedly broke up with me yesterday evening and I was a complete, unfocused mess who did not account for such a time consuming hiccup to affect my Sunday productivity. 'This will obviously not happen again, as I am no longer 'in a relationship' and will have no one to break up with me next Sunday.' Harriman tweeted a photo of her email and it quickly went viral as people rallied to her defense. Harriman tweeted a photo of her email and it quickly went viral as others rallied to her defense Her history professor opted to accept the late assignment and even went a step further by offering up some advice While some were willing to defend her honor, others offered to date and later break up with her to guarantee future extensions of her assignments. Her history professor opted to accept the late assignment and even went a step further by offering up some advice. 'Dear Rachel, Well, life happens. Seems like a good time to go to Europe,' he wrote. Harriman ended up with a B+ on her history synopsis. A 69-year-old male swimmer in his 60s has died on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Two people - a male and a 66-year-old female - were pulled from the water around 4.45pm on Thursday, according to police. When paramedics arrived, lifeguards were trying to resuscitate both swimmers, police said. The man went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene, according to 9News. Scroll down for video A male swimmer has died at Sydney's Bondi Beach The man and a female were pulled from the water with a female swimmer around 4.45pm on Thursday When paramedics arrived on, lifeguards were trying to resuscitate both swimmers The woman was unresponsive and has been rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in serious condition. She was in critical condition but stable condition as of 8pm. The pair are international tourists and are related to each other. They were at the beach with a group of other people, police said. The woman is believed to have had family with her at Bondi Beach. Surfer Nicholas Wright, who was at the scene, told 9News there 'was quite a strong rip.' 'I saw a surfer trying to help a guy,' he said. A police spokeswoman said NSW Ambulance would be preparing a coroner's report. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers. The woman was rushed to St. Vincent's Hospital in serious condition An Iranian film shows the US Navy being destroyed by missiles in the Gulf, tearing American flags from their masts. Animation Battle of the Persian Gulf II imagines a response to an American attack on the country's nuclear program. Director Farhad Azima said the film's release, which coincides with the beginning of the Trump administration, is coincidental. A trailer for an Iranian film shows the US Navy being destroyed by missiles in the Persian Gulf, tearing American flags from their masts Animation Battle of the Persian Gulf II imagines a response to an American attack on the Iranian nuclear program He said: 'This is a response to hundreds of (anti-Iranian) American movies and video games. 'We are saying that if you fire one bullet against Iran, a rain of hot lead will be poured on your forces.' The film cost 250,000 to make and has begun showing in the city of Mashhad, where it was produced. Director Farhad Azima said the film was made in response to anti-Iranian films in the U.S. He said: 'If you fire one bullet against Iran, a rain of hot lead will be poured on your forces.' The film cost 250,000 to make and has begun showing in the city of Mashhad, where it was produced. It will be rolled out to other cities in the next few weeks. Pictured, the American flag is ripped from a ship by a missile It is the sequel to a production about the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, which begins with a U.S. attack on an Iranian nuclear reactor. Pictured, missiles fly towards U.S. navy ships It is the sequel to a production about the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, which begins with a U.S. attack on an Iranian nuclear reactor. In the film, a character who closely resembles General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force, leads a single vessel against more than a dozen American warships. When a U.S. commander orders him to surrender or die, he replies: 'General, I am not a diplomat, I am a revolutionary!' As the missile arcs towards a Navy vessel, the flag is tugged away. In the film, a character who closely resembles General Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran's elite Quds Force, leads a single vessel against more than a dozen American warships He warns that any American soldiers taking part in an attack on Iran 'should order their coffins,' before his forces destroy the whole U.S. fleet. Pictured, missiles fly through the sky The U.S Navy's fifth fleet, which is based in Bahrain and is responsible for naval operations in the Persian Gulf, declined to comment on the film The real-life Soleimani has directed Iranian-backed forces in Syria, where they are aiding President Bashar Assad, and Iraq, where they are helping the government battle the Islamic State group He warns that any American soldiers taking part in an attack on Iran 'should order their coffins,' before his forces destroy the whole U.S. fleet. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, which is based in Bahrain and is responsible for naval operations in the Persian Gulf, declined to comment on the film when contacted by AP. The real-life Soleimani has directed Iranian-backed forces in Syria, where they are aiding President Bashar Assad, and Iraq, where they are helping the government battle the Islamic State group. In recent years he has gained near-mythic status in Iran, where he is seen as resisting U.S. hegemony in the region. It is the sequel to a production about the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, which begins with a U.S. attack on an Iranian nuclear reactor In the Persian Gulf, the real-life U.S. Navy has accused Iranian forces of harassing its vessels in recent months Pictured, the rocket launch of the Iranian missiles. In recent months, tensions between Iran and the U.S have risen In recent years General Soleimani has gained near-mythic status in Iran, where he is seen as resisting U.S. hegemony in the region Pictured, a soldier prepares to launch a strike. In the trailer, the soldiers swing down from helicopters and stake out a forest area In the film, an Iranian base (pictured) sets off a series of missiles, which shoot up into the sky, intended for the U.S. Navy In the Persian Gulf, the real-life U.S. Navy has accused Iranian forces of harassing its vessels in recent months. In recent months, tensions between the two countries have risen. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the nuclear deal, and his administration put Iran 'on notice' last month after it tested a ballistic missile. Iranians were meanwhile angered over Trump's travel ban, which temporarily barred their entry to the United States before it was blocked by the courts. Washington has long warned it would take military action to prevent Iran from developing an atomic weapon, while Iran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. Pictured, an Iranian weapon shoots a missile out into the sea, blowing back an Iranian flag with the force. A cloud of black smoke emerges afterwards A squadron of soldiers cock their guns in a forest and are preparing to fire President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the nuclear deal, and his administration put Iran 'on notice' last month after it tested a ballistic missile Iranians were meanwhile angered over Trump's travel ban, which temporarily barred their entry to the United States before it was blocked by the courts Washington has long warned it would take military action to prevent Iran from developing an atomic weapon, while Iran insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful The only North Korean arrested over the dramatic airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam is to be freed, Malaysia said on Thursday, as a North Korea official claimed there's a strong indication that Kim Jong-Un's brother died of a heart attack. The moves came the day after two young women appeared in court charged with murdering the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un with a banned nerve agent. Despite Malaysian officials saying Kim Jong-Nam was poisoned, a North Korean official in Malaysia has claimed that there is a strong indication that he died of a heart attack. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said 47-year-old Ri Jong-Chol would be released on Friday. North Korean Ri Jong-Chol (pictured) is to be released on Friday after Malaysian officials could not find sufficient evidence to charge in him connection to the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam. Malaysian police speak about detained North Korean Ri Jong-Chol, who was suspected of having involvement in the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the half brother of leader Kim Jong-Un. His release comes just days after two women were charged with murder in the case 'He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him,' Apandi said. 'He has no proper [travel] documents so we will deport him.' Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the killing, including a diplomat and an airline employee who are believed to be in Malaysia. Four others are thought to have fled to Pyongyang on the day of the murder. Ri was arrested days after Kim suffered an agonising death when he was attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited to board a flight to Macau on February 13. CCTV footage shows two women approaching the heavyset 45-year-old and appearing to thrust a cloth in his face. Police say he suffered a seizure and died less than 20 minutes later, without reaching hospital. Swabs of the dead man's face revealed traces of the VX nerve agent, a synthetic chemical so deadly that it is classed as a weapon of mass destruction. Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the killing, including a diplomat and an airline employee who are believed to be in Malaysia Indonesian suspect Siti Aisyah, center, is escorted by police officers as she arrives at Sepang court in Sepang, Malaysia on Wednesday. She was charged with murder, and if found guilty, she could be hanged Vietnamese suspect Doan Thi Huong (left) leaves court after being charged with the murder of Kim Jong-Nam. She could also be hanged if she is found guilty Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, were charged with murder on Wednesday. If found guilty, they could be hanged. Siti, wearing a red T-shirt, was brought in first to hear the murder charge read out before being taken away. Huong, also dressed casually, then heard the charge in Vietnamese. Huong's lawyer S. Selvam said she told the court in Vietnamese: 'I am not guilty.' Neither woman was asked to enter a plea and their trial is not expected to begin for several months. However, after hearing the charge, Huong's lawyer S. Selvam said she told the court in Vietnamese: 'I am not guilty.' Selvam added his client was 'nervous as she is facing a murder charge'. Both women say they thought they were taking part in a prank video but police have dismissed the claims. Huong was caught on CCTV walking through the airport wearing a T-shirt with 'LOL' written on the front. Facing their fate: Siti Aisyah, left, is escorted by police officers out of Sepang court and Doan Thi Huong leaves, right A heavy armed police presence surrounded the women in court on Wednesday Huong is escorted for Sepang Magistrate Court after the hearing on Wednesday. The women maintain their innocence in the case They appeared to be wearing bulletproof vests as they were escorted from the building, with Huong looking tired as she was lead away. South Korea has consistently pointed the finger of blame at North Korea, citing what they say was a standing order from Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled half-brother. Pyongyang - which has never acknowledged Kim's identity - has denied the charge and disputes the autopsy, claiming Malaysia is in cahoots with its enemies. Kim Jong-nam (seen above in 2001) died on February 13 and police say a nerve agent was found on his face The two countries, which had enjoyed relatively warm relations, have been at diplomatic daggers drawn since the killing. On Thursday Kuala Lumpur, which had earlier recalled its ambassador, said it was cancelling its visa-free travel deal with Pyongyang. The government was implementing the change on the grounds of national security, Malaysian news agency Bernama quoted deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying. The cancellation will take effect on March 6, after which North Koreans entering Malaysia will be required to obtain a visa, the report added. 'We are not looking for enemies but if they use Malaysia as a platform to carry out their agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international diplomatic front.' Ahmad Zahid told a public event. 'We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of the people. Do not think you can use Malaysia to do what you want to do. Do not use Malaysia to carry out your illegal activities,' he added. Doan Thi Huong was captured walking through the airport on CCTV wearing a LOL T-shirt on the day Kim Jong-Nam was killed Shocking pictures show Kim Jong-nam slumped in a chair having been poisoned. He later died on his way to the hospital Malaysia was one of only a tiny handful of countries around the world that had such a visa waiver scheme with North Korea. A senior Malaysian official told AFP that the government was mulling further 'downgrading diplomatic ties' with North Korea. 'Malaysia is considering shutting down its mission in Pyongyang,' he said, as well as the expulsion of the North Korean ambassador following his 'baseless allegations', a reference to accusations of bias in the murder probe. Malaysia formally established diplomatic relations with North Korea in 1973 and opened an embassy in Pyongyang in 2003. It has provided a channel between Pyongyang and the wider world in recent years, with Kuala Lumpur serving as a discreet meeting place for talks between the regime and the United States. Up to 1,000 North Koreans currently work in Malaysia and, like expats worldwide, their remittances are a valuable source of foreign currency for the isolated regime. It is not clear how widely known Kim's fate is at home, but on Thursday South Korean activists said they will send millions of leaflets about his murder across the border by balloon. They said the text on them would describe the North's leader as 'a devil who killed his own brother'. The older generation are often heard complaining that school has got easier for today's youngsters. But this challenging year 7 maths homework question left an entire family scratching their heads. The question, which asked 11-year-olds to work out a series of equations involving fractions, baffled the mother of a girl who attends a school in Springfield, Queensland. Scroll down for the answer This challenging year 7 maths homework question left an entire family scratching their heads, but can you work it out? The girl said it took her mother, aunt and grandmother 45 minutes to solve the brainteaser. She added that they needed the help of the internet to find the answer to the challenging question. 'My brain is fried now and this is the easiest year of high school,' the mother told Springfield News. The woman, who is studying business administration, added: 'How the hell is an 11-year-old supposed to work this out? To me, its just way too much.' 'They've been back six weeks and there has been only three days that she has actually wanted to go to school.' The question asked the children to work our the denominator and numerator on fractions. The answer is: 2/8 + 2/3 = 12/48 +32/48 = 44/48 = 11/12 Advertisement Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the intensity of 'snap readiness combat checks' for military forces on his 'western enclave' of Kaliningrad - which is only 200 miles from the Swedish coast - prompting the Stockholm government to reintroduce conscription. The 6,000 square mile area south of Lithuania is Putin's only port in the Baltic which remains ice free around the year. Last year, Putin deployed his feared SA-21 Growler anti-aircraft missile system to the enclave - covering his naval base. Sweden has reintroduced conscription as a result of the massive increase in Russian military activity around the Baltic region, including the major deployment the SA-21 Growler anti-aircraft missile which can shoot down jets at a range of 250 miles The Growler, pictured, is one of the most advanced air defence missile systems in the world and is being deployed widely across Russia's western border providing cover for troops from western air attack. It can even shoot down incoming missiles Sweden has reintroduced military conscription over conflict fears in Eastern Europe as Vladimir Putin continues to prepare Russia for war Sweden has announced the reintroduction of conscription as a result of the increased Russian aggression in the Baltic region The young conscripts will join the army at 18 and spend approximately 11 months with the service Now, the system is operational and can protect his ships, troops and ballistic missiles from air attack. Sweden has reintroduced military conscription over conflict fears in Eastern Europe as Vladimir Putin continues to prepare Russia for war. The Nordic country's government approved plans to bring the system back amid difficulties filling the ranks on a voluntary basis. Sweden mothballed compulsory military service in 2010, but military activity in the Baltic region has increased since, in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Scandinavian nation is concerned over Russia's military build-up around the Baltic - including the massive increase in military activity in Kaliningrad. Putin's military build-up in the region is being carried out under the umbrella of his Growler missile system - which he calls the S-400 Triumf. The Nordic country's government ruled today on bringing the system back amid difficulties filling the ranks on a voluntary basis (file picture) Russian troops have been increasing the frequency and intensity of its readiness drills, prompting fear in the west Putin even ordered a Russian flotilla through the English Channel last October for a brief deployment to the Mediterranean Putin has also sent his strategic bomber fleet on missions, testing UK and NATO response times to the sorties Last month, Putin ordered a massive readiness exercise to prepare the area for air attack. Roman Martov of the Baltic Fleet's air defence arm told the Tass news agency: 'Under the drills' plan, the fleet's radar reconnaissance has practiced detecting a notional enemy's air attack in the designated area of responsibility and aiming the S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system to destroy the targets detected. The combat crews of the Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun system provided cover for the S-400 complexes.' Putin has deployed his Growlers from an area covering his Northern fleet, down along Russia's western border and into the Crimea. He also has Growlers based in Syria, covering much of the Mediterranean - including RAF Akrotiri. NATO is deploying troops to Estonia as a response to the increasingly hostile actions of the Russians. More than 1,000 troops from Britain, France and Denmark will arrive this month. Putin even ordered a Russian flotilla through the English Channel last October for a brief deployment to the Mediterranean Russian troops have been increasing the frequency and intensity of its readiness drills, prompting fear in the west NATO has also deployed reinforcements to Poland on its eastern flank. In September, non-NATO-member Sweden stationed permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland. Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist described the move as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 'increasing pressure' on the neighboring Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. There have also been reports of airspace violations by Russia's military aircraft in the Baltics and a military buildup in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which sits across the Baltic Sea from Sweden. Under the plan approved Thursday, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year. Enrolment should be made possible from July 1, and basic military training with compulsory service from January 1. Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service. Sweden expects eventually that 13,000 young people will be called upon and 4,000 will be enrolled. Conscription was introduced in Sweden in 1901, but had gradually winded down and was formally canceled 109 years later. During the Cold War era, nearly 85 per cent of Swedish men were drafted into the army due to the nearby threat of the Soviet Union. The average term of service was around 11 months. In 2015, Sweden's military expenditure dropped to 1.1 percent of its gross domestic product, down from 2.5 percent in 1991 as the Cold War came to an end, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Sweden also said it was going to increase military spending by 15 per cent because of the Russian threat. The Scandinavian nation is concerned over Russia's military build-up around the Baltic - including the massive increase in military activity in Kaliningrad. Putin's military build-up in the region is being carried out under the umbrella of his Growler missile system - which he calls the S-400 Triumf. Sweden has announced the reintroduction of conscription as a result of the increased Russian aggression in the Baltic region Sweden, which is not a NATO member, is upgrading its military, with a sharp hike in spending (file picture of Swedish jets) Last month, Putin ordered a massive readiness exercise to prepare the area for air attack. Roman Martov of the Baltic Fleet's air defence arm told the Tass news agency: 'Under the drills' plan, the fleet's radar reconnaissance has practiced detecting a notional enemy's air attack in the designated area of responsibility and aiming the S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system to destroy the targets detected. The combat crews of the Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile/gun system provided cover for the S-400 complexes.' Putin has deployed his Growlers from an area covering his Northern fleet, down along Russia's western border and into the Crimea. He also has Growlers based in Syria, covering much of the Mediterranean - including RAF Akrotiri. NATO is deploying troops to Estonia as a response to the increasingly hostile actions of the Russians. More than 1,000 troops from Britain, France and Denmark will arrive this month. NATO has also deployed reinforcements to Poland on its eastern flank. It has reassigned troops to the Baltic Sea island of Gotland and urged local governments to step up contingency planning for a future war. Celebrity accountant Anthony Bell denied he 'dressed up as a woman' with a 'headscarf and large sunglasses' or drove past his estranged wife's waterfront home. In a bizarre moment in a Sydney court on Thursday, Mr Bell gave evidence rejecting claims by his estranged wife Kelly Landry that he had driven by her Watsons Bay home in a black Aston Martin, or that he knew anything about a 'disguised' woman peering through her front gate. Ms Landry went to police on February 22 claiming Mr Bell had been near her home, which was against the terms of an apprehended violence order in place between the pair. Scroll down for video Kelly Landry is seen leaving the courthouse on Thursday following the bizarre hearing But Mr Bell told the Downing Centre Local Court that he was at his office at King Street Wharf at the time he supposedly went past the waterfront home. 'It wasn't me,' Mr Bell said. He then went on to even deny being the woman wearing a headscarf and large sunglasses who Ms Landry reported to police as peering into her home. 'Do you own a wig' Mr Bell's lawyer Chris Murphy asked. 'No,' Mr Bell said. 'Have you ever dressed up as a woman,' Murphy asked, to which Mr Bell replied 'No'. Ms Landry went to police on February 22 claiming Mr Bell had been near her home, which was against the terms of an apprehended violence order in place between the pair Kelly Landry is seen leaving the courthouse on Thursday after she went to police claiming Anthony Bell was seen outside her house Celebrity accountant Anthony Bell has arrived at court with his 85-year-old mother Shirley Magistrate Barnett then said: 'It never even occurred to me I was being asked to make a finding that was supposed to be your client in drag. ' The court heard Ms Landry, a former model and television presenter, went to police after her brother claimed he saw Mr Bell outside her home, about 2.15pm. Ms Landry told police she had also seen a man taking photographs of her house and a woman in disguise looking in her front gate. His estranged wife Kelly Landry is pictured here outside Waverly Court in January The pair were seen joking and laughing as they walked into the Downing Centre in Sydney Daniel Saluni, A security guard at the office complex where Mr Bell works gave evidence that his CCTV footage captured Mr Bell parking his car around 12.43pm on that day and staying there until 5.29pm. Mr Bell's executive assistant Melanie Santos also gave evidence that her boss was at work the day in question. The court heard Ms Landry was also concerned over two incidents where Mr Bell allegedly stepped onto the jetty which leads to the house while picking up his children on his boat. Mr Bell is being represented by veteran criminal defence lawyer Chris Murphy The couple, pictured here in 2010, separated earlier this year after Ms Landry claimed Mr Bell pushed her and embarrassed her. Mr Bell has denied these claims Ms Landry has been living at the property with her mother, her mother's partner, her brother and his boyfriend since her marriage breakdown, the court was told. Mr Bell, who is now living in Bondi, has not lived at the property since Christmas Day. The couple has a nanny who works for them for '50 to 60 hours a week' who helps manage the children. Mr Bell said he often picks up the children from the jetty out the back of Ms Landry's house, saying 'the children like going on the boat'. The former Getaway host has kept largely mum about the highly publicised ordeal Police acting on Ms Landry's behalf asked the court to change the apprehended violence order that applies to Mr Bell to prevent him coming from within 50m of the premises. The prosecutor argued Ms Landry had genuine fears, but the magistrate refused the application. 'I am not suggesting for one moment that the fears expressed by Ms Landry are not genuinely held by Ms Landry,' Magistrate Barnett said. But he said the 'facts as she perceives them' didn't justify changing the order. Ms Landry did not appear in court but was seen walking out of the courthouse following the hearing. Missing: Joshua Wilson, nine, was last seen outside a school in Sydney's north A nine-year-old boy who went missing from outside a school in Sydney's north has been found. Police launched a desperate search for Joshua Wilson on Thursday afternoon. He was last spotted outside the gates of Asquith Public School, on Dudley Street, at about 3pm. Police said they had 'serious concerns' for Joshua and asked anyone who had seen him to come forward immediately. Thankfully he was found on a train at Waitara Railway Station at about 6.20pm. The white, blonde-haired boy had been described as wearing a blue shirt and grey shorts and is about 150cms tall. New South Wales Police thanked the public for help finding Joshua. Joshua Wilson was last spotted outside the gates of Asquith Public School (pictured) 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. Students from a NSW North Coast high school have been filmed fighting each other in a series of videos posted to social media. One of the videos features a teacher's efforts to break up a fight between two girls at Kyogle High School as they pull each other's hair and throw punches. Another features two young boys punching each other and throwing each other around by their shirts as a group of teens watch on and film it with their phones. The footage was posted to YouTube and North Coast Crime Facebook page this week, with a warning that 'one punch can kill.' Scroll down for video Students from Kyogle High School, on the NSW North Coast, have been filmed fighting each other in a series of videos posted to Facebook this week (pictured) 'Should police officers be attending high schools to talk about violence or should we leave it to parents to educate their children about what sort of behaviour is acceptable?' the Facebook post said. In a response to the shocking videos, Kyogle High School Principal Gae Masters addressed parents on social media. 'I would like to assure you that whenever the school becomes aware of violence or inappropriate behaviour on school grounds it takes disciplinary action, as has been the case with the incidents filmed,' she said. One of the videos features a teacher's efforts to break up a fight between two girls at Kyogle High School as they pull each other's hair and throw punches (pictured) In a response to the shocking videos, Kyogle High School Principal Gae Masters addressed parents on social media (pictured) 'The school has a strict mobile device policy, including disciplinary action for any student found to have been filming inappropriately.' 'We would greatly appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of respectful behaviour and of not misusing technology, including distributing inappropriate footage which can encourage unsafe behaviour.' A spokesman with the Department of Education told 9News Kyogle High School is working with police. 'The school is not aware of any serious injuries resulting from the incidents referred to. Staff are trained to manage inappropriate behaviour, and this can include calling police if necessary.' In another devastating blow to ISIS, Syrian troops backed by Russian jets have finally recaptured Palmyra from jihadis. The Kremlin and the army confirmed they had regained control of the historic city, as ISIS fled the area. Bolstered by air strikes and ground troops from their ally Moscow, Syrian forces had battled through the desert for weeks to reach the oasis city. Syrian regime fighters take position as they advance to retake the ancient city of Palmyra, from ISIS fighters An army statement carried on state news agency SANA said its forces had 'regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations' Palmyra has traded hands several times during Syria's six-year civil war and become a symbol of the terror group's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture, a Kremlin spokesman told news agencies in Moscow. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said that the jihadists had totally withdrawn from the desert city but not before mining several areas. 'The Syrian army is still clearing neighbourhoods of mines and has not spread out into the whole city yet,' said its director, Rami Abdel Rahman. An army statement carried on state news agency SANA said its forces had 'regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations'. IS has suffered a string of setbacks since taking over swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, and its two main strongholds of Mosul and Raqa both face assaults by forces backed by a US-led coalition. ISIS first seized Palmyra in 2015 - when it become a symbol of the terror group's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control The jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city in December when the government was focused on seizing rebel-held east Aleppo. Before ISIS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the structures have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's Palmyra push, and its warplanes continued to bombard ISIS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces. After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year -- thanks in large part to Russian support. Jihadists had totally withdrawn from the desert city - but not before mining several areas On another battle front against ISIS, fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they would cede several villages to the government as part of a deal brokered by Russia to avoid conflict with Turkey. Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August that it said aimed to counter both IS and the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as 'terrorists'. The surprise announcement by the SDF marks the first time that US-supported fighters offered to cede territory to Assad's forces. It said the territory to be handed over lay between the towns of Manbij and Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed fighters captured last week from ISIS, to create a buffer zone between them. Ankara meanwhile renewed its threat to bomb Kurdish fighters unless they withdrew from Manbij, a former bastion of IS that is now under SDF control. The Turkey-backed rebels launched their advance on Manbij on Wednesday, initially seizing two villages but losing them to the SDF by Thursday. Six rebels and one SDF fighter were killed, the Observatory said. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has muddled the battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had bombed SDF fighters mistakenly believing they were IS. The Russian defence ministry denied carrying out the air strikes. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture Russia meanwhile, has accused Syria's main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), of 'sabotaging' sputtering UN-led Syrian peace talks in Geneva and questioned their ability to reach a deal. 'The results of the first days of the intra-Syrian dialogues, as before, raise questions over the ability of the Syrian opposition representatives to reach a deal,' Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Moscow had earlier called for 'terrorism' to be added to the agenda of the talks, which have so far focused on three topics: governance, the constitution, and elections. But the HNC late Wednesday refused, having previously accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the war, are expected to end by the weekend, though no formal timeframe has been set. Donald Trump is set to delegate the power to launch anti-terror raids, similar to one which cost the life of a Navy SEAL in Yemen, according to insiders. The president is reportedly keen to give more authority to his defense secretary, retired Marine Gen Jim Mattis. White House sources claim Trump wants to speed up the process for launching time-sensitive missions, which US generals feel stalled during Barack Obama's presidency. Scroll down for video White House sources claim Trump wants to speed up the process for launching time-sensitive missions, which US generals feel stalled during Barack Obama's presidency But the move will raise questions over the administration's attitude to US and civilian casualties, which Obama was very cautious about, the Daily Beast reports. In some cases, such as freeing hostages, it states, Mattis may be given pre-approval to launch strikes without waiting for White House approval. Currently, US commanders have the authority to launch missions in declared war zones, but Trump's proposal would give generals a freer hand in locations such as Somalia, Libya and Yemen. As commander in chief, the president will usually approve risky missions. Navy SEAL William 'Ryan' Owens and an estimated 25 civilians died during a raid in Yemen last month, and six US officers were injured Owens' father, Bill Owens, refused to meet the president and described the raid as rushed On January 29, Navy SEAL William 'Ryan' Owens and an estimated 25 civilians - nine of who were under the age of 13 - died during a raid in Yemen, and six US officers were injured. An Osprey military helicopter had to be destroyed because of damage it sustained. Owens' father, Bill Owens, blasted the president, refusing to meet him and describing the raid as rushed. Speaking about the operation in which his son died, Bill Owens told the Miami Herald: 'Why at this time did there have to be this stupid mission when it wasn't even barely a week into [President Trump's] administration?' An Obama administration insider told The Daily Beast: 'Obama gave a lot of leash to commanders in the fieldbut not on everything' He branded the raid a 'grand display', pointing out that for the past two years ground forces had not been deployed in Yemen. Yet in an interview with Fox News, Trump said: 'This was a mission that was started before I got here. 'They explained what they wanted to dothe generalswho are very respected, my generals are the most respected that weve had in many decades, I believe. And they lost Ryan.' But the president said it had yielded 'tremendous amounts of information', and in Congress branded the SEAL 'a warrior, and a hero'. President Trump branded Navy SEAL William 'Ryan' Owens 'a warrior, a hero' in Congress this week Nevertheless NBC News has questioned the amount of information gained from the mission, citing intelligence sources. An Obama administration insider told The Daily Beast: 'Obama gave a lot of leash to commanders in the fieldbut not on everything. 'Its all about controlling escalation. Do I want to give someone else the authority to get me deeper into a war?' The official said striking against targets in countries in which the US is not involved in conflict is usually the result of a 'back and forth' between the Oval Office and military chiefs. Trump's administration reportedly believes that streamlining the process will make it more effective in dealing with ISIS threats. A young woman was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as she left a press conference where she had urged President Donald Trump to protect so-called 'Dreamers' like her who are in the process of renewing permission to remain in the United States legally. Daniela Vargas, 22, who is originally from Argentina, was detained by ICE agents who pulled over a friend's car on a nearby freeway after she left a coalition of clergy and civil rights lawyers in Jackson, Mississippi. Vargas was seven years old when her parents brought her from the city of Cordoba, Argentina. Scroll down for video Daniela Vargas (pictured) was one of several so-called Dreamers who spoke out at the press conference Wednesday. A few hours later she was under detention by ICE She graduated from high school in 2013, attended community college and started at the University of Southern Mississippi, aspiring to be a math professor. Miss Vargas, who is eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, said at the press conference: 'A path for citizenship is necessary for DACA recipients but also for the other 11 million undocumented people with dreams.' She recalled watching ICE agents taking away her father and brother and said: 'I was scared for my life.' DACA, which allows people who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for work, was launched by President Barack Obama in 2012 but Trump has suggested he will keep it. Senator Kamala Harris, a Democrat from California, tweeted: 'Talking publicly about fears of deportation is not a crime and should not get someone detained.' Another senator, Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, said he was seeking more information on her case from the Department of Homeland Security. Sen Durbin tweeted: 'Disturbing that ICE may have followed her from an immigration press conference.' Vargas' DACA status expired in November and she applied to renew it last month after saving up for the $495 application fee. Several Dreamers were invited to the joint session of Congress this week by Democrats as President Trump (pictured) made his first address. He has said he will retain DACA Her attorney, Abigail Peterson, said she had been granted the two-year protection twice before, in December 2012 and in November 2014. Ms Peterson said detaining someone with a pending DACA application was 'very unusual'. 'Why they would move forward the way they have is, honestly, mind-boggling,' she said. ICE spokesman Thomas Byrd said Vargas was taken into custody in a 'targeted immigration enforcement action' after the agency verified her DACA status had lapsed. He said: 'ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately.' ICE said a federal immigration judge would now 'decide whether or not she is eligible for immigration relief'. She's Mississippian by heart. She doesn't see a future for herself in Argentina Angela Stuesse Vargas' lawyers expect she will be detained in Louisiana, where they will try to get her released on her own recognizance. They said they did not know where her father Daniel, 55, and brother Alan, 26, were being held but believe they have not yet been deported. The family came to the US from Argentina. Angela Stuesse, a family friend and anthropology professor at the University of North Carolina, said: 'She's Mississippian by heart. She doesn't see a future for herself in Argentina.' An executive order President Trump issued in January compels federal immigration agents to step up enforcement, but Trump has said they would focus initially on criminal offenders. The father of missing airman Corrie McKeague says he believes more than one person covered up the reason his son disappeared. Corrie McKeague, 23, has been missing since September last year after he went out with friends in Bury St Edmunds. Police yesterday arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice in relation to the case. Officers are also preparing to search a rubbish tip which Mr McKeague's mother believes may contain his body. Corrie McKeague went missing in September A man has been arrested by police investigating his disappearance. His father Martin (right) said he thinks more than one person is involved Corrie's father, Martin McKeague, said yesterday that he believes a group of people could be hampering the investigation. He wrote on Facebook: 'In my opinion there's not just one person out there who is perverting the course of justice in the investigation into Corrie's disappearance, but several.' He also shared a police statement concerning a knife which was found near where Mr McKeague went missing, but which is not thought to be linked to the disappearance. Mr McKeague quoted the police as saying: 'Police are in possession of this knife after the person it was handed to was spoken to and brought it to the police station. 'The area where the knife was found was searched during the initial stages of the enquiry and no knife was located at that time, it cannot be said when this knife was left in the area or by whom and there is no link between this and Corrie at this time.' Mr McKeague's mother has also spoke out in regards to the arrest and said the man was not a friend or relative of her son. Police are now preparing to sift through thousands of tons of rubbish at a dump in Milton near Cambridge. Investigators made the link to the landfill after a bin lorry made a collection in the area where Mr McKeague was last seen. Police released CCTV of two people in the area at the time of Mr McKeague's disappearance Police have released footage of two people they wish to speak to after they were spotted in the area where Mr McKeague was last seen. Detective Superintendent Katie Elliott said: 'We are continuing to make progress on the investigation and we will be starting the landfill site search as soon as the preparatory work is complete. 'We have been carrying out a lot of enquiries behind the scenes and our work continues to find the truth about what happened to Corrie.' Mr McKeague's mother, Nicola Urquhart, 48, said: 'I've spoken to the my other sons, Makeyan and Darroch, and the rest of the family, and were just trying so hard not to read more into this than their might be. 'It might end up being nothing or might end up being huge so we don't know. There actually isn't anything that I know that the police haven't put out there. 'They obviously contacted us to let us know that they had somebody in custody and they would be interviewing them.' Mr McKeague and girlfriend April Oliver. His mother has said she thinks his body may be found Mrs Urquhart has previously said there is a 'good possibility' her son's body will be found at the landfill site. Speaking last month, she said: 'I think there's a good possibility that that's where he could have ended up, because I try to look at things logically. 'What we know is that he's not left on foot, he's not still in there now, so he's left in a vehicle. That means he could have gone in a bin and then in the bin lorry, or in one of the other vehicles that were there. Mrs Urquhart added: 'I don't think anyone who has put Corrie there is going to come forward - they would have done it by now. 'But if someone knows how someone is behaving, if they are behaving oddly, we're going to find Corrie if he's in that landfill, so come forward now, so whoever has put him there doesn't get away with saying he's fallen in a bin and it's an accident. 'At least give us some more closure, not just finding Corrie, but also how he got there and what happened to him.' Detectives have so far spent more than 300,000 in their search to find Mr McKeague, including using Cadaver dogs, trained to sniff out dead bodies. Mr McKeague was last seen walking through Bury St Edmunds after a night out in September The investigation is one of the most expensive ever carried out by Suffolk and Norfolk Constabularies. Mr McKeague's family have also raised more than 50,000 to draft in private investigators to help and have organised three private searches in their desperate hunt for clues. Since Corrie's disappearance, it has also emerged that his girlfriend April Oliver, 21, is pregnant with his child. Miss Oliver said Corrie did not know about the baby which is due in late spring or early summer. Corrie is originally from Fife in Scotland and moved down to Suffolk to live at RAF Honington where he worked as a gunner and team medic in the air force. Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to call the incident room at Suffolk Police on 01473 782019. Richard Pitkin, 65, and his 58-year-old wife, Sarah, were found dead at their home in Stowmarket A builder who ran a tearoom with his wife stabbed her to death and then hanged himself in a murder-suicide at their 16th century home. Richard Pitkin, 65, killed his 58-year-old wife Sarah at the home they shared in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on Sunday. Home Office post-mortem examinations found that Mr Pitkin hanged himself and that his wife died from multiple stab wounds. Police are treating her death as murder. The couple, who had a son and three daughters, moved to the market town from London in 2006 after they bought the Grade II-listed Harlequin House. Three years later they opened the Harlequin Tea Room and Mrs Pitkin was in charge of the business until it closed two years ago. They lived in their 300,000 semi-detached property with their teenage daughter Tisha and their son Tommy, who worked with his father. Historian Steve Williams, 66, knew the pair for around ten years and said the community was 'shaken that anybody could get to that level of despair.' He said: 'They always seemed to be the perfect couple. Always friendly. Always seemed to be a typical happy couple. 'I don't know what happened and it's dangerous for me to speculate. But something really sensational must have tipped the balance. 'We're just shaken that someone that level-headed could get to those depths of despair.' A Suffolk Police spokesman said: 'Home Office post-mortem examinations were carried out and concluded that Sarah Pitkin had died as a result of multiple stab wounds. Her death is being treated as murder. 'Richard Pitkin's death was found to be as a result of hanging and is not being treated as suspicious. Neighbours said the couple (pictured) had four children, two of whom lived at home and another two who had moved away to university 'The police investigation is continuing, but detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course, on completion of police enquiries.' The double tragedy shocked residents in the town and one neighbour said they were a 'lovely couple' whose deaths did 'not make sense'. Mr Pitkin owned a highly regarded carpentry and decorating business, while his wife was the deputy manager in a charity shop. Mr Pitkin (pictured) was well known in the market town of Stowmarket A neighbour also described how Mr Pitkin 'worked incredibly hard' running his business from his home. He said: 'It is tragic, really tragic. They were a lovely couple.' Stowmarket mayor Barry Humphreys added: 'It's a big loss to the town. I knew Richard and Sarah and they were a really nice couple. They will be sorely missed by everyone.' Rachel Backshall, director of marketing at St Elizabeth Hospice - where Mrs Pitkin was assistant manager - said she was a 'well-loved member of the team'. She said: 'Sarah was an energetic character, full of life and joy. 'She was imaginative and creative and brought a real sense of fun to the shop. She will be sadly missed by us all.' Police forensic teams have carried out a thorough search of the picturesque family home, where vases of flowers adorn each of the 11 windows that face the street. A van marked as belonging to Richard Pitkin and Son Carpenters and Decorators was also parked at the house, which has well-kept flower beds at the front. The pair, who moved into the property in 2009 (pictured), had previously turned part of their home into a tea shop but closed it down two years ago An Indian woman was burnt to death in a funeral pyre - hours after doctors had pronounced her dead, it has been claimed. Medics said the 24-year-old, named as Rachna Sisodia, had died of a lung infection at Sharda hospital in Greater Noida, in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state. Her husband Devesh Chaudhary, 23, took possession of her body at 1.27am and drove with it and some friends to a funeral pyre location in Aligarh, two hours away, where at 8am they began to cremate her. But there are reports that somebody then dragged the woman off the funeral pyre, believing her to be still alive. A woman named as Rachna Sisodia (left) was accidentally burnt to death in a funeral pyre after doctors wrongly pronounced her dead hours earlier, it has been claimed. She is pictured with husband Devesh Chaudhary She showed no signs of life thereafter but a post-mortem examination showed charred particles in her windpipe and lungs, say police, which would not have been present if she had not been breathing. Two doctors working together said the cause of death was not lung infection but in fact 'shock caused by being burnt alive'. Rajesh Pandey, a senior police superintendent, told local media of the doctors' verdict. A police spokesman added: 'This happens when someone is burnt alive. The particles go inside with the breath. If a person is dead, such particles cannot reach the lungs and the windpipe. So, the doctors concluded that the woman was burnt alive on the pyre.' Medics said the 24-year-old, named as Rachna Sisodia, had died of a lung infection at Sharda hospital in Greater Noida, in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state. Indian women's rights campaigners are pictured during a demonstration last year In another development, the dead woman's maternal uncle Kailash Singh has reportedly accused her husband and ten others of sexually assaulting and killing her. Police are taking the accusations seriously but all the men have disappeared, they say. However, the doctors at Sharda maintain that Rachna did in fact die at their hospital and post-mortem doctor Pankaj Mishra says he cannot even be sure that the body he examined was that of Rachna, due to the extent of the burns on it. Devesh told local media, from an unknown location, that his in-laws were trying to frame him and his relatives in a bid to acquire his property. Doctors have also preserved a piece of bone for conducting DNA tests, which was handed over to the police. They did not say when DNA test results would be available. A police officer in Rochester, New York, has been criticized by his chief after he let several women twerk on the hood of his car after they were refused entry into a nightclub. A video was posted on Twitter at the weekend showing several women gyrating provocatively on the hood of the patrol car as two officers watched. It was clearly a light-hearted interaction between the women and the officers but Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli was not amused. Most people on Twitter saw the video as fairly harmless, with only a small minority feeling it was offensive or disrespectful to the police He issued a statement saying: 'We, as leaders of the Department, hold the Rochester Police Department, its uniform and its symbols in the highest regard. 'We expect all our officers to do the same. Our professionalism, both on- and off-duty are a reflection of all police officers.' Ciminelli added: 'Although the RPD personnel did not intend for this to occur, the result was an inappropriate and unacceptable image for the Rochester Police Department. This matter has already been addressed accordingly.' He said: 'I don't think it was targeted or out of disrespect, they just thought it was going to be funny if we do this. None of us found it funny.' But the man who took the video has suggested Ciminelli should lighten up. Chris Barber told local TV station 13WHAM: 'The women asked the cops if they could dance by their car. 'The RPD officers were being respectful to the females who made a request.' It is a far cry from the hostile relations displayed between police and the African American community in recent years, which culminated in the killing of five officers in Dallas in July last year. Mr Barber explained that the women had been denied entry into the Pearl nightclub in Rochester in the early hours of Saturday morning because one of them was wearing sweatpants. Their desire to twerk on the dancefloor having been frustrated, the women sidled up to the cops, who were parked in an alley, and asked an officer if they could twerk by his patrol car. Mr Barber said: 'He said "I'm going to turn my back real quick", which is kind of a way of saying not yes, but not saying no.' The police officers reportedly thought the girls were just going to take selfies by the car and did not have time to react when they climbed on the car hood Later it emerged the officers thought the girl were simply going to take selfies of themselves in front of the car and had no time to react when one suddenly climbed onto the hood. Ralph Gagliano, of the police union, the Rochester Police Locust Club, said: 'We're constantly being told it's important to interact with the public. It was appropriate how he reacted to the situation. 'His intention was to allow these girls to take a photo in front of the car. They decided to carry on and bring attention to themselves.' On Twitter most people saw the funny side and saw it as a harmless dance but a minority found it offensive and disrespectful. @akachela tweeted: 'Why is the RPD apologizing? This is the best community outreach they've done in months.' Rochester Democratic Socialists tweeted jokingly: 'Twerking on police cars is part of our strategy portfolio actually.' But Amber Nicole tweeted: 'Stay classy, Rochester. Your tax dollars at twerk.' An American journalist documented the moment he claims he was given a police escort to leave a predominantly migrant suburb of Stockholm after he and his camerawoman were followed by masked men. Tim Pool and his colleague Emily Molli were in the 'no-go zone' of Rinkeby, Sweden, when police told them to leave after they began to be followed by people who apparently objected to them filming on Wednesday. Police, however, have disputed Pool's claims that police escorted them out of the area, saying they were unable to find specific reports filed about the incident in their system. Pool has been traveling around Sweden on a trip funded by Paul Joseph Watson, a writer for right-wing website Infowars who promised to pay for a trip to the country for any journalist who claimed it was safe following claims that Sweden's perceived migrant problems were overblown. Chicago journalist Tim Pool claimed he and his film crew were escorted out of Rinkeby, Sweden after being followed by masked men Police, however, said Pool and his film crew were not given a police escort and simply left at the same time Pool has been traveling around Sweden on a trip funded by Paul Joseph Watson, a writer for right-wing website Infowars who promised to pay for a trip to the country for any journalist who claimed it was safe On Wednesday, Pool and Molli traveled to Rinkeby, where riots broke out after President Donald Trump warned of migrant problems in Sweden last month. Nine out of ten residents in Rinkeby are immigrants. 'You look at what's happening last night in Sweden,' Trump said in a speech in February. 'Sweden. Who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They're having problems like they never thought possible.' During a video uploaded to Pool's YouTube channel, he and Molli are seen speaking to a third man, before they say police have told them to leave the area. 'Several men started masking up and following us. Police told us to leave and had to escort us to our car,' he wrote in a Twitter post on Wednesday. Molli reiterated Pool's thoughts in her own Twitter posts on Wednesday. 'Wasn't expecting such a quick reaction of masking up as soon as we got to the Rinkeby center. Camera was down at my side most of the time,' Molli wrote. 'we asked an officer if he thought we could get an interview from a local, he advised it would probably start trouble.' After they left the area, Pool recapped what happened in a later clip in the video, in which he said he asked police about 'no-go' zones, which are apparently unsafe to travel into. He said that police told him that there are problem areas, where officers can't go in unless they have two units, where one cop will watch the other officer. Pool told The Local that police officers noticed people around Pool and Molli started putting up their hoods and 'whispering to each other'. 'So the cop was like 'maybe it would be smart if you were to leave now, that's my tip for you',' Pool said. 'They got in their car to escort us out and we just had to walk alongside their vehicle, and they followed us to our car. As we were walking there were people following us, yelling things.' Police, however, said that Pool and his crew did not have a police escort leaving the area. 'Our understanding is that he didn't receive an escort. However, he followed the police who left the place,' Stockholm police press spokesperson Kjell Lindgren told The Local. Swedish police had to investigate riots in Rinkeby last month after clashes started when a police car arrested a suspect and people started throwing stones at them Frida Nordlof, a police officer in the Jarva district, told the Stockholm newspaper Mitt i that there were extra police officers in the area because of a poetry event that was happening that night, and they planned on a lot of visitors. 'When Tim Pool took out a camera and started filming a group of young people they pulled their hoods up and covered their faces and shouted at him to stop filming,' she told Mitt i. 'The officers then told Tim Pool that it was not wise to stay there in the middle of the square and keep filming. 'Then the patrol was going to Rinkeby Academy and that's where Pool's team had parked their car so it was more out of coincidence that they followed each other there.' Pool, a journalist from Chicago, first made headlines during the Occupy Wall Street protests, where he primarily used his phone to film clips for social media and live broadcasting. Sweden hit the headlines recently when Trump warned of crime caused by migrants while at a rally in Florida. He was mocked on social media and forced to admit that he was referring to a report on Fox News rather than an actual event. Sweden hit the headlines recently when Trump warned of crime caused by migrants while at a rally in Florida. Pictured above, fire fighters in the suburb Rinkeby following riots in February A police man investigate a burned out car in the suburb Rinkeby following a break out of riots in February Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said he was 'surprised' by Trump's comments. 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. The far right Swedish Democrats claim last month'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. Advertisement Britain will be hit by up to two inches of snow today after being battered by 60mph wind gusts overnight. Many parts of the UK's western coast are on flood watch today with 46 alerts and nine more serious warnings in place across England and Wales, as some areas face a cocktail of rain, sleet and snow. And, after temperatures fell to -5C yesterday, the country faces a wet and cloudy weekend with freezing overnight weather expected but daytime readings could make it into double figures on the south coast. A Fiat 500 sits abandoned in the snow on the A57, near Glossop, Derbyshire, as the Snake Pass road was closed this morning The A57 closure causes havoc for commuters today who regularly use it to travel between Manchester and Sheffield The DFDS Dunkerque Seaways arrives in blustery conditions at the Port of Dover in Kent today A windsurfer in the sea off East Wittering beach in West Sussex today after Britain was hit by 60mph winds overnight A dog walker on West Wittering beach in West Sussex today in blustery conditions as the UK prepares for a chilly weekend Kitesurfers in the sea off West Wittering beach today as conditions in the South presented a contrast to snow in the North Two women crossing Millennium Bridge in London today feel the full force of a windy and cold - but sunny - day in the capital Three young women hold onto their hats as they make their way across Millennium Bridge on a windy day in London today Today, a band of rain, sleet and snow which has been affecting parts of Ireland, northern England, north Wales and the north Midlands overnight will continue to affect some parts of the North West in the morning rush hour. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for up to 0.8in (2cm) of snow at lower levels in areas of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South and West Yorkshire. Forecasters also warned of up to 2in (5cm) at levels above 1,000ft (300m), while slippery conditions are likely on pavements, cycle paths and untreated roads where snow has fallen - and difficult driving conditions are possible. Elsewhere 60mph wind gusts arrived on the west coast of Cornwall overnight, with gusts of more than 50mph on other parts of the south coast and a breezy morning forecast inland too. Your browser does not support the iframe HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later. The Met Office has a snow warning for the North West (left), where there are more than 50 flood alerts or warnings (right) Beautiful morning: The sun rises at dawn today behind a fishing boat moored off the East beach in Selsey, West Sussex The Royal National Lifeboat Institution Lifeboat Station is seen in front of a stunning sunrise in Selsey this morning The sun rises behind a fishing boat in Selsey today as other parts of the country prepare for up to two inches of snowfall Meanwhile the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have issued 46 flood alerts and nine warnings. Six of the warnings are for the Somerset coast while the other three are for the Wye Estuary. Tomorrow will be dull and wet with outbreaks of rain moving up from the South West and while it should remain largely dry for central Scotland until the evening, showers will move into Caithness through the day. Saturday will be cloudy and wet, with outbreaks of rain persisting for much of Britain, except for the South West where it will be largely dry with a few showers, and Sunday will see plenty of cloud with further outbreaks of rain. Yesterdays UK low temperature was -4.6C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, while the average mean temperature for Britain in March is 5.5C. A glorious view of the Northern Lights this morning over Alnmouth in Northumberland at the St Cuthbert's Cross This spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis is seen over the Cairngorm National Park near Balmoral last night A 'bucket list' display of the Northern Lights is in full view over the Holy Island causeway in Northumberland this morning The Northern Lights are also visible over St Abb's Head Lighthouse in Berwickshire, 14 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed One day after a 32-year-old worker died at a construction site at Barangaroo, an Aboriginal elder has come out and said the 'cursed' area needs a smoking ceremony to 'cleanse' it. Aboriginal elder Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grosvenor, 67, told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday a spate of tragedies in Barangaroo, at Sydney's eastern end of Darling Harbour, could be the result of a curse and called for an immediate 'smoking ceremony'. 'I think there should be a smoking ceremony to cleanse and bless the sorry business in that area,' Aunty Dixon-Grosvenor said. Scroll down for video The death of a man at a construction site (pictured) in Sydney on Wednesday is the latest in a series of tragic incidents at Barangaroo 'Smoking ceremonies cleanse any bad feelings or karma in that area, which is so sacred to the Darug people.' Aunty Dixon-Grosvenor's call for a smoking ceremony follows the tragic death of 32-year-old Tim Macpherson who was crushed to death when a large metal beam fell on him at the Barangaroo Ferry Hub worksite about 4.40pm on Wednesday. Mr Macpherson left behind a 14-month-old son and a wife who is three months pregnant. His death was the latest in a series of tragic incidents to happen at Barangaroo, which members of the Aboriginal community warned was cursed. Tim Macpherson (pictured with his wife and son) died tragically as he was crushed under a steel beam while working at a Barangaroo site Tim Macpherson (pictured with his wife) died tragically as he was crushed under a steel beam while working at a Barangaroo site Mr Macpherson left behind a 14-month-old son and a wife who is three months pregnant Barangaroo was named after the wife of Aboriginal warrior Bennelong in 2005, much to the dismay of some members of the indigenous community who claimed they were not consulted in the decision. Aunty Dixon-Grosvenor said indigenous people should have had much greater input, 'especially Darug people'. 'We weren't consulted, we didn't have a chance to think about it or anything,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Emergency services were called to a barge on the water in Darling Harbour (pictured) about 4.40pm on Wednesday in regards to the 30-year-old man's death Barangaroo was named after the wife of Aboriginal warrior Bennelong (pictured) in 2005 Barangaroo was the wife of Bennelong, an Aboriginal man who was viewed as a traitor within his community because of his close relationship with white settlers. In contrast, his wife Barangaroo, was a well-respected and admired woman in the community. Aboriginal journalist Amy McQuire told the Sydney Morning Herald Barangaroo's 'name and her legacy have been reduced to a suburb'. 'Her name has been put to something that (doesn't) benefit Aboriginal people I think Barangaroo would be dead against it,' she said. Members of the Aboriginal community have precioulsy warned the area could be cursed (Pictured are Koomurri people performing a Smoking Ceremony and Dance during at Barangaroo Reserve for Australia Day) An Aboriginal man rows a boat in Marrinawi Cove after recieving fire from Me-Mei (Goat Island) during the WugulOra Morning Ceremony in January While Aunty Dixon-Grosvenor said the string of tragedies, including Wednesday's death, was not a direct result of the curse, she said it was important Barangaroo was cleansed as soon as possible. 'I think until that happens, there's not going to be a good energy,' she said. 'We need to do these ceremonies to be able to bring everyone in and start the healing. Let us move forward. 'It's important for young Aboriginal people to have access to their culture and spirituality, I'd like to see that more acknowledged and respected and to give aboriginal people their rightful place in their traditional areas.' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pictured overlooking Barangaroo Darlene Hoskins-McKenzie, an activist and Bidjigal and Yuin custodian, told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2014 that she instantly felt something was wrong when the name was announced. 'That name should never have been given to that site,' she said. 'When they first named it Barangaroo, I got chills down my spine.'' Two men have died at construction sites in Barangaroo in over just over three years. Before Mr Macpherson's death on Wednesday, a second man died in January 2014 when he fell 30 metres to his death. A 3.9 tonne hung dangerously from the 51st floor of Barangaroo skyscraper after it was damaged lowering heavy machinery in November 2016 (pictured) Just a few months later in March 2014 an underground fire broke out at Barangaroo, threating to topple a 50 metre crane. More than 2,000 people were forced to evacuate from nearby buildings. A 3.9 tonne hung dangerously from the 51st floor of Barangaroo skyscraper after it was damaged lowering heavy machinery in November 2016, prompting another evacuation. Wiradjuri Poet Lorna Munro told SBS in 2014 she agreed the project was incorrectly named. Cranes are seen atop skyscrapers in the Barangaroo development 'I'd probably say that there is a negative energy in the area. Especially naming such a site after a woman who was against European development,' she said Ms Lorna said Barrangaroo was a 'strong, staunch black woman' who would likely not be happy her name was used for the development. In January, Koomurri people and representatives of aboriginal groups from around Australia performed a Smoking Ceremony and Dance at Barangaroo Reserve as part of Australia Day celebrations. It was performed during the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Walumil Lawn. David Gill, 55, owner of the South Lakes Zoo in Dalton-on-Furness, Cumbria, has had a colourful personal and professional life over the last two decades The owner of a zoo where 500 animals have died in just five years boasted on Facebook claiming to be a 'huge success' even though a keeper was mauled to death by a tiger in 2013. David Gill, 55, owner of the South Lakes Zoo in Dalton-on-Furness, Cumbria, declared he had good fortune because he 'always pursued a different style of management to the norm'. But the entrepreneur has had a colourful personal and professional life over the last two decades. Mr Gill first hit headlines in 1997 when a white rhino escaped from an enclosure and he was found guilty of endangering the public. He also started an affair with a zoo hand Shelley Goodwin, then 16, who he later married. His wife left him and took the couple's two children with her. Mr Gill later separated from Ms Goodwin. Mr Gill's wife left him when he had an affair with 16-year-old zoo hand Shelley Goodwin. The pair later married then separated A recent Barrow Council report revealed between December 2013 and September 2016 486 animals died at the zoo. Pictured, Mr Gill with current wife Frieda In 2008, the zoo owner was stabbed by a jilted husband when he discovered Mr Gill and his wife were having an affair. Former Rugby league player Richard Creary, 38, slashed at Mr Gill's neck after he and Alison Creary were caught in bed together. He escaped from the ordeal in his pyjama bottoms and Creary was jailed for five years. Horrified visitors shared shocking photos of a bleeding giraffe (left) and penguins without water (right) at the scandal-ridden zoo. A recent Barrow Council report revealed between December 2013 and September 2016 486 animals died at the zoo, with the authority set to decide whether to grant the site a new licence next week. Visitors have shared shocking photos of a bleeding giraffe and penguins without water at the scandal-ridden zoo. Horrified hospitality worker Laura Ainsworth, 21, claims she witnessed a giraffe's ears and horns bleeding during a trip to South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, last Wednesday and said many animals were in enclosures which seemed to small. Mother-of-one Alex Grant, 26, from Bolton said: 'After we had only been there an hour, the children were already asking to go home and were crying' Two other parents who visited the zoo during half term also claim they witnessed poor conditions including penguins allegedly left in a tank without water. Laura, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, said: 'South Lakes Zoo was awful. There seemed to be no regard for animal welfare at all. The giraffe enclosure, which housed three giraffes, was barely big enough for three horses. 'The room was not tall enough and one of the giraffes had badly cut its ear bending down to get food from the children. This was more than just a graze. 'The zoo should be shut down and the animals taken to a zoo which regards animal welfare more highly.' Mother-of-three Sara Dunbar, 25, visited South Lakes Safari Zoo last Tuesday and claims she witnessed penguins left in an empty tank without water. Sara, whose children are aged seven, three and five, said: 'A lot of the enclosures were empty and the animals just looked depressed. It was horrible. Laura Ainsworth, 21, from Bolton said: 'The zoo should be shut down and the animals taken to a zoo which regards animal welfare more highly.' Pictured, a tiger and a wolf in muddy enclosures 'Even my seven-year-old noticed they looked poorly and upset. A lot of the birds had feathers missing and a llama seemed to have a skin issue. 'The penguins had no water, they were all just stood in a tank with no water in it. It just didn't feel right. 'The zebras were locked up in little paddocks no bigger than a shed and the camels were pressed right up against metal fencing. 'It really got to my eldest son, he loves animals and he didn't want to come back. 'It was heartbreaking - I have never seen a place so run down with so many animals that did not look like they were having a decent life. Sara Dunbar said: 'The zebras were locked up in little paddocks no bigger than a shed and the camels were pressed right up against metal fencing.' Alex Grant said the group of children and mothers saw an ill vulture falling off its perch. She said: 'That was a disturbing sight' 'It was not a nice place to be. If we hadn't have driven so far we would probably not have even stayed as long as we did.' Mother-of-one Alex Grant, 26, from Bolton, visited South Lakes Safari Zoo last Monday with two-year-old son Gabriel as part of a group of four mums and four toddlers. Alex said:'We walked past a vulture that was in a cage with a sign saying it was being given medical treatment, but when we saw it a second time it had fallen off its perch and was on the floor. 'That was a disturbing sight - I keep birds and to see one on the floor like that is normally a sign they are dying, it is not natural for them to come off their perch like that. In 2008, the zoo owner was stabbed by jilted husband Richard Creary (left) when he discovered Mr Gill and his wife Alison (right) were having an affair 'After we had only been there an hour, the children were already asking to go home and were crying. The whole thing was just a shambles.' A spokesman for Barrow Council said: 'The council will be considering the application made by Mr David Gill for a fresh licence to operate South Lakes Safari Zoo at a hearing scheduled for 9am on Monday, March 6. 'The council has published their reports on Friday, February 24 and will make no further comment at this time.' An RSPCA spokesman said: 'These pictures are really upsetting. It is extremely alarming to hear that such a large number of animals have died, many of preventable causes, while in the care of this zoo in Cumbria. We are now looking into these latest findings. 'We believe animals should only be kept in captivity if good welfare can be assured.' Zoo keeper Sarah McClay, 24, was mauled by a Sumatran tiger at the tourist spot in 2013 In 2001, Mr Gill paid 30,000 in compensation to a pregnant zoo keeper who was scared to feed the tigers. He had reportedly ordered Lara Kitson, 23, to climb up a 16ft ladder, which she thought would endanger the baby. Zoo keeper Sarah McClay, 24, was mauled by a Sumatran tiger at the tourist spot in 2013. Three years later, the zoo was fined 255,000 for health and safety breaches as the tiger escaped because of a 'defective bolt'. The animal park was also fined a further 42,500 as another zoo keeper had fallen from a ladder when preparing to feed big cats a year after Ms McClay died. Seven healthy lion cubs were put down at just five days old, according to the report, which labelled it 'management euthanasia'. The council also revealed a monkey's body was found behind a radiator and a jaguar had to be put down when it chewed off its own paw. Welfare charities have called for the zoo to close down. Mr Gill declared on Facebook he had good fortune because he 'always pursued a different style of management to the norm' A spokesman for Barrow Council said: 'The council will be considering the application made by Mr David Gill for a fresh licence to operate South Lakes Safari Zoo at a hearing scheduled for 9am on Monday, March 6. 'The council has published their reports on Friday, February 24 and will make no further comment at this time.' An RSPCA spokesman said: 'These pictures are really upsetting. It is extremely alarming to hear that such a large number of animals have died, many of preventable causes, while in the care of this zoo in Cumbria. We are now looking into these latest findings. 'We believe animals should only be kept in captivity if good welfare can be assured.' South Lakes Safari Zoo have been approached for comment. Becoming a fully-functioning adult can be hard for young people - so a public library has decided to step in and help. North Bend Library in Oregon is offering a course in 'adulting' - to help people who are living away from their parents for the first time. Among the subjects covered are cooking, setting budgets and getting a job. The library is offering an 'Adulting 101' course, where they can learn about cooking, getting a job and setting budgets Although it's aimed at people aged from 18 to 25, the library said there are no limits on the ages of those who can come along. Instructor Clara Piazzoli told KCBY: 'I also lived in a dorm in my first year of college, and I lived in varied apartments, some of which didn't have kitchens and didn't allow you to have kitchen supplies, and so I left home not really knowing how to cook and I ended up getting very inventive and teaching myself a lot of these tips.' After the library posted a flier on Facebook, it was widely applauded. Karen Cancilla wrote: 'This is exactly what every community needs!!' The library has been praised for launching the unusual course, which is aimed at people aged from 18 to 25 Jasmine McAfee posted: 'I wish there wasn't an age limit. I'm in my 30s and need to learn to adult better!' The library responded to her comment: 'There is not an age limit, it is geared toward the 16-25 group but anyone is welcome to come.' It seems to have gone down well with parents too. Chris Toney, whose children went along to the first class, said: 'I just think it's important for children to learn these kinds of things from someone other than their parents because sometimes they don't listen to their parents and this actually gave a lot of good information for the kids to use.' The Guardian has come under ferocious attack from Scottish nationalists over two cryptic crossword clues they claim imply Nicola Sturgeon is racist. The left-wing newspaper's puzzle yesterday morning sparked fury from some north of the border, after they realised the answer to one clue, 'sturgeon', was followed by the another answer, 'racist'. Supporters of Nicola Sturgeon went online to accuse the newspaper of implying the First Minister was bigoted. Two apparently 'unrelated' crossword clues in yesterday's Guardian caused anger in Scotland Nationalists insisted the consecutive crossword clues implied Nicola Sturgeon was racist Nationalists writing on Twitter branded The Guardian an 'attack dog for the UK'. Ysabelle Stewart tweeted: 'So the racist crossword is real. Let's be clear about this - the Guardian is pure British establishment. They are an attack dog for UK.' Jacquie Johnstone added: '@guardian your crossword today is in my view accusing our elected first minister of being a racist. Subliminal, no. Blatant lack of respect, yes.' One Twitter user told the paper she had cancelled her subscription and another asked: 'Why did you imply in your crossword that Nicola Sturgeon was racist? 'Why are you stirring it up? Call yourselves liberal?' Others branded those attacking the paper 'paranoid' and insisted the idea was a 'conspiracy theory'. Scottish nationalists blasted the paper on Twitter, with one vowing to cancel her subscription The crossword clues, which the Guardian insist are 'entirely unrelated', were set by the veteran crossword compiler Picaroon, who has also created puzzles for the Spectator under the name Lavatch. A spokesman for the newspaper said: 'The answers to 12 across and 14 across in the cryptic crossword in question are simply positioned next to each other and are entirely unrelated.' The row comes just days after London mayor Sadiq Khan was also attacked by Scottish nationalists after he implied in a speech that there was 'no difference' between nationalism and racism. Nicola Sturgeon said the Labour politician's comments were 'spectacularly ill-judged', tweeting: 'It is an insult to all those Scots who support independence for reasons of inclusion & social justice.' Mr Khan insisted he was not calling the SNP racists or bigots. German police have arrested two suspected members of an al-Qaeda offshoot - with one accused of war crimes involving the murder of dozens of civilians. Abdalfatah HA is accused of killing 36 employees of the Syrian government together with his Nusra Front unit in March 2013, prosecutors said in a statement. The 35-year-old asylum seeker carried out so-called Shariah death sentences, the statement said. German police (file picture) have arrested two suspected members of an al-Qaeda offshoot - with one accused of war crimes involving the murder of dozens of civilians Abdulrahman AA, 26, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013, it added. The men were arrested in the cities of Dusseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. The men were detained by police from the western states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia who also searched their apartments. Separately, the southern state of Bavaria announced the arrest of a 33-year-old Bosnian who is believed to have supplied the Sunni militia Junud al-Sham with several vehicles. Abdulrahman AA, 26, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin, south of Homs (pictured) in November 2013, prosecutors say German federal prosecutors have launched around a dozen investigations concerning alleged war crimes committed in Syria or Iraq, alongside dozens of cases of suspected membership of jihadist groups. The investigations have gained momentum following the arrival of over a million asylum seekers since 2015, including hundreds of thousands of people from Syria and Iraq. Last July, in the first such conviction in Germany, a German jihadist was sentenced to two years in prison on war crimes charges after posing for pictures in Syria with the severed and impaled heads of two government troops. A groom-to-be who died just six hours into his stag do had a large amount of cocaine in his system, an inquest has heard. Father-of-three Shaun Ennis, from Buxton, Derbyshire, and group of friends flew to the holiday resort of Magaluf in Majorca last summer. They went straight to local bars but, within hours, 31-year-old Mr Ennis told his future brother-in-law he did not feel well and started convulsing. Groom-to-be Shaun Ennis (left and right with his fiancee, Kiri Robinson) died just seven hours into his own stag do in Magaluf after collapsing suddenly at his hotel Friends and relatives battled to resuscitate Mr Ennis with father Brian trying the kiss of life but, despite their desperate efforts, he could not be saved and passed away at the scene. Mr Ennis had been due to marry the love of his life, Kiri Robinson, the month after his death. A coroner this week heard that a post-mortem examination of Mr Ennis in the UK found 'high' levels of cocaine in his system. Pathologist Deirdre McKenna told the inquest that the effect of the drug on his heart caused his death, the Buxton Advertiser reported. Recording a verdict of misadventure, Coroner Dr Robert Hunter said: 'I don't think people fully appreciate the dangers that cocaine can pose to the heart. Painter and decorator Mr Ennis moved from Stretford when he was 14 to live in Buxton with his mother Sheila Pink. He was a former pupil of St Antony's Catholic College and had three children, aged 14, nine and six at the time of his death. Father-of-three Shaun Ennis and 17 friends had flown to the holiday resort of Magaluf Samoa may see a rush of visitors this year after its tourism agency posted an image of a handsome man posing on one of the country's famously blue beaches. Samoa Tourism posted the image of the man on its Instagram account last week with the hopes of enticing tourists to its islands. 'Is Samoa on your 2017 wish list? Discover the home of vibrant warm waters and sparking beaches,' the post read. Samoa Tourism posted an image of a handsome man on its Instagram account last week with the hopes of enticing tourists to the country (pictured) 'Is Samoa on your 2017 wish list? Discover the home of vibrant warm waters and sparking beaches,' the post read (stock image) The image quickly attracted a lot of attention on social media (pictured) The image quickly attracted a lot of attention, with many tourists declaring they had added the country to their wish list. 'He the tour guide?' one woman commented. 'How much does he cost? Whoops, I mean the holiday,' another said. 'Ummmm. Didn't really notice the water. Way too distracted,' a woman joked. 'I swear this isn't the reason why I've always wanted to go to Samoa,' a woman laughed. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said in a press release earlier this year that tourism has had a huge impact on the economic and social growth of the country (stock image) Many tourists declaring they had added the country to their wish list (pictured) 'Wow. Such a beautiful place. On my list. If only,' another person commented. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said in a press release earlier this year that tourism has had a huge impact on the economic and social growth of the country. 'Tourism is the mainstay of our economy and we have selected to continue pioneering sustainable tourism, as we have stated in our tourism sector plan and vision that by 2019 Samoa will have a growing tourism sector.' A Chinese woman, called Lina, has been punched in the face in a horrific racist attack outside a Sydney shopping mall A Chinese woman has been punched in the face in a horrific racist attack outside a Sydney shopping mall. The woman, called Lina, was waiting to cross a road outside Burwood Plaza when a white man confronted her and shouted: 'Get out of my country.' Lina tried to walk away but the man continued to abuse her before punching her in the face, leaving her with blood pouring from her face. Witnesses driving past as the stranger launched into the vicious attack tried to stop him by beeping their horns, only for the man to start hitting their cars. Lina, a Chinese Australian, told Sydney Today that the man hurled 'a series of insulting words' at her before punching her. She has described the incident at about noon on February 4 as a 'severe racial attack'. Lina was able to call the emergency services and was treated by shocked passers-by before police arrived. A woman who was driving past the shopping centre at the time of the attack said she beeped her horn at the attacker in the hope other drivers would try to help the victim. She told SBS Mandarin that her beeping only succeeding in distracting the man, who then started hitting her windows. The motorist, who did not wish to be named, said she had no option but to drive away because her child was in the car. The woman, called Lina, was waiting to cross a road outside Burwood Plaza (pictured) when a white man confronted her and shouted: 'Get out of my country' She drove back to the scene a few minutes alter to check on the girl, to find her covered in blood but being helped by other witnesses. The mother said: 'Even if it is not considered as a racial attack, I think we still need to be concerned. 'I hope my witness [evidence] can help the police to fast track the case.' The attacker has been described as being aged between 55 and 65 years old, thin and between 173 and 178cms tall. He had blonde, grey hair and was wearing a light coloured t-shirt, grey or blue trousers and was wearing glasses. Advertisement The bean counters behind the infamous Academy Awards envelope blunder are now being protected by bodyguards paid for by their bosses after receiving death threats. Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz have faced a barrage of abuse, leaving chiefs at their employer, PricewaterhouseCooper, fearful for their safety. The mistake meant that La La Land was accidentally announced as Best Picture instead of real winner Moonlight by presenter Faye Dunaway. Cullinan had moments before handed the wrong envelope to Warren Beatty, prompting chaos at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood before shocked audiences were told what had happened. Scroll down for videos Andrea Cullinan, the wife of Brian Cullinan, visits a Ralph's store in Malibu alongside a bodyguard who has been hired after threats to the family's safety Dynamic duo: Accountants Martha Ruiz and Cullinan have been fired from all future Oscars telecasts (above on the red carpet) Following the blunder, pictures of Cullinan and Ruiz's homes were posted online and a stream of threats were directed at the accountants. As a result, PwC bosses decided they and their families should be given protection. Among the vile messages directed at them, TMZ reports, were: 'You f****** idiot, I will f*** you every day'. Another read: 'I hope you get fired and get cancer.' In pictures which emerged from backstage at Sunday's show, Cullinan can be seen glued to a television monitor broadcasting Stone's acceptance speech for Actress in a Leading Role while holding multiple envelopes and his phone. La la land: Backstage photos from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles show Pricewaterhouse Coopers accountant Brian Cullinan gawking at Emma Stone on a monitor (right) while ignoring Warren Beatty (left hugging Casey Affleck) Too many choices: In Cullinan's hand are a jumble of envelopes (above) and his phone, just seconds before he hands the wrong one off to Beatty Everyone else in the room is looking at Warren Beatty in the photo, who at that moment was hugging Casey Affleck after his Actor in a Leading Role win for Manchester by the Sea. Cullinan then handed off the wrong envelope to Beatty, but while the Bonnie & Clyde actor was blundering on stage with Faye Dunaway the accountant was completely oblivious to what was going on because he was too busy tweeting his picture of Stone. A photo shows the entire backstage crew and production staff with their eyes glued to the monitor, and Cullinan typing away on his phone. This is why it was announced by Academy president Cheryl Boone Issacs on Wednesday that Cullinan and his co-worker Martha Ruiz had been fired from their posts and barred from working any future Oscar ceremonies. It is unclear why Cullinan was even holding the Leading Actress envelop as the accountants rehearse the ceremony and he would have been aware that he was not responsible for handing off that award. Furthermore, the self-proclaimed Mat Damon look-alike may have been eager to quickly get his photo of Stone because he knew he had only once chance since she would not be part of the team that won Best Picture and therefore only backstage at that moment. Seduced by Stone: Cullinan is later seen ignoring the monitor while Beatty and Faye Dunaway are flubbing the Best Picture winner and busy on his phone tweeting Stone's photo (above) Ship adrift: Cullinan (right) was again seen keeping his distance from Beatty before he went out on stage The objects of their affection: Cullinan stares at his phone (left); Stone stares at her Oscar (right) Checking it twice: Cullinan was seen looking at a program (above) that clearly spelled out what envelopes he needed to hand out and when Cullinan shared an image of Stone after she won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role which had a time stamp of 9.05pm on Sunday. 'Best Actress Emma Stone backstage!' he wrote to his followers, adding the hashtag 'PwC' - a firm no-no in the eyes of the Academy which 'highly discourages' taking photographs of stars backstage or posting on social media, a source who was also working at the event told DailyMail.com. A look back at Sunday night's telecast reveals that the picture was posted on Twitter by Cullinan two minutes after Beatty and his Bonnie & Clyde co-star Faye Dunaway took the stage at the Dolby Theater at 9:03pm to present the last award of the night. The two said a few brief words and then threw to the clip package featuring the nine nominees in the category. At 9:05pm Beatty opened the envelope for Best Picture, with his first response after pulling out the card being to look inside for a second card and then appearing confused by what he was looking at. He stalled for a bit and then showed the card to Faye Dunaway, who at 9:07pm declared La La Land the winner, an announcement that brought the producers and cast of the film to the stage, including Stone who entered from backstage where Cullinan had just taken her picture. It was not until 9:10pm that Cullinan could be seen racing out from backstage to fix the situation however, and Moonlight was not revealed as the actual Best Picture winner until 9:13pm that night. Entrance: Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway took the stage holding the wrong envelope at 9:03pm (above) to introduce the Best Picture clip package Starstruck: Cullinan tweeted this photograph of Stone backstage at 9:05pm, the same time that Beatty was opening the wrong envelope Giving it a go: At 9:05pm Beatty opened the envelope to announce the Best Picture winner (above), but was delayed in revealing the winner because of his confusion Deep delay: Cullinan did not run out on stage to try and remedy the situation until 9:10pm (Cullinan above on left with Martha Ruiz of PricewaterhouseCoopers) Selfie time: Brian Cullinan (left with Oprah Winfrey in 2015, right with Matt Damon in 2016) is the PricewaterhouseCoopers accountant who handed off the wrong envelope to Warren Beatty at Sunday night's Oscar ceremony Cullinan remained on stage while the Moonlight cast began to come up and accept the award that was rightfully theirs, standing by Ruiz. He then exited with the cast and was seen returning backstage just behind one of the stars of the film, Janalae Monae. Cullinan then appeared to quickly flee the scene, as he was nowhere to be found while the rest of the cast and Beatty filed in after the shocking moment. Beatty can be seen on the backstage camera at one point apologizing to Moonlight director Barry Jenkins before saying: 'T hats one of the strangest things thats ever happened to me.' Previously released backstage footage from the awards telecast on Sunday also shows that Cullinan may have been more focused on taking that picture of Stone than checking to see that he had handed off the correct envelope. All-access footage shows the moments before the Oscars Best Picture Gaffe when Emma Stone returns backstage after collecting her Best Actress award to face a scrum of photographers with Leonardo di Caprio who'd presented the statue to her Winners: Stone and di Caprio were circled by photographers and admirers - among whom was Cullinan who waited to snap a photograph of Stone once the scrum had cleared Popular girl: The actress then hugged three admirers - including Best Actor winner Casey Affleck (left) and Brie Larson (right) before she was photographed by Cullinan as the rest of the guests prepared to hear who had won Best Picture Disbelief: Beatty could later be seen apologizing to Moonlight director Barry Jenkins backstage (above) Heading for the door: Cullinan (far right) could be seen returning backstage behind Moonlight star Janelle Monae (left) after the final award before quickly fleeing the scene The stage manager who witnessed Cullinan hand the wrong envelope to the stars, Debbie Williams, said in an interview with Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain that soon after La La Land was declared the winner in the category, the startled accountant stated: 'Its the wrong answer, its the wrong answer, its not that movie.' Thomas said that Cullinan did not rush out at that moment however and instead began to check with fellow accountant Martha Ruiz, with the two trying to figure out the situation. 'It seemed to us to take a very long time,' said Thomas. Cullinan, who enthusiastically posed for selfies and on the red carpet earlier in the night, later deleted the post of Stone. In an interview before the show got underway, he told Australian show Studio Ten there was a 'a lot of pressure' not to get it wrong. 'It's a lot of pressure but it's also a lot of fun. This is a great night to be a part of.' PwC took ownership of the catastrophic mistake on Monday, issuing a statement to say it had 'failed' the Academy. 'Once the error occurred, protocols for correcting it were not followed through quickly enough by Mr. Cullinan or his partner,' said the financial firm. The company has been trusted with handling the Oscar ballots for 82 years and is no doubt reeling from Cullinan's mistake. Unreal: Moonlight director Barry Jenkins held his hand to his mouth in disbelief while stars Trevante Rhodes and Mahershala Ali looked on stunned Worth the wait: Jenkins, producer Adele Romanski, Naomi Harris, Trevante Rhodes and Mahershala Ali wore matching looks of disbelief as they approached the stage Emotional moment: Mahershala Ali and Naomi Harris couldn't mask their bewilderment as they made their way to the stage Surprise: Shirley MacLaine (left) was almost as shocked as the Moonlight cast (Trevante Rhodes on left, Andre Holland on right) as they emerged the rightful winners Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs summed up the botched award presentation as 'horror'. 'I just thought, "What? What?" I looked out and I saw a member of Pricewaterhouse coming on the stage, and I was, like, "Oh, no, whatwhats happening? What what WHAT ? What could possibly...?" 'And then I just thought, "Oh, my God, how does this happen?" How. Does. This. Happen. And it was such a wonderful show,' she told The New Yorker afterwards. Stone was quick to clear up that she had no part to play in the blunder. 'I also was holding my best actress in a leading role card that entire time,' said Stone backstage. 'I don't mean to start stuff, but whatever story that was - I had that card.' The beginning of the end: Warren Beatty entered from stage right and can be seen walking to the podium holding an envelope that clearly said 'Actress in a Leading Role' (above) Cullinan emerged on stage with the right envelope moments later as stunned PwC aides looked on Not good: Ruiz and Cullinan look on after handing the correct envelope to Beatty, who reportedly refused to hand it over to stage manager Gary Natoli (center) Disbelief: Ryan Gosling (left) and Emma Stone (right) could be seen on stage as they learned about the mistake (above) It was only Cullinan's fourth Oscar ceremony, and he was stationed at the stage right entrance used by Beatty and his Bonnie & Clyde co-star Faye Dunaway when they walked out to present the award for Best Picture at the ceremony. It seems to be his favorite perk of the job, that and the many interviews and television appearances it comes with, photos of which he frequently posts on social media. Rough night: Cullinan (above in 2015 with Matthew McConaughey) is stationed at one of the entrances to the stage to hand out the envelope announcing the winner in each category Paparazzi: In addition to posing for photos with celebs when he can, Cullinan also snaps backstage pics of some stars (Sofia Vergara left in 2015, Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet right) Big deal: Cullinan posted grabs from his Fox News interview over the weekend (above) In addition to his Oscar duties, Cullinan is a US Board Member at PwC and Managing Partner for the Southern California, Nevada and Arizona Markets - and according to the company, a Matt Damon lookalike. In the past four years, Cullinan has managed to snap photos with a number of A-list celebrities at the Oscars, and happily shares the photos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Among the celebs he has posed with are Oprah Winfrey, Matt Damon, Chrissy Teigen. Cullinan has also taken backstage shots of a number of stars, including Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara and Kate Winslet at the 2016 ceremony. Cullinan spoke about his job in an interview with his Cornell alumni magazine a few years back, raving about the celebrity access it affords him and telling a story about how Samuel L. Jackson has a photo of him on his cell phone. 'Everyone who goes out [on stage], you're hanging out with right before,' said Cullinan. 'I was standing next to and chit-chattingit's mostly small talkwith Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Bette Midler, Matthew McConaughey. To see all those people in the course of about an hourit's a unique spot to be in.' PwC earlier issued a statement to confirm he was responsible for the mistake. 'The presenters had mistakenly been given the wrong category envelope and when discovered, was immediately corrected. We are currently investigating how this could have happened, and deeply regret that this occurred. A paedophile who left a four-year-old boy with brain and spinal injuries after using pliers to inflict injuries has been jailed for life. Dean Cardiss, 33, 'took pleasure' from torturing children, inflicting horrendous physical, sexual and mental abuse on his young victims. Cardiss, of Leeds, West Yorks, is also thought to have used a horse whip on the boy, attacked him with a Samuari sword and used a wooden plank to beat him. Dean Cardiss, from Leeds, was jailed for life after he was found guilty of carrying out sadistic abuse on young children Medics were shocked when they examined the extent of the boy's injuries and said he would have been in agony when they were inflicted. Prosecutors at Leeds Crown Court described how Cardiss took 'obvious pleasure' in causing injuries to the boy. The boy appeared 'lifeless' when he was taken to Leeds General Infirmary in 2015 suffering from head injuries and had bruises and burns to his body. He had also suffered injuries to his spinal cord and had fractures to his vertebrae, heel and pelvis. Doctors also found evidence that the boy had been sexually abused. Cardiss was also found guilty of violent offences against two girls when they were aged around three or four years old. Cardiss used hair straighteners and hair dryers to inflict burn injuries against the girls. He also used the back of a red hot hair dryer to inflict a 'branding' mark to the boy's body. Cardiss denied any offending at his trial, blaming others for inflicting the injuries. He was found guilty of one offence of wounding with intent, five offences of inflicting grievous bodily harm, one offence of assault by penetration and nine offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge Guy Kearl, QC, told Cardiss he was imposing the life sentence because he was 'intelligent and manipulative' and posed a danger not only to children but adults. Leeds Crown Court, where he was told he would serve a minimum of 11 years in a life sentence for his abusive crimes He was told he must serve a minimum of 11 years in custody. The judge said: 'The offences can best be described as you torturing those children. 'The public needs protecting against you for the foreseeable future.' Detective Chief Inspector Warren Stevenson, of West Yorkshire Police, said: 'Cardiss was responsible for inflicting a horrendous catalogue of abuse on the victims, who were vulnerable and defenceless young children. 'The nature of the injuries he caused to them, particularly to the young boy, indicate that these were systematic and deliberate acts from which he derived some sort of sick satisfaction and sense of power. 'The evidence identified during our investigation shows that he is clearly a controlling bully of the worst kind and we hope the significant sentence he has received will provide some reassurance to the families of the victims and to the wider community who will be understandably shocked by what he has done. 'We will always treat any offences of abuse against children very seriously and we have specialist safeguarding officers who will continue to work closely with their colleagues in local authorities and other partner agencies to protect children from harm. 'This was an extremely challenging case where painstaking efforts were required to get the accounts of these young victims, and we are very grateful to all the health and social care professionals who played their part in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.' Page Content The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is currently working on an exploratory opinion on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) post 2020, requested by the European Commission's Vice-President Frans Timmermans. This opinion will feed into a communication on simplifying and modernising the CAP, which is due to be published in November 2017. The rapporteur on the opinion, Guillaume Cros (FR/PES), Vice-President of the Occitanie regional council, together with his expert would be happy to meet with representatives of local and regional authorities and other stakeholders for a consultation and an exchange of views on this important topic for local and regional authorities. The consultation will take place on: 8 March 2017 between 14:30 and 18:30 in the Committee of the Regions building (Rue Belliard 99-101, B-1040 Brussels) Room JDE 51 After an introduction by the rapporteur, the audience will be invited to exchange their views with the rapporteur. To shape the debate, a working document will be sent in the coming days to the registered participants. Your comments and reflections will be welcomed on 8 March. Likewise, should you have any position papers relevant to the subject, be so kind to send them to us by e-mail using the address below. The meeting will be held in French with simultaneous interpretation, allowing you to speak in English, German and Polish as well. Please note that the rapporteur's mother tongue is French. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED Please note that due to security reasons - only registered persons have access to the Committee's building. A dream wedding in Thailand turned deadly after celebratory gunfire shot off by guests killed an innocent neighbour. Sumet Lomrob, 25, posed in wedding pictures on Sunday brandishing two automatic assault rifles while his wife, who has not been named, stood next to him her white dress. The couple took similar photos for their wedding invitation. Hours later, as his friends and family paraded through the country road near his village letting off gunfire, a stray bullet hit Thanet Kinwong, 37, as he sat in front of a friend's home. Sumet Lomrob, 25, and his wedding party let off celebratory gunfire while walking through the roads of the Chonburi province of Thailand, and accidentally killed neighbor Thanet Kinwong. Lomrob and his wife had posed with assault rifles in their wedding invitation (pictured above) Thanet was killed instantly when the bullet - let loose from about 100metres away - struck the left side of his chest. The wedding party first denied any involvement but five guests and the groom have now been charged after handing themselves in to the police station in Chonburi province of Thailand. Police said that four men had admitting to firing guns during the parade. They were Wasin Kongkaew, 20, Arthit Lomrob, 20, Jirapat Lomrob, 20, and Tinnaphat Charoensiri, 23. A fifth man, Sahaphab Saboorum, 21, later turned himself in. The groom confessed to owning one of the guns used by his friends and relatives and was charged with possession of illegal weapons. The wedding party first denied any involvement but five guests and the groom have now been charged after handing themselves in to the police station Lt Col Prasith Mansri said officials were still investigating which gun fired the bullet that killed the innocent man. Pictured above, the men who were arrested are guided into a police vehicle The case sparked outrage on social media and the dead man's widow Weerawan Suppachon, 47, branded the men 'heartless'. She said: 'I want to know what their hearts are made of. Why did they dare fire a volley of shots in a residential area, where there are hundred of homes?' Lt Col Prasith Mansri said officials were still investigating which gun fired the bullet that killed the innocent man. The groom was released on bail while the five gusts were remanded in custody before a court hearing next week. French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has lost her European parliament immunity from prosecution in an obscene videos case that could see her jailed for three years. The 48-year-old leader of the far-right Front National (FN) now faces being summoned by a French judge, and being charged with 'distributing violent images'. Le Pen caused outrage by using Twitter to publish films including one showing the decapitated U.S. journalist James Foley. French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen (pictured) has lost her European parliament immunity from prosecution in an obscene videos case that could see her jailed for three years Now EU parliamentarians have voted to strip Ms Le Pen, who is an MEP, of immunity that would have protected her from legal action. The decision will now be communicated to an examining magistrate in Nanterre, the Paris suburb, who has the power to summon Le Pen for an interrogation. She could then be charged before the French presidential elections start in April. It follows Ms Le Pen refusing to cooperate with the French judicial authorities over a separate case in which she is accused of creating fake jobs in the European Parliament so as to embezzle money from the EU. In turn, Le Pen has complained of a political plot, saying: 'This only shows French citizens what the EU is, what the European Parliament is it's all part of the system that wants to stop the French people's candidate that I am.' Le Pen posted an image of freelance journalist James Foley's decapitated body on Twitter Le Pen posted the three pictures in December 2015 during a Twitter spat with a journalist who compared the FN to jihadi terrorists. John and Diane Foley, the father and mother of James Foley, said the uncensored picture of their son - who was executed in 2014 - was used by Le Pen for political gain. Other images showed a man on fire in a cage, and another being run over by a tank. An investigation was launched by French prosecutors for the crime of 'distributing violent images', but Le Pen refused to cooperate, saying she was exempt as an MEP. Members of the EU's legal affairs committee voted to lift Le Pen's immunity earlier in the week, and the decision has now been ratified by the full parliament. If she is convicted, Le Pen could face three years in prison, or a fine of more than 60,000. Foley's parents, John and Diane Foley, hit out at her for posting the image for political gain Although MEPs have immunity from prosecutions in order to protect their freedom of speech, countries can request for these to be lifted at any time. Lifting the immunity will apply to the tweets, and not to the fake jobs allegations that could eventually see Le Pen jailed for 10 years. Ms Le Pen last lost her EU privilege against prosecution in 2013, after she compared Muslims praying in the street because they had no mosques to occupying Nazis. She was accused of 'incitement to discrimination over people's religious beliefs', but was cleared after a trial in 2015. Ms Le Pen's father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has a string of convictions behind him for racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia. He remains the honorary president of the FN, and also another of the party's leading MEPs. Polls suggest Ms Le Pen will win the first round of French presidential elections in April, but is then expected to lose the second round. The current favourite to win is independent candidate Emmanuel Macron, who today outlined his manifesto for government. A Sydney Muslim psychologist and ABC religion contributor writer has called on her 'brothers and sisters in Islam' to keep reproducing so their religion can one day overtake Christianity. Hanan Dover made the seemingly tongue-in-cheek comments on Facebook next to a story predicting that Islam will surpass Christianity to become the most popular religion in the world by 2070 - along with the hashtag #creepingsharia. The Pew Research Centre, based in Washington DC, this week released research forecasting Islam's share of the the world's population will equal the Christian share - at roughly 32 per cent in 53 years' time. Sydney Muslim psychologist Hanan Dover encouraged Muslims on Facebook to reproduce Hanan Dover's Facebook post says Muslims should 'exercise our Weapons of Mass Reproduction' Ms Dover, who works as a psychologist at Bankstown in Sydney's south-west and is a court-appointed psychologist for terror suspects, posted a Facebook message about those findings. 'Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,' she wrote. 'We need not do anything except exercise our Weapons of Mass Reproduction. 'The most non-violent approach of taking over the No. 1 spot through love making.' Hanan Dover said Islam could become the world's No. 1 religion 'through love making' Next to the word 'takbir', which an Arabic Islamic term for 'God is the greatest', she included the hashtag: 'creepingsharia'. Ms Dover is the founder of the Mission of Hope charity for Muslims and runs eight psychology practices in Sydney, known as Psych Central. She is also a controversial figure. The Australian Federal Police last year alleged she knew of plans by Islamist sympathisers to leave Australia and fight with Islamic State but she had said nothing, the Herald Sun reported in September 2016. Ms Dover denied the allegations. Hanan Dover told a forum at the University of Western Sydney in 2002 that homosexuality was forbidden in Islam The psychologist says Lebanese Muslim GP Jamal Rifi has 'zero expertise in radicalisation' The court-appointed psychologist slammed Lebanese Muslim GP Dr Jamal Rifi who is praised by both sides of politics for his work tackling radicalisation The psychologist has a history of attacking secular Muslims in Facebook posts. She has previously slammed Sydney-based Lebanese Muslim GP Dr Jamal Rifi, who has been praised by both sides of politics for his work to tackle Islamic radicalisation. 'For crying out loud a million times, Dr Jamal Rifi who has zero expertise in radicalisation and extremism should not be given air time,' she said on Facebook in October 2015, after he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Canberra. 'Since when do radicalised youth, whatever that is supposed to mean, need medical doctors? 'Far out. Only a narcissistic type chameleon will try their very best to keep themselves relevant. He is the perfect example.' This was also in the days after 15-year-old schoolboy Farhad Jabar shot dead accountant and father-of-two Curtis Cheng outside the New South Wales Police headquarters at Parramatta, in Sydney's west. Hanan Dover in October 2015 accused A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw of doing a journalistic beat-up about the Parramatta shooting The psychologist also accused A Current Affair of misreporting the Parramatta shooting in October 2015 In another post, Hanan Dover described A Current Affair as 'racist journalistic vomit' Ms Dover, who has written opinion pieces for the ABC's Religion and Ethics website, attacked A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw during that same week. She had objected to an initial Nine Network report which said the gunman was of Middle Eastern appearance, even though the killer, who police shot dead, was born in Iran. 'This is the level of racist moronic journalist beat-up that we have to live with,' she said on Facebook. 'Tracy is not "possibly" a moron, she is one.' She added A Current Affair was 'racist journalistic vomit' in another Facebook post from October 2015. Farhad Jabar was 15 when he shot dead accountant Curtis Cheng outside the New South Wales police headquarters at Parramatta, in October 2015 The psychologist said one of her colleagues knew Farhad Jabar, before he shot dead an accountant in Parramatta During that same week, she published another Facebook post which said a colleague of hers knew Farhad shortly before he was shot dead. 'My community colleague is the person who had close contact with him before his death,' she said. In 2002, she told a forum at the University of Western Sydney's Bankstown campus that homosexuality was forbidden, or haram, under Islamic law. 'If Allah loves homosexuals, he will also loves thieves, murderers, liars, hypocrites, criminals,' she said. 'How can Allah accept a behaviour that he has told us is not permissible?' 'Did Allah make a mistake and say that homosexuality is haram for about 1400 hundred years and when humans are ready, they can start disobeying my laws, being a progressive civilisation, and I will start accepting all evils? C'mon.' Despite that, she signed a media statement with other Islamic community leaders in June 2016 expressing sympathy for the 49 people killed at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. A 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Tuesday night could be with a 37-year-old man, police claim. Shiloh Jackson, also known as Shilo Miller, was last seen at a Lake Illawarra home, south of Wollongong. Police said they are seriously concerned for her welfare and have been told she could be with David Miller, a 37-year-old man from the Oak Flats area. Shiloh Jackson, 14, was last seen at a Lake Illawarra home, south of Wollongong, on Tuesday (pictured) Shiloh is Caucasian with a medium build and blonde hair. She is between 155-165cms. Mr Miller is between 175-180cms tall and has a slim build with brown hair. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Ebola nurse Salome Karwah, 28, from Liberia, died after giving birth to her fourth son. She was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2014 An Ebola nurse who was named Time magazine's person of the year in 2014 has died after giving birth to a son. Salome Karwah, 28, from Liberia, gave birth to Jeramiah by cesarean section on February 17. But husband James Harris claims medical staff were unwilling to touch her because she was a survivor of Ebola. The mother-of-four, who tested negative for the disease, was re-admitted to hospital when she experienced complications after the birth. Mr Harris said his wife started having convulsions and foamed at the mouth. He told NPR: '[The doctor] was checking Facebook. 'Nurses came to help me, but the doctor told me that she would not touch her, and that if [Salome] stayed [at the hospital] she would die.' He said that hospital workers did not treat her as quickly as they could have because of lingering superstitions about Ebola survivors. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Francis Kateh, told the BBC: 'We have to do a thorough investigation.' Husband James Harris claims medical staff were unwilling to touch her because she was a survivor of Ebola. Chief Medical Officer Dr Francis Kateh said the matter is being investigated During the Ebola crisis of 2014, Ms Karwah lost her mother, father and brother to the disease. The couple, who met in 2013, both caught the disease in the summer of 2014. Ms Karwah, who was pregnant at the time, her sister and Mr Harris survived the outbreak. When they recovered, they were hired by Doctors Without Borders to help care for sufferers at their unit in Monrovia. Ms Karwah caught Ebola in the summer of 2014 but miraculously survived, along with husband James Harris and her sister. She was hired by Doctors Without Borders to help after she recovered While working for the charity, Ms Karwah was not afraid to touch people with the disease and soothed crying babies back to sleep. As she had survived the usually deadly disease, she could touch sufferers and not be at risk of contracting Ebola again. At the end of 2014, the nurse was named by Time Magazine, along with a group of 'Ebola Fighters' as Person of the Year. She married Mr Harris in January 2016. As she had survived the usually deadly disease, she could touch sufferers and not be at risk of contracting Ebola again. She was able to comfort her patients and sooth babies to sleep Ms Karwah's friend Adolphus Mawolo has launched a crowdfunding page to help support Mr Harris, who is unemployed, and his four children. Mr Mawolo hopes to raise $20,000 to pay for medical bills, food, clothing and shelter. To donate, visit his GoFundMe page. Derry McCann admitted the charges of rape and robbery against him committed earlier this year A convicted rapist has admitted 'sustained and systematic' rape of a stranger hours before he married his pregnant fiancee. Derry McCann, 28, attacked the 24-year-old woman in a park in Hackney, east London, as she walked home after a night out with friends in the early hours of January 13. McCann tied the knot at The Vestry in Bromley-by-Bow later that day and posted pictures of himself with his new wife on his public Facebook page. It mirrors a similar assault for which he was jailed in 2006, after he attacked a lawyer in a park in east London, telling an accomplice he would 'have fun with this one'. He was sentenced to life with a minimum of nine years, and the judge said there was a risk he would strike again. The defendant, of Hackney, east London, fixed his eyes on the ground as he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of robbery at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 2. Honorary Recorder Martyn Zeidman told the rapist he had carried out a 'terrible' crime and faced a 'very, very long time' in prison. First dance: Derry Flynn McCann, 28, pictured with his new wife on their wedding day - the groom has since admitted rape, robbery and assault carried out that day McCann played 'mind games' with his victim after dragging her into the undergrowth, taunting her by asking what she thought he would do next, Snaresbrook Crown Court was told. McCann also snatched the woman's mobile phone and bra, the court heard. Kate Bex, prosecuting, said: 'It was about midnight, just a little after, and the victim was walking a short distance home having been out to an art gallery, socialising with friends. 'She was almost within sight of her own front door when she skirted round the side of the park on her usual route home. 'She avoided walking through the middle of it because that was too dangerous, she walked around the side, but unfortunately when near the exit of the park the defendant grabbed her arm and pulled her to one side. 'He began a sustained and systematic attack, best described as mind games in an attempt to control her. Asking the victim what she thought he was going to do to her before actually carrying out the acts. The attack took place in Victoria Park, Hackney, pictured, in which a 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted 'He behaved oddly in other respects in interacting with the victim concerning the condom he used when he penetrated and ejaculated.' McCann will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 28. The court heard that in May 2006, when he was 17 and on a tag for burglary he preyed on the 30-year-old trainee lawyer as she made her way home through an east London park. After snatching the woman's handbag he chillingly told an accomplice: 'I'm gonna have some fun with this one.' He then dragged her down to the secluded banks of a pond in Mile End Park to inflict a string of disturbing sexual assaults. McCann began his assault by biting her on the cheek before alternately beating and raping her. During the prolonged assault he told her she was his girlfriend and he wanted her to have his child before saying he was going to chain her up in his basement where he kept other women. Snaresbrook Crown Court where McCann will return for sentencing on April 28 after admitting rape and assault A detective at the time said he put his victim through a 'life-changing trauma that will haunt her for the rest of her life'. Judge Lindsay Burn had expressed deep concern over his 'clinical enactment of a catalogue of sexual desires', which amounted to 'torture'. The judge said: 'Some of the most bizarre and worrying features of the evidence was your repeated threats to kill the complainant and your change of mood. 'On the one hand you were a sexual aggressor, then you almost completely switched to the role of boyfriend, talking to her in a normal way.' Judge Burn was so concerned about him he ordered a transcript of his sentencing remarks to be sent to the governor of the prison. He said: 'In my judgement there's a very substantial risk that you will commit further serious offences in the future and your conduct will cause serious harm to your victim or victims.' As McCann was given a life sentence, with a minimum of nine years before he can be released on parole, he yelled out: 'B*******, you don't know me. F*** all you c****.' He also warned the prison guards not to touch him as he was led away. McCann's furious family were then escorted out of the building by 12 officers after shouting at the judge for jailing their 'innocent' son. Crown Prosecution Service London reviewing lawyer Andrew Held said: 'This was a terrifying, violent and prolonged attack involving rapes committed by a man intent on inflicting fear and psychological suffering. 'The strong prosecution case which led to today's guilty pleas included victim testimony, an ID parade, CCTV footage, and bad character evidence based on a similar rape committed by McCann in 2006. 'I would like to thank McCann's victim for her courage in helping bring this prosecution and hope his conviction provides some sense of justice for her.' Kevin M Sullivan, 61, of Atlanta, was sentenced to six years in jail for downloading child porn A professor has been jailed for six years for using the Emory University Wi-Fi download 8,000 images of child porn. Kevin M Sullivan of Atlanta tried to cover his tracks by using his personal computer on the college's internet system. The 61-year-old was logging onto a banned site in Switzerland to gain access to the illegal pictures. US Attorney John Horn said Sullivan will be on seven years of supervised release after his sentence. He told AJC: 'Sullivan downloaded thousands of files depicting the sexual abuse of children. 'He attempted to cover his tracks by using his personal computer on the internet system at Emory to download the images. 'As predators continue to try to develop new methods to feed and download child pornography, we will continue to find them and prosecute them.' The former epidemiology professor was caught when agents were tipped off in October 2014 by Swiss authorities who seized a server that was hosting child pornography. The pedophile was a professor of epidemiology at Emory University (pictured) in Atlanta When they scoured the logins, it appeared someone in the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory was using the Wi-Fi to download pictures. The university's IT department liaised with detectives and it was discovered the site was being accessed by the pedophile. Agents swooped on his office when he left work in June 2015 and found child porn on his laptop and external hard drive. He was arrested at home, where his computer also showed evidence of banned images. As well as the time he will serve in prison, Sullivan must pay a $15,000 fine. Laura Beal, 33, from Exeter in Devon, quit her local force after 13 years because she felt the constabulary was being run like a business A former 'poster girl' police officer has posted a scathing resignation letter on Facebook which slams understaffing and budget cuts. Laura Beal, 33, from Exeter in Devon, quit her local force after 13 years because she felt the constabulary was being run like a business. The dedicated officer said she was distraught, but could no longer cope with what the job had become. She said her patch often had no emergency cover and coppers are left to suffer unsupported. Ms Beal became a 'poster girl' for the force back in 2010 - featuring in the 'You matter, we care' campaign. But in a letter addressed to chief constable Shaun Sawyer and posted on Facebook she criticises the force for her role 'becoming something I didn't want to be'. She revealed she was forced to cover her Mid Devon patch with just one other response officer and they were always forced to work alone. They would also often be diverted to emergency incidents in other areas - leaving the patch with no emergency cover at all. Scroll down for the full letter She wrote: 'I joined in 2004 having followed in my father's footsteps and was so proud to call myself a Police Officer. 'However, as my career has progressed the total lack of support both governmental and from the Chief Officer Group has made me lose all faith in the job I loved. 'I am expected to go on patrol covering Mid-Devon with one other officer most days and this is meant to be adequate staffing and safe. 'How this can be acceptable is beyond belief. I have always worked to the best of my ability as I had pride in what I did. This however is not possible any more.' Ms Beal became a 'poster girl' for the force back in 2010 - featuring in the 'You matter, we care' campaign She said her patch often had no emergency cover and coppers are left to suffer unsupported WHAT IS THE TRUTH OF POLICE NUMBERS? Despite grumbles from senior officers, police numbers are broadly similar to when Tony Blair opened the spending taps. In March 1998 when Labour had been in office for around ten months police strength, excluding long-term sick officers, in England and Wales was 124,759. By last year, the figure was 118,779, nearly 6,000 fewer. But there were also 11,043 police community support officers meaning there were a total of 129,822 police and PCSOs in the 43 forces. PCSOs were introduced in 2002. Senior officers and the Police Federation, which represents the rank and file, have bemoaned the axe being taken to full-time officers. But the boom in numbers under Labour coincided with a splurge in spending. Between 1997-98 and the peak year of 2009-10, direct Government funding for the police soared in real terms from 7.4billion to 9.5billion some 28 per cent. But after the 2010 General Election the incoming Tory-led Coalition forced chief constables to tighten their belts. Central government funding to police forces fell by 2.3billion or 25 per cent between 2010-11 and 2015-16. Critics who warned that this would lead to a field day for criminals were proved wrong. Offending actually fell. In the year to last September, there were 6.2million crimes, figures show. In 1995 there were more than 19million. Advertisement In the letter, which has been shared hundreds of times on social media, Ms Beal said the stress of her job was making her ill. She added: 'I am and was a good Police Officer and you are losing more and more every day. 'Staff are not coping, and are suffering because there is no one looking out for them. Please take it from someone who has been personally affected. 'Front line response is where you need to focus your time and money. 'This is where the buck stops. We are always called upon when things need doing and when things go wrong in every department.' In the letter, which has been shared hundreds of times on social media, Ms Beal (pictured with her partner) said the stress of her job was making her ill Since she posted the letter this week Ms Beal said she has been stunned by the positive response she has had from the public. Speaking today, she said things had been getting progressively worse since Theresa May, while Home Secretary, announced policing reform in 2010 to make drastic cuts. Ms Beal said: 'I could see the job I loved and the people I respect get ruined because of an organisation that puts its employees last. 'I know it's personal but I thought I'd share my resignation letter so everyone knows what this means to me and that it's not been an easy decision. ' In the letter, which has been shared hundreds of times on social media, Ms Beal said the stress of her job was making her ill She added: 'I was not able to mentally cope. It is so sad. It all started when Theresa May announced she was cutting all the numbers when she was Home Secretary. 'If I was a member of the public, I would be concerned. How are we able to serve the public if we are not mentally able top do it? There is not enough of us. 'I am gutted that I am being forced out of a job that I love, and I was bloody good at. 'This is only going to get worse unless they stop the cuts and put people back on the front -line. 'Every year things have got worse and more and more cuts are made. I was becoming the old sweat in the corner; miserable but not doing anything about it. 'Instead of just sitting there in silence I wanted to take control of my life. There is just not enough of us. We are drowning and you can not function. 'You only have to look at all the comments to see that. There are so many people saying they wish they had the guts but can not do what I have done.' in a letter addressed to chief constable Shaun Sawyer (pictured) and posted on Facebook she criticises the force for her role 'becoming something I didn't want to be' Ms Beal, who says she has worked in response her whole career, was also a sexual offences liaison officer and grew up wanting to follow in her father's footsteps. She added: 'My dad was a police officer I grew up with all his stories. It was the proudest day of my life when I followed in his footsteps. 'I have not heard anything from the force about me going public and I don't expect to. 'But the support I have had has blown me away and everyone has been so lovely. I keep getting floored, but it has obviously touched a nerve. 'I am shocked. There are so many people saying they have been treated the same way I have. 'It is just not right and it is about time something was done about it.' Ms Beal is now launching her own dog grooming business in the area. Supt Jim Colwell, Devon Commander, said he was 'sympathetic to the reasons she gives for leaving the force' and thanked her for her 'loyal service'. 'Hearing of an officer resigning is sad, particularly when this is done so publicly,' he said. 'We do hear concerns from officers and staff and recognise where they are feeling the strain. 'We acknowledge that these issues undoubtedly have an impact on staff wellbeing.' He said there had been a series of initiatives including a 'peer support network, a counselling service and we have implemented the Blue Light programme developed by mental health charity Mind, aimed at emergency services staff'. MS BEAL'S RESIGNATION LETTER I am Police Constable 6552 Laura BEAL on Response covering MID-DEVON and I am writing this to you to inform you that as of this date; Tuesday 28th February 2017 I am resigning my post as Police Constable. This will be my 13th year as a Police Constable as this has been my life since I was 19 years old. I am sure that what I am about to say will not be knew information to you, but I feel I owe it to myself and my colleagues to tell you my reasons for leaving. I joined in 2004 having followed in my father's footsteps and was so proud to call myself a Police Officer, however as my career has progressed the total lack of support both governmental and from the Chief Officer Group has made me lose all faith in the job I loved. I am expected to go on patrol covering MID-DEVON with one other officer most days and this is meant to be adequate staffing and safe. How this can be acceptable is beyond belief. I have always worked to the best of my ability as I had pride in what I did. This however is not possible any more. As a result of the way I have been treated within this organisation I have to undergo Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as I now suffer with anxiety, depression and stress. I would rather take the massive pay cut and quit than spend one day longer in a job that is making me ill. I am and was a good Police Officer and you are losing more and more every day, only to be replaced by new recruits who have little to no people skills however are able to answer exams effectively. I have seen Police Officers who are completely incompetent get promoted because it's been too difficult for higher management to manage them so promoting them and moving them is the easy option. I have also seen incredible supervisors in their roles be moved because a space needed filling. I am sure you have bigger and more important things to be doing than listen to what seems to be a standard resignation letter from an upset employee, but I implore you to please hear this; Your staff are not coping, and are suffering because there is no one looking out for them. Please take it from someone who has been personally affected and has been so low she has wondered what the point of it all is, and only through her friends and family been able to see that there is more to life than Policing. Front line response is where you need to focus your time and money. This is where the buck stops. We are always called upon when things need doing and when things go wrong in every department. I was one of the lucky ones and have had the personal support at home to get out however there are so many that are unable to do so because they are either alone or financially dependent on the organisation. We are more like a business now in how we function in relation to finance and 'customer' relations, yet we are so far behind on employee rights. I am leaving before this job kills me both physically and mentally. I am not only sad because I see what is potentially an amazing career get ruined by hypocrisy and lack of funding; but also because I know I am not the only one going through this and not everyone that needs the help and support will be as lucky as I am to be able to leave. I have so many I people I love still in the job and I want so much for their lives to get better and you have the power to make that possible. It is your responsibility to make this right; the front line needs more officers, leadership and managerial support. Advertisement A man has allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend's new partner with a machete, slashing him on the arm. CCTV footage captured the alleged attack on Wright Street in Adelaide's inner city around 10.30pm on Wednesday night, according to 9News. A man can be seen pushing another man as a young woman tries to intervene and shouts for help. Scroll down for video CCTV footage captured a man allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend with a machete in Adelaide on Wednesday night (pictured) A man can be seen swinging the large knife as a woman tried to intervene and yelled for help (pictured) Suddenly one of the men is seen suddenly swinging a machete, cutting the other man on his arm. Police said the men are known to each other. Joe Liu, a nearby shop owner, told 9News the two men were fighting over a woman. 'I reckon it was about a girl, that's what they said,' he said. 'I think the ex-boyfriend tried to fight the boyfriend.' Police said the men are known to each other (pictured) Mr Liu said the size of the knife was 'quite shocking.' The injured man was taken to hospital to be treated. Police said they know who the suspect is but have yet to arrest him. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. A Tory aide has been charged with rape in an attack that allegedly took place in an MP's office. Samuel Armstrong, 23, of Danbury, near Chelmsford, Essex, is accused of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Mr Armstrong, chief of staff to Craig MacKinlay MP, has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday March 31. In October the office of the MP for South Thanet, Kent, was raided by six uniformed officers and sealed as a crime scene. Sam Armstrong (pictured right with David Cameron) will appear in court on March 31 accused of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault Sam Armstrong, left, chief of staff to Craig MacKinlay MP, right, has been charged with allegedly raping a woman in Parliament last year There was no immediate response from Mr Mackinlay, who suspended him after his arrest. But at the time his spokesman said: 'Craig was made aware of an allegations against a member of his staff and following a request from police and parliamentary officials, gave access to his office'. In press reports following his arrest Mr Armstrong is said to have been drinking with a group of Tory aides and female guests at the taxpayer-subsidised bar on the Parliamentary estate. A woman then claimed she went with him to Mr Mackinlay's parliamentary office in the nearby Norman Shaw North complex of the estate where she was raped. Mr Armstrong, who has posed for pictures with former Prime Minister David Cameron, was banned from entering the Parliamentary estate until further notice. Police were called to the Palace of Westminster at around 1am after the alleged victim raised the alarm. The Norman Shaw buildings on the Embankment by the Thames were the Metropolitan Police HQ before New Scotland Yard opened nearby in Westminster. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command investigating an allegation of rape have charged a man. 'Samuel Armstrong, 23, of Copt Hill, Danbury, was charged on Thursday, March 2 with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. 'He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, March 31.' 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." The son of a Bangladeshi immigrant is to follow in the footsteps of Princes William and Harry after winning a 76,000 scholarship to the prestigious Eton school. Kaashif Kamaly, 15, will swap Forest Gate in the East End of London for the hallowed halls of the world-famous public school after winning a two-year scholarship. He will rub shoulders with the elite when he takes his place at the school near Windsor, Berkshire, to study A-level Maths, Chemistry, English Literature, Biology and History next September. Kaashif, who has an older brother, Ihtisham 21, and a younger sister Tasneem, nine, is looking forward to going to Eton but insists he won't forget his roots. Kaashif Kamaly, 15, is predicted to get all A* grades in his GCSE exams and earned himself a two-year scholarship at Eton The 15-year-old studies at the Forest Gate Community School in east London (pictured) and the school is rated Ofsted Outstanding He said: 'My family have struggled their entire life to make a better future for me and my siblings. I am a product of that environment. 'I haven't known privilege like many of the pupils at Eton. 'I have this extraordinary opportunity that I will grab with both hands but it won't change who I am and where I have come from, nor would I want it to.' Kaashif credits his immigration officer father, Shah, who works at Heathrow Airport despite a disability. His mother was born in Bangladesh, while his father was born in the UK but returned to Bangladesh to be educated. He moved back to London after to school to work when he was a teenager. He described his father as being his 'hero' for instilling the work ethic that has helped him succeed. He added: 'My dad has a lot of injuries, shattered knee and slipped disc, but has instilled moral and ethics that you have to work, you have to pay your way in the world. 'He crosses London every day to work at Heathrow airport to work as an immigration officer. He is always at work trying to make life better for his family. He is my hero.' Kaashif currently attends Forest Gate Community School, where despite over two thirds of pupils being classed as disadvantaged, the school is rated Ofsted Outstanding. Kaashif (right, next to his father Shah) is looking forward to going to Eton but insists he won't forget his roots It was ranked 14th best in the country for GCSE results and this year won the Evening Standard Best School in Challenging Circumstances award. Kaashif, who is predicted A* in all his GCSEs, added: 'Eton is a fantastic school, probably the best in the country, but what the teachers have helped me achieve at Forest Gate Community School is even bigger. 'The pupils at Eton are sons of Kings and Queens, Lords and Judges. In this area, there are many, many social problems. 'Gangs, drugs, crime, poverty, these are common issues in Newham. Teachers won't have had to help pupils at Eton deal with that.' Eton, founded by Henry VI in 1440, has produced a host of leading public figures, including the former Prime Minster David Cameron and Home Secretary Boris Johnson Prime Minister. Other well-known Old Etonians include cultural figures such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, George Orwell, Hugh Laurie and Damian Lewis. Kaashif added: 'It is much harder to help someone make something of themselves coming from this background than it will be at top independent schools. The journey we have to take is much harder and longer. 'That doesn't make me feel intimidated. Instead it has built a fire inside me. It just means I have to worker harder, work longer. 'It doesn't bother me. It is something I have had to do my entire life. It is no struggle. What my dad has had to do to make a good life for his family, that is struggle.' Kaashif is the second pupil from Forest Gate Community School to have won a scholarship to Eton after former pupil Ishak Ayiris earned a place at the prestigious school in 2014. Kaashif (centre) was photographed with his father Shah (left) and his brother Ihtisham (right) Eton (pictured) has produced a host of leading public figures, including the former Prime Minster David Cameron He is now studying at the School of African and Oriental Studies. Headteacher Simon Elliott said: 'Something has happened at this school that even as headteacher is difficult to quantify. 'We have students now who despite coming from one of the poorest areas in the country have the same belief as pupils at top independent schools, that nothing is out of their reach. 'This is the kind of success we believe should and could be replicated at other schools with a similar profile to ours. Background should be no barrier to belief and ultimately success. We have proved that.' FOREST GATE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Number of pupils: 2,045 Fees: None Uniform: Black blazer with logo, plain white shirt, tie, optional jumper, plain black trousers or a plain black skirt Advertisement ETON COLLEGE, BERKSHIRE Number of pupils: 1,320 Fees: 12,354 a term Uniform: Black tailcoat and waistcoat, false-collar and pinstriped trousers. Pupils typically wear a white tie Advertisement Because his father works the family are not eligible for pupil premium money but are said come from a low socio economic background. He has received a 100 per cent scholarship to Eton which means the family meet a low-income threshold. None of Kaashif's family have ever been to university. Iran could purchase warships, submarines and missiles as early as 2020, when a United Nations resolution banning them from acquiring sophisticated weapons is lifted, according to the US Office of Naval Intelligence. The resolution's expiration will 'allow Iran to pursue foreign acquisitions that have been inaccessible since sanctions were imposed', according to a new assessment of Iran's naval forces. The weapons ban will be lifted in 2020 as part of an international deal struck in July 2015 between the United States, five allies and Iran in hopes of curtailing the country's nuclear program. A UN resolution banning Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons expires in 2020. The expiration will 'allow Iran to pursue foreign acquisitions that have been inaccessible since sanctions were imposed', according to a new report on Iran's naval forces. The weapons ban will be lifted in 2020 as part of an international deal struck in July 2015 in hopes of curtailing the country's nuclear program. Pictured above, Iranian navy fires a Mehrab missile during the "Velayat-90" naval wargames in the Strait of Hormuz in 2012 The new 44-page assessment of Iran's naval strategy and capability, titled Iran's Naval Forces: A Tale of Two Navies, was obtained by Bloomberg News and is an update of a 2009 publication. The report describes Iran's current military strategy as 'ballistic missiles, naval forces, and proxies in the region.' 'Each of these potentially provides the means to target Iran's regional neighbors, or military forces based or operating in the region,' the report said. According to the publication, Iran is likely to continue to deploy weapons that its engineers have copied from foreign designs, including the 'Hoot' high-speed torpedo 'and potentially a supersonic' anti-ship cruise missile. When the ban expires, 'Iran may look to foreign acquisitions of ships and submarines with a wide array of weapons suites', the publication said, suggesting that Iran has already entered negotiations with Russia to acquire a coastal defense cruise missile. The report describes Iran's current military strategy as 'ballistic missiles, naval forces, and proxies in the region'. Pictured above, Iranian military ships frigate "Alvand" (right) and light replenishment ship "Bushehr" are seen docked for refueling in 2014 Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has pledged to get tough with Iran Iran's Navy already operates 14 North Korean-designed Yonoclass midget submarines produced in Iran that can carry two heavyweight torpedoes, according to the report. The report references two Iranian navies: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been loyal to Iran's religious leadership since 2007, and is responsible for boats in the Persian Gulf, and the conventional force operating outside of the Persian Gulf. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has pledged to get tough with Iran, warning the Islamic Republic after its ballistic missile test on January 29 that it was playing with fire and all US options were on the table. Trump said last month that 'Iran has been put formally put on notice' for firing a ballistic missile, and later imposed new sanctions on Tehran. In January, a US Navy destroyer fired warning shots at four Iranian fast-attack vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after they closed in at high speed. The vessels belonged to Iran's Revolutionary Guards which are not participating in the current war games. Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has called for a 'full review' of the Iran deal, is meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency The chief of the UN atomic watchdog will hold talks on Iran's nuclear deal on Thursday for the first time with senior officials from the the administration of Trump, who has branded the it 'the worst deal in history'. The 2015 deal between Tehran and major powers placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The accord will be the main topic of Yukiya Amano's talks in Washington, officials involved in the dealings of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Wednesday. Trump's Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has called for a 'full review' of the accord, is among the senior US officials Amano will meet, they said. Amano, whose agency is in charge of policing those nuclear restrictions under the deal, has publicly argued in favour of the agreement, describing it as a 'net gain'. Trump's administration has not directly said the United States will back out of the UN agreement. During his nomination hearing, Defense Secretary James Mattis said that the deal 'is an imperfect arms control agreement - it's not a friendship treaty' but, 'when America gives her word, we have to live up to it and work with our allies.' A man has been shot in the buttocks in an apparent drive-by shooting in Sydney's west. The 36-year-old man was reportedly heard screaming for help after he was shot shortly after 10pm on Thursday evening. Police found the man with a gunshot wound on Janus Street, in Glenfield, alongisde a number of bullet casings, suggesting several shots were fired. Two motorcycles were seen leaving the scene, police said. A man has been shot in the buttocks in Sydney's west. Pictured, police at the scene The man has been taken to hospital in a stable condition and will undergo surgery. The street has been placed on lockdown while forensics officers comb the crime scene. A witness told the Daily Telegraph: 'I was in bed and I heard a couple of motorbikes riding up the street and then heard four to six gun shots. 'I ran to my husband and said "did you hear that?". Next thing, I asked my neighbour and he said yes he heard them. Then a few minutes after, we saw police screaming down the street.' New South Wales Police were unable to confirm whether the violence was linked to a drive-by shooting in Chester Hill, also in Sydney's west, on Wednesday night. A 39-year-old man was shot in the head and the hand but was able to walk away after the incident and is in a stable condition. Surrendered: Phoebe Jo Chapman, 42, turned herself in to the Lowndes County jail on Tuesday morning A high school teacher in Georgia accused of sleeping with three of her male students has accepted a plea bargain which means she will do no jail time. Phoebe Jo Chapman, 44, surrendered to the Lowndes County Sheriffs Office in Valdosta in April 2015 and was initially charged with three counts of sexual assault. The charges stemmed from three separate encounters with different boys, all of whom have since graduated. But WCTV reported yesterday that Chapman had pleaded guilty to second degree cruelty to children. Under the plea bargain she will not go to jail and will not even have to register as a sex offender. Chapman was fined $2,000 and sentenced to four years' probation. As part of the deal she is precluded from having any contact with the victims or Lowndes County Schools. Chapman resigned from her job at the school back in 2015. Northern Ireland is going to the polls in a snap election that could define the future of devolution. Voters are casting their ballots to select a new Assembly for the second time in less than a year. The powersharing coalition executive led by the two largest parties at Stormont - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January. If the former partners top the polls again, they will have three weeks to resolve their deep-seated differences and form a new administration. Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, voted in St Patrick's primary school in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone today The re-imposition of direct rule from London is on the cards if the post-election talks fail to mend tensions. DUP leader Arlene Foster voted at Brookeborough primary school in the heart of her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency. The former first minister chatted with local people outside and said hello to the gathered media. Forty miles away, Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill filled out her ballot paper in St Patrick's primary school in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone. She was joined by daughter Saoirse and son Ryan. He has just turned 18 and was voting for the first time. 'It's great that so many people are coming out to vote,' said Mrs O'Neill. The Ulster Unionists and nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), which have presented themselves as an alternative cross-community partnership, are bidding to wrest control away from the fractious former allies. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt was accompanied by wife Lynda Bryans and son Peter as he voted at Gilnahirk primary school in east Belfast, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood arrived at the Model Primary School in Londonderry with wife Rachael and his young daughter Rosa. 'It's a dry day so hopefully that will mean a high turnout,' said Mr Nesbitt. Mr Eastwood said: 'This is a very important election. I think it's probably the most important election since the Good Friday Agreement.' Leader of the cross-community Alliance Party, Naomi Long, voted along with her husband Michael at St Colmcille's parochial house in the east Belfast constituency where she was once MP. She smiled and shook hands with a voter as she left. Polling stations opened at 7am and will close at 10pm. DUP leader Arlene Foster voted at Brookeborough primary school in the heart of her Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency Voters have been casting their ballots at polling stations across Northern Ireland, including this one in South Belfast The DUP and Sinn Fein have fallen out over the unionist party's handling of a botched green energy scheme and a host of other issues. Former DUP first minister Peter Robinson has warned politicians to step back and avert a headlong rush towards the destruction of devolved government. If the three-week post-election deadline passes, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire is legally obliged to call yet another election. But, in those circumstances, the Government may well move to pass emergency legislation to suspend devolution for the first time in 10 years. While the Assembly election will not change how Theresa May's Government treats talks to leave the European Union, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is a key Brexit issue. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number returned falling from 108 to 90. A total of 228 candidates are running. Former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in January in protest over the DUP's handling of the massively overspent Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is paying grants to businesses worth more than the cost of running the wood biomass boilers. That forced the dissolution of the institutions, which need nationalists and unionists in government to operate, and Mr Brokenshire called a snap election. The next ballot had been due to take place in May 2021 after a poll last May. Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation electoral system. Counting will start during daytime on Friday with the last results not expected until later on Saturday. All the main Stormont parties reduced the number of candidates fielded, in line with the downsized Assembly. The largest party, the DUP, is running 38 - six fewer than last year. Sinn Fein dropped five, from 39 to 34. The UUP has 24 candidates - two fewer than in 2016 - while the SDLP is down three on 21. The Alliance Party nominated 21 Assembly hopefuls, down two. Advertisement A British couple has sold their home to go on a round the world adventure with their toddler. Terry Constant, 36, and his wife Jennifer, 32, decided to quit the rat race, sell all of their possessions and hit the road to start a new life abroad with their one-year-old son Ethan. The intrepid travellers were fed up of working 12-hour shifts and never having enough time to spend with their child. Terry Constant, 36, and wife Jennifer, 32, decided to quit the rat race, sell their possessions and hit the road to start a new life abroad with their one-year-old son Ethan The intrepid travellers were fed-up of working twelve-hour shifts and never getting time to spend with their newborn baby Struggling to find an adequate work-life balance, they also wanted to take advantage of foreign travel now, in case it becomes tougher for Britons in the future following the Brexit vote. The family, from Brislington, Bristol, waved goodbye to modern-day suburbia, long commutes and 900-a-month nursery fees and hit the road. They sold their three-bed semi and bought a 14,000 motorhome - first heading to Santander in Spain on January 21. The family have so far scaled snow-capped mountains in northern Spain, enjoyed luscious sandy beaches in Portugal and camped on a nature reserve with elephants. Mr Constant, who previously worked in logistics, says the family has ditched their salary packets and now live off a modest 800 a month. The family have so far scaled snow-capped mountains in northern Spain, enjoyed luscious sandy beaches in Portugal and camped on a nature reserve with elephants Terry, who previously worked in Logistics, says the family has ditched the salary packets and now live off a modest 800 a month He said: 'Our families think we are absolutely mental. 'They couldn't believe it when we said we were selling our house and going to live in a motorhome. I was working from 7am to 7pm and never got to see my son. 'I was paying someone else to raise him - our nursery fees were 900 a month. 'I wanted to spend time with my son and show him how awesome the world is. He is really enjoying it and we're loving spending 24/7 with him. 'There's nothing like the feeling of packing up your life, clearing out the unnecessaries and starting a new chapter. 'The world is out there for us to see, and what better way to watch our little one grow up.' Terry said: 'I wanted to spend time with my son and show him how awesome the world is. He is really enjoying it and we're loving spending 24/7 with him' 'There's nothing like the feeling of packing up your life, clearing out the unnecessaries and starting a new chapter. The world is out there for us to see, and what better way to watch our little one grow up,' Terry added Mrs Constant said she went back to work as a charity fundraiser in September last year after finishing maternity leave but became disillusioned within a month. She explained: 'After a month I admitted to Terry, is this it? Sitting in an office, staring out of the window wanting to be with my son. 'It was costing us 900 a month in nursery fees. 'We were spending our entire social budget on nursery fees and thought is this it? Are we going to work our a**** off to pay bills? 'Within 24 hours we decided we were going to sell our house and turn our lives upside down. 'The only way we could afford to do it was to sell our house. We took the big decision and risk to quit our jobs,' said Jennifer. 'We picked up a motorhome and decided to go travelling. The three of us are pretty much on top of each other' 'I think it was a big shock that we were going to leave. We wanted to spend time travelling round Europe while we can. We wanted to evaluate what we wanted to do in our lives,' Jennifer said 'The only way we could afford to do it was to sell our house. We took the big decision and risk to quit our jobs. 'We picked up a motorhome and decided to go travelling. The three of us are pretty much on top of each other.' Explaining the impact that Brexit had on their decision, she added: 'I think it was a big shock that we were going to leave. We wanted to spend time travelling round Europe while we can. 'We wanted to evaluate what we wanted to do in our lives. 'It gave us another reason to get off the property ladder. We decided to go travelling and see how Brexit affects the UK.' The couple have been documenting their journey in a blog called, Travel as They Grow They sold their three-bed semi and bought a 14,000 motorhome - first heading to Santander in Spain on January 21 The couple have been documenting their journey in a blog called, Travel as They Grow. They plan to spent four months travelling around Spain and Portugal before returning to the UK for a short spell. The pair hit the headlines back in 2011 when they shocked guests at their wedding by dedicating the ceremony to their first love - Marmite. The ceremony featured mini jars of the food stuff for all guests and a Marmite-tiered wedding cake. They got hitched in front of 60 guests under a 1,000-year-old oak tree in Llangadog in the Brecon Beacons in July 2011. This is the dramatic moment a conniving benefit fraudster who swindled the taxpayer out of nearly 200,000 was arrested before being jailed for seven years. Angel Jackson, 52, of Mitcham, Surrey, used three different identities and acquired a 1million property portfolio without 'ever working a single day'. She was confronted at home but claimed to be the sister of Angel Duffy - which was in fact her second identity - and said she would 'get my passport tomorrow'. Confronted: Ghanaian-born Angel Jackson, 52, of Mitcham, Surrey, acquired a 1million property portfolio without 'ever working a single day' Jackson used three different identities (pictured) to help her fraudulently claim the money But police held up a photo of Mrs Duffy, saying it looked 'very similar' to her, and the woman was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. The moment of her arrest was revealed in a preview of the first episode of series two of the BBC's Britain on the Fiddle tonight, which looks at tax and benefit fraud. Ghanaian-born Jackson created a complex web of lies to claim housing benefit, income support and compensation between 2002 and 2012. Croydon Crown Court heard last year how she claimed she was wheelchair-bound but was spotted on CCTV using the treadmill at her luxury block's private gym. Jackson - who fraudulently obtained 191,000 - claimed for properties she didn't live in, in the names of people who didn't exist, and for accidents that didn't happen. She was confronted but claimed to be the sister of Angel Duffy - which was in fact her second identity - and said she would 'get my passport tomorrow'. But she was arrested by police (right) The prosecution last November even admitted that they did not know her real name or date of birth, and she was found guilty of 32 charges relating to fraud. Judge Adam Hiddleston described her as a 'vain and self-important person' with a 'staggering contempt for the court', branding her a 'professional fraudster'. Jackson, who already owned a house in Mitcham, bought two swanky flats in the same block with its own gym in Croydon in 2005 for more than 300,000. She fraudulently claimed housing benefit for each of them and also tried to wring every penny in compensation from two car accidents using invented passengers. Shocking deceit: Ghanaian-born Jackson created a complex web of lies to claim housing benefit, income support and compensation between 2002 and 2012 Jackson (left, appearing at Croydon Crown Court for the trial in her wheelchair) was described as a 'vain and self-important person' with a 'staggering contempt for the court' However, she was caught when doctors spotted two separate X-rays on two separate claims were almost identical. How Angel Jackson was confronted at home INVESTIGATOR: At the moment the problem is we think you might be Mrs Duffy. ANGEL JACKSON: I gave you my licence. I: Yeah, I know, madam, but it's very easy, madam, to apply for a driving licence. AJ: I can get my passport tomorrow if you want. I: This is a photo we've got of Mrs Duffy. AJ: Yeah, that's her. I: That's her? It looks very similar to yourself madam. INVESTIGATOR 2: Let's hold those two photos. I mean, you know, if you ain't, you must be sisters? AJ: Yeah I'd say that, otherwise she wouldnt let me stay here for free like that, she would not. That's why I even told you that if you want, I can organise for her to come. I: We do believe, you know, that you are Mrs Duffy, alright, so if you listen to my colleague. INVESTIGATOR 3: I'm arresting you on suspicion of fraud by false representation. AJ: I tell you, it's just not me. Advertisement When her home was raided in 2012, officers found 22,000 in 50 notes in a wardrobe, reams of counterfeit paperwork and 12 mobile phones. Jackson lured her soon-to-be husband, Irish-born Thomas Duffy, by telling him she was a 'lady of traditional values', before buying a house with him in 2002. At the time she was still claiming housing benefit and went behind his back to get his UK residency to support her own. The pair had married on Valentine's Day in 2002, but she stopped him from telling his family and yet she didn't even allow him to live with her. The court heard 'whenever he needed to sign something presented to him by his wife, his glasses would disappear'. In July 2005, Jackson bought another property, a 150,000 flat in south London, in her husband's name, without him knowing - and two months later bought another flat in the same building, this time in her own name, for 152,500. She lied to her husband that the home they owned together was being repossessed and that he had to move out - all to support a housing benefit claim she had made. Jackson got four-and-a-half years in jail for the fraud, two years for creating false documents, and six months for illegally evicting the tenants - all consecutively. After the verdict last year, Croydon councillor Hamida Ali said: 'Angel Jackson's fraud cheated taxpayers in Croydon and across the UK out of thousands of pounds, so I'm very glad to see the court has found in our favour.' Series two of Britain on the Fiddle begins on BBC One tonight at 9pm Gillian Neeson, who was sacked after four years as headteacher of a primary school by Argyll and Bute Council A primary school headteacher was 'cavalier and slapdash' with school funds and failed to declare a 200 donation from a parent, a hearing has been told. Gillian Neeson was dismissed by Argyll and Bute Council and could be banned from teaching as she faces a hearing at the General Teaching Council for Scotland. She claimed to have spent hundreds of pounds on staff room furniture, but kitted out the room with pieces from a home she was selling and claimed ferry trips she was not entitled to, the hearing was told. It is also said she claimed expenses for school trips she did not attend, and failed to record a cash donation from a councillor or to account for the money. At the hearing in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mrs Neeson admitted the facts of several of the allegations against her but her lawyer denied she had acted dishonestly. Mrs Neeson, who was headteacher at St Muns School from 2009 until her dismissal in 2013, which it is understood she is contesting was unfair, faces a total of eight charges. A clerical assistant at the primary school, Marie Glancy, gave a written statement to the hearing in which she stated: 'In my experience previous headteachers were always very professional with finances. 'Her attitude towards money was slapdash and very cavalier. She didn't keep written notes or documentation of money.' Fiona Johnston, Argyll and Bute council's quality improvements officer, told the hearing: 'I believe Mrs Neeson was aware of what she was doing. 'There were too many occasions when actions were taken by Mrs Neeson which she could not explain or which came to light as being inaccurate.' Mrs Neeson said she'd spent 220 on furniture for the staff room, but the table that arrived was spotted as being one from a home she was trying to sell She added: 'Around May 2013, three of the largest schools in my area were subjected to an internal audit which raised a number of financial inaccuracies at St. Muns so an internal investigation was necessary. 'Miss Neason submitted her claim form [for] six months of expenses including a ferry ticket for 73. 'On investigation we found the tickets had already been purchased by the school as the ticket numbers were the same. At the investigation Mrs Neeson said she had put in the wrong details. 'There were four claims relating to travelling to meetings. Minutes showed that Miss Neeson hadn't attended these meetings or had been present through a video link instead.' The witness said that on 18th February 2013, 400 in cash was given to Mrs Neeson from the London trip account. 'When reminded about the 400, Mrs Neeson said she had used it to purchase a table and chair from Homebase for the staff room that cost between 200 and 275. She finally settled at 220,' she said. St Muns in Argyll where she was headteacher for four years. Mrs Neeson's hearing will last up to six days When the table arrived at the school 'it was not new and was covered in scratches' said Ms Johnston. Mrs Neeson's solicitor, Alastair Milne, read out the conclusion from Argyll and Bute's disciplinary hearing in which he said investigators found 'bad administration' at the school but that Mrs Neeson had not acted 'inappropriately or dishonestly'. Mr Milne said there was evidence of problems going back to 2005, four years before Mrs Neeson started at the school, and that ferry tickets had been bought for other members of staff. Mrs Neeson faces being banned from the classroom as she attends the teaching hearing She added: 'Mrs Neeson was in the middle of selling her home at the time and photographs on Rightmove showed the same table in her home. Mrs Neeson admits that on February 8, 2013, she took possession of 400 in cash, collected for a pupils' trip to London, but denies asking for the money. She also admits that between August 23, 2012 and March 5, 2013 using funds from the School's General Purpose Fund Account to purchase ferry tickets to travel from work to home but denies acting dishonestly. She admits between 30 October 2012 and 22 March 2013 claiming duplicate ferry ticket claims but again denies dishonesty. Also admitted is that between May 8, 2013 and June 27, 2013, she failed to record a cash donation of 200 from a pupil's step parent to the school. And she admits failing to log a donation - the amount of which was not disclosed - given to her from public official, Councillor McQueen, and failing to show what the money was spent on. The hearing, which is expected to take six days, continues. A grammar school in Germany has slapped a ban on the 'provocative' prayer sessions of Muslim pupils on its premises. The headteacher of the Johannes Rau Gymnasium in the western city of Wuppertal said other children and staff were disturbed by Muslims rolling out prayer mats in classes and other public areas. She also said there was discomfort about 'ritual ablutions' - such as the washing of feet - being carried out in school toilets. The Johannes Rau Gymnasium in Wuppertal, Germany, has slapped a ban on the 'provocative' prayer sessions of Muslim pupils on its premises. Now a ban has been enacted on all Muslim schoolchildren forbidding them from praying on school premises. A written order from headmistress Christiane Genschel and assistant headmaster Rainer Kokenbrinker has been given to all teachers at the school stating that 'clearly visible praying' is no longer to be tolerated. The letter, titled 'Religious Operations in the School', reads: 'In recent weeks it has been seen that Muslim schoolchildren are visibly praying, signaled by ritual ablutions in the toilets, the rolling out of prayer rugs and the taking of appropriate body postures. This is not permitted.' It is understood that children who are not Muslims have felt uncomfortable witnessing the prayer rituals of those who are - especially at a time when Germany is seeing police raids on a weekly basis aimed at smashing radical Islamic cells bent on causing death and destruction. The letter states that teachers should enforce the ban in a 'friendly' manner. But the new edict has whipped up a storm of protest on social media networks. A written order from headmistress Christiane Genschel and assistant headmaster Rainer Kokenbrinker has been given to all teachers at the school stating that 'clearly visible praying' is no longer to be tolerated. Pictured, the Johannes Rau Gymnasium According to German law, there is no explicit article banning prayers at school. The freedom of religion is protected by the German state itself. But in 2011, the Federal Administrative Court ruled in Leipzig that a Muslim high school student from Berlin should not be allowed to pray in the school as it threatened to 'damage the peace of the school.' The court justified the decision by saying school peace was more important than individual rights. The local government in Dusseldorf has become involved. Spokeswoman Dagmar Gross said; 'The prohibition of prayer in a provocative way in public schools is to promote peaceful coexistence and secure the peace of the school.' Thieves took vital anti-seizure medication belonging to a 12-year-old Iranian girl whose arrival in the United States for emergency eye surgery has been delayed by the controversial travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump. Alma Kashkooli, 12, had been scheduled to arrive from Tehran on January 31 for planned eye surgery at a Pittsburgh children's hospital. But the op - needed to save her eyes and treat her rare and severe medical condition, named glycosylation - was postponed when President Trump signed an executive order banning anyone arriving from Iran. Iranian Alma Kashkooli, 12, arrived at JFK airport to get emergency eye surgery that is only available in the United States. She is pictured above being wheeled out of customs by her mother Farimeh Kashkooli Eventually, after the ban was overturned, she was allowed in and arrived at New York's JFK Airport on February 6. But on February 8 her luggage, including vital medication in a suitcase, went missing from Turkish Airlines' baggage office at the airport. The following day Alma had a seizure. She had been allowed to take a small supply of the medication onto the plane but, with the suitcase missing, her parents were terrified she would run out. Alma's mother, Fahimeh Kashkooli, 33, told the New York Daily News she contacted Turkish Airlines: 'I was on the phone all the day and night. I contact them, and in a very poor and low manner, they didn't respond properly.' Port Authority cops eventually tracked down the suitcase on February 21 and arrested Abdul Rahim, 67, and Juneab Hashimi, 55, in Brooklyn. Both men have been charged with felony grand larceny and have been released pending trial. Rahim said the airline had lost two pieces of his luggage when he flew into New York from Pakistan in August last year and were at the baggage office on February 8 to receive compensation. They claimed they spotted the suitcase, thought it was Rahim's and took it by mistake. Hashimi, a disabled security guard, said: 'We didn't know there was medicine in the bag. We had no idea. What would we want with somebody else's medicine? I'm disabled. I have bags of my own medicine.' Mrs Kashkooli is planning to sue the airline in a personal injury lawsuit and said: 'Between the people who stole my luggage and the airline, there is no difference.' Turkish Airlines was unavailable for comment. Alma's disorder impairs the cells' ability to communicate with each other and as a result severely complicates vision, development and coordination. The little girl can barely walk or talk and is also prone to seizures. For years she had been traveling to the US to see her mother and get advanced medical treatment, including a previous surgery in San Diego, for the extremely rare condition that took several years to be diagnosed. The young girl had been scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on January 31 - two days after the travel restrictions took effect - for a planned surgery at a Pittsburgh children's hospital The surgery she needs is to treat her condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation, which severely complicates vision, development and coordination Her mother is living in the United States on a student visa while she earns a master's degree at New York's Fordham University School of Law. 'I cannot express my feelings in words. I was in pain every single moment, but now I feel so much better,' said Alma. When the travel restrictions were issued two days before her daughter's flight, Kashkooli was rendered nearly speechless. For years, the young girl had been traveling to the U.S. to get treatment and see her mother who is living in the United States on a student visa while in law school. The girl's current visa allows her to remain in the country as long as her mother's student visa remains valid But the child's visa became useless when the restrictions went into effect. It has since been revalidated under a court order temporarily halting enforcement of the restrictions 'I couldn't tell her, my little angel, that you're considered as a threat for this country,' she said. Kashkooli was in an impossible position when Trump signed the controversial executive order last month restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. She could not go and bring her daughter back from Iran because she might not get back in herself, and she could not get her child to the United States for urgent surgery. 'This little girl has a valid visa, and got caught up in a conflict with which she has no connection,' said attorney Gordon Caplan, whose New York law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher is representing the family pro bono. Alma's current visa allows her to remain in the United States as long as her mother's student visa remains valid. The child's visa became useless when the restrictions went into effect, but has since been revalidated under a court order temporarily halting enforcement of the restrictions. Erich J Eastman, 18, and Noah B Rogers, 19, both University of Missouri students from Columbia, Missouri were arrested on Monday for allegedly harassing a Jewish classmate for months, police said. Eastman and Rogers were were held in the Boone County jail and later released, each on $1,500 bond, reports the Columbia Daily Tribune. University of Missouri students Noah B Rogers, 19, (left) and Erich J Eastman, 18, (right) are facing harassment charges after a Jewish student reported being the target of anti-Semitic notes and comments for months Eastman and Rogers were held in the Boone County Jail (pictured) and later released, each on $1,500 bond University of Missouri police were called to McDavid Hall on campus, where they spoke with the alleged victim, a male student, who said the duo had regularly been taunting him with anti-Semitic notes and comments since August. The university's interim chancellor Hank Foley denounced the accused students' behavior. 'This behavior is abhorrent and antithetical to our core value of respect,' Foley wrote in an email to the campus community. 'It simply will not be tolerated.' Both Eastman and Rogers could be expelled from the university, Foley said. University of Missouri police were called to McDavid Hall on campus, (pictured) where they spoke with the alleged victim who said Rogers and Eastman had harassed him since August Eastman (left) and Rogers (right) are both music majors at the University of Missouri The Boone County Prosecutor's Office and the university's civil rights office will investigate the case. 'Please know we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Mizzou is a welcoming and safe campus,' said Foley, using a popular nickname for the university. Jessica Caldera, a Boone County assistant prosecuting attorney who was assigned the case against Eastman, said she will decide whether to file charges once she receives information from university police. Recent vandalism at Jewish cemeteries in Missouri and Pennsylvania have stoked fears that anti-Semitism has taken hold since Donald Trump was elected president. Many high-profile incidents have led organizations to warn of a rise in hate crimes, including numerous bomb threats at Jewish centers nationwide. Joe Biden has hit out at Donald Trump calling his attacks on the press and judiciary corrosive. The former Vice President said the Republican's attempts to smear American judges ruling on his executive orders would cause citizens to lose faith in the courts. Addressing Trump's attack on the free press, Biden warned it was 'one of the most dangerous things out there'. Joe Biden delivers the speech at the Bipartistan Policy Centre in Washington DC Barack Obama presents a teary Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January Barack Obama's former right-hand man made the remarks at the Newseum in Washington DC where he was handed the Patriot Award for political courage and leadership from the Bipartistan Policy Centre. Joe Biden tosses a football with his son He said: 'What worries me the most is the almost drumbeat of denigration of the institutional structures that govern us.' 'When you delegitimize the courts, you delegitimize the legislative body. 'It's corrosive and it it makes it impossible to reach compromise.' In a tweet last month, the President called the media the 'enemy of the American people', something Biden was saddened by. 'To question the actual legitimacy of a free press is one of the most dangerous things out there,' he said. 'The degree that we depart and denigrate our institutions and the fourth estate, I think we really, honest to god, honest to god, weaken our ability for self-government. 'We undermine it and become weaker and not stronger.' Joe Biden (right) served as Barack Obama's Vice President for eight years As well as serving as Obama's Vice President for eight years, he was also Delaware's longest-serving Senator, and said he had encountered plenty of bad press during his time in politics. Talking to reporters, he said: 'I have taken my fair share of hits from the press, being covered by the very best and some of the worst. 'Some of you press guys are lousy just like some senators are lousy, doctors are lousy, lawyers are lousy. But it doesn't matter. 'We should never challenge the basic truth that an independent and free press is the fundamental element in functions of our democracy.' A former Miss USA who was publicly shamed by President Donald Trump and then forced to enter rehab after testing positive for drugs is thanking him for saving her life in an emotional essay. Tara Conner, who won the title of Miss USA in 2006, opens up in a piece published in USA Today about the dark places her life was heading when she tested positive for cocaine eight months into her year-long reign. She was in danger of losing her title, but instead President Trump decided to give her another chance if she was able to complete a stay in rehab. 'It was 10 years ago that I got out of treatment, and I thank him for my 10 years of recovery,' writes Conner, 31, who represented Kentucky in the pageant. 'I will always be profoundly grateful. He saved my life and, essentially, made me great again.' Scroll down for video Praise: Tara Conner (above in 2009) penned an essay thanking President Donald Trump for saving her life by forcing her into rehab back in 2006 while she was the resigning Miss USA Blessed: 'I will always be profoundly grateful. He saved my life and, essentially, made me great again,' writes Conner, who had been using cocaine at the time (Conner left in the 2006 Miss USA pageant, right in 2013) Timing: Conner tours the country speaking about addiction and recovery, and published her essay one day after President Trump promised to renew war on drugs (above on Tuesday) Conner managed to create quite the controversy when her partying ways made headlines back in 2006, with rumors swirling that she was seen making out with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair and had been bringing men back to the apartment she shared with Blair and Miss Universe Zuleka Rivera in one of the Trump Organization properties in New York City. 'I was 20 in 2006 when I was crowned Miss USA. Few people knew my name and my "Miss USA story,"' writes Conner. 'Later that year, millions knew my name because of my real story, the story I didn't want shared. I became famous as "Mess USA" when my boss now the president of the United States tossed me into rehab after I tested positive for cocaine.' Conner goes on to write how incredible President Trump was in that moment, refusing to humiliate her any further and giving her a second chance. Later in the piece she details how difficult her upbringing had been, and some of the factors she believes may have turned her into an addict. 'My uncle molested me when I was 3. When I was 14, my parents' rocky relationship ended in divorce and my grandfather, my protector who gave me unconditional love when no one else would, died,' writes Conner. 'That same year, on a cheerleading trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I was offered vodka from a gallon jug that the girls got from older boys, and I jumped at the chance to fit in. I so desperately needed to feel like I belonged somewhere!' She then adds: 'I swore off alcohol the next day, but addiction had its claws in me and by later that year, I was addicted to morphine. From that point on, my life became a series of alcohol and drug-induced incidents followed by me trying to cover my tracks and maintain appearances.' Conner wrote her piece in response to the renewed war on drugs President Trump said he would wage while speaking to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. 'The president vowed in his speech to Congress that "we will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth - and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted,"' writes Conner. 'I am confident he will keep his promises. As is the case with one in every three American households, substance use disorders impacted his own family, and he now has the power to help millions.' In the years since she received treatment for her issues with drugs and alcohol Conner has become a advocate for recovery, and travels the country giving speeches and talking to those who are struggling with addiction. Conner even gave a TED Talk earlier this year at the University of Nevada about addiction and recovery. Make a change: President Trump refused to take away Conner's title however and in a press conference said: 'I've always been a believer in second chances' (Conner above at her 2006 press conference before heading to rehab) Loved up: Conner has a boyfriend of her own these days, actor Dan Sanders-Joyce (above), and frequently posts photos of the couple on Instagram (above in 2016) Heartbreak: There were also rumors that Conner (being crowned in 2006 on left) was seen making out with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair (right in 2006) and had been bringing men back to their apartment at the time On December 19, 2006, Conner appeared at an emotional press conference where she openly cried while apologizing to both President Trump and the Miss USA organization for her behavior over the previous months. That is when President Trump said he would not dethrone the reigning Miss USA, telling reporters: 'I've always been a believer in second chances.' President Trump, who is a teetotaler, then opened up about his own brother's battle with alcohol. Fred Trump Jr. passed away when he was just 42 from alcoholism, and his death is the reason why President Trump does not drink. Conner entered rehab immediately and emerged after two months in February of 2007, sitting down with Matt Lauer on Today and admitting she had been addicted to cocaine. She was 21 at that time, and soon Conner became a favorite of Trump's, who had her appear in the MTV reality show Pageant Place later that year, despite the fact that she had passed the crown on at at that point. It was while appearing in that series when Conner learned from President Trump that her drug usage and inappropriate behavior had been reported to him by Miss Teen USA Blair. President Trump said Blair did this because she thought Conner was trying to steal her boyfriend. Conner has a boyfriend of her own these days, actor Dan Sanders-Joyce, and frequently posts photos of the couple on Instagram. And she will never forgot what President Trump did for her over a decade ago. 'The president should also know that I am committed to supporting him in any way that I can. It is the least I can do considering what he did for me,' writes Conner. Indigenous leader Warren Mundine has slammed a Federal Circuit Court judge for suggesting courts needed to treat Aboriginal people differently. Matthew Myers, who is heading a federal inquiry into indigenous imprisonment rates, said existing laws were unfair on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 'Not all laws do disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but I think if you look at some specific laws youll find that they do,' he told Guardian Australia. Scroll down for video Federal Circuit Court judge Matthew Myers said some laws affected indigenous people more Mr Mundine, who previously chaired the the prime minister's Indigenous Advisory Council, described the judge's comments as regressive and an endorsement of 'softer' sentences. 'For decades and decades, my grandparents and my parents and a lot of other indigenous people out there fought for the rights to be treated equally, to be able to function within the Australian community,' he told Andrew Bolt on Sky News on Thursday night. 'This is a regressive step and I just can't believe it.' Mr Mundine, a former national president of the Australian Labor Party, described the inquiry as 'idiotic and crazy' and a 'complete joke'. Warren Mundine, the former head of the prime minister's Indigenous Advisory Council, said the judge's inquiry into Aboriginal imprisonment rates was 'a complete joke' 'We've got to stop doing these stupid things,' he said. 'We cannot take a softly, softly pussyfoot approach to this because we've been doing that for decades now and record has shown us it only gets worse. 'While we go on pretending, taking this softy, softy approach and letting people off all you're going to end up with is more broken communities and indigenous people with broken bones.' Warren Mundine (right) told Andrew Bolt the judge's comments were 'regressive' Myers, who is also Australia's first indigenous commonwealth judge, had cited Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data from October last year, which found remand rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders had increased by 238 per cent in New South Wales during the past 15 years. 'The importance cant be lost on the fact that were talking about individuals,' he said. 'These are peoples real lives. These are mums and dads, aunties and uncles, grandparents, that have been incarcerated, and theres big knock-on effect and you cant lose sight of the humanity. These arent just numbers, these are people.' Attorney-General George Brandis in February appointed the judge to head an Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration rates. A discussion paper is due to be published in June with a final report to be released in December. A teenage mother has refused life-prolonging cancer treatment in order to give birth to her baby boy, even though she has been told she will die. Rhianna Truman, 17, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Adamantinoma in 2012. When the teenager from Hawke's Bay in New Zealand fell pregnant in 2016, she was offered cancer treatment she was told would slow the disease and prolong her life. But Ms Truman refused the treatment when she learned it would also put her unborn baby at risk. 'When I found out I had cancer I was scared,' she told Stuff. Rhianna Truman, 17, (left) was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Adamantinoma but refused treatment when she fell pregnant with Daeshaun (right) in 2016 'But when I found out I was pregnant, I was like 'this is my reason, this is my chance to make something good out of my life and be a proud mother, and for him to eventually be proud of me'.' Ms Truman gave birth to a healthy son named Daeshaun at the end of 2016. Daeshaun is now four-months-old. Ms Truman said she was 'blessed' to have Daeshaun who she described as her 'world'. Ms Truman underwent surgery to remove bone in her leg in 2012, which successfully removed the cancer. 'I was clear from cancer and continued with my life,' she wrote online. But in 2015 she was told the cancer had moved into her lungs and as a result, she had very little chance of surviving. 'I was told because it's such a rare form there was little chance of finding a cure,' she said. 'I have recently been told that finding a cure for my cancer is like 'finding a needle in a haystack'.' 'Hi my name is Rhianna and I am a 17-year-old mum to Daeshaun. I have cancer that has spread to my lungs which there is currently no cure for,' Ms Truman wrote on her charity page Ms Truman's doctor delivered the devastating news last week that she would not live for much longer. She was told to make a bucket list 'and do it now'. Ms Truman revealed cancer rocked her to the core and made her too scared to go to sleep at night. 'Some days I don't go to sleep because I get scared I won't wake up,' she told Stuff. In an effort to make her last remaining days together with Daeshaun more comfortable, Ms Truman shared her story online on Thursday on charity page Givealittle. 'I have decided to set up a page to help me make memories with my son and live our lives with as much fun and happiness while I'm well enough to enjoy it,' she said. Five people were injured after a hospital's roof collapsed in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday. The incident occurred at an entrance of the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, near the maternity ward. Five people suffered non-life-threatening injuries following the collapse. There were no fatalities. Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said that the five people who sustained injuries in the collapse were: two members of the public, two construction workers and one hospital staff member. Staff and patients were evacuated from Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday after a portion of the roof collapsed in to the sixth floor Head of Gauteng emergency medical services Arnold Malotana said that there were 12 people working in the area where the structure occurred Dr Steve Moeng, the head of the trauma department, said the injuries sustained were soft tissue injuries. He said that none of the victims needed urgent operatins or ICU care. Meanwhile, Ramokgopa said that social workers were contacting the families of those injured to let them know what happened. 'We are focusing on removing debris, assessing whether anyone is trapped,' Ramokgopa told Bhekisisa.org. Witnesses told Eyewitness News that medical personnel were waiting on site as workmen dig through the rubble to see if anyone is trapped underneath. Head of Gauteng emergency medical services Arnold Malotana told Bhekisisa.org that there were 12 people working in the area where the structure occurred. A hospital worker who wished to stay anonymous said the workers were fixing water leaks. While it is unknown if people are still stuck under the rubble, a preliminary search showed no signs of of people buried underneath 'Water leaks from there every day,' the hospital worker said. Gauteng's Department of Health released a statement following the roof collapse. The statement said: 'The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to inform the public that five people were injured at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital when a section of the roof caved in on Thursday afternoon. 'The injured are made up of two construction workers, two members of the public and one hospital staff member. 'The incident happened while private construction workers were filling-in a leaking section of the roof. 'Emergency services are on the scene and working hard in the main entrance of the hospital where the incident happened, trying to ascertain if there are no other people trapped under the rubble. 'Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa is at the scene, and has assured the public that the incident is confined to the main entrance of the hospital and, as such it has not affected othe rareas of the facility. 'We want to assure the public that we share their concerns in terms of patient safety, while confirming that the incident is confined to the main entraince of the hospital, so patients are not affected.' Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said that the five people who sustained injuries in the collapse were: two patients, two construction workers and one hospital staff member. Dr Steve Moeng, the head of the trauma department, said the injuries sustained were soft tissue injuries The Charlotte Maxeke Hospital has more than 1,000 beds. Jack Bloom, a member of the Democratic Alliance in the local Gauteng province, told News 24 that he had previously sent out several press releases warning that the hospital was not structurally sound. He said that after recent rains, he was worried about the stability of the building's roof. In October 2016, he sent out a press release after he noticed 'two buckets to collect water that leaks from broken ceiling panels on the hospital street level'. He said there were leaks in several rooms, in the paediactric clinic as well as a storage room 'becuse of faeces that leaked into it from the ceiling last year'. "Last year, surgery had to be stopped in one of the theatres because of leaking water. Large ceiling panels are missing at Ward 348 Radiation Oncology, with a huge bucket placed underneath to collect water," Bloom's press release said. "There are also leaks in other parts of the hospital and in the parking garages. Sewage is sometimes mixed in as well, causing a foul smell." He said at the time that he was concerned about 'structural defects'. At the time, he said: 'In 2012, there was a report on structural defects at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital that warned that the X-ray department should be evacuated as it could collapse.' City minister Simon Kirby has been humiliatingly stripped of responsibility for defending financial services during Brexit. The key duties have been transferred to former Tesco executive Baroness Lucy Neville-Rolfe, who was made Commercial Secretary to the Treasury in December. The shift took place near the end of January, but has only just been confirmed by the department. The shake-up follows reports that senior City figures were unhappy with Mr Kirby's credentials, after he was unable to provide detailed answers about the government's approach to Brexit. There have been reported that senior City figures were unhappy with SImon Kirby's lack of credentials in banking and finance The deal negotiated for the City will be crucial in defining whether the overall Brexit arrangements are a success Mr Kirby had no experience in banking or finance before entering politics, having founded a local radio station in Brighton that became Juice FM. A Treasury spokesman said: 'The Economic Secretary's portfolio is exactly as each of his predecessors, he is responsible for financial services policy and the Government's overall strategic relationship with the UK financial services sector. 'As Britain exits the EU, we will seek the best possible deal, including for our world-leading financial services sector. 'As you would expect, to reflect the importance we place on this policy area we have increased resourcing from ministerial level down'. Baroness Neville-Rolfe brings business experience to the brief, having served as an executive director for Tesco from 2006. She has also sat on the boards of professional services firm PwC as well as Metro AG and ITV. She was also president of EU trade association EuroCommerce from 2012 to 2014. The City Of London Corporation welcomed news of Baroness Neville-Rolfe's expanded role in the Square Mile. A spokesperson said: 'We look forward to working with Baroness Neville-Rolfe in her new City brief. Former Tesco executive Baroness Neville-Rolfe was made Commercial Secretary to the Treasury in December 'It is essential that the City's voice is heard loud and clear during the Brexit negotiations, especially after Article 50 is triggered later this month. 'As an industry we contributed over 176 billion to the economy in 2015, account for over 2.2 million jobs across the country and are a key element of a strong and sustainable economy.' Mr Kirby will still be in charge of banking reform and regulation, and other parts of the financial services brief including asset management, insurance, and the public stake in RBS and Lloyds Banking Group. Row: Dena Bryant, who is 'born and bred' in Grantham, says one nurse who thought she was a health tourist told her: 'You do not look English, and you are not white' A deaf woman has accused hospital staff of 'interrogating' her over whether she should get free NHS treatment because they said she looks foreign. Dena Bryant, who is 'born and bred' in Grantham, says one nurse who thought she was a health tourist told her: 'You do not look English, and you are not white.' Ms Bryant, who is profoundly deaf and of native American heritage, says NHS staff had refused to believe she was British because of how she looks. She also struggles to communicate verbally because of her disability and often relies on lip reading and sign language to communicate with others. Describing her ordeal she told BBC Lincolnshire: 'I am a born and bred Gingerbread girl [slang for a Grantham resident], who was interrogated as to whether I was English or not.' She said: 'She [the nurse] took me into a cubicle and started saying where are you from? She said it again and started the interrogation. She then said 'where are you from originally?' I said that if you look at my files I was born in the hospital and have come here all my life.' She added: 'I was standing there, thinking about running away - I felt frightened'. She claims that her ordeal went on for around three hours until she was treated by a doctor in A&E for an arm injury. He was the first to accept she is deaf and British, she claims. The hospital has launched an investigation. Maxine Hughes, head of operations at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust, said: 'We are sorry to hear of Ms Bryant's concerns. 'We will of course investigate the complaint and talk to Ms Bryant as soon as possible.' From April a change in the law means that NHS staff must charge foreign patients 'upfront' for any non-emergency care they get. Probe: Grantham Hospital (pictured) has apologised and says it will be investigating what happened Hospitals are also being told to ask all new patients for passports and utility bills when they first arrive to check they are entitled to NHS care. Those which fail to show they are collecting enough money from patients at the end of the year may be fined. Last week a damning report from the Commons spending watchdog accused the NHS's billing system for health tourism of being in chaos. The Public Accounts Committee blamed hospital staff and GPs for failing even to identify which patients needed to be charged. It coincided with a hard-hitting BBC documentary which revealed how one Nigerian mother who gave birth to quadruplets had racked up a bill of 500,000. Priscilla, 43, went into early labour at Heathrow after being turned away from the US. Two of the babies have since died. The other two are still being looked after at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in West London and their mother will not be able to repay even a fraction of their costs. Although the rule change will not apply to maternity care, ministers are hoping it will help stop the NHS being seen as an 'international health service'. Government research has estimated that health tourism costs the taxpayer up to 2billion a year. An Ohio couple were arrested on Tuesday less than a block apart after police say each overdosed on drugs while caring for their five children. Nathan Carroll, 29, was discovered by police officers passed out in his minivan with an infant in the backseat after the vehicle veered off the road in Lorain. When police went to the man's residence down the street, they found Carroll's girlfriend, 24-year-old Samantha Schigel, who also overdosed in front of their other children. Both parents had to be revived with the heroin antidote Naloxone and were then booked into the city jail on counts of child endangerment. Scroll down for video Parents OD: Nathan Carroll, 29 (left), and his girlfriend Samantha Schigel, 24 (right), were arrested on Tuesday in Ohio after police say each overdosed on drugs while caring for their five children. Carroll was also charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, implied consent, driving under suspension and failure to control, according to a police report cited by The Morning Journal. The incident began unfolding at around 5.30pm Tuesday when officers from the Lorain Police Department responded to West 24th Street and Leavitt Road after getting 911 calls about a man who appeared to have passed out behind the wheel of a green minivan with a baby in the backseat. Responding officers found Nathan Carroll unresponsive inside a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country sitting on a lawn along Leavitt Road after narrowly missing a tree. Cleveland19 reported that Carroll was blue in the face and was having trouble breathing. Police concluded that the man had overdosed on drugs and began administering Naloxone while waiting for paramedics to arrive. The minivan Carroll was driving was registered to his partner, Samantha Schigel, who lives in the 2300 block of Westview Court. When officers walked over to the home, located just down the block, the door was answered by a young child who informed them that her mommy was sleeping and they could not wake her up. The woman then came downstairs and the officers observed that she also appeared to be high on drugs. The 29-year-old admitted that she and Carroll had both snorted some powder that she believed to have been heroin. The woman claimed that it was her first time using drugs and that she did it to treat pain. Officers found Schigel at this home in 2300 block of Westview Court in Lorain, where a child answered the door and said her 'mommy was sleeping and they could not wake her up' Carroll then got in the minivan with their infant in tow to get something to eat, Schigel told police. While talking to the cops, Schigel blacked out several times, prompting them to treat her with Naloxone and call for a second ambulance. Both parents were later transported to Mercy Hospital before being booked into the Lorain City Jail. When officers searched the family's home, they allegedly discovered 0.2 grams of white powder that tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl, and a rolled up $1 bill with powder residue. Carroll and Schigel's five children, including the infant in the minivan, were taken into the custody of Lorain County Childrens Services and then released to their grandparents. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,300 people in Ohio died from accidental drug overdoses in 2015, up 21.5 per cent from the previous year. Ohio ranked among five states with the highest number of deaths caused by drug overdose, trailing West Virginia, New Hampshire and Kentucky. The Air Force captain who was attacked by a former astronaut in a bizarre love triangle 10 years ago says that she remains traumatized by the incident. 'I do still have anxiety,' Colleen Shipman, 40, told Inside Edition. 'I do still look over my shoulder a lot.' On February 5, 2007, Shipman was assaulted in the parking lot of Orlando International Airport by NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak. Shipman had just started dating another astronaut, Bill Oefelein, who broke off his affair with Nowak after he met Shipman. Nowak waited nearly an hour at the airport for her romantic rival, donning a trench coat as the woman looked for her bags. The security footage from Orlando International Airport depicts Nowak arriving at 12:33am on February 5, then following 10 to 15 yards behind Shipman, who was on her way to the baggage-claim area. Scroll down for video Colleen Shipman (above), the Air Force captain who was attacked by a former astronaut in a bizarre love triangle 10 years ago, says that she remains traumatized by the incident On February 5, 2007, Shipman was assaulted in the parking lot of Orlando International Airport by NASA astronaut Lisa Nowak (left). Shipman had just started dating another astronaut, Bill Oefelein (right), who broke off his affair with Nowak after he met Shipman Nowak raced 900 miles from Houston to the Orlando airport to confront Shipman, wearing an astronaut diaper so she wouldn't have to stop. She was arrested after she attacked Shipman in the parking lot, shortly after the video was taken. The video does not include footage of the attack. Before Shipman arrives, Nowak goes off camera for about five minutes and reappears. Nowak stands and intermittently paces, carrying a bag on one shoulder. Nowak raced 900 miles from Houston to the Orlando airport to confront Shipman, wearing an astronaut diaper so she wouldn't have to stop. She was arrested after she attacked Shipman in the parking lot, shortly after the surveillance video above was taken Nowak is seen on the left during her initial court appearance in Orlando on February 6, 2007. The photo on the right shows her shortly after her arrest the previous day At one point she hurriedly walks to the baggage escalator, then reappears moments later. Shipman arrives about 50 minutes after the cameras show Nowak appear in the waiting area, and Nowak follows when she leaves. Nowak appears to be standing just a few feet away as Shipman waits for her bags. After a couple of minutes, the former astronaut pulls on and buttons a light-colored trench coat. The end shows someone with a trench coat running. Nowak pepper sprayed Shipman who was able to drive away, but it would later come to light Nowak brought a host of items that seemed indicative or kidnapping and murder. A BB gun, a four-inch knife and a steel mallet lead to the astronaut being charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted murder, which were later reduced to burglary and misdemeanor battery. Nowak was married to Richard Nowak, with whom she had three children. Lisa Nowak and Oefelein had an affair for two years, which he ended when he became interested in Shipman in 2006. 'I do still have anxiety,' Shipman, 40, told Inside Edition. 'I do still look over my shoulder a lot' There is a happy ending to the story, though. Shipman and Oefelein wed and started a new life in Alaska They also have a four-year-old son (seen above with his parents) There was no overlap between Oefelein's relationship with Nowak and Shipman, which is why the couple said they never perceived her as a threat. Nowak, 54, would eventually plead guilty and serve two days in jail. She was fired from NASA soon afterward and was placed on a year of probation. Shipman now says the incident has left her scarred to the point where she never leaves her home without a gun. Shipman has taken up writing fiction books as a way of helping her overcome the past. She recently published her first novel, Eerie (above), using the pen name C.M. McCoy. 'It was absolutely debilitating. I didn't leave the house for a six-month period at one point,' she said. 'To this day, I'm always armed. I am armed all the time, 24/7.' 'If somebody were to sneak up on me, I'd jump out of my skin, and I can't help it,' she said. There is a happy ending to the story, though. Shipman and Oefelein wed and started a new life in Alaska. They also have a four-year-old son. 'I call him the best husband ever, because he is,' she said of Oefelein. 'And I tell him every day. He makes me laugh every day.' Shipman said that she has taken up writing fiction books as a way of helping her overcome the past. She recently published her first novel, Eerie, using the pen name C.M. McCoy. Overall, she is content with life. 'I'm not saying I'm happy that that happened, but I like where I am right now,' she said. The mother of a three-year-old girl who died after an onslaught of sexual abuse has revealed her horror after being told the harrowing details of her daughter's final days alive. Kyhesha-Lee Joughin died in 2013 after weeks of sickening abuse, which her mother Danielle Joughin branded 'disgusting'. Her father Matthew Lee Williamson had pleaded guilty to Kyhesha's manslaughter but denied fatally harming the child. Ms Joughin slammed Williamson for failing to protect their girl. Scroll down for video Mother Danielle Joughin (left, outside court) has condemned her daughter's treatment while she was in the care of her father, Matthew Lee Williamson (right) Kyhesha-Lee Joughin died in 2013 after weeks of sickening abuse, which her mother Danielle Joughin branded 'disgusting' Williamson's housemate Christopher Kent avoided jail with a two-year suspended sentence after admitting manslaughter last year 'It's hard to comprehend really. No one helped her. It's disgusting,' Ms Joughin told the Courier Mail. She added that Williamson and his housemate Christopher Kent - who avoided jail with a two-year suspended sentence after admitting manslaughter last year - deserved to be jailed. The distraught's mother's words came after a judge unexpectedly adjourned Williamson's sentencing to investigate whether he suffered a 'psychological abnormality'. After hearing two days of evidence, Justice Roslyn Atkinson was anticipated to hand down her findings on Thursday as to what role Williamson played in Kyhesha's painful death and his appropriate punishment. But Williamson's case was adjourned until March 16 after his defence barrister Michael Copley requested a report into whether a 'psychological abnormality' contributed to his conduct towards Kyhesha. Williamson testified he didn't take his daughter to a doctor despite her vomiting green for days, having obvious bruising on her face and leaving blood in her nappies Matthew Lee Williamson is being sentenced in the Brisbane Supreme Court for the manslaughter of Kyhesha-Lee Joughin, who died in March 2013 Williamson told the court on Thursday Kyhesha complained to him she was bleeding, but he didn't take her to a doctor Photos provided to the court show a rope tied around a bedpost that Williamson is said to have used to keep Kyhesha-Lee locked in her room Williamson's former housemate, Christopher Kent, has served 19 months in jail after also pleading guilty to Kyhesha's manslaughter. Pictured is the rope that kept the little girl from leaving her room The court heard Kyhesha's infection from an internal injury was so painful she would not have been able to eat, drink or move in the 12 hours before her death. 'I was afraid I'd lose her to welfare ... because of the state she was in,' Williamson said. Williamson conceded he also ignored proof his daughter was being sexually abused when she showed she was oozing blood from her genitals and told him she 'didn't want any fingers up her bum anymore'. 'I didn't think anything of it at the time,' he said. But prosecutor Phil McCarthy suggested that never happened and Williamson made up the incident to hide his sexual abuse. 'You concocted that story because Kyhesha died and you knew someone would examine her,' Mr McCarthy said. 'That's not true,' Williamson replied. This image shows the state of Kyhesha-Lee's bedroom in the unit she lived at with Williamson in Petrie The court heard Williamson asked his housemate Christopher Kent to get rid of a bong that was in the house before he called 000 when he found Kyhesha dead on the floor Williamson is said to have used a rope (pictured left) to keep Kyhesha-Lee locked in her room for 'up to 18 hours a day' At the time of her death Kyhesha was living with Williamson and Christopher Kent, who the court heard engaged in 'unorthodox sexual conduct' together. Kent, who previously spent 19 months in jail before pleading guilty to manslaughter and receiving a two-year suspended sentence, told the court on Wednesday he witnessed Williamson regularly abusing the girl. 'It was like two adults fighting,' Kent said. He said Williamson, who generally slept through the day, would lock his daughter in her bedroom for hours on end and would become enraged when she then ended up throwing her faeces inside the room. Williamson admitted using rope to keep Kyhesha locked away but claimed it was to stop her from getting out at night. He also denied a raft of abuse allegations, including using a large sex toy on Kyhesha, punching her in the stomach, posing naked with her and pulling on her ear until it bled. Williamson admitted using a rope to lock Kyhesha in her bedroom for almost 18 hours at a time but claimed it was to stop her spilling milk from the fridge when she got out at night Pictured is the rope tied from the bedpost and connected to a door handle to keep Kyhesha-Lee's door closed Williamson is here pictured here leaving court in 2015 after he was granted bail for a second time Both men blame each other for the violent and sexual assaults on the child. Williamson wept in the dock as photos of Kyhesha were shown to detail the extensive bruising she had when she died. But the court heard when Williamson found her lifeless body his first action was to ask Kent to remove a bong from the house before calling triple-zero. Outside court, Kyhesha's grandfather Doug Joughin said the delay was a 'curveball'. 'We just want closure so we can just carry on,' he said. Children as young as 12 who suffer with anxiety and mental health issues could be treated with medicinal cannabis, in an Australia-first trial. The trial is being lead by former Australian of the Year, psychiatrist Patrick McGorry, and implemented through Headspace centres, reported the Daily Telegraph. Due to start in June, it will target young people aged 12-15 years who suffer with mental health issues. Children as young as 12 who suffer with anxiety and mental health issues could be treated with medicinal cannabis, in an Australia-first trial (stock image) Participants will receive two to four daily powder capsules of cannabidiol for 12 weeks and the impact on their condition will be monitored. Cannabidiol is the non psychoactive component of cannabis. In the past, European studies have shown it is effective in treating anxiety and depression in adults. The drug reportedly interacts with receptors in the brain to regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviours. The trial is being lead by former Australian of the Year, psychiatrist Patrick McGorry (pictured). Participants will receive two to four daily powder capsules of cannabidiol for 12 weeks Professor McGorry is receiving private philanthropic funding through the Lambert Initiative for the trial, the first of its kind in the world looking at the effects of cannabidiol in young people. Prof McGorry told Newscorp the trial is for people who have not had success with traditional therapies. The trial, one of the first in the world for youth, will be implemented through Headspace centres for people aged 12-25 years He said alternative medicines to antidepressants were desperately needed. 'We need to get innovative and look at alternative therapies to help reduce this burden that is growing among our youth.' Paul Amminger, senior research Fellow at Orygen, who is conducting the study with Professor McGorry, said if the treatment was successful it would help thousands of anxiety sufferers. Eight asylum seekers from the same family have been found guilty of gang-raping a German tourist in Austria and jailed for between nine and 13 years. The Iraqi nationals had gone on trial in the Austrian capital, Vienna, accused of the New Year's Eve 2015 attack on the 28-year-old teacher. Prosecutors had originally charged nine men with 'abuse of a defenceless person and rape in a very humiliating and agonising way for the victim.' But the court on Thursday dismissed charges against one of the suspects. A court statement said that the victim has been awarded 25,000 euros in damages. All eight convicted men - who cannot be deported because Iraq is deemed too unsafe for them to return to - launched immediate appeals against their sentences. Eight asylum seekers from the same family have been found guilty of gang-raping a German tourist in Austria. Police escorted suspected ringleader Alaa Al-J. (right), Mohammed Al-A. (red t-shirt) and Mustafa Al-J. (covering his face) into the court for an appearance in February One of the accused, Mohammed Al T., arrived in court covering his face and looked to the ground as he was led in to court for an earlier appearance At the opening of the trial in February 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. 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 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.' 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 more men were waiting. Marwan Al-J was one of nine Iraqi men charged over the gang-rape of a German woman 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 her client 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 a breakdown before the trial 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. 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.' The Iraqi nationals had gone on trial in the Austrian capital Vienna (file picture) accused of the New Year's Eve 2015 attack on the 28-year-old teacher He was with co-defendants Nazar Al-J., Mohammed Al-T. and Alaa Al-J. in the Cactus bar who took the victim back to the apartment. The other defendants - Hader Al-A., Mustafa Al-J., Nael Al-J. and Marwan Al-J. - lay in wait for her there. Another defendant, Sabah Al-J, was acquitted at court today. Medical experts testified the woman 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.' 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. 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. Boeing is investigating a blunder which led to the personal information of all 36,000 employees being sent to a worker's wife. The company employs people in four states - but the incident is believed to have involved the aircraft manufacturing plant in Everett, near Seattle, Washington. KOMO News reported that in November an employee accidentally sent a spreadsheet containing private information to his spouse, something that did not come to light until January. A line of Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets are parked at Paine Field in Everett, Washington. Last month more than 7,000 Boeing workers in the state learned that their personal information had been accidentally divulged Boeing said the spreadsheet contained names, ID numbers and accounting codes as well as birth dates and social security numbers. Boeing employs 36,000 people across four states, including at this plant in Renton, Washington In February the company wrote a letter to 7,288 employees in Washington state, notifying them of the incident and offering free credit monitoring. Boeing also informed the state of Washington's Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The company has since destroyed copies of the spreadsheet and said they did not believe the information had been misused. It is not clear if the employee was sacked or faced any disciplinary action. It appears he had asked his wife for help formatting the spreadsheet and did not realize it contained sensitive information. As well as Washington, Boeing employs significant numbers of people in South Carolina, Louisiana and at its corporate headquarters in Chicago. Government officials in the Bahamas have revealed that a group of the famed swimming pigs died from eating too much sand, and not because tourists plied them with alcohol. The island hogs, found dead near 'Pig Beach' on Big Major Cay, had 'a good amount of sand in their stomach,' Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries V. Alfred Gray told a reporters on Tuesday. 'The report is in place, I have not had the chance to digest the total contents of it but I am satisfied that the pigs died from ingestion of sand material,' Gray said in remarks reported by Tribune 242. Gray stressed that blood test and toxicology screen results were still pending, which might reveal additional contributing factors in the deaths, which wiped out about a third of the uninhabited island's pig population over the course of last week. Scroll down for video Actress Bella Thorne (left) snapped these vacation pics of her and sister Dani Thorne (right) cavorting on Pig Beach in January. At least seven pigs were found dead on the island in The Bahamas last week, and officials now believe eating sand is to blame The autopsy results countered suggestions that rowdy tourists had killed the pigs by feeding them beer, wine and rum on booze-fueled vacations Theories had abounded in the mysterious die-off, which hit hard the major tourist attraction in the sparkling Caribbean waters about 80 miles south of Nassau. Bahamas Humane Society President President Kim Aranha had theorized that accidental poisoning of some kind may have been to blame. The seagoing swines' co-owner had a more diabolical theory, that rowdy tourists had gotten the pigs too drunk. 'We have people coming there giving the pigs beer, rum, riding on top of them, all kinds of stuff,' Wayde Nixon told the Nassau Guardian. Gray seemed convinced that the answer had been right on the beach all along, though. 'Some people feed the pigs as they swim in the water, other people throw things on the sand for them to eat from the sand,' he said Tuesday. 'You know sand is indigestible, sand cannot be digested.' 'Sand not being able to be passed out by normal processes or digested had something to do with those animals having died,' Gray added. The island swine gained global fame when this episode of The Bachelor featured them last year Local legend dates the pig colony to a shipwreck long ago, but the phenomenon may have more recent origins. Nixon claims he set four sows and one boar loose on the island in the 1990s, amid fears that 'Y2K' computer issues would bring social collapse at the turn of the millennium. The idea was to create a sustainable food supply to tap in the event of a catastrophe, he told the Today show. In recent times, the prestigious porkers have attracted a bevy of celebrity guests to their pristine island getaway. In January, actress Bella Thorne shared vacation snaps from the island as she cuddled with a precious piglet in her bikini. And last summer, Donald Trump Jr was spotted on vacation with wife and kids cavorting with the pigs. Actress Amy Schumer was at the luxurious porcine retreat just last week, posting a picture from Pig Beach on Instagram Friday. Donald Trump Jr with wife Vanessa and their five kids, pictured on Big Major Cay last summer Vanessa Trump is seen posing with a sunbathing swine in this vacation photo Comedienne Amy Schumer is seen on Pig Beach in this photo posted to Instagram on Friday. Reports of the pigs dying surfaced over the course of last week Gray, the government minister, has called for new restrictions to protect the roughly 15 pigs remaining on Big Major Cay. 'If we put a rope up around a certain area, you can go and swim with the pigs and take photographs,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 'Thats what it was intended to be, but people have taken the liberty to feed them and the worst part is when they throw the food on the sand, the animals will eat it.' That, he believes, is how sand got it the pigs' stomachs. 'If you want to swim with the pigs thats fine, but we believe that feeding them is going to be a problem.' More than 100 Australian terrorists fighting overseas for ISIS could return home at any point because of several flaws in new counter-terrorism laws. The security laws, which were introduced by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in 2015, were created to strip terrorists with dual-nationality of their Australian citizenship. But this week, The Herald Sun revealed Mr Dutton was asked to submit amendments to the laws designed to stop terrorists including those fighting in Syria and Iraq from returning to Australia. More than 100 Australian terrorists fighting overseas for ISIS could return home at any point because of several flaws in new counter-terrorism laws. Pictured is senior Islamic State terrorist, Australian Neil Prakash The counter-terrorism laws were introduced by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) in 2015 One of the flaws is officials must show the suspected terrorist is also a citizen of another country, which require the help of officials in Syria and Iraq who have refused. A second fault is that only those working for a 'declared terrorist organisation' can be stripped from their Australian citizenship. Islamic State is the only declared terror group, according to the Herald Sun. A third flaw is that the law is that it can't be backdated and may not apply to terrorists who were pictured fighting overseas for ISIS before it was introduced. The counter-terror laws previously underwent 27 amendments so it to be passed. So far only one person extremist Khaled Sharrouf has lost his Australian citizenship, despite him being reportedly killed two years ago. Hamza El Baf (left) has fought for IS in Syria, as well as former Melbourne man Mounir Raad Sharrouf gained infamy after his young son was pictured on social media holding a severed human head in 2014. He went to fight with Islamic State in Syria in 2013, a year after being released from prison for his role in a terrorism plot. In 2015, there were unconfirmed reports Sharrouf had died in a drone strike in Mosul. The federal government has previously warned Australians extremists could return home soon because of the deteriorating presence of IS in the Middle East. 'We believe there are about 100 Australians fighting in Syria and Iraq supporting terrorist organisations, and we will take every step we can to prevent them coming home,' Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop told the Herald Sun. Perth student Muhammed Sheglabo (pictured) has also fought with extremists in the Middle East Zehra Duman (left), who moved from Melbourne to Syria to marry Autralin jihadist Mahmoud Abdullatif in 2014, is now recruiting wives for jihadis. Pictured right is jihadi bride Hafsa Mohamed, from Sydney However, Cabinet minister Christopher Pyne on Friday rejected claims of serious loopholes in dual-citizenship laws as a 'sensational beat-up'. 'The laws were never designed to keep all foreign fighters out of Australia,' he told Nine Network. 'They were designed to take away the citizenship of dual citizens.' Mr Pyne admitted Australian authorities had to prove an alleged fighter held citizenship of another country - something Iraq and Syria had so far refused to help with. 'You can't make people stateless,' he said. The minister insisted Australia had some of the toughest laws in this area and if security agencies wanted extra powers the government would respond. Mr Pyne said at least one person has had their citizenship stripped. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said the opposition to a bipartisan position on the issue. 'If there are any amendments to legislation required, we will be cooperative as we have been the whole way through,' he said. He agreed people could not be left stateless. Those people fighting overseas include: senior Australian terrorist Neil Prakash, Sydney jihadi bride Hafsa Mohamed, Hamza El Baf, Perth student Muhammed Sheglabo, Melbourne man Yusuf Mohamed Yusuf and Mostafa Mahamed Farag who has ties to Al-Qaeda. Zehra Duman, who moved from Melbourne to Syria to marry Autralin jihadist Mahmoud Abdullatif in 2014, is now recruiting wives for jihadis. Mounir Raad, from Melbourne, is also fighting with extremists overseas. Yusuf Mohamed Yusuf (pictured), formerly of Melbourne, has fought in Syria A 22-year-old mother was horrifically branded with hot tongs by her husband and his father because she received a call from an unknown number. The woman, named Jhamku, suffered burns all over her body because she they suspected she was having an affair. Her husband, Bhagga Gameti, and his father, Lehri Lal, reacted angrily and spoke to the caller, but could not identify who he was. Scroll down for video Jhamku, suffered burns all over her body after being attacked after receiving a call from an unknown number The brutal attack saw her suffer injuries to her legs, face, chest and genitals after she was burned with hot tongs They first beat her with sticks before burning her legs, face, chest and genitals with hot tongs. The helpless woman, who has a toddler son with her husband, kept crying for mercy but they did not stop torturing her, and a large crowd gathered outside their home in Udaipur, Rajasthan in northern India. Her ordeal lasted for two hours before she was left to writhe in pain. A large crowd gathered outside the home in Udaipur, Rajasthan, but her ordeal lasted for two hours The victim told the Hindustan Times: 'They branded my body parts, including private parts, with a hot iron rod and fled from the house when locals raised an alarm on hearing my cries for help.' It was only after news spread to nearby villages that Sunday's incident was reported to local police, but Bhagga was not arrested until Wednesday. Social worker Bhojraj Singh said: 'I heard of the incident from a volunteer stationed near the village. 'I sprang for her help and took the matter to the police. At first the police had not registered a case of domestic violence against the woman.' Jhamku was sent to her parent's house where she is being given medical treatment at home. Om Kumar, police officer who is handling the case said: 'We have arrested the husband and will arrest the other accused if he too is found guilty during the course of investigation.' A murder suspect has been pictured bleeding in his mugshot after being arrested having spent five days on the run. Alex Deaton, 28, is suspected of strangling his girlfriend before shooting dead a 69-year-old churchgoer and injuring a jogger, which sparked a massive manhunt. The suspected killer, from Mississippi, has now been arrested after a police chase resulted in him crashing his stolen car before the vehicle burst into flames. Scroll down for video Suspected killer Alex Deaton, 28, who led police on a high-speed car chase before he crashed Alex Deaton is said to have strangled his girlfriend Heather Robinson (pictured) to death Video courtesy of KSN: The FBI, Rankin Police and CrimeStoppers had offered $27,500 for information that could lead to finding the 28-year-old. Deaton is charged with first degree murder and aggravated assault for allegedly strangling his girlfriend, 30-year-old Heather Robinson at their apartment in Brandon, Mississippi. Her body was discovered Friday afternoon when a deputy and a family member went to the apartment for a welfare check. Miss Robinson died either late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Police say the number of charges could increase. Officials had offered $27,500 for information that led to finding Alex Bridges Deaton Police also want to question him about the shooting of Brenda Pinter, who was found fatally shot Thursday evening inside an office of Dixon Baptist Church. After the violent spree, he stole a car from a couple in New Mexico on Tuesday. Mississippi public safety commissioner Marshall Fisher told NBC: 'He's led us on quite the chase these last few days, and everybody here is very happy that he's in custody.' On Wednesday, the Kiowas County Sheriff's Department chased Deaton in a stolen Honda Accord. Officers used spike sticks to stop the car, but the fugitive ran into a convenience store where he shot the clerk and robbed his Cadillac. He made his way down Interstate 70 and cops had to follow him once again in a high-speed chase, which eventually ended when spike sticks were deployed for a second time. Deaton crashed the car and it ended up on its roof and on fire. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey told NBC: 'This guy apparently didn't care who he had to kill or what he had to do. 'I don't know what his end goal was.' Deaton was chased by police officers and he eventually crashed the car he stole from a clerk Alex Deaton is accused of strangling his girlfriend Heather Robinson (left and right) to death It is not clear what Deaton's connection was to Pinter and he has not yet been charged in this case. Nothing was stolen from her office or her car. He is also suspected to be the man who shot a jogger in the thigh 5am Friday morning. The woman said she was shot by a man with facial hair out of a white SUV, similar to Robinson's white 2012 GMC Arcadia SUV with a Mississippi Nurses Foundation tag that was reported missing when her body was found. Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey to the Clarion-Ledger: 'Something inside him appears to have snapped.' Deaton is also wanted for questioning for the shooting of Brenda Strickland Pinter (pictured) Alex Deaton (pictured) shot a clerk and stole a car from him days after a violent spree Alex Deaton (right) is accused of killing his girlfriend Heather Robinson (left) by strangling her The store clerk was airlifted to hospital and his condition is unknown. Deaton's last known contact with anybody was with his mother. She said her son had sent him a series of texts she described as jumbled and unidentifiable. The woman who publicly forgave the race hate gang members who terrorized her and other guests at an 8-year-old boy's birthday party has spoken for the first time of the traumatic experience and the extraordinary courtroom moment she came face to face with her attackers. Hyesha Bryant, 34, had taken her children - then aged six months, seven and ten - to what was meant to be a happy celebration of her friend Melissa Alford's grandson's birthday in July 2015. But what began as a 'perfect day' descended into chaos, panic and fear when 10 men and five women riding under the gang name 'Respect the Flag' tore into the Douglasville, Georgia neighborhood in a convoy of trucks. They brandished guns, spewed racial slurs and threatened to kill the partygoers and, chillingly, their children too. Scroll down for videos Hyesha Bryant, 34, who was at the eight-year-old's birthday party terrorized by racists shouting the 'N' word and waving the confederate flag, has told of the extraordinary moment she came face to face with her attackers in court and decided to stand up and forgive them Hyesha said about Monday's sentencing of the gang members: 'I heard the jail sentences and I was shocked. I wanted to see justice served but I looked at them and I thought, 'You're just babies and you have ruined your lives.' And I felt such compassion for the children that they are leaving behind' Jose Ismael Torres, 26, and the mother of his children, Kayla Rae Norton, 25, were sentenced to a combined total of 35 years, with 19 to be served in prison The couple were members of a group called 'Respect the Flag,' and were joined by a caravan of other people who shouted at adults and children that they would 'kill y'all n*****s,' while proudly displaying confederate flags On Monday, Judge William McClain handed down the final two sentences in the case in Douglas County Court. Jose Ismael Torres, 26, and the mother of his children, Kayla Rae Norton, 25, were sentenced to a combined total of 35 years, with 19 to be served in prison. They were found in violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. Both were also found guilty of making terroristic threats and Torres was convicted on a third count of aggravated assault. Now, in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Hyesha has shared the details of that horrific day. Speaking for the first time, she has told of the impact it had, the fear she battled to conquer and the painful conversations she was forced to have with her children in its wake. She explained how, on witnessing Torres and Norton's sentencing, she was flooded with compassion for their children and compelled to tell them that she forgave them. Hyesha said: 'I heard the jail sentences and I was shocked. I wanted to see justice served but I looked at them and I thought, "You're just babies and you have ruined your lives." And I felt such compassion for the children that they are leaving behind. 'There has to come a point where it stops. There has to be a point when we can erase this racial line and erase the hate. So I had to tell them, 'I'm not mad at you. I forgive you.' In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Hyesha has shared the details of that horrific day in July of 2015. She said: 'We decided to all have one big party and barbecue and Melissa's yard is big enough. I hired the bouncy castle and the snow cone machine. People brought chips and food and drink, there was music. It was a perfect day' But later in the afternoon, several of the gang 'Respect the Flag' stopped at the party and approached the partygoers and the house. More than one carried a gun - Torres wielded a black pump action shot gun. Another carried a knife; another wielded a tire iron. Pictured, women at the sentencing break down in tears She said: 'At that moment you could hear clearly all the N words and the F words and 'We're going to kill you all. We're going to kill some n****** today.' Pictured, Hyesha speaks to Kayla Norton and the court 'It's something that they needed to know and I needed to say. It's the right thing to do. It's the Christian thing to do. 'I can't sit here every day with anger and hate in my heart. That would destroy me. So I forgave them.' The grace shown by Hyesha in the courtroom on Monday and now, sitting in the front room of the family home she shares with husband Marcelle and their three children, is all the more remarkable when set against the events that took place on that summer day two years ago. There has to come a point where it stops. There has to be a point when we can erase this racial line and erase the hate. So I had to tell them, 'I'm not mad at you. I forgive you.' It was a joint celebration, she explained, with the little boy's father sharing his birthday, her own daughter's birthday just around the corner and a mutual friend about to leave town. She said: 'We decided to all have one big party and barbecue and Melissa's yard is big enough. I hired the bouncy castle and the snow cone machine. People brought chips and food and drink, there was music. It was a perfect day.' But in neighboring Paulding County the members of 'Respect the Flag' were staging their own, warped, version of a party. According to Douglas County District Attorney Brian Fortner, 15 to 20 members gathered that morning to conduct a ride throughout the day with confederate flags prominently displayed on their trucks. They began that morning and into the early afternoon, and each place they went 911 call centers were flooded with calls. They harassed black customers in the parking lot of Walmart and Grands Convenience Store. They made threats and hurled racial slurs and epithets, with many becoming ever more drunk and abusive as the day rolled on. Terrified, Hyesha called 911. It seemed, she recalled, to take forever for the police to come. And when they did, she said simply, 'They did not make me feel safe.' Indeed when handing down his opinion on Monday, Judge William H McLain expressed his disbelief that none of the gang were arrested that day Then, at 3:45 PM, one of the members of the group who had been 'spinning his wheels' while doing U-turns blew a tire. When he pulled over to change the tire, the party going on in the plot just next to Interstate 20 caught the gang members' attention. Hyesha recalled: 'I remember seeing the trucks going past but I didn't think too much of it. Being from Douglasville you get used to seeing the flag and you couldn't really hear too much over the music at that time. 'But then I saw they were coming back. They jumped the median and slowed up and now it was like, 'Okay what's up?' We had no weapons. I said, 'Get the kids inside.' They said, 'Leave them little ones, they can get one too.' Hyesha and others approached the trucks to see if they were okay. She said: 'At that moment you could hear clearly all the N words and the F words and 'We're going to kill you all. We're going to kill some n****** today.' 'I was like, 'Are you serious? Can't you see there are kids here?' And by the way this was a mixed party - there were white people and bi-racial. It wasn't just one group.' Several of the gang were now on foot approaching the partygoers and the house. More than one carried a gun - Torres wielded a black pump action shot gun. Another carried a knife; another wielded a tire iron. Tears rose up with the memories as Hyesha continued: 'We had no weapons. I said, 'Get the kids inside.' They said, 'Leave them little ones, they can get one too.' Terrified, Hyesha called 911. It seemed, she recalled, to take forever for the police to come. And when they did, she said simply, 'They did not make me feel safe.' Indeed when handing down his opinion on Monday, Judge William H McLain expressed his disbelief that none of the gang were arrested that day. Instead it would take a later incident, an attack on a white man that led to the gang members' arrests and ultimate indictments for their behavior across that day. Hyesha had to tell her son: 'No, we don't hate anybody. And your family loves you. It's only a few people who are like that.' I never thought I'd have to have this conversation in 2015, or 2017'. Pictured, Kayla Norton stands and speaks on her own behalf in front of Superior Court Judge William McClain Hyesha said: 'The police told us all to get back. We were like, 'But we called you!' They spoke to the gang. They shook their hands and they allowed them to leave. They had terrorized us and they just let them leave.' Hyesha continued: 'After they all left the fear was so present. We tried to go back to the party and forget about it but it just didn't work, people started leaving.' Hyesha packed up the bouncy castle and snow cone machine. Everyone, she said, was afraid the trucks might return. 'We felt stalked,' she said. 'Because they had already gone past and come back. What was to stop them coming back again?' For a while, she admitted, every truck that drove by their home prompted a spike of fear. 'We didn't know why they had come in the first place. We didn't know if they'd come back. My husband walked me out every morning. We didn't allow the kids to play outside. So we talked about slavery, we talked about history, we talked about the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King. He said, 'Mommy did they say that word to Martin Luther King?' I said, 'I'm sure he heard it quite often.' 'We even wondered about trick or treating that year. But it got to a point when I thought I can't be afraid. I have kids. I can't punish my kids for fear of what other people might do.' It is a great sadness to Hyesha that, however she might try to move on with, the events of that afternoon have inevitably taken a degree of innocence from her oldest son. Almost 11 at the time of the incident, he alone was really old enough to ask the questions she was forced to answer, however unready she felt. She explained: 'My oldest said, 'Are you okay mommy? Are you safe? Did they hurt you?' I said, 'No, Mommy's good. Mommy's here to protect you. You don't ever have to worry.' 'Then he said, 'They used that word you won't let us say - what does it really mean?' So I'm having to break down this word to him. 'So we talked about slavery, we talked about history, we talked about the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King. He said, 'Mommy did they say that word to Martin Luther King?' I said, 'I'm sure he heard it quite often.' 'To try to explain these things to him. It's taken a part of his innocence from him. He said, 'Mommy I have white aunties and cousins am I meant to hate them? Do they hate me?' Today, Hyesha is keen to look forward and to shake off the memories of that July day. The wife, mother and school bus driver is also a student of Strayer University, with a 4.0 GPA and is due to graduate magna cum laude in Criminal Justice in May 'I told him, 'No, we don't hate anybody. And your family loves you. It's only a few people who are like that.' 'I never thought I'd have to have this conversation in 2015, or 2017.' Judge McClain expressed similar dismay during sentencing. Referring to the the law under which the gang members were prosecuted, he noted that it was passed in 1860. He said: 'It criminalizes threatening crimes of violence with intent to intimidate or frighten people. It also criminalizes burning crosses with the same intent.historically it's a rather obvious response to the actions of the Klan and other racist hate organizations that rose up in the aftermath of the Civil War.' In his 35 years in court, he said, this law has essentially come to be applied to domestic violence situations. 'And then,' he continued, 'All of a sudden we go back to the 1860's and people are waving Confederate flags, using racial epithets and threatening African American citizens in our community.' And that particular day. Hyesha said she did feel, 'scared, bullied, harassed, stalked and terrorized.' Yet if any of the thugs riding their trucks had asked her if she 'respected the flag,' she would have said yes. 'I know the history of the flag. It's not about racism. It's about war and conflict. For some it's about honor. It's about the nation coming together. It doesn't offend me. It's a piece of cloth and it's history is about more than race.' With her grace and dignity, Hyesha has arguably shown more true respect than the racist gang who co-opted the symbol for their own hateful cause. Today, Hyesha is keen to look forward and to shake off the memories of that July day. The wife, mother and school bus driver is also a student of Strayer University, with a 4.0 GPA and is due to graduate magna cum laude in Criminal Justice in May. She doesn't have time, she said, for hate. 'When it came to it, in the moment in court I didn't know what else to say but 'I forgive you.' 'We don't want to have chaos and anger and hate. There has to be a point where somebody stands up and shows positivity and love and respect. Because that's what this boils down to: respect for others. 'I just thank God for my family. I thank God for my friends. And I thank God that this case, at least for now, is finally over.' Jean-Claude Juncker's frustrations boiled over in the European Parliament when debating with MEPs on the future of the EU. During the debate, which lasted for an hour and fifteen minutes, Mr Juncker laid out five different plans for the EU. When MEPs quizzed him on what his preferred option would be, he refused to answer. Jean-Claude Juncker's frustrations boiled over in the European Parliament when debating with MEPs on the future of the EU in Brussels The President of the European Commission said: 'S**t. What do you want us to do?' Mr Juncker avoided breaking parliamentary protocol by pronouncing the French swear word slightly incorrectly saying merte instead of merde and used the term again to add: I would say sh*t if we werent in the EU parliament. The president admitted there was a plan that he favoured, but he could not push it through as it would give ammunition to his critics. When MEPs quizzed him on what his preferred option would be, he refused to answer He told Brussels: 'So we are putting forward on this occasion a number of different scenarios. 'Not all of them have met with approval, Im sure that you will understand that amongst the scenarios put forward there is one that I would like more than the other four. 'But if we were simply to put that forward then there wouldnt be any discussion and voices would be raised against us saying that we had stifled the debate and saying that we had not listened to the voices of our citizens.' Mr Juncker's white paper maps out the five ideas, which include carrying on as normal, only keeping the single market or to expand on the ties between EU nations. Mr Juncker's white paper maps out the five ideas, which include carrying on as normal, only keeping the single market or to expand on the ties between EU nations In another scenario, the politician proposed that member states who wanted to do more than trade together could. He also said the EU could do reduce the number of areas that member states cooperate in, streamlining their mission. Yesterday, Mr Juncker said in parliament: 'It would do us all good if we simply stopped Brussels-bashing, EU-bashing.' Despite being the granddaughter and daughter of two pro-life presidents, Barbara Pierce Bush expressed her support for the abortion-providing Planned Parenthood organization on Wednesday. The former first daughter was the keynote speaker at the Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas' annual luncheon, held at Fort Worth's Omni Hotel. In her speech, the 35-year-old said she was 'very proud to stand with Planned Parenthood' because of the services it provides to women. 'I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood not only because women, regardless of where they are from, deserve to live dignified, healthy lives, [but] ... because its a really good investment. 'We know that when women are healthy, their families and their children are healthier too,' she wrote. Scroll down for video Barbara Pierce Bush was the keynote speaker at the Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas' annual luncheon on Wednesday. She's pictured above at a different event last year Bush didn't mention abortion once in her speech, but that didn't stop critics from protesting the event. More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the hotel on Wednesday, holding up signs reading 'We don't need Planned Parenthood' and 'I am the pro-life generation'. 'Its important to make sure theres a consistent and sustainable pro-life presence at events like this,' on protester, 23-year-old Jillian Ferguson, told the Star Telegram. 'We dont want to leave Planned Parenthood unchallenged, especially with George W. Bush having left such a pro-life legacy. We dont understand why Barbara Bush would go against that legacy.' More than a dozen protesters held a demonstration outside of the luncheon, held at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, on Wednesday Bush did not mention abortion in her speech. Planned Parenthood provides abortions, but federal funding does not go towards these procedures Lawmakers in Texas recently tried to stop Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, but a judge stopped the order Each year, the Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas books a famous figure to speak at their annual luncheon. Past speakers have included Gloria Steinem and Erin Brokovick. Bush said that she agreed to speak at the event in October, but had no idea that the election would fall in Trump's favor - putting Planned Parenthood funding even more at risk. 'I was under the assumption things would go differently,' Bush said of the election. 'Thats not a political statement. Bush is pictured center with her father, President George W. Bush (right), grandfather President George H.W. Bush (bottom), and twin sister Jenna Bush Hager (left) Bush's father was pro-life, but her mother is pro-choice. From left to right: President Bush, Barbara Pierce Bush, Laura Bush, Mila Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Poppy Bush and Henry Chase Hager 'I thought the cards were going to fall in a different way. And I could not be more happy that I said yes [to speaking at the Fort Worth luncheon] now,' she said. The event raised $400,000 for the organization's Greater Texas chapter. Since the GOP took control of both the White House and Congress, the Republicans have been threatening to defund Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions - despite the fact that no federal funding goes towards these procedures. The fight against Planned Parenthood has been especially fraught in Texas, where lawmakers moved to stop Medicaid payments to the organizations 30 health care centers in the state. But last week, a federal judge temporarily blocked the move, saying the state did not provide 'even a scintilla of evidence' that Planned Parenthood was unqualified to provide medical services. During her speech, Bush said that her time working on charity projects with her parents inspired her to found Global Health Corps, a non-profit that helps fight for health equality in Africa and the United States. 'Our belief that health is a human right is not reflected in today's reality,' she said. 'Millions of people's potentials and futures are undermined simply because they do not have access to the health care that they deserve. We have these incredible tools to solve problems, yet health systems are weak, and we need new leaders to fix them.' Planned Parenthood is one of the organizations that Global Health Corps partners with to 'confront solvable health challenges'. 'It is so exciting to know we have the tools to solve so many problems,' Bush said. 'We know this is just the beginning.' 'To me, Planned Parenthood is a one-stop shop for everything that has to do with women's health and all social problems that don't have to do with women's health,' she continued. 'I hope you all realize the incredible investment that you're making for both women and also their kids, their kids' education and their income level.' The White House is hiring leading Vladimir Putin skeptic Fiona Hill to join the national security staff, despite President Donald Trump's repeated expressions of admiration for the Russian strongman. Hill is the director of the Center on the United States and Europe at the liberal Brookings Institution and a former U.S. intelligence officer. She is a co-author of the book, 'Mr Putin: Operative in the Kremlin,' where she urges Putin to bring the 'Russia, Inc.' system he created into the 'real world' and to be less of a 'CEO and Mafia Don.' Her hiring was reported by Foreign Policy, which cited a White House official. The White House has hired Brookings Institution scholar Fiona Hill, who has written critically about Russian President Vladimir Putin, to join its security staff In July, at a time when what the intelligence community believes to be Russian-backed hacking, she penned an op-ed titled: '3 Reasons Russian President Vladimir Putin Might Want to Interfere in the US Elections.' Her writings make clear she views Putin with suspicion. 'Putin approaches his dealings with the United States with the logic of a covert operative, steeped in plots and conspiracies. He also uses an intelligence operatives tools,' she wrote in the article. 'Hes prepared to fight dirty, and he relies on the element of tactical surprise to ensure maximum effect.' The White House confirmed the anti-Putin hire at a time when the administration is under increasing scrutiny for its Russia ties before and after the campaign. Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn quit his post after weeks under pressure after his own contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. were revealed. The intelligence community claims Russian President Vladimir Putin directed hacking of the U.S. elections, and Fiona Hill penned an article explaining why he might want to interfere President Donald Trump has expressed repeated admiration for Vladimir Putin NO FAN: Fiona Hill co-wrote a book about Putin that emphasized his KGB background On Wednesday night, the Justice Department confirmed that Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice with the Russian ambassador last year, although he failed to disclose it during his confirmation. House minority leader Nancy Pelosi immediately called for Sessions to resign, and he faces increasing calls to recuse himself from ongoing investigations into possible Trump Russia connections. Trump himself repeatedly praised Putin during the presidential campaign, called for improved relations with Moscow, and spoke skeptically of sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The House and Senate Intelligence Committees are each investigating Russian election hacking. This week it was revealed that the FBI reached a deal just weeks before the election to pay ex-British spy Christopher Steele, who had compiled a dossier of information purporting to reveal compromising information the Russians had on Donald Trump. News of Hill's hiring emerged as the administration was under fire for its Russia ties. Former NSC advisor Mike Flynn resigned under pressure, and attorney general Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador twice during the campaign Hill took a skeptical view of the chance of thaw with the Russians after the elections The agreement, which ultimately fell apart, would be for Steele to continue his work, sources told the Washington Post and confirmed to NBC. The bureau made the arrangement at a time when a 'dirty dossier' of information Steele had compiled including now-discredited salacious details was in its possession. The dossier, parts of which were discredited, laid out possible compromising material the Russians had on Trump. Hill took a skeptical view of the chance of thaw with the Russians in an interview with the Atlantic. 'The Russians will get all giddy with expectations, and then theyll be dashed, like, five minutes into the relationship because the U.S. and Russia just have a very hard time being on the same page,' she said. Trump said in July, 'If we could get along with Russia, wouldnt that be a good thing, instead of a bad thing?' Foreign Policy reported that NSC chief of staff Keith Kellogg hired Hill before Flynn's departure. She is a dual U.S.-British citizen who was a U.S. intelligence officer between 2006 and 2009. Her portfolio would include Europe and Russia. Former President Barack Obama was named the 2017 winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award on Thursday for carrying on his fellow Democrat's legacy. 'President Kennedy called on a new generation of Americans to give their talents to the service of the country,' Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, said in a statement. 'With exceptional dignity and courage, President Obama has carried that torch into our own time, providing young people of all backgrounds with an example they can emulate in their own lives.' Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, will present Obama with the award May 7 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Thursday that Caroline Kennedy (left) will present Obama with the 2017 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his 'enduring commitment to democratic ideals and elevating the standard of political courage' Caroline Kennedy will present the award with her son, Jack Schlossberg (right), May 7 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston 'Humbled to be recognized by a family with a legacy of service,' Obama said in his official Twitter account. The award is presented annually by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the personal or professional consequences. It is named for Kennedy's 1957 Pulitzer Prize-winning book, 'Profiles in Courage.' The book tells the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers by taking principled stands for unpopular positions. 'Faced with unrelenting political opposition, President Obama has embodied the definition of courage that my grandfather cites in the opening lines of 'Profiles in Courage': grace under pressure,' Schlossberg said. 'Throughout his two terms in office, he represented all Americans with decency, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the greater good.' 'President Kennedy called on a new generation of Americans to give their talents to the service of the country,' Caroline, said. Above, JFK and Jackie with their daughter Caroline in 1958 Former President Obama tweeted: 'Humbled to be recognized by a family with a legacy of service'. The award has been given out annually since 1989. Obama is the third former U.S. president to earn the award, joining Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush Obama is being recognized for 'his enduring commitment to democratic ideals and elevating the standard of political courage in a new century,' the foundation said, citing the expansion of health care options for millions, restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba and leadership on an international climate change agreement. The award has been given out annually since 1989. Last year's winner was Democratic Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Obama is the third former U.S. president to earn the award, joining Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Other winners include U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., former Ukraine President Victor Yushchenko and former U.S. Rep. Carl Elliott Sr., D-Ala. A convicted felon posed as the drummer with Canadian rock band Nickelback in a bid to get his hands on $25,000 worth of high-end microphones. Lee 'Wooky' Koenig, 45, from Florida, claimed to be Daniel Adair when he placed an email order with Lewitt Audio, a firm based in Austria. But the company checked with the band to verify the order, which proved to be Koenig's undoing. Daniel Adair noticed Lee Koenig (pictured) had configured his drums in the same way as the Nickelback star The band's security specialist asked Adair about the order and the drummer told him he had never placed such an order with Lewitt, who are based in Vienna. Adair began some internet sleuthing and found Koenig's Facebook on which he claimed to be a 'hall of fame' drummer who had toured with the Beach Boys, Billy Joel and Tito Puente. The wannabe rock star described his interests as: 'Hot fudge, fishing and rocking the s*** on my drums.' Adair even noticed that Koenig had set his drums up the same way that he does. The real Daniel Adair (second, left) said he knew nothing about an order for microphones which had been submitted to the Austrian company On the order Koenig had claimed to be Adair and had made out his girlfriend was the band's publicist. Adair, 42, eventually called the cops in Florida and this week Koenig was arrested in Port St Lucie on two felony fraud counts and booked into the county jail. The Smoking Gun reported that when a police officer asked Koenig if he had defrauded any other bands the suspect 'invoked his rights to have a lawyer present'. Nickelback are one of Canada's biggest rock exports but Adair (right) turned internet sleuth to track down Koenig (left) Koenig is a convicted felon who served more than two years in state prison for fraud in 2009 after he pocketed $100,000 raised during a series of concerts which were supposed to be for charity. The real Daniel Adair and the rest of Nickelback set out on a North American tour in June. They will visit 44 cities, including Tampa in Florida. But Koenig's chances of snaffling a backstage pass are fairly doubtful. Al-Qaeda has confirmed their second-in-command Abu Khayr al-Masri was killed by a US drone strike. The attack in Idlib, north west Syria last week, is believed to have been carried out using a new type of munition using a far lower explosive yield to reduce civilian casualties. The terror organisation said Abu Khayr al-Masri, who they described as a 'hero', was 'killed during a Crusader drone strike'. Abu Khayr al-Masri was killed in a drone strike last week while a passenger in this car It is believed the car was targeted by a new type of munition instead of high explosives Masri has been described as 'jihadi royalty' and was number two to Ayman al-Zawahri. In a statement released earlier, al-Qaeda said: 'All of al-Sham (Syria) will bear witness to the latest crime of America and the Crusader alliance,' the statement said, in reference to the US-led coalition bombing jihadists in Syria and Iraq. It also expressed its condolences to Qaeda's current leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. A US official said this week that Washington was investigating reports that Masri had been killed in a US strike in or around the city of Idlib in northwest Syria. The US has escalated its bombing campaign of the province, mostly ruled by al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front. In early February, the Pentagon said it killed 11 Al-Qaeda operatives there. Masri is a son-in-law of Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden and is believed to be Zawahiri's deputy. Masri, also known as Abdullah Muhammad Rajab Abdulrahman, joined Zawahiri in the Egyptian Islamic Jihad group in the 1980s before they enlisted with Bin Laden in the 1990s. US intelligence believe al-Masri was involved in the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He was detained with several other Al-Qaeda figures in 2003 in Iran and held until 2015, when they were traded for the release of an Iranian diplomat who had been seized by Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch. Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute described al-Masri as 'jihadi royalty,' as a longstanding member of Al-Qaeda's central Shura Council and 'one of Ayman al-Zawahiri's closest long-time confidants.' The weapon did not break the Kia Rio saloon's windows or scratch most of the paintwork The interior of the car suffered extensive damage, but was not set alight by the impact His death would 'almost certainly necessitate some form of response, whether from Syria or elsewhere in the world,' he said. Trump has put tackling so-called 'radical Islamic extremism' at the top of his agenda. He is currently considering a review of the fight against the Islamic State group, aiming to intensify the campaign and is poised to revive efforts to ban travels from certain Muslim-majority countries. Masri's presence in Idlib province underscores the importance that country has gained in Al-Qaeda's strategy, analysts said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said earlier this week that a February 26 coalition raid on the town of Mastumah in Idlib province had killed Masri. 'In the last two to three months, the US has vastly escalated its air strikes on Al-Qaeda leaders, training camps, and meeting points,' said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. 'This indicates that they are working off a hit list,' he said. The drone strike took place in Idlib province, close to the border with Turkey Masri was born in the Nile Delta city of Kafr al-Shaykh in November 1957, during Gamal Abdel Nasser's rule. He was one of the most prominent figures in Al-Qaeda to have roots in the era before the September 11, 2001 attacks, according to the Soufan Group, a private security and intelligence consultancy. 'It was in al-Masri's guesthouse in Kabul, Afghanistan, that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed briefed top Al-Qaeda leaders about the planning of the September 11, 2001 attacks,' the Soufan Group said. According to Treasury Department sanctions, Masri was previously responsible for coordinating Al-Qaeda's work 'with other terrorist organisations.' Charles Robson (pictured) was awarded the Zulu War medal which has now been bought for 132,000 A medal awarded to one of the defenders of Rorke's Drift, which was immortalised in the film Zulu, today sold for a record 132,000. Driver Charles Robson was the personal servant to Victoria Cross hero Lieutenant John Chard, who was played by Stanley Baker in the classic 1964 movie. The pair were part of the 140-strong British garrison which successfully defended the Rorke's Drift mission station in 1879. Lt Chard was the commanding officer and organised the epic defence which saw them defy all odds to see off the 4,000 marauding Zulu warriors. For 12 hours the British repelled the spear-carrying tribesmen with accurate shooting and brutal hand-to-hand combat. The Zulus eventually retreated with 350 of their number killed compared to 17 British. Lt Chard was awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest award for valour in the face of the enemy - as was Lt Gonville Bromhead, who was played by Michael Caine in the film. Robson received the Zulu War medal which today sold for a hammer price of 110,000. With fees added on the overall price paid by the private telephone bidder was 132,000. The staggering sum is a record for a non-VC Rorke's Drift medal. It easily beat the existing record of 84,000 paid for the Zulu War Medal of private Michael Minehan last December. A spokesman for London auctioneers, Dix Noonan Webb, said: 'The extra price reflects the fact that the defence of Rorke's Drift is still regarded as one of the most heroic episodes in British Military History. Mr Robson was awarded a Zulu war medal (pictured) and it has now sold for a staggering 132,000 Lieutenant John Chard was played by Stanley Baker (pictured, left next to Michael Caine) in the classic 1964 movie, Zulu 'Medal collectors tend to like a great story behind their medals and stories don't get much better than Rorke's Drift. It remains one of the most epic actions in military history.' Robson, from Tooting, south London, joined the Royal Engineers aged 18 in 1873 and was detailed to be Lt Chard's batman and groom three years later. The pair were transported to South Africa at the start of the Anglo-Zulu war in 1879. When they arrived the duo were ordered to go to Rorke's Drift along with four Royal Engineers and repair a pontoon bridge. Mr Robson received the medal (left) after he was part of the 140-strong British garrison which successfully defended the Rorke's Drift mission station in 1879 - which was portrayed in Zulu (right) After completing the task the four servicemen were ordered back to the main British camp at Isandhlwana. Hours later the camp was attacked by the Zulus resulting in the slaughter of 1,350 men, a huge disaster for the British army. Several riders who escaped rode on horse back to Rorke's Drift 10 miles away to inform the men the Zulus were coming. Seventy-five minutes later 4,000 warriors appeared over the hills and attacked the mission station. Robson helped build the defensive walls before taking up a position from where he had a clear field of fire to where his master's wagon was parked. RORKE'S DRIFT: BATTLE CONSIDERED ONE OF BRITAIN'S GREATEST VICTORIES WAS PART OF A WIDER BLOODY CONFLICT THAT COST 8,000 LIVES The name of Rorke's Drift led to the much-loved film starring Stanley Baker (left) who played Lieutenant John Chard It was on January 22 1879, on the Natal border with Zululand, in South Africa, that the tiny British garrison of 140 men - many of them sick and wounded - fought for at least 12 hours to repel repeated attacks by up to 4,000 Zulu warriors. The defence was rewarded by Queen Victoria's government with no fewer than 11 Victoria Crosses. The name of Rorke's Drift led to the much-loved film starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine. The movie, which is still celebrated more than 50 years after it was made, saw Baker play Lieutenant John Chard, while Caine played his right-hand man, Lieutenant Goville Bromhead. After fighting day and night the Zulus eventually retreated after 351 of the men died and 500 were wounded. It was part of the wider Anglo - Zulu war took place during 1879. The conflict began because the Zulu kingdom presented an obstacle to British imperial ambitions in southern Africa. The British invasion of Zululand began on January 11 1879, with the British objective being an eventual federation in Africa. The battle of Isandlwana erupted on the 22nd of January 1879, 11 days after the British started their invasion. 20,000 Zulu warriors attacked 1,800 British, colonial and native troops and 400 civilians. The Zulus, who had more numbers, overwhelmed the British, killing over 1,300 troops, while around 1,000 Zulu soldiers were killed. The battle of Rorke's Drift started almost immediately after, ending on the 23rd. The Battle of Ulundi on the 4th of July 1879 effectively ended the Zulu-Anglo war, with the defeat of the Zulu forces by the British when over 5,200 British and African soldiers razed the capital of Zululand after defeating the main Zulu army. The war ultimately ended with a British victory, and Zulu independence. Advertisement As the battle developed Lt Chard made a note of where Robson was placed. He wrote: '...the Zulus were wrecking the camp and my wagon in spite of the efforts of my batman, Driver Robson, who had directed his particular attention to keeping the Zulus off this wagon in which were, as he described it, our things.' Lt Chard and Robson returned home to Britain nine months later to a hero's welcome. They took in an unofficial tour of the country and had an audience with Queen Victoria at Balmoral. Robson left the army in 1894 and died in London in 1933 aged 78. A woman could soon be reunited with the six-year-old son she has not seen for more than three years. Afsana Lachaux and estranged husband Bruno Lachaux have been embroiled in legal proceedings since shortly after son Louis was born. The youngster lives with his father in the Middle East and Mrs Lachaux has not seen him since late 2013. But Mr Lachaux, a French aerospace engineer in his 40s based in Dubai, has told a High Court judge in London that he will bring Louis to England to see Mrs Lachaux in the near future. Afsana Lachaux, a French engineer who works in the Middle East, said she did not want to see Bruno Lachaux when answering barristers' questions at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London last month Mr Justice Mostyn has explained Mr Lachaux's promise after analysing the latest stage of litigation at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London. The judge said if Mr Lachaux did not keep his word he might consider ordering him to bring Louis to the UK. He told Mr and Mrs Lachaux to 'move on' and 'work together as parents'. The judge had been asked to make rulings relating to the status of the pair's marriage. Mrs Lachaux met her ex-husband, who worked in aviation, in India in 2008, married him two years later and gave birth to Louis He has ruled in favour of Mr Lachaux by concluding that a divorce granted in Dubai, in the UAE, should be recognised in England. Mrs Lachaux, who is English and lives in London, had launched divorce proceedings in England. But the judge said any decrees granted in England would be set aside. He said Mr and Mrs Lachaux and Louis could be named in reports of the case. Mr Justice Mostyn said the couple's relationship had soured within months of marriage. He said the couple had lived in the Middle East and five years ago Mrs Lachaux had left home and disappeared with Louis. Mother and son had been found 19 months later. A Dubai judge ruled that the little boy should live with his father. Her case even prompted the Foreign Office to issue a warning to British women living in the UAE that in the event of a marriage breakdown they will face custody proceedings under sharia law, irrespective of their religion or nationality Mrs Lachaux was found guilty of kidnapping and given a suspended prison sentence. She has not seen her son since. Mrs Lachaux was screened off from Mr Lachaux when giving evidence to Mr Justice Mostyn. She said she did not want to see Mr Lachaux when answering barristers' questions. Mr Justice Mostyn said seating arrangements in Court 50 at the Royal Courts of Justice should be reorganised. Mr Lachaux moved to a press bench at the side of the room and a curtain was drawn between him and Mrs Lachaux. 'I loathe the sight of him,' Mrs Lachaux told Mr Justice Mostyn. 'More than I loathe the sight of him, I loathe myself for sleeping with him and being with him.' She complained of his 'denigration and degradation' of her. Mr Lachaux said Mrs Lachaux had been violent towards him and 'threatening'. Mr Justice Mostyn said evidence did not paint a 'picture of domination and coercion' by Mr Lachaux. The judge said he thought that Mrs Lachaux 'gave as good as she got'. A soldier has been snapping shots of illegally parked police vehicles for six months in Florida. Glen Carr, an active-duty Army major, is behind the photographs, the Miami New-Times reported. The 40-year-old has submitted at least 125 complaints, along with images, about the cars to departments around Miami-Dade County, the newspaper said. Glen Carr, an active-duty Army major, has been snapping shots of illegally parked police vehicles for six months in Florida He told the outlet: 'It's not like I'm against them. I just want them to be better at what they do. I feel they don't hold each other accountable.' Carr was in Maryland teaching his teenage daughter how to drive four years ago as two police vehicles, which didn't have their lights on, were speeding on an interstate, the newspaper said. Unable to find a reason for police to speed on an interstate without their emergency lights on, Carr complained, with authorities saying they'd look into the matter, according to the report. Carr recalled: 'I was able to show my daughter, hey, they were wrong; the police can be wrong too. But they have to be accountable.' The 40-year-old has submitted at least 125 complaints, along with images, about the cars to departments around Miami-Dade County (file photograph) He then started to photograph police around Virginia and Maryland who broke traffic and parking laws and would file complaints. Carr is an MBA candidate at the University of Miami and relocated this past summer to go to the school, telling the Times: 'It's much worse here than anywhere else I've lived.' Several police forces have said they'd speak to officers, though Carr's been ignored by others, the Times reported. Complaints that he'd submitted to Miami Police somehow vanished, the report said. Carr explained: 'I don't know if they were losing them on purpose or by accident.' The soldier then sought out the Civilian Investigative Panel, which determined that 15 Miami officers snapped by Carr broke both Florida law and department rules by illegally parking, the newspaper said. Lucy Powell, 22, was prescribed the NHS pill Yasmin but was left struggling to breathe A 22-year-old student almost died after suffering a rare side effect from the contraceptive pill that left her with blood clots on her lungs. Lucy Powell, of Brighton, East Sussex, was prescribed the popular NHS pill Yasmin to take every day to prevent her from getting pregnant. But she was left struggling to breathe after it caused blood clots to form on her lungs, blocking a pulmonary artery. The Sheffield Hallam University criminology student left doctors baffled as her symptoms were originally misdiagnosed as a chest infection. Miss Powell said: 'I was very shocked, and incredibly worried. I thought it was pneumonia or some type of infection. 'It wasn't until I was admitted to hospital that there was the mention of blood clots which they attributed to me being on the pill. 'Doctors explained that pulmonary embolisms are treatable but are also serious and potentially life threatening. If the clot had blocked a main artery to my heart it could have caused sudden death. 'My GP did say there was a slight increased risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) with the combined pill but that it was unlikely.' Treatment: The criminology student (pictured with her boyfriend Kane in hospital) left doctors baffled as her symptoms were originally misdiagnosed as a chest infection The first signs of anything being wrong came around Christmas time when Miss Powell noticed she was getting easily out of breath. By the New Year, she realised something was seriously wrong when she could not even walk short distances without having to constantly stop to catch her breath. The following week she had rapidly deteriorated and was left unable to eat. Miss Powell was also coughing up blood and was bed ridden with a high fever. When she finally saw the doctor after a friend convinced her to go, she was relieved when the doctor said it was 'probably an infection' and was given antibiotics. PULMONARY EMBOLISM: THE FACTS A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This blockage usually a blood clot is potentially life-threatening because it can prevent blood from reaching the lungs. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can sometimes be difficult to recognise because they can vary between individuals. However, the main symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing. The main treatment for a pulmonary embolism is an anticoagulant, a type of medication that stops your blood clotting easily. In the UK, 47,594 cases were reported in the 1-year period between 2013 and 2014, according to the most recent data available. While in the US, more than 600,000 people in the US have a pulmonary embolism each year, with 10 per cent dying as a result of it. Most of those who die do so within 30 to 60 minutes after symptoms start, figures suggest. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement Miss Powell, who had been on the pill since last December, did not want to waste the emergency services's time over what she thought was a simple chest infection - but she did not improve. She also dialled 111 in a panic but said the adviser suggested that all she needed was rest. On one occasion, she was not feeling well enough to even attend a nurse's appointment and missed it, which could have proved a costly mistake. Miss Powell said: 'I went to a medical centre on the January 18 where I was prescribed antibiotics and told it was likely I had an infection such as pneumonia. I also had a GP appointment on the 25th where I was told he thought I had a post-infective cough.' Fortunately, Miss Powell was able to attend a second appointment and this most likely saved her life. Doctors noticed her blood oxygen level was in the low 80s and called an ambulance to rush her to A&E at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. She spent four hours having electrocardiograms, blood tests and even a heart scan before a CT scan the following day. The scan revealed she had a large blood clot on each of her lungs, as well as damage to her left lung because of the blood supply being cut off to the lung tissue. Luckily, Miss Powell stopped taking the pill when she fell really ill on January 9, as the clot continued to grow and the pill would have only increased this. She was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a type of deep vein thrombosis, and was kept on oxygen while on a drip of strong antibiotics and saline for two weeks. Although she has been discharged from hospital this month, Miss Powell is still recovering from her ordeal. Miss Powell (right, with her friend Jodie) had a large blood clot on each of her lungs, as well as damage to her left lung because of the blood supply being cut off to the lung tissue She said: 'I currently have to self inject (15,000 units of dalteparin) everyday and will be on blood thinning medication for anywhere up to six months, possibly longer. 'I'm a lot better but I do get short of breath still and I have missed nearly the entire university semester so I have lots to catch up on. It will take time for the lung damage to heal and for the clots to dissolve. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TAKING THE PILL? Blood clots: Oestrogen in the pill may cause a womans blood to clot more readily, which could result in deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, a stroke or a heart attack. Cancer: The NHS says research suggests users of all types of hormonal contraception have a slightly higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared with women who do not use them. But ten years after women stop taking the pill, their risk of breast cancer goes back to normal. Advertisement 'I am so grateful to all the NHS staff at the hospitals and doctors surgery. I can't thank them enough for what they have done for me.' Miss Powell has now been tested for antiphosphilipid syndrome, which is a condition where the blood clots quickly, and should the test be positive, she means she would to take blood thinner medication for the rest of her life. She is hoping that by sharing her story it will raise awareness of what could happen when taking the contraceptive pill so other women can make an informed choice. Miss Powell added: 'I personally told all my girlfriends and my sister to come off the pill straight away but I also understand that for some it is a very convenient and seemingly safe option. 'I would just want girls to be making their own choice whilst being fully aware of the all the risks and not pushing them to the side thinking it'll never happen to them, cases like mine are a lot more common than you might think.' A teen girl has been awarded $4.1 million after she sued her father, claiming he caused a car crash that left her with permanent spinal injuries. The girl, only identified as Ms Kim, was 14 when she was riding in the back seat of her father's car on February 23, 2013. Her father, Isaac Kim, allegedly drove through a stop sign in Tenafly and smashed into another vehicle, according to NJLawJournal.com. Ms Kim to suffer two herniated discs in her neck and one in her back. A teen girl, only idenitifed as Ms Kim, has been awarded $4.1 million after she sued her father for allegedly causing a 2013 crash that left her with permanent spinal injuries. A jury in Bergen County Court (pictured) awarded her the money and a judge dismissed request for a new trial She is still in pain despite therapy and acupuncture, and needs to have more surgery, according to the Journal. An attorney for her father's insurance company offered her a $15,000 settlement before the trial, but she turned it down, according to NJ.com. On December 19, a jury in Bergen County awarded her the money. Andrew Fraser, partner at Sparta law firm, Laddey, Clark & Ryan, said in a statement at the time of the verdict that they were disappointed with the outcome. 'We continue to be disappointed by auto insurance companies who trivialize these cases. 'The insurance company had a chance to settle fairly with the Kim family but instead forced them to trial,' Fraser said. Her father, Isaac Kim, reportedly drove through a stop sign at the corner of Atwood Avenue and North Summit Street in Tenafly. His vehicle then smashed into another vehicle causing Ms Kim to suffer two herniated discs in her neck and one in her back In New Jersey, when a person is seriously and permanently injured in a car crash, the person who caused the crash is responsible for the resulting injuries and their insurance company is responsible for compensating the injured person. 'The Kims understood that this was not a personal matter, but rather one of the insurance company not fairly working with them to resolve the case,' said Kim family attorney, Russell Warren of Englewood Cliffs, according to Laddey, Clark & Ryan. Superior Court Judge Charles Powers dismissed Allstate's request for a new trial last month. New York medical examiners investigating the mysterious death of a Russian diplomat are contradicting the police conclusions in the case. Sergei Krivov, a 63-year-old security officer, was found dead on the morning of Election Day November 8 at the Russian Consulate in New York. Initially, the New York Police Department ruled that the death was caused by a head wound, according to BuzzFeed. But the city's medical examiner now says that Krivov died of internal bleeding related to a tumor. 'The medical examiner's findings do not include head trauma,' Julie Bolcer, a spokesperson for the Medical Examiner's office, told BuzzFeed when asked about the discrepancy. Scroll down for video The building above on East 90th Street in New York City was listed as Sergei Krivov's last known address - even though it is not a residential building 'The medical examiner did not find that. That is not in the findings.' The examiner's conclusions add another wrinkle to the odd case, which apparently also involved the FBI despite earlier denials. The bureau helped the NYPD investigate Krivov's death, according to BuzzFeed. A US intelligence official told BuzzFeed that the FBI failed to find anything suspicious in Krivov's death. Neither the FBI or the NYPD was willing to comment on the BuzzFeed story. On December 19, Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov (left), was assassinated by a gun-wielding Turkish police officer (right) at a photo exhibit in Ankara Initially, there were reports that Krivov died after falling from the roof of the consulate. But Russian officials then said that the cause of death was a heart attack that made him fall and hit his head. The NYPD closed the case without specifying a cause of death. Krivov was known to be in charge of a top-secret encryption program that encoded and decoded messages sent between the consulate and Moscow. That means it was his responsibility to prevent US spy agencies from bugging the consulate. Though he was believed to have resided in Manhattan, Krivov's name does not appear in public records. Peter Polshikov (left), a high-ranking diplomat in Russia's Foreign Ministry, was shot dead in his Moscow flat on December 19, the same day as the Ankara assassination. His body is seen being dragged out by police on the right The only address on file was a building that isn't even a residence. The building at 11 East 90th Street is an office building owned by the Smithsonian to service its neighboring Cooper Hewitt design museum. Krivov is the seventh Russian diplomat or top government official to die under less-than-clear circumstances since November, according to Axios. On January 9, Andrei Malanin, the Russian consul in Athens, was found dead in his apartment (seen above from the outside). Greek police said they found no evidence of a break-in On December 19, Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was assassinated by a gun-wielding Turkish police officer at a photo exhibit in Ankara. On the same day, another diplomat, Peter Polshikov, was shot dead in his Moscow apartment. Polshikov was shot in the head by an assailant while he was home with his wife in the Balaklavsky Prospekt section of the Russian capital. Oleg Erovinkin (left), the former head of the KGB, was found dead in the back of his car on December 26. He was suspected of helping former British spy Christopher Steele (right) compile a dossier that contained unconfirmed allegations against President Donald Trump He was said to be a high-ranking diplomat who worked in the Latin American department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, according to the Mirror. A week later, Oleg Erovinkin, the former head of the KGB, was found dead in the back of his car, according to The Telegraph. Erovinkin, who was an aide to former deputy prime minister Igor Sechin, is suspected of helping former British spy Christopher Steele compile the now-infamous dossier that contained unconfirmed allegations against President Donald Trump. In late January, Moscow's ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin (above), died after suffering from 'a brief illness.' He was 67 years old On January 9, Andrei Malanin, the Russian consul in Athens, was found dead in his apartment. Greek police said they found no evidence of a break-in. There has also been no definitive conclusion as to what or who caused the death. The investigation is ongoing. In late January, Moscow's ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin, died after suffering from 'a brief illness.' He was 67 years old. Officials said he died of a heart attack, according to The Hindu. Russia's combative ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin (seen far left with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin), died suddenly in New York after being taken ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on February 21 Russia's combative ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, died suddenly in New York after being taken ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on February 21. The ministry gave no details on the circumstances of his death but offered condolences to his relatives and said the diplomat had died one day before his 65th birthday. It declined to comment on reports that Churkin had been taken to a hospital shortly before his death. A US government official, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the case, said that Churkin had died of an apparent heart attack. A 'tsunami' of raw sewage which caused havoc in Southern California last month may have been deliberately released by someone in Mexico. More than 143 million gallons of raw sewage has spilled into the Tijuana River in Mexico, crossing the border as the river flows into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on the California side of the frontier. The tidal wave of effluent began on February 2 and only stopped last week. It was initially blamed on the failure of a sewage collector pipe. The Tijuana River flows into the ocean near Imperial Beach, California (pictured) and people were warned against swimming in the sea after the sewage tsunami STOCK PHOTO But the Mayor of Imperial Beach, Serge Dedina, told the Los Angeles Times: 'This was like a tsunami of sewage spills. What's worse is it looks to me like this was deliberate.' He said: 'It saves (them) a lot of money in pumping costs, and ultimately, they can get away with it and do it all the time, just on a much smaller scale.' Foul odors were reported as far north as Coronado but the U.S. federal regulators have failed to obtain an explanation from the Mexicans about what went wrong. The International Boundary and Water Commission said the tsunami stopped when a major pipe near where the Alamar and Tijuana rivers had been fixed. Dave Gibson, executive officer of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, told the LA Times: 'Was the spill intentional? Well, yeah. It appears they were working on the pipeline. I don't believe that it was a question of it failing.' 'At least a notification would be a good neighborly thing to do, to let us know what was coming down the river before it got here so we could alert the public,' he added. The Tijuana River (pictured) flows across the border near San Ysidro, California STOCK PHOTO San Diego County beaches were already off-limits to swimmers and surfers at the time because of runoff as a result of recent storms. Over the years, several large sewage spills on both sides of the border have worsened conditions in the Tijuana River, one of the most polluted waterways in the country. But relations between the US and Mexico have deteriorated markedly since Donald Trump was elected President, having campaigned on a distinctly anti-Mexican platform. Old sewage infrastructure in Tijuana, Mexico, and the lack of plumbing in some residences there have been blamed for the problem. Imperial Beach, popular among surfers, was closed for days in 2012 after a pipe broke in Tijuana and spewed nearly three million gallons of sewage into the ocean. An eight-year-old girl who was found dead in her Chicago home had written a diary entry stating, 'I hate this life', just two days before her grandmother fatally beat her, prosecutors said. Helen Ford, 55, is on bench trial on six counts for the murder of her granddaughter Gizzell Ford who was killed in July 2013. The child, who was also known as 'Gizzy,' was found beaten on the floor of her father's bedroom wearing only torn green underwear, The Chicago Tribune reported. Gizzell Ford, 8, (left) was allegedly beaten to death by her grandmother, Helen Ford, 55, in their Chicago home in 2013 On July 11, 2013, two days before her murder, Gizzy had written a journal entry stating: 'I hate this life because now I'm in super big trouble.' The body was discovered after a paramedic responded to a call of a girl who was having trouble breathing, the paper said. When Ford blocked the woman from entering, the paramedic pushed through to find the Gizzell dead on the floor next to a bloody pillow. Officials said the girl was found so badly beaten, most of the hair on the back of her head had been pulled out and medical examiners found maggots in a gaping head wound that had been left untreated. Haunting diary entries were read for the first time in court today, uncovering a long history of abuse that the girl endured. 'I know if I be good and do everything I'm told I won't have to do punishments,' she wrote. The girl's father, Andre Ford, who died in jail in 2014, had been bedridden due to an autoimmune disease Cook County prosecutors said Ford beat the 70lb girl from head to toe and even wore a belt around her neck to use for punishment. The pages in the diary showed the girl had documented the times she was 'good' or bad-behaved. Weeks before her death she wrote: 'I hope that I don't mess up today because I really want to be able to just sit down, watch TV, talk and play with everybody. 'I am going to be great all day. 'Love, G.F.,' she wrote. She later wrote underneath the same entry: 'Not true. I failed.' The child had also written about her excitement to start the fourth grade the next month, to escape her home. Gizzell had been under the custody of her grandmother and lived in the apartment with her father as well. Andre Ford, who died in jail in 2014, had been bedridden due to an autoimmune disease. Ford had been the girl's only caregiver after she told a judge that the mother was homeless and could not get her to school. The apartment building where Gizzell lived with her grandmother and bedridden father Prosecutors also used cellphone video footage as evidence, which showed the father and grandmother stuffing a rag or sock into the girl's mouth as they scolded her for breaking the rules. 'She's getting defiant,' Andre Ford is heard saying in the video. 'She says she wants me to kill her. She also says she wants to kill herself,' he says as the child kept her head down and swayed from side to side, the site reported. Court testimonies also revealed that Gizzy was denied food and water and was sometimes tied to her father's bed for days. The girl was once punished for trying to sneak a cup of water from the toilet. Gizzell's diary also revealed she was punished by having to do squats for 'an hour or two', The Chicago Tribune said. The eight-year-old's younger half brother, now aged ten, testified in court and stated he was also abused by his grandmother as well. He said Ford would force him to do squats and hold a book above his head, but he said his father did not abuse him. He also told the court he had witnessed Ford hit Gizzy with a spatula, force her to eat hot peppers, and make her stand on one foot. The grandmother would beat her with a belt when she began to complain or cry, the boy said. The Chicago Tribune said an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigator had visited the home a month before her death. A child-abuse doctor examined the girl's body and found injuries on her buttocks, however the suspicious marks were not reported. Gizzell's maternal aunt said she had not seen her niece in months because Ford would often make excuses that would not allow her to see the girl. The businesswoman behind the Article 50 court case has threatened another legal challenge unless Theresa May guarantees a 'meaningful vote' on any new deal with the EU. Gina Miller said she could not think of 'anything better to do' with her money than ensuring the PM brings the package back before the Commons. The comments came after campaigners obtained legal advice that Britain's 'actual withdrawal' will have to be authorised by a fresh act of Parliament. Ms Miller, who infuriated Brexit supporters by challenging Mrs May in court, said the Government would have to be 'incredibly careless' to ignore the law a second time. Gina Miller said she could not think of 'anything better to do' with her money than mounting another legal challenge to the government The House of Lords could inflict a second defeat on Mrs May over the Brexit Bill on Monday by re-writing the draft law to demand a meaningful vote on the final deal. If the amendment either fails or is defeated by MPs, Mrs Miller warned it could prompt a new legal challenge. She told the Independent: 'Would it not be easier for the Government to accept the amendment for a vote at the end of the negotiations in 18 months' time now, rather than facing legal challenges in 18 months' time? 'The Government tried to ignore the law once before, doing it twice would be incredibly careless.' In a separate interview with BBC Radio 5 Live Daily she said: 'It is my money and my decision and my actions, and I can't think of anything better to do with the success I have.' The government suffered its first defeat over the Brexit Bill last night when the House of Lords backed an amendment ordering Mrs May to guarantee the future status of EU nationals already in the UK. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR THE BREXIT BILL? The Lords finished the 'committee stage' of the crucial legislation last night. After another detailed debate, peers will give the Bill its 'third reading' next Tuesday and send it back to the Commons. At that point the government will have to consider whether to accept amendments that have been passed - or get MPs to overturn them. That could trigger a bout of 'ping pong' - where disputed legislation is passed back and forth between the Houses. Advertisement Downing Street immediately made clear that the PM would seek to overturn the vote when the legislation goes back to the House of Commons later this month. However, they are facing the prospect of a second setback in the Lords next week on an amendment that would require a 'meaningful' vote on Britain's final withdrawal. While Mrs May has promised a vote on any agreement with the EU, Remainers fear it will only be held when it is too late to return to the table and renegotiate. The Open Britain campaign group has sought to stiffen opposition in the Lords by circulating details of legal advice it has obtained from three leading QCs - Sir David Edward, Sir Francis Jacobs and Sir Jeremy Lever. According to the group, the advice states 'actual withdrawal' will require a 'full act of Parliament' once the terms of any deal are known and that legislation would also be required if the Brexit negotiations ended without an agreement. Theresa May has pledged to trigger Article 50 by the end of this month despite the stinging defeat in the House of Lords The House of Lords tonight overwhelmingly passed an amendment to the crucial legislation that would force the PM to make a commitment before a deal is struck with Brussels Labour MP Chuka Umunna warned ministers could face another court battle unless they were prepared to amend the current legislation. HOW GINA MILLER ENTERED THE BREXIT BATTLE June 2016: Brexit vote secured at the EU referendum June 2016: Gina Miller lodges legal action questioning whether Theresa May can invoke Article 50 without Parliament passing a new law. November 2016: The High Court defies expectations and backs Miller in an embarrassing defeat for the government. May vows to appeal. November 2016: In the aftermath of the result, Miller is subject to a torrent of abuse, prompting arrests to be made. December 2016: All 11 Supreme Court Justices consider the issue in an historic constitutional law case that lasts four days. During the hearing, a symbolic Commons vote is held endorsing the triggering of Article 50. January 2016: Supreme Court judges uphold the High Court ruling. May vows to press ahead with her plans to invoke Article 50 by the end of March. February 2016: Legislation for Article 50 is rushed through the Commons un-amended in a landmark series of votes. Advertisement 'It is completely unacceptable for the Government to only offer Parliament a 'bad deal or no deal' ultimatum at the end of the negotiations,' he said. 'The Government should accept the amendments that give Parliament a meaningful vote and a real choice at the end of this process. 'That's the democratic and patriotic thing to do. We don't want any more time, effort or taxpayers' money spent on court cases.' The threat of further legal action will cause fury among Brexiteers about attempts to derail the process of leaving the EU. Brexit Secretary David Davis has insisted the government is 'on track' to invoke Article 50 by the end of this month. 'The most important thing in this is that we will conclude in time to present the Article 50 letter and will do so in terms that are in the interests of both ourselves and the European Union,' he told journalists during a visit to Copenhagen today. In other developments today, the head of the CBI warned leaving the European Union without a deal on future trade arrangements would be 'not only wrong but irresponsible'. Paul Drechsler, the CBI president, says that if the UK is left to fall back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules after Brexit it will open up a 'Pandora's Box' of unforeseen consequences for the economy. Mrs Miller spearheaded the legal challenge that forced the government to pass legislation before the PM triggers the Article 50 process In a keynote speech in the City of London, Mr Drechsler will warn that British firms exporting to the EU would face tariffs of 90% on their products without an agreement as well as a raft of new regulatory hurdles to negotiate. While some businesses were already preparing for such a 'worst case scenario', others were unable to do so because the costs were too high. With Theresa May on course to invoke Article 50 marking the start of the formal process of withdrawal from the EU by the end of the month, Mr Drechsler will highlight the deep unease among the business community over what happens next. 'Right now, it feels like we're just reaching the top of the Article 50 rollercoaster. 'Any minute now, maybe next week, maybe the week after that we'll suddenly drop into the twists and turns of negotiations,' he will say according to advance extracts of his speech . Ms Miller's legal challenge infuriated supporters of Brexit and she has clashed publicly with Nigel Farage, pictured Businesses on both sides of the Channel, he will say, are concerned at the implications for future trade if the Government is unable to reach a deal with the remaining 27 member states. 'We should be under no illusions about what this would really mean. A 'no deal' scenario would open a Pandora's Box of economic consequences,' he will say. 'Here in the UK and across the continent firms are worried about this 'worst-case scenario'. Some are getting ready for it to reduce economic damage. 'Some won't prepare because they're hoping for a deal. But in reality many firms can't prepare because the cost of change is simply too high to even consider it. 'The Prime Minister is confident that a deal can be achieved - and we agree. But to those whose first and only choice is for Britain to walk away without a deal, I say you're not only wrong but irresponsible.' When a 74-year-old woman went into a cardiac arrest on board a JetBLue flight this week, responding Port Authority police officers began performing CPR on her and did not stop until she was revived more than an hour later. Paula Rodriguez was traveling on board JetBlue Flight 1289 from Newark Liberty International Airport to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday morning when she suffered a massive heart attack just a few minutes after the 7am takeoff. The plane was immediately diverted to John F Kennedy International Airport, landing there 30 minutes later. Heroes: Port Authority police officers Brittany Lukenovich and Jeffrey Leiter (pictured together) are being hailed as heroes for helping save the life of 74-year-old Paula Rodriguez Rodriguez boarded JetBlue Flight 1289 at Newark Liberty Airport Tuesday morning en route to Puerto Rico but collapsed with a massive heart attack a few minutes after takeoff En route to JFK, a flight attendant went to work trying to resuscitate Rodriguez, but without success, reported the New York Daily News. When the aircraft touched down in New York, Port Authority police officers Brittany Lukenovich and Jeffrey Leiter took over the situation, using a portable defibrillator to try and restart the patients heart. The duo continued their efforts trying to resuscitate the passenger until paramedics arrived and rushed her to Jamaica Hospital, where she finally regained a pulse. On the way to the hospital, EMTs continued working on Rodriquez while Officer Leiter drove the ambulance. In all, it took the flight attendant, the two officers and the paramedics about an hour-and-a-half to restart the patient's heart. Lukenovich and Leiter performed CPR on the patient for 80 minutes until she was taken to Jamaica Hospital (pictured), where she finally regained a pulse Rodriguez remained at the critical care unit on Wednesday. Staff at the hospital declined to comment on the patients status when reached by phone Thursday morning. Tuesdays JetBlue flight from New Jersey to Puerto Rico, which normally lasts about three hours, ultimately arrived in San Juan shortly after 2.30pm local time, 10 hours and 23 minutes after the initial takeoff. White House officials took efforts in the closing days of the Obama administration to analyze and spread information about Russian election interference, driven by a concern that the material might get buried by President Trump, according to a report. Intelligence agencies rushed to analyze raw intelligence material about Russia connections, going over months-old material as the extent and possible motives of what the agencies say is Russian election hacking emerged, the New York Times reported. White House officials made efforts to ask specific questions at intelligence briefings as a way to get the information into the record and be archived for examination later. The House and Senate Intelligence Committees are probing possible Russian interference, according to the report. Scroll down for video Obama White House officials hurried to analyze and spread information about Russian election interference in the days before President Trump took office, according to a new report As the inauguration approached, White House aides 'grew convinced that the intelligence was damning and that they needed to ensure that as many people as possible inside government could see it,' the Times reported. Whether it was the intent or not, the spreading of information would have expanded the universe of possible leakers. President Trump has railed against 'illegal' leaks during the tumultuous start of his administration. Some of the information that came out included information from transcripts of phone contacts between Russia's ambassador to the U.S. and now-resigned national security advisor Mike Flynn. The paper reports there were also efforts to pass reports and sensitive material to Congress, where lawmakers are constantly writing the administration in search of information under its control. The State Department sent a batch of 'secret' documents to Maryland Democratic Senator Ben Cardin days before Obama left office, according to the article. The documents were responsive to a Cardin request, and dealt with Russia's global campaign to influence elections. At the time, Trump's top security advisor was Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, was already under scrutiny for his close Russia ties, having accepted payment for a speech in Moscow where he was seated next to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Flynn ultimately resigned after weeks on the job after revelations about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. before Trump took office. Trump blasted 'illegal' leaks following Flynn's resignation. The administration rushed to process and spread information about alleged Russian interference in the U.S. elections in the final days of the Obama administration Some top Trump advisors, including former national security advisor Mike Flynn, had already come under scrutiny for their Russia ties Attorney General Jeff Sessions met with Russia's ambassador to the United States twice during the second half of 2016, the Justice Department confirmed The article describes efforts across different parts of the bureaucracy to preserve information about Russian interference and possible Russian contacts with Trump officials The paper reports that the motivations of the White House officials were 'to ensure that such meddling isnt duplicated in future American or European elections, and to leave a clear trail of intelligence for government investigators.' White House press secretary Sean Spicer responded to the story by saying, ' The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election. There continues to be no there, there,' he said. Former White House deputy press secretary Eric Schultz said: 'This situation was serious, as is evident by President Obamas call for a review and as is evident by the United States response' a reference to Obama's expulsion of Russian intelligence officials before he left office. When the intelligence community does that type of comprehensive review, it is standard practice that a significant amount of information would be compiled and documente,' Schultz said. The paper said its report was based on more than half a dozen current and former officials. Efforts also were undertaken narrow the number of people who could access information about sources and the identities of foreigners being monitored presumably as a way to keep it out of too many hands in the incoming administration. The FBI is conducting an investigation into Russian election interference, and the House and Senate Intelligence panels are conducting their own Russia probes. A Justice Department official confirmed Wednesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions met twice with Russia's ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, last year. Sessions testified that he 'did not have communications with the Russians.' Senator Minority Leader Charles Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi each called for Sessions to resign following the revelations. Feezan Hameed, masterminded a vishing scam which saw 750 businesses conned out of 113 million The ringleader of the UKs biggest cyber fraud has denied plotting an identical scam from inside his prison cell. Feezan Hameed, 26, was jailed in September 2016 for masterminding a vishing scam which saw 750 businesses conned out of 113 million. Hameed, from Glasgow, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after a court heard he partied with popstars while splashing out on Rolex watches, jewellery and trips to Dubai. Nicknamed Fizzy, he owned several luxury motors including a Bentley and a Lamborghini after the scam made more than 2 million every month. His younger brother and the gangs accountant, Nouman Choudhary, 22, was given three-and-a-half years for conspiracy to launder cash through property investments in Scotland and Pakistan. Victims were contacted by scammers claiming to be from the Lloyds or RBS anti-fraud department who would dupe them into revealing their account details. These were then raided for vast sums of money which were transferred through various accounts supplied by corrupt bank employees before eventually being withdrawn from banks and ATMs - often just hours after the original fraud. The Glasgow-based conman spent his money on luxury cars and watches, left. Pictured right is piles of cash seized by police after his arrest Appearing via video link at Southwark Crown Court Hameed denied one count of conspiracy to defraud relating to allegations that he ran an identical scam from behind bars. Sat in his HMP Hull cell, he was wearing a smart blue shirt with a white collar during the short hearing, but went back to his cell before entering his pleas. His barrister Tanveer Qureshi entered the plea formally on his behalf. Choudhary denied one count of conspiracy to defraud at an earlier hearing. The pair are due to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on 3 April. Peru Two drug mules Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid are in talks with producers to appear on Big Brother, it has been claimed. The British duo were jailed in Peru in 2013 for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth 1.5million out of the country to Spain. They travelled to South America to carry out the smuggling plot at the beginning of August 2013, after hatching the criminal plan in the Balearic island of Ibiza. And now, the 24-year-olds are in 'advanced talks' to turn their reputation from convicted criminals to reality TV stars by appearing on the Channel 5 show. Michaella McCollum (left) was jailed in Peru in 2013 for attempting to smuggle 1.5 million of cocaine out of the country with fellow Briton Melissa Reid (right) McCollum is seen out and about shopping in her hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland They travelled to South America to carry out the smuggling plot at the beginning of August 2013, after hatching the criminal plan in the Balearic island of Ibiza, but were arrested (shown) While the pair denied talks were underway, a source told The Sun: 'Michaella has made no secret of her dream to become a reality TV star. Shes spent the last six months trying to build up her profile and her image. Big Brother has been chatting to her about getting her on the next series of the show. 'Her accomplice Melissa is less excited by the whole showbiz world but, because of the pairs theme, producers think they would be the ideal signing.' It comes after Michaella McCollum was snapped in a revealing green swimsuit sitting on the sand and paddling in the surf in Spain earlier this week. The 24-year-old, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was enjoying her new-found freedom after being jailed four years ago along with Reid. McCollum had moved just two months earlier to work as a dancer in a bar for the summer. It comes after Michaella McCollum was snapped in a revealing green swimsuit sitting on the sand and paddling in the surf in Spain earlier this week The 24-year-old, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, is enjoying her new-found freedom after being jailed four years ago along with Reid McCollum, pictured handcuffed as she arrives for a court hearing, in Lima, Peru, on December 17, 2013 The 24-year-old Micahella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was enjoying her new-found freedom after being jailed four years ago along with Reid Just months after returning home, pictures emerged showing her enjoying new found freedom with a break in Marbella, Spain. Despite the part Spain played in her trafficking plot, it appears to be a favourite destination for her after new pictures emerged of her enjoying time on the beach. On the weekend she was spotted on a balcony in her home city, drinking and speaking on the phone, before coming down to street level. But while trying to rebuild her life, and cash in on her notoriety, McCollum is believed to have alienated a lot of locals and provoked the ire of dissident republicans. One republican source told MailOnline: 'People are not happy with her... If she wants to show genuine remorse she should not be flaunting herself by arranging photoshoots. 'Dungannon is well known as a hotbed of republicanism. And people are not happy with her. Food packages containing cocaine was found in the luggage of Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid Melissa Reid in the courtroom in Callao, Peru, during a hearing with a local judge in 2013 'People were prepared to give her a fair crack of the whip and let her start again, but all she is a self-confessed drug dealer and drug carrier. 'She is prostituting herself about the place with these photoshoots and it is getting the attention of the wrong people as far as she is concerned. 'She had the audacity to put up a picture on her Facebook page paying tribute to the Loughghall Martyrs, making herself out to be some sort of republican. 'That didn't go down well and it hasn't been forgotten and people aren't happy with her at all.' The 'Loughghall Martyrs' is a term used by republicans to commemorate eight IRA men shot dead by the security forces in the Co Armagh village of Loughghall in 1988 in an ambush. While trying to rebuild her life, and cash in on her notoriety, McCollum is believed to have alienated a lot of locals in Ireland and provoked the ire of dissident republicans Melissa Reid of Glasgow, Scotland walks next to immigration officers before boarding a flight at Lima's airport in Callao after her release in 2016 'She is profiting from ill-gotten goods and extending her time in the limelight by continuing to associate herself with er recent paste. 'People are beginning to get sick of her.' The source did not rule that she could be under direct threat of attack from dissident republicans. He said: 'I wouldn't know.' Dungannon has always had the reputation of being a centre of mainstream and now dissident republican politics and terror groups. He added, 'She is prostituting in the media yet her only claim to fame is being a drug dealer and smuggler. 'I know people were "ripping" [angry] when she put that picture up of the Loughghall Martyrs.' In one Instagram post, McCollum wrote: 'Life is so much simpler when you stop explaining yourself to people and just do what works for you' She and Reid had each been sentenced to six years and eight months in jail after admitting to trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country. The pair, who initially protested their innocence, were found in possession of 11kg of cocaine hidden inside food packets in their luggage as they prepared to board a flight from Lima to Madrid. McCollum was released on parole last March after serving less than half of her sentence but was initially required to stay in Peru, where she carried out voluntary work. Reid was released from prison in June last year, flying back to Scotland shortly afterwards. Speaking previously about her experience in Lima's Ancon 2 prison, McCollum described how she shared a cell with seven other prisoners including Reid. They slept on concrete bunks and used a hole in the floor as a lavatory, she would reveal. The family of a nurse who was stabbed to death inside her Tennessee apartment is pleading for help in finding the 23-year-old's killer. Tiffany Ferguson was found unconscious in her bed suffering from multiple stab wounds around 5.40am on Tuesday by her roommate who was awoken by screams inside their Wedgewood condo and also found their front door open, police say. Ferguson was immediately taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her family is pleading for help in finding the individual who took her life away. 'Anybody that can help us find who did this, we need this for closure,' Molly Cox, the 32-year-old sister of the victim, told The Tennessean. 'She didn't deserve this. Scroll down for video Tragic: Tiffany Ferguson (above) was found unconscious in her bed suffering from multiple stab wounds around 5.40am on Tuesday Ferguson (above), a 23-year-old nurse, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival Surveillance video filmed outside the apartment located in the 700 block of Wedgewood Park shows an unidentified male suspect (above) walking around the building. Police believe he is Ferguson's killer 'We were supposed to have lunch yesterday. She had the day off and was coming to home to visit. Now, she's gone. It's senseless.' Police say surveillance video filmed outside the apartment located in the 700 block of Wedgewood Park shows an unidentified male suspect walking around the building where Ferguson lived. Investigator say the man was looking for open vehicles and open apartment doors, and wore a hooded sweatshirt, ripped blue jeans and boots. Eventually the suspect entered Ferguson's condo through the front door, which was unlocked and began searching inside for valuables to steal. Authorities say the suspect left with items from the condo at least one time before going back inside. There was a confrontation that resulted in Ferguson, who worked as a nurse at Saint Thomas West Hospital, being stabbed inside the apartment, police say. Ferguson's (above) older sister, Molly Cox, is begging the public for help in finding the person who killed the young woman. Cox said: 'Anybody that can help us find who did this, we need this for closure. She didn't deserve this' Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood (condo above) and a meeting is being scheduled with Wedgewood Park apartments board members and Midtown Precinct Sgt. Michelle Jones to speak about the case Dozens of social media posts online pay tribute to Ferguson, and many friends and family members of the young woman have changed their Facebook profile photos to a picture of her. Cox said that her sister had a 'big heart'. 'Her heart was so big. She made all of us want to be better,' Cox emotionally said. 'She loved fitness, cooking and was a foodie especially after she moved to Nashville. 'She would always take us to random hole-in-the-wall restaurants to try.' Ferguson grew up in Loretto, which is about 100 miles south of Nashville near the Alabama border, with her parents, Cox and her twin sister, Ali Staggs, the newspaper reported. She graduated from Loretto High School and went on to attend the University of North Alabama. After graduating from college in 2015, Ferguson accepted a job at Saint Thomas West Hospital. President and CEO of Saint Thomas Health, Karen Springer, said in a statement that the hospital staff is heartbroken over her loss. 'She was a rising star in nursing having been selected to participate in our nursing residency program just after graduating college,' Springer said. Anyone with information about the case or suspect is asked to call police at 615-742-7463. A convicted sex offender from Illinois has been sentenced to eight years in prison for making secret video recordings of young boys in a men's room at Wrigley Field. Nichols Gregor, 37, of Villa Park, was handed down his punishment on Wednesday by Cook County Judge Michael McHale after he pleaded guilty to charges related to the June 2016 incident. The father of a 12-year-old boy was washing his hands in the bathroom at the ballpark when he noticed Gregor holding a black object in his right hand pointed at his sons groin as the boy used a urinal trough. Predator: Nichols Gregor, 37, pictured left and right in two different booking photos, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for making secret video recordings of young boys in a men's room at Wrigley Field Ballpark arrest: Gregor was busted at Wrigley Field in June 2016 after secretly recording a 12-year-old boy in the restroom Busted: The victim's father spotted Gregor holding a black object pointed at his sons groin as the boy used a urinal trough Gregor was standing so close to the child that he rubbed shoulders with him, prosecutors said, according to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times. When confronted by the father, who demanded to know what he was doing, Gregor tried to walk away, then insisted to the man, 'I didn't take any pictures,' according to an incident report. Repeat offender: In 2011, Gregor pleaded guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and illegal taping of minors and received a six-month jail sentence The father and another man held Gregor down until police arrived to arrest him. Prosecutors said investigators recovered a cellphone, digital recorder and two cameras from Gregor. The devices contained surreptitiously made recordings of males using the urinal and stalls, including several who appeared under the age of 18. In 2011, Gregor pleaded guilty to charges of possession of child pornography and illegal taping of minors and received a six-month jail sentence. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender. That conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in February 2010 when Gegop secretly recorded a 14-year-old boy in a bathroom during a swim meet in St Charles. Chicago Tribune reported that the victim's parents were able to get a license plate number for Gregor, allowing police to track him down to his then-residence in Lombard, where they seized a computer storing hundreds of child pornography videos and images of boys in the locker room at a Lombard swimming pool. More than 120 diners celebrating a baptism fled without paying their bill 2,000 restaurant bill after the main courses. The Romanian diners, who had paid a deposit of 900 (770) to eat at the El Carmen restaurant in Bembibre, north-eastern Spain, fled as waiters were about to serve dessert. Restaurant owner Antonio Rodriguez told the BBC: 'It happened in the space of a minute. It was something they had planned and they left in a stampede.' More than 120 diners celebrating a baptism fled the El Carmen restaurant (pictured) in Bembibre, Spain without paying their bill 2,000 The party had eaten starters, a main course and 30 bottles of alcohol, which came to almost 3,000. Mr Rodriguez called police but said had little hope of being repaid. He added that this was the first time in 35 years working in the restaurant trade that he had seen a party walk out in this manner. Officers told El Pais newspaper they had not yet traced any of the diners. Police have launched an investigation after a man's body was found in a wheelie bin. Officers were called to the scene in an alleyway in Gateshead yesterday, where they made the discovery. They are treating his death as suspicious and have arrested a 36-year-old man, who remains in police custody. According to horrified locals, the unnamed victim could have been stabbed before being placed in the bin. Officers were called to the scene in an alleyway in Gateshead yesterday, where they found the body in a bin Northumbria Police are still working to formally identify the victim and speak to his next of kin. Resident Jade Bambrough, 23, Northbourne Street, told Chronicle Live: 'I think our wheelie bin went missing and police have been asking about this, and their emphasis was about the bin. 'Then I heard the body was found in a bin but I haven't been told that by the police. 'Maybe I'm putting two and two together and I'm thinking it could be our bin that was used. 'I might have watched too many Miss Marples as I think it could be my bin that has been used to put the body in. 'I had heard movement of wheelie bins in the back lane, it's a good job I had my pyjamas on because I didn't go out and look.' Michael Scott, 39, Northbourne Street, also told Chronicle Live: 'Some people are saying it was a stabbing and the body was found in the wheelie bin in the back lane. 'Police have been asking if people have heard any movement of wheelie bins.' Northumbria Police (pictured at the scene) are still working to formally identify the victim and speak to his next of kin A police spokesman said: 'On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 1, police received a report expressing concern for a man in a back lane in Northbourne Street. 'Officers attended and found the body of a man in a wheelie bin. Police enquiries are ongoing to formally identify the victim and speak to his next of kin. 'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind his death but police are currently treating it as suspicious. 'A 36-year-old man has been arrested and remains in police custody at this time. 'A cordon remains in place at the scene and extra officers are on patrol in the area to carry out enquiries and speak to any concerned members of the public.' Anyone with any information is aked contact police on 101 quoting log 594 01/03/17 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Advertisement Fighter jets and the sound of artillery were heard across Northumberland National Park as the Army engaged in an intensive training exercise. Using live firing and simulated training, UK forces were joined by French and Danish troops as they prepared for their role as part of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. Pictures taken from the exercise show troops in full combat readiness displaying the full power of NATO forces. Scroll down for video British soldiers from the 1st Artillery Brigade were joined by NATO soldiers from France and Denmark as they engaged in an intensive live training exercise designed to simulate war conditions. The UK assumed responsibility for NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force as of January and put into practice their operation readiness at Northumberland National Park Regular and reserve units from Newcastle, North Yorkshire, Edinburgh, Wiltshire and Somerset took to the Otterburn Ranges in Northumberland to allow the synchronisation of air and artillery firing within a war-fighting scenario - designed to respond to emerging security challenges posed by Russia, as well as the risks emanating from the Middle East and North Africa Troops used AS-90 Braveheart 155mm self-propelled howitzer lightly armoured artillery piece. The Braveheart fires missiles with a range of 24.9km, weighs roughly 45 tonnes, and can fire six rounds per minute for three minutes or two rounds per minute for 60 minutes. The AS-90 was used to devastating effect in operations in Iraq An F-15 fighter jet is seen overhead. The twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft has been perfected for dog-fighting manoeuvres and strategy. The F-15 fly can fly at low altitudes, at night and in any weather conditions and is capable of attacking ground targets with a range of precision-guided and unguided weaponry - used recently against the Islamic State The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) is part of NATO's enhanced Response Force which was agreed at the 2014 Wales NATO Summit. It was decided then that the Alliance's collective defence was to be strengthened to eventually consist of 20,000 personnel with Land, Air, Maritime and Special Forces components Around 1,500 troops are taking part in the training exercise over the next two weeks. Soldiers from Estonia, France and Poland, as well as those from Denmark and France saw the latest 'dome simulators' which provide training before moving to live firing supported by F-15 fighter jets overhead, again replicating real life battle conditions Troops were pictured using the L118 light gun, a 105mm towed howitzer. The weapon has been a favourite of the Royal Artillery for more than 30 years and was used effectively in the Falklands as well as in Bosnia, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. It can fire off six rounds per minute at a maximum range of just over 17kms while it's capable of destroying a tank within 800m Jennifer Lazar (above), 36, and a homeless man, 38, were behind a Walgreens in Manatee County, Florida, just before 10:00pm on Monday Florida police arrested a woman who was found to have drug paraphernalia shortly after she was spotted having sex with a homeless man, authorities said on Wednesday. Jennifer Lazar, 36, and a homeless man, 38, were behind a Walgreens in Manatee County just before 10:00pm on Monday, according to the Bradenton Herald. Lazars hair was wild, which initially prompted a police officer to suspect that the two were fighting. But it soon became clear that Lazar and the man were having some fun, the man told Manatee County Sheriffs. The two had apparently arranged to meet behind the Walgreens because the man was legally not allowed to be at Lazars home. The sheriffs deputy though noticed that the two were acted unusual and jittery. Upon closer inspection, the deputy saw Lazars track marks the marks on her skin which are left whenever there is chronic use of hypodermic needles. Another deputy on the scene searched the area and found needles on the ground nearby as well as a bag full of heroin not far from where they were standing. A search of Lazars purse turned up a needle, alprazolam pills, and two smoking pipes. Upon closer inspection, the deputy saw Lazars (above) track marks the marks on her skin which are left whenever there is chronic use of hypodermic needles The two had apparently arranged to meet behind the Walgreens (above) because the man was legally not allowed to be at Lazars home Lazars hair was wild, which initially prompted a police officer to suspect that the two were fighting. But it soon became clear that Lazar and the man were having some fun, the man told Manatee County Sheriffs. The alley behind the Walgreens is seen in the image above Alprazolam is a potent anti-anxiety medication that is more commonly known by its brand name Xanax. Lazar has a history of drug possession and prostitution-related charges. She is currently being held at Manatee County jail on drug possession charges and possession of drug paraphernalia. An eight-year-old refugee from war-torn Syria has been melting hearts after showing his compassion for a dog that had been hit by a car. Huseyin El-Hasan, one of five children of a Syrian refugee family living in the city of Kilis in southern Turkey, saw the injured dog by the side of the road. Seeing that the dog was cold and shivering, he ran home to fetch a blanket, which he wrapped around the animal to try to keep it warm until help arrived. An eight-year-old refugee from war torn Syria showed a dying dog kindness in its final moments, as it lay on the roadside having been hit by a car. Huseyin El-Hasan wrapped the dog in a blanket and stroked its head while waiting for vets to arrive to try and save it The young boy comforted the wounded dog in its final moments and despite vets arriving to treat the animal, it couldn't be saved. Nonetheless the kindness of the young boy has melted hearts around the world The dog was a stray which had been run over by a hit-and-run driver in the city which lies close to the Syrian border and just 42 miles from war-ravaged Aleppo. Eyewitnesses had lifted it from the tarmac and placed it by the roadside where Huseyin spotted the dog and decided to do what he could to help. The little boy begged passersby to help the injured dog and he stayed with it until a team from the Kilis Municipality Veterinary Directorate arrived on the scene. Huseyin El-Hasan (left) begged passers-by to help the dog who was unable to move. He waited with the dog until workers from a local vets arrived to help The dog, which had suffered serious injuries to its rear legs, was taken in an animal ambulance to a veterinary clinic where it sadly later died. Huseyin issued the plea afterwards: 'Please drive carefully, what had the dog done wrong?' The dog, which had suffered serious injuries to its rear legs, was taken in an animal ambulance to a veterinary clinic where it sadly later died. A Kilis Municipality Veterinary Directorate spokesman said: 'The dog was taken on a stretcher into an ambulance car and then to a vet where unfortunately, despite all interventions, the dog could not be saved due to internal bleeding.' Huseyin was devastated to hear the bad news and issued a plea to local motorists. After hearing of Huseyin's kindness the deputy mayor of Kilis arrived at his home to thank him for his kindness and gave his family blankets and food in return for his kind gesture He said: 'The cars are all driving very fast, please drive carefully. What had the dog done wrong?' Huseyin's kindness was noticed by the deputy mayor of Kilis, Cuma Ozdemir who vistited the young boy's home with gifts to thank him for his gesture. He gave the refugee's family food and blankets and thanked him for his efforts. It may seem like a small and simple affair to some, but [Huseyin] has done a great deal for humanity, and putting his own blanket on the dog when he was cold made us feel very moved, Cuma told Haber Turk. A 19-year-old man has been arrested in the fatal road rage shooting of an eight-year-old Houston girl. Jacobe Dante Payton was taken into custody and charged with murder related to the tragic death of eight-year-old De'Maree Adkins. He is being held at Fort Bend County jail on $500,000 bond, according to Bob Haenel, spokesman for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. Payton allegedly killed the little girl during a road rage incident on Saturday. Adkins and her mother, Latoyia Thomas, 39, were going east on the intersection of West Fuqua Street and Sam Houston Parkway on their way home from the hairdresser when their Honda Accord hit a southbound Pontiac Gran Prix, investigators said. Scroll down for video Jacobe Dante Payton, 19, has been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal road rage shooting of eight-year-old De'Maree Adkins (left). The girl was in the car with her mother, Latoyia Thomas (right) at the time of the incident on Saturday The girl was in the backseat of the Honda (above) when Thomas was involved in an accident while driving. After the crash, the driver of a Pontiac pulled up next to Thomas's Honda, rolled down a window and began firing a gun Police said the Pontiac Grand Prix and a third car - a dark four-door sedan - were speeding when the Pontiac was hit by the vehicle the girl was in. After the crash, the driver of the Pontiac jumped into the sedan, Thomas said. But before it drove off, the sedan pulled up next to the Honda and someone leaned out of the window with a gun. Thomas said the individual began firing at her and her daughter, who was in the backseat. 'Each one of those bullets hit the back of my car where my baby was,' said Thomas. 'I pulled her out of the car; I didn't even know she had been hit. I thought she was still asleep.' That's when Thomas noticed the blood on her jacket. 'I pulled her shirt up, and she got shot - the bullet went in the right and came out the left side,' Thomas said. The little girl was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Thomas was not injured. Of the incident, Thomas said: 'Each one of those bullets hit the back of my car where my baby was. I pulled her out of the car; I didn't even know she had been hit. I thought she was still asleep.' But Thomas noticed blood on her jacket and the little girl was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. Above Thomas is pictured with her daughter at a younger age 'She was a good girl, honor roll student, full of life. They took my baby away from me, why?' Thomas said. Adkins was a student at Houston Independent School District's MacGregor Elementary and had just begun learning to play the violin. Police say an arrest was made due to them receiving information from community members about the shooter. 'Glory to God... tears of joy,' Thomas said in response to news of the arrest. 'If (anyone has) any information, if they know any information, please come forward. There are more suspects on the loose, and they took an innocent 8-year-old's life.' Police say Payton has two assault cases pending in Fort Bend County - one case accuses the 19-year-old of hitting a male victim in January 2015 and the other case alleges that he slapped a woman, according to the Houston Chronicle. Advertisement A German retirement home has recreated the communist era to help residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Alexa Seniors' Residence in Dresden has redecorated rooms with garish 1970s wallpaper, furniture and photos from the former German Democratic Republic. Bosses claim the so-called 'memory rooms' have been so successful that many residents have started going to the toilet on their own and eating independently again. Some of those who were bed-ridden after an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis have even been able to get up since the makeover. Seniors now enjoy shopping in a 1970s-style store that sells everyday products from the era, while a photograph of Erich Honecker, the general secretary of the East German communist party looks over them. The Alexa Seniors' Residence in Dresden has redecorated rooms with garish 1970s wallpaper, furniture and photos from the former German Democratic Republic. Seniors can even enjoy shopping in a communist-style store (pictured) that sells everyday products from the era The home's director, Gunter Wolfram, claimed the new look happened almost by accident after staff set up an old projector for a film night and got hold of a GDR-era scooter (pictured) as a prop The home is now full of products of the former German Democratic Republic (left). Pictured right a sign reads 'Tagesbetreuung', which translates as 'Day Care' The home's director Gunter Wolfram claimed the new look happened almost by accident. He told Bild newspaper: 'We wanted to set up a projector room to show old films, and we got hold of a GDR-era scooter as a prop.' Since then staff kept supplying the 'props' and now several rooms in the home look exactly how they would have done almost five decades ago. The results have been completely remarkable, according to the home's occupational therapist Alicia Schoppe. She said: 'It was bit like in the movie Awakenings,' Ms Schoppe told Bild, referring to a film based on the life of neurologist Oliver Sacks who discovered how to resuscitate catatonic patients. 'Many of them have started eating independently again, they go to the toilet on their own, even some who were bed-ridden have got up,' she added. Staff continued to bring in 'props' and now several rooms in the Alexa Seniors' Residence (pictured) look exactly how they would have almost five decades ago Bosses claim the so-called 'memory rooms' have been so successful that many residents have started going to the toilet on their own and eating independently again. Pictured: A resident plays a Communist-era card game The Paris home of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon was raided by police today as he prepared to make a campaign speech 450 miles away. Mr Fillon faces prison over a burgeoning fake jobs scandal involving his British-born wife Penelope. The couple, both 62, have been summoned before a judge where they face being indicted for a range of charges including embezzlement, which is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Judicial police working to the examining magistrates today entered Mr Fillons Paris flat and gathered evidence connected to the case, according to an investigating source. The Paris home of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon was raided by police today as he prepared to make a campaign speech 450 miles away Mr Fillon faces prison over a burgeoning fake jobs scandal involving his British-born wife Penelope (pictured together) Mr Fillon was meanwhile in the southern city of Nimes, preparing to speak at an election meeting tonight. It is thought that staff let detectives into the Paris flat, as Ms Fillon is thought to be permanently based on the familys country estate. She has only been seen in public once since the scandal broke, and has not uttered a single word in her defence. Both the Fillons are expect to be charged on March 15th just five weeks before France goes to the polls to chose its next head of state. Mr Fillon, who used to be prime minister, said he was the victim of a political assassination and accused judges of not following the correct legal procedures. He is directly accused of paying his British-born wife hundreds of thousands of pounds while pretending she was his parliamentary assistant. Mr Fillon is also accused of paying the couples two eldest children, Charles and Marie, from public funds when they were students. I did not use public money I gave work to those close to me because I knew I could trust them, Mr Fillon said at a Paris press conference on Wednesday. Mr Fillon has been barracked during almost every public appearance after been placed at the centre of a criminal enquiry into fraud TIMELINE: FILLON'S 35 YEARS ON THE POLITICAL STAGE March 4, 1954: Born in Le Mans, northwestern France. 1980: Marries Welsh-born Penelope Clarke. The couple go on to have five children. 1981: Elected deputy for the conservative RPR party led by Jacques Chirac. Wins re-election several times. 1993: Becomes a minister for the first time, taking on the higher education portfolio. He holds several more ministerial portfolios in successive rightwing governments. 2003: Implements major pension overhauls as social affairs minister during Chirac's presidency. 2007-12: Serves as prime minister under president Nicolas Sarkozy. 2012: Runs for the leadership of the rightwing UMP party but is defeated by Jean-Francois Cope in a vote tainted by accusations of fraud. November 27, 2016: Nominated as the centre-right presidential candidate, beating out primary rivals Sarkozy and former prime minister Alain Juppe. January 25, 2017: Revelations by the satirical and investigative paper Le Canard Enchaine of alleged 'fake jobs' for Penelope lead to a judicial inquiry. Advertisement He has meanwhile refused to step down as the Republicans candidate in two round elections that take place in April and May. So many anti-corruption demonstrators have been stalking Mr Fillon that at the weekend he complained that France was on the verge of a civil war. These claims were wildly mocked, as Socialist government ministers attacked Mr Fillon for trying to portray democratic protest as insurrection. Up until the allegations were made public, Mr Fillon was the firm favourite to become president, but his poll figures have now collapsed. Marine Le Pen, the far-right National Front candidate, is now expected to win the first round of the election, despite facing a fake jobs fraud scandal of her own. Then Emmanuel Macron, the independent candidate who used to be financial minister, is expected to win in the second round. Luis Alarcon Jr. stole a police car and led cops on a 30-mile chase before being caught A handcuffed suspect escaped custody by stealing a police SUV and leading cops on a 30-mile long chase through Texas before crashing into a grass embankment beneath the freeway. The chase began just after midnight on Thursday, when an unnamed Grand Prairie, Texas police officer picked up Luis Alarcon Jr. from Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Alarcon was being treated after having been arrested for drug possession. The officer used a wheelchair to cart the handcuffed and shackled Alarcon out to the SUV and was in the process of returning the wheelchair to the hospital, when Alarcon managed to work his way from the back of the police SUV into the driver's seat and take off. 'The officer got about 15 feet away when he observed his patrol carrolling off,' Grand Prairie Police Det. Lyle Gensler told CBS DFW. Grand Prairie cops and two Dallas police officers, who happened to be at Parkland Memorial at the time of the incident, saw Alarcon driving off and pursued him for half an hour before Alarcon crashed the SUV into a grass embankment beneath the freeway near Haltom City, Texas. The police SUV that Alarcorn stole and crashed after leading cops on a 30-minute chase The embankment that Alarcon crashed down after losing control during the police chase According to Fox 4, police were able to track Alarcon's movements during his aborted escape through the computer system inside the SUV. Alarcon was then taken back into custody and transported to Grand Prairie jail without incident, reports the Star-Telegram. There were no injuries, but the SUV was damaged, police told NBC DFW. Following the wild ride, Alarcon faces new charges including stealing a police car and evading arrest, in addition to his original narcotics charge. Det. Gensler told CBS DFW that the Grand Prairie police department would investigate whether their officer violated any departmental policies while he was moving Alarcon from the hospital to his SUV. Tom Hanks has bolstered his already impeccable 'nice-guy' bonafides when on Thursday he presented the White House press corps with an expensive new espresso machine, replacing the one he had gifted in 2010. The two-time Academy Award winner surprised the reporters covering the Trump administration with a stainless steel Pasquini coffee maker, which retails for more than $2,200. The lavish gift was accompanied by a stack of Illy coffee pods and a typewritten note from the 60-year-old Sully star, which read: 'Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Especially for the Truth part. Tom Hanks.' Keeping them grinding along: Tom Hanks on Thursday had this high-end Pasquini espresso machine delivered to the White House press room to replace the one he had gifted in 2010 The writing on the wall: The gift was accompanied by this typewritten note that read: 'Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Especially for the Truth part. Tom Hanks' The drawing included in the letter is an illustration titled, 'Fresh, Spirited American Troops,' by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bill Mauldin The letter, which was pinned to the wall of the White House press room, also featured an illustration titled, 'Fresh, Spirited American Troops,' by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Bill Mauldin, as the Boston Globe pointed out. Veteran Reuters correspondent Steve Holland shared images of Hanks' lavish offering along with the missive and thanked the actor on behalf of 'the schlubs in the WH press room.' Repeat gift-giver: The 60-year-old Sully star presented the White House press corps with the first coffee maker in 2004 It marks the third time that the Hollywood heavyweight, famed for his random acts of kindness, has shown support for White House correspondents by ensuring they were well-caffeinated. In 2004, the Forrest Gump actor was visiting the White House press room when he noticed that it lacked a coffeemaker, so he generously sent one to the journalists covering then-President George W. Bush. 'I hope this machine will make the 24 hour cycle of news a bit more pleasant,' Hanks said at the time. On a return visit to the White House in 2010 for a special screening of his HBO series The Pacific, hosted by then-President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Hanks stopped by the briefing room to check on his gift. Hanks, who was accompanied by Steven Spielberg, was pleased that the java-brewing gizmo was still going strong, but he expressed mock dismay at its less-than-pristine condition, CNN reported at the time. You know you are supposed to clean this after every use, Hanks joked. You are supposed to wipe that off. Look at the buildup there! Checking on his present: On a return visit to the White House in 2010 for a special screening of his HBO series The Pacific, Hanks stopped by the briefing room to take a look at his gift (pictured) Not impressed: Hanks expressed mock dismay at the espresso maker's less-than-pristine condition, pointing out that the machine should be cleaned after every use Before taking his leave, the generous actor promised reporters to send them an updated model. 'Let me see what I can do for the poor slobs of the fourth estate,' the Oscar winner quipped. A few days later, a brand-new coffee machine was delivered to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. A heartbroken mother who helplessly watched as her daughter was murdered before her eyes has revealed her anguish at not being able to save her life. In February 2014, Marlene Locke's abusive husband Raymond John Mead, 52, pinned his stepdaughter Sherelle Locke, 23, to the couch before stabbing her in the chest. Mead was sentenced to life in prison in November 2016, however Ms Locke, 44, said the moment she watched her daughter die will haunt her forever. Sherelle Locke, 24, was stabbed in the chest at her mother's home in 2014, by her stepfather Sherelle's mother Marlene Locke watched on in horror as her daughter was murdered before her eyes In November 2016 Mead, 52, was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years. He is pictured here with Ms Locke and their daughter Zavannah 'I will never be able to get that vision out of my head of her being killed before my eyes and not being able to help her,' she told The Sun. 'But I want my story to be told as a warning to women in situations like mine.' The night Sherelle was killed, she had gone to spend the night at her mother's house in Boronia Heights, Brisbane, for a quiet evening on the couch reading catalogues and watching TV. Mead came home about 11.30pm after a night of drinking, and began rifling in the kitchen drawers. 'Sherelle pointed out something funny in her catalogue and we both burst out laughing,' Ms Locke told The Sun. 'Suddenly, Ray charged into the room, his face twisted with rage,' she said. Ms Locke said Mead approached Sherelle and struck her. She thought her husband had punched her daughter in the chest. But when he 'staggered' back from the 24-year-old, her mother saw she was 'clutching her body', and realised something was seriously wrong. Ms Locke (right) is pictured here with a supporter outside the Brisbane Supreme Court after her estranged husband was found guilty of her daughter's murder 'He'd stabbed her in the heart with a knife from the kitchen,' Ms Locke said. Mead then held his wife against a wall so she was unable to help her dying daughter, who was screaming that she was bleeding. 'I sobbed as I heard Sherelle howl that she was bleeding, but Ray kept his grip around my neck,' Ms Locke said. 'He told me she deserved it,' she added. For ten minutes Mead held her against the wall, until his stepdaughter went silent. Mead said her daughter was very pale and there was 'so much blood'. Ms Locke called an ambulance and paramedics worked tirelessly to save the young woman, but it was too late. The night Sherelle (right) was killed, she had gone to spend the night at her mother's (left) house in Boronia Heights, Brisbane, for a quiet evening on the couch 'My beautiful daughter and my best friend was gone.' At the sentencing hearing for Mead last year, Ms Locke said seeing her daughter being murdered was the most 'unbearable experience' of her life. 'Witnessing my daughter Sherelle being murdered right before my own eyes is the most devastating, heart-breaking, horrific, unbearable experience and pain I have ever been through in my entire life and I will never be able to get that vision out of my head,' she said in her victim impact statement read to the court. The court also heard that Mead blamed his stepdaughter for problems in his marriage to her mother. Sherelle, a mother of three, had urged her mother to leave the abusive relationship Ms Locke told The Sun that after she and Mead married in 2008, he became controlling and cut her off from friends and family. The 44-year-old also revealed that when she was twelve weeks pregnant with his child, they got into an argument and he kicked her in the stomach. The baby was unharmed and Ms Locke gave birth to Zavannah later that year. The couple also went on to have a son, Owen. She fled to her daughter Sherelle's house, before going to the police and taking out a domestic violence order against her husband. Sherelle, who had three children herself, had begged her own mother to leave Mead, but Ms Locke felt powerless as her husband had control of their finances. In November 2016 Mead, 52, was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years. Mead did plead guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murdering Ms Locke. He was additionally sentenced to two years for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and 12 months for retaliation against a witness, which are to be served concurrently. He will be 72 years old before being eligible to apply for parole. The distraught partner of a woman who was shot in the chest at a Melbourne home has said he 'knows who did it'. The 50-year-old mother-of-six was rushed to hospital after being found in the Glenroy house in the city's north at 11.50pm on Thursday with a gunshot wound to her chest. On Friday morning, the woman's partner was held back by their two sons as he tried to get past police tape while yelling at officers to 'not touch' him. The partner of a woman who was shot in the chest was held back by their two sons as he tried to get past police tape while yelling at officers to 'not touch' him 'Ask, but don't touch,' he yelled at officers while trying to get past the police tape 'Ask, but don't touch,' he yelled at officers while trying to get past the police tape. The man's son then stepped in to physically remove him from the front of the home. On being asked what he knew about the shooting, the man reportedly said he 'knew who did it,' according to 3AW. He said he was driving all night 'in the truck' and was not home when the shooting happened. According to neighbours, the gunman was wearing a motorbike helmet when he arrived at the property, 7News reported. On being asked what he knew about the shooting, the man reportedly said he 'knew who did it' On being asked what he knew about the shooting, the man reportedly said he 'knew who did it'. The home where the woman was shot is pictured The woman is fighting for life at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. One of the woman's sons spoke from outside the property, saying he was 'lost for words'. 'It's very surreal, very surreal,' he said, according to The Herald Sun. Two illegal immigrant gang members from El Salvador who had a Satanic shrine in their Houston apartment are suspects in the killing of one teenager and the kidnapping of another, authorities said. Gang leader Miguel Angel Alvarez-Flores, 22, who also goes by 'Diabolico,' and 18-year-old Diego Alexan Hernandez-Rivera appeared in Houston court Wednesday on charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder. The MS-13 gang members laughed, smiled and waved in court. Prosecutors said the two kidnapped a 14-year-old girl after she left school around February 2, holding her in an apartment where she was raped by a gang member. Scroll down for video. Miguel Alvarez-Flores (right) smiles and waves at news cameras in Houston court on Wednesday, as the gang leader known as 'Diabolico' and his partner 18-year-old Diego Hernandez-Rivera (left) faced charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder The 14-year-old victim told police that the two MS-13 gang members kept her prisoner for weeks, drugged her, raped her, and gave her a tattoo by force Two known MS-13 gang members, formerly of El Salvador, Miguel Alvarez-Flores, left, and Diego Hernandez-Rivera appear in court in Houston on Thursday After four days, the girl said she was taken to a different apartment where six gang members lived, and Flores kept a makeshift Satanic shrine. Authorities say she was held against her will there for two weeks, given drugs and alcohol to keep her disoriented, and sexually assaulted by some of the men. She also said she was held down while Flores tattooed a giant grim reaper from her knee to her foot, the Houston Chronicle reported. She told investigators that a second girl she only knew as 'Genesis' also was held at the apartment. Police investigate the scene where the second girl was found dead on February 16 Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 22, (left) who also goes by 'Diabolico,' and 18-year-old Diego Hernandez-Rivera appeared in Houston court Wednesday on charges of aggravated kidnapping and murder Cops release photo reconstruction of girl the pair 'lured into the woods and killed' to find out her identity Authorities released the facial reconstruction image of one of the pair's alleged victims in a bid to identify her Authorities released the facial reconstruction image of one of the pair's alleged victims in a bid to identify her. The girl - aged between 15 and 25 - was found dead on the morning of February 16. She was also shot in the neck and torso. Police said Rivera had confessed to leading the woman to a remote area and shooting her. The photo was created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on behalf of Harris County officials. The girl is described as being Hispanic, around five feet tall and 108 pounds. Her hair was dark and wavy, and she had pierced ears. She was also wearing three metal rings, one with an elephant pattern, one with leaf-like patterns, and one with small reflective stones. A previous image of the woman, taken after she died, was released by the The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences on February 21. Police are asking anyone with information to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). The victim was also wearing three metal rings, one with an elephant pattern, one with leaf-like patterns, and one with small reflective stones Advertisement Genesis lashed out at their captors by destroying the makeshift Satanic shrine, the first victim told police. Flores responded by sacrificing a cigarette to the gang's shrine, but then said the 'Beast' required a soul sacrifice, according to the court hearing. When the 14-year-old girl woke up the next day, Genesis was gone. That girl was found shot dead in the head and chest on February 16, and has not yet been identified. Police said Rivera had confessed in the shooting. The gang member says crew boss Flores told him 'Prepare yourself, it's your turn,' according to police. The two men then took Genesis from the apartment on the pretense of meeting a dealer to buy weed. Rivera shot the woman in the head, killing her, and the older gang member Flores then took the gun and fired a second shot in her chest, police believe. The dead girl is described as being Hispanic, around five feet tall and 108 pounds. Her hair was dark and wavy, and she had pierced ears. Police released a composite sketch of the unidentified victim, asking anyone with information to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Rivera and Flores are each being held on $150,000 bond in Harris County Jail. However, federal authorities have placed a hold on the illegal aliens, meaning they would be taken into federal custody if released on bail. Both men have requested a court-appointed lawyer. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 18. The gang that is terrorizing America: 10 illegal immigrant members of MS-13 among 13 arrested in New York for killing three high school students Thirteen members of the same gang were arrested in New York on Thursday for allegedly killing three high school students. The trio, including two best friends, were attacked with a machete and baseball bats as they walked through their suburban neighborhood. Thirteen alleged members of local cliques of the MS-13 street gang were charged with a slew of violent crimes and seven murders over a five year period, prosecutors and police announced. Among the dead: Brentwood High School students Nisa Mickens, 15, Kayla Cuevas, 16, who were ambushed by a carload of other teens on Sept. 13, and their former schoolmate Jose Pena-Hernandez, 18, whose corpse was found on the grounds of an abandoned state psychiatric hospital following his disappearance in June. Nisa Mickens, 15, (left) Kayla Cuevas, 16, (right) from Long Island, New York, were were ambushed by a carload of other teens on September 13 and killed. Thirteen members of the MS-13 gang were arrested on Thursday in connection with the slayings Law enforcement officers take one of the MS-13 street gang members into custody in Central Islip, N.Y., on Thursday Evelyn Rodriguez, mother of Kayla Cuevas, 16, stops to talk members of the press gathered outside U.S. District Court Thursday, March 2 MS-13: The brutal, machete-wielding gang that became the first organization to be declared an international criminal group The ultra-violent street gang MS-13 was the first to be designated as an international criminal group. The gang was founded by immigrants fleeing El Salvador's civil war more than two decades ago. Its founders took lessons learned from that brutal conflict to the streets of Los Angeles and built a reputation as one of the most ruthless and sophisticated street gangs, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jason Shatarsky. With as many as 10,000 members in 46 states, the gang has expanded far beyond its initial roots. Members are accused of major crimes including murder, kidnapping, prostitution, drug smuggling and human trafficking. The group's violence using a machete to hack a victim to death or shooting someone in the head in broad daylight, for instance surprised authorities and even rival gangs. 'They saw a level of violence that hadn't been seen before,' Shatarsky said, adding that as the gang has expanded it has also become more sophisticated than many rivals. The gang, which is allied with several of Mexico's warring drug cartels, has a strong presence in Southern California, Washington and Northern Virginia, all areas with substantial Salvadoran populations. Among the most high-profile killings attributed to MS-13 in Virginia was the 2003 slaying of a pregnant teenager who had become an informant. Brenda Paz, 17, was stabbed to death and her body was left along the banks of the Shenandoah River. Advertisement The killings came amid a national conversation about illegal immigration, and prosecutors revealed in a news conference that 10 of the 13 indicted suspects were citizens of El Salvador or Honduras who were in the U.S. illegally, including most of the people directly implicated in the murders. Last December, Donald Trump referenced the killings in Brentwood during a profile for his Time magazine 'Person of the Year' award after being elected president. Two other killings of Brentwood youths, ages 15 and 19, whose bodies were discovered last year in secluded spots in the hamlet, remain unsolved. Gang violence has been a problem in Brentwood and some surrounding Long Island communities for more than a decade, but Suffolk County police and the FBI began pouring resources into a crackdown after the killings of the high school girls sparked outrage. 'While violence and brutality are trademarks of the MS-13 gang, the murders of these three teens are particularly disturbing,' U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said in announcing the indictment Thursday. Cuevas was targeted last summer by a group of four gang members, including two juveniles, because she had been feuding with MS-13 members at school and on social media. The posse, which had been roving in a car looking for gang enemies, attacked when they came across her walking with Nisa in the street. '(Nisa) Mickens was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, hanging out with her childhood friend,' Capers said. Robert Mickens, Nisa's father, said he felt blessed that police had made arrests. 'I've got some type of closure even though my daughter is not back. It's closure to my family,' he said. Pena-Hernandez was an alleged MS-13 gang member who was lured to the grounds of an abandoned state psychiatric hospital by fellow gang members he thought were his friends, Capers said. Those friends turned on him and repeatedly stabbed him to death, he said. His death had gone largely publicly unmarked until police began discovering corpses in the weeks after Cuevas and Nisa died. Some people complained that police, school officials and others were not doing enough to stem the violence. Since then, police have arrested more than 125 suspected MS-13 gang members in Brentwood and elsewhere. A poster shows pictures of two of the slain teenagers and an offer of a reward The gang, also called Mara Salvatrucha, is believed to have been founded as a neighborhood street gang in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s by immigrants fleeing a civil war in El Salvador. It grew after some members were deported to El Salvador, helping to turn that country into one of the most violent places in the world. It is now a major international criminal enterprise with tens of thousands of members in several Central American countries and many U.S. states. One of Trump's priorities is a crackdown on immigrants who are in the country illegally and have committed crimes. He promised as much in his December interview with Time magazine, when he referenced a Newsday story about the killings. 'They come from Central America. They're tougher than any people you've ever met,' he said. 'They're killing and raping everybody out there. They're illegal. And they are finished.' A woman is suing SoulCycle, after allegedly impaling her leg on one of their 'dangerous' stationary bikes. Donna Wood, 42, said the incident happened when she was taking a class at the Beverly Hills, California location on January 31, 2016. She says she was getting off the bike when she accidentally dug her thigh into the bar holding resistance weights at the back of the bike. A woman is suing SoulCycle, claiming she impaled her leg on one of their stationary bikes. According to court documents the woman said she injured herself on the part of the bike, at the rear, that holds freeweights The incident happened last year at the club's location in Beverly Hills, California (above) 'Her weight shifted, and caused the support bar/beam for the saddle bar/weight bar to cut even more deeply into the flesh of her upper thigh, essentially impaling Donna Wood's right leg,' court documents filed on Thursday, and obtained by the New York Daily News, read. 'Though (Wood) screamed for assistance, because the class was in cool-down mode and music was still playing loudly and the room still dark, she was not heard or seen for several minutes,' the suit says. The dark atmosphere and loud music are typical of SoulCycle classes, a popular exercise class among celebrities - including former first lady Michelle Obama, who was spotted leaving a DC location last week. Wood says that once staff finally noticed her injury, they didn't offer any assistance or call an ambulance. 'Bleeding profusely and in severe pain, (Wood) arranged for an Uber cab to transport her to a local hospital,' the court documents read. Wood reportedly received 50 stitches for the injury at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the wound later became 'severely infected'. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court (SoulCycle is headquartered in New York City), accuses the company of negligence for their allegedly unsafe bikes. Wood is seeking damages in the case, to be determined at trial. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Michelle Obama shared 'a genuine expression of affection' for one another during that moment when they were photographed embracing in Washington last September, the 43rd commander-in-chief said on Thursday. Bush told People that he developed a lighthearted rapport with the former first lady, who took a liking to his sense of humor. 'Anybody who likes my sense of humor, I immediately like,' Bush told People. Bush, 70, and Obama, 53, found time to strike up a friendship while seated next to one another during official events, like the recent opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture and Nancy Reagan's funeral. Former President George W. Bush (left) and former first lady Michelle Obama (right) shared 'a genuine expression of affection' for one another during that moment when they are photographed embracing in Washington last September At the museum opening, Bush and Obama were photographed in a warm embrace. The image went viral and is often considered the definitive snapshot of their relationship. In July, Bush and Obama held hands while singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic during the memorial service for five police officers killed by a sniper in Dallas. Bush was evidently swinging his arms and appeared to be enjoying himself, prompting some to criticize him for not acting appropriately during a solemn occasion. 'I can't remember where else I've sat next to her, but I probably have a few wise cracks and she seemed to like it okay,' says Bush. 'I needle her a little bit and around her, I'm fairly lighthearted. [The Obamas] are around serious people all the time and we just took to each other.' Bush has been making the rounds on media in recent days to promote his latest undertaking - an exhibition of his oil paintings depicting US military veterans. Bush, 70, and Obama, 53, found time to strike up a friendship while seated next to one another during official events, like the recent opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture on September 24 'I can't remember where else I've sat next to her, but I probably have a few wise cracks and she seemed to like it okay,' says Bush. Bush's wife, Laura (far left), Bush, Michelle Obama, and former President Barack Obama are seen above on September 24, 2016 In July, Bush and Obama held hands while singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic during the memorial service for five police officers killed by a sniper in Dallas Bush was evidently swinging his arms and appeared to be enjoying himself, prompting some to criticize him for not acting appropriately during a solemn occasion The exhibition will open Thursday at the former president's library in Dallas. The collection, on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Texas until October 1, features 66 portraits and a four-panel mural. Bush's paintings pay tribute to the nearly 100 wounded or traumatized personnel who he has known personally since leaving the White House in 2009. As the 43rd US president Bush had commanded the US military members, who all served in the wars he launched in Iraq and Afghanistan following the attacks on September 11, 2001. The former commander-in-chief released on Tuesday a book titled 'Portraits in Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors,' which includes images of the portraits and the veterans' personal stories. Bush said he wanted to use the paintings and book to highlight the veterans' struggles with post-traumatic stress and the transition to civilian life. While Bush has been busy painting, his good friend Michelle Obama and her husband, former President Barack Obama, are expected to soon get busy writing. During the ceremony in Washington, Bush enlisted the then-president to take a photo of him posing with a family. Bush then posted the photo with a message of thanks to Obama on his Instagram account Earlier this week it was learned that the Obamas had signed a deal with publisher Penguin Random House, which will pay the former first couple a whopping $60 million for their memoirs. 'We are absolutely thrilled to continue our publishing partnership with President and Mrs. Obama,' the chief executive of Penguin Random House, Markus Dohle, said in a statement. 'With their words and their leadership, they changed the world, and every day, with the books we publish at Penguin Random House, we strive to do the same.' Dohle then added: 'Now, we are very much looking forward to working together with President and Mrs. Obama to make each of their books global publishing events of unprecedented scope and significance.' As part of the deal penguin will also donate 1million books in the Obamas name, a move that might have taken down the price paid in the deal. A Bond girl is hoping to represent her borough as a Tory candidate in the next election. Model and actress Catherine McQueen, who has worked for top fashion houses Dior and Chanel, lingerie brand Ultimo and appeared in lads' mags Loaded and Maxim, is looking to represent the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward in London. The 38-year-old, who is also a well-known DJ, appeared in the 2002 move Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan, playing a Russian model. Model and actress Catherine McQueen is looking to represent the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward in London Speaking this week, Ms McQueen said she wanted to stand as a Tory candidate for Camden next year. She is due to stand in the area where she now lives, the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward, a Labour stronghold. She said she wanted to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the area, adding: 'You have people late at night running through the back streets screaming, p****ng in the streets, throwing up - and then in the day you get drug pushers trying to sell.' The model told the Camden New Journal newspaper: 'Camden Town may always have had a reputation for being a bit dirty and grimy, but I don't think it used to be dirty, grimy and dangerous. I don't think people used to get murdered.' Ms McQueen added: 'This a place for families to live - there is a community, good schools. 'I looked up what people were saying and somebody had commented that Camden Town was like 'downtown Mogadishu' on Saturday nights and I just thought, "Is that what people think of our area?" 'I like what the Tories say about aspiration, for working to get best life you can and business. 'I think you should be able to say business without it being a dirty word.' And delighted residents living in Camden said council meetings will 'never be the same again' if Ms McQueen gets elected as a Tory councillor in May next year. Ms McQueen said she wanted to stand as a Tory candidate for Camden next year Delighted residents living in Camden said council meetings will 'never be the same again' if Ms McQueen gets elected as a Tory councillor in May next year Ms McQueen is due to stand in the area where she now lives, the Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward, a Labour stronghold Richard Grange, 37, said he would 'get along to town hall' if she won a seat. He said: 'I remember Catherine from her days when she modelled for Loaded, so I'd definitely be getting down to the town hall. 'It will be a huge change from the normal fusty lot of people sitting around in council meetings.' Simon Harris, 36, added: 'Meetings will never be the same again - jaws will be dropping across the council chamber.' An ex-police officer in Florida was arrested and charged with attempted manslaughter in relation to the on-duty shooting of a teen during a December arrest that was captured on camera. Former Rockledge police department Cpl. Nicholas Galluzzi turned himself into the Brevard County Jail on Thursday morning. He immediately posted bond and was released, according to State Attorney Phil Archer's office. Galluzzi shot and wounded Alexzander Houston, 17, during an attempted arrest in December, as Houston was being sought over a series of car burglaries with Anthony Pierre, 16. Police say officers first responded to the area of Hawk and Cogswell streets just before midnight on December 1 after residents called 911 about two individuals breaking into cars, Rockledge Police Department spokeswoman Donna Seyferth told WESH. Scroll down for video Former Rockledge police department Cpl. Nicholas Galluzzi turned himself into the Brevard County Jail on Thursday where he was charged with attempted manslaughter in relation to the on-duty shooting of a teen during a December arrest that was captured on camera (above) Galluzzi shot and wounded a 17-year-old boy - one of two teens being sought over a series of car burglaries. At the time of the shooting, the 17-year-old was lying face-down on the ground (scene above) The two suspects fled from officers in a white Toyota Corolla and during the chase a police cruiser was hit by the suspect's car. 'Officers tried to stop that vehicle, that vehicle fled, actually striking one of their vehicles, one of our patrol cars, as it fled,' she said. Authorities say the Corolla crashed into a ditch and Pierre got out of the vehicle and fled the scene. Houston surrendered at the scene and was shot once by Galluzi while lying face-down on the ground, the State Attorney's Office said. After the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the use of deadly force by Galluzzi, the State Attorney's Office filed the charge. Galluzi, who was a 17-year veteran of the force, resigned from the Rockledge police department on December 19. Both teens were charged for their roles in the burglaries and chase. About 90 seconds after the shot was heard, another officer ran over (left) and began to put gloves on (right) before searching the teenager Police say the 17-year-old and another teenager were trying to escape the officers in this car when it crashed Houston was charged as a juvenile with three counts of burglary, grand theft and petite theft. Pierre was charged as an adult with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and attempting to elude and numerous burglary-related charges. Footage of the incident begins by showing an officer standing over the teenager, who is lying on the ground on his stomach with his arms stretched out. Seconds later, a gunshot can be heard, and immediately afterwards the 17-year-old rolls over and starts screaming in pain. Galluzzi is then heard shouting: 'Don't move... put your hands out.' The former officer then continues to shout, 'don't move' at the teenager, who is still screaming in pain. The 17-year-old then says, 'why'd you shoot me', to which Galluzzi replies,' you kept moving your hands.' The 17-year-old is then heard saying: 'Oh my god, bro. I'm just a teenager.' Another officer who is searching the 17-year-old asks Nicholas Galluzzi - who shot the teen - where he tasered him. Galluzzi replied: 'He wasn't tased, he was shot' About one minute and 30 seconds passes in the video before another officer kneels down next to the teen and starts searching him for a weapon. He is heard screaming throughout the clip, before the second officer asks Galluzzi where he tased him. 'He wasn't tased, he was shot,' Galluzzi replied. The teenager was then taken to the nearby Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment for a gunshot wound to the chest, Brevard County spokesman Don Walker said at the time of the incident. Rockledge Police Chief Joseph LaSata said the 17-year-old was with a 15-year-old burglary suspect, and they crashed the white sedan into a police car while trying to escape the scene, according to Florida Today. The parents of a desperately ill baby will today beg the High Court to keep him alive as doctors say it would be better to let him die. Seven-month-old Charlie Gard suffers from a genetic condition so rare he is believed to be only the 16th person diagnosed with it in the world. His heartbroken mother and father are now in a race against time to raise money for Charlie, their only child, to receive pioneering treatment in the US. And they were devastated when his doctors in Britain said his life support should be withdrawn so he could die with dignity. Heartbroken Connie Yates and Chris Gard are in a race against time to raise money for their son Charlie (pictured together) to receive pioneering treatment in the United States Now the court will decide Charlies fate, with an initial hearing taking place in London today. Last night his mother Connie Yates, 31, said: We love our child with every ounce of our being and we want whats best for him. Its as if Charlie is being sentenced to death. Charlie has a form of mitochondrial disease, a debilitating condition which saps energy from the bodys organs and muscles. Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is in intensive care, is asking the High Court to sanction withdrawing his life support. A hospital spokesman told the Mail: Charlie has a very rare and complex disease, for which there is no accepted cure. We have tried to strengthen Charlie and give him the best possible chance of survival. But his condition has continued to deteriorate and we now feel we have exhausted all available proven treatment options. Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital in London, where Charlie is in intensive care (pictured), is asking the High Court to sanction withdrawing his life support 'We appreciate how hugely distressing this is for his family and we continue to support them in every way we can, while advocating, what we believe, is best for Charlie. Charlie was born on August 4 last year, weighing a healthy 8lb 3oz. But instead of developing normally he got weaker, and aged eight weeks he was admitted to hospital. Miss Yates, a carer for young adults with learning difficulties, and her partner Chris Gard, 32, a postman, have kept a bedside vigil. Mitochondrial disease affects the bodys cells and can cause heart, liver, kidney, breathing, sight and hearing problems. Charlie is in a stable condition and not believed to be in any pain, his parents say, with the disease manifesting itself as weakness in his muscles. Miss Yates (pictured left with Charlie) wrote about how her son's plight has taken a toll on her (shown right) He is being kept alive with a ventilator to aid his breathing and a nasal tube for food and water. Mitochondria are often described as the tiny power stations of our bodies, supplying the energy cells needs to function. If cells do not have enough energy, then the bodys organs and tissue do not work properly. Approximately one in 200 babies born in the UK have slight genetic mistakes that can cause mitochondrial disease, although severity varies and symptoms may not be noticed at all. Charlie has a particularly rare type known as mitochondrial depletion syndrome. Charlie was born on August 4 and delighted his first-time parents (shown) when he began smiling at six weeks. But his health declined and at eight weeks he was admitted to hospital There is no known cure, but Charlies parents have found a US doctor trialling a pioneering treatment. They are trying to raise money to take their son abroad a huge cost, as he would need a private plane with paediatric intensive care facilities and staff. Miss Yates said: Charlie literally has nothing to lose but potentially a healthier, happier life to gain. 'So we were shocked and horrified to find we are being taken to court and them asking for Charlies life support to be switched off. To donate to Charlies appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/please-help-to-save-charlies-life 'Every little flicker of his eyes tell us we're doing the right thing' By Alison Smith-Squire Officially there is no cure for mitochondrial disease, but Charlies parents (pictured) discovered an American doctor is trialling a pioneering treatment There is a routine Connie Yates and her partner Chris Gard have got into over the last five months. Every morning, shortly before 10am, Chris leaves his home, which these days is a small room reserved for parents of gravely sick children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, to visit his seven-month-old baby, Charlie. Staff there are familiar with his frequently weary, but steadfastly positive presence arriving on the ward, as the doctors are finishing their rounds. He then makes his way to the intensive care unit, where little Charlie awaits. For the next 14 hours, he will sit by his sons side, stroking his hand, reading him stories and chatting to him telling him it wont be long until hes back home, going for walks in his pushchair, to the park to feed the ducks. At 11am, Charlies mother joins him. The couple will share a hug and a few catch-up messages, before they take turns to lie on the bed and cuddle Charlie. They leave only briefly, usually one at a time, to get a sandwich or coffee. At midnight, Chris goes back to their room their flat in Bedfont, south-west London has not been slept in for months to get some sleep. Miss Yates will stay until 4am, occasionally stroking her babys downy head as he sleeps, and soothing him as he wakes. After kissing Charlies cheek, she whispers: Keep fighting and well keep fighting for you. And she will head off into the dark, and climb into bed next to Chris, before another day begins. This is the routine that has given them hope over the last five months, as they await the treatment that potentially could save their much-adored boy. Charlie has mitochondrial disease, a degenerative genetic condition which stops the bodys cells producing enough energy to function. We need to be there, we need to spend every waking hour with him, says Miss Yates. Chris Gard, 32, a postman, from Bedfont, South-West London, have kept a bedside vigil for his son (pictured together) We know we may not have much time left. In those precious moments in that hospital room we are a family together, a team. If we change his nappy, he moves his arms. Occasionally, he manages to open his eyes. It is such a struggle because this wretched disease affects every part of the body it even makes his eyelids weak. But if we lock eyes we can see him trying to open them wider. And we feel that our presence calms Charlie. Its not much, but every little flicker convinces us that we, his Mummy and Daddy, are doing the right thing to not give up on him. But that is exactly what they fear medics at Great Ormond Street are doing. They claim it is not in the best interests of Charlie to continue his life-sustaining treatment. Last week the hospital applied to the High Court for the little boys artificial ventilation to be withdrawn ending his life. We were shocked and horrified to find we are being taken to court and that the hospital are asking for Charlies life support to be switched off, Miss Yates told the Daily Mail. Charlie is in a stable condition and not believed to be in any pain, with the disease manifesting itself as weakness in his muscles, his parents say I cant put into words how horrible it is to see court papers with our babys name on them. Its as if Charlie is being sentenced to death. Our parental rights are being stripped yet we are not bad parents. We love our son and want the very best for him. Charlie was born a healthy 8lb 3oz in August last year, after a problem-free pregnancy. Aged just six weeks he began smiling, and his proud first-time parents were overjoyed. Charlie was such a bonny baby, remembers Miss Yates, 31, a carer. I breastfed him from birth and he was reaching all his baby milestones, gurgling and smiling. But by eight weeks old I started to get worried. He was losing weight, and, as other babies seemed to grow more robust, he seemed to lose strength. I took him to our local hospital but he rapidly declined. He choked on his milk and after developing aspiration pneumonia in October, he was transferred to Great Ormond Street. Tests revealed Charlie had mitochondrial depletion syndrome so rare he is believed to be only the 16th sufferer in the world. Tragically, it seemed to be inherited from his parents who did not know they carried the rare gene. Doctors said there was little they could do for the condition, which leaves muscles so weak even the lungs cannot function without a ventilator. Ill never forget the day a doctor sat both of us down and said gently there was nothing they could do, Miss Yates said. The best thing we could do was to let our son slip away. However, the couple refused to believe nothing could be done. Six-month-old Charlie Gard is believed to be only the 16th person in the world to be diagnosed with his ultra-rare genetic condition Miss Yates said: I spent countless days and nights on the internet researching the condition, speaking with doctors and scientists and eventually found a new treatment called nucleoside bypass therapy being trialled in the US. By giving Charlie the compounds a healthy person naturally produces called deoxynucleosides Charlies DNA could potentially be repaired. The NHS couldnt pay because the scientific proof needed isnt yet published. But I spoke with a neurologist in the US and two others doctors, who are confident it will work, and we set up an online page to raise the 1.2million needed. Mr Gard claims he and his partner spoke with UK consultants who initially appeared supportive, and indicated they were prepared to wait while the couple found the money. But they were dealt another blow when last month a partial do not resuscitate order was put on Charlie. Miss Yates said: We were with Charlie when one day a lawyer turned up. After ushering us into a side room he dealt some devastating news. While ventilation would be continued, the doctors felt it was not in Charlies best interests to give him any other treatment. Charlie (pictured with father Chris) has an ultra-rare form of mitochondrial disease, a debilitating condition which saps energy from the bodys organs and muscles So if he had a heart attack and died his heart would not be restarted. We were shocked but the way it was presented to us we had no choice. Optimistic Charlie could be saved, the couple launched their fundraising page. Miss Yates recalled: Within hours money flooded in and our campaign was trending on social media with celebrities donating money. Every day we woke to messages from people weve never even met who identified with our nightmare. They kept us going. As their fund has grown it last night stood at around 50,000 Charlie has grown too. Miss Yates said: When he went on life support in October he was terribly underweight but being tube fed he gained weight, and grew from this tiny, scrap of a thing to a gorgeous, beautiful, seven-month-old with dimples. The couple were stunned to read in court documents that UK doctors believe it is in Charless best interests not to undergo nucleoside therapy with concerns over maintaining Charless dignity. When I read them I felt sick, said Miss Yates. It was as if suddenly all our hope had been taken away. It seemed so cruel and pointless. She continued: We cant just let our baby die when there is hope and treatment available that might help him. If Charlie receives this treatment and it does work it wont just be his life thats saved, it will be many more children in future who are born with this horrible disease. If he dies at least we will have done everything we possibly can. Like any loving parents, we will do whatever it takes to save our babys life. Attorney General Jeff Sessions removed himself from all investigations involving the presidential campaign in a stunning turnaround to save his job on Thursday afternoon. Just hours after revelations that he didn't tell Congress about his meetings with the Russian ambassador to the U.S., he announced he was recusing himself from all investigations connected to the presidential election. He said he made his decision after consulting his staff, and informed the White House of his decision today. Sessions made his announcement two hours after President Trump declared 'total' confidence in him, following almost 24 hours of calls from Democratic lawmakers for him to resign. Whether it will be enough to save his skin is still to be seen - but Sessions was bullish as he announced the decision. 'My staff recommended recusal. They said that since I had involvement with the campaign I should not be involved in any campaign investigation,' Sessions told reporters in a hastily-called press conference in the Department of Justice. President Trump had also he didn't think Sessions should have to recuse himself. The president also said he had no idea that Sessions had met with the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak twice during the campaign. After Sessions made his stunning announcement, Trump released a statement saying, 'Jeff Sessions is an honest man. He did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional.' The the president attacked Democrats. 'This whole narrative is a way of saving face for Democrats losing an election that everyone thought they were supposed to win. The Democrats are overplaying their hand. They lost the election and now, they have lost their grip on reality. The real story is all of the illegal leaks of classified and other information. It is a total witch hunt!' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Not quitting: Jeff Sessions said he would sit out any decision on prosecutions which could arise from current investigations into whether Russia meddled in the election - but that he had not lied to the Senate President Donald Trump says he has 'total' confidence in his attorney general and does not think he should recuse himself from Justice Department investigations involving Russia - but offered a lukewarm endorsement of his truthfulness Sessions said his statement during his confirmation hearing, when he said he hadn't met with any Russian government officials, was 'honest and correct as I understood it at the time.' He said he would write the Senate Judiciary Committee to amplify his answer. 'This announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation or suggestive of the scope of any such investigation,' Sessions said in a statement. With Sessions out, other Justice Department officials would oversee any investigations of the Trump campaign and its contacts with Russia. Sessions said the conversations with the 'gossipy' ambassador, which involved members of his staff, touched on a range of issues, including Ukraine, and terrorism. He said he had met with the Ukrainian ambassador the previous day. 'It got to be a little bit of a testy conversation at that point,' Sessions recalled. WHAT SESSIONS SAID WHICH STARTED LIES ROW - AND COULD COST HIM HIS JOB During Jeff Session's Attorney General confirmation hearing on January 10 he was question about the Trump campaign's relations with Moscow. Sen. Al Franken: 'If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign, communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do? Jeff Sessions: 'Sen. Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy later pushed Sessions in a written question about his communications with Russian officials. 'Several of the President-elect's nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day?' Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with a single written answer: 'No.' Advertisement 'He said something about inviting me to have lunch. I did not accept that, and that never occurred.' Sessions indicated that when it came up at his hearing, it didn't occur to him to mention his meetings with the ambassador. 'I don't recall and don't have a sense of any connection whatsoever about that,' he said. Reflecting on it at another point, Sessions said, 'With retrospect, I should have slowed down, and said, "But I did meet one Russian official, a couple of times," that would be the ambassador.' Intelligence figures are said to regard Kislyak as a recruiter of intelligence assets and one of Moscow's most important spies. Before the press conference, Trump was asked if he knew Jeff Sessions had met Russia's ambassador before the election - and said: 'I wasn't aware at all.' The president's intervention came as Sessions faced a firestorm over whether he lied to the Senate during confirmation hearings by failing to disclose his two meetings last summer with Vladimir Putin's man in Washington. Despite saying he did not know of the meetings with Kislyak, he stood by his DOJ chief as Session took fire from Democrats for failing to disclose the conversations during his confirmation hearing. Asked as he visited the USS Gerard R. Ford in Newport News, Virginia, Trump was asked if Sessions told a Senate panel the truth about the communications. He gave only a half-hearted endorsement. 'I think he probably did,' Trump said. Sessions used the press conference to explain his decision. The former Alabama senator who became the first senator to endorse Trump, and was a frequent adviser who also appeared at Trump rallies said the believed it would be a conflict to be involved in an investigation of the campaign. Democrats, led by Sen. Charles Schumer, have been making the same point. 'I feel like I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in,' Sessions said. Sessions was asked about the White House's statements saying he shouldn't recuse himself. 'I did share with White House counsel, or my staff has, that I intend to recuse myself this afternoon,' he responded. NOT GOOD ENOUGH: Democrats still want Sessions to resign from the Justice Department House Speaker Paul Ryan said late Thursday morning at his weekly press conference that he did not see any 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to take himself off an investigation - unless he himself was the subject of the probe RESIGN NOW: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday at a news conference that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had to go Sessions' decision removes one major political headache by giving the Democrats what they had been calling for. But it won't end the pressure his agency is under. Sessions noted that he as of yet has no confirmed deputy attorney general, who might oversee any Trump investigation if he recused himself. And Democrats still want him to resign. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, one of the first lawmakers to demand he step down this morning, said in a tweet, 'AG #Sessions sorry attempt to explain away his perjury is totally inadequate. He must resign immediately.' Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton similarly said, 'Recusal is too little too late, Attorney General Sessions. You've compromised your integrity and our country; it's time to resign.' Before Sessions' crisis press conference, Moulton said that Sessions should have his former Senate aides procure his schedule to prove that the meeting with Kislyak was on the up and up. 'Sessions wants us to believe he and Kislyak didn't talk politics at the RNC. Have you ever watched the Super Bowl and not talked football?' Freshman Sen. Kamala Harris of California clobbered him in a tweet, as well. 'Sessions lied under oath before Congress. Recusal isnt enough. He must resign.' Pennsylvania's Dwight Evans wrote, 'Recusing is not enough! He must resign, lying to the American people is unacceptable. #Sessions must go!' Sen. Steny Hoyer, a Democrat from Maryland, said Session's announcement was 'insufficient.' 'He must resign. His actions have cast a dark cloud of doubt over the department he now leads and underscore the need for Congress to establish a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate Russias meddling in our democracy,' Hoyer said. 'His defensive comments today and Republican inaction to hold this Administration accountable ought to concern every American.' THE SPICE IS (NOT) RIGHT? White House press secretary Sean Spicer pre-taped an interview with 'Fox & Friends' on Thursday, before Sessions announced that he would hold a press conference at 4:00 in the afternoon. Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman asked him if he agreed with Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who called on the attorney general to recuse himself from probes into the Trump campaign's alleged Russia connections. Sessions did just that hours later, but Spicer said it was entirely unnecessary. On whether he agrees with Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) that Sessions should recuse himself: 'Look, theres nothing to recuse himself' over, Spicer said. 'He was 100 percent straight with the committee and I think that people are choosing to play partisan politics, [for] which they should be ashamed of themselves.' 'Hes been 100 percent straight,' Spicer said of the attorney general. 'The testimony and the question he was asked is whether or not he was aware of Trump campaign officials doing something in their capacity as campaign officials and information he had gotten past. That answer is consistently no.' 'He was aware of it. He made a statement that was 100 percent accurate. And he stands by that,' Spicer said. Advertisement House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was one of the first lawmakers to demand he step down this morning. She's sticking to her guns Republican lawmakers were sticking by Sessions, however, on Thursday evening. They called his decision to recuse 'good' and 'honorable.' 'While I dont believe the Attorney General acted improperly in his Senate confirmation hearing, I do believe that transparency and trust require even the appearance of a conflict of interest be avoided,' GOP Congressman Raul Labrador said. 'I commend him for his quick actions to preserve the trust of all Americans in the impartiality of their justice system.' Montana Sen. Brian Schatz said after watching the presser that he doesn't understand why his Republican colleagues aren't backing away from Sessions. 'I'm confused why more GOP electeds aren't jumping ship. Doesn't require courage anymore. Now it's MORE risky to stick with admin.' Sessions downplayed his meeting with Kislyak, even describing the conversation as 'testy' when the subject of Ukraine came up. SESSIONS CRISIS WAS A YEAR IN THE MAKING March 3, 2016: Trump names Sessions as chairman of his 'national security advisory committee'. July: Sessions gives a speech to the Heritage Foundation at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. On the sidelines, he speaks to ambassadors including Sergey Kislyak. September 8: Sessions hosts Kislyak in his office in the Capitol. November 18: The Alabama senator is announced as the nominee for attorney general. January 10 2017: Al Franken, the Minnesota Democratic senator, asks Sessions at a confirmation hearing about claims of Russian links to the Trump campaign. He answers: 'I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians.' The questioning is under oath. February 9: Sessions is formally sworn in as attorney general after a vote along party lines to approve him. February 13: Trump tells his National Security Advisor Mike Flynn to resign over lying to Mike Pence about having phone conversations with Kislyak after the election. February 15: Reports surface in the New York Times that a number of Trump associates had repeated contact with Russian intelligence officials before the election. March 1: The Washington Post reveals that Sessions met with Russia's ambassador twice in 2016, contradicting what he told the Senate. The White House calls it an 'attack against the Trump administration'. Sessions' spokeswoman says the meeting was unrelated to his campaign activities. March 2, 8am: Sessions tells NBC News: 'I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign and those remarks are unbelievable to me and false and I don't have anything else to say about that.' 10am: Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer becomes the most senior Democrat to publicly demand that Sessions resign. 11am: House Speaker Paul Ryan says Sessions should recuse himself from any Russian investigation. 3pm: President Trump speaks to reporters on the USS Gerald R. Ford and says he 'was not aware' of the meetings. 4pm: Under pressure, Sessions holds a press conference at the Department of Justice to announce he is recusing himself from making any decisions about investigations into Russian meddling in the election. Advertisement Russia invaded Ukraine and took over Crimea in 2014, prompting U.S. and international sanctions. 'I thought he was pretty much of an old style, Soviet-type ambassador. And so, we talked a little bit about terrorism as I recall. And somehow the subject of the Ukraine came up,' Sessions aid. 'I had had the Ukrainian ambassador in my office the day before, and got to listen to him ... [saying]: 'Russia had done nothing that was wrong in any area, everybody else was wrong with regard to the Ukraine.' 'It got to be a little bit of a testy conversation at that point. It wrapped up, he said something about inviting me to have lunch. I did not accept that, and that never occurred,' Sessions said. The row started when Senator Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about Russia at his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. 'If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign, communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do?' Franken said. 'I'm not aware of any of those activities,' he responded. Then he said with no prodding, 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Sessions said his recusal related to any existing or future investigations of 'campaigns for president of the united states' language that would suggest he also won't be involved in any investigations related to Hillary Clinton's campaign. Sessions decision came despite the Republican leadership spending much of the previous 24 hours saying he did not need to recuse himself. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer repeatedly deferred to the attorney general as he spoke to reporters on Air Force One a half hour before the press conference, saying numerous times that he'd let the former senator speak for himself. He defended Sessions' interactions with Kislyak on the whole, though. 'He was literally conducting himself as United States senator,' Spicer said. 'This is what senators do.' House Speaker Paul Ryan had earlier said that he sees no 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to back away from an investigation unless he himself is the target of the probe. Democratic lawmakers had demanded Sessions' head over the revelation that he met with Russia's ambassador to the United States twice last year and did not bother to mention it during his confirmation hearing. Ryan said at his weekly press conference that he meets with ambassadors 'all the time' and there is nothing unusual about the former Alabama senator's conduct. The Republican leader wouldn't involve himself in charges of perjury coming from Democrats. But he said broadly, as he responded to a New York Times report about Barack Obama aides spreading information in their final days about the Trump campaign's contacts with the Russians prior to the election, 'never have we ever seen any evidence' that an American or person on the Trump campaign was working with the Russians on election meddling. 'I think Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get you to cover this story,' he told a reporter. 'There's nothing new we haven't seen here. This is stuff we've been going over.' GOP legislators doggedly refused join them. This morning Republicans changed their position as Sessions took on water. But Democrats had already moved on. 'We are far past recusal. Jeff #Sessions lied under oath. Anything less than resignation or removal from office is unacceptable,'Pelosi said on Twitter this morning. Scores of Democrats, including Schumer, followed in her footsteps. 'Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, the Attorney General should resign,' Schumer said. Sessions - and the White House - will now have to see whether Republican legislators unite behind Sessions, and whether Democratic lawmakers continue their calls for resignation. The row centers around the fact that Sessions met with Russia's ambassador twice last year during Donald Trump's campaign run but claimed during his Senate confirmation hearing that he 'did not have communications with the Russians' in his capacity as an adviser to then-candidate Trump. Despite being asked by Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian officials, Sessions declined at the time to disclose his private conversations with Kislyak during the Republican National Convention in July and subsequently in his Senate office in September, The Washington Post reported. In Cleveland, at the RNC, Sessions encountered Kislyak at an event for ambassadors that was sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington. Sessions was a speaker. Kislyak approached the U.S. senator after his remarks, the Justice Department says. The Russian ambassador and other diplomats invited Sessions to attend their events; he did not commit. DEMOCRAT SENATOR GOING AFTER SESSIONS WASN'T TRUTHFUL EITHER Missouri Democratic senator Claire McCaskill lead the charge against Sessions - saying she had never met the Russian ambassador. But that position was contradicted by her own Twitter account. It showed that she had met him once and called him once. Surprisingly, McCaskill brazened out the apparent hypocrisy. She told USA Today the meeting was with around a dozen other senators. And she said: 'The Russian ambassador has never called me. 'The Russian ambassador has never requested a meeting. I have never met with the Russian ambassador one-on-one.' Advertisement The talks came at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to influence the presidential race. Franken said Thursday on CNN that Sessions' comments during his confirmation hearing were 'extremely misleading.' 'He should have said, 'I met with Russia's ambassador a couple times but we didn't discuss the campaign.'' Sessions had released a statement late Wednesday saying he had 'never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the [Trump] campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.' He had then maintained his innocence in an NBC interview Thursday morning, but he met Democrats' demands and offered to recuse himself from investigations pertaining to Russia as he hustled to save his job. Sessions asserted to NBC News: 'I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and false, and I don't have anything else to say about that.' Asked if he would step aside from Justice Department investigations into Russia's election-year computer hacking and other political meddling, Sessions said: 'Well, I've said that whenever it's appropriate I will recuse myself, no doubt about that.' House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz urged him to do just that. So did House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Justin Amash and Ohio Sen. Rob Portman. Ryan said Thursday that Sessions should withdraw from an investigation if it directly involved him, and had indicated that he would. 'Honestly, we meet with ambassadors all the time. I did a reception about a hundred yards that way with like a hundred ambassadors last year. I don't even remember which, all the ones I met with and took pictures with,' he said as he defended Sessions. 'It's really common for Members of Congress to meet with ambassadors....As to the rest of it, I would just defer you to Jeff sessions and the Senate Judiciary Committee.' The GOP leader further rejected Democrats' calls for a special prosecutor to be appointed. 'You have to protect the sources and methods of our intelligence gathering capabilities, especially with adversaries like Russia,' he said. 'And that is why the committee of jurisdiction, which is supposed to protect those methodologies, should be the intelligence committee.' Democratic lawmakers say it's not good enough. Pelosi, Schumer, Warren and others have called for Sessions to resign in the wake of the claims that came several weeks after former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was fired, in part, for lying to Vice President Mike Pence about his own contacts with Kislyak. A spokeswoman for Sessions claimed the ex-senator's contact with Kislyak was not unusual because he sat on the Senate's Armed Services Committee at the time. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill pushed back on Twitter. It turned out the tweet was untrue: She had met him once and called him once. The Russian ambassador is widely considered to be one of Russia's top spies and spy-recruiters in Washington by US intelligence officials. Richard Painter, who served as the White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, tweeted late Wednesday night that '[m]isleading the Senate in sworn testimony about one own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail.' 'Perjury is a felony and may be punishable by prison for up to five years,' Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, ominously tweeted. The latest claims about the attorney general will raise further questions about Washington's relationship with Moscow. Some Democrats have requested a special prosecutor, although Ryan has argued against it, saying the investigation should be carried out by congressional committees. Schumer said at a press conference and on Twitter, 'DOJ must appoint a special prosecutor who is beyond reproach, completely impartial, w/out any significant ties to either political party.' At a protest in front of the Department of Justice on Thursday afternoon that was organized by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, MoveOn and other activist groups, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin mocked Republicans like Chaffetz who were changing their tune - and the Trump White House. 'The Trump administration has a staff infection,' he said. 'Every day we learn about another high-ranking Trump official who has been entangled with the highest levels of the Russian government, and Vladimir Putin, the former chief of the KGB.' As demonstrators erupted into the chant 'he lied under oath' Raskin told them, 'You know how we know that he lied under oath? Because today the Republicans are saying he should recuse himself. And yesterday they were saying he shouldn't recuse himself. 'They say recuse, we resign,' he said, kicking off a new mantra. The latest revelation may persuade Republicans that a special prosecutor is needed to conduct an independent inquest that doesn't answer to Sessions himself. South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday night during a CNN town hall broadcast that 'if there is something there, and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump.' 'So they may be not there may be nothing there, but if there's something there if the FBI believes is criminal in nature, then, for sure, you need a special prosecutor. If that day ever comes, I'll be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff.' Dozens of progressive activists planted themselves outside the Department of Justice on Thursday afternoon They chanted 'Sessions must go' and 'he lied under oath' as lawmakers spoke Resign: In a series of late night tweets, Senator Elizabeth Warren demanded an investigation into Russia's role in the election, a separate special prosecutor and the resignation of Sessions Even before the allegations that Sessions kept quiet about his meetings with Russian officials last year, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa broke ranks to see that the former senator was not in a position to oversee such an investigation and urged the administration to appoint an independent prosecutor. 'Any review conducted must have the full confidence of the American people, which is why I recommended an independent review,' Issa said Monday in a statement. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has been among those calling for Sessions to appoint a special prosecutor who does not report to him, to take over an independent investigation. She did not issue a new statement immediately after Sessions' presser but had on Wednesday called on him to resign. 'And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now.' Sen. John McCain said that Trump and his administration had to start taking the Russian threat more seriously. 'Have no doubt, what the Russians tried to do to our election could have destroyed democracy,' he said. 'And that's why we've got to pay a hell of a lot more attention to the Russians and the things they're doing in Europe and right now, they're trying to determine the outcome of the French election, and they're using cyber.' Trump has denied knowing that any of his campaign advisers were in contact with Russians during the campaign. He has also said he has no financial ties or other connections to Russia. The party divide on the probe is evidence that partisan discord is already seeping into House and Senate investigations of the Kremlin's interference. Both Republicans and Democrats say they can still conduct bipartisan probes, but there are renewed calls for a special prosecutor amid a related revelation that the White House enlisted the GOP chairmen of the House and Senate intelligence committees to push back on news reports claiming Trump advisers were in contact with Russians. Rep. Devin Nunes, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said he has not seen any evidence from the intelligence community that anyone in Trump's orbit was in contact with Russians during the presidential campaign. The top Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, also of California, said the panel has not reached any conclusion on whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, Russian officials or any Russian contacts. 'Nor could we,' he said. 'We have called no witnesses thus far. We have obtained no documents on any counterintelligence investigation and we have yet to receive any testimony from the FBI of potential links between the Trump campaign and Russia.' White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Russia's activity with regard to the 2016 election has been 'investigated up and down.' 'If there's nothing to further investigate, what are you asking people to investigate,' Spicer declared. Trump was asked Monday whether he would support a special prosecutor to investigate Russia's influence on the 2016 election. Instead of answering that question, he said, 'I haven't called Russia in 10 years.' According to a White House description, the last time Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin was January 28. The White House says Putin initiated the call. Trump's last known trip to Russia was in 2013 for the Miss Universe beauty pageant in Moscow. Trump has denied knowing that any of his campaign advisers were in contact with Russians during the campaign. He has also said he has no financial ties or other connections to Russia. The 'big three' US broadcast networks' coverage of President Donald Trump's first month in office was overwhelmingly hostile, according to a study released on Thursday. The Media Research Center, a conservative-leaning entity aimed at 'exposing and combating liberal media bias,' says that 88 percent of the broadcast news on CBS, ABC, and NBC has been hostile to Trump. 'A new American President is always a big story, but TV news is obsessed with the Trump administration - and not in a good way,' according to MRC. The study found that the evening newscasts on all three networks combined to report on the president and his administration for 16 total hours which is more than half (54 percent) of all news coverage during this period. The 'big three' US broadcast networks' coverage of President Donald Trump's (above) first month in office was overwhelmingly hostile, according to a study released on Thursday. Trump is seen on Thursday leaving the White House and heading toward Marine One in Washington The study specifically focused on statements about Trump and the administration made by non-partisan figures, like reporters and commentators, on the newscasts of the big three networks - ABC, NBC, and CBS The data covers the period that ranges from Trump's inauguration on January 20 until February 18. 'While most new presidents enjoy a media honeymoon, the tone of Trump's coverage was nearly as hostile (88% negative) as we found during last year's presidential campaign (91% negative),' the study found. The study specifically focused on statements about Trump and the administration made by non-partisan figures, like reporters and commentators. The MRC accuses the three networks of providing a disproportionate amount of air time to Trump critics. It cites the over three hours of coverage devoted to Trump's travel ban on nationals from seven countries in the Middle East and Africa. 'The three evening newscasts spent more than 3 hours (188 minutes) on this topic alone, accounting for about one-fifth of all of the Trump administration's coverage,' the MRC said. It criticized NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt for beginning his January 30 newscast against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, 'which for nearly 130 years has symbolized the welcome arms of a country of immigrants.' After Trump signed the executive order cracking down on undocumented aliens, Jim Avila of ABC News said that the administration gave 'a stern warning to all 11 million undocumented living in the United States, most of them law-abiding and paying taxes and working, that they are no longer safe to stay here.' The study faults the networks for failing to devote enough coverage to 'Senate Democrats' calculated strategy of obstructing the confirmation process' of cabinet nominees. The networks are also accused of giving excessive air time to stories of anti-Trump protests. A love-struck woman has the 'best train ride ever' after her partner of 10 years proposed during the busy morning commute, at the same place where they met. Ryan Jacka, 35, popped the question to Hannah in carriage four of Melbourne's Frankston line on Friday morning - with a little assistance from the train driver. 'I was half-asleep when I heard the drivers voice says there was an announcement for two special guests,' Hannah Dittrich, 27, told Daily Mail Australia. 'Everyone was looking around to see who it was, then he said our names and I looked at Ryan and thought ''you b****r'''. Scroll for video Ryan Jacka, 35, popped the question to Hannah in carriage four of Melbourne 's Frankston line on Friday morning - with a little assistance from the train driver The couple that commute together stays together: The love struck passengers met 10 years ago after they caught the same train at the same time Video captured the moment the nervous husband-to-be knelt on one knee in front of the stunned Ms Dittrich in a full view of delighted morning commuters. And everyone on board could not contain their excitement as Hannah said 'yes'. It was a moment nearly 10 years in the making since the pair clapped eyes on each other on a crowded train carriage. 'We were catching the same carriage at the same time every day and would say hi to each other,' Ms Dittrich said. Eventually Ryan plucked up the courage and asked his future bride to dinner. And despite his grand gesture, the 27-year-old says her future groom is not a typical romantic. 'It was about 10 years worth of romance in one day,' she said. 'But he does have his moments.' Mr Jacka recruited the Metro team to help him in his romantic plan, they set up cameras and greeted the pair when they disembarked at Caulfield station. 'I did tell metro we might use the train for the wedding venue,' Ms Dittrich joked. 'But I think we'll stick to something a little more conventional'. Hannah (left) was 'half-asleep' the train driver makes a 'special announcement' about her and Ryan and had to be woken up 'with a bit of a kiss' by her husband-to-be (right) A stunned Hannah is 'half asleep' when the train driver makes a 'special announcement' about her and Ryan The pair shared a loved-up kiss to applause and well-wishes from their fellow passengers 'It was about 10 years worth of romance in one day': Despite his grand gesture, the 27-year-old says Mr Jacka is not a typical romantic Speaking to 3AW, Mr Jacka said he thought it was 'a fitting place to pop the question'. 'She had no idea it was coming. We were just on our way to work. The train was pretty packed. I think they were stunned. It's not the usual thing you see on your way to work on a Friday morning.' 'I had to wake her up at first with a bit of a kiss. She had absolutely no idea.' It was a moment nearly 10 years in the making since the pair clapped eyes on each other on a crowded train carriage The romantic proposal was the source of many train related puns on the Metro Trains Twitter page, who congratulated the couple on their upcoming nuptials Mr Jacka said Ms Dittrich had no idea the proposal was coming: 'We were just on our way to work. The train was pretty packed. I think they were stunned' Not the usual thing you see on your way to work on a Friday morning! The couple are now enjoying a day off work as they celebrate In footage of the engagment the pair share a loving kiss to applause and well-wishes from their fellow passengers. The proposal was the source of many train related puns on the Metro Trains Twitter page, who congratulated the couple on their upcoming nuptials. 'We're thrilled that you choo choo choose each other. Wishing you a long life of happiness and love together,' they posted. 'Next stop: the wedding!' In another image of the blissfully happy couple posing outside the train was captioned: 'Couples that commute together, stay together.' Another responded: 'Congratulations, and may their matrimony be as smooth as their railway journey.' Fellow train passenegrs also took to social media to congratulate the newly engaged couple Pictures show the horrific scars that remain on a little boy's face and head three years after he was mauled by his father's pet pitbull-mastiff. Orlando Shepherd, from New Zealand, avoided jail and was sentenced to 300 hours of community service almost three years after his dog Musha mauled his four-year-old son at their home in Otahuhu, stuff.co.nz reports. Shepherd was also ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision and pay $130 in costs during his sentencing at Manukau District Court on Thursday. Orlando Shepherd (pictured with his son) has avoided jail over his pet pitbull-mastiff's vicious attack on his four-year-old son in 2014 He had been charged with owning a dog that attacked a person by Auckland Council after the August 2014 incident. Three earlier sentencing hearings were delayed for various reasons including Shepherd firing his lawyer and trying to fight his guilty plea. But Judge Frances Eivers said Thursday's one would go ahead after prosecutors alleged Shepherd was delayed them 'intentionally.' Judge Eivers said Shepherd's then four-year-old son had been playing with 18-month-old Musha outside while Shepherd and his mother were in the kitchen. The boy, now aged seven, spent 10 days in intensive care after the dog attacked him After hearing his son's yells, Shepherd rushed to stop the attack and his pet lunged at him. Shepherd hit the dog until it stopped and ran off to another part of the property. The dog was later destroyed and Shepherd's son spent 10 days in intensive care and required surgery on multiple wounds. Auckland Council had wanted a jail sentence in a bid to send a message to the owners of dangerous dogs. Crown prosecutor Richard Marchant said figures showed the number of dog attacks had increased in recent years, the NZ Herald reports. He asked for a sentence of 14 months. Days before the attack, Shepherd had posted a photo of his dog on Facebook, captioned: 'Mess with me, I'll eat you alive.' Shepherd said he was 'lucky' to avoid imprisonment after his dog Musha attacked his son But his defense counsel said the post was 'stupid' and had haunted the father ever since, according to the Herald. The judge said a jail term for Shepherd was not appropriate as the victim of the attack was his own son and he had responded to it immediately. But although he did not intend for his son to be attacked, it was still his responsibility. Judge Eivers also noted that the dog's previous owners had warned not to leave the child alone with Musha. 'You must live with that for the rest of your life,' she told him. After the hearing, Shepherd said he was 'lucky' to avoid imprisonment. 'It's scarred me for life. I was scared. I saw the whole thing,' he told stuff. He added that his life had turned upside since the incident and he and his son, now seven, had been forced to sleep in a garage and their car after he lost his house. Shepherd is now staying with sons and sees his son every two weeks. Donald Trump said Thursday that he has 'total' confidence' in Jeff Sessions, and appears to be standing by his attorney general after he said he had recused himself from investigations concerning Russia's contacts with the president's campaign. Trump was answering questions reporters shouted in his direction as he toured the USS Gerald R. Ford, a new aircraft carrier, at a Virginia shipyard. The president also said he didn't think Sessions should recuse himself from the potential Russia probes, saying, 'I don't think so.' Sessions did just that a few hours later, telling reporters that because he advised the Trump campaign, he would steer clear of weighing in on any investigations stemming from unproven accusations that Russian officials worked in concert with Trump's campaign aides. Scroll down for video President Donald Trump says he has 'total' confidence in his attorney general and does not think he should recuse himself from Justice Department investigations involving Russia - but offered a lukewarm endorsement of his truthfulness Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday morning that while he twice met with Russia's ambassador during the presidential campaign season, he was speaking with him in his capacity as a senator, not as a campaign adviser to Donald Trump Sessions faced a firestorm on Thursday after The Washington Post reported Wednesday night that he had met with Russian ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak Vladimir Putin's man in Washington before the presidential election. Sessions said during his Senate confirmation hearing that he had not had any such contacts, but later clarified that he meant to say he hadn't engaged in conversations with Russian officials as part of his campaign duties. He told NBC News: 'I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and false,' It's common for a U.S. senator especially one who, like Sessions, served on the Armed Services Committee to meet with high-ranking foreign officials. The newly minted attorney general said he met Kislyak in his capacity as a senator. Trump hadn't known until the Post story emerged that the meeting in Sessions' office had ever occurred. 'I wasn't aware at all,' the president told reporters aboard the USS Ford. Then-senator Sessions had a private conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak (pictured above) last September in his office - but did not disclose it. That did not stop the Russian from attending Trump's address earlier this before a Joint Session of Congress Asked if Sessions told a Senate panel the truth about his communications with Kislyak, Trump offered only a half-hearted endorsement. 'I think he probably did,' Trump said. The Russian ambassador is widely considered to be one of Russia's top spies and spy-recruiters in Washington.. WHAT GOT ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF SESSIONS IN TROUBLE During Jeff Session's Attorney General confirmation hearing on January 10 he was question about the Trump campaign's relations with Moscow. Sen. Al Franken: 'If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign, communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what would you do? Jeff Sessions: 'Sen. Franken, I'm not aware of any of those activities. 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Advertisement Other Republicans, too, saw more molehill than mountain in Democrats' dire allegations that Sessions had perjured himself during his confirmation hearing. House Speaker Paul Ryan said he saw no 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to back away from any investigation in which he himself wasn't a target. 'I think Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get you to cover this story,' he told a reporter. 'There's nothing new we haven't seen here. This is stuff we've been going over.' Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, however, smelled blood by mid-morning. Sessions' misstep amounts to 'perjury,' she claimed. 'We are far past recusal. Jeff #Sessions lied under oath. Anything less than resignation or removal from office is unacceptable,' she added on Twitter. Pelosi's counterpart in the Senate, the minority leader Chuck Schumer, followed in her footsteps. 'Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, the Attorney General should resign,' the New Yorke firebrand said. House Speaker Paul Ryan said late Thursday morning at his weekly press conference that he did not see any 'purpose or reason' for Sessions to take himself off an investigation unless he himself was the target of a probe Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday at a news conference that Sessions had to go In addition to a tense September meeting in his office also attended by at least two Sessions aides the attorney general briefly met Kislyak at a July event for foreign ambassadors sponsored by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Kislyak approached Sessions after he delivered remarks. Contact between the two men came at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to influence the November presidential race. But when asked by Sen. Al Franken at his January 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing what he would do if he learned that anyone with ties to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the past year, he said, 'I'm not aware of any of those activities.' Then Sessions offered: 'I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians.' Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, asked Sessions during his confirmation hearing what he would do if he learned that anyone with ties to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government in the past year Despite being asked about contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian officials at his confirmation hearing, Sessions failed to disclose his own meetings The White House aggressively defended Sessions on Thursday morning, saying in a statement to media outlets that '[t]his is the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats. General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony.' 'lt's no surprise Senator Al Franken is pushing this story immediately following President Trump's successful [Tuesday] address to the nation.' Franken said Thursday on CNN that Sessions' comments during his confirmation hearing were 'extremely misleading.' 'He should have said, "I met with Russia's ambassador a couple times but we didn't discuss the campaign."' Sessions had released a statement late Wednesday saying he had 'never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the [Trump] campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false.' The Victoria Cross won by a hero of the Somme who led his men in a gallant defence after they were accidentally left behind enemy lines has today sold for 288,000. The prestigious gallantry award and other medals of Corporal George Sanders were bought by the millionaire Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft, who owns the world's largest collection of VCs. Cpl Sanders' medal will now go on public display with the rest of Lord Ashcroft's collection at the Imperial War Museum. The Victoria Cross, left, won by hero of the Somme Corporal George Sanders, pictured right, has sold for 288,000 The brave corporal was one of nine British servicemen to receive the VC on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Although his unit had achieved their objective of occupying German positions, the slaughter of nearly 20,000 Allied soldiers led to orders to retreat. But the group didn't get the message and instead held their ground. With all the officers and NCOs killed, it fell on Cpl Sanders to take charge, rousing the men and organising their defence. He and a band of 30 comrades repelled repeated German attacks over two days with little ammunition and no food or water. Not only did the men stand firm but they also managed to rescue some British soldiers who had been captured by the Germans. The 19-strong group were later relieved and Cpl Sanders was recommended for the highest award for gallantry. The prestigious gallantry award and other medals of Corporal George Sanders were bought by the millionaire Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft He was sent back to England in November and received a hero's welcome in his home city of Leeds before being presented with the prestigious decoration the next day by King George V at Buckingham Palace. After returning to the Western Front, Cpl Sanders was promoted to Captain and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during an overwhelming German assault at Kemmel Hill in April 1918. He was shot in the arm and leg in the action and was last seen stood on top of a pill box rallying his men and firing his revolver at the enemy 20 yards away. After the action he was listed as missing and it wasn't until three months later he was able to write to tell his family he was alive and being held prisoner by the Germans. His Victoria Cross and Military Cross were passed down through the family over the years and were sold for the very first time at London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb. The medal group had been given a pre-sale estimate of 220,000, but sold for a 240,000 hammer price. With all the fees added on the total price paid was 288,000. Of the nine VCs awarded on the first day of the Somme, six are in museums with the other three held privately. A spokesman for Dix Noonan Webb said: 'This is a very happy outcome to the sale. 'The Victoria Cross and other awards won by George Sanders will now go on display in London where they will be seen by visitors from all over the world.' Auctioneers Pierce Noonan said: 'The courage and powers of leadership shown by Sanders are almost beyond belief. 'He must have realised that the British offensive had halted and had no idea of when, or even if, his small group would be relieved. 'But he organised the defences and told his men that it was their duty to hold on when many lesser mortals might have decided to surrender. 'It was astonishing gallantry from a young corporal who had been in the Army for just over 18 months. Cpl Sanders' medal will now go on public display with the rest of Lord Ashcroft's collection at the Imperial War Museum 'Sanders was one of nine men who won the BVC on July 1, 1916 and one of only three to survive the war.' Capt Sanders, from New Wortley, Leeds, enlisted in the Territorial Force Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment and went to France in April 1915 when he was aged 21. At the Somme his battalion were held in reserve while the Ulster division went over the top in the first wave. His unit were ordered forward at 9am and they supported the Ulstermen against the formidable German strongpoint of the Schwaben Redoubt. After the band of 30 men were left behind the young corporal set about organising their defence. After the war Capt Sanders worked at the Meadow Lane Gasworks in Leeds and during the Second World War was the commanding officer for the Home Guard at the works. He died in 1950 aged 55 following a long illness. His medal collection, which was sold along with an archive of documents and photographs, included the VC, MC, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and George VI Coronation Medal. President Trump's first few weeks in office have been fraught with a series of ethics missteps that likely could have been avoided with proper training. It has been revealed that the administration reportedly passed on an ethics training program for senior White House staff, Cabinet nominees and other political appointees that both of the past two administrations took part in. The program would have provided those officials with training on leadership, ethics and management, according to documents obtained by Politico. President Trump's first few weeks in office have been fraught with a series of ethics missteps, that likely could have been avoided with proper training. He spoke Thursday in Newport News, Virginia, at a rally about his defense budget Documents show that the training sessions would have covered many of the issues that have become major road blocks in the early days of Trump's administration, such as working within existing laws and executive orders, and provided guidance on how to navigate Senate confirmation for nominees and political appointees. They also show that that the programs could have provided guidance on issues such as how to deal with congressional and media scrutiny, and how to work with Congress and collaborate with agencies. In a letter sent by the General Services Administration contracting officer Matthew Gormley, and obtained by Politico, it was noted that 'the requirements as defined by the RFQ do not accurately reflect the current needs of the Presidential Transition Team'. The program was expected to cost $1million, and was authorized for the first time in 2000. The cancellation notice, sent on January 10, expanded on its reasoning, saying: 'As a result of a change in the Presidential Transition Team leadership after the November 8, 2016 election, there have been changes in the PTT's goals for the political appointee orientation program'. This change in the Presidential Transition team refers to Vice President Mike Pence's taking the reins from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. This change in the Presidential Transition team refers to Vice President Mike Pence's (left) taking the reins from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Vice President Pence and House Speaker Paul Ryan flank President Trump for his address to joint sessions Tuesday Gormley further referred questions to an agency spokesperson, who did not answer a request for comment by Politico. After the story was first published, a White House spokesperson made a statement, saying that as a prerequisite for employees to enter the White House campus and get their badges, they did undergo several ethics training sessions. However, they also said that they wanted to avoid spending all of their transition funds, and that the program could be considered wasteful by Republicans. The lack of this training, however, may have fueled a series of early missteps by Trump's administration, as many political appointees said that they received little training and the period between the election and the Inauguration was hectic. Among those missteps that could have been avoided include Kellyanne Conway's use of the White House press room to plug Ivanka Trump's fashion line, or the exchanges between former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn and Attorney General Jeff sessions with Russian officials before they took office. Having an operation is always a stressful time as this 82-year-old in China showed. An image has emerged on social media of a nurse hugging the elderly woman in an operating room. The nurse has since been praised online for her care a touching act in order to comfort the elderly woman, reported the People's Daily Online. 82-year-old Yan was scared and seen trembling until a theatre nurse came to give her a hug Yan Zhaogen, 82, was admitted to a hospital in Changzhi, China's Shanxi province for surgery to repair a bone fracture on February 27. In a tweet on China Central Television's Weibo account, reporters claimed Yan was seen trembling in the operating theatre and looked like she was about to cry. The surgery took place at Changzhi Medical College Affiliated Heji Hospital. One theatre nurse, Zhao Kaili, came up to Yan and held the elderly close in her arms. 'Don't be scared, granny. Take a nap, we are staying with you,' said Zhao. The nurse has been praised online for her care a touching act in order to comfort the elderly One web user said to have a similar experience before that a male nurse sang a song to her Most commentators are touched by the nurse's act and praised the nurse as angel It is not clear how long the surgery took but Chinese media claimed the surgery was successful and Yan is now recovering. The picture was widely shared on Weibo, Chinese social media, as users praised the nurse's act. One web user commented that the nurse has a big heart to take care of elderly patients. Many said that Zhao is 'an angel' to the granny because she gave her hope. Weibo user 'Orange blueberry jam' share a similar experience: 'A male nurse once sang a song to me while he was pushing me into the theatre. 'He told me I will be fine after a sleep.' Images show 17 pupils in China forced to cram into a seven-seat van . Traffic police in Lujiang, Anhui province caught the vehicle on March 1 and found the 17 primary school students stuck in the van According to the People's Daily Online, the driver is being investigated for dangerous driving. The children were discovered in the back of a van which was meant to carry seven people The right way: The children were escorted onto a licensed school bus to get them home Bad: Traffic police seized the vehicle after discovering the primary school students inside According to reports, traffic police seized the unlicensed school bus after stopping the vehicle on suspicion of being overloaded. The car's legal capacity was seven people but was carrying 17 students plus the driver at the time. Shocking: The children could be seen standing and huddling in the back of the vehicle Lujiang police announced they had launched an investigation into the driver Police also noted that the vehicle was not licensed as a school bus. The vehicle was immediately seized and the students were transferred to a regular school bus with two police escorts. On March 2, Lujiang police announced they had launched an investigation into the driver who was interrogated at the scene. Scientists have created a functioning mouse embryo in the laboratory by using stem cells in a world first scientific breakthrough. The researchers created the artificial embryo using two types of stem cells the body's 'master cells' and a 3D scaffold on which they can grow. The discovery is hoped to shed light on the development of life in its earliest stages - and could explain why two out of three miscarriages occur during early pregnancy. Scroll down for video The stem cell-modelled embryo is pictured left at 96 hours. An embryo cultured in vitro for 48 hours from the blastocyst stage is pictured right. The researchers say that two show remarkable similarity, and have hailed the work a 'masterpiece' HOW DID THEY DO IT? Researchers created the artificial embryo using two types of stem cells the body's 'master cells' and a 3D scaffold on which they can grow. The particular stem cells that will eventually make the future body are the embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Previous attempts to grow embryo-like structures using only ESCs have had limited success. This is because early embryo development requires the different types of cell to coordinate closely with each other. But scientists managed to overcome this by using a 3D scaffold known as an extracellular matrix. Using this, they were able to grow a structure capable of assembling itself and whose development and architecture very closely resembled the natural embryo. Advertisement Making an embryo naturally would use sperm and egg cells, implanted in a womb. Stem cells can make any cell in the human body. But making them grow into complex three-dimensional structures, like an embryo, or human organs, in a laboratory has foiled scientific efforts to date. Embryonic stem cells do not turn into the cylinder shape of an embryo on their own, but need a helping hand from other cells, which would be present in the body, but not in the laboratory. To help them along, the scientists used two different kinds of stem cells - embryonic stem cells and another kind of stem cell which acted as a 3D 'scaffolding' to hold the developing embryo in place. This other kind of stem cell, called a trophoblast stem cell, goes on to create the placenta in a normal mouse embryo. The research, by Sarah Harrison and Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz at the University of Cambridge was hailed as a 'masterpiece' yesterday by fellow scientists. When an embryo is conceived naturally, a sperm and egg cell fuse to form a zygote. The zygote goes through rapid division until it becomes a blastocyst Professor Zernicka-Goetz said the key to the breakthrough was the 'extra-embryonic' cells that acted as a scaffold. She said: 'Both the embryonic and extra-embryonic cells start to talk to each other and become organised into a structure that looks like and behaves like an embryo. 'It has anatomically correct regions that develop in the right place and at the right time.' The two different types of stem cells communicate telling each other where to go, the authors said. The scientists used two different kinds of stem cells: embryonic stem cells (blue) and trophoblast stem cells (nude) which acted as a 3D 'scaffolding' to create the embryo She added: 'We knew that interactions between the different types of stem cell are important for development, but the striking thing that our new work illustrates is that this is a real partnership these cells truly guide each other. 'Without this partnership, the correct development of shape and form and the timely activity of key biological mechanisms doesn't take place properly.' The artificial embryo followed the same pattern of development as a normal embryo and was 92 per cent similar to a normal mouse embryo. The artificial embryo followed the same pattern of development as a normal embryo and was 92 per cent similar to a normal mouse embryo. Pictured left is the embryo after 72 hours, middle is after 96 hours, and right after 100 hours EMBRYOS IN SPACE In 1996, Nasa astronauts attempted to develop mouse embryos in microgravity aboard the Columbia space shuttle. Those which had been exposed to the microgravity environment stopped growing The space embryos stopped development at a key stage, when a central axis is established down the middle of the embryo, to orientate the cells as they become more specialised and develop into major sections of the body. The findings led researchers to believe that gravity is crucial to this axis being established. Advertisement The embryo is unlikely to develop into a normal mouse, if implanted in a womb, as a further kind of stem cell would be needed which would create a structure called a 'yolk sac', which would provide nourishment to the growing bundle of cells. Professor Zernicka-Goetz said this development could help human embryo research by overcoming a major barrier, a shortage of embryos. Currently, embryos are developed from eggs donated through IVF clinics. She said: 'We think that it will be possible to mimic a lot of the developmental events occurring before 14 days using human embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells using a similar approach to our technique using mouse stem cells. 'We are very optimistic that this will allow us to study key events of this critical stage of human development without actually having to work on embryos. 'Knowing how development normally occurs will allow us to understand why it so often goes wrong.' Dr Andrew Chisholm, Head of Cellular and Developmental Science at Wellcome Trust said: 'Professor Zernicka-Goetz's work really shows the importance of basic research in helping us to solve difficult problems for which we don't have enough evidence for yet. 'In theory, similar approaches could one day be used to explore early human development, shedding light on the role of the maternal environment in birth defects and health.' Professor Zernicka-Goetz recently pioneered a technique to develop human embryos to 13 days after fertilisation. Researchers said this development could help embryo research overcome a shortage of embryos. Pictured is a naturally conceived mouse embryo in the early stages of development. But calls by her and other scientists for the legal limit of 14 days to be extended, have been dismissed by the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority. Dr Dusko Ilic, Reader in Stem Cell Science, King's College London, said of the research: 'Another masterpiece of recreating in vitro [in the laboratory] the earliest steps of embryo development coming from the Zernicka-Goetz lab. ' 'A beautifully conceived and executed study demonstrating interplay of different cells in different cellular compartments within the first days of mouse development'. Prof James Adjaye, Chair of Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, said the research meant 'it will now be possible to better study and understand why certain gene mutations affect normal embryo development.' A rocket carrying a classified US satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office has been launched from California. The Atlas 5 rocket lifted off at 9:49am on Wednesday, and roared away into a clear sky over Vandenberg Air Force Base. All systems were going well when the launch webcast concluded about five minutes into the flight, as is customary during such missions. Scroll down for video An Atlas 5 rocket carrying the NROL-79 mission is launched at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 WHAT IS THE NRO? The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is the US Government agency in charge of designing, building and launching America's intelligence satellites. It was created in 1961 and was then declassified to the public in 1992. They provide reconnaissance support to the Intelligence Community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Advertisement The satellite, dubbed NROL-79, is described only as a national security payload for the NRO. The once-secret office operates an array of intelligence-gathering satellites. The launch was conducted by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and the Air Force's 30th Space Wing. Consuming rocket grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen, the Atlas 5 rocket produced about 860,000 pounds (3,827 kilonewtons) of thrust. As the vehicle climbed out of Earths atmosphere and into the vacuum of space this increased to 933,000 pounds (4,152 kilonewtons). After 1 minute and 21 seconds the vehicle surpassed the speed of sound, according to Space Flight Insider. The rocket carrying a classified U.S. satellite dubbed NROL-79 is described only as a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office Laura Maginnis, vice president, Government Satellite Launch, said: 'I am so impressed by the incredible teamwork between the NRO, US Air Force our industry partners and the ULA team that resulted in today's successful launch. 'The integrated mission team overcame many challenges this flow including delays associated with the Vandenberg Canyon Fire last year. 'Thank you to all of the men and women who worked to deliver this critical asset for our nation's security', she said. The launch was conducted by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing, and the Air Force's 30th Space Wing The NRO is the US Government agency in charge of designing, building and launching America's intelligence satellites The NRO provides reconnaissance support to the Intelligence Community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DoD) The NRO is the US Government agency in charge of designing, building and launching America's intelligence satellites. It was created in 1961 and was then declassified to the public in 1992. They provide reconnaissance support to the Intelligence Community (IC) and the Department of Defense (DoD). The Atlas 5 family of rockets have been used by the US government since 2002. In January of 2006, Atlas 5 set a new world record during the launch of the New Horizons mission, for the fastest spacecraft at time of leaving Earth's atmosphere more than 36,000 miles per hour. As the vehicle climbed out of Earths atmosphere and into the vacuum of space this increased to 933,000 pounds (4,152 kilonewtons). After 1 minute and 21 seconds the vehicle surpassed the speed of sound A rare gold coin dating back to the 15th century and worth 15,000 ($18,000) has been unearthed by an amateur treasure hunter - who thought it was a bottle top. The prized coin was made during the brief 86-day reign of King Edward V who was murdered in the Tower of London. Brian Biddle, 64, found the Angel coin using a metal detector in a farmer's field where it had laid undisturbed for 533 years. Scroll down for video A rare gold coin (pictured) has been unearthed by a heating engineer. Experts identified it as an Angel coin with an image of Archangel Saint Michael slaying a dragon (left) and the legend 'Edward Di Gra' (outer ring of text) which shows it was minted during the reign of Edward V WHO WAS KING EDWARD V? Following the death of Edward IV, his 12-year-old son, also Edward, was made King. The young monarch's reign only lasted 86 days before he vanished into a dungeon in the Tower of London along with his brother Richard. It is widely believed they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, who then succeeded Edward V as Richard III. Advertisement The land in Tolpuddle, Dorset, had been repeatedly searched over the years by members of the Stour Valley Search and Recovery Club before Brian turned up with his detector. The heating engineer realised he was getting warmer in his hunt for a piece of treasure when his device sounded the alarm. Mr Biddle said: 'At first I thought it was a bottle top as we find a lot of things like that. But once I got it out of the ground I realised it was a gold coin.' Mr Biddle, from Bournemouth, took his lucky find to the Dorchester Museum. Experts identified it as an Angel coin with an image of Archangel Saint Michael slaying a dragon and the legend 'Edward Di Gra' which shows it was minted during the reign of Edward V. Following the death of Edward IV, his 12-year-old son, also Edward (pictured), was made King. Edward V's reign only lasted 86 days before he vanished into a dungeon in the Tower of London along with his brother Richard, where he was likely murdered Brian Biddle, 64, found the Angel coin using a metal detector in a farmer's field in Tolpuddle, Dorset, where it had laid undisturbed for 533 years The earliest surviving portrait of Richard III in Leicester Cathedral Following the death of Edward IV, his 12-year-old son was made King but the young monarch's reign only lasted 86 days before he vanished into a dungeon in the Tower of London along with his brother Richard. It is widely believed they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, who then succeeded Edward V as Richard III. Edward V's reign lasted from April 9 to July 4 but the coin was struck under the orders of Lord Hastings, chamberlain of the Royal Household, who was executed on June 13. Mr Biddle was declared the owner of the coin which is now to be sold this month at auction in London with a pre-sale estimate of 15,000 ($18,400). Mr Biddle will split the proceeds 50-50 with the farmer who owns the land where the coin was discovered. Peter Preston-Morley, a coins expert at auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, said: 'The story of the little princes in the tower, as they have become known, still fascinates us more than 500 years later and arguments over whether or not Richard was responsible for their deaths are still going on. 'This coin is a very fine and extremely rare find. Very few specimens are known to exist.' Engineers at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have undergone a large-scale operation to replace the 'heart' of one of its biggest experiments. The complex and delicate procedure took place 100m (330ft) underground and is the first major upgrade to the world's largest machine. LHC officials have described the upgrade as a 'heart transplant', and say the machine's CMS experiment will get a new 'pixel detector', which works like a camera to capture and read the paths of sub-atomic particles. Scroll down for video Engineers at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have undergone a large-scale operation to replace the 'heart' of one of its biggest experiments. This image shows the CMS experiment that has been deconstructed in order to install a new 'pixel detector' WHAT IS THE CMS USED FOR? CMS and an additional experiment, known as Atlas, both contributed evidence to the discovery of the Higgs Boson in 2012. The Higgs Boson was the final particle needed to confirm the Standard Model of Physics - which says everything in the universe is made from the most basic building blocks called fundamental particles. These particles are governed by four forces: Gravity, electromagnetic, weak nuclear and strong nuclear. But there are physical phenomena observed outside of this Standard Model. CMS and Atlas have been helping to fill in the final missing pieces, such as evidence for dark matter or an extension of the standard model known as 'supersymmetry', which adds extra subatomic particles to the theory. LHC officials hope that CMS's new upgrade will help them in this endeavour. Advertisement CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) is one of the four main particle detectors along the LHC's snaking, circular tunnel. It collects more than 10 million gigabytes of data every year. The Large Hadron Collider is a 17 mile (27km)-long tube accelerator that smashes particles together at the speed of light. Scientists can then search for physics phenomena, such as new sub-atomic particles, in the resulting debris. It is hoped that the LHC machine can help scientists better understand the makeup of the universe. More than 1,200 particle magnets funnel a beam of particles along the machine's enormous tunnel, buried under the French-Swiss border. At certain points along the tunnel the beams cross and this is where the particles collide. And large experiments, like CMS, record the outcomes of these collisions. The heart of the CMS component is its pixel detector. The pixel detector unravels and then reconstructs the paths of particles after each collision. The better the pixel detector, the better and more accurate CMS's particle readings are. 'It's like substituting a 66 megapixel camera for a 124 megapixel camera,' Austin Ball, technical co-ordinator for the CMS experiment, told BBC News. Put simply, the pixel detector takes images of particles that are superimposed on top of one another, and then need to be separated. Because the LHC's performance has been upgraded in recent years, 'rather than having 25 or 30 protons collide with each other, yielding 25 or 30 superimposed pictures, we're now expecting to have to deal with 50 or 60 superimposed pictures', said Mr Ball. This required a 'step up' in technology, he added. The tricky operation took place 100m (330ft) underground and is the first major upgrade to the world's largest machine. The entire structure of CERN's CMS experiment has been pulled apart (pictured) to make room for the new equipment The upgrade operation is so delicate and complex that it took engineers two months to pull CMS apart in preparation for the new parts. Pictured is LHC engineers working on the first half of CMS's pixel detector upgrade, which was installed earlier this week 'There are limits to the camera analogy - it's a 3D imaging system. But the point is that the new system is more powerful at disentangling the effects of having multiple collisions superimposed on top of each other,' Mr Ball said. 'We were looking ahead when we decided to build this device and install it now. 'But as it turns out, the performance of the accelerator has improved so rapidly over the past couple of years that this is the time we need to make the change to exploit the accelerator's full potential - for new physics, and the study of existing physics.' The LHC has been out of action since Christmas while it undergoes maintenance and upgrades. The second half of the new pixel detector was lowered into the underground chamber where LHC is held earlier today. The CMS experiment (pictured), one of two 'multi-purpose' experiments at LHC, played a key part in discovering the Higgs Boson in 2012 The CMS experiment (pictured here after being pulled apart for the upgrade) is one of the four main particle detectors along the LHC's snaking, circular tunnel, and collects more than 10 million gigabytes of data every year Provided all improvements run smoothly, the machine will be up and running again in Spring. The upgrade process is so complex that it took the team until last week to be ready to replace CMS's pixel detector. One half of the new detector was installed earlier this week, with the second half of the device - weighing around 40 kilos - put in place today. More than 1,200 particle magnets funnel a beam of particles along the machine's enormous tunnel, buried under the French-Swiss border near Geneva Artist's impression of the Large Hadron Collider, which is a 17 mile (27km)-long tube accelerator that smashes particles together at the speed of light. Scientists search for physics phenomena, such as new sub-atomic particles, in the resulting debris of these collisions A crane lowered the machinery 100 metres into the cavern where the CMS experiment is buried. It was placed on a platform with slide mechanisms that took it to the central section of CMS. It took engineers around an hour to put the final piece of the pixel detector in place. CMS and an additional experiment, known as Atlas, both contributed evidence to the discovery of the Higgs Boson in 2012. The Higgs Boson was the final particle needed to confirm the Standard Model of Physics - which says everything in the universe is made from the most basic building blocks called fundamental particles. More than 1,200 particle magnets funnel a beam of particles along the machine's enormous tunnel (pictured), buried under the French-Swiss border. At certain points along the tunnel the beams cross and this is where the particles collide The LHC is the world's largest machine and its tunnel interior is kept at sub-0 temperatures 24 hours a day. This image shows the machine's long underground tunnels as it was being built before operations began in 2008 These particles are governed by four forces: gravity, electromagnetic, weak nuclear and strong nuclear. But there are physical phenomena observed outside of this Standard Model. CMS and Atlas have been helping to fill in the final missing pieces, such as evidence for dark matter or an extension of the standard model known as 'supersymmetry', which adds extra subatomic particles to the theory. LHC officials hope that CMS's latest upgrade will help the team in this endeavour. 'We have to make sure that our detectors can keep up with what's being thrown at them... we're trying to access rarer processes, and to do that you need to produce and record more collisions between protons,' Mr Ball said. 'Very often, only slight deviations from theoretical predictions are the clues to new things we should be looking for.' An incredible diamond-shaped chunk of ice has been captured from space by Nasa. The natural-coloured image shows a piece of ice floating in the bright blue of the Caspian Sea in winter. The startling white chunk of ice has probably broken away from the thicker sea ice and become grounded - anchored to the bottom of the sea. Scroll down for video The image, taken by Landsat 8's Operational Land Imager, shows the Volga Delta and Caspian sea separated by a shelf of sea ice. A diamond-shaped piece of ice, which is about 1km across, has become detached WHAT CAN WE SEE? The brown areas on the left are part of the Volga Delta. Just off-shore (to the right of the brown area) is a well-developed expanse of consolidated ice. This is just metres deep. Further off shore a large piece of white and grey-white diamond-shaped piece of ice has become detached. This is drifting into an area covered by young, thin ice. Advertisement The image, taken by Landsat 8's Operational Land Imager, shows the Volga Delta and Caspian sea separated by a shelf of sea ice. The Delta is just visible on the left of the picture. Off-shore (to the right of the brown area) is a well-developed expanse of consolidated ice which is just metres deep. Further off-shore a diamond-shaped piece of white and grey-white ice has become detached. The natural-colour images demonstrate the variety of ice types that can form in the northern Caspian Sea, which stretches from Kazakhstan to Iran. 'This "island" of white ice is most probably a piece that detached from the ice field,' said Alexei Kouraev, a scientist at the Laboratory of Geophysical and Oceanographic Studies in France. It might look like that the ice diamond is on the move but it's more likely it broke away from the thicker sea ice and then became grounded, according to the Nasa Earth Observatory. 'Instead, the wind is pushing the thin ice around this grounded ice, creating a "shadow" of open water behind it', it said. The natural-colour images demonstrate the variety of ice types that can form in the northern Caspian Sea, which stretches from Kazakhstan to Iran In this image you can see hummocks to the right of the diamond-shaped piece of ice. Hummocks occur when pieces of ice are pushed together and some is forced upwards In the north of the Caspian Sea, which is 600 miles long, temperatures are colder and water is less saline, which means it sits more shallow. As a result, northern areas are more prone to freezing in wintertime than the southern bit. The false-colour in the third image shows thermal data. This map shows the difference in temperature: Orange depicts where the surface is warmer which also tends to be where the ice is thinnest. Blues and whites show colder areas, including the main ice pack and grounded ice HOW ICE HUMMOCKS FORM Next to the diamond-shaped ice island you can see hummocking. When weak, thin ice forms over the sea, it can become broken up by currents, waves and the wind. These can drive the pieces to pile up on top of each other. When these then become locked back into an ice floe, they form hummocks which can extend down several metres. Advertisement Orange depicts where the surface is warmer which also tends to be where the ice is thinnest. Blues and whites show colder areas, including the main ice pack and grounded ice. 'With the advance of spring and rising temperatures, ice on the Caspian will soon disappear. All of the ice is first-year ice, meaning that it should not survive the summer', said Nasa. Next to the diamond-shaped ice island you can see hummocking. When weak, thin ice forms over the sea, it can become broken up by currents, waves and the wind. These can drive the pieces to pile up on top of each other. When these then become locked back into an ice floe, they form hummocks which can extend down several metres. The last woolly mammoths were far from hairy when the species died out, growing a faded satin coat due to their mutated DNA, according to new research. The mammoth also had a poor sense of smell - and sex life - just before being wiped out after suffering a 'mutational meltdown', the study found. Experts say this can happen when a once-thriving species reaches the brink of extinction, as small populations develop mutations caused by inbreeding. Scroll down for video The last woolly mammoths were far from hairy when the species died out, growing a faded satin coat due to their mutated DNA, according to new research. Pictured is a 39,000-year-old female woolly mammoth found frozen in Siberian ice in 2013 THE MUTATIONS OF THE FINAL MAMMOTHS The final living mammoths migrated to Wrangel Island, north of Russia's eastern tip, to escape hunting and a warming climate. Due to genetic mutations caused by inbreeding, they had lost many olfactory receptors, meaning they had a poor sense of smell. Faulty DNA also changed the animals' urinary proteins, which can impact social status and mate choice. And the island mammoths had mutations that likely created an unusual translucent satin coat. Advertisement Woolly mammoths were one of the most common large herbivores in North America, Siberia, and Beringia until a warming climate and human hunters led to their extinction on the mainland about 10,000 years ago. Small island populations persisted until about 3,700 years ago before the species finally disappeared. Now scientists at University of California, Berkeley, have analysed the genetic makeup of the species' final survivors. They found a host of genetic faults that could have been the final nail in the mammoth's coffin. The new findings have implications for animal conservation today. They also offer insight into evolution, and serve as a warning for those interested in bringing the woolly mammoth back to life, known scientifically as 'de-extinction.' There are at least three teams trying to rebuild the whole mammoth genome. The projects could one day become a template to recreate actual mammoths. But the California research shows some mammoth genomes carry an abundance of damaging mutations. Scientists compared the DNA from the fossilized remains of a mainland mammoth dating back 45,000 years ago to one that lived about 4,300 years ago. They used the DNA of an Indian elephant as a control. The final mammoths' small gene pool doomed them to a poor sense of smell and sex life just before being wiped out. Lyuba, pictured here, is the world's most well-preserved mammoth. The female specimen went on display at the Natural History museum in 2014 The study used DNA from two mammoth specimens. The older specimen was dug up in Oymyakon, Siberia, and lived 45,000 years ago. The younger fossil was found buried on Wrangel Island, north of Russia's eastern tip, and lived around 3,700 years ago HOW MIGHT SCIENTISTS REVIVE THE MAMMOTH? 'De-extincting' the mammoth has become a realistic prospect because of revolutionary gene editing techniques that allow the precise selection and insertion of DNA from specimens frozen over millennia in Siberian ice. The most widely used technique, known as CRISPR/Cas9, has transformed genetic engineering since it was first demonstrated in 2012. The system allows the 'cut and paste' manipulation of strands of DNA with a precision not seen before. Using this technique, scientists could cut and paste preserved mammoth DNA into Asian elephants to create an elephant-mammoth hybrid. Advertisement The recent genome came from a mammoth that had lived in a group of about 300 animals on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean, North of the Eastern tip of Russia. Wrangel Island was the final refuge of the iconic Ice Age beast before they went extinct after being driven north by rising temperatures and hunting. The older fossil was dug up in Oymyakon, Siberia. The mammoth had once roamed the Siberian permafrost at a time when mammoths were one of the most common large herbivores in the world. A warming climate and human hunters led to their extinction on the mainland about 10,000 years ago, driving the last few onto Wrangel Island. Evolutionary biologist Dr Rebekah Rogers, of the University of California, Berkeley, was one of the new paper's coauthors. Image of a mammoth skull on display at a Siberian museum. 'De-extincting' the mammoth has become a realistic prospect because of revolutionary gene editing techniques that allow the precise selection and insertion of DNA from specimens frozen over millennia in Siberian ice Artist's impression of Woolly mammoths near the Somme River, France. The new study serves as a warning to scientists reviving the woolly mammoth that the specimens used could have faulty DNA She claims that after DNA analysis, the team realised that the mammoth from the isolated Wrangel Island outpost had 'bad mutations'. The mutations interfered with key gene functions, and could have contributed to the species' eventual demise. The animals at Wrangel had lost many olfactory receptors, which detect odours, as well as urinary proteins, which can impact social status and mate choice. MAMMOTH FACT FILE The woolly mammoth roamed the icy tundra of Europe and North America for 140,000 years, disappearing at the end of the Pleistocene period, 10,000 years ago. They are one of the best understood prehistoric animals known to science because their remains are often not fossilised but frozen and preserved. Males were around 12 feet (3.5m) tall, while the females were slightly smaller. Curved tusks were up to 16 feet (5m) long and their underbellies boasted a coat of shaggy hair up to 3 feet (1m) long. Tiny ears and short tails prevented vital body heat being lost. Their trunks had 'two fingers' at the end to help them pluck grass, twigs and other vegetation. They get their name from the Russian 'mammut', or earth mole, as it was believed the animals lived underground and died on contact with light explaining why they were always found dead and half-buried. Their bones were once believed to have belonged to extinct races of giants. Woolly mammoths and modern-day elephants are closely related, sharing 99.4 per cent of their genes. The two species took separate evolutionary paths six million years ago, at about the same time humans and chimpanzees went their own way. Woolly mammoths co-existed with early humans, who hunted them for food and used their bones and tusks for making weapons and art. Advertisement The genome also revealed the island mammoth had mutations that likely created an unusual translucent satin coat. 'There is a long history of theoretical work about how genomes might change in small populations,' Dr Rogers said. 'Here we got a rare chance to look at snapshots of genomes 'before' and 'after' a population decline in a single species. 'The results we found were consistent with this theory that had been discussed for decades.' Earlier this month Harvard University scientists announced plans to use gene editing technology to splice the preserved DNA of a frozen mammoth carcass with the DNA of an Asian elephant. The procedure they will use is illustrated in this graphic The woolly mammoth roamed across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America during the last Ice Age and vanished around 3,700 years ago, probably due to a combination of climate change and hunting by humans (stock image) Called a 'genome comparison study', the California team's work has implications for animal conservation and evolutionary theory. Dwindling populations created a 'mutational meltdown' in the DNA of the last woolly mammoths, which had survived on Wrangel until just 3,700 years ago before the species finally disappeared. The discovery gives researchers the rare opportunity to see what happens to the genome as a population declines, and supports existing theories of genome deterioration stemming from small population sizes. The study also offers a warning to conservationists: Preserving a small group of isolated animals is not sufficient to stop the devastating effects of inbreeding and genomic meltdown. Dr Rogers said that when she first started the project, she was excited to be working with the new woolly mammoth DNA sequences. She said: 'It was even more exciting when we found an excess of what looked like bad mutations in the mammoth from Wrangel Island.' Dr Rogers also praised the work of study coauthor Professor Monty Slatkin. 'He has spent his career developing mathematical models of how genomes will look different when population conditions change,' she said. 'With only two specimens to look at, these mathematical models were important to show the differences between the two mammoths are too extreme to be explained by other factors.' Do students learn as much when they read digitally as they do in print? For both parents and teachers, knowing whether computer-based media are improving or compromising education is a question of concern. With the surge in popularity of e-books, online learning and open educational resources, investigators have been trying to determine whether students do as well when reading an assigned text on a digital screen as on paper. Between 2013 and 2015, the researcher gathered data from 429 university students drawn from five countries (the US, Japan, Germany, Slovenia and India) to determine whether students do as well when reading an assigned text on a digital screen as on paper The answer to the question, however, needs far more than a yes-no response. In my research, I have compared the ways in which we read in print and onscreen. Between 2013 and 2015, I gathered data from 429 university students drawn from five countries (the US, Japan, Germany, Slovenia and India). The students in my study reported that print was aesthetically more enjoyable, saying things such as 'I like the smell of paper' or that reading in print is 'real reading.' What's more, print gave them a sense of where they were in the book they could 'see' and 'feel' where they were in the text. Print was also judged to be easier on the eyes and less likely to encourage multitasking. Almost half the participants complained about eyestrain from reading digitally ('my eyes burn'), and 67 percent indicated they were likely to multitask while reading digitally (compared with 41 percent when reading print). At the same time, respondents praised digital reading on a number of counts, including the ability to read in the dark, ease of finding material ('plenty of quick information'), saving paper and even the fact they could multitask while reading. But the bigger question is whether students are learning as much when they read onscreen. A number of researchers have sought to measure learning by asking people to read a passage of text, either in print or on a digital device, and then testing for comprehension. Most studies have found that participants scored about the same when reading in each medium, though a few have indicated that students performed better on tests when they read in print. The problem, however, with learning-measurement studies is that their notion of 'learning' has tended to be simplistic. Reading passages and answering questions afterwards may be a familiar tool in standardized testing, but tells us little about any deeper level of understanding. Some researchers are beginning to pose more nuanced questions, including one scholar who has considered what happens when people read a story in print or on a digital device and are then asked to reconstruct the plot sequence. The answer: Print yielded better results. Another aspect of learning is to see how outcomes differ when students are doing their reading in less prescriptive experimental conditions. One study let students choose how much time to spend when reading on each platform. When students were asked on which medium they felt they concentrated best, 92 percent replied 'print.' For long academic readings, 86 percent favored print. Participants also reported being more likely to reread academic materials if they were in print The researchers found that participants devoted less time to reading the passage onscreen and performed less well on the subsequent comprehension test. This finding is hardly surprising, given the tendency so many of us have to skim and search when going online, rather than reading slowly and carefully. In my study, one student commented: 'It takes more time to read the same number of pages in print comparing to digital.' Another complained: 'It takes me longer because I read more carefully.' How does the learning question relate to educational goals? There is much buzz today about wanting students to be good at critical thinking. Definitions of that goal are elusive, but it's pretty clear they involve being able to understand complex ideas, evaluate evidence, weigh alternative perspectives and construct justifiable arguments. STUDENTS FEEL MORE CONCENTRATED WHEN READING PRINTED BOOKS Between 2013 and 2015, researcher Dr Naomi Brown gathered data from 429 university students drawn from five countries (the US, Japan, Germany, Slovenia and India). The students reported that print was aesthetically more enjoyable, saying things such as 'I like the smell of paper' or that reading in print is 'real reading.' When asked on which medium they felt they concentrated best, 92 percent replied 'print.' For long academic readings, 86 percent favored print. Participants also reported being more likely to reread academic materials if they were in print. What's more, a number of students indicated they believed print was a better medium for learning. One said:'It's easier to focus.' Others stated: '[I] feel like the content sticks in the head more easily' and 'I feel like I understand it more.' By contrast, in talking about digital screens, students noted 'danger of distraction' and 'no concentration.' Almost half the participants complained about eyestrain from reading digitally ('my eyes burn'), and 67 percent indicated they were likely to multitask while reading digitally (compared with 41 percent when reading print). Advertisement To become proficient in critical thinking at least in a literate society students need to be able to handle text. The text may be long, complex or both. To make sense of it, students cannot skim, rush ahead or continually get distracted. So, does reading in print versus onscreen build critical thinking skills? The comprehension studies we talked about earlier tell us little about the kind of reading we recognize as necessary for serious contemplation or analysis. An alternative approach, at least for starters, is asking students about their digital and paper-based reading patterns much as physicians ask for histories (along with physicals and lab tests) to figure out what ails their patients. While my own study didn't directly measure learning, it did query students about their reading patterns and preferences. The responses to some of my questions were particularly revealing. When asked on which medium they felt they concentrated best, 92 percent replied 'print.' For long academic readings, 86 percent favored print. Participants also reported being more likely to reread academic materials if they were in print. What's more, a number of students indicated they believed print was a better medium for learning. One said:'It's easier to focus.' Others stated: '[I] feel like the content sticks in the head more easily' and 'I feel like I understand it more.' By contrast, in talking about digital screens, students noted 'danger of distraction' and 'no concentration.' Obviously, student perceptions are not the same thing as measurable learning outcomes. And my research didn't probe connections between reading platforms and critical thinking. However, a pattern did emerge: Print stood out as the medium for doing serious work. Convenience is one big consideration: More than 40 percent of participants mentioned convenience (including easy access to materials) as what they liked most about reading onscreen At the same time, we cannot ignore other factors impacting students' decisions about what reading platform to chose for school work. Convenience is one big consideration: More than 40 percent of participants in my study mentioned convenience (including easy access to materials) as what they liked most about reading onscreen. Money is another variable. Students were highly conscious about differential prices for print and digital versions of reading materials, with cost often driving choice. As one student put it: 'Cost rules everything around me.' Many students revealed a mismatch between finances and learning. When queried about which reading platform they would choose if cost were the same, 87 percent said 'print' for academic work. We also need to keep in mind the growing trend for universities to adapt their curricula to fit the proverbial 'procrustean' bed of a digital world a world tailor-made for skimming, scanning and using the 'find' function rather than reading slowly and thoughtfully. Professors now toy with ditching long or complex reading assignments in favor of short (or more straightforward) ones, moving closer to digital reading patterns in the nonacademic world. This world hypes condensed versions of texts and shorter reading material that is bite-sized to begin with. The question then is how can universities help students read text thoughtfully, reflectively, and without distraction on digital devices? One key could be adaptation. Research suggests students may be overconfident about what they are understanding when they read digitally. Teaching them to be mindful in their digital reading (for instance, by writing down key words from the reading) may help in learning. Another form of adaptation is happening in the realm of digital hardware and software. Modern screens cause less eyestrain, and annotation programs continue to improve. Some digital reading devices now come with tools enabling them to digitally approximate physical page flipping and multiple place-marking. However, in my view, while short-and-to-the-point may be a good fit for digital consumption, it's not the sort of reading likely to nurture the critical thinking we still talk about as a hallmark of university education. Most people feel displeasure when they hear the sound of fingernails scratching a blackboard, or a knife scratching a plate. While there isn't an English word to describe this feeling, Spanish speakers have a specific word for the feeling: Grima. Grima can provoke phsyiologcal responses such as an increase in heart rate, and it is so unique that psychologists now say it is an emotional experience rather than a reflex - and as such could be treatable. Grima is so unique that psychologists are even suggesting it's different from other emotions such as disgust Dr Inge Schweiger Gallo, a researcher at Complutense University of Madrid and lead author of the study, told New Scientist that she studied grima for personal reasons. 'For as far as I can remember, Ive had problems touching foam rubber,' she said. 'Whenever I have to use it, for example, in packages, I try to ask somebody else to touch it for me.' Dr Gallo and and team of researchers began their study by asking Spanish speakers what the word grima means to them. Most people described it as an 'unpleasant sensation' and also used words such as 'shivering,' 'sounds' and 'repulsion'. Things that made people feel grima included squeaking sounds, scratching things with fingernails and scratching surfaces. GRIMA CAUSES A PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE The researchers studied the effect that grima-eliciting noises had on people's bodies. They found that when people had a grima response, their heart rates fell slightly and then increased sharply before going back to normal after approximately six seconds. However, when they heard sounds labelled disgusting on unpleasant, their reaction was different. Instead, the heart rate fell more sharply and went back to normal more steadily. But both grima sounds and disgusting or unpleasant sounds had an effect on skin conductance - when the skin momentarily becomes a better conductor of electricity - a sign of physiological change. Advertisement They also said that grima was more unpleasant than disgust. The researchers also studied English and German speakers, who both don't have a word for grima. When they heard noises that elicited a grima response, their heart rates fell slightly and then increased sharply before going back to normal after approximately six seconds. However, when they heard sounds labeled 'disgusting' or 'unpleasant', their reaction was different. Instead, the heart rate fell more sharply and went back to normal more steadily. But both grima sounds and 'disgusting' or 'unpleasant' sounds had an effect on skin conductance - when the skin momentarily becomes a better conductor of electricity - a sign of physiological change. The Spanish participants were then asked to try to suppress their responses to grima sounds. These participants then rated grima sounds as less unpleasant than before, but their ratings for 'disgusting' sounds didn't change. The lead author of the research, Dr Inge Schweiger Gallo, said she studied grima for personal reasons. 'For as far as I can remember, Ive had problems touching foam rubber,' she said. 'Whenever I have to use it, for example, in packages, I try to ask somebody else to touch it for me,' she said The researchers said that this suggests reactions to grima sounds aren't a reflex like they are for 'disgusting' sounds, but are instead an emotional experience that can be influenced by thought. So, while grima has similarities to disgust, its triggers and effect on the body are different, and grima also has an effect on people who don't have a word for it in their language. And although grima is mostly associated with certain sounds, it can also be triggered by the feel of certain materials such as cork, velvet or sponges. Although grima is mostly associated with certain sounds, it can also be triggered by the feel of certain materials such as cork, velvet (pictured) or sponges Researchers still don't know why grima noises trigger such a strongly unpleasant reaction, but a 2006 study led by Ig Nobel prize winner Dr Francis Fesmire found that sound frequencies in the middle of the audio range were most irritating and are similar to the warning cries of chimpanzees. The researchers who conducted that study suggested that our reactions to grima sounds have their origins in predator-avoidance instincts from our evolutionary past. Sounds in this frequency range, 2000-5000 Hz, cause the ear canal to resonate, so the sound transmits particularly efficiently. Researchers have suggested that our reactions to grima sounds have their origins in predator-avoidance instincts back in our evolutionary past. Sounds in this frequency range, 2000-5000 Hz, cause the ear canal to resonate, so the sound transmits particularly efficiently. A 2012 study found that sounds in this range activate a part of the brain called the amygdala (pictured) which is involved in fearful responses and increases activity in the auditory cortex A 2012 study found that sounds in this range activate a part of the brain called the amygdala which is involved in fearful responses and increases activity in the auditory cortex. Another reason why grima sounds trigger such strong responses is because they sound rough and have the same effect as a when a person screams. We have yet to explore all of what the ocean has to offer, but a recent find has suggested that aliens may have already beaten us to it - if a group of alien hunters are to be believed. Thousands of miles below the North Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of California, lies what a Martian researcher believes is a two and a half mile wide crawling circle. The conspiracy theorist has stated that the anomaly is under artificial control and is parked outside of what could be an alien base. Scroll down for videos Thousands of miles below the North Pacific Ocean lies what a Martian researcher believes is a two and a half mile long crawling circle. The conspiracy theorist has stated that the anomaly is under artificial control and is parked outside of what could be an alien base A 'CRAWLING CIRCLE' Using the coordinates 4.250044,-28.712918 in Google Maps, Tyler with SecureTeam10 claims to have spotted a saucer-shaped object on the floor of the North Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of California. Tyler believes the object is under some type of artificial control, intelligent control. It is 2.81 miles in diameter and has traveled at least 46 miles from its starting point. Tyler argues that if the object was a rock, the path would be straight. Where as this path is 'zig-zagging' on the sea-floor'. Advertisement The latest sighting was published to the web by SecureTeam10, which is known for sharing bizarre and unexplained sightings. As youre seeing here, we have some very strange lines that almost look like a large vehicle was moving on the bottom of the ocean, the YouTuber who goes by the name of Tyler said in the video. Now some have said these are actually sonar lines created by oceans scanning the ocean floor. However, some of these tracks definitely seem to be dug into the soil and are complete with shadows and basically look like massive trenches that arent just images artifacts or sonar readings or anything like that. He zooms in on the saucer-shaped object that sits some 3,000 feet below the surface, which can been using the coordinates 4.250044,-28.712918 in Google Maps. And surrounding the object appears to paths. This looks dug into the sand and in middle of this long path, which heads over to this area that holds some very anomalous items, explained Tyler. We see this large circular object and an obvious path created by this object. Look at this thing zig-zagging, look at it moving around. As youre seeing here, we have some very strange lines that almost look like a large vehicle was moving on the bottom of the ocean, the YouTuber who goes by the name of Tyler said in the video. Now some have said these are actually sonar lines created by oceans scanning the ocean floor' He zooms in on the saucer-shaped object (pictured) that sits 3,000 feet below the surface, which can been using the coordinates 4.250044,-28.712918 in Google Maps. And surrounding the object appears to paths So we have this pattern carved completely out of the bottom of the ocean soil and it leads up directly to this almost perfectly circular object. According to the tools provided by Google Maps, the object is 2.81 miles long, which some may assume is a rock, but Tyler said if that was the case the path would be straight- not a zig-zag. A two and a half mile long, circular object, which again, is a perfect circle, he said. This looks dug into the sand and in middle of this long path, which heads over to this area that holds some very anomalous items, explained Tyler. We see this large circular object and an obvious path created by this object. Look at this thing zig-zagging, look at it moving around' According to the tools provided by Google Maps, the object is 2.81 miles long (4.61km), which some may assume is a rock, but Tyler said if that was the case the path would be straight- not a zig-zag What object this large is moving under the ocean, zig-zagging like this as if under some artificial control, intelligent control, he asked. And measuring the path also raises questions as the object appears to have traveled 46 miles from its starting point. Tyler points out other circular objects and doughnut-shaped objects along the trail to a larger structure, which he says it is like a driveway leading up to a mansion. The perfect circle parked outside what could be an alien base appears to have something inside of it, but Tyler does not make a guess to what it could be. 'What is moving at the bottom of our ocean, he asked. ABDUCTED BY ALIENS? IT MAY BE SLEEP PARALYSIS Agents Mulder and Scully may have said 'the truth is out there' in the X Files, but it may instead be buried inside the brains of people who claim they have been abducted by aliens. Those who believe they have had a close encounter of the so-called 'fourth kind' may suffer from false memories or sleep paralysis, a psychologist has claimed. A rare form of the condition, which can involve hallucinations or the feeling of being dragged out of bed, may explain 'alien abductions' that people sincerely believe happened but can't remember. Writing for The Psychologist, Christopher C French, of Goldsmiths, the University of London, who specializes in the psychology of paranormal belief and experiences, said there are plausible explanations for why people 'see' flying saucers and think they have been abducted. He noted that most of the people making these claims are clinically sane, but their belief in life in outer space may influence what they see or feel in strange situations. Advertisement Tyler points out other circular objects and doughnut-shaped objects along the trail to a larger structure, which he says it is like a driveway leading up to a mansion It is just scary to think a 2 and a half mile long object that is moving this way. While were up staring at the sky all day, we have 90% of our oceans uncharted and Ive said it before, we have an alien system in our oceans. Although many would argue that Tylers allegations are too bizarre to be true, he isnt the first alien hunter to make these claims. Last June, Scott C Waring shared another sighting found using Google Earth that suggest a perfect pyramid lies under the Pacific Ocean just west of Mexico. Marcelo Igazusta, a researcher in Argentina, was the first to lay eyes on the mysterious underwater structure, which was discovered last month. Using the coordinates 12 8'1.49 'N 119 35'26.39' W, Igazusta claims to have spotted a beam of light shining from the darkness of the Pacific Ocean just west of Mexico - leading him to this 'monumental discovery'. The perfect circle parked outside what could be an alien base appears to have something inside of it, but Tyler does not make a guess to what it could be Well-known alien hunter, Scott C Waring, picked up the discovery today and shared it with his followers. 'It's a perfect pyramid that measures 8.5 miles across one side of its base,' Waring writes in his blog UFO Sightings Daily. 'That's a conservative estimate, it could be up to 11 miles across.' The massive structure may be hard to make out, as it looks like a blur on the screen, but if you envision a pyramid and squint while looking at the area it might appear in front of your eyes. What object this large is moving under the ocean, zig-zagging like this as if under some artificial control, intelligent control, Tyler asked. And measuring the path also raises questions as the object appears to have traveled 46 miles from its starting point Waring explains that this 'perfect pyramid' is adjacent to the ancient Mayan and Aztec pyramids in Mexico. Although the ancient pyramids were constructed by humans, Waring says 'Only aliens could accomplish makings such a massive structure' --referring to the one underwater. 'Even if this is not a UFO that landed in the ocean that was being used as an alien base, it is still a monumental discovery,' he writes. 'An 8.5 mile pyramid biggest the world has ever known.' Google Earth may be the new go-to source to find evidence of alien life here one Earth. New computer simulations reveal the shock wave created when a chunk of ice breaks off a glacier. This shock wave causes sea ice to shift and can even spur widespread fracture, increasing the chances of subsequent breakage events. Understanding these processes could help scientists to better predict how melting ice will contribute to sea-level rise. When the first calving event happens, it sends a shock wave through the cluster of ice. At first, it causes compression, which later leads to slow expansion. This process is illustrated in the simulation above WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ICE BREAKS OFF When the first calving event happens (when ice breaks off from a glacier), it sends a shock wave through a cluster of sea ice known as the melange. At first, it causes compression, which later leads to slow expansion. As a result, the event can initiate widespread breakage of the sea ice. This reduces much of the pressure on the glacier terminus, increasing the risk of further calving. Advertisement The new study from California Institute of Technology examined the effect of the melange breakup on iceberg calving or the process of shedding chunks of ice. Melange is a floating aggregation of sea ice and icebergs, and scientists have long speculated that it may apply enough force on a glaciers terminus to suppress calving. In the winter, the icebergs that make up the melange freeze together, creating a frozen iceberg logjam that prevents more material from breaking off. But, as the weather gets warmer, the sea ice begins to thin, eventually allowing for the first calving event in the summer. The new animation from Caltech reveals the effect of this process. I developed a computer model that stimulates how the first iceberg calving of the warm season creates a shock wave that travels through the jammed melange, breaking it up, says Alexander Robel, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Postdoctoral Scholar and Stanback Postdoctoral Scholar at Caltech. The simulations are made to resemble the fjords in Greenland. As the weather gets warmer, the sea ice begins to thin, eventually allowing for the first calving event in the summer. The animation shows how melange responds to pressure applied by the movement of a glacier These are narrow channels of water prone to trapping melange. Not only does the spring sea-ice breakup rely on the thickness of the ice in within the melange, but the simulations revealed the shape of the channel plays a role as well. When the first calving event happens, it sends a shock wave through the cluster of ice. At first, it causes compression, which later leads to slow expansion. As a result, the event can initiate widespread breakage of the sea ice. The new study from California Institute of Technology examined the effect of the melange breakup on iceberg calving or the process of shedding chunks of ice. Melange is a floating aggregation of sea ice and icebergs This reduces much of the pressure on the glacier terminus, increasing the risk of further calving. The process could eventually lead to rapidly rising sea levels, Robel explains. If the rate of iceberg calving from the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets accelerates, sea level rise may also accelerate to rates that could reach several metres per century over the next several centuries, Robel wrote in the study, published to Nature Communications. Ocean and atmosphere warming in the Arctic have already caused longer periods of sea-ice-free conditions, which may lead to a transition from currently slow calving, predominantly occurring in the summer to rapid calving, occurring throughout the year. There is, however, also the possibility that the increased runoff from the melting ice could create a layer of cold, fresh water, spurring the formation of more sea ice. Advertisement Whether it's the thrill of bathing in the Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls or the chance to savour a cup of tea brewed at its Malaysian source that appeals more, there are incredible experiences out there to suit every type of traveller. From encountering penguins in the Antarctic, to spotting tigers in India, from discovering Patagonia's otherworldly landscapes, to boarding the Hogwart's Express from the Harry Potter films, the experts at Lonely Planet Traveller have revealed the world's best 100 travel experiences in their latest issue. As such, MailOnline Travel has selected 10 of the 100 highlights featured in Lonely Planet's April supplement, which celebrates its 100th issue. Trek through Patagonia, Chile The grandest sight of all is that of the peaks of Cuernos del Paine towering over the icy blue Lake Pehoe, above A walk through Torres del Paine National Park brings one surreal landscape after another: a shock of turquoise lake floats beneath an emerald forest; chiselled rock towers soar nearly 2,000 metres out of the barren steppe. Just 50 years ago, only sheep enjoyed these privileged views. Today, the former estancia (ranch) is Chiles premier national park. Steppe, forest, Andean desert and shrubland are all found here, but the grandest sight of all is that of the peaks of Cuernos del Paine towering over the icy blue Lake Pehoe. Torres del Paine ranks among South Americas most accessible parks, with clearly marked trails. Day walks offer a taste of the magic, but there are richer rewards for those who strap on their hiking boots for longer explorations. Refugios, or trekkers huts, placed at five-hour trail intervals, mean that days end in a hot meal, warm shower and comfy bed. Plan a trip to Torres del Paine with antarespatagonia.com, verticepatagonia.com and fantasticosur.com. Balloon ride over Bagan, Myanmar For a grand overview of Bagan, dreamiest of all is to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon and glide over the ancient city In its heyday, between the 11th and the 13th centuries, Bagan at the heart of modern Myanmar was a rich and cosmopolitan place which had links with Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and China. Its wealth was invested in its religious buildings. Only a fraction of the original city remains, but in their age and scale, the ruins are reminiscent of the Angkorean temples of Cambodia. The temples are dotted across a plain, and visitors gravitate towards any lofty viewing spots towards sunset the odd hillock, or a balcony on one of the temples for a grand overview of Bagan. Dreamiest of all is to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon and glide over the ancient city. Transinduss Essential Myanmar tour includes the option of a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan with transindus.co.uk. Have a cuppa at the source, Malaysia Spread out over 1,200 acres of gently rolling hills filled with waist-high tea plants, the Boh plantation is Malaysias most prolific producer of black tea In tropical Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands are synonymous with three things: cooler temperatures, pastoral beauty and tea. These hills got their name during the British colonial period, and much of the architecture still looks like a corner of Surrey transported more than 6,000 miles. The focus then, as now, was on the tea plantations. Spread out over 1,200 acres of gently rolling hills filled with waist-high tea plants, the Boh plantation is Malaysias most prolific producer of black tea. The hills stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated only by gentle streams, water-wheels and the occasional building, including a mock Tudor mansion. In another, more modern space, visitors come to enjoy high tea with a view over the hills, and to watch the tea-pickers whose labour makes it all possible. Find Cameron Highlands tours at cameronsecrets.com and authentic luxury at cameronhighlandsresort.com. Board the Hogwart's Express, Britain The Jacobite a steam-hauled service that has doubled as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films The West Highland Line is the most beautiful railway route in Britain. It runs from Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, before the final wild stretch to the west-coast port of Mallaig. While the mountainous 122-mile GlasgowFort William leg is covered by modern trains (including the Caledonian Sleeper from London), the final 42 miles is courtesy of The Jacobite a steam-hauled service that has doubled as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Crossing the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured), theres a glimpse of Loch Shiel, before the train climbs through forests of ash, carpeted in a tartan of bluebells and bracken. Trailing clouds of steam, The Jacobite clatters through this mythical landscape, breathing hard. Book tickets for The Jacobite at westcoastrailways.co.uk. Drive a classic car in Amalfi, Italy There are many rides for rent in Sorrento from dinky Fiat 500s to Jaguars, Ferraris and bright red Alfa Romeo Spiders It is a fantasy straight out of a James Bond film: taking the hairpin bends of the road that runs along Italys Amalfi Coast in a classic convertible car. There are many rides for rent in Sorrento from dinky Fiat 500s to Jaguars, Ferraris and bright red Alfa Romeo Spiders. The cars hug the hot tarmac as they round the sharp corners. Above, craggy rock faces veer up to the sky; below, they plummet to the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. Purring along at a moderate speed is the best way to take in the memorable views and, of course, not to mess up ones hair. Spider Lifestyle rents out classic cars for Amalfi Coast drives at spiderlifestyle.com. Step onto an Alpine Glacier, Switzerland Its a rarer and still more awe-inducing experience to put crampons on your boots, rope yourself to a mountain guide and scale the glacier edge the height of a two-storey house to explore its strange and ever-changing surface Switzerlands Aletsch Glacier is the biggest in the Alps at 14 miles in length. Most visitors take in the view from above the car-free mountain villages of Bettmeralp and Riederalp without setting foot on this mighty river of ice, which moves about 30cm a day on average, and whose tongue is made from snow that fell 800 years ago. Its a rarer and still more awe-inducing experience to put crampons on your boots, rope yourself to a mountain guide and scale the glacier edge the height of a two-storey house to explore its strange and ever-changing surface. Here, streams of meltwater snake across the ice, and plunge into potholes with an echo from the frozen depths. Explore the Aletsch Glacier with guides from nearby villages at aletscharena.ch. Explore the temples of Angkor, Cambodia On the vast site is the Bayon, where a forest of carved heads bestows vague smiles on visitors, and Ta Prohm, above, left much as the rest of Angkor once was, with silk cotton trees enveloping the ancient blocks of sandstone In the Khmer language, Angkor simply means city. At its peak a thousand years ago, it was home to nearly a million people, and covered a greater area than any city before the Industrial Age. This ancient metropolis at the Cambodia emerged from jungle-cloaked obscurity in the 19th century to astound Western imaginations, but locals had never completely abandoned its temples, some Hindu, some Buddhist in inspiration. Angkor Wat is the most famous: its the worlds largest religious structure, a representation in stone of the Hindu universe and the star of a massive temple city built by dozens of rulers who considered themselves part god, part king. Monks still pray in its incense filled halls. Elsewhere on the vast site is the Bayon, where a forest of carved heads bestows vague smiles on visitors, and Ta Prohm, left much as the rest of Angkor once was, with silk cotton trees enveloping the ancient blocks of sandstone. Cox & Kings runs tours in the country focusing on Angkor and Siem Reap, visit coxandkings.co.uk. Climb Sydney Bridge, Australia Unlike most similar feats of engineering around the world, visitors scale Sydney Harbour bridges arch regularly and legally From the inside, Sydney Harbour Bridge is a maze of steel. Known locally as The Coathanger, it has served as a symbol of the city ever since it opened in 1932. And unlike most similar feats of engineering around the world, visitors scale the bridges arch regularly and legally. Dressed in blue-and-grey jumpsuits, led by guides and attached to a safety line, climbers head up through a lattice-like network of studded girders, as the city unfolds below. Skyscrapers seem to crowd the waters edge at Circular Quay, which sweeps around to the jutting lip of land where the Sydney Opera House stands it joined the bridge as an Australian icon in the 60s. From the crest of the arch, 134 metres high, Sydney is a 360-degree panorama of coves, cliffs, beaches and jetties, set around the broad, sparkling waters of the harbour. Climbers have to leave their cameras along with other loose items in lockers at the start, but the guide is on hand to capture the moment. Book a bridge climb at bridgeclimb.com. Take a dip in the Devil's Pool, Zimbabwe Brave travellers sit in pools right at the cataracts edge, such as Devils Pool reached from the Zambian side Victoria Falls make their presence known from far across the bush. First comes a faint rumbling, like rush hour traffic on a distant motorway; then, a low grey cloud comes into view, squatting on the horizon. The full force of Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) is apparent at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, where the plains fall away. From the rim, the Zambezi plunges 100 metres, hitting the ground so hard it creates a mist that rises a quarter of a mile through the air, like rain that has decided to fall upwards. The visitors who wind their way along the paths that skirt the falls are soon drenched by spray. Others sit in pools right at the cataracts edge, such as Devils Pool, reached from the Zambian side. Peering into the gorge ripped through the Earth, there is no sign of the bottom, just a boiling whirl of clouds, speared by a series of rainbows. See victoriafallstourism.org for more details. Get a view of the falls from a helicopter with zambezihelicopters.com or explore in depth with &Beyond. Climb up to Meteora's monasteries, Greece These monasteries in northern Greece, such as Moni Agiou Rousanou, above, were the work of hermit monks, who scaled sheer cliff faces to their building sites. Meteora looks like a place made not by man, but by a higher power that parted the skies and placed a few buildings on top of columns of rock. These monasteries in northern Greece such as Moni Agiou Rousanou, were the work of hermit monks, who scaled sheer cliff faces to their building sites. To them, Meteoras inaccessibility was an asset, a place of retreat from the bloody incursions of the Ottoman Empire, and offering a lofty seclusion that quite literally brought them closer to God. These days, cliff faces are dotted with rock climbers: Meteora is one of the best places in the world to practice the sport. The Greek adjective meteoros means suspended in the air, and though access to most of the monasteries is easier today, the sense of being removed from earthly shackles still runs strong. On Foot Holidays runs a walking tour of Meteora with onfootholidays.co.uk. Europe undoubtedly boasts some of the world's most awe-inspiring sights and tourist attractions. But while guide books may praise such masterpieces as the Eiffel Tower and the Vatican, some tourists just aren't impressed. From overcrowding and high prices to disappointment when confronted with their real size, travellers have taken to a US-based online forum to share what they believe are Europe's most overrated attractions. Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy 'It's just... a not particularly notable tower that happens to be slanted, and not even as slanted as one might think,' said Matthew Gordon, from Toronto, Canada Italy's famous 14th century leaning tower was in fact designed to be vertical but it began to tilt during construction. Today it attracts more than six million tourists a year. But Matthew Gordon, from Toronto, Canada, was not impressed. 'I saw it on a tour in 2007,' he wrote on online forum Quora: 'I didn't want to bother with it...The tower was underwhelming. 'It's just... a not particularly notable tower that happens to be slanted, and not even as slanted as one might think. I don't recall being allowed to go inside. It's a one-minute photo op.' Mona Lisa, Louvre Musem, Paris, France Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic work of art is one of the most celebrated paintings in the world and is housed in the Louvre, which welcomes 7.3 million visitors in 2016. But many visitors to the masterpiece are frequently let down by the size of the painting, the glass around it and the hordes of selfie-stick wielding tourists. If you are struck by awe and rush to the Louvre in order to see the Mona Lisa, be prepared to have your heart shattered into a thousand pieces Amey Apte, from Houston, US said: 'A very highly-hyped tourist attraction in Paris... It takes a long time to reach the esteemed location of the painting after navigating the near-endless labyrinth of this humongous museum and swarms of excited tourists.' 'What you do not expect,' added Mihnea Nastase, from Brussels, Belgium, 'is the painting being 30 by 21 inches. You dont expect to almost lose sight of the Gioconda due to the tens of tourists trying to snap a quick picture.' 'The painting is encased in bulletproof glass, with guards on both of its sides who are ready to face the never-ending tourist hordes. 'Even if you can get past the sinister atmosphere and try to enjoy the painting, you will probably be too far away to notice most of its details.' Nastase finished with a dramatic flourish: 'If you are struck by awe and rush to the Louvre in order to see the Mona Lisa, be prepared to have your heart shattered into a thousand pieces and have them blown away by a gusty wind which will make each piece sink into the sands of time.' Abbey Road, London Abbey Road pedestrian crossing in northwest London was once made famous by the Beatles when they were photographed striding across it for the front cover of their 1969 album, Abbey Road. Despite the road still being a busy thoroughfare for traffic the crossing has become a highly popular stop for photo opportunities - but not everyone is impressed Danny Williams, who lives in Brazil, complained: 'Abbey road in London is the biggest waste of time for various reasons. It's just a road which you can cross. The crossing was moved so its not even the right place anymore. Its a busy road in London making it a dangerous place to take a picture'. Stonehenge, Wiltshire 'I know that it's supposed to be pretty amazing since we don't know how it got there, but to be honest- it just looked like a pile of big rocks stacked,' said KM Hesley Stonehenge and its iconic circle of stones - a masterpiece of engineering - is one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. But KM Hesley doesn't see why. He shared: 'The most overrated tourist destination that I have been to, would have to be Stonehenge. 'I know that it's supposed to be pretty amazing since we don't know how it got there, but to be honest- it just looked like a pile of big rocks stacked (Well, that's what it is). Anyways, I wouldn't really recommend driving out of your way to go see it. 'In England, there are so many other amazing and wonderful sites you can see, but Stonehenge is probably the most overrated.' The Blarney Stone, Blarney, Ireland Kissing Irelands famous Blarney Stone - an iconic stone is set in a wall of 15th century Blarney Castle - is said to give a person the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness. James O'Connor, from Connecticut, US, certainly had a lot to say about it: 'Ireland is a fabulously friendly and beautiful country to visit, but this tourist ripoff is over the top goofy. 'After waiting forever to get up into the tower of a mostly demolished Blarney Castle near Cork, in Ireland, you get to lie on your back on the cold stones, crane your neck down through a hole in the floor and kiss a stone on the outer wall polished smooth from millions of previous guests doing the same thing; and you get to pay 12 Euros for the privilege last I knew the price.' He added: 'So avoid this one. As the Irish would also say, "It's a load of malarkey."' The Eiffel Tower, Paris. France Paris's most recognisable monument was in fact supposed to only be a temporary attraction when it was erected in 1889 for the World Fair. It was saved when city officials noted its value as as a radiotelegraph station. However, many people believe the iron structure is no asset to the city and something of an eyesore. Even famous 19th century author, Guy de Maupassant reportedly ate lunch in the tower's restaurant everyday to avoid looking at it from the outside. Alexander Martirosian, from Germany, appears to be of the same opinion, stating he disliked the monument for the following reasons: 'It is totally overcrowded, It is ridiculously expensive to go up, [there are] tons of pickpockets and you can see the tower from any building in Paris, the view right in front of it is actually not nice.' Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium 'The statue is just plain and simple,nothing artistic about it. Its highly over rated tourist spot not worth your time,' Kunal Sathe, from Mumbai, India, said This famous Brussels landmark translates literally to Little Man Pee and is a small bronze fountain sculpture depicting a naked little boy urinating into the fountain's basin. But Sudarshan Narayanan, from Chennai, India, seems to see no reason for its fame. 'Manneken Pis was clearly the biggest let down for me,' he wrote online, 'I went there expecting a big sculpture/ fountain, but realised to my dismay that the replicas of it that were sold in shops were bigger that the real one ( it was only about 60 cm tall). And I'd never have noticed it had my friend not pointed it out to me. Kunal Sathe, from Mumbai, India, agreed: 'The statue is just plain and simple,nothing artistic about it. Its highly over rated tourist spot not worth your time and its damn crowded thru the day (sic).' The Vatican, Rome, Italy Vatican City in Rome houses St. Peter's Basilica,above, but travellers complained about overcrowding Vatican City in Rome houses such gems as the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and is home to the pope. This doesn't mean Erin McLaughlin, from the US, was overawed - but it was her fellow visitors that were to blame. 'The Vatican might be the most frustrating tourist trap I've ever encountered,' she said. 'I wanted nothing more than to stop and wonder over all the interesting things the Church has, er, "acquired" over the years. But the Vatican is not a place where you will be able to stop and look at anything. 'Instead you will be railroaded straight through as though you are cattle going to the slaughter. I couldn't even enjoy the Sistine Chapel due to the sheer number of people and the physical force exerted by the crowd. 'I have never been so terrified of being trampled in my life. I'd go back, if someone convinced them to let in 1/10 as many people as they allow in on an average day - I was not there during high season.' Advertisement If you're a fearful flier than these electrifying images of a lightning storm outside an aeroplane window are set to fill you with dread. Off-duty pilot Santiago Borja Lopez captured the terrifying moment a bolt of lightning struck through the night sky over the Amazon rainforest. The powerful shot shows a flash of white illuminating the inky-dark sky, with a sea of clouds ballooning around it. These stunning images show you exactly why you should always ask for a window seat on a plane. An off-duty pilot recently captured an incredible view of a cloud-shattering storm - this shot was taken over the Ecuadorean Amazonia on a hot night en route to Europe After taking this jaw-dropping snap from the cockpit of his passenger jet over Colombia Amazonia, he commented:'I've never seen lightning like this one. What sets the path of lightning?' Mr Borja said that this shot was taken: 'Flying over the Colombian Amazonia about to enter Ecuadorian airspace to descend over the Andes into Guayaquil' Based in Quito, Ecuador, his work for a major South American airline often involves flying over regions that experience amazing natural phenomenon. Mr Borja said he had 'never seen lightning like it' before and incredibly he had his camera out at just the right time. The pilot was flying on a commercial Boeing 767-300ER en route to Europe when the lightning suddenly struck. During the flight Mr Borja also captured a range of other images, showing voluminous clouds which he said 'looked like a nuclear explosion'. In images from other flights, the pilot captured menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. Otherwise known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus are the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning. Although this storm looks formidable, Mr Borja said he never felt frightened while travelling past it. This picture won third place in the 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Award An ominous storm over Panama City: Cumulonimbus clouds are created through convection, often growing from small cumulus clouds over a hot surface Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. Otherwise known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus are the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lighting. Above, this snap was captured over Ecuador and Colombia CUMULONIMBUS CLOUDS Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. Otherwise known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus are the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning. The base of the cloud is often flat with a dark wall like feature hanging underneath, and may only lie a few hundred feet above the Earth's surface. Advertisement The base of the cloud is often flat with a very dark wall like feature hanging underneath, and may only lie a few hundred feet above the Earth's surface. Cumulonimbus clouds are created through convection, often growing from small cumulus clouds over a hot surface. They get increasingly big until they represent huge powerhouses, storing the same amount of energy as 10 Hiroshima-sized atom bombs. Although a storm he photographed in Panama looks formidable, Mr Borja said that he never felt frightened while travelling past it. He has previously said: 'These days aircraft have advanced equipment to circle around storms this big without entering any dangerous zones. 'The storm may look close but it was actually several miles away. 'We did not even experience any turbulence the entire flight due to this storm - it was so easy to see and avoid that we circled around it very easily.' Pilot and photographer, Santiago Borja, had to get the timing of his photography just right and capture the storm when it was illuminated by a flash of lighting. Above, this snap was captured over the Colombian rainforest Mr Borja said this shot was taken on 'one of those clear days over Miami'. The base of the cloud is often flat with a very dark wall like feature hanging underneath, and may only lie a few hundred feet above the Earth's surface Cumulonimbus clouds are created through convection, often growing from small cumulus clouds over a hot surface. They get taller and taller until they represent huge powerhouses, storing the same amount of energy as 10 Hiroshima-sized atom bombs Mr Borja said of this image: 'Mooning Around - At 2900m in Quito, Ecuador, this is what I call a supermoon' Describing the Panama pictures, he added: 'I felt a great sensation of admiration and respect as I took the photographs, you can feel the great power of the storm as it continuously flashes out the entire sky around it. 'It is purely illuminated by a single lightning generated inside the storm. The rest of the time it is so dark you cannot see anything but a few stars.' Mr Borja started capturing his in-flight experiences some time ago. His voyages are documented via Instagram and his website. He now carries his camera everywhere, just to get the perfect shot when it strikes. When John Mellencamp swung by The Howard Stern Show on Wednesday, he dished about his still troubled relationship with his ex-girlfriend Meg Ryan. The 65-year-old musician admitted that he loved the actress but she is not exactly a fan of his after their relationship ended. Mellencamp said: 'Oh, women hate me. I loved Meg Ryan. She hates me to death.' The pair reportedly dated from 2011 until August 2014, whereupon they briefly broke up, and they then reunited two months later only to split again in 2015. The wound hasn't healed: When John Mellencamp swung by The Howard Stern Show, he dished about his still troubled relationship with his ex-girlfriend Meg Ryan, expressing his 'love' for her but saying: 'She hates me to death' Though he's attempted to clear the air between them since their final rift, 'She just doesnt want anything to do with me. And I don't blame her.' He'd been explaining to Stern and his co-host Robin Quivers that 'women hate me,' musing: 'I think its because Im a child.' The Indiana native expanded on his self-description: 'I throw fits, I gripe, I complain. Im moody. Every bad thing that a fella can be, thats me.' The history: The pair reportedly dated from 2011 until August 2014, whereupon they briefly broke up, and they then reunited two months later only to split again in 2015; they are pictured here in May of 2011 Before dating Ryan, he'd had three marriages: to Priscilla Mellencamp from 1970 to 1981, Victoria Granucci from 1981 to 1989 and Elaine Irwin from 1992 to 2011. 'I was married to Elaine for 20 years. Elaine and I are still good friends,' he said, revealing at one point: 'Other than Elaine, of all the girls, [Meg] was fantastic.' He'd also dated Christie Brinkley from September 2015 until last August, the upshot being that 'We're still friends' who 'still talk.' Still amicable: He'd also dated Christie Brinkley from September 2015 until last August, the upshot being that 'We're still friends' who 'still talk'; they are pictured last May When Quivers brought it to his attention that a number of women who've dated him don't 'hate' him, he clarified that 'They hate me when they're with me.' At another point, however, he did share a warm memory of his relationship with Ryan, which had occurred once each of them were past their peaks of fame. On public notoriety, 'She said it best. She says: "John, we've both already been to the moon, we don't need to go back,"' Mellencamp recalled on The Howard Stern Show. He previously vowed to keep his romance with Rachael Lee private. And Braith Anasta, 35, has revealed why he is reluctant to discuss his personal life, telling Kyle and Jackie O on Thursday that his experience with ex Jodi Anasta scarred him. 'I keep it private because I've sort of been there done that before and it didn't work out too well,' he said. Tight-lipped: Braith Anasta, 35, has revealed why he is reluctant to discuss his personal life, telling Kyle and Jackie O on Thursday that his experience with ex Jodi Anasta scarred him 'People do get scarred by it ... I'm not embarrassed at all - you just give so much and everyone knows your business and it comes back to bite you.' In January, the former NRL star said he is 'extremely happy' dating Bondi personal trainer Rachael. 'Rachael and I are extremely happy together but we will be keeping this private,' he told The Daily Telegraph. Content: In January, the former NRL star said he is 'extremely happy' dating Bondi personal trainer Rachael 'You learn from your past relationships. Happiness is all I want. I've learnt over the years it is good to keep some things private so we are doing that.' Braith and Neighbours star Jodi announced their separation in 2015 after three years of marriage and six months later, he was linked to single mum Rachael. Earlier this week, the Fox presenter was left red-faced after media personality Matty Johns mocked his split from Jodi as he co-hosted the network's new 24-hour NRL channel. Awkward: Earlier this week, the Fox presenter was left red-faced after media personality Matty Johns mocked his split from Jodi as he co-hosted the network's new 24-hour NRL channel Putting him on the spot: 'I've got to tell you though Tara, marriage is tough, and Braith you'll back me up on that. Isn't it true?' Matty said Matty was congratulating fellow presenter Tara Rushton on her engagement to Melbourne Storm player Cooper Cronk when he turned to Braith. 'I've got to tell you though Tara, marriage is tough, and Braith you'll back me up on that. Isn't it true?' he pointedly said. Braith, who shares a three-year-old daughter with ex Jodi, managed to laugh off the awkward moment. 'Very tough. No advice from me Matty, don't be asking me any questions,' he replied. His father Richard is known to be a charmer with the ladies. And on Thursday's Kyle and Jackie O Show, son 'Prince' Christian Wilkins, was quizzed on the Today show reporter's long-reported rumoured fling in the past, with Hollywood actress Eva Mendes, 42. 'I didn't realise it was public knowledge,' the 21-year-old socialite joked, after being probed by co-host Kyle Sandilands on the size of his 62-year-old father's manhood. Scroll down for video 'I didn't realise it was public knowledge': Prince Wilkins joked about father Richard's 'rumoured fling' with Eva Mendes on the Kyle and Jackie O show on Thursday Probing: 'Who's that girl that he dated?' Kyle asked Christian, adding: 'It was a secret, a movie star' 'Who's that girl that he dated?' Kyle asked Christian, adding: 'It was a secret, a movie star'. 'Eva Mendes,' Jackie O, interjected. 'What's the go with that?' Kyle prompted Christian, who replied jokingly: 'I didn't even actually realise it was public knowledge, so there you go'. It has long been rumoured that Today entertainment reporter Richard has hooked up with actress Eva Mendes in the past. Richard is rumoured to have had several encounters with the now mother-of-two, who is now happily in a relationship with actor Ryan Gosling, in the past as part of his reporting duties for the Today show. Channel Nine confirmed to ninemsn.com that Christian was joking during the chat. Meanwhile, Richard has long had a reputation for being quite the ladies' man. Ladies' man: Richard has had a string of relationships with high-profile personalities in the past. He welcomed his son Christian with his second wife Michelle Burke The showbiz reporter previously dated actress Rebecca Gibney when they were both younger. The 52-year-old beauty revealed she'd been 'madly in love' with the charismatic character at the time. 'I gave him a rose and he took it on the plane and I said "I'll see you soon sweetheart".' 'He gave the rose to the flight attendant who he was having a fling with!' she confessed to Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa last year. The journalist has had a string of high-profile relationships with other Australian personalities including Totti Goldsmith and Collette Dinnigan, with whom he had his youngest child, Estella. Christian was born to Richard and his second wife Michelle Burke. She's a dedicated follower of fashion. And Emma Roberts made quite the arrival as she landed in Paris on Wednesday in time for the remainder of Paris Fashion Week. The Scream Queens star dressed casually but stood out thanks to her statement shades as she made her way through the crowds with her celebrity stylist pal Brit Elkin. Touching down: Emma Roberts made quite the arrival as she landed in Paris on Wednesday in time for the remainder of Paris Fashion Week The niece of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts was casual for her travels in a pink turtleneck sweater that featured a scalloped collar. She completed the look with black trousers and boots. She kept any sign of tiredness hidden after her long flight from LA to Paris with her dark shades, while a slick of lip colour brightened up her look. Best pals: The Scream Queens star dressed casually but stood out thanks to her statement shades as she made her way through the crowds with her celebrity stylist pal Brit Elkin Looking chic: The niece of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts was casual for her travels in a pink turtleneck sweater that featured a scalloped collar Coming through: Emma held tight onto her friend's arm as they navigated the busy airport For her appearance at the 89th Academy Awards, Emma worked with partners Brit and Kara Elkin, who also styled Priyanka Bose of the Oscar-nominated film Lion at the ceremony. Emma arrived at the award show in a spectacular Armani Prive gown that supported eco-conscious fashion through the organization Red Carpet Green Dress. '@kakeykake & I are so excited to be supporting eco conscious fashion w @redcarpetgreendress, dressing these 2 strong & beautiful women for the Oscars #oscars2017 #oscars2017,' Britt explained on Instagram. Pretty in pink! The Scream Queens actress was casual for her travels as she departed LA in the same look the day before Frequent flyer fashion: The niece of Julia Roberts was smartly dressed in trousers and boots Friends with benefits: Emma and Brit are best friends and collaborators on Emma's red carpet style Glowing: Emma had a pep in her step after a glamorous Oscar weekend The vintage plunging couture dress originally debuted in Paris in January 2005. It incorporates embroidered crystals and jet beads featured in a two-tiered skirt. Emma later changed into another green fashion ensemble, also vintage Armani Prive, when she arrived alongside beau Evan Peters at the Vanity Fair Oscar-night party. Going green! Emma hit the Oscar red carpet in a eco-friendly recycled gown styled by Brit and Kara Elkin that supported Red Carpet Green Dress He's been enjoying a blossoming new romance with girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough. And Today show host Karl Stefanovic, 42, was uncharacteristically lost for words on Thursday, when guest Tom Gleeson took a jibe at his love life on Thursday. The normally talkative Channel Nine host took an awkward pause after the comedian joked about him making headlines recently. Awkward: Karl Stefanovic was uncharacteristically lost for words on Thursday, when Today show guest Tom Gleeson took a jibe at his love life 'I always find it fascinating to watch you when you really go for that jugular on someone, and they don't know,' Karl said. The pair were discussing Tom's Hard Chat segment on ABC's The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, when he playfully blindsided the TV presenter. 'Like they don't see it coming. I could do that for you right now, Karl, I reckon we should have a second session actually now that you're back in the papers,' he chuckled. Shock: The normally talkative Channel Nine host took an awkward pause after the comedian joked about him making headlines recently 'I always find it fascinating to watch you when you really go for that jugular on someone, and they don't know,' Karl said to which Tom replied: 'Like they don't see it coming. I could do that for you right now, Karl, I reckon we should have a second session actually now that you're back in the papers ... I just feel like we'd have a lot to chat about' Smitten: The awkward moment comes just days after Karl, 42, and Los Angeles-based model Jasmine, 33, were pictured grabbing McDonald's in Bondi 'I just feel like we'd have a lot to chat about.' A shocked Karl paused before pretending to hang up the phone, saying 'boop, boop.' His co-host Lisa Wilkinson could also be seen laughing: 'Don't take his call,' she joked. Happy: According to a recent Woman's Day story, Karl and Jasmine are now 'so committed to each other' they are 'looking for a place to rent together in Sydney' Tom tried to justify his comment, saying: 'Look you opened the goal and I just kicked it right through.' At this point, Karl managed to laugh it all off saying, 'Its like 10-nil.' The awkward moment comes just days after Karl and Los Angeles-based model Jasmine, 33, were pictured grabbing McDonald's in Bondi. The pair, who have not publicly confirmed romance reports, are believed to have picked up fast food last month before heading back to their love nest at the luxurious QT hotel. A day prior, they were seen enjoying an outing aboard a luxury boat in Sydney. According to a recent Woman's Day story, Karl and Jasmine are now 'so committed to each other' they are 'looking for a place to rent together in Sydney.' The TV host confirmed his split from wife of 21 years Cassandra Thorburn in September. The estranged couple share three children: Jackson 16, Ava, 11, and River, 10. The Royal House Of Windsor Rating: Protocol dictates that no commoner may lay a hand on a royal person. Its a rule that courtiers occasionally have to impress on presidents and deluded celebs who imagine their status entitles them to a matey hug or a cuddle. But a rare film clip, shot on board a Navy flagship in 1947 and revealed on The Royal House Of Windsor (C4), showed a cheeky midshipman really chancing his yardarm, by giving the 20-year-old Princess Elizabeth a saucy pat on the bottom. Note to Young Hornblower: that is not whats meant by all hands on the lower deck. The Royal House Of Windsor is a six-part series from Channel 4 that takes an in-depth look at the history of the family The future Queen and her younger sister, 16-year-old Princess Margaret, were sailing to South Africa with their parents for their first royal tour, aboard HMS Vanguard. Newsreels captured an exuberant game of tig, with the princesses in floral-print dresses and the officers in immaculate whites, dodging in and out amid fits of giggles. The heir to the throne couldnt have objected very much to the hands-on style. She wrote of the 1,700-man crew to her former nanny, Marion Crawford: There are one or two real smashers, and I bet youd have a wonderful time if you were here. Amid the recent glut of royal documentaries and dramatisations, this series stands out for the unexpected excellence of its sources. The archive footage is often being shown on TV for the first time, such as the colour film of the Royal Familys arrival at Capetown in blistering 40c heat. Some sizzling quotes have been uncovered, too. We heard Labours Chancellor of the Exchequer Hugh Daltons withering verdict on George VI in 1946: As inanimate as an animate monarch could be. But there was also royal photographer Cecil Beatons brilliant summary of the Queen Mothers personality a marshmallow made on a welding machine. The most incisive insights came from the diary of the Kings private secretary, Sir Alan Tommy Lascelles. The handwritten pages, also never seen before on television, described Georges fits of rage and frustration, when he ground his teeth and shook his fists at the heavens. Lascelles had a codeword for these outbursts: Gnashville. It was moving to discover that the Kings temper was tried not only by his failing health and fears for the Empire, but by his fury at racial segregation in South Africa. When he learned he was not permitted to pin medals on the chests of black troops, because they were unclean, he seethed that the government lackeys were like the Gestapo and he wanted to shoot them all. Good-humoured and reasonable as always, his wife the Queen soothed him: You cant shoot all of them. Benidorm Rating: At quite the other end of the social scale, the erstwhile queen of Brookside, Doreen Corkhill, made a sparkling turn as Benidorm (ITV) returned. Actress Kate Fitzgerald, best-known to viewers with long memories as chancer Billy Corkhills missus in that long-gone Scouse soap, bowled up as a randy gran downing shots at a tacky tourist disco. The fun of Benidorm is not the set-up, which went stale long ago, or the toilet gags, which were cruder and smellier than ever. Nigel Havers (right) made an appearance as a dodgy dentist in Benidorm last night Its the superb ensemble cast, led by Sherrie Hewson as hotel manager Joyce by turns snooty and formidable, like the love child of Hyacinth Bucket and Henry Cooper. Nigel Havers dropped in, as a dodgy dentist. His lounge lizard manner makes anything sound suggestive Nige was born for Benidorm. She's the Melbourne-born supermodel with roots in the Middle East. And Shanina Shaik is proudly representing her cultural heritage on the new cover of Harper's Bazaar Arabia, shot by famed photographer Ellen von Unwerth. The 26-year-old stars alongside Moroccan-born Hind Salhi and Tunisian-born Hanaa Ben Abdesslem for the publication's 10th anniversary issue. Scroll down for video Stunning: Shanina Shaik is proudly representing her cultural heritage on the new cover of Harper's Bazaar Arabia, shot by famed photographer Ellen von Unwerth Shanina posted the cover to her Instagram account on Thursday and her fans rushed to the comments section to show their support. 'THIS IS SO AMAZING!!!!' one wrote. 'I'm so glad they put Arab females on an Arab cover.' Shanina's father was born in Singapore with Pakistani and Saudi Arabian ancestry. Culturally diverse: Shanina's father was born in Singapore of Pakistani and Saudi Arabian background The Victoria's Secret model opened up to Life and Times in 2014 about growing up in Australia and having no fashion models to look up to as a teenager. 'I get asked all the time about who inspired me growing up and I cant give one name,' she described. 'I never saw anyone who related to me.' She's now confident her status as one of the world's most in-demand models is contributing to the changing ideals of what being Australian looks like. Empowering: She's now confident her status as one of the world's most in-demand models is contributing to the changing ideals of what being Australian looks like 'Myself and others are changing the perception of what it means to be Australian and I couldnt be more proud,' she expressed. The brunette beauty turned heads over the weekend at Sir Elton John's Academy Awards viewing party. She then wowed on the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, stunning in a sparkling black gown that accentuated her slender figure. She's rumoured to have split with her girlfriend Tiffany Scanlon who she met during her time on The Bachelor. And now Megan Marx has broken her silence, telling Daily Mail Australia exclusively week: 'I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks.' The 27-year-old Bali-based beauty has been on holiday with friends in Indonesia while Tiffany returned to their hometown of Perth last week. Scroll down for video 'I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks': The Bachelor's Megan Marx, 27, broke her silence after rumours she's split with girlfriend Tiffany Scanlon, in an exclusive statement to Daily Mail Australia this week 'I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks so it was the perfect break,' Megan told Daily Mail Australia of the trip. The blonde bombshell used a photo shoot in Flores, Indonesia, to no doubt keep her mind off the challenging time. Photos saw Megan smouldering in front of the camera, covering her assets with her arms, and posing by a tree on a beach. No longer? Megan and Tiffany - who connected after failing to find love with The Bachelor's Richie Strahan - recently moved to Bali together Megan and Tiffany - who connected after failing to find love with The Bachelor's Richie Strahan - recently moved to Bali together. The pair have been dating for eight months, but recently hinted that things could possibly be over for them. Tiffany surprisingly returned to Australia last month, and shared a cryptic post to Instagram that saw her looking out at the beach. 'Creature comforts': Tiffany hinted at the possibility of a split, sharing a cryptic post to Instagram that saw her looking out at the beach, captioned with hash-tags 'back home' and 'lost in life' In happier times: Megan and Tiffany - who connected after failing to find love with The Bachelor's Richie Strahan - recently moved to Bali together The 30-year-old said she was 'back home' and 'lost in life,' calling her two pet dogs her 'creature comforts.' This week, Tiffany was also seen belting out Adele's Rolling in the Deep, singing the lyrics: 'we could of had it all.' Megan also shared a snap a week ago to her Instagram, that saw her posing on a boat and claiming she needed 'solitude.' Not shy: After their run on The Bachelor Australia, the blonde bombshells were known for their scantily-clad displays on Instagram All for show? Another image previously shared to Instagram, saw the reality stars embracing on a bed Fans took to both ladies' comments section to share their thoughts on the perceived break-up. 'Im broken-hearted,' one supporter wrote to Tiffany. 'Hard to assume but the sign says you arent together anymore. I really thought you were my #relationshipgoal.' She stars in the highly anticipated miniseries When We Rise, which documents the history of the gay-rights movement. And Rachel Griffiths has hit out at the current political climate in Australia and said she believes the series will spark up much-needed conversation about marriage equality in Australia. 'Our most vulnerable are being scapegoated as the reason for whatever imagined difficulties we are having,' the Australian actress told OK! magazine. Speaking out: Australian actress Rachel Griffiths believes 'our most vulnerable are being scapegoated' in the current political climate, as she spoke with OK! magazine about her new miniseries When We Rise The Brothers and Sisters star added: 'There seems to be a global movement to animate our 'fear brain'. There's anxiety, and the tendency to pick on the weaker individuals.' Rachel shot to fame in the 1994 smash Muriel's Wedding, and has maintained a successful acting career for over two decades, most recently starring in the Oscar winning film, Hacksaw Ridge. And When We Rise looks set to be another hit for the 48-year-old, who is one of a long list of big names appearing in the four-part-series alongside Mary Louise Parker, Whoopi Goldberg and Guy Pearce. New role: The much anticipated four-part series also stars Whoopi Goldberg and fellow Australian Guy Pearce Rachel also revealed to OK! that she is close with fellow Australian co-star Guy, with the two both living in close proximity in Melbourne. 'We bump into each other at airports, markets... all the Melbourne boltholes where we can hide out on the other side of the world,' she told the publication. However, despite recently relocating home to Australia, Rachel stunned on Sunday night in Hollywood, stepping out to attend Elton John's post-Oscars bash. Hollywood favourite: Despite recently relocating home to Australia, the brunette beauty dazzled at Elton John's post-Oscars bash The brunette beauty wore a black gown with a thigh-high split as she dazzled on the red carpet. Married since 2002 to artist Andrew Taylor, mum-of-three Rachel is protective of her private life , but revealed to the publication that the family just welcomed a French bulldog named Rhino into their family. 'Everything they do with the dog delights me,' the star said of her three children, Adelaide, Clementine and Banjo. She's making a name for herself in the modelling world, following in her famous sister Kate's footsteps. And Lottie Moss proved she has an eye for style as she rocked a glam look away from the runway on Wednesday. The 19-year-old looked gorgeous in a tiny black mini dress and over-the-knee boots as she enjoyed a girls' night out with Made In Chelsea star Frankie Gaff. Girls' night out: Lottie Moss proved she has an eye for style as she rocked a glam look away from the runway on Wednesday Lottie flaunted her trim pins, despite the chilly temperatures, in her skimpy choice of dress. She added a pair of black suede boots and made some concession to the cold with a cosy furry jacket. Clutching her phone and a small bag, Lottie styled her locks into loose waves. Leggy: The 19-year-old looked gorgeous in a tiny black mini dress and over-the-knee boots as she enjoyed a girls' night out with Made In Chelsea star Frankie Gaff Not feeling the cold? Lottie flaunted her trim pins, despite the chilly temperatures, in her skimpy choice of dress Cosy coat: She added a pair of black suede boots and made some concession to the cold with a furry jacket Her pal Frankie chose a more dressed down look, opting for leggings, trainers and a denim jacket. Meanwhile, Lottie decided to treat herSnapchat followers to a new bikini selfie over the weekend. The budding model posed for the saucy snap on Sunday wearing just a coral crochet bikini, pushing down her floral shirt so it only covered her arms. Lottie, 19, showed off her tattoo in the picture, a row of three sparrows fluttering across her torso, similar to her supermodel sister Kate's tattoo of two sparrows at the base of her spine. Going casual: Her pal Frankie chose a more dressed down look, opting for leggings, trainers and a denim jacket Saucy selfie: Lottie flaunted her trim figure in a pink crochet bikini in the sexy image which she shared with her Snapchat followers on Sunday Lottie's coral bikini, from swimwear designers Bamba, featured a tiny white daisy sewn onto the bottoms and was secured around the model's slender hips with ties. She wore her blonde locks loose in a tousled bed-head style in the scintillating snap. The Topshop model has had a busy few weeks, appearing in London, New York and Milan Fashion Weeks and attending their glitziest parties. And on Saturday the jet-setter was in Hollywood at the Bvlgari pre-Oscar Celebration at the iconic Chateau Marmont Hotel. She turned heads in a ruched dove grey shirt dress as she arrived at the star-studded dinner. Jet-setter: After New York, London and Milan Fashion Weeks Lottie attended the Bvlgari pre-Oscar Celebration at the Chateau Marmont Hotel on Saturday Showing no sign of jet lag, the British model showcased her flawless glowing complexion under minimal make-up, accentuating her eyes with lashings of mascara. The thigh-skimming ensemble showed off her long lithe legs. Featuring button detail cap sleeves, she accessorised with a delicate necklace and a chain strap clutch. Legs-eleven: The model sister of Kate Moss, 19, flaunted her legs in a ruched dove grey shirt dress at the glitzy event Lottie, who is dating Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton, posted plenty of snaps from Milan Fashion Week, including a picture with Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow and Jasmine Sanders at the Bvlgari Dinner Party, calling the models 'my @bulgariofficial girls'. The saucy bikini selfie is not the first time Lottie has shared a picture of herself in a skimpy outfit on social media. The beauty thrilled her followers when she posted a picture of herself kneeling on a bed sporting a black lacy bra, matching knickers and suspenders. Lottie threw a lilac silk cover-up over her shoulders and played with her tousled blonde locks in the image, which she captioned: 'Mondays are for being lazy'. Suspenders: Lottie thrilled fans when she posted a picture of herself kneeling on a bed, sporting black lacy underwear and suspenders On holiday in Barbados, the social media savvy star went one step further, posting a stream of pictures of herself in a very skimpy bikini. In one snap, she glanced over her shoulder while flaunting her toned bottom in a thong. The cheeky model captioned the image: 'Let me know when u have seen enough pics of my bum' (sic) Cheeky: Lottie flaunted her bottom in a snap from her holiday in Barbados. She captioned the saucy image: 'Let me know when u have seen enough pics of my bum' (sic) They've been making an impression in the US touring with Ariana Grande. And it looks like America has made an impression on Little Mix too, with the girls dressing as cowgirls in a new Instagram video message to their fans. Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall looked thrilled to tell their supporters that their latest single from album Glory Days will be No More Sad Songs featuring Machine Gun Kelly. Scroll down for video Yee-haw! It looks like touring America has made an impression on Little Mix, with the girls dressing as cowgirls in a new Instagram video message to their fans Accompanying the video was the message: 'You guys have shown us so much so we had to give you something back!! We are SO excited to announce that our next single is.... #NoMoreSadSongs and this special version will feature the one and only @MachineGunKelly Cant wait for you to hear it on Friday!' Both Perrie and Jade rocked stetsons for the short clip, with the latter also wearing a stars and stripes bikini and Daisy Dukes. Showing off her toned midriff in a tiny black crop top, Perrie sported some skintight snakeprint trousers. Excited: Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirlwall looked thrilled to tell their supporters that their latest single from album Glory Days will be No More Sad Songs featuring Machine Gun Kelly Leigh-Anne put on a very busty display in a plunging denim top with matching hotpants, while Jesy looked great in a black leather top and camo hotpants which highlighted her slender thighs. On Wednesday the girls attended a CD signing at FYE in a Philadelphia shopping mall. Dressed more conservatively than in their Instagram announcement, the girls put on a close display as they prepared to greet fans. Meet and greet: On Wednesday the girls attended a CD signing at FYE in a Philadelphia shopping mall Perrie sported thick-rimmed glasses and a tidy updo for the occasion, while her three bandmates all opted for variations on the jumper dress. Little Mix are no doubt still on a high from scooping the Best Single award at the BRITs for their break up anthem Shout Out To My Ex. Battling it out in a star-studded category, the victory was made all the more sweeter by the group pipping Perrie's ex Zayn Malik to the title. Amy Schumer revealed during a chat show appearance Wednesday that she taped her latest stand-up special before the US presidential election. 'It's kind of good. I was still feeling some joy and had this thing ''hope'' in my body,' she said on Late Night With Seth Meyers. The 35-year-old comedienne said her Netflix stand-up show Amy Schumer: The Leather Special was taped in Denver. Stand-up special: Amy Schumer appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Wednesday to promote her upcoming Netflix stand-up special 'Every comic I love wore leather and later regretted it,' Amy told Seth. Seth, 43, asked if her leather outfit was squeaky. 'No. I have a complete thigh gap,' Amy said in a self-deprecating quip. The Trainwreck star wore a long-sleeved black blouse and matching trousers for her appearance on the NBC chat show. Before election: The comedienne revealed that Amy Schumer: The Leather Special was taped before the US presidential election Chat show: Seth welcomed Amy to the NBC chat show She accessorized with a white string bow around her neck and asked Seth to be on 'bow watch' since she tied it herself. Amy also talked about her group of gal pals who she's been friends with since middle school and high school in Long Island. Seth showed photos of Amy on vacation with her friends in the Bahamas. Self-deprecating humor: Amy joked about having a 'complete thigh gap' and being 'frail' Leather special: The Trainwreck star said her favorite comics have worn leather so she did also Amy said that since she's 'like rich now' her friends expect paid vacations from her. 'If I don't take them twice a year, they're like ''You've changed'',' Amy said. Amy also shared that she's going to be on Family Feud with her kin. Group vacations: Amy talked about going on group vacations with her longtime friends 'My family lives for Family Feud,' she said. She said her family unlike others do not say 'Good answer' no matter what the response. 'My brother had an answer and we were kind of ''What's your problem?'',' Amy said. Game time: Seth held up a photo of Amy and her family wearing matching jackets for Family Feud She and her family wore team jackets with stitching on the back reading Let's Play The Feud. 'Best day of my life,' Amy said. Amy Schumer: The Leather Special will be available Tuesday, March 7, on Netflix. Katherine Jackson, mother of the late Michael Jackson, has told a court that she is too afraid of her nephew-in-law Trent Lamar Jackson to return to her home in Los Angeles. According to the NY Daily News, the Jackson matriarch, who is 86, said in legal documents filed Wednesday that she is 'under a doctor's care' in London, England, 'in part because of the stress this situation with Trent is causing me.' She was granted a temporary restraining order February 9 against Trent after alleging she is the victim of elder abuse and that he has neglected her health needs. Living in fear: Katherine Jackson, 86, (pictured in 2014) has said she is too afraid of her nephew-in-law Trent Jackson to leave London and return home to Calabasas, California Trent, 52, who is related to Katherine via her husband Joe's side of the family, had been living in a guest house in the grounds of her Calabasas, California, home after serving for years as her personal driver. Katherine states in her filing that she was bullied by Trent and resorted to desperate measures to escape his constant monitoring. 'I believe he has put cameras and bugs in my home, so the only place I can try and have a private conversation is in my bathroom,' she wrote. She also claimed, according to TMZ, that she believes Trent has copied the key to her bedroom door, and she gets dressed in her closet out of fear he will walk in on her unexpectedly. 'I used to be very social with my friends, like playing Scrabble, walking around in the park, sharing meals, but Trent has given them various reasons why I am not available,' she added. Court order: Katherine claimed Trent, 52, (pictured) placed 'cameras and bugs' in her home. A judge in LA Wednesday refused Trent's request to void a temporary restraining order against him obtained by Katherine on February 9 after she claimed to be the victim of elder abuse Trent, the son of Joe Jackson's half-brother, attended a court hearing in LA Wednesday seeking to have the TRO against him removed. The temporary restraining order banned Trent from using Katherine's credit cards, staying in the guest house and coming within 100 yards of her. He claimed through his lawyer he is not a threat to Katherine, the NY Daily News reported. The judge denied his motion to dismiss and set another court hearing for March 23. It's complicated: Katherine is the mother of late superstar Michael Jackson and was by his side during his 2005 molestation trial as was his father Joe Jackson, pictured March that year In a sworn statement, Katherine's daughter Rebbie, who is with her in London, said that Trent failed to call paramedics when her mother 'passed out' as Trent was driving her to Las Vegas. 'Instead of calling an ambulance, Trent called one of my nephews who told him to take her to the hospital,' Rebbie wrote. 'The doctors at the hospital said she was dehydrated and had high blood pressure. Instead of bringing her home where she wanted to be, Trent took her to a hotel in Santa Monica again away from her kids.' Rebbie claims Trent is looking to control her mother for his own financial and personal benefit. It's the longest-running international singing competition. And in a surprise announcement by SBS on Thursday, Julia Zemiro, 49, and Sam Pang, 43, will not return to Eurovision 2017, as hosts. 'Handing over to the next team on a high,' Julia confirmed in a statement released by the free-to-air network, adding that it's been 'eight amazing years.' 'Handing over to the next team': SBS' Julia Zemiro (right) 49, confirmed in an official statement released by the SBS network on Thursday, that she and Sam Pang (left) 43, will not be hosting Eurovision 2017 after 'eight amazing years' 'Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride,' Julia gushed in the official statement. 'Growing up in a French household in [Sydney's Bondi Junction], I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart. 'It's hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high - douze points,' the French-born personality continued. Leaving on a high: 'It's hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high - douze points,' Julia continued Fond farewell: Sam also confirmed the news in a statement released by SBS: 'I'd like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home' Sam also confirmed the news in a statement released by SBS: 'I'd like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home,' he said. 'But there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team,' he continued. It's not known at this stage who will replace the popular duo, however SBS will announce on Tuesday the new performing artist selected to represent Australia, in Eurovision 2017. First Australian entrant: Guy Sebastian (centre) 35, took on the honour of being the first Australian to perform in Vienna, Austria, in Eurovision 2015 Vocal: The former Australian Idol winner came in at fifth place for his rendition of Tonight Again The long-running international singing competition will take place this year in the Ukraine from the 9th of May. Eurovision is a battle predominately between European countries, with Australia only being introduced as an entrant in 2015. Guy Sebastian, 35, took on the honour, performing Tonight Again in Vienna, Austria. Lending her voice: Fellow Australian Idol contestant Jessica Mauboy, 27, performed the previous year in Copenhagen, Denmark, but was not considered as an entrant The former Australian Idol winner came in at fifth place. Fellow Australian Idol contestant Jessica Mauboy, 27, performed the previous year in Copenhagen, Denmark, but was not considered as an entrant. Meanwhile, last year saw Dami Im coming in at second place with her rendition of Sound of Silence in Stockholm, Sweden. The 28-year-old took out the title of 2013's The X Factor Australia. White hot: Last year saw Dami Im coming in at second place with her rendition of Sound of Silence in Stockholm, Sweden The Young and the Restless star Amelia Heinle and her former co-star and husband of 10 years Thad Luckinbill are getting a divorce. Luckinbill, 41, filed the petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, citing 'irreconcilable differences', according to TooFab.com. The couple met on the daytime soap where they played husband and wife Victoria Newman and J.T. Hellstrom. Scroll down for video Split: The Young and the Restless star Amelia Heinle and her former co-star and husband of 10 years Thad Luckinbill are getting a divorce The two had starred together on The Young And The Restless where they played Victoria Newman and J.T. Hellstrom, who married, had a child and divorced Luckinbill left the show in 2010 while Heinle, 43, still stars on it. The couple share two children - Thaddeus, 10, and Georgia, 8 - and he is seeking joint custody of the kids. The actor and producer, who is an executive producer of La La Land, requested that the issue of spousal support be addressed at a future date. Heinle also has an adult son with her first husband Michael Weatherly. Seeks divorce: Luckinbill, 41, an executive producer on La La Land, filed the petition Wednesday, citing 'irreconcilable differences' and seeking joint custody of their two children She's the queen of boho-fashion. And Vanessa Hudgens nailed it once again, as soon as the sun came out in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 28-year-old actress looked effortlessly stunning, as she flashed her black lacy bra beneath a salmon jumpsuit. Boho queen: Vanessa Hudgens nailed it once again, as soon as the sun came out in Los Angeles on Wednesday She looked set to welcome the warmer weather, after a rainy few weeks in Southern California, in the revealing outfit. The beauty supped on an ice-coffee as she really got into her summer vibe. She even added a straw hat over her glossy dark tresses. Racy: The 28-year-old actress looked effortlessly stunning, as she flashed her black lacy bra beneath a salmon jumpsuit The High School Musical beauty - who currently has a gig on NBC's new show Powerless, which is set in the Marvel world - carried an over-sized leather tasseled handbag and wore Adornmonde earrings. The star also has another exciting project in the works. Vanessa is slated for a role in the forthcoming film, The Prenup, which will start filming in June. Suns out: She looked set to welcome the warmer weather, after a rainy few weeks in Southern California, in the revealing outfit Covered: She even added a straw hat over her glossy dark tresses, as a fan stopped her to chat Cheeky display: Her underwear was clearly on show, in the loose-fitting outfit Caffeine hit: The beauty supped on an ice-coffee as she really got into her summer vibe Busy lady: The High School Musical beauty - who currently has a gig on NBC's new show Powerless, which is set in the Marvel world - carried an over-sized leather tasseled handbag Hitting the road: She was beaming as she got into the vehicle According to Comingsoon.net, Vanessa will join Emile Hirsch in a new romantic comedy. The plot of the film centers around the aftermath of an American investment banker suggesting to his British bride that they should get a pre-nuptial agreement the night before their wedding. The leading man will be played by Hirsch, while Alice Eve will play the blushing bride-to-be. Hugh Bonneville, from Notting Hill and Downton Abbey, will play Emile's character's father in this anticipated rom-com. Jonathan Lynn will write and direct the film. She's the busy model, who recently welcomed her second child to actor Sam Worthington. And it appears Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) has only just made time in her hectic schedule to view her husband's latest flick Hacksaw Ridge. The 29-year-old Australian stunner admitted on Instagram to viewing the film for the first time on Thursday, despite the film premiere occurring in September. Scroll down for video 'Just saw this': Lara Worthington admits to JUST watching husband Sam Worthington in flick Hacksaw Ridge five months after its premiere Sam and Lara were absent from the film's multiple premieres, as Sam was believed to be filming new flick The Shack. The stylish blonde posted a still from the World War II epic on Thursday with the caption 'just saw this @hacksawridge' with a thumbs-up emoji. Her husband was pictured in the shot, in which he plays an army unit leader in the feature film based on an extraordinary true story. Thumbs up! The stylish blonde posted a still from the WWII-based film on Thursday with a thumbs-up emoji on top of her husband's army unit leader character Award winning: Sam's film Hacksaw Ridge has since won multiple awards, including two Oscars, since the film made its world premiere in September last year Since the film's global premiere four months ago, the film has earned awards at the 2016 AACTA Awards and Critics' Choice Movie Awards. Most recently the film won two Oscars at the 89th Academy Awards for best film editing and best sound mixing. Lara recently showed interest in Sam's work by posting a picture from the set of new flick The Shack. On set: Lara recently showed interest in Sam's work by posting a picture from the set of new flick The Shack Sam and Lara, who married in 2014, welcomed their first son Rocket Zot in March 2015. They welcomed their second child in October, but have not yet revealed the name of the newborn. The family are based in New York. They've been dating for three years. And Gwyneth Paltrow chose Brad Falchuk's 45th birthday to finally make it fully Instagram-official. The 44-year-old actress shared a picture looking cosy with the Glee co-creator, on Wednesday. Happy Birthday! Gwyneth Paltrow chose boyfriend Brad Falchuk's 45th birthday to finally make it fully Instagram-official She captioned the low-light snap: 'Happy birthday, handsome.' They look to be in a dark-wood clad room, perhaps sharing a romantic birthday dinner judging from the moody soft lighting. The Goop founder is wearing a white frilled shirt, and has her blonde locks loose and in a centre parting. She appears to be wearing only minimal make-up, with mascara defining her eyes, and her skin looking flawless in the shot. Icy trip: Brad has previous posted a rare few pictures with the actress Happy families: And Gwyneth included him in her Thanksgiving montage, as well as her ex and her mum Clearly Gwyneth likes a Pisces, as Brad's birthday falls just a day before that of her ex-husband Chris Martin - who turns 40 on Thursday. The Sliding Doors beauty rarely comments on her relationship with Brad - who also created Scream Queens, but seems to be making it clear that they are consciously-coupled. It's one of the very few times he's popped up on her social media - he made an appearance in a montage at Thanksgiving but is noticeably absent most of the time. Memorable night! He also posted a picture of his girlfriend alone outside the White House, after they attended Barack Obama's farewell party in January Plugging her wares: And he also joked around with her cookbook on his feed He has shared a few pictures of the Shallow Hal star - who shares her two children Apple, 12, and 10-year-old Moses with her Coldplay frontman ex, from whom she split in 2014. He posted a picture of his girlfriend alone outside the White House, after they attended Barack Obama's farewell party in January, as well as a snap together on vacation in Iceland last year. Brad shares his two children Brody and Isabella with his ex-wife Suzanne Bukinik. Jessica Lange brought the old time glamour and Susan Sarandon wore the pants at the LA premiere of their new FX series Feud. The Oscar-winning actresses rocked contrasting outfits to the red carpet event Wednesday night. Lange, 67, stars as Joan Crawford and Sarandon, 70, plays Bette Davis in the limited series that tells the story of one of the most infamous and bitterest rivalries in Hollywood movie-making history. Scroll down for video Feud stars: Susan Sarandon, in a white suit and funky shoes, and Jessica Lange, in a glamorous damson gown, were a study in contrasts at the LA premiere of the FX series Wednesday Crawford and Davis worked together one time - in the 1962 classic What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? The on-screen story of the feuding actress sisters played out in real life too behind the scenes as neither Crawford nor Davis gave the other any quarter during filming. The series premieres on FX this coming Sunday, March 5. True story: Lange, 67, stars as Joan Crawford and Sarandon, 70, plays Bette Davis in the story of one of the most infamous and bitterest rivalries in Hollywood movie-making history Old school: Lange looked lovely in her off-the-shoulder number with her blonde hair cascading in curls as she greeted fans after exiting a classic car at the premiere in Hollywood Modern: Sarandon also arrived in a sleek black vintage automobile and posed for photos alongside the gleaming machine Flashed some flesh: The actress showed off some cleavage by wearing a black corset underneath her jacket and went sock-less in her lace-up shoes Lange looked lovely in an off-the-shoulder damson gown. The full-length number hugged her figure revealing her hour-glass curves and she wore her blonde hair cascading in curls. Sarandon wore a white suit with cropped pants. She added a black corset underneath her jacket that revealed some cleavage and she went sock-less in a pair of funky white and black patterned lace-up shoes. Leggy: Catherine Zeta Jones, 47, wore a two-tone number with white long-sleeved off-the-shoulder top and long black skirt with a slit at the front. She added funky black statement heels Nice ride: The wife of Hollywood star Michael Douglas arrived in a vintage silver Rolls Royce and looked radiant as she posed with her luxurious dark hair falling around her shoulders Also on hand was Catherine Zeta Jones who plays actress Olivia De Havilland and who serves as the guide and narrator to the audience about what they see unfolding. The Welsh actress, 47, wore a two-tone number with a white long-sleeved off-the-shoulder top and a long black skirt with a slit at the front. The wife of Hollywood star Michael Douglas arrived in a vintage silver Rolls Royce and looked radiant as she posed for photos with her luxurious dark hair falling around her shoulders. She added funky black statement heels and rocked black polish are her finger and toe nails. His idea: Feud creator Ryan Murphy was dapper as usual in a tailored dark suit with casual black shirt and shiny black shoes Pals: Actress Sarah Paulson found time to catch up with her American Horror Story co-star Lange Chequered: Paulson, 42, who plays actress Geraldine Page in Feud, showed up in a calf-length black-and-white check dress with black piping on the bodice and a full skirt Sarah Paulson, who plays actress Geraldine Page in the series, showed up in a calf-length black-and-white check dress. The outfit had a tailored bodice with black piping and buttons and long sleeves. The full skirt fell in loose pleats and she added black sandal heels. Former Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka showed up in a black ballerina-style skirt with off-the-shoulder bodice that bared her shoulders. The 17-year-old, who found fame as Sally Draper on the hit AMC series, added black leggings and pointed toe metallic pumps. In Feud, she pays the adopted daughter of Bette Davis. All grown up: Former Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka showed up in a black ballerina-style skirt with off-the-shoulder bodice that bared her shoulders Stylish: The 17-year-old, who found fame as Sally Draper and plays Bette Davis's adopted daughter in the FX series, added black leggings and pointed toe metallic pumps Ryan Murphy's The People v. O.J. Simpson star Courtney B. Vance came out to support Feud with wife, actress Angela Bassett. Among the guests on hand at the premiere were Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney and husband-and-wife actors Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass. Also on the guest list were actress Britt Lower and Glee star Darren Criss with girlfriend Mia Swier. Supporting cast: Ryan Murphy's The People v. O.J. Simpson star Courtney B. Vance came out to support Feud with wife, actress Angela Bassett Solo: Chicago Fire star and former fiance of Lady Gaga, Taylor Kinney was dapper in a black suit with white shirt and black tie Coordinated: Husband-and-wife actors Katie Aselton and Mark Duplass wore matching colored ensembles Interesting outfit: Actress Britt Lower dared to bare in a tiny black sleeveless crop top and a navy blue skirt with a folded waist She's expecting her first child with husband Dane Rumble in July. And from clips shared to her Instagram story on Thursday, Nikki Phillips looked to be taking pregnancy in her stride. The 33-year-old Sydney-based model, showed off her burgeoning baby bump in a crop top and leggings, as she engaged in a light resistance and strength-based workout. Scroll down for video Baby on board! Pregnant Nikki Phillips, 33, showed off her burgeoning bump as she powered through a light workout, captured to her Instagram story on Thursday Nikki was taken through her paces at Sydney's The Fitness Playground, by personal trainer and fitness model Laura Basta. With a swiss ball supporting her back, the blogger began a series of squats, engaging her glutes and thigh muscles. Donning Puma apparel, the Oceania ambassador for the brand showed off her lithe arms and burgeoning baby bump in a black crop top. Mother-to-be: Nikki Phillips expecting her first child with husband Dane Rumble in July Slow and steady: With a swiss ball supporting her back, the blogger began a series of squats, engaging her glutes and thigh muscles In style: Nikki was sure to promote Puma's activewear range during the workout session, no doubt fulfilling her duties as an Oceania ambassador for the brand A pair of coordinating full-length leggings clung to her enviably trim legs. Sweeping her blonde locks into an effortless up-do, Nikki appeared to sport a minimal amount of makeup. The expectant mother then took to the floor, lying on a mat, with her feet propped up onto a swiss ball. Raising her hips slightly off the ground, Nikki used her heels to bring the ball towards her glutes, toning the lower part of her body. The beauty later took to the gym's machinery, working on yet more squats, before using a resistance band to tone her arms. Booty-ful: Taking to the gym's machinery, Nikki once again engaged in a series of squats Looking good! The television personality's growing baby bump was in full display as she performed a series of reverse hack squats The workout comes shortly after Nikki took to Instagram, announcing that the baby's gender will soon be announced in an upcoming post on bynikkiphillips.com. A snap shared to the social media site on Wednesday, saw the television personality drawing attention to her growing belly in a tight black camisole dress. Holding her 19-week first-trimester stomach, the Kiwi stunner was proud to show off her changing frame. 'I feel you every morning, afternoon and night you're very active!' she said of the unborn baby. 'Slowly starting to browse baby sites and maternity stores but it's so overwhelming... so may just eat some ice cream instead,' Nikki joked of her pursuits in motherhood so far. As she described her current pregnancy state, she may have hinted at the sex indirectly: '#19weeks just starting to really show now and boy is it growing.' Bumping along nicely: The workout comes shortly after the Kiwi stunner took to Instagram, announcing that the baby's gender will soon be announced in an upcoming post on bynikkiphillips.com Baby joy: Nikki and husband Dane Rumble announced they are expecting their first child together via Instagram on Monday, with a picture of them holding baby shoes An Instagram post on Monday saw Nikki and her husband Dane confirming that she's already four months pregnant. 'Its no Beyonce post but our best adventure yet is on its way,' the post began with the happily married pair holding baby shoes. 'Baby Phillips Rumble is due early July and we are beyond excited, slightly terrified but utterly blessed.' She added: 'We can not wait to meet our little miracle. Ive always dreamed of being a mother, but never knew it could be... read about our journey in the coming weeks on my blog #19weeks #pregnant #babyphillipsrumble.' The couple announced their engagement in 2013 during a trip to Hong Kong. Feeding the soul is just as important as feeding the body. And Kim Kardashian was certainly intent upon reaping the benefits of southern comfort as she dined with Kanye West at a soul food jazz eatery in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old beauty and her blonde-haired rapper husband were seen at trendy restaurant and club Bandera on Wednesday. Feeding their spirits: Kim Kardashian was intent on reaping the benefits of southern comfort as she dined with Kanye West at a soul food jazz eatery in Los Angeles on Wednesday Kanye, 39, wore all black as he strolled beside his wife in a pair of Yeezy boots for the casual night out. Kim chose to step out in faded ripped jeans with a high waist and frayed at the bottom. She unusually covered up by wearing a long-sleeved white sweater. Cheer up! Kanye, 39, didn't look very happy as he left the eatery with his reality star wife. He was dressed in an all-black ensemble with a pair of Yeezy boots as he followed behind Has lost weight: Kim chose to step out in faded ripped jeans frayed at the bottom and with a high waist that flattered her slimmed down butt No flesh flashed: Unusually for the buxom celebrity, she decided to cover up her ample assets with a long-sleeved sweater Looking her best: She rocked long hair extensions that fell to below her waist and showed off her newly lasered brows and facial skin with some light make-up Kim was spotted earlier that day wearing the same outfit at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to kick off its 2nd Annual Make March Matter fundraising campaign. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was accompanied by Grace Rose, 14, and Saylor Pierson, 6, who are both former patients of the hospital. The reality star rang a ceremonial bell with the two young ladies to officially launch the month-long campaign. For show? The couple's date night comes after recent reports they have made a decision to be seen together more in public after rumors of trouble in their marriage Satisfied: The duo looked have enjoyed a good meal at the soul food restaurant The kick-off event, entitled Mega Miracle Day, featured remarks from Kardashian West about her support for CHLA and why she holds the non-profit close to her heart. She passed on her usual glam looks and instead dressed for comfort in a white top and ripped jeans for the charity event. In her remarks, the mogul mentioned that she has had friends whose babies have spent time at the hospital. She also said that she and her famous family love visiting the Children's Hospital to bring a smile to the faces of young patients and their families. Giving back: Kim Kardashian West joined Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) to kick off its 2nd Annual Make March Matter fundraising campaign on Wednesday Kickoff trio: The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was joined by Grace Rose, 14, and Saylor Pierson, 6, who are both former patients of the hospital The older of her two partners in kicking off the campaign was Rose, who was treated by CHLA for Cystic Fibrosis. Barely a teenager herself, the young entrepreneur and philanthropist has created a successful pre-teen clothing line, Rosie G, which helps fund CF research. Her line is now sold at Nordstrom, among other retailers. Pierson, the spritely blonde in the trio, received care at the hospital because she was born with a heart defect. She had multiple lifesaving procedures in her first few weeks of life and spent about 300 days of her first 18 months in the hospital. She is currently doing well and enjoying kindergarten. How to help: To find out how to participate in the CHLA charity campaign, visit their website at MakeMarchMatter.org The initiative aligns CHLA with local businesses who rally community participation to support childrens health. More than 100 local businesses and corporate partners have committed to help the hospital exceed its $1 million goal to provide critical, life-saving care for every child they treat. Dawn Wilcox is the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at CHLA. To find out how to participate in the charity campaign, visit their website at MakeMarchMatter.org. Chill: Just a day prior she was spotted leaving the Beauty Park Medical Spa with sister Khloe She's known for her eccentric fashion choices. And Patricia Arquette, 48, failed to disappoint while running errands at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Academy Award-winning actress was spotted wearing a cowboy hat that she paired with an oversized t-shirt and little else. Modern cowgirl: Patricia Arquette, 48, failed to disappoint while running errands at The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles on Wednesday The oblong stripped dress was longer in the back than the front and looked more like a very large men's dress shirt than an actual women's frock. The slit at the side of the dress came so far up her thigh, it almost showed her hips. She paired the dress, which also included patches in various places, including at the elbows, with a pair of knee-high suede boots. The Boyhood star went makeup free under her large black-rimmed glasses and appeared to be multi-tasking as she took a phone call while she shopped. Bedtime wear? The oblong stripped dress was longer in the back than the front and looked more like a very large men's dress shirt than an actual women's frock Makeup free: The actress appeared to be wearing very little makeup during her casual outing to the outdoor mall She also juggled multiple bags, including a black purse she wore criss-crossed over her body and a multi-colored patchwork bag with different colored squares Her blonde hair up, that was up in a ponytail, was squished down by her straw hat. The actress, who made headlines this week for calling out the Academy Awards for failing to honor her sister Alexis, appeared to go unnoticed among the many shoppers at the popular outdoor mall. The actress told Vanity Fair at the afterparty on Sunday night that it was 'unfortunate' the actress was omitted. Trans actress Alexis Arquette, was among those omitted, from the In Memoriam section of the live Oscars broadcast Sunday night. The actress made headlines this week for calling out the Academy Awards for failing to honor her sister Alexis, who is transgender, during the In Memoriam segment Alexis died in September, from HIV complications, and had more than 70 acting credits to her name. Her sister said it would have meant a lot to the trans community to see one of their own honored at the Oscars. 'Were living in a time right now where trans kids cant even go to the bathroom in schools and theyre diminished in society. Its really unfortunate that the Oscars decided they couldnt show a trans person who was such an important person in this community. Becausetrans kidsit could have meant a lot to them,' Arquette told the magazine. She is known for her eclectic style and expressive personality. So it was only fitting that Paris Jackson was spotted in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. The 18-year-old was joined by a female pal for her outing. Fits her personality! Paris Jackson, 18, was spotted in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday The daughter of the late Michael Jackson was comfortable in a tank top layered under a hoodie. Paris added a pair of green cargo trousers and sandals to her look. The pretty starlet accessorized with layered necklaces, a ring and shades. Girls' day! The teen was joined by a female pal for her outing Although Paris' father was a legendary pop star, the teen has been carving out a career on her own. In January, she appeared in a military, vintage-inspired photo shoot for Chanel, and also graced the cover of Rolling Stone. 'Plenty of people think I'm ugly, and plenty of people don't. But there's a moment when I'm modeling where I forget about my self-esteem issues and focus on what the photographer's telling me, and I feel pretty,' she said of her modeling work. 'And in that sense, it's selfish.' Casual Wednesday: The daughter of the late Michael Jackson was comfortable in a tank top layered under a hoodie In an interview with Good Morning Britain, uncles Tito and Jackie Jackson gave their blessing for Paris and two brothers to join the world of showbiz. 'I guess it's in their blood,' said Jackie. 'They watched us growing up when they were young. They love the business. That's what they want to do, so go ahead and do it. That's how we look at it.' Abigail Breslin looked pretty as a petal on her latest red carpet. The 20-year-old actress rocked an Asian-inspired number for opening night of her new play All The Fine Boys on Wednesday night. She looked absolutely fantastic in the yellow number as she arrived at the Ford Foundation Studio Theatre in New York for the production by artist-driven company The New Group. Pretty as a petal: Abigail Breslin rocked an Asian-inspired number for opening night of her new play All The Fine Boys on Wednesday night The long dress featured purple and red roses printed all over it as it was held together by large black buttons. Abigail teamed the look with a long black coat and matching suede booties. Her blonde locks were put in a ponytail as she sported natural, complimentary make-up on her face topped off with shiny pink lip. Big night: The 20-year-old star's long dress featured purple and red roses printed all over it as it was held together by large black buttons Natural beauty: Her blonde locks were put in a ponytail as she sported natural, complimentary make-up on her face topped off with shiny pink lip She was even joined by her co-stars for a few snaps as they even playfully posed rubbing Erica Schmidt's belly. All The Fine Boys is a coming of age tale of two teenage girls in Eighties suburban South Carolina. This was not the only bit of excitement for Abigail as the poster for the Dirty Dancing TV special was released on Wednesday. Hugged up: She hugged co-star Isabelle Fuhrman in one of the snaps Fantastic four: Castmates Joe Tippett, Isabelle, Abigail and Alex Wolff - pictured from left to right - hugged on opening night Aww: Everybody then posed for a cute snap where they rubbed co-star Erica Schmidt's belly Love: Peter Dinklage supported his wife at the premiere The image is an exact replication of the icon pose Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze made for the 1987 hit film. This time around Abigail and Colt Prattes have the lead roles. The remake debuts on ABC in May. Abigail shared the poster on social media and wrote in the captioned: 'Nobody puts Baby in the corner. #DIRTYDANCING #MAY24th #ABC', referring to the film's most famous line. Looks familiar! Earlier in the day the poster for the Dirty Dancing TV special with Abigail and Colt Prattes was released Classic: And the image is an exact replication of the icon pose Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze made for the 1987 hit film Abigail looks remarkably like Grey. Prattes stars as Johnny Castle - the dance instructor role made famous by Swayze. She dyed her hair brunette, from blonde, for the three-hour musical version - which will not be a live broadcast. Transformed: The 20-year-old actress dyed her hair brunette, from blonde, for the three-hour musical version on ABC in May Glam: Abigail has grown up since she starred as wannabe pageant star Olive aged 10, in the hit independent film Little Miss Sunshine (pictured July 2016) Abigail was just 10 years old when she starred as wannabe pageant star Olive in the hit independent film Little Miss Sunshine. She is joined by Sarah Hyland as Lisa and Nicole Scherzinger plays Penny. Nicole revealed that she almost turned down the part, played by Cynthia Rhodes in the classic 1987 film, because she harbours strong anti-abortion beliefs. The UK X Factor judge admitted that her family is 'really hardcore' against termination because her mother had her at the tender age of 18. Original: Patrick Swayze played Johnny, a dance instructor who taught Baby to do the Mambo The 38 year old explained to The Daily Mail: 'I was like a crazy thing because, my family, my Papas a Bishop and my familys really hardcore against abortion. So I got the role and I almost didnt take it because I didnt want to promote abortion, because my character has an abortion. But I was like, hopefully they can learn from you know her ways and I can be a positive influence. My mum got pregnant with me when she was 17 and had me when she was 18. She chose. Her parents were never going to let her have an abortion. So I came out, so I just want to you know encourage everybody to keep your babies. Penny falls pregnant in the original film and opts for an illegal abortion, forcing Baby to step in and dance with Johnny Castle, who was originally played by Patrick Swayze. The character's life hangs in the balance due to the dangerous procedure, with leading lady Baby's doctor father forced to step in and save her. Will & Grace actress Debra Messing has been placed in the role of Marjorie Houseman, Baby's mother. The TV special is directed by Wayne Blair and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) and features songs from the original Dirty Dancing, as well as additional musical performances. It's been just over ten years since his son, Steve Irwin, tragically lost his life in a stingray attack. And spotted recently in a rare sighting was the reclusive Bob Irwin, 77. The personality and grandfather of Bindi and Robert Irwin, was seen in Kingaroy in Queensland, after visiting a doctor's clinic. Scroll down for video Stepping out: Spotted recently in a rare sighting was the reclusive Bob Irwin, 77 Clad in the family's iconic khaki, Bob wore a shirt with black shorts and boots as he braved the summer heat. Missing from the outing was his wife of 12 years, Judy. Kingaroy is located approximately half an hour away from his 240-hectare bush property, called Camp Chilli. He was seen walking to his car and putting items in his top pocket. Errands: The personality and grandfather of Bindi and Robert Irwin, was seen in Kingaroy in Queensland, after visiting a doctor's clinic Scorching conditions: Clad in the family's iconic khaki, Bob wore a shirt with black shorts and boots as he braved the summer heat Retreat: Kingaroy is located approximately half an hour away from his 240-hectare bush property, called Camp Chilli Bob claims he still speaks to his late son from beyond the grave, and often speaks to him for advice. 'I'm connected with him constantly in a spiritual way that's your subconscious mind rather than your conscious,' Bob said. 'Some people believe it in it, some people think it's a whole load of rubbish,' he added. 'I'm connected with him constantly': Bob claims he still speaks to his late son (pictured with Terri Irwin and children Robert and Bindi in 2004) from beyond the grave, and often speaks to him for advice 'I'll go into a meditative state': It's been just over ten years since his son, Steve Irwin, tragically lost his life in a stingray attack Family ties: Seen is Australia Zoos satellite property Ironbark Station near Blackbutt 'We don't encourage people to come here': He added he enjoys living on his property (pictured) 'If I'm having a hard day and things aren't going all that well, I'll go into a meditative state and I may talk to Steve. He gives a little bit of advice here and there. I'd rather keep those things to myself. It's a pretty personal situation.' He added he enjoys living on his property. 'We dont encourage people to come here,' Bob said. 'If theres animals that need to go into a halfway house well sometimes take them, harden them up a little bit prior to release. But we dont even do a lot of that anymore. Im getting too old. We have koalas, kangaroos, bandicoots, echidnas. No crocs though, mores the pity.' Bob - who is estranged from his grandchildren and Steve's wife Terri - confirmed he no longer speaks to them. Bush life: 'If theres animals that need to go into a halfway house well sometimes take them,' Bob said Broken relationships: Bob - who is estranged from his grandchildren and Steve's wife Terri - confirmed he no longer speaks to them Cafe owner Evelyn Green - who has met Bindi, Robert and Terri when they come into her business near Blackbutt - said the family rift would 'break Steve's heart.' 'Hes up there watching. Just to know theyre not family family, its sad to hear. Hopefully one day theyll rekindle and get to know each other.' she said. Blackbutt local Iris Crumpon added that the town are saddened about the family drama. Opening up: Cafe owner Evelyn Green (pictured) - who has met Bindi, Robert and Terri when they come into her business near Blackbutt - said the family rift would 'break Steve's heart' 'Hes up there watching': Evelyn is seen here with the Irwin family 'That is so cruel': Blackbutt local Iris Crumpon added that the town are saddened about the family drama 'That is so cruel. That is shocking. I know, as a grandmother, I would be devastated if my five grandchildren were taken off of me, and I wasnt allowed to talk to them,' she said. 'Its especially sad because poor Steve passed, and they have a mother but not a father figure, even though they have a grandpa.' Last year, Bob released memoir, called The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy. Memories: Last year, Bob released memoir, called The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy While it delves into positive memories of Steve's formative years, it also contains harrowing details surrounding the loss of his son and the impact of his death. 'As self-protection, I never watch Steve on television. I choose not to remember the date he passed,' wrote Bob in a chapter titled 'Return To Cattle Creek'. During a promotional appearance on Channel Seven's Sunrise late last year, Bob gushed about his vibrant son. '[Steve] was an amazing kid, even when he was born. He could not wait to get into the world. Family favourite: The Irwins regularly visit the Bunya Nut Cafe 'Eight minutes after I got to hospital they brought out this ugly little thing, that turned out to be Steve.' Steve was tragically killed in September 2006, after he was pierced by a stingray barb while filming a documentary on Australia's deadliest animals. Following his death, it was widely reported that a rift between his wife Terri and Bob had torn the family apart. Sad: Steve was tragically killed in September 2006, after he was pierced by a stingray barb while filming a documentary on Australia's deadliest animals Drama: Following his death, it was widely reported that a rift between Terri and Bob had torn the family apart Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the 5th annual AACTA Awards late last year, Bindi claimed her grandfather became reclusive in the years following Steve's death. 'Everyone deals with grief differently,' she said. 'When my dad passed away he chose to distance himself from everything that dad loved the most. 'At the moment were really just respecting his wishes because he hasnt had anything to do with us for a long time and he decided his own path. Thats important so good for him.' Family: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the 5th annual AACTA Awards late last year, Bindi claimed her grandfather became reclusive in the years following Steve's death The episode of Real Housewives Of Sydney showed a boozy harbourside dinner that ended in a cat fight. And the Gogglebox teams didn't hold back in their assessment of the brawl, with posh Di speculating the housewives couldn't have gone to any of Sydney's prestigious private schools and must have instead attended a public school. But on Thursday RHOS' Victoria Rees fired back at the perceived slight on Instagram, revealing that she and co-star Nicole Gazal O'Neil attended Kambala, one of Sydney's most prestigious schools. Scroll down for video 'Nicole and I both went to Kambala': RHOS' Victoria Rees FIRES BACK at Gogglebox's Di as she labels the housewives public school girls after infamous first episode cat fight Sunday night's debut of RHOS saw a boozy dinner culminate in a cat fight where Victoria threw Athena's much mocked 'fish net' shawl into the water. Then on this week's episode of Gogglebox, Art dealer Di speculated to her husband that the Housewives behaviour indicated none of the ladies could have gone to one of Sydney's blue ribbon private schools for girls. 'I don't think they went to Ascham [School] or Kambala [School] - I think this lot were probably at Vaucluse High!' She said. Sassy response: Art dealer Di speculated to her husband that their behaviour meant none of the ladies would have gone to Sydney's blue ribbon private schools for girls Touche girl! Taking to Instagram Victoria wrote in response: 'Nicole and I both went to Kambala we loved it' Taking to Instagram Victoria wrote in response: 'Nicole and I both went to Kambala we loved it.' The high drama of the episode wasn't lost on the rest of Gogglebox's stars, who couldn't believe their eyes as the argument continued to escalate. Tom offered his own withering assessment of the show to his partner Wayne, describing the housewives as 'f***ing Sydney street women' and 'bogans with money'. F***ing Sydney street women!' Gogglebox stars describe the RHOS housewives as 'bogans with money' after boozy harbourside spat over coat The end scenes of the episode saw the women turn on each other during a boozy harbourside dinner. After Lisa Oldfield labelled Krissy Marsh 'Chewbacca' because she wouldn't stop talking, the property mogul shot back: 'I'm not hairy I've been lasered Johnny can vouch for that!' 'She just say something about her husband and her pubic hair? Kerry asked her mother and daughter in shock. 'Look Chewbacca back off': After Lisa Oldfield labelled Krissy Marsh 'Chewbacca' because she wouldn't stop talking, the property mogul shot back What is happening? The high drama of the moment wasn't lost on Gogglebox viewers, who couldn't believe their eyes as the argument continued to escalate That's one way to end a fight! Things came to a head when Victoria Rees took Athena's much-mocked 'fish net' wrap and through it into the water Other members of the Gogglebox team couldn't hide their excitement with Angie exclaiming 'oh my god... oh my god this is so good!' while Yvie enthusiastically mimicked Athena's finger pointing. Victoria's bold move left Gogglebox viewers gasping, with Tom saying: 'I would pick that f***ing old mole up and I'd chuck her over with it.' But others were more positive, with Matt Dalton remarking: 'She might catch a fish!' With his role on HBO's Game of Thrones, Peter Dinklage is surely used to the spotlight. But on Wednesday, it was all about wife Erica Schmidt, as the couple of 12 years enjoyed a date night out. The actor supported his better half at the opening night of her play, All the Fine Boys, in New York City. Date night! On Wednesday, Peter Dinklage, 47, supported wife Erica Schmidt, 41, at the opening night of her play, All The Fine Boys, in New York City The 46-year-old looked dapper in a three piece suit, dressed down with a set of denium trousers. Peter completed his look with a set of trendy boots. Pregnant wife Erica looked pretty in a printed dress and minimal jewellery. He cleans up nice! The actor looked dapper in a three piece suit Glowing: Pregnant wife Erica, 41, looked pretty in a printed dress and minimal jewellery This will be the second child for Peter and Erica. The couple are parents to one daughter, whom the theater director gave birth to in 2011. They have been married since 2005. Her big night: Also attending the event was show star Abigail Breslin, 20 Cherished moment: The shows cast, including Abigail, Joe Tippett, Alex Wolff and Isabelle Fuhrman, sweetly put their hands on their director's belly Also attending the play was show star Abigail Breslin. According to Playbill, The Dirty Dancing actress and Isabelle Fuhrman play two young girls who have a 'sexual awakening;' one with a with a senior crush and the other, with a man from church. The off-Broadway play also features actors Joe Tippett Alex Wolff. On Tuesday, she was seen touching down in at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport with her boyfriend Karl Glusman in preparation for the city's Fashion Week. And with the festivities in full swing, Zoe Kravitz stepped out in fine style on Wednesday night, as she attended Yves Saint Laurent Beauty's exclusive bash. The actress, 28, turned heads as she arrived at Carre des Sangliers in a deeply plunging black minidress, which was cinched at the waist with a bold metallic clasp. Scroll down for video Party girl: Zoe Kravitz attended Yves Saint Laurent Beauty's Paris Fashion Week party, held at Carre des Sangliers on Wednesday night She teamed the long-sleeved number with open-toe black patent heels, while several chunky rings and duster statement earrings further ramped up the glamour. The stunning California girl's platinum tresses were swept into a chic topknot, while her natural beauty was enhanced with only a light dusting of shimmering makeup. Zoe was accompanied to the bash by her boyfriend Karl, who cut a dapper figure in a fitted black suit as he mingled with fellow guests at the bash. Wow: She wowed in a deeply plunging black minidress as she arrived at the exclusive bash Ready to mingle: She was joined by her boyfriend Karl Glusman and model Edie Campbell Topknot: Actress Zoe's striking platinum tresses were swept into a chic topknot for the bash Sparkle: Wearing a range of sparkling rings, Zoe also posed for a shot with model Staz Lindes On Tuesday, she was one of the VIPs among the crowd at Yves Saint Laurent's autumn/winter 2017 fashion presentation. Zoe, daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, has been getting rave reviews for her part in hit TV series Big Little Lies. The HBO drama tells the tale of three mothers whose apparently perfect lives unravel to the point of murder. Bright: Staz went for a brightly-patterned asymmetrical dress, while Anja Rubik opted for black She's so fancy: British singer Charli XCX attracted attention in a floral embroidered denim suit Monochrome: Dancer Juliette Gernez showed off her slender legs in a monochrome ensemble On the list: (L-R) Actress Lola Le Lann and model Valentina Sampaio were among the guests Model behaviour: (L-R) Models Cuba Tornado Scott and Vanessa Moody arrived in black outfits As well as Zoe, the show boasts an all-star cast, featuring the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley. They are joined by Alexander Skarsgard, James Tupper and Adam Scott, who play their husbands in this gritty drama. Nicole Kidman recently opened up about working with the daughter of ex Lenny- who she dated from 2003-2005. Speaking to Net-a-Porters weekly digital magazine about working together in Big Little Liars, the 49-year-old actress said: 'Well, I knew Zoe because I was engaged to her father. Its all in the family!' Sole sister: Staz showed off an eye-catching pair of shimmering shoes as she posed at the bash Events: The event was just one of many that have happened around Paris during Fashion Week Match: AaRON musical duo Olivier Coursier, left, and Simon Buret went for matching suits Partying: YSL Beauty CEO Stephan Bezy and Journalist Loic Prigent partied the night away She had earlier arrived in Paris earlier looking low key in a sleek black outfit and camel-coloured trench coat. But in just a few hours, Karlie Kloss had glammed up in a sophisticated low cut black dress and a chunky layered silver choker as she attended a Paris Fashion Week event. The 24-year-old supermodel wore her blonde hair in a straight blonde style while teaming her silver necklace with pair of dangling matching earrings. Scroll down for video Glammed up and ready to go: Karlie Kloss cut a sophisticated figure in a little black dress as she attended an event at the Cercle de lUnion Interalliee on Wednesday night A pair of closed toe black heels and a silver clutch completed the look The model was attending an event at the Cercle de lUnion Interalliee where Nadja Swarovski was made a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. Nadja is the great granddaughter of the companys founder Daniel Swarovski and, according to WWD, her company 'has sponsored numerous initiatives at the historic palace' over the last 30 years, 'including providing lighting systems for the Kings Chamber and Madame de Pompadours apartment.' Striking: The 24-year-old supermodel wore her blonde hair in a straight blonde style while teaming her silver necklace with pair of dangling matching earrings Bringing the dazzle: Karlie's necklace and compact clutch bag perfectly complimented her look Chic: Karlie's dress features spaghetti straps and a pleated design on her skirt Karlie likes to travel light during her trips abroad, recently describing her wardrobe staples to Elle Australia. 'I always try and look at the weather ahead for wherever Im going and I always pack basic wardrobe staples,' she said. 'I have my toiletries all in carry-on size and Ive got an airplane outfit. 'Im always cold and hot on airplanes so I always switch into sweatpants, socks a T-shirt and a hoodie. And I always bring a swimsuit with me just in case, even if its for the swimming pool at the hotel.' Sleek and sophisticated: Karlie had earlier sported an all-black ensemble and sleek camel coat as she jetted into Paris for Fashion Week The star's appearance came just days after her stunning red carpet showing at this year's Vanity Fair bash. The model, 24, sported a red one-shoulder column dress which featured a thigh-high split. The ravishing red ensemble was very different from the Stella McCartney white caped gown which Karlie donned for the 89th Academy Awards. The American model, who appears to have attended the event without her boyfriend Joshua Kushner, added a political twist to her ensemble by pinning a distinctive blue ACLU ribbon to her hip, worn in protest of President Trump's travel ban. Dannii Minogue's ex-boyfriend Kris Smith has revealed how he was the one to walk out on his relationship with the pop star. Speaking before his eviction on Thursday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, the English model, who shares son Ethan, now six, with the Australia star, said the decision 'absolutely ripped my heart out'. Dannii and Kris' relationship broke down in 2012, and the the former rugby league star told fellow camper Steve Price he had to leave because it just wasn't healthy. Scroll down for video 'It absolutely ripped my heart out': Dannii Minogue's ex-boyfriend Kris Smith has revealed how he was the one to walk out on his relationship with the pop star during I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on Thursday night 'It got to a point where Dannii - it wasn't working for anyone,' an emotional Kris explained. 'We didn't wanna get in silly bickering arguments in front of Ethan. So the hardest thing I've had to do was leave. '[Ethan]was very young but I didn't ever wanna see him in an environment where it's a little bit bitter or argumentative.' But while Kris ultimately ended the relationship, he said the heartbreaking moment was 'nothing I wanted'. 'All I ever wanted in life was to settle down with one woman and have kids with one woman,' he said. '... Yeah, it absolutely ripped my heart out but it was for the best.' 'I turn around and see a woman': The 38-year-old former English rugby league player told his celebrity camp mates how a chance nightclub encounter on holiday for his 30th birthday changed his life While Kris spoke about the breakup, he also described happier times with Dannii and her 'incredible' sister Kylie. He said the two famous sisters were 'Just normal people that love their family time, love a home-cooked meal, want to sit down in the trackies and watch trash TV'. 'It was great but very surreal to see the circle that they live in. But when they're in the home environment they're just like everybody else,' Kris explained. During his chat with Steve, he also described how he and Dannii got together, revealing he met the brunette beauty after she spotted him dancing and called him over. Kris told his celebrity camp mates how a chance nightclub encounter during a holiday in Ibiza for his 30th birthday changed his life. Caught each others eyes on the dance floor: The two met at a nightclub while Kris was on holiday with his mates in 2008 (Pictured in 2009) Love at first sight: The two were inseparable, spending every day of his trip together but soon the time came for him to leave (Pictured in 2011) 'They dragged me on the dance floor, and I'm telling you I have some of the best moves. 'I ripped the dance floor up and I turn around and see a woman, she's in the VIP area,' Kris said. 'She's looking at me and I go, "Oh, nice."' The model was then accosted by a heavily tattooed man and immediately thought he was about to get into a fight because the woman he had been looking at was already taken. 'It was great but very surreal to see the circle that they live in': Kris gushed about their four year 'amazing' relationship, which saw the birth of their son Ethan in 2010 'He said, "What's your name?" I asked why. He said, "Dannii wants to meet you." '[now] she's the mother of my child,' Kris gushed. He explained that from that moment the two were inseparable, spending every day of his trip together - but soon the time came for him to leave. 'She said, " I want you to stay a few more days." 'Just normal people that love their family time': Kris said the sister loved nothing more than watching trashy television in their trackpants 'When they're in the home environment they're just like everybody else': The department store ambassador also forged a bond with Dannii's sister Kylie 'I said, "I'd love to. I can't afford it", Kris told his I'm A Celebrity campers. 'I told mates I was on holiday with. A mate, Steve, came up [with] an envelope, a birthday card. 'He'd bought me a new ticket home and enough to stay there. Without him none of that [relationship and child] happens.' 'It wasn't working for anyone': But Dannii and Kris' relationship broke down in 2012, with the model telling Steve he had to leave because it just wasn't healthy Kris gushed about their four year 'amazing' relationship, which saw the birth of their son Ethan in 2010. The department store ambassador also forged a bond with Dannii's sister Kylie. 'She's incredible, she's as down to earth as you can be,' he said. Meanwhile, after his elimination he told News Corp that the previously unnamed ex-girlfriend with whom he is reconnecting is model Maddy King. He said he and she 'had a couple of conversations about certain things.' 'Im still single, kind of, it is complicated,' he concluded. He's swapped his Lothario ways for a one woman life. And Gary Beadle looked more than happy to have undergone the transformation as he enjoyed a recent trip to Dubai with his stunning girlfriend Emma McVey, in which they threw themselves into a number of beach high jinx. The 28-year-old Geordie Shore star looked hunky in simple black shorts while the incredibly beautiful model flashed her flawless curves during a spot of paddle-boarding. Scroll down for video Careful! Gary Beadle looked more than happy to have undergone the transformation as he enjoyed a recent trip to Dubai with his stunning girlfriend Emma McVey, in which they threw themselves into a number of beach high jinx Gary soared to fame in 2011 as one of the first stars of Geordie Shore, where he now remains the only original cast member as the show enters its 14th series. Having just finished filming the show, it seems he was delighted to be with his girlfriend, who looked nothing short of sensational in her skimpy bikini. Emma, who previously dating TOWIE star Mario Falcone, looked totally enamoured with her boyfriend as they kissed and cuddled in the pool. The patterned two piece looked stunning on her figure as she showed off her taut abs and lithe limbs, with tie sides and a halterneckline. Stunner: The 28-year-old Geordie Shore star looked hunky in simple black shorts while the incredibly beautiful model flashed her flawless curves during a spot of paddleboarding Hot stuff! Emma's taut abs looked phenomenal in the slinky two piece He's a lucky guy! Gaz is certainly lucky to have such a sensational girl Hot stuff: He could not keep his hands off the beautiful model Strutting her stuff: Emma's phenomenal curves were a fine view on the shore She flitted between having her hair in loose waves and scraping into a high ponytail - she also flaunted her naturally dewy complexion. Gaz has become renowned, throughout his five year stint in the spotlight, for his Lothario ways yet he insists he's a changed man due to his enduring romance with current squeeze Emma. And he appeared to take a swipe at his former Geordie Shore paramour Charlotte Crosby when he said his dalliance with Emma, who has dated since August, is more 'normal' He told the Sun: 'I was with the right girls at the wrong time. Ive made mistakes, like cheating, but Im trying not to do that again. My current girlfriend Emma is great. Hold me close: Gary soared to fame in 2011 as one of the first stars of Geordie Shore, where he now remains the only original cast member as the show enters its 14th series Oh my! The stunning star looked sensational in her chic bikini which lift little to the imagination Hot stuff: The stunning star looked happy to be in the sun Ripped: Gary looked hunky in his black shorts Finding the right balance: Emma got a fit of the giggles as Gaz momentarily lost his balance Peachy! The duo proved team work is dream work as they carried the board into the sea Lying around: Emma showed off her taut abs as she reclined on the board Off they go: The couple strutted the stuff across the beach 'Our relationship is different to ones Ive had before, because they were all in the public eye. This relationship feels more normal.' He confessed, contrary to his laddish persona, he is something of a wallflower when it comes to 'tashing on'. 'You wouldnt think it, but I am quite shy. I can have sex on camera on Geordie Shore because thats just me with one person in a room, but put me in front of 50 people with a microphone and I would freeze.' Snuggling up: He confessed, contrary to his laddish persona, he is something of a wallflower when it comes to 'tashing on' Legs eleven! Looking beach ready clearly came easy to the beautiful star Playing around: The couple could not stop laughing as they played around Gaz's Northern charm has certainly captivated the ladies with the quiffed heartthrob enjoying a string of high-profile romances . Best known is his explosive on-off five year fling with pillow lipped Charlotte Crosby. The pair's stormy romance ended for good last June when Charlotte revealed she suffered an ectopic pregnancy while Gaz was holed up in the Ex On The Beach house. Chatting away: The happy couple were beaming at each other in the pool Doing the hard work! The couple looked happy as they bobbed along The writing may well be on the wall for Wayne Rooneys Manchester United career, but wife Coleen ensured their children were reading something rather less dramatic as she led a host of celebrities honouring World Book Day on Thursday. Embracing the playful theme, Coleen, 30, dressed sons Kai, seven, and three-year old Klay as the titular character from author Francesca Simons illustrated book series, Horrid Henry. In a series of images shared across Instagram, the two boys both sport ginger wigs over the blue and yellow outfit worn by the fictional prankster. Scroll down for video Double trouble! Embracing World Bood Day, Coleen Rooney, 30, dressed sons Klay, three, and 14-month old Kit as the titular character from author Francesca Simons illustrated book series, Horrid Henry Captioning one such image, Coleen wrote: World book day 2017 double trouble!! Horrid Henry x 2. Elsewhere Geri Horner ensured daughter Bluebell was also involved in the annual celebration, which encourages children to actively read by providing them books of their own. Opting to dress her oldest child as the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's whimsical fantasy Alice In Wonderland, the former Spice Girl was seen applying the youngster's lipstick in an image shared on social media. '#worldbookday Bluebell - queen of hearts doing her make up,' she captioned the shot. Mischievous: In a series of images shared across Instagram, the two boys both sport ginger wigs over the blue and yellow outfit worn by the fictional prankster. The Queen of Hearts: Elsewhere Geri Horner ensured daughter Bluebell was also involved in the annual celebration, which encourages children to actively read by providing them books of their own Meanwhile Gemma Atkinson celebrated the occasion while honouring her commitment as co-host for Manchester radio station Key 103. Sharing a short video with her fans, the 32-year old actress made a game attempt at mimicking the central character from Eric Carle's children's picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Captioning the clip, she wrote: 'Happy world book day from the @key103manchester studios! I'm the hungry caterpillar.... obviously.' Impressive: Sharing a short video with her fans, Gemma Atkinson made a game attempt at mimicking the central character from Eric Carle's children's picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Fancy dress: Fearne Cotton and young son Rex also celebrated the annual event, although the 35-year old presenter admitted fancy dress was a daily occurrence for her oldest child Adorable: The Saturdays star Rochelle Humes and her JLS husband Marvin Humes sent their three-year-old Alaia-Mai in as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz Fearne Cotton and young son Rex also celebrated the annual event, although the 35-year old presenter admitted fancy dress was a daily occurrence for her oldest child. Posting a shot of the four year old dressed as a squid, she wrote: 'World book day is like ever other day for Rex. He wears his squid hat. The only fancy dress he'll tolerate.' The Saturdays star Rochelle Humes and her JLS husband Marvin Humes sent their three-year-old Alaia-Mai in as Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz. Impressive: Elsewhere former glamour model Nicola McLean's two children, Rocky and Striker Williams, were respectively dressed as hapless Superman alter-ego Clark Kent and Odlaw from illustrator Martin Handford's Where's Wally book series Looking good: Rio Ferdinand, 38, also got in on the act by sharing a snap of his three children with late wife Rebecca Ellison - Lorenz, Tate and Tia 'My little Dorothy desperately trying to click her heels,' she wrote alongside a short video of the youngster. Elsewhere former glamour model Nicola McLean's two children, Rocky and Striker Williams, were respectively dressed as hapless Superman alter-ego Clark Kent and Odlaw from illustrator Martin Handford's Where's Wally book series. Captioning the shot, the 35-year old wrote: 'So cute #worldbookday #odlaw #clarkent.' Rio Ferdinand, 38, also got in on the act by sharing a snap of his three children with late wife Rebecca Ellison - Lorenz, Tate and Tia. Dressed as The Cat in the Hat, Where's Wally and FC Barcelona's Brazilian striker Neymar, the three children stand side by side with their eyes to the ground. Captioning the shot, an enthusiastic Rio wrote: '#worldbookday my little ones have gone for it this morning!! The make up was on point too!!' Chip off the old block: Fitness fanatic Joe Wicks, best known for his Channel 4 show The Body Coach, got a young fan involved in the annual celebration Fitness fanatic Joe Wicks, best known for his Channel 4 show The Body Coach, got a young fan involved in the fun. Posting on Instagram, the personal trainer, 31, shared an image of the youngster dressed as himself, complete with long wig and pencilled on stubble. 'Happy World Book Day from the mini Body Coach #WorldBookDay #thebodycoach #leanin15,' he wrote alongside the snap. Designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an annual celebration of reading, World Book Day honours the work authors and illustrators in more than 100 countries across the world. They are fast approaching their one year anniversary. And Olivia Buckland proved her flame with her hunky boyfriend Alex Bowen is burning brighter than ever as they threw themselves wholeheartedly into a sun-drenched Barbados break on Wednesday. The 24-year-old stunner, who met Alex during her stint on Love Island last year, left nothing to the imagination as she slipped into a stunning sheer swimsuit which showed off her perky cleavage and endless legs. Scroll down for video Hot stuff! Olivia Buckland proved her flame with her hunky boyfriend Alex Bowen is burning brighter than ever as they threw themselves wholeheartedly into a sun-drenched Barbados break on Wednesday The stunning star soared to fame in June when she starred on the second season of the rebooted version of the ITV2 show, where she went on to meet Alex and enjoy a month of bikini-clad frolics in the sunshine. After a rocky start to their relationship, with Alex bedding Zara Holland in the house, the couple came out on top - with the Wolverhampton-born hunk popping the question to the blonde beauty in December. The duo could not keep their hand off each other as they dipped into the sea - with Alex's devoted interest in his girlfriend totally understandable as they cosied up. Her sports luxe one-piece boasted a sheer body with a monogrammed trim in a contrasting black colour, with straps crossing over at the back. Holding on tight: The 24-year-old stunner left nothing to the imagination as she slipped into a stunning sheer swimsuit which showed off her perky cleavage and endless legs Kiss, kiss: She could not resist planting a kiss on Alex's lips Hold on tight: Her extension-enhanced tresses were worn in loose waves extending down her back while she shielded her make-up free face with mirrored sunglasses Her extension-enhanced tresses were worn in loose waves extending down her back while she shielded her make-up free face with mirrored sunglasses. Olivia's array of tattoos helped enhance her beach babe look, as she showed off the various inkings on her legs - including a new duo on the back of her calves. Alex meanwhile coordinated with his girlfriend with his bold array of tattoos, with his hunky torso emphasised by the huge 'chest piece'. Be careful! Olivia flashed more than expected in her sheer swimsuit Inked up: Olivia's array of tattoos helped enhance her beach babe look, as she showed off the various inkings on her legs - including a new duo on the back of her calves Together forever: The couple's engagement came as a shock to the reality world, after her and Alex met a mere ten months ago, yet she is insistent their future is sparkling The couple's engagement came as a shock to the reality world, after her and Alex met a mere ten months ago, yet she is insistent their future is sparkling. The stunning star revealed they do have plans for children - but will keep an integral element of their love story quiet particularly their various on-screen romps. She told MailOnline: 'We have said we want kids eventually. We just want to enjoy our time together, we have a lot to do, experiences to have, holidays to take. 'It will be nice but maybe not in the next seven years. I'm still a baby anyway. I would never let my kids watch Love Island! There's not as much controversy in sex on TV as there used to be. But I won't be showing my kids Love Island. Maybe keep it secret from them for quite a while.' Hot mama: Having forged a successful career as a beauty guru, Olivia admitted to her biggest regret - having lip fillers at the tender age of 21. She admits how infuriating it is when followers accuse her of having enhanced lips as the initial injections wore off after six months Protective: In January, Alex lashed out at a cruel troll who claimed Olivia's lips and breasts were fake. Of the scenario he said: 'I had my lips done November 2015 and whenever people ask me I say I did have them done' Having forged a successful career as a beauty guru, Olivia admitted to her biggest regret - having lip fillers at the tender age of 21. She admits how infuriating it is when followers accuse her of having enhanced lips as the initial injections wore off after six months. In January, Alex lashed out at a cruel troll who claimed Olivia's lips and breasts were fake. Of the scenario he said: 'I had my lips done November 2015 and whenever people ask me I say I did have them done. 'But that's why I get upset when people say I did have them done because I was really against it when I had them done. For people to accuse me of it still when I haven't had them done is really upsetting for me because I really hated it when I had them. I don't want any other girls to make the same mistake. 'If they say that about me, Alex sees how much it bothered me before. He loves me natural and without my make-up. He doesn't like when people say nasty things about me or upset me. He is protective and that's nice. She revealed exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that she had a 'pretty rough couple of weeks,' after rumours emerged she had split with girlfriend Tiffany Scanlon. Now former Bachelor star Megan Marx has stripped off for a 'very womanly' raunchy beachside photo shoot that she described as the 'perfect break' after 'a rough couple of weeks'. In a series of stunning images, the blonde beauty sizzled as she posed topless, barely protecting her modesty with her arms. Scroll down for video Beach babe: Former Bachelor star Megan Marx has stripped off for a 'very womanly' raunchy beachside photo shoot that she described as the 'perfect break' after 'a rough couple of weeks' In one shot, Megan looks over her shoulder and off camera, with sand and water covering her. Her hair is wet, seemingly fresh from a dip in the beach, and her makeup includes dewy foundation and lashings of mascara. The statuesque star in another image, poses front on to camera, showing off her washboard abs as she stands in khaki bikini bottoms. Sizzling: The statuesque star in another image, poses front on to camera, showing off her washboard abs as she stands in khaki bikini bottoms Hot to trot: In another frame, the personality - who hails from Perth but is now based in Bali - gazes at the camera as she showcases her long legs In another frame, the personality - who hails from Perth but is now based in Bali - gazes at the camera as she showcases her long legs. She can also be seen sitting suggestively on the sand, taking in the sunset. The sultry shots were taken on Komodo Island in Indonesia, near Bali. Megan told Daily Mail Australia about the shoot, saying the photographer wanted something 'very womanly.' 'Skin and salt in a location untouched,' Megan said. Sultry: She can also be seen sitting suggestively on the sand, taking in the sunset The 27-year-old beauty has been on holiday with friends in Indonesia while Tiffany returned to their hometown of Perth last week 'I've had a pretty rough couple of weeks so it was the perfect break,' Megan told Daily Mail Australia of the trip. Megan and Tiffany - who connected after failing to find love with The Bachelor's Richie Strahan - recently moved to Bali together. The pair have been dating for eight months, but recently hinted that things could possibly be over for them. Tiffany surprisingly returned to Australia last month, and shared a cryptic post to Instagram that saw her looking out at the beach. If you've got it! Megan told Daily Mail Australia about the shoot, saying the photographer wanted something 'very womanly' Split? Megan and Tiffany (pictured together) recently hinted that things could possibly be over for them 'Lost in life': Tiffany surprisingly returned to Australia last month, and shared a cryptic post to Instagram that saw her looking out at the beach The 30-year-old said she was 'back home' and 'lost in life,' calling her two pet dogs her 'creature comforts.' This week, Tiffany was also seen belting out Adele's Rolling in the Deep, singing the lyrics: 'we could of had it all.' Megan also shared a snap a week ago to her Instagram, that saw her posing on a boat and claiming she needed 'solitude.' In happier times? This week, Tiffany was also seen belting out Adele's Rolling in the Deep, singing the lyrics: 'we could of had it all' Sailing the seas: Megan also shared a snap a week ago to her Instagram, that saw her posing on a boat and claiming she needed 'solitude' Fans took to both ladies' comments section to share their thoughts on the perceived break-up. 'Im broken-hearted,' one supporter wrote to Tiffany. 'Hard to assume but the sign says you arent together anymore. I really thought you were my #relationshipgoal.' She's known for her flowing brunette locks. But on Wednesday, Catherine McNeil shocked her fans by sporting a Beatles-esque bowl cut on the runway at Paris Fashion Week. The 27-year-old strutted her stuff for designer Lanvin in a flowing white dress and matching fishnets. Scroll down for video New look: Catherine McNeil shocked her fans by sporting a Beatles-esque bowl cut on the runway at Paris Fashion Week She added an edgy twist to the ensemble with leather ankle boots and a matching vest. The stunner also walked in designer Dries Van Noten's 100th show. For that, she switched up her look with an over-sized fur coat and brown corduroy pants. Work it: The 27-year-old also walked in designer Dries Van Noten's 100th show This isn't the first time that Cat has shown off her new bowl cut to the world. Last month, at New York Fashion Week, the beauty flaunted her new 'do at the Alexander Wang show. The 27-year-old found fame after winning the Girlfriend Magazine model search at fourteen and was part of the top 30 models of 2000 in Vogue Paris. Cat is also known for her colourful love life, having previously been engaged to model Miles Langford and actress Ruby Rose. They're the family known for making their opinions apparent on Australia's television shows. But Goggleox's Matt Dalton has shared an interesting view on how to eat Shapes, revealing that he likes to suck the spice off the biscuits before putting them back in the box. The eating habit revealed in this week's episode divided Matt's family, with his wife Kate quick to label it 'weird' and wasteful. Is it weird? Gogglebox dad Matt Dalton reveals bizarre BBQ Shapes habit of licking the biscuit before putting it back in the box because 'I just want the spice' Kate called her husband out on the bizarre eating method while he was watching TV with their two daughters Millie and Holly. 'You've got this thing,' Kate exclaimed. 'Matthew, look at how many times you open Barbecue Shapes, you lick them, you put them back in!' 'I give them to the dog,' Matt interjected, 'The dog has them!' 'You lick them, you put them back in!'Kate called her husband out on the bizarre eating method while he was watching TV with their two daughters Millie and Holly But Kate labelled the habit wasteful causing Matt to defend his actions, explaining: 'It's not wasteful, I just want the spice!' The TV dad went on to explain that while he was a fan of the food's flavour, sometimes the biscuits were fried not baked. 'They're fattening, so I just have the spice, give the rest to the dog,' he concluded. 'Everybody wins.' 'It's not weird!' The TV dad went on to explain that while he was a fan of the food's flavour sometimes the biscuits were fried not baked 'But that is weird Matt,' Kate retorted, not impressed by his explanation. 'You throw away the whole packet of the Barbecue Shapes.' 'It's not weird. It's not weird!' Matt fired back. The exposure of Matt's divisive biscuit eating style comes as married couple Lee and Keith listed off their go-to choices for Chinese takeaway last week. 'But that is weird Matt': Kate labelled the habit wasteful causing Matt to defend his actions, explaining: 'It's not wasteful, I just want the spice!' However, the scene was hilariously edited to include side-by-side footage that showed another Gogglebox pair, friends Zina and Vivian, poking fun at the standard non-Asian's typical Chinese order. The conversation for both Gogglebox pairs was sparked as they were watching the program 'Gok's Chinese Takeaway', in which TV presenter Gok Wang traveled to Spain to take a look at Barcelona's Chinese dining. 'It's actually so funny, whenever we go to a Chinese restaurant and see a table that aren't Asian ordering food we always say, 'Fried rice!'' Vivian said, beginning to list off typical choices. Making fun: Googlebox pair Zina and Vivian predicted the typical non-Asian Chinese order The show then cut to Lee and Keith reclining on their suede lounge, with Lee asking Keith, 'What do we normally get? Go on!' What ensued was a back-and-forth between the two pairs. 'You like your special fried rice,' Keith said, to which Lee agreed, before the show cut back to Vivian. Fried rice, spring rolls and lemon chicken: Lee listed off her favourite dishes She continued listing typical choices- spring rolls and lemon chicken, before Zina added, 'Steak and black bean!' All three options were then listed off by Lee and Keith as their favourites. 'That's all we get really, isn't it?' Keith stated. 'Yep,' replied Lee, 'And it's beautiful!' The segment ended with a cut back to Zina and Vivian laughing hysterically at nailing the cultural stereotype. They met on the set of Step Up eleven years ago and married in 2009. And Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan looked as loved up as ever as they enjoyed a holiday in the sunshine. The dreamy pair were pictured in Hawaii with dance lover Jenna, 36, showing off her gym-honed body in a mismatched bikini. Scroll down for video Makin waves: Jenna Dewan showed off her gym-honed abs in a mismatching bikini as she joined her buff husband Channing Tatum on the beach in Hawaii She showed off her ample assets in a yellow bikini top which she teamed with patterned blue bottoms, after slipping off her denim hotpants. She also made sure to keep the sun off her face, opting for a trendy hessian visor as she hid her eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses. Her Magic Mike star husband showed off his chiselled physique in a pair of dark board shorts as they enjoyed a walk on the beach. Stunning: She showed off her ample assets in a yellow bikini top which she teamed with patterned blue bottoms, after slipping off her denim hotpants Channing tried his hand at paddle boarding while Jenna splashed through the waves to get a closer look. The couple have a daughter together called Everly, three who was not pictured with them on the day. And Jenna recently revealed she keeps her designer pieces to hand down to her firstborn. In fact, she told InStyle, that the sequined Rachel Roy gown she donned on the Oscars red carpet in 2013 would be saved for her. The dress was a Pre-Fall 2013 piece that stylist Brad Goreski helped her pick out for the night. With a plunging neckline and open back, it was seriously sexy especially since Jenna was eight months pregnant at the time. She said: 'I actually kept the red carpet dress I wore at the Oscars this black dress when I was pregnant for her just so she could have that, because I thought that's neat, that she wasn't born yet but she went to the Oscars,' Jenna said in a new interview with the fashion magazine. She left her job as a regional newsreader in Tasmania to search for love on national television. And despite succeeding in her goal, having fallen in love with mechanical plumber Lee Elliott on The Bachelorette, Georgia Love has admitted the gamble could see her struggle to be employed as a journalist again. The 27-year-old told The Daily Telegraph that she believes being 'vulnerable' on the reality show could see her find it hard to get journalism work, but has fortunately fallen in love with her work as a regular guest on Studio 10. Scroll down for video 'I'm loving being back in the media': Georgia Love fears she will struggle to find journalist work after Bachelorette stint but 'absolutely loves' her gig as a regular guest on Studio 10 Georgia said she appreciates that her no-holds-barred reality TV appearance last year could be a turn off for news organisations. 'News directors might have a hesitation in having seen me be so vulnerable on the show and talk about my opinions and my views and things like that,' she said, 'as journalists, were not meant to. 'I understand that was a risk in going on the show for me, but I certainly still have a passion for (journalism) and Im loving being back in the media,' she said. But since leaving her job as a newsreader for WIN News in Tasmania to appear on The Bachelorette, Georgia has found success as a television panel host and media personality. Risked it for love: Georgia said she understands that her no-holds-barred reality TV appearance could be a turn off for news organisations Previous work: Georgia left her job as a newsreader for WIN News in Tasmania to appear on The Bachelorette She has guest hosted The Project on one occasion and appears as a regular guest on daytime chat show Studio 10 since the end of last year. Georgia has also incorporated her paid advertising gigs into her considerable presence on Instagram, where she boasts more than 142,000 followers. Recently she and Lee took part in a romantic Valentine's Day themed advertising campaign promoting a new brand of apples. All loved up! Recently she and Lee took part in a romantic Valentine's Day themed advertising campaign promoting a new brand of apples Behind the desk: She has guest hosted The Project on one occasion with popular results Georgia said she has never had 'a strong goal' for her career given the changing nature of the industry and is happy to see where things take her. But she gushed about her current role on Studio 10, which she is head over heels in love with. 'Theyre just such a welcoming team and they welcomed me to their crazy little morning TV family. Im absolutely loving being back in that TV news world, its what I know and what Ive always done, so Im very happy to be back there doing that.' On Sunday, she caught the attention of viewers as she stripped off for a raunchy romp in the inaugural episode of her new BBC miniseries SS-GB. And it all appears to be familiar territory for Kate Bosworth, 34, as she had previously shed her clothing for love scenes with Jean-Marc Barr - as well as the film's lead star Josh Lucas - in the 2013 movie Big Sur. The blonde beauty is seen baring all in newly resurfaced images from the film, which is based on Jack Kerouac's novel of the same name and covers the time he spent in Big Sur, California. Scroll down for video Familiar territory: Kate Bosworth is seen baring all with Jean-Marc Barr in newly-resurfaced scenes from her 2013 movie Big Sur Kate plays Willamine 'Billie' Dabney, the mistress of Jack's close friend Neal Cassady. She then goes on to have an affair with the writer. The California film set is also where the screen star met and fell in love with her director husband Michael Polish. Last week, she also got temperatures rising in a similar scene, though she protected her modesty with her hands as she lay on top of her handsome on-screen beau, played by Sam Riley. Baring all: The Hollywood actress is seen showing her bare boobs as she romps in bed Demanding: She plays the increasingly demanding Willamine 'Billie' Dabney in the movie Novel idea: The film is based on Jack Kerouac's novel of the same name and tells the story of his time in Big Sur, California The other woman: In the film, she plays the mistress of Neal Cassady, played by Jean-Marc Putting on a very sultry display, Kate - who plays Barbara Barga on the show - cosied up to one another as they shared a steamy smooch. Not afraid to show off her incredible figure, Kate also reclined on a green sofa before using one of the cushions to shield her bosom. The BBC miniseries deals with an alternative reality in which the Nazis won World War II based on the 1976 novel of the same name by Len Deighton. Another lover: Her character then goes on to embark on a steamy affair with Neal's close pal Jack Kerouac, played by Josh Lucas Chat: The photogenic pair enjoy a long conversation in the midst of her passionate moment Something to write home about: Kate now plays an American journalist in the BBC's SS-GB Set in Nazi-occupied London, the drama is based on the premise that the Germans won the Battle of Britain. British actor Sam plays lead, British Detective Douglas Archer, who finds himself working under the brutal SS in occupied London and investigates what appears to be a simple black market murder. Starring alongside him, Kate plays American journalist Barbara Barga, who becomes inextricably linked with the murder case that Archer is investigating. Steamy: SS-GB kept viewers' attention last Sunday, when a love scene between Kate and Sam Riley was aired Chest a glimpse! Daring to bare all, the MTV Movie nominee could be seen protecting her modesty with her hands as she lay on her front on a sofa Two's company! Kate looked comfortable as she rested on her handsome co-star Pucker up: Putting on a very sultry display, the pair cosied up to one another as they shared a steamy smooch for the cameras On display: Not afraid to show off her incredible figure, Kate also reclined on a green sofa before using one of the cushions to protect her modesty Sam said of his character: 'Archer is a compelling and complex character. He is a good guy struggling to reconcile his job as a policeman within the repressive Nazi machine. 'Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have written a gripping screenplay that pays homage to Len Deightons novel. I am very much looking forward to working with this talented team.' Kate added: 'I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this incredible team, bringing an iconic novel to the screen.' SS-GB is available to watch on iPlayer and continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One. Cheeky! Kate's peachy posterior was on full display during the raunchy scenes Under wraps: The pair kept their modesty with careful positioning of their arms and body Cosy: The duo looked comfortable and content as they worked on the sizzling scenes Taking it easy: Kate rested her head on her co-stars chest during the raunchy scenes They haven't had a hit in decades, but Hunters and Collectors were thrust back into the spotlight this week after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asked them to change their name 'to discourage people from hunting animals' ahead of duck-hunting season. And now a number of stars have come out to defend the iconic rock band from the overzealous activists, including The Bachelor's Osher Gunsberg and radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald. Taking to Instagram, Osher wrote: 'As a person who only eats plants - this is why we can't have nice things.' Scroll down for video Stop the madness! Osher Gunsberg and Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald have slammed PETA after the animal rights group asked Australian band Hunters and Collectors to change their name Meanwhile, Nova personality Fitzy said on-air that PETA's actions were 'political correctness gone mad.' Ashley Fruno, The Australian associate director of campaigns for PETA, wrote to the Hunters and Collectors personally on Thursday to urge the band to change their name. 'We feel sure that it was never your intention to promote the killing of intelligent, sensitive, and defenseless animals,' Ashley's letter began. Name change? Iconic Aussie rock band Hunters and Collectors were urged by PETA to change their name to discourage people from 'killing defenseless animals' She continued, 'But your name may nevertheless make hunting seem appealing to your fans'. 'Nearly 300,000 Australian waterbirds face an agonising death during hunting season, which opens in Victoria and Tasmania next week,' she wrote. Ashley concluded, 'As your Adelaide reunion show is coming up, now is the perfect time for a band namelift.' The band has not yet responded to the letter, which was posted to PETA's Australian website on Thursday. Fighting for their rights: Ashley Fruno (pictured) The Australian associate director of campaigns for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wrote to the band personally Protests: Ashley is an outspoken campaigner for the animal rights organisation and has stripped off for the cause at protests in North Korea and Thailand 'Changing its name would be a win-win situation for the band', Ashley was quoted as saying on the site. She added: 'The name would no longer be synonymous with animal suffering, and the move would help persuade people to aim for less violent hobbies.' Ashley is an outspoken campaigner for the animal rights organisation and has stripped off for the cause at protests in North Korea and Thailand. Plea: 'We feel sure that it was never your intention to promote the killing of intelligent, sensitive, and defenseless animals. But your name may nevertheless make hunting seem appealing to your fans' Ashley's letter began Animal welfare: 'The name would no longer be synonymous with animal suffering, and the move would help persuade people to aim for less violent hobbies,' Ashley says Last year, in an article for The Daily Telegraph, the activist argued that people who hurt animals are more likely to commit domestic abuse. She wrote, 'Those who abuse animals also tend to use more dangerous forms of violence and controlling behaviour towards their partners'. Hunters and Collectors are set to perform at Adelaide's Clipsal 500 on March 4. Via Asian Correspondent.com, an important article: Amid internal dysfunction, can WHO help Vietnam defeat Zika? Excerpt: The firestorm that was the Zika outbreak in Brazil has largely passed since last year, but the mosquito-borne virus remains a stubborn global health threat. Cases have been popping up in a number of Southeast Asian countries for years Thailand has reported nine cases in the past five years but health officials in Vietnam are worried they could soon be dealing with a Zika pandemic. By January, Ho Chi Minh City had over 200 cases on its hands. Even if the Vietnamese public health system had taken steps forward over the past few years, it is still ill-prepared to handle an outbreak. Vietnams structural healthcare issues make trying to handle any kind of potential pandemic a frightening prospect. The Vietnamese government spends 7.2 percent of its GDP on healthcare, surpassing its neighbours, but the country still has far too few doctors and hospital beds to meet the high (and growing) demand. And even though Communist Vietnam has traditionally seen healthcare as a basic pillar of its relationship with the public, lacking facilities and maddeningly opaque bureaucracies still come standard. Like in China, Vietnams move from a strictly Communist to a more commercialised healthcare system from the 1980s created a two-tiered system. The percentage of people insured might be rising and out-of-pocket costs are falling, but many poor Vietnamese remain uninsured and still have to choose between unbearable expenses or not seeking treatment at all. What makes the decision even harder for rural Vietnamese is that the doctors in their areas have flocked to the cities, even when urban hospitals are severely overcrowded. The ratio of health workers and hospital beds to people stands at 7-8 healthcare workers and 25 beds for every 10,000 Vietnamese. The global average, by comparison, is 15 healthcare workers and 30 beds per 10,000 people. The gap between the current healthcare capacity and what Vietnam would need to handle a crisis means the country, like many other developing nations, will have to rely on the World Health Organisation (WHO), which offers support to national health authorities as one of its primary missions for help. Unfortunately, the organisations most recent attempts to combat crises do not inspire much confidence. In 2015, an expert panel brought together by the Harvard Global Health Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine did not mince their words in condemning the WHOs response to the Ebola crisis. The panel called the response an egregious failure and pointed out fatal delays, such as realising in March 2014 the Ebola outbreak was out of control, but waiting until August to declare an emergency. Again, when the link between Zika and microcephaly became apparent in Brazil, public health experts called out the WHO for inexplicably sitting back on Zika. Compounding the WHOs technical shortcomings is its dwindling funding. To support its cumbersome and costly setup, with a head office in Geneva and six semi-autonomous regional offices (Vietnams is in Manila), the WHO relies on the overwhelming support from voluntary contributions by countries that are increasingly frustrated with its performance. It is no secret that this Real Housewife loves animals but now her business is really going to the dogs. Lisa Vanderpump has launched a new dog store come rescue shelter which takes dogs from the mean streets to the gilded streets of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. The 56-year-old and husband Ken Todd usually are busy opening restaurants but this time decided to open Vanderpump Dogs in West Hollywood, California, to help pooches in need. Scroll down for video It's a dog's life: Lisa Vanderpump opened her new dog shelter and pet store, Vanderpump Dogs, in West Hollywood, California, on Wednesday night Of course Lisa being Lisa could not just hang up the 'open' sign, she had to throw a big bash on Wednesday night. And the power of Lisa and the cuteness of puppies seems to have created a little bit of magic - it made the stars of Vanderpump Rules and their nemesis Lala Kent get along. The ladies of Sur - Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Scheana Marie and Katie Maloney - turned out in force as always. But the shock was the arrival of former Sur host and ex Vanderpump Rules star Lala. Boss' babes: The ladies of Sur - Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Scheana Marie and Katie Maloney - turned out in force as always Unexpected guest: The power of Lisa and the cuteness of puppies seems to have created a little bit of magic, it made the stars of Vanderpump Rules and their nemesis Lala Kent get along. Lala quit the show last year Rose under the bridge? But looks like someone is ready to head back to work, as not only did the model turned host come to the event - she happy posed up with those she had considered her enemies The 25-year-old quit the show after a season of drama which saw her accused of sleeping with a married man who lavished gifts upon her. The rumors saw her and the other female stars go head-to-head episode after episode until she quit. Recently she reportedly even got into a verbal altercation with Kristen in and off-camera incident at Sur. Back for good? The 25-year-old - seen here with Lisa's husband Ken Todd - quit the show after a season of drama which saw her accused of sleeping with a married man who lavished gifts upon her Dressed to impress: Lala did, however, seem intent on making the other stars green with envy, wearing a tight velvet emerald dress to the launch party Who whore it better? Whether by design or otherwise, Scheena - who was one of the few to befriend lala - also wore a green velvet dress but opted for a cleavage-bearing version But looks like someone is ready to head back to work, as not only did the model turned host come to the event - she happy posed up with those she had considered her enemies. Lala did, however, seem intent on making the other stars green with envy, wearing a tight velvet emerald dress to the launch party. Whether by design or otherwise, Scheena - who was one of the few to befriend lala - also wore a green velvet dress but opted for a cleavage-bearing version. Pampered pooch: Of course the night was actually all about Lisa and the dogs so the Beverly Hills Housewives star brought along her beloved dogs Gigi and Harrison (pictured) One and done: For her launch, Lisa wore black jumpsuit which had a plunging neckline but was tied together tightly so not to bare too much like her Vanderpump Rules staff Theme dressing: Lisa wore the one piece with a sequined dog embellished jacket draped over her shoulders Kristen was also showing a lot of front in a plunging black and white patterned jumpsuit. Katie opted for an all-in-one look as well while Stassi kept warm but turned up the heat in some thigh high boots and a sweater dress. Of course the night was actually all about Lisa and the dogs so the Beverly Hills Housewives star brought along her beloved dogs Gigi and Harrison. New friend?The star was also seen cuddling up to another pooch, a big basset hound MIA: While her Vanderpump Rules stars, which also included Tom Schwartz, came, her fellow Housewives were nowhere to be seen Still supportive: Former Housewives star Joyce Giraud made sure to attend and helped Lisa by looking after Gigi The star was also seen cuddling up to another pooch, a big basset hound. For her launch, Lisa wore black jumpsuit which had a plunging neckline but was tied together tightly so not to bare too much like her Vanderpump Rules staff. Lisa wore the one piece with a sequined embellished jacket draped over her shoulders. Warm and fuzzies: Also attending the launch was Leona Lewis and her boyfriend Dennis Jauch, who both opted to wear furry coats While her Vanderpump Rules stars, which also included Tom Schwartz, came, her fellow Housewives were nowhere to be seen. Former star Joyce Giraud made sure to attend and helped Lisa by looking after Gigi. Also attending the launch was Leona Lewis and her boyfriend Dennis Jauch, who both opted to wear furry coats. Party people: Lance Bass and his husband Michael Turchin made the party into date night Just a little kiss: The couple were also quickly won over by two small terriers who they showed some serious puppy love to Lance Bass and his husband Michael Turchin made the party into date night. The couple were also quickly won over by two small terriers who they showed some serious puppy love to. Lisa has long worked to help rescue dogs both in Los Angeles and also to try to save dogs from the Yulin Dog Meat festival in China. Dog lovers: Ken and Lisa created the Vanderpump Dogs Foundation and this store will help fund that Her new store will continue those efforts by helping find dogs homes locally with the profits going to her Vanderpump Dog Foundation that aims to try stop the annual festival in China. Speaking at the party to NBC news Ken joked about Lisa's newest venture: 'I'm not making any profit. It's all going to the dogs. My life has actually gone to the dogs.' Lisa explained how the Vanderpump Rules store will work: ''So what we're going to do is take dogs from the kill shelter, really high-risk dogs and we give them grooming and we have them Vanderpuffed kind of glam them up.' Pooch palace: Vanderpump Dogs will continue their rescue efforts by helping find dogs homes locally and prfits from the shop will go to try stop the annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China Fences star Viola Davis won Oscar gold for best supporting actress Sunday night, but it was only last year that she began to feel fully confident in her skin. 'My confidence took time. It really did, to come into myself,' the 51-year-old cover girl admitted in the March 13 edition of People. 'At first, I just wanted to try really hard to make people see that I was pretty, that I wasn't just the drug addict from [the 2002 drama] Antoine Fisher, so it was about proving something to someone.' Scroll down for video 'My confidence took time': Fences star Viola Davis won Oscar gold for best supporting actress Sunday night, but it was only last year that she began to feel fully confident in her skin The HTGAWM star continued: 'It wasn't until the last year that I was like, "Okay, I'm done with that."' I just want to look like me, good me. I just want to be satisfied with how I look. With every year that passes, [you have to slay] another dragon.' Viola overcame an impoverished upbringing in Rhode Island living in apartments that were 'condemned and rat-infested' and she didn't have a lot of friends. 'I was one of those people that everyone knew, but I didn't have a lot of friends. I didn't date or do any of that stuff. I was overweight and very, very shy,' Davis - a self-described 'geek' - recalled. 'I was definitely not a snazzy dresser and definitely didn't wear makeup.' The 51-year-old cover girl told People: 'It wasn't until the last year that I was like, "Okay, I'm done with [trying to make people see me as pretty]."' I just want to look like me, good me. I just want to be satisfied with how I look. Every year that passes, [you have to slay] another dragon' 'I didn't date': Viola overcame an impoverished upbringing in Rhode Island living in apartments that were 'condemned and rat-infested' and she didn't have a lot of friends Training: The South Carolina-born thespian (R) earned a full scholarship to Rhode Island College, thanks to federal program TRIO Upward Bound, and went on to prestigious Julliard School 'I would jump in trash bins with maggots looking for food, and I would steal from the corner store because I was hungry.' The South Carolina-born thespian earned a full scholarship to Rhode Island College, thanks to federal program TRIO Upward Bound, and went on to prestigious Julliard School. 'It took many years of getting knocked down and getting back up to finally say, "Okay, I think I'm pretty tough. I've got this,"' the Broadway veteran said. 'I was always looking for a way to express what was in me, my thoughts, and I found it through theater, so that was where I thrived. [Otherwise] I probably would have imploded.' Pictured in 2015: Viola's confidence was also helped, in part, thanks to her glam squad - stylist Elizabeth Stewart, hairdresser Jamika Wilson, and make-up artist Autumn Moultrie 'Go Viola!' The Suicide Squad star - who's a Grammy away from an EGOT - is the adoptive mother of six-year-old daughter Genesis with her husband of 13 years, Julius Tennon Renewed! And on February 10, ABC renewed How to Get Away with Murder for a fourth season to premiere in September, so fans can expect more from Professor Annalise Keating Viola's confidence was also helped, in part, thanks to her glam squad - stylist Elizabeth Stewart, hairdresser Jamika Wilson, and make-up artist Autumn Moultrie. The Suicide Squad star - who's a Grammy away from an EGOT - is the adoptive mother of six-year-old daughter Genesis with her husband of 13 years, Julius Tennon. 'She is the light of our lives,' she gushed. 'I never had a house; Genesis has a house. But we hold her accountable for everything.' Davis and the 63-year-old Batman v Superman actor have collaborated together in six films, most recently the 2016 courtroom drama Custody. And on February 10, ABC renewed How to Get Away with Murder for a fourth season to premiere in September, so fans can expect more from Professor Annalise Keating. Advertisement Mischa Barton has made a mini comeback of sorts. After a series of disasters earlier this year that included screaming on her balcony and damaging her apartment building with a U-Haul moving truck, the 31-year-old actress appears to have sprung back to life in a stunning photo shoot. On Wednesday The OC vet wore a skimpy string bikini as she was posing for a bottled water company on the pristine shores of Huntington Beach, California. Beach beauty: Mischa Barton looked like a golden girl as she modeled on the shores of Huntington Beach, California on Wednesday afternoon... but did she have a little help from the airbrush? A tall drink of water she is: The OC vet looked sensational in a bikini as she was posing for a bottled water ad The New York native appeared radiant and glowing as she modelled 138 Water with fashion photographer Malachi Banales. But her incredibly flawless has sparked speculation she may have had a little help from the airbrush for this campaign. There was not a single imperfection on her body as she paraded around in a red, white and black with a Tiki pattern. The bottoms tied on the sides and the top had thin spaghetti straps. Knockout: Her flattering bikini was red, white and black with a Tiki pattern. The bottoms tied on the sides and the top had thin spaghetti straps She clearly has been hitting the gym: The blonde beauty looked toned and tanned as she walked on the beach in her little two piece that did little to cover her up The Beautiful Life: TBL star, who came to fame with 1999's The Sixth Sense, also wore long gold earrings with a matching cuff bracelet. The Once And Again vet posed like a Victoria's Secret Angel as she put a hand on her head, pushed out a hip, touched her neck and sat with one knee up. Despite all the hoopla over her private life, Barton has been very busy with her career. Pretty perfect look: The New York native appeared flawless as she was modeling for 138 Water with fashion photographer Malachi Banales Added accessories: The star, who came to fame with 1999's The Sixth Sense, also wore long gold earrings with a matching cuff bracelet A different look: The star layered in clothes outside her apartment in LA in early February She has four films in post production, including The Malevolent (a horror film with Carolina Bratanova), Father (a drama with Paul Sorvino and Daryl Hannah), The Basement (another horror film, this one with Tracie Thoms) and Executor (an action film with Markiss McFadden). The London-born beauty also is in pre production on The Toybox, a road trip movie with Jeff Denton. And she has complete the film Monsters At Large, a family film with Stephen Tobolowsky. This 138 Water photo shoot comes after she crashed a rented U-Hail truck into an apartment building in mid February. The Notting Hill actress was moving out of a building where she had been living in the same neighborhood. Barton moved all of her belongings into the U-Haul truck and drove to another building located right below the Sunset Strip. It appears as though she miscalculated the height of the carport at the building, as the top of the moving truck slammed into the overhead support beam and became stuck. A video taken moments after the crash shows Barton shaken and saying that everything she owns is inside the U-Haul. The clip also shows Barton speaking with authorities in front of the moving truck and damaged building. It's unclear why the actress moved out of her old building, but photographs show the same U-Haul truck parked outside of her building as her belongings were being moved inside. Move over Alessandra, Gigi and Kendall! The Once And Again vet posed like a Victoria's Secret Angel as she put a hand on her head, pushed out a hip, touched her neck and sat with one knee up She still works a ton: Despite all the hoopla over her private life, Barton has been very busy with her career Her name gets movies made: She has four films in post production, including The Malevolent (a horror film with Carolina Bratanova), Father (a drama with Paul Sorvino and Daryl Hannah), The Basement (another horror film, this one with Tracie Thoms) and Executor (an action film with Markiss McFadden) According to TMZ her old neighbors complained that Barton was disruptive 'to the point cops were called every few months.' It's also unclear where Barton parked the truck with her belongings inside since moving out on Wednesday. Days earlier she was seen heading to a bar in West Hollywood where she was 'drinking and smoking until 3am', according to Yahoo. The actress was at Barney's Beanery, where she enjoyed 'drinks and cigarettes' in between a game of pool, Yahoo reported. The former OC star's outing came just weeks after she had a 'meltdown' where two of her neighbors called 911 saying that Barton had threatened to kill herself. 'My downstairs neighbor is hysterically crying in the backyard and says she's going to kill herself,' said a female neighbor in a 911 tape obtained by TMZ. Two more: The London-born beauty also is in pre production on The Toybox, a road trip movie with Jeff Denton. And she has complete the film Monsters At Large, a family film with Stephen Tobolowsky The past is in the past: This 138 Water photo shoot comes after she crashed a rented U-Hail truck into an apartment building in mid February after she had a meltdown from what she said stemmed from being given GHB 'She's screaming and she just keeps on saying 'I want to die' and then she's like 'I'm going to kill myself' and then she just keeps on, yeah, it's all nonsensical. But I'm very concerned.' That woman then added: 'They've been called there a bunch. They go see her at least every couple of months because she loses it.' Another individual who called, this one a man, said: 'I have a neighbor who's on her back patio just screaming.' He later said: 'She's saying that it's all over, that everything is done and then just wailing. I mean, she's hanging half over her back fence right now.' She must be getting better with age: Here Mischa is seen in a pink one-piece bathing suit while on vacation in Spain in July Barton claimed that she had been given the date rape drug GHB following the incident, which led to her being hospitalized after paramedics arrived on the scene. In previously released footage of the meltdown, which appeared to be filmed by a neighbor, Barton could be seen ranting and raving while she hang over a fence in her backyard. The actress, wearing a loose white t-shirt, could be heard wailing as she rocked back and forth. 'Ah, planet Earth. Um, bye,' says Barton at the top of the video. 'Like, like anybody. Oh my God, it's over. I feel it. And it's angry.' She later says: 'Oh my god, and my mother. I always knew it. Oh you f***** witch. I knew it. What a witch. I was right, I was right.' She then breaks down in tears and begins to wail again. It is then that she starts to say: 'We're dying, we're dying. I knew it, I knew it. I don't want anybody to know. Oh my god, it's terrifying. Whoaaaaaaa, you're angry. Oh, I feel you. Oh, I'll be your conduit. Yeah. Yeah. F*** yeah. F*** yeah. F*** yeah you Ziggy Stardust, I always knew it. I always f***ing knew it.' Her big TV days: The actress with her The OC co-stars (from left) Rachel Bilson, Adam Brody and Benjamin McKenzie as they arrive at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards in Universal City, California A headline-making love life: She used to date Brandon Davis in 2004, left, and in 2006, right, with Cisco Adler Barton then falls off the balcony and back onto her patio, but quickly gets back up. She later said in an interview with People that she went out with a group of friends on the evening before the incident, and it was then that she was drugged. 'While having drinks, I realized that something was not right as my behavior was becoming erratic and continued to intensify over the next several hours,' said the actress. 'I voluntarily went to get professional help, and I was informed by their staff that I had been given GHB. After an overnight stay, I am home and doing well.' Barton thanked the staff at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for their care at the time while also asking that the media respect her privacy. He's been dubbed the 'villain' in this season of Married At First Sight. And Anthony Manton's co-workers appear to have no sympathy for the racing commentator, who last week bemoaned his portrayal on the reality show. 'He's blowing up about it (how he's coming across), but what did he expect?' a source at the 33-year-old's work place, Sky Racing, told The Daily Telegraph. Scroll down for video He had it coming? A source at Anthony Manton's work place, Sky Racing, has condemned his behaviour on Married At First Sight The insider went on to suggest that Anthony invited the backlash over his behaviour by signing up for the series. 'Reality shows are for people who dont have a profile and desperately want one, not for people who have something going on that they could lose,' they claimed. It comes after the Sydney-based contestant raised eyebrows with crude comments he made about wife Nadia Stamp, 36. 'What did he expect?' A source at the reality star's work place spoke out about the backlash towards his comments, suggesting he invited the criticism by signing up to the series 'You've been frigid': It comes after the 33-year-old received backlash over his 'frigid' comment towards wife Nadia Stamp 'We've had problems with intimacy,' he told producers in a preview clip for Sunday's show. 'For lack of a better word, you've been frigid,' he later told Nadia. His comment was met with a slew of backlash, with fans taking to Twitter to condemn his behaviour. Slammed: Fans took to Twitter to blast the racing commentator, with one calling his attitude 'archaic' 'Anthony claiming Nadia's frigid - no mate, with the way you've acted nobody would want to jump you,' one viewer Tweeted. Another outraged fan Tweeted: 'Nadia "frigid"? Rest assured we've all been called that by Mr Unf******** Teeny Weeny.' Other fans chose to critique Anthony's personality in more general terms, with one Tweeting: 'I don't know what scares me more, Anthony's archaic attitude, or Nadia's willingness to put up with it.' 'Can't wait to see Nadia ditch Anthony', quipped another fan. 'I know I haven't been portrayed in the best possible light': The Sydney-based racing commentator claims he has been heavily 'edited' in the show Meanwhile, Anthony has spoken out about the show's portrayal of his character, claiming he has been heavily 'edited'. 'I know I haven't been portrayed in the best possible light. There's so much stuff that is edited out,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'In my case, there needs to be a villain in these shows, and I happen to be it on Married At First Sight,' he continued. Rachael Finch and husband Michael Miziner welcomed a little baby boy on Thursday. And now they want YOUR help to name him. Posting to Facebook on Thursday night, in a video the pair called out fans to help name their bundle of joy who Rachael calls an 'absolute angel.' Scroll down for video Can you help? Posting to Facebook on Thursday night, in a video the pair called out fans to help name their bundle of joy who Rachael calls an 'absolute angel.' Rachael also said her unnamed son is 'sleeping and feeding well' as she simply glowed despite enduring a long birth just a few hours prior. The model and Myer Ambassador made the announcement of his arrival on her Instagram page on Thursday afternoon. She posted a sweet snap of her Michael cuddling their bundle of joy, writing in a caption alongside it: 'Life has never felt more complete. Wow. 2.3.17 Our new little man.. @mikemiziner'. Scroll down for video 'Life has never felt more complete:' Rachael Finch and her husband Michael Miziner welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world on Thursday Makeup free, the 28-year-old was positively glowing as she cradled her sweet newborn, who was wrapped in a striped baby blanket. Rachael gave birth to her baby boy right on her due date. The couple also share a daughter, Violet, three. Just a day before, the energetic fitness instructor was seen strolling around in high heels after appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O show. How did she do it? Just a day before, the energetic fitness instructor was seen strolling around in high heels after appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O show Mother-like-daughter: The couple also share a daughter, Violet, three While many heavily pregnant women would be resting up in their pajamas, Rachael was doing a radio interview with the popular duo. She looked immaculate in a tight-fitting blue dress and pair of sky-high designer stilettos as she exited the studios with ease. The Townsville-born star kept her 185,000 Instagram followers up-to-date with the progress of her pregnancy. Incredibly baby body! The Townsville-born star kept her 185,000 Instagram followers up-to-date with the progress of her pregnancy in numerous glamorous frocks Rachael recently opened up about varying experiences with her second pregnancy compared to her first. 'It's so different and I didn't expect it to be so different,' she told Thinkergirl: The Podcast. The former Dancing With The Stars contestant explained how she had only '10 days of morning sickness' with Violet and has had 'four months straight of morning sickness' with her second baby. 'Think about a disgustingly long haul flight from somewhere like LA, with food poisoning,' she exclaimed. 'That is it, for 24 hours a day.' 'It's so different and I didn't expect it to be so different': Rachael recently opened up about varying experiences with her second pregnancy compared to her first Working mum: It's unclear whether the mother intends to take time off following the birth of her second child. She told The Grace Tales she took six weeks out of her busy schedule to focus on settling into her new role when Violet was born in 2013 Yummy mummy: Rachael looked incredible throughout her pregnancy. She is pictured here at the Myer Spring 16 Fashion Launch in Sydney, last August Rachael married her Dancing With The Stars partner Michael in early 2013, announcing her first pregnancy soon after. She revealed the courtship was 'nice' and 'respectful', telling the Sunday Telegraph they 'didn't kiss for months.' 'It was a very nice, respectful relationship for a long time, but we were dancing every day. We kissed just at the very end,' she told the publication. In September 2013, their daughter Violet Rachael Miziner arrived. The mother told The Grace Tales she took six weeks out of her busy schedule to focus on settling into her new role. The model opened up about 'reconnecting' with a former flame he has 'a lot of feelings for' during his stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! And now Kris Smith has revealed he was speaking of model ex Maddy King. The 38-year-old admitted to KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O on Friday: 'I'm not back with an ex girlfriend, but I've back talking to an ex girlfriend.' Secret's out! I'm A Celebrity's Kris Smith confirms model Maddy King as former flame he's been 'reconnecting' and 'fixing things up' with on Friday's Kyle And Jackie O after being voted out of the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle on Thursday However it was ex Bachelor star Keira Maguire that cheekily let Maddy's name slip in the interview, to which Kris didn't deny. 'I'm not going to rob a bank with you big mouth,' he quickly retorted to the blonde firecracker as he confirmed the ex girlfriend was indeed the 25-year-old stunner. Radio shock jock Kyle insisted Kris should get back together with Maddy, as he said: 'I like you and Maddy together. You belong together.' 'Big mouth': It was ex Bachelor star Keira Maguire that cheekily let Maddy's name slip in the interview, to which Kris slammed Keira for exposing and didn't deny it 'I've back talking to an ex girlfriend': Kris said he wasn't with his ex again, but he was talking with Maddy again (pictured in August 2016) Kris thanked Kyle for the sentiment: 'Thank you Kyle, she's a good girl.' Rumours swirled that the secret ex he was in contact with was Maddy, after she had uploaded posts cheering him on in the South African jungle on her Instagram. One post read: 'Sending lots of love and luck your way! X.' After team-mate Tziporah Malkah called Kris 'anti-Semitic' and a 'chauvinist' during a heated argument on the show, Maddy rushed to her ex-beau's defence, telling Yahoo!: 'Kris is a really kind and amazing guy. He is definitely neither of those comments.' 'She's a good girl!' Kris gushed about his former flame on air after shock jock Kyle Sandilands claimed the couple should get back together as they 'belong together' 'I have got a lot of feelings for her': Kris admitted in the South African jungle that he was speaking to an ex girlfriend regarding 'fixing things up' between them In the jungle Kris admitted he had a secret girlfriend, telling celebrity Tegan Martin 'I'm not single' and later told Ash Pollard that the woman he is dating is in fact an ex-girlfriend he was 'reconnecting with'. 'I have got a lot of feelings for her. I am reconnecting with my ex and everything else. It is fresh. We are talking again about fixing things up,' he said. Maddy and Kris had dated on and off for four years, ending their relationship last year. Former flames: Maddy and Kris had dated on and off for four years, ending their relationship last year 'Im still single, kind of': The model appeared to hint that he could be in the process of getting back together with Maddy in an interview with News Corp Meanwhile, after his elimination he told News Corp that he and ex Maddy 'had a couple of conversations about certain things.' 'Im still single, kind of, it is complicated,' he concluded. Kris attracted attention from both Ash Pollard and Keira Maguire on the show, but insisted he was not interested in either. Heartthrob: Kris attracted attention from both Ash Pollard and Keira Maguire on the show, but insisted he was not interested in either Noor Salman, whose case is being prosecuted in Florida, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charge of assisting her husband in his bid to help a terrorist organization A US federal judge in California on Wednesday agreed to release on bail the widow of the gunman who killed dozens of people at an Orlando nightclub last year. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. Prosecutors had argued that Salman, who was arrested in January in connection with the massacre, should be kept behind bars because she posed a threat to society. They have until Friday to appeal the judge's decision. In handing down her ruling, Ryu said there was no proof Salman had any connection to the Islamic State jihadist group or had exhibited extremist views. She also said there was no evidence Salman posed a risk of flight or a danger to the community. "I agree with the pretrial service recommendation and find that Ms Salman has rebutted the presumptions of both risk of flight and danger to the community and that she can and should be released pursuant to strict conditions that will reasonably mitigate those risks," Ryu said. She ordered the 30-year-old, who had a four-year-old son with Mateen, to wear an electronic monitor while living with her maternal uncle in northern California, where she grew up. The ruling essentially puts Salman under house arrest, allowed to leave only for court appearances, to meet her attorneys or for medical appointments for her and her son, Ryu said. Salman, whose case is being prosecuted in Florida, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charge of assisting her husband in his bid to help a terrorist organization. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the second charge of lying to investigators. Police killed Mateen in a shootout. During the attack, he had called dispatchers to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group. Whether Snapchat can expand beyond its core base of teens and millennials remains a big question mark for the company As Snapchat's owner makes its Wall Street debut, the key question for investors is whether the vanishing-message app is on its way to glory or despair. Wildly popular with young smartphone users keen to share messages that don't linger, Snapchat is alternately viewed in the social media world as a winning bet such as Facebook or a lackluster performer like Twitter. Snap Inc. priced its initial public offering (IPO) Wednesday at $17 a share to raise $3.4 billion and give the California startup a hefty valuation of $24 billion. It's the largest US tech firm to make a market debut since Facebook in 2012. Analysts at the venture equity firm Goodwater Capital said in a report that the company has positioned itself "as the most significant competitor to Facebook in social networking." Snap has some strong credentials, Goodwater noted: more than 158 million daily active users creating 2.5 billion "snaps" per day in 20 different languages, $936 million in revenues expected in 2017, and partnerships with major brands and publishers. "Snapchat is well-positioned to scale rapidly and take market share in the $652 billion global advertising market," the report said. Analyst Debbie Williamson of eMarketer said Snap has "revolutionized" the way young people communicate and been creative with features for users and advertisers. "It has a pretty long runway ahead," she said. "I think of it in the context of where Facebook was early on." Both companies got early locks on a young generation, with the potential to add older users with time. "It always makes sense to stay in tune with what young people are doing, and Snapchat has really struck a chord with young people," Williamson said. Snap's prospects outside the US market are less clear, she added, saying it faces tougher competition as Facebook and others mimic Snapchat's features. - Scale or sink? - Some analysts are skeptical about Snap, however, pointing to the example of Twitter, which has seen only modest increases in its user base since its 2013 IPO, and now trades well below its offering price. Lou Kerner, manager of the Social Internet Fund and a partner in the venture investment firm Flight VC, said he is avoiding the offering, concerned that Snapchat's user engagement may have already peaked. Snap's IPO filing left out details about historical trends for user metrics, he said -- typically not a good sign. "We know all products have lifecycles -- you can look at Twitter for a lesson," he added. Others said potential investors should be wary of Snap's hefty valuation. "Snap is a great company at the valuation of $500 million," Global Research Equities analyst Trip Chowdhry said. "It is a total disaster at anything beyond that." At $22 billion, he added, "it really shows the private markets are totally detached from reality." Investors should learn a lesson from other onetime tech-sector stars that failed to live up to expectations, Chowdhry said. "If you are a fundamental investor, you should be on the sidelines, you should not play the IPO," he said. "Basically, Snap is not a durable company. The foundations are flimsy -- zero technology, zero stickiness, hyper inflated, and zero governance." - Generation gap - Whether Snapchat can expand beyond its core base of teens and millennials remains a big question mark for the company. Goodwater said its January 2017 survey of 2,076 participants from the United States revealed that Snapchat has 16 percent share of "favorite social apps" among leading social apps for users under 30 years old, but only three percent among older users. Snapchat's user base is "quickly expanding into older demographics, with more than 50 percent of its US daily new users coming from the over 25 age group," the report said. A separate survey by the research firm eMarketer projects 70.4 million Americans will use the platform this year, and that growth will slow through 2021. The survey noted that 6.4 percent of Snapchat's users will be between the ages of 45 and 54, as the platform attracts users with new services such as partnerships with television networks for mini-episodes. "Much of Snapchat's growth is being driven by older Americans," eMarketer said. Vandalized tombstones are seen at the Jewish Mount Carmel Cemetery, February 26, 2017, in Philadelphia The US authorities have offered support to Jewish communities in the wake of a series of threats and attacks since President Donald Trump's election in November. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is advising Jewish communities and offering protective measures, DHS Secretary John Kelly said in a statement issued late in the day. "DHS has Protective Security Advisors in all 50 states who serve as liaisons to government, industry and community leaders, and who provide expertise on protective measures, threat reporting and security awareness," he said. The advisors will offer support "in terms of training, protective measures, exercises and information sharing." Counterterrorism experts have also provided Jewish communities information about available federal help, Kelly added. It includes "facility vulnerability assessments, as well as assistance to connect organizations with active shooter preparedness and bombing prevention training and guidance, tabletop exercises, protective measures, guides and other tools to strengthen security," he said. At least 100 Jewish community centers and schools in 33 states have reported bomb and other threats since the start of the year. Last weekend, vandals broke and overturned more than 500 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia. The attack came a week after more than 100 headstones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis, Missouri. The incident prompted a visit by Vice President Mike Pence. After remaining silent on the Missouri attack for several days, Trump decried the anti-Semitic threats as "horrible" and "painful" last week. However, concern is rising about his embrace by white supremacist groups and an "alt-right" movement given a platform on Breitbart, the online news outlet once headed by Trump's chief White House strategist Steve Bannon. The White House also raised eyebrows on International Holocaust Remembrance Day late last month by issuing a statement that made no mention of the six million Jews killed in the Nazi genocide. During a speech to Congress on Tuesday, Trump criticized the recent threats against Jewish community centers and condemned the apparently racially motivated killing of an Indian immigrant in Kansas City. He said those attacks "remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms." Girls practice ballet moves at Alwanat Cutlural Centre in the Upper Egyptian city of Minya, south of the capital Cairo In Egypt's conservative southern province of Minya, young girls in black leotards and white tights wobble on their tip toes to classical music in a room painted with colourful motifs. "Look forward, stretch your arms," a male instructor calls out to the girls aged four and above. They try to mimic their teacher, a professional ballet dancer from the capital, as he gracefully raises his arms over his head. It's a surprising scene in the traditional province, which more often makes headlines for family feuds or sectarian violence against its large Coptic Christian minority. But the founders of the Alwanat Centre in Minya city are determined to make it the first ballet school in the wider Upper Egyptian province of the same name. "Society is a bit insular in Minya. They say there's some extremism here," says Marco Adel, one of the centre's founders. "We want children to be more open to life, to like art," says the 33-year-old law graduate, who is an avid drawer. In the almost two years since ballet lessons started at the centre, they have become a great success, with parents driving up to one hour from nearby towns to bring their children to lessons. - Male instructor - Around 160 students aged four to 26 -- including boys -- now flock to ballet lessons at the Alwanat Centre in Egypt's Minya city, up from 15 after classes were launched in May 2015 Christine Essam, whose daughter Eleina is learning ballet steps at the centre, says she and her husband thought carefully about signing their four-year-old up for classes. "Most people around us -- whether family or friends -- were against it. They'd say: 'Couldn't you find anything other than ballet?'" "Girls in Upper Egypt are expected to wear modest clothes," the 26-year-old pharmacist says, adding it is a "bit hard" to make dance socially acceptable. Around 160 students aged four to 26 -- including boys -- now flock to lessons at the centre, Adel says, up from 15 after classes were launched in May 2015. Most Muslim girls and women who come to learn ballet wear a headscarf, he says, and they can choose to learn with one of the centre's three female instructors, including two who also don the Islamic hijab. But for more than a month, the centre has also had a male instructor. Mamdouh Hassan, a professional dancer with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, travels the 240 kilometres (150 miles) from Cairo every weekend to teach the next generation. Adel says a few parents have complained about a man teaching their daughters, but eventually the instructor was accepted. "At first, we were a little surprised. But we were told he was very experienced and we trust the centre," Essam says. - 'Thrilled' father - The founders of the Alwanat Centre in Minya city are determined to make it the first ballet school in the wider Upper Egyptian province of the same name Vivianne Sobhi, the mother of seven-year-old Farah, says social barriers have started to break down in Minya. "These days girls go swimming in swimsuits," the 27-year-old teacher says. Running a ballet school hundreds of kilometres from the capital is not without its challenges. Male instructor Hassan was once two hours late because the motorway from Cairo was closed due to fog, and the centre had to order ballet shoes from the capital as none were available in the southern city. Adel says the Alwanat Centre -- which also offers zumba and music classes, as well as theatre and cinema workshops -- was born of "personal efforts". "But the culture ministry or sponsors are welcome to help," Adel says, pointing to the centre's small rooms. But parents seem happy. As he helps his five-year-old daughter Heaven arch her back for a gymnastics move called a bridge, Adel Gerges says he is thrilled with her experience at the centre. "We were deprived of all of this during our childhood," says the 35-year-old pharmacist. "We won't make the same mistake with our daughter." German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on stemming illegal migration to her country, during a two-day trip that will also include Tunisia. Turmoil exploited by people smugglers since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi has made Libya, which neighbours Egypt and Tunisia, the main gateway for African migrants seeking to make dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. "There are routes for illegal immigration from Libya to Germany. We have a lot of mutual concern and interest in putting an end to this," she said at a press conference with Sisi. "The question now is how to stop human trafficking and prevent the opening of a new route for escaping to Europe through Egypt," she said. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi speaks at a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, following their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Cairo on March 2, 2017 She added that Germany would continue providing technical support for Egypt to monitor its long border with Libya. Merkel has urged the North African states to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. After meeting Sisi, Merkel is scheduled to meet Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II and Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Egypt's top Muslim cleric. She will depart to Tunisia on Friday to meet Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. Merkel is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, jihadist attacks and high unemployment, especially among youths. - Holding centres - Asylum seekers in Germany "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying: "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". - 'Dodgy deals' - Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt banned protests and jailed thousands of people, while outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood movement president Mohamed Morsi whom Sisi, a former army chief, overthrew in 2013. Repatriating Tunisians and Egyptians who do not need protection can be "legitimate" if they are treated fairly, the New York-based rights group said. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. At the press conference with Sisi, Merkel said she broached the topic of Egypt's controversial NGO law which critics say will stifle civil society. "We also spoke about civil society in general and I affirmed that the rule of law and a diverse civil society are very important for the development of the country and the society," she said. Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage by Tunisian immigrant Anis Amri at a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people in December. A year before, sexual assaults by large groups of mostly North African men on New Year's Eve against women in Cologne provoked outrage in Germany. The lower house of the Philippine parliament votes on a bill reimposing the death penalty for narcotics trafficking, March 1, 2017 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign to bring back the death penalty for drug-related crimes has cleared a major hurdle, with supporters backing it in congress but critics denouncing the planned killings as "inhumane". The death penalty bill, along with a proposed measure to punish children as young as nine as adult criminals, are key planks of Duterte's controversial drug war that has already claimed more than 6,500 lives. A majority of politicians in the lower house of congress passed a second reading of the bill on Wednesday night, clearing one of the biggest obstacles in proponents' plans to make the death penalty legal by May. A third and final reading still needs to be held next week, although with no more debates both sides agree passage is a formality. Then the Senate, which is similarly dominated by Duterte's allies, would pass a counterpart bill. "We have hurdled the most difficult part," congressman Reynaldo Umali, a sponsor of the bill, told AFP. Opponents voiced anger the Philippines would bring back the death penalty, 11 years after it was revoked, highlighting among many concerns a corrupt justice system that would lead to innocent people being executed. Philippines drug war "The decision is inhumane, shameful and blatantly disrespectful," Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary for public affairs at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said in a statement sent to AFP. "Let me reiterate this, criminals should be punished and victims should be aided, but the punishment should not be death. Due to our flawed and dysfunctional criminal justice system, there is a great chance that innocent people may become victims of wrongful convictions." The Catholic Church, which counts 80 percent of Filipinos as followers, had led the opposition to abolish the death penalty in 2006. Secillano and opposition lawmakers also criticised the tactics used to ensure the bill was passed, such as curtailing of debates and only allowing a vote by voice so lawmakers would not be specifically identified as having supported it. The speaker of the house also threatened to strip lawmakers of committee leadership positions if they voted against the bill. "This is a chamber of puppets and bullies," congressman Edcel Lagman, a longtime opponent of capital punishment, said after his efforts to block the bill were voted down. - Just drug crimes - The bill limits the death penalty to drug-related crimes. Possessing 500 grammes of marijuana, or 10 grammes of cocaine, heroin or ecstasy, would be crimes punishable by execution, as would manufacturing and selling drugs. A relative of a victim of extra-judicial killings in President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war arranges photographs of victims on the grounds of a church in Manila on March 1, 2017 People who commit serious crimes such as murder and rape while under the influence of drugs could also be executed. However committing those crimes without being under the influence of drugs would only be punishable with jail terms. The bill allows for execution by hanging, firing squad or injection. Duterte won presidential elections last year after pledging an unprecedented campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. Since he took office in June, police have reported killing more than 2,550 people in the drug crackdown, claiming all the deaths were in self defence, while more than 4,000 others have died in unexplained circumstances. Rights groups and other critics have said Duterte is presiding over widespread human rights violations, with Amnesty International warning the killings could amount to a crime against humanity. "The move by the Philippine Congress to reinstate the death penalty constitutes another step backward for human rights which are already under threat from Dutertes abusive 'war on drugs'," Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Kine said on Thursday. Many Filipinos support Duterte and his drug war, arguing extreme measures must be taken to halt crime. After capital punishment, another priority bill for Duterte is a companion bill lowering the age of criminal liability to as low as nine years old, from 15 currently. Tanzanian riot police stand guard during a celebration in Dar es Salaam in 2015 Tanzanian civil society organisations have launched a year-long campaign calling on the government to respect freedom of expression and assembly. Launched on Wednesday, the campaign "seeks to safeguard the freedoms of assembly and expression," said a statement from Tanzania's Legal and Human Rights Centre, one of the eight organisations behind the move. "Without freedom of expression and freedom of assembly there can be no development," they said of the campaign which involves putting on seminars, discussions and debates. Since taking office in 2015, President John Magufuli has been accused of heavy-handed and authoritarian rule and of passing laws limiting fundamental rights. One such law is the 2016 Media Services Act which restricts the activities of journalists, bloggers and users of social media, which is currently being challenged in court, with civil society groups saying it undermines press freedom and free speech. "We recommend that the above laws be reviewed and reformed so as to ensure that they comply with Constitutional and international standards," they said. They also said there had been a "two-pronged attack" on freedom of assembly by the government and police. "People must be allowed to peacefully assemble and associate with others so that they can share their opinions on issues affecting their lives," the groups said. Public demonstrations and political rallies have been repeatedly blocked or broken up under Magufuli who has demonstrated little patience with dissent. Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrive for a meeting in Hanoi with family members of Japanese veterans living in Vietnam on March 2, 2017 Japan's royal couple on Thursday listened to the tearful stories of Vietnamese children who were abandoned by their Japanese soldier fathers after WWII, a symbolic meeting in Hanoi aimed at healing wounds between the former war foes. The 83-year-old Japanese emperor Akihito and his wife, Michiko, are on their first visit to Vietnam, the latest in a series of trips to former battlegrounds. The elderly couple shook hands and comforted more than a dozen children of the some 700 Japanese military men who decided to stay in Vietnam for a decade after their country's defeat in the second world war. It was under Akihito's father Hirohito that Japan first sent troops into Vietnam in 1940 when the country was a colony of France. After the war many of the soldiers stayed on, married Vietnamese women and began raising families as they helped revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh secure independence from Paris, a little-known chapter of the two countries shared histories. But they were ordered to leave the country in 1954 and "encouraged" by the Vietnamese government to leave their families behind, said Hatsuhisa Takashima, the emperor's press secretary. "It might be possible that Vietnamese authorities thought that it was not good for Vietnamese people to jump to a quite new environment," he said. The half-Japanese children left behind often endured painful ostracisation at home, while their mothers struggled to raise families on their own and were criticised for cosying up to the former occupying forces. "I understood that families of ex-Japanese soldiers here encountered many difficulties," Emperor Akihito said after listening to tearful stories of separation. "We are thankful for the attention by the Japanese emperor and empress," said 94-year-old Nguyen Thi Xuan, a former war bride who raised three half-Japanese children on her own and never remarried. "War brought nothing to us. I only want peace for both countries of Vietnam and Japan," Xuan said. Tran Duc Dung, whose Japanese father trained Vietnamese military men during the war, said he was eager to forget the hardships and discrimination his family faced. "It's time to close all that happened in the past. My only wish now is to be recognised by the Japanese government as a Japanese citizen," Dung told AFP. Akihito's visit is laden with personal symbolism. Under Hirohito, considered an emperor god by his followers at the time, Japan embarked on its rapid and often brutal colonial expansion across Asia that still stalks regional relations. But Vietnam and Japan have built up a warm relationship since diplomatic relations were established in 1973, pushed together by business ties and, increasingly, a mutual suspicion of China. Japan is now a top aid donor and a leading investor in the communist country. It also welcomes thousands of Vietnamese to its universities. Akihito and Michiko will fly to Hue the former imperial capital on Friday and then on to Thailand on Sunday. The late Kim Jong-Nam (left) and his half-brother Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean leader The murder of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother in a crowded Malaysian airport has made headlines worldwide -- although not, in so many terms, in the North itself. Kim Jong-Nam, 45, the eldest son of the North's late ruler Kim Jong-Il and once seen as his heir-apparent, had lived a life of exile in China after falling out of favour. He died on February 13 after being attacked by two women from Indonesia and Vietnam, allegedly hired by the North's agents. South Korea and Malaysia have blamed the North, while Pyongyang has angrily denied involvement and accused both of trying to frame it and "smear" its reputation. Here are some comments from key figures in the unfolding drama. - South Korea slams 'paranoid' leader - A day after the assassination, Seoul's spy chief, Lee Byung-Ho, told lawmakers that Kim had issued a "standing order" years ago to kill Jong-Nam -- a plan driven by the young leader's "paranoid personality". "The assassination, if confirmed done by the North, would be a sign of Kim Jong-Un's paranoid personality rather than a calculated move to remove a political threat," Lee was quoted as saying by lawmakers after a closed-door briefing. "There was one (assassination) bid in 2012, and Jong-Nam in April 2012 sent a letter to Jong-Un saying 'Please spare me and my family,'" multiple lawmakers quoted Lee as saying. The South Korean government has since criticised use of the banned nerve agent VX as an "act of terror" and a "blatant violation" of the Chemical Weapons Convention. South Korean foreign minister Yu Byung-Se described the murder as "a wake-up call... to North Korea's chemical weapons capability and its intent to actually use them". "In the wake of this heinous act of using chemical weapons in Malaysia, we have to seriously consider what steps we should take in the coming weeks and months," he said. - Malaysia fumes - The rare, Cold War-style murder triggered widespread anger in Malaysia and sent diplomatic tensions with Pyongyang -- with which it has unusually strong ties -- soaring. Kuala Lumpur on Thursday cancelled a visa-free travel deal with North Korea. Earlier, it recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang in protest and summoned Kang Chol, the North Korean ambassador to Malaysia, for questioning by police -- which Kang has so far has refused. "The ambassador has been informed of the process involved (in the police probe) but he continues to be delusional and spew lies and accusations against the government of Malaysia," Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Aman said last week. Malaysia's health minister confirmed that Jong-Nam would have suffered a "very painful death" after the attack, dying within 15 to 20 minutes. The two women -- who have been indicted -- shoved something onto Jong-Nam's face, according to leaked CCTV footage. "I am outraged that the criminals used such a dangerous chemical in a public area," Malaysian Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said last week as angry protestors waved a banner reading "Respect Malaysia" outside the North Korean embassy. - North Korea blames 'smear campaign' - So far the North has not confirmed the identity of the victim, referring to him only by a pseudonym he used, Kim Chol, and as a citizen who carried a diplomatic passport. For more than a week after it happened, the North's official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) made no reference to the killing, and when it did, it condemned a Malaysian autopsy as "illegal and immoral" and demanded the body be handed over. The North maintained there was no clear evidence blaming it for the murder and accused the South, the US and Malaysia of framing Pyongyang as part of a "smear campaign" against the nation and its leader. "The reckless moves of the US and the south Korean authorities are aimed to meet the dangerous political purpose to tarnish the image of the dignified DPRK and bring down the social system in it," KCNA said this week, using the North's official name. "This being a hard fact, the US and the south Korean authorities are kicking up an anti-DPRK smear campaign, groundlessly pulling it up," it said. China -- which is the North's sole major ally and economic lifeline, but is increasingly frustrated -- has banned all coal imports from its neighbour for the rest of this year. The North did not release an official response but an essay published by KCNA lashed out at Beijing "mean behaviour", saying it was "styling itself a big power" but "dancing to the tune of the US". British former war correspondent David Fox waits to attend his trial in Denpasar on Indonesia's Bali island on March 2, 2017 Indonesian prosecutors Thursday demanded a one-year jail term for a British former war correspondent on trial for allegedly using hashish on the resort island of Bali. If former Reuters journalist David Fox, 55, is handed a one-year sentence, it would include time already served, meaning he could be released from jail in a matter of months. Prosecutors will recommend a jail sentence for Australian businessman Giuseppe Serafino, 48, who was detained before Fox and led police to the journalist, at a later hearing. The pair are charged with using, possessing and transporting hashish after allegedly being caught in possession of small amounts of the drug in October. After being arrested, Fox admitted to police that he had been using hashish for years due to the stress of covering conflicts. The former Reuters journalist covered wars and disasters in countries including Bosnia, Rwanda and Iraq. At Thursday's hearing in the Balinese capital Denpasar, prosecutor Erawati Susina said that Fox's actions were "against the government's programs which are aimed at eradicating illicit drugs". Under Indonesia's tough anti-drugs laws, he could face several years in jail but Susina said prosecutors were seeking a lenient sentence as Fox was a first-time offender and had admitted his wrongdoing. "We request the panel of judges sentence David Matthew Fox to one year in prison, with time he served in detention deducted," Susina said. Judges do not have to follow prosecutors' sentence recommendations but they often do. The trial is likely to finish in a matter of weeks, with the verdict and sentence handed down after Fox's defence team is given the chance to make a final statement. Authorities raided Serafino's house after a tip-off that a foreigner living there had been using drugs. Police found about seven grams (a quarter of an ounce) of hashish, after which Serafino said Fox had helped him buy the drugs. Fox was later arrested and police found 10 grams of hashish in his pocket and at his house, along with smoking equipment. Indonesia has some of the toughest anti-narcotics laws in the world but the pair will escape the death penalty as they have not been charged with trafficking. Iraqis carry belongings as they flee Mosul during an offensive by security forces to retake the western parts of the city from Islamic State group on March 1, 2017 The gunshot rang out as civilians tried to escape the west of Mosul, where Iraqi forces are battling jihadists, killing a father as he fled with his family. "The sniper shot him in the head. His family was all around him, the children and his wife, they were crying," said Maysun, who saw the shooting as she fled Mosul's Maamun neighbourhood. "They didn't want to leave his side, but we made them continue because it was so dangerous," the 35-year-old told AFP at a camp for the displaced near Iraq's second city. More than 28,000 people have streamed out of west Mosul since February 19, when security forces began a push to wrest control from the Islamic State group, according to International Organization for Migration figures. They are fleeing fighting and food shortages, but they face horrifying scenes as they leave. "There were bodies in the street as we walked, children, pieces of bodies," said Safana, 23, as she waited in a food distribution queue in the Hamam al-Alil camp. She said IS fighters had told people to leave her neighbourhood of Maamun in west Mosul. "They came in the morning and said if we hadn't left by evening they would kill us," she said, adjusting her yellow headscarf. Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service has faced "fierce" resistance from IS in southwest Mosul, and the jihadists have targeted fleeing civilians, according to senior commander Staff Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi. - Heartbroken - The battle for Mosul He told AFP around 15 fleeing civilians had been killed by jihadists in the past 10 days, with more wounded. Safana, who like many of those fleeing Mosul declined to give her family name, said civilians had been trapped in their homes during heavy clashes. "Our neighbour's house was hit by a mortar round and the whole house collapsed on top of them." "We managed to pull out two wounded people," her sister Shaimaa interjected. "But all the rest were dead, and their bodies are still under the rubble." Among those killed elsewhere in the area known as the Maamun Flats was 10-year-old Rusud Saddam, whose mother was inconsolable as she walked along a highway to reach transport to a camp for the displaced. "My daughter was standing in the corridor in the house... the mortar round hit and she's gone," she wept from behind a black face veil. "They broke my heart... I left her in the cemetery. I left her in the cemetery and I came." Some of the displaced were moving from areas already under Iraqi military control, afraid of the ongoing fighting and eager to move to safety. Others escaped across the front line, waiting until they saw Iraqi forces in the distance and running towards them with white flags. - 'Physical, psychological trauma' - More than 28,000 people have streamed out of west Mosul since February 19, when security forces began a push to wrest control from the Islamic State group At the Hamam al-Alil camp, 4,000 tents have been put up to receive arrivals, and more than 14,000 people have already been registered, said administrator Nader Samir. He said the camp, run by a local NGO with UN support, was struggling with several basic problems, however. "Our major need is for medical treatment. We don't have any capacity and we have yet to get a response from the government on our request for help," he told AFP. He said the camp also had no electricity, because funds for a generator and fuel have yet to be released by the government. Dozens of men and women were lined up at the camp in separate queues, waiting for food being distributed by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Many of the displaced described surviving on a single meal a day. "We had virtually no food and Daesh fighters came into our house and took what we had left," said Khaled Mohamed, 24, using an Arabic acronym for IS. "I'm afraid for my relatives who are still inside, I don't know if they will be killed." Samir said civilians were arriving hungry, thirsty and traumatised. "They're suffering physically and psychologically, from what they've seen -- torture, executions, death." The Roman amphitheatre in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, pictured on March 31, 2016 Syria's ancient city of Palmyra, which government forces are again battling to retake from jihadists, has become a symbol of the Islamic State group's wanton destruction of cultural heritage. The city and its ruins, designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980, have traded hands several times during Syria's civil war. IS first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the site's monuments and temples. IS fighters were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the town last December. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, but their advance has been slowed by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Before the Syrian conflict erupted in 2011, the city of 1,000 columns and a formidable necropolis of more than 500 tombs attracted more than 150,000 tourists a year. - Ancient trade hub - Although the precise date of its founding is unknown, Palmyra's name is referred to on a tablet dating from the 19th century BC as a stopping point for caravans between the Mediterranean and the east. Syria's ancient city of Palmyra and its ruins, designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1980, have traded hands several times during the civil war It was during the Roman Empire -- beginning in the first century BC and lasting 400 years -- that the oasis city rose to prominence. Despite being surrounded by desert, Palmyra developed into a wealthy metropolis thanks to trade in spices, perfumes, silk and ivory from the east. Known to Syrians as the "Pearl of the Desert", Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were some of the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. Some 210 kilometres (130 miles) northeast of Damascus, its name means City of Palms. It is also known by the Arabic name Tadmor, or City of Dates. The city's temples were built after it was declared a free city by Roman emperor Hadrian in 129 AD, which allowed it to collect its own taxes. In the third century, Palmyrenes beat back the Romans in the west and Persian forces in the east in a revolt led by Zenobia, who became queen after her husband died in mysterious circumstances. By 270 AD, Zenobia had conquered all of Syria and parts of Egypt. Her forces advanced into what is now Turkey before they were defeated by the Roman emperor Aurelian near Antakya. - Campaign of destruction - The remains of the Arch of Triumph in Palmyra after it was destroyed by the Islamic State group in Syria IS, which considers statues of humans or animals as blasphemous, overran Palmyra on May 21, 2015. Three months later, the jihadists beheaded Palmyra's 82-year-old former antiquities chief Khaled al-Assaad and launched a campaign of destruction against treasured monuments. They destroyed the ancient shrine of Baal Shamin, attacked the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel and blew up the Arch of Triumph, which dated from around 200 AD. They also destroyed a dozen of Palmyra's best preserved tower tombs and the famed Lion of Al-Lat outside the city's museum. The jihadists even used the city's ancient amphitheatre as a venue for public execution-style killings. Syrian government forces, backed by Russian warplanes, recaptured the city on March 27, 2016, but IS fighters stormed back in on December 11. In early January, IS launched a new demolition operation, destroying Palmyra's tetrapylon monument and the facade of the city's Roman amphitheatre. Malaysia said there was insuffient evidence to charge Ri Jong-Chol The only North Korean arrested over the dramatic airport assassination of Kim Jong-Nam is to be deported, Malaysia said Thursday, as it announced the abrupt cancellation of a visa-waiver programme with Pyongyang. The moves came the day after two young women appeared in court charged with murdering the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un with a banned nerve agent. Attorney general Mohamed Apandi Ali said 47-year-old Ri Jong-Chol would be released and deported on Friday. "He is a free man. His remand expires and there is insufficient evidence to charge him," Apandi said. "He has no proper [travel] documents so we will deport him." Kim Jong-Nam suffered an agonising death within 20 minutes of being attacked with the nerve agent Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the killing, including a diplomat and an airline employee who are believed to be in Malaysia. Four others are thought to have fled to Pyongyang on the day of the murder. Ri was arrested days after Kim suffered an agonising death when he was attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as he waited to board a flight to Macau. CCTV footage shows two women approaching the heavyset 45-year-old and appearing to thrust a cloth in his face. Police say he suffered a seizure and died less than 20 minutes later, without reaching hospital. Swabs of the dead man's face revealed traces of the VX nerve agent, a synthetic chemical so deadly that it is classed as a weapon of mass destruction. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (right) ordered the killing of his half-brother Kim Jong-Nam, according to South Korea Indonesian Siti Aisyah, 25, and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam, were charged with murder on Wednesday. If found guilty, they could be hanged. Both women say they thought they were taking part in a prank video but police have dismissed the claims. - Visa waiver - South Korea has consistently pointed the finger of blame at North Korea, citing what they say was a standing order from Kim Jong-Un to kill his exiled half-brother. Kim Jong-Nam (grey suit) speaks to Malaysian security guards after he was attacked in Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13 Pyongyang -- which has never acknowledged Kim's identity -- has denied the charge and disputes the autopsy, claiming Malaysia is in cahoots with its enemies. In a press conference at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Norths deputy envoy to the United Nations, Ri Tong-Il, reiterated Pyongyangs assertion that Kim had died of a heart attack and that South Korea was peddling conspiracy theories regarding the use of nerve agents to damage the North's image. "A strong indication for the cause of death is a heart attack," said Ri who flew to Malaysia three days ago. The senior diplomat dismissed the use of a toxin and once again urged Malaysia to release Kims body to the North Korean authorities. The two countries, which had enjoyed relatively warm relations, have been at diplomatic daggers drawn since the killing. Doan Thi Huong (left) and Siti Ashyah have both been charged with the February 13 assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un On Thursday Kuala Lumpur -- which had earlier recalled its ambassador -- said it was cancelling its visa-free travel deal with Pyongyang. The government was implementing the change on the grounds of national security, Malaysian news agency Bernama quoted deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying. - 'Downgrading ties' - The cancellation will take effect on March 6, after which North Koreans entering Malaysia will be required to obtain a visa, the report added. "We are not looking for enemies but if they use Malaysia as a platform to carry out their agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international diplomatic front," Ahmad Zahid told a public event. "We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of the people. Do not think you can use Malaysia to do what you want to do. Do not use Malaysia to carry out your illegal activities," he added. Malaysia was one of only a tiny handful of countries around the world that had such a visa waiver scheme with North Korea. A senior Malaysian official told AFP that the government was mulling further "downgrading diplomatic ties" with North Korea. "Malaysia is considering shutting down its mission in Pyongyang," he said, as well as the expulsion of the North Korean ambassador following his "baseless allegations", a reference to accusations of bias in the murder probe. By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues on Saturday with two major Derby prep races at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park, including the $400,000 Xpressbet Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II). We're reaching the point where every prep race has serious Derby implications, for major qualification points are on the line and Derby dreams can be prolonged or dashed at any moment. We'll focus our attention this week on the Fountain of Youth, Gulfstream's penultimate prep race for the Kentucky Derby... Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) Although the race has drawn eleven horses, the recent announcement that early Kentucky Derby favorite McCraken will miss the March 11th Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) could have an impact on the Fountain of Youth field. The trainers of Beasley and Lookin for Eight are thinking of scratching to await the Tampa Bay Derby, which could leave the Fountain of Youth with just nine starters, and also a decidedly less contentious pace. Assuming that Beasley and Lookin for Eight do scratch, that would leave Takaful and Three Rules as the likely pacesetters, with Talk Logistics another that could show speed. This could allow race favorite Irish War Cry to settle into a perfect trip just behind the leaders, and from there, he should be very tough to beat. Regular readers of this blog know that I have been very excited about Irish War Cry since his maiden win at Laurel Park, and my excitement has only grown in the ensuing months. Following a game win in the Marylander Stakes on December 31st, Irish War Cry made his two-turn debut in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) here at Gulfstream last month and delivered a huge performance. After setting the early pace, Irish War Cry kicked away turning for home and won by a decisive 3 lengths despite racing a bit greenly in the homestretch. Granted, Irish War Cry got a great setup in the Fountain of Youth-the fractions he set (:24.14, :47.92, and 1:11.87) were definitely on the slow side, and his lead was pretty much uncontested. In addition, runner-up Gunnevera had to steady on the far turn and lost his momentum at a critical point-you can make a case that Gunnevera would have finished much closer with a better trip. However, I think it's important to note that from a visual perspective, Irish War Cry looked fantastic. He was absolutely full of run in the homestretch, bounding home with authority while running his final sixteenth of a mile in a quick :06.15 seconds despite appearing to be a little unfocused. I got the impression that Irish War Cry had a ton left in the tank and was even more superior than his margin of victory implies. As a son of Curlin, Irish War Cry should only continue to improve, and judging from his impressive late-running maiden win, I think he might be even better rating off the pace with a target to chase. Furthermore, his most recent workout-in which he rated behind a workmate before pouncing in the homestretch-was eye-catching with a powerful gallop-out, and it drew rave reviews from clockers and others in the industry. Irish War Cry will be a short price (I expect him to go off at much lower than 5-2), but I don't think he'll be beaten. Practical Joke is another runner that could draw significant wagering attention. Trained by Chad Brown, Practical Joke won the Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) and Champagne Stakes (gr. I) last year and ran well enough in his two-turn debut to finish third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), beaten 7 lengths while finishing well clear of the rest of the field. Practical Joke didn't get the best setup that day, racing wide while trying to close ground, so there's certainly room for improvement in the Fountain of Youth. He's been training steadily at Palm Meadows for his return, posting six straight workouts at a half-mile or longer, including a pair of bullet five-furlong breezes in February. Chad Brown does well with horses coming off layoffs, and actually won the Swale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream last month with Favorable Outcome, another colt that hadn't run since the Breeders' Cup. I would expect Practical Joke to be ready to roll off the layoff, although defeating Irish War Cry could be a challenge. As mentioned earlier, Gunnevera finished a strong second in the Holy Bull despite losing his momentum while rallying on the far turn. Although he won a pair of graded stakes races as a two-year-old, including the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (gr. III), I believe the Holy Bull was his best run to date, and after drawing post two, he could be in the position to work out a ground-saving trip under four-time Eclipse award-winning jockey Javier Castellano. My only hesitation is that Gunnevera has been training almost non-stop since last May; he did take a one-month break from breezing after the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes, but came right back on December 31st with five furlongs in a bullet :59 4/5 at Gulfstream Park West. With seven starts under his belt already, I'm not certain that Gunnevera has as much room for improvement as colts like Irish War Cry and Practical Joke, although he likely won't need to take a step forward to hit the board again. So in essence, if Beasley and Lookin for Eight withdraw from the race, the Fountain of Youth could turn out to be a rather chalky event dominated by the three favorites. One longshot that is a bit appealing is the speedy Takaful, who is training well and could be set to rebound after a last-place finish in the Jerome Stakes (gr. III) over a muddy track last time out. He had previously won a 6 -furlong maiden race at Belmont by eight lengths before finishing third in the nine-furlong Remsen Stakes (gr. II), a race that might have been too much too soon. As a son of Bernardini out of a Distorted Humor mare, he's bred to handle this distance and could get brave if able to clear the field from his wide draw and secure the lead, although that's a big if with Three Rules drawn to his inside. But to put it simply, I think Irish War Cry is something special-a very talented colt with the potential to keep progressing and win the Kentucky Derby. I expect him to deliver a big run in the Fountain of Youth, and even though he'll be a short price, he is my selection to win. And just for fun, let's see if we can call the straight superfecta: Irish War Cry, Practical Joke, Gunnevera, and Takaful. Now it's your turn! Who do you like in the Fountain of Youth? ***** The Unlocking Winners Road to the Kentucky Derby Handicapping Challenge is back for a third consecutive year! Please be sure to post all entries, prime horses, and stable additions on the official contest page. Thanks, and enjoy the racing! ***** J. Keeler Johnson (also known as "Keelerman") is a writer, blogger, videographer, handicapper, and all-around horse racing enthusiast. A great fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. He is the founder of the horse racing website www.theturfboard.com. A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on July 21, 2016 shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad speaking during an interview with the official Cuban Prensa Latina agency, in the capital Damascus Seven Syrian torture survivors, two lawyers and a human rights group have filed a criminal complaint in Germany against secret service officials of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, the initiative said Thursday. The complaint names and seeks international arrest warrants against six high-level officials of the Syrian Military Intelligence Service, in whose Damascus prisons the claimants say they were tortured or witnessed torture. According to witness testimony, prisoners were beaten with pipes, sticks and meat hooks on chains, given electric shocks, burnt with cleaning chemicals and stabbed with pencils, the broken-off tips left inside their flesh. "We cannot just look on at the horror of Syria," said Wolfgang Kaleck, head of the Berlin-based non-profit legal organisation that launched the case, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). "We have to start describing what is happening in Syria with words and legal categories," he said in a statement. "Germany can and must react to grave human rights violations such as torture, massacres and sexual violence in Syria." The case accuses the Assad regime of having carried out "systematic and widespread torture targeting opponents and activists... for several decades". Germany's federal prosecution service welcomed the complaint, with a spokeswoman saying it may provide further evidence to support its own ongoing investigation into Syrian war crimes launched in 2011. The new complaint alleges crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in three Damascus prisons between October 2011 and July 2015, based on the testimonies of 12 witnesses, seven of whom are complainants. The Syrian ex-detainees, men and women aged 26 to 57, are joined by Syrian lawyers Anwar al-Bunni and Mazen Darwish, who have both themselves been victims of torture and abuse in Syrian regime cells. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," said Darwish. Bunni added: "Massive human rights violations must not remain unanswered. This is clear since the Nuremberg trials. Torture is absolutely forbidden." The complaint was launched under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows the German judiciary to become active in cases where neither the victims nor the perpetrators are German citizens, said the ECCHR. Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt for three decades until 2011 Egypt's top appeals court on Thursday acquitted Hosni Mubarak of involvement in the killing of protesters during a 2011 revolt, ending the final trial for the strongman who ruled for 30 years. Mubarak had been sentenced to life in 2012 but an appeals court ordered a retrial, which dismissed the charges two years later. Thursday's ruling by the Court of Cassation is final. The trial was Mubarak's last, after prosecutors levelled various charges against him following his February 2011 resignation. He was accused of inciting the deaths of protesters during the 18-day revolt, in which about 850 people were killed as police clashed with demonstrators. Mubarak, 88, has spent most of his time in a military hospital since his arrest in 2011. In January 2016, the appeals court upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons on corruption charges. But the sentence took into account time served. Both his sons, Alaa and Gamal, were freed. Six years after his overthrow, most of the charges brought against his regime members have been dismissed while the country still recovers from the aftermath of the uprising. The revolt had ushered in years of instability that drove away tourists and investors, decimating the economy. Mubarak's Islamist successor, Mohamed Morsi, served for only a year before the military ousted and detained him in 2013, launching a deadly crackdown on his supporters. Morsi and hundreds of Islamists have been sentenced in mass trials, although many of them are appealing the verdicts. A former air force chief and vice president, Mubarak became president after jihadists who had infiltrated the army shot dead president Anwar Sadat during a military parade in 1981, also wounding Mubarak. He remained defiant throughout his trial. "I did nothing wrong at all," he told a private broadcaster after receiving the life sentence in 2012 over the deaths of protesters. "When I heard the first verdict I laughed. I said: 'Ha!'." Apparently referring to economic growth, he said: "The last 10 years showed more results than the 20 years before, including telephones and so on, and then they turned against us." Critics say that the abuses they fought under Mubarak have returned with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who toppled Morsi. Morsi's overthrow sparked a jihadist insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers. It has also led Sisi to argue that while he supports human rights, the dangers facing the country also require a firm hand. Israeli soldier Elor Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in jail by a military court in Tel Aviv, on February 21, 2017 A military court postponed on Thursday the jailing of an Israeli soldier convicted of shooting dead a wounded Palestinian, pending his appeal. Elor Azaria was sentenced by a military court on February 21 to 18 months in jail after an exceptional trial that captivated Israel and highlighted deep divisions in public opinion. He was due to begin his sentence on March 5, but an appeals court accepted the defence's request to delay the sentence. "The imprisonment will be postponed until the result of the appeal," appeals court judge Orly Markman said, adding that Azaria would be confined to base in the meantime. Defence attorney Yoram Sheftel said he would be ready to begin the appeal within six weeks. "I am rejoicing," he said after the court ruling. Azaria appeared in court Thursday in full military uniform and smiling broadly. His father Charlie also welcomed the ruling. "I hope that the spirit of justice there was at the hearing today will continue throughout the entire appeal," he told journalists. The March 2016 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video by a rights group and spread widely online. It showed Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, 21, lying wounded on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army. Azaria then shoots him in the head without any apparent provocation. Azaria said he feared Sharif was wearing an explosive belt and could blow himself up, a claim judges rejected. His 18-month sentence, with another 18 months suspended, was condemned as too stern by rightwing politicians and labelled too lenient by Palestinians and rights groups. The decision to appeal was controversial, with three of Azaria's lawyers announcing Wednesday they were resigning from the case. In a statement, the lawyers said they believed avenues other than an appeal would be preferable to Azaria. The outspoken Sheftel, who only joined Azaria's defence team in January, won his fame successfully representing Nazi death camp guard John Demjanjuk in the appeal against his death sentence in Israel in 1993. "I stand here alone, but beside me there are millions," he said at the beginning of Thursday's court session, referring to opinion polls that show public support for pardoning Azaria. The case came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led calls for him to be pardoned, a process that cannot occur until after the appeal. Military leaders have said the conviction is important for the institution's reputation. The Palestinian government described the 18-month sentence as a "green light to the occupation army to continue its crimes." Amnesty International said the sentence did "not reflect the gravity of the offence," while the UN human rights office said it was an "unacceptable" punishment for "an apparent extra-judicial killing." Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. Al-Qaeda has confirmed that top leader Abu Khayr al-Masri, believed to be the organisation's number two, was killed in an air strike by the US-led coalition in Syria Al-Qaeda has confirmed that top leader Abu Khayr al-Masri, believed to be the organisation's number two, was killed in a drone strike by the US-led coalition in Syria. The killing of Masri, described by analysts as "jihadi royalty," could serve as a major security coup for US President Donald Trump early in his presidency. Two branches of the global jihadist group, including the powerful Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), announced Masri's death in a statement dated Wednesday. Calling him a "hero," the statement said Masri "was killed during a Crusader drone strike" in Syria. "All of al-Sham (Syria) will bear witness to the latest crime of America and the Crusader alliance," the statement said, in reference to the US-led coalition bombing jihadists in Syria and Iraq. It also expressed its condolences to Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri. Air strike in Syria A US official said this week that Washington was investigating reports that Egyptian-born Masri had been killed in a US strike in or around the city of Idlib in northwest Syria. The US has escalated its bombing campaign in the province, mostly ruled by Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front. In early February, the Pentagon said it killed 11 Al-Qaeda operatives there. Masri was a son-in-law of Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden and believed to be Zawahiri's deputy. Also known as Abdullah Muhammad Rajab Abdulrahman, Masri joined Zawahiri in the Egyptian Islamic Jihad group in the 1980s before they enlisted with Bin Laden in the 1990s. US intelligence believe Masri was involved in the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He was detained with several other Al-Qaeda figures in 2003 in Iran and held until 2015, when they were traded for the release of an Iranian diplomat who had been seized by Al-Qaeda's Yemen branch. - 'Hit list' - Al-Qaeda top leader Abu Khayr al-Masri's presence in the Idlib province, pictured here in December 2016, underscores the importance that Syria has gained in Al-Qaeda's strategy, analysts said Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute described Masri as "jihadi royalty," as a longstanding member of Al-Qaeda's central Shura Council and "one of Ayman al-Zawahiri's closest long-time confidants." The Qaeda statement warned the "US and its allies, agents and spies that the more martyrs they kill, the more determined we will be to achieve victory and avenge them." Trump has put tackling so-called "radical Islamic extremism" at the top of his agenda. He is considering a review of the fight against the Islamic State group, aiming to intensify the campaign, and is poised to revive efforts to ban travel from certain Muslim-majority countries. Masri's presence in Idlib province underscores the importance that Syria has gained in Al-Qaeda's strategy, analysts said. Masri was born in the Nile Delta city of Kafr el-Sheikh in November 1957, during Gamal Abdel Nasser's rule. He was one of the most prominent figures in Al-Qaeda to have roots in the era before the September 11, 2001 attacks, according to the Soufan Group, a private security and intelligence consultancy. "It was in Masri's guesthouse in Kabul, Afghanistan, that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed briefed top Al-Qaeda leaders about the planning of the September 11, 2001 attacks," the Soufan Group said. According to Treasury Department sanctions, Masri was previously responsible for coordinating Al-Qaeda's work "with other terrorist organisations." Syrian regime fighters take position as they advance to retake the ancient city of Palmyra, from Islamic State (IS) group fighters on March 2, 2017 Syrian troops backed by Russian jets completed the recapture of the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group Thursday, the Kremlin and the army said, in another blow to the jihadists. Bolstered by air strikes and ground troops from their ally Moscow, Syrian forces battled through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The oasis city has traded hands several times during Syria's six-year civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture, a Kremlin spokesman told news agencies in Moscow. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said the jihadists had totally withdrawn from the desert city but not before mining several areas. "The Syrian army is still clearing neighbourhoods of mines and has not spread out into the whole city yet," said its director, Rami Abdel Rahman. An army statement carried on state news agency SANA said its forces had "regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations". Syrian government oust IS jihadists from Palmyra IS has suffered a string of setbacks since taking over swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, and its two main strongholds of Mosul and Raqa both face assaults by forces backed by a US-led coalition. The jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city in December when the government was focused on seizing rebel-held east Aleppo. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the structures have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's Palmyra push, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces. After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year -- thanks in large part to Russian support. - Turkey threatens US allies - Islamic State (IS) group jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples On another battle front against IS, fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they would cede several villages to the government as part of a deal brokered by Russia to avoid conflict with Turkey. Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August that it said aimed to counter both IS and the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". The surprise announcement by the SDF marks the first time that US-supported fighters has offered to cede territory to Assad's forces. It said the territory to be handed over lay between the towns of Manbij and Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed fighters captured last week from IS, to create a buffer zone between them. Ankara meanwhile renewed its threat to bomb Kurdish fighters unless they withdrew from Manbij, a former bastion of IS that is now under SDF control. The Turkey-backed rebels launched their advance on Manbij on Wednesday, initially seizing two villages but losing them to the SDF by Thursday. The Observatory said clashes were ongoing southwest of Manbij late Thursday. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has muddled the battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had bombed SDF fighters mistakenly believing they were IS. The Russian defence ministry denied carrying out the air strikes. - Sputtering peace talks - The oasis city of Palmyra has traded hands several times during the six-year civil war in Syria Russia on Thursday accused Syria's main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), of "sabotaging" sputtering UN-led Syrian peace talks in Geneva and questioned their ability to reach a deal. "The results of the first days of the intra-Syrian dialogues, as before, raise questions over the ability of the Syrian opposition representatives to reach a deal," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Moscow had earlier called for "terrorism" to be added to the agenda of the talks, which have so far focused on three topics: governance, the constitution, and elections. But the HNC late Wednesday refused, having previously accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. "Progress in the Geneva round must not be held hostage by the Riyadh platform," lead Syrian negotiator Bashar al-Jaafari told reporters, referring to the Saudi-backed HNC. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the war, are expected to end by the weekend, though no formal timeframe has been set. Spencer Hays poses next to his favorite masterpiece by French painter Edouard Vuillard "Les Premiers Pas" at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris in 2013 The American art collector Spencer Hays -- who had donated more than 600 artworks to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris -- has died suddenly aged 80, the French culture ministry said Thursday. His gift of paintings by post-Impressionist French masters including Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Maurice Denis was worth more than 350 million euros ($368 million), the biggest donation to a French gallery since World War II. The colourful businessman, who began his career as a door-to-door book salesman for the Southwestern Company in Texas before rising to become its majority shareholder, was awarded the Legion of Honour with his wife Marlene Hays. The couple had also built a perfect replica of an 18th-century Paris mansion, the Hotel de Noirmoutier, in Nashville where they lived. French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay said Hays was "a great friend of France, a great friend of the arts and of the Musee d'Orsay". The museum also paid tribute to a great Francophile and philanthropist. "Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Spencer Hays grew up in a poor family, far from the museum world," it added in a statement. Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, pictured at President Donald Trump's address to Congress, is at the center of a political storm over the US administration's contacts with Moscow Russia's ambassador Sergey Kislyak was all smiles as he glad-handed US lawmakers gathered on Capitol Hill to hear President Donald Trump's maiden speech to Congress. Two days later he was at the heart of a very Washington scandal, after Trump's newly-appointed Attorney General Jeff Sessions was accused of lying about meeting with the Kremlin's envoy. Fellow diplomats told AFP that Kislyak, a veteran of many years of US-Russian diplomatic rivalry, would be amused by the spat, the latest to trouble Trump's efforts to form a government. The 66-year-old engineering graduate has been at the heart of the Moscow foreign policy establishment since the days of the United States and the Soviet Union's Cold War stand-off. Married and with one adult daughter, he is coming towards the end of what has been an eight-year stint in Washington marked by spy scandals, a failed "re-set" in ties and now political intrigue. Already, one member of Trump's top team -- short-lived national security adviser Mike Flynn -- has been forced to resign after controversy over his contacts with Kislyak. Now Sessions has been forced to recuse himself from any investigation related to the Trump campaign -- whose ties with Russia are under scrutiny from all sides -- after he admitted to two encounters with Kislyak in the run-up to the vote. - Spy master? - In Washington's febrile atmosphere, where disgruntled foreign policy and intelligence officials are stirring opposition to Trump, some reports have even described Kislyak as a spy master. Russian officials scoffed at this, blaming a mood of anti-Russian paranoia, and Washington-based diplomats played down the claim. All ambassadors of course have contacts with their countries' spies, but is Kislyak really -- as some US reports now allege -- a top recruiter for Russia's SVR foreign intelligence agency? "Honestly speaking, I only have one question: is this the lowest the western media can reach or can they sink even lower?" demanded Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman. "I will tell you a military secret: diplomats work, they work and their work involves making contacts in the country they are in." There are, of course, Russian spies in Washington. In December, the outgoing US president Barack Obama ordered 35 of Kislyak's colleagues at the Russian mission expelled as foreign agents. And Kislyak was ambassador in 2010 when US counter-intelligence rounded up 10 Russian sleeper agents, including estate agent Anna Chapman, who became a glamorous media sensation. But if Kislyak spent any of his career at the SVR or the KGB it does not show up on his official biography, which portrays a successful but hitherto low-key progress through foreign ministry ranks. He was based in the United States throughout the Cold War 1980s, first as an official at the Russian mission to the United Nations in New York, then as first secretary of the embassy in Washington. He had a series of senior bureaucratic and technical roles in Moscow through the 1990s before becoming Russia's ambassador to both Belgium and NATO in 2003 and then a deputy foreign minister in 2008. As ambassador he has been discreet, but he gave a rare news conference last year and lamented: "We were able to end the Cold War, but most probably we weren't able to build post-Cold War peace." - Diplomatic circuit - As a member of Washington's diplomatic circuit, he is not the most high-profile socialite, but he likes to boast that his residence has one of the best chefs in the District and he entertains at home. In the run-up to November's election, diplomats from both friends and foes of the United States were keen to build ties with figures -- like Sessions or Flynn -- who were close to Trump. But Kislyak's role is under scrutiny because US intelligence agencies believe Russian government propagandists and hackers tried to hurt Hillary Clinton and to help Trump's rise. And, as Michael McFaul, US ambassador to Russia between 2012 and 2014, tweeted: "Let's not be naive folks. Kislyak obviously was meeting Sessions because of his role in Trump world. That's his job." According to the United Nations, more than 440 people have died or gone missing in January and February while crossing from Libya in the depths of winter, when the sea is at its most treacherous Some 970 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya on Thursday, Italy's coastguard said, as the numbers attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe continue to rise. Even before Thursday's arrivals, more than 13,400 people had arrived on Italy's shores so far this year -- an increase of 50 to 70 percent compared with 2016 and 2015. According to the United Nations, more than 440 people have died or gone missing in January and February while crossing from Libya in the depths of winter, when the sea is at its most treacherous. The migrants rescued Thursday were crammed into four rubber dinghies, a small wooden boat and another larger one. Italy's coastguard said it coordinated the rescue operations with a Norwegian vessel under the command of EU border agency Frontex and two humanitarian ships manned by the SOS Mediterranee aid group, Doctors without Borders and the Spanish Proactiva Open Arms group. The coast guard also received a distress signal from a sailboat that left Greece with about 85 migrants on board heading to southern Italy, but the boat never made it out of Greek waters. It was rescued by a Maltese vessel that happened to be in the area, and the migrants were taken to the southern Greek port of Kalamata. European efforts to close the migrant route at the Greek end of the Mediterranean are thought to lie behind the increased flow to Italy, with most departures taking place from the west of Libya, just 300 kilometres (190 miles) away from the Italian coast. European countries are considering new measures aimed at blocking the migrants' arrival, alarming aid groups which fear people stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. Six years after the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi, Libya is still in chaos and the country has become a major launching pad for migrants seeking to enter Europe. Sessions steps aside from Russia probe under pressure WASHINGTON (AP) - Under intensifying pressure, Attorney General Jeff Sessions abruptly agreed Thursday to recuse himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in America's 2016 presidential election. He acted after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. Sessions rejected any suggestion that he had tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying, "That is not my intent. That is not correct." But he did allow that he should have been more careful in his testimony during his confirmation hearing, saying, "I should have slowed down and said, 'But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times.'" The White House has stood by Sessions in the latest controversy to dog President Donald Trump's young administration, though officials say they first learned about his contacts with the ambassador from a reporter Wednesday night. Trump himself said Thursday he had "total" confidence in Sessions and didn't think he needed to recuse himself - not long before he did. One of Sessions' conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak occurred at a July event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. At that same event, the ambassador also spoke with Carter Page, who briefly advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion. ___ Russia's top diplomat at center of Trump controversy WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration's back-to-back controversies over its Russian ties now have at least one thing in common: Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Moscow's top diplomat in the U.S. has become the Kevin Bacon of the Trump White House's Russia imbroglio. A Washington fixture with a sprawling network, he has emerged as the central figure in the investigations into Trump advisers' connections with Russia. In a matter of weeks, contact with Kislyak led to the firing of a top adviser to the president and, on Thursday, prompted calls for the attorney general to resign. Separately, a White House official confirmed Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn met with Kislyak at Trump Tower in December for what the official called a brief courtesy meeting. Flynn was pushed out of the White House last month after officials said he misled Vice President Mike Pence about whether he and the ambassador had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia in a phone call. At issue Thursday were two meetings between Sessions and Kislyak - one in July and another in September, at the height of concern over Russia's involvement in hacking of Democratic officials' emails accounts. Intelligence officials have since concluded Moscow ordered the hacks to tilt the election toward Trump. In his confirmation hearing, the Alabama Republican denied having contact with any Russian officials, neglecting to mention the meetings with Kislyak, which were first reported by the Washington Post. The Russian Embassy did not respond to a request for comment. ___ Sessions story takes different shape on different outlets NEW YORK (AP) - Reports about Attorney General Jeff Sessions' two meetings with Russia's U.S. ambassador became a textbook illustration of the vastly different shapes a story takes in today's media world. The story moved with lightning speed Thursday across the media ecosphere, from the Washington Post's initial revelation the night before, to hours of political combat, finally to Sessions' announcement - broadcast live Thursday afternoon on broadcast and cable news networks - that he would remove himself from any investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 election. "This is really going to take the temperature down on Capitol Hill," MSNBC's Kasie Hunt said following Sessions' news conference. Perhaps. The story about Sessions' meetings with the Russian ambassador, with the backdrop of still unanswered questions about Russian ties to Trump, had enough mystery to make it politically malleable: why did they take place and what was said? Some Democrats called for Sessions' resignation, while many Trump supporters saw nothing wrong. Less than 24 hours after the Post story broke, the chyron on CNN's screen read "Sessions Under Siege." He was in a "firestorm." Meanwhile, the Breitbart News web site had another take: "Fake news: Media, Democrats distort remarks to target Jeff Session." ___ 10 Things to Know for Friday Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday: 1. SESSIONS STEPS ASIDE FROM RUSSIA PROBE The attorney general acts after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. 2. RUSSIA'S TOP DIPLOMAT AT CENTER OF TRUMP CONTROVERSY Observers note Sergey Kislyak, who has bounced between U.S. and Moscow for most of his long career, is a somewhat unlikely figure to cause imbroglio. ___ Not so urgent anymore? Trump's new travel ban delayed NEW YORK (AP) - President Donald Trump was barely in office when he signed an executive order restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations. There was not a moment to waste, he said, because any delay would allow the "bad dudes" to rush into the U.S. Then federal courts struck down his ban. The White House said a new version would be coming. That was a month ago. The urgency seems to have faded. There has been no further legal appeal. And announcement of a replacement order has been repeatedly postponed, a reflection of legal difficulties, shifting administration priorities and politics. It now won't be unveiled until next week at the earliest, says a White House official. "The holdup flies in the face of the mythology as to why they needed to rush the bill in the first place," said Doris Meissner, who was head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for President Bill Clinton. "It was a contrived argument and a reflection of inexperience and a rush to fulfill a campaign promise." ___ Malaysia condemns use of chemical weapon in Kim killing KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, issuing a statement condemning the use of a banned toxic chemical weapon in the killing of the half brother of North Korea's leader. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the Feb. 13 killing of Kim Jong Nam, but the statement from the Foreign Ministry comes hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The statement from Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said it was "greatly concerned" with the use of the toxic chemical and condemned the use of such a chemical weapon under any circumstances. "Its use at a public place could have endangered the general public," said. The death of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korea's ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The autopsy is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities said they had to under the law. ___ Syrian army retakes town of Palmyra as IS defenses crumble BEIRUT (AP) - Syria's military announced on Thursday it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group as the militants' defenses crumbled and IS fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes. The development marks the third time that the town - famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures IS had sought to destroy - has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State group in Syria in a week, after Turkish backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants on Feb. 23, following a grueling three month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland. "You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated," the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar al-Ja'afari, told reporters in Geneva. ___ Caterpillar offices raided in probe related to Swiss unit CHICAGO (AP) - Federal law enforcement officials raided three central Illinois facilities of manufacturer Caterpillar on Thursday as part of an investigation the company said may be related to business with its Swiss subsidiary CSARL. Officials from three federal agencies, some wearing jackets that said "police, federal agent", searched the Peoria, Illinois, headquarters of Caterpillar, one of the world's largest makers of construction and other heavy equipment. Facilities in East Peoria and Morton, Illinois, also were raided under a federal warrant, U.S. Attorney's office spokeswoman Sharon Paul said. "We believe the execution of this search warrant is regarding, among other things, export filings that relate to the CSARL matter," Caterpillar said in a statement later on Thursday, referring to its Swiss subsidiary. Caterpillar spokeswoman Corrie Heck Scott said in an email that the company was cooperating with law enforcement. Paul said the agencies involved included the Internal Revenue Service's criminal investigation unit, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s office of inspector general. She declined to comment further on the details of the investigation. ___ Trump slump? Signs of drop in international tourism to US NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. Travel Association on Thursday said the Trump administration's immigration policies are hurting tourism. The nonprofit industry organization said in a statement that there are "mounting signs" of "a broad chilling effect on demand for international travel to the United States." White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters disputed the contention, saying: "It takes several months for each month's international arrival statistics to be processed and released to the public. To claim the executive order has had an impact on travel would be premature." But the U.S. Travel Association's statement added to a growing chorus of concern from the travel industry over the impact of Trump administration policies on tourism. Earlier this week, the tourism agency NYC & Company revised its 2017 forecast to predict a drop in inbound international travel to New York City, with 300,000 fewer visitors compared to 2016. It would be the first drop in visitation to New York since the start of the recession in 2008. ___ 'Stay classy, USC:' Ferrell to speak at school's graduation LOS ANGELES (AP) - "Stay classy, Trojans." That twist on Will Ferrell's catchphrase from "Anchorman" could come in handy when the comic actor gives an address at this year's commencement at the University of Southern California. USC announced Ferrell's role Thursday, saying in a statement that he'll be the featured speaker at the May 12 ceremony. The "Saturday Night Live" alum is also a USC grad, and one of its most famous fans and biggest boosters. He graduated from the Los Angeles school with a degree in sports information in 1990 and is often seen walking the sidelines of Trojans football games. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida doesn't just want to let people stand their ground, it also wants to make the state prove they didn't commit violence in self-defense before taking them to trial. Florida has been seen as a leader in giving citizens immunity in cases of self-defense, its "stand your ground" law serving as an emotional point of debate after several high-profile shooting deaths, including that of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin. While at least 22 states have similar laws that say people can use force - even deadly force - to defend themselves from threats, Florida could soon be the only one that spells out that prosecutors have to prove defendants weren't acting in self-defense before taking someone to trial. FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2016 file photo, George Zimmerman looks at the jury as he testifies in a Seminole County courtroom in Orlando, Fla. Florida doesn't just want to let people stand their ground, it also wants to make the state prove they didn't commit violence in self-defense before taking them to trial. While at least 22 states have similar laws that say people can use force - even deadly force - to defend themselves from threats, Florida could soon be the only one that spells out that prosecutors have to prove defendants weren't acting in self-defense before taking someone to trial.(Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel via AP, Pool) That's under a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Rob Bradley, who says his legislation "isn't a novel concept." "We have a tradition in our criminal justice system that the burden of proof is with the government from the beginning of the case to the end," he said. Bradley's bill is a response to a state Supreme Court ruling that the burden of proof during self-defense immunity hearings is on defendants, as has traditionally been practiced in Florida and elsewhere. According to a legislative staff analysis of the bill, only four states mention burden of proof in their "stand your ground" laws - Alabama, Colorado, Georgia and South Carolina - and all place the burden on defendants. Bradley filed the bill last year, but it died without House support. This year, it's ready for a full Senate vote when the session begins next week and it already has been approved by one of two House committees assigned to hear it, indicating better chances this year. The bill has received passionate opposition from people who feel the existing law already can be abused, and will be used even more by people who commit violent crimes and claim self-defense. Florida has many examples that find their way into the debate, most notably neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman's fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. But Zimmerman isn't the only case. Lucy McBath's 17-year-old son Jordan Davis was fatally shot by Michael Dunn during an argument over loud music outside a Jacksonville convenience store. And in the Tampa Bay area, retired police officer Curtis Reeves is wrapping up a "stand your ground" pretrial hearing claiming self-defense when he fatally shot Chad Oulson in a dispute over a cellphone at a move theater. In the Zimmerman and Dunn cases, neither requested a pre-trial hearing, though the "stand your ground" law was presented in jury instructions and both claimed self-defense at trial. Zimmerman was acquitted and Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder at a second trial after a jury couldn't come to a decision at his first. Still, McBath believes the way the law currently reads is why the jury couldn't reach a decision, and she thinks expanding "stand your ground" protections could benefit others who should otherwise be convicted of crimes. She told lawmakers the law "encourages citizens to shoot first and ask questions later." She said Bradley's bill is dangerous and would make it harder to keep people safe from gun violence. "This legislation would effectively require defendants who raise stand your ground defenses to be convicted twice," she said. "Having lived through this grueling experience first-hand with two trials for my son's murder, I can attest to the anguish and the pain that this process elicits. We should not make it harder for family members to achieve the justice that they deserve." Stand your ground is not just about guns, though it is often discussed along with other gun bills in Florida. The defense can be used after any act of violence to protect oneself, whether it's punching, stabbing, shooting or striking someone with an object. Marissa Alexander's life also was changed by gunfire, though she is a supporter of "stand your ground" and of Bradley's bill. Alexander was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 for firing a gun near her estranged husband. She argued it was a "warning shot" to protect herself from an abusive husband and unsuccessfully tried to use Florida's "stand your ground" law in her defense. Alexander's conviction was later thrown out on appeal and she was freed after reaching a plea deal in 2014. "I feel like you go into that kind of situation guilty until proven innocent," she said, adding that the bill would help people like her by forcing the state to prove their case before trial. She added that it could set a trend if it passes. "Florida kind of sets the tone and other states follow," she said. BEIRUT (AP) - Syria's military announced on Thursday it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group as the militants' defenses crumbled and IS fighters fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes. The development marks the third time that the town - famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures IS had sought to destroy - has changed hands in one year. It was also the second blow for the Islamic State group in Syria in a week, after Turkish backed opposition fighters seized the Syrian town of al-Bab from the militants on Feb. 23, following a grueling three month battle. In neighboring Iraq, the Sunni extremist group is fighting for survival in its last urban bastion in the western part of the city of Mosul. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) For the Syrian government, the news was a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland. "You are all invited to visit the historic city of Palmyra and witness its beauty, now that it has been liberated," the Damascus envoy to the U.N.-mediated talks, Bashar al-Ja'afari, told reporters in Geneva. "Of course, counterterrorism operations will continue until the last inch of our territory is liberated from the hands of these foreign terrorist organizations, which are wreaking havoc in our country," he added. The Damascus military statement said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with "allied and friendly troops" - government shorthand for members of Lebanese militant Hezbollah group who are fighting along Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces. IS defenses around Palmyra had begun to erode on Sunday, with government troops reaching the town's outskirts on Tuesday. The state SANA news agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the town's archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around mid-day, then the town itself, as IS militants fled the area. This is the Syrian government's second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed by his defense minister that Syrian troops had gained control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. The Syrian government's push has relied on ground support from Hezbollah and Russian air cover, according to Hezbollah's media outlets. Archeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its ruins. Drone footage released by Russia's Defense Ministry earlier this month showed new damage to the facade of Palmyra's Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon - a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. IS militants have twice used the town's Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other IS killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of the talks in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura held another round of meetings with both the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that "the parties have agreed to ... discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks." After a Damascus request, the issue of terrorism is also on the table, he had said. Russia is a key sponsor of Assad's government. A top Syrian opposition negotiator, Nasr al-Hariri, said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony on Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In Turkey, the country's foreign minister said that with the completion of an operation to retake the IS-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria, Turkish troops will head to the Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces, which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with IS. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu stressed that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. That front line in northern Syria was further complicated by a concurrent announcement by the Syrian Kurdish side on Thursday that they had agreed with Russia to withdraw from some of the territory between al-Bab and Manbij, to make room for a buffer. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line with rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Cavusoglu denied any such agreement was reached. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. The Turkish and Syrian authorities have long regarded each other with thinly-veiled hostility. ___ Soguel reported from Geneva. Associated Press writers Philip Issa in Beirut, Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report. Syrian chief negotiator Bashar al-Jaafari, Ambassador of the Permanent Representative Mission of Syria to UN New York, informs to the media after the round of negotiation between the Syrian government and the UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Staffan de Mistura (not pictured), at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 frame grab from video provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. Arabic reads, "Central Military Media, Homs, Syria." (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 frame grab from video provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, Syrian forces prepare to fire on an Islamic State group's position, at the ancient city of Palmyra in the central city of Homs, Syria. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. Arabic reads, "Central Military Media, Homs, Syria." (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 frame grab from video provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, Syrian forces prepare to fire on an Islamic State group's position, at the ancient city of Palmyra in the central city of Homs, Syria. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. Arabic reads, "Central Military Media, Homs, Syria." (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Four Central European nations have hammered out proposals for the European Union that are intended to strengthen the voice of member nations and avoid divisions, Poland's prime minister said Thursday. Beata Szydlo spoke following a meeting with her counterparts from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The meeting was held days ahead of the March 9-10 EU summit in Brussels and a special March 25 anniversary summit in Rome. A key issue at these meetings will be the future standing of the currently 28-member bloc after Britain leaves. Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka,Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico leave after a press conference in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Szydlo said that the joint declaration of the so-called Visegrad Group for a "better Europe" was agreed on Thursday and will be presented in Rome. It calls for EU institutions to take care of issues directly concerning Europeans, like security, protected borders, dignity, justice and equal treatment for each of the member states, Szydlo told a news conference. One "serious problem" cited by the group was the lack of uniform food standards throughout the EU, which some central European members say means they receive inferior food. "We believe there is a double standard on the European Union market," said Hungary's Viktor Orban. "We have to avoid ... having Europe use our countries and markets as a garbage dump," Orban said. The group appealed to EU officials to take a "serious approach" to the issue. The declaration also calls for a strong EU market with no protectionism or divisions and for greater control by member nations over the legislative and decision-making processes. The group, which joined the club in 2004, says that EU decisions are made in Brussels by politicians who do not seek the opinions of the member nations. Szydlo's talks with Orban, Slovakia's Robert Fico and Bohuslav Sobotka of the Czech Republic were also believed to have included the Polish government's opposition to a second term for Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister, as European Council head. Tusk's 2 -year term ends in May. He is the only candidate for the position and enjoys general support, but is the long-time political rival in Poland of the leader of Poland's ruling conservative party. ___ This story has been corrected to show Orban's first name is spelled Viktor, not Victor; and to show the declaration is for a "better Europe" not "better union." ______ Pablo Gorondi in Budapest contributed to this report Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico leave after a press conference that concluded their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico attend a press conference after their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The prime ministers of four Central European nations met Thursday to discuss ways of strengthening the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico leave after a press conference that concluded their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico attend a press conference after their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The prime ministers of four Central European nations met Thursday to discuss ways of strengthening the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico leave after a press conference that concluded their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The prime ministers of four Central European nations met Thursday to discuss ways of strengthening the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, shows a document next to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The prime ministers of four Central European nations met Thursday to discuss ways of strengthening the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico shakes hands with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka shakes hands with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico pose for media before their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks to Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico walks with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, left, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shakes hands with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka speaks to Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks to Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, left, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico shakes hands with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, left, before a Visegrad group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico pose for media before their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from right, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico arrive for a group photo before their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The leaders of the four nations, known as the Visegrad Group, are meeting in Warsaw in a search for common positions on key issues ahead of upcoming summits in Malta and Rome.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) Prime ministers of the Visegrad group countries, from left, Czech Republic's Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico attend a press conference after their meeting in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, March 2, 2017. The prime ministers of four Central European nations met Thursday to discuss ways of strengthening the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.(AP Photo Czarek Sokolowski) MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) - Salome Karwah survived Ebola after it killed both her parents and seven other relatives, then returned to her clinic to help countless others as she had become immune to the deadly virus. Her face graced the cover of Time magazine when it recognized the brave health care workers battling Ebola in 2014. But in a heartbreaking reminder of just how strong fear remains in Liberia, her husband says the nurses on duty were too afraid to touch Karwah when she experienced complications after childbirth last month. "I personally went into the emergency ward to bring a wheelchair to take my wife into the operation room," James Harris, a psychosocial counselor, told The Associated Press. James Harris, the widower of Salome Karwah, feeds his child outside his house in Monrovia, Liberia. Thursday March. 2, 2017. Salome Karwah survived Ebola after it killed both her parents and eight other relatives, then returned to her clinic to help countless others as she had become immune to the deadly virus. But in a heartbreaking reminder of just how strong fear remains, she died after childbirth complications as her husband says health workers in Liberia were too afraid to touch her. She was just 31. (AP Photo/Abbas Dulleh) Karwah died two weeks ago at age 31, several days after her fourth child - a son named Solomon - was delivered by cesarian section. It was a tragic end for a woman who had fought tirelessly against the stigma of Ebola. "Salome's own experience of Ebola gave her incredible empathy for the patients that she worked so hard to care for," said a statement from Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF. "Our many staff who remember working with her speak of her strength and compassion, but also of her smile. "She made a huge contribution to MSF's work at the height of the outbreak in Monrovia." The outbreak in West Africa was the deadliest ever of the virus, with about 11,300 people killed. Ebola is spread through bodily contact with the fluids of someone sick enough to show symptoms. While the World Health Organization declared an end to the outbreak in June 2016, some Liberians still wrongly fear that survivors can transmit the virus. Tolbert Nyenswah, the man who led Liberia's Ebola fight and now heads the country's newly established National Public Health Institute, said he could not confirm reports that health workers were frightened to treat Karwah because of her Ebola survivor status as she suffered seizures. He said the death was being fully investigated to know "what really went wrong." "Normally if a cesarian section is conducted, the person is supposed to stay in the hospital for seven days and monitored to see whether there are complications," Tolbert said. "But to my understanding, that protocol was breached; she spent less than that in the hospital and was discharged, and when she was facing complications her husband took her back to the hospital to seek further care." The hospital has not commented. Liberia's chief medical officer, Dr. Francis Kateh, told the AP he understood the husband's feelings. But he then echoed the mistaken belief that survivors can transmit the virus, saying that "the hospital knew she had Ebola and they operated on her, which put them at more risk." Her husband told the AP that it was the hospital that decided to discharge her prematurely even though "her blood pressure was high each time it was taken" after the C-section and he wanted her to stay a bit longer. James Harris said he blames the hospital for his wife's death "because they had her waiting in a vehicle for three hours" before she was attended to. He said what really hurt was "a nurse on duty, instead of attending to the emergency, was standing by the front counter busy on Facebook." Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Harris and his children, and already they've raised more than $3,000. Liberia already had one of the world's highest rates of maternal mortality before the Ebola outbreak. Before the epidemic began in 2014, a woman had a one-in-10 chance of dying in childbirth, compared to 1 in 8,000 on average in developed countries, according to government statistics. The situation has been so grim that one pilot program after the Ebola crisis trained midwives how to perform cesarians, according to the U.N. humanitarian agency. More than 4,800 people died of Ebola in Liberia during the epidemic, with more than 10,000 cases across the country. Among them, 184 health workers were killed. With no approved specific treatment for Ebola, it was through the supportive care of people like Karwah that many survived. "If a patient doesn't want to eat, I encourage them to eat. If they are weak and are unable to bathe on their own, I help to bathe them," she said in a 2014 interview, according to MSF. "I help them with all my might because I understand the experience - I've been through the very same thing." ___ This version corrects to say she lost nine relatives to Ebola. ___ Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The judge who presided over the acquittal of Casey Anthony in a murder trial televised live around the world said Thursday that an accidental killing is the most logical explanation for her 2-year-old daughter's death. Former Judge Belvin Perry Jr. told The Associated Press that the theory that makes the most sense to him now, based on the evidence presented at trial in 2011, is that Anthony accidentally used too much chloroform while trying to quiet Caylee, and the infant died. "You have a child that can become cranky, that you want to go to sleep. That is a simple way to do it," said Perry, who is now in private practice. "What we tend to forget is, chloroform was used to render people unconscious long before we had anesthesia." FILE - In this July 5, 2011 file photo, Casey Anthony sits at the defense table during the second day of jury deliberations in her murder trial in Orlando, Fla. In a Wednesday, March 1, 2017 interview with the Orlando Sentinel Judge Belvin Perry said Anthony may have been trying to quiet the child, Caylee, with chloroform and accidentally used too much. Perry says it's a theory and if jurors in Anthony's 2011 trial had come to that conclusion, they might have convicted her of second-degree murder or manslaughter. (AP Photo/Joe Burbank, Pool, File) Asked to respond on Thursday, one of her attorneys, Cheney Mason, said: "I've got your response: She was acquitted." Anthony, now 30, was acquitted of first-degree murder and convicted of misdemeanor counts of lying to law enforcement after defense attorney Jose Baez told jurors that the toddler accidentally drowned in the family pool. Prosecutors said Anthony used chloroform and then suffocated the child by putting duct tape over her mouth. The toddler's remains were found five months after she disappeared, in a wooded area not far from where the Anthonys lived. Authorities were never able to establish the cause of death. "I'm disturbed that Mr. Perry would once again go to the press with his thoughts about the case. There is no reason for him to do that," Mason said. "I don't know what motivated Mr. Perry to do this or why. All I can say is: Everybody is entitled to an opinion." Florida's Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judges from making public comments about any pending cases, but it says nothing about former judges talking about cases that are over. A 2011 opinion by Florida's Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee says nothing in the code restricts a judge from talking about a high-profile case once it is finished. Perry said the case came up this week only because he was asked about it by a reporter from a community newspaper who was interviewing him for an unrelated story. Other local media then made inquiries about his theory. Perry said the chloroform theory is one of several regarding Caylee's death he has been examining since he began reviewing trial transcripts at the time of last summer's fifth anniversary of the trial. "You can't say what happened because you weren't there, but you can talk about the probabilities," Perry said. "Then you can assign whatever weight you want to a theory, and you ask yourself, 'What is more logical?'" RUKBAN CAMP, Jordan-Syria Border (AP) - U.N. agencies are ramping up aid delivery to tens of thousands of war-displaced Syrians stuck in the desert on Jordan's sealed border, after months of being denied access, but harsh weather and anxious crowds often disrupt one of the U.N.'s most complex missions anywhere. Illustrating the logistics challenge, a U.N. convoy taking journalists to a new health center near the Syrian encampment of Rukban got bogged down for hours after heavy rains mixed with hail turned the hard desert floor to mud. After nightfall, Jordanian armored personnel carriers repeatedly had to pull the SUVs out of the soggy soil. For Rukban residents huddling in flimsy tents and makeshift shelters just a few miles away, the flooding was one more of many hardships, including scarce food and inadequate medical care. Anemia and respiratory illnesses are widespread in Rukban, where two-thirds of the residents are women and children, U.N. health officials said In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 photo, Jordanian border guards using armored personnel carriers try to pull U.N. cars that are stuck in a flooded area in the remote desert along the Jordan-Syria border. U.N. agencies are ramping up aid delivery to tens of thousands of war-displaced Syrians stuck in the desert on Jordan's sealed border, after months of being denied access. Yet harsh weather and anxious crowds often disrupt one of the U.N.'s most complex missions anywhere. (AP Photo/Karin Laub) "I live in a small tent, two meters, and I had to leave my tent yesterday because of heavy rain," said a 39-year-old woman from Rukban who had come to the U.N. health center Wednesday with her 3-year-old daughter, Hawraa, who she said suffered from an infection. "I spent the night at my neighbor's place. The situation is bad." Another woman, a mother of six in her early 30s, was seeking treatment for an ear infection at the health center. She said her youngest son, Hamid, died in Rukban at the age of seven months as a result of severe diarrhea. The two women spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions for talking to the media. Rukban and a smaller border camp, Hadalat, have grown gradually over the past two years, as Jordan - already host to more than 650,000 Syrian refugees - restricted entry to Syrians fleeing civil war. Population figures are in flux, but the two camps are believed to house between 70,000 and 80,000 residents. Nearly 5 million Syrians have fled their country since the conflict began six years ago. The camps are located in the area of two parallel earthen mounds, or berms, that roughly mark the border. Initially, U.N. agencies were able to deliver food and other supplies to the camps from Jordanian territory. In June, Jordan sealed its border in response to a cross-border car bomb attack that killed seven Jordanian soldiers and was claimed by the Islamic State group. Aid shipments were halted, with the exception of one drop of supplies by crane, and conditions worsened in the camps. In a further complication, rival armed groups and tribes compete for control in the camps. Jordanian military officials have said the IS group is trying to expand its influence over the area, while militants have carried out several attacks in Rukban. In November, after months of negotiations with Jordanian authorities, U.N. agencies set up an aid distribution center between the two berms, west of Rukban. Separately, a health center was established several miles away, on Jordanian territory. Food and other supplies are distributed by a private Jordanian contractor, under guard from Jordanian troops, because aid workers are not allowed into the area between the two berms. U.N. officials monitor the distribution remotely through cameras set up on two towers. Between November and January, some 15,000 families in the two camps received one month's worth of food, along with hygiene kits, blankets and plastic sheets, said Shada Moghrabi of the World Food Program. However, daily distributions had to be canceled 14 times because of bad weather or problems with crowd control, she said. Aid officials said they are trying to ensure supplies don't fall into the hands of black marketers or armed men by asking each family to pick up its allotment, but acknowledged there is no control over what happens once the coveted goods reach the camp. Food is available in the camps for a price, but many can't afford to buy staples such as tomatoes or potatoes to make up for the shortfall of rations, said the two Rukban women interviewed at the clinic. The mother of six said she believes those who picked up her rations because she couldn't go herself skimmed off the top before handing her the food. "There is no food, and I can't afford to buy food, my neighbors help me and give me food," said the second woman, whose husband left her on her own in the camp. Maeve Murphy, a senior official at the U.N. refugee agency in Jordan, acknowledged the shortcomings, but said getting supplies to the berm is difficult. Aid trucks travel six hours every day from the nearest Jordanian town of Rweished to Rukban and back, including 100 kilometers (60 miles) on bumpy desert terrain, she said. "This is probably the most complex and challenging" of any U.N. humanitarian response, she said. JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Rescue teams in South Africa have asked the military to help find a 5-year-old boy who fell into a disused mine shaft last weekend. Military officials arrived at the scene Thursday after fruitless efforts to locate Richard Thole, who disappeared into the shaft while playing Saturday near his home in Boksburg, near Johannesburg. Emergency responders say the shaft is 140 meters (460 feet) deep and contains potentially lethal gas as well as acidic water. An underground fall of rocks on Wednesday further hampered the search. In this photo taken Wednesday March 1, 2017, mine rescue workers operate at a shaft where a boy has been missing since the weekend in Boksburg, South Africa. Rescue teams in South Africa have asked the military to help find a 5-year-old boy who fell into a disused mine shaft last weekend. Military officials arrived at the scene Thursday after fruitless efforts to locate Richard Thole, who disappeared into the shaft while playing Saturday near his home. Emergency responders say the shaft is 140 meters (460 feet) deep and contains potentially lethal gas as well as acidic water. (AP Photo/Renee Graham) The area where the boy fell is known as Jerusalem, with makeshift homes constructed over old gold mines. Authorities say it is unsafe and that the residents should move. One resident, Zodwa Mashabane, says the ground under her home is sinking. BEIRUT (AP) - The Latest developments on the ground in Syria and at the Geneva peace talks. (all times local): 8:45 p.m. The head of the Syrian government delegation at the Geneva peace talks has criticized Turkey's "aggression" and says his nation has the right to defend itself from foreign forces on its soil. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) Bashar Ja'afari, who is also his country's ambassador at the United Nations, says Damascus considers the presence of Turkish troops on Syrian soil "a military aggression." He said on Thursday that the Syrian forces "reserve our right to use our all the means available ... to expel the Turkish forces from our territory." Earlier, U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces said they will withdraw from a front line with rival, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces near the Euphrates River, to allow government forces to create a buffer between the mutually-hostile sides. ___ 8:15 p.m. Syria's U.N. ambassador has lambasted an opposition delegation at the Geneva negotiations, saying it's "holding the talks hostage" by refusing to have the issue of counter-terrorism on the agenda. Bashar Ja'afari also on Thursday accused the main opposition delegation - which includes exiled politicians as well as representatives of armed factions - of obstructing efforts to form a single opposition delegation. The main opposition delegation has the backing of Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Western nations. Ja'afari says there are "terrorists" in their ranks and that their loyalties lay with foreign intelligence agencies rather than the homeland. He made the remarks after an hours-long meeting with U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura who is trying to get three opposition factions and the government delegation to set an agenda for future talks. ___ 7:40 p.m. Al-Qaida has confirmed that its deputy leader, known as Abu al-Khayr al-Masri, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Syria. The group praised al-Masri as a hero and "wise leader" with a "long career of contributions" to holy war, or jihad, in a statement on Thursday. It says he was killed in a "Crusader strike" in Syria, calling it "another in the crimes of America and its Crusader alliance." The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist organizations, said al-Masri - the nom de guerre of Egyptian militant Abdullah Mohammed Abdulrahman - may have been killed in a strike on Sunday on a vehicle in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. Al-Masri was general deputy to Ayman al-Zawahiri, who became the top leader of al-Qaida when Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan in 2011. ___ 6:10 p.m. Syria's military has announces that it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from the Islamic State group for the second time in a year. The army statement released on Thursday evening says that government forces are now in control of the town, following a series of military operations and with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with "allied and friendly troops" - shorthand for Lebanese Hezbollah fighters. IS defenses of the town had begun to erode on Sunday, with the government troops reaching Palmyra's outskirts on Tuesday. This is the government's second campaign to retake the desert town. It seized Palmyra from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. ___ 4:45 p.m. The Kremlin's spokesman says President Vladimir Putin has been informed by Russia's defense minister that Syrian government forces have taken control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. Dmitry Peskov says Putin was given the report on Thursday by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, according to Russian news agencies. The reports did not give details or elaborate on the extent of Russian air support. Syrian state media said the government forces battling the Islamic State group re-entered Palmyra earlier in the day, aiming to retake the historic town that they had lost to the militants in December. ___ 2:30 p.m. U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish troops say Russia has brokered an agreement between them and Turkish-backed opposition fighters. The deal seeks to avoid clashes between the two mutually hostile rivals, both fighting the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, says that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line as rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara there was no such agreement between Russia and the Syrian Kurds. Kurdish-led forces captured the northern town of Manbij from IS last August, prompting Turkey to deploy troops into northern Syria. Turkey considers the Kurdish forces a terrorist organization, linked to its home-grown Kurdish insurgency. Turkish troops are stationed in the Syrian town of al-Bab, 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Manbij. ___ 2:15 p.m. Syrian state media say that military forces have entered Palmyra in the quest to again take the town from the Islamic State group. Palmyra, home to some of the world's most prized Roman ruins, was seized again by IS in December. Syria's state news agency SANA says that government troops entered the town's archaeological site on Thursday. It said IS militants were fleeing from the area. IS defenses began crumbling on Sunday, with the government reaching the town's outskirts on Tuesday. Activist-run Palmyra News Network says the advancing forces have pounded the town with artillery and airstrikes. This is the government's second campaign to retake Palmyra. It seized the town from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. ___ 1:15 p.m. Turkey's foreign minister says with the completion of an operation to retake the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab, Turkish troops will head to Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust it of U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces and which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with the Islamic State group. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu added that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. ___ 10:50 a.m. The United Nations envoy to Syria is working round the clock in a bid to secure a modest victory in the fourth round of talks held in Geneva. Staffan de Mistura is due for another round of meetings Thursday marking a week of bilateral talks with the government delegation and opposition groups. A top Syrian opposition negotiator told journalists overnight Wednesday the "envoy is really keen to start a political process on the basis of a clear agenda." Nasr al-Hariri said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. (SANA via AP) In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 frame grab from video provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, Syrian forces take up positions during fighting between Government forces and Islamic State group militants in the ancient city of Palmyra, near Homs, Syria. Syrian state media says government forces have reached the edge of Palmyra and are poised to reclaim the historic town from the Islamic State group. Arabic reads, "Central Military Media, Homs, Syria." (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP) SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - A California billionaire has donated $5 million for flood relief efforts in San Jose. Kieu Hoang is a one-time refugee from Vietnam who built a fortune in medical products. He presented a check to city officials Wednesday. The money will go toward a relief fund that counts the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army among its recipients. City officials ordered more than 14,000 residents to evacuate part of the city last week as water flooded homes and temporarily shut down a portion of a major freeway. FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2017, file photo, cars are partially submerged and covered in mud from receding floodwaters in San Jose, Calif. California billionaire Kieu Hoang donated $5 million to flood relief efforts on March 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) Assistant City Manager David Sykes said earlier this week that an initial estimate put the damage costs at $73 million in the city alone. KINSHASA, Congo (AP) - Five workers have been kidnapped from a gold mine in eastern Congo, including ones from France and Tanzania, and rebels are demanding $1 million in ransom, a local official said Thursday. The Congolese, Tanzanian and French workers were abducted Wednesday from Banro Mining Corp.'s Namoya mine, said Kabambare administrator Balthazar Hemedi Kabemba. An investigation has been opened, but members of the rebel group Rahiya Mutomboki have left leaflets around the mines threatening its workers. "These five workers, including one Frenchman and one Tanzanian, are still in the hands of their captors. Though the captors have not been identified, witnesses say they were armed with AK-47s," the official said. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed that a French national was kidnapped and said it was in contact with Congolese authorities to ensure the release of those captured. The captors are in direct contact with the Canadian mining company, Kabemba said, and have asked for $1 million in ransom. They also are seeking a guarantee that the company will carry out basic contractual agreements to build infrastructure in the area, including schools, roads and a health center. The rebel group has criticized the mining company for not giving access or jobs to young miners who had been working on the site before it took over. Banro's Namoya mine manager Crispin Mwetwedu confirmed that the subsidiary of the Canadian company has received an anonymous call demanding a ransom. The Rahiya Mutomboki rebel group last year attacked a convoy of vehicles belonging to the company, seizing trucks and demanding ransom for their Tanzanian and Kenyan drivers. Congo is home to multiple militias vying for control of its mineral-rich land. ___ This version corrects to say that just one French national was kidnapped. ___ Associated Press writer Al-Hadji Kudra Maliro in Beni, Congo contributed. The three actresses starring in Hershey Area Playhouses new production of The Cemetery Club are some of the areas most accomplished. Among the three of them, Linde Stern, Lisa Lutton Weitzman and Terri Mastrobuono have been in dozens of shows on central Pennsylvania stages over the years. Now the three veterans, who self-deprecatingly call themselves The Crones, are turning their attention to a comedy drama from 1980 by playwright Ivan Menchell. In The Cemetery Club, three Jewish widows named Ida, Lucile and Doris bond and bicker during their once-monthly meetings for tea and remembrance of their dead husbands. They are thrown into disarray when an a widower named Sam arrives on the scene. Will romance bloom, and will this development ruin long-standing friendships? The Cemetery Club demonstrates that love is not something that happens only to the young. For their part, The Crones say they seek out theater pieces like this because it celebrates the unique experiences of growing vintage. Cory Wilkerson, the shows director, said mature actors are an often-ignored talent pool who can have trouble finding works that reflect the full human experience, including love and romance. This group is the first in central Pennsylvania to actively pursue such ground-breaking work. The Cemetery Club will run for just three shows this weekend, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the community playhouse, Sand Hill Road and Cherry Drive in Derry Township. Anne Frank With anti-Semitism seemingly on the rise in the United States Jewish community centers received 48 bomb threats in the month of January, according to the Washington Post Open Stage of Harrisburgs 18th annual production of The Diary of Anne Frank can serve as a stark reminder of the Jews tragic past. This beautifully rendered tale of the Holocaust, which Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacket adapted from the non-fiction book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, is set in The Netherlands during the Nazi occupation. Thats where young Anne Frank hid with members of her Jewish family in the attic of a Dutch family from 1942 to 1944, as Jews were being killed by the millions in Adolf Hitlers concentration camps. The family was eventually discovered, and Anne Frank died of typhus in the Bergen-Belson concentration camp when she was just 15. While Frank did not survive the the Nazi purge, her writings did and they form the basis of this moving story about coming of age in a time of great suffering. Open Stages production of The Diary of Anne Frank will be offered over a six-day period starting Tuesday at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in downtown Chambersburg, with Erin Shellenberger in the title role. Student matinees will be held at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday through Friday (March 7-10), with a single public performance at 2 p.m. March 12. Comedy Theres a struggle of another sort in The Spitfire Grill, a musical comedy with serious overtones set to go on stage at Oyster Mill Playhouse next week. Based on a 1996 film of the same name, The Spitfire Grill tells the story of Percy, a recent prison parolee who is trying to rebuild her life while working as a waitress at the small-town restaurant in Wisconsin. Some of the restaurants regular customers are highly suspicious of Percy and her mysterious past, but warmhearted owner Hannah has little patience for that. When Hannah is injured in a fall, Percy and others must work to save the Grill, including holding an essay contest to find a new owner. The Spitfire Grill, featuring music and lyrics by James Valcq and Fred Alley, ran Off-Broadway in 2001. It is often funny, but also deals seriously with issues of redemption hatred, compassion and small-town economics. OMPs production runs March 10-26 at the community theater in East Pennsboro Township. CAIRO (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Egypt's president on Thursday to discuss ways of slowing migration to Europe. Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said ahead of the trip that Germany wants to help Egypt strengthen its coast guard and crack down on illegal trafficking across the Mediterranean, where thousands of migrants die at sea each year. Merkel held talks with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi shortly after her arrival, and is expected to meet with businessmen, civil society representatives, and Muslim and Christian leaders before heading to Tunisia on Friday. It is her first visit to Egypt in a decade. German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Merkel is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the one reached between the European Union and Turkey in which Ankara blocks migrants and refugees from traveling onward to Europe in exchange for economic aid. Human Rights Watch last week described Merkel's visit as part of a European effort to "externalize responsibility for migrants and asylum seekers." "Ensuring safe and swift returns of Tunisians and Egyptians who are not in need of protection is legitimate, as long as the procedures are fair," said Judith Sunderland, associate Europe and Central Asia director for the New York-based rights group. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum." It was not clear if Merkel would raise concerns about human rights in Egypt, where the government has waged a wide-scale crackdown on dissent since the military overthrew an elected Islamist president in 2013. Thousands have been jailed since then, and the government has banned all unauthorized protests. Merkel's delegation includes several German CEOs who were expected to discuss investment opportunities during the meeting with el-Sissi, who is struggling to jumpstart the economy after years of unrest. She attended the inauguration of a Siemens megaproject to build three new power plants in Egypt. Siemens signed an 8 billion euro deal with Cairo two years ago that aims to boost Egypt's power generation capacity by around 50 percent by May 2018. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace, in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday, March 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) BERLIN (AP) - Turkey's justice minister canceled plans to meet with his German counterpart Thursday after local authorities in southwest Germany withdrew permission for him to use a venue to hold a political rally. Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at an event in Gaggenau, near the French border. The rally was part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on increasing the powers of the president in Turkey. Bozdag, speaking to Turkish reporters during a visit to France, said the German authorities' decision to withdraw the permit was "unacceptable." He was canceling a meeting with his German counterpart in protest and was returning to Turkey. A man holds a poster with the slogan '#FREEDENIZ' during a protest in front of the Turkish embassy in Berlin, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. Demonstrators protest against the police custody of Deniz Yucel, a correspondent in Turkey for the German daily newspaper 'Welt'. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) "The fact that Germany, which at every opportunity speaks of freedom of expression ... has canceled a meeting of the Turkish community is unacceptable," Bozdag said. "How can we speak of democracy in a country that does not allow one meeting to take place?" Bozdag recalled that German authorities had previously not allowed Erdogan to address a meeting by video, but said leaders of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which is also outlawed by Germany, were frequently allowed to address supporters in the country by video. "The doors are being opened wide when it comes to the terrorist organization," he said. Authorities in Gaggenau on Thursday withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the number of people expected, but said they couldn't rule out that the rally might be held elsewhere. A separate rally Saturday in Cologne with Turkey's Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was also canceled after city officials said organizers had misled them about the purpose of the event, saying they were initially told it would be a theater performance. Germany's opposition Left Party and the nationalist Alternative for Germany party welcomed the Gaggenau authorities' decision, but urged the government to take a stronger stance against Turkish officials campaigning in Germany. The German government has indicated it has no plans to prevent Turkish officials from speaking to the 1.4 million Turkish voters in Germany. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters on Wednesday that Germany wants to lead by example on issues of freedom of speech and assembly. Still, Turkey's foreign ministry said the German ambassador in Ankara had been summoned to explain the withdrawal of the permit in Gaggenau. Relations have been worsening between Berlin and Ankara over the detention in Turkey of Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for the German daily Die Welt. Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Turkey to free Yucel and said Wednesday night that "independent journalism must be able to exist; journalists must be able to do their job." Yucel, 43, was detained in Istanbul on Feb. 14 over his reports in Welt about a hacker attack on the email account of Turkey's energy minister. He wrote defiantly in Welt on Thursday that "even though they robbed my freedom, their interrogations and reasoning still make me laugh." Yucel, who has both German and Turkish citizenship, was jailed Monday pending a trial on charges of terrorist propaganda and inciting hatred. On Wednesday he was taken to a prison in Silivri, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Istanbul. The case was expected to have been discussed Thursday evening between Bozdag and German Justice Minister Heiko Maas in the meeting that was canceled. ___ Fraser contributed from Ankara, Turkey. Kirsten Grieshaber contributed to this report from Berlin. People wait outside the Rotenfels festival hall in Gaggenau, southern Germany, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Justice minister Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at a rally in Gaggenau, near the French border, as part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on introducing a presidential system in Turkey. Authorities in Gaggenau withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the large number of people expected, but said that it was possible the rally could be held elsewhere. (Christoph Schmidt/dpa via AP) Police cars park in front of the Rotenfels festival hall in Gaggenau, southern Germany, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Turkish Justice minister Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at a rally in Gaggenau, near the French border, as part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on introducing a presidential system in Turkey. Authorities in Gaggenau withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the large number of people expected, but said that it was possible the rally could be held elsewhere. (Christoph Schmidt/dpa via AP) FILE - In this April 16, 2016 file photo, Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag waits for a ceremony at the presidential palace in Ankara, Turkey. Bekir Bozdag, a member of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, was scheduled to speak at a rally in Gaggenau,, Germany near the French border Thursday, March 2, 2017, as part of a campaign to get Turks in Germany to vote "yes" in an upcoming referendum on introducing a presidential system in Turkey. Authorities in Gaggenau withdrew permission for a local venue to host the event, citing insufficient space for the large number of people expected, but said that it was possible the rally could be held elsewhere. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici, File) MOSCOW (AP) - A senior lawmaker called it "hysteria." The Foreign Ministry said it was "media vandalism." And the Kremlin lamented the "emotional atmosphere" currently in Washington about Attorney General Jeff Sessions' meetings with a Russian diplomat, saying it could thwart efforts to mend relations. The uproar is widely seen in Moscow as part of efforts by President Donald Trump's political foes to block any possible attempts at a rapprochement with Russia. President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he did not know anything about the meetings last year between Ambassador Sergei Kislyak and Sessions, who at that time was a U.S. senator. Sessions also was a policy adviser to Trump's campaign. Matryoshkas, traditional Russian wooden dolls, including a doll of U.S. President Donald Trump, top, are displayed for sale in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Trump has repeatedly said that he aims to improve relations with Russia, but Moscow appears frustrated by the lack of visible progress as well as by support from Trump Administration officials for continuing sanctions imposed on Russia for its interference in Ukraine. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) News of the two meetings has spurred calls in Congress for Sessions to recuse himself from an investigation into alleged Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. Sessions' office has said the meetings were in his capacity as a senator rather than as a Trump campaign adviser. Peskov argued it was normal for an ambassador to meet with officials and lawmakers, adding that "the more such meetings an ambassador has, the more efficient his work is." Asked if the accusations against Sessions smacked of McCarthyism, he answered cautiously that it's not the Kremlin's job to make judgments about U.S. domestic policy. Peskov described the reaction to the news of the Sessions' meetings as "an emotional atmosphere leading to resistance to the idea of any U.S.-Russia dialogue." "The negative effect for the idea to develop at least some dialogue with Russia is evident," he added. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, was more combative, denouncing what she described as the U.S. "media vandalism." "Let me open a military secret for you: It's part of the diplomatic job to have contacts in the country they are posted to," she said sarcastically. "It's their obligation to meet with officials and members of the political establishment." Zakharova also drew a literary allusion to George Orwell's "1984." "The media in the United States have become such a Big Brother, moving far beyond professional ethics and their own competence, raising accusations and passing judgments by fabricating false information," she said. Alexei Pushkov, the head of the information policy committee in the upper house of the Russian parliament, described Democrats' demands for Sessions' resignation as a "borderless paranoia." "Hysteria in the U.S. has driven politicians into a trap," Pushkov tweeted. "You met a Russian? That's an end to your career. You concealed it? You go to prison. The spirit of Joseph McCarthy has been waiting for its hour to come." Trump has repeatedly said he wants to improve relations with Russia, but Moscow appears increasingly frustrated by the lack of visible progress, as well as by the support from Trump administration officials for continuing sanctions imposed on Russia for its interference in Ukraine. Most Russian observers and news media cast the news over Trump's alleged links with Russia as attempts by the Democrats to undermine the Republican's agenda. Fyodor Lukyanov, the head of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, a group of leading Russian foreign policy experts, said "the highest level of paranoia vis-a-vis Russia" in the U.S. makes any thaw in relations unlikely. "The whole hysteria in the United States around Russia and the unprecedented presence of Russian issue and Russian factor in the U.S. domestic politics to me has one particular aim: to limit any space for maneuvering for President Trump in a relationship with Russia as much as possible, not to allow him to change the nature of relationship," Lukyanov said. "From this point of view their efforts are successful, because we see that his tone is changing," he added. Lukyanov ridiculed the portrayal of Russia as a "kingmaker everywhere in the world" and deplored what he called a "self-defeating and self-destructive approach" by the U.S. establishment. "Everything we hear isn't harming Russia that much but is harming the credibility of the United States," he said. "If Americans themselves believe that countries and leaders outside the U.S. can decide how they vote, that's very bad." ___ Associated Press writers Nataliya Vasilyeva, Jim Heintz and Alexander Roslyakov contributed to this report. CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) - Federal prosecutors said Thursday they had captured the members of a violent street gang who killed three high school students, including two girls who were inseparable best friends and were attacked with a machete and baseball bats as they walked through their suburban neighborhood. Thirteen members of local cliques of the MS-13 street gang were charged with a slew of violent crimes and seven killings over a five-year period, prosecutors and police said. Among the dead: Brentwood High School students Nisa Mickens, 15, and Kayla Cuevas, 16, who were ambushed by a carload of other teens on Sept. 13, and their former schoolmate Jose Pena-Hernandez, 18, whose corpse was found on the grounds of an abandoned state psychiatric hospital following his disappearance in June. FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2016 file photo, a poster displayed at a Suffolk County police precinct in Bay Shore, N.Y., offers a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the slayings of Nisa Mickens and her lifelong friend Kayla Cuevas. Federal agents said Thursday March 2, 2017, that they have caught the members of a violent El Salvadoran street gang who killed three teenagers last year, including the two girls who were inseparable best friends at their Long Island high school. (AP Photo/Michael Balsamo, File) The killings came amid a national conversation about illegal immigration, and prosecutors revealed 10 of the 13 indicted people were citizens of El Salvador or Honduras who were in the U.S. illegally, including most of the people directly implicated in the killings. Last December, Donald Trump referenced the slayings in Brentwood during a profile for his Time magazine Person of the Year award after being elected president. Two other killings of Brentwood youths, ages 15 and 19, whose bodies were discovered last year in secluded spots in the hamlet, remain unsolved. Gang violence has been a problem in Brentwood and some surrounding Long Island communities for more than a decade, but Suffolk County police and the FBI began pouring resources into a crackdown after the killings of the high school girls sparked outrage. "While violence and brutality are trademarks of the MS-13 gang, the murders of these three teens are particularly disturbing," U.S. Attorney Robert Capers said in announcing the indictment Thursday. Kayla was targeted last summer by a group of four gang members, including two juveniles, because she had been feuding with MS-13 members at school and on social media. The posse, which had been roving in a car looking for gang enemies, attacked it they came across her walking with Nisa in the street. Nisa "was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, hanging out with her childhood friend," Capers said. Nisa's father, Robert Mickens, said he felt blessed that police had made arrests. "I've got some type of closure even though my daughter is not back," he said. "It's closure to my family." Kayla's mother, Evelyn Rodriguez, said after an initial court appearance for some of the defendants that she was glad authorities had identified her daughter's killers, "but it is also a sad day." "They'll be judged ... twice," she said of the suspects, who could face the death penalty if convicted. Pena-Hernandez was a MS-13 gang member who was lured to a wooded area by fellow gang members he thought were his friends, Capers said. Those friends turned on him and repeatedly stabbed him to death, he said. His death had gone largely publicly unmarked until police began discovering corpses in the weeks after Kayla and Nisa died. The indictment superseded one filed against five men last year, accusing them of the fatal shootings of two men in Central Islip in 2013, the killing of a man in Brentwood in 2014 and the slaying of a 16-year-old boy in Central Islip in 2015. The gang, also called Mara Salvatrucha, is believed to have been founded as a neighborhood street gang in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s by immigrants fleeing a civil war in El Salvador. It grew after some members were deported to El Salvador, helping to turn that country into one of the most violent places in the world. It's now a major international criminal enterprise with tens of thousands of members in several Central American countries and many U.S. states. One of the Republican president's priorities is a crackdown on immigrants who are in the country illegally and have committed crimes. He promised as much in his Time interview, referencing a Newsday story about the killings. "They come from Central America. They're tougher than any people you've ever met," he said. "They're killing and raping everybody out there. They're illegal. And they are finished." ___ Associated Press writer Claudia Torrens contributed to this report. BALI, Indonesia (AP) - A prosecutor sought a one-year jail sentence Thursday for a former Reuters war correspondent who is on trial in Indonesia on charges of possessing hashish. British national David Fox was arrested Oct. 8 along with Australian Giuseppe Serafino on the tourist island of Bali, where police confiscated a total of 10.09 grams (0.36 ounces) of hashish from Fox's clothing and house. In her sentencing demand at the Denpasar District Court, prosecutor Erawati Susina said the defendant was guilty of violating the country's 2009 law on narcotics, under which such drug possession could face a maximum four years in prison. British national and former news correspondent David Fox, left, sits in a court room during his trial in Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Indonesian police arrested Fox during October 2016 for allegedly possessing hashish. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati) However, she sought leniency due to Fox's politeness during the trial where he confessed and apologized for his mistake. Fox, 55, worked for Reuters for 20 years but was fired in 2011 for making an off-color remark in an instant-messaging system while covering the 2011 Japan tsunami and nuclear reactor meltdowns, has told police he used the drug to overcome stress caused by covering conflicts. After the hearing, he told reporters he was embarrassed and apologized to his family, friends and Indonesians for causing trouble due to the case. Fox and his lawyer are scheduled to submit the defense plea next week. Police first raided the house of Serafino in the beachside town and resort area of Sanur, where they seized 7.32 grams (0.26 ounces) of hashish. His arrest led to the detention of Fox at a bar run by Serafino. Serafino, 49, is being tried separately and the prosecutor will submit the sentencing demand for him next week. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are often executed. More than 150 people are on death row, mostly for drug crimes. About a third of them are foreigners. Eighteen people convicted of drug-related offenses, mostly foreigners, have been executed since President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo took office in October 2014. British national and former news correspondent David Fox, right, sits in a court room during his trial in Bali, Indonesia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Indonesian police arrested Fox during October 2016 for allegedly possessing hashish. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati) NEW YORK (AP) - Tina Brown has some secrets to spill. The British-born author and magazine editor has a deal with Henry Holt and Co. to publish the diaries she kept during her years running Vanity Fair, the publisher told The Associated Press. "The Vanity Fair Dairies" comes out in November. Brown was editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair from 1984 to 1992, when the magazine covered the fall of Princess Diana's marriage to Prince Charles, among other news, and published such headline-making covers as the one of a naked, pregnant Demi Moore. Brown's diaries also touch upon her marriage to journalist and publisher Harry Evans and her "battles in the boys club" of publisher Conde Nast. FILE - This April 6, 2016 file photo shows magazine editor Tina Brown at the 7th Annual Women in the World Summit opening night in New York. Brown has a deal with Henry Holt and Company to publish the diaries she kept during her years running "Vanity Fair," the publisher announced. "The Vanity Fair Dairies" comes out in November. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) After Vanity Fair, Brown edited The New Yorker and helped found Talk magazine and The Daily Beast. SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - A former sheriff's deputy has been accused in Georgia of trying to sexually assault female inmates. The Savannah Morning News reports (http://bit.ly/2lw75qW) a grand jury indicted 63-year-old Deon Lamont Gibson on Wednesday on a charge of sexually assaulting a female inmate and four counts of attempting to sexually assault female inmates at the Chatham County jail. Gibson is accused of making physical contact with a handcuffed inmate in her cell in 2015. He's also accused of taking an inmate to a closet and trying to kiss her in 2014. He's charged with similar conduct against at least two other female inmates in 2014. Gibson also faces charges of making false statements and influencing a witness. The 13-year veteran was fired in February 2015. It's unclear if he has an attorney. ___ Information from: Savannah Morning News, http://www.savannahnow.com AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A federal judge on Thursday dismissed the U.S. government's securities fraud lawsuit against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who still faces criminal charges of duping wealthy investors. But the ruling by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant is a significant victory for Paxton, who is scheduled to stand trial in May on felony securities fraud charges. He has pleaded not guilty and faces five to 99 years in prison if convicted. The lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was nearly identical to the case brought by criminal prosecutors. Both allege that Paxton of misled investors in a high-tech Texas startup by not disclosing he was being paid by the company. FILE - In this July 29, 2015 file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during a hearing in Austin, Texas. A federal judge on Thursday, March 2, 2017, dismissed the U.S. government's securities fraud lawsuit against Paxton, though the Republican still faces criminal charges of duping wealthy investors. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) Mazzant said in his Thursday ruling that Paxton had "no plausible legal duty" to disclose his arrangement. Last year, Mazzant had tentatively dismissed the case against Paxton but gave federal regulators another chance to strengthen their case. But he was again unimpressed. "Paxton's conduct simply does not give rise to liability under the federal securities laws as they exist today," Mazzant said. Paxton has been unsuccessful in convincing criminal courts to also dismiss his case. He is now scheduled for trial nearly two years after being indicted. Paxton's criminal trial is scheduled to take place in Collin County, a conservative Dallas suburb where Paxton lives and where a grand jury indicted him in 2015. But prosecutors told state District Judge George Gallagher that a "two-year long crusade" of lawsuits, social media posts, leaks and a public relations blitz surrounding the case has made it impossible to get a fair and impartial trial and have asked to move the venue. Gallagher has not yet ruled on that request. ___ Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) - The European Union will review Slovenia's complaints over a permission granted to Croatia to use the Teran red wine brand in the 28-nation bloc, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday. Slovenian winemakers have warned the EU that Croatia has presented "partly forged" documents while getting the permission from the bloc's executive arm to use the Teran name last week. EU neighbors Slovenia and Croatia have long been at odds over the use of the Teran label. Slovenia says it has exclusive rights to the brand, which it considers a national treasure. Juncker said in Slovenia that "we'll come back to this issue after having given a careful examine to the new facts." "We have to check the new reality," Juncker said. "My impression is that we will have to reconsider." Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar has asked Juncker to suspend the whole process. "Slovenia will do everything to protect its interest," Cerar said, reiterating the government position to use all legal means to challenge the Commission's decision. The Commission said Croatian producers will be able to use the Teran name for the wine made in the Croatian part of the Istrian peninsula the two countries share, and on condition that the name Hrvatska Istra, or Croatian Istria, on the wine bottle label is bigger than the Teran name. The thick red wine produced from Refosco vine grapes in Istria near the Adriatic coast is known for its distinctive aroma which resembles the scent of wild berries. During the joint media conference with Cerar, Juncker said he tasted Teran and "it is excellent." The Slovenian "minister of agriculture was trying to convince me to taste more, but knowing that we had a press conference I did resist this friendly invitation," he said. Slovenia and Croatia, both former republics of Yugoslavia, have been at odds over a number of other issues, including their long-standing border dispute on the Adriatic Sea. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Mississippi investigators joined counterparts in Kansas on Thursday, hoping to secure evidence and interview the suspect in a three-state crime spree that included two Mississippi slayings, a New Mexico carjacking and the shooting of a store clerk west of Wichita. The store clerk, 19-year-old Riley Juel, was in stable condition at a Wichita hospital after Wednesday's shooting in Pratt, Kansas. That's where suspect Alex Deaton, 28, is suspected of stealing a car, which he later crashed, leading to his capture. This Kansas Highway Patrol photograph provided by the Ellsworth County, Kan., Sheriff's Office shows 28-year-old Alex Deaton. Deaton, accused of killing two in Mississippi, was arrested in Kansas after police ran a stolen SUV off the road in a fiery crash Wednesday, March 1, 2017. (Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office via the Kansas Highway Patrol via AP) Now, the question is who prosecutes him first. Authorities said Deaton is believed to have strangled his girlfriend, Heather Robinson, 30, late Wednesday, Feb. 22, or early the following day at her apartment in Rankin County, in the Jackson area. He's suspected of then driving her white SUV to nearby Neshoba County, where 69-year-old Brenda Pinter was shot to death at a church she was cleaning on Feb. 23. Authorities say he also is suspected of wounding a jogger in Rankin County on Friday morning in a drive-by shooting. He is then believed to have headed west, still in Robinson's SUV. Rankin Sheriff Bryan Bailey said authorities began to link the Mississippi crimes once Robinson's body was found Friday afternoon, when police found that her SUV was missing. Bailey said Thursday that the SUV has been recovered in New Mexico, where Deaton is suspected in the Tuesday carjacking and brief abduction of two hikers, one of whom was shot and wounded after they pulled the release lever in the trunk of their Honda to escape. Sandoval County, New Mexico, Sheriff's Lt. Keith Elder said Deaton then briefly stole a van and forced the woman to get in. When she jumped out, Elder said, Deaton returned to steal the couple's Honda. He was spotted in a Honda Wednesday morning. He eluded police, but was captured later Wednesday after the theft of the car at the Pratt Kwik Stop, where Juel was shot. Juel told KSN News in Wichita on Thursday that he felt "something wasn't right" when the suspect walked into the store while Juel was working his overnight shift. He said Deaton came directly to the counter and demanded the keys to Juel's car but did not ask for money. When he handed the keys over, Deaton shot him at point-blank range, Juel said. "I was just scared I was going to die, 'cause I was losing a lot of blood and I was going through a lot of pain," he said. "That's the one thing I was just telling myself: 'You cannot die; you have too much friends and family.'" He was able to call 911 and was alert until help arrived. He said he's grateful to be alive and thanked the police officer who first arrived for "helping me, talking to me, keeping me there. If it wasn't for him, I probably would've gone to sleep," he said. Juel underwent surgery and is expected to be hospitalized for about a week. Bailey said he believes Robinson was killed because she was trying to break up with Deaton. Neshoba County Sheriff Tommy Waddell said he doesn't know why Pinter was killed. Bailey said he hopes Mississippi authorities will get the first opportunity to prosecute Deaton. He said investigators from Rankin, Neshoba and the MBI were briefed Thursday morning on the Kansas and New Mexico cases. They hoped also to speak with Deaton. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation coordinated a meeting in Great Bend involving its agents and those from Mississippi, spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said. She said investigators want to ensure that evidence at several crime scenes is being properly collected but "it might take some time to decide the question of extradition." Deaton's family issued a statement to Jackson media outlets Thursday. "Our family is deeply shocked, saddened and horrified at all that has unfolded since last Wednesday. We are devastated and completely heartbroken for all that has happened," it said. "Our family is in a state of disbelief. " It went on to say that Deaton's family was praying for the victims and their families. __ McGill reported from New Orleans. Dee Fagans home is the epitome of charm and character. I welcome all my guests with a little sign each night, she says, pointing to a sign that welcomed ABC27 during the visit. But it takes more than that to run her bed and breakfast in Silver Spring Township. Fagan showed her occupancy permits and registration certificates that took months to lock down but allow her to operate. Many Airbnb hosts may not want to go through all the regulations that we have to go through, Fagan said. Many short-term hosts do not adhere to laws, especially when it comes to paying county and state hotel room taxes. The tax is usually just a few dollars per stay and its used to promote local tourism. It could be in the hundreds of thousands a year if we really were to capture all of it, said Shireen Farr at the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. Its a deficit Cumberland County is now addressing with educational social media blasts. Farr read one of the blasts. If you are advertising on a hosting site, you need to register and pay the county hotel tax, she read. Another says, You are operating a business if you collect money from a third party for a short-term stay in your home. Colleges, car shows and other attractions draw more Airbnb guests to Cumberland County. Fagan says she just wants to be part of the growth. All were looking for is a level playing field, she said. Similar concerns were voiced at a town meeting in Elizabethtown. Its a state and national problem. The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association is pushing for legislation by the end of this year. WASHINGTON (AP) - A congressional panel has introduced a $578 billion spending bill to keep the armed forces operating through the end of September. The legislation offered Thursday by the House Appropriations Committee tracks with the funding levels authorized in the annual defense policy bill signed into law late last year by former President Barack Obama. The full House will meet next week to consider the spending bill for the 2017 fiscal year. Military personnel salute as Air Force One, with President Donald Trump aboard, departs from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Thursday, March 2, 2017, en route to Virginia to meet with sailors and shipbuilders on Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 aircraft carrier, a $12.9 billion warship, that is expected to be commissioned this year after cost overruns and delays. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) President Donald Trump has promised major increases in defense spending to rebuild what he's called a depleted American military. As a down payment toward that goal, Trump is expected to send Congress soon a $30 billion supplement to the 2017 measure. The Pentagon and other federal agencies are currently running under a stopgap spending bill that expires April 28. BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian authorities detained a suspect who was driving a car with gas canisters in his trunk Thursday, setting off a security alert in the center of Brussels. The prosecutor's office said a busy part of the capital was closed off and a subway station closed during the evening rush hour. Prosecutor's spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said authorities acted quickly as a precaution "since the driver was known by judicial authorities and it was unclear why the gas canisters were there." Police stand in back of a cordoned area in the center of Brussels on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Belgian authorities have closed off part of the center of Brussels and a subway station after a suspect was detained with gas canisters in the trunk of his car. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) Van Wymersch said a bomb squad carried out two controlled explosions involving items from the car while the suspect was being interrogated. No detonator or explosives were found, and only one of the two gas canisters was full, she added. Saint Gilles Mayor Charles Picque described the driver as "a radicalized person, so it was normal to take precautionary measures." However, Van Wymersch cautioned not to jump to conclusions about a possible extremist motive. The canisters were discovered after police pursued a car they observed speeding and running red lights. The local transport authority said late Thursday that the Porte de Hal metro station closed on police orders, while a perimeter was established above ground. Belgian security services have been on high alert since suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway last March 22, killing 32 people. Police and members of the bomb squad investigate an area in the center of Brussels on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Belgian authorities have closed off part of the center of Brussels and a subway station after a suspect was detained with gas canisters in the trunk of his car. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) Police officers stand at a cordon during the investigation of a suspect car in the center of Brussels on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Belgian authorities have closed off part of the center of Brussels and a subway station after a suspect was detained with gas canisters in the trunk of his car. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) WEST CHESTER, Pa. (AP) - Police say a teenager assaulted and robbed a 72-year-old woman, bound her and locked her inside a closet in her suburban Philadelphia home, where she was not discovered for four days. Prosecutors said Thursday the 17-year-old boy is being charged as a juvenile with attempted homicide and other offenses. The woman first noticed Feb. 22. that her Chester County house had been burglarized. When she returned from work that night, police say the boy grabbed her. The victim told police the boy told her "You'll be home with Jesus soon" when he choked her until she lost consciousness. Police say the woman was locked in a closet without food or drink. Relatives found the woman malnourished and dehydrated in the closet. The teen had recently fled a behavioral health facility. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey doctor was indicted Thursday on charges that he sold prescriptions for addictive opioid painkillers to people who had no medical need for them, including one man who died from an overdose. Dr. Byung Kang, of Little Falls, was charged with one count of "strict liability" for the drug-induced death of 26-year-old Michael Justice, of Clifton. Justice's mother had called Kang 18 months earlier threatening to call police if he didn't stop prescribing her son oxycodone, according to a statement from Attorney General Christopher Porrino. Kang's attorney said he hadn't yet reviewed the indictment that also charges Kang with money laundering, tax fraud and drug distribution. Kang's wife and receptionist, Soo, also was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and tax-related counts. "Doctors are supposed to preserve health and life, but Dr. Kang allegedly turned his back on all medical and ethical standards, not to mention all standards of human decency," Porrino said. "By indiscriminately peddling this dangerous painkiller - which has been the gateway to so much opiate addiction, misery and death - Dr. Kang allegedly caused the death of a vulnerable young man and put himself on a par with every street-corner drug dealer." Kang sold 90-count prescriptions for 30 milligram oxycodone pills for $150 to $200 to numerous patients who didn't have a medical need, Porrino said. He was first arrested last May and charged with illegally distributing oxycodone after an investigation by the state and Drug Enforcement Administration. He entered a consent order with the state Board of Medical Examiners in July prohibiting him from practicing until further action. "Unfortunately, this is another example of a doctor who was allegedly more concerned with his financial health than the health of his patients," said Carl Kotowski, special agent in charge of the DEA's New Jersey division. HERNDON, Va. (AP) - Police have released the name of the officer in a fatal shooting in northern Virginia. A statement from Col. Edwin Roessler Jr., police chief of Fairfax County, said Thursday that Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger was involved in the Jan. 16 shooting. Police said that Mohammad Doudzai barricaded himself in his Herndon house after shooting and wounding his two brothers. Authorities say he went to the door with a knife and was shot by Guckenberger. A federal judge had granted an order barring Roessler from releasing Guckenberger's name. The judge later canceled the order. Roessler says Guckenberger, a 16-year department veteran, was involved in two nonfatal shootings - in 2005 and 2010. Both were found to be lawfully justified. Criminal and administrative investigations into January's shooting are continuing. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota officials are bracing for billions of dollars in additional health care expenses if congressional Republicans enact a plan they're discussing to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press. The planning document shows that the GOP proposal, a draft of which was circulated last week, would cut $1.3 billion next year from the state's low-income health care program that covers roughly one-sixth of its 5.5 million residents. By 2021, the losses would accumulate to more than $5 billion, eventually costing the state $6 billion a year starting in 2029. That analysis was prepared by the state's Department of Human Services, which runs those programs. It illustrates the uncertainty states across the nation are grappling with over how President Donald Trump and Congress will reshape the health care law championed by President Barack Obama. And it provides one of the first concrete estimates of what the emerging GOP plan would cost a state that expanded Medicaid. FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2017 file photo, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton speaks in St. Paul, Minn. Minnesota officials are bracing for billions of dollars in additional health care expenses if congressional Republicans enact a plan they're discussing to replace the Affordable Care Act, according to a draft document obtained by The Associated Press. Dayton said this week that he wants to wait and see how the federal government proceeds on health care. (AP Photo/Jim Mone File) Some states fear that the final product will force states to choose between cutting popular health care programs for low-income residents or picking up far more of the tab. Democratic and Republican governors alike have expressed alarm about potential changes to Medicaid as members of Congress have faced backlash at town halls in their home districts. The possibility that Minnesota could be on the hook for more federal costs is weighing heavily on some state lawmakers as they start assembling a new, two-year budget. If the Medicaid changes were passed, a top Minnesota Democrat said it would undoubtedly trigger cuts to critical coverage for elderly and sick residents. "We're making promises we're not going to be able to keep," state Sen. Tony Lourey said Thursday. Minnesota is one of 31 states - plus the District of Columbia - that participated in Medicaid expansion, a marquee part of Obama's health care law that helped expand coverage to an additional 10 million low-income residents. The draft legislation would end that expansion and reduce overall spending by providing states with a fixed, annual amount per recipient in response to Republican criticism that states currently have little incentive to keep expenses under control. Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper said that was a grave mistake, calling it "code for cuts to programs for the poor, elderly, and people with disabilities." The financial hit that states may face varies drastically based on how many residents are covered on Medicaid and to what extent the federal government currently covers those costs. In a letter last week, a group of seven Republican governors urged Trump and Congress not to shift the financial burden to states. "We must ensure that people do not have the rug pulled out from under them and are not left without access to care, especially during the transition," according to a copy of the letter obtained by the AP. Minnesota and many other states covered many low-income residents before the health care overhaul, but the Medicaid expansion sent out more federal dollars and covered more people. To shift that funding back, Lynn Blewett of State Health Access Data Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota said, is "going to be very hard to go backward and get to where we were before the ACA." The Medicaid change is just one of many pieces of the evolving GOP plan to replace Obamacare. Their proposals also call to eliminate the mandate that every American buy health insurance and scrap fines on individual who don't have coverage while maintaining some of the law's most popular components, including a requirement that insurers allow young adults to remain on parental coverage until they turn 26. According to the planning document, the changes could entirely eliminate Minnesota's so-called Basic Health Plan, a supplemental program called MinnesotaCare that covers nearly 100,000 "working poor" residents. Only Minnesota and New York have implemented those plans, and coverage in both has soared since the health care law was implemented. The potential funding loss adds to turmoil in Minnesota's health care system. Lawmakers took an extraordinary measure earlier this year to offset massive premium increases for shoppers buying coverage on their own, tapping $312 million of rainy day funds to help keep down monthly rates. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton said this week that he wants to wait and see how the federal government proceeds on health care. "To try to anticipate what they're going to do when they don't know themselves ... is really impossible," he said. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar in Washington contributed to this report. SPRINGDALE, Ohio (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence promised small business executives in Ohio on Thursday that the Trump administration will "lift the weight of Obamacare" off them and U.S. families with a better plan that puts the American people first. "The Obamacare nightmare is about to be over," Pence said at Frame USA, a picture frame manufacturer in in suburban Cincinnati. "We're going to replace Obamacare with something that works." Accompanied by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, Pence told a gathering of workers and others after touring the factory that there will be "an orderly transition" to a plan that will lower costs without increasing the size of government. He said businesses would benefit from lower costs and less regulation. Vice President Mike Pence, center right, and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, third from right, are given a tour of the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) The former governor of neighboring Indiana said he spoke earlier in the day with Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who has expressed concern about the fate of those who gained Medicaid eligibility through the overhaul. Pence said the administration will assure that "the most vulnerable ... are seen to and taken care of." Pence said "state-based solutions" would be used. Democrats and other supporters of the Affordable Care Act strongly dispute that it's been the disaster depicted by Trump and Republicans, and say scrapping it risks leaving millions of people uninsured if the replacement plan has shortcomings. Some critics have also said GOP rhetoric is creating uncertainty about the future. Pence didn't take press questions and didn't mention during his public comments in Ohio the political storm back in Washington over Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Russian contacts during the presidential campaign. Some two dozen people protested Pence's visit from across the street. One sign read, "They are lying." One man loudly yelled: "Boo, Mike Pence." Vice President Mike Pence, center, and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, right, are given a tour of the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Vice President Mike Pence places an autographed campaign hat on the head of an audience member after speaking at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, right, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, speaks at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss healthcare and other issues while engaging in a "listening session" with small business owners. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a "listening session" with small business owners at the Frame USA facility, Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Springdale, Ohio. Pence visited Ohio to discuss repealing Obamacare and other issues. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Stoke midfielder Ibrahim Afellay is looking forward to putting his injury problems behind him after signing a new contract. The Holland international, who missed eight months in 2016 with a serious knee ligament injury, has committed his future to the club until 2019. EXCLUSIVE: Ibrahim Afellay has signed a new contract, committing him to #SCFC until at least the summer of 2019 #DEVOT10N pic.twitter.com/02Lv6EDph6 Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 2, 2017 Im very happy, Afellay, who joined the Potters in 2015 from Barcelona, told the clubs official website. From the first day I came to the club I felt at home and Im looking forward to the future and to doing good things with this club. I hope we can continue to progress and develop. Ibrahim Afellay receives treatment on injured fingers at Stamford Bridge Afellay returned to action in December and has made 10 appearances so far. The injury is all in the past now, he added. I think Ive showed that Im back in business and Im just looking forward now, working hard every day and trying to make the best of everything. Young adults are more likely to feel lonely than older people, despite having vastly more digital friends, a report suggests. Nearly nine in 10 people (89%) aged between 18 and 34 have felt lonely at some point in their lives, compared with seven in 10 (70%) over-55s, a survey from Nationwide Building Society found. People aged between 18 and 34 have an average of 103 online friends around four times the 27 online friends that over-55s have typically, the research found. (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The younger age group also has 17 friends who they see offline typically, compared with an average 12 for the older age group. Twice as many people in the 18 to 34 age bracket said they feel lonely all the time compared with those aged 55 plus, at 8% compared with 4%. The survey of 2,000 people also found that generally, people who always feel lonely are much more likely to have fallen victim to a financial scam. (Anna Gowthorpe/PA) The research found that 7% of people feel lonely on an ongoing basis, meaning they always feel disconnected or isolated from society. More than a third (36%) of people in this group said they had fallen victim to fraud compared with 9% of people who do not consider themselves to be lonely. Romance scams, lottery or prize draw scams, energy saving scams and clairvoyance scams were among the frauds that people who always felt lonely said they had fallen for. (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Common reasons for people feeling lonely were that they lacked confidence, felt depressed, found it hard to make friends or found it difficult to meet like-minded people, the survey found. Chad Rogerson, Nationwides head of customer vulnerability and diversity, said people who feel socially isolated can sometimes be more willing to respond to a stranger on social media or via email. He said: While human contact is essential and should be encouraged, particularly where feelings of isolation are involved, wed always urge people to be mindful of the risk of falling victim to a scam. A woman showing signs of depression Nationwide is taking part in an industry campaign called Take Five, which encourages people to pause for thought before responding to requests. The research also found that on average, Britons have 65 friends online compared with 14 traditional friendships. A quarter (25%) of those surveyed said they spend more time interacting on social media than in person, rising to nearly two-thirds (65%) of those who describe themselves as always feeling lonely. Just under one in 10 people (8%) surveyed said they will go a week without seeing any friends. Part of a hospital roof has collapsed in South Africas largest city, injuring five people and forcing some patients wrapped in gowns and blankets to temporarily leave the building. Rescue workers were assessing whether anyone was trapped in the rubble at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg, where a section of roof fell near the main entrance, close to the maternity department. Construction workers were fixing part of the roof when it collapsed, according to Gwen Ramokgopa, the provincial health chief. Emergency staff work at the scene of a roof collapse at the Charlotte Maxeke hospital in Johannesburg (AP) MEDIA STATEMENT: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE AT CHARLOTTE MAXEKE ACADEMIC HOSPITAL pic.twitter.com/CSEaJ7Djhk Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) March 2, 2017 She said the injured included two patients, two construction workers and one hospital staff member. The rest of the hospital is safe. The problem is contained to the entrance and the area is cordoned off, Ms Ramokgopa said. Stones had been moved on to the section of roof that later collapsed, said Jack Bloom, a member of the Democratic Alliance, an opposition party. He also cited hospital staff as saying in the past that there were leaking roofs and other structural problems in the building. Beauty Mashaba, a patient who left the building after the collapse, was relieved. Thank God, because I am out in safety and I am alive even though I am in shock right now, she said. Electronics and appliance retailer hhgregg announced it is closing 88 stores, including four in the Midstate, as it struggles to turn a profit. The local stores slated to close include the location on Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township, the Carlisle Pike store in Hampden Township, the location on Louks Road in York, and the Fruitville Pike store in Lancaster. Nationwide, the closures will result in about 1,500 people losing their jobs. The company says current inventory in the affected stores will be sold over the coming weeks with final closings expected to be completed by mid-April. We are strategically exiting markets and stores that are not financially profitable for us, said Robert J. Riesbeck, hhgreggs president and CEO. The company will continue to operate 132 stores. In Pennsylvania, hhgregg is also closing stores in Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City, Wyomissing, Downingtown, Pittsburgh, King of Prussia, Erie, North Wales, Langhorne and Whitehall. The companys distribution sites in Philadelphia, Maryland and Florida will also shut down. A new two-shot Taser capable of causing more pain to suspects has been authorised for use by police forces in England and Wales. The Government said the device is not more powerful than those currently used by officers, but the new X2 can be fired twice if it misses or does not subdue the target on the first go. A double-shot may increase the risk of muscle injury, the body advising the Government on their use said, but overall the medical effects of the new Taser are in line with those expected in other similar devices. An Avon and Somerset police officer holstering a Taser X26 (Ben Birchall/PA) Deployment of the X2 should be continuously reviewed until enough information is available to provide confidence that the system performs in the manner anticipated, the Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons added. The new device was given the green light by the Home Office following calls from police to replace the current model. Policing Minister Brandon Lewis said: The Government is committed to giving the police the tools they need to do their job effectively - we must ensure our officers have access to the best, and most up-to-date technology available. Tasers are an important tactical option for the police, particularly in potentially violent situations where other tactics have been considered or failed. Bella Sankey, director of policy, said: The use of Tasers has grown vastly since their introduction - but regulation remains woeful. Initially intended for firearms officers only, theyre now available across the frontline - and there have been far too many examples of completely inappropriate use, with the BME (black and minority ethnic) community and those with mental health conditions most affected. The X2, replacing the current X26 Taser, is a smart device with improved features, according to managing director for Taser UK Matt Spencer. By Benet Koleka TIRANA, March 1 (Reuters) - Albanian villagers who accuse an energy company of damaging their homes by fracking will get full compensation, the country's deputy prime minister said on Wednesday. A group of the villagers from western Albania walked more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) to the capital Tirana and set up camp outside the energy ministry on Saturday to protest. In a televised address, deputy prime minister Niko Peleshi said the villagers would get full compensation from the state budget and from the energy company, Bankers Petroleum, following an evaluation of the damage. The protesters greeted the announcement with cheers of "Zharreza," the name of the village with the most damaged homes. Their leader, Qani Rredhi, said that out of 700 houses, 570 were damaged and 70 were not habitable. "Since 2010 we have suffered earthquake tremors of high intensity at various times, usually at night, even 30 quakes a day," he told Reuters. Fracking involves pumping water and chemicals at high pressure through drill holes to prise open shale rocks holding gas and oil, a process used widely in the United States but which has proved controversial in parts of Europe due to concerns about potential damage to the environment. Bankers Petroleum spokeswoman Laura Cela said the company would abide by the government's demand for it to stop using water injections in the region, but that it would only pay compensation if this was found to have caused the tremors. The energy ministry said in a statement it had agreed with Bankers, owned since September by China's Geo-Jade, to contract an independent expert to rule on the causes of the tremors. (Reporting by Benet Koleka; Editing by Mark Potter) By Alastair Macdonald BRUSSELS, March 1 (Reuters) - Britain believes a post-Brexit free trade deal with the European Union would ease problems that its withdrawal from the EU will create on the Irish border, London's Northern Ireland minister said on Wednesday. Speaking to Reuters after meeting EU officials and lawmakers in Brussels, James Brokenshire echoed calls from Dublin and the EU for Brexit negotiations to ensure a new EU external land border across the island of Ireland would remain "frictionless" to avoid disrupting peace in the troubled British province. Negotiations will not start until Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggers Britain's withdrawal some time this month but Brokenshire said he had been assured of understanding in Europe of the significance of preserving a 19-year-old peace deal under which people and goods now cross unimpeded across the border. For travellers, he stressed the importance of an arrangement between London and Dublin dating back to Irish independence nearly a century ago, and the fact that EU member Ireland is, like Britain, not in the bloc's Schengen passport-free zone. Asked about the potential disturbance to trade once Britain leaves the EU's single market as May has said it will do, Brokenshire said London was open to deals on the EU customs union rules that could ease the flow of goods across the island. Were the EU to agree to British proposals of a comprehensive free trade agreement, that would address Irish economic issues: "We're very clear on having a desire to have that free trade agreement," Brokenshire said. "I think that that is the best way to facilitate trade and business and to support the economy on the island of Ireland. That ability for businesses to be able to conduct their work in that integrated way is an important part." But EU leaders are reluctant to agree to the sweeping free trade deal May wants if, as she also wants, Britain ceases to accept free immigration from the EU or EU judicial supervision. Businesses on both sides of the Irish border fear disruption if EU rules apply in the south but not the north, adding to fears of a resurgence in militant violence, some of it linked to organised crime, if physical border controls were reintroduced. Brussels officials say they would like to start talks on the Irish issue early in negotiations but are reluctant to open talks on trade in general before London agrees to other EU demands, including settling its outstanding bills to the Union. Brokenshire declined to comment on whether negotiations on the Irish issue and the trade deal should be run in parallel. Asked whether efforts to ensure an open border on Ireland could mean obstacles for people or goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, he ruled that out: "The concept that we would creating a new border across the Irish Sea is absolutely not what we are talking about," he said. (Editing by Dominic Evans) By Peter Apps March 1 (Reuters) - For much of the last week, the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson has been patrolling the South China Sea. It is just the kind of display of Washingtons power and global reach that the U.S. Navy excels at - both to reassure allies and, in this case, send a message to potential foes. How much longer Washington will be able to perform such operations unchallenged, however, is an increasingly open question. Some military experts project that within a little more than a decade, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy may have more warships than Washington under its command. Beijings military buildup is part of its strategy to dominate many disputed territories in the South China Sea - and push America back. Retaining U.S. global military dominance is at the heart of President Donald Trumps plan to up Pentagon spending by $54 billion, or roughly 9 percent. That alone, however, will not be enough to maintain Washingtons regional military edge. Chinas own defense budget has increased by double digits almost every year for the last two decades - although it slowed slightly last year. More importantly, Beijing is also adopting a range of tactics to which Washington lacks a truly effective response. While Washingtons approach in Asia has always been focused on its ability to move aircraft carriers through Chinas backyard, Beijing has been doing everything it can to tilt the strategic balance against its possible foes. Its a strategy that includes new weapons systems, considerable conventional naval expansion but also a host of other tactics including building naval bases, floating power stations and artificial islands. Some current and former U.S. military officials believe it is a question of when, rather than if, a regional conflict takes place. What seems equally plausible is a decades-long - and perhaps largely bloodless - confrontation remaining just below the threshold of anything that might trigger actual war. That may well be Chinas plan. Its a game that Beijing has played in increasing earnest since 1995, when the Chinese military fired several missiles and conducted military maneuvers around Taiwan, which Beijing sees as a breakaway province. U.S. President Bill Clinton responded by sending two aircraft carriers to patrol the waters between Taiwan and mainland China, a move that Beijings military could do little to stop without sparking a war it knew it would not win. Since then, China has focused on gaining the ability to keep U.S. forces - particularly aircraft carriers - out of its immediate neighborhood. Many analysts believe it now possesses enough weapons technology - submarines, missiles and strike aircraft in particular - that U.S. planners would be reluctant to risk their carriers that close to Chinas coast again. China is believed to have thousands of ballistic missiles aimed at the island, as well as naval weaponry to destroy nearby warships. Some experts believe Beijing might try to regain control of the island sometime in the next two decades. Beijings next immediate goal appears to be expanding its military capability much further out - to a number of potentially energy-rich atolls and islands claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. Beijings most grandiose claims in the South China Sea were rejected last year by the U.N.s top international maritime court. China has, however, continued to build and expand, particularly around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese military landed on the islands - also claimed by the Philippines - in 2012 and have since built up their presence there. From these disputed bases, Beijings military claims a range of air and sea areas under its jurisdiction, demanding foreign aircraft and ships register with them. American, Australian and other military forces make a point of flouting these rules - which have little international legitimacy - with relative impunity. No one has a strategy to stop the Chinese. At his confirmation hearings, new U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised eyebrows by suggesting U.S. forces might somehow deny China access to the disputed islands. That would almost certainly start a war, however, and the idea has not been mentioned since. In many ways, what has happened in the South China Sea resembles a more gradual version of what Vladimir Putins Russia achieved in Crimea during its 2014 takeover - using armed men without uniform to change the reality on the ground before Ukraine or its allies could react. In Ukraine, Russia later proved itself willing to use more overt - although still officially denied - military force to seize control of some Russian-speaking areas in the east of the country. The question in the South China Sea is whether Beijing might consider something similar - and what might happen if it does. China has also become increasingly focused on acquiring the kind of high-level, high-value military assets that the United States has used against it in the past. Chinas first aircraft carrier - a former Soviet vessel rebuilt - is becoming ever more effective, although it remains primarily used for training. In December, it conducted what appeared to be its first long-range patrol outside Chinas coastal waters. China is also constructing its first domestically built carrier and reportedly working on another. Such ships are important to Beijings international image - witness the attention Russia got through sending its only carrier to conduct airstrikes in Syria late last year. So are the ballistic missile submarines that - like Russia - Beijing is increasingly building, a stark reminder to any potential enemies of the cataclysmic consequences of outright war. According to some estimates, over the next 10 to15 years, China could build its fleet to a total of 500, including up to four aircraft carriers and 100 submarines as well as smaller but sophisticated corvettes, patrol boats and other combat craft. That compares to Trumps planned expansion of the U.S. Navy to some 350 vessels, including a larger proportion of more powerful vessels, but spread across the entire world. In sailing through the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the Carl Vinson has once again shown Americas military might. In the event of an actual war, however, it is far from clear how long such a massive vessel would survive before being sunk. In any case, the Carl Vinson will be gone next week - although other forces will remain - and the Chinese will still be building. (By Peter Apps) SANTIAGO, March 1 (Reuters) - Chilean police raided the offices of Brazil's Odebrecht in capital Santiago on Wednesday, as part of a widening investigation into bribes paid by the conglomerate on construction projects across Latin America. A Chilean prosecutor will travel to Brasilia this month to work with Brazilian colleagues questioning Odebrecht executives, national public prosecutor Jorge Abbott told journalists. There were "certain people that we want to talk to in respect of events that may have occurred in Chile that could eventually be constituted as a crime," he said. Odebrecht, Latin America's largest engineering group, agreed in December to pay a record fine and has admitted to paying bribes to officials in 12 countries, mostly in Latin America, to help secure lucrative contracts. Prosecutors from 10 countries, including Chile, are forming a task force to share evidence in the case. Chile's prosecutors are also looking into allegations that Brazil's engineering group OAS illicitly channeled funds to Chilean political campaigns. OAS offices in Santiago were raided last month. Odebrecht's website does not list any current projects in operation in Chile. (Reporting by Erik Lopez, Writing by Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by David Gregorio) Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour): SWITCH TENDER Poland's finance ministry to hold a switch tender at which it will offer bonds due April 2019, April 2022, November 2022, January 2026 and July 2027 in exchange for papers due April, July and October this year. WARSAW STOCK EXCHANGE Warsaw's Stock Exchange is expected to announces changes to its main indexes composition after markets close. CYFROWY POLSAT Poland's Cyfrowy Polsat said on Wednesday it sees fourth-quarter consolidated net profit 100 million zlotys ($24.60 million) higher due to a one-off tax gain. LOTOS Polish refiner Grupa Lotos said on Wednesday that costs associated with refinery outages would reduce 2017 consolidated operating profit by about 200 million zlotys ($49 million). MBANK Polish lender mBank, a unit of Germany's Commerzbank CBKG.DE, said on Wednesday it did not plan to pay a dividend from last year's net profit. FURNITURE Polish state-run investment fund PFR will provide support for local furniture producers to help them conduct acquisitions in Poland and abroad, Rzeczpospolita daily said quoting PFR representative. CIECH State-run investment fund TFI PZU increased its share in chemical group Ciech to 12 percent raising questions whether the move was designed to help the state regain control over the company, Rzeczpospolita daily said. Last year officials from Poland's anti-corruption agency CBA entered the Warsaw offices of Ciech and Kulczyk Holding in an investigation into the previous government's privatisation of the chemical group. PKP ENERGETYKA PKP Energetyka, which specializes in power engineering services, looks to tap the German market with new orders, Rzeczpospolita daily quoted the company's CEO as saying. URSUS Truck tractor maker Ursus plans to start production of electric delivery vans, comparable in size to fiat Scudo, Puls Biznesu daily said quoting Ursus Chief Executive Officer. ELECTION Ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party may change election law in order to increase it's chances in municipal election, planned for late 2018, Gazeta Wyborcza daily said. ****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.**** For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 4.0658 zlotys) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau) COLMAR, France, March 2 (Reuters) - A French appeals court said on Thursday that it was postponing a decision on the possible extradition of former Kosovo prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, who was a guerrilla commander during the 1998-99 Kosovo war. Authorities had detained Haradinaj as he flew into France on Jan. 4 following a request from Serbia, which says he is a war criminal for his role in leading a guerrilla insurgency in its former southern province of Kosovo. The arrest further strained brittle diplomatic ties between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared independence with Western backing in 2008 and has demanded Belgrade drop its efforts to prosecute people linked to the conflict. Haradinaj's Alliance for the Future of Kosovo party has urged French authorities to stop all legal actions against him. Serbia said in January it would refuse to extradite people sought by France if it failed to hand over Haradinaj. (Reporting by Gilbert Reilhac; Writing by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Matthias Blamont) PARIS, March 2 (Reuters) - France is working with Congolese authorities to free one of its citizens, who was part of a group kidnapped at a mine run by Banro Corp, the French foreign ministry said on Thursday. "We are mobilised and are in contact with the Congolese authorities to shed as much light as possible on what happened, and in order to free our compatriot," a spokesman for the French foreign ministry said in a statement. Banro said earlier on Thursday that suspected militiamen had kidnapped five workers - a French national, a Tanzanian and three Congoloese - at its Namoya gold mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Gareth Jones) ABUJA, March 2 (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently on indefinite medical leave in Britain, has spoken to the King of Morocco by telephone, a government spokesman said on Thursday. The statement was the latest reassurance from the presidency that all is well with Buhari despite concerns for his health. King Mohammed VI called Buhari on Wednesday and the two discussed the latter's health as well as work on a Morocco-Nigeria crude oil pipeline, the spokesman said. Buhari has been in London for six weeks on medical leave, raising questions about his capacity to govern Nigeria. The president's office has posted pictures on social media of Buhari recuperating to allay rumors his health was worse than publicly acknowledged, though none have been published for more than a week. For now, there is no word on when Buhari will return. (Reporting by Felix Onuah) By Elisabeth O'Leary and Elizabeth Piper LONDON, March 2 (Reuters) - The British government is confident it can seal a good divorce deal with the European Union which will win over the people of Scotland but may never please its pro-independence ruling party, Scottish minister David Mundell said. Mundell, Britain's secretary of state for Scotland, told Reuters the government was 'taking note' of warnings that Scottish leaders are gearing up for a vote which could split the more than three-century-old union between Scotland and England. But the British government does not believe another vote on independence should take place, he said. "We are aware and take note of what the Scottish government say and do. It would be complacent not to do that," he said in an interview at his office overlooking a parade ground just steps from Prime Minister Theresa May's official residence. Mundell, the only elected Conservative lawmaker for Scotland in the British parliament, said the government wanted a good Brexit deal for the whole country, but did not say whether there were particular aspects that would soothe Scottish concerns. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who became leader in 2014 after an unsuccessful referendum to break away and whose Scottish National Party holds 56 of Scotland's 59 seats, has increased the volume on demands that Scotland must have a vote if the country is forced into a "hard Brexit". She says Scotland should have a chance to decide its future because, unlike England and Wales, it voted to stay in the EU at a June referendum and to maintain preferential access to the bloc's single market and free movement of labour. Sturgeon also wants to make sure Edinburgh has a say over fisheries and farming policy - areas where Britain might look for compromise in EU talks. NO APPETITE? But despite her accusations that the British government's "sheer intransigence" over Brexit is driving Scotland towards independence, Mundell said he doubted whether there was, or would be, appetite for a new vote soon, citing polls. Last month, an opinion poll conducted by BMG showed that support for independence had risen to 49 percent, not enough to guarantee success of such a vote, but for Sturgeon's Scottish National Party, a sign that Scots do not like May's Brexit plan. Mundell said that while there could be another referendum, it would "require the agreement of the UK government". May has repeatedly said that there should be no second referendum, but the calls for exactly that add further uncertainty ahead of some of the most complicated negotiations Britain has waged since World War Two to leave the bloc. She has said that a good deal for Britain will be a good deal for Scotland and Mundell disputed accounts by Scottish officials that the government was not listening to them. He said there had been "six meetings in the two week period up until the end of last Thursday" but Sturgeon says the British government has not seriously considered a document she presented in December laying out Scotland's Brexit options. The Scottish minister doubted whether any agreement with European Union would be welcomed by Sturgeon's party. "Will we be able to please the SNP in this process? No. I can absolutely, categorically guarantee that," he said. "But will we be able to satisfy Scottish public opinion? Yes, by getting a good deal ...The SNP will have to accept that." (Editing by Angus MacSwan) Spicy smells and Spanish sounds filled the cafeteria as student cooks offered a taste of the world to guests at the inaugural Carlisle High School World Language Banquet. Teacher Heather Bosniak said guests included students from the high schools world language program and their immediate family members as well as a few district administrators and the world language teachers at the school. As diners tasted the food, they were asked to vote for their favorite savory and favorite sweet dishes. The top three in each category will be awarded prizes on Monday as the school kicks off National Foreign Language Week. Bosniak said the students were not limited to making a recipe from countries that speak the language they study. Thats how Polish chrusaki (angel wings) and South Korean bulgogi made it to the serving table. A lot of our students because were in such an international community decided to make heritage dishes, Bosniak said. Recipe cards placed next to each dish served two purposes: to alert people to potential allergens and to let people know what they are about to eat. Hopefully, everybody that comes tonight is a little adventurous, Bosniak said. Student help About 60 students cooked for the event, while others made displays on cultural topics. Students in the Chinese language program, offered in conjunction with Dickinson College, demonstrated Chinese calligraphy. Senior Sarah Ebert, senior, played Enrique Iglesias Bailando on the ukulele. Shes been playing the ukulele for about a year, but also plays trumpet and piano and is the drum major at Carlisle High School. While paying careful attention to all the musical elements of the performance, Ebert also had to make certain she had the correct pronunciations and inflections for each word of the song since a slight variance could convey a completely different meaning. Its definitely a challenge when youre playing a song thats not in your native language, Ebert said. Ebert said the awesome event showcases some of the classes that arent as visible as science classes, which have the science fair, or English classes, which offer opportunities for publication. Plus, the idea of a dinner is perfect since students in language classes tend to be interested in learning about other cultures. What better way to do that than with food? she said. Freshman Alex Rouse, a second year German student, wore a traditional German dress and braids to the dinner. German language and culture isnt new to Rouse, who lived in Germany as part of a military family for four and a half years starting when she was only a few months old. She said the dinner was a good idea because it helps to spread awareness of other cultures, especially with so many students having connections to the Army War College. Bosniak said the high school begins classes in Spanish, French, and German in eighth grade so it is possible for students to complete five years of language by the time they finish high school. Bosniak said the dinner will become an annual event. We wanted to start a new tradition something that would get students and families interested in language and culture, she said. KIEV, March 2 (Reuters) - At least eight miners were killed in a methane gas explosion in a coal mine in western Ukraine's Lviv region on Thursday, the Ukrainian emergencies service said. The service said 34 miners had been at a depth of 550 metres when the explosion ripped through the mine at 12.46 local time (1046 GMT). A further six miners were injured in the blast and 20 others were being brought back to the surface unharmed, it added. Although mine safety has improved in recent years, fatal accidents are still relatively common in Ukraine's ageing pits, most of which date from the Soviet Union. Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman cancelled a planned meeting with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Kiev to fly to the area of the accident, the government's press service said. Ukraine operates around 20 coal mines, while a further 60 are in Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia-backed separatists. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Alessandra Prentice and Gareth Jones) DUBAI, March 2 (Reuters) - Kuwait has chosen a consortium led by NBK Capital to advise on an initial public offer of shares in the Az-Zour North One power scheme, state news agency KUNA said on Thursday. The government plans to launch the emirate's first IPO for an independent power project this year, selling 50 percent of the Az-Zour North Independent Water & Power Project. Kuwait and other Gulf states are promoting independent power projects, in which companies other than public utilities invest in and operate power plants, to reduce the burden on state budgets and increase efficiency. Az-Zour North One, with a capacity of at least 1,500 MW, is 40 percent owned by France's Engie, Japans Sumitomo Corp and Kuwaiti firm AH Al Sagar & Brothers. Kuwaits sovereign wealth fund the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security, and the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects hold 60 percent. (Reporting by Hadeel El Sayegh, Writing by Reem Shamseddine, Editing by Andrew Torchia and Susan Fenton) ZURICH, March 2 (Reuters) - LafargeHolcim said one of its cement plants probably paid protection money to armed groups in Syria to keep the factory running in the war-torn country. The embarrassing disclosure follows an internal investigation and highlights the dilemmas companies face when working in conflict zones. French prosecutors are also investigating the cement group's activities in Syria. "It appears from the investigation that the local company provided funds to third parties to work out arrangements with a number of these armed groups, including sanctioned parties, in order to maintain operations and ensure safe passage of employees and supplies to and from the plant," the world's biggest cement maker said in a statement. It said it could not establish the ultimate recipients of the money and declined to say how much money had been paid in 2013 and 2014. "In hindsight, the measures required to continue operations at the plant were unacceptable," the Swiss company said. It is setting up a new ethics and risk panel and further steps designed to boost regulatory compliance. A judicial source in France told Reuters prosecutors were looking into the company's comments and could widen their investigation, but no decisions had been taken yet. The inquiry was launched last year after allegations appeared in the French media. French newspaper Le Monde reported in June that Lafarge, which merged with Switzerland's Holcim in 2015, had paid taxes to Islamic State to continue operating. Two human rights group said in November they had filed a legal complaint in Paris against Lafarge, saying some of its work in Syria may have made it complicit in financing Islamic State and in war crimes. LafargeHolcim had issued a statement in November denying it had financed "designated terrorist organisations". Lafarge owned a cement factory in Jallabiya in northern Syria, between the IS stronghold of Raqqa and the town of Manbij. The company repatriated its expatriate staff in 2012 due to fighting in the region, which came under IS control in 2013. Fewer than 30 employees from the original workforce of 240 were on site when the plant eventually closed in September 2014. LafargeHolcim on Thursday said the deteriorating political situation in Syria had posed "very difficult challenges for the security and operations of the plant and its employees." It said the site was an important source of employment in the region and played a vital role in supplying Syria with essential building materials. "Shutting down the operations while we were providing basic goods to civilians and had several hundred people making a living from our operations was a difficult decision and one that we considered very seriously," a LafargeHolcim spokesman said. "Once the decision to close had been taken in 2014, we acted responsibly to remove our personnel from the site as quickly as possible." LafargeHolcim said it did not expect the case to have a material financial impact on the company. (Reporting by John Revill in Zurich and Chine Labbe in Paris; Editing by Michael Shields/Keith Weir) VIENNA, March 2 (Reuters) - An Austrian court sentenced eight Iraqi asylum seekers and refugees on Thursday to between nine and 13 years in prison for the gang-rape of a 28-year-old German woman in Vienna more than a year ago, a court spokeswoman said. The men were found guilty of assaulting the woman in an apartment where two of the men were staying during the 2015/16 New Year celebrations. A ninth accused was acquitted. The victim, from the northern German state of Lower Saxony and who was visiting a friend in Vienna, was awarded damages of 25,000 euros ($26,265). The court spokeswoman said both the prosecution and defence had indicated they might appeal the verdict or sentencing. The nine Iraqis, aged between 21 and 47 years, were arrested in Vienna and two other provinces in summer. All have either applied for, or been granted, asylum. The case helped fuel public debate over immigration and crime, a central theme of last year's Austrian elections, which saw a far-right candidate come within a whisker of the presidency. Although detailed statistics are not published, the police have said that in general there has been a rise in petty crime since 2015's big migrant influx but no significant increase in serious crimes like murder and rape. Austria has not seen sexual assaults on the same scale as those in the German city of Cologne on New Year's Eve more than a year ago. But attacks involving immigrants, like a series of sexual assaults in the city of Innsbruck at the end of last year, continue to attract close media scrutiny. ($1 = 0.9518 euros) (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle) GEORGETOWN, March 2 (Reuters) - The South American nation of Guyana could send future oil production to Trinidad and Tobago or Suriname for refining, a government official said on Thursday. Exxon Mobil Corp and partner companies say they have found between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil off the coast of Guyana, with production expected for 2020. "We recently had some overtures made by the government of Trinidad and Tobago ... they are operating right now below optimum and they are importing oil from Nigeria," Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman told reporters. "Suriname has also indicated a willingness to do refining for Guyana. Why? Because they too have a refinery which is performing under par." Guyana, which currently does not produce oil, is considering whether it would make economic sense to build its own refinery, Trotman said. The crude discovery triggered a diplomatic dispute with neighboring Venezuela, which lays claim to a portion of Guyana as part of a long-standing border dispute. Guyana says the countries' border was settled over a century ago. Venezuela has in the past supplied crude to Petrotrin's 168,000-barrel-per-day Pointe-a-Pierre refinery in Trinidad, but is no longer doing so amid ongoing oilfield production problems. (Reporting by Neil Marks; Writing by Brian Ellsworth; Editing by Sandra Maler) WASHINGTON, March 2 (Reuters) - At least two additional officials in Donald Trump's presidential campaign said they spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyan at a conference on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention last July, USA Today reported on Thursday. The newspaper said J.D. Gordon, who was the Trump campaign's director of national security, and Carter Page, another member of the campaign's national security advisory committee, both said they met the ambassador. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who also met Kislyan at the conference of diplomats in Cleveland that coincided with the Republican convention to select Trump as the party's presidential candidate. (Reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Eric Beech) As part of its long-term sustainability and CSR drive, DFCC Bank recently launched a commemorative staff tree-planting initiative where a tree is planted to celebrate each and every staff members birthday. Additional trees are also planted at key sites, where reforestation is a priority and these programmes are carried out in collaboration with Reforest Lanka, a non-profit society committed to the protection and extension of forest cover in Sri Lanka. Staff members whose birthdays are celebrated each month receive a personalised invitation to attend the tree-planting campaign. They also receive an e-tree dedication certificate after the tree planting campaign which provides the link to find the exact location of the planted tree on Google Maps. In January alone, DFCC Bank planted a total of 960 trees in Aranayake, 160 of which were planted to commemorate staff birthdays in January. Furthermore, to coincide with Independence Day celebrations, a further 1,000 trees were planted alongside the Kaduwela Kadawatha Highway, out of which 100 seedlings were planted in commemoration of staff birthdays in February. In addition, DFCC Bank will plant 1,000 trees at the University of Jaffna during the latter part of February. These tree-planting programmes were attended by staff members and their families, as well as members of the local community, who came together to support the Banks initiative. Commenting on the initiative, Arjun Fernando, CEO DFCC Bank, stated, I would like to extend my congratulations to the DFCC Sustainability Unit and the entire team for successfully launching this initiative. In a short period of time, we have planted approximately 2,000 trees and actively engaged team members at every level of our organisation. This initiative has helped to instil a greater commitment towards protecting the planet and operating as a responsible corporate citizen internally which is in line with one of our core values; being socially responsible. The trees planted will help to reforest key areas across the island, whilst giving back to the planet at large. The trees will help to improve soil quality in the areas and minimise soil erosion, whilst returning much-needed oxygen to the environment. The European Union Ambassador, Tung-Lai MARGUE, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, outlines that the current government is on the right track and has made many improvements. He also articulates the EU position on the GSP + trade facility and future cooperation. Excerpts of the interview follow. How do you look at the present status of relations between the European Union and Sri Lanka? We all know there has been a tremendous improvement in our relationship since 2015. The fact is that these relations were not very good earlier. It was very difficult to find areas of cooperation. The improvement in relations has very much to do with the new government that came into power with the agenda for reforms. You know the EU has been supporting this government. We continue to support it for further reforms. We believe this government has made progress in a number of areas. There have been a lot of improvements. There still need to be further steps taken in a number of areas. Fundamentally, they are on the right track. This has had a positive impact on our relationship. There has been support from the highest level - the European Heads of European institutions and the Foreign Affairs Ministers. We are consolidating our policy dialogue, which is an important element. This is not just people meeting and chatting. Trade, of course, is an important element. It is connected to GSP plus. Development cooperation is also an important element. This is taking place in a structured way. We are close partners. We really hope that in the coming months, a number of commitments that have been made will be realized. How do you specifically analyse the performance of the government in terms of fulfilling pledges made to the international community and others? Well, it is a process. It is a difficult process without any doubt. You know there are a number of challenges. Constitutional reforms are among them. However, we expect that in the context of international forums such as the UN and the commitments made by the government which cosponsored the resolution, it will deliver on these commitments to its people. All these commitments are made for the people of Sri Lanka and for reconciliation, so that there is no reverting to war or conflict. The government is to seek an extension of the timeline for the implementation of these commitments. Will the EU support it? It is not for me to say what the position of the EU will be. This is still under debate. We are starting the process in Geneva. What I would like to say is that this government has not had a lot of time to put into place the commitments mentioned in the resolution. Perhaps the timeline was overambitious. But I am quite sure the outcome will be positive. There is no way to make a U-turn. "In the coming years, I am quite sure there will be tremendous development in trade between the EU and the countries in the region here" How hopeful are you that this government will deliver on those lines? You can see things in two ways. I think you can look at the glass as being half empty or half full. We believe it is half full. We believe more progress on issues is in the pipeline. There have been a number of improvements that we have noted, particularity in terms of legislation and the ratification of a number of international conventions. That is very welcome. The Office of Missing Persons is a good element, although it has not been implemented. There are a number of positive signals. We would like the constitutional reforms to proceed because these were part of major commitments made by the President when he campaigned. These are also commitments made by the coalition government. What is so important is that they address the key issues that need to be looked at if the country wants to have a prosperous future in terms of devolution, the role of the presidency and electoral reforms. These elements are key components in terms of ensuring reconciliation. When it comes to the constitution-making process, how does the EU cooperate with the government? First of all, this is the role of the government. They have ownership of it. Whenever they request assistance, we can help in terms of capacity building and expertise. Beyond that, is for the government to do. We have observed stark policy differences between the two parties- one headed by the President and the other by the Prime Minister - regarding the contours of the new Constitution. How do you look at it? I remain optimistic. Yes, we are reading and learning of things that can sometimes be surprising. I know the complexity of internal policy in this country is high. It is clear that coalition parties sometimes have divergent views. It needs strong leadership. It is the case with trade policy. Certain parties are more for liberal economic approaches, whereas others want to protect existing rights in certain areas and the policy is less clear on what is to be done to State-owned enterprises. There are announcements that Sri Lanka is likely to get the GSP plus benefit. There are commitments made by the government in this regard. How far has the government implemented these commitments to secure the facility? As you know, the European Commission has given the green light to the request by Sri Lanka to get the GSP plus. But it is not the end of the process. There has very recently been a request for a two-month extension of the period in order that things may be assessed more carefully by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. So, it is for these two bodies to make a decision in the coming weeks. There are areas where we would like to see further progress. The European Parliament is eager to look at the outcome of the UN resolution. This will take place before the end of the assessment period. Tremendous improvement in EU-SL relations under new Govt. There are still areas needing further progress The Govt. is on right track Remains positive that Sri Lanka will get GSP What is the period actually? It is up to mid-May. The European Parliament and the Council have to say whether they are in agreement with the Commissions position. "The European Commission has given the green light to the request by Sri Lanka to get the GSP plus. But it is not the end of the process " There are 27 international conventions to be ratified by the government of Sri Lanka. These are to be ratified and implemented. These are conventions applied to all countries which apply for the GSP + benefit. This is not something we have tailored specifically for Sri Lanka. These are conditions every country wanting to get GSP plus agrees to fulfil. Is the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to be replaced with a new counter-terrorism law as part of them? It is part of a key convention. If you look at the international obligation there, it is not that the convention prohibits the government from having counter-terrorism measures or provisions. It is allowed because you know that terrorism is a key threat to a number of countries, not solely for Sri Lanka. The matter is not about having measures. These measures need to be proportionate and respect key aspects of human rights, including how suspects should be handled, detained and produced for trial. These are the kinds of elements we are looking for. The government has promised to change the Prevention of Terrorism Act in accordance with the international standards on human rights. We have a formal commitment from the Prime Minister that this will be happening with the agreement of the Sri Lankan Parliament. In your analysis, how beneficial will the GSP+ be for Sri Lanka? Well, I think it is obvious that if you get it, you will be allowed to export to the worlds largest trading block without any tariffs on your products apart from a few agricultural products. It is going to be a tremendous advantage. You need to realize that there are only eight countries in the world that presently have GSP plus. I am sure that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs will take advantage of it. This does not mean that they will not have to put in all the effort to be at the highest level of phytosanitary and sanitary conditions. These are standards that need to be respected. How do you look at the total economic potential of the EU in the current context, in which it is embroiled in its own problems with one country leaving it and some others threatening to leave? So far, there is only one certainty. That is Brexit. Other elements are parts of political debates. I do not see a major risk of other countries leaving the EU. What is clear is that even with the departure of the UK, the EU remains a very important player at the international level. You talk about countries leaving. I also see countries that are waiting to enter the EU. This also needs to be considered. Bosnia and Serbia are two examples. What is the total economic potential of the EU in the context of new emerging economic powerhouses in the world? You should not underestimate the capacity of the EU enterprises in certain key areas. We lead in terms of research and new technology. In the coming years, I am quite sure there will be tremendous development in trade between the EU and the countries in the region here. We have just concluded an FTA with Canada. I also understand that Japan and Mexico are very keen to conclude FTAs with the EU. The new government is hailed by some sections of the international community for restoring democracy. Elections are a key element of democracy. However, the local government elections have been postponed. What is your position on it? Even in Europe, there are postponements of local elections. I am not trying to interfere with the decision-making process of Sri Lanka. Obviously, if there has been a commitment by this government to hold local government elections, it should take place in the interests of democracy. My role here is not to say what the reasons are and what should be done. Ajai V Singh, Founder and President, Colombo Fashion Week New edition includes fashion films, ethical fashion, art connect and with it Celebrates Colombo The summer season witnesses HSBC Colombo Fashion Week celebrating its 14th year since inception and being one of the most celebrated fashion showcases in the sub-continent. This season, in line with its vision, CFW will expand the scope of the fashion industry with multiple initiatives that aim at developing and showcasing Sri Lanka's fashion design industry to the world and to the fashion consumers of Sri Lanka. This is something CFW has managed to execute successfully for the past decade. Since its inception this platform has aided the local fashion industry in gaining much needed momentum in aspects of fashion education, fashion retail, designer development, and in creating opportunities for designers to showcase their work internationally. Hosted by Hilton Colombo, its base for the last few years, General Manager Manesh Fernando quotes Its been a great partnership that has benefitted all of us throughout the years, which has placed Sri Lanka on the global map as being a must visit destination not only for sun, sea, culture and adventure, but for fashion too. Hilton Colombo is also committed to the development of youth and such events as CFW provides opportunities for emerging designers and we fully endorse it. 'Celebrate Colombo' is one of the themes of the week long activities that brings Colombo alive through the eyes of fashion and related industries. This also aims to showcase Colombo from the tourism perspective as a city that is vibrant and creative. The week of CFW will start from the 13th of March and will go on till the 18th and show collaborations with art, film, food, knowledge workshops, designer pop-ups, ethical fashion, and the emerging designer showcase. This is an interesting milestone of ten years of association between HSBC who has been the principal partner of CFW and been an important part of that journey. Commenting further, Mark Prothero CEO for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, said This year also coincides with our 125th anniversary in Sri Lanka which is a milestone year for HSBC. As we complete ten years of title sponsorship of undoubtedly the biggest fashion extravaganza in the country, we hope our customers will experience an exciting show this year. HSBC is happy to play an important part in supporting the upliftment of the fashion industry at large. Dasantha Foneska, CEO Vsion Care, Ramani Fernando, Sulaiman Alkaabi CEO etislat Sri Lanka, Akram Casim - MD, Colombo Jewellery Stores, Sutheash Balasubramanim - MD, Sri Lankan Toursim promotion Bureu, Mark Pothero, CEO HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, Ajai V Singh - Founder President, Colombo Fashion Week, Manesh Fernando- General Manager - Hilton Colombo, Sharmila Bandara - Marketing Director Unileaver personal Care, Dirk Flamer Caldera - Director Colombo Fashion week,Rajeev Garg- Director Finance and Deputy General Manager, One Galle Face, Shalindra Fernando - CEO, Olu tropical water and Wine world Colombo Fashion Week has formed relevant and strategic partnerships with Sri Lankas leading brands and they all play an important role in pushing the annual event to international level, Colombo Jewellery Stores as the Official Jewellery Partner, Ponds as the Official Beauty Partner, Ramani Fernando as Official Hair and Make-up Partner, Olu Tropical Water and Wine World as the Official Lifestyle beverage partner, Etisalat as the Official Digital Solutions Provider, Vision Care as the Official Eyewear Partner, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka and MSLGROUP Sri Lanka as the official PR Partner, Quintessentially Sri Lanka as the Official Concierge Partner, and our partnership with The Residences at One Galle Face all who share and extend their support towards the vision and aspirations of CFW. CFW is expanding the scope of the fashion industry by creating a unique platform that sharpens the focus for the development of fashion in Sri Lanka. This direction is based on the thinking that related creative industries co-exist and have a common denominator that leads itself to the overall development of the creative environment, said Ajai Vir Singh Founder and President of Colombo Fashion Week. 30 designers are set to showcase over a period of four days. Some of the international designers include Gaetano Navarra, Abraham and Thakore, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Bibi Russell, RimZim Dadu. The Sri Lankan designers list will feature Darshi Keertisena, Upeksha Hager, Charini Suriyage, Ramona Oshini, Maus, Dimuthu Sahabandu, Conscience, Meraki, Fouzul Hameed, Jaishree, Amilani Perera, Catherine Rawson, Peronie Stefel, Lovi Ceylon, Nilanka among others. Emerging Designer Showcase The Emerging Designer Showcase will see 10 high potential designers take the ramp, this is an exciting part of the week, where the next generation of designers showcase their talent. The designers have been mentored in honing their skills and guided through the CFW creative process, the shows will take place at a new location at the Hilton Colombo. This will be Day 1 of the shows, on the 15th of March. Ethical Fashion Day CFW will also be reintroducing Ethical Fashion Day this season, keeping in line with the founders vision of Fashion-For-Good or Good Fashion that brings about goodness in the society and to the environment. Ethical Fashion Day is scheduled for 17th March, it is one of the pillars of CFWs foundation. The ideology of this is to celebrate fashion and its craft, and its connection as a whole with the environment. There will also be a series of ethical talks conducted by industry experts on the way forward for ethical fashion. Knowledge Workshops This has been one of the drivers of CFW to bring young and established designers to expand and enhance their skill sets conducted by experts in their fields. CFW carefully assesses the skill sets that need to be enhanced and creates workshops around it. There will be two workshops to be held on 15th of March, - Fashion Styling and Fashion Illustration. Both workshops are being conducted by experts from India and US. 1- minute - Fashion Film Festival This is a new initiative by CFW to enhance Film presentations. It's a unique collaboration between designers and film directors to produce a 1-minute-Fashion-Films shot on a smartphone. It's a film presentation of their ideation of Summer collections and the inspiration behind it. These will be shown as a Film Festival at CFW. Art Connect This is an interesting collaboration of Art connecting with Fashion under the theme 'Second Skin'. This is a new concept of two creative fields connecting to create an interesting expression. Five major artists will present their interpretation under the theme 'Second Skin' on the 13th of March. This is first of its kind to be shown in Colombo. Fashion + Food Every season, CFW partners with premier restaurants in Colombo to curate unique, limited edition menu's that will provide attendees and guests with fashion influenced gastronomical experience. Fashion + Food allows the chef to present their creative expression through interesting menu's. Fashion and Food starts from 13th to 19th March at Lab and Graze Kitchen at Hilton Colombo, Cafe Francais by Pourcel, Rare at Residence by Uga Escapes. The United Nations wouldnt be the same after January 20, roared president-elect Donald Trump in a tweet after the outgoing Barack Obama administration in a startling diplomatic manoeuvre got the UN Security Council to pass a unanimous resolution condemning Israels settlements in occupied Palestinian lands. Days later he tweeted again: The United Nations has such great potential but right now it is just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. So sad! He also suggested the United States could cut its funding to the organisation. According to a draft executive order, seen by the New York Times, the Trump administration wants a 40 percent cut in its contribution to the UN. The US is the largest contributor to the UN budget 22 percent. A huge cut or the threat of a cut will certainly make any UN secretary general to compromise his or her hallowed policies in the larger interest of the UN projects ranging from poverty alleviation and promoting education to peacekeeping and climate change. Last year, the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon meekly removed Saudi Arabia from a list of war crimes against children, hours after the oil kingdom warned it would slash its funds to the world body. Trump supporter John Bolton, who was President George Bushs envoy to the UN, once infamously said that if the 38-storey UN building lost 10 storeys today, it wouldnt make a bit of difference. Bolton was considered for the post of Secretary of State by the Trump team and later for the post of National Security advisor in the wake of Gen. Michael Flynns resignation over his alleged promise to the Russian envoy that the US would lift some of the sanctions linked to Moscows war in Ukraine. After Trump assumed office on January 20, he appointed Nikki Haley, a hardliner, as the United States Permanent Representative to the UN. Unlike her predecessor, Samantha Power, who was known for her human rights activism, Haley is known for her politics and entrepreneurship. Though a daughter of immigrant parents hailing from Indias Punjab state, she supports tough laws to crack down on illegal immigrants. Prior to entering politics as a member of South Carolinas House of Representative, she was running a multimillion-dollar upscale clothing firm, her family business, and was at one time president of the National Association of Women Business Owners. When Trump invited her to take up the post of UN envoy, she was the Governor of South Carolina, carrying the honour of being chosen to deliver the Republican Partys response to President Obamas State of the Union address last year. Her predecessor Power, known for her activism against genocide, had put aside her lofty campaigns and fell in line with the Obama administrations policy of politicising human rights to further the United States national interest. Shame on you, she shouted at Russia, Syria and Iran for what was happening in Ukraine and Syria. But she spoke very little against Israels atrocities in the Gaza Strip and Saudi Arabias war on Yemen, where a large number of civilians including children have died in indiscriminate air attacks. Her silence during the vote on the December 23 anti-Israeli resolution at the UNSC was the loudest she spoke for the Palestinian cause. The United States decision not to oppose the resolution during the lame duck days of the Obama presidency was too little too late. Moreover it was seen as a move aimed at soothing the troubled conscience of President Obama rather than any love for world peace or the Palestinian cause. Whatever it is, it became an occasion for the Trump team to say the UN would not be the same after January 20. But one can say with much certainty that democratising the UN system or broadbasing its decision making process is far from Trumps intention. What he probably meant was that the US would do what it wants irrespective of the UN process and would go even beyond what the George W. Bush administration did in disregarding UN mechanisms to prevent conflict. The rot started during the Ronald Reagan presidency, during which the US openly declared that it would not accept the rulings of the International Court of Justice. Since then, the US had been, with arbitrary actions, undermining the UN system. Perhaps, the Obama presidency was an exception. Haley came to the UN on January 27, weeks after the new UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, a socialist politician from Portugal, outlined his vision to revive the global body by urging member-states to uphold their international obligations, including their commitment to world peace and measures to save the environment. The very first day in office as UN envoy, Haley put the world body on notice. Addressing a media conference at the UN headquarters, she issued a stark warning to foes and friends alike that the Trump administration would hold to account those who did not back the United States. Youre going to see a change in the way we do business, she said. Our goal with the administration is to show value at the U.N., and the way well show value is to show our strength, show our voice, have the backs of our allies and make sure our allies have our back as well. For those who dont have our back, were taking names; we will make points to respond to that accordingly. Her warning -- amid threats to slash funds for UN peacekeeping operations -- reminds us of President George W. Bushs Either you are with us or with the terrorists statement made at the launch of his war on terror in October 2001. Interestingly, Bush is now trying to distance himself from Trump policies though there is hardly any difference. Notwithstanding the Trump administrations threats to the world body, Russia and China called the US bluff on Tuesday and vetoed a resolution against Syria. The tough-talking Haley only denounced Russia and China for voting against the resolution cosponsored by the US, France and Britain. The US dominated UN system is fast changing, with Russia and China asserting themselves at international bodies. The US, from January 1990 to December 2003, used its veto on 11 occasions, while China and Russia used their vetoes twice each during the same period. But since 2004, the US has used its veto only on five occasions, while China had used its veto seven times and Russia 13 times, largely against resolutions supported by the US. (http://research.un.org/en/docs/sc/quick). China, aspiring to be the world number one power, has also stepped up its role at the United Nations, increasing its support for peacekeeping and development aid. If Trump walks the talk and slashes the UN funds, the world body needs to map out a strategy to work without the US or even take the UN headquarters to Geneva as it once did to enable Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to address the world body after the US denied him a visa -- or even to Beijing. Each legislative session thousands of bills and amendments are introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Only a fraction become law, and an even smaller portion receive wide media coverage. These bills impact the lives of people living in Pennsylvania every day. Each week The Sentinel will highlight one of the bills that has not received widespread attention. About the bill Fake news: the term came front and center during the presidential campaign. It has since been used in reference to stories that are designed to look like news stories but are entirely made up, news stories with factual inaccuracies or poor context and even in some cases the term has been thrown around in an attempt to undermine factually accurate reports. Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery County, has introduced House Bill 661 which would require teaching media literacy in public schools for students in first through 12th grade. As the 2016 election progressed, the prominence of intentionally false stories made to appear as legitimate news reports increased, Briggs wrote in a letter seeking co-sponsors. While it may be difficult to determine how much affect this fake news had on the outcome of the election it is, at a minimum, a disservice to our public discourse. Regardless of a persons political affiliation, opinions should be grounded in facts. The bill would require the state board of education to develop a curriculum for media literacy that would be taught in public schools in the state. The curriculum, which is to be made publicly available on the state board of educations website, would be focused on developing critical thinking skills; understanding how media messages shape culture and society; identifying target marketing strategies; naming techniques of persuasion used; recognizing bias and misinformation; discovering parts of a story that are not being told; and evaluating media messages based on personal experiences, skills, beliefs and values, according to the bills language. Briggs wrote in his co-sponsorship that young people are particularly susceptible to believing fake news. I believe resources should be made available to help them understand how to analyze the media they consume, he wrote. The joint opposition today said it would file cases against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in the Supreme Court next week, regarding allegations made by him against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in connection with the issuance of the gazette notifications linked to the Central Bank (CB) bond issue. Joint opposition MP Bandula Gunawardane told a media briefing that Minister Karunanayake had challenged Mr. Rajapaksa to take legal actions against him and added that a leader like Mr. Rajapaksa was not worthy of such a challenge since he was the one who had taken up the challenge to end the 30-year long terrorism in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Mr. Rajapaksa does not need to take legal actions against him, as the joint opposition we will file many cases against him on the matter. The gazette notification was issued in January, 2015 in connection with the Appropriation Bill (2014-No.41). However, the issued gazette notification included details related to years 2011-2013. It is not acceptable, he said. He said Minister Karunanayake and the government were attempting to put the blame of the issue on Mr. Rajapaksa and former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, and to sweep the issue under the carpet. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Video by Buddhi Two police teams have been deployed at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala International Airport to prevent the suspects involved in the Kalutara prison bus shooting from fleeing the country following information that there were such moves. Police today said information had been received that some suspects in the shooting incident are planning to flee the country using fake passports. Police spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said the police had identified the main suspect and others involved in the shooting where seven people including two prison officials were killed in Kalutara on February 27. He said all details of the identified suspects had also been given to airport officials and Investigations are in progress to arrest the suspects. Earlier police revealed that the shooting was carried out by two prominent underworld gang leaders in Kaduwela and the Southern Province. Seven people including notorious underworld figure Aruna Damith Udayanga Pathirana alias Samayan and two prison guards were killed, when gunmen opened fire at the Black Maria when they were being transported from the Malwatte Prison in Kalutara. (Darshana Sanjeewa) Reaffirming several reports published in the recently highlighting physical ragging to be intrinsic to the university subculture, fifteen students from the Peradeniya University were apprehended recently on grounds of brutally ragging eight freshers. Despite our effort to expose the severity of ragging in several universities in the past few weeks, ragging is unabatedly perpetuated. Peradeniya University is in the limelight once again for ragging A group of freshers had been taken to a solitary house in Megodakalugamuwa by fifteen, second year students of the Agriculture Faculty of the Peradeniya University, who sexually abused and tortured the victims. When the place was raided the perpetrators were caught in action. The victims were found stripped naked. There are photographs and videos of the rag that took place. Acting on an anonymous complaint the senior student counsellor of the Agriculture faculty and Marshalls had gone to the rented house in a remote area three miles away from the university to discover the horrendous manner in which freshers were ragged. Thereafter police assistance was sought and the victims were hospitalised. The fifteen suspects were further remanded yesterday till March 16 under the orders of the Kandy Chief Magistrate. Physical ragging still in operation The Daily Mirror has already revealed the extent of the physical, sexual, mental and verbal ragging prevalent in State universities through accounts we received from lecturers, parents and students of the Colombo University, Sabaragamuwa University, Ruhuna university and the Rajarata university. Their grievances have not still been addressed. We have received detailed accounts from students subjected to ragging. If they boycott the seniors activities or not comply with their rules, freshers are not merely ostracised but also humiliated, abused, threatened and physically attacked. One female student under conditions of anonymity said how male students were beaten when the female students refused, or were reluctant to obey the seniors orders. Strong willed students have surrendered to the seniors on grounds that the university administration has not taken adequate action to stop the rag when they complained. Students are afraid that they might be forced to drop out of university Lecturers should go beyond their comfort zones to win the confidence of students and help them lodge complaints We hope the recent enlightens the VCs, Deans, lecturers and student counsellors From a students perspective they are afraid to complain because the backlash Prof. Mohan De Silva, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Mohan De Silva, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission said that without anyone coming forward and complaining, action cannot be instituted against culprits. It is true that people can make false complaints especially if the complainant is completely anonymous to the authorities. However, from a students perspective they are afraid to complain because the backlash can outweigh the positive outcome. The university authorities should look into such complaints whether or not their credibility is ascertained as the present situation is so dire that anonymous complaints cannot be regarded as untrue. Samantha Vithanage, a third year Management student at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, who initiated an anti-ragging campaign, was murdered at a meeting on ragging in 2002. There have been incidents where anti-raggers and those who complained have been assaulted, harassed or acid thrown onto them. Students are afraid that they might be forced to drop out of university if they dont adhere to the policy of the irrational and sadistic raggers. The Daily Mirror learns that this fear has compelled many to participate in the recent protests against SAITM though the students did not personally believe in the cause the protests were staged against. The university sub culture which perpetuates ragging does not appreciate the opinion of the individual. "Their silence is the raggers victory. When speaking to students we were quite surprised to note their submissiveness" Deans and lecturers of certain faculties are equally complicit in perpetuating ragging. They may categorically state that ragging is not accepted and is prohibited. But behind the closed doors of lecture halls, canteens and hostels grave human rights violations take place. Several reports we received were from individuals who had complained to the university authorities though their complaints have not been effectively looked into. Lecturers should not limit themselves to merely advising students on why they should not accept rags. Instead lecturers themselves should go beyond their comfort zones to win the confidence of the students and help them lodge complaints. Freshers themselves need to complain and pursue action against the offenders. Their silence is the raggers victory. When speaking to students we were quite surprised to note their submissiveness. They believe adherence to the illogical policy of the seniors to be essential to survive in the university. This also raises the concern as to whether our youth are capable of standing on their feet. Ragging is crippling our youth who have strived to enter State university. The violence encountered at the university has made many disillusioned and many have dropped out. Students are not ragged in certain faculties but this does not mean that freshers are independent. Seniors continue to interfere with their lives and intimidate them. The severity of ragging is escalating. Raggers have found ways to continue their schemes by blindfolding the university administration. They have become trickier and more manipulative. A torture house was discovered recently and the whole country was shocked and dismayed. However, this is not the only instance of extreme brutal and downright deplorable ragging. Student counsellors and Marshalls in certain faculties have been powerless to put an end to or control the situation. We are yet to see any positive signs of ragging being wiped out though there are significant steps being taken to curb it. We hope the recent torture house enlightens the Vice Chancellors, Deans, lecturers, student counsellors and other staff members of all universities of what they may have overlooked or ignored in their universities, and take appropriate action. The suspects will either be suspended or expelled Prof. Upul B.Dissanayake - Vice chancellor of the Peradeniya University Speaking to Daily Mirror Prof. Upul Dissanayake, the Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya University said the suspects would either be suspended or expelled after the incident was inquired into. At the moment the suspects are in remand custody. They will be charged under the Anti-ragging Act. We have suspended the fifteen students indefinitely. In the meantime we are appointing an inquiry board and we will conduct a proper inquiry at the end of which they will be punished according to the offence. They will be either suspended or expelled, he said. "Within the university premises there is no way of ragging students. This is why they have taken a new initiative to go somewhere else" He added that there were videos and photos of the physical rag that took place. But we are not divulging them because they will be used before courts, he said. Within the university premises there is no way of ragging students. This is why they have taken a new initiative to go somewhere else, away from the university. There are counsellors, proctors, deputy proctors, and the staff who are all vigilant and therefore they cant rag students within the premises, he said. When asked if lectures were conducted as usual, he said that the university functioned though the second year students of the Agriculture faculty have been requested not to come to the university. Lectures are conducted as usual, but due to the SAITM issue the medical faculty is not functioning. We have asked second year students of the Faculty of Agriculture not to come to the university. We have made them out of bounds because of this particular incident, he added. We cant use violence to change students perception Lahiru Weerasekara- Convener of IUSF In his comments to the Lahiru Weerasekara, the convener of the Inter University Students Federation said as the IUSF they opposed any form of abuse within or out of the university. People ask why we dont get onto roads and demonstrate, but this is not a problem we can solve in that manner. We have a programme to prevent and eradicate ragging in universities, he said. We hope to have in-depth discussions with students and lecturers to solve this problem. Ragging is not found only in universities, but also in certain schools, in the army, police and offices. We cant use violence to change students perception. It can be changed through knowledge and then we can develop brotherhood, he added. Actions taken since the latest incident Consequent to the Daily Mirror recent incident, the University Grants Commission has set up an online complaint mechanism to complain on any form of ragging, intimidation or harassment. It can be accessed through http://ugc.ac.lk/rag/ and the victims confidentiality is maintained and the site promises to act promptly. Complaints can be made to the UGC through their hotline 0112-123700 and 0112-123456. President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the IGP to coordinate with university authorities to take action against ragging. "People ask why we dont get onto roads and demonstrate, but this is not a problem we can solve in that manner " Diary of a fresher and the tragedy of the University system The following is an account sent by a first year university student We enter university at 7am, in our long skirts, blouses, rubber slippers and plaits with a knot at the end, to simply commence the rag. I did try to avoid the morning rag, but they note you, single you out and your rag merely gets worse. We are verbally abused on a frequent basis, we are forced to eat from one rice packet in groups of six and we are forced to do numerous tasks that we wish not to at the raggers bidding. My friend and I avoided the lunch rag on the first day of university, but as we were going to class we got caught. A group of seven male raggers scolded the two of us in Sinhala filth; they forced us to look into their eyes while they yelled at us. I just felt a sudden surge of anger, I am 21 years this year, and we have waited for university to open for more than a year, why should we tolerate such hate for no reason. Some people even had the nerve to say that the rag is fun and I will surely enjoy it, but the rag is just an excuse for the frustrated to spew hate at the innocent. We are forced to know everyones name and village, but I honestly cannot make friends or let alone remember names under the pressure. "I stood up to wash my hands in the jam-packed almost stuffy canteen. A ragger who clearly saw that I had just eaten directed me to another table to eat again" On the first day in the interval I was confused because I knew the rag was in the canteen, I tried to tell many people that we do not have to go to the canteen. But, my fellow strong willed batch mates simply kept walking into the lions mouth. If we all refused to go into the canteen, there is no way that they can rag us. My friend and I did walk away from the canteen, but a ragger found us and said that if we do not go to the canteen they would make the rag for our batch worse. We had to comply. I was in a group of six, and we had to share a rice packet. The boys are not allowed to sit and eat; they have to eat though, while standing. I ate in that group of people that I hardly knew yet. I did not fuss because I was scared that they would make me do something worse if I did go against them. My friend though, had beef and rice, and people in our table said that they did not eat beef. She then ate it alone in her lunch box. A ragger suddenly came up to her and said, ubata load da. She completely froze. He told her to stop eating; my group of 6 had almost finished the rice packet. There were some oily capsicums that were half eaten, in the rice packet, we were almost going to throw the packet away, but my friend was forced to eat the capsicums as a punishment for eating alone. I felt so sad and powerless. I stood up to wash my hands in the jammed packed almost stuffy canteen. A ragger who clearly saw that I had just eaten directed me to another table to eat again. The new group that I went to had almost finished eating, and the ragger was screaming into my ear saying, Eat! Eat! Eat! and I had to eat the scraps from that rice packet. I honestly felt my bile rising. Another girl who has high blood pressure was yelled at by two raggers, because she laughed while eating. After the canteen rag, I went to the wash room. A group of raggers saw me going and started yelling at me for no reason. Since, I was wearing a T-shirt instead of a blouse with my skirt, a sleazy ragger came up to me and said that he could see everything underneath my shirt. I truly felt disgusted. After I came out from the wash room, he once again reminded me that he could see everything underneath my clearly opaque shirt. We cannot even go to the washroom in peace. My friends and I formed a group and planned to escape the evening rag, which was after lectures. But, many declined to join us and said that they would rather face the rag and that they were scared to escape. There are many exits in university, other than the main gate, that we could have escaped from. But, after our final lecture the raggers had positioned themselves in every exit path. "The new group that I went to had almost finished eating, and the ragger was screaming into my ear saying, Eat! Eat! Eat! and I had to eat the scraps from that rice packet. I honestly felt my bile rising" But, our group still stood strong and we passed the raggers who were yelling at us and left from the main gate. We did feel triumphant, but it was for a trifling moment. We got messages from unknown numbers saying that the raggers would be waiting for us in the morning, and we better get ready. Some batch mates told us that their rag got worse and that some boys got hit because of us. I do not know the validity of these comments, but I know that my batch had the choice to join us and leave the rag too. The raggers also asked our batch to corner the 7 girls who left the rag. A senior told me it was better to comply with the rag, otherwise we get left out from university activities and it becomes difficult to join clubs and sports. This repercussion is unfortunately how the raggers perpetuate the submissive mentality within us. Our fear gives the raggers their power and authority. If we are united as a batch we can defeat the rag. But, that would be a utopian reality, because many are afraid to stand against it and some even enjoy the rag and act as messengers to the seniors. Some even believe that the rag makes us stronger. But, it truly makes us weaker as we become submissive to a completely false authority. I feel like the rag culture has completely warped our mentality. It has made us both weak and disunited. The administration knows what exactly is going on, however they simply turn a blind eye towards it. There are a few lecturers who are completely against the rag and they tell us to stand up for ourselves. The university hands out pamphlets on numerous occasions stating the anti-rag laws, however nothing is being implemented. Our precursor batch complained about the rag, and this simply prolonged the rag. It is also difficult to procure evidence of the rag, because we are not allowed phones or electronic devices during the rag. Every parent dreams of his or her child qualifying for university education. People work hard sometimes through back breaking physical labour undergoing hardships and agonies to support childrens education, as university education is perceived as the pinnacle of academic achievement in youth and gateway to prosperity. People undergo difficulties however and consider their sacrifices worthwhile when children succeed in entering universities. Aspiring young ones exuding great zeal and energy fall all over themselves and burn midnight oil to make the university dream come true, in order to accomplish bright futures they envision. What greets these blossoming youth from a diversity of backgrounds and social strata from affluent elites to those who are compelled to shed sweat, blood and tears and break their backs to make ends meet as they step in to the universities is so horrendous and beyond imagination. Freshers to universities are subjected to ragging, a practice that forms part of university sub-culture. It is performed by seniors to bully and ridicule newcomers. In some cases seniors mercilessly inflict severe physical and mental harassment including physical abuse with sadistic sexual connotations. "People are fast becoming techno savvy. They can easily gain unrestricted access to pornographic material in various websites containing obscene & sexually explicit videos and photographs through laptops and hand held devices" Parents are feeling apprehensive for the safety of their children particularly when they enrol in universities from distant places and stay in hostels, as they could easily become soft targets of marauding gangs of raggers. Techniques and forms of ragging in practice have assumed degrading inhuman cruel and vulgar characteristics over the years which manifest diabolical and despicable conduct on the part of senior students deserving outright condemnation. It underscores persistent moral decadence brought about by the prodigious influence of the neoliberal global capital market socio economic model together with the sweeping changes occasioned by the advanced digital computing and communication technology, which has spread into every segment of the society including the so-called educated. Vast spread of information and communication technology has been growingly attracting youngsters towards social media like Face book and Twitter. People are fast becoming techno savvy. They can easily gain unrestricted access to pornographic material in various websites containing obscene & sexually explicit videos and photographs through laptops and hand held devices. Abundant availability of obscene and lewd materials psychologically influences the conduct of perverted elements in younger generation including educated youth entering universities. They are driven to seek fulfilment of irresistible and far-fetched notions of sexuality without regard for the feelings of others. So ragging perpetrated in concealed chambers of torture could be a means of achieving such sinister ends. Moreover seniors could also be motivated by the desire to inflict pain on newcomers to avenge for the suffering they had undergone through ragging. So it appears that ragging is a nefarious practice handed down to successive batches of students as part of the villainous legacy of university sub-culture. It is a practice that forms part of university sub-culture Seniors are motivated by the desire to inflict pain on newcomers to avenge suffering they had undergone What happened at the Peradeniya University should at least open the eyes of the highest authority Mechanisms of enforcing disciplinary control within the university system should be bolstered A couple of sensational cases reported in the past demonstrate how menacing and torturous ragging could prove and how its traumatic impact had ruined the lives of helpless innocent and aspiring youth with full hopes of excelling in what they were good at. In 1975, Rupa Rathnaseeli, a female student attached to the facility of Agriculture in the University of Peradeniya jumped from the Second Floor of the Hostel to avoid a candle being inserted in to her vagina. She was paralysed for the rest of her life. She was not punished by a marauding psychopath or a criminal hiding to prey upon in some isolated corner of a remote village. She was tortured by the villains and barbarians in the guise of education produced by the nefarious sub-culture prevalent in universities. She was punished for none other than her own ability to excel in studies and earn a seat in the temple of higher learning. She committed suicide in 2002 having failed to make a living and overcome unbearable burdens. Although details of many heart rending cases of ragging could be produced, it is restricted due to space constraints. How extreme forms of physical abuse, sexual vulgarities and exploitations perpetrated on youth straight from schools could help in their orientation to the university environment is incomprehensible. If defies logic and does not stand to reason. If ragging is a getting to know exercise, there could be better ways of doing it whereby raggers as well as those being ragged could jointly enjoy some pleasant and convivial moments leading to formation of lasting comradeship. For that purpose there is no need for newcomers to be subjected to continued ill-treatment for unduly long periods of time making university life hell for them. What is reported could only be the tip of the monstrous ragging ice-berg prevailing within the university system and best part of the atrocities committed on freshers could still be remaining concealed. There could be many more chambers of torture operating in and outside universities where seniors are unleashing bestialities on innocent newcomers in the name of ragging to derive gratification of demonic pleasures. Some members of the body politic espousing Marxist ideology who relish taking moral high ground and steal limelight on matters of public interest and resort to protests at the drop of a hat nowadays cry foul about SAITM. However, they are conspicuously keeping mum on matters such as crass rip-off of needy, sickly and those who are unable to make their ends meet by elite medical professionals whose education has been funded by tax payers money. Although there is strong opposition to higher education in private institutions there is hardly any word being said about thriving private medical practices conducted by many professionals produced by the so-called free education who charge exorbitant fees. It is well known that professionals in private sector are given to prescribing a whole gamut of expensive medical tests, procedures and reports primarily for commercial reasons irrespective of whether they are of any benefit to the patients concerned. No union or any political grouping openly speaks about such irregularities and injustices. Similarly, political movements which have got their tentacles extensively spread within the university system to achieve their own agendas are keeping mum about the degrading and inhuman treatment meted out to new comers by the seniors in the name of ragging, despite their solemnly declared claims to stand for students rights. Those could be the invisible hands that manoeuvre student activities to achieve their political ends. By remaining silent such movements are only exposing hypocrisy and callousness. "They are driven to seek fulfilment of irresistible and far-fetched notions of sexuality without regard for the feelings of others. So ragging perpetrated in concealed chambers of torture could be a means of achieving such sinister ends" Govt of Yahapalanaya captured reins on the plank of protecting human rights. It is duty bound to protect innocent children who work hard and enter universities to pursue higher education. The Government should leave no stone unturned in ensuring that stringent measures are in place to enforce laws of the land against whoever infringing the human rights of new-comer students. Moreover, the mechanisms of enforcing disciplinary control within the university system should be bolstered with more muscle and teeth to make their tasks effective. What happened in the Agriculture Faculty of the University of Peradeniya should at least open the eyes of the highest of the land and the Government apparatus before it is too late to tell the ruffians and bullies that enough is enough and there should be no more abuse in the name of ragging. Range Rover family grows with the addition of the new Velar Velar is to be built exclusively in Britain Range Rover contributes 10bn annually to the UK economy Range Rover is Britains largest luxury export, accounting for 85% of all luxurycars built in the UK Jaguar Land Rovers renaissance continued today with the launch of the Velar, the fourth member of the 47-year old Range Rover family. In a further show of support for the British car industry, the company confirmed the Velar will be built exclusivelyat itsflagship Solihull plant in the West Midlands. Since going on sale in 1970 the Range Rover family, heralded Britains greatest luxury export, has grown to include the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Together they have helped transform the fortunes of the UKs largest vehicle manufacturer, accounting for 85 per cent of all premium cars produced in Britain and contributing 10bn to the UK economy every year. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: The expansion of our product range and building this British designed and engineered car in the UK is a sign of our confidence in British manufacturing. We are leading the global premium car industry with our commitment to our home market and our heart, soul and headquarters will always be in the UK. Built using Jaguar Land Rovers leading lightweight aluminium architecture and powered by the latest ultra-clean UK-built Ingeniumpetrol and diesel engines, the new Velaris positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Range Rover Velar is the thirdmodelto be launched at the Solihull manufacturing plant in just two years.It follows an injection of 1.5bn in new facilities and technologies at the plant which began with the Jaguar XE and F-PACE - proving that flexible high-tech manufacturing brings more models to the market, attracts more customers and creates more high-skilled jobs for the United Kingdom. Production of all Jaguar Land Rover models at the four UK manufacturing plants directly supports more than 40,000 British jobs and a further 250,000 in the supply chain. In the past six years the company hasmore than doubled its workforce to support global demand for its products. Last year Jaguar Land Rover sold 583,313 cars more than one every minute, 44 per centof which were Range Rovers. The Range Rover Velar will be sold in more than 100 markets globally and is available to order from summer 2017. The online configurator is open later today. The Velar will be on display at the Design Museum in London until 6 March for customers who are eager to see it in the flesh. The car will also form the centrepiece of a new exhibition documenting 45 years of Range Rover, Velar to Velar, which opens at the Solihull manufacturing plant on 28 March. To book on this tour visit: http://www.solihull.landroverexperience.co.uk/ The SLMC by law mandated to enter and make inquiries at recognised universities and institutions to ascertain if such universities and institutions conformed to prescribed standards The Ceylon Medical Council, instituted under colonial rule and later renamed and improved as Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), is legally mandated to take care of the communitys and the peoples health. Legally it can sue and be sued. Sadly the SLMC official website does not say what its vision and mission are. It has a tab in the toolbar for FAQs but no FAQs. The SLMC has to maintain registers of practising medical doctors, dentists, nurses, and other allied professionals, but they are not posted on the website. Information like the number of registered medical practitioners, specialists, dental surgeons, foreign graduates, who sat the Act 16 examination are all missing. Prescribed standards for medical faculties and reports of quality evaluations of medical faculties are not available either. Even short profiles of academic and professional achievements of the members of the SLMC are not given. In short, the official website of the SLMC is a primitive and pathetic presence on the world wide web. (Accessed on 26 February, 2017 athttp://www.srilankamedicalcouncil.org/ ) It would be interesting to know what information they could provide if requested under the RTI Act now in force. The SLMC by law is mandated to enter and make inquiries at recognised universities and institutions to ascertain if such universities and institutions conform to prescribed standards. If they fail to conform to prescribed standards, the SLMC can recommend to the Minister to withdraw such recognition. And it also means, recognition of medical faculties at the end, is a political decision. The SLMC stands exposed on this mandate as a political tool, incapable of honouring its own professional and independent presence. The story of the SAITM controversy begins with its management applying to the UGC in 2011 for approval and acceptance of the medical faculty as a degree awarding institute. It was then a University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by a Chairperson personally picked by President Rajapaksa. The UGC recognised SAITM as a medical degree awarding institute and in its annual report of 2011 on Page 02 says Another major important task in 2011 has been the recognition of South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (Pvt.) Limited (SAITM) and Institute of Information Technology (Guarantee) Limited (SLIIT), as Degree Awarding Institutes for specific degree programmes with a view to developing higher education in the country. What is more important in the context of mass agitations against SAITM fuelled by SLMC decisions, is the fact that Prof. Carlo Fonseka was a member of the UGC in 2011 that recognised SAITM as a medical degree awarding institute. A few months later in January 2012, handpicked by President Rajapaksa, Professor Carlo Fonseka was appointed Chairman of the SLMC by the then Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. Chaired by Prof. Carlo Fonseka the SLMC had legal powers under Section 19A of the Medical (Amendment) Act No. 30 of 1987 to investigate SAITM After giving not less than two weeks notice in writing, enter a recognised university or institution and make such examination and investigations thereon and such inquiries of the members of the relevant faculty, as may be necessary for the purpose of ascertaining whether, (a) Courses of study provided by such university or institution leading to the grant or conferment of a medical qualification (b) The degree proficiency required at examinations held by such university or institution for the purpose of granting or conferring any such qualifications and (c) the staff, equipment, accommodation and facilities provided by such university or institution for such course of study. If that responsibility was duly carried out by the SLMC in 2012, it would have denied all reasons and space for any protests and controversy over SAITM we see now. As a member of the UGC that recognised SAITM as a medical degree awarding institute, Prof. Carlo Fonseka had the extra responsibility as Chairman of SLMC to ensure quality or refuse registration of its medical students till quality was adequately matched. It is quite obvious the SLMC and Prof Carlo Fonseka as Chairman never wanted to examine and investigate SAITM during the Rajapaksa regime. Nor was the GMOA threatened to go on strike Till SAITM is abolished. Exposing their political nudity 09 months later with the defeat of Rajapaksa in January 2015, Prof. Carlo Fonseka with GMOA backing, manipulated the fact finding report of the SLMC in September to oppose SAITM. He then wrote to the Minister of Health to say the SLMC could not recognise the SAITM medical degree. Meanwhile, the 2010 Annual Report of the SLMC the last to be posted in their website says, the Council had accepted a medical graduate from the Kazan State Medical University of Russia, on a Personal to the holder basis as that university was not accepted by the SLMC. Reason given is that the graduate had filed an FR Petition (SC/FR 405/2009) against the Council. Surprisingly the GMOA had seen no wrong in that proving there were no proper standards adhered to, when the SLMC and the GMOA did not want to. This irresponsibility, this muddling of issues, and political subordination by the SLMC, is not due to political stooging alone. It is the very procedure of constituting the Council that leaves it open to political intrusions and thus for corruption. It is the very sectarian, undemocratic procedure that makes it possible to appoint political stooges and allow the Council to be totally controlled by State sector medical professionals with GMOA domination. That is made possible as the Act leaves no representation for any other profession and for the community. It is taken for granted that the medical profession is the only qualified profession that could decide on everything related to health and therefore its exclusive presence is enough to decide on peoples health. That is how the whole Council of 23 members came to be medical practitioners with all eight medical faculties in State universities, and another representing the Dental Faculty included. Under 12 (1)(a) of the Act, the Chair of the Council is decided by the President. The Health Minister appoints four more of his choice under 12(1)(f) of the Act. This does not make the Medical Council take care of community and peoples health and wellbeing, but makes it jealously guard the interests of the medical profession. The GMOA on the strength of the Government medical practitioners are only fighting for free education and never for Free Health . Their logic is plain and selfish. They demand free education to become medical doctors at the expense of taxpayers and then the right to continue selling healthcare at prices they determine to the very taxpayers, who paid for their free education. They work for private medical care at the expense of free health. It is therefore hard to believe and there is no necessity to believe the medical profession and the GMOA is interested in the health and wellbeing of the community and the people. Sri Lankan people are therefore at crossroads. They need serious reforms in education from pre-school to higher education including universities and tertiary/vocational education to turn out better professionals and skilled and educated youth. But SAITM has virtually blindfolded that need with political campaigning on sectarian slogans of the GMOA and petty political interests of the JVP and other splinter Left groups. The SAITM nevertheless now brings to the fore, the necessity to completely change the purpose and how the SLMC should be constituted to address the needs of society. In our culture of professional selfishness and arrogance, the SLMC to be left at the hands of the medical profession alone would be too dangerous to the health of the nation. The way out would be to include other professions as community representations. It has to provide provincial community representation as well, to make it a nationally representative body. The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) in fact has Federal State Medical Boards supporting it. Theres federal representation brought through Federal State boards. They have highly reputed professionals including community representation with seven women out of the 13 in the elected board. Their election procedure is democratic and transparent, unlike here in Sri Lanka. The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) also has federal and provincial representation in a Council of 52 members. The public elect up to five members and the medical undergraduates through their Canadian Federation of Medical Students elect two representatives. The Council elects its Executive Board at its annual meeting for regular deliberations on routine matters. The General Medical Council (GMC) of Britain has 12 elected members with six elected to represent the community, called lay members. Lay members are not from the medical profession and represent other disciplines. Interestingly in the present GMC, five of the six lay members are women. Health of the nation cannot and should not be a monopoly of the medical profession. The foremost regulating body therefore should include a wide representation both in terms of professions and geographical provinces. In terms of other social segmentations it is necessary to ensure representation from women to youth, from ethnic and religious representation and the private sector. Such broad representation to be brought in, we need an electoral system that can be transparent and democratic. In short, the present SLMC has to be completely overhauled for the benefit of society. That remains the lesson learnt from the SAITM controversy. In the coming years, Asia is deemed to play a crucial role in the world order with its fast growing economies. Against this backdrop, The Daily Mirror spoke to Prof. Swaran Singh from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi to explain some recent trends of the region. Singh is a Professor of International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi), a Visiting Professor at the Research Institute of Indian Ocean Economies (Kunming, China) and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka. He is also the President of the Association of Asia Scholars and the General Secretary of the Indian Congress for Asian and Pacific Studies. Excerpts from his interview follow. Pictures by Nisal Baduge It has been said that South Asia would define the 21st century and the future of the world. What sets this region apart from any other region? We say that the invention of the steam engine in the 19th century led to naval fleets, making some countries great powers. Then, in the 20th century, we had the nuclear revolution, which created superpowers of two countries. The source of power in the 21st century however, is with the people and 1/4th of the human race is in South Asia. This is going to be a distinct strength of the region, whether the citizens are in South Asia or all over the world. It doesnt matter where they are, because they are closely linked to South Asia due to its ancient culture and a history going back 5000 years. So even when our nationals travel to other places, they are rooted in the culture and traditions of this region. They continue to be South Asian even if they have lived abroad for three generations. Our population is what will make South Asia an important region in the world and define how we grow as a race. The enormous capability that each person has and how productive they will be to society is enormously different to what it was and the time and space shrink is making us more connected. Starting off with current events. The attack on Mosul has started in an attempt to capture key areas held by ISIS. Asia has felt the presence of this group through its attacks, like with what Pakistan has been experiencing for the past week and through its recruitment. Will the recapture of land from ISIS have any effect in Asia? The capability of Al Qaeda to recruit from anywhere in the world has catapulted when it comes to ISIS. They are able to recruit people from almost 50 countries. The rise of ISIS and the violence in our societies is partly due to restlessness since we are not comfortable in adapting to change. This leads to the overreaction of people and nations and is a result of the technological infusion. It does have a direct impact on South Asia since we are all connected. They can recruit from South Asia and those who are recruited may bring back agitation to the region. Another prevailing issue is maritime piracy. The Malacca Strait overtook Somali waters to become the most dangerous waterway in 2014. Asia itself is unique compared to Africa, since almost every country has access to an ocean. Should the initiative of combatting piracy be spearheaded by one nation or should each nation engage in it on its own? As human activity increasingly expands in enormous volumes, there is only a limited amount of land we have. So human activity, from trade to the exploitation of resources, has shifted from territory to waters. We are also shifting in terms of global activity from the North Atlantic and Europe to Asia, and Asia has far more connections to oceans. Our understanding of life therefore has to shift from territory to oceans. With this shift I dont think we have a choice in doing things individually. Nation states were created only 350 years ago. Now with this whole time and space shrink, we are becoming even more connected. So we must all pool our resources to deal with this problem. We are talking about a blue economy to attain the sustainability of the human race via the oceans which are not the ownership of any country. These are shared territories, so we all have to work together. In relation to working together to solve problems, lets look at SAARC. Many are doubting its effectiveness and relevance in the 21st century. We saw these issues highlighted when the 19th summit had to be postponed due to a border dispute. What is the benefit of regional organisations in South Asia? Will SAARC ever have any benefit in the future in this contentious region? First of all as I said, we would always be connected, so we would have to operate at a regional level. It is not a matter of choice. Secondly, all regions have contentions. Europe had wars. Mexico and USA have conflicts. So we are not unique in having problems. True, the India- Pakistan issue derails some initiatives. On whether SAARC is delivering, I think we are too ambitious at times. The EU which is far more advanced in human development, took 50 years to grow. We are only 27-years-old. If you look at SAARCs achievements, we have a common understanding in combatting terrorism long before Western countries even became aware of it. Look at the anti-climate change initiatives. I agree that we have been lacking in the implementation of all this but we have taken initiatives, set up secretariats and task forces. We are not as developed as the rest of the world, therefore implementation remains our limitation, but SAARC will deliver. The whole inclusion of observers is a reflection of South Asian confidence in allowing others to come in. We formally hear Sri Lankan statements that they will not allow their space to be used by China for military purposes. But suddenly, a submarine pops out to anchor and is full of political symbolism Human activity, from trade to the exploitation of resources, has shifted from territory to waters. As Sri Lanka is a good friend of India, India would perhaps expect to know of it in advance. If we think it is a threat, we know how to respond Hambantota port that is being created with the 99 year lease, turning debt into equity, and the large industrial zones are all part of the assets China is creating, which could impinge on the wider understanding of security A common understanding in combating terrorism long before Western countries became aware of it count among SAARCs achievements Whenever there is a trust deficit, even the smallest thing can become an overreaction. We have a trust deficit with China. So no matter what happens, we read into it The issue with the 19th summit was the Jammu-Kashmir problem. 13 years after the ceasefire between the two States, the agreement is in serious trouble with analysts stating that this is because Pakistan needs to regain the prestige lost after the surgical strike on POK launch pads. Will the situation ever resolve itself? My answer is of a freelancing academic and I dont speak for any Government. I think we will find a solution because one day we will simply forget it. We have fought each other for 70 years and killed millions but have gained nothing, and increasingly these issues will become less important compared to others, especially with the shift from terraferma to oceans, outer space and virtual space. Old obsessions with territories will gradually go away. We were conscious of territorial sovereignty after colonization. Officially we may not say we are giving territory to each other but one day we may just forget about it. You said that borders would disappear, however Asia can be regarded as the capital of nuclear weapons, with China, North Korea, India and Pakistan increasing their arsenals. Is this a threat to the region and the world? During World War II there was a race as to who would build the bomb first and ensure survival. This initial madness is no longer there. The number of nuclear warheads is rising, yes, but the estimates made then were that there would be 50 countries. Thats not the case with countries now, who are even giving up their weapons. India, Pakistan and China have not entered into a mad race but are instead letting scientists take their own time in development. "Just like borders, nukes too will gradually have less importance. We are now talking of climate change as a bigger threat" We still think there is some excitement in having nuclear power but most other states haven given it up. When I was studying, we used to talk about the end of the human race and there were movies like Armageddon, but now we dont even hear about it. Therefore just like borders, nukes too will gradually have less importance. We are now talking of climate change as a bigger threat. Hopefully, we will learn that nuclear science is destructive and such a focus is being seen in India and China. Nuclear weapons equals North Korea. How do we deal with this nation, especially with South Korea having internal problems themselves with their President being impeached. What should be Asias response? From the moment nuclear weapons were discovered, the USA was obsessed with being master of them. When it came to North Korea it outsourced the responsibility to China, who became the Convenor of the Six Party Talks which were supposed to resolve the problem. USA understood that North Korea needed an Asian solution and this meant that China was the most important country, since it has been the strongest ally of North Korea. We cannot call North Koreas bluff. The reason for them having these capabilities however, is internal. For the regime to stay in power, they have to concentrate on nationalism and distract people from real internal issues. So to solve the problem of North Korea, we have to inject some means of development into the country and the country most capable of doing this is China. Other countries can work alongside China, like the Sunshine diplomacy of South Korea, to raise the development levels of North Korea. Speaking of China, it seems to bring about the need of a police force to police the police with her South China Sea expansion policy. This is a country that blatantly disregarded a judgement from a tribunal in the Hague on this matter. Can Asia collectively do anything? There is no doubt that China has achieved unprecedented economic growth in the last three decades. That has given them unusual leverages which multiply with a one party rule. That is the reality. We need to look at what is feasible, not purely what is desirable. The most interesting example is the 12th June judgement coming from the Arbitration Court in the Hague, which was on a case being filed by the Philippines. However, the petitioner, President Duterte himself doesnt care about the judgement. He made visits to Beijing and has said that they could take the island so long as they provide investment and aid. Therefore China has different leverages. We cannot always assume that institutions will deliver. We have to be sensitive to the fact that the Chinese have also had some of these claims for a long time, since the Ming dynasty. It is open to interpretation whether we agree with the claims or not. Other countries like Japan and the Philippines are also building islands. So legalistically, everyone is breaching the norm. Moreover, when China signed UNCLOS, they had already made a reservation to the clause making arbitration obligatory, as did two dozen other countries. Lets look at a threat where the petitioner does mind. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a 46 billion dollar investment has been called unacceptable by Prime Minister Modi. Is it a threat to India? It is not a threat to India but it is definitely a project impinging on Indias national security interests. This has been an unusual relationship from the beginning, with a completely atheist State engaging a religious republic. President Xi Jinping promises 46 billion dollars of overall investment in Pakistan which has about 250 billion dollars of an economy in total. Therefore, 46 is a lot. In addition, this is the only time in history where a country has wanted a 10,000 strong force to protect its engineers and assets. Why do you need such an investment for an economic project? Who are the enemies there? China is very conscious about internal opposition that may erupt as well as any Indian opposition. Ours is based on a legalistic position where, according to international law, a country cannot be investing in foreign territories which it believes are disputed territory, and China is such a country. Most of the world is condemning President Trump for his proposed border wall with Mexico. However India itself has fences with Pakistan and Bangladesh. What is the need for such a construction? Are they even effective in stopping immigration? A wall or a fence is only a temporary solution which shows that you are unable to manage your relations. I am doubtful whether the wall will become a solution. Despite the fences we have, people are still coming across. Mexico and USA also have a fence but they still have drugs coming to the North and arms going to the South. It is not a one-sided problem. Fences are not 100% effective due to the geography surrounding them. There could also be human errors and flaws that allow people to overcome fences. They are therefore merely crisis management tools and dont solve problems. This is in light of the shift from territory to other spaces like virtual and outer space. You cannot place borders in those places and stop the flow of people or knowledge. It is better to handle things without a wall since it reflects a failure to manage. Moving on to relations with Sri Lanka. Leaving aside all diplomatic language, in all honesty, how much of a threat is Chinas investment in Hambantota especially after the submarine issue? Sri Lanka does act as a road block in the naval exercises of India. If a nation knows and understands a threat to its wider security, it will take action to resolve the issue. So, a problem arises if things occur that India does not understand. For example, we formally hear Sri Lankan statements that they will not allow their space to be used by China for military purposes. But suddenly, a submarine pops out to anchor and is full of political symbolism. This is different from just moving around. Because Sri Lanka is a good friend of India, India would perhaps expect to know of it in advance. If we think it is a threat, we know how to respond. But when a very country close to us suddenly shows such activity, it is a surprise. Even the Hambantota port that is being created with the 99 year lease, turning debt into equity, and the large industrial zones are all part of the assets China is creating, which could impinge on the wider understanding of security. Confidence has to be built. If a country is thinking of changing policy, they can do whatever they want but other countries that assume they are also partners would like to be taken into confidence. Submarines are also fundamentally offensive weapons. When they start showing up in Pakistan and Bangladesh, that makes this one popping up to be perceived by India in a different way. But thats also okay as long as neighbours keep each other in confidence, because whenever there is a trust deficit, even the smallest thing can become an overreaction. We have a trust deficit with China. So no matter what happens, we read into it. Forty years down the road, what will the South Asian region look like post-Trump and post-Brexit? We already have repercussions with the USA cancelling the TPP, which has heavily affected Japan. Since we are talking long-term, I think some of these near term trajectories will not be relevant. Trump as an individual is not important but the rise of Trump as a trend is. This is visible in France, Germany and the Philippines. Democracies which are the most fashionable forms of government are seeing the masses throwing up new leaders, and even if a leader is from an elite class he has to carry the sentiments of the base. The base is empowered today because of technology, so they determine the politics. That will be the trend of the future. The economic and social models of lifestyle we have created will change. More pressure will be exerted now on ensuring sustainability on environmental issues and going back to national frameworks. These trends may come up and trigger new tensions. When the USA starts withdrawing from the global road, China will fill those shoes. There are discussion whether the TPP should invite China now to fill the vacuum. There will always be other countries willing to fill the vacuum but the fundamental change is that human beings will be far more mobile, travelling and working from around the world. They will also be far more capable. Therefore, the identity of South Asia will be formulated by South Asian societies rather than South Asian States. States will have to re-engage other stakeholders such as the media, NGOs and civil society. South Asia will go back to its societal identity and we may see it becoming far more cohesive. He says that there is no need for Policemen to carry weapons in the North, as they were only needed to prevent thefts and other minor offences, at a time when sophisticated weapons are used in almost all robberies. Pushes for Police and Land Powers for the North The Theras statement likely to disturb the JHU, which thinks differently The party calls for his resignation after his decision to act independently in Parliament Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) Parliamentarian Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thera, who is in the centre of a controversy over his recent statement that he would be an independent member in Parliament, has attempted to create another controversy during the inaugural conference of his organisation, the Sri Lanka National Council (SLNC) on Tuesday. The Thera, possibly the most liberal character in the JHU, had told in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena that Police and Land Powers should be devolved to the Tamil dominated Northern Province. The war is over. Therefore we can give the Tamil people a Police force with civil administrative powers, he had said adding that there was no need for Policemen to carry weapons in the North, as they were only needed to prevent thefts and other minor offences. Instead of the khaki uniformed colonialist Police personnel in the High Security Zones, we could simply deploy Police officers clad in white uniforms in the Northern areas without firearms, the Thera stated. In fact, Police and land are two subjects already devolved to the Provincial Councils as far back as 1987 through the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which was promulgated as a result of another contentious political development, the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed between Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. However, no President had so far issued a Gazette notification authorizing the formation of a Provincial Police Division and the Provincial Land Commission as provided by the said Constitutional Amendment for the practical devolution of those powers. Hence, Ven. Theras suggestion could be implemented simply with a Presidential order without going through Parliament. However, even former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who accused former Presidents J.R. Jayewardene, Ranasinghe Premadasa and D.B. Wijetunga of not issuing the Gazette notification with regard to Land and Police powers to the Provincial Councils, when she was elected the Chief Minister of the Western Province in 1994, did not think it fit to issue it when she was voted in as President later in the same year. It is interesting to note that Ms. Kumaratunga, who not only has been agitating for devolution of powers to the Provincial Councils since the concept was mooted in 1980s but also faced the anti-devolution violence soon after that did not sign the Gazette during her 11 year tenure as President. Her husband, the actor-turned-politician Vijaya Kumaratunga had to sacrifice his life partly due to his pro-devolution stance. The JHU is at odds with Ven. Rathana Thera after he declared recently that he would act as an independent member in the Parliament- a statement tantamount to rejecting the political leadership of the JHU and the leaders of the party including its Chairman Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera- had openly called for his resignation from Parliament. The party, one of the harshest detractors of devolution of powers in general and Land and Police powers in particular, might have been further provoked by Ven. Rathana Theras statement, in favour of granting Land and Police powers to the Provincial Councils. The Sri Lanka National Council of Ven. Rathana Thera is an entity that emerged prominently during the last Presidential election and expressed views different from those of the JHU. For instance, the SLNC was then for the abolition of Executive Presidency, whereas the JHU wanted only to prune some of the powers vested in the Executive President. Revival of this organisation with an idea anathema to the JHU in the wake of an already simmering conflict might further distance the Thera from the JHU. However, Ven. Theras stand on granting Police Powers to the Provinces seems to be problematic in a practical sense. He says there is no need for Policemen to carry weapons in the North, as they were only needed to prevent thefts and other minor offences, at a time when sophisticated weapons are used in almost all robberies. The general assumption among the large majority of Sinhalese in the country is that devolving Police and Land powers to the Provinces is inimical to the national security and the territorial integrity, in spite of many safeguards that had been included in the 13th Amendment. However, contrary to the popular presumption that a carte blanche has been granted to the Provinces when the Land Power is vested in them, the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that State Land was vested in the Central Government and not in the Provincial Councils. Interestingly, this landmark judgment was delivered five days after the Northern Province polled overwhelmingly in favour of greater autonomy for the region, with former Supreme Court judge C.V.Wigneswaran at the helm. Similarly, the Constitution provides for so many safeguards in respect of Police Powers as well. Despite another belief that granting Police Powers meant creating an autonomous Police Independent of the national Police, the Constitution provides IGP shall be the head of the Sri Lanka Police, which shall be divided into the National Division and a Provincial Division for each Province. And the decision making high ranking officers of the Provincial Division from ASPs upwards would be those seconded from the National Division. The head of the Provincial Division, a DIG would be appointed by the IGP with the concurrence of the Chief Minister of the Province. Allaying fears of many further the Constitution says Upon the declaration of an emergency in the Province, the President may assume such powers and responsibilities of the Chief Minister and the Provincial Administration in respect of public order within the Province. Also the IGP has also been authorised to deploy units of National Division in any Province, where a State of emergency is declared for the restoration of public order. Nonetheless, apart from the propaganda by the fear-mongering politicians in the south, Tamil leaders on their part have failed to dispel fears and doubts among the Sinhalese or furthered them with some of their actions taken in times of desperation and rivalries among them. The best case in point was the cold-blooded murder of 41 Provincial Trainee Police personnel by the ruling party of the North-Eastern Provincial Council in 1989. When the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) that had been deployed under the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord was ordered to leave the country by President Premadasa in 1989, the administration of the merged North-Eastern Provincial council was left at the mercy of its enemy, the LTTE. The Chief Minister of the Province Varadharaja Perumal hurriedly recruited Tamil and Muslim youth to the newly formed Civil Volunteer Force (CVF) as a forerunner to his Provincial Police Division, under a Gazette notification issued by the Central Government. Nevertheless, when the IPKF de-induction from Sri Lanka was started, a desperate ruling party of the Province, the EPRLF singled out 41Muslim CVF personnel and shot them dead before disbanding of the CVF, for reasons hitherto not known. The then State Minister for Defence, Ranjan Wijeratne referring to the incident in the Parliament stated that the Chief Minister had gone mad to such an extent that he had killed his own Police personnel. The recent resolutions adopted by the Northern Provincial Council calling for an international investigation into the Human Rights allegedly violated by the security forces and claiming that Tamils had been subjected to genocide during the war also might have heightened the fears and doubts of the south on the usage of powers devolved to the provinces. Besides these negative factors in respect of granting Police Powers to the Provinces, one cannot expect President Maithripala Sirisena to tread a path that even President Kumaratunga feared to, in spite of Ven. Rathana Theras thought provoking transformation. Today is World Wildlife Day with the vision being to celebrate and raise awareness on the worlds wild animals and plants. On December 20, 2013 the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This years theme is Listen to the Young Voices based on the fact that almost one quarter of the worlds population is aged between 10 and 24. The UN says vigorous efforts need to be made to encourage young people as the worlds future leaders and decision makers to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered wildlife. According to the UN, the engagement and empowerment of youth is high on the agenda of the United Nations and this objective is being achieved through the youth programmes of various UN organisations and the UN Secretary Generals Envoy on Youth In September last year, CITES members gathered at Johannesburg in South Africa. They adopted the first CITES resolution on Youth Engagement. This year world youth are being urged to rally to address ongoing major threats to wildlife, including habitat change, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking. Youth are the agents of change. We are already seeing the positive impacts on conservation issues made by some young conservation leaders around the world. If they can help make a change, you can too! the UN says. The UN expresses the hope that in every region, Governments, law makers, enforcement officers, Customs officials and park rangers are scaling up their efforts to protect wildlife. The UN also urges citizens, young and old, to protect wildlife and their habitats. We all have a role to play. Our collective conservation actions can be the difference between a species surviving or disappearing. Its time for us to listen to the young voices. the UN adds. In Sri Lanka also we hope the National Government will give the awareness or encouragement and empower young people through schools, universities and other institutions to play a key role in protecting our endangered wildlife species, including the majestic elephant, which has played and is playing a historical role in our country. We hope that student organizations, instead of provoking groups to protest at peak times on issues connected to political agendas, will rise beyond narrow mindedness or extremism and empower our youth to come to the front and centre of protecting endangered fauna or flora. The World Wildlife Fund says our vision must be to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. From our experience as the worlds leading independent conservation body, we know that the well-being of people, wildlife and the environment are closely linked. That is why we take an integrated approach to our work. Were striving to safeguard the natural world, helping people live more sustainably and take action against climate change. We spend time working with communities, with politicians and with businesses to find solutions so people and nature can thrive. Our projects are innovative, collaborative and based on scientific evidence. And we think big. We run a number of Global initiatives focussing on the regions and challenges where we can make the biggest difference - from the Arctic and the Amazon to responsible fishing, the WWF says. Sri Lankas Department of Wildlife Conservation says its vision is the conservation of wildlife heritage for present and future generation. It says it is working with others to ensure conservation and wildlife heritage through professional management. To what extent the vision is being practised may be a wild guess with subject Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera claiming at a meeting this week that effective steps have been taken to solve the so-called humanelephant conflict. We hope the Government and the Department will mobilise young people for the battle against habitat change, including deforestation, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking in endangered species. Government notifies Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017 Published: March 2, 2017 The Union Government has notified the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017 to prohibit the holding, transferring or receiving of scrapped old Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes from 31 December, 2016, This law makes possession of more than a certain number of the old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes a criminal offence. Key Features of Act It ends the liability of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government on the demonetised Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes. It prohibits the holding, transferring or receiving of demonitised notes from 31 December, 2016 and confers power on the court of a first class magistrate to impose the penalty. Possessing more than 10 pieces of old notes by individuals and more than 25 pieces for study, research or numismatics purposes will attract a fine of Rs. 10,000 or five times the value of cash held, whichever is higher. Fine of a minimum of Rs, 50,000 will be imposed for a false declaration by persons for being abroad during the demonetisation period (9 November-30 December, 2016). Background The Union Government had demonetised old Rs.500 and Rs. 1,000 notes from November 2016 on the recommendations of the RBIs central board to eliminate unaccounted money and fake currency notes from the financial system. As a follow up, The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017 was passed by Parliament in February 2017 and received assent of President Pranab Mukherjee on 27 February 2017. The law aims to eliminating the possibility of running a parallel economy using demonetised currency notes. The demonetisation had abruptly sucked out 86% of the currency in circulation in the form of Rs.500 and Rs. 1,000 out of the system. Month: Current Affairs - March, 2017 Topics: Bills and Acts Current Affairs - 2017 Demonitisation National RBI Latest E-Books Delhi Police activities have shocked me ever since I was a young boy in the 1950s. Since I lived in a "posh" house in an affluent colony, I could watch and even put in a word or two, protesting police manhandling of servants, chowkidars and even municipal workers. Often the reason was gambling where barely Rs 20 or Rs 25 changed hands. Some constables wanted a cut, others were happy to be treated to tea or "golgappas" at the local sweet shop. The more senior were more careful. One sat with me and as we ate a few sweets he told me of the increasing thefts in a nearby colony. I didn't see him again for a year. He told me that he'd caught the thieves, but one of them worked for a VIP, so he was transferred to old Delhi. Later, when my stepfather - a senior police officer - arrived and was posted to Telangana in Naxalite operations, I saw another side. These policemen were armed and gave no quarter. A human rights activist who I came to know well, told me categorically that relatively few Maoists were taken alive, because of orders from "above". Now such reports are commonplace in areas like Bastar and Chhattisgarh. And it is widely believed that innocents are also killed in cross-fire or due to mistaken identity. Unfortunately, in recent years, the police have been politicised. This leads me to the strange interaction between the Delhi Police and Jawaharlal Nehru University between February 2016 and today. On the night of February 9, 2016, a meeting was organised by some students where they allegedly shouted "anti-India" slogans. The new ultranationalist JNU vice-chancellor had the security collect information on the students involved, helped further by the ultranationalist ABVP. With this scanty evidence, Kanhaiya Kumar, JNU Students Union president, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested under the very serious charge of sedition. Sedition, a 1870 law, Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code, is applied not because of offensive slogans but if there is incitement to violence. But for JNU, which was unpopular with then Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and the Union government, different standards apply. Interestingly, Gandhi ironically termed the sedition law the "prince of all laws" as it considered "disaffection against the King" to be sedition, and the Mahatma pleaded guilty and was jailed. Also of interest is the fact that last month, February 2017, the president rated JNU the best central university in India, despite some powers that be. JNU vice-chancellor Jagadesh Kumar is a known right-winger who is trying to dismantle statutes and rules of the university. Photo: India Today So the three students accused of sedition were jailed and tried. But the judge hearing the case immediately spotted the weakness of the sedition charge as pointed out by lawyers, that there had been no incitement to violence. And in the case of Kanhaiya, he had not been part of the protest, nor had he put up or held any "anti-Indian" posters. So the JNU students came out on bail. But with strict orders from above, the Delhi Police continued to try making a case against the "JNU Three". Yesterday morning, a first page Times of India report came out titled, "Police fail to prove sedition case against Kanhaiya". Poor Delhi Police, despite all their efforts they couldn't jail Kanhaiya. According to journalist Rajshekhar Jha, "the chargesheet nowhere says Kanhaiya raised anti-India slogans but does say he did nothing to stop them or the event". Witnesses would question this. However, Jha makes a peculiar statement: "Regarding Kanhaiya, cops have left it to the court if charges are to be framed against him, sources say." Now this is highly irregular. It is for the police to collect evidence. On the basis of the evidence found, a charge is framed by the police. The court can then certainly change or add to the charge. But if the police states that Kanhaiya never raised "anti-India" slogans, then how can it ask that the court frame charges? Jha also reports that "the chargesheet to be finalised under Section 121A (sic)", the actual Section is 124A, "and criminal conspiracy is before the police commissioner and a final nod for submission is awaited". And who are the witnesses to this "criminal conspiracy?" JNU administration, ABVP, DSU and security guards. The vice-chancellor is a known right-wing person who is trying to dismantle statutes and rules of JNU. He was pulled up by the Delhi High Court for not punishing eight ABVP students who roughed up Najeeb Ahmed, the night before he disappeared. ABVP students are highly unreliable. The DSU is a small far-Left students group. The large Left student organisations like AISA, AISF and SFI were not asked about the incident. Why not? The most intriguing aspect is of the nine "outsiders", all Kashmiris, none of whom were from JNU. They were the only nine identified by videos which "showed 140-odd protesters". So the Delhi Police and its witnesses could only identify nine outsiders out of more than 140. Even for them severe incompetence. And what did the Delhi Police do with these protesters? Jha writes, "After assuring them that no legal action, that is arrest, would be taken, their statements were recorded. A few have gone to Kashmir and some refused to come back..." So another first by the Delhi Police. Outsiders who were Kashmiris, with Kashmir being one of the issues in the protest, were not charged, and let off without any action. The moral of this story is clear. The Supreme Court has done well to delink the issue of instant divorce among Muslims from the larger question of a common civil code. This brings the focus back to the vexed issue and stops the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) from obfuscating it to garner Muslim support. Dogma Many ordinary Muslims, including women, are unaware of Islamic jurisprudence, so think that this is a universally accepted religious dogma which they must support. This misunderstanding emanates from the unity displayed by Indian ulema of all sects on their male chauvinist rights to treat their wives as slaves. While ulema keep fighting among themselves on minor theological differences, there is perfect unity on this issue. Even ulema whose school of thought does not allow this evil practice, support AIMPLBs un-Islamic position. Ahl-e-Hadiths, for instance, follow Hanbali Law and, like Saudis, do not accept triple talaq in one sitting as valid. But the general secretary of Ahl-e-Hadith, Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi, is adamant that the Centre and the courts should not interfere in personal matters of religion. Same is the case of Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, renowned Shia Muslim cleric and vice-president of the (AIMPLB). The Jafri school of thought that Shias follow invalidates the practice of instant triple talaq. Shias themselves do not practice it. Maulana Sadiq advises Sunnis to rethink the issue, but remains with AIMPLB that endorsed triple talaq in its counter-affidavit to the Supreme Court. Many ordinary Muslims, including women, are unaware of Islamic jurisprudence, so think that this is a universally accepted religious dogma which they must support. Other prominent Muslim clergymen in India also take this self-contradictory position. Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani, of Jamiat-ul-Ulema, for instance, admitted in a TV discussion: Imam Abu Hanifa has gone to the extent of saying that jis ne ye kaam kiya wo haram fail ka murtakib hua," meaning whoever does this has committed a haram (forbidden) act. Imam Abu Hanifa is the founder of the Hanafi school of thought that most Muslims of the Indian subcontinent follow. He considers triple talaq a haram act. No wonder, immediately after its creation, Pakistan took steps to abolish the practice, along with other un-Islamic practices in the Anglo-Mohammedan Law that still goes by the name of Muslim Personal Law in India. Bizarre AIMPLBs own position is no less self-contradictory, and is indeed quite bizarre. While endorsing it, it also calls instant triple talaq an abhorrent and prohibited practice. Its law book Majmooa-e-Qawaneen Islami, says in Article (267): Talaq-e-bidat (the hateful, un-Quranic way of giving talaq, that is, triple talaq in one sitting) is prohibited (mamnoo); however, if one does give such a talaq-e-bidat, the talaq will be valid, and the talaq-giver will be sinful. Article 269 of the Qawaneen, however, takes the cake. As an average Muslim understands, in Islam intention is all-important. So much so that when a Muslim stands up for prayer, its not considered enough that he is doing everything that is done in prayer. He has to specifically state that he intends to pray. Now read what AIMPLBs law book says in the matter of triple talaq: Talaq-e-Sareeh, that is, talaq by using clear and plain words effect divorce whether one intends divorce by them or not. It must have been based on this that the Deobandi fatwa told a young Muslim husband that even if you wrote the word talaq thrice in jest while chatting playfully with your newly wedded wife online, your divorce is final and you cannot remarry her unless your wife performs halala, that is, marries someone else, consummates her marriage, sleeps with the new spurious husband for a few nights, and gets a divorce from him later. Practice Halala is the most obscene social practice among Indian Muslims which has the blessings of all sections of ulema. This practice will be automatically eliminated if triple talaq is abolished or three talaqs uttered in one session are considered one Quranic talaq, as is done in 22 Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan, Morocco, Kuwait, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Even Sri Lanka with less than 10 per cent of Muslims in its population, has managed to reform Muslim personal law and make it more gender-just. India alone has been unable to move forward. If the government keeps waiting for approval of ulema, it is never going to happen. Ulema are not going to accept the Quran as their guide anytime soon. For them Sharia with 90 per cent of its rules based on Arab tribal customs is the source of legislation. They call Sharia divine, even though it was first codified 120 years after the demise of the Prophet and has been changing since from time to time and place to place. All hope now lies with the Supreme Court. India, South Korea talk about possibility of revising DTAC Published: November 8, 2012 At a high level meeting b/w India and South Korea, both the nations discussed the possibility of revising Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC). Discussions included expanding information sharing b/w the taxation authorities and cooperation in modernizing the customs system of both countries. Cooperation in public procurement and measures to develop co-financing infrastructure projects were also part of discussions. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2012 Topics: 2012 India-International Relations Latest E-Books Vulture population rises in India Published: November 15, 2012 As per a recent report by the Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS) rapid decline in the number of critically endangered Indian vultures has stopped. Indias vulture population has risen for the first time in last 20 years, after a sharp decline in their numbers by more than 99%. Vulture numbers decreased in India from 4 crore in the early 80s to less than 1 lakh in 2011. Why Vulture numbers were fast declining in India? Diclofenac , a painkilling drug administered to cattle, is the main cause of mass extinction of vultures. , a painkilling drug administered to cattle, is the main cause of mass extinction of vultures. Vultures, which have a digestive system robust enough to even digest disease-causing pathogens found in rotting meat of dead, do not have a critical enzyme that breaks down diclofenac and die of renal failure after eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug. and after eating carcasses of cattle administered the drug. Vultures feeding on cattle either die from acute kidney failure within a few days or lose their ability to reproduce. Diclofenac is a painkilling drug administered to cattle. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put vultures on its list of critically endangered species. The three most common species of vultures and there approx. numbers in the India are: Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus), also known as the Indian vulture (44,000) White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) (11,000) Slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) (1,000) Month: Current Affairs - November, 2012 Topics: 2012 November 2012 Latest E-Books Netziv (Shemos 34:10) We need to explicate the manner of Divine Providence. There are two types which four. 1) there are two by means of ... My sefer Yad Moshe has been unavailable in seforim stores. However it was recently reprinted and shipped to New York There are two distrubu... In the last few days I have encountered learned and frum Litvaks who claimed it was essential to be happy and smiling all the time An... Important!! email - yadmoshe@gmail.com - : , Showcasing that talent does not stop once you are 65 years of age, the Farmington Presbyterian Manor hosted the annual awards ceremony on Feb. 24 for the Art is Ageless art show. We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors, said Heidi Beyer, marketing director for Presbyterian Manor. 'Art is Ageless' is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition. Artists from all over Southeast Missouri converge on the manor for the three-day event to display their works of art in 15 different categories. The exhibit and competition always draws a wide array of impressive artwork from talented seniors, said Beyer. We had 77 entries this year from artists from Festus to Cape Girardeau. Working in conjunction with the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, the regional art show is open to anyone age 65 and older and offers many different venues for artists to compete in as either a professional or an amateur artist. In the last eight years, I have entered every year except for one year and that was when I was in a nursing home because of a stroke, said Phyllis Kluver, who entered a piece of work in the Christmas Amateur category. I always have a lot of fun at this show. Many of the artist who participate in the show did not realize their artistic capabilities until much later in life. I didnt start painting until I was 50 years old. I had some health issues and had to retire, so I took some classes at Jefferson College and learned to paint, said Janet Krause, who won Best in Show for her painting Oh God, Oh Country. I think this is a great event. It shows there is still a lot of talented people over 65 years old. This years Peoples Choice Award was awarded to DeeAnne Hansen, for her piece Acrylic and this year Judge's Choice was present to Iris Vincent, for Above & Beyond. Art is Ageless Art Exhibit is held annually at the Farmington location as well as 16 other Presbyterian Manor communities in Kansas and Missouri. Those who took first place in their division or earned Judges Choice and Best in Show are invited to compete against artists from the other communities in Wichita, Kansas. The winning artwork will be highlighted in the 2018 Art is Ageless calendar. Winners in the Farmington Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were: Christmas (professional): Juanita Rapp Wyman, Primary Pine Trees Light-up the Snowy Landscape Christmas (amateur): Lynette Satterthwaite, And Then in a Twinkling Drawing (professional): Victoria Gallagher Cummings, Evening Drawing (amateur): Susan E. Corvick, Morning Light Fiber Arts (professional): Diane Dickerson, Moon Over the Mississippi Mixed Media/Crafts (professional): Diane Dickerson, Four Faces of Eve Mixed Media/Crafts (amateur): June Yoder, Button Doll Needlework (amateur): Helen Kripplaben, First Song Painting (professional): Rita Francis, Goldfinch and Sunflower Painting (amateur): John R. Laughlin, Soaring Free Photography (professional): Juanita Rapp Wyman, Breakfast on the Balcony Photography (amateur): Marty Riley, Inside Burfordville Mill Quilting (amateur): Marie Saunders, Monkey Wrenched Sculpture/3-D (professional): Gene Thompson, Moores Stove Company Sculpture/3-D (amateur): Iris Vincent, From the Past Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and recovery of minerals and precious metals located primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt. It also holds a 100% interest in the Western Foreland exploration project covering an area of approximately 2,407 square kilometers located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company has a strategic partnership agreement with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. to examine exploration, development, and acquisition of mineral projects, as well as production, smelting, and logistics opportunities in Africa. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. was formerly known as Ivanplats Limited and changed its name to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. in August 2013. The company was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Farmington Mayor Mit Landrum began the Feb. 27 meeting by stating the council would take care of a piece of business that should have been done years ago. At that point, Landrum invited former Mayor Dr. Charles Rorex to the front of the audience. When a councilperson leaves their seat, it is customary for the council to present a plaque in recognition of their years of service. In Rorexs case, Landrum said, that presentation was never made. He was on the city council from 1998 to 2003, Landrum said. The city never recognized him for that service. We wanted to correct that terrible omission. Landrum said serving on the council is more than just attending the regular sessions two times a month. Its a dedicated effort, he said. All the people behind me have been great city council members and Charlie was a great city council member when he was on (the council). It is my pleasure and privilege to present you with this token of service and an apology, Charlie, for being so tardygetting this to you. On behalf of the people of Farmington, Charlie, thank you so much. Those in attendance gave Rorex a standing ovation. He told the crowd it was a privilege to serve the great citizens of the city. It was also my pleasure to work with great administration, the employees here in Farmington are doing a great job, Rorex said. I want to thank you, as members of the council and mayor, for the good job youre doing and the years of service youre giving for this city. It continues to grow beyond my thoughts. Its because of you, the administration and the employees of Farmington. In other business, the council approved through a second reading and council action an ordinance approving a boundary adjustment at Mineral Area Park at Weber Road. The request was made by Parkland Health Center. A first reading on the ordinance was held earlier this month following a public hearing on the request. This is part of the old Mineral Area Hospital campus, City Administrator Greg Beavers said after the meeting. This involves the single-story building there on Weber Road that previously had doctors offices and a Walgreens Pharmacy on that site. There are two houses just immediately to the east of that also belong to the hospital property. Although no official confirmation has been made, it was previously announced a portion of the complex would be donated to the county by Parkland Health Center for the location of a county morgue. (The hospital) intends to give the two houses to Habitat for Humanity, he said. The intent is after that, Habitat will tear those houses down they are on our enforcement list for nuisance properties and build some nice, new houses on the property. Also on the councils agenda was an ordinance that was carried over from the Feb. 9 council meeting regarding a special use permit for the operation of a day care. During that meeting, a manager of an adult business located near the proposed area at 120 Holly Tree Lane expressed concerns over the location violating the companys policy of not being located near children. After much discussion at that meeting, the council decided to table a vote on the ordinance which was up for a first and second reading and council action in regular session to clarify the requirements for a day care facility located near an adult business. There was discussion at the meeting as well, when council first had to make a motion to untable the ordinance. Beavers explained the original ordinance regulating adult businesses not being located within 1,000 feet of children was put in place after this business opened. It seems the ordinance relates to similar businesses wanting coming in within those boundary requirements not when businesses relating to children are located within that area. One item pointed out was the fact St. Paul High School is located within that boundary area. Beavers noted any adult businesses at the current location could not reopen at the location should it close and cease operations. The council approved the ordinance by a vote of 6 to 0. Ward IV Councilmen Garett Boatright and Mark Kellogg were not in attendance. Also approved were two resolutions under consent agenda the first being a contract with Visu-Sewer and the second appointing Laura Yates on the Park Board. The council also held a first reading on an ordinance authorizing filing of applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility commission on behalf of the city. It was also reported the sales tax receipts through January were up 4.6 percent over the previous year. The council next meets on March 9. Salzgitter AG, together with its subsidiaries, engages in steel and technology businesses worldwide. It operates through five segments: Strip Steel, Plate/Section Steel, Mannesmann, Trading, and Technology. The Strip Steel segment manufactures branded and special steels, such as hot-rolled strip steel and steel sheets, sections, tailored blanks, and components for the construction industry. The Plate/Section Steel segment produces various high-grade heavy plates for engineering, shipbuilding, and mechanical engineering, as well as trades in scrap. The Mannesmann segment is involved in the manufacture of line pipes, HFI-welded tubes, precision and stainless-steel tubes, and spiral-welded and longitudinal-welded large-diameter pipes; and seamless and welded tubes for the energy, automotive, and mechanical engineering sectors. The Trading segment operates a European sales network, as well as trading companies and agencies worldwide. The Technology segment engages in the provision of machinery and plants for the filling and packaging of beverages, as well as special machinery engineering for shoe manufacturing and elastomer production. The company also provides IT, facility management, logistics, automotive engineering, and research and development services, as well as supplies raw materials. Salzgitter AG was founded in 1858 and is headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of February 23, 2022, it operated 4,171 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany. My bill, HB 817 was heard in the Veterans Committee this week. HB 817 would mandate that the POW/MIA flag be flown on state buildings if they already have the proper flagpoles to fly the flag. By only requiring those state buildings that have the necessary equipment to fly the flag, we will be boosting Veterans morale and costing no money to the state. In 1997, President Clinton proposed that the POW/MIA flag be flown 6 days per year. However, the national VFW wrote a paper that clearly stated they believe it should be flown every day. I have been working with Dennis Sweet and other VFW members on this bill as a way to show all of our Veterans that we respect their sacrifices. Missouri has over 3,200 service men that have not returned home and are unaccounted for. Flying the MIA/POW flag will help show Missourians respect and remembrance for those who have given their lives to protect our state and country. On a good note regarding the state budget. The Governor has announced that the state will receive another $52 million in funding as the result of a legal settlement. Governor Greitens said the money will be used to restore previously made cuts to home and community based services ($41 million) and K-12 transportation ($11 million). Four bills caught my attention this week. HB 138 expands access to virtual education programs for Missouri students by allowing them to enroll in virtual courses. These are usually advanced topics that the schools cannot offer due to lack of funding. With the bill, the courses will be paid for with state funds that would normally go to the school district. HB 288changes the law regarding unemployment benefits. Currently unemployment benefits are available for 20 weeks. This will reduce it to 13 weeks if unemployment is below 6 percent. The bill also requires increasing the unemployment trust fund minimum balance. This will keep the state from borrowing from the federal government during high unemployment, thus keeping taxes lower for businesses and reducing Missouris dependence on the federal government. HB 151 would bring Missouri in compliance with the federal REAL ID law passed in 2005. REAL ID raises the proof of identify for IDs and also requires states to retain information they receive for 10 years. Currently, our Missouri IDs are not accepted on military bases and in 2018 Missouri IDs will not be accepted in airports. Its important to note the bill will still allow anyone concerned with sharing their personal information can still obtain the regular non-compliant license if they so choose. HB 655extends the tax credit donations made to pregnancy resource centers to 2026. Currently Missouri can issue up to $5 million annually in tax credits for donations made to these centers. Many of these centers offer free services and provide valuable resources and knowledge and support to women in crisis or an unplanned pregnancy. I was honored to meet with Ellen Masulit-Fischer representing the Caring Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center and to meet a client of the Pregnancy Resource Center, Lana and her beautiful two week old baby. I had the pleasure of meeting with several organizations from my district. I met with a large group of people from BJC. Visited with Occupational Students who were here for Occupational Day at the Capitol, including student Marissa Bonney. Also was able to visit with Stacy and Tim Azinger representing the L.I.F.E center in Farmington and also visited with people from Alliance for Life. Thank you to all who write in or call my office with their concerns and for those who take the time to travel to Jefferson City. I appreciate hearing from you and it is an honor to serve as your State Representative. Please contact me at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 115-H, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Email: mike.henderson@house.mo.gov The St. Francois County Commission appointed four new members to the St. Francois County Public Housing Authority Board (PHAB) when it met in regular session Tuesday in the courthouse annex. County Clerk Mark Hedrick explained to the commissioners why it was necessary to appoint four new members to the PHAB. "Bill Tucker came in who is with East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA)," he said. "He sort of oversees this particular board. It does say St. Francois County, but it covers more than one county. "The problem was that they felt there were conflicts of interest with four on the board because they were also on the EMAA board who receives the funding for PHAB. So, the people that give the funds said they need to make a new board and take away this conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest." According to Hedrick, four people were recommended for the board. One would be appointed for four years, one for three years and two for two years. "So when you make your appointments, you need to do it that way," he said. "I don't have any recommendation and they had no recommendation on who receives which terms." Commissioner Patrick Mullins explained that after a recent audit of PHAB finances, there had been some discrepancies and the auditor thought it would be best to replace the four PHAB members to "err on the side of caution." The commission subsequently appointed Denny Ward of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service to a four-year term; Stephanie Parks of the St. Francois County Board for the Developmentally Disabled to a three-year term; Stephanie Bennett of the Southeast Missouri Family Violence Council to a two-year term; and Laura Miller to a two-year term. In other action, the commissioners approved the emergency purchase of a new walk-in cooler for the Juvenile Department, as well as the sale of several of the department's surplus property; OK'd the 2016 financial statement; opened bids for several upcoming county road projects and administered the oath of office to Louie Seiberlich as the new county auditor. The county commission will next meet at 10 a.m. March 7 on the third floor of the courthouse annex. The day after a tornado hit the northern part of the city of Perryville, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old Perryville man traveling on Interstate 55, a massive cleanup project has begun and community members are reaching out to help friends and neighbors in their time of need. Perryville is located in Perry County, approximately 30 miles north of Cape Girardeau. The whole trek [of the storm] was around 13-15 miles in Perry County, and from what they can tell it was down the whole time, said Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf. So, it encompassed more than the city, but it tore things up pretty good every place it went. Last night we couldnt see it was dark and storming but since daylight it has cleared up and people were out in mass helping all their friends and neighbors and they are making progress. Schaaf explained that the Perryville Fire Department has been canvasing the affected neighborhoods to make sure everyone is OK and to keep track of how many structures were damaged or destroyed by the tornado. When they go to a house, theyll check it and then mark it off with a GPS coordinate and put it on their computer map, he said. The chief has come up with 180 homes that were checked and he said about 60 percent of those had moderate to total damage. Schaaf added that, despite initial reports that two lives were lost in the storm, only one death has been confirmed the motorist on Interstate 55 who has been identified as Travis Koenig. I understand there were also 10 or 11 minor (injuries) from these areas, he said. The people were able to get out on their own they were able to be rescued from the basement. They were all minor injuries scrapes, bruises and minor cuts. They all walked into the ER, got checked out, treated and released to go somewhere and spend the night. According to the sheriff, one of the biggest issues the community is facing right now is the significant number of utility workers who have descended on the city to restore fallen power lines and other essential services, in areas that suffered significant damage. As of Wednesday, more than 1,100 residents were without power. Theyre making a lot of progress with that too, but its probably going to be another couple of days before we get those things open for good, he said. Highway 61 north of town is going to be closed probably until sometime [Thursday] to anyone other than people who live there and volunteers who are helping. Schaaf noted that the Perryville police, along with members of his department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, are patrolling the affected areas to make sure sightseers and scavengers dont become a problem. Former state representative and businessman Steve Tilley, a lifelong Perryville resident, described the results of the tornado as devastating. It not only causes all the monetary loss and all the property damage, and the unfortunate loss of life, but I think the community is rallying around as I would expect them to, he said. I think the outreach and the offer of volunteerism and help has been amazing and it extends beyond Perryville. "Ive had people reach out to me from as far away in Missouri as Joplin offering to be helpful. The outpouring of support is amazing and the willingness to help when your neighbors have had a tragedy. Its a pretty heartwarming experience. I think our state reps are on top of this. Theyve done a great job, as well as our state senator. Youve got Sen. [Wayne] Wallingford who represents Perryville and youve got state representatives Rick Francis and Kevin Engler who represent part of Perry County. Theyve already been in meetings with the governor this morning. I believe their hope would be, if the governor can do it, to declare it a disaster area, an emergency area. Hopefully that will open the door to not only state but also federal resources and help the families that are struggling. Francis, R-Perryville, and Engler, R-Farmington, announced Wednesday that they are working closely with the governors office to organize relief efforts for families in their districts. The representatives thanked the governor for responding quickly to the severe weather by dispatching relief teams and resources to assist those who were affected. We would like to thank Gov. Greitens for responding quickly to this tragedy in our districts. Our thoughts and prayers are with our constituents, friends, neighbors and family in Perryville," said Francis and Engler. They added, We will be working closely with Governor Greitens to assist with the needs of our community. Greitens reportedly deployed a strike team Tuesday night that included SEMA, the Department of Public Safety, Canine Search and Rescue teams and the highway patrol to provide resources in the community. Francis and Engler said they plan to be in the district on Thursday to help their constituents, friends and family members with the recovery effort. Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, released a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding the tornado damage in Perryville. The devastating results of last nights storms leave me with a heavy heart," he wrote. "However, I believe the community will work together and become stronger after this natural disaster. "As the neighborhoods surrounding Perryville move to clean up the damage left behind by the tornado, I offer my condolences to the family who has lost a loved one in this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. "I also want to recognize and thank the governor and his team for their quick response to the storm. If either I or my staff can be of any assistance, please give our office a call 573-751-2459. BISMARCK, N.D. An attorney for a flight attendant who plans to plead guilty to making bogus bomb threats on two Skywest flights in 2015 says Justin Cox-Sever is likely to serve far less than the maximum prison sentence of 50 years. Federal Public Defender Neil Fulton says federal sentencing guidelines call for about 1 years behind bars, although sentences can vary depending on the results of a presentence investigation. Cox-Sever is from Tempe, Arizona. He's accused of making bogus bomb threats on a flight from Charlottesville to Chicago and on a flight from Minneapolis to Dickinson, North Dakota. He recently agreed to plead guilty to charges related to interfering with an aircraft. He's due in court June 1. A Charlottesville man has pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. According to evidence presented in the citys federal courthouse on Thursday, 35-year-old Ricco Jamel Harris distributed crack cocaine throughout the Central Virginia between late 2012 and November 2015. The evidence established that Harris was a major supplier of cocaine in Charlottesville who gave cocaine to members of a major drug distribution ring operating out of the Culpeper area. During that timeframe, agents from the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement task force made a series of controlled buys from Harris and seized more than 75 grams of crack cocaine during a traffic stop. It was ultimately determined that Harris was responsible for the distribution of more than 4 kilograms of crack cocaine. Four suspects in a credit card skimming scheme that resulted in $18,000 worth of fraudulent charges are being extradited back to Virginia after the Miami-Dade Police Department assisted in apprehending them on Monday and Tuesday upon their recent re-entry into the United States from Cuba. According to a news release from the Louisa County Sheriffs Office, four legal immigrants from Cuba Breisys Martinez, 23; Yesenia Rodriguez-Lopez, 21; Braya Hernandez, 32; and Julio Marquez-Franco, 29 obtained several victims card information from the Elk Creek Store and New Bridge Market in Louisa County in December. The suspects are residents of Hialeah, Florida. Locations in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax County and Maryland also were affected, according to the release. The Louisa County Sheriffs Office believes there are other cases that have not been reported. A total of 56 warrants were obtained for the four suspects. Each suspect is facing more than a dozen charges related to credit card fraud and forgery. The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone who thinks that he or she may have been a victim in this case to contact the Louisa County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Tabethia Cosner at tcosner@louisa.org. RICHMOND Citing a climate of fear and uncertainty, the administration of Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday issued guidance to Virginia's public schools on how to respond if immigration officials seek information about students and their parents. The nearly 1,200-word memo from State Superintendent of Instruction Steven R. Staples reminded school workers not to disclose a students immigration status and encouraged officials to develop a plan for what to do if a childs parent or guardian is deported. President Trumps unprecedented modifications to long-standing immigration policies have led to fear and uncertainty in many of our communities, McAuliffe said through a spokesman. So let me be clear: the Commonwealth will continue to be a welcoming place for all students and families, and my administration remains committed to honoring our constitutional obligation to provide each and every pupil with a free and high-quality public education, regardless of immigration status. The states Department of Education is not aware of a recent instance in which a student's caretaker had been deported, but has fielded concerns from public school officials across the state unsure of how to quell students anxieties, Staples said. In turn, administrators have asked for help interpreting what they should and should not do if federal officials ask for information. "Guidance is more helpful before anything happens than after," Staples said in an interview. "We really sat down and tried to give both legal and practical advice." Last week Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and Chicago Public Schools' chief education officer issued similar guidance to public school workers faced with a growing uncertainty over how far the presidents pledge to bolster immigration enforcement may extend. Staples issued the advice to local superintendents on Tuesday afternoon as reports trickled out that Trump might be open to a compromise on immigration reform that could include a path to citizenship for some undocumented residents. That opening - which came in remarks to select media - was not included in Trumps address to Congress late Tuesday in which he reiterated his commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement, and touted the establishment of an office dedicated to assisting victims of crimes perpetrated by undocumented immigrants. The office was included among executive orders Trump signed in January that target so-called sanctuary cities; seek to speed the pace of deportations; expanded the circumstances under which someone would be prioritized for removal from the U.S.; and ramp up hiring of immigration officers. These more robust efforts will not reverse a standing policy against conducting enforcement activities on school grounds, said a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But school officials remain wary. Its a wrenching feeling in our guts that children can not only physically be afraid, but emotionally be afraid, that their parents may not be there when they go home, Virginia Board of Education President Billy K. Cannady Jr. said in a meeting last week. Staples focused the memo around four questions that were composites of queries his office received from superintendents. The first few hinged on ascertaining school officials' role in the balance between students' rights and immigration officials' authority; the last asked what schools should do to prepare students for a situation in which their caretaker were deported, and what actions schools can take to be supportive of students and families who fear deportation. All boil down to this, Staples said: How do you protect kids while living up to your expectations as a public official? The state does not gather nor are school districts allowed to provide information about students' immigration status. The data are not tracked, nor are they needed, said Staples. "I don't think schools see the need to classify students around (status)," Staples said. "It's really about the child in front of me - how do I meet their needs?" For many school workers, where a student was born and how they got here has not been critical, but all that has changed as rhetoric around immigration enforcement ramped up with the election of Trump. "It didn't matter," Staples said. "(Then) all of a sudden - it did matter." State Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Augusta, said state education officials should provide guidance to local districts but questioned whether the advice would clarify a complicated situation or further confuse people living these issues on a daily basis. He said officials on the state and local levels have been quick to grandstand over immigration issues, but noted that enforcement is a federal responsibility. "My hope is that this won't cause anymore confusion about whose responsibility is whose," Landes said. "I think that ultimately the federal government trumps whatever the state government has to say about all this." Left to discern for themselves what the coming months will bring, undocumented immigrants are availing themselves of legal workshops designed to inform them of what rights they have if they come in contact with enforcement agents, said Tanishka Cruz with the Legal Aid Justice Center's immigrant advocacy program. Cruz said two meetings last month drew crowds of between 150 and 200 people to meetings in Central Virginia, where advocates helped immigrant parents lay out their wishes for what should happen to their children if they were deported. "You don't want to try to figure all of this out when you're in the middle of all that chaos," Cruz said. "Right now it feels for a lot of people like everything is out of control; but you can't stop going to work, you can't stop sending your kids to school; and you can't be paralyzed by fear." How to stop snoring Some 37 million Americans snore, making grunting, whistling, choking, snorting and/or chain sawlike sounds on a regular basis, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The bothersome noises occur when the airway narrows or is partly blocked during sleep, often thanks to nasal congestion, floppy tissue, alcohol or enlarged tonsils, explains Consumer Reports. Your snoring can not only ruin your partner's shut-eye but also is a red flag for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is marked by noisy stops and starts in breathing during sleep, and hikes risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension. And 34 percent of men and 19 percent of women who snore routinely have OSA or are at risk for it, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Consumer Reports offers this advice on how to stop snoring -- for yourself or for the person you share a bed with. Start With Lifestyle Steps -- Ease a stuffy nose. Over-the-counter nasal strips "may help keep nasal passageways open," says Romy Hoque, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. You can also rinse your nose with an over-the-counter saline solution or stand in a steamy shower. -- Elevate your head. You can buy a special pillow to lift your chin and keep your tongue from blocking the back of your throat as you sleep. Any wedge-shaped pillow will do, Hoque says. -- Sleep on your side. To keep from rolling onto your back during the night, which triggers snoring, place a body or bolster pillow against your back. -- Avoid alcohol for four hours before bed. Alcohol relaxes your airway muscles, constricting airflow. -- Quit smoking. Tobacco smoke can irritate throat membranes. -- Lose excess weight. "Fat around the neck compresses the upper airway and impedes airflow," says Raj Dasgupta, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. In fact, OSA has been associated with a neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men and greater than 16 inches in women. Try Exercises to Strengthen Your Mouth and Tongue Snoring occurs when soft tissue in your throat partially blocks the airway, and airflow causes the tissue to vibrate, producing the telltale noise. Some research suggests that strengthening the mouth and tongue may help prevent snoring. Consumer Reports suggests trying these exercises (perform each 20 times): -- Exercise 1: Push the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth and slide the tongue backward. -- Exercise 2: Suck the tongue upward against the roof of the mouth and press the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth. -- Exercise 3: Force the back of the tongue against the floor of the mouth while keeping the tip of the tongue in contact with the bottom front teeth. -- Exercise 4: Elevate the soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth) and the uvula (the fleshy protrusion that hangs from the soft palate) while making the vowel sound "A." To learn more, visit ConsumerReports.org How to avoid being gouged when buying eyeglasses For the approximately 64 percent of Americans who wear them, prescription eyeglasses are part medical device and part fashion accessory. But when it comes to buying them, the choices -- and the trade-offs -- can be overwhelming. Consumer Reports surveyed more than 91,000 readers and also shopped for glasses themselves, online and in walk-in stores, to discover the pros and cons of different vendors. Here's what they learned: -- Doctors' offices and independent eyeglass shops. Nearly 40 percent of survey respondents bought their glasses from one of these sources. They gave these sellers high marks for lens and frame fitting, employee knowledge and follow-up service. But frames and lenses tended to cost more than elsewhere: Readers shelled out a median of around $400, two to three times what you might pay online or at a discount store. -- Major eyewear chains. Since they have many locations, buying eyeglasses at eyeglass chains can be convenient. Consumer Reports' readers reported good follow-up service from most chains, too. But in other areas, survey ratings varied depending on the company. -- Warby Parker and Zenni Optical. Each of these stores sells only its own brand of glasses. Warby Parker retails both online and in brick-and-mortar locations in 18 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. In the seven years since it launched, Warby Parker has become a major player, offering glasses with single-vision lenses for $95, including an anti-reflective coating. But if you order progressive lenses, those prices can rocket to nearly $300 -- far more than the prices Consumer Reports found at some other retailers. As for all-online retailer Zenni Optical, you can try on frames only virtually, by uploading a photo of yourself. And it, too, has a 30-day warranty. Still, Zenni's frames with basic single-vision lenses start at less than $10, and upgrading to progressives begins at just $28. Survey respondents who bought from Zenni spent a median of just $69 for a complete pair of glasses, making them the survey's lowest-cost retailer. -- Large discount chains. Costco and Wal-Mart are low-cost one-stop spots for buying eyeglasses where you can do everything from having your eyes examined to getting your finished glasses adjusted for fit. Frames can be inexpensive at these stores. At Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, Consumer Reports found basic, plastic progressive lenses for as little as $79. Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Wal-Mart, about half as much as at Costco. -- Online retailers. While only about 5 percent of respondents bought their glasses online, nearly twice as many browsed online before purchasing at a walk-in store. Even if you don't plan to buy from a website, the price information you get might help you negotiate your way to a discount from a walk-in store. To learn more, visit ConsumerReports.org The state will spend the next eight months studying ways to bring under control a part of the budget thats currently growing unchecked. Virginia lawmakers honed in on the Children's Services Act last session of the General Assembly, which in large part has no spending cap and has seen a spike in expenditures because of a steady rise in the number of students diagnosed with autism. Parents of special needs children worry the study sets the stage for cuts that could leave them without access to needed services. Autism diagnoses in public school children have jumped six-fold since 2001, with 18,256 cases identified last year, according to the Virginia Department of Education. In the 2001-2002 school year, autistic students comprised 1.63 percent of students with special education needs. That jumped to 11 percent last year. That growth has been one of the main drivers of a swelling budget for the Children's Services Act, which includes tuition at private schools for students with special needs and foster care spending. Expenditures increased 16 percent between fiscal years 2013 and 2016 - to $364.1 million from $314.2 million, according to data from the Office of Children's Services. Spending on tuition for special education placement in private schools has increased the most - to just under $140 million last fiscal year from around $100 million in fiscal year 2013. "What were seeing is pretty steep and sustained growth in one category," said Scott Reiner, executive director of the Office of Childrens Services. "Thats one reason why its getting so much attention." While lawmakers didnt mandate any immediate changes - to the relief of a group of parents of children with special needs and school administrators - lawmakers directed the states budget, education and social services officials to work together to rein in costs. They are to submit a report to leaders of the General Assemblys finance committees by Nov. 1. There is no cap on the amount of money spent on placement in private schools for special education. If a local school committee and the children's parents agree that a specialized school is the best option, the state and the local government have to pay the tuition. On average, the state pays 65 percent of the tab, and the local government pays 35 percent. No federal funds are used to offset the cost, Reiner said. "We have had about 1,200 new kids with autism every year for past five to six years," said John M. Eisenberg, assistant superintendent over the Division of Special Education and Student Services for the Virginia Department of Education. "We think that is causing a pretty big spike in the Children's Services Act world." Sen. Siobhan S. Dunnavant, R-Henrico, and Del. John M. O'Bannon III, R-Henrico, who both put forward budget amendments this session related to the Children's Services Act, said the cost increases need to be brought under control. O'Bannon said the program might be more cost-effective if the state's school systems are accountable for the funding themselves. Educators coordinate "a set of services that somebody needs, and they ship the bill back to social services," he said. Dunnavant said she wants to challenge the Department of Education to think of more affordable ways to educate students with special needs. The cost "is escalating and its becoming an unsustainable number," Dunnavant said. When the proposal first came out, private day school educators and parents were worried a shift to the Department of Education would lead to fewer referrals for specialized education. Brian McCann, president and CEO of Faison Center, a nonprofit that specializes in educating and treating children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, said he was pleased lawmakers backed off their original proposal, but he plans to stay involved as the issue is studied over the next several months. "This is a good first step, and I think that weve got a lot of work to do collaboratively with the legislators and all the other stakeholders to make sure the end result is positive for everybody," McCann said. If local school jurisdictions are responsible for the funding themselves, they may be less likely to approve placements in private schools, he said. That could lead parents of students who are currently placed in a private day school to keep that placement even if their child may be ready to transition back to public school. McCann said he understands the need to bring costs under control, but he supports "innovative" approaches, such as through public-private partnerships between schools and specialists who are trained to educate children with serious disabilities. "The question is, can public schools provide a free and appropriate public education that children with special needs are entitled to under federal law within the public school setting?" McCann said. "That's always going to drive the discussion. If there are ways they can do it, thats fantastic, but weve got to understand that may not always be the case." At Faison, for example, teachers are trained to deal with behavioral outbursts that sometimes accompany other disabilities, he said. In a public school setting, those behaviors often are not tolerated and can lead to expulsion. Dilshad Ali, mother of a 16-year-old boy who attends school at Faison Center, said she called Dunnavant and O'Bannon's offices when she found out about their proposed amendments because she feared she could lose his slot at the school. She was assured that the legislation wouldn't take away anyone's placement in private special education schools. Still, she worries that attempts to curtail funding will reduce the number of slots in the future. She said she tried to explain the process to lawmakers so they would know how hard it is to get placed in a private school - and so they would hear first hand that it is necessary for her son, Daanish, who has permanent head trauma because he repeatedly injured himself. "Its not something thats done willy-nilly, and its not something thats handed to you," Dilshad Ali said of attaining private placement. "You have to prove that its absolutely necessary for your child to be in a private school rather than in a public school, you have to have the documentation to back yourself up, and you have to be able to prove that he was failing in the public school system - and its not an easy thing." By the time Daanish Ali got to 5th grade at his Henrico County elementary school, he was hurting himself so often and so severely, his parents and a team of special educators agreed public school wasn't the place for him anymore. Dilshad Ali said it was good for her son to interact with peers in public elementary school - and it was good for other students to learn about inclusiveness, kindness and respect. "I was not thrilled when he moved to a private setting because I knew what we were giving up," Dilshad Ali said. "...But do I think he can handle it the way high school class is set up and taught for a kid like mine? I don't think he can." RICHMOND Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Thursday called on House GOP leaders to drop a legal fight over 11 House of Delegates districts and to let an independent, nonpartisan panel redraw new boundaries that lawmakers could approve in a special session. Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, termed the governors idea entirely premature. Howell, on a press call with other House GOP leaders, said the redistricting case is far from over and that he does not think it will affect House elections in November. Howell also termed the governors request fairly hypocritical, citing McAuliffes role as co-chair of the 2020 Redistricting Fund, a national push to elect Democratic governors who could oversee their states redrawing of congressional and legislative boundaries after the next U.S. census. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed a lower court to re-examine whether the General Assembly unconstitutionally packed too many African-Americans into certain districts. The ruling raises the possibility of a new political map that could reshape the GOP-controlled House of Delegates. Mark E. Elias, a Democratic lawyer, brought the redistricting challenge on behalf of a group of African-American voters. All 100 seats in the House are up for election in November. Republicans now hold 66 of the 100 seats. This ruling sets the stage for protracted litigation at taxpayer-expense and further delay that will cast a shadow over our upcoming legislative elections unless we find a more productive path forward, McAuliffe wrote to Howell and House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, the House GOPs designee to become speaker when Howell retires in January. So today, I write to ask you and the House Republican Caucus to drop your defense of Virginias gerrymandered map and work with me on the nonpartisan redistricting plan our commonwealth deserves. To accomplish this, I ask that you agree to settle this litigation in a way that empowers the General Assembly to redraw the eleven House of Delegates districts that have been sent back to the District Court, McAuliffe added. Once that settlement is finalized, I am prepared to call a special session in order to pass new lines that have been prepared by an independent, nonpartisan panel. If we act quickly, we can finalize a new map before the 2017 legislative elections and prevent Virginians from voting yet again in unconstitutional gerrymandered districts. Howell reiterated Thursday that he was disappointed with the court ruling, but added that the plaintiffs in this case did not prevail and House GOP leaders are confident they will win the next round in court. In the legislative session that ended Saturday, House Republicans defeated measures aimed at nonpartisan redistricting. Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said on the conference call that the responsibility for drawing electoral boundaries lies with the legislature and that lawsuits would result no matter who draws the lines. Howell accused the governor of political gamesmanship and Cox added: Weve seen this M.O. from the governor a lot a lot of bluff, a lot of boldness frankly, overstating the case dramatically. Mark Braden of BakerHostetler LLC, one of the lawyers retained by the House of Delegates, asserted on the call that the case will not affect the upcoming election. Its too late, Braden said. In response to a question, Jones estimated that redistricting fights over Virginias congressional and legislative boundaries have cost Virginia taxpayers perhaps $1.5 million to $2 million. He blamed Democrats, whom he said have embarked on a nationwide strategy to do in the courtroom what they couldnt do at the ballot box. To those who advocate "shopping for lowest costs for health care: Have you tried out your advice? Bottom line: Shopping for health care is not akin to shopping for the best cost on a TV or an automobile. I have seen suggestions like "Tell your care provider how much you will pay for a service and if they won't accept that amount, go someplace else." This would require multiple options for providers or for physicians to have the authority to determine their charges, which is always possible. Then there is the advice to comparison shop across multiple facilities for the cost of a service. Again, this option assumes availability of multiple choices with similar outcomes for a given procedure. If there are options, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time determining who can provide information to you, the consumer, on the cost of services (actually the billing amount). The "cost" of service depends on the price negotiated with the health facility by each health insurance plan for each billing code. The same procedure may have several billing codes based on whether it is ordered as a preventive, diagnostic or treatment measure, with different costs for each code. You will need the correct billing code to obtain information on the charges. In addition to the procedure itself, there are associated costs: physician charges, charges by specialists, lab charges, among others. The hospital will not be able to provide information on any provider charges and often will not be able to provide information on lab or other related charges, as those services may or may not be ordered depending on what is deemed necessary when the procedure is performed. I am sure there are many other situations affecting cost of a given health care procedure, making cost comparison a challenge when it comes to health care. To all our elected officials: Follow your advice to constituents regarding comparison shopping before you recommend this approach as a panacea for our health care challenges. Dorothy Gray, Fluvanna County Country 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 Bahamas, Commonwealth of the 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 Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of 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of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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 Community members are invited to get to know Fauquier Healths new CEO Chad Melton at a meet and greet event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. The gathering will be held in Fauquier Hospitals Sycamore Room. Interested residents are welcome to meet Melton, hear about his vision for Fauquier Health and ask questions. Members of the LifePoint Health senior management team will also be in attendance. Refreshments will be served. Despite the passage of two decades and the assessment of 10,189 leads, the Virginia State Police continues to actively pursue the disappearance and murder of a 25-year-old graduate student whose body was found in Culpeper County, according to Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller. Alicia Showalter Reynolds was last seen alive driving along U.S. 29 from Baltimore to Charlottesville when she disappeared March 2, 1996. Her Mercury Tracer was found abandoned later that same day in Culpeper County. Two months later, her remains were discovered in a field that had recently been cleared of trees in the rural community of Lignum, located in the southeastern part of Culpeper County. According to witnesses who observed Reynolds white Mercury parked on the southbound shoulder of U.S. 29 on March 2, 1996, a white male, about 35-45 years old with a medium build and light to medium brown hair was stopped with her vehicle. The man, described as between 510 to 60 tall, was driving a dark-colored pickup truck, possibly a green Nissan. As news spread about Reynolds abduction, several other female subjects came forward advising that a white male had either stopped them or attempted to stop them while they were traveling along U.S. 29 in Culpeper County. State police remain hopeful that this case will come to a successful resolution and continue to encourage the public to come forward with any information related to the investigation. Anyone with information pertaining to the abduction and murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds is asked to contact the Virginia State Police Culpeper Division toll-free at 1-800/572-2260, or the Bureau of Criminal Investigation toll-free at 1-888/300-0156 or by e-mail at bci-culpeper@vsp.virginia.gov. but NOBODY vetted Barack Obama after Barack Obama politicized his own mother's cancer for his own political gain during the 2008 democratic race, and then again in the presidential debates. Did Barack Obama tend to his own mother in any personal way during her last couple of years of life, when she was dying of cancer in Hawaii? If I am wrong, or can be proven wrong about my concern, then I will stand corrected. But until then, the timeline I have been able to put together shows that Barack Obama chose to finish writing his book instead of being with his mother. With apologizes to the filmmaker for politicizing his film,Or, did Barack Obama CHOOSE to fly over Hawaii, where his mother was dying of cancer,so he could go to Bali to finish writing his book about his sperm donor father? 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. Yatra will list over 90 properties on its website and encourage the growth of homestays in Madhya Pradesh Mumbai: Online travel company Yatra.com todays said it has signed an agreement with Madhya Pradesh government to jointly promote homestays in the state. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Yatra will promote all the state tourism approved homestays, where travellers can book a room with a local family or the entire house, a release issued here said. "We are pleased to announce this partnership and aim to promote homestays in the state. We believe that this partnership will offer best-in-class stay experience for the tourists visiting the state. Strengthening our eco-system for homestays, we are aggressively working towards promoting homestays across the country, which will also generate employment for the local population and help contribute to the economy of the nation," Yatra.com COO (B2C) Sharat Dhall said. As a part of this partnership, Yatra will list over 90 properties on its website and encourage the growth of homestays in Madhya Pradesh, giving tourists a very homely experience. With an aim to establish itself as the largest homestays curator of over 3,000 homestays across 130 cities across the country, this month the portal is planning to sign two more MoUs with the Odisha and Chhattisgarh governments. Yatra.com had recently signed MoU with Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat governments. The company provides information, pricing, availability and booking facility for domestic and international air travel, domestic and international hotel bookings, holiday packages, buses, trains, in-city activities, inter-city and point-to-point cabs, homestays and cruises. Harsimrat Kaur Badal during the seminar on "Food Processing in India- Collaborative Opportunities" in Tokyo.(Photo: Twitter) New Delhi: Japanese companies are keen to invest in India's food processing sector especially in fruits, vegetables and spices, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said today. Badal, who is on a three-day visit to Tokyo leading an industry body CII delegation, today met Japanese Agriculture Minister Ken Saito to discuss ways to improve bilateral trade between the two countries. She highlighted the opportunities that India offers in the food processing sector. Badal also met top officials of Japanese food companies. "We had positive interaction. The Japanese government and companies are keen to strengthen ties in the food processing sector. They are looking for more business opportunities in India," Badal told PTI over phone from Tokyo. Japan, the fourth largest investor in India, is presently sourcing sea food from India. It is now keen to invest in the processing of fruits and vegetables as well as spices and make India a prospective base and export hub, she said. "One of the Japanese firm engaged in manufacturing of tomato paste wants to become a global leader and is looking at India for sourcing the commodity in huge quantity," she added. Badal met officials of companies such as Marubeni Corporation, Isetan Misukoshi Holdings, Housefoods Corporation, Japan Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, Mitsui Foods, Royal Host and Kohyo Company, Nissin Foods, Yakult and Fuji Oil Holdings. A Japanese delegation is expected to participate in the forthcoming World Food Fair here in November this year and explore business opportunities in India, she added. With low food processing level in India, Badal sought cooperation and partnership from Japanese companies in the area of technology. "Japan is more keen to source agriculture produce from India which are non-genetically modified," Badal said. The minister said there is huge potential for Japanese investment in India's food processing sector as only 12 firms out of 380 food companies have presence in the country. At present, NPS subscribers can shuffle their investments among equity, corporate bonds, and government securities only once a year. New Delhi: Pension fund regulator PFRDA has tweaked investment norms to allow subscribers of National Pension System to change their asset allocation twice in a financial year. The new norms will come into effect from next financial year beginning April 1, the Pension Fund and Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA), which is the regulator of NPS, said. At present, NPS subscribers can shuffle their investments among equity, corporate bonds, and government securities only once a year. "In order to provide more choices in terms of investment option and asset allocation ... the subscribers/corporates will have the choice for change of the investment option as well as asset allocation ratio two times in a year," the regulator said in a circular. NPS subscribers get two options for investment Active (flexibility to choose own asset allocation across equity, corporate bonds and government securities) or Auto Choice (investment is done as per the age). They can allocate funds among equities, corporate bonds and government securities. The government's flagship social security programme, NPS restricts investment towards Equities Fund to 50 per cent of contribution amount for both Tier I and Tier II accounts. However, subscriber can invest up to 100 per cent in corporate bonds or government securities fund. The changes in the norms will be applicable for both the existing pension corpus as well as to the prospective subscriptions. The option will be available separately for tier 1 and 2 accounts. However, the choice of change of pension fund remain only once in a financial year. New Delhi: Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian said on Thursday that economic and political systems in India have not developed maturity for nuanced interventions and tend to take recourse to bans and restrictions. Our economic and political system has still not developed the maturity to have finely calibrated interventions for problems. We have recourse to blunt instruments, bans, restrictions etc. In the areas of competition policy, I think we need to have nuanced intervention wherever problem arise, he said. He voiced concerns that judiciary has acquired more authority and the society has become highly litigious and vouched for independent regulatory institutions that are free from political interference. Anything happens and it goes to litigation and appeal. So we have become a highly litigious society. Everything is going to appeal and courts. The judiciary and the judicial type bodies have acquired much more authority and power than the legislators, he said at an event. In such scenario, he added, there is a need to find ways to expedite the process of taking and implementing decisions. There is this feeling that finally everything has to be adjudicated by the courts and the Supreme Court in particular. So, we are kind of getting a funnelling of decision making and its getting getting jammed and blocked, he said. So how do we make our country less litigious and how do we expedite things. I think, these are the challenges for all, he said. Mumbai: Ali Fazal made his acting debut live on stage as a theatre actor. During one of his performances, he was spotted by none other than Rajkumar Hirani's assistant and Ali was cast in 3 Idiots. Since then, there's been no looking back for this young, dynamic actor who's been climbing the steps of fame with great vigour. Ali was recently seen shooting for the final schedule of Fukrey Returns and even took to social media announcing the wrap of his film. Now its being heard that he will soon resume shooting his upcoming Hollywood project. Amidst the two packed schedules, Ali will be making a brief appearance on stage in a play titled Crab which is produced by QTP and is part of the Writers Block this year. Set to be performed in 3 cities starting from Chennai, Ali will be seen in this drama essaying the role of Rocky. The play explores entangled relationships in today's day and age as four individuals are stuck to each other in a situation. The play has been written by Ram Ramatham and Argya Lahiri. Despite his busy schedule Ali, who had committed to the play, ensured he rehearsed during the shoot of Fukrey Returns and before he commences the final schedule of Victoria and Abdul he will be doing the three shows of the play in India. Speaking about it, Ali said, "I was kicked to have the opportunity to be back on stage. Last I did theatre was White Rabbit Red Rabbit which was exhilarating and I couldn't be more honoured to have performed a play of that stature. I had some time in between shoot on Fukrey and Victoria and Abdul and Crab was an exciting play I wanted to be a part of. Everyone from production to my director to co-actors are extremely grounded and such a talented bunch. Doing theatre amidst all the work kind of reinstates a sense of great confidence in an actor which I cherish a lot. "I am looking forward to performing the play and hoping everyone likes what we have put together. It's an interesting play that takes on the plight of entangled relationships in today's day and age given in a situation where these 4 central characters are stuck to each other and I play the part of Rocky." Apart from Alia, Mahesh Bhatt has two more daughters Shaheen and Pooja. Mumbai: Mahesh Bhatt filed a police complaint on Wednesday after he received an extortion call from a man, who demanded Rs 50 lakhs from Bhatt and threatened to kill his daughter Alia and wife Soni Razdan, if he failed to meet the demand. Fearing for the safety of his family, Bhatt filled a complaint at the Juhu Police Station on Wednesday under section 387 (causing a person to fear death or grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion). Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe said, "Offence under the section for extortion is registered at Juhu police station. The anti-extortion cell is investigating the offence. As of now no arrest has been made in connection with the offence, but investigation is going on progressively." The filmmaker later took to Twitter on Thursday, confirming that there was indeed an extortion call and threat to his family, but it was resolved jointly by the Maharashtra Police and Uttar Pradesh Police. He thanked the police teams with Gratitude. The call was first made on February 26 and the caller provided details of his bank account to transfer the money. The caller, named Sandeep Sahu and aged 24, was reportedly traced to Uttar Pradesh and has been detained. Warren Beatty holding the card reading 'Moonlight' after he and Faye Dunaway had mistakenly announced 'La La Land' as the winners. (Photo: AFP) Los Angeles: The two accountants found at fault for botching the climactic announcement of the winner for best picture at the Academy Awards have been officially declared unfit for any future Oscar duty, organizers of the ceremony said on Wednesday. Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, blamed for the envelope mix-up that led 'La La Land' to be being erroneously named best film before 'Moonlight' was declared the actual winner, are still employed as partners of the prestigious accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a company spokesman said. But the pair will no longer be permitted to tabulate Oscar votes or hand out envelopes containing winners' names at Hollywood's most highest honors, a spokesperson for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences said. PwC, the overseer of Oscar balloting for 83 years, had earlier taken full responsibility for Sunday's unprecedented gaffe, which stunned the star-studded Dolby Theatre crowd in Hollywood and a live television audience of millions worldwide. PwC said Cullinan had mistakenly handed best-picture presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the back-up envelope for best actress in a leading role, an award bestowed on Emma Stone for 'La La Land' a short time earlier. Beatty, admittedly befuddled at seeing the card he pulled from the envelope, hesitated for several moments before handing it to Dunaway, who immediately announced 'La La Land' as the winner. The 'La La Land' cast and producers were already on stage giving acceptance speeches when the mistake was recognized, leaving it to the musical's producer, Jordan Horowitz, to interrupt the proceedings with the announcement that 'Moonlight' really had won. "Once the error occurred, protocols for correcting it were not followed through quickly enough by Mr. Cullinan or his partner," the accounting firm said in a statement. Cullinan was found to have posted a now-deleted backstage photo of Emma Stone on Twitter just after she won her Oscar minutes before the mix-up -- a departure from official duties widely seen as likely to have distracted him. By tradition, two sets of sealed envelopes containing the names of all 24 Oscar winners are held by two PwC accountants on opposite sides of the stage, to be handed out to the respective presenters as each category is announced. The two accountants also are supposed to memorize the winning names. A day after the incident, the Academy apologized to all affected, including presenters Beatty and Dunaway, and said it will "determine what actions are appropriate going forward." The first-look poster of director Sivas Vivegam, starring Ajith, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan, created a frenzy on social media. There were allegations that Ajiths chiselled body in the poster was photoshopped. However, director Siva cleared the air saying that Thala worked hard to get into shape, and get the desired look! Earlier, it was speculated that the film was eyeing a release on the Ramzan weekend. But now, it looks like the release has been postponed to August. A source in the know tells us, As of now, the makers are considering August 10 or August 24 for a grand release. Since the SivakarthikeyanNayanthara starrer Velaikkaran is releasing on August 25, Vivegam team might consider releasing on August 10. Also, it all depends on the completion of post-production work. The last schedule of Vivegam is all set to commence soon in Bulgaria in the second week of March, which will be followed by the patch-work scenes in Chennai. The team is planning to concentrate more on the post-production. A second look poster and a teaser of Vivegam will be released soon. In Vivegam, Ajith plays an investigative officer while Kajal will be seen as his wife. Produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, the music is scored by Anirudh Ravichander. The film portrays Hindu religion in a derogatory manner, a female Muslim character is seen masturbating and its characters use abusive language, the order said. Kochi: The Central Board of Film Certification has refused to issue certificate to Malayalam movie Ka BodyScapes stating that the movie 'glorifies' gay and homosexual relationship. "Ka Bodyscapes" is about three young people in Calicut Haris, a gay painter; Vishnu, a rural kabaddi player, and their friend Sia and their struggle to find space and happiness in a conservative Indian city. It stars Adhithi, Tinto Arayani and Arundhathi. The film portrays Hindu religion in a derogatory manner, a female Muslim character is seen masturbating and its characters use abusive language, the order said. The order refusing certificate, issued by A. Prathibha, regional officer of the Central Board of Film Certification, Thiruvananthapuram, was sent to Jayan Cherian, the director of the movie. Its official, Mr. Pahlaj Nihalani (chairman of the CBFC) put the final nail in my coffin! Cherian said in a Facebook post. "I havent decided what to do. Let me talk to my lawyers and take a decision," Jayan said. "The second revising committee unanimously recommended 'Refusal' of certificate of the film. They felt that the film is glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship, nudity accentuating vital parts of male body (in paintings) in closed shots in the whole movie. The film is explicit of scene offending human sensibilities depicting vulgarity and obscenity through the movie. The religion of Hindu is portrayed in a derogatory manner especially Lord Hanuman (shown in poor light as gay) which may cause law and order problem in society. The film contains posters depicting homosexuality throughout the movie and derogatory remarks against women. The film has references to Hindu organisations indirectly which is unwarranted." the order said. Here is the letter that has been issued by the Central Board of Film Certification: Last month, Prakash Jha's upcoming production "Lipstick Under My Burkha" was denied certification by the CBFC for being "lady oriented" and containing "abusive words". Washington: Deep-freezing donated organs might one day help improve the transplant supply but scientists must first figure out how to thaw the delicate tissue without it cracking. Now researchers are taking a first step toward that goal, using nanotechnology to create super heaters for preserved tissue. University of Minnesota researchers call their approach "nanowarming," and they reported Wednesday that it safely and rapidly thawed larger amounts of animal tissue than today's tools can. The trick: Bathe pieces of tissue in magnetic nanoparticles and then beam radiofrequency energy to activate them. The nanoparticles act like microscopic heaters, evenly warming the tissue surrounding them, concluded the research published in Science Translational Medicine. Years of additional research are needed before attempting to thaw human organs. "We are cautiously optimistic that we're going to be able to get into a kidney or maybe a heart. But we are not, in any way, declaring victory here," said University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor John Bischof, who led the research team. Doctors have longed to create an organ bank much like sperm or heart valves can be frozen and preserved for long periods, and specialists say the new research is an important proof of concept. "If you could pull this off, it would really be transformational," said Dr. David Klassen, chief medical officer at the United Network for Organ Sharing, which oversees the nation's transplant system. About 119,000 people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant, and last year there were 33,599 transplants performed. One of the many challenges is that organs can't be stored for long outside the body about four to six hours for a heart or lung, for example. And they're stored in a decidedly old-fashioned way for the race to a needy recipient, infused with a cold preservation solution and set with ice inside a cooler, Klassen noted. That's cold enough to slow cellular activity but they're not frozen. A kind of cryopreservation that uses such a fast, deep freeze that tissue looks glass-like potentially could allow organs to be stored for longer periods. But today's thawing technology only works well with small or simple types of tissue. Try it in larger, more complex tissue and damaging ice crystals form, even cracking frozen tissue much like an ice cube cracks when it's dropped into water, Klassen explained. Bischof's team turned to metallic nanoparticles iron oxide for their new approach. To keep the tissue stable, warming would have to be super-fast and evenly dispersed. The nanowarming could heat 10 to 100 times faster than previously attempted methods, Bischof said. After nanowarming, small samples of human skin cells and pig arteries were as healthy-looking as those thawed by today's standard heating. Larger samples of pig heart tissue too big for today's heating tools also were thawed by the new technology without signs of damage, the researchers reported. Afterwards, the researchers were able to wash away the nanoparticles. Working with entire organs will require infusing the nanoparticles deeper into nooks and crannies. Already the researchers are testing the approach with frozen rabbit kidneys. A heart may be easier, Bischof said, because of its hollow chambers. The research was partly funded by the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Army. CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu tourism has carved a unique position for itself in emerging as first among the Indian states in attracting domestic tourists during 2016 for the third consecutive year. And it is likely to retain the same number uno position with regard to receiving foreign footfalls, for the third time. Over all, India had seen 165.3 crore domestic footfalls last year. Tamil Nadu alone has welcomed 34.43 crore domestic visitors during 2016 as against 33.34 crores the previous year and 47.25 crore foreign national during the year gone by as against 46.85 crore foreigners during 2015. The increase in footfalls not only indicate the growing patronage for the exotic destinations in the state but also project the image of a peaceful state in the country, a senior tourism official said. The department has been laying special focus on improving the amenities and the tourism officials led by TTDCs managing director H. S. Meena took up effective campaign blitzkrieg to showcase the attractions in Tamil Nadu, the official pointed out. Given the patronage, the state is likely to retain its first rank in terms of luring the foreign nationals in 2016 too. The state caught the nations attention when it edged out Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and even Andhra Pradesh and occupied the first position in receiving both domestic and foreign tourists 2014. It repeated its performance during 2015 and now its spectacular performance in 2016. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have maintained the first and second rank respectively while Madhya Pradesh has gained several ranks to reach the third position leaving Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra at the succeeding fourth, fifth and sixth positions. West Bengal surpassed Telangana to attain the seventh position rendering Telangana at the eighth, followed by Gujarat and Rajasthan. The top ten States in terms of number of domestiv tourist visits (in crores), during 2016 are: TN (34.43), Uttar Pradesh (22.96), Madhya Pradesh (18.47), Andhra Pradesh (15.85), Karnataka (12.98), Maharashtra (11.54), West Bengal (7.45), Telangana (7.15), Gujarat (4.28) and Rajasthan (4.15). Employees are constantly found talking about how frustrating their jobs are and how they want to quit soon but cant decide when. An employee found the most unique to resign from his job when he went ahead and wrote it on toilet paper. According to a media report, a Reddit user couldnt take it anymore and decide to quit his job and wrote to his boss on a toilet paper that his boss certainly did not expect. The resignation letter read I have chosen this type of paper for my 2 week resignation as a symbol of how I feel this company has treated me, and ironically, how it is disposed of is where I feel the company is going. The unique resignation has gone viral with over 9 lakh views and many people have sympathised with the person and even telling him to quit immediately. Many were even hoping that he doesnt need a recommendation from his previous boss because he was definitely not going to get one. New Delhi: Two persons have been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old school girl after offering her a lift outside Uttam Nagar metro station in southwest Delhi, police said on Thursday. The accused have been identified as Vikas (26) and Manjeet (27), they said. The girl alleged that the accused allegedly offered her a spiked drink and then took her to a flat in Gurgaon where they took turns to rape her yesterday, police said. They dropped the girl outside her house after the incident. She later narrated the incident to her parents, they said. The victim told the police that the accused picked her up from outside Uttam Nagar metro station while she was on her way to school, police said. One of the accused stays in the same area as the victim and the other's sister is married into the same neighbourhood, they said. On the basis of the girl's complaint, a case under relevant sections of IPC and POCSO was registered at Bindapur police station, police said. Surender Kumar, DCP (Southwest) said Vikas was arrested yesterday and Manjeet was nabbed today, adding that their car has also been seized. Police is trying to identify the flat where the victim was allegedly gangraped. Jaipur: An 18-year-old boy allegedly committed suicide in Dausa district after he was not allowed to take the state board examination that started today, police said. Rakesh Meena, a Class 12 student, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his rented accommodation by his landlord this morning, the SHO at Kotwali Police Station, Sanjay Godara, said. It is suspected that the boy committed suicide after he was not allowed to take the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education exam. The reason behind him being denied the admit card is yet to be ascertained, he said. A case under Section 174 (unnatural death) has been registered, the SHO added. The residents of Pooja colony in Ghaziabad noticed the accused taking away the little boy in the absence of his mother. (Photo: Representational Image) Ghaziabad: A jilted lover has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping the 3-year-old son of his female colleague in Ghaziabad, police said on Wednesday. Tronica police arrested Aakash on February 27 for abducting the son of his female friend who had turned down his marriage proposal many times, SHO Tronica city, Babar Raza Zaidi said. He said that the residents of Pooja colony in Ghaziabad noticed the accused taking away the little boy in the absence of his mother. On finding her child missing, the mother approached the police and a case was registered against the accused under Section 363 (kidnapping) of IPC, police said. A raid was conducted at the house of Aakash at Mittal Colony here and the child was found, they added. Bengaluru: A woman software engineer has accused her father-in-law of sexually harassing her and her husband and mother-in-law of supporting him. She has filed a complaint with the Basavanagudi police station but police are yet to start the probe, as the accused are in the US. The 28-year-old woman married techie Raghunandan about a year ago. Later, he moved to the US on work and she here stayed with his parents. Her father-in-law Venkatapathi allegedly misbehaved with her and also touched her inappropriately on a few occasions. When the victim told her husband that she wished to stay with him in US, Raghunandan allegedly demanded dowry. "The complainant said she arranged for some gold jewels and went to the US to stay with her husband. A few months later, her in-laws moved there too and Venkatapathi resumed his harassment. When she told her husband, he allegedly asked her to 'adjust'. Even her mother-in-law supported her husband. Unable to bear it, she returned to India a few weeks ago," an official said. Police have decided to transfer the case to All Woman police station in Halasuru Gate. Nazir, 56, a resident of New Gurappanapalya, is a repeat offender and has cases against him in 11 police stations. (Representational image) Bengaluru: Notorious car thief Pilakal Nazir has been arrested by the Madivala police on charges of stealing a high-end car worth around Rs 35 lakh from Chennai. Investigations revealed that he had worked as a police constable in Bahrain. Nazir, 56, a resident of New Gurappanapalya, is a repeat offender and has cases against him in 11 police stations. Police said Nazir used to work as a constable in Bahrain and was arrested after gathering credible information. He was picked up for questioning and he admitted that he had stolen a Hyundai Santa Fe from Hyundai Motor service centre in Thiru Vi Ka Industrial Estate at Ekkaduthangal in Chennai. Based on his information, the stolen car was seized. During questioning, he confessed that he had worked as police constable in Bahrain from 1998 to 2006, after which he quit the job and returned to Bengaluru. When he was caught earlier, he had claimed he worked as security guard in Bahrain, but investigations revealed that he was a constable there, an official said. Nazir had earlier stolen brand new cars from showrooms. He has 10 cases against him in city police stations and one in Chennai. Ms Khairun Bee, a resident of Talabkatta, was approached by travel agent Ali Shah Basha and his sister regarding a job in Riyadh in December 2016. (Representational image) Hyderabad: A 45-year-old woman is being held captive at her Arab employer's residence in Riyadh since two months. Ms Khairun Bee, a resident of Talabkatta, was approached by travel agent Ali Shah Basha and his sister regarding a job in Riyadh in December 2016. The woman agreed as she had a handicapped son who was not in a position to work, said Mr Amjadullah Khan. He added, The agent and his sister lured the woman and five others. They were taken to Mumbai on December 14, 2016 and from there to New Delhi and Riyadh. Khairun Bee was asked to work in four houses as a maid. After reaching Saudi the woman lost touch with her family, and whenever her daughter Hameeda Begum approached the agent told them that she was well. But after two months a lady called me from abroad said that my mother was ill with high blood sugar and thyroid problems and was in hospital. The agent demanded Rs 2 lakh to bring her back, said Hameeda Begum. She added, No salary was paid to my mother from the time she started working. We have doubts about the condition of the other women as they have to work in 4-5 houses, and its taking a heavy toll of their health. They are also not paid. We have urged the police to take action against the agent and bring back my mother. When contacted DCP V. Satyanarayana said, We have received a complaint from Hameeda Begum and have forwarded it to Bhavani Nagar police station. We have also formed teams to nab the agent. The agents are not only from Hyderabad, but also from Mumbai and New Delhi. Airport officials are also involved. I discussed the issue with the commissioner, and soon we will form special teams to nab the culprits, V. Satyanarayana added. The Allahabad High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the Jawahar Bagh Park case of Mathura. (Photo: PTI) Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the Jawahar Bagh Park case of Mathura where more than 20 people, including two police officials, were killed last year during a drive to evict squatters. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashwant Verma passed the order on a bunch of PILs demanding a CBI probe. The court had reserved its judgement on February 20 after hearing arguments from both sides. Among those who had moved the court with the demand for a CBI inquiry are Delhi-based BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay and Mathura resident Vijay Pal Singh Tomar. Besides, interlocutory applications were filed at a later stage by Archana Dwivedi and Prafull Dwivedi, wife and brother respectively of slain Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi. The order comes as a jolt to the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.The state government had remained opposed to a CBI inquiry into the matter, pointing out that it had set up a commission of inquiry comprising a retired judge of the High Court. In a statement issued from Delhi, Upadhyay welcomed the order, saying, "The violence at Jawahar Bagh in June last year was not an ordinary law and order issue.It related to unlawful occupation of public land, worth about Rs 5000 crore, by self-styled cult leader Ram Vriksh Yadav and his followers". The Uttar Pradesh government had, in January 2014, granted permission to Ram Vriksh Yadav's organization Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah to hold a demonstration inside Jawahar Bagh for two days. However, members of the group went on to occupy the sprawling public park for more than two years. Following a High Court order, the squatters were evicted from the park amid large scale violence. A huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the huts that had been erected inside the park during the period of illegal occupation. There were reports that the park had been converted into a "quasi republic" with its own currency and penal system and people staying there had been issued ration cards and cooking gas cylinders with Jawahar Bagh as the address. Varanasi: BJP will repeat its 2014 Lok Sabha electoral success and form a majority government in Uttar Pradesh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday. Addressing the 'Varanasi Vyapari Sammelan' (traders meet) in Varanasi, he hailed the Central government's demonetisation policy and said the move had won the confidence of many people. "The demonetisation scheme was in the best interest of the countrymen. People residing in rural areas, who were once not our voters, voted for us this time due to this great step. Our party courageously took the stand on demonetisation, which will make a positive impact on the economy of the country," he said. "The world has accepted that India's economy is the fastest growing economy," he said. Commenting on the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said, "BJP is going to form the next government in Uttar Pradesh with full majority like it did at the Centre after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections." He also hit out at the Opposition for targeting BJP for not having a chief ministerial face for the UP assembly elections. Jaitley pointed out that the electorate had chosen Narendra Modi, long before he was declared the Prime Minister nominee of BJP during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the electorate of this country accepted Modiji first, afterwards our Bharatiya Janata party (workers) accepted him and at the end, our parliamentary board nominated him, and we even won the elections," he maintained. "After 1984, it was for the first time that a political party got a clear majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls," he said, adding that history will be repeated in the UP elections. Hitting out at the rival Congress, Jaitley said the party was reduced to winning only 44 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as it "only worked for its personal benefit, not for the nation." "Now BJP has become the pan India party," he asserted. Jaitley also attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for "distributing tickets to criminal candidates, paving way for 'Goondaraj' (hooliganism) and doing caste-based politics." "Akhilesh boasts of one expressway in the state, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is constructing 255 highways at half the rate of the tender given by the UP government for its expressway," he added. New Delhi: The CBI has recorded the statement of businessman Vipin Khanna in connection with its probe in the case of payment of alleged commission by aircraft maker Embraer to clinch the USD 208-million deal with India. The agency is probing the alleged payment of USD 5.70 million as commission to seal the deal, sources said. The deal for three aircraft, which were to be used by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for air-borne radar systems, was inked with Embraer in 2008. According to defence procurement rules of India, middlemen are strictly barred in defence deals. They said Khanna, who is a suspect in the FIR registered by the CBI, was also asked about his alleged links with people whom he is understood to have approached to influence the deal. The agency has received records from the United States about the deal. On the basis of these documents, the CBI also asked Khanna to clarify the money trail of the alleged commission. Embraer has been under investigation by the US Justice Department since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised suspicions, the report said. The sources said 87-year-old Khanna might be called again in connection with its probe. A Brazilian newspaper had alleged that that the company had taken the services of middlemen to clinch deals in Saudi Arabia and India. After the CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry, Embraer had said in a statement, "Since 2011, Embraer has publicly reported that it has been conducting an extensive internal investigation and cooperating with the authorities on investigations regarding alleged violations of the FCPA. "The company voluntarily expanded the scope of the investigation, systematically reporting the progress of the case to the market. "The company is not party of the legal proceedings in Brazil. Therefore, it does not have access to the information contained therein," it had said. Chennai: Deeply disappointed with the move by traders in Tamil Nadu to boycott Pepsi and Coca Cola products, the Indian Beverage Association on Wednesday said the decision was against proven fundamentals of robust economic growth and violates the rights of the consumer to exercise choice. In a statement, the IBA said the decision of the traders association in Tamil Nadu was against the clarion call of Make in India by the Union Government and said the two companies together provide direct employment to 2,000 families in TN and more than 5,000 families indirectly, through their extensive supply chain. IBA hopes that good sense will prevail and that consumers will continue to have the right to exercise their choice in Tamil Nadu. IBA is open to engage with any organisation that has a diverse point of view, the IBA said in the statement issued on Wednesday. Traders in the state have decided to boycott products manufactured by Pepsi and Coca Cola. It also said products manufactured by Coca Cola and Pepsi are of global standards and one of the safest available. No less than the Hon'ble Supreme Court of Indian its order passed on October 22, 2013, after noting FSSAI's submission said that basis the existing consumption patterns prevalent in India, ingredients present in aerated beverages do not pose any health hazard, the statement said. The IBA claimed that the two companies play a critical role in improving the livelihood of over 2 lakh retailers, who earn more than Rs 400 crore in income by selling products manufactured by the two companies. The companies also sustain the interests of thousands of Tamil farmers, by procuring agri-produce, the statement said. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Chennai: The Madras High Court on Thursday directed Tamil Nadu government to consider the representation made by former MLA M Appavu to ban river sand mining. Appavu submitted that in 2002, the Madras High Court, while dealing with a PIL, directed the state government to constitute a committee to conduct a scientific survey on the river sand quarrying and submit a report. The committee suggested use of crushed stones and as an alternate material to natural sand for construction activities. In spite of the recommendation of the use of crushed stones and, the usage of river sand continues in all construction activities, Appavu contended. Due to continuous river sand mining, the state was facing rapid drying up of rivers, lakes, ponds, leading to water scarcity and drought. New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said India must be well-prepared to deal with chemical and biological warfare in the wake of changing threat perception and security concerns. Referring to reports of use of chemical weapons in recent terror attacks in Afghanistan, he said India should have an effective system in place to prevent potential consequences against use of chemical or biological weapons. "The reports which are coming from the southern and northern parts of Afghanistan... I have seen photographs of local population suffering from blisters. At this moment, I don't have confirmation on this, but the photos were quite disturbing. "We should be prepared for any kind of warfare," he said during an event organised by the DRDO. Echoing Parrikar's concerns, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said the Armed Forces must be prepared for all kinds of threat. "Although chemical weapons have been banned by the United Nations, it could be used by an adversary," he said. Parrikar and Rawat were speaking at an event where the DRDO handed over Nuclear, Biological, Chemical(NBC) Reconnaissance Vehicle and NBC drugs to the Army. There were reports which suggested use chemical weapons in certain areas in Northern and Southern Afghanistan as people there had blisters and wounds. More than a dozen people were killed in near-simultaneous attacks in Kabul yesterday. In the first attack, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun fight between the police and several attackers. A bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul in the second attack. Bengaluru: Karnataka government has scrapped the project to construct a steel bridge flyover in Bengaluru to ease traffic between the city and its international airport. A decision has been taken to scrap the steel bridge. I have already spoken to the Chief Minister," NDTV quoted Bengaluru city development minister K George as saying. The decision seems to have been taken after the controversy over an alleged diary that the Income Tax department recovered from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's parliamentary secretary K Govindraju during raids last year. The diary allegedly has an entry of Rs 65 crores against a mention of a steel bridge. The opposition has alleged that the amount was a bribe paid for the project. Karnataka BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa has claimed abbreviations of the names of top Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh and party treasurer Motilal Vohra, were also mentioned in the diary. He alleged that bribes were paid to these leaders. The project, which required an investment of about Rs 1,800 crore, had faced backlash from the people of Bengaluru as about 812 trees had to be chopped off for the construction of 6.7 km-long steel bridge. As many as 8,000 people, including prominent personalities like actor and film maker Prakash Belawadi, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar and BJP spokesperson S Suresh Kumar had protested against the project. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had stayed the construction of the bridge following massive protests in the city. Hyderabad: Sunayana, the widow of Srinivas Kuchibhotla killed in the US in an apparent hate crime, on Wednesday urged the leaders of global tech industry to keep defending human rights as they too employ a large number of immigrants. "Thanks to people like Satya Nadella (CEO-Microsoft) and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg (Founder-Facebook), Sundar Pichai (CEO-Google), Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights," she said in a Facebook post. "We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, it's an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I don't want anyone to go through what my family and household went through," she added. She also thanked the Telangana government for extending support to bring the body of Srinivas back home from the USA. "I will now ask same question - on what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, it's not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them after-ward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? "Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrant's mind, Do we belong here. Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" she wondered. She also expressed her desire to go back to the USA and continue to work for Intouch Solutions where she is currently employed. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. Scorpene-class submarines which are being built under the Project 75. New Delhi: The navy on Thursday successfully test- fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from an indigenously built Kalvari class submarine, describing the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing its "sub- surface" warfare prowess. The weapon was fired from the submarine, the first of Indias six Scorpene-class submarines which are being built under the Project 75, and it "successfully hit" a surface target during the trial in the Arabian Sea. All the six diesel-electric attack submarines will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat, the defence ministry said, noting these missiles will provide the vessels the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. "This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navy's sub-surface warfare capability," the ministry said. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. Chennai: In a major relief to leading soft drink manufacturers, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed two PILs against supply of Thamirabarani river water to co-packers of Pepsi and Coca Cola. Last November, the Madras High Court had restrained Pepsi and Coca-Cola from using water drawn from the Tamirabarani river for their bottling plants. The Madurai Bench of the high court had given the interim injunction on a PIL filed by Prabakar, Secretary of Tirunelveli Consumer Protection Association. The petitioner had contended that drawing of water for the bottling plants of these companies deprived farmers of their livelihood, who were unable to take up farming activities. The companies paid only 37.50 paise per 1,000 litres of water extracted and sold their beverages at a much higher cost, he had alleged. He had submitted that the Public Works Department had not permitted the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) to provide water to the bottling units of these companies. Yet SIPCOT supplied water to the soft drink makers, thus affecting farmers in five districts. Allowing supply of Tamirabarani water to the two companies would affect lives of people in five districts, the petitioner had said and sought its sale to be stopped. New Delhi: Amid a raging controversy over free speech, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said he supports freedom of expression, but within the legal framework. I believe in freedom of expression but it has to be within reasonable legal framework, he said. On the sidelines of a DRDO event, Parrikar was asked to comment on the controversy surrounding Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur who had launched a campaign against RSS-backed ABVP. The defence minister, however, clarified that his comments were not related to any particular incident. The 20-year-old Kaur became the centre of a controversy after she launched a social media campaign against the ABVP which has been under attack after some of its members were allegedly involved in violence at Ramjas College on February 22. She allegedly received rape threats following the campaign and drew criticism from a Union minister and a BJP MP. On the issue of the alleged leak of question papers of an army recruitment examination, Parrikar said the defence ministry has recommended a CBI inquiry as the case has inter-state ramifications. On Monday, the army had ordered a high-level court of inquiry (CoI) into the alleged question paper leak. Referring to the Kabul blasts and possible use of chemical weapons, he said that the army should be well-prepared to tackle any challenge. As per the reports which are coming from the southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of the local population having suffered from blisters. (due to possible use of some chemical weapons). At this moment, I dont have a confirmation on this matter but the photos are quite distressing, he said. The minister said India will have to be prepared for any kind of nuclear or chemical attack, adding the armed forces must remain alert and prepared for any challenge. More than a dozen people were killed in two terror attacks in Kabul on Wednesday. The near-simultaneous attacks struck the Afghan capital around noon on Wednesday. First, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun battle between the police and several attackers. In the second attack, a bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul. New Delhi: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said the government fully supports freedom of expression while criticising those who "abused" DU student Gurmehar Kaur on the social media. The Union Law Minister said "Kaur is a proud daughter of a martyr and we should respect her and her privacy". "All those abuses against her (Kaur) on social media is totally wrong," Prasad, who also holds portfolio of Communications & Information Technology, said. 20-year-old Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against RSS-backed student body ABVP and for a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. Prasad said the government fully supports freedom of expression for every ordinary Indian who can criticise the government and the prime minister. However, Prasad asked "those who are talking about freedom of speech, should it allow disintegration of India and Kashmir's independence?" as he added that calling for disintegration of the country is not acceptable. Kaur, a student of Lady Shri Ram College, affiliated to Delhi University, is the daughter of Captain Mandeep Singh who was killed in a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on August 6, 1999, four days after Pakistani troops withdrew from Kargil. Tirunelveli: Upset over the Madras High Court order allowing Pepsi and Coca Cola to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in this district for manufacturing soft drinks, a large number or persons today stood in knee deep water in the river to express their ire. They also protested against the "laxity" on the part of the authorities in handling the case. The protesters also shouted slogans against the state government for not taking necessary steps to prevent the carbonated water companies from drawing water from Thamirabharani, when the farmers in the was facing acute water shortage for their farming activities. The High Court on Thursday allowed the Cola majors to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in Tirunelveli district for manufacturing soft drinks besides packaged drinking water. The Court had in November last year banned the firms from drawing water from the river. The soft drinks companies sought a direction on lifting the ban on the ground that they were using only the surplus water in the river. The order has come even as a call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu to ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi soft drinks came into effect yesterday with its President A M Vikrama Raja declaring drinks as 'toxic' for consumption. Srinagar: The police in Kashmir have said that a top militant, Bilal Ahmed, of Hizb-ul-Mujahedin has been arrested by security forces in southern Pulwama district. The Hizb is a frontline indigenous militant outfit active in Jammu and Kashmir for the last two-and-a-half decades. A police spokesman said here that the militant Bilal Ahmed was captured following a tip off in Palpora village of Pulwama by the members of its counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) who were assisted by Armys Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF in the operation launched early Thursday morning. The arrested militant has been taken to an interrogation centre, the police sources said. Meanwhile, two persons identified as Abdul Gani Dar and Mudassir Ahmed Rather, both from south Kashmir, were killed when the truck they were travelling was hit by a trailer at Sherbibi Nachalana along the Jammu-Srinagar highway overnight. The police said that efforts are on to arrest the driver of the trailer. Lucknow: Police on Thursday initiated steps to withdraw 'Y' category security to Gayatri Prasad Prajpati as the rape accused Uttar Pradesh minister remains elusive. "We have initiated the process to withdraw his 'Y' category security," a senior Lucknow Police official said. A person enjoying 'Y' category has a security cover of 11 personnel, including one or two commandos. "Police teams are on the job and we will arrest him soon," he said even as special police teams returned empty-handed from Amethi, the minister's assembly constituency, and Delhi where he was said to be hiding. A UP police team went to Delhi to record the statement of the 16-year-old victim who is in a state of "severe trauma" and is housed in a restricted ward at the AIIMS. A DSP-rank officer, investigating the matter, recorded the victim's statement after seeking permission from AIIMS Medical Superintendent. The statement was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police teams were dispatched out of the state capital when Prajpati could not be located in his official residence in posh Gautampalli area here. Acting on Supreme Court orders, police made frantic efforts to nab him and after having failed to do so they might even apply for cancellation of his passport so that the minister cannot escape from the country. Interestingly, the minister was earlier seen moving freely from one place to other in his constituency seeking votes. The last time Prajapati was seen in public was on February 27 when he spoke to the media saying he will win with a huge margin and will work under Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav once again. 49-year-old Prajpati is facing imminent arrest following an FIR lodged against him and six of his accomplices on the apex court order at Gautampalli police station here on February 18 under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. The Uttar Pradesh police had lodged an FIR against Prajapati on the apex court's order for his alleged roles in separate cases of gangrape and an attempt to rape another woman and her minor daughter. Surat: An arrest warrant was on Thursday sought against Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel for not appearing in a court in Surat. Hardik has a sedition case registered against him in the city. As per the bail condition, he has to appear before a court here every week. His lawyer Yashwant Vala on Thursday requested for an exemption for his client from appearance before district judge Geeta Gopi. Hardik could not come because he had to attend some social functions, the lawyer said. The judge then allowed Hardik to appear on March 15. However, prosecutor Nayan Sukhadwala opposed this concession and demanded an arrest warrant against Hardik. By remaining absent Hardik violated the condition imposed by the high court while granting him bail, he said. The judge said she would hear the application for warrant on Friday. Jerusalem: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has held talks with Israels top leadership here as part of preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modis much- awaited visit, the first by an Indian premier to the Jewish country. Modi is expected to visit Israel by the middle of this year. Doval landed in Israel on Thursday and met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his Jerusalem office. Doval also met his counterpart, Israels acting National Security Adviser and Head of the National Security Council, Brig. Gen. (retd) Jacob Nagel. The discussions revolved around Prime Minister Modi's expected visit this summer", officials said. Doval left for India later in the day concluding his short trip. Indias relations with Israel have made steady progress since the two countries established diplomatic relations 25 years ago in January 1992, irrespective of the party in power in New Delhi, but a prime ministerial visit to Israel has been long-awaited. President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel in October, 2015, in what was the first such visit by an Indian Head of State to the Jewish country. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin made a reciprocal visit last year at Mukhejees invitation in what was the second visit by an Israeli Head of State to New Delhi coming after a gap of almost 20 years. The only visit of an Israeli Prime Minister to India happened in 2003 when Ariel Sharon visited New Delhi during the tenure of Atal Behari Vajpayee. Modis visit is being discussed amid talks of a close chemistry between him and Netanyahu. The two leaders have already met twice on foreign soil on the sidelines of UN-related events and are said to have been in touch with each other over phone. I am happy that often we can talk easily on telephone, we can discuss everything. It has very rarely happened. In your case it has happened, Modi had told Netanyahu during their meeting on the sidelines of Paris climate summit in 2015. The Israeli premier had then promptly responded by saying, in your case too. Indias abstention in a UNHRC vote in 2015 on a UN report critical of Israels offensive in the Gaza war of 2014 was described by many here as a sign of a qualitative leap in relations which had transformed into completely normal ties without any hangups with many crediting the closeness between the two prime Ministers for the change in heart. New Delhi, however, later clarified that the vote was a principled stand it had taken with the International Criminal Court having a reference in the resolution and did not mark any shift in policy. Bengaluru: After months of turning a deaf ear to the growing anger among the citizenry on plans to build a steel flyover across one of the most beautiful stretches in the heart of the city, the Siddaramaiah government on Thursday, abruptly called off plans to construct the Rs 1800 crore eyesore that was fast becoming a monument to alleged Congress corruption. As Bengaluru's activists and environmentalists celebrated their unexpected victory, and took credit for the government's apparent climbdown, that would save over 800 trees from being cut down, with some saying that a rap on the knuckles by the National Green Tribunal could be the cause, the real reason for the government's backing off may lie elsewhere. Specifically - the 'Diary wars' and the unsubstantiated but nonetheless damaging accusations on payoffs that may have been a little too close to home that was threatening to snowball into a major corruption scandal, a little more than a year before state polls. The Govindaraju Diary, dismissed as "fake" by the ruling Congress was the final straw, as it has a specific mention of the Steel Flyover Project and the monies paid against it. Sources in the party said that the revelations in the diary of the chief minister's parliamentary secretary were deeply embarrassing. The party tried to counter this by releasing a diary, purported to belong to Lehar Singh Siroya, a BJP functionary and MLC. But that failed as it did not grab the attention of the media and public as much as the Govindaraju Diary did. Continuing with his allegations of kickbacks, the BJP state president, B.S. Yeddyurappa upped the ante when when he alleged that Rs 65 crore was paid to family members of the chief minister, Siddaramaiah. This went viral in electronic media. The government tried to put up a brave front before the media and public, but insiders said the BJP's sustained bid to destroy his reputation had deeply rattled the CM camp. The decision to tackle the charges head on was one of the plans but at a hurriedly called meeting, convened by the CM camp of all the city ministers and MLAs at a brain storming session at Bengaluru Development minister, K.J. George's residence on Monday, the issue was discussed threadbare. Those who were present felt the party's image was getting mauled at the hands of an increasingly hostile media and a combative civil society that refused to back off. "If this campaign continued it would be difficult to win back the seats we hold in the next elections. To stymie the opposition's campaign and to retrieve the party's sagging image, it would be better to drop the project," many legislators and ministers including R. Ramalinga Reddy and others proposed to the chief minister. Senior ministers concurred with this idea when it was informally raised with them, after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Thereafter, CM Siddaramaiah told Mr George to announce the scrapping of the flyover project on Wednesday. Instead, Mr. George only announced he was dropping the steel flyover project after he seemed to be paying heed to a group of city MLAs at a meeting on Thursday, where they said they were getting unpopular and stood little chance of being re-elected in the coming polls if the government did not rectify the looming water shortage and the feeling that the steel flyover was a priority over drinking water. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is yet to give his nod on accepting an honorary doctorate from Osmania University. The varsity has proposed to award the doctorate to Mr Rao during the OU centenary celebrations to be held in April, but has been waiting for his approval. Its been nearly six months since the proposal was mooted by the university. Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, who holds the education portfolio, along with OU Vice-Chancellor Prof S. Ramachandram, had proposed the doctorate to the CM, when they met him at the CMs camp office discuss arrangements for the centenary celebrations. However, the CM neither gave any consent nor refused the proposal, but kept the issue pending since then. With April 17, the date for the celebrations fast approaching, the education department and university officials are now in a flux over how to go about because the university has also proposed doctorates to a few other prominent personalities along with the CM. President Pranab Mukherjee has been invited to hand over the doctorates. The varsity wants to announce the doctorates for others along with CM, but with no communication from Mr Rao in this regard, officials are now banking on senior ministers and TRS leaders to know whether the CM is interested or not in accepting the doctorate. An OU official said, We have received nearly 110 applications for doctorates right from 1969 Telangana movement activists and families of Telangana martyrs. Those who played major role in Telangana agitation between 2009 and 2013 have also applied. Various social and students organisations submitted representations seeking doctorate to CM. We will seek the opinion of CM before announcing Ph.D. All these proposals will be discussed in the special meeting of OU executive council to be held in a week or two. The OU had awarded doctorates to 48 personalities since its inception. Prominent among them are Dr B.R. Ambedkar, former PM Manmohan Singh, Palestine leader late Yasser Arafat etc. The last doctorate was awarded to Arun N. Netravali, an Indo-American computer engineer in 2001. Kochi: President Pranab Mukherjee has condemned violators of women and campus hotheads, saying a society or state cannot be considered civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised and those in universities propagate a culture of unrest. Mr Mukherjee was delivering the sixth K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture on India@70 here on Thursday. The Presidents words struck a chord as it came in the wake of heinous attacks on women, especially that of a leading actor in Kochi, and a spate of student agitations, especially fanned by right-wingers, in Delhi. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the woman as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test, said Mr Mukherjee. He bemoaned the plight of institutions of higher education. It was tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet. There should be no room in the country for the intolerant Indian, Mr Mukherjee said. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Our society has always been characterised by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent, he said. He said political activists must listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Lawmakers must never take them for granted. They must focus on the task of law-making and raising of issues of concern to the people as well as finding solutions to their problems, he added. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an unprecedented death threat issued publicly against a chief minister, a RSS leader in Ujjain offered a bounty of Rs 1 crore to anyone who beheads Pinarayi Vijayan. The threat was issued by RSS pramukh of Ujjain Dr Kundan Chandravat at a public meeting organised in Ujjain as part of nationwide protests against the killing of Sangh workers in Kerala. While holding the chief minister responsible for the murders, Chandravat said Pinarayi had no right to live in this country. The threat was issued in the presence of Ujjain MP Chintamani Malviya and local MLA Mohan Yadav. CPM politburo condemned the threats being issued by RSS leaders against the Kerala Chief Minister. The RSS has reconfirmed that it spearheads the politics of violence and terror as has been clear in Kerala in the recent months, the politburo said in a communique and demanded immediate action in accordance with law. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the RSS had revealed its true colours as a terrorist outfit. Will Prime Minister and his government stop remaining silent ? "The silence of the government is an endorsement that emboldens the RSS to issue such obnoxious heats," he said. The video of hate speech went viral on social networking sites inviting widespread criticism against the RSS leader. When contacted Madhya Pradesh police chief Rishikumar Shukla said that he had not gone through the speech yet and would look into the matter. To a question whether action will be taken against the RSS leader as demanded by the CPM, the DGP said let me first look into the matter. With the hate speech receiving widespread condemnation, RSS central leadership was forced to distance itself from Chandravats remarks."The Sangh does not support any form of violence. RSS has nothing to do with Chandravat's statement. We believe in protesting democratically," said National Joint Prachar Pramukh of RSS J Nandakumar. Meanwhile, CPM state secretariat called for state wide protests on Friday to demand the arrest of Chandravat. This is the first time that a death threat has been issued against the chief minister publicly and that too by a leader associated with the ruling party, the CPM said. Excerpts of Chandravat's statement. We don't want to submit memorandum but also issue death warrants to these Leftists. The chief minister is fanning hatred against RSS as he is afraid that the Sangh is gaining ground. He is picking and killing our pracharaks. They have killed over 300 RSS workers" he said. I Dr Kudan Chandravat is making this announcement from this stage. I have property and thats why I am making this announcement. Go and get me the head of Vijayan, I will given Rs 1 crore. I will give house and land to him. He has no right to live in this country. Have you forgotten when 56 were killed in Godhara after that 2000 went to burial ground. You have killed 300 pracharaks and workers. We will garland bharat mata with the heads of 3 lakh Leftists, he threatened. According to I-T sources, all the owners of the high value cars were asked to be present at the Income-Tax Office on Monday for giving statements. Chennai: The income-tax department has summoned the owners of the swanky cars that were seized by the city police on Sunday for alleged speeding and rash driving on East Coast Road. According to I-T sources, all the owners of the high value cars were asked to be present at the Income-Tax Office on Monday for giving statements. I-T officials indicated that that they would like to know the source of funds for the owners to buy such cars. We don't know if the cars were owned by the drivers against whom the police had booked a number of cases. We would like to check the finance part regarding the purchase of the cars. They may belong to the drivers, firms or other family members. We hope they will have satisfactory explanations for our questions on money used to buy the cars when they appear before us on Monday, a senior income-tax official said. The police, after seizing the cars 3 Lamborghinis, 2 Porsches, 2 Audis, a Ferrari, a Mercedes Benz and a BMW, which are valued at several crores of rupees - moved them to a shed in a facility of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) located behind Kanathur Police Station off ECR, for safe-keeping. The 10 drivers of these cars were booked for rash driving or riding on a public way, act endangering life or personal safety of others, driving dangerously, racing and speed trials, besides causing noise pollution. One more section was added in the case of a Lamborghini's driver identified as Raghav Krishnan who drove his car over a police inspector's foot. He was charged under IPC section 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty). Kochi: Cultural activities are the easy targets for the cuts in expenditure all over the world, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday, as he emphasised on public funds for investment in culture. Addressing the latest edition of 'Kochi-Muziris Biennale' here, he said contemporary art is one of the most significant ways of expressing thoughts, emotions, concerns and ideas that are current, that are relevant to us in the present time. "We need the arts. All over the world cultural activities are easy targets for spending cuts. But if the state is to act as the catalyst, then what must be its role? What institutions must be built up, and what confidence measures should be taken? "The Kochi Biennale Foundation is a good case study of what is possible when differing agencies come together to pursue profound goals: to value culture, and the achievements of the human spirit, to celebrate the human imagination, and to make those achievements key markers of development," the President said. The Kochi Muziris Biennale is an international festival of contemporary art organised by the Kochi Muziris Foundation in association with the Kerala government. The Biennale, which is today known as the People's Biennale, has cemented Kochi's status as a cosmopolitan city brimming with potential and ideas, Mukherjee said. "Kerala has always been known for its secular approach towards art and culture. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a proud symbol of this approach and the sense of oneness and inclusivity that exists here," the President said. He said public funding for the arts provides support, offers certainty and the opportunity to touch the lives of vast numbers of people. Public funds have the power to act as seed funding, giving others the confidence to invest in the creation and innovation of cultural organisations like the Kochi Biennale Foundation, the President said. Kerala Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, among other dignitaries, attended the function. Gandhinagar: Shoes were on Thursday hurled at Gujarat Home minister Pradipsinh Jadeja outside the state Assembly building when he was about to address the media. Shouting "down with corruption", a man identified as Gopal Italia launched the projectiles at a surprised Jadeja but missed his target. He was then overpowered and taken away by police personnel. A police official said the man was "mentally unstable" and claimed to be a government employee. The incident happened during the recess hour of the ongoing Budget session when Jadeja came to address the media near the public entry gate of the state Assembly premises. Gandhinagar Range IG R B Brahmbhatt said Italia has been detained for questioning and preliminary investigation has revealed that he is "mentally unstable and frustrated". "A man named Gopalbhai, aged around 30 years, walked up to Minister of State for Home Pradipsinh Jadeja when he was preparing to address the press, and hurled shoes at him. He works as a clerk at Dhandhuka (Ahmedabad district) SDM office," Brahmbhatt said. "We have taken him for questioning, and preliminary investigation reveals that he is mentally unstable and frustrated for reasons that are not clear yet. We will take action against him after questioning," he added. While being taken away by police, Italia told media that the attack was on the "dictatorship and arrogance" of the state government. "Government is bent on dictatorship. I am a government employee, and I am angry at the government's way of dealing with issues like unemployment, corruption, and prohibition. I am angry and like a common man, I have thrown shoes at the government's arrogance," he said. The ruling BJP was quick to point fingers at opposition Congress for the incident. "I condemn the way Congress is creating anarchical situation in the state. It is not the right way to oppose, and I want this to be properly investigated as I believe it is Congress which is behind all this. In a democracy, we have every right to put forth our demands, but this is not the way to do so," State BJP President Jitu Vaghani said. Congress condemned the attack, and said that public should rather use elections to express their anger and frustration rather than hurling shoes or ink at leaders. The case involving the out-of-state magazine salesman accused of raping two women and harassing another in Benton County has been delayed after originally being set for trial next week. LaDerrick Monquell McCray, 21, of Gulfport, Mississippi, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, sexual abuse and unlawful penetration in connection with three separate incidents in Corvallis, Philomath and Benton County over four days in August 2016. According to court records, the case was scheduled for a 10-day 12-person jury trial beginning March 6, but both the defense and prosecution agreed to a continuance Friday. On Monday, court-appointed defense attorney Robert Corl motioned to withdraw from the case Monday citing health reasons. McCray, who has been booked at the Benton County Jail on $500,000 security since his August arrest, faces 12 total charges eight felony and four misdemeanor charges after being indicted by a Benton County grand jury in September. The alleged victims are three females, aged 17, 19 and 22, from Benton County. Originally, McCray was alleged to have had sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old female in Philomath who was incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation and/or physical helplessness, but the grand jury amended the charges to replace the reason of mental incapacitation and/or physical helplessness with forcible compulsion. McCray was working as a door-to-door magazine salesman for an out-of-state company at the time of the alleged incidents and has no ties to Oregon, prosecutors said previously. McCray is next scheduled for a status check in the case on March 13. Chennai: A 30-year-old transgender committed suicide by jumping into the Adyar river from the Kotturpuram Bridge, on Thursday afternoon. Her lifeless body was pulled out of the slush after a 90-minute rescue operation. Sources said the deceased, identified as Muruga aka Suji (30), was a resident of Kotturpuram Slum Clearance tenements. She leaped off the bridge when Manoharan, a sub-Inspector attached to Kotturpuram Police station and on patrol, was trying to reach out to her, following alerts from the neighbourhood. Subsequently, Manoharan alerted his superiors and the TNFRS control. Before the TNFRS rushed to the scene, Abhiramapuram Police Inspector J Prabhu entered Adyar with a boat and personnel borrowed from Madras Boat Club. The TNFRS vehicle had to approach the river from a lane on the other bank as the rescue operation going on had become a crowd puller with motorists stopping their vehicles freely on the bridge and looking over the retaining wall curiously. Suji had taken to heavy drinking since Monday and came to my place drunk. I chided her and turned her away to get some sleep before she could go out. About 10 minutes later, I got a call saying that Suji had leaped into Adyar, Suji's aunt Poonkodi recalled while she waited on the bridge with tears while her niece was being brought out. The Kotturpuram bridge, a bizarre suicide point in the city, has accounted for more than 20 suicides in the past 10 years. The frequency had gone up with the suicide of the celebrity husband of a well-known vocalist in the City, which was reported on Dec 20, 2012. Eleven days later, an unemployed techie jumped into the river from Kotturpuram bridge from the same spot. The same night, a youth from Velachery attempted to jump but was saved by passersby. The very next day another auto driver attempted to jump into the river from the same spot in an inebriated condition. A senior manager of a nationalised bank jumped into the Adyar in Nov-ember 2014. Subsequently, the civic body raised the parapet wall of the bridge to 4 metres as a suicide barrier. The spot still remains ghoulishly popular with those willing to take the extreme step. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "misleading" the country with his "blatant lies" on various issues including the "coconut juice" jibe on Rahul Gandhi, for which it demanded his apology. The Opposition party hit out at Modi for not fulfilling any of the promises made to farmers, ex-servicemen and the poor and accused him of doing "treachery" with farmers. "Blatant lies, jumlas and disinformation have become the hallmark of India's Prime Minister. The truth is that Modi ji does not speak the truth," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters. Showing a video of Rahul's speech in Manipur and that of the Prime Minister at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress leader said it is more than apparent in the video that Modi is trying to mislead the nation and people of Uttar Pradesh. Surjewala was referring to a remark made by the Congress vice president about progress made by a northeastern state which is essentially part of India's growth story. "Modiji does not want people of Manipur and northeastern states to progress and participate in India's growth story. So Modiji must now apologise not only to the Congress party but to the entire nation. He should express regrets publicly for misleading people in UP as also the entire country by twisting and by falsifying the words of the leader of the principal Opposition party," he said. "It does not behove a Prime Minister. Modiji has lowered the dignity of the office of Prime Minister and he should be ashamed about it," he added. "We are sorry and sad in saying these words about Prime Minister of India who has become a habitual offender in telling lies." Modi took a jibe at Rahul's reported remark that he was waiting for the day when packaged "coconut juice" from Manipur would sell in London. During his poll campaign in Manipur, Rahul had talked about 'Narangi' juice, the Congress claimed. Surjewala also attacked Modi accusing him of "lying" about and "fudging" the growth numbers and of talking about the welfare of poor but increasing LPG prices steeply and imposing transaction tax on ATM usage. He also charged him with "treachery" with farmers. "By giving fudged figures, you are attacking the economists who have shown you the mirror of truth on account of demon of demonetisation. Does Modi ji forget that from fake encounters to fake figures, can never cover the real truth. And the real truth is this," he said. Surjewala also said Modi promised farming communities in UP, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, to include certain communities in OBC list, besides paying farmers 50 per cent more than their cost as MSP. "Now for 2.5 years, Modiji has not fulfilled the promises made. That shows absolute treachery an falsification of promises by Narendra Modi. India's farmers are large-hearted and even if you do treachery with them they will pardon you if you do course correction on important issue. The ball now lies in Modi ji's court." He also said that by "abusing known economists, Modiji cannot hide the truth and the truth is that incompetence and malgovernance have become the hallmark of of Modiji's type of functioning". Chennai: DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Wednesday celebrated his 65th birdhday at the Dravidar Kazhagam headquarters in the city after paying homage at the memorial of the Dravidian movements founder E.V.R. Periyar indicating that he had patched up with the parent body after differences over the DKs support to AIADMK to stay in the government. Early in the morning, Stalin went to DMK president M. Karunanidhis Gopalapuram residence and got the blessings of his father and mother Dayalu Ammal. Later, he went to Anna memorial and paid tributes to the DMK founder. At the DK headquarters Periyar Thidal, DK president K. Veeramani welcomed Stalin and offered a shawl to him. Stalin cut his birthday cake at the DK headquarters in front of cadres and people. Commenting on Stalins visit to the DK headquarters, Veeramani said There can be differences of opinion between the DK and DMK. But, the ties between the two parties is not a kind of alliance, but an unbreakable relationship. Earlier, Veeramani had condemned the activities of the DMK in the Assembly during Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisamis vote of confidence on February 18. From DK headquarters, he went to DMK general secretary K. Anbazhagans house at Kilpauk and got his blessings. Later, he celebrated his birthday at his Alwarpet residence with his wife Durga, son Udhayanidhi, daughter Senthamarai and grand children. DMK Rajya Sabha MP and his sister Kanimozhi, besides the other sister Selvi conveyed their greetings to Stalin. The DMK leader went to party headquarters Anna Arivalayam where he was given a grand welcome. A large number of books was given to him as gifts, following his request earlier and a jallikattu bull was among the gifts. The Anna Salai stretch from Teyanampet to Marina beach witnessed traffic congestion from the morning due to the arrival of DMK cadres to the headquarters and the procession led by Stalin. He also visited the Little Flowers School at Thousand Lights to celebrate the birthday with differently abled children. Among those who greeted Stalin through phone included Congress vice president Rahul Gandh, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress in-charge for Tamil Nadu Mukul Wasnik, Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu, Pon. Radhakrishnan, TNCC president S. Thirunavukkarasar, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundarrajan, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss and film star Rajnikanth. Bengaluru: Demanding a CBI probe into tendering process adopted by the state government for the controversial steel flyover project, state BJP president B.S.Yeddyurappa on Thursday said his party would continue the agitation in support of an inquiry though the state government took a decision to scrap the project. He told the media here his party would insist on an inquiry as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was allegedly involved and his family received Rs 65 crores as mentioned in the diary purportedly belonging to Congress MLC K Govindaraj. "We also demand an inquiry into the role of ministers who made payments of Rs 500 to Rs 600 crores to party leaders in Delhi. The state government has scrapped the proposed project following apprehensions about BJP's agitation. Moreover, contractors were hesitant to come forward to take up the project," he added. When members of civil society and environmentalists opposed the project, the government had defended steel flyover on grounds that it would not yield to pressure from the civil society. How come it has taken a sudden decision to drop the project?, queried Mr Yeddyurappa. In Mysuru, the former CM labelled Siddaramaiah as the most corrupt CM in the country and insisted that his family had received a kickback of Rs 65 crore in the flyover deal. Speaking to reporters, Mr Yeddyurappa challenged Siddaramaiah to hand over both the Govindraju and Lehar Singh diaries to the CBI for investigation. " It will then be proved that a Rs 65 crore kickback was received in the steel bridge project by the CM's family and it will become inevitable for Mr Siddaramaiah to resign. Mr K J George too may have to get ready to resign. But I will be satisfied only with Mr Siddaramaiah's resignation," he said. After several rounds of voting and almost by the end of the election campaign, it is clear that this election in Uttar Pradesh was an issue-less election. There is hardly an issue which dominated the mind of voters in UP from the western region to Purvanchal. What dominated the election campaign were allegations and counter-allegations, charges and counter-charges and rhetoric. Like in other elections, even in the current Assembly election in UP, the political parties began their campaign with the fancy word development, which seems attractive to voters as well, but very often conversation tends to end with a strong sense of either caste or religious identity. Caste identity and in some contexts religious identity is shaping the choices of voters in UP. The party that had managed to form a better social coalition is likely to be ahead in the electoral race in the state. There is no wave in these elections like there was no wave in the 2012 and 2007 Assembly elections. It is only the number of seats won by the Samajwadi Party in 2012 and the Bahujan Samaj Party in 2007 made many people believe (retrospectively) that those were wave elections. It is unfortunate that demonetisation, which affected the livelihood of millions of people, did not become an issue in these elections. Findings from the studies conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies confirms that people have divided opinions on this matter, but this is not the key issue shaping how they vote. Looking at the issues raised by political parties in different election rallies, one thing is clear: no party is keen on making demonetisation an issue. The BJP refrained from making demonetisation an issue out of fear that this might remind people of the hardships they had to face while depositing and exchanging money. More so, this might remind millions of people who lost their livelihood, farmers who suffered losses due to demonetisation. Even the non-BJP parties (SP, Congress or BSP) have been hesitant in making it an issue as in the present discourse, those opposing demonetisation would be seen as the one standing in support of black money and corruption. Parties possibly cant afford to be seen as supporting corruption and black money. The election campaign mostly began with development rhetoric, but finally centred around caste and religious issues. If this was not the guiding principle of voting for the people of UP, then why would Mayawati again and again make an appeal to Muslims to vote en bloc for the BSP? The electoral prospects of the BSP largely depend on how Muslims are voting in these elections, a strong dalit-Muslim coalition can result in Ms Mayawati leading over other political parties in the current electoral contest in UP. But the big question is can that happen? Another question that should worry the BSP is: will Ms Mayawati be able to hold on her dalit votebank? There is a strong possibility of shift in the non-Jatav dalits away from the BSP, signs of which were visible in last Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections held in 2014. Muslim votes are crucial even for the electoral success of the SP-Congress alliance. This alliance hopes to get en-bloc support from Muslim voters. If this works in their favour, the alliance could take a lead, as the numerically-strong Yadavs seem to be voting for the alliance in large numbers. But the leaders of the alliance have been careful about not wooing Muslim voters openly in their campaign due to the fear of counter-polarisation of Hindu votes against the alliance. The leaders of the alliance in their rallies have always put the work of the current government on the forefront of their election speeches and banking heavily on the slogan Kaam bolta hai. This slogan seems to be going down well with voters as the government did manage to do reasonably good work, though nothing exceptional. But what makes the people believe in this slogan is the good image of Akhilesh Yadav, who is accepted amongst people as a good chief minister. The BJP hardly has any state-level leader to match Mr Yadavs popularity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though still very popular, is not being able to motivate voters in as large numbers as the party needs to steer a clear victory. This has resulted in a situation where the BJP is also dependent upon Muslim votes for the partys victory, not in a positive way but in a negative way. What may take the BJP ahead of others in the electoral race in UP is either the consolidation of Hindu votes or the split of Muslim votes. In an attempt to divide Muslim votes in UP, knowing well that the prime consideration in the minds of Muslim voters will be to vote for the party that can defeat the BJP, it tried hard to divide the attention of voters about which party is in the electoral race. At times BJP leaders did mention that the real contest of the BJP is with the BSP, with the sole aim of confusing voters so that their votes may get divided. If the BJP succeeds in doing this, it may take a clear lead over the rival parties or the SP-Congress alliance. The party seems to get a lot of upper caste votes and has succeeded in attracting sizeable proportion of non-Yadav OBC and non-Jatav dalit voters towards it. True, the support amongst these sections of voters has made the electoral contest interesting, brought the BJP in serious contest, but its electoral success in UP also depends upon Muslim votes. A split in Muslim votes, advantage BJP; a consolidated Muslim vote will put the BJP on the backfoot. The identity of caste and religion remained the focus of the election campaign for most parties and the issues of demonetisation, unemployment, poverty and other livelihood matters got pushed back. The final electoral outcome in UP would depend upon how well the party managed to weave in the social arithmetic based on either caste or religion, or both. The first lot of better equipment, including weapons, is being delivered to military units in Jammu and Kashmir before heightened terrorist activity sets in as we advance towards summer, especially in high-altitude areas. The new weapons are also being despatched to the Line of Control, and to the international border. More than in the fight against terrorism, its in the skirmishes against Pakistani forces that the inadequacy of some weapons used by our forces has been profiled. Lighter bulletproof vests, lighter guns, better communication devices, boots that can withstand the impact of improvised explosive devices and specialised night-fighting capabilities have been spoken of over years. Re-equipping the troops is, of course, a continuing process. In the context of extremism and terrorism in Kashmir, that has seen a resurgence in the past two years, its to be underlined that some major incidents that have occurred in Baramulla and Jammu and the airbase in Pathankot (that is in Punjab, but very close to J&K) havent resulted from equipment deficit. The culprit has been reckless disregard by the Army and the Air Force of the most rudimentary considerations of security, such as perimeter protection and defence; in short, failures relating to overlooking the first principles. Well-trained terrorists found it a cakewalk to stroll into a major defence area and attempt to create a hostage-like situation. Whats really galling is that the three major events of a big enough magnitude to provoke war between nations occurred in close proximity to one another in time. This suggests criminal neglect, and a failure to take the obvious lessons by the ministry of defence. Parliament is yet to ask the right questions in this regard. The ruling establishment is of course apt to view any questioning of the functioning of the defence establishment as an anti-national, even unpatriotic, activity. If this remains the attitude, we may expect complacency, inefficiency and corruption to flourish unhindered. While its good that the security forces will have better equipment, theres no sign yet of the Centre taking steps to stop the vulnerable sections of people, specially the impressionable youth in the Kashmir Valley, from falling prey to extremism and terrorism encouraged by the jihadist elements nurtured by Pakistan. Its also necessary to have effective non-lethal gear the pellet guns which blinded many in Kashmir last year does not fall into this category for crowd control. But its crucial to find social and political ways to dissuade people from hindering security operations by forming crowds. Pakistan is furiously cobbling together alternative geostrategic tieups with the prospect of a questionable future looming large with its traditional ally, the United States. Having escaped the first wave of Donald Trumps formal censure via the proposed seven-country immigration ban, Islamabad is equally aware of the parallel risks in punting exclusively on Beijing. China is the hardheaded apostle of realpolitik and its ostensible all-weather friendship with Pakistan is bereft of any cultural, civilisational or emotional context. It is the marriage of convenience and circumstances, forever susceptible to the vicissitudes of the fickle, need-based approach. Chinas economic largesse, for example the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its convenient non-preachy tolerance of Pakistans complicity in terror (often with a tacit encouragement e.g. Beijings invaluable help in stalling the designation of the Pak-sponsored, Masood Azar as an international terrorist), is a temporary counterpoise and relief to wary Pakistanis. Pakistans two other principal blocs of geostrategic participation Saarc and Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) are both floundering for Pakistan. While the OIC is mired with its own existential, imploding and sectarian challenges, Saarc has been less than propitious in recent times, with India lending the cold shoulder in the last Saarc meet in Islamabad. This has led to Pakistan investing in direct bilateral relationships (free trade agreements with Turkey and Saudi Arabia), as well as wagering on nascent blocs like the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). The ECO is a sub-set of the OIC as it is a bloc of Muslim-majority countries, which span from Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan to the Central Asian countries a geographical land mass that interconnects the landlocked, energy-rich Central Asian region with the Mediterranean ports in Turkey to the Arabian Sea ports in Iran and Pakistan. However, the latest ECO summit in Islamabad too got a flavour of Pakistans increased international and regional isolation, when Afghanistan decided to send an unmistakable message of its displeasure to the host nation, Pakistan. Afghanistan refused to send the requisite high-level representation in the form of the President, chief executive or its foreign minister (all other member countries were represented by the seniormost officials). This open AfPak hostility is in the dark backdrop of the bitter innuendos and cross-accusations that has typified the Pakistani narrative vis-a-vis its neighbours India, Iran and Afghanistan. The tone of Afghan belligerence and impatience towards Islamabads duplicity and insincerity has come a long way, since the initial long rope extended to the Pakistanis by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Today, the fingerprints in most terror attacks on Afghan soil are traceable to the benefactors in Pakistan, and worse, the Pakistani establishment. From the attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif to the recent Pakistani shelling on the fractious AfPak border, the slide in the relationship is blatantly confrontational. This buildup of fractures was evident to all when the Afghan President lambasted Pakistan in the Heart of Asia summit at Amritsar last November, with Pakistans adviser to PM on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz in the audience he lashed out at the Pakistani offer of aid by saying, We need to identify cross-border terrorism and a fund to combat terrorism. Pakistan has pledged $500 million for Afghanistans development. This amount can be spent to contain extremism, and further added: Afghanistan suffered the highest number of casualties last year. This is unacceptable... Some still provide sanctuary for terrorists. As a Taliban figure said recently, if they had no sanctuary in Pakistan, they wouldnt last a month. In a quid pro quo, the Pakistanis have upped the counter-ante on the ostensible sanctuaries of anti-Pakistani militants in Afghanistans eastern borders. The bloody attack in the shrine of the Sufi saint, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, Sindh, which left nearly 100 dead by the ISIS-Khorasan faction, has led to a reverse accusation and fingerpointing at Afghanistan. Even though the ISIS Khorasan faction is predominant in the Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, and is embroiled in a bitter slugfest with the Afghan National Army it didnt stop the Pakistanis from shifting blame on its deteriorating security situation and growing intolerance on the footsteps of the Afghan government. The tit-for-tat that followed saw the Pakistanis brazenly asking the Afghans to hand over 76 alleged militants, while the Afghans retaliated almost immediately with their own list of 85 militants (mostly from the ISI-aided Haqqani Network), supposedly in Pakistan along with a further list of 32 training centres! Earlier in the year, on meeting the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Qamar Bajwa, the Afghan President had presciently stated: Those who have claimed responsibility for these recent attacks freely operate, live and recruit in Pakistan, but so far there has been no action against them. After the Sehwan terror strike, a perfect role reversal ensued with Islamabad summoning Afghan officials for strong words and a dossier of names to be neutralised. This Pakistani blame game with Afghanistan is eerily reminiscent of the India-Pakistan equation wherein the terror sanctuaries get conveniently brushed under the Pakistani carpet with a rote non-state-actors line. This dangerously ensures that the Pakistanis continue investing in their flawed belief of retaining strategic depth, by supporting extremist organisations in the neighbouring countries. However, the vexatious jihadist ecosystem that the Pakistanis have singularly created and harnessed over the years, has a dynamic of its own that often spills out of the control levers of the Pakistani establishment and afflicts a bloody toll on its creator. This self-inflicted misery cannot be deflected onto Pakistans already suffering neighbours. Like India, the Afghans have lost faith and patience in Pakistans words and actions. The onus of dismantling the terror infrastructure in the Asian subcontinent resides squarely in Pakistan once the fundamental shift in policy and outlook is enforced by Islamabad, the parallel collapse in the terror industry in Afghanistan and India is virtually guaranteed. The latest angst in the AfPak relationship is an evitable and extended outcome of the Frankensteinian project conceived by Pakistan itself. Isro is developing an engine for the controlled descent. The spacecraft is ready and ground trials are going on at Mahendragiri. Chennai: Aiming the next year's launch, the Indian Space Research Organisation is conducting descent experiments on simulated craters for the Chandrayan-2 mission, according to Isro chairman A S Kiran Kumar. While speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Vels University convocation here on Wednesday he said, "Chandrayan-2 is different from the Chandrayan-1 mission and it needs to have a control decent on Moon."Isro is developing an engine for the controlled descent. The spacecraft is ready and ground trials are going on at Mahendragiri. We are planning to have the Chandrayan-2 launch in the first quarter of 2018," he said. On upcoming missions, he said, "The GSLV Mk-II rocket with Saarc satellite will be launched at the end of March and GSLV Mk-III rocket will be launched in April."In his convocation address, he said, "Isro is moving forward with the development of advanced earth observation satellites, communication and navigation satellites, interplanetary missions, astronomy missions, heavy lift launchers and cryogenic engines."He also awarded honorary doctorates to Atomic Energy Commission chairman Sekhar Basu, Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) director P.Sivakumar and Actor S.Sathyaraj.Vels University Chancellor Ishari K Ganesh presided over the convocation. The university vice-chancellor V Thamizh Arasan welcomed the gathering.The University conferred degrees to 1872 students, which include 31 gold, 24 silver, 22 bronze medals. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. At present, some feature phones are already being manufactured in India at Foxconn facility. Mehta said the company is even evaluating development of 4G feature phone. Finnish firm HMD Global, which has right to market Nokia brand, is likely to make all devices of the historic phone company in India including the iconic "Nokia 3310". "We will attempt to ensure all our products are made in India. We will source all our product from India," HMD Mobile India Vice President Ajey Mehta told PTI here. HMD Global, which has struck a 10-year brand licensing agreement with Nokia for mobile phones and tablets, will launch a new version of the 17-year old 'Nokia 3310' during April-June for around Rs 3,500 a unit. It will also bring in Android-powered Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 to India during the second quarter itself. Taiwanese electronic company Foxconn is manufacturing partner of HMD Global. At present, some feature phones are already being manufactured in India at Foxconn facility. Mehta said the company is even evaluating development of 4G feature phone. "We are evaluating all opportunity in the market," Mehta said, adding India is very important market for HMD Global. "All consumer requirements are fed up to the product team at our company which then develops the final product," Mehta said. The company will sell Nokia phones through both offline and online channels. "Whichever channel will help reach us to consumers, we will go with that. We will be channel agnostic both offline and online. We currently cover close to 80,000 retailers but we plan to increase that in the future," Mehta said. He said the company is also boosting its after sales service channel and will have direct presence in at least around 250 towns in the country by the time phones are launched. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The president of the Islamic Education Society discovered an envelope inside a mailbox on Monday containing a threatening note, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said. (Representational Image) Washington: Two mosques in the US state of Maryland have received threatening letters calling for the 'slaughter of Muslims', in apparent hate crime incidents. Two Islamic centres in Silver Spring, Maryland, received violent threats by mail. The president of the Islamic Education Society discovered an envelope inside a mailbox on Monday containing a threatening note, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said. Police said this incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The faithful at the mosque are still reeling after the terrifying message was dropped in their mailbox. "It's heartbreaking, but we can't control anything. I don't know what in their mind they want to do," Taiyab Mohiudden, trustee of the Islamic Education Society of Maryland, was quoted as saying by CBS Baltimore. Mohiudden found the note tucked in with the regular mail, and it read, "I will pay USD 100 to charity for every Muslim slaughtered." A note containing the same message was also found at a Muslim community centre just a few kilometres away, New York Daily News reported. The message also came on an index card. Police said the envelope also had stamps from Europe. "It really created anxiety and anger in me as well. Because what kind of person could leave a note like that?" Zainab Chaudry of CAIR said. The mosque incidents come as amid a wave of bomb threats to Jewish community centres in New York, Michigan, New Jersey and other states. In the past week, dozens of gravestones were vandalised in Jewish cemeteries in St. Louis and Philadelphia. Also, last week, an Indian was killed while his friend was injured in a hate crime. 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was working at GPS-maker Garmin headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, was killed after he was shot by a navy veteran. Kuchibhotla's Indian colleague Alok Madasani was injured when the 51-year-old shooter opened fire on them, yelling "get out of my country". A third person, an American who tried to intervene, was also injured in the incident. President Donald Trump has condemned these types of attacks. "We are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms," he had said. BROWNSVILLE Councilors at Tuesday's Brownsville City Council meeting said goodbye to one of their own and praised a young woman for her actions in alerting a family their home was on fire. Nan Van Sandt served eight years, but did not seek re-election in November. She was able to attend the January meeting, at which a ceremony had been planned. She called her time on the council an honor. I believe that we worked together to do our best for the citizens of our city, sharing a vision of building community, improving infrastructure, practicing responsibility and working to make our town a safe and desirable place to live for citizens of all ages, Van Sandt said. She added that council members did not always agree on how to achieve goals and challenges, which were many, but the fact that we all shared the same vision kept us focused and able to work through our differences with respect. I only wish our federal government would take some lessons from us. Van Sandt went on to praise the virtues of small towns. Folks in small towns do not all share the same politics any more than those in large cities do, Van Sandt said. But I think we seem to do a better job than they do on working together. In fact, in all of our varied community organizations, we do not let politics get in the way of friendships, respect and working together. Van Sandt, 60, was first elected to the council in 2008. A Registered Nurse, Van Sandt said she was wanted to keep local businesses economically healthy, but prevent urban sprawl. As a citizen, you can be sure that I will continue to be involved in our community, Van Sandt told the council. The opportunities for involvement here are, as you know, endless. The council had already presented Van Sandt with a gift for her service. Mayor Don Ware also honored Amanda Wright with a framed certificate of appreciation. Shortly after midnight on Jan. 9, Wright was passing by a home at 527 Kirk Ave. that is owned by Kevin and Suzanne Archer. She noticed flames and went to the door of the home to notify the couple, who were sleeping. Firefighters from Halsey-Shedd, Lebanon and Sweet Home responded to the blaze, which destroyed the 1,163-square-foot home that was built in 1910. The Archers were not injured, but the structure valued at $127,000 was a total loss. Mayor Ware noted that Wrights actions unselfishly saved lives by awakening and alerting Kevin and Suzy Archer that their house was on fire, and helped them escape the blaze moments before the roof collapsed. The proclamation added, Thank you for your watchful eye, heroic response and unselfish actions, resulting in saving lives and nearby properties. You are a valued member of our community. Washington: North Koreans have gained unprecedented connectedness with greater access to media and devices like cellphones over Kim Jong Un's five-year rule. But private citizens' embrace of a state-controlled network has opened the way to unparalleled state censorship and surveillance in the long-isolated, totalitarian country. A US-government-funded report, released today, said technology is giving North Korean authorities "more modern forms of control" as they step up efforts to stop foreign content creeping in. "North Korea not only demonstrates technological sophistication but also has the ability to dictate what devices their citizens use, and they have complete control over hardware and software that essentially no other country does," said Nat Kretchun, co-author of the report by the consulting group Intermedia. While the global explosion of network communications and internet use over the past two decades has provided surveillance opportunities for both authoritarian and democratic governments, North Korea's case is unique. The communist government prohibits public access to the World Wide Web. Outside media trickles in, but with significant challenges. The state's stranglehold over the flow of information was first subverted during a famine in the 1990s when informal markets emerged and citizens began trading with each other. For the past decade or more, outside digital devices and content have flowed into North Korea across the border from China, enabling people to watch forbidden content, typically South Korean and Chinese soap operas. The Intermedia report, which is based on interviews with North Korean defectors, refugees and travelers, found more such information making its way in over the past five years, notwithstanding Kim's intensified efforts to stop it. He took power after his father's death in late 2011 and has cracked down on smuggling and illicit viewing of foreign media. Nearly every segment of society, from the elite in Pyongyang to farmers in inland areas, has access at least to televisions and DVD players, the report found. North Koreans have shifted toward using thumb drives instead of compact discs as they can hold more content and are easier to hide and share. Former US President George W Bush released on Tuesday a book titled "Portraits in Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors. (Photo: AP) CHICAGO: After putting down his executive pen, former US President George W Bush picked up a paint brush - and the hobby has become something of a career. An exhibition of his oil paintings depicting US military veterans will open on Thursday at the former president's library in Dallas. The collection, on display at the George W Bush Presidential Center in Texas until October 1, features 66 portraits and a four-panel mural. Mr Bush's paintings pay tribute to the nearly 100 wounded or traumatised personnel who he has known personally since leaving the White House in 2009. As the 43rd US president, Mr Bush had commanded the US military members, who all served in the wars he launched in Iraq and Afghanistan following the attacks on September 11, 2001. The former commander-in-chief released on Tuesday a book titled "Portraits in Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors," which includes images of the portraits and the veterans' personal stories. Mr Bush said he wanted to use the paintings and book to highlight the veterans' struggles with post-traumatic stress and the transition to civilian life. "They're stories of courage, injury, recovery, willingness to help others," Mr Bush said during a Wednesday forum at the Reagan presidential library near Los Angeles, as part of his book promotion tour. "And I also wanted to highlight the invisible wounds. That's my biggest concern." Mr Bush's book has already shot to the top of Amazon's best-seller list, and the former president plans to donate profits from its sale to his presidential center's work aiding veterans. He said the paintings would not be sold in his lifetime but would be endowed to his foundation. Matt Amidon, deputy director of the Military Service Initiative at the George W Bush Institute, said the veterans have found it "incredibly meaningful... to have a former commander-in-chief to take the personal time to paint each one of them." All-but-retired from public life, the 70-year-old Bush spends most of his time at his Texas ranch, where he first started painting in 2012. He was inspired to explore his artistic side by famed former British prime minister Winston Churchill, who also painted in retirement. "I basically said, what the hell, this guy can paint, I can paint," Mr Bush told a laughing audience at the forum, adding that it helped him stay active in retirement. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. (Photo: Twitter) Los Angeles: A US federal judge in California on Wednesday agreed to release on bail the widow of the gunman who killed dozens of people at an Orlando nightclub last year. US magistrate Donna Ryu set bail at $500,000 for Noor Salman pending her trial on two charges related to the assault by her husband Omar Mateen on the Pulse gay nightclub in Florida that killed 49 people. Prosecutors had argued that Salman, who was arrested in January in connection with the massacre, should be kept behind bars because she posed a threat to society. They have until Friday to appeal the judge's decision. In handing down her ruling, Ryu said there was no proof Salman had any connection to the Islamic State jihadist group or had exhibited extremist views. She also said there was no evidence Salman posed a risk of flight or a danger to the community. "I agree with the pretrial service recommendation and find that Ms Salman has rebutted the presumptions of both risk of flight and danger to the community and that she can and should be released pursuant to strict conditions that will reasonably mitigate those risks," Ryu said. She ordered the 30-year-old, who had a four-year-old son with Mateen, to wear an electronic monitor while living with her maternal uncle in northern California, where she grew up. The ruling essentially puts Salman under house arrest, allowed to leave only for court appearances, to meet her attorneys or for medical appointments for her and her son, Ryu said. Salman, whose case is being prosecuted in Florida, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charge of assisting her husband in his bid to help a terrorist organization. She also faces up to 20 years in prison on the second charge of lying to investigators. Police killed Mateen in a shootout. During the attack, he had called dispatchers to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State group. Washington: President Donald Trumps promise to use existing funds to begin immediate construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border has hit a financial roadblock, according to a document seen by Reuters. The rapid start of construction, promised throughout Trump's campaign and in an executive order issued in January on border security, was to be financed, according to the White House, with "existing funds and resources" of the Department of Homeland Security. But so far, the DHS has identified only $20 million that can be re-directed to the multi-billion-dollar project, according to a document prepared by the agency and distributed to congressional budget staff last week. The document said the funds would be enough to cover a handful of contracts for wall prototypes, but not enough to begin construction of an actual barrier. This means that for the wall to move forward, the White House will need to convince Congress to appropriate funds. An internal report, previously reported by Reuters, estimated that fully walling off or fencing the entire southern border would cost $21.6 billion - $9.3 million per mile of fence and $17.8 million per mile of wall. DHS officials did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Trump has said he will ask Congress to pay for what existing funds cannot cover and that Mexico will be pressured to pay back U.S. taxpayers at a later date. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan has said he will include funding for a border wall in the budget for next fiscal year. He has estimated the cost to be between $12 billion and $15 billion. Many Republican lawmakers have said they would vote against a plan that does not offset the cost of the wall with spending cuts. In the document it submitted to Congress, the DHS said it would reallocate $5 million from a fence project in Naco, Arizona, that came in under budget and $15 million from a project to install cameras on top of trucks at the border. The surveillance project was awarded to Virginia-based Tactical Micro, but was held up due to protests from other contractors, according to the DHS document. Tactical Micro could not be reached for comment. The DHS only searched for extra funds within its $376 million budget for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, so it would not have to ask for congressional approval to repurpose funding, according to the document. Contractors cannot begin bidding to develop prototypes until March 6 but more than 265 businesses already have listed themselves as "interested parties" on a government web site. Those interested range from small businesses to large government contractors such as Raytheon (RTN.N). The Justice Department said on Wednesday night, March 1, 2017, that the two conversations took place in 2016 when Sessions was a senator. (Photo: AP) Washington: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions came under fire late on Wednesday after the Washington Post reported he met with Russia's ambassador to Washington twice in 2016, seemingly contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings in January. The revelation cast a fresh cloud over President Donald Trump's administration, which has repeatedly denied any suspected ties between members of his election team and Russia, which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton. The White House quickly labelled the report an attack by partisan Democrats, confirming the meetings but arguing Sessions did nothing wrong. In a statement Sessions said: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." But with US intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, and four Congressional committees examining the Russia scandal, Democrats demanded that Sessions, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, recuse himself from investigations, and for Congress to name an independent special investigator to oversee a broad probe. "Given AG Sessions' false statements about contacts with Russian officials, we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates' ties to Russia," said Democrat Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Washington Post reported late Wednesday that Sessions, formerly a senator who advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy and other issues, met Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. Sessions, however, told his confirmation hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10 that he did not know of contacts between Trump campaign members and Russia. "I did not have communications with the Russians," he said under oath. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the Senate, called for Sessions to step down. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russian, the attorney general must resign," she said. Democrat Elijah Cummings of the House of Representative's Oversight Committee echoed that call in a statement. "When Senator Sessions testified under oath that 'I did not have communications with the Russians,' his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks," Cummings said. "Attorney General Sessions should resign immediately, and there is no longer any question that we need a truly independent commission to investigate this issue." A White House official dubbed the latest report an "attack." "This is the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats," the official said. "Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." Sessions was confirmed as attorney general on February 8, moving in place to oversee Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation probes into the alleged communications between Trump campaign officials and Moscow. The New York Times reported two weeks ago, citing US intelligence sources, that three campaign staff -- including campaign chief Paul Manafort -- had communicated with Russian intelligence officers. The White House also labeled that report "false" and has accused Democrats, the media and the intelligence community of a political effort to undermine the Trump administration. The Washington Post report emerged as Democrats had begun warning the White House and Republican lawmakers against trying to shut down any investigations of alleged Russian interference. The warnings came after Trump's staff sought to enlist the FBI, reportedly the CIA and two Republicans who head committees leading the Russia investigations, to knock down media reports on the alleged links. US intelligence chiefs announced in December that they had concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind a hacking and misinformation campaign to hurt Clinton and boost Trump's chances to win the November 8 presidential election. But they have not made their evidence public, and the Kremlin denies it. It is not clear how many North Koreans are aware of the fate Kim Jong-nam, who was killed with the nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur's international airport, allegedly by two young women acting on Pyongyang's orders. Seoul: South Korean activists will send millions of leaflets about the poisoning murder of the half-brother of the North's leader across the border by balloon, they said on Thursday. It is not clear how many North Koreans are aware of the fate Kim Jong-nam, who was killed with the nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur's international airport, allegedly by two young women acting on Pyongyang's orders. The North has angrily denied involvement and accused Malaysia for colluding with South Korea to frame it, while only referring to the victim by a pseudonym, without clarifying his relationship with Kim Jong-un. The leaflets - to be flown across the border by giant, gas-filled balloons - contain details of the murder and pictures including one of a dying Kim Jong-nam slumped in a chair at a clinic in the airport. The text describes the North's leader as "a devil who killed his own brother". "We will start launching the leaflets in mid-March," said activist leader Park Sang-Hak, a defector who leads the Fighters For Free North Korea group. The move was intended "to let our North Korean compatriots know the act of extreme brutality committed by Kim Jong-un", he added in a statement. News from the outside world is banned or heavily censored in the North, as the Kim dynasty rules the impoverished, isolated nation with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. The leaflets also contain assertions by Seoul's spy agency that Kim Jong-un had executed many Pyongyang officials and ordered the half-brother's murder to strengthen his grip on power. The text claimed that Jong-un - son of Kim Jong-Il's third wife - had ordered the assassination of Jong-nam because some viewed him as having a better claim to inheriting the leadership as their father's first-born son. Conservative South Korean activists, including many North Korean defectors, have sent leaflets northwards for years, infuriating Pyongyang, which has at times threatened military strikes in response. Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko meets with a Japanese community in Vietnam at a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday, March 2, 2017. (Photo: AP) Hanoi: Japan's emperor expressed sympathy to the Vietnamese families abandoned by Japanese soldiers after World War II during his landmark visit to the Communist country. Akihito and Empress Michiko, in the first ever visit by a Japanese emperor, met with a wife and 15 children of former Japanese soldiers in Hanoi on Thursday. He told them that he understands their difficulties and hopes that bilateral relations will continue to develop. "I understand that the Japanese soldiers who remained here experienced tough times and their families here also had numerous difficulties," he said through a translator. "I feel that peace is very precious." Some 600 to 800 Japanese soldiers remained in Vietnam after Japan's surrender in 1945 and they helped train Ho Chi Minh's Viet Minh with their military expertise to fight the French colonial forces. The first group of 71 soldiers was forced to leave after the Communists defeated French forces in 1954, abandoning their wives and children, who faced difficulties and discrimination. The last group of soldiers left the North in 1960, but were able to bring their families. Nguyen Thi Xuan, 92, was the only one among the few surviving wives who was healthy enough to meet with the imperial couple. Xuan told the emperor while weeping that she was "very moved" to meet with them and was grateful for them spending their time taking care of the families of Japanese who were left behind. Xuan told the emperor that her Japanese husband spent nine years fighting the French with Viet Minh and when he left in 1954, she had to raise her four children, including one born after he left. "It was so hard for you," the emperor comforted her. Xuan and her husband only met for a reunion 52 years later. Cao Khanh Tuong was one of the 15 children of ex-Japanese soldiers to meet with the imperial couple. "I really hope that the historic visit by the emperor and empress will help to connect us with our countrymen in Japan for better understanding," he said. Tuong said families with Japanese blood used to be faced with discrimination. "Our neighbours would not allow their children to play with us, calling us sons of Japanese fascists, I was very sad," he said. Tuong's father was forced to return to Japan in 1954, leaving behind his wife and four children. He was five years old then. "He told us that he would come back to take us to Japan in two years when the country was reunited, but it never happened," Tuong said. Under the Geneva agreement, the country was divided into Communist North and pro-French South and general elections were to be held to reunite the country in two years. The elections never took place and war with the United States soon followed. "He's very nice and intelligent, he speaks fluent Vietnamese," Tuong said about his father, adding that the family received a letter and some toys from him in 1956 and another letter in 1958, after which they had no information about him. The family only heard through the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry that he was alive until after the Vietnam War ended in 1975 and he could not come visit before he died in 1993, Tuong said. Akihito said he was glad to see the relatives of former Japanese soldiers. "I'm glad to know that you still have special feeling... toward Japan," he said "I hope the bilateral relations will continue to develop." Akihito will tour the ancient capital of Hue and leave for Thailand on Sunday to pay respect to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and meet with new King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun before returning home. An internal White House review of strategy on North Korea reportedly includes the possibility of direct military action or regime change to counter the hermit kingdoms nuclear threat. Deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland held a meeting with other officials to discuss the US response to a fresh series of provocations from the North, the Wall Street Journal reports. Mr McFarland requested for all options to completely overhaul American foreign policy towards Pyongyang, including for the country to recognise North Korea as a nuclear state and the possibility of a direct conflict. The proposals are now being vetted prior to review by President Donald Trump. During Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes two-day summit in February with Mr Trump, US officials on several occasions stated that all options were under consideration to deal with North Korea, according to a person familiar with the discussions.It was clear to the Japanese side that those options encompassed a US military strike on North Korea, possibly if Pyongyang appeared ready to test an ICBM. The European Parliament lifted French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's immunity from prosecution for tweeting gruesome images of violence. (Photo: AP) Strasbourg: The European Parliament on Thursday lifted French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's immunity from prosecution over her tweeting of images of Islamic State atrocities. The move paves the way for France to pursue a case against the far right National Front leader, after prosecutors launched a probe in 2015 over the graphic pictures, which included the decapitated body of US journalist James Foley. "The result is clear, a big majority is in favour of the lifting of immunity," acting parliament speaker Dimitrios Papadimoulis said. The ruling is effective immediately for Le Pen, a National Front MEP, European Parliament officials told AFP. But the decision concerns only the tweets, and not a separate probe into allegations that Le Pen misused public funds when hiring a parliamentary aide, they said. The development is the latest twist in France's dramatic presidential election campaign, coming a day after rightwing candidate Francois Fillon vowed to continue his bid for power despite the fact he is to be charged over his own fake jobs scandal. Le Pen addressed the tweets in 2015 to a French television journalist who had likened her party to the jihadist group. The images were tweeted with the caption "This is Daesh" (an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group). They showed Foley's bloodied body with his decapitated head on his torso, as well as a man on fire in a cage, and a victim being driven over by a tank. Police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre launched an investigation into "the dissemination of violent images". Le Pen dismissed the inquiry as a "political" attempt to derail her presidential bid, in which she is predicted to win the election's first round in April but lose a run-off in May. "I sent two or three photos of Daesh atrocities and I said 'This is Daesh.' I denounced this atrocity," she told French broadcasters on Thursday ahead of the EU vote. "Why investigate me and not others? I am a lawmaker and I was denouncing Daesh in my role as a lawmaker," she added. "It's a political inquiry." On Tuesday Le Pen criticised efforts to lift her immunity as "part of the system that wants to stop the French people's candidate that I am." Le Pen has so far refused to attend a police interview over the investigation into her tweets. French police have also opened a probe against Gilbert Collard, a National Front lawmaker in France, who tweeted a similar violent image on the same day. Last month the French national assembly refused to consider a request to lift his immunity after deciding it was not "sufficiently specific". Foley, a freelance journalist, was captured in Syria in 2012 and beheaded in August 2014. His bereaved parents John and Diane said they wanted the images removed immediately, accusing Le Pen in a statement of using the "shamefully uncensored" picture for political ends. While Le Pen is forecast to finish first in April 23's election first round, her centrist rival Emmanuel Macron is considered the favourite to win a run-off vote on May 7. Berlin: German authorities have arrested two Syrian nationals who allegedly were members of the extremist Nusra Front one of them is accused of war crimes involving the murder of dozens of civilians. The federal prosecutor's office said in a statement on Thursday that 35-year-old Abdalfatah HA allegedly committed war crimes by killing 36 employees of the Syrian government together with his Nusra unit in March 2013. The statement says he carried out so-called Shariah death sentences. The other one, 26-year-old Abdulrahman AA, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013. The men were arrested on Thursday and on Wednesday in the cities of Duesseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. Take a drive through the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area 10 miles north of Corvallis, and what you notice mostly is a lot of scrub brush and blackberry brambles. But if you could turn back the clock 70-some years, youd see something very different. From 1942 to 1946, this was the heart of Camp Adair, a sprawling Army cantonment built on commandeered farmland that trained more than 100,000 GIs for combat in World War II. The base, made up of 1,800 buildings laid out with military precision, housed up to 40,000 people at any one time, making it Oregons second-largest city (although Vanport, a vanished Portland suburb that also owed its origins to the war, could make the same claim). The camp was decommissioned in 1946, and virtually all of its structures were either dismantled or hauled off the site and put to new uses elsewhere. In 1950, the U.S. government turned over about 1,800 acres of the former cantonment to the state of Oregon, and since then the area has been managed as wildlife habitat, with public uses including hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, shooting and archery. Now, though, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife wants to shine a light on the areas rich military history by preserving at least some remnants of the old Army base and managing the site for cultural as well as wildlife resources. The agency hosted a public meeting in Corvallis Wednesday night to talk about its plans, and 18 people turned out to share ideas for managing the property and swap stories about Camp Adair. Daniel Pettit, an Oregon Department of Transportation archaeologist on loan to ODFW, said a consulting firm hired to survey the site found a surprising amount of infrastructure from the old base from concrete foundation footings to roads to water and sewer lines right where the Army left it, slumbering under a blanket of blackberry vines and native vegetation. They determined that a lot more of the base was left out there than anyone anticipated, Pettit said. Building on that preliminary data, a more detailed survey of the area was conducted last summer. At this point, Pettit said, we know where each former building was on the site and how much is left of it. More than 1,000 buildings once stood on the property that now makes up the wildlife area, Pettit said. Close to half of those were barracks, where enlisted men slept in bunks after long days of training. But there were all kinds of other structures as well from administrative offices and post exchanges to rec halls, movie theaters, post offices, banks and churches. This base really was a city, he said. For more than half the historic structures on the site, the foundations are mostly or entirely intact, Pettit added. What hed like to do is preserve some of those foundations and install interpretive signs to remind visitors of the bustling military encampment that played a key role in training Americas fighting forces for World War II. That idea got an enthusiastic reception from the history buffs in the audience, but Pettit was quick to point out that E.E. Wilson remains a wildlife preserve and there are no plans to convert it to a living history museum. We really want to manage it for wildlife and habitat, too, he said. Keith Kohl of ODFW said the agency intends to tear out the invasive blackberries and restore most of the area to a more natural state, and that will require clearing out some of the old building remains. What we want to do is turn it back to the original Willamette Valley grassland, he said. We want to remove, where we can, the concrete. He also noted that ODFW has limited resources and that areas such as E.E. Wilson are managed primarily to serve the needs of hunters. Weve only got so much money, he said, and the money we have for this stuff comes from the hunters of Oregon. Still, Pettit said, there may be grants available to help finance historic preservation work on a portion of the old Army post. He encouraged people interested in the history of Camp Adair to seek private donations and volunteer their services to help out with the project. Were really hoping we can work with local community members to organize some sort of volunteer group, he said. Definitely, the success of this is going to depend a lot on people who want to organize in the local community. Ultimately, Pettit said, the state hopes to improve the area for all its users, from wildlife to hunters to history buffs. The goal is to make a plan for the future of E.E. Wilson that balances restoration of wildlife habitat with the preservation of Camp Adair and the celebration of its unique history, Pettit said. The man, who is in his 60s, will stay underground for three days, to raise awareness for Walking Free. (Photo: Facebook) Dublin: John Edwards, from Dublin, Ireland was buried alive, on Wednesday, in a coffin in the grounds of church in Belfast to raise awareness for a charity that aims to help drug-addicts, alcoholics and even those with suicidal tendencies. According to Belfast Live, the man, who is in his 60s, will stay underground for three days, to raise awareness for Walking Free. The charity initiative, which he started 23 years ago, helps drug addicts, alcoholics and people with suicidal tendencies and eating disorders, to start a new life. His little haven is equipped with electricity, WiFi and a duvet and pillow. As a former victim of substance abuse for two decades, Mr Edwards knows well the challenges that addicts face while recovering. His family, his wife of 20 years, Trish, and his friends were present on Wednesday as he went inside the coffin and underground. I know this is a radical move but people are continually contacting me who are either suicidal or who know friends or family who are, he told Belfast Live. He wishes to give hope to people from the grave, using the hashtag #GraveChat on social media and spread the word. He has already broadcast several live video streams on his Facebook page from his morbid home. He posted an introductory video on his website, where he said, We know the steps to freedom here at Walking Free. And we want to take you by the hand, we want to talk to you straight, we want to be loving and gentle with you but strong with you as well, to help you get that place. You have a future. Nations pledged tens of millions of dollars for family planning programmes on Thursday at an international conference in Brussels to make up for the gap left by President Donald Trumps ban on US funding to groups linked to abortion. Some 50 governments attended the hastily convened one-day conference. Early on, total pledges were already exceeding 100 million dollars, with Sweden, Canada and Finland each promising 20 million euros ($21 million). The conference, hosted by the prestigious Sunni Muslim Al-Azhar institute, comes as sectarian conflict continues to ravage the region and after a spate of jihadist attacks on Christians in Egypt. (Photo: AFP) Cairo: Leading Muslim and Christian clerics in the Middle East issued a statement Wednesday urging against linking Islam to terrorism, following a conference in Cairo on co-existence. The conference, hosted by the prestigious Sunni Muslim Al-Azhar institute, comes as sectarian conflict continues to ravage the region and after a spate of jihadist attacks on Christians in Egypt. It also comes after US president Donald Trumps administration shifted from the vaguer language of its predecessor by identifying its fight as against radical Islamic terrorism. Former president Barack Obama, who led an international coalition against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, had argued that calling the jihadists Islamic gave them legitimacy. A closing statement read by Azhars Sheikh Ahmed Tayeb demanded Islam not be associated with terrorism. The conference demands that those who link Islam and other religions with terrorism immediately stop, he said. Judging Islam by the criminal actions of some who associate with it opens the door to describing all religions as terrorism, which justifies extremist modernists argument that societies must be rid of religion, he added. The two-day conference was attended by Muslim muftis and Christian clergy such as Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai, as well as representatives of US and British churches. The statement urged fostering understanding and equality between religions. IS, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq, views Christians as enemies who should either be killed or subjugated. In Egypt, the groups affiliate called for war on the Coptic minority after bombing a church in December, killing 29 people. The jihadists say they base their views on verses in the Koran and sayings of the prophet Mohamed, which moderates like Tayeb argue have been taken out of context. Violence including air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition since March 2015 -- after the Huthis overran capital Sanaa -- has killed more than 7,500 people and left 19 million in need of humanitarian aid. (Photo: AP) Al-Jarrahi: Wrapping their children in plastic sheets to stave off the winter cold, Yemeni families driven out of the historic port of Mokha are struggling to adjust to the harsh life of internal displacement. We were doing fine in our own homes, on our land, says Zahra Aqlan, 55, who fled the Red Sea town in January. The mother of five chose had no choice but to move to Al-Jarrahi, 100 kilometres (60 miles) up the coast, after she lost her husband when a rocket exploded on their street. She now faces the daunting task of feeding her children with no access to resources in an impoverished country torn apart by war. There is nothing to drink here. Nothing to eat, she told AFP in Al-Jarrahi. Were looking for aid just to keep our children alive. Yemen has witnessed increasingly intense fighting between troops loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Violence including air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition since March 2015 -- after the Huthis overran capital Sanaa -- has killed more than 7,500 people and left 19 million in need of humanitarian aid. In January, fighting intensified along Yemens strategic western coastline as loyalists pushed to regain ground seized by the rebels. The pro-government troops on February 10 took Mokha, once famed as the export hub of coffee grown in the Yemeni highlands, and announced they aimed to take the main Red Sea port of Hodeida next. Zahra and her children are among an estimated 1,500 families who have been driven out of Mokha since January, seeking refuge further north. Some have erected tents in a plot of land that appears to be unclaimed in Al-Jarrahi. Many others, however, are sleeping in the open air. The UNs refugee (UNHCR) and migration (IOM) agencies on Wednesday said that more than 48,000 people had in recent weeks fled hostilities in Mokha and nearby Dhubab. UNHCR spokeswoman for Yemen Shabia Mantoo told AFP that Yemeni civilians were fleeing with nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. The whole country is suffering, Mantoo said. People move from one place to another because it gets just as bad. Despite UN efforts to provide emergency shelter during the winter cold, internally displaced Yemenis continue to struggle, according to Asef Aidrous, a local official working with displaced families in Al-Jarrahi. The number of those displaced increases every day with the ongoing fighting around Mokha and the Hodeida coastal areas, Aidrous explained. Life of misery Zahras story is echoed across the makeshift camp, where many families sleep on flattened cardboard boxes. Abdullah Mohammed, a labourer who left Mokha for Al-Jarrahi, said he has reached the point of desperation. Our belongings were destroyed. My home was destroyed. We have nothing, Abdullah said in a calm voice of acceptance. We fled Mokha under shelling and left everything behind, recalls Mohammed Salem, once a dock worker in Mokha. But unlike Abdullah, Mohammed says he cannot accept the life of misery in Al-Jarrahi. Millions of Yemeni lives have been thrown into turmoil by the war, with many facing repeated displacement and the looming threat of starvation. UN humanitarian aid chief Stephen OBrien on Monday said Yemen faces a serious risk of famine. The United Nations has called for $2.1 billion (2 billion euros) in aid for Yemen, where UN mediation and seven ceasefire accords have failed to end a conflict that has also wounded at least 40,000 people. A 17-year-old orphan girl was raped by her relative in May 2016. (Photo: Representational/File) Islamabad: A Pakistani man has been arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 17-year-old orphan girl after she rejected his marriage proposal. The assault took place in May 2016, but the incident came to light only after the girl was unable to hide the resultant pregnancy and had to report the matter to the Ramna Police Station in January 2017. According to the Express Tribune, the victim was staying at her maternal uncles house Sector G-12 for a few days, when her aunts brother asked her to marry him. When she refused, he locked her up The 17-year-old victim was allegedly intoxicated and raped for three to four days after she had refused the proposal from her aunts brother. The victim told police that last May, she was staying at her maternal uncles house Sector G-12 for a few days, when her aunts brother approached her. The girl also accused her aunt of assisting her brother in the crime, by locking the door to her room from the outside. The girl also alleged that the perpetrator also threatened to kill her brother if she told anyone about the assaults. The maternal uncle, however, was unaware of what had transpired. The girl went back home after a month and did not reveal her ordeal to anyone, but was compelled to tell her relatives, when her pregnancy reached an advanced stage in January. The police arrested both suspects after doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed that the victim was seven-months pregnant. A police officer said that the suspect had confessed his crime and that the allegations would be confirmed once a DNA test was conducted. The suspects sister, who is accused of facilitating the crime, was arrested after her pre-arrest bail was turned down by a sessions judge. However, she filed a fresh bail plea before Additional District and Sessions Judge Javed Iqbal Sipra, which was accepted on February 27 against a bail bond of Rs 100,000. A trial will begin once the police complete their investigations and submit their report to the court. Agitating Jats in Haryana will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday in support of their various demands, including reservations in government jobs and educational institutes for the community. "Several Jats from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital at 11 AM ," Yashpal Malik, the president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the protest, said. However, protests by Jats at different places in Haryana continued peacefully for over a month now. The paramilitary forces are keeping a vigil at many places in the state, officials said. Malik claimed that the protesters have started non- cooperation with the government and will not pay electricity and water bills and also the instalment of loans that they owe to the government. Jats will 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 during the Delhi demonstration. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, the demands of the Jats include 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. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores was 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. Sunayana, the widow of Srinivas Kuchibhotla killed in the US in an apparent hate crime, today urged the leaders of global tech industry to keep defending human rights as they too employ a large number of immigrants. "Thanks to people like Satya Nadella (CEO-Microsoft) and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg (Founder- Facebook), Sundar Pichai (CEO-Google), Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights," she said in a Facebook post. "We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, it's an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I don't want anyone to go through what my family and household went through," she added. She also thanked the Telangana government for extending support to bring the body of Srinivas back home from the USA. "I will now ask same question on what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, it's not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them after-ward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? "Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrant's mind, Do we belong here. Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" she wondered. She also expressed her desire to go back to the USA and continue to work for Intouch Solutions where she is currently employed. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. The controversial steel flyover project has been cancelled by the Congress government on Thursday, according to media reports. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George said that the steel flyover not to be constructed. The 6.9-km steel flyover was to connect Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal with an extension on Sankey Road up to LRDE complex. The project was vehemently opposed by the civil society and commuters due its impact on greenery of the city. They argued that steel flyover is not required at the cost of 800-odd trees as the city is known for its trees. Read: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/576789/cries-against-steel-flyover-get.html Also, the opposition party leader BS Yeddyurappa had accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of taking Rs 150 crore as kickback for sanctioning the controversial steel flyover. Read: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/596143/cm-took-rs-150-cr.html However, the Cabinet had approved the contentious infrastructure project. The six-lane 6.9-km steel flyover was suppossed to pass through Basaveshwara Circle, High Grounds, Windsor Manor, Cauvery junction, Mehkri Circle, Sanjaynagar and connect Hebbal flyover. Read: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/573062/cabinet-approves-steel-flyover-project.html Details awaited. Speaker Paul Ryan on behalf of the US House of Representatives has condoled the death of an Indian techie in a racially-motivated shooting by an American. Ryan met visiting Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar yesterday and expressed the House's condolences on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was senselessly murdered last week in Kansas. "Our peoples must continue to stand together," he said.Ryan's comments over the incident came hours after US President Donald Trump condemned as "evil" and "hate" the fatal Kansas shooting in which Kuchibhotla was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani was injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them. The two work for technology firm Garmin. Jaishankar is currently visiting the US to hold consultations and talks with Trump administration officials to develop a roadmap of the Indo-US ties for next four years. Thirteen Indian fishermen were today arrested by the Sri Lankan navy, prompting the Tamil Nadu government to dash off a letter to the Centre seeking its intervention. Taking up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, in a letter, said the state government was "extremely" concerned over such incidents and sought Centre's intervention into the matter. Such incidents of the arrest of "our fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy (should) be taken up strongly at the highest diplomatic level to ensure the safety and security of our fishermen in the Palk Bay," he said. "The Government of Tamil Nadu is extremely concerned about the continuing apprehension and detention of our fishermen and their boats," Palaniswami said. The fishermen were arrested while fishing near Katchatheevu islet. At present, 48 fishermen and 122 fishing boats, including those detained today, were under Lankan custody, the Chief Minister said, adding, boats and fishing gear which were their only means of livelihood were still "impounded" in Lanka. He said late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had earlier repeatedly pointed out that Sri Lanka was following "a deliberate strategy of keeping the apprehended fishing boats of our fishermen in custody and thereby completely impairing their only source of livelihood." "Without their livelihood base, these fishermen are in a state of despondency. Though the Government of Sri Lanka committed to consider the release of these boats, no decision has been taken in this regard," he said. The chief minister urged the Centre to take up "this serious issue with the highest authorities of the Sri Lankan Government and ensure the immediate release of the precariously berthed boats which continue to suffer great damage with every passing day," he added. The Centre should secure immediate release of the 48 fishermen and 122 fishing boats, without any delay, he said. The International Maritime Boundary Line with Sri Lanka "is itself a matter that is sub-judice in the Supreme Court of India," Palaniswami said. He recalled that Jayalalithaa, as Opposition Leader in 2008, had filed a case in the apex court challenging the constitutional validity of the Indo-Lanka agreement on ceding Katchatheevu islet to the island republic. The state government had later impleaded itself in the case. Palaniswami also reminded the Centre of the state government's demand for the release of Rs 1,650 crore deep sea fishing package for the fishermen. Library Uncorked, a wine tasting and silent auction, will be held at the main branch of the Albany Public Library from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The event is held by the Friends of the Albany Public Library and it benefits childrens literacy efforts. The centerpiece in the auction this year is an 8-inch reproduction of the Portlandia statue, which was donated by Albany City Council member Ray Kopczynski. The statue is one of 500 miniatures created, and only one has been offered for sale, according to a news release. Portlandia was placed in downtown Portland in 1985 and, at roughly 34 feet tall, it is the second-largest copper repousse statue in the United States. The Statue of Liberty is the largest such sculpture. Other Library Uncorked auction items include tickets for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, winery tours and tastings, gift certificates to local restaurants and more. Last year, two antique French bronzes of the goddess Diana were donated to Library Uncorked, but they didnt sell initially. Those went to a San Francisco auction house. One was purchased for $4,500, and the other for $1,400. Jacopettis is catering this years Library Uncorked and will be pouring vino from several wineries, local cider and beer. Tickets are $25 each and are available from the main library branch, 2450 14th Ave. S.E., or from the downtown Carnegie library, 302 Ferry St. S.W. For more information, call Nancy Powell of the Friends of the Albany Public Library at 541-928-4400 or the main branch of the Albany Public Library at 541-917-7580. Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that a sales ban on Coca Cola and Pepsi in Tamil Nadu is against the democratic values of the country and would only foster black marketing. Badal rued that "politics" was being played on the issue, and such a ban was against the democratic values of the country. "I am not in favour of banning things because this gives rise to black marketing," she told PTI when asked about her comments on the development in Tamil Nadu and its impact on FDI. The Minister, who is currently on a visit to Japan leading a delegation of industry body CII to woo investments in Indian food processing sector, said: "As a democratic country, we have the right to eat what we want to eat." She added, "Someone who wants to drink Cola will find Cola despite all odds. This (the ban) will increase black marketing and corruption." A call by the Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu to ban sales of Coca Cola and Pepsi came into effect yesterday with its President A M Vikrama Raja declaring the drinks as 'toxic' for consumption. Raja had earlier proposed a ban on sale of these brands at the height of pro-jallikattu protests in the state in January, where it was widely claimed that many international groups may have been behind the ban on the bull taming sport. "About 70 per cent of the (15 lakh) traders have decided to boycott the sales of Coke and Pepsi from today onwards for their toxic nature. Whatever you find on the shelves of the stores are leftover stocks which were not taken back by the (distributing) agencies," he had said. Expressing disappointment, the Indian Beverage Association had yesterday said: "This is against the proven fundamentals of robust economic growth, and against the clarion call of Make in India". "The products manufactured by Coca-Cola and Pepsi are of global standards and one of the safest available," it added. Chinese e-commerce major Alibaba, along with investment firm SAIF Partners, will pump in USD 200 million in Paytm's online marketplace unit. Alibaba Singapore E-Commerce Pvt Ltd will invest USD 177 million in Paytm E-Commerce Pvt Ltd, the demerged unit of digital payments company, One 97 Communications that operates under Paytm brand. The remaining amount will come from SAIF, an early investor in One 97, according to a filing with the Registrar of Companies. Post the investment, Alibaba Singapore E-Commerce will have a shareholding of 36.31 per cent, while SAIF Partners India will own 4.66 per cent in Paytm E-Commerce. Paytm declined to comment on the matter. This deal is expected to pave the way for the much-awaited entry of Alibaba into India, where the Chinese firm will go head-to-head with American online retail giant Amazon and homegrown player Flipkart. Alibaba also stake in Indian online marketplace Snapdeal. Earlier this week, Paytm launched a separate smartphone app and website for its online marketplace called Paytm Mall and is aggressively hiring people for expanding the operations. One97 Communications has three units -- Paytm E-Commerce, Paytm Payments Bank (payments bank and mobile wallet service) and Paytm Mobile Solutions. Haryana Minister Anil Vij today asserted that renaming Indus Valley Civilisation as Sarasvati River Civilisation as per the proposal of a panel headed by the state CM will not be "rewriting" but "correcting history." Vij made the assertion while supporting Sarasvati Heritage Development Board's proposal to rename Indus Valley Civilisation as Sarasvati River Civilisation, saying the mythical river actually existed once. "It's an appropriate recommendation made by the board, chaired by the chief minister, as the river is no more a myth and its existence was a reality," Vij told reporters outside the state assembly. Asked if changing the name of Indus Valley Civilisation wouldn't be rewriting history, Vij said, "When historians talked about Indus Valley, they thought Sarasvati river was a myth and that's why they did not mention it. Sindhu river was flowing and they named it everywhere." "No one should call Sarasvati a myth since it has already been proved that the river was present. Now recent research, backed by ISRO and other reputed agencies, Sarasvati's path has been deciphered. Many things are being found at Rakhigarhi (in Hisar district) or where ever the river's path has been traced to Pakistan border," said Vij. "So, it should be renamed as Sarasvati River Civilisation," he said. Discarding suggestions that renaming the Indus valley civilisation reeked of the BJP agenda to "saffronise" things, Vij said "We are not rewriting history, we are correcting it." Vij also said a large number of Harappan sites have been found in Haryana over the years. "The nomenclature of the Indus Valley Civilisation should now be changed to the Sarasvati-Indus civilisation," he said. The largest Harappan site Rakhigarhi and the oldest Bhirrana are both in Haryana. The state government is restarting excavation at Kunal in Fatehabad district, he said. Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department, in collaboration with the Indian Archaeological Society and National Museum, New Delhi will soon undertake excavation at Kunal in district Fatehabad, the earliest Harappan sites in Haryana. Vij said Kunal is located in Tehsil Ratia in district Fatehabad on the banks of now dried up river course of ancient mighty river Sarasvati. In a written reply to a question by Congress MLA Karan Singh Dalal, the Haryana Assembly was earlier informed that "the scientific evidence/material relied on by the Government in respect of development of Sarasvati river and its heritage is derived from multiple sources and is substantial." The Haryana government had earlier constituted Saraswati Heritage Development Board to take up research on river Saraswati. Advocating free thinking in university campuses, President Pranab Mukherjee today said students and faculties must engage in "reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagating a culture of unrest". He also said it was tragic to see students caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet. His comments come in the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between RSS-affiliate ABVP and Left-backed AISA supporters in the Delhi University and a raging debate over free speech and nationalism following recent tweets of one of the varsity's students Gurmehar Kaur. "It is tragic to see them (students) caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet," Mukherjee said while delivering the sixth K S Rajamony Memorial Lecture here. Underlining ancient glorious culture of universities in the country, he said, "Our premier institutions of higher education are the vehicles on which India has to propel itself into a knowledge society." "These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking," he said. Mukherjee also cautioned against the exploitation of "fault lines" in the society, intolerance and attack on women. He said there should be no room in the country for the "intolerant Indian" as this nation has been a bastion of free though, speech and expression since ancient times. The society has always been characterised by the open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate as well as discussion, the President said. "Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent," he said. The views of Kaur, daughter of an army officer killed in action against militants, evoked sharp reaction from Union minister Kiren Rijiju who went on to ask, "who is polluting her mind". Kaur was allegedly threatened with rape on her Facebook page and was mocked by sportspersons and celebrities who questioned her pacifist approach. "Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test," he said. In terse comments, Mukherjee said he does not consider a society or State to be civilised if its citizens' behaviour towards women is uncivilised. "When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine," he said. Mukherjee said the country must be conscious of the fact that democracy requires constant nurturing. "At no cost should we allow the exploitation of the fault lines. Those who spread violence must remember that Buddha, Ashoka and Akbar are remembered as heroes in history; not Hitler or Genghis Khan," he said. According to the President, the nation and the people must always come first. "Let us strive to arrest the moral decline in our society and ensure that our core civilisational values find firm root. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen India's pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred," he said. Mukherjee, who has been in public life for almost six decades, advised lawmakers and political activists to listen, engage, learn from people and respond to their needs and concerns. Asking the lawmakers not to take the people for granted, he said they must focus on the fundamental task of law making and raising of issues of concern to the people as well as finding solutions to their problems. "No one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support. The trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed," he said. The President said our legislatures and Parliament must not turn into arenas for combat. "Floor tests are not meant to be muscle tests. The opportunity to represent the people is not a right or entitlement but a moral obligation and duty. Our elected representatives owe it to the people of our country to act as models of exemplary conduct," he said. Mukherjee said if the Parliament and legislative assemblies become dysfunctional, it results in not just paralysis of those institutions but create and adverse impact across the system. "The debate and discussions which ought to take place in the open in the House of Parliament and assemblies cannot be replicated elsewhere. When they cease to function effectively, issues spill out onto the streets. The very basis of our democracy gets undermined," he said. He red flagged interruptions in Parliament saying it has increased from 9.95 per cent in 10th Lok Sabha to a shocking 41.6 per cent in the 15th Lok Sabha and about 16 per cent in the 16th Lok Sabha (up to the 10th session). Mukherjee said although production of wealth must necessarily be one of the predominant objectives of state policy, this must be imbued with the principle of equality on which there can be no compromise. "An egalitarian society can only be created when growth is inclusive. It is important to ensure that there is justice and equality of opportunity and the state does not create conditions in which the privileged few gain at the cost of the multitudes who suffer endemic poverty," he said. The BJP today urged the EC to deploy women force at polling booths in the last two phases of the UP Assembly polls to check identity of burqa-clad female voters and prevent bogus voting, leaving some Muslim bodies fuming. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, the party said, "The BJP demands that to establish the identity of burqa-clad female voters in the sixth and seventh phase of the UP polls, women police and central paramilitary forces be posted at sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths". BJP leaders J P S Rathore and Kuldeep Pati Tripathi said in the letter that a large number of burqa-clad women exercise their franchise and there was a possibility of false voting. "Adequate deployment of female police would ensure proper checking of women voters, and at the same time, minimising incidents of bogus voting," they said. A large number of constituencies going to polls in the last two rounds on March 4 and 8 fall in Muslim-dominated districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The demand by the saffron party, however, did not go down well with Muslim organisations, with some of them accusing BJP of deliberately indulging in "polarisation politics". Mahila Muslim Personal Law Board Chairperson Shaista Amber said, "Till now, the election and voting process have been rather smooth, and the Election Commission deserves a round of applause for this. However, in a bid to polarise the votes in the sixth and seventh phase, the BJP has now come up with this strange demand". She said this act of BJP smacked of its "sick mentality". "Whether a woman is wearing burqa or ghoonghat, no one has the right to offend her womanhood and dignity," she said. Shia Personal Law Board spokesperson Yassob Abbas said, "This is a deliberate tactic of the BJP to polarise the votes. We would not tolerate even an iota of insult to burqa." He said even non-Muslim women living in villages wear 'pallu' (veil). "Will the pallu (of non-Muslim women) be removed to check and verify their identity?" he asked, adding "It is better not to do any politics over burqa". Senior member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali said, "Ever since the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections have started, a conscious attempt has been made to target Muslim women". "It started with triple talaq, which has fallen flat on the face of the BJP," he said. He also said that as per the laid down provisions of law, a voter is allowed to cast his or her vote only after the poll official cross-checks and verifies the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) card. "I think that there is a planned attempt to keep Muslim women voters away from voting," he said. Saharanpur-based Islamic seminary of Darul Uloom Deoband refused to comment.Muslims make up around 19-20 per cent of UP's population of nearly 200 million. Out of 403 assembly constituencies in UP, there are nearly 120 seats where the percentage of Muslim voters is more than 20 per cent (Muslim-dominated seats) and in certain parts of eastern UP, their population is up to 27 per cent. The decision to shift Telecom Secretary J S Deepak has surprised bureaucratic circles as well as the telecom industry. Deepak has been named Indias next Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training on Wednesday night. The change comes at a time when the industry is divided over the mobile tariff rates offered by new operator Reliance Jio. As a head of the Telecom Commission, Deepak has opposed unrestricted freebies offered by any telecom operator to attract customers, as the sector is already suffering from heavy debt. A 1982 batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, Deepak, who is presently attending the Mobile World Congress at Barcelona, has been shifted with immediate effect from the Telecom Ministry and has been made Officer on Special Duty in the Commerce Department, a upgraded post from the director level position, said an official order. As per the order, he would have to assume charge as ambassador from June 1, and will serve till the date of his superannuation which is July 31, 2018. Though the reason for his transfer was not known, one view is that the government wanted to put an experienced person in the WTO wing as Deepak already served in the Commerce Ministry as Indias chief negotiator at the WTO and for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, the mega Free Trade Agreement being negotiated by 16 countries. But his sudden transfer surprised many in the Telecom Industry as he is credited with successfully conducting the first ever e-auction of spectrum in 2010 that fetched government over Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2010, while also setting the roadmap for future auctions. India-born PepsiCo chief Indira Nooyi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and apprised him of PepsiCos investment in India and increased use of local fruit juice in its beverages. Nooyi also offered her company's help in the governments efforts to achieve national development goals. As I shared with Prime Minister Modi, PepsiCo is well-positioned to help the government deliver on the national development goals he has outlined for farmers and supporting their livelihoods, she said in a statement after the meeting. The prime minister and I had an engaging dialogue on how PepsiCo is making investments to grow, process and use more Indian-grown fruit juice in our sparkling beverages... We also discussed our launch of new Quaker Oats products that take traditional recipes and add in whole-grain Quaker Oats to help Indians start their day in a healthy way, Nooyi said in a statement. PepsiCo has plans to invest Rs 33,000 crore in India in the next four years and more than double its business in the country. Last year, PepsiCO had cut sugar content in its 7UP brand by 30% and replaced it with plant-based sweetener. I recount a day dream experienced after reading the flood of tributes to Kenneth Arrow, often described as the founding father of the modern Social Choice theory. He is best known for his Impossibility theorem. He demonstrated that it was impossible to formulate a social preference ordering or voting system that can consistently and sensibly reflect the preferences of a set of individuals with diverse views. Apparently, simple conditions of democracy or non-dictatorship, full individual sovereignty, unanimity (if all individuals in a group, prefers choice a over b, the group should also so prefer a to b), freedom from irrelevant alternatives (if some alternative choices have been ranked, removal of one of them should not change the ranks of other choices) and uniqueness of group rank imposed together in a choice situation result in erratic behaviour. This was in 1951. The Noble Prize came in 1972 making him the youngest winner. The dream wandered from Arrow, to another work inspired by this lucidly simple proof. This was the Theory of the second Best of Richard Lipsey and Kevin Lancaster in 1956. Simply put, it enunciates that in a sub-optimal equilibrium, resetting one condition to optimality, without simultaneously resetting all other conditions optimality gets you worse-off than originally. It is thus better to consciously strive for second best solutions rather than optimal situations. The dream drifted back to another work for which Arrow is famous his work on endogenous growth or Learning by Doing or simply, in a very colloquial sense, corporations and organisations get better and more efficient with time if they simply keep focussing on what they are doing. The dream unaccountably wandered off to the differences between the Indian and Chinese growth stories. In Maos time, both countries were equally deficient on most parameters compared to the advanced economies. Both had similar sized economies. India was, if anything slightly ahead on most parameters. Enter Deng Xiaoping in the post-Mao era. He retained non democracy by whatever name you call it but, together with his successors, systematically reset all governance processes relating to matters economic towards optimality conditions as per suggestions of US trained advisors. Not at once or equally in all provinces and they are admittedly still nowhere there, but systematically and continuously. Equally admittedly, China is facing all sorts of problems in these troubled times, but which country isnt? It is equally true that sooner or later they will run into the challenge of reconciling their politics of governance with their management of economics, but as off now are already five times larger in size than India. Also, though a predominantly manufacturing/export manufacturing-oriented economy, they have a service sector more than twice the size of the entire Indian economy and a digital or e-economy larger even than the US digital/e-economy. What about us? We are undoubtedly a robust democracy. Also, notwithstanding what one set of politicians say about the others, governance practices have mostly been well intentioned. All governments have grappled with reform and growth problems. Development and growth have both undoubtedly happened. All policies invariably focus on securing optimality. All states are equally important for allocation of investment and infrastructure. Manufacturing-based employment has always been offered to all states (backward area development, freight equalisation etc). Similarly, provision of justice (each case equally important, no acceleration at any cost), affirmative action (simultaneous and equal in all institutions) or citizenship/human rights has been consistently given priority. In no specific case can any fair person accuse the state for being consciously partial unless it was to a minority or the disadvantaged. All laws apply with equal rigour in metropolitan as also rural centres. Ramshackle cities The dream then flitted off to the sorry fact that despite all this, we all experience ramshackle cities, educational and health systems, reservation riots and increasingly ever higher levels of unemployment. The social stress levels have gone up. Any or every event can set off riot like conditions-whether it is a bullock cart race or a college debate or even a simple celebratory get-together over a meal. If you ask any adult, they all express a strong desire for change, even if it implies paying more. They are willing, to pay more for treatments at a government hospital. All they want is due attention, with adequate equipment in hygienic conditions. None likes getting fleeced at a private set up but all perforce go there. All say that the same hospitals/ cities/universities were outstandingly good in the 1960s/ 1970s but have deteriorated. If you ask any doctor or bureaucrat, serving or retired, for ideas on how to restore quality, each will give his/her personal opinion that granting fullest autonomy and corporate governance thereby creating a public institution which is neither private sector or governmental is now the best way forward. But then, the same ideas had occurred in the previous and earlier decades. The word autonomous is now often used to describe the same institutions and yet autonomy is still felt required? The dream wrestled with the paradox before flitting off to another paradox. India is among the most difficult countries on ease of doing business index. We apparently have the most stringent procedures for environmental clearance. It often takes years to get clearances. Manufacturing is our smallest sector. Yet environmental pollution is our biggest problem. Similarly, construction laws and rules are extremely complex and time consuming. Even extending a balcony in a flat involves multiple authorities/permissions. Yet though India has an official Urbanisation Index of about 30%, the World Bank satellite night light based assessment places it nearer 60%. How can World Bank be so wrong? The locked spirals of paradoxes woke me up wondering what on earth Indian day to day problems have anything to do with Arrows work or even other paradoxes like Fallacy of Composition and Money Illusion much liked by theorists. Maybe the answers are blowing in the wind as Bob Dylan, the current Noble literature prize winner, once crooned? (The writer is former chairman, Exim Bank of India) President Donald Trump loves the song My Way, bristles at the slightest alterations in his daily routine, and lashes out when the world wont accept him on his own terms. Then, when that does not work, he tries something completely different. Trumps well-received address to Congress on Tuesday night, a conciliatory speech in which the word we outnumbered the word I by 3-to-1, represented precisely that kind of shift. Just last week, Trump shouted himself hoarse branding the news media enemies of the American people at a time when he was working on an address that invoked the better angels of his own nature, national unity and an end to trivial fights. This does not represent a pivot, it is not a fundamental change of approach, and it does not mean that Trump plans to abandon his tweet-first-and-ask-questions-later style. But it is a recognition by the White House, that what it had been doing was not quite working and that a softer sales tactic was needed to sell the same hard-edge populist agenda he campaigned on, people close to Trump said. It was not a reset speech, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Wednesday, as Trumps team basked in its best news cycle since he took office 41 days ago. Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, and a Trump ally and adviser, said, The thing people dont get about Trump is how quickly he learns he moves fast so hes going to be using different approaches. He started out with a set of attitudes and assumptions, and hes gradually learning which ones are worth keeping and which ones he needs to throw out, Gingrich said. On Tuesday he rose to the occasion because he knew the country was watching. That doesnt mean next Tuesday he wont have a 20,000-person rally where he strikes a different tone. Striking that presidential tone, as Trump did on Tuesday, was an important political move for a commander in chief facing historically low approval numbers and scepticism from fellow Republicans. Republican Senate and House members were cheered by the presidents optimistic message. But in private, they are becoming increasingly anxious about the administrations reluctance to present a detailed plan on how to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, as well as offer a more specific budget document than a brief outline circulated last week, a $1 trillion infrastructure package that is still in the theoretical stage, and an as-yet vague proposal to cut corporate taxes. Some Republican senators noted in private that nationalist edges on illegal immigration still cut through the speech, despite all the cushioning of the language. Democrats were even less charitable. Come on, there was no pivot, and there isnt going to be one, said Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader. The speech wasnt as harsh as some other ones, but it was basically the same things hes been saying all along. It had the same terrible policies on immigration and other issues. The speech, current and former Trump staff members said, was conceived as a bookend to the inaugural address, which was intended to be short and businesslike to project the new presidents impatience in enacting his America First agenda that included quickly killing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and beefing up border security. Aware that Trump would be speaking to the largest television audience since his inaugural, his messaging team led by his chief strategist Stephen Bannon; his top policy adviser Stephen Miller and speechwriter Vince Haley, with input from his counsellor Kellyanne Conway, his spokeswoman Hope Hicks and a handful of others took pains to soften his often incendiary language. And they were pleased with the contrast between his slashing, improvisational speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday and his dignified delivery on Tuesday all of which showcased Trumps political range, according to one person close to the team. Trump also resisted any instincts he may have had to ad-lib. But Trump faces weeks of significant governing challenges that might soon overshadow the success of the speech and the weeklong schedule of follow-up events around the country by him and Vice President Mike Pence. Two people briefed on how Tuesdays speech to Congress was crafted said the lack of details was an intentionally evasive manoeuvre, using phrases that allowed different groups to read in what they wanted. It buys the president more time to change the narrative that his White House is short-staffed and in disarray. But none of a dozen people in Trumps orbit said they had expected him to sustain the tone of measured magnanimity in the speech. Inside the White House, the success of the address three-quarters of respondents polled by CBS approved of Trumps message was greeted with relief after weeks of controversy over the presidents reported ties with Russia, the botched rollout of his immigration executive order and the resignation of his national security adviser Michael Flynn. The question of when, or whether, Trump will ever move away from his brash, in-your-face style to a more sedate and conventional approach has been dogging the former real estate developer since the earliest days of his presidential campaign. False pivots There have been nearly as many false pivots as real crises: Trump was expected to adopt a kinder-gentler attitude after an Access Hollywood recording of him making lewd comments about women surfaced last fall, but after a short statement of contrition he went back on the attack. The moment that came closest to Tuesday nights change of tone came on election night when Trump called for unity and an end to a vicious political war he had so vigorously pursued. Its time for America to bind the wounds of division have to get together, the stunned winner told his supporters at a Manhattan ballroom that night. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. Its time. But over the next few months, Trump often adopted a harsher and darker tone in interviews, speeches (often off-the-cuff) and on Twitter. He cannot afford that approach now, as he moves into the tougher, more public process of trying to push a legislative programme through Congress. On Wednesday, Trump who loves to linger in front of the cameras before ceremonial White House events hustled the news media out of the Roosevelt Room after 30 seconds to begin his first real nuts-and-bolts negotiating session with Hill Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader. We are here to start the process, a solemn-faced Trump said. It begins as of now. International New York Times The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking a ban on water supply from Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli district to the co-packers of cola companies. When a couple of public interest litigations (PILs) came up for hearing at the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, Justices A Selvam and P Kalaiyarasan questioned the petitioners as to why a similar case was not filed against other companies that were drawing water from the same river. The courts decision came a day after many traders in Tamil Nadu decided to stop selling Pepsi and Coca Cola from March 1. The petitioners argued that the two companies were drawing water from the river, which in turn was affecting farming. In their counter affidavit, the co-packers of PepsiCo rejected the charges that they did not exploit the water from the Thamirabarani river. The state government also said only surplus river water was supplied to the companies. However, after a detailed hearing, the court vacated the interim orders and dismissed the writ petitions, holding that there was no environmental impact on account of PepsiCo fetching water from the river. District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said Karnataka is the only state in the country that offers highest subsidy to diesel used by mechanised fishing boats. The minister told reporters here that Karnataka has 3,600 boats and the government provides a subsidy of Rs 115.52 crore. The maximum quantity of diesel eligible for subsidy in a year in Karnataka is 90,000 litres. In Maharashtra, which has 10,000 boats and provides Rs 100 crore subsidy, gives a subsidy of only 45,000 litres in a year. Matsayamela Madhwaraj said that youths who have applied for feasibility report by November 21, 2016 are being given the reports. He said Udupi Matsayamela-2017 will be organised from March 3 to 5 at Malpe Beach. An exhibition and demonstration on development of fisheries and fishing activities in the district will be held. A variety of dishes made from fish and stalls on the research and academic activities in the field of fish industries, sand art expo, aquarium preparation and cultural programmes will be the attractions of the mela, the minister said. Members of AdvaMed India on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent capping of prices of coronary stents. They said it would limit the options for patients. Addressing a panel discussion in the city on Tuesday, members of this trade association for medical devices said the government must introduce alternative measures to provide affordable healthcare to all. Varun Khanna, chairman, AdvaMed India Working Group said long term tax exemptions and cuts in customs duty would ensure that the cost of medical devices is brought down considerably. According to AdvaMed, duty amounts to 20% of the cost, taxes are10-15% and 16% is transport cost. If the government addresses these issues, the cost would come down considerably, they said. Dr Sharan Shivraj Patil, chairman, Sparsh Hospitals, who was part of the discussion, said price capping on medical devices would adversely impact the growth of the healthcare sector. Many doctors living abroad want to return to India as the same quality devices are available here. But such decisions would discourage them from coming back as options are limited, he said. Dr Patil said both the medical device industry and doctors work in partnership. If the enthusiasm of the industry is curbed, we can forget about innovations, he said. He said the government also ought to focus on better investments that benefit the Indian industry at large. Quoting an example of threading implants, Dr Patil said companies in India did not have a tool to measure the precision of these threads. This has forced doctors to import the device even though it is manufactured in the country. In the election strategy helmed by party vice president Rahul Gandhi, the Congress is not pulling any punches when it comes to countering Prime Minister Narendra Modis aggression on the campaign trail. Congress leaders have paid back in equal measure, often matching barb for barb and acronym for acronym of Modis stinging criticism of the party and its leadership in more than a month-long election campaign in five states. As Modi mocked Rahuls purported reference to selling coconut juice from Manipur in London, Congress leaders went into an overdrive to describe the prime minister as a habitual offender in telling lies. Congress circulated video clips of Rahuls election speech to stub out Modis coconut juice jibe. Rahul Gandhis video is universally available. You must watch it... He didnt speak about coconuts, but about pineapple juice. Prime Minister Modi is just making up things, said Randeep Singh Surjewala, incharge of the AICC communication department. Surjewala hit back at the BJP, dubbing it a Bahut Jhoothi Paathshala (School of Lies) and describing Modi as a professor in the art of peddling lies. Modi should stop being the professor of lies and must apologise not to the Congress alone, but to the entire nation for misleading the people by falsifying the words of the leader of the principal Opposition party, he said. At a rally in Maharajganj on Wednesday, Modi had ribbed Rahul over selling Made in Manipur coconut juice in London and setting up potato factories. Rahuls coconut juice remarks could be traced to inaccurate reports in a section of the media about his speech in Manipur. You grow lemon, oranges, pineapples here. I want a day when someone will drink pineapple juice in London and see Made in Manipur on the pack, Rahul had said at a rally on Tuesday. It seemed the BJP managers had picked certain inaccurate media reports to ridicule Rahul. On the campaign trail, when Modi dished out the acronym SCAM to refer to the Samajwadi Party, Congress, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, Rahul tried to turn the tables, saying SCAM stood for Service, Courage, Ability and Modesty. The BJP has deployed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to reach out to the trading community in Prime Minister Narendra Modis constituency of Varanasi. Jaitley, in his bid to assuage the feelings of traders, ploughed through encouraging latest GDP growth figures to argue that demonetisation has expanded the social base of the party and busted the myth created by the Opposition that note ban has hit the poor hard and made the countrys economy sluggish. Varanasi is also home to a large numbers of traders, essentially saree business, and note ban had impacted the weavers as payments are mainly made through cash. People had said the economy will become sluggish and it will impact the GDP. But thats not the case. In November and December, I had said that revenue figures are showing increase in excise and VAT collections. Despite the currency squeeze, the GDP figures have improved. It clearly indicates that our target to integrate black money economy with the formal economy is happening, Jaitley said. Hinting that note ban has helped the BJP to consolidate the votes of non-Yadav most backward castes, the Union minister stressed that the partys traditional voters continued to remain with it and new people were joining in. We have not seen this kind of expansion in so many decades, he remarked. Jaitley quoted the recent civic poll results in Maharashtra and Odisha to insist that people in some states have already given their mandate in favour of note ban. We won in slums where the BJP does not get votes. In Odisha, too, our strength grew in tribal areas and we will see similar reactions in Uttar Pradesh, Jaitley said. The BJP on Thursday demanded an Enforcement Directorate (ED) enquiry into the charges that co-operative banks illegally sanctioned Rs 251 crore term loan to Harsha Sugars, in which Congress leader Lakshmi Hebbalkar is the managing director. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi said a consortium of seven co-operative banks had sanctioned the loan against a total security of 51 acres of industrial land worth only about Rs 1.69 crore in Savadatti taluk of Belagavi district. It is a Vijay Mallya-like case in Karnataka. The Congress government has enabled its leader to obtain huge sums of loan by throwing all rules to the winds, he charged. Besides, Lakshmis brother has been allotted 15 mega watt-capacity solar power generation project by the government. Her brother has submitted 10 online application forms for the project in a span of 59 seconds to obtain the projects. It is a biggest fraud in the government in the name of farmers, he charged. We also have information that Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd has purchased large quantity of coal from an Indonesian company. People related to Harsha Sugars are said to be benami owners of the company. We will release all documents in this regard shortly, the BJP leader said. Ravi demanded that the government should withdraw all charges against former Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) chairman Gonal Bhimappa and other members following its decision to accept Karnataka Administrative Tribunal order on the recruitment of 2011 batch gazette probationers. An Indian national who worked as a policeman in Bahrain for eight years is now accused of stealing 11 high-end cars in Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai. Pillakal Nazeer, 56, police believe, loves cars priced at Rs 15 lakh or more. A resident of New Gurappanapalya, he worked as constable in the West Asian nation on contract basis between 1998 and 2006 before returning to Bengaluru. Mallesh B, inspector, Madiwala police station, narrated Nazeers exploits as he went from one city to another in search of luxury automobiles. He will visit car showrooms as a customer. Speaking English fluently and dressed impeccably to show that he is rich, he will go for test drives only to never return. In other instances, he bluffed car showroom staff into allowing him into their godowns. Showing his cleverness, he made off with new cars. In some cases, he stole cars parked at service stations. To evade arrest, he never crossed any toll plaza on the day of the theft. He spent at least three days in villages, changed the cars number plate and drove into another state. He sold the stolen cars in big cities. His luck ran out when some of his neighbours curious about how he was driving a new high-end car every other day called the police last week. Policemen who arrived at his house were astounded to find a Hyundai luxury car worth Rs 35 lakh there. On their instruction, he submitted documents of the cars purchase but they turned out to be fake. Upon further examination, the cars engine and chassis number were found to be registered with a Hyundai showroom at Thiru Vi Ka Industrial Estate Ekkaduthangal in Chennai. Police contacted the showroom and it emerged that a man had stolen the car from the godown. The inspector said Nazeers wife caused a ruckus and tried to prevent the police from arresting him. The Congress leaders from Tumakuru district on Thursday demanded that G Parameshwara should be allowed to continue as KPCC president till 2018 Assembly polls. Party MLAs, K N Rajanna and Rafiq Ahmad, Tumakuru MP Mudduhanumegowda and former legislator Venkataramanappa said in a joint press conference that the party should face the next assembly elections under the leadership of Parameshwara and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The chief minister has fulfilled almost all the promises made by the party during the 2013 Assembly polls. The state Congress president chief has organised the party successfully ever since he was given the responsibility of leading the party in the state. A delegation of state party leaders will soon meet the high command in Delhi and urge it to allow Parameshwara to continue as the KPCC president, Rajanna 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 In a first of sorts, a district and sessions judge, who was earlier deputy registrar of the Lokayukta, has been penalised Rs 10,000 by the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) for not furnishing information under Right To Information (RTI) Act to an applicant who had sought details from the Lokayukta office. Gopal Krishna Rai, who is now Ramanagaram district and sessions judge, has also been ordered by Information Commissioner Chandre Gowda to pay Rs 3,000 as compensation to the RTI applicant. RTI applicant S Bhaskaran had sought details regarding the visitors log register maintained at the main entrance of the Lokayukta office in M S Building in Bengaluru. He had sought details of the people who visited the Lokayukta office between November 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, purpose of their visit and whom all did they visit in the office. When Bhaskaran was denied information, he went for a first appeal under section 19 (1) of the RTI Act and the first appellate passed orders that the information be made available to him. But even after the first appeal, when information was denied to him on the grounds that it was personal in nature for being furnished under the RTI Act, he went in for a second appeal under 19(3) of the Act. The appellate not only passed orders to provide information on the visitor's log book in Lokayuktas office, but also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Rai, who was public information officer and deputy registrar in the Lokayukta at that time. The information I sought for was to prove that a mala fide intent did exist in trapping of a police inspector for corruption by Lokayukta officials around the time of the officers promotion, Bhaskaran told Deccan Herald. India has lifted its objection over appointment of a nominee of Pakistan as the Secretary General of the Saarc, signalling a thaw in bilateral relations. With New Delhi withdrawing its objection, Islamabads nominee Amjad Hussain B Sial took over as the new Secretary General of the Saarc at the secretariat of the eight-nation bloc in Kathmandu on Wednesday. He succeeded Nepals Arjun Bahadur Thapa, who relinquished the office after completing his three-year-term on Tuesday. New Delhi earlier objected to Sials take-over as the new Secretary General of the Saarc. It, however, withdrew its objection recently, paving the way for Sial to take over the top office at the bloc's secretariat in the capital of Nepal. The Saarc rule required Thapa to be succeeded by a nominee of Pakistan. Islamabad nominated Sial, a senior officer of Pakistan Foreign Service, to be the next Secretary General of the Saarc. New Delhi, however, argued that his appointment should be confirmed by the Council of Ministers a body comprising the foreign ministers of all the eight member nations as stipulated by the Article V of the Memorandum of Agreement on establishment of the Saarc Secretariat. A meeting of the Council of Ministers was scheduled to take place just before the 19th Saarc summit, which was to be held at Islamabad in November last year. It, however, could not take place, as the blocs proposed 19th summit itself was postponed after India pulled out of it to protest continued export of terrorism from Pakistan, particularly the September 18, 2016 terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in northern Kashmir. Islamabad had to postpone the summit, as most of the other Saarc member nations too agreed New Delhi that the situation in the region was not conducive for holding the conclave. India and Pakistan also decided to hold a meeting of Permanent Indus Commission by the end of this year. A group of students assaulted their collegemate at the government college here for refusing to wear saffron shawl on Wednesday. Final year BA students Raghavendra, Jeevan, Sandeep and 4th semester student Abhishek waylaid and attacked Jayant Naika, also a 4th semester student, as he was not wearing the shawl on arriving at the college. He later lodged a complaint at the city station. The assaulters surrendered in the court, which granted them bail. The iconic Taj Mansingh Hotel will go under the hammer while the licence of another five-star hotel Le Meredian will be cancelled over dues of Rs 523 crore, the New Delhi Municipal Council said on Thursday. These two decisions were pending for sometime due to legal battles between the NDMC and the two hotels. Officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it supports decision of the NDMC. The decision was publicised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through a tweet, Important decisions todays NDMC meeting-open auction of Taj Mansingh, cancel Le Meridian Hotel licence, 240 days TMR (Temporary Muster Roll) every year to all death cases. Both hotels are built on land owned by the NDMC. They are leased by the companies that own the hotels. Actor Gajendra Chouhan will complete his tenure as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on Friday. He wanted an extension of his term which remained marred by students protests over his appointment in the first few months and lasted for altogether a year and seven months. Chouhan had made a request to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for extension of his term. But, official sources indicated that the ministry was unlikely to accept his request. The ongoing tension between the ABVP and Left-backed student unions further escalated as a poster demanding freedom for Kashmir and Palestine appeared on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on Thursday evening. ABVP supporters in the JNU accused the Left-leaning Democratic Students Union (DSU) for putting up the poster which read, Freedom for Kashmir! Free Palestine! Right to Self Determination Long Live! DSU. The JNU administration ordered the removal of the controversial poster soon after the matter was brought to its notice. Umar Khalid, who was booked on charge of sedition for raising anti-India slogans during an event organised in memory of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on February 9 last year, is associated with the DSU. Rapist outfit Earlier, the ABVP also put up several hoardings and posters calling All India Students Association (AISA) rapist and showing pictures of mutilated bodies with title communist violence on Delhi University campus. The AISA took serious exception to the hoardings and posters. The ABVP has resorted to hate-mongering by putting up provocative hoardings on campus trying to justify the violence unleashed in Ramjas incident. The entire campus was filled with hoardings of random mutilated bodies calling it an outcome of communist violence, the AISA leader Kawalpreet Aman said. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) took out marches in Delhi University, demanding action against students who raised Azadi slogans for Kashmir and Bastar recently. Hundreds of students joined marches amid heavy police deployment in the city, chanting slogans like Bharat mein rehna hai toh, Vande Mataram kehna hoga (chant Vande Mataram to live in India) and Na Marxvaad, Na Naxalvaad, Sabse Upar Rashtravaad (neither Marxism nor Naxalism, above all is nationalism). What happened in JNU, Jadavpur University and Ramjas college? Some people are raising anti-India slogans, the issue of separatism, independence to Kashmir. You (students) want to celebrate such people who carried out attack on Parliament. What does it mean? Naidu told a television channel. Such sloganeering by some students was vitiating the atmosphere in the universities, he added. Its all being done by the outsiders. People who have lost the elections are now trying to fight an ideological battle using the campuses. This is not acceptable to the country. Unity and integrity of this country is paramount to this government, Naidu said, categorically blaming the Congress and the Left parties for the prevailing situation. The ABVPs save DU march comes after news channels on Wednesday aired a video footage showing students raising Azadi slogans for Kashmir and Bastar during a protest at Delhi Universitys Ramjas College last week with a disclaimer that the authenticity of the video clip was not confirmed. Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Congress and Left parties were creating divisive atmosphere on campuses. He said those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet, he said, delivering the 6th K S Rajamony Memorial Lecture in Kochi. Referring to Nalanda and Takshashila as not mere geographical expressions but representations for the idea of free thought, the President said premier institutions of higher education were vehicles on which India had to propel itself into a knowledge society. Mukherjee said there should be no room in India for the intolerant Indian. India has been, since ancient times, a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. Freedom of speech and expression is one of the most important fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution, he said. Mukherjee, however, underscored that the time has also come for collective efforts to rediscover the sense of national purpose and patriotism that alone can lift our nation on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. The nation and the people must always come first...Let us exert ourselves to strengthen Indias pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred. If there is an aberration that curtails free thinking and free exchange of views, its the responsibility of the society to correct it, he said. The President also said leaders and political activists must listen to the people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Mukherjee noted that no one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support. President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said there must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent, apparently alluding to the current unrest in Delhi colleges. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) on Thursday disclosed the names of 20 hospitals, including two in Karnataka, against whom it received complaints on over-charging for coronary stents. The disclosure comes after the ceiling price of these medical devices was fixed.The two Karnataka hospitals on the list are St. Philomenas Hospital in Vivek Nagar of Bengaluru, and Cauvery Hospital in Siddartha Layout, near Teresian College in Mysuru. The NPPA, however, is yet to receive the supporting copies of the bills from the complainants in both cases. While the authority released the details of 24 complaints, there are multiple complaints against Metro Hospital in Faridabad and KEM Hospital in Mumbai. The only government hospital on the list of over-charging entities is the Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. The hospitals were given a week to respond to the NPPA. If their responses fail to satisfy the authority, it can recommend prosecution against these hospitals under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Last month, the drug price control authority fixed the ceiling price of drug eluting stents at Rs 29,600 and bare metal stents at Rs 7,260 after a long legal battle and multiple rounds of discussions involving stent manufacturing and importing companies, public health campaigners and other wings of the government. The price control was brought in after incorporating coronary stents into the National List of Essential Medicine, whose ceiling prices are fixed by the NPPA. But the order is yet to be implemented in letter and spirit by the hospitals, which are weighing options including hiking the procedure cost in order to keep the rates of angioplasty packages more or less the same. Other hospitals against whom NPPA received complaints include Sun Medical and Research Centre at Thrissur; Max Hospital at Saket in Delhi; Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai; Ram Murti Hospital in Bareilly; Bharat Heart Institute in Dehradun; Nidan Hospital in Sonipat; Six Sigma Medicare and Research Ltd in Nasik; Healing Touch Hospital in Ambala and Global Hospital in Jalandhar. These outfits are also accused of non-compliance of an official order, as per which the hospitals are to mention the cost of the coronary stent along with its brand name, manufacturers name, batch number and other details in bills. From the 11 bill copies that NPPA received, it is clear that hospitals are not following this order. Bills of other 13 complaints are awaited. Price control on stents would reduce profiteering in the supply chain. Resistance by the importers, some cardiologists and other vested interests is not unexpected, but must be overcome through public pressure and effective regulatory action, said Arun Mitra, former chairman of the ethical committee at the Punjab Medical Council. The state government has decided to adhere to its stand and not denotify fruits and vegetables from the Karnataka Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (Regulation and Development) Act, despite the Centre aggressively pushing for agri-market reforms. As many as 21 fruits and eight vegetables, including apple, orange, banana, potato, onion and tomato, are notified under the KAPMC Act, 1966. The Act makes it mandatory for farmers to sell their produce only to the licensed merchants at the mandis of Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) by paying the commission and other charges. Denotification of fruits and vegetables, according to the Centre, will put an end to a chain of commission agents between the farmers and the consumers, creating a win-win situation for both. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made a strong pitch for the denotification and promoting contract farming in his 2017-18 Budget presented recently. But the Karnataka government holds a different view. We have no intention to denotify perishables (from the Act). Even now the farmers are free to sell their produce directly to consumers anywhere, including APMC yards. Moreover, the government will not be in a position to intervene and provide justice to the farmers if the traders refuse to pay judicious price, Additional Secretary to Co-operation department (APMC reforms) R Manoj said. As per the Department of Agriculture Marketing, cost to the supply chain due to handling of fruits and vegetables at APMCs is only 6% of the total cost of the produce. Cost of supply chain include 5% commission and 1% hamali and other handling cost. This cost will be significantly higher in unorganised sector due to involvement of middlemen at multiple levels. Interestingly, the ruling Congress has refused to denotify perishables despite directions from the party vice president Rahul Gandhi to all the Congress-ruled state governments in 2014. Instead, the Karnataka government exempted levy of market fee on farmers (1.5% on fruits and 1% on vegetables) and made a provision for retail sales at APMC yards. Chairman of Food Processing Committee of Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries Bharat Shah said APMCs help farmers get competitive price to their produce due to the involvement of large number of traders. Besides, the farmers get necessary logistical support such as storage place at APMCs. As far as consumers are concerned, prices of fruits and vegetables are normally the lowest at APMCs compared to other places, he added, opposing the move to denotify perishables. The decision spelled a big victory for all those who had vociferously campaigned against the project questioning its utility, its huge financial and environmental costs. For nine months, the state government had refused to budge, despite stiff resistance to the flyover from different quarters. Citizens were concerned that the Rs 1,791-crore project, based on a car-centric mobility vision for the city, would also require the felling of 812 fully grown trees. A group of citizens had also approached Governor Vajubhai Vala seeking his intervention. The public outcry, combined with incessant social media campaign, received a boost when the National Green Tribunal stayed the projects implementation. Designed to ensure a seamless commute to the Kempegowda International Airport, the flyover was to connect Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal and, by the governments reckoning, ease traffic on the busy road. But much cheaper and feasible alternative road options to the airport were ignored till the recently concluded airshow forced a rethink. The project had caused huge embarrassment to the Siddaramaiah government after the Opposition BJP accused the ruling Congress of taking a bribe of Rs 65 crore to award the contract. The sudden decision to scrap the Rs 1,791-crore project was announced after a meeting convened by Bengaluru Development Minister K J George to discuss the drinking water needs of the city with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board and elected representatives. George made the announcement after hearing the opinions of some elected representatives, a few of who demanded that the minister take a stand on the project in the wake of allegations and doubts looming over it. At the meeting, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Working President Dinesh Gundurao said the party would invite blame even if the project was executed well. Why should we take risks and get a bad name? Gundurao said, offering friendly advice to his party colleague. When Mahadevapura MLA Aravind Limbavali demanded an inquiry, George lost his temper and said he would speak to the chief minister right away and see if the project could be scrapped. We dont want people to see the completed project and say the Congress built it by looting them...If people are caught in traffic chaos, you people are responsible for it, he told Limbavali. George meant the BJP when he said you people. In the midst of the arguments, George called Siddaramaiah. After the meeting, George said, I am really pained to say the project has been called off. The chief minister has said I can cancel it. The paper work for the cancellation will be initiated after Cabinet approval. The project was meant for the public and we have not taken a single rupee, contrary to the allegations made in connection with the diary, he said. He was referring to the BJPs charge that the Income Tax authorities had found a diary in the house of MLC K Govindaraju, showing how much politicians had pocketed for sanctioning the project. Faced with the prospect of an adverse National Green Tribunal ruling, the government decided to abandon the project, sources said. By seemingly giving in to the Opposition demand to scrap the flyover, the government has not only saved face, but also regained the moral high ground, political observers said. The state government on Thursday scrapped the vexed steel flyover project that had kicked up a huge political storm. The unprecedented collective citizens protest against the controversial project has finally had its desired effect. A software engineers wife has sought action against her father-in-law for attempting to molest her. She has also sought action against her husband and mother-in-law for asking her to cooperate with him. The woman said she was physically and mentally harassed for dowry. The victim hails from Tumakuru, but currently stays with her parents in Basavanagudi here. The victims husband and his parents reside in Indiranagar. She got married on April 7, 2016. In a complaint to the womens police station, Basavanagudi, the woman said her husband flew to America within a week after the wedding. Her father-in-law would inappropriately touch her and invite her for physical contact. He would also abuse her in filthy language. The victim complained to her mother-in-law, but the latter directed her to cooperate. She contacted her husband in America and told him about the attempts of molestation. But he directed her to adjust with his father. He threatened to kill her if she did not cooperate. She told the police that her husband had promised to arrange for her visa so that she could join him, but he never fulfilled his promise. Rather, he demanded Rs 5 lakh and ornaments worth Rs 2 lakh so that he could arrange visa for her. She spent money from her pocket, flew to America and joined him. The woman said the in-laws joined the couple in America within a few days. The father-in-law continued his behaviour there also. She returned to India as she could no longer bear the torture. Dowry harassment She claimed that her parents had presented her husband two gold chains, a wrist watch and Rs 2.5 lakh as dowry during the wedding. Besides, her parents had spent Rs 10 lakh for the wedding. The police have booked the trio under IPC section 498 A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) besides sections 3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, DCP (South) S D Sharanappa told DH. The police said that they have issued notices to the victims husband and mother-in-law as they are in America. They are yet to question the father-in-law. A losing battle in court and political onslaught by the rival BJP forced the Congress government to abruptly scrap its pet but highly controversial project of building a 6.9-km-long steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal. Although activists and citizens groups welcomed the decision, the governments move left them perplexed. Sources in the government, however, said it was not a sudden decision necessitated by a volley of accusations thrown by BJP legislators. The decision to shelve the project was taken for administrative as well as political reasons. The government, sources in the Congress said, was fighting a losing battle in the National Green Tribunals Chennai bench, where a case has been filed against the project by two Bengaluru-based activists. Sources said the petitioners members of Citizens Action Forum (CAF) and Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB) had a strong case. In contrast, the governments case was weak. It seems the government got enough hints that its not going to win the case. It decided to shelve the project to avoid further embarrassment, sources said. The tribunal is expected to pronounce the judgement in a week or two. It had given the petitioners and the respondents time to make submissions, if any, before the final hearing. Though the government was allowed to undertake pre-construction work and soil testing, it did not mean it had won the case. But the government was confident. It had been maintaining all along that there was no need for environmental clearance for the project, the sources said. The petitioners argued against the project and asked the government to explore other options such as alternative roads to the airport. The biggest stumbling block to implementing the project was the lack of environmental clearance. The Bangalore Development Authority (one of the respondents in the case) argued that the steel flyover was exempted from environmental clearance, but every project of such magnitude will have environmental impact, which should be assessed, the sources said. Kickback nail in coffin As if the legal hurdles were not enough, BJP state president B S Yeddyurappas specific accusation that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah received Rs 65 crore in kickbacks to clear the project pushed the Congress to the back foot. It was the final nail in the coffin. Sources in the Congress said that when MLC K Govindarajs diary (which purportedly lists kickbacks paid to Congress leaders and the media) came up for discussion at the partys co-ordination committee meeting, it was decided to put an end to the controversy as it could potentially damage its electoral prospects in Karnataka in general and Bengaluru (which has 28 Assembly seats) in particular. Water meeting At a meeting of the citys MLAs called by Bengaluru Development Minister K J George to discuss the water crisis in the summer, Congress MLA N A Haris demanded that the steel flyover project be discussed first. BJP MLAs opposed it but ministers Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byre Gowda, MLAs Dinesh Gundu Rao, Munirathna, S T Somashekhar and others backed Haris. This led to heated arguments between Congress and BJP legislators. At one point, George voluntarily declared there was no need for the project when there were so many charges of corruption against the government. He then said he would make an announcement on the project after speaking to the chief minister. He spoke to Siddaramaiah over phone, and an official statement was put out soon after. Stating that the government scrapped the project under pressure from the BJP, Independent MLC Byrathi Suresh, who is an associate member of the Congress, walked out of the meeting. Anekal MLA, A Narayanaswamy, recorded his dissent. Govindaraj was conspicuous by his absence. Transcription 1 NEWS CORRESPONDENTS For correspondents address, visit Gayla R. Postma News Editor Sarah Boonstra Classes Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone Anita Brinkman Classes Huron, Chatham Jenny degroot Classes BC North-West, BC South-East Larry Edsall Classes Arizona, Red Mesa Doug Evenhouse Classes Northern Illinois, Wisconsin Karen Gorter Classes Holland, Zeeland, Northern Michigan, Muskegon Henry Huisjen Classes Kalamazoo, Lake Erie Calvin Hulstein Classes Atlantic NE, Hackensack, Hudson Jonathan J. Kim Classis Pacific Hanmi Rachel dekoning Kraay Classes Alberta North, Alberta South & Saskatchewan Noah Kruis Classes Grand Rapids East, Grand Rapids North Amy Rycenga Classes Muskegon, Northern Michigan Ryan Struyk Classis Thornapple Valley Amy Toornstra Classes Columbia, Pacific Northwest Roxanne Van Farowe Classis Southeast U.S Sophie Vandenberg Classes Hamilton, Niagara, Toronto Brenda Visser Classes Eastern Canada, Quinte Heidi Wicker Classes California South, Central California, Greater L.A., Carolyn Koster Yost Classes Georgetown, Grandville, Grand Rapids South Louis Tamminga In Memoriam articles If your region is not listed here, please contact the news editor. ALL PHOTOS BY GAYLA R. POSTMA A Firsthand Look at Rebuilding Haiti In Haiti, it never ends, one relief worker I met recently in Haiti told me. He was right. It was early November, and on top of losing an estimated 200,000 people to the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake, the remaining displaced and traumatized population now had Hurricane Tomas hovering to the south and a cholera epidemic spreading from the north. Although Tomas did not make a direct hit, it dropped enough rain on the mountains to cause major flooding. Cholera deaths have topped 2,000 as I write this. The situation in Haiti can indeed seem hopeless. Yet Christian Reformed personnel are providing help, comfort and hope, backed by $12 million dollars, $8 million of which came from CRC donors. Their optimism and commitment to being agents of change in Jesus name amazed me as they drove me past acres of tent camps on rutted roads lined with garbage and earthquake rubble. Port-au-Prince, Haiti s capital, is a noisy, crowded city of 3 million. Some headway has been made in clearing rubble, but ample evidence of the earthquake remains. These missionaries from the U.S. and Canada make up Sous Espwa (Source of Hope), an integrated team sent by Back to God Ministries International, the media ministry of the CRC Christian Reformed World Missions Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC). Even more remarkable are the Haitian leaders I met, the ones who lead the Christian organizations with whom Sous Espwa works. These leaders lost family members, friends, homes, and churches. Yet they continue ministering, ever hopeful of the healing message they bring to their communities. The following stories are about only a few of those leaders and how, with the help of the Christian Reformed Church, they are rebuilding Haiti, one day at a time. Broadcasting a Message of Hope Reformed Perspectives, or Perspectives Reformees as it is known in Haiti, has been broadcasting a gospel message of hope despite facing enormous challenges after the earthquake. Radio is still the primary method of mass communication in Haiti. Rev. Sem Hypolite, director of the program, lost his home and Rev. Sem Hypolite, director of Perspectives Reformees, a radio ministry in Haiti 10 THE BANNER January 2 acheck thebanner.org for the expanded story. Sous Espwa Staff Ad and Coby DeBlaeij Rev. Zachary King Rev. Sharon Seegar-King Jenny LeMahieu Lesley Millar and San Diego Toussant Howard and Ruth Van Dam Lorigiana Meneide had to send his wife and baby to live in the countryside. His assistant, Margalita Petion, lost her mother. Many of Haiti s large radio stations were destroyed by the quake, driving up the cost of air time. Nevertheless, the program has aired a number of messages recorded by Rev. Paul Mpindi specifically for post-earthquake Haiti. Mpindi is the French-language minister for Back to God Ministries International. Despite the earthquake, 3,000 Haitians continue to work on their related Bible study lessons. In addition to covering the cost of a replacement home for Hypolite, $55,000 will fund new radio messages in Creole, the language far more Haitians speak than The Sous Espwa building in Port-au-Prince French, said Lesley Millar Toussant, with Sous Espwa. And there will be a trained pastoral counselor available at the ministry follow-up center to listen and pray with people. (See or backtogod.net/.) Independence for the Injured Please, Give Me a Limb is the newest program of Ministe pou Devlopman Kretyen, or MDK. An estimated 10,000 people in Portau-Prince lost limbs as a result of the earthquake in a city that was Pastor Lemete Zephyr collects equipment for people who have lost limbs. already home to several hundred thousand people with amputations. Rev. Lemete Zephyr, director of MDK, collects equipment for them to use: walkers, canes, crutches, wheelchairs. They register with and receive their equipment through local churches, which allows MDK to also help them with earning a living. If funding can be found for it, a microcredit program will help people with amputations start small businesses. In this society, amputees are rejected, seen only as someone to be helped, Zephyr said. We re also educating society through radio and conferences to accept and give opportunities to amputees. MDK also trains pastors and deacons and produces simple Bible study and discipleship materials in Creole. New materials are available to help deacons doing pastoral care in a post-earthquake society. Leadership is the key to change, said Zephyr. Community members can organize and have more impact. (See org/welcome.html.) One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Pwogram Fomasyon pou Oganizasyon Dyakona or PWOFOD also trains deacons and leaders to help transform communities using literacy and micro-credit programs. After the earthquake this ministry worked with people at Camp Bethel, a tent city that received little aid because of the danger of gang-related violence. The deacons helped people get organized, lent tools for clean up and rebuilding, and arranged food distribution. But the ministry s office building was completely destroyed, which also meant a loss of rental income that helped fund its programs. The micro-credit program was wiped out after some people with loans died, others moved away, and still others lost everything they had. continued on p. 13 Rev. Pierre Merisier coordinates a ministry that trains deacons to help transform communities through literacy and micro-credit programs. January 2011 THE BANNER 11 3 Haiti: It Isn t Just About the Houses The bulk of the $12 million collected by the Christian Reformed Church for Haiti is bankrolling simple wood houses in five small communities of the Leogane region, Two young children were able to move from their tent (right) to a new home (behind them). where 85 percent of the people lost their homes. So far, half of the 1,700 planned houses have been built. Leogane, the epicenter of the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake, is 29 cratered kilometers (18 miles) west of Port-au-Prince, and it s where the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee s International Disaster Response team has focused its rebuilding efforts. The WASH program (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) has become more urgent with the spread of cholera in the region. It includes installing wells and latrines, handing out soap and purification tablets, and providing education on proper sanitary practices. But sometimes a house and clean water aren t enough. That s the easy part. Much more complicated is alleviating people s trauma and fear, which can keep them living in a tent even when their own home is undamaged. I went with Cleeford Dalce to a small community meeting in Masson. Men and women of all ages gathered in a small clearing, along with children who should Cleeford Dalce (right) addresses a community meeting in Masson. Consultant Jos Joosse of CRWRC demonstrates the tap at an artesian well. have been in school but whose parents can t afford the fees. Dalce is a social worker who goes into the tent camps both to conduct surveys to see who needs what and to help people with their fears. Dalce told me of one woman whose home was deemed safe but who wouldn t move back into it. She was too afraid. After we talked awhile, now she lives in her house, he said. The meetings don t always go well. Some are angry that they haven t gotten a house yet. Others are angry that property owners receive priority. But the meetings give people a place to share their stories and fears and to learn stress management techniques. I had a bad stomach, Mme. Henri told the small group gathered. She wore a white skirt and top that were startlingly clean in a place where recent rains had turned everything to mud. I learned to drink more water, and I received counseling. Now it is much better, she said. Another man shared a similar story. After registering a number of families and giving them ID cards, Dalce led some stretching exercises, drawing laughter from many of the women. As we climbed into the truck to leave, an older man pulled Dalce aside to speak privately. He s having trouble in his marriage ever since the earthquake, Dalce sighed as he returned and climbed into the driver s seat. It isn t just about the houses. To support the work in Leogane, contact CRWRC at or (Canada) or (U.S.). Gayla R. Postma 12 THE BANNER January 4 a Check thebanner.org for the expanded story. continued from p. 11 Pierre Merisier, program coordinator, said it has been difficult for staff to see the program get set back like this. We were close to being self-sustaining, he said. It is quite hard for us to get out of this. We ourselves feel like small children, set back again. Rev. Ernst Jean-Louis, literacy coordinator, noted that they have to be careful with their preaching because people are angry with governments, the international community, and God. If a person has lost a husband and two kids, how do you talk about God s love? he asked. We re Rain left behind by Hurricane Tomas caused major flooding in Leogane. working on how to present good news in times of tragedy. He also noted that more people are attending and getting engaged with the church. Some see hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding as signs that we are in end times, that time is short, he said. The CRC is supporting this program by providing a pre-fab building for an office, along with furniture and computers. The program will receive an extra $20,000 for each of the next two years until a new building is constructed. Volunteers from North America are expected to be instrumental in that project. The ministry will also receive $15,000 for cleanup and a survey at Camp Bethel. Pastor Ernst Jean-Louis, literacy coordinator: The fact that our security is in God is now more real in our lives. Haitian CRC as Salt and Light The Christian Reformed Church of Haiti continues to be salt and light in the communities where it has congregations, particularly in the Jacmel area, south of Portau-Prince. Leaders of the Haitian CRC have suffered too. E. Jean Edouarnus Estivil, Haitian CRC diaconal coordinator, ran home after the earthquake to find his three-story home in Port-au-Prince collapsed with his mother and two sisters inside. He was able to free one sister, but they couldn t get his other sister out until well into the night. She suffered partial paralysis. When they were able to dig out his mother s body, Edouarnus drove her until the roads were impassable, then carried her another six hours on foot to make sure she had a proper burial in Jacmel. He also lost his best friend, Caleb, national youth coordinator for the Haitian CRC. Caleb, like so many other young adults, was in late-afternoon classes at his university when the walls came crash- ing down. Caleb was never seen again. Sous Espwa provided Edouarnus with a new home, where he is now the sole provider for his seven siblings. Edouarnus said he received great comfort from fellow Christians such as Jenny LeMahieu and Zach King from Sous Espwa, and now he comforts others. The God of all comfort comforts us so that we can comfort E. Jean Edouarnus Estivil, Haitian CRC diaconal coordinator, lost his mother, his best friend, and his home in the earthquake. those in any trouble, he said, quoting 2 Corinthians 1. Rev. Elihu Metellus, president of the Haitian CRC, was helping complete construction of a new church building when the quake struck. The building survived intact, but Metellus learned that his own church in Jacmel had been destroyed. Many other buildings in that town were also leveled. With $130,000 from the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Haitian CRC will provide community members with cement for home repairs. It will also help 100 vendors restart their small businesses. January 2011 THE BANNER 13 5 Rev. Elihu Metellus, president of the Haitian CRC, was helping complete work on a new church building when the earthquake struck. He soon learned his own church had been destroyed. Tents went up in any available space. Son-beam International from West Michigan will help rebuild the Jacmel church. Helping Schoolchildren CRECH helped 124 teachers from 33 schools provide group therapy and trauma counseling for more than 3,000 children following the Tents alongside a once-beautiful church, now destroyed earthquake. CRECH also picked up the tab for the teachers salaries for months while parents couldn t pay. CRECH is the Consortium for the Reinforcement of Christian Education, founded by Christian Reformed World Missions and others to support Christian schools and write curriculum for them. Director Louisenette Casseus reported that up to 70 percent of their 400 schools now meet in tents. Because of wind and rain, the teachers walk home carrying all their supplies, bringing them back again the next day, she said. There may be an initiative to help rebuild schools, but details are not yet available. For more information, see org. Indeed, in Haiti, trouble never seems to end. Haitian Christians know from hard experience that there is ultimately only one solution for Haiti. As Rev. Jean-Louis said, The fact that our security is in God is now more real in our lives. And so these leaders carry on, one day at a time, trusting God to provide strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Gayla R. Postma Banner News Editor Louisenette Casseus, director of CRECH, which supports Christian schools: Schools are meeting in tents. Teachers now walk home carrying all their supplies, bringing them back again the next day. For more information or to donate to any of these programs, contact Christian Reformed World Missions at (U.S.) or (Canada). Or visit www. crwm.org and type project giving guide in the search box. 14 THE BANNER January Transcription 1 ARI AND ARI PRESENT ARI AND ARI PRESENT Quest mesor ah Quest Buried in Africa We d been to Ethiopia numerous times since the 1980s, and our latest jaunt was actually just a few-day stopover on the way to Uganda (that s for another time). Yet all our previous visits centered around the Gondar region, the area where about 90 percent of Ethiopian Jews originated, and on this trip we decided to go somewhere different we wanted to see the remnants of the Jews of Tigray. Our schedule was tight: Shabbos was to be spent with Israeli friends including the Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. That left us Friday to shecht for the Jews of Ethiopia and only Thursday to explore the northern area of Tigray. Timing was everything, and we finally found the man who could put it together for us: Amram Aklom. He is a native son, an expert on the Jews of Tigray, has led groups back on roots tours, and his brother Fereda Aklom was a larger-thanlife hero who was pivotal in the secret Operation Moses airlift at the end of Our own connection with the Beta Yisrael, or Ethiopian Jews, actually goes back to the mid-1980s, when we traveled there on several missions for the North American Conference of Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ). The first question people asked then was: Who are they? Whether they are descendents of Shlomo HaMelech and the Queen of Sheba, locals who were converted by Yemenite Jews over the centuries, descendants of Jews from southern Egypt (Elephantine) who made their way down the Nile, or just a Jewish-like Christian sect, what is indisputable is that throughout the centuries they kept their own identity and were reviled by their neighbors as Jews, called a host of derogatory names including falasha, meaning stranger in Ge ez, and buda, meaning evil eye. Although there is no way to definitively prove their origins, in 1973 Rav Ovadiah Yosef ruled based on centuries-old piskei halachah that the Ethiopian Jews are fully Jewish, accepting an alternate theory they themselves propound, that they are descended from the Tribe of Dan. Not all poskim agreed. Rav Moshe Feinstein s letter on the subject was typical of those who did not fully accept their Jewishness. He stated then that we are dealing with people who want to live as Jews, are literally dying to be Jewish, and it is a mitzvah to help them. In fact, after the first mass airlift, the Chief Rabbinate instituted a policy of giyur l chumrah, which would unequivocally fix various problems of lineage and status. When Menachem Begin was elected prime minister of Israel in 1977, one of his first actions was to get the Ethiopians recognized as Jews for purposes of the Law of Return, and then directing the head of the Mossad to arrange their aliyah. And this is where Fereda Aklom comes into the picture. Fereda was born in 1949 in the northern Ethiopian province of Tigray. Like Jews around the world, his parents pushed him to get an education so that he could get ahead in life. He studied education in 48 MISHPACHA photos & text by Ari Z. Zivotofsky and Ari Greenspan 13 Sivan 5773 May 22, 2013 MISHPACHA 49 2 Addis Ababa and in 1976 was appointed principal of a school. He then convinced ORT a secular, international Jewish nonprofit organization that promotes vocational training and education to open two schools in Tigray, and was soon after appointed head of the city council in his town of Inda Aba Guna. The following year, in 1977, Israel and Ethiopia signed a guns-for-jews deal that the Ethiopians demanded be absolutely secret. Fereda organized the transport of Jews from the north to Addis Ababa, from where they would be airlifted to Israel. But following the aliyah of the first 200 people, then-foreign minister Moshe Dayan revealed the operation in a press conference. The Ethiopian government instantly terminated the deal, froze ties with Israel, and expelled all Israelis. Fereda was threatened with the death penalty and fled to Sudan. With the cash from selling his wedding ring, he sent desperate cables to the US, Canada, and the Geneva ORT office relaying his whereabouts and requesting assistance in getting to Israel. He then spent months living in the alleys of Sudan scrounging for food to survive. The Geneva letter eventually made its way to the Mossad office in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, due to political instability in Ethiopia, Christian and Muslim refugees were streaming across the Sudanese border, and that letter planted a wild idea in a Mossad agent s head. He transmitted a message to Fereda: Stay put. The idea was to have the Jews join this exodus into Muslim, anti-israel Sudan and from there the Mossad, which as yet had no infrastructure in Sudan, would somehow get them out. Soon Fereda found himself in the center of a top-secret mission to transfer the Ethiopian Jews to Israel via Sudan. Fereda s story is complicated and often harrowing he spent several years operating in hostile territory as a lone wolf until the Sudanese secret police put a bounty on his head. He managed to get to Israel, but not before laying the groundwork for Operation Moses, a complex alliance between the Israel Defense Forces, the CIA, the US embassy in Khartoum, mercenaries, and Sudanese state security forces. From November 21, 1984, to January 5, 1985, the operation flew some 7,800 Ethiopian Jews from Sudan directly to Israel. Thousands of Beta Yisrael had fled Ethiopia on foot for refugee camps in Sudan; an estimated 4,000 died during the grueling, dangerous trek. The operation was abruptly terminated by the Sudanese on January 5, 1985, after Prime Minister Shimon Peres publicly confirmed the airlift, leaving some 1,000 Ethiopian Jews stranded in hostile territory. Many were evacuated later in the US-led Operation Joshua, and six years later, Operation Solomon brought an additional 14,000 Beta Yisrael to Israel directly from Ethiopia. Fereda settled in Beer Sheva but continued to make numerous trips back to neighboring African countries in order to help his brethren, until his untimely passing in early 2009, during a visit to Addis. And while Fereda was the legendary hero, his brother Amram modestly admits that he and another brother were no small part of the clandestine operation in Sudan. Message from the Mossad When we made our first trips to Ethiopia in the mid-1980s soon after Operation Moses, many families had been separated, as it was the able-bodied young people who were able to make the journey to Sudan. Many women with children and the elderly stayed behind. With the passage of time we can finally expose the following story. As young 20-somethings, we traveled deep into the wilds of Africa on a mission. Today, a cell phone works everywhere, but in those days, there were barely any telephones. Once you got to your destination, you were incommunicado, in an enemy country with no real contact with the outside world. Via NACOEJ, we had been entrusted with a message from the Mossad. We were to inform specific people that a particular bus stop in Sudan that had been a contact point was now dangerous and not to be visited. We were told to reach a certain Sheffero Desi in the town of Bahar Dar on the southern tip of Lake Tana and give him the message. Both the streets and floors of Bahar Dar were dirt, and there were A yahrtzeit candle left on a grave in Tigray by a relative from Israel is one remnant of Jewish life in this northern province (top). Back in the 1980s, Ari and Ari on a mission from the Mossad enjoy a salami on Lake Tana The idea was to have the Jews join this exodus into Muslim, anti-israel Sudan and from there the Mossad, which as yet had no infrastructure in Sudan, would somehow get them out no house numbers. Being the only whites in town, we attracted an entourage of kids who followed us. We finally found what we thought was his house and walked in. The house had no Jewish symbols, for that would have meant imprisonment or worse, but as we looked up on the walls around the single room, we saw a poster of people on a beach. We noticed that there was Hebrew writing on it and realized that it was from an Israeli paper. That was the sole Jewish symbol he could have in his life. Sheffero wasn t home, but his son told us to come back after dark. That night, trying to retrace our steps, we suddenly heard footsteps chasing us, followed by a whispered shalom. It was Sheffero. He made us jump a ditch and quickly took us across a muddy field into a tuckle, the round mud hut with a thatched roof that is a typical Ethiopian house. Inside, with cow skins on the walls and a bench going around the room, were ten men, each of whom told us his tale of woe and oppression. One man was a cashier in a hotel and $500 more than a year s salary was found missing. He was being blamed and stood to go to prison for many years. We understood that we had the rare opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim, the redemption of prisoners. We gave him the money in front of everybody and he was saved from jail. Today Sheffero s family lives in Beit Shemesh, and we ve stayed in touch, with Ari G. treating some of his kids in his dental clinic. Before our 2009 trip back to Ethiopia we contacted Sheffero, who informed us that his wife was there and we should meet her. Nineteen years earlier, her brother tried to escape to Sudan to get to Israel, but he was never heard from again and presumed dead. Suddenly, out of the blue he contacted them. He had been imprisoned for all those years and was finally freed and she had gone to see him. It wasn t exactly Beit Shemesh, but we met up with her in a hotel in Gondar City. On another occasion, Ari G. was at a wedding in Jerusalem and spotted a familiar-looking Ethiopian chef. The chef recognized Ari and explained that he was Sheffero s son Abebe. Ari told him that when Abebe had his first baby boy, Ari wanted to do the bris. True to 50 MISHPACHA 13 Sivan 5773 May 22, 2013 MISHPACHA 51 3 teaser text here teaser txt here teaser text here teaser xt here teaserext here teasertext here teasertext The Ark is supposedly kept in an armed building and guarded by one priest, although no one has ever seen it With back-to-basics farming, we could finally understand the art of winnowing. Plus, we learned why oxen shouldn t be muzzled. They love to snack while they work his word, Abebe called Ari G. in 2012 with the good news and a request to be the baby s mohel. It was a defining moment in a relationship between two sets of such different Jews that had stretched over 30 years and three generations. It was a difficult time for Ethiopia in the late 1980s, when we first visited. The last emperor of Ethiopia was Haile Selassie I, heir to a dynasty that claimed to trace its lineage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (known in Ethiopia as Queen Makeda, Empress of Aksum). He ruled from 1930 until he was violently deposed in 1974 by a radical Marxist, Mengistu Haile Mariam. Mengistu s reign of terror is believed to have claimed the lives of over 1.2 million people. Before returning the bodies of loved ones, the regime would bill families of its victims for the bullets expended in executions. Obviously, the mere suggestion of involvement in Zionist activity in Ethiopia was enough to get one jailed and tortured. The brutal Mengistu reign was dominated by numerous wars, rebellions, and famines. Among the many factions fighting the regime at the time was the Tigrayan People s Liberation Front (TPLF), and although there were still Jews and ancient Jewish sites in Tigray, throughout the 80s and early 90s it was unsafe for us to visit the region. Now, years later, we decided that the time had come to explore the region and see what Jewish memories remain. On to Aksum We had arranged that we would be back in Addis for Shabbos, so when we landed from Israel at 5 a.m. Thursday morning we hopped on a flight to Aksum (or Axum), the historical capital of Tigray, to track down any remnants of the Ethiopian Jews there. Aksum may not be such a major metropolis, but it played a notable role in a region that was once home to Jews scattered throughout hundreds of villages. Although the area draws few Jewish tourists besides those with family roots, it s actually a popular tourist destination, as the city was the center of a significant empire for over 1,500 years. Local tradition claims that the Aron Bris Hashem the Ark of the Covenant, is housed in one of the churches in Aksum. According to legend, after the Queen of Sheba visited Shlomo HaMelech she had a son called Menelik I. He grew up in Ethiopia but later visited and lived with his father in Jerusalem. Upon returning home, the tradition goes, he brought the Aron with him and there it remains. We Jews, of course, believe that there is no truth to this myth, but couldn t resist driving by the church where this holy artifact supposedly remains. The Ark is supposedly kept in an armed building and guarded by one priest, although no one has ever seen it. Thanks to Amram we were able to connect with a history professor at Aksum University who is especially interested in the legacy of the local Jews. Samuel Kidane was waiting for us when we landed, and even arranged for the university s 4x4 and driver. Off we went deep into the dry countryside, passing ancient monasteries and farmers working much like our forefathers did in biblical times. We noticed that they were performing the dishah (threshing grain) and zoreh (winnowing) just as it was done thousands of years ago. Wanting to understand these biblical activities better, we stopped to join a group of farmers in the field. First we participated in winnowing and slowly shook the grain into the wind. Lo and behold, the wind carried off the chaff. We then observed threshing of grain. This process of 52 MISHPACHA 13 Sivan 5773 May 22, 2013 MISHPACHA 53 4 F 2. F 1. ALL THAT S LEFT Relatives come back with candles to honor their loved ones 2. DESERT SACRIFICES Ari and Ari discovered the mountain behind the village of Bet Mariah, where an altar was once erected 3. PROTECTING HIS PLOT The last Jew of Beit Mariah returned from Israel in order not to lose his land 4. GRAVE RESULTS Relatives marked this tomb in blue, but not before a tree managed to grow out of the stone 1. F 3. F4. loosening the edible part of the wheat from the chaff was done before winnowing by having oxen walk in circles on the grain. The farmer pointed out to us that these animals had their mouths tied shut so they could not eat from the grain that they created. This, in fact, is exactly what the Torah forbids when it states lo sachsom shor b disho do not muzzle an ox when it is threshing grain (Devarim 25:4). We continued west from Aksum toward villages that had once had sizable, vibrant Jewish communities. The area didn t look like the Ethiopia we knew; the landscape and fauna were so different from what we were used to in Gondar and in Addis Ababa. Even the animals were different. Here camels wandered the fields, something you don t see in the more southern regions. Amram told us the legend of the origin of the Jews of Tigray. Many years ago, one of the leaders of the Beta Israel community had a dream that G-d would lead them back to Israel as He did at the time of the Exodus from Egypt. This man gathered a large following and attempted to reach Israel, but the plan failed and many died en route. The surviving remnant settled in Aksum and the surrounding villages. The exodus in the early 80s was far more successful and though many died on the way, thousands did make it to Israel. During our ride we asked Samuel what the non-jewish locals thought of that attempted mass exodus. The locals, he said, were afraid that the Jews might be secretly supporting one of the other militias. The TPLF called a three-day conference, demanding that the Jews explain why they were leaving. But the Jews insisted that there was no subterfuge, no treachery, simply a desire to return to the land from which their forefathers had been exiled. Grave Reality Ultimately, we reached our destination of the once-vibrant Jewish community of Inda Aba Guna. The Ethiopian Jews had once been mocked by their neighbors for always washing themselves for Shabbos and in accordance with the laws of family purity. To accommodate this need, most Jewish villages were built near a river or lake, and this was true of Inda Aba Guna as well. As we drove across a bumpy field, we saw a solitary wall in the distance, surrounding what was once the synagogue. The broken glass on the top of the wall was to prevent people from breaking in. We were quite surprised to see an old Magen David rusting over one of the windows, and upon entering the structure, we saw where the aron kodesh had been located within the shul. We looked across the valley and saw the village where Fereda had grown up, and on the way out we passed a bustling school. Samuel confirmed our hunch: what is now a government school had once been the Jewish ORT school that Fereda founded. Samuel also took us to two Jewish cemeteries, far off the beaten path in hills deep inside the territory. Traditionally, the Jews here marked their graves with just a pile of stones and no headstone or memorial at all. Yet we noticed an interesting phenomenon. The relatives of these deceased have been coming back from Israel to visit their family plots, keep them up, and pray over them. Most remarkably, small yahrtzeit candles from Israel are found on many tombs in the cemetery. Near the front of the cemetery is a large monument topped with a huge Magen David (which they call David s cross ). The local population asserts that for generations and until today, a tiger and serpent sleep on that spot and guard it, an indication of its significance as the burial site of Abba Tsegay, the first local religious leader. On the way back, Samuel took us to another smaller cemetery that had all but disappeared, in the village of Slehleka. This town had been known as the village of Beta Israel, and had been a center of pottery, one of the crafts the Jews specialized in. Once we got to the main path of the village, Samuel scooped a local child off the street, took him in our jeep, and had him direct us in the direction of the cemetery. Then the driver and the child stayed behind as Samuel and the two of us headed toward the darkening horizon to find a few Jewish graves. It was soon pitch-dark, yet we traipsed down dirt alleys and into a field with hyenas baying in the distance to find a few isolated tombs. 54 MISHPACHA 13 Sivan 5773 May 22, 2013 MISHPACHA 55 5 Bed bugs can live anywhere and are not just restricted to your bedroom. They can live anywhere period! These pesky critters usually lodge themselves in tiny nooks and crevices. They tend to hide in some of the most unlikely places such as in between doorknob handles, under carpets, cracks in the wall and even possibly your shoes. So next time before you wear your shoes, make sure to dust them out or else you might be in for a rude surprise. Concerned You May Have Bed Bugs? Schedule a K9 Inspection * When used in conjunction with a ThermaRid treatment. SpECIal * Hassle-Free Total Bed Bug Eradication Through Heat Treatment $ parkmg.com Samuel insisted that this had been a large burial ground, and due to the absence of Jews to maintain it, it shrinks every time he visits. The High Point Not far from Inda Aba Guna is the village of Bet Mariah. As we entered, we were struck by the sight of a mountain seeming to pop up out of the flat plain adjacent to the village. When we arrived amid growling dogs and eager children, we too were excited, for we had been told that at the top of this mountain was a Jewish mizbei ach (although private bamos were actually halachically prohibited). Neither Samuel nor Amram had ever been there; they were pretty sure no tourist had ever ventured up to see it. While the reed-thin Ethiopians nimbly hopped up the mountain, we limped and krechtzed our way up, gasping for air and chiding ourselves for being so out of shape. Only upon our return to Israel did we discover that it is well over a mile above sea level and called the roof of Africa, and thus the air is quite thin. When we finally reached the site, panting, we found ourselves by a pile of stones, a gal avanim, which had been used as a prayer site. The jury was out on whether they actually did animal sacrifices there, but what we do know is that every Shabbos and on holidays Jews would make the trek up the mountain and offer their prayers to Hashem. As we stood looking down on small clusters of huts in the distance for miles around, we could imagine that for 2,500 years there was a vibrant Jewish presence in Ethiopia, and we pictured Jews streaming from the nearby villages to this mountain sanctuary. The Last Jew After the mountain climb, a man in his 60s who recognized our yarmulkes came up to us, greeted us with shalom and began to speak in Hebrew. He is Jewish and had made aliyah with the rest of the Ethiopians years before, but didn t want to lose his farmlands, so he returned to try to work them. He was sad, lonely, and a recent widower, and had recently decided to return to Israel, as he was too old and tired to work the land alone. We made our way back from the countryside to Aksum. Returning to our hotel, after having been up and moving for close to 48 hours, we were ready to hit the sack. Only then did our hosts tell us that a formal dinner had been arranged with the president of Aksum University, which has 10,000 students, to see how we could collaborate in the future. We realized then, that they thought we had come as part of an Israeli university research project. How disappointing. First we had to explain that we could only eat the canned tuna fish and crackers that we had brought and not partake of the fried chicken and soup on the menu. And rather than dash their hopes of collaboration, we explained, to their delight, that in addition to being involved in university research, we were also writers for an important Jewish periodical called Mishpacha magazine, and that they would get great exposure. In the end the university president didn t show up, but in truth we did discuss ideas for collaboration. Erev Shabbos we flew back to Addis early in the morning. There, in the backyard of what for close to a century had been the local shlacht hoiz, we shechted 150 chickens and three sheep for our friend and host Menashe and his extended family. The koshering took almost until Shabbos, so we zoomed back to his house, finished up some cooking and then got ready for a relaxing Shabbos with a fascinating Friday night meal. Among the guests were Israeli ambassador Belaynesh Zevadia and her husband, whom we had contacted and asked to join us. She is the first Ethiopian-Israeli to be appointed as an ambassador. And there was an additional gain for our new friend, the professor from Aksum University. We made a shidduch between the ambassador and Samuel, and they are now in professional contact. So in the end, everyone benefited, but the luckiest of the lot was us, having the opportunity to see up close the remains of an ancient community, yet being privileged to live in an era, and in the Land, where we ve witnessed the ingathering of the furthest-flung of the exiles. In the running to win Googles Lunar XPrize, TeamIndus is all set to become one of the first (and the only Indian) private space startup to reach the moon. And in their mission, they have undertaken a lot of interesting sub-initiatives. For example, you can get your name inscribed for as little as Rs. 500/- on a small aluminium object that will be taken to the moon as part of this mission. Romantic gestures apart, another initiative is Lab2Moon, a global challenge for students under 25 years of age to imagine, design and build a project that will be taken to the moon as well. 25 ideas were shortlisted among all the participants in January 2017, and among those, the winners will be announced on March 15, 2017. Some of the participants in the TeamIndus Lab2Moon competition have really interesting ideas, like studying photosynthesis on the Moon, and yet another proposes brewing beer to study yeast formation. Yes, beer on the moon - you read that right. Moonshots We all appreciate the process behind brewing, says Team Original Gravity. The team is comprised of Srivathsan Kalyan, Han Lu Ling, Neeki Ashari. There is a chemical and biological science behind it. The beauty of brewing beer is that you can produce so many different outcomes just based on the procedure. Home brewing has become a massive hobby and culture, especially in San Diego. We decided to integrate our hobby for brewing with a scientific emphasis: understanding the viability of yeast in space. The shortlisted entries come from several countries including India, Peru, Italy, United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Mexico. The shortlisted teams have each been assigned mentors from TeamIndus, each of whom will work closely with the teams to ensure that the standards needed for space grade experiments are observed and maintained. The experiments have created excitement in the corporate world with a few companies expressing interest in supporting the teams in their efforts. Team Lunar Leap If youre wondering whether the beer brewing experiment is the only outlandish idea, you could not be wrong. The Lunar Leap, an Indian team in the competition aims to send tardigrades to the moon. For those of you who havent heard of these little microscopic creatures, they are the toughest beings known to mankind and the moon will soon be their ultimate test. Choosing tardigrades for our experiment was a natural choice., states the team, comprising of Keertivardhan M Joshi (24), Aditya Bujurke (24), Harshavardhan M Joshi (24). These are arguably the toughest creatures on earth and if were to survive on the moon, we need to understand as to how these creatures protect themselves in harsh conditions. Already, many researchers have been successful in replicating genome sequence of tardigrades in human cells and have observed reduced damage when exposed to radiations. Jokes about moonshots and space-worms aside, these experiments, although being done by students under the age of 25, are no childs play. The difficulties Technically, we have encountered problems with gas leakage and 3D printed parts., says Team Luna Dome. Team members Samuel Brass (20), Nicholas Doughty (20) and Elliot Robinson (19) have proposed an experiment designed to sustain an earth-like atmosphere in a small dome on the lunar surface for a prolonged period of time. As we are working on a tight budget, doing a lot of our work in makeshift workspaces and with a very restricted project timeline, we are hugely limited to what we can build. That's not to say we are limited in what we hope to achieve, however. Using a clothes iron to weld Mylar sheets together in our kitchen has to be one of those moments. But using engineering intuition to overcome the issues we encounter only makes the outcome that much more satisfying. Team Luna Dome And if you think they could just get over the problems with a can of lunar-grade beer from fellow team Original Gravity, they also had their fair keg (horrible pun intended nonetheless) of problems. The largest challenge would have to be temperature and the inability to outgas. The temperature fluctuations are not ideal for yeast (-10 to 45 C) nor for the outgassing in space. quotes the team. To avoid this issue, we had to calculate the ideal ratio of fluid to canister volume, such that the beer would incorporate the perfect amount of carbonation without the possibility of exploding. But what is important is that they overcame these challenges nonetheless and found it within their abilities to compete in Lab2Moon, with a chance of putting their experiments on the Moon, and their names in the record books of science. And their success is bound to be inspiring to fellow students and space aspirants. Inspiration and cracking the Space question A lot of times its going to get hard to stay interested, with immense technical challenges getting in the way. Team Luna Dome explains, find ways to keep feeding the fire, and you will be surprised what hurdles you can overcome. In practical terms, get involved in projects at school and university that go beyond the scope of your curriculum. In many cases, this does mean doing more work, but often the benefits reaped far outweigh the effort. The mounting render for Team Luna Dome's experiment To many, space exploration might appear to be a wasted effort. To be fair, there are a lot of problems plaguing our planet that could use the share of investment and effort that is given to space research and exploration. But space has its benefits. Most Space explorations are carried out to understand the universe, trace back the origin of life on earth and predict the future changes in the cosmos. While these are some of the bigger objectives, space explorations also come as wonderful opportunities for the scientific community in developing technologies that are helpful for the well-being of humankind, Team Lunar Leap elaborates, with an example, many experiments carried out by NASA on human prostate cancer cells in space have helped in a big way in developing cancer cure methodologies. The micro gravity conditions in space slow down processes like protein synthesis, tissue formations, gene mutations etc. and help to capture them stage by stage. This has led us towards a better understanding of these processes and has catalysed research back on earth. Mission Mars Frankly, we couldnt resist asking them if the same experiments would work on Mars. Team Original Gravity said they wouldnt change a thing. So beer is beer, be it the Moon or Mars. Building a human habitat on Mars would have to be different, though, which is what Team Luna Dome thinks as well. Unlike the moon, mars has a substantial atmosphere. It also has much stronger gravity. How would this change our design? Not much, some of the programmings would be altered to account for the different atmospheric pressures encountered. There would also have to be more environmental protection, such as dust protection. The team from India, Lunar Leap, also has a similar opinion. Theyve stated, Since there are a lot of electronic circuits and water present on board our experiment module, we need to thoroughly analyse the temperature to which the module will be exposed to during travel to mars and on the Martian surface upon landing. This analysis will be very critical in providing insulations and other cooling systems if necessary. The Winner An eminent international jury comprising Dr. K Kasturirangan, former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, Dr. Alain Bensoussan, Former President of Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and Former Chairman of Council, European Space Agency and Dr. Priyamvada Natarajan, Professor in the Departments of Astronomy and Physics at Yale University, have been examining the experiments in detail over the last few months and will be announcing the winner soon on March 15. But one thing is for sure, no matter who qualifies to put their experiment in the TeamIndus spacecraft, it would be a huge victory for science and aerospace research in India. The real Hyperloop company has just landed in India, they said. When Hyperloop One shared its vision for India on February 28, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, Hyperloop One CEO, Rob Lloyd and others present, painted a rosy picture. However, Hyperloop is a long way away from becoming a reality. Hyperloop One has almost finished building a test track in the deserts of Nevada right now. The company says it will demonstrate proof of technology in a few months. It claims freight transport on a Hyperloop will start from 2020-21, while it should be ready for passengers by 2021-22. We spoke to Nick Earle, Senior Vice President, Global Field Operations, Hyperloop One, to understand the technology, the challenges in development and what this technology is all about. Earle said Hyperloop is not a luxury toy for rich people. Read the full interview below. Nick Earle, Senior Vice President of Global Field Operations, Hyperloop One We just talked about connecting a billion people, but the Hyperloop can take only about 28 people at a time, right? Whats the possibility of scaling this? To be clear, the pod doesnt take just 28 people at a time. The pod is of variable length, it is an autonomous vehicle. The pods move, lets say about 20 seconds apart. So, the pod could take, maybe 60 people at a time. But to your point, its not 6000 people. However, 60 people every 20 seconds is still quite a few people. Now, if you have a network of Hyperloops, you can change the lives of a billion people. If we had a fibre access between here and the building next to us, it wouldnt change Delhi. However, when the Internet let you reach out to London or anywhere else, it changed peoples lives. In terms of ridership, were looking at anywhere from low-end 6000 passengers per hour to a high-end of 20-25000 per hour. If we need more, you just build another pipe. When we talk about the feasibility studies being done. A lot of the teams (from the Hyperloop One Global Challenge) here also said their routes will go through these studies. Could you explain what goes into these studies? To answer that question, youve got to define what are we studying. Its the feasibility of an individual route. First of all, you have to identify a route, you have to look at the ridership, the type or demographic, because the money collected from tickets never pays for any public transportation system worldwide. So, if the tickets dont pay for it, then something else has to. That something else is the government top-up (subsidy), which is determined by a standard formula, called the Wider Economic Benefits (WEB) formula. It has to do with which type of people are moving across locations and its benefits on the economy. In the studies weve done so far, our WEB is three-to-four times of any transportation system or metro system. This is because were 10-15 times quicker. You may say, well youre not 10-15 times quicker, but remember that other means of transport will stop. We only stop at the place you want to get off. High speed rail is high speed when its moving, but its stationary when it stops. Hyperloop One has extended its test track in Nevada, to 500 metres. Image Credits: Hyperloop One As a result, were 10-15 times faster from a journey point of view. This gives us larger WEB results and hence we can get larger subsidies from the government. The teams here have all done their calculations and shown how and why their routes make sense. The feasibility study, sort of, looks at the first pass of this. Typically, what it does is, it gets the cost to about 50%, considers what the size of the pod should be etc. If this passes, then it goes to the next stage, where a detailed feasibility study is done. The first study takes about three months, while the second takes about 10 months. In the second study, you sort of design an architects plans for the system, from inside the pods, to the tubes, the experience at the stations etc. After youve done that, you now have the intellectual property (IP), which you then sell to companies through an open tender process. So whoever does the design owns the IP. The entities that will create this IP are ourselves, and our partners, including private companies. The test that we saw in the desert earlier (video below) was obviously a prototype, but have you reached the speeds expected, now, given the photo we saw today (photo above)? That was a test of the linear motor, but it was steel on steel. We simply wanted to show that weve built a whole new motor. Were now on the seventh generation of that motor, weve put the magnetic levitation inside the tube and put the tube caps to suck the air out. Thats where we are at right now. In the next few months, we will run the very first test. The definition of that test will be that we will put the pod inside the tube, we will accelerate it, it will levitate and accelerate. Then, we turn the power off, we hold it in place with the magnets, it stays in place, doesnt touch the sides and decelerates, and finally stops (most importantly). So, no, we havent reached the speeds expected, but we will prove that in this test. This will be a public event as well, we will webcast it live. This is the proof of technology, thats what we mean by the Kitty Hawk moment. That will be the final test for Hyperloop then? Thats the proof of technology. Its a Hyperloop, but not one you put passengers on. Once you have the proof of technology, you then spend a few months extending the tubes, so it goes faster. Then we work on bringing costs down, by using different materials etc. and innovating. And then you bring it to a country (probably India) and build a 30-40km version. Here, you need a station, two tubes. Its still not a 500km version, but its a fully working version, because thats what regulators need. Thats a proof of operation. How will you deal with specific challenges that countries pose. As in how will you localise Hyperloop? Were actually open to localising the design. One of the advantages of being amongst the first countries to adopt this is that we actually can take inputs from these countries. For example, one of the first first regulators weve worked with are in Dubai. Theyve set specific requirements in order for us to get safety certifications. So we say, Oh Ok, and we start changing the design. Now, what we dont want to do is design different Hyperloops for every country. But the first ones we build will actually influence the rest of the world. Were creating a configurable system, that can be adapted around the world. Were also building interoperability standards so different transportation systems can physically connect, and so Hyperloops from different companies can work together. Note: A study conducted by Hyperloop, in connecting Stockholm to Finland, found that the price of traveling on a Hyperloop was a tenth of airfare for the same distance. The ticket prices were about 28. About interoperability with other public transport, those, especially in India, are based on primitive technology. How will you get around that? I wouldnt say primitive, but earlier technology, yes. Weve actually talked to Deutsche Bahn about this, at length. The challenge is interoperability wasnt seen as a key requirement when they were built. Were building interoperability from day one, because being from CISCO, we know, CISCO got this right. It wasnt the only networking company, but it created standards that others operated on. We, as a company have the opportunity to publicise our standards and others will too, while independent bodies will decide the standards as well. Well never be able to interoperate within the software in a Siemens train, but the app that allows you to get the timetable, put your credit card in and book, that can be linked through open APIs. So, an Uber can be linked. We can have interoperability at the application level and with autonomous cars in future, and between different Hyperloop suppliers, because there will be more suppliers in future. Last question: I went live on Facebook just a while ago and a lot of people asked about the safety mechanisms in such a system. How do we answer that? Thats a good question. Let me give you three-four answers the first answer is that none of us know yet, until we do the proof of operations with regulators. However, lets look at a few things: People said, your face would peel off on a Hyperloop. I say to you, look, youve been on an airplane, it started accelerating, went up in the air (travelled at 600mph), decelerated and stopped. Thats what Hyperloop does, were 0.2g, were a quarter of the the acceleration of a Tesla in Ludicrous mode. The only difference is we dont work in the sky, because we bring the low pressure to the ground. So, first of all, were just like an airplane. By the way, were a controlled environment, so theres no turbulence in a Hyperloop, hence you could argue that were safer. Secondly, once youre in it and its moving, theres no electricity. Its like a spaceship. The Orca Pod, a Hyperloop pod prototype proposed by Hyperloop India, one of the teams in SpaceX's Design Challenge People say, what if the tube was breached? Well, if the tube was breached, air comes in, it rushes in. But unlike an aircraft, when air rushes in, all the pods slow down together. So, there are some inherent advantages. But, what we have to do is show are evacuation procedures, fire procedures, that the pods dont crash into each other. Thats why the regulatory safety processes are typically 12-18 months long. Theyre giving you hundreds of scenarios, saying what if this happens? Weve got to go through all of these processes and thats why were working with regulators to define the safety case. There isnt a safety case for the Hyperloop, because it doesnt exist. Just like you cant use regular road rules for autonomous cars. Bangalore-Chennai 20mins, Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram 40min, Delhi-Mumbai 80min, Mumbai-Bangalore-Chennai 63min and Mumbai-Kolkata 190min. At a recent event on Feb 28, Hyperloop One, the company behind the hyperloop effort, revealed their Vision for India, in which they made a strong pitch for the Indian market to adopt the Hyperloop technology to make transportation across the country faster than ever. As part of the event, multiple routes were proposed by Hyperloop One and the teams participating in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge. And now, Hyperloop wants to know which routes you want to see in the project. Among the options are some routes between Bengaluru and Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi-Mumbai, Mumbai-Bengaluru-Chennai and Mumbai-Kolkata. India, vote for your fav route from 1 of our proposed 5. Now traveling doesnt need to take days! #VisionForIndia https://t.co/TGd8IxVsKh pic.twitter.com/L7h5DPy21j HyperloopOne (@HyperloopOne) February 28, 2017 Those of you from Mumbai who are rejoicing at the thought of so many options, as you can see, right now the popularity lies with the Bengaluru to Chennai route revealed at the event. Maybe you can blame all the techies who want to have a comfortable Dosa breakfast and report to their offices in under half hour! Jokes apart, the Mumbai to Kolkata route is an ambitious suggestion and will be connecting four major cities in the longest travel time (among the routes) of 190 minutes. If this route does see the light of the day, it wont be surprising if this sees a huge amount of traffic, since the Kolkata-Hyderabad route definitely suffers from a lack of options when it comes to fast trains. Statistically speaking, according to this Indian Railways document, the North region generates the most number of passengers (at least 50% more than any other region) if we go by passengers originating on home line. And out of the suggested routes, only the Mumbai-Delhi route services that region partially. Perhaps a few more suggestions are due. What do you think of the route options available? Which one is your favorite? Or do you have a completely different idea? Let us know in the comments below and dont forget to take the poll here. Seagate, the American storage tech company, has been making Hard Disk Drives for a better part of almost 40 years now. The company began its journey to transform data storage back in 1978, as Shughart Technology, named after its ex-IBM co-Founder Alan Shugart. At the time, the companys first product was a 5.25-inch HDD with a mere 5MB of storage capacity, the first disk drive in the world to fit in that form factor. Heres what it looked like back then - Fast Forward 39 years and the companys most premium HDD tops at 10TB of storage, with plans to release a 20TB storage monster by 2020. However, in this era of cloud, and a much smaller, faster and durable alternative in the form of Solid-state drives (SSDs), not to forget toughened competition from rival WD, Seagate faces multiple growth challenges which it has to overcome. We spoke to the companys Senior Vice President for Global Sales & Marketing, Ban Seng Teh, on the sidelines of a forum organised by the company in Singapore. Here is what he had to share. B.S. Teh, SVP - Global Sales & Marketing, Seagate Q: What do you have say about the market moving towards SSDs? A: Let me cite some figures from several research companies. There are two ways of looking at this. If you look at the revenue from HDD and SSD today, the revenue from HDD is still 50% greater than the revenue from SSD. The revenue for SSD is growing faster when compared to HDD. But the probably after 5 years, it will not be the same. Overall the revenue from both HDD and SSD is growing. We would like to lead in the HDD space. But then, a lot of players are playing in this 20 billion dollar business. So in short, we see SSD as growing very quickly and HDD as stable. We are strategising to participate in the growth of the SSD space, but in areas that make sense for us like enterprise SSD space. Q: What is your SSD strategy? Do you think not having one will hurt the company in the future when the price of flash memory modules go below magnetic disks? A: What we see is that, especially in the last few years, a crossover if you will, especially in the client environment from HDD to SSD. We have anticipated that and we believe that its going to continue to happen. We believe that in 5 years, more than 90% is going to be flash or SSDs for that matter and we know that its going to happen. So, the HDD business is going to change. Today, just over 20% of our revenue comes from the PC business. So, we have already seen that migration. More and more of our businesses are moving over to the cloud and the non-PC environment, where we believe the demand for HDDs will continue to be robust, simply becuase they need very very large capacity. We do not believe that the price of flash is going to go down to a price cheaper than HDD. We believe that HDD will continue to exist. We know that SSD is growing and we have a strategy to participate, We may not be going out to sell NAND Flash to Apple right away. We have to be smart about going to the market with SSD. We have very strong control of the technology we acquired from LSI (a flash supplier now owned by Seagate). Q: Does Seagate have any plans to enter mobile storage like WD? A: No, we dont have any plans for mobiles and cameras. It is a flash domain as there is no value proposition for a hard drive to be there. Regarding entering into the flash space, we are already into building SSDs for the small enterprise markets, but not consumer markets. But then, we are coming up with different solutions for this. We have announced our partnership with DJI at CES. We are not talking about putting a drive in a drone. But, then we wish to help them to stream the data they have collected directly on the drive. Q: Can you talk about the reasons for the recent shutdown of Seagates China HDD plant? A: Yes. I think it was on January 10, 2017. The reason is that the profile of the industry has changed. We are no longer shipping the volume of units that we were shipping before. We were shipping less units, but those with higher capacity. If you look at this from a factory operations level, they focus more on units. Since the number of units has come down, we dont need so many factories. But our revenue is growing because we are shipping high capacity drives. To give you a perspective, 5 years ago, the total market size per quarter would go up till 170-180 million units. Today it just goes between 100-110 million units. This is a huge reduction. So earlier when we had an industry factory footprint to support a 180 million business, and now it has come down to 110 million, everybody has got to size their factories down. So it is a part of the evolution or the shift in business. Q: Can you give us a timeline on the launch of the 16TB and 20TB HDDs? A: I think it doesnt need any announcements. Launching such high capacity hard drives is just more of a direction. We believe that we would be able to get to a 18TB drive in 2018 with the kind of technology that we have. We are still developing the roadmap and we are not in the position to comment on when we are going to launch one. Q: Are these going to be based on the Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology that you were talking about? A: No. We are looking at the different technologies that we have access to. We look at the best technology to deploy for a particular drive. At this point, HAMR is the most expensive and the hardest technology. For example, if we can come up with an 18TB Hard Drive in the existing SMR technology, we will come up with that. If we couldnt do such a thing, we would leapfrog with the technology. So in short, this is just a stepping stage for us. But, in the horizon, HAMRwould be the toughest and the most expensive technology. Q: Any plans to get the recently showcased Advanced Encryption Software from your Government Solutions portfolio to India? A: No. We dont have any plans. But, we have a strong interest in it. We have got already work and development going prior to this with the US Government and security agencies, so its easier to extend. Once we have a solution in place, we can bring it to different markets. Yes, we certainly have a plan for this and we are engaging with the local authorities at a regular basis for the implementation of this security feature. Q: What do you think about reports published by BackBlaze? A: Naturally, we feel bothered when someone says something negative about the company. We take everything very seriously to see if there is any truth in what they are writing about. We have direct contact with BackBlaze and we talk to them about how they are working. I guess this was because of some of the legacy products. You should look at some of the new data that they have. I am saying that we try to understand the problem and the issue. We always try to meet the highest quality standards. It is quite apparent from that data that also serves to confer to the new drive. Q: Recently the FBI has demanded data from Google stored outside of the US. What are your views on data privacy? Do you feel that user generated data should be available to enforcement agencies? A: Well, it is different for us in comparison to companies like Apple or Google. They focus more on data privacy, not us. Obviously we respect data privacy and we think that it is a very big initiative for us. We believe that privacy of the data is extremely important and it is extremely valued by our customers. This is why we help them by coming up with solutions for protecting their data. Data Privacy is absolutely important for a company like us. Base Resources provided preliminary exploration results of the extensional and infill drilling programme completed to date for its Kwale Mineral Sands operations in Kenya on Thursday. The AIM-traded company said the strong drilling results clearly demonstrated the potential to grow resources and mine life to the north and south of existing project reserves. Additional mineralisation was discovered, extending the footprint of the Kwale South Dune Deposit to the south by 950 metres and east by up to a further 500 metres. The firm also reported the discovery of a new dunal mineral deposit at Mafisini, a continuation of the Kwale South Dune Deposit mineralisation, with recorded intercepts over a contiguous 1240 metres of strike and up to 480 metres in width. It also discovered new dunal mineralisation and marine sediments in the NE Sector, adjacent to the Kwale Central Dune. As previously announced, the company commenced an aircore drilling program in the December 2016 quarter, within its Special Prospecting License 173, Base Resources board explained in a statement. The drill programme aims to provide mine life extension to the Kwale Operations by exploring two previously identified prospective areas adjoining or near the existing Kwale Operation ore bodies - the south-west sector and north east sector. Of the drilling completed up to 23 February 2017, 361 holes had been completed in the SW sector to 5,726 metres and 43 holes had been completed to 1,119 metres in the NE sector. At the Kwale South Dune Deposit edge, 53 holes were completed to 720 metres, along with 140 infill drilling holes completed to 2,059 metres. Additionally, an airborne geophysics program - conducted in 2015 - covering the south coast region of Kenya from Mombasa to the Tanzanian border, identified a series of exploration targets that were subsequently confirmed through ground reconnaissance. The full exploration results were made available via the London Stock Exchange Regulatory News Service. French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron's odds of reaching the Elysee palace improved during the latest week, a poll confirmed. According to the latest weekly poll from Elabe, in a hypothetical 'run-off' vote in the French presidential elections scheduled for 7 May, backing for the independent centrist candidate was at 62.0%, three percentage points above the prior week's tally. Meanwhile, support for his most likely opponent, Far-Right candidate Marine Le Pen, was pegged at 38.0%, which was down by three points. However, Le Pen was still seen as the most likely victor in the first round of voting set for 23 April. Elabe said 27% of voters surveyed still backed her, against 24.0% for Macro and 19.0% for Fillon. As of 1557 GMT the yield on the 10-year French sovereign bond yield was down by one basis point to 0.91%. French National Front leader Marine Le Pen has lost her right to parliamentary immunity in the country after MEPs decided to allow French prosecutors to take legal action over her use of graphic images of IS killings on Twitter. Le Pen had been protected by immunity laws from the European Union after the prosecutors pursued her in relation to a law in France which bans the use of graphically violent images and those which incite terrorism. However, a plenary session of the European Parliament convened on Thursday to approve the removal of the MEP immunity for Le Pen. The politician, who has gained momentum ahead of the French presidential election later this year, posted three images of killings by IS members in 2015. The series of angry tweets sent by Le Pen in December 2015 were in response to a French journalist who compared her FN party to the radical Islamic group. It is not the first time that Le Pen has run into such legal issues at the European Parliament. Four years ago, she had her immunity lifted by the institution after she made derogatory remarks about Muslims praying in public. Elections will take place in France in April and May to determine the next president of the country, with current polls suggesting that Le Pen will triumph in the first round, but was likely to lose to centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron in May's second round. Former prime minister Francois Fillon was previously seen as the favourite to take over from Francois Hollande this year, before falling victim to a series of scandals, including allegations that he paid his wife a salary for a non-existent position. The parent company of popular picture messaging app Snapchat has priced its initial public offering at $17 per share, with latest trading suggesting it will enter the NYSE at around $22 per share. Snap Inc. announced the release of 200m shares of Class A common stock, raising an initial $3.4bn in its flotation. According to the figures, Snap will have a market value of $24bn, making it the biggest tech flotation since that of Facebook in 2012. In its initial IPO filing, the company estimated that its shares would be originally priced at between $14 and $16. Trading on Snap is expected to begin on Thursday in the New York Stock Exchange, and investors are bouyant despite reports of slowing user growth for the app. Sales in the company are growing fast however, rising to more than $400m in 2016, while many believe that that figure will top $1bn at the end of this year. "Snap shares look set to fly when they begin trading in New York today after being priced at $17, above its target range," according to Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital. "With the Dow closing above 21,000 for the first time the IPO comes at an incredibly bullish point for US, and indeed global, equities. Of course such bullishness is reminiscent of the dotcom bubble and this could be a high watermark for the market." Many investors are still worried about Snapchat's ability to make a profit however, after a string of losses being reported in the recent years. It reported a loss of $515m in 2016, over $140m more than it lost in 2015. The app launched in 2011 and quickly found success among teenagers and millennials as a trendier alternative to existing social networks like Facebook and Twitter. "It will be interesting to see what path Snap takes in the coming weeks, and whether investors appetite for the stock can last longer than the length of one of the app's images," added Connor Campbell, analyst at Spreadex. Sunrise Resources ' shares are up almost 5% as it reported rapid progress by Magmatics in testing of the CS Deposit for the production of natural pozzolan, and was pleased it could move so quickly to certification testing. "The uniform performance of samples from across the surface of the deposit is very encouraging," said executive chair Patrick Cheetham in a statement. - Shares in TechFinancials are up a third on confirming it expects to receive a dividend payout of $1.53m from subsidiary DragonFinancials, following on from an earlier payment by that company. DragonFinancials has declared a final dividend pay-out of $3m, payable by 15 March, for 2016, of which TechFinancial's portion was $1.53m, in line with its 51% stake in that company. - AIM-listed investor FastForward Innovations is to sell its stake in investee company SatoshiPay, a nanopayments provider, to Blue Star Capital, a technology investment firm, for 500,140. The company will sell its entire holding in StaoshiPay of 1,471 shares, subject to approval by Blue Star's shareholders at the next general meeting on 20 March. - Savannah Resources announced on Thursday that, further to its recent cash placing and subscription to raise 2.24m, announced on 22 February, the company's chairman Matthew King and it major shareholder Al Marjan had now subscribed for 19,205,564 new ordinary shares at a price of 5.25p each, raising cash proceeds of 1.01m. The AIM-traded company said in addition, it granted options over 10,700,000 ordinary shares, and was to issue a further 1,688,870 ordinary shares in the company in relation to employee remuneration. - AIM-listed pharmaceutical Diurnal has signed a marketing and distribution deal with Israeli healthcare products firm Medison Pharma for its adrenal insufficiency therapies. The deal will commercialise Diurnal's Infacort and Chronocort products which treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in Israel, which the company sees as a significant market opportunity given the estimated higher prevalence of CAH in the country. - Home collected credit lender Morses Club updated the marker on its trading for the 52-week period to 25 February on Thursday, ahead of its preliminary results announcement, due on 27 April. The AIM-traded company said trading performance for the period continued to show strong growth and was in line with the board's expectations. - Property management, insurance and ancillary services provider HML Holdings announced the acquisition of the block management business of Gordon & Company Property Consultants, the flats and estates property management business of Gordon & Company, on Thursday. The AIM-traded firm said its southern and western England subsidiary HML Andertons acquired the business and share capital of G&CPCL for an initial purchase price of 1m. - Science Group's shares are up more than 3% thanks to an improved full-year pre-tax profit and dividend resulting from what it called a "very satisfactory" performance. Science said revenue rose to 36.9m, from 31.2m, and statutory pre-tax profit improved to 3m, from 2.4m. Its total dividend was 4.2p a share, up from 4p a share. - First Derivatives announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract with an unnamed Fortune 500 engineering solutions company for the use of its 'Kx' technology within precision manufacturing. The AIM-traded company said 'Kx' had been selected as the high-performance, time-series data historian and analytics platform in the next version of the client's fault detection product range, expected to be released in mid-2017. - Gresham House said the UK Financial Conduct Authority has approved the proposed subscription by the Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund. Late last month, specialist asset manager Gresham said The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, acting as the Administering Authority for The Royal County of Berkshire Pension Fund, intended to become a strategic investor in the company. - Plexus Holdings' shares are up more than 2% after it was awarded a well order from Nexen Petroleum U.K. Ltd for the Glengorm exploration well in the Central North Sea. Under the deal terms, Plexus would supply Nexen with its POS-GRIP wellhead and Tersus mudline equipment. - Shares in Galantas Gold are up more than 1% as it said the the second part of the private placement has closed. Melquart Ltd subscribed for 5.72m shares and was the only subscriber in the second closing of the placing. The purchase took Melquart's stake to 13% of Galantas' issued capital. - AIM-listed oil and gas firm 88 Energy is planning to raise up to AU$17m (10.6m) following the announcement that it will start drilling at its Alaskan site. The company is to raise up to AU$17m at a price around AU$0.037 (0.023) per share and pending the equity fundraising its shares have been suspended on the Australian Securities Exchange, while 88 Energys shares will continue to trade on AIM. - Cyber security firm Osirium Technologies has expanded into the Asia Pacific with its privileged access management product now available in the region. The company, which floated on AIM last April, has appointed two business developers in the Asia Pacific as part of its commitment to the region to recruit distributors and associated business partners. - AIM-listed intellectual property service provider Tekcapital expects a step-up in sales as it launches its sled product, which allows incapacitated people to be moved down stairs at speed in the event of an emergency evacuation, in the European Union. Medical device company Belluscura, which Tekcapital owns a 65% stake in has launched Slyde, a compact sled for moving people down stairs or over rough ground. - Base Resources provided preliminary exploration results of the extensional and infill drilling programme completed to date for its Kwale Mineral Sands operations in Kenya on Thursday. The AIM-traded company said the strong drilling results clearly demonstrated the potential to grow resources and mine life to the north and south of existing project reserves. - Safeland announced on Thursday that Barnet Councils planning committee had resolved to grant planning consent for the company's application to demolish the existing buildings at 12-18 High Road, East Finchley, London. The AIM-traded firm said it had plans to construct a new block of 21 flats, comprising eight one-bedroom flats, 12 two-bedroom flats and a three-bedroom flat, together with 265 square meters of office accommodation on the ground floor. Transcription 1 Psychology Research, ISSN May 2013, Vol. 3, No. 5, D DAVID PUBLISHING New Highlights About Worries, Coping, and Well-Being During Childhood and Adolescence Margarida Gaspar de Matos University of Lisbon; New University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team, Lisbon, Portugal Tania Gaspar Lusiada University; New University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team, Lisbon, Portugal Jaqueline Cruz, Ana Matilde Neves University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team, Lisbon, Portugal The aim of this study was to understand what children s and adolescents worries are and the strategies used to face them. Two studies were carried out. Study one had a sample of 1,207 Portuguese children and adolescents, 48.4% boys, attending 5th to 9th grades, mean age 12.5, participated in a first approach to children and adolescents theories about worries and coping with worries. Study two had a sample of 527 Portuguese children and adolescents, 46.8% boys, 5th to 9th grades, mean age 12.4, aimed to replicate study one and to go in depth on worries and coping and gender differences. Confronted with questions about the frequency of worries, the impact of worries, the kind of worries and how to cope with them, it was clear that the majority of children and adolescents get worried frequently, part of them let worries interfere significantly in their lives, and the best coping strategy is distraction, less frequently they seek social support, try to calm down or engage in health compromising behaviours such as drinking or eating or being violent. Other strategies were reported but none of them was frequent as these ones. Family, peers (getting supported) and leisure time (getting distracted) are important issues in young people s well-being but they play differential roles. School seems part of the problem but never part of the solution. The role of personal competences such as resilience, self-regulation, and problem-solving appears less frequently in these age groups. Mental health is a forgotten area in health promotion in schools, but indeed being worried frequently without being able to solve worrying issues does not contribute at all for children and adolescents well being and furthermore is able to interfere with the so feared school success. The implications for health promotion interventions in families and in schools are discussed. Keywords: adolescence, coping, school-based interventions, well-being, worries Introduction Anxiety appears as a common, functional, and transitory experience and its nature and intensity can vary to a large extent, depending on the individuals period of development. In this sense, it allows children and Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Ph.D., Full Professor, University of Lisbon; Researcher, New University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team. Tania Gaspar, Ph.D., Professor, Lusiada University; Researcher, New University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team. Jaqueline Cruz, ME.d., Researcher, University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team. Ana Matilde Neves, Student, University of Lisbon; Aventura Social Research Team. 2 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING 253 adolescents to engage in new, unexpected, or dangerous situations (Mash & Wolfe, 2002). However, the intensity of anxiety can increase and often become chronic or dysfunctional from a social and emotional point of view. Several studies are unanimous in considering depression as a very common pathology in childhood and adolescence (Rosen & Schulkin, 1998; Harrington, Rutter, & Fombonne, 1996). Some studies have demonstrated the existence of a relation between anxiety and depression in adolescents and adults (Kovacs & Devlin, 1998; Pine, Cohen, Gurley, Brook, & Ma, 1998). In order to analyse this association, Matos, Barrett, Dadds, and Shortt (2003) carried out a cross-sectional study with Portuguese children and adolescents, aged 10 to 17, attending the 6th, 8th, and 10th grades in public schools. The subjects were also evenly distributed in terms of gender. These researchers confirmed a significant association between depression and anxiety. Children and adolescents use a great diversity of coping answers in different domains (in their school performance, family-life, and social environment). They differ nonetheless, in stress situation evaluation and in coping strategy assessment. The effects and type of answer in any given situation that causes stress depend on personal characteristics and abilities (Wenger, Sharrer, & Wynd, 2000). Some researchers reported the existence of a positive relation between maladaptive coping strategies and different disorders (Endler & Parker, 1990). Selffge-Krenke (2000) stated that children and adolescents with pathological behaviours use maladaptive coping strategies, which in the future can increase their pathological behaviours, resulting in a vicious cycle. Depressed adolescents showed a higher number of stressful life events and a higher use of maladaptive coping strategies before the onset of these events (Selffge-Krenke, 2000). One of the factors that seem to have a great effect on the anxiety levels of children is their worries, particularly their number and intensity (unlike frequency, which did not show to have a significant effect). In particular, intensity of worry was the variable that seemed to differentiate a non-clinically referred child from a clinically referred one, being strongly associated with the later (Weems, Silverman, & La Greca, 2000). Children and adolescents worries act as anticipatory cognitive processes, disturbing thoughts related to more or less realistic events, and the worries have been associated to a lower well-being perception and indeed increase during adolescence, in part due to increasing cognitive abilities allowing anticipatory (negative) thoughts about negative future outcomes, but also because while growing older children face numerous personal and social challenges, increasing sources of worry (Matos, 2005). Leisure seems to be a key issue in children and adolescents, protecting them against worries and promoting their well-beings therefore being highlighted as a useful investment regarding education and health policies for young people. The same happened with school success, family bonds and social peer relationships (Matos, 2005; Matos et al., 2007; Matos & Sampaio, 2009; GTES (Grupo de Trabalho Educacao Sexual), 2010). In the study conducted by Weems et al. (2000), the area that stood out as generating both the biggest number, the more intense and more frequent worries was school, having the personal injuries and disasters areas also shown high level scores in number and intensity. Most of the studies that focus on children and well-being incorrectly forget to target as well their teachers and their parents as important actors (Gaspar, Matos, Foguet, Ribeiro, & Leal, 2010; Gaspar, Matos, Ribeiro, Leal, & Ferreira, 2009). Indeed, it was pointed out that what is valued regarding perceptions of well-being is 3 254 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING different according to children s views or to their parents perceptions: Parents do not value peers and peer friendship as much as their children and parents think that their children value financial matters more than they really do. Talking to parents, friends, or keeping the problem to themselves are referred by teenagers as the most used strategies to deal with worries, with parents being the most reposted source of information which adolescents worry about. However, especially older teenagers seem to tailor their information seeking methods to the specific worry at hands (Brown, Teufel, Birch, & Kancherla, 2006). Although worry is often associated with mental disorders, being considered as cognitive component of anxiety often associated with depressive mood (Matos, 2005; Matos et al., 2007), stressful life events play a (real) role in the worrying process, indeed vulnerability appears to increase as stressful life events exceed the number of four (Simoes, Matos, Tome, & Ferreira, 2009) independently of the intensity of the negative events. It was pointed out that there is a lack of inclusion of young people s own perspectives while studying their emotional states, their worries, what really matters for them, and their proposals for increasing their own well-beings (Matos, 2005; GTES, 2007). Most of the studies reviewed were based on a quantitative approach surveys and self-reported questionnaires (Matos, Barrett, Dadds, & Shortt, 2003; Gaspar et al., 2010; Gaspar et al., 2009; Simoes et al., 2009), or targeted clinical populations or they were population studies designed for other public health monitoring aims, and not specifically aiming to understand worries and solutions and the perception of well-being, from the children and adolescents perspectives. The aim of this study was to understand in depth what are indeed children and adolescents worries, events, thoughts, or feelings that may trouble them and put them apart from well-being therefore becoming more prone to a low mood or depression and school failure. Moreover, we want to know what strategies they use to cheer up or to calm down, in short to regulate their emotional states. Methods Procedures Both studies followed strict international ethical and privacy norms, namely a scientific board approval and an ethical board approval, school authorizations, parental consent, anonymity guidelines, and voluntary-based participation. A questionnaire with open questions and close questions was administered in the classroom and took an average of 50 minutes (a regular class length) to fill in. Researchers were available to answer pupils questions. This study follows all ethic recommendations regarding research on humans and got the approval of the ethical committee. Participants Study one. The sample consisted of 1,207 Portuguese children and adolescents, 48.4% boys, the participants were selected from six public schools in Lisbon area. Classes were randomly chosen from each of the five grades, from the 5th to the 9th grade (from nine to 17 years old). Mean age was 12.5 years old (SD = 1.6), and 61.5% of the children and adolescents were 12 to 14 years old (modal class was 12 years old with 23.3% of the participants). Study one was the first approach to children and adolescents worries and their ways to cope with worries. Study two. The sample consisted of 527 Portuguese children and adolescents, 46.8% boys, the 4 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING 255 participants were selected from three public schools in Lisbon area. Classes were randomly chosen from each of the 5 grades, from the 5th to the 9th grade (from nine to 17 years old). Mean age was 12.4 years old (SD = 1.7), and 58.4% of the children and adolescents were 12 to 14 years old (modal class was 12 years: with 21.8% of the participants). Study two meant to replicate study one and to go in depth on worries and coping, analysing gender differences. Measures Children and adolescents were confronted with four questions and for each question they were requested to refer to only one situation: 1 Frequency of worries; 2 Effect of worrying in your daily life; 3 Types of worries; and 4 Strategies to cope or to get rid of worries. Results As previously mentioned the main objective of this study was to understand in depth what are indeed children and adolescents worries, events or thoughts or feelings that may trouble them and put them apart from well-being, therefore being more prone to a low mood or depression. Moreover, we want to know what strategies they use to sheer up or to calm down, in short to regulate their emotional states. Study one was a first approach to children and adolescents theories about worries and coping with worries. Study two meant to replicate study one and to go in depth on worries and coping and gender differences. Study One Regarding the general questions about frequency of getting worried and the impact of worries (see Table 1), it seems that worries, especially worries that interfere with daily life, are a real issue in children and adolescents, with 18.6% of the children and adolescents reporting being worried several times a day and 22% being worries in a way that they cannot think or do anything else. Table 1 General Questions About Self-perception Regarding Worries How often are you worried? Study one ( N = 1207) Study two (N = 527) Several times a day 18.6% 19.3% Several times a week 26.1% 24.7% Several times a month 18% 20.8% Almost never 37.3% 35.2% How intense is worry in your life? Study one ( N = 1207) Study two (N = 527) An intense worry that does not allow me to think of anything else 22% 28.2% A worry that troubles you but let my life keep going 33% 29.6% I have worries but I do not let them interfere with my life 33.9% 34.0% I worry about nothing at all 11.1% 8.1% The most popular worry was related to school success or failure or success in general, and was pointed out by 40.6% of the children and adolescents, followed by problems with friends or family (see Table 2). The most popular solution to get rid of worries was using distracting/leisure (57.3%) followed by seeking social/familiar 5 256 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING support. A few reported inadequate strategies such as eating, drinking, cutting oneself or getting violent to someone else, but in a lower extent. Table 2 Study One Worries and Coping With Worries (N = 1,207) What worries you more? Percentage (%) School and related matters 48.6 Family and related matters 15.4 Friends/love and related matters 13.1 Others 22.9 What do you do in order to get rid of worries? Percentage (%) Seek support and speak with friends 15.3 Seek support and speak with family 3.7 Distract from problems 57.3 Try to calm down/cheer up 1.7 Inadequate coping strategies (eating, hitting, drinking, cutting oneself, getting isolated) 2 Others 20 Study Two Study two replicated pretty well the pattern of results obtained in Study one: getting worried and the impact of worries (see Table 1) are a real issue in children and adolescents, with 19.3% of the children and adolescents reporting being worried several times a day and 28.2% being worried in a way that they cannot think or do anything else. In study two, a gender comparison was carried on. Regarding the frequency of being worried there were no gender differences ( 2 (4) = 2.97, p = 0.563), but when analysing the way worries interfere in daily life there were gender differences ( 2 (3) = 9.882, p < 0.005), with boys more frequently worrying about anything at all (12.7% boys and 4.8% girls), and girls more frequently being so worried that they cannot think about anything else (24.3% boys and 31.1% girls). Regarding the frequency of being worried there were age differences ( 2 (32) = , p < 0.05), but the analysis of cells percent and adjusted residuals did not show a clear age pattern, perhaps because of the reduced number of children in the extreme age groups ( 9 10 years old and years old). When analysing the way worries interfere in daily life there were no age differences ( 2 (24) = , p = 0.548). The most popular worry was related to school success or failure, school marks and other study matters reported by 56.3% of the children and adolescents, and the second more popular worry was family and family life. In this second study, friends, and love affairs were responsible for less of the reported worries when comparing with the participants in study one (see Table 3). Concerning the ways they use in order to cope with worries, distraction is the more frequent strategy used by 50.7% of the participants, together with seeking help and support from peers or family. A few reported inadequate strategies such as eating, drinking, cutting oneself or getting violent to someone else, but in a lower extent. 6 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING 257 Table 3 Study Two Worries and Coping With Worries (N = 527) What worries you more? Percentage (%) School and related matters 56.3 Family and related matters 14 Friends/love and related matters 4.4 Others 25.3 What do you do in order to get rid of worries? Percentage (%) Seek support and speak with friends 11.7 Seek support and speak with family 3.7 Distract from problems 50.7 Try to calm down/cheer up 4.8 Inadequate coping strategies (eating, hitting, drinking, cutting, getting isolated) 7.8 Others 21.3 When analysed by gender, it seems that girls have more worries related with school and friends. Regarding how to cope with problems, girls more frequently seek for social support and boys more frequently engage in inadequate strategies (see Tables 4 and 5). Table 4 Study Two Worries and Coping With Worries (Boys) What worries you more? Percentage (%) School and related matters 50 Family and related matters 13.7 Friends/love and related matters 2.1 Others 34.2 What do you do in order to get rid of worries? Percentage (%) Seek support and speak with friends 3.7 Seek support and speak with family 1 Distract from problems 57.6 Try to calm down 6.3 Inadequate coping strategies (eating, hitting, drinking, cutting, getting isolated) 10.5 Others 20.9 Discussions and Conclusions Putting both studies together, about 1/5 of all children and adolescents report being worried several times a day, and about 1/4 report worries that significantly interfere with daily life do not allowing them to think or do anything else. It is therefore clear that worries are phenomenological sound during adolescence. 7 258 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING Table 5 Study Two Worries and Coping With Worries (Girls) What worries you more? Percentage (%) School and related matters 61.3 Family and related matters 14.3 Friends/love and related matters 6.3 Others 18.1 What do you do in order to get rid of worries? Percentage (%) Seek support and speak with friends 18 Seek support and speak with family 5.7 Distract from problems 45.3 Try to calm down 3.7 Inadequate coping strategies (eating, hitting, drinking, cutting, getting isolated) 5.7 Others 21.6 In both studies, school (school success and in general school matters) is always a worry and never presented as a solution or a resource to deal with life worries. Leisure/distraction is the best solution to cope with life worries, and they are never presented as problems or worries. Regarding the general questions about coping with worries (see Table 1), it seems that children and adolescents are better finding strategies to get rid of situations and bad feelings (distracting themselves) than to change behaviour in order to achieve their own objectives or to try to solve problems, or even seek for social support. As it looks obvious that school and school success is part of children and adolescents worries, and never pointed out as a part of the solution, and considering that sometimes worries are apprehended as so intense that indeed prevent thinking and acting, it is quite troublesome that school cannot find its way helping children and adolescents dealing with life worries, solving daily life problems (school matters included), and even offering some guidance or support on how to manage facing and overcoming worries. The present results confirm partially the study conducted by Weems, Silverman, and La Greca (2000) in what the worries about school is concerned. However, personal injuries and disasters did not seem relevant here. The method to obtain information can be an issue because in the present studies an open question was presented (and children did not have injuries and disasters as relevant). One can imagine that if injuries and disasters was an item to mark Yes/No, a large amount of children would mark Yes asserting that it is a worrying matter (although not a real worry in their lives). Interestingly family was a big source of worries, but not a so good resource for coping with worries. Interestingly in study two, friends were less presented as a source of worries and similarly presented as a source of social support. Unlike Brown, Teufel, Birch, and Kancherla s (2006) study, talking to parents was not a strategy to deal with worries but rather talking to friends or keeping the problem to themselves. However, Brown et al. (2006) 8 NEW HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT WORRIES, COPING, AND WELL-BEING 259 also pointed out that older teenagers seem to better differentiate their strategies according to the type of worry they have in hands. As it was pointed out earlier, leisure/distraction seems to be a key issue in children and adolescents coping with worries, being therefore a useful spot in education and health policies for young people, the same happened with social peer relationships (Matos et al., 2007; Matos & Sampaio, 2009; GTES, 2007). The results of both studies allow to defend the inclusion of a few topics as relevant specific contents to be discussed in school based programs: from one side specific training aiming at helping pupils to build on self-regulation and problem solving, from another side helping pupils to acquire specific strategies aiming at increasing positive peer social support and in general social support. The importance of facing school success and future positive expectation as one issue related to children and adolescents mental health and well being is also strengthened (Matos et al., 2007; Matos & Sampaio, 2009; GTES, 2007; Simoes et al., 2009). Although the samples used in both studies do not have national significance, they are broad samples covering all school grades evenly (from the 5th to the 9th) grade. Furthermore, classes were randomly selected from the schools chosen to assure an even gender, age and school type distribution. Besides the limitations found, this study managed to propose a sound insight into children and adolescents minds in what worries and its solutions and perception of well-being are concerned. Mental health is the forgotten and under-addressed area when planning health education and promotion in schools. Increasing emotional literacy, meaning by this the ability to be aware of one s emotions, to be able to express them in an appropriate way and to be able to regulate mental states, as stated by Armstrong, Galligan, and Critchley (2011), together with the ability to seek for health in the social networks, and to be able to maintain a social support network, is perhaps the best bet to improve children and adolescents well being and mental health, furthermore allowing an increase of their resilience that can even buffer the effect of negative events on their mental health and well being. References Armstrong, A., Galligan, R., & Critchley, C. (2011). Emotional intelligence and psychological resilience to negative life events. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, Brown, S., Teufel, J., Birch, D., & Kancherla, V. (2006) Gender, age and behavior differences in early adolescence worry. Journal of School Health, 76(8), Endler, N. S., & Parker, J. A. (1990). 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Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 28(1), Wenger, N., Sharrer, V., & Wynd, C. (2000). Stress, coping, and health in children. In V. Rice (Ed.), Handbook of stress, coping, and health implications for nursing research, theory, and practice (pp ). California: Sage Publications, Inc.. United States President Donald Trump's nominee for the Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, said on Tuesday that he was ''shocked'' to read about India's recent successful launch of more than 100 satellites in one go. Coats suggested that in view of India's unprecedented progress, the US needs to pick up. "I was shocked the other day to read that India, on one rocket launch, deposited more than 100 satellites in space," Coats told lawmakers on Tuesday during his confirmation hearing for the position of Director of National Intelligence. He also said that the US cannot be seen lagging behind such advances. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had launched 104 satellites in a rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh on 15 February. It has for some years been taking on large-scale commercial projects to put satellites of other countries in space, apart from its success in launching the Chandrayaan unmanned moon mission. India, in September 2014, had become the fourth country after the US, Russia and the European Space Agency to successfully guide a spacecraft into orbit around Mars. "They may be small in size with different functions and so forth, but one rocket can send up, I think it was 104 platforms," Coats said. If confirmed by the Senate, Coats will be in charge of major American intelligence agencies, including the CIA. With the launch of 104 satellites, India has become the first country in the world to successfully carry and launch so many satellites in a single mission. The historic launch reportedly overtook the 2014 Russian record of 37 satellites in a single launch (See: Isro leaps into history with launch of 104 satellites in one go). Out of the 104 satellites, three were from India, 96 from American companies and the remaining belonged to firms based in Israel, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. Most of the satellites launched were owned by Planet Labs Inc, a San Francisco-based Earth-imaging company. Huge crowds attended the funeral Mass of the late Joe ORourke at St. Patricks Church in Donegal Town this morning which was indeed a testament to the respect in which he was held, not only in Donegal Town, but throughout the North West. The late Mr. ORourke passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday last surrounded by his family in Aras Mac Suibhne in Mullinasole. The Mass was celebrated By. Fr. Willie Peoples PP who was assisted by Fr. Seamus Dagens, Fr. Danny McBrearty, Fr. Frank McManus, Fr. Herbie Bromley and Fr. Rory Brady. Joe O'Rourke with his wife Louie pictured overlooking Donegal Bay. Welcoming the large crowd to the church Fr. Peoples said, Joe ORourke was well known for his charity and kindness. He helped so many people in need, people that we might never hear of. He helped people keep their dignity with his own humility through his work with the St. Vincent de Paul and his own private visits. Charity is a virtue and a virtue that Joe used well. Fr. Seamus Dagens in his homily told the congregation,Today we all join together in celebration of Joes life but also pray for consolation for his family. Joe O'Rourke in younger days. Joe was blessed with a long and fruitful life reaching the age of 83 years and in all that time retained the gift of faith which he received as a child. He met his wife Louie in 1954 and married soon afterwards and had a large family of five children and 10 grandchildren. He had a superb business acumen owning three businesses in the town - Foodland, the Four Masters Bookshop and a large Cash and Carry and wholesale business. Joe has good sense - when he decided to retire he stuck to his convictions and passed the baton on. He was a deeply religious and caring man - his religion did not end after Mass on a Sunday afternoon. He carried it with him at all times. He was a very non judgemental person and spent 60 years in the St. Vincent de Paul with his friend and neighbour, John Murphy. He helped many people but that was always in a very private manner - he never sought the limelight, he just went about things in his own way. In latter years his health deteriorated but like the man he was he bore his illness with great fortitude. We will always remember Joe as he was - his existence is now on a new shore in communion with God. The Lord has said, There are many rooms in my house - there is no doubt that Joe is already well settled in one of them. As his remains left the Church on his final journey, to St. Agathas Cemetery in Clar for burial, a guard of honour was formed by members of the St. Vincent de Paul. Joe is survived by his wife Louie, sons Phillip and Colm, daughters Marie, Michelle and Stephanie and a large extended family and many friends. May he rest in peace. Author Adam Davis has released his latest self-help book, Be Awakened: A New You in 40 Days. Davis previously published the devotional book Spirit & Truth: 52 Encouraging Messages for Americas Law Enforcement. His latest book came out in January, and a portion of book sales will benefit a non-profit organization funding law enforcement training and assistance. While serving in law enforcement, Davis published his first book under the name J.A. Davis. The book led to numerous opportunities and a business was born. In September 2015, Davis founded his business Enlivify. Be Awakened is intended to help people infuse their stagnant lives with purpose and passion and drive them to pursue the things that excite them. Davis is a husband, father, small business owner, and writer. He focuses on helping small business owners and individuals achieve their goals and live the life of their dreams. He has been a contributor for Entrepreneur Magazine as well as The Huffington Post. He has been featured on FoxNews.com and The Blaze Radio Network. The book is 220 pages and sells for $19.99. Visit www.AdamDavis.co for more information. Not a dry eye was seen in the Performing Arts Center at Enterprise High School Wednesday night. Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of the EF4 tornado that ravaged the City of Enterprise, taking with it the high school, numerous homes, businesses and the lives of eight high school students and one resident. Members of the community affected by that tragedy gathered together to honor the lives that were taken and remember the strength and resiliency of the community in the following days, months and years. Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell recalled a city that was gripped by fear and sorrow open their hearts to others selflessly and without question. The best way we could honor the nine precious lives we lost that day was to fight back and to rebound, Boswell said. I believe the remarkable recovery of this community has memorialized those lives. Megan Parks Sims, Student Government Association president in 2007, remembered former President George W. Bush coming to the school to witness the devastation and reminding him not to step on the treasured mosaic tile Wildcat that was still intact at the school. The former president took the time to send a heartfelt video message as well, letting Enterprise know that it hadnt left his thoughts. You rebuilt, you survived and you thrived, Bush said. In so doing you honor the lives taken from you and comfort their families and remind us all what the best of America looks like. Former Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Reese shared countless stories of heroism, courage and determination that he said defined the faculty, staff and students of the system that he loved. Even with the tears and with the grief, when I saw the resolve in the faces of our employees I knew that we were going to be okay, Reese said. Rick Rainer, Enterprise High Schools principal on the day of the tornado, spoke with unabashed tears, saying they were just memories rolling down his face. We all carry the memories in our own way, Rainer said. He spoke of the thousands of people that stepped in to help from first responders in the city and around the state, to schools across the state, business owners and even a young boy from North Carolina across the country who broke his piggy bank to send his $3.96 to the school. We always appreciate the love and support given to us, Rainer said. I thank all of you for what you did and what you continue to do. The night was also filled with music from 2008 EHS graduate Stewart Halcomb who found that music can help heal others and defined his choice in pursuing music as a career. The Enterprise Encores lifted their voices to celebrate the lives of those tragically lost and former EHS teacher Chris Duke brought his guitar to the stage in remembrance. Transcription 1 EUPOL - Serving Afghanistan Online Weekly Newsletter, 30 th July European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan Photo by: Aziz Basam / 23 July 2009 Kabul City Police in Action Headlines: Election Security Air Support Plan Training Center and Conference Room Officially Opened at the KCP HQ KCP Receives Donations for the Ring of Steel Project The Portrait: Aidas Navickas of Lithuania EUPOL PRESS OFFICE 2 Election Security - Air Support Plan Helicopter exercise at the Afghan National Police Academy Election Security Training H.E. Minister Haneef Atmar requested Deputy Minister Dauod Dauod and Lieutenant General Abdul Rahman Rahman, the head of Kabul City Police to develop an Air Support Plan to enhance security in Kabul during the Presidential election period. EUPOL officer, Adrian Denby who is mentor to General Rahman was asked to assist in developing the plan. In conjunction with the Counter Narcotics Air Interdiction Unit (AIU), who have supplied three MI17 helicopters, an Air Support Plan was produced, which has been named Operation Eagle Eye by the Afghan AIU. Chief Inspector Denby says By utilizing the intelligence and security agencies, we are able to deliver an intelligence led high visibility air support presence at critical site locations throughout Kabul. The plan also provides an important support function to police operations on the ground, including intelligence gathering, delivering a quick reaction force and providing a casualty evacuation capability. Page 1 3 On the 23 rd July a media event was organised at the Police Academy in Kabul. Included within this was a training exercise, which demonstrated the capability to provide a quick response to a kidnap incident and an air evacuation of a casualty. EUPOL officers Henrik Rose and Michael Lilleballe worked in conjunction with Lt. Colonel Ronald Ells (CSTC-A) to deliver the necessary training to the Afghan Police. capability widely throughout Kabul. They argue that this will serve to reassure the communities of Kabul, by demonstrating the police commitment to public safety. They also state that it will send a strong deterrent message to terrorists and criminals operating in Kabul. Chief of Kabul City Police Lt. General Abdul Rahman Rahman EUPOL and MoI officers participated at the helicopter exercise training Chief Inspector Denby states Both Henrik and Michael have worked very hard to ensure that the Afghan s police have reached a high level of competence. They have also delivered the necessary training within a very short period of time. Present at the media event was a film crew, who recorded the training exercise. It was televised across five Afghan National TV channels. The planning team for this operation state they are keen to publicise this new air Lt. General Rahman states This is yet another excellent example of cooperation between the Afghan National Police and International agencies operating in Afghanistan. It will have the benefit of assisting in the prevention and detection of terrorist and criminal activities in Kabul. The Deputy Minister of Counter- Narcotics at the Ministry of Interior praised the work done by EUPOL and other international partners and wished success for the best implementation of the program in the upcoming presidential and parliamentarian elections. Page 2 4 Training Center and Conference Room Officially Opened at the KCP HQ Head of GPPT Detlef Karioth, Head of Kabul City Police Abdul Rahman and EUPOL D/HoM Peter Horst The ceremonial presentation of keys for the newly constructed training and conference centre at Kabul City Police (KCP) headquarters took place last week. Deputy Head of Mission Peter Horst, the Head of GPPT Detlef Karioth, Head of Project Management Satu Elo and Project Manager Lee Davies were all present at a short informal gathering in the new conference room as it was officially opened by Lt General Abdul Rahman Rahman, Head of Kabul City Police. The General thanked EUPOL and the GPPT for their efforts and expressed his gratitude at having new facilities that would enable the KCP to continue with the training that will support the police reform programme and the Integrated Security Plan. Deputy Head of Mission Peter Horst said The official handover of the renovated training facility at Kabul City Headquarters constitutes a further step of progress with regard to the Kabul City Security Project. The additional classrooms will enable the KCP to accelerate the education and training activities of Kabul City Police, in particular prior to the forthcoming elections. I would like to thank all contributors to this project notably the German Police Project Team for funding most of the expenses. Finally I give my assurance that EUPOL AFG will keep up its commitment and assistance to enhance the quality of the Afghan National Police. KCP and EUPOL will organise a booking system for the new rooms which will allow the KCP, EUPOL and the GPPT to share the use of the new facility. Page 3 5 KCP Receives Donations for the Ring of Steel Project Chief Inspectors Reidar Vang and Jesper Christensen with Afghan colleagues at the handover ceremony EUPOL donated traffic cones, vehicle search mirrors, reflective jackets and strips of cordon to the Kabul City Police (KCP) as part of the Ring of Steel (RoS) project. The RoS project basically consists of 31 strategically placed checkpoints, which will improve the KCP s control of all traffic entering the centre of Kabul and also enabling the KCP to shut down the centre of the city in case of an emergency. To support this effort, Kabul City Police Project Team (KCPPT) made numerous assessments of possible sites for these checkpoints and the number of men and equipment needed. An Afghan police at the handover ceremony Page 4 6 The KCPPT has delivered courses in checkpoint duty to 522 police and Mobile Support Unit courses to 400 police. A further 49 checkpoint supervisors and 24 Mobile Support Unit supervisors are also being trained. All of these efforts are being made to support the Ring of Steel and KCP in order to prevent insurgent attacks in Kabul city. Chief Inspectors Reidar Vang and Jesper Christensen provided KCP with 290 traffic cones, 31 vehicle search mirrors, 150 reflective vests, 50 reflective jackets and 31 rolls of cordon strip. In the future there is a plan to provide more equipment to further support the project. Colonel Khalilullah Dastiyar, Chief of operations at KCP and Colonel Qader Gul, Commander of the brigade for Ring of Steel and Mobile Support Units were also present at the handover ceremony. Both of them thanked EUPOL for its continuous support to the ANP especially to the KCP. The funding for this equipment comes from the United Kingdom and Denmark and the total costs are approximately 15,000 US Dollars. KCP officers at the handover ceremony for the equipment Page 5 7 The Portrait: Aidas Navickas of Lithuania The 38 years old Police Commissioner- Inspector from Marijampole City in Lithuania is an experienced Surveillance Unit mentor with EUPOL. Inspector Aidas was born in Marijampole City and he joined the Lithuanian Police force in From he worked as the Chief of the Surveillance Unit for Marijampole County s Operative Activities Service. In 1995, inspector Aidas graduated from the Agriculture Academy of Lithuania. In 2004 he was the Chief of the Internal Investigation Group in Lithuania, where he gained in depth experience in dealing with investigative matters. From he was deployed to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, where he worked with the Directorate of Organized Crime (DOC), Surveillance Unit. As this was my first international mission, it was a good Inspector Aidas also studied law at the University of Lithuania, graduating with a bachelors degree in Law in opportunity to improve my skills working alongside other colleagues both nationals and internationals Says inspector Aidas. Page 6 8 Since March 2008 he has been working in the EUPOL mission in Afghanistan. He was first deployed as a CID Adviser in Ghowr province, Chaghcharan Police HQ. He successfully conducted trainings His Present position in EUPOL is Mentor/Adviser to the Surveillance Unit of the Ministry of Interior. The main task is to concentrate on the development and reorganisation of the new Commissioner Inspector Aidas Navickas (right) with Afghan and International colleagues with local CID officers regarding crime recording, post bomb blast scene management and crime scene management. In cooperation with the US army Police Mentoring Team (PMT), anti riot and check point training were also conducted for the Afghan National Police (ANP). In February 2009, he was deployed to EUPOL HQ in Kabul as a CID Mentor/Adviser to the Ministry of Interior. centralised Surveillance Unit, as well as special training for Surveillance Officers in Kabul City s existing Surveillance Unit. Aidas says A couple of weeks ago we successfully completed a four-week training on the Basics of Surveillance and also very soon there will be a special technical equipment training for all Surveillance Units in Kabul. Aidas is married and is the father of a ten-year-old son. Page 7 9 EUPOL TODAY (July ) EUPOL s mission strength is currently 256 internationals (166 police officers, 17 Rule of Law experts, 73 civilian experts) and 170 nationals. The 256 internationals are deployed as follows: 165 at the EUPOL HQ in Kabul (including five assigned to the International Police Coordinating Board, IPCB Secretariat); 91 in the regions; and 3 providing support within the Mission Support Element in Brussels. EUPOL - Serving Afghanistan is the bi-weekly online magazine of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan. Our aim is to provide an overview of EUPOL activities throughout the Country. Text and photo contributions from the provinces are most welcome. Editorial Staff Consultants: EUPOL Political Advisors Peter Van Raaij Aziz Basam Mission Statement: EUPOL Afghanistan shall significantly contribute to the establishment under Afghan ownership of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements, which will ensure appropriate interaction with the wider criminal justice system, in keeping with the policy advice and institution-building work of the Community, Member States and other international actors. Further the Mission will support the reform process towards a trusted and efficient police service, which works in accordance with international standards, within the framework of the rule of law and respects human rights. COUNCIL JOINT ACTION 2007/369/CFSP of 30 May 2007on establishment of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan Page 8 Spring is here Im ready for it! Ive been looking for a few new spring decor pieces to add to our home and found so many pretty options to share with you! Everything from the cutest ceramic pots to some great faux florals, the prettiest pillows, and some stylish pieces to dress up your front porch. Lets get to it (post includes affiliate links full disclosure statement available {here} I already bought two of {these tutti pot planters} (the medium size with oranges and large size with lemons) and am so excited to get them they couldnt be any cuter! FYI, I havent received mine yet but read in the reviews that the orange bowl is larger than the listed dimensions (it actually measures closer to 8 in diameter and 6 in height). I also bought {these faux cherry blossoms} (they come in a set of 3) a few weeks ago and am really impressed by how realistic the blooms are! I put them in the large basket (a Country Living fair find) on top of the armoire in our guest room: The stems themselves arent super realistic so the only place I might not use them would be in a glass vase where theyre visible. Another faux option that I found last year is {these faux orchid blossoms} that come in a set of 10 they arent quite as gorgeous as the cherry blossom but after a little fluffing (they arrive pretty smushed) I think they look really nice for the price! I have them in twin glass vases on my fireplace mantel: Both faux floral stems are pretty long so you may need to cut a few inches off of the bottom of the stems depending upon what youre putting them in. Other favorites are {this striped throw} that comes in several color options, {this darling floral watering can}, and {these glass beads} which are really similar to this strand of beads that Ive had for years and makes the best decorative book topper on your coffee table: I also love {these wood candlesticks} that come in gorgeous spring colors and would look great on a fireplace mantel or a spring table, {this clementine hand towel} to add some spring color to your kitchen, and {this bunny ring holder} which would be a super cute Easter gift. And one last thing that Id been eyeing for a while and just came back in stock are {this set of two blue and white planters}: I love that they come with holes pre-drilled in the bottom and pretty bamboo drip trays theyd be cute filled with herbs in your kitchen or you could add a pretty plant to one to keep for yourself and give the other away as a sweet gift! I have two of these pillows including {these striped pillow covers} in the 22 square size in smoke they are the prettiest blue/gray and beautifully embroidered! Theyre definitely more than I usually spend for pillow covers but have been worth it Ive loved them so much that Ive kept them on our banquette year-round. I also have a pair of {these rose block print pillow covers} that are currently on sale: If youre not much of a wreath person but want to do something to dress up your door, {this dragonfly door knocker} is perfect for year-round use! It comes in two sizes and four different finish options Im especially smitten by the brass: I wish I knew what door color that was such a pretty shade of green! If youre like me and add seasonal wreaths to your door year-round, there are loads of gorgeous spring wreaths to choose from. Ive always loved lemons for spring and think that {this simple spring wreath with lemons & greenery} is gorgeous, as is {this wreath thats a colorful burlap wrapped bouquet}: Its the kissing cousin to {this gorgeous lemon wreath} I got a few years back from the same shop and am going to use again this spring: Check out {this post} on my favorite spring wreaths for more spring wreath options! For planters, Ill reuse {these urn planters} that Ive had for a few years now. I didnt fill them last spring since we were down in NC but this is what they looked like with mums this fall fall: My urn planters were out of stock for a while but right now theyre back in stock and on sale in all three colors! Im also crushing hard on {these white fluted planters} so pretty! Home Off beat Saudi Arabian King's Massive Contingent Needs 27 Aircraft To Move Around oi-Sukesh Saudi Arabia's King Salman is due to visit Indonesia on Wednesday. And he's bringing a contingent of nearly 1,500 people along for the nine-day trip. {photo-feature} Most Viewed Car Photo Gallery Home Two wheelers India Yamaha Registers A Consistent Growth In February oi-Kennedy Paul India Yamaha Motor has registered sales growth of 20 percent in the domestic market for the month of February 2017 when compared to the same period last year. {photo-feature} Most Viewed Bike Photo Gallery Louth Deputy Declan Breathnach has expressed his sadness at the death of the late PJ Bradley, who passed away today following a short illness. "I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to PJs wife, Leontia, and their family and friends at this very sad time. PJ was a proud Down man, and above all else, a proud Irish man. Elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for the SDLP in 1998, having previously been a member of Newry and Mourne District Council since 1981, PJ not only gave a lifetime of service to his community, but reached out across the political divide to build bridges with people from different faiths and backgrounds. He was a well-respected member of the business community in Warrenpoint and a committed Gael. He worked tirelessly for his community in Burren and Ballyholland. PJ put the needs of the community in Burren, Ballyholland and Warrenpoint first. I worked with him at part of the Memorandum of Understanding between Louth and Down and can say that PJ was absolutely fearless in his commitment to achieving an end to violence in the North. "PJ was incredibly proud of his family, and I have no doubt that he took enormous pleasure seeing his daughter Sinead elected to the Assembly last year to represent South Down. "He worked hard over many years to ensure open lines of communication between successive Irish Governments and had deep and abiding friendships with many people in the Fianna Fail party. He was selected as a member of the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and I know that he took great personal satisfaction from this work and the hugely successful 1916 Centenary Commemoration events. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dhilis. I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. More on who I am is here. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com 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. There were at least 166,000 job vacancies across Australia in December, indicating substantial labour demand from the business community. That said, employers are struggling to fill around 30% of skilled job vacancies. With 720,000 unemployed Australians looking for full- or part-time work, theres plenty of untapped labour. So, why do so many vacancies remained unfilled? Part of the problem is a lack of work-ready job candidates. The Department of Employment has found that for each skilled vacancy, there are (on average) 11.5 applicants, and while 7.4 held relevant qualifications only 1.9 applicants are deemed suitable. Why are so few qualified candidates deemed suitable? Candidates dont have the level of experience employers are after or they lack important employability skills (e.g. communication skills, teamwork mindset, English proficiency). jobactive The Australian Governments $6.6 billion job placement program, jobactive , helps employers address a mismatch between job vacancies and job-ready candidates. Employers can tap into a network of jobactive providers from over 1,700 locations across Australia to connect with screened and job-ready candidates that fit their business needs. Employers can approach their local jobactive provider for tailored recruitment services at no cost to their business. Alternatively, they can advertise vacancies through the jobactive website or free app (available from iTunes and Google Play). To ensure a supply of job-ready candidates for these businesses, jobactive providers work with reliable and ambitious job seekers to help them obtain the skills local employers need and overcome barriers to employment. There are financial incentives for business that employ job seekers through jobactive. Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria, can access wage subsidies of up to $10,000 by hiring mature age workers (50+) or workers aged 15 to 24 years of age. Meanwhile, businesses that hire eligible job seekers who are 25 to 29 year of age, principal carer parents, in long-term unemployment or indigenous can obtain up to $6,500 in wage subsidies. Success stories The employment relationships facilitated by jobactive have been mutually beneficial. There are career progression opportunities for job seekers and businesses gain access to workers who are eager to excel. Jessica, a Byron Bay mother of three, had been absent from the workforce for two years while she cared for her youngest two children. When she decided to find employment again, she found it challenging due to her parental obligations she was only available between 9am and 3pm on work days, and not during school holidays. By connecting with jobactive, Jessica could obtain work experience with Elements of Byron while she undertook a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. After completing her work experience hours, Jessica was offered employment with the resort, working in the reception area. She aspires to secure a position in the spa department once she completes her diploma. Elements of Byron General Manager Leon Pink praises Jessica for her willingness to work across multiple departments at the resort, explaining that it demonstrates diversity and enthusiasm. He says she has a bright future at the resort. When Kylesha, relocated from Cairns to Sarina, a small town in Queensland, she had been unemployed for a year. Through jobactive, she connected with Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, a local healthcare provider. Following six months of work experience performing administrative and maintenance tasks, she was brought on as an aged care employee, working two days a week while undertaking training in her field. Kylesha credits the opportunity with developing her confidence and people skills, while the Mudth-Niyleta CEO, Sam Raciti says Kyleshas personality, including her willingness to give it a go, is consistent with the corporations culture and the approach to delivering client programs. Find your local jobactive provider today. For more information on how jobactive can help you in the hiring process, watch the below video Puma Service Station: Wayne is the Site Manager for Puma Service Station on the Gold Coast. His local jobactive provider made things simple when he hired console operator Edward. If youre looking for the right staff to fit your business, find out how jobactive can help https:jobactive.gov.au/find-the-right-fit Maine Beacon reported that 8 Democrats-- 2 in the state Senate and 6 in the House-- signed on to Yesterday thereported that 8-- 2 in the state Senate and 6 in the House-- signed on to Paul LePage's plan to roll back a just-passed minimum wage increase . And by "signed on," I mean co-sponsoring a bill that would target restaurant workers. What LePage, his GOP allies and those 8 Democrats want to do is overturn the voter-approved ballot measure, which won in November 417,132 (55.5%) to 334,774 (44.5%). How big a deal are those numbers? Hillary won the state with 357,735, beating Trump's 335,593. Measure 4-- the minimum wage increase-- beat both candidates substantially and beat the winning marijuana legalization measure to boot! These are the Democratic co-sponsos of the anti-worker GOP bill: Sen. Bill Diamond (Cumberland County) Sen. Jim Dill (Penobscot County) Rep. Robert Alley (Beals) Rep. Martin Grohman (Biddeford) Rep. Brian Hubbell (Bar Harbor) Rep. Louis Luchini (Ellsworth) Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio (Sanford) Rep. Catherine Nadeau (Winslow) Amy Halsted, campaign manager for Mainers for Fair Wages, the coalition that supported the minimum wage referendum, explained that "The median hourly wage for a waiter or waitress in Maine is just $9.06, including tips. They are twice as likely to live in poverty and three times as likely to access food stamps to feed their families. These legislators need to hear from us right now about not betraying the will of the voters and not cutting the minimum wage. No legislator should support cutting the minimum wage, but for Democrats in particular to try to betray the voters and attempt to cut the subminimum tipped wage after leaders like President Obama, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, and womens and workers rights groups have worked so hard to increase it is absolutely unacceptable." As you've probably guessed by now, my reason for reporting this isn't specifically because of Maine or even this (worthy) issue. It's because of Democrats. If you want to oppose the minimum wage and the right of the voters to raise it, why not just switch parties and become a Republican? The GOP isn't fooling around. They have a national agenda-- a highly toxic one, that will role back all the progress made since FDR was president. As Trump's proto-fascist chief advisor, Steve Bannon, admitted boasted, "Thats all going to be deconstructed and I think thats why the regulatory thing is so important." Yesterday, for example, the House voted on the so-called SCRUB Act to put together a new agency to find regulations to repeal, primarily science-based public health and safety protections. It passed 240-185 . Republican Walter Jones was the only Republican to vote against it. These 11 Democrats, primarily very right-wing Blue Dogs, crossed the aisle to vote with the GOP: Jim Costa (Blue Dog-CA) Henry Cuellar (Blue Dog-TX) Josh Gottheimer (Blue Dog-NJ) Stephanie Murphy (Blue Dog-FL) Tom O'Halleran (Blue Dog-AZ) Collin Peterson (Blue Dog-MN) Jacky Rosen (NV) Bobby Rush (IL) Kurt Schrader (Blue Dog-OR) Kirsten Sinema (Blue Dog-AZ) Tom Suozzi (NY) Another example: the EPA. When he chose Scott Pruitt to head the agency , there could have been no doubt what his intentions were. I was dismayed on February 17 when the Senate voted to confirm Pruitt even before reading the Big Oil documents he was hiding that a court had just ordered released. Two Democrats-- both up for reelection in 2018-- voted with the GOP: Heidi Heitkamp (ND) and Joe Manchin (WV), the two Dems who cross the aisle most frequently, looking to please home-state Trumpists and brazenly thumbing their noses at their own base. Did it surprise anyone when Trump's budget included ripping nearly a quarter of the EPA budget out from under them-- and it wasn't to lower Scott Pruitt's salary. If Congress approves it, that will mean $8.1 billion that would have been used to keep water and air from being polluted (by people very much like those in Trump's cabinet-from-hell), will instead be used to... build a wall along the southern border? Finance another tax break for multimillionaires and billionaires? Increase military spending even even more ridiculously than it already is? Look at this comparison? It's already completely repulsive. Trump wants to make far more so. Trump has released Pruitt from any kind of pre-confirmation leash he was on to start aggressively rolling back regulations that in any way touch on the climate change programs Obama had begun. Tuesday, Trumpanzee signed an executive order that will lead directly to plenty of dirty water. Raul Grijalva is the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee and just before Trump gave his speech Tuesday night, he noted that "If this budget is enacted the way he wants it, hes effectively dealt a very significant death blow to the EPA." And there are even some conservative Republicans who fear that Trump and Pruitt are too extreme. People in Idaho may be extremely conservative-- Trump won the state 409,055 (59.2) to 189,765 (27.5%)-- but they also appreciate a clean robust environment. Far right Republican Mike Simpson has been in Congress since 1999. Yesterday he gulped when he saw Trump's numbers. "If theyre trying to get rid of the regulatory regime and a few things like that, you could probably make some cuts... I dont know if they can be as big as what theyre talking about." R.L. Miller, head of ClimateHawksVote cut right to the chase: "America is going to run an uncontrolled experiment: will a mixture of 76% clean air and water, and 24% dirty air and water, poison the body politic?" -- Nathaniel Rich, in "Joan Didion in the Deep South" (NYRB, 3/9) But the writing itself -- the cool majesty of her prose, written as if from a great, even empyreal distance, elevating personal experience into universal revelation -- has an immaculacy as intimidating as Chelsea porcelain. South and West offers for the first time a glimpse inside the factory walls. they are also something more unsettling. Readers today will recognize, with some dismay and even horror, how much is familiar in these long-lost American portraits. Didion saw her era more clearly than anyone else, which is another way of saying that she was able to see the future. a sense which struck me now and then, and which I could not explain coherently, that for some years the South and particularly the Gulf Coast had been for America what people were still saying California was, and what California seemed to me not to be: the future, the secret source of malevolent and benevolent energy, the psychic center. Didion admits the idea seems oxymoronic, but she is onto something. Part of the answer, she suspects, lies in the bluntness with which Southerners confront race, class, and heritage -- distinctions which the frontier ethic teaches western children to deny and to leave deliberately unmentioned. "In the South such distinctions are visible, rigid, and the subject of frank conversation." This kind of thinking seemed retrograde in the Seventies. From the vantage of New York, California, even New Orleans, it still seems so today. But this southern frame of mind has annexed territory in the last four decades, expanding across the Mason-Dixon Line into the rest of rural America. It has taken root among people -- or at least registered voters -- nostalgic for a more orderly past. This kind of thinking seemed retrograde in the Seventies. From the vantage of New York, California, even New Orleans, it still seems so today. But this southern frame of mind has annexed territory in the last four decades, expanding across the Mason-Dixon Line into the rest of rural America. It has taken root among people -- or at least registered voters -- nostalgic for a more orderly past. in which the men concentrated on hunting and fishing and the women on their cooking, their canning, their prettifying; when graft as a way of life was accepted, particularly in politics, and segregation was unquestioned; when a white supremacist running for public office was a totally explicable phenomenon; when a wife knew better than to travel through strange territory with a bikini and without a wedding ring [i.e., as Didion herself did during her Gulf tour]. An unquestioned premise among those who live in American cities with international airports has been, for more than half a century now, that Enlightenment values would in time become conventional wisdom. Some fought for this future to come sooner. Others waited patiently. But nobody seemed to believe that it would never arrive. Nobody, certainly, in Los Angeles or the Bay Area, which since Didions reporting has only accelerated in its embrace of an ethic in which the past is fluid, meaningless, neutered by technological advancement. In this view the past is relegated to the aesthetic realm, to what Didion describes in California Notes as decorative touches -- tastefully aged cutlery and window curtains. In this view the past was safely dead and could not return to bloody the land. Two decades into the new millennium, however, a plurality of the population has clung defiantly to the old way of life. They still believe in the viability of armed revolt. As Didion herself noted nearly fifty years ago, their solidarity is only reinforced by outside disapproval, particularly disapproval by the northern press. They have resisted with mockery, then rage, the collapse of the old identity categories. They have resisted the premise that white skin should not be given special consideration. They have resisted new technology and scientific evidence of global ecological collapse. The force of this resistance has been strong enough to elect a president. Didion goes further, suggesting that the past is also the future. Now that we live in that future, her observations read like a warning unheeded. They suggest that Californias dreamers of the golden dream were just that -- dreamers -- while the dense obsessiveness of the South, and all the vindictiveness that comes with it, was the true American condition, the condition to which we will always inevitably return. Joan Didion went to the South to understand something about California and she ended up understanding something about America. The instant reviews of President Donald Trumps speech to Congress on Tuesday night are in, and some of them are raves. Trump had scarcely left the House chamber when Fox Newss Chris Wallace credited him with reinventing the art of giving speeches to joint sessions of Congress. I feel like, tonight, Donald Trump became the President of the United States, Wallace opined. His colleague Dana Perino didnt go quite that far, but she did rate the performance the best speech heTrumphas ever given. To be sure, these were two Fox News analysts speaking, albeit two of the more independent-minded ones. But the praise for Trumps performance wasnt confined to the conservative media. Over on CNNthe Presidents least favorite fake news networkDavid Axelrod, the former Obama adviser, commented, If Im on the Trump team, Im very, very happy with this speech. . . . There will be an afterglow from this speech. He should get a bump in the polls. Eying these Christians offering praise to the lion that is out to devour them, Slates Jacob Weisberg remarked on Twitter, Enemies of the people giving Trump positive reviews for not sounding like a ranting dictator. It certainly seemed that way. If there was anything fresh about what Trump said to Congress, it was largely stylistic. He didnt pivot; he merely pirouetted, and then he dug into the same political ground he has already claimed. About all that happened was that Trump, perhaps feeling saddled by low approval ratings, caved to the normal conventions of political communication. These rules dictate that, on august occasions such as a speech to Congress, Presidents talk politely and try to avoid giving offense. They leaven the heavy fare they are bearing with moments of optimism and humanity, promise the viewers some goodies, and offer up some notes of inclusion. Trump did all these things, and he even deployed some uplifting prose. If his Inauguration speech sounded like it had been written by Steve Bannon suffering from a migraine, Tuesdays appeared to have been the work of a professional speechwriter. Rather than starting things off with his dystopian world view, Trump began the speech with a reference to Black History Month, saying, We are reminded of our nations path toward civil rights and the work that still remains to be done. He condemned the recent wave of anti-Semitic incidents, and he also mentioned the shooting of two Indian immigrants last week, in Kansas, which, hitherto, he had shamefully ignored. His message, he said, was one of unity and strength. Channelling Ronald Reagan, he added, A new chapter of American greatness is now beginning. This tone was markedly different from the one Trump had struck as recently as last week, at the cpac conference, and the television pundits swallowed it whole. In substantive terms, however, Trump didnt give an inch, or even a millimetre. . . . [D]etails of how he would bring about his ambitious goals were lacking. But rhetoric wasnt. Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, and railways, gleaming across our very, very beautiful land, he promised. He also pledged massive tax relief for the middle class, and much lower corporate taxes, too. He also said, I am going to bring back millions of jobs, and that he would work with Congress to create a better health-care system for all Americans. Absent from Trumps discussion of these issues was any proper explanation of how any of his proposals would be paid for. He did say his trillion-dollar infrastructure plan would be financed through both public and private capital, but he didnt provide any details, and the words budget deficit didnt once cross his lips. Nor did he mention Russia or climate change or the robust job growth he inherited. His only use of the word environment came in reference to the violent crime wave that he falsely claims is sweeping the nation. We want all Americans to succeed, he said, but that cant happen in an environment of lawless chaos. . . . # Our story thus far: In summer 1970 Joan Didion took a swing along the Gulf Coast, gathering notes for a piece she never wrote describing how something important for the future of the country was observable in the South. Didion has now published those notes, along with notes she gathered during a trip to San Francisco in 1976 to cover Patty Hearst's trial for, in book form, asThe book is almost self-recommending just for the extended look it gives us at the working method of one of the great nonfiction writers of this or any other time. It is, as Nathaniel Rich described it, "in one regard, the most revealing of Didions books" a seemingly "far-fetched claim to make about an author who has written about her ancestry, her marriage, her health, and, with painful candor, her grief -- Didions readers are, after all, on familiar terms with the personal details of her life."So, Rich writes, while "Didions notes . . . surpass in elegance and clarity the finished prose of most other writers," and provide "a fascinating record of this time," he argues thatSo what did Didion, Californian to the core, see along the Gulf Coast in 1970? In her notes she reports --We've already seen Rich respond, "How could the hidebound South, in its perpetual disintegration and defiant decadence, at the same time represent the future?"Rich proceeds, as I noted Friday, to look a bit at the nature of that "frank conversation," that "bluntness with which Southerners confront race, class, and heritage," with those "visible, rigid distinctions," then writes:I left off Friday asking, "Do you see where Rich is heading? At this point, the smart thing to do, it seems to me, is to turn the floor over to him.What is this "nostalgia for a more orderly past" that has drawn rural America to "this southern frame of mind"? It's a past, Rich suggests,At this point, I remind readers of the connection I set out to make between Didion's '70s discoveries and the mind-blowing changes in American culture represented by sitcoms like, with its quietly subversive caustic look at traditional "family values," and especially, gleefully thumbing its nose at traditionally reflexive, mindless Christian pieties and homophobia. These seem to confirmt the feeling a lot of us have that American society has changed irrevocably on ways that ever so recently would have seemed unimaginable.As indeed it has -- for many Americans. But not for a significant bloc of Americans. Here's Rich again:," this time when Enlightenment values would become conventional wisdom.I've paused here only for effect, to allow the proposition to sink in. Rich goes right on:"A writer from the Gulf South," Rich notes, "once wrote that the past is not even past."The groundwork for what eventually became the Age of Trump, I've argued repeatedly, was laid during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, who told America that it didn't have to be bound by reality if it found the real thing unpleasant -- that it could in fact." In the decades since, the American Right has gone way beyond this. By the time of George W. Bush, they were fully off the truth standard. All that mattered was sounding the lies that Americans wanted to hear, and in crafting those lies he had the masterful assistance of one of America's greatest lie-mongers, Karl Rove.Nowadays every right-winger is his own Karl Rove, or has one of the dime-a-dozen imitators to call on. Some of us still find it hard to believe that it's really possible to get away with lying of the scope and scale practiced by the creature no esconced in the Oval Office.And now, merely by managing to deliver a speech in which the Man of Orange didn't appear as a raving psychotic, in many circles his presidency is deemed to have been "rebooted." Not everyone was fooled, though. As John Cassidy begins his newyorker.com response, " Don't Be Fooled. Donald Trump Didn't Pivot ":The president appears to have relearned the rhetoric of happy-sounding goals, things he wouldn't know how to do even if by chance he wanted to do them.Does anyone believe the American people won't go right on buying Trump bullshit as long as it's couched in this nonpsychotic way? EBRD and its donors support vital improvements to urban infrastructure Better water, improved public transport, cleaner cities these are only some benefits of the EBRDs and its donors activities. They improve the daily quality of life for millions of people from Morocco to Mongolia and help local businesses thrive. There are still some problems with the access to drinking water in Central Asia, but this is getting better and the EBRD and its partners supported our comprehensive work in Khujand, says Sodiq Mirkhalikov, Director of the Khujand Water Company in Tajikistan. This helped us improve more than 100 km of water pipes and supply and install pumping and cleaning equipment to cover more customers. We also installed water meters to introduce transparent billing and increase collection rates. In 2016, EBRD investments to modernise municipal infrastructure were supported by many donors, including the European Union, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Taipei China, United Kingdom and multi-donor Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environmental Partnership (E5P) Fund, Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership Fund (NDEP) and Early Transition Countries Fund. This included seven water and wastewater, two district heating/energy efficiency, five municipal transport and five solid waste projects signed during 2016. The activities continued to target those countries facing the strongest transition challenges in eastern Europe, the southern Caucasus and Central Asia. In the Kyrgyz Republic, for example, the EBRD has continued to work with the EU to improve water supply and wastewater management in secondary cities throughout the country: including Uzgen, Toktogul, Balykchi and Maili-suu. These efforts continue to build on the work already supported in Cholpon-Ata, Kara-Suu, Kyzyl-Kiya and Osh and are addressing urgently needed infrastructure rehabilitation needs and ensuring longer-term sustainability and resilience of the networks. Sweden, the NDEP and other donors also extended their support for water and wastewater investments benefiting 400,000 citizens in Lida, Orsha and Polotsk in Belarus. These are expected to bring significant environmental benefits as they help local utilities upgrade wastewater treatment to EU standards and reduce pollution of the Baltic and Black Sea basins. The EBRD also continued efforts to improve municipal transport. In Kremenchuk in Ukraine, the Bank helped the trolleybus company acquire 50 new low-floor trolleybuses and extend its service to 50,000 inhabitants living across the Dnieper River. Moreover, 143 environmentally friendly buses are now cruising the streets of Georgias capital Tbilisi. Both purchases were supported by E5P* grants. Across the EBRD regions, many urban centres struggle with increasing numbers of inhabitants and outdated, often energy-intense infrastructure or services, which contribute to increasingly poor air quality. This is why in 2016 the Bank launched its Green Cities Framework to support governments, municipalities, municipal-owned and private companies to meet these environmental challenges and improve peoples quality of life in cities. The EBRD started the work in Moldovas capital Chisinau with a 10 million loan to improve energy efficiency in more than 100 public buildings. It was supported by a 5 million grant from the E5P. Further activities are planned in 2017 with an initial focus on cities in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and in the Western Balkans. The pressure on municipal services is also particularly high in Jordan and Turkey as a result of the large influx of Syrian refugees. This affects water and sanitation, solid waste management and urban transport. The existing infrastructure and services were already in need of an upgrade before and are now extremely stretched to serve the increasing number of people. In 2016, the EUs role as donor has been vital to tackle some of these challenges. A 30 million grant will help the Water Authority of Jordan construct a solar energy system to power three to five water pumping stations. This will lead to more reliable and energy efficient services. The EU also contributed a 5 million grant to a 7.5 million EBRD loan to build a waste-to-energy plant in the Al-Shaer solid waste transfer station. This will generate enough energy to power 8,000 households annually. The UKs Department for International Development provided a 5 million grant to co-finance an EBRD investment worth up to 180 million to support the Greater Amman Municipality with a comprehensive solid waste programme. This is part of a larger UK contribution of 30 million to strengthen Jordans capacity to cope with the refugee inflow. Modern services and a reliable infrastructure are very much needed to support the ever-growing communities living in cities across the world. They are also vital to build a sustainable, greener future for future generations. The EBRD and its donors are leading this effort in urban centres from Cairo to Ulaanbaatar. *The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) is a multi-donor fund managed by the EBRD. Donors include the European Union (the largest contributor), Armenia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Taipei China, Ukraine and the United States. The European banking sector growing together and growing apart Speech by Sabine Lautenschlager, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the LSE German Symposium, London, 2 March 2017 Two major events provide the frame for my speech today. Both of them took place in June one in 2012, the other in 2016. One of them took place in Brussels, the other here in the United Kingdom. One of them made Europe grow together; the other made Europe grow apart. On 28 June 2012 in Brussels, the leaders of the EU decided to take banking supervision to the European level and explore the idea of a fully fledged banking union. They took a decisive step towards a more united Europe. On 23 June 2016, the people of this country voted to leave the European Union. They took a decisive step away from a united Europe. Both events while very different in nature will fundamentally change Europe. From the perspective of banks and their supervisors, both events have had and will have a huge impact. Let us take a closer look. Growing together European banking supervision In June 2012, the euro area was a bad place to be if you were an investor, a bank or a country that had lost the trust of the markets. On 1 June that year, the Financial Times wrote Spain suffers 100 billion exodus. In the days thereafter, its front-page stories focused on ailing Portuguese and Spanish banks. In mid-June, its headline was Fears rise over EU handling of debt crisis. By then the markets had driven the bond yields of some euro area countries to new heights. In other words, if the governments of those countries wanted to sell bonds to finance their debt they would have to pay much more. The media started speculating about a break-up of the euro area, as did some politicians. Two weeks later though, something had obviously changed. On the last day of June, the Financial Times, on its front page, said Markets rebound following EU deal. What had happened? What had happened was that an EU summit had taken place in Brussels. There, the leaders of the EU agreed on a package of measures to stabilise the euro area. They decided on a 120 billion pact for growth; they decided that the rescue funds, the European Financial Stability Facility and the European Stability Mechanism, could directly recapitalise banks under certain conditions; and they pledged to use the instruments of the rescue funds flexibly and efficiently. Another important element of the package was to create a Single Supervisory Mechanism, as it was called. Banking supervision was to be taken from the national to the European level. Just two years later, European banking supervision became reality. In November 2014, the ECB began to supervise banks in the euro area. But how does the new European system work? And why is it better than the old national ones? Some people think that the ECB has become the sole supervisor of all banks in the euro area. Well, it is true that European banking supervision has put an end to the patchwork of national supervision. But in essence, it is a common European undertaking. In the euro area, we divide banks into two groups: large ones and small ones. And it is the 126 largest banking groups which are directly supervised by the ECB they are called significant institutions and account for 82% of the euro areas banking assets. For each of these large banks, we have set up a Joint Supervisory Team, or JST. These JSTs are headed by ECB staff and comprise supervisors from both the national authorities and the ECB. It is these teams that actually supervise the banks. They are at the heart of European banking supervision. Alongside the 126 largest banking groups, there are around 3,300 smaller ones, the less significant institutions. These banks are still directly supervised by the national authorities. Nevertheless, the ECB plays a role, too. Together with the national authorities, it develops and implements supervisory standards for the smaller banks, and it ensures that supervisors apply these standards across the euro area. And not only is the day-to-day supervision of banks a joint task. Decisions are also jointly prepared and adopted. The main bodies in this regard are the Supervisory Board and the Governing Council of the ECB. The Supervisory Board is chaired by the ECB and includes representatives from all the national supervisory authorities. The Governing Council of the ECB in turn comprises the governors of all the euro area central banks and the Executive Board members of the ECB. It is true to say that national authorities are no longer responsible for supervising their largest banks. But they share their knowledge and experience with the ECB, which directly supervises the largest banks and oversees the entire system of European banking supervision. We have joined forces to make the banking sector safe and sound. In my view, this was the right thing to do. Over the past decades, the financial system has turned into a global village. As a result, a crisis, say, affecting a single bank can quickly spread around the entire globe as happened in 2008. This is particularly true for monetary unions such as the euro area. Here, problems can spread even faster and may threaten the financial stability of the entire union. Therefore, European banking supervision brings real benefits. It allows us to look beyond national borders and national interests. When we supervise banks and take decisions, we take a truly European view. At the same time, we can compare banks across the euro area and gain many more insights than national supervisors could. We can draw on a huge pool of expertise as our analyses are based on the knowledge and experience not only from the ECB but from across Europe and beyond. All in all, the ECB itself brings together staff from 28 different countries. So not only do we have lots of data and information but we also have the resources to analyse it. All this helps to spot potential problems early on and thoroughly assess their impact. We can combine the best approaches to banking supervision from 19 different countries. We can ensure that high standards are uniformly applied in the entire euro area. This creates a stable and predictable business environment for banks that operate across borders. Wherever they go in the euro area, they are supervised to the same standards and methods. The idea of harmonisation goes beyond supervision; it is the theme of the entire European banking union. In January 2016, a European resolution mechanism for banks was introduced. It ensures that banks across the euro area can be resolved according to the same rules. A European deposit guarantee has not yet been agreed upon but even without one we have made good progress. Altogether, the banking union helps to create a level playing field for banks. This is the ground on which a truly European banking sector can emerge. And contrary to what some people say, a large common market is better than isolated national ones. A common market creates more jobs, more income and more wealth. On that note, let us move to the second part of my speech. Growing apart Brexit and the banks It seems that by now we have got used to political events that defy all expectations. Last June, however, it was still a new thing. So when a majority of the people of the UK voted to leave the EU, it sent a shockwave not only through Europe, but around the world. Indeed, on 23 June 2016, the future changed or to quote Yogi Berra: The future aint what it used to be. But what exactly the future will be is still unclear. Official negotiations on Brexit have not even started, and they will take years to conclude. Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty is now hanging over everyone, including the banks. Despite this uncertainty, the banks need to act now to be well prepared for any outcome. But what does Brexit mean for the banks? Well, let us for a moment assume that there will be a hard Brexit in the sense that the UK would turn into a third country from the perspective of the EU. As a result, the UK and its banks would lose their access to the single EU market. Why is that? Currently there are around 40 banking groups in the UK that operate in the EU market. Some of them are British, of course; others are global investment banks, for instance, from the US. And there are some smaller groups with roots in Asia and the Middle East. How do these banks currently access the EU market? Many of them use the EU passport, which was introduced in 1993. The passport was actually one of the first major steps towards a truly European banking market. When a bank is licensed in one Member State of the EU, it can conduct business in any other Member State no additional licensing is required. In the event of a hard Brexit, these banks would lose the passport. Those banks that fully rely on it would have to seek another point of entry. Most obviously, they would have to obtain a licence in an EU country. And this is where European banking supervision comes in: it is the ECB that grants banking licences throughout the euro area for large and small banks alike. Moreover, we have no stake in whether UK banks set up shop in Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt or any other euro area city. We are neutral. However, there is one issue on which I have strong views. Our objective is to make the banking system safe and sound. I therefore expect banks which are seeking a licence in the euro area to meet our standards. There will be no race to the bottom in banking supervision. In particular, I do not see the ECB issuing banking licences to empty shell companies. Banks which plan to permanently book all exposures back-to-back with another entity in London might be in for a disappointment. This is not about a full ban of back-to-back booking. We rather aim at ensuring both an adequate local management of all material risks and the resolvability of the euro area entity. Needless to say that I would certainly not accept banks booking all exposures with the euro area entity while having their risk management and internal control systems outside the euro area. As we expect many banks to apply, I urge them to make up their minds and contact us early on. We will then decide on an appropriate path for them to meet our expectations. But one thing has to be clear: eventually, all banks will have to fulfil the high standards of European banking supervision. We are talking to the banks, of course. And what we hear is that some of them are thinking about taking other paths into the EU market. They are considering complementing or even replacing licensed subsidiaries with other entities investment firms or branches, for instance. Such entities, however, would not come within the scope of European banking supervision. They would continue to be supervised at the national level. Still, investment firms can be quite large and might conduct bank-like business. In countries such as the UK or the US, the largest investment firms are supervised by banking supervisors. To achieve greater consistency, regulation in the EU might be adapted the intermediate holding company might be a part of a potential solution. The current review of the European banking rules might provide an opportunity to do so. For those banks we directly supervise we will in any case keep a close eye on the risks that result from different group structures and from relations between different entities of the same group. Securing continuous market access will be the most pressing issue for UK banks theres no doubt about that. We know that some of them have already started to address this issue. And yes, time is of the essence. Market access is just the first step. Related to it are hundreds of other even more technical questions. How to treat financial and risk relations between existing and new entities in the euro area and related UK entities? How to deal with the internal models that UK banks might want to use in their newly established EU entities? How best to continue the fruitful cooperation with our colleagues from the Prudential Regulation Authority? After all, our banking systems will remain closely connected. Brexit might cut through a sector that is deeply connected. Keeping the sector together will be a complex task legally, operationally, organisationally. From whichever angle you look at it, it will be difficult. I have only scratched the surface here, but that much should have become clear. Still, I can assure you that we are prepared for any scenario. Whatever the UK and the remaining 27 EU members agree upon, European banking supervision stands ready to contribute to a safe and sound banking sector. Ladies and gentlemen, I have talked a lot about UK-based banks that operate in the EU. What about banks on the Continent that operate in the UK? Well, they face the same uncertainty and the same challenges. I therefore urge these banks as well to prepare for the new future. Brexit will shake up the banking sector; theres no doubt about that. But how will it affect London as a financial centre? Just two Tube stations away from here is Mansion House. It was there, on 10 November 1986, that the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was invited to speak at the Lord Mayors banquet. In her speech, she said that the City serves not only the City, but the nation as a whole. This was two weeks after the government had established a new legal framework which deregulated the stock exchange. The Big Bang, as it was called, attracted banks from around the world and turned London into a global financial centre. It became a magnet for banks. And the resulting scale effects have made it even more attractive. Today, it offers liquid markets, specialist services, solid market infrastructures and a huge pool of talent. More than a million people work in the financial sector and another million work in related services. Altogether, the sector generates about 11% of Britains GDP. And theres no doubt either that the Single Market increased Londons appeal. Because of EU passporting, banks enjoy unlimited access to the European market, as I said just now. And they make the most of that opportunity. Their business in the other 27 EU countries accounts for about one-quarter of revenues of the UKs financial services. Take, as an example, the clearing of derivatives that are denominated in euro. A large number of these deals take place in London more than 75% in some asset classes. The ECB is involved in the oversight of UK central counterparties through supervisory colleges and a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK authorities. This framework enables us to monitor risks to the euro also due to good cooperation with our British colleagues and legal certainty afforded by the European Court of Justice. In view of Brexit, some might now ask whether it would make sense in the future for the majority of euro clearing to take place outside the EU. Well, that depends on whether the new framework will offer us the same level of involvement as we have today. And it depends on whether the new framework will be strong enough to ensure financial stability in the euro area. To sum up: access to the European market is important for the financial sector. And the financial sector is important for the British economy. Losing that access would therefore have an impact not only on the banking sector itself but also on the UKs economy. We are talking about jobs, income and prosperity. The question therefore is: will London remain a global financial centre? Yes, it will. But at the same time, it might lose part of the business, while Europe might attract some of it. The race is on, and many cities are competing for the banks either to keep them, in the case of London, or to attract them, in the case of other cities in Europe. In the end, there probably wont be a winner- takes-it-all scenario. Some banks might go to Dublin, some to Paris, others to Frankfurt or elsewhere in Europe. As I said, the ECB is neutral. Still, the competition must not result in a race to the bottom with regard to regulation, supervision or taxation neither in the UK nor in the rest of Europe. Such a lowering of standards might work in the short term, but in the long term it would do more harm than good. That is why European banking supervision will not change its policies in the wake of Brexit. In fact, strong rules and strong supervision should attract banks they boost the reputation of banks, increase peoples trust, and thats good for business. And above all, strong rules serve a purpose: they help to prevent future crises not only at a national but also at a global level. And financial crises can be very costly. The financial sector will always test the boundaries of regulation; it will always look for the best deal globally. We therefore need global rules to make the financial sector a safe place. Countries which believe that they can secure national financial stability without global rules may actually endanger the financial sector everywhere. So Sam Woods, head of the Prudential Regulation Authority, was quite right to say in his Mansion House speech last year: The UK financial system must be robustly regulated and supervised whatever the outcome of the governments negotiations with the European Union. The same is true for the European banks, of course. This approach makes for a safe and sound banking sector and should not change. Conclusion The euro area has grown closer together. The single currency has been complemented by a single banking supervisor and a single resolution authority. This was a major step towards safe and sound banks as well as towards a stronger economy. To be sure, the euro area faces some serious challenges, but I am convinced that they are better tackled jointly rather than individually. Still, the UK is charting a course away from the shores of Europe and into a vast and empty ocean. That makes me think of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who said: If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. It seems that many people in the UK indeed long for the endless immensity of the sea. To them it stands for independence from the EU and for freedom. However, building a ship and sailing the seven seas still requires collecting wood and assigning tasks and work. These may seem to be small details, but in the real world, the devil is in the detail. Today I have touched on some of the details that will affect the banks and these are very intricate and difficult to handle. Now just imagine that there are many other sectors where Brexit will trigger equally complex issues. The goal should be to find a workable solution that is in the interests of both the British people and the people of the EU. We all have an interest in strong banking supervision and mutual cooperation. And that is a strong foundation. Thank you for your attention. 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GLEP was founded and is heavily funded by the billionaire Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. During his testimony, Naeyaert expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of action by State School Reform Officer Natasha Baker and said he wanted to shake her, like I like to shake my wife. Reps. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton) and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) released a statement today calling on Naeyaert to resign for his offensive comments which GLEP dismissively referred to as a poor choice of words. In their statement, Geiss said, The comment made by Mr. Naeyaert while testifying before the Senate Education Committee is absolutely unacceptable and intolerable. He should take full responsibility for his actions and resign from his position immediately. We are living in a world where one in three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Casual reference to domestic violence as a valid way to change a womans mind should not only be unspeakable, it should be unthinkable. Referencing GLEPs casual dismissal of Naeyaerts statement, Pagan went further: Calling Mr. Naeyaerts comments a poor choice of words is just as disturbing as what he actually said, she said. Normalizing domestic violence in this way takes away the seriousness of how dangerous and sometimes deadly this crime can be. Mr. Naeyaerts comments reflect his comfort and ease in advocating physical aggression toward women. Organizations focused on creating better education systems for our children should promote safe learning and teaching environments and should strongly condemn violence in all forms. Mr. Naeyaerts comments were irresponsible and reprehensible, and therefore, he should resign immediately. Despite GLEPs apology, Naeyaert himself has not publicly apologized. Given his history of bombast and arrogance, this comes as little surprise, I suppose. Here is the video of Naeyaert making his odious remarks: Cybersecurity startup Capsule8 this week announced that it has raised US$2.5 million to launch the industrys first container-aware, real-time threat protection platform designed to protect legacy and next-generation Linux infrastructures from existing and potential attacks. CEO John Viega, CTO Dino Dai Zovi and Chief Scientist Brandon Edwards, all veteran hackers, cofounded the firm. They raised seed funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, as well as individual investors Shandul Shah of Index Ventures and ClearSkys Jay Leek. The cloud has catapulted Linux to the most popular platform on the planet, and now the use of container technology is exploding, said Bob Goodman, a partner at Bessemer. Yet there has been no world-class commercial security offering focused on securing the Linux infrastructure until now. Capsule8 is solving the difficult problem of providing zero-day threat protection for Linux, whether it be legacy, container or some combination of the two, he added. Linux Focus Windows protection tends to focus on find the bad executable, which makes sense in that environment because bad executables are ubiquitous in an attack, noted Capsule8s Viega. However, that approach doesnt work well in a Linux environment, so Capsule8 focuses on detecting and protecting against system compromise, he told LinuxInsider. The other typical approach in Linux is a network appliance, Viega said. However, there is not much context on the network, particularly as end-to-end encryption starts to become ubiquitous in the enterprise, so this approach doesnt find much and leads to many spurious alerts. The result is that most Linux compromises either go undetected or are a surprise companies find their data on a forum at a later date and they find they had no clue they were attacked, he explained. Among the most noteworthy incidents, the company cited the massive breach at Yahoo, which went undetected for years until the stolen data showed up on the Web. While Linux-based systems present many of the same security problems as Windows-based systems, the biggest difference in attacks can be found around malware, according to Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president of cloud research at Trend Micro. While we do regularly see malware targeting Linux systems, its a more common occurrence that the malware implanted on Linux systems is there to be distributed to Windows clients connecting to that Linux system, he told LinuxInsider. On the defensive front, theres a stark contrast in the amount of effort required to support the rapidly changing software on Linux platforms, Nunnikhoven pointed out. Given the nature of Linux and GNU, release cycles are a bit more erratic, and theres a lot more variation that requires a mature and robust response by security providers, he said. Customer Base Capsule8 already has signed up customers for its prerelease product, including SourceClear and Namely. Capsule8 is the first product that supplements SourceClears predeployment detection with runtime threat protection for Linux systems, CEO Mark Curphey said. There are three core principles that should guide decision making when adopting new technology, suggested Daniel Leslie, director of cybersecurity and technology at Namely. They are scalability, maintainability and security. Protecting infrastructure at scale without sacrificing stability or performance is essential, he said. Analytics vs. EDR Capsule8 likely will take an agent-based approach primarily focused on visibility, speculated Adrian Sanabria, senior analyst for information security at 451 Research. Theyre talking about gathering tons of details about whats going on with the operating system, processes, applications, network connections, file activity, etc., he told LinuxInsider. I think EDR (endpoint detection and response) is actually the best and closest comparison I can find it is more like that, based on the details I can find so far, Sanabria maintained. Theres a big difference between security analytics products and EDR, in that EDR products tend to be workstation-based, and none of them are container-aware that I know of, he pointed out. On the container side, theres a lot of competition already, Sanabria continued, but none of the container security startups are doing Linux security. The one exception would be Trend Micro. The latest release of Deep Security includes container-aware support, and the product actively defends against attacks, whereas it sounds like Capsule8 will initially just be a monitoring product. Commercial container security is probably Capsule8s best bet for growth, he suggested. 451 does a lot of enterprise surveying on a regular basis, Sanabria noted, and Ive got to say, Linux Security is one thing Ive never seen on the list of pain points even at the bottom of the list. How and Why Collapse Happens We take our civilization for granted. But its fragile and pushing way beyond sustainable limits. How and why do civilizations collapse? In this program, well hear from specialists who studied the end times of the Indus civilization of India and Pakistan, and the Maya of Central America. Then well wrap up with a tough solution for our tough problems: a new book outlines how we could use World War Two style mobilization to save the climate and the ecosphere from their developing collapse. Our three guests are Cameron Petrie, Takeshi Inomata, and Laurence Delina. You are tuned to the Radio Ecoshock special on collapse how, why, and how to avoid it. Thats three interviews. Lets get going. Download or listen to this program in CD Quality (57 MB) or Lo-Fi (14 MB) CAMERON PETRIE THE COLLAPSE OF THE INDUS CIVILIZATION The history of human civilization is short. But scientists are exploring how people adapted, or collapsed, during earlier changes to their climate. That information could help us now, as we go into a rapid shift. Were going to go back about 5,000 years, toward the start of human organization. Thats when the Indus Civilization formed around the Indus River of northwest India and Pakistan. A new article in the journal Current Anthropology draws on studies by the Banaras Hindu University, and the University of Cambridge in the UK. Well talk with the lead author, Dr. Cameron Petrie from Cambridges Division of Archaeology. Educated at the University of Sydney, Dr. Petrie went on to specialize in the archaeology of India, Pakistan and Iran. Dr. Cameron Petrie, Cambridge Our interview is based on new science in this paper Adaptation to Variable Environments, Resilience to Climate Change: Investigating land, water and settlement in Indus northwest India. It was published in the journal Current Anthropology in February 2017. I think its an exciting look into the origins of civilization, and the way this early experiment in human organization failed. Its now apparent that a shift in climate played a big part. Theres a very good article about all this in this article published by the University of Cambridge Division of Archeology. As the article says: The Indus Civilization developed in a specific environmental context, where the winter and summer rainfall systems overlapped. There is now evidence to show that this region was subject to climate change during the period when the Indus Civilization was at its height (c.2500-1900 BC). Download or listen to this 24 minute interview with Cameron Petrie on Radio Ecoshock in CD Quality or Lo-Fi One of the sure signs of climate collapse was the record of water levels in a nearby lake. That lake more or less vanished during a drought that lasted several hundred years. That can be validated by a method of comparing rainfall recorded in the dripping stalagmites in various caves in the Middle East. Petrie and other scientists are following up with the TwoRains project, funded by the European Research Council in 2015 and running until 2020. So it looks like there was no sudden war or event that ended the Indus civilization. The farmers there were very adaptable, but when the monsoons shifted for too long, they had to abandon their large buildings, and move somewhere else, likely further east into modern-day India. I wonder if California could also depopulate in the future, if a hundred year drought kills off large-scale agriculture there as the climate shifts. We dont know, but we do know that kind of blow has fallen on civilizations in the past. TAKESHI INOMATA THE COLLAPSE OF THE MAYA In our current hyper-modern civilization, a lot of people worry about collapse . They have different reasons why it could happen. One of the big debates is whether civilizations tend to break up quickly, or fade away slowly. This paper actually studies two periods of collapse: the classic civilization which broke up around AD 150-300, and the later civilization which collapsed around between 800 and 900 AD. In each case, the cities emptied out, but there were two different results. After the first collapse, dynasties developed which became the rulers of the second Mayan civilization. But the second collapse never recovered although the Mayan people still populate southern Mexico and Guatemala. If the international order breaks down, or the grid fails for some reason, some of us hope for new local governments and greater freedom. Others fear the multi-billionaire families will continue as dynasties ruling during another Dark Age. This research into the Maya suggests it can go either way. A series of papers over the last dozen years suggest a long-lasting drought created tensions that led to regional wars. Inomata and his team cited a half dozen climate-leaning studies in their paper references. Climate change was one factor that helped the Mayan civilization collapse, but it was not the sole driver. Wars and economic stress were also evident. Our guide to the collapse of the Mayan civilization is one of the worlds experts. Takeshi Inomata is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. He also has a Chair in Environment and Social Justice. Dr. Inomata has published books, popular articles, and many key papers on thousands of years of the Maya people. Dr. Takeshi Inomata Takeshi Inomata is the lead author of a new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Its the most accurate yet on WHEN, and at what pace, social and economic upheaval happened in Mayan culture. That helps explain how this advanced civilization came apart, until the cities were abandoned. We talk about the new paper titled High-precision radiocarbon dating of political collapse and dynastic origins at the Maya site of Ceibal, Guatemala. It was published Dec 19th, 2016 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Download or listen to this 16 minute interview with Takeshi Inomata on Radio Ecoshock in CD Quality One advance of this paper is the detail of the chronology established. Perhaps for the first time, we can see how collapse developed over time, as the Mayan civilization emerges from the fog. Note that the principal Mayan city studied in this paper Ceibal Guatemala is not that far away from, the rebellious state of Chiapas Mexico. The Zapatista claimed links to the Mayan culture, although their famous leader Subcomandante Marcos was not Mayan. OUR GUEST WROTE THE BOOK ON THE MAYA Probably the best print guide to the Mayan civilization was written by Takeshi Inomata and Stephen D. Houston. Its called The Classic Maya available on Amazon or course, or here from the publisher. This is more information from WIKIPEDIA on Mayan Civilization History 3.1 Preclassic period (c. 2000 BC 250 AD) 3.2 Classic period (c. 250900 AD) 3.3 Postclassic period (c. 9501539 AD) 3.4 Contact period and Spanish conquest (15111697 AD) 3.5 Persistence of Maya culture Mesoamerica was one of six cradles of civilization worldwide. The Mesoamerican area gave rise to a series of cultural developments that included complex societies, agriculture, cities, monumental architecture, writing, and calendrical systems. The set of traits shared by Mesoamerican cultures also included astronomical knowledge, blood and human sacrifice, and a cosmovision that viewed the world as divided into four divisions aligned with the cardinal directions, each with different attributes, and a three-way division of the world into the celestial realm, the earth, and the underworld. During the Mayan collapse around AD 800950, Europe was also in a time of collapse, dispersed in Medieval kingdoms with a relatively strong Papacy. The Middle East and parts of Asia were in a time of empire, following the fast spread of Mohammedanism. THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MAYAN COLLAPSE Note that while this paper references changes in rainfall, other papers have suggested climate change played a more important role. For example check out this article in BBC News There are abundant theories about what finished off the Maya. There are the old favourites invasion, civil war, collapsing trade routes but ever since the first Central American ancient climate records were pieced together in the early 1990s, one theory has become particularly popular: that the Maya civilization was ultimately doomed by a period of severe climate change. In the centuries immediately before the Maya collapse the so-called Classical Age between about AD250 and 800 the civilization boomed. Cities flourished and harvests were good. Climate records (which mostly come from the analysis of cave formations) show that during this time the Maya area had received relatively high rainfall. But the same records show that, starting in about AD820, the region was ravaged by 95 years of punctuated droughts, some of which lasted for decades. That article references a different study: The political collapse of Chichen Itza in climatic and cultural context Julie A. Hoggarth, published in Global and Planetary Change, March 2016. Takeshi Inomata et al do say: These major waves of political disintegration in both the Preclassic and Classic collapses may have corresponded with prolonged droughts, which may have exacerbated deteriorating social conditions. LAURENCE DELINA: WWII-STYLE MOBILIZATION TO SAVE THE CLIMATE Scientists and pundits suggest we need World War Two style mobilization to fight climate change. But what will it really take? If we had the will to save ourselves from devastating climate change, what could we do? Thats the task of a new textbook from Dr. Laurence L. Delina. Hes a Postdoctoral Associate at The Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future. Thats at Boston University. Laurence is also the Rachel Carson Fellow at LMU University in Germany. I reached Laurence in Munich. We talk about the new book Strategies for Rapid Climate Mitigation Wartime mobilization as a model for action? Note there is a question mark at the end of that title. The book explores what could work, IF world governments decide for action. The book comes with a foreword by one of my climate heroes, Dr. Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber. Early on, Schellnhuber dared to ask the question: what if we go beyond 4 degrees C of heating? There were two conferences on that. The first was at Oxford I believe. I broadcast Shellnhubers speech from the second, held in Australia in September 2009. Find that program here, and my detailed notes on his speech here. Download or listen to this 20 minute interview with Laurence Delina on Radio Ecoshock in CD Quality or Lo-Fi You may also be interested in a paper Laurence co-authored last year: Strengthening the climate action movement. That is a whole other interview. WRAPPING UP We are out of time, for this show and for the environment where we were born. Pass it on please, by sharing this program or this blog through your social media channels. If you are able to help me keep producing Radio Ecoshock, I need that help. You can sign up for a monthly donation, or make a one-time donation of any amount, on this page. Im Alex Smith. Thank you for listening, and caring about our world. By Craig Cox and Soren Rundquist The Trump administration is threatening to remove safeguards that protect the drinking water of more than one-third of Americans. Some 117 million people get at least some of their drinking water from small streams. For 72 million people in 1,033 counties, more than half of their drinking water comes from small streams. Ensuring that their water is safe means keeping the water in these streams clean. Right now, the Clean Water Act protects these streams from pollution. But this week President Trump issued an executive order directing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to rescind or revise the Clean Water Rule or replace it with a new rule. https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/836940968259616768 expand=1] This critically important rule determines which streams, rivers and lakes are protected from pollution by the Clean Water Act. The rule also extends protection for millions of acres of wetlands that filter drinking water. Industry and agribusiness have been pushing for years to roll back the Clean Water Rule and protect only the biggest streams and rivers. Now theyve found a friend in the Trump administration. Small streams are where big rivers start and the best science confirms that dirty streams means even dirtier rivers. Millions of Americans drink water directly connected to 234,000 miles of small, potentially unprotected streams. In 21 different states, small streams provide drinking water for 1 million or more people. More than 5 million people in each New York, Texas and Pennsylvania get drinking water from small streams, as do more than 3 million in each California, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina and Arizona. Environmental Working Group, from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Geographic Information Systems Analysis of the Surface Drinking Water Provided by Intermittent, Ephemeral and Headwater Streams in the U.S. President Trumps executive order immediately threatens drinking water for millions of Americans, but its not the only threat. Dozens of lawsuits seeking to gut the Clean Water Rule have been filed by industry and agribusiness and states catering to those interests. Congress could meddle with the Clean Water Act itself to deny protection to small streams and wetlands. The Clean Water Rule is a common-sense safeguard supported by a majority of Americans. It is supported by many cities and towns that depend on unpolluted drinking water sources and natural infrastructure like wetlands to filter pollutants and absorb floodwaters. Small businesses that rely on clean water and healthy wildlife habitats, such as craft breweries and outdoor recreation companies, also strongly support the Clean Water Rule. Undermining, weakening or rescinding this vital rule is a gift to corporate polluters and Big Ag and a threat to public health and the environment. The Environmental Working Group analyzed data from a 2009 EPA study that examined regional patterns of dependence on intermittent, ephemeral and headwater streams to supply public drinking water systems in the United States, using the most recent, valid data available. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1460041177342148/ The EPA mapped a Source Protection Area or SPA, for every public drinking water system. The agency defined an SPA as the area upstream from a drinking water intake that provides water to a public drinking water system during a 24-hour period. The EPAs approach likely underestimates the contribution small steams make to drinking water supplies. Small streams feed the large rivers that millions of people rely on for drinking water, but are too far upstream from the drinking water intake to be included in the EPAs analysis. In the map below, the blue shaded area is a SPA. Water from streams in the SPA will reach the intake, indicated by a red dot, within 24 hours. In all, the EPA assessed 413,104 miles of waterways within SPAs. The assessment found that 57 percent or 234,459 stream miles, were intermittent, ephemeral or headwater streams. Environmental Protection Agency, Geographic Information Systems Analysis of the Surface Drinking Water Provided by Intermittent, Ephemeral and Headwater Streams in the U.S. The Environmental Working Group used the EPAs data to identify the number of people living in counties that depend most on small streams. We defined these as counties where: 100 percent of residents depend on surface water for drinking water. More than half of the streams providing source water are intermittent, ephemeral or headwaters streams. The local utility serves at least 1,000 people. Craig Cox is the senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the Environmental Working Group. Soren Rundquist is director of spatial analysis at the Environmental Working Group. By Nika Knight The state of Michigan has declared that Flints drinking water meets all federal water quality standards, ending a program Wednesday that reimbursed residents for most of their water costs in the wake of the lead crisis. Yet Flint residents still cant drink the water and the announcement was met with outrage. They want to make it look like theyve resolved this thing, that its fixed, Tim Monahan, a carpenter who survived Legionnaires disease caused by the poisoned water supply, told the Washington Post. Its been three years and we still cant drink the water. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has appeared eager to declare the water safe. Yet the New York Times reported weeks ago that while the water supply now meets federal standards, because the aged lead-tainted pipes have yet to be replaced it is still not safe to drink. Residents have also been skeptical of state officials claim that the water does, in fact, meet federal regulatory standards. Theyre not telling the truth about the water testing, Melissa Mays, a community advocate with Water You Fighting For, told NBC. Theyre saying theyre in compliance, but everyone here has had to learn the Lead and Copper Rule and theyre not. People are still testing way high for lead, as well as bacteria that the states not even looking at. At a news conference, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver argued that the state should continue to reimburse residents for their water until they can safely drink it without purchasing a filter. This is a trust issue, thats what it is, said Weaver, according to the Post. Weaver also criticized Michigan officials for giving residents short notice that the water bill credits were coming to an end. Today Flint residents are paying full price for poison water and the mayor cancels her open office. ?: Activist Lisia #FlintWaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/uXz9UFCBdf Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) March 1, 2017 Last year, officials came under fire for threatening to shut off the water supply to Flint residents who were behind on their bills. Reposted with permission from our media associate Common Dreams. In the first comprehensive review of the more than 4,000 native bee species in North America and Hawaii, the Center for Biological Diversity has found that more than half the species with sufficient data to assess are declining. Nearly one in four is imperiled and at increasing risk of extinction. The new analysis, Pollinators in Peril: A systematic status review of North American and Hawaiian native bees, revealed that more than 700 species are in trouble from a range of serious threats, including severe habitat loss and escalating pesticide use. The evidence is overwhelming that hundreds of the native bees we depend on for ecosystem stability, as well as pollination services worth billions of dollars, are spiraling toward extinction, said Kelsey Kopec, a native pollinator researcher at the Center for Biological Diversity and author of the study. Its a quiet but staggering crisis unfolding right under our noses that illuminates the unacceptably high cost of our careless addiction to pesticides and monoculture farming. The widespread decline of European honeybees has been well documented in recent years. But until now much less has been revealed about the 4,337 native bee species in North America and Hawaii. These mostly solitary, ground-nesting bees play a crucial ecological role by pollinating wild plants and provide more than $3 billion in fruit-pollination services each year in the United States. The key findings: Among native bee species with sufficient data to assess (1,437), more than half (749) are declining. (Click here to see a list of the bees as well as their status and geographic range). Nearly one in four (347 native bee species) is imperiled and at increasing risk of extinction. Many of the bee species lacking sufficient data are also likely declining or at risk of extinction, highlighting the urgent need for additional research. The declines are caused primarily by habitat loss, heavy pesticide use, climate change and urbanization. These troubling findings come as a growing body of research has revealed that more than 40 percent of insect pollinators are highly threatened globally, including many of the native bees critical to unprompted crop and wildflower pollination across the U.S. To assess current population trends and threats as comprehensibly as possible for the 4,337 described species of North American and Hawaiian bees, Center for Biological Diversity staff reviewed the current conservation status of 316 species as established by state, federal or independent research. We then conducted a comprehensive review of all available literature on native bees to determine a status for an additional 1,121 species. Were on the verge of losing hundreds of native bee species in the United States if we dont act to save them, said Kopec, who spent more than a year analyzing the data. Almost 90 percent of wild plants are dependent on insect pollination. If we dont act to save these remarkable creatures, our world will be a less colorful and more lonesome place. The assessment highlights five imperiled native bees that offer a vivid snapshot of the unchecked threats driving declines in many native bee species: Yellow carpet solitary bee: This dark, olive-green bee, whose fate is intertwined with its floral host and Californias dwindling vernal pools, is severely threatened with extinction. Sunflower leafcutting bee: This spectacularly large bee used to be seen patrolling sunflower stands throughout the Great Plains; it is now in steep decline and rarely seen. Wild sweet potato bee: Known for its unique three-lobed snout, this bee, once commonly seen foraging across much of the East, is now dangerously imperiled. Gulf Coast solitary bee: Completely dependent on the disappearing coastal plain honeycombhead plant and the barrier-island sand dunes where it nests, this bee is now found only within a shrinking portion of its range along the Gulf Coast. Macropis cuckoo bee: This nest invader, which takes over the nests of other bee species to lay its eggs, was once common across much of central and eastern North America but is now considered that regions most endangered bee. https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1453228961356703/ Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, is facing a familiar legal battle over its proposed Rover Pipeline. A Hare Krishna community in West Virginia is challenging the project on religious grounds, saying that the pipelines planned route could cut through sacred lands. The New Vrindaban community in Marshall County was once Americas largest Hare Krishna settlement, and is home to the Palace of Gold, an ornate temple that has been described as Americas Taj Mahal. The religious organization, which has been trying to rebuild itself since the 1980s after being rocked by numerous scandals, happens to sit on the gas-rich Marcellus Shale. The commune has more or less welcomed gas leases as a means to repair its crumbling infrastructure and start new projects, and has reportedly netted more than $4.3 million in royalties. While the religious organization signed leases in 2010 and 2014 to sell the natural gas under its properties, according to its federal lawsuit filed at U.S. District Court in Wheeling on Tuesday, those leases do not allow for any surface disturbances and blocks off sacred areas from outside intrusion. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the lawsuit seeks to block Rovers legal request for immediate access and possession of the pipeline pathway through two of the communitys seven sacred temples. Energy Transfer Partners wants to build the pipeline on a permanent 50-foot-wide right of way about 3,000 feet long on the two properties, offering property owners $7,000. But the complaint states that the project infringes on religious freedom as it seeks to take a non-metaphorical bulldozer through the Vrindaban Parties property, and in turn, through their most sincerely held holy sites. The lawsuit also argues that Rover cannot meet the legal burden of demonstrating a compelling governmental interest building the pipeline through New Vrindabans holy grounds, according to the Post-Gazette. Energy Transfer Partners 713-mile Rover Pipeline will run from West Virginia, eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania into Michigan and eventually Canada. The $4.2 billion pipeline is designed to transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of domestically produced natural gas per day. Energy Transfer Partners The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipelines construction last month, thereby allowing the company to file eminent domain lawsuits to seize property from owners even if they are unwilling. But as Gabriel Fried, an executive agent and board member in the Krishna community, told the Post-Gazette, These are sacrosanct properties. Our goal is to protect these properties, he continued. Were not trying to stop the pipeline or progress. Were amenable to finding a route we and the company can be happy with. A court hearing over the Krishna lawsuit will take place on Thursday in Wheeling. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/wtrf7news/posts/10154372044876914 expand=1] We are not here to stop the Rover Pipeline companys pipeline, rather wed like to come to an understanding that our sacred spaces are not harmed, Vrindavan Das, the director of communications at ISKCON New Vrindaban, told 7News. That would be very disturbing to our residents and pilgrims. The New Vrindaban community is not alone in opposing the interstate pipeline. Fifty-eight property owners in Michigan have been affected by an eminent domain lawsuit filed in federal court by Energy Transfer Rover Pipeline earlier this month. They want to build an access road through our property, but we have not agreed to that yet, Marion Township resident William Atkinson told Livingston Daily. Im not happy about eminent domain. I dont think its right they can do that. [facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1448710808475185/ expand=1] The United States designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984. It also designated several Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad, which receive substantial support from the Iranian regime. The U.S. continues to counter Irans support for terrorism, destabilizing regional activities, human rights abuses, and ballistic missile program, including, when appropriate, through sanctions and by working with allies and partners in responding to these activities. At the Munich Security Conference held recently in Bonn, the Iranian governments role in supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region was denounced by several participants, including the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as the United States. Given the multiple, interrelated conflicts in the Middle East today, Irans continued actions and strident rhetoric undermine regional stability and threaten multiple countries, including close allies of the United States. At the conference, Vice President Mike Pence gave clear assurance where the U.S. stands on a nuclear challenge from Iran: Under President Trump, the United States will remain fully committed to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon capable of threatening our countries [or] our allies, especially Israel. In early February, the White House put Iran on notice that its malign activities in the Middle East would not go unanswered. In a move separate from U.S. commitments under the JCPOA, which was solely focused on Irans nuclear program and continues to be implemented by all parties, the Treasury Department sanctioned 25 individuals and entities involved in Irans ballistic missile development and sponsorship of terrorism. As a result of these designations, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, meaning any assets of these individuals and entities that come into possession of a U.S. person are blocked; and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with these designated individuals and entities. The United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its malign activities. It is wise to make certain that Iran recognizes that what it is doing is getting the attention of a lot of people, said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and we have responsibility, along with the rest of the nations that want to maintain stability, to be absolutely clear with Iran in this regard. It does no good to ignore it. It does no good to dismiss it. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Director of Homeland Security John Kelly recently traveled to Mexico to discuss U.S.-Mexico relations. "Although our two nations share a long history, our visit was forward-looking, focusing on common interests that would advance security and economic well-being," said Secretary Tillerson. At times, he noted, "two strong sovereign countries. . .will have differences. We listened closely and carefully to each other as we respectfully and patiently raised our respective concerns." The United States and Mexico reaffirmed their "close cooperation on economic and commercial issues such as energy, legal migration, security, education exchanges, and people-to-people ties," said Secretary Tillerson.Both sides also agreed that the United States and Mexico "should seize the opportunity to modernize and strengthen [the] trade and energy relationship." Secretary Tillerson said that both countries "reiterated [their] joint commitment to maintain 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. 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 is no mistaking," said Secretary Tillerson, "that the rule of law matters along both sides of our shared border." The United States recognizes "existing U.S.-Mexican cooperation to curtail irregular migration, both by securing Mexicos southern border and by supporting efforts of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through the Alliance for Prosperity and working with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank to reduce violence and stimulate economic opportunity in the region." Finally, the United States and Mexico, said Secretary Tillerson, "universally agreed on the importance of strengthening existing institutional mechanisms. The meetings were the continuation of a purposeful and productive exchange that is setting our two countries down a pathway to greater security and long-term prosperity." OFT launch alcohol measures consultation The Island's Office of Fair Trading is seeking feedback about the way alcohol is measured in Manx pubs, bars and restaurants. The Isle of Man sells spirits in larger measures than in England and Wales, resulting in licencees having to use stamped measuring equipment to ensure the measures are accurate. However, the OFT believes the lack of availability of stamped measures and free pouring mean some drinks are inaccurate. The organisation is hoping finding a way to measure spirits more accurately will ensure consumers get what they pay for and avoid having drunk more than they realise, increasing the risk of drink driving. The OFT is taking feedback by post, fax or email until March 31st. MHK seeks power station maintenance details The maintenance of the power station will be discussed when the House of Keys sits next week. Douglas North MHK David Ashford wants to know what the remaining life expectancy of the turbines at the Pulrose facility is, and what works have been carried out over the last 12 months. Mr Ashford is also seeking details about maintenance scheduled for the next 12 months. Chairman of Manx Utilities Alex Allinson will provide the details on Tuesday. The OnePlus 4 which was also dubbed as OnePlus 5 will be the upcoming flagship killer from the Chinese tech company. The forthcoming handset from OnePlus is expected to boast top caliber specs similar to high-end devices from other smartphone makers. Tech2 has learned that OnePlus will be missing the OnePlus 4 and it has decided to jump to OnePlus 5 instead. With this move of the Chinese tech giant, it has been guessed that the Chinese consider the number '4' to be unlucky. Moving on with the specs, the OnePlus 5 or OnePlus 4 is anticipated to boast a glass body which could be made of ceramic just like the Xiaomi Mi Mix. Basically, it is predicted to have a look similar to the presently offered Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and it may also come with wireless charging technology. Aside from that, The Indian Express stated in its article that the OnePlus 5 or OnePlus 4 will arrive pre-installed with Android 7.0 Nougat upon release. When it comes with the processor, the upcoming flagship killer is speculated to be engineered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset that is paired with 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB internal memory. The OnePlus 5 or OnePlus 4 is rumored to have a variant that is armed with 128GB internal storage, which will be expandable up to 256GB. As for camera department, it might be equipped with a 16 MP front-facing camera along with 23 MP of rear-facing snapper. The upcoming handset from OnePlus is expected to be powered by a 4,000mAh that has support for the company's much-owned Dash Charge technology. As of this moment, there is still no available detail about the launch date and the pricing of the OnePlus 5 or OnePlus 4. With this, tech enthusiasts are advised to take the above-mentioned information with a pinch of salt and always keep an eye for further details to be unveiled by the Chinese tech giant. The successful tandem of the two lead stars in "Descendants Of The Sun" have led the fans to hope for a real life relationship between Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. Since the top rated K-drama hit the airwaves, fans all over the world have been very interested in Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo dating news. The palpable chemistry of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo in "Descendants Of The Sun" made the viewers swoon with delight and their desire for the successful on-screen love team continued even after the end of the patriotic-romantic K-drama. Although Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo dating news have been circulating since "Descendants Of The Sun" started airing, the two Hallyu stars said that they are only good friends and colleagues. The professionalism, good acting skills and killer looks are perhaps the perfect combination for a perfect on-screen couple like Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. According to Soompi, Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo made it to the top 10 cut in Forbes list of Top 40 Power Celebrities in Korea. With the Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo dating news set aside, the fans could only hope for a reunion via a new Kdrama, movie or even an endorsement shoot together. It has been a while since Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo have been seen together by their fans. With that in mind, will their agencies find a way to reunite the "DOTS" stars soon? Much like Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo dating news, no word about a Song-Song reunion has been released as of writing. Meanwhile, fans can see the other half of the Song-Song couple, Song Hye Kyo, grace one of the biggest magazines in Korea. According to Drama Fever, Song Hye Kyo will be gracing the anniversary issue of W Magazine together with Yoo Ah In. A lot of fans were disappointed that the "Running Man" actor was not paired with the "Full House" actress. However, many are excited for a possible tell all interview of the 35-year old Korean beauty in W Magazine where she might be asked about Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo dating news. Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae are undoubtedly one of South Korea's power celebrity couples. Both big celebrities in their own right, the highly sensationalized romance of Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae has been under the watchful eyes of the fans and critics since they revealed their relationship to the public. Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae seem to be very busy with their respective projects, but there are reports circulating that the Hallyu power couple might be taking a time out in their career to prepare for their upcoming wedding. Will Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae be out of the limelight soon to prepare for their wedding and start a family? According to Korea Portal, Lee Min Ho's upcoming album, entitled "Always," might be his final offering to his fans before shying away from the limelight. Some of Lee Min Ho's fans have already begun interpreting the significance of the upcoming album and even reading between the lines that "Always" could mean that his presence will still be around even when he is physically gone. According to Asia One, the new album by Lee Min Ho is his way of expressing his gratitude to all of his fans who have been strongly supporting him for almost a decade. The upcoming single will premiere on March 4 at a scheduled fan meeting at Kyung Hee University in Seoul. It is still unclear as to why Lee Min Ho might take a break from his career. He could either be preparing for mandatory army enlistment or he could be preparing for his wedding with Suzy Bae. However, Lee Min Ho and his agency have yet to comment on the career break issues, so it would be best to take the said reports with a grain of salt. In "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15, Dr. Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, will be seen going to the prison on charges of murder. And, the worst part is that the BAU team will not be able to prevent this from happening to the team's genius. "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15, titled "Alpha Male," will have the resident genius of the BAU going behind the bars. The charges levied on him include heroin possession, a high-speed car change and also murder, TV Guide reported. Moreover, the BAU team will not be able to stop this from happening to Reid as he made an illegal trip to Mexico. Reid's trips were to get experimental drugs for his mom from Rosa Medina, who is a doctor. But, Rosa will be stabbed to death in the motel room where they met and he will be charged with her murder. Moreover, he will also be drugged, so he will not clearly remember how things took shape in "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15. In the prison, Reid will meet a new acquaintance, Calvin Shaw, a former FBI agent, charged with the killing of one of his informants. The character will be played by guest star, Harold Perrineau. According to reports from CBS, Harold Perrineau will be seen making recurring appearances in the show after his first appearance in "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15. However, for Reid, life in the prison will not be easy as he will be making enemies faster than friends. "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15 will also have a group of prisoners planning to bash him up. And, sadly, Reid will appear defenseless in comparison to his attackers. It is worth mentioning here that the executive producer, Erica Messer has also teased that the storyline of Reid will not end anytime soon. "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Episode 15 airs on March 1, on CBS. Hmm, it seems like there could be a way for the universities to avoid the boom-bust cycle of energy: Nationwide, things are looking up or at least stable for institutions dependent on state funding, which is up for the fourth year in a row. But at some universities, morale is looking more like it did in the midst of recession-era spending cuts. Thanks to a boom in energy production several years ago, states such as Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming were among the leaders in post-recession higher-education spending, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Now, with energy prices down, looking at the mood on some of those campuses is like looking into a time machine for the rest of the nation, where many states have turned the money faucet back on for higher education. ... More than 900 jobs have been eliminated from the University of Alaska system in two years, according to state figures. At the University of Wyoming, where Professor Scott R. Shaw said its "the darkest mood in years and perhaps since the Great Depression," the number of job cuts exceeded 300 and could surpass 400. And in North Dakota, where the development of the Bakken Shale helped establish the state as one of the most financially stable in the nation, 500 jobs were eliminated along with 6.5 percent of state support in the last budget. But as those states scramble to balance budgets, many university leaders are pushing programs they believe could help lift their states out of the boom-and-bust cycles synonymous with energy economies. In some cases, states are holding onto nine-figure campus projects despite hemorrhaging money, programs, and positions. ... State support to the University of Alaska system dropped from $375 million to $325 million in two years, Mr. Johnsen said, and the loss of over 900 university jobs is significant in a state with a labor force of about 360,000 people. The numbers dont tell the full story, Mr. Jeffries said. Speaking about the Anchorage campus, he said the recent cuts have damaged morale and cited a faculty survey that found that 41 percent of respondents were actively seeking work elsewhere. Out of all North African countries after the series of the so-called Arab Spring uprisings, Tunisia is exceptional. While its process of democratization is still ongoing, to make it really happen and move the country forward towards democracy, Europe must take its due part. The key to making Tunisia a successful example for the Arab world is to realize that Tunisias future lies in the same place where the 2010-2011 uprising erupted in its periphery. Tunisias peripheral regions, far away from the coasts of the Mediterranean, are were the many afflictions and challenges are buried. If left unchecked, the peripheral regions could swiftly end Tunisias battle to establish a fully-fledged democracy. Tunisias peripheral regions suffer greatly from weak economic growth and they lag behind the economically developed coastal regions. Their high levels of poverty and joblessness are a legacy of long years of underinvestment and general negligence. Moreover, regional conflict, terrorism and organized crime have led the government to crack down on security threats in the peripheral regions, which has disrupted the informal and often illegal economic networks on which much of the population depends, but which in turn caused the local people to lose their faith in the government. Tunisia has received generous support from its international partners since the 2011 uprising and thus has abundant resources to work with. However, it must boost its regional governance and address fragmentation within the ruling party in order to succeed. To that end, Europeans are now in a unique position to help Tunisia fight this lonely battle towards democracy through numerous measures. But what can and should the European Union do? First, it could boost the incentives for Tunisia by offering it a membership in the European Economic Area, thus galvanizing the countrys journey towards stability. Second, the European Union should help Tunis promote the role of the countrys private sector, implement an effective mechanism for positive discrimination and strengthen civil society in the peripheries. In terms of the EU-Tunisian cooperation, Tunisia will need to create a policy unit to improve cross-sectorial planning and coordination with the EU institutions and a broader international community and come up to the table with well-defined and budgeted strategies. Peripheral Vision: How Europe Can Help Preserve Tunisias Fragile Democracy Policy Brief by Hamza Meddeb European Council on Foreign Relations. (The study can be downloaded here) The Maltese presidency said that the EU should pay more to return African migrants home from Libya. The blocs current president says that Brussels should step up funding for the United Nations migration agency to return migrants stranded in Libya to their home countries further south in Africa. Italy and Malta bear much of the immediate burden of dealing with African migrants who leave Libya on dilapidating vessels. Between 2014-2016, about 1.6 million refugees and migrants reached Europe via the Mediterranean. Maltas proposal comes ahead of a summit of the EUs 28 leaders next week that will discuss putting into practice deals on new steps to stem African immigration. The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that there are currently around 700,000-1,000,000 migrants in Libya. The organization helps 7,000 people stranded in the country to go back home this year, which means more than doubling of its return program from last year. Brussels promised to provide more financial assistance. However, the Maltese plan calls for significant increase in the number of migrants accepting voluntary returns to their country of origin beyond the current target of 5,000. During a February meeting in Malta, the EU promised support to the UN-backed government in Libya to help stabilize the country as well as curb migration from the coast. The Libyan government is, however, afraid that if the strategy succeeds and their exit towards the old continent becomes more difficult, the country might witness a growing migrant buildup. Tripoli has therefore asked the bloc to beef up Libyas southern border and help return the people trying to get to Europe. Under the IOM program, charter planes taking off from Tripoli have already returned 589 migrants so far this year, mainly to Senegal and Nigeria. For the most vulnerable of the migrants, the IOM offers additional help to let them get started back at home. The latest rejuvenation of the European defence project underscores more clearly than ever that EU member states will have to make not just financial but political sacrifices if they really want improved security. Money alone will not fix it. Political cohesion and tough prioritisation within the EUs Global Strategy and Defence Action Plan will be essential at the European Councils meetings this March and June if the EU is to contribute to better defence for the people of Europe in the face of proliferating security risks and an uncertain US ally. There are two key obstacles to more meaningful EU and wider European defence. First, Europeans hold very differing perceptions of threats and national security interests. In the EUs culture of compromise this can mean that the European defence effort loses focus. The ambition of EU strategic autonomy set in the Global Strategy last July means very different things to different member states. Yet for meaningful progress towards really strategic autonomy, prioritisation will be a necessity, not just good practice. And, to prioritise, member states should have a shared view of the severity of each threat, its proximity and their response. This is currently missing. Second, Europeans have very different defence and military cultures. Even though EU leaders now supposedly share the vision of the EUs Global Strategy, their decisions on how funds should be spent or what capabilities should be developed are still national. With Germany viewing defence as an extension of the political agenda, with a limited military component, and France preferring strong intergovernmental military cooperation [1], what capabilities are to be funded and how defence will be executed remain open questions. Future collective action will be tremendously difficult. To overcome both challenges would require excellent leadership and remarkable diplomacy. Yet there are a few gradual steps that could bridge gaps and deliver results. So it is worth establishing an agenda for practical progress. Prioritisation A critical first step should be to narrow the current action priorities and to channel most of the available funding towards a selected few. The European Council Conclusion from 14 November takes note of over ten priority areas. And the Conclusions from 15 December are even vaguer: they only call for a comprehensive follow up and request proposals from the High Representative. Considering the limited funding available until the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework is adopted, actioning these priorities at the EU level will be a slow process [2]. It would mobilise far more action if EU member states (in conjunction with NATO where appropriate and possible) made the political effort to determine as soon as possible how European security should look in the years to come and agree on what the EU as a defence provider wants to focus on in the short, medium and long term. Among the priorities already announced, reviewing existing capabilities and developing situational awareness should take precedence over creating new structures, developing overall military or civilian capabilities, or strengthening the rapid deployment of EU Battlegroups. The results of a review of existing capabilities would help to remove unrealistic expectations, identify critical capability deficits and enable more efficient allocation of resources and responsibilities, thus facilitating progress on other tasks. A harmonised review would also significantly boost greater synergy with NATO on defence policies and capabilities. EU member states have not actually adopted the capability review proposal, nor have they accepted uniform assessment standards [3]. This will have to be rectified quickly if the co-ordinated annual review on defence, which is member state-driven, is to produce meaningful results. Similarly, improved situational awareness would provide other key foundations for progress such as the mapping and monitoring of security vulnerabilities. It would assist the informed responsiveness that should shape defence planning and development at the strategic and tactical levels. The upcoming EU Council meetings in mid-March and in June should emphasise these two priorities and set deadlines for their implementation. NATO-EU collaboration A second core step for strengthening European defence in the short to medium-term would be the deepening of pragmatic cooperation between the EU and NATO. Joint exercises, enhanced communication on and operational protocols for in-theatre activities, would be a substantial improvement on the still limited cooperation between the two organisations. Given the substantial overlap in membership, the nearly identical neighbourhoods they share, and the theatres of operations they have in common, better synchronisation between the two institutions is much needed. Logical further steps would lead to consolidated regional airspace and maritime surveillance, air lift or intelligence and communications protocols. There remain significant political obstacles to be overcome, not least on the exchange of classified information. Nevertheless, the July 2016 Warsaw Joint Declaration and the parallel November 2016 European Council and December 2016 North Atlantic Council decisions on implementation have built real momentum. An even stronger member state commitment to fully coordinated EU-NATO capabilities review and development and a joint planning process and could do much for Europes security. Structured Cooperation Finally, to be able eventually to act independently of the US to be strategically autonomous EU member states should activate the Lisbon Treatys provision for permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). Its full potential for setting common objectives, streamlining military planning, pooling resources and agreeing on specialization could act as a bridge between the differing threat perceptions and the diverging defence cultures. Going beyond simple intergovernmental collaboration and ad hoc coalitions, PESCO offers a set legal framework of standards and practices that would lead to greater convergence and eventually integration of defences. It could also provide access to the Defence Fund with which common capabilities can be paid for. With its original aim of establishing a defence union, PESCO is among the most practical ways in which Europeans can do more with less, addressing shortfalls in capabilities and force generation in a joined up way. However, PESCO has so far proven to be too ambitious and politically divisive. And NATO manages without an equivalent. But NATO has seen a proliferation of framework nation approaches among European Allies. These offer the EU a model for an initial approach to PESCO that could be less divisive but that still provides legal structure for EU institutions that lack NATOs defence culture. It could also generate the momentum for gradual, greater integration in the future. These three steps, if implemented skilfully, would deliver positive net effect for European security. Facing the necessity of greater security and defence efforts and investments, national governments have to accept that these efforts and investments will yield little without embracing the political pain of tougher prioritisation, more vigorous collaboration with NATO and more determined, structured defence cooperation. **** [1] Daniel Keohane Threes company? France, Germany, the UK and the European defence post-Brexit, Available here: http://www.realinstitutoelcano.org/wps/wcm/connect/3d35b207-f5a5-4f3e-8d21-0cae66f9e644/ARI1-2017-Keohane-Threes-company-France-Germany-UK-European-defence-post-Brexit.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=3d35b207-f5a5-4f3e-8d21-0cae66f9e644. [2] Two windows of the European Defence Fund have been proposed. For the first, a research window, the Commission has suggested EUR 25 million as part of the 2017 EU budget, and expects that this allocation could grow to a total of EUR 90 million by 2020. The second, a capability window, would have to be agreed by the Member States, with current estimates of EUR 5 billion per year to be made available. More information can be found here:http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2016/571405/IPOL_IDA(2016)571405_EN.pdf. [3] Bastian Giegerich, European Defence and the Emperors New Uniform,http://www.iiss.org/en/militarybalanceblog/blogsections/2016-629e/december-e473/european-defence-and-the-emperors-new-uniform-0f7b. The opinions articulated above represent the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Leadership Network or any of its members. The ELNs aim is to encourage debates that will help develop Europes capacity to address the pressing foreign, defence, and security challenges of our time. The US saw an addition of 1.5 million barrels of commercial crude oil for the week to February 24, which has increased the stockpiles to 520.2 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Though the addition was below analysts expectations of a 3.1 million barrel increase, successive eight straight weeks of addition have kept oil prices under check. The US crude oil production continued to power ahead at 9.03 million barrels per day (bpd). "The EIA stats don't offer much in the way of surprises this week," said David Thompson, executive vice-president at Powerhouse, an energy-specialized commodities broker in Washington. "Lack of weather-generated demand for heating oil will be offset in coming weeks by agricultural demand, but with refineries coming back into service, the market looks capable of meeting any increased demand," reports Reuters. Oil likely to head lower While the OPEC has managed a high rate of compliance, most of it comes from the oil rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has cut 744,000 bpd 153% above its target. However, if oil prices fail to rally higher, constrained by the higher US shale oil production, it is unlikely that Saudi Arabia will continue to carry the production cuts on its shoulders for another six months. And, if oil stocks are any indication, oil is headed down, said Matt Maley of Miller Tabak Securities. While WTI crude oil prices were up 2.2% in February, The Energy Select Sector SPDR fund (XLE) was down about 2% in the same month. Energy stocks usually lead crude oil so if history is any guide, the decline in the XLE should be telling us that the recent bounce in WTI is not going to last, Maley said in a recent note, reports Hellenic Shipping News. Global growth is the theme for 2017 so far. This was highlighted by the RBA in its February statement, which opened, the global economy entered 2017 with more momentum than expected. Currencies such as the Australian Dollar are benefiting the most from a global boom, with AUD/USD over 7% this year, and NZD and CAD also performing well. Data continues to surprise to the upside and global PMIs are at multi-year highs across major economies. A recent note by ANZ goes as far as saying, animal spirits unleashed as the US Philly Fed Index jumped by 20 points in February to its highest level since the 1980s. But what exactly is driving the boom? A new note out today by Deutsche Bank suggests the reason is fiscal policy. While many await more details on fiscal spending from Donald Trump and the U.S, Deutsche Bank point out it is already happening. A Boom In Fiscal Stimulus 2016 saw the largest stimulus since the financial crisis, with policy from the worlds largest economies worth around 0.25% global GDP. Last years stimulus was also broad-based, with more countries easing fiscal policy than tightening for the first time since 2010. This calculation by Deutsche Bank is based on the IMFs semi-annual Fiscal Monitor measuring the fiscal stance of the worlds twenty largest economies. Although the overall figures are modest compared to 2008 and 2009, the change in fiscal stance compared to 2015 is notable in two of the largest economies; China and the U.S. Standing out is the large contribution of easing from China. Also notable is the shift in the US fiscal policy stance, which turned from strongly negative in 2015 to very positive last year. Assuming lags in transmission, the sequencing ties in nicely with the relative turn in business cycles which, as we wrote a couple of weeks ago, saw Chinese growth lift off in early last year to be followed by the US in the autumn. Just how large the stimulus is exactly is hard to measure, as data coming out of China is notoriously patchy. However, Deutsche bank points out, our economists have noted the strong fiscal tailwinds from the booming property market and underlying indicators of Chinese growth have risen to levels almost consistent with the massive stimulus of 2009/10, the implication being that the IMF numbers may understate easing. This sounds positive for global growth, and particularly the Australian Dollar, but there are signs that last years fiscal stimulus is already being reigned in, and the effects of this tightening may have an effect later in the year. Have You Missed The Bus? Fiscal stimulus has a delayed effect on global growth, so the upturn we are now experiencing is a result of stimulus earlier in 2016. However, any tightening will also have a delayed effect, and as Deutsche bank points out, this is already happening, the IMFs 2017 forecast suggest the fiscal boost is coming to an abrupt end. China has already been tightening policy sharply since October to rein in credit growth and Eurozone fiscal slippage is likely to be less than in 2016, which leaves Trump hopes. If legislative difficulties delay tax cuts until next year, a big hole will need to be filled. So just as everyone is focused on fiscal stimulus, it may already have passed us by. Again, all eyes are on the U.S. and Donald Trumps phenomenal plans which the market will have already priced in to a certain extent. The big risk is the market expects too much and the new administration doesnt deliver. Commodity currencies such as AUD, CAD and NZD have benefited the most from the recent global growth and are therefore most susceptible to a reversal. When exactly this reversal could happen isnt clear. Strong PMI data out of China and Europe yesterday suggests any expectation for weakness is premature. However, 2017 is still young and the current theme of booming global growth may be very different by the end of the year. nishant0019 said: I have ielts score 6.0 R 6.5 L 5.5 W 5.5 S 5.5 Work experience in hydro power station at Sardar sarovar 8 year Master approved by Wes Canada Age 30 Wife physiotherapist Her experience 5 year Her ielts score 6.0 Click to expand... Federal Skilled Worker Program You must meet the minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French for your first official language in all four language abilities . To get points for your second official language, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 in all four language abilities. Click to expand... You do not qualify to come to Canada.It doesn't matter if you get a PNP from British Columbia or Ontario or Quebec or Nunavut - you must still meet... it is the federal government administers the the Express Entry program and issues the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence in Canada, whilst the provinces simply administer their own nomination programs, which are one component of the Express Entry program (they do not issue ITA letters nor do they have the power to compel the federal government issue an ITA to a candidate).As things stand, your basic English skills do not meet that minimum requirement.According to the Government of Canada website According to the IELTS <-> CLB conversion chart, you only meet the requirements in Reading.Your Listening, Writing and Speaking scores do not meet the minimum CLB 7 benchmark, and until you can achieve a CLB 7 score, you will be ineligible to come to Canada under the Express Entry program.The above also applies to your wife. If even one of her 4 English language scores is below CLB 7 then she too will be ineligible to come to Canada. Can anyone suggest a good hairdresser. i live in peyia and usually do my own colour as i am a hairdresser but it needs a good cut and its nice to have someone else do it for a change Hi there,I figured I would seek some advice here before I go dive into this full stop. I am looking for some clarity on TdS renewal at the end of a CDD. It is my understanding that the end of a CDD falls under involuntary unemployment, and therefore the TdS is automatically eligible for renewal?Specific details:I'm in France on a Scientific Researcher visa (now converted to a Scientific researcher TdS). It expires this fall as does my contract (CDD) and my convection. My contract is with a public institution who sponsored me, and will not be renewed. Reality is I am finishing up as a PhD student.I am paid a salary by the institution, and will have been employed 3 years at the time of expiry.Based on my understanding of https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F15922 I think that once my CDD ends I can apply for a year extension on my TdS on the basis that my contract has ended and use that time to look for a job relative to my field? Then the extension can be further extended until which time I am no longer eligible with pole emploi? The bit which is confusing me is that the page lists Researchers separately, however they fall under the "passeport talent" visa category.Anyone have any ideas or experience? JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Dear EuroCitizen, As you know, next week we are organising a Round Table about the implications of Brexit for British and Spanish citizens. It has taken a massive effort to get this together, but now we have a fantastic venue (European Parliament offices on the Castellana) and some great speakers: not only a politician from the senate and another from the European parliament but top experts on health, education, legal aspects such as residence and work permits. So this is a unique opportunity for you to find out about what Brexit could mean for you and your family. As a group, we also need support from our members to demonstrate to the world that UK nationals are really concerned about what might happen to us when Britain leaves the European Union. Now is the crucial time to stand up for your rights!!!!!! Please register for the event here: https://fastfor.ms/02031 and share with your friends. you will need to do this to get past security, as ID documents will be requested. If you have already registered, no need to do it again, and thanks for your support. With best wishes, Michael Harris (Vice-president EuroCitizens) People considering moving to the UK have probably never heard of it, but a small town near Liverpool in the north west of the country has the best quality of life in the country.Indeed, many people in the UK have probably never heard of Bebington either but the town, which is five miles south of Liverpool has been ranked by economists has having the best work-life balance and access to good schools and green spaces. The study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research and the Royal Mail, names Norwich in the east of England as the second best spot and Bournemouth on the south coast third. Nowhere in London made the top 10 list.Bebington has just 15,760 residents but it has good jobs, short commutes to work and affordable house prices which are around a quarter of the price of buying a home in London.The study also found that in Scotland, three quarters of the most desirable places to live and work are around Glasgow. Residents have shorter working hours and shorter commute times as well as access to local services, better schools and lower crime rates.More than half of the most desirable places to live and work in Wales this year are located around Cardiff and in Northern Ireland, the top locations remain around Belfast and Craigavon which benefit from easy access to local services, high employment rates and a strong education system.The rest of the locations in the top 10 national ranking were Sale in Greater Manchester in fourth place, East Cowes in the Isle of Wight in fifth place, Eastleigh in Hampshire sixth, Ipswich in Suffolk seventh, Leeds eighth, Dronfield in north east Derbyshire ninth and Reading in tenth.Newcomers in Scotland this year include Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides and Kirkwall in Orkney which rated highly due to a good work-life balance and high employment rate. But Edinburgh did not feature this year, mostly due to the high cost of housing.The research comes as the latest official figures show that net migration is falling with a significant drop in people arriving from European Union countries. The data from the Office of National Statistics is the first set of figures to cover an extended period since the UK voted to leave the EU.Numbers fell below 300,000 for the first time in two years with 273,000 net arrivals in the 12 months to the end of September 2016, down from 335,000 in the year to the end of June.The figures also show that the actual number of arrivals in the 12-month period was 596,000, a fall of 23,000 of which 268,000 of were EU citizens. But more people are arriving from Bulgaria and Romania with arrivals up 19,000 to 74,000.Overall the net flow from the EU was 165,000, the lowest for two years, with 180,000 EU moving for work related reasons, with approximately 63% of those having a definite job to go to.The number of students has fallen, down by 41,000 in the year to September 2016. The majority of the drop was made up of non-EU students, down 31,000. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A group of community activists that raised money to save the Hays Street Bridge has lost a court battle with the city over land next to the East Side landmark that it says was supposed to be for a park. The 4th Court of Appeals on Wednesday dismissed the case after ruling the city of San Antonio cant be sued for breach of contract by the Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group. The group had sued the city in 2012 to prevent the 1.7 acres next to the bridge at 803 N. Cherry St. from being sold to the Alamo Beer Co. Amy Kastely, an attorney for the group, said she was disappointed with the ruling. The group hasnt determined whether it will ask the 4th Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision or whether the group will file an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court, she said. Deputy City Attorney Debbie Klein called the ruling a clear victory for the city. We will continue to work with the community on smart development for the area surrounding the Hays Street Bridge, Klein said in an emailed statement. The Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group alleged that the land had been donated as part of the effort to raise money to restore the bridge, which reopened in 2010 as a bike and pedestrian route over railroad tracks. The group and the city had entered into in 2002 a memorandum of understanding regarding the bridges restoration. The city was accused of breaching the memorandum which the group called a contract by not developing a park. The city maintained the property, which was donated by beer distributor BudCo in 2007, was not part of the Hays Street Bridge restoration project. In 2014, a Bexar County district court jury found that the city failed to comply with the terms of the memorandum. Judge David Canales subsequently issued a ruling that the city interpreted to mean that it could sell the property as long as the proceeds went toward the bridge, the San Antonio Express-News reported in 2015. The city sold the land to a company headed by Alamo Beer owner Eugene Simor in December 2014. Simor couldnt immediately be reached for comment. But county property records show he deeded the land to a company headed by San Antonio apartment developer Mitchell Meyer in October. Meyer didnt immediately return a call, but his Loopy Ltd. website shows The Bridge apartments are planned for the Cherry Street site. Its possible Meyers acquisition of the property is contingent on the resolution of any litigation. Kastely said that aside from the lawsuit, the group has been working with city officials to add viewshed protection that would limit the height of development around the bridge to ensure that it remains visible from the street. The city appealed the state district court verdict the same month it sold the land to Simors company. The city argued, among other contentions, that it was immune as a branch of the government from being sued for breach of contract. 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 Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group responded that if the city was deemed immune from being sued, then the group should be allowed to amend its lawsuit. The appeals court held that the memorandum concerned a governmental function as opposed to a proprietary function and therefore the city was immune from the suit. The court ruled there is nothing in the Local Government Contract Claims Act that provides for a waiver of immunity from a suit seeking to impose specific performance for breach of contract, the courts opinion states. The group did not seek financial damages, only that the city honor the terms of the memorandum. The ruling essentially says when the city makes a contract, (it isnt) bound unless the other party is looking for money, Kastely said. The court also disagreed that the group should be allowed to amend the lawsuit and thus dismissed the case. The courts opinion was written by Justice Marialyn Barnard, who was joined in the ruling by Justices Karen Angelini and Rebecca C. Martinez. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD A prominent Laredo banker who drew ire as a fundraiser for Donald Trump railed against some of the president's key policies Wednesday, saying the White House needs to rethink its positions on Mexico. Weve all seen massive positive influence from that agreement, IBC Bank CEO Dennis Nixon said in a meeting with the San Antonio Express-News editorial board. One in five jobs in Texas is tied to trade. So youd better be careful or you could end up putting Texas into a big hole and not being able to recover. He cited the Toyota plant in San Antonio: it would not exist if it wasnt for Mexico. Nixons comments come as Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos, a Republican, departs for Mexico City to smooth relations amid Trumps calls to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, build a border wall, tax Mexican imports and purge the U.S. of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Texas Gov. Greg Abott, who plans to meet with Mexican leaders in a few weeks, is extremely bullish about maintaining the states $200 billion annual cross-border trade with Mexico, Pablos said Monday. International Bancshares Corp., the Laredo-based parent company of International Bank of Commerce, has a corporate office thats a stones throw from the Rio Grande and gets a lot of business from Mexican nationals with homes and businesses on the Texas side. As such, Nixon said the bank is deeply invested in strong U.S.-Mexico trade and relations, which Trumps tough talk has put at risk. It riled some Democratic leaders last year to learn that a business leader close to the border and from one of the nations bluest counties helped host a Trump fundraiser in San Antonio held on the same day and in the same city as the state Democratic Convention. Nixon contributed $36,100 to the Trump Victory Fund and $5,400 to Trump himself, on top of $66,800 to the Republican National Committee, according to federal campaign data. Nixon explained himself with a June 8 fundraising letter to friends and colleagues urging them to support Trump because the other choices voting for Democrat Hillary Clinton or not voting at all were unacceptable. We need a candidate who can cut the red tape and lift the regulatory burdens off the backs of business, so that companies can grow, expand, and create jobs, Nixon wrote. I do believe that if Donald Trump wins, he will engage in the traditional thinking of solving real problems and getting our fiscal house in order. Still, Nixons visit to the Express-News Wednesday, the day after President Trumps first address to a joint session of Congress, was largely about the damage some of Trumps most popular ideas could do to the Texas and border economies. Nixon highlighted how Laredo has been the primary beneficiary of NAFTA, with free trade feeding its growth to the largest inland port and third largest Customs district in the United States. Trade with Mexico and Canada has grown from basically near zero to well past a trillion dollars, and every state of the union has benefited, he said. That is something that I dont think should be unwound because its been mutually beneficial. He agreed with Trump that some of the countrys trade deals were unfair and that the 23-year-old NAFTA needed to be revisited to take in Mexicos newly opened oil and gas industry as well as technical advances that have transformed commerce. But he said he was frightened that Trump may be going overboard on nationalism and said border towns were already seeing a backlash against Trumps insulting tone and proposal for tariffs on Mexicos exports to the U.S. Mexico has already done some boycotting of American institutions in Mexico, he said. Weve seen travel diminish along the border. Weve seen fewer shoppers, fewer people coming We are not going to be able to do these things without some sort of response. You slap me, I slap you back. Plans to increase the number of Customs and Border Protection agents and spend $20 billion on a border wall missed the point that illegal immigrant apprehensions have declined from a peak of 1.6 million to about 400,000 last year, he said. He blamed the more recent surge of unaccompanied minors from Central America on a system that encouraged them to come. 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. Weve gone out and increased the Border Patrol, increased the Border Patrol, increased the Border Patrol, and all theyre doing is catching more and more people that we cant process and handle with the legal system, he said. Nixon passed out a pamphlet, Common Sense Border Security Solutions: Thoughts from Dennis E. Nixon, which among other things suggests beefing up the immigration system instead of releasing minors to relatives due to backlogged courts, clearing the Rio Grande of nonnative weeds and Carrizo cane that impede border apprehensions, and building riverside patrol roads for the Border Patrol. As for whether hed gotten Trumps ear on his concerns, he said hed tried. Ive mentioned it and Ive talked to him about it, he said. I havent had an hour where I could sit down and say pay attention to these issues. Ive had spurts and moments that I could talk to him and Ive talked to a lot of good people around him. And I believe theyll eventually see the reason. lbrezosky@express-news.net This week, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick sent every one of his employees some 11,000 people yet another apology. It was in reaction to a six-minute dash cam video, obtained and published Tuesday afternoon by Bloomberg, showing Kalanick in a heated argument with one of his drivers. The conversation began amicably enough with Kalanick and driver Fawzi Kamel shaking hands. Kamel asked about reduced fares in general across Ubers various offerings. (As Bloomberg noted, in 2012 an Uber Black ride cost $4.90 per mile. Now it costs $3.75 per mile.) Kalanick explained he lowered fares to remain competitive against other ride-sharing companies, such as Lyft. We didnt go low-end because we wanted to, Kalanick said, referring to adding services such as Uber Pool to the original Uber Black. We went low-end because we had to. We could go higher and more expensive, Kamel countered. Then he continued, thrusting his finger at Kalanick and telling him that no one trusts him anymore. I lost $97,000 because of you. Im bankrupt because of you. You keep changing every day, he said, adding, You changed the whole business. You know what?, Kalanick said over Kamels shouting. Some people dont like to take responsibility for their own (expletive). They blame everything in their life on everyone else. He climbed out of the car, spitting good luck behind him. Good luck to you too, Kamel said, adding that Kalanick wont go far. The video quickly sparked outrage. One Twitter user summed up the online ire, tweeting, Ju(s)t watched video of CEO of #uber, and all I can say is #deleteuber. Kalanicks apology, also posted to Ubers website, began, By now Im sure youve seen the video where I treated an Uber driver disrespectfully. To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement. The language then grows increasingly melancholy, stating the incident cannot be explained away. It continued: Its clear this video is a reflection of me and the criticism weve received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up. This is the first time Ive been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it. It closed with Kalanick profoundly apologizing to Kamel and the driver and rider community as a whole. Such language from the CEO suggested the apology was inspired by more than simply the video. The past few months have not been kind to company. The biggest blow came in the form of a hashtag that spurred genuine action. After President Donald Trump issued a travel ban against seven predominately Muslim countries, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance staged a strike at John F. Kennedy International Airport. About 30 minutes after it began, Uber tweeted it was lifting surge prices at JFK. Quickly, #DeleteUber trended on Twitter. Sparked by this, some 200,000 people reportedly deleted the app in January alone (not too difficult an action when its major competitor Lyft is available in most major cities). It didnt help matters that, in December, Kalanick had joined Trumps economic advisory council. Finally, after the social media campaign to boycott his company, Kalanick quit the council. In a memo to his staff, he wrote, joining the group was not meant to be an endorsement of the president or his agenda but unfortunately it has been misinterpreted to be exactly that. Mere weeks later, the company again found itself in an unfortunate spotlight when former Uber engineer Susan Fowler Rigetti wrote a blog post alleging systematic sexual harassment and workplace discrimination against women at Uber. Kalanick tweeted in response. Whats described here is abhorrent & against everything we believe in. Anyone who behaves this way or thinks this is OK will be fired. He added that there can be absolutely no place for this kind of behavior at Uber. 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. He also hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to lead an investigation into these claims with the participation of Huffington Post founder and Uber board member Arianna Huffington and the companys human resources chief, Liane Hornsey. Somewhat buried by these stories were the companys ongoing issues with self-driving cars. In December, Uber was forced to pull a fleet of such cars from San Francisco, just a week after deployment. The California Department of Motor Vehicles deemed the service illegal as Uber didnt have the required autonomous vehicle license. During that week, though, one of Ubers autonomous Volvos ran a red light, which was caught on video. The company originally claimed this happened as a result of human error, as every car in the fleet cars also had drivers onboard in case of emergency. Later, internal documents obtained by the New York Times showed the problem to be a mistake in the cars programming. One document stated, the mapping programs used by Ubers cars failed to recognize six traffic lights in the San Francisco area. Compounding Ubers woes was a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco against the company last week. It alleged Uber stole Google laser technology called LiDAR to build its autonomous fleet. As the Washington Posts Michael Laris reported: Misappropriating this technology is akin to stealing a secret recipe from a beverage company, according to a blog post from Waymo, the self-driving company created by Google parent Alphabet. Waymo said the alleged far-reaching thievery which it said was led by a former employee and involved the surreptitious downloading of 9.7 GB of confidential files and trade secrets came to light in an apparently errant email. An Uber spokesperson said the company would review this matter carefully. For all this, Ubers net revenue seems to continue growing unchecked. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The City Council unanimously approved a new master plan for Brackenridge Park on Thursday, months after efforts to revitalize the park were nearly derailed over concerns that the voices of regular park users hadnt been included in the plans development. In a separate, somewhat contentious vote, the council also agreed Thursday not to annex a 12-square-mile area along U.S. 281 for almost 17 years. Not included in the Brackenridge master plan are earlier proposals to close roads in the park to make room for a grand lawn, the removal of internal parking areas and the addition of a tram to move people throughout the park. Those ideas were scrapped from a draft plan after a huge public outcry last year. The centrally located, 343-acre park is a popular place for families to throw barbecues and picnic on weekends and particularly on holidays, such as Easter, when people camp in the park for days at a time. Many speakers at public meetings about the master plan last summer said the proposed road closures would limit access to the park. The new plan still includes recommendations to restore natural features and improve water quality in the part of the San Antonio River that runs through the park; preserve and restore the parks cultural and historic features; and increase the parks visibility and pedestrian access. Discussions on how to revitalize the park, just north of downtown between U.S. 281 and Broadway, began in 2015. A draft master plan was presented to a City Council committee last March. A series of public meetings were then planned for the summer after residents said the public hadnt been adequately engaged in discussions about how the park should be improved. Brackenridge Park is slated to receive $7.75 million in the proposed 2017 municipal bond, which goes to voters May 6. The park also would get more parking if the bond is approved: $11.75 million is set aside for construction of a new parking facility that will serve both park and San Antonio Zoo patrons, and $2 million would fund expansion of the park and the Witte Museum Parking Garage. But there are many other pricey items in Brackenridge that need funding, particularly restoration of the Catalpa Pershing Channel on the parks east side. That project alone could cost in the tens of millions of dollars, said Parks and Recreation Department director Xavier Urrutia. As part of ongoing discussions about the parks future, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy is holding a summit from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Pearl Stable. Temporary annexation reprieve Regarding the annexation vote, the City Council has debated for more than two years what parts of Bexar County to potentially annex. Thursdays vote to execute a nonannexation agreement with the neighborhoods off U.S. 281 in North Bexar County represented a compromise the city originally planned to annex this area as part of a large annexation plan first unveiled in 2014. But opposition to annexation, and concerns over the citys financial projections, led to a dramatic scaling back of the plans. Instead, the city agreed not to annex the residential area until Dec. 30, 2033. About 25,000 people live in the area, and there are about 8,600 homes, according to Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni. As part of the nonannexation agreement, the city negotiated several requirements for development in the area. Builders will have to adhere to the citys light pollution ordinance and to the rules of the Edwards Aquifer overlay zone, which limits certain industrial uses over the aquifer recharge zone. Also, any new residential and commercial projects in the area will have to first go to the citys Development Services Department for approval; they will also be required to meet the citys building standards. Almost 1,519 acres, or 23 percent, of the total area included in the nonannexation agreement remain undeveloped, according to the city. About 1,200 of those acres are over the aquifer. Last year, the city voted to annex a smaller, commercial section off U.S. 281 abutting the residential area. District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg made a motion to deny the nonannexation agreement Thursday, arguing that residents who live off Interstate 10 West in North Bexar County an area the city plans to annex by fall 2019 werent afforded the same opportunity to negotiate. Nirenberg, who is running for mayor, also said the city is voting to eventually take in an area that we will be ill-equipped to serve to the standards that we expect. District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher fired back at Nirenbergs motion, arguing that by not supporting the agreement, the District 8 councilman was also voting against the negotiated stipulations, such as the stricter building requirements. Those additions, Gallagher said, are meant to help protect the military installation at Camp Bullis, which is just west of the area. Nirenberg denied Gallaghers interpretation. Nirenbergs motion, which District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales also supported, failed to pass. The council approved the nonannexation agreement, with Nirenberg voting no. Several area legislators, including state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and state Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, have filed bills to limit cities ability to annex unincorporated areas without first allowing residents of the area to vote on it. vdavila@express-news.net AUSTIN The Texas House and Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved measures aimed at fixing long-running problems in the states child-protection system that have left abused and neglected children unchecked for months and, in some cases, sleeping in state offices. The votes in both chambers, following lengthy debates, were the first legislative steps to combat a shortage of caseworkers, high turnover rates and administrative miscues that have plagued the states child protection system for more than two decades, in spite of at least two previous overhauls, The Senate measure includes a provision to outsource the management of foster care cases to nonprofits and community-based groups across the state, a change that has drawn criticism from employee groups and some child advocates. The state currently has an outsourcing pilot program in one region of Texas. While the Senate approved its overhaul without discord, the House approved its legislation following a heated argument about immigration and racism over an amendment that eventually was withdrawn. Texas child-protection program has been in the sights of lawmakers and state leaders since last year, when it was revealed that CPS workers were failing to see thousands of children named in abuse and neglect cases within weeks as required by state law. Some were never seen at all. Gov. Greg Abbott and legislative leaders demanded immediate changes, at one point dispatching state police to track down children including dozens in Harris County who had been on waiting lists for months. Officials at the Department of Family and Protective Services blamed high staff turnover rates, low pay and a mushrooming case load that had overwhelmed the system. In December, House and Senate leaders approved more than $150 million in emergency funding to hire more than 800 new caseworkers, investigators and support staff and to provide $12,000-a-year pay hikes in a bid to curb high staff turnover. Behind Wednesdays votes is the possibility that a Corpus Christi federal judge could place the state foster care system under court supervision and mandate sweeping changes, after declaring the system unconstitutional because its chronic operational problems have gone unaddressed for years. Anyone arguing for the status quo is arguing for more failure, said state Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican who authored Senate Bill 11 aimed at making community-based programs a centerpiece of the CPS overhaul, along with new supervision and care mandates on DFPS for children in state custody. He defended the plan to expand the outsourcing of foster care case management services now provided by state workers. Community-based care is an answer. They know that child the best. That child is their child, Schwertner said. In the House, lawmakers symbolically chose two reform bill as the first bills passed by the chamber this year. House Bill 4 by Rep. Cindy Burkett, R-Sunnyvale, would allow grandparents and other relatives who take care of abused and neglected children through the Department of Family and Protective Services kinship care program to be eligible for state assistance. Instead of a onetime initial payment of $1,000 and an annual stipend of $500, the measure would pay caregivers about $6,200 per child to caregivers who live below the federal poverty level of $24,600 a year, for a family of four. Those with more income could receive up to $4,150 a year, depending on their annual income. House Bill 5 by Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, would make DFPS a stand-alone agency, separated from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, in hopes of speeding up its decision-making so it can more quickly address childrens needs. The two House bills now will go to the Senate for consideration, and the Senate bill heads to the House. Both chambers must approve all legislation before it can be sent to the governor to be signed into law. Leadership in the Senate and House made it clear Wednesday they intend to make quick work of the remaining process. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus applauded the bipartisan effort to pass all three bills. We have taken a couple of very important steps toward providing better protection and care for children in terrible circumstances, with more to come in the weeks ahead, Straus said in a statement. Abbott, who previously said he intends to sign reform legislation that will fix the problems, echoed the sentiment: Todays actions by the House and Senate are a significant first step toward reforming the child welfare system and creating a culture that gives every child a chance to not only survive, but thrive in Texas. Advocates also applauded the votes. If the state is serious about reducing the number of abused children in Texas, investment in prevention programs is essential, said Madeline McClure, CEO of TexProtects, a Dallas-based child advocacy group. Reporter Bobby Cervantes contributed to this story. mike.ward@chron.com twitter.com/ChronicleMike AUSTIN Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller again is clashing with the Legislature and threatening to unilaterally raise fees on farmers and ranchers. Miller, a first-term Republican who ran as a hard-line conservative, has faced repeated questions about his spending decisions and weathered fierce criticism for raising licensing, registration and inspection fees by $11 million annually last year. Now, he is doubling down by promising to raise fees by an additional $5 million unless lawmakers give his agency more funding and more power to transfer money between programs. Were providing a protection and service to the producers and consumers of this state, Miller told a House Appropriations subcommittee last month. Im asking for the essential money to keep that service alive. If you give us our budget tools back, we can actually lower some of these fees, he added in an appeal to the Senate Finance Committee, arguing that many agencies have transfer authority and that giving him that power would not cost the state anything. The pleas did not go over well with lawmakers, who already are struggling to close a budget shortfall without raising taxes or tapping into the states rainy day fund. Several powerful House budget writers decided Tuesday to reject Millers request for transfer authority, according to Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, who is chairman of a spending panel that oversees the Texas Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Miller has proven why this body cant give him that kind of authority, Gonzales said in an interview, referring to news reports about the commissioners spending of agency money on personal trips and extravagant bonuses and salaries for friends. Were in a tight budget cycle, said Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, before mentioning that Miller served in the House between 2001 and 2013. Im always interested when legislators go on to higher elected office and they want everybody else to be cut except them. The burgeoning fight has echoes of 2015 and 2016, when Miller aggressively lobbied lawmakers to restore years-old budget cuts to the agency and, when that failed, raised the fees some by 100 percent or more. Miller agreed to delay the fee increases amid criticism from industry groups, dozens of lawmakers and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but he eventually implemented them in January 2016. Miller passionately defended his decisions at that time. He said fees had not been raised in more than a decade, resulting in a lengthy backlog in inspections and other services that was hurting Texans. This time around, the commissioner is requesting about $6.5 million to hire additional inspectors, buy new trucks, rehab the laboratory in which weights and measures are calibrated and promote Texas agriculture abroad. He also wants to regain power to transfer money between programs, carry over surplus money from one fiscal year to the next and keep the money collected from fines. That authority is common for cost-recovery agencies that collect fees and violation dollars, Miller said, emphasizing that the nature of the collection setup meant that no taxpayer dollars would be at stake. Miller has warned lawmakers that budget plans currently under consideration would trigger new fees and a death spiral downward, where services provided by TDA to 27 million Texans are constantly decreasing. Asked by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, about why he had raised fees related to certification of seeds by 141 percent last year, Miller said the increase did not cover costs and would have to go up again drastically. Seliger and others have been unusually hostile to Millers requests in public and private. During the House hearing, Beaumont Republican Dade Phelan wondered aloud whether lawmakers could give the departments duties to another agency. The reason for the opposition, according to multiple lawmakers, is a spate of news reports about Millers questionable spending. Among other issues, the Houston Chronicle has revealed over the past 18 months that Miller has used agency money to fly to Oklahoma to receive a pain-curing injection known as The Jesus Shot and to travel to Mississippi to compete in a rodeo; has frequently flown first class and charged the state for cocktails; has hired nine friends and campaign aides to new high-paying jobs without giving the public a chance to apply, as required by law; and has given more bonuses in his first nine months than his predecessor awarded in his first two and a half years in office. An investigation by the Texas Rangers confirmed that Miller used state money for personal gain, including The Jesus Shot, but prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges. His fiscal management has really raised eyebrows, and he hasnt done anything to give us comfort in his ability to handle a budget, Gonzales said. Miller also faces opposition from the agriculture industry. At the legislative hearing, Steven Boyd, the managing director of Sun Coast Resources, a Houston-based fuel and lubricant distributor, decried the outrageous fees that he said had gone up about 500 percent for meters on delivery trucks, forcing him to lay off employees. In Texas, were supposed to be pro-business, Boyd said. Miller spokesman Mark Loeffler suggested in an interview that agency officials are still confident that lawmakers will approve their requests. Our legislative relations staff has been working with them. Its just a matter of understanding where we are in this cost-recovery world, Loeffler said. Its workable. brian.rosenthal@chron.com twitter.com/brianmrosenthal Police Chief William McManus told a City Council subcommittee Wednesday that local officials should consider whether its time for San Antonio to join the feds and the state in regulating the use of drones. The unmanned aircraft, which can be small enough to fit in the palm of the hand (no one is suggesting regulating those) and large enough to carry action cameras, have become immensely popular and accessible in the retail market. McManus plans to present the issue to the councils Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services Committee turned heads and raised questions. We brought this up because theres a need for a larger discussion, McManus said after the committee meeting. Were not having the discussion so we can over-regulate. Councilman Roberto Trevino, a committee member and pilot, said its unclear whether San Antonio will adopt regulations for drones but suggested hed like to work with colleague Mike Gallagher on getting something on the books. San Antonios airspace is incredibly active, and its not just from San Antonio International Airport. He noted that active Air Force bases, Stinson Field, Port San Antonio and others also contribute to air traffic. Theres just a lot of aircraft in the area, Trevino said. Gallagher said hes really concerned about this one and worried that drone use in San Antonio is an accident waiting to happen. Theres already a web of regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration and the state, and its unclear what additional measures San Antonio might take. The FAAs regulations include requiring that all drones that weigh more than about 9 ounces be registered, that hobbyists not fly drones that weigh more than 55 pounds, and that no drones be flown within 5 miles of any airport without first notifying those facilities and air-traffic control towers. The state prohibits the use of drones for conducting surveillance, McManus said, as well as flying over critical infrastructure at a height lower than 400 feet. State laws also prohibit the use of drones in public places for capturing images more than 8 feet from the ground. Trevino suggested that San Antonio work with the FAA to carve out some park space where drone use is acceptable, even if its within the 5-mile radius of an airport. I think its important that we do take a closer look, he said. There are people who do want to utilize those in our city limits. jbaugh@express-news.net Twitter: @jbaugh More Information Alamo anniversary events Daily readings: Feb. 23 - March 6, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Alamo re-enactors present historical readings that illustrate what was happening during each day of the 13-day siege in 1836. Readings are free to the public, in front of the Alamo church, and last about 10 to 15 minutes. Texas Independence Day Ceremony: Thursday, 1 p.m. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Alamo Mission Chapter, will hold an event at the Alamo to commemorate the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in East Texas on March 2, 1836. An Evening with Heroes: Friday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A special after-hours theater event at the Alamo will portray the mood and conversations the evening before the final attack on March 6. Tours will depart every 10 minutes, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each tour will last about 45 minutes. Tickets, at $20 per person, are on sale at the Alamo - thealamo.org. Fiddle Fest: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Alamo presents its ever-popular Fiddle Fest, a free event on the Alamo grounds featuring a full day of western swing, bluegrass and old-time country from world-renowned artists Jason Roberts (Asleep at the Wheel, Van Morrison), Rick McRae (George Strait), and Ron Knuth (Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr.). Remember the Mexican Soldier: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. Primer Batallon de Mexico will hold its annual event in Alamo Plaza. Alamo Defenders Remembrance Ceremony: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Annual tribute will be held at the Alamo by the Alamo Defenders Descendants Association. Dawn at the Alamo: Monday, 6 a.m. Annual ceremony hosted by the San Antonio Living History Association will be held in Alamo Plaza. After the Fall: Monday, 10 a.m. Yearly ceremony of the Sons of the Republic of Texas will feature remarks by Lee Spencer White, co-author of "Joe: The Slave Who Became an Alamo Legend." Annual Memorial Service: Monday, 2:30 p.m. Observance organized by the DRT Alamo Mission Chapter will pay tribute to the 189 known defenders on the anniversary of the battle. Dusk at the Alamo: Monday, 6 p.m. Alamo re-enactors will commemorate the lighting of funeral pyres with a brief ceremony in front of the Alamo church. A memorial address delivered by Col. Juan N. Seguin to honor his fallen comrades in a ceremony a year after the battle will be recited in English and Spanish. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN Opponents embroiled in a years-long fight over Houstons practice of offering benefits to the same-sex spouses of city employees took their fight to the states highest court Wednesday in an effort to narrow the effect of the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark decision legalizing gay marriage. Plaintiffs in the case argued before the Texas justices that the 2015 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage never spoke to whether such couples are entitled to the same benefits as opposite-sex couples. Allowing Houston to continue offering benefits, such as health care, to the same-sex spouses of city employees would expand the national ruling in Obergefell v Hodges and amount to a fundamental right, said Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general representing a pair of taxpayers who brought suit against the city. Instead, the plaintiffs and their Republican supporters, who have signed briefs and sent letters to the Texas Supreme Court, want to limit the effect of the Obergefell ruling by cutting off taxpayer-funded benefits to same-sex partners. The plaintiffs argue the Texas Court of Appeals erred by reversing a temporary injunction stopping the city from offering benefits to same-sex spouses of employees and asked the state supreme court justices to offer guidance to lower courts that they are to comply with Obergefell but not expand on it. Douglas Alexander, a lawyer representing the city, argued the Obergefell ruling found that marriages should be treated equally and that plaintiffs are trying to set up a case to take to back to the U.S. Supreme Court. What we have here, is a case burdening a marriage, said Alexander, who said spousal benefits offered to opposite-sex couples must be offered to same-sex couples not because there is a fundamental right to spousal benefits, but a fundamental right that those marriages be treated equally. Supporters of Houstons same-sex spousal benefits practices say the U.S. Supreme Court was unequivocal and clear that same-sex marriages must be treated equally to so-called traditional marriage. Houston is sort of the flash point that gave the petitioners something to fight about here, said Kelly Sandill, an attorney representing a same-sex married couple and Equality Texas, a LGBTQ rights organization. The U.S. Supreme Court decision gives benefits to any legally married couples, it must give them to all. That is what Obergefell says. Theres no other way to read it, she said. Members of the Texas Supreme Court peppered attorneys on both sides of the case with questions about jurisdiction, whether the two taxpayers who brought the case against the city have standing, and about the reach of the Obergefell v Hodges ruling. Both sides left the hearing saying they felt confident in their chances of prevailing. There is no fundamental rights to same-sex benefits under Obergefell, said Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, a conservative religious liberty advocacy group, outside the Texas Supreme Court building. The Texas Supreme Court agreed to take on the case following arm-twisting from Republican leaders and lawmakers, who urged the justices to reconsider its 8-1 decision last fall not to hear it. Seventy Republican lawmakers, conservative leaders and Christian pastors asked the court to stand up to federal tyranny of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, and in a separate filing, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the court to limit the impact of the Obergefell ruling. The states high court reversed itself in January. Unspoken in the leaders push to get the high court to hear the case is the fact that Texas also offers benefits to the same-sex spouses of its employees. Republicans will be eager to see how each of the nine Republican justices side on the case after almost all initially refused to hear it, said Brandon Rottinhaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. Fighting against same-sex marriage has replaced abortion as the go-to issue for conservatives, he said. If marriage is only about whats on a piece of paper, then effectively it moots the value of being married and value of those marriages, Rottinhaus said. The court is expected to rule by the end of June. andrea.zelinski@chron.com twitter.com/andreazelinski This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Two years after a prisoner riot left the Willacy County Correctional Center in ruins, county officials are weighing two offers to reopen the defunct immigrant prison. County commissioners met in a closed session this week to consider the offers, which could bring back hundreds of jobs to this rural county suffering from unemployment levels of more than 12 percent. A final decision is expected within 14 days. Jobs are coming back, said Commissioner Eliberto Beto Guerra. Its great news. President Donald Trumps sweeping executive orders on immigration has compelled U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to expand its detention capacity, and at least two prison companies have their eye on reopening the Willacy County Correctional Center in Raymondville, including Management and Training Corp., the company that formerly operated the prison. The name of the other company has not been made public. When MTC built the so-called Tent City in 2006, it became the largest immigrant detention center in the nation, with beds for 3,000 detainees. However, after years of alleged problems, a prisoner uprising in February 2015 destroyed much of the prison, leaving the company little choice but to close the site and lay off its 400 employees. A few months before the riot, the ACLU released Warehoused and Forgotten: Immigrants Trapped in Our Shadow Private Prison System, a damning report that detailed prisoner complaints of poor conditions, including raw sewage that overflowed from toilets and biting insects. In two separate 2010 reports by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and Texas Appleseed, immigrant detainees complained of a lack of medical care. And in 2011, the PBS series Frontline cited sexual abuse by guards, and other physical and racial abuse in the Willacy prison. MTC has denounced the ACLU report, claiming that detainees enjoyed life-skills courses and educational programs, and that the facility had a team of health care professionals, including a physician, nurses, a physiologist and dentists, as well as mental health visits. Yet on the day of the riot, prisoners upset with medical care burned bedding and set fire to some of the 200-foot-long Kevlar tents where they were housed. In December, Willacy County filed a multimilion-dollar lawsuit against MTC, asserting the company had ignored festering problems bought on by poor management, which precipitated the riot. MTC has denied the allegations. With two offers on the table to reopen the prison, County Judge Aurelio Guerra has said county commissioners will now consider settling its lawsuit against MTC. The prison industry has infused millions of dollars into the impoverished county of roughly 22,000 residents. Youve had people unemployed since it closed; its been devastating, Guerra said. Now theyre excited, they want a job. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For two years, former Mayor Julian Castro was locked in the cabinet the Cabinet of former President Barack Obama. As Housing and Urban Development secretary, Castro was serving a post that restricted his political speech, a bind that proved frustrating at times for someone the national media had dubbed a rising star of the Democratic Party. I didnt enjoy that part of it, Castro said on Wednesday. That was one of the less enjoyable parts of the job Whatever I said reflected on the (Obama) administration, so I was, of course, extra concerned about not saying something in a way that reflected badly on the administration. Frankly, thats one of the benefits of being out of office or representing yourself in office. This year, Castro emerged from the office to a strange new world where President Donald Trump reigns and Republicans control both houses of Congress. He moved back to San Antonio on Jan. 19, the day before Trump took power. So what does a rising star do when dark clouds roll in? In Castros case, freed from the Cabinet, he stops mincing words. Last month on Facebook, he wrote that the Trump administration should meet holy hell if it mobilized National Guard troops to enforce immigration laws, a proposal floated but apparently shelved by the Department of Homeland Security. He wrote that it would be a mistake for the White House to crack down on recreational marijuana use, arguing we can sensibly legalize the drug. And he has repeatedly hammered Trump on his administrations suspicious ties to Russia. Im using my voice on important issues health care, education, immigration, pointing out the shortcomings of this administration, Castro told me. Im going to stay active out there. Im just not running for anything right now. At least, Castro isnt running for anything in 2018. That leaves open the possibility of running for president in 2020. Im not going to take that off the table, he said. Beyond social media, Castro is back on the speaking circuit, traveling the country to give paid speeches, and hes once again accepting interview requests, appearing on CNN to talk immigration with Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon. Im going to be doing more of that, he said. I shied away from some of that as HUD secretary because I wanted to make sure I was focused on the job and I was sticking to housing policy. While still HUD secretary, Castro learned the hard way how much the office restricted his speech when Yahoo global news anchor Katie Couric asked him in a televised interview about his endorsement of Hillary Clinton in the presidential race. Now taking off my HUD hat for a second and just speaking individually, Castro responded to Couric, it is very clear that Hillary Clinton is the most experienced, thoughtful and prepared candidate for president that we have this year. That earned Castro a slap on the wrist from the Office of Special Counsel. The independent Washington agency concluded he had impermissibly mixed his personal political views with official government agency business. A year later, Castro considers the episode a minor blip, but one I took responsibility for. Castro was a popular mayor, but he has yet to use his voice in the May 6 election. Councilman Ron Nirenberg, who is challenging Mayor Ivy Taylor, recently called Castro; they met for lunch. I told Ron when we met that Im staying out of it for now, Castro said. Castro is finishing a memoir; a final draft is due in the Fall. And the former HUD secretary is also taking some time out to watch television. Hes caught a couple of the episodes, he said, of one show in particular: ABCs Designated Survivor, in which Kiefer Sutherland plays a member of the president's Cabinet who is thrust into the presidency when an explosion engulfs a State of the Union address, claiming the lives of the president and the rest of his Cabinet. Sutherlands role: Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. bchasnoff@express-news.net After sitting vacant for two years, a five-story building on Houston Street could soon become a pillar of downtowns emerging tech district. Local developer David Adelman plans to renovate the historic building at 401 E. Houston St., known as the Burns building, into about 40,000 square feet of creative office space in other words, space that eschews cubicles for the open floor plans and quirky designs favored in tech hubs such as Austin and San Francisco. The Burns building will have ground-floor retail designed with Houston Streets tech scene in mind, including a coffee shop and a restaurant with late hours where you would see people in flip-flops as much as youd see someone in a business suit, Adelman said. Its also across the street from the nine-story Maverick apartment building that Adelman is renovating and expects to open later this spring. What were trying to accomplish is truly something different, Adelman said. Any business that wants to inspire collaboration is going to love what we have here. Adelman, principal of Area Real Estate, called the project a leap of faith. With most office buildings, developers wait until they have tenants to renovate the space to suit their needs, he said. But Adelman will renovate the space first and rely on demand for creative office space to fill it. Renovation work is set to begin by this summer and wrap up by the end of the year. Each of the buildings office floors will have its own theme one might be decorated in an industrial style, another with brick or Mexican tile, said Patrick Winn of New Braunfels design firm Total Art Design & Architecture, who is the lead architect for the project. Creative office space is an important asset in the battle between cities for tech talent, said David Heard, co-founder of Tech Bloc, a group that advocates for the local tech community. Companies are more likely to locate somewhere that has the quirky office space, coffee shops and walkable neighborhoods that tech workers want, he said. The Burns building will be a showpiece for creative office space in San Antonio, Heard predicted. Adelmans vision is not to just throw some paint on the wall, slap some carpet on the ground, and rent it to lawyers and bankers, Heard said. What hes basically saying is, Im going to take some risk so I can complete a project thats not just about signing the next lease, but that strategically helps us build out a more enhanced downtown. Houston Street, which once served as San Antonios premier retail corridor, is having a comeback after languishing for decades. GrayStreet Partners has created large amounts of tech-friendly office space along the street since buying nine properties there in 2015. A few blocks west, Weston Urban is creating more office space around the Geekdom headquarters and is building a 23-story Frost Tower. City officials have been encouraging residential development downtown for years, especially since former Mayor Julian Castro marked the Decade of Downtown in 2010. Now that more people are moving to the district, businesses are following, Adelman said. Now, I think, what youre finally starting to see is the first movers on the office side, he said. The residential-first strategy is finally paying dividends. Adelman bought the Burns building in January from a partnership based in New York. He declined to say how much he paid, but the Bexar Appraisal District assessed the building at $4 million last year. The Burns building, which was constructed in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a historic property by the city. It has been vacant since 2015, when longtime tenant Bromley Communications left to move into the former AT&T headquarters at 175 E. Houston St. Adelman plans to apply for state and federal historic tax credits for the project, and hes talking with city officials about a possible incentive package. Adelman is working on a few other developments in the downtown area. Hes about to break ground on a 150-unit apartment building at Hemisfair known as Acequia Lofts. He also is under contract to buy about 2 acres of land across the street from the Alamo Beer Co. in Dignowity Hill, next to the Hays Street Bridge. He said hes not yet sure what he wants to do on that site. In 2015, Adelman got approval from the city Historic and Design Review Commission to build a 305-unit apartment complex at 815 Avenue B, along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River. But he said hes put that project on hold after becoming concerned about how many apartments were being built around it. rwebner@express-news.net @rwebner The Trump Administrations turtle-slow start with the Republican-led Congress bodes ill for what it and Republicans said would be a busy legislative year. Tax reform, replacing Obamacare, raising the debt ceiling, and a 2018 budget all await initial action. Farm bill The GOP chairmen of the House and Senate ag committees, however, arent waiting on any White House signal to begin work. They have a farm bill to write and pass before the current law expires in 2018. In fact, the House committee kicked off its farm bill work with testimony on the stumbling ag economy Feb. 15 in Washington, D.C. The Senate committee began Feb. 23 with a hearing in the backyard of Chairman Pat Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas. Their quick 2017 start, however, does not mean a quick 2018 ending. For proof, recall the tortured path traveled by the 2014 farm bill, as Sara Wyant suggested to readers in a lengthy Feb. 10 posting at Agri-Pulse.com. In fact, it was to be the 2012 farm bill, not 2014, and House hearings for it began on April 10, 2010. On Feb. 7, 2014, when the bill was signed into law, no one celebrated because the brutal, four-year slugfest that delivered it had fractured decades-old political coalitions that had worked together to balance American farm and food interests that protected both farmers and the poor. The biggest hold-up was Tea Party budget hawks whose focus was cost, not policy. Their refusal to support any farm bill that didnt slash the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the former food stamp program, stalled the farm bill at almost every turn. Their fiery demands were fueled even more by the ground-shifting, 2010 mid-term election. Caught in the quicksand was Blanche Lincoln, the first woman and first Arkansan ever to chair the Senate Ag Committee. She was clobbered in her 2010 reelection bid just five months after farm bill hearings began that year. House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson fared better he was reelected in 2010 but he lost the committees gavel to Oklahomas Frank Lucas when Republicans overwhelmed Democrats to easily retake the House. Farm income This farm bill fight could be even longer, harder, and costlier. For example, in 2013, the year todays governing bill took its final shape, U.S. net farm income hit an all-time record, $123.7 billion. Two weeks ago, however, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasted 2017 net farm income at half that, or $62.3 billion. Will yesterdays farm policy essentially government-subsidized revenue insurance that has no ability whatsoever to lift revenue work for todays falling commodity markets, falling land prices, and falling farm income? Not a chance, says Daryll Ray and Harwood Schaffer in their latest Policy Pennings column from the University of Tennessee. That farm bills programs simply backfill low prices with inadequate payments and do nothing to reduce the modest amount of surplus production that is the cause of the low prices. Doomed In short, a new farm bill that simply updates the insurance-centric 2014 law will doom U.S. farmers and ranchers to more years of financial calamity. Farm lenders, ag suppliers, and budget hawks, you listening? Denying todays farm and ranch reality ensures farm policy failure and, right behind it, farm and ranch failure. Even if ag and Congressional leaders address this evident need, it is not at all evident that the Trump White House will support any farm bill let alone much needed changes in the 2014 law. Early indications arent hopeful. Top Trump aide Stephen Miller (who co-authored the Presidents grim inaugural address) helped sink recent immigration reform, a farm and ranch priority, while on the staff of then-Senator, now Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican. Also, Paul Winfree, a former Heritage Foundation economist, now serves as Trumps director of budget policy. Its a lofty perch from which to advocate a long-sought Heritage Foundation goal: deep cuts in SNAP spending. If he succeeds, the weakened farm-urban coalition that carried previous farm bills over the finish line may be gone for good. In the meantime, the 2018 farm bill has left the barn. Where it goes from here is impossible to guess. HARRISBURG, Pa. More than 167,000 U.S. farms locally produced and sold food through direct marketing practices, resulting in $8.7 billion in revenue in 2015, according to King Whetstone, director of the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northeastern Region. The results are from the first Local Food Marketing Practices Survey released Dec. 20. The report results cover both fresh and value-added foods, such as meat and cheese. Farms selling food directly to institutions and intermediates, such as wholesalers who locally branded the product or food hubs, brought in the most revenue at $3.4 billion. The next category, at $3 billion in sales, was from approximately 115,000 operations with direct-to-consumer sales, such as on-farm stores and farmers markets. Sales directly to retailers were $2.3 billion from over 23,000 operations nationwide. Top five The top five states by value of total direct food sales were: California, $2,869 million; Michigan, $459 million; New York, $441 million; Pennsylvania, $439 million; and Wisconsin, $431 million. Most farms selling directly to consumers sold through outlets such as farmers markets and on-farm stores. Number of farms Pennsylvania led the U.S. in the number of farms selling directly to consumers, with more than 6,000 operations engaged in direct to consumer sales. California led in sales, earning $467 million. Only 8 percent of farms selling directly to consumers across the nation did so via online marketplaces, though 73 percent of all farms using direct marketing practices had internet access last year. The survey also concluded that more than 80 percent of all direct market food sales occurred within 100 miles of the farm, and that most farms selling to consumers were less than 20 miles from their largest grossing marketplace. Decision makers Approximately 300,000 people were involved in making decisions for the farms that sold directly in 2015. Of these, 62 percent were men and 38 percent were women a higher proportion of women than among all farms, according to data from the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The survey also found 77 percent of farms who direct marketed were established farmers, having farmed 10 or more years, and 14 percent were U.S. military veterans. For additional survey results, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/Local_Food/index.php or the Quick Stats database at https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/. THE PLAINS, Ohio The public is invited to join state and federal agencies, groups, and citizens across Appalachian Ohio in celebrating National Public Lands Day September 30. Rural Action is recruiting host sites in eastern and southern Ohio. The goal for each host site is to connect people to public lands in their community, inspire environmental stewardship, and encourage public lands for education, recreation and general health. By registering as a host site, you will be part of a regionally branded effort that is shaping up to be the inaugural Appalachian Ohio National Public Lands Day. Rural Action, Buckeye Trail Association, Wayne National Forest and Ohio Department of Natural Resources are working together to organize the largest NPLD event in the states history. Register Groups and organizations interested in participating can register through Rural Action at ruralaction.org/aonpld. Registration for host sites closes March 31. The collaborative will then switch gears and help connect volunteers to sites they would like to join for AONPLD through September. Follow #AONPLD on social media for new developments. NORTH BENTON, Ohio The Mahoning County Goat Herders hosted a meeting Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at OBrock Farm. During the meeting members were reminded of the Quality Assurance meeting March 4 at the South Range High School. They discussed goat management. Christopher Greenfield did a demonstration, Learning About Goats. The next meeting will be March 13 at 7 p.m. at OBrock Farm. CANFIELD, Ohio The Capriculturists 4-H club met at the Greenford Ruritan Building Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. New officers were elected for 2017: Ashley James, president; Tyler Moff, vice president; Rhianna Wolfson, secretary; Colin Meehan, treasurer; and Molly St. John, news reporter. In new business, the club agreed to provide concessions for the Youngstown All Breed Dog Show March 19. Rhianna Wolfson gave a health report on colds and germs; Jacob Williams gave a report on Camp Whitewood; and Ashley James gave a safety report and demonstration on safe animal handling. The next meeting is March 20, 7 p.m. at the Greenford Ruritan Building at the Canfield Fair. ALLIANCE, Ohio The Country Folks and Country Barbwires 4-H Clubs met recently. The 4-H officers were installed by Mr. Reynolds. Reports were given by the Health, Safety and Community Service officers. The clubs will hold a bake sale at the Washington Township firemens breakfast March 5 at the firehouse. They will also raise money by selling Texas Roadhouse dinner rolls for $5 a dozen. Members will participate in the Marlboro Memorial Day parade May 29. The clubs were reminded that the Extravaganza will be held on July 15 and clothing judging is on July 18. The next 4-H meeting will be held at the Beechwood UM Church at 7 p.m., March 20. CHARDON, Ohio The Breeders and Feeders 4-H club met Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Munson Township Hall. The club introduced all new members and handed out member application forms. The safety officer gave a report on thunderstorms. Then the club reviewed the window display, the roller skating party on March 26, the thank you letter from the dog warden, the candy bar sale, and the 4-H scholarship applications. The club also reviewed important dates on the 4-H calendar including clover bud camp from July 13-14 and 4-H camp from June 18-24. The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 p.m. The next meeting will be held on March 26. Funeral homes often submit obituaries to the newspaper as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we are happy to accept obituaries from family members. You may use the form linked below, or you may email Jeanne Cobert at jcobert@fauquier.com or call her at 540-270-4931. Go to form In an effort to reduce the lines at the Prince William landfill and compost facility, now that both are closed on Sundays, the county is encouraging residents who regularly visit such faciliti A woman has claimed seatbelts are ''racist to fat people''. Woman claims seatbelts are 'racist to fat people' The anonymous woman from New Zealand was filmed driving without wearing her seatbelt because she ''can't fit it'', and has said the police are ''racist'' toward overweight people if they give her a fine for not wearing the legally required safety strap. She said in a video filmed by a passenger in the car: ''I can't fit it, so what's the point in wearing it if I can't fit it. If they're going to give me a fine for not fitting my seatbelt, that's just being racist, to the fat people. ''They're just being racist, like what do they think the whole world is skinny or something? What about the big people?'' When one passenger points out seatbelt sizing isn't racist as overweight people aren't a race, the woman insisted she would ''sue'' if anything happened to her. She continued: ''I could actually sue, like what if I crash, and something happens to me because the seatbelt couldn't go around me.'' The video has been viewed half a million times since it surfaced on the internet, and many people commenting on the clip have noted that seatbelt extenders are available so car users of all sizes can uphold the law. Katherine Jackson is so afraid of her nephew-in-law Trent Lamar Jackson she is refusing to return home to Los Angeles. Katherine Jackson The 86-year-old matriarch - who is the mother of the late Michael Jackson - has told a court she is currently "under a doctor's care" in London, England, "in part because of the stress this situation with Trent is causing me". In February, Katherine was granted a temporary restraining order against Trent after alleging he had abused her and that he had neglected her health. She said in her filing to the court: "I believe he has put cameras and bugs in my home, so the only place I can try and have a private conversation is in my bathroom." Katherine also fears Trent has copied the key to her bedroom door, meaning she has started getting dressed in her closet because she fears he will walk in on her unexpectedly, according to TMZ. Her filing explained: "I used to be very social with my friends, like playing Scrabble, walking around in the park, sharing meals, but Trent has given them various reasons why I am not available." Trent, 52, has been living in the guest house of Katherine's Calabasas, California, home after previously serving as her personal driver for a number of years. However, their relationship has soured in recent times, with Katherine accusing him of bullying her and monitoring her behaviour. Meanwhile, Trent - who is the son of Joe Jackson's half-brother - has tried to have the temporary restraining order lifted, with his lawyer insisting he is not a threat to Katherine. Under the restraining order, Trent is required to stay in the guest house and is barred from coming within 100 yards of Katherine. But the judge denied his request on Wednesday (01.03.17) and ordered another court hearing on March 23. Ghost in the Shell comes to IMAX and cinemas at the end of the month, and now a brand new first look clip from the major motion picture has been revealed, showing lead character Major (Scarlett Johansson) fighting back against her oppressors who took her life. Check out the short preview debuted by Paramount Pictures below: Based on the sci-fi property of the same name, the flick follows Major; a human-cyborg hybrid through her journey of leading an elite task force. Devoted to taking out some of the most dangerous criminals on the planet, she and her squadron will go up against an enemy with one goal to wipe out Hanka Robotics advancements in cyber technology, starting with Major. Beat Takeshi Kitano, Michael Carmen Pitt, Pilou Asbaek, chin Han and Juliette Binoche also star alongside Johansson, making up an extremely talented cast more than capable of bringing this fan-favourite Japanese manga to life. This big screen version of the property is said to stick very closely to its source material in terms of the story it will be telling, but that hasnt stopped criticism on Johanssons casting, with Hollywood once again being blasted for whitewashing. Whitewashing is a term used when a white actor is cast in the role of somebody who should be a minority; in this case, Major should really be played by an actor of Asian descent. Its something that Marvel Studios movie Doctor Strange was attacked for last year, after casting Tilda Swinton in the role of somebody who again should have been of Asian descent. Despite the controversy, the movies cast and crew including director Rupert Sanders are moving along in bringing the flick to fans. Jamie Moss and Jonathan Herman penned the screenplay Ghost in the Shell hits UK cinemas on March 30, 2017. by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on The Barnum Meserve are a trio ready to turn their back on the traditional boundaries set out by other rock bands, instead hoping to breath fresh life into the genre when they drop their new album next month. The Barnum Meserve We got the chance to put some questions to the guys about their music, inspirations, influences and more; find out what they had to say below For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound? I guess a starting point would be to say that our songs a pretty cinematic. Film soundtracks play a large part in influencing some of the string and brass section Leon writes. Were also pretty unconventional compared to the average alternative rock band, mainly as we dont have guitars. Our set up is Piano, Vocals, bass guitar and drums with the added strings, brass, percussion and general noises we have in the background to some of the songs. We like to write big choruses a lot of the time. We definitely try and get those hair on the back of your neck moments in. Sometimes its difficult to describe our sound as its hard to compare us with other bands. I guess were a mix of Arcade Fire with 30 Seconds to Mars and Nine Inch Nails mixed in. What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far? Weve faced lots of problems! but I guess a lot of artists face similar problems in todays climate. Were living very much in a slightly cluttered industry. Theres so many bands these days that its at times difficult to get noticed. Weve found ourselves in quite a few Catch-22 situations where large labels, PR companies and booking agents wont work with you because youre not represented by a large management firm etc. Its almost like you cant get one of those aspects in place (label, management, booking agent) without already having one in place...but they wont work with you because you haven't got one of the other in place. As you can guess its pretty frustrating but weve pretty much become immune to it now fortunately. As long as were content with writing good songs and making great videos we kind of feel those other thing will fall into place eventually. Another large part of the difficulties these days is labels (or specifically A&R people) dont want to take risks. Were in a time where theyre more preoccupied with making quick wins as apposed building a career with an artist. I think at times theres a disconnect with artists and A&R representatives (and weve worked with a few over the years). At times they very much want to mold you into something thats popular at the time as they know it will (for a short period) sell. I think at times theyre very much misguided trying to look for the next big X that sounds like a current popular artist when they should really be discovering something different and artists with real talent. How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself? Again, Id say its very difficult and not really a career path for the faint hearted so to speak. You can expect a lot of rejection and a lot of opinions. Everyone whats to tell you where youre going wrong how you should be concentrating on X. Without sounding slightly cliched, I think we still maintain staying original and having integrity along the way are the most important aspects to hold yourself to. Things like integrity will literally be tested to their very limit at times so its important to control the way youre perceived by the public e.g. you dont need to wear a leather jacket and look like Kings of Leon if you dont want to! How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce? Its very important to us! creative control is the thing that makes us us. Going back to the opinions piece mentioned in the previous questions, a lot of people can give advice on how you write your songs e.g make the vocals come in sooner, shorten the chorus etc. The difficulty we find here is at times everyone thinks theyre Mozart (or probably Pete Waterman). The key thing to remember in those situations is if theyre so good at writing songs, how come they dont write songs?! Having creative control has become the most important value to a lot of independent artists. If you control your music you can control how you want people to access it which in turn is better for the artists as theyre the ones being paid. Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work? Many different places from film to soundtracks to new albums. We all really have different tastes in music and at the same time all have common ground in bands we all love. One of us at any given moment will be into a film scores where another will be into Stoner rock or more ambient music. The great thing is we subconsciously let those influences into the songs. Sometimes they work, other times they dont but thats ok. Writing is very much a trial and error process. The more you do, the better you get at it. Even though were on the cusp of releasing our 2nd full length album weve probably written around 4 or 5 albums worth of songs. Some of these stay around as theres something about them, others get left by the side and that in itself is something important to note. If theres a reason no one wants to play that song, its probably because its not as good as you think it is! If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why? I think wed absolutely love to collaborate with a full orchestra one day. Itd take time and organisation to transcribe all the string and brass parts but at the same time it would be epic! regarding artists and producers theres probably too many to mention that wed love to work with. Wed love to record an album in a big flashy studio one day, hey everyone has to have a dream. Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know. We were once stuck on the side of the motorway from around 11:30pm till 6:00am as our van broken down outside of Brighton. We literally watched the sun rise on the hard shoulder. We eventually managed to sort out getting the van towed (fortunately before all our phones completely ran out of charge). To this day, that was the most expensive show weve ever played. Where do you hope to be this time next year? Hopefully releasing our 3rd album. Were going to be going back in the studio later this year to record it. Its pretty different from When All Is Lost but were already immensely proud of it and cant wait to hear the finished product. Weve been writing for our 3rd album the past 2 years. What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months? Some awesome videos weve made with a friend to accompany a few of the songs off the album and some shows around the UK! check our Facebook page for updates and news. --- The Barnum Meserve release their 10-track new album When All Is Lost on April 21, 2017 via 34D Records. by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on In an exclusive with The Independent, Louis Theroux has revealed the three major topics hell be delving into in a brand new film series for the BBC and, contrary to reports, he wont be focusing on President Donald Trumps rise to power. Credit: BBC Instead, Theroux will be looking at some of the biggest challenges America faces right now, breaking it down into murder, sex trafficking and opiate dependency. He explained: I immerse myself in some of the most dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society. They combine hard-hitting actuality with intimate interviews. I have been granted access to the police in several states; Ive got to know the people affected by crime; and Ive also spent time with the perpetrators of crime, with the idea of understanding the causes of it, both on a systemic level and also in a very personal way. The three documentaries will be called Murder in Milwaukee, Sex Trafficking Houston and Opiate City, and are expected to debut at some point this year. The first will see Theroux spend time in one of Americas most impoverished cities during a time of huge tensions between the African-American community and the authorities, following two police shootings. Theroux met with both the Milwaukee Police Department and with families and local activists to gain a rounded idea of what is being faced in the area. Sex Trafficking Houston meanwhile will see the journalist look at the place which is regarded as the biggest hub for human trafficking in North America. Theroux here interviews those working within the industry, to explore the relationships shared between prostitutes and their pimps. Law enforcement will also play a part in the show, as Theroux discovers the justice system stuck between helping women in the lifestyle while also criminalising them. The final film investigates prescription painkillers and how an oversubscription crisis in the country has led to a population thats now dependent on opiates and, in particular, heroin. It isnt Therouxs first look into a world plagued by drugs, so the journalist has a huge handle on the topic already, but will again be interviewing those closest to it. Patrick Holland, BBC Twos Channel Editor commented: This is so exciting. It is always a real event to have a new series from Louis on BBC Two. This trilogy promises to be hugely timely and challenging, it has never been more important to engage with the forces shaping moder America. by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Samuel L. Jackson stole the letter 'L' from the set of ITV's 'Lorraine' following his appearance on Thursday (02.03.17). Christine Lampard, Samuel L Jackson and Brie Larson The 68-year-old actor, who stars in 'Kong: Skull Island', appeared on the mid-morning show alongside his co-star Brie Larson, to promote the upcoming American monster film, but after the interview, L. Jackson made himself at home by picking up a piece of the furnishings used to represent Lorraine Kelly to take away and decorate his own place with. Presenter Christine Lampard, who is standing in for show host Lorraine, told viewers: "Apparently Samuel L. Jackson took such a notion to some of our set, you can see the L behind me here, they are all over the place obviously L for Lorraine clearly, but it's part of the L of Samuel L. Jackson and he wanted it and he's taken it home with him. "So part of our set, look there's an empty space over there on the table, it was there, Lorraine will never notice I'm sure it will be fine when we tell her who took it." Earlier in the show L. Jackson and Larson described how they had travelled to Vietnam, Hawaii and Australia while making the film. He said: "She [Brie] was travelling way more than we were because that was her season of collecting hardware worldwide [during film awards season 2016]. So we would go some place and we would go, 'where's Brie?', 'oh she had to go back to LA and get an award', 'oh she had to go to New York and get an award.' " Speaking about her 2016 Oscar win for the film 'Room', Larson said: "I flew from Vietnam to the Oscars and then flew back to Vietnam at like 6am the morning after the Oscars. It was very confusing because my weeks were like us climbing around on mountains and being extremely dirty, like covered in dirt all day [while filming for Kong: Skull Island] and then on weekends I would get scrubbed down and perhaps go pick up an award and then be back on Monday. "A lot of the time we didn't have phone signal or anything so I remember distinctly showing up in Vietnam after the Oscars and just like not being able to contact anyone, I had no cell service [and thinking] 'did any of that actually happen, I have no idea', it was just a blur." When questioned about this year's Oscars debacle which resulted in 'La La Land' wrongly being announced as winner of Best Picture, before it had to be correctly given to the cast and crew of 'Moonlight' following a mix-up of the winners' red envelopes backstage, L. Jackson said: "It was like any other night in Hollywood, it was fine." Oscar winning actress Emma Stone tagged the Best Picture fiasco at the 89th Annual Academy Awards as one of the most horrible moments in her life. Stone, who won the Best Actress award at the gala on February 26, was still celebrating her win when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announced that 'La La Land' won the Best Picture category. Shortly after the cast walked onto the stage to accept the trophy, panicked Oscars team announced that there was a mistake as the winner was supposed to be 'Moonlight'. "(It was) One of the most horrible moments of my life. Wow! It was just so horrible," Stone said. PricewaterhouseCoopers, the company which was responsible for the Academy voting, has apologised for the mistake. "We sincerely apologise to 'Moonlight', 'La La Land', Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway and Oscar viewers for the error that was made during the award announcement for Best Picture," said Brian Cullinan, a representative for the firm. 55367538 Sunny Pawar, the eight-year-old Mumbai boy who created waves at the Oscar awards ceremony, returned home to a royal welcome on Wednesday morning. Accompanied by his father Dilip Pawar, a former sweeper-turned-son's business manager, Sunny sat on the trolley stacked high with his luggage as he was wheeled out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. A large number of people cheered and waved even as a battalion of journalists braced for an encounter with the young celeb. Though appearing a tad weary from the long-haul flight, Sunny was a bundle of energy. He smiled and waved back as bouncers struggled to keep their valuable subject safe from the mobbing crowds. Some emotional elderly family members and relatives, including his grandfather Bhima Pawar, garlanded him, offered him sweets and blessed him. The co-star of the acclaimed Hollywood film 'Lion' even took a few quick questions from the media. "I am very happy and enjoyed attending the Oscars ceremony," he told a journalist. To another, he shot back, "I will continue to study and also pursue my acting career." The Class III student of a school at Kalina was selected out of a nationwide talent hunt of 2,000 children, around one-and-a-half-years ago, cleared the audition in Mumbai and Pune to finally land the plum role in Garth Davis's 'Lion'. Welcoming him with a tight bear hug and tears of joy, Sunny's mother Vasu Pawar said she was at a complete loss to describe her feelings. "I have no words to express my happiness over my son's achievement," Vasu said, outside the family's modest dwelling in a hutment colony in Kalina in the eastern suburb of Mumbai. Grandpa Bhima Pawar told a private TV channel that the entire family was extremely proud of Sunny and how he achieved so much in life at such a tender age. "We have not yet watched the film. But when it is released, our entire family will watch Sunny's performance," said Bhima Pawar as his other relatives and grandchildren watched. 'Lion' is the story of a five-year-old Saroo Brierley, who was stranded in a train which catapulted him hundreds of kilometres away from home to the busy Kolkata. There, he managed to eke out an existence on footpaths, before a young Australian couple adopts him. The elder version of Saroo was played by Dev Patel in the film. The role of his foster parents was played by David Wenham and Nicole Kidman. Some 25 years later, Saroo takes the help of Google Earth to trace out his real family and finally returns from Australia to his home in Madhya Pradesh. Every day when I am headed to work, I cross a busy road in Kalkaji, New Delhi. Rushing through the usual hustle bustle of the morning, every day I notice a lot of people speeding their way through the crowd. Usually, my dad drops me to work but today I opted to walk to my workplace. I saw office goers having street breakfast, some shopkeepers lazying around and others in a hurry to open their shops. People flocking around the bus stop and auto stop to head to their destination. Engrossed in the sight, my mind got drawn towards soft sounds. I tried to concentrate to hear what it was but I couldn't understand anything. Just as I was about to cross the road and go to the other side, I stopped for a while to know where the voices were coming from. I turned around to see a few school kids heading over to the street food vendor. The happiness on their faces was infectious. They were heading towards the food stall to savor their favorite breakfast. The kids were happy despite one thing- they were deprived of their power to speak and hear. They were like any ordinary group of kids but they were conversing in sign language, asking the vendor to take their order and to my amazement even cracking jokes. Don't know what suddenly happened to me but I suddenly felt a shift within. All of us with our sensory organs working absolutely fine take things for granted and never value what we have. We forget that we are blessed to have the special gift- the gift of speech and the power to listen. By penning down this note, I want all of us to stop from our busy lives and thank god for bestowing his brilliance on us and try to make use of it for a good cause. I really wish that I could be like these kids who are satisfied with life as it has been to them. By Arpita Chatterjee Japanese brands and retailers are making inroads into the South Korea market, primarily due to offering latest designs and quality products. Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo set foot in South Korea in 2005 and now clocks a turnover of over a trillion won. Another retailer Daiso operates 1,150 stores and also reported sales of 1.56 trillion won in 2016."We offer cost effective products and also have a quality control team to provide high quality products, a South Korean news agency report quoted a Daiso official as saying. Our design-focused products are also well received by consumers. Japanese brands and retailers are making inroads into the South Korea market, primarily due to offering latest designs and quality products. Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo set foot in South Korea in 2005 and now clocks a turnover of over a trillion won. Another retailer Daiso operates 1,150 stores and also reported sales of 1.56 trillion won in 2016.# Japanese diaper brands like Moony, Merries and GOO.N have also been well received by South Korean mothers, with supply not able to meet demand. (AR) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Coats, a leading industrial thread manufacturer, has won six awards at the 2017 American Advertising Awards by AAF Charlotte. Coats won gold awards in Art Direction and Responsive Design categories and silver in B2B Website; Branded Content; Online Campaign; and User Experience categories for its new website for the automotive industry launched in June 2016.The mini site, themed Its all in the Details, targets OEM and Tier 1 suppliers of the automotive industry and provides detailed information on Coats high performance threads as well as a unique way to submit technical and colour match sample requests. The site focuses on Coats approach to detail, which is essential for the high performance demands of the automotive industry. Coats, a leading industrial thread manufacturer, has won six awards at the 2017 American Advertising Awards by AAF Charlotte. Coats won gold awards in Art Direction and Responsive Design categories and silver in B2B Website; Branded Content; Online Campaign; and User Experience categories for its new website for the automotive industry launched in June 2016.# The site was designed by Charlotte-based marketing communications agency, Wray Ward.The awards were presented at a gala dinner in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 23, 2017.Organised by the Charlotte affiliate of the American Advertising Federation, the awards honour creative excellence from the Charlotte area, and form the first of a three-tier national competition. All gold winners qualify for the American Advertising Federation District awards held in spring. The national competition is in the summer for all gold winners at the different American Advertising Federations districts around the US.Hizmy Hassen, chief digital and technology officer, Coats said, Digital is a key differentiator for Coats so to have the innovation and design of our new automotive website recognised by two gold and four silver awards is a great achievement. (GK) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Trident Group, one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of terry towel, home textile, yarn, and paper in India, has recently ventured to produce bed linen and has installed a total of five new Monforts machines on the production line. Monforts is a global leader among the manufacturers and exporters of textile machines based in Germany.Trident Group has installed five new Monforts machines for its new bed linen venture which has been commissioned in Budni, near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Central India. For the production of bed linen, Trident is using two Montex 6500 stenters, two Monfortex 8000 sanforisers, and a Thermex with CDR E-control technology. Trident Group, one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of terry towel, home textile, yarn, and paper in India, has recently ventured to produce bed linen and has installed a total of five new Monforts machines on the production line. Monforts is a global leader among the manufacturers and exporters of textile machines based in Germany.# Each of the machines has been installed to handle an extra-wide width of 3200 mm. The new Monforts machines were manufactured in Germany and installed by ATE Enterprises Pte Ltd, Monforts representative for India, in close coordination with the strong and able Trident technical team.Chief executive officer of the bed linen division of Trident Group, Rajesh Singh said, The installation was completed in a remarkably short time. This facility is purely for bed linen and came on-line in the shortest time we have ever seen. For five Monforts machines, it was a very impressive achievement. This new venture was launched in late 2014 to produce bed linen and by the end of Feb 2016 we were in production. The expansion into bed linen represents a US $250 million investment and included the installation of 500 air jet looms.Our production capacity is around 43.2 million metres per annum of bed linen fabric, equivalent to 7.5 million bed linen sets per annum. The bed linen unit is backed by a ring spinning unit with 190,000 spindles making the bed linen plant a vertically integrated self-reliant facility manufacturing top-quality bed linen products, he added.J.P Shukla, president bed linen dyeing and processing from Trident said, We are committed on producing the highest quality terry towels and bed linen products, and we know that Monforts can help us in maintaining our quality standards. Along with the Monforts machines, we have installed the highest quality air jet looms, continuous dyeing and processing equipment, and fully automatic cutting, stitching, and packing machines. (GK) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India She began drinking at the age of 16 and now it's been 68 days since Pooja Bhatt touched a drop of alcohol. It was only recently that Pooja opened up about her alcohol addiction and how she overcame it. Take a few minutes out and read this heart wrenching interview the wildchild actress gave Mumbai Mirror Today is the 68th day and Pooja Bhatt hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since she pulled the plug on December 24. She's gone through Christmas and New Year and even brought in her 45th birthday on February 24 without a drink. Talking about her battle with the bottle openly in the public space is part of her catharsis. "I want to bust the stigma attached to alcoholism in our country. Women particularly are discouraged from seeking help because it's a matter of shame for the family. We don't share our pain or frailties, we cover our weaknesses and it becomes a cancer," says Pooja, admitting that in her case it was a chat with her father that led to this decision. On December 21, Mahesh Bhatt messaged her from Delhi and they got talking about the state of the country, about leaders who in their eagerness to imprint their footsteps in the sands of time create absolute mayhem. As he was ringing off, he told her, "I love you kid." She responded, "I love you too pops. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing else worth loving in the world." He replied, "If you love me then love yourself because I live in you." Her father had never alluded to her problem, but the text urging her to love herself, struck a chord. Pooja promised him that "from this moment I'm going to be the best 'me' I'm capable of being" and after putting down the phone wondered if going out with someone and polishing off a bottle of whisky was loving herself. The answer was a resounding 'no'. On Christmas Day, the Bandra girl who is Christian by faith, put her phone on silent and sat in her apartment with her four cats listening to the strains of "Silent Night" wafting in from somebody's home. "I ate dinner and went to bed at 11.40 pm, sober. At midnight I heard the bells of the four churches ring and felt rejuvenated," she exults. She took off for a holiday to Lahore, to Delhi, to several places. And while in the past she'd spent evenings alone, with a bottle of wine, in some cafe, watching the world go by, this time, she stayed away from the wine. Not just through Christmas but even the drunken revelry of New Year. The public pressure escalated as her birthday neared. She toyed with the idea of taking one drink. "But then I asked myself if I needed it, and if I did, why stop with one glass? Why not drink the whole bottle of champagne because as somebody said, 'One drink is had with the enemy.' I called my friends to my farm, we swam at 2 am, we did many fun things, but I didn't drink," she smiles. She'd smoked her first cigarette at 23 and has never done cocaine. But she was drinking by the time she was 16. Growing up in an Anglo-Indian environment, it was normal for wine to be passed around the table and beer opened on Sunday. Even in the film industry there were people drinking copiously. "Alcohol is comforting, it colours your evening. It's a socially accepted narcotic even at business lunches and in the boardroom. Also, living in a fast-paced city, being in a high-stress profession, it becomes a reason to celebrate and cope with failure. Your film is a hit, you bathe in champagne, it flops, a single malt lessens the pain," she avers. Two years ago, Pooja ended her marriage. Though the end of a 10-year relationship is akin to death, she did not give herself time to mourn. She moved on, and the world said cheers to her spirit and energy. "Before I knew it, it's a whirlwind of hedonism," sighs Pooja who can drink every man in the room under the table thanks to her Scottish genes and her father's genes. "I was born to a man who has never done anything in half measures and I inherited that. So when I drank, I drank copiously. Your appetite increases even as the alcohol does terrible things to your body, clutters your mind and colours your judgement of the people you're hanging out with." One evening, in the middle of another mindless conversation, she asked herself if she'd be sitting there without the alcohol. The answer was another 'No' and it was time for some soul searching! She'd seen what alcohol did to her father, how it had killed her parents' marriage. She'd been in relationship with an alcoholic and got her into the news. She'd lost a friend at 40 to alcohol and had a drink to mourn her. But all this while, it was someone else's problem, she was in control. This time, as her father had urged, she looked into the mirror unflinchingly and acknowledged she had a problem too. "I was 45 and if I wanted to give myself 10 years of living, I had to quit now before I drank myself to the grave. I had to reclaim the sharper, brighter me which had got watered down," says Pooja. She was in Delhi recently sharing the stage with Sanjay Dutt who admitted he'd been a shy kid and drinking had made it easier for him to talk to a girl. Pooja's never been shy or short on confidence. For her drinking was a way of deflecting reality till she became a victim of what she calls mindless drinking. Pulling the plug "Luckily, I pulled the plug before it became impossible for me to stop. I'm in the pink of health except for the weight I put on because I'm now a stressful producer. But being the daughter of an alcoholic makes you four times more susceptible to becoming one," she says. She didn't need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as she had strong support systems in her dad and her Cabaret director Kaustav (Narayan Niyogi). Years ago, Mahesh Bhatt had picked up his younger daughter, Shaheen and the child had moved her head away. That day he quit drinking and never went back even though as you see in the climax of Daddy, one night after returning from the shoot and pouring Anupam Kher a drink, he was tempted to take one too after everyone had left and Pooja was asleep. He asked himself who'd know and realised that he could lie to the world but not himself. He would know! "I didn't think that the girl who'd counselled her father in Daddy would one day council herself," Pooja says poignantly. Kaustav quit drinking two years ago because if anything went wrong on the Cabaret sets, he didn't want anyone to blame it on his drinking. "No one thought he could stay 24 hours without alcohol but he proved them wrong. "For me these two are shining examples, who understand without me telling them anything," she says, but agrees for many others, institutions like AA are necessary. "There are many who want you to fail. Strangers are more supportive than some of your own because your battle makes them realise that they have failed," she points out. Today, Pooja herself has no problem being around anyone who drinks. She has a fully stocked bar at home and even pours out drinks for friends. "If I can't be around alcohol and resist it, it means I'm not in control. Each day strengthens my resolve as I realise I have more hours to a day now. Even when I drank till 4 am, I'd be at work at 10 am but I was burning myself out. Today, I feel lighter with the excess water gone. All the drama alcohol brings is eliminated from your life," she says. Her biggest victory was waking up to the news of her baby sister Alia Bhatt winning the Filmfare Best Actress Award. "I messaged Alia saying normally this would have been an excuse for me to crack open a case of champagne first thing in the morning. But this time I celebrated by not drinking," Pooja signs off. Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui had slammed the popular award functions on Twitter for not honouring late actor Om Puri's talent at their events. CONTROVERSIAL! Pakistani Actress Rabi Pirzada: Bollywood Especially Salman Khan Is Ruining Our Youth He had posted a tweet... @TheAcademy #Oscars paid homage 2 late #OmPuri, But in #bollywood award functions nobody converse single word for his contribution... SHAME Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) February 27, 2017 Now, while speaking to Hindustan Times, the 'Raees' actor revealed why he is displeased and hurt. The daily quoted him saying, "After Omji's death, whichever award function happened, his name wasn't even mentioned. Though I must admit that I don't know how many of them took place (after Puri's demise). As an actor, you feel bad because he was a legend, who made a huge contribution to not only Indian but also world cinema, if not more. As they say, 'two words' could have been spoken about him as a tribute." He further added, "I want to clarify that my emphasis is only on popular award functions and not the country or the film industry. They (popular award shows) have become very shallow. Sometimes, I feel that they should shut down. If these award functions continue to have such an attitude, it will become shameful for good actors to attend them, because there's no seriousness attached to them. If they were serious award functions or maintained a certain gravitas about art, especially cinema, they would have paid tribute to Omji." The actor further revealed that he has requested popular award functions not to nominate him in an categories as it irritates him. We are so proud of your bold move, Nawaz! Varun Dhawan: I Had To Work Hard To Make People Believe That I Am Good Enough To Be Doing What I Do Oru Bhayankara Kamukan, the upcoming Dulquer Salmaan starring romatic comedy was supposed to start rolling by the end of February 2017. But according to the sources, the Lal Jose movie has been delayed indefinitely. In a recent interview, producer Shebin Backer revealed that Oru Bhayankara Kamukan has been delayed, due to the highly busy schedule of lead actor Dulquer Salmaan. The movie will not start rolling anytime soon. Earlier, Dulquer Salmaan was planning to join the sets of the movie in February, after completing Comrade In America and Solo. But, the shoot of CIA was postponed multiple times due to technical issues. The actor finished shooting for CIA in January and later started the second schedule filming of Solo. In between, Dulquer also shot for Soubin Shahir's Parava, in which he makes a cameo appearance. Dulquer is yet to finish the shooting of Solo and will join Oru Bhayankara Kamukan, only after finishing the project. If the reports are to be believed, the Lal Jose movie will start rolling by mid 2017. The actor is playing a typical village Malayali youth in the movie, which depicts a breezy love story. Oru Bhayankara Kamukan is scripted by Unni R, who has earlier teamed up with Dulquer Salmaan for Charlie. Dulquer Salmaan is a busy man with a bagful of projects in his kitty. The actor has a packed schedule with back-to-back films in the offing in Malayalam. Now, there are certain reports doing the rounds that Dulquer Salmaan has signed another project in Tamil. The actor hasn't made any official confirmation regarding the same. According to the reports, Dulquer salmaan has give the nod for debut film-maker Desingh Periyasamy, who earlier assisted popular film-maker Vijay Milton. Earlier, reports also came in that Dulquer Salmaan has committed another Tamil project, which would be directed by Ra Karthick. Reportedly, this film would be in the lines of a romantic entertainer. No official confirmation ahs been made regarding both the projects and we have to wait a little bit more to get a clear picture on the same. Meanwhile, the actor is in the shoot of the film Parava, directed by Soubin Shahir, in which the actor will be seen playing a special role. Dulquer Salmaan will then join the second schedule of Bejoy Nambiar's Solo, which is scheduled for a release in the month of May. The actor's nexty big release is Amal Neerad's CIA (Comrade In America), which is expected to hit the theatres in April. The month of March is all set to have a thunderous beginning with the grand release of Oru Mexican Aparatha, which has hit the theatres today (March 03, 2017). The film, directed by Tom Emmatty, is one of the most awaited movies of this season. Featuring Tovino Thomas in the lead role, Oru Mexican Aparatha has an ensemble star cast comprising of actors like Neeraj Madhav, Roopesh Peethambaran, Gayathry Suresh, Sudhi Koppa, Kalabhavan Shajon and a host of newcomers in vital roles. Here we go.... Live updates of Oru Mexican Aparatha from PVR Lulu... 9.24 AM: The pre-booking for the movie is phenomenal... 9.35 AM: It is a packed house... Electrifying atmosphere.... 9.41 AM: And the show begins... 9.46 AM: Grand reception for Tovino.... He is definitely a big star in the making.... 9.54 AM: A quick roundup of college life... Interesting.... 10.01 AM: Hostel life has been depicted in the most realistic way in Oru Mexican Aparatha... 10.11 AM: That proposal scene has been placed perfectly in the film... 10.20 AM: Love track of Paul and Anu is getting interesting... 10.30 AM: Proceeding during the youth festival are sure to entertain the audiences... 10.41 AM: A setback for Subhash and team... What next? 10.45 AM: The song Emaanmare has been very well placed in Oru Mexican Aparatha... 11.01 AM: It's half time and so far, Oru Mexican Aparatha is really promising... Set in the backdrop of Maharajas College, Oru Mexican Aparatha has some never seen before elements in it. First half ends on a high note, now the stage is set for an exciting second half. Let's see how it turns out to be... The film has released amidst huge expectations. The opening for the film is expected to be nothing less than phenomenal. Has Oru Mexican Aparatha lived up to the hype? Will the film deliver Tovino Thomas and team a big blockbuster? 11.11 AM: Goosebumps moment... Kalipo song in the background.... Tovino and Neeraj are simply rocking... 11.18 Am: Neeraj Madhav has got some of the best dialogues in Oru Mexican Aparatha so far.... 11.24 AM: Time for the leader in Paul to rise? 11.34 AM: Things are getting interesting and intense... 11.45 AM: Election campaign inside the campus... Some real mass scenes for the audiences... 11.54 AM: Paul v/s Roopesh... The content gets closer.... 12.20 PM: Wow... A fine twist in the tale... 12.15 PM: And that's an end to the movie... Oru Mexican Aparatha has exactly delivered what it promised with its trailer and teasers... Talking you through the happenings of a campus and politics, it is a thoroughly entertaining ride.... Also, read some interesting facts about Oru Mexican Aparatha... Prithviraj has always astonished us with his unconventional film choices and exceptional versatility in the roles he plays. He has never shied away from doing a negative of supporting role, unlike most of his contemporaries. In a recent interview given to IndiaGlitz, Prithviraj revealed that he thoroughly enjoys doing multi-starrers. Prithvi stated that the idea of multi-starrers excites him, as they turn out to be excellent learning platforms. The actor also stated that he love to interact with talented actors, which is another reason why he loves doing multi-starrers. But, Prithviraj also openly admitted that most of the actors view multi-starrers in an unhealthy manner. Photo Courtesy: Pranav Raaj Prithviraj also opened up about the upcoming Gautham Menon project, which is a multi-starrer, in the interview. Interestingly, the actor revealed that it was him who suggested the idea of including stars from all the four states to Gautham. As of now, Puneeth Rajkumar from Kannada industry has been roped in for the project. Some popular actors from Tamil and Telugu industry have been in talks for the movie. Anushka Shetty and Tamannah will essay the female leads. The team is expected to have an official announcement on the title of the movie and star cast, soon. AR Rahman will compose the music for the movie, which depicts the story of four friends who goes on a trip to the USA. Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan This film reunites the classic combo of Simbu-Yuvan Shankar Raja after a long time. The movie sees Simbu portraying triple characters where one would be that of an aged person. The teaser of "Ashwin Thatha" has already generated curiosity and the teaser has been received widely. Shriya and Tammanah would spice up the screen with Simbu whilst Adhik Ravichandran calls action-cut for the movie. VIP 2 After the overwhelming success of VIP, the second part is coming even bigger with some interesting names of cast and crew being confirmed. This Soundarya Rajinikanth directorial movie would see Dhanush himself penning the story and dialogues. Amala Paul and Saranya Ponvannan plays the love interest and mother character respectively, Sean Roldan has been shouldered with the responsibility of composing music. The Kalaipuli V Thanu produced film will have Kajol in the key role (Seen as an antagonist) and is slated for a June release. Dhruva Natchatiram For the first time, a GVM film's teaser has been released without a heroine character insertion, a song promo or a cheesy romantic dialogue. The 2:30 minute-odd lengthy teaser promises the movie to be on par with Hollywood standards in terms of making. Chiyaan Vikram looks intense and dashing in the teaser. Harris Jayaraj has been roped in to compose music for this crime-based thriller. Thaana Serndha Kootam The title itself seems interesting as it's a famous line from Rajinikanth's blockbuster movie, Baasha. Interestingly, the protagonist, Suriya's screen name in the movie too is Baasha. This Vignesh Sivan directorial has Keethy Suresh as the leading lady for Suriya and Anirudh composing music. Post the success of Naanum Rowdy Than which was a laudable attempt from the director, one can expect a different attempt from Vignesh Sivan with this crime-thriller. Vijay 61 With the remarkable success of Theri, the hit combo of Thalapathy & Atlee is back. This movie, while seeing on papers could possibly not go wrong by any means as the team formed is tailor made for a blockbuster. Written by KV Vijayendra Prasad (writer of Bhajrangi Bhaijan), and music being composed by the Mozart of Madras, AR Rahman, the movie carries an ensemble casting of Samantha, Kajal Agarwal, Nithya Menen and S.J Surya. Vivegam After quite a brief gap of one and a half years, Thala is back in action. Ajith dons the role of an Interpol Officer in this action based movie while Siva calls the shots. After the moderate success of Veeram and a blockbuster Vedhalam, Ajith-Siva combo is joining again for the third time. Kajal Agarwal plays the role of a heroine while Kamal Hassan's second daughter, Akshara Hassan would be seen in a pivotal character. Ajith fans are hoping for another "Aaluma Doluma" from Anirudh in this movie as well. Viswaroopam 2 One of the most expected and anticipated sequels in the recent past. Kamal Hassan who is taking his time to clear all the legal and financial problems attached to the movie, is finally looking out in getting the movie to theatres. Being produced by V.Ravichandran, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, the movie is in the post-production stage and should be ready in some time to create the awe similar to the first part. Can we expect another high voltage action sequence parallel to Vishwaroopam's transformation fight sequence? 2.0 Here comes the mother of all combinations. What could happen when the biggest director of the region join hands with the biggest superstar of the country? Well, the last two times they met, they were able to churn out the first 100 Cr grosser of Indian cinema (Sivaji) and the first 250 Cr grosser of South cinema (Robo). Being touted as the most expensive Indian movie at a cost of 350 Cr, the Rajinikanth-Amy Jackson starrer is said to complete the filming by April followed by the mega post production activity. Akshay Kumar plays the antagonist role and AR Rahman is composing music for the movie. Thalaivar would be seen in three different avatars, Dr. Vaseegaran, the good Chitti and an Evil Chitti. Saath Nibhana Saathiya has again dropped down on the TRP chart and the makers are trying out new ways to get their original top slot back. The viewers will soon witness a leap. Apart from the leap twist, here comes another surprise... We had earlier reported that Tanya Sharma, who plays the role of Meera, had got into an argument with the team and was asked to leave the show. But, later everything was sorted out and she confirmed that she is still on the show. In a few episodes, Meera is shown missing. So how will Meera make her comeback? We had also reported about Lovey Sasan's exit. Along with Lovey, two other actors - Uppekha Jain and Pratap Hada, will also be seen leaving the show. What's the reason behind their exit? How will their role end on the show? Read on to know the answers to these questions... Meera Will Be Back According to the latest spoiler, Meera will be back on the show soon. She will go through a major transformation. The audiences will witness a major drama in the upcoming track, where it will be revealed that Bhavani had kidnapped Meera! Seeta It is known that Modi family is protecting Seeta from Bhavani. So, Bhavani will plot a plan, where she will make a deal with Modi family. She would ask her step-daughter Seeta, in return for Meera. Meera Overhears Kokila & Bhavani's Conversation Kokila would refuse to handover Seeta to Bhavani. It so happens that, Meera will overhear the conversation and misunderstand Kokila. She will also overhear something shocking and faint! Meera's Transformation Meera will start feeling Kokila feels Seeta is more important than her and distance herself from the Modi family. Meera will come back to her original (stubborn) avatar and will be seen going against the Modi family. Paridhi, Monica & Samar Exit Also, Paridhi, Monica and Samar will be seen exiting the show. Apparently, Monica's mother, who is in London, falls ill. Monica and Samar will leave to London. Kokila Kokila will also suggest Paridhi to accompany Samar and Monica. This is how, Lovey Sasan, Uppekha Jain and Pratap Hada exit the show! Lovey & Uppekha's Exit - Inside Story We had recently reported about Lovey's exit. She took to social media to inform her fans that she is quitting the show as she wants a change and needs a break. But, reports suggest there is another story behind Lovey and her BFF Uppekha's exit. Lovey With Saathiya Co-Stars According to Tellychakkar reports, Lovey and Uppekha had an ugly incident with the Director Pappu Yadav (Bhagwan Yadav) on the sets, about a month ago. Lovey A credible source was quoted by the website as saying, "The incident happened when the entire cast was rehearsing their scenes. Someone cracked a joke and all the actors started laughing. However, the Director pointed fingers at Lovey and asked her to get out of the set." Uppekha The source further added, "He also turned towards Uppekha and asked her also to leave. The girls apparently felt really humiliated and it hurt their self respect." The source further added, "When they tried to talk it out with Co-Producer and Director Pawan Malhotra, things apparently did not fall into place. Eventually, this incident acted as a catalyst, and the girls decided to serve their notice period and move out of the show." An actor was quoted by the website as saying, "Guess the issue could have been sorted out then and there. However, it seemed as though there was a one-sided view on the entire thing, and this hurt Lovey and Uppekha." Director Pappu Yadav said, "Well, there are lot of things that happen between an actor and director. Does anyone leave a show because of an argument with the director? Having said this, I have no problems with them. You can ask them about the reason behind them quitting the show." Will you miss Lovey, Uppekha and Pratap on the show? Hit the comment box to share your views... CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (TSX VENTURE: FCF) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of a 52% majority interest (the "Transaction") in Cape Communications International Inc. (which operates as IMPACT Radio Accessories and is referred to herein as "IMPACT") for a total cash purchase price of $12.0 million (the "Purchase Price"), subject to post-closing adjustments. The Transaction was completed between the Corporation, Keith Kostek, IMPACT's President and founder, and Mr. Kostek's related entities (collectively referred to herein as the "IMPACT Founders"). IMPACT designs, manufactures, distributes and retails two-way radio accessories in the land mobile radio industry under the tradename IMPACT Radio Accessories and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Threat4 Ltd. IMPACT sells through over 1,000 dealers throughout North America, with its products being used in the field by some of the most recognized names in public safety, military, security, retail, and hospitality (including the RCMP, NYPD, GAP, the Bellagio, Wynn Resorts, Yahoo and Google). More information about IMPACT can be found at www.impactcomms.com. The Transaction provides the Corporation with 52% of after-tax annual cash distributions up to $2.96 million (the "Annual Threshold") paid by IMPACT to its securityholders, with the IMPACT Founders receiving 48% of annual distributions up to such Annual Threshold. All cash distributions by IMPACT to its securityholders will be subject to Board approval and may be adjusted from time to time to pursue expansion or capital initiatives or other corporate purposes. To the extent that any cash distributions paid in a year are in excess of the Annual Threshold, the IMPACT Founders will receive 65% of such excess distributions, with the Corporation receiving 35% of such excess distributions. At Closing, it is anticipated that IMPACT will have excess working capital of approximately $1.47 million (above the normal working capital for the business of approximately $3.1 million). The Corporation has agreed to pay the IMPACT Founders an additional $735,000 as a working capital adjustment within 6 months from the closing date. As part of the Transaction, the Corporation has granted the IMPACT Founders the right to sell the Corporation an additional 22% of IMPACT for a fixed price of $5.1 million (the "Put Option"). The IMPACT Founders may elect to exercise the Put Option at any time between September 30, 2017 and March 31, 2018, provided the TTM EBITDA for IMPACT at the Put Option exercise date exceeds $4.0 million. The Corporation has 90 days to complete such acquisition if the Put Option is exercised. In the event the Put Option is exercised, the Corporation would hold a 74% interest in IMPACT and the IMPACT Founders would hold a 26% interest. Further, in the event the Put Option is exercised, the Corporation would be entitled to 74% of annual cash distributions up to the Annual Threshold and 65% of annual distributions above the Annual Threshold (with the IMPACT Founders entitled to 26% of annual distributions up to the Annual Threshold and 35% of annual distributions above the Annual Threshold). On closing of the Transaction, the IMPACT board of directors was comprised of Keith Kostek, Stephen Reid and James Bell. For further information on the Transaction please refer to the Corporation's press release dated December 22, 2016. Keith Kostek, President and founder of Impact, commented: "As a founder and entrepreneur, the FA Capital model was a perfect fit for me as it allowed me to add a sophisticated partner, enjoy a partial liquidity event and receive a disproportionate share of IMPACT's future growth. The IMPACT team is proud to have the Corporation as our majority shareholder and we look forward to building value for FA Capital's shareholders." Stephen Reid, Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, commented: "IMPACT is an excellent addition to our portfolio as it has a talented management team, a history of impressive revenue growth and strong free cash flow. IMPACT has earned its extensive customer list through quality products and industry leading service. We believe that IMPACT is well positioned to take advantage of the current geopolitical environment and the increased focus on public safety, military and security. It is my pleasure to welcome Keith and his team to the FA Capital family." Further, the Corporation is pleased to announce that it has entered into an amended credit facility with Alberta Treasury Branches to increase its revolving credit facility from $17.0 million to $28.0 million and to cancel its non-revolving $5.0 million credit facility. As such, the Corporation has increased its available borrowings from $22.0 million to $28.0 million. The Corporation used its available borrowings to fund the Transaction. Toronto-based WCM Capital acted as exclusive corporate finance advisor to IMPACT, arranging the Transaction with the Corporation (for more information visit www.wcmcapital.ca). Toronto-based Wildeboer Dellelce LLP acted as legal advisor to IMPACT (for more information visit www.wildlaw.ca). Bennett Jones LLP, a national law firm, acted as legal advisor to Founders Advantage Capital Corp. (for more information visit www.bennettjones.com). About IMPACT Radio Accessories IMPACT, which was formed in 2002, is a world leader in the design and manufacture of unique radio communication products for mission critical public safety, military, security, retail and hospitality applications. Headquartered in British Columbia, with a distribution center in North Carolina, IMPACT has grown to be one of the largest aftermarket brands of two-way radio accessories in North America. About Founders Advantage Capital Corp. The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange as an Investment Issuer (Tier 1) and employs a long-term investment approach. The Corporation has developed an investment approach to create long-term value for its shareholders and partner entrepreneurs (investees) by pursuing controlling interest acquisitions of cash flow positive, premium middle-market privately-held entities. The Corporation seeks to win mandates by appealing to the segment of the market which is not aligned with traditional private equity control, royalty monetizations or related structures. The Corporation's innovative platform offers disproportionate incentives (contractually) for growth in favour of our partner entrepreneurs. This unique platform is designed to appeal to entrepreneurs who believe in the growth of their businesses and who want the added ability to continue to manage the business with a long-term partner. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FCF". For further information please refer to the Corporation's website at www.advantagecapital.ca. 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: Founders Advantage Capital Corp. Stephen Reid Chief Executive Officer 403-540-5411 sreid@advantagecapital.ca Founders Advantage Capital Corp. Darren Prins Chief Financial Officer 403-455-2274 dprins@advantagecapital.ca Founders Advantage Capital Corp. James Bell Chief Operating Officer 403-455-2218 jbell@advantagecapital.ca www.advantagecapital.ca Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2017) - Further to its September 22, 2016 news release, Cyprium Mining Corporation (TSXV: CUG) ("Cyprium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has applied with the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") to delist $750,000 in principal amount of unsecured debentures bearing interest at 12% per annum (the "Debentures"). The Company also has applied with the Exchange for approval to pay approximately $145,427.79 of interest owed on the Debenture by way of issuance of 2,908,556 common shares of the Company. This represent approximately 3,878 common shares per $1,000 of principal amount of Debentures held. About Cyprium Mining Corporation For further information, please contact: Alain Lambert, Chairman and C.E.O. E-mail: ir@cypriummining.com Website: www.cypriummining.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and "forward -looking statements" (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "propose", "project", "outlook", "foresee" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Such statements include, among others, those concerning the Company's anticipated plans for developments of the Company and its mining projects". Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, management's expectations regarding future growth, plans for and completion of projects by Company's third party relationships, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, operational risks in the completion of Company's anticipated projects, delays or changes in plans with respect to the development of Company's anticipated projects by Company's third party relationships, risks affecting the ability to develop projects, risks inherent in operating in foreign jurisdictions, the ability to attract key personnel, and the inability to raise additional capital. No assurances can be given that the efforts by the Company will be successful. Additional assumptions and risks are set out in detail in the Company's MD&A, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law. Investors should note that the Potosi silver mine and La Chinche property have no established mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined by NI 43-101. . TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- Dealnet Capital Corp. ("Dealnet" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: DLS), is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Carl to its Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. Carl has a wide breadth of expertise and experience in a number of industries including capital markets, financial services, oil and gas, mining, asset management and real estate. Mr. Carl has board experience in numerous capacities for both private and public companies where he has served in roles as Executive Chair, Audit and Compensation Committee Chair as well as the Chair of Special Committees. His previous roles included the President of Credit Suisse First Boston Canada and Senior Vice President and Director of Equity Sales and Trading for BMO Nesbitt Burns. Mr. Carl holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto and is a CFA charterholder. He was most recently the President of AGS Capital Corp, a private family office and the Executive Chairman of Canada Fluorspar Inc, a TSX-V listed company. Dealnet is also announcing that Daniel Wittlin has stepped down as a director of the Company effective immediately in order to focus on other business ventures. Mr. Wittlin advised the Company that due to competing demands for his time as a result of another business venture, he is unable to serve and fulfil his duties as a director of the Company. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Wittlin for his contribution and wishes him well in his future endeavors. About Dealnet Capital Corp. Dealnet is an engagement enabled consumer finance company that is initially focused on home improvement finance solutions including heating ventilation and air conditioning financing and leasing. Dealnet leverages its large scale customer service and engagement technology platform to attract home improvement dealers by providing front and back office services to them resulting in dealer origination growth. For additional information please visit www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Dealnet Capital Corp. Michael Hilmer Chief Executive Officer +1-855-912-3444 mhilmer@dealnetcapital.com Dealnet Capital Corp. Nicole Marchand Investor Relations +1-416-428-3533 nmarchand@dealnetcapital.com SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- ALE, operating under the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise brand, held its annual Partner Event for the APAC region from February 28 to March 2, 2017 at JW Marriott, Bangkok, Thailand. Event highlights included the announcement of APAC Business Partner Awards which recognize the investment partners made in working with the ALE product portfolio over the past 12 months and their achievement to deliver customized technology experiences that meet customers' needs. The winners included: APAC Awards APAC Communications Partner of the Year: ABS India Pvt. Ltd. APAC Network Partner of the Year: Logic Solutions Inc. APAC SMB Partner of the Year: Syntel Telecom Limited APAC Hospitality Partner of the Year: Logic Solutions Inc. APAC Cloud Partner of the Year: Nexon Asia Pacific APAC Distributor of the Year: Exclusive Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd. Regional Awards China Networks Partner of the Year: Fortune Enterprise Information Communication Co., Ltd. China Convergence Partner of the Year: Shanghai Xundi Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Partner of the Year: INFA Systems Ltd. Japan Partner of the Year: AXIO Corporation Korean Partner of the Year: HanA IT, Inc. NEA Communications Partner of the Year: ABS Telecom Inc. SEA Network Partner of the Year: The Communication Solution Co. Ltd. Reseller Award APAC SMB Reseller of the Year: Telstra Business Centre Adelaide North These awards are an acknowledgement of partner growth initiatives, innovation and collaboration opportunities with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise solutions over the past year in addition to the revenue targets. Congratulating the partners, Matthieu Destot, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, ALE said, "Our industry is always evolving, and we would not be able to ride this wave without the support of our Business Partners. We rely on each of our partners to team with us as we follow the customer into a new realm of on-demand and service driven consumption. Congratulations to those partners that demonstrated outstanding achievement in 2016 as we look forward to more joint successes in 2017 and beyond." About Us We are ALE. Our mission is to make everything connect to create the customized technology experience customers need. We deliver networking and communications that work for your people, processes and customers from your office, the cloud or in combination. A heritage of innovation and dedication to customer success has made ALE, marketed under the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise brand, an essential provider of enterprise networking, communications and services to over 830,000 customers worldwide. ALE has a global reach and local focus with more than 2200 employees and 2900+ partners who serve over 50 countries. More information on the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Hospitality Solutions and Healthcare Solutions. For ongoing news visit our Newsroom, Blog, Facebook and Twitter. Press contact: Amit Raj Bathla Vice President, Marketing, APAC, ALE Email: Email Contact Mobile: +65 9615 7340 CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The Australian dollar fell to 87.17 against the yen, from an early 2-week high of 87.46. The aussie slipped to 1.3781 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.3737. Against the Canadian, the U.S. and New Zealand dollars, the aussie dropped to 1.0203, 0.7644 and 1.0715 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0225, 0.7673 and 1.0739, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 85.00 against the yen, 1.41 against the euro, 0.99 against the loonie, 0.75 against the greenback and 1.05 against the kiwi. 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. Regulatory News: UBS (NYSE:UBS) (SWX:UBSN) has established UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG, a wholly owned direct subsidiary of UBS Group AG, to issue future loss-absorbing additional tier 1 (AT1) capital instruments and total loss-absorbing capacity- (TLAC-) eligible senior unsecured debt, which will be guaranteed by UBS Group AG. UBS also intends to substitute the issuer of outstanding TLAC-eligible senior unsecured debt, with UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG replacing UBS Group Funding (Jersey) Limited as the issuer. Outstanding loss-absorbing AT1 capital instruments issued by UBS Group AG may in the future be transferred to UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG, subject to further regulatory review. Under current Swiss tax law, capital instruments and debt issued directly by UBS Group AG increase the overall tax burden for the Group. However, this can be mitigated by issuing capital and debt instruments through a subsidiary, with a guarantee provided by UBS Group AG, as confirmed by the tax authorities. The Swiss Federal Council has requested the Swiss Federal Tax Administration to propose amendments to the current Swiss tax law in order to reduce the additional tax burden on debt issuances by bank top holding companies. When such changes become effective, we expect loss-absorbing AT1 capital instruments and TLAC-eligible senior unsecured debt to be issued directly out of UBS Group AG. At that point, we also expect to substitute UBS Group AG as issuer of outstanding capital and debt instruments issued by UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG. Both loss-absorbing AT1 capital instruments and TLAC-eligible senior unsecured debt are exempt from withholding tax under Swiss law. We expect the substitution of UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG as issuer of outstanding TLAC-eligible senior unsecured debt to be completed during the second quarter of 2017. The issuer substitution will be carried out pursuant to the voluntary substitution provisions provided in the terms and conditions of the relevant instruments. Upon completion of the issuer substitution, outstanding TLAC-eligible senior unsecured debt will continue to be guaranteed by UBS Group AG, and investors' seniority of claim against UBS Group AG will remain unchanged. Supporting documents on UBS Group Funding (Switzerland) AG are available under the "Disclosures for legal entities" section on www.ubs.com/investors View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170301006083/en/ Contacts: UBS Group AG Investor contact Switzerland: +41-44-234 41 00 or Media contact Switzerland: +41-44-234 85 00 or UK: +44-207-567 47 14 or Americas: +1-212-882 58 57 or APAC: +852-297-1 82 00 www.ubs.com -Perjeta plus Herceptin and chemotherapy showed a statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) for people with HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy alone -Data will be discussed with health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), the Breast International Group (BIG), Breast European Adjuvant Study Team (BrEAST) and Frontier Science Foundation (FS) today announced positive results from the Phase III APHINITY study. The study met its primary endpoint and showed that adjuvant (after surgery) treatment with the combination of Perjeta (pertuzumab), Herceptin (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy (the Perjeta-based regimen) achieved a statistically significant reduction in the risk of recurrence of invasive disease or death (invasive disease-free survival; iDFS) in people with HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy alone. The safety profile of the Perjeta-based regimen was consistent with that seen in previous studies, and no new safety signals were identified. Full results from the APHINITY trial will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting in 2017. "These results from the positive APHINITY study represent an important addition to the body of data for Perjeta in the treatment of people with HER2-positive early breast cancer," said Sandra Horning, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. "We look forward to discussing these adjuvant results with global regulatory authorities." Gunter von Minckwitz, M.D., study coordinator from the Breast International Group and academic study partners, added, "APHINITY provides yet another example of the importance of industry-academic collaborations and their value in advancing cancer care for people affected by this challenging disease." HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease, which affects approximately one in five people with breast cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis if left untreated. Despite advancements in the treatment of HER2-positive EBC, up to one in three people treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy may eventually see their cancer return. Treatment options are needed to improve the outcomes of people with this aggressive disease. Treating breast cancer early, before it has spread, may improve the chance of preventing the disease from returning and potentially reaching an incurable stage. Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery and is aimed at killing any remaining cancer cells to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. In the U.S., the combination of Perjeta, Herceptin and docetaxel chemotherapy is currently available under accelerated approval for neoadjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer (either greater than 2 cm in diameter or node-positive) as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast cancer. This approval is based primarily on data from a Phase II study showing that nearly 40 percent of people receiving the combination of Perjeta, Herceptin and docetaxel chemotherapy had no evidence of microscopic tumor tissue detectable at the time of surgery (known as a pathological complete response, or pCR) compared to almost 22 percent in the Herceptin and docetaxel chemotherapy arm. The APHINITY trial reflects the commitment to evaluate the Perjeta-based regimen as part of a complete treatment approach for EBC. These data will be discussed with the FDA with the hope to convert the current accelerated approval to a full approval. About APHINITY APHINITY (Adjuvant Pertuzumab and Herceptin IN Initial TherapY in Breast Cancer, NCT01358877/ BO25126/ BIG 4-11) is an international, Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-arm study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Perjeta plus Herceptin and chemotherapy compared to Herceptin and chemotherapy as an adjuvant therapy in 4,805 people with operable HER2-positive EBC. People enrolled in the study underwent surgery and were randomized to one of two arms (1:1) to receive either: Six to eight cycles of chemotherapy (anthracycline or non-anthracycline-containing regimen) with Perjeta and Herceptin, followed by Perjeta and Herceptin every three weeks for a total of one year (52 weeks) of treatment. Six to eight cycles of chemotherapy (anthracycline or non-anthracycline-containing regimen) with placebo and Herceptin, followed by placebo and Herceptin every three weeks for a total of one year (52 weeks) of treatment. Radiotherapy and/or endocrine therapy could be initiated at the end of adjuvant chemotherapy. The APHINITY study allowed for a range of standard chemotherapy regimens to be used and both lymph node-positive and lymph node-negative participants were eligible for enrollment. The primary efficacy endpoint of the APHINITY study is iDFS, which is the time a patient lives without return of invasive breast cancer at any site or death from any cause after adjuvant treatment. Secondary endpoints include cardiac and overall safety, overall survival, disease-free survival and health-related quality of life. About Perjeta Perjeta is a medicine that targets the HER2 receptor, a protein found on the outside of many normal cells and in high quantities on the outside of cancer cells in HER2-positive cancers. Perjeta is designed specifically to prevent the HER2 receptor from pairing (or 'dimerizing') with other HER receptors (EGFR/HER1, HER3 and HER4) on the surface of cells, a process that is believed to play a role in tumor growth and survival. Binding of Perjeta to HER2 may also signal the body's immune system to destroy the cancer cells. The mechanisms of action of Perjeta and Herceptin are believed to complement each other, as both bind to the HER2 receptor, but to different places. The combination of Perjeta and Herceptin is thought to provide a more comprehensive, dual blockade of HER signaling pathways, thus preventing tumor cell growth and survival. Perjeta Indication Statement Perjeta is approved for use prior to surgery in combination with Herceptin and docetaxel chemotherapy in people with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage (tumor is greater than two centimeters in diameter or node-positive) breast cancer. Perjeta should be used as part of a complete treatment regimen for early stage breast cancer. This use of Perjeta is based on an improvement in the percentage of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment. Currently, no data have shown whether or not treatment with Perjeta prior to surgery improves survival. The safety of Perjeta in combination with doxorubicin-containing regimens has not been established. The safety of Perjeta administered for greater than six cycles for early stage breast cancer has not been established. Important Safety Information Side effects with Perjeta Not all people have serious side effects; however, side effects with Perjeta therapy are common. It is important for a patient to know what side effects may happen and what symptoms a patient should watch for. A patient's doctor may stop treatment if serious side effects happen. A patient should be sure to contact their healthcare team right away if they have questions or are worried about any side effects. Most serious side effects Perjeta may cause heart problems, including those without symptoms (such as reduced heart function) and those with symptoms (such as congestive heart failure). A patient's doctor may run tests to monitor the patient's heart function before and during treatment with Perjeta. Based on test results, a patient's doctor may hold or discontinue treatment with Perjeta. Receiving Perjeta during pregnancy can result in the death of an unborn baby and birth defects. Birth control should be used while receiving Perjeta and for seven months after a patient's last dose of Perjeta. If a patient is a mother who is breastfeeding, the patient should talk with her doctor about either stopping breastfeeding or stopping Perjeta. If a patient thinks she may be pregnant, the patient should contact her healthcare provider immediately. If a patient is exposed to Perjeta during pregnancy, or becomes pregnant while receiving Perjeta or within seven months following the last dose of Perjeta in combination with Herceptin, the patient is encouraged to enroll in the MotHER Pregnancy Registry by contacting (800) 690-6720 or visiting http://www.motherpregnancyregistry.com, and to report Perjeta exposure to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Other possible serious side effects Perjeta should not be used in patients who are allergic to pertuzumab or to any of the ingredients in Perjeta. Infusion-related reactions: Perjeta is a medicine that is delivered into a vein through a needle. This process can cause reactions known as infusion-related reactions. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving Perjeta, Herceptin and docetaxel were feeling tired, abnormal or altered taste, allergic reactions, muscle pain and vomiting. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving Perjeta alone were fever, chills, feeling tired, headache, weakness, allergic reactions and vomiting. Perjeta is a medicine that is delivered into a vein through a needle. This process can cause reactions known as infusion-related reactions. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving Perjeta, Herceptin and docetaxel were feeling tired, abnormal or altered taste, allergic reactions, muscle pain and vomiting. The most common infusion-related reactions when receiving Perjeta alone were fever, chills, feeling tired, headache, weakness, allergic reactions and vomiting. Severe allergic reactions: Some people receiving Perjeta may have severe allergic reactions, called hypersensitivity reactions or anaphylaxis. This reaction may be severe, may happen quickly and may affect many areas of the body. Knowing if Perjeta is right for the patient Perjeta has only been shown to work in people with HER2-positive breast cancer. A patient must have a HER2 test to know if their breast cancer is HER2-positive before receiving an anti-HER2 treatment, such as Perjeta. Most common side effects The most common side effects of Perjeta when given with Herceptin and docetaxel as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are: Hair loss Diarrhea Nausea Low levels of white blood cells with or without a fever The most common side effects of Perjeta when given with Herceptin and docetaxel following three cycles of epirubicin, cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are: Feeling tired Hair loss Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Low levels of white blood cells with or without a fever The most common side effects of Perjeta when given with Herceptin, docetaxel and carboplatin as part of an early breast cancer regimen before surgery are: Feeling tired Hair loss Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Low levels of white blood cells with or without a fever Low platelet count Low levels of red blood cells Patients are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information, including most serious side effects, at http://www.perjeta.com. Herceptin Indication Statements Early Breast Cancer Herceptin is approved for the treatment of early stage breast cancer that is HER2-positive and has spread into the lymph nodes, or is HER2-positive and has not spread into the lymph nodes. If it has not spread into the lymph nodes, the cancer needs to be estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR)-negative or have one high risk feature.* Herceptin can be used in several different ways: As part of a treatment course including the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and either paclitaxel or docetaxel. This treatment course is known as " AC?TH With the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel and carboplatin. This treatment course is known as " TCH Alone after treatment with multiple other therapies, including an anthracycline-based therapy (a type of chemotherapy). *High risk is defined as ER/PR-positive with one of the following features: tumor size greater than 2 cm, age less than 35 years, or tumor Grade 2 or 3. Important Safety Information Possible serious side effects with Herceptin Not all people have serious side effects, but side effects with Herceptin therapy are common. Although some people may have a life-threatening side effect, most do not. A patient's doctor will stop treatment if any serious side effects occur. Herceptin is not for everyone. A patient should be sure to contact their doctor if they are experiencing any of the following: HEART PROBLEMS These include heart problems-such as congestive heart failure or reduced heart function-with or without symptoms. The risk for and seriousness of these heart problems were highest in people who received both Herceptin and a certain type of chemotherapy (anthracycline). In a study of adjuvant (early) breast cancer, one patient died of significantly weakened heart muscle. A patient's doctor will check for signs of heart problems before, during, and after treatment with Herceptin. INFUSION REACTIONS, including: Fever and chills Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) Throwing up (vomiting) Pain (in some cases at tumor sites) Headache Dizziness Shortness of breath These signs usually happen within 24 hours after receiving Herceptin. A patient should be sure to contact their doctor if they: Are a woman who could become pregnant, or may be pregnant Herceptin may result in the death of unborn baby and birth defects. Birth control should be used while receiving Herceptin and after a patient's last dose of Herceptin. If a patient is exposed to Herceptin during pregnancy or within seven months of becoming pregnant, the patient is encouraged to enroll in the MotHER Pregnancy Registry by contacting (800) 690-6720 or visiting http://www.motherpregnancyregistry.com and to report Herceptin exposure to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Have any signs of SEVERE LUNG PROBLEMS, including: Severe shortness of breath Fluid in or around the lungs Weakening of the valve between the heart and the lungs Not enough oxygen in the body Swelling of the lungs Scarring of the lungs A patient's doctor may check for signs of severe lung problems when he or she examines the patient. Have LOW WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS Low white blood cell counts can be life threatening. Low white blood cell counts were seen more often in patients receiving Herceptin plus chemotherapy than in patients receiving chemotherapy alone. A patient's doctor may check for signs of low white blood cell counts when he or she examines the patient. Other important information Before taking Herceptin, a patient must have a HER2 test to determine if their cancer is HER2-positive. This is because the benefit of treatment with Herceptin has been shown only in patients whose tumors are HER2-positive. Side effects seen most often with Herceptin Some patients receiving Herceptin for breast cancer had the following side effects: Fever Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) Throwing up (vomiting) Infusion reactions Diarrhea Infections Increased cough Headache Feeling tired Shortness of breath Rash Low white and red blood cell counts Muscle pain A patient should contact their doctor immediately if they have any of the side effects listed above. Patients are encouraged to report side effects to Genentech and the FDA. Report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and additional Important Safety Information, at http://www.herceptin.com. About Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 255,180 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 41,070 will die from the disease in 2017. In HER2-positive breast cancer, increased quantities of the Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor2 (HER2) are present on the surface of tumor cells. This is known as "HER2 positivity" and affects approximately 15-20 percent of people with breast cancer. HER2-positive cancer is a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. About Genentech in HER2-positive Breast Cancer Genentech has spent more than 30 years studying the role of HER2 in cancer, and Perjeta is a result of this research. A diagnostic test is used to determine if a person's tumor is HER2-positive and whether treatment with HER2-targeted medicines is appropriate. About Genentech Access Solutions Access Solutions is part of Genentech's commitment to helping people access the Genentech medicines they are prescribed, regardless of their ability to pay. The team of in-house specialists at Access Solutions is dedicated to helping people navigate the access and reimbursement process, and to providing assistance to eligible patients in the United States who are uninsured or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for their medicine. To date, the team has helped more than 1.5 million patients access the medicines they need. Please contact Access Solutions (866) 4ACCESS/(866) 422-2377 or visit http://www.Genentech-Access.com for more information. About Genentech Founded 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170301006723/en/ Contacts: Genentech Media Contact: Courtney Aberbach, 650-467-6800 or Advocacy Contact: Angela Wilson, 919-244-7758 or Investor Contacts: Neera Dahiya Ravindran, M.D., 650-491-5281 Karl Mahler, Ph.D., 011 41 61 687 8503 STOURBRIDGE, England, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Straightline Aviation Ltd, operators of Lockheed Martin's revolutionary new Hybrid aircraft, is specifically targeting the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets. The company, which already has offices in the UK and US is now looking to expand its global presence with a base in the region. The hybrid aircraft is being heralded as a game changing aviation milestone and is the result of hundreds of millions of US dollars of research and development being focused on reducing the costs of moving freight, particularly in remote locations. The Hybrid aircraft combines technology from fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and hovercraft and does not need an airport to operate from. It can land on almost any unprepared surface including, water, ice or sand. The first aircraft will carry up to twenty tons of cargo with a range of 1400 miles, with 30% less fuel burn and 80% less carbon emissions than traditional heavy lift helicopters. Straightline Aviation has already signed a US$850m memorandum of understanding to provide Canadian mining company, Quest Rare Minerals, with seven aircraft and having had significant expressions of interest from customers and investors in the Asia-Pacific region, believes that the Chinese market is ideally suited for the deployment of the Hybrid for similar applications. The company has appointed Francis Chiew as Managing Director - Asia-Pacific to spearhead development. Francis has extensive experience working across the region and was instrumental in bringing airship operations into China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Australia and Japan during his time with Virgin Lightships. He joins a team of other senior former Virgin executives including founding directors Mike Kendrick, Mark Dorey and David Tait who have unparalleled experience in growing and developing global aviation businesses. The Chairman of Straightline, Brian Kessler, who has over thirty years of experience working in China, stated, "This new aircraft is ideally suited for operations in China and will revolutionise the way we handle freight. China is a vast country not only comprising large hubs and congested commercial centres but also many remote locations. The Lockheed Hybrid can service main business centres but can also, economically and effectively, move freight to more remote areas, without the need for expensive infrastructure like roads and airports." The Lockheed Hybrid is uniquely suited for China's 'Silk Road' initiatives where roads and airports are not available. He added, "I have enjoyed my experience in China, working with innovative and technology led companies and I am sure that the area will embrace the advantages that this new aircraft offers." Hybrid Airship Images: http://bit.ly/SLA-China www.straightlineaviation.com STOCKHOLM, Mar 02, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest annual residential map from Catella, covering analysis of 80 German residential markets, continues to show a largely positive picture. Demand will exceed supply going forward, and price effects are a result of shortages, land price increases and rising rent expectations. The sharpest increase in rents during the past twelve months was in the "very good residential areas in the seven A locations" category, at 12%. This was followed by the "very good residential areas throughout Germany" category, at 7%. Average prices in the very good residential areas of the top 7 locations exceeded the EUR 15/m mark for the first time, and at a nationwide level average prices in very good residential areas of the 80 towns and cities analysed are now higher than EUR 10/m. "This change is clear evidence that demand combined with rising rents is a development which is concentrated primarily to the very good residential areas in Germany. Rents have also gone up in mid-range residential areas, but the increase has been nowhere near as sharp," explains Dr. Thomas Beyerle, Head of Group Research at Catella. With an average of EUR 21/m, Munich currently leads the field for rents in very good residential areas, while the lowest recorded figure in this category is in Remscheid at EUR 7/m. Recklinghausen is bottom of the table in the "mid-range residential areas" category, at EUR 6/m, while Munich recorded the highest value in this category as well, at EUR 17/m. With an average top yield of 5.1%, compared with 5.5% in 2016, this figure is approaching the 5% mark for the first time since 1990, which is evident in the very strong investor interest in A locations and very good residential areas. Leading the way in the A locations is Munich, with a top yield of 3.2%. The highest recorded figure is in Herne (8.0%), followed by Cottbus (7.9%) and Hamm (6.9%). The complete Catella map "Investment location Germany 2017 - Residential - rents and yields" is now available at catella.com/research. For more information, please contact: Dr. Thomas Beyerle Head of Group Research Tel: +49 69 310-19-30-220 E-mail: thomas.beyerle@catella.de Press contact: Ann Charlotte Svensson Head of Group Communications Tel: +46 8 463-32-55, +46 72 510-11-61 E-mail: anncharlotte.svensson@catella.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/catella---corporate-finance/r/catella--increasing-multiples-and-rising-rents-in-urban-centres-make-german-residential-markets-attr,c2202815 The following files are available for download: NICOSIA, CYPRUS -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Atalaya Mining PLC (AIM: ATYM) (TSX: AYM) AIM: ATYM, TSX: AYM 2 March 2017 Atalaya Mining plc ("Atalaya" or the "Company") Granting of share options Atalaya (AIM: ATYM, TSX: AYM), the European mining and development company, announces that, in accordance with the Company's incentive share option program, it has granted 800,000 incentive share options to Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMRs") and management. Such options have been granted pursuant to the resolutions passed by shareholders at the Company's 2016 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and according to the provisions of the Company's Share Option Plan 2013. In addition, the Company has granted 100,000 share options to Cesar Sanchez, CFO of the Company, as part of his contractual entitlement on joining the Company in July 2016. The share options expire five years from the date of grant (23 February 2017), have an exercise price of 144.0 pence per share, based on the minimum share price in the five days preceding the grant date and vest in three equal tranches - one third on grant, one third on the first anniversary of the original grant date and one third on the second anniversary of the original grant date. The 900,000 share options have been allocated as per the table below. Name Position Number of Total Total incentive share beneficial beneficial options issued holding holding as % of (shares & Company's options) fully diluted following this issued share notification capital Alberto CEO/Managing 150,000 450,000 0.38% Lavandeira Director Julian COO 95,000 195,000 0.16% Sanchez Cesar CFO 100,000 100,000 0.08% Sanchez George GFC and 55,000 55,000 0.05% Hadjineoph Company ytou Secretary ---------------- PDMR Total 400,000 Management 500,000 ---------------- Total 900,000 ================ The Company now has an aggregate of 1,765,354 options and warrants on issue. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. Contacts: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atalaya Mining plc Roger Davey / Alberto Lavandeira +34 959 59 28 50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canaccord Genuity (NOMAD Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / Martin +44 20 7523 8000 and Joint Broker) Davison ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BMO Capital Markets Jeffrey Couch/Neil Haycock/Tom +44 20 7236 1010 (Joint Broker) Rider ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END Contact: RNS Customer Services 0044-207797-4400 rns@londonstockexchange.com http://www.rns.com AIM and Media Release 2 March 2017 BASE RESOURCES LIMITED Preliminary Exploration Results HIGHLIGHTS Additional mineralisation discovered that extends the footprint of the Kwale South Dune Deposit to the south by 950m and east by up to a further 500m. Discovery of a new dunal mineral deposit at Mafisini, a continuation of the Kwale South Dune Deposit mineralisation, with recorded intercepts over a contiguous 1240m of strike and up to 480m in width. Discovery of new dunal mineralisation and marine sediments in the NE Sector, adjacent to the Kwale Central Dune. Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) ("Base Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to provide preliminary exploration results of the extensional and infill drilling program completed to date for its Kwale Mineral Sands Operations ("Kwale Operations") in Kenya, East Africa. Strong drilling results clearly demonstrate the potential to grow resources and mine life to the north and south of existing project reserves. As previously announced, the Company commenced an aircore drilling program in the December 2016 quarter, within its Special Prospecting License173 ("SPL 173"). The drill program aims to provide mine life extension to the Kwale Operations by exploring two previously identified prospective areas adjoining or near the existing Kwale Operation ore bodies: the south-west sector ("SW Sector") and north east sector ("NE Sector") (refer Figure 1). An airborne geophysics program, conducted in 2015, covering the south coast region of Kenya from Mombasa to the Tanzanian border, identified a series of exploration targets that were subsequently confirmed through ground reconnaissance. A summary of drilling completed to the 23rd February 2017 is included in Table 1 and shown in Figure 1. "Figures" (graphics) referenced in this release have been omitted. A full PDF version of this release, including all Figures, is available from the Company's website: www.baseresources.com.au. Table 1. Drilling completed by location. Location Holes Metres SW Sector (Kwale South Dune extension & Mafisini) 361 5,726 NE Sector 43 1,119 Kwale South Dune Deposit edge definition 53 720 Kwale South Dune Deposit infill drilling 140 2,059 TOTAL 597 9,624 SW Sector - Kwale South Dune Deposit extension & Mafisini Deposit Exploration drilling in the SW Sector at Kwale has substantially increased the dimensions of the South Dune Deposit and intersected a new dunal heavy mineral sand deposit at Mafisini ("Mafisini Deposit") (refer Figure 2). The Kwale South Dune Deposit has been extended a further 950m to the south at an average of 700m across strike. The Mafisini Deposit is a continuation of the Kwale South Dune mineralisation, separated from it by a narrow alluvial lowland. Mafisini records mineralised intervals over a contiguous 1240m of strike and up to 480m in width. Visual inspection of the Kwale South Dune Deposit extension and Mafisini Deposit mineralisation indicates a similar composition and high-value mineralogy as that reported for the Kwale Operations Mineral Resources (134.6Mt at 4.2% heavy mineral ("HM"), 26% slimes, 2% oversize and a HM assemblage of 59% ilmenite, 13% rutile and 6% zircon - refer ASX release 11th October 20161). Detailed mineralogy and resource estimation are expected to be completed in the September quarter. [Note 1: Refer to the "2016 Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Update for Kwale" released on 11 October 2016, which is available at http://www.baseresources.com.au/investor-centre/asx-releases/. Base Resources confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and, in the case of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.] Representative cross sections of the discoveries are included in Figures 3 and 4 (excluding infill holes) and significant drill intercepts are included in Appendix 2. NE Sector Exploration drilling has commenced in the NE Sector, where the marine escarpment falls away to the coastal plain (Figure 5). Initial results indicate significant additional, high-value, mineralised dune accumulations occur on the escarpment adjacent to the Kwale Central Dune Deposit (Figure 6). Extensive community engagement has continued in the NE Sector to obtain informed consent and access to the target drill sites located in this area. However, increasing political positioning ahead of Kenya's general elections, currently scheduled for August 2017, has produced community tensions not conducive to exploration and so the Company has decided to postpone further drilling until sentiment improves, likely to be after the elections. Marine sediments have been intersected at the base of the escarpment in the NE Sector at around 20m above sea level (Figure 6). Mineralisation (incl. 1.5m @ 10.75% HM from 25.5m in ke001) has been discovered in what appears to be a beach placer setting. The extent of the new discovery remains to be determined by further drilling and is open in all axes. Return of complete assays from the drilling in the NE Sector is awaited. Mineralised intercepts received to-date are included in Appendix 2. Intensive geological interpretation of down-hole results and further community engagement will be conducted prior to further drilling in this region. Kwale South Dune Deposit - edge definition and infill drilling Base Resources has completed a program of edge-definition drilling along the eastern margin of the Kwale South Dune Deposit (currently 88.5Mt @ 3.5% HM - refer ASX/AIM Release 11th October 20162). Results suggest that the deposit may be extended by as much as 500m east of its current location. [Note 2: Refer to note 1.] Additionally, an infill drill program has been completed to bring the Kwale South Dune Deposit to a (nominally) 100m x 100m drill pattern, and provide the basis for upgrading the geological confidence of Inferred and part of the Indicated Resource areas of the deposit to a Measured status. Any Inferred Resources achieving an Indicated or Measured Resource status will in turn be eligible for inclusion within the Kwale South Dune Ore Reserves. Appreciable Ore Reserve increases are anticipated from this work. Detailed mineralogy and resource estimation are expected to be completed in the September quarter. Competent Persons Statements The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results is based on and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by Mr.Richard Stockwell, who acts as contract Exploration Manager for Base Resources. Mr. Stockwell is the Principal for Hornet Drilling and Geological Services Pty Ltd, a mineral sands exploration consultancy engaged by Base Resources to manage the Company's exploration strategy in Kenya and Tanzania. Mr Stockwell is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr. Stockwell consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears. Forward Looking Statements Information in this report should be read in conjunction with other announcements made by Base Resources to ASX. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this report (or any associated presentation, information or matters). To the maximum extent permitted by law, Base Resources and its related bodies corporate and affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisers, disclaim any liability (including, without limitation, any liability arising from fault, negligence or negligent misstatement) for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from any use or reliance on this report or its contents, including any error or omission from, or otherwise in connection with, it. Certain statements in or in connection with this report contain or comprise forward looking statements. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and may be outside Base Resources' control. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this report constitutes investment, legal or other advice. You must not act on the basis of any matter contained in this report, but must make your own independent investigation and assessment of Base Resources and obtain any professional advice you require before making any investment decision based on your investment objectives and financial circumstances. This document does not constitute an offer, invitation, solicitation, advice or recommendation with respect to the issue, purchase or sale of any security in any jurisdiction. APPENDIX 1: Table 1, JORC Code 2012 Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria Explanation Comment Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Sample sub-splits are collected at a standard 1.5m down-hole interval, using an on-board rotary splitter mounted beneath the drill rig cyclone. Sample gates are set at 25% of the splitter cycle, which delivers about 2kg of sample, dependant on ground conditions. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Appropriate drilling equipment and driller training is a prerequisite of the drilling contract. A rotary splitter (regularly cleaned) is used for splitting drill samples in the field and a robust QA/QC and audit system is established. Consistency in split sample weights is monitored via intermittent testing in the field with spring scales and through recording of air-dried sample weights at sample preparation. Weights are generally between two and three kilograms and this is considered representative for the detrital material being sampled. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. RCAC drilling is used to obtain a 1.5m samples from which approximately 1.2-2.5 kg is collected using a rotary splitter beneath a cyclone. The sample is then dried, de-slimed (material less than 45 m removed) and then oversize (material +1mm) is removed. Approximately 100g of the resultant sample is then subjected to a heavy mineral (HM) float/sink technique using Lithium Heteropolytungstates (LST:SG=2.85g/cm3). The resulting HM concentrate is then dried and weighed. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). All samples are generated by RCAC drilling utilising ~71 mm diameter (NQ) air-core drill tooling. Drill holes are oriented vertically by eye. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Base Resources log sample quality at the rig as either good or poor, with 'good' meaning not contaminated and of an appropriate sample size (recovery), and 'poor' meaning contaminated or grossly over/undersized. Ground conditions vary and as such, the use of water injection is also logged in the sample quality field for every sample interval (dry, moist, injected or wet). No sample loss has been recorded. The configuration of drilling and nature of sediments encountered results in negligible loss. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Drill penetration is halted at the end of each sample interval to allow time for the sample to return to surface and be collected. Drilling proceeds once sample delivery ceases. Sampling on the drill rig is observed to ensure that rotary splitter remains clean. Water flush and manual cleaning of the cyclone occurs at regular intervals to ensure contamination is minimised. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. No relationship is believed to exist between grade and sample recovery. The high percentage of silt and low hydraulic inflow of groundwater results in a sample size that is well within the expected size range. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resources estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Base Resources collects detailed qualitative logging of geological characteristics to allow a comprehensive geological interpretation to be carried out. Logging of HM sinks with a microscope also is used to inform the geological interpretation. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. Logging of RCAC samples record sample quality, washability, colour, lithology, grainsize, sorting, induration type, hardness, estimated rock and estimated HM. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. All drill holes are logged in full and all samples with observed HM (and designated for assay) are assayed. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. All samples are unconsolidated and comprise sand, silt, clay and rock fragments. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry. Base Resources rotary split the samples on the drill rig as they are delivered from drilling (wet, moist, injected or dry). Low groundwater pressure and rotary splitting delivers a representative sample for logging. The 25% split delivers approximately 2 kg of sample for analysis. Drill samples are dried then riffle split to produce a ~300g sample for de-sliming and oversize removal. The resultant sand fraction is then delivered to the laboratory for heavy liquid (LST) separation. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation, cont'd. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Base Resources use a standard flow sheet and detailed QA/QC is undertaken. The sample, designated in the field for analysis, is air dried, weighed and pulverized for riffle splitting. Two splits are generated of approximately 350 - 500g each and the remainder of the original sample is recorded and stored. One split is oven dried to establish moisture content of the air-dried sample. The second split is soaked in water and a de-flocculating agent prior to attritioning and de-sliming with a 45m screen. The sample is then dried and weighed to determine material lost (Slimes weight) during screening. The dried sample is then screened at 1mm and the oversize is weighed. The remaining dry sand fraction is then delivered to the on-site analysis laboratory (SGS) for heavy liquid separation by TBE. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub- sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. To maintain QA/QC, a duplicate and standard assaying procedure has been implemented. A duplicate sample is collected at the rig at every 20th sample by the application of a second calico bag to the second, 25% split chute on the splitter. Both samples are subjected to the complete sample preparation and assaying process. In the sample preparation area, at a rate of 1:40, duplicates of the moisture content sample and screened sample are taken. These are subjected to moisture content (split 1) and de-sliming/oversize (split 2) determinations to ensure samples do not exhibit bias. A certified standard sample is submitted in the field and a second certified standard sample is submitted to the laboratory after the sample preparation stage, each at a rate of 1:40, to monitor analysis accuracy. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation, cont'd. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Analysis of sample duplicates is undertaken by standard geostatistical methodologies (QQ Plots) to test for bias and to ensure that sample splitting is representative. Standards determine assay accuracy performance, monitored on control charts, where failure (beyond 3SD from the mean) triggers re-assay of the affected batch. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Given that the grain size of the material being sampled is sand and approximately 70 to 300 m, an approximate sample size of 2 kg is more than adequate. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. Laboratory analysis of drill samples is conducted by the Kwale, onsite contract laboratory, managed by SGS. Analysis is conducted according to a flow sheet that represents standard, best practice for the assessment of HM and is supported by robust QA/QC procedures. Sand samples delivered to SGS are rotary split to generate a ~100g sample for LST separation. Excess sand fraction is labelled and stored. The LST sink progresses till it clears and the sink is removed, washed in acetone, oven dried and weighed. LST is cleaned and density checked on a daily basis. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. None used. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests, cont'd. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. Field duplicates, sample preparation duplicates and laboratory replicates are submitted for precision and bias analysis. Standard samples are submitted to determine analysis accuracy. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. Verification of significant intercepts is conducted by the Base Resources Exploration Superintendent. The deposit type and consistency of mineralization leaves little room for unexplained variance. Data entry errors were identified by the Exploration Superintendent and these were corrected (where obvious) or re-assay was completed. The use of twinned holes. Twinned holes account for 4 - 5% of holes drilled at Mafisini Deposit and Kwale South Dune Deposit extensions. These will be used to determine short-range geological and assay field variability for resource modelling purposes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Data collected by Base Resources is entered digitally in the field using ruggedized computer with Maxwell Geoscience logging software. Data is downloaded daily to the site server. Migration to a Datashed Database is planned. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. No adjustments were made to data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resources estimation. Base Resources use a real time kinematic global positioning system ('RTK GPS') to pick up drill collar locations. Survey is completed by Company surveyors. Original drill set-out is completed by hand-held GPS. Specification of the grid system used. The grid system used is the Arc1960 (Zone 37 South). The drill pattern is based on a local grid rotation to ensure drill lines are oriented orthogonal to the trend of mineralization. The Kwale South Dune Deposit Local Grid is used at Mafisini Deposit and Kwale South Dune Deposit extensions. Location of data points, cont'd. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. A LiDAR survey was conducted in November 2013 at an accuracy of 0.015m and is available for topography modelling in the NE Sector and at Mafisini Deposit and Kwale South Dune Deposit extension areas. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. The data spacing drilling is nominally 100m North, 50m East, and 1.5m down hole for exploration results. Variations from this spacing result from line-clearing difficulties prior to drilling and drill site survey and are not a result of access or traversing issue. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Based on the experience of the competent person, the data spacing and distribution is considered adequate for the definition of mineralisation and adequate for proposed mineral resource estimation. Whether sample compositing has been applied. No sample compositing or de-compositing has been applied. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. Sample orientation is vertical and approximately perpendicular to the dip and strike of the mineralization, which results in true thickness estimates. Drilling and sampling is carried out on a regular rectangular grid that is broadly aligned and in a ratio consistent with the anisotropy of the mineralisation. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. There is no apparent bias arising from the orientation of the drill holes with respect to the strike and dip of the deposit. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. All samples are numbered, with sample splits, residues and HM sinks registered and stored at Kwale site in a restricted access storage shed. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. Richard Stockwell (Hornet Drilling and Geological Services Pty Ltd) conducted two site visits to review drilling and sample preparation procedures. Minor recommended changes were made on each occasion. Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria Explanation Comment Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The exploration results are coincident with the granted Special Mining Lease No.23 and Special Prospecting License No. 173. Mining on SML23 is subject to an ad valorem royalty of 2%, payable to the previous owners, and currently a 2.5% royalty, payable to the Kenyan government. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. There are no known impediments to the security of tenure over the area containing the reported exploration results. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The previous owners of the project (Tiomin Kenya Ltd) undertook exploration drilling over the Kwale Project (incl. South Dune area). Tiomin data is included in the Kwale HM Resource estimations. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. Exploration results are indicative of aeolian (dunal) detrital heavy mineral sand deposits. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Intercepts are listed in the body of the release. There are no further drill hole results that are considered material to the understanding of the exploration results. Identification of the wide and thick zone of mineralisation is made via multiple intersections of drill holes and to list them all would not give the reader any further clarification of the distribution of mineralisation throughout the deposit. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Exploration results are reported at a minimum 2% HM bottom cut-off over a minimum depth interval of 3m. This has been applied to ensure brevity in the release. Kwale HM Resources are reported at a 1% HM bottom cut-off. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. Does not apply Data aggregation methods, cont'd. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. No metal equivalents were used for reporting of exploration results. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. All drill holes are vertical and perpendicular to the dip and strike of mineralisation and therefore all interceptions are approximately true thickness. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. Dune deposits typically approximate a horizontal accumulation over a variable basement topography. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known'). Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. Refer to main body of release. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Reporting of results is restricted to type sections and more comprehensive tabulated results at a 2% HM bottom cut and a minimum 3m interval. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. Whilst mineralogical investigation is still awaited, a similar high-value assemblage, as recorded for the Kwale Mineral Resource (~19% Rutile + Zircon), has been observed on the dunal deposits during preliminary microscope investigation of exploration samples. Some lateritic fragments have been observed in a narrow and discontinuous zone (~3-6m in thickness) near the base of the South Dune southern extension and Mafisini Deposits that will have resulted in elevated HM results returning from heavy mineral analysis. This zone will be constrained during geological interpretation and subsequent works. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Geological interpretation is ongoing at the Kwale South Dune Deposit extension, Mafisini Deposit and in the NE Sector. Once complete, mineralogical analysis will ensue and results will feed into updated and new resource estimates. Resource estimation of the Kwale South Dune and Mafisini is anticipated the September quarter. Further community engagement is required to continue drilling in the NE Sector, which is not expect to take place until after Kenya's general elections, currently scheduled for August 2017. Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Refer to main body of release. APPENDIX 2: Mineralised intercepts in the Kwale South Dune Deposit extension, Mafisini Deposit and NE Sector areas (3m @ 2% HM bottom cut off; UTM ARC1960 Zone 37S). Project area Hole_ID UTM_E ARC1960 UTM_N ARC1960 RL (m) From (m) Interval (m) DH Average THM DH Average Slimes DH Average Oversize Mafisini ks372 543636.1 9509281.9 88 0 4.5 3.76 26.17 0.88 Mafisini ks372 543636.1 9509281.9 88 6 6 4.37 39.47 4.48 Mafisini ks373 543719.5 9509213.5 86 3 6 2.84 36.94 6.35 Mafisini ks374 543787.4 9509148.6 82 0 3 4.61 19.90 10.61 Mafisini ks375 543812.6 9509398.5 95 1.5 3 8.72 32.65 29.80 Mafisini ks375 543812.6 9509398.5 95 6 3 3.13 69.15 2.51 Mafisini ks389 543489.0 9509154.7 83 0 10.5 4.36 28.70 1.16 Mafisini ks390 543568.7 9509077.6 81 0 12 4.20 26.77 2.01 Mafisini ks391 543637.1 9509017.5 77 0 10.5 3.94 24.55 1.15 Mafisini ks392 543707.5 9508943.4 72 0 7.5 2.20 3.97 2.07 Mafisini ks394 543517.9 9508849.2 76 4.5 3 3.39 26.37 14.57 Mafisini ks397 543298.4 9509057.7 83 0 13.5 3.73 21.93 1.67 Mafisini ks408 543080.5 9508976.0 80 0 10.5 2.89 27.77 6.85 Mafisini ks409 543026.3 9509047.5 72 0 6 3.14 44.10 2.69 Mafisini ks410 543418.0 9509209.7 75 0 6 3.34 30.17 7.01 Mafisini ks412 542874.5 9508898.2 72 0 3 2.49 17.99 1.44 Mafisini ks412 542874.5 9508898.2 72 4.5 6 2.81 26.47 5.71 Mafisini ks414 542953.7 9508822.4 80 3 9 2.66 26.52 2.13 Mafisini ks428 542801.4 9508696.6 74 6 3 2.04 27.92 12.93 Mafisini ks436 543199.4 9508056.3 56 3 3 2.37 31.07 25.18 Mafisini ks454 542768.0 9507374.5 51 6 3 2.44 44.39 0.80 Mafisini ks462 542181.3 9507905.7 31 12 3 2.90 21.13 39.82 Mafisini ks466 544017.2 9509467.8 81 4.5 6 4.15 49.55 9.72 Mafisini ks466 544017.2 9509467.8 81 31.5 4.5 3.66 57.18 8.89 Mafisini ks487 543717.9 9509333.9 92 6 3 3.45 35.49 17.90 Mafisini ks492 543544.8 9509233.3 84 0 12 3.89 28.90 2.53 Mafisini ks494 543473.8 9509298.0 68 0 6 2.48 58.23 4.79 Mafisini ks495 543628.7 9509151.8 84 0 13.5 3.96 24.73 3.36 Mafisini ks496 543664.0 9509128.9 83 0 12 3.68 26.88 3.40 Mafisini ks497 543736.4 9509056.4 78 3 6 2.79 28.47 2.00 Mafisini ks498 543827.9 9509119.3 80 3 4.5 2.39 27.70 1.81 Mafisini ks499 543676.8 9509253.5 88 0 9 3.29 31.37 5.04 Mafisini ks503 543533.9 9508975.9 78 0 10.5 2.84 26.33 1.43 Mafisini ks504 543460.3 9509042.7 82 0 15 3.35 23.07 1.83 Mafisini ks505 543382.9 9509108.1 82 0 6 3.02 20.18 0.75 Mafisini ks505 543382.9 9509108.1 82 7.5 6 3.40 28.08 1.74 Mafisini ks506 543312.8 9509178.7 74 0 3 3.22 36.00 1.08 Mafisini ks509 543188.8 9509020.3 80 3 3 2.33 30.89 1.51 Mafisini ks509 543188.8 9509020.3 80 7.5 3 2.53 26.27 3.54 Mafisini ks511 543060.1 9508868.8 84 4.5 3 2.17 27.73 2.19 Mafisini ks511 543060.1 9508868.8 84 9 4.5 2.33 26.19 3.27 Mafisini ks512 542985.4 9508932.2 79 0 16.5 3.10 25.65 4.69 Mafisini ks513 542916.4 9509001.3 70 0 4.5 2.83 26.61 1.81 Mafisini ks513 542916.4 9509001.3 70 6 3 2.89 29.82 10.08 Mafisini ks515 543056.8 9509013.7 76 0 3 2.97 26.69 1.09 Mafisini ks515 543056.8 9509013.7 76 4.5 3 3.25 36.29 1.93 Mafisini ks516 543135.5 9508942.3 83 9 3 2.10 24.57 4.05 Mafisini ks519 543338.5 9509012.9 84 3 10.5 2.33 22.14 2.05 Mafisini ks520 543259.2 9509101.4 79 0 7.5 3.64 27.77 1.18 Mafisini ks522 543424.0 9509077.7 83 0 3 3.23 21.71 0.53 Mafisini ks522 543424.0 9509077.7 83 4.5 9 3.59 25.01 1.56 Mafisini ks523 543499.5 9509011.5 81 1.5 10.5 3.20 23.95 2.24 Mafisini ks524 542924.1 9508715.2 81 0 4.5 2.09 27.26 1.66 Mafisini ks524 542924.1 9508715.2 81 6 3 2.35 34.14 3.22 Mafisini ks525 542848.1 9508787.2 74 0 9 2.54 27.44 2.30 Mafisini ks536 542838.8 9508660.9 77 3 4.5 2.10 39.37 7.68 Mafisini ks537 543353.7 9509145.3 80 0 10.5 3.31 27.17 2.47 Mafisini ks538 543611.4 9509045.2 79 0 12 4.34 26.00 3.33 Mafisini ks539 543691.9 9509089.9 81 0 13.5 3.38 31.63 2.43 Mafisini ks540 543529.9 9509111.2 83 0 13.5 3.76 23.97 1.96 Mafisini ks541 543436.0 9509180.3 80 0 10.5 4.07 30.73 3.13 Mafisini ks543 543024.5 9508901.4 82 0 13.5 2.55 22.45 1.98 Mafisini ks544 542949.7 9508968.1 75 0 10.5 3.38 25.29 2.61 Mafisini ks545 542879.5 9509037.0 64 0 3 2.27 23.64 2.28 Mafisini ks549 542925.2 9508866.8 77 0 13.5 2.94 22.41 2.81 Mafisini ks550 542837.6 9508924.2 67 0 9 2.45 23.04 5.06 Mafisini ks554 542887.2 9508751.8 79 0 10.5 2.75 27.59 2.26 Mafisini ks555 542819.5 9508817.0 71 0 7.5 2.56 24.79 5.44 Mafisini ks568 543608.7 9509191.4 85 0 4.5 3.59 22.26 0.50 Mafisini ks568 543608.7 9509191.4 85 6 7.5 3.89 26.40 2.93 Mafisini ks569 543276.5 9509213.1 66 9 3 15.19 42.02 4.48 Mafisini ks570 543368.0 9509251.8 65 0 3 2.93 31.88 1.58 Mafisini ks571 543517.0 9509271.6 79 0 10.5 3.71 38.45 4.48 Mafisini ks572 543603.4 9509322.3 88 0 13.5 3.81 29.01 1.92 Mafisini ks573 543686.5 9509368.1 93 4.5 3 2.36 36.88 17.12 Mafisini ks576 543991.5 9509252.0 79 6 3 3.07 31.73 16.43 NE Sector ke001 551155.9 9514670.6 44 19.5 12 5.27 42.38 2.73 NE Sector ke004 550928.7 9514870.5 51 0 6 2.33 12.17 1.20 NE Sector ke004 550928.7 9514870.5 51 24 4.5 4.61 32.34 0.81 NE Sector ke005 550853.5 9514942.2 61 0 10.5 4.60 16.13 1.16 NE Sector ke005 550853.5 9514942.2 61 22.5 3 2.08 39.46 0.78 NE Sector ke006 550785.3 9515005.2 68 3 3 2.16 19.81 2.33 NE Sector ke006 550785.3 9515005.2 68 7.5 3 2.14 19.08 2.84 Sth Dune Extension ks323 544726.4 9510058.5 76 3 4.5 2.07 21.61 1.20 Sth Dune Extension ks324 544804.7 9509994.6 83 0 18 3.37 19.48 0.71 Sth Dune Extension ks325 544908.6 9509910.0 94 0 22.5 3.84 21.56 0.16 Sth Dune Extension ks326 544607.7 9509747.9 82 0 21 4.42 21.20 1.74 Sth Dune Extension ks327 544679.6 9509675.8 86 0 22.5 4.37 19.70 0.81 Sth Dune Extension ks328 544756.7 9509611.9 85 0 22.5 5.17 22.15 1.25 Sth Dune Extension ks329 544832.5 9509550.4 81 0 19.5 4.95 22.87 2.65 Sth Dune Extension ks331 544908.7 9509476.7 75 0 15 2.44 16.47 0.96 Sth Dune Extension ks332 544743.0 9509896.3 85 0 21 3.88 21.31 1.87 Sth Dune Extension ks333 544676.6 9509965.9 76 0 10.5 2.50 23.26 0.97 Sth Dune Extension ks334 544534.2 9509816.8 75 0 15 3.88 23.84 1.97 Sth Dune Extension ks335 544493.7 9509856.3 68 0 6 3.24 11.87 1.27 Sth Dune Extension ks337 544442.0 9509633.9 83 0 13.5 4.64 20.80 0.97 Sth Dune Extension ks338 544512.2 9509565.7 80 0 21 6.49 21.82 1.75 Sth Dune Extension ks339 544590.6 9509498.1 75 0 16.5 4.73 22.47 3.49 Sth Dune Extension ks340 544735.5 9509361.6 65 0 7.5 2.45 8.75 0.77 Sth Dune Extension ks341 544648.5 9509428.0 70 0 13.5 3.26 16.77 1.50 Sth Dune Extension ks342 544517.0 9509286.8 69 0 6 2.84 9.25 2.59 Sth Dune Extension ks343 544449.6 9509356.7 74 0 10.5 3.51 26.93 2.69 Sth Dune Extension ks344 544376.4 9509425.8 80 0 3 5.04 21.00 0.84 Sth Dune Extension ks344 544376.4 9509425.8 80 4.5 7.5 5.26 24.82 7.13 Sth Dune Extension ks345 544304.1 9509491.0 80 0 7.5 4.14 33.08 1.16 Sth Dune Extension ks349 545396.6 9511200.0 94 12 3 3.26 60.29 6.64 Sth Dune Extension ks353 545124.0 9509546.2 80 3 10.5 2.37 22.26 0.65 Sth Dune Extension ks355 545294.8 9509558.6 79 0 10.5 2.16 23.15 0.63 Sth Dune Extension ks356 545361.7 9509606.1 82 0 12 2.23 27.27 5.75 Sth Dune Extension ks357 545438.4 9509538.1 76 0 6 2.17 25.15 1.26 Sth Dune Extension ks359 545217.5 9509628.7 85 3 6 2.88 21.80 0.32 Sth Dune Extension ks359 545217.5 9509628.7 85 10.5 9 3.56 22.77 3.58 Sth Dune Extension ks360 545159.0 9509686.6 91 0 16.5 3.58 22.35 0.20 Sth Dune Extension ks360 545159.0 9509686.6 91 19.5 3 3.77 21.72 2.92 Sth Dune Extension ks380 545707.3 9509690.3 74 0 3 2.93 14.59 1.90 Sth Dune Extension ks382 545741.0 9509797.3 76 0 7.5 2.33 32.00 1.50 Sth Dune Extension ks383 545666.9 9509861.7 91 0 3 2.48 24.56 0.86 Sth Dune Extension ks383 545666.9 9509861.7 91 4.5 7.5 3.72 28.58 10.99 Sth Dune Extension ks384 545633.0 9509760.1 85 0 12 3.26 28.34 9.05 Sth Dune Extension ks385 545457.2 9509791.2 91 0 4.5 2.66 24.03 0.49 Sth Dune Extension ks385 545457.2 9509791.2 91 6 12 4.30 27.45 10.22 Sth Dune Extension ks477 545216.6 9509626.0 85 0 18 3.27 20.71 1.75 Sth Dune Extension ks478 545294.8 9509556.4 79 3 10.5 2.54 24.96 2.04 Sth Dune Extension ks479 545121.7 9509556.9 81 0 3 2.35 15.53 0.41 Sth Dune Extension ks479 545121.7 9509556.9 81 4.5 10.5 2.48 23.52 0.78 Sth Dune Extension ks480 544901.0 9509475.9 75 3 12 2.61 20.06 0.74 Sth Dune Extension ks481 544759.0 9509618.5 85 0 24 5.73 21.28 0.86 Sth Dune Extension ks482 544600.1 9509749.6 81 3 18 4.57 21.80 2.07 Sth Dune Extension ks483 544743.9 9509891.6 85 0 19.5 4.03 21.79 2.26 Sth Dune Extension ks484 544906.1 9509906.1 94 0 15 3.97 23.47 0.20 Sth Dune Extension ks484 544906.1 9509906.1 94 16.5 4.5 4.81 14.00 1.15 Sth Dune Extension ks579 544198.3 9509450.3 64 0 3 4.45 28.06 10.68 Sth Dune Extension ks580 544239.1 9509418.5 71 0 4.5 4.17 42.26 7.59 Sth Dune Extension ks581 544268.0 9509379.5 76 0 6 4.53 39.01 5.34 Sth Dune Extension ks582 544311.8 9509346.8 78 0 9 4.00 31.39 3.31 Sth Dune Extension ks583 544347.8 9509307.6 77 0 9 2.83 30.35 1.77 Sth Dune Extension ks584 544382.6 9509279.1 75 0 7.5 2.27 27.37 1.32 Sth Dune Extension ks590 544484.7 9509320.1 71 0 9 2.78 16.11 5.41 Sth Dune Extension ks591 544416.5 9509386.0 77 1.5 9 3.74 21.22 13.17 ENDS. CORPORATE PROFILE Directors Keith Spence (Non-Executive Chairman) Tim Carstens (Managing Director) Colin Bwye (Executive Director) Sam Willis (Non-Executive Director) Michael Anderson (Non-Executive Director) Michael Stirzaker (Non-Executive Director) Malcolm Macpherson (Non-Executive Director) Company Secretary Chadwick Poletti NOMINATED ADVISOR & BROKERS RFC Ambrian Limited As Nominated Adviser: Andrew Thomson / Stephen Allen Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500 As Joint Broker: Jonathan Williams Phone: +44 20 3440 6800 Numis Securities Limited As Joint Broker: John Prior / James Black / Paul Gillam Phone: +44 20 7260 1000 SHARE REGISTRY: ASX Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited Level 11, 172 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 Enquiries: 1300 850 505 / +61 (3) 9415 4000 www.computershare.com.au SHARE REGISTRY: AIM Computershare Investor Services PLC The Pavilions Bridgwater Road BRISTOL BS99 6ZZ Enquiries: +44 (0) 870 702 0003 www.computershare.co.uk AUSTRALIAN MEDIA RELATIONS Cannings Purple Annette Ellis / Andrew Rowell Email: aellis@canningspurple.com.au / arowell@canningspurple.com.au Phone: +61 (0)8 6314 6300 UK MEDIA RELATIONS Tavistock Communications Jos Simson / Emily Fenton Phone: +44 (0) 207 920 3150 KENYA MEDIA RELATIONS Africapractice (East Africa) Evelyn Njoroge / James Njuguna/Joan Kimani Phone: +254 (0)20 239 6899 Email: jkimani@africapractice.com PRINCIPAL & REGISTERED OFFICE Level 1, 50 Kings Park Road West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Email: info@baseresources.com.au Phone: +61 (0)8 9413 7400 Fax: +61 (0)8 9322 8912 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Itafos (TSX VENTURE: IFOS) ("Itafos" or the "Company") is pleased to provide, further to the Company's news release dated January 11, 2017, an update on the previously announced private placement (the "Offering"). The Company has agreed with Raymond James Ltd. (the "Lead Agent") and GMP Securities L.P. (together with the Lead Agent, the "Agents") that the Offering will consist of the issuance and sale of up to 22,242,982 shares of the Company (the "Placement Shares") at a price of CAD$2.10 per Placement Share for gross proceeds of up to US$35,000,000 by way of a marketed private placement on a best efforts basis. The Company and the Agents have to date received commitments for approximately US$33,000,000, including Zaff's commitment as described below. The Company has agreed to pay the Agents a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering raised by the Agents from unrelated parties. Zaff LLC ("Zaff"), a control person of the Company, is expected to acquire US$15,000,000 of the Placement Shares, of which amount it is expected to subscribe for 7,626,165 Placement Shares at a price of CAD$2.10 for an aggregate US$12,000,000, and to subscribe for 1,906,541 Placement Shares at an effective price of CAD$2.10 in lieu of a cash repayment to Zaff (the "Shares for Debt Transaction") to settle an outstanding cash advance of US$3,000,000 recently made to the Company on February 23, 2017. The completion of the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction, is subject to certain conditions, including the completion of due diligence by the Agents, the negotiation and execution of a definitive agency agreement, the execution of subscription agreements, the satisfaction of any regulatory requirements and receipt of the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), among others. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about March 9, 2017. The Placement Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation and TSX Venture Exchange requirements. Zaff currently beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly 55,573,669 shares of the Company, representing approximately 96.60% of the issued and outstanding shares (on an undiluted basis) as of the date hereof. Upon completion of the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction, on the terms described herein, Zaff would beneficially own, or control or direct, directly or indirectly, 65,106,375 shares of the Company, representing approximately 81.61% of the issued and outstanding shares (on an undiluted basis). Mr. Brent de Jong, a director of Itafos, is a related party of Zaff and, as such, declared his interest to the board of directors of the Company in connection with the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction. The directors reviewed the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction, and concluded that they are in the best interests of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to the anticipated date of completion of the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction, due to the Company's determination that it is in the best interests of the Company to avail itself of the proceeds and complete the Offering, including the Shares for Debt Transaction, in an expeditious manner. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. About Itafos Itafos (TSX VENTURE: IFOS) is focused on becoming a significant integrated producer of phosphate based fertilizers and related products. Itafos has an experienced team with significant experience in the business of fertilizer operations, management, marketing and finance. Itafos owns and operates the Itafos-Arraias SSP Operations, which consists of an integrated fertilizer producing facility comprised of a phosphate mine, a mill, a beneficiation plant, a sulphuric acid plant, an SSP plant and a granulation plant and related infrastructure located in central Brazil. Itafos' exploration portfolio includes a number of additional projects in Brazil, including the Santana Project, a high-grade phosphate deposit located in close proximity to the largest fertilizer market of Mato Grosso State and animal feed market of Para State, and the Araxa Project, a high-grade rare earth elements, niobium and phosphate deposit located in close proximity to two operating mines, therefore benefiting from existing local infrastructure. In addition, Itafos owns an approximate 31.3% interest in GB Minerals Ltd. which owns the Farim Project, a high-grade phosphate deposit located in Guinea Bissau and an approximate 29.6% interest in Stonegate Agricom Ltd. which owns the Paris Hills Project, a high-grade phosphate deposit located in Idaho, United States and the Mantaro Project, a high-grade phosphate deposit located in Peru. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements related to the closing of the Offering, the subscription for Placement Shares, the Shares for Debt Transaction and the receipt of regulatory approval in respect of each of the Offering and the Shares for Debt Transaction. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statements are made, and forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to, the Company not obtaining the final approval of the TSXV for either the Offering or the Shares for Debt Transaction, the Company being unsuccessful in recommissioning the Itafos-Arraias SSP Operations and those factors disclosed in the Company's current Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Itafos 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The forward looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Company's plans, objectives and goals and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Itafos Brian Zatarain Chief Executive Officer brian.zatarain@itafos.com www.itafos.com The Blueshirt Group Gary Dvorchak, CFA Managing Director +1 (323) 240-5796 gary@blueshirtgroup.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Publishing firm Informa plc (INFMF, INF.L) said it has agreed to acquire Yachting Promotions Inc. or YPI, the operator of some of the largest yachting and boat shows in the U.S., for 106 million pounds. Completion of the acquisition is expected by early March. The addition of YPI from Active Interest Media, or AIM, the privately-owned specialist U.S. media group, will combine several major U.S.-based international yachting exhibitions with Informa's Monaco Yacht Show in Europe. The YPI portfolio includes the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in the world. Under the terms of the combination, Informa will acquire 100 percent control of AIM's Yacht Exhibitions business while retaining a long-term cross-marketing agreement with the parent company, replicating the structure adopted when Informa acquired Hanley Wood Exhibitions in 2014. Stephen Carter, Informa Group Chief Executive, said, 'Following three years of private discussions, we are delighted to bring YPI into the Group. It will deepen our leadership in the growing international yachting and boating sector, with its attractive exhibitions complementing our existing ownership of the Monaco Yacht Show.' On completion, the addition of YPI will make Informa's Global Exhibitions Division the largest contributor to Group revenues and profit, with annual sales of more than 500 million pounds. The Division operates a portfolio of about 200 major Exhibition Brands. On 6 March, Informa will announce full-year results for the 12-month period ending 31 December 2016. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Schroders plc (SDRC.L), an asset management company, reported Thursday that its fiscal 2016 profit before tax increased to 618.1 million pounds from last year's 589.0 million pounds. Basic earnings per share were 178.3 pence, compared to 171.1 pence last year. Profit before tax and exceptional items were 644.7 million pounds, compared to 609.7 million pounds a year ago. Earnings per share before exceptional items were 186.3 pence, compared to 176.9 pence last year. Net operating revenue increased 7% to 1.71 billion pounds from 1.60 billion pounds in the prior year. Assets under management and administration went up 27% to 397.1 billion pounds from 313.5 billion pounds a year ago. Further, the company said its Board is recommending a final dividend of 64 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to 93 pence per share, an increase of 7%. Looking ahead, the company said its year has started well, but the firm is mindful of industry headwinds and that market returns remain difficult to predict. This is likely to weigh on client demand, particularly within the Intermediary sales channel, and create volatility in flows in the medium term. Separately, Schroders said that Philip Mallinckrodt, Group Head of Private Assets and Wealth Management, relinquished his executive responsibilities on 1 March 2017 after more than 20 years with the firm. A member of the principal shareholder group, he continues on the Board of Schroders as a non-executive Director and has joined the Nominations Committee. Private Assets and Wealth Management will report to Group Chief Executive, Peter Harrison. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Capita Group plc (CPI.L), a business process management services company, said that its Chief Executive, Andy Parker, will step down from the Group Board and leave the company later this year, to pursue the next phase of his career once a process to select a successor has been completed. The company noted that Parker has contributed strongly to the company over the last 16 years and played a key role in leading Capita, as Chief Executive, for the past three years and through the challenges of 2016. Capita's Board is commencing a process to select a new CEO. In the meantime, Parker will continue in his current role and at the appropriate time facilitate a smooth transition. 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. AMSTERDAM and VIENNA, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- iDose [4 ] proprietary reconstruction technique lowers operating costs by increasing tube life iFlow intelligent workflow platform enables consistent image quality from operator-to-operator to reduce rescans Royal Philips(NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) today unveiled the Access CT, its newest computed tomography (CT) solution specifically designed for healthcare organizations seeking to establish or enhance CT imaging capabilities at an accessible cost for a high return in value. Philips Access CT provides consistent image quality across a diverse patient population and a wide range of exam types, enabling healthcare organizations to expand care capabilities to treat more patients. (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/472975/Philips_Access_CT.jpg ) As healthcare needs grow across the globe, many healthcare organizations are increasingly challenged to efficiently diagnose and treat a greater number of patients. Health providers looking to enhance their CT capabilities may be faced with challenges such as reimbursement cuts, patient populations with low ability to pay, or inefficiencies related to growth and expansion. For cost-conscious healthcare organizations, a value-focused CT solution such as the Philips Access CT offers the low total cost of ownership and diagnostic confidence needed to drive clinical, financial and operational efficiencies. "Radiology is a crucial component in patient care and Philips' newest, value-centered CT solution can offer quality imaging capabilities at an accessible cost to health providers who may not have access otherwise," said Kees Wesdorp, Business Group Leader, Diagnostic Imaging, Philips. "It's always important that an imaging solution provides the right answer, the first time, but especially so for healthcare organizations that rely on a scanner to cover a wide breadth of patient needs within a more limited budget. Access CT provides the right balance of performance and value to enable organizations with limited budgets to incorporate critical, high-quality imaging capabilities into their care offering." Philips Access CT provides a number of benefits for physicians and organizations to realize true value from their CT investment, including: Increased Referrals - The iFlow console workflow platform enables consistently high image quality through features that simplify and automate the technologist's routine, helping providers to maintain and increase their referral base. - The iFlow console workflow platform enables consistently high image quality through features that simplify and automate the technologist's routine, helping providers to maintain and increase their referral base. Lowering Operating Costs - Philips' iDose [ 4 ] reduces the need for tube replacement-the most significant reoccurring cost associated with CT ownership-by offering a proven reconstruction algorithm that allows providers to reduce exposure time (mA) and extend tube life. - Philips' iDose reduces the need for tube replacement-the most significant reoccurring cost associated with CT ownership-by offering a proven reconstruction algorithm that allows providers to reduce exposure time (mA) and extend tube life. Greater Clinical Breadth - Advanced applications on the console allow hospitals to stretch their clinical capabilities from routine imaging to more advanced applications such as brain perfusion, lung nodule analysis, vessel analysis and virtual colonoscopy (CTC), while keeping costs down. - Advanced applications on the console allow hospitals to stretch their clinical capabilities from routine imaging to more advanced applications such as brain perfusion, lung nodule analysis, vessel analysis and virtual colonoscopy (CTC), while keeping costs down. Dose Management - 70 kV scan mode can reduce dose by up to 20 percent, which is especially valuable in pediatric patients. - 70 kV scan mode can reduce dose by up to 20 percent, which is especially valuable in pediatric patients. Maximum Uptime - Philips' 24/7 monitoring can predict issues before they arise, ensuring that providers can minimize downtime and maximize patient throughput. With the availability of Access CT, providers have a cost-effective solution that can expand care capabilities to treat more patients. To find more information on Access CT and availability in specific countries, visit http://www.philips.com/AccessCT. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for updates from the 2017 European Congress of Radiology, and visit http://www.philips.com/ecr for details on Philips' presence at the event. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 71,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at http://www.philips.com/newscenter. For further information, please contact: Alicia Cafardi Philips Group Communications Tel: +1-412-523-9616 E-mail: Alicia.Cafardi@Philips.com Twitter: @aliciacafardi Kathy O'Reilly Philips Group Communications Tel: +1-978-221-8919 E-mail: Kathy.Oreilly@Philips.com Twitter: @kathyoreilly VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- RewardStream Solutions Inc., ("RewardStream" or the "Company"), (TSX VENTURE: REW)(FRANKFURT: JL4L) (WKN Number A2APX1) a world leader in automated referral marketing solutions has announced that experienced public market and technology executive, Juan Vegarra, has joined the RewardStream Board of Directors. Vegarra's career in technology began in the late 1980s in information technology with the US House of Representatives. Vegarra transitioned into a senior technology evangelist role at Microsoft followed by a successful tenure as the Worldwide Director of Channel Programs for Microsoft Solution Provider Partners. In his roles with Microsoft, Vegarra travelled to over 54 countries, and significantly expanded product revenues and reach in the Americas, Africa, India, Middle East and Europe. Since 1999 Vegarra has managed Vegarra Investments LLC, where he has lead investments in internet, software and cloud computing companies, while also serving as an active advisor and Board member. Vegarra was also the founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Vena Resources, a TSX listed mining company. During his tenure at Vena Resources, Vegarra raised over $54 million and signed over $15 million in joint venture deals, resulting in a market capitalization of over $160 million. Vegarra has also been an active investor, Board member and advisor to several TSX-Venture listed companies. "We are very pleased to have Juan join our Board of Directors and help guide the company's future direction," said Rob Goehring, Chief Executive Officer of RewardStream. "Juan has a unique combination of skills and experiences that make him an ideal Board member for RewardStream. With his passion for software companies, experience in scaling sales channels and a strong public market background, we look forward to working with Juan on the next stage of the company's growth." "I am excited to join the RewardStream Board of Directors at this important time in the company's lifecycle," stated Vegarra. "I believe in the Company, management team and long term vision, and believe that my skills and experience can positively contribute to accelerating the growth of the business." Vegarra is currently the CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of VuSay Technologies, a leader in socially enhanced online video services. Vegarra also acts as a mentor and advisor to MBA students at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. In addition, the Company is also announcing the resignation of Norman Brewster P.Geo from the Company's Board of Directors. The Board would like to thank Mr. Brewster for his contributions to the Company and his ongoing support. About RewardStream Solutions Inc. RewardStream specializes in the execution of automated referral marketing programs that help brands to acquire, engage, and retain their most valuable stakeholders - customers. By utilizing an innovative blend of marketing insight and proprietary technology, RewardStream turns an existing customer base into a powerful new sales channel for all of our clients. RewardStream delivers a scalable, real-time technology platform as the foundation of our client's referral program. The platform provides customer acquisition programs that deliver new, highly loyal customers at very low cost per acquisition rates. Our award-winning marketing solutions have powered loyalty and referral marketing programs across 39 countries for brands including Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Envision Financial, Koodo Mobile and more. For more information please visit www.rewardstream.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the availability of funds and the results of financing efforts - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: RewardStream Solutions Inc. Rana Vig Vice Chairman Rana.vig@rewardstream.com (604) 282-7572 Rob Goehring CEO Rob.goehring@rewardstream.com (877) 692-0040 www.rewardstream.com IRVINE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC PINK: CBIS), a U.S. company specializing in the development of cannabis-based medicines, is pleased to announce that its President, CEO and Co-Founder, Raymond C. Dabney, will be a keynote speaker and panelist at the Global Health Catalyst (GHC) Summit at Harvard Medical School on April 28-30, 2017. Additionally, Cannabis Science's Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Allen Herman, will Co-Chair a special session at the GHC Summit. Both Dabney and Herman previously presented at Harvard Medical School in November 2016. Information on the GHC Summit is available at http://www.globalhealthcatalystsummit.org Dabney will be the keynote speaker and a panelist for a special session on "Cannabis Science Versus Cancer and Other Malignancies." Dabney will discuss how cannabinoids can be used to treat cancer and other diseases, manage the side effects of cancer treatment like radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and potential applications of medical cannabis in global health to close the global pain divide; Cannabis Science's vision for the global health and development impact of cannabinoid-based medicines; and the need for greater public education on the importance of medical cannabis research. Information on this special session can be accessed at: https://www.globalhealthcatalystsummit.org/medical-cannabis Additionally, Dabney will present summit participants with an overview of the company's current drug development program, as well as with an update on Cannabis Science's Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber). In addition to co-chairing the session, Herman will participate in the discussion on the epidemiology of cancer and the utilization of opioids in Africa as opioid utilization rates reflect the pain divide. This conference affords Cannabis Science an opportunity to discuss cutting-edge cannabinoid research with some of the greatest minds in modern medicine globally, as well as to network and explore potential partnerships. In addition, through participation in this Summit, Cannabis Science will give updates on progress in the implementation of Cannabis Science's research agreement with Dana-Farber and a potential consortium agreement involving other institutions. The GHC Summit invitation letters for Mr. Dabney and Dr. Herman can be viewed: https://cannabisscience.com/index.php/events/826-invitation-to-the-2017-global-health-catalyst-cancer-summit-at-harvard-medical-school On January 3, 2017, Cannabis Science entered into a CRA with Dana-Farber, one of the world's leading cancer centers. Under the terms of the CRA, Cannabis Science and Dana-Farber will jointly investigate and develop use of cannabinoids to treat various forms of cancers. "I am excited about Cannabis Science's relationship with Dana-Farber. When I first met Wilfred Ngwa, PhD, Director of Global Health Catalyst at Harvard Medical School and Principal Investigator for the CRA, we immediately realized potential synergies on cancer research interests, and the potential to collaborate to develop cannabinoid-based medicines to treat cancer and control cancer symptoms with minimal side-effects," stated Dabney. Dabney and Ngwa met during the Constituency for Africa's (CFA) annual Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series in Washington, DC in September 2016, where they both were on the speaking program. Mr. Dabney is a Member of the Board of Directors of CFA, and the Vice Chairman of CFA's African Healthcare Infrastructure Committee (AHIC). About Cannabis Science, Inc. Cannabis Science, Inc. takes advantage of its unique understanding of metabolic processes to provide novel treatment approaches to a number of illnesses for which current treatments and understanding remain unsatisfactory. Cannabinoids have an extensive history dating back thousands of years, and currently, there are a growing number of peer-reviewed scientific publications that document the underlying biochemical pathways that cannabinoids modulate. The Company works with leading experts in drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment for illnesses caused by infections as well as for age-related illness. Our initial focus is on skin cancers, HIV/AIDS, and neurological conditions. The Company is proceeding with the research and development of its proprietary drugs as a part of this initial focus: CS-S/BCC-1, CS-TATI-1, and CS-NEURO- 1, respectively. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing words such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc., does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward- looking statements. Safe Harbor Statement. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a 'safe harbor' for forward looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts are forward looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involved risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cannabis Science, Inc. Dr. Allen Herman Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Email: allen.herman@cannabisscience.com Tel: 1-888-263-0832 Cannabis Science, Inc. Mr. Raymond C. Dabney President & CEO, Co-Founder Email: raymond.dabney@cannabisscience.com Tel: 1-888-263-0832 Cannabis Science, Inc. Investor Relations Teresa Misenheimer Email: teresa@cannabisscience.com Tel: 1-888-263-0832 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 International Jewellery Show Opens HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org HONG KONG, Mar 2, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - The 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opened today and runs through 6 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the show features about 2,580 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions. They are showcasing a wide range of finished fine jewellery, including top-tier jewellery pieces, famous brands, new designer collections, as well as collectable jewellery art pieces and antique jewellery. The concurrent Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, currently underway at the AsiaWorld-Expo, features a variety of raw jewellery materials. The two shows gather a total of about 4,480 exhibitors, forming the world's largest marketplace for the jewellery industry.HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said that this year's International Jewellery Show, held under the theme "Tribute to Movie Queens", features displays re-creating several classic movie scenes, enhancing the glamour of the exquisite jewellery on display.Thematic zones match buyers' needsThe HKTDC organised more than 110 buying missions, comprising over 7,400 buyers from some 70 countries and regions, to visit the two shows. Dedicated zones have been set up according to buyers' sourcing requirements. Visitors looking for the most prestigious jewellery collections can visit the Hall of Extraordinary, featuring more than 100 exhibitors showcasing top-tier jewellery collections. Exhibitors include Novel Collection (Booth no.: 3B-C06) from Hong Kong, presenting a series of prestigious diamond pieces, including a US$500,000 oval-shaped vivid purple-pink diamond ring; as well as Crossfor (Booth no.: 3B-B02) from Japan, showcasing jewellery using their patented "Dancing Stone" setting technique, including a US$160,000 rose necklace with 15 "dancing diamonds." Other exhibitors include Butani Jewellery (Booth no.: GH-C02) and Lili Jewelry (Booth no.: 3B-C02) from Hong Kong, Kashikey (Booth no.: GH-E20) from Japan, CHQ (Booth no.: GH-E12) from Germany and CRIVELLI (Booth no.: GH-A10) from Italy.At the Hall of Fame, buyers can find renowned jewellers from around the world, including The Fifth Season by Roberto Coin (Booth no.: 3B-E06) and Giorgio Visconti (Booth no.: 3B-D14) from Italy, Highend (Booth no.: 3B-E10) from Thailand, as well as celebrated jewellery designer Frank Wu's eponymous label (Booth no.: 3B-D08) and Lao Feng Xiang (Booth no.: 3B-F14) from the Chinese mainland. Among the local brands are Lorenzo (Booth no.: 3B-D02) and Infinity Cross (Booth no.: 3B-F20). "Having built up a premium image among consumers, branded jewellery allows department stores, e-tailers and distributors to gain recognition from customers and thus improve the effectiveness of their promotion," said Mr Chau.Local jewellery industry sparklesHong Kong jewellers have long been sought-after by global buyers. World of Glamour gathers more than 400 local exhibitors, promoting fashionable jewellery pieces made in Hong Kong with fine craftsmanship. Exhibitors include Universal Jewellery Design Centre Ltd (Booth no.: 1E-C02), Aaron Shum Jewelry Ltd (Booth no.: 1D-D02), Brilliant Trading Company Ltd (Booth no.: 1C-F02) and LeGrand (Booth no.: 1E-A02). Buyers interested in unique and innovative designer brands can visit Designer Galleria, where several local and overseas budding designer brands offer the latest jewellery designs.Elsewhere, Wedding Bijoux focuses on bridal jewellery and wedding rings; Treasures of Craftsmanship features pieces that blend jewellery with art while Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria highlights the charm of classic jewellery. Twenty group pavilions have also been set up, including the Chinese mainland, France, Germany, Italy, Israel and Peru, as well as new pavilions from Portugal and the Philippines. The T-GOLD+METS pavilion displays top-of-the-line professional jewellery and watchmaking machinery, equipment, technology and supplies, while the TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting pavilion provides information about the latest product trends.Promoting outstanding designsThe biennial International Jewellery Design Excellence Award marks its fifth edition this year. An award presentation will be held tonight to announce the winning pieces from 165 competing entries. Following the presentation, a Gala Dinner sponsored by Tanzanite Foundation will be held under the theme "Tribute to Movie Queens", featuring a menu imbued with jewellery elements prepared by Chef Robert Fontana, ASEAN Chairman of Disciples Escoffier International Asia. Along with the culinary experience, guests will also be treated to musical performances from classic films, enhancing the ambience for networking.Various seminar sessions and forums will be held during the fair period on such topics as diamond testing technology, gemstone laboratory report and opportunities in the mature market. The Creative Director & Forecaster of TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting, Paola De Luca, will also host a seminar on Saturday to share her forecast on jewellery consumption and product trends. At the fairground, there will be a demonstration of Japanese Urushi lacquer craftsmanship as well as a number of jewellery parades and networking receptions for buyers to exchange market information.The winning entries of the 18th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition and International Jewellery Design Excellence Award are on display at Hall 1D Concourse, highlighting the creativity of Hong Kong and overseas jewellery designers to global buyers.Synergy with International Diamond, Gem & Pearl ShowThis is the fourth year that the HKTDC has adopted the "two shows, two venues" format for the twin jewellery shows. At the AsiaWorld-Expo, the fourth Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show kicked off on Tuesday and continues through Saturday. The show features more than 1,900 exhibitors. The three signature zones include the Hall of Fine Diamonds, gathering top diamond suppliers, Treasures of Nature, where precious gemstones and semi-precious stones are showcased, and Treasures of Ocean, presenting exquisite pearls. To facilitate buyers transiting between the two shows, a free shuttle bus service between AsiaWorld-Expo and downtown areas (including HKCEC) is provided from 2 to 4 March. Please consult the fair websites for more details.Fair Websites:HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkjewelleryshowHKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkdgpSecurity Measure: http://hkjewellery.hktdc.com/pdf/2017/Security/en.pdfPhoto Download: http://bit.ly/2mh55qOMedia Registration:Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdcLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazil and the European Union have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of 5G technology, through sharing of know-how and other measures. The accord was formally announced and signed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday, by Brazil's Minister of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications Gilberto Kassab and Gunther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIAvSetzktA Felipe Almeida, Co-Founder and CEO of Zup Innovation , and one of Brazil's most successful young technological entrepreneurs, welcomed yesterday's announcement, saying: "An agreement such as this can help Brazil to export technology. Normally we haveimported foreign technology and implemented it here. This can help put Brazil in thetechnological era, so more companies can create new technology and export it." Zup Innovation is the largest private Latin American stand and delegation at the fair, and was visited by Minister Kassab after the signing of the agreement with the EU. The company is emblematic of a Brazilian tech sector which has registered dynamic growth despite a recent political crisis and economic stagnation. HAUPPAUGE, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Highlights: CCO Bryan McGuirk to present at SATELLITE 2017 Globecomm to discuss applications for its ubiquitous IoT connectivity and Ka Band solutions Globecomm will be located at booth 1922 Globecomm, a leading global communications solutions provider, announced today that it will be attending and presenting at SATELLITE 2017, to be held March 6-10, 2017, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Globecomm's Chief Commercial Officer Bryan McGuirk will be discussing How Teleports Compete in a GEO-MEO-LEO, HTS and Fibered World on March 7 at 11 am, Room 201. "I am excited to be presenting at Satellite 2017," said Mr. McGuirk. "We operate global networks and, like other teleport operators, will directly benefit from these new constellations and expected lower satellite bandwidth costs. However, we differentiate ourselves because we are experts in delivering end to end services and value-added applications such as Globecomm Connect, wireless solutions, IoT and interactive training. These and many other new applications like UHD via satellite will be more accessible with lower bandwidth costs. This unleashing of new applications can be disruptive to teleports that just do uplinks, but successful players like Globecomm are already spending significantly on R&D to ensure we are beneficiaries of these trends." Globecomm's R&D initiatives put analytical tools into the hands of its partners and end users. As bandwidth prices decrease and more data is pushed through networks, customers will partner with providers who can best manage, secure and deliver their data in the smartest ways. This week Globecomm is announcing its new service feature which leverages and enhances IoT applications. Globecomm Connect provides web-based access to customers who subscribe to their Globecomm VSAT service, giving them access to a variety of network performance, location and equipment data. At SATELLITE 2017 Globecomm, which previously announced it had teamed up with AT&T to provide satellite coverage in regions outside their cellular coverage, will also discuss their enhanced IoT platform, which provides ubiquitous connectivity performed seamlessly over satellite to ensure global coverage for customers. Globecomm will also be discussing their expertise in Ka Band System Integration and managed connectivity services. For more than 35 years, SATELLITE has played a critical role in determining how satellites will shape the future of our world. The show welcomes a community of aerospace professionals from every market and field of study, hailing from more than 150 nations around the world. Globecomm looks forward to meeting you at our booth #1922. About Globecomm Globecomm is the leading engineering-driven, global connectivity provider serving media, maritime, enterprise and government markets in over 100 countries. We develop the smartest connectivity solutions to address customer connectivity needs across a broad spectrum of areas, including system design and integration, managed communication services including mobile and IoT, media services and mission critical networks. We are known for our unique ability to provide robust connectivity to the most remote locations under the most treacherous conditions. Globecomm is dedicated to improving communications and leverages its world class, global network to offer end-to-end, managed service communication's solutions worldwide. Based in Hauppauge, New York, Globecomm also maintains offices in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. For more information, please visit www.globecomm.com BIELEFELD, Germany, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- itelligence AG presents the topics "digital value creation" and "success methods for converting to SAP S/4HANA" The central topic at CeBIT 2017 is "digital economy." Using technology, business models and creative ideas, people shape our future world. The next-generation business suite - SAP S/4HANA - is a crucial building block for successful digitisation of enterprises. For that reason, itelligence AG is focusing its CeBIT presentations on the journey to SAP S/4HANA. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473629/Norbert_Rotter_CEO_itelligence_AG.jpg ) Visitors to itelligence, in Hall 4, C04, will learn how to convert their ERP systems and IT processes to SAP S/4HANA, taking a decisive step towards "digital value creation." In addition to the traditional presentation of technology and methodology related to SAP S/4HANA, this year itelligence is inviting attendees to its first "Expert Days" at the stand, focusing on the topics of SCP, Industry 4.0, intelligent production and digital sales. A strong signal for digitisation Business experts expect this year's CeBIT trade fair to provide a strong impulse for worldwide economic growth in connection with digitisation in all areas. That's not just because the German government is in the process of preparing for the G20 summit on "Digitisation," and the Hanover trade fair is an important milestone along the way. It's also because Japan will be taking part in this year's CeBIT as a partner country. The government and private sectors of this high-tech nation from the Far East make investments worth billions of euros in research, technology and innovation year after year. For a well-structured overview, see the NTT trade fair stand in the Japan pavilion. CeBIT partner country Japan - NTT drives digitisation in Japan The NTT Group is one of the important drivers of efficient digitisation in Japanese society and industry. The telecommunications giant is one of the world's largest operators of high-efficiency data networks and data centres distributed over all continents. In Hanover, NTT will discuss the key topics of this year's CeBIT: Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and the Cloud, and show them in use. Visitors will learn about the digital transformation for Smart Cities, intelligent production and agriculture, as well as sport and culture. On 21st March at the CeBIT Global Conference in Hanover, NTT will provide an overview of the status of the latest discoveries in research and development - for example, with keynotes from Toshio Iwamoto CEO of NTT DATA. Norbert Rotter, CEO of itelligence AG, said: "As a subsidiary of NTT DATA within the NTT Group, itelligence AG has established very close links with Japan. For example, itelligence serves as a worldwide coordinator of SAP solutions within NTT DATA group." Digitisation as a value creator As a successful SAP consulting company and "CeBIT SAP Premium Partner," itelligence AG plays an important role when accompanying companies on the path to digital economy, with support for the appropriate SAP technology. Norbert Rotter: "We show our visitors how they can use SAP S/4HANA to digitise their companies and to carry out the transformation into Industry 4.0. We show them how to master this technology and extract maximum business value. When we talk about SAP S/4HANA, we show you how to use Big Data, Internet of Things and Cloud for your business models, for example. All these technologies are just emerging. If companies invest in converting their ERP systems to SAP S/4HANA now, they are investing in a great, successful future with global digital value creation." itelligence AG's CeBIT topics: Conversion of ERP systems to SAP S/4HANA SAP S/4HANA will be the backbone and the trailblazer for all future business models and processes. From the great flood of available information, SAP S/4HANA distils all the relevant data and uses it to control processes and increase the amount of value created in the business. Visitors will learn how they can equip their companies for the future in the networked digital economy and get to know which new options SAP S/4HANA will provide them. Expert days: Monday, 20th March, 2017 and Tuesday, 21st March, 2017, with Lorenz Beckmann, itelligence principal for SAP HANA and SCP. Showcase "Automated High Rack Storage" This best-practice case maps digital warehousing processes. They are based entirely on the logistical functions of SAP S/4HANA. It comprises inventory management, location-based inventory management, material flow control as well as the hardware. The entire solution runs without sub-systems. itelligence Industry 4.0 Methodology Realization of Industry 4.0 takes more than digitisation of business processes. The company management needs to rethink everything, right down to the fundamental structures of the organisation. As a key component of the transformation roadmap, Industry 4.0 must not be seen in isolation, but considered in connection with a holistic digitisation strategy. It is important to employ the appropriate methodology, as highly diverse technologies need to be made to work together. Expert day: Thursday, 23rd March, 2017, with Hans Rauwolf, management business field Industry 4.0/IoT Business Partner Integration Deutsche Telekom has announced that the ISDN infrastructure will be deactivated by 2018 at the latest. This will affect several hundred thousand companies, which will switch to IP solutions. For this reason, itelligence has highly-optimised, alternative solutions - for example, OFTP2-capable EDI solutions for the automotive industry. itelligence demonstrates easy use of an OFTP2 configuration in the it.x-EDIconnect solution. An emphasis is also placed on the services that itelligence provides during the conversion. Expert day: Monday, 20th March, 2017, with Mirko Milla, team management consulting EDI solutions Digital Sales and Service It's never too late for more sales - especially in times of digital transformation. The only question is: how can more sales be generated? On the one hand, we must react to new digital purchasing habits, where every point of contact can be used as an opportunity. On the other hand, the underlying existing processes and especially new processes must be reflected upon and supported on the IT side. itelligence provides optimal solutions for the efficient control of the customer relationship management and how customers and sales can benefit across all sales channels. Expert day: Tuesday, 21st March, 2017, with Michael Stump, Director Customer Engagement and Commerce Intelligent Manufacturing Digitisation and market changes go hand in hand and spur one another on. Customers expect new products, equipment, machines all the time - combined with new concepts for using them to add value. Engineers, product designers, shop floor workers and management must deliver. itelligence will show solutions that allow users to optimise their production, all the way to manufacturing products in "batch size 1." Expert day: Wednesday, 22nd March, 2017, with Gunter Grobbel, Head of Presales ERP Challenge and Exclusive Expert Discussions How can a customer-specific product order be processed and controlled efficiently using an ERP system? This is the challenge that itelligence AG will be tackling on the "Digital ERP Stage" - the centrepiece of the special ERP show in Hall 5. In each session, two ERP providers will present their solution for a given scenario: The processes for handling a customer order for an "e.Go KART" will be demonstrated. Each solution will be put through its paces, completing all the steps involved in processing an individual customer order, from barcode to timely delivery. Interested parties are invited to arrange an exclusive expert discussion on a specific topic area in advance. Interviews with experts will be held at stand C04 in Hall 4, in the Premium Partner section of the SAP stand. Further information is available on the itelligence AG website. (Language: German) itelligence is one of the leading international full-service providers of solutions in support of SAP solutions, employing about 6.000 highly qualified employees in 25 countries. As a frequently awarded SAP partner, among others SAP Hybris Gold Partner, global value-added reseller, SAP Certified in Cloud Services, SAP-Certified Provider of Hosting Services for SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and SAP Platinum Partner, itelligence realizes complex projects in the SAP solution-based environment worldwide. The company's services in support of SAP solutions range from consulting and licensing to application management services and hosting services to proprietary industry-specific SAP. In 2016, itelligence generated total sales of EUR 777,9 million. ### SAP, SAP S/4HANA, SAP HANA and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Media Contact: Silvia Dicke Tel: +49-(0)-521-91448-107 Fax: +49-(0)-521-91445-201 silvia.dicke@itelligence.de Konigsbreede 1 33605 Bielefeld http://blog.itelligence.de/ http://itelligencegroup.com/de/ RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ZAFUL (www.zaful.com), one of the most prominent and unique online clothing stores for young women is set to open a new Arab site. This is a third step towards multi-language localization strategy. So far it has launched a French site in Sept. 2016 and a Spanish site in Jan. 2017. ZAFUL is on a mission to establish an internationalbrand for young women's fashion. It has taken a step forward in global development in the Middle East by opening an Arabic site this month, http://ar.zaful.com/. The site is meant to widen the ZAFUL market place to most Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria as well as Israel, thus making their online shopping experience easier. Arab locals will have the opportunity to pay for their merchandise using cash on delivery system powered by BIT Co. as well as other options availed. Consequently, the global nature of ZAFUL has enabled it to make worldwide deliveries with loads of delivery options. It has managed to provide DHL, UPS as well as Express way among many other fast delivery services. The customer can always choose the mode of delivery depending on need and security. A Brief Overview of Middle East Consumers The Middle East represents a different niche of consumers that are directed mostly by culture and religion. The Middle East has one of thelargest consumerbases especially when it comes to clothing. The young generation is slowly adapting some western ways fashion trends. There is still a hard line to cross when it comes to westernization. It is more about social acceptability and modesty. Keeping that in mind, ZAFUL Middle East branch will design, stock and sell what can be culturally accepted. The clothes will be different from those sold in western countries and sold in middle-eastern countries. Other Project ZAFUL will also lure and entice its Arab market share by doing some local online and offline promotional activities during the holidays. The series of local activities are set to promote the brand as well as convert the clients into loyal customers. For more information about ZAFUL Multi-Language Localization Strategy, Visit http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zaful-met-en-uvre-une-strategie-de-localisation-multilingue-611677675.html Contact: Name: Jamie Email: news@zaful.com Website: www.zaful.com Phone number: +(1)-888-830-0888 SUMMIT (dpa-AFX) - Celgene Corp. (CELG) and Agios Pharmaceuticals' (AGIO) New Drug Application for Enasidenib has been granted Priority Review by the FDA - with a decision date set for August 30, 2017. The companies are seeking approval of Enasidenib for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with an isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutation. AGIO closed Wednesday's trading at $51.74, up 6.81%. A study from Exact Sciences Corp. (EXAS) and Mayo Clinic released by the American Association of Cancer Research shows promise for the development of a new blood-based lung cancer test. The study involving 398 patients (311 controls and 87 cancers) demonstrated that biomarkers in plasma, in this case, four novel methylated DNA markers, achieved a sensitivity of 91-96 percent at a specificity of 90-94 percent. EXAS closed Wednesday's trading at $22.15, up 2.93%. In after-hours, the stock was up 4.97% to $23.25. Juno Therapeutics Inc. (JUNO) has decided to pull the plug on its phase II trial of JCAR015 in adult patients with r/r acute lymphoblastic leukemia, referred to as the ROCKET trial. Last November, the trial was put on hold following two patient deaths. Juno conducted an investigation into the toxicity. Considering the fact that there are other product candidates in its pipeline, which are likely to provide improved efficacy and tolerability, Juno, in collaboration with partner Celgene, has made a strategic decision to cease development of JCAR015. JUNO closed Wednesday's trading at $25.31, up 5.28%. In after-hours, the stock was down 7.94% to $23.30. The FDA has approved Odactra, the first allergen extract, for house dust mite allergies. Odactra, which is to be administered under the tongue, is indicated for people 18 through 65 years of age. Odactra is manufactured for Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp., (a subsidiary of Merck and Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J.) by Catalent Pharma Solutions Limited, United Kingdom. Shares of NeuroDerm Ltd. (NDRM) rose more than 26% on Wednesday, following positive results from its phase II trial of ND0612H for advanced Parkinson's disease. The trial, dubbed Trial 006, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in OFF-time and increase in proportion of patients 'ON' by 8:00 am (primary and key secondary endpoints). The study also showed statistically significant reduction in troublesome dyskinesia and a complete reduction of OFF-time to zero hours in 66% of responders. NDRM closed Wednesday's trading at $29.30, up 26.57%. In after-hours, the stock was up another 1.52% to $29.74. Puma Biotechnology Inc. (PBYI) has a couple of catalyst to watch out for in the coming months. The anticipated key milestones are : -- Additional data from its Phase II CONTROL trial of Neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment in HER2-positive early stage breast cancer using antidiarrheal prophylaxis with loperamide and other agents are expected in Q2, 2017. -- Interim Phase I/II data from NSABP FB-10 trial of Neratinib plus Kadcyla in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer expected in Q2, 2017. -- Data from Phase II SUMMIT basket trial of Neratinib in patients with HER2 non-amplified solid tumors that have a HER2 mutation anticipated in Q2, 2017. -- Data from phase III trial in third-line HER2-positive MBC patients in the first half of 2017. -- Data from TBCRC-022 Phase II trial of Neratinib plus capecitabine in HER2-positive MBC patients with brain metastases expected in Q2, 2017. -- Data from phase II SUMMIT basket trial of Neratinib in HER2-negative breast cancer patients with HER2 mutations in Q2, 2017 -- Final 5-year disease free survival (DFS) data from ExteNET Phase III trial of Neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment in HER2-positive early stage breast cancer slated for release during the second half of 2017. -- Regulatory decisions in the United States and European Union on Neratinib for the extended adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive early stage breast cancer in the third quarter of 2017. PBYI closed Wednesday's trading at $38.05, up 3.68%. Sangamo Therapeutics Inc.'s (SGMO) SB-913, a genome editing product candidate for the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS II), has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA. Sangamo is conducting a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating SB-913 as an in vivo genome editing treatment for MPS II. Sangamo is also conducting Phase 1/2 studies this year evaluating in vivo genome editing treatments SB-318 for MPS I, another rare lysosomal storage disorder, and SB-FIX for hemophilia B, a rare blood disease. Data from the above studies and from a clinical trial for a fourth lead program, SB-525, a gene therapy approach for hemophilia A, are expected in late 2017 or early 2018. SGMO closed Wednesday's trading at $4.70, up 3.30%. ASPiRA LABs, a Vermillion company (VRML), has signed a contracted in-network agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for ovarian cancer risk assessment test OVA1. ASPiRA's OVA1 test is U.S. FDA cleared. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan serves over six million beneficiaries throughout Michigan and surrounding states. VRML closed Wednesday's trading at $2.35, up 1.73%. In after-hours, the stock was up 17.02% to $2.75. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 02, 2017) - Red Eagle Exploration Limited (TSX-V: XR) is pleased to announce the TSX Venture Exchange has approved its name change from CB Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: CBJ) to Red Eagle Exploration Limited. On Monday March 6, 2017, Red Eagle Exploration common shares will begin trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new symbol "XR". Red Eagle Exploration further wishes to clarify that 4,666,700 common shares will be issued in connection with the amended acquisition agreement for the San Bartolo property and not 3,450,000 common shares, which was referred to in error in the news release dated February 15, 2017. About Red Eagle Exploration Red Eagle Exploration is a well-financed precious metals exploration and development corporation majority owned by gold producer Red Eagle Mining Corporation. Red Eagle Exploration has an experienced exploration and mine development team focused on building shareholder value through acquiring and developing high grade gold and silver projects with low costs and low technical risks in Colombia, a jurisdiction with prolific historic production but until recently limited modern exploration. Red Eagle Exploration owns 100% of the California Gold, Vetas Gold and Santa Ana Silver Projects, which consist of numerous historic and existing mines and where exploration is currently underway to delineate high-grade vein resources exploitable by modern underground mining methods. 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. Information set forth in this news release includes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation; statements about the terms and completion of the proposed sale transaction are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: failure to satisfy all conditions precedent to the transaction, including disinterested shareholder approval and stock exchange regulatory approval, and the additional risks identified in the management discussion and analysis section of the Company's interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the respective companies undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. For further information, please contact Ian Slater, Chief Executive Officer or: Patrick Balit Vice President Corporate Development Red Eagle Mining Corporation +1 778 372 2558 balit@redeaglemining.com DUBLIN, Mar 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Agriculture drone Market Analysis By Product (Fixed Wing, Rotary Blade, Hybrid), By Application (Field mapping, Variable rate application, Crop Scouting) And Segment Forecasts Till 2024" report to their offering. The global agriculture drone market is expected to reach USD 3,770.0 million by 2024. The increasing technological advancements in equipment and for enhancing the quality of the farming techniques have led to the increased implementation of agriculture drones in the market. Increasing automation in the agriculture process, owing to the labor crisis, such as lack of skilled farmers, aging farmers, is also expected to positively impact the market growth. A favorable shift in the regulatory policy is also expected to allow start-ups to operate in small and large farming operations and aid in disease & water management. Innovations in the GPS mapping field coupled with the advancements in precision agriculture are expected to propel the industry growth over the forecast period. Drones have the potential to implement better plantation with crop rotation strategies and give crucial inputs related to the daily progress of crops which is further contributing to the growth. The companies operating in the industry are designing and manufacturing systems that are collecting the data and are incorporating them into business models. which is further anticipated to enhance the industry growth. The data gathered from drones help the farmers to improve yields; supply water, fertilizer, or chemical when needed, and are also able to map their fields, check for signs of disease, monitor crop health, and save time in the process. The North America agriculture drones market is expected to remain the key revenue generating region with a prevalent share of the industry. The increasing adoption of the drones, in various applications including spraying, seeding, and livestock farming, has led to the enormous market share. The Asia Pacific agriculture drone market is anticipated to witness a significant growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing investments in R&D in the region. Companies Mentioned 3D Robotics Inc. AeroVironment, Inc. AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. Agribotix LLC SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd DroneDeploy Eagle UAV Services LLC Honeycomb Corporation Parrot SA PrecisionHawk Inc. Trimble Navigation Ursula Agriculture Key Topics Covered: 1. Methodology and Scope 2. Executive Summary 3. Market Snapshot 4. Industry Outlook 5. Agriculture Drone Product Outlook 6. Agriculture Drone Application Outlook 7. Agriculture Drone Regional Outlook 8. Competitive Landscape For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4x9w4h/agriculture_drone 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 HAVANA, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Quai D ' Orsay brand takes centre stage, marking a new and promising phase starting with an image redesign and the release of two new vitolas This year the Alianza Habanos brought together two denominations: Habanos and Brandy de J erez . The International Habanosommelier Contest's grand final will be held on March 3rd . The Habano Festival has passed the mid-point of its XIX edition and continues its celebrations in a friendly and exclusive atmosphere with the Habano as the common theme. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8054751-mid-point-xix-habano-festival/ Yesterday, Laguito was the venue for the Tribute Evening dedicated to Quai D'Orsay, the brand that was created in 1973 by Cubatabaco exclusively for the French market. Quai D'Orsay embarks on a new and promising adventure with the release of its new design, the presentation of two new vitolas and its international distribution network to major Habanos S.A. markets. Visitors at the evening event were able to enjoy the brand's three vitolas: Coronas Claro, and the new No. 50 and No. 54, and also enjoy a vitola from its classic portfolio, Quai D'Orsay Imperiales, reedited exclusively for this dinner. The evening featured an outstanding international Cuban musical line-up and choreographies of Maestro Santiago Alfonso's company. Visitors attending the XIX Habano Festival were also able to enjoy the traditional Alianza Habanos that brought together two legendary denominations: Habanos and the prestigious Brandy de Jerez, from Spain. Bodegas Gonzalez Byass, Bodega Sanchez Romate Hnos., Bodegas Fundador, and Bodegas Osborne paired their exclusive brandies with two of the most appreciated Habanos: Trinidad Vigia and Partagas Serie D No.4. Among the most important activities at this Festival, we find the XVI Edition of the International Habanosommelier Contest. The finalists are the following: Andrea Balzani (Italy), Slavomir Marek Bielicki (UK) and Felipe Rojas (Chile). In the preliminary phase participants demonstrated their knowledge of Habanos with the presentation of a pairing of their own creation that had to be different and innovative and a blind tasting of Habanos and spirits. In the grand finale participants will face a practical Habano cutting and lighting test and a descriptive tasting and pairing session with different spirits, as follow up of the staging of the last extraordinary edition. The Festival will finalise Friday March 3rd, with the Gala Evening dedicated to the exclusive Linea 1935 from the Montecristo brand. The evening will witness the Habanos Awards ceremony and the traditional Humidor Auction, whose proceeds are donated to the Cuban Public Health System. Izaskun Martinez (Tel: +53-521-243-89) or Cristina Andreu (Tel: +34-609-46-44-05). (Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473981/Quai_Dorsay.jpg ) Video: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8054751-mid-point-xix-habano-festival/ Supply Demand Chain Executive Honors Sean Riley, Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain Solutions Director Software AG (Frankfurt TecDAX: SOW) announced today that Supply Demand Chain Executive magazine selected Sean Riley, global manufacturing and supply chain solutions director at Software AG, as a 2017 "Pro to Know." This list recognizes executives who have helped their supply chain clients prepare to meet the important challenges of today's business climate. This is the fifth consecutive year Riley has been named a "Pro to Know" in recognition of his proficiency in the supply chain and logistics field. Riley has over a decade of experience in industry and information technology, with extensive knowledge of areas such as leveraging the Internet of Things to optimize supply chains through real-time logistics visibility and prediction, and continuous dynamic supply chain capacity optimization. His expertise helps him develop solutions that assist customers in the manufacturing, logistics and transportation industries in meeting their business goals. Riley said: "It's an honor to be recognized as a 'Pro to Know' because of the continued work to ensure supply chains are not only functional but as optimized as possible." The Pros to Know Awards recognize supply chain executives, and manufacturing and non-manufacturing enterprises, leading initiatives to help prepare their companies' supply chains for the significant challenges of today's digital transformation. Supply Demand Chain Executive received over 300 entries for the 2017 Pros to Know Awards. Digital transformation is a disruptive force that helps enterprises become significantly more competitive and remain healthier for the long term, as rapid change obliterates traditional business methods. Digitization helps enterprises advance standing business models and design innovative new models, augment legacy systems, generate new revenue streams, and achieve enhanced organizational agility. The Software AG Digital Business Platform is an integrated set of powerful technologies, capabilities and methodologies for managing a digital transformation and for reshaping business designs that enable an enterprise to be more data-driven, customer-obsessed, hyper-connected and super-agile. The Digital Business Platform is offered in the cloud, as a service, on premise, or a hybrid configuration. About Software AG The digital transformation is changing enterprise IT landscapes from inflexible application silos to modern software platform-driven IT architectures which deliver the openness, speed and agility needed to enable the digital real-time enterprise. Software AG offers the first end-to-end Digital Business Platform, based on open standards, with integration, process management, in-memory data, adaptive application development, real-time analytics and enterprise architecture management as core building blocks. The modular platform allows users to develop the next generation of application systems to build their digital future, today. With over 45 years of customer-centric innovation, Software AG is ranked as a leader in many innovative and digital technology categories. Software AG has more than 4,300 employees, is active in 70 countries and had revenues of 872 million in 2016. Learn more at www.softwareag.com Software AG, 11700 Plaza America Drive, Reston, VA, 20190 Detailed press information about Software AG including a picture and multimedia database is available under: www.softwareag.com/press Follow us on Twitter: Software AG Global About Supply Demand Chain Executive Supply Demand Chain Executive is the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage. Visit us on the web at www.SDCExec.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170309006057/en/ Contacts: Software AG John Stewart, +1 978 289 3185 John.Stewart@softwareag.com Twitter: @johncorpcomms or LEWIS for Software AG Zach Berger, +1 781-418-2478 SoftwareAGUS@teamlewis.com or Software AG Baerbel Strothmann, +49 (0) 6151 92-1502 baerbel.strothmann@softwareag.com or Software AG Byung-Hun Park, +49(0) 6151 92 2070 byung-hun.park@softwareag.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Copper Fox Metals Inc. ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: CUU)(OTC PINK: CPFXF) is pleased to report the results of the compilation of the 2015 and 2016 rock sampling programs on its 100% owned Mineral Mountain property, a Laramide age copper-molybdenum-gold project located in central Arizona. Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "The compilation work indicates that a large area of porphyry style copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization hosted in Laramide age rocks has been identified at Mineral Mountain. This porphyry copper environment is located in the same northeast trending structural lineament that hosts the porphyry copper deposits at Casa Grande, Florence, Resolution and in the Globe-Miami district, Arizona." Highlights: a) A 2.5km by 1.1km northeast trending zone of porphyry style copper- molybdenum-gold mineralization has been identified. This zone includes the mineralized area delineated in 2016 (see news release dated February 8, 2017). b) The mineralized zone is hosted in potassic and phyllic altered rocks that cover an area of approximately 3.0km by 2.0km. c) The mineralization and potassic/phyllic alteration is terminated to the north by an interpreted graben. Laramide age rocks are not known to outcrop north of this structure. d) The alteration pattern is consistent with a porphyry system: a potassic core, an intermediate phyllic zone surrounded by regionally extensive propylitic alteration. e) The previously reported historical chargeability anomaly exhibits a good correlation with mineralized potassic and sericitic altered Laramide age rocks. Mineral Mountain Project: The Mineral Mountain project is located in the northeast trending Jemez structural lineament, the same trend that hosts the porphyry copper deposits at Casa Grande, Florence, Resolution and in the Globe-Miami district in Arizona. Compilation: In 2015 Copper Fox conducted a bedrock mapping and sampling program on a 400m spaced sampling grid. The results of the 2015 and 2016 bedrock sampling programs were compiled and interpreted. A brief synopsis of the review is presented below. Alteration: The portion of the project discussed in this news release displays a classical porphyry style alteration pattern consisting of a potassic core, an intermediate phyllic zone and an outer more extensive propylitic alteration. The mineralized trend identified as a result of the compilation work is located within potassic and phyllic altered rocks. Potassic Alteration: The area of copper-molybdenite-gold mineralization outlined in 2016 is hosted in potassic altered Laramide age rocks. The potassic alteration zone (potassic envelopes, secondary biotite) measures approximately 1,200m by 900m and is terminated to the northeast by an interpreted graben. The potassic alteration is restricted to Laramide age rocks and follows the same trend as the Laramide age hornblende diorite dikes located within the mineralized area. Phyllic Alteration: The phyllic zone (quartz-sericite +/- pyrite) surrounds the potassic zone and is terminated to the north by the same graben that terminated the potassic alteration zone. Phyllic alteration extends to the southwest over a horizontal distance of approximately 3.0km and ranges in width from 1.4 to 2.0km. At the south end of this zone, sericitic alteration extends a considerable distance into the Precambrian rocks. Propylitic Alteration: This alteration (hematite-epidote-late stage epidote veining) is not mineralized and surrounds the zone of sericitic alteration. Mineralization: The compilation of the 2015 bedrock sampling results has outlined two areas of mineralized rock located to the northeast and southwest of the mineralized zone outlined in 2016. These two areas of mineralized rock plus the area of mineralization outlined in 2016 define the mineralized trend. Northeast Zone: The delineation of this zone is based on 10 samples located northeast of the mineralized area identified in 2016. The mineralized samples are hosted in potassic and phyllic altered Laramide age granodiorite and quartz monzonite. The zone covers an area of approximately 1,000m by 500m and terminates against the interpreted graben. The range, average and median values for this zone are shown in the table below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analytical Values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Element Minimum Maximum Average Median ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copper (ppm) 21 8,620 1,371 127 Molybdenum (ppm) 2 168 54 36 Gold (ppb) 10 733 129 37 Silver (ppm) 0.1 57.5 9.39 1.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mineralization in this zone is hosted in classical "A" veins, as well as in veins with sericitic and potassic envelopes. Hematite is common to the veins. Jarosite, pyrite and secondary biotite have also been observed in association with the mineralized quartz veins. Southwest Zone: This zone is located to the southwest of the 2016 sampled area and is defined by 18 samples, 12 of which contain either greater than 1,000 ppm copper or greater than 60 ppm molybdenum. The mineralization is hosted in steeply dipping quartz veins with sericitic envelopes. Chlorite and late stage epidote veinlets have been observed at several sample sites. Hematite is common to the mineralized veins. The range, average and median values for this zone are shown below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Analytical Values ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Element Minimum Maximum Average Median ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copper (ppm) 45 90,570 10,084 401 Molybdenum (ppm) 1.1 326 56 14.6 Gold (ppb) 6 323 59 16.5 Silver (ppm) 0.1 54.9 9.05 2.55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The average and median copper concentration for this zone is strongly influenced by the sample that contained 90,570 ppm copper. Assigning a zero value to this sample, the average copper content of the zone is reduced by 50% to 5,052 ppm copper and the median value is reduced by 45% to 221 ppm copper. The addition to the metal assemblage and alteration, the mineralized trend is characterized by a rhenium-bismuth-tellurium geochemical association, porphyry style "A" and "D" veins and chalcocite veins (with minor covellite). The main copper minerals are chalcocite, chryscolla and malachite. Analytical and Sampling Procedures: The sampling of outcrops, trenches and pits (where applicable) as well as mapping lithologies, alterations, and vein assemblages were completed. Rock chip samples (approximately one kilogram) were collected from bedrock to characterize the metals present in veins and other mineralized structures. Outcrop exposures within the sampled area are estimated to 10-15%. The samples were transported and delivered in person to Skyline Laboratories in Tucson, Arizona. Samples were crushed to plus 75% -10 mesh, split and pulverized to plus 95% -150 mesh. Pulps were subjected to a multi-acid digest (HNO3, HF, HClO4) followed by analysis by ICP/OES. Gold was analyzed on a 30-gram charge by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Fluorine was analyzed by an ion-selective electrode. The Skyline's package code TE-5 was used to analyze the samples for the base and other trace elements. Over limits for copper, silver, arsenic and barium were determined using the TCu, FA-04 and SEA analytical code employed by Skyline. Skyline has an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 accreditation. Quality Control: The first sample of each batch was a field blank. One certified standard pulp was inserted into the sample stream for each laboratory batch of twenty samples. A total of 5 field blanks and 12 certified reference standards were inserted with the sample batches for which analyses have been received. All standards were within +/-5% of accepted value for the standard. Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P. Geol., President of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. About Copper Fox: Copper Fox is a Tier 1 Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: CUU) focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. Copper Fox and its wholly owned Canadian and United States subsidiaries, being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc. hold the assets listed below: 1) 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project located in northwestern British Columbia. 2) 100% ownership of the Van Dyke oxide copper project located in Miami, Arizona. 3) 65.4% of the shares of Carmax Mining Corp. who in turn own 100% of the Eaglehead copper-molybdenum-gold project located in northwestern British Columbia. 4) 100% ownership of the Sombrero Butte copper project located east of Mammoth, Arizona. 5) 100% ownership of the Mineral Mountain copper project located east of Florence, Arizona. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the existence of a large area of porphyry style copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization; the dimensions, shape, and location of the mineralized and altered areas and the average and median concentrations for copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological, financial and economic advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the dimensions, shape, or location of the mineralized and altered areas may not be as estimated; the average and median copper, molybdenum, gold and silver concentrations may not be accurate: and the existence of a porphyry copper system may not be established. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Contacts: Copper Fox Metals Inc. Lynn Ball 1-844-464-2820 or 1-403-264-2820 BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On 27th February, Barcelona witnessed a great opening ceremony of one of the top 3 events in the tech industry, Mobile World Congress. The event attracted thousands of telecommunication companies, operators and device manufacturers and focused on smartphones and 5G. Coolpad attended the event and announced its flagship smartphone: Cool S1. This device concentrates on music and gameswhile targeting younger users, who prefer value-for-money products. Experience the Fresh Sound The global leading audio brand Harman Kardon supported the audio system design, tuning and audio enhancement technologies. The Clari-Fi music restoration technology restores the audio quality of all types of compressed digital music including MP3 files to near CD quality. The S1 offers LiveStage Surround, a technology that enhances the listening experience with video content. During the MWC, HARMAN officially rewarded Coolpad the authentication certificate on high-quality sound. Coolpad offers two stereo sound speakers on the S1, which can guarantee the high quality all-around stereo sound and provide higher volume than other phones. Moreover, S1 will bundle with AKG high-res earphones N18 as bonus, which typically retail for 100 EUR or more. Smooth in Heavy Games S1 has a high-end chip, Snapdragon 821, which is optimized in CPU, GPU, WIFI, temperature-control and power-consumption. S1 can give you the best user experience in all heavy games. S1is equipped with Xunyou mobile game accelerator, which can avoid the unstable network and ensure a smooth connection. Moreover, the strong battery with 4070 milliampere can guarantee at least 4 hoursplaying 3D mobile games. During MWC, Mr. Peter Liu, VP & GM of Harman Embedded Audio, attended the con-interview with Coolpad. Referring to the cooperation with Coolpad, Peter contended that it is the brand recognition that promoted the cooperation. Both of the companies regard the satisfaction of users as their ultimate obligation, not only in necessary requirements but also in deep motivation. S1 is just the beginning, we can expect more elaborate products in the future. Coolpad overseas business increases every year. Besides the current business covering 28 countries and regions, such as USA, India, Indonesia, it will expand to 46 countries, including West Europe, Latin America. Especially in West Europe, S1 will play an important role in developing this new market: it will beon sale online inMay. We expect it to be very successful. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/473978/Coolpad_Cool_S1_at_MWC.jpg Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "European Next-generation Sequencing Services Market, Forecast to 2023" report to their offering. The European NGS services market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2016 to 2023 to reach $605 million by 2023. A relatively slow adopter of the technology, Europe now contributes to roughly a third of the global NGS services market size. Government-backed large-scale projects in the region such as the 100,000 Genomes Project of the United Kingdom (UK) and France Genomic Medicine Plan 2025 are poised to bring NGS to the forefront. Industry stakeholders are adapting to current market needs and aligning services with growth opportunities in research and clinical applications. Disruptive technologies in NGS are revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Launch of high-throughput sequencers has set new service standards, with focus on superior coverage and accuracy. Low-cost and quick turnaround features have amplified NGS uptake as an alternative to traditional methods such as microarray, capillary electrophoresis, and Sanger, propelling the demand for NGS services across areas such as human genetics, plant and animal biotech, agriculture, food and drug safety, and forensics. The research service explores current industry trends and market response to the growing sequencing demand. The NGS services market in Europe has been comprehensively studied to understand the core value proposition of game-changing service providers. Industry-wide collaborations, focusing on diversified applications and value-added services, have also been discussed. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Dashboard 2. Growth Environment-Market Overview 3. Market Forecasts 4. Competitive Playbook 5. Visioning Scenarios 6. Growth Pipeline, Strategy and Implementation 7. The Last Word 8. Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qx46wf/european View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005609/en/ Contacts: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T. Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Related Topics: Molecular Diagnostics CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 --Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions, announced financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of Fiscal 2017 ended January 28, 2017. Third Quarter Fiscal 2017 Methode's third-quarter Fiscal 2017 net sales increased $11.0 million, or 6.0 percent, to $195.6 million from $184.6 million in the same quarter of Fiscal 2016. Year over year, currency rate fluctuations decreased net sales $1.8 million. Net income increased $6.5 million to $23.7 million, or $0.63 per share, in the third quarter of Fiscal 2017 from $17.2 million, or $0.45 per share, in the same period of Fiscal 2016. Year over year, Fiscal 2017 third-quarter net income benefitted from: higher sales in the Automotive and Power Products segments; a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense; lower legal and other professional fees of $1.5 million; an international government grant of $1.5 million; and lower travel and other selling expense of $0.3 million. Year over year, Fiscal 2017 third-quarter net income was negatively affected by: lower sales volumes and unfavorable sales mix of data solutions products in the Interface segment; unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials; and increased income tax expense of $1.1 million. Consolidated gross margins as a percentage of sales increased to 27.3 percent in the Fiscal 2017 third quarter from 25.8 percent in the Fiscal 2016 period. Gross margins improved primarily as a result of a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, partially offset with unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials as well as lower sales volumes and an unfavorable sales mix of data solutions products in the Interface segment. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of sales decreased to 12.4 percent for the Fiscal 2017 third quarter compared to 14.1 percent in the same period last year. Selling and administrative expense decreased $1.8 million, or 6.9 percent, to $24.3 million in the Fiscal 2017 third quarter compared to $26.1 million in the prior-year third quarter due primarily to lower legal and other professional fees, as well as decreased travel and other selling expenses. In the Fiscal 2017 third quarter, income tax expense increased $1.1 million to $6.6 million compared to $5.5 million in the Fiscal 2016 third quarter. The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 21.8 percent in the Fiscal 2017 period from 24.2 percent in the previous third quarter. Segment Comparisons Comparing the Automotive segment's Fiscal 2017 third quarter to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales increased 8.6 percent, or $11.9 million, attributable to: -- a 15.3 percent sales improvement in North America due to higher General Motors' center console (including production of new platforms) and transmission lead frame assembly product volumes, partially offset with lower Ford center console product volume and pricing concessions; and -- a 3.4 percent sales increase in Asia due to improved transmission lead frame assembly and interior light and switch assembly product volumes, partially offset by decreased brake switch assembly and steering angle sensor product volumes; partially offset by -- a 0.8 percent sales decline in Europe due to unfavorable currency rate fluctuations and lower sales volumes of ignition switch products, partially offset by higher integrated center panel and steering wheel switch product volumes. -- a 15.3 percent sales improvement in North America due to higher General Motors' center console (including production of new platforms) and transmission lead frame assembly product volumes, partially offset with lower Ford center console product volume and pricing concessions; and -- a 3.4 percent sales increase in Asia due to improved transmission lead frame assembly and interior light and switch assembly product volumes, partially offset by decreased brake switch assembly and steering angle sensor product volumes; partially offset by -- a 0.8 percent sales decline in Europe due to unfavorable currency rate fluctuations and lower sales volumes of ignition switch products, partially offset by higher integrated center panel and steering wheel switch product volumes. Gross margins as a percentage of sales improved to 29.8 percent from 26.9 percent due to a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense partially offset by unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials. Income from operations increased 28.6 percent as the result of increased sales, a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense as well as lower travel and general administrative expense, partially offset by unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials. Comparing the Interface segment's Fiscal 2017 third quarter to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales decreased 14.4 percent, or $5.0 million, attributable to: -- a 15.7 percent sales decline in North America driven by lower data solutions, radio remote control and appliance product volumes; and -- an 11.3 percent sales decrease in Europe as the result of lower radio remote control and data solutions product volumes; and -- Sales in Asia were flat. -- a 15.7 percent sales decline in North America driven by lower data solutions, radio remote control and appliance product volumes; and -- an 11.3 percent sales decrease in Europe as the result of lower radio remote control and data solutions product volumes; and -- Sales in Asia were flat. Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 22.8 percent from 23.6 percent due to lower sales, specifically in data solutions, partially offset by a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense. Income from operations increased 160.0 percent as the result of a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense and lower overall general and administrative expense partially offset by lower sales. Comparing the Power Products segment's Fiscal 2017 third quarter to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales increased 36.3 percent, or $4.1 million, attributable to: -- a 46.2 percent sales improvement in Europe driven by higher bypass switch product volume; and -- a 39.3 percent sales increase in Asia due to improved PowerRail and other busbar product volumes; and -- a 29.5 percent sales increase in North America as the result of higher PowerRail and other busbar product volumes. -- a 46.2 percent sales improvement in Europe driven by higher bypass switch product volume; and -- a 39.3 percent sales increase in Asia due to improved PowerRail and other busbar product volumes; and -- a 29.5 percent sales increase in North America as the result of higher PowerRail and other busbar product volumes. Gross margins as a percentage of sales increased to 26.6 percent from 19.5 percent due to higher sales and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense partially offset by unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials. Income from operations improved 166.7 percent as the result of increased sales and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, partially offset by unfavorable commodity pricing of raw materials. First Nine Months Fiscal 2017 Methode's first nine-month Fiscal 2017 net sales increased $0.4 million, or 0.1 percent, to $596.7 million from $596.3 million in the same period of Fiscal 2016. Year over year, currency rate fluctuations decreased net sales $3.2 million. Net income increased $7.7 million to $69.7 million, or $1.86 per share, in the first nine months of Fiscal 2017 from $62.0 million, or $1.60 per share, in the same period of Fiscal 2016. Year over year, first nine-month Fiscal 2017 net income benefitted from: higher sales in the Automotive and Power Products segments; favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense; an international government grant of $3.0 million; lower travel expense of $1.5 million; commodity pricing adjustments in the Automotive segment of $1.0 million; one-time reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues in the Automotive segment of $1.0 million; absence of costs associated with the move of manufacturing from the Philippines to Egypt in the Fiscal 2016 first quarter of $1.0 million; lower selling expense of $0.8 million; decreased income tax expense of $0.3 million; and overhead cost reductions in the Power Products segment. Year over year, first nine-month Fiscal 2017 net income was negatively affected by: lower sales volumes and unfavorable sales mix of data solutions products in the Interface segment; higher stock award amortization expense of $5.0 million; increased legal and other professional fees of $1.8 million; and the absence of a tariff refund of $1.3 million. Consolidated gross margins as a percentage of sales increased to 27.3 percent in the Fiscal 2017 first nine months from 25.5 percent in the Fiscal 2016 period. Gross margins improved primarily as a result of commodity pricing adjustments and the one-time reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues in the Automotive segment, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, the absence of costs associated with the move of manufacturing from the Philippines to Egypt, as well as overhead cost reductions in the Power Products segment. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased to 13.1 percent for the Fiscal 2017 first nine months compared to 12.4 percent in the same period last year. Selling and administrative expense increased $4.5 million, or 6.1 percent, to $78.2 million in the Fiscal 2017 first nine months compared to $73.7 million in the prior-year period due primarily to higher stock award amortization expense as well as increased legal and professional fees, partially offset by lower travel and selling expense. In the Fiscal 2017 first nine months, income tax expense decreased $0.3 million to $18.3 million compared to $18.6 million in the Fiscal 2016 first nine months. The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 20.8 percent in the Fiscal 2017 period from 23.1 percent in the previous period. Segment Comparisons Comparing the Automotive segment's Fiscal 2017 first nine months to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales increased 1.9 percent, or $8.8 million, attributable to: -- a 6.8 percent sales improvement in North America due to higher General Motors' center console (including production of new platforms) and transmission lead frame assembly product volumes, partially offset by lower Ford center console product volume and pricing concessions; partially offset by -- a 0.4 percent sales decrease in Asia due to reduced steering angle sensor product volumes, partially offset by higher transmission lead frame assembly, interior light and switch assembly and brake switch product volumes; and -- a 6.9 percent sales decline in Europe due to lower sales volumes of ignition switch products, decreased customer funded tooling and design and development services, partially offset by higher integrated center panel, and steering wheel switch product volumes. -- a 6.8 percent sales improvement in North America due to higher General Motors' center console (including production of new platforms) and transmission lead frame assembly product volumes, partially offset by lower Ford center console product volume and pricing concessions; partially offset by -- a 0.4 percent sales decrease in Asia due to reduced steering angle sensor product volumes, partially offset by higher transmission lead frame assembly, interior light and switch assembly and brake switch product volumes; and -- a 6.9 percent sales decline in Europe due to lower sales volumes of ignition switch products, decreased customer funded tooling and design and development services, partially offset by higher integrated center panel, and steering wheel switch product volumes. Gross margins as a percentage of sales improved to 29.5 percent from 27.5 percent due to commodity pricing adjustments and the one-time reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues as well as favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, partially offset by the absence of a tariff refund. Income from operations increased 11.5 percent as the result of higher sales, commodity pricing adjustments and the one-time reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, as well as lower travel and bonus expense, partially offset by higher stock award amortization expense. Comparing the Interface segment's Fiscal 2017 first nine months to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales decreased 9.0 percent, or $9.4 million, attributable to: -- a 10.9 percent sales decline in North America driven by lower data solutions and appliance product volumes; and -- a 4.6 percent sales reduction in Europe due to reduced radio remote control and data solutions product volumes; partially offset by -- a 20.8 percent sales improvement in Asia due to higher legacy product volume. -- a 10.9 percent sales decline in North America driven by lower data solutions and appliance product volumes; and -- a 4.6 percent sales reduction in Europe due to reduced radio remote control and data solutions product volumes; partially offset by -- a 20.8 percent sales improvement in Asia due to higher legacy product volume. Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 21.6 percent from 23.8 percent due to lower sales, specifically in data solutions, partially offset by favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense and the absence of costs associated with the move of manufacturing from the Philippines to Egypt. Income from operations decreased to approximately break-even as the result of lower sales and higher legal fees, partially offset by favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense, as well as lower travel and advertising expense. Comparing the Power Products segment's Fiscal 2017 first nine months to the same period of Fiscal 2016, Net sales increased 2.0 percent, or $0.8 million, attributable to: -- a 24.5 percent sales increase in Asia due to higher PowerRail and other busbar product volumes, partially offset by -- an 8.5 percent sales decline in Europe driven by lower bypass switch product volume partially offset by higher busbar product volume; and -- a 12.2 percent sales decrease in North America as the result of lower busbar product volumes. -- a 24.5 percent sales increase in Asia due to higher PowerRail and other busbar product volumes, partially offset by -- an 8.5 percent sales decline in Europe driven by lower bypass switch product volume partially offset by higher busbar product volume; and -- a 12.2 percent sales decrease in North America as the result of lower busbar product volumes. Gross margins as a percentage of sales increased to 26.3 percent from 18.4 percent due to higher sales, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense and overhead cost reductions. Income from operations improved 63.8 percent as the result of higher sales, overhead cost reductions and a favorable currency impact on material and labor expense partially offset by higher bonus expense. Guidance Methode revised its Fiscal 2017 guidance for sales in the range of $810 million to $820 million from a range of $820 million to $845 million due to prolonged weakness in its data solutions group, slower than anticipated customer product launch of its 10Gig copper transceiver and lower than anticipated revenues in its European Automotive segment. The Company revised guidance for income from operations in the range of $115 to $120 million from $102 million to $117 million and earnings per share in the range of $2.45 to $2.54 from $2.30 to $2.45. The guidance ranges are based upon management's expectations regarding a variety of factors and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following: the price of commodities, including copper and resins; currency exchange effect of the operations of foreign businesses; the sales volumes and timing thereof for certain makes and models of pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles and passenger cars; the uncertainty of the European economy; an effective tax rate in the low- to mid-twenty percent range with no significant changes in tax valuation allowances, tax credit movement or enacted tax laws. the effect on earnings per share of the repurchase of shares in Fiscal 2017; sales mix within the markets served; continued ability to realize manufacturing efficiencies; no significant supplier issues or manufacturing quality events; no unusual or one-time items; and no acquisitions or divestitures. Management Comments President and Chief Executive Officer Donald W. Duda said, "We are pleased with the continued strength of our North American Automotive segment, as well as the significant year-over-year improvement in our Power Products segment in the third quarter. However, we expect the deterioration in our data group, which is projected to be approximately $10 million lower in sales year over year, will continue into our Fiscal 2018." Mr. Duda concluded, "With over 7,000 surgeries performed utilizing our Dabir Surface with no known tissue injury, we continue to expand the number of facilities evaluating our overlay. However, the adoption of Dabir as a standard in the operating room is still a lengthy process requiring involvement of all the hospital disciplines. Every data point and evaluation confirms Dabir is a product that is superior in its benefit to address the significant need for the prevention of pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores." Conference Call The Company will conduct a conference call and Webcast to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, and Chief Financial Officer, John Hrudicka, today at 10:00 a.m. Central time. To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-9210 (domestic) or (201) 689-8049 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start of the event. A simultaneous Webcast can be accessed through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page, and then clicking on the "Webcast" icon. A replay of the conference call, as well as an MP3 download, will be available shortly after the call through April 2 by dialing (877) 481-4010 (domestic) or (919) 882-2331 (international) and providing Conference ID number 10241. On the Internet, a replay will be available for 30 days through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page and then clicking on the "Webcast" icon. About Methode Electronics, Inc. Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, safety radio remote control, sensing and optical technologies to control and convey signals through sensors, interconnections and controls. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other. Our components are in the primary end markets of the automobile, computer, information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, appliances, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment industries. Further information can be found on Methode's Web site www.methode.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws. Methode undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in Methode's expectations on a quarterly basis or otherwise. The forward-looking statements in this press release involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are detailed in Methode's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our annual and quarterly reports. Such factors may include, without limitation, the following: (1) dependence on a small number of large customers, including two large automotive customers; (2) dependence on the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries; (3) investment in programs prior to the recognition of revenue; (4) timing, quality and cost of new program launches; (5) ability to withstand price pressure, including pricing concessions; (6) currency fluctuations; (7) customary risks related to conducting global operations; (8) ability to successfully market and sell Dabir surfaces; (9) continued economic challenges in Europe including the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union; (10) dependence on our supply chain; (11) income tax rate fluctuations; (12) ability to withstand business interruptions; (13) dependence on the availability and price of raw materials; (14) fluctuations in our gross margins; (15) location of a significant amount of cash outside of the U.S.; (16) ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes; (17) a breach of our information technology systems; (18) ability to avoid design or manufacturing defects; (19) ability to compete effectively; (20) ability to protect our intellectual property; (21) ability to successfully benefit from acquisitions and divestitures; (22) the recognition of goodwill impairment charges; (23) costs and expense due to regulations regarding conflict minerals; and (24) the effect of any material modifications to NAFTA and other international trade agreements. METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) ($ in millions, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended ------------------------- ------------------------- January 28, January 30, January 28, January 30, 2017 2016 2017 2016 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net sales $ 195.6 $ 184.6 $ 596.7 $ 596.3 Cost of products sold 142.2 137.0 433.7 444.2 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Gross profit 53.4 47.6 163.0 152.1 Selling and administrative expenses 24.3 26.1 78.2 73.7 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income from operations 29.1 21.5 84.8 78.4 Interest income, net (0.2) (0.2) (0.3) (0.7) Other income, net (1.0) (1.0) (2.9) (1.5) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Income before income taxes 30.3 22.7 88.0 80.6 Income tax expense 6.6 5.5 18.3 18.6 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. $ 23.7 $ 17.2 $ 69.7 $ 62.0 ============ ============ ============ ============ Amounts per common share attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.: Basic $ 0.64 $ 0.45 $ 1.87 $ 1.60 Diluted $ 0.63 $ 0.45 $ 1.86 $ 1.60 Cash dividends: Common stock $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.27 $ 0.27 Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding: Basic 37,217,302 38,159,789 37,297,757 38,662,487 Diluted 37,470,653 38,278,231 37,477,967 38,790,624 METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS ($ in millions) As of As of January 28, April 30, 2017 2016 -------------- -------------- (Unaudited) ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 268.8 $ 227.8 Accounts receivable, net 153.8 175.5 Inventories: Finished products 11.2 11.9 Work in process 9.7 9.6 Materials 41.1 44.7 -------------- -------------- 62.0 66.2 Deferred income taxes -- 11.8 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 14.5 14.9 -------------- -------------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 499.1 496.2 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 327.6 325.9 Less allowances for depreciation 239.9 232.9 -------------- -------------- 87.7 93.0 GOODWILL 1.6 1.7 INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 7.2 8.9 PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS 17.0 9.5 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 35.8 27.7 OTHER ASSETS 18.6 18.9 -------------- -------------- 80.2 66.7 -------------- -------------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 667.0 $ 655.9 ============== ============== LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 67.7 $ 68.2 Other current liabilities 43.5 49.7 -------------- -------------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 111.2 117.9 LONG-TERM DEBT 37.0 57.0 OTHER LIABILITIES 2.1 2.9 DEFERRED COMPENSATION 8.8 8.0 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,133,925 and 38,181,985 shares issued as of January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively 19.1 19.1 Additional paid-in capital 125.2 112.3 Accumulated other comprehensive income (32.1) (8.4) Treasury stock, 1,346,624 shares as of January 28, 2017 and April 30, 2016 (11.5) (11.5) Retained earnings 407.2 358.6 -------------- -------------- TOTAL EQUITY 507.9 470.1 -------------- -------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 667.0 $ 655.9 ============== ============== METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) ($ in millions) Nine Months Ended ------------------------- January 28, January 30, 2017 2016 ------------ ------------ OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 69.7 $ 62.0 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for depreciation 15.8 16.0 Amortization of intangibles 1.8 1.8 Amortization of stock awards and stock options 9.8 4.8 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 9.6 (0.8) Other -- -- ------------ ------------ NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 106.7 83.8 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property, plant and equipment (13.2) (17.2) ------------ ------------ NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (13.2) (17.2) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (1.1) (7.6) Purchase of common stock (9.8) (59.8) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 2.7 0.5 Tax benefit from stock option exercises 0.5 4.0 Cash dividends (10.3) (10.2) Proceeds from borrowings -- 63.0 Repayment of borrowings (20.0) (13.0) ------------ ------------ NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (38.0) (23.1) Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash (14.5) (9.3) ------------ ------------ INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 41.0 34.2 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 227.8 168.1 ------------ ------------ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 268.8 $ 202.3 ============ ============ For Methode Electronics, Inc. - Investor Contacts: Kristine Walczak Dresner Corporate Services 312-780-7205 kwalczak@dresnerco.com DUBLIN, Mar 02, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Africa Telemedicine Outlook and Opportunities" report to their offering. The report titled "Africa Telemedicine Outlook and Opportunities" provides a comprehensive analysis of e-Health scenario in Africa covering market challenges and success case studies by countries and at multinational levels. The report discusses about the current health scenario of different countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The report also provides current e-health scenario and future government plans for development of e-Health space in all countries. The report also includes trends & developments, growth drivers and major restraints, and challenges within the industry to understand current market dynamics in the industry. The report also serves as a benchmark for existing players and for new players who wish to capitalize on the market potential and investors who are looking forward to venture into the e-Health space in Africa by providing information on success and failure case studies and optimal business model in the region. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Appendix 2.1. Market Definitions 2.2. Research Methodology Final Conclusion 3. Current Scenario of Healthcare in Africa 4. Kenya 4.1. State of Healthcare in Kenya Scenario of Healthcare Providers Country Profile 4.2. Telemedicine So Far 4.2.1. National Telemedicine Initiative 4.2.2. Colombia Africa 4.2.3. Telepathology 4.2.4. Sema-Doc 4.2.5. Pan-African e-Network Project 4.2.6. AMREF Project 4.2.7. Medishare Africa 4.3. Trends and Developments in Kenya Telemedicine Market 4.4. Challenges in Kenya Telemedicine Industry 4.4.1. Lack of Electricity 4.4.2. Confidentiality of Information 4.5. Future Plans of Government for eHealth Sector 4.5.1. Vision 2030 Specific Objective General Objective Investment Model for Implementation of ICT Model in Selected Hospitals under Vision 2030 4.5.2. GlobalMed Telemedicine Solutions 4.6. Conclusion 4.7. Success Case Studies in Kenya E-Learning for Nurses Use of MIMS 5. South Africa E-Health Market 5.1. State of Healthcare in South Africa Public and Private Healthcare System Expenditure National, Provincial and Local National Health Insurance Burden of Disease Telemedicine 5.2. Country Profile 5.3. Telemedicine Projects So Far 5.3.1. Teledermatology 5.3.2. Teleradiology 5.3.3. Mindset Health Channel 5.3.4. Primary Health Care Telemedicine Workstation 5.3.5. South Africa / China Bilateral Agreement 5.3.6. Rapid Deployment Field Hospital / Mobile Pathlab 5.3.7. KwaZulu-Natal Telemedicine Project 5.3.8. Project Masiluleke 5.3.9. MomConnect 5.3.10. FOLUP 5.3.11. Primary Health Care App 5.4. Regulatory Landscape 5.4.1. POPI ACT and mHealth Principles of POPI Act 5.4.2. Telemedicine Solutions 5.4.3. State Information Technology Agency (SITA) 5.4.4. The Minimum Information Interoperability Standards (MIOS) 5.5. Conclusion 5.5.1. Key Opportunities for mHealth in South Africa in Future 5.6. Recommendations 6. Nigeria E-Health Market 6.1. State of Healthcare in Nigeria Country Profile 6.2. Current Scenario Healthcare IT in Nigeria 6.3. Current Policy Implementations Other eHealth Initiatives Conclusion 6.4. Major Challenges for the Health Care Sector in Nigeria 6.5. Government Policy Implementations for Future 6.5.1. Recommendations to Improve Health ICT Enabling Environment 6.6. Success Case Study in using ICT in Nigeria 7. Ghana 7.1. State of Healthcare in Ghana Country Profile 7.2. Snapshot of Telemedicine Pilot Project in Ghana 7.3. Challenges in the Establishment of the Telemedicine Centers in Ghana Requirement of Constant Government Support Training of the Workers Payments from National Health Insurance Scheme Shortage of Electric Power Supply e-Health Initiatives in Ghana Conclusions 7.4. Success Case Studies in Ghana Graphical Representation of MOTECH working Model 8. Uganda 8.1. State of Healthcare in Uganda Country Profile 8.2. Current E-Health Scenario- Telepathology and Second Opinion Use of DHIMS2 8.3. Challenges Faced in Implementing E-Health Policies 8.4. Current Situational Analysis 8.5. Government Future Policy Objectives 8.6. Success Case Study: Uganda's Approach for Health Service Delivery Through mTrac 9. Botswana 9.1. State of Health Care in Botswana 9.2. Country Profile- Botswana 9.3. Snapshot of Teledermatology in Botswana 10. Cameroon 10.1. State of Health Care in Cameroon 10.2. Country Profile- Cameroon 10.3. Current e-Health Scenario 10.3.1. ICT in Healthcare 10.3.2. MTN Health 10.3.3. eHealth-Cameroon 11. Ethiopia 11.1. State of Health Care in Ethiopia 11.2. Country Profile- Ethiopia 11.3. Current e-Health Scenario Electronic Medical Records via SmartCare Health-net Telemedicine Pilot Project 11.4. Ethiopian National E-Health Strategy 12. SWOT Analysis 13. Multinational E-Health Initiatives in Africa (Case Studies) 13.1. m4RH 13.2. RAFT 13.3. Prerequisites to Start a Telemedicine Centre 14. Recommendations 14.1. Working and Business Model Selection 14.2. Partnerships 14.3. Return on Investment 14.4. Government Support 14.5. Awareness Campaigns 14.6. Optimization of ICT Infrastructure 14.7. Improving the Training and Maintenance of Infrastructure 14.8. Use of Updated Technology For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z8wwtc/africa 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 Elko District Court Department I Judge Nancy Porter Feb. 22 Nuel Don Gilbert, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving, possessing, or withholding stolen goods and was sentenced five years in prison with credit for 27 days served. His sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for five years and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring, abstain from alcohol, and complete a substance abuse program. - David Lee Mize, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. His sentence was suspended and he was ordered to pay $322 restitution to the Nevada Attorney Generals Office and a fine of $1,000. - Brett Len Morrow, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to four years in prison with credit for 72 days served. His sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for five years and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring and abstain from alcohol, gambling and marijuana use. - Tyler David Pool, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 32 months in prison. His sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for three years and ordered to submit to electronic monitoring and abstain from alcohol, gambling, and marijuana use. - Marcus David Rogers, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to four years in prison with credit for 372 days served. Elko District Court Department II Judge Al Kacin Feb. 24 Lacrishna Page Shields, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance and sentenced to 30 months in prison with credit for 52 days served. Her sentence was suspended and she was placed on probation five years and ordered to abstain from alcohol, gambling and marijuana use. Die Deutsche Bank hat die Einstufung fur Engie vor Jahreszahlen auf "Hold" mit einem Kursziel von 13 Euro belassen. Bei der Zahlenvorlage fur 2016 durfte die Anleger eher interessieren, wie weit der Energiekonzern mit seinen Verkaufen von Randaktivitaten vorangekommen sei, schrieb Analyst Martin Brough in einer Studie vom Dienstag. Die daraus resultierende Gewinnverwasserung konnte zwar die Aktie etwas belasten, die Dividendenrendite der Franzosen sei aber attraktiv./edh/zb Hinweis: Informationen zur Offenlegungspflicht bei Interessenskonflikten im Sinne der Richtlinie 2014/57/EU und entsprechender Verordnungen der EU fur das genannte Analysten-Haus finden Sie unter http://web.dpa-afx.de/offenlegungspflicht/offenlegungs_pflicht.html. (Die veroffentlichen Weblinks werden von der Internetseite der dpa-AFX unverandert ubernommen.) AFA0017 2017-02-28/09:32 ISIN: FR0010208488 Board approves agenda for AGM on March 28, 2017 Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. ("Newron"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and pain, today announces its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016, and reiterates material events with the outlook for 2017. In addition, Newron presents the approved agenda for the 2017 AGM. Highlights Xadago (safinamide): Launched by Zambon for patients with Parkinson's disease in three additional top five territories in the EU (Italy, Spain, UK) as well as Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland U.S. FDA considers the re-submitted NDA for Xadago to be a complete, class 2 response to Complete Response Letter (CRL) of March 2016, and sets PDUFA date of March 21, 2017 Seqirus and Zambon enter into a partnership for Xadago in Australia and New Zealand (post period) Evenamide (NW-3509): Phase IIa study design presented at 5th Biennial Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference in Florence, Italy Encouraging preliminary results of Phase IIa study with Evenamide (NW-3509) in patients with schizophrenia disclosed (post period) Detailed Phase IIa study results to be presented at 16th International Congress on Schizophrenia Research (ICOSR), March 24-28, 2017, San Diego, CA, USA Sarizotan: IND approval for sarizotan for the treatment of Rett syndrome by the U.S. FDA STARS trial design presented at U.S. Rett Syndrome Symposium Initiation of STARS potentially pivotal study for patients with Rett syndrome Start of International burden of disease study in Rett syndrome Corporate: Newron raised EUR 26.8 million in October 2016 via a private placement of new shares and an exercise in March 2016 of a 2015 option agreement with a U.S. institutional investor Dennis Dionne, Executive Director for Commercial Operations, appointed to Newron's Senior Management Team as Vice President Commercial Affairs Xadago launched in ten additional European countries Following the 2015 European approval and the launch in Germany, 2016 saw the launch of Xadago in ten further European markets by Newron's partner Zambon. The launch in, among others, Italy, Spain, the UK and Switzerland, means that a large and increasing number of patients across Europe can now be treated using Xadago, the first New Chemical Entity in ten years to receive Marketing Authorization from the EU Commission for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. From the initial launch of Xadago in Germany in May 2015, Newron has generated cumulated royalty revenues of EUR 2.2 million on product sales by its partner Zambon. Post-period, Zambon and Seqirus announced that they have entered a partnership for the registration and commercialisation of Xadago in Australia and New Zealand. Following the news in March 2016 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued a CRL for Xadago, Newron announced, in July 2016, alongside its partners U.S. WorldMeds and Zambon, that the FDA no longer required the Company to perform any studies to clinically evaluate the potential abuse liability or dependence/withdrawal effects of Xadago, the key subject of the CRL. In October 2016, Newron welcomed the FDA's announcement that it considered the September 2016 re-submission of the U.S. NDA by the Company to be a complete Class 2 response. "We are hopeful that Xadago will be approved in the U.S. on or before its PDUFA date of March 21 and that it will become available to U.S. patients, in the near future," comments Ravi Anand, Newron's Chief Medical Officer. Progress with Evenamide In April 2016, Newron presented a poster at the 5th Biennial Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference titled "Evenamide (NW-3509), a Putative Antipsychotic, Targets Abnormal Electrical Activity and Glutamatergic Abnormalities in Improving Psychotic Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia in a Phase II, Placebo-controlled Trial". The encouraging results of this Phase IIa study were announced post period in January 2017. Evenamide met the study objectives of good tolerability, safety, and preliminary evidence of efficacy as an add-on therapy for the treatment of schizophrenia. Detailed results of the study will be presented at the 16th International Congress on Schizophrenia Research (ICOSR), in March, in San Diego (CA), USA. Studies initiated with Sarizotan In May 2016, the FDA approved Newron's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the evaluation of sarizotan for the treatment of patients with Rett syndrome. Following this approval, in July the Company initiated its potentially pivotal clinical STARS study that will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of sarizotan in patients with Rett syndrome suffering from respiratory symptoms. The initiation of the STARS study is an important milestone within the development program for sarizotan. As of December 31, 2016, the study is enrolling patients in both the USA and Europe. As part of Newron's wider commitment to addressing the needs of Rett syndrome patients, the Company is currently sponsoring a study to evaluate the burden of disease experienced by patients with this debilitating condition and their families. The study will be comprised of two global surveys, one to be completed by at least 750 caregivers and the other by at least 210 healthcare providers(HCP). The surveys have been developed in accordance with regulatory guidance, with the final versions being used for data collection in the USA, the UK, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. Financial Highlights Total revenues have substantially increased to EUR 6.7 million from EUR 2.4 million (2015) in the reporting period; mostly due to Increased license income, reflecting milestone payments received from Zambon (EUR 3.0 million in 2016 vs. EUR 1.8 million in 2015) Royalties of EUR 1.7 million (EUR 0.5 million in 2015) Other income, especially Italian R&D tax credits of EUR 2.0 million (EUR 0.1 million in 2015). Research and development expenses were EUR 12.4 million (2015: EUR 18.4 million), net of Italian R&D tax credits of EUR 4.9 million; investment was primarily made into the Evenamide Phase IIa study, the STARS potentially pivotal study in Rett syndrome patients, and the Burden of Disease study in Rett syndrome. Cash used in operations has increased to EUR 19.6 million (2015: EUR 12.9 million). In 2016, Newron, by placing new shares to investors, raised total funds of EUR 26.8 million, of which EUR 3.0 million related to the exercise, in March, of a purchase option for 209,364 shares by a shareholder under a 2015 subscription and option agreement, while the remaining EUR 23.8 million resulted from a private placement executed in October. Newron's liquidity, including available financial assets and cash and cash equivalents, was EUR 46.5 million, at year-end (2015: EUR 40.9 million) Financial Summary (IFRS) In thousand EUR (except per share information) 2016 2015 Licence income 3,039 1,800 Royalties 1,698 475 Other income 1,989 105 Revenues 6,726 2,380 Research and development expenses, net 12,398 18,449 Operating loss 15,325 24,400 Financial income 121 (583) Net loss 15,237 22,816 Loss per share 1.04 1.66 Cash used in operating activities 19,583 12,862 Cash, cash equivalents, other short term fin. Assets 46,468 40,931 Total assets 56,591 44,380 Newron's 2016 Annual Report is available on http://www.newron.com/financial-report. Outlook for 2017 "We look forward to the decision on the forthcoming PDUFA date for Xadago on or around March 21 and are confident that in 2017, we will see Xadago become available to patients in the USA and additional European territories. We are highly encouraged by the potential of both sarizotan and Evenamide and we look forward to continuing the development of both in the ongoing year. Our innovative pipeline is progressing well and we will strengthen our position as a leading player in the CNS disease area. We started 2017 with funds totalling EUR 46.5 million, which we anticipate will take our Company towards the end of 2018, beyond expected key value inflexion points", comments Newron's Chief Executive Officer Stefan Weber. AGM 2017 Agenda Newron's Board of Directors has approved the agenda below for the March 28, 2017, 10:30 am CET, ordinary Shareholders' meeting, which will take place at the Company's registered office in Bresso (Mi), Italy. The formal invitation to shareholders will be issued and disclosed in the statutory papers on or about March 2. The full invitation and supporting material will be made available on the Company's website on the same date. The agenda is as follows: Approval of the financial statements as at December 31, 2016. Related and consequent resolutions Appointment of the Board of Directors for the financial years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and, therefore, until the approval of the financial statements as of December 31, 2019, as follows: - Ulrich Kostlin in quality of Chairman of the Board and non-executive director - Stefan Weber, in quality of executive director - Patrick Langlois in quality of non-executive director - Bo Jesper Hansen in quality of non-executive director - Robert Leslie Holland in quality of non-executive director - Luca Benatti in quality of non-executive director and, - Donald de Bethizy in quality of non-executive director - Determination of the remuneration of the Board of Directors. Related and consequent resolutions Dial-in to media/analyst conference on March 2, 2017, 9:15-10:15 am CET The Newron management team will present the 2016 full year results and provide an update and guidance for 2017. The conference call can be accessed via the following dial-in numbers: Switzerland/Continental Europe: +41 (0)58 310 50 00 UK: +44 (0)203 059 58 62 U.S. (New York): +1 631 570 56 13 Italy: +39 02 30 46 48 58 The slide deck used in the call is available at http://www.newron.com/downloads Next events Annual Shareholders' meeting March 28, 2017 Half year report 2017 September 14, 2017 About Newron Pharmaceuticals Newron (SIX: NWRN) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for patients with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and pain. The Company is headquartered in Bresso near Milan, Italy, with a subsidiary in Morristown, NJ, U.S.A. Xadago (safinamide) has received marketing authorization for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in the European Union and Switzerland and is commercialized by Newron's partner Zambon. US WorldMeds holds the commercialization rights in the US. Meiji Seika has the rights to develop and commercialize the compound in Japan and other key Asian territories. In addition to Xadago for Parkinson's disease, Newron has a strong pipeline of promising treatments for rare disease patients at various stages of clinical development, including sarizotan for patients with Rett syndrome and ralfinamide for patients with specific rare pain indications. Newron is also developing Evenamide as the potential first add-on therapy for the treatment of patients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. www.newron.com Important Notices This document contains forward-looking statements, including (without limitation) about (1) Newron' s ability to develop and expand its business, successfully complete development of its current product candidates and current and future collaborations for the development and commercialisation of its product candidates and reduce costs (including staff costs), (2) the market for drugs to treat CNS diseases and pain conditions, (3) Newron's anticipated future revenues, capital expenditures and financial resources, and (4) assumptions underlying any such statements. In some cases these statements and assumptions can be identified by the fact that they use words such as will", anticipate", estimate", expect", project", "intend", plan", "believe", target", and other words and terms of similar meaning. All statements, other than historical facts, contained herein regarding Newron's strategy, goals, plans, future financial position, projected revenues and costs and prospects are forward-looking statements. By their very nature, such statements and assumptions involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that predictions, forecasts, projections and other outcomes described, assumed or implied therein will not be achieved. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set out in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements due to a number of important factors. These factors include (without limitation) (1) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of products, including without limitation negative results of clinical trials or research projects or unexpected side effects, (2) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market, (3) future market acceptance of products, (4) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights, (5) inability to raise additional funds, (6) success of existing and entry into future collaborations and licensing agreements, (7) litigation, (8) loss of key executive or other employees, (9) adverse publicity and news coverage, and (10) competition, regulatory, legislative and judicial developments or changes in market and/or overall economic conditions. Newron may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements and assumptions underlying any such statements may prove wrong. Investors should therefore not place undue reliance on them. There can be no assurance that actual results of Newron's research programmes, development activities, commercialisation plans, collaborations and operations will not differ materially from the expectations set out in such forward-looking statements or underlying assumptions. Newron does not undertake any obligation to publicly up-date or revise forward looking statements except as may be required by applicable regulations of the SIX Swiss Exchange where the shares of Newron are listed. This document does not contain or constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities of Newron and no part of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005198/en/ Contacts: Media Newron Stefan Weber, +39 02 6103 46 26 CEO pr@newron.com or U.K./Europe FTI Consulting Julia Phillips, +44 (0)20 3727 1000 or Switzerland IRF Communications Martin Meier-Pfister, +41 (0)43 244 81 40 or Germany MC Services AG Anne Hennecke, +49 (02)211 5292 5222 or U.S. LaVoieHealthScience Beth Kurth, +1 617 374 8800, Ext. 104 or Investors and Analysts Newron Stefan Weber, +39 02 6103 46 30 CEO ir@newron.com or U.K./Europe FTI Consulting Julia Phillips, +44 (0)20 3727 1000 or Germany/Continental Europe MC Services AG Anne Hennecke, +49 211 5292 5222 or U.S. LaVoieHealthScience Beth Kurth, +1 617 374 8800, Ext. 106 PROVIDENCE, RI -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Board-certified Rhode Island plastic surgeon Patrick Sullivan, MD has been invited to speak and lead panels at the upcoming Aesthetica Super Symposium. Sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the conference will take place in New Orleans, LA from March 2-4, 2017. Dr. Sullivan says he is honored to have been invited as a member of this esteemed faculty and to speak on a number of topics at the upcoming Aesthetica meeting in New Orleans. "It is always an honor to be asked to present your special treatments and experience to plastic surgeons from the United States and around the world," he notes. "It is also a special opportunity to discuss the importance of artistic planning of the procedure and its correlation to achieving more natural results." The topics on which Dr. Sullivan will be speaking and moderating span from special face lift techniques, neck lift and fat grafting to eyelid surgery and new plastic surgery technologies. Although the titles and specific techniques addressed throughout each of his presentations will change, the larger message delivered will be consistent: how to achieve the ultimate goal of lasting, consistent and natural results. Dr. Sullivan's approach to plastic surgery and the key to achieving natural results starts with artistic planning. Ultimately, he believes this message will benefit the plastic surgery field as a whole. If plastic surgeons are able to provide natural results more consistently, patients will achieve their ultimate goals, and the treatments will improve throughout the field. This year's Aesthetica Super Symposium will be held at the New Orleans Marriott from March 2nd through March 4th and will feature over 40 exhibits and presentations from plastic surgeons throughout the country. There is an exciting section of the meeting titled Ideas and Innovations (I3) -- where Dr. Sullivan will share tips and principles that can improve results. About the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Founded in 1931, ASPS is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Its website is also one of the most frequented for those looking for more information on specific procedures and locating the most qualified plastic surgeon. Their mission focuses on safety and quality of care for patients. ASPS provides support and education for its members while also holding them to the highest professional and ethical standards. To learn more, visit www.plasticsurgery.org. About Patrick Sullivan, MD Dr. Sullivan is Division Chief of Cosmetic Surgery at Brown University's School of Medicine in Providence, and he has been recognized as being in the top 1% of plastic surgeons in America by US News & World Report. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, he is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments for the face, body and breasts. Dr. Sullivan is available for interview upon request. To learn more, visit drsullivan.com. To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.drsullivan.com/news-media/rhode-island-plastic-surgeon-to-share-new-treatments-at-asps-aesthetica-super-symposium-2017/ Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3115206 Patrick K. Sullivan, MD 235 Plain Street - Suite 502 Providence, RI 02905 (401) 831-8300 Rosemont Media (858) 200-0044 www.rosemontmedia.com THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- SOURCE EXPLORATION CORP. (the "Company" or "Source") (TSX VENTURE: SOP) is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at Core Shack display for the upcoming PDAC International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange being held in Toronto from March 5th to 8th. Source's management team invites current shareholders, potential investors, brokers, analysts and interested parties to visit the Core Shack display Booth # 3119B on Tuesday, March 7th and Wednesday, March 8th. to discuss the upcoming 2017 drilling and exploration programs currently underway at its flagship Las Minas property and planned maiden NI -43-101 resource estimate. The company will be displaying core from recent diamond drill programs at the Las Minas property. About the PDAC International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange The PDAC International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange, which is held annually in Toronto, is the world's leading convention for those interested in the mineral exploration industry. For more information on the conference visit: http://www.pdac.ca/convention. About Las Minas The Las Minas Project hosts near-surface gold-silver and copper skarn mineralization and high-grade gold-silver epithermal vein deposits. The project is comprised of six mineral concessions covering approximately 1,616 hectares (3,995 acres), with several small high-grade, past-producing mines and numerous untested targets. The district is host to one of the largest under explored gold-silver and copper skarn systems known in Mexico, and has a production history that extends back to the Aztec era. The Las Minas granodiorite intrusive measures approximately 10 kilometres in diameter and underlies the Las Minas concessions. The mineralization controls and association with magnetite appear to be similar to parts of the Guerrero Gold belt, which is the site of the Los Filos and Morelos gold deposits. Las Minas is an early-stage exploration project and does not contain any mineral resource estimates as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The potential quantities and grades disclosed herein are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource for the targets discussed herein. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in these targets being delineated as a mineral resource. 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) have reviewed or accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Contacts: Source Exploration Corp. Camille Turner Investor Relations 604-669-7840 or 604-970-8052 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 807-474-4272 (FAX) info@sourceexploration.com www.sourceexploration.com STOCKHOLM, Mar 02, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Electrolux today announced it has acquired Grindmaster-Cecilware, a leading U.S. based manufacturer of hot, cold and frozen beverage dispensing equipment, including coffee machines. The acquisition broadens Electrolux offering in its food service business and will accelerate the growth of the Professional Products business area by increasing access to the U.S. market. Grindmaster-Cecilware had net sales in excess of USD 65 million in 2016 and approximately 200 employees. The cash consideration in the transaction is USD 108 million. The company is based in Louisville, Kentucky and has manufacturing facilities in Louisville and in Rayong, Thailand. Grindmaster-Cecilware sells products under the market leading brands Grindmaster, Cecilware, Crathco, and American Metal Ware. "We are very pleased to complement our portfolio with such an attractive range of beverage products, as the combination better meets customer needs, especially among food service chains. This move will also reinforce our presence in North America, one of the largest global markets for professional appliances," said Alberto Zanata, Head of Electrolux business area Professional Products. Grindmaster-Cecilware, majority owned by BNY Mezzanine Partners L.P., was created in 2009 through the combination of Grindmaster Corporation and Cecilware Corporation, two companies with a more than 100-year heritage. For more information visit www.electrolux.com/professional and www.gmcw.com. For further information, please contact: Electrolux Press Hotline, Tel: 46-8-657-65-07. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/electrolux/r/electrolux-strengthens-professional-offering-of-beverage-products-by-acquiring-grindmaster-cecilware,c2203090 The following files are available for download: TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Plateau Uranium Inc. ("Plateau Uranium" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PLU)(FRANKFURT: QG1) is pleased to announce new metallurgical test work results from its Macusani Plateau uranium project in Peru. The work was completed by TECMMINE, a Peruvian metallurgical consulting company based in Lima, Peru, and was reviewed by Grenvil Dunn of Hydromet (Pty) Ltd. ("Hydromet"). The test work forms part of the Company's efforts to unlock value from the significant lithium resources contained within its uranium deposits. The Company is continuing additional test work on uranium, lithium and other associated metals with the intention of further optimizing the process and establishing potential capital and operating costs for producing uranium and lithium from the Macusani deposits. Highlights -- The new leach test work commenced in August 2016 with samples typical of Macusani uranium mineralization from all uranium deposits considered in the Company's PEA (U-Li-rich) as well as Li-rich/U-poor samples. -- Regardless of initial uranium concentration, consistent lithium recoveries of 61 to 73% were achieved into leach solutions at temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees C using various concentrations of sulphuric acid. -- Uranium recoveries of 98-99% were achieved for Macusani uranium mineralization along with the excellent lithium recoveries of up to 73%. -- The extensive test work has streamlined the Company's understanding of the process, resulting in a simple, straightforward crush-grind with a warm sulfuric acid leaching process. -- Additional work is planned in Peru and will be followed up with further leaching and precipitation work at international processing experts, SGS Laboratories, in Australia. A representative 300 kg bulk sample of Macusani uranium-mineralization has been shipped and is already in Australia at SGS. -- The outcome of this work will establish potential capital and operating costs to produce lithium as a by-product, and will subsequently determine its potential positive impact to the Macusani project. Ted O'Connor, CEO of Plateau Uranium commented: "These results are extremely positive with excellent uranium and lithium recoveries from the Macusani mineralization. The low temperature and simple reaction process employed indicates that atmospheric leaching is appropriate, reducing potentially excessive Capital and Operating costs associated with pressure leaching. This represents an excellent opportunity to add value to our already strong uranium project economics. The next phase of test work will be focused on establishing more detail on the CAPEX and OPEX numbers to quantify the potential value-added impact of uranium and lithium co-production." Details The new leach test work commenced in August 2016 using lithium-rich samples with background uranium and uranium-lithium-rich samples from the Macusani deposit mineralization. The lithium content ranges from 640 to 806 ppm Li in all samples. The uranium content ranges from background levels (7ppm U) in the U-poor samples to 568-629 ppm U in the mineralized samples from the various uranium deposits. Several parameters were varied during the leach tests, including: crushing grind size; acid concentration; leach time and temperature. Leaching was undertaken at atmospheric pressure in stirred tank reactors employing sulfuric acid as the lixiviant. Additionally, initial scoping test work employed roasting, calcining and acid-curing. The tests covered temperatures ranging from 50 degrees C to 550 degrees C. Although very high temperatures above 180 degrees C usually guarantee high Lithium recoveries of up to 87% in earlier test work, the objective of this most recent work was to reach potentially economic lithium recoveries at leaching temperatures below the water boiling point. The initial scoping test work employing more aggressive conditions did not confirm any significant benefit over the more moderate temperature and atmospheric pressure tank leach processes. In all, over 150 separate leach test runs have been completed in Peru over the past several months. The conclusions of this phase of test work have resulted in a very simple, straightforward flow sheet without the aggressive processing conditions normally associated with the recovery of lithium from ores. Consistent lithium recoveries of 61 to 73% were reported from all samples employing a sulfuric acid leach at a variety of acid concentrations and at temperatures of 65 to 85 degrees C. Samples from the Macusani uranium deposits displayed consistent uranium recoveries of 98-99% across all temperatures. Sulfuric acid consumption in the leach varied from 50-140 kg acid/tonne of material processed and was sufficient to simultaneously extract both uranium and lithium. Higher acid consumptions were related to finer grind sizes, and coarser grind sizes had much lower acid consumptions with identical lithium and uranium recoveries, thus giving upside to the potential project economics. The current, and planned test program is examining the grind versus recovery trade off with encouraging results. Apart from lithium and uranium other elements were also leached during the tests, mainly potassium, rubidium and cesium. These will also be evaluated further in the additional leaching-precipitation work planned. Qualified Persons Mr. Grenvill Dunn, Pr Eng (RSA), C Eng (UK), FIChE, MSAIMM, MSAIChE of Hydromet Pty Ltd, a consultant to the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this release. About Hydromet Pty Ltd Hydromet Pty Limited is an international consulting company for the metals and mining industry. The company is based in South Africa and was established in 2000 by its director Grenvil Dunn. Mr Dunn is a Chemical Engineer with over 45 years of experience, particularly in mineral processing, flow sheet design and development with direct experience in uranium and lithium. About Plateau Uranium Plateau Uranium Inc. is a Canadian uranium exploration and development company focused on its properties on the Macusani Plateau in southeastern Peru. The Company controls all reported uranium resources known in Peru, significant and growing lithium resources and mineral concessions covering over 91,000 hectares (910 km2) situated near significant infrastructure. Plateau Uranium is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'PLU' and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 'QG1'. The Company has 58,043,354shares issued and outstanding. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain forward-looking statements concerning possible expected results of exploration and future exploration activities. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that any future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; mining and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes (including work stoppages and strikes) or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; risks related to commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; risks related to foreign operations; the cyclical nature of the industry in which we operate; risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or delays in obtaining governmental approvals; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the certainty of title to our properties; risks related to the uncertain global economic environment; and other risks and uncertainties related to our prospects, properties and business strategy, as described in more detail in Plateau Uranium's recent securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and Plateau Uranium cautions against placing undue reliance thereon. Neither Plateau Uranium nor its management assume any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements. For more information please visit www.plateauuranium.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. Contacts: Plateau Uranium Inc. Ted O'Connor CEO 1-416-628-9600 ted@plateauuranium.com Website: www.plateauuranium.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/plateauuranium/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/plateauuranium/ WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - L Brands, Inc. (LB) reported net sales of $765.5 million for the four weeks ended February 25, 2017, a decrease of 10 percent from net sales of $849.3 million in the year-ago period. Comparable sales for the month decreased 13 percent. For February, the exit of the swim and apparel categories had a negative impact of 6 percentage points and 8 percentage points to total company and Victoria's Secret comparable sales, respectively. 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. CAYIROVA, Turkey, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkish Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD) Chairman Alper Kanca said that they were determined to become a global automotive hub in 2030 The Turkish automotive supply industry, whose large market is Europe, is taking sure steps towards its goal of becoming a global power. Turkish Association of Automotive Parts and Components Association (TAYSAD) Chairman has said "The Turkish automotive supply industry will reach its goal of becoming a global automotive hub in 2030 through the "Design, Technology and Logistics " formula. With its more than 360 members in various parts of Turkey, TAYSAD provides employment for more than 150,000 persons. Our members have a turnover of $23 billion and exports of $9 billion.77 of our members have accredited R&D centers. TAYSAD members invest everywhere in the world. 59 of them have invested in more than 156 facilities in 40 countries. Thus, TAYSAD is exhibiting a strong presence in the world automotive industry." (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474007/TAYSAD_Logo.jpg ) The country that exports the most vehicles to Europe: Turkey TAYSAD Chairman Alper Kanca said, "2016 was a year in which there were very many positive developments in the Turkish automotive industry. However, there were also events that threatened to undermine economic stability and democracy. The automotive sector drives production, employment and exports in Turkey. The sector is 17th in the world in domestic market sales and 6th in European automotive sales. I say with pride that we are the country in the world that exports the most to Europe. At the end of 2015, EU countries had imported 843,000 vehicles. Following Turkey is Japan, with 480,000, South Korean, with 376,000, and the US, with 250,000." The production of vehicles in the world will grow! Chairman Alper Kanca said, "Our common belief as the TAYSAD administration, is that there will be an increase in total vehicle production in the world. This is because there is need and this need will be reflected in production. The essential question is this: What model will be manufactured and in which counties will this manufacturing be done? Developments indicate that Turkish supply industrialists, which lead with their quality and economy, will have a greater say." There was great interest in the new vehicles that began to be manufactured in Turkey in 2016 Chairman Alper Kanca, making an announcement about the Toyota C-HR and the TofaAY Egea models that began to be produced in Turkey in 2016, said, "The Toyota C-HR and the TofaAY Egea, two large projects being carried out in Turkey, are receiving a great deal of attention. The Toyota C-HR, the first hybrid and crossover vehicle produced in Turkey, has begun mass production. 60% of the Toyota production plant's capacity in Sakarya will be used for the C-HR, which got off the ground due to a 350 million investment. 90% of the C-HR manufactured will be exported. On the other hand, TofaAY's Egea model is quickly on its way to breaking records. The plant manufacturing them puts out 1500 of them per day, making it the fastest producing plan in the Turkish automotive sector. TofaAY's Egea model has received great demand both from within Turkey and abroad. Therefore, a decision was made to set up a second frame assembly line. Egea will now be manufactured on a single conveyor belt, through which production will increase two-fold. An investment of 50 million will be made." Foreign-owned companies are increasing investments in Turkey Not only OEMs like Toyota and Fiat, but also international Tier 1 suppliers are demonstrating their confidence in Turkey through investments. Alper Kanca assessed the situation, saying "Foreign company investments in Turkey make up hopeful about the future. To give an example, the German automotive supply industry company ElringKlinger will invest in a plant in Bursa. Freudenberg decided to establish a Turkey and Middle East regional distribution platform in Bursa. The first shock absorber manufacturer in Turkey, Maysan Mando, is planning to invest a total of $130 million by 2019 to expand the range of products it makes in Turkey. Taking all of these into consideration, we see that the states of the world have confidence in the investment environment in Turkey. This makes us very proud as Turkey." Turkey invites European countries to collaborate Alper Kanca said that "As Turkish automotive supply industrialists, our investments have begun to bear fruit. They are continually growing and we plan new investments with our partners. Foreign investors and all of our stakeholders abroad are able to transform Turkey's potential, speed and ability to do business into opportunity. As Turkish automotive industrialists we continue to invest in Europe and want to strengthen economic integration with European countries. In order to mutually increase the confidence built with European countries, we expect positive support and cooperation from our EU partners. This situation will bring mutual economic, political and social benefits to both sides." Figures: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 World 2,494,969 2,634,179 2,462,253 2,442,309 2,628,245 3,076,163 Turkey 571,304 580,076 585,392 584,693 707,560 843,112 Japan 613,975 526,270 406,982 384,694 439,678 480,536 South Korea 299,765 388,230 408,266 406,376 348,815 376,142 United States 187,392 244,507 243,926 222,920 243,264 250,305 China 171,399 179,795 197,908 184,349 191,376 241,764 Morocco 4,904 20,302 64,625 99,503 168,995 188,369 South Africa 74,228 85,676 67,702 59,515 87,083 140,899 Mexico 137,767 183,971 179,622 107,429 76,118 121,799 India 227,561 234,197 162,652 175,464 107,775 98,503 Thailand 44,445 40,471 25,270 41,066 68,184 94,903 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Canadian Orebodies Inc. ("Orebodies" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: CORE) is pleased to announce results from the Company's fall prospecting programs and the discovery of a new gold zone on the North Limb property. Gordon McKinnon, President and CEO of Orebodies said, "It is exciting that we were able discover a new gold zone in the short time we had for our fall prospecting program. This discovery enforces our belief that the North Limb is a highly prospective project in an underexplored extension of the Hemlo greenstone belt that has produced nearly 22 million ounces only 12km to the south." North Limb Property The North Limb Property is a large, contiguous land package totaling 428 claim units or 6,800 hectares, along the northern extension of the Hemlo greenstone belt, and is located northeast of the Williams Mine operated by Barrick Gold Corporation. Highlights from the 2016 prospecting program carried out by Canadian Orebodies on the North Limb Project included the discovery of a new gold occurrence (the "Petrant Lake Occurrence"). Limited sampling returned two strongly anomalous gold values of 1.74 gpt Au and 1.64 gpt Au located approximately 160 metres apart from each other ((i)). The samples are spatially associated with one of the priority airborne EM anomalies identified from the 2016 VTEM Max survey the Company flew over the North Limb Property and this area is one of the targets that is planned to be drill tested in the upcoming drill program. In late 2016 the Company completed an 823 line kilometre airborne VTEM Max geophysical survey over the North Limb Property. The survey data has generated several new high priority drill targets, including that associated with the Petrant Lake Occurrence. In total, 10 targets generated from the survey have been submitted to Geotech Ltd. for plate modeling. Once completed, Orebodies plans to test a number of these targets by diamond drilling. Within the North Limb Property is an area covering 78 claim units referred to as "the Tongue". This area has seen no exploration since the initial Hemlo gold rush in the 1980's and has no record of ever being drilled. The Company's interest in the Tongue lies in the belief that it is interpreted to be directly up-ice from the angular float of mafic volcanic material found to the southwest in 1994 that assayed up to 16.2 gpt Au, the source of which has never been located. In February, the Company completed a 15 kilometre induced polarization (I.P.) survey on the Tongue property which has outlined 4 high priority targets that will be tested by diamond drilling. The Company is currently evaluating bids from drilling companies with the goal of commencing drilling on the North Limb in late March to early April. Wire Lake Property Orebodies has the right to acquire a 100% interest in 251 claim units covering approximately 4,047 hectares that are located in the Hemlo greenstone belt (the "Wire Lake Property"). Through staking, Orebodies added an additional 39 claim units, bringing the entire property to over 4,600 hectares. The Wire Lake Property lies 29 kilometres to the northwest of the Williams Mine. Gold was first discovered on the Wire Lake Property in 1986 and the property was explored by junior companies until 1993. Since that time the property had been dormant pending the outcome of litigation, which has now been resolved. The Company's exploration program on the property in the fall was the first in over 20 years. Previous work identified a gold bearing zone (the "Wire Lake Gold Zone") over a 2,300 metre strike length that remains open in both directions and to depth. Mineralized zones containing anomalous gold range in thickness from a few metres to in excess of 50 metres in width and with few exceptions the historic drilling has tested the main Wire Lake Gold Zone to a depth of less than 150 metres. To date, only approximately 15% of the property has been systematically explored. During the fall of 2016, a reconnaissance prospecting program was successful in tracing out the Wire Lake Gold Zone over a strike length of 2 kilometres prior to running out of field days due to the onset of winter weather. Of the 26 samples collected, 9 assayed greater than 1.00 gpt Au, and 14 assayed greater than 0.50 gpt Au, with values ranging from nil up to 6.76 gpt Au ((i)). The Wire Lake Gold Zone remains open along strike and at depth. The Company is currently cutting a 34 kilometre grid on the property, which will be followed by a deep penetrating induced polarization survey. The Wire Lake grid will cover the 2,300 metre Wire Lake Gold Zone and extend the survey area 200 metres to both the north and south with the goal of identifying north/south extensions. Technical Information Orebodies has implemented a quality-control program to comply with best practices in the collection and analysis of rock samples. Samples were transported in security-sealed bags for analyses at ALS Chemex Assay Laboratory in Thunder Bay, ON ("ALS Chemex"). ALS Chemex is an ISO 9001:2000 certified laboratory. This press release has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Bruce Mackie (P.Geo.), who is an independent consultant to the Company and a "qualified person" (as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101). Mr. Mackie has verified the technical data disclosed in this press release. ((i)) Readers are cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature. The grades and mineralization present are unlikely to represent future average grades on the property. About Canadian Orebodies Inc. Canadian Orebodies is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a portfolio of properties in Ontario and Nunavut. Canadian Orebodies is focused on generating shareholder value through the advancement of its two Hemlo area properties: the North Limb and Wire Lake. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the timing of future exploration work or drilling, and the expansion of the mineralization. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Canadian Orebodies Inc., including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information please visit www.canadianorebodies.com. Contacts: Canadian Orebodies Inc. Gordon McKinnon President & CEO (416) 644-1747 www.canadianorebodies.com The mobile market has undergone a number of changes in recent years, with the operator Salt (formerly Orange Switzerland) having been acquired by NJJ Capital in February 2015, and with Sunrise having been acquired by a private equity firm, CVC Capital Partners. Following an IPO in February 2016 Sunrise raised CHF2.274 billion. Shortly afterwards a 23.8% stake in Sunrise was sold to the German mobile services provider freenet. The market has also benefited from the entry of UPC, which provides mobile voice and data services as an MVNO. As a full-service provider of quad-play bundles UPC can compete more effectively with Sunrise and Swisscom. 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. March 1 Brooke R. Burnett, 49, of Richland, Washington, was arrested at the Elko County Jail for trespassing; breaking, injuring or tampering with a vehicle; and disturbing the peace. No bail listed. _____ Leonardo Garcia-Reveles, 32, of West Wendover was arrested at 1045 Wendover Blvd. for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail: $20,000 _____ Wade A. Knight, 28, of Elko was arrested at 13th and Idaho streets on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Bail: $500 _____ Yesenia Pineda, 28, of Battle Mountain was arrested on the 900 block of Lyon Avenue on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Bail: $1,000. _____ Victoria M. Wood, 30, of Midvale, Utah, was arrested in transport on a warrant for obtaining or using another persons identification for a harmful or unlawful purpose and fraud by authorizing a credit card holder of a credit or debit card or identification. Bail: $20,000 _____ Rebecca M. Wrigglesworth of Elko was arrested at 2200 Idaho St. for petit larceny, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail: $1,780 The charges above do not imply guilt. Under the law, everyone is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Electrolux today announced it has acquired Grindmaster-Cecilware, a leading U.S. based manufacturer of hot, cold and frozen beverage dispensing equipment, including coffee machines. The acquisition broadens Electrolux's offering in its food service business and will accelerate the growth of the Professional Products business area. Grindmaster-Cecilware had net sales in excess of USD 65 million in 2016 and approximately 200 employees. The cash consideration in the transaction is USD 108 million. The company is based in Louisville, Kentucky and has manufacturing facilities in Louisville and in Rayong, Thailand. Grindmaster-Cecilware sells products under the market leading brands Grindmaster, Cecilware, Crathco, and American Metal Ware. "We are very pleased to complement our portfolio with such an attractive range of beverage products, as the combination better meets customer needs, especially among food service chains. This move will also reinforce our presence in North America, one of the largest global markets for professional appliances," said Alberto Zanata, Head of Electrolux business area Professional Products. Grindmaster-Cecilware, majority owned by BNY Mezzanine Partners L.P., was created in 2009 through the combination of Grindmaster Corporation and Cecilware Corporation, two companies with a more than 100-year heritage. For more information visit www.electrolux.com/professional and www.gmcw.com Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use, based on deep consumer insight. We offer thoughtfully designed, innovative and sustainable solutions, developed in close collaboration with professional users. The products include refrigerators, ovens, cookers, hobs, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners and small domestic appliances. Under esteemed brands including Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi, Frigidaire and Electrolux Grand Cuisine, the Group sells more than 60 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year. In 2016 Electrolux had sales of SEK 121 billion and 55,000 employees. For more information go to www.electroluxgroup.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3115322 For media queries and images, please contact: Electrolux Corporate Communications Frazer Neo Macken Email Contact Electrolux Corporate Communications Pamela Tan Email Contact Ruder Finn Asia Manali Pattnaik Email Contact Ruder Finn Asia Brian Witte Email Contact Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced that it has been positioned as a "Leader" in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for SAP Application Services, EMEA. The report, authored by Gilbert van der Heiden, Neil Barton and Fabio Di Capua, was published on 31January, 2017. The Magic Quadrant report by Gartner is focused on the full life cycle of SAP application services, spanning project-based implementation and multi-year application management services (AMS). The report evaluated 19 different software vendors on 15 criteria and placed Wipro in the "Leaders" quadrant. The full report is available here. Elaborating on Wipro's vision and focus on SAP application services, Hiral Chandrana, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Business Application Services, Wipro Limited said, "Being recognized as a leader in this report by Gartner reflects our commitment in delivering world-class SAP engagements for our clients. It is a testimony to the trust our clients place in their partnership with Wipro and demonstrates our focus on innovation and client centricity. Our strong industry accelerators and next-gen cognitive solutions around Wipro HOLMES Artificial Intelligence Platform have been key differentiators that put Wipro at the forefront of innovation. We will continue our investments in SAP's digital platform and joint innovation with SAP, and keep strengthening our local capabilities in EMEA to be a partner of choice for SAP services in the region." Wipro has been an SAP global services partner since 2007. Wipro continues to grow mindshare in the industry, and its consultants focused on SAP solutions are increasingly viewed as trusted partners by businesses worldwide. About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading information technology, consulting and business process services company that delivers solutions to enable its clients do business better. Wipro delivers winning business outcomes through its deep industry experience and a 360 degree view of "Business through Technology." By combining digital strategy, customer centric design, advanced analytics and product engineering approach, Wipro helps its clients create successful and adaptive businesses. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, Wipro has a dedicated workforce of over 170,000, serving clients across 6 continents. For more information, please visit www.wipro.com. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. 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. Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005735/en/ Contacts: Wipro Limited Prathibha Das prathibha.das@wipro.com NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES March 2, 2017 Royal Dutch Shell plc announces that each of the following Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMRs") have received the number of shares of Royal Dutch Shell plc as set out below following the vesting of conditional awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), the Deferred Bonus Plan ("DBP") and the Performance Share Plan ("PSP"). Details of the LTIP, DBP and PSP can be found in the Royal Dutch Shell plc Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (www.shell.com/annualreport). LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN PDMR VESTING DATE SHARE TYPE NUMBER OF SHARES VESTED Ben van Beurden March 1, 2017 RDSA 170,321 Simon Henry March 1, 2017 RDSB 92,523 John Abbott March 1, 2017 RDSB 43,863 Andrew Brown March 1, 2017 RDSB 43,863 Donny Ching March 1, 2017 RDSA 30,779 DEFERRED BONUS PLAN PDMR VESTING DATE SHARE TYPE NUMBER OF SHARES VESTED Ben van Beurden March 1, 2017 RDSA 21,869 Simon Henry March 1, 2017 RDSB 29,035 John Abbott March 1, 2017 RDSB 17,995 Andrew Brown March 1, 2017 RDSB 18,740 PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN PDMR VESTING DATE SHARE TYPE NUMBER OF SHARES VESTED Harry Brekelmans March 1, 2017 RDSA 35,039 Ronan Cassidy March 1, 2017 RDSB 23,102 Maarten Wetselaar March 1, 2017 RDSA 35,039 The Notification of Dealing Form for each PDMR can be found below. This notification is made in accordance with Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Mark Edwards Deputy Company Secretary ENQUIRIES Shell Media Relations International, UK, European Press: +44 20 7934 5550 Shell Investor Relations Europe: + 31 70 377 4540 United States: +1 832 337 2034 LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 Classification: Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State. 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Ben Last Name(s) van Beurden 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Executive Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Currency EUR Price NIL Volume 170,321 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 170,321 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Simon Last Name(s) Henry 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Financial Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 92,523 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 92,523 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) John Last Name(s) Abbott 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Downstream Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 43,863 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 43,863 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Andrew Last Name(s) Brown 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Upstream Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 43,863 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 43,863 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Donny Last Name(s) Ching 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Legal Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Currency EUR Price NIL Volume 30,779 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 30,779 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Ben Last Name(s) van Beurden 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Executive Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) Currency EUR Price NIL Volume 21,869 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 21,869 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Simon Last Name(s) Henry 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Financial Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 29,035 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 29,035 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) John Last Name(s) Abbott 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Downstream Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 17,995 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 17,995 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Andrew Last Name(s) Brown 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Upstream Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Deferred Bonus Plan (DBP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 18,740 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 18,740 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Harry Last Name(s) Brekelmans 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Projects and Technology Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Performance Share Plan (PSP) Currency EUR Price NIL Volume 35,039 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 35,039 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Ronan Last Name(s) Cassidy 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Human Resources & Corporate Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Vesting of awards granted in 2014 under the Performance Share Plan (PSP) Currency GBP Price NIL Volume 23,102 Total N/A Aggregated information Volume Price Total 23,102 NIL N/A Date of transaction March 1, 2017 Place of transaction Outside a trading venue TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MEK) (the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has commenced mobilizing a diamond drill rig to the Ogden Gold Project in Timmins Ontario. The Ogden claims cover eight kilometers of strike length of the Porcupine-Destor Fault between Goldcorp's 16.5 million oz Dome Mine and Tahoe Resources West Timmins Mine. The Property is held under a joint venture in which Metals Creek owns 50%, and Goldcorp Canada Ltd. ("Goldcorp") owns 50% (as manager and on behalf of the Porcupine Joint Venture, a joint venture between Goldcorp Inc. and Goldcorp Canada Ltd.) with MEK being the operator of the project. In a News Release dated 11 January, 2017, The Company announced results from the previous drill program which consisted of six holes (2382 meters) and was successful in further defining the Thomas Ogden Zone (TOG) and host stratigraphy. Results from the first hole, TOG-16-47, was outlined in a release dated Nov 15, 2016 and included an intersection of 5.73 g/t (grammes per tonne) gold over 8.2m (meters). Highlights from the 11 January 2017 press release included an intersection of 4.39 g/t over 12.45m from hole TOG-16-48. This drill program will consist of 4 holes targeting Thomas Ogden (TOG), Thomas Ogden West as well as an untested Induced Polarization (IP) ground geophysical anomaly 1 kilometer west of TOG. This untested IP anomaly is interpreted to be on the main host stratigraphy. The Company also welcomes David Jones to its Advisory board. David have been involved in publically traded and private investments for the past 25 years, with a primary focus on finance, stock distribution and investor awareness programs for junior exploration companies. The majority of the projects that he has worked on are gold or precious metals based in North America. David has also financed oil and gas exploration and development, biomedical/alternative medicine, technology start-ups, and a cellulose to ethanol technology project. In late 2011, He became the Business Development Officer for Foraco Canada, the third largest drilling services company in the world (www.foraco.com). In October 2015, he became the Business Development Officer for Drillco Mining and Exploration (www.DrillcoMining.ca). In conjunction to this the corporation has set 100,000 stock options at a deem price of $0.10 and will vest according to the company's stock option plan. Michael MacIsaac, P.Geo and VP Exploration for the Company and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for this release, and supervised the preparation of the information forming the basis for this release. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. The Company has also recently entered into a JV with Benton Resources on Metals Creeks Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland. Metals Creek has also made a new gold/silver discovery in the "White Gold District" on the Squid East project in the Yukon and is also engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Metals Creek Resources Corp. Alexander (Sandy) Stares President and CEO (709)-256-6060 (709)-256-6061 (FAX) astares@metalscreek.com www.MetalsCreek.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes Facebook: www.facebook.com/MetalsCreek WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Friday, US President Donald Trump will be in Orlando, Florida, for a series of important events highlighting his educational agenda. He will be visiting St. Andrews, a private Catholic school in Pine Hills, where he is expected to drop in on a few classrooms to speak to children, as well as meeting with parents, teachers, and administrators. Trump will attend a 'listening session on school choice' at St. Andrews, a Notre Dame ACE Academy, according to Press Secretary Sean Spicer. She told reporters that education, as was noted in Tuesday night's State Of the Union address, is a top priority for the President. He is determined to provide choice for every parent, and opportunities for every child, regardless of their zip code, Spicer said. Florida's tax credit scholarship program helps many of the children in the area who cannot afford a private school to attend. Trump signaled that he would like to see similar programs expanded to private schools, but critics say such programs gut public schools. In his address to Congress Tuesday, Trump called upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. 'These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them,' he told the Congressmen. After the Orlando tour, Trump will be spending the weekend at Mar-a-Lago. It will be the fourth presidential trip to his favorite resort in Palm Beach. 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. Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB (hereinafter - and ESO), identification code 304151376, registered office placed at Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania. The total number of registered ordinary shares issued by company is 894 630 333; ISIN code LT0000130023. An Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO is to be convened on the initiative and by the decision of the Board of company on 2 March 2017. The date, time and place of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders: The Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO will be held on 24 March 2017, at 1.00 p.m., on the premises of ESO (Aguonu str. 24, second floor, 207 hall, Vilnius). The shareholder registration will start at 12.25 a.m. and will end at 12.55 a.m. The record date of these General Meetings is 17 March 2017. Only persons who are shareholders of ESO at the end of the record date of the General Meeting of Shareholders of company shall have the right to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO. The following agenda of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO was approved by the decision of the Board of company on 2 March 2017 and the following draft decisions is proposed: Agenda of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO: 1. Regarding the approval of the Annual Report of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB for the year 2016. 2. Regarding the approval of the audited Annual Financial Statements of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB for the year 2016. 3. Regarding the allocation of the profit (loss) of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB of the year 2016. The proposed drafts decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO on the abovementioned agenda items: 1. Regarding the approval of the Annual Report of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB for the year 2016. "1.1. Approve the Annual Report of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB (see attached).". 2. Regarding the approval of the audited Annual Financial Statements of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB for the year 2016. "2.1. Approve the Annual Financial Statements of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB for the year 2016 (see attached) audited by the audit company PricewaterhouseCoopers UAB.". 3. Regarding the allocation of the profit (loss) of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB of the year 2016. "3.1. To allocate the profit (loss) of Energijos Skirstymo Operatorius AB of the year 2016 (see attached).". Shareholders participating in the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO shall produce an identity document. Shareholders shall be granted pecuniary and non-pecuniary rights provided for by laws and other legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania. Shareholders entitled to participate in the aforementioned shareholder meeting shall have the right to authorise, in writing, a natural or legal person to participate and vote on their behalf at the General Meetings of Shareholders indicated in this notice. Such a written authorisation shall be approved in accordance with the procedure laid down in legal acts and shall be delivered to Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius no later than by the end of shareholder registration for a relevant General Meeting. Shareholders entitled to participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO shall also have the right to authorise, by electronic means of communication, a natural or legal person to participate and vote on their behalf at the General Meeting of Shareholders. An authorisation issued by electronic means of communication shall be recognised as valid provided that the security of the information transferred is ensured and it is possible to identify the shareholder. Shareholders shall report the issuance of an authorisation by electronic means of communication by sending it by e-mail to info@eso.lt not later than by the end of the working day on 23 March 2017 (4:30 p.m.). The authorised person shall have an identity document and shall enjoy the same rights at the General Meeting as the shareholder represented by him would enjoy (unless the issued authorisation or laws provide for narrower rights of the authorised person). The shareholder's right to participate in the General Meeting of Shareholders shall also include the right to ask. ESO has not approved any special authorisation form of the abovementioned General Meeting of Shareholders. The agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO may be supplemented on the initiative of shareholders of company whose shares held in company carry at least 1/20 of all votes at the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO. The proposal to supplement the agenda of the respective General Meeting of Shareholders shall be accompanied by draft decisions or, where no decisions have to be taken, by explanations on each proposed agenda item of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. The agenda shall be supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 before the respective General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders whose shares held in ESO carry at least 1/20 of all votes at the General Meeting of Shareholders of company shall have the right to propose, at any time before the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO, new draft decisions on issues that are included or will be included in the agendas of the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO. Proposals on the supplementation of the respective agenda or relevant draft decisions shall be submitted in writing to ESO, Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, or by e-mail to info@eso.lt. Shareholders of ESO shall have the right to present questions related to the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders of company. Questions may be presented by e-mail to info@eso.lt or delivered to ESO to Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, no later than 3 working days before the General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders will be able to vote on the agenda items of the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO in writing by filling in ballot papers. At the request of a shareholder, ESO shall send, free of charge, a ballot paper to the shareholder by registered post or deliver it by hand against signature no later than 10 days before the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO. A completed ballot paper shall be signed by the shareholder or a person authorised by the shareholder. Where a person authorised by the shareholder casts a vote, a document certifying the right to vote shall be attached to the completed ballot paper. Filled and signed general ballot paper and the document confirming the voting right can be sent to the company by registered mail or delivered at Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius, no later before the General Meeting of Shareholders. The company retains the right not to recognize the advance vote of the shareholder or his/her authorised representative, if his/her submitted general ballot paper does not meet the requirements of Paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 30 of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, was received to late or is filled so that the true will of the shareholder on an individual matter cannot be determined. Electronic means of communication shall not be used for participation and voting at either of the abovementioned General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders can familiarise themselves with documents related to the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders of ESO, draft decisions on the agenda, documents to be submitted to General Meeting of Shareholders and other information related to the implementation of the rights of shareholders specified in this notice on the website of ESO at http://www.eso.lt from the date of this notice as well as on the premises of ESO (Aguonu str. 24, Vilnius) during working hours (7.30-11.30 a.m. and 12.15-4.30 p.m.; 7.30-11.30 a.m. and 12.15-3.15 p.m. on Fridays). Representative for Public Relations Martynas Burba, tel. (8~5) 2514516. Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=618423 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- International Wastewater Systems Inc. ("IWS" or the "Company") (CSE: IWS)(FRANKFURT: IWI) (OTC PINK: INTWF) is pleased to announce that it is currently collaborating with a licensed marijuana cultivator operating an industrial growing facility in the United States ("Cannabis Cultivation Facility"). The collaboration enables IWS and the Cannabis Cultivation Facility to exchange data and evaluate the application of IWS's thermal energy exchange technology in an industrial marijuana growing facility. IWS has already demonstrated the environmental and economic benefits of its technology in a Canadian greenhouse installation at the Water Resource Centre in Sechelt, British Columbia ("Sechelt Greenhouse"). IWS installed a SHARC thermal energy exchange system at the Sechelt Greenhouse, which is connected to a primary building loop and used to reduce space heating, cooling & water heating costs at the greenhouse (see details: https://goo.gl/Mp0Z7u). A study by scientist Evan Mills, with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, revealed that legalized indoor marijuana-growing operations account for 1% of total electricity use in the US, at a cost of $6bn per year. Annually, such consumption produces 15m tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), equal to that of three million average cars. IWS is working with the Cannabis Cultivation Facility to jointly evaluate the energy efficiency of IWS's thermal exchange technology when integrated with the growing facility's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure. IWS's technology enables heating (heat transfer) and cooling (heat dissipation) applications, both a significant component of overall energy costs for the Cannabis Cultivation Facility. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Lynn Mueller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer About International Wastewater Systems Inc. International Wastewater Systems Inc. is a world leader in thermal heat recovery. IWS systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating the most energy efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. IWS is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: IWS), the United States (OTC PINK: INTWF) and Germany (FRANKFURT: IWI). Contacts: International Wastewater Systems Inc. Yaron Conforti CFO and Director (416) 716 8181 yaron.conforti@iws-sharc.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Brionor Resources Inc. ("Brionor" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: BNR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Definitive Share Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 1st, 2017 with Atala Resources Corporation ("Atala"), a private Ontario mining exploration company that holds a portfolio of exploration properties in Santa Cruz Province Argentina, and the shareholders of Atala (the "Atala Shareholders"); whereby Brionor proposes to acquire (the "Acquisition") all of the issued and outstanding shares of Atala (each an "Atala Share") for an aggregate purchase price of $300,000 (the "Purchase Price") payable by the issuance of common shares of Brionor (each a "Brionor Share") at a deemed price of $0.05 per Brionor Share. Under the Agreement, each Atala Shareholder shall receive 0.4382 of a Brionor Share for each Atala Share held, for a total of 6,000,000 Brionor Shares. The closing of the Acquisition is scheduled to take place on or before March 30, 2017, and is subject to numerous conditions customary to this type of transaction, including, the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. No finder's fees will be paid by the Corporation in connection with the Acquisition. Mr. Lew Lawrick, President of Brionor, is also a director and shareholder of Atala, and therefore, the Acquisition constitutes a "non-arm's length" transaction within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. (the "Exchange"). The Acquisition also constitutes a "Related Party Transaction" within the meaning of National Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special transactions ("NI 61-101") insofar as it relates to Mr. Lawrick only. There are no other "non-arm's length parties" or "related parties" in connection with the Acquisition. In connection with the "Related Party Transaction", the Corporation is relying on the formal valuation and minority approval exemptions of respectively subsection 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of NI 61- 101 as neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the Related Party Transaction exceeds 25% of the Corporation's market capitalization. The Acquisition was approved by the independent directors of Brionor and Mr. Lawrick did not participate in the discussions or the vote of the board relating to such approval. Robert Ayotte, Chairman of Brionor commented: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to position ourselves through Atala in a reputable very prospective region of Argentina known for its recent mineral industry precious metal discoveries. The Province of Santa Cruz in Argentina has seen over the years, important mining, development and exploration activities. The founding shareholders of Atala, have a successful history of exploration and discovery in Argentina, having been instrumental in the discovery of McEwen Mining's currently producing San Jose gold-silver mine as well as the discovery of the large Los Azules Cu porphyry project in San Juan Province. The Atala project portfolio covers approximately 103,000 hectares in 7 independent areas (El Meridano, Covadonga, Gertrudis, El Monte, La Rosita, Boleadora and Katrina) all located in the heart of the highly prospective Province of Santa Cruz, home to a prominent geologic feature, the Deseado Massif which is host to numerous precious metals producers and development stage deposits including: Anglo-Ashanti's Cerro Vanguardia Au mine; Goldcorp's high grade Cerro Negro Au mine; McEwen Mining / Hochschild's high grade San Jose Ag / Au mine; and Yamana's Cerro Moro Au / Ag project. Through this transaction, we hope to rapidly create value for our shareholders." About Atala Resources Corp. Atala's exploration property portfolio spans approximately 103,000 hectares in 7 independent areas in the highly prospective Province of Santa Cruz Argentina. Atala, through its 100% owned subsidiary (Atala Argentina S.A.) owns the mining rights to the El Monte, Gertrudis, Boleadora group and Katrina projects. Atala Argentina S.A. is also the parent company of AuEx Argentina S.A. ("AuEx") which it acquired from Renaissance Gold Inc. ("RenGold") in February 2014 (the "AuEx Acquisition"). In connection with the AuEx Acquisition, for a period of 10 years following the closing of such transaction, Atala shall pay to RenGold an amount of $30,000 should it complete an equity financing of minimum proceeds $1 million and an additional amount of $50,000 should it complete an additional financing for additional minimum proceeds of $1 million. RenGold may elect to receive such payments in shares of Atala or of a successor company. As such, following the closing of the Acquisition, Brionor shall assume this obligation of Atala which will remain subject to regulatory approval. Any mining rights held by AuEx at the time of its acquisition by Atala Argentina at the time of the transaction have since then been transferred to Atala Argentina. The El Meridano, Covadonga, and La Rosita projects are subject to an underlying option agreement with a private Argentine vendor pursuant to which Atala shall make options payments to the vendor commencing on January 1st of every year for the next 6 years (US$35,000 for the next 3 years, US$50,000 in the fourth year, US$125,000 in the fifth year and US$300,000 in the last year for a total of US$595,000). At the request of Atala and Brionor, a technical report (the "Report") has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") on both the Meridiano and Covadonga properties. Both Meridiano and Covadonga are exploration-stage properties and neither property contains a Mineral Resource or Reserve as defined NI 43-101. The Report was prepared by Cesar Riveros MAusIMM CP (Geo) Mendoza, Argentina an independent qualified person under NI 43-101 and has been submitted to the Exchange for review. The Report will be filed by Brionor on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) concurrently with the issuance of this news release. Covadonga Property Covadonga is an area of low relief with poor exposure and is underlain predominantly by felsic lithic tuffs and volcaniclastic sediments that rest un-conformably on faulted blocks of older mafic volcanic units. The Cerro Covadonga project is centred around an area of NNW striking, sub-vertical, low sulfidation, epithermal veins with multi gram gold grades on the surface and a high level geochemical signature. Additionally, sparse outcrops within a hydrothermal corridor return samples with small amounts of gold and significant amounts of mercury from breccias and small veins encased in broader zones of clay (argillic) alteration thought to represent zones of steam heated alteration associated with very high level parts of a deeper, 1.5 km long structurally-controlled epithermal system. Exploration at Covadonga has focused principally on a 2 sq. km area in the northwestern part of the property block where surface rock chip sampling and mapping defined an altered and weakly mineralized zone. This zone was previously explored with 9 exploration trenches totalling 1,127 m in length, 8 of which were spaced at irregular 50 to 200 m intervals along a 600 m long segment of the corridor. The trenches reveal multiple zones of broad alteration, up to 25 m wide, enclosing veining and brecciation not visible at the surface. Weakly anomalous gold values, together with anomalous amounts of mercury-arsenic-antimony, were returned from samples within most of these zones. At Covadonga, previous surface exploration results suggest potential for several types of targets of significant size, including possible disperse, low-grade large tonnage deposits in addition to more typical Deseado Massif discrete vein systems. The trenches range in length from 55 to 213 m and excavated to depths of about 1.5 m and oriented in W-E directions across the corridor trend, with the exception of Trench 8, a short SW-NE trench in an outlying area east of the central part of the corridor. The trenches were spaced at irregular 50 to 200 m intervals along a 600 m segment of the corridor, with the exception of Trench 9, a reconnaissance trench designed to find a possible extension of the corridor about 500 m south of the principal target area. All trenches were sampled by taking continuous chip samples at regular 5 m intervals along trench walls, close to the floor of the trench, collecting 296 total samples representing 1,100 m of total length. Additionally, 76 select samples of variable, but typically small, size were taken from various structures or other in the trenches. The trenches revealed zones of broad argillic alteration, veining and brecciation not visible at the surface. Previous operators interpreted these broad argillic alteration zones as steam heated alteration zones. One to several of these zones were found in all trenches except Trench 2, near the middle of the trenched corridor segment, and the two outlying trenches, Trench 8 and Trench 9, neither of which returned anomalous gold or significant amounts of mercury, arsenic or antimony, the three most-common pathfinder elements for epithermal exploration. All other trenches, including Trench 2, contain significant, albeit highly variable, amounts of one or more of these pathfinder elements with small amounts of gold commonly found in the argillic alteration zones where present. The Covadonga project is an early stage exploration project with excellent access and infrastructure and is close to the Cerro Vanguardia Mine. Despite these advantages the area was not seriously explored prior to 2007-2008 with subsequent prospecting and trenching returning generally encouraging results. Virtually all of the currently known epithermal deposits in the Deseado Massif are classic silica-quartz vein systems which, at the surface, usually form outcrops that stand in relief above the surrounding terrain, with intervening covered, recessive weathering areas often neglected by explorers. However, epithermal mineralization that accompanies large episodic volcanic complexes such as the Deseado Massif can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The project clearly merits further exploration and the currently defined target area would benefit from: a. New or additional detailed ground geophysical surveys, including IP Gradient and Ground magnetic survey. b. Systematic gridded shallow augur hole soil/float sampling, including an eventual in fill in anomalous areas. c. New or additional trenching. The trenches should be processed like horizontal holes. We consider an adequate budget for these works as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gradient array IP-Resistivity, 20 line kilometers at US$600/km US$ 12,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnetic field survey, 40 line kilometers at US$100/km US$ 4,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field mapping, reconnaissance & geochem sampling US$ 50,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trenching, 1,500m at US$40 (incl. samples) US$ 60,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample analysis, 500 samples at US$30 US$ 15,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COST US$ 141,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meridiano Property Regional mapping and satellite imagery suggest the Meridiano property lies in the western part of a 8-10 km wide caldera, and the westernmost part of this feature is thought to be the site of 2.5 km wide circular diatreme complex. Andesitic to felsic tuffs in a 4 sq. km area are cut by gold-bearing hydrothermal breccias filling N to NW trending fractures and faults. Virtually all samples of these breccias contain small to significant amounts of gold, arsenic and antimony, but very little silver or base metals, suggesting that the mineralization in this area is preserved at a high level of erosion. Exploration at Meridiano has focused on a 4 sq. km area in the northern part of the property block. Whereby 403 rock chip samples were collected. There has been 65 line-km of magnetic and 32.5 line-km of gradient array IP ground surveys undertaken, and 32 drill holes completed, totalling 4,698 m in two reverse circulation campaigns and one diamond core twin-hole campaign. The drill holes were collared within a 1 sq. km area in the northwestern-most part of the property. Historic drill results included multiple intercepts of weak gold mineralization. Most holes hit one to several thin intervals of at least 0.10 g/t Au, and about one-third intersected wider intervals of weak mineralization interspersed with narrower higher-grade zones. Ten holes intersected "significant mineralization," here considered to be the equivalent of 1.5 meters (true thickness) of at least 0.34 g/t). These holes and their mineralized intercepts are provided in the following table: To view the table referred to in the above paragraph, please visit this link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1087533_table.pdf The previous drilling tested the structural corridors to a maximum vertical depth of only 138 m. The company believes these results indicate that gold mineralization within these corridors has good horizontal continuity. The mineralized diatreme model suggested for Meridiano is supported by surface sampling, mapping, geophysical surveys, and by drilling. The area encompassed by mineral showings, both at surface and depth, is sufficiently large to warrant further exploration. Despite the drilling carried out to date, the project remains at an early stage of exploration and needs further ground work and modelling before undertaking further drilling. The currently defined target area of this project would benefit from further work in order to better define the flanks of the diatreme and the optimal drilling depth. The currently defined target areas on both projects would benefit greatly from: a. New or additional detailed ground geophysical surveys, including IP Gradient and Ground magnetic survey. b. Systematic gridded shallow augur hole soil/float sampling, including an eventual in fill in anomalous areas. c. New or additional trenching. The trenches should be processed like horizontal holes. We consider an adequate budget for these works as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gradient array IP-Resistivity, 30 line kilometers at US$600/km US$ 18,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pole-dipole IP-Resistivity lines, 10 line kilometers at US$1,000/km US$ 10,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Magnetic field survey, 20 line kilometers at US$100/km US$ 2,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field mapping, reconnaissance & geochem sampling US$ 50,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample analysis, 400 samples at US$30 US$ 30,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COST US$ 110,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Properties: El Monte, Gertrudis, La Rosita, Boleadora, Katrina The El Monte project has multiple zones of targets, the principal ones being found in a range of footwall and hanging wall breccias at the edge of a dome complex to manto type targets within the dome complex. These targets occur along a NNW striking structural zone comprising a 3km extension of semi continuous low sulfidation Au and Ag veinlets and breccias. Trenching by a previous operator adjacent to dome rocks and argillized tuffs, has revealed several zones of continuous mineralization at the surface. Historic assay results from trenching include 55 meters of 0.41 ppm Au and 13.2 ppm Ag in Trench 2 and 35 meters of 0.10 ppm Au with 7.6 ppm Ag in trench 1. The most significant surface results obtained on the property rock chip assays yielding up to 638 ppm Ag and 8.6 ppm Au. This precious metal zone follows the footwall of a through-going fault on the west margin of a rhyolite dome complex. The target at Gertrudis comprises two mineralized structures which we refer to as the Gertrudis and David veins. These veins are some 300m apart, sub parallel and steeply dipping to the West. The Gertrudis vein extends for 800m and consists of silicified tectonic breccias with an argillic alteration halo. This NNW striking structure is steeply dipping to the WSW, and is well exposed along most of its length. The Gertrudis project has anomalous gold, up to 320 ppb, which is accompanied by high level epithermal geochemistry with anomalous Hg-Sn and As. The David vein is much less prominent and is characterized by spotty Au anomalies with high level epithermal geochemistry and is 400 m in length. The David vein is however highly significant in that the presence of two veins in parallel structures implies the potential for further veins under cover to the West. The veins are hosted in the "Bajo Pobre", a largely mafic Jurassic unit and they are covered to the north and south by Cretaceous sediments. This field relationship opens up considerable exploration potential in recessive ground to the north and south of the known mineralization. La Rosita is atypical in the Deseado Massif in that surface mineralization occurs in a complex area of shear zones which are generally hosted in carbonate sediments and chert as well as felsic to intermediate volcanics. The geology of La Rosita comprises a small basin measuring around 4 by 4 km which is formed in andesitic and dacitic volcanics and is occupied by highly deformed cherts, limestones and siltstones which are locally altered and mineralized. Prior to 2008 no drilling had taken place on the property. Geological mapping and further sampling was carried out during 2009 by a previous operator, and this was accompanied by a geophysical, IP and ground magnetic campaign. In September of 2010, 11 diamond holes were drilled, the most interesting being DDHLR04 which included a 3 metre intercept of 0.761 ppm Au and 926 ppm Cu at a depth of 83 metres. The Company is currently using the geophysical and geological database to re-evaluate the property in terms of known regional structure and stratigraphy. We believe that further targets occur at depth in vein forming crystal tuffs associated with zones of high fluid flow potential in dilational zones. The Boleadora Group comprises 6 cateos and 6 MDs totalling 50,000 hectares of prospective ground to the South of the San Jose and Cerro Negro Mines. The ground is largely comprised of Jurassic Chon Aike and Matilde formation volcanics and sediments and the regional structural regime is also favorable with structures striking directly to known mineralization and Cerro Negro. Analysis of Thematic mapper data has been used to produce a first pass target proposal with the spectral anomalies and lineament analysis allowing us to define 76 target areas. Katrina is a 10,000 ha Cateo which is characterized by extensive post Jurassic marine sediments and subsequently scarce prospective Jurassic outcrop. Never the less, first pass prospecting has revealed significant evidence of strong hydrothermal activity in outcrops exposed in drainages. Intermittent but significant Au anomalies +- Ag +- As over 2.3 km NNE strike length are observed with grades ranging from 0.02 to 1.60 ppm Au, the latter occurring in white silica vein breccia blocks encased in a ferrous silica matrix. Other than the option payment commitments on the Covadonga and Meridiano Properties (as described above) the balance of the property portfolio is subject only to normal course holding costs including land maintenance and taxes. Key Persons of Atala: Paul David Robinson Ph.D. - Country Manager Argentina Paul Robinson leads all aspects of Atala's precious metal generative and project procurement activity in Argentina and has built a small focused exploration team for that purpose. Previously, Paul managed the development of the AuEx and Renaissance Gold exploration portfolios including those currently held by Atala in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Paul has 23 years of professional experience in the exploration and spatial technology industries in the Americas and Europe. Previous work experience includes data development and management roles at the MapInfo Corporation and regional exploration, remote sensing, GIS, drill hole database management and resource modeling for Homestake Mining Company in Chile and Argentina. Paul also balanced the management of the AuEx Argentina with frequent periods of fieldwork in Nevada and Utah. After his first degree in Geology and Geography, Paul went on to obtain an M.Sc. in "Computing for Earth Scientists" from Keele University, United Kingdom, 1990. Paul's relationship with South America started with his Ph.D. on the Stratigraphy of Coastal Ecuador from the University of Southampton which was completed in 1994. Having focused his exploration career on South America, Paul is fluent in Spanish and is experienced in Chilean and Argentina business and work culture. Private Placement Financing In conjunction with the Atala Transaction, Brionor will undertake a non-brokered unit private placement for minimum proceeds of $680,000 and maximum proceeds of $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). The terms of the Offering are as follows: a minimum of 13,600,000 units and a maximum of 20,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit. Each unit will be comprised of 1 common share and 1 common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.08 for a period of 24 months from closing. The Offering is expected to close on or before March 30, 2017 and is subject to regulatory approval. Finder's fees may be paid by the Company in connection with the Offering and the proceeds from this financing will be used to incur the recommended exploration programs under the Report, to respect Atala's ongoing option payments described above for the El Meridano, Covadonga, and La Rosita projects and for current working capital requirements of Atala. Following the completion of the Acquisition and Offering, Brionor will have a minimum of 67,912,465 and a maximum of 74,312,465 common shares issued and outstanding, 71.14 % of which will be held by current shareholders of Brionor ( 65.01% in the case of the maximum offering) and 8.83 % by Atala Shareholders ( 8.07% in the case of the maximum offering). The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Cesar Riveros MAusIMM CP (Geo) Mendoza, Argentina an independent qualified person under NI 43-101 and the Author of the Report. About Brionor Brionor is a junior mining exploration company with a portfolio of exploration projects in Quebec, and a large, very prospective exploration project portfolio in in the emerging precious metals Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina pending closing of its acquisition of Atala Resources Corporation. Currently Brionor is well funded with approximately $2.7 million in cash and marketable securities. 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. Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, failure by the parties to complete the Transaction, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, changes in world gold markets or markets for other commodities, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. 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. Contacts: Brionor Resources Inc. Lewis Lawrick President & CEO 647-478-5307 info@brionor.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- San Marco Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SMN) ("the Company" or "San Marco") provides an exploration update on the Chunibas Property located in Sonora State, Mexico and an update on corporate activities. Chunibas Property Update Exploration results from the recently completed property wide soil sampling grid (approximately 1,000 samples) have confirmed the existence of the primary gold target, 600 metres X 800 metres. Historical data has been incorporated with the Company's recent exploration work, resulting in field evidence that the north-south trending shear/vein structures coalesce in various zones along strike. This has reinforced the geological model that wider zones of gold mineralization, flanking the high-grade shear structures, some of which continue to be mined by local gambosinos (miners), where grades appear to be in the 15 g/t gold range, exist. The Company's sampling of the one to two metre-wide structures has resulted in grades up to 46 g/t gold. Mineralized structures have been identified in the western sector of the property as well, however, additional exploration is required, since alluvial cover minimizes meaningful surface exploration beyond the one to two metre wide structures exposed at surface. Drilling is anticipated to be the next phase of exploration such that field crews are planning and spotting drill hole locations. Since the Chunibas Property's primary mineralized area is open in all directions, drilling is expected to probe deeper and on-strike mineralized zones not explored in previous drilling. All drill permits, surface access agreements and drill contract proposals are in place, such that drilling could commence quickly. Partnership opportunities are being investigated to fund the drilling, however, the Company is funded to support this program as required. Warrants Exercised During the period of November 1st, 2016 to February 15th, 2017, the Company received $717,475 from the voluntary exercise of 7,570,750 warrants. Over the period, June 1st, 2016 to February 15th, 2017, the Company's outstanding warrants have been reduced from 24,524,000 to 8,740,250. Launch of new Corporate Website As part of the Company's continuing commitment to shareholder communication, San Marco has launched a new responsive website to enable ease of use for shareholders to view the Company's website information across multiple platforms, including mobile devices. The website address remains the same: http://www.sanmarcocorp.com/s/Home.asp. Prospectors and Developers Association Convention 2017 (PDAC) Company representatives will be attending the upcoming PDAC conference held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 5th to 8th, 2017, in Toronto, Ontario. If you wish to arrange a meeting with management, please email info@sanmarcocorp.com. About San Marco San Marco Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a portfolio of promising projects in mining-friendly Mexico, including the Chunibas and Mariana Projects in Sonora State. San Marco actively pursues strategic project generation program focused on high-caliber, low acquisition cost opportunities in the North-western Mexico. The Company has a committed management team with extensive experience in Mexico and a proven track record of building shareholder value. San Marco currently has 53,851,832 issued and outstanding shares. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Robert Willis, P. Eng. President & CEO National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure This news release has been approved by San Marco's CEO, Robert D. Willis, P. Eng. a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying such technical information by reviewing the assay reports provided to San Marco by its independent testing laboratory. The Company has implemented quality assurance ("QA") and quality control ("QC") programs to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with the best possible practices. All sampling programs are carried out in a careful and diligent manner using scientifically established sampling practices designed and tested to ensure that the results are representative and reliable. Quality control programs appropriate to the type of sample and the mineralization are implemented, including such measures as external blanks, standards and duplicate samples. The security of samples from sample acquisition to analysis is a vital component of the sampling process. Procedures include the use of secure core logging, sampling, storage and preparation facilities as appropriate and the prompt, secure and direct shipping of samples to the laboratories. Appropriate sample security procedures are employed given the geographic and topographic conditions and the logistics created by the site location. Forward Looking Information Information set forth in this document may include forward-looking statements. While these statements reflect management's current plans, projections and intents, by their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the control of San Marco Resources Inc. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. San Marco's actual results, programs, activities and financial position could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: San Marco Resources Inc. Nancy Curry info@sanmarcocorp.com AB Klaipedos Nafta (hereinafter - the Company), as the operator of the liquefied natural gas (hereinafter - LNG) terminal in Klaipeda (hereinafter - the Terminal), informs that during the current Gas Year lasting from the 1st of October, 2016 until the 30th of September, 2017, upon conclusion of respective agreements the Terminal capacities were allocated to AB "Achema" under below indicated conditions: 1. LNG regasification capacities: LNG regasification capacities 5.839.900.000 kWh (with reference conditions: natural gas upper heating value - 11.90 kWh/nm3, LNG expansion coefficient- 1:580 (m3 LNG/ nm3 natural gas), combustion/measurement temperature -25/0 C, pressure - 1,01325 bar). 2. Terminal capacity usage period: from the 1st of April, 2017 until the 30th of September, 2017. The Company notes that besides the above-indicated Terminal capacities allocated to AB "Achema", the capacities at the Terminal for current Gas Year were reserved by two other Terminal Users: UAB "Lietuvos duju tiekimas" and UAB "LITGAS".The Company at its website shall constantly announce and update the information regarding free capacities of the Terminal, which shall be available for acquisition during the Gas Year. Acting General Manager Marius Pulkauninkas, tel. +370 46 391763 Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. ELKO While the City Council declared an end to the state of emergency, Southside property owners came out to address the council with their concerns regarding how the City handled the recent flooding. The council chamber was filled Tuesday with property owners who wanted more help in the aftermath of the floods, including more help from police. Kacie Ortiz does not own property in the neighborhood but said she had been helping her grandmother clean up her flooded house. With so many properties temporarily uninhabited while the cleanup continues, Ortiz addressed the council and asked for more police patrols in the area. With people not being in the homes, and the whole town knows they cannot go back, its basically an open invitation to come out and see what theyve got, she said. Ortiz was also concerned that the City did not do enough to communicate which resources were available to those who experienced property damage in the floods. Since the city was having difficulty reaching out to residents who were not always able to get information off of the Citys website, Ortiz is hoping the City has a plan in place for the floods that could come with the spring runoff. We need more communication with the whole town, she said. Having a disaster plan would be great because it seemed like everybody was running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Ortiz was not the only attendee at the meeting who was concerned about the property of a relative. Assemblyman John Ellisons daughter Michelle Mosley spoke to the council on behalf of her father and wanted to know what the City had planned when the waters rose again. Whats going to happen the next time it floods and her basement is covered in sewage again, she asked. There was raw sewage coming up his shower drain and toilet into his basement on the things we tried to save and he wants to know whats going to be done about that. Larry Robb owns property in the Southside neighborhood and asked the council to rate their leadership during the floods. All four council members rated themselves highly but Robb said the lack of leadership was evident when the meeting did not include an agenda item regarding the flood damage. In my comments I noted that this provides elected officials with the opportunity to lead. With this type of event occurring it is disappointing that people would have to ask to get this on the agenda, he said. In other cities the mayor will usually have a press conference, maybe a plan of action to guide people where to go, and I think thats why there is such public outcry. Robb also mentioned that he was disappointed by the absence of Mayor Chris Johnson. Johnson had a prior engagement at the Nevada Legislature for a League of Cities meeting. Councilman John Rice led the four-person meeting on Tuesday. Though he acknowledged that it would have been beneficial to have Johnson at the meeting, he also said it was important for him to meet with the members of the Legislature. Theres a lot of important discussion that goes on with regards to Elko and all the cities in Nevada and Tuesday was that opportunity for him to be speaking with state legislators on other matters and it just happens that the timing wasnt good, he said. Despite the frustration of the property owners, councilmen Robert Schmidtlein said the City is working on a plan to address future floods. During the public comment period of the meeting, he said the City has already taken flooding into account with their budget. We have $ 50,000 thats being put in the future budget to potentially figure out and analyze specifically what has happened here and what we can do to prevent and move forward, he said. All we can do is move forward here and try to figure it out. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Energizer Resources Inc. (TSX: EGZ) (OTCQB: ENZR) (FRANKFURT: A1CXW3) ("Energizer" or the "Company") announces that a Detailed Engineering Study on its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar is expected to be completed by March 31, 2017. The decision to commence a Detailed Engineering Study was based on the positive results of the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) Study, which was completed this past November. Detailed Engineering represents the final stage of project development and is performed before project construction starts and when the procurement of equipment to construct a mine is imminent. It follows Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) and consists of detailed diagrams and drawings for construction, civil works, instrumentation, control system, electrical facilities, management of suppliers, schedule of activities, cost schedules, and economic evaluation. Former Managing Director of DRA Africa Joins as Mining Engineer Consultant The Company announces that Mr. Johann de Bruin, former Managing Director of DRA Africa (DRA), has joined Energizer as a consultant. DRA is the largest and most successful African-based mining engineering and construction (EPC/EPCM) company, with 20 offices in 5 continents and over 3000 employees around the globe. DRA prepared the Company's Feasibility Study on the Molo Project in 2015 with Mr. de Bruin acting at the time as the primary liaison between DRA and the Company. Mr. de Bruin also served on Energizer's board of directors from 2012 until 2014, when he stepped down to focus on his increasing responsibilities at DRA as Managing Director. Mr. de Bruin's mandate will be to oversee all aspects regarding the operational readiness of the Molo Project as the Company prepares for the commencement of procurement for mine infrastructure. He will be specifically responsible for: i) the review and formation of the Molo mine operating team ii) the review of all mine-item cost structures to ensure that the project is optimally prepared for the implementation phase; and iii) assistance in the execution of the mine plan schedule with specific focus on cost and time management control Mr. de Bruin will support the Company's Senior Vice-President of Operations, Robin Borley, and together will ensure that the project, post-funding, meets all operational requirements during the implementation process. Mr. Borley was the former director of mining for DRA before joining Energizer full-time in 2013 as both Senior Vice-President and Director, and is an expert in project set-up and technical mining knowledge. The combined skill-sets of both Mr. Borley and Mr. de Bruin, honed from their respective tenures at DRA, provide Energizer with an unparalleled expertise in the successful implementation and optimized delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary mining projects in developing jurisdictions, and specifically in Madagascar. Craig Scherba, P. Geo, President and CEO of Energizer stated, "The decision to initiate detailed engineering indicates the advanced stage that Energizer has achieved in the development of its Molo Project and our expectation that we can achieve our goal to begin producing graphite by year end. The addition of Mr. de Bruin to our already solid engineering team signals yet another major milestone in the development of the Molo mine. The proven track record that Johann and Robin have in delivering complex projects in complex jurisdictions will further aid to reduce the overall project risk and is a differentiator to the many projects out there where management may lack the experience in delivering a mine. Investors can take great comfort in the fact that Energizer's team has the proven experience to deliver the project once funding is secured". About Mr. Johann de Bruin Johann de Bruin has an impressive track record as a seasoned mining industry engineer and executive with substantial knowledge of mining operations on the African continent, Australia and Canada. Mr. de Bruin retired as Managing Director from DRA in November 2016 after successfully navigating DRA through the diversification of its business into Central, East & West Africa. Mr. de Bruin was responsible for leading a globalization agenda that included two significant acquisitions and a horizontal integration into energy, water and agriculture to create sustainability. During his tenure at DRA, Mr. de Bruin was instrumental in growing the mining project portfolio to include design and construction of 35 platinum concentrators, 42 coal processing plants and 12 metallurgical plants across multiple commodities, collectively valued at over $5 billion. Energizer to Exhibit at the 2017 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange. The Company wishes to invite all current and potential investors to visit Booth 2510 and discuss first-hand with management the latest progress and developments on its Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar. The PDAC is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 5th to March 8th. For more information on the PDAC, please visit www.pdac.ca/convention. About Energizer Resources Energizer Resources is a mineral exploration and mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that is developing its 100%-owned, feasibility-stage Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar. Please see the Feasibility Study titled, "Molo Feasibility Study, National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, On the Molo Graphite Project located near the village of Fotadrevo in the Province of Toliara, Madagascar" prepared by DRA Projects (Pty) Limited, effective date February 6, 2015. Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are related to the timing of the completion of the Detailed Engineering Study, and the expected results of a detailed engineering study, funding of the development of the Molo Project, the results of the FEED study, implementation and commencement of the build-out of the Molo Project, commencement of production at the Molo Project, commencement of procurement for mine infrastructure, the procurement of equipment to construct a mine value engineering, continued product test results and product analysis, the permit application process and the use of the Molo concentrate to further discussions regarding potential off take agreements and funding arrangements. These are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Contacts: Energizer Resources Inc. Brent Nykoliation Senior Vice President, Corporate Development bnykoliation@energizerresources.com Energizer Resources Inc. Craig Scherba President and CEO cscherba@energizerresources.com +1.416.364.4911 DUBLIN, Mar 01, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Strategic Focus Mapping - 2017-2020 - Global Top 5 Civil Helicopter Manufacturers - Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, Leonardo-Finmeccanica, Russian Helicopters, Sikorsky" report to their offering. The Global Civil Helicopter market continues to face significant headwinds with 2016 proving to be another of very difficult years for the industry as of late with global civil helicopter deliveries declining by 15% year on year in 2016 & significant pressure on order intake with continued difficulties in the offshore oil & gas sector which is impacted by the ongoing slump in oil prices & overcapacity. The European players, which have traditionally dominated the civil helicopter segment, have been able to further consolidate their grip on the civil market by increasing their market shares further in 2016 with a better focused & aligned product portfolio mix & strategy for markets; as reflected by Airbus Helicopters' further consolidation of market share in North America. However, Bell's two key civil helicopter programs, namely, 505 Jet Ranger X, which entered service in late 2016 and the 525 Relentless, slated for EIS in 2017, are likely to give a significant fillip to Bell's civil helicopter business & deliveries in 2017 while providing a serious challenge to European hegemony in the civil helicopter segment. Key Topics Covered: Strategic Focus & Priorities - For all 5 Industry OEMs producing Civil Helicopters Key Strategies, Plans & Initiatives - For the Top 5 Civil Helicopter Manufacturers Internal Factor Analysis Summary (IFAS) Framework Analysis - Analysis of Internal Environmental Factors based on Internal Environmental Scanning - For Each Industry OEM Covered External Factor Analysis Summary (EFAS) Framework Analysis - Analysis of External Environmental Factors based on External Environmental Scanning - For all OEMs Strategic Factor Analysis Summary (SFAS) Framework Analysis - Overall Combination of Internal & External Environmental Factors - Strategic Factors Analysis & Quantitative Score for each OEM Comparative Ranking of Industry Players - based on SFAS Scores Global Civil Helicopter Market - Force Field Analysis Potential Growth Opportunities & Avenues - Analysis & Insights Key Trends, Issues & Challenges Global Civil Helicopter Market - Strategic Outlook through 2024 - Demand Projections - Delivery Units & Value in $ Billion Companies Mentioned Airbus Helicopters Bell Helicopters Leonardo-Finmeccanica Russian Helicopters Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qvq9bg/strategic_focus 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 Weakening Syrian government would extend life of the Islamic State's caliphate The Islamic State fought Syrian government forces more than any other opponent over the past 12 months, according to new analysis from Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO), a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170419005536/en/ Islamic State Territorial Losses Between January 2015 and 3 April 2017 (Graphic: Business Wire) Between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017, 43 percent of all Islamic State fighting in Syria was directed against President Assad's forces, 17 against the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the remaining 40 percent involved fighting rival Sunni opposition groups -- in particular, those who formed part of the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield coalition. "It is an inconvenient reality that any US action taken to weaken the Syrian government will inadvertently benefit the Islamic State and other jihadist groups," said Columb Strack, senior Middle East analyst at IHS Markit. "The Syrian government is essentially the anvil to the US-led Coalition's hammer. While US-backed forces surround Raqqa, the Islamic State is engaged in intense fighting with the Syrian government around Palmyra and in other parts of Homs and Deir al-Zour provinces." Any further reduction in the capability of Syria's already overstretched forces would reduce their ability to prevent the Islamic State from pushing out of the desert into the more heavily populated western Syria, threatening cities like Homs and Damascus, the analysis said. "If the Islamic State succeeds in capturing the Syrian government's isolated and heavily contested garrison in Deir al-Zour, the group would have a new major population centre from which to run the Caliphate," Strack said. "The capture of Deir al-Zour, the largest city in eastern Syria, could be a life-line for the group's governance project beyond the loss of Mosul and Raqqa." Almost half of original territory lost Between 1 January 2015 and 3 April 2017, the Islamic State lost almost 50 percent of its territory. On 1 January 2015, Conflict Monitor estimated the Islamic State controlled 90,800 km2 in Iraq and Syria. Now, the Islamic State controls 48,500 km2 "We have seen Islamic State territorial losses accelerate significantly in 2017," Strack said. "Their losses were largely driven by a greater commitment from the US to back the Syrian Democratic Forces, but also by major Syrian government advances east of Aleppo and around Palmyra." Between 1 January 2017 and 3 April 2017, the caliphate's territory shrank by a further 20 percent to 48,500 km2. The area they control now is roughly the same size as the Dominican Republic. Intelligence cut-off date: 10 April 2017. Meet Jane's at the AFCEA 2017 Conference Jane's will be exhibiting jointly with Luciad at AFCEA 2017 in Bonn, Germany from 27 to 28 April. The team will be showing wider analysis on Iraq through the Luciad platform and how Luciad's geospatial visualization combined with defense and security data from Jane's can deliver superior critical information and insight. Appointments to view the wider analysis can be made at ADSEvents@ihs.com or http://connect.luciad.com/AFCEAGermany2017 About Conflict Monitor Conflict Monitor by IHS Markit is an open-source intelligence collection and analysis service, which includes unrivalled data coverage of the conflict in Iraq and Syria, weekly control maps, as well as in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis by Jane's security experts. Visit our site to learn more about the service and a free trial: https://www.ihs.com/products/conflictmonitor.html or get in touch here. About IHS Markit(www.ihsmarkit.com) IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world's leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth. IHS Markit is a registered trademark of IHS Markit Ltd. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners 2017 IHS Markit Ltd. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170419005536/en/ Contacts: IHS Markit Amanda Russo, +44 208-544-7827 Amanda.Russo@ihsmarkit.com or Press Team +1 303-305-8021 press@ihs.com PORTLAND, Oregon and PUNE, India, March 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report published by Allied Market Research titled, "Global E-Commerce Logistics Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecasts, 2014-2022," projects the e-commerce market size to reach $535,895 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2016 to 2022. The transportation service type generated the largest market share in 2015 while warehousing sub-segment is expected to register fastest growth during the forecast period 2016-2022. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market over the forecast period. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 ) Summary of the E-Commerce Logistics Market Report can be accessed on the website at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/e-commerce-logistics-market Booming e-commerce industry, execution in 3PL, and enhanced relationships between customers & suppliers provide heightened growth avenue for the e-commerce logistics industry. Retailers have revamped their traditional warehouses to cater to the requirements of e-commerce and logistics to improve the store-level inventory accuracy and increase their ability to serve larger consignments. Further, supply chain solutions are being customized to serve the user requirements with the transformed fundamentals of product distribution and advancements in technology. Additionally, business analytics has assisted logistics professionals to increase the speed and efficiency of work processes. The extended execution of supply chain footprint is highly opportunistic for the market growth. However, factors such as high deployment of warehouse management solutions and regulatory issues restrict the market growth to a considerable extent. Check offers and discount on E-Commerce Logistics Market Report:https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/get-discount/1860 In 2015, transportation sub-segment dominated the market; however, warehousing service type is anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The integration of e-commerce logistics with transportation management software (TMS) has boosted the e-commerce logistics market growth. TMS aids in planning deliveries across the supply chain. Furthermore, optimizing the flow of goods and leveraging consolidated capacity have increased the growth potential of the market. Further, the domestic operational area leads the global e-commerce logistics market and international operational area portrays the fastest growth rate in the global market. "Asia-Pacific is the most productive market for e-commerce logistics as compared to others owing to the increasing population, globalization, upsurge in the sales of smartphones, and increasing number of netizens. Furthermore, LAMEA is projected to grow at the fastest pace over the forecast period owing to technological advancements and rising internet connectivity in the region", states Sonia Mutreja, Lead Analyst, E-Commerce & Outsourcing at AMR. Connect to Research Analyst: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/1860 Key findings of the study: Transportation is expected to exhibit a significant growth in the e-commerce logistics market Domestic operational area generated the highest revenue as compared to international area and is anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period LAMEA is projected to exhibit a substantial growth during the forecast period The key players in the global e-commerce logistics market include DHL International GmbH, Aramex International, FedEx Corporation, S.F. Express, Gati Limited, Amazon, Kenco Group, Inc., Ceva Holdings LLC, United Parcel Service, Inc., and Clipper Logistics Plc. Summary of similar reports can be viewed at:https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/automotive-and-transportation/freight-and-logistics-market-report 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: Rahul Thakur 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Direct: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada) Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975 E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com LONDON, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, and Kate Young, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, will make an important announcement to support entrepreneurs in southwestern Ontario. Media are invited to tour the company prior to the official announcement. MP Fragiskatos and MP Young will be available to answer questions from the media, following the event. Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local. DATE: Friday, March 3, 2017 TIME: Tour - 11:00 a.m. Announcement - 11:30 a.m. PLACE: Tour: Stiller Centre 700 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G 4M3 Announcement: NRC Building 800 Collip Circle London, Ontario N6G 4M3 Contacts: FOR INFORMATION (media only): Media Relations Office FedDev Ontario 416-954-6652 fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Precipitate Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Precipitate") (TSX VENTURE: PRG) is pleased to announce the discovery of a new gold-in-soil geochemical anomaly at the Ginger Ridge zone, resulting from the ongoing and wide ranging exploration activities within the Company's 100% owned Juan de Herrera Project in the Dominican Republic. Recent soil sampling at and around the Ginger Ridge Zone has identified a new gold-in-soil anomaly located approximately one kilometre ("km") east of the main drill test area. The multi-element soil geochemical anomaly has a northwest-southeast ("NW-SE") trend and exceeds 850 metres ("m") in length, with an average 100m width and is open ended to the southeast toward the eastern property boundary shared with GoldQuest Mining Corp. Currently, Precipitate field staff are carrying out comprehensive follow-up work that includes additional soil and rock sampling, detailed geological mapping and ground magnetic surveying. See the accompanying map or the Company's website for the Ginger Ridge gold-in-soil anomaly illustration map. Initial work at this new anomaly within the Ginger Ridge Zone has yielded the following preliminary results: -- New Ginger Ridge gold-in-soil anomaly (plus other important pathfinder elements, including arsenic, antimony, silver, lead, and zinc) located approximately one km east of the main drill test area. The anomaly trends NW-SE, ranges from 75m to 250m wide by at least 850m long and remains open to the southeast; -- The soil anomaly is coincident with recently identified induced polarization ("IP") gradient geophysical anomalies; resistivity high and weak to moderate chargeability; and -- Discovery of a large barite subcrop exposure hosted in altered Tireo volcanics located within the soil anomaly. Barite is commonly associated with notable Tireo Gold Camp gold-in-soil mineral systems and with volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") systems in particular. Soil sample coverage was recently extended to the east of the Ginger Ridge main anomaly to: (i) test recently identified gradient IP geophysical anomalies in the area; and (ii) to investigate the geology on trend from GoldQuest's Cachimbo 'VMS-style' discovery area, located 2.0km northwest of Ginger Ridge. Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate's President & CEO stated, "We are very pleased that our expanded exploration work has identified a prospective new gold-in-soil anomaly situated immediately east of the main Ginger Ridge drill zone. The newly identified geochemical anomaly overlies a compelling geophysical target comprised of a combined coincident high resistivity and weak to moderate chargeability in a geological setting analogous to other mineralized zones that occur in the Tireo Formation. In addition, the discovery of a large barite subcrop, hosted in Tireo volcanic rocks, within the confines of the soil anomaly is an important g new development, as barite is commonly associated with Tireo gold systems. A more detailed program of surface sampling and geological and ground magnetic geophysical surveying in the vicinity of the barite subcrop is ongoing and will greatly assist with the geological interpretation of the anomaly as a possible near term drill target." Soil sampling at Ginger Ridge now comprises an area measuring about 3.4km by 1.6km covering much of the prospective Tireo volcanic rocks in the zone. The recent soil samples were collected at 25m to 50m intervals along northeast oriented grid lines at 100m line intervals. The multi-element soil anomaly is characterized by a correlation of gold with various pathfinder elements which include arsenic, antimony, silver, lead, and zinc. The gold-in-soil anomaly is defined by values exceeding the 70th percentile (5.1 ppb). To date, gold-in-soil values within the new anomaly area range from nil to 730 ppb. Similar field work is being conducted elsewhere within and around Ginger Ridge as the Company seeks to expand its pipeline of targets in advance of further drill testing. Additional field results will be reported as they become available. This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards. Rock and soil samples were bagged, sealed and delivered directly to Bureau Veritas ("BV") preparation facility in Maimon Dominican Republic where they were dried, crushed (or sieved in the case of soils) and pulped. Sample pulps were then delivered to BV facilities in Vancouver BC (an ISO 9001 accredited facility) for analyses. Samples were crushed (or sieved) to with up to 80% passing 2mm and split using a riffle splitter (code PRP70-250). An approximate 250 gram sub-sample split was pulverized to minus 200 mesh (74micron). A 15 gram sub-split from the resulting pulp was then subjected to aqua regia digestion and multi-element ICP-MS analysis (code AQ201). Rock sample results with gold greater than 1,000 ppb were subjected to fire assay (ICP-ES finish) analysis (30 g pulp; code FA330-Au). About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains assets in northern British Columbia and southeast Yukon Territory and is actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp., Jeffrey Wilson, President & CEO 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. This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.'s ("Precipitate" or the "Company") current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Precipitate to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts: Precipitate Gold Corp. 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 investor@precipitategold.com AUSTIN, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Clear Measure, Inc., a leading software engineering firm, today announced that its CEO, Jeffrey Palermo, has been named as one of five finalists within the Technology & Start-Up category for this year's Austin Under 40 Awards (AU40). Hosted by Austin's Young Women's Alliance (YWA) and the Young Men's Business League (YMBL), Austin Under 40 selected Palermo, a military veteran, as a finalist because of his role in helping to grow the software industry nationally, as well as locally, and his role as a strong citizen and business partner, committed to supporting Austin's growth through education, children's advocacy and other philanthropic initiatives. "The Austin Under 40 recognizes the huge growth and innovation taking place in Austin. I'm very honored to be named a finalist for this prestigious award, among a distinguished group of technology and startup professionals," said Palermo. "Clear Measure is very committed to giving back to the community and using our expertise and resources to help grow the technology profession. It's very exciting to help ignite interest in software engineering among young people in the area." In four years under Palermo's leadership, Clear Measure has grown aggressively in the region. Austin Business Journal ranked Clear Measure the #1 Fastest growing company in their category in 2016. Palermo is highly recognized as a leader in the software industry. He was named a Microsoft MVP every year since 2006, and has presented at numerous technology industry conferences nationally and internationally. He is a published author, with articles appearing in industry magazines, and co-author of the book, ASP.Net MVC in Action. Clear Measure embodies the definition of a good corporate citizen, generously donating to organizations such as the Austin Children's Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, the Texas Advocacy Project, SAFE Place, Austin Young Life; and also hosts the Humanitarian Toolbox Hack-a-thon, an event in which software professionals donate their time to write software for not-for-profit organizations free of charge. Winners of the 19th annual Austin under 40 Awards will be named at an event Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the JW Marriott in Austin. Since 1998, Austin's Young Women's Alliance and the Young Men's Business League have partnered to host Austin Under 40, one of the city's premier awards events, to recognize local citizens who both lead their respective industries and exhibit a solid commitment to serving their community. The individuals are recognized in 16 categories, including Technology & Startup. Clear Measure Clear Measure is a custom software engineering firm that brings a sustained competitive technical advantage to growing companies. We assist mid-market executives that are concerned that their technology may not be keeping up with their competition, frustrated with their ability to scale systems & processes, or experiencing lost profitability due to inefficiencies in their software. Unlike other custom software engineering firms, we directly employ our developers, we partner with our clients to learn about their business objectives, and are intimately involved in every stage of the engagement. We manage the entire engineering lifecycle including software architecture, project management, and 24 hour support. Clear Measure is headquartered in Austin, TX. More information is available at www.clear-measure.com. Media contacts: Rayne Fulton Email Contact 512-201-4118 Laura Ruffino Email Contact 512-298-1232 EL PASO, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Premier Biomedical, Inc. (OTCQB: BIEI) announced today that the principal amounts on their outstanding convertible debts have been retired. The company acknowledged that, although it still needs capital to keep the business going, they will be more judicious in any future financing. The company has in the past had as many as five lenders at once converting debt, as they struggled to finance their aggressive research programs on PTSD and cancer. The company has since shelved their promising cancer research program and PTSD research until they can acquire a suitable development partner. The company reports they have been in discussion with a number of potential partners with whom their promising patent-pending antibody drug for breast cancer can be developed. "It is because of the enormous costs of our research that we decided to pivot our attention, temporarily, towards manufacturing and selling pain relief products to generate a revenue stream. We currently are selling what we consider to be the world's-best 96-hour pain patch and hemp oil roll-on applicator. We plan on introducing four more pain relief products this calendar year," said William A. Hartman, President and CEO of Premier Biomedical. The company sells their pain relief products through their website, www.painreliefmeds.com, as well as through direct distributors. Hartman continued, "Our stock has been under enormous pressure due to the heavy amount of debt converted into shares and introduced to the market. The dilution of the stock has been a concern to us, and all of our shareholders, and to see it reach an end is a relief to us all. Going forward, we will still need to finance a portion of our operations, but we have tightened our belts and will continue to run very lean, until we can generate sufficient revenue to become self-funding. We are confident that our approach will result in a significant increase in our stock price in the future." About Premier Biomedical, Inc. Premier Biomedical, Inc. (OTCQB: BIEI) is a research-based publicly traded company that intends to discover and develop medical treatments for a wide range of diseases in humans. Premier has obtained, via exclusive license agreements, the technology behind three granted US Patents, multiple pending provisional patents, and a PCT Europe National Patent. Founded in 2010, Premier has partnered with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The company's R&D efforts are centered in El Paso, TX, and their business offices are in Western Pennsylvania. The Company is a fully-reporting issuer whose common stock trades on the OTCQB marketplace maintained by OTC Markets Group, Inc. under the ticker symbol "BIEI." For more information please visit our website:http://www.premierbiomedical.com/. Safe Harbor Notice Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Premier Biomedical, Inc. cautions that statements and assumptions made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties, estimates made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. Premier Biomedical, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this news release. Premier Biomedical, Inc. William A. Hartman President and CEO (724) 633-7033 w.hartman@premierbiomedical.com www.premierbiomedical.com/ MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE: NOU)(OTCQB: NMGRF)(FRANKFURT: NM9) ("Nouveau Monde" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the results of an updated pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate (the "Current Resource") concerning the West Zone Deposit, located on the Tony claim Block, part of its Matawinie graphite Property. The Current Resource is summarized in Table 1 below and is compared to the pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate (the "Previous Resource") included in the Preliminary Economic Assessment report press released on June 22, 2016. Table 1: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral Resource Current Resource (March 2, Previous Resource (June 22, Category(2) 2017)(8, 9) 2016)(8) ------------------------------------------------------------ Tonnage Grade (% Tonnage Grade (% (Mt)(5,7) Cg)(3) Cg (Mt) (Mt)(6,7) Cg)(3) Cg (Mt) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated 32.9 4.50 1.48 16.0 4.38 0.70 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred(4) 0.2 4.84 0.01 14.8 4.88 0.72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ( 1) The Mineral Resources provided in this table were estimated using current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines. (2) Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to Measured Mineral Resources. (3) All analyses used for the Resource Estimates were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as graphitic carbon ("% Cg"), internal analytical code C-IR18. (4) Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. (5) Current Resource effective March 2nd, 2017. (6) Previous Resource published June 22nd, 2016. (7) Both Current and Previous Mineral Resources are stated at a cut-off grade of 2.28% Cg. (8) Although the Current Resource is constrained within a pit envelope generated using the same economic parameters as the Previous Resource, the latter was further refined using a mine design plan. This exercise was not performed for the Current Resource. (9) The Current Resource was constrained at an elevation of 390 m above sea level (ASL) to better approximate the parameters used to generate the Previous Resource. Eric Desaulniers commented "I am very pleased with our recent drill program which essentially enabled us to move 100% of our inferred resource into the indicated resource category. This speaks to the quality of our original drilling and the strength of the deposit mineralization. The next step will be to input this information into our optimized mine plan that will be the basis of our pre-feasibility study due out in September 2017. My team is led by in-house professionals with years of hands-on graphite production experience. Their leadership and input into our pre-feasibility study will be invaluable and gives me increased confidence in the quality of our new project economics to come." Various characteristics of the Current Resource pit envelope are compared to the Previous Resource pit envelop in Table 2. Table 2. Current and Previous Resource Pit Envelope Characteristics. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Resource (March Previous Resource Pit Envelope Characteristics 2, 2017)(3, 4) (June 22, 2016)(3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Length (m)(1) 2300 1690 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum width (m)(1) 400 400 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Surface area (square km) 0.4826 0.4825 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum pit elevation (m)(2) 390 390 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum vertical difference between pit depth to original surface elevation (m)(2) 145 145 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waste to Ore Ratio 1.04: 1 0.94: 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Measured length is approximate. (2) Elevation is measures above sea level or "ASL". (3) Although the Current Resource is constrained within a pit envelope generated using the same economic parameters as the Previous Resource, the latter was further refined using a mine design plan. This exercise was not performed for the Current Resource. (4) The Current Resource was constrained at an elevation of 390 m above sea level (ASL) to better approximate the parameters used to generate the Previous Resource. The Current Resource presented here was generated following the addition of 41 core drill holes and three (3) trenches completed in 2016. Last year's exploration work aimed at upgrading the previous West Zone resources from the Inferred Resource Category to the Indicated Resource Category by infill drilling and trenching. The 2016 work also intended to extend the resources further to the north and to the south of the West Zone following encouraging results from earlier airborne and ground geophysical surveys. A map displaying the West Zone 2014 to 2016 core drilling and trenching locations as well as a plan view of the Current Resource is available through this link: http://nouveaumonde.ca/wp-content/uploads/PR_West_Zone_20170302_EN.pdf Data Sources and Estimation Methods The block model, used to generate the Current Resource of the West Zone, is based on a total of 68 core drill holes which produced 3693 samples as well as 207 samples collected from channelling work in three (3) trenches. This does not include the quality control samples which comprise of 172 duplicate, 171 blank and 82 standard samples, all of which returned within acceptable limits. In all, 17 mineralized horizons encased in paragneiss units were interpreted and modelled from this data. The Current Resource block model for the West Zone was prepared by Yann Camus, P. Eng., of SGS Canada Inc. - Geostat ("SGS Geostat") from Blainville, Quebec, using the Genesis mining software. Interpolation was performed using inverse square distance (ID(2)) as well as different search ellipses which were adapted for the geology of the deposit. The block model was then fed to GEOVIA's Whittle software to provide a pit- constrained Mineral Resource Estimate. The parameters used to generate the pit envelope were similar to the ones used for the Previous Resource and are available below in Table 3. The pit-envelope containing the Current Resource was limited to the Tony Block property boundary to the south of the West Zone deposit as well as to an elevation of 390 m above sea level in order to better approximate the parameters used to generate the Previous Resource. Although the pit envelope confining the Current Resources was generated using the same parameters as the pit envelope for the Previous Resources, the latter was further refined using a mine design including the ramp. This exercise was not performed for the Current Resource. Table 3. Pit Envelope Generation Parameters -------------------------------------------------- Parameters Values -------------------------------------------------- Currency CAD -------------------------------------------------- Block size 5m x 5m x 5m -------------------------------------------------- Specific Gravity 2.76 t/m(3) -------------------------------------------------- Overall slope angle rock 50 degrees ------------------------------- overburden 25 degrees -------------------------------------------------- Pit selection method Cash Flow -------------------------------------------------- Mining cost rock 6.50 $/t ------------------------------- overburden 5.20 $/t -------------------------------------------------- Mining dilution 5% -------------------------------------------------- Mining recovery 95.2% -------------------------------------------------- Rehabilitation Cost 0.61 $/t -------------------------------------------------- Processing Cost 15.84 $/t -------------------------------------------------- Processing Recovery 89.50% -------------------------------------------------- G&A 4.16 $/t -------------------------------------------------- Selling Price of concentrate 1430 $/t -------------------------------------------------- Concentration of Cg in the concentrate 97.3% -------------------------------------------------- Initial Capex 110 M$ -------------------------------------------------- Discount Rate 8% -------------------------------------------------- Target Processing Rate/yr 1.212 Mt -------------------------------------------------- It is important to note that Nouveau Monde will not be issuing a Technical Report detailing the Current Resource. Nouveau Monde has initiated work towards completing a Prefeasibility Study for September 2017 in which mining and economic parameters are expected to be updated and refined resulting in a Mineral Reserve for the West Zone. Nouveau Monde did not perform any work on its other mineralized zones located in its Tony claim Block during 2016. The corporation will continue to focus its efforts on its West Zone deposit in the short to medium term. A map displaying the Tony claim Block including the location of all identified mineralized zones and significant results is available thru this link: http://nouveaumonde.ca/wp-content/uploads/PR_Tony_Block_20170302_EN.pdf Nouveau Monde will be exhibiting at the Prospectors and Developers Association Conference (PDAC) from Sunday, March 5, 2017 to Wednesday March 8, 2017 in booth number 2830 of the Investors Exchange Forum. Company representatives will be on hand to speak about the updated resource as well as other exciting developments at Nouveau Monde. About Nouveau Monde In 2015, Nouveau Monde discovered a graphite deposit on its Tony claim block, part of its fully owned Matawinie graphite Property. This discovery resulted in the publishing of a Preliminary Economic Assessment, completed according to NI 43-101 guidelines, in June of 2016. This study demonstrated strong economics with a planned production of 50,000 tpy of high purity flake graphite over a period of 25.7 years which is expected to provide a solid operational margin and relatively low capital expenditures (see press release dated June 22, 2016). The project is located in the Saint-Michel-des-Saints area, some 120 km north of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has direct access to all needed infrastructure, labour as well as green and affordable hydroelectricity. Nouveau Monde is developing its project with the highest corporate social responsibility standards while targeting a low environmental footprint (targeting a net zero carbon emission operation). The technical information presented in this news release was prepared by Yann Camus, P. Eng., of SGS Canada Inc. - Geostat, an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. 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. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated by such statements. Nouveau Monde will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Nouveau Monde. Contacts: Eric Desaulniers, M.Sc., P.Geo. President and Chief Executive Officer of Nouveau Monde (819) 923-0333 BSD Crown Ltd. (LSE: BSD) (the "Company") Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting Ramat Gan, Israel, 2 March 2017 The Company has today issued a revised Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting ("Meeting"). The revised notice is being sent at the request of Yossi Willi Management and Investment Ltd., (the "Requisitionist") 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 the Requisitionist 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 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. The Board proposes to re-appoint Mr. Gregory Gurtovoy , and to elect Mr. Eli Arad , Mr. Nir Netzer and Mr. Arik Safran , as members of the Board until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting. Each such director, if so elected, will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company (if such director is not so elected, he or she shall be automatically removed from office). Information regarding the backgrounds and experience of Mr. Gregory Gurtovoy, Mr. Eli Arad, Mr. Nir Netzer and Mr. Arik Safran is available in appendix 1 attached hereto. Further details of these matters are contained in the circular which has been sent to Company Shareholders today. The Board considers that these resolutions to be in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Board is recommending that Shareholders vote in favour of the relevant resolutions at the Meeting. Resolutions proposed by the Requisionist The following matters are proposed by the Requisionist who, in the opinion of the Board, is attempting to take over the control and management of the Company: To remove from office all the existing directors (other than the external director); 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. Information regarding the background and experience of the proposed directors is available in the circular and the Requisionist letter 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 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. 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 Investment to Solidify Nimble as the CRM of Choice for Small Businesses and Fast Growing Sales Teams looking for a competitive advantage Nimble, the pioneer of Social Sales and Marketing CRM, today announced it has raised $9 million in a Series A round of financing led by Imagen Capital Partners. Additional investors include Mark Cuban's Radical Investments, Google Ventures, Indicator Ventures and a consortium of strategic angels including Jason Calacanis, Howard Lindzon and Don Dodge. Nimble previously raised a total of $3.5M in seed funding from its early backers. Nimble will use this new capital to accelerate product innovation, strategic partnerships, and customer adoption. CRM That Builds Itself And Works, Everywhere You Work Nimble is a cloud-based CRM solution designed for Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite customers. Nimble offers a robust out-of-box experience through its web platform, mobile apps, and Smart Contacts browser extension. Its native, bidirectional sync integration with Office 365 and Google G Suite allows it to streamline all interactions and exchanges that take place within Email, Calendar, Contacts, and more. Smarter Sales Insights and Social Intelligence for Your Sales Team Nimble pioneered Social CRM and has since experienced tremendous growth by focusing on delivering the best user experience for a very specific customer segment. Nimble has attracted over 100,000 businesses to date. "Today's legacy CRMs are too complex and hard to use, and we end up spending more time maintaining data in our CRMs than letting our CRM platforms work for us. The resulting low end user adoption is a significant cause of failure for CRMs," said Jon Ferrara, CEO of Nimble. "At Nimble we've solved the end user adoption issue and have built a CRM that end users love to use by seamlessly integrating with Office 365 and Google G Suite Emails, Contacts and Calendars, eliminating tedious data entry, and automating repetitive tasks. Nimble lives where users work: in email, the browser, and on their mobile devices. Our new funding will enable us to continue to delight and empower our customers with simply smarter CRM features so they can effortlessly sell more." Nimble is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing community of more than 100 million businesses powered by Office 365 and the 5 Million businesses powered by Google G Suite. "I've spent years of working with legacy CRM platforms and it was always clear that the salesperson needs were underserved," said Chris Barrow, Managing Director at Imagen Capital Partners. "People want a CRM that fits into their email and social-centric life to simplify the sales process and helps them close more deals. With Nimble committing to being the best CRM inside Office 365 and Google G Suite, they have built a tool that salespeople fall in love with. We look forward to working with its leadership team as they scale their pioneering CRM solutions to the worldwide marketplace." Nimble has been extending its pioneering Social Relationship Management Platform to work everywhere their customers work. Nimble delivers relationship insights everywhere you work including Office 365, G Suite, Outlook, Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Hootsuite, iOS and Android. Resources Blog Post Nimble Demo Video Nimble Named Best CRM Four Years in a Row Recent accolades for Nimble include; Nimble Named 2017 CRM Watchlist Winner, King of CRM by GetApp, #1 in CRM Value, #1 CRM in Customer Satisfaction and CRM Market Leader 3 years in a row by G2 Crowd. Nimble was also recognized previously as #1 Sales Intelligence in Customer Satisfaction and overall High Performer. Nimble was named #1 CRM in numerous other reviews over the past six months including; #1 CRM for Small Business by TechnologyAdvice, Highest Rated Software by Small, Mid-Size and Enterprise Business Users, Highest Rated CRM, Highest Rated Sales Intelligence, Best Software 2014 and Highest Rated Ease-of-Setup. Nimble was also recognized previously as #1 Sales Intelligence in Customer Satisfaction and overall High Performer. ABOUT IMAGEN CAPITAL PARTNERS Imagen Capital Partners, based in Seattle and Park City, Utah, is a venture capital fund focused on investing in early-stage technology companies and businesses. The firm seeks to invest predominantly in seed and Series A rounds across the technology spectrum. Its team of experienced entrepreneurs has a significant history and track record in building entrepreneurial companies and seeks to leverage this broad industry knowledge to work with entrepreneurs who seek to innovate, challenge and fundamentally change the dynamics of new and existing markets. ABOUT NIMBLE Nimble is the pioneer of social sales and marketing CRM for individuals and teams. It allows people to intelligently nurture relationships across email and social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Nimble combines the strengths of traditional CRM, classic contact management, social media, sales intelligence and marketing automation into a powerful social selling solution. Nimble was founded by Jon Ferrara, the co-founder of GoldMine, a pioneer of SFA, CRM, Relationship Management and Marketing Automation. For more information, visit www.nimble.com. Nimble can be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Located in Santa Monica, CA, Nimble is in the heart of the Southern California Silicon Beach tech community. Nimble Voted Most Loved Santa Monica Tech Startup of 2016. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005478/en/ Contacts: Nimble Inc. Michaela Prouzova 310-438-5362 michaela@nimble.com DALLAS, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Music Audience Exchange (MAX) today announced it has secured $6 million in a funding round led by MATH Venture Partners and KDWC Ventures. G-Bar Ventures and Gregg Latterman, Founder and CEO of Aware Records, also contributed to the raise. "We're redefining the role that brands play in the music industry," said MAX Founder and CEO, Nathan Hanks. "The new funds will help us accelerate adoption of our platform, which is bringing much-needed data and structure to the intersection of music and brand marketing. We're aligning brands, their agency partners, and artists and empowering them to connect deeply with audiences through music." MAX's consumer marketing platform is built on proprietary data science that weaves together over 2.4 million artists (from mainstream stars to great talents looking for that big break), across 765 genres with over 200 consumer attributes to make the perfect brand-artist matches. The platform then distributes authentic, brand-infused content everywhere consumers engage with music. Dr Pepper and Jack Daniel's were among the first brands leveraging the MAX Platform for partnerships with artists including NEEDTOBREATHE, Leela James, Aaron Watson, and 2017 Grammy Nominee La Maquinaria Nortena. In the last two years, MAX has expanded with programs for top agencies and category-leading brands across automotive, food, beverage, and consumer services. Given its capabilities to target highly specific consumer segments, the MAX Platform has already powered over 40 campaigns for Ford regional dealer groups in multiple English and Spanish music genres. Early successes have led to expansion into new markets and consumer segments across the U.S. Other major brands and agencies have shared similar success stories with MAX. The national "Summer Out Loud" campaign for Twix with pop-punk headliner, Mayday Parade, led to a significant increase in product sales across a national footprint of stores, and tens of thousands of fan entries to win a chance to meet the band. "MAX has moved from a new marketing category innovator to dominant marketing company contender status quickly. The constant stream of brand, artist, and consumer wins led to our investment interest," said Troy Henikoff, Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners. "What MAX is doing is entirely new and extremely valuable." MAX was founded in 2014 by Nathan Hanks, who saw the challenges artists face in promoting their careers while growing up in a family of working musicians. At MAX, Hanks is applying the lessons he learned having spent ten years immersed in digital marketing as Cofounder and President of ReachLocal, which he helped grow to 24,000 clients across 15 countries and over $500M in annual revenue. Company cofounders include music industry veteran, George Howard, who is the former President of indie label Rykodisc, a copyright and music licensing expert, and an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music and Brown University. The cofounding team also includes members of Hanks' previous team with backgrounds in brand marketing, advertising, data science, and technology. Joining the MAX Board of Directors are: Lon Chow (Partner at KDWC Ventures) and David Carlick (Independent Director and former Chairman of the Board at ReachLocal, Inc.). To learn more about MAX, visit: http://www.musicaudienceexchange.com/. SXSW Festival badge holders can listen to and meet MAX cofounders Hanks and Howard on March 15 at 3:30 PM during a panel entitled "The New Deal: Why Brands Will Buy Artists' Airtime." Howard will moderate the session, which will address how the music industry will experience the liberating forces currently imposing innovation on the cab and hotel industries. About Music Audience Exchange (MAX) Music Audience Exchange (MAX) is a consumer marketing platform that's powered by music artists, driven by data, and plays everywhere people spend time. MAX engineers the perfect mix of music and marketing that consumers lean in and listen to. The MAX Platform is built on proprietary data science that weaves together 2.4 million artists across 765 genres with 200+ consumer attributes to perfectly match brands with just the right artists, and then precisely reach the audiences they both want as fans. Brands get the growth they want. Artists get the exposure they need. Consumers get content and experiences they love. Press Contact: Cassady Nordeen Blast PR on behalf of MAX Email Contact MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, will make an announcement in support of an innovative telecommunications company. Minister Bains will be available to answer questions from the media, following the announcement. Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local. DATE: Friday, March 3, 2017 TIME: 2:30 p.m. - Tour 3:00 p.m. - Announcement PLACE: iS5 Communications Inc. #1-1815 Meyerside Drive Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1G3 Contacts: Media Relations Office FedDev Ontario 416-954-6652 fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A) today announced that the overwhelming engagement and commitment of Canadians across the country during its PinkShirtPromise campaign has helped raise more than $750,000 for bullying prevention programs in schools across Canada. "This year, Shaw's PinkShirtPromise campaign struck a deep chord among Canadians who have chosen to take a stand in the fight against bullying," said Chethan Lakshman, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations. "The monies raised through PinkShirtPromise will enable our charitable partners to reach more kids and youth, and make a difference in more communities than ever before." Beginning in 2015, Shaw's PinkShirtPromise social media campaign has expanded across Canada and engaged hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have made their own pledges to join the movement against bullying by posting their positive messages on social media. The initiative supports charitable organizations who are working in communities to end bullying and provide education on prevention strategies. This year, for every social media post using PinkShirtPromise, Shaw made charitable donations to the Canadian Red Cross, The WITS Programs Foundation, and other charitable organizations who are working to end bullying. With three times as many Canadians sharing their promises this year, including celebrities, athletes, and government officials, Shaw's donation of over $750,000 will see bullying prevention programs reach over 450 schools and 400,000 kids over the next three years. The PinkShirtPromise campaign ran from February 6 and ended on February 22 with Pink Shirt Day. For more information on PinkShirtPromise, please visit shaw.ca/PinkShirtPromise. About Shaw Communications Shaw Communications Inc. is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, video and fleet tracking services. The Business Infrastructure Services division, through ViaWest, provides hybrid IT solutions including colocation, cloud computing and security and compliance for North American enterprises. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE - SJR, and TSXV - SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca. Contacts: For media inquiries, please contact: Shaw Communications Inc. Chethan Lakshman VP, Communications and Public Relations (403) 930-8448 chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca Highlighting 'Access & Accuracy' in diagnosis with the latest offerings Presenting advanced image technology and clinical studies at Satellite Symposia VIENNA, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --To empower radiologists around the world, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is showcasing the latest medical devices and solutions, as well as hosting symposia on advanced imaging technology and recent clinical researches at the 2017 European Congress of Radiology (ECR) from March 1 to 5 in Vienna, Austria. Samsung will highlight solutions that focus on providing 'Improved Access and Enhanced Accuracy' in order for radiologists and radiographers to perform more confident diagnosis and better patient care. By integrating its leading capabilities in form factor innovations, Samsung's latest medical equipment helps users get to patients faster and easier with ergonomic design that is more compact and lighter. Latest upgrades in imaging features have also applied Samsung's latest analytic algorithm and image enhancing technology to help radiologists make more accurate decisions with greater clarity. "Samsung aims to offer what radiologists and clinicians most seek from diagnostic solutions and deliver technologies that meet their needs for easier access and greater accuracy," said Dongsoo Jun, President of Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics and CEO of Samsung Medison. "Our commitment to European customers and radiologists around the world only grows stronger each year. Samsung is continuing to develop technologies that will bring new innovations to various medical environments." On display at Samsung's booth are the following solutions: Improved Access The new award-winning mobile digital radiography GM85 offers an ultimate driving experience, and the CereTom is utilized in a wide range of market applications such as mobile stroke units: GM85's compact design & optimized workflow: Winning the 2017 iF Design Award, the GM85 equips with a slim, ergonomic design which allows easy access around tight spaces, even in elevators by its 555mm narrow width and about 40% lighter weight (at 349kg) than previous models. Applying Samsung's world-class user-oriented design capability, the device offers a collapsible column which gives users clear visibility when moving the system and broadens access to smaller spaces. Its adaptive soft-driving control and front-bumper sensor also help make navigation safer. Moreover, the Quick-positioning allows handle-free, precise body movement by simple button clicks on the THU (Tube Head Unit). CereTom, a portable CT scanner with versatility: The 8-slice scanner delivers rapid scan time and immediate image viewing with high-quality images in a variety of patient locations. The mobile stroke unit (MSU), a specialized ambulance or other emergency medical vehicle that is equipped with a CereTom, allows the team onboard to quickly assess whether a patient is having a stroke caused by a blood clot or hemorrhage. Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy The premium ultrasound system RS80A with Prestige and ceiling-type digital radiography GC85A offers cutting-edge features that enhance diagnostic consistency and accuracy: RS80A with Prestige's latest key features: The CEUS+, Samsung's latest contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging provides superb resolution and improved uniformity with new transmit technology. It improves the diagnosis of small lesions through clear expression of tissue boundaries and assists users achieve easier and more accurate interventional procedures. The S-Detect' for Breast helps radiologists understand characteristics of breast lesions to determine whether they're malignant or benign in a few clicks with improved accuracy. GC85A improves image clarity and radiographer's workflow: Bone Suppression improves clarity of soft tissue when suppressing the appearance of bones in chest images. As a result, nodule detection is improved to support diagnostic assessment. The device also features a new function which allows its operation without a portable grid, which not only reduces operator's wrist overload but also eliminates alignment errors that often occur with portable grids, reducing retake rates. Samsung Satellite Symposia On Thursday 12:30-13:30 at Room X (2nd level), Samsung presents how advanced imaging technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer aided tool benefits in diagnosis, and on Friday 12:30-13:30 at Studio 2017 (1st level), clinical research using Samsung's contrast-enhanced ultrasound technology will be held, respectively. Please visit here, for registration. Advanced Samsung Imaging Technology March 2, Thursday (Room X, 2nd Level) Time Topic Speaker 12:30 ~ 13:00 Artificial intelligence in Radiology (from CAD to workflow improvement) Prof. Alison Noble (Oxford Uni.) 13:00 ~ 13:30 Role of S-Detect making supporting tool to characterize focal breast lesions Prof. Tommaso V. Bartolotta (Uni. of Palermo) Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography: Advances and Current Status in Medical Practice March 3, Friday (Studio 2017, 1st Level) Time Topic Speaker 12:30 ~ 12:50 New tools in Multiparametric ultrasound :from guidelines to clinical practice Prof. Vito Cantisani (Sapienza Uni. of Rome) 12:50 ~ 13:10 Pediatric CEUS :Indications and Cost Effectiveness Dr. Maria Sellars (King's College London) 13:10 ~ 13:30 CEUS as a problem solving tool in clinical practice Prof. Paul S. Sidhu (King's College London) For more information, please visit www.samsungmedicalsolution.com. 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. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474066/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_a.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474068/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_b.jpg Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/474069/Samsung_Diagnostic_Solutions_c.jpg Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recentglobal hybrid aircraft marketreport. This market research report also lists four other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005043/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global hybrid aircraft market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire) Competitive vendor landscape According to the research analysis, the market for global hybrid aircraft market is a niche market with very few multinational stakeholders and negligible regional suppliers. These multinational players offer heterogeneous products and services, including customized products. As the market is highly capital intensive and completely based on technological advancements, cost, quality, and reliability, the number of vendors are limited. Suppliers in the Americas and EMEA have been involved in extensive research for over decades and have dominated the market with their technical expertise. "The existing key vendors in the market should identify and respond to the evolving trends of geopolitical situations to ensure their long-term survival in the market. These players can offer optimum and integrated solutions in response to environmental protection activities and ensure their large-scale utility. Also, providing unmanned hybrid aircraft that can take the workload off pilots and airships can take over missions with high levels of accuracy and persistence," says Avimanyu Basu, lead aerospace research analyst from Technavio. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=56732 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. Technavio aerospace and defensemarket research analysts identify the following key vendors: Aeros Aeros manufactures products for both military and commercial applications. Aeros in global hybrid aircraft market, offers Aeroscraft, which was developed mainly for cargo transport. Aeroscraft has also found its large-scale application in delivering supplies for disaster relief to small-scale applications like picking fresh fruits and vegetables in the fields of California's Central Valley for an overnight delivery to New York City's restaurants. Airbus In the hybrid aircraft market, one of Airbus's latest development is E-mobility, which aims at producing silent and CO2-free flight. Airbus's E-Fan is a key element in the Airbus Group's electric aircraft roadmap. With its technological breakthroughs and tie up with Siemens, Airbus is expected to manufacture passenger aircraft by 2030 with below 100 seats that could be propelled by hybrid propulsion systems. Boeing Boeing is focused on making airplanes that are sustainable in the long run and are more environmentally friendly. They mainly involve electric planes or aircraft using biofuels as an energy source. Boeing aims to reduce fuel burn, nitrous oxide emissions, greenhouse gases, noise, and field length. It also aims at making Canada its hub for aviation biofuels. Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) HAV focuses on creating a new mode of air transport that will offer major improvements in operating cost, safety, environmental impact, and operational flexibility. HAV combines LTA technology with helicoptersand airplanes. HAV's hybrid airships use aerodynamics and LTA technology to generate lift and potentially allow the vehicle to hover for several weeks. Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin engages in the production, supply, and R&D of advanced technology systems, products, and services to global defense and aerospace industries. Lockheed Martin's hybrid airship aims to provide support to a wide range of activities in areas with little or no infrastructure. The company clearly indicates its plans to employ aviation solutions to access remote locations. It also directs its efforts to address the challenge of environmental sustainability through its hybrid designs. Browse Related Reports: Global Maritime Patrol Aircraft Market 2017-2021 Global Military Aircraft Modernization and Upgrade and Retrofit Market 2017-2021 Global Commercial Aircraft Avionic Systems Market 2017-2021 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 homeland securitydefense, and space. 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/20170302005043/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Ekium has obtained the Adents 'Solution Partners' certification to market and deploy Adents' turnkey serialization solution Ekium, a major player in engineering and integration, has received the Solution Partners certificationfrom Adents, a developer of identification and traceability software. Throughout France, Ekium will market and integrate turnkey offerings consisting of Adents serialization software solutions in conjunction with Ekium's network of qualified machine partners. To strengthen the security of distribution networks and combat the spread of counterfeit medicine, approximately 40 countries around the world have established regulations requiring the identification of each medicine box with a unique serial number. By 2020, more than 90% of the medicines prescribed worldwide will need to be serialized. This presents challenges for pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturers to comply with various track and trace deadlines. For the European market, per EU Directive 2016/161, serialization will be mandatory beginning 9 February 2019. European regulations, which also impose an anti-tampering element, have added to the characteristics inherent in each country, affecting major changes in production line operating procedures. Industry players, anxious to maintain current productivity levels are increasingly seeking out technical experts to assist them with meeting compliance without negatively impacting productivity. From an early stage, Ekium understood that serialization was not simply a "machine" problem, but that it was also necessary to handle the complex management of serial numbers via flexible software capable of evolving in a rolling, progressively stringent regulatory environment. This is why Ekium was among the first integrators to join the Adents Solution Partners certification program, which allows integrators to increase their level of skills in the marketing and deployment of Adents software solutions. According to Laurent Perrin, CEO of Ekium: "The implementation of serialization within the required timeframe requires a quick and easy-to-install solution. We were impressed with the Adents software solution owing to its configuration speed at site level and ability to easily adapt to new regulations. The positive feedback from our clients regarding the projects in progress confirmed that we had made the right choice." Cyril Chantrier, Adents Solution Partners Director, added: "We are very happy to have Ekium, a member of the Siemens integrators network, as one of our leading certified partners. Ekium has extensive experience in engineering in the pharmaceutical industry as a result of projects carried out for Galderma, BioMerieux, Ipsen, Sanofi, Virbac and Valdepharm. Moreover, its national reach allows it to be reactive in the management, realization and maintenance of multi-site serialization projects." About Adents : Adents is a leading software company providing solutions for unique product identification and traceability to help Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs) and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) adapt to market changes and comply with regulations on drug traceability. Adents Seriza, a serialization solution for manufacturing sites, selected as preferred solution by Siemens for its customers Adents Prodigi, a Cloud solution jointly developed with Microsoft and empowered by Azure technologies, allows for secure data exchange and helps leverage the power of serialization data. Adents operates globally with offices in Europe and in the United States as well as with a global network of solution partners. For more info, visit www.adents.com The original source-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the source-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006018/en/ Contacts: Press contact France: Adents Laurence Zeeraerd, +33 6 15 90 86 22 presse@adents.com www.adents.com Meta-Analysis Shows Superiority Compared to Other Imaging Modalities Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris:MKEA) (Euronext: MKEA, OTCQX: MKEAY) inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) platform, today announced a new peer-reviewed publication from the Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium1 highlighting the excellent results utilizing Cellvizio in improving diagnostic yield in gastric cancer, including the need for two-thirds fewer biopsies to confirm the presence of disease. The publication includes a meta-analysis of studies utilizing CLE with Cellvizio in gastric diseases, demonstrating superior results compared to conventional imaging modalities also evaluated in the study, including chromoendoscopy and narrow band imaging. Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies, said, "This publication highlights a compelling opportunity to utilize Cellvizio to reduce uncertainties in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with gastric cancer and disease. It clearly demonstrates the improved diagnostic performances, both in terms of identifying disease and guiding biopsies, when utilizing CLE in gastric cancer as compared to standard imaging technologies. Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is the most prevalent cancer in the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to raising awareness of these powerful results and to expanding Cellvizio adoption to benefit more patients around the world." Key data from the meta-analysis performed on CLE and gastric diseases include: 85% sensitivity and 99% specificity in detecting and diagnosing polyps and neoplastic lesions 94% sensitivity and 95% specificity in detecting and diagnosing gastritis and gastric metaplasia 86% sensitivity and 93% specificity in detecting and diagnosing H. pylori-related gastritis In this same paper, the authors reminded their local experience resulting in following results: Two-third fewer biopsies required to confirm gastric intestinal metaplasia compared to conventional imaging Higher diagnostic yield of 65.7% for gastric intestinal metaplasia, compared to 15.7% with conventional imaging (p<0.001) Almost one million new cases of stomach cancer were estimated to have occurred in 2012, making it the fifth most common malignancy in the world, after cancers of the lung, breast, colorectum and prostate. Half the world total occurs in Eastern Asia (mainly in China). Stomach cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both sexes worldwide (723,000 deaths, 8.8% of the total). The highest estimated mortality rates are in Eastern Asia (24 per 100,000 in men, 9.8 per 100,000 in women)2 In their summary table, the authors considered CLE as a mature technology and not necessitating additional clinical evidence in this application, and highlighted the importance of adequate training for accurate CLE diagnosis. About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company focused on eliminating uncertainties related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases thanks to real time in vivo microscopic visualization. The Company's flagship product, Cellvizio, has received clearance to sell a wide range of applications in more than 40 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. For more information on Mauna Kea Technologies, visit www.maunakeatech.com 1 Publication by JWJ Lee, LG Lim and KG Yeoh. Advanced endoscopic imaging in gastric neoplasia and preneoplasia, BMJ Open Gastro, 2017 2 World Health Organization, Globocan 2012: http://globocan.iarc.fr/old/FactSheets/cancers/stomach-new.asp Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Mauna Kea Technologies and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Mauna Kea Technologies considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Mauna Kea Technologies registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)) on June 13, 2016 under number R.16-054 and available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Mauna Kea Technologies that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for, Mauna Kea Technologies shares in any country. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006042/en/ Contacts: Mauna Kea Technologies Benoit Jacheet CFO investors@maunakeatech.com or United States The Ruth Group Zack Kubow Lee Roth, 646-536-7020 7012 zkubow@theruthgroup.com lroth@theruthgroup.com or U.S. Media The Ruth Group Kirsten Thomas, 508-280-6592 kthomas@theruthgroup.com or France and Europe NewCap Investor Relations Florent Alba, +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 maunakea@newcap.fr WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Retired neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The Senate voted 58 to 41 in favor of Carson's nomination, with the vote largely coming down along party lines. Just six Democrats and Independent Senator Angus King, I-Maine, joined Republicans in voting to confirm Carson, who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016. Republicans have praised Carson for his inspiring life story, noting that he defied the odds to become a renowned surgeon despite growing up in poverty. Meanwhile, Democrats raised concerns about Carson's lack of lack of housing policy experience as well as his conservative views on public assistance. Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, one of the few Democrats to vote to confirm Carson, said he would give Carson the benefit of the doubt because of commitments he has made. 'These include his promises to address the scourge of lead hazards that threaten the health and futures of children in Ohio and nationwide,' said Brown, the top Democrat on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He added, 'Let me be clear: I will do everything in my power to hold Dr. Carson accountable for making good on his promises.' The vote to approve Carson's nomination comes after the Senate voted to confirm Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary and Ryan Zinke as Interior Secretary earlier this week. Following the vote to confirm Carson, the Senate voted 62 to 37 to limit debate on the nomination of former Texas Governor Rick Perry as Energy Secretary. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Technavio's latest market research report on the global liquid detergent market provides an analysis of the most important trends expected to impact the market outlook from 2017-2021. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005053/en/ Technavio has published a new report on the global liquid detergent market from 2017-2021. (Photo: Business Wire) Arushi Thakur, an industry expert from Technavio, specializing in research on cosmetics and toiletry sector says, "The increasing awareness about the advantages of using liquid detergents and steadily rising disposable incomes are leading to high penetration of liquid detergents in households globally. Vendors are experimenting with fragrances, natural ingredients, and other ways to improve the effectiveness of their products." Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=55619 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 top three emerging market trends driving the global liquid detergentmarket according to Technavio consumer and retail research analysts are: Marketing initiatives Introduction of liquid laundry detergent pods Growth in online retail for personal care products Marketing initiatives While vendors in the market continue to invest in regular marketing activities, they are also focusing on strategies to attract regional customers. In APAC, vendors are using push marketing strategy by making consumers aware about their products to increase their penetration rates in households. One of the ways they do this is through the distribution of free samples of products to make consumers try their products. For example, Unilever distributes free samples of its Surf liquid detergent sachets to encourage consumers to try their products. The boom in organized retail in key countries in the APAC region has helped vendors in utilizing point-of-sale promotions by having a specific counter and dedicated sales staff to promote their products. "In developed countries like the US, vendors are using the product-bundling strategy, offering price discounts on the purchase of a bundle of a brand's different product lines of laundry care products, which includes detergent, fabric conditioner, and stain removers," says Arushi. Introduction of liquid laundry detergent pods The introduction of liquid laundry pods by the leading players has had a great impact in the global market. The laundry pod is a one-stop solution, and the benefits offered by the pods are superior to liquid or powder detergents sold in packages; these liquid detergent pods are convenient to use and are compatible with every kind of washing machine. Though there have been some concerns regarding children's exposure to pods in the US, the trend is not likely to decline soon. Manufacturers have already taken protective measures such as changing the product packaging to protect children. Operating detergent pods in the market are from brands such as Tide (P&G), Arm & Hammer (Church Dwight), and Purex (Henkel). Growth in online retail for personal care products E-retailing is the fastest-growing distribution channel in the global liquid detergent market. The revenue generated from online retailing of personal care products is expected to reach USD 3 trillion by 2020. The biggest players in the online retail market for liquid detergents are Amazon, Walgreens, and Target. The growing number of online websites that offer a wide range of liquid detergent products has increased the demand for these products, especially among working parents who seek easy accessibility and convenience. The e-retailing of various products, including liquid detergent, is gaining popularity primarily because of it being a time-saving and cost-effective process of purchasing products. Browse Related Reports: Global Liquid Detergent Chemicals Market 2016-2020 Global Baby Laundry Detergent Market 2016-2020 Global Flavors and Fragrances Market 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 pet suppliesretail systems, and toys and baby products. 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/20170302005053/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children's Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG) (AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 71,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. Note: For additional media assets including photos and video, visit newsroom.baptisthealth.net/heart Contact: Georgi Morales Pipkin georgip@baptisthealth.net 786-596-6534 WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Financial Inc. (IGM) (TSX: IGM) today reported preliminary total mutual fund net new money in February of $533.3 million as shown in Table 1. Total assets under management were $145.0 billion at February 28, 2017, compared with $141.7 billion at January 31, 2017 and $129.0 billion at February 29, 2016. Mutual fund assets under management were $140.1 billion at February 28, 2017, compared with $137.0 billion at January 31, 2017 and $123.1 billion at February 29, 2016. Assets under management are shown in Table 2. Table 1 - Mutual Funds Net New Money(i) Month ended February 28, 2017 Investors IGM ($ millions) (unaudited) Group Mackenzie Counsel Financial ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ All Mutual Funds Gross Sales $1,071.8 $1,268.0(1) $68.5 $2,408.3 Net New Money $450.8 $73.6(1) $8.9 $533.3 Long Term Mutual Funds Gross Sales $965.6 $1,231.4 $65.5 $2,262.5 Net New Money $402.6 $64.9 $6.7 $474.2 (i)Mutual Fund Net New Money is defined as Gross Sales less Gross Redemptions and is consistent with the terminology used by The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC). (1) During February 2017, a third party program which includes Mackenzie mutual funds made fund allocation changes which resulted in gross sales of $313.0 million, redemptions of $472.5 million and net redemptions of $159.5 million. Table 2 - Assets under Management February January February % Change % Change ($ billions) (unaudited) 2017 2017 2016 Last Month YOY -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- Total Assets under Management(2) $145.02 $141.74 $129.01 2.3 12.4 Mutual Fund Assets under Management $140.12 $136.98 $123.14 2.3 13.8 Investors Group Mutual Funds $83.05 $81.31 $72.92 2.1 13.9 Mackenzie Mutual Funds $52.49 $51.19 $46.14 2.5 13.8 Sub-advisory, institutional and other(3) $13.06 $12.72 $12.81 2.7 2.0 -------------------------------------------------- Total Mackenzie $65.55 $63.91 $58.95 2.6 11.2 -------------------------------------------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.59 $4.48 $4.09 2.5 12.2 (2) Excludes assets managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. These assets had a value of $8.2 billion at February 28, 2017 ($8.0 billion at January 31, 2017 and $6.9 billion at February 29, 2016). (3) Includes exchange traded fund ("ETF") assets managed by Mackenzie of $200.7 million as at February 28, 2017 and $177.2 million at January 31, 2017. ETF assets include investments from Mackenzie mutual funds of $62.4 million as at February 28, 2017 and $57.6 million as at January 31, 2017. Preliminary average mutual fund assets under management and average total assets under management for the quarter to date are set out in Table 3. Table 3 - Average Assets under Management(4) ($ billions) (unaudited) Quarter to Date --------------- --------------- Total Average Assets under Management(5) $143.24 Mutual Fund Average Assets under Management $138.43 Investors Group Mutual Funds $82.13 Mackenzie Mutual Funds $51.78 Sub-advisory, institutional and other $12.83 --------------- Total Mackenzie $64.61 --------------- Counsel Mutual Funds $4.53 (4) Based on daily average mutual fund assets and month-end average institutional, sub-advisory and other assets. (5) Excludes average assets of $8.0 billion managed by Mackenzie on behalf of Investors Group and Investment Planning Counsel. IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada's premier personal financial services companies, and one of the country's largest managers and distributors of mutual funds and other managed asset products, with approximately $145 billion in total assets under management. Its activities are carried out principally through Investors Group's network of Consultants located across Canada, Mackenzie Financial Corporation's network of third-party financial advisors and Investment Planning Counsel's network of financial planners dedicated to serving the needs of their clients. A MEMBER OF THE POWER FINANCIAL CORPORATION GROUP OF COMPANIES. Contacts: Media Relations: Ron Arnst 204-956-3364 ron.arnst@igmfinancial.com Investor Relations: Paul Hancock 204-956-8103 investor.relations@igmfinancial.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After an early draft of a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare was leaked to the media, House Republicans are said to be keeping a new draft of the bill under lock and key in secure location. Senator Rand Paul, R-Ken., went in search of the bill on Thursday but was prevented from obtaining a copy of the legislation. 'I said I liked to get a copy and they said no go. She wouldn't tell us anything really,' Paul said in an interview with Politico after an exchange with a staffer. 'Even if I were allowed to look at it, which it didn't look like I was, how is that democracy?' 'It's literally illegal in my state to do that,' he added. 'You can understand for national security why we do it. But for goodness sakes, for a healthcare bill? It's crazy.' Republican aides told Politico they believed the room on the first floor of the Capitol is being used for members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to read the bill. Paul suggested in a separate interview with the New York Daily News that House Republicans are keeping the bill a secret because it is 'Obamacare-lite.' However, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., denied reports that his committee is doing anything other than the regular process of keeping its members up to speed on the latest developments in its jurisdictions. 'We are continuing to work on drafting and refining legislative language to provide relief from a failing law,' Walden said in a statement. He added, 'Part of that process is giving committee members and staff the opportunity to work closely together to draft a bill that reflects the concerns of our constituents and reflects our mandate from voters to repeal and replace Obamacare.' The latest developments reflect the difficulty Republicans may have in crafting an Obamacare replacement bill that can garner support from the different wings of the party. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de NEW YORK, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- J.F. Lehman & Company, a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on the aerospace, maritime and defense industries, has completed fundraising for JFL Equity Investors IV, L.P. and affiliated investment vehicles ("JFL IV"). The partnerships were oversubscribed and closed on commitments of $833 million, reaching JFL IV's hard cap and exceeding its target of $700 million due to strong support from existing investors and demand from new clients. Capital commitments were secured from a diversified group of more than four dozen institutions based in North America and Europe. Investors include leading public and private pension funds, insurance companies, fund-of-funds, family offices, endowments and foundations. Additional commitments were provided by members of J.F. Lehman & Company's Operating Executive Board, individual investors and the firm's general partners. "The successful marketing of JFL IV represents a key milestone for our organization, and we are grateful for the strong support and confidence received from the institutional investor community," said Louis N. Mintz, Partner. "The demand for JFL IV clearly reflects the success of our dedicated, sector-focused strategy and strength of our team." For the entirety of its 25-year history, J.F. Lehman & Company has focused exclusively on the aerospace, maritime and defense industries and the technologies that originate from them. Consistent with the firm's historical investment program, JFL IV will focus on control ownership positions in leveraged acquisitions of high quality companies in the firm's target industries that are headquartered in the United States and United Kingdom. The firm's previous private equity vehicles include the 2011-vintage JFL Fund III with commitments of $575 million, JFL Fund II ($335 million) and JFL Fund I ($130 million). Stanwich Advisors, LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor and placement agent for the offering and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP provided legal counsel for the formation of the funds. About J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc. Founded in 1992, J.F. Lehman & Company is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the defense, aerospace and maritime sectors. The firm has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. For more information about J.F. Lehman & Company, please visit www.jflpartners.com. Logo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/349934/j_f__lehman___company_logo.jpg Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 2, 2017) - RT Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RTM) (the "Company") announces that it has more than doubled the size of its 100% owned Ballard Lake gold and diamond property located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Wawa, Ontario, through new staking. At the recommendation of the Company's geologist, Kevin Kivi, P.Geo., the Company has staked an additional 1,257 units to increase the property's size to 36,155 hectares (361 km2). Additional staking was required to cover areas of anomalous kimberlite indicator minerals in till amongst Keating Magnetic Correlation Coefficient anomalies identified by the Geological Survey of Canada when compiling regional magnetics in the area. A Keating Coefficient highlights a magnetic response that resembles a modelled kimberlite pipe. The new claims are subject to a 2% net smelter royalty, with 1% buyback for $1,000,000, as staking is contiguous and surrounds the original property. Kevin Kivi, P.Geo., QP for the Company's Ballard Lake property, has explored for diamonds and gold in Canada since 1983, and approves the technical content of this press release. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Antoniazzi President and Chief Executive Officer RT Minerals Corp. Telephone: 604-681-3170 Fax: 604-681-3552 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release relating to the Company's exploration activities, project expenditures and business plans are approximate and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities legislation. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements represent management's best judgment based on current facts and assumptions that management considers reasonable, including that operating and capital plans will not be disrupted by issues such as adverse market conditions, mechanical failure, unavailability of parts, labor disturbances, interruption in transportation or utilities, or adverse weather conditions, that there are no material unanticipated variations in budgeted costs, that contractors will complete projects according to schedule, and that actual mineralization on properties may not achieve any category of resource(s). The Company makes no representation that reasonable business people in possession of the same information would reach the same conclusions. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, fluctuations in the price of gold, equity markets or in currency markets could prevent the Company from achieving its targets. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There is no guarantee that drill results reported in this news release or future releases will lead to the identification of a deposit that can be mined economically, and further work is required to identify resources and reserves. We seek safe harbour. Marel's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the company's headquarters in Gardabaer, Iceland, on March 2, 2017. All proposals presented by the Board were approved by the meeting. Chairman's address Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir, Chairman of Marel's Board of Directors addressed the meeting. "2016 was yet another good year for Marel. It was a year of strategic growth and a further strengthening of our foundations. Amidst significant shifts in the world's geopolitical landscape - resulting in both political and economic uncertainty - the strategic drivers in our industry remained intact. The immense social challenge of how to feed the world's population in the future continues to present Marel with opportunities for sustainable value creation by advancing the way food is processed," she said. The chairman presented the proposal to pay out dividend, corresponding to 20% of net profits for the operational year 2016. "The Board of Directors is pleased to propose to the Annual General Meeting today that a dividend of 15.3 million is paid to shareholders, corresponding to 20% of net profits. This is fully in line with our dividend policy" she said. In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized management to purchase own shares in 2017 for up to a value of 15 million to be used as payment for potential future acquisitions, she said. Asthildur also talked about the challenges that face Marel, consumers and companies worldwide today. "During the year, significant progress was made in developing and executing a formal approach to Marel's corporate social responsibility. Guiding principles for the approach to people, the planet and profit were introduced throughout the organization and Marel became a signatory to the UN's Global Compact" she said. CEO's address "2016 was a great year for Marel and we are at the center point of prevailing trends which are driving global economic development. Our vision and strategy are clear and we are in the position to advance food processing at a global level" said Arni Oddur Thordarson, CEO of Marel, in his address to the company's AGM. Arni Oddur Thordarson talked about Marel's growth story, a story filled with strategic acquisitions and strong organic growth. He took the audience back to the year 2005, when Marel's revenue was 129 million and EBIT 10 million and when Marel's main focus was on the fish industry. That same year a growth strategy of becoming a global leader and a full line provider to the poultry, meat and fish industries was introduced. Arni then went through the several strategic acquisitions that later took place, the latest one being MPS Meat processing systems in January 2016. "Marel acquired MPS without issuing new shares and managed to stay within targeted capital structure of between x2-3 net debt/EBITDA. Net leverage was at x2.9 net debt/EBITDA after the acquisition and solid operational performance and strong cash flow has now driven it down to x2.25". Since 2006, Marel's revenue has grown around 20% per year on average, one-third through organic growth and two-thirds through acquisitions. This has brought Marel to its current situation; global leader in providing advanced equipment and services for the poultry, meat and fish industries with pro forma revenue close to 1 billion and 143 million in EBIT. Arni Oddur then covered the business and financial highlights of the year 2016. "Pro forma revenue was 983 million, compared to 819 million in the previous year for Marel stand alone. We have gradually increased the operational performance in recent years and delivered a solid operational performance with 14.6% EBIT in 2016. Earnings per share increased by 34% between years due to an improved operational performance and a better utilization of the balance sheet" he added. Throughout the year, the modernization and maintenance business remained strong while we saw some softness in the greenfield and expansion projects at the beginning of the year. However, in Q4 we saw the order intake at an all-time high with landmark projects secured for the poultry, meat and fish industries around the globe, resulting in a strong order book entering 2017. These greenfield projects will now go into engineering phase and will start to deliver revenue in Q2 2017 and onwards. Our product portfolio is strong and we introduced several revolutionary products to the market in 2016," he added. Significant investments were also made in advancing Marel's business, upgrading manufacturing equipment as well as improving facilities and IT platforms. Arni talked about Marel's business model that consists of three main revenue streams;Greenfields, modernization and standard equipment and service and spare parts. Recurring revenue from service and spare parts are now 36% of total revenue, compared with 7% in 2005. "Our greenfield projects are Marel's future revenue as they continue to deliver recurring service revenue and modernization revenue going forward". Finally Arni Oddur introduced Marel's outlook and strategy. Marel is targeting 12% average annual revenue growth in the next 10 years. Marel's management expects 4-6% average market growth in the long term and the target continues to be set at growing faster than the market organically driven by innovation and market penetration. Strong financials and an experienced and united team make Marel well equipped to take on further growth through strategic acquisitions. By maintaining solid operational performance and strong cash flow a 5-7% annual revenue growth by acquisition can be pursued. Organic and acquisition growth will not be linear but based on opportunities, economic fluctuations and general economic conditions. "We are firmly committed to delivering increased value to the society, customers and shareholders by enhancing safe and sustainable food processing. We will continue to drive the growth forward with passion and discipline," he added. Confirmation of annual accounts The company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors and CEO were approved by the meeting. All proposals presented were approved by the meeting. Board of Directors All seven directors on the Board of Marel were re-elected unanimously. The board consists of: Astvaldur Johannsson, Olafur Gudmundsson, Arnar Thor Masson, Ann Elizabeth Savage, Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir, Helgi Magnusson and Margret Jonsdottir. The new Board of Directors has convened and assigned roles and responsibilities. Asthildur Margret Otharsdottir continues as Chairman of the Board and Arnar Thor Masson, as the Vice-Chairman of the Board. More information is available on Marel.com. More information about the Annual General meeting is available on Marel.com as well as the information page for the AGM at http://www.marel.com/agm. Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=618483 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Superpower-like Speed and Senses Come Together with 5G to Make the Autonomous Experience Possible The following is an opinion editorial provided by Kathy Winter, vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel Corporation: This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006194/en/ Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Division at Intel Corporation. (Credit: Intel Corporation) As the mom of four boys, I have spent countless hours hearing about "superheroes" and their awe-inspiring "superpowers." Each son had his favorite over the years, and often dinner-table conversation turned into a debate about which superhero was the most powerful. My boys kept me busy, and I would often tell them I had a few superpowers of my own like the ability to "run faster than a speeding bullet" when I could see them getting into trouble, or a "spidey sense" that would give me clues as to what they were up to even when I wasn't with them. When 5G arrives, we will all get the chance to experience something akin to the superpowers we chatted about when my boys were little. It will bring to our autonomous driving world superpower-like connectivity, giving cars a near-instant advantage of time and information kind of like a "sixth sense." It will allow lightning-fast communication between cars and networks and the "things" around them, which makes it possible to detect what's coming around that next corner, or miles up the road. It will have "pipes" big enough to handle the massive amount of data that autonomous vehicles will use on a daily basis. Press Kit: Autonomous Driving at Intel As the leader of Intel's Automated Driving Solutions Division, I'm often asked two questions about 5G for autonomous driving: Why are you talking about 5G now when it's so far off? And, more skeptically, what's wrong with the communication technologies we're deploying today, such as DSRC and 4G LTE? I'll start with that second question because I think the answer is important to understanding how the autonomous experience is enabled. Plus the answer to that second question also helps answer the first. Autonomous cars will need two things to operate safely: ultra-fast communication between nearby cars, things and the cloud, and near real-time data about their surroundings. Both DSRC and 4G LTE are fast. Both provide the connections to other vehicles and nearby things. But neither technology was designed for transmitting big data files really quickly. And both technologies experience a modest amount of latency, which may seem "good enough" but becomes a problem when your autonomous car is platooning with 100 other vehicles at 80 mph down the highway. But big data files are reason enough to align autonomous driving to 5G. Let's face it, self-driving cars will consume data voraciously specifically high-definition 3D maps that will help them navigate safely. And no vehicle will have the storage capacity for all the world's maps. They'll need pieces of them relative to their immediate location like the metropolitan area where they travel daily, or the freeway system and nearby roads connecting two cities. No communications technology can handle the transfer of these big files we're talking terabytes of data. Only 5G mmWave spectrum provides the speed and bandwidth to allow quick transfer of big data files during opportunistic moments, such as when stopped at a gas station. When 5G networks are deployed, we expect much of this data to be available through edge devices, such as cellular base stations. Intel and Ericsson demonstrated how this works at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week. Which brings me back to that first question: Why 5G now? For the simple reason that the work we're doing today won't manifest itself for a few years. Carmakers are making design decisions today for the autonomous vehicles that they'll deliver in 2021. With 5G expected in that same timeframe, they need to include 5G in their design plans now in order for those cars to be ready when 5G is turned on. There's a lot of work to do between now and then as far as standards, infrastructure and more. But the short of it is that 5G and autonomous vehicles must arrive together, which means planning for that arrival date today. And Intel is doing just that. We were first to deliver a 5G automotive platform to enable carmakers to start developing their autonomous driving systems. We were the first to demonstrate live 5G over-the-air communications between the car and nearby edge devices. And we'll lead the industry to an on-time arrival of 5G and self-driving cars in 2021. Kathy Winter is vice president and general manager of the Automated Driving Solutions Division at Intel Corporation. She joined Intel in 2016 from Delphi, where she engineered the first cross-country drive of a fully autonomous vehicle. This is the second in an occasional series of Intel newsroom editorials related to autonomous driving. To comment or reach Kathy directly, email autonomousdriving@intel.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302006194/en/ Contacts: Intel Corporation Kathy Winter autonomousdriving@intel.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - BCBG Max Azria Group has filed for bankruptcy protection, as the fashion apparel retailer struggles to keep up with changing trends in the fashion industry. The Los Angeles company is the latest apparel giant to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after American Apparel and Nasty Gal. According to market experts, BCBG failed to keep up with the changing trends in clothing industry with shoppers now preferring to shop online as well as fast-fashion rivals that supply latest fashion clothes at a low price. BCBG is an acronym for the French phrase 'bon chic, bon genre,' meaning 'good style, good attitude.' 'Like many other apparel and retail companies, BCBG has fallen victim in recent years to adverse macro trends, including a general shift away from brick-and-mortar to online retail channels, a shift in consumer demographics away from branded apparel,' Chief Restructuring Officer Holly Felder Etlin said according to Bloomberg. The company plans to auction itself at a court-supervised auction in May or a debt-for-equity swap with its junior lenders who are owed $289.4 million. Some lenders have agreed to loan the company $45 million to help it get through bankruptcy. As part of its restructuring process, the company earlier this year closed 120 U.S. stores. BCBG is also beginning to close free-standing stores in Canada and consolidating operations in Europe and Japan. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/02/17 -- Sphinx Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SFX) NOTE TO READER - This press release has been refiled to correct the amount of the finder's fee which was initially and by inadvertence listed as $60,992 to $66,578, as well as the amount of the non-transferable finders Warrants which was initially listed as 918,528 to 1,011,628. The amount of the finders' fee payable to Haywood was also and consequently revised from $50,702 to $56,288. There are no other changes to the news release that was previously filed on February 28, 2017. This version of the new release includes the foregoing revisions and replaces the previous filing. Sphinx Resources Ltd. ("Sphinx" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: SFX) announces that it has closed a non-brokered hard dollar private placement (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of $ 1,402,810, including $ 804,110 from subscribers identified by Haywood Securities Inc. ("Haywood") and $ 400,400 from four Quebec-based institutional funds: -- Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec ("CDPQ") ($ 150,000); -- Capital croissance PME II, s.e.c. ("CCPME") ($ 100,200); -- Societe de developpement de la Baie-James ("SDBJ") ($ 100,200): and -- Societe d'investissement dans la diversification de l'exploration ("SIDEX") ($ 50,000). The Private Placement was comprised of 23,380,165 units of the Corporation at a price of $0.06 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Corporation and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.09 per common share until February 28, 2020. The securities of the Corporation to be issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a four-month hold period expiring June 29, 2017. Management and one director of the Corporation subscribed for an amount of $15,300 of the Private Placement. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used to fund the Corporation's precious metals exploration projects (Cheechoo-Eleonore Trend and Chemin Troilus in Eeyou Istchee James Bay and Green Palladium in the Pontiac regional municipal county in southwestern Quebec) and for general working capital purposes. Funding for drilling the Calumet-Sud zinc project (next to the Green Palladium project) will be provided solely by SOQUEM, Sphinx's partner on that project. SOQUEM can acquire a 50% interest in the Project by carrying out exploration work totaling $450,000. The Private Placement has been conditionally accepted by the TSX Venture Exchange. "We would like to thank Haywood, Quebec institutions, and our existing and new shareholders for their support. We are enthusiastic about the upcoming drilling programs on three separate projects: Calumet-Sud for zinc, Green Palladium for palladium and Chemin Troilus for gold, and look forward to a steady flow of news for the balance of 2017." stated Normand Champigny, President and CEO. In connection with the Private Placement, the Corporation has agreed to pay to certain finders a finder's fee of up to 7% in cash, representing an aggregate amount of up to $66,992 and will issue 1,011,628 non-transferable finders Warrants, each such entitling the finder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.09 per common share for a period of three years from the date of grant. This amount includes finders' fees of $56,288 paid to Haywood. CDPQ is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2016, it held $ 270.7 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate. Through its CDPQ Sodemex mining portfolio, la Caisse contributes to the development of Quebec's mining industry by acquiring interests in junior mining companies and mining producers active in Quebec. CCPME is a fund jointly set up by CDPQ and by Capital Regional et Cooperatif Desjardins for the purpose of supporting the economic development of Quebec businesses and encouraging their growth. Desjardins Venture Capital Inc. acts as the manager of CCPME. SDBJ was created in 1971 by the James Bay Region Development Act. The SDBJ's mission is to promote the James Bay territory's economic development and the development and use of its natural resources, other than hydroelectric resources, which are Hydro-Quebec's responsibility, from a sustainable development perspective. It can also generate, support and participate in projects for these purposes. www.sdbj.gouv.qc.ca SIDEX was established in 2001 by the Government of Quebec and the Fonds de solidarite des travailleurs du Quebec (F.T.Q.). The mission of SIDEX is to invest in mineral exploration companies working in Quebec to diversify Quebec's mineral base. SIDEX encourages companies to explore for new substances, to use new metallogenic models and to open new territories. SIDEX also helps to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. About Sphinx Sphinx is engaged in the generation and acquisition of exploration projects in Quebec, Canada which is recognized as an attractive mining jurisdiction worldwide. The Corporation has 83.9 million shares outstanding, including 12% held by insiders and 20% by Quebec institutions. 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 press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and activities to vary materially from targeted results and planning. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Sphinx's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Sphinx from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Contacts: Normand Champigny President and Chief Executive Officer 514.979.4746 info@sphinxresources.ca www.sphinxresources.ca For some people, the term predator control means killing mountain lions and coyotes in order to protect big game animals. For others it means hiring biologists to do studies concluding that every time you kill one predator, two will appear in its place. No matter what we say or write about the issue, we are sure to anger a large number of people who are very passionate about wildlife. The debate has divided Nevadans, and has become the subject of a back-and-forth battle in the Legislature. It all started at the turn of the millennium when hunters came up with the idea of adding a $3 predator control fee to Nevada Department of Wildlife big game tag applications. Their intent was to give the balance of nature a helping hand by killing predators, thus improving the chances of survival for deer and other big-game animals. Over the years, NDOW started spending some of the money on studies focused on non-lethal control methods. Groups like WildEarth Guardians sued to block lethal operations. In the GOP-dominated 2015 legislative session, rural lawmakers were able to pass a bill mandating that the bulk of funds be used to kill predators. When the balance of power shifted this year to Democrat control, one of the first contentious bills they pursued was a reversal of that legislation. Introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Michael Sprinkle of Sparks, apparently at the request of NDOW, the language calling for control of predatory wildlife would be changed to the enhancement of big game animals. The new version states that federal matching funds are available under this approach, but local hunters say those funds have always been available and used. Assemblyman John Ellison cried foul last week when the bill was fast-tracked for quick passage, without setting up a videoconference in Elko the heart of Nevadas big game country. The bill was set for a workshop two days later, which was videoconferenced to Great Basin College in Elko and to Las Vegas. Hunters who opposed the bill say they didnt show up, either because they werent informed about it, they were told earlier that they couldnt participate; or they were already watching the workshop via the internet. They wouldnt have been allowed to comment at a workshop anyway, which follows different procedures than the hearing they were excluded from earlier. Make no mistake, a large number of local hunters are really disturbed by this turn of events. They care deeply about northeastern Nevadas big game populations and they believe that lethal methods of predator control are necessary to protect them. Ellison was pleased with the participation from Elko County, including the number of emails, but said There was only one person that showed up at the college because they couldnt get the word out fast enough. Interest was also high in Las Vegas. Mike Reese, president of the Southern Nevada Coalition for Wildlife, said his groups website got 10,000 hits in response to the predator legislation update. AB 101 is a bait and switch bill, meaning the hunters approved paying the $3 fee and now that fee is going to something else, which is typical with government, he told the Free Press. According to Reese, the bills sponsor went on record four times saying NDOW could still use lethal control but then struck that from the statute. Northeastern Nevada hunters are so perturbed by this turn of events that they are starting their own wildlife coalition. The dispute has hunters questioning the motives of NDOW. They want to take this money and take it away from what the intent was, Ellison said, criticizing NDOW for how it has been spent. He says when predator control drops, so do deer herds, and so will the sage grouse. Ellison would rather see the money distributed to individual counties, which could then spend it as they see fit. He believes AB 101 will fly through the Assembly, but is hopeful that it can be stopped in the Senate. If not, this issue could continue to get bounced around as political winds shift in Carson City a place that has its own law of the jungle. PEORIA (dpa-AFX) - Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) said, on March 2, 2017, law enforcement authorities entered three Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities, including the corporate headquarters, to execute a search and seizure warrant. The warrant is focused on the collection of documents and electronic information. Caterpillar said it believes the execution of the search warrant is regarding, among other things, export filings that relate to the CSARL matter first disclosed in the company's Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2015, and updated in most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2017. 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. Patrick Bertrand to Retire LYON, France, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Cegid, the leading French mid-market enterprise management software and cloud provider, announces that Pascal Houillon, former CEO of Sage Americas and of Sage France, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately. Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Pascal Houillon brings to Cegid over two decades of highly relevant mid-market ERP software experience, mostly in senior executive positions at Sage. Pascal joined Sage France in 1989 from Saari, and went on to become Regional Director and Sales Director before leading the Sybel business after it was acquired by Sage. He held multiple leadership roles at Sage, including President and CEO of Sage France, where he was also responsible for Belgium, Brazil, Switzerland and Morocco and was most recently CEO of Sage Americas since 2010. Pascal Houillon said: "Having followed Cegid from a privileged standpoint for the past 25 years, this is a company that I have long admired, and I am thrilled to be joining it now. Cegid is uniquely positioned with its traditional clients and in its key historical markets. It is also well-poised to exploit demand for cloud-based business solutions given its early focus on SaaS, and has opportunities to continue to grow its presence internationally. I look forward to leading the company at this crucial juncture." Jean-Michel Aulas, founder and Chairman of Cegid, and Christian Lucas, Managing Director of Silver Lake and Cegid Group board member, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Pascal, a dynamic, international and accomplished leader, to Cegid. His extensive technology experience and outstanding track record make him well-positioned to accelerate Cegid's growth strategy and lead its talented employees." Shahriar Tadjbakhsh, AltaOne Managing Partner and Cegid Group board member, said: "We look forward to working with Pascal and feel privileged to have his perspective and guidance at such a key time for Cegid." Jean-Michel Aulas, together with the shareholder group, said: "I want to thank Patrick personally for his outstanding contribution since joining in 1988 and taking the helm as CEO from 2002. He was instrumental in developing Cegid into a leading French software player, and was a pioneer by launching the SaaS transition as early as 2006. Patrick will remain a friend of the Company and I wish him all the best for the future." Patrick Bertrand is retiring as the current Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He said: "It has been a great adventure and honor to serve Cegid for almost 30 years. I want to thank Jean-Michel and all the firm's talented employees for their continued support through this period. I am incredibly proud to have led the development of Cegid and wish Pascal and the shareholder group all the best leading Cegid's next phase of growth." About Cegid Cegid is a leading player in the digital transformation of companies, providing cloud services and enterprise software to private companies and public entities alike. Cegid addresses the management needs of companies and public entities of all sizes in the fields of finance, taxation and human resources, and offers industry-specific solutions to companies in the manufacturing, trade, services and retail sectors as well as to the accounting profession. Based on MoBiClo', its technological concept combining Mobility, Business Intelligence and the Cloud, Cegid's innovation strategy integrates the new ways in which people use software. Cegid is an international group with more than 2,200 employees, 30 locations in France, and over 15 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Cegid serves more than 135,000 clients and 430,000 users, including over 150,000 in SaaS mode. In 2016, its revenues exceeded 307 million. Cegid is listed on Euronext Paris. Please visit www.cegid.com. Contact: Herve Perret hperret@cegid.fr Cegid Group 52 Quai Paul Sedallian 69279 Lyon Cedex 09 Tel. 04 26 29 50 20 www.cegid.com Marche de cotation: Euronext Paris Compartiment B Code ISIN Action: FR0000124703 Reuters: CEGI.PA Bloomberg: CGD FP ICB: 9537 Software Indices: CAC ALL SHARES - CAC ALL-TRADABLE - CAC MID & SMALL CAC SOFT. & C.S. - CAC TECHNOLOGY - NEXT 150 - EnterNext PEA-PME 150 - CAC PME ISSAQUAH (dpa-AFX) - Retail giant Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) Thursday announced that it will increase annual membership fees by $5 for U.S. and Canada Goldstar, Business, and Business add-on members, effective June 1, 2017. The U.S. and Canada Goldstar, Business and Business add-on members will pay now have to pay an annual fee of $60 with the increase. Executive Memberships in the U.S. and Canada will increase from $110 to $120. The maximum annual 2% reward associated with the Executive Membership will increase from $750 to $1,000. The fee increases will impact around 35 million members, roughly half of Executive Members. It is the first increase since 2011. Costco currently operates 728 warehouses, including 508 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 94 in Canada, 37 in Mexico, 28 in the United Kingdom, 25 in Japan, 13 in Korea, 13 in Taiwan, eight in Australia and two in Spain. Costco is a membership warehouse club, which requires consumers to pay an annual fee to shop in its stores. 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. Music Audience Exchange (MAX), a Dallas, TX-based tech company that enables consumer brands and music artists to form mutually beneficial partnerships, secured $6m in funding. The round was led by Math Venture Partners and KDWC Ventures with participation from G-Bar Ventures and Gregg Latterman, Founder and CEO of Aware Records. In conjunction with the funding, Lon Chow (Partner at KDWC Ventures) and David Carlick (Independent Director and former Chairman of the Board at ReachLocal, Inc.) joined MAX Board of Directors. The company intends to use the new funds to accelerate adoption of its platform. Led by Founder and CEO Nathan Hanks, MAX provides a consumer marketing platform built on proprietary data science that collects over 2.4 million artists across 765 genres with over 200 consumer attributes to match brands and artists and then distributes authentic, brand-infused content everywhere consumers engage with music. Brands including Dr Pepper and Jack Daniels leveraged the platform for partnerships with artists including NEEDTOBREATHE, Leela James, Aaron Watson, and La Maquinaria Nortena. In the last two years, MAX has expanded with programs for agencies and brands across automotive, food, beverage, and consumer services. FinSMEs 02/03/2017 Next Coast Ventures, an Austin, Texas-based venture capital firm focused on investing in innovative ideas and thematic marketplaces, closed its maiden fund at $85m. Oversubscribed by $35m, the fund attracted limited partners including leading institutional investors, funds of funds and family offices. Led by Co-Founder and Managing Directors Tom Ball and Mike Smerklo, Next Coast Ventures boasts a thematic approach to investing backed by entrepreneurial experience. The fund will concentrate on software-powered, full-stack business models designed for digital natives as well as innovative companies in the education, retail, B2B and B2C sectors, addressing surging regional demand for progressive startup capital. To date, the firm has deployed capital from the fund into four Austin startups including Umuse, Dropoff, OnRamp and Phlur, a San Francisco-headquartered startup Cloverpop and a New York-based startup Clarity Money. FinSMEs 02/03/2017 Sofinnova Partners, a Paris, France-based venture capital firm specialized in life sciences, held the first closing of its latest fund, at 106m. Limited partners in Sofinnova Industrial Biotech I (Sofinnova IB I) included European institutions and major international industrial players, from energy, chemical and agricultural sectors including several returning investors from the Sofinnova Green Seed Fund raised in 2012 in the same sector. Sofinnova IB I, which follows a series of 9 investments in the sector since 2009, is dedicated to renewable chemistry. It will be invested in startups along the value chain from the transformation of renewable raw materials, like agricultural waste or C02, to renewable end-products such as bio-plastics and other bio-sourced materials. Based on the investment thesis that the growing market demand for innovative, renewable products leveraging non-fossil raw materials and novel technologies will produce better performing or cheaper, sustainable alternatives, the fund will seek to invest the fund as a founding and lead investor in startups and corporate spin-offs, in Europe and North America. Sofinnova IB I will seek to invest in 8 to 10 companies during the next 3 to 4 years by leveraging a dedicated team, initially composed of Denis Lucquin, Managing Partner, Josko Bobanovic, Partner, and Michael Krel, Principal. FinSMEs 02/03/2017 VeloCloud Networks, Inc., a Mountain View, Calif.-based Cloud-Delivered SD-WAN company, closed a $35m Series D round of funding. The round was led by Hermes Growth Partners with participation from new investors Telstra Ventures and Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment fund of the Government of Malaysia, and existing investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Venrock, March Capital Partners, Cisco Investments, and other undisclosed strategic investors. The company, which has raised $84m in total funding, intends to use the capital to expand business, capacity and operations as it accelerates new product development, supports larger customer rollouts, and increases sales and marketing in theaters worldwide. Led by CEO and Co-founder Sanjay Uppal, VeloCloud provides a cloud-delivered SD-WAN that enables enterprises to manage application, network, and branch and end-point implementations while optimize access to cloud services, private datacenters and enterprise applications. The companys SD-WAN includes: a choice of public, private or hybrid cloud network for enterprise-grade connection to cloud and enterprise applications; branch office enterprise appliances and optional data center appliances; software-defined control and automation; and virtual services delivery. FinSMEs 02/03/2017 WorkHound, a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based software platform for carriers to reduce driver turnover, raised $500k in funding. The round was led by Right Side Capital Management with participation from Dynamo Fund, Twelve19 Ventures and multiple angel investors. The company intends to use the funds to improve the product, ensure customer satisfaction and build long-term relationships. Founded by Andrew Kirpalani and Max Farrell in 2015, WorkHound provides a software platform for carriers to keep drivers and improve their experience. It does it by leveraging smartphone feedback and ideas shared by the driver with the carrier, aggregating and turning them into actionable insights to improve operations. Currently, the company employs four full-time team members in Chattanooga and two in Des Moines, Iowa. FinSMEs 02/03/2017 The exhortation by trader associations in Tamil Nadu to their members to boycott Pepsi and Coca-Cola for contaminating groundwater resources is a sham. It is a weak attempt at regional protectionism and goes against the spirit of free market economics. Tamil Nadu Traders Federation (TNTF) and Consortium of Tamil Nadu Traders Association (CTNTA) have urged the traders in the state to shun Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and promote regional brands, Kali Mark, Bovonto and Torino, which are 'mildly carbonated' from 1 March. They even intent to meet the chief minister to press for a ban on the multinational brands, say media reports. The move, they claim, is partly inspired by the jallikkattu protests, which have also been viewed as assertion of the state's cultural freedom. Bovonto is now available across the state while Torino is confined to the southern parts of Tamil Nadu. "When there is demand, the brand owners will beef up their supply chain and retailers will go for them," said A M Vikrama Raja, president, CTNTA. The associations' aim is to force more than 20 lakh shops affiliated with them to boycott both the brands, highlighting the health and environment reasons. However, these claims by the traders' bodies need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Environment activists do agree that any move that brings into focus the harm inflicted on groundwater resources by MNCs is welcome and must be appreciated. These are industries that use water for processes. There is a moral issue involved here as Coke and Pepsi are harmful to health, says Nityanand Jayaraman, a Chennai-based activist. Coke and Pepsi, the poster children of water abuse and commodification of water, say activists, use two main components water and sugar. Excessive exploitation of ground water resources and also discharge of toxic wastes into the groundwater are hazardous to those who live around their factories. Sugar, another ingredient used in the making of such drinks, is a silent killer. Its harmful effects on health is well-documented and much debated. Viewed in this context, it is ironical that TN traders' associations are boycotting Pepsi and Coke and promoting home-grown brands as alternatives to the two big global cola brands. As Jayaraman says replacing Coke and Pepsi with local brands of 'mildly carbonated' drinks does not solve the issue of exploitation of groundwater resources. How will the situation improve by replacing an MNC with a local looter, he asks. It is merely switching an MNC with local companies that too to exploit the groundwater, he said. He reminds that the state has been reeling under water scarcity for years now. "The scarcity is so extreme that we are even willing to kill neighbouring states for water. It is indeed strange that in such a situation the local traders are promoting a local option which is a fizzy drink too," Jayaraman said. Even from the health perspective, their arguments fall flat. As C R Neelakandan, another activist who has taken part in many agitations in Kerala, says it would have been realistic if the traders had said switch to traditional drinks like coconut water or buttermilk. If, as the activists suspect, health and environment are just a pretext to promote the local brands that may be equally hazardous as Coke and Pepsi, it amounts to protectionism of a more regional kind. And, as advertising guru Piyush Pandey, says this is bound to fail. "You can't achieve anything by force," says Pandey, who is also executive chairman and national creative director of Ogilvy & Mather India and vice-chairman of O&M Asia-Pacific. (As of now, he is being proved right as only 50 percent traders have heeded the call of the associations). He reasons that the MNCs are here only because they have been allowed an entry by the government to operate under the FDI rules. "So what are the traders complaining about," he asks. Such moves are harmful for the economy especially at a time when prime minister Narendra Modi is inviting the world to India to do business. "It is not right for traders to use coercive measures to stop others from selling what they deem fit as long as it adheres to the law of the land," he says. However, traders are adamant that the 'foreign brands' are more harmful. "We are not opposing it just because these products are made by the MNCs. But it does more harm than good to the body. We decided to boycott because of the harmful content," Vikrama Raja of CTNTA has been quoted as saying in a report in the DNA. Kerala experience The boycott in Chennai echoes what happened in 2000 in Kerala when the bottling units of Coca-Cola (under its Indian subsidiary Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages) and PepsiCo India came under criticism for causing serious hazard to groundwater resources. Coke had its bottling plant in Perumatty panchayat in Plachimada taluka and Pepsi in Pudusseri panchayat in Kanjikode. Both the units were accused of groundwater exploitation and polluting the ground water, affecting the livelihood of the people in the area. In Plachimada, the Coca-Cola unit was forced to shut down by the state government in January 2006 after the affected local populace launched a long agitation. The unit was even accused of palming off its industrial waste as manure to the farmers who used it at the base of coconut trees and banana plants, which then seeped into the wells and polluted the well water and other water bodies in the area. However, the Pepsi plant in Pudusseri continues to operate. According to Neelakandan, the government has let the Pepsi plant continue along with other beer manufacturing units in the area. The reason for the victory of the Plachimada was the unity of the local people against acute water scarcity unlike the industrial city of Pudusseri, where the locals were not united, he points out. The ground water levels at Plachimada taluka in particular and Palakkad district in general have depleted. The area gets very less rainfall and with climate change, the situation is worsening. The Malampuzha dam water to be used primarily for agriculture is being used by the Pepsi plant in Pudussery and other beer units in the area, said Neelakandan. The damage caused to groundwater resources in Plachimada will take two decades or more to be sustainable but it will never regain its earlier status, he said. The agitation at Plachimada had helped highlight the health hazards of fizzy drinks in general. The successive governments even came out with their suggestions of promoting coconut water and neera as alternative beverages in the state. But none of this really took off, says Neelakandan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a happy man looking at the higher-than-predicted October-December quarter GDP number. The government machinery, particularly economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, too feels the GDP figure is a fitting reply to demonetisation critics. The list includes some globally renowned names, such as Nobel laureates Amartya Sen and Paul Krugman, who had said the note ban move will have disastrous consequences on the economy. Speaking at an election rally in Maharajganj, UP, Modi said, "On the one hand are those (critics of note ban) who talk of what people at Harvard say and on the other hand is a poor man's son who through his hard work is trying to improve the economy," Modi said at an election meeting. Modi didnt name anyone but his dig was likely aimed at the likes of Manmohan Singh and Sen. After the latest GDP numbers came out, Shaktikanta Das, too, said third quarter numbers proved the demonetisation critics wrong. The third quarter GDP numbers are out and as you have seen the numbers completely negate the kind of negative projections and speculations made about the impact of demonetisation," Das said. An overestimation was done about the so called negative impact of demonetisation. It is very satisfying to know that it is not there. Because we still remain 7 percent plus growth country... A better GDP number is good but a little caution is warranted before the government begins chest-thumping on the numbers and totally write off the economists/critics at this stage. The reason is simple: Most agree that the third quarter GDP numbers are seen with an element of skepticism and, more importantly, is not backed by strong corroborative evidence. Hence there is a possibility of being revised downwards when the final numbers come out later. It would augur well for the government to take a cautious approach on the GDP numbers instead of already going on a celebration mode, to avoid possible embarrassment later. Here are a few reasons for the Modi-government to exercise a little caution on the GDP numbers: First, about 40-45 percent of Indias GDP and 80 percent of employment are estimated to be in the informal (this estimate vary) sector, and this is where the demonetisation-induced cash crunch has had its maximum impact. Most economists who have analysed the third quarter GDP numbers have said that the GDP data might not have captured the impact on informal economy to desired extent. About 78 percent of overall economic activities are in cash transactions. It is virtually impossible that sudden withdrawal of 86 percent of the currency not inflicting pain on their cash flows and income stream. Small traders, micro entrepreneurs constitute this segment in a major way, so are small farmers and services providers. It is possible that these segments have been hit hard and the impact, in numbers, might show with a lag. This is what Nomura has highlighted in its note saying "The inability of official statistics to capture the negative growth effects on the unorganised sectors, as the official numbers are based largely on organised sector data." Second, some of the upside to the third quarter GDP numbers is on account of a statistical effect on account of downward revisions of the past numbers. On a lower base in the year-ago period, the current year numbers will appear to be bigger than what the absolute increase is. As Nomura report points out, the GDP growth estimate for Q4 2015 was also revised lower by 0.8 percentage points to 6.5 percent y-o-y from 7.2 percent, thereby creating a large favorable base effect for comparison. Also, there is a possibility that companies showed their cash in hand (after demonetisation) as sales, then this may be getting captured as a higher value addition in these specific sectors (as corporate data are partly used to estimate growth), Nomura said. In our view, official GDP statistics are significantly underestimating the growth impact of demonetisation," Nomura report said. Third, besides the statistical effect, there could be another reason why the third quarter GDP numbers have come higher-than-expected. As Pronab Sen, the former Secretary of the Statistics Ministry, points out, corporates might have rushed to push their inventory out of factories and into retail outlets and also paid excise tax on these. But there is a possibility that the sales at the retail outlets did not happen because people decided to postpone purchases. Since, the GDP data is collected at the factory level but did not capture the inventories lying idle at automobile showrooms, departmental stores and other retail outlets. In fact, the GDP figures for the January-March quarter will probably reflect the disruption caused by demonetisation more accurately, Pronab Sen told News18, adding you can only push out so much inventory but if it is piling up in retail stores and not being sold, the factories wont be able to send out manufactured products. The bottomline is this: Behind the higher GDP numbers lies a set of factors that arent fully corroborative of the supposed growth in the economy the growth numbers seem to indicate. This might not be a figure just yet to judge the demonetisation impact. When the final, revised numbers come in the approaching months, the growth narrative (as depicted by the numbers) could take a turn on either side. Hence, a little caution is warranted when government looks at the GDP numbers. Certainly, it is risky to commence celebration this early. Mumbai: Expressing concern over the growing acceptance of virtual currencies, RBI Deputy Governor R. Gandhi on Wednesday said these pose potential financial, legal, customer protection and security-related risks. "We can see that in these types of virtual currencies, there is no central bank or monetary authority. They pose potential financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security-related risks," Gandhi said at a Fin Tech conference here organised by industry chamber Ficci, Indian Banks' Association and IT industry body Nasscom. "No established framework for recourse to customer problem, disputes and grievances is feasible with this kind (virtual currency) of framework. "My arguments against these virtual currencies stem from two elements, namely, the concept of confidence and anonymity. The currency should be able to sustain these two elements forever. It will impair its exalted status once either of these two elements gets affected," he added. The Deputy Governor said virtual currencies are stored in digital electronic form and are prone to losses arising out of hacking, loss of passwords and malware attacks, adding that a number of cases had been reported where virtual currencies were used for illicit and illegal activities. Gandhi also said the confidence in Bitcoin, or any other virtual currency based on blockchain, is also limited to its initial rounds and circles. "The initial round is always filled with adventurists and risk seekers. The moment masses gets in, the risk avoiders get in, they will need greater confidence for its acceptance and continuance, and that can come only if an authority issues it," he said. "It may remain a pipe dream that blockchain will eliminate currency by ushering in virtual currency. It is unlikely." he added. On the subject of peer-to-peer lending, Gandhi said the Reserve Bank would soon release the final norms in this regard. "We have received comments and soon we will be able to finalise it (norms)," he said. Peer-to-peer lending is a form of crowd-funding via an online platform that matches lenders with borrowers in order to provide unsecured loans. This Friday will mark the end of Gajendra Chauhan's tenure as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Though the tenure lasted only a year and seven months, it was marred by controversy and protests by students. Ironically, the Times of India quotes Chauhan as saying that his was the best tenure as FTII chairman in a long time. He attributes his claim to conversion of post-graduate diploma courses into master's degree courses, the 'mini film city' being built in the campus and the introduction of a new syllabus and credit-based choice system. Hindustan Times reports that Chauhan claims that he always supported his students, even while they opposed his appointment. He advised them not to indulge in politics and remain disciplined towards their work. Chauhan was appointed as the FTII Chairman in June 2015 with retrospective effect from 4 March 2014. However, his appointment faced heavy opposition from students who alleged that Chauhan didn't have the same credentials to head the prestigious institute as those of former FTII chiefs like Girish Karnard, U Krishnamurthy and Shyam Benegal. They alleged that Chauhan was appointed owing to his proximity with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With a strong backing by acclaimed artistes, the students of FTII staged a 139-day protest and even detained then-Director Prashant Parthabe in his office on 16 August 2015. The 35 students involved in the detention were arrested and trials against them stand pending in a Pune court. Chauhan finally managed to take over the office in January 2016, a couple of months after the strike ended. Thus, his tenure effectively lasted only 13 months. Notwithstanding the length, Chaun's tenure was arguably the most controversial yet. While it remains the best so far in his mind, his students may think on the same page. Unless he gets an extension notice from the Central Government before Friday, the much-talked about tenure will culminate on 3 March. A week after denying certification to Alankrita Shrivastava's Lipstick Under My Burkha for being lady-oriented, the Central Board of Film Certification has now refused to certify Jayan K Cherian's Malayalam film Ka Bodyscapes for glorifying homosexuality. Cherian took to Facebook to post the picture of the letter he received from the CBFC, denying certification to the film. "The film is glorifying the subject of gay and homosexual relationship, nudity accentuating vital parts of male body (in paintings) in closed shots in the whole movie. The film is explicit of scene offending Hindu sensibilities depicting vulgarity and obscenity through the movie. The religion of Hindu is portrayed in a derogatory manner especially Lord Hanuman (shown in poor light as gay) which may cause law and order problem in society. The film contains posters depicting homosexuality throughout the movie and derogatory remarks against women. Abusive language is used in most of the places and also a female Muslim character is shown masturbating. The film has references to Hindu organisations indirectly which is unwarranted," the letter read. The Hindu reports that this was the third time the CBFC watched the contentious film. They had refused to certify it in the first screening back in April last year on grounds of incorporating "sensitive gay scenes, use of derogatory words against women and vulgar dialogues" in the film, as per a report by The Indian Express. The Revising Committee of the CBFC also denied certification on similar grounds. The same report quotes, "The film has also references to lady masturbating, highlighting gay by many gay posters. The film offends human sensibilities by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity." The Kerala High Court ruled in favour of the makers and instructed the CBFC to certify it and mention reasons for every cut that it instructs in the film. The second review committee, headed by CBFC chief Pahalaj Nihalani, also refused to certify the film, despite the High Court order. The Indian Express quotes the body as saying, "The film follows a dangerous trend of gate-keeping and moral policing content we do not approve of, especially around issues of gender, sexuality, religion and communalism." The CBFC has given 30 days to the makers to appeal before the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, if they wish so. Currently, Prakash Jha's appeal to revise the ban of his production Lipstick Under My Burkha also remains pending before the tribunal. Mel Gibson, Roman Polanski, Woody Allen and now Casey Affleck. On the Oscars 2017 night, Casey Affleck won a Best Actor award for his role in Manchester by the Sea, despite the fact that two women accused him of sexual harassment on the set of his 2010 mockumentary I'm Still Here. (Affleck denied the allegations, and the suit was settled out of court.) The Academy's refusal to acknowledge these accusations is not new. Affleck now joins the lineage of white men who have been accused of molestation and yet gone to win accolades for their work. Polanski, who had been convicted of raping a minor girl received the Best Director for his 2003 film The Pianist, and was met with a standing ovation. As outlined by The Daily Beast, Amanda White, who served as a producer on I'm Still Here, said Affleck verbally abused her, and once grabbed her and threatened her for not wanting to stay in the same hotel room as him. White resigned from the film. Magdalena Gorka, who worked as a director of photography on the film, said she once woke up to find Affleck in the bed next to her in his underwear. He pressured her when she tried to kick him out. Both women say Affleck refused to honor parts of their contracts after they rejected him. Following the backlash that followed his Oscar win and incoherent acceptance speech, Affleck spoke about the Oscars night in an interview with The Boston Globe. He says about his lackluster acceptance speech, "I was speechless and dumbstruck. The only thing worse than not ever getting to make an Oscar speech is getting to make an Oscar speech and then having nothing to say." He says about the lawsuits against him in another interview, "I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent," adding, "and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else. "There's really nothing I can do about it," Affleck said, "other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time." While Affleck and the Academy might be taking it easy with the harassment claims, many have tried to take their stand. Brie Larson, who has campaigned for sexual abuse survivors since her performance her performance in last year's Room, announced Affleck's name with downturned eyes and pursed lips, then stood to the side and didn't clap as the rest of the audience applauded his win. However, Larson also had to present Affleck with his Best Actor award at the Golden Globes. Her reaction then was similarly unenthused. My aesthetic: Brie Larson not clapping for literal trash hole casey affleck pic.twitter.com/Ci5LWXLkCr Tyler Struble (@tyler_struble) February 27, 2017 All award season Brie Larson, who starred in a movie about sexual assault, had to present Casey Affleck all his awards. pic.twitter.com/L2WbQvSJNv Marnie (@ChrnclsOfMarnia) February 27, 2017 Fresh off the Boat star Constance Wu also criticized the Academy's decision to nominate Affleck: Men who sexually harass women 4 OSCAR! Bc good acting performance matters more than humanity,human integrity!Bc poor kid rly needs the help! Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) January 24, 2017 The re-release of Rajinikanths Baasha in Tamil Nadu has revived the discussion about what makes it such a cult film and its influence on modern commercial blockbusters in South Indian cinema. Superstar Rajinikanths Baasha was one of the defining films of the 90s and having stood the test of time, the buzz surrounding the re-release of the film on 3 March in Tamil Nadu is palpable. The digitally remastered version of the cult film is expected to take a humongous opening at box-office, and it wouldnt be surprising if the film surpasses the weeks other big releases in terms of footfalls. Thamizhazhagan, a die-hard fan of Rajinikanth who runs a fan account (Rajni_FC) on Twitter, says, Ive been a fan of Rajinikanth all my life and I cant put in words the joy I get when I see Rajini on big screen. A lot of youngsters today might have not watched the film on big screen, but the remastered version gives us a chance to relive Thalaivars magic on big screen once again. To celebrate the films release, Karthik O Positive, another die-hard fan of the actor who manages RBSI - a popular Rajini fan page on Facebook, and Thamizhazhagan, along with other fans, have arranged a special screening at one of the prime multiplexes in Chennai and nearly 100 auto-drivers are expected to attend the screening. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that Rajini is treated like a God by auto-drivers all over Tamil Nadu, considering that the actor had played the role of an auto-driver in the film. Directed by Suresh Krishnna, the film, which originally released in January 1995, was a blockbuster and even after 22 years of its release, no discussion about Rajinikanth is complete without mentioning Baasha. It redefined the way heroism is portrayed on screen and gave a new template for mainstream action dramas. But it wasnt just Tamil cinema that changed post Baashas release. Such has been the impact of the film, in the past couple of decades, that it spawned several spin-offs and copy cats in Telugu cinema as well. Starting from Balakrishnas Samarasimha Reddy (1999), Narasimha Naidu (2001), Chiranjeevis Indra (2002), Simhadri (2003) to recent Telugu films like Dictator (2016), the Baasha Template continues to reinforce itself in multiple ways even today and how. The biggest contribution that Baasha made to storytelling, perhaps, is the popularising of using flashbacks to create drama and suspense in the story. Writer and filmmaker Gopi Mohan says, I dont know how much money the original Telugu dubbed version made in 1995, but thanks to that film, Telugu film industry would have easily made Rs 200-300 crores in the past 20 years (laughs). Almost every big star in Telugu cinema today would have acted in at least one film which was inspired from Baashas style of storytelling. Using flashbacks, as a key method of storytelling in Telugu films, became really popular after Baasha released. In the first half of the film, theres barely a fight and Rajinikanth restrains himself for so long that it was unlike anything that people had seen back till the mid-90s. And when he broke free to reveal his true identity, just before the interval, a new brand of heroism was born. Baasha changed everything. It broke free from the template of having to include a fight for heros introduction scene and the heightened sense of drama that the film achieved without doing much was unbelievable, Gopi Mohan says, adding, The film was also instrumental in creating a market for Rajinikanth in Telugu. Since then, every film that he has done in Tamil has been dubbed in Telugu. Ironically, the original plot of Baasha was itself inspired from a scene (which didnt make it in the final cut) in Mukul S Anands 1991 action crime drama Hum, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Govinda. In his biography My Days With Baasha, director Suresh Krissna recalls that it was Rajinikanth who told him about the scene where Govinda who wants to join the police force doesnt get an admission to the police academy and finally, his brother (played by Amitabh Bachchan) goes to meet the chief and comes out with a seat for Govinda. The scene was the genesis behind the whole plot of Baasha and right from the films title to the iconic punch line - Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maadiri (If I say something even once, it's as though I've said it a hundred times) - it was all Rajinikanths idea. The star was also instrumental in convincing the films producer RM Veerappan, who was scared that fans will get angry, to retain the scene where Rajinikanth gets bashed up by the goons just before the interval fight sequence. According to Suresh Krissna, Rajinikanth even offered to pay from his own pocket reshoot that part if RM Veerappan wasnt convinced with the impact of that dramatic scene. It wasnt just the flashbacks and drama that set Baasha apart from the rest. The film was also instrumental in popularising the concept of punch lines in films. It began with Rajinikanth-Suresh Krissnas Annamalai (1992) and the popularity of Baasha turned the idea of having punch lines to define a heros character as a necessity. Sudhish Kamath, film critic-and-filmmaker, says, After Annamalai and Baasha released, punch lines became a norm in Tamil cinema. It almost became part of the narrative and people actually began to believe that if the hero doesnt a punch line or a trademark mannerism, shown visually, then the film wont work. Another significant aspect of Baasha, which became mainstream, was how well it depicted the dramatic transformation between the two personas of a protagonist. Over the years, Rajinikanth might have appeared in other blockbusters like Padayappa, Chandramukhi and Endhiran to name a few, but there has never been a film like Baasha. So whats the magic element? The magic element in Baasha is Rajinis style. Be it the way he sits in the chair or talks to the villain, everything that Rajinikanth did became the stuff of legends. The dialogues and Rajinikanths style were phenomenal and they were the biggest factors in the films success, says Dhananjayan Govind, National Award Winning Writer and Film Producer, adding, I dont think people will ever forget Baasha. You cant compare it with any other Rajinikanths film. That was the film which turned Rajinikanth into the biggest star that Tamil cinema has ever seen. LONDON European Central Bank Executive Board member Sabine Lautenschlaeger said on Thursday she did not expect France to follow Britain and leave the European Union and that she doubted there would be a stock market crash in the near future.French election hopeful Marine Le Pen has floated the idea of the country leaving the EU as part of her campaign, but Lautenschlaeger said: "I can not imagine France will move out of the EU.""The difficulties have been experienced by a country we are sitting in", she said at an event in London. "It is not a role model." Speaking to reporters after the event organised by the London School of Economics' German Society she added: "You always have contingency planning for everything, but to be very clear I have no contingency plan for France exiting (the EU)because I don't believe France will exit." She also said she did not expect a sharp tumble in European shares in the near future, although she did acknowledge "uncertainties", such as the upcoming elections in France and Germany. (Reporting by Marc Jones; editing by Huw Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. SINGAPORE Crude oil fell for a third consecutive session on Thursday as a record build-up in U.S. stockpiles weighed on the market, with producers boosting shale oil production.Crude stockpiles in the United States, the world's top oil consumer, rose by 1.5 million barrels last week, less than forecast, but touching a record at 520.2 million barrels after eight straight weekly builds. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures CLc1 slipped 12 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $53.71 a barrel by 0025 GMT. Benchmark Brent crude futures LCOc1 were yet to start trading after falling in the last session.Still, oil remained locked within a tight trading range as strict OPEC compliance with output cuts offset rising U.S. oil reserves."Crude oil prices... (are) unable to break out of the increasingly tight range they have been trading in for the past month," ANZ said in a note. "EIA data showed a pickup in the inventory build in the U.S. Stocks rose by a lower-than-expected."The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reduced its oil output for a second month in February, a Reuters survey found, showing the exporter group has boosted already strong compliance to around 94 percent. Heftier cuts by Saudi Arabia and Angola helped offset weaker compliance by other members that agreed to limit their output.Compliance by Russia still remains weak. Russian oil production fell in February to around 11.10 million barrels per day (bpd), from over 11.2 million in October, two sources familiar with the data told Reuters on Wednesday. It had pledged to cut its oil output by 300,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017 (Reporting by Naveen Thukral; Editing by Richard Pullin) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Despite Delhi governments doubling of the education budget, many municipal schools have failed to provide school uniforms and writing materials to students as required under the Right to Education Act, show three cases filed in the Delhi High Court. The revelation comes at a time when the capital sees an abrupt rise in dropout rates at an elementary level. Unified District Information System recorded a 5.31% jump in dropout rates in the fifth standard in the last three years. Advocate Ashok Agarwal told Firstpost, It is the state governments legal responsibility to implement the RTE Act, in which providing children with uniforms books and writing materials is also a mandate. Agarwal said that rather than providing uniforms, two out of three MCDs still pay Rs 500 as a uniform subsidy to the student. Only North Delhi Municipal Corporation has started providing stitched school uniforms to the students studying in the schools run by it. Is it possible to get uniforms at such a low price? he asks. He also said that in many cases it has been found that poor families spend the subsidy money on other priorities leaving the student without uniform. Such situation also add up to reasons why students from poor families drop out of school, he maintained. Earlier, an order passed by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court on 27th August, 2014 had observed that the fixed amount for a uniform is not acceptable as a substitute for the uniform. Three cases have been filed against the three MCDs by students and parents in the Delhi High Court, demanding two pairs of stitched uniforms for each student along with timely and adequate disbursal of books and writing materials in the elementary schools. East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), which is going through severe financial crunch, said in the court, The supply of notebooks shall start at the earliest. It is submitted that supply of 50,000 Hindi Exercise books has been received and the rest will likely to be received very soon. A sample of the exercise book has been sent to Sri Ram Institute for Industrial Research for testing. It also maintained that approximately 10,00,000 exercise books are required for EDMC schoolchildren and the same are being acquired and distributed. It is to be noted here that the academic session begins in April every year and the EDMC is yet to complete its process of distributing writing materials in the ongoing academic year which will end after a month. Ashok Agarwal while appearing before the court on behalf of Master Alekh, an EDMC school student, said that NDMC has started distributing the uniforms and not fixed sum as a uniform subsidy. He submitted that it should be followed by the EDMC and SDMC also. He also told Firstpost that though NDMC has started providing uniforms, it happened only after the cases were filed in the High Court. Moreover, he said that the NDMC has claimed to have been providing students with adequate number of uniforms and writing materials, but it is not specified as to what number of writing materials and uniforms are adequate. Paucity of funds cannot be a pretext for not adhering to the RTE guidelines. The Delhi government must ensure that each and every provision of the Act is followed with commitment, he said. He also added lack of adequate facilities also increase the number of dropouts in schools. Recently, Delhi MCD schools saw drastic rise in dropouts. As per an UDISE report, 44,842 students dropped out from various schools in the last two years. Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta said in a meeting that 33,744 students of them were from MCD schools. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of Communist leader Govind Pansare is questioning the founder of Sanathan Sanstha, a Hindu right wing organisation, in connection with the killing. Goa state Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief Sanjay Kumar, who is heading the investigation, confirmed to The Indian Express that they are indeed questioning the Sanatan Sanstha founder Jayant Athavale. "He was questioned on Tuesday and Wednesday," Kumar said. Two Sanstha members, the prime accused in the case, are absconding, and the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) Mumbai bureau has announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information on them. The duo Sarang Akolkar, 35 and Vinay Pawar, 37 had gone missing in 2009, reported The Asian Age. The report also quoted the Sanstha's spokesperson Abhay Vartak as saying that a CBI team visited their Goa ashram, and spoke to its trustee. "SIT team had visited Sanstha's Goa ashram and also spoke to the trustee. The Sanstha has always cooperated with the SIT's probe. As it is a judicial matter, we are unable to provide any more details," Vartak said. Veteran rationalist Pansare was walking with his wife Uma in Kolhapur in February 2015 when two persons opened fire on them. He succumbed to his injuries, though his wife survived. In August 2016, the SIT took Sanatan Sanstha seeker Virendra Tawde into custody to probe his involvement in the shooting. He was named prime conspirator in the incident, while three others Sarang, Pawar and Rudra Patil were also named. Patil is also at large. Meanwhile, the Sanstha has raised objections to the appointment of Shivajirao Rane as special public prosecutor, calling it "illegal". Virendra Ichalkaranjikar, representing the Sanstha, told Pune Mirror that Rane was appointed as the special public prosecutor by then superintendent of police, Pradeep Deshpande, which is against the law as only the Home Department has the jurisdiction. "According to the information gathered after filing an RTI application, the state government has not issued any order of Rane's appointment as the special public prosecutor in the case. The superintendent of police does not have any authority to appoint such a prosecutor in any case," Ichalkaranjikar said. However, Rane has responded to these claims, saying he submitted his appointment letter from Deshpande along with a government resolution that permits the SP and police commissioner to appoint a special public prosecutor in a "sensational case". He also threw further light on the Sanstha's objections to his appointment. "The Sanstha does not want me to be a special public prosecutor because I had taken an objection on sending articles in the jail meant for their members. I have submitted all the relevant proofs before the court," he said. As argued in a previous piece on Firstpost written the day after Pansare was shot, he was a highly respected political figure in Maharashtra, a well-known name in the Communist movement, and a known critic of Right wing forces. In 1984, he wrote a popular book called Shivaji Kon Hota (Who was Shivaji) on Chatrapati Shivaji, in which he projected the Maratha king as a people's king as against his portrayal as a Hindu king by Hindu communal outfits. The book has been translated into many languages including Kannada, Urdu, Gujarati, English and Hindi languages. "In this book, he showed how the actual history of Shivaji and how it is being used by the communal outfits. He is an outspoken person and has been speaking against the RSS and other Hindu outfits since the beginning. It had then angered the saffron outfits," Namdev Gawade, a state executive member of Maharashtra unit of CPI, was quoted as saying in the report. New Delhi: Amid a raging controversy over free speech, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said he supports freedom of expression, but within the legal framework. "I believe in freedom of expression but it has to be within reasonable legal framework," he said. On the sidelines of a DRDO event, Parrikar was asked to comment on the controversy surrounding Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur who had launched a campaign against RSS-backed ABVP. The defence minister, however, clarified that his comments were not related to any particular incident. The 20-year-old Kaur became the centre of a controversy after she launched a social media campaign against the ABVP which has been under attack after some of its members were allegedly involved in violence at Ramjas College on 22 February. She allegedly received rape threats following the campaign and drew criticism from a Union minister and a BJP MP. On the issue of the alleged leak of question papers of an army recruitment examination, Parrikar said the defence ministry has recommended a CBI inquiry as the case has inter-state ramifications. On Monday, the army had ordered a high-level court of inquiry (CoI) into the alleged question paper leak. Referring to the Kabul blasts and possible use of chemical weapons, he said that the army should be well-prepared to tackle any challenge. "As per the reports which are coming from the southern and northern parts of Afghanistan, I have seen photographs of the local population having suffered from blisters.... (due to possible use of some chemical weapons). At this moment, I don't have a confirmation on this matter but the photos are quite distressing," he said. The minister said India will have to be prepared for any kind of nuclear or chemical attack, adding the armed forces must remain alert and prepared for any challenge. More than a dozen people were killed in two terror attacks in Kabul on Wednesday. The near-simultaneous attacks struck the Afghan capital around noon on Wednesday. First, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun battle between the police and several attackers. In the second attack, a bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul. Are Indian policymakers tasked with chalking out a Pakistan strategy following the script of BJP-Shiv Sena relationship in Maharashtra? Fatuous as it may sound, India's recent actions give space for such a speculation to rise. On the one hand the Centre citing the most laughable of excuses says it will oppose a private member's bill to term Pakistan a 'terror state', on the other hand it throws the kitchen sink at its favourite bete-noire on yet another United Nations platform. On the back of these confusing signals, it is time to ask some questions to the Narendra Modi government. What is India's Pakistan policy? The current policy (if there is one) seems to be an unstable oscillation between naive ad-hocism and macho posturing. How does it plan to tackle the relentless cross-border terrorism being devised, abetted and executed from across the border? In the wake of increasing Pakistan-supported insurgency in Kashmir, what is the NDA government doing to ensure that violent insurgencies such as the one we just emerged from are not allowed to fester again into a gangrene? Beyond periodic impotent fulminations on UN forums, how is India planning to shape the broader bilateral relationship? It must have become boring for the UN dignitaries to watch the habitual India-Pakistan pirouette. Islamabad will open the routine by raising India's "human rights violations" in Kashmir and call for intervention. New Delhi will retaliate by asking Pakistan to dismantle its jihadi factories and stop exporting terror. As an added attraction, recent exchanges have been peppered by India's references to Pakistan's state-sponsored atrocities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. It isn't clear what strategic benefit this hackneyed routine brings for India, but the 34th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday saw yet another staging of the charade. Pakistan's law minister Zahid Hamid called India an "occupying power" bent on brutally snuffing out Kashmir's right to self-determination and added that India's narrative on Kashmir being an internal affair "is factually incorrect, legally untenable and in violation of the UN Security Council resolution." Ajit Kumar, India's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, mouthed the usual rebuttals. In an apparent reference to Hafiz Saeed, he said, "During last two decades the world's most wanted terrorists found succor and sustenance in Pakistan." Referring to the spate of terror attacks in Pakistan's Sehwan, Lahore and other places resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, Kumar added: "Pakistan has created terrorist groups against India, these monsters are now devouring its creator." Calling for Islamabad to vacate Kashmir before invoking UNSC resolution, he said Pakistan is "the true epicenter of global terror." Impressive. And completely meaningless. Does the world need reminding that Pakistan is the global epicenter of terrorism? Not so long ago at the UNGA address in September last year, India had called Pakistan a "terrorist state" that runs from its soil the "Ivy League of terrorism" affecting the globe with its "toxic curriculum" and uses terror as an "instrument of state policy" which is a "war crime". Smarting and outraged at the stunning attack on Army headquarters at Uri, India's righteous indignation was evident. It appeared that the proverbial Rubicon has been crossed and words will now be translated into action. And yet, just a few months after calling Pakistan a "terrorist state" at the UN, Rajnath Singh's office informed the Parliament Secretariat that Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar's Bill, seeking to declare Pakistan a "terror state", will be opposed. Tabling the Bill in Rajya Sabha on 3 February, Chandrasekhar cited data from 1998 to 29 January, 2017, to inform the House that 14,741 Indian civilians have fallen to terror attacks and 6,274 security force personnel have lost their lives in this period while 23,146 terrorists have been neutralized. More importantly, he stressed on the need for India to walk the talk. "Pakistans history and track record of fostering terrorism and terrorists is long and indeed distinguishable and incontrovertible It is time that we stop running to other countries to declare Pakistan a terror state and stood up and did this job ourselves," Chandrasekhar said during the presentation. In response, a government official told The Hindu that such a move may "jeopardize international relations under the Geneva Convention". What? "We have diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country which includes High Commissions as well as trade relations. It will be not prudent to declare any country as a terror state as India is bound by international norms," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying. What diplomatic relations are we talking about? One that rewards Modi's Lahore stopover with terror attacks? Or maybe one that fingers the old Khalistani wound? Why were these considered views on diplomatic ties and trade relations absent when India was frothing at the mouth at the UN? Or is it that instead of a coherent foreign policy, we rely on a set of knee-jerk reactions? When it comes to Pakistan, why do we fluctuate between vehement retribution and blissful somnolence depending on whether or not there is a terror attack? It does little for India's image as a rising, ambitious Asian power and grossly undermines its geopolitical influence when New Delhi is seen as dithering and undecided in fixing its most pressing geostrategic problem. As Chandrasekhar had rightly pointed out in a column for The Times of India, "the tragedy in India is that the public narrative and opinion about Pakistan, waxes and wanes with terror attacks." If we understand that Pakistan sees the asymmetric war as a legitimate foreign policy tool against a much powerful India, it stands to reason that we use the tools at our command to minimise our risks. Outbursts at UN or trying to diplomatically isolate Pakistan won't have much bearing in an international order driven by mercantile ties, self-interest and realpolitik rather than idealism. We have tried smoking the peace pipe. It has remained ineffective at best and grievously injurious at worst. Declaring Pakistan a "terror state" is a largely symbolic move. But it goes a long way in announcing India's intent to the rest of the world. As global geopolitical order goes through a period of turmoil, India's position as an emerging economic power and a democratic counterbalance to a revisionist China remains secure. We must seize the chance to tell the world that our patience with Pakistan is ending. Geneva/New Delhi: Pakistan created terror outfits against India and the "monster" is now devouring its own creator, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva said on Wednesday. Addressing the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), Ambassador Ajit Kumar hit out at Pakistan for destabilising the situation in Jammu and Kashmir by promoting infiltration and cross-border terrorism, inciting, promoting and glorifying violence. Asserting that terrorism is the "grossest violation of human rights", he said members will recognise the irony of a nation that has established a well-earned reputation of being a "global epicentre of terrorism holding forth on human rights". "Pakistan has created terrorist outfits against India. This monster is now devouring its own creator," Kumar said, adding that in the last two decades, the most wanted terrorists of the world have found "succour and sustenance" in Pakistan. The fundamental reason for disturbances in parts of Jammu and Kashmir is cross-border terrorism aided and abetted by Pakistan, he said, noting that for many years now, Islamabad has been carrying out an intense campaign to destabilise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He further emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the situation there is an internal matter of the country. The central government and democratically elected state government have led a system-wide effort last year to restore normalcy in the state in the wake of the Pakistan-supported violent unrest, he said in the session's 'General Segment'. India would also like to point out that Pakistan's unwarranted references to UNSC resolutions are "grossly misleading as Pakistan was required to vacate the parts of the State of J&K under its illegal and forced occupation," Kumar said. Kumar said the robust and mature Indian democracy proved once again that it has sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms to redress any internal difficulties even if they are incited from outside. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a USD 12 billion package which was being fast tracked. Normalcy has returned as 99 percent of the students of Jammu and Kashmir had taken their high school examinations and schools have reopened, he said. His remarks came on a day when schools reopened in the Kashmir Valley after about 8 months, which included the period of unrest last summer triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The Indian Ambassador also asserted that as the world's largest democracy with a high degree of diversity, India remains committed to the idea of a just and equitable society. "To conclude, we will continue to participate actively in the work of the Council with a view to enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency," he said. New Delhi: The navy on Thursday successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile for the first time from an indigenously built Kalvari class submarine, describing the launch as a significant milestone in enhancing its "sub-surface" warfare prowess. The weapon was fired from the submarine, the first of India's six Scorpene-class submarines which are being built under the Project 75, and it "successfully hit" a surface target during the trial in the Arabian Sea. All the six diesel-electric attack submarines will be equipped with the anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat, the defence ministry said, noting these missiles will provide the vessels the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. "The missile successfully hit a surface target at an extended range during the trial firing. "This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navy's sub-surface warfare capability," the ministry said. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the Jawahar Bagh Park case of Mathura where more than 20 persons, including two police officials, were killed last year during a drive to evict squatters. A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashwant Verma passed the order on a bunch of PILs demanding a CBI probe. The court had reserved its judgement on 20 February after hearing arguments from both sides. Among those who had moved the court with the demand for a CBI inquiry are Delhi-based BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay and Mathura resident Vijay Pal Singh Tomar. Besides, interlocutory applications were filed at a later stage by Archana Dwivedi and Prafull Dwivedi, wife and brother respectively of slain Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi. The order comes as a jolt to the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. The state government had remained opposed to a CBI inquiry into the matter, pointing out that it had set up a commission of inquiry comprising a retired judge of the High Court. In a statement issued from Delhi, Upadhyay welcomed the order, saying, "The violence at Jawahar Bagh in June last year was not an ordinary law and order issue. It related to unlawful occupation of public land, worth about Rs 5000 crore, by self-styled cult leader Ram Vriksh Yadav and his followers". The Uttar Pradesh government had, in January 2014, granted permission to Ram Vriksh Yadav's organization Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah to hold a demonstration inside Jawahar Bagh for two days. However, members of the group went on to occupy the sprawling public park for more than two years. Following a High Court order, the squatters were evicted from the park amid large-scale violence. A huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the huts that had been erected inside the park during the period of illegal occupation. There were reports that the park had been converted into a "quasi-republic" with its own currency and penal system and people staying there had been issued ration cards and cooking gas cylinders with Jawahar Bagh as the address. Hyderabad: Sunayana, the widow of Srinivas Kuchibhotla killed in the US in a hate crime, has expressed her desire to go back to the US to fulfill her husband's dream. "It is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA," she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Sunayana, who works for Intouch Solutions in Kansas, also said that a question which was on every immigrant's mind was whether they belong in the country anymore and if it was safe for them to raise families there. She also urged the leaders of global tech industry to keep defending human rights as they employ a large number of immigrants. "Thanks to people like Satya Nadella (CEO-Microsoft) and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg (Founder- Facebook), Sundar Pichai (CEO-Google), Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights," she said in a Facebook post. "We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, it's an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I don't want anyone to go through what my family and household went through," she added. She thanked the Telangana government for extending support to bring the body of Srinivas back home from the US. "I will now ask same question on what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, it's not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them afterward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? "Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrant's mind, Do we belong here. Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" she wondered. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. In a major victory to protesting Bengaluru residents, the Karnataka government on Thursday decided to withdraw the steel flyover project connecting Chalukya circle to the Hebbal flyover. CNN-News18 reports that Karnataka Urban Development Minister KJ George will soon make an public announcement regarding the issue. The steel flyover plan had come under attack from various citizen groups over environmental concerns ever since the state cabinet approved the project in September 2016. As part of the Rs 1,791-crore project, a 6.72-km long, six-lane steel flyover was proposed to de-congest the roads of Bengaluru. The project was expected to be completed in 24 months. The project was to be executed by Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T) and Nagarjuna Ltd, with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) overseeing it. However, the feasibility of the project came under scanner on account of the massive use of steel and the felling of over 800 trees that raised concerns among citizens and activists. On the issue of tree felling, the BDA commissioner Rajkumar Khatri had sought to assuage annoyed protesters with assurances that 60,000 saplings would be planted in other parts of the city. Protesting the project, noted architect Naresh Narsimhan had told Firstpost, This is a poverty of imagination. He had also added, "Any substantial infrastructure development should look ahead by at least six generations. Will this steel monstrosity that is to come over the best parts of the city be looked upon as a good thing? Not at all. In fact, it is a disaster even at the planning stage. Several online petitions and public interest groups too protested against the project. Many citizens had also alleged that the project indirectly encourages private sector and kills the greenery of the city. An online petition mooted by Rajiv Chandrasekhar, Rajya Sabha MP, said, "Bengaluru needs a comprehensive mobility plan with focus and large scale investment in public transportation (and) the proposed steel flyover (gives) a strong signal (that the government) prefers to cater to the private sector," The Indian Express reported. Historian Ram Guha and businesswomen Kiran Mazumdar Shaw had also come out in support of the protesters. However, despite the protests, the Congress government persisted with the plan. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had defended the government's stand on the flyover. "The decision to spend Rs 1,791 crore for development was not taken just like that. It was done after a lot of deliberation, The Indian Express quoted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as saying. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju was in Manipur campaigning ahead of the Assembly election scheduled for 4 and 8 March, when he commented on Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur's video. Rijiju was reacting to an old video of Gurmehar appealing for peace between India and Pakistan. In the video that has gone viral now, Gurmehar is seen holding up a placard which said: "Pakistan didn't kill my father, war did." Her father died fighting during the Kargil war in 1999. The video resurfaced after Gurmehar started an online campaign against the ABVP and the violence that broke out in Ramjas College last week over an invite extended to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid. Coming down heavily on the 20-year-old, Rijiju had said "the soul of the martyred father" must be crying as she is being misled by people who celebrate when soldiers die in action. In addition to this, Rijiju had also tweeted out saying, "Whos polluting this young girls mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded." Who's polluting this young girl's mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded. https://t.co/gXHkAGi9sh Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 27, 2017 Interestingly, in an interview with NDTV, Rijiju revealed he had not seen Gurmehar's video on India-Pakistan peace before tweeting. Speaking to the channel, Rijiju said he had no idea what the controversy was about. "I didn't know what the Gurmehar controversy was about. A journalist showed me her tweet. I responded to what Gurmehar said about her father." He also said that he was unaware of the rape threats made to the 20-year-old student. Tired of the controversy that her tweets and video created, Gurmehar left her PG accommodation in New Delhi and moved back with her family in Jalandhar for security issues. Gurmehar had said that she has had enough and pulled out of the students' campaign on Tuesday. "I didn't know she was being given rape threats. How would I know this has become a story in Delhi? You have the right to run any story, create a controversy," Rijiju was quoted as saying by NDTV. Rijiju jumped into the controversy when he hinted that Left-wing politicians and leaders are influencing students. After Rijiju's comment, the focus of the ongoing fracas in Ramjas College shifted to Gurmehar. Rijiju's claims that he was not aware of the controversy around Gurmehar seems odd especially since he has repeatedly tweeted on the issue. Was the minister suggesting that he was dishing out opinions without understanding the issue? Everyone has right of views but she said Pakistan didn't kill our brave martyr & India should shun war. India never perpetrated violence! https://t.co/2b8SHLdPRg Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 27, 2017 Freedom of expression is not a licence to shout anti-national slogans in campuses. Criticise the govt but don't abuse the motherland. https://t.co/3iqyqeLdJe Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 27, 2017 Rijiju's admission brings forth a point which has so often been repeated in the age of social media there is hardly any difference between fact and fiction. In addition to this mayhem, everyone has a knee-jerk reaction to the chaos around them. Sample this excerpt from Rijiju's NDTV interview: Rijiju: I was busy campaigning in Manipur. Some journalists came to me and showed me her tweet. I was out of network area. This group of journalists showed me a video that showed her saying that her father was killed by the war and not Pakistan. So only to that point, I said that there is no war going on with Pakistan right now. NDTV: Did you see the full video or just that line? Rijiju: I have not gone through anything. I didn't have time. NDTV: How can you comment on anything when you have half information? Rijiju: That's what I am saying... I don't have to say anything about that girl. The fact that some sections of media, a few political leaders and the innumerable trolls reacted to a video of Gurmehar which was not even the point of discussion, shows that no one cared to find out when, where and why was the video recorded. They heard 'Pakistan', 'Kargil', 'Muslims', 'India', 'War', 'Army', 'Kashmir' all of which are a recipe for severe online backlash. No one cared to dig deeper, not even the Union Minister. Fact: Gurmehar Kaur's video was recorded early in 2016 and had nothing to do with Ramjas College. Fact: Rijiju had no clue about the video, yet he thought it was more important for him to be vitriolic rather than act like a responsible minister. A young, feisty, independent 20-year-old was chased away from the city where she was studying. Online trolls made her life so miserable that Gurmehar decided to pack her bags and move back in with her parents. The focus had shifted to Gurmehar after a particular Union minister dished out a severe opinion based on his misplaced notions of nationalism and not knowing all the facts. If elected Members of Parliament start hunting down dissenters, shutting down free speech and generally respond to every opinion that differs from theirs, they are fortifying every online troll. It sets, or rather has set, a very dangerous precedent where a minister of the ruling government mimes what an ordinary troll would say. Social media is an unpredictable platform and since it has enabled every person to have an opinion, it's foolish to think that there won't be a backlash. Gurmehar too must have thought that her video and her campaign would start a dialogue, but maybe she was not prepared for a government representative to come down so hard on her and not even know what he was outraging about. The Maharashtra Public Universities Act came into force on Wednesday after the state government issued a gazette that the Act will be effective from 1 March. This means that a major reform in Maharashtra's higher education sector which had been praised by various legislators, political leaders and college principals has finally been implemented. The Maharashtra Public Universities Bill, 2016 was passed by the state Legislative Assembly and Council in December last year. The Act aims at providing academic autonomy to state universities, improve their functioning and bring about higher participation of students, according to Hindustan Times. The highlights of the Act: Structured governance through a board of deans and directors in-charge of various subjects, restarting the students council elections which were banned in 1994 due to the death of a student, introduction of choice-based credit system for students, a disputes redressal system for students and a fee-fixation committee. The bill won't be applicable to the medical and agriculture universities. The Act states that each university will now be governed by the vice-chancellor, pro-vice chancellor, deans of faculties and seven directors. Besides, there will be a registrar, finance and accounts officer and director of sub-campuses of the university. The Act would allow universities to conduct Board of Studies (BoS) elections, which were held up by the government for over one-and-a-half years. The Times of India reported that many important functions like making appointments to top posts and conducting students' elections can be implemented only after statutes are out by the end of this month. "While officials such as the registrar, examination controller, who were appointed before, can continue to hold offices till the term for which they were appointed, the post of the director of board of college and university development became redundant from Wednesday," said the report. Under the new Act, a system has been set up to grant permission to new colleges. It will offer a letter of intent for the first year during which the colleges will have to complete infrastructure building and creation of facilities. After the new college has been scrutinised for facilities, the university will then grant permission to run such colleges. The Act stresses on setting up of equal opportunity cell for divyang students and setting up of a Vishakha cell to redress complaints of sexual harassment of women. A proposal has also been made to make compulsory mercantile (double entry) accounting system to bring transparency. To prevent profiteering by unaided institutions affiliated to universities, the Act proposes to set up special committee to determine fees and a regulatory mechanism at the state-level. Another report in Hindustan Times said that the first draft of the Act was prepared by a committee headed by former University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Arun Nigavekar in 2011. It then took the government over five years to get the state legislature's approval for the law. During that period, the then bill underwent many amendments. The amended bill was tabled by State Education Minister Vinod Tawde in the House in December. He said, the bill was passed by a joint panel of 25 legislators from both Houses after making as many as 56 amendments. The panel also comprised two former education ministers, college owners and experts from various fields. Speaking to Firstpost, Tawde had said that the changes will benefit students. "The new amendments are student oriented." The new act replaces Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994. "The new law will boost the higher education sector," he had added. However, a report by The Indian Express had said that other stakeholders teachers and management feel that their democratic representation has been curtailed. The composition of statutory bodies has remained more or less the same but while the Act has added two new posts for representatives of colleges in the Senate and one in the academic council, the proportion of nominated members has increased. Now there will be at least 71 members in the Senate and half of them will be elected representatives. This has left teachers unions and former senate members disappointed. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Delhi government over reports of a dead rat being found in a mid-day meal served to students at a school in south east Delhi's Deoli area. The Commission on Thursday said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the reports, issued the notice to the Chief Secretary, and sought detailed report in the matter within four weeks, including the action taken against the agencies concerned. Nine students of Government Boys' Senior Secondary School were taken ill on 16 February after consuming midday meal which allegedly had a dead rat in it. The students were rushed to Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had subsequently directed the Chief Secretary to monitor cooking of mid-day meals served in Delhi schools. Police had also lodged an FIR against two operators of an NGO who supplied mid-day meals to the school in Deoli. "The Commission has observed that occurrence of such an incident, if true, amounts to violation of right to life of the children. It indicates towards serious lapse on part of the concerned agencies," the NHRC said in a statement. The Chief Secretary has also been asked to inform about the steps taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future, the Commission said. "Reportedly, there are 43 NGOs, which are catering to the requirement of mid-day meal to 18.46 lakh children of the schools run by Delhi government. "They, allegedly, sublet their contracts to other organisations. In another report, carried on February 27, 95 percent of 365 meal samples failed to meet nutritional requirements in 2011-12 and 98 per cent of 322 samples failed the tests in 2010-11," it said. Few chief ministers in India were as vilified as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was for being pro-bureaucracy. In his stint as the chief minister, he was all along accused of being influenced more by bureaucrats than politicians on the issue of governance. His style of governance is perceived to be bureaucracy-centric. This assumes significance in the context of the ongoing tussle between the Bihar government and the states IAS association after the arrest of Sudhir Kumar, chairman Bihar Staff Selection Commission, on the charges of corruption. According to the police, there was incontrovertible evidence to implicate Sudhir Kumar in leaking the examination papers meant for recruitment of clerks. The arrest triggered a protest by 50-odd IAS officers who threatened not to obey verbal orders from their political masters. Perhaps this silent insurrection against the authority of the government is too ominous a signal to be ignored. And luckily Nitish chose not to ignore it and is inclined to take it head on. In his speech in the state assembly on Monday, Nitish gave a clear signal that the defiance of the constitutionally elected government would not go unpunished. I have not yet got the memorandum of the IAS association. The moment I get it I will act on it in great details and set a milestone for governance in future, he told the state assembly. Of course, Kumar is quite peeved by the manner in which a group of IAS officials conducted themselves on the issue. The manner in which the IAS officers walked to the Raj Bhavan to present memorandum against the so-called persecution of a fellow IAS officer reflected the conduct of a trade union activity. The question arises as to how this cozy equation between civil servants, particularly IAS, and the state government came under strain? The answer to this query can be easily found if one carefully looks at the complex political equations in the state. In his first term as the chief minister after 2005, Nitish was up against the uphill task of resurrecting the state which became not only defunct but was buried deep into morass and sloth under Lalu-Rabri regime. Since Nitish enjoyed unfettered power in alliance with the BJP, he empowered the bureaucracy to regain the lost glory of the state. Remember the manner in which an IPS officer slapped a defiant warlord Anand Mohan Singh to put across the message loud and clear that the rule of law would prevail. The district magistrates and superintendents of police in the state were instructed not to get influenced by any pressure from political executives. Contrast this with the scenario in the Lalu-Rabri regime where successive chief secretaries were reduced to the status of retainers of the chief ministers residence. There are umpteen stories about a chief secretary holding spittoon for Lalu Yadav to spit out betel juice! The state secretariat was resonated with the slogan 12 baje tak late nahin 3 ke baad bhent nahin (It is not late to come office at 12 noon and no work will be done after 3 PM). In Rabri Devis time, the chief ministers office was rarely opened as the chief minister was never interested in attending to her official work in the office. At home, her husband was de facto king. Nitishs resurrection of the state presented a cultural contrast that shocked the states political class which was adept at manipulating the system through the bureaucracy. In Nitish Kumars time, the pendulum indeed swung to the other side as civil servants acquired the status of omnipotent. Nitish received flak within the party for encouraging the bureaucracy which tends to indulge in unbridled corruption. Since the state funding to infrastructure projects enhanced significantly and social spending was done under various central and state schemes, the reports of large-scale bureaucratic corruption multiplied. In fact what has encouraged the bureaucracy is the incompatible nature of the political alliance between the RJD and JD (U). As of now, there are umpteen reports of many health centres and other government facilities turning out to be a source of extortion for a certain RJD ministers. In an atmosphere of uncertainty, a large section of civil servants has been switching loyalties and finding shelter in parallel power centres that have emerged at Patna. The defiant march of IAS officials at Patna Raj Bhavan in support of the arrested Sudhir Kumar was only an indication of unsettled power equations in Bihar. By all indication, the protest by the IAS association was crass politics and intended to exploit the situation which is inherently unstable. Nitish was astute enough to diagnose the malaise and conveyed in unambiguous terms that he would use this opportunity to initiate measures that would set milestone for governance. The sooner he does so it will be better for Bihar and the rest of the country. Its time we hung our heads in shame. Do we seriously believe Gurmehar Kaur and 20-somethings like her in colleges or universities are anti-national? Are sports, film and political personalities slamming them for being less than patriotic really convinced that they are so? Something is seriously odd out there. We have stopped treating the young as young. They will be a bit reckless, at times irresponsible and even foolish. But anti-national, working against the interest of the country? Come on, the assumption is not only insensitive but also cruel. It is worrisome how even supposedly responsible people are getting drawn into this farcical nationalism debate yes, it is nonsensical because it is pointless and is meant to achieve nothing but divide people and adding decibels to it. In effect, they become a party to this branding game which seems to have no sense of rhyme or reason. "Leave the kids of the country alone. You may not agree with their views. But you cannot snatch away their right to have an opinion on everything, including politics. If you continue to bully the young, you will soon have no individual thoughts and opinions, but a herd mentality," said actor Shatrughan Sinha in an interview with the DNA newspaper. He makes loads of sense. If only others in his party, including Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, thought along similar lines. Who are you fighting? Someone must ask those fierce advocates of nationalism. They should also be asked how they can call themselves nationalists when they hate other Indians with such pernicious resoluteness, how their patriotism is superior to the patriotism of others and how wonderful idea like patriotism can be defined by the limited criteria of hatred for Pakistan and unqualified adulation for the Indian Army. "Its a clear fight between the student communities worshipping the motherland, working for the glory of its rich culture and heritage on the one hand and the Left-leaning, polluted anti-nationals on the other. In Ramjas College, the students' union of the college that is democratically elected and is an independent union only advocated nationality and integrity," said Vinay Bidre, ABVPs national general secretary in an interview with Firstpost earlier. He is entitled to his understanding of the motherland, but should the larger community be joining in to promote his fight or that of whoever he represents? It does not make sense, the same way the Lefts call for revolution did not. Shatrughan Sinha mentioned about the herd. We are, wittingly or unwittingly, becoming part of the herd. Gurmeher apne ghar ki bachchi hai. Dont talk about harming her just because you dont agree with her opinion," he said in the interview. Its clear not many in his party and even non-political people who have become part of the nationalist brigade subscribe to such a view. Rule of the herd: follow the man in front. Stop thinking. What is worrisome is the fact that the support from the wider group becomes the licence for thugs to move in. So, we have students being threatened with rape and murder. Of course, there are physical attacks and other acts of intimidation. Should our young be getting rape threats and physically assaulted just because they have a view? The best solution would be to stay off the whole thing and let kids be kids. Let them enjoy the free air that the democracy allows them. None of them is anti-national, even if they belong to the Left; none becomes a threat to the country by speaking a few words. The nationalist-patriot debate must stop in the country. It serves no purpose. It only divides the country. Something that divides Indians cannot be patriotic by any stretch of the imagination. New Delhi: Hundreds of students from RSS-backed ABVP on Thursday staged a protest march in DU to reflect the the varsity's "nationalistic sentiments" and affirm that they will not allow any "anti-national" activities on campus. The ABVP had put up posters with photographs claiming them to be from the "violence perpetrated by the Communists" in various parts of the country. 'DU against intellectual terrorism', 'Rapist AISA go back', 'DU against anti-nationals' were few of the slogans written on the posters which drew sharp reactions from Left-affiliated groups. "There is a conspiracy to poison the environment at DU, like they did at JNU and we will not allow that. This march was in response to the recent march of Left-groups and to give them a message that DU has nationalist sentiments," ABVP's National Media Convener Saket Bahuguna said. Defending the posters, Bahuguna said, "People are saying that the images on the posters are horrific but imagine the torture the families of these men, who were killed by the Communist goons, had to face". The march came in the wake of recent violence at Ramjas cancel where ABVP and AISA clashed over cancellation of a seminar invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid. Chanting slogans of "Vande Matram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai", the protesters started the march from the university's Arts faculty and after detouring the North campus with a Tricolour, the march culminated at the same place. Reacting to the posters, Left-backed All India Students' Association (AISA) said, "ABVP resorts to hate mongering by putting provocative hoardings on campus trying to justify the violence unleashed on Ramjas campus". Slogans for 'azaadi' and 'cheeky ABVP why so creepy', had echoed in the DU campus on Tuesday during an anti-ABVP march joined by over 2,000 students and teachers against "onslaught" on universities and "curb" on dissent. Students, teachers and non-teaching staff from various universities including JNU, Jamia and Ambedkar University, participated in the protest march. Without attempting to build a case for the police personnel, one can safely say that the police in at least two cities of this country Delhi and Mumbai have a thankless job to do. The police must have to tread a tightrope in allowing a mob to protest within the parameters of democracy, and yet, know exactly when it needs to be controlled, and try to do so without earning flak from all quarters of the society. In the ongoing Ramjas College ruckus at Delhi University, one noise that has not yet reached a high decibel is that of high-handed behaviour of Delhi Police with the protesting students. One slight murmur at the beginning of the fracas has already been dealt with by the police. At the onset of the crisis, several students and teachers were injured in clashes between the Left-affiliated All India Students Association (AISA) and the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Ramjas College. Police said eight of its personnel, including an SHO, too sustained injuries. However, following this, Joint Commissioner of Police, Devendra Pathak on Wednesday night admitted to unprofessional conduct on the part of police and said that an enquiry would be made into the incident, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty. This is rather unusual for a police force that has not been known for decent behaviour in times of a crisis such as this. All high-profile mass protests in the recent past have been marred by police high-handedness. Whether it was the unprecedented protest against the Nirbhaya gang rape incident, or the large-scale congregation of protesting people at India Gate and Ram Lila Maidan during the India Against Corruption movement, or the agitation of Delhi students in support of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the institute's chairman, police earned brickbats for roughing up the protesting students. The infamy of Delhi police apparently reached its nadir in 2016 during Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students agitation, when cops thrashed student protesters on the streets of Delhi. Several eye-witnesses of the incident from February last year said that though there was provocation, the police could have handled the situation better without unleashing brutality. It was widely reported that in the absence of women police officers, male cops assaulted girl students in broad daylight, for which Delhi Police had received severe criticism from various quarters. But, how come the Ramjas College controversy has passed so far without any ramification of police excess? Former Director General of Police, UP, Prakash Singh believes that the police seem to have learnt its lessons from the past. Police seem to have learnt its lesson from past incidents. This time the police have been doing a good job. It speaks about the leadership quality of present Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. Handling student agitation is a tough job as it is highly volatile and police have to be objective and fair in dealing with such cases; even more so when the government is directly involved, he said. Despite showing restraint and handling the Ramjas College episode with extreme care, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, headed by former Union Minister P Chidambaram, questioned Patnaik on 28 February and asked the latter what action did the police take over the clashes outside the college and on the alleged rape threats to Gurmehar Kaur. The misfortune with police is that given the complexity of situation and despite doing a good job, they are at the receiving end, and are always criticized. This demoralizes police force, added Singh, also the former Director General of Border Security Force, who has worked on police reforms in India. A senior officer in Delhi Police added, Police have been extremely cautious in handling the ongoing student agitation so that no negative message gets communicated. Government too doesnt want any controversy in this episode. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a response from the Maharashtra government on a plea of a bar dancers' body challenging the constitutional validity of a 2016 state law putting conditions on dance performances by women in bars and hotels in the state. "Issue notice. Returnable within four weeks," a bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and RF Nariman said. The court then tagged the fresh plea of 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union' with a pending petition filed by Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) on the issue. It fixed the petitions for hearing on 20 April. The apex court is already hearing petitions, including the one filed by the IHRA, challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The fresh plea, filed by 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union', has termed the new Act as arbitrary and violative of their right to earn a livelihood through legitimate means. It alleged that the new law stigmatised their profession and unreasonably interfered with free choice of expression through dramatic performances and the right of women to practice the occupation of self-expression through such dramatic performances. The union alleged that the term 'obscene dance' in the Act has been deliberately kept vague to allow the police to harass the women performers. "The act of tipping or giving gifts as a token of appreciation has been customary and an integral part of traditional dance culture. This decades-old practice is akin to those performing Mujra, Lavani (traditional Marathi song and dance) or Tamasha (traditional Marathi theatre) where performers earn their living through 'bakshisi' offered by the audience as a token of appreciation of the performances. "The said practice is widely prevalent in Maharashtra and across the country. But the Act prohibits such practice contrary to traditionally accepted form of custom, thus failing to recognise that every performance deserves a prize," the plea said. On 21 September last year, the apex court had given interim relief to the state government by refusing to stay the operation of the new law, though it had flagged some of its provisions. It had also allowed some dance bars which were granted licences by the state administration to continue to function under old rules and the directions issued by it. Rameswaram: Thirteen fishermen were on Thursday arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were fishing near Katchatheevu, a fisheries department official said. While four fishermen hailing from Rameswaram were taken by the Lankan Naval personnel to Vadamarachi, nine others from Akkaraipettai in Nagapattinam district were taken to Kangesanthurai, Joint Director of Fisheries Amala Xavier said. The Lankan Navy also seized their two boats. They also allegedly damaged more than 20 fishing nets, the official said. IAS officers in Bihar are up in arms against the state cops as over the arrests of two of their colleagues in less than a year which they see it as a collision between the bureaucracy and the police. Last week, Bihar Staff Selection Commission chief and IAS officer Sudhir Kumar and five others were arrested in connection with a paper leak scam in clerical grade recruitment examination sending ripples of dismay in the state's IAS circle. The Bihar IAS Officers Association soon came out in support of Kumar and called for a CBI inquiry to ensure fair probe on the matter. In July last year, the Bihar association held a general body meeting of IASOA and decided to submit a memorandum announcing that it would bear the legal and logistical expenses required to investigate the 'imposter arrest' of Jitendra Gupta, Mohania SDO in Kaimur district. Being an IAS or IPS officer always has its charm but there are occupational hazards of its own kind. Sources said since the workings of IAS and IPS officers are so public and visible, their intent and capability are questioned a lot more, unlike the army which is much more of a closed group making it harder to highlight their flaws. People tend to be judgmental in the sense that since Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are closer to the National Capital than the south Indian states of Telangana and Andhra, where real corruption happens, these states are usually perceived as the hotbeds of money-making for bureaucrats. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Sanjay Bhoosreddy, honorary secretary, Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association, explains what ails India's leading bureaucratic community, what makes them back comrades in legal trouble, and why apart from the glamour that the IAS tag gives how challenges on the ground are real: Why has the IAS fraternity taken such a strong stand to protect those who have possibly compromised with the law? Wont that damage the legacy created by revolutionary officers? Those who are corrupt must be punished. There are no two ways about that. By backing the officer, we are not backing corruption or crime, we are simply saying there is a legal method in which proceedings must be carried out. Last year, the Bihar Police had acted in a mala fide manner against Jitendra Gupta a young IAS officer, while serving as sub-divisional magistrate Mohania. Gupta was falsely implicated in a vigilance case. At that point of time also the police had violated the statutory provisions of criminal law, which was brought to the notice of the authorities. The Patna High Court had in a scathing arrangement of the Special Vigilance Unit, quashed the FIR against Gupta in light of the uncontroverted facts, terming the FIR and the consequential investigation as not bona fide and abuse of the process of law. Despite this, the Vigilance Bureau, perhaps in obfuscation of the truth, prevailed over the government to approach the Supreme Court with some new shenanigan, only to find it being reprimanded by the highest Court of this country. The Supreme Court in deprecation of the governments ingeniousness did not deem the appeal fit enough to be a case even for hearing and dismissed it on merit at the admission stage itself. Are the police and the administrative forces not part of the same system? By backing this issue raised by the Bihar Association, arent you furthering the divide between the two? Sudhir Kumar was arrested from his parents home in Hazaribagh in the middle of the night but the arrest was declared in Patna the morning after. This is a case of inter-service one-upmanship that the police tries to play. Why was there a need to manhandle him? Could he have run away? Kumar fully cooperated with the investigating agencies, he was neither absconding nor was found tampering with evidence, if any. Therefore, there was no need to arrest him without following the procedure and precautions of arrest as provided in Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He was also not afforded the opportunity of legal assistance. Does dependence of political forces on bureaucracy make it believe that it is above the system? That is a systemic problem and the IAS fraternity cannot be attacked in isolation. Is a trade union mentality seeping into the structure and intent of associations? IAS officers are vulnerable. They arent allowed to speak to the media or protest against the system at any forum. Going to court is an expensive option. In such a situation, only an association can put forward the case of an officer in need of justice and protection. Mostly associations are passive and rarely take up cases vigorously. Trade unions do not follow rules, they may demand what isnt legally theirs. Associations work under the guidelines laid down by the government. If IAS officers swear by the Constitution when they take the integrity pledge, then why are they seen backing a possible corruption suspect instead of focussing on tighter discipline and vigilance? Doesnt this go against the integrity pledge that each officer is made to take? As far as the investigation is concerned, the anti-corruption cell is autonomous because they have to follow the provisions of the criminal law. After the RTIs have been introduced, the system has become transparent. We cannot victimise and terrorise senior officers on the basis of conjecture. There are 4,700 IAS officers in the country and there may be big and small cases going on against approximately 200-250 of them, some are being chargesheeted. Are we raising our voice against the arrest or suspension of each one? Even in Guptas case, we offered only moral support only after the court had whetted the point. IAS officers are as much a part of the system as the Army is. What role do they play in nation building? Every stretch of land of this country is covered by Indian administrative forces, there are people posted in conflict areas at all times. I am working on a list of IAS officers who have been killed by the lack of law and order, especially in Naxal and mining areas. He says nearly a dozen have lost their lives since the 80s. Only Rs 2.5 lakh is offered as compensation whenever a death occurs. How many people know the story of Dashrath Prasad (1994 IAS officer) who was killed by insurgents in Manipur during the national games. Today, his parents are struggling to make ends meet in a village in Banaras. Can India ever be corruption free? One good way to tackle corruption is to fix loopholes in the system. One of these is the fact that the mines officer at the district level and the mines supervisor at the sub-district level (both of whom belong to a Type C service) can be easily bribed and it is these people who often mislead the IAS officers posted in the district. For instance, they might take a cut in the royalty from mines and minerals that go into the government treasury by toying with the quantity and quality of the resources. If top political leaders want, it is quite easy to make India corruption-free. In what could have been deemed a landmark case on abortion laws, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, rejected the plea of a 37-year-old woman to abort a 26-week-old foetus that showed signs of Downs Syndrome. When the plea came to the Bench, the foetus was 23 weeks old; the Supreme Court ruled in the case that since there was no danger or threat to the life of the woman, the pregnancy was to continue. A court-appointed medical board had advised against the abortion. According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1971 (MTPA), the permissible limit to terminate a pregnancy is 20 weeks. In cases, where the life of mother or child is in danger, this limit can be extended after considering the report of a medical board. In the present case, the Bench consisting of Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao, took into consideration the report of a panel of doctors and ruled against the womens plea: "As per a report of the medical board constituted to examine the 37-year-old woman, there was no physical risk to the mother in continuation of pregnancy. Everybody knows that children with Downs Syndrome are undoubtedly less intelligent, but they are fine people." The Bench has deemed that Downs Syndrome is not a life-threatening condition, and that there is no physical risk to the mother from the pregnancy. They empathised with the fact that the child may suffer from mental and physical challenges, but stated that their hands are tied: "It is sad that the child may suffer from physical and mental challenges and its unfortunate for the mother but we cant allow an abortion. We have a life in our hands and we are also tied down by a law." Abortion is a contentious subject in the country, in spite of Indias progress in issues revolving around sexual and reproductive rights. Section 312 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 talks about unlawful termination of pregnancy, but does not use the word 'abortion'; it talks about "causing miscarriage". It utilises the words 'miscarriage' and 'unborn child' without legally defining the meaning and scope of these words. According to the provision, there must be good faith and the purpose of protecting the life of the mother when terminating the foetus. The MTPA lays down that the termination of pregnancy cannot be after the foetus is 20 weeks old, unless the life of the pregnant mother is threatened where she is at physical risk, or grave mental anguish may be caused to her as a result of the pregnancy. It may be noted that the MTPA infringes on the right to privacy, the right to health and the right to dignity of a pregnant woman, all of which has been guaranteed by Article 21 (the right to life) by the Constitution. In 2016, the Supreme Court allowed a rape survivor to terminate her pregnancy beyond the prescribed limit of 20 weeks at 24 weeks citing grave physical and mental challenges if she carried the foetus to term. A Bench of Justices JS Khehar and Arun Mishra granted the benefit of Section 5 of the MTPA to the petitioner and stated, "We grant liberty to the petitioner and if she desires to terminate the pregnancy, she is permitted." In 2015, the Supreme Court overturned the verdict of the Gujarat High Court that had refused to permit a 14-year-old rape survivor to abort her 25-week-old foetus. The high court, in its judgment, did acknowledge the adverse physical, emotional and psychological effects of the decision on the life of the petitioner, but decided to go ahead with a positive and pedantic reading of the MTPA. On appeal judgment, the Supreme Court considered the recommendations of the medical panel and then decided on her best interests. In 2008, the Bombay High Court disallowed a woman from aborting her 26-week-old foetus her foetus had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. The petitioners challenged the constitutionality of section 5 of the MTPA, but the high court stated that it could not read down section 5 as it would mean that the judiciary was usurping the power of the legislature. Again, a pedantic and strict reading of the MTPA was pursued, and the court ruled that abortion on grounds of gross abnormalities of the foetus was permissible within 20 weeks only; the court, therefore, denied the petitioner her right to abort the foetus. In another case, R versus Haryana, the Punjab and Haryana High Court refused to grant the petitioner, a rape survivor, permission to terminate her pregnancy as the medical panels recommendations did not agree to an abortion. The court requested, by way of caution, doctors from Aiims to reassess the possibility of abortion. However, in the course of the proceedings, the petitioner gave birth to a baby she probably did not want to keep. In the legal debate of the right to life of the pregnant woman versus the right to life of an unborn child, the real, substantial concept of agency of the woman is lost. To contextualise this further, the MTPA, in reality, enshrines no right of the woman to abortion. It merely puts down lengthy, procedural obstacles in the exercise of such a right. Moreover, the fact that the judiciary, more often than not, refuses to apply judicial activism in matters where the existing law is unjust or can longer provide for just remedies or solutions. In my opinion, to depend on an appointed medical panel that may be arbitrary and capricious is setting a dangerous precedent for sexual and reproductive rights of women in India. The present Supreme Court case is witness to how the pedantic and strict reading of the law, without interpreting it in context, can be immensely threatening to the functioning of the rights system for women. Editor's note: Uttar Pradesh is home to India's sixth largest Muslim population according to the 2011 Census, a figure whose magnitude is amplified when viewed in the context of the sheer expanse of the state and its Byzantine linkages of identities and communities. Such an examination is rendered all the more urgent considering Uttar Pradesh is now in the thick of a tumultuous election. To understand the mind of its Muslim community its anxieties, aspirations and animating impulses - political commentator and journalist Tufail Ahmed set off on the road, sending us dispatches from its far corners. Firstpost will chronicle his travels in a multi-part series. The following is the ninth part of this series titled 'Travels of a political pilgrim'. In the majestic city of Lucknow once governed by the Shia ruler Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, journalist Kulsum Mustafa draws my attention to the following: "Sunni Muslims are a majority but they lack education. However, right among this majority there exists a minority of Shia Muslims who are doing exceptionally well in education." This profound observation sheds light on the minority syndrome which exists among Indian Muslims, but does not exist among other religious minorities such as the Sikhs, Parsis and Jains. Asked to explain why Shia Muslims are doing educationally better than Sunni Muslims, Maulana Saidur Rahman, the principal of the world-famous Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama seminary of Lucknow, states: "There is bedari (awareness) among Shia Muslims. They understand that education is necessary for progress. The Sunnis too are becoming aware." However, the causes of Muslim backwardness in India cannot be attributed solely to a lack of awareness, especially since Sunni Muslims are politically assertive, and are demanding that the government fix their life and are unwilling to part with the 'minority' tag, a relevant political tool, especially at the time of elections. Kalbe Jawwad, the leading Shia cleric of Lucknow who was travelling, told me by phone that the Sunni Muslims get into small businesses such as mechanics, tailoring, embroidery work, meat business and others, which excludes them from the education system early in life. In Jawwad's view, there is a strong emphasis on education among Shias who, unlike the Sunnis, first complete education before getting into work. Rakesh Dwivedi, who teaches social work at the Lucknow University, explains it further: "Small-scale entrepreneurship is prevalent more among [Sunni] Muslims than among Hindus because the latter start business activities after education while Muslims begin entrepreneurial activities before education." He suggests that any educational reform for Muslims must include a teaching component on entrepreneurship at early age. Kulsum, who is a Shia Muslim married into a Sunni family, notes that the tradition of majlis (religious gathering) inculcates a strong emphasis on educational and social life of Shia Muslims. Majalis, the plural of majlis, are held throughout the year but especially during the month of Muharram in which Shias mourn the death of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Every majlis is a socio-religious platform and has two parts: the first half focuses on social issues, while the second half is devoted to remembering the difficulties suffered by Ahle Bait, the members of the prophet's household, she explains. While this insight into the Sunni-Shia difference in the fields of education and religion is relevant to understanding the Muslim backwardness, it is also pertinent to explain the so-called 'minority' phenomenon, which appears to shackle the development of Sunni Muslims. Islam has always been a religion of war for power. In early days in Mecca, the prophet preached Islam peacefully. After Hijrah (migration) to Medina where he established the first Islamic state, the prophet waged many wars. And right after the prophet's death, disputes arose over succession leading to two divisions among Muslims: Shias and Sunnis. "Islam is basically a war for the Caliphate," Kulsum observes. So, in the mid-2014 when Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the chief of the jihadi-terror group Islamic State (ISIS, also known as Daesh by its Arabic initials) declared himself as the caliph of all Muslims, a congratulatory letter was released by Maulana Salman Al-Husaini Al-Nadwi, a leading Sunni scholar of Islam at the Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama of Lucknow. I met him at his office. I asked him questions on the Muslim educational backwardness, his support for the Bahujan Samaj Party in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, role of Islamic scholars in the life of Muslims, lack of worldly education in the syllabi of madrassas and so on. His responses were sweet and short and in phrases and half-sentences, and I felt my conversation was not progressing anywhere until I questioned him on his controversial letter to Al-Baghdadi. He came to life because this is one subject on which he had to defend himself, as he was widely criticised for supporting the Islamic State. The first response I got from him shocked me because it was rooted in the Sunni-Shia schism in Islam. "I congratulated Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi on the point that he had registered victories against Shion ke zalimana mazalim (the cruel atrocities of Shias in Iraq)," said Maulana Salman, adding that in the letter he had advised Al-Baghdadi to establish good relations with other countries as well as with India and not to kill ordinary people just because they belong to different sects, i.e. mainly the Shia sect. However, Al-Baghdadi continued to promote sectarianism (anti-Shia killings), he said, and the violence spread to other countries. Maulana Salman gave a post-facto justification for his support to Islamic State saying that he continued to watch its initial role and later wrote an essay against Al-Baghdadi which was published as a booklet. "Now, Daesh is on the path of Kharijites. They talk about Islam but Islam se bari hain (are out of Islam)." Maulana Salman said. Kharijites were Islamic State-like forces in Islam, religiously devout and offering five-time prayers, and they would kill Muslims who in their theological opinion had left Islam. I stopped for a second on the use of the word bari (expelled/out) and asked him if the Islamic State is out of Islam. To which, he responded: "We do not consider it kafir [infidel, or non-Muslim]. It is so violent that it only thinks about its own group [as an organisation]." "The Islamic State is not the spokesman of Islam," he said and added correctly that the war underway in Iraq over the past decade and more is also rooted in the geostrategic roles played by the US, the UK, Israel and other western powers. He was dismissive about the Indian Muslim youths who have been arrested over pro-Islamic State radicalisation or went to fight in Syria. Such youths are devoid of hikmat (wisdom) and lose sense, he remarked. In the booklet titled, "Daesh is neither the agent of America nor of Israel It is a violent and extremist Salafi organisation," Maulana Salman emphatically states: "Lots of people understand that these people [i.e. Islamic State] are the agent of external enemies. I am saying it with full confidence that it is not so. They are gripped by their thought and beliefs. They are Salafis who do not feel at rest without declaring fatwas on takfir and apostasy." Declaring takfir means deciding theologically who among Muslims has left Islam and as an apostate is therefore liable to be killed. While the booklet correctly attributes the theological roots of the Islamic State to past theologians such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Wahhab, it is significant for another issue: the writing of this booklet is driven by purely anti-Shia clamour to capture power, a key reason why Maulana Salman initially backed Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, a Sunni. And therefore in the booklet, Maulana Salman lauds a conference that was called in Riyadh of 40 jihadi groups from Syria which was held to unite them against the Bashar Al-Assad regime, who heads the Shia regime in Syria. The booklet is noticeable for the fact that it doesn't imagine space for the Sunni power of Islam to co-exist with the Shia powers of the day such as Iran, Iraq and Syria. In the booklet, he speaks for the need to end sectarianism (firqawariat) from countries like Iraq and Syria but in the context of the booklet and the politics in the Middle East, the word "sectarianism" essentially means the termination of Shia power from the Islamic world, which in the unwritten imagination of Maulana Salman is necessary for the rebirth of the Sunni-led global Caliphate, which existed till 1924 when the Ottoman caliphate ended in Turkey. The battle of Karbala was the bloodiest in Islam and in fact so bloody that Muslims felt ashamed of themselves and therefore used poisoning as a method to murder Shia imams in later centuries. The battle of Karbala was also fought for control of the caliphate. Both the viewpoints expressed by Maulana Salman and Kulsum Mustafa lead to only one definitive conclusion: the world is engaged in a continuing series of wars between the Sunnis and the Shias; it is a war of Islam for the capture and rebirth of the global Caliphate. It is Islam's war to lay siege to the global political power. This war in India transforms itself into what we understand as the minority syndrome, which is necessarily a Sunni Muslim phenomenon among the Muslims who lost power in 1857. Election times are the only times when the minority phenomenon forces the majority community to overtly behave as a minority community by wearing topi aur angochha (the Muslim cap and male scarf), Kulsum explains. It is essentially the political behaviour of a community that does not want to behave as a minority, even though this behaviour creates victimhood and siege mentality, and therefore harms the Sunni community in educational and economic life. It is basically a Sunni Muslim tool to claim a stake in power, while the real minorities such as Shias, Jains, Parsis and Sikhs do not use it to play victimhood or to assert superiority. Lucknow-based social anthropologist Nadeem Hasnain wonders: "When will Muslims learn to live as a minority? Will they even learn or not? Why can't we understand that we cannot progress without the goodwill of the majority?" He adds: "I think our biggest complex is that we have ruled India for 800 years." When I asked Maulana Saidur Rahman, the principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, to explain the Muslim educational backwardness, he too diagnosed its causes in power, not in innovation, rational thought and individual initiative. "Samrajiyat (imperialism) kept Muslims backward. Everyone wants to keep Muslims backward," he said. While it's true that Shias too lost power to the British, notably when Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned by the British, the Shia loss of power was not much. Additionally, Shia Muslims learnt to march in step with the changing times while the Sunnis did not, observes Jeelani Khan Alig, who is based in Lucknow. So, the Sunni nature of the minority phenomenon forces them to look up to the government and power to fix their economic and educational life. This siege mentality gave birth to the Khilafat movement which paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. Post-independence, India has entered a new cycle of partition, as journalist Siddharth Singh tells me, which is dividing India right in its towns and cities. I have argued earlier that India is headed to multiple partitions. The only point to understand is that the nature of this conflict is raging at the intellectual and political levels in the forms of minority politics and the communal politics masquerading as secularism in India. Part One: Separatism and integration among Muslims in the time of Uttar Pradesh elections Part Two: Secularism versus communalism at election time Part Three: Is rise of religiosity on AMU campus a precursor to another 'Partition'? Part Four: Should taxpayers be funding AMUs imams, muezzins, theology department? Part Five: How bridging religious, worldly knowledge gap can reform Muslim education Part Six: Be it Kairana, Muzaffarnagar or Aligarh, India is headed towards multiple 'Partitions' Part Seven: Tracing the rise of Barelvi Islam in Indian politics Part Eight: Farangi Mahal, once a bastion of Islamic education, looks to regain lost glory Part Ten: Government must address 'minority' syndrome which causes social conflict Part Eleven: Mubarakpur sits at the junction of Islamic doctrinal sects divided by Taqleed Part Twelve: Madrassas play key role in inducing orthodoxy among Azamgarh's Muslims The author, a former BBC journalist, is a contributing editor at Firstpost and executive director of the Open Source Institute, New Delhi. He tweets @tufailelif New Delhi: India's top pollution regulator has rejected a global study which claimed that the country records the highest number of early deaths due to surface-level ozone. A senior scientist of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) claimed surface-level ozone formation has, in fact, come down due to "reduction" in solar radiation and that it stays well within the safe standards in the country. The State of Global Air report 2017, released last month, stated that surpassing China, India witnessed a 150 per cent rise in the lives lost over the past two decades from ozone pollutants. The toll in India was 13 times higher than Bangladesh's, and 21 times higher than Pakistan's, it claimed. CPCB's air lab in-charge Dipankar Saha, however, said, "There is no violation of our standards. Anyone can say anything. I am not aware of their methodology but ozone-level is not exceeding so seriously in India." "It is exceeding in some places, some day. But it is not a routine phenomenon. You cannot link early deaths to ozone. Moreover, solar radiation is reducing so ozone formation will be less," he said. He said CPCB was in the process of preparing a report on the same. Union Environment Minister Anil Dave had observed that the report was based on extrapolation "without" due scientific validation. A "proud nation" always believes in its own data, he had said. Ground-level ozone, as opposed to stratospheric ozone which shields the earth from ultra-violet rays, is a product of chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO) among others in the presence of strong sunlight. As per CPCB standards, ozone levels should not exceed 100 micrograms per metre cube (g/m3) over a period of eight hours. Monitoring data of Delhi's two stations, Shadipur and Dwarka, provided by CPCB show ozone levels touched peaks of up to 164 (ug/m3) in May last year in the city although monthly or annual average data mask the intensity of the situation. In May, Shadipur and Dwarka saw ozone exceeding the safe limit 12 and seven times respectively. Everytime it happened between 2 pm and 10 pm. Pablo Raez died at the end of February when his leukemia returned after a period of remission. The 20-year-old athlete from Marbella was known for his #retounmillon campaign on social networks, which he launched in September 2016 with the aim of encouraging more people to become bone marrow donors. When his treatment began in October 2015 at the Carlos Haya Regional University Hospital in Malaga, he began a daily blog, describing the ins and outs of being a leukemia patient. A year later, he began his campaign on social networks. His target was one million donors. I want to raise awareness, I want to be of use, I want to make people feel better And its possible with your help, he explained at the time. I want to raise awareness, I want to be of use, I want to make people feel better And its possible with your help When Raez began #retounmillon, he had almost 225,000 followers on Facebook and more than 330,000 on Instagram. Five months later, each of his social network accounts had an additional 100,000 people. And his followers took heed, particularly in Malaga province where bone marrow donors shot up by 1,400% in the last four months of 2016. According to the Health Ministry and the National Organization of Transplants, there were 230,000 bone marrow donors in Spain before Raez went into action out of a global count of 28 million. In his blogs, Raez focused on the importance of such donations. There is a lot of information available on Google on how to do it, he wrote in an Instagram post, and Im going to keep saying it not just for Pablo Raez but for the thousands of children who need a donor, because there are thousands with the disease and because you yourself could need that help at any time. Raez campaigned with enthusiasm and optimism, striking poses with his muscles flexed, which became a sort of logo. As his Facebook and Instagram posts reflect, he loved sport and had an amazingly positive attitude to life. In one of his last posts on Instagram, he wrote, I don't know what will become of me, but then I have never known. What I do know is that I am finishing one fight to start another, but I will not give up. I am Pablo Raez Martinez and Im not a quitter. The fact that it is young people who are the most sought-after donors makes Pablo Raezs campaign even more significant, as the Carreras Foundation explained on its website. Via social networks, Raez was able to reach out to a generation not reached by TV and media coverage. According to Raezs Facebook page in September 2016, the urgency for donors was not getting through to the most important audience, namely young people between 18 and 40. In the same post, Raez pointed out: This age group is more active on social networks and it's important to reach more of them. This is why I am asking those of you who are already aware to spread the message. It's very important to create this chain in which, through luck or misfortune, I am the main link. Raising the number of donors is fundamental if leukemia patients are going to have a better chance at recovery Raising the number of donors is fundamental if leukemia patients are going to have a better chance at recovery. Unlike blood, which has a higher ratio of compatibility, bone marrow is hard to share. According to the Carreras Foundation, a fundamental aspect of the immune system is the genetic information contained in the cells that we call the HLA system (Human leukocyte antigen). A higher level of donor-recipient HLA compatibility is needed so that the cells from the healthy donor repopulate the patients organism without being rejected, making the patients sick cells disappear. Pablo Raez is not the only leukemia patient to take to the social networks. In November Verne reported the story of Estibaliz, whose boyfriend Daniel posted a letter on Facebook encouraging people to donate bone marrow. For every 4,000 donors, only one is compatible. Thats why I need you to become donors, the more of you, the better. A while ago now, I promised him [Estibaliz] that we would grow old together and I need you to help me keep this promise. English version by Heather Galloway. Lego sets have long celebrated superheroes like Batman and Superman. But now, the Danish toy maker is honouring real-life heroines five women pioneers for the US space agency Nasa. The proposal for the set, submitted on Lego's community and ideas page by MIT News editor Maia Weinstock, has been approved, beating out 11 other projects examined by the Lego Review Board. "Women have played critical roles throughout the history of the US space program, aka Nasa or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration," Weinstock wrote in her proposal. "Yet in many cases, their contributions are unknown or under-appreciated especially as women have historically struggled to gain acceptance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)," she added. Lego said it expects the new "Women of Nasa" set to be available by the end of the year or in early 2018. Everything is AWESOME! @LegoNASAWomen has been approved by #LEGO and will soon be available in stores!!! https://t.co/jCqq6ce9FM pic.twitter.com/Yj2ZOOiS1h Lego NASA Women (@LegoNASAWomen) February 28, 2017 "Were really excited to be able to introduce Maias 'Women of Nasa' set for its inspirational value as well as build and play experience," the company said in a blog post. The five women included in the set are: Astronaut Sally Ride, who became the first American woman in space in 1983 Astronaut Mae Jemison, who became the first African-American woman in space in 1992 Astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, nicknamed the "Mother of Hubble" for her role in developing the landmark space telescope Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, who developed the on-board flight software for the Apollo mission Mathematician Katherine Johnson Johnson is one of three women portrayed in Hidden Figures, the Oscar-nominated film that tells the little-known story of three female African-American scientists who played a key role in Nasa's early space program. The 98-year-old Johnson, portrayed in the movie by Taraji P Henson, attended the Oscars with the film crew on Sunday and received a standing ovation from the A-list audience. Mumbai: The core committee of Maharashtra BJP is likely to meet on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Mumbai mayoral election scheduled for 8 March, in the backdrop of the civic polls throwing up a fractured verdict. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar are expected to attend the meeting, party sources said. BJP and Shiv Sena, despite being partners in the state and central governments, fought the recently-held polls separately. Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member council with 84 seats, while BJP came a close second with 82. Congress finished on the third spot with 31 seats, NCP got nine corporators, and Raj Thackeray's MNS bagged seven seats. Shiv Sena has claimed support of five Independent candidates. The next mayor of Mumbai will be elected during the first meeting of the new House on 8 March. 4 March is the last date for filing nominations for the post, and the election will be held four days later, a BMC official said. With no indication as yet of any post-poll alliance, it remains to be seen what strategies the political parties adopt for the mayoral poll. Mumbai: The NCP on Thursday said it will maintain a distance from both the Shiv Sena and BJP in the mayoral elections in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, where the recent polls resulted in a hung house. State NCP President Sunil Tatkare told reporters here that his party was clear right from the start of the campaign for the civic polls across Maharashtra that it would not enter into any understanding or friendly fight with either the Shiv Sena or the BJP. The NCP leader, however, took a dig at the Congress, which he said had struck some understanding with the Shiv Sena in some Zilla Parishads in the state. "We kept our word while Congress, which had also assured the same, tied up with the Sena in Osmanabad and Raigad Zilla Parishads. While in many seats elsewhere, they were in a friendly fight," he said. Tatkare said the party is yet to take a call on Mumbai Mayor elections and will wait to see how the situation unfolds. "(However) Under no circumstances, will our party support the Sena or BJP (in the BMC). We feel the two saffron parties are likely to come together for power. Shiv Sena has no guts to withdraw support to the state government," he said. In a sarcastic take at Sena's stance during the campaign that the BJP-led government in the state had been put on "notice period", Tatkare said, "only they (Sena) know where is the notice period for the government in the state and whether the resignation letters carried by its ministers in their pockets are still there or torn off." "What is the use of only criticising the government through 'Saamana' (the Sena mouthpiece). Shiv Sena should act on the criticism and withdraw support," he added. To a question on speculations that NCP may support a Shiv Sena government if such situation arises, Tatkare said, "I don't foresee mid-term elections since Shiv Sena will not pull out of the government. To install its own CM, Sena will have to withdraw support to the present government. If it does pull out and think about forming a government, we will see what to do." On the prospects of a no-trust motion against the Devendra Fadnavis government, he said the Congress has not discussed the proposal with his party. Meanwhile, nine NCP corporators from Mumbai met party chief Sharad Pawar and discussed the the post-Mumbai civic poll situation. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday rejected the Congress-led UDF's allegation that administration has come to a standstill due to strife between top officials in government. The opposition is trying to create 'unnecessary' problems on trivial issues, Vijayan said in the state assembly. The functioning of a government has to be judged based on its performance, he said. He was replying to a notice for an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on the alleged 'cold war' between top IAS officials and Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Jacob Thomas resulting in 'administrative stalemate.' He said government could take up various infrastructure development initiatives, it intervened effectively in the law and order issues besides distributing welfare pension to about 35.59 lakh beneficiaries. "Government achieved all this in the last nine months with the active support and cooperation of civil service and employees," he said. "Out of 18,000 files pending at the CM's office, now only 200 are pending," Vijayan said, brushing aside the Opposition charge that "files in the secretariat and CM's office is not moving." "Officials have the freedom to work and government would protect them. Opposition is trying to politicise certain minor differences of opinion between officials," Vijayan said. On a notice "stating that no complaints against bigwigs will be taken up" put on the notice board of the Vigilance Directorate last week, Vijayan said "direction has been issued to look into the matter." On the functioning of the Vigilance bureau, he said guidelines would be worked out after getting necessary direction in this regard from the high court. Attacking the government, VD Satheesan, who moved the notice for motion, alleged that officials were not taking any decision due to "fear" of probe and action by Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas, who, he alleged, "acts in a vindictive manner." "A sword of Damocles is hanging over the officials in the form of Vigilance Director. Officials are not taking any decisions and Chief Minister remains as a mute spectator," Satheesan said. He also brought to the notice of the House complaints and probe by Vigilance against top IAS officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) KM Abraham, Additional Chief Secretary Tom Jose. "The situation has reached such an extent that administration is not moving forward," he said. Taking a dig at Vijayan, the Congress leader said"people used to say that Vigilance is a caged parrot or non-caged parrot. But here the vigilance is a domestic cow of the chief minister. It gives milk to the owner while strike others with its horn." Expressing dissatisfaction over the government not taking up the issue for discussion, the opposition staged a walkout. Before walking out, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged top officials were filing cases by using 'benamis' and administration has become "inept." After a sweeping victory in Assam last year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had set its sights on Manipur, the last stronghold of the Congress in the north-east. With the state Assembly election just a few days away (Manipur goes to polls on 4 and 8 March in two phases), the state where Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had ruled for three successive terms since 2002, seems ripe for the picking. More so as the Meities living in the valley are mostly Hindus, and with a strong Hindutva wave sweeping the country since 2014, one may think that the BJP would be a natural choice. But as of now, it is not an advantage-BJP in Manipur. In fact, the Indian National Congress is slightly ahead, but whether the numbers are enough to form a government is unclear. A hung assembly is not being ruled out by analysts in Imphal. As of now, both the Congress and the BJP are publicly claiming that they are confident of forming the next government. Local factors, however, matter a great deal in the state. Besides, despite some defections from the Congress, the BJP does not have a solid chief ministerial face. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is popular and does attract crowds, but people know that he is a not the man they can turn to in a local situation. In the 60-member Assembly, the BJP has just two seats. Both won in by-polls in 2015. The party also can't boast of a solid organisation in Manipur. The Greater Nagaland factor The Hindu Meiteis see the BJP as backing the Christian tribes living in the sparsely populated hill areas of the state. This is because of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) ruling Nagaland is aligned to the BJP. The hills of Manipur are inhabited largely by Nagas, Kukis and Zomias as well as many smaller groups. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), which has long been demanding the amalgamation of Naga-dominated areas in the region with Nagaland to create a composite homeland for the Nagas, has a strong presence in the Tangkhul areas of Manipur. This has been a key issue in the talks held between the Centre and the NSCN-IM. The least that the NSCN-IM demands giving up on an independent Naga nation, is the creation of a Greater Nagaland. The Naga-inhabited hill areas of Manipur are the key to this solution. Meiteis are wary of the BJP giving in to the NSCN-IM demands. The hush-hush framework agreement that was signed by the Union government with the NSCN-IM on 3 August 2015, with Prime Minister Narendra Modis blessings, has also led to the speculation of Manipuri territory going to Nagaland. The contents of the pact have not been made public. And naturally, the Congress is making full use of it in the election. Though various BJP bigwigs, including home minister Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and others have tried to reassure Meiteis that Manipur will not be divided, there is deep suspicion on this score. "It is advantage Congress in Manipur, mainly because the BJP does not have an answer to why this agreement is under wraps," said analyst Babloo Loitongbam. "The people do not want Manipur to be bifurcated," he added. Economic blockade in Manipur Ahead of the polls in December last year, Ibobi decided to fulfil a long-held aspiration of locals for increasing the number of districts in Manipur from nine to sixteen. Singh had said that it was done to improve the administration of far-flung areas of the state. The Nagas living in Manipur, however, are furious. Led by the United Naga Council (UNC), they have blamed Ibobi and his Congress party of dividing Naga contiguous areas. Though this affects just one district, the local NPF with the blessings of both the NSCN-IM, the UNC has organised a blockade along the national highways 2 and 53. Manipur, like many of the North Eastern states, is land-locked and the trucks are the mainstay for suppliers. As the national highway runs through Naga-dominated areas, the valley can be easily cut off. Economic blockade has been used frequently by the Nagas, thus hardening the Meitei's attitude in the valley towards the Nagas. Emergence of new players in Manipur The main contest in Manipur is between the Congress and the BJP. But the NPF is also contesting in 15-seats in the hills. Human Rights activist Irom Sharmila, who was on hunger strike for over a decade for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa) from Manipur, is also in the fray. Though she ploughs a lonely trial with little money or organisation, her Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRAJA), has also fielded five candidates. She could have made a difference, if people did not turn against her when she decided to end her hunger strike in 2016. Modi, in an attempt to woo Meitei votes, has said in an election speech that if the BJP is voted to power, the crippling blockade of the valley will be lifted immediately. This has led to jibes from Ibobi that the BJP along with its Naga allies has organised the economic blockade. The Hindu Meiteis would have as a rule opted for a Hindu nationalist party like the BJP. But suspicion of the BJPs connections with the Nagas and fear of fragmentation of Manipur is giving Congress a fighting chance. There are 40 seats in the valley and 20 in the hills. The Nagas are likely to vote against the Congress but whether they go with the BJP or the NPF is difficult to predict. The BJPs greatest advantage is that it is the ruling party at the Centre. Most North Eastern states prefer to align with the party in New Delhi. The Congress, meanwhile, is showing little chance of a resurgence in New Delhi. These factors may weigh in with the voters. But, if Ibobi wins another term, he will be breaking a record of sorts as a four-time chief minister. Imphal: With only two days left for Manipur polls, electoral diatribe has touched the highest pitch among political parties in Manipur, with hurling charges against each other over many issues. On Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav while ridiculing Manipur chief Minister Okram Ibobi 'Mr 10 Per-cent', alleged the Congress-led government has siphoned off 90 percent of the developmental funds of the state. Addressing media-persons at BJP state unit office, Ram Madhav alleged that Ibobi government was unable to submit the utilisation certificate for the Laoktak Phumdi cleaning project worth 460 crore sanctioned by the Planning Commission. Launching a scathing attack on the alleged 'ten per-cent commission' imposed on development projects by the Ibobi government in the state, Madhav said, "the Ibobi-led Congress government in Manipur is looting ten percent commission, thereby disrupting progress in all areas of development in the state for the last 15 years. But BJP is quite different. On the contrary, BJP is making all efforts to raise a ten per-cent of GDP," he said. Slamming the Congress government for lack of development in the state, he charged that maximum of the developmental projects have remained incomplete. Road connectivity, medical facility, education system and public distribution system are in worst condition, he alleged. Had the state government bothered to implement all the schemes and projects properly in the last 15 years, the situation would have been different today and people of the state would be enjoying all the basic facilities by now, he said. "But the Ibobi government has failed to submit utilization/completion certificates for various development projects/schemes worth crores of rupees provided by the Centre till date," he said, adding that among them is Loktak phumdi cleaning project. Describing Congress and corruption as two entities of same origin, he said that if voted to power BJP will investigate and book Ibobi and all his ministers for misruling and depriving the people of basic amenities for the last 15 years. All corruption cases involving congress ministers, MLAs will be entrusted to CBI when the moment BJP comes to power. We will not spare anybody, Madhav pledged. He further charged Congress leaders with either directly or indirectly being connected with criminal activities, adding that they are involved in drug rackets. He said that in 2012 election, Congress in their manifesto had promised employment for the educated youths, but in 2017 unemployment in the state has increased triple fold, to more than 8 lakhs. Imphal: Poll related violence are steaming up in Manipur with only two days left for the first phase Manipur polls. Unidentified gunmen on Thursday attacked the polling office of BJP in Wangkhei Assembly Constituency by firing three rounds of gun shots. No casualty reported, police sources said. The incident took place at Wangkhei Angom Leikai under Prompat PS in Imphal east in the wee hours of Thursday morning at about 4.45 am. Former Minister Yumkham Erabot Singh is contesting from the Wangkhei Assembly Constituency in BJP ticket. Strongly denouncing the attack, Kh Binashwari Devi, Secretary of Woman Social Welfare Association, Wangkhei Angom Leikai, said that such violent activities are a threat to the voters who wish to choose their right candidates in a free and fair manner. She expressed her suspicions of Congress involvement in the attack. Earlier, some unknown persons also attacked the house of a BJP supporter at Wangkhei by pelting stones. Meanwhile, a local woman Meira Paibis on Thursday staged protest against a bomb being placed at the office of Sagolband Development Association. On Wednesday, some Congress workers including a Muslim priest in Mayang Imphal were reportedly beaten by BJP workers when Congress workers were on their way to home after attending Rahul Gandhis election campaign rally in Imphal. Muslim religious clerics strongly condemned the act demanding BJP leaders action against those BJP workers. Md Nasir Ali, an injured Congress worker in the incident narrated that four of them including Moulubi Sikandar Ali were on their way home in a Bolero from the living quarters of state Education Minister, a Congress MLA from Mayang Imphal constituency, as they missed any public transporter vehicle after the rally. Some BJP workers blocked their way at Phakchao area questioning them of supporting Congress and they were physically assaulted by said workers. The Congress workers escaped the attack after some locals approached the incident site hearing their pleas for help. The injured priest in the alleged physical assault Sikandar Ali condemned BJP, calling it a Hindu fanatic political party for attacking a Muslim religious cleric. As Manipur prepares to hold Assembly election on 4 March, Chief Minister Ibobi Singh finds himself cornered quite literally with his counterparts from fellow North East states seemingly coming together to blast the Congress leader over his inability to ease the economic blockade in place. As per a report in The Indian Express, in Nagaland, where Naga People's Front (NPF) leader TR Zeliang was forced to step down last month following continued protests by tribal bodies, has hit out at Ibobi Singh, saying the responsibility of lifting the blockade rested solely on the Manipur chief minister. "The blockade was entirely Okram Ibobi Singh's creation and it depends on him whether it could be lifted or whether it would continue," said Zeliang, who was in Manipur's Senapati district recently to campaign for NPF candidates. "Ibobi Singh had created the new districts without consulting the stakeholders, knowing well that this would result in protests. But by doing so he was expecting the valley people to back him and vote for his party. It now depends on him whether to revoke the government decision or to let it stand," he added. Not just the former Nagaland chief minister, even his successor has joined ranks in criticising Ibobi, accusing him of inciting communal tensions in the Imphal Valley to ensure he gets more votes in the upcoming polls. Newly sworn in Nagaland, chief minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu said Ibobi Singh is "even more communal than his party". According to a report in The Asian Age, Liezietsu urged the Meiteis, the dominant community of the Imphal Valley, not to fall prey to Ibobi's tricks of trying to divide the region on communal lines. "Any problem that is to be solved peacefully through dialogue must not be construed as going against any community," he said, also acknowledging the Meiteis of being a more dominant group in the region. "We expect them to play the role of elder brother by initiating measures to ensure the continuity of living together as good neighbours." And it's not just the Nagaland leaders from across the border who have lashed out at Ibobi Singh. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have also criticised Ibobi over the ongoing blockade. "It is his (Ibobi's) duty to lift the blockade. I would have lifted it if a similar stir was launched in my state," said Khandu, according to a report in The Times of India. Echoing these views was Sarma, formerly with the Congress party in Assam before he switched ranks and joined the BJP ahead of Assembly elections last year. "If the state government hands over its responsibility to us, we could end the blockade within 48 hours without the Centre's help," Sarma said, drawing attention to the grievous public suffering across the state border. Imphal: Left and Democratic Front (LDF) Convener M Nara Singh has announced support to Irom Sharmila, a candidate of PRJA who is taking on the Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi in Thoubal Assembly constituency. Nara announced to support Sharmila during an election meeting organised for Sharmila at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai on wednesday. The LDF is comprised of CPI, CPM, NCP, Manipur National Democratic Front, Peoples Democratic Alliance, Aam Aadmi Party and JD (U). The front is fielding 52 candidates including two Independent candidates. Thoubal constituency will go to the polls in the second phase on 8 March. Announcing the front decision Nara said there would not be peace, harmony and development if the corrupt Congress government and BJP continue to rule in the state. So the coming election is the right time for the people to change the system of the state by voting out those corrupt political parties, added Nara. Sharmila, who fasted for nearly 16 years, came out to contest against the chief minister. Sharmila said that it is time to defeat the politics of the chief minister and his Congress party where they buy peoples valuable votes. She said that the state has been in a condition where the rich and powerful people rule leaving no place for the poor people. There has been no welfare of the people and development, so it is high time for the people to bring a change to end the dirty and corrupt system of the state, by choosing right leader, added Sharmila. Auto refresh feeds Autorickshaw rally for Congress party in Thoubal district, Manipur. The state goes to polls on 4 and 8 March. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Manipur ahead of the Assembly polls, accused the Congress and Chief Minister Okram Singh Ibobi of creating confusion and vowed that the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be affected. Singh said that there was no law and order situation in Manipur and the major evil was the corruption by the Congress. Manipur goes to the polls on 4 and 8 March. The BJP has been on a tear in Manipur, on the last day of campaigning before the first phase of polling. Campaigning in Manipur officially ends at 3 pm. Activists of Kangleipak Students Association on Thursday, demanding justice for extra-judicial killings in Manipur, burned effigies of Manipur Chief Minster Okram Ibobi Singh, Addl SP AK Jaljit and ex DGP Y Joykumark on Thursday. The Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) is demanding the repeal of Afspa and justice for fake encounter cases, including the 23 July, 2009 case, in which a pregnant woman and a former PLA militant were killed in broad daylight. On Wednesday, a group of irate student activists belonging to the association allegedly vandalised the state unit office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) situated in the heart of Imphal city after being denied a meeting with BJP leaders. The 33-year-old Harvard-educated Erendro Leichombam, was attacked by unknown people in Manipur on the day of the first phase of polls in the state. This US-returned former World Bank Fellow, who also served in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is the convener of People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), a party started by Irom Sharmila. Trained in Economics at the Soka University of America and in Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine, Erendro refused to live the life of an NRI and joined Irom Sharmila's party to bring about a social change in his home state. Over 80 percent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of polling in Manipur in 38 constituencies spread across six districts in the hill state. Officials said the final figure would go higher as this was only the preliminary report at 3 pm when polling officially ended. The second and final phase of polling will be held on 8 March. The second and final phase of polling will be held on 8 March. Haokip also said he was confident of the Congress winning 40 seats in Manipur Assembly polls. The second and final phase of polling will be held on 8 March. State unit Congress president TN Haokip has said that the BJP and the United Naga Council are the two faces of the same coin. A troop of 25 Assam Rifles apprehended four Kuki National Front (P) militants at Churachandpur on early Sunday morning. The militants were nabbed at 5.30 am. Two AK-56 rifles, two pistols, four cell phones and 148 rounds were recovered during the counter-insurgency operation. The militants were then handed over to the Churachandpur police. HuffPost-CVoter poll has predicted that the Congress will win fewer seats than the BJP in Manipur. According to the poll, the BJP's voteshare in the state will see a huge increasefrom 2.1 percent in 2012 to 32.1 percent in this electionmeanwhile, the Congress' voteshare is estimated to fall from 42.4 percent in 2012 to 31.3 percent. At least six persons including four women sustained injury in an IED blast near Kasturi Bridge in the hear of Imphal city on Wednesday evening at about 5.40 pm as the last phase Manipur polls ended. The police said that the two women among the five injured in the blast, which took place in the Kasturi Thong area in Imphal, were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Science, a government hospital. Manipur unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to file a counter-FIR against the State Election Commission (SEC) for "mentally harassing" the party's office bearers, and for allegedly creating confusion with regards to advertisements that were published in local dailies in Imphal, Manipur, on 3 March. There was tight security at the polling stations to ensure that there was no untoward incident. Voters stand in queues at a polling booth in Manipur. PTIVoters stand in queues at a polling booth in Manipur. PTI State Chief Election Officer Vivek Kumar Dewangan disclosed that the repolls were being held as per directives of the Election Commission. Peaceful repolls were reported in 34 polling stations in eight districts of Manipur on Thursday. Voter turnout of 67% recorded till 1 pm in second & final phase of voting in #ManipurElection2017 pic.twitter.com/1QXIUaMmve Polling ends at 3 pm in the second and last phase of #ManipurElection2017 pic.twitter.com/miuhmwwktJ State Chief Electoral Officer VK Dewangan has ordered repoll in 34 polling stations which went to the hustings in the first phase on 4 March. The re-poll will take place on 9 March from 7am till 3pm in the 34 polling stations. CEO Manipur Vivekumar Dewangan said re-polling would be held in five polling stations of Andro AC, one each in Uripok, Saikot and Singhat AC, 12 in Saikul, three in Saitu, six in Thanlon and five in Henglep. At least six persons including four women sustained injury in an IED blast near Kasturi Bridge in the hear of Imphal city on Wednesday evening at about 5.40 pm as the last phase Manipur polls ended. The police said that the two women among the five injured in the blast, which took place in the Kasturi Thong area in Imphal, were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Science, a government hospital. Manipur unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to file a counter-FIR against the State Election Commission (SEC) for "mentally harassing" the party's office bearers, and for allegedly creating confusion with regards to advertisements that were published in local dailies in Imphal, Manipur, on 3 March. There was tight security at the polling stations to ensure that there was no untoward incident. Voters stand in queues at a polling booth in Manipur. PTIVoters stand in queues at a polling booth in Manipur. PTI State Chief Election Officer Vivek Kumar Dewangan disclosed that the repolls were being held as per directives of the Election Commission. Peaceful repolls were reported in 34 polling stations in eight districts of Manipur on Thursday. Elections in Manipur will be held in two phases on 4 March and 8 March with the results being declared on 11 March. Representatives from 60 constituencies will be elected. The previous Assembly election, held in 2012, resulted in a landslide victory for the Congress, giving them 42 seats and allowing Okram Ibobi Singh to be re-elected as chief minister for an unprecedented third consecutive term. While Manipur has been a Congress stronghold for over a decade, thanks to the leadership of Ibobi, a savvy political operator, the BJP has been upbeat about its chances, buoyed undoubtedly by its success in last year's Assam elections. All eyes are also on Irom Sharmila, who shocked many political observers by giving up her 16-year fast against the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa), and decided to enter politics. Manipur's Iron Lady has formed the People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) and will be taking on the chief minister in his own den Thoubal constituency only time will tell if this is a masterstroke or a blunder. Sharmila, while announcing her decision, had said: "During his 15 years of leadership he has not done anything to repeal Afspa. Since I realise that no politician shall repeal it, I am planning to contest the election, become the chief minister and repeal it." Here are some quick facts about the state: Number of Parliamentary Constituencies: 2 Number of Assembly Constituencies: 60 The present ruling party: Indian National Congress Opposition Party: Trinamool Congress Chief Minister: Okram Ibobi Singh Governor: Dr. Najma A. Heptulla Chief Electoral Officer: Oinam Nabakishore Singh Political Parties in Manipur The Indian National Congress (INC) The Bharatiya Janata Party The Rashtriya Janata Dal The Nationalist Congress Party The main regional political parties are : Democratic Revolutionary Peoples Party Manipur State Congress party Lok Jan Shakti Party All India Trinamool Congress Manipur People's Party (MPP) Federal Party of Manipur Manipur National Conference Naga People's Front National People's Party (India) Nikhil Manipuri MahasabhaManipur Assembly Election 2017 A Madrid court has banned a bus from traveling on the streets until its full-length ad, placed there by an ultraconservative Catholic group, is removed. The examining magistrate said in a writ that the ads message aims to erode the dignity of individuals with a different sexual orientation. The offending bus has been impounded. Victor Sainz The decision to enforce this provisional measure, which can be appealed, was reached on Wednesday after the chief prosecutor of the Madrid region asked the judge to ban the bus from the roads as long as the discriminatory ads it displays are not taken down. There is a risk of perpetuating the perpetration of the [hate] crime, and of disturbing the peace. And of creating a sense of insecurity or fear among people because of their identity or sexual orientation, specifically among minors who could be affected by the message, wrote the prosecutor in his brief. I believe in freedom of expression, but it has a limit that is set by the law Cristina Cifuentes, regional premier of Madrid Municipal police, acting on orders from Madrid City Hall, had impounded the bus on Tuesday to prevent it from displaying a full-length ad with the message: Boys have penises, girls have vulvas. Dont let them fool you. If youre born a man, youre a man. If youre a woman, you will continue to be so. The bus ad is the brainchild of Hazte Oir (Make Yourself Heard), a Catholic group that has campaigned against abortion and LGTB rights in the past. The organization was also fined for allegedly violating local regulations on vehicle ads. Protesters accused Mayor Manuela Carmena of censoring freedom of speech. Alvaro Garcia Authorities believe the campaign could constitute a hate crime, as it appears to be designed as a reply to an earlier set of ads by a support group for transgender children called Chrysallis, whose own message was: There are girls with penises and boys with vulvas. But Hazte Oir says the bus has been hijacked, and has vowed to take it to other Spanish cities. A group of around 20 people came out in support of the group at Cibeles Square, where the bus had been originally scheduled to arrive at noon. A political issue The Madrid branch of the PP, which governs in the region but not the Spanish capital, is divided over the Hazte Oir campaign. Luis Asua, a candidate to become the next leader of the Madrid PP, has demanded of Cristina Cifuentes respect for freedom of expression. But Cifuentes, who is Asuas main rival in the political race, considers herself a direct target of Hazte Oir, and has stated that she believes the bus ad is an attempt at influencing the PPs internal battle in favor of Asua. Before the 2015 election, Hazte Oir chartered buses to campaign against Cifuentes. [The council] must exercise power democratically, not through political violence, said Hazte Oir in a statement that it sent to City Hall. They should respect, just like we do, those who do not think the same as they do. The regional government of Catalonia and the governments delegate in Madrid have also announced that they will take the issue up with state prosecutors, as they see the Hazte Oir campaign as a possible hate crime against transgender people. I believe in freedom of expression, but it has a limit that is set by the law, said regional Madrid premier Cristina Cifuentes, of the Popular Party (PP). The passive attitude of the regional government and of the rule of law has given wings to a small reactionary group that acts against public liberties and the rights of LGTB people, said Carla Antonelli, a Socialist deputy in the regional assembly. English version by Susana Urra. In a state which resides a multitude of communities, Manipur is politically active and come every election season, there is close contest between various political parties (national or regional) to win the Assembly seat. This election season too, while we are sure that there is going to be good voter turn-out (because historically the state has had good voter turn-out) it remains to be seen which constituencies will see the closest competition. Which parties will win by a whisker? We have analysed data provided by the Election Commission for the past three Assembly elections in the state for some constituencies where these fights went down to the wire. After his second consecutive victory from the Thoubal Assembly constituency in the 2012 polls, Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh became the chief minister of Manipur for a record third time. His scale of victory was rather huge defeating his nearest BJP rival Oinam Indira by a margin of over 67 percent of the total votes polled. In sharp contrast, another constituency Hiyanglam, which notably also comes under the Thoubal district to which Ibobi belongs, witnessed one of the narrowest election victories ever. Maibam Kunjo of the Trinamool Congress barely managed to defeat his Congress rival Elangbam Dwijamani Singh, he won by a margin of 17 votes. However, Kunjo who died in August 2014 was not the only one who won by a whisker in the 2012 elections. Out of the total number of seats (which is 60), 20 seats saw a victory margin of less than a thousand votes, which translated to a margin of less than five percentage of the total votes polled. A close look at the narrow victories in some of these constituencies suggest that the Trinamool Congress had played a major role in bringing the contest down to the wire. The party had debuted in the 2012 polls winning seven seats. Interestingly six of them were won by a margin of less than a thousand votes. The Mamata Banerjee-led party also fared well in six other constituencies where it lost by a slim margin. Two of the MLAs who had to face extremely close contests in their constituencies Irengbam Hemochandra Singh from Singjamei and Khumujam Ratankumar Singh from Mayang Imphal became ministers in the Ibobi-led Congress government. While Hemochandra, who had also served as the Speaker of the Manipur Assembly, won by a margin of just 157 votes; Ratankumar, on the other hand, defeated his nearest Trinamool rival by a margin of less than 800 votes. However, the trend of wafer thin margin of victories is not new in Manipur politics. In fact, in a smaller states, where constituency sizes are smaller, margin of victories can often come down to below the thousand votes mark. In the 2007 polls, 18 of the legislators were elected by a margin of less than a thousand votes. The narrowest of the victory was achieved by Mohammad Allauddin Khan, who was re-elected from the Keirao seat by an unbelievable margin of two votes. The 2002 polls saw even greater number of seats being won by a narrow margin of total votes polled. That election, 25 seats were won by less than a thousand votes and a margin of less than five percent. Often lower voter turnout can lead to close contests in various constituencies. But the case with Manipur seems to be an aberration. With high turnouts, ranging over 65 percent since 2002, the hypothesis seems to not work in the state. However, one possible reason for such pitched electoral battles seem to be the violent inter-community rivalry between the Nagas and the Kukis. Nineteen of the 60 seats, which are situated in the hilly region, are dominated by either Kukis or Nagas. Both tribes have been at loggerheads since the 1990s. In times of sharp polarisation, coupled with the usual high voter turnout, it is often tough to pick eventual winners. The Meitei Muslim community too holds card to the electoral fate of candidates in at least 10 seats including, Lilong, Keirao, Wabgai and Wangkhem, according to a report in The Times of India, The 4 and 8 March elections will be interesting to watch out for. The Congress is facing an anti-incumbency wave while BJP looks to snatch its arch-rivals bastion in the northeast. The Trinamool Congress would look to better its last performance, while the Naga People's Front would seek to expand its influence in Naga areas capitalising over the public agitation against the creation of nine new districts from Naga-dominated areas. It is important to note that the elections are taking place amid the economic blockade backed by Naga groups and the growing rift between the Meiteis, who dominate the plains, the Nagas and Kukis. The entry of anti-Afspa activist Irom Sharmila into the electoral fray and her decision to take on the chief minister in his stronghold Thoubal constituency adds hue to the already vibrant political scenario in the insurgency infested state. With a multi-cornered fight on our hands, we may very well witness more close contests in Manipur. (With inputs from PTI) Imphal: Activists of Kangleipak Students Association on Thursday, demanding justice for extra-judicial killings in Manipur, burned effigies of Manipur Chief Minster Okram Ibobi Singh, Addl SP AK Jaljit and ex DGP Y Joykumark on Thursday. The Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) is demanding the repeal of Afspa and justice for fake encounter cases, including the 23 July, 2009 case, in which a pregnant woman and a former PLA militant were killed in broad daylight. The association also demanded that political parties and their candidates should give a commitment to the people that there would be no more fake encounter cases when they come to power. On Wednesday, a group of irate student activists belonging to the association allegedly vandalised the state unit office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) situated in the heart of Imphal city after being denied a meeting with BJP leaders. A group of KSA members first gathered at the gate and demanded to meet BJP leaders but when they were told that none was present they went on the rampage, damaging furniture in the office and breaking the glass panes of its windows, BJP sources said. The students left the place shouting slogans and the police were called in by BJP workers. Earlier, KSA members had reportedly tried to storm the Congress Bhavane but women office bearers of the party managed to handle the situation by placating the agitating students. Police said investigation into the incident was on but none were arrested. Manipur goes to polls on 4 and 8 March. On 24 February, a day after the violent assault by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Ramjas College in Delhi University (DU)s North Campus, Prakash Javadekar, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD), delivered a blunt statement to the media, on being quizzed about his ministrys passivity. "How can we [Ministry of HRD (MHRD)] intervene? They are an autonomous university. Police will investigate and take required action. Nobody... neither the university, college administration nor the students have approached us for help so far, Javadekar, who took over from Smriti Irani as the HRD minister in July 2016, said in response to a query from the media. Javadekar's non-interventionist stance has drawn stark resentment, owing to his top executive position in the country's highest decision-making body on education. His neutrality, which is being widely perceived as silence, has clearly not gone down well in large quarters of the media and civil society. While it might seem natural and perhaps, essential, to seek accountability from the Union Ministry of Education for a breach of order inside a state-funded university campus, Javadekar's statement has a rather polarising context to it. When Javadekar stated that the MHRD cannot intervene in the affairs of an autonomous university, he was not entirely wrong. If we correspond the mandate of the ministry with the nature of the events that transpired on campus, there seems to be a clear contravention. What happened in and around Ramjas, was essentially a law-and-order incident rooted in the forceful negation of constitutionally-guaranteed rights. Neither of these two components fall under the actionable mandate of MHRD. Thus, in this case, the ministry cannot step in unless a specific request comes from the university authorities. The body that is accorded with the legitimate authority to deal with a law-and-order situation is the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This is of greater relevance here because the MHA also controls the Delhi Police, unlike in other states where the state government is in charge. Hence, in this case, the positions taken by Rajnath Singh (Union Minister of Home Affairs) and Kiren Rijiju (Minister of State for Home Affairs) hold far greater weightage than Javadekar's, at least in immediate terms. However, in the past three years of the BJP-led government, the MHRD has gained infamy for invading the autonomy of central universities through arbitrary use of executive authority. In fact, it is now seen as one of the most interventionist ministries in the administration. There is no denying of the fact is that the current government, through the MHRD, has indeed tinkered with mandates by invading into the autonomous space of Indias state-funded universities. Besides political agenda-setting (like appointing Vice Chancellors from a particular ideological strand), the MHRD has initiated direct, intrusive action on more than one occasion under the leadership of Javadekar's predecessor, Smriti Irani. The University of Hyderabad (UoH) protests, centred around the suicide of PhD scholar Rohit Vemula, dealt the biggest blow to Irani, following which the MHRD became all but synonymous to partisan policy-making and belligerent politicking in the eyes of many. She was subsequently accused of unduly intervening on matters that were beyond the MHRDs direct mandate. With no refuting, it was only during her tenure that the MHRDs reputation reached a new low in decades. Not just in UoH, the MHRD has barged into the autonomous university space on many other instances. In May 2015, it directed the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) to take punitive action against the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle for "creating hatred atmosphere among the students". In October 2015, students from across the country accused the MHRD of dictating terms to the University Grants Commission (UGC) - an autonomous body - when the latter abruptly scrapped the non-NET fellowships. Javadekar himself has not been a puritan, in terms of providing a politically-agnostic public service setup. In August 2016, under his leadership, the MHRD issued a directive to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to organise mass recitation of the national anthem by all students (among other lavish patriotic events) on the eve of Independence Day. With the obvious intent of infusing a top-down form of nationalism into a university known for its anti-establishment fervour, the MHRDs instructions were hardly cryptic. However, Javadekar's stint so far tells us one thing that he is far more cautious and calculative than his predecessor. But, he is different from Irani perhaps only insofar as his PR posturing is concerned. By emphasising on the limited mandate of MHRD in context of the Ramjas violence, Javadekar has successfully preserved the BJPs ideological line for now, while conducting himself as a minister who understands the limits of his executive authority. Its actually good that MHRD understands its power well. It could have intervened and easily supported its ideological student wing over others. But it understands the system which gives DU powers to take this up independently. We need to understand that MHRD cant intervene until there is a written communication for the same, argues Ravish Rana, Youth Political Advisor to the Dais Foundation, an education management organisation. In light of the above, one glaring question still remains should Javadekar (and MHRD) actively intervene in the Ramjas episode? One could argue from both sides. While a cursory statement from the HRD minister could serve well to reassure the aggrieved masses, it remains largely unnecessary and more importantly, a red herring. To follow the protocolary line, three entities are far more accountable at this moment - the Principal of Ramjas College (who retired two days after the incident), the Vice Chancellor of DU, and of course, the MHA. While we already have statements from MHA, the other two have refused to provide any remark whatsoever. The MHRD, rationally speaking, cannot and should not be held accountable for issues at the ground level. This is simply because of the structural hierarchy in the executive setup, which gives greater authority of administration of college campuses to frontline positions like Principals and VCs. "The bottom line is that the Principal (of Ramjas), the VC and Proctor (of DU) did not stand up for the students of the very institutions under their charge. Do we expect the MHRD to start intervening in every squabble in central universities all over India? Will you ask them to intervene in clashes between Samajwadi Party and NSUI members in Allahabad (University)?" asks Saib Bilaval, an M Phil student of modern Indian history at JNU. Besides hierarchal realities, it is also difficult to gauge if an affirmative statement from Javadekar would have a substantial impact on the collective psyche of the affected people. "There is no requirement of lip service condemnation if it doesn't result in a visible change. Historically, there has been no student connect with the (HRD) ministry and barely any interaction. A statement from HRD would hardly be able to pacify any group," argues Anuj Aggarwal, former spokesperson for Delhi University Students Union (DUSU). However, realities and experiences of democratic systems tell us that public perception usually disregards embedded structures of governance. The standard tendency of both the civil society and the media is to see the government 'as a whole', rather than an aggregation of different portfolios. This becomes truer in cases of single-party majorities, that too when the ruling party carries an all-encompassing ideology. Hence, there are many who believe that Javadekar's tepid statement amounts to institutional complicity and support for the despicable hooliganism unleashed by ABVP the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), widely regarded as the sociocultural fountainhead of the BJP. The HRD minister, invoking autonomy of DU to maintain a stoic silence on the rampaging ABVP cadres, is his way of getting the message across to his party's student wing that they are being given a free hand. A minister more sensitive than him would have by now visited the university and assured safety to students and faculty who are under grave threat. A teacher has landed in the hospital, students are terrified, threats are being given out openly, a young woman has been terrorised with rape threats, and our Minister responsible for the university invoking autonomy sounds like someone shirking responsibility or worse supporting the violence, argues renowned documentary filmmaker and Ramjas alumnus, Rahul Roy. "While the overall frequency of MHRDs interference might have gone down, the reluctance of the government to reign in ABVP a student organisation affiliated to the Sangh is only indicative of how it is being used by the government to arm-twist academicians and students into toeing the official line," says Niharika Tagotra, a Delhi-based political and strategic analyst. Some others believe that the MHRD can serve to provide a bare minimum of assurance, within reasonable limits of mandate. "The MHRD, if at all, must guarantee that the college be allowed to exercise its autonomy of holding an event on its premises. Neutrality is also not saying much, because by saying I will not comment, you are inherently saying that what happened last week was alright, says Pradyumna Jairam, a Ramjas alumnus and currently a PhD scholar at King Colleges India Institute in London. The case is reasonable, if not absolute, on both ends. While Javadekar's passivity over the issue is in strict adherence to his ministrys mandate, his party affiliations dilute his credence in the eyes of many. With Smriti Iranis brash actions still fresh in the minds of those concerned about autonomy of universities in India, Javadekar will find it immensely difficult to re-posture MHRDs position in the public discourse. If at all, Javadekar's statement and the reaction to it validate a single, patently obvious, point democracy is more than just state structures. It is a fluid mix of objective realties and subjective perceptions, and ignoring any one could result in a crisis of leadership. Members of the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have planned to protest on Thursday in Delhi University against the Left students' organisations. India Today reported that ABVP has called for on-campus exclusion of the Left. ABVP, on Wednesday, had staged a protest outside Delhi Police headquarters, demanding that a charge sheet be filed in last year's sedition case against three JNU students. Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested in February last year over sedition charges in connection with an event at the JNU campus during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. ABVP had then objected to organising of that event against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. While the three students are out on bail, no charge sheet has been filed in the case yet. "One year has passed and still no charge sheet has been filled against those who raised anti-national slogans. We came here to demand strict action against them so that in future, such slogans are not raised," ABVP office bearer and president of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), Amit Tanwar, had said. "They did it in JNU and now they are eyeing DU. To all the students, we want to say that they don't have anything to fear. They can come and study in their respective colleges and we assure that their will be no violence," he had said. The protest comes a week after the ABVP had objected to an invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to speak at a seminar in Delhi Universitys Ramjas College. While the college administration withdrew the invitation following opposition by the ABVP, it had led widespread violence after clashes between the RSS students wing and the Left-affiliated AISA. With inputs from PTI Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has distanced itself from the episode of the derogatory statement made by one of its functionary in Ujjain against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that received severe criticism for various quarters including the CPI(M). At a public meeting in Ujjain on 1 March, the publicity chief of RSS unit of Ujjain (sah prachar pramukh) announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore on the head of Vijayan. If anyone beheads the Kerala CM, who is the murderer of RSS activists, and brings his head I will bequeath my property worth more than Rs 1 crore to him, Ujjain Sah Prachar Pramukh Kundan Chandrawat reportedly said to a gathering at Shahid Park in Ujjain. According to sources, Chandrawat may be expelled from Sangh. Distancing itself from the incident and Chandrawats statement, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh of RSS, J Nandkumar said, Sangh strongly condemns the statement made by Dr Kundan (Chandrawat) in emotion. The statement made by him is not the official statement of the Sangh. Right from its inception, the RSS has remained involved in social service and building human capital, and never believed or got involved in violence. Sangh believes in protesting through democratic methods only. Various organisations have been staging protests across the country against the killings by Marxists in Kerala between 1 and 3 March. It has come to Sanghs knowledge that at a similar programme in Ujjain, being organized by Jan Adhikar Samiti on 1 March, Dr Kundan Chandrawat made a controversial statement against the Kerala chief minister in his personal capacity. The opinion of RSS is that different people from different bodies participate in such programmes and make statements. In such case, these statements cannot be attributed as official ones of the RSS, Nandkumar added. According to reports, referring to death of kar-sewaks at Godhra railway station and the communal riots that followed in Gujarat, Chandrawat said, They killed 56, we sent 2,000 to the graveyard. If sources are to be believed, the RSS would expel Chandrawat as the latter being Sanghs publicity chief in Ujjain town brought bad name to the organization. Its a foolish act and he has brought a bad name to the organisation. This is against the basic culture of Sangh and strict action will be taken against him. It wont be surprising if hes shown the door, an RSS source told Firstpost. Strongly condemning the act, the CPI(M) politburo said the statement made by Chandrawat reconfirms that the RSS spearheads politics of violence and terror, as has become clear in Kerala in the recent months. But, the RSS shouldnt forget that Chandrawat was a senior functionary of the Sangh. He was in-charge of publicity in Ujjain. The CPI(M) politburo demands that immediate action in accordance with law must be taken both by the Madhya Pradesh and the central governments. The silence of the governments is an endorsement that emboldens the RSS to issue such obnoxious threats, CPI (M) Central Committee member and state secretary, Badal Saroj remarked. Why RSS is silent on the arrest of two persons belonging to BJP and VHP in MP allegedly spies of Pakistan-based ISI and one of them is close to BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya? he questioned. A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader and the body's Madhya Pradesh spokesperson, Kundan Chandrawat, created a stir on Thursday after he announced a bounty of Rs one crore on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans head. According to an India Today report, Chandrawat, speaking at an event in Ujjain, accused Vijayan of the murders of several RSS members in Kerala and said he should be held accountable for the same. Chandrawat said that he would finance the bounty for Vijayan's head by any means necessary, including selling his own property. According to a report on ABP Live, the RSS spokesperson's controversial statement created a massive row during a protest organised by the Sangh in Kerala's Shaheed Park, where Ujjain MP Chintaman Malviya, BJP MLA Mohan Yadav and several other RSS leaders were present. Kerala had recently witnessed a spurt of politically-motivated murders, with RSS, Bharatiya Janata Party and Communist Party of India (M) members all being accused of the killings. Responding to Chandrawat's comments, CPM released a statement in a Facebook post condemning the leader: The frustration of the RSS is coming out in open. CPI(M) condemns it and demands quick action. Will the BJP led state government in the state and at the Centre take any action against them? Will they come out and condemn it? If no, then it is clear which ideology they are propagating and whose government it is. Gorakhpur: Construction of the Ram temple may not be on the BJP's manifesto for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls but Adityanath makes it clear that a saffron government in Lucknow will pave the way for it. The fifth-term Lok Sabha member is the mascot of the party's Hindutva-wrapped agenda of development as the BJP makes a final push in its bid to capture power in the state in the last two phases of elections to be held in 89 seats. The party won only 11 of these seats in 2012. In one public meeting after another, he comes hard on the Samajwadi Party's "Muslim appeasement" and promises that a BJP government will protect their (Hindus') interests. "The SP government's development is all about development of 'kabristan'. If a BJP government comes to power, it will not happen that they (Muslims) will be allowed to have a DJ show in their festival but not you during Durga Puja. The interests of the majority community have been betrayed." "If a SP government comes back to power, then money meant for your development will go into developing kabristan. A BJP government will pave the way for the Ram temple construction," Adityanath (45) says in a string of public meetings covering different Assembly constituencies. He said his agenda is of development for all but it is against the SP and BSP politics of appeasement of one community. He declined to elaborate, saying what he has to say he has said in his meetings. In Berhampur, he lists a number of development works of the Narendra Modi government, including its decision to connect Gorakhpur to big cities like Lucknow, Delhi and Mumbai through highways, and announcement of an AIIMS, as he exhorts the crowd of mostly Dalits and extremely backward castes to vote for the BJP. Rajnath Singh is the tallest BJP leader in the most populous and politically-critical Hindi heartland state of Uttar Pradesh. He is the home minister of the country and has held the posts of Uttar Pradesh chief minister, national president of the party along with important portfolios at the Centre and in the state. In these elections, he has temporarily shifted his base to Lucknow a city he represents in Parliament as an MP. These days he has a most hectic daily schedule. Conduct a morning review of ministerial work, connect with local leaders and numerous party workers, and also coordinate with national leaders, take off on a dedicated chopper to go on a gruelling campaign that entails addressing five or six rallies nearly everyday. He then returns home after the sun has set, and once again connects with his ministry officers, party leaders state and Central to get some feedback and chalk out a strategy for the days to come. He took some time off to speak with Sanjay Singh, political editor, Firstpost on a variety of issues ranging from the day's politics, the elections, the Rahul Gandhi-Akhilesh Yadav combo, the controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'raincoat' remark at Manmohan Singh, his relations with Modi and his own prospects (in case BJP wins in Uttar Pradesh) of returning to state politics and being at the helm to take up the chief ministerial post yet again, 15 years after he relinquished this post to move to national politics. Edited excerpts follow: Besides being most the prominent leader in Uttar Pradesh and one of the prime campaigners for your party in these state elections, you are also home minister of the country, a position that requires full-time attention. How do you manage it? I regularly speak with ministerial officials. I have come here (Lucknow) after clearing all the files on my desk. I am in daily contact with ministry officials and direct them when required. After all, the work has to be done through a bureaucratic system. But then I need to talk to two to four officials on a regular basis over phone, which I keep doing. And if I am in Delhi, I call for a meeting. Some days ago for instance, I had a meeting with the national security advisor, home secretary, IB director and the RAW chief, and every two to three hours, no matter where I am, I receive information about what is happening across the country. Now that the election has been wrapped up in most areas, what is your assessment? Which way is the Uttar Pradesh election going? The BJP will get an absolute majority. You say this despite the fact that a section of Jats were angry in areas that went to polls in the first phase and voted against the BJP and for the RLD? I dont believe that Jats have fully voted for the RLD. The BJP has also got a good number of votes from the Jat community. Has this election taken a turn from development to 'Kabristan versus Samshan'. Why has this happened? The prime ministers statement should not be wrongly interpreted. What the prime minister meant was that in the spirit of his sabka saath saka vikas slogan, individuals should not be discriminated against. There shouldn't be any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion. We can't do more for one community and less for another in the name of vote bank politics. If such actions are guided by need-based requirements, then there is no objection. But if that is done keeping vote bank politics in mind, then that is not good for society and the nation. Politicians should stay away from these things. Politics, as I keep saying is not only for forming the government and coming to power but to govern and build the nation. Do you really believe that Akhileshs Samajwadi Party government has been discriminating against people on the basis of caste, community and religion on Samshan versus Kabristan or on hajj subsidies? The Samajwadi Party government, I must tell you, has always believed in the 'divide and rule' policy. It has been its policy since the very beginning. The Samajwadi Party has never practiced politics of carrying everyone along, and neither has the BSP. You mean to say Yadav and Muslims? Like they say, "This community is voting for us, that community is voting for us". I can never say that this community is voting or not voting for us. If one community is not voting for us today, then it will vote for us tomorrow. Why is the BJP accused by the Opposition of playing polarising politics? I seriously hate politics of polarisation. I dont accept politics of polarisation in any form and in a country as big as India, it is injurious. This should never be done. Politics has to be only of insaaf and insaaniyat (justice and human values). In these elections, many personal attacks have been launched against the prime minister by your political rivals. What do you have to say? Everyone should be conscious of the words they use. One should also not forget that the prime minister is an institution in himself and the dignity of institutions should be respected; no attempts made to lower their dignity or break the system because the country has to pay for its consequences. What about this 'insider-outsider' campaign by the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine? The prime minister belongs to the country and to say that he is an outsider (laughs) has no meaning How potent is the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance? How big a threat is the Rahul-Akhilesh friendship to the BJP? Minus plus minus will always remain minus. Minus multiplied by minus is plus. This is no merger, two weak elements have come together to fight (laughs). But in this case, minus is adding to minus. There is no question of this alliance having an impact. What do you have to say about Akhileshs 'Gujarat ke Gadhe' remark and the words he said about Amitabh Bachchan. It can have various interpretations? It is most unfortunate. If I was in his place and had said something like that, I would have withdrawn my statement. Although, I have never said anything like that. What do you think of the controversy around the prime minister's 'raincoat' remark against Manmohan. Does todays political class not understand humour and is it intolerant to sarcasm? One should understand that the prime minister, in a way, honoured Manmohan. His government may have been mired in many corruption cases, but they haven't left a single black spot on his persona. One should not forget that the former prime minister spoke on demonetisation and called it 'the biggest organised loot or organised crime'. Who loots? The other interpretation is that the prime minister is a looter; Biggest organised crime who commits a crime? A criminal. Then by interpretation, the prime minister becomes the biggest criminal. If we had interpreted it that way, we would have become angry at him (Manmohan). But we didnt do that. But they went on wrongly interpreting the 'raincoat' remark. Whats your opinion on Rahul Gandhi as a leader? The other day Sheila Dikshit, the Congress retired chief ministerial candidate said he needs time to mature because he is only in his 40s. (Laughs) I will say he has my good wishes. He should emerge as a seasoned and mature leader. Is he not mature now? I have not said that. He has my good wishes and blessings that he emerges as a mature, seasoned, dynamic and visionary leader. Earlier you had spoken of a 14-year vanvaas for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. What makes the BJP such a strong force 15 years after you had to relinquish power in the state? The reasons are known to me but I will not tell you (laughs). What I can tell you is that BJP's credibility has increased. People believe that there is no difference between the words and deeds of the BJP. Also after seeing the Modi government's work and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government's, while noting that there hasn't been a corruption charge against anyone, has helped. GDP growth was at its highest highest. People are seeing the Modi government performs. India is now the fastest growing economy. All these factors make BJP the most credible party. Much is being said about the BJP not giving a ticket to any Muslim candidate. Does that not hurt the 'sabka saath sabka vikas' plank of the party? Its true. A ticket is given on the basis of winnability. Perhaps such a candidate did not exist and therefore, was not given a ticket. But its not like that. In future, we will take care in Uttar Pradesh. Persons from the minority community should get it. We have given them tickets in several parts of the country. In Gujarat, there was no one in the Assembly, so he (a minority community member) was made an MLC and then made a minister. In Rajasthan, we have a Muslim minister. At the Centre, we have always had Muslim ministers. Now Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and MJ Akbar are ministers. It would have been better if a (Muslim) candidate had been fielded. How much do you miss Vajpayee in these elections? You represent Lucknow, which had been his constituency and your style is also a bit similar to his. I can never forget Vajpayee. I am deeply influenced by him. So far as his legacy is concerned, people like us cant ever become become Vajpayee. He had few God-gifted things. Even today, he is respected despite not having been in active politics for the past 10 years, but people still applaud his name. You have worked closely with both BJP prime ministers Vajpayee and Modi. Do you find any similarities in their strengths, what makes them similar and sets them apart? I don't think it's fair to compare any leader with another leader; you wouldnt be doing justice with either of them. Each one has his own merits, each one has a distinct working style, and that style has its own characteristics. The two of them shouldnt be compared with one another. You are Modi's contemporary. You had been party president when he was the prime ministerial face of the BJP and now you are home minister, practically in the Number Two position at the Centre. How are your relations with him? Our relationship remains the same as it was. But yes, we all must be conscious of the fact that he is our prime minister. Maryada and shistachar (protocols, dignity and discipline) have to be honoured. I too am mindful of that. Lucknow: A bitter poll campaign with sharp attacks and counter-attacks came to a close on Thursday evening for the 49 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats, the voting for which is to be held on 4 March with SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency being in focus. Assembly segments of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where jailed gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari is in fray, also figure in this sixth and penultimate phase of polling. The campaigning saw BJP state president KP Maurya likening rivals SP, Congress and BSP to different types of venomous "snakes" and "social cancer" and urging people to eliminate them by voting for the BJP. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav countered BJP saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conceded defeat in the polls by talking about a hung house. While mustering votes for BJP, Modi sought to prove wrong the prophets of doom after demonetisation saying the latest GDP data showed note-ban did not affect growth rate but rather improved it. Mocking economists, he said, "Hardwork, in fact, is much more powerful than Harvard." Sounding highly optimistic of the poll outcome for BJP, Modi said the debate now is whether BJP will get two-third or three-fourth majority. "Never have elections gone one way like this... there had been no dearth in enthusiasm of voters in all five phases," he said. The PM also caught UP chief minister on the wrong foot and cited government website to nail him. "Life in Uttar Pradesh is short and uncertain... Uttar Pradesh resembles Saharan Africa," Modi said quoting a para from the state government's official website up.gov.in. Modi also ridiculed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his latest "coconut juice" remark. "There is a Congress leader, and I want to pray for his long life... he recently went to Manipur to address an election rally. There he told farmers that he would extract juice from coconuts and send it to London. In fact, a coconut possesses water (and not juice) and it is grown in Kerala," he said. "It is like setting up a potato factory," Modi said referring to Rahul's earlier remarks that he wants to set up potato factories in Uttar Pradesh. As campaigning reached its crescendo, BJP President Amit Shah held a road show in Gorakhpur on Thursday. Similar road shows Similar road shows were organised at Kushinagar and Azamgarh. During her campaign, BSP supremo Mayawati said the public is "disenchanted with BJP" due to the "wrong policies" of the Union and the state governments and accused Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of "dreaming to destroy the state". The sixth phase of polling, the penultimate of the 7-phase exercise, will also cover some districts bordering Nepal. Around 1.72 crore voters, including 94.60 lakh men and 77.84 lakh women, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase, which would decide the fate of 635 candidates. The districts going to polls in this phase are Mau, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh and Ballia. Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency has 10 Assembly seats, of which SP had won nine in 2012, but this time Mulayam has not addressed a single meeting in his parliamentary constituency. In the present phase, the prestige of Union minister Kalraj Mishra, who represents Deoria in the Lok Sabha, too is at stake, besides that of Adityanath. BJP is contesting 45 seats and its ally Apna Dal one. BJP's another ally Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party is contesting 3 seats. While BSP has fielded candidates on all 49 seats, SP is contesting 40 seats and Congress 9 seats. Prominent candidates in this phase include BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya from Padrauna (Kushinagar), former BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi from Pathardeva (Deoria), Shyam Bahadur Yadav (SP), son of former Governor Ram Naresh Yadav from Fulpur Pawai (Azamgarh), SP turncoats Ambika Chowhdury and Narai Rai, who are contesting on BSP ticket from Fefna (Ballia) and Ballia Sadar. While Mukhtar is contesting from Mau, his son Abbas is in fray from adjoining Ghosi seat in Mau district. In the 2012 Assembly polls, of the 49 seats, 27 were won by the SP, 9 by BSP, 7 by BJP, 4 by Congress and 2 by others. There will be 17,926 polling booths in this phase. The highest number of 23 candidates are contesting from Gorakhpur and the least candidates, numbering seven are in pitted for5 Mohammadabad Gohna seat in Mau district. Criminal ganglords, or bahubalis (as they are known in popular parlance), have always been ubiquitous to Uttar Pradesh politics, especially during the elections. Whether out in the open or lodged behind bars for committing heinous crimes, they manage to canvass for the polls and are often swept to power because of their influence and the fear they imbibe in the minds and hearts of the electorate. A 27 February Delhi High Court ruling, however, has the potential to dent the power structures of these bahubalis and clean up the electoral process to a good extent. The case concerns Mukhtar Ansari, a BSP candidate from eastern Uttar Pradesh's Mau constituency. It argues whether Ansari, a mafia-don turned politician, should be let out of jail to canvass for the ongoing Assembly elections in the state. Ansari had pleaded for his release on custody parole from 15 February till 11 March (result date for the election) so that he could campaign ahead of the Mau polls on 4 March. The additional sessions judge of Delhis Tees Hazari court had accepted his plea and granted his temporary release. Justice Mukta Gupta of the Delhi High Court, however, reversed the lower court's order after opposition from the Election Commission (EC). This raises a pertinent question: Can the Election Commission oppose a plea for parole? Ansari is lodged in Lucknow Jail at present, awaiting trial for his involvement in the murder of BJP leader Krishnanand Rai. At the very outset, his lawyers challenged the ECs right to oppose his plea for temporary release, contending that once the criminal law is set in motion and the matter has reached the courts, a third party cannot interfere in the process. It is only between the accused, the prosecution and the court to decide on such cases, they claimed. Moreover, they argued that under law, the EC can act or intervene only after the polls are over that is, if Ansari or his supporters indulged in any violation of law, the Commission can only decide to cancel and go for repolls. Ansaris lawyers stressed that EC cannot take preventive measures before the elections, by opposing the parole plea, and claimed that the EC's apprehensions of violation of law and order were far-fetched. In turn, the EC contended that the Constitution, vide Article 324, gives it a vast array of powers to conduct free and fair elections, hence stated that it was within its rights to claim that Ansari should not be granted parole. Moreover, The EC backed up its argument by supplying evidence to show that in 2012 and 2014, when Ansari was released temporarily, his supporters had indulged in wanton violence against the electorate. Relying on previous landmark precedents set by the Supreme Court, the high court held that Article 324 gave a wide range of plenary powers to the EC. This included, in extraordinary circumstances, the power to even intervene in the criminal justice process. Thus, the EC did have a right to demand that Ansari should not be granted a temporary release. Taking a positive note of the evidence provided by the EC, the court held that there was a fair probability of Ansari and his men again taking the law into their hands, thus violating the sacrosanct principle of free and fair elections. Armed guards intimidate the electorate The trial court order stated that Ansari should be guarded by eight armed policemen, whenever he went on campaign rallies. The EC contended that the presence of such armed guards would instill fear in the minds of voters, and would thus amount to a hindrance in conducting elections which were free and fair. Relying on clause 3.21 of the ECs 2009 Instructions which prohibited the display and use of arms during poll campaigning the court struck down the trial judges direction of the presence of armed guarding, holding that it would tantamount to threatening and intimidating the electorate. Right to contest doesnt include the right to canvass Citing precedents laid down by the Supreme Court, Ansaris lawyers contended that since the right to contest is a democratic right, which cannot be taken away even if a candidate is in prison, Ansari should not be deprived of the right to campaign. Rejecting this argument, the court held that the right to contest elections did not grant a vested right to campaign for the same. Whether to suspend a convicts sentence so that he could be granted the liberty to campaign for the polls is a matter solely within the discretion of the court, and Ansaris past track record and the present circumstances did not warrant the granting of such discretion, the court held. Theres no such thing as 'custody parole' According to the law, parole and furlough are available only to those convicted and sentenced for a crime, and the government and prison authorities have the sole prerogative to decide on such matters. Since Ansari was not a convict, as he was an undertrial prisoner, he was not eligible for either furlough or parole, the court held. Justice Gupta was also critical of the trial judge because what he did in effect was to grant bail to Ansari, when he did not have the jurisdiction to do so. It was also a matter of record that Ansari had not payed for bail. This aspect of the ruling is significant because many a time, courts set prisoners free for a temporary period even if they are not eligible for either bail or parole. And strongmen like Ansari take full advantage of the misnomer called custody parole, in order to ply their trade of the politics of fear. Criminalisation of politics has for long been the bane of the polity, courts and the EC. There are plenty of instances where the EC lacks sufficient powers to keep criminals and goons in check, and prevent them from violating the electoral process. Seen in that light, the high courts ruling significantly strengthens the ECs hands in keeping criminals and gangsters out of politics. Daniela Vargas, a 22-year-old born in Argentina, was arrested by US immigration officials shortly after a news conference in which she spoke out about the recent arrest of her father and her brother, both of whom are now awaiting deportation. Daniela Vargas on Wednesday in Jackson, Mississippi. ROGELIO V. SOLIS (AP) More information Una indocumentada argentina es detenida por agentes de inmigracion tras participar en un acto publico Vargas, an undocumented migrant who arrived in the United States 15 years ago and has never been back to the country of her birth, is an example of the courage of the young dreamers as recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program established by former US president Barack Obama are known. Like many of the around 750,000 beneficiaries of this program which allows people who were brought into the US illegally as children to study and work, provided they meet certain requirements she came out of the shadows to reveal her identity as a dreamer in a bid to draw attention to the cause of the country's 11 million undocumented migrants. But Vargas was arrested after a news conference in Jackson (Mississippi) in which she talked about her desire to become a university math professor and pledged she would continue to fight this battle as a dreamer to help contribute to this country. The arrest is another sign of the increased risk run by this group since Donald Trump arrived in the White House. Vargass lawyer says she may have been followed by immigration officials The president campaigned with a strong anti-immigration message and recently rolled out tough new deportation rules. Trump has said his priority is to deport undocumented migrants with a criminal record, but among the first people affected are Vargas and a mother from Arizona who was recently arrested in front of her children after living in the United States for 22 years. Vargas was present when her father and brother were arrested on February 15, but escaped arrest because she was in the process of renewing her residency permit under the DACA program. I dont know if this is immigration showing us that DACA applicants are fair game until their DACA is approved, the young womans lawyer said after the arrest. This seems to be the message were getting from this, which is surprising and not what I wouldve expected. Meanwhile US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a statement that Vargas had been arrested in a targeted immigration enforcement action, adding the agency does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately. Vargass lawyer noted that her client was arrested when ICE pulled over the vehicle she had been traveling in, which suggested officers had followed her. Responding to the news, Democratic senator Dick Durbin described the suggestion that Vargas was followed as disturbing, adding he had requested further information on the case from the Department of Homeland Security. English version by George Mills. Lucknow: Campaigning is at its peak in Uttar Pradesh, but Samajwadi Party (SP) patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav has stepped out only for two public rallies this time, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he had addressed in the 2012 Assembly polls. Leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters, but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. The 77-year-old SP patron campaigned for his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting on an SP ticket from Lucknow Cantonment, and for his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from the party's Jaswantnagar bastion in Etawah. Voting for five out the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls are already over. His political rivals said the SP patriarch's clout has been "confined to just two" of the 403 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2012 Assembly polls, Mulayam had addressed more than 300 rallies. In the 2014 Lok Sabha general elections, he limited his appearances to 18 rallies, one in each of the 18 divisions of the state, citing health issues. Senior BJP leader Hriday Narayan Dikshit said, "The moment Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the party patron, his power automatically got diluted. And despite this, if he is getting a chance to campaign for even two assembly seats, he must thank his stars." Dikshit said both the SP and BSP are "single-cellular" organisms, in which only one person eventually prevails. "As far as the SP is concerned, earlier Mulayam Singh Yadav used to prevail, and now it is the turn of Akhilesh," the senior BJP leader said. "The BSP is a single-cellular organisation. Congress, which used to be multi-cellular organisation till the time of Gandhi, gradually became single-cellular. The BJP is a multi-cellular organisation, where leaders from different walks of life are involved in elections," he said. Veteran socialist Raghunandan Singh 'Kaka' feels, "The SP patron has become helpless and virtually hopeless." He said it is not only the SP workers who are worried and concerned about 'Netaji', people from other parties are also worried about him. Kaka was of the opinion that Akhilesh Yadav has got diverted from the ideals of Lohia, who fought against the Congress throughout his life. "Akhilesh seems to have lost his way, and is yet to find a way out," he said. Lok Dal president Sunil Singh said it is really unfortunate that SP, which was founded by Mulayam, is not getting his blessings. "What is more ironic is the fact that Akhilesh has embraced the Congress today, against which his father (Mulayam) had waged a political war throughout his life," Sunil said. Even political rivals are not hesitating from taking a jibe at Mulayam and his brother Shivpal. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally at Ballia, had said, "SP patron Mulayam has punctured the bicycle, while Shivpal has broken the chain of the bicycle." Similarly, BSP chief Mayawati, at an election rally held in Ballia, took a jibe at Mulayam and said, "Mulayam seems to have been affected by putra-moh (blind love for son), and has even insulted his brother Shivpal." Dismissing the view in some quarters that Mulayam's clout was diminishing, Dharmendra Yadav, the SP MP from Badaun, said, "We have the blessings of Netaji. In fact each and every candidate of the SP-Congress alliance has been blessed by Netaji. So, there is no question of Netaji's clout getting weakened." The Badaun MP, who is Mulayam's nephew, claimed that even the SP-Congress pre-poll alliance had the blessings and approval of Mulayam. Lucknow: With the battle of ballots for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly entering the last phase, the focus of all political parties has shifted to the holy city of Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The saffron party which has a lot at stake in the last two phases of polling scheduled for 4 and 8 March has moved its war room to Varanasi, entrusting Union ministers and senior leaders with the task of strengthening the campaign with the Prime Minister in the vanguard. The BJP is also faced with the target of quelling resentment in certain quarters over senior leaders being denied party ticket in these elections. The importance of the area comprising 89 constituencies, which go to polls in 14 districts of on March 4 and 8, is strengthened by the fact that the prime minister is scheduled to address public meetings in Jaunpur, Mirzapur and Varanasi on 3, 4 and 5 March respectively. Following in the footsteps of the BJP is the SP-Congress combine which has also shifted its focus to Varanasi and its campaign strategist Prashant Kishor and his team members are busy crafting Varanasi area-specific strategy. Taking the BJP and PM head on, the SP-Congress has launched a "Dard-e-Banaras" campaign highlighting the disillusionment among the electorate over Modi's "false promises and no delivery". Team PK has launched three videos of less than two-minute each which are played from the campaign raths or video vans around Varanasi. Kishor claims that till date they have reached about 2,00,000 Facebook and Whatsapp users around Varanasi within a span of just a couple of days. The volunteers of the team are also holding door-to-door campaign armed with publicity materials and personal letters from Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and street plays. Central leaders are holding press conferences to keep the pot boiling till the D-day. The team of Akhilesh and Rahul are also likely to hold a road show in Varanasi on 4 March and senior leaders of both the parties are camping there to oversee their strategy in the face of the moves by the saffron party. BJP president Amit Shah has been in constant touch with party men, making frequent trips and over the past week, he stayed back in Varanasi for five nights meeting finetuning the strategy with Union ministers and party leaders. According to BJP, this is the first time that the party has set up a new media centre near Chawka Ghat in Varanasi, where at least one Union minister addressed media persons every day to highlight achievements of the Modi government, the party's manifesto. The minister also targets the Akhilesh government, its alliance with Congress, and the BSP. Moreover, the party has set up a war room at its headquarters in Kashi region in Gulab Bagh area, where party workers have been assigned the task of publicising BJP programmes through social media. A protocol cell has been set up to look after arrangements for Union ministers visiting Varanasi, while a separate Awas Vibhag (housing cell) has been formed to manage accommodation for visiting BJP leaders. Over the past week, Union ministers who have visited Varanasi include Rajnath Singh, J P Nadda, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Kalraj Mishra, Uma Bharti, Ananth Kumar, Smriti Irani, Narendra Singh Tomar, Piyush Goyal, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Santosh Gangwar, Krishna Raj and Anupriya Patel. BSP chief Mayawati is also touring these constituencies addressing three to four election rallies a day while leaders of her party have been assigned the task of staying in contact with the electorate at the grassroots level. New Delhi: The UP Police on Thursday recorded the statement of a 16-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted and her mother repeatedly gangraped allegedly by UP minister Gayatri Prajapati and his aides, at the AIIMS here. The statement was recorded despite opposition by the family of the girl, admitted to a restricted ward of the hospital, and their lawyer, who accused the state police of "threatening and forcefully" recording the statement. A Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer, investigating the matter, reached AIIMS on Thursday and recorded the victim's statement after seeking permission from the hospital Medical Superintendent, sources said. The statement was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, they added. The lawyer representing the girl, Mehmood Pracha strongly objected to the recording of statement and sought to know on what basis it was being done. "The police threatened the mother and daughter inside the AIIMS ward, where the girl is admitted. They also snatched their mobile phones. The girl is still in trauma," he alleged. "How can they use such force to record her statement?" asked Pracha. Some Delhi Police officials were also present at the AIIMS. The UP police had already registered an FIR against Prajapati and his accomplices. The statement of the girl's mother has already been recorded before a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Lucknow. The girl was admitted to AIIMS on 22 February. By Hamid Shalizi and Saud Mehsud | KABUL/DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan KABUL/DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan An Islamic State offshoot based near the Afghan-Pakistan border is expanding to new areas, recruiting fighters and widening the reach of attacks in the region, members of the movement and Afghan officials said.Some members of the so-called "Khorasan Province" of Islamic State claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan that killed 90 people, and IS gunmen were blamed for the deaths of six local aid workers in the north of the country, far from their stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.Any expansion would pose a new challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, as he considers how many American troops to keep in Afghanistan where the main security threat remains the Taliban insurgency.Trump has vowed to "totally destroy" the Middle East-based Islamic State, yet has spoken little of Afghanistan, where U.S. forces have been posted for 15 years.Now he has not only the stubborn Taliban to consider, but also militants swearing allegiance to IS, although U.S. officials are generally less alarmed about its presence in Afghanistan than local officials."Daesh is not only a threat for Afghanistan but for the region and the whole world," said Shah Hussain Mortazawi, spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani's office, using a common Arabic name for the group.The extent of direct operational links between IS in Afghanistan and the Middle East remains unclear, although most fighters in the "Khorasan Province" are Afghans, Pakistanis or Central Asians.Still, three members of the group told Reuters a handful of Arab advisers helped direct propaganda, recruiting and identifying targets for attack.SHIFTING LOYALTIES IS is suspected of carrying out several attacks on minority Shi'ite Muslim targets in Afghanistan, and the February suicide bombing at the Pakistani shrine bore some of the hallmarks of the sectarian group.That atrocity, the worst militant assault in Pakistan for two years, indicated that a group based in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar could strike deep into Pakistan territory. "Islamic State has no proper base in Pakistan, but it has sympathizers and links in Pakistan," said one member of the group, based in Afghanistan. "Mostly the attackers and suicide bombers enter from Afghanistan to Pakistan."Western and Afghan security officials believe fighters frequently switch allegiances between militant groups, making it difficult to know who is to blame for violence."Sometimes the Taliban commanders defect to Daesh and sometimes the other way around," said Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, governor of the northern Afghan province of Sar-i-Pul, where IS and Taliban fighters are believed to be active."The situation is very unclear."Even within the group, claims are contested.The AMAQ news agency, affiliated to IS in the Middle East, said the movement was responsible for the shrine bombing, but Abu Omar Khorasani, a senior member of the Afghan chapter who sometimes speaks for IS there, denied involvement.He did, however, say IS was recruiting and expanding beyond Nangarhar to northern Afghanistan. Pakistani counter-terrorism official Raja Umar Khattab said IS carried out attacks from Afghanistan, and his department was investigating whether the shrine bomber came from there."We are also working on an angle that a local militant group could have facilitated IS to carry out the ... blast," said Khattab, a senior officer in Sindh province."UMBRELLA ORGANISATION" The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, said U.S. drone strikes and special forces operations had killed about a third of IS fighters in Afghanistan and cut their territory by two thirds.U.S. officials say intelligence suggests IS is based overwhelmingly in Nangarhar and neighbouring Kunar province. They are sceptical about reports of an increased IS presence in the northwest, where gunmen may claim a connection to the group to boost their standing. "Certainly if you're a local official who's looking for more resources, by saying that ISIS is in your area, you're going to get more attention," said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, the main U.S. military spokesman in Kabul.Nicholson, who has asked for thousands more troops in Afghanistan, said counter-terrorism forces planned a series of operations in 2017 to defeat IS in Afghanistan "and preclude the migration of terrorists from Iraq and Syria into Afghanistan".Still, bolstered by fighters from Pakistani and other militant groups and an active social media presence, some Afghan officials said it had become an "umbrella organization" for disparate movements.The Afghan Taliban, waging war to overthrow the U.S.-backed government in Kabul, are fiercely opposed to IS, and the two have clashed as they seek to expand territory and influence."We have almost eliminated Daesh in Afghanistan," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.Estimating numbers is difficult. Cleveland said U.S. officials believe the movement has only 700 fighters, but Afghan officials estimate it has around 1,500, with twice as many auxiliary helpers and up to 8,000 less active supporters.Those officials say fighters from Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan have come to Afghanistan, while militants forced across the border by Pakistani military operations also gravitated towards IS.Khorasani, the IS militant, said it had "thousands" of fighters and was growing.A U.S. drone strike last year killed former local IS leader Hafiz Saeed Khan, once a member of the Pakistani Taliban. Several Afghan security officials believe a former Afghan Taliban commander, Abdul Haseeb Logari, has replaced him.Islamic State began to be noticed in the region in early 2015, when loyalists took on the Taliban and al Qaeda in a bid to become the leading Islamist militant group, using tactics that stood out for their brutality even in Afghanistan. (Additional reporting by Abdul Matin in MAZAR-I-SHARIF, James Mackenzie and Josh Smith in KABUL, Jibran Ahmad in PESHAWAR and Syed Raza Hassan in KARACHI; Editing by Kay Johnson and Mike Collett-White) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Samia Nakhoul and Nick Tattersall | ANKARA/WASHINGTON ANKARA/WASHINGTON Turkey is ruling out compromise with the United States over the involvement of Kurdish militia fighters in an assault in Syria, an obstacle for Washington's plan to deploy its strongest allies on the ground in a decisive showdown with Islamic State.Donald Trump has made defeating Islamic State one of the key goals of his presidency, and his new administration received a draft Pentagon plan on Monday to accelerate the campaign.Raqqa in Syria, one of Islamic State's two de facto capitals along with Mosul in Iraq, is expected to be the scene of the final battle to crush the jihadists' self-proclaimed Caliphate sometime this year, after a U.S.-backed Iraqi government assault on Mosul already under way since October.But putting together a united ground force to take Raqqa has so far proven a confounding task in Syria, where the United States, Turkey, Russia, Iran and Arab states have all backed local forces in a multi-sided civil war since 2011. All the foreign powers oppose Islamic State, but their Syrian proxies have mainly fought against one another.Turkey, with the second largest army in NATO, is adamant that Washington should switch support for the planned Raqqa offensive from the Kurdish YPG militia to Syrian rebels Turkey has trained and led against Islamic State for the past year.For the U.S. administration, nervous about whether the Turkish-backed force is large enough and sufficiently trained, the decision sets Trump's wish for quick battlefield victories against the need to maintain its strategic alliance with Turkey.Ankara views the YPG as the Syrian extension of the Kurdish PKK militant group, which has fought an insurgency in Turkey's southeast since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by both the United States and European Union."Our soldiers will not be fighting together with people who shot us and killed our soldiers and are trying to kill us," one senior Turkish security official, briefed on recent meetings between Turkish and U.S. strategists, told Reuters."This message was delivered to the Americans." President Tayyip Erdogan reinforced the point on Tuesday, saying Turkey "cannot accept" any alliance with the YPG. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told the ruling AK Party that "working side by side with any terrorist group" was out of the question.Erdogan, who had an increasingly testy relationship with President Barack Obama, has welcomed Trump's election as a chance for a fresh start. But the two NATO allies appear to be on a collision course over strategy in Syria.U.S. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, who commands the U.S.-led coalition effort against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, told a Pentagon news briefing on Tuesday a role for the Kurds was still in Washington's plan."There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure," he said. "The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating... I can't really say right now." He said he had seen no evidence linking Washington's Kurdish allies to attacks on Turkey. He did not specifically name the YPG, which fights as part of a U.S.-backed alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that also includes Arabs.Turkish officials say the links between the YPG and PKK are beyond dispute and that the group's advances will fuel anti-Kurdish sentiment in predominantly Arab parts of Syria such as Raqqa, and threaten Syria's territorial integrity.MANY ALTERNATIVES Turkey entered Syria last August in support of a 3,000-strong force of Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels, in an operation called Euphrates Shield. It took Jarablus on the Euphrates river, cleared Islamic State fighters from a roughly 100 km (60-mile) stretch of the border, then moved south to al-Bab, a strategic town now all but secured after three months of fighting against Islamic State.Turkey's aim was also to stop the YPG from crossing the Euphrates westwards and linking three mainly Kurdish cantons it holds in northern Syria, preventing it from carving out a self-governing territory analogous to Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. Turkey fears that would embolden its own large Kurdish minority to try to forge a similar territory inside Turkey. One plan Ankara has presented to Washington would have a Turkish-led FSA force of around 10,000 push south to Raqqa from the YPG-held border town of Tal Abyad. That would roll back YPG gains and separate two of the Kurdish-dominated cantons.Washington has so far been non-committal."We told them there are many alternatives for Raqqa and they didn't disagree," said one Turkish official familiar with the talks. "They said 'we understand your sensitivities, we dont recognise their (YPG) territorial ambitions'."Turkey and its Syrian rebel force was "ready at any time to do Raqqa, after clearing al-Bab," the official said.A second senior Turkish official, exasperated at U.S. willingness to work with a NATO ally's enemy, said some in Washington argued they had already invested too much in the YPG to pull out. But he said military planning was still under way and U.S. generals had "taken all this (Turkish) feedback back to Washington." LOCAL CONTROL Turkey says it has another 7,000 trained Syrian rebels ready on top of the 3,000-strong force active in Euphrates Shield, to which Arab fighters from the U.S.-backed SDF would be welcome."We told them we have enough forces, enough Free Syrian Army. Your generals can see them with their own eyes," the first Turkish official said of the discussions with U.S. counterparts. "Everything needed militarily was concretely explained. They were briefed on the numbers, the strategy and the map."One possible compromise solution may be that the force that assaults Raqqa, potentially including the YPG, quickly withdraws and turns the city over to local control, including the largely Arab forces backed by Turkey."I'm not really sure it really matters what the composition is of the force that goes there to liberate it," said Townsend, the U.S. commander. "What matters really in my mind is the composition of the force that stays there and governs and secures Raqqa after it's liberated from ISIS."A similar agreement in Manbij, some 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Raqqa, quickly broke down. The YPG helped capture the city from Islamic State last year in a U.S.-backed campaign operating under the SDF umbrella, on the understanding with Turkey that it would then withdraw.Turkey says the YPG remains in the city, and the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels attacked nearby villages held by the Kurdish militia on Wednesday, a spokesman for the local authorities in the city said.Turkish officials fear their increasingly warm ties with Russia, one of the main sponsors of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, could also complicate their efforts to deepen battlefield alliances with the United States. The Euphrates Shield operation at one point had Russian air support in the fight for al-Bab.Turkey and Russia sponsored a fragile ceasefire and recent talks between the Syrian government and opposition in Kazakhstan -- from which the U.S. was excluded.But a senior Turkish official said cooperation with Russia was a reflection of the "realities on the ground" rather than a strategic choice, and partly a result of the lack of U.S. support for the Syrian opposition."If Obama had not abandoned the Syrian opposition psychologically, politically and militarily, then maybe there would be no Russian military presence," the official said. (Additional reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington; editing by Peter Graff) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Miles and John Irish | GENEVA GENEVA Syrian peace talks in Geneva edged forwards on Wednesday, for the first time in six days of U.N.-led talks, as both sides saw hope of shaping the agenda to their liking and opposition negotiators met a senior diplomat from powerbroker Russia.The opposition said President Bashar al-Assad's negotiators had been pushed by his Russian allies to address the issue of political transition - which Assad's opponents say must involve him handing over power.A source close to the Syrian government delegation said there was agreement that tackling "terrorism" - a broad term which Damascus uses to describe all armed opposition to the president - would also be on the agenda.It remained unclear whether the two goals were compatible or if the two sides were on a collision course, as in past negotiating rounds a year ago.But diplomats said the opposition's meeting with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov may be a milestone and uncomfortable for President Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's ally, who regards his opponents as terrorists. Yahya Kodmani, head of the opposition delegation, told reporters that he and colleagues had made strong and clear points to Gatilov, and Russia would need time to respond."We want them to be neutral and not enemies to Syria," Kodmani said. "We want them to pressure and sponsor the political transition process. We want them to work with us on stopping terrorism in Syria."One diplomat said the opposition had been disappointed because the Russians had stuck to their long-standing positions that the rebels were too divided to negotiate with. U.N. envoy Staffan De Mistura unexpectedly came to the opposition's hotel late in the evening after their meeting with Gatilov, but declined to comment on the process. DEEP TALKS So far the Geneva talks have focused almost entirely on how to arrange more substantive later rounds, but both sides said on Wednesday they had held "deep" discussions with de Mistura earlier in the day. "We notice now that the political transition subject has become the main subject on the table," opposition negotiator Nasr al-Hariri told reporters.The opposition wants to discuss "political transition" and, after hearing from de Mistura said they believed that Russia had persuaded Syria's government negotiators that it should be on the agenda of the talks. Assad's chief negotiator Bashar al-Ja'afari has never accepted discussion of the subject before. The talks are governed by U.N. Security Council resolution 2254, which sets out a political transition process including plans for a new constitution, U.N.-supervised elections and transparent and accountable governance. De Mistura wants to put those subjects into three "baskets". Two Western diplomats said the Syrian government agreed to study the baskets, but said a fourth basket should be "terrorism".A source close to the government delegation said that talks had been constructive and led to "an agreement on four equally important baskets" that included terrorism.Kodmani said there was no "terrorism basket" in Resolution 2254, and the talks should start with political transition because it is the main point.A ceasefire backed by Russia, Iran and Turkey has not stopped the fighting. Russian news agencies reported that a new round of ceasefire talks would start on March 14, and cited Gatilov as saying more Geneva talks could follow on March 20.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said government bombardment of a rebel-held area in Damascuss northeastern outskirts intensified on Wednesday, and fighting between government forces and rebels killed 13 Syrian soldiers.Government forces launched attacks around Qaboun in the days leading up to the current round of peace talks, the fiercest assault there for more than two years, according to the Observatory and a medical worker in the area. (Additional reporting by Yara Abi Nader, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Kinda Makieh in Damascus; Editing by Dominic Evans) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. London: Prime Minister Theresa May suffered her first parliamentary defeat over Brexit after the House of Lords voted in favour of an amendment to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK after the country leaves the bloc. The Lords voted on Wednesday 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers to protect the rights of EU nationals based in the UK following Brexit. In the House of Lords, May's Conservative Party does not command a majority. The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. However, the government's defeat in the Lords could prove a symbolic one as MPs can remove the amendment when it comes back to the House of Commons. The vote came after a heated debate in the Lords where the government was accused of treating EU citizens like "bargaining chips". The Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a bill that the Commons passed without amendment. "The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations." May has said that any guarantee of the rights of EU nationals must be part of a deal protecting UK expats overseas. The amendment backed by the Lords requires the government to introduce proposals within three months of Article 50 to ensure EU citizens in the UK have the same residence rights after Brexit. May has set an end of the month deadline to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will trigger the two-year deadline for Brexit negotiations. MPs have already backed the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill without amendments and can remove the Lords' amendment when they vote on it again later this month. The government is said to be confident of defeating the changes to the bill in the Commons. Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader who ordered his MPs to support the bill unamended when it went through the Commons, described the result of the Lords vote as "great news", raising the possibility that he might tell his MPs to back the amendment in the Lower House. "The Government must now do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK," he said. The Lords will vote next week on a further amendment which would give MPs a "meaningful vote" on the outcome of May's negotiations with the 28-member bloc. If that vote also goes against her, she could come under pressure from her own MPs to agree to that amendment passing into law. The amended bill will return to the House of Commons on 13 and 14 March, when MPs will debate whether to keep the changes. WASHINGTON Senior U.S. administration officials have lobbied President Donald Trump to remove Iraq from a list of seven Muslim-majority nations included in an initial travel ban, and two sources said they were confident the country would not appear on a new executive order expected soon.Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security chief John Kelly all made the case to Trump to remove Iraq because of ongoing U.S. military and civilian operations in the country, according to three U.S. officials who said the Cabinet members made the case separately at recent meetings.One of the officials said the State Department was confident Iraq would not appear on a new executive order limiting travel to the United States, while a congressional aide said Iraq would be removed following conversations among White House advisers on Tuesday.Trump is expected to issue a new travel ban in coming days after federal courts blocked his Jan. 27 executive order that temporarily barred travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Trump has said the travel limitations were necessary to protect the United States from attacks by Islamist militants. Americans were deeply divided over the measure, which had some support but stirred national protests and were condemned by prominent U.S. companies and allies. When asked whether Iraq would be left out of the revised order, the White House said it did not have any announcements on the executive order right now.A White House official said the order was likely to come on Monday.There are currently 5,200 American troops deployed in Iraq to assist Iraqi and Kurdish forces in retaking Mosul - the last city in Iraq under the control of Islamic State militants. Iraqis have fought alongside U.S. troops for years and have worked as translators. Many Iraqis have resettled in the United States following threats over their affiliation with U.S. troops. "We cannot claim we are an ally of Iraq and at the same time say all Iraqis are our enemies," said the official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. "Lumping Iraq together with Iran and Syria, especially in a blanket fashion, only makes a hard job harder." The United States also relies on Iraq to provide visas for a substantial contracting force that supports the U.S. military presence.Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi asked Trump to lift the ban on people from his country during their first phone call on Feb. 10, resisting calls from influential pro-Iranian Shi'ite politicians to retaliate against the ban. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, Yeganeh Torbati, Julia Edwards Ainsley, Steve Holland, John Walcott and Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. (Corrects name in paragraph 2, adds attribution in paragraph 5)WASHINGTON A Hellfire missile fired by a CIA drone killed al-Qaeda leader Abu al-Khayr al-Masri late on Sunday while he was riding in a car near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, a U.S. intelligence official said on Wednesday.The 59-year-old al-Masri, whose real name was Abdullah Muhammed Rajab Abdulrahman, was second-in-command to the groups leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and a member of its shura council, said the official, who was briefed on the attack and spoke on condition of anonymity.He also was married to one of Osama bin Ladens daughters, the official added. CNN first reported the strike. The official said Masri, as he was widely known, had sought refuge in Iran after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, and was believed to have been in Syria helping to direct Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, an al-Qaeda branch previously called the Nusra Front, the official said. The Iranians released him from house arrest almost two years ago, in exchange for a diplomat being held hostage in Yemen by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the official said.An Iranian diplomat held hostage in Yemen since 2013 returned home to Tehran in 2015 amid conflicting accounts of how he was freed from his unidentified abductors. At the time Iran said the diplomat had been rescued by an Iranian intelligence operation in Yemen. But Yemeni media run by the Iran-allied Houthi group said the diplomat was freed in a prisoner exchange that took place in another country. Masri's death was the end of an almost 19-year U.S. hunt for him. A second U.S. official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said Masri was thought to be one of the planners of the 1998 attacks on the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. (Reporting by John Walcott; Editing by Yara Bayoumy and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. US president Donald Trumps promise to use existing funds to begin immediate construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border has hit a financial roadblock, according to a document seen by Reuters. The rapid start of construction, promised throughout Trump's campaign and in an executive order issued in January on border security, was to be financed, according to the White House, with "existing funds and resources" of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). But so far, the DHS has identified only $20 million that can be re-directed to the multi-billion-dollar project, according to a document prepared by the agency and distributed to congressional budget staff last week. The document said the funds would be enough to cover a handful of contracts for wall prototypes, but not enough to begin construction of an actual barrier. This means that for the wall to move forward, the White House will need to convince Congress to appropriate funds. An internal report estimated that fully walling off or fencing the entire southern border would cost $21.6 billion $9.3 million per mile of fence and $17.8 million per mile of wall. DHS officials did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Trump has said he will ask Congress to pay for what existing funds cannot cover and that Mexico will be pressured to pay back US taxpayers at a later date. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan has said he will include funding for a border wall in the budget for next fiscal year. He has estimated the cost to be between $12 billion and $15 billion. Many Republican lawmakers have said they would vote against a plan that does not offset the cost of the wall with spending cuts. In the document it submitted to Congress, the DHS said it would reallocate $5 million from a fence project in Naco, Arizona, that came in under budget and $15 million from a project to install cameras on top of trucks at the border. The surveillance project was awarded to Virginia-based Tactical Micro, but was held up due to protests from other contractors, according to the DHS document. Tactical Micro could not be reached for comment. The DHS only searched for extra funds within its $376 million budget for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, so it would not have to ask for congressional approval to repurpose funding, according to the document. Contractors cannot begin bidding to develop prototypes until March 6 but more than 265 businesses already have listed themselves as "interested parties" on a government web site. Those interested range from small businesses to large government contractors such as Raytheon. The Trump administration lacks the funds to pay for a wall along the US-Mexico border. According to an official document obtained by Reuters, the US government has only identified $20 million that could be used to fulfill the presidents biggest campaign promise . The latest official estimates place the cost of building this wall at over $20 billion. The US-Mexico border in New Mexico. Christian Torres (AP) More information Trump solo logra 20 de los 20.000 millones necesarios para construir el muro con Mexico A month after Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has only identified $5 million from a previous project that came in under budget, and a further $15 million from a project that has been held up, according to the document to which Reuters has had access. The combined amount available falls short even of the Republican presidents early estimates, which had the wall costing $8 billion to build. We will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border US President Donald Trump Trump had also claimed that Mexico would be paying for the wall. Later he reviewed this statement, and said that the US would pay for it first, and Mexico would reimburse US taxpayers at a later date. The White House has been gradually lowering its demands, and its latest claim was that the wall would be built using existing DHS funds. We will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border, said Trump during his first address to Congress on Tuesday evening. Trump reacts after delivering his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. POOL (REUTERS) The sentence is not new, but the obstacle is. The lack of funds could pose the biggest challenge to the business tycoon who made the fight against illegal immigration the cornerstone of his campaign. The lack of existing funds at the DHS means that Trump will need to convince Congress to include additional funding for the border wall in the 2018 federal budget. According to the latest DHS estimates, building the wall could cost $21.6 billion, and several Republican lawmakers have already said they will not support such an expense unless it is offset by public spending cuts. This would force Trump to choose between raising the deficit which Republicans have opposed to date raising taxes to fund a project that Mexico was supposed to pay for, or slashing funds for public programs that Trump pledged he would not touch. Doing so could provide new arguments against him not just to Democrats, but to a significant portion of US society. English version by Susana Urra. I'd firstly like to address the dominant narrative about protest and the coverage of protest. US President Donald Trump's rhetoric gathers the reasonable anger of working people and points it like a laser at the press, at immigrants, at racial minorities, and at people who protest these injustices. In a bid to consolidate power, Trump is in the early stages of constructing a powerful propaganda machine. And his narrative is compelling. In a Trump worldview, the press is a partisan enemy agent, and the smear of all smears biased. The protesters they write about are agitators who are disloyal and bent on sowing chaos and dissent through the realm. I'd like to say that it is, in fact, important to parse what is happening behind the scenes at a protest. It is important to engage our critical faculties. What are the factions? Is this a grassroots movement or is a politician using inclusionary woke-speak to appeal to a potential voting base? Is it a wide and diverse coalition of organisers? How about the people on the ground? Why have they decided to participate? These are the questions an honest journalist should ask. Furthermore, it is very important to parse the coverage of protest. When a corporate broadcast station calls armed suppression of protesters engaging in civil disobedience a "clash between protesters and law enforcement", how are they reinforcing existing narratives? If someone throws a brick at a building, shouldn't we ask who is throwing it? It is important to parse who is acting in what way for what means and what ends. And yes, the media has bias. Journalists have bias. To have a perspective is to be human. It is important to recognise these biases, lay them bare, question them, and attempt to ask questions that add depth and nuance to a story. Nuance is the enemy of rhetorical persuasion. By questioning the frames within which information is presented, we can get closer to the truth about our world, about allocations of power, and about justice. It is important to talk about coverage of protest because that is the lens through which we view recent actions. We cannot purport to have a clean view of the events on the ground without acknowledging this bias. That said, let's talk about protest itself. The White House has done everything to smear anti-Trump protests as criminal, unpatriotic, disloyal, and treasonous. Though we must resist these characterisations, we must avoid making martyrs out of the protesters as well. Some movements are lionised in media narratives, as long as they don't veer into the territory of criminality. When a protest breaks with the narrative of clean-cut white people holding signs and hugging each other, it is condemned. As journalists, we must forgo proscriptions for questions. Criminality is a top-down narrative that is generally projected onto the most downtrodden members of our society. Black boys, as young as 12, playing with toy guns, are perceived to be criminals because a century of mythmaking has associated blackness with criminality. Similar narratives have been constructed to describe poverty. Poor people are perceived as lazy and deserving of their squalid conditions. In actuality, most people on welfare are in the workforce as well. Isn't the true problem, then, that people can be working two or three jobs and still not be earning enough to make ends meet? When people buck the narratives constructed for them, when they start to punch upward, they are immediately designated as criminals. They have become threats to the order of things. And this is the lens through which protests are seen both by the media and by those in power. The consequences to marginalised communities for not fighting are grave. Black children will continue to be gunned down by police officers in the street. They will be ghettoised, stuck in poverty, without any recourse. Indigenous people will be forced to cede more land and access to clean water. This is what we must remember when we consider protests. Why would people risk their bodies and their safety to fight against such a powerful system? Maybe the repercussions for not fighting are greater. Maybe struggle is the only means people have to preserve their dignity. We must remember that people are multi-dimensional, and movements are vibrant. There are varied, and sometimes conflicting, opinions and perspectives within coalitions. We must disabuse ourselves of the notion that masses of people are either malevolent or are misled sheep with no brains, no guts, and no thoughts of their own. Now let's talk about some of the laws being passed to codify these myopic narratives. The State apparatus relies on these stories about dissent to push draconian agendas. The narrative is for the benefit of the public and the actions are plain and simple repression. Before our very eyes, dissent is being criminalised. Minnesota lawmakers are gearing up to pass a law that effectively litigates protest out of existence. The bill would allow the state to sue protesters for the full cost of police and crowd control, cash-strapping inconvenient protests. Conservatives in North Dakota are pushing for a bill that would grant immunity to people who run protesters down with their cars. And in Louisiana, a "Blue Lives Matter" bill was passed. This is a gross inversion of hate crime statutes, designed to protect marginalised classes of people from crimes based on their race status, or similar designated classes. Now, an action like resisting arrest can be classified as a hate crime against a police officer, and carry sentences of 10 years to life in prison. The violent crackdown of dissent by law enforcement is sweeping the nation. At least 10 states have passed similar laws criminalising and dissuading any form of dissent. The opportunity cost of fighting for one's right to exist is rising. If we continue to allow top-down narratives about criminality to color our perception of protest and dissent, acts of protest and dissent actually become criminal. We must resist these narratives at every turn. By Kole Casule | SKOPJE SKOPJE The EU on Thursday asked Macedonia's president to reverse a move to block a coalition including ethnic Albanian parties from forming a government, urging political leaders to step back from a dispute that risked sparking conflict.President Gjorge Ivanov on Wednesday refused to give his backing to the coalition of Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian parties, arguing its pledge to allow wider official use of the Albanian language amounted to foreign interference in Macedonia's affairs. After meeting Ivanov and other political leaders in Skopje, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini urged him to reconsider. Hours earlier Russia criticised the coalition deal."I asked the president to reflect on the way forward to reverse his decision in the interest of all citizens," Mogherini told a news conference.Macedonia should "scale down the rhetoric (to) avoid that this political and institutional crisis becomes an inter-ethnic conflict or even worse a geopolitical conflict." Relations between the country's Macedonians - who are Orthodox Christians - and ethnic Albanians - who are mostly Muslim - have long been fraught. Macedonia went to the brink of civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001 before EU and U.S. diplomacy helped broker a peace deal.Two years ago the country was thrown into a political turmoil over a wiretapping scandal that brought down nationalist prime minister Nikola Gruevski.Ivanov said he would not revoke his decision, calling the coalition deal a threat to Macedonia's "sovereignty, unity and independence." Both the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE and Gruevski also oppose Zaev's deal, which this week drew thousands of protesters onto the streets of Skopje and other Macedonian cities. The Social Democrats won 49 seats in a snap election in December, two fewer than the VMRO-DPMNE. The result left neither able to form a government without parties representing ethnic Albanians, who make up a third of the population. Earlier on Thursday Russia accused Albania, NATO and the European Union of trying to impose a pro-Albanian government on the former Yugoslav Republic.Following December's vote, leaders of ethnic Albanian parties travelled to Tirana and agreed a joint platform for negotiating with a coalition including demanding wider use of Albanian language. Macedonia aspires to join NATO and EU, but its integration is stalled over a name dispute with neighbouring Greece. (Reporting by Kole Casule; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; editing by John Stonestreet) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The chief of Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has acknowledged the group's defeat in Iraq in a 'farewell speech' and ordered his non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, according to media reports. Al-Baghdadi ordered the closure of the Islamic State office regulating their fighters and ordered non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves. Baghdadi, who had declared himself as Caliph, issued a statement titled 'farewell speech' which was distributed among Islamic State preachers and clerics on Tuesday, as Iraqi army tightened noose around the group's last remaining territory in Mosul, Al-Arabiya reported, quoting Iraqi TV network Alsumaria. Citing the sources in the Iraqi governorate of Nineveh, the report said Baghdadi ordered the closure of the Islamic State office regulating the group's fighters and asked the group's non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, promising them "72 women in heaven." Baghdadi, who has reportedly been wounded multiple times, carries a $10 million bounty on his head. It is not clear if he is in the besieged city, where he declared his Caliphate in 2014 after the Islamic State seized territory covering much of eastern Syria and northern Iraq. Many of Islamic State leaders in Iraq have now fled towards the area controlled by the group in neighbouring Syria, it added. Iraqi forces backed by international and US aid launched a massive operation to retake Mosul on 17 October. In January, they captured the eastern side of Mosul the last Islamic State-held city in Iraq. With inputs from PTI The Americans have a lot to get angry about rising racial tensions and hate crimes, the new administration's immigration policy, Kellyanne Conway, Melissa McCarthy Sean Spicer, the fact that after vowing to repeal Obamacare, the president of the country makes this rather half-witted admission "Its an unbelievably complex subject, nobody knew that health care could be so complicated." Though President Donald Trump's first address to the Congress was seen as an attempt to calm overwrought nerves, a more relevant and pressing issue caught people's attention: Ivanka Trump's fuchsia Roland Mouret dress that she wore to the joint session of Congress. Here's the offending dress. Getting ready to leave The White House with @realdonaldtrump as he prepares to address Congress #JointSession A post shared by Ivanka Trump (@ivankatrump) on Feb 28, 2017 at 5:28pm PST A handful outraged about how Ivanka could make this heinous fashion faux pas by wearing a cocktail dress to a rather formal event, others pointed out that her wearing a French designer's creation is a clear departure from Trump's 'Buy American, and Hire American!' policy. Some even had problems with the bra strap sticking out of the $3,000 off-shoulder dress. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding that will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American! President Trump (@POTUS) March 1, 2017 During his speech, Trump made this forceful appeal: "To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure of the United States financed through both public and private capital creating millions of new jobs. This effort will be guided by two core principles: buy American and hire American." The good people on Twitter pointed out that when Trump is harping on 'buy American and hire American', Ivanka's fashion choice reeked of hypocrisy. Yes, they got it all from one dress. Many recalled former first lady Michelle Obama's sartorial choices who always promoted upcoming American designers and put them in the spotlight. It's, however, time to remind them that even Michelle came under a scrutiny over some bizarre fashion charges. After her first official photoshoot as the first lady, she was criticised for showing off her bare arms. Some even speculated why she decided to go sleeveless in freezing winter and whether it was going to be her signature style statement. Must have been a slow news day. Here are some Twitter reactions: Dad said Buy American so Ivanka wore a French designer's dress #hypocrisyhttps://t.co/ehLQWEiOfe Impudent Cat (@ImpudentCat) March 1, 2017 Why is the media ignoring the real question!!! Where can I buy Ivanka Trump's dress? I am sure KellyAnne will tell us tomorrow Maggie Haskins (@MaggieHaskins1) March 1, 2017 @IvankaTrump Show respect for the institutions of our democracy.Your dress is fine for cocktails but not for a joint session of Congress. VICKI SALT (@VSALTZ) March 1, 2017 @IvankaTrump this is not a party that dress is not appropriate Tx_wife (@Tx_wife) March 1, 2017 "Buy American and hire American." Oh okay, so Nordstroms were just following Presidential orders then right? #JointAddress pic.twitter.com/gOuajs0oS3 Mo Rene (@cowgoes_) March 1, 2017 I'm sorry if this makes me a bad feminist but what is @IvankaTrump wearing? This is not a nightclub. #Jointsession daniella greenbaum (@DGreenbaum) March 1, 2017 The dress could be a game changer for the Trump family considering that many Trump products are manufactured overseas. They could either embrace everything American or treat this as fake news. Or, we could all put the dress back in the closet. By Zohra Bensemra | MOSUL, Iraq MOSUL, Iraq Ninety-year-old Khatla Ali Abdallah has survived decades of turbulence in northern Iraq, but the frail grandmother who fled the battle for Mosul this week says the fighting there is the worst she has ever seen.Carried across the desert by her grandsons, under sniper and mortar fire, she was one of thousands who braved the difficult and dangerous journey out of Islamic State's shrinking stronghold in the west of the city."I'm a 90-year-old woman and I havent seen such a war," she said in a camp for displaced people south of Mosul, where she was taken by Iraqi security forces.Khatla lived through Saddam Hussein's quarter century in power, when Iraq fought wars with neighbouring Iran and Kuwait and endured a decade of devastating sanctions. That was followed by a U.S.-led invasion which toppled Saddam and led to years of sectarian war across the country. "Even under the Saddam era, we were afraid because of the atrocities and the people killed," she said. "But nothing is compared to this phase".For pictures of Khatla click reut.rs/2mxxmdp Since the launch of the military campaign in October to retake Mosul from Islamic State, Khatla remained in her home in the city's southwestern al-Mamoun district, now in the hands of Iraq's U.S.-backed Counter Terrorism Service (CTS). At times she took shelter in her basement with the 20 chickens that she looked after - reminders, she said, of her youth when she also herded sheep and cattle."I haven't lost any chickens, not even a one little chick," she said. "We were trapped in the basement and we could hear the bullets hitting the metal roof of the chicken pen." Her grandsons carried her for miles in the desert to reach the CTS lines, and then she was taken on a bus to a camp for internally displaced people."We just want to make it through this war," she said. "This one will make stories for generations to tell." (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Dominic Evans) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Kuala Lumpur: A North Korean man who was held in connection with the killing of Kim Jong-un's half-brother at the airport here will be released from police custody on Friday, authorities said. Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Ri Jong Chol was "a free man" as there was "insufficient evidence to charge him". Ri will be deported to North Korea after his release as he does not have vaild travel documents, CNN quoted Ali as saying on Thursday. Two Asian women an Indonesian and a Vietnamese have been charged with murder of Kim, who police said was killed by smearing VX, a deadly nerve agent, on his face at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 13 February. Ri was the only North Korean to have been detained in the case. Investigators have also named four North Korean suspects, who are believed to have fled to Pyongyang. South Korea has pinned Kim's assassination on Pyongyang, accusing the country of recruiting the women attackers, who said they believed they were bade only to run a prank on Kim for a TV network. North Korea strongly denies responsibility, and its state media blamed Seoul and Washington for "resorting to political chicanery to bring down the social system in the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)". Also on Thursday, Malaysia announced it was ending visa-free travel for North Koreans, citing security reasons. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the rule would be effective from 6 March, Malaysia's news agency reported. Previously, citizens of North Korea and Malaysia were only required to use their passports to enter both the countries. South Korean activists will send millions of leaflets about the poisoning/murder of the half-brother of the North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un across the border by balloon, they said on Thursday. It is not clear how many North Koreans are aware of the fate of Kim Jong-Nam, who was killed with the nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur's international airport, allegedly by two young women acting on Pyongyang's orders. The North has angrily denied involvement and accused Malaysia for colluding with South Korea to frame it, while only referring to the victim by a pseudonym, without clarifying his relationship with Jong-Un. The leaflets to be flown across the border by giant, gas-filled balloons contain details of the murder and pictures including one of a dying Kim Jong-Nam slumped in a chair at a clinic in the airport. The text describes the North's leader as "a devil who killed his own brother". "We will start launching the leaflets in mid-March," said activist leader Park Sang-Hak, a defector who leads the Fighters For Free North Korea group. The move was intended "to let our North Korean compatriots know the act of extreme brutality committed by Kim Jong-Un," he added in a statement. News from the outside world is banned or heavily censored in the North, as the Kim dynasty rules the impoverished, isolated nation with an iron fist and pervasive personality cult. The leaflets also contain assertions by Seoul's spy agency that Jong-Un had executed many Pyongyang officials and ordered the half-brother's murder to strengthen his grip on power. The text claimed that Jong-Un son of Kim Jong-Il's third wife had ordered the assassination of Jong-Nam because some viewed him as having a better claim to inheriting the leadership as their father's first-born son. Conservative South Korean activists, including many North Korean defectors, have sent leaflets northwards for years, infuriating Pyongyang, which has at times threatened military strikes in response. By Sophie Louet | PARIS PARIS French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon's shrinking supporter base was eroded further on Thursday, a day after news that he faces a formal investigation for allegations he misused public funds.A Harris Interactive poll showed 25 percent of people want him to continue as a candidate, down from 35 percent a month ago, while within his Republicans party there were more resignations from his campaign after he decided on Wednesday to stay in the race.Le Parisien newspaper said Fillon's Paris house was searched on Thursday morning by investigators probing allegations that he paid his wife hundreds of thousands of euros of public money to do very little work. An official at the financial prosecutor's office declined comment.A defiant Fillon said he would not give in despite suffering what he said were "weeks of attacks with disproportionate violence"."You have a fighter before you," he told cheering supporters waving French flags at an evening rally in the southern city of Nimes. "...I have no intention of giving in."Former poll favourite Fillon, who complains of unfair treatment from the justice system and media, says he has done nothing wrong.With less than two months to go to the April 23 first round vote, surveys now consistently point to a run-off on May 7 between independent candidate Emmanuel Macron and far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen that Macron would win. Macron announced a full manifesto on Thursday while Le Pen gave a speech on "intelligent protectionism", calling for the nationalisation of France's public debt."Everywhere, from Donald Trump's America, to Narendra Modi's India, from Xi Jinping's China to Theresa May's United Kingdom, economic patriotism is prevailing," she said.One of the first opinion polls partly taken after Fillon's legal woes deepened on Wednesday, when adviser Bruno Le Maire quit his campaign, showed his support dipping below 20 percent for the first time in a week and the gap widening between him and the two leaders.The Elabe poll, carried out between Tuesday and Thursday, showed Fillon on 19 percent, trailing Le Pen on 27 percent and Macron on 24 percent. DEFECTIONS On Thursday, campaign treasurer Gilles Boyer, deputy campaign director Sebastien Lecornu and adviser Vincent Le Roux followed Le Maire's lead, along with a number of more junior campaign staff. Three other high-ranking lawmakers from the left wing of the party - Benoist Apparu, Christophe Bechu and Edouard Philippe - also quit the Fillon cause, saying their decision was prompted by his repeated attacks on the judiciary.The 62-year-old ex-prime minister is due to be questioned on March 15 by investigating magistrates, who will decide whether to place him under formal investigation. Supporters plan a rally in Paris on Sunday backing his campaign and protesting at his treatment.Sources in the Fillon camp have said there was a strong push by some in the party on Wednesday to have former prime minister Alain Juppe stand in Fillon's place, but that the plan was vetoed by Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president."I am convinced that Francois Fillon is about to fall," Georges Fenech, a lawmaker who led a failed rebellion against Fillon last month, told France Info radio. "It seems to me that today only he (Juppe), with all his experience, can carry the flame."Juppe, 71, has insisted he has no interest in replacing Fillon. (Reporting by Sophie Louet; Writing by Andrew Callus and Adrian Croft; editing by Mark John and John Stonestreet) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Peshawar: Pakistani police on Thursday shot and killed a vendor outside a court in the restive northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province mistaking him for a bomber. The vendor, Ulas Khan, on a bicycle was asked to stop at a checkpoint outside a courthouse in Mardan district for search but he did not stop, said Dr Mian Muhammad Saeed, District Police Officer Mardan. He ran in a hurry following which police fired at him on suspicion of being a bomber, he said, adding that he was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No explosives or weapons was found on his bicycle. The incident occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province where security has been tightened around the government offices after the recent wave of terror incidents. A series of blasts in the Muslim-majority country have killed more than 100 people, including women and children. Last month, at least seven people were killed and several others, including judges, injured in two separate suicide attacks in Pakistan's restive northwest region. Also last month, one of the deadliest suicide bombing in Pakistan in recent times struck at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan area of southern Sindh province where at least 88 people were killed and over 200 injured in an attack claimed by the ISIS. By John Irish, Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles | GENEVA GENEVA Syria's warring sides both claimed U.N. peace talks in Geneva were going their way on Thursday, but the chief government negotiator and Syria's ally Russia accused the main opposition delegation of trying to wreck the talks. Syrian government negotiator Bashar al-Ja'afari told reporters that he had discussed "substantive issues, particularly counter-terrorism" with U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura, and would continue on Friday.The government delegation has sought to focus peace talks around counter-terrorism - which is how it frames the battle with all its armed opponents - while the opposition wants to discuss political transition, which it says must mean President Bashar al-Assad giving up power. Ja'afari said the opposition High Negotiations Committee was holding the peace talks hostage, and accused some of its members of "high treason" by receiving support from Saudi Arabia, Israel and Turkey."The Riyadh opposition will be held responsible for any failure of the Geneva talks," Ja'afari said.Russia is seen as holding the balance of power in Syria and as being the powerbroker behind the peace talks. On Wednesday, it appeared to offer an olive branch to the HNC, enemies of Moscow's ally Assad, when Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov received the opposition leadership at Russia's mission in Geneva. Russian media quoted Gatilov as saying the meeting had been constructive. But on Thursday, Moscow's tone soured."The talks are once again raising questions about the ability of representatives of the Syrian opposition to do a deal," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing in Moscow."The so-called High Negotiations Committee is refusing to cooperate equally with the Moscow and Cairo platforms and is in fact sabotaging fully fledged dialogue," she said, referring to two smaller opposition groups that curry favour in Moscow.The same line was later repeated by Ja'afari. The chief opposition negotiator Nasr al-Hariri said he had also held very positive discussions with de Mistura, centred on the opposition's goal of a political transition for Syria.Like Ja'afari, he also expected another meeting with de Mistura on Friday, which will mark a full week of talks, on top of some preliminary meetings. But there is still no hint of any real breakthrough, and each side has yet to accept the other's demands."The prospects are very dim," HNC negotiator Basma Kodmani said.Russia has sought to revive diplomacy since its air force helped the Syrian army and allied militias defeat rebels in Aleppo in December, Assad's biggest victory in six years of war that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. It has held parallel negotiations in coordination with Turkey and Iran in the Kazakh capital Astana to reinforce a shaky ceasefire and has tried to expand the scope to cover political aspects such as a discussing a new constitution.Despite the ceasefire nominally in force since late December violence has escalated since the onset of the talks a week ago and the warring sides appear no closer to actual negotiations.Zakharova said Russia was determined to press ahead with the separate track of peace talks in Kazakhstan and was ready to include new participants in those talks, including those from the Syrian opposition who would behave constructively.A new round of Astana talks is due on March 14, although the last round in February failed to yield results. "Russia sees an opportunity here to manage the political track in a different way," said a Western diplomat. (Additional reporting by Tom Miles, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Denis Pinchuk in Moscow; Editing by Alison Williams and Dominic Evans) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. A Spanish bishop has angered survivors and relatives of the victims of the 2008 Spanair air crash at Madrids Barajas airport, after saying that a drag queen event held this week as part of Carnival festivities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria , whose winner performed as the Virgin Mary and Christ on the cross, made him sadder than the disaster in which 154 people were killed. On Tuesday, Francisco Cases, Bishop of the Canary Islands, issued a statement saying: I am sometimes asked what have been the happiest and saddest days of my time in the Canary Islands [] and which day has been the saddest. Until now I would reply: the day of the accident in Barajas involving the plane bound for Gran Canaria. From today, I will say that I am living the saddest day of my time in the Canaries. Drag Sethlas admitted he was trying to stir up controversy Describing the Gala Drag Queen of the Las Palmas Carnival as frivolous blasphemy, the bishop said he had watched as thousands of people shouted encouragement, applauded and voted by phone. The Spanair flight that crashed in Madrid on August 20, 2008, leaving just 18 survivors, was headed for Las Palmas, with many local people aboard. The president of the Spanair crash victims association, Pilar Vera, who lost a niece in the accident, quickly responded to Bishop Cases comments, saying in a statement: It wasnt just 154 people who died, but also their families. We are now dead in life, condemned to fight a system that has victimized us still further by denying us justice and truth, as well as wounding us with words like yours, adding, If you have forgotten the victims, then do so completely and avoid mentioning them. Drag Sethlas interpretes Christ's crucifixion. Elvira Urquijo (EFE) The winner of the Carnival event, Drag Sethlas, said on Tuesday it was not his intention to hurt anybody, admitting he was looking to generate controversy, adding: I succeeded in that. Carlos Alonso, the head of the local authority on the neighboring island of Tenerife, posted a tweet saying: Carnival is transgression but should not be used to offend the values of so many people. Augusto Hidalgo, the mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, tweeted in similar tone, highlighting Carnivals transgressive spirit, it also represented tolerance. The Spanair victims association still wants criminal charges to be filed against Spanair executives, AENA airport administrators, and officials from plane manufacturer McDonnell Douglas, but a Madrid High Court ruled against that in 2012. Vera has also criticized successive Spanish governments for not doing enough to help the victims and their families in the years since the disaster. English version by Nick Lyne. Washington: Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has met US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster and discussed counter-terrorism, bilateral relations and ways to take Indo-US ties forward. The meeting between Jaishankar and McMaster gains significance as the top military leader was appointed as the National Security Advisor by US President Donald Trump ten days ago. During the meeting held at the White House, the two officials are believed to have discussed issues related to security relationship, counter-terrorism, and defence partnership. Jaishankar also met Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and discussed various issues, including ways to enhance economic and defence cooperation between both countries. "The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom," Ryan said in a statement after meeting Jaishankar. "We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defence cooperation," Ryan said. During his meeting with Jaishankar, Ryan expressed condolences of US House of Representatives on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, and Alok Madasani, another Indian of the same age, injured in the shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them. "Our peoples must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead," Ryan said. Jaishankar arrived in the US on Tuesday on a four-day visit to hold talks with top officials of the Trump Administration, lawmakers and members of the think-tank community. This is his third trip to the US after Trump was elected as the President. Trump had earlier pledged to strengthen Indo-US ties during his telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. About three weeks before his electoral victory, Trump had told Indian-Americans that in him India would have the best friend at the White House. GENEVA Syrian government negotiator Bashar al-Ja'afari said on Thursday the main Saudi-backed opposition group was holding peace talks hostage, and accused some of its members of "high treason" by receiving support from Saudi Arabia, Israel and Turkey.The Geneva peace talks, the first under U.N. auspices in 10 months, were convened after a shaky ceasefire was brokered between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's allies Russia and Iran with Turkey. But amid repeated truce violations on the ground, Syria's warring sides appear no closer to actual negotiations, a week after beginning indirect talks."We must not permit the Riyadh platform to hold the Geneva talks hostage," Ja'afari told reporters after meeting U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura. "The Riyadh opposition will be held responsible for the failure." Ja'afari said the "Riyadh platform" - the opposition umbrella body the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) - was refusing to unify with smaller opposition groups. He said his talks with de Mistura had focused on counter-terrorism, but his delegation had also agreed to discuss four themes simultaneously on a potential agenda for future talks.They would include a new constitution, U.N.-supervised elections and transparent and accountable governance, as well as terrorism.The opposition has been reluctant to add terrorism to the talks agenda, fearing the government will focus entirely on that issue, and not political transition, which it sees as key to progress. "We heard that ... the Riyadh platform refused the inclusion ... of counter-terrorism," Ja'afari said."This did not come as a surprise because some members of the Riyadh delegation include members of terrorist armed groups." The Syrian government has repeatedly labelled all armed groups that oppose it as terrorists. "Those who are protected by Israel have given away the Golan to Israel for their Israeli protection, for Israel helps them countering their own homeland, their own country, and this in my view is the worst form of high treason," Ja'afari said.He also repeated long-standing accusations that members of the HNC were agents of Turkish and Saudi intelligence services. (Reporting by John Irish and Tom Miles; editing by Andrew Roche) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Phil Stewart and Mohammed Mukhashaf | WASHINGTON/ADEN, Yemen WASHINGTON/ADEN, Yemen The United States said it carried out more than 20 precision strikes in Yemen targeting al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on Thursday, in the first major operations against the group since a January raid by U.S. commandos.The Pentagon said the strikes, which were first reported by Reuters, targeted al Qaeda militants, heavy weapons systems, equipment, infrastructure and the group's fighting positions. They were carried out in the Yemeni governorates of Abyan, Al Bayda and Shabwah."The strikes will degrade the AQAP's ability to coordinate external terror attacks and limit their ability to use territory seized from the legitimate government of Yemen as a safe space for terror plotting," Navy Captain Jeff Davis said, using an acronym for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.The strikes come a month since a Jan. 29 raid against AQAP. The operation, the first of its kind authorized by new President Donald Trump, was hailed as a success by the White House and other U.S. officials. Still, critics questioned the value and effectiveness of an mission which killed women and children, as well as several militants and a Navy SEAL.Trump, citing information from his defence secretary, told Congress on Tuesday that the raid yielded valuable intelligence that would "lead to many more victories in the future."Still, one U.S. official suggested Thursday's strikes - which included use of U.S. drones and manned aircraft - had been in the planning stages before the January raid. AT LEAST NINE DEAD The U.S. military did not estimate the number of militants killed in the strikes, but residents and local officials in southern Yemen said that at least nine suspected al Qaeda militants died in two separate incidents.They said four men believed to belong to al Qaeda died in a strike on a building in al-Saeed, an area of Shabwa province home to the al-Awaleq, the extended clan of Anwar al-Awlaki, a militant and U.S. citizen killed in by U.S. drone in 2011.Another five suspected al Qaeda fighters died when a missile fired by a drone struck a vehicle carrying weapons while travelling on a road between al-Wadie district and the area of Moujan, in Abyan province, some 40 km (25 miles) away, according to a local official. In a separate incident, residents and local officials in the Gulf of Aden town of Shuqra in southern Yemen also reported air strikes in an adjacent mountain area where hundreds of al Qaeda militants are believed to be based.They said they heard loud explosions early on Thursday morning in al-Maraqisha, a rugged mountainous area where al Qaeda militants took refuge last year after they were driven out of Yemeni cities they had captured earlier.There were no immediate details available on damages or casualties caused by those strikes. INTELLIGENCE ON AQAP AQAP boasts one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, and it has been a persistent concern to the U.S. government ever since a 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day.The militant group has taken also advantage of a civil war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis against the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to try to widen its control and influence in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, one of the poorest in the Middle East.The conflict, which U.N. officials say has killed more than 10,000 people, has also forced the United States to scale back its presence in Yemen, degrading U.S. intelligence about the group, officials say. A senior U.S. official said intelligence collected in the Jan. 29 raid however provided valuable insight into AQAP's explosives manufacturing, targeting, training and recruitment practices. (Reporting by Phil Stewart in Washington, Mohammed Mukhashaf in Aden and Mohammed Ghobari in Cairo, writing by Phil Stewart and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Washington: US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has come under fire after the Washington Post reported he met twice last year with Russia's ambassador to Washington, seemingly contradicting statements he made in Senate confirmation hearings in January. The revelation cast a fresh cloud over US President Donald Trump's administration, which has repeatedly denied any suspected ties between members of his election team and Russia which US intelligence says interfered in the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton. The White House quickly labeled the report an attack by partisan Democrats, confirming the meetings but arguing Sessions did nothing wrong. In a statement Sessions, the Trump administration's top law enforcement official, said yesterday: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." But with US intelligence agencies, the Department of Justice, and four Congressional committees examining the Russia scandal, Democrats demanded that Sessions recuse himself from the investigations and for Congress to name an independent special investigator to oversee a broad probe. "Given AG Sessions' false statements about contacts with Russian officials, we need a special counsel to investigate Trump associates' ties to Russia," said Democrat Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Washington Post reported late on Wednesday that Sessions formerly a senator who advised Trump's campaign on foreign policy and other issues met Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. Sessions, however, told his confirmation hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee on 10 January that he did not know of contacts between Trump campaign members and Russia. "I did not have communications with the Russians," he said under oath. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the Senate, called for Sessions to step down. "After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russian, the attorney general must resign," she said. Democrat Elijah Cummings of the House of Representative's Oversight Committee echoed that call in a statement. "When Senator Sessions testified under oath that 'I did not have communications with the Russians,' his statement was demonstrably false, yet he let it stand for weeks," Cummings said. Since Barack Obama's era is over and social media misses having a favorite president to swoon over, it's concentrating its energies on the dashing Canadian prime minister. Now, who else fits the bill better than Justin Trudeau? Well, a YOUNG Justin Trudeau. No surprises there. After the internet was done creating memes on Ivanka Trump "gazing" at Trudeau, we have pictures of the prime minister's early days resurfacing on social media. After having won hearts around the world, Trudeau's young pictures are now the internet's latest possession. Step aside young Biden. These photos prove young Justin Trudeau is who you should be hitting with a 1:37am "u up?" https://t.co/vCMiRNVTKE pic.twitter.com/q3UMWGkfje van Ross Katz (@evanrosskatz) February 28, 2017 Young Justin Trudeau could run me over with a semi and I'd say thank you pic.twitter.com/oVDwWuQEio Sarah Leckwatch (@SarahLeckwatch) February 28, 2017 you guys can have young joe biden i call young justin trudeau pic.twitter.com/Ca2Se1LgtQ rapunzel (@logicalpunk) February 26, 2017 good morning to everyone, especially young Justin Trudeau pic.twitter.com/huNoGXIknz Yodit Denu (@DenuIn_ItRight) February 26, 2017 Young Justin Trudeau could run me over with a semi and I'd say thank you pic.twitter.com/oVDwWuQEio Sarah Leckwatch (@SarahLeckwatch) February 28, 2017 But let's not objectify him, after all he is more than just a pretty face. At 43, Trudeau became the second youngest prime minister of Canada. Trudeau happened to be the first sitting prime minister to march the Toronto Pride Parade. As of 29 January, 2017, 40,081 Syrian refugees have been resettled under Trudeau's government. To reduce financial strain of the middle-class families and students, the Government of Canada increased taxes for the wealthiest 1 percent of Canadians to enable cuts for low-income families. As promised during his campaign, Trudeau made sure that his cabinet was gender-balanced. His appointed cabinet had just as many women as men. What's evident is that Trudeau has given us more than enough reasons to keep taking about him. Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data Brexit has been bad news for Gibraltar. There is no doubt that once the United Kingdom has left Europe, Spain will recover the right recognized in Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht to control or close access to the British Overseas Territory, which it was unable to do after Spain joined the European Union. David Cameron during his 2016 visit to Gibraltar. marcos moreno There have already been warnings about the restrictions that Spain could impose on Gibraltarians resident in Spain, as well as the repercussions on Gibraltar itself. The British government is aware of the problems, while the fact that 96% of the electorate in Gibraltar voted to remain indicates that people there are aware of the consequences of Brexit. It will take time for the United Kingdom to leave the EU, but it will happen Britains repeated promises that it will not hand Gibraltar over to another state or take part in sovereignty talks without its approval do nothing to change the reality of the situation. Gibraltars efforts to form a common front with Scotland to remain in the EU will come to nothing, due to its non-autonomous status, nor will its comparisons with Greenlands approach, which is the opposite of what Gibraltar wants. None of this can avoid the impact of the powers derived from the rights of the EU toward member states in relation to the successive phases of the withdrawal process: from the Council of Europe deciding on the scope of negotiations to its adopting the withdrawal text and even its ratification. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said that Gibraltar will leave the European Union with the United Kingdom, and that EU rules will cease to apply from that moment. But Spains recent joint-sovereignty proposal offers a new approach: Gibraltarians would be allowed to apply for Spanish nationality without giving up their British passports; the territory would have autonomy and its own tax regime within the confines of EU legislation, while the border fence would be removed. Spain and the United Kingdom would share responsibility for defense, foreign affairs, borders, immigration and asylum. Spain says this solution would allow Gibraltar to continue to benefit from access to the single market and the free movement of goods and people. Gibraltar will leave the EU with the United Kingdom When David Cameron negotiated a new regime for the United Kingdom within the EU, he described it as the best of both worlds, although the British were unable to appreciate it at the time. Post-Brexit, joint sovereignty offers Gibraltar its own version of the best of both worlds. Its first minister, who has already rejected it, will now have to explain to people there why he prefers to leave the EU rather than remain in it without having to give anything up, why he is turning his nose up at the offer of a privileged status for Gibraltarians, why he doesnt want to end an out-of-date colonial situation and why he doesnt want to take advantage of synergies with the Spanish-controlled Campo de Gibraltar, which in the past he has shown an interest in doing. Hiding behind the 2002 referendum that rejected a deal between the United Kingdom and Spain is not enough, given the change that Brexit will mean. It is no coincidence that the White Paper Theresa May has just presented limits itself to saying that the British government will continue to involve Gibraltar in its working groups, will commit itself to its interests when talks begin, and will strengthen links with it. It will take time for the United Kingdom to leave the EU, but it will happen. The people of Gibraltar will then face the crude reality of being a non-autonomous territory of a third state, with all the inconveniences and none of the current advantages. The 17th-century Spanish Jesuit writer Baltasar Gracian distinguished between those unable to see the truth because they were concerned only with fighting their corner, from those who prioritized reason over passion. Gibraltar is soon going to have to decide which of those two approaches best represents its interests. Paz Andres Saenz de Santa Maria is Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oviedo. This article has been updated at the authors request. English version by Nick Lyne. Serzh Sargsyan to diplomats: Your work is visible to us PRESIDENTS ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF DIPLOMATS DAY Distinguished Diplomats, I congratulate you on the occasion of Diplomats Day. This year marks an anniversary because 25 years ago, on this very day Armenia joined the United Nations Organization, thus fulfilling our nations cherished aspiration to become a full-fledged member of the international community. A quarter of a century ago, when Armenia had reappeared on the political map of the world, the link between our country and the outside world started to work first of all through our diplomats. It is no accident that this momentous day was declared and is celebrated traditionally as the Armenian Diplomats professional holiday. There can be no doubt that the protection of the interests of the independent Armenia, which has a millennia-long history, rich traditions and culture, and those of her citizens is a huge responsibility. One of the peculiarities of the diplomatic service is often the invisibility of your work. Be assured that your work is visible to us and deserves respect. Today too our country faces multiple challenges. In our efforts to withstand them, we anticipate and require much of you, our diplomats. Just like the Armenian troops on the borders, so are you abroad and as the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should not relax even for a moment, always ready to counter all encroachments against our statehood and national interests. The geopolitical realities around us have left their mark on our diplomatic service as well. Along with high professional requirements, maybe even more than in case of the diplomats of other countries, your work requires a boundless dedication and love for Fatherland. That is especially the case when you are representing a country which has to live under the conditions of war and blockade. Armenia is a peace-loving country. We, Armenians have always struggled for the right to live on the land of our ancestors, so we know all too well the value of a peaceful life. Diplomats carry their great share of responsibility in ensuring conditions for our countrys peaceful and sustainable development. I am confident that you understand that responsibility and are ready to carry it with honor. I have no doubt that you will continue to represent our country, our viewpoints and approaches at the proper level and will through your active engagement make them more audible and perceptible at the international platforms, that you will continue to bring your considerable contribution to the strengthening of our countrys external security. Distinguished Diplomats, I congratulate you once again on the occasion of Diplomats Day and wish you limitless energy to fulfill in its best the mission entrusted to you. I also wish you new achievements for the benefit and advancement of our Fatherland. You will now be able to receive much heavier files via attachments using Gmail. Google has doubled attachment limit for Gmail to 50MB, up from 25MB. Prior to this update, users had to reply on Google Drive to send and receive heavier files. Although the receiving attachment limit has been pumped to 5oMB, the sending size limits for attachment is still intact at 25MB. Attachment limits for other email clients like Outlook and Yahoo is 20MB and 25MB respectively. Just yesterday, Google released Meet by Hangouts video conferencing app aimed at businesses. Source Lenovo Mobile Business Group has appointed Sudhin Mathur as the Managing Director Motorola Mobility India Pvt Limited. He has been inducted as a full-time director on the Motorola Mobility Board in India and has taken over as MD, Motorola Mobility India. Sudhin will also continue to serve the role of Executive Director for Lenovo MBG India. He has been running the operations for Lenovo MBG in India since its inception in the country four years ago. Under his leadership, the brand notched the No. 2* position by both value and volume in this cluttered and competitive market, rising from the 31st position in the year it entered the market. Sudhin has over 20 years of experience in Business Management and Consumer Marketing in industries like Telecom, Services and Office Products. He played a similar role for LG mobiles as the Business Head for India, prior to joining Lenovo MBG in May 2013. Commenting on his appointment, Sudhin Mathur said, I am honored to lead the India business for Motorola Mobility, the pioneers of mobile technology in the world. In the last four years, we have established Lenovo Moto as the challenger brand in the country and I am excited to lead this business further as we define a new era of mobility. Zhuliang Ye, Vice President, Lenovo MBG APAC said, Sudhin has been a thought leader in the Indian smartphone industry. He brings enormous amount of experience and with his distinguished track record in his prior assignments as well as at Lenovo MBG, we are confident that Sudhin will take the business to greater heights as we challenge industry conventions and redefine the smartphone sector. FrieslandCampina Ingredients Were a team of passionate ingredient specialists who add goodness to the foods, beverages, and businesses that nourish the world. All around our planet, demand is growing for smart solutions to food and beverage challenges. People want their products to be pure, enriching, tasty, and above all, safe. Simply put, they want more goodness from what they consume. We believe that whats inside matters. And day after day, were driven to make it better. FrieslandCampina Ingredients operates worldwide with regional sales offices in the Netherlands, the United States, Singapore, China and Brazil. The Ingredients division reported combined sales of 1.7 billion in FY18. For additional information, please visit: www.frieslandcampinaingredients.com. FrieslandCampina Ingredients is part of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. The dairy company daily provides millions of consumers throughout the world with dairy products containing the valuable nutrients from milk. The annual turnover amounted to 11.6 billion euro in 2018. FrieslandCampina has locations in 34 countries and employs about 24,000 employees. The Central Office is based in the Netherlands. Were FrieslandCampina Ingredients, passionate about adding goodness to the foods, beverages, and businesses that nourish the world. Demand is growing for smart, sustainable solutions. Our people collaborate with a passion and focus that ensures every food and beverage solution for our customers is spot-on. We believe that whats inside matters. And day after day, were driven to make it better. INTERPOL denies Azerbaijani disinformation Statement by police In a circular sent out to the INTERPOL member states on March 1, 2017 the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) for Azerbaijan announced international search for a group of foreign and Armenian researchers who had carried out archaeological excavations in the territory on the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in 2016. The above-mentioned persons were announced wanted under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: * 116.0.8-3 (Infringement of norms of the international humanitarian right during confrontations: attack without military necessity on objects which are not in military purpose, clearly seen and distinctive, including especially protected historical, religious, educational objects, objects of art, scientific, charitable, medical objects or locations of patients and wounded persons); * 165.2.2 (Infringement of author's or adjacent rights on preliminary arrangement by group of persons and by organized group); * 183.2.1 (Plunder of subjects which have special value on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or by organized group)* * 183.2.2 (the same action, committed repeatedly); * 281.2 (Public appeals directed against the state committed repeatedly or by group of persons) and * 318.02 (Illegal crossing border of the Azerbaijan Republic committed on preliminary arrangement by group of persons or organized group either with application of violence or with threat of its application). Immediately after receiving the circulars, the National Central Bureau (NCB) for the Republic of Armenia provided the Interpol General Secretariat with necessary corroborations and clarifications, stating that the Azerbaijani side is once again trying to involve INTERPOL in politics and make it privy to political issues, which contradicts the 3rd Article of the organization's Constitution ("It is strictly forbidden for the Organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character") and threatens INTERPOL's reputation and good name. The General Secretariat, in its turn, basing upon the well-grounded information provided by the Police of the Republic of Armenia, immediately responded, sending out the Interpol member-countries an appropriate circular on the same day, in which it was said that the circulating information about declaring the above-mentioned persons as wanted contradicts article 3 of the Interpol's Constitution, therefore those persons can in no way be declared internationally wanted. 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 Yahoo's CEO Marissa Mayer won't be getting certain bonuses, according to a filing with the SEC on Wednesday, as the fallout from the massive security breach continues to roil the company. Last month Verizon was able to cut price tag for the tech-giant by $350 million because of that very same security breach. All of that is a reminder cyber security has significantly changed. The costs are huge. Dollars and cents in a merger or sale of a company pale in comparison to someones identity being stolen when they bought something at their local store or trusted their data to an insurer. Today, cyber security requires a new way of thinking. Too many times, in too many organizations, IT personnel have their hands full just maintaining the day-to-day operations of a companys infrastructure, let alone securing it. I know, because I have been that overworked and under-resourced IT person. The thought used to be if you spend a lot of money to build a bigger fortress, cyber criminals cant get in, but then Target was hacked. If you can be breached via an air conditioning vendor, then there is no fortress big enough to keep cyber criminals out. How can organizations win the fight against a growing, lucrative, incentive-driven industry that recruits more cyber hackers every day? Here is a new reality for effective cyber strategy. Determine your greatest digital assets. Of course, everyone would say, every piece of data is the most important piece of data! But it is not. Take the time to look at what your organization truly values and then judge the risks. If you assess what is most important, you will be able to make risk-based cyber security priorities. Think creatively and segment out your digital assets to make it as hard as possible for thieves to steal your all your data in one fell swoop, a tool we employed at the White House. Remove the low hanging fruit that incentivizes those who want to steal your data. Analyze the enemy. You cant defend against all levels of threat. They can range from massive armies of automated bots to organizations that spend a lot of time and money on sophisticated attacks. Where are your greatest threats coming from and how are they trying to attack? Are you learning from incidents suffered by your competitors and peers? Look alive. Many organizations are breached without even knowing it. The hackers penetrate deeper than they can even digest in real time. Its like carbon monoxide poisoning. Invisible and deadly. Do you have a way to be alerted if your organization was breached and how? Information is priceless in the PR battle to mitigate a crisis. Design a PR cyber incident fire drill. How and when you respond to your companys breach may determine the viability of your companys next move. Just ask Yahoo! or Target. As the drip, drip, drip of information came out, they lost confidence internally and externally and it was reflected in the headlines. Today, instead of writing a bigger check to build a bigger fortress, design an adversarial-based approach to protecting your organization. Find them before they find you. Max Everett is Managing Director of Cyber Operations for Fortalice Solutions. He has spent 20 years in IT infrastructure and cyber security leadership roles, including CIO at the White House in 2008. Oil prices fell more than 2 percent on Thursday after Russian crude production remained unchanged in February, showing weak compliance with a global deal to curb supply to tighten the oversupplied market. Russia's February oil output was unchanged from January at 11.11 million barrels per day (bpd), energy ministry data showed, with cuts remaining at 100,000 bpd or just a third of the levels pledged by Moscow under the agreement with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Brent futures ended the session $1.28, or 2.3 percent, lower at $55.08 per barrel and U.S. crude settled down $1.22, or 2.3 percent, at $52.61. A stronger dollar also weighed on green-back denominated oil, making it more expensive for buyers in other currencies. The dollar rose to seven week highs against a basket of currencies after hawkish comments by a Federal Reserve official encouraged investors to expect a near-term interest rate hike. The oil markets extended losses from Wednesday when government data showed crude inventories in the United States, the world's biggest oil consumer, rose for an eighth straight week to a record 520.2 million barrels last week. Oil prices, however, have been unusually stable since producers agreed in November to reduce the oversupply that has weighed on prices for more than two years, with both Brent and U.S. crude locked in $5 ranges. "I think oil is paying attention to risk markets at this point and not necessarily trading on its own news flow," said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management. "The CFTC data will tell you that there's very high conviction that OPEC is complying ... the question is what's the offset from U.S. producers and how much compliance you get from non-OPEC producers" Hedge Fund and money managers' bullish wagers on U.S. crude oil has soared to a record in the week to Feb. 21, data from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showed last week. Separately from its deal with Russia, OPEC has boosted already strong compliance with the group's six-month deal that began in January to around 94 percent, after it cut output for a second month in February, a Reuters survey found. "While constructive, we continue to view Saudi Arabia's willingness to sacrifice market share beyond its commitment to OPEC as more of a temporary sprint than a more sustainable effort," Tim Evans, Citi Futures' energy futures specialist, said in a note. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said it was too early to say if the deal to reduce oil production would be extended beyond the end of June. OPEC, Russia and others are due to agree on output policy in the next three months. "It is premature to talk of what we will discuss in April-May," Novak told Reuters in an interview. Novak forecast Brent crude would average between $55 and $60 a barrel this year, with Russia's flagship Urals crude oil blend probably trading $2-$3 a barrel below that. Federal law enforcement officials searched three facilities of heavy machinery manufacturer Caterpillar Inc on Thursday, prompting a sharp sell-off in the company's stock. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney Office for the Central District of Illinois, Sharon Paul, confirmed that federal law enforcement officials conducted searches at locations in Peoria, East Peoria and Morton, Illinois, but did not say why federal agents raided the three locations. Caterpillar, in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, said that the search may be related to an Internal Revenue Service investigation on profits earned by a Swiss subsidiary. It said that "while the warrant is broadly drafted, we believe the execution of this search warrant is regarding, among other things, export filings that relate to the CSARL matter first disclosed in Caterpillar's Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2015, and updated in Caterpillar's most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 15, 2017." Agencies involved in the search included the IRS' Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's Office of Export Enforcement, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s Office of Inspector General, Paul said. Officials at the agencies could not be reached for comment. Caterpillar shares fell 4.3 percent to close at $94.36 on the New York Stock Exchange after trading as low as $92.84. IRS SEEKS $2 BLN; CATERPILLAR CONTESTS Caterpillar is fighting an Internal Revenue Service demand that the company pay $2 billion in taxes and penalties for profits assigned to a Swiss parts distribution subsidiary, Caterpillar SARL, or CSARL, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That subsidiary was also the subject of a 2014 Senate committee report that concluded Caterpillar shifted billions in profits abroad and had $2.4 billion in taxes deferred or avoided from 2012. "As a result of those licensing and servicing agreements, over the next thirteen years from 2000 to 2012, Caterpillar shifted to CSARL in Switzerland taxable income from its non-U.S. parts sales totaling more than $8 billion, and deferred or avoided paying U.S. taxes totaling about $2.4 billion," the report said. Caterpillar, in its 2016 annual report, said it is "vigorously contesting" the IRS demand. "We believe that the relevant transactions complied with applicable tax laws and did not violate judicial doctrines," it stated. Caterpillar also disclosed in its report that it had received grand jury subpoenas from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois seeking documents and information related to the movement of cash among U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries, and the purchase and resale of replacement parts by Caterpillar Inc. and non-U.S. Caterpillar subsidiaries, including Caterpillar SARL. Caterpillar said it is cooperating with the investigation and did not believe it would have a material impact on its finances. The facility in Morton, according to the companys website, is responsible for receiving and shipping replacement parts to parts facilities and Caterpillar dealers worldwide. Seven people, all wearing dark colored jackets marked either IRS special agent or Police federal agents, entered the Caterpillar headquarters, according to a video posted by the Peoria Journal Star. Several of the agents were armed, while others were pulling large black roller bags as they entered the building. (http://player.tout.com/pjstar/kspupi) Caterpillar reported sales fell 18 percent in 2016 to $38.5 billion and since late 2015 it has shrunk its workforce by more than 16,000 employees and consolidated or closed 30 facilities. Caterpillar cut 12,300 jobs in 2016, including 7,700 in the United States. It said it was considering closing two more major production facilities, including one in Aurora, Illinois, and also announced it was moving its corporate headquarters from Peoria to Chicago this year. PSA Group and General Motors hope to announce the French carmaker's acquisition of Opel within days after narrowing differences on pension liabilities at GM's European division and other issues, sources told Reuters on Thursday. Talks are progressing well ahead of a PSA board meeting to be held before the tie-up can be unveiled, people close to the discussions said, adding the deal could be announced as soon as Monday, the eve of the Geneva car show. The talks are not concluded, the people cautioned, and there is still no guarantee a definitive deal can be reached, or that the PSA board will approve it. "Things are advancing as they should," said one source close to PSA. "There's a sense of confidence now." Spokespeople for PSA and Opel declined to comment. The two carmakers, which already share some technology and production in an existing European alliance, confirmed last month they were negotiating an outright acquisition of Opel and its British Vauxhall brand by Paris-based PSA, sparking widespread concern over possible job cuts. The first models jointly developed under their five year-old partnership will be on display at the Geneva show, which opens to the press on Tuesday. PSA Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said last week a full acquisition of Opel offered an "opportunity to create a European car champion" and quickly exceed 5 million annual vehicle sales. The French carmaker also expects savings of up to 2 billion euros ($2.1 billion) from the tie-up, sources have said. Difficulties soon emerged, however, over the future of a near-$10 billion Opel pensions deficit and demands by GM that the brand be barred from competing overseas under PSA ownership against its own Chevrolet lineup. Analysts including Alexis Albert at Barclays put GM's European pensions deficit between $8 billion and $10 billion, with Opel's German operations accounting for the lion's share and the British Vauxhall unit for $1.1 billion. The talks appeared to reach an impasse this week as GM demanded restrictions on Opel sales in China in return for covering part of the pensions hole, people with knowledge of the matter said. GM had also sought to limit its pensions contribution to $1-2 billion, one said. PSA signaled to GM that it could not do a deal in which it shouldered the bulk of the pensions deficit, several sources said. GM boss Mary Barra publicly sounded a circumspect note when asked about an Opel sale on Tuesday. "We've done a lot to improve the business but we're exploring opportunities to see if we can accelerate that even more because scale does matter in this business," Barra told reporters. The carmakers have since narrowed the gap on pensions and the so-called "non-compete" agreements sought by GM, the people said, although it remains unclear how or whether they have been resolved. "We are making progress every day," said another Paris-based source. In his public comments on Feb. 23, CEO Tavares said he saw export potential for the Opel brand under PSA ownership. However, much of the existing Opel lineup would remain dependent for years on technology and parts shared with other GM brands. Detroit-based GM has been pressing for a deal barring those legacy Opel models from markets including China, Russia and Latin America, sources have said. Tavares also told his board that PSA would rapidly redevelop the core Opel lineup with its own technologies to achieve swift cost savings, sources told Reuters last week. ($1 = 0.9517 euros) (Additional reporting by Pamela Barbaglia in London, Matthieu Protard in Paris and Arno Schuetze in Frankfurt; Editing by Mark Potter) One of the most legendary cars in Hollywood history may have been found after nearly 50 years. The 1968 classic Bullitt had two stars in it: Steve McQueen and his Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT. A more iconic on-screen duo there never was...for car lovers, at least. However, there were actually two Mustangs used during filming: one kept neat and tidy and another that did most of the dirty work during the movies groundbreaking chase scene. The pampered star car was preserved and sold three times over the years and is very privately owned today, while the stunt car was beaten up so badly by the end of production that it was sent to the wrecking yard. At least thats what most people thought happened to it, but a member of the Vintage Mustang Forum claims the car recently surfaced in Mexico. Its exact location undisclosed. FOR MORE CAR STORIES FOLLOW FOXNEWS.COM LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK Fede Garza posted photos of a Mustang that, in an ironic twist, was about to be converted into a replica of the Eleanor Mustang from the film Gone in 60 Seconds at his friends restoration shop. But when the owner of both the car and the business researched the vehicle identification number (VIN), he learned that he might have something special on his hands, which were shaking when he brought Garza the news. If authentic, the number is a match with the missing movie car. The vehicle also features other telltale features that it could be the real deal, including reinforced shock towers, a custom 9-inch rear axle, and holes in the trunk that are presumably there to accommodate a generator used to run the in-car camera lights. Garza says the Mustang had been rotting away in Baja California Sur for 20 or 30 years, its history heretofore unknown. Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works in El Mirage, Ariz., is one of the worlds top experts on classic Fords and owns the exclusive license to the production records of every car the company built from 1967 to 2012. It was a report from his company that tipped off the owner to the possible treasure he had, and Marti tells Fox News that hes heading to northern Mexico on Friday to validate the cars provenance in person. Although hes only seen photos so far, he says he's very optimistic that its legit. If Marti gives it his seal of approval, Garza says the plan is to display the car at a local Ford dealership and then send it north of the border for a proper restoration. The timing couldnt be better. Next year is the 50th anniversary of Bullitt, and a recent Ford promotional video staring Dwayne Johnson suggests that the automaker is working on a special edition of the current Mustang to mark the occasion. Automotive journalist Brad Bowling is one of the few people who knew the identity of the third buyer of the other Mustang, but says he passed away a few years ago. He always kept the car hidden away and once told Bowling that hed only show it publically if Ford built an official Mustang museum, but his heirs have been silent on the subject since his death, so that mystery continues. But if all goes well, and it doesnt turn out to be some elaborate hoax, the Mexican Mustang could be all fixed up and ready for its close up just in time to celebrate next year. Just dont expect to see it chasing that black Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco. The filmmakers may have considered the Mustang to be disposable, but its worth far too much today to end up in that ditch again. Alec Baldwin has a yuge announcement. The actor is taking his Saturday Night Live impersonation of President Donald Trump to the next level by writing an entire book with Kurt Anderson titled You Cant Spell America Without Me: The Really Tremendous Inside Story of My Fantastic First Year as President Donald J. Trump. The book is scheduled to be published in November, according to the New York Times. Anderson, currently the host of the public radio show Studio 360, is known as a founding editor of the now-defunct Spy magazine in the 1980s. There, Anderson coined a nickname for Trump, short-fingered vulgarian. I think its fair to say that Kurt will do most of the writing, Baldwin told the Times over email. We have that arrangement whereby he doesnt put on the wig, I dont open up a Word document. Baldwin will, however, narrate the audiobook as Trump, according to the Times. Trump has donned the Trump wig on SNL since the 42nd seasons premiere. His frequent appearances in almost every episode since then have elicited various insults from Trumps twitter account. Time to retire the boring and unfunny show, Trump tweeted about SNL in October. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Later, in December, Trump tweeted that the NBC show is unwatchable and has also called it a hit job. At one point in December, Baldwin offered to stop his impersonation if Trump released his tax returns. Penguin Press tweeted out the news about Baldwin and Andersons collaboration, writing, were so excited to publish [the book]. Jack Swagger has officially requested his release from the WWE. The pro wrestler said on the podcast "Beyond the Fight" that he's done with the wrestling company. "It's still kind of an ongoing process right now," Swagger told host Chael Sonnen Wednesday. "Basically, it came down to contract negotiations, and we were way off. They didn't value me at what I thought I was valued at." The two-time WWE Champion said it came down to a "business decision." FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX ENTERTAINMENT NEWS He added, "They werent giving me the opportunity to make the full amount of income I could for my family, so when you put it like that its time to go." Swagger admitted it was "very frustrating" to perform every night and "entertain these fans" and not get the salary he wanted. "We want to know were working towards something," he explained. Swagger may be done with the WWE, but he's not retiring from wrestling. The 34-year-old plans to continue his career in Mexico, the U.K. and Japan. He's even considering mixed martial arts. A rep for the WWE did not immediately return Fox News' request for comment. What Tom Brady told Gisele Epic After She Asked Him to Retire Tom Hanks sent an unexpected gift to the journalists working in the White House press room on Thursday. Steve Holland, who covers the White House for Reuters, tweeted, Thankx to @tomhanks for the new coffee machine for the schlubs in the WH press room. Holland included a photo of a brand new espresso machine. Thankx to @tomhanks for the new coffee machine for the schlubs in the WH press room. pic.twitter.com/DHVhowzd3L Steve Holland (@steveholland1) March 2, 2017 BRING TOM HANKS HOME In a follow-up tweet, Holland revealed that the gift also included a note from the 60-year-old actor, who is an outspoken critic of President Trump. To the White House Press Corps, it read. Keep up the good fit for Truth, Justice and the American Way. Here is the note @tomhanks sent with the coffee machine pic.twitter.com/vFo4m1OXxf Steve Holland (@steveholland1) March 2, 2017 Especially the Truth part, it finished. Tom Hanks. The note also included a cartoon drawing of American soldiers. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The cartoon was captioned, Fresh, spirited American troops, flushed with victory, are bringing in thousands of hungry, ragged, battle-weary prisoners." Hanks present comes amid growing animosity between the White House and the media. Last week, press secretary Sean Spicer prevented reporters from CNN, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Politico and Buzzfeed from attending a non-televised press briefing. Girl Scout Cookies season has arrived but instead of washing those Tagalongs and Samoas down with a glass of milk, consider a more adult beverage. At a Vacaville, Calif. location of The Brass Tap, patrons can enjoy a flight of craft beers paired with an array of Girl Scout cookies. With their distinctive chocolate and coconut flavor, Samoas apparently pair well with a lighter, fruity beer. The Brass Tap recommends New Glory's Mandarin Coconut Gose-- a tart and fresh wheat ale with just a hint of coconut. If you're a shortbread lover and can't get enough Trefoils, make sure to keep some Lagunitas Stoopid Wit nearby. "The wheat beer here is really light and a little bready," Vacaville's Brass Tap co-owner Danny Jackson told FOX 40. Of course, plenty of people can't resist the combination of chocolate and peanut butter so they go for Tagalongs. With that, Jackson recommends Track 7 Brewing Company's Nuckin Futz, a rich American porter that's brewed with peanut butter and smoked malts. Founded by Jeff Martin in Tampa, Florida in 2008, The Brass Tap is a craft beer bar with 60 taps and 200 varieties of local, national and international beers. In San Antonio, The Brass Tap is also offering a similar Girl Scout cookie pairing. More from FOX 40. Pizza Hut in Taiwan set off a wave of controversy after posting a Facebook advertisement offering killer deals on their food. The campaign ran ahead of a five-day observation of the February 28 incident in remembrance of a government uprising that came to a violent end when thousands were killed on Feb. 28, 1947. As many as 50,000 civilians were killed by then Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-shek. Pizza Hut's social media team decided to ask diners if they were "Ready to celebrate 2/28?" in an ad which first ran Thursday, reports Taiwan News. But the promo also had a line that referenced to its newly reduced pizza prices as killer. The most killer deal in Pizza Hut's history is on offer for a limited time only: For every takeaway large pizza you order online, we'll throw in two small pizzas and one 8-pc BBQ chicken for free," the chain said in the ad, according to China Post. Hurry and click to order. Enjoy the precious extended holiday with us a pizza in one hand and BBQ chicken in the other! FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Those who saw the ad, both in Taiwan and overseas, took to social media to vent their anger and shock. @pizzahut Taiwan Pizza Hut 'celebrating and promoting' on day of remembrance for the massacre of thousands in Taiwan is utterly disgusting. Sean Su (@taiwansu) February 28, 2017 After the ad went viral, the chain apologized and changed the wording to ask customers if they were simply Ready for the holiday? For some pregnant women, marijuana offers a welcome reprieve from the extreme morning (ahem, all day) sickness theyve been burdened with. For others, the habit continues while theyre carrying a little. Whatever the reason, 2017 research published in JAMA found that 3.9 percent of pregnant women have used pot in the past month a jump of 62 percent since 2002. So are more pregnant women really rolling up a joint? Im not entirely convinced they are, but now that its legal in 29 states and more socially acceptable, more women might feel comfortable admitting it, Katrina Mark, MD, an ob-gyn at the University of Maryland Medical Center, who wasnt involved in the study, told Fox News. And thats a good thing, other experts say. Doctors arent here to get you in trouble, Dr. Alison Cahill, division chief of maternal fetal medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told Fox News. Letting your doc know everything youre taking can help them get to the root of your problem and offer up solutions and its probably not pot. 6 FOODS YOU SHOULD AVOID DURING PREGNANCY Despite this, Amy Margolis, shareholder of Greenspoon Marder and director of the Oregon Cannabis PAC noted that theres no real evidence that pot in pregnancy is harmful. From a lawyer perspective, anything you ingest when youre pregnant you want to make sure its not harming your soon-to-be-born child, Margolis told Fox News. Its easy to say that putting anything in your body is dangerous, but I dont necessarily think thats the case, she said. It should be an issue between a woman and her doctor, and they should do a cost-benefit analysis to figure out whats right for them. And indeed, the science isnt so cut-and-dried across the board. For instance, research doesnt consistently suggest pot causes birth defects, low birth weight, or infant mortality, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But there are concerns about pot harming a fetuss rapidly growing brain, which can have effects on a childs growth and development as they age (poor attention, for instance). For that reason, ACOG suggests that women should stop smoking pot ideally before getting pregnant. One study Cahill co-authored in 2016 itself found that marijuana wasnt an independent risk factor in low birth rate or pre-term birth. Yet, she points out that only two outcomes were studied (cognitive development was not) and said just because a study didnt conclude something was harmful doesnt mean its safe. Those two ideas are not equal, she explained. (She, too, recommends women stop using before and during pregnancy.) MAN LEARNS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK OUT WHILE PREGNANT IN HILARIOUS VIDEO Besides, its pretty darn hard to prove it one way or the other. First of all, you cant ask a group of pregnant women to use and then see what happens. Not exactly ethical. And in studies its difficult to untangle it from other factors, like socioeconomic status, smoking, and using other drugs, Cahill noted. Being open with your doctor is key. If queasiness is hitting you like a ton of bricks, for instance, marijuana will probably help. Its really good at relieving nausea, said Mark, who has patients tell her it helps them feel normal again. Another paper in JAMA noted that women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum a condition of severe nausea and vomiting may be drawn to using marijuana in the first trimester. That said, rather than lighting up or indulging in a pot brownie, Mark will guide her patients toward medication known to be safe in pregnancy, like Diclegis. Some women feel like marijuana is more natural because it grows from the earth, but these medications have been well-studied, Mark said. If youve ever been to a public swimming pool, youre familiar with the stinging sensation of chlorine hitting your nostrils when you approach the water. Except thats not just chlorine its also urine, a new study suggests. The research, from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, found that the average swimming pool contains 75 liters of human pee proving true the commonly held belief that people relieve themselves underwater. Our study provides additional evidence that people are indeed urinating in public pools and hot tubs, said lead study author Lindsay Blackstock, a graduate student at the university, according to the Guardian. WHY YOU'RE GOING BALD AND HOW TO GET YOUR HAIR BACK Study authors sampled 31 pools and hot tubs in two Canadian cities, and measured the concentration of the artificial sweetener acesulframe potassium (ACE), which is commonly added in processed food and goes through the body unchanged. They found ACE present in 100 percent of the samples, the Guardian reported, with concentrations that reached up to 570 times the underlying level in tap water samples. Study authors used those concentrations to approximate the volume of urine in the average swimming pool. We did not monitor the number of pool users over the three-week time period ... so there is no way we could estimate the number of individual urination events per day, Blackstock told the news website. WHAT YOUR PAST HABITS MAY MEAN FOR YOUR FUTURE HEALTH Before the 2012 Olympics in London, U.S. Olympic swimmers Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps admitted that peeing in the pool is acceptable behavior. I think everybody pees in the pool, Phelps said. Chlorine kills it, so its not bad. Lochte said, I think theres just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Common or not, peeing in the pool isnt so harmless, research suggests. A study published in 2014 in Environmental Science & Technology, for example, found that when uric acid in human urine mixes with chlorine, a toxic compound called cyanogen chloride (CNCI) and trichloramine (NCl3) is formed, TIME reported. CNCI can harm the central nervous system, the lungs and the heart, while NCI3 has been associated with acute lung injury. LIVING WITH CHILDREN REALLY CAN AFFECT YOUR SLEEP IF YOU'RE A WOMAN Other research has found that compounds in urine can react with disinfectants to form byproducts called DBPs, which can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system, the Guardian reported. Chronic exposure to the compounds also has been associated with asthma in pool workers and professional swimmers, according to the website. We want to use this study to promote public education on appropriate swimming hygiene practices, said Blackstock, according to the Guardian. We should all be considerate of others and make sure to exit the pool to use the restroom when nature calls. President Donald Trumps address to the Joint Session of Congress Tuesday night perfectly expressed his vision of American greatness. The speech was dignified, unifying, nonpartisan, and clear. It was simply the best speech Trump has given either as a candidate or as president. Callista and I were guests of Speaker Paul Ryan and sat directly across the House Chamber from the first lady. Ironically, that meant we were on the Democratic side of the House. We watched as many of the Democrats filed in and sat in icy silence. But it was remarkable to watch as Trumps message gradually eroded some of their indifference. Trump opened his speech by reminding us of Black History Month, the viciousness of anti-Semitism and the tragedy of the recent racial violence in Kansas City, which left one Indian American dead and another Indian American injured along with a man who tried to stop the shooter. It was a powerful moment of great moral leadership and clearly surprised the Democrats. But it was when President Trump mentioned his plan to rebuild Americas infrastructure that the ice on the Democratic side really started to break. So many Democratic members represent poor districts with decaying infrastructure. President Trump grabbed their attention when he mentioned his plan to gather public and private support to build a trillion-dollars-worth of American infrastructure improvements. After watching their reaction Tuesday night, I think it is very likely he will get up to a third of the Democrats to vote for a Trump-inspired infrastructure bill. Finally, Trumps tribute to Carryn Owens, the widow of Navy Seal Ryan Owens, who was killed in action in January while on a mission in Yemen, was heartfelt and the most emotional moment of the evening. Everyone we could see was standing and applauding, and the president himself was leading the ovation which reportedly lasted a full two minutes. It was a poignant moment that rivaled anything we have seen since President Ronald Reagan was in office. One of the most impressive things about Trumps speech was it highlighted how much Trump has learned and grown in the short amount of time he has been president. This speech was more detailed, more eloquent, more inclusive, more focused, and more inviting than any speech he gave during the campaign. But the heart of the speech the core of his message was the same powerful set of proposals which enabled Trump to win the nomination, win the election and become president of the United States. His ideals are consistent, clear and powerful as seen in his acceptance speech in Cleveland, his great speech at Gettysburg in October where he outlined a contract with the American voter, his inaugural address, and now in this joint session speech. President Trump is a serious man focused on achieving serious results. As a historian, I was inspired by his reference to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It so captures the best of Trumpism I want to share it with you: "Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year. Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people. Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope. American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream. Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect. And streets where mothers are safe from fear schools where children learn in peace and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask. When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans. "This is our vision. This is our mission. But we can only get there together. We are one people, with one destiny. We all bleed the same blood. We all salute the same flag. And we are all made by the same God. And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began. "The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us. We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts. The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls. And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action. From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts. I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold, and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and believe in yourselves. Believe in your future. And believe, once more, in America." Tuesday night was a real step toward making American great again. Last week, President Donald Trump erupted with fury over a series of public revelations of private facts -- some top-secret and some office gossip -- that painted him and his White House in a bad light. The president ordered the FBI to investigate some of these so-called leaks and his own White House counsel to investigate others. There are numerous issues related to the leaking of government information. They include the leaking of classified information, the leaking of confidential communications and the publishing of leaked material. Here is the back story. It is a felony to reveal classified information to any person who lacks a classified clearance, as some in the intelligence community have recently done to embarrass, control, intimidate or infuriate the president. The National Security Agency employs over 60,000 domestic spies, but they work in compartmentalized areas. Thus, not all of them have access to all the data collected by all of their colleagues. Only about 100 spies have access to the top-secret data that was leaked about the president. When members of the intelligence community leaked lurid allegations about the future presidents alleged behavior in a Moscow hotel room, which he has vehemently denied, and when some leaked the partial transcripts of telephone conversations between retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and the Russian ambassador to the U.S. -- shortly before Flynn became the presidents national security adviser -- and when some leaked an intelligence report that contradicted the presidents publicly stated conclusions on the likelihood of dangerous people immigrating to the U.S. from the seven predominately Muslim countries named in the presidents now enjoined temporary travel ban, one can understand the presidential anger. And leaks are a two-sided coin. Adding to Trumps woes caused by too much revealing is the other side of that coin -- too much concealing. This comes into play when one has a duty to reveal. That duty arises from the legal obligation of spies to pass on to their superiors -- and ultimately to the president -- all of the material information they have acquired about Americas friends and enemies. Selectively concealing and revealing this type of intelligence data, thereby manipulating the presidential judgment, when one has a duty to reveal substantially all of it is a form of interference with a governmental function -- namely, the presidents exercise of his judgment -- and that is a felony. As if all this were not enough for a young presidency to deal with, Trump finds himself with a White House staff leaking to the press Oval Office gossip about confidential conversations from within the White House that the participants in those conversations had every reason to believe would not be made public. This resulted in the temporary seizure of government-issued cellphones held by a dozen or so staffers so their bosses could learn whether any had spoken to the press. The cellphones episode was itself leaked, apparently by a participant not happy with it. Whats going on here? These events are either the growing pains of a new presidential administration, still partially staffed by those loyal to former President Barack Obama, or the product of sinister forces from people attempting to exercise their own judgment about Americas foes by frustrating and manipulating the judgment of the president -- whom the voters elected to exercise the constitutional powers to make those judgment calls. The latter situation would be perilous, as it would mean we have unelected, unaccountable and unnamed people pulling the levers of power in the field of national security. The leaks of confidential communications from within the White House may be a pain in the neck for the president, but they are not criminal. And generally, a boss can look at an employees cellphone, as long as the employer of the boss and the employee owns the phone -- except when the employer is the government. The Fourth Amendment insulates government employees from governmental reach into its employees cellphones. Absent an employee's waiving his Fourth Amendment rights, the government may not seize work-related (governmental) or personal phones without a search warrant. Can the media publish these leaks? In a word, yes. The media may publish anything that is of material interest to the public, notwithstanding its level of secrecy or how it was acquired. The First Amendment -- which the courts have construed to treat the media as the eyes and ears of the public -- protects absolutely the publication by the media of leaked data, whether gossip or top-secret, that the public wants to hear. The courts have also ruled that everything about the president is of material public interest -- meaning no criminal or civil action can be taken against the media for the publication of any leaked materials that reflect on the president as a person or as a government official. When The New York Times published a probably stolen copy of Trumps tax returns, it did so with impunity. One can see why Trump rails against the press. Yet he has taken an oath to preserve, protect and defend the very constitutional principles that protect and liberate a free press from the anger of the government, no matter how well-grounded that anger may be. One of his predecessors who was savaged by the press, Thomas Jefferson, wrote that accountability and transparency in government are of such overriding value that hed prefer newspapers without a government to a government without newspapers. Talk about over the top! The overblown rhetoric accompanying calls for Attorney General Jeff Sessions resignation reveals that Thursdays brouhaha is driven by mere political grandstanding, not a real concern over unlawful behavior. Theres a reason for that: the total lack of evidence that any illegal behavior occurred. What sparked Thurdays folderol was a Washington Post report that General Sessions, while still a U.S. senator, met with the Russian ambassador last year. Twice. To characterize the first of these encounters as a meeting strains the meaning of the wordto the breaking point. But to claim that he lied when he did not reveal these meetings during his Senate nomination hearing is even more far-fetched. Review the record of that hearing with an eye toward context, and youll find that Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was clearly asking Sessions if he was aware of any meetings between Trump campaign staff or surrogates and Russian officials to discuss the election. Franken specifically cites a CNN story about a supposed continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trumps surrogates and intermediaries of the Russian government. Sen. Sessions answered that he was not aware of any of those activities. Noting that he himself had been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, he said that he had had no such communication with the Russians. Obviously, Sessions was talking about discussions concerning the election. So what are the two meetings that Sessions had? The first came at a conference on Global Partners in Diplomacy, where Sessions was the keynote speaker. Sponsored by the U.S. State Department, The Heritage Foundation, and several other organizations, it was held in Cleveland during the Republican National Convention. The conference was an educational program for ambassadors invited by the Obama State Department to observe the convention. The Obama State Department handled all of the coordination with ambassadors and their staff, of which there were about 100 at the conference. Apparently, after Sessions finished speaking, a small group of ambassadorsincluding the Russian ambassadorapproached the senator as he left the stage and thanked him for his remarks. Thats the first meeting. And its hardly an occasionmuch less a venuein when a conspiracy to interfere with the November election could be hatched. Sessions also apparently met with the Russian ambassador in September. But on that occasion, Sessions was acting as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, not as a surrogate for the Trump campaign. Thats why the meeting was held in his Senate office. His DOJ spokesperson, Sarah Isgur Flores, says they discussed relations between the two countries not the election. There was nothing unusual about this: Sessions met with more than two dozen ambassadors during 2016, including the Ukrainian ambassador the day before the meeting with the Russian ambassador. There is no reason for Attorney General Sessions to resign. The FBI has forwarded no investigation file regarding Russian campaign shenanigans to his office for review. It also must be pointed out that, liberal wishful-thinking to the contrary, there seems to be no evidence that the Russians actually interfered in the election. Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told The Washington Post in December that the department had found no evidence whatsoever that hackers attacked our voting systems on Election Day. The only interference that we know of was the hacking of the Democratic National Committees computer system. The emails purloined in that escapade embarrassed Democratic Party insiders by revealing that its claims of neutrality during the hotly contested Democratic primary were a total sham. While the DNC may have tipped the scales against Bernie Sanders, there was no actual cyber-interference in the voting process in 2016. UIC: Putins Visit to Central Asia and the Message to Belarus On February 27 to 28, President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited three countries of Central Asia, namely, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The Russian leaders visit was made against the background of escalation of problems in the EAEU and the CSTO, the two Eurasian integration programs. The aim of the visit was to mitigate the tensions in the Eurasian area and receive new guarantees of stability. Recently, the relations between EAEU member countries have been quite strained. At the beginning of February, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made scandalous statements, making a number of accusations and quite open threats against Moscow. At the same time, neither are Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan delighted with the bilateral economic relations. And in this context, the Eurasian Economic Union faces serious challenges and unity crisis. Central Asia Vladimir Putin started his tour of Central Asia from Kazakhstan, which together with Russia is considered the main initiator of the Eurasian economic integration. During the meeting with the leader of Kazakhstan Nazarbayev in Almaty, the parties assured that the bilateral relations are on an exemplary level and that everything is fine. Along with this, according to the official press release, the parties have specially addressed the EAEU issue. This implies that the wrinkles present in the economic union have been discussed during the talks and agreements have been reached on their settlement. After Kazakhstan, Putin travelled to Tajikistan. Here talks were held on bilateral relations, as well as joint telephone conversation was held between Russian and Tajik presidents and the President of Turkmenistan. Next, and most importantly, Putin visited Kyrgyzstan. As we have mentioned, this country is in real economic confrontation with its partner Kazakhstan. Thus, the coverage of Russian presidents visit and the statements made in Bishkek were more substantial and multilayered. From Bishkek to Belarus There are regular concerns expressed by Kyrgyzstan related to the EAEU and the Russian military base in the country. Note that Kyrgyzstan is considered the most democratic one among the post-Soviet countries of Central Asia in spite of the fact that one of the opposition leaders was arrested there on the eve of Putins visit. Putin made the following statement in Bishkek, If one day Kyrgyzstan says that they have strengthened their own Armed Forces to a degree when they will not need such a base anymore, we will leave immediately. In that way, he actually closed the topic, hinting that the aforementioned day is not close to arriving. According to Kremlins press service, a Protocol was signed in the presence of leaders of the two countries according to which Kyrgyzstan will be provided technical assistance within the framework of the process of joining the EAEU. Thus, it turns out that in its talks with Kyrgyzstan, Moscow is trying to eliminate the discontent and ensure loyalty that is in its interests. Even more noteworthy are Putins statements regarding the normalization of relations between Russia and Belarus. Russian president announced in Bishkek that he is sure that relations between Moscow and Minsk will be normalized and that he considers it fair that Belarus may be dissatisfied with some conditions. At the same time, Putin announced that Moscow will continue its support to Minsk, including supply of oil without customs duties. It was this dispute that had caused the extreme escalation in the relations between Russia and Belarus. In fact, with his Central Asian visits, Putin aimed to receive the loyalty of his EAEU partners and assure that everything is within the framework of EAEU integration, and, having major support on behalf of Astana and Bishkek, extend a hand of reconciliation to Minsk without losing face. In the end, the aim of Putins visit to the Central Asia was forgiving Minsk and calling it back to the team. Such developments in this structure once again show that EAEU is clearly guided by the carrot and stick approach, and the approach of demanding more. Creating a great shock inside the structure, the EAEU members are able to get the results they want and be forgiven. This should be an example for official Yerevan too, which has not expressed any serious concerns related to the EAEU though it is one of the sides that have suffered most from EAEU integration. Vahe Ghukasyan, Union of Informed Citizens Napoleon Bonaparte once said, from the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step. There is nothing sublime about Nancy Pelosi. Ridiculous, however, is an apt description. At a news conference Thursday, the former Speaker of the House denounced Attorney General Jeff Sessions as a liar, pronounced him guilty of perjury, and demanded his resignation. This comes just days after she erroneously accused the Trump White House of obstructing justice. Clearly, shes on a tear. Who knew the democratic leader, who is not a lawyer, was such an expert on the law? What did Sessions do to deserve her condemnation? By his account, he told the truth. When asked by Senator Al Franken during his confirmation hearing about a continuing exchange of information during the campaign between Trump surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government, Sessions responded as follows: Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. In a subsequent questionnaire issued by Senator Patrick Leahy, Sessions answered no when asked the following: Several of the President-elects nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day? As posed, the questions specifically ask Sessions about any exchange of information with the Russians pertaining to the presidential campaign and any discussion of the election itself. The attorney general insists he responded honestly. That is, he never spoke with a Russian official about either subject. In a statement, he said, I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Sessions says he had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors in 2016 as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Twice he spoke with the Russian Ambassador Sergey Kisylak. The first meeting occurred at a Heritage Foundation conference, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, entitled Global Partners in Diplomacy. Ambassadors were invited to converse with U.S. officials, including Sessions, about national security issues, trade and other foreign policy matters. Sessions insists he talked with Kishlak only in his capacity as a Senator and never about the campaign or election. He met with Kisylak two months later. Again, he maintains their conversation had nothing to do with electoral politics and everything to do with carrying out the functions of his job as a U.S. Senator serving on the Armed Services Committee. Someone might want to tell Pelosi that speaking with the Russian ambassador to the United States is neither exceptional nor incriminating. After all, Kisylak is stationed here. His job is to communicate with U.S. officials. Senators take meetings with foreign diplomats all the time. Case in point: Democratic Senator Claire McCaskell. After criticizing Sessions for meeting with the Russian ambassador and claiming she had never done so in her 10 years on the Armed Services Committee, it turns out that her own tweets betrayed her. The record shows she bragged on social media about two of her meetings with him. Dont be ashamed, Claire. It is not a crime to speak to a Russian. Importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that the attorney general has been untruthful. The only dishonesty comes from Pelosi who has deliberately misrepresented the known facts and defamed Sessions by branding him a liar. Pelosi is in desperate need of a primer on perjury. As a non-lawyer, she might want to take careful notes. Under federal law, 18 USC 1621, perjury is knowingly and willfully making a false statement under oath. It is as simple as that. You wont run out of ink writing it down. You dont need to be a great thinker to comprehend the plain meaning of the statute. If Sessions was acting in his capacity as a United State Senator and did not discuss the election campaign, then he did not commit perjury. In other words, his statements to the Judiciary Committee were truthful, not lies as Pelosi claims. Yet, armed with no evidence whatsoever, she has convicted Sessions without the benefit of a trial. Her accusations are not just baseless, given the known facts, but contemptible. Perhaps Nancy Pelosi is the one who should resign. For being irresponsible. For leveling reckless recriminations and slurs. Her only defense may be incompetence. It is the oft-used excuse of the Fool. Bellwether tries to stay ahead of the headlines. Heres one youre likely to see soon: Italians, legendarily well-fed, are fed up. And that might just mean voters turn to a former comedian, who is also a convicted criminal, to solve their problems. Like Greece, its neighbor across the Ionian Sea, Italy is unable some think unwilling -- to restrain its government spending. That has put it in conflict with the budget hawks in the European Union, of which both countries are members. Unless it abides by E.U. insistence that it reduce its deficit, Italy may not qualify for future financial support from Brussels, where the E.U. is headquartered. Its all the result of Italys heedless spending in years past. Unemployment is 12 percent. Health care is free. Tax evasion is legendary. Corruption is commonplace, as is organized crime. And while its economy is the third largest in Europe, state-backed banks have billions of dollars of outstanding loans that will never be repaid. That has frozen businesses, which cant borrow money to generate new economic growth. None of which makes the ruling left-of-center Democratic Party very popular. Barely clinging to power, the partys leader, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, is being challenged by two contenders even further to the left than he is. Renzi was shamed into resigning as prime minister last year after voters in a nationwide referendum rejected his plan to reform the constitution. The defection of his left-wing cohorts increases the possibility that the Democrats will throw the Italian equivalent of a Hail Mary, and force early elections this year. Like the Mafia, this is something Italians are used to: there have been more than 60 government turnovers since the end of World War II. The most likely beneficiary of early elections would be the Five Star Movement (M5S) an anti-establishment coalition founded in 2009 by a former television comedian, Beppe Grillo, whose rough language and bellicose speaking style bear resemblance to Donald Trumps to terrify mainstream politicians. P.S.: He also tweets. Grillo handed off leadership duties -- he was once convicted of manslaughter and is ineligible to serve in Parliament -- but is still the ideological soul of the Movement. That leaves him free to rail against corrupt government, the European Union, and the euro, which replaced Italys beloved lira as the countrys official currency. Though unlikely to get enough votes to form a government by itself, the Five Star Movement has caught the imagination of young Italians who are tired of their corrupt, inept and, to date, firmly ensconced political elite. An inveterate Twitter user, Grillo may have put his finger on the national pulse with one tweet just last week: Italians patience has a limit. An arrogant ruling class has tested that patience for decades. Italians may be ready to prove that political revenge is a dish best served cold. The man in the Oval Office has finally captured that most elusive of Washington spirits: a presidential tone. In his Tuesday speech to a joint session of Congress, President Trump offered optimism and hope. The dark vision of his inaugural address was gone, as were the personal insults and harsh attacks that routinely appear in his rallies and tweets. In their place were moments of grace, most especially when Mr. Trump introduced the widow of Navy SEAL Ryan Owens, promising that Americans will never forget her husband, who sacrificed his life Jan. 29 in Yemen on behalf of comrades and country. Absent, too, was the usual rush of stock phrases masquerading as policy. Instead, the president offered serious ideas in a steady, deliberate voice. Mr. Trumps speech did little to sway congressional Democrats, most of whom could barely bring themselves to stand when he entered the House chamber. But they were not Mr. Trumps target audience. He aimed his speech at those voters who reluctantly backed him or begrudgingly voted for Hillary Clinton, thinking as they did that America could do better. On Tuesday those voters were given hope that America just might be able to. To continue reading Karl Rove's column in the Wall Street Journal, click here. President Trump is expected to finalize a new travel order in the next few days, Vice President Pence said in an interview. Pence told CBS News Wednesday that the administration is putting the finishing touches on the new executive order. Trump has not laid out specific changes on the new plan, but The Associated Pressciting four U.S. officialsreported that the order will remove Iraq from the list of countries whose citizens face a temporary ban. Those predominately Muslim countries include Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The new order includes other changes as well. The officials said the 12-page document no longer singles out Syrian refugees for an indefinite ban and instead includes them as part of a general, 120-day suspension of new refugee admissions. The officials also said the order won't include any explicit exemption for religious minorities in the countries targeted by the travel ban. Critics had accused the administration of adding such language to help Christians get into the United States while excluding Muslims. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Fox News could not immediately confirm that Iraq was taken off the list. Trump signed his original executive order in late January. It sparked immediate confusion, panic and outrage as some travelers were detained in U.S. airports before being sent back overseas and others were barred from boarding flights at foreign airports. The government initially blocked U.S. green card holders before offering those legal residents special permission to come into the country. It finally decided the order didn't apply to them. The State Department provisionally revoked roughly 60,000 valid visas in all, before a federal judge in Washington state blocked the government from carrying out the ban. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision. Under the revised order, officials said, all existing visas will be honored. In his first address to a joint session of Congress, Trump on Tuesday evening defended his effort. "We will shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe and to keep out those who would do us harm," he said. After Trump signed the original order, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi refuted the ban and said he would consider reciprocal measures. Many Iraqi lawmakers urged the government to ban Americans from Iraq in response, despite the potential effects that might have on the anti-IS fight. Al-Abadi then met with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Baghdad this month and underscored the U.S.-Iraqi partnership. And Mattis walked back comments made by Trump, suggesting that Americans could get another chance to seize Iraqi oil as compensation for its military efforts there. "We're not in Iraq to seize anybody's oil," Mattis told reporters on that trip. Al-Abadi also met with Vice President Pence in Munich earlier this month, where the two publicly discussed ways of strengthening cooperation. The Associated Press contributed to this report In the final hours of Barack Obama's presidency, some White House officials reportedly raced to spread and preserve information about possible communications between associates of then-candidate Donald Trump and Russians. The New York Times, citing former American officials, reported that these officials were concerned that the information they were gaining on the Russian meddling in the election and the possible campaign contact could be compromised with the new administration, and they wanted to set up any future investigation with the information. According to The Times, after Obama asked for an investigation into Russian tampering into the elections, officials found some "damning" evidence. A former intelligence official confirmed to Fox News that the Obama administration was determined to keep the Russian issue alive and data on Moscow's election interference was circulated broadly. The usual intelligence practice is to circulate assessments privately, but such was the gravity of Russia's actions that there were two versions - one for the public to digest and the other classified, the former official said. The New York Times reported that intelligence agencies pushed forward as much raw intelligence they could analyze. The intelligence reports were also reportedly labeled a low classification level, so they would be accessible to more government workers and some European allies. The Obama officials reportedly wanted to make sure that as many individuals with the proper clearances could see the intelligence. One of the tactics reportedly used was that officials asked pointed questions during intelligence briefings. The report said the answers to those questions are archived. Congressional staffers have said they are unaware of any evidence that materials related to Russia are not being preserved. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said last week: "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved." The Times report was released the same day that allegations emerged that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with Russias ambassador to the U.S. during last years presidential campaign. The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. investigators had examined contacts between Sessions and Russian officials and that the Justice Department was "wringing its hands" about how to proceed in the matter. The Journal also reported that Sessions did not know that his communications were under investigation. Reports about the meetings appeared to contradict a statement Sessions made during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general. Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., how he would respond "if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign."When contacted by Fox News late Wednesday, Sessions said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Earlier this year, the FBI interviewed Michael Flynn, then Trump's national security adviser, about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. after the election. Flynn was fired after it was revealed that he misled Vice President Pence and other White House officials about the nature of his discussions with the envoy. Trump, for his part, has denied that his campaign had any contact with Russian officials. The Times report pointed out that Trump has accused Obama officials with playing up the Russia story. The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election, Sean Spicer, the current White House spokesman, said, according to The Times. There continues to be no there, there. The intelligence community has assessed that Russia's hacking of Democratic groups and operatives was carried out to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election. The White House's top ethics attorney said Wednesday that Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway "acted inadvertently" and "without nefarious motive" when she urged viewers to buy items from Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a Fox News interview. Stefan Passantino, deputy counsel to the president on compliance and ethics, wrote in a letter to the Office of Government Ethics that he had met with Conway and resolved the matter. Conway made the remarks in a Feb. 9 interview on "Fox & Friends," during which she reacted to reports that Nordstrom had pulled the Trump daughter's line from their stores. "Go buy Ivankas stuff Its a wonderful line, I own some of it," Conway said while standing in the White House briefing room. "Im going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online." Administration employees are subject to rules that prohibit them from using their official position to endorse products or services. The Office of Government Ethics recommended that the White House investigate Conway the following week. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said at the time that Conway had been "counseled" about her remarks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Several senators on both sides of the aisle rushed to back Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday as he sought to blunt resignation calls from senior Democrats, following revelations he met last year with Russia's ambassador a detail omitted from recent congressional testimony. His defenders say such meetings between senators and diplomats were routine. And Sessions even got an inadvertent boost from Democratic Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, who in demanding the AG's resignation initially claimed she never called or met with Russia's ambassador -- only for tweets to surface indicating she had, at least twice. Other former colleagues intentionally came to Sessions' defense, backing the former Alabama senator's claim he only met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in his official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ive met with the Russian ambassador with a group, in my capacity, with a group of other senators, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., told CNN. Thats in my official capacity. Thats nothing. Thats my job. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said in a statement that hed talked to at least twenty ambassadors in the last six weeks. It would have been very normal for Sessions, as a senator, to have talked to the Russian ambassador without discussing the election, Blunt said. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on MSNBC that hed met with six ambassadors in the last five months. Though he hadnt met with Kislyak, Cruz said he would do so without reservations. The statements of support came as other lawmakers -- including the two top-ranking Democrats, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer -- demanded Sessions' resignation. The calls came in the wake of The Washington Post first reporting that Sessions met with Kislyak in July and September, despite testimony during his confirmation hearing that he had never spoken with Russian officials during the time he was a campaign surrogate for then-GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. Sessions is maintaining he never discussed campaign matters with the Russian ambassador, and the White House has backed him. Sessions, while an Alabama senator, in fact met often with ambassadors from a variety of countries, according to a schedule provided to Fox News by a Department of Justice spokesperson. From April 14 through Nov. 11, Sessions had 30 meetings with ambassadors, including four with the ambassador for Great Britain. The day before then-Sen. Sessions met with Kislyak on Sept. 8, he took a meeting with Ukraine Ambassador Valeriy Chaly. Though its unclear what was discussed, the back-to-back meetings occurred a week before Russia accepted a unilateral ceasefire plan in Ukraine on behalf of the separatist rebels it backs there. Seeking to drive a stake into Sessions defense, however, McCaskill tweeted Thursday she had been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years. No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com. Except, thats not quite true. In a pair of tweets first unearthed by National Reviews Charles C.W. Cooke, McCaskill twice wrote messages about meetings with Kislyak, in 2013 and 2015. Off to meeting w/Russian Ambassador. Upset about the arbitrary/cruel decision to end all U.S. adoptions, even those in process, McCaskill tweeted on Jan. 30, 2013. On Aug. 6, 2015, McCaskill wrote: Today calls with British, Russian, and German ambassadors re: Iran deal. #doingmyhomework. Today calls with British, Russian, and German Ambassadors re: Iran deal. #doingmyhomework Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) August 6, 2015 McCaskill later blamed Twitter's character limit for the seeming disparity in her tweets, suggesting the limit prevented her from being more specific in Thursday's tweet. She downplayed the significance of her own conversations with Russia's ambassador. The Senate on Thursday confirmed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the next energy secretary, as lawmakers stepped up the pace of filling President Trump's Cabinet. The Senate confirmed Perry on a 62-37 vote following a brief floor debate. Earlier in the day, the Senate also confirmed retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson for housing secretary. Eleven Democrats supported Perry in the final vote, including Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Mark Warner of Virginia, Tom Carper of Delaware and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Perry, who served three-and-a-half terms as governor of Texas, brings extensive experience in energy development, yet his critics noted little background in dealing with the maintenance of nuclear weapons, one of the departments primary responsibilities. Perrys failure to remember during a 2011 GOP presidential primary debate that he wanted to eliminate the Energy Department sank his presidential prospects that cycle, but did not factor heavily into his confirmation process. "My past statements made over five years ago about abolishing the Department of Energy do not reflect my current thinking," Perry said in January during his Senate hearing. The votes for Perry and Carson, both Trump rivals during the 2016 GOP presidential primary contest, bring the president close to having a full Cabinet after the confirmation process for weeks was held up amid Democratic pushback. On Wednesday, former Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke easily won confirmation to be secretary of the Interior Department by a 68-31 vote. Carson also faced little opposition, clearing the full Senate by a 58-41 vote earlier Thursday. Two more nominees, for labor and agriculture, await confirmation hearings and neither is expected to elicit much opposition. In the wake of controversy over the hiring of an illegal immigrant, fast-food executive Andrew Puzder withdrew his nomination to be Labor Department secretary and was replaced by Alexander Acosta, the current dean of Florida International University law school. Sonny Perdue, the former Republican governor of Georgia, is Trumps pick to oversee the Agriculture Department. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets since Donald Trump won the presidential election. But a majority of voters would tell protesters: its time to move on. Thats according to a Fox News Poll of registered voters released Thursday. The poll asks, What message would you like to send to people who are protesting President Trump and his policies? Over half, 53 percent, would tell them its time to move on, while 44 percent would implore them dont give up the fight. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL FOX NEWS POLL. Not surprisingly, these results are highly partisan. Fully 81 percent of Democrats want the protesters to keep fighting, while even more Republicans (87 percent) say its time to move on. Some of the most widely publicized protests center on women, who voted for Hillary Clinton over Trump by a 13-point margin (54-41 percent), according to the Fox News exit poll. Those rallies include the Womens March the day after President Trump was inaugurated and next Wednesdays, A Day Without A Woman strike. However, women are split on protesting Trump: 49 percent would tell protesters to move on and 48 percent would say dont give up. That divide comes from 83 percent of Democratic women falling in the keep fighting column, while 88 percent of Republican women feel the opposite. By a 57-38 percent margin, men say its time to move on. Men backed Trump in the election by an 11-point margin (52-41 percent). Overall, about one in seven voters (14 percent) say theyve taken part in a protest or demonstration since the election. More voters have taken action in other ways. One in three has contacted a public official (33 percent) and about one in five has contributed money to a political cause or candidate (22 percent) since the election. About three in ten Democrats (29 percent) and those backing Clinton (31 percent) have participated in a protest versus hardly any Republicans (2 percent) or Trump voters (1 percent). Democrats are about twice as likely (30 percent) as Republicans (15 percent) and independents (17 percent) to have made a political contribution. Similarly, 43 percent of Democrats report contacting a public official compared to about one-quarter of Republicans (24 percent) and independents (26 percent). The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,013 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from February 11-13, 2017. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters. Former President Obama is getting ready to jump back into the political pool, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday. Holder said he has been talking with Obama about different ways to help the new National Democratic Redistricting Committee, according to Politico. Obama asked Holder to be chairman of the group last year. He's ready to roll, Holder told reporters at a briefing. Obama and other top Democrats are focusing efforts on state-level races and ending the reconfiguring of voting districts through the politically-laded process known as gerrymandering a combined effort to end Trump-ism and help their party regain control of Congress and legislatures across the country. Politico reported that the group seeks to direct resources into winning certain state elections, push ballot initiatives for nonpartisan district-drawing commissions and wage legal wars to existing maps. By accomplishing their goals, the group hopes it would put Democrats at a better advantage in state legislatures and the House of Representatives. Obama indicated before leaving the White House last fall that his short-term, post-presidency focus will be on General Assembly races and redistricting after the 2020 Census. Voting districts are redrawn after a federal Census to reflect the changes in population and other demographic. Much of the redistricting across the country is done by the political party that controls the state legislature. Marc Elias, a top election lawyer advising the group, said they expect states to file new lawsuits to change the districting maps and are guiding states on where they could see legal victories. Holder said the fight will be more difficult with Jeff Sessions running the Justice Department. He added that the decision to throw out a challenge to voter laws in Texas was disheartening. This is really a battle for our democracy, Holder said. The notion that people are denied their ability to cast a meaningful vote is inconsistent with who we say we are, inconsistent with what we say our democracy is about. Fox News Joseph Weber contributed to this report. Click for more from Politico. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke arrived on horseback for his first day of work Thursday. Zinke joined the U.S. Park Police at their stables on the National Mall and then rode a 17-year-old Irish sport horse named Tonto to the Interior Department headquarters. Nine other park police on horseback accompanied the former Montana congressman and Navy SEAL. BSEE is pleased to welcome the new Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. "Lets get to work!" pic.twitter.com/520TMPxslr BSEE (@BSEEgov) March 2, 2017 Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said: "Secretary Zinke was proud to accept an invitation by the U.S. Park Police to stand shoulder to shoulder with their officers on his first day at Interior." Zinke posted photos on social media. At the department, he was greeted by hundreds of federal workers, including an Office of Indian Affairs employee from the Northern Cheyenne tribe from Montana who played an honor song on a hand drum. In late February, Russian media reported that the country signed an agreement to sell a number of Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates and help the Gulf state develop a next-generation fighter that could enter service in seven or eight years. News of the deal between the Kremlin and the UAE came amid murmurs that Moscow is close to capping off a similar deal to send 10 Flanker-E jets to Indonesia and that Russia is slated to send a second batch of the same warplanes to China. These deals -- and similar ones across the globe highlight the government of Russian President Vladimir Putins growing use of the Eurasian nations defense industry as a diplomatic tool on the world stage and one that appears bent on currying favor among countries with longstanding ties to the United States. One of Russias majors goals is to reassert itself as a major global power, Hannah Thoburn, a research fellow at Washington, D.C.-based think tank the Hudson Institute, told Fox News. That means returning back to what it used to do during the days of the Soviet Union and doing things like this. Besides being one of the countrys largest employers and huge economic driver Putin claims that Russia exported $4.6 billion in weapons and military equipment in 2016 and has a contract portfolio worth more than $50 billion experts argue that the defense industry has played a crucial role in Kremlin polices in regions less hospitable to U.S. influence. With the exception of Ukraine and the Baltic states, there is no region in the world that Russia in recent years has asserted more influence over than the Middle East. Given U.S. reticence under former President Barack Obama to become involved in the conflict, Russias influence has been most strongly felt in Syria, where it maintains roughly 36 fighter jets and helicopter gunships to aid President Bashar al-Assads forces in the nations ongoing civil war. The lack of U.S. action in the war-torn nation -- and its diminishing troop presence in places like Iraq -- appears to have emboldened Russia to begin reaching out to the regions more U.S.-friendly governments. When the U.S. didnt do anything in Syria, it let Russia take the lead and now Russia is pursuing relations with other nations in the region, Thoburn said. This isnt the first time the UAE has shown an interest in Russian weaponry. Its army uses the Russian BMP-3 armored fighting vehicle and the country looked into buying Sukhoi Su-27M jets during the mid-1990s. But coming at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow, the agreement to send the warplanes to the Arab nation is seen as a particularly bold move given that the Emirati have been one of the U.S.' closest allies since the countrys 1971 founding. The U.S. was the third country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE and has had an ambassador there since 1974. The two nations have maintained a close security cooperation that increased dramatically during the first Gulf War. Currently, the U.S. Air Force bases its Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors there for operations over Syria, and the UAE is using the most advanced version of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. Despite these ties, the U.S. has so far denied the UAE access to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II or any of the countrys other so-called fifth generation fighter jets something government officials in the UAE have shown an interest in for several years and aviation industry insiders say this has led the Arab nation to look toward Russia for better or worse. The UAE also has ambitions to develop its national defense aerospace industrial base, Douglas Barrie, the senior aerospace fellow at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Aviation Week. But partnership in a Russian project is arguably not necessarily the best way to achieve this. An alternative view might be that the move is about trying to gain leverage on the U.S. as to when and how much access the UAE might eventually get to the F-35, Barrie added. Lockheed Martins F-35 and F-22, along with Russias PAK FA and Chinas J-20 and FC-31, are all known as fifth-generation fighters, which are defined by heaving stealth technology, high maneuverability, advanced avionics, networked data fusion from sensors and avionics and multirole capabilities. Some nations also define a fifth-generation fighter jet as being able to cruise at supersonic speeds without the use of an afterburner. As of 2017, only the U.S. has these planes currently in active service, although Chinas J-30 is in initial production. Analysts say that the U.S.' reluctance to sell the F-35 to the UAE or any other Middle Eastern nation is based in part on the volatility of the regions governments and in part on Washingtons close ties with Israel. The Israeli lobby in the U.S. strongly influences sales of aircraft in the region and the government usually makes military gear available to their counterparts in Tel Aviv first. It took five years for Saudi Arabia to obtain an F-15 Eagle after Israel received them. Observers, however, say that despite the announced deal between Russia and the UAE nothing is set in stone. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis recently met with senior UAE government officials to discuss bilateral defense ties. There is also widespread speculation that President Trump could be more willing to share the countrys military might than his predecessor. Furthermore, Russia has been known in the past to pull out of military deals with little notice. This also, however, isnt the first time that Russia has used its defense industry in an attempt to drive a wedge between the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. waits for other nations to come to them and propose a deal, Thoburn said. Russia takes a much more proactive approach with its defense industry in regards to building its political influence. At the height of the 2013 controversy over allegations that the NSA monitored communications between former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and her aides, Russian officials traveled to Brasilia to convince the South American nation to consider a bid for its Sukhoi T-50 fighter jet. At the time, Boeing had made a $4 billion proposal to supply Brazil with F-18 fighter jets. In the end, Brazil eventually placed an order with Sweden's Saab for 36 Gripen NG jets at a cost of $4.5 billion. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told Fox News' "The First 100 Days" that he hopes to see action on legislation to repeal and replace ObamaCare "within the next month to six weeks." McConnell told host Martha MacCallum that the details of any new health care legislation would be agreed upon by himself, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and President Donald Trump. KEY REPUBLICAN WOULD VOTE AGAINST GOP'S OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT "We won the election, and with winning the election comes a responsibility to produce results," McConnell said. "And we feel that ObamaCare is a disaster and needs to be changed." McConnell also addressed the raft of tumultuous protests at two halls held by congressional Republicans that have coalesced around support of ObamaCare. "Protests in America are as American as apple pie, so Im not agitated about it," McConnell said. "I dont care whether they were organized or not organized, they have a right to do what theyre doing. They dont like this new administration. What they all have in common is not a single one of them voted for people like Donald Trump or Mitch McConnell and thats OK." Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was evicted from his Florida office due to the weekly protests that have occurred outside the building. Jude Williams, the president of Americas Capital Partners and the owner of the nine-story building in Tampa, notified Rubios office on Feb. 1 that it will not renew the lease. He said the rallies have become too disruptive to the other tenants and a costly security expense for the company. "A professional office building is not a place for that," Williams told the Tampa Bay Times. I understand their cause, but at the end of the day it was a security concern for us. Rubios office said it was looking for a new office space. The newspaper reported that Rubios lease expired in December and the office has been working on a month-to-month basis. Now, they have until Friday to leave the building and they do not have a new location in place. "We are actively looking for new office space, and our goal is to remain accessible and continue providing prompt and efficient service to all Floridians," Christina Mandreucci, a Rubio spokeswoman, said in a statement to the Tampa Bay Times. Several groups who oppose President Trump's agenda have gathered at least once a week at the building, lining up on the sidewalk to wave signs and shout messages. Rubio's seven statewide offices have been lightning rods for demonstrations. Gatherings in front of the Tampa office have surpassed 150 people. Williams said several of the buildings 21 tenants have complained about the protests. The demonstrations have blocked entranceways and have workers fearing for their safety. "It's not political," he added. "It's for no other reason than good office management. Our duty is to keep a good peaceful office building environment for our tenants and that's not what they bargained for." Rubio has other offices in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee and Palm Beach The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from the Tampa Bay Times. Ryan Gaydos is a news editor for Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @RyanGaydos. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday he will recuse himself from any existing or future investigations regarding the 2016 presidential campaign, responding to bipartisan pressure to step aside from a probe into Moscow meddling amid revelations he spoke twice with Russias ambassador and didnt disclose it to Congress. In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Sessions pushed back forcefully, however, on allegations he misled lawmakers. Though he testified during his confirmation hearing that he had no communications with Russia during the campaign, when he was a top surrogate for then-candidate Donald Trump, Sessions defended his answer as honest and correct. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, he said. Sessions said he did not intend to mislead anyone, suggesting he was referring in that hearing only to discussions about the campaign. Still, Sessions said he would write to the Senate Judiciary Committee to explain this testimony for the record. "Jeff Sessions is an honest man," Trump said in a statement released late Thursday. "He did not say anything wrong. He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional. This whole narrative is a way of saving face for Democrats losing an election that everyone thought they were supposed to win." The nations top law enforcement officer also answered growing calls to recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign. He said hes been meeting with Justice officials for weeks about the possibility and has made his conclusion: I have recused myself in the matters that deal with the Trump campaign. In a written statement and at the press conference, Sessions made clear he wasnt confirming the existence of any investigation. His written statement said: Acting Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Dane Boente shall act as and perform the functions of the Attorney General with respect to any matters from which I have recused myself to the extent they exist. The press conference amounted to Sessions first public effort to calm the political firestorm that erupted overnight though by the time Sessions addressed reporters, several top Democrats already were demanding his resignation. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., went so far as to say he had lied to Congress, and repeated her resignation demand after the press conference. Sessions narrow recusal and his sorry attempt to explain away his perjury are totally inadequate, Pelosi said in a statement. Attorney General Sessions lies to the Senate and to the American people make him unfit to serve as the chief law enforcement officer of our country. He must resign immediately. Many Republicans jumped to Sessions defense, saying Democrats were engaged in political theater and describing Sessions meetings as routine, since he was a senator at the time. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said in a statement that hed talked to at least twenty ambassadors in the last six weeks. But Republicans including House oversight committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said earlier he should still recuse himself from the DOJ probe. For Sessions detractors, the central problem was his testimony to the Senate during his confirmation hearing. Asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., at that hearing what hed do with evidence that anyone tied to the campaign communicated with Russia last year, Sessions said: I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer defended Sessions, telling Fox & Friends he was 100 percent straight with the committee and Democrats were playing politics. Spicer said Sessions was referring to discussions in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate. Earlier Thursday afternoon, President Trump said he has total confidence in Sessions, though he said he was not aware of the AGs meetings. The Washington Post first reported that Sessions spoke twice last year with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. One discussion, in July, was described as involving a group of ambassadors after a Heritage Foundation event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. Kislyak was part of a small group of diplomats who approached Sessions and spoke with him. A subsequent meeting was held in September in the senators office. Justice officials said Sessions met with ambassadors in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sessions, at his press conference, offered a few details about the September meeting. He said they talked a little bit about terrorism as well as Ukraine, at which point it got a bit testy. According to a schedule provided to Fox News, Sessions had 30 meetings with numerous ambassadors from April 14 through Nov. 11. Russia appears on the schedule only once the Sept. 8 meeting with Kislyak. The day before, Sessions also took a meeting with Ukraine Ambassador Valeriy Chaly. But for Democrats, the revelations of any Russia discussions only served to fuel long-running accusations that Trump-tied officials have sought to conceal past contacts with Moscow. Earlier this month, Michael Flynn resigned as national security adviser amid accusations he misled Vice President Pence and others over his contact with the Russian ambassador. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday that Sessions should resign for the good of the country. After the press conference, Schumer said Sessions is right to recuse himself, but the fact is he should have done so the moment he was sworn in. He added, This episode has echoes of General Flynn's firing and continues a troubling pattern with this administration. They only do the right thing when they are caught doing the wrong thing. The administration didn't fire General Flynn until he was caught lying and the Attorney General didn't recuse himself until he was caught misleading Congress. Schumer said Boente should now appoint a special prosecutor. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reportedly had two conversations with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. during last year's presidential campaign, while Sessions was still a senator. News of the conversations were first reported by The Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. investigators had examined contacts between Sessions and Russian officials and that the Justice Department was "wringing its hands" about how to proceed in the matter. The Journal reported that Sessions did not know that his communications were under investigation. When contacted by Fox News late Wednesday, Sessions said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." A White House statement said the story was "the latest attack against the Trump Administration by partisan Democrats." The Justice Department said late Wednesday that one of the discussions between Sessions and Sergey Kislyak was an office visit that occurred in Sessions' capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The second conversation took place in a group setting with other ambassadors following a Heritage Foundation speech. Reports about the meetings appeared to contradict a statement Sessions made during his confirmation hearing in January. Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., how he would respond "if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign." Im not aware of any of those activities, answered Sessions, one of Trumps earliest and most prominent supporters during the campaign. I have been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. The Justice Department said Wednesday that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about [Sessions'] answer [to Franken]. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign--not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee." Sessions had meetings last year with more than 25 foreign ambassadors, the Department said. The disclosure caused renewed calls for Sessions to step aside from an ongoing FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. In a statement, Franken said he was troubled that Sessions' response to his question was "at best, misleading." He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. "It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately," Franken said. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence said that if the reports were true, "it is essential that [Sessions] recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians. "This is not even a close call," Schiff added, "it is a must." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., went a step further and called on Sessions to resign for "lying under oath." "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign," Pelosi said in a statement. "There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians." Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., referred to Sessions as "my dear friend" in a CNN town hall Wednesday with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., but also noted, "If theres something there that the FBI believes is criminal in nature, then for sure you need a special prosecutor." The White House has already acknowledged that Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, misled top officials about the nature of his contacts with Kislyak. Flynn initially told Vice President Mike Pence and other Trump advisers that he did not discuss sanctions with the envoy during the transition, though it was later revealed that he did. When Sessions was asked this week if he would recuse himself from the investigation of ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow, he said, "I would recuse myself on anything that I think I should recuse myself on. That's all I can tell you." Fox News' Matthew Dean and the Associated Press contributed to this report. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer gave full backing to Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday amid criticism over the former senator's newly revealed conversations with the Russian ambassador, telling Fox News he was 100 percent straight about his actions. Several Democrats are seeking Sessions' resignation, claiming he misled Congress by testifying in his confirmation hearing that he had no "communications" with Russia. But Spicer, speaking with "Fox & Friends'" Abby Huntsman, backed Sessions' claims that he met with the diplomat in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee -- and suggested there was no intent to mislead Congress. Well I think Senator Sessions did his job. He was asked very pointedly whether or not there had been any contact with the Trump campaign in the capacity of him being a surrogate. There was not. He was 100 percent straight with the committee. The Washington Post first reported that Sessions spoke twice last year with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, despite Sessions testimony. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, have said Sessions should recuse himself from the investigation into Russian influence in the election. WATCH THE SPICER INTERVIEW ON 'FOX & FRIENDS' STARTING AT 6 A.M. FRIDAY One discussion Sessions had with the ambassador, in July, was described as involving a group of ambassadors after a Heritage Foundation event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. Kislyak was part of a small group of diplomats who approached Sessions and spoke with him. A subsequent meeting was held in September in the senators office. Justice Department officials said Sessions met with ambassadors in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, not as part of the campaign. As for his testimony, the White House says that he was answering questions specifically about Trump campaign officials contacting Russians as part of the campaign. "The testimony and the question he was asked was whether or not he was aware of Trump campaign officials doing something in their capacity as campaign officials and information he had gotten passed," Spicer said. "That answer is consistently no. He made a statement that was 100 percent accurate and he stands by that." Spicer went on to accuse those calling on Sessions to recuse himself or resign of playing politics. I think the people choosing to play partisan politics with this should be ashamed of themselves, he said. Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday that President Trump was "determined to pursue" common ground with Russia, but noted that he had no plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WHITE HOUSE STAFF TOLD TO SAVE RUSSIA-RELATED MATERIALS "We made a strong commitment to NATO," Pence said, referencing Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. "We also made it very clear that ... were going to hold Russia accountable for ending violence in Eastern Ukraine, but in the same breath, our president continues to believe that if theres a way that we can find common ground with Russia, particularly in the fight against ISIS, hes determined to pursue that." The vice president also reaffirmed Trump's determination to "end illegal immigration and bring sanctuary cities to an end." "I know the president is going to evaluate every option we have in terms of the authority of the federal government to end a practice that is really not contributing to the well-being of the nation or the safety and security of our people," Pence told host Bill O'Reilly. Pence did not specify whether Trump's hard-line immigration policies would exempt children who were brought into the U.S. illegally, saying the adminstration was currently focused on deporting criminal illegal aliens. "Well see about some of these other issues and the remaining population," Pence said. "But were going to enforce the law, uphold the rule of law and [Trump]s going to continue the vigorous efforts to do that." The White House is standing by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the face of mounting Democratic calls for his resignation after reports showed he spoke with the Russian ambassador, despite testimony that he did not have communications with Moscow. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday morning became the latest top Democrat to seek Sessions dismissal, while also calling for a special prosecutor and an inspector general probe. There cannot be even the scintilla of doubt about the impartiality and fairness of the attorney general, he said. Its clear Attorney General Sessions does not meet that test for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign. Republicans have split, meanwhile, on the question of whether Sessions should recuse himself from a Russia investigation. The top-ranking congressional Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, said Thursday he doesnt see a purpose in recusal unless Sessions is the subject of the investigation. He told reporters hes seen no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians, and Democrats are lighting their hair on fire to get you to cover this story. A White House official, in a statement, described Democrats demands as a partisan attack, suggesting the controversy is timed to distract from the positive response to President Trumps address to Congress earlier this week. This is the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats. [Attorney General] Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony, the official said. In a statement to Fox News, the former Alabama Republican senator said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." While Sessions is denying he specifically discussed campaign issues with the Russians, The Washington Post first reported that he did speak twice last year with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. One discussion, in July, was described as involving a group of ambassadors after a Heritage Foundation event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention. Kislyak was part of a small group of diplomats who approached Sessions and spoke with him. A subsequent meeting was held in September in the senators office. Justice officials said Sessions met with ambassadors in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But while Sessions was serving on the Senate Armed Services panel, he also was a prominent surrogate for then-candidate Donald Trump. And in Senate testimony, Sessions denied contacts with the Russians. Asked by Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., at that hearing what hed do with evidence that anyone tied to the campaign communicated with Russia last year, Sessions said: I'm not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it. The Post noted that Sessions also responded, No, in a written answer when asked whether hed been in contact with any part of the Russian government regarding the election. Officials told the Post Sessions did not consider his discussions relevant and did not recall details of what was discussed with the ambassador from Russia. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, speaking with Fox & Friends Abby Huntsman, also said Sessions did his job as a senator. He said Sessions was 100 percent straight with the committee and Democrats are playing politics. WATCH THE SPICER INTERVIEW ON 'FOX & FRIENDS' STARTING AT 6 A.M. FRIDAY There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer, Sessions spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement. Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign -- not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. According to a schedule provided to Fox News, Sessions had 30 meetings with numerous ambassadors from April 14 through Nov. 11. Russia appears on the schedule only once the Sept. 8 meeting with Kislyak. The day before, Sessions also took a meeting with Ukraine Ambassador Valeriy Chaly. These meetings took place a week before a seven-day unilateral ceasefire plan was accepted by Russia on behalf of separatist rebels it backed in the conflict with Ukraine. But for Democrats, the revelations of any Russia discussions only served to fuel long-running accusations that Trump-tied officials have sought to conceal past contacts with Moscow. Earlier this month, Michael Flynn resigned as national security adviser amid accusations he misled Vice President Pence and others over his contact with the Russian ambassador. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called Wednesday night for Sessions resignation. Jeff Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearing before the Senate, she said. Attorney General Sessions has never had the credibility to oversee the FBI investigation of senior Trump officials ties to the Russians. That is why Democrats have consistently called for Sessions to recuse himself from any oversight of the investigation. Now, after lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the attorney general must resign. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., also called for Sessions resignation. All Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee wrote to FBI Director James Comey and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia urging a criminal probe. Others, including Franken, have called for Sessions at least to recuse himself from a DOJ Russia investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported that investigators previously examined contacts between Sessions and Russian officials. The critical factor may be what top congressional Republicans say next. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chairman of the House oversight committee, tweeted: AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, also said: "Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, but I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself from the DOJ Russia probe." Asked about such requests, Sessions told NBC, Ive said that whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself, theres no doubt about that. Fox News Matthew Dean, Cody Derespina, Kristin Brown and Mike Emanuel contributed to this report. The pundits are suddenly doing something utterly remarkable: praising Donald Trump. For one brief, shining moment, the allegedly dishonest, corrupt, fake news media gave the new president the equivalent of a standing ovation. Trump is even drawing favorable comments from some of his harshest liberal critics. And all it took was one good speech. Heres my explanation in a nutshell: This is the Trump they've always wanted, optimistic, bipartisan, reasonable, obeying the conventions of Washington. The media like unity, centrism, discipline, working across the aisle. They dont like division, extremism, chaos, stiffing the other party. The highest praise that the press can offer the occupant of the Oval Office is that he sounded presidential. And this one has paid a price whenever he comes off as bombastic, pugilistic or undisciplined. But that changed Tuesday night. Just look at the headlines. New York Times: Trump Offers Up a More Hopeful Vision. Wall Street Journal: Trump Reaches for Higher Ground. Politico: Trump Tries On Normal. Even the Dow broke 21,000 yesterday. And you know the president had a good outing when CNNs uber-liberal Van Jones praises him for the moving tribute to the widow of a slain Navy SEAL: There are a lot of people who have a lot of reason to be frustrated with him, to be fearful of him. But that was one of the most extraordinary moments you have ever seen in American politics, period. (And Jones got blowback from left-wing tweeters.) Now Im sure some people are thinking wow, the pundits are easy. And it is fairly amazing, given the animosity between the president and the press, that a single speech could produce such a dramatic reassessment. And its certainly reasonable to ask: Is this just another pivot, as we saw repeatedly during the campaign, that lasts a few days at best? Can the Twitter-happy Trump, who called for moving beyond petty fights, show that kind of restraint? Some on the left who are unhappy with the speechs positive reception are blaming the media: Donald Trump managed to speak for an entire hour without sounding like an unhinged demagogue, Slate says. For that, he was hailed by TV pundits across the spectrum who acted as though hed just singlehandedly defeated ISIS and restored the fortunes of the American middle class, instead of simply reading from a script that said he would do those things. Now its true that Trump didnt really moderate his positions on Tuesday night, though he threw in child care and family leave. He left out the $54 billion in budget cuts that will slice deeply into social programs. He made a pitch for clean and clean water right after his budget folks indicated they will slash EPA spending by 24 percent. Obviously, well quickly revert to partisan battles over immigration, taxes and Obamacare, with Trump fighting not just Democrats but many House conservatives. But no one expects one speech to change the political landscape. It is a moment when a president tries to connect with a mass audience and give them hope that things will get better. And on that score, even many of Trumps detractors are admitting that he had a very good night. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has dropped $5.5 million on a home in a posh neighborhood in Washington, D.C.paying more for the new urban digs than for most of his properties in Texas, property records show. Tillerson, 64, a political newcomer who served as chief executive of Exxon Mobil for 10 years, closed on the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom property in Kalorama earlier this month, according to Washingtonian magazine, which first reported the sale. Property records show the home sold to a Texas-registered limited liability company called R2 Real Estatelikely a reference to the first initials of his and his wifes names, Rex and Renda. The sellers were Richard Hanlon, a former AOL executive and his wife, Pamela, who paid $3.15 million for the home in 2011, records show. The home sold privately in an off-market deal, according to brokerage Washington Fine Properties, which was involved in the sale. Mark McFadden, who is listed on the website as the sales agent, did not immediately return a request for comment. The Tillersons join a cohort of high flyers in pricey Kalorama. Barack and Michelle Obama are renting a home in the neighborhood for a couple of years while their youngest daughter, Sasha, attends high school in D.C. Blocks away are Ivanka Trump and her husband, senior White House adviser Jared Kushner. The four-story, semi-detached home is connected to its south side neighbor and is conveniently located amid a cluster of embassies, including Korea, Japan, Turkey, Mexico and Sloveniathe home country of First Lady Melania Trump. The Tillersons new home was more expensive than many of their properties in Texas. Their vacation home in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, is valued at around $3.25 million, according to county assessment records. And they paid just $1.53 million for their 18-acre rural estate in Denton County, Texas, records show. The State Department and a lawyer for the Tillersons did not immediately return requests for comment. Realtor.com contributed to this article. Officials are investigating after a bear fell to its death from a helicopter high over the jungles of Thailand last month, the Independent reports. While there's some agreement on the circumstances of the Asian black bear's untimely death, it's unclear exactly how the bear came to find itself on the helicopter in the first place. According to the Bangkok Post, the bear was found hanging around a village near Khao Yai National Park last month. But the Phuket Gazette reports the bear was injured when officials found it last November. And Khaosod reports the bear had spent the last decade being rehabilitated after it was found being kept as an illegal pet. Regardless, the bear found itself being transported by wildlife officials deep into Khao Yai. There are reports of the bear, which had been sedated, waking up in the middle of the trip andfinding itself dangling in a net attached to the helicopterstarting to panic. But an official denies the bear ever woke up. The helicopter encountered bad weather and quickly lost altitude; that's when the bear fell from the net. It appears there may have been a problem with the net itself. The secretary of the Khao Yai Foundation wants officials to face legal action, arguing the bear should have been driven closer to where it was found and not flown deep into the jungle away from its pack. Officials say they wanted to get the bear farther away from nearby villagers and haven't had a problem with helicopters in the past. (This country is horrified by the beating death of a beloved hippo.) This article originally appeared on Newser: Bear Falls to Death From Helicopter A crocodile at a zoo in Tunisia has been brutally stoned to death by a group of visitors, according to media reports. Citing authorities in Tunis, Agence France Presse reports that the crocodile at Belvedere Zoo in Tunis was attacked by the group of visitors, who threw stones at the animals head. BEAR DIES AFTER PLUMMETING FROM HELICOPTER Gruesome pictures of the attacks aftermath were posted to Facebook by the municipality of Tunis, which denounced the attack as savage behavior. Pictures show the bloodied animal next to what appear to be a paving slab and a large rock. Amor Ennaifer, a vet at the Belvedere Zoo, told AFP that the reptile died after it was struck on the head by two large rocks Tuesday. Its terrible, you cannot imagine what animals endure from some visitors, he said. FOR THE LATEST SCIENCE FEATURES FOLLOW FOX SCITECH ON FACEBOOK Stones have also been thrown at the zoos lions and hippos, according to Ennaifer, who noted that school holidays, in particular, can be a difficult time. Images of widespread littering at the zoo sparked outrage when they appeared on social media last year. ZOO BABIES: CUTE NEW ARRIVALS The attack on the Belvedere Zoo crocodile comes hot on the heels of a brutal incident at the national zoo in El Salvador. Gustavito, a beloved hippopotamus at the zoo in San Salvador, died last week after apparently being attacked with metal bars, knives and rocks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "She looks like a Sue," or "He doesn't look like a Bob," a new study may back up your instincts about whether people's names suit them. In fact, people often do "look like their names," perhaps especially those named Tom or Veronique, the research suggests. In the study, researchers found that people could correctly match an unfamiliar face to that person's name at a rate higher than expected due to chance, according to a new study. In two experiments involving 185 participants in Israel and France, people were shown only color headshot photographs of 25 total strangers, and the researchers asked them to guess the stranger's name from a list of four or five name possibilities. For example, a participant who is shown a face and given four names to choose from has a 25 percent chance of guessing the right name. But in the study, the 70 participants in Israel matched the correct name to the face about 30 percent of the time. [Smile Secrets: 5 Things Your Grin Says About You] And when a similar experiment was repeated with the 115 participants in France, these men and women matched the correct name and face 40 percent of the time. Which names were some of the easiest to connect to a face? The study found that French participants could accurately identify a Veronique nearly 80 percent of the time, while Israeli participants could accurately recognize a Tom more than 52 percent of the time. The ability to match a name with a face requires the reliance on existing name stereotypes, said study author Yonat Zwebner, who conducted the research as a doctoral candidate at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. When people attempt to match a name to a facial image, they may use personal, social and historical information to get some clues, Zwebner and her colleagues wrote in their findings, published Feb. 27 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Names and faces The findings also suggested that people's hairstyles play an important role in how easy it is for their names to be guessed correctly. In one experiment, the researchers Photoshopped some of the images so that a few of them clearly showed the hairstyle, ears and neck while the facial features were blurred. In a second scenario, only the facial features such as the eyes, nose, mouth and cheeks were clear, and the hairstyle and neck were digitally removed. And a third set of images showed the full facial image, including hair and facial features. The results showed that the participants matched the correct name and face 36 percent of the time, on average, in the full-facial photos; about 33 percent of the time when the hairstyle was visible; and 30 percent of the time in the photos with only the facial features visible. It's possible that people tend to choose hairstyles that fit the stereotype of their name, Zwebner told Live Science. However, the overall findings also revealed that the participants were able to best match the faces to the names when the faces they looked at came from within their own culture. In one of the study's eight experiments, French study participants were unable to match Israeli names and faces at a level above random chance, and this same effect was observed when Israeli participants were asked to match French names and faces. A familiarity with local names and faces through repeated exposure to them may help people develop the ability to know the "right" facial appearance linked with a name, the researchers said. [10 Things You Didn't Know About You] But it was not just people who could put names and faces together; a computer could do it, too, according to the study. The researchers developed a learning algorithm that taught a computer how to match 94,000 faces with their names. Then, the computer was presented with a new facial image and two possible names for each. Random guessing would have given the computer a 50 percent chance of being accurate, but the trained computer was shown to be 54 to 64 percent accurate when predicting a name. The results are extremely strong support for the idea that there are indeed facial features associated with certain names, Zwebner said. The findings also may demonstrate that names, which were chosen for us by others, can influence the way people look based on interactions with society, Zwebner said. Zwebner suspects that a self-fulfilling prophecy or the idea that if other people expect certain things from a person, that individual may eventually fulfill these expectations may be one possible explanation for the face-name-matching effect. If, for example, society assumes that people with the name Katherine share a similar stereotype, including those based on her appearance, then people will interact with a woman named Katherine in a way that matches this shared stereotype, Zwebner explained. As a result, over time, Katherines become more and more like a Katherine is expected to be, resulting in a specific matching look, she said. Originally published on Live Science. The new basic economy airfares sound like good deals: You trade convenience for a bargain and you save some money. Its that simple, right? Its a little early to say for sure, but the short answer is no, Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights.org, a Sarasota, Fla.-based nonprofit airline consumer organization, told Fox News. Technically, a basic economy or no-frills airfare costs around 10 percent less than a standard economy ticket. But if you want to check your bag or even pick out your seat, it could cost $25 or more, which could wipe out what you saved. Youll pay nothing, of course, if you choose to carry your bag onto the plane. But youll be allowed only one bag, and it will have to fit under the seat in front of you. No overhead bins for you! MISSOURI AIRPORTS MAY SOON SERVE ALCOHOL TO GO That alone could be enough to discourage travelers from saving a few dollars by flying basic economy. But all three legacy carriers--United, American and Delta--have made the move to compete with newer, low cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier by rolling out basic fares on several routes. Even Southwest, which typically offers cheaper fares, has felt the sting. Industry experts view them as an attempt by the major airlines to capture-- or at least take back-- some of the budget market. Some, like Henry H. Harteveldt, founder and travel industry analyst for Atmosphere Research Group in San Francisco, believe theyre also a marketing ploy designed to help airlines compete with the big budget carriers chiefly Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier in the U.S. Another budget carrier, Norwegian Air, offers seasonal nonstop service between JFK, Logan and Reagan National to Martinique and Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean. The service has been extended from JFK through April 30, 2017. One-way flights can be as low as $59. The websites of the major airlines, especially American and United, spell out whats included when you fly no-frills. Theyre not hiding anything from you, Harteveldt said. Theyre very clear with their messaging about what you will get and what you will not get. And what you will not get are some things that you always took for granted. Passengers who fly basic economy may be unable to choose their seats in advance making it difficult to sit with their companions or family members. What soft drinks and peanuts? Forget about it. What was standard is now extra, Hudson said. But in the end, you might not be saving that much. Harteveldt said an online search for flights on American from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale between March 7 and March 10 showed a basic economy fare of $192 and a standard economy fare of $196. For four dollars, he asked, is it worth giving up the checked bag? Not for frequent traveler Linda Kundell, president of Kundell Communications, a New York-based public relations firm. Id rather pay slightly more and have a little more comfort and take another small bag on board and choose the seat I want, she said. I see them more as an inconvenience, said Camille Austin, 31, a New York City resident who travels regularly throughout the U.S. and to Mexico and needs to carry two items on board one for her laptop and personal items, the other for fragile arts and crafts she uses for her job, promoting a brand of mezcal. Would a basic economy fare ever make sense for her? I would try it out if I traveled a bit less, Austin said. But as a frequent traveler, she chooses convenience and comfort. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS So the bottom line, before you book an airline seat is: Buyer beware. With anything that appears to be a bargain price, shop carefully, Harteveldt said. What looks like a bargain doesnt always turn out to be. So are these ultra low cost, no frills fares really here to stay? As long as we have ultra-low-cost airlines like Spirit and Norwegian, budget fares are here to stay, Harteveldt said. But he added, Its hard to say anything will last forever in the airline industry. As long as the low-cost airlines are not only flying, but also continuing to grow, I believe well see the big three carriers keep their basic economy fares. If you want to stay with your significant other, it's probably best to avoid vacationing in Mexico, Spain and Portugal. Thats according to a new review conducted by the travel booking site sunshine.co.uk uncovering getaway destinations where couples are most likely to break up after visiting. Couples who chose Mexico as their first trip away together were most likely to break up, the study said while late night party hotspot Ibiza, Spain was deemed the second-most likely destination to cause a split, followed by Portugal. Holidays to Mexico require a bit more of a splurge than some of the other destinations on the breakup list and Ibiza is known for its carefree-party vibes, so maybe frivolous spending and too much partying are what spells future trouble for relationships, Chris Clarkson, Sunshine's managing director, told The Daily Mail. But not all warm weather hot spots spell gloom and doom for couples. Vacations to Tenerife (the largest of Spains Canary Islands), Cyprus and Italy, were less likely to cause trouble according to the study. Majorca and mainland Spain were also considered safe bets. The study surveyed 2,187 people ages 18 and older from around the UK. Of those surveyed, 1,056 respodents said they had broken up with a partner that they had gone away with in the past six months. The remaining 1,131 were still in a relationship of three years or more, during which they traveled with their partner. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS The study also reported that the average couple goes away together within five months of forming a relationship. The majority of those choose foreign destinations, instead of traveling within the U.K. Other locations deemed risky for relationships included Cape Verde off the northwest coast of Africa and Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa. It's interesting there was no crossover of destinations on both lists, as this makes me think perhaps there really is some truth in this, Clarkson stated. Those wishing to enjoy a long and lasting, happy relationship with their new partners should look at booking places like Tenerife and Italy for their first trip with their amore, if this study is anything to go by; but Mexico should definitely be avoided! Four children were killed and three other people were injured when a house fire broke out early Wednesday in a small town in southwest Oregon, officials said. Douglas County Deputy Dwes Hutson said the children ranged in age from 4 to 13. Two adults and a 13-year-old boy survived and suffered serious injuries in the fire. Thirty-nine-year-old James Keith Howell, 38-year-old Tabitha Annette Howell and 13-year-old Andrew Hall-Young were transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, Fox 12 Oregon reported. Killed in the blaze were 4-year-old Gwendolyn Howell, 7-year-old Haley Maher, 10-year-old Isaiah Young and 13-year-old Nicholas Lowe, who was a foster child, according to Hutson. Hutson said at a news conference the blaze started around 2 a.m. local time, and when firefighters arrived, the home the completely engulfed in flames. There were several people that were seriously injured that were transported, and the injured are very seriously injured, Hutson said. Riddle is located about 200 miles south of Portland in a rural and heavily forested county. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office and the Oregon State Police Arson Investigation Unit are assisting the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in the investigation. So far, the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious, according to Hutson. Read more at KPTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Florida homeowner said he used his martial arts training to apprehend an alleged burglar who was stealing from his home. Brian Burch told WBBH that he used his Brazilian jiu-jitsu training on Josue Ortiz after he found Ortiz stealing from his garage. Burch said he walked into the garage to see Ortiz holding his jackhammer and airgun cases. Ortiz told him that his boss sent him to pick up tools from Burchs house. He then tried to flee. MAN ACCUSED OF CARJACKING FEDEX DRIVER Thats when Burch said he stopped Ortiz with jiu-jitsu, which he studied for over 2 years. A neighbor who saw the scuffle called police as Burch held Ortiz down. Once police arrived, they said they found several of Burchs tools inside Ortizs car. They told him he got exactly what he deserved, Burch told WBBH. He had a broken nose. Ortizs broken nose and black eye were on full display in his mugshot after he was arrested and charged with grand theft and burglary. Read more news at WSNV. Two alleged MS-123 gang members, Diego Hernandez-Riversa, 18, and Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 22, were charged Wednesday in a case involving the killing of a Hispanic woman in Houston as part of a "Satanic" ritual. The pair had been arrested Monday and charged the following day with aggravated kidnapping in a different case. SEVEN MS-13 GANG MEMBERS INDICTED IN KILLING OF THREE NEW YORK TEENS The MS-13 gang, also known as the Mara Salvatrucha, has roots in El Salvador and a violent record in several countries. The MS-13 first reached into the U.S. in the 1980s and has become a notorious international street gang. According to court documents, a 14-year-old girl was kidnapped by the men, forced to ingest drugs and alcohol and sexually assaulted. TSA FINDS RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF FIREARMS IN CARRY-ON BAGS In the other case, Hernandez-Rivera and Alvarez-Flores allegedly kidnapped a male victim around Feb. 2 with the intent to inflict bodily injury, sexually abuse and terrorize him, according to court documents. According to the teenage girl's testimony to police, inside the apartment was a shrine dedicated to the gang member's Satanic beliefs. At one point, the girl whose body was discovered -- known as 'Genesis' in court documents -- spoke out of turn in anger against the gang members' devil worship. When the teen awoke the next morning, Genesis was gone. Court documents chronicled what appeared to be Genesis's final moments. The men then took her to a field, where Hernandez-Rivera was alleged to have shot the young girl in the head; Alvarez-Flores allegedly went back and shot her in the torso shortly thereafter. The woman's body was discovered on the southwest side of Houston by police on February 16. Both men are being held on $150,000 bond in the Harris County jail. Jesse Lee was writhing in pain in his wheelchair while he waited. Another man, also in clear distress, lay close by on the floor. The heart-wrenching sight inside the waiting room of the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina was captured on a cellphone camera and posted on Facebook Saturday by the wife of a Marine also there to see a doctor, according to the Huffington Post. Lee, identified by the Huffington Post as a 63-year-old Vietnam veteran, told the media outlet that he ended up waiting for five hours to be seen by medical staff. It was the worst thing to ever happen in my life, Lee said. It was really, really bad. I waited about two hours and went up to the nurses desk to find out if there was something they could do because I could no longer stand the pain, it was making me sick in my stomach. But they told me to go sit back down in the waiting room. Then after about an hour I asked if there was something they could do. Officials of the veterans hospital do not deny the accounts by Lee and Hanna McMenamin, who took the photos and put them on Facebook. Sharonda Pearson, a public affairs officer at the medical center, said it is investigating the accounts and should be done with the inquiry by March 10. She said Saturday was unusually busy in the emergency department, which handled more than 100 people that day, the Post said. All of the allegations will be investigated, she said. On its website, the hospital says that since 1953, it has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Caterpillar confirmed to Fox News that law enforcement raided offices at the company's headquarters, exectuting search warrants on three properties in the Peoria, Ill. area Thursday. Law enforcement is present in various Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities executing a search warrant. Caterpillar is cooperating, said Caterpillar spokeswoman Corrie Heck Scott. A spokesperson for the Dept. of Justice tells Fox News the FDIC Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Commerce Dept.'s Office of Export Enforcement were involved in the raid. Federal agents arrived to Caterpillar's global headquarters mid-morning and begain seizing documents and electronic records. The Dept. of Justice tells Fox News agents also showed up to Caterpillars East Peoria and Morton locations. Shortly afterwards, Caterpillar stock fell, losing almost 5 percent of its value. When asked, the Justice Dept. did not comment on the nature of the search warrants and said there has been nothing publically filed on the raids. Caterpillar has been subponaed a few times in recent years mainly regarding its relationships with U.S. and non-U.S. subsidaries. Caterpillar is fighting the IRS on taxes and penalties totalling about $2 billion from profits assigned to a Swiss subsidiary. Mexican drug cartels are fueling the heroin epidemic that is sweeping the United States, according to the director of the FBI. Addressing an audience of local residents and public safety officials at an opioid summit in suburban Virginia on Wednesday, James Comey said cartels are continuing to saturate the country with waves of highly, highly pure heroin. The FBI chief, speaking alongside Drug Enforcement Administration acting administrator Chuck Rosenberg, painted the picture of a nationwide drug crisis thats penetrating communities of all shapes and sizes. Fighting it requires a complex strategy that involves not only traditional law enforcement but also market economics. We cannot arrest our way out of this problem, Comey said. Mexican cartels have cornered the heroin market in the United States with an increasingly potent product and they are selling it cheaply in order to seize demand, according to Comey. He told the audience that in some instances, traffickers have even sold their heroin at a loss in order to gain market share. In an effort to cut overhead costs and increase profits, law enforcement officials say that the cartels are relying less on trafficking heroin from South America and are instead ramping up production inside Mexico. The latest data from the DEA show dramatic increases in Mexican opium poppy cultivation. Production grew 160 percent from 2013 to 2014, according to DEA estimates. And that trend continued from 2014 to 2015 with a 64 percent increase in opium poppy cultivation in Mexico. Drug trafficking is a business and when you reduce costs of transportation, you're able to lower the price and increase the purity," Comey said. But at the heart of the matter, according to the leaders of the FBI and DEA, is the widespread abuse of prescription painkillers, like oxycodone, which can serve as a gateway to heroin use. Rosenberg noted that four out of five heroin users start with prescription pills. "Sometimes we use words like 'epidemic' or 'unprecedented' or 'historic' in ways that are not really accurate," Rosenberg said. "This is unprecedented. This is an epidemic." Data show that Rosenbergs statement is not hyperbole. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription and illicit opioids like heroin accounted for 33,091 overdose deaths in 2015. That figure, which is part of the most recent U.S. overdose data available from the CDC, marks a quadrupling from 1999. Presenting at the opioid summit on Wednesday, one local district health official said that preliminary 2016 data for the Commonwealth of Virginia show a 33 percent spike in opioid-related overdose deaths compared to 2015. A contributing factor behind the overall spike in opioid-related overdose deaths, according to Rosenberg, is the prevalence of fentanyl. The synthetic opioid, which is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, has exploded in popularity in the last several years, prompting the head of the DEA to call it a game changer. That spike in popularity can be attributed to its high potency combined with its low cost, relative to pure heroin and prescription opiates. The agencys forensic laboratory system recorded a staggering 1,392 percent increase in fentanyl encounters from 2013 to 2015. And law enforcement officials are warning that drug traffickers are lacing heroin and knockoff prescription painkillers with the deadly synthetic, unbeknownst to the consumer. Rosenberg said that the issue is causing law enforcement agencies to rethink protocols on handling illicit substances that may be or may contain fentanyl. If it were to come into contact with the skin, a concentrated dose of fentanyl, or one of its derivatives, could be fatal. To first stave off the heroin epidemic, Comey and Rosenberg said that the FBI and DEAs enforcement strategy ultimately seeks to crush the international cartels and, in doing so, drive up the cost of illegal drugs for consumers. Our job is to try to crack down on the supply, literally, to be very blunt, to drive up the price to make it less and less attractive for people who are addicted to pills to move to heroin, Comey siad. Video shows an inmate at the Falkenburg Road Jail attacking a detention deputy, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Surveillance cameras show what deputies say is Kiondre Zachary coming up behind Detention Deputy D. Hernandez, and then wrapping a cloth towel around his neck. Deputies say Zachary was trying to strangle Hernandez. CALLS FOR JAIL TIME IN MURDER OF BALI POLICE OFFICER The two were surrounded by 72 other inmates when it happened. Deputy Hernandez managed to escape from Zachery's grasp. Hernandez, other inmates and eventually, other deputies took Zachary down and subdued him. HCSO said Hernandez suffered a twisted ankle, bruised knee, and abrasions to his neck. Deputies commended the inmates who helped restrain Zachary and assisted Hernandez during the ordeal. READ MORE FROM FOX 13 TAMPA. The case against a former Fort Bliss soldier accused of a murder more than 40 years ago has been thrown out after a dispute over key pieces of evidence. Willie James Johnson, 70, was accused of killing Doris Rivers in 1970. The murder investigation was considered a cold case until police arrested Johnson in 2015. The case was reopened after El Paso Police Detective Michael Aman sent several items to be tested for DNA evidence, including fingernail clippings from Rivers. Police had said DNA on the clippings matched Johnsons. However, the person who analyzed the DNA had died. Judge Gonzalo Garcia said the evidence was inadmissible and acquitted Johnson of murder. The state cannot appeal the ruling. Story first appeared on KFox14. A 14-year-old girl and her 4-year-old niece managed to hide in a bathroom and text for help after an intruder burst into their California home while they were alone Tuesday. Savannah Jones was babysitting her 4-year-old niece in Montclair when an unknown man knocked on the door around 3:30 p.m., Fox 11 reported. YOUNG MAN WHO WALKED MILES TO WORK NOW DRIVES AFTER POLICE RAISE CASH Jones looked out the peephole in the front door and saw the unknown man standing on the porch. She quickly took her niece, Zoyee, into the bathroom and called her mother. While on the phone with her mom, she heard the front door being kicked open so she hid in the bathroom with her niece. SEARCH FOR ANSWERS AFTER PREGNANT MOM SHOT TO DEATH NEXT TO HER BABY I was very scared not so much for myself, but just Zoyee, the teenager told KTLA. I was looking at the door and I could see the door knob move. Her mother, Maria Muratalla, kept texting back and forth with her daughter and called a neighbor, who contacted 911. She was very smart and brave, Jones sister Yesenia Barragan told KTLA. She did everything right. Jones said she can only image what could have happened had the man found them. The unknown suspect, a man in his 20s, ransacked the property, but left without finding the girls hiding in the bathroom, police say. A K-9 unit searched the area but the suspect has not been found. It's not clear how much he may have stolen. Click for more from Fox 11. The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for the FBI to investigate the death of a Muslim teenager who was discovered hanging from a tree. MUSLIMS OFFER TO PROTECT JEWISH FACILITIES IN WAKE OF ANTI-SEMITIC DESECRATIONS The incident, which the medical examiner initially ruled a suicide, involves 18-year-old Ben Keita, whose body was discovered in a wooded area of Lake Stevens in January. He'd vanished in November. "Ben was a happy young man," father Ibrahima Keita told Q13 Fox. He said his son had no history of depression or anxiety. ARMY VET FACES TRIAL FOR POSTING FLAGS AT VA SITE, SESSIONS ASKED TO INTERVENE However, the medical examiner later changed the cause of death to undetermined. Two reasons were cited, according to KIRO. The rope used to hang the teen was tied 50 feet high in the tree, and a search of the area just weeks earlier had not turned up anything. According to Washington CAIR, Keita was found hanging in an area that was searched at least twice by police before his body was finally discovered. The incident comes in the midst of what civil rights advocates and religious communities are calling a wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic hate crimes. Dozens of Jewish Community Centers have been hit with bomb threats over the last two months; scores of headstones were overturned at Jewish cemetaries in St. Louis and Philadelphia; a member of Pittsburgh's Somali Bantu community is in critical condition after being severely beaten Tuesday; Lake Stevens police told Q13 News its investigation into Keitas death remains open pending lab results. "We just want to make sure that the expertise, the experience and the human resources of the FBI are brought to make sure everything is comprehensively investigated, no stone is left unturned," Washington CAIR executive director Arsalan Bukhari told KIRO. "We are aware of circumstances of the individuals death and will review them with consideration of federal law," the statement read, as reported by the NY Daily News. "If warranted, we may conduct further investigation. A review does not necessarily result in the opening of an investigation." A postal worker is facing a federal charge in Pittsburgh for stealing packages with medication that was supposed to go to veterans. GIRLS HIDE IN BATHROOM, SEND TEXTS FOR HELP DURING FRIGHTENING HOME INVASION The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General launched an investigation after a postmaster received complaints from residents whose prescriptions weren't getting to their homes from the VA Healthcare System, U.S. Postal Service Special Agent Scott Balfour told Fox News. Gregory Schur stole mail from May-August 2016 and was indicted March 1 by a federal grand jury, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated. If Schur is found guilty, the U.S. Postal Service employee could face up to five years in prison and have to pay up to $250,000. Schur is no longer employed with the U.S. Postal Service. RUSSIAN ROULETTE Reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with Russias ambassador to the U.S. during last years election has the Trump administration dealing with its latest firestorm. When contacted by Fox News late Wednesday, Sessions said he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. He called allegations that suggest otherwise false. Still, the new disclosure has Democrats calling for him to resign. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said he is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country. PENCE APPEARS ON THE OREILLY FACTOR Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" Wednesday that President Trump was "determined to pursue" common ground with Russia, but noted that he had no plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (WATCH INTERVIEW) 'HANNITY': COULTER PRAISES TRUMP'S ADDRESS 'FIRST 100 DAYS': KYLE: BLACKLASH TO TRUMP'S SEAL WIDOW TRIBUTE 'MAKES ME SICK' A RACE TO PRESERVE INTEL In the final hours of Barack Obama's presidency, some White House officials reportedly raced to spread and preserve information about possible communications between associates of then-candidate Donald Trump and Russians. A former intelligence official confirmed to Fox News that the Obama administration was determined to keep the Russian issue alive and data on Moscow's election interference was circulated broadly. SNAP TO BEGIN TRADING FOX BUSINESS: The parent company of Snapchat will begin life as a public company. Snap Inc. priced the shares in its initial public offering at $17 each, raising $3.4 billion dollars. It gives the disappearing-messaging app a valuation of roughly $24 billion. Shares will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SNAP. Stay with FOX Business' team of reporters throughout the day to see how investors react to the much anticipated IPO and the biggest tech offering since Facebook debuted in 2012. VIDEO: WALL STREET IS BACK TO BREAKING RECORDS 'YOUR WORLD': SECRETARY MNUCHIN: PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL DELIVER ON TAX CUTS OBAMA READY TO ROLL Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday that former President Obama is getting ready to jump back in the political pool. Holder, who said Obama is ready to roll, reportedly said the two have been talking about ways to help the new National Democratic Redistricting Committee. RUBIO EVICTED Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was evicted from his Tampa Bay office due to the weekly protests that have occurred outside the building. Jude Williams, the owner of the nine-story building said, at the end of the day it was a security concern for us. COMING UP ON FNC 9:30 a.m. ET: The Senate meets to resume consideration of the nomination of Dr. Ben Carson to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Watch live on FoxNews.com 10:45 a.m. ET: House Minority Leader Pelosi holds her weekly press conference. Watch live on FoxNews.com 11:30 a.m. ET: Speaker Ryan holds his weekly press conference. Watch live on FoxNews.com 12:30 p.m. ET: Vice President Pence highlights Trump's agenda in regards to healthcare, the economy, American jobs, and the workforce in Cincinnati. Watch Live on FoxNews.com 2:30 p.m. ET: President Trump makes remarks aboard the USS Gerald Ford at the Newport News Shipyard. Watch live on Fox News Channel and FoxNews.com Following the desecration of hundreds of graves at Jewish cemeteries and wave after wave of hoax bomb threats against Jewish community centers and day schools around the nation, Muslim veterans are offering their support and vow to protect these places of worship. Im a #MuslimMarine in Chicagoland area. If you synagogue or Jewish cemetery needs someone to stand guard, count me in. Islam requires it, one such veteran tweeted on Monday. I'm a #MuslimMarine in Chicagoland area. If your synagogue or Jewish cemetery needs someone to stand guard, count me in. Islam requires it. The Muslim Marine (@MuslimMarine) February 27, 2017 Tayyid Rashid, a 40-year-old former member of the Marine Corps, behind the tweet told .mic: "As I watch this horrible thing unfold here, I felt terrible about what happened in St. Louis and this heinous event in Philadelphia. I was moved to tears. This is absolutely not right." The tweet has gone viral and has prompted other American Muslims to offer their support to the Jewish community. Houston area Jewish community I spent ten years protecting our country and I will gladly protect Jewish places of worship if you need me! https://t.co/nUQpTFwxvA Khalid whalid (@Khalidwhalid1) February 28, 2017 I'm a Muslim in #Harrisburg. If your synagogue or community center needs someone 2 stand guard, I will stand guard 4 you. Islam requires it. Momin (@BhattiMomin) February 28, 2017 I'm no marine, but I'll stand guard if needed. https://t.co/qtSJ5YQ0JH That One Jerk (@1UnknownCritic) February 27, 2017 I'm a Muslim in DC. If your synagogue needs someone to stand guard, I'll stand guard. Islam requires it. https://t.co/kw4acYBuPK Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) February 27, 2017 MONEY BEING RAISED TO RESTORE VANDALIZED JEWISH CEMETERY IN PHILADELPHIA This show of solidarity follows an online campaign called Muslims Unite to Repair Jewish Cemetery, which has raised more than $115,000 to repair the gravestones toppled over at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in the St. Louis suburb of University City, Missouri. Earlier this week, dozens of volunteers from various faiths helped clean up the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia, which was vandalized over the weekend. ARMY VET FACES TRIAL FOR POSTING FLAGS AT VA SITE, SESSIONS ASKED TO INTERVENE President Donald Trump, who has been criticized as lax in denouncing the threats and other anti-Semitic acts across the country, opened his address Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress with his strongest condemnation yet. "Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries," Trump said, "remind us that, while we are a country that disagrees on policy, we stand united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms." According to the JCC Association of North America, centers and day schools in at least a dozen states received threats, as of Monday. No bombs were found. It was the fifth round of bomb threats against Jewish institutions since January, prompting outrage and exasperation among Jewish leaders as well as calls for an aggressive federal response to put a stop to it. "The Justice Department, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the White House, alongside Congress and local officials, must speak out and speak out forcefully against this scourge of anti-Semitism impacting communities across the country," said David Posner, an official with JCC Association of North America. "Members of our community must see swift and concerted action from federal officials to identify and capture the perpetrator or perpetrators who are trying to instill anxiety and fear in our communities." The FBI and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are probing the threats. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the vandalism and bomb threats serious, unacceptable behavior and said the department will "do what it can to assist in pushing back ... and prosecuting anybody that we can prove to be a part of it." "We are a nation that is a diverse constituency, and we don't need these kind of activities," Sessions said. Rashid said he had one message to the people behind the valdalizations and threats. "If you truly want to establish peace in the world, you have to learn to look at the world through the realities of the oppressed," he told .mic. "If we want to establish peace and live in a country of values and principles of the constitution, we have to engage in dialogue and efforts to hear out one another." The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Russian spy ship spotted "loitering" off Virginia last month has traveled south and was seen Thursday about 150 miles off Florida heading toward the Caribbean, U.S. officials told Fox News. RUSSIAN SALE OF FIGHTER JETS TO UAE HIGHLIGHTS SHIFT TOWARD KREMLIN The Viktor Leonov was southeast of U.S. Naval Station Mayport, the officials said. In the past, whenever the ship sailed close to Florida, U.S. Navy aircraft would fly from Jacksonville to take a look. Officials said to expect the same response this time around. TRUMP'S NOT TELLING THE WHOLE STORY ON TRADE, CHINA CLAIMS United States territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from shore. Fox News was first to report the sighting of the Russian spy ship off the coast of Delaware in mid-February. When the ship "loitered" near Norfolk, Va., it was about 19 miles from land, U.S. officials said. The Victor Leonov was armed with an array of intelligence gathering equipment used to intercept communications and analyze U.S. Navy sonar capability. "Its lawful [and] similar to operations we do around the world," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters last month. The Russian spy ship left its homeport in the Barents Sea near Norway, part of Russias northern fleet, around New Years Day, according to American defense officials. Following a port call in Jamaica, the Russian ship then began its voyage north along the east coast of the United States before turning south. The ship was spotted in Havana Harbor in January 2015 as the Obama administration eased relations with Cuba. For the past six months, an active-duty Army major studying at the University of Miami has been taking pictures of city police cars he says were illegally parked. The Miami New Times reported Wednesday that Glen Carr, who moved to Miami in August to study at the school, has sent at least 125 complaintsalong with photographs to support his claimto police departments in or around Miami-Dade County. YOUNG MAN WHO WALKED MILES TO WORK NOW DRIVES AFTER POLICE RAISE CASH Its not like Im against them, he told the paper. I just want them to be better at what they do. I feel they dont hold each other accountable. Carr, who served for nine months at remote base near the Pakistan border just after the attacks of Sept. 11, started noticing police disobeying the same laws they enforce four years ago, when he was teaching his daughter how to drive. He said he saw two police cars speeding at 80 in a 55-mph-zone without their lights on. Carr has been ignored by some law enforcement agencies, while others promised to look in to the matter. He said he submitted dozen complaints to Miami Police, but they all reportedly disappeared. I dont know if they were losing them on purpose or by accident, Carr said. Authorities in Chester County have arrested and charged a juvenile in connection with a home invasion and robbery that left a woman tied up in her own closet for several days. The 17-year-old male suspect has been charged with attacking a 72-year-old woman in her home, stealing her car and credit cards, before he left her bound and locked in a dark room for four days. Investigators say the victim remembered getting out of her car on February 22, when she says she was grabbed from behind and hit in the head by a male dressed in all black. She was found by a family member days later. District Attorney Tom Hogan stated, This juvenile engaged in a brutal attack on the victim, then showed a callous disregard for her life. The charged juvenile is lucky that the victim did not die. If the victim had not been found by her family, the defendant would be facing murder charges. Police say the victim lived alone in East Brandywine Township, and had no prior contact with the suspect. Authorities say the juvenile who was charged was residing at Devereux Brandywine, a behavioral health facility near the victim's home. He is originally from Thailand, with a local address in Media, Pennsylvania. Click for more from Fox 29. A transgender woman arrested by immigration agents while at a courthouse for a protective order hearing had admitted to a money order scheme weeks before, an affidavit shows. Irvin Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was arrested on Feb. 9 in El Paso County Courthouse. A criminal complaint with a supporting affidavit filed Tuesday by Border Patrol Agent Humberto Chavira states that Gonzalez admitted to the crime on Jan. 13, after she and her partner Mario De Avila were caught stealing mail from blue U.S. Post Office drop-off boxes. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TAKES REFUGE IN DENVER CHURCH TO AVOID DEPORTATION According to the affidavit, the scheme consisted in taking money orders, washing the name off with transmission fluid, adding De Avilas name and depositing the money into his bank account. De Avila was arrested and charged with forgery. A couple of weeks after the incident, El Paso Police Department Authorities alerted a Border Patrol agent of Gonzalezs presence in the country during a follow up interview she had openly admitted to cops that she was in the U.S. illegally. She had also volunteered that she had a protective order (against De Avila) hearing on Feb. 9. AGENTS DETAIL 'DAILY' BORDER FENCE BATTLE, SEEK POST-OBAMA 'RESTART' Federal officials used that information to look up her hearing and showed up to the courthouse, the affidavit says. The case got attention from Congressman Beto ORourke and El Paso County leaders, who expressed concern over the fact that she was arrested inside a courthouse. MAN SUSPECTED IN AMBER ALERT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED The public defender representing Gonzalez filed a petition for her immediate release saying that a Border Patrol agent perjured himself because in a first version of the affidavit he wrote that the arrest happened outside the building. Security footage shows them escorting her out from the 10th floor of the courthouse. Jail records show Gonzalez, who was charged with forgery on Feb. 15, remains in the El Paso County jail. She was first arrested and voluntarily returned to Mexico on June 5, 2007. She was then deported again, twice in 2011, once in 2013, 2014, and 2016. In 2011 she was sentenced to over a year in jail for crimes including domestic battery, illegal entry, and possession of stolen mail. Federal agents detained a young Argentinian immigrant just minutes after she criticized U.S. deportation policies at a news conference in Jackson, Mississippi. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 22-year-old Daniela Vargas Wednesday as a friend was driving her home from the news conference, hosted by local immigration lawyers, churches and advocacy groups. At the event, she spoke about how agents had already come out to her family home on February 15, when they detained her father and brother. According to ICE, agents did not take Daniela Vargas into custody last month because she told them she was covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. But the agency later determined Vargass DACA status was no longer current. Vargass lawyers say financial constraints delayed their clients application to renew her DACA status. But they say Vargas has been in the U.S. since her parents brought her here from Argentina at the age of 7. This is her culture, said immigration attorney Abigail Peterson. This is where her family is. This is where her friends are. This is the life that she knows. And she told me when I met with her that she would like the opportunity to go in the military if that becomes an option for DACA. I mean, she is someone who has a love for this country. Peterson said DACA recipients, undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country as minors, do not represent a high risk group that law enforcement should be targeting. She also expressed concern about the timing of Vargass arrest. Two weeks later, after shes been in the media quite a bit, for them to now arrest her raises questions as to the incentive behind it, Peterson said. Every day, as part of routine targeted enforcement operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fugitive Operations teams arrest criminal aliens and other individuals who are in violation of our nations immigration laws, ICE Public Affairs Officer Thomas Byrd explained in a written statement. ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy. ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately. Vargas remains in federal custody as she awaits a hearing before an immigration judge. Jordan Sanders, a friend who was with Vargas at the time of her arrest, expressed disbelief. She has no criminal history, Sanders said. She's great. I just dont understand why it's happening to her. Fox News Willie Inman and Chip Bell contributed to this report. A 19-year-old man in California who walked miles to and from work saw his life change in the span of just a few weeks, after police helped raise money to buy him a car, and send him to college. Jourdan Duncans commute to work was like no other. Every morning he would walk from his parents house in Vallejo, Calif. to his job in Benecia to Vallejo, Calif. a whopping seven-mile trek. It would take him two hours each way, Fox 2 reported. COMMUNITY RAISES $60G FOR HOMELESS TEENAGER IN JUST ONE DAY Last September, Duncan caught the attention of a Benecia police officer, who spotted him walking along an industrial road. It was kind of weird to see someone walking around on foot, Cpl. Kirk Keffer told The Washington Post. Keffer stopped Duncan and gave him a ride home, learning his story along the way. LAPD OFFICER HELPS DYING MOTHERS WISH FOR HER TEENAGE DAUGHTER COME TRUE Duncan had just graduated from high school and had a job at Pro-Form Laboratories, where he worked in a packaging line from 3 p.m. until around midnight. He was saving up for college and to fix his broken-down car. Instead of being a burden to friends or co-workers, Duncan decided to walk to work. Its not a problem for me, he told the Washington Post in September. Inspired by the young man's story, Keffer approached his police department and the Benicia Police Officers Association and together they surprised Duncan with a new bike for him to use. We would like to acknowledge your hard work and dedication for what you do and setting the example for kids your age, they told him, according to Keffer. Hopefully thisll make your trip easier. But the officers didnt stop there. They started a GoFundMe campaign to raise some money for Duncan to fix his car. The inspirational story went viral. The campaign raised more than $42,000 in four months. The community just had an outpouring of love for him, Keffer told the Post on Tuesday. It was something the community needed, something positive at the time. With the money, Duncan purchased a used Volkswagen Passat for $2,900 and put the rest in the bank. He has also started taking classes at Solano Community College so that he can following in the footsteps of some of his relatives and become a California Highway Patrol Officer. Im just super proud of him. He could have went so many different ways with that money, Keffer said. Hes got a bright future ahead of him. I just hope that he continues down this path. Click for more from Fox 2. The man detained in Brussels on Thursday driving a car filled with gas canisters had been convicted in a 2016 terror trial, state broadcaster RTBF reported. FOX NEWS EXCLUSIVE: JAILED ISIS FIGHTERS AWAIT DEATH, BOAST OF KILLING HUNDREDS The man, who has not been identified, was convicted during a mass trial of suspects involved in the "Zerkani" terror recruiting network, according to RTBF. Some of those involved in the network had participated in the March 2016 Brussels attacks and the November 2015 Paris attacks. The detention on Thursday set off a security alert in the center of Brussels, closing off a busy part of the capital and a subway station during the evening rush hour, the prosecutor's office said. ISIS FIGHTERS TRY HIDING AMONG MOSUL FAMILIES Prosecutor's spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said authorities did not want to take any chances and acted quickly "since the driver was known by judicial authorities and it was unclear why the gas canisters were there." "We are taking the case seriously," Van Wymersch added. She said the suspect was being interrogated. Saint Gilles Mayor Charles Picque described the driver as "a radicalized person, so it was normal to take precautionary measures." Van Wymersch cautioned however not to jump to conclusions about a possible extremist motive. The gas canisters were discovered when police noticed a car speeding and running red lights and pursued it. The local transport authority said late Thursday that the Porte de Hal metro station closed on police orders, while a perimeter was established above ground. Media reported an anti-bomb squad was brought in. Belgian security services have been on high alert since suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway last March 22, killing 32 people. Fox News' Greg Palkot and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Prosecutors in Bali have reiterated their calls for Byron Bay, Australia, woman Sara Connor to be jailed for eight years for the death of a police officer on a Kuta beach, saying the officer had a human right to still be alive. MOM OF ATTACKED PARTY HOST HAS STERN WARNING FOR SUSPECTS The family of the officer, Wayan Sudarsa, had a right to have him in their midst, Prosecutor Kadek Wahyudi Ardika told the Denpasar District Court on Thursday. And Ardika was scathing of Connors defense submissions that the use of circumstantial evidence, known as indication or guidance evidence, apart from hard evidence like witness statements, was not allowed under the Indonesian criminal code, saying this assertion was totally wrong. MS-13 GANG MEMBERS INDICTED IN KILLINGS OF THREE NY TEENS He dismissed claims the circumstantial evidence violated Connors human rights with this strongly worded rebuttal: Have the (defense) lawyers also considered the human rights of the victim, Wayan Sudarsa to stay alive ... do the legal team think it is appropriate that only because of the loss of one bag owned by the defendant Sara Connor, that cost one life and at the end the bag and the things inside it were never found with the victim. Ardika was referring to the stated reason for the fight with the officer that night on a Kuta beach - claims by Connors British boyfriend David James Taylor that the officer had stolen Connors handbag. And Ardika suggested that the defense lawyers should read and study the Indonesian Criminal Code, the basis for judicial process, which does not ban the use of guidance evidence. An example of circumstantial evidence is the assertion that Connors claim, that she cut up and disposed of the police officers ID cards after his death to prevent identity theft, was not rational and rather was attempt to conceal her involvement, a consciousness of guilt. The prosecutor also seized upon Connors personal plea to the Judges earlier this week where she expressed remorse but maintained she did nothing to cause the victim to die. Ardika said this was contradictory. Connor has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty. It is the defendants right to deny all the indictment of the prosecutor. But from the facts that we have from the trial, we are convinced that the defendant Sara Connor has been proven guilty of committing a crime together with David James Taylor, committing violence that caused the victim, Wayan Sudarsa, to die, Ardika submitted. As the 46-year-old faced the closing stages of her trial in relation to the August 17 death, prosecutors were responding to Connors defense submissions, delivered earlier this week. As expected the prosecution stood by their earlier demand that Connor be found guilty of group violence causing death and be jailed for eight years. The prosecution has submitted to the court that Connor and Taylor are not guilty of murder of the officer but are guilty of causing his death by violence. They say the necessary intent for murder was not borne out by the facts but the evidence supports a finding of a group attack. Click for more from news.com.au Eight Iraqi nationals are set to spend up to 13 years in prison after a court in Austria Thursday convicted them of gang-raping a German tourist in the early hours of New Year's Day more than a year ago. ISIS FIGHTERS TRY HIDING AMONG MOSUL FAMILIES AS REFUGEE RATES SURGE The Iraqis, aged between 22 and 48, arrived in Austria as migrants between May and December 2015. Five received refugee status. The court awarded the victim -- a 28-year old woman -- more than $26,000 in damages, and dismissed charges against a ninth suspect. Both sides appealed the ruling, according to a court statement. THREE SKIERS KILLED IN ITALIAN ALPS AVALANCHE, RESCUERS SAY Four Iraqi men knew the tourist had been drinking heavily on and could not defend herself before they took her to a Vienna apartment, where the entire group took turns raping her on Jan. 1, 2016, prosecutors said. They added that when the woman regained control, she found herself naked in a bed. She was celebrating the holiday with a friend in Vienna beforehand, the BBC reported. All but one of the defendants denied raping the woman while some acknowledged having what they described as voluntary sex with her. But prosecutor Karina Fehringer suggested that was impossible, describing the victim as being in defenseless in an "unconscious, shock-rigid" state. The sentences ranged from nine to 13 years, although the maximum sentence for rape is 15 years in Austria. Judge Petra Poschalko said only two of the defendants had helped the court establish the facts and only one had confessed. Germany saw a slew of sexual assaults that same New Year's Eve -- from as many as 2,000 attackers, according to a leaked police document. Defense lawyer Andreas Reichenbach observed that the Austria crime was committed at around the same time as the assaults in Cologne, Germany, by groups of refugees. He suggested the tough sentences might be an "additional message" that such actions would not be tolerated. Fehringer dismissed defense claims the woman may have sent "false signals" that could have encouraged the men. The lawyer asked, "Should we stick warnings on bottles: 'excess consumption could be interpreted as agreement to have sex?"' according to the reporting of the Austria Press Agency. Fehringer also said the victim continued to suffer post-traumatic effects from the assault, and needed psychiatric treatment. The 48-year-old man whose charges were dismissed said he had been asleep during the assaults. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Inside a low-slung concrete building ringed by blast walls and razor wire, unrepentant ISIS fighters awaiting execution told Fox News they killed and maimed innocent civilians under "license from God" while fighting alongside radical Americans and vowed the terror army can never be truly defeated. ISIS FIGHTERS TRY HIDING AMONG MOSUL FAMILIES Fox News was recently given exclusive access to prisoners, who spend their days behind yellow, steel doors and freely admit to killing hundreds of people as leaders of ISIS cells around the embattled country. Iraqi officials allowed the interviews in between interrogations of their own, aimed at understanding how the terror group operates. "I walked away, and called a number on my phone." Abu Omar, describing how he detonated a car bomb that killed 100 Abu Omar, 25, told Fox News he oversaw a cell in Baghdad and, by his own admission, carried out countless bombings. 'DANGEROUS PHENOMENON': ISRAELI MAN CHARGED WITH TRYING TO JOIN ISIS After joining the terror group, he was initially assigned to guard a checkpoint in Mosul. There, he arrested women who werent properly veiled. For their offenses, they faced public lashing. Omar told Fox News he was plucked from the post and trained in deployment of explosives. With his new skills, he moved up the ranks quickly before being sent to Baghdad to lead a sleeper cell charged with launching attacks against the public, he said. He calmly described how he would pick up a car laden with explosives, always from someone he hadnt met before, and park it at a busy, pre-scouted location. "I walked away, and called a number on my phone," he said. As Omar melted into teeming crowds and detonated the bomb, all that remained was to wait to learn how many innocent men, women and children his twisted handiwork killed or maimed. One bomb killed more than 100 people, including 30 women and children. Omar, who estimates he had a role in the deaths of 300, calmly described the screams and the chaotic aftermath. Now facing a death sentence, Omar -- despite a rote admission of remorse utterly lacking in conviction -- appears untroubled by his deadly deeds. He claimed he had a license from God to kill in the name of Islam, and still believes ISIS is justified in torturing and burning prisoners of its own. Its so difficult to get informants inside ISIS that this facility has proven a gold mine for information. Intelligence gathered here is used to help the anti-ISIS coalition target airstrikes and predict the behavior of the black-clad jihadist army. Most of its occupants face the gallows when their usefulness ends. The interrogation program was designed by U.S. trainers. Guards told Fox News it does not include torture, and that the worst treatment they can inflict on prisoners is sleep deprivation. Karim, 27, was ISIS' key man in Baghdad for distribution of another type of bomb, the Improvised Explosive Device, or IED. Like Omar, he showed no remorse as he recounted fighting and even killing Americans. He described his battle as a global war, and said that during his time in ISIS, he believed the caliphate would take over the world. Alarmingly, Karim spoke of Americans he had met within the terror group. Two or three, he said, had been kept separate from the others and were part of a larger group of foreigners in charge of threats against the West. "They were more radical than the others," he said of the Americans. Karim described the sleeper cell in which he served as a hierarchy where communications up the chain of command were kept purposefully controlled. The system is much like the one used by Al Qaeda, where meetings are arranged at a set time and place and if someone doesnt appear -- they consider it "burnt" and the operation is scuttled. The cold and murderous resolve of these captured ISIS fighters makes clear to officials -- both U.S. and Iraqi -- that even once the terror army is defeated, its members will morph into a stubborn and deadly insurgency similar to the one that dogged Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Should they be driven from strongholds such as Mosul and Raqqa, Syria, ISIS diehards will continue, Karim vowed, to attack from the shadows. Islamic State terrorists desperate to get out with their lives have tried blending in with the growing crowds of innocent men, women and children escaping Mosul, an intelligence officer reportedly revealed Wednesday. 'DANGEROUS PHENOMENON': ISRAELI MAN CHARGED WITH TRYING TO JOIN ISIS "You can tell because they are afraid. Those who are not Daesh are also afraid but it's different from the fear of those who are with Daesh," the officer told Reuters, using another name for ISIS and speaking on condition of anonymity. Terrorists who play a smaller role for ISIS, staying far enough away from the front lines, are more likely to slip through the cracks, the officer added. Since the U.S.-backed push to retake western Mosul launched about a week ago, some 28,400 people have been forced to leave their homes, the United Nations reported. That would be the highest rate since the Iraqi military's Mosul operation began last October. EU LIFTS LE PEN'S IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION AFTER ISIS TWEETS Since Feb. 25, some 4,000 people have escaped the city each day, the U.N. added. Iraqi intelligence officers have scanned the refugees for hidden fighters, pulling some from the crowds to interrogate them directly. A few locals serve as "sources" pointing out who may have ISIS connections, the anonymous officer told Reuters. For the families trying to escape, their safety is all but assured. Many have said they're close to starving, and that sudden attacks have destroyed their homes and livelihoods. "There is a limit to what we can endure. We are humans made of flesh and blood," Dawud Dargham said bording a bus to a refugee camp run by the Iraqi government. The offensive started after the terrorists were pushed out of most of the territory they controlled in Iraq. ISIS had overrun the north and west in the summer of 2014. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Malaysian police on Friday released the only North Korean it had detained in the killing of the half brother of North Korea's leader, as it condemned the use of a banned nerve agent in the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ri Jong Chol, who had been detained since Feb. 17, four days after Kim Jong Nam's death, was handed over to immigration officials for deportation. Police never said what they had thought his role had been in the attack, but national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed Friday that Ri was released due to a lack of evidence against him. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali has said that Ri would be deported because he didn't have any valid travel documents. Two women one Indonesian, one Vietnamese have been charged with murdering Kim at an airport terminal Feb. 13. They were caught on grainy surveillance video smearing what Malaysian authorities say was VX nerve agent on his face and eyes, though both reportedly say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. Police are searching for seven North Korean suspects, including four believed to have left Malaysia the day Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed. One of the suspects believed to still be in Malaysia is an official at the North Korean Embassy. A statement from Malaysia's Foreign Ministry ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, saying it was "greatly concerned" with the use of the toxic chemical and condemning the use of such a chemical weapon under any circumstances. "Its use at a public place could have endangered the general public," the foreign ministry said. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the killing, but the statement came hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Ri Tong Il, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, also said that if VX had been used, others besides Kim would have been killed or sickened. Kim's death has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. On Thursday, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say the two female suspects smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kim's face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpur's airport. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. Malaysia's autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, and North Korea is widely believed to possess large quantities of chemical weapons including VX. North Korea is trying to retrieve Kim's body, but it has not acknowledged that the victim is Kim Jong Un's half brother, as Malaysian government officials have confirmed. Pyongyang refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying when he died. Malaysian police are doing the same; they are seeking next-of-kin who could provide a DNA sample and make a positive identification, steps they say are needed for authorities to give up the body. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Khalid, the national police chief, brushed off the North Korean envoy's claim of a heart attack. "We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like but the facts remain," Khalid told The Associated Press. Malaysian police said the female suspects had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands after attacking Kim. The police said the four North Korean suspects who left the country the day of the killing put the VX liquid on the women's hands. Police can't confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Kim Jong Nam reportedly fell out of favor with his father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 German Chancellor Angela Merkel has met with Egypt's president during a visit to Cairo to discuss ways of slowing migration to Europe. Merkel held talks with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi shortly after her arrival on Thursday. She is expected to meet with businessmen, civil society representatives, and Muslim and Christian leaders before heading to Tunisia on Friday. Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Wednesday that Germany wants to help Egypt to strengthen its coast guard and crack down on illegal trafficking across the Mediterranean, where thousands of migrants die at sea each year. Syrian government forces recaptured Palmyra from the Islamic State group on Thursday, scoring a victory against the militants who had seized the historic town in December for the second time, a Syrian military statement said. The military said troops gained full control of the desert town in central Syria following a series of military operations carried out with the help of Russian air cover and in cooperation with "allied and friendly troops" shorthand for the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. Hezbollah is fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces in the civil war. ISIS defenses around the town had begun to erode on Sunday, with the government troops reaching Palmyra's outskirts on Tuesday. The SANA news agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the town's archaeological complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around mid-day, then the town itself, as IS militants fled the area. This is the government's second campaign to retake the desert town. It seized Palmyra from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, had said earlier that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed by his defense minister that Syrian troops had gained control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. The Syrian government's push has relied on ground support from Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and Russian air cover, according to Hezbollah's media outlets. The town, according to Mohammed Homsi, the director of the activist-run Palmyra News Network, is almost entirely deserted. Islamic State fighters reportedly evacuated the last of their relatives on Sunday, he said. Archeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its priceless ruins. Drone footage released by Russia's Defense Ministry earlier this month showed new damage to the facade of Palmyra's Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. ISIS has twice used the town's Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other ISIS killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of Syrian peace talks underway in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round of talks, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura was due for another round of meetings with both the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that "the parties have agreed to ... discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks." After a Damascus request, the issue of terrorism is also on the table, he had said. Russia is a key sponsor of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in Damascus. A top Syrian opposition negotiator, Nasr al-Hariri, said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony on Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In Turkey, the country's foreign minister said that with the completion of an operation to retake the ISIS-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria, Turkish troops will head to the Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces, which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with ISIS. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu stressed that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. That front line in northern Syria was further complicated by a concurrent announcement by the Syrian Kurdish side on Thursday that they had agreed with Russia to withdraw from some of the territory between al-Bab and Manbij, to make room for a buffer. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line as the rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Cavusoglu denied any such agreement was reached. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. The Turkish and Syrian authorities have long regarded each other with thinly-veiled hostility. The U.S. on Thursday engaged in its first military action in Yemen since the raid that killed Navy SEAL Ryan Owens in January, three U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News. TRUMP HONORS WIDOW OF FALLEN NAVY SEAL IN EMOTIONAL MOMENT The early-morning airstrikes -- more than 20 in all -- targeted Al Qaeda fighters, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said. The strikes hit three south-central provinces suspected to have terrorist activity: Abyan, Shabwa and Bayda. At least four Al Qaeda fighters were killed, a Yemeni official told The Associated Press. FATHER OF NAVY SEAL DEMANDS INVESTIGATION INTO YEMEN RAID The strikes will degrade the AQAP's ability to coordinate external terror attacks and limit their ability to use territory seized from the legitimate government of Yemen as a safe space for terror plotting. Targets of the strikes included militants, equipment, infrastructure, heavy weapons systems and fighting positions," Davis added, saying the U.S. coordinated the military action with Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Chief Petty Officer Ryan Owens was killed as part of the Navy SEAL Team Six operation against Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on January 29. Three other Americans were wounded in the operation and a $75 million aircraft was destroyed after it crash-landed bringing in reinforcements offshore. The SEAL team had engaged in a firefight with Al Qaeda militants and local villagers, lasting nearly an hour. Critics have claimed the raid was a failure. Survivors and witnesses said at least 25 Yemenis were killed in the attack, including 10 children and nine women, The Associated Press reported. Citing unnamed officials, critics have also said the raid gathered little intelligence. However, one U.S. official told Fox News the intel gathered from the January raid likely provided information needed for the airstrikes overnight. Another official pushed back, saying it was not clear how much information from the January raid contributed to last nights strikes. Al Qaeda in Yemen, seen as the militant group's most dangerous offshoot, has seized large swaths of land and entire cities since 2011, when a mass uprising forced longtime ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh from power. However, the group grew in weapons and numbers after the start of the 2015 Saudi-led campaign that targeted Houthi rebels who seized control of the capital, Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to escape. Throughout the years, the U.S. has depended on drone strikes in hunting down Al Qaeda's top leaders and operatives. In 2015, the group's leader was killed in a drone strike in the southern city of Mukalla, the provincial capital of Yemen's largest province of Hadramawt, and which fell into the hands of the group for a year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. People hold photos of their family members, who they say were killed due to their alleged involvement in illegal drugs, during a protest against extra-judicial killings in Paranaque City, Philippines. Struggling appliance and electronics retailer hhgregg Inc. announced Thursday that it is planning to close 88 of its weakest stores, including the one in Fredericksburg, as part of its turnaround strategy. The store, which opened in 2010 in Central Park shopping center, is one of 15 that the Indianapolis-based company will be closing in Virginia. The others include nearby locations in Short Pump, Springfield and Woodbridge. We are strategically exiting markets and stores that are not financially profitable for us, hhgregg CEO Robert Riesbeck said in a statement. This is a proactive decision to streamline our store footprint in the markets where we have been, and will continue to be, important to our customers, vendor partners and communities. Inventory in the affected stores will be sold over the coming weeks, with closings expected to be complete by mid-April, according to a company news release. The store closings amount to more than a third of the companys 229 brick-and-mortar stores in 20 states. Approximately 1,500 positions will be eliminated. I want to thank each and every manager and associate in our stores and distribution centers, and their families, for their continued efforts, contributions and support, said Riesbeck. I understand this is not an easy process to go through; our history has shown that our team members will meet this challenge head-on and continue to support our customers and each other through the closing process. He said the affected stores were either underperforming or in locations that are no longer strong shopping destinations due to changes in the local retail shopping landscape. The appliance retailer has seen its sales slump for the past two years as it lost market share to online retailers such as Amazon while also having to compete against traditional big-box stores including Best Buy. In addition, JCPenney has muscled into the market by adding appliances to its offerings. The New York Stock Exchange delisted hhgregg earlier this week for failing to meet the minimum listing requirement. Bloomberg last week reported that hhgregg is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this month. The Indianapolis-based company also announced that it is closing three distribution centers, including one in Brandywine, Md. They will continue to support customer orders of all product sold in the closing locations until all product has been delivered, according to the news release. 5th WALL THEATRE Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond. 804/359-2003; 5thwalltheatre.org ALTRIA THEATER 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond. 804/592-3368; broadwayinrichmond.com. Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella, Tony-winning musical featuring a contemporary take on the classic tale. March 10-11. $43-$83. 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. Intelligence, a world-premiere political thriller, explores the cost of deception and the consequences of speaking truth to power. Through April 9 in Kogod Cradle. $40-$90. CARPENTER THEATER Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond. 804/592-3400; broadwayinrichmond.com Elvis Lives, a multimedia and live musical journey across Elvis life. March 7. $38, $63. 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 Washington National Opera: Dead Man Walking, based on Sister Helen Prejeans real-life memoirs, which also inspired the 1995 film. Through 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. QUILL THEATRE The Branch Museum, 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond. 804/340-0115; quilltheatre.org Historical Reading Series: Soapbox Sisters: An Evening with the Suffragettes, featuring two propaganda plays and an essay by three of the most forward-thinking women of the early 20th century: Mary Shaw, Mary Winsor and Lila Meade Valentine. March 14 at 7 p.m. $16-$20. RICHMOND TRIANGLE PLAYERS 1300 Altamont Ave., Richmond. 804/346-8113; rtriangle.org I Was Here, featuring Billy Christopher Maupin (along with Joshua Wortham and Tristan Dougherty) with new songs, new stories, guest appearances. March 15 at 8 p.m. $20. 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 in the Burg Hill Schools Shelia Johnson Center for Performing Arts, 130 S. Madison Street, in Middleburg. 703/298-7664; shakespeareintheburg.com Two Gentlemen of Verona, performed by Shakespeare in the Square. April 1 at 7:30 p.m. A brunch, with performances of the winning one-act plays, will be on April 2 at 11 a.m. $45 for Two Gentlemen of Verona, $30 for Sunday brunch. 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. Through 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. March 3-4. $10-$15. VIRGINIA OPERA George Mason Universitys Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax. 888/945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu. Giacomo Puccinis Turandot is an epic tale of revenge, power and love based on the ancient fable set in imperial China. March 25-26. 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. Through 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. The 19th centurys early years may seem a long ways off. Two centuries ago, in fact, if youre talking about the year President James Monroe was sworn into office. But issues that concerned Monroe, once a Fredericksburg resident, still vex his countrymen. Then as now, education, an informed electorate and the power of party politics dominate discussions. This Saturday at 11 a.m., those connections may grow more clear as the James Monroe Museum re-creates the fifth U.S. presidents inauguration, on the University of Mary Washingtons Fredericksburg campus. The steps of UMWs Monroe Hall will stand in for Washingtons Old Brick Capitol (now site of the U.S. Supreme Court), where the ceremony took place on March 4, 1817, ushering in the Era of Good Feelings. Monroes swearing-in was the first presidential inaugural to be held outdoors. The temporary D.C. structure housed Congress while the U.S. Capitol was being rebuilt after British troops torched it during the War of 1812. The Historical Trumpets and Flutes of the Armys Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps will kick off the event with a half-hour concert featuring music of Monroes era, and also play two tunes during the inaugural ceremony. The corps is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), stationed at Fort Myer in Northern Virginia. Its musicians recall the days of the American Revolution, performing in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of Gen. George Washingtons Continental Army. The presidential partyincluding President-elect Monroe, his wife Elizabeth Monroe, Chief Justice John Marshall, President James Madison and first lady Dolley Madisonwill arrive by horse and carriage. An 1812-era color guard and historical interpreters from a variety of military companies will help create the scene as it happened. Marshall, a Virginian who was Monroes longtime friend and occasional political adversary, will administer the oath of office. Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and other local and state politicians will offer greetings. The public is invited to Saturdays free event, which UMW will livestream on the internet. A reception will follow. Monroe Hall has a few parking spaces. For other on-campus parking, see umw.edu/visitors. Details? Call the museum at 540/654-1043. A Culpeper County school bus driver has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery after being accused of striking the arm of a 12-year-old girl. According to the Sheriffs Office, the driver told investigators he responded after the student pinched his arm and moved toward him again. Sheriff Scott Jenkins said the 59-year-old man told investigators that he was frustrated that day. The driver, who was not required to post bond, is scheduled to make his first court appearance March 8. He has been suspended from his duties pending the outcome of the incident, according to school system spokeswoman Pearl Jamison. Four Cuban immigrants living in Florida have been arrested and charged with being part of a credit card skimming operation in Louisa County, according to the Sheriffs Office. The suspects are accused of using skimmers to obtain credit card information from numerous victims at the Elk Creek Store and New Bridge Market in Louisa County, along with other possible locations, between Dec. 14 and Dec. 18, according to a Louisa Sheriffs Office release. A skimmer is a device implanted on debit and credit card reading machines that allow criminals to obtain account information. The illegally obtained credit card information was used to charge some $18,000 in merchandise in Louisa, authorities said. The release said locations in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax and Maryland were also affected. The Sheriffs Office charged Breisys Martinez, 23; Yesenia RodriguezLopez, 21; Braya Hernandez, 32; and Julio MarquezFranco, 29. Each suspect faces 14 charges of credit card fraud, possession of credit card numbers and credit card forgery. The suspects are legal immigrants from Cuba who were living in Hialeah, Fla. The Sheriffs Office said they had traveled back to their native country, but were arrested last week by officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department upon returning to Florida. All four are currently in the process of being extradited to Virginia to stand trial. The Sheriffs Office has identified fewer than 10 victims so far, but believes there may be other cases that have not yet been reported. Anyone who may be a victim can contact the sheriffs office at 540/967-1234. It has been 21 years since a graduate student vanished from a Culpeper County roadside, a mysterious abduction and murder case that remains unsolved. But the Virginia State Police said in a release on the anniversary of that crime Thursday that investigators continue to pursue the killer of 25-year-old Alicia Showalter Reynolds, whose body was found two months after her disappearance buried in a remote area of Lignum that had been recently cleared of trees. Reynolds white Mercury Tracer was found abandoned alongside southbound U.S. 29 about five miles south of the town of Culpeper the day of her disappearance. She had been on her way from Baltimore to Charlottesville to meet her mother for a shopping trip. Some suspect the Johns Hopkins University graduate student was a victim of the Route 29 Stalker, a man who used a car-trouble ruse to lure women into his vehicle, described as a dark-colored pickup. Reynolds was last seen getting into a dark pickup, possibly a green Nissan, with a man. Witnesses described the man as white, between 35 and 45 years old, with a medium build and brown hair. Reynolds credit card was found later in the town of Culpeper. A parka she wore was later found in Madison County. The state police said in its release that investigators have received 10,189 leads in the case. In the release, the state police said they remain hopeful that this case will come to a successful resolution and continue to encourage the public to come forward with any information related to the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police toll-free at 800/572-2260, or the Bureau of Criminal Investigation toll-free at 888/300-0156, or by email at bci-culpeper@vsp.virginia.gov. Dequandry Q Howard told a Stafford jury Wednesday the same thing he told a county detective last year on the day his uncle, 33-year-old William Maurice Moe Scott, was killed. He said he saw Chancellor Chop Tolliver fire a single shot into Scotts chest outside the Garrison Woods apartment complex. Howards eyewitness account is the only direct evidence linking Tolliver to the Feb. 7, 2016, slaying. Tolliver, 20, is charged with first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Tollivers trial in Stafford Circuit Court is expected to wrap up today, the third day of the trial. Closing arguments are expected this morning before the case goes to the jury for deliberations. According to witnesses, Tolliver was upset that morning because someone had broken into his home on Onville Road and taken money and other property. Howard said he was at Tollivers home early that morning after he learned about the burglary and saw him walk outside with a gun in his hand. Moments later, shots were fired that led to multiple calls to the Stafford Sheriffs Office. No one was struck at that point. Later in the morning, Howard said, Tolliver went to several residences, making what Howard described as police knocks on doors. Howard said Tolliver had mentioned three possible suspects, including Scott, in the break-in. Police said there was no evidence linking Scott to the burglary. Scott was outside of his home when Tolliver approached him. Howard said he heard the two men exchange words just before the shooting, but couldnt hear what was being said. He said he then watched Tolliver fire a shot and run off. The bullet entered Scotts upper chest area and damaged a number of internal organs, including his heart and both lungs. The murder weapon was never recovered, but prosecutors Amy Casey and George Elsasser put on evidence showing that the bullet fragments recovered from Scotts body matched shell casings found at the scene and outside Tollivers residence. Defense attorney Kristin Kadar targeted what she described as inconsistent statements made by Howard, including those regarding which way the gunman ran after shooting Scott. Asked by Kadar why he didnt name Tolliver when he called 911, Howard said, I was just mad. I was going off. Much of Wednesdays testimony centered on a 70-minute taped interview Tolliver had with Detective Todd Nosal after turning himself in later that day. Tolliver made no incriminating statements during the interview and denied even being in Garrison Woods at the time of the shooting. He claimed he didnt own a gun. Tolliver, who was living with Scotts cousin at the time, told Nosal that he and Scott were on friendly terms and that no one deserves to die like that. Nosal testified that Tolliver was jovial during the interview and laughed through much of it. He said Scott was asking almost as many questions as he was asked. It was a cat-and-mouse game in which both of us were trying to be the cat, Nosal said. The Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg hopes to start a conversation about the impact of racism in the United States and what Christians should do. The issue of racism has made local headlines in recent weeks with white-supremacist flyers found in Spotsylvania County neighborhoods and in front of campus housing at the University of Mary Washington. The church will host a four-week forum that examines the question: "How is the church called to respond?" The forum will have a different speaker each Sunday this month from 9:4510:45 a.m., discussing racism from personal experience and what the movement for racial justice looks like. The church's pastor, The Rev. Allen Fisher Jr., will speak during the first forum, held March 5. On March 12, Stafford attorney Alda White will speak, followed by The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins on March 19. Hawkins is the director of the Office of Public Witness, based in D.C., for The Presbyterian Mission Agency. The agency advocates for social issues to Congress on behalf of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Michael Ransome of Northumberland County first heard about the forum from his friend, Rev. Charles Sydnor, former rector of St. George's Episcopal Church. Both Ransome and Sydnor will speak March 26. Ransome, who is African-American, is no stranger to difficult conversations, having led a discussion about white privilege at the Northumberland Public Library last year. He dispels some of the misconceptions, including that it is limited to material benefits. Instead, Ransome describes white privilege as the fact that whites are better represented and shown in a more favorable light than AfricanAmerican people. For example, Ransome notes that as a child, a picture of Jesus that hung on the wall portrayed Christ as European. For Ransome, that was at odds with the teaching that he was created in God's image. The church can be a powerful voice in a community, particularly acknowledging and understanding race issues, he said. "When the church is open to speaking about social justice issues, it is a positive thing." Ransome said. "It is very difficult to love one another without first understanding each other." Though the conversations can be uncomfortable, Ransome said an open discussion about racism and prejudice, particularly in the church, can allow people to better understand one another, leading to greater love and respect. "I think it is quite essential to understand each other," Ransome said. "Ultimately, you want love to be the result." The Rev. Brittany Tamminga, associate pastor of The Presbyterian Church, said the forum came about because the congregation believes racism is an affront to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She hopes that members of the church and wider community may "understand the ways in which we, even unknowingly, participate in and benefit from the unjust systems that have led to the marginalization and suffering of our black and brown sisters and brothers." Tamminga acknowledged that conversations about race can often be tense, but hopes the discussion about racial issues and justice in the congregation will continue in the wider community long after the forums have ended. "Our hope is that this will not be the end of a conversation," Tamminga said, "but the beginning of one that will ultimately transform lives and perpetuate values that will affect both church and society in a positive way." Teenage pages in the House of Delegates debated a controversial topic near the end of this years General Assembly session. The question was something the lawmakers themselves didnt touch: Whether to remove the Capitol Square statue of former governor and U.S. Sen. Harry Flood Byrd Sr. because of his fight against school integration. The pages, who must be age 13 or 14 by the time the General Assembly session starts, held a mock legislative session on a series of bills a week ago. Page Matthew Kenney of Fluvanna County sponsored the resolution calling for removal of the Byrd statue and opened with a scathing review of one of Virginias most historic figures. The issue was not partisan, he said, but one of right and wrong. Byrd was known as one of the biggest segregationists of his time and in Virginia history, he said. Byrd very strongly opposed the integration of public schools. Harry Flood Byrd then created the political tactic Massive Resistance. It began to infect and corrupt the legislature, most of the Democratic Party. The policy led to the closure of several public school systems in Virginia in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Kenney said. African-American Virginians were denied the right to an education, he said, and many who are still alive are known as the lost generation. Byrd has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life, liberty and the rights of people who never offended him. Kenney quoted Byrds response to the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that outlawed segregated schools: If we can organize the Southern States for massive resistance to this order I think that in time the rest of the country will realize that racial integration is not going to be accepted in the South. This is what still stands outside our Capitol, said Kenney, whose father, Shaun Kenney, is a previous executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia. The debate was timely. Cities such as Charlottesville and Portsmouth have recently taken a fresh look at Confederate monuments and debated whether to move them from prominent locations; the Charlottesville City Council recently voted to relocate a statue of Robert E. Lee; a symposium on the issue was held in Richmond last weekend. Byrd died in 1966. The bronze Byrd statue was unveiled in 1976, paid for with private money. Byrd and his family are key figures in Virginia history. From 1923 to 1965 Byrd ran a political organization in Virginia selecting governors (in what was then a one-party Democratic state), influencing legislation and imposing conservative economic and social policies on the state, Byrd biographer Ronald L. Heinemann wrote in 2013. He had a very successful governorship in the 1920s, reorganizing state government and taxation, building highways and encouraging industrial growth and tourism. Virginias historical road markers originated with Byrd. Other pages brought that up during the debate, which unfolded as the teenagers swiveled in the chairs normally used by elected delegates. This gentleman only states the bad stuff he did, not the good stuff, such as pay as you go, which created many of the modern-day toll roads in Virginia, said page Charles Byrd of Fredericksburg. His mother, Vanessa Byrd, later said her son is a very distant relative of Harry Flood Byrd Sr. By removing this statue, I think youre removing a figure of history, Charles Byrd said. Look at George Washington, Thomas Jefferson. They all had slaves. They were racist. Youve got to understand that we were in the Southern states. We were the Confederates, he said. He urged a no vote. The line drew applause. Sarah Warren, a page from Charlottesville, said removal of the statue would mean the use of taxpayer money to remove something that was built with private funds. She agreed that many great people in history had done bad things. If we tear down the statue, where does it end? she said. Will we tear down the statue of anyone who has ever done something bad? Kenney responded: You can still read about Harry Flood Byrd in a history book. He also said private donations could be raised to pay for removal of the statue and his resolution focused only on the Byrd statue. Audrey Anikeeff, a page from McLean, thought the resolution sounded like removal of history. This man did what he thought was in the best interests for his people, she said. Its just a statue, she said, not something that affects peoples lives. Kenneys resolution to remove the statue failed. Twenty-nine pages voted no, six voted yes and one voted Rule 69 vote, which lawmakers use when they have a personal interest in legislation. Jay Pearson, the House of Delegates administrative employee who supervises the page program, said the mock debate gives the middle schoolers the chance to write their own legislation about what theyre interested in. He edits the legislation, which then goes to committees, which meet, with deadlines. By the time we have the mock debate, all of them have had the opportunity to work in the chamber. So theyre listening to the delegates, he said. Theyll know how to yield to questions and that kind of thing. Karen Kirkwood stood by her daughters side nearly a year ago and made a decision that continues to rip her apart. Jaimee Kirkwood Reese, a 32-year-old mother of two, was lying motionless and connected to tubes in a hospital bed in Newport News on March 5, 2016. The previous day, Reese, a recovering opioid addict who had been through open-heart surgery, suffered a stroke in her cell at Northern Neck Regional Jail. More than 11 hours elapsed before she was admitted to a hospital, according to a $46 million wrongful death lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court that claims the jail staff never gave her the heart medications she was prescribed. By then, it was too late. Reeses brain was dead, and Kirkwood, who had rushed to Riverside Regional Medical Center from her home in Maryland, was faced with deciding to turn off the machines keeping her daughter alive. It was difficult for Kirkwood to talk about the loss of her only child when interviewed by phone from her home Tuesday. Her sister, Cheryl Emery, who traveled with Kirkwood to the hospital to see Reese, spoke on her behalf. This should never have happened, Emery said. It just doesnt make sense, and it has affected so many people. The lawsuit, filed in the Richmond division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, claims the jails correctional officers and medical staff failed to care properly for Reese. The lawsuit was filed by Dorothy Ann Thompson, a relative and administrator of Reeses estate, against five correctional officers and a nurse who worked at Northern Neck Regional Jail. This lawsuit underscores three problems that have become all too common and pervasive throughout the commonwealth: The worsening epidemic of opioid addiction, the warehousing in jails of individuals recovering from substance abuse and other nonviolent behavioral disorders, and the substandard medical care that is being administered on a daily basis to those in the states regional jails and lockups, said Mark D. Dix, Thompsons attorney, who is with the law firm Cantor Stoneburner Ford Grana & Buckner. At the time of Reeses death, the jail housed inmates from Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties and the town of Warsaw. Reese was the third inmate to die at the jail since 2011, according to state records. Reached Wednesday, jail Superintendent Ted Hull said he could not discuss many of the facts in the case because of the lawsuit, which had not been filed at the time. He confirmed that Reese arrived at the jail with a chronic condition that she had an episode related to the condition, and that she died in a hospital. Reeses death was reviewed internally, Hull said, but he declined to release the results of the review to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. No policies or procedures were changed as a result, he said. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation of the Virginia State Police performs an investigation if an inmate death is unattended, which means outside a formal medical environment, like a hospital with an attending physician and/or medical staff, Hull said. Since Reese died at the hospital, state police investigators were not contacted. Local and regional jails in Virginia historically have policed themselves, but starting in July, the Virginia Board of Corrections will review deaths in jails to determine whether policies and procedures were followed properly. The General Assembly recently decided to overhaul the board and give it the authority and resources to review deaths after an outcry over the suspicious death of Jamycheal Mitchell at Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth in August 2015. Mitchell, who was mentally ill, essentially starved to death waiting for a transfer to a state mental hospital. The quality of physical and mental health care provided in jails has come under scrutiny, particularly at Hampton Roads Regional Jail, where the U.S. Department of Justice initiated an investigation last year. That jail contracts with a private company to provide health care to inmates. Northern Neck Regional Jail, where Reese was housed, provides health care services on its own, Dix said. Reese was taken to the jail Feb. 19, 2016, to serve a one-year sentence after she was convicted on drug charges. Emery said Reese was a loving daughter, mother and niece, but she wound up getting involved with a man who got her hooked on drugs a few years before her death. She never had been in trouble with the law before she became addicted, Emery said. When Reese was arrested, Emery urged her to face what she had done and accept the time in jail, Emery said. She and Kirkwood believed Reese would clean up her act behind bars and emerge as the devoted mother she once had been. They never expected shed die within weeks of arriving. Through Dix, her Richmond-based attorney, Thompson alleges the jails staff failed to obtain essential medical records that would have listed the medications Reese was taking after her open-heart surgery five months earlier and leg surgery two months after her heart surgery. She had been taking three medicines to lower her blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, but she never was given any of the medications in jail, according to the lawsuit. Court records show Reese signed documents Feb. 22, 2016, to allow the jail to obtain her medical records from the hospital where she had heart surgery. No releases were signed for the hospital where she had leg surgery. No one at the jail attempted to get her medical records until after her death, according to the lawsuit, and neither the jails head physician nor nursing supervisor saw her for an evaluation. Before 7 a.m. on March 4, a fellow inmate told corrections officers that Reese was unresponsive in her bunk, the lawsuit said. She had vomited on herself and had lost control of her bowels. Instead of being taken to the hospital, Reese was taken by stretcher to a cell for medical observation, where she stayed for hours. Her vital signs were not taken until 2:27 p.m., according to the lawsuit, at which point it was noted that she could not hold her head up or stand on her own. Still, she was kept in the cell for hours. Corrections officers drove her to Riverside Tappahannock Hospital, where she was admitted at 6:18 p.m., according to hospital records included in the lawsuit. A brain scan confirmed she had suffered a stroke, and she was transferred to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News. The physician on duty determined she would not survive. By 2:30 p.m. March 5, her brain stem had died. She looked so beautiful, like she was asleep, Emery said. Her body was getting all the oxygen she needed, but you knew she wasnt there. Reese was pronounced dead at 4:05 p.m. The Virginia writer will speak about her best-selling book and movie. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow her talk. Shetterly grew up in Hampton, where she knew many of the women featured in her book. NOW IS the time for Washington to get to work for Americans. President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic vision for our nation in his first address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. And while acknowledging significant division, he called on Republican and Democratic lawmakers to end trivial fights and small thinking to bring changes that must be made for America to thriveoverhauling the health-care system, ensuring military readiness and investing in crumbling roads, bridges, rails and airports. These are important goals for the well-being of our region, state and nation. Obviously, to accomplish anything, the players on Capitol Hill will have to overcome deep philosophical and practical differences about the role of government. Its proper for elected officials openly debate the issues that define America. It wont be easy. The president spoke broadly on pressing forward with issues that led to his electoral victory such as new trade deals, job creation and enforcing immigration laws, but the speechs more positive tone may prove to be the pivotal moment that many have waited to hear. Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justicein an unbroken chain all the way down to the present, he said. That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart. Indeed, in the hour-plus-long address, Trump steered away from attacking political opponents and brightened his often dark, foreboding view of America. Instead, he charged lawmakers to work with him for the people. The president called on the Republican majority and Democrats in Congress to join forces to finally get the job done. The partisan gridlock during the past six years has kept Congress from reforming the Affordable Care Act, brought us sequestration budget cuts that have harmed our national defense, and put off meaningful reforms in the tax laws. Trumps speech offered scant details on how to achieve its many goals and how to pay for them without blowing up the national debt, but the address could represent a restart for his administration, which has had a tumultuous first five weeks. Republicans worried about their fiery, populist party head were soothed by his opening remarks acknowledging Black History Month and condemning threats against and vandalism of Jewish community centers and cemeteries. While we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms, he said. The same anti-hate message could be extended to Muslim houses of worship in America that have been defaced. Trump also honored the widow of Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens, who was killed in a recent raid in Yemen. That moment offered a powerful message of unity as those assembled in the House chamber gave Carryn Owens a standing ovation that lasted more than two minutes. Our differences are deep and many, but its important to realize that were all in this together. House candidate reflects GOP values At the Stafford GOP Committee meeting, I recently heard a talk by Republican candidate for Virginias 2nd House District, Laquan Austion. Within seconds of meeting him, one can tell he is exactly what the Republican Party has needed for years. Laquans life is the perfect embodiment of what Republicans believe in. He tells this inspiring story of being homeless as a child, being the first one in his family to go to college and then finally purchasing his first home. Through all of Laquans achievements, he credits his hard work and the free market that provided opportunities that no government handout could. Now, Laquan is committed to giving back to his community and making sure others have the same opportunities as he did. He is a candidate that all voters can get behind, supporting his common-sense solutions to help families in Virginia. Adam Washington Stafford 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. The fall armyworm, less commonly known as Spodoptera frugiperda, was first detected on the African continent in Nigeria last January. One year on and it has made the 3,700-mile journey to us in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is not known exactly how this pest arrived in Africa, but it is suspected it was inadvertently introduced via ship or aeroplane from the Americas. While its point of entry is unknown, its devastation to crops in western Africa was very quickly observed. A few months ago it reached Malawi in Zambia and then Zimbabwe, with devastating consequences. See also: Read more from our Arable Farmer Focus writers It is estimated that Zambia has lost 40% of its maize crop to this pest. This is particularly devastating as maize is a staple food across much of Africa. This pest is difficult to control for several reasons. While the worm loves young maize, it will eat almost anything green. It has a very quick life cycle 30 days in warm climates. The moths are strong fliers that can cover large distances and the larvae are resistant to the older insecticide groups. They bore themselves into the maize plant, plugging their entry hole with faeces and plant gum, making it almost impossible for an insecticide to reach them. African armyworm In South Africa, we are not totally unaccustomed to armyworm invasions. The African armyworm has attacked from time to time, usually after prolonged droughts. I can remember my father battling an attack in the 1980s. I dont know if it is just coincidence, but this new armyworm invasion also arrived after a prolonged drought. In my district so far the pest has only been observed in younger maize plants. My maize is older and few weeks from physiological maturity. I have sprayed all my maize and soya crops with a later-generation insecticide to control other worm species. I am hoping it will also hold off the armyworms. The African armyworm seems to come and then go for several decades. I am hoping this fall armyworm invasion will just be a one-off event. Bruce Shepherd farms in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He plants 500ha of rain-fed summer crops across 3,000ha. He also runs 2,600 weaner oxen on pastures, finishing them in a feedlot with maize grown on the farm. Story Highlights 37% say U.S. spends too little on defense; 31% say too much 62% of Republicans, 15% of Democrats say too little spent on defense Americans divided on U.S. military strength WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In contrast to President Donald Trump's call for a massive increase in U.S. military spending, most Americans believe the country currently spends either the right amount (28%) or too much (31%) on national defense. Thirty-seven percent believe it spends too little. Still, slightly more Americans say the U.S. spends too little on defense than say it spends too much. This has happened somewhat infrequently in Gallup's trend since 1969. All of the instances in which "spends too little" has exceeded "spends too much" have come just before, or just after, a Republican presidential administration has replaced a Democratic one. Before the 2016 presidential campaign, the last time that Americans were more likely to say "too little" than to say "too much" was 2000-2002, spanning the 2000 election as well as the aftermath of 9/11. The percentage saying "too little" also exceeded the percentage saying "too much" when Ronald Reagan took office in 1981, after campaigning on a pledge to rebuild the military. At that time, half of Americans thought there was too little defense spending, the highest in Gallup's trend since 1969. Only 15% thought there was too much -- the all-time low. The latest findings from Gallup's Feb. 1-5 World Affairs poll come as President Trump proposes a $54 billion increase in military spending in his first federal budget plan. While Trump's position on defense echoes Reagan's, the percentage of Americans saying the U.S. spends too little on defense is lower now than during Reagan's first month in office. This may be related to fatigue from a continuing war in Afghanistan and the recent Iraq War. The view that the U.S. spends too much on the military reached 50% or more during the Vietnam War era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as in 1990, after the end of the Cold War and an extensive military buildup under President Reagan. Partisan Divide Persists in Views of Defense Spending While 62% of Republicans say the U.S. spends too little on defense, 15% of Democrats hold that view. Though this sentiment has increased among both major party groups since 2012, it is up 20 percentage points among Republicans and five points among Democrats -- despite a slight dip for both parties in 2017. Americans Split on Military Strength Gallup also asks Americans to assess the nation's military strength. Forty-five percent say the national defense is not strong enough, while 43% say it is "about right" and another 11% believe it is stronger than it needs to be. These views are consistent with beliefs about military strength in each of the past two years. Before 2015, significantly more said military strength was "about right" than said it was not strong enough. "About right" is often the dominant choice on this question, in times of peace and war. The highest sentiment of "about right" occurred in January 1990 at a time of relative peace and after an unprecedented military buildup. That year, 64% said the nation's defense was "about right," as opposed to 17% calling it "not strong enough" and 16% saying "stronger than it needs to be." Bottom Line President Trump's view that the military should be strengthened may find an appreciative audience with the public in some respects, as Americans consistently think highly of the U.S. military. But Trump may face some resistance to increased defense spending from those wary of the continuing war in Afghanistan and the recent war in Iraq. While views have wavered some over the past two years, Americans do not express a clear preference for an increase in defense spending, although that is the preference of Trump's GOP base. Overall, about six in 10 Americans say military spending is either too much or about right. Interestingly, more Americans say the country's defense is not strong enough (45%) than say the U.S. spends too little on defense (37%). Similarly, more say the government spends too much (31%) than say the nation's defense is too strong (11%). These discrepancies might indicate that Americans believe more can be done with less. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Story Highlights 36% of watchers more confident in Trump after speech; 11% less confident Almost six in 10 rated the speech as excellent or good Speech watchers were disproportionately Republican WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Donald Trump's address to Congress on Tuesday night had a positive effect on many of those who watched it or read news coverage about it later. Almost six in 10 of this group rated the address as excellent or good, and more than one in three said it made them more confident in Trump's abilities to carry out his duties as president. Ratings of President Trump's Speech to Joint Session of Congress Based on what you have heard or read, how would you rate Donald Trump's speech? Would you rate it as -- excellent, good, just OK, poor or terrible? Excellent Good Just OK Poor Terrible No opinion % % % % % % 2017 Mar 1 34 23 25 7 9 2 Asked of U.S. adults who watched speech or saw, read, or heard news coverage of the speech Gallup, March 1, 2017 Impact of President Trump's Speech to Joint Session of Congress Based on what you have heard or read about the speech, are you now more confident in Donald Trump's abilities to carry out his duties as president, less confident or has there been no change? More confident Less confident No change % % % 2017 Mar 1 36 11 53 Asked of U.S. adults who watched speech or saw, read, or heard news coverage of the speech Gallup, March 1, 2017 These results are based on a sample of 504 Americans interviewed Wednesday, March 1. Forty-two percent said they watched Trump's speech live and another 30% saw, read or heard news coverage of the speech later. The percentage of Americans who report watching Trump's speech live or reading news coverage of it after the fact is similar to what Gallup found after Barack Obama's first speech to Congress in February 2009. Nielsen television ratings for this year's speech showed 48 million viewers tuned in live for Trump's speech, slightly lower than the 52 million viewers for Obama's 2009 speech. As is typically the case for these types of presidential addresses to Congress, those who watch are disproportionately likely to identify with the president's party. In this case, over half of those interviewed Wednesday night who watched or read news reports were Republicans. Looked at differently, 85% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they either watched live or read news reports about the speech, contrasted with 68% of Democrats and Democratic leaners. Therefore, the positive reactions to Trump's address among speech watchers partly indicate Trump was successful in reaching out to and reinforcing his base. Trump's efforts to shift Democrats' views in a more positive direction, on the other hand, do not appear to have been successful. A scant 5% of Democrats said they became more confident in Trump's abilities as president after the speech, with 15% saying they are less confident and 80% saying it made no difference. By contrast, six in 10 Republicans said the speech made them more confident. A larger number of Democrats who watched were lukewarm about the speech rather than negative. Forty-five percent of Democrats said it was "just OK," 34% rated it poor or terrible, and 21% gave it an excellent or good rating. Republicans, not unexpectedly, were mostly positive about Trump's speech, with 89% rating it excellent or good. The Wednesday night survey also asked speech watchers and those who saw or read news reports of the speech if they support or oppose the proposals Trump made in his speech. Almost all Republicans said they support the proposals. The majority of Democrats said they oppose them, with 22% saying they support them. Bottom Line Trump received generally positive reviews from the press for his inaugural address to Congress, particularly for his tone and more presidential demeanor. Those who watched the speech seem to be in general agreement. Speech watchers skewed Republican, so to some degree this positive reaction reflects the friendly nature of Trump's audience. Democrats who watched were not necessarily hostile in their reactions, but rather were most likely to say that the speech was just OK and that it made no difference in their views of Trump as president -- views that of course were strongly negative to begin with. It's unusual for a single speech to make a major difference in how the public views a president. In this instance, news coverage the day after the speech was focused on reports of contact between Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Russia before the election, underscoring how real-world events can overtake the immediate impact of speeches in the news cycle. It's too early to know now if the speech will have a significant impact on Trump's approval ratings going forward, but the record to date suggests that it may take a lot to shift views of Trump in a major way. Gallup analysis shows that Americans' attitudes about Trump -- both pro and con -- are unusually strongly held, and Trump's job approval has been generally stable, with his weekly average ranging narrowly between 40% and 43% in the last four weeks. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Explore President Trump's approval ratings in depth and compare them with those of past presidents in the Gallup Presidential Job Approval Center. This week it's GDC week, the "largest professional game developers conference" where the industry comes together to talk about games, games and games. I'm sure it's an awesome experience for most people, and I'm sure you can meet a lot of great people at a conference like this. I'm a professional game developer since 2004, I've never been there.. and that's okay. (this is a blog pos from my weekly indie-business series over at the Orangepixel blog) The business point of view I understand the advantages a big conference like that can have from the business perspective. You can meet with publishers, you can talk to journalists and influencers. You can hang out with other cool indie developers and create a mutual respect that way so that when you release your new game these guys can help you influence their audience to also look at your game. But at what cost? I mean that literally, the costs. The GDC tickets start at $299 and go all the way up to $1900, and that's only if you are amongst the early ones. If you are slightly late to get your tickets, it can run up to $2300 for the all access pass. Granted, you most likely don't need the all access pass, but even at the middle tier we're talking about $1000 per ticket. That's just the ticket! We still need to get there, and we need to sleep and eat somewhere for those days. From Europe, a quick check at CheapTickets, reveals that a plane ticket is in the range of $1300-$2000. That's excluding the trip to the airport which at this point seems like minor travel fare. At this point we're at $2300-$3000 and we still can't actually sleep, eat or drink when we get there. As for Hotels, from what I read, most of them are full or extremely expensive during this week, let's say we add another $1000 for a few nights ($200 per night). Sure there are probably cheaper solutions, crashing on someones couch, hostels, things like that.. now I don't know about you, but I'm not 20 or even 30 anymore: my back needs a good rest! This is all excluding the trips from airport to hotel to conferences! Being a "small" indie-developer, I can't justify spending at least $4000+ for a week, where I might or most likely might not, get coverage for my latest game or meet people that in some meaningful way make me recoup that amount. So you might not opt to spend the 2+ month-wages (depending on your locale).. and that's okay! From a personal point of view I don't like large groups of people. So there is nothing even remotely attractive of hearing about a conference with 27.000+ people attending. Holy shit. no thank you. Like most developers, I'm somewhat of an introvert. not shy. introvert. Being in the middle of a group of people I don't know doesn't bring out the best in me. I shut down and I look for ways to get out. I can talk and have fun with a group of people I know, and don't shy away from talking to people when in the mood for it. But being in the middle of a crowd, is not my thing. On top of that there is all the noises, and the visuals that come at things like this. My brain would go into over-drive processing all of that for many hours into the night. I always had this problem, even in long train rides, at the end of those I'm extremely tired as my brain keeps replaying snippets of things I heard or saw. Not even sure that's a normal thing or not, but it happens to me! Nothing about a conference like that lures me, not on a personal level and not on a business level. And that's okay Don't worry if you can't be there, it's okay, really it is. You are saving a lot of money, you can read up on all the big announcements online, and you get to work on your game! I've seen multiple (starting) developers put a lot of money into GDC or PAX so they can showcase their game.. they had very few sales when they released, and aren't even close to recouping just the conference tickets. Even tho they met people, they made contacts with influencers. Over the years I made a lot of great contacts; and I met them online only. Using social media, via email, even using linked-in! I never met most of them, I most likely never will, and it's okay! I'd like to think that my games do the talking for me. The big indie games that are suddenly getting mentions during GDC? guess what, they would have had those mentions anyway because their game is just that awesome or pushed by a publisher. It has nothing to do with being there, they often time their PR and promotion to be in the same week which makes it seem like they are everywhere. Mostly because they have been working towards the GDC or PAX events. Of course some face-to-face contacts with influencers could help you when you need to reach out to them to promote your new game that's about to release, and they might remember you from one of the thousands of developers they once met in that after party with all that alcohol after a long day of walking around a crowded conference. I guess that happens? If you have a game that's really, really, REALLY awesome, then you don't need GDC, you just need to mail people showing them video or handing them a copy and they will gladly talk about your game. If you don't have a game that's THAT awesome, you don't need GDC, you just save your time and money and make the next game. it's okay! Game developers who want to get their games on the soon-to-launch Nintendo Switch should be prepared for a strict submission process, at least here in the consoles early days. Damon Baker, head of partner management at Nintendo of America and self-professed indie dev advocate told Gamasutra that selectivity is the key word right now in terms of partnerships with smaller devs, which is his area of focus. The bigger difference between the launch of Wii U and the launch of Switch is that we realized with the Wii U, it was more of a quantity over quality mentality, he said. It was more about lets get as much content out there as possible. He recalled that Nintendo had said itd bring 50 titles out in the Wii Us first three months, but the actual number ended up being 32 titles at launch with hardly any follow-up. That drought of Wii U titles was also related to the fact that developers didnt quite get what Wii U was supposed to be. We also had a bunch of experimentation going on with the [Wii U] hardware, he said. There were a ton of really cool features with Wii U, but no one really knew which one they were supposed to latch onto, or which one theyre supposed to sink their teeth into. "There were a ton of really cool features with Wii U, but no one really knew which won they were supposed to latch onto." In the end, the defining feature was off-TV mode, he said about Wii Us ability to play games on the tablet controller. With the Switch, Baker plans a carefully curated indie developer lineup that will provide a constant stream of games. It's an interesting strategy, one that was similarly used at the start of PlayStation 4's life, when indie games helped fill a gap left by big-budget titles. At a Nintendo indies (aptly-dubbed Nindies) event at Game Developers Conference, the company showed off over a dozen games, all seeming high-quality and on their way to final polishing. Steamworld Dig 2 from Image & Form was on hand, along with Mr. Shifty from Team Shifty, Shakedown Hawaii from Vblank, and Pocket Rumble from Cardboard Robot games among other titles. (There were a lot of nice chunky pixels in the room.) With the Switch, Nintendo wanted to make sure that the messaging for the console was crystal clear within Nintendo itself, with developer and publishing partners, and with consumers. Baker said the announcement videos over the past few months have been successful in communicating that the Switch is about flexibility in playing games, no matter where you might be at home or away from home. Having a corporate understanding of what it is that defines the system what is the niche is what its all about, he said. I think this time around we had a much better understanding of what were trying to achieve with the Switch vs. Wii U. First and foremost that this is a console experience that you take on the go, he said. [Also] weve got multiplayer baked into the box and are really emphasizing the fun of multiplayer experiences, the fun of playing games with other people. And theres the portability the fact that you can take this on the go. Just with those elements, even without having to explain the system itself, we can explain those pillars being important to us. Baker said those pillars for Switch games are also shared with first-party titles. By establishing those pillars early on, Nintendo was able to communicate what Switch was all about, even before early Switch devs had any hardware. We were able to give them a running start, he said. Currently, Baker and his team is evaluating which games would be a good fit for Switch. Right now we are being very selective about who were letting into the development environment, and through our portal, he said. Whereas with the Wii U and 3DS, we opened that up to everybody. I think our mentality was to cast that big net, [but] youd never know when the next great piece of content was coming, or where it was gonna come from, or where it was going to permeate. This time around, were going to be a lot more conservative, Baker said. We dont want to open up the floodgates quite yet. "This time around, were going to be a lot more conservative. We dont want to open up the floodgates quite yet." Baker realizes theres a lot of interest among developers, but suggested that Nintendo is generally more interested in games that havent been on other consoles yet, here in the early stages of Switch. We want to honor our fans by making sure weve got original content, that were forward-looking rather than backwards, he said. Thats not to say that there arent ports or other great content that have come out in the past couple or few years that wouldnt work perfect on Switch. Its just not a priority for right now. That said, there are still Switch games that have been on or announced for PC, and some that were just recently on other consoles such as Stardew Valley by ConcernedApe. Part of Nintendos Switch indie strategy is to partner with smaller, high-quality publishers. Baker said Nintendo is working with smaller independent publishers like Chucklefish, Team17, and Devolver Digital as the company gets more bang for its buck in terms of developer relationships. In other words, Nintendo can work closely with an individual publisher, evaluate the publishers multi-game portfolio which has already been vetted and partner with multiple developers if their games make sense for Switch. Weve got limited resources on our side as well, said Baker, explaining that tack. I wish we had a team of a hundred account managers that could give every single developer and publisher the attention they deserve, but were lean and mean as we always have been at Nintendo. Even with all the talk about selectiveness, Baker stressed that Nintendo is still open to pitches, as always. I dont know if people have noticed as much, but we definitely have been attending all the developer conferences, all of the trade shows, he said. Weve been proactive in establishing relationships with developers and publishers across the board. It hasnt happened overnight. Its taken the last few years to focus efforts there. And now were starting to see some of those relationships turn into actual products. Well continue to drive those relationships as well, but were certainly open to more content or opportunities. Were just telling publishers and developers to reach out to us if they havent heard from us already. And if theyve got a pitch for the perfect content for Nintendo Switch, we definitely want to hear about it, said Baker. A 14-page white paper produced by Play Pennsylvania and onlinepokerreport.com concludes that the state can rake in more than $400 million by 2022 should lawmakers legalize online gambling. Legislators will soon open hearings to determine how expanded gambling statewide could help fill a multibillion gap in the state budget for 2017-2018. Lawmakers will view the report with a skeptical eye because it was produced by Play Pennsylvania and onlinepokerreport.com two online gambling industry organizations that stand to gain by the legalization of Internet gambling in Pennsylvania, the Morning Call suggests . "I view every piece of information about this skeptically because everyone has a bias in some way," said Rep. Scott Petri, R-Bucks, who chairs the House Gaming Oversight Committee, which will begin hearings March 7. "But I'm still interested in the report. We'll take everything into account." "Of any state that has already legalized some form of online gambling or is actively exploring the idea, Pennsylvania represents the biggest economic upside," onlinepokerreport.com analyst Robert DellaFave. There's no telling how much lawmakers will rely on the latest report, but there's little question they're counting on internet gambling to bolster state revenues, the Morning Call writes. - Ace King, Gambling911.com Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence. A state hearings officer has ruled that the city of Corvallis land-use rulings have violated state housing laws. In a 25-page document filed Tuesday, the officer, John Bagg, concluded that city should use clear and objective standards when reviewing residential developments. GPA1, a development company that is hoping to build on 200-plus acres in the Timberhill area, filed the "enforcement order" action before the Department of Land Conservation and Development after being frustrated by city denials of its applications. Two issues were up for review by Bagg, who heard oral arguments Feb. 6. Bagg ruled in favor of the developers on the clear and objective standards issue, but he chose not to make a recommendation on the second issue, pertaining to city standards on hillside development. I am unable to offer an answer on the slope standards issue, Bagg wrote. I suggest the issue is better confronted through a contest to a denial of a specific development application rather than in a proceeding such as this. The Land Conservation and Development Commission is scheduled to review Baggs order at a March 20 meeting in Salem. GPA1s representatives cheered Baggs order. Dale Kern, a broker with Commercial Associates in Corvallis who is working with GPA1 on the project, said GPA1 is "grateful" for the ruling from the hearings officer and said it affirmed the developers' position. GPA1 looks forward to working with the city and moving forward with the greater Timberhill project in days ahead. City attorney Jim Brewer said the city is carefully reviewing the proposed order. Brewer also noted that the city has until March 7 to file exceptions to Baggs order. Exceptions will be considered as part of the commissions March 20 hearing. It is unclear what sort of punishment or sanctions the city might face should the commission uphold Baggs order. Department of Land Conservation and Development officials have told that Gazette-Times that because the statute under which GPA1 filed its claim is new, there is no precedent to rely upon. The Oregon Home Builders Association and 1,000 Friends of Oregon participated in the case on behalf of GPA1. The Northwest Alliance Corvallis, a community group that works on development issues in the Timberhill area, supported the city. 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. Micromax announces a range of Air Conditioners in India, price starts at Rs. 21,000 News oi -Rohit Micromax ACs range include 7 Split ACs and 1 Windows AC, will offer service support with more than 400 service centers across the country Indian smartphone maker Micromax has extended its product portfolio with the launch of a new range of Air conditioners, to strengthen its presence in the AC market. The company hosted a press meet in New Delhi, where Rohan Agarwal, Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Micromax Informatics Ltd. unveiled the complete line-up of ACs including seven 'Split ACs' and one 'Windows AC'. The AC range is priced between Rs. 21,000 and Rs. 35,000. Micromax had first introduced ACs as a pilot project last year in June 2016. This time around, Micromax is going with a pan-India approach and the focus markets will be the top 10 states- Punjab, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. To serve its customers, Micromax has established a distribution network of over 4000 sales touch points that will sell the company's air-conditioners to consumers in India. Consumer electronics market counts on a good service support and to meet the consumer's needs, Micromax says that the company has set up 400+ service centres to ensure strong after sales service support. SEE ALSO: Is Micromax prepping a dual-lens camera smartphone? In addition to the traditional retail touch points, the products will also be made available through leading E-commerce websites, in the months to come. On being asked how the company will differentiate its air-conditioners from the already established players in the market, the Vice President mentioned the key differentiators for Micromax's ACs is the local innovation that the company have built as per consumer feedback. These include 100% copper coils, two-way drainage, turbo cooling, 3-in- 1 health filters, GoldFin Technology, etc. Rohan also mentioned that the company is also introducing the Micromax Home Assist application for our AC & TV consumers to help facilitate, raising any enquiry or complaints with faster response time to meet the consumer's needs. Highlight Features of Micromax ACs Talking about the new range of ACs, Micromax Air Conditioners will come with 'ECCO Blu Technology' to protect the condenser coil from humidity and moisture as well as prolongs the life of the condenser by up to three times. The air-conditioners are also armed with added GoldFin Technology that prolongs life for both evaporator and condenser with a layer of anti-corrosive material. SEE ALSO: Micromax Vdeo 5 available for sale in India at Rs. 6,749 along with a free Reliance Jio SIM The ACs will also pack features like 2-way drainage system to help in ease of installation in oddly shaped architectures. The AC range will also come with turbo cooling, which ensures desired temperatures are reached at high speed to cool down spaces within minutes. Besides, the Micromax ACs will also come equipped with 4-way Swing Horizontal & Vertical cooling to achieve uniform and instantaneous cooling throughout the room. The new air-conditioners also come coupled with Anti VOC filter that is said to offer protection to kidneys, liver and nervous system by removing chemicals and harmful vapors in air with a specialized blend of oxidizing agents. Moreover, the company also mentioned about a Vitamin C filter that fills the room atmosphere with Vitamin C to reduce the stress and to soften the skin. Other features include- Sleep mode, Quiet operation, Self-diagnosis, Auto-restart, Auto-cleaning and Dehumidification. What is Micromax Home assist app? As mentioned above, the company has also announced 'Micromax Home assist app' to help consumers experience hassle free service. Smartphone users can download the app and place their servicing requests and queries from the app itself. Users can download the Micromax Home Assist application (for AC and TV products) on their Android and iOS devices wherein they can schedule service/repair requests, installation requests and can also track them. The app will also assist potential customers to schedule demo requests. Micromax ACs will get a 5-year warranty with first 3 free services. Best Mobiles in India Restrict the period of 'promotional offers', says JS Deepak to TRAI News oi -Priyanka The letter also explains how the government revenues from just the licence fee have fallen from Rs 3,975 crore in the June quarter to Rs 3186 crore in the December quarter of the current FY Telecom Sectretary JS Deepak has written a letter to Telecom Reugulatory Authority (TRAI) of India asking it to restrict the period of 'promotional offers' by telecom players, as the government losses Rs 800 crore revenues, report ET. "There appears to be an urgent need to revisit and review its tariff orders in the larger interest of the government revenues as well as the telecom sector," Deepak has written in his letter on February 23 to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman RS Sharma.' The letter also explains how the government revenues from just the licence fee have fallen from Rs 3,975 crore in the June quarter to Rs 3186 crore in the December quarter of the current financial year. Google partners with Airtel, SK Telecom for next-gen mobile networks Recently, Telecom Commission has also asked telecom regulator TRAI to implement orders on promotional mobile tariffs in "letter and spirit" and review existing rules to ensure financial growth of the industry. Ever since the Reliance Jio has launched its 4G services whole telecom industry has shaken and incumbents players are trying to cope with the situation by offering new tariff plan everyday. As per India Ratings and Research, the telecom industry has lost about 20 percent of revenue due to Reliance Jio's free services. India's largest telecom service provider, Bharti Airtel's has also reported decline in its consolidated net profit by more than half at Rs 503.7 crore in the October-December 2016 as compared to Rs 1,108.1 crore in the corresponding quarter of 2015-16. Vodafone too posted a decline of 4.7 percent in its India revenue. 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 Overall, dont let the bhoot mislead you, nothing bhootiya about this story. Had the makers tried to push the envelope, the idea could have been outstanding for a bhootiya comedy. Trump's Choice For Top Intelligence Post Views Russia With 'Grave Concern' RFE/RL March 01, 2017 WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's nominee for the top U.S. intelligence post, the director of national intelligence, says he views Russia's actions on the international stage with "grave concern." The comments by former Senator Dan Coats at a February 28 confirmation hearing come amid the mounting fallout over what U.S. intelligence officials have called a Moscow-directed hacking and public-opinion-manipulation campaign aimed at influencing the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. His testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee also comes as Trump continues to talk about the potential benefits of improved ties with Russia, including on issues like counterterrorism. Several members of Trump's cabinet, however, have voiced stern views on Russia, including on the need to maintain sanctions targeting Moscow for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula -- a position the U.S. administration has publicly backed. "Russia's assertiveness in global affairs is something I look upon with grave concern, which we need to address with eyes wide open and a healthy degree of skepticism," Coats told the committee. Coats also vowed to support a thorough investigation into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election. U.S. intelligence accuses the Kremlin of meddling in order to help Trump win, an allegation Moscow denies. That assessment was made public in January by the Office of the Director of Intelligence, which Coats would lead if he is confirmed. "I think this is something that needs to be investigated and addressed," Coats said. Trump initially expressed skepticism about Russia's alleged involvement but later said Moscow was likely behind the cyberattacks targeting the campaign of his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. He says, however, that the hacking had no impact on the outcome of the election. With reporting by Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/trump-pick-for -top-us-intelligence-post-coats-views- russia-grave-concern/28339629.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 Germany Poised to Mount More Raids on Turkish Imams Accused of Spying By Jamie Dettmer March 01, 2017 Tensions are increasing between Berlin and Ankara over claims that Turkey has been using Islamic preachers in Germany to spy on supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based cleric who President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses of orchestrating last July's failed coup against him. German police raided the homes last week of four imams suspected of collecting information on members of Gulen's religious movement. Authorities say the spying in Germany by clerics paid by the Turkish government is part of a broader espionage effort likely extending to other European countries, including neighboring Austria, with imams hiding behind religion to conduct espionage on behalf of Ankara. An official with the federal prosecutors' office told VOA further raids couldn't be ruled out. Call for dismissal of DITIB-affiliated imams The deputy chairman of the German Chancellor's Christian Democratic party, Armin Laschet, called this week for the dismissal of all imams affiliated with the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), Germany's largest Islamic umbrella group, which is tied to the Turkish government's Directorate of Religion, or Diyanet. "We want an Islamic religious instruction, but it must be independent of a foreign state in the long term," said Laschet. The association oversees 900 mosques in Germany and their imams are selected by the Diyanet with their salaries paid by the religious authority. DITIB said in a statement it will assist German federal prosecutors, but it has pointed out the raids have been on the private homes of imams and that the organization itself has not been targeted by police. "The raids of private apartments of Muslim clerics have led to anger within the Muslim community," DITIB warned in a statement posted on the organization's web site. "Especially, since DITIB is intensively helping clarify the accusations since they first surfaced." Officials with Germany's domestic intelligence agency said that 13 imams affiliated with DITIB sent the names of alleged Gulen followers to the Diyanet. Germany's justice minister, Heiko Maas, warned in a statement following the raids: "Whoever uses Islam as a cover for espionage cannot rely [for protection] on the freedom of religion," he said. "If the suspicion that some DITIB imams were spying is confirmed, the organization must be seen, at least in part, as a long arm of the Turkish government," he added. According to German federal prosecutors, last week's raids in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rheinland-Palatinate are part of an investigation triggered by a September order from Diyanet instructing imams to supply Turkey's diplomatic missions with information on Gulen supporters and sympathizers. On a visit to Ankara in February, German Chancellor Merkel raised the issue, saying after a meeting with Turkey's prime minister that "If we have problems, for example with the Gulen movement, and Turkey has information about that, then our security authorities must discuss that with each other." Other countries concerned In neighboring Austria, lawmakers also are raising concerns about the activities of imams working in the country and paid for by Ankara. Green lawmaker Peter Pilz has accused the Erdogan government of operating a "global spying network," and he claims to have documents showing the espionage extends across Europe and Asia. In December, the Turkish government recalled its religious attache in the Netherlands after the Dutch government protested his role in collecting information on Gulen followers from 145 mosques. The Dutch protest was prompted by a Diyanet report submitted to a commission of Turkish lawmakers tasked with investigating last July's military coup attempt against President Erdogan. The report was loaded with references to intelligence supplied by imams from 38 countries about the activities of the Gulen movement. In Scandinavia the activities of Turkish imams is attracting the attention of rights groups. The Stockholm Center for Freedom (SCF) has documented several cases since July's coup attempt of what it sees as intimidating behavior by imams linked to Diyanet. It has highlighted the Facebook postings of Yusuf Yuksel, the general secretary of the Oslo-based Den Tyrkisk Islamske Union (Turkish Islamic Union), who has called on Turks living in Norway to spy on Gulen followers. The Stockholm Center alleges some Turks living in Norway have had their Turkish passports revoked by Ankara as a consequence of profiling and intelligence activities by Turkish imams. In the wake of the German raids, the chief of the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, Mehmet Gormez, acknowledged some imams had "exceeded their authorities" and six have been recalled by Ankara. But he has dismissed accusations imams had been instructed to act as spies. Senior Turkish officials have reacted angrily to the espionage allegations. On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu criticized Berlin for allowing followers of what he termed the "Gulenist Terror Group" to live in Germany. "It is not acceptable that they have found a place for themselves in a country like Germany," he told reporters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 1, 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 the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 15 engagements in Syria: -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, seven strikes destroyed seven oil refinement stills, four wellheads, a pumpjack and a crane and damaged a bridge. -- Near Raqqa, four strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed six watercraft, an ISIS training camp and an ISIS maintenance facility. Strikes in Iraq Coalition military forces conducted 10 strikes consisting of 71 engagements in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Beiji, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed four bunkers, a weapons cache and a vehicle bomb. -- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine mortar systems, six fighting positions, five vehicle bomb facilities, three supply caches, three ISIS-held buildings, three vehicle bombs and an improvised weapons factory; damaged six supply routes; and suppressed 14 mortar teams and two ISIS tactical units. -- Near Qaim, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a tactical vehicle. -- Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle, a weapons cache and a recoilless rifle. 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 Trump Vows to 'Extinguish' ISIS, Rebuild U.S. Military By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, March 1, 2017 President Donald J. Trump told a joint session of Congress last night that the United States will work with a coalition to "extinguish" the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria from the planet. Trump also told Congress he will forward a fiscal 2018 budget request that will increase defense spending by $54 billion and eliminate sequestration. Carryn Owens, the widow of fallen Navy SEAL Senior Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, received a standing ovation from Congress. Carryn sat in the gallery with First Lady Melania Trump. "Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero -- battling against terrorism and securing our nation," Trump said during his address. The nation will never forget Owens' sacrifice for the United States as he fought terrorists in Yemen, the president said. Trump listed what he has done since taking office just over a month ago. This includes directing the Defense Department to work with other agencies to develop a plan to destroy ISIS. Defense officials delivered that plan to the White House this week. The president also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, ordered a review of military readiness and pledged to rebuild the armed forces. Fight, Win "To keep America safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and -- if they must -- to fight and to win," Trump said. The fiscal 2018 defense budget request will rebuild the military and eliminate sequester, he said. It will contain one of the largest defense spending increases in American history, Trump said. "The challenges we face as a nation are great, but our people are even greater," he said. "And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform. To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform." America will lead based on the vital national interests of the United States and its partners around the world, Trump said. "Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world," he said. Supports NATO The United States strongly supports the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other allies in the Middle East and the Pacific, the president said. "But our partners must meet their financial obligations," he added. "We expect our partners to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost," Trump said. "We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations." The United States will reach out to other nations to find new friends and forge new partnerships, the president said. "We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict," he said. "We want peace, wherever peace can be found." Trump noted that Germany and Japan -- now among America's closest allies -- fought the United States during World War II. "This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world," the president said. "Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just, and more free." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve March 01, 2017 Department of Defense Press Briefing by Gen. Townsend via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq CAPTAIN JEFF DAVIS: All right, good morning, ladies and gentlemen. General Townsend, just want to make sure you can hear us and we can hear you before we get started. LIEUTENANT GENERAL STEPHEN TOWNSEND: Yes, I have you loud and clear from Baghdad. CAPT. DAVIS: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. And we're pleased to be joined today by Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, who's the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve. He's coming to us live today from Baghdad to give us an update on the counter-ISIS operations that are taking place there. General, we'll turn it over to you and then to take questions from here. GEN. TOWNSEND: Thanks. Good morning. I'll starts with a quick overview of our main effort in Iraq, the west of Mosul, then I'll move onto Syria. On the 19th of February, Iraqi security forces, including the Iraqi army's ninth division and the Iraqi federal police, as well as the counterterrorism service, started operations to liberate west Mosul from ISIL's brutal control. They attacked north along the Tigris River and they captured high ground, which enabled them to move quickly onto Mosul International Airport. The airport's now under their control after a couple of days of hard fighting. Now, they've begun breaching into the outskirts of the city with the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service, federal police and army moving along three axes of advance that clear the enemy from neighborhoods inside the city, but also enveloping the city to the west. As you recall, this tactic of presenting the enemy with multiple dilemmas proved effective when the Iraqi security forces employed it in the second phase of their operations on the east side of Mosul. It overwhelmed the enemy's command and control. So far, this method is showing promise in the early stages of fighting on the west side, but we expect very tough fighting as the Iraqis move deeper into the dense urban terrain of west Mosul. This enemy's been preparing for this battle for some time and they've done an extensive amount of work to dig and build barriers to complicate the Iraqi advance. We've seen them use berms, T-walls, tunnels, shipping containers and vehicles in the streets to slow the ISF down and they've rigged many of these barriers with explosives. We strike these barriers with our precision fires to help the Iraqis advance. We'll also continue to remove leadership figures from the battlefield, attack their command and control and logistics nodes, enemy weapons caches and fighting positions. Our coalition advisors are also with the Iraqi command elements. Their support accelerates the Iraqi advance even more. In Syria, the recent liberation of al-Bab by our coalition partner Turkey and the vetted Syrian opposition has dealt ISIS another significant blow, liberating the last significant ISIS-held population center in the Aleppo district. Also, closing the door to both its supply line of new fighters and its ability to export terrorists around the world. Al-Bab is an important crossroads to several major cities in northern Syria. Since the liberation of Dabiq in October, ISIS has used al-Bab as a logistics and command and control center in northwest Syria. Cutting off ISIS supply lines and disrupting its leadership further isolates fighters in Raqqa and the Euphrates River Valley, making it harder for ISIS to move reinforcements into Syria and export terrorists to Europe. The coalition supported Turkey and their partner force efforts in al-Bab with more than 50 airstrikes, taking fighters off the battlefield, destroying VBIEDs, mortar and artillery pieces and denying the enemy use of dozens of vehicles, buildings, excavation equipment and weapons caches. With the liberation of al-Bab, Turkey has now secured its border from ISIS. The coalition is encouraged by the progress against ISIS in al-Bab by the Turkish military and their opposition forces. We encourage all forces to remain focused on the counter-ISIS fight and concentrate their efforts on defeating ISIS and not towards other objectives that may cause the coalition to divert energy and resources away from Raqqa. The U.S., Turkey and coalition partners are working together to support stabilization and local civilian governance in Manbij. The coalition's committed to the security of Turkey and will continue to work in close coordination with partner forces and allies to deliver a lasting defeat to ISIS, which remains the greatest terrorist threat to the region and the world. We continue planning for the eventual liberation of Raqqa, ISIL's self-proclaimed capital. We are confident that the SDF forces that are isolating Raqqa will continue their recent successfully clearance operations and set the stage for the liberation of the city. This would be a major setback for the enemy. With coalition support, they have cleared more than 6,000 square kilometers of territory in the countryside of Raqqa since they started their operation November 5th. We've continued discussing how Turkey and their partner forces might contribute to the liberation of the city. The liberation of Raqqa will bring an end to the enemy's mythology that they were ever more than a brutal, murderous terrorist group. And then we will continue working with our partners to deal them a lasting defeat. Coalition efforts by, with and through our partners in Iraq and Syria have made significant progress. I continue to be encouraged by the bravery and commitment of our partner forces who have fought hard and made many sacrifices in their efforts to liberate their land. Their efforts protect the people of Iraq, Syria, the region and the world from a threat that needs to be eliminated for the good of all. I'm proud of our coalition troopers who are supporting our partners. They're making a huge difference here. With that, I'll stop and I'm happy to answer your questions. CAPT. DAVIS: We'll start with Bob Burns from the Associated Press. Q: General, question for you about Raqqa and your comments about still talking to Turkey about how they might participate in Raqqa. How long are you willing to wait for the Turks to come up with a proposal that's acceptable to you? And can you elaborate a little bit more on whether you are ruling out or you would rule out Turkish forces participating directly? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. I think I -- forgive me if the audio's a little shaky. Bob, I heard your name and I think I got your question there about Turk participation in Raqqa. So, right now, we're in the approach to isolation. Our Syrian Democratic Force partners have not yet closed to a siege around Raqqa as of yet. They're still moving in that direction, so we've got some time yet to examine fully all the options and consider all the options for the forces that will eventually liberate Raqqa. So, nothing's off the table. We still have time to look at these things and plan and we're doing that with all of our partners. CAPT. DAVIS: Next we'll go to Tom Bowman from National Public Radio. Q: If we could stay on Raqqa for a second, first of all, do you expect Turkish forces to take part in the Raqqa operation and you're just sort of discussing numbers, number one? And also, one of the last times we saw you, you said you've trained roughly 3,000 Syrian Arabs and you would need two or three times that to take Raqqa. Can you give us a status on those efforts? And lastly, do you expect some number of Kurdish fighters to take part in the Raqqa operation? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. Thanks, Tom. So there were a number of questions there. Do I expect Turkish forces to participate and in what numbers? I think that was your first question. So, like I said before, we're engaged in discussions with the Turks on how they might participate in the liberation of Raqqa. And I don't know what the numbers of their participation might be. As far as training Syrian Arabs goes, yes, I said before that we had trained over 3,000. I think the number now is over 4,000, right at that. We just graduated some here recently. I think that there are a large number of Syrian Arab forces already in the field. So, it's not necessary or possible for us to train all of them. We are training more Syrian Arab forces to thicken the force that's in the field now. And as I said, that number if over 4,000. Quite honestly, I think you asked another question here, but I don't -- I didn't get it written down. So if you would, please repeat. I think there was a third part of your question. I don't remember what it was. Q: As far as the Kurds go, what number of Kurds to you expect to take part in the Raqqa operation? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. So, do I expect Kurds to take part in the Raqqa operation, and what number? I'm not going to talk about numbers, mainly because the enemy watches, probably watches this show as well. So I just don't want to go to numbers. But yes, I expect Kurds will participate in the operation in one -- one form or fashion. The facts are there are Kurds from Raqqa and larger Raqqa district and province. So there are Kurds from there, local Kurds who will participate. And I think it's probably likely that other Kurds -- these are Syrians. These Arabs, these Kurds, these Turkmen and others are Syrians, and they're liberating Syria from ISIS. So yes, I expect there will be some Kurds that will participate. I don't think we're going to change the demographics of Raqqa by Kurds or Turkmen or any group participating in the operation. But I expect that probably all types of Syrians in northern Syria will participate in the liberation of Raqqa. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Jennifer Griffin from Fox News. Q: General Townsend, what was the reaction from the Iraqis that you deal with daily when the executive order temporarily banning citizens from Iraq from coming to the U.S. was signed? Did it make your job more complicated? GEN. TOWNSEND: Well, so how that played out, actually, the reaction of the Iraqis that I deal with to the executive order was actually pretty muted, and pretty level-headed and sophisticated. So, for example, I deal with Iraqis in the Iraqi security forces. They are military people like me, or they're in police forces. And by and large, they said, "Hey, we have a war to fight. That's political business; not our concern. Let's keep focused on the fight." So I appreciated that reaction. The Iraqi political leaders and civilian leaders I dealt with actually took a very measured approach, and you can see that in their public statements right after the executive order was announced. Prime Minister Abadi refused to take any reciprocal action until he saw how this played out, and his main point was we have important work to do here, the United States and Iraq, in the fight against ISIS in this region and we can't let anything disrupt or distract us from that. So that was the initial reaction, which I found to be helpful. They were relieved when the executive order was suspended, and now -- now they're waiting to see how that may play out here in the future. We're -- and we're waiting to see how that plays out ourselves. Q: And did you personally have any concerns that if -- if Iraq is included in the next executive order, that it could pose problems for U.S. forces on the ground? GEN. TOWNSEND: I'll say this. Iraq is our partner and ally. If not a treaty ally, they are an ally in the fight against ISIS. And they -- this nation is fully mobilized in this war alongside of us. They've invited us into their country to help them. They are protecting us here and we're fighting this enemy that threatens all of our countries together. So I would prefer personally not to see anything that would reflect on that except that we have a very strong partnership. I think I'll just leave it at that. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go to Kasim Ileri with Anadolu News Agency. Q: Hi, general. I'm going to ask about the Syria -- the new Syrian Arab recruits for the fight for Raqqa. CENTCOM has posted some pictures of the new recruits in northern Syria, and the fighters seem to be girls and boys at their 15s. Do you have a specific condition in place for those groups not to recruit underage fighters for the fight against ISIS? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. Thanks. That's kind of -- it was kind of -- you were kind of hard to understand, but I think I got the gist of your question, was about underage fighters. And I think you were asking me about Syria and Raqqa, but I'm not really sure about that. I'll just say this. All of the forces that we operate with, with the United States and the coalition, are vetted forces. We don't allow child fighters, underage fighters. When we -- if we see that, we bring it to their attention, and actually, I haven't seen any examples of that or have -- none of them have come to my attention in Syria. So again, we lay out the rules to our partners and they are vetted and expected to follow those rules. Where we have seen a couple of instances like this were with some tribal resistance forces here in Iraq a few months ago. And it turned out to be -- in a couple of cases, it turned out to be a commander's son who was wearing army fatigues and going with dad to work. Now, dad's work happened to be with a tribal resistance unit fighting, but not unlike some of our children wearing Army suits and going off with their parents. So we brought this to the attention of some of our -- the tribal resistance leaders and said, "Look, you can't have your son here; he's underage; he can't be here at the unit where we're doing our business with you, and in uniform, and he can't be here." And so we made that clear to them. That was -- those couple of instances were cleared up. And we haven't really had any -- haven't heard any reports of that or seen any accounts of that on the battlefield here. But I am familiar with the press reporting that you mentioned. Q: But what I'm talking about are not the tribal forces. Rather, these are the Syrian Arab Coalition's new recruits in northern Syria that the CENTCOM has posted. And to what extent you are sure that there are not any underage fighters among the Syrian Arab Coalition's new recruits? Could you -- could you say with 100 percent surety that there are no underage fighters among Syrian Arab Coalition that have been trained by the United States or by the Syrian Democratic Forces? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. So, sounds like you're trying to box me in to an answer here. But of course, I can't say with 100 percent certainty anything. There's a war going on here. And it's the most complicated environment and situation I've been in in my life. So, could there be something going on? Maybe. Sure. It's possible. But I'll tell you this, we don't train underage fighters, period. And if we find anything that looks like an underage fighter, we get them removed from the premises and from the formation and from our operations and activities. And I don't know how to say it any clearer than that. CAPT. DAVIS: The gentleman from the Daily Sabah. Q: Ragip Soylu with Daily Sabah. General, you told the -- (inaudible) -- media that you believe Kurdish fighters are not a threat to Turkey. But YPG fighters and commanders reported -- repeatedly told several publications last year that they are planning to take the fight to Turkey once they are done with Syria. In light of these statements, what makes you so sure that YPG is not a threat to Turkey? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. I think I heard your question, which was why do I think the YPG are not a threat to Turkey. I didn't quite hear the middle part of your question. So, I'm not really sure what you're -- how you prefaced that question. I'll say that we have watched and operated along-side the Syrian Democratic Forces, of which about 40 percent are composed of YPG Kurds, the People's Protection units- YPG; and about 60 percent now are composed of the Syrian Arab Coalition. Of those YPG fighters, I mean, I've talked to their leaders, and we've watched them operate. And they continually reassure us that they have no desire to attack Turkey, that they're not a threat to Turkey. In fact, they desire to have a good working relationship with Turkey and I have seen absolutely zero evidence that they have been a threat to or supported any attacks on Turkey from northern Syria over the last two years. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. Next, Lucas Tomlinson with Fox News. Q: General, are you concerned that any increase in U.S. forces, troops into Iraq or Syria, will be seen as an occupying force and draw more foreign fighters into the region? GEN. TOWNSEND: Yeah, so in my opening statement, I talked about our strategy of by, with and through our local partners and that's still the right way to go. It's working and our local partners are fully invested, they're leading the fight and we're just here helping them. So would I be concerned if we brought in a large number of U.S. or coalition troops without coordinating that with our local partners? I would. I won't comment on the likelihood -- I -- I don't foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what we're doing is in fact working. But in that event that we bring in any additional troops, we'll work that with our local partners both here in Iraq and Syria to make sure that they understand the reasons why we're doing that and to get their buy-in of that. So, yes, I think that if we showed up with a large number of coalition troops unannounced and uninvited, I would be concerned that that would cause a problem here. But I don't think that's the way we'll go about it. I think we'll be smarter than that. Any additional forces that we decide to bring here, the coalition does, we'll work it with our partners, particularly here in Iraq and make sure that they understand and integrate. Q: Would these U.S. forces be used with local partners in sabotage operations behind enemy lines? GEN. TOWNSEND: I'm sorry -- was -- I think the question was would U.S. forces be used with local partners in sabotage operations behind enemy lines. Was that -- was that what you asked? I thought that's what I heard, I'm not sure. Q: Correct. Against ISIS. GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. Okay, that's just not how we're fighting this war. As I described before, we're -- the coalition provides essentially five things to our partners. Before combat, we equip and train our partners, and once combat is joined, we provide intelligence, precision fires and advice. So the United States does have a capability to do sabotage behind enemy lines, but we're not doing that kind of activity over here. We might support with fires and intelligence our partners as they decide to do a raid or something like that behind enemy lines, and we have. But I think it's not likely that U.S. forces or coalition forces will go with our partners, as you say, behind enemy lines to perform sabotage. That's just not how we're operating here. Our partners are doing the fighting on the ground and we're helping them with -- with stand-off capabilities. We're just not closing with the enemy and we're not going with sabotage parties, raiding behind enemy lines. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Paul Shinkman from U.S. News and World Report. Q: Good morning, general. Thank you for doing this. I wanted to ask you about some reports that we've heard of ISIS fighters hiding in the migrant flows as they come out of Mosul. Can you confirm that that's happening? And on what kind of scale are you seeing that, if so? How many ISIS fighters? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. Yes, I think it's happening. I don't think it's happening on a large scale. So are there ISIS fighters, you know, concealing themselves in the flow of displaced persons coming out of Mosul? Yes. In fact, the Iraqi security forces have caught some of those. They're doing screening. The refugees, they -- internally displaced persons flow through screening points and the Iraqi security forces screen those and the Muslawis themselves are very free to point out who they suspect as being an ISIS fighter. And we have captured -- we -- our Iraqi partners have captured some small numbers of fairly low-level fighters who I think are probably from the local area and have just had enough and just decided to get out and try to conceal themselves in the -- in the flow. So is that happening? Yes, probably at a fairly low level. I'm not greatly concerned by it and the Iraqis are acting on it. Q: And do you have any sense of how many ISIS fighters remain throughout all of Iraq, not just in Mosul? And do you track the extent to which they might be hiding in civilian populations elsewhere? And if so, do you have any sense of that number? GEN. TOWNSEND: So our current estimates -- the best the intelligence community can give us right now are that there are somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria. I'm -- we assess right now that there's somewhere between 2,000 plus or minus in and around western Mosul, including the area out to Tal Afar. So that pocket there that's isolated from the rest of Iraq, probably 2,000 plus or minus a few hundred. So are they hiding amongst the civilian populations? Certainly they are. They're doing that in west Mosul, they're doing that in Raqqa. They're hiding amongst the civilian population. Then they're doing that in other places too in Iraq and Syria, and that's what our partners are all about. We're focused on their twin capitals, Mosul and Raqqa, right now, but it's our intent with our partners to go root them out of the other population centers first and then chase them into the valleys and river valleys and palm groves and the rural areas after they've been chased out of the city. So, yes, they are hiding amongst the civilian population all over Iraq and Syria. And we're focused on chasing them out in a sort of sequential campaign. Q: One quick follow-up, sir, if I may. You said 12,000 to 15,000 in both Iraq and Syria. Do you have an estimate for just Iraq? Or perhaps is that number too difficult to attain because ISIS can traverse the border? GEN. TOWNSEND: Well, I would agree with you that -- I'd probably say about half. But as you just -- as you just correctly surmised, that number is a little bit difficult to obtain because ISIS can transport across the border. So, we currently don't have presence nor the ability to pressure the area. In the Euphrates River valley along the Syrian-Iraq border, there's an Iraqi town there, a sizable one called Al-Qaim, and a Syrian town just across the border called Abu Kamal. And the enemy has freedom of movement in there. We only have the ability to watch and strike when we see something that is definitely visible from the air to be enemy. So until we get down there, the enemy can move back and forth across the border in that region at least fairly freely. And so, it's kind of hard to know, but for lack of a better number, I'd say roughly half. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Corey Dickstein with Stars and Stripes. Q: Thanks, general. There are some reports that within western Mosul a lot of the more senior leadership within ISIS has fled. I don't know how true those reports are. But have you guys seen any shifts in tactics or anything that would suggest that high leaders aren't really running the fight there? And then can you kind of characterize what the morale among ISIS is in west -- in west Mosul? Do you expect a real, you know, fight to the very end, every ISIS fighter killed kind of situation? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. So, as far as senior leaders go, yeah, the senior leaders rarely put themselves at risk in any place for very long. They're not willing to share the risk that they demand of their fighters to fight to the death. They'll tell their fighters in a heartbeat, "You stay here and fight to the death; meanwhile, I'm going to Raqqa; you stay here and fight to the death, meanwhile I'm going to Abu Kamal or Al-Qaim." So that's fairly common. So it doesn't -- it's not a surprise to us that there aren't probably that many senior leaders left in Mosul. If they are, they're kind of stuck because we've isolated Mosul from the rest of Iraq and Syria. And it won't surprise me if they don't linger very long in Raqqa. They'll slip away. And we'll -- you know, we have a specific campaign to hunt them and kill them. And we've killed an extraordinary number of leaders. In fact, almost all of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's inner circle has been killed in the last six months, six to nine months; have been killed with precision strikes by the coalition. So that's senior leaders. And then as to the morale of the fighters, we see reports that are all along the spectrum of the enemy morale. You've got to remember that the enemy ranks are composed of several types of fighters. So, at one end of the spectrum, you have foreign fighters. Most of those foreign fighters you will recall on TV a couple of years ago them burning their passports. They -- they're committed to this. They're hard cases. They've got no where else to go. We expect to kill them. They'll fight to the death typically. Then, in the middle, you have your average ISIS fighter and he's probably willing to follow the orders of his leadership. If they tell him to stay, he'll stay. If they tell him to go, he'll go. And then, at the other end of the spectrum, probably -- the foreign fighter percentage, those hard case guys are probably only about 10 percent of the enemy's ranks and there's probably another 10 or 20 percent that are very hardened local fighters and regional fighters. And then, at the other end of the spectrum, you've -- you've got fighters that have been pressed into service because they feel like they have no other choice or they've been actually threatened. Their families have been threatened or they've been personally threatened or they just don't think that they can say no. And those fighters will vote with their feet at the first opportunity. So, it's kind of hard to know what the enemy's morale is. Personally, having watched ISIL now for its two-plus years of existence, I don't expect ISIL to suddenly collapse from a lack of morale. Like I said, there's a portion that will break and run. The rest of them will fight as ordered or fight to the death. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Carla Babb from Voice of America. Q: Hi, general. Thank you for speaking with us. You talked a little about the fighting capabilities that we'll have in Raqqa, who's going to be making that up -- mentioned the Kurds, mentioned the Syrian Arab Coalition. What would the U.S. -- what would more U.S. military involvement in Syria look like? And then, my second question is should more resources come to you for the counter ISIS fight, where would you like to see -- oh, he can't hear anything I'm saying. CAPT. DAVIS: Carla, can you try again and speak up really loud? GEN. TOWNSEND: I can't -- I can't understand her. Give her -- no, not loud. Get her closer to a microphone or something. I hear the moderator great. I heard most of the earlier questioners pretty good. I don't -- I can't hear her at all. Q: (inaudible) -- couple of days ago. Hi, general. Thank you so much for doing this. Just to -- to -- GEN. TOWNSEND: a clarity issue. Q: Can you hear me now? GEN. TOWNSEND: I hear you great now. Go ahead. Q: So, my question is what would greater U.S. military involvement look like in Syria? And then also, second question, should more resources come to you, where you would you like to see those resources diverted in the counter-Islamic State campaign? Thanks. GEN. TOWNSEND: Wow. So, I'm really kind of sorry that we went to all that trouble to get that question because I don't think I can answer it. So, as far as greater -- greater U.S. involvement in Syria look like, I've submitted some recommendations to -- through my chain of command to the new administration. The new administration is weighing those recommendations and options and I prefer not to discuss them further here while my leaders make decisions. And then I'm really not sure what -- your second question was along the same lines. I'm just not going to talk about what our plans might be for whether we have additional forces and what they might do. Sorry. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, ma'am, from, sorry, Bloomberg. Q: A quick follow-up to the executive order. White House officials told us that in the revised version, Iraq won't be included in the countries that are banned from entry in to the U.S. I'm just wondering if you have any reaction to that and what that might mean for what you're doing? GEN. TOWNSEND: Yeah, I've heard the same thing about the revised executive order. But I really don't want to comment on it because actually I've heard just as much that says they will be included again as says that Iraq won't be included again. So until -- I don't know where our government is on that, but maybe you have some special insight. But until I see the executive order and it's coming out, I'd just assume not comment on it because I don't know what it's going to say. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, Michael Gordon from the New York Times. Q: General, you said earlier on in your presentation that you would encourage all forces to stay focused on the counter-ISIS fight, and not become diverted away from Raqqa. Are you seeing specific preparations or actions on the part of the Turkish military? Or are you concerned by certain statements they may have made that lead you think that perhaps the next objective might be Manbij and not Raqqa? Why did you feel the need to make that assertion? GEN. TOWNSEND: Well, actually I was -- I think I was referring to the area around al-Bab. And, Michael, as you know, and many of you in the room there probably know, that around al-Bab all the forces that are acting in Syria have converged literally within hand-grenade range of one another. Just this week, we have seen -- last week, we saw Turk and Turk proxy forces fighters converge with Syrian regime and Syrian proxy fighters, ISIS being in the mix there. We have YPG, Syrian Democratic Force fighters, and Syrian Arab Coalition fighters also right bumping up against each other there. And then here in the last 48 hours, we've seen Syrian regime forces advance through ISIS-held villages to essentially rifle-range or hand-grenade range with Syrian Arab Coalition fighters holding the area around Manbij. Meanwhile, yesterday we had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS. Yet, they were actually -- on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces. They had seen ISIS move out of the area in advance of the as the regime and the Turks' advance. The ISIS fighters withdrew, and the Syrian Arab Coalition fighters advanced into those villages. So, I just described -- tried to describe a very complicated battlefield situation where essentially three armies and an enemy force have all converged within the same grid square. It's very difficult and complicated. And so I'm just trying -- that was my attempt to say everybody should keep their sights focused on ISIS and that's what we ought to keep our efforts focused on and not fighting deliberately or accidentally with one another. That's what I meant. Q: Quick follow-up, sir, what were the villages that the Russian bombed? Were there any U.S. or coalition advisers with the Syrian Arab Coalition in that vicinity when they were bombed? And have there been communications with the Russians about this? GEN. TOWNSEND: I don't really recall off the top of my head. I think you maybe asked me what the name of the village was. I don't remember the name of the village. They're just a bunch of little villages in the area there. It's south and east of Al-Bab. There were U.S. forces in the area. Not that close; they were four or five kilometers away because remember, we're not fighting, we're not at the front, we're advising at command echelons a little bit farther back. So they were back, they observed these strikes. It became apparent that the strikes were falling on some of the Syrian Arab Coalition positions and some quick calls were made to our deconfliction channels and the Russians acknowledged and stopped -- stopped bombing there. And so we worked out an arrangement, a deconfliction. This is something that goes on daily in the air. Not every day on the ground, but daily in the air there's a deconfliction arrangement with the Russians. And we used that mechanism and it worked. Q: (inaudible) -- the Arab coalition -- Syrian Arab casualties as a result of the Russian bombing? GEN. TOWNSEND: I think -- you were sort of cut off. I think you asked if there were casualties. There were -- there were some casualties from that bombing. There were. Q: Among the SAC, among the SAC forces, among the Syrian Arab Coalition forces, they took some casualties? GEN. TOWNSEND: Yes. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go to -- I'm sorry, Laurent. We might give him a microphone since he's further the back. Q: About these Russian bombings, can you say how far the villages were from Manbij? GEN. TOWNSEND: I think your question was how far were these villages from Manbij? I don't know, a good number of kilometers. In fact, I have a map here in my pocket. I'll pull it out and see if I can figure it out here. I don't know, probably 15 or 20 kilometers or more, I think. But I'm not really sure. Just roughly looking at my map, it looks like they were about, like I said, 15 or 20 kilometers from Manbij City. Q: Okay, thank you and I have another question I would -- I would like to ask you. Should the SDF lead the assault against Raqqa, do they have enough equipment, weapons to do it or would they need to be given additional equipment or weapons? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay, I think I understood your question. Should the SDF lead the assault on Raqqa, will they need additional weapons and equipment? I believe that they will. I think our -- I think we're still in decision-making stages as to whether or not we will assault Raqqa with the SDF and what equipment they might need. But I would just say this; I've watched for four -- more than four months now, I've watched the Iraqi combined arms -- modern combined arms army attacking Mosul. The Iraqis have all the modern types of body armor, armored vehicles, tanks, artillery, fighter jets, helicopters, and they're having a hard time taking -- it's a challenging fight taking Mosul. So I think if I, you know, transpose that to Raqqa, the Syrian Democratic Forces are an irregular light infantry force mounted mostly in pickup trucks. So, they have very few heavy weapons. So, if I compare these two forces and I envision the Syrian Democratic Forces assaulting Raqqa, a not unsubstantial city, I think that they'll probably need additional combat power. But those decisions have yet to be taken. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Jim Michaels of USA Today. Q: General, in your conversations with Iraq officials, have they indicated to you a desire to have continued training beyond the current fight? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. So yes, I have heard Iraqi officials express a desire to have a continued U.S. presence here after the ISIL fight. I think that probably both of our governments, the government of Iraq and the U.S. government, are interested in that, but both -- both those governments have yet to make that decision. We're just not there yet as to what the -- what or if -- if or what that might look like. We're kind of focused on the current fight right now that I still think has a ways to go. But both governments have expressed an interest in that. Q: Just a quick follow-up. The current training of Iraqi forces, is that mostly involved with police now to provide a follow-on security force or are there still training going on of Iraqi army combat formations as well? GEN. TOWNSEND: We do have a particular focus on training Iraqi police right now, particularly for Nineveh Province where Mosul is because we're trying to train and field the Nineveh hold force. The long-term solution for security in these towns and villages and cities is -- are Iraqi police. So, we're very focused on that. That said, we're still training all types of Iraqi security forces. Just today, I was out in Anbar visiting some of our partner capacity -- building partner capacity sites, our training sites out there, and I saw Iraqi army soldiers training and I saw Iraqi border guards -- troops training as well. So we're building -- training border guards for when they eventually secure -- re-secure their sovereign border with Syria. So we're training all types of Iraqi security forces currently. We have a special emphasis on police for Nineveh because that's a current need, but we're looking down the road and training all types of them. And in fact, we've -- building a program with the government of Iraq to start re-training forces after the ISIS -- ISIS is defeated, we'll start re-training those forces to secure Iraq into the future. CAPT. DAVIS: Next, we'll go to Paul McLeary from Foreign Policy. Q: Hi, general. Thanks for doing this. There's been a lot of talk about safe zones in Syria recently. Given the situation around al-Bab, I mean, it shows how complicated it is. What would you need to create a safe zone? And would the north or the south be better in order to do something like this? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. I think your question was about safe zones and what would I need. And we're -- I think we're considering what it might take to do safe zones. We haven't been directed to establish any safe zones. I guess my first question would be safe zones for who, from what? We are building safe zones right now for all Iraqis and all Syrians to be safe from ISIS. That's -- those are the safe zones we're building right now. We're building them not just in the north or the south, but all over Iraq and Syria. Safe from ISIS. We haven't been directed to create any safe zones beyond that. We're focused on our current fight to defeat ISIS, so I'll -- I'll just leave it at that. CAPT. DAVIS: Next to Luis Martinez with ABC. You should give him a microphone. Q: Hi, general. Thank you for doing this. Just a quick follow-up on the Syrian Arab Coalition casualties that you mentioned in al-Bab. Were there fatalities among those fighters? And what numbers are we talking about? And then I have another question, sir. GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. We don't -- we don't announce casualty figures for our partners. We let our partners do that. So I -- I don't care to go into the characterization of the casualties or the number and type. What was your follow-up question -- your second question? Q: Yes sir, thank you. My question -- I've heard you mention now Abu Kamal and Al Qaim, talking about their freedom of movement there and how the ISIS leaders seem to gravitate there. Is that their next safe haven in the area? And is it safe to assume that that will be the next focus of your operations after the conclusion of Raqqa and Mosul, whenever that happens? Or is it more timely to go at them right now? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. So I think anywhere we're not attacking is sort of a safe haven for the enemy and their leaders, and we know they like to go there because they can transit the border with relative ease in the Abu Kamal, Al-Qaim area. We're hunting down there, hunting for leaders and we strike them with some regularity down there. But it's a bit out of our reach right now. Our partner's reach, really. It's out of our partner's reach right now. They're focused on Mosul and they will turn their attention to Al-Qaim and Abu Kamal in due course. So, for now, right now, I think the Iraqi -- or the ISIS leaders probably do gravitate to areas like that and anywhere else where we're not currently pressuring. I don't care -- care to talk about when we might get to Abu Kamal and Al-Qaim. I think the enemy -- I'd prefer to have the enemy surprised to learn that information. So, I won't talk about that. CAPT. DAVIS: The next -- this is last here -- to Idrees Ali from Reuters. Q: Two quick follow-ups. Firstly, on the Kurds participating in Raqqa, you said they would take part in the Raqqa operation in one form or another. They're obviously already a part of the isolation phase. Are you saying they could go into Raqqa to clear it out? GEN. TOWNSEND: Okay. I heard the second part of the question, could Kurds go into Raqqa to clear it out. I did not understand the first part of your question, which I think is related to the second. Could you repeat the first part of the question over? Q: I'm just saying you -- you said that they would take part -- the Kurds would take part in the Raqqa operation in form or another. And since they're already taking part in the isolation, are you saying that they're going to go into Raqqa? GEN. TOWNSEND: Well, no, I'm not saying that. I'm saying they're taking part in the isolation. It is their -- they're moving on that. They will isolate Raqqa. We're still going through various planning iterations to determine exactly what the composition of the assault force for Raqqa will be. Do I anticipate that there will be some Kurds in that force? Yes, I do. Mainly -- first of all because there are Kurds from Raqqa. It's a predominantly Arab area, but there are Kurds from there. So, there -- there are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure. The -- the number, the size of them and how many Kurdish units are participating in that I -- I can't really say right now. Will -- so, will Kurds go into Raqqa? Yes, I think if they are Raqqawis, they will go into Raqqa with all of the Arabs and all the Turkmen and everybody else. Raqqa is -- a significant majority of Raqqawis, as we refer to them, are Arabs. But they're like just about any other city in this region, and our own country, as a matter of fact. You've got a mix of peoples, right? Ethnic and religious mixing in -- in Raqqa, in the city and in the larger province around it. So, yeah, there will be Kurds attacking Raqqa and there'll be Kurds in Raqqa. The size of that force, I don't know. That's still being considered. Q: Quick follow-up. Earlier on, you said that you don't foresee any large number of coalition forces -- additional coalition forces being brought into Iraq and Syria. Given that the plan was just submitted on Monday by the Pentagon, I guess what should we -- what else to do you need if not additional troops in -- in the region? GEN. TOWNSEND: Yeah, as I said when that question was asked earlier, I submitted my recommendations and advice to my military leaders and they've submitted that to the secretary of defense, who submitted it to the president. And I don't care to comment any further while our leadership makes these decisions. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay. And -- (CROSSTALK) Q: And just to clarify, when did the Russians strike take place? What day did the Russian strike take place, sir -- General? Was it yesterday? GEN. TOWNSEND: I'm sorry? Q: Just a point of clarification. When did the Russian airstrike take place? GEN. TOWNSEND: Yesterday. CAPT. DAVIS: Okay, general. Thank you very much for your time. I don't know if you had any further closing comments for us. Otherwise, we will sign off. GEN. TOWNSEND: No. Yeah, thanks for your questions tonight. Sorry I couldn't be more forthcoming about some of our future plans. You have to understand that first of all I want to give our leaders a chance to consider the recommendations they've received from the whole chain of command, and not pressure them one way or the other. So, couldn't be that forthcoming on that. Sorry about that. Also, I really don't want the enemy to know what our future plans are. I prefer the enemy to find out about them as they are unfolding. So, thanks for being patient with that. I know several of you asked those types of questions. I couldn't really answer them. Also, as far as the makeup of the force that's going to Raqqa, you know, here's what I think. They're Syrians. That's who's going to Raqqa. Syrians are going to go liberate Raqqa. And we'll -- you know, when Raqqa is liberated, whatever force it is, we're all very focused on turning it over to local control. In fact, there's an international effort that's looking at the post-liberation governance and stabilization of Raqqa. And that effort is designed to turn it over to local control for security, and local control for governance. So, I'm not really sure it really matters what the composition of the force that goes there to liberate it. What matters really in my mind is the composition of the force that stays there and governs and secures Raqqa after it's liberated from ISIS. I think probably most Syrians and most Iraqis are welcoming of anybody who's coming to help liberate them from ISIS. That's what I've seen. They don't really -- they're not that picky. But who sticks around matters, and that ought to be local folks who stick around and govern and secure Raqqa and Mosul and Al-Qaim and -- and Manbij, and any of those places that have been liberated from or will be liberated from ISIS. And last, I'd just like to say again how proud I am of the troopers, of the U.S. and our coalition partners here -- some 30 nations contributing troops here in our coalition against ISIS. And they are helping our partner forces and they are keeping this region and our own countries, our homeland, safe from the threat that is ISIS. And you -- I would like all Americans to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks. CAPT. DAVIS: Thank you, general. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you, everybody. http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1099469/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General stresses value of partnership with Switzerland NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 01 Mar. 2017 - 02 Mar. 2017 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will stress the importance of the partnership between NATO and Switzerland during a two-day visit to Bern and Geneva (1-2 March 2017). On Wednesday (1 March 2017), the Secretary General is meeting with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ms. Doris Leuthard in Bern for talks on current security challenges and options for closer cooperation between the Alliance and Switzerland. The Secretary General will discuss security challenges in the Middle East and North Africa at the Geneva Centre of Security Policy, where he will deliver a keynote speech on Thursday afternoon (2 March 2017). In his address, the Secretary General will make the case for the importance of projecting stability beyond NATO's borders and set out how NATO can empower local forces and build resilient institutions. During his debut trip to Switzerland as Secretary General, Mr. Stoltenberg will hold a range of bilateral talks, including with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Didier Burkhalter and the Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Mr. Guy Parmelin. In Geneva, the Secretary General will meet with representatives from international organisations and NGOs, including with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Peter Maurer. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 12th Pacific Partnership Mission Prepares to Enhance Cooperation, Strengthen Indo-Asia-Pacific Ties Navy News Service Story Number: NNS170301-03 Release Date: 3/1/2017 8:18:00 AM By Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy will join allied and partner nation forces for the 12th Pacific Partnership mission, scheduled to begin March 1. This annual maritime operation will help improve disaster response preparedness and capacity, while enhancing partnerships with participating nations throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. This year's mission will be led by the deputy commander and staff from Coastal Riverine Group 1, embarked aboard expeditionary fast transport USNS Fall River (T-EPF 4), and will include more than 200 supporting military and civilian personnel from the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam are scheduled to host this year's Pacific Partnership mission. Medical, dental, civil-engineering, and veterinary teams will partner with host nations to conduct civic-action projects, community health exchanges, medical symposiums, and humanitarian and disaster relief (HA/DR) drills. The planned engagements and exchanges during Pacific Partnership 17 are intended to improve capacity, enhance regional partnerships, and increase multilateral cooperation for HA/DR preparedness. "Pacific Partnership is helping improve disaster response readiness for more than a decade in dozens of nations," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73, and executive agent for Pacific Partnership 17. "Disasters threaten us all -- they ignore borders, and they disregard national sovereignty. The Indo-Asia-Pacific region averages two large disasters each year, and Pacific Partnership has been a key enabler behind many countries being more prepared today. When the distress call comes, the life-savers know who to call and what to do next because Pacific Partnership helps prepare us to manage the unthinkable." Pacific Partnership began in response to one of the world's most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami which devastated parts of southeast Asia. The mission has evolved over the years from emphasis on direct care to an operation focused on enhancing partnerships through host nation subject matter expert and civil-military exchanges. Pacific Partnership 17 will have several other distinctions: * Pacific Partnership will conduct mission stops in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year. The visit by Fall River to Vietnam is in conjunction with the 22nd anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam. Along with events such as the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) maritime collaboration, Pacific Partnership underscores the deepening relationship between the United States and Vietnam. * Pacific Partnership will engage in Sri Lanka for the first time in the 12-year history of the mission. This marks the mission's initial outreach to south Asia. * This year's mission will return to Malaysia, where the U.S. continues to strengthen ties and cooperation. * Pacific Partnership will continue to capitalize on the Women, Peace and Security program -- an international initiative designed to not only empower women, but also demonstrate the value of their inclusion in the planning and implementation of disaster preparedness and relief efforts for their respective countries. "We've conducted extensive planning with our host nations and our mission partners over the last six months," said Capt. Stanfield Chien, deputy commodore of Coastal Riverine Group 1 and Pacific Partnership mission commander. "I'm very pleased with how we've come together as a team and are ready to execute this year's Pacific Partnership mission." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 45,000 Yemenis displaced due to fighting near militant-held Mukha: UN Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 5:10PM The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says about 45,000 Yemenis have been forced out of their homes over the past few weeks as a result of fighting around Mukha intensified recently by the Saudi-backed militiamen's seizure of the southwestern port city. Shabia Mantoo, the UNHCR spokeswoman for Yemen, told AFP on Wednesday that the figure on internally displaced persons (IDPs) was based on data compiled by UN agencies. She said that many of those fleeing the fighting around Mukha made their way north to the provinces of Ibb and Hudaydah. "Eight thousand people have been displaced from Mukha and Dhubab (district in Ta'izz province) to Hudaydah alone, many of them with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs," Mantoo said. Saudi mercenaries and the militants loyal to resigned Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi seized Mukha on February 10 and announced plans to occupy the country's main Red Sea port of Hudaydah afterward. Fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, who have been defending Yemen against the ongoing deadly Saudi aggression, launched an operation to liberate Mukha. The latest number of IDPs marks a sharp rise from previous UNHCR data, which reported 34,000 displaced Yemenis in the fighting between January and February around Mukha and Dhubab. Elsewhere in her comments, Mantoo warned that displacement was an issue gripping the whole Arab country. "The whole country is suffering from multiple displacements," Mantoo said, adding, "People move from one place to another, because eventually it gets just as bad." The Houthis and their allied forces are currently in control of the capital city of Sana'a, much of the country's northern highlands and most of Yemen's 450-kilometer Red Sea coast. Saudi Arabia has been incessantly pounding Yemen since March 2015 in a bid to bring back Hadi to power and undermine the Houthis. The Saudi military campaign has claimed the lives of over 12,000 Yemeni civilians, according to the latest tally provided by Yemen's Legal Center for Rights and Development, an independent monitoring group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea, US begin annual drills as North prepares for 'merciless' counterstrike Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 9:0AM South Korean and US forces have kicked off massive joint military drills, which are held annually, as North Korea alerts its armed forces to prepare for a "merciless" counterstrike against potential enemy aggression. The war games began on Wednesday amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and its ally the US hold the drills every year as a signal to the North, which has been rapidly developing a missile and nuclear program. Some 300,000 South Korean troops and nearly 17,000 American forces along with strategic US warships and air force resources took part in last year's joint maneuvers. A spokesman for US forces in Korea said the drills this year would be identical to the one held in 2016. According to the spokesman, about 3,600 US soldiers have so far been deployed to take part in the Foal Eagle drills, which are the first of the two series of war games that will stretch over two months. But he did not provide the total number of the American forces taking part in the maneuvers. The development comes as scores of protesters staged a rally outside the US Embassy in the South Korean capital of Seoul on Wednesday, expressing opposition to the war games and emphasizing that the drills would "bring the peninsula sharply closer to the brink of a nuclear war." South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo also held a phone conversation with his US counterpart James Mattis, "stressing the need to bolster the drills," according to a statement issued by the ministry. It further quoted Mattis as vowing an "effective and overwhelming response" against any use of nuclear weapons by the North. North Korea has long slammed the annual war games as provocative rehearsals for an invasion. On Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the headquarters of an army unit and praised the troops for their "vigilance against the US and South Korean enemy forces that are making frantic efforts for invasion," the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. Kim further instructed the troops to "set up thorough countermeasures of a merciless strike against the enemy's sudden air assault," the KCNA report added. South Korea's Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn also vowed on Wednesday that his country would respond strongly to any provocations made by the North and seek tougher UN sanctions against Pyongyang. "The government will strive to make the North realize the uselessness of its nuclear weapons" through a stronger alliance with the US, including with the deployment of a US missile system, Hwang said in an address marking the anniversary of his country's independence movement against Japanese colonial rule. Seoul and Washington agreed last year to install the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea to counter what they perceive as the growing missile and nuclear threats from Pyongyang, a plan that has enraged Beijing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban Suicide Bombers Kill At Least 16 In Kabul, Wound 40 RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan March 01, 2017 Afghan police say two suicide bombers have struck Kabul in attacks claimed by the Taliban, killing at least 16 people and wounding about 40. One suicide car bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into the compound gates of a district police headquarters in western Kabul as part of a coordinated attack on March 1, Interior Ministry deputy spokesman Najib Danish said. Danish said several militants stormed into the compound and engaged police in a gunbattle inside the facility. Thick smoke billowed above the police compound, and several rounds of small arms fire as well as other explosions were heard. The battle took place in an area that was not far from a military training school. Meanwhile, Danish said a second suicide bomber walked up to an office in eastern Kabul of Afghanistan's national intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, and detonated his explosives. He said at least two people were wounded in that attack. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for both attacks on behalf of the militant group. The attacks came at a time when the Taliban normally announces its annual spring offensive. The Taliban in Afghanistan is seeking to reimpose its rule after being driven from power following a U.S.-led invasion in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Afghan government forces have struggled to control the Taliban insurgency since the NATO-led coalition ended its combat mission in 2014 and most foreign combat forces withdrew. According to U.S. estimates, the Afghan government now controls less than 60 percent of the country, though its forces have managed to hold on to all of the main provincial centers. Afghan forces now face mounting pressure from a resurgent Taliban amid record casualties and mass desertions as the militants escalate attacks across the country. Last month, a suicide bomber killed at least 20 people outside Afghanistan's Supreme Court in Kabul. The so-called Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for that attack. With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-kabul- blast-gunbattle/28340312.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 Trump Signals Support For NATO, Huge Defense Spending Increase Mike Eckel March 01, 2017 WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled strong support for NATO, and called for a massive funding increase for the military, as he vowed to oversee the "renewal of the American spirit." Speaking on February 28 in his first address before a joint session of Congress, Trump repeated many of his election-campaign promises that focused on domestic concerns, arguing that U.S. cities are being ignored, American workers are suffering, health-care costs are skyrocketing, U.S. infrastructure is crumbling, and crimes caused by immigrants are on the rise. But in a speech that included few specifics about foreign-policy goals, he also renewed his call to destroy "radical Islamic terrorism" -- in particular, Islamic State (IS) militants. "I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs," he said. "We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet." During last year's election campaign, Trump threw into question his commitment to NATO's central treaty provision -- that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all. That worried many alliance members, and during the hourlong speech Trump took steps to reassure them. But he also repeated his calls that alliance members do more to shoulder the burden of NATO's costs. "We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two world wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism," he said to applause from lawmakers. "We expect our partners -- whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific -- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost," Trump said. Even with mention of IS and NATO, specific foreign-policy concerns or proposals were absent from the speech. There was no mention of Russia, the conflict in Ukraine, the ongoing war in Syria, growing tension with China in the South China Sea, and other simmering conflicts. In the Democrats' formal response to the Republican president's address, former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear accused Trump of "ignoring serious threats to our national security from Russia, who's not our friend, while alienating our allies." Speaking from a diner in Lexington, Kentucky, Beshear also charged that Trump plans to deprive Americans of affordable health insurance and called him "Wall Street's champion," suggesting that he is overly friendly to financiers and big companies. "I think in the world we're in right now, to not mention Iran, other than a brief bit on sanctions, not to mention Russia, not to mention China, not to mention North Korea -- he seemed to ignore a lot of the trouble spots that are serious, and things that as American president, he needs to address," said John Hudak, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institute, a liberal-leaning Washington think tank. "He seemed to cherry-pick foreign-policy issues, and not really lay out a broader defense of his administration's position," Hudak said. That lack of specificity, or the lack of a coherent foreign policy, will likely pose more uncertainty, Hudak said. "If I were a foreign minister, I'd be on the phone with [Secretary of State] Rex Tillerson tomorrow," he said. Increase In Defense Spending Trump opened his speech on an upbeat note, a noteworthy contrast to his inauguration address in which he decried "American carnage" and painted a dark picture of the country. He opened his remarks by condemning recent threats and vandalism targeting Jewish communities, and a shooting in Kansas that targeted two immigrant men from India. He paid homage to the families of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. And he praised the Navy SEAL who died during a botched raid on an Al-Qaeda hideout in Yemen last month. The man's widow wept openly as Trump acknowledged her presence in the chamber's gallery, an acknowledgment that was met with the evening's most sustained applause. "To keep America safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and -- if they must -- to fight. And they only have to win," he said. "I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the defense [budget caps], and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history," he said, again to applause from lawmakers. Trump's budget proposals are only the first step in what even in a good year is a protracted negotiation with Congress, which has the ultimate say over the federal budget. Lawmakers from Trump's Republican Party control both chambers of Congress, but legislators frequently push back against funding cuts to favorite programs, regardless of who is in the White House. Some of the proposals that have already been publicized -- a 37 percent cut to U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance -- have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a speech earlier in the day that foreign aid was a U.S. national-security imperative. "I promise you, it's going to be a lot harder to recruit someone to anti-Americanism and anti-American terrorism if the United States of America was the reason why they are even alive today," said Rubio, a Senate Foreign Relations Committee member. David Petraeus, the former CIA director and commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, also echoed those comments, as he joined dozens of national-security experts in saying that diplomacy was "critical to keeping America safe." The speech comes 40 days into his term, which by all accounts has been turbulent and at times chaotic. The White House has been buffeted by news reports on U.S. investigations into allegations Trump's aides were in communication with Russian officials during the election campaign. And it's been stung by criticism of its hard-line national-security measures, including a controversial immigration order affecting visitors from seven mainly Muslim countries that was suspended by the U.S. courts. Trump returned repeatedly to the themes that ran on in the election campaign, what some observers have called "economic nationalism," and the effort to "make America great again." "My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off when there is less conflict -- not more," he said. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/trump-speech-congress -defense-spending-cuts/28339059.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 British, Russian Military Chiefs Confer On Avoiding Potential Incidents March 01, 2017 Senior Russian and British military officials have held rare talks in Moscow aimed at avoiding clashes and lowering tensions that have spiked to their highest levels since the Cold War. Russia's armed-forces deputy chief of staff Aleksandr Zhuravlyov and his British counterpart, vice chief of staff Gordon Messenger, "discussed the state and prospects for re-establishing military cooperation," the Russian Defense Ministry said. Relations between Russia and Britain have deteriorated in the wake of Moscow's 2014 seizure of Crimea from Ukraine and its 2015 military intervention in Syria. The Russian ministry said the talks focused on "possible steps to lower tensions, develop mutual trust, and prevent incidents during military activities." Britain's Ministry of Defense called the meeting "an important opportunity in terms of managing risk and avoiding miscalculation." "They discussed military issues including opportunities to reduce risks in the conduct of our respective defense activity," it said. Britain has been one of the strongest critics of Russian aggression in Ukraine and has sent troops to eastern Europe to bolster NATO's presence in the region. British jets have also repeatedly been scrambled in recent months due to increased Russian maneuvers near Britain. Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/british-russian- military-chiefs-confer-avoiding-clashes -incidents-moscow/28339760.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 U.S. Man Jailed For Illegally Selling High-Tech Goods To Russian Military RFE/RL March 01, 2017 A former employee of an electronics export company in the U.S. city of Houston has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally export about $50 million of microelectronics to Russia. Prosecutors said Alexander Posobilov, 62, was sentenced by a federal court in New York on February 28. Posobilov said he intended to appeal the decision. Posobilov was convicted in October 2015 of exporting microchips and other high-technology goods to Russia, including many destined for Moscow's military and intelligence agencies. Posobilov moved to the United States from Russia in 2001 and became a U.S. citizen in 2008. He worked as procurement director for Arc Electronics Inc, according to court filings. Prosecutors say he acted as a right-hand man to Arc founder Alexander Fishenko, who led the conspiracy. Fishenko was sentenced to 10 years in prison in June 2016 after pleading guilty to operating as an unauthorized agent of the Russian government and violating export laws. Prosecutors said Fishenko, Posobilov, and others schemed to sell cutting-edge microelectronics frequently used in military systems to the Russian military and others through intermediary Russian companies. Fishenko and Posobilov hired and trained Russian-speaking salespeople to lie to vendors about why Arc was seeking these technologies and to falsify export records, prosecutors said. Seven of Arc's top 10 clients were specially authorized by the Russian Ministry of Defense to procure parts for its military, prosecutors said. Arc's customers in Russia included a technical research unit for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), and Russian entities that built air- and missile-defense systems and that produced electronic-warfare systems, prosecutors said. Fishenko and Posobilov were among 11 people arrested in 2012 in connection with the alleged scheme. Two other Arc employees were tried and convicted alongside Posobilov. In addition to Fishenko, four other defendants have pleaded guilty. Three remain at large, according to prosecutors. Fishenko's lawyers said in court documents that although Fishenko was pleading guilty to acting as an agent for the Russian government under U.S. law, he was not a "spy." They said he intended Arc to be a lawful exporting company, but wrongly took a "laissez-faire" attitude to licensing requirements. With reporting by Reuters and TASS Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-man- posobilov-sentenced-11-years-jail -selling-high-tech-good-russian- military-intelligence/28339763.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 Macedonia's President Refuses To Give Opposition Leader Mandate For New Government RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 01, 2017 SKOPJE -- Macedonia's President Gjorge Ivanov says he has decided he will not give a mandate to Social Democratic Union (SDSM) leader Zoran Zaev to try to form a government, despite documents presented by Zaev showing he has formed a coalition that would control a majority of seats in parliament. Ivanov -- a member of the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party -- made the announcement at a press conference in Skopje on March 1. Zaev on February 27 presented signatures from three ethnic Albanian political parties to Ivanov -- showing he has support from a total of 67 lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament to form a new government. But under Macedonia's constitution, the president must present a potential coalition leader with a mandate to form a government before the proposed government is voted upon by parliament. The ethnic Albanian parties have made their support for Zaev's proposed coalition government conditional on the enactment of a law that backs broader use of the Albanian language in Macedonia. Ivanov justified his decision to withhold the mandate from Zaev, saying that "negotiations on Zaev's part" involved "a platform of a foreign country" -- a reference to the Albanian-language demands of Zaev's would-be junior coalition partners. The nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party, led by former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, has denounced calls for making Albanian the second official language of Macedonia. Since Zaev announced his coalition deal on February 27, thousands of VMRO-DPMNE supporters have staged street protests in Skopje against the calls from the ethnic Albanian parties to make Albanian the country's second official language. Gruevski's VMRO-DPMNE party won the most votes in Macedonia's December election, taking 51 seats in parliament. But that was not enough to secure a 61-seat parliamentary majority -- and Gruevski was unable through coalition talks to gather the support of 10 other lawmakers needed to form a government. Talks between Gruevski and the main ethnic Albanian party, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), failed when Gruevski refused to accept the DUI's demand for Albanian to be declared a second official language in Macedonia. Macedonia's constitution stipulates that if the largest party in parliament fails to build a governing coalition, the second-largest party receives the opportunity to create a government that has support from a parliamentary majority. Zaev's Social Democratic Union won 49 seats in December's closely contested election, and in his coalition negotiations Zaev received vows of support from a total of 18 ethnic Albanian lawmakers on condition that their proposed government would pass a law that broadens the use of the Albanian language in Macedonia. Gruevski has said the deal Zaev made with ethnic Albanian parties is a threat to Macedonia and called on his supporters to launch protests to block Zaev from forming a government. The VMRO-DPMNE party also has vowed to use all legal means to prevent Macedonia from becoming officially bilingual, saying such a development would "redefine the unitary character" of the country. About one-quarter of Macedonia's population of 2.1 million people are ethnic Albanians. Macedonia narrowly avoided civil war in 2001 after an uprising by armed ethnic Albanians who sought greater rights. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-president -refuses-to-give-oppositioon-leader- mandate-government/28341718.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 Kyrgyz Party Claims Leader's Arrest Is Linked To Plane Crash Probe RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service March 01, 2017 BISHKEK -- The turmoil in Kyrgyzstan over the arrest of opposition party leader Omurbek Tekebaev has taken a new turn after his political party claimed that he was targeted for prosecution to suppress evidence that a cargo plane which crashed outside the capital in January was carrying goods belonging to President Almazbek Atambaev. A spokesman for Atambaev denied the claim, calling it a "lie." Meanwhile, Kyrzgyzstan's Foreign Ministry on March 1 also rejected the allegations, saying that Turkey's ambassador had called the opposition's purported evidence "fake." A lawyer for Tekebaev's Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party asserted on March 1 that law enforcement officers detained Tekebaev upon his arrival from Cyprus via Turkey on February 26 in order to prevent him from publicizing documents she said showed that goods aboard the cargo plane belonged to Atambaev and his wife. "In order to gain [possession of] the documents before they become public the law-enforcement officers detained Tekebaev at the airport and made sure that lawyers could not reach him," the lawyer, Taalaigul Toktakunova told journalists. "Tekebaev was unable to make the information public on time," she said. The MyCargo 747-400 crashed on January 16 near Bishkek, killing four crew members and 35 people on the ground and setting off speculation about the ownership and destination of its cargo. At a news conference in Bishkek, Toktakunova presented a document with what she said was a Turkish Security Service letterhead. She read aloud from what she said was a Russian translation of the document that said the Turkish security service had conducted investigations into the plane crash and concluded that "mobile phones, computers, other electronic devices, cash, valuable metals and stones belonged to the President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambaev and his spouse." Information Cover-Up? The text she read also said that the cargo's transportation to Bishkek has been organized by a Turkish national known as "Rattlesnake" and several citizens of Turkey and Kyrgyzstan. But Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev met personally in Bishkek with Turkey's Ambassador Metin Kilic after Toktakunova's press conference to discuss the opposition's claims. In a statement, the ministry said Turkey's ambassador told Abdyldaev that the Turkish Security Service "does not work in such a way and doesn't give documents with their letterhead to anyone." The ministry statement said Kilic also told Kyrgyzstan's foreign minister that the document shown to journalists on March 1 by Toktakunova was "a forged document -- a fake." Tekebaev is deputy chairman of a parliamentary commission set up to investigate the plane crash, and had been actively involved in the parliamentary probe. Residents of the village where the plane crashed have said that looting broke out soon after it went down, telling journalists that first responders took many smartphones and other electronic devices that had been part of the cargo and were found in the debris. Residents also found printed instructions for electronic devices written in Kyrgyz and Russian, prompting speculation that the goods were being shipped to Kyrgyzstan. Tekebaev has accused Kyrgyz authorities of trying to cover up information about the crash, citing contradictory statements by Kyrgyz officials and those of the company that owned the plane. Atambaev did not visit the crash site or meet with survivors in the hard-hit village, prompting criticism and speculation about his motives. 'Unjust, Politically Motivated' Almaz Usonov, chief of the presidential administration's information-policy department, said the lawyer's claim was "not just absurd" and "not just a lie." "In fact, what Tekebaev's lawyers did is an obstruction of the investigation," Usonov told RFE/RL. "It is an attempt to politicize the case and hijack public opinion by attracting citizens' attention to something else." Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of Tekebaev protested for a fourth straight day, demanding his release, and State Committee for National Security (UKMK) chief Abdil Segizbaev warned lawmakers not to "impose any pressure" on investigators. Speaking at a protest in Bishkek, former President Roza Otunbaeva, called Tekebaev's arrest "unjust and politically motivated." On February 27, a court ordered Tekebaev held in custody until April 25. He is being investigated in a corruption and fraud case related to allegations that he received a $1 million bribe from a Russian businessman while serving as deputy prime minister. A former ally, Tekebaev fell out with Atambaev in 2016 over constitutional amendments that critics suspect were aimed at prolonging Atambaev's power after a November 19 presidential election in which he is barred from running by a single-term limit. Supporters of Tekebaev say they believe the criminal investigation is aimed at preventing him from running for president. Atambaev has defended Tekebaev's arrest, saying on February 28 that it was not politically motivated. Tekebaev is the third member of Ata-Meken to be detained by authorities for questioning in recent weeks. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-tekebaev- arrest-plane-crash-probe/28340874.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 Seven Nations Begin Largest Disaster Relief Preparedness Exercise in Pacific Sputnik News 19:09 01.03.2017(updated 19:57 01.03.2017) The exercise includes civilian and military participants from the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, which is participating for the first time. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US forces and partners from seven nations launched Pacific Partnership 12, the largest multinational disaster relief preparedness training operation run each year in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the US Navy said in a press release on Wednesday. "The Indo-Asia-Pacific region averages two large disasters each year, and Pacific Partnership has been a key enabler behind many countries being more prepared today," Pacific Partnership executive agent Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson stated. The exercise includes civilian and military participants from the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, which is participating for the first time. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam will host the exercise, and the Navy noted that a visit by the expeditionary high speed vessel Fall River to Vietnam coincides with the 22nd anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the former adversaries. The Pacific Partnership exercise was created in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, and has focused on disaster relief, search-and-rescue training and expert exchanges, among other activities. Pacific Partnership will conduct mission stops in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year. The visit by Fall River to Vietnam is in conjunction with the 22nd anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam. Along with events such as the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) maritime collaboration, Pacific Partnership underscores the deepening relationship between the United States and Vietnam. This year's mission will return to Malaysia, where the US continues to strengthen ties and cooperation. Pacific Partnership will continue to capitalize on the Women, Peace and Security program an international initiative designed to not only empower women, but also demonstrate the value of their inclusion in the planning and implementation of disaster preparedness and relief efforts for their respective countries. "We've conducted extensive planning with our host nations and our mission partners over the last six months," said Capt. Stanfield Chien, deputy commodore of Coastal Riverine Group 1 and Pacific Partnership mission commander. "I'm very pleased with how we've come together as a team and are ready to execute this year's Pacific Partnership mission." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Beijing Planning Construction of Underwater Observatory in South China Sea Sputnik News 03:12 01.03.2017(updated 07:39 01.03.2017) Chinese researchers and academics have embarked on a journey to build the world's first underwater platform to allow observation of underwater activity in real time, according to Chinese media outlets. Shanghai's Tongji University and the Institute of Acoustics, a group with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will kick off construction, the Global Times reported. While the construction will take place within the disputed South China Sea, where a slew of nations have staked territorial claims, the Institute of Acoustics, "refused to reveal the exact location and further details of the research programs on the platform due to its sensitive nature," the New Delhi TV media outlet reported. The Global Times was also denied an answer when it probed the Institute of Acoustics about the location of the platform. On February 7, a group of researchers from 13 countries, including France, Italy, the US, and Japan departed Hong Kong to participate in the research drilling mission in the South China Sea, the Times noted. A total of 33 scientists were said to be involved. Researcher Wang Pinxian said the observational network "showcases that the country is actively joining in the international competition." The first hole completed by drillers was named U14499A, NDTV reported. Drilling on a second hole close to U1449A is underway, the news outlet said. Chinese state news service Xinhua reported that the drilling was completed and reached a depth of 3,770 meters below sea-level, "for collection of sediment samples." Sciencenet.cn, the Chinese news agency that first reported the construction plans, said the platform would be used to observe deep-water physical, chemical, and geological dynamics, in addition to "other purposes," which, given the amount of traffic crossing through the South China Sea for trade and military purposes, could mean Beijing will have an outpost through which to monitor commercial traffic, as well as submarine and underwater drone activity. The South China Sea is considered to be flush with oil and gas reserves. In addition to China; Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have staked claims to waters and islands in the South China Sea. On Tuesday, the Vietnamese commissioned two Russian-made Kilo-class attack submarines, as reported by Vietnam's Ministry of Defense. As The Diplomat notes, "the submarines, armed with supersonic cruise missiles can threaten the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) naval base at Sanya on China's Hainan Island as well as Chinese military facilities in the South China Sea." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DR Congo security forces committed rights violations against protestors in December 2016 - UN probe 1 March 2017 Defence and security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) used excessive, disproportionate and at times lethal force to prevent and contain demonstrations in December 2016, in violation of international human rights law and standards, a UN report has found. "Measures should also be taken, at all levels, to ensure that the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms by the population will not lead to loss of lives and other serious rights violations," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said today in a news release on the report. The report is based on the findings of the investigation conducted by the human rights team comprising staff of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). According to the report, at least 40 people, including five women and two children, were killed between 15 and 31 December 2016 across several cities of the DRC, among them the capital Kinshasa, as well as Lubumbashi, Boma and Matadi. The victims include 28 individuals who were killed by soldiers of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), six by agents of the Police Nationale Congolaise (PNC) and six during joint PNC and FARDC operations. The report also revealed that all but two of the victims were killed by live ammunition. During the same period, at least 147 people were injured by State agents, including 14 women and 18 children, and at least 917 individuals, including 30 women and 95 children, were arrested by defence and security forces. "Such serious incidents are worrisome, particularly in the current context," said Maman Sambo Sidikou, the Secretary-General's Special Representative in the DRC, citing the need to create an environment conducive to the holding of peaceful elections. The lack of accountability for past human rights violations, including those committed during the demonstrations in Kinshasa on 19 and 20 September 2016, may have encouraged a sense of impunity, and defence and security forces to commit further violations in December 2016. "Once again we see serious human rights violations being committed blatantly and with complete impunity by the security forces, who employed excessive use of force against unarmed demonstrators, in flagrant violation of international human rights law and standards," said the UN human rights chief, Mr. Zeid. He urged the Government to bring those responsible for such violations to justice and urgently adopt the law on freedom of peaceful protests and the law on human rights defenders. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Separate Suicide Bombings Hit Kabul By Ayaz Gul March 01, 2017 Afghan officials say a group of heavily armed Taliban suicide bombers have assaulted a district police headquarters in western Kabul, sparking a fierce gun battle with security forces. The coordinated insurgent raid, which began with a suicide car bombing at the entrance of the facility, has at least 16 people dead and more than 40 others wounded. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, took credit for the violence, saying the group's fighters inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan forces. The insurgent group often provides an inflated casualty toll to the media. Mujahid also claimed responsibility for an attack in an eastern part of the Afghan capital at an outpost manned by the National Directorate of Security, the Afghan spy agency. An interior ministry statement said two suicide bombers took part in that attack. One assailant blew himself up in front of the NDS facility while the other was gunned down by security forces, it added, but gave no details about the casualties. There are reports at least six police personnel were killed and more than 70 people wounded, including civilians. Interior Ministry Spokesman Sediq Sediqqi says an official casualty toll and details about the number of attackers will be issued once the police headquarters is secured. Condemnation Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the violence, saying the insurgents are indulging in such violent acts to try to raise the morale of their fighters after the recent killing of one of their Taliban commanders. Ghani was referring to the death of Mullah Abdul Salam, the Taliban commander for northern Kunduz province, who was killed Sunday in a U.S. drone strike. U.S. Embassy Kabul Special Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Hugo Llorens also issued a statement to condemn the Kabul attacks "in the strongest possible terms." "To callously target Afghan men and women who devote their lives to serving and defending their fellow citizens, as the Taliban did today, is an act of extraordinary cowardice. We share the sorrow of all Afghans over these heinous acts, which only strengthen our resolve to continue to work tirelessly in pursuit of a peaceful future for Afghanistan," Llorens said. In addition, a spokesman for the NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan denounced the attack as a "senseless" and "shameful" act by the Taliban. "There is absolutely no justification for this type of action. I also want to pass on our very deepest sympathies and our condolences for the victims of this absolutely atrocious act," said Brigadier General Charles Cleveland. Taliban advances Meanwhile, Taliban insurgents have overrun a northern district after two days of heavy fighting with Afghan security forces. The embattled district, Tala wa Barfak, is located in northern Baghlan province. The district governor told local media Tuesday the Taliban had attacked it from different directions. A spokesman for the Islamist insurgency in a brief statement sent to reporters claimed it has captured Tala wa Barfak and killed a large number of Afghan forces. District governor Faiz Mohammad Amiri confirmed to VOA's Afghan service that the Taliban has taken control of it. The Taliban apparently has stepped up its attacks as the springtime approaches in Afghanistan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Landlocked Afghanistan Urges Pakistan to Open Borders By Ayaz Gul March 01, 2017 Landlocked Afghanistan has used a regional summit to call on Pakistan to reopen formal border crossings between the two countries, saying barriers on trade, transit and the movement of people defy stated objectives of promoting economic cooperation among participating nations. Islamabad, which hosted Wednesday's summit of the 10-nation Economic Cooperation Organization, or ECO, sealed all of the border two weeks ago, alleging militants planned and executed recent terrorist attacks across the country from Afghan soil. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Shaif chaired the meeting where the presidents of Iran and Turkey, as well as several Central Asian states, were also in attendance. Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal, who represented his government at the conference, underscored the need for separating economics from politics to promote the ECO mission of regional connectivity for economic prosperity. Consequences "They [border crossings with Pakistan] have now been closed for about two weeks, causing enormous hardship to ordinary people and damage to traders on both sides. We cannot be for regional connectivity if at the same time we continue to implement barriers to trade, transit and movement of people between us," he said. Zakhil attended the conference as a special envoy of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "Honorable Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in the spirit of today's summit, it will be the right message if your excellency instruct the opening of our formal trade and transit routes between our two brotherly countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan," said Zakhilwal Kabul rejects charges that anti-Pakistan militants are using Afghan soil for staging attacks in the neighboring country. Mutual accusations The Afghan government in turn has reiterated its long running allegations that Islamabad harbors sanctuaries and leaders of the Taliban waging a deadly insurgency in Afghanistan, charges Islamabad denies as baseless. Mutual terrorism allegations have lately prevented the two uneasy neighbors from engaging in official talks to ease tensions. Pakistan army spokesman, Major-General Asif Ghafoor, on Tuesday called on Afghan authorities to enhance security on their side of the border to prevent terrorist infiltrate into his country, insisting the border closure is not an "indefinite" measure. "There are some things Afghanistan should be doing before the border reopens that can be decided through shared discussions, so that when the border reopens, no one from our side should be able to go there and no one from their side should be able to come here for terrorism." Pakistani officials were hoping for the Afghan president to attend Wednesday's ECO summit and billboards displayed at the meeting included Ghani's picture along with other leaders. But the rise in tensions prompted Ghani to skip the event and so did the Afghan foreign minister, who Pakistani officials say had confirmed his participation days before the summit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aid Workers Forced to Relocate From Famine-Stricken Area of South Sudan By Jill Craig March 01, 2017 Rising insecurity has forced 28 humanitarian workers to relocate from Mayendit, one of two counties in South Sudan's Unity State that three United Nations aid agencies and the government declared last month as famine-stricken. "So this is basically an indication of just how volatile these areas continue to be," said Gemma Connell, the deputy head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan. VOA's South Sudan in Focus visited Leer county, the other area of Unity state that has been hit by famine, and found civilians who say they have survived on water lilies and wild fruits for the past three years. Villagers also told VOA they are unable to farm the land due to sporadic military attacks, and have been forced to live in the bush and swamps. U.N. officials have described the famine as "man-made" a result of an economic collapse and a civil war. A U.N. statement listed a series of recent events, including violence, looting, and denial of humanitarian access in the regions of Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Central Equatoria that "hampered humanitarian operations and placed civilians at risk." The most recent of these events is the insecurity that caused the relocation of the aid workers from Unity State's Mayendit county. "In the days subsequent to the incident, we have been negotiating intensively behind the scenes, in addition to the public advocacy, to make sure that we can get these aid workers back in as soon as possible, and we are hopeful, all things going well, that we can get them back on the ground in the coming days," said Connell. Connell says that food distributions for nearly 114,000 people had been completed in four locations across Mayendit prior to the withdrawal of the aid workers. She says, however, that while some national staff have remained on the ground to provide services, key humanitarian activities have been disrupted, including cholera response and other water, sanitation and hygiene programs, as well as nutrition services. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, has asked all parties to "ensure immediate, safe, and unhindered" humanitarian access across the country. Owusu says the South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir, has reassured the United Nations that "all humanitarian organizations will have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country." VOA requests for a response from the presidential spokesman were not immediately returned. Save the Children released a statement condemning the recent looting of its compound and warehouse in the former Jonglei state, blaming both armed groups and members of the community for robbing more than 1,500 malnourished children of assistance from its feeding centers. A U.N. and government report says the famine is affecting more than 100,000 people, with another 1 million people on the brink. Roughly half of South Sudan's population is projected to be severely food insecure by July. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump's Newest General Being Put to the Test By Jeff Seldin March 01, 2017 When U.S. President Donald Trump named a new national security adviser just over a week ago, current and former national security officials did more than just breathe a sigh of relief. Many expressed cautious optimism. Those who knew or had worked previously with Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster saw his selection as a sign the barely month-old Trump administration was starting to get its footing. McMaster came in with a reputation for being able to quickly command respect, take a room full of divergent opinions and then forge them into solid policy recommendations, all the while not being afraid to stand up to his superiors. "He is a convincing, well-thought out strategic thinker who's able to persuade decision makers on how to do things the right way," said Michael Pregent, a former intelligence officer who worked with McMaster in Iraq. Now though, just over a week into the job, McMaster's skills, and his ability to hold the president's ear, will likely be put to the test as the White House begins to discuss the Pentagon's long-awaited plan to destroy the Islamic State terror group. Counter-Islamic State plan Defense officials have described the plan, delivered to the White House Monday and later presented to key staffers by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, as merely a preliminary document. "This is really the framework for a broader discussion," Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters Monday. "There are a number of details that will need to be filled in as this plan moves forward." Pentagon officials also emphasized that the plan, even is these early stages, draws upon more than just military force. "It is a plan to defeat IS rapidly to do it on a global level with all instruments of national power in a synchronized way," Davis said. "Diplomacy is a key part of the plan." How such a plan will fare with Trump, who has said he wants to "totally obliterate" IS, remains to be seen. And the plan's reliance on diplomacy in addition to military might could signal a potential flashpoint, especially after the administration announced its intent to cut the State Department and foreign assistance budgets by at least 30 percent. It might seem like a daunting task even for a national security adviser as widely respected as Lt. Gen. McMaster; but, those who know McMaster believe if anyone is able to navigate the internal political schisms, it's the general. "He's the kind of guy who will sit there and listen to opposing points of view, get the best arguments from both sides and be able to collate, put it together and present it to the president," Pregent said. "He won't just let them sit at the table and say how much things aren't working." Pregent recounted one meeting in Iraq during which McMaster, then a colonel, was unrelenting in arguing a point with Gen. David Petraeus, who served as commander of multinational forces in Iraq. "Gen. Petraeus said, 'Alright. I got it. Enough,'" Pregent said. "But because of his [McMaster's] adamant stance on a position, policies were changed." NSC power struggle? Still, a number of former national security officials question whether McMaster will be able to find a way to make sure that in the end, the president listens to him instead of other advisers like White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and senior policy adviser Stephen Miller, who have little formal foreign and national security policy experience. "Domestic politics is always wrapped up in American foreign policy so I'd think it would be naive to think that you could exclude them entirely," former NSC staffer Kenneth Pollack, now with the Brookings Institution, told VOA's Press Conference USA. "But we just don't know what role Steve Bannon will have." Pollack, who has known McMaster for decades, said his hope is that McMaster will find a way "to grab control over the National Security Council and the wider American national security process." "He's obviously a tremendous battlefield commander," Pollack added. "But he's also demonstrated a real understanding that military force can only be part of a wider foreign panoply." Still, Bannon and Miller are not the only voices with which McMaster will have to compete. There's also Sebastian Gorka, the deputy assistant to the president who sits on the White House's Strategic Initiatives Group, a body described by some as a parallel NSC. "The definition of victory for us is a very simple one," Gorka said last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, outside Washington. "We are going to make the black flag of jihad as repugnant around the world, not just here but around the world, as repugnant as the black, white and red swastika flag of the Third Reich." "The brand of jihad has to be destroyed," he said. Gorka, who did not reply to several email requests for comment, has come under sustained criticism in recent weeks from some within the academic and national security communities who question his approach. Critics like Michael S. Smith, II, a terrorism analyst who has consulted in the past with both the White House and members of Congress, say Gorka's penchant for rejecting nuance in favor of more sweeping sentiment, while catchy, is potentially dangerous. "Americans should pray Gen. McMaster can pull the wool from over President Trump's eyes, and help him realize Bannon and Gorka are not qualified to work on national security policy in the White House," Smith said. "But when it comes to the question of whether he can, I'm not holding my breath." A general's perspective There is no shortage of former officials who see reason to worry, pointing to both the lack of international experience and the rhetoric coming from White House officials like Bannon and Gorka, and from even Trump himself. "There is this sincere and present danger of thinking that there's a military solution to almost any problem," cautioned retired Air Force Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, who emphasized he was speaking on his own behalf. Bidlack, who served on the National Security Council in the late 1990s, characterized some of the talk coming from White House officials as naive. But he said that is where military veterans, like McMaster and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general who led both NATO and U.S. Central Command, can play a vital role. "Given the people whispering in the president's ear, perhaps it's good to have someone who's seen the battlefield, who can whisper, 'Not so fast, sir,'" Bidlack said. Michael Pregent, who worked with McMaster in Iraq, is likewise optimistic the new national security adviser will be able to use his experience and credibility to help change the administration's tone. "What he understands is how U.S. military power, U.S. military actions affect the population - the second and third order effects, the long-lasting ramifications of aggressive military action on a community," he said. Pregent added McMaster is also unlikely to back down to anyone at the White House on Islamic State, Russia or anything else. "I believe he will tell the president that Russia is not an ally in the war against IS in Syria because they will indiscriminately target a Sunni population and that Iranian militias in Iraq are not an ally in the fight against IS." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysis: Should US Return North Korea to Terrorism List? By Jenny Lee March 01, 2017 Amid calls by U.S. lawmakers for North Korea to be relisted as a state sponsor of terrorism following the apparent assassination of the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, there's an apparent lack of consensus among experts on whether his death is a terrorist attack. Ted Yoho, the Florida Republican who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, told VOA there is a "strong consensus" in Congress on returning the North to the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Kim Jong Nam, 45, died Feb. 13 shortly after two women allegedly smeared the VX nerve agent on his face at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport. VX is a highly toxic substance which is classified as a weapon of mass destruction under the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention. Malaysian police have detained the women and one North Korean national. Seven other North Koreans, including a diplomat based in the Malaysian capital, are currently wanted for questioning. Although the police are still trying to determine if the North was responsible for the assassination, South Korea's intelligence agency said the killing is state-led terrorism sponsored by the North, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the agency. Currently, three countries are on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism Iran, Sudan and Syria. They are subject to U.S. financial sanctions, which include restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, a ban on arms-related exports and sales, and controls on exports of dual-use items. Call for reinstatement The U.S. designated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism after the country bombed a Korean Air flight near Myanmar in 1987, killing 115 people onboard. Since then, the communist state is not known to have sponsored any terrorist acts, according to the U.S. State Department. In 2008, the U.S. removed the North from the list as part of a nuclear deal, in which Pyongyang agreed to disable its plutonium plant and allow some inspections. However, the North's recent provocations have prompted some U.S. lawmakers to seek to repeal the decision. Following the latest incident in Malaysia, there is another push in Congress to return the North to the terrorism blacklist. In order to put North Korea back on the list, the U.S. secretary of state "must determine" that the North has "repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism," according to the State Department. This, nonetheless, could be difficult as the U.S. government and Congress have often disagreed on what constitutes state-sponsored international terrorism. The Obama administration refused repeated calls from Congress to reinstate the North to the list, citing the statutory requirement for such action. Statutory requirements Joshua Stanton, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who specializes in sanctions and also maintains the influential One Free Korea blog, believes that the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, coupled with its previous bellicose acts, meets statutory requirements to put Pyongyang back on the terrorism blacklist. According to Stanton, the regime has carried out a series of what he called terrorist acts such as threats to theaters showing the film The Interview, an action-comedy centered on an assassination plot against Kim Jong Un." "I think it's going to be difficult for the administration to resist the pressure to [return North Korea to the list] at this point," Stanton told VOA. Stanton, who also has assisted the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee with the drafting of North Korea-related legislation, added there is little doubt that the Kuala Lumpur killing was a terrorist act because a banned chemical weapon was used against a civilian at a public airport in a third country. Anthony Ruggiero, who worked in the U.S. government for more than 17 years, told VOA that although there is a restricted legal interpretation of what acts of international terrorism look like, the Kim Jong Nam case "crystalizes the effort to look at North Korea as a terrorist state." "I think you can make a case that, at least since 2008, there have been repeated acts of international terrorism, which they have supported, or in the case of Kim Jong Nam, have done themselves," said the former Treasury Department official, who is now a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Gray zone Daniel Benjamin, who served as the U.S. State Department's counterterrorism coordinator in the Obama administration, however, argues that the killing in Malaysia cannot be readily construed as an act of terrorism. In an interview with VOA, Benjamin, who is now the director of the Dickey Center for International Understanding at Dartmouth College, said the case lies in a "gray zone." While the apparent use of the deadly nerve agent in the killing is within legal parameters of designating the North as a terrorist state, assassination by itself cannot be interpreted as an act of terrorism, according to Benjamin. "So this is a very unusual case," said the former official. "The law is written in such a way that I think that the administration has a certain amount of flexibility in determining whether or not a country qualifies as a state sponsor," he added. Citing a senior South Korean official, South Korean news media reported Monday the U.S. was mulling the reinstatement. In response, a State Department spokesperson said Tuesday the State Department constantly reviews "all of the available information and intelligence, from a variety of sources" on the North. "Even without being designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, North Korea remains among the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world," the spokesperson said in an email sent to VOA. Cho Eunjung and Baik Sungwon contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malaysia charges two women with Kim's murder Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 6:33AM A Malaysian court has formally charged two female suspects with the assassination earlier of the North Korean leader's exiled half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, at the Kuala Lumpur airport. The magistrates' court, in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday announced the charges against 25-year-old Indonesian citizen Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, 28, over the February 13 killing. More than 100 heavily armed police agents wearing balaclavas and wielding automatic weapons had secured the entrance to the court building. The court further informed the suspects who were not asked to enter a plea that they will face the death penalty if they are convicted of the murder charge. A trial, however, is not expected to get underway for several months, according to press reports. The pair was taken to the isolated courthouse on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur under heavy security, and pushed through and into the building through a crowd of media people. Both women have claimed that they thought they were participating in a prank when they robbed the deadly VX nerve agent on the face of Kim as he was walking at the airport. The VX nerve agent is categorized as a weapon of mass destruction and is internationally banned. Malaysia has refused to turn over Kim's body to North Korea and has sought to question a North Korean diplomat in connection with his killing. Malaysian police also seek to question an employee of the North Korean airliner Air Koryo. Kim, who attended school in Russia and Switzerland, was a computer enthusiast and fluent Japanese speaker. After completing his overseas studies, he oversaw North Korea's information technology policy. He fell from grace in 2001, however, and had been living in exile since 2003. He was reportedly an occasional critic of Pyongyang, advocating reform. His death is the second most high-profile death during the reign of his younger brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, since the execution of Jang Song-thaek, the brothers' once powerful uncle, in December 2013. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malaysia to Deport N. Korean National Suspected of Kim Jong Nam's Murder Sputnik News 19:25 01.03.2017(updated 19:28 01.03.2017) Malaysian authorities will deport a ssuspect in the murder of Kim Jong Nam, an alleged half-brother of the North Korean leader, according to media reports. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Malaysian authorities are planning to deport a North Korean citizen, who is suspected of the murder of Kim Jong Nam, an alleged half-brother of the North Korean leader, Singaporean media reported Wednesday. Kim was killed on February 13 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport while waiting for his flight. Following the murder, Malaysian police detained three people, including North Korea's national Ri Jong Chol, while several other suspects had left the Asian country. Kuala Lumpur is expected to deport Ri and no charges against the suspect will be brought, the Channel NewsAsia broadcaster reported citing its source. The news outlet had not provided details that could clarify the absence of the charges. Kim is believed to be killed by a VX nerve agent, classified by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction, when he tried to board a flight to Macau. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Malaysia Charges 2 Women with Murder in Kim Jong Nam's Death By VOA News March 01, 2017 Malaysia charged two women with murder Wednesday in connection with the death of Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Siti Aisyah, 25, from Indonesia and Doan Thi Huong, 28, from Vietnam were under heavy security as they appeared at a Kuala Lumpur court. The women were not asked to enter pleas in the case, but they have said they are innocent and believed they were taking part in a prank for a television show. Each faces the death penalty if convicted. They are accused of being the two women shown on security camera footage smearing something on Kim Jong Nam's face at an airport in Kuala Lumpur last month. He died 20 minutes later from what authorities said were the effects of the powerful VX nerve agent. Prosecutors want to try the two women together, and the pair is due back in court in mid-April. They wore bulletproof vests as they were escorted from the court back to prison. The case has attracted huge international interest. Hundreds of reporters were at the courthouse, but only a selected few were permitted inside the courtroom. Attorney Selvam Shanmugam, who is representing Doan, told a reporter for VOA's Vietnamese service that her client stayed calm during the proceedings and was maintaining her innocence. Shanmugam said by telephone that a delegation of "many more" lawyers from the Vietnamese bar would be arriving in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to work on Doan's defense. The court on Wednesday also issued a gag order meant to prevent police and potential witnesses from making public statements about the case. North Korea has not confirmed that the dead man is Kim Jong Nam. It is demanding that Malaysia release the body, as well as a North Korean suspect who is in custody. Malaysian authorities have not said what connection the North Korean man may have to the killing, or whether he will be charged. Kim Jong Nam was the older, estranged brother of Kim Jong Un. Kim Jong Nam was once considered the heir apparent to lead North Korea, but he fell out of favor with their father, the late dictator Kim Jong Il, after a failed 2001 attempt to enter Japan on a forged passport to visit Disneyland. Since then, Kim Jong Nam had lived in virtual exile, primarily in the Chinese territory of Macau. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fillon Refuses to Drop Out of French Presidential Race Amid Scandal Sputnik News 14:39 01.03.2017(updated 16:40 01.03.2017) French presidential candidate from The Republicans party Francois Fillon confirmed that he was summoned to court on March 15. Earlier today, he was questioned by magistrates investigating a 'fake work' scandal involving his wife. Fillon is joined by his former rival in the conservative primaries Alain Juppe. "I have not misappropriated public funds I have trusted the people close to me with jobs because I knew I could count on their trust and their competence," Fillon said at the press conference. Fillon blasted the ongoing judicial inquiry as an attempt of "political assassination" directed at him. Having pleaded not guilty in the case of employment of his family members, Fillon will now have to prove it in court. "I won't give in, I won't surrender, I won't pull out, I'll fight to the end," Fillon said ending his speech. Earlier, French media reported that Fillon's presidential campaign director Patrick Stefanini had offered his resignation. There has been no confirmation yet. Fillon, who was initially one of the pollsters' favorites, saw his ratings drop after the scandal broke out in late January around his wife allegedly having been paid for jobs without exercising her duties. French media also questioned Fillon's children's employment as his parliamentary assistants between 2005 and 2007. The French financial prosecutor's office launched an official investigation on February, 24 into an allegedly fake employment of Fillon's wife. The investigation is devoted to assignment of state funds, complicity, concealment of offenses and trading in influence. French presidential elections are due to take place in two rounds on April 23 and May 7. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India Test-Fires Low Altitude Advanced Air Defense Interceptor Missile Sputnik News 11:27 01.03.2017(updated 11:42 01.03.2017) India is in the process of inducting two layered Ballistic Missile Defense into its armed forces. Last month it had successfully test-fired the Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) missile for exo-atmospheric ranges and on Wednesday morning its Advanced Air Defense (AAD) missile hits directly to incoming missile at a lower altitude. New Delhi (Sputnik) India has successfully test-fired advanced air defense interceptor in full operational configuration from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast at 10.15 am (Indian Standard Time) on Wednesday. Defense sources told Sputnik that the mission was completely successful. Interceptor missile is a 7.5-meter long solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a high accuracy Inertial Navigation System (INS) supported by a Redundant Micro Navigation System, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. Indian scientists had deferred November launch due to some technical shortcomings. Defense Research Development Organization developed low altitude Advanced Air Defense missile was successfully tested last year in May as well. On 11 February this year, scientists had test-fired another interceptor Prithvi Defense Vehicle which destroyed an incoming missile at 100 Kilometer from the surface of the earth. Indian scientists tested its inceptor missile strength within a month after Pakistan conducted the first test of its medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile Ababeel. Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles), can deliver multiple warheads, evade enemy radars, and strike multiple targets with high precision. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: Tehran, Moscow to review JCPOA implementation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Geneva, March 1, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday that talks between Tehran and Moscow on the prospects of implementing Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are underway. According to the Russian News Agency Sputnik International, talks continue between the two sides in the light of recent presidential election in the United States, Araqchi said. 'Sure, with Russia we have contacts and consultations at almost all levels. I recently visited Moscow, met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, my colleague; we exchanged views on different aspects of JCPOA implementation, especially in the aftermath of the new developments in the United States. We are in contacts with them at the expert level as well. Our ministers meet frequently. Last time they met in Munich. So with Russia we have excellent cooperation,' Araqchi said. The nuclear agreement signed in July 2015 by Iran and the P5+1 group of countries comprising China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus Germany stipulates that Tehran must maintain a peaceful nature of its nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief. 1430**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi forces regain control over main road out of Mosul Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 9:41AM Iraqi government forces have managed to establish full control over the last main exit out of the northern city of Mosul amid a new joint operation with allied Popular Mobilization Units to drive the extremists out of their last urban stronghold in the country. An unnamed Iraqi general told Reuters on Wednesday that soldiers from the army's 9th Armored Division had advanced within one kilometer from Syria Gate in Mosul, located some 400 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad. "We effectively control the road, it is in our sight," he added. The road links Mosul to the city of Tal Afar, situated 63 kilometers west of Mosul, and extends to the Syrian border. Meanwhile, Iraqi army forces have shot down five combat drones operated by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the skies over Mosul as they were poised to launch attacks on government troops and fighters from Popular Mobilization Units commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi. The Joint Operations Command (JOC) also announced in a statement on Tuesday that federal police forces and rapid response teams were busy clearing buildings and roadways in the recently-liberated Jawsaq, Tayaran and Tathir neighborhoods of bombs. They managed to blow up 25 improvised explosive devices, killed a number of terrorists plus a sniper, destroyed two booby-trapped hideouts and discovered six explosive belts. Iraqi forces destroyed a bomb-making workshop, two rocket launch pads and many motorcycles in the mentioned areas. Additionally, Commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation, General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, said the army's 9th Armored Division had liberated Damerji, a village northwest of Mosul. The high-ranking Iraqi military commander went on to say that government forces had inflicted heavy losses on Daesh ranks during the operation, before they hoisted the national flag over a cluster of buildings in the area. Iraqi soldiers destroyed four explosives-laden cars and 30 improvised explosive devices in the process. Separately, Major General Najim al-Jabouri, the head of the Operations Command in Nineveh Province, of which Mosul is the capital, also pointed out that Iraqi forces had taken over the Wadi Hajar district in southwestern Mosul following fierce clashes with Daesh militants holed up there. On February 19, Iraqi soldiers and Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters mounted a new offensive to liberate western Mosul. International aid organizations have warned against the mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of civilians from western Mosul. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says some 8,000 people have fled west Mosul since Iraqi forces launched their operations to rid that part of the city from Daesh terrorists. The UN humanitarian aid agency announced on Tuesday that it was increasing its displacement camps to cope with the large of people who have managed to escape. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi Forces Advance to West Mosul Along 3 Axes, Prepare for Tough Fight Sputnik News 20:49 01.03.2017(updated 20:58 01.03.2017) The Operation Inherent Resolve commander noted that the tactic has proven to be effective because it overwhelms the enemy. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The Iraqi military is attacking Daesh in western Mosul from three directions and is likely to face fierce fighting, Operation Inherent Resolve commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said at a press briefing on Wednesday. "They've began breaching into the outskirts of the city with the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service, Federal Police and Army moving along three axes of advance," Townsend told reporters. The general noted that the tactic has proven to be effective because it overwhelms the enemy. "We expect very tough fighting as the Iraqis move deeper into the dense urban terrain of west Mosul," Townsend added. The commander explained that Daesh has been preparing for the battle for some time and has created obstacles on the streets to slow down the advance. "We strike these barriers with our precision fires to help the Iraqis advance," Townsend said. The operation to liberate Mosul from Daesh terrorists, outlawed in many countries, including Russia, began on October 17, 2016. Iraqi troops have managed to advance in the eastern part of the city, but the western part on the right bank of the Tigris River remains under militant control. Daesh is outlawed in the United States, Russia and numerous other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Terrorists Take Flight! Daesh Chief Al-Baghdadi Allegedly Orders Retreat in Iraq Sputnik News 13:49 01.03.2017(updated 16:17 01.03.2017) Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has acknowledged the terrorist group's defeat in Iraq, urging his supporters to take refuge in the country's mountainous regions, independent Iraqi news network Alsumaria reported. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the infamous terrorist group Daesh (ISIL/ISIS), gave a speech in which he admitted that his organization had suffered defeat in recent hostilities in Iraq, the independent Iraqi news network Alsumaria quoted a source in Nineveh province as saying on Wednesday. Al-Baghdadi's speech came amid reports that Daesh commanders based in the western part of Iraq's Mosul are fleeing the city. "Calling his speech a farewell address, al-Baghdadi circulated it among Daesh preachers and explained what was going on with the group. The preachers started talking about the defeats Daesh is suffering in Nineveh province and other parts of Iraq," the source said. On Monday, Mahmud al Surdji, a representative of Iraq's Nineveh Plain Protection Units told Sputnik Arabic that government forces had taken full control of the highway connecting Mosul and the capital Baghdad. According to him, forces from the 9th Armored Division have encircled the Daesh terrorists near Mosul's largest electric power plant, on the west bank of the Tigris River. He said that later this week, the Iraqi army is planning to finish its operation to free the Wadi Hajar neighborhood. He added that the liberation of this particular district will provide the army with access to other districts of the city which still remain under Daesh control. Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, was captured by Daesh terrorists in June 2014. Iraqi and US-led coalition forces liberated the eastern part of the city in late January 2017, while its western part remains under terrorist control. Last Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of operations to liberate the western part of the city. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Suu Kyi aide dismisses UN pressure over abuse of Rohingya Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 3:32PM A close aide to Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has dismissed mounting international pressure over the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state despite evidence provided by the UN of murder, rape and torture at the hands of government forces. Win Htein said on Wednesday that recent remarks by UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Yanghee Lee about the abuse of the Rohingya were "biased" and "unfair." "What Yanghee Lee is doing is not fair. It's biased," media outlets quoted Htein as saying. "We do not care about this kind of unfair report. Because we do not care, we do not worry." Lee recently slammed Myanmar's continued discrimination against Rohingya Muslims. The UN official has called for Myanmar to immediately end its crackdown on the Muslim minority. Lee has said that the magnitude of violence against the Rohingya is far more extensive than the UN rights office perceived. The UN official says Myanmar's military stands accused of committing acts of violence against the Muslims, such as slitting throats, indiscriminate shootings, burning houses with people tied up inside, and gang-raping women. Lee is expected to turn up the heat next week by calling a formal commission of inquiry into abuses against the Rohingya. A four-month crackdown on the stateless Muslim minority has seen over 70,000 Rohingya flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Escapees have given the UN chilling accounts of babies being stabbed to death and people being burned alive. Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace prize laureate who has been lionized in Western media as Myanmar's "democracy icon," has defended the military's crackdown in Rakhine, much to the dismay of the international community. Rakhine has been under a military siege since October 2016 over a raid on a police post that was blamed on the Rohingya. Suu Kyi, however, has described the crisis in Rakhine as "under control" and demanded that the international community stop stoking the "fires of resentment." The bloody crackdown on the Muslims by the military has posed the biggest challenge to Suu Kyi since her NLD party won Myanmar's first democratic elections in a generation in late 2015. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korea's Acting President Vows to Get Tough on North Amid Escalation Sputnik News 08:00 01.03.2017 South Korea's Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn pledged on Wednesday to take a hard line on the North, saying it would answer for its provocations, local media reported. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Speaking during a televised speech in Seoul, Hwang said that Seoul, relying on Washington's support, "will strongly punish any provocations and threats from North Korea." North Korea has conducted a number of missile launches in the past months as well as its fifth and biggest nuclear test last September, prompting tighter sanctions from the United Nations. Hwang pledged to convince Pyongyang its nuclear stockpile was useless by deploying US anti-ballistic missiles, called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), to the peninsula. US and South Korean militaries launched two-month war games earlier in the day, codenamed Foal Eagle. The Korean defense minister said the annual exercise would be on par with last year's historic event. In turn, US Defense James Mattis reassured Seoul of Pentagon's steadfast commitment to the security of its allies, saying any use of nuclear weapons against South Korea would be met with an effective response. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Denies State-Sponsored Doping in Russia, Vows to Boost Anti-Doping Efforts Sputnik News 09:21 01.03.2017(updated 09:45 01.03.2017) Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Wednesday that there is no state-sponsored system supporting of doping abuse in Russia, vowing instead continued anti-doping efforts. KRASNOYARSK (Sputnik) Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Wednesday that there is no state-sponsored system supporting of doping abuse in Russia, vowing instead continued anti-doping efforts. "I want to emphasize once again we have always said this there has never been, there is no, and I hope there never will be a state support system for doping in Russia," Putin said. "On the contrary, there will only be a fight against doping," he said at a meeting on preparations for the Winter Universiade 2019 in Russia's Krasnoyarsk. The Russian government should heed the advice of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) commission despite its shortfalls, Russian President said. Last week, International Olympic Committee chief Christophe De Kepper cited WADA as saying at a recent meeting in Lausanne that in many cases the evidence provided in the McLaren report on Russian doping "may not be sufficient to bring successful cases." "The most important thing is that we must listen despite these failures in the work of the independent commission. We should listen to what it has done and the result of its work," Putin said. Speaking at a meeting on preparations for the Winter Universiade 2019 in Russia's Krasnoyarsk, he nonetheless said "we must recognize that we have identified credible cases of doping." "This is absolutely unacceptable, and this means that the existing and existing-until-now Russian control system over doping has not worked, and it is our fault. We must say so directly and recognize it," Putin stressed. Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he hopes a strict and effective anti-doping control system would be set up in the country with the involvement of foreign experts. "I hope that, with the help of our independent experts and with the help of involved foreign experts, a strict, efficient and effective system for the fight against doping would be set up," Putin said at a meeting on preparations for the Winter Universiade 2019. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria talks should focus on unity govt. during transition period: Russia Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 8:2PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has underlined the need for the Syria peace talks underway in the Swiss city of Geneva to focus on warring sides reaching a consensus on how the war-torn country will be governed during the transition period. Lavrov made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Nigerien counterpart Ibrahim Yacouba in Moscow on Wednesday. "This agenda (of Geneva talks) in how it relates to the political process is based on the need to form a unified view of how Syria will be governed during the transition period. Or if you would like we can say to agree on some kind of national unity government for the transition period," Lavrov said on Wednesday. However, the unity government should be formed based on a mutual agreement between the government and the entire opposition spectrum as stipulated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, he added. The measure was unanimously adopted in December 2015 in a bid to help bring an end to the conflict in Syria. "Then according to decisions by the United Nations, the political process should focus on work on Syria's new constitution and after that, on organizing early general elections based on the grounds of this new constitution," Lavrov further said. Elsewhere in his comments, the top Russian diplomat stressed that fighting terrorism and separating terrorists from the so-called moderate opposition are critical in the implementation of the UN resolution. Stressing that extremists should be banned from the Syria negotiations, he said, "We cannot allow for extremist circles from organizations banned by the Security Council to leak into this political process." Lavrov further expressed hope that the Geneva talks "will not be disrupted and that it will continue to play an important role in achieving a Syrian settlement." Separately on Wednesday, the Syrian opposition said that they had been told by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura that government negotiators were ready to discuss a political transition at the Geneva talks. Nasr al-Hariri, the head of the so-called High Negotiations Committee (HNC), the main Saudi-backed opposition group, also said they discussed political transition and related issues with the UN envoy for the first time. However, the Damascus government is yet to comment on the remarks. HNC refuses to add terrorism to talks' agenda In a relevant development on Wednesday, the HNC, which serves as an umbrella group for militants and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said that it would not allow terrorism to be added to the agenda of the UN-mediated Geneva discussions, which began on February 23. "We will not deal with it, and if (de Mistura) adds it in any time we will not deal with it or discuss it," said HNC member Yahya Kodmani. On the contrary, a source close to the Damascus delegation said the government's negotiators had agreed to discuss subjects such as terrorism and political issues in the peace talks. The latest peace talks come shortly after the conclusion of the second round of the Syria peace negotiations, mediated by Russia, Turkey and Iran, in the Kazakh capital city of Astana on February 15 and 16. Citing a source close to the talks, Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday that another round of the Syria negotiations will take place in Kazakhstan on March 14. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US seeks Turkey's role in liberating Syria's Raqqah Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 7:10PM A US commander says talks are under way with Turkey on the role Ankara might play in the operation to liberate Syria's Raqqah, a city under the control of the Daesh Takfiri terrorists. US Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, the commander of the US forces purportedly fighting Daesh, was speaking via video conference from the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to a Pentagon news briefing on Wednesday. "We are engaged in discussions with the Turks on how they might participate in the liberation of Raqqah and I don't know what the numbers of their participation might be," media outlets quoted the US military official as saying. Washington currently has 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 out of Raqqah. They dominate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a multi-ethnic anti-Damascus alliance. Recently, another US commander, General Joseph L. Votel, said more American troops may be needed in Syria to step up their so-called campaign against Daesh. Votel, the commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has also secretly visited northern Syria to meet US-backed militant groups. In early February, 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. The Turkish Air Force and special ground forces kicked off their operation inside Syria last August in a declared bid to rid the border area of Daesh terrorists and Kurdish militants. The operation was not coordinated with the Syrian government, which has described it as a violation of its sovereignty. Turkey's invasion has also been fiercely opposed by the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters. After capturing the northern Syrian city of al-Bab in Raqqah province from Daesh, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the next target for the Turkish offensive should be the city of Raqqah, which is already encircled by different fronts, including Kurdish militias, the Turkish military and Syrian army forces. Syrian army troops and allied fighters have been fighting terrorists since 2011. Terrorists from Daesh were among the militants who were initially trained by the CIA in Jordan in 2012 to destabilize Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian forces enter Daesh-controlled Palmyra Iran Press TV Wed Mar 1, 2017 2:34PM Last updated at 1800 GMT, March 1, 2017 Syrian army forces have reportedly entered the ancient city of Palmyra, which fell to the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group for a second time a few months ago. "The army has entered a western neighborhood of Palmyra and has seized control of part of it," Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, a Hezbollah media report said the Syrian army forces and their allied fighters had recaptured the Palmyra Citadel, situated on the city's western outskirts. The Syrian troops also managed to retake a palace complex to the city's southwest, the report added. Earlier in the day, an unnamed Syrian military source told Reuters that the Syrian troops, backed by Russia's air cover, had advanced to the outskirts of Palmyra, also known in Arabic as Tadmur, in the last few days and their "entry to the city will begin very soon." The developments came on the same day as the Syrian military announced the recapture of an area called the "Palmyra triangle" a few kilometers west of the city. Meanwhile, Syria's official SANA news agency reported that the gain followed fierce clashes between Daesh militants and the Syrian army and its allied fighters, leaving scores of the terrorists dead or injured. Additionally, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that the government forces were expected to storm Palmyra at "any moment." Russia has also expressed its readiness to deploy aircraft in support of the Palmyra operation. The Syrian army, backed by Russia's counter-terrorism airstrikes, liberated Palmyra in March 2016 after Daesh held the city for 10 months. However, Daesh managed to seize the historic city once again in December 2016 after days of intense fighting as the Syrian military focused mainly on defeating terrorist groups in eastern Aleppo. During both of its spells in control of Palmyra, Daesh razed ancient monuments and dismantled key parts of the city's UNESCO World Heritage ruins. The Syrian forces have been fighting different foreign-backed militant groups wreaking havoc in the Middle Eastern country since 2011. Over the past few months, troops have made sweeping gains against Takfiri terrorists who have lately increased their acts of violence across Syria following a series of defeats in Aleppo and elsewhere. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Ceases Bombing US Allies in Syria After Deconfliction Call - Coalition Sputnik News 20:02 01.03.2017(updated 21:58 01.03.2017) The commander of the Operation Inherent Resolve said Moscow had stopped accidental bombing of the US-led coalition's allies after a deconfliction call. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Russian forces in Syria ceased an accidental bombing of Syrian Arab Coalition fighters near Manbij on Tuesday after the United States made a call through the joint deconfliction channel, Operation Inherent Resolve commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said at a press briefing. "Some quick calls were made through our deconfliction channels and the Russians acknowledged and stopped bombing there," Townsend told reporters on Wednesday. The commander stressed that Russia likely believed the area was held by the outlawed Daesh militants, who had previously moved out ahead of an advance by Turkish partners. "Yesterday we had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that, I believe, they thought were held by ISIS [Daesh], yet they were actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces," he said. US forces were about four or five kilometers (2.5-3 miles) away when they observed the incident and contacted their Russian counterparts. "We used that mechanism, and it worked," Townsend said. However, there were some casualties among the Syrian Arab Coalition, the commander added. The airstrikes took place in a village near al-Bab, 9-12 miles from Manbij where Syrian Arab Coalition fighters were on the ground. The United States and Russia signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding in October 2015 to ensure flight safety during combat missions over Syria. 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. Moscow has been conducting a counter-terrorist campaign in Syria since September 30, 2015, at President Bashar Assad's request. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Much to Turkey's Dismay: US Expects Syrian Kurds to Join Raqqa Liberation Sputnik News 19:37 01.03.2017(updated 19:46 01.03.2017) Syrian Kurds are likely to participate in the liberation of Raqqa, according to the chief of the US-led coalition against Daesh. Apparently, Turkey will not be happy. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Local Kurds will participate in the operation to retake the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Daesh, Operation Inherent Resolve commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said in a briefing on Wednesday. "I expect Kurds will participate in the operation in one form or fashion," Townsend told reporters. "They are local Kurds who will participateThese are Syrians." Earlier in the day, Turkish media reported that Ankara could forbid Washington from using its Incirlik airbase if the United States cooperates with the Kurdish forces, such as the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Popular Defense Units (YPG), during operations against Daesh in the area of Raqqa. "We are engaged in discussions with Turks on how they might participate in the liberation of Raqqa, and I don't know what the numbers of their participation might be," Townsend said. The city of Raqqa, which is the "capital" of the so-called caliphate proclaimed by Daesh, is a target for numerous groups fighting against extremists in Syria. Turkey and the Kurdish troops have voiced their plans to liberate the Daesh-occupied city. 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. On February 16, Syrian National Council Co-chair Ilham Ehmed said in an interview with Firat News Agency that the safe zones proposed by the Trump administration would be created in areas under control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). Turkish chief presidential adviser Ilnur Cevik told Sputnik on Tuesday that Ankara would be against the creation of safe zones in Kurdish areas in Syria because they might be used by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), considered a terrorist organization in Turkey. Tensions between Ankara and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) collapsed because of a series of terror attacks allegedly committed by PKK members. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Army Storming Hotel Complex in Daesh-Held Southwestern Palmyra Sputnik News 18:44 01.03.2017(updated 18:45 01.03.2017) Syrian troops are storming the Daesh-held historic city of Palmyra. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) The Syrian government forces launched on Wednesday an offensive on a hotel complex in the south-west of the ancient city of Palmyra, an informed on-site source told Sputnik. "The army and allies are storming the hotel district in the south-west of Palmyra," the source said. According to the source, another group of government forces earlier launched an attack on positions of Daesh militants after liberating the Palmyra citadel. Daesh seized Palmyra, which was the capital of the Palmyrene Empire and one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire, in May 2015. Terrorists destroyed a number of historic sights designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Arch of Triumph, the Temple of Baalshamin and the Temple of Bel. Jihadists also looted the national museum and the famous Palmyra's necropolis. Less than a year after that the Syrian army supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces managed to liberate Palmyra. Russian specialists demined the historic center as well as residential areas of the city. Russian historians and renovators visited Palmyra in early July 2016 and prepared a report assessing the condition of the damaged sites and costs of the renovation works. However, in December 2016, the city was retaken by jihadists. Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the Daesh offensive on Palmyra. According to the Russian leader, the situation in Palmyra was a result of discordant actions of different players in Syria. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Government Forces Capture Palmyra Citadel From Daesh - Reports Sputnik News 17:26 01.03.2017(updated 19:36 01.03.2017) Syrian government forces along with their allies have recaptured Palmyra citadel from Daesh on Wednesday, securing complete control of the firing range over the city of Palmyra. The government forces also took over a palace complex to the city's southwest, the Hezbollah-run outlet reported. "The army has regained control over the citadel in Palmyra and the mountain range to the southwest of the city. Now we are preparing to storm the city," a source told Sputnik, adding that terrorists fled the heights where the citadel is located after the army had taken the heights over the city. The source also said that the city of Palmyra is now within firing range of the Syrian government forces. "The Syrian army has established complete control of the firing range over the heights around the historic Palmyra citadel after Daesh terrorists had abruptly left the area," the source said. Earlier today, Syrian government troops secured control over a strategic traffic interchange at the southern entrance to Palmyra, a source told Sputnik. Palmyra is considered key for advancing to Daesh stronghold of Raqqa in eastern Syria. Daesh seized Palmyra, which was the capital of the Palmyrene Empire and one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire, in May 2015. Terrorists destroyed a number of historic sights designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Arch of Triumph, the Temple of Baalshamin and the Temple of Bel. Jihadists also looted the national museum and the famous Palmyra's necropolis. Less than a year after that the Syrian army supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces managed to liberate Palmyra. Russian specialists demined the historic center as well as residential areas of the city. Russian historians and renovators visited Palmyra in early July 2016 and prepared a report assessing the condition of the damaged sites and costs of the renovation works. However, in December 2016, the city was retaken by jihadists. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Sets Up Military Base in Syrian Manbij to 'Defend It From Turkish Attack' Sputnik News 16:14 01.03.2017 A high-ranking representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces, who wished not to disclose his name, has told Sputnik Turkiye that the US is "taking all necessary measures" to defend the Syrian city of Manbij from an attack by the Turkish military. It has set up a military base in the city and hung up its flag as a "warning sign" to Ankara. The US is "taking all necessary measures" to defend the Syrian city of Manbij in the Aleppo Governorate, 30 kilometers west of the Euphrates, which is currently under control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), from an attack by the Turkish Armed Forces and fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the SDF representative told Sputnik Turkiye. In particular, he said, US servicemen have set up a military base in the city and are sending an additional contingent there. They are also deploying heavy weaponry and armored vehicles to the area. Alongside setting up the military base in Manbij, the US is deploying servicemen and armaments to the northern and western parts of the city. "Turkey and the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) are getting ready for an attack on Manbij, and so we are getting ready to defend the city and are in constant talks with our ally, the US," the SDF representative told Sputnik. He further explained that last week they had a meeting with Joseph Votel, the commander of the US Central Command (USCENTCOM), during which they discussed a security threat to Manbij coming from Turkey. "We [SDF] have said that in case of an attack on the city will be forced to halt the operation to liberate Raqqa and will redeploy our forces to Manbij," he told Sputnik. "In his turn, Votel assured us that the American side will take all necessary measures to prevent an attack by Turkish forces on the city," he added. The SDF representative further noted that US servicemen will be holding talks with representatives from Turkey and added that the US intends to increase its contingent in Manbij, sending heavy weaponry and tanks there in order to shore up the city's defenses. Just two days after their meeting with Votel, the US set up a military base in the city to be able to defend it from an attack by Turkish armed forces. The US flag was flown above the base. Flying the flag, he said, is a message, a warning to Turkey that the city is under the defense of the US. The US servicemen will also take part in round-the-clock surveillance and patrols in the west and the north of the city to be able to prevent any possible attack. In addition, he said, armored vehicles under the US flag have been deployed in the north of the city. US servicemen have been also deployed to its western areas. On Tuesday they sent more tanks and armored vehicles to Manbij and promised that the city will also be under the defense of the US-led coalition forces. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian Army Destroys Daesh Bomb-Loaded Vehicles, Kills 10 Militants Near Palmyra Sputnik News 13:31 01.03.2017 At least two bomb-loaded armored vehicles with Daesh suicide attackers heading to the Syrian army positions near the southwestern entrance of Palmyra were destroyed, according to a source. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) The Syrian army destroyed bomb-loaded armored vehicles of the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia), which the militants planned to use against the army positions near Palmyra, an informed source told Sputnik. "At least two bomb-loaded armored vehicles with suicide attackers heading to the army positions near the southwestern entrance of Palmyra were destroyed," the source said. The government forces and their allies managed to detect the militants and destroy their military equipment as well as 10 terrorists, the source added. The military operations are being carried out 2 miles away from Palmyra near at-Tar caves, according to the source. The sides continue fighting over the Hayan mountain to the east of the city. Daesh militants withdrew some of their forces toward Deir ez-Zor, controlled by the government forces, the source said. Palmyra was first taken by the Daesh terrorists in May 2015. After they recaptured the city in December 2016, the Syrian army launched an operation to retake it. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address War crimes committed by all parties in battle for Aleppo UN-mandated inquiry on Syria 1 March 2017 The battle late last year for control over Syria's war-ravaged Aleppo was a stage of unrelenting violence, with civilians on both sides falling victim to war crimes committed by all parties, read a report issued today by the United Nations-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. The report documents brutal tactics employed by the parties to the conflict in the country as they engaged in the decisive battle for the once iconic city between July and December 2016, resulting in unparalleled suffering for Syrian men, women and children. "The violence in Aleppo documented in our report should focus the international community on the continued, cynical disregard for the laws of war by the warring parties in Syria," said Paulo Pinheiro, the Chair of the three-member Commission, which was mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. "The deliberate targeting of civilians has resulted in the immense loss of human life, including hundreds of children," he added. The report notes that the siege-like tactics employed by pro-Government forces in eastern Aleppo last year trapped civilians without adequate food or medical supplies, and that between July and December, Syrian and Russian forces carried out daily air strikes, claiming hundreds of lives and reducing hospitals, schools and markets to rubble. It adds that Syrian forces also used chlorine bombs a chemical agent prohibited under international law in residential areas, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties. The Commission also notes that it received reports of use of cluster munitions in densely populated areas. Furthermore, by late December, when pro-Government forces on the ground took control over eastern Aleppo, no functioning hospitals remained. The intentional targeting of these medical facilities amounted to war crimes, the Commission concludes. Attack on UN/Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy In the course of its investigations, the Commission also examined an attack on a UN/Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy in Orum al-Kubra in Aleppo's countryside by the Syrian Air Force. The attack killed 14 aid workers, destroyed 17 trucks carrying aid supplies, and led to the suspension of all humanitarian aid in the country. "Under no circumstances can humanitarian aid workers be targeted," underscored Commissioner Carla del Ponte, adding: "A deliberate attack against them such as the one that took place in Orum al-Kubra amounts to war crimes and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions." Indiscriminate attacks by armed groups Further in the report, the Commission also notes that armed groups indiscriminately shelled civilian-inhabited areas of western Aleppo with improvised weapons, such as rocket-assisted munitions and mortars, resulting in extensive civilian casualties. A number of these attacks were carried out without a clear military target and had no other purpose than to terrorise the civilian population. The report also states that in some districts, armed groups shot at civilians to prevent them from leaving, effectively using them as human shields. It also notes that pro-Government forces on the ground, composed mostly of Syrian and foreign militias, executed hors de combat fighters and perceived opposition supporters, including family members of fighters. Forced displacement of civilians The 37-page document reveals that the eastern Aleppo evacuation agreement forced thousands of civilians despite a lack of military necessity or deference to the choice of affected individuals to move to Government-controlled western Aleppo whilst others were taken to Idlib where they are once more living under bombardments. "Some of these agreements amount to forced displacement. It is imperative that the parties refrain from similar future agreements and provide the conditions for the safe return of those who wish to go back to their homes in eastern Aleppo", said Commissioner Karen AbuZayd. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011. The report is based on 291 interviews, including with residents of Aleppo, and the review of satellite imagery, photographs, videos and medical records. It is scheduled to be presented to current session of the Council on 14 March during an interactive dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: Both Sides in Syrian Conflict Committed War Crimes By VOA News March 01, 2017 Opposing sides in the fight for control of Aleppo committed war crimes, according to a new United Nations report. The U.N.'s latest report on the six-year conflict said the Syrian government's aerial bombing and strafing of a humanitarian convoy that killed 14 aid workers and halted relief operations were among the war crimes that were committed. Syrian and Russian forces executed indiscriminate "daily air strikes" using cluster munitions on the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo between July and the and the fall of the city in late December, the report said. Hundreds of people were killed and hospitals destroyed, amounting to the war crime of indiscriminate attacks. Was Russia involved? U.N. investigators could not determine if both Syrian and Russian forces were involved in the Aleppo attacks because they jointly controlled their air space over the area "throughout the period under review." "[They] use predominately the same aircraft and weapons, thus rendering attribution impossible in many cases," according to the report, which did not attribute any war crimes to Russia. The report, which was released Wednesday, said Syrian helicopters employed a banned weapon, toxic chlorine bombs, on Aleppo "throughout 2016," causing hundreds of causalities. More than 5,000 pro-government forces surrounded eastern Aleppo in an attempt to "surrender or starve" opposition forces, the report said. Civilian deaths Opposition groups killed and injured dozens of people when they shelled government-controlled western Aleppo, the report said. The groups also stopped civilians from leaving eastern Aleppo and used them as "human shields," and attacked a Kurdish residential district, both of which are war crimes. U.N. investigators said the U.S.-led coalition did not carry out any air attacks over Aleppo in the second half of 2016. The report was issued as Syrian peace talks continue in Geneva. The findings are based on 291 interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as forensic evidence and satellite imagery. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rule, Britannia!' Red-Faced Royal Navy Has a Slight Missile Problem Sputnik News 18:25 01.03.2017 The British Royal Navy has not had the best luck over recent months, and now it seems that another nail is about to go into the coffin for the Fleet, which has announced that their Type 26 warships are equipped with missile launchers, however there are no missiles they can use. Britain's Type 26 warships, which cost US$9.9 billion, are equipped with missile launchers, but unfortunately they are ill-equipped to handle them. Construction of the first eight Type 26 warships will start in 2017, however there is the concern that the ships will be left empty. It is reported that the ammunition for the US-made MK 41 launcher is not yet in the possession of the UK military. In November 2016, it was reported that the UK's Royal Fleet will be left without an anti-ship missile due to financial reasons, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed, leading to experts questioning how secure Britain will be without the vital weaponry. The MoD is used to having Harpoon missiles, however due to budgetary concerns the Navy will be forced to use its 4.5 inch gun with a range of just 17 miles. The Royal Navy suffered a further set-back, as it was revealed that they were using naval ships "well beyond their sell-by date." A review by leading industrialist Sir John Parker into the Royal Navy shipbuilding has blasted the UK government for creating a "vicious cycle" in which ships are being ordered too late, thus increasing the costs over the long-term. Then further humiliation was faced, when a Type 45 destroyer had to be towed back to port, two days after setting sail. A report by the Times newspaper claims that the MoD equipment plan appears to show no money has been allocated for missiles, and no missiles have been identified to be purchased. However, the MoD have denied this by saying that state of the art equipment will be delivered to the warships. "The Type 26 Frigate will be delivered with cutting edge weapons and sensors that build on the excellent operational record of the Type 23," a spokesperson for the MoD said. "Backed by a rising defense budget and a US$178 billion equipment plan, investment in the MK 41 launcher enables the Royal Navy the option of investing in a wide range of additional capabilities at short notice and according to the threat," they added. Sources have claimed that these Type 26 warships are essential for defense and in February 2017, Sputnik spoke to Professor Anthony Glees, an expert in politics, security and intelligence from the University of Buckingham, who discussed the fact that seven of the UK's attack submarines are out of operation. Professor Glees said that it was extremely bad timing for Britain to demonstrate to the world that its defenses are weak. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Separatists Seize Ukraine Billionaire's Operations As Tensions Rise Over Blockade Christopher Miller March 01, 2017 KYIV -- A telecom firm and a charity controlled by Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov were targeted in a wave of seizures by Russia-backed separatists amid an escalating standoff over a blockade hampering commerce between separatist-controlled territory and the rest of Ukraine. A spokesman for Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man, said on March 1 that armed separatists had taken control of an arena in the eastern city of Donetsk that had served as a staging ground for a charity that has distributed humanitarian aid since the war erupted in the region nearly three years ago. "At the moment, we're unable to deliver any humanitarian aid inside nongovernment-controlled territory," spokesman Jock Mendoza-Wilson told RFE/RL. Meanwhile, the director of Ukrtelecom, a leading telecom owned by Akhmetov, wrote in a March 1 Facebook post that the company had its office and equipment seized in Donetsk and was forced to halt phone and Internet services in separatist-controlled areas of the region. "Around 200,000 of our citizens have lost the ability to interact," Mikhail Shuranov wrote. The seizures follow an announcement by the separatists that they would take control of enterprises located on territory they hold as of March 1 in response to the road and rail blockade, which was imposed more than a month ago by nationalist Ukrainian lawmakers and veterans of the ongoing war in the east. The blockade, whose backers have denounced what they call the "trade in blood" with the separatists, has caused almost all rail traffic in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to cease. It is opposed by the Ukrainian government. The embargo has also hindered vital coal shipments to power stations and industrial plants in government-held areas, adding strains to a Ukrainian economy already struggling with the effects of the war that has killed more than 9,750 people since the Russia-backed separatists seized territory in April 2014. A flare-up in fighting killed more than 40 people in January and February and led to renewed international calls for the implementation of much-violated cease-fire agreements known as the Minsk accords. 'Nationalizing' Ukrainian Companies Separatist leaders Aleksandr Zakharchenko and Ihor Plotnitskiy raised the stakes on February 27 by announcing plans to "nationalize" Ukrainian companies in the areas they control, saying the blockade went against the Minsk agreement and was hurting businesses. They also said they would stop selling coal to Ukraine and instead send coal supplies to Russia or elsewhere. Zakharchenko, the leader of the separatists based in Donetsk, told local media outlets on March 1 that separatists have seized 40 factories and coal mines located in areas they control. Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko warned that Kyiv would add references to the seizures to its international lawsuits against Russia, saying that "Moscow rules the authorities" in the separatist-held areas and adding: "Russia will bear liability for this." President Petro Poroshenko's government has long resisted striking a deal with the people enforcing the blockade, while warning that it could lead to power cuts but saying it has enough coal reserves to last through March. However, the Interfax news agency reported on March 1 that the Ukrainian government approved regulations for transporting goods to the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, a possible step toward an attempt to end the blockade. Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman said the regulations came along with a plan to set up checkpoints to "track transportation and compliance with the decisions that we make." He added: "The main thing is that everything approved will be allowed, and any other things will be prohibited, absolutely everything." Anthracite Shortage Efforts to end the blockade came after a shortage of anthracite coal prompted Kyiv to introduce emergency measures in the energy sector on February 15, and several steel plants in the east have already been forced to suspend production. Among them are some belonging to Ukraine's largest steel producer, Metinvest, which employs thousands of workers on both sides of the front line. Metinvest told the Reuters news agency that it would be "unacceptable" for separatist officials to take control of its businesses, saying this would force it to halt the affected operations and possibly cost the jobs of some 20,000 people. The trade regulations approved on March 1 had been promised on February 28 by Hroysman, whose previous attempt to compromise with the blockade participants was unsuccessful. In a February 28 interview with Current Time TV, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, Hroysman warned that the blockade could have "catastrophic consequences for the Ukrainian economy." "The political goals of the blockade are absolutely clear -- it's the destruction of Ukraine," Hroysman said. "This plays into the hands of the Russian Federation, of course, and Ukrainians are the ones who suffer. If the blockade continues, the economy will start to fall." Other officials have called for a more confrontational approach to the blockade participants, who have vowed to maintain the blockade and threatened to step it up by blocking crucial shipments of humanitarian aid to the separatist-held areas. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has called on the government to find a way to forcibly end the blockade, and several blockade participants at two locations were attacked on March 1. The identity of the assailants was unclear. Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman defended the separatist move to seize companies, saying that "regions that have been rejected by their state are in an increasingly difficult situation...in the conditions of a total blockade by extremist elements." "So, of course, to some degree one can understand the actions of the leaders of those regions," he said. Russia denies involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, despite what Kyiv and Western countries say is incontrovertible evidence that Moscow whipped up separatism there in 2014 and has sent troops and weapons across the border to support the separatists. The United States often refers to the fighters opposing government units as "combined Russian-separatist forces." Timothy Ash, an economist covering Eastern Europe, commented on Twitter that Kyiv will probably have to "cut a deal" with the separatists to end the blockade, which he said is likely to persist while Ukraine's parliament is in recess. "So likely to get worse before better," Ash said of the situation. With reporting by Reuters and Interfax Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine--blockade- separatists-tensions-rise/28340714.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 DPR Nationalizes Some 40 Ukrainian Jurisdiction Enterprises Sputnik News 13:01 01.03.2017(updated 13:20 01.03.2017) Leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Alexander Zakharchenko stated that external administration has been introduced at almost 40 Ukrainian-jurisdiction enterprises in Donbass because of the transport blockade in the region. DONETSK (Sputnik) The authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) nationalized nearly 40 Ukrainian-jurisdiction enterprises in Donbass because of the transport blockade in the region, DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko said Wednesday. "About 40 enterprises External administration has been introduced at almost all of them, with few exceptions," Zakharchenko told reporters. In late January, a group of former participants of Ukraine's military operation in Donbas, including Ukrainian lawmakers, blocked on some sections freight railroad links with areas in Donbas not controlled by Kiev. They claimed that any trade with the self-proclaimed republics was illegal, and all ongoing trade transportation meant smuggling. The blockade has led to a disruption in anthracite coal supplies to Ukraine, which forced the Ukrainian authorities to introduce emergency measures in the energy sector in order to save resources. 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. A motorcycle rider who swerved to avoid hitting an animal died from injured he sustained in the crash Wednesday morning. Jeffrey Orlena Owen, 47, of Danville, was riding a 2008 Kawasaki ZX 1400 motorcycle traveling east on Virginia 711, according to a Virginia State Police news release. Owen was just east of Virginia 729 in Pittsylvania County when he attempted to avoid an animal and ran off the left side of the roadway at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the release stated. Owen was wearing a helmet. He was taken to Danville Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. Virginia State Police Trooper R.C. Amos continues to investigate the crash. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed a lower court to reexamine whether the Virginia General Assembly unconstitutionally stuffed African-American voters into certain districts, opening the door to a new political map that could reshape the Republican-controlled state legislature. Anti-gerrymandering advocates hailed the high court's opinion as a victory in the pursuit of more competitive elections, though the final outcome of the case remains unclear. With two justices partially dissenting, the Supreme Court told the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to reconsider the matter using a different legal standard that could make it easier to prove lawmakers improperly prioritized race above other redistricting criteria when redrawing House of Delegates districts in 2011. The case centers on whether the use of a 55 percent African-American voting threshold, which lawmakers defended as a way to preserve majority-black districts, amounted to impermissible, race-based gerrymandering. "I am extremely confident that when this is examined again by the trial court using the appropriate standard, the challenged districts will be struck down as unconstitutional," Marc E. Elias, a Democratic lawyer who brought the redistricting challenge on behalf of a group of African-American voters, said in an interview. With all 100 seats in the House of Delegates up for election this year, Elias said he expects the lower court to "move quickly so that the people of Virginia can get relief." Republicans hold 66 of the 100 seats in the House, despite Virginia tilting Democratic in recent elections in statewide races. A redrawing of the House lines would likely benefit Democrats by making Republican-held districts more competitive. House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, expressed disappointment with the court ruling, but said, "the plaintiffs in this case did not prevail. The Supreme Court declined the plaintiffs request to find that the districts are unconstitutional," said Howell. "The Supreme Court overruled the way in which the district court analyzed the case. We have read the courts opinion and are quite confident that we will win when we go back to the district court. The plaintiffs claim the process unconstitutionally packed black voters into certain districts and diluted their voting power elsewhere. The GOP-controlled House has argued that the racial floor was necessary to comply with a section of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states to clear all electoral changes with the Department of Justice as a way of preserving the civil rights of black voters. House Minority Leader David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said the decision could force the General Assembly to reconvene to draw new boundaries for the 11 districts in question, located mainly in the Richmond, Petersburg and Hampton Roads regions. "Were looking forward to having new lines drawn that are constitutionally defensible and give voters a chance to elect the people of their choice in their districts," Toscano said. Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe's office said it was reviewing the opinion, but said it appears to be a "victory for democracy in Virginia." "The governor has long-believed that Virginias Republican-drawn legislative maps are an unconstitutional racial gerrymander," said McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy. "This is the second consecutive Supreme Court decision in support of that position." Last May, the Supreme Court upheld a new, court-imposed congressional map in Virginia after a similar racial gerrymandering challenge led by Elias, who served as general counsel for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. That case allowed Democrats to pick up the redrawn, Richmond-centered 4th District, now represented by Rep. A. Donald McEachin, a former state senator. Redistricting reform group OneVirginia2021 is pursuing a state-level challenge to the General Assembly map. In Wednesday's opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that the lower federal court erred by finding the challengers had to prove that racial criteria conflicted with other redistricting considerations, such as protecting incumbent lawmakers. In the majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the high court ruled that racial motives are the paramount issue, not "post hoc justifications the legislature in theory could have used but in reality did not." "The Equal Protection Clause does not prohibit misshapen districts," Kennedy wrote. "It prohibits unjustified racial classifications." The lower court found that race did not predominate because lawmakers considered other "race-neutral" criteria to varying degrees. "By deploying those factors in various combinations and permutations, a State could construct a plethora of potential maps that look consistent with traditional, race-neutral principles," Kennedy wrote. "But if race for its own sake is the overriding reason for choosing one map over others, race still may predominate." The lower court found that race was the overriding factor in House District 75, represented by Del. Roslyn C. Tyler, D-Sussex, but the racial floor was appropriate in that district because it was tailored specifically to comply with the Voting Rights Act's protections against "retrogression" in majority-black districts. The Supreme Court upheld that portion of the earlier ruling, while questioning the legislature's decision to apply the 55 percent floor to all the districts in question. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, two of the court's most conservative members, dissented in part from the opinion. Both suggested the court could have decided itself whether race was a dominant factor rather than leaving the question to the lower court. Alito wrote that the legislature's admission that it "intentionally drew all 12 districts as majority-black districts" shows that race was a major factor and could have led the court to consider whether race had been considered constitutionally. Thomas objected to the use of race in redistricting altogether, saying he believes portions of the Voting Rights Act are unconstitutional. To comply with the Act's Section 5, a provision adopted in 1965 to prevent black voter suppression, a state "necessarily must make a deliberate and precise effort to sort its citizens on the basis of their race." "But that result is fundamentally at odds with our 'color-blind' Constitution, which 'neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens," Thomas wrote, citing Justice John Marshall Harlan's dissent in the infamous Plessy V. Ferguson case that upheld racial segregation of public facilities under the "separate but equal" doctrine. "Despite my sympathy for the State, I cannot ignore the Constitution's clear prohibition on state-sponsored race discrimination." Elias said he didnt buy Thomass argument that lawmakers were in a lose-lose situation when considering race in redistricting. The fact is that all the state of Virginia had to do was follow the law and follow the Constitution, Elias said. Instead it took a cynical shortcut. The case is Bethune-Hill vs. Virginia State Board of Elections. To the editor: Before writing to the Register & Bee about Dave Granlunds Feb. 27 editorial cartoon, Undocumented Refugees, I looked at the artists biography on his website. Needless to say, all of which is quite impressive, including his service in the U.S. Air Force. The USCG/Mayflower ships cartoon, published in the Register & Bee on Feb. 27 and depicting the current politically charged issue of undocumented refugees off of the coast of New England, seems on the surface quite cute and amusing, obviously stating his own personally held beliefs that the topic of illegal immigration is either silly, unimportant, or in support of the commonly held liberal point of view that anything conservative or Trump administration is not good. All that said, as a citizen of the United States, a member of the USCG Auxiliary, an active member of the USCG Pipe Band and a member of the Department of Homeland Security, I respectfully take issue with the presentation of the cartoon. To the many readers of newspapers, there is an insinuation that the USCG and Christians are somehow in agreement, that anyone other than white Christians should be prevented from entering the U.S. Have you ever heard about or read about the Mission and Core Values of the U.S. Coast Guard? How many lives of refugees and others do you think they save, not to mention all of the other important missions and services they render each day? I would respectfully direct your attention to the U.S. Coast Guard website and the Wikipedia information to find out how valuable this branch of the United States armed services really is. A very unique service with multiple functions and a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. Coast Guard core values, Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, often risking their own lives to save and rescue others, regardless of race, religion or national origin. We will forgo the debate of political correctness, personal values, right vs. wrong, etc. My main point is that I was disappointed in the cartoon that Granlund most likely created, tongue in cheek, and thought to be very clever, but at the expense of disparaging both Coast Guard and Christians, all in the name of entertaining his liberal audience. I believe he owes both Coast Guard and Christians an apology. I am sure that after further education about both groups, and the good they do in rendering service, relief and life saving assistance to many people on a worldwide basis, he should feel a bit embarrassed and some sense of personal shame for creating such a misleading and unwarranted cartoon. Furthermore, those newspapers and editorial pages that printed this distasteful and morally defective cartoon should likewise be ashamed of themselves. All in all, I saw no Honor, Respect, or Devotion to Duty in Granlunds cartoon. TIMOTHY R. CARPENTER Danville Two brothers convicted in a July homicide learned their sentence in Danville Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon. Marteno Manuel Holmes, 24, and Jahiza Shamori Jones, 24, both were convicted by a Danville Circuit Court jury last month in the shooting death of Solomon Louis Jones on July 16. Judge Joseph W. Milam Jr. upheld the jurys recommended sentencing of life in prison plus 20 years for Holmes on convictions of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony second offense and shooting in a public place. Milam sentenced Jahiza Jones to 34 years for first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and shooting in a public place. The defendants were on probation at the time of Solomon Jones murder. Holmes stemmed from convictions of attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and two other charges. Jahiza Joness probation stemmed from a possession of marijuana with intent to distribute conviction. After the jury handed down its verdict, the court ruled the brothers violated a condition of probation failure to obey state laws. The prison time suspended from the earlier convictions was reapplied to their sentence. Holmes received an additional 17 years and three months, and Jones received three years on the probation violations. The morning of July 16, Delquan Jones was walking with his brother Solomon Jones on White Street when a silver SUV approached them. Delquan Jones said Jahiza Jones was driving the vehicle and Holmes was holding a firearm. Jahiza Joness attorney, Michael Nicholas, asked the judge to consider suspending time from his clients sentence so his client could continue working and supporting his family, especially his young child. Danville Chief Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Petra Haskins argued against any suspended time since the brothers showed no mercy to Solomon Jones. The victim had been in a relationship with the brothers mother, but that ended before the shooting. Holmes stood on top of [Solomon Jones] and fired shots into his back, and Jahiza drove him there to do it, Haskins said. Holmes defense attorney, Heath Sabin, said his client has kept a positive outlook, regardless of the circumstances. A life sentence in Virginia means a life sentence, Sabin said to Milam. There is no parole in Virginia, meaning unless Holmes wins an appeal, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. Sabin asked for Milam to suspended time from Holmes sentence, to which the prosecutor argued Holmes deserved no suspended time. Holmes has been in and out of court all the time, Haskins said. Holmes is facing a life sentence because he gunned down Solomon Jones. Holmes stood before the court and apologized for disrupting the court proceedings after the jury handed down its recommended sentence in January. Holmes said there is no evidence he and his brother killed Solomon Jones. I feel sorry for what happened, Holmes said to the victims family. Then, Holmes addressed his own family. My family going through something, too, he said. I love each and every one of yall we got to stay strong. Livingston reports for the Danville Register & Bee. Vancouver, March 2 2017. Triumph Gold Corp. (formerly Northern Freegold Resources Ltd.) (TSX-V: TIG) ("Triumph" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a private placement financing of 11,880,000 flow through shares of Triumph (the "Offering"). The Offering was sold at a price of $0.528 per share for proceeds of $6,272,640. The private placement is part of a charity flow through arrangement through which Goldcorp Inc. ("Goldcorp") was the end purchaser of the shares sold in the Offering. As a result of the private placement Goldcorp now owns approximately 19.9% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares. John Anderson, Chairman of Triumph commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Goldcorp as a Triumph shareholder. We view this investment as a validation of our exploration philosophy and look forward to working with Goldcorp's technical team as we continue to advance the Freegold Mountain project." Goldcorp has the right to maintain its pro rata ownership percentage in the Company during future financings and the right (but not the obligation) to participate in any future equity financings to the extent required to allow Goldcorp to maintain its equity ownership interest in Triumph to a maximum of 19.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares. Goldcorp will also have a 10 business day right of first refusal to match certain non-equity financing and tolling arrangements related to future exploration on the Company's properties. The proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration at the Company's Freegold Mountain project. Work done in 2016 identified an early stage of porphyry-style mineralization at the Revenue and Nucleus deposits that had not been targeted during past exploration. Based on that work, and the discovery of a new porphyry showing at the Generation Zone, four new exploration targets were defined and will be drill-tested during the 2017 field season. In addition, the newly assembled (2016) technical team will evaluate other showings on the property using the same highly cost effect review techniques that were successfully applied to Revenue and Nucleus in 2016. Triumph has been advised that Goldcorp acquired ownership of the 11,880,000 common shares of Triumph at a purchase price of $0.40 per common share for a total purchase price of $4,752,000. The common shares acquired by Goldcorp represent approximately 19.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Triumph. Prior to this acquisition Goldcorp did not own any securities of Triumph. Goldcorp advises that it acquired the common shares for investment purposes and will evaluate its investment in Triumph from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease shareholdings as circumstances require. The exemption relied on for the acquisition of the common shares is Section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus and Registration Exemptions. A copy of the Early Warning report to be filed by Goldcorp in connection with the acquisition will be available on Triumph's SEDAR profile. Goldcorp's head office is located at Suite 3400 - 666 Burrard St. Vancouver, BC, V6C 2X8. All securities issued in connection with this financing will be subject to a four month hold period expiring July 2, 2017 in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. Upon completion of the private placement, the Company will have 59,694,537 common shares issued and outstanding. No finder's fees will be paid for the placement. About Triumph Gold Corp. Triumph Gold Corp. is a growth oriented Canadian-based precious metals exploration and development company. Triumph Gold Corp. is focused on creating value through the advancement of the district scale Freegold Mountain project in Yukon. For maps and more information, please visit our website www.triumphgoldcorp.com The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Tony Barresi, Ph.D., P.Geo, Vice President Exploration of the company and a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties of the Canadian Securities Administrators. On behalf of the Board of Directors Signed "Paul Reynolds" Paul Reynolds, President & CEO For further information please contact: John Anderson, Chairman Triumph Gold Corp. +1 (604) 283-0896 janderson@triumphgoldcorp.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution in the United States or to U.S. wire services. Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 2, 2017) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:CUU)(OTC PINK:CPFXF) is pleased to report the results of the compilation of the 2015 and 2016 rock sampling programs on its 100% owned Mineral Mountain property, a Laramide age copper-molybdenum-gold project located in central Arizona. Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "The compilation work indicates that a large area of porphyry style copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization hosted in Laramide age rocks has been identified at Mineral Mountain. This porphyry copper environment is located in the same northeast trending structural lineament that hosts the porphyry copper deposits at Casa Grande, Florence, Resolution and in the Globe-Miami district, Arizona." Highlights: a) A 2.5km by 1.1km northeast trending zone of porphyry style copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization has been identified. This zone includes the mineralized area delineated in 2016 (see news release dated February 8, 2017). b) The mineralized zone is hosted in potassic and phyllic altered rocks that cover an area of approximately 3.0km by 2.0km. c) The mineralization and potassic/phyllic alteration is terminated to the north by an interpreted graben. Laramide age rocks are not known to outcrop north of this structure. d) The alteration pattern is consistent with a porphyry system: a potassic core, an intermediate phyllic zone surrounded by regionally extensive propylitic alteration. e) The previously reported historical chargeability anomaly exhibits a good correlation with mineralized potassic and sericitic altered Laramide age rocks. Mineral Mountain Project: The Mineral Mountain project is located in the northeast trending Jemez structural lineament, the same trend that hosts the porphyry copper deposits at Casa Grande, Florence, Resolution and in the Globe-Miami district in Arizona. Compilation: In 2015 Copper Fox conducted a bedrock mapping and sampling program on a 400m spaced sampling grid. The results of the 2015 and 2016 bedrock sampling programs were compiled and interpreted. A brief synopsis of the review is presented below. Alteration: The portion of the project discussed in this news release displays a classical porphyry style alteration pattern consisting of a potassic core, an intermediate phyllic zone and an outer more extensive propylitic alteration. The mineralized trend identified as a result of the compilation work is located within potassic and phyllic altered rocks. Potassic Alteration: The area of copper-molybdenite-gold mineralization outlined in 2016 is hosted in potassic altered Laramide age rocks. The potassic alteration zone (potassic envelopes, secondary biotite) measures approximately 1,200m by 900m and is terminated to the northeast by an interpreted graben. The potassic alteration is restricted to Laramide age rocks and follows the same trend as the Laramide age hornblende diorite dikes located within the mineralized area. Phyllic Alteration: The phyllic zone (quartz-sericite +/- pyrite) surrounds the potassic zone and is terminated to the north by the same graben that terminated the potassic alteration zone. Phyllic alteration extends to the southwest over a horizontal distance of approximately 3.0km and ranges in width from 1.4 to 2.0km. At the south end of this zone, sericitic alteration extends a considerable distance into the Precambrian rocks. Propylitic Alteration: This alteration (hematite-epidote-late stage epidote veining) is not mineralized and surrounds the zone of sericitic alteration. Mineralization: The compilation of the 2015 bedrock sampling results has outlined two areas of mineralized rock located to the northeast and southwest of the mineralized zone outlined in 2016. These two areas of mineralized rock plus the area of mineralization outlined in 2016 define the mineralized trend. Northeast Zone: The delineation of this zone is based on 10 samples located northeast of the mineralized area identified in 2016. The mineralized samples are hosted in potassic and phyllic altered Laramide age granodiorite and quartz monzonite. The zone covers an area of approximately 1,000m by 500m and terminates against the interpreted graben. The range, average and median values for this zone are shown in the table below. Analytical Values Element Minimum Maximum Average Median Copper (ppm) 21 8,620 1,371 127 Molybdenum (ppm) 2 168 54 36 Gold (ppb) 10 733 129 37 Silver (ppm) 0.1 57.5 9.39 1.7 The mineralization in this zone is hosted in classical "A" veins, as well as in veins with sericitic and potassic envelopes. Hematite is common to the veins. Jarosite, pyrite and secondary biotite have also been observed in association with the mineralized quartz veins. Southwest Zone: This zone is located to the southwest of the 2016 sampled area and is defined by 18 samples, 12 of which contain either greater than 1,000 ppm copper or greater than 60 ppm molybdenum. The mineralization is hosted in steeply dipping quartz veins with sericitic envelopes. Chlorite and late stage epidote veinlets have been observed at several sample sites. Hematite is common to the mineralized veins. The range, average and median values for this zone are shown below. Analytical Values Element Minimum Maximum Average Median Copper (ppm) 45 90,570 10,084 401 Molybdenum (ppm) 1.1 326 56 14.6 Gold (ppb) 6 323 59 16.5 Silver (ppm) 0.1 54.9 9.05 2.55 The average and median copper concentration for this zone is strongly influenced by the sample that contained 90,570 ppm copper. Assigning a zero value to this sample, the average copper content of the zone is reduced by 50% to 5,052 ppm copper and the median value is reduced by 45% to 221 ppm copper. The addition to the metal assemblage and alteration, the mineralized trend is characterized by a rhenium-bismuth-tellurium geochemical association, porphyry style "A" and "D" veins and chalcocite veins (with minor covellite). The main copper minerals are chalcocite, chryscolla and malachite. Analytical and Sampling Procedures: The sampling of outcrops, trenches and pits (where applicable) as well as mapping lithologies, alterations, and vein assemblages were completed. Rock chip samples (approximately one kilogram) were collected from bedrock to characterize the metals present in veins and other mineralized structures. Outcrop exposures within the sampled area are estimated to 10-15%. The samples were transported and delivered in person to Skyline Laboratories in Tucson, Arizona. Samples were crushed to plus 75% -10 mesh, split and pulverized to plus 95% -150 mesh. Pulps were subjected to a multi-acid digest (HNO 3 , HF, HClO 4 ) followed by analysis by ICP/OES. Gold was analyzed on a 30-gram charge by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Fluorine was analyzed by an ion-selective electrode. The Skyline's package code TE-5 was used to analyze the samples for the base and other trace elements. Over limits for copper, silver, arsenic and barium were determined using the TCu, FA-04 and SEA analytical code employed by Skyline. Skyline has an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 accreditation. Quality Control: The first sample of each batch was a field blank. One certified standard pulp was inserted into the sample stream for each laboratory batch of twenty samples. A total of 5 field blanks and 12 certified reference standards were inserted with the sample batches for which analyses have been received. All standards were within +/-5% of accepted value for the standard. Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P. Geol., President of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. About Copper Fox: Copper Fox is a Tier 1 Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE:CUU) focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. Copper Fox and its wholly owned Canadian and United States subsidiaries, being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc. hold the assets listed below: 1) 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Ltd. on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project located in northwestern British Columbia. 2) 100% ownership of the Van Dyke oxide copper project located in Miami, Arizona. 3) 65.4% of the shares of Carmax Mining Corp. who in turn own 100% of the Eaglehead copper-molybdenum-gold project located in northwestern British Columbia. 4) 100% ownership of the Sombrero Butte copper project located east of Mammoth, Arizona. 5) 100% ownership of the Mineral Mountain copper project located east of Florence, Arizona. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the existence of a large area of porphyry style copper-molybdenum-gold mineralization; the dimensions, shape, and location of the mineralized and altered areas and the average and median concentrations for copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological, financial and economic advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the dimensions, shape, or location of the mineralized and altered areas may not be as estimated; the average and median copper, molybdenum, gold and silver concentrations may not be accurate: and the existence of a porphyry copper system may not be established. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. VANCOUVER, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc., the largest shareholder of Rapier Gold Inc. ("Rapier" or the "Company") (TSX Venture: RPR) announced today that they have released an open letter to the Company's shareholders (the "Shareholders"). The full content of the letter disclosed below will help Shareholders understand that the current leadership of the Company is broken and not acting in the best interests of Shareholders. We are not alone and at least 40% of Rapier Shareholders support our actions and agree that management and the Board are not acting in Shareholders' best interests, but are entrenching their own interests at our expense. New stewardship is needed. As shareholders read this letter they should ask themselves, why would management and the board: In February 2016, decline a 30% premium offer which would have equated to $0.25 per share (versus $0.11 today)? In October 2016, decline a 47% premium offer valued at $0.22 per share as part of a larger package which would have allowed Rapier Shareholders to hold 49% of a $40mm+ market cap company versus Rapier's current $8mm market cap? Decline a superior bought deal financing at twice the current entrenching private placement? Decline Delbrook's interim financing at a significant premium to the market price and the entrenched private placement, only to offer the entrenched private placement demanding a highly-unusual 18 month support agreement for management? Move the record date for voting to allow for the entrenched private placement to close, and ensure the locked up support agreements for management under this placement are able to vote? Whose interests are being protected? An Open Letter to Shareholders of Rapier Gold Inc. Fellow Shareholders of Rapier Gold: We are writing an open letter to Shareholders of Rapier Gold Inc. as the largest shareholder of the Company, and therefore aligned with your interests. As we have declared through public filings, Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. ("Delbrook") controls 12,500,000 common shares of our Company, representing approximately 17.6% of the issued and outstanding common shares and over 2.25 times more than the amount owned by insiders. The ownership position we have disclosed should not be viewed as a vote of confidence in management or the Board of Directors (collectively, the "Board"), who have relentlessly destroyed value at Rapier and continue to do so today. On February 14, 2017 we issued a press release highlighting the necessity for change at Rapier. In that press release, we proposed a stronger and more experienced group of directors, with a track record of creating value for Shareholders (the "Revitalizing Directors"). Our decision to "go public" with our concerns was not made in haste, and was the direct result of the Board's continued stonewalling of any and all attempts to create value for our Company. As noted in our press release dated February 23, 2017, we currently have significant support from over 40% of Rapier Shareholders. This level of support confirms the need for change to the Board in order to unlock shareholder value. Our sole objective is the maximization of long term value for all Shareholders Simply the Facts We believe that Shareholders need to be made aware of the facts regarding the oppressive conduct, poor governance, and Board entrenchment conducted by Rapier. When presented with the facts, the need for change is obvious: The Board is entrenched and lacks the expertise necessary to maximize value for Shareholders. In February 2016, an offer was made for shares of Rapier at a significant (30%) premium to the trading price at the time. This offer was made by a very well-funded intermediate exploration company with a proven track record of success. It is uncertain if management brought this transaction to the Board, however Shareholders clearly were not given an opportunity to vote. Instead, management let the opportunity pass. The value of this transaction would have equated to over $0.25 per Rapier share versus a price of $0.11 per share today. The Board has gambled with the Pen Gold Property, breaching their duty of care. Changes need to be made, the status quo is no longer an option. In June 2016, Delbrook was made aware that Rapier was days away from losing the Pen South property which was under option from Rogue Resources Inc.. This property represents approximately 65% of the total acreage of the Pen Gold Property, making the loss of these claims detrimental to the strategic value of the Company's sole asset. Shareholders were forced to step up, at a moment's notice, to provide lifesaving capital through a private placement. A proposed 47% premium transaction thoughtlessly rejected by the Board. In October 2016, the Board was presented with an offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Rapier at a 47% premium to a reference price of $0.15 (i.e $0.22 per share). The objective was to feature the Pen Gold Project as a major asset within an Ontario focused exploration company. Rapier Shareholders would have been significant shareholders (approximately 49%) of a $40mm+ market cap. company with a greater liquidity profile and significantly more experienced management team. In addition, this focused "explore-co" was to be financed with $10mm of fresh capitalalmost 5 times more capital than the Board has been able to raise in the last 3 years. The transaction was summarily rejected and not brought to Shareholders. Actions of management negatively impacted share price. In November 2016, Rapier finalized a program which forced an early exercise of outstanding warrants, due to significant liquidity pressure. The forced exercise severely impacted the share price which declined 26.7% between the announcement of a forced exercise and the day after the program concluded. The Company raised only $590,120 through this program. In December 2016, the above noted "explore-co" transaction was amended in order to address concerns from Rapier's Board and included bridge financing to alleviate financial distress (despite the recently raised $590,120), allowing the Company to complete a transaction. Management delayed and did not exercise good faith in reviewing the proposal. The transaction again was not brought to Shareholders. Track record of value destruction. The Board seems more concerned with their entrenched positions than advancing the Pen Gold Project. The Board has a track record of value destruction and we encourage Shareholders to look into their previous roles with companies including, but not limited to, Luna Gold, Jennings Capital, and Minera IRL. The Board has empowered a management team who have not looked after the Company, and neither of them have a positive track record. Depleting the treasury. Examining Rapier's Q1 2017 financials (released March 1, 2017) underscores the Board's lack of concern for external shareholders. During the quarter, the Independent Committee paid themselves $67,500 in "consulting fees" related to the October 2016 proposal, despite summarily rejecting it. In addition, the Board increased compensation for management by 106.6% vs. the same period last year. The Board is looking out for their own best interests and shareholders are picking up the tab. Over the past months, Delbrook has engaged with the Board continuously with the sole objective of increasing long term shareholder value. We were concerned with the Board's lack of action in cases where shareholder value could have or still can be created. We fear that the Pen Gold Property is being mismanaged by an ineffective Board with a long track record of poor financial management. The Entrenching Private Placement Unfortunately, the Board has chosen to continue down the path of shareholder oppression by diluting Shareholders through an entrenching private placement (the "Entrenching Private Placement"). In addition, prior to the closing of the Entrenching Private Placement, the Board chose to move the date of record for the upcoming shareholder meeting in order to allow exclusive subscribers of the Entrenching Private Placement to vote their shares. It should be noted that the Entrenching Private Placement was not made available to any existing significant shareholders of Rapier without agreeing to unconventional terms that demanded entering into an 18 month support agreement. As well, upon release of news of the placement, the Board was offered a bought deal placement (the "Bought Deal"), on much less dilutive terms, from a registered dealer. Given the Board's track record, the Bought Deal was unsurprisingly turned down. Instead, the dealer was asked to participate at the Entrenching Private Placement terms, with the stipulation that they obtained voting support agreements from all client(s). The dealer refused. The Bought Deal would have provided Rapier with over 2 times the capital announced in their press release dated February 28, 2017. Parties currently considering participating in the Entrenched Private Placement should, question the Board's track record of misusing funds and assume that any new funding will be focused on mounting litigation expenses, not the advancement of the Pen Gold Property; be concerned with writing off their money in exchange for holding illiquid shares that will most likely continue to decline in value should the current Board remain; and note that Delbrook currently has over 40% support for the Revitalizing Directors. We remain concerned that any capital raised by Rapier while the current Board is in place will not fund exploration at the Pen Gold Project but will instead only fund mounting legal expenses. Recent Press Release Highlighting Q1 Financial Results On February 25, 2017 the Company issued a press release outlining the current financial state of Rapier. The press release further confirmed the deplorable actions being taken by the Board and reiterated the case for their swift removal. The press release was also filled with inaccuracies related to the transaction first presented to the Board in October 2016, and then amended in December 2016. We set the record straight on the following statements made in Rapier's press release: "In the first quarter the Company was highly successful in continuing to carry out the Company's ambitious exploration program at the Pen Gold Project." We strongly object to the use of the word "successful" when discussing the exploration and corporate achievements of the Board. The fact is, Rapier listed in 2013 with a $0.30 private placement and now trades at approximately $0.10 per share, a decline of 66.7%. In that time, the number of shares outstanding has increased over 300%. The Board needs to stop publically congratulating itself and question their definition of success. "the involvement of a needless intermediary shell company which would dilute Rapier Shareholders and increases liabilities." We are unaware of any significant associated liabilities with regards to the shell company. Rapier's comment on dilution is ridiculous when considering that Rapier Shareholders were to receive a 47% premium and that over $10mm of fresh capital was to be raised at this higher share price. In our opinion, the Board's objection to using this structure is simply that doing so would result in their termination. "participation of a streaming and royalty company with terms that would be highly unfavorable to the Company and its Shareholders". In order to raise additional capital, it was suggested that a 0.5% royalty be sold on properties in the new "explore-co". A royalty of this level is inconsequential to the economics of higher grade gold projects, as typically found in the Timmins area. We would encourage the Board "to do the math" on a 0.5% royalty instead of putting vague language into a press release to mislead Shareholders. "no ability of the Company to do due diligence on the proposed shell company or the assets proposed to be acquitted". We will politely call this a terminological inexactitude as opposed to a blatant lie. The Board was presented with a transaction in October 2016 and had over four months to examine documentation, including an electronic data room of files, and access to numerous individuals involved in the properties scheduled to be vended in. The fact is, we don't believe the Board ever intended to take this transaction seriously, and reward Shareholders by entering into a premium takeover. To do so would be against their culture of entrenchment. Delbrook made an offer on February 26, 2017 to provide interim financing to Rapier in order to address short term working capital requirements identified in the Company's Q1 Financial Highlights. Our objective was to provide ample liquidity to support the Company until the annual general meeting, scheduled for March 30, 2017. We have offered to provide financing at a significant premium to the recent market price, as well as the terms of the Entrenching Private Placementsee the press release dated February 27, 2017 titled Rapier Rejects Two Financing Offers Superior to the Entrenching Private Placement. In keeping with their track record of poor financial choices, the Board rejected our offer. Instead, the Board offered to include our proposed investment in its dilutive and lower priced Entrenching Private Placement with the condition that we sign an 18 month support agreement, which would further entrench management and the Board. Failure to Meet Key Success Factors versus Thriving Peer Group We must compare Rapier to a peer group of Ontario & Quebec focused exploration companies in order to be able to judge the success of the Board. Since the 2012 downturn of the metals and mining sector, Probe Metals, Osisko Mining, First Mining Finance and Pure Gold have all been created, and have been successful in gaining access to capital, launching and executing significant drill programs, obtaining sell side research coverage, attracting significant institutional ownership, creating trading liquidity and obtaining premium valuations. In the same period of time, the Board of Rapier has not been successful in accomplishing even one of these key success factors. In fact, shareholders are materially worse due to the direct actions of the Board. Instead of telling shareholders of their "make-believe" successes via vaguely worded press releases, this Board should spend time studying their peers to learn how strong management teams create and grow long-term shareholder value. After reading this letter, we hope that our fellow Shareholders are no longer misled by the current ineffective management and Board. The future can be better but change is necessary. Yours Truly, Matthew Zabloski Managing Director Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. About Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. is an independent investment manager which focuses on alternative strategies. Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. manages the Delbrook Resource Opportunities Fund, an alternative investment fund, focused on identifying and investing in unique growth opportunities within the metals and mining sector. Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. 1021 West Hastings Street, Suite 650 Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C3 604.229.1450 Matthew Zabloski, Managing Director www.delbrookcapital.com SHAREHOLDER QUESTIONS Laurel Hill Advisory Group North America Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 Collect Calls Outside North America: 416-304-0211 Email: assistance@laurelhill.com Disclaimers Delbrook has not sought or obtained consent from any third party to the use herein of previously published information. Any such information should not be viewed as indicating the support of such third party for the views expressed herein. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters addressed in these materials are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. You should be aware that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Delbrook does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information. Information in Support of Public Broadcast Solicitation Delbrook is relying on the exemption under section 9.2(4) of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102") to make this public broadcast solicitation. The following information is provided in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. This solicitation is being made by Delbrook, and not by or on behalf of the management of Rapier. The head and registered address of Rapier is #2270-1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6E 3P3. Rapier has announced that it has called the AGM, to be held on March 30, 2017. Delbrook may file a dissident information circular (the "Dissident Circular") in connection with the AGM, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, in due course in compliance with applicable securities and corporate laws. This press release and any solicitation made by Delbrook in advance of the AGM is, or will be, as applicable, made by Delbrook and not by or on behalf of the management of Rapier. All costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by Delbrook, provided that, subject to applicable law, Delbrook may seek reimbursement from Rapier for Delbrook's out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company's board of directors. Any proxies solicited by Delbrook may be solicited by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches or publications and by any other manner permitted under applicable laws, including pursuant to a Dissident Circular sent to shareholders of Rapier. Solicitations may be made by or on behalf of Delbrook, by mail, telephone, fax, email or other electronic means, and in person by directors, officers and employees of Delbrook or by the proposed nominees. Delbrook has engaged the services of Laurel Hill Advisory Group ("Laurel Hill") as communication advisor and as proxy advisor to assist with solicitation on behalf of Delbrook. Pursuant to the agreement with Laurel Hill, Laurel Hill will receive fees up to $125,000 plus disbursements. It is expected that any proxies solicited by Delbrook in connection with the AGM may be revoked by instrument in writing by the shareholder giving the proxy or by its duly authorized officer or attorney, or in any other manner permitted by law. Delbrook has filed this press release and the press release dated February 14, 2017, which contains the information required by section 9.2(4)(c) of NI 51-102 and Form 51-102F5 Information Circular in respect of the proposed nominee directors under Rapier's company profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. SOURCE Delbrook Capital Advisors Inc. TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Mar 2, 2017) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:MEK) (the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has commenced mobilizing a diamond drill rig to the Ogden Gold Project in Timmins Ontario. The Ogden claims cover eight kilometers of strike length of the Porcupine-Destor Fault between Goldcorp's 16.5 million oz Dome Mine and Tahoe Resources West Timmins Mine. The Property is held under a joint venture in which Metals Creek owns 50%, and Goldcorp Canada Ltd. ("Goldcorp") owns 50% (as manager and on behalf of the Porcupine Joint Venture, a joint venture between Goldcorp Inc. and Goldcorp Canada Ltd.) with MEK being the operator of the project. In a News Release dated 11 January, 2017, The Company announced results from the previous drill program which consisted of six holes (2382 meters) and was successful in further defining the Thomas Ogden Zone (TOG) and host stratigraphy. Results from the first hole, TOG-16-47, was outlined in a release dated Nov 15, 2016 and included an intersection of 5.73 g/t (grammes per tonne) gold over 8.2m (meters). Highlights from the 11 January 2017 press release included an intersection of 4.39 g/t over 12.45m from hole TOG-16-48. This drill program will consist of 4 holes targeting Thomas Ogden (TOG), Thomas Ogden West as well as an untested Induced Polarization (IP) ground geophysical anomaly 1 kilometer west of TOG. This untested IP anomaly is interpreted to be on the main host stratigraphy. The Company also welcomes David Jones to its Advisory board. David have been involved in publically traded and private investments for the past 25 years, with a primary focus on finance, stock distribution and investor awareness programs for junior exploration companies. The majority of the projects that he has worked on are gold or precious metals based in North America. David has also financed oil and gas exploration and development, biomedical/alternative medicine, technology start-ups, and a cellulose to ethanol technology project. In late 2011, He became the Business Development Officer for Foraco Canada, the third largest drilling services company in the world (www.foraco.com). In October 2015, he became the Business Development Officer for Drillco Mining and Exploration (www.DrillcoMining.ca). In conjunction to this the corporation has set 100,000 stock options at a deem price of $0.10 and will vest according to the company's stock option plan. Michael MacIsaac, P.Geo and VP Exploration for the Company and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for this release, and supervised the preparation of the information forming the basis for this release. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has a 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF) that stretches between Timmins, Ontario and Val d'Or, Quebec. The Company has also recently entered into a JV with Benton Resources on Metals Creeks Staghorn Gold Project in Newfoundland. Metals Creek has also made a new gold/silver discovery in the "White Gold District" on the Squid East project in the Yukon and is also engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of other mineral resource properties, and presently has mining interests in Ontario, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, March 02, 2017 - Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NXS, OTC: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report that it has completed 1470 metres of its phase one drill program on the Niangouela permit in Burkina Faso. A total of 14 holes were drilled totaling 1470.5 metres. Of the 14 holes drilled, 13 successfully intersected the targeted shear zone. One hole had to be abandoned due to ground conditions. Of the 13 holes, three holes reported intersections hosting visible gold. Drill holes NIA-17-DD-003, 006, and 009, reported visible gold occurring as small points, or clusters of points, with the gold present in contorted quartz veins occurring within the shear. The company has forwarded all samples for assay to ACTLAB's laboratory in Ouagadougou. The company will report all assay data once it has been received, reviewed and verified. The Company originally scheduled a 1000 metre phase one diamond drill program on its 178 square kilometre Niangouela exploration permit. The increased 1000 metres of diamond drilling announced in the Company's February 23, 2017, news release, is designed to further 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. The Company plans on completing the phase one diamond drill program later this month. Board Appointment The Company is pleased to welcome Rodney Stevens as an Independent Director. Mr. Stevens is a CFA charter holder with over ten years' experience in the capital markets, first as an Investment Analyst with Salman Partners Inc., then as a merchant and investment banker. While at Salman Partners, Mr. Stevens became a top-rated analyst by StarMine on July 17, 2007 for the metals and mining industry. Over the course of his career, Mr. Stevens has been instrumental in assisting in financing's and M&A activity worth over $1 billion in transaction value. Mr. Stevens replaces Dean Humphreys, who resigned to pursue other ventures. The Company would like to thank Mr. Humphreys for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours. 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 (1km) 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 46m 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 60m, 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 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, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. (TSX:WM, FWB: WC7) ("Wallbridge") is pleased to provide an update on nickel, copper, and platinum group metal ("Ni-Cu-PGM") exploration as part of the ongoing 20,000 metre partner-funded drilling program on the Parkin properties ("Parkin") in Sudbury, Ontario. Highlights: Drill hole WMP-205 identifies new Ni-Cu-PGM zone at Parkin, intersecting two mineralized intervals down-plunge of the Malbeuf zone: 1.90% nickel, 0.30% copper, and 0.70 g/t total precious metals ("TPM", Pt+Pd+Au) over 0.53 metres from 757.04 metres down-hole, and 6.24 g/t TPM with anomalous nickel and copper over 1.74 metres from 764.12 metres down-hole; Additional high-grade gold mineralization sampled from volcanic rocks adjacent to the Parkin Offset dyke, including: Two new mineralized intervals in drill hole WMP-094 including 15.56 g/t gold over 1.20 metres from 46.45 metres down-hole and 3.02 g/t gold over 2.18 metres from 40.42 metres down-hole. This is in addition to previous sampling in WMP-094 which yielded 14.74 g/t gold over 0.67 metres from 139.83 metres down-hole; and 14.70 g/t gold over 0.84 metres from 1349.16 metres down-hole in drill hole WMP-205. "The first part of this program is mostly directed below and down-plunge of the near surface zones with the objective of identifying new deposits with larger tonnage potential. Results to date have been encouraging with new mineralization intersected and off-hole conductive anomalies identified. Nearly all drill holes have intersected wide intervals of weakly mineralized inclusion quartz diorite which is indicative of a significant Ni-Cu-PGM mineral system at Parkin", stated Joshua Bailey, Vice President Exploration of Wallbridge, "Our task is to find the traps where the sulfide in this large system has collected. We look forward to continuing drilling and testing the numerous targets on this large property, including new targets emerging from the geological and geophysical modelling that is underway". Wallbridge's exploration on its large portfolio of Ni-Cu-PGM properties in Sudbury, Ontario, is currently focused on the fully-funded $3.96 million 2017 joint venture programs with partner Lonmin Plc (see Wallbridge Press Release dated October 13, 2016). These programs include approximately 20,000 metres drilling on the Parkin Properties. Since October, ten drill holes and one wedge-cut totaling 5,593 metres have been completed at Parkin. Drill hole WMP-205 was a 450 metre step-out down-plunge to the north of the Malbeuf zone and identified a new zone intersecting two mineralized intervals, including: 1.90% nickel, 0.30% copper, and 0.70 g/t total precious metals ("TPM", Pt+Pd+Au) over 0.53 metres from 757.04 metres down-hole, and 6.24 g/t TPM with anomalous nickel and copper over 1.74 metres from 764.12 metres down-hole. Drill hole WMP-206 also cut down-plunge of the Malbeuf zone with subsequent borehole EM geophysics identifying an off-hole conductor (1200 S) measuring 40 by 15 metres to the north of the hole. Significantly, 8 of the 11 drill holes completed since October have intersected wide intervals of weakly mineralized inclusion quartz diorite ("IQD"), which is the dominant host rock for Ni-Cu-PGMs at Parkin and in Offset dyke deposits in Sudbury, generally. These provide important constraint on deeper higher tonnage targets at depth that will be tested later in the year. In February, Wallbridge completed a large loop ground EM geophysical survey, preliminary results of which have identified several conductive anomalies that warrant follow-up. Wallbridge is also completing a constrained magnetic inversion model with preliminary results constraining the extent of mafic and ultramafic intrusions on the property. These form structural traps for mineralization where they are intersected by the Offset dykes in Sudbury and this work has confirmed several targets at Parkin which are now prioritized for drilling. The remaining drilling in 2017 at Parkin will continue to test the growth potential of the known zones as well as test for new and larger potential deposits along strike and at depth. Plans and sections and other figures related to ongoing exploration at Parkin are available at: http://www.wallbridgemining.com/s/parkin-offset.asp Table 1. 2017 Ni-Cu-PGM Drill Assay Results at Parkin Drill Hole*** From To Length* Ni Cu TPM** Pt Pd Au (m) (m) (m) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) WMM-019 Weakly mineralized IQD, no significant assays WMM-020 No significant assays WMM-018-W5 No significant assays WMM-021 No significant assays WMP-201 451.60 456.83 1.57 0.16 0.17 0.71 0.21 0.38 0.12 WMP-201 501.33 501.66 0.33 0.46 0.11 0.14 0.07 0.05 0.02 WMP-202 208.48 208.85 0.37 1.55 0.66 1.48 0.81 0.21 0.46 WMP-202 211.16 211.72 0.56 0.27 0.77 1.22 0.41 0.27 0.53 WMP-202 215.00 216.92 1.92 0.65 0.73 1.19 0.47 0.18 0.55 WMP-202 256.39 256.69 0.30 1.19 0.39 0.63 0.30 0.13 0.20 WMP-203 286.50 293.27 7.38 0.43 0.41 1.19 0.44 0.47 0.28 Including 288.00 289.47 1.47 1.48 0.19 1.96 0.91 0.83 0.22 WMP-204 Weakly mineralized IQD, no significant assays WMP-205 757.04 759.10 2.06 0.59 0.23 0.73 0.14 0.07 0.52 Including 757.04 757.57 0.53 1.90 0.30 0.70 0.44 0.16 0.10 WMP-205 764.12 765.86 1.74 0.35 0.10 6.24 0.16 0.28 5.80 WMP-205 757.04 759.10 2.06 0.59 0.23 0.73 0.14 0.07 0.52 WMP-206 Weakly mineralized IQD, off-hole conductor, assays pending WMP-207 Weakly mineralized IQD, assays pending *Drill core length, true width is not known. ** Total precious Metals ("TPM") equals Pt + Pd + Au In addition to the Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization, Wallbridge continues to find high-grade gold mineralization associated with quartz-carbonate-sulfide veins cutting the Archean volcanic rocks adjacent to the Parkin Offset dyke. While not a focus, this gold mineralization is intriguing and work continues to understand its significance. To date, 20 drill intersections have returned between 0.92 and 44.00 g/t gold at Parkin (Table 2). Highlights from sampling this year include: Two new mineralized intervals in drill hole WMP-094 including 15.56 g/t gold over 1.20 metres from 46.45 metres down-hole and 3.02 g/t gold over 2.18 metres from 40.42 metres down-hole. This is in addition to previous sampling in WMP-094 which yielded 14.74 g/t gold over 0.67 metres from 139.83; and 14.70 g/t gold over 0.84 metres from 1349.16 metres down-hole in drill hole WMP-205. Table 2. Significant Gold Intersections at Parkin Drill Hole* From To Length** Au (m) (m) (m) (g/t) P-056 89.15 89.30 0.15 1.73 V-73-14 159.30 160.30 1.00 1.73 WCB-006 543.30 544.70 1.40 44.00 WMP-025 108.66 110.03 1.37 5.49 WMP-0821 113.29 113.86 0.57 0.92 WMP-0941 40.42 42.60 2.18 3.02 WMP-0941 46.45 47.65 1.20 15.56 WMP-094 139.83 140.50 0.67 14.74 WMP-098 99.72 99.95 0.23 1.14 WMP-118 154.86 155.05 0.19 3.27 WMP-132 120.00 121.00 1.00 2.03 WMP-142 227.69 228.99 1.30 1.36 WMP-146 468.33 468.89 0.56 2.06 WMP-146 474.80 475.60 0.80 3.30 WMP-149 159.61 161.44 1.83 1.54 WMP-149 364.77 366.00 1.23 7.03 WMP-152 142.20 142.60 0.40 2.04 WMP-196 67.60 68.00 0.40 1.05 WMP-2021 181.50 181.85 0.35 2.57 WMP-2051 1349.16 1350.00 0.84 14.70 **Drill core length, true width is not known. 1New sampling since October 2016, otherwise previously disclosed. Table 3. Drill Hole Information Hole ID UTM E UTM N Length (m) Azimuth Dip WMM-019 510657.95 5185254.98 701 232.5 -50.5 WMM-020 510436.04 5185449 593 213 -46 WMM-018-W5 510019.06 5185146.53 1330 75.5 -80 WMM-021 510657.95 5185254.98 254 301 -45 WMP-201 509226.5 5183719.9 575 114 -55 WMP-202 509316.72 5183654.65 301 122 -47 WMP-203 509316.72 5183654.65 384 122 -56 WMP-204 509398.17 5183703.72 225 121 -45 WMP-205 509614.96 5184038.01 1350 115 -76 WMP-206 509493.34 5183898.5 600 120 -67 WMP-207 509367.2 5183663.8 250 121 -45 Samples were prepared at ALS Chemex Ltd. laboratories in Sudbury and then shipped to their analytical facilities in Vancouver. Samples were analyzed for Au, Pt, and Pd by standard lead oxide collection fire assay fusion with an atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) finish. Samples were analyzed for base metals, silver and trace elements using a four acid (HCIO4-HNO3-HF and HCI) near total digestion and a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES finish. Cu and Ni over-limits or samples submitted as ore grade were analyzed using HNO3-HClO4-HF-HCl acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (some conditions require an AA finish). Sulphur over-limits were analyzed using Total Sulphur by LECO. The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Joshua Bailey, P.Geo., M.Sc., MBA, Vice President Exploration for Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd.. Mr. Bailey has prepared, supervised and approved the scientific and technical disclosures in this press release. About Wallbridge Mining Wallbridge Mining is working to establish a portfolio of projects that will support sustainable production and revenue as well as organic growth through exploration and scalability. Wallbridge is currently permitting its recently purchased high-grade gold Fenelon Mine project in Quebec and hopes to be able to make a production decision later in 2017. Wallbridge is also in discussions regarding several other advanced stage projects which could become the Company's next production platforms. These discussions benefit from the operating capabilities Wallbridge demonstrated by safely and efficiently mining the Broken Hammer deposit in Sudbury, which was completed in October 2015. Wallbridge is also continuing active partner-funded exploration on its large portfolio of nickel, copper, and PGM projects in Sudbury, Ontario. Currently, Wallbridge is completing 20,000 metre fully partner-funded drilling program on its Parkin project in Sudbury following-up wide high-grade intersections in 2016. Wallbridge also has further exposure to active exploration for copper and gold in Jamaica and British Columbia through its 15.5% ownership of Carube Copper Corp. ("Carube Copper") (CUC:TSX-V, formerly Miocene Resources Limited). This press release may contain forward-looking statements (including "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to, among other things, the operations of Wallbridge and the environment in which it operates. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", 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". Wallbridge has relied on a number of assumptions and estimates in making such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the ability to acquire the necessary permits and approvals to advance the Fenelon Mine Property toward production, the ability to safely and successfully dewater the underground workings at Fenelon, the ability to add to the existing resource base at Fenelon through drilling, the costs associated with the development and operation of its properties. Such assumptions and estimates are made in light of the trends and conditions that are considered to be relevant and reasonable based on information available and the circumstances existing at this time. A number of risk factors may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or outcomes of such exploration and/or mine development to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, without limitation, whether such discoveries will result in commercially viable quantities of such mineralized materials, the possibility of changes to project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the ability to execute planned exploration and future drilling programs, the need for additional funding to continue exploration and development efforts, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and those other risks set forth in Wallbridge's most recent annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors" and in its other public filings. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and such information is inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and may be beyond the control of Wallbridge. Although Wallbridge has attempted to identify important risks and factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. In addition, all forward-looking statements in this press release are given as of the date hereof. Wallbridge disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this disclaimer. SOURCE Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. Andrew Gillum, the young African-American Democratic Tallahassee mayor who took on the gun lobby, will formally announce his 2018 bid for Florida governor on Wednesday.Gillum, 37, has been viewed as a rising star in a party that is clamoring for relevance after Donald Trump's win in November.Gillum, who was born in Miami, plans to announce in a biographical video, which he released early to the Miami Herald. The video focuses on Gillum's hardscrabble upbringing -- he was one of seven children raised by a mother who was a city bus driver."We'd get up at 4 o'clock, 4:30 in the morning to make sure my mom could be on time to driving the bus," Gillum says in an announcement video. "We would ride the bus for two or so hours before we would transfer and get on our bus for school."It's no secret that Gillum was expected to announce a bid. On Feb. 24, Gillum spoke at Central Florida Urban League's Cornerstone Awards in Orlando, where he announced that he was "seriously considering running for governor." He has raised his profile in the past year with a speech at the Democratic National Convention.Other Democrats who have all but announced include Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, former Tallahassee Congresswoman Gwen Graham and Orlando trial attorney/medical marijuana advocate John Morgan.On the Republican side, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, House Speaker Richard Corcoran of Land O'Lakes and Senate budget chairman Jack Latvala of Clearwater are potential candidates. Republican Gov. Rick Scott is term-limited.Gillum is the only one in the group who is African American. Daryl Jones was the first African American to make a serious bid for governor in Florida, losing a primary in 2002.The Democratic Party has failed to produce a statewide candidate who has inspired South Florida voters to turn out when the president isn't on the ballot. Sagging South Florida turnout helped Scott win statewide twice.Registered Democrats lead registered Republicans by about 330,000 in Florida, but the only statewide Democratic officeholder is U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who faces re-election in 2018.Gillum was born in the Richmond Heights area in Miami and went to Frank C. Martin Elementary before his family moved to Gainesville. His parents were poor -- his father was a construction worker and struggled with alcoholism.In the video, he says that his older brothers had interactions with the criminal justice system and recounts how his mother would receive a knock on the door from a police officer."I remember very distinctly my mother closing the door, watching the tears well up in her face," Gillum says. "I made a promise to myself I wasn't going to make my mom cry like that."While a senior at Florida A&M University at age 23, Gillum became the youngest person ever elected to the Tallahassee City Commission. He was elected mayor in August 2014.Gun rights groups sued Gillum and other Tallahassee officials after city leaders declined in 2014 to repeal a ban on guns in public parks. The ordinance was null and void based on state law, but gun rights advocates wanted it stricken from city law. The First District Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the city earlier this month.Gillum's wife, R. Jai, is director of foundation affairs at the Florida Dental Association, and they have twin 3-year-old children, Caroline and Jackson.The video provides no specifics about his platform but speaks broadly about his goals to provide quality public education and jobs."Were it not for a good public education, caring and loving parents, a grandmother who prayed for me and quite frankly people who believed enough in me to say that I could, I wouldn't be the person that I am today," he said in the video. "It is my firm belief that every single young person ought to have that same opportunity." Amid mounting overdose deaths, Gov. Larry Hogan pledged Wednesday to spend an extra $10 million a year to battle Maryland's problem with heroin and prescription pill abuse.The Republican governor also declared a state of emergency because of the epidemic, which officials believe led to some 2,000 overdose deaths last year."We need to treat this crisis the exact same way we treat any other state emergency," Hogan said at a news conference at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. "This is actually about taking an all-hands-on-deck approach so that together we can save the lives of thousands of Marylanders."As this crisis evolves, so must our response to it."Hogan said the emergency declaration would allow authorities across the state to "cut through the red tape" while the extra money would give teams more flexibility to address what he called "the rapid escalation of the heroin and opioid crisis in our state."The $10 million in new funding -- which Hogan said will be available every year for five years -- is a significant boost over the $122 million the state had budgeted for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to treat substance use problems in the next fiscal year.The announcement comes as addiction treatment advocates and others have called for more resources to try to get the problem under control.Final 2016 numbers are expected to show that some 2,000 people died from heroin and other opiate overdoses in Maryland last year. That's double the number from 2015. The rising death toll has been driven by fentanyl, a cheap and powerful synthetic opioid that dealers are increasingly blending into regular heroin.Del. Eric Bromwell, who is leading a work group crafting a legislative package to address the crisis, said the additional funding is welcome and could give lawmakers in the General Assembly more options."We're all working together and funding is going to be the No. 1 issue for a lot of what we want to get done," the Baltimore County Democrat said.Hogan announced a package of measures in January to address overdose deaths, including a bill to put limits on how many opiate painkillers doctors could prescribe to patients on an initial pain consultation and another to impose stiff penalties on drug dealers who supply deadly drugs. Hogan also signed an executive order creating a command center to coordinate efforts between different agencies. He said it was that group's early work that showed the need to declare a state of emergency."It became clear that in order to expedite the mobilization of our statewide response and to build on momentum already underway, we needed greater flexibility to engage our local partners and to be able to activate emergency teams in jurisdictions across the state," the governor said.Hogan also announced Wednesday that he had appointed Clay Stamp, a veteran emergency management official, to lead the state's efforts to combat the heroin problem. Stamp ran MEMA during the rioting that broke out in Baltimore after the funeral of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old who died in police custody in April 2015.Aides to the governor said Stamp would have a role in determining how the new money is spent.It's not clear how emergency powers that are more often invoked to deal with major storms will be used to battle a chronic problem like drug addiction. Stamp said in an interview that he planned to spend the next couple of weeks drawing up a list of objectives but acknowledged that right now his ideas are "still squishy."Dr. Leana Wen, the health commissioner for Baltimore, said the governor's emergency declaration was a reflection of the scale of the public health problem posed by heroin abuse in Maryland. Wen said she hopes the new money is directed to places like Baltimore, which has been especially hard hit by the epidemic."To move the needle across the state we have to focus on the areas that are hardest hit," she said. "We also hope that the governor will focus the bulk of the funding towards treatment. The reason is: We know addiction is a disease, treatment exists and recovery is possible."Between federal and state funding for the health department and Medicaid, Maryland budgeted $538 million to treat substance abuse next year.The state faces the loss of $215 million a year for treating drug use through Medicaid if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. Republican President Donald Trump and Congress have pledged to repeal the law, commonly called Obamacare.Hogan said he raised that issue in a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence and other top Trump administration officials over the weekend when he visited Washington for the National Governors Association conference."I think some of that resulted in some of the comments the president made last night in his speech, where he said that they're going to make sure that the states are made whole and they're not going to let anybody be thrown off the rolls," Hogan said, referring to an address Trump made Tuesday to a joint session of Congress.Bromwell and Del. Nic Kipke, the Republican minority leader and a member of the work group, said they're striving to be nonpartisan as they debate how to respond to the crisis.But the Democratic Party injected politics into the issue Wednesday, releasing a statement in response to Hogan's announcement questioning why he was only now declaring a state of emergency despite pledging to do so during the 2014 campaign."It took two years and 2,600 deaths for Governor Larry Hogan to finally follow through on what he promised to do on day one," the statement read. The administration of Gov. Bruce Rauner has set up a website intended to recruit people willing to work for the state in the event of a strike by union employees.The site -- called Working for a Better Illinois -- is at statejobs.illinois.gov. It asks potential employees to enter their names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. It also asks them to list three counties where they are willing to work, type of job they are interested in and if they are seeking permanent or temporary employment.In a statement Tuesday, the administration said the website is part of its ongoing efforts to be prepared in the event the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union decides to mount a first-time strike against the state."We genuinely hope AFSCME leadership will not strike against taxpayers and work with us on implementing common-sense proposals like overtime after 40 hours, not 37.5," said Gov. Bruce Rauner's general counsel Dennis Murashko in the statement. "However, we must be prepared to continue government operations and provide services that citizens deserve and expect."The statement says the website "would provide a way for state agencies to efficiently identify those who would work on a temporary basis. Although individuals would be hired on a temporary basis in response to a strike, the state would then begin taking the steps necessary to fill positions permanently."AFSCME said the administration's move would leave unqualified workers trying to perform state jobs."For Governor Rauner to seek temporary strikebreakers in place of skilled and dedicated professionals is a recipe for disaster for the people of Illinois," AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall said in a statement. "Instead of trying to intimidate workers with illegal threats, Bruce Rauner should simply do his job: negotiate with us toward a compromise that's fair to all."AFSCME wants Rauner to return to the negotiating table and continue bargaining over a new contract. Rauner has refused, saying the Illinois Labor Relations Board has ruled the talks are at impasse. That allows the administration to impose its last, best and final offer on the union. AFSCME has gone to court to block that.AFSCME contends the administration has "unreasonable demands" like much higher health insurance costs while imposing a four-year freeze on wage increases. The union also opposes administration proposals to privatize some state jobs.AFSCME represents about 38,000 state employees, but roughly 10,000 work in security jobs and are forbidden from striking. Of the remainder, the union said, about 80 percent participated in recent strike-authorization vote and 81 percent of them voted to authorize a strike.The vote authorized the union's bargaining committee to call a strike at some point in the future. The union would have to give the administration five days' notice in the event it calls for a strike.AFSCME executive director Roberta Lynch said the union wants to avoid a strike and is pursuing all legal avenues to prevent it.Rep. Sara Wojcicki Jimenez, R-Leland Grove, said she doesn't understand the need for the new jobs portal, when applicants could already apply whenever they wanted. She also called for both sides to come back to the bargaining table."I've always maintained that the best solution here is to try to figure out a compromise and negotiation together, because ... all of these different dynamics creates a very uncertain environment," Jimenez said. "I think the best way to solve that is to actually come to the table and talk about how we can negotiate this contract. All of these different items that are talked about can be very disruptive, not only to the workers and their families, but also the people we serve."Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, also called for the governor to reopen negotiations."I've said consistently that the governor should pull up his chair to the table and negotiate with AFSCME, and with state employees. Nothing good is going to come of the governor's continued effort that is leading toward what is undoubtedly going to be a strike of state employees," Manar said.Sen. Sam McCann, R-Plainview, said strike replacements are not the way to go."These people are trained, these people know how to do their jobs, and they know how to do their jobs very well," McCann said. "They're taxpayers and deserve to be respected, they deserve to be negotiated with, and we need to get a contract and we need to get the state moving forward." Description GIS - 02 March, 2017: Government envisages the setting up of a National Employment Agency (NEA) in a bid to ensure that every citizen has access to a decent work as enunciated in Government Programme 2015-2019. To this effect, a NEA Bill will be presented in the National Assembly in May this year. The aim of the Bill is to give a new impetus to the evolution with regards the labour market. Government envisages the setting up of a National Employment Agency (NEA) in a bid to ensure that every citizen has access to a decent work as enunciated in Government Programme 2015-2019. To this effect, a NEA Bill will be presented in the National Assembly in May this year. The aim of the Bill is to give a new impetus to the evolution with regards the labour market. In view of easing the implementation process of the NEA, a three-day seminar from 01-03 March 2017 meant for Managers, Chief Employment Officers and Senior Employment Officers from the 13 Employment Information Centres (EIC) is currently being held at Le Labourdonnais Hotel, Caudan Waterfront Port Louis at the initiative of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment and Training in collaboration with Pole Emploi from France. The training programme will focus on the following themes: strategic integration, project management and change management. It aims at inculcating the required skills to the participants as well as equip and update them on the new techniques towards ensuring successful implementation of the NEA. The NEA which will be operated by the EIC will serve as an electronic platform aimed at providing analytical and reliable information on the labour market condition at national level. A follow-up component of job applicants until placement is also included. In so doing, Government aims at addressing the problem of skills mismatch and that of unemployment with the creation of more job opportunities for youth, women and men and make sure that job seekers are able to find employment that meet their aspirations. It will be recalled that Government has solicited the assistance of Pole Emploi for the setting up of the NEA following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2015 with the French Authority. Furthermore, four experts from Pole Emploi Reunion visited Mauritius last year to take stock of the current status regarding the functioning of the EIC and the employment system in Mauritius. Consequently, the Employment Information Centre of Vacoas was restructured and modernised with the introduction of new technology in the system for a better service delivery so as to adapt to the current demands on the labour market. The new model of the Vacoas EIC will subsequently be replicated in the other EICs across Mauritius and Rodrigues. In a first for Hawaii, state and local agencies can now use the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Program for procuring IT services, offering the potential of leveraged pricing and streamlined purchasing and the possibility of savings to taxpayers.The news was made public on Wednesday, March 1 by the Hawaii State Procurement Office (SPO) and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), which recently let government agencies have access to the GSA Schedule 70 for procuring IT services.SPO administrator Sarah Allen said the two Hawaii agencies collaborated to find a way to use GSA Schedule 70, which covers general purpose commercial IT services. Procedures are now in place, Allen noted, to ensure the GSA schedule works in the states best interest and yields fair and reasonable prices.We are always looking at what options our specialists have in their procurement toolbox. The GSA Schedule 70 is another tool available to the Hawaii procurement workforce, Allen said, noting that its allowable as a cooperative under state procurement law.State agencies like their local counterparts have been seeking ways to improve pricing and speed procurement for more than a decade.Using GSA schedules to leverage the feds buying power for state and local IT is something lawmakers have long contemplated though the process is not without political issues and can negatively impact small and minority businesses and local economies.In some cases, California has opted for strategic sourcing on IT procurement, still seeking the lowest price on the best product but further scrutinizing costs by consolidating contracts through re-bidding, limiting vendors and ensuring prices follow current market trends.Elsewhere, cooperatives like the National Association of State Procurement Officers (NASPO) ValuePoint program, the Michigan Collegiate Telecommunications Association (MiCTA), and the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance have flexed their ability to hold competitions for multiple award contracts, lowering technology costs for buyers and sellers.GSA Schedule contracts typically contain pre-negotiated prices, delivery terms, warranties, and other terms and conditions that streamline the buying process, Hawaii ETS said in a news release. The use of some GSA Schedule 70 contracts is allowed under GSAs Cooperative Purchasing Program.This provides streamlined access to additional, cost-effective services in support of modernization projects as well as ongoing operations and maintenance, said state CIO Todd Nacapuy, who leads ETS.Its not entirely a done deal, however. Use of GSA Schedule 70 by Hawaii state and local agencies still requires each jurisdictions CIO or designee to sign off.ETS said it has given specific instructions on using Schedule 70 to executive branch departments and agencies, excluding the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, and Hawaii Health Systems Corp.Agencies can also use GSA Advantage! , GSAs e-commerce website, to search GSA contract holder products and services, research product information and make online purchases if authorized to do so. Consolidation: Bostons open data sets are currently available on two sites, one for maps and one for everything else. The new portal collects it all in one place. Organization: To promote accessibility, data sets will now be organized into topic areas. Licensing: In the past, Bostons data had been released under a variety of licenses. Now it will all be available with a consistent public domain license, so residents can use it however they see fit. Harvard Law Schools Cyber Clinic is helping with this. Less Data: The beta has fewer data sets because the development team is seeking to avoid bringing over information that is outdated or no longer maintained. They have also created a legacy portal tag for users looking to access older information, and theyve vowed to continue expanding the breadth of available data by adding higher-quality, up-to-date sets. Open Source and User-Friendly: The beta platform is powered by an open source data management system, CKAN. It is also mobile-friendly for ease of use, and it is consistent with Boston.govs existing brand, for the many visitors who may be familiar with that. Boston has launched a beta version of a new citywide open data platform.This project, dubbed Analyze Boston , is a work in progress, and city officials said in a statement that they hope the now-online preview will spark conversation and get feedback leading up to its official release this spring. The project's goal is to upgrade and enhance Bostons current open data portal , on which Mayor Marty Walsh has long encouraged agencies to publish their data sets.On the new site, visitors can now search through all of Bostons open data sets, interacting with that data through preview, filter and visualization tools. Developers can also integrate those same data sets with robust API , or create charts and graphs that can then be embedded on external websites.Developers emphasized five key differences between the beta and the existing portal it seeks to improve upon:The beta and the current data portal will exist simultaneously as the city moves toward the official launch. The platform is powered by OpenGov Open Data Our goal in creating the Analyze Boston platform is to better fulfill the promise of open data and open government by seeing open data not just as a collection of data sets but as a platform for sharing knowledge, said Andrew Therriault, Bostons chief data officer, in a press release. Our collaboration with OpenGov enabled us to develop and deploy this new portal more easily than if we tried to do it by ourselves. That let us focus on what we're good at finding and cataloging high-quality data sets rather than trying to deploy and manage software on our own."This portal overhaul is the most recent step in Bostons ongoing march toward its open data commitment. In July 2015, Mayor Walsh announced Bostons Open and Protected Data Policy , which encourages city agencies to publish their data sets on the open data portal, while also providing guidance for which sets must be protected, along with ways to guard them. In May 2016, Boston hired Therriault to be its first chief data officer.Other data efforts in the city include CityScore , executive data dashboards to monitor city performance, a hazard information platform for firefighters called Building Intelligence System , and a data-sharing agreement with Waze that improves traffic flow on the streets. (TNS) -- PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island is planning to launch its long-delayed Division of Motor Vehicles computer system the first week in July, regardless of whether it wins a court fight with the company who built the system, state officials have told lawmakers."It is actually working at a great pace," Robert Hull, director of the Department of Revenue, told members of the House Finance Committee Tuesday night. "I see no reason we can't have a clear path to a launch sometime mid-summer, say sometime around July 4th weekend."The DMV computer project, which started in 2006, has missed repeated launch deadlines and in October the state sued contractor Hewlett Packard Enterprise for breach of contract. The two sides are currently preparing for trail under a Superior Court restraining order that keeps HP workers on the job at the DMV.Hull was briefing lawmakers on the computer because Gov. Gina Raimondo's 2017-2018 state budget proposes extending a $1.50 DMV transaction surcharge, which is set to expire this summer, for at least another five years. The surcharge, meant to pay for DMV technology improvements, is expected to raise $2.1-$2.2 million annually or around $11 million over five years.Even if the new computer system launches successfully this summer, Hull said the technology surcharge will be needed for ongoing maintenance and upgrades of the system.Will it become permanent, House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan, R-West Warwick, asked Hull?"It may be," he said. "I can't think in technology cycles longer than five years."Rhode Island has paid HP $13 million for the DMV computer so far and another roughly $7 million on the project in its history, according to a report from House Fiscal Adviser Sharon Reynolds Ferland.Hull said the price tag for a new system is somewhere between $40 million and $100 million, adding that Nevada recently paid $115 million for a new system.Eventually, the new computer is expected to reduce DMV wait times, although Hull said improvements would be a gradual process as workers became more familiar with the new system and it allowed more transactions to be completed online.The House Finance hearing came after a few days of longer-than normal wait times at the DMV and an hour-plus system outage on Tuesday.Monday saw average DMV wait times of nearly two hours and a maximum wait of four hours and 38 minutes, according to DMV spokesman Paul Grimaldi. The average wait time in December was around 40 minutes, according to the state's transparency portal.Hull and DMV Administrator Walter "Bud" Craddock Tuesday attributed the recent spike in wait times to heavy volume from school vacation, the start of tax refund season, increasing vehicles purchases and the usual spike at the start and end of the month.Tuesday's system outage was due to a failed connection between the DMV and the system and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators system, Grimaldi said. (TNS) -- A handful of public housing residents on Kansas Citys West Side nibbled on cookies and tapped on keyboards Tuesday afternoon to mark a year of free internet.Yeah, free. Which, it turns out, could be a hard sell.A year ago, Google Fiber teamed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Kansas City Housing Authority to plug low-income residents into the Web.The federal ConnectHome program works to team companies that sell internet service with local housing authorities to wire families into the internet.In the year since the program kicked off, Google Fiber has hooked up 1,100 housing units in Kansas City and Kansas City, Kan. all along the way fighting the skepticism of residents who thought there must be a catch.When somebody from the housing authority knocks on the door, people assume theres a problem, said Kelvin Patterson, the local agencys ConnectHome liaison. Hes become known in the past year to residents as Mr. Google. They think theres a problem with the rent or some rule. We had to tell them, No, this is really free internet. Even then, he said, folks assumed that there was a gotcha waiting to kick in. A bill that would come later. Collection of data that Google would feed to the housing authority or to the feds. Something.So Patterson relied on people like Tamara Butler in the West Bluff housing complex to carry the free internet gospel to her neighbors.Its the best thing, she said.Her 3-year-old, Willie, uses an electronic tablet purchased from Surplus Exchange , the non-profit electronics recycler, for $22. Using programs such ABC Mouse , hes learning his colors, spelling, geography and a range of pre-school lessons. Sometimes, when the two play together, she hears, No, this is how you do it, Mommy.She used the fiber optic internet hook-up, rather than burning through the scarce data on her cellphone plan, to find a job as a certified medical assistant. Now shes using the one-gigabit-per-second connection, the same thing most Google Fiber customers pay $70 to $80 a month for, to begin online training for a nursing certificate.When Google Fiber began wiring the market with its ultra-fast connections, it went only into neighborhoods where sign-ups suggested that demand would justify the corporate expense of stretching into different areas. That left out some of the poorer sections of Kansas City.With its free connections to low-income housing through ConnectHome, Google mitigated some of that criticism that it was accentuating the digital divide between those who could afford broadband and those who couldnt bear the monthly expense.Rachel Merlo, Google Fibers local community impact manager, said more than 80 percent of the apartments and townhouses in eight select public housing complexes have had the internet service installed. Some residents are still wary that it comes without strings attached, she said, and turnover in some units has complicated other installations. The work started last February and wrapped up in Kansas City, Kan., in December.The project focused on places where school-age children live, Merlo said, to help with homework.After the residences were wired, she said libraries, Literacy KC , Surplus Exchange and other groups worked to outfit people with used laptop and desktop computers and tablets.Then the challenge was to educate people on how to use the internet, Merlo said. A lot of time they knew how to do it on their phones, but not on the desktop.On Tuesday, in West Bluffs small computer lab, 7-year-old Jaylen Bates tapped out the Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star by tapping a banana, an orange and clumps of clay wired into one of the laptops.Its fun, he said. And you learn stuff. In March, California plans to launch a new online school evaluation system that provides parents, teachers and the community with key data to evaluate their local K-12 schools.Called the California School Dashboard, which has been years in the making, the Web portal is designed to give parents easy reports about their childs school or district, as well as provide detailed downloadable data that can help identify areas where schools might need help.At one glance, they can get an idea, in multiple measures, of how well their school or district is doing, Californias Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Ashley Keric told state lawmakers last week at a joint oversight hearing held by the Assembly and Senate education committees.For those that need more, deeper information, theres background information, more detailed reports, downloadable data for the data geeks that want to get into the specifics of this, he added.Information such as high school graduation rates, career and college readiness, English learner progress and suspension rates, as well as test scores, will eventually be made available on the color-coded dashboard.Both state and local school district data will be entered into the dashboard, allowing for the creation of reports that can be searched by school and by district.The idea here is to provide information back to schools and districts so that they can identify their own strengths and weaknesses, Keric said.Although the dashboard goes live in March, it will not contain all the data its architects envisioned because some of it is simply not available yet. For example, the state is collecting data for the first time this year about chronic absenteeism. And the measurements for career and college readiness will be rolled out next year.Stakeholder groups, including school districts, will also continue to suggest ways the dashboard can be improved, Keric said.The California Department of Education has been working on a new accountability system that goes beyond test scores and is more useful than the previous Academic Performance Index that gave schools a number ranking.That approach is exactly what school advocates say is needed to educate the community about the limited resources schools have and their needs.This dashboard is exactly what we have been waiting for, said Terri Burns, legislative advocate for the California School Boards Association.But whether the dashboard will be an easy tool to use is questionable, said Brian Rivas, director of policy and government relations at the Education Trust-West, which works to close student opportunity and achievement gaps.The dashboard as it sits is complex. It doesnt lend itself to comparability of districts and schools, Rivas said. Wed like to see more done to make it more useful for parents and communities.For example, the dashboard doesnt allow a user to compare schools within a district, and educational advocates say resources should be set aside to enrich the dashboard. (TNS) - Residents of communities in north-central Illinois on Wednesday determinedly began the process of putting their towns and lives back together after tornado-producing storms a day earlier left two dead, several injured and dozens of buildings leveled."Last night everyone was in shock," Naplate Mayor Jim Rick said of his town, 3 miles southwest of Ottawa in LaSalle County. "I think this morning we see it, we'll address it and we'll come through it."The National Weather Service said its preliminary damage survey indicated a tornado registered as EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale hit Naplate. An EF3 tornado has winds between 136 and 165 mph. An EF1 tornado (winds 86-110 mph) hit Oregon, Ill., about 75 miles northwest of Naplate, the weather service said.As Rick spoke, residents of the small town of 550 were surveying the aftermath under blustery, overcast skies. Some homes appeared essentially unscathed, while next to them were homes and garages that had been reduced to kindling.The streets, which had been mostly cleared, were busy with contractors, police and firefighters. Meanwhile, crews were working to repair downed electric lines, and officials from Ameren Illinois said they expected to restore power to most of the 9,500 customers who lost service in the area by the end of Wednesday.From his front yard, Jerry Nanouski, 60, looked at the pile of rubble that used to be his garage. The storm had carried his Corvette a block away and left its rear window missing.Nanouski had just arrived home from his job as a Police Department lieutenant in nearby North Utica on Tuesday afternoon when the storm struck. All the windows in his home were blown out and the interior was severely damaged, but he said his family and his police dog escaped uninjured.It brought back memories of the night in April 2004 when he was on duty in North Utica and a devastating tornado ripped through the small town, killing eight people."It's the same thing," he said. "It happens so quick, and when it's all over, it's just devastation. Hopefully (the recovery) will be the same. They made good progress over there (in North Utica) when they were pulling it back together, and hopefully we can do the same. Get people back on their feet. Rebuild."No one in Naplate was badly hurt, even though the tornado damaged or wrecked 50 of the village's 250 homes and structures, officials said.Ottawa officials reported one fatality from the severe weather that hit their town about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday. The victim, Wayne Tuntland, 76, was killed when a tree fell on him, the LaSalle County coroner's office said.Rich Ploch, chief deputy in the coroner's office, said Tuntland and an unidentified middle-aged man were in the backyard burning debris when the storm came through."A family member went outside to tell them the storm was approaching," Ploch said. "It looks like they were in the process of returning to the home. Unfortunately, the tree came down on them."In far southeastern Illinois near the Indiana border, a 71-year-old man was killed when a twister struck a small building near a house in the Crossville area, according to authorities. The man's wife was injured.At least 14 people were injured during the storm in the Ottawa area, according to a news release from St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. The hospital treated people for injuries to their heads, knees and arms.In the neighborhood of South Ottawa, the tornado's fickle path was clear. Some streets Wednesday morning were a jumble of tree limbs and dangling power lines; other streets were almost entirely free of debris. Some houses were wrecked; others nearby appeared untouched.Anne Houk surveyed the damage outside her bungalow. Her front lawn was covered in branches, and a large piece of soffit hung from a nearby tree. Her garage was blocked by another tree, and the rear windshield of her car was blown out.Still, with her house mostly unscathed, she counted herself lucky."We fared pretty well compared to other people," she said. "We're thankful for the brick. The three little pigs did it right, I guess."Mike McGrath sat late Tuesday in the Village Hall in Naplate, wearing the wry smile of someone who had just experienced the best and worst of luck.On Tuesday afternoon, he and his wife had been at home watching TV for news of an incoming tornado when the announcer said, "It's here."McGrath, 65, glanced out the back window and saw that the sky had turned as black as midnight. Instantly, he and his wife fled into a central room and huddled in a corner."It seemed like it lasted forever, though I know it was only like a minute and a half," he said. "Then it was quiet. I got up, surveyed the damage and pretty much couldn't believe what we saw. Still can't believe it. (The house) is pretty well gone. My whole neighborhood is pretty well destroyed."McGrath and his wife, though, were uninjured.Gov. Bruce Rauner toured the area Wednesday and spoke with residents."We've got to count our blessings," Rauner said at a news conference outside a glass factory in Naplate that was damaged by the storm. "This could have been way worse. The warning system worked well. People were notified, and it's wonderful how people in the community helped each other."In Oregon, about 100 miles west of Chicago, officials said the tornado that touched down Tuesday left the community relatively unscathed."Overall, I just have to say we were pretty darn lucky," said Ogle County Emergency Management Agency coordinator Tom Richter. "We have four damaged homes, five destroyed outbuildings and two outbuildings damaged. Luckily, we didn't have any injuries no injuries at all."Richter said the storm heavily damaged some areas of old growth forest and knocked out power to about 110 residences. Power had been restored by Wednesday afternoon, he said.Connie Brooks, director of LaSalle County Emergency Management, said LaSalle County, Naplate and Ottawa have all declared themselves disaster areas, and that all contractors and insurance adjusters have to register with local authorities before they will be allowed in.Brooks asked people who want to go to the area to help residents with the cleanup to stay away for the time being."The streets are not safe yet the city and the village are not ready yet," Brooks said.Chief John Nevins of the Naplate Fire Department said the damage ranged from missing roof shingles to total destruction."We've never had anything like this before," he said. "Like anyone else, we've had high winds that take some trees down, but nothing like this."LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton said the tornado had all but destroyed the LaSalle County Nursing Home and the county's Highway Department building, which lay just west of Naplate.There were no major injuries to residents or workers, he said."The staff did a marvelous job of moving people out of rooms (as the tornado hit)," Templeton said. "Windows were blown out. The roof was extremely damaged. The front doors were sucked right out of the building and crushed."I couldn't have asked more from the staff. Some of those (residents) were scared. Some were kind of oblivious to everything that's going on and were hard to control, because they wanted to just walk everywhere. The staff was just calm. Sirens going off, fire alarms going off, but it wasn't chaotic."Keilman reported from LaSalle County.jkeilman@chicagotribune.commwalberg@chicagotribune.com2017 the Chicago TribuneVisit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) -- Fifty years ago, Americans looked into deep space and saw it as a place worth planting a flag. The space race galvanized the country, igniting a nationalistic fervor to beat the Russians to the moon that captured the imaginations of adults and children alike.But that all seems so retrograde now. Buffeted by rising costs and waning public interest, we humans largely have left the stars to satellites, robots and Hollywood scriptwriters.There hasnt been a manned mission beyond low-Earth orbit since the final Apollo moon landing in 1972. NASAs last manned U.S. mission anywhere happened way back in 2011, when the Obama administration scrapped the space shuttle program. Since then, astronauts have been hitching rides to the International Space Station aboard Russian spacecraft.Thats not an America first philosophy.Perhaps, then, its merely a sign of these resurgent nationalistic times that talk of sending people into deep space is once again in vogue. Or maybe its a sudden desire of wealthy Silicon Valley entrepreneurs to escape a planet that, once again, seems too consumed with feuding and tribalism and navel-gazing over borders.Either way, a renewed space race this one shaping up between multinational corporations and governments is an exciting distraction and could do a lot to sow unity around the world through the common language of science. administration has been pushing NASA President Donald Trumps to accelerate the timeline of a trip around the moon, long planned for 2021. A rocket, dubbed the Space Launch System, and a capsule, Orion, would carry astronauts around the moon. The U.S., Trump said in his inaugural address, is ready to unlock the mysteries of space.In that, he has a like-minded ally in Elon Musk , the California entrepreneur who is determined to launch a manned mission to colonize Mars in the coming years to ensure that humans become an interplanetary species.In the meantime, Musk said Monday, his company SpaceX has taken on a high-stakes side project: ferrying two wealthy tourists to the moon and back . The weeklong journey, which could happen next year, would take the unidentified pair past the lunar surface and outward before the spacecraft surrenders to the pull of gravity and heads back to Earth.All told, the trip would cover between 300,000 and 400,000 miles. And because we all know that, in space, no one can hear you scream, there are certainly risks.Until SpaceX, only the Russian government has agreed to bring tourists to space seven of them who have paid tens of millions of dollars to fly on Soyuz rockets to the International Space Station. The trip around the moon would be much farther.Musk says the two would-be space tourists are coming into this with their eyes open. But so far, the spacecraft that would carry them SpaceXs Dragon 2 capsule and Falcon Heavy rocket are years behind schedule and havent even flown yet . Still, in classic, swaggering space race fashion, Musk isnt too worried.This should be a really exciting mission, he told The Associated Press , that hopefully gets the world really excited about sending people into deep space again.Indeed, its time America set its sights a little higher. SACRAMENTO, Calif. The Internet of Things (IoT) means different things to different parties. For utilities, it's about making a smarter grid by connecting electric or water meters to a central hub. For exercise enthusiasts, it relates to wearable devices that measure steps, heart rate and your sleep cycle.In the most boiled-down definition available, IoT refers to the connection of physical devices to the Internet in order to remotely control or derive information from them. While there are hundreds of ways this can be expounded, every entity has its own definition that best serves its mission, said Ted Alben, IoT practice manager for Dimension Data, during a panel discussion at the Public Sector CIO Academy* on March 1. Another way to boil this idea down is to meld informational technology (IT) with operational technology (OT).OT, according to research firm Gartner is a system of hardware and software that detects a change through the direct monitoring and/or control of physical devices in the enterprise. Melding the two together has created inherent complications.IT has been around for about 30 years, said Shilpa Kolhatkar, senior business development manager for Cisco. OT has been around since the Industrial Revolution, so more than 100 years.And the convergence of the two will no doubt hit speed bumps. The benefits of a fully integrated OT and IT and secured IoT, however, would more than pay for itself.Take, for instance, the recent downpour in California. While the state was in the middle of one of the worst droughts in recorded history, the first two months of 2017 nearly reversed those years of chronic lack of precipitation. During those storms, 11 trillion gallons of rain went underutilized," Alben said, "because [they] dont have a system capable of recognizing surplus rain and transferring it into temporary holding ponds."On a smaller scale, people often forget to turn off automatic sprinkler systems when it rains. If a software program could retrieve data from weather sensors and automatically flip the switch for sprinkler systems, the state could save hundreds of additional gallons of water.There are, however, obvious risks to an increasingly connected world. Cyberattacks have become increasingly common. Last years distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on the Dyn Web hosting services that took out Twitter, CNN and CNBC, to name a few, essentially forced Internet-connected cameras and DVRs to relay thousands of terabytes of information to Dyn servers, causing a system crash, said Sean Telles of ForeScout Technologies.The mirai malware located which devices used the default login, and weaponized them, said Telles. In the shorter term, encrypting information and changing accessibility of devices is an obvious way to deter cyberattacks. But the biggest risk to the IoT is the lack of a unified standardization for products that are connected because malware will continue to affect these devices.In order to play offensively, Alben said, managers and IT leaders must come up with a standardized code for how Internet-connected devices are set up.Commons sense allows us to exclude consumer-grade devices, from state and local IT, he said, adding that we need to go further and set a model for the impending convergence. Because even when it is not necessarily a nefarious actor, the possibility for connected devices to be compromised could potentially be devastating. Even something as innocent as a system reboot, he continuted, which could potentially turn off lights at a rail station could potentially be very dangerous.The connection of devices is not going anywhere. As the advances in software continue to be paired with hardware, standardization of safety protocols is imperative to the safety of networks and people. IoT is ubiquitous, said George Akiyama, CIO of Caltrans. It is everywhere and we need a way to secure it. (TNS) -- Cybersecurity has had a rough year.Presidential nominee Hillary Clintons campaign suffered setbacks when hackers obtained and leaked embarrassing emails. Russian hackers planted code in a Vermont power utility.Closer to home, hackers likely located overseas shut down Bingham Countys computer system on Feb. 15, forcing the county to pay three bitcoins unofficial digital currency worth about $3,500 to regain control of their system and get back to work. Last week, Amalgamated Sugar Co. notified nearly 3,000 employees that hackers had gleaned personal information listed on their W-2 tax forms.Cybersecurity was the topic Wednesday at the Idaho Technology Councils Energy Connected 2017 conference. One speaker was Zach Tudor, who oversees one of the nations leading cybersecurity teams as the associate director of national and homeland security at the Idaho National Laboratory.Tudors team focuses on protecting critical infrastructure such as utility grids, control systems and computer systems embedded in larger systems. He answered the Statesmans questions.Q: Tell me about the labs cybersecurity team.A: Across my directorate, we have about 500 people. My cyber-research team is 55 to 60 people. I have about 150 people working on wireless critical infrastructure.We have wireless technicians and people with some skills you might use working with substation equipment at AT&T or Verizon. We have 110 miles of transmission and distribution equipment for electrical. We have everything from people who climb poles to people who understand power electronic substation automation. We have people who respond to and triage attacks, whether its at a water utility or electric utility, or transportation.We also have analysts who reverse-engineer software, so if a piece of malicious software attacks infrastructure, they reverse-engineer that software, find out how it might affect the system and how to mitigate it.Q: What other kinds of systems do you research?A: One example is automotive systems. A couple of researchers went to auto-reclamation facilities and found components from three or four of the same model of car and put together the electronics systems of the vehicle radios, the navigation system, the lights. They started understanding the protocols and all the messages that go back and forth, and identified some vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them. The research was so compelling that when they wrote their next proposal, we bought them a car. They now have three cars in the lab. Were taking our expertise out to the automotive industry and working to develop some cooperative research and development agreements to help them make their systems more secure.Q: In your talk, you pointed to home thermostats as seemingly benign household systems that could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. How can those kinds of everyday items threaten bigger systems?A: In 2016, we saw an attack where someone found a vulnerability in something similar to a thermostat [with wireless capability] and used that to perform a series of denial-of-service attacks on infrastructure. It basically took control of thousands of embedded structures things like thermostats and sent them to the same address of a business with a request for information, over and over. That flooding attack caused the system to be unresponsive to the people doing actual work.Criminals are starting to figure out how to monetize those kinds of attacks, to hold a business at ransom for extortion. Without even hacking it, they can cause a system to be unresponsive so work cant get done. We are all very concerned about nation-state attacks and terrorism. But were concerned about criminal hacking, too.Q: Bingham County was recently crippled by ransomware. How is the Bingham County attack instructive for governments and businesses?A: It shows all levels of business and government are vulnerable. A lot of times, we hear about attacks at the Secret Service, or the Office of Management and Budget, or others, and think the targets are huge government entities. We have to realize theres valuable information all over the country and all over the world.Q: Hackers phish their way into systems by duping employees to download malware. That happened recently at Amalgamated Sugar. What needs to happen to prevent those attacks?A: It starts with earlier education, whether its K-12 or STEM training, to make sure we have basic hygiene around cybersecurity from a young age, because were going to be living with these systems for a long time. But we also need to educate at the business level to be more vigilant about the things we click on.Q: What role did the lab play in the response to the Ukraine power-grid hack last year?A: Ukraine asked the State Department to send some resources out there to find out what happened. The attack affected 225,000 people and 20 percent of the substations. Control operators were literally sitting with their hands on their knees, watching the mouse move without their control as somebody was turning off those lights. We believe some of the initial attacks were based on email phishing to get into the systems.We learned the Ukraine system is not as automated as our systems here, and because they were in a small geographical area, they were able to send technicians out and manually close relays to get the lights back on.Our system is so efficient because of automation. But its also distributed, so its hard for an operator to drive 75 miles to the first station, then 110 miles to the next. We have to make sure our systems are resilient to these attacks.Q: Are bigger, more complex infrastructure systems more vulnerable?A: Complexity is one of our key challenges. The ability to be efficient drives the sheer number of features in our systems that potentially make them vulnerable.They estimate 80 percent of people use 10 to 15 percent of Microsoft Words capabilities. They have all these specialized features experts use from time to time. Its similar with our digital control systems. If you are only using 10 percent, theres another 90 percent that you arent aware about, dont care about or dont know how to protect adequately that somebody else might exploit.Q: Hacking is daily news nowadays, especially following hacks of both the Democratic and Republican parties during the election. Is this the new reality?A: Its the evolution of tech. The more valuable information is put on systems, whether its control systems, databases or email systems, the more someone will go through nefarious means to get it. Ten or 20 years ago, the mindset was that we can keep hackers out of our information systems. The reality now is hackers are going to get in, so we need to have systems to detect them and be resilient to protect the data to return to business as usual.In the future, a hacker-attack news story should be: Hacker attacks IRS. No data stolen. McLaren and Honda have both denied wild rumours their troubled works collaboration in F1 could be set to end. Although the partnership is entering its third year, the opening of 2017 testing has been notably troubled as Honda fumbles with its brand new 'power unit' design. After an oil tank design flaw was discovered on day one, Stoffel Vandoorne's engine was returned to Japan following a problem on day two, and Fernando Alonso had to run with 'de-rated' settings on day three. "I can only apologise to the drivers," said Honda's F1 chief Yusuke Hasegawa. Team boss Eric Boullier, meanwhile, put a brave face on the situation, declaring that "Like any marriage, there are ups and downs". But the perpetual 'downs' triggered a rumour in the Barcelona paddock on Wednesday that McLaren has commenced talks with Renault about a potential replacement engine supply. "We are supposed to ditch Honda?" Boullier responded. "No. There is no plan at all." Hasegawa, whose employer is also a significant McLaren sponsor, was asked the same question and added: "Of course not. "I do not hide that we have difficulties, but such situations are what testing is for." The Japanese insisted that the relationship with McLaren remains positive. "Our relationship is better all the time. I cannot compare it to 2015, because I was not there, but we are a team and we behave as such." As for the engine problems, he said: "We would like to introduce the latest version of the engine and test it as soon as possible. "So next week we will have another engine and it will have changes." (GMM) The European Commission and a key politician have both confirmed that a potential investigation into F1 has in fact not been ruled out. Several publications this week claimed that a letter from the competition commissioner to Anneliese Dodds showed that an investigation will definitely not take place. But a spokesman for Dodds told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt that the publications had "annoyingly" got their reports fundamentally wrong. "I'm going to be speaking with Anneliese about all of this when she arrives in Brussels later today and we'll think of the next steps," he said. That next step has now emerged, with Dodds releasing an official statement declaring that the commissioner's letter did not rule out an investigation into Liberty Media's takeover of F1 or the FIA's alleged conflict of interest. "The Commissioner has not ruled out any investigation into competition concerns in the sport," said Dodds, "not least because there is still an ongoing investigation arising from complaints from Force India and Sauber." And in Sylt's latest report for Forbes, a source close to the European Commission said the body retains its "ability to investigate the behaviour of these companies that could be potentially against EU competition rules". (GMM) The Democratic governors of Washington state and Colorado, the first states that voted to legalize the drug for recreational purposes, in 2012, say their experiments have worked and that the federal government should not intervene. A girl walking with her suffered minor injuries in the accident, which happened on the same road where an 11-year-old boy died in 2019 after being struck by an SUV. Forget Batman vs. Superman or Captain America vs. Iron Man. In James Mangolds moving tribute to X-Mens Wolverine, Logan, its all Logan vs. Logan. He strips away the spandex, the posse and the chaos, distilling the story down to the essence of the man, Logan, also known as Wolverine, also known as James Howlett. Whats left is the agony and the ecstasy of mutanthood, which star Hugh Jackman expresses as physical and mental torture. Logans greatest opponent is, and always has been, himself. In this near-distant future of 2029, Logan shuns his mutant abilities. He drives a limo, racked with a hacking cough and a craving for liquor. He seems to be disintegrating before our eyes; hes grizzled and mangy and those adamantium claws dont unfurl like they used to. He mostly uses them for fending off hubcap bandits anyway. He toils alongside Caliban (Stephen Merchant) at a secretive Mexican camp to care for Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), whom theyre keeping drugged up to keep his apocalyptic seizures at bay. Its not much of a life, or a legacy. But this film almost isnt just about Logan, its also about Laura, a character who first began popping up in comic books in 2004. Played by newcomer Dafne Keen in her first film role, Laura boasts similar talents and characteristics to Logan, and the two share a feral rage when provoked. Shes smuggled out of a Mexican genetic engineering facility, and Logans been entrusted with delivering her to safety in North Dakota. And so begins a long, strange, dark and violent trip for Logan, Laura and Charles. Mangold pulls no razor-sharp punches in Logan the film is horrifyingly, grotesquely violent, as Logan and Laura fight to evade the clutches of bounty hunter Pierce (Boyd Holbrook) and Dr. Rice (Richard E. Grant), who wants to contain mutants and develop their bodies into weapons. In Laura, Logan finds a part of himself worth fighting for, and do they ever, particularly in one brilliant sequence paying homage to Mad Max: Fury Road. Jackman, a gifted physical actor, demonstrates tremendous range and gives the performance of his life as the deteriorating Logan. Its a big performance, raw and compelling as hell, and his finest, most emotional work. Its also refreshing to see an unleashed Stewart. And Keen is a wonder, a tremendous discovery. Step aside, Eleven, theres a new tough girl in town. About halfway through Logan, Mangold, who wrote the script with Scott Frank and Michael Green, pulls the rug out from under us, with a shockingly dark twist. This is after weve become accustomed to the sight of a tiny girl ferociously slice and dice a bakers dozen of assassins, but its still an emotional bomb blast. Its manipulative, but after that, we know all bets are off. No one is safe in Logan. There are repeated references to the classic Western Shane, about a good gunfighter protecting the vulnerable. Its an apt comparison, if heavy-handed, but damn if it isnt effective, employing poignant words from the movie to do the impossible: wring tears. Mangold turns the lens inward in the introspective Logan, subjecting this character and his legacy to an onscreen vivisection. The themes of otherness and corporate exploitation could have been pushed further for more impact. But Mangold never strays from Jackman, who is explosive and mesmerizing in the role he made iconic. Updated at 9:10 a.m. WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign, the Justice Department confirmed, a seeming contradiction to sworn statements he gave to Congress. The revelation spurred growing calls in Congress in both parties for him to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump's candidacy and a policy adviser to the Republican, did not disclose those discussions at his Senate confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions replied that he had not had communications with the Russians. In a statement late Wednesday, Sessions said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Wednesday night that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer." That statement did not satisfy Democrats, who even before Wednesday had sought his recusal from the ongoing federal investigation and had raised questions about whether he could properly oversee the probe. Sessions said Thursday in a brief interview with NBC, "I have said that, when it's appropriate, I will recuse myself." White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier called the disclosure of the talks with the ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, "the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats." She added that Sessions "met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Sessions of "lying under oath" and demanded that he resign. Other Democrats called on him to step aside from the investigation. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, appearing Thursday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show, said, "I just think he needs to clarify what these meetings were." The California Republican said it isn't unusual for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors, but he added that if a question arose about the integrity of a federal investigation, "I think it'd be easier" for an attorney general to step away from the probe. Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a U.S. senator and senior member of the Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with Kislyak, the department confirmed. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department said. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadors including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions after the talk as he was leaving the stage. Revelations of the contacts, first reported by The Washington Post, came amid a disclosure by three administration officials that White House lawyers have instructed aides to Trump to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian meddling in the American political process. The officials who confirmed that staffers were instructed to comply with preservation-of-materials directions did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. On the Sessions revelation, Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said: "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians." Asked by reporters Monday about the prospect of a recusal, Sessions had said, "I would recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on." At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there were evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Then he added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." Flores, the Justice Department spokeswoman, said that response was not misleading. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," she said in a statement. Franken said in a statement he was troubled that the new attorney general's response to his question was "at best, misleading." He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. "It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately," Franken said. Separately in January, Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Sessions in a written questionnaire whether "he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day." Sessions replied simply, "No." Then-Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) spoke twice last year with Russias ambassador to the United States, Justice Department officials said, encounters he did not disclose when asked about possible contacts between members of President Trumps campaign and representatives of Moscow during Sessionss confirmation hearing to become attorney general. One of the meetings was a private conversation between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak that took place in September in the senators office, at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian cyber campaign to upend the U.S. presidential race. The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. When Sessions spoke with Kislyak in July and September, the senator was a senior member of the influential Armed Services Committee as well as one of Trumps top foreign policy advisers. Sessions played a prominent role supporting Trump on the stump after formally joining the campaign in February 2016. At his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Sessions was asked by Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. Im not aware of any of those activities, he responded. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. Officials said Sessions did not consider the conversations relevant to the lawmakers questions and did not remember in detail what he discussed with Kislyak. There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer, said Sarah Isgur Flores, Sessionss spokeswoman. In January, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Sessions for answers to written questions. Several of the President-elects nominees or senior advisers have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day? Leahy wrote. Sessions responded with one word: No. Justice officials said Sessions met with Kislyak on Sept. 8 in his capacity as a member of the armed services panel rather than in his role as a Trump campaign surrogate. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Flores said. She added that Sessions last year had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian and German ambassadors, in addition to Kislyak. In the case of the September meeting, one department official who came to the defense of the attorney general said, Theres just not strong recollection of what was said. The Russian ambassador did not respond to requests for comment about his contacts with Sessions. The Washington Post contacted all 26 members of the 2016 Senate Armed Services Committee to see if any lawmakers besides Sessions met with Kislyak in 2016. Of the 19 lawmakers who responded, every senator, including chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.), said they did not meet with the Russian ambassador last year. The other lawmakers on the panel did not respond as of Wednesday evening. Members of the committee have not been beating a path to Kislyaks door, a senior Senate Armed Services Committee staffer said, citing tensions in relations with Moscow. Besides Sessions, the staffer added, There havent been a ton of members who are looking to meet with Kislyak for their committee duties. Last month, The Washington Post reported that Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn had discussed U.S. sanctions with Kislyak during the month before Trump took office, contrary to public assertions by Mike Pence, the vice president-elect, and other top Trump officials. Flynn was forced to resign the following week. When asked to comment on Sessionss contacts with Kislyak, Franken said in a statement to The Washington Post on Wednesday: If its true that Attorney General Sessions met with the Russian ambassador in the midst of the campaign, then I am very troubled that his response to my questioning during his confirmation hearing was, at best, misleading. Franken added: It is now clearer than ever that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately. Current and former U.S. officials say they see Kislyak as a diplomat, not an intelligence operative. But they were not sure to what extent, if any, Kislyak was aware of or involved in the covert Russian election campaign. Steven Hall, former head of Russia operations at the CIA, said that Russia would have been keenly interested in cultivating a relationship with Sessions because of his role on key congressional committees and as an early adviser to Trump. Sessionss membership on the Armed Services Committee would have made him a priority for the Russian ambassador. The fact that he had already placed himself at least ideologically behind Trump would have been an added bonus for Kislyak, Hall said. Michael McFaul, a Stanford University professor who until 2014 served as U.S. ambassador to Russia, said he was not surprised that Kislyak would seek a meeting with Sessions. The weird part is to conceal it, he said. That was at the height of all the discussions of what Russia was doing during the election. Two months before the September meeting, Sessions attended a Heritage Foundation event in July on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention that was attended by roughly 50 ambassadors. When the event was over, a small group of ambassadors approached Sessions as he was leaving the podium, and Kislyak was among them, the Justice Department official said. Sessions then spoke individually to some of the ambassadors, including Kislyak, the official said. In the informal exchanges, the ambassadors expressed appreciation for his remarks and some of them invited him to events they were sponsoring, said the official, citing a former Sessions staffer who was at the event. Democratic lawmakers, including senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have demanded in recent weeks that Sessions recuse himself from the governments inquiry into possible ties between Trump associates and Russia. Last week, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, became one of the few Republican representatives to state publicly the need for an independent investigation. Sessionss public position on Russia has evolved over time. In an interview with RealClear World on the sidelines of the German Marshall Funds Brussels Forum in March 2015, Sessions said the United States and Europe have to unify against Russia. More than a year later, he spoke about fostering a stronger relationship with the Kremlin. In a July 2016 interview with CNNs State of the Union, Sessions praised Trumps plan to build better relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump is right. We need to figure out a way to end this cycle of hostility thats putting this country at risk, costing us billions of dollars in defense, and creating hostilities, Sessions told CNN. Asked if he viewed Putin as a good or bad leader, Sessions told CNN: We have a lot of bad leaders around the world that operate in ways we would never tolerate in the United States. But the question is, can we have a more peaceful, effective relationship with Russia? Utilizing interests that are similar in a realistic way to make this world a safer place and get off this dangerous hostility with Russia? I think its possible. Julie Tate, Robert Costa and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives the Chairman and CEO of Aeroports de Paris, Augustin de Romanet, on March 2nd (Photo: VNA) He valued the ADPs investment in Vietnam, particularly in transport, and its agreement with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) to become a strategic shareholder. On the basis of the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, cooperation between the ADP and the ACV will help enhance bilateral ties in a more substantive manner, he said, speaking highly of the groups experience in airport operation. Vietnam is one of few Asian countries that have provided e-visas, PM Phuc noted, describing this as a favorable condition for tourists and investors to come to Vietnam, which in turn will stimulate the growth of the aviation industry and the demand for upgrading airports. He said the ADPs partnership with the ACV will help promote the latters capacity airport operation, thereby increasing the quality of services at local airports to the world level. For his part, Augustin de Romanet said his group wants to make long-term investment in Vietnam and help to modernize local airports - an important momentum for socio-economic development. He informed his host about the development of airports in France and considered this a useful experience for the Southeast Asian nation in airport upgrade and expansion. He also hoped for continued support from the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencies for the ADPs activities in the country./. I lived in Washington, D.C., in the early 1970s, specifically during the Watergate years. The anticipation of opening The Washington Post as it broke the ever-escalating news of the Nixon White Houses deepening involvement in the illegal activities at the Watergate Complex was electric. Like many then, I was incredulous and overwhelmed that a sitting president could be involved in such highly illegal deeds. So much so, that I attended almost every one of the Watergate hearings in the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill. I personally witnessed Haldeman, Ehrlichman, Colson, Dean, Mitchell and Magruder testify to Congress. Words cannot adequately express the eerie similarity of that experience to the current burgeoning, almost daily revelations, the outright lying to the public and press and the hubris of the Trump administrations behavior as its ties to Russian intelligence operatives, diplomats and individuals involved in the hacking of the 2016 elections are exposed. We do not yet know the identity of the contemporary Deep Throats who are leaking intelligence to The New York Times and other news outlets, but while Trump calls them criminals, I call them patriots. An investigator independent of the administration is needed to bring the truth to light. Joseph Saldarini Greensboro REIDSVILLE Flames completely consumed a home on the 900 block of Montgomery Street on Tuesday evening. Reidsville Firefighters were dispatched to 915 Montgomery Street at 8:59 p.m. and arrived three minutes later to a vacant home already fully engulfed. Units from all three fire stations and 12 firefighters responded to the scene with two pumpers and an aerial truck to fight the blaze. One firefighter was transported to Annie Penn Hospital from the scene Tuesday night after becoming overheated. He was medically evaluated and released with no significant injuries. Firefighters cleared the scene at 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. The home was a total loss. Reidsville Fire Marshal Jay Harris said that an investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire, with nobody taking up residence at the address. We were able to determine that there was a power meter in place, although Duke Power says there was no electrical service to the house, Harris said. Harris told Rockingham Now on Wednesday afternoon that unauthorized people had been in the house on Monday. They were asked to leave by the Reidsville Police Department after a complaint. The house was secured by the homeowner prior to the day of the fire. Two neighboring houses one next door and another across the street sustained damage to vinyl siding. Neither building sustained structural damage. The melting of the exterior surfaces was caused by the thermal release of flames and radiating heat during the burning of the dwelling. The Reidsville Fire Marshals Office is being assisted by the Reidsville Police Department in investigating the origin and cause of the fire. The White House dismissed as a partisan attack questions about whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied during his confirmation hearing about conversations he had with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. while serving as a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump's campaign. The Justice Department confirmed Wednesday that Sessions twice had contact last year with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Sessions testified during his Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 10 that he had no contacts with Russian officials. The revelation prompted the No. 2 House Republican, Kevin McCarthy, to say it would be easier if Sessions recused himself from any probe into Russian interference in the election. Top Democrats in Congress, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, called for Sessions' resignation. A White House official who asked not to be named on Thursday said Sessions met with the ambassador in his official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The official said that is consistent with Sessions' testimony. Democrats say Sessions wasn't truthful when he was asked by Sen. Al Franken during a Jan. 10 confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee what he would do if he learned that anyone tied to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government during the course of the campaign. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," Sessions said, adding that he had "been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians." As an Alabama Republican senator, Sessions was visited by Kislyak in his Capitol Hill office on Sept. 8, the Justice Department said in its statement. He also met with the envoy as part of a small group of ambassadors after an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. A Sessions spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, rejected accusations that he had misled lawmakers. "Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors," she said. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign -- not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee." On Thursday, Sessions was asked about the allegations by an NBC News crew. "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign," Sessions said. The Justice Department rejected suggestions that Sessions was misleading in his testimony, saying that as a senator he discussed relations between the U.S. and Russia during the September meeting with Kislyak. Ambassadors would often make superficial comments about election-related news, but those were not the substance of discussions, the department said. The revelation, reported earlier by the Washington Post, has raised fresh questions about which Trump associates had contacts with Russian government officials during the presidential campaign and what was discussed. It also intensified calls for Sessions to recuse himself from probes into Russian hacking in last year's campaign. "For any investigation going forward," you'd want Americans to "trust" findings and "it would be easier" if Sessions recuses himself, McCarthy told MSNBC Thursday. "You recuse yourself in these situations." Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, weighed in similarly during a CNN town hall Wednesday night. "I don't know that there's anything between the Trump campaign and the Russians. I'm not going to base my decision based on newspaper articles," Graham said. "If there is something there, and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump." Graham also said that if the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered any sign of potential criminal activities, a special prosecutor should be appointed to handle the matter. "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions -- a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump -- met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians," Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement. "This is not even a close call; it is a must." The White House official on Thursday accused Franken of pushing the story to distract from Trump's well-received address to a joint session of Congress earlier this week. Sessions is the second Trump administration official to face tough questions about his contact with Kislyak. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired by Trump after it was revealed he had not accurately portrayed the content of his conversations with the Russian envoy to other administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence. "It appears Attorney General Sessions may have perjured himself by falsely denying under oath that he had contact with the Russian government during the campaign," Democratic National Committee senior adviser Zac Petkanas said in a statement. "As these meetings must obviously be included as part of the FBI investigation, the Attorney General must recuse himself immediately and appoint a special prosecutor as he cannot be expected to investigate himself." The revelation that Sessions and Kislyak met came shortly after a report in the New York Times that the British and Dutch governments provided information to the U.S. government describing meetings between associates of Trump and Russian officials in European cities. The story also described a deliberate campaign by Obama administration political appointees to spread information about Russia's alleged attempts to interfere in the election, as well as revelations that American intelligence agencies intercepted communications discussing contacts with Trump associates. Eric Schultz, a spokesman for former President Barack Obama, confirmed that Obama administration officials had sought to document intelligence related to possible Russian interference in the campaign. "This situation was serious, as is evident by President Obama's call for a review -- and as is evident by the United States response," Schultz said in an email. "When the intelligence community does that type of comprehensive review, it is standard practice that a significant amount of information would be compiled and documented." Trump administration officials have repeatedly insisted that there was no collusion between the president's team and the Russian government. They've dismissed questions about the matter as misgivings by Democrats upset over the election results, and have said that intelligence officials -- including at the FBI -- have concluded there was no consistent contact during the campaign between Trump allies and the Kremlin. "I think that Russia's involvement in activity has been investigated up and down," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Monday. "So the question becomes at some point, if there's nothing to further investigate, what are you asking people to investigate?" Schiff said in a television interview Wednesday night that his panel would investigate allegations of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. "We have reached a written agreement, the minority and the majority in the House intelligence committee, that we will investigate allegations of Russian collusion with the Trump campaign," Schiff told MSNBC. The committee's Republican chairman, Devin Nunes of California, said Monday that he had not yet seen evidence of contact between Trump campaign staff and Russian intelligence agents presented by the U.S. intelligence community. --- Bloomberg's Margaret Talev contributed. sessions-bg Washington Post News Service (DC) 3/2/2017 8:00:19 AM Central Standard Time This arrangement will allow young Vietnamese people, aged between 18 and 30, to travel to Australia for one year and undertake short-term work and study. It will also allow young Australians to work and holiday in Vietnam. As many as 200 eligible Vietnamese applicants will be granted visas to Australia each year, and 200 Australians will similarly be able to enter Vietnam. Photo for illustration Im delighted to see this latest outcome in our bilateral cooperation. Young Vietnamese and Australian citizens now have the opportunity to apply for a unique cultural exchange experience. This will increase understanding between the peoples of our two countries, and contribute greatly to our economic, security and innovation partnerships, said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Craig Chittick. This visa will allow Vietnamese participants to engage in cultural exchange and tourism; stay in Australia for 12 months from their date of first arrival; work for the 12-month duration of their stay, but for no longer than six months with any one employer; and study for up to four months. Following this commencement, the work and holiday visa program will reopen on July 1st every year. Detailed information can be seen at the following web pages: * Australian Embassy Vietnam: www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au/hnoi/Visas_and_Migration.html * Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Australia: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/462 * Department of Labor under the Ministry of Labor, War-Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam: http://laodongkynghi.dolab.gov.vn./. This article was written by YEC member Zev Herman. He is the president of Superior Lighting, specializing in energy efficient lighting design and retrofits. There are two ways to come into owning a business: You either build a company from the ground up or you acquire a pre-existing company. Both options have pros and cons. For example, if you buy a business that is already established, you can potentially avoid many costs associated with starting from scratch. But either way, as a business owner, you can never escape the hiring process, especially if you want to grow. One of the best perks about owning your business is choosing who works for you -- your best friend from kindergarten or college could be the COO of your company if you really wanted him to be. But, when it comes to hiring new employees and deciding who gets to be a part of your companys journey and success, you must approach hiring with the bigger picture of your business in mind. Here's how you can achieve this: Related: How to Avoid Hiring a Psychopath What to do when you buy a business that already has employees I bought my business in 2008, when it was about 30 years old. It had loyal customers throughout South Florida and a few devoted employees, which made my goal for growing it a little bit easier. My plans involved expanding it by reaching larger markets and introducing new products -- and I needed a stellar team to help me do it. Acquiring a business with employees who are interested in staying on the payroll doesnt happen for every founder. But it can be a fortunate situation, especially if the employees know a lot about how the business works, what it sells and who it sells to. Don't let the bigger picture slip away: If you buy a pre-existing business and have employees who want to stay on board, then I recommend giving them an evaluation. I've learned that if you want your business to grow and consequently change, then any existing employees must be willing to grow and change with it. Therefore, after I first acquired my company, I re-interviewed its employees. I wanted to know how they might fit into the larger vision I had and how their skills and knowledge of the business and its products would come into play moving forward. When your employees share the passion you have for what you want your company to become, assimilating to new changes you bring shouldnt be too difficult. Related: 9 Questions to Ask Candidates' References What to look for when hiring new employees Whether you are hiring your very first employee or your business has over 100 employees, every person you bring on to your team contributes to its overall success. You want to hire people who can do the jobs you are hiring them to do, but sometimes there are more important qualities than experience and skill. To me, the best quality an employee can have is a learning attitude. I want to be surrounded by people who know what theyre doing, like what theyre doing and want to improve what they're doing. But I also realize that I can teach my employees a lot as long as they are willing to learn. Therefore, I encourage business owners to hire employees who want to learn and can bring a good attitude to the workplace. When you are conducting new hire interviews, just listen. Let the interviewees do most of the talking so you can accurately gauge who they are and how they might fit in with your business. Ask them questions about how theyve approached unfamiliar projects and new learning opportunities in the past. Related: 10 Steps to Hiring Your Start-up's World-Beating A-Team How to manage workers new and old The attitudes your employees bring to work goes hand-in-hand with your approach to leadership. Promote learning and open communication in the workplace by welcoming questions. Dont isolate yourself from your employees too much or you may not know when there are issues until its too late to resolve them. Furthermore, remember why you are looking to expand your companys team: You cant do it all yourself! Perhaps you need to hire someone who can do something youre not the best at. Maybe you dont enjoy accounting, or marketing is like a foreign language to you. Well, there are plenty of people out there who do like the tasks you dont, and you can hire them to join your team. When it comes to expanding your companys team and hiring and/or re-hiring employees, it all comes down to this one question: Can they do the job? Have a clear idea of what positions you are looking to fill, and understand what tasks need to be done and the skills required to do them. Only the best fits -- for both the job itself as well as the business -- will enable you to achieve your visions. Related: Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The Greek amphitheater soon on its way to Sarah Lawrence College is incredible, designed by architect Horton ONeil, the son of David ONeil and brother to actress Barbara ONeil, who played the mother of Scarlet OHara in Gone with the Wind. The trip to Sarah Lawrence College is being made thanks to the help of a college alumna who will assist in the moving of the unusual and amazing piece of work. This move is necessary because the amphitheater, which is on the property of David ONeil in the backcountry of Cos Cob, has been sold. The buyer wants to develop the land. It was called the ONeil Outdoor Theater on Lia Fail Way, the street named after the Lia Fail, the ancient Irish coronation stone on which the Irish kings were crowned. It was a wonderful place with beautiful white oaks, gum trees and laurels that framed the amphitheater. According to the college, it was one of a kind in terms of its historical and architectural qualities. Losing it would have been heart breaking. It is also a loss to Greenwich of its history, just as losing so many older houses has been. I never thought that this would happen to that beautiful amphitheater, but isnt it wonderful that there are people who hold such things to be invaluable? So we thank the school and the family of David ONeil. Im sure all those in Cos Cob and all of Greenwich will miss this extraordinary piece of work. - One of my favorite days is the yearly re-creation of ride of General Israel Putnam, who was commanding a small number of Continental army soldiers on Feb. 26, 1779, when he escaped the British by riding down a steep slope in Greenwich. At the event this year, visitors were greeted by Dave Loda astride a brown horse outside Putnam Cottage. Loda is a member of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment, a statewide group of Revolutionary War re-enactors. The event, with crafts and demonstrations, is put on by the Daughters of the American Revolution. A highlight this year was a talk by Robert Earnest Hubbard, the author of a biography of Putnams life. What a wonderful thing, said Linda Talbarios, regent for the Putnam Hill DAR chapter. I have long enjoyed seeing the Putnam Cottage, which is a beautiful example of that time and place, thanks to the DAR who purchased the building in 1902. I joined my friend who is a direct descendant of the general. A cannon was fired during the reenactment of the ride, as well as the usual tours of Putnam Cottage, which is the second oldest house in Greenwich. It is a day where the history of our town as well as our country is remembered. A patriotic scene, such as this, perhaps will remind some of us of our background, whether it be for our town, as mentioned, or for our country. I think of this given the recent destruction of a historical house and of the fact that the amphitheater at Lia Fail Way has been moved. Greenwich is getting to be known as a tear-down town, which is something that bothers me no end. However, I have learned that work is being done at the Historical Society with people who are mindful of the happenings in our town. Hopefully this will stop the fact that so much of our history has been destroyed. The following excerpt is from the Staff of Entrepreneur Media's book Start Your Own Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes If a franchise sounds too restrictive for you but the idea of coming up with your own business idea, systems and procedures sounds intimidating, there is a middle ground: business opportunities. A business opportunity, in the simplest terms, is a packaged business investment that allows the buyer to begin a business. (Technically, all franchises are business opportunities, but not all business opportunities are franchises.) Related: How to Start a Business With (Almost) No Money Unlike a franchise, however, the business opportunity seller typically exercises no control over the buyers business operations. In fact, in most business opportunity programs, there is no continuing relationship between the seller and the buyer after the sale is made. Although business opportunities offer less support than franchises, this could be an advantage for you if you thrive on freedom. Typically, you will not be obligated to follow the strict specifications and detailed program that franchisees must follow. With most business opportunities, you would simply buy a set of equipment or materials, and then you can operate the business any way and under any name you want. There are no ongoing royalties in most cases, and no trademark rights are sold. However, this same lack of long-term commitment is also a business opportunitys chief disadvantage. Because there is no continuing relationship, the world of business opportunities does have its share of con artists who promise buyers instant success, then take their money and run. While increased regulation of business opportunities has dramatically lessened the likelihood of rip-offs, it is still important to investigate an opportunity thoroughly before you invest any money. Legal matters In general, a business opportunity refers to one of a number of ways to get into business. These include the following: Dealers/distributors are individuals or businesses that purchase the right to sell ABC Corp.s products but not the right to use ABCs trade name. For example, an authorized dealer of Minolta products might have a Minolta sign in his window, but he cant call his business Minolta. Often, the words dealers and distributors are used interchangeably, but there is a difference: A distributor may sell to several dealers, while a dealer usually sells direct to retailers or consumers. Licensees have the right to use the sellers trade name and certain methods, equipment, technology or product lines. If Business Opportunity XYZ has a special technique for reglazing porcelain, for instance, it will teach you the method and sell you the supplies and machinery needed to open your own business. You can call your business XYZ, but you are an independent licensee. Vending machines are provided by the seller, who may also help you find locations for them. You restock your own machines and collect the money. Cooperatives allow an existing business to affiliate with a network of similar businesses, usually for advertising and promotional purposes. Network marketing/direct sales programs feature a low upfront investment -- usually only a few hundred dollars for the purchase of a product sample kit -- and the opportunity to sell a product line directly to friends, family and other personal contacts. Most direct-selling programs also ask participants to recruit other sales representatives. These recruits constitute a reps downline, and their sales generate income for those above them in the program. Things get sticky when a direct sales network compensates participants primarily for recruiting others rather than for selling the companys products or services. A direct-selling system in which most of the revenues come from recruitment may be considered an illegal pyramid scheme. Thats why its important to investigate carefully before investing any money. Related: How to Find the Right Business Idea When Starting a Business The FTCs revised Business Opportunity Rule defines a business opportunity as a commercial arrangement in which: A seller solicits a prospective purchaser to enter into a new business; and The prospective purchaser makes a required payment; and The seller, expressly or by implication, orally or in writing, represents that the seller or one or more designated persons will: Provide locations for the user or operation of equipment, displays, vending machines or similar devices, owned, leased, controlled or paid for by the purchaser; or Provide outlets, accounts or customers, including, but not limited to, internet outlets, accounts or customers, for the purchasers goods or services; or Buy back any or all of the goods or services that the purchaser makes, produces, fabricates, grows, breeds, modifies or provides, including but not limited to providing payment for such services as, for example, stuffing envelopes from the purchasers home. If an opportunity meets this definition, the FTC requires that it provide a one-page disclosure document to prospective buyers, which includes information on legal actions, cancellation or refund policies, earning claims and the contact information of other people who have purchased the business opportunity. There are also 26 states that regulate business opportunities: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Different states have different definitions of what constitutes a business opportunity. If a seller meets the definition of a business opportunity in states that regulate them, it generally means he or she must register the offering with the state authorities and deliver a disclosure document to prospective buyers at least ten business days before the sale is made. (For more information on states regulations, check with consumer protection agencies -- often a part of the attorney generals office -- in your state.) Checking it out Researching a business opportunity is a more challenging task than investigating a franchise. And if the business opportunity you are considering does not provide buyers with a disclosure document, you get a lot less information, so you have to do a lot more legwork on your own. Whenever possible, follow the same steps you would for investigating a franchise. Check out Entrepreneur.coms business opportunities listing (www.entrepreneur.com/bizopportunities/index.html). Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been complaints against the company, and if the company is registered with D&B, a financial report will give you details on its financial standing and other information. Also check with the regulatory agency -- either the Commission of Securities or the Commission of Financial Institutions -- in the state where the business opportunity has its headquarters. This will tell you if the company is complying with all state regulations. If you discover the company or its principals have been involved in lawsuits or bankruptcies, try to find out more details. Did the suits involve fraud or violations of regulatory laws? A copy of the petition or judgment, which you can get from the court that handled the case, will give you the answers to these questions. Finally, see if the business opportunity seller will provide you with a list of people who have purchased the opportunity in the past. Dont let the seller give you a few handpicked names; ask for a full list of buyers in your state. Try to track them down, and talk to as many as you can. Were they satisfied with the opportunity? Would they recommend it to friends? Related: Need a Business Idea? Here are 55 The path to buying a business opportunity is not as clearly defined as the road leading to franchise ownership. The good news, however, is that you have more freedom to make your business opportunity work. More so than with a franchise, the success or failure of your business opportunity depends on you, your commitment to the venture and the level of effort you put into it. Put that same effort into finding the right business opportunity program, and your chances of success increase exponentially. Related: What To Consider When Researching a Business Opportunity The Clever Strategy That Turned an Unknown Book Into a Bestseller 5 Tips to Initiate Business in Adventure Sports In India Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Pirelli's wet weather tyres are a work in progress, with a revised compound set to be introduced in China, according to motorsport boss Paul Hembery. As the official tyre supplier to F1, one of Pirelli's mandates this year has been to improve the quality of its wet rubber, while also managing a change in tyre structure and width on the back of F1's 2017 rule change. Drivers have confirmed an improvement in the wet tyre's performance and quality, but Pirelli is still determined to work on further improvements. "We have to change the working range of the compounds," said Hembery. "We were going to do that on the full rain tyre anyway. It was something we had been working on, particularly knowing we have got the standing start [after safety cars]. "Plus some of the comments from last season were that the drivers can't switch them on when they come through. We have been working on that and what we saw today was that the intermediate was also struggling. "That is an effect of the width of the tyre, because the inter was the one the drivers said, 'don't touch, don't change because we're very happy with it'. "Now we know we probably need to alter as well to match it." Hembery was hopeful to have a revised wet tyre in time for the China Grand Prix in early April. "I believe we will have something ready for China in terms of the first compound change here, and what we have been developing will go to the final result as something we can introduce." GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH Police have been stepping up traffic enforcement at Greenwich High School and its main entrance on Hillside Road where a crush of cars containing impatient teenagers and parents has been causing safety concerns. Police were out in force on Wednesday and Thursday, issuing warnings and writing tickets. Lt. John Slusarz, a police spokesman, said numerous tickets were given out by four officers assigned to traffic enforcement Thursday morning. They were writing as fast as they could, said Slusarz. The stepped-up enforcement was brought about when authorities felt that too many traffic infractions were going on during the morning drop-off period, when hundreds of cars are heading to the high school. The ticketing was timed to coincide with the end of winter break and the return of classes this week. The police lieutenant said that officers were specifically looking to end or curtail the practice of drivers who stop on the east side of Hillside to discharge a passenger, who typically scurries across the road against oncoming vehicles to get to the school. This is inherently dangerous. Theyre crossing, mid-block, between traffic, the lieutenant said. Cops were also giving out tickets to drivers pulling U-turns, often with poor sight distance when doing so. Tickets were also given out for drivers seen texting or speaking on cell-phones. In some cases, the lieutenant said, infractions took place directly in front of officers on the street. The potential for conflicts between pedestrians and cars has been growing through the years, according to authorities. More students are being driven to the school, as opposed to walking, biking or busing. And the residential side street on which the school was built was never intended to receive hundreds of motorists a day. There is no place for cars driving down Hillside to easily turn around. On a typical day, one police officer is assigned to the high school to assist with bus traffic. School security officers are also present, but their enforcement powers over motorists are limited. The police department notes that motorists can drop off passengers headed for the school at the nearby bus stops on Putnam Avenue, as long as they dont linger or interfere with buses. The police spokesman said there would be more enforcement measures coming up this month, without revealing specifics. Were enforcing the law, and the message is: we want to keep our kids safe, the lieutenant said. No major accidents involving pedestrians have taken place on Hillside Road in recent memory. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com Things have taken a turn south for the popular restaurant. Photo: Tirzah Brott Hip East Village Indian restaurant Babu Ji will apparently close, Eaters Ryan Sutton reports, following its second wage-theft and overtime lawsuit in just two years. When the Australian import opened in 2015, it was met with significant buzz New Yorks Adam Platt called it one of the citys best new restaurants that year and lengthy lines usually reserved for stunt pastries and milkshakes. A receptionist at the restaurant, which isnt taking reservations past March 8, initially told Eater the restaurant would close for renovations. During a second call, they were referred to the owners, who did not respond to requests for comments. Last July, two employees filed a lawsuit against owners Jessi and Jennifer Singh, accusing them of pocketing tips and not paying overtime. It was settled for $95,000 in October, though the Singhs didnt admit to any wrongdoing. That lawsuit was filed by one Maimon Kirschenbaum, the most feared man in New York restaurants this side of the Department of Health. Along with Babu Jis owners, hes successfully sued celebrity chefs and restaurateurs like Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud, and Keith McNally. Kirschenbaum has also been open about his media-friendly legal strategy, and the lawsuit this time around includes some fiery allegations. According to the lawsuit, threats were made by Jessi against one employees family in India (you know that in India a man paid $100,000 rupees to have someones family killed), and against the employees themselves (Im going to fuck you up). This is, legally speaking, a more serious case than the last, as such threats violate state labor law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The Singhs denied the allegations in a November filing, the same month they opened another Babu Ji in San Francisco, and the suit will be tried by jury. Up until now, Gmail only allowed you to send and receive attachments of up to 25MB. That, however, has changed now, as the size limit for incoming emails has been increased. "Starting today, you will be able to receive emails of up to 50MB directly," Google said in a blog post. So, this means that Google's email service will now allow attachments of up to 50MB in emails coming from users subscribed to a non-Gmail email service. Size limit for outgoing mails, however, remain the same at 25MB. "However, just as before, you can use Google Drive to send larger attachments," the company says. Drive supports files of up to 5TB in size. Source Sony has pushed out a new update to Xperia X units that are part of the Japanese company's Concept for Android program. Arriving as build number 38.3.1.A.0.32C, the update brings several changes, including last month's security patch. The update brings support for LDAC, a new Camera version, and some performance improvements. Also included is a new Glove Mode that lets you use your phone while wearing gloves. And finally, Android security fixes for the month of February are also there. What's worth mentioning here is that the VoLTE feature has been disabled in this update due to some issue with German operators, but it's a temporary change. Via Introduction We keep hearing "these aren't real Nokias!" in reference to the Android-running trio. To that we'd like to say: that's not entirely true and it doesn't entirely matter either. Yes, technically, these are HMD phones wearing the Nokia brand. And, yes, they will be manufactured by Foxconn in India. But here's the thing - each of the three feels as solid as True Nokia's Lumia phones did, the build quality has not gone down one iota. The Nokia 6 looks as beautiful as any flagship at the MWC (even though it isn't one itself), the Nokia 5 and 3 outshine many phones in their category. Plus, HMD is helmed by Arto Nummela - a former senior Nokia exec who joined the company in 1994. President of HMD is Florian Seiche, who has worked at Siemens, Orange, HTC and then Nokia. Many more former Nokia execs hold the top positions at HMD. That feels like Nokia enough to us. So let the phones speak for themselves, regardless of who makes them. After all, iPhones are also made by Foxconn, but the bit that people care about is that "Designed in California" label at the back. Well, this trio bears all the hallmarks of the beloved Finnish design we used to love until the company jumped off a burning platform. We think this time Nokia/HMD picked the right partner - Google. Microsoft wasn't ready in time, meanwhile Google has brought Android to a dominant 80% market share around the world. Stephen Elop was proven wrong - customizability did not prove to be Android's downfall. All the same, the new Nokias run a completely untouched version of the OS. HMD also committed to "automatic" updates very soon after Google releases a patch. The Nexus dream lives on, it's just that the pure, quality, affordable Androids now brandish the Nokia logo. We already shared our first impressions of the Nokia Android trio, now we're going in for second looks. The GSMA is a pan-European organization that hosts the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and as part of the MWC they also hold annual Global Mobile Awards or GloMo awarding the best tech companies in various categories. In 2017 they awarded statuettes to over 40 winners. We already told you that Samsung nabbed the Best Smartphone of 2016 prize, but now we learn that Sony has won the Best new smartphone award for their latest Xperia XZ Premium. Sony unveiled four new devices at MWC 2017 - the Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZs, Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra. The first of them is the current flagship with its 5.46 display with a 4K display, stunning Snapdragon 835 CPU and an updated 19 MP camera with 1/2.3 sensor size and Motion Eye technology for slow-mo videos in 960 fps. The phone has a luminous chromium body and looked the most dazzling on the showroom floor. Tsutomu Sato, Director of Global Product Marketing at Sony Mobile, with the GSMA award Other winners include Amazon with its Amazon Echo with Disruptive Device Innovation award, Niantic won Judges Choice Mobile App for Pokemon, and the partnership between Reliance Jio and Samsung we told you about snatched Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets, among others. Source Haiti - FLASH : 30,000 Haitian migrants on the Mexican border targeted by scammers Ariadna Estevez, a researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), who visited of refugees in Tijuana, Baja California, says that the majority of people trying to enter the United States today are of Haitian origin. Estevez recalled that the Haitians began arriving in Tijuana in May 2016 and less than a year later, estimated that they are about 30,000, stranded at the border. Many had fled to Brazil after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, but due to the economic crisis in Brazil, they are now trying to reach the United States. Estevez warns the Haitians on a flyer in circulation that has attracted her attention. This flyer with the logo of a company called "Clearport" shows photos of people wearing Canadian flags, with the title "If you speak French, we have an option for you [...]" and explains "[...] If you want to find a job in Canada, give us a call or send your CV [...] Travel costs are paid by the company." Estevez has done research on this company that seems not to exist. She says that some refugees are convinced that this company is affiliated with the Canadian government, but the Canadian Embassy in Mexico after verification confirms that this is not the case. The researcher believes that this leaflet is linked to networks of traffickers of people who illegally drive desperate migrants to the United States or Canada. She warns that these migrants with virtually no money will have to pay back very large sums of money demanded by these gangs, working in prostitution or other forms of slavery as illegal. According to the researcher, it is logical that these gangs consider Canada an option for Haitians because the United States is likely to expel them to Haiti if they seek asylum. She recalled that Haitians who had arrived in the United States were already likely to be deported before the new US President Donald Trump took office, but since, According to the researcher, it is logical that these gangs consider Canada an option for Haitians because the United States is likely to expel them to Haiti if they seek asylum. She recalled that Haitians who had arrived in the United States were already likely to be deported before the new US President Donald Trump took office, but since then, they are even less likely to be accepted as refugees. Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol show the number "inadmissible" Haitians arriving at the San Diego-area border crossing rose from 333 in 2015 to 6,377 in 2016. In the first several weeks of 2017, there have already been 7,589 "inadmissible" Haitians who have arrived at that U.S. border crossing. In Tijuana, information is spreading that Haitians can be deported if they try to seek asylum in the US, prompting them to turn to human smugglers and traffickers by taking unacceptable risks . Meanwhile, thousands of Haitians are stranded in overcrowded shelters and rare are those who can find work in Mexico more that one day on construction sites or as domestic servants, often for less than US $1 per hour... See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19691-haiti-mexicoto-tijuana-of-haitians-celebrates-the-independence-of-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19478-haiti-flash-thousands-of-haitians-seek-refuge-in-mexico.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18704-haiti-flash-tens-of-thousands-of-haitians-en-route-to-usa.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18700-haiti-flash-usa-resumption-of-regular-deportations-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18659-haiti-flash-haitians-are-fleeing-in-large-numbers-brazil-for-usa.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politics : President Moise welcomes the success of the 2017 National Carnival Wednesday, President Jovenel Moise welcomed the efforts made by the organizers for the success of the National Carnival. He particularly congratulated the people of Les Cayes for his hospitality during the three fat days that took place in a festive atmosphere. 23 queens and 18 kings marched on allegorical floats. Several dozen disguised groups and walking bands, and some twenty musical floats have animated the city of Les Cayes during National Carnival 2017. The delay of the first day prevented groups from completing the course. The second fat day touched perfectly, the disguised bands were able to come out earlier and offer a much better performance. All tanks completed the course. The Head of State underlines "The prevention system has worked well [...] the Red Cross and health care teams have done a good job. In terms of security, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) has done an outstanding job. A mobilization strongly felt at all levels, on the route and in the other streets of the city, facilitating the movement of carnavaliers in the city. This made it possible to record no death on the course during the three fat days" "[note HL --- 81 victims including 24 wounded with white arms and 62 arrests...] Adding "State spending has been mobilized during these festivities in sustainable development projects, which can mitigate the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew." Note that the Nippes and Grand'Anse departments participated in the Carnival parade as a sign of solidarity as Jovenel Moise wished. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Security : A bodyguard of the deputy Wanique Pierre shot down Tuesday evening, Gerald Kebreau a bodyguard of the close security of Senator Wanique Pierre (PHTK) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19427-haiti-flash-results-of-elections-1-3-senate-complementary-legislative.html was shot down by several bullets at the head, in the commune of Trou du Nord during the carnival activities of the third fat day. A rumor spread quickly pointing a finger at a police officer who was allegedly involved in the assassination. On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, around 1 am unidentified individuals, set fire to the residence of the said officer... these same individuals it seem, later attacked a company belonging to the Deputy Donald Dorsainvil (VERITE Constituency of Trou du Nord/Caracol) that they also burned, without knowing the exact reasons for their action, which could be of a political nature. The authorities so far have made no official statement about these events, nor about the alleged identity of the killer, beyond the popular rumors... TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... National carnival, 81 wounded and 82 arrests According to unofficial information circulating in Les Cayes, more than a hundred people were injured during the 3 fat days of the National Carnival. However, according to the record of the authorities, during these three days, 81 people were wounded, 24 of them with weapons and the police made 82 arrests for misdemeanors. No loss of life has been reported https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20240-haiti-politics-president-moise-welcomes-the-success-of-the-2017-national-carnival.html Jude Celestin : fake Facebook page The Bureau of Jude Celestin strongly denounces the Facebook page entitled "Jude Celestin le a rive". The Bureau says that unknowns are hidden behind this page to offer false opportunities to young people on social networks. "No message from this page binds citizen Jude Celestin" the bureau asked these individuals "to stop this campaign of denigration in order not to incur penalties provided by the Haitian justice." 28 Haitians underage arrested for consumption of marihuana As part of his campaign of morality, Danton Leger, Government Commissioner, Chief of the Public Prosecutor's office in Port-au-Prince, announced that 28 minors had been arrested for consumption of marihuana. They will be sent before their judge, Commissioner Leger announced. New Ambassador of Chile in Haiti The Chilean Government, through Chancellor Heraldo Munoz, informed that Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has appointed a new Ambassador to Haiti. This is Patricio Utreras, who has already received the approval of Haiti, a geographer at the University of Chile, graduated from the Diplomatic Academy "Andres Bello". Prior to his appointment to Haiti, Patricio Utreras served as Minister Counselor and Head of the Chancery at the Embassy of Chile in the United States. Donation of 600 tons of rice from Taiwan The Government of Taiwan (Republic of China) has donated 600 metric tons of rice to the NGO "Food for the Poor" Haiti. Bishop Roger Beauvoir, the head of the NGO, thanked the Taiwanese State through its diplomat for this humanitarian aid and cooperation that has been going on since already 7 years. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2017/03/02 | Source Hyolyn of K-pop girl group Sistar has signed with Spinnin' Records, one of the world's leading record labels in electronic dance music, her agency announced on Monday. Advertisement "Hyolyn became the first Asian to sign with the label, and will release a collaboration single with Korean-Canadian DJ and producer Justin Oh in March", the agency said Based in the Netherlands, a major scene for EDM, Spinnin' Records has had many world-famous musicians under its belt including Martin Garrix, Hardwell and Tiesto. 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 New Study Details Driving Forces of Hawaii's Unfunded Liability Crisis Unsustainable government salaries and pensions are worsening the crisis News Release from Grassroot Institute HONOLULU, HAWAII--March 1, 2017--A new study released by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii details salaries and benefits for government and private sector workers in the state of Hawaii. The study shows that unsustainably high government salaries and benefits may be putting Hawaii's pension fund in danger. According to Dr. Keli'i Akina, President/CEO of the Grassroot Institute, "Hawaii's unfunded liability crisis has topped $23 billion for pensions and health benefits for public retirees. Salary hikes and pension spikes have worsened the debt, which is beginning to devour the state budget." Dr. Akina continued, "The growing debt is already leading to cuts in services for public safety, education, homelessness relief efforts, and many other important government programs. It also has the very real possibility of jeopardizing the retirement benefits of public sector workers. "The pension system in Hawaii is crumbling. While public workers deserve competitive salaries and benefits, the current system of raising taxes to afford it is unsustainable. Hawaii's citizens are struggling, and our leaders need to work together to fix the problem immediately without pushing the burden onto taxpayers or future generations." The report shows that: County workers in the state of Hawaii make among the highest wages in the nation, adjusted for cost of living. Government benefits in Hawaii have grown five times faster than benefits in the private sector. Unfunded liabilities for local government benefits have grown to the highest point in history at $23 billion. Taxpayers pay 76 percent of the bill for government pension and health benefits for retirees, despite Hawaii state and county workers comprising only 15 percent of the total workforce. Hawaii's government is now growing faster than the private sector. Police and fire workers make the highest wages among all county departments, averaging over $75,000 per year, not including benefits. Keep in mind that overtime can double these numbers. Private sector median wages are only $38,750 per year. Increased payment for pension debt may cost taxpayers an extra $336 million every year, devouring state and local budgets. The full report can be found at: LINK ---30--- About the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii: The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market, and limited, accountable government throughout Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region. To learn more, visit About Grassroot President: Kelii Akina, Ph.D., is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader in Hawaii. Currently, he is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy think tank dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets and limited, accountable government. An expert in East-West Philosophy and ethics, Dr. Akina has taught at universities in China and the United States and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawaii Pacific University. In 2016, Dr. Akina was elected to a four-year term as Trustee-at-Large of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. This means that CEOs could face a delicate balancing act ahead. Its the role of business leaders to protect and nurture the employee-employer relationship throughout this turbulent time, without it, organisations will struggle to find and keep the people they need, Williams added. The challenge for CEOs is to show that in the technological age, humans are their priority. Only 16% of CEOs said they plan to cut their firms headcount over the next 12 months. But only a quarter of that number said this was because of technology. The report said computers far outstrip humans when it comes to analysing vast quantities of raw data, for example. But they lack the intuition, empathy and creativity required to make sense of that data. The intersection between man and machine can generate more value for business than either alone. It can also make many jobs more interesting and more purposeful. Are you looking for ways to lose weight and achieve your weight-loss goals? One way is by changing (Reuters) Hedge fund giant Citadel on Wednesday became the latest U.S. investment firm to join the Hedge Fund Standards Board, the industrys global standard-setting body said in a newsletter. The London-based group said hedge fund managers Citadel plus Bermuda-based Hiscox Re Insurance Linked Strategies Ltd and Hong Kong-based Myriad Asset Management Ltd have joined as signatories. U.S.-based pension fund Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System, which invests in hedge funds, joined as an investor, the newsletter said. To read the entire article, click here. Times are changing. By 2030, one quarter of the capital areas inhabitants will be of foreign origin. Many of these new citizens are highly educated and their professional skills need to be fully utilized in society. Immigration should be seen as a great resource, being something that will bring new talent and creativity to Finland. Election Talk gives candidates running in the municipal elections a chance to discuss their views on the increasingly international aspect of Finnish society, as well as how this will affect their work if they are elected. Voting will take place on 9 April 2017, with advance voting between 29 March and 4 April. At the same time, the nation is becoming more and more polarized. The vast majority of immigrants will settle in the capital area, which means that its vitally important that our new citizens take part in decisions concerning themselves. They need to actively influence and help build our society. Immigration will be a challenge for many professions. Teachers may find themselves with pupils with up to 15 different nationalities and an assortment of cultural backgrounds. It is vitally important that we get people from these different backgrounds working in a wide variety of professions kindergarten teachers, social workers, firefighters, police officers and ecclesiastical workers. There are also many entrepreneurs moving to Finland, and we warmly welcome their entrepreneurial spirit. 90% of immigrants choose to come to Finland because of work or family. Usually only 10% are asylum seekers. 2015 was an exception, when there was a boom of 33,000. The Christian Democrats think that aid should be given to those who need it most. We believe that the quota system should be strengthened for asylum seekers. Refugee crises should also be prevented or at least mitigated through the processes of development, international politics and crisis aid. Did you know that in Heaven they only speak Finnish? The reason why is because it takes an eternity to learn! That worn-out saying is so true, but we are still wasting a lot of great talent and skills by not allowing people to learn the language while working. My party and I believe that work is the best form of integration. I always encourage new residents to influence the city they are living in for the better, for in its welfare they will have welfare. Be active, get connected, influence people, use your vote, take part in politics and integrate yourself in Finland. Just take a leaf from the book of our non-native candidates. We at the Espoo Christian Democrats had a target for 10% of our municipal election candidates to be non-Finnish natives, which were pleased to say we have exceeded it is now 16%! Kristiina Drotar is a candidate for Espoo in the Finnish municipal elections 2017. She is a chair of the Espoo Christian Democrats and has been a member of the Espoo Multicultural Board since 2012. Kristiina has been an assistant to Member of Parliament Antero Laukkanen since 2015 and has 30 years experience in the leadership of small and medium-sized businesses. Statistics Finland unveiled its preliminary data on last year's economic growth on Wednesday, reporting that Finland's gross domestic product grew by 1.6 per cent year-on-year in 2016. In 2011, by contrast, the country's gross domestic product grew by 2.9 per cent from the previous year. Finland has experienced its first year of noteworthy economic growth since 2011, despite the continuing struggles of export-oriented industries. Last years growth was driven largely by what may be obvious to many residents of the capital region and other large urban areas: the construction of residential buildings and shopping centres has been on a marked up-tick in areas growing as a result of migration from the countryside and abroad. Investments, especially in housing construction, gave the national economy a 1.1 per cent boost in 2016, said Samu Hakala, a senior statistician at Statistics Finland. Private consumption, he added, provided a comparable boost to the economy following an increase in the sum of wages and salaries. Business services, such as accounting and consulting services, similarly grew substantially, heralding an increase in business activities. The recovery of traditional export activities, on the other hand, continued to stall, according to the preliminary data. The value generated by the chemical, forest and metals industry increased by 5.0, 5.7 and 2.0 per cent, respectively while that generated by the electrical and electronics industry decreased by 9.3 per cent year-on-year in 2016. Statistics Finland was on Wednesday not prepared to attribute the decline in the value generated by the electrical and electronics industry to any particular development. But how did the country fare compared to other countries? Sweden, which is also undergoing a housing construction boom, saw its gross domestic product grew at twice the rate of Finland. Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, on the other hand, reported growth rates roughly equivalent to that of Finland. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Markku Ulander Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi DRY-humping doggy-style? I know I never saw that stage direction in The Winters Tale when I did it for A-level. But it makes absolute sense especially in this uncompromising production. That scene, not the only sexual simulation in the play, comes quite early and is the ferocious imagining of an emotional king convinced his wife has cuckolded him. Normally The Winters Tale relies upon the spoken word to imply the action. But this is the daring production company Cheek By Jowl and they dont take any prisoners. They are faithful to the text of this late Shakespeare play, but within that they pick and tear at the words to rough up the landscape and make it more challenging. Its a rewarding experience, if dark. This is a study in the blackest and most violent of emotions: jealousy and lust. King of Sicilia, Leontes, is a loving man who invests himself in his wife Hermione, friends and son. But he is quick to suspect infidelity when Hermione seems over-warm to his brother, King Polixenes of Bohemia. Leontes has been bounding about the stage with arms around everyone, a gushing tap of uncontrolled love. Then he switches, almost instantly. The love becomes hate and jealousy, the mood bleakens and we see his imaginings projected back on to the stage. His treatment of his pregnant wife is unforgivable at one stage he kicks her in the abdomen, causing a premature birth and her apparent death. Really there are very few laughs to be had in the first act of this play, but as a look at the way reason can be so easily overpowered by rage and irrationality its riveting. The man is a tyrant, a king and powerful enough to order the burning of his own newborn but thats averted as members of the court conspire to take her away. Come act two, its 16 years later and we are in Bohemia where all is sunny, bright and colourful. The abandoned daughter has fetched up here and is the adopted daughter of a shepherd. Its festival time and the daughter, named Perdita, is a young woman about to taste the juiciest of the fruits of life. This Perdita is not the sweet innocent we might come to expect. She is poised, confident, and has a mature voice which belies her years. She gives the impression of knowing what the juicy fruits are and that shes already picked some of the leaves surrounding them. So its party time and the Bard always enjoyed a joke whilst delving into the nature of existence, so we are treated to a Jeremy Kyle-style show for a short while. The thief, Autolycus, sings and acts as host and theres a sense of licentiousness about the place. Shakespeare was careful in his late plays not to use his own Catholic god as a supernatural force instead he called upon old Greek gods, fairies and sprites so that no blasphemy could be inferred he lived in dangerous times. If this all seems weird, it is but no weirder than X-Men or The Avengers. But the Bard still looks for redemption and we see Perdita, her beau Florizel and Polixenes brought face to face with the now-repentant tyrant Leontes and his wife Hermione miraculously restored to life. To be honest this is a loose plot and it all gets a bit uncertain at this point, but Cheek By Jowl make the best of it and create a doubt that Hermione was ever dead in the first place. This is a thoroughly absorbing two and a half hours with one of the countrys most celebrated companies giving a dynamic and demanding interpretation. If you can get a ticket and they are like gold dust this week then youd be crazy to miss it. Until Saturday. Mike Rowbottom Sisters Sarah Pender, who has CF, and Maeve (9) at the Orkambi protest at Leinster House Health Minister Simon Harris has defended asking cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers, who are campaigning for access to the life-changing drug Orkambi, to cancel yesterday's protest outside Leinster House. The minister made the request to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland chief Philip Watt and Jillian McNulty, who suffers from the condition, at a hastily convened meeting on Monday evening. He said yesterday that he "asked for space for important commercial and contractual aspects of the current offer to be agreed on the basis that the process can be concluded in a period of weeks". Mr Harris had set up the private meeting to provide an update on progress in talks to agree a new price for the 'miracle' drug, which was deemed too costly at 159,000 per patient per year. Ms McNulty, who believed she was being summoned to hear that a deal had been struck, described her shock when Mr Harris asked them not to go ahead with the protest, which attracted a large turnout. She said the minister was wrong to make the request. "It isn't up to a minister to ask for a protest to be cancelled," she said. Mr Harris said he hoped to conclude a deal with Vertex, the makers of the drug, "very shortly". It is likely that Cabinet approval may have to be sought to fund the drug, as well as extending another drug, Kalydeco, to younger children. The HSE executive is expected to say it cannot afford to make the drugs available out of its own funds. Vertex is believed to have presented the HSE with a package that would include the two existing drugs as well as access to another medicine, VX-661, which is in the third stage of trials. It looks set to lead to major health benefits for CF sufferers with a specific gene mutation. A spokeswoman for Vertex said yesterday that it submitted a new proposal in January and all outstanding questions were answered by the end of the month. "Since then we have not heard back from the HSE," she said. Advantage The minister said yesterday that "at every stage in the process so far, Vertex has taken every opportunity to gain advantage by exploiting the genuine suffering of cystic fibrosis patients". Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was among the TDs who attended the protest. Others included fellow Fianna Fail deputies Jack Chambers and Marc McSharry. The demonstration heard several testimonies from the relatives of CF sufferers who died in their teens and early 20s. Among them was Ashling Golden, who lost her sister Grainne (21) to the disease a year ago. A postman has been awarded 103,000 against a dog owner after he was attacked by a German Shepherd outside a house while delivering mail. James McCreary was left with scars on his leg when he was "savagely attacked" by the fully grown dog, Mr Justice Kevin Cross said in making the High Court award. Mr McCreary, who has been a postman for 30 years, was knocked to the ground and screamed for his life, the court heard. He was saved by the prompt action of the owner's son, who pulled the dog off him. Mr Justice Cross said it was a "significant case where the postman was entitled to significant damages". Mr McCreary (53), of Wood Dale Road, Rush, Co Dublin, had sued the dog owner, Sheelagh Morris, of Mill Road, St Margarets, Co Dublin, over the incident as he delivered post to the Morris home on October 31, 2014. Liability was admitted and the case was before the court for assessment of damages only. Opening the case, Richard Kean, for Mr McCreary, said his client thought he was going to be killed in the ferocious attack and was left in excruciating pain afterwards. Infected He was left with three lacerations to his right leg, which later became infected. Counsel said the postman, who was off work for three-and-a-half months, also suffered severe post-traumatic stress. Mr Kean said that, on a previous occasion, the dog had frothed at the mouth and barked at the postman as he delivered mail to an outside box. This incident had been mentioned to the owner. The court heard the German Shepherd was put down after the attack. Mr McCreary told the court the gate was open when he pulled up at the Morris home. He went to get the post from the back of the van when the dog charged at him, latching on to his leg. "I was screaming 'help, help, help'. I thought this was it," he said. "I was kicking at the dog. I hit him on the snout but I was not going to get away from this dog. "I thought it might have lasted three minutes but it was probably 30 seconds." He said the son of the owner dragged the dog off him and he pulled himself on his knees to his post van. "I was a wreck. It scared the life out of me. It is a cliche to say a dog attacks a postman but this was no joke," he said. After the hearing, Mr McCreary's solicitor, Dermot McNamara, said his client was relieved following the case. "Postal workers cannot defend themselves against dogs who attack, however many precautions they take," he said. Mr Jahiri attacked Anna Finnegan and her brother Karl in her home, the court heard Picture: Collins A father-of-two stabbed the mother of his children to death after he "battered" down her front door and attacked her and her brother in the kitchen, it has been alleged. Vesel Jahiri (35) fatally injured his ex-partner Anna Finnegan (25) at her home in west Dublin after their 10-year relationship turned sour, a prosecution lawyer said. Patrick Marrinan told the Central Criminal Court that, while Mr Jahiri immediately drove Ms Finnegan to hospital after she collapsed on the street outside, that did not "absolve him from responsibility for causing her death". The accused, a mechanic, of Louth Village, Dundalk, denies murdering Ms Finnegan at her home at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla, Co Dublin, on September 21, 2012. He also denies assaulting her brother, Karl Finnegan. Protection Mr Marrinan told the jury the accused was from Kosovo but had lived in Ireland since 1999 and was an Irish citizen. His long relationship with Ms Finnegan had turned sour, they separated and Ms Finnegan had a protection order. Mr Jahiri was concerned about access to his children. A plan was put in place whereby Mr Finnegan would be with his sister in the evenings. During the day, she would have access to other members of her family, the jury heard. On the morning of September 21, Ms Finnegan went to the Wellman Centre with her children and the accused, Mr Marrinan said. Later, Ms Finnegan went home and was sitting in the kitchen with her brother when the door was allegedly "battered in" and the accused came in "armed with a knife and immediately went to Karl Finnegan". It would be alleged the accused attacked Mr Finnegan, who was "struck twice with a knife, once causing a fracture to the orbit of his eye and a stab wound to his chest area". Mr Finnegan felt faint and may have fallen unconscious but he was aware that Ms Finnegan fled outside and the accused had gone out after her. Mr Finnegan would say he followed them eventually. There would be nobody in the case who could say they saw the accused stab Ms Finnegan, Mr Marrinan said. Ms Finnegan ended up collapsing in the driveway. The accused put her into the back of his car and drove to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. "It is the prosecution's case that the accused man, having stabbed Anna Finnegan, immediately regretted it and brought her to the hospital," Mr Marrinan said. "That doesn't exonerate him, it doesn't absolve him of responsibility for what the prosecution say is causing her death." The court heard staff came out of the hospital and brought Ms Finnegan inside to treat her and the accused drove off. The following day, Mr Jahiri handed himself in at Cabra Garda Station, bringing with him a knife he claimed he had taken from Mr Finnegan "when he was acting in self-defence". Confronted Mr Marrinan said the accused's case was that he went to the house to give some money to Ms Finnegan but he was not allowed access and admitted he broke down the door. "He says he was confronted by Karl Finnegan who had a knife or knives he managed to take a knife off Karl Finnegan and stabbed Karl Finnegan but only did so in self-defence," Mr Marrinan said. "He denied that he stabbed and killed Anna Finnegan. He is effectively saying he stabbed Karl Finnegan and did so in self-defence and, in the course of this, Karl Finnegan stabbed his sister or, alternatively, he doesn't know how she received those fatal injuries." The trial continues. Sheridan offered 1,600 in compensation but it was rejected A Wicklow man who beat his girlfriend for more than an hour and bit her on the face after they had an argument has been given a suspended sentence. Judge Melanie Greally said Ian Sheridan (32) carried out a very serious assault involving considerable violence, but a "custodial sentence is not necessitated". She said Sheridan had dealt with his "demons", including addressing his drink and drug problems. The judge noted he had raised 1,600 in compensation for his former partner, Patricia Rodriguez, but she did not want to accept it. The money would instead be donated to the women's refuge Ms Rodriguez attended after the assault. Judge Greally imposed a three-year sentence, which she suspended for three years on condition that Sheridan keeps the peace and engages with the restorative justice programme. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that, after the assault, Ms Rodriguez sneaked out of the house when Sheridan eventually fell asleep. Harm She never returned and spent some time in a refuge. The couple had moved in together the month before. Sheridan, of New Brighton Terrace, Parnell Road, Bray, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on February 21, 2015. Gda Paul Newport told the court that Ms Rodriguez and Sheridan had an argument at their home that evening. She left to get some fresh air and coffee before returning home. Sheridan arrived back an hour-and-a-half later. Ms Rodriguez later told gardai she could smell alcohol from Sheridan and assumed he had been drinking. Sheridan then grabbed her hair, punched her around her eye and bit her twice around her jaw. He also punched her all over her body. The victim said the violence lasted an hour or two and he wouldn't stop when she asked him to. Sheridan has previous convictions for theft, public order and road traffic offences. A probation report concluded he was at a low risk of re-offending. Fianna Fail will be told to draft its own legislation to remove water charges as the latest crisis to hit the fragile Government continues. Housing Minister Simon Coveney is prepared to turn the tables on Micheal Martin's party if it refuses to back down in the water row. Such a move would represent an unprecedented shifting of power within the Dail. As Fine Gael and Fianna Fail threatened each other with an election, Government sources said they will latch on to the word "facilitate" in the confidence and supply arrangement between the two parties. Fianna Fail water spokesman Barry Cowen has said the minority Government will collapse if Mr Coveney does not legislate for changes to the future funding of water. Mr Coveney has insisted he will not abolish water charges in their entirety because it would result in massive EU fines. He said it would be "very unreasonable" for Fianna Fail to demand that he introduce legislation, which the Attorney General has ruled to be illegal based on EU commitments. Sources said Mr Coveney may try to avoid an election by putting the onus back on Fianna Fail to find a legal way of abolishing charges. One source said the minister is prepared to tell Fianna Fail to bring its own legislation to the Dail, where the Government would "facilitate" its passage by allowing debating time. If the bill was passed, it would be up to President Michael D Higgins to decide whether to sign it into law. "The agreement says what it says, which is the Government will facilitate the passage of legislation," said Enda Kenny in the Dail yesterday. Waste "We also have an agreement in respect of the support of the major opposition party in passing the budget, which is facilitating the budget without writing it." The dispute now centres on whether households that waste water are hit with charges. Fianna Fail insists the 2007 Water Services Act allowed fines of up to 5,000 if households abuse water, but Mr Coveney said there is "no real mechanism to deliver that" without water meters. Gangland boss John Gilligan is entitled to apply for housing support from the State, but will have to lay bare his sources of income, Housing Minister Simon Coveney has said. While housing officers would need to scrutinise Gilligan's finances, his criminal history does not automatically disqualify him from state supports, Mr Coveney added. The Herald revealed yesterday that the drugs lord wants taxpayers to fund a new home for him following the loss of three properties to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). It is understood that Gilligan, whose gang killed journalist Veronica Guerin 20 years ago, wants access to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), which offers some support for people who have a long-term housing need. The convicted drug trafficker presented himself at council offices in Blanchardstown last week, claiming he is facing homelessness. News of his claim coincided with the announcement by Mr Coveney of the extension of the HAP scheme to Dublin. The minister said the roll-out was a "hugely significant milestone in the development of this new social housing support". Assessment Asked about Gilligan's plan to avail of HAP through Fingal County Council, Mr Coveney said: "I don't want to talk too much about John Gilligan. All I can say is that anybody is entitled to apply for HAP. "They will go through a housing needs assessment. If they qualify, they qualify. That will be a decision for a housing officer." He added that the needs assessment would be "primarily based on income". "Obviously there needs to be a credible explanation as regards income and where it comes from," he said. "Whatever housing officer is assessing John Gilligan, they'll have to make appropriate decisions around that." Under the HAP scheme, local authorities pay landlords directly, with the tenant making a weekly contribution based on their ability to pay. Gilligan is believed to have raked in millions during the 1990s, when he was flooding the country with drugs. He spent 17 years in prison for drug trafficking and was released in 2014. The 65-year-old has been living on the grounds of the Jessbrook Equestrian Centre in recent month, but the CAB is preparing to seize it on the back of the court judgment. Ms Guerin's brother Jimmy, who is a councillor in the Fingal area, said he will try to block Gilligan getting any payment towards social housing. The funeral procession of David (Motcha) Walsh passes through the streets of Enniscorthy Two young daughters of a man allegedly stabbed to death by his fiancee in Australia paid a touching tribute to him at his funeral. There were emotional scenes as David Walsh's family and friends gathered at St Aidan's Cathedral in his hometown of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. His brother, Patrick, told the congregation how his three little girls Ava, Aine and Erin "meant everything to him". There were tears as Erin (8) and Ava (11) spoke in memory of their father. Ava, who will return to the same church on Saturday to be confirmed, read a poem urging mourners to "see all he's left". Applause "You can shed tears because he is gone or you can smile because he has lived," she said. "You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back or you can open your eyes and see all he's left. "Your heart can be empty because you can't see him or you can be full of the Lord you shared." Then Erin paid her own quiet tribute and applause echoed around the cathedral. Mr Walsh, who was nicknamed 'Motcha', was stabbed to death in Sydney early on Saturday, February 18. His , Tina Cahill (25), has been charged with murder. The cathedral was packed with those who came to bid farewell to the young dad, who four years ago left the town to create a new life in Australia. Parish priest Fr Odhran Furlong spoke of the devastation that had visited the family. "David was 29 years of age, much too young, much too young to die," he said. "In this day and age of Skype, it will be so hard for the family not to hear the voice of David again. "They will no longer be able to talk to him, talk about the happenings at home. "This will bring tears, will bring the realisation that something is wrong, along with the constant realisation that life will never be right again." Speaking before the mass, Patrick Walsh said: "It's difficult to describe David, but anyone who met him will never forget him for he left a smile on everyone's face. "He has left behind three little girls who meant everything to him. Right now, one can just picture his cheeky grin and heart-warming smile, which no doubt is still there as he looks down on us." Mr Walsh's father, John, and his brothers Jonathan, Patrick, Barry, Steven and Kalem, carried the coffin from the church to the hearse. National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy has appealed the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with a request for leave to intervene in the case initiated by Poland's PGNiG Supply & Trading (PGNiG ST), which challenges the decision of the European Commission of 28 October 2016 related to the OPAL pipeline. The decision effectively enables Russia's Gazprom to significantly increase the use of OPAL capacity and deliver more gas through the Nord Stream pipeline. The press service of Naftogaz said that according to the CJEUs Statute, a legal entity may join a case before the CJEU where it can establish an interest in the result of a lawsuit submitted to the court. Naftogaz has applied for intervention with the reference to the courts previous jurisprudence and potential negative consequences of the European Commissions decision for the company, namely decrease in natural gas transit through Ukraine, threat to the stability of gas supplies to Ukraine because of possible interruption of gas flows from Poland, impaired competitive position of Naftogaz, unexpected change in regulatory and market conditions for the company. "Joining the case initiated by PGNiG ST will enable Naftogaz to present additional arguments and gain access to the case files. The request by Naftogaz is now awaiting consideration in the court," the press service said. As reported, the European Commission on October 28, 2016 allowed Russian gas giant Gazprom to increase its quota in the throughput capacity of the strategic OPAL gas pipeline in Germany. On December 4, 2016, PGNiG ST brought an action against the European Commissions decision. The company challenges the decision as it suffers from the lack of competence and contradicts the principles of legal certainty, legitimate expectations and proportionality. Furthermore, the decision is not in line with the EU policies and violates the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. On December 23, 2016, the decision of the European Commission was suspended; however, the final judgment on whether it complies with the EU legislation is still to be made. The family of Ibrahim Halawa has said "time is of the essence" to save his life as he continues his hunger strike in an Egyptian jail. Firhouse man Ibrahim (21) has been locked up in the North African country since his arrest at a protest in August 2013. His case has been adjourned 19 times and Ibrahim's family is begging the Government here to urgently intervene as his health is deteriorating. They claim guards at the Cairo jail where he is being held had to bring him out for his weekly visit from his aunt in a wheelchair on Tuesday. In a statement yesterday, the Halawa family said: "We ask our Government to urge the Egyptian government to release Ibrahim on humanitarian grounds. We hold the Egyptian and Irish governments fully responsible if something was to happen to Ibrahim physically or mentally. "Ibrahim's current blood sugar is 39, his hunger strike continues and, as a result, he was placed in solitary confinement as a punishment for refusing to take glucose. "Time is of the essence to save Ibrahim's life." Priority Speaking last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said the welfare of the 21-year-old is his "top priority". "The case of Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen detained in Cairo, remains my top priority," said Mr Flanagan. "In terms of consular services, I am concerned that this matter be resolved. Again, at the earliest opportunity, that our diplomatic efforts continue. "I want to acknowledge the fact that, during the course of a recent hearing, medical opinion was sought. "And I understand that these medical tests are currently underway. "We are in contact with the authorities in Egypt. I am very anxious that the best medical treatment be made available to Ibrahim Halawa and that his health and welfare concerns are paramount. "My understanding is that he is receiving treatment in accordance with a decision of the court, which I understand stems from an application on his own part to be medically examined. "I have raised this issue on numerous occasions in recent times and, while I would like to see the trial completed and Ibrahim returned home, in the meantime, while he remains in detention, his health and welfare is paramount." U.S. to provide $37.5 mln to Ukraine for HIV/AIDS relief in 2017 The United States will provide $37.5 million to Ukraine in 2017 as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). According to a report of the Public Health Center of Ukraine's Health Ministry, some $5.6 million is provided to procure medicines and medical products. Some 15,000 antiretroviral therapy courses to expand treatment, 4,000 annual courses for pre-contact prevention and 100,000 quick tests will be procured. Some $6 million will be sent to support the healthcare system. There are no details how the rest of the funds will be distributed. In 2017 the programs will spread to Donetsk region. The region will be the 12th PEPFAR region. "Successful negotiations in Washington were the result of implementing the country's liabilities to increase public financing. The 2017 national budget envisages UAH 684 million to procure antiretroviral medications. This is 171% more than in 2016. The state can provide around 40,000 patients who earlier were treated under the PEPFAR program with drugs," the center said. Ukraine imported 1.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas for the needs of Ukrainian consumers from Europe in February 2017. This was 13% more than in February 2016, the public and media relations department of Ukrtransgaz has reported. "A total of 2.9 bcm of gas was imported to Ukraine from the EU in the first two months. Traditionally most of gas was imported using the Slovakia route 2.5 bcm," the company said. According to the tentative information of the central dispatch department, daily imports of natural gas from Europe are 50 million cubic meters (mcm). As reported, national joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy in March 2017 plans to import at least 40 mcm of gas a day from Europe via Slovakia and in April imports volumes would be sharply cut. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has relaxed the procedure for purchasing foreign currency by clients of banks and sending funds abroad to nonresidents, the central bank has reported on its website. Now clients of banks do not have to wait for a permit from the NBU to carry out the above-mentioned transactions. The authorized banks will inform the regulator about the transactions after they are conducted. If the NBU have doubts towards the currency transactions of banks' clients the central bank can send an order to suspend the transactions. A statement of the NBU is required to resume them. In addition, if clients go to another bank from the bank where the NBU had doubts about their transactions the authorized bank is to inform the regulator about it. Another bank where clients open current accounts has the right to ask all the previous banks that services these clients to give information received from the NBU regarding doubtful transactions of the clients. The decision is approved in NBU resolution No. 15 amending some NBU legal acts dated February 28, 2017. The resolution will take effect on March 22, 2017. Ukraine imported 2.82 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas from Europe in January-February 2017, up 30% year-on-year, the gas pipeline operator Ukrtransgaz has said. Interfax-Ukraine calculates that this included 2.408 bcm of gas from Slovakia, 179.9 million cubic meters (mcm) from Hungary and 232 mcm from Poland. Ukraine imported 1.37 bcm of gas from Europe in February alone, up 9% from 1.254 bcm in the same month last year. Daily imports of natural gas from Europe are averaging at 50 mcm, according to preliminary information. Ukraine is only importing gas via its western border - it has not imported gas from Russia's Gazprom since November 26, 2015. Ukraine slashed gas imports 32.7% last year compared with 2016 to 11.078 bcm. Freedom of speech is a privilege. We need to treat it that way. columns The State Fiscal Service of Ukraine thanks to new legislation has written off UAH 168 million of the tax debt from accounts of public joint-stock company Ukrnafta, the authority said on Wednesday, referring to Head of the Large Taxpayers Office Yevhen Bambizov. He said that earlier attempts to the collect the debt were blocked by court. However, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada amended Article 95 of the Tax Code and permitted the head of the oversight agency without court decisions to collect debts of over UAH 5 million from companies that declaring liabilities, but not paying taxes. Bambizov recalled that in 2015-2017 Ukrnafta gradually accumulated taxes to the budget under declared pecuniary commitments, which today reached almost UAH 12.8 billion. This sum includes the UAH 1.5 billion profit tax and UAH 400 million VAT debts. He said that Ukraine's higher administrative court left in effect the tax order and decision to distress property issued by the Large Taxpayers Office, while acts for property distress for UAH 11.2 billion were annulled. The Large Taxpayers Office is trying to have the decision revised. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the evening on March 1 sent to Ukraine the final wording of the memorandum on economic and financial policy under the EFF program, the signing of which by Ukraine will enable the fund to consider the issue of the fourth tranche worth $1 billion, NBU Head Valeriya Gontareva has said. "Everything is all right on the part of the NBU, I'm ready to sign it today. On the part of the Ministry of Finance, the prime minister, others ask them," the head of the central bank said at a press conference in Kyiv. Gontareva expressed hope the document would be signed in the near future. According to her, after signing it will take two or three weeks to conduct a meeting of the IMF Executive Board. OSCE Envoy Sajdik confirms TCG on Ukraine's next meeting to take place March 15 The OSCE's Special Representative to the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine Martin Sajdik has confirmed the date of holding the group's next meeting. "Next time, the Trilateral Contact Group will meet on March 15," Sajdik told reporters in Minsk on Wednesday. The withdrawal of the conflict sides' forces and hardware in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska is slated for March 7, Sajdik said. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was also asked to facilitate the implementation of the withdrawal of forces and hardware in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska on March 7, he said. Sajdik said that the sides confirmed their commitment to the withdrawal of heavy weapons and confirmed that security of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission's observers and their property will be ensured. The Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, which met in Minsk on Wednesday, was discussing the transport blockade of Donbas, Martin Sajdik, special representative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), said. Its economic subgroup discussed the blocking of railway links in Donbas and the measures being taken in response by the breakaway parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, he told journalists in Moscow. Ukraine's SBU Security Service has intercepted a telephone conversation in which the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic Oleksandr Zakharchenko discusses with a Russian citizen the fate of "nationalized" Ukrainian enterprises in Donbas. "The conversation shows Russian decision-makers are planning to transfer most of the best Ukrainian economic assets located in the occupied territories of Donetsk region to structures controlled by oligarch Serhiy Kurchenko, who fled to Russia. It is understood that taxes from the "nationalized" enterprises will not be paid into Ukraine's budget, and that profits will wind up in the pockets of ex Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych," the SBU's press service said on Wednesday. This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Learn more here Grand Prize Winner: Donna Rickey Blog Winners: A Song for her Enemies by Sherri Stewart: Mary Ann Hake Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett: Connie Ruggles Sword of Trust by DebbieLynn Costello: Brenda Walters Justice for Julia by Donna Schlachter: Natalya Lakhno Party Prize winners: Sherri Stewarts Winners A Song for her Enemies: Angie Pool Bottle of Dutch Syrup: Carol Koch Alscheff Corrie ten Boom book: Deb Gramie Burgess Linda Shenton Matchetts winners: $5.00 gift card to online retailer or choice (Kobo, B&N, AppleBooks, Amazon): Karen Hadley A Bride for Seamus: Carol Osterhouse Wotring DebbieLynn Costellos winners: Sword of the Matchmaker: Melissa Planas Sword of Forgiveness: Paty Hinojosa Gomez Shattered Memories: Charlene Zall Capodice Sword of the Perfect Bride: Licha Haney Donna Schlachters winner: Leather Journal: Lisa Turley GIVEAWAY RULES Winners must leave their email address and will be notified by email and the winners name will be announced in the days comments. No one under 18 can enter our giveaways. No purchase is necessary. All winners have one week to claim their prize. USA shipping only. Offer void where prohibited. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski expects the European Union to complete the implementation of its decisions on a visa-free regime for citizens of Ukraine within several months. "We also put pressure on our European counterparts to implement the promise of a visa liberalization as soon as possible, which was presented a few months ago, and I hope, that over the next few months it will be fully implemented," he said at a joint meeting with Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson and Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv on Wednesday. Waszczykowski noted that a meeting of the Visegrad Group (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) will take place in the near future with the representatives of the Netherlands, and promised that he, as the chairperson of the group, will insist on decisive steps of the Netherlands on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. HICKORY Patrick Beaver Memorial Library held a Dr. Seuss birthday party Saturday to celebrate the cartoonist and writers 113th birthday by inviting the community of Hickory and surrounding areas. Theodor Seuss Geisel, born March 2, 1904, wrote more than 70 childrens books, but he did not begin his career as an author. Geisel worked in marketing for a while and he was an adman, Lisa Neal, the head of youth services for Hickory Public Libraries, said. After graduating from Dartmouth College and attending Oxford University in England, Geisel returned to America and began pursuing a career in cartooning, a passion he had had throughout his life. He created his most famous cartoon while working for the Standard Oil Company, Neal said. The cartoon ad was for Flit, a common bug spray and consumer good that Standard Oil of New Jersey offered at the time. In 1937, after being rejected 27 times, Geisel finally had his first book published, which was And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street. It is almost like there are two different Dr. Seusses, Neal said. There are the readers, like Hop on Pop and then he also wrote longer, more complicated stories. Neal explained that Geisel developed a style of books for reading practice that are fun for children to read and practice rhyming skills. They are funny and kind of off-the-wall, Neal said. Before that, there were the Dick and Jane books, which probably werent as fun to read. His longer childrens books, Neal mentioned, identify real-life issues, but for children. The Butter Battle Book is all about nuclear proliferation and The Lorax is environmentally driven, Neal said. He addressed important issues in these books along with others, which I think is very unique. The Cat in the Hat was not the only special guest at the party, but also Hickory Councilman Hank Guess and Mayor Rudy Wright came out to celebrate Geisels birthday with the community. Our library system has programs like this all the time, Guess said. Its great that we can do things like this for our community through the library. Guess read Dr. Seuss My Many Colored Days, which was written in 1973 and published later in 1996. There is always a decent turnout at each of these events and its good to see the children having a good time, Guess said. We are very fortunate to have a library system like this one here in Hickory. Wright, who read The Cat in the Hat to the group of children, explains why programs like this one promote reading and community. I like to do anything that will instill a love for reading in kids, Wright said. It gives children memories that they will keep with them and it leaves a positive impact on their life. Wright told a story about his librarian when he was a child telling him when new Little Blue Books would arrive, which were one of his favorites. It meant so much to me that the librarian not only noticed me, but also noticed what I was interested in, Wright said. I was in the fourth grade then and I will never forget it. Even though Wright is interested in everyone being involved in the community, he especially likes to see children and the elderly enjoying their time in Hickory. I saw a lot of smiling faces at the Dr. Seuss birthday party, and its nice to see parents spending time with their children, Wright said. I would just like to thank the people of Hickory for allowing me to serve this city. The Hickory Public Library system invites local and state government representatives to the branches for A Day in the District at least once a year. We are very lucky to have a mayor and a councilman that are such good sports, Neal said. We gave them the choice to read to the kids, and they were very reluctant to do so, and I think they really enjoyed themselves. In regard to the new billboard on I-40 Business outside of Winston-Salem: Real people of substance do not need to ambush others with insults, taunts, or antagonism in order to make themselves feel important. Trish Gordon East Bend HB69 is a horrible idea One of the nations leading proponents for common-sense gun laws is Gabrielle Giffords, former U.S. congressman from Tucson, Ariz. She learned about gun safety the hard way. A man carrying a concealed weapon shot her in the head. Arizona is one of 10 states that do not require a permit for carrying a concealed weapon. Rep. Jay Adams wants our state to join that list. He has sponsored legislation HB 69, The Constitutional Carry Act to eliminate North Carolinas ability to regulate carrying concealed weapons. There are two bills on this topic at the 2017 regular session of the General Assembly. These are horrible ideas, says Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes, co-chair of the NC Sheriffs Association legislative committee. I agree. These are horrible ideas. Recently, I wrote Rep. Adams to ask him what benefits could outweigh the risks to justify sponsoring this legislation. Heres what he said: the very possibility that a law-abiding citizens (sic) might be armed has had the desired and predicted effect on the calculation criminals make as they contemplate their illicit activity, thus chilling that behavior. This bill expands the probability in the minds of criminals that a law-abiding citizen may intervene in their actions. Adams cited no research, no statistics. If you start to look into this it doesnt take long, Rep. Adams you will find that research shows, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, that, Weak permitting systems allow dangerous people to carry guns. Heres more on that again based on research. Concealed carry weapon holders threaten public safety. They can threaten public safety even if they are trying to assist in a dangerous situation. Did you know that in the 2011 shooting that injured Congressman Giffords, where the shooter killed six people and injured 12 others a man carrying a concealed weapon almost drew his weapon against another man, who had wrestled the shooters gun away, mistakenly thinking that the man was actually the shooter, but he wasnt? Study after study shows that carrying concealed weapons does not reduce crime. It only adds opportunities for more harm. Rep. Adams, I will feel safer in my hometown knowing that anyone carrying a concealed weapon has been trained in gun safety and gone through our states rigorous and highly regarded permitting process. Please focus your legislative efforts on ways to improve our quality of life. Lynn Dorfman Hickory Poroshenko twice spoke with Putin by phone since aggravation of situation in Donbas President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during the escalation of the situation in Donbas has held two telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the press service of the Ukrainian presidential administration told Interfax-Ukraine. "During the aggravation of the situation in Donbas, the president of Ukraine has held two telephone conversations with the president of Russia to stop the constant shelling of Avdiyivka and restore the power supply to the city, as well as to free the hostages, including Oleh Sentsov and Roman Sushchenko," the press service said, noting that these contacts took place in coordination with the European partners on the Normandy format. The press service also explained that there was no separate message about them due to the ineffectiveness of these conversations. Earlier, the Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing a source, reported that Putin and Poroshenko have had four telephone conversations since the beginning of 2017. In particular, the penultimate telephone conversation took place on February 11, the last conversation - on February 21. A vehicle with a 10-year-old boy behind the wheel drove through a stop sign, hit another vehicle and overturned Tuesday night in Mooresville, town officials said. Both the juvenile and the other driver suffered minor injuries. The crash occurred shortly before 5:50 p.m. at the intersection of Shearers Road and Faith Road, said Kim Sellers, a spokeswoman for the Town of Mooresville. According to a Mooresville Police Department report, the child, who is autistic, got hold of the car keys to a 2015 Hyundai passenger car. He was driving east on Faith Road alone and continued through a stop sign when he collided with a Honda car traveling north on Shearers Road. Witnesses say the boy was driving recklessly and didnt hit the brakes when he approached the intersection, according to the report. After impact, the juveniles vehicle flipped onto its drivers side. Both vehicles came to rest on the side of the road. The boy was transported from the scene to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center for treatment and was released with minor cuts and bruises, Sellers said. The other driver, Kathy Ann Black of Mooresville, suffered minor injuries and sought medical treatment on her own, but was not transported, the report showed. The boy lives on Jennymaire Road, a more than two-mile drive from the scene of the crash. His family declined to comment on Wednesday. No charges have been filed, Sellers said. 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/ At 10.30 pm sharp last Sunday, three SUVs bearing registration number 0786 all laden with marigold garlands entered hotel Ashoka in Varanasi city. The man on the front seat of one of the cars stepped out with his men cordoning him. A long day at campaigning had just ended for don-politician Afzal Ansari. Once pampered by Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav and snubbed by his chief minister son Akhilesh Yadav, Afzal and his MLA brothers Mukhtar and Sibakatullah Ansari joined hands with Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party in January. An individual is a prisoner of circumstances, he gets philosophical. I am a sadakchaap aadmi and not a don. Ansari brothers as they are called wield influence among Muslim and some backward castes in four districts of Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh and Mau, accounting for two dozen assembly seats. Most of these are with the Samajwadi Party and the Quami Ekta Dal that Ansari brothers ran before merging it with the BSP. Mayawati is trying to net these poorvanchal districts that have seen years of rivalry between Ansari brothers and Hindu dons a bloody battle that felled many people, including BJP MLA Krishnanad Rai. Mayawati is also being helped by former Samajwadi Party stalwarts such as Ambika Chaudhary and Narad Rai, who left Akhileshs company after being dropped from his council of ministers at the peak of the family feud in the Yadav family. What political capital do Ansaris add to Myawatis kitty? Are they influential enough to help the BSP regain the territory it lost to Akhilesh Yadav in 2012 and to the BJP in 2014? Afzal has some done calculation. The BJP swept this part in 2014. Today, it cant say with confidence which seat it is winning, Afzal says, counting constituencies where the BJP could be in trouble. But, more than the BJP, they hurt the SP. A section of Muslims who owe allegiance to Ansaris are leaning towards the BSP in this region. In constituencies, such as Mohammadabad, Yadavs, too, are gravitating towards the BJP, at the cost of the SP. Ansaris said they will undress Mulayam (by defeating him). Yadavs will take revenge for this, Alka Rai, the BJP candidate from Mohammadabad, told HT. A wind of change is blowing. People want peace. Rai is widow of Krishnand Rai, another don-politician who was allegedly killed by Ansari brothers. She is pitted against Sibakatullah. The BJP seems to be doing better than its 2012 performance in these districts but a repeat of 2014 Lok Sabhas magical performance is a difficult task. A wave is missing for all three main formulations SP plus Congress, BJP and the BSP making every constituency a battle ground. The BJP is banking on the support of backward castes and Bhumihars, who dominate this region. The BSP is wooing a combination of Muslims and Dalits. The SP-Congress alliance is depending on Yadav-Muslim combine. It also hopes to benefit from the clean image that Akhilesh Yadav is cultivating for himself. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch has welcomed a number of reforms, which are being carried out by the Ukrainian government. We support the reform efforts of the Ukrainian society, she said during the conference titled "Transformation-17. What will the reforms change in the life of Ukrainians" in Kyiv on Thursday. According to Yovanovitch, the U.S. supports Ukraine in this way. On behalf of the U.S., I can say that we are very proud to be able to maintain and support the reform efforts of Ukrainians, the diplomat said. She noted the importance of reforms in the energy sector, which significantly increase the energy independence of the country, as well as the steps of the Ukrainian authorities to stabilize the banking system, especially commending the nationalization of Privatbank. Yovanovitch called both the introduction of electronic declarations, and the establishment of anti-corruption organs important steps. This is, of course, only the first steps, because only three years have passed, she said. It may seem a long period for someone, but in fact it is not that much time in the historical dimension, but the reforms are already visible, the ambassador said. Tomorrow I will travel to Washington to tell what important reforms are taking place in Ukraine, she said. Circa 2012: An animated discussion on the caste complexities of the state is on at the sprawling house of a prominent Jat farmer in Baraut village in Baghpat, the home district of Choudhary Ajit Singh, national president of the Rashtriya Lok Dal. A few men from their neighbourhood joined the discussion. They are Dalits. After listening intently for a while, one of them retorted, Gone are the days when we feared Jats. Today, flushed with money and muscle power, we determine the politics of Jat dominated western Uttar Pradesh. He invited us to visit the neighbouring house where an election meeting of Dalits was underway. He was bang on. The blue flags of the BSP fluttered in Jat dominated Baraut and Baghpat as BSP won both the seats. Two years later Chaudhary Ajit Singh lost his traditional Baghpat Lok Sabha seat in general elections, signalling the end of an era when Jats controlled the politics of West UP by pressurising the then docile Dalits to either stay at home or follow the diktats. In a lighter vein, RLD leader Ajit Singh had once said, We believe in bullet and not ballot. The region was infamous for caste clashes and oppression of Dalits but 2007 elections came as a watershed when Mayawati formed a majority government, giving voice to suppressed classes in the state. Mayawatis mentor Kanshi Ram often described Uttar Pradesh as his political lab to carry out experiments to achieve their goal of changing the upper caste dominated democratic face of the state. Way back in the mid 1980s the BSP started its political journey with full throttle attacks on upper caste to unite Dalits. After the party consolidated the base vote, Mayawati dangled carrot before the Brahmins in 2007, offering them representation in power to broaden its vote bank. Read more| UP elections: Why voters dont reject criminals? Ten years later a beleagued Mayawati is blatantly moving from a time-tested political trajectory of caste to communal politics, the base of which is sheer arithmetic. Political expert Dr Badri Narayan explains, Mayawati has 25,000 to 27,000 Dalit votes in almost every constituency. As no other caste is seemingly inclining towards the BSP, she has decided to shift to communal politics. Its a strategy or experiment which may succeed or fail. Her desperation to win the 2017 polls is reflected in her knee-jerk action of picking up Quami Ekta Dal , dumped by the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. She even compromised her prime slogan of law and order by giving ticket to infamous QED leader Mukhtar Ansari. Ironically, in ensuing polls she faces the toughest challenge of keeping BSP, brutally bruised by the BJP alive. Linked with the party are the aspirations of millions of Dalits especially Jatavs, whose political empowerment is yet not complete. Why Dalits Deserted Congress The Congress represented Dalits for decades after Independence but their status in society changed only after Kanshi Ram came on the scene. He first built a network of Dalits and lower caste employees under BAMCEF ( All India Backward and Minorities Communities Employees Federation) in 1972 before floating a political party in 1984. Though Kanshi Ram, the founder president of the Bahujan Samaj mission, hailed from Punjab, his acolyte Mayawati moved from Delhis Patparganj locality to UP contesting her first by-poll from Bijnore. He made UP his laboratory for various formulas to win elections. Political analyst Badri Narain explains, The two sub-castes of Dalits in Punjab 17 percent Jatavs and 14 percent Bhangis --have always been at loggerheads, whereas in UP Jatavs, a major chunk of the votebank were rudderless. According to him the BSP leader also found the menace of untouchability rampant in UP and thus decided to turn the state into Jatavarth (Jatav land). Professor Vivek Kumar of JNU says, Dalits for the first time found a party led by their own caste as the Congress and other parties were ruled by upper caste leaders . Lower caste leaders were subservient to them. Incidentally, Mayawati also never lost an opportunity to highlight her Dalit status. In all her speeches, she described herself as Dalit ki Beti. Kanshi Ram organised caste sammelans to unite the lower caste. The glue was their highly anti upper-caste narratives and slogans that touched the core of the voters heart. They had suffered for long and found a saviour in him. Later Kanshi Ram tested various caste formulas and rested only after the dramatic rise of Mayawati to the chief ministers chair in 1995, after breaking away from poll partner Mulayam Singh Yadav. It is in UP that Kanshi Ram and Mayawati tested waters in alliance with the Congress. And it is in UP that they gave country its first government by rotation in 1997 -- BSP ruled for six months followed by the BJP. But Mayawati pulled out of the coalition arrangement much before the completion of one month. Their all acts were aimed at alleviating Dalits and grabbing power. Again it is in UP that Mayawati constructed a rainbow coalition of Brahmins , Dalits and Muslims to gain full majority in a 404-member (one member is nominated) house in 2007 and now Dalit-Muslim combination. Alongside, Kanshi Ram worked tirelessly in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab but could make little headway as the BJP and the Congress dominated the states and there was little space for the BSP to expand. On the other in UP, the Congress was growing weak after the demolition of the disputed shrine in Ayodhya while the BJP was losing its most potent issue the liberation of Ramas birthplace after the demolition of the shrine . Mayawati became the countrys tallest Dalit leader- a status once enjoyed by Jagjivan Ram. Why Dalit-Muslim? Mayawatis political puissance is at test. Though she is seen as an alternative to the ruling Samajwadi Party, the BJPs 2014 rise is a major roadblock as she will have to share the anti-incumbency space with the saffron brigade currently riding high on demonetisation and Narendra Modis popularity. Secondly, the BJP has also poached her Dalit vote bank taking away some of the sub-castes. Thirdly, she knows Muslims will do tactical voting - vote for the winning horse against BJP. However her mathematical calculations seem to be going awry after Congress and SP came together winning the battle of perception. Mayawati has given tickets in abundance to Muslims while her trusted lieutenant Naseemuddin Siddiqui is touring the minority dominated areas. They dont trust her as she twice formed government with BJP. Despite the weaknesses, she remains in the fight and could well be the dark horse. One can surmise her partys prospects from her statement Just as BSP today is a symbol of Bahujan Samajs dignity, Mayawati, in the opinion of intellectuals, has acquired a standing in Indian politics where in people may criticise her, even condemn her, but nobody can ignore her. But she also realises that 2017 is a crucial election for her partys survival. She has to perform if not form the government. Read more| UP elections: Its bumpy ride on the road to power Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four poll rallies, including three at different locations in his parliamentary constituency, in the crucial Varanasi region between March 3 and 6 for the seventh and final phase of the Uttar Pradesh election on March 8. The Varanasi region has 40 seats spread across seven districts. The PM will address a rally in Mirzapur on March 3 followed by election meetings at Jaunpur and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth ground, Varanasi, on March 4. He is also scheduled to offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanas before leaving for Delhi around 8.30pm. On March 5, he will address a rally at Townhall ground, Varanasi, and is scheduled to interact with 2,000 prominent people of Varanasi.After an overnight stay at the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) guest house he will visit Garhwa Ashram on March 6, pay tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and address a rally at Rohania. The BJP is facing a tough electoral battle in the Varanasi North and Varanasi South assembly constituencies. In Varanasi North, the partys sitting MLA Ravindra Jaiswal is up against the SP-Congress alliance. Similarly, Varanasi South poses a challenge to the BJP which denied the ticket to seven-time legislator Shyamdev Roy Chaudhary and gave it to Neelkanth Tiwari instead. Though the seat is a BJP bastion, winning it may not be a cakewalk for the party this time. The BJP leaders are banking on Modis charisma to win over those unhappy with the partys decision to deny a ticket to Chaudhary. Rohania is equally important for the BJP because its alliance partner Apna Dal (S) patron Anupriya Patel won the seat in the 2012 assembly polls. She vacated the seat after she won the Mirzapur Lok Sabha seat in 2014. The SP won the seat in the by-poll. Patel fielded an Apna Dal (S) candidate for the seat initially but withdrew the nominee when the BJP put up Surendra Narayan Singh Aundhe. The BJP faces tough battle from SP and Apna Dal president Krishna Patel who is contesting the seat. All three are among the five assembly segments of Modis Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. Mirzapur and Jaunpur are equally crucial for the BJP. The party drew a blank in Mirzapur in 2012. The SP won three seats, the BSP and the Congress one each. The SP won seven out of the nine seats in Jaunpur in 2012. The Congress and the BJP bagged one seat each. Keen on a richer haul in the region this time, the BJP has deployed many ministers to campaign here. Four ministers and several senior national leaders of the BJP are camping in Varanasi. With the poll race nearing the finish line, the parties are getting their top guns to address rallies here. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will hold a rally at Pindra in Varanasi on Thursday. He will take out a roadshow with Samajwadi Party (SP) national president Akhilesh Yadav in the temple town on March 4. Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah has promised to end the crippling indefinite economic blockade in Manipur if the BJP is voted to power in the coming assembly polls. He also said priority will be given on maintaining law and order in the militancy-hit state. Our first task would be to end the indefinite economic blockade and all efforts will be carried out to make the state free from bandhs and blockades, Shah said at a poll rally in Imphal on Wednesday. Emphasising on the need to restore law and order in the state, he said, Law and order will be restored and priority will be given to solve the conflict situation of the state. On the Naga peace accord, Shah assured that it would not affect the territoral integrity of the state as had been assured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Banking on the development agenda, Shah promised to make Manipur a model state in five years even as he accused Congress government of not exploiting the tourism potential of the region. The state has huge potential in the tourism sector which has not been utilised by the Congress during the last 15 years of its rule. BJP will make Manipur a model state if it comes to power, Shah said. He said potable water will be available to the everyone in the state and conditions of roads will be improved. Shah, accompanied by Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar and former MLA Y Erabot, held a door-to-door campaign in Wangkhei assembly constituency, where he visited about 10 houses and asked for votes. Such an interaction was the first of its kind in Manipur. It shows BJPs seriousness to bring good governance in the state, said Javadekar, who is the partys in-charge of Manipur. The campaign shows BJPs concern about the welfare of the people of Manipur. The ideology of our party is to connect people with their representatives ... Families were thrilled when Shah came to interact with them personally, he added. Indian film producer Mukesh Bhatt has revealed details of the death threat to his elder brother Mahesh Bhatt. He revealed that the caller, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, was threatening Mahesh Bhatt since last week. Mukesh said, He was receiving this threat from last one week. The man threatened to kill Mahesh or his family members if he fails to give money. We immediately contacted the Bombay Police and they acted promptly in contacting UP Police. The UP Police also acted quickly and arrested the accused. The producer further said the Mumbai Police will investigate whether he was doing it alone or was acting at someones behalf. Our security has been stepped up. We were already having security and now it has been doubled, he added. He further said the Bollywood celebrities become soft targets for the criminals. A man gave death threat to the film-maker on February 26 and claimed that if his demand of Rs 50 lakh was not met then it would result in the death of Bhatt. Mahesh Bhatt filed a complaint on Thursday in Juhu Police Station. The accused has been apprehended by the Special Task Force of UP Police from Lucknow. Indian auto shares rose on robust February sales growth of some automakers, which are returning to normalcy from the red since Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised high currency notes on November 8. Tata Motors was up 3.4% while Bajaj Auto gained 2%, Hero MotoCorp 1.8% and Eicher Motors 0.4% in the Mumbai market whose benchmark Sensex rose as much as 0.55% to 29,145.62 in intra-day trade. Tata Motors sales grew 2% with passenger vehicle rising 12% on overwhelming response to its new crossover Hexa as well as the sustained demand for the Tiago. Bajaj Auto sales were up marginally on tepid domestic demand but exports were up 15.6%. Hero MotoCorp sales were down 4.8% but it is picking up as remonetisation gains momentum and consumers recover from the cash crunch. In January, Indian automobile sales were down 4.7% even though passenger vehicles were up 14.4%, according to data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The demonetisation drive has dented consumer demand as Indians faced problems in withdrawing new currency notes from banks and ATMs. The industry produced a total 21,086,185 vehicles including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three wheelers, two wheelers and quadricycles in April-January 2017 as against 19,882,485 in April-January 2016, registering a growth of 6.05% over the same period last year. During April-January, sales of passenger vehicles grew by 9.2% while commercial vehicles were up 3.03% and 2-wheelers 8.3%. But three-wheeler sales dipped 1.1%. Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled a new model at a grand ceremony here. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, credited the final product to Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata. I would like to thank Ratan Tata. Ever since he saw the first sketch of the Velar, he became a passionate advocate of it, McGovern said at the function. Design has the power to enrich peoples lives... this is a vehicle with emotionally charged DNA and unquestionable pedigree, he added. Described as one of the hottest products this year, the Velar is now open to orders from around the world, including India. In a boost to British manufacturing, the company announced that the Velar will be built exclusively at JLRs flagship Solihull plant in the West Midlands region of England. The expansion of our product range and building this British designed and engineered car in the UK is a sign of our confidence in British manufacturing. We are leading the global premium car industry with our commitment to our home market and our heart, soul and headquarters will always be in the UK, said JLR CEO Ralf Speth. The Range Rover brand has been heralded as Britains greatest luxury export since the 1970s and includes the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Together they have helped transform the fortunes of the UKs largest vehicle manufacturer, accounting for 85% of all premium cars produced in Britain and contributing 10 billion pounds to the UK economy every year, JLR said. The Range Rover Velar is the third model to be launched at the Solihull manufacturing plant in two years. Production of all Jaguar Land Rover models at the four UK manufacturing plants directly support more than 40,000 British jobs and a further 250,000 in the supply chain, a JLR statement said. In the past six years, the company has more than doubled its workforce to support global demand for its products. Last year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 583,313 cars; more than one every minute, 44% of which were Range Rovers, the statement said. The Range Rover Velar will be sold in more than 100 markets globally and can be ordered from later this year. The Velar will be on display at the Design Museum in London until March 6 for customers who are eager to see the model before buying it. The car will also form the centrepiece of a new exhibition documenting 45 years of Range Rover, Velar to Velar, which opens at the Solihull manufacturing plant at the end of March. It will be doing the motor show circuit around the world, starting with Geneva this month. Homegrown automaker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is planning to set up a second base for itself outside the country, as part of its strategy to acquire 50% of automotive revenues from overseas by fiscal 2019. M&M has been aspiring to be a global player and investments of the order of Rs 4,200-crore in farm machinery and auto sectors of several countries since 2008 are part of the plan. The company also made the biggest buyout by snapping up over 60% in Punjab Tractors in 2008 followed by SsangYong. There is a need for us to have a second base outside the home market and we are working on it. But we cant give more details now, said a senior management member during an informal interaction with the media in Mumbai. Rajesh Jejurikar, president and chief executive, farm equipment and two-wheelers division, said, M&M is already the no. 1 tractor maker in the world in terms of volume and is present in 30 markets, including the US, Finland, Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, China, Japan and Australia. Talking about the global aspiration, Jejurikar explained that in 2015, the geographical mix of M&Ms farm machinery products stood at around 30% which rose to 37% in the current financial year. It is projected to jump to 50% by fiscal 2019. Group managing director Pawan Goenka said both M&M and its South Korean SsangYong are working together to design engines on a common platform. Both the companies will develop their own product around it which is expected to be launched by the middle of 2018, Goenka said, adding currently the company makes around 30% of its revenue from overseas. In 2011, M&M acquired 70% stake in the then struggling SsangYong Motors for around $450 million and has turned it around since then. The two are working towards making engines for a common platform shared by both the automakers, a synergy which is expected to save about $70 million over the next five years for the group, he added. On reports about American car major Ford is planning to collaborate with M&M in certain aspects of business, Goenka said, I will not either confirm or deny the report. It is very common for any auto company to be in talks with four to five others for a possible collaboration or partnership. But chances of such talks fructifying remain one out of five. Goenka further said as part of its globalisation plan, M&M is focusing on mergers and acquisitions in companies which can be beneficial in reaching their desired goals. The other areas include increasing manufacturing footprint, research & development, enhancing branding and sales infrastructure are other important focus points, he added. Goenka further said the new strategy is christened Shift @ Mahindra which will involve the group driving all its businesses - from agri to farm equipments to automotive divisions working together. When asked about capex into capacity addition, Goenka said the company has invested Rs 12,000 crore into its 14 plants and has built enough capacity till 2020. Since 2003, M&Ms revenue grew 16 times to Rs 63,300 crore in 2016 from Rs 3,900 crore, while its patents jumped from a mere one in 2003 to 173 during the same period. Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to ban high-value banknotes as part of efforts to stamp out corruption will have a profound and positive impact on Indias economy, World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva has said. Georgieva told Hindustan Times that demonetisation may have caused some hardship to people living in the cash economy but in the long run the move will help foster a clean and digitised economy. What India has done will be studied (by other countries). There hasnt been such demonetisation in a country so big, she told HT in an interview late on Wednesday. The World Bank CEOs praise is the latest for Modis November 8 decision, which culled 1000-and 500-rupee bills with immediate effect, triggering a months-long cash crunch. In November, the International Monetary Fund said it supported Indias efforts to fight corruption through currency control measures, which have since eased. Georgieva compared Modis decision to that of the European Union, which is also phasing out high denomination bills but over a longer period of time. While demonetisation has, in the short term, created some impact on businesses dependent on cash, in the long term the impact will be positive The reforms India is targeting are profound. She said the governments financial inclusion programme along with the move towards digital payments and direct transfer of subsidies will help the poor. Georgieva, who was in India for two days, travelled on a local train in Mumbai and visited the worlds biggest slum in Dharavi. She said people were eager to get a better life and that they were willing to pay more for improved services. She also appreciated the competition among states to improve the ease of doing business saying the situation has improved. India is the bright spot in todays global economy and it is visible in the countrys performance and more so in the aspirations of the people here, she said. Our growth projection for India for this year is 7%. The signs are positive with the reform process underway and GST expected to be implemented soon. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said he believed in the freedom of expression within the legal ambit. When asked about his opinion on DU student Gurmehar Kaur, Parrikar said: I believe in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. All freedom of expression have legal limit. You cannot barge on another persons right. Kaur, a student of Lady Shri Ram College, had launched a social media campaign last week against the ABVP, the students union body linked to the RSS, after the outfit forced the cancellation of a seminar at Delhis Ramjas College over the participation of a controversial JNU student Umar Khalid on February 21. Violent clashes broke out the next day as ABVP activists allegedly attacked students, teachers and journalists in the campus, triggering widespread condemnation. Kaur, trolled for taking on the ABVP in a Facebook post that went viral, said she had received rape threats. DU student Gurmehar Kaur was trolled after taking on the ABVP with this Facebook post. (Facebook/Gurmehar Kaur) The 20-year-old also faced severe criticism for a video message on her father, Captain Mandeep Singh who was killed in Kashmir in 1999 during the Kargil war, and her perceptions about Pakistan and war. Non-aligned Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy Serhiy Taruta has said Ukraine should not wait for Russian Federation President Volodymyr Putin to leave office before attempting to resolve the Donbas conflict. He said the Russian Federation is responsible for the war in eastern Ukraine, but that it is up to Ukraine to settle the conflict. On Tuesday speaking to Radio Free Liberty/Radio Europe, Taruta said many people in Ukraine mistakenly believe the conflict in eastern Ukraine will end when Putin relinquishes power and that's it's best to wait until then before taking steps to settle the conflict. "The West has big problems with Ukraine, which is doing nothing to make the Minsk peace agreements work. There is no progress in the talks. There is no desire to engage in concrete talks, since many in Ukraine are waiting for Putin to die or for the Russian Federation to disintegrate," Taruta said. The lawmaker said it is necessary for Ukraine to implement reforms and to ensure the consolidation of society today, and not wait for the end of hostilities in eastern Ukraine. But he said this is impossible when state officials continue to steel and profit from business related to the conflict. Even as nominations to the Mumbai mayors post are just a day away, the saffron allies-turned-rivals did not make any move to initiate dialogue for a possible alliance in the civic body. The silence between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, who got a split mandate in the recently concluded civic polls, could signal a close contest for the top job in the BMC. The party, which gets its mayor elected, will effectively have an upper hand and control the civic body. The mayoral elections are slated on March 8. The BJP camp, which has been in wait-and-watch mode , began making moves to bolster its seat tally. The party is expected to go to the Konkan divisional commissioners office with its 82 corporators on Friday to register them as a group, to avoid any last-minute defections. It will also hold a meeting of its steering committee on Friday afternoon to decide the partys strategy in the BMC. The Sena, in the meanwhile, continued its attack on the BJP through its mouthpiece, Saamna, taunting it on the ongoing nationalism debate and indicating it was unlikely to blink first and seek a tie up. The editorial taunted the BJP for defining patriotism according to its convenience, pointing out that the party had remained silent when its legislator called army wives unfaithful. The close contest in BMC saw the Sena win 84 seats and the BJP 82. With no party emerging as a clear winner, the tug of war is over upmanship in the BMC with the Sena is already enlisting support of four independents taking its tally to 88 seats. Now, both the Sena and the BJP have approached the Akhil Bharatiya Senas lone corporator, Geeta Gawli, daughter of don-turned-politician Arun Gawli, for support. So far, the ABS had supported the Sena in the BMC. The BJP, it is learnt, also contacted the fifth independent corporator, Mumtaz Rehbar Khan, who has so far not sided with the Sena, for support. I have not made up my mind about supporting either the Sena or the BJP yet. Uddhavsaheb called me and I went to meet him out of respect. However, the meeting was cut short as he had to leave for Kolhapur. I met with senior party leaders Anil Desai and Eknath Shinde, said Gawli. She said she was likely to meet chief minister Devendra Fadnavis late on Thursday night to discuss the issue with him and other BJP leaders. Sources in BJP, however, said the strategy in the BMC is it to get finalised with Fadnavis still holding cards close to his chest. On Friday, we will have to finalise whether we are putting up a mayoral candidate and who it can be. Since withdrawal of the mayoral candidate can be done right on the day of the proposed election, there is still time to finalise what our final role will be in the BMC, said a senior BJP leader. He said the party had to weigh its options carefully as antagonising the Sena by taking the mayors post away from it may have repercussions on the state governments stability. The party may. however, look at opening back channel talks with the Sena ahead of the mayoral election. If it is serious about contesting mayors election, the party will have to enlist support of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). With MNS seven corporators, one independent and Gawli, BJP s tally will go to 91. In such a scenario, the MNS plays is important. At the same time, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with nine corporators has unofficially indicated it will support Sena mayor if MNS supports BJP. Meanwhile, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray skipped BJP state chief Raosaheb Danves sons wedding in Aurangabad on Thursday. While party leaders said his absence at the wedding was not intentional, it is being seen as a bid to keep pressure on the BJP. Thackeray chose to go to Kolhapur to attend a wedding in the family of Sena legislator Rajesh Kshirsagar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Predicting the outcome of an Uttar Pradesh election can be injurious to health. In 1993, extensively covering a UP election for the first time, when my editor asked me for an opinion, I promptly claimed that a Ram wave was sweeping across the state against the backdrop of the Babri masjid demolition. I was proven horribly wrong: The caste arithmetic of the formidable Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance trumped the emotional appeal of Ram Lalla. Once bitten, not twice shy: Twenty-four years later, I am putting my neck on the line once again and forecasting a likely BJP win in Uttar Pradesh. In a seemingly wave-less election where 403 constituencies are witnessing fierce competition almost everywhere, this may be a big call to make. But there is reason to believe that the lotus is poised to bloom in the countrys most politically prized state. Firstly, the sheer numbers back the BJPs claim to be UPs party number one. In 2014, the BJP-led NDA got 42% of the vote and an astonishing 73 of 80 Lok Sabha seats. While that was an unusual wave election, the fact is even a highly unlikely 10% decline in the BJP vote could be enough to give it a leadership position in the state. The SP swept to power in UP in 2012 with 29% of the vote, while in 2007, the BSP got a majority with 30% of the vote. Some analysts have compared UP with the 2015 Bihar assembly elections, claiming that the SP-Congress gatbandhan has changed the electoral numbers game in the state. But this is a false comparison: In Bihar, we had a broad anti-BJP maha-gatbandhan (grand alliance), which meant that there was a bipolar contest and at even 34% of the vote, the BJP was pushed to a poor second place. In UP, by contrast, we have a tough triangular fight: Had the two principal players Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav fought together like Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad did in Bihar, the BJP would have struggled to make an impact. The Congress, by contrast, in UP is still a kamzor kadi or weak link in the alliance. Second, it appears that Narendra Modi has successfully bridged the Delhi-Lucknow divide in a state election. His opposition may label him an outsider fighting the UP ke ladke, but the fact is, Modi has struck a chord in the Indo-Gangetic plain. In his adopted village of Jayapur near Varanasi, the road has been washed away, the solar panel batteries have been stolen, the toilets dont have water supply, and yet, every villager one meets, including in Dalit bastis, says they will vote for Modiji. In Varanasis paan bhandar, traders admit demonetisation has hurt them, but they still chant Har Har Modi. And on the banks of the Ganga at Assi Ghat, a mahant says the Namami Gange project is eyewash but he will still vote for the PM. Clearly, the PM, despite unfulfilled promises and a weak local BJP leadership, still retains voter trust and goodwill. Again, the attempt to draw a comparison with Bihar doesnt quite work. In Bihar, a Nitish Kumar had addressed core issues: Roads, electricity, and crucially, law and order and womens empowerment. In UP, Akhilesh Yadavs kaam bolta hai slogan resonates only in pockets: There is a bit of a UP Shining trap in the glossy advertisements that showcase the Gomti riverbank in Lucknow but you cant ignore the darkness in a Gorakhpur village. And while his emergency crime helpline is a laudable initiative, the image of the Samajwadi Party rowdies still haunts the party. Akhilesh could still be the future of UP with a strong youth connect, but may not be its present: Weve tried Maya and Yadavs, ek baar Modiji ko bhee chance dete hain! is an often-heard refrain. In a sense, Modi symbolically offers hope amid UPs over-arching despair. Aligned to this is the artful messaging of political Hindutva, calculated to polarise the electorate. In the 1990s, the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign overtly attempted to consolidate a Hindu identity. Now, a more devious strategy is underway to link caste and community identities to the magical word vikaas or development. The odious comparisons between availability of bijli during Ramzan and Diwali and the false claim of discrimination in laptop distribution have been designed to stoke the worst fears and prejudices in a deeply divided society. The aggressive Yadav and minority support for the Akhilesh-Rahul combine has only accelerated the counter polarisation. As a result, a new Hindutva alliance is being cemented where upper caste interests are being aligned to the numerically large most backward castes and even non-Jatav dalit aspirations. Hindutva politics based on anti-Muslim propaganda and hope embodied in the Modi persona offer a deadly combination: The UP voter may well be intoxicated by it this time. Post-script: One of the great joys of covering a UP election is to listen to the sharp one-liners from politically conscious voters. Ask a shop-keeper in Jaunpur on the PMs shamshan-kabrastan controversial comparison, pat came the reply: Sir, chunav hai, pehle neta hamein jeene nahi deten, ab hamein marne nahin denge! (Its election time, first leaders dont let us live; now they wont let us die either). Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and author The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dehradun: The Central Zoo Authority has approved in the last three years master plans that map carrying capacity in 41 zoos out of 167 in the country, and earmark a separate space for rescued wild animals, especially tigers and leopards. A master plan is a vision document laying out a roadmap for the next 20 years on development and improvement of facilities in zoos, and maintaining a special area for rescued animals. Certainly, zoos have their limits on housing animals. Problem occurs when rescued animals come in abundance. Under our master plan project, we have facilitated zoos to provide special areas for the rescued or injured or orphaned wild animals that will not be put on display and even stand a chance to be released in wild, Brij Kishore Gupta, evaluation and monitoring officer with the CZA, told Hindustan Times. As many as 112 zoos have prepared master layout plans. Uttarakhands Malsi Deer Park, Pt GB Pant High Altitude Zoo or Nainital Zoo, and upcoming Haldwani Zoo are among them. After the master plans are approved, the zoos will be granted funds to strengthen the captive areas. Malsi Deer Park in Dehradun house two leopards rescued from the wild. The big cats are also exhibited for tourists. Nainital Zoo has nine leopards, most of them are rescued. Though Uttarakhand has two leopard rescue centres in Chidiapur (Haridwar) and Ranibagh (Nainital), sources said the area and infrastructure there are not enough to accommodate the big cats. Nainital Zoo director Dharam Singh Meena said, We have only two enclosures for leopards and they are full. We have proposed four more enclosures so that we can accommodate more rescued leopards. We also have plans to strengthen the centre for housing rescued tigers. Rescued tigers are sent to Nainital Zoo. Officials said the zoo has now two tigers a female rescued in 2008 and a male rescued from Haldwani a month back. Rescue centres could be established independently or even within the zoo. We have seven rescue centres for tigers in the country -- Jaipur, Bhopal, Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati, Chennai, one in West Bengal and one in Karnataka -- where we have kept big cats rescued from circuses, CZA member secretary DN Singh said. For a state like Uttarakhand, which tops in reporting leopard conflicts, rescue centres are the need of the hour, said Abhishekh Kumar, a wildlife activist. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON DEHRADUN: Yoga has the potential to create a new era of togetherness and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. When we talk of combating climate change, we seek to move away from a lifestyle of consumption or Bhoga to one of Yoga, Modi said after inaugurating International Yoga Festival via video conferencing. He added that Yoga can prove to be a strong pillar for the people to lead a life of discipline and development. Yoga is the art of oneness, a journey from Aham to Vayam. The International Yoga Festival began at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh will conclude on March 7. Participants from across the globe are attending the week-long festival. The Ministry of AYUSH, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram are jointly hosting the event. Modi said when a person talks about global peace, there should be peace among the nations and Yoga is the way. That is possible only when there is peace within the society. Only peaceful families can constitute a peaceful society. Only peaceful individuals can make peaceful families. Yoga is the way to create such a harmony and peace within individuals, family, society, nation and ultimately all over the world, he asserted. Highlighting his pet programme Swachh Bharat Mission, Modi said awareness and observance of cleanliness of water bodies, land and air is crucial. Therefore, good health is a collective effort of personal well-being and environmental well-being. Through the Swachh Bharat Mission, we are attempting to establish the link between community hygiene and personal health, he said. The PM said works such as Encyclopedia of Hinduism, when made available in various languages, increase understanding and enhance awareness of other traditions and cultures within the country. In turn, it reduces hatred, misunderstanding and increases cooperation, peace and amity among communities. The encyclopedia is the brain child of Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists held a protest march on the Delhi University (DU) campus on Thursday, demanding action against what they termed anti-national activities. The students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ruling BJPs ideological parent, said the protest march near the universitys North Campus Art Faculty was organised to save the Delhi University. Students in the march were demanding strict action against all those elements who support anarchism and anti-India propaganda. A clash took place between the members of the ABVP and the All India Students Association (AISA), a Left-leaning student organisation, at Delhis Ramjas College on February 22 that left the university campus disturbed. Trouble broke out after the colleged sent an invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar on Culture of Protests, which was withdrawn by the authorities following opposition by ABVP. Khalid allegedly shouted anti-India slogans supporting the secession of militancy-hit Kashmir last February at an event on JNU campus, and was arrested on sedition charges. Delhi Polices Crime Branch, which is probing the clashes at Ramjas College, has recorded the statements of two St Stephens College students who were allegedly beaten up by supporters of the ABVP. The two St Stephens students a boy and a girl have alleged that they were beaten up outside the Ramjas College canteen, said a senior police officer. The girl has also alleged that she was hit with a stone, he said. The Crime Branch team has till now received 25 complaints from both sides and is contacting students to record their statements. We have contacted students to join the probe. AISA activists have said that they will come together to record their statement. We had also shared our email IDs with the students and in all, we have received 25 complaints, he said. The complaints mainly pertain to being roughed up and that of molestation. There are some complaints that have claimed that while they were being roughed up, policemen were standing there. But none of the complainants have alleged that they were beaten up by the policemen, he said. Meanwhile, senior Delhi Police officials also met Ramjas college authorities and requested them to ensure peaceful coexistence of students of different ideologies. Since Ramjas College witnessed large-scale violence last week, officers had a word with representatives from the college. We told them to engage with students, irrespective of the ideologies they believe in. It was also discussed that a debate between different ideologies is essential for democracy but it should not be allowed to become violent, an officer said. Cops are also in the process of meeting principals of other Delhi University colleges to ensure peace in the campus area. In what could bring cheer to guest teachers ahead of Holi, the Delhi government has increased their salaries by 45% to 100 % in different categories. About 17,000 guest teachers in Delhi are likely to be benefitted by the decision. The deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Thursday announced that all Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) and non-CTET teachers are covered under the decision. Sisodia, who is also the education minister, said the decision approved by the cabinet in December, has been approved by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. After the revision, a Post Graduate teacher (PGT) will get Rs 34, 000 instead of the current pay of Rs 21, 000 per month. Similarly, the remuneration for Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) and assistant teacher has been increased to Rs 33,000 and Rs 32,000 respectively. The present salary for a TGT is Rs 18,000 and Rs 16,000 for an assistant teacher. He said that the notification may be issued in a day or two and then the teachers will start receiving their revised salary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhiites may soon look forward to a soothing Metro commute during rush hours. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to start playing music in stations on the New Delhi-Dwarka airport line and plans to extend it inside trains and across its network gradually, depending on user feedback. The decision to roll out instrumental music on the airport line used by an average of 40,000 people a day came after a public survey last year. As per the survey, 80% of the people desired to have light music in the station premises, the modalities for which are being worked out, said a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official. Sources say the facility may be rolled out in a month or two and the DMRC has already applied for a license from the Indian Performing Right Society and Phonographic Performance Limited. Depending on feedback, the music may soon be extended inside trains. These two companies give license if a public transport facility wants to play music. We have public address system in the entire metro network and playing music wont be a problem, the official added. The music will be on the lines of what plays in flights so that it doesnt annoy the passenger. Once we get the license, the facility will start at the airport line stations. The music is part of a turnaround in the airport line after the DMRC took over in June 2013. The daily ridership jumped from 9,000 to 40,000. Many VIPs including Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, travelled on the line and have even tweeted photos. To attract passengers, the DMRC has revised the fares twice and made several other changes to ensure more people use this line. The maximum fare has been reduced to R 60 from R 180 and the minimum is now R 10 against r 30 in 2013. On August 12, the ridership reached a peak of 50,077. Passengers traveling with Air India and Jet Airways can also check-in from New Delhi and Shivaji stadium metro station. Commuters on the Airport Line will finally be able to pull those earphones out: the Delhi Metro is set to introduce music at its stations. The move comes after a passenger satisfaction survey conducted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) revealed that 80% of commuters in Delhi wanted some light music to play at stations. If the idea is a hit, the Metro will extend it to other stations. While soothing music is the perfect recipe to soothe frazzled nerves, we have a few suggestions that DMRC may want to take on-board. One thing they absolutely must not play is Muzak or mood music. Yes, the bland music is the preferred background score of elevators, doctors offices and department stores, but its popularity has seen a sharp decline as more and more people get turned off by how insipid it is. In fact, though muzak is supposed to calm you down with its temperate tones, surveys have found that more people are likely to leave a store in irritation if it plays muzak. And, whats more, at least one British MP has tried to get piped muzak banned from public places for good. What tunes do other Indian public transport systems play? The Kolkata Metro was the first to hit upon the idea Rabindra sangeet plays from station speakers. Bangalores Namma Metro stations recently introduced piped music, opting for instrumental folk tunes, Carnatic and Hindustani melodies at 30 stations, with plans to include other genres as well. The Indian Railways also decided to go the classical route, playing a carefully selected list of instrumental and Carnatic music in its Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains. Should Delhi Metro take some international inspiration? New York is known for its subway performers who play or sing live. But what you did not know is that the New York Citys Metropolitan Transit Authority holds annual auditions to select some of them. The Music Under New York programme receives a high number of applications from both budding and established musicians. The Paris Metro has a similar, wildly successful programme, where it gives licenses to musicians to not only play, but hold concerts as well. Perhaps the Delhi Metro could set up its own programme to encourage art and music? Or how about some Bollywood? DMRC may want to steer clear of filmi music, but you cant deny that Bollywood has a song for every situation. Here is the carefully-curated HT playlist: As your train rolls into the station: Gadi Bula Rahi Hai, Seeti Baja Rahi Hai Running desperately to catch the metro: Ruk Ja O Jane Wali Ruk Ja For unexpected delays : Kab se kare hain tera intezar Missed your train? : Kya Hua Jo Lari Chooti, Jeevan Ki Gadi Chooti Men entering the Ladies Coach: Aap yahan aaye kis liye? For the lets-exchange-longing-glances Metro romance?: Chalte chalte yun hi koi mil gaya tha When you want to break laws, dance on the roof of the metro and get arrested (for the record, we absolutely do not recommend this): Chal Chaiya Chaiya And if youre just looking for a happy, cheery song to cap your Metro ride: Yun hi chala chal rahi Tell us what music you want Delhi Metro to play at its stations. Write to @htTweets or comment below. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Political fault lines in the Delhi University campus are set to get deeper with another student protest even as Gurmehar Kaur, the daughter of an army martyr, told Hindustan Times in an interview that she did not want to enter politics. On Thursday, members of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Delhi University Students Unon (DUSU) are carrying out a Save DU march in Delhis North Campus calling for a nationwide campus ban on Left affiliated organisations. The ABVP has been at loggerheads with All India Students Assocaition (AISA),the student chapter of CPI (ML). ABVPs protest is the second in as many days after Wednesdays demonstration at the Delhi Police headquarters over what they said was police inaction against those who allegedly raised anti-India slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) last year. Watch as the march, by ABVP members and DUSU students, crosses Ramjas College: Here are the Live updates: 2.35pm: Students again carry a giant tiranga at the Arts Faculty. Earlier, on February 27, ABVP had taken out a Tiranga Rally. At the Arts Faculty, Shaurya from Sri Venkateswara college says he had joined the protest against the attempt to bring bad name to the university. 2.30pm: Huge police presence at Arts Faculty to keep a check on the crowd. A large number of students from colleges and outside have gathered. A student from the Faculty of Law tells HT correspondent that she had come to protest against outsiders who were coming to the university for political ends and spread of misinformation. Students of DUSU and members of ABVP take part in the march at North Campus. (Ravi Choudhary / HT Photo) 2.23pm: As the march reaches Arts Faculty, president of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Amit Tanwar says, We will not tolerate those who talk about breaking the country. 2.10pm:Protest march reaches at Vivekanand statue at Arts Faculty. Talking to HT correspondent on ground, an ABVP member said the organisation had been wrongly framed for the violence at Ramjas college. 2pm: March by ABVP members and DUSU students crosses Vishwavidyalaya Metro station and Ramjas College. Students participating in the march tell HT correspondent that they want to raise the spirit of nationalism in the campus through the march. 1.48pm: Meanwhile, Haryana minister Anil Vij stands by his earlier statement that those supporting Gurmehar Kaur are pro Pakistan. Reacting to the uproar in the state Assembly over his statement he says, Those opposing it in the assembly have no understanding,they are siding with anti-national forces, reports ANI. 1.35pm: Chants of Bharat mein rehna hoga, Vande Matarm kehna hoga and Kashmir ho ya Guwahati, apna desh apni maati ring in North Campus where the ABVP march is on as saffron scarfs, banners and the national flags unfurl. 1.25pm: Nearly 2,000 ABVP members gather to take part in the protest. The protesters begin to march from from Arts Faculty. 1.10pm: Posters at the protest site span from freedom of expression, extolling nationalism and call for respect to standing up against anti-nationals. Some of them read Na Marxvaad, na Naxalvaad, Sabse uupar Rashtravaad (Neither Marxism nor Naxalism but Nationalism); Kam padhe likhon ka apmaan karna band karo (Stop showing disrespect for those who are less educated) An ABVP protester shows a poster that reads: Freedom of expression only for Umar Khalid? Not for Shazia Ilmi? (Ravi Choudhary / HT Photo) 1.05pm: An ABVP activist from Rohini says he has come to be a part of the DU fights anti-nationals march. I have come here to say that such activities will not be accepted in India, he tells HT reporter at the protest site in North campus. 1pm: A PHD student in Sanskrit department, Geetika, says she has come to protest against anti-national activities in Ramjas. Have come to protest against the events to misguide youth, she says. Watch here: An MPhil student talk about why she has come for the protest which is cald #DUagainstantinational @htdelhi @httweets pic.twitter.com/6Kmsg0K0ZE Shradha Chettri (@Shrads_chettri) March 2, 2017 12.45pm: In the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between students organisations in DUs Ramjas College, the Karnataka University postpones its convocation programme, which was to be addressed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. ABVP activists from different parts of the city gather to participate in DU against anti-nationals protest. (Ravi Choudhary) 12.40pm: Left leader Sitaram Yechury takes on defence minister Manohar Parrikar for his remark that all freedom of expression have legal limit. What defines legal restrictions of the Defence Minister? His whims and fancies? Restrictions are defined by our constitution, says Yechury, according to ANI. 12.35pm: Posters of alleged incidents of violence against RSS workers line the Chhatra Marg stretch. Early reports say outsiders joining the protest by ABVP. 12.30pm: Chhatra Marg towards Arts Faculty closed down by police as ABVP members gather for the protest. 12.25pm: ABVP activists begin gathering for the march outside Vishwa Vidyalaya metro station. Its banners, placards and slogans once again in the North Campus, this time for fight against anti-nationals. 12.20pm: The Save DU march by ABVP will begin from the Arts Faculty and pass through Vishwavidyalaya Metro station, Miranda College, Sri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, and Law Faculty before culminating at a Swami Vivekananda statue. 12.10pm: Finance minister too joins the raging debate over the discourse of nationalism. Speaking elsewhere, finance minister Arun Jaitley says nationalism is a good word but is made out to be bad in our country, reports ANI. Nationalism is a good word, ye toh kewal iss desh mein hai ki rashtravad bura shabd hai: Arun Jaitley,Finance Minister pic.twitter.com/i0t7dVww04 ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 12pm: Meanwhile, asked about his opinion on Gurmehar Kaur, defence minister Manohar Parrikar says: I believe in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. All freedom of expression have legal limit. You cannot barge on another persons right, reports IANS. 11.50am: Organisers say the Save DU march by ABVP has been planned to bring back peace in Delhi University which has seen unprecedented violence over a seminar at the Ramjas College. The seminar was subsequently cancelled on February 22. Read: Ramjas row: 10 things that turned a college brawl into a battle of ideologies 11.40am: Accusing Left organisations of inciting violence on campus, Saket Bahuguna, ABVP national media convener had said, DU has been peaceful because ABVP has dominated the campus. But now we are being wrongly accused of indulging in violence. The violence on February 22 happened because there were aggressors of the Left who had come from outside. 11.30am: HC likely to hear plea filed by DU students against police action at Ramjas college last week, report ANI. Students from Delhi Universitys Law Department had approached the HC for action against cops who allegedly assaulted students and journalists at the college during a protest. #RamjasRow: Heavy security deployment in North Campus of the Delhi University ahead of ABVP's protest today. pic.twitter.com/OrXWbb8u5v ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 11.20am: Delhi University is set for another day of protests and counterprotests as the ABVP will hold a march at 12pm for nationwide campus ban on Left Wing student bodies. 11.15am: Heavy police security at Art Faculty in North Campus ahead of ABVP march. Agitating Jat leaders threatened on Thursday to disrupt supply of essential commodities to Delhi and block roads leading to the Capital if their demands for quotas in jobs and education were not met. At a protest meeting in central Delhis Jantar Mantar, Yashpal Malik, the president of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), said five million members of his community would return to the national capital with their tractors and cattle after Holi and intensify their demonstration. We will not supply milk to private parties in Delhi for a day as a token protest. We have already stopped supplying milk to government plants and agencies. We have started our non-cooperative movement in Haryana, Malik said. If demands not met, Jat agitators threaten to block all roads leading to Delhi & cut essential supplies, including water @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/VueokmA2BL Sweta Goswami (@sweta_goswami) March 2, 2017 He added that the Jat protest movement would spread all over north India soon. We have come to Delhi with determination and we will march towards the parliament, he said. Malik was addressing a crowd of about 5,000 protestors who thronged the city on Thursday morning to pressurise the Centre for reservations. The Jats want an OBC status for the community. In the morning, roads leading to the protest hub were choked with Jat protestors from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab, giving a tough time to motorists and commuters. Police and traffic personnel were deployed at major roundabouts and roads to manage traffic as well as the protesters. Malik said they would submit their memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee . We have seven demands and the government should fulfil them. We want reservations for our community in jobs and education institutions. Haryana government should immediately withdraw pending cases against our people. Others who were injured during previous protest should be given compensation and the government should give a job to a family member of the deceased, he said. The Jat leader also demanded that action should be taken against errant police officials and also against BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini, who has been vocal against the Jat reservation. The Jat protests turned violent last year in Haryana as thousands of people clashed with police and vandalized shops and vehicles, causing several deaths.But this time around, the protests have been mostly peaceful. Petro Poroshenko Bloc deputies in U.S. discussed sanctions against Russia with White House officials A delegation of the Verkhovna Rada deputies from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction during their visit to the U.S. met with high-ranking White House officials, U.S. diplomats, Congressmen and women, journalists and analysts and think tanks to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The faction's press service on Monday said three main issues were discussed: keeping sanctions against Russia in order to deter the aggressor, compliance with the Minsk peace agreements and implementation of institutional reforms in Ukraine. "Today the solution to the main group of questions is in Ukraine. I am sure that we must strengthen the support of our main partners and achieve concrete results by implementing reforms domestically," Serhiy Berezenko said. A second deputy in the delegation, Pavlo Rizanenko, presented proposed economic reforms for Ukraine during the talks. Deputies Berezenko, Rizanenko, Artur Gerasymov, Iryna Friz were members of the delegation, along with experts Heorhiy Vashadze and Serhiy Taran. The Jat stir for quota in government jobs and education reached the Capital on Thursday, as protesters threatened to cut off food supply to Delhi and block roads if their demands were not met by March 20. The day passed off peacefully though several thousand Jats from various states had gathered for a rally at Jantar Mantar, the citys protest zone. But, the leaders of the land-holding community warned that five million of them would descend on the Capital, with their tractors and cattle, if the government failed to act by March 20. Be prepared for a blockade Apart from water supply, supply of essential goods will also be curtailed, All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samitis (AIJASS) Yashpal Malik, who is leading the renewed stir, told the protesters. Delhi depends on neigbouring states for milk, fruits, vegetables and other essentials. Taps ran dry in several parts of Delhi in February last, as Jat protesters in neigbouring Haryana damaged the Munak canal that carries water to the Capital. Thirty people were killed in Haryana as the protest turned violent, with heavy damage to public and private property. The AIJASS resumed agitation across Haryana on January 29. On Thursday, the community members from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Delhi joined their Haryana counterparts in demanding aam maafi (general amnesty). Listing their seven demands, AIJASS chief Malik told HT the community should be given reservation by the Centre, Haryana and other states. They also want jobs for the next of the kin of those killed in the 2016 stir, withdrawal of cases registered against the Jats and action against officers who used force against them. The injured should be given compensation, Malik, who is from Haryana, said. More than 2,100 cases were lodged for the violence that swept Haryana. Sixty protesters are still in jail. The Jat leader also called for actions against BJP leader Raj Kumar Saini, who has spoken against the demand for reservation. A Delhi MLA joined the sit-in. The Jats, who are primarily an agrarian community, have been facing discrimination for a long time. They are behind in economic matters, so the entire issue needs better handling by the government, Bijwasan MLA colonel Devinder Sehrawat (retired) told HT. The protesters tried to march towards Parliament but were stopped near the Parliament Street police station after which they dispersed. The Delhi government has tied with 41 private hospitals in Delhi to facilitate 30 surgeries free of charge for patients referred by government hospitals in the Capital. To check the surgeries which will be provided free of cost, click here: Delhi govt ties up with private hospitals: The 30 surgeries you can get for free The government will reimburse these National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers-accredited hospitals at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for the complete treatment. It will including pre-surgery consultation, surgery, medicines, food and hospital stay, and follow-ups for a month after discharge. The patients will be able to avail the facilities, if the waiting time at the government hospital exceeds one month to undergo these surgeries. Heres the list of private hospitals/medical centres where the surgical procedures will be conducted: Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, Panchkuian Road Jeewan Nursing Home and Hospital, Pusa Road Jeewan Mala Hospital, New Rohtak Road Dr BL Kapur Memorial Hospital, Pusa Road Tirath Ram Shah Charitable Hospital, Rajpur Road Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute, Preet Vihar Jeevan Anmol Hospital, Mayur Vuhar Phase I Dharamashila Hospital and Research Centre, Vasundhara Enclave Goyal Hospital and Urology Centre, Krishna Nagar Deepak Memorial Hospital, Vikas MArg Ext II Khandelwal Hospital and Urology Centre, East Krishna Nagar Jain Hospital, Jagriti Enclave Primus Superspeciality Hospital, Chanakya Puri Indian Spinal Injury Centre, Vasant Kunj Saroj Hospital and Heart Institute, Rohini Bhagwati Hospital, Rohini Max Superspeciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Tughlakabad Instt Area Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, Okhla National Heart Institute, East of Kailash Metro Hospital and Heart Institute, Lajpat Nagar IV Bansal Hospital, New Friends Colony Visitech Eye Care, South Extn Part II Dr Pattnaiks Laser eye Institue, Lajpat Nagar III Shroff Eye Centre, Kailash Colony Rockland Hospital, Qutub Instt Area Venu Eye Institute and Research Institute, Sheikh Sarai, Institutional Area Ph II Max Smart Superspeciality Hospital, Saket Max Multispeciality Centre, Panchsheel Park Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Punjabi Bagh Mata Channan Devi Hospital, Janak Puri Park Hospital, Chowkhandi Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Pashchim Vihar Action Cancer Hospital, Paschim Vihar MGS Hospital, Punjabi Bagh Dr Kapurs The Healing Touch Eye Centre, Vikas Puri RLKC Hospital Metro Heart Institute, Shadipur Depot Bharti Eye Foundation, 1/3 East Patel Nagar Panchasheel Hospital, Yamuna Vihar PC Stone, East of Kailash SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Taking their quota stir to Delhi, several thousand Jat community members protested at the Jantar Mantar on Thursday, pressing for reservation in jobs and educational institutions. The agitating protesters threatened to block essential services to the capital if their demands for reservation are not met. Life in Delhi will come to a standstill if reservation demands not met, the Jat leaders warned. Jats from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh took part in the demonstration. They also demanded release of those jailed during last years stir, withdrawal of cases slapped against protesters, and government jobs to relatives of those killed and wounded during the protests. Here are the highlights of the day: 4.30pm: Jat protest comes to an end after they are stopped from marching to the Parliament. Delhi better be prepared for a bigger protest with tractors and cattle on March 20, Jat leaders warn before ending protest 3.50pm: Police set up barricades at Parliament Street police station in a bid to stop the protestors. They are unlikely to be allowed to march beyond that point. Marching towards Parliament House, Jat agitators stopped near Parliament Street police station. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/9FsGZHVcCR Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 3.30pm: Protestors begin march towards Parliament House from Jantar Mantar. 3pm: A Jat leader at the protests says that all Jats will bring their tractors, cattle and all belongings to protest at Jantar Mantar on March 20. 2.40 pm: MLA from Bijwasan Devinder Sehrawat joins the protest at Jantar Mantar. 1.50 pm: Jat leaders tell agitators to prepare to march towards Parliament House in a while from now. 1.45 pm: Jat leaders threaten to block supply of essential commodities to Delhi and block roads in the capital if their demands are not met. Life in Delhi will come to a standstill if reservation demands not met, warn Jat leaders at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 1.10 pm: People at the protest venue seen clicking selfies. Selfies all around at the Jat agitation at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/ES0RV57UGs Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 1.05 pm: Students of Jat community studying in Delhi University join the protest at Jantar Mantar. 1 pm: The Jat agitators have informed police they will march to Rashtrapati Bhawan. Police say they will be stopped at a point. 12.50 pm: Protestors shout slogans saying Narendra Modi...Samaaj Virodhi . Women members of the Jat community liven the atmosphere by singing protest slogans at Jantar Mantar. Women members of the Jat community protest by dancing at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/2EDKRwjbEH Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 12.30 pm: The crowd has now swelled to around 3,500, police officials say. A small group of women seen among the protesters, largely comprising of elderly men. Agitators continue to trickle at the protest venue. 12.24 pm: Protesters at the venue being served refreshments. Meanwhile, group of ex-servicemen, who are protesting adjacent to the Jat agitators at Jantar Mantar, say reservations based on caste should end. 12.02 pm: Within an hour, number of Jat protesters at Jantar Mantar rise from few hundreds to thousands. 12.00 pm: A middle-aged man, who runs a grocery story, explains his reason for participating in the protest. 11.45 am: Protesting site jam-packed with people. The gate for entering Jantar Mantar from Patel Chowk metro station shut. Police say there is little chance that the situation will spin out of control. 11.40 am: Special Commissioners from Delhi Police visit Jantar Mantar to ensure Jat protests are peaceful. Around 600-700 police personnel and paramilitary forces have been stationed at the protesting venue. Special Commissioners from Delhi Police visit Jantar Mantar to ensure Jat protests are peaceful. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/yUpMHVoeK6 Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 11.30 am: Jat leaders allege community members are being stopped from entering the city at the borders of Delhi. However, police denying the accusations. 11.15 am: Protesters display placards at the rally. Hardly any women participants seen, the protest is composed mostly of elderly people. Some of the Jat community members arrive in SUVs at the protesting venue. Hardly any women at the Jat protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Protesters comprise mostly of elders. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/7rwSQfLhKa Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 11.10 am: Members of the Jat community prepare a hukkah at their protest site. Members of the Jat community prepare a hukkah at their protest site at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/BTvcDn7WQV Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 11.05 am: Jat leaders warn members from misbehaving with journalists at Jantar Mantar. Taking a lesson from the DU protests? Jat leaders warn members from misbehaving with journalists at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi pic.twitter.com/iB59YseDRT Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 11 am: About 1,000-1,500 members of the Jat community have so far gathered at Jantar Mantar for the protest. 10.50 am: Over 4,000 police personnel are deployed across the city by Delhi Police to maintain law&order during the rally by Jats. 10.45 am: Leaders of Jat community appeal to their members at Jantar Mantar to ensure their protest is disciplined and peaceful. 10.40 am: Traffic Alert: Sansad Marg closed for traffic in view of the protests by the Jat community at Jantar Mantar Traffic Alert: Sansad Marg closed for traffic in view of the protests by the Jat community at Jantar Mantar. @htTweets @htdelhi Shiv Sunny (@shivsunny) March 2, 2017 10.30 am: Members of the Jat community have started trickling in to Jantar Mantar. Protest for reservations to begin at 11 am. Inordinate delay in Shahjahanabad redevelopment project is leading to extra spending and cost escalation, officials have estimated. Sources said that the duct constructed on the northern carriageway to bury utility cables underground has got inundated with sludge. Delhis public works department had spent crores of rupees to construct this tube, which has been lying uncovered since its completion in 2014. The nodal officer of the project, appointed by the Delhi High Court, has issued directions to the department to look into the matter and submit its report. A senior official of the Delhi government said that work on the duct had come to a standstill since December 2014. This has allowed the mud to flow into the pipe because it was not covered. The area does not have a storm water drain. Rain water flows with the sewage. As the duct was left open after its construction without any provision to prevent it from flooding, mud has slipped into it. The problem of sludge in the already laid duct on the northern side of the road will be resolved by the PWD. This will certainly add to the cost of the project. These are just some of the repercussions caused by the delay, said the official. The decision, to create the duct measuring about six feet by six feet, was taken in September 2011 and the government was supposed to begin work on the ground by June 2012. The idea was to improve aesthetic of the Mughal era market, designed by Princess Jahanara, by shifting all overhead service cables underground. Initially, the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Delhi was to take up the project. However, it was later handed over to the PWD and work finally started in June 2014. All transformers placed on the surface were also to be relocated beneath the ground. The cost of this part of the project (construction of duct, shifting of utility cables, and putting transformer underground) was estimated at Rs 13.23 crore. The duct on one side of the road was completed. Work on the other side, however, came to a halt with a change of guard in the city government. As a result, the construction of the channel on the southern carriageway could not be started. The Shahjahanbad Redevelopment Corporation has set March 20 as deadline for removing encroachment and parking regulation in the area to decongest it. The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has also been asked to allocate sufficient land for relocation of such encroachers behind the Town Hall and to waive licence fee being demanded by the civic body. Earlier, they had sought Rs 2 crore for sparing the land for the purpose, the official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Brace for a protest Thursday in Delhi as more than 10,000 members of the Jat community are planning a rally at Jantar Mantar, while right-wing students have called a march on Delhi Universitys North Campus. Delhi Police dug into their reserves standby personnel for emergency situations and those from ancillary units on Wednesday to bump up the headcount along with their regular personnel and paramilitary forces for the two demonstrations. Around 4,000 police personnel will be deployed around the city. The Jat protesters will not be stopped on the border and they will be allowed to reach Jantar Mantar. They have assured us of a peaceful, non-violent rally, a senior officer said. The Jats, pressing for reservation in jobs and educational institution, will begin their rally around 11am. The protest at the national capital is viewed as part of their strategy to exert pressure on the Centre. Jats from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital at 11 am on Thursday, Yashpal Malik, the president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), said on Wednesday. Thoroughfares in the Capitals central districts are likely to register snarls as the protesters will arrive during the morning rush hour. Traffic diversions will be done as and when the need arises. There will be no restrictions on the entry of protesters at border entry points to the city, but a ban on tractors will be strictly enforced. ROUTES THAT MAY BE HIT Singhu Border and adjoining Alipur-Narela Road NH-24 border from Ghazipur Kapashera Border and Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road Arterial roads around Jantar Mantar Gurgaon-Delhi Expressway near Mahipalpur DU march Senior officers, however, are more worried about security at the university protest site, where the Delhi University Students Union and the BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) will hold a march on North Campus around 12pm. Around 600 police personnel, including women, will be deployed for the DU protest, an officer said. Arrangements are being made to prevent the student march from getting violent, like it did last week when ABVP members clashed with Left-leaning and neutral students over a forced-stalled seminar in Ramjas College. Trouble erupted when Ramjas College invited Jawaharlal Nehru University students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid for the seminar. The ABVP was against the invite to Khalid, who allegedly shouted anti-India slogans supporting the secession of militancy-hit Kashmir last February at an event on the JNU campus, and was arrested on sedition charges. The Jat stir too had recorded large-scale violence last year. As many as 30 people were killed, and government and private property worth hundreds of crores of rupees was damaged during arson and looting in February 2016. The AIJASS resumed their stir from January 29 this year, but the protests at different places in Haryana have continued peacefully. Besides a rally at Jantar Mantar, the Capitals designated protest site, the group threatened that Jat farmers will stop the supply of milk to New Delhi. The Capitals major milk vends source their product mostly from the neighbouring state. From today, we have decided to start a non-cooperation movement, AIJASS chief Malik said in Hisar. The protesters will not pay electricity and water bills and also the instalment for loans that they owe to the government. Jats will stop buying goods from shopkeepers who will not cooperate with us, Yashpal Malik said. The Jats plan to submit a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, and gherao Parliament, the date for which will be announced during the Delhi demonstration. The Jat demands include release of those jailed during last years stir that turned violent, withdrawal of cases slapped against protesters, and government jobs to relatives of those killed and wounded during the protests. . The Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will launch a protest march at the Delhi Universitys North Campus on Thursday, seeking a nationwide campus ban on Left-affiliated organisations. The ABVP protest is the second in as many days in Delhi after Wednesdays demonstration at the police headquarters over what they said was police inaction against those who allegedly raised anti-India slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University last year. Police has deployed additional security personnel for the Save DU march which will start at 12 pm from the Arts faculty and pass through Vishwavidyalaya metro station, Miranda College, Sri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, and the Law Faculty before culminating at a Swami Vivekananda statue. The organisers said the march has been planned for bringing back peace in Delhi University which has seen unprecedented violence over a seminar at the Ramjas College which was subsequently cancelled on February 22. The ABVP is accused of involvement in clashes at Delhis Ramjas College during a seminar on February 22. Right-wing activists allegedly assaulted members of the Leftist All India Students Association (AISA) during scuffles over cancellation of JNU student Umar Khalids talk at the Ramjas College. DU has been peaceful because ABVP has dominated the campus. But now we are being wrongly accused of indulging in violence. The violence on February 22 happened because there were aggressors of the Left who had come from outside, said Saket Bahuguna, ABVP national media convener. A senior police official said around 600 personnel including women will be deployed during the students protests for Thursdays march. Earlier on Monday, the DUSU took out a tiranga rally and marched from Ramjas College. On Thursday, the Delhi high court is also likely to take up a plea filed by Delhi University (DU) law students against police in the Ramjas row. Students from DUs law department on Wednesday approached the high court for action against policemen who allegedly assaulted students and journalists during the violence at Ramjas college. The PIL seeks formation of an independent committee of senior Delhi Police officials to investigate what led to the massive protests in Delhi University. After the February 22 violence at Ramjas College, a Lady Sriram College student Gurmehar Kaur launched a social media campaign against ABVP. She later withdrew from the campaign after reportedly receiving rape and death threats. The Delhi high court is likely to take up the plea filed by students of Delhi Universitys Law Faculty against police in Ramjas row on Thursday. Students from DUs law department on Wednesday approached the HC for action against policemen who allegedly assaulted students and journalists at Delhis Ramjas college during a protest. Two of Delhi University law students Tarun Narang and Deepak Joshi have filed a public interest litigation. The PIL seeks formation of an independent committee of senior Delhi Police officials to investigate what led to the massive protests in Delhi University last week. It also demanded that police lodge cases under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (assaulting a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) against the police officers. On February 22, a literary festival organised in Ramjas College was disrupted, allegedly by members of the ABVP, which led to outbreak of clashes the next day in which teachers, students and journalists were wounded on the Delhi University campus. Following the clashes, protests and counter-protests have been carried out by students of DU and ABVP respectively in Delhi Universitys North Campus. The confusion over stamping of hand baggage at seven airports of the country including Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport ended on Thursday, with the Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) stating that all cabin bags needed to be stamped. The BCAS had issued a circular on February 24 saying that it has stopped stamping of baggage tags at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Cochin airports. Read: Delhi airport to stamp cabin bag tags again as trial run fails to save time But the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which mans airports across the country, expressed its inability to implement the order. On Thursday, a joint meeting was held between ministers of state and officials of Union ministry of home affairs and Union ministry of civil aviation at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan to discuss the modalities of implementation of the order. The CISF had conducted trial runs in two phases at 12 airports and concluded that stamping of baggage tags could be done away with after certain modifications of security architecture in the security hold areas and installation of high definition CCTV cameras. CISF had also proposed that a committee comprising representatives of BCAS, CISF and airport operator should examine the suitability of implementing this scheme at each airport, said a CISF spokesperson. A similar exercise was to be conducted simultaneously at the remaining 52 airports under CISF cover for recommending modifications in the security architecture and CCTV systems so that the scheme could be implemented at these airports as well. Read: You no longer need a security stamp on your hand baggage tag at these 7 airports From December 26, the CISF started the one-week trial run again at seven different airports. In Bengaluru, 89% of the passengers appreciated the move, while 11% said that stamp on tag is a sense of security for them. In Delhi, over 2,400 flights were covered and in some cases, during random check at boarding gates, a few suspicious items were caught. We have recommended some changes in the security structure and once the gap is filled, we will reintroduce the measure, the CISF official said. ENDS SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The High Court on Wednesday asked the Centre and Delhi government to submit a comprehensive report on the measures undertaken to prevent crime against women after the 2012 December 16 gang rape case. A bench of justice BD Ahmed and justice Ashutosh Kumar said despite numerous directions from the court the cases of crime against women have not gone down but increased. The court directed additional solicitor general Sanjay Jain and Delhi government senior standing counsel Rahul Mehra to submit a comprehensive report on the action taken on the various directions passed by the court so far. Immediately after the December 16 gang rape case, the high court on its own initiated a public interest litigation (PIL) with the aim to improve safety of women in Capital. The court is looking into the issue of increasing the number of police personnel in Delhi, installation of CCTV cameras, street lighting and identifying dark spots, among others. In the last hearing, the court directed the city police to identify areas where it is necessary to set up more streetlights based on the crime mapping exercise it had earlier conducted. Studies across the world have suggested that dark public areas, where there are insufficient streetlights are crime prone, the bench remarked as it directed all civic agencies to put a logo and telephone complaint number on each street light pole under their responsibility. Advocate Meera Bhatia, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae in the case, said the issue of installation of CCTV cameras in the capital has been put in the backburner as both the city government and police have not done anything on it. Bhatia said the CCTV cameras have not even been installed most of the police stations here. The body of a 53-year-old woman who was allegedly strangled to death was found at her flat in Dwarka on Monday. The womans son, who is untraceable, is the prime suspect, said police. Identified as Meeta Jha, the woman lived in an apartment at Chandra Park in Dwarkas Sector-3 with her 28-year-old son. Her husband died a few years ago and her daughter is a doctor in London. The murder came to light on Monday when her daughter alerted neighbours when her calls went unanswered over three days. When neighbours told her that the flat was locked from outside, the police were informed. The door was broken and Meeta Jha was lying dead in her bedroom. Doctors told the police that the woman was possibly killed by strangulation. Police registered a murder case and checked CCTV footage. The footage showed the womans son leaving the building on February 24. Since the body had begun to decay, it appears her son killed her, locked the house from outside and left. He is untraceable, said a senior police officer. The son is a drug addict and is unemployed. He is notorious in the locality for his short temper and picking up fights, said the officer. Surendra Kumar, DCP (South-West), said the victims daughter also suspected her brother. As soon as she came to know about her mothers death, she told us that her brother is a drug addict and suspected his role in the murder, said the officer. A murder case has been registered at Dwarka (North) police station and a team has been formed to nab the suspect. Sanctions against the Russian Federation cannot be lifted until full implementation of the Minsk agreements, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said. "Sanctions against Russia, which have been supported by Japan along with other countries of the G7, must not be lifted until full implementation of the Minsk agreements," the Japanese PM said at a meeting with Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine speaker Andriy Parubiy on Thursday, according to the parliament's press service. According to the press service, Abe said he is "trying his utmost to support Ukraine during his work at international forums." He expressed the hope for strengthened ties on the international arena with Ukraine, including in the United Nations Security Council. "Lately there are more crisis situations in the world and therefore we support your position about the necessity to cooperate in order to strengthen word security within the framework of the UNSC, as well by means of the exchange of information between our respective security services." As earlier reported by the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency, Parubiy from February 25 through March 3 is on a working visit to Japan. The political discourse in India touches a new low every day. While we were busy keeping a tab on leaders targeting their opposition in Uttar Pradesh and their choice of language, a disturbing video (shot on February 22) of the Bihar minister for excise and prohibition, Abdul Jalil Mastan, surfaced on Wednesday. It showed the minister asking the crowd at a rally to beat Prime Minister Narendra Modis photograph with slippers. He also called the PM a dacoit. The comment is so vicious and ungraceful that Mr Mastans boss, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, had to step in. The BJP, however, did not give in easily. The party protested in the assembly demanding the ministers expulsion from the cabinet and former deputy chief minister Sushil Modi said: Regret by CM Nitish is not enough and Mastan should be sacked from the cabinet. Mr Mastan has also apologised for the remark but such belated apologies mean nothing. Mr Mastan should have been careful about the use of words and thought about the repercussions before speaking out against a fellow politician and a senior leader. As we have seen and heard before, such comments, unfortunately, have become par for the course in Indias politics. From communal slurs, gender-insensitive remarks, ugly casteist ones and personal insults, its free for all and none of this does us any credit as a mature democracy. It seems to have escaped many politicians that they can make a very forceful point by using satire, sarcasm and wit much more effectively than through name calling. We often talk of cleaning up politics, but this must also include the language of discourse. The same disease has entered Parliament and assemblies. Gone are the days when the exchanges between leaders had a certain decorum and civility even during bitterest political battles. Here the example of the debates in the British parliament is a case in point. There is bitter rivalry but the manner in which rivals are tripped up is always civil even if painful. In India, come election and anything goes. So why do politicians resort to such derogatory tactics? One reason could be that in a country with low literacy levels such as India, personal attacks --- not ideas and issues ---- go down well with people and they tend to relish such direct attacks; but a more important issue could be that majority of our representatives do very little homework before targeting their opposition. Its much easier to come to the maidan and spew venom, but very difficult to delve into facts and figures and make a cogent argument. By calling someone a dacoit, Mr Mastan cannot hide that all he has in his arsenal are venomous words, not big ideas or thoughts. Husbands visiting married women in residential degree colleges could distract other girl students this is the astoundingly flawed logic used by the Telangana government to enforce its decree that only unmarried women are eligible to pursue education in social welfare residential degree colleges in the state. A notification by the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutes Society specifically stipulates that applications are invited only from unmarried women. This becomes all the more confusing when taken with the remarks by the society secretary that the purpose of these colleges was to break the cycle of child marriages. This is passing strange at a time when India is actively pursuing a womens empowerment agenda. Women are seeking equality in the workplace and in education. Education has proved to be a great enabler for an increase in the age of marriage, better health for the mother and child and better chances in the job market. The Telangana government has no legal or constitutional right to deny unmarried women admission to colleges and this can easily be challenged in a court of law. It is also an insult to women students to suggest that they could be distracted by a visiting husband. The Telangana government has much on its plate with the prolonged drought, farmer suicides and lack of employment opportunities. The chief minister has been occupied in offering hugely expensive gifts to temples rather than address the problems that the new state is facing. Child marriage is prevalent across the state and education will not only help curb this but also give new opportunities to those who have been married off early. The state should be actively encouraging women who were denied educational opportunities due to early marriage to get them later. The diktat is also a denigration of the institution of marriage as though this were a deterrent to education. As it is, womens rights are not a priority for the government in the state but to institutionalise it smacks of extreme prejudice. Education at any point in life should be encouraged, especially among women. The literacy rate in Telangana is just 66.5% as opposed to 91.1% in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. This makes it imperative to push education all round. This exclusion of married women also sends out the wrong signal to other educational institutions that might be tempted to follow this route. The state government must scrap this ridiculous rule and ensure a level playing field for all women in the education sector. The middleman, who was arrested by Jharkhand police for helping two Class 12 students write the board examination from home, has said some school teachers were also involved in the cheating racket and that big money exchanged hands. Bokaro police busted the racket after arresting Pradyuman Pandey, who was carrying answer sheets from homes of two intermediate examinees for submission at the examination centre - Industrial Area High School in Balidih - on Tuesday. Pandey runs a private school in Balidih and he divulged that he was involved in the racket for money with help of some school teachers. He said a teacher of the school Madan Sau used to help him in the job, Balidih police station in-charge AK Singh said, adding Pandey was yet to reveal the money he used to charge the students. Police were interrogating Pandey, who also indicated the involvement of education department and administrative officials. Based on Pandeys statement, police have also lodged an FIR against the two students. The two students have been identified as Aman Kumar and Sushmita Kumari, who apparently got the question papers well in advance and wrote the exam at home. They have been marked absent. Jharkhand exam racket lets you cheat from the comfort of your home The centre superintendent and accused students are yet to be arrested. Procedures will be followed to arrest them, Singh said, adding, interrogation of Pandey was on and they were expecting more revelations. Meanwhile, all teachers at Industrial Area High School have been removed from the examination duty after Pandeys revelation of teachers involvement in the racket. There were 22 teachers in the school. We have removed all from the examination duty and new teachers from other schools of Bokaro have been deputed for the job, Bokaro district education officer, Mahip Kumar Singh, said. Use of unfair means has been reported since the beginning of the examination in Jharkhand. More than 300 students have been expelled for unfair practices in the state so far. On February 20, pictures of class 12 English question paper went viral on WhatsApp, hardly 30 minutes after the exams began, raising concerns about the use of tech gadgets and mobile phones by students in examination halls. The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) board exams for matriculation (class 10) and intermediate (class 12) began on February 18. Nearly eight lakh students are appearing for the exams, which end on March 7, across 1385 centres in the state. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shubh Agrawal, a Class 11 student, has made Lucknow proud by scoring 1590 out of 1600 on SAT for admission in undergraduate programs of universities or colleges in the United States. This is for the first time that any student from Lucknow has achieved this feat and this is probably the highest score in India for SAT, which was held on January 21 this year. SAT is an entrance exam created by the College Board, USA and is used by most colleges and universities in the America and globally to make admission decisions. I can look forward to not only successfully applying to the most elite colleges in the US, including Stanford, CalTech, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and others but will also get substantial scholarship, a jubilant Shubh, a student of City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar branch, told Hindustan Times. Shubh, the son of paediatrician father and an anaesthetist mother, scored 800 out of 800 in the maths section and 790 out of 800 in the evidence-based reading and writing in English section. The 16-year-olds marks are the second highest score possible on the test. His overall score of 1590 represented the highest percentile rank of 99+ in India, said Abha Anant, principal of CMS Gomti Nagar. The test comprised 4 sections, two from English (reading and writing) and two from mathematics. The result is in the form of a score ranging from a minimum of 400 to a maximum of 1600, in intervals of 10 points. USA UnivQuest is proud to have polished this gem for the world. Shubh is also planning to write AP tests in May to strengthen his application and maximise his scholarship, Sanjeev Kumar Pandey, centre coordinator and Shubhs mentor at USA UnivQuest, said. Pandey said around 75% of the reputed colleges and universities in the USA placed a lot of importance on SAT scores while assessing the strength of an applicant. According to the estimate of the USA UnivQuest research team, till date, less than 1500 students across the world have achieved a score of 1590 or higher. NK Dubey, centre head at USA UnivQuest, said with these scores, the sky is the limit for Shubh. Shubh plans to pursue a pure sciences degree in physics. The score would help me get admission to the best universities and with ample research facilities I plan to pursue a career as a research physicist in astrophysics and space technology development, Shubh, who loves music and reading, said. Shubh plans to pursue a pure sciences degree in physics. (Handout image) SAT is held in 175 countries across the world and around two million students write this test annually that is offered 7 times in a year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The 519 students who qualified the tough National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) entrance test to get into medical colleges only to get thrown out by the Medical Council of India (MCI) say they are depressed and see no way out of their predicament. Qualifying NEET to get into another medical college next year is impossible as they have no strength left to study for the exams again, they say. The students were issued discharge notices by MCI, and asked to vacate their college seats as they had been directly admitted without counselling. Doing so meant violation of the Supreme Court order of September 28, 2016, to state governments to hold centralised counselling and allot colleges to students based on their NEET performance. Calling the system unfair, students say they have high NEET scores and are being asked to leave their colleges even though others with low scores continue with their MBBS course as they got admission through counselling. I scored 252 in NEET but I took direct admission and didnt appear for counselling. MCI has cancelled my admission. But in my college, many students who have come through counselling have scored less than 200, says Pratibha, a student from Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Gajraula, UP. Students of FH Medical College, Tundla, Uttar Pradesh, told this correspondent that they were losing hope. We have worked hard for the last three months, were almost medicos - we have dissected cadavers, slogged, but they are asking us to do NEET again to join a college. We are not in a condition to even think about it. Studying for NEET is not like having a cup of tea, a young student said. A group of young medical students from Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, UP said they dreamt of being doctors in a country which had a severe shortage of medical personnel. This is grave injustice against us, one of them said. After three months we are being told to leave our college. How can we be motivated to write NEET again? In an application under RTI to MCI, this correspondent had asked how many students in medical colleges in India had been issued discharge notices in the academic year of 2016-17. Responding to the application, MCI had provided a list of 17 colleges from four states which admitted the 519 students directly. These include Hind Institute of Medical Sciences and Saraswati Medical College, Unnao, affiliated to King Georges Medical University, Lucknow. Krishna Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Mathura, affiliated to Dr BR Ambedkar University, Agra; Rajshree Medical Research Institute, Bareilly, and Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, affiliated to MJP Rohilkhand University, among others. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Assam cabinets decision to introduce Sanskrit as a compulsory subject till Class 8 has evoked sharp criticism from students organisations and opposition political parties in the state. The All Assam Students Union (AASU) has criticised the decision to make Sanskrit compulsory instead of promoting Assamese in schools. We are not opposed to the Cabinet decision of making Sanskrit compulsory in schools under the state board but the government should clarify whether now there will be the four-language formula in Assam instead of the three-language formula followed in other states, AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said on Thursday. Moreover, there can be no compromise with the teaching of Assamese in schools and the language has to be a part of the syllabus in the state, he added. The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) also alleged that the move to impose Sanskrit as compulsory subject till Class 8 was a well-orchestrated conspiracy being micro managed and monitored from Nagpur (the RSS headquarter). The state government was preparing to recruit Sanskrit teachers from outside since the state now lacks the required strength but we wont allow teachers from outside the state to be recruited in our schools, AJYCP president Biraj Kumar Talukdar said in a statement in Guwahati. The AJYCP said it was not opposed to Sanskrit in schools since it is the ancient language which needs to be promoted and preserved in schools and colleges but we are concerned by the way the government is trying to impose the subject in the state when it knows very well that there is a shortage of Sanskrit teachers in the state. Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi alleged that education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was trying to warm up to the RSS and making Sanskrit compulsory was a step in that direction. The state government should have taken more interest and initiative to introduce Assamese in all schools in the state, including those under central boards instead of imposing Sanskrit, he added. NSUI state general secretary Jayanta Das said that they were not against Sanskrit as it is an ancient language and must be preserved but the way the BJP government is trying to impose on the student and the education system is not acceptable. The Assam Cabinet at its recent meeting on February 28 had taken the decision to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject in all schools under the state board. As we head into spring, it might be tempting to go for the chop, but keep in mind one very chic advantage of having long hair: the low ponytail. The humble ponytail has been growing in popularity on the catwalk for a few seasons now, but it was given a complete fashion overhaul for Autumn/Winter 2017. In New York, Jason Wu opted for a sleek and minimalist look, while Tory Burch added ribbons to her models ponytails for a romantic spin on the trend. JW Anderson flipped them over one shoulder in London, and Olivier Theyskens kept them slightly ruffled in Paris. Of course, the low pony isnt consigned to the catwalks; the trend has gained traction over the past few months thanks to multiple red carpet outings. Kim Kardashian has long been a fan of the do, while stars including Blake Lively, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Alicia Vikander have all turned to the sleek style for high-profile events over the past year. When Olivia Culpo showed up at the 89th Academy Awards last weekend with her hair slicked back, tied back and almost reaching her waist, it became official: the low ponytail is the go-to look of the moment. Models wearing low ponytails at the fashion shows of Tory Burch (L) and JW Anderson. (AFP) So how do you recreate the look at home? The key is precision the simplicity of the low ponytail is deceptive. This is a look that works best with straight hair, so you might want to consider ironing out any kinks before beginning. Product is also usually required to master the sleekness that elevates this to a red carpet-worthy style. Kim Kardashians hairstylist uses the stars own Kardashian Beauty K-Body Volume Foam to flatten the tops and sides of the crown once the hair has been parted, while vlogger Claire Ashley recommends using a hair gel applied with a toothbrush to achieve the desired shine, before finishing with hairspray to banish flyaways. A razor-sharp centre parting is the most common baseline of the low pony, but you can also opt for a deep side part and using different accessories such as strips of suede to wrap around the base of the pony, for a more personalised result. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more The Gurgaon police have arrested four people, including two women, for allegedly providing several students with fake university marksheets and degrees. The police said the four, who had set up this racket in the city three years ago, were arrested after a specific complaint was received from someone against them. Police said they recovered 103 fake degrees and certificates of different universities from their possession. One laptop and six stamps were also recovered, they added. Those arrested were identified as Naveen (resident of Jhajjar), Mohammad (resident of Nuh, Mewat), Anushka (resident of Rohtak) and Poonam (resident of Allahabad). According to the police, the group was arrested from their office in Sanjay Gram near Sector 14 from where they operated and had opened an office called Ambition Education. Many fake documents and incriminating pieces of evidence were found from their office. This includes over 300 fake certificates, said inspector Raj Kumar, in-charge, crime investigation agency 9, Sector 39. The police claimed that when they entered the office the women tried to burn the fake degrees and blank marksheets, but were stopped. The police also said that one of those caught had passed out of one Hapur College but found his degree to be of a fake university as it had no UGC accreditation. It was probably there that he picked up the trick, said Kumar. This man used to offer all sorts of degrees and marksheets from Class 12 to MSc, MA, MBA, MEd, MCom, BA, BSc, and hotel management in the names of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan, Manav Bharti University, Himachal Pradesh University, Sunrise University and Karnataka University, police said. Read more: Beware! Delhi tops fake education boards, univs in the country The modus operandi involved giving advertisements in newspapers promising students all sorts of degrees with charges ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs2 lakh. Local institutes are also being investigated. The group also used to induce aspirants to enrol themselves at Ambition Education, said Kumar. The police said they used a decoy customer in order to nab the group. The accused asked our decoy the year and percentage of marks he was seeking to be put in his marksheet. He was asked to pay Rs20,000 and told to bring another Rs 25,000 the next day, said the police official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Thousands of visitors, employees and managers of various bars and pubs in CyberHub, Sector 29, Gurgaon and those along the Sohna Road expressed happiness after hearing the news that the Supreme Court ban on sale of liquor is not applicable to them, but only to liquor vends. While visitors said this decision will save these places from being shut down, the employees said their livelihood would have been destroyed had the ban been applied on them . Read more: Partys on in Gurgaon: Bars, restaurants along highways in Haryana can sell liquor Earlier, excise department officials in Gurgaon had identified 43 liquor vends and 143 pubs in the red zone, including CyberHub and Sohna Road, along the state and the national highways. We are ecstatic with the decision of the Haryana government for protecting the interest of the industry as well as creating a responsible culture, said Rahul Singh, Haryana chapter head, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). Ashish Kapoor, director, The Wine Company, CyberHub, said, Its very difficult to express how happy we are right now. We are very happy that the clarification has come. We can now run our business without any tension, Ashwani Choudhary, managing director, Soi 7 hospitality said. The Supreme Court has fixed March 20 as the date for hearing the petition seeking clarification and modification of its recent order wherein it directed closure of liquor vends, bars and restaurants located within 500 metres of state and national highways. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Haryana (HRAH) had filed a petition on February 17. In the petition, the association mentioned that while the order banning liquor sale is meant for vends, the state excise department has interpreted it in a manner that affects thousands of bars and restaurants across the state. The association filed the petition after reportedly seeking a legal interpretation of the Supreme Court order from legal experts. Read more: Gurgaons pub and bar owners to seek clarity on liquor ban from court Manbeer Choudhary, president, HRAH, said experts are of the view that the order pertains only to liquor vends. We will withdraw the petition once we receive the information as the petition was filed to seek clarification, Choudhary said. The apex court order dated December 15, 2016, had directed state governments to not renew licences of liquor vends operating within 500 metres of state and national highways after April 1, 2017. The court held them as a prime reason for fatalities caused by drunk driving. The CyberHub area gets a daily footfall of about 35,000. This goes up to 45,000 on weekends. Gurgaon earns around Rs100 crore in revenue from the liquor industry. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The district education officer(DEO) has asked all the schools across the city to upload the profile of each student on the Management Information System(MIS), the official education portal of the Haryana government, and link them with their Aadhaar card numbers. The move followed bulk complaints of double admission in both CBSE and Haryana board schools. With the admission criteria in Haryana board a lot less tougher and demanding on the students, many parents get their wards admitted to schools run by either of the two boards in the quest of deriving certain benefits. The DEO has also asked schools to send him a request if they want Aadhaar enrolment camps held for students on their campuses. Read more: Gurgaon schools cannot use private vans to ferry children from April 1 The department will put together a database of all students of the district. All schools have been asked to furnish such data as the date of admission among others. We already have collated the data of 1,12703 students of government schools and the profiles were linked with their Aadhaar card numbers before being put up on the portal. However, the private schools are yet to send us the profiles of their students, Neelam Bhandari, district education officer, said. According to the department, the move is primarily aimed at ensuring that no child is enrolled at more than one school at once. Many parents get their children admitted to both government and private schools in order to avail of the benefits that they provide. The move (to prepare a database) is aimed at curbing such double enrolments, Bhandari said. The private school authorities said they are in the process of furnishing the data and will fully comply with the directive issued by the district education officer. The students of senior classes have already started providing their Aadhaar card details to the authorities of their respective schools. Read more: Gurgaon school agrees to roll back fee hike after parents protest Dhriti Malhotra, principal, Manav Rachna School, said, We have already started putting up the profiles of our senior students on the portal and have requested the parents of class 6 students and upwards to ensure that their wards have Aadhaar cards. Well soon start uploading the profiles of the junior students as well. Education authorities said the provision of Aadhaar cards will ensure the students have a valid identification document, as they are not eligible for pan card or driving licence. Rakhi Verma, principal of Ryan International School on Sohna Road, said, We have already uploaded the profiles of all our senior students and also held a camp for Aadhaar enrolment. We have 1,700 students and from class 9 onwards, all profiles have to be uploaded as it is mandatory for registration for the CBSE boards. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany, Pavlo Klimkin and Sigmar Gabriel, respectively, have discussed in Kyiv was to enhance the efficiency of the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) in eastern Ukraine. "We had a very good discussion, during which we first focused on how we can jointly improve within the framework of the Normandy Four group (Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia) chances for attaining peace and forcing Russia to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements," Klimkin said during a joint press conference following the talks in Kyiv on Thursday. Ukraine's FM said talks were also held in Munich at the level of foreign ministers of the Normandy Four. "We are now working on how to strengthen the SMM OSCE's mission, on ways to reach a real ceasefire, and, most importantly, how the SMM can effectively control, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the line of demarcation throughout the whole of Donbas, as well as the Ukraine-Russia border," Klimkin said. Top news stories to look out for today. Jat agitation for quota in Delhi, rally planned at Jantar Mantar Leaders and members of the Jat community will protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi demanding reservations in education and government jobs. More than 10,000 protestors from the states of Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will participate in the rally. The leaders of the movement have asked their supporters to stop paying electricity, water bills and the instalment of loans that they owe to the government. Read the full story here. ABVP to organise demonstration in Delhi University After students and teachers of Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and other universities in the capital protested against the alleged violence of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad at Ramjas College, the ABVP will hold its own demonstration today, calling for the exclusion of the Left from the Delhi University campus. Campaigning ends for Phase 6 of UP polls Campaigning comes to a close in 49 Assembly seats in seven districts of eastern UP that go to the polls in the 6th phase on March 4. The key constituencies in this phase are Azamgarh which elected Mulayam Singh Yadav to the Lok Sabha, Gorakhpur, the Lok Sabha constituency of BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari is in the fray. BJP President Amit Shah will be campaigning in Gorakhpur today. Supreme Court to hear plea of Mumbai bar girls The Supreme Court will hear a fresh plea challenging the constitutional validity of a 2016 Maharashtra law putting conditions on dance performances by girls and women in bars and hotels of state. The fresh plea, filed by Bharatiya Bargirls Union, has termed the new Act as arbitrary and violative of their right to earn a livelihood through legitimate means. It alleged that the new law stigmatised their profession and unreasonably interfered with free choice of expression. The union alleged that the term obscene dance in the Act has been deliberately kept vague to allow police to harass women performers. Japanese emperor to meet abandoned Vietnamese women abandoned by Japanese soldiers Japans emperor and empress are on a landmark visit to Vietnam and are expected to express their sympathies to Vietnamese families abandoned by their Japanese soldier-husbands after World War II. Sixteen surviving wives and their children have been invited to meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Narendra Modi will address International Yoga Festival Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the InternationaI Yoga Festival at Rishikesh festival via video link. Nearly 70 presenters and experts from more than 20 countries around the world are participating in this years festival. The week-long event is being jointly organised by the AYUSH ministry, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Parmarth Niketan and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. You may also want to read: Gurmehar Kaur to HT: Dont want to enter politics Gurmehar Kaur may have become the face of the fight against the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), but she is not really basking in the limelight. The 20-year-old, who took to the social media to criticise the ABVP after the Ramjas College clash, said she was saddened that the issue had gained a political hue. Gurmehar said she would not take her fight with the ABVP any further, drawing a comparison to a lion that roars just once. Read the full story here. Govts Skill India programme off to a dodgy start; possible fraud enrolment The government says it trained about two million youth under the flagship Skill India programme but an HT investigation has found inconsistencies in the quality of training centres and possible fraudulent enrolment. The investigation showed two of the top 20 institutes lacked proper infrastructure and didnt have enough space to train even a fraction of the claimed number of candidates. Read the full story here. Gujarat and Bengal among zones identified as prone to insurance fraud Insurance companies have identified several pockets in Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha as fraud-prone owing to increasing instances of fraudulent claims from these areas. Companies have complained about the high claims ratio of the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), a pro-poor government-sponsored policy that offers a renewable life cover of Rs 2 lakh for a premium of Rs 330 a year. Data revealed that 30% of the claims came within the first 30 days of the person getting insured under this scheme. Read the full story here. Trump administration has found only $20 million in existing funds for US-Mexico border wall President Donald Trumps promise to use existing funds to begin immediate construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border has hit a financial roadblock, according to a document seen by Reuters. The start of construction was to be financed, according to the White House, with existing funds and resources of the Department of Homeland Security. But so far, the DHS has identified only $20 million that can be re-directed to the multi-billion-dollar project, according to a document prepared by the agency. Read the full story here. Kansas shooting: Heres why Indias reaction to Kuchibhotlas killing was muted Indias unusually cautious reaction to the apparent racially motivated killing of engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla in the United States last week has raised eyebrows. New Delhis response has been measured, markedly devoid of any strong outburst despite its national becoming the first possible victim of a hate crime in US President Donald Trumps tenure. Experts say Indias reaction is guided by more pressing concerns of the US putting curbs on H-1B visas, which are the lifeblood of the Indian IT industry. Read the full story here. UP elections: The story of caste, conflict and why predictions are becoming difficult Atomised social groups are making predictions difficult for polls that are in final phases in Uttar Pradesh. Voters are divided on religious and caste lines. Each region of the vast state has its unique electoral characteristics. Read the full article here. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday inaugurated the new Legislature building on the state governments transitional headquarters premises at Velagapudi in the capital region of Amaravati. Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani, assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, several ministers and legislators attended the event. Henceforth, meetings of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature will be held at Amaravati, beginning with the Budget Session from March 6. The Legislative Council has a seating capacity of 90 and the Assembly 230. The current strength of the two Houses is 58 and 176 respectively. Additional seating arrangements have been made in the new Legislature building to meet future requirements. An ultra-modern gadget has been installed on each members table which will serve as a microphone, speaker, recorder and also, voting machine. The sprawling Houses have more legroom for the members and the seats have a sliding facility. Keeping in mind the unruly scenes in the Assembly in the past, when the Legislature building was located at Hyderabad, the Speakers chair and podium have been placed at a higher elevation. BJP leader Juhi Chowdhury, who was arrested for her alleged link to a child trafficking racket in West Bengal and sent to 12 days CID custody, has named some influential political personalities during her grilling, a CID source said on Thursday. Juhi is being interrogated about her alleged involvement in the child trafficking racket. She has mentioned the names of some influential political personalities during interrogation which we cannot reveal right now for the sake of the investigation, said an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The officer also confirmed that Chowdhury would be interrogated together with prime accused Chandana Chakraborty for clarity in the case. We would interrogate them together as well as separately as we need the corroboration and contradiction from both of them, he added. Chowdhury, a former leader of Bharatiya Janata Partys Mahila Morcha (womens wing) in Jalpaiguri district, was arrested by the CID on Tuesday night from Batasia area, close to the India-Nepal border in Darjeeling and was sent by a court to 12 days CID custody on Wednesday. Following the court order, the BJP removed her from the post of the state secretary of the Mahila Morcha. Chowdhury went to Delhi with a woman accused of child trafficking without the partys consent. She has been removed from her post in BJP as her activity is harmful for the partys image, said BJP state president Dilip Ghosh. According to sources, Chowdhury fled to a relatives house in Nepal for a few days to escape from the investigating agency before returning to the village near the Indo-Nepal border. CID sleuths are also looking for her father Rabindranarayan Chowdhury, a local BJP leader who looked after Juhis financial transactions. Chowdhurys arrest came after Chandana Chakraborty, arrested earlier in the same scandal, blamed her for wrongdoing and accused the BJP leader of negotiating with political heavyweights in Delhi about her child adoption centre. Juhi assured me she would sort out all the issues. She might have talked to (BJP leaders) Roopa Ganguly and Kailash Vijayvargiya. I was sitting in a separate room. We are innocent. We will definitely help in the investigation, Chakraborty alleged. Both Ganguly and Vijayvargiya have rubbished the charges. The state BJP leadership, which conceded that the party was under some discomfort after the young leaders arrest, said it would not take her side if she is found guilty. CIDs additional director general Rajesh Kumar, meanwhile, claimed Chowdhury was directly involved in trafficking of newborn children. However, Chowdhury claimed she was innocent. I am innocent. They cant prove me guilty, she told the media. CID sources said the agency has recovered from fellow accused Manas Bhowmik who was arrested last month -- a diary with detailed entries about Chowdhurys connection with traffickers. According to the diary, Chowdhury accompanied prime accused and Jalpaiguri-based child adoption centre Bimala Sishu Griho chairperson Chandana Chakraborty to Delhi on February 2 and met BJP general secretary Vijayvargiya. Chakraborty is now in custody along with her aide Sonali Mondal for selling at least 17 children through shady adoption deals. Vijayvargiya cast aspersions on the police action and advocated a central agency probe. I have no trust in the police investigation. In pursuance of a conspiracy, one after the other leaders of our party are being falsely implicated and arrested. We do not trust this (Bengal) government nor their police. This government and their police can go to any extent. So, we would like to see the matter being probed by a central agency, he said. Actor-turned-BJP MP Roopa Ganguly said those who are levelling such detestable charges against her and a young girl like Juhi Chowdhury would have to pay for it. The judicial commission probing the jailbreak and subsequent killing of eight alleged SIMI fugitives in an encounter in Madhya Pradesh last October began hearing depositions behind closed doors on Wednesday to the disapproval of relatives of those killed. Everything is private and secret here, lamented the father of one of the slain men, killed by police hours after they had reportedly escaped from a high-security prison in the state capital, Bhopal. They have not given us the copy of the FIRs of the jailbreak and the encounter or even the postmortem report. My sons body had injury marks. How did he get them? Without these documents, our lawyers cannot argue the case, he added on condition of anonymity. The jailbreak on October 31 night and the encounter the following morning on a hilltop on the outskirts of Bhopal raised suspicion and a host of questions. Videos purportedly showing policemen firing at some of the undertrials as they lay on the ground triggered allegations that the shooting was staged and the killings were cold-blooded murder. Read more: Chief ministers changing stance worries Muslims in MP The state government, however, quickly applauded the policemen, with chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan felicitating and announcing cash awards for the officers who participated in the operation. It was only after a nationwide outcry over the manner of the killings that the cash awards were kept in abeyance and the authorities ordered a judicial probe to establish the truth. But human rights groups constantly accused the government of dragging its feet over the investigation. The Madhya Pradesh government set up the one-man commission headed by retired high court judge SK Pandey by an order on November 7. Read more: SIMI encounter: Physically unfit cop led the operation Pandey took charge formally only on December 5 after the government allotted an office in Vindyachal Bhavan and provided him with staff, including two former judicial officers. His initial tenure was for three months. It expired on February 7 and he has been given an extension of another six months. Officials admitted that the commission till date has not visited the encounter site or spoken to the families of those killed. It has so far collected 5,000 pages of documents from police, jail and forensic departments and also from lawyers of the men killed in the encounter. Read more: How SIMI evolved from moderate students organisation to banned militant group The judges decision to hold in-camera hearings have added to the exasperation of the slain mens relatives. Some of them who came from Ujjain and Khandwa for Wednesdays proceedings said they had little option but to hope that justice would be done. Terms of the commission Under what situation and circumstances the eight undertrial prisoners escaped from the central jail in Bhopal around midnight of October 30-31? Which officer and employee are responsible for the incident? Under what situation and circumstances, and how all the eight prisoners who escaped from the jail were killed in a police encounter on October 31 at Manikheda village. Whether the police action was reasonable, keeping in view the prevalent situation at the time of encounter. Suggestions to prevent repetition of prisoner escape. Any other subject connected to the inquiry. Social activist Harsh Mander, however, was stronger in his reaction. The private hearing is absolutely wrong. It goes against democratic norms. When the state is suspected of having resorted to extra-judicial killing it is necessary to hold the hearing in public with all transparency and openness. The public needs to be reassured that the state has done the right thing, at the time when the official narrative is implausible, he said. Anand Mohan Mathur, a former state advocate general, said though the judge was within his rights, it was wrong to have a private hearing. This is a public matter and the hearing should be public. It is not a family dispute that has to be settled privately, he said. Police complaints were filed in cities across the country on Thursday against a man after a vulgar cartoon on Prime Minister Narendra Modi was uploaded on his Twitter handle. IP Singh, a BJP leader from Lucknow and a former Uttar Pradesh minister, said one Mitesh Patel posted the cartoon on Twitter on Wednesday and it was retweeted by at least 292 people. I decided to file an FIR after reading the response of several women and girls, who demanded immediate police action against him. The Karnataka unit of the BJP filed a case against the cartoonist, who is suspected to be from Gujarat, the Prime Ministers home state. The offensive toon was not even his original, but a rip-off of a foreign caricature in which Modis images were super-imposed and the writings changed. Our members and also those of the RSS will file cases against this across the country, BJP spokesperson Shantaram said. Patel comes across as a person with a sick and sadist mindset who draws vicarious pleasure by causing harm to others, he alleged. In the complaint, the party alleged that it looks like the creator of this caricature takes pride in his creation, going by the audacious way in which he has defended and justified his totally atrocious creation. Patel, who faces arrest, was not available for comments. He had tweeted earlier in the day that a poster is more powerful than a 1000 Godse. He offensive post was not removed either. In Lucknow, BJP leader Singh accused the cartoonist of doing the bidding of the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. He said the header of Patels Twitter account had a picture of Arvind Kejriwal and that proved his inclination to AAP and Congress. Singhs argument sounded tenuous as any mischief-maker could have a Kejriwal photo on his Twitter handle and post rude remarks on Modi. Police Inspector Kunwar Prabhat Singh of Lucknows Vibhuti Khand police station said a probe with the cyber cells help would unearth the truth. The cartoonist faces charges such as promoting enmity between groups, publishing obscene material on social media, and inciting people to cause offence. If proved guilty under these charges, he will end up drawing cartoons in jail for a good many years. (with inputs from HT Lucknow) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Congress on Thursday demanded a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for misleading the nation by distorting, twisting and falsifying Rahul Gandhis speech in Manipur on Tuesday. Modiji tried to mislead the nation and the people of Uttar Pradesh about a remark made by Rahul Gandhi on the progress of a northeastern state which is essentially a part of Indias growth story. Modiji does not want the people of Manipur and northeastern states to progress and participate in Indias growth story, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters. The Congress also showed the separate videos of the speeches of Gandhi in Manipur and Modi in Uttar Pradesh. The truth is that Modiji does not speak the truth. That was more than apparent from a video which depicts that blatant lies, jumlas and misinformation has become the hallmark of Indias Prime Minister, Surjewala said. Addressing an election rally in Maharajganj on Wednesday, the Prime Minister sought to ridicule the Congress vice-president over a comment he never made about coconuts growing in the northeastern state of Manipur. Modi referred to Gandhis reported comment that he was waiting for the day when packaged coconut juice from Manipur would sell in London. Most major Indian news outlets, including Hindustan Times, had erroneously reported Gandhis so-called coconut comment. There is a Congress leader, and I want to pray for his long life ... He recently went to Manipur to address an election rally. There he told farmers that he would extract juice from coconuts and send it to London. In fact, a coconut possesses water (and not juice) and it is grown in Kerala, said Modi. Such a talented and far-sighted leader he is. The jibe, however, was misplaced as Gandhi, during a campaign meeting in Manipur on Tuesday, had spoken about the state taking a lead in marketing its oranges, lemons and pineapples fruits that do grow there. The election campaign in five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, that are voting to elect new assemblies has largely been bitter. Modi and Gandhi have targetted each other in public meetings. Leaders have even launched personal attacks and some have been prone to gaffes. So, Modiji must now apologise not to the Congress party alone but the entire nation and express regrets publicly for misleading the people of Uttar Pradesh as also the entire country by distorting, twisting and falsifying the words of the leader of the principal opposition party, Surjewala said. It does not behove a Prime Minister. Modiji has lowered the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister that he holds and he should be ashamed about it. We are sorry and sad in saying these words about the Prime Minister who has become a habitual offender in telling lies, he added. The Congress leader also called the BJP as Bahut Jhooti Pathshaala. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Security forces apprehended a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said on Thursday. A joint team of army, CRPF and police apprehended Hilal Ahmad Bhat from Dahwatoo in Awantipora area last night following a tip-off, a police official said. He said two Chinese grenades, one camouflage uniform, one knife and some other incriminating material were recovered from Bhats possession. Bhat had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen ranks recently, the official said adding a case under relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code have been registered against him. UP Police on Thursday recorded the statement of the 16-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted and her mother repeatedly gang-raped allegedly by state minister Gayatri Prajapati and his aides, at AIIMS in New Delhi. However, the lawyer and family members of the girl accused police of threatening and forcefully recording the statement. Deputy superintendent of police Ameeta Singh recorded the girls statement after seeking permission from the medical superintendent. She also interacted with the girls mother. I recorded the statement of the minor girl and the entire process was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Her mother, who is the complainant, was sitting next to me when the statement of her daughter was being recorded, she said. Mehmood Pracha, the lawyer representing the mother, strongly objected to the recording of statement saying proper procedure was not followed. Firstly, they did not take permission from the doctor treating the victims. Also, the police threatened the mother and the daughter. They also snatched their mobile phone. The girl is still in trauma, he alleged. How can they use such force to record her statement? Also, on what basis were they recording the mothers statement when she has already got her statement recorded in front of a chief metropolitan magistrate in Lucknow? asked Pracha. The mother of the minor, who claimed to have been repeatedly gang-raped for over two years on the promise of a position in the states ruling Samajwadi Party and sand mining contracts, had moved the Supreme Court, which ordered registration of an FIR against the minister and his accomplices in the February 18 incident. According to doctors treating the girl at AIIMS, she was in a state of severe trauma. She is living in constant fear. She is unable to sleep at night. Whatever happened with her and her mother keeps coming back to her. We have put her on medication and she is undergoing behavioural therapy, they said. The government says it trained about two million youth under the flagship Skill India programme but an HT investigation has found inconsistencies in the quality of training centres and possible fraudulent enrolment. Data from the schemes nodal body, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), showed just 34 institutes 0.2% of the total trained almost 40% candidates under the first phase of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana( PMKVY). But an HT investigation showed two of the top 20 institutes lacked proper infrastructure and didnt have enough space to train even a fraction of the claimed number of candidates. For instance, when HT visited Softdot Institute in a crowded neighbourhood near Preet Vihar Metro Station in east Delhi, it found five small rooms with minimal furniture earmarked for the scheme. Softdot claims to have trained more than 30,000 students in a year. The institutes said they issued sub-contracts to smaller centres spread across the city to achieve the numbers but NSDC issued contradictory statements about monitoring these institutes. Moreover, the NSDC hasnt been able to verify the mandatory Aadhaar number of more than 570,000 students a year after the PMKVY-1 ended. This is an indication, experts say, of a large number of non-existent candidates or multiple enrolments of a single candidate to inflate the total number. The data indicates various anomalies in the scheme which the government should seriously get investigated though an independent body, said Raj Pal Arora, former member of the Construction Skills Development Council. Other experts say the government was aware of the woeful condition of most training centers and hence slashed the number of certified institutes from 12,181 in PMKVY-1 to just 1,400 in the second. It shows that majority of training providers either lacked infrastructure or didnt have good trainers which overall resulted in poor training in PMKVY I. Otherwise, why will NSDC reduce the number of training companies in the second phase of PMKVY? says Colonel (Retd) NB Saxena, a construction skills consultant. But the NSDC dismissed any speculation of compromise in quality. We just enhanced the infrastructural requirement in PMKVY II and till now only 1,400 centres have been able to fulfill the requirement, said Jayant Krishna, chief operating officer, NSDC. The scheme Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the much-hyped scheme on July 15,2015 with a corpus of Rs 1,500 crore and an aim to train 2.4 million youth. But the first phase saw just 5% placement, that too mostly in low-skill blue-collar jobs. Despite the problems, the government upped its allocation under the skills training programme in this years budget with two new schemes and Rs 6,000 crore. The NSDC disbursed Rs 1,000 crore out of the total budget of Rs 1500 crore till December 2016. Read | Skill India needs a Tell India: We need to match skills with real jobs The training centres NSDC data accessed by HT under the Right to Information (RTI) Act showed an incredible 420,513 candidates a fifth of the total -- were trained by the top 10 institutes four of them in the national capital region alone. The fifth-largest of them, Softdot Institute, refused to answer how it managed to train more than 30,000 candidates in a year. HT found that Softdot has five centers across the city. But another Delhi-based institute -- Possit Skill Organisation that claimed to have trained 12,955 candidates provided some answers. Possit ran an aviation academy in Delhis posh South Extension but a receptionist told HT that the centre ran no programme under the PMKVY scheme. For skilling, we have only three centres in Saharanpur Road, Loni; Jaitpur Raod, Badarpur and Jamia Nagar in Okhla, she added. HT visited the three centres, all inside crumbling buildings on narrow bylanes. The centre at Badarpur had three rooms. An employee at the centre told HT Possit entered into franchisee arrangement with 50 other institutes, driving the number of total candidates trained to 12,000-plus. The government provides loans at subsidised rates or gives funds for other skill programmes to its training partner centres. The PMKVY-1 manual allowed such arrangements but mandated the details be uploaded on the skill development management system (SDMS). The conflicting responses In an RTI reply, the NSDC said it had no role in the arrangements and didnt maintain a database. The data of training undertaken by franchises is available with concerned training partners, said the body. Trainers refuse to share franchise details with HT. But Krishna gave a conflicting response, saying NSDC maintained complete data of training centres and training partners but refused to share it. Saxena said this was an indication that the process manual had been flouted. Each training provider gets a unique user id and password to access SDMS and upload student details. But training providers shared id and password with multiple franchises that use the same details to upload candidate particulars, he added. Fraudulent enrolment? The other irregularity was found in uploading Aadhaar details of candidates. Under the scheme, a grant of an average Rs 8,000 is directly transferred to the students account through the Aadhaar details and bank accounts uploaded by the training providers on the NSDCs server. NSDC data showed only 1.4 million people were assessed and awarded certificate while the Aadhaar numbers of 571,880 couldnt be validated. Arora said every training provider was aware that a candidates Aadhaar number was mandatory to get the grant. If 5.71 lakh candidates Aadhaar details are not available, it means training providers either enrolled non-existent candidates or multiple enrollment of one candidate to falsely escalate total figure, he said. Saxena agreed, saying training providers might have engaged in fraud to get a bigger share of the government grant. Krishna told HT that under PMKVY- II, the Aadhaar ID of all trainees were validated at the time of batch creation to prevent any bogus enrolments. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After years of delays and controversies, the Kalvari Indias first Scorpene submarine successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile at a target in the Arabian Sea on Thursday. The submarine reportedly fired an Exocet SM 39 missile at a decommissioned tugboat, confirming that India has now been armed with a significant naval capability. The submarine, which can carry 18 torpedoes and travel 1,020 km underwater, is expected to help the Indian Navy fulfil its long-cherished dream of becoming a full-fledged blue-water navy. The Kalvari was built indigenously, under a venture called Project 75, at Mumbais Mazagon Docks. Under this project, the Indian Navy was authorised to build six submarines in collaboration with French firm DCNS. The Kalvari, which began undergoing sea trials in May last year, has been the first underwater vessel from Mazagon Docks to do so since May 28, 1994. The INS Shankul was the last submarine built by Mazagon Docks to be commissioned into the Indian Navy. The next five submarines are to be rolled out from Mazgaon Docks at intervals of nine months each. The state-of-the-art features of the Kalvari include superior stealth and the ability to launch crippling attacks on the enemy with precision-guided weapons. The attack can be carried out with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on the surface. The stealth features accord it invulnerability unmatched by other submarines of the kind. This Scorpene submarine is designed to operate in all theatres of war, including the tropics. It has been endowed with every mode of communication required to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force. Kalvari is capable of handling multifarious missions typically undertaken by any modern submarine, such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine-laying and area surveillance. High-tech features The Kalvari is built with a special kind of high-tensile steel thats capable of withstanding high yield stress, thereby allowing it to withstand high hydrostatic force while diving deeper to enhance stealth. It is also equipped with weapon-launching tubes, and is capable of carrying weapons that can be easily reloaded at sea. The vast array of weapons and sensors fitted aboard the Scorpene submarine is managed by a high-tech combat management system. Present status The submarine was undocked on a pontoon on April 6, 2015. After the vacuum testing and battery loading phases were completed, it was launched at the naval dockyard on October 28, 2015, and thereafter brought back for completion of the basin and harbour acceptance trials. Following that, it was sent for sea trials. The tiger shark of our seas The Kalvari has been dubbed as a dreaded tiger shark protecting our coasts. In keeping with the countrys mythologies and naval tradition, its a reincarnation of the first Indian submarine to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 8, 1967. The previous Kalvari served for nearly three decades, before being decommissioned on May 31, 1996. Today, it has been reincarnated by Mazagon Dock as an even more powerful predator of the deep guarding the borders and maritime interests of the nation with a zeal that should go a long way in discouraging its enemies. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India on Thursday strongly condemned the twin terror attack in Kabul killing more than a dozen people, and voiced its resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice. India has been a victim of terrorist violence and understands the pain and suffering of the people of Afghanistan. We reiterate our resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to the justice they deserve wherever they may be, the external affairs ministry said in a statement here. It also conveyed condolences to the people and the government of Afghanistan for the loss of lives and property in Wednesdays blast. It is our sincere hope that the injured will make early recovery, it added. The near-simultaneous attacks struck the Afghan capital around noon on Wednesday. First, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun battle between the police and several attackers. In the second attack, a bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul. A spokesperson for the Taliban sent a statement claiming responsibility for the attacks, which he said had killed dozens of soldiers, police and intelligence officials. Sunayana, the widow of an Indian engineer killed in a racially motivated shooting in Kansas, has expressed her desire to go back to the US to fulfil her husbands dream. It is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA, she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. Sunayana, who works for Intouch Solutions in Kansas, also said that a question which was on every immigrants mind was whether they belong in the country anymore and if it was safe for them to raise families there. She also urged the leaders of global tech industry to keep defending human rights as they employ a large number of immigrants. Thanks to people like Satya Nadella (CEO-Microsoft) and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg (Founder- Facebook), Sundar Pichai (CEO-Google), Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights, she said in a Facebook post. We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, its an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I dont want anyone to go through what my family and household went through, she added. She thanked the Telangana government for extending support to bring the body of Srinivas back home from the US. I will now ask same question on what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, its not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them afterward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrants mind, Do we belong here. Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here? she wondered. After President Donald Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan on behalf of the US House of Representatives has condoled the death of the Indian techie. Ryan met visiting foreign secretary S Jaishankar and expressed the Houses condolences on the death of Kuchibhotla. Jaishankar is currently visiting the US to hold consultations and talks with Trump administration officials to develop a roadmap of the Indo-US ties for next four years. Our peoples must continue to stand together, Ryan said. His comments over the incident came hours after Trump condemned as evil and hate the fatal Kansas shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled terrorist and get out of my country before opening fire on the Indians. In a big relief to soft drink majors Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Thursday lifted the ban on water supply from Thamirabarani River to their bottling plants located at Gangaikondan village in Tirunelveli district. The bottling plants of the soda giants were located in the industrial growth centre set up by SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu) in the south Tamil Nadu village, and were allowed to draw three million gallons of water per day from the river. The courts two-member Madurai bench of justice A Selvam and justice P Kalaiyarasan dismissed the PILs seeking permanent ban on use of water by the two majors and also vacated an interim injunction granted by the court in November last year. The high court had issued orders to SIPCOT to stop water supply to the two units last year. The Madras high court had initially injuncted PepsiCo from drawing water from the river in November 2016. However, after detailed hearing, the high court has vacated the interim orders and dismissed the writ petitions, holding that there is no environmental impact on account of drawal of water by PepsiCo from Thamirabarani river, advocates representing Pepsico said. This is a critical judgment, both for PepsiCo and Coca-Cola as water from this river caters to half of both the companies production capacity for south India, the Pepsico legal team said. A PIL seeking ban on water to the giants was filed by Tirunelveli district consumer protection association secretary and former MLA, DA Prabhakar, in addition to another similar one. The petitioner said as the two companies gobbled up huge quantities of water, estimated at 30 lakh litres per day, they should be barred from exploiting the natural resource as it was adversely affecting the farming community. He also cited a Supreme Court ruling to argue that water should not be used for commercial purposes. The judges had, during a previous hearing, questioned why the petitioners left out other soft drink manufacturers of the region and instead filed a case against the two companies. The soda giants denied allegations that they were exploiting river water. The government advocate submitted to the court in a counter affidavit that there was sufficient water in the river and only surplus was allowed to be supplied to the two companies. The exploitation of natural resources is one of the major arguments put forward by domestic soft drink makers and traders who began a boycott of the two cola majors in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Suspected Maoists allegedly shot dead an 18-year old boy over delay in serving them food in Bihars Rohtas district, 158km from state capital Patna, on Wednesday. Rohtas police said the incident took place at Goreya, a tribal village in Darigaon police outpost area of the district. They quoted the villagers as saying that members of Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC)a splinter group of CPI (Maoist)were involved in the incident. Police said TPC zonal commander Anil Kushwaha alias Rakesh Mishra and 10 members of the outfit had gone to the village to attend a marriage ceremony. Kushwaha, who was put up outside the village, demanded food at 7pm. He was then told that it was too early and it would take some more time to prepare the meal. After an hour, he reached the wedding venue and called the boys assigned to serve them the food. One of the boys who turned up was taken to the chowk area of the village and shot dead, the police said. The deceased, identified as Jitendra Kharwar, was son of Uma Shankar Kharwar of the same village. Police said the body of the victim lay at the chowk for hours as the villagers stayed away out of fear. The police, who were informed of the incident after many hours, reached the village on Thursday and brought the body to Sasaram for postmortem examination. A case was registered at the Kotwali police station here on Thursday against Bihar minister Abdul Jalil Mastan for allegedly asking a crowd at a public rally to hit the photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shoes. The rally was organised against the Prime Ministers demonetisation move at Mastans Amour assembly constituency in Purnia district, 370 km from state capital Patna, on February 22. Bankipore (Patna) MLA Nitin Navin, who lodged the case, accused Mastan of spreading hatred and disturbing social harmony and peace. In his complaint, the BJP lawmaker also levelled sedition charges against the minister and questioned his citizenship. The police should also investigate if Mastan, who is the excise and prohibition minister in Bihar government, was an Indian citizen, Navin later told HT. Kotwali station house officer Ram Shankar said the MLAs complaint had been forwarded to the Amour police station. Earlier, a video clip showing Mastan calling his supporters to punish Modi had kicked up a controversy, with a fuming BJP demanding his dismissal from the Nitish Kumar cabinet. After raking up the controversy, Mastan had on Wednesday tendered an apology stating that his assertion was not aimed at hurting anyone. I apologise if my statement or statements of my people have hurt anyone, he said. Meanwhile, a complaint case has been filed in a Hajipur court against Mastan, adds PTI. Rajiv Kumar Sharma, advocate in Hajipur civil court, filed the complaint case against Mastan and four others in the court of chief judicial magistrate Jai Ram Prasad with a plea that he was hurt by the ministers remarks and hence a case of sedition be lodged against him (minister). In his petition, Sharma said he saw the ministers footage on various TV channels on Wednesday and was hurt by Mastans remarks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man axed his wifes right leg from the knee down after suspecting her of infidelity, kept her locked inside their home for two days, treated her wound with home remedies, and used the severed limb as a pillow. The shocking crime happened at Udaipura village in Madhya Pradeshs Damoh district on Tuesday evening, after Harprasad, a 27-year-old tribal farmer, had an argument with wife Anita whom he accused of having an extra-marital affair. The 22-year-old wife threatened to leave the house when the husband kept shouting at her. Incensed by her threat, Harprasad chopped off her leg to prevent her from running away. Then he locked her inside the house, tied a tourniquet above the wound to stop the bleeding, and treated her with a paste of lime and turmeric. In the meantime, he wrapped the detached leg in a piece of cloth, kept it on the bed and used it as his head rest, police officer AK Nimama said on Friday. Harprasad did not take her to a hospital fearing that his crime would be exposed. As the couple lives alone and doesnt have children, he managed to keep his crime a secret, for some time at least. But Harprasads father, who lives nearby, got suspicious as he hasnt seen his daughter-in-law for a couple of days. He informed police. Police found Anita lying on a bed and a putrid smell coming out of the severed leg. The young woman was shifted to Damoh district hospital. A policeman said Anitas condition was critical because of blood loss, and an infection has set in on the exposed wound. Now she appears to be better. Anita will have to live without her right leg. Joining the chopped leg surgically is out of question. She would have got gangrene had the wound been kept untreated for some more time, a doctor said. Harprasad has been arrested and charged with attempt to murder, which attracts a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail and a fine. He told police he attacked Anita in a fit of rage, and panicked after realising the enormity of his crime. A physically-challenged eyewitness in a murder case was burnt alive in Bihars Gaya district, 107km from Patna, late on Tuesday night. The incident took place at Narawat village in Atari police station area, about 40 km from Gaya. Police said victim Upendra Pandey, 46, was to depose in a Gaya district court on Wednesday in connection with the murder case. An FIR lodged by Pandeys wife Chinta Devi with Atari police station had named five persons as accused, the police added. Chinta Devi said she had gone to Gaya to purchase some medicines for her husband when the incident took place. When she reached home on Wednesday morning she found the burnt body of her husband, Chinta Devi told reporters. Pandey was an eyewitness in a murder case and the accused had been mounting pressure on him to stay away from the case, she said, adding that her husband was to appear in the Gaya district court on Wednesday. Chinta Devi said her husband was attacked about five years back also. He was brutally assaulted and the right part of his body was paralysed, she added. A police team, led by Atari sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Vijay Kumar, which reached Pandeys house had to face villagers ire. However, the SDPO managed to pacify the villagers and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Meanwhile, the police have launched a massive manhunt to arrest the named accused who are said to have gone into hiding. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police in Hyderabad on Thursday arrested a couple for selling their newborn girl child for Rs 35,000 with the help of a doctor and a couple of mediators. While the couple was paid Rs 10,000, the remaining amount was shared by the doctor and the mediators. The incident took place at a private nursing home in Ibrahimpatnam town on the outskirts of Hyderabad. According to K Narsing Rao, inspector in the special operations team (SOT) of Rachakonda police, K Vanitha (26) of Sathithanda hamlet of Loyapally village, had given birth to a girl child at the local Telangana Multi Speciality Hospital on February 28. Her husband Korra Jawaharlal, however, wanted to get rid of the baby, as she was the third girl child for them. The couple contacted Dr Nerella Shankar of the same hospital and his friend Srinivas and struck a deal for Rs 10,000. Shankar and Srinivas, with the help of a mediator, Shanta, traced a childless couple, E Ravi and Varalakshmi, and sold the girl child to them for Rs 35,000. While Jawaharlal was paid Rs 10,000, the doctors and mediators shared the remaining amount. On a tip off, we raided the hospital on Thursday and interrogated Shankar, who admitted to having committed the offence, Rao said. Apart from the girls biological parents, police also arrested the couple who bought the child, besides the doctor and two middlemen. The rescued girl child was handed over to the state-run Sishu Vihar, that operates under the women development and child welfare department. The Andhra Pradesh Child Rights Association strongly condemned the sale of the baby girl. Trading of girl children has become a big market in Telangana. The women and child welfare department has utterly failed in creating awareness among the people in rural areas about girl children. The department has a programme called Ooyala (cradle) to propagate the importance of grooming and educating girl children, but it never bothered to implement it, association honorary president P Achyuta Rao said. He demanded rehabilitation of the rescued child and cancellation of the hospitals licence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Union environment ministry plans to celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3 by destroying ill-gotten trophies of poachers including hides, scales, horns and tusks. The items will be burned in the incinerator at Delhi Zoo in the presence of environment minister of state Anil Madhav Dave. State chief wildlife wardens have been invited by the environment ministry to contribute to the stock being burnt. Some of the confiscated items will come from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. THE BIGGEST BURNS April, 30, 2016: Kenya burnt down 105,000 kg of ivory and rhino horns March 3, 2015: Kenya destroyed 15,000 kg of ivory tusks July 19, 1989: Kenya burnt 12,000 kg of ivory April 29, 2015: United Arab Emirates destroyed 10,000 kg of ivory April 14, 2016: Malaysia burnt 9500 kg of ivory (Source: News reports) The Delhi Zoo was also the site of the last such destruction devised by the ministry. In 2014, at least four truckloads of confiscated items were destroyed and the incineration lasted for four days, according to Riyaz Khan, the curator at the Delhi Zoo. On that occasion, a stockpile worth Rs 20 lakh was destroyed. World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3 to mark the signing of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under CITES there are bans in place on the trade of ivory and rhino horns. Destruction by incinerator, open burning of stockpiles or crushing of tusks and horns are all done to deter poachers. Kenya burnt down the largest stock of ivory last year in April weighing about 105 tonnes. The ministry is not revealing how much stock will be incinerated because all state governments have not responded yet. Supporters believe incineration stifles the market for these goods by curbing supply. Shekhar Kumar Niraj, head of wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, said that destroying the confiscated stash is important because storing it comes with risks. There is a possibility that the ivory gets out because of the connivance of officials, Niraj said, the price of these goods is always rising, the stockpiled items are at risk. In some of the raids conducted by the bureau the items confiscated were already marked, Niraj said suggesting that they had been leaked back into the market. Safeguarding confiscated goods also requires resources, both infrastructure and manpower. Other conservationists support this move but believe more needs to be done. The demand side is equally important, the markets have to be closed, Varun Goswami, a conservationist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, said. Demand for these wildlife products is high in countries like China and Japan because they are believed to have medicinal value. In December last year, the Chinese government committed to stamp out the market for poached animal parts in the country by end of 2017. It was hailed as a big step towards making the trade in these items unattractive. However, some countries in Africa like South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have pushed for legal sales of the stocks of confiscated items and investing some of the proceeds in conservation efforts. Goswami believes that legalising ivory sales is no way to curb poaching as it keeps demand alive. More than 1200 animals were killed by poachers in India between 2013 and 2016, as per government data. In 2014 items that are ostentatiously luxurious were destroyed at the Delhi Zoo incinerator. India faces a somewhat peculiar problem. Some of the items may not just be high monetary value in the black market but hold sacred value like ivory idols. The less glamorous option of incineration may be a safe choice for the government since burning stockpiles in the open like Kenya has done might invite protests and could also aggravate Delhis high pollution. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The army may have to wait longer to induct new anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), as the defence ministry has appointed a committee to examine a Rs 3,200-crore deal that was about to be closed. An army source told Hindustan Times that a committee, headed by a two-star general, will examine procedural aspects of the deal for Israeli Spike ATGM systems, manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. While India chose the Israeli ATGM over US defence and aerospace firm Raytheons Javelin system three years ago, the deal was delayed as commercial issues needed to be ironed out. The deal was ready to be put up for clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security. But now we will have to wait for the panels report, the source said on the condition of anonymity . India is negotiating the purchase of 321 launchers and 8,356 fire-and-forget missiles with the Israeli firm. The missile can destroy armoured vehicles and bunkers from a distance of 2.5 km and the army plans to equip more than 400 of its infantry and mechanised units with the third-generation ATGM systems. The armys requirement for larger number of launchers and missiles will be met through licensed production of the ATGM systems by state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The army currently uses Milan and Konkur ATGMs built by BDL under license from French and Russian firms, respectively. Lee Min Ho Becomes The Face Of Oppo In Thailand's Subway Billboards Lee Min Ho remains to be one of the most popular movies and drama icons not just in Korea but all over the world. In fact, the actor is one of the most popular Korean faces in the United States. This time his pretty faced is plastered all over the subway station in Thailand given the number of endorsement deals he had with Innisfree and Oppo R9. Early in February, the "Legend of the Blue Sea" actor was in Thailand to film his commercial for the aforementioned brands. Now, Lee Min Ho's face is all over the city specifically to the subway station. The actor's trip to Thailand has been a remarkable one a GIF even went viral as the said image revealed the actor's real nature. The actor was in the airport when a lot of people went on to greet him. One of the fans tripped and despite being encouraged by his guards to move along, Lee Min Ho stopped in his tracks to make sure that the fan that had an accident got up alright. This thoughtful move was noted by everyone and it went viral right away. Advertisement Given the number of endorsements the actor has in Thailand, seeing his face all over the country doesn't come as a surprise. In the newest Oppo commercials in Thailand, Lee Min Ho's face was hidden although it is not much of a secret since the actor's face is plastered all over the billboards in the subway. The promotional posters look a bit like an art exhibit given the number of posters with the actor's face. Just recently, Lee Min Ho received an award for promoting Korea all over the world and there is no denying that the actor deserves the award especially with his latest promotion in Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Like us and Follow us Follow @Koreaportal and 2022 Korea Portal, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Yoga will lead to a new era of togetherness and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. Calling yoga the journey from me to we, Modi said: Yoga makes an individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge and devotion. The world today is also threatened by the twin challenges -- terrorism and climate change, he said via video conference as the 29th edition of the International Yoga Festival opened in Rishikesh. Talking on global peace, Modi said, There should be peace among nations and only peaceful families can constitute peaceful society. Yoga is the way to create such a harmony and peace within individuals, family, society, nation and ultimately all over the world, he added. On combating climate change, Modi asked people to move away from the lifestyle of bhoga (consumption) to one of yoga. On the positive impact of yoga and ills of modern lifestyle, Modi said: There is ample evidence that practising yoga helps combat stress and chronic lifestyle-related conditions. The International Yoga Festival is jointly organised by the ministry of AYUSH, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh. Launding the recent achievements of scientists in defence and space technologies, Modi said: We in India believe in researching both the frontiers of science and technology, as also, researching deep within our souls, that is, both science and yoga. On the cleaning of major temples and their surrounding through the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Prime Minister said: Historically temples have played a key role in our societies. Usually, they were built on a vast area of land, and often away from the residential areas and with passage of time, they were surrounded by markets, and residential colonies. They face unclean surroundings as a major challenge, he said. The Prime Minister also said the project Swachh Iconic Places is now part of Swachh Bharat Mission and in the first phase, Kamakhya temple, Jagannath temple, Meenakshi temple, Tirupati, the Golden temple, and Vaishno Devi temple would be spruced up. Appreciating the work of Parmarth Niketan and Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Modi said, Parmarth Niketan is bringing yoga to people across the world and recalled the role played by Swami, in compiling the 11-volume Encyclopaedia of Hinduism. Works like Encyclopaedia of Hinduism, when made available in various languages, increase the understanding and enhance the awareness of other traditions and cultures within the country, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a dig at economists critical of his demonetisation move, saying hard work is more powerful than Harvard. His remarks came close on the heels of Harvard University professor Amartya Sen terming the decision to ban high-denomination notes a despotic action. Days before the PMs remarks made headlines, heres what the Nobel laureate told HT in an interview: Rajesh Mahapatra: What has influenced your decision to expand upon your work of 1970? And how does it find a reflection in your new book? Amartya Sen: If we take our own country, in India, the distinction between the State and the government is not clearly understood. The government often has to take decisions. It doesnt own the money, but it has control over the money. But that has often been used to bring about something that the government wants. As if its the governments own money, rather than the government acting on behalf of the State. This has had a ruinous effect on public discussion. It has terrorised some people. Sometimes, it has also led to a kind of decline of independent research and work in universities. Universities have borne the burden of it a lot because the universities are financed by the government. And they are not supposed to do the bidding of the government. They are supposed to do what is good for the nation. The other thing is that complexities of voting procedure are less understood. I mean, most governments today are minority governments. The BJP got 31 per cent of the vote. With the coalition, they got 39 per cent. Its a minority. Now even with a majority, its very difficult for a government to say, We wont let you express your views because its anti-national. But with a minority, its particularly ridiculous and with this comes the question as to why we need to make a distinction between majority and plurality getting more than the others when there are a whole lot of candidates in the field. Whether thats a good way of proceeding, thats another thing we needed to examine. There are issues of this kind and we needed a deeper analysis than what I was able to provide in the 1960s. This book is a result of that need. RM: Prime Minister Narendra Modis election in 2014 was a massive victory in terms of seats, not in terms of votes. You make that point to illustrate the difference between plurality rule and majority wins. What will it take to address the shortcomings of plurality rule? AS: There are two ways of thinking about it. It is an ambitious thing which I pursue, namely, how we can change the voting system. My colleague Eric Maskin, an economist who also won the Nobel prize, has written about how Donald Trump lost in 17 Republican primaries and several of the other candidates would have defeated Trump in a head-to-head contest. There is something wrong with the way these elections are held. We have suggested different ways of doing it for the primaries and the US Congress. Whether that will be done or not, we do not know. But there is, at least, a discussion now. In India too, we can do it. We follow the colonial model, the British system, whereby whoever gets the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared a winner. Thats not a majority winner, thats a plurality winner. We have to change that. RM: As you speak, there is a lot of talk about electoral reforms. Also, in a few months we will be completing 70 years of independence. Isnt this an opportune moment to ask for the change you are talking about? AS: I am glad you remind us that this is the 70th year of Indias independence. As we became independent, there was a Constituent Assembly where we had wonderful discussions with an open mind. There were lots of things that were thought about, but we didnt do. We had Ambedkar, possibly the most important voice on the making of the Constitution, saying we are leaving a lot of contradictions here, that we are getting political equality in society with deep social and economic inequality which we have to re-examine as we go along. These issues remain. Looking back at the 70 years that have gone by, we need to revisit these issues. Its not just the present government. There have been minority governments in the past too, and they have pretended as if they were a majority, assuming that the State is the government. Its not the case. The State includes the courts, the media, the public opinion, public reasoning, which you cannot stifle. The worst of them of course is trying to fire someone who has a university job, in which he or she expresses a different point of view from that of the university council, chancellor or the government of the day. I think we need public reasoning. John Stuart Mill, who is a big influence on the book, used to think about democracy as government by discussion. For that the voting system would need to be examined. It wont happen without public discussion. And also without the understanding that something is going deeply wrong. Firstly in confusing the state and the government, confusing majority and mere plurality and confusing role of people as ones who cast votes every five years and people being active participants in a democratic system by expressing their views. It is favourable to have different public opinions on issues. If the last government did badly on that, the present government is doing worse by oppressing opposing views with a greater force. The fact that an under trial person was beaten up in custody is shameful. RM: What strikes you the most about the present government when you think of some of these issues that you are raising? AS: Well, the main thing is of allowing and encouraging dissent. A government is not the State and the government is not the authority to decide what can be discussed and what cannot be discussed. Even Kashmir is a subject for discussion. After all, we are a democracy. We have been fortunate to have not been run by the military as our unfortunate neighbour Pakistan has been. So what do we use the democracy for? To discuss these things. Secondly, as it happened with Kanhaiya Kumar, they were not discussing Kashmir. They were discussing something else. Sadly, there is a distortion. A video is produced where theres an absolute deliberate distortion. But the people who did that distortion have still not been brought to book. Then this chap is arrested a mere kid and son of an anganwadi worker and is assaulted under custody. Underlying all of this is this complete determination not to allow certain expression of opinion. That is totally undemocratic. I think what has taken the biggest knock in India is the idea of individual liberty, also the idea of seeing the government as a government by discussion and seeing people as more than voters who come and go. Its not just the present government that has done it, but the present government has done it with a greater intensity and effectiveness, using all the powers that a government can wield. These are powers of the state not powers of the government. I have worked with private and public universities both in India and abroad. I dont think anyone in Europe would say that simply because the government is financing the university, they could determine what happens in the university. That is a complete confusion between the government and the state. It is the state which is providing the funding for the university, the government of the day should not determine what the university can do. RM: Other institutions in India today see a threat to their autonomy, their independence. How do we view that? AS: Yes, that is a serious issue. Why is it that unlike China, unlike Korea and unlike many other countries, India doesnt have world-class universities? One reason is that universities in India do not have the academic autonomy that encourages them to do what they can. My little effort to do that in Nalanda has come to a sad end. RM: But our prime minister wants to build world-class universities with all kinds of autonomy. AS: Dont say autonomy. Because they dont understand autonomy. I happen to be the head of a college, namely Trinity, which has done a lot, more than any college in the world. It was not run by the government. It was run autonomously. In fact, as master, the persons who could remove me were my colleagues, who could get together and, with a majority vote of no-confidence, they could sack me. Thats autonomy. It is not the ministry or the minister who has looked into it and has decided to remove you. We want autonomy, you are doing right with autonomy and there you go, snap! Thats not autonomy. Thats not the way to run a university. RM: Its very easy to blame the government or its leader, but the university systems in India have failed to evolve. AS: Ill have to disagree. It is not that easy to criticise the government. People are genuinely afraid. I have seen it among people. After what happened in Hyderabad, JNU and Jodhpur, they have reasons to be afraid. So, its not so easy. RM: Also, the reality is that Indias elite is no longer invested in Indias education system. All their children go abroad. AS: They want their children to have the best education they can get. And they dont get it here but that doesnt solve the problem. If you have to reconstruct it, and that was my hope in Nalanda (university), which didnt happen and obviously, it will not happen in my lifetime. Hopefully, it will happen under some other leadership, some other time. (My hope) was to build something, which has the autonomy that ancient Nalanda had. So that people would choose to go there. We have to think about what makes the parents decide what is best for their kid and what is best for the advancement of education. And that requires giving the universities autonomy. RM: How can a more informed discussion about the things you talk about in your book help overcome the issues you are highlighting? AS: We could draw attention to these questions and have a discussion. The public discussion was very big in the 18th century, with Adam Smith, David Hume, Mary Wollstonecraft the pioneering feminist and probably the most underestimated of the Enlightenment thinkers. They were all keen on public discussion and then came John Stuart Mill. All that requires to be integrated into our thinking of democracy. If there are analytical and mathematical complexities, solve them, rather than stare at them and put your foot down and contemplate your navel. That is what the book is about. RM: You write about the lively debates in universities and colleges like Harvard, Trinity and how they also shape policy decisions. We dont see that happening much in India. AS: Well, if you give an opportunity it will happen. I was teaching in the Delhi School of Economics and we had a lot of discussion among students, among the faculty we had differences. We were lucky to have CD Deshmukh as vice chancellor and he was lucky to have a tolerant government. We made so many departures, including people taking attendance all that went. We were the first to stop it in India. We made a number of departures, many of them led by students. Some of those students are (now) academics, big figures in the political economy discussions today. But they were not being silent. There are lively discussions when the opportunity is there. RM: And that opportunity is no longer there. What would be your message to the current leader of the country? AS: When I have things to say I dont address the current leader, I address the people. If democracy means anything, it is that in order to bring about a change it has to be through talking to the people. And that is why dissidence being allowed is so important; people not being arrested for being anti-national is important. That is the heart and soul not only of democracy, but of successful living in the modern world. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON There should be no room in India for an intolerant Indian, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday, remarks that came at a time when a raging debate on nationalism and free speech has gripped the prestigious Delhi University following on-campus clashes. India has been, since ancient times, a bastion of free thought, speech and expression, the President said at the 6th KS Rajamony Memorial Lecture in Keralas Kochi, adding premier higher education institutes must not propagate a culture of unrest. On February 22, clashes broke out between right-wing students group Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-leaning All India Students Association outside Ramjas College. The institute had sent an invite to Jawaharlal Nehru University students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar that was called off following ABVP protests. Khalid allegedly shouted anti-India slogans supporting the secession of militancy-hit Kashmir at an event on JNU campus last February, and was arrested on sedition charges. The Ramjas College fracas reignited a debate on nationalism. The ABVP, the students wing of ruling BJPs ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said its aim was to save the Delhi University from anti-national elements. But DU students and teachers took out rallies against the ABVP, accusing the group of muzzling free speech. There must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent, Mukherjee said in his Thursday speech. The time has come for collective efforts to re-discover the sense of national purpose and patriotism. These temples of learning must resound with creativity and free thinking. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet, he said. The nation and the people must always come first. Let us strive to arrest the moral decline in our society and ensure that our core civilisational values find firm root. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen Indias pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An RSS leader from Madhya Pradesh has announced a Rs 1-crore reward for anyone who brings the head of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, holding his government responsible for the recent killing of members of right- wing organisations in the southern state. Kundan Chandrawat, who made the remark during a dharna in Ujjain on Wednesday, even offered to sell his properties to fund the reward. The RSS was quick to distance itself from the announcement made by Chandrawat, the outfits Ujjain mahanagar prachar pramukh. The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh too tried to downplay it. Several activists of the right-wing group and Keralas ruling CPI-M were killed in the recent past as the southern state witnessed a spurt in political turf war. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said in Thiruvananthapuram that he cant stop work due to such threats. The RSS has taken the heads of many people. I cant stop working and travelling due to this. Let it issue many more threats I dont care, he said. Later, speaking to HT, Chandrawat said his remark was an expression of anger and was not intended to incite any violence or killing. He said he didnt mean to kill anybody and his words were expression of anger. Shivaji was our ancestor. There are many Chandrawats who can sacrifice their lives for the country. There was a time when Bhagat Singh exploded a bomb to make the then deaf and dumb British government to listen to our voice. I have done the same thing to attract the attention of the Kerala government which is deaf and dumb. Chandrawat is a Madhya Pradesh government employee working as a malaria inspector. He said he has been in the service for the past 20 years. Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhupendra Singh said Chandrawat might have made the announcement on the spur of the moment. People at times lose control over their words when they are very angry, Singh said talking to reporters in the assembly premises. The way Hindus are being killed in Kerala, he said, there is anger across the country. RSSs Indore kshetra prachar pramukh Praveen Kabra said the organisation didnt believe in any kind of violence. I dont deny that he is an RSS office-bearer, but whatever he has said is his personal opinion. The RSS has nothing to do with it, he added. Opposition parties, however, grabbed the opportunity to target the RSS, the ideological fountainhead of the BJP. Leader of the Opposition in Madhya Pradesh assembly and Congress leader Ajay Singh condemned the statement and demanded immediate arrest of the RSS office-bearer for his provocative statements. The CPI also condemned the statement on its Facebook page. It said the remark is the manifestation of the RSSs mindset. The party said the RSS is scared of the communists because they know leftists could fight the right-wing elements on the streets to defend secular values of the nation. Kundan Chandrawat, an RSS leader from Ujjain who announced a reward of Rs 1 crore on the head of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Thursday expressed regret over his statement. Talking to Hindustan Times over phone, Chandrawat said he made the statement as he was agitated over the killings of innocent people in Kerala. I express my regret but I still stand by my statement. It was to wake up politicians and the Kerala government from slumber and sensitise them to the killings of innocent people in the state, he said. He said what he wanted to achieve he had achieved. For there was a debate in the entire country over the killings of innocent people in Kerala and there was widespread concern too over the killings. Chandrawat made the statement during a dharna organised at Ujjain on Wednesday to protest the murder of RSS workers in Kerala. Asked what sort of regret it was when he stood by his statement, he said, I am a non-violent person and believe in the Constitution of India. I am not a politician who makes statements for votes. I expressed my regret because a section of media asked questions and felt that my statement was considered as one which might promote violence. He said, My statement sparked a debate from the state assemblies to Delhi, thanks to media highlighting it. In reply to a question if he expressed his regret under pressure from senior RSS leaders, he said the statement was given by him in his personal capacity, not as an RSS leader. There was no such pressure on him. In a case of honour killing the Supreme Court sent a man from Karnataka to jail for life for killing his pregnant daughter 13 years ago. The top court not only rejected the mans appeal against the HC verdict, punishing him with just 10-year jail term for the act, but also enhanced his incarceration period. A bench headed by Justice Kurien Joseph ruled the man deserved severe punishment for murdering his daughter and had a motive to do so because he felt ashamed when she eloped with her lover from a lower caste. The apex court disagreed with the HC judgement that spared the convict Gandi Doddabasappa a harsher punishment and convicted him for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. It would necessarily follow that the accused committed murder of his daughter Shilpa who was in the advanced stage of pregnancy and for which he was liable to be punished with either imprisonment for life or death under Section 302 of IPC alone, the bench said, ruling out death for the convict. Doddabasappas daughter Shilpa who hailed from the Lingayat community fell in love with Ravi Kumar from the Naik community. The couple eloped and got married in court in 2002 and Shilpa started living with her in-laws. On October 3, 2003, her father went to her in-laws house and killed her in bathroom. Shilpas mother-in-law saw him running away from the spot wth a blood-stained sickle. A complaint was lodged with the police in which it was alleged that the accused had threatened to kill Shilpa earlier also. The trial court had acquitted the father, a decision reversed by the HC. Before the top court Doddabasappa had wished to withdraw his appeal after the SC said it would enhance his punishment. His request was declined because the SC felt 10-year jail term was not sufficient for such a heinous crime. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Railways minister Suresh Prabhu did not present the Rail Budget this year. But his speech on Thursday at an official function here was nothing short of Budget presentation: launch of a business plan for 2017-18, rollout of Roll-On-Roll-Off service, a policy on long term contracts for freight customers and plans on scaling up the travel experience for passengers. Only his speech was outside the Parliament. Nobody asked us to do this (make a budget presentation of sorts). But we decided to set goals for ourselves and take accountability for the tasks to be undertaken this year, said Prabhu. The government discontinued the 92-year-old practice of presenting a separate Rail Budget this year by merging it with the General Budget. Finance minister Arun Jaitley devoted all of three pages to the railways in the Union Budget and that couldnt have reflected the railway ministrys plans and vision for the coming financial year. Prabhu made up for that on Thursday. His ministrys function had all the trappings of a Rail Budget presentation. All top officials were present when Prabhu made the 45-minute long speech about his plans including initiatives to ramp up non-fare revenues and steps to provide for a comfortable and pleasurable journey. The two ministers of state for railways Manoj Sinha and Rajen Gohain were scheduled to be there, but opted out because of preoccupations. The ministers speech was interspersed with his recorded bytes from his earlier budget speeches in the large television screens that had been put up in the national rail museum auditorium. There was no thumping of desks as used to happen in Parliament, but this was more than compensated by the loud claps from the audience every now and then. Other ministries and departments may not have the practice of releasing business plans or annual statements, but the railways are an operational ministry. The annual plan will help rail employees align with the overall plan of the government, Railway Board member (traffic) Mohammed Jamshed said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Fishermen in Tamil Nadus Rameshwaram on Wednesday said they would go on an indefinite strike to protest against the governments 45-day annual fishing ban, from mid-April to May-end, during the fish breeding season. The ban is enforced every year and is aimed at safeguarding fishes during their breeding season and conserve fish stock. Fishermen said they would sit on an indefinite strike as their finances get hurt by the ban. Fishermen of five districts, involving more than 50,000 fishermen, will stop working indefinitely from March 3 and are going on a strike. Thereafter, from March 6, we are ready to sit on roads, said S Karunamoorthy, the district secretary of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Federation. Karunamoorthy said the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, which regulates fishing in the province, needs an amendment. The fishermen group had also submitted a petition to the Tamil Nadu Government which did not receive any response. The fishermen have refused to venture out to the sea until their demands were met. The 45-day ban causes severe difficulties for the fishermen community, which has to manage on a meagre income during the period of inactivity. Campaigning is at its peak in Uttar Pradesh but Samajwadu Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav has stepped out only for two public rallies this elections, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he addressed in the 2012 assembly polls. Leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. The 77-year-old SP patron campaigned just for his younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, who is contesting on a SP ticket from Lucknow Cantonment, and also for his brother Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from the partys bastion of Jaswantnagar in Etawah. Voting for five out the seven phases of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls is already over. His political rivals said the SP patriarchs clout has been confined to just two of the 403 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2012 UP Assembly polls, Mulayam had addressed more than 300 rallies. In the 2014 Lok Sabha general elections, he limited his appearances to 18 rallies, one in each of the 18 divisions of the state, citing health issues. Senior BJP leader Hriday Narayan Dikshit, said, The moment Mulayam Singh Yadav was made the party patron, his power automatically got diluted. And, despite this, if he is getting a chance to campaign for even two assembly seats, he must thank his stars. Dikshit said both the SP and the BSP are single-cellular organisms, in which only one person eventually prevails. As far as the SP is concerned, earlier Mulayam Singh Yadav used to prevail, and now it is the turn of Akhilesh, the senior BJP leader said. The BSP too is a single-cellular organisation. Congress, which used to be multi-cellular organisation till the time of Gandhi, gradually became single-cellular. The BJP is a multi-cellular organisation, where leaders from different walks of life are involved in elections, he said. A string of sexual assault allegations involving clergymen is turning out to be a major embarrassment for the Catholic Church in Kerala. What is more worrying is that such incidents are popping up even after Pope Franciss call to enforce zero tolerance towards sexual crimes. The latest in the series is the rape of a 16-year-old girl allegedly by a 48-year-old priest who was active in social circles in north Kerala. The incident came to light two weeks after the victim gave birth to a baby. Shockingly, there was a systemic attempt to cover up the whole incident and bail out the priest involved in the crime. Many in the church now want a strict code of conduct for priest and nuns. And reformists blame insiders for the rot and say they are planning to send a letter to the Vatican City, seeking stringent steps to rein in what they call wayward priests. Once a crime is committed, the first reaction is an attempt to cover it up. This emboldens others also to commit the same crime, said a spokesman of Catholic Laymens Association. In the north Kerala case, police said the victims father, belonging to an economically backward family, was promised Rs 10 lakh to own up the crime. But a prompt investigation turned the tables on the priest. A maternity hospital and an orphanage controlled by the church are in the dock now. The accused Father Robin Vadakkumcherry, vicar of St Sebastain church in Kottiyoor, was arrested while he was planning to slip out of the country. Now police suspect he might be involved in similar other cases. A powerful orator and administrator, Father Robin was actively involved with Indian Farmers Movement, that vehemently opposed two expert committee reports on Western Ghats (Gadgil and Kasturirangan) and later he was appointed as the corporate manager of 100-odd schools under the Mananthawadi Diocese. For his disciples, the shocking incident is yet to sink in. It is like fence eating the crop. He taught us all virtues and now he shamed us all, said Francis Sebastain, a regular churchgoer in Pervavur. Let this tragedy helps the church to cleanse its stables and avoid recurring of such incidents, said Father Robins brother Jose Mathew while offering apologies to the victim. It is a shameful incident. He brought enough disgrace to 9000-odd priests in the state, said Father Paul Thelekkat, editor of Sathyadeepam, a church-run publication. It is sad such incidents are reported frequently these days, said a spokesman of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference. Many complaints were raised against the vicar but believers were scared to come out in the open. I was told girls were sent with this help to different parts of the state and abroad offering job opportunities, said Kannur MP P K Sreemathy after visiting the victim, now lodged in a government-run home. This was not an isolated incident. Three months ago Father Edwin Figarez, who was a parish priest in Ernakulam district, was awarded a double life-term for raping a 14-year-old girl. Father Raju Kokkan, a priest in Thrissur district, was arrested last year for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. At least five major incidents of child abuse involving priests have been reported from the state in one year. In a letter to all bishops in January this year, the Pope had begged forgiveness for the suffering of the children who were sexually abused by priests and exhorted them to take strict action to contain the sin that shamed the church. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked 12 of the worlds deadliest antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs based to the threat they pose to human health and has warned that the world could be running out of options to treat common infections. Close to 700,000 people die worldwide each year due to drug-resistant infections and, if infection-control measures are not followed and new antibiotics not developed, casualty numbers are projected to cross 10 million people by 2050. Among the three deadliest bacteria that need to be controlled with critical priority is carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae that made news recently for killing a woman of septic shock in Nevada. She got the superbug infection in India last year, which led to multiple hospitalizations in India and the US, confirmed the US Centers for Disease Control in January this year. Her carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae infection was so deadly that it was resistant to 26 different antibiotics, including polymixins and tigecycline, two potent drugs for treating highly-resistant infection. The US CDC confirmed the resistance was caused by the presence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1), an enzyme that directly breaks down carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant infections. Superbugs to stay With several bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, untreatable hospital-acquired infections are increasing making routine infections, medical procedures and surgeries -- such as influenza, pneumonia, caesarean sections, heart surgeries, chemotherapy etc -- life-threatening for patients. The critical priority group includes multi-drug resistant bacteria that spread easily in hospital settings because immunity is the lowest when people are sick or recovering from medical procedures or surgery. These bacteria worsen disease and cause death from septic shock after the superbugs enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, lungs, kidneys, bones or joints to cause multi-organ failure. Bacteria have a quicksilver ability to adapt and find new ways to resist treatment and pass on genetic material that makes other bacteria to become drug-resistant as well. Hospitals and clinicians must follow strict sterilisation and prescription protocols to ensure antibiotics are used correctly, said laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr Pradeep Chowbey, executive vice-chairman, Max Healthcare. Surprisingly, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not included in the list, and neither are some other common infection-causing bacteria such as Chlamydia and streptococcus A and B because they are either targeted by other programmes or have low resistance to existing treatments and are yet not uncontrollable. The threat, however, is real because treating drug-resistant infections takes longer, cost more money and produces more toxic side effects. India is battling multidrug-resistant TB, with about 2.5% of all new TB cases in the country being resistant to rifampicin, or to both rifampicin and isoniazid the two most commonly used anti-TB drugs. At the end of 2015, India had 79,000 cases of drug-resistant TB, 11% more than in 2014. Listing solutions Drug-resistance happens when a weak or an incomplete course of antibiotics knocks the bacteria down but does not kill it, causing it to mutate and emerge stronger. Experts fear that with an increasing number of bacteria developing drug resistance, we are headed towards the pre-penicillin era a century ago when even the mildest infection could kill. Drug-resistant superbugs thrive in hospitals with poor infection control. Without effective drugs, doctors cannot treat patients as antibiotic resistance can make lifesaving treatments and surgeries potentially life-threatening, said Dr Chowbey. Misuse because of self-medication, non-compliance to the full course for the indication being treated and using strong antibiotics when simple ones are needed all lead to resistance, where antibiotics are anyway misused to feed livestock. An enzyme that makes bacteria drug resistant is NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1), which got the New Delhi moniker because it was first detected in 2008 in Swedish patient of Indian origin who had travelled to India. Since then, it has been detected in bacteria in the UK, US, India, Pakistan, Croatia, Canada and Japan. NDM-1 makes bacteria resistant to a wide range of powerful antibiotics, including the carbapenem, which is used to treat other superbugs such as methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA). The most common bacteria that make this enzyme are E. Coli and K. pneumoniae, which cause of stomach and lung infections. When uncomplicated, these infections can be easily managed, but when the infecting agent is resistant to powerful antibiotics, the infection becomes difficult to treat and spreads easily within the body, especially in people who are ill or recuperating from an illness or a surgery, said Dr Chowbey. This list is a new tool to ensure R&D [research and development] responds to urgent public health needs. If we leave it to market forces alone, the new antibiotics we most urgently need are not going to be developed in time, said Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, WHOs assistant director-general for health systems and innovation. The world is fast running out of options but new drug discovery is not the only solution. Along with focusing on new drug research, nations must regulate misuse and overuse of antibiotics, both in the medical and livestock industry, says Dr Srinath Reddy, president, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The increasing number of murders in Jaipur has raised serious questions about the competence of the citys law enforcing agencies. Four murders have been reported in the city since February 28, three of which remain unsolved. The cases have also highlighted the increasing number of intra-familial crimes arising from disputes in the past. A day after a man was arrested by Sodala authorities for killing his father-in-laws brother, a woman was found murdered in an area falling under the jurisdiction of the same police station. Some residents were concerned after their domestic help, Sharbani Barman from Bengal, didnt turn up for a couple of days. When they reached Barmans house, they found her body. A preliminary investigation has revealed that she was strangled on Tuesday night, said Sodala station house officer Sunil Prasad Sharma. Her husband who is absconding is a suspect, and its possible that he took their five-year-old daughter along with him, Sharma added. A watchman, identified as Kanaram, was also found murdered in Kardhani area on Thursday morning. The police, who are yet to arrest anybody in this connection, said he was guarding a warehouse at the time of his death. The fourth case that remains to be cracked pertains to Manoj Monga, a property dealer who was shot in broad daylight near Sanganer on February 28. Many other murders such as the killing of a woman in Muhana on February 18 also await resolution. The entire legal framework of the state is in a very bad state, with murders and rapes occurring every day. There is an immediate need for the chief minister and home minister to chalk out a new roadmap for fighting crime, said district Congress president Pratap Singh Khachariawas. Khachariawas said the polices morale was hit after Narendra Meghwal, the husband of BJP MLA Chandrakanta Meghwal, allegedly assaulted a police officer for issuing a challan to a party worker in Kota a few months ago. That is another reason for the increasing number of crimes here, he added. However, additional commissioner of police (crime) Prafulla Kumar told HT that the accused have been traced in most cases. Most of the recent murders were a result of intra-familial rivalry. We have traced many of the accused and solved several cases. We are committed to better policing, and are taking strict measures to check such cases in the future, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An 18-year-old boy allegedly committed suicide in Dausa district after he was not allowed to take the state board examination that started on Thursday, police said. Rakesh Meena, a Class 12 student, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his rented accommodation by his landlord this morning, the SHO at Kotwali Police Station, Sanjay Godara, said. It is suspected that the boy committed suicide after he was not allowed to take the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education exam. The reason behind him being denied the admit card is yet to be ascertained, he said. A case under Section 174 (unnatural death) has been registered, the SHO added. Fake currency of face value Rs 56.74 lakh all in Rs 2,000 denomination -- were seized from five persons in Kolkatas Watgunj area on Thursday, police said. The arrests were made by the anti-rowdy squad of Kolkata Polices detective department after a tip-off that the people were carrying fake notes. The notes were all in Rs 2,000 denominations and of good quality. They will be sent to the currency printing press at Salboni for experts to examine, said Vishal Garg, joint commissioner of police (crime). Manwar Mullah alias Ujjal, Sk Ekhlash Ahmed, Sk Abul Kalam Azad alias Suraj and Syed Rehan of Howrah district, and Balai Mondal alias Joy from Bankura district had gone to a mobile phone shop at Fancy Market in Watgunj when police nabbed them. They are all in their 20s. They will be produced before a court on Friday, a police officer said. Interestingly, all the bundles of notes had State Bank of Indias tag on them. Bengal has turned out to be a major hub of fake currency since demonetisation. The Border Security Force recently seized notes of face value Rs 96,000 from Malda district. At a time when Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati hopes to return to power on the Dalit- Muslim formula, a group of Dalits from various fields are strengthening the bond between the two communities with Dalit zakat. For Muslims, giving a small percentage of their surplus wealth (zakat) to the poor and the deprived is a part of their religious obligation. Taking a leaf out of the Islamic tradition, these Dalit members -- some of them former bureaucrats -- have launched Dalit zakat to help the have-nots. A group of Dalits set up the Ambedkar Trust of India in 2007. President of the Trust J Ram said the apolitical organisation was guided by the ideals of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. While embracing Buddhism at Nagpur on October 15, 1956, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar spoke on the uplift of the Dalit community. Ambedkar called upon his followers to donate five per cent of their earnings, as done by the Muslims, for the social, religious and economic emancipation of Dalits, J Ram said. We constituted Bharatiya Dalit Zakat Foundation and decided to donate 5% of income. The membership of the foundation is 305. Along with offices in various districts of the state, it has also spread roots in Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, he said. Read more| UP election: Court orders on Mukhtar, Amanmani may impact poll equations in Purvanchal General secretary of the Trust Shyamlal said, Zakat is associated with Islam and Muslims. Few people are aware that Gautam Buddha was the first to propagate the idea of giving alms. He called upon his followers to donate (dana) a part of their earnings to the deprived. Since ages Dalits have been discriminated on the ground of untouchability and varna system. Our aim is to liberate Dalits and to bring them in the mainstream of the social system. We urge the people to donate five per cent of their earning, he said. The fund is utilised in the establishment of educational institutions, construction of houses for the homeless, scholarship to meritorious students coming from poor family, purchase of garment for poor children and establishment of hand pumps in Dalit-dominated areas. The trust has also been assisting 22 meritorious students coming from poor families in pursuing professional courses. The students will pay back to the Trust after employment and our mission will continue, said Chandrapal, vice-president of the Trust. To impart basic education to poor children, the Trust has set up an educational institution Ambedkar Buddha Junior High School in Chinhat. Over 90 children of rag pickers, stonecutters, daily wage labourers, street vendors and domestic help are enrolled in the school. e are giving scholarships to 11 meritorious students after the state government discontinued the scheme, he said. A daily wage labourer Mohammad Asif, whose son Abdul (10) is enrolled in the school, said: All religions call for compassion. There is hardly any difference between Muslim and Dalit zakat. The objective is to assist the poor and deprived, he said. Read more| UP elections: Why voters dont reject criminals? SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The police have found 15 more academies to be involved in leaking the questions for the Army Recruitment Board exam, which was to be held on Sunday. According to the police, the 15 institutions were in continuous contact with a Nagpur-based academy the epicentre of the racket. The police are now taking down the details of all the academies that are spread across Maharashtra. Last Sunday, the crime branch arrested 18 people and detained 350 students from, Pune, Goa and Nagpur for leaking the questions for the exam. The Thane crime branch took action based on a tip-off by a local man, who runs tutorial classes. The exam was to be held at 9am on Sunday, but has been postponed to next month. Students were given the questions and were made to practice writing answers at various venues in Pune, Goa and Nagpur. The police said the students were caught in simultaneous raids while in the middle of practice in halls in Pune, Nagpur and the terrace of a bar near Vagator beach at Goa. The police said the accused were paid Rs4-5 lakh for each leaked paper. Meanwhile, a team from the Thane crime branch has gone to Nagpur to pick up three accused army clerks Nigamkumar Pandey, Dharam Singh and Ravindra Kumar, who will be produced in court on Friday. These three people have played a vital role in the scam and have been handed over to us by the Army in Nagpur said a police officer from Thane crime branch. A senior police inspector said, The fraudsters used to run classes in remote areas of Maharashtra and also along its border so that residents from high-end societies will not be able to approach them. The Nagpur-based academy used to lure students from other local classes with minimal fees. There were agents who used to approach the students and lured them with the prospect of good jobs after the exams. The police have been noting down all those who appeared for the exam in the past four years and will send a list to the Army headquarters. READ Army question papers were leaked from a printing press in Nagpur: Police SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 1. Gajendra Chauhan on FTII tenure: My advice to students? Stay away from politics Film and Television Institute of India chairman Gajendra Chauhans tenure comes to an end on Friday. Chauhans appointment, one of the most contentious in FTIIs 50-year history, triggered massive outrage on campus. Students relentlessly criticised the government for appointing a man, who they claimed had neither stature nor vision. After a year and seven months, Chauhan is set to leave the institute, which witnessed many changes under his leadership some controversial and some laudable. 2. Mumbai mayor election: Five scenarios Mumbais mayor will be elected on March 8 and given the numbers in the newly elected Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), its anybodys guess who will win. 3. Shiv Sena seeks MNS support for Mumbai mayor elections Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is currently having the last laugh as the Shiv Sena is making efforts to woo him, seeking his support for the Mumbai mayor polls. 4. Day temperatures in Mumbai will surpass 40 Celsius mark by mid-April As weather models are being collated across the country to understand the impact of the summer season, meteorologists have said the financial capital can expect a much hotter summer this year, as against previous years. 5. Flights, hotels, packaged holidays bought on the go likely to grow at a staggering rate: Study Flights, hotels and packaged holidays bought on the go are projected to grow at a staggering rate, said a study released on Thursday. The study conducted by Euromonitor International for Criteo, a performance marketing technology company showed travel sales on mobile phones are set to rise at 67.1% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) between 2017 and 2020. Actor Govinda has approached the Bombay high court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a case lodged against him in Jharkhand. The case is over a song in his movie Chhote Sarkar that allegedly made a defamatory reference to Bihar. On Thursday, Govindas counsel argued before the HC that since the alleged incident had taken place in Mumbai, the Bombay high court exercised jurisdiction over the matter and had the powers to grant him protection from arrest. The counsel said that the case was malafide and that the accusations had been made with the object of injuring or humiliating Govinda by having him arrested. He added that the actors personal liberty and freedom were at stake because of the case which is being heard by the chief judicial magistrate at Pakur, Jharkhand. The magistrate had recently issued a proclamation requiring the presence of the musician, the lyricists, and some other accused persons in the case. In 1997, a lawyer from the Pakur district of Jharkhand (then Bihar) had filed a case of defamation against Govinda, his co-star in the film actor Shilpa Shetty, and several other crew members. His complaint stated that the actors and other accused persons had defamed Bihar and Uttar Pradesh over the lyrics of the song Ek chumma tu mujhko udhaar de de in the film Chhote Sarkar. The Jharkhand police subsequently registered an FIR and the court proceedings began. A local court there had also issued non-bailable warrants against Govinda and Shetty in 2001. The Jharkhand police had told the court that the proclamations and the non-bailable warrants had been issued because Govinda and the others had been absconding. Govinda, however, argued that he was well known actor in the Hindi film industry and had been residing in Juhu for years. He said that he couldnt have been absconding for he has appeared in several movies since the case and that he has been present in several social events, and also in the Parliament during his tenure as an MP. He said that he had no intention of defaming anyone and also that the film and the song were duly cleared by the CBFC. The HC is likely to pass its orders on the plea on Friday. Also read: You get attention in Bollywood only if youre hit: Govinda SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Film director and producer Mahesh Bhatt, wife Soni Razdan and his actor-daughter Alia Bhatt allegedly received death threats from a man in Uttar Pradesh who demanded Rs 50 lakh from the movie personality, police said on Thursday. The accused allegedly threatened to pump bullets into Bhatts family members. The suspect Sandeep Sahu has been arrested from Uttar Pradesh by the states specials task force (STF) and Mumbai crime branch. Sources said UP police are questioning the suspect who was traced by the anti-extortion cell of Mumbai crime branch. Sources said Bhatt was first threatened close to midnight on February 26 through a call to his mobile phone. A case was registered at the Juhu police station on Wednesday. Bhatt said in tweet that the threat has been nipped in the bud by police. A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem.Gratitude! Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) March 2, 2017 The accused, who is also said to have also sent text and WhatsApp messages to the director, allegedly asked Bhatt to deposit the money in a bank account in Lucknow. Police said Mumbai Police anti-extortion cell has begun investigations after recording the statement of Bhatt, the father of popular actor Alia. His elder daughter Pooja is also an actor producer. The Bombay high court on Wednesday struck down Maharashtra governments circular which stipulated knowledge of Marathi for autorickshaw and taxi drivers seeking new licences, and of the area for which a permit is sought. A division bench of justices Abhay Oka and Anuja Prabhudessai said there was no provision in the Motor Vehicles Act or the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, empowering the government to impose such conditions either for new permits or badges for drivers. The row between auto unions and the state government dates back to September 2016 when authorities decided to issue one lakh new permits for autorickshaws in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and also increase the number of three-wheelers by 25% in cities such as Pune, Solapur, Nagpur, Nashik and Aurangabad. However, while initiating the process for issuing these permits, the transport commissioner, in a circular in February 2016, stipulated that an applicant must have a working knowledge of Marathi and must know the area. A few associations of auto-rickshaw owners and drivers from Bhiwandi and Mira Bhyander challenged the circular in the high court. They argued that there was neither the Motor Vehicles Act nor the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, allowed the government to impose such criteria. On Wednesday, the state government, in its response, said Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, empowered it to frame new norms. It claimed that the conditions were imposed in the public interest. The bench, however, observed that Rule 24 was applicable to only public service vehicles and does not cover auto and taxis. It said the state government could not use a public interest alibi to add new conditions for new permits unless there is a specific provision under the Motor Vehicles Act or the 1989 Rules. The judges directed transport authorities not to disqualify any licence-seeking applicant who does not speak in Marathi or is not well-versed with the area. Government remains defiant Despite a setback in the high court, state transport minister Diwakar Raote said the state government wont back down on the language condition for new licenses. Marathi is the local language of Maharashtra. The Motor Vehicles Act has a provision that allows use of local language in the respective states. Moreover, the state government is ready to make provisions in the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules. There will be no compromise over Marathi language, said Raote from the Shiv Sena, which has been insisting on justice for sons of the soil. Manoj Saunik, principal secretary for transport department, told HT that the government will plan its next step after receiving the court order. Unions hail HC order Taxi-auto unions on Wednesday welcomed the HC decision. On February 15 last year, our union protested the language rule of the state government. We are glad that it will be revoked now, said Shashank Rao, general secretary of Mumbai Autorickshawmens union. Criticising the government, KK Tiwari, president of Swabhiman Taxi-Rickshaw, said, This is a victory of poor drivers and democracy. We hope the government learns a lesson from this and doesnt repeat similar mistakes in the future. AL Quadros, leader of Mumbai Taximens, said, This is a good decision against the government, which was using the language issue for political interests. READ Focus on passengers safety, not just Marathi rule for auto permits, Bombay high court tells Maharahstra government A pack of dogs chased a young leopard out of an apartment complex at Goregaon on Tuesday night. The feat was captured by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera on the premises, the forest department said. The incident took place at Girikunj Society at Dindoshi, Goregaon (East), which adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Several leopards have been seen in the area in recent months but local residents said this was the first time one entered their society. Shailesh Rao, a resident and member of Mumbaikars for SGNP, which spreads awareness about living with leopards, said, The video clearly shows a dog is first attacked and dragged by the leopard behind some vehicles. But the dog manages to get out of the leopards grip and alert two other dogs, which rush to the spot and force the leopard to back off and return to the forest. According to a study conducted by SGNP in 2015, dogs comprise a major portion of leopards prey base, especially for those leopards that live close to urban areas. There is a need to treat waste properly at housing societies to control the population of stray dogs, which attract the big cat, said Santosh Kank, range forest officer, Mumbai. Tuesdays incident came a month after leopards were last spotted in a Mumbai suburb. On January 22, and again on January 31 and February 1, a sub-adult leopard was seen on CCTV footage crossing a road lined with parked vehicles near a residential complex adjacent to SGNP. A much younger leopard was seen crossing the road a minute later. The incident prompted forest officials to install camera traps to monitor the animals movements. A team of forest officials are patrolling the area every night to prevent any untoward incidents. Residents are panicked and we are getting distress calls but there is nothing to worry about as leopard sightings are common in the area, said Kank. Teams from SGNP and Thane territorial have already begun awareness drives at the housing society. He added, As of now we do not have such plans for the Goregaon society but regular patrolling will be done and more action will be taken if required. Rao said that residents were aware about leopard sightings but still needed to be sensitised. An awareness drive has been scheduled with residents from Girikunj and Girishikhar over the weekend. They have been told not to panic if they spot a leopard and to inform the forest department immediately, he said. A resident, who did not wish to be named, said that people needed to be careful while walking jogging early in the morning or after sunset. Parents need to make sure that their children are indoors after sunset and there needs to be coordination among various societies close to the park for swift communication, she said. A survey undertaken SGNP in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India from December 2014 to April 2015 found 35 free-roaming leopards across 140 sq km, including areas outside SGNP, the Nagla forest block across the Vasai Creek, and Aarey Milk Colony. In 2012, a leopard had snatched a dog from an apartment complex but there have been no incidents involving people of late, said Krishna Tiwari, a Mulund resident and founder of the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Society. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bombay high court on Wednesday heavily censured the city collector, Ashwini Joshi, for her high-handedness in dealing with the Cambata Aviation-Eros building dispute and directed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to personally look into Joshis conduct. A bench of justice VM Kanade and justice PR Bora ruled that Joshis decision to seal the Eros building earlier this year, and her consequent actions in dealing with the dispute between the state and Cambata Aviation, the lessee of the Eros building, was most arbitrary and an overreach of her jurisdiction. The bench was hearing a plea filed by the SC Cambata Trust challenging a show-cause notice issued to them by the collectors office on February 14 this year for allegedly violating the terms of its lease. Joshi had asked the trust to respond to the allegations that it had illegally allowed for mobile towers to be installed on the terrace of the Eros building and also created third-party tenancy rights. The trust approached the high court challenging the notice. The collector had also scheduled a hearing at her office for Wednesday morning that was to run simultaneously to the hearing in HC. Cambata trust, however, argued in HC that the collector did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter as the state government was the owner of the land and the one to have leased it out. At this, the bench agreed that Joshi didnt have the requisite jurisdiction and ordered that her hearing be aborted at the very minute. Just because you are the owner of the land it does not mean that you inherit jurisdiction. Is this the way a government acts? Is the collector not bound by statutory provisions, or by the courts orders? This conduct is definitely malafide. Is this a way to make money for the state? the bench said. The manner in which the collector is proceeding in this matter, and also her past conduct, leaves no doubt in our minds that she is bent upon passing an adverse order without giving proper hearing to the petitioner, the bench said. We want to find out if she is behaving like this on her own accord or at the behest of the government or the cabinet, it said. It stayed the show-cause notice issued to the trust till further orders and directed the state principal secretary to file an affidavit on the episode within four weeks. In January this year, Joshi had sealed the iconic Eros building in the middle of the day, forcing out public from the film theatre, restaurants, and offices in the building. Another bench of HC had ordered that the building be de-sealed and observed at the time that Joshis action was arbitrary. Read Bombay high court asks Maharashtra to remove seal of Cambata building Eros theatre building sealed for not paying salary to staff SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For the first time in four years, the number of applicants for online admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) quota has exceeded the available seats. Over 9, 451 students applied for the 9, 482 seats till Thursday evening-marking a 50% rise from last year. Education officials attributed the trend to increasing awareness regarding the seats. Unaided, non-minority schools are supposed to reserve 25% of their seats for students from economically and socially weaker sections as stipulated by the RTE Act, 2009. In Mumbai, 334 schools are following the quota this year. This is the fourth year of the online admissions, which began in 2014. Form-filling for the coming academic year, 2017-18, began on February 9. Around 6, 667 students had applied till February 25, following which the deadline for the entire state was extended till Thursday, March 2, by the state education department. While form-filling was open till Thursday midnight, the number of applicants reached 9,451 by Thursday evening, a significant rise, compared to 6, 409 students vying for 9,664 seats across 317 schools in the last academic year. It was 4,351 in 2015-16 and 6,575 in 2014. According to Mahesh Palkar, education officer, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the improved turnout is owing to various awareness drives to publicise RTE seats and an extension of the February 25 deadline. Around 2, 633 more students could apply because the deadline was moved ahead. If it wasnt then the number of applications would have been just a tad more than previous year, said Palkar. The BMC had conducted awareness drives, put up posters and advertised in 10 daily newspapers, to inform more people about the free seats. Unlike the past three years, awareness about the RTE seats seems to be high among the public due to the constant media coverage. It has percolated the sections who stand to benefit from it, said Palkar. An online lottery will be held next week, most likely on Monday, to allot seats to the candidates. This year, schools were given the freedom to choose their entry-level, which could be kindergarten or class 1. But activists complained that most schools are keeping the entry-level as class 1 for RTE students, while it is kindergarten for others. What the RTE Act states As per the RTE Act, 2009, unaided, non-minority schools have to demarcate 25% seats for students from economically weaker sections who seek admission at the kindergarten or class 1. The schools have to provide free education till Class 8 to these students The schools cannot charge these students fees. The fees of these students will be reimbursed to the schools by the state government. Who is eligible? The RTE Act defines families with an annual income of Rs1 lakh and less as eligible for admissions to seats reserved under the quota. Candidates from disadvantaged groups such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes or those suffering from 40% or more disability Candidates from economically weaker sections such as Vimukta Jati Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Special Backward Class (SBC) READ MORE Maharashtra extends deadline to apply for Right to Education seats till March 2 Mumbai schools cannot cross-verify documents of RTE students: BMC SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) chairman Gajendra Chauhans tenure at the prestigious institute may end on Friday, if he is not given an extension by the government. Chauhans appointment one of the most contentious in FTIIs history has been a mixed bag for the institute, which witnessed a 139-day long strike from students. Though the tenure of an FTII chairman is usually three years, Chauhan a television-actor-turned-BJP-member got a short tenure of one year, seven months. The institute underwent many changes during this period; some of which were controversial, while others were praised by the film industry. I am happy with my tenure, under which I managed to carry out many good things, including converting diploma courses into masters degrees, introducing a new syllabus, making FTII open to all and bringing discipline to the campus, Chauhan told Hindustan Times. I have done my best and I am happy, said Chauhan, speaking about whether he expects an extension. He added that he now wants to move on with his life. Under Chauhans chairmanship, the FTII was able to get six of its post-graduate diploma courses equated with a masters degree, making it possible for students to leverage this while pursuing higher studies abroad. This was something the institute had been trying to do since 2011. However, it was only in 2017 that the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) equated short-term courses with a masters degree. The Governing Council (GC) chaired by Chauhan made several key decisions that are expected to have far-reaching consequences for the institute, which has been on the decline. The institute was accused of high-handedness under Chauhans leadership. It denied scholarships and other opportunities to students who wanted to participate in foreign exchange programmes. The institute termed students participation in protests a disciplinary matter, leading to police cases being filed. They cited this as the reason for denying those students scholarships. The new administration proposes to convert FTII into a holistic institute of cinema, television and allied arts, offering a varied choice of subjects related to cinema and digital media. Besides approving a vision document prepared by the Academic Council, this year, the institute introduced a new syllabus, which aims to finish the courses in timely manner and prevent a backlog. After a gap of two years, the institute admitted fresh students this year. It also introduced a choice-based credit system that will replace the current system of annual assessment. FTII faculty said the new system will primarily evaluate the weightage of learning in various courses offered in all the disciplines. The premier institute had been forced to freeze admissions for a few years citing backlog a three-year batch was stretched over six years. This not only burdened students financially, but denied opportunities to prospective students. The PK Nair committee which the government constituted after students opposed the Hewitt Report tried to find solutions to this backlog, and also addressed problems with the syllabus. The committees 2011 report tackled problems with equipment and faculty. The corrective measures proposed by committee included bringing back FTII to its normal state of three batches by putting new admissions on hold, hiring new equipment to improve its infrastructure and curbing absenteeism of students and faculty. Another proposal envisages setting up nine schools under the aegis of FTII, which will offer around two dozen courses, including short-term courses in music composing, animation and gaming, prosthetics and makeup, and costume design, besides core subjects such as direction, cinematography, acting, editing and sound design. Read Nothing wrong with my ideology: FTII chairman Gajendra Chauhan One-para CV helped Gajendra Chauhan become FTII chief Gajendra Chauhan hasnt visited FTII office since appointment To save trees in the Aarey Milk Colony, the citys green lung, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation has redesigned its car depot plan. The new plan has retained pockets of dense green patches within the area where the car depot has been proposed. MMRC officials said the earlier design took 30 hectares space, while the new plan would cover 25 hectares. The MMRC is yet to assess the number of trees that will be spared the axe under the new design. Ashwini Bhide, managing director of MMRC, is positive the new design will be enough to protect Aarey Colony The plan to build a car depot for the citys Metro line has faced a lot of opposition from citizens, environmentalist and political parties alike. Bhide said the Corporation has made efforts to considerably reduce the number of trees that need to be axed. It is not possible to create a mass transport system without affecting a single tree. When DMRC constructed metros in their first phase (in Delhi), 35,000 trees were axed and the compensatory plantation was also scientifically carried out, Bhide said. SK Gupta, director, projects, MMRC added, In the new design, the areas with tree concentration have been left out. We cannot save all the trees but the trees in the five hectare area will continue to serve the city. Sena objects to Aarey car shed Adding to the tussle with the BJP, Shiv Sena corporators in the planning committee for the Development Plan have objected to the hacking of 2,298 trees in Aarey Colony to make way for a car shed for a Metro line. While the draft Development Plan (DP) 2034 has declared Aarey a no-development-zone (NDZ), it has allowed construction activities at certain areas. In the plan, the metro site has been identified as transportation and despite several protests and campaigns by citizens, the BJP-ruled state government has given a nod for a car shed to be built in the citys green lung. Trushna Vishwasrao, Sena leader and planning committee member, said the DP must adhere to a court order that restrains authorities from hacking trees for Metro 3. Residents too have been campaigning to save trees. We have included our objection in the report. Sena leaders said the report will be submitted to the mayor before March 7 and tabled for the new general body of 227 corporators who have to pass the revised DP draft before March 20. The revised draft is the blueprint for the citys infrastructure and was to be released in 2014. The planning committee heard more than 12,000 objections from citizens and prepared a report. While Sena leaders and three experts appointed by the state have signed the final report, BJP group leader Manoj Kotak said he is still studying the plan. Those maybe their personal objections, I have not taken any objection on the plan, he said. Without the plan in place, the city is in a big trouble as many projects remain stalled, said a senior architect. Read: In Mumbai: Maha CM says Metro-3 carshed in Aarey not a prestige issue MMRC says Kalina not feasible for Metro car shed, its back to Aarey The Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Taximens Union one of the major auto rickshaw unions in the state has sought a fare hike by Rs3 in minimum fare. This was the fare bracket which was suggested by the one-member Hakim panel in 2012. The leader of the union Shashank Rao said that, according as per the Hakim panels original formula, the minimum fare of auto rickshaws for first 1.5km should be Rs21 instead of existing Rs18. Also, the fare per kilometer should be Rs14, instead of Rs12.19, said Rao. The union had put forth this demand in front of a state-appointed panel led by former IAS officer BC Khatua. The panel has been given the responsibility to review the fare revision formula that Hakim panel came up with in 2012. The panel is likely to submit its report on the basis of discussions, representations and demands made by various auto rickshaw and taxis unions across the state. Claiming that the amount of money earned by auto rickshaw and taxi drivers have declined since the government failed to regulate app-based taxis of aggregators, the union also demanded a one trade, one policy for all types of autos and taxis including the app-based ones. If the government does not want to regulate them (Ola, Uber), then it should neither regulate fares of autos and taxis nor their numbers. Let us charge fares arbitrarily too, said Rao. According to RTO sources, however, even though the unions have sought huge fare hikes, there will not be any immediate hikes. It is because even if the panel suggests any revision in Hakim panel formula, the government will first have to accept the panels report before considering a fare hike. Also read: Bombay HC revokes Marathi language rule for auto and taxi licences in Maharashtra There is no question of the Congress supporting a communal Shiv Sena in the city, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam said after a series of meetings with the party high command in new Delhi. The party will field its own mayor candidate in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation instead of supporting the Sena and has also decided to stake claim to the post of opposition leader in the civic body. Nirupam said the party wants to send out a clear message the party has ideological differences with the Shiv Sena. The Congress has also shortlisted a couple of names of senior corporators to field as candidates in the mayoral election to be held on March 8. We will field our mayoral candidate in the election. The question is not about winnability of the candidate, but about clarifying a stand, Nirupam told HT. The partys central leadership also directed its Mumbai unit to not directly or indirectly support to the saffron party. It is true that at the first meeting of senior Congress leaders after the results were announced, a few leaders were optimistic about supporting the Shiv Sena to keep the BJP at bay. But there was the idea got no support from within the party. The Mumbai unit has now come to the decision of fielding its own candidate, said a senior party office-bearer, not wishing to be named. A section of the party leadership is also of the opinion that by claiming the post of the opposition leader, it may bag membership of the standing committee. By supporting or abstaining from voting, the party cannot bargain with the Sena for any committee. But if the party bags the post of leader of opposition, it will automatically get the standing committee as the opposition leader is its ex officio member. With the BJP and Shiv Sena likely to go together, the Congress can easily claim the post of leader of opposition, the leader said. The party is likely to pit senior party corporators Ravi Raja, Vitthal Lokare or Ashraf Azmi for the mayors post. Congress has also has also approached the Nationalist Congress Party, asking it to join hands in the BMC. The parties have already agreed upon teaming up in the district councils to form the bodies. Congress has been convincing the NCP to field its candidate for the post of deputy mayor. Both the parties are also approaching the Samajwadi Party for support in mayoral election. Meanwhile, state and city unit chief of the party Ashok Chavan and Nirupam met party leaders in Delhi and apprised them about the performance in the civic polls held in the state last week. READ MORE Sena, BJP keep suspense on; mayoral polls process begins The Byculla police on Wednesday arrested a 19-year-old Amazon delivery man for replacing a Sony PlayStation bought from the company with stones. Mujjawar Anwar Fardhan, a resident of Bandra, cheated his employer of Rs32,290, said the police. He had ordered the gaming device along with a friend. On February 20, Fardhan and his friend placed the order to be delivered at JJ Marg and opted for the cash payment option. On February 22, Fardhan was given the product to be delivered to the address. He instead took the product to his friends house, removed the PlayStation and filled the box with stones,said an officer from Byculla police station. The police said Fardhan used stones to maintain the weight of the box. he returned the device to the company, claiming incorrect address, said the officer. The cheating came to light after Amazon employees opened the box to check the product and returned it to the manufacturer, saying it was full of stones. Denying they had goofed up, Sony said on February 27 that it suspected the swap was made at Amazons office. Amazon officials confronted Fardhan. He confessed to the crime. One manager registered a complaint on February 28, said the officer. Senior police inspector Avinash Shingte from Byculla said the police were checking Fardhans criminal antecedents. He has been booked under sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust ) of the Indian Penal Code. He was produced in a Mazgaon court and remanded in police custody till Friday. READ Case of cheating against Flipkart for delivering soap instead of Samsung phone SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mumbais mayor will be elected on March 8 and given the numbers in the newly elected Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), its anybodys guess who will win. The Shiv Sena won 84 seats, the BJP 82, the Congress 31, the NCP 9, MNS 7, SP 6, AIMIM 2, ABS 1 and Independents 5. Here are five ways things could unfold: 1. Shiv Sena and BJP alliance: After a bitter tussle, the two parties who are still allies in the Central and state governments come together and work out a power-sharing formula. The alliance returns to power in the BMC with a solid majority of 166 in the house of 227. 2. BJP supports Shiv Sena from outside: Sena-BJP want to reunite but no consensus on how to share power as the Sena is adamant on not sharing the mayors post. BJP wants it as an ally in state so supports Sena from outside. No role for other parties. 3 Shiv Sena vs BJP: The two parties fail to come together and decide to contest. Congress too fields its candidate. In a three-cornered contest, Sena or BJP whoever manages to get more votes wins. As of now the Sena claims a strength of 88 with the support of 4 independents while BJP has 82. The latter can score over the Sena if it gets votes from NCP (9) or MNS (7). Fifth independent as well as Akhil Bharatiya Sena (1) may also play a role. 4. Shiv Sena wins with the support of Congress-NCP: The Congress (31) and the NCP (9) decide to support Shiv Sena. This combination will have 128 seats 14 more than a simple majority. It may, however, lead to political instability in the state because the Congress has asked the Sena to pull out of the BJP-led government in state if it wants support. 5. Congress-NCP stay neutral, Sena wins with MNS support: The Congress and the NCP abstain from voting. The Samajwadi Party (6) too has announced it will not support Sena or BJP. It will bring down the.civic house strength to 182 and the party securing 91 will win. In such a scenario, the MNS (7) will hold the key to victory. The MNS has said it will take a decision in favour of the Marathi manoos. Read Mumbai mayor election set stage for another BJP-Sena tiff Sanjay Raut says Shiv Sena will bag BMC mayor post, denies approaching Congress The district collector of Mumbai has directed the University of Mumbai to refund the Rs 2 crore that was allotted for the construction of a centre for promoting Hindi language, a Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed. The centre, named Dr Rammanohar Tripathi Hindi Bhasha Bhavan, was to be built on the university's Kalina campus and was approved by the collector in June 2014. An amount of Rs 2 crores was sanctioned for the project in January 2015 and the university was required to utilise it by March 2016. However, till date, the university has spent only Rs2.5 lakh of the funds and there hasn't been any construction for the Hindi Bhasha Bhavan. Only the foundation stone has been laid. Hindi Bhasha Bhavan, along with the new examination centre, student hostels and staff quarters, are some of the MU projects that are yet to see the light of the day. A number of other buildings on the Kalina campus, including a cultural centre and a green technology building, have not started functioning more than three years after their construction, due to lack of occupancy certificates. According to a university official, the government had approved Hindi and Urdu bhasha bhavans, after some professors of the two languages approached the government and apprised it of the need for the centres to promote vernacular languages. However, neither of the two centres have materialised, so far. The university has a Marathi Bhasha Bhavan, though. "The university always complains of lack of funds. But when they have money at their disposal, they don't use it. It seems that the current government and the university administration doesn't care about Hindi and Urdu. One should treat all languages equally," said Anil Galgali, the activist who had filed the RTI query. University sources said that the Hindi Bhasha Bhavan wasn't part of university's plan and the funds provided for the centre weren't enough. "The university won't build anything just because someone got the government to pay for it," said an official. However, MA Khan, MU registrar, said that the university intends to build the language centres. "The university wanted to build one structure with provisions for various bhasha bhavans and other centres. If it had spent the money and constructed the building just for Hindi Bhasha Bhavan, the space would have been blocked," he said. Khan added that the university was preparing a master plan for construction on the Kalina campus, using funds generated by selling and transfer of development rights (TDR) on Kalina campus to Maharashtra Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. READ MORE Mumbai University invites bids for digital assessment of answer sheets Students name changed from Kite to Patang and Mumbai University software is to blame SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee have started to gather in Beijing for the top political advisory body's annual session, which is scheduled to open Friday. Political advisors from central China's Henan Province were the first to arrive on Wednesday. On Sunday, the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, will also convene its annual session. Dubbed the "two sessions," the dual gathering is significant in China's political calendar as it sets the national agenda for the year and beyond. This year the meetings carry extra weight as they are the fifth and last sessions of the 12th NPC and the 12th CPPCC National Committee. At the parliamentary assembly, legislators are expected to deliberate a draft decision on deputy elections for the 13th NPC, and draft methods for the election of deputies to the 13th NPC from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. The two sessions are also the first high-profile national political events held since President Xi Jinping was endorsed as the core of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee at a key CPC meeting last October. Pledges to conform to the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the core are expected to feature significantly. "The CPC needs a strong core of leadership. Otherwise, it will have no cohesiveness or competence to lead all manners of undertakings. The endorsement of Xi as the core has come naturally, with the backing of the entire Party and the people," said Xin Ming, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Much of the focus during the March sessions will center on the economic front, as in previous years, with a government work report to be delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to confirm the country's growth targets for the year. China registered 6.7 percent GDP growth in 2016, a nearly three-decade low, amid concerns over weak growth momentum in major economies, rising trade protectionism, domestic debt overhang, excess capacity and a highly leveraged property market. However the growth rate was within the Chinese government's target range and outpaced most other major economies, scotching rumors of a hard landing. Although no official target for this year will be available until the opening of the parliamentary session, China has targeted average annual growth of more than 6.5 percent during the 13th-five-year plan (2016-2020). Explaing the plan to a key Party conference in late 2015, President Xi Jinping said maintaining an average annual growth of at least 6.5 percent was necessary to reach the target of doubling GDP and per capita income from 2010 levels by 2020. The target is crucial for China to attain its two centenary goals: becoming a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021, the 100th anniversary of the CPC, and a modern socialist country that is "prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious" by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. "I see 2017 as showing considerable continuity with 2016. Growth will continue to be fueled primarily by the increasing importance of consumption as opposed to investment, and services as opposed to industry," said Nicholas R. Lardy, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. With the CPC set to hold its 19th National Congress in Beijing in the second half of the year, stabilizing the economy will be prioritized by policymakers. A Central Economic Work Conference late last year made "seeking progress while maintaining stability" the main theme for economic work in 2017, pledging progress in supply-side structural reform. Xu Guangjian, vice dean of Renmin University's School of Public Administration, is confident in China's ability to maintain medium-high growth of 6.5 to 7 percent. "The domestic market is yet to be further tapped, the infrastructure sector has huge potential for investment and resident consumption keeps growing steadily," he said. Zheng Xinye, assistant dean of Renmin University's School of Economics, suggested increasing effective supply in medical, education and housing sectors in order to meet people's needs, give people a greater sense of gain and ensure steady economic growth. For those eyeing the effects of China's economic projects on the rest of the world, the Belt and Road Initiative will be a focus. The initiative, which has yielded infrastructure projects, economic and trade cooperation zones, and jobs, is telling evidence of China's resolution to champion free trade and open markets amid increasing anti-globalization sentiment and rising trade protectionism. "The Initiative signals China's active participation in global economic and financial governance. Rather than a passive player in the building and maintenance of the international economic order, China has taken on responsibilities that match its economic status and national strength," Xu said. Lawmakers and political advisors will also take the occasion to review and discuss a draft General Provisions of Civil Law, which states the basic principles of the country's long-awaited civil code. The drafting of the general provisions started in March 2015. Since June last year, the draft has gone through three readings at the top legislature. During the process, many opinions and revisions have been taken on board to address people's concerns, adapt to the country's needs and embody socialist values. It is rare for a draft law or an amendment to go through three readings and not be passed. One outstanding case was the property law, which was passed in March 2007 after eight readings. The draft states that personal liberties and human dignity are protected by the law, and is expected to be approved at the upcoming parliamentary session, a crucial first step in introducing a civil code, hopefully in 2020. Since a decision to compile a civil code was made in October 2014, it has been treated as a necessary move to perfect the country's socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, and significant in modernizing state governance. Compiling a civil code takes two steps: formulating the general provisions, and integrating separate civil laws into a unified code. "The making of the general provisions and the civil code will elevate the protection of civil rights to a new height," said Professor Yin Tian with the Law School of Peking University. "This will contribute significantly to promoting the sound development of the economy, improving state governance, and preventing state power from encroaching upon the legitimate rights of civil subjects," Yin said. Other topics at the NPC session include a state budgetary review, military spending and law enforcement. China announced a 7.6 percent rise in its national defense budget last year, the lowest growth in six years, breaking off a five-year run of double-digit increases between 2011 and 2015. The increase in 2015 was 10.1 percent. The world ended yesterday, today is action replay. These are the words that are inscribed at the entrance of Taarak Mehtas house, says Bharat Ghelani, Editor, Chitralekha Gujarati. A popular Gujarati columnist, humorist and playwright, Mehta passed away at 87 on Wednesday, owing to a prolonged illness. The playwright was best known for his column, Duniya Ne Undha Chashma (The Worlds Inverted Glasses) in Chitralekha, a weekly Gujarati news magazine where he first wrote his column in 1971. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for his literary contribution. Mehta, who has been a resident of Ahmedabad for the last 16 years, used to write for Gujarati dailies like Divya Bhaskar, and other publications like Chitralekha. Born in 1929, he has written over 80 books and six popular Gujarati plays. He was a father figure to us. He served the publication for 44 long years so we were all very junior to him. Despite him gaining such clout and stature, he did not have an iota of ego, Ghelani said, adding, Though Chitralekha was popular before Mehta sirs time, our circulation multiplied because of his columns.He got the publication its status and same goes for us. Ghelani also added that he did not only produce humour but also wrote some serious plays. It is a huge loss for he Gujarati literary world. His volume of work is too big and the vacuum created would be difficult to fill in, he added. Mehtas work was also adapted to the small screen as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Kewal Parpani, a fan of Mehta and a regular viewer of the show, said, I have never seen him but I am feeling so low after I came across the news. His remarks and comments embedded in humour were spot on. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness at Mehtas death. Reminiscing his meeting with Mehta, Modi tweeted, I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with the Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India. Read Famous writer Taarak Mehta passes away at 87 No one left Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since it started: Producer Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is currently having the last laugh as the Shiv Sena is making efforts to woo him, seeking his support for the Mumbai mayor polls. The MNS has indicated that it may support the Shiv Sena in the civic body. While Raj has maintained his distance from the media, his Man Friday Bala Nandgaonkar has been dropping subtle hints, assuring the Shiv Sena of the partys support. I would like to see a Shiv Sena man become the mayor. After all, my origins can be traced back to the Shiv Sena, said Nandgaonkar. Two days ago, Nandgaonkar said Raj will take a call on the issue, keeping in mind the welfare of the Marathi manoos. The Shiv Sena desperately needs the support of the MNS seven corporators to run the show in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Shiv Sena, which has 84 corporators, has been aggressively trying to cobble up a majority of 114 in the 227-member house. To gain Rajs support, the party will have to accommodate MNS men in vital committees. Raj will definitely demand his pound of flesh in exchange for his support, said political expert Surendra Jondhale. Shiv Sena leaders have been trying to convince Uddhav Thackeray that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its 82 corporators, is currently a bigger threat than the MNS. Raj was angry with his cousin and Shiv Sena president Uddhav for spurning his alliance offer prior to the civic polls. Uddhav did not even pick up his calls at the time. Raj has not lost a single opportunity to sarcastically remind Shiv Sena intermediaries that Uddhav is responsible for the impasse as the party could have easily crossed the magic figure if the MNS and the Shiv Sena had formed an alliance. Read Mumbai civic polls: Split Marathi votes may have cost Shiv Sena in 38 wards MNS should merge with Shiv Sena if it cares for Mumbai: Sena cadre on social media MNS bags just one-fourth of its 2012 tally, faces uncertain future SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Shiv Sena on Thursday taunted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its ally in Maharashtra and at the Centre, for not slamming one of its legislators who called army wives unfaithful. It added that the definition of patriotism cannot be changed according to ones convenience. In an editorial in the partys mouthpiece, Saamana, the Shiv Sena criticised Maharashtra BJP legislator Prashant Paricharaks statement on how army wives have babies despite soldiers being at the borders for long spells. Keeping in mind that supporters of Kashmiri separatist Afzal Guru are called traitors, the party asked what Paricharak should be called. Although this attempt to malign the characters of the soldiers and their wives was horrible, there was no comment condemning the statement from anyone from the BJP. But, the Delhi police arrested Kanhaiya Kumar on the charges of sedition for raising anti-national slogans, reads the editorial. The party added that though no constructive evidence was found of Kumar having raised such slogans, the BJP had, at that time, added fuel to the fire. It also described the a fierce tiff between Jawaharlal Nehru Universitys leftist student organisations and the BJP-allied student outfit, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). This same ABVP took a different stance on Paricharaks obscene statements. It issued threats to student organisations condemning Paricharaks statement. If this is true then one can say the fight against Kanhaiya Kumar was a farce, the editorial said. The Shiv Sena is currently in backchannel talks with the Congress, hoping to get its candidate elected as mayor by means of the Congress active or tacit support. Against this backdrop, the party also taunted the BJP for criticising its potential alliance with the Congress when the BJP itself has forged a tie-up with Mehbooba Muftis Peoples Democratic Party in Jammu & Kashmir. It is worrisome that politicians in independent India are using patriotism and changing its definitions to suit them, the Shiv Sena said. Read BJP-backed Maharashtra MLC sparks outrage with remarks on soldiers, later apologises BJP-Sena alliance to run BMC possible if Saamana stops criticising Modi: Gadkari Tie-up with Congress better than alliance with Afzal Guru-supporter Mehbooba Mufti, Shiv Sena taunts BJP SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON You will be soon able to lodge a complaint from your mobile phone and even seek immediate police assistance, if the driver of the cab or autorickshaw in which you are travelling behaves rudely or badly with you. The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the state government to create within two months a grievance redressal mechanism enabling passengers travelling in autorickshaws or taxies to lodge a complaint from their mobile phones via SMS, Whatsapp messages or even emails. A division bench of justice Abhay Oka and justice Anuja Prabhudessai also directed the government to connect the grievance redressal mechanism with police machinery to make immediate police intervention possible. The judges felt the need for a separate and effective grievance redressal mechanism, although the state government has already proposed a 24x7 helpline, primarily after noticing that no immediate police assistance would be provided through it. The bench said Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, require cab and auto drivers to behave in a civil and orderly manner with passengers and also to stick to the shortest and fittest route to reach the destination. If the driver behaves rudely with the passenger or does not stick to the route, no purpose will be served by the passenger lodging a complaint after the journey is over, said the bench, while stressing the need for immediate police assistance in emergencies. The bench directed the grievance redressal mechanism be so connected with the police machinery that authorities can immediately track the vehicle and intervene to assist the passenger. The bench further observed that appropriate action of cancellation of permits of auto owners and badges of drivers was also required to be taken wherever they are found to have committed breach of the conditions of permit or badge or violated provisions of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, which impose a number of duties on cab and auto drivers. The duties imposed by the rules include behaving in a civil and orderly manner with passengers, not to turn down passengers, maintain vehicles in fit and proper condition, keep the vehicle clean, wear khaki uniform with a nameplate and the badge, shall in case of accident take the injured passenger to hospital, etc. The court was hearing a bunch of petitions filed by associations of autorickshaw owners and drivers from Bhiwandi and Mira-Bhayander areas challenging validity of a condition imposed by state government on applicants for new auto-rickshaw permits to have working knowledge of Marathi and knowledge of topography of the area for which permit is sought. Read Bombay HC revokes Marathi language rule for auto and taxi licences in Maharashtra The Bombay high court has asked the Centre to clarify as to why a Pakistani couple has not been deported on grounds of overstaying, despite the HC and the Supreme Court ordering deportation. Instead of deporting the couple, the central government is considering their plea to regularise their stay in India after their visa expired in November 2016. The division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Anuja Prabhudessai was irked to note that the Centre took this step despite the HC ordering that Syed Waseem Ur-Rehman and his wife Sayeda had no right to continue to reside in India after their visa expired in November 2016 and the decision being upheld by the SC. The court has asked the secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs to file an affidavit clarifying their stand on the deportation of the couple The couple had approached the HC in November 2016 through advocate Vinod Sangvikar seeking extension of visa on the ground that their application seeking Indian citizenship has been pending. The bench, however, rejected the petition holding that being Pakistani nationals, the couple had no right to get visa extension from the Government of India. Besides, the bench said, there is no law that permits the petitioners to continue to stay in India after expiry of their visa only on the ground that their applications for citizenship of India had been pending. The visa of the couple, which is staying in India since 2009, expired on November 18, 2016, a day ahead of the scheduled expiry, on November 17, 2016 they submitted an application to the minister of home affairs seeking extension of their visa. The bench rejected the petition saying in absence of a valid visa they cannot claim right of residence in India only on the ground that their application to the Union home minister had been pending. The court has now posted the petition for further hearing on March 27 and the couple has been asked to appear before the court. READ MORE Pakistani man marries Indian love, now set for deportation Pakistani Sufi cleric will have to leave India, SC says courts cant grant visas Doctors at Metro Hospital in Noida found seven plastic pouches, reportedly filled with heroin, in the stomach of a 57-year-old Afghan national. The Afghan national, Abdul Ali Noori, was admitted to the hospital by a relative and a guide. By Thursday afternoon, doctors extracted plastic pouches carrying poisonous substance from the patients stomach. The police and narcotics officers also arrived on the scene and identified the substance as heroin. The narcotics team collected the samples. Prima facie, it appears that the patient was carrying heroin packed in capsules that are five centimetres each in size, Vinay Prakash Singh, station house officer of Sector 24 police station, said. Noori, a native of Kandahar in Afghanistan, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday night in an unconscious state by his relative and local guide-cum-translator. Noori is still unconscious and the hospital claims that they are operating on the patient as some of the pouches had burst inside his stomach. Noori has a history of loss of consciousness and was accompanied by a relative and a guide. However, he did not mention any local address and only submitted his passport, Chhaya Malhotra, spokesperson, Metro Hospital, said. As Noori was in a critical condition, the doctors admitted him to the intensive care unit and carried out a computed tomography (CT) scan on Wednesday morning. The CT scan of the abdomen showed multiple foreign bodies. We also carried out an upper GI endoscopy, which revealed multiple white cylindrical foreign bodies wrapped in plastic. Some of them possibly burst inside as we can also see swollen rice material, Dr Atul Sharma, gastroenterologist, Metro Hospital, said. Doctors said that Noori must have consumed the pouches orally as no operation marks were seen on his body. The police have deployed personnel at the hospital and held his relative and translator for further investigation. It is likely that Noori will be arrested if and when he gains consciousness. Police will decide further course of action once the Narcotics team confirms that the substance was contraband. Till then an investigation is going on, Singh said. However, Noori is a critical state and doctors said that they are trying to save his life. Repeat endoscopy or surgery might be done to remove the remaining bags from the stomach, Dr Sharma said. Many details about Noori and the events leading to his admission remain unclear. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to rejuvenate 60 ponds in villages located along the 22km stretch of 135km Eastern Peripheral Expressway. The 22km stretch of the highway falls in Gautam Budh Nagar district and 1,270 farmers of 39 villages have given their land for the crucial project. The NHAI, a central government agency, is constructing the Rs 5,000 crore 135 km expressway on Delhis periphery with the aim to decongest Delhi roads. The objective of this expressway is to provide an alternative route to heavy transport vehicles bound for other states to bypass Delhi , thereby help reducing the air pollution in the national capital. If these ponds are revived, rainwater can be recycled to recharge the depleting groundwater table, officials said. According to a Central Ground Water Board report, groundwater decreased at a rate of 3.87 metres per year in 2012 against the earlier figure of one metre per year in 2008, in the two of the largest blocks in the district Dankaur and Bisrakh (expressway is coming up in Dankaur area). There are 929 ponds in the district and more than 505 of them have been grabbed by the land mafia. In the meeting held with the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration on Thursday, district magistrate NP Singh asked us to rejuvenate ponds and we agreed. Work on expressway is on full swing and we will be happy to use our resources to help the administration rejuvenate ponds as they are essential to conserve rainwater, said Kishore Kanyal, NHAI project director of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Gautam Budh Nagar and Faridabad. The district magistrate has directed subdivisional magistrate (SDM) RK Singh and other staff members to make a list of villages where these dead ponds are located. I presented the idea to NHAI to revive these ponds because we can do this work without spending any fund. Rainwater goes down the drain as ponds in villages are dead. The NHAI with their excavation machines will dig up the soil to rejuvenate ponds, which were traditionally used to recharge the groundwater table, NP Singh said. The administration has not set any deadline for compiling the list of ponds but the work will be done as soon as possible, officials said. I have directed that the NHAI should revive these ponds by the time it finishes its work on the expressway in the district, NP singh said. The NHAI is likely to complete 22km stretch by October 2017. We are freeing ponds from all sorts of encroachment and have already revived around 200 of them with the aim to conserve rainwater, the DM said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Three days after a Noida-based woman was allegedly burnt to death on a funeral pyre in Aligarh, doctors of Sharda Hospital, in a press conference on Thursday, insisted that the woman had died almost eight hours before her body was cremated. On Monday morning, around 8am, Aligarh police had recovered the body of the 24-year-old woman, while it was allegedly being cremated by her husband.The police, acting on the complaint of the victims brother, had sent the body, which was 70% burnt, for a post-mortem examination. The post-mortem report revealed that the victim had died due to shock of burning and her windpipe was choked with soot. The victim was admitted to Sharda Hospital in Greater Noida on the morning of February 23, with high fever and breathing problems. At 11.45pm on Sunday night, doctors declared that she died due to multiple organ failure. There was no laxity on the part of the doctors of the hospital. We reconfirm that the patient had died due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure, Dr Rahul Singh, an assistant professor in anaesthesia and critical care, said. After the post-mortem report was released, an FIR was registered by the police against the womans husband and members of his village in Aligarh, based on a complaint by the womans family. They alleged that the woman was abducted and raped. The duo had allegedly eloped in December 2016, sparking tension between the two families. Questions were also raised against the medical staff of Sharda Hospital, who had declared her dead. Contradicting the post-mortem report, Sharda Hospital doctors insisted that the woman died in the hospital before they handed over the body to the womans husband. The woman was brought to us with issues such as difficulty in breathing, vomiting and high fever. Her lungs were not functioning and there was a severe deficiency of oxygen in her body. We then shifted her to the Intensive Care Unit on the evening of February 23. We kept her on oxygen and gave her antibiotics, Dr Mehroz Alam, assistant professor, critical care department, said. Doctors also said that the womans husband was given constant updates on the developments and deteriorating health condition of the patient. She was under our observation since February 23 and we gave her heavy antibiotics since the infection had spread to her lungs. We kept her husband informed about the developments and all procedures were done with his consent, Dr Singh said. On the night of February 26, we carried out CPR as we couldnt feel her pulse despite heavy medication. At 11.45pm, we declared her dead after trying all methods, Dr Singh said. Doctors also denied that the patient was sedated or heavily drugged.We just gave her antibiotics. She was not sedated with any other pill, said Dr Singh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tension prevailed in Sahibabad after cattle remains, found on a land in Pappu Colony on Thursday morning, were buried in a land marked as a cremation ground for Hindus and burial ground for Muslims in the vicinity. The remains of slaughtered cow were buried on the side of the cremation ground. However, members of the Muslim community objected to this, Priti Jaiswal, the additional district magistrate (city), said. The district administration deployed police personnel and PCR vans to prevent an escalation of the law and order situation. Apparently, the land comprises both the cremation ground and the graveyard. Nearly 10% of the land earmarked as the graveyard has graves but the rest of the ground (cremation ground part) is not used. People have littered this area with garbage, she said. We disallowed the assembly of locals in the area and deployed police and PCR vans to prevent an escalation of law and order situation, she said. Locals had protested and attempted to block the Delhi-Wazirabad Road in the morning after finding the cattle remains. Following the burial, members of the Muslim community visited the office of district magistrate and handed over a memorandum to officials. They claimed that some persons intended to construct a temple on the land and were trying to disturb the peaceful conditions. Police and PCR vans will be stationed in the area until further notice. Prohibitory orders are in place and no one will be allowed to disturb the peace. The remains of the animal were buried by the people who found them, Anup Singh, circle officer (Sahibabad), said. Cattle remains have been frequently found in the city during the ongoing state assembly elections. On February 25, locals went on a rampage and damaged several vehicles after finding remains of a bull. Four persons were arrested for allegedly having slaughtered the bull. On February 13, cattle remains were found in adjoining Sikandarpur. Locals protested and also blocked the Delhi-Wazirabad Road. Areas around the Hindon air base have a mixed population of different communities. In January 2016, cattle remains were found in Sikandarpur and widespread protests followed. In December 2015, there were protests against the police in Sikandarpur following a cattle slaughter incident. Three PCR van staff and the sub-inspector and in-charge of Tulsi Niketan police post were suspended. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Sahibabad police took two boys into custody late Wednesday night for allegedly molesting a 15-year-old student. The girl had lodged a complaint a few days ago and an FIR was filed. The girl had missed two pre-board examinations after she was allegedly molested by the two. One of the boys is a classmate of the complainant, while the other is his friend. The girl is from a locality under the Sahibabad police station in Ghaziabad. In her FIR, she had alleged that the boys were molesting her for over a month due to which she missed her social studies and arts examinations. We have taken both of them into custody and will follow legal procedure. Both of them are minors, Anup Singh, circle officer (Sahibabad), said. The girl had also claimed that the two boys were threatening her to convert to their religion. Since the incident came to light, members of a religious outfit have also sided with the girl to protect her. They used to follow me on a bike and touch me inappropriately while going to school and tuition. They threatened me and even told me to convert to their religion and stay with them. Initially, I did not tell my parents but when I told a friend, she told me to immediately disclose the matter to my parents, the girl had said. One of the boys, who is the girls classmate, was expelled from the school on Wednesday after the FIR was filed. The school principal said that he took action after the girl complained against him. The police lodged an FIR under IPC sections for outraging the modesty of women, sexual harassment, assault or use of criminal force on woman with intent to disrobe, criminal intimidation and also under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON (Global Times) 08:18, March 02, 2017 The Three Gorges power plant, the world's largest hydroelectric power project, has generated 1 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity after 14 years in operation. The 1-trillion-kWh mark was reached at 12:28 pm Wednesday, equivalent to 7.1 times the power consumption in 2015 of China's largest city, Shanghai, according to the China Three Gorges Corporation, the Xinhua News Agency reported. People's Daily reported that 1 trillion kWh of electricity could supply the needs of 100 million three-member families for 5.72 years and Beijing for 10.5 years. The same amount of electricity could also support the whole country for 60 days, the People's Daily reported. More than one-third of the amount was sent to East China, including Shanghai, the People's Daily added. "The Three Gorges Dam not only benefited the economy and provided energy but also reduced greenhouse gas emissions," Dai Xingyi, a professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of Shanghai's Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Xinhua reported that the Three Gorges Project has reduced coal consumption by 319 million tons and carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions by 858 million tons and 8.99 million tons respectively, compared with thermal power generation, the document said. "Therefore, it reduced the frequency of smog in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, which is located in a valley," Dai noted. Launched in 1993, the project is a multi-function water control system consisting of a dam, 32 hydroelectric power turbo-generators with a generating capacity of 700,000 kilowatts, a five-tier ship lock and a shiplift, according to Xinhua. The project controls floodwater, generates electricity and helps regulate the river's maritime traffic. The hydroelectric power plant has a combined generating capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts and a designed annual generating capacity of 88.2 billion kWh, Xinhua reported. "Hydroelectric power in China is indispensable. Southwest China features high altitudes and frequent rain, which makes the development of hydroelectric power a clear choice in the country," Dai noted. However, in exploiting hydroelectric power, some issues remain, such as abusing some river reaches, fish migration and resettling people displaced by the construction of hydroelectric power projects, said Dai. It is not often in the world of warships that a ship completes close to six decades in commission. The de-commissioning of INS Viraat on March 6 will bring to an end the saga of one of the most celebrated warships of our times. The keel of the ship was laid in 1944, as World War II raged towards its bloody climax. However, the end of the war led to a halt in her construction, and it was only on February 16, 1953 that the Hermes was launched by Lady Clementine, wife of then British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. After completing trials, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy on November 18, 1959. On commissioning, she had many firsts to her credit. She was the first ship with remote controls for the main machinery, the first ship where bunks were provided to each crew member, as against hammocks on earlier ships and among the first ships which was fully air-conditioned. On commissioning, Hermes displaced 27,800 tonnes with a capacity to carry 20 fighter aircraft and eight helicopters, and a complement of 2,100 men. The versatility of the ships design is evident from the fact that she underwent four role changes in her life. Between 1959 and 1970, Hermes served as a strike carrier; in 1970, she was converted into a commando carrier; in 1976, into an anti-submarine warfare carrier; and, in 1980 into a vertical/short take-off and landing carrier. The last modification involved extensive refurbishment, including the famous nose job incorporating a 12 degree ski jump instead of the earlier steam catapult. This role change was propitious, for in 1982 Hermes was pressed action in the Falklands War in the South Atlantic and played a critical role in the war. On her return, she was placed in operational reserve in 1984 and de-commissioning looked inevitable. However, by then the Indian Navy was searching for a replacement to the ageing carrier Vikrant. With Hermes being available for sale, it seemed a match made in heaven. After numerous rounds of negotiations, assessments and visits, the Indian government announced on April 24, 1986 that it had decided to acquire HMS Hermes, which was to be renamed INS Viraat. After refurbishment, Viraat was commissioned on May 12, 1987 at Naval Base, Portsmouth, under the command of Captain (later VAdm) Vinod Pasricha. The ships transition to the Indian Navy was seamless, one in which, as time would tell, not just equipment, systems and procedures were exchanged but the enduring spirit of Happy Hermes, as she was known, was translated into that of a Vibrant Viraat. In the three decades with the Indian Navy, Viraat faithfully discharged her role, taking part in several major operations and exercises such as Operation Pawan and Parakram. Along with her illustrious processor, Viraat served as a cradle for generations of naval aviators. Her contribution in building the maritime military strength of India is evident from the smooth induction of INS Vikramaditya into the Indian Navy. As she lies alongside quiescent today, much like a beached grey whale, probably remembering the days when she felt the rush of waves beneath her keel and the roar of jets on her flight deck, posterity will remember the grand old lady who could be trusted to meet every commitment, and who inspired respect and loyalty among all those who served on board. It is said that old warships never die, they are resurrected in another avatar. So maybe it for Viraat. Vice Admiral AK Chawla was former commanding officer of Viraat The views expressed are personal Known for being a relatively efficient force, the Chandigarh Police have failed to make a significant headway in high-profile crime cases in the recent past. Despite having made tall claims, the police did not taste much success. Akansh murder case On February 9, Akansh Sen, 28, a relative of Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, was allegedly run over by a BMW car in Sector 9. He later succumbed to his injuries at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER). Despite having identified both the accused Balraj Singh Randhawa, 31, who was allegedly driving the car and co-accused Harmehtab Singh Rarewala alias Farid (32), who was allegedly sitting next to him on the very first day, the cops are still clueless about the whereabouts of Randhawa. Rarewala was though arrested seven days after the murder but Randhawa continues to dodge the police till now. Despite pressuring the relatives of the accused, police failed to arrest Randhawa. Police finally have initiated proclaimed offender proceedings against him. Sector-45 firing The police also failed to make any arrest in a case in which three men fired at a 40-year-old financier in Sector 45 on February 23 evening. The victim, identified as Karan Singh Pehalwan, was hit by two bullets and was admitted to PGIMER in a critical condition. He is now out of danger. The victim resides in Sector 46 and owns a shop in Burail. He hails from Kurukshetra. The assailants had opened fire in the busy market and were captured in CCTV cameras installed nearby. Despite getting a number of CCTV footages, the city police are yet to trace the accused. A senior police officer said, We are very close to arrest them as we have identified almost all the accused. Burglary at Sec-20 computer store Two burglars allegedly decamped with Rs 4.25 lakh and about 40 laptops from a store in the Sector-20 computer market in the wee hours on February 25. Despite burglars being captured in the CCTV cameras installed at the shop, cops have failed to trace them. December gang rape The gangrape of a 21-year-old call centre employee in the heart of Chandigarh on December 12 last year shamed the city. Even after over two months, the police are clueless about the whereabouts of the second accused who along with an auto-rickshaw driver was party to the crime. The police had arrested the auto-rickshaw driver in December. Mercedes carjacking Two men carjacked a Mercedes C-class car of a businessman, Sukhdev Singh Chadha (40), from the Sector 15 market in September last year. The police are yet to crack the case. Heritage furniture from Chandigarh went under the hammer at an auction on February 28 held in French capital, Paris, and was sold at Rs 60 lakh. For the first time, Ahmadabad heritage furniture was also auctioned at the cost of Rs 18 lakh. The auction was conducted by auction house Artcurial based in Paris. Four furniture items and raw concrete lamp post designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret including teak stools from Panjab University, coffee table from administrative buildings, executive desk from Punjab and Haryana high court were auctioned. There has been a spate of auctions of heritage furniture from the city at foreign auctions houses since 2007. The UT administration has been unable to stall these auctions as of now. Though attempts were made earlier by sending communications to the auction houses, the administration was informed that they had purchased these items from dealers and had all the required receipts. Interestingly, most of these items were sold as scrap in Chandigarh, not fetching more than a few thousand rupees. City advocate writes to Union minister City-based advocate Ajay Jagga has written a letter to Union minister of state (independent charge) for culture Mahesh Sharma stating that it is an economic offence to traffic culture property out of the country. He stated, the property smuggled or not is a matter of investigation but the property of Chandigarh administration (created by world renowned Architect Mon Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret) is being auctioned in various countries. Such auctions are continuing for last more than a decade, in violation of Article 51 of the Constitution, as there is no resistance from any quarters. Meanwhile these items should be declared artefacts/art treasure, and create a museum of such articles. Blurb: Interestingly, these items were sold as scrap in Chandigarh, not fetching more than a few thousand rupees. Two factors were crucial in turning the tide in favour of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee polls Sukhbir Badals reposing full faith in partys Delhi unit chief Manjit Singh GK and Aam Aadmi Party deciding against supporting the Panthic Sewa Dal. Also, outgoing DSGMC president GK was successfully able to insulate his party in Delhi against the negative noises being made in Punjab. The issues of sacrilege Guru Granth Sahib and Dera Sacha Sauda support to Akali candidates in Punjab assembly polls, which were being seen as going against the party in the state polls, were non-issues in the Delhi gurdwara body elections. When dera announced support to Akali Dal a week before Punjab assembly polls on February 4, GK was in Bathinda and he immediately took a stand against it. He was clear in saying that dera suppport was not welcome even as a number of party candidates reportedly showed up at a dera congregation. GK sensed it that it could spoil partys prospects in Delhi gurdwara polls and his stand worked in his favour. With AAP backing out from support to its Panthic Sewa Dal, the contest became by and large two-cornered between SAD (Badal) and Paramjit Singh Sarna-led SAD (Delhi). AAPs tacit support to Sarna camp also failed to prop up his poll stocks, as Sikhs who earlier were rallying behind AAPs Panthic Sewa Dal, rejected both. Sewa dal couldnt win a single seat. SAD (Badal) won 34, Sarnas SAD (Delhi) won 8 and two went to Akal Sahai Welfare Society and two went to the Independents. In four years as DSGMC president, GK scored over Sarna, who remained president for about ten year till 2013. GKs sober image and his connect with the Delhi Sikhs worked in his favour. Also, the works done for the community by his father Santokh Singh in the mid-1970s and early 1980s also paid off. I think people in Delhi ignored the issue that were talking point in Punjab. They gave Manjit Singh GK a positive vote. Also, he (GK) was able to translate work done by him into votes, said Dr Jaspal Singh, who remained general secretary of DSGMC led by GKs father. By defeating AAP, the Congress and the radicals in the DSGMC election, the Sikhs of Delhi have sent out a clear message that they are behind the Akali Dal. The mandate is a testament of the faith of people in the SAD, said Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal after the result. Also, the GK-led DSGMC could make Delhi Sikhs believe that demolition of piao (public tap) at Gurdwara Sis Ganj about six months ago was done at the behest of AAP government. He managed to involve maximum number of people from the community in the birth centenary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Singh Bahadur. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two days after gangster Davinder Singh, alias Babli Randhawa, surrendered in a local court, the police on Wednesday arrested four more accused in financier Hardev Singh Happys murder case at Longowal on February 16. Five persons were booked for financiers murder and all are behind bars now. During investigation, we came to know that one Dhanwant Singh of Kotra Amru village was also with the accused and his name has been incorporated in the FIR. We have launched a hunt to nab him, said senior superintendent of police Inderbir Singh. The police have recovered two unlicensed Italy-made 7.65mm pistols, four empty magazines, 16 live cartridge and four empty cartridges from the accused, he said. Those arrested on Wednesday have been identified as Varinder Singh, alias Mottu, Sraaz Khan and Amandeep Singh, all residents of Longowal, and Gurpreet Singh from Lohakhera village. Three accused were nabbed from Changal village road Mastuana and Gurpreet was arrested from Lohakhera on Wednesday, the SSP added. The five accused, including Babli Randhawa, in police custody on Thursday. (HT Photo) The accused were produced in a court on Thursday and have been sent to police remand till March 8, said SP (investigation) Sewa Singh Malhi. Hardev Singh Happy, 25, was shot dead at Longowal by a group of five gangsters led by gangster Babli Randhawa. After committing the crime, Randhawa posted four videos on his Facebook page, taking responsibility for the crime and celebrating the murder by joining chorus of a song, Maare hik vich fire Jat ne (The Jat has fired in the chest). He is also seen flashing a gun in the video. Police had registered a case under Sections 302 (murder), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code and 25/54/50 of the Arms Act. The Punjab and Haryana high court has told the Centre to submit a fresh report on foreign nationals, many of them from Pakistan, languishing in Punjab jails even after completion of their sentence. The direction was issued by the high court (HC) bench of justices SS Saron and Darshan Singh during the resumed hearing of a suo motu petition in which the HC had asked the state to consider cases of life convicts for premature release in the light of Supreme Court guidelines laid down in July 2015 on the issue. Appearing for the Centre, additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain had apprised the court that as per a report compiled in October 2016, there are 38 foreign inmates in Punjab jails. He said that the nationality of 16 inmates, reportedly from Pakistan, is unconfirmed and repatriation of three Pakistani nationals is under process, two have died and four have been repatriated. As for other nationalities, there is one inmate from Myanmar besides two from Nepal, two from Bangladesh, one from Kenya and one from Sri Lanka whose nationalities are not confirmed. Six inmates of Bangladesh have been repatriated, Jain informed the court. Punjab additional advocate general PPS Thethi told the court that Punjab will verify from the Amritsar jail authorities whether other particulars of the inmates can be gathered, especially for confirming their nationalities. The Centres response was sought after Punjab told the court that nearly 38 foreign nationals who have completed their sentences were either in jails or in transit camps as they could not be released without prior permission from the central government. The fresh report has been sought by April 6. The City Beautiful has been attracting visitors not only for its unique architecture but also for its clean and green image. But this image is beginning to get dirty, especially in its iconic Sector 17. And traders blame this lack of cleanliness and upkeep for the waning fortunes of this central sector. So grubby is the sector that UT administrator VP Singh Badnore lost his cool after visiting it last month, and roundly rebuked the officers for not getting the area cleaned up. But his words seem to have fallen on deaf ears as the sector is as unclean as ever. These days visitors to the plaza are greeted by garbage littered in the parking. Overflowing bins, broken tiles, and loose electricity wires in the corridors are other eyesores that spoil the sheen of this sector. This is despite the fact that Chandigarh is vying for the clean city title under the Swachh Survekshan 2017. The traders say the authorities do try to come up with a strategy to make the plaza attractive, but other parts of the sector have been neglected for long. Enter the sector from the parking near the MC building, and you are greeted by garbage. The tiles too are broken and the road is uneven. As you near the Neelam Theatre, overflowing garbage bins emit a stench, and the walls are stained with betel marks and graffiti, not expected in the heart of the city. Garbage heaps are a common sight in Panchkula. (Karun Sharma/Hindustan Times) Mission Clean Sweep Impose a fine on the litterbugs. Give this power to a few traders in every lane. Install more garbage bins so that visitors dont need to hunt for them Ninety-four safai karamcharis is a lot, but they need to be given areas of responsibility and then supervised. Like in Singapore, there should be a provision wherein visitors should be allowed to rate an area for cleanliness. Keeping in view the footfall, the sector should be cleaned twice a day (morning and evening). Take a leisurely stroll down the plaza, and you reach the fountain stuffed with wrappers and other waste. A few metres ahead is the bridge market, which doesnt seem to have seen a broom for a long time. The floor tiles are mostly broken. Pits and potholes are commonplace as you approach the banks and shops in Sector 17 C. The scene in Sector 17 A and B is even more dismal. The stretch near the bridge appears as if it has never been cleaned. The area behind the showrooms and shops is being used as an open urinal, and the stench is unbearable. The bank square in Sector 17 is no different. The garbage piled up in the parkings is a common sight. Jatin Wadhwa, a Sector 17-based entrepreneur, laments that the vendors sitting in the plaza litter the place. The bins too are few and very small in size as a result of which garbage spills out. Echoing him, Rakhi Jain, a regular visitor to Sector 17, said, I have seen this place deteriorating with time. It appears as if the most sought after market area is hardly cleaned up. Traders say the municipal corporation needs to install more bins in the market and the visitors too need to be more responsible. They should not litter the sector, said a trader, complaining that people have a quick snack and leave behind a trail of garbage. The safai karamcharis need to clear the bins more than twice a day and the parking areas also needs to be cleaned regularly. Both traders and residents suggested that a fine be imposed for littering in Sector 17. (FIFTH OF SEVEN-PART SERIES, TOMORROW:DESIGN DEFECTS) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Are women more likely to be bisexual than men? No. Can anal sex get you pregnant? No. Can men have multiple orgasms? No. Can a man and a woman reach climax together? No. Do men want sex more than women? No. Do you know all that there is to know about sex? No. So we ask Dr Prakash Kothari, Head of the Department of Sexual Medicine at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, and Dr Ajit Saxena, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, for some legit information. So here they bust a few popular sex myths, the ones weve heard so often that we confidently mistake them for facts. Its time to brush up your knowledge and find out how correctly informed you are. Semen is entirely made up of sperms. Its quality plays a big role in the sexual performance of a man. Sperms constitute just 0.01% of semen. The rest 99.9% is mostly water, fructose, proteins, calcium, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. The colour, consistency and quantity of semen have nothing to with the quality or the ability of a man to have sex. As men grow older, their semen may become thin, the quantity may reduce, and the colour may change from white to light yellow, but it is perfectly normal. Women do not want sex as much after they become mothers. Motherhood does not affect the libido of a woman in any way. However, the vaginal muscles get loose after she undergoes a normal delivery. It may affect the grip or the friction, diminishing sexual gratification. Having sex for the first time always hurts. It doesnt, though hymen rupture can be painful at times. Having rough sex, or without enough lubrication or foreplay; or when your partner is not ready, or uneasy, are usually responsible for painful first times. The longer it lasts, the better it is. As long as both the people are satisfied, the duration does not matter. You cannot conceive if you have sex when menstruating. True. Sperm only lives for 48 hours and a woman is usually infertile until 10 days after her cycle is over. Regular porn watching affects your sex life negatively. Yes. Excessive porn watching can make you delusional. It gives people unrealistic expectations, making them dissatisfied with their sex life. What you see is not possible to achieve under realistic circumstances. It can also give people serious complexes about their bodies. No method of contraception is 100% effective. True. There is always a chance of a condom breaking, or women forgetting to take the pill within the stipulated time. The only foolproof way is either to have anal sex, or do it when the woman is on her period. Womens libido dies after menopause. Nope. On the contrary, they get more sexually active after they have had their menopause. Several factors are responsible for this no risk of pregnancy, their kids have grown up, they have fewer responsibilities, and they are sexually more confident and carefree at this stage of their lives. Old people do not have orgasms. They do, a lot more than youd like to believe. Orgasm has nothing to do with age. Men have orgasms all their lives and there are several young women who never experience orgasms. Oral/anal sex cannot give you STDs. It can. HIV is a very common infection contracted through anal sex. Oral sex is not infection free either. Hepatitis B is a popular disease transmitted through oral sex. Sex using a condom is not as much fun. It totally depends on the preference of the people involved. Though wearing a condom during intercourse is safer, most people find condom-less sex more satisfying. For men, ejaculation is the same as getting an orgasm. Not always. Sometimes they can occur independent of each other. Orgasm has more to do with satisfaction while ejaculation is the release of semen, a medical phenomenon. A man may ejaculate without feeling satisfied. Most men ejaculate after they orgasm. G spot doesnt exist. It does, though not in the exact same spot in every woman. It is possible to avoid pregnancy if the guy does not ejaculate inside the womans vagina. True, but it is easier said than done. Despite best efforts, some semen invariably finds its way inside a womans vagina and the first few drops are the most potent. Called withdrawal technique, this act of a man withdrawing just before ejaculation is a rare feat, but if achieved, it prevents pregnancy. Condoms provide 100% protection against STIs. Nope. A few viruses can cross. Size matters. No, it doesnt. The normal anatomical depth of a vagina is 4 inches, plus 2 inches of compressible tissue, making it 6 inches. Only the outer one-third part of a vagina has sensation. The inner two-third is virtually insensitive. So for all practical purposes, a penis the size of two inches (in erect stage) is enough. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Beautiful rape flower sea in Yang County, Hanzhong, northwest Chinas Shaanxi Province.[Photo: ifeng.com] China on Wednesday announced favorable measures to develop tourism for rural areas in poverty. The move is part of the country's strategy to eradicate poverty by 2020 through the use of targeted and precise relief measures. The National Tourism Administration signed agreements with the Agricultural Development Bank of China and the China Citic Bank to provide financial credit for impoverished counties to build tourist attractions. In the 2016-2020 period, poor counties with scenic areas will have updated infrastructure and public service facilities with the help of the banks. China Citic Bank will lend 200 billion yuan (29.4 billion U.S. dollars) to fund key projects featuring construction of distinctive scenic attractions for rural areas in poverty. China beat its annual target by lifting 12.4 million people out of poverty in 2016, the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development said Tuesday. "The progress was partly due to large financial resources, amounting to more than 230 billion yuan, earmarked by the central and local budgets," said Su Guoxia, spokesperson with the agency. Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has issued a statement acknowledging his groups defeat in Iraq and calling on supporters to either flee or carry out suicide attacks, according to a media report. Baghdadis statement was titled farewell speech and was distributed among IS preachers and clerics on Tuesday, Al Arabiya quoted Iraqs Alsumaria television network as saying. Alsumaria quoted sources in the Iraqi governorate of Nineveh as saying that Baghdadi had ordered the closure of the IS office regulating the groups fighters. He also ordered non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, promising them 72 women in heaven. Many IS leaders in Iraq had fled towards areas in neighboring Syria controlled by the group, the sources said. Iraqi forces backed by the US and other countries have been advancing towards IS-held areas in Iraq over the past weeks. The group has suffered one setback after another in its former stronghold of Mosul. Baghdadi, the so-called caliph of the IS, has not been seen in public for long. There have been several reports of him being killed or injured in air strikes or attacks but he has usually emerged with an audio message or statement after such reports. US-backed Iraqi forces advancing in western Mosul fought off a counter-attack by the militants during bad weather in the early hours of Thursday, officials said. Some militants were able to get near elite Iraqi units in southwestern Mosul, hidden among people displaced by the fighting, Reuters reported. Iraqi forces captured eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting and launched their attack on districts that lie west of the Tigris river on February 19. Defeating the IS in Mosul would crush the Iraqi wing of the caliphate declared by Baghdadi in 2014. The sky has been cleared and security tightened across Beijing as the city prepares to host the choreographed annual session of its rubber-stamp Parliament, the National Peoples Congress (NPC), from Sunday. Ahead of that, on Friday, the yearly session of the top advisory body, Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), will be inaugurated. Together, they are known as the Two Sessions or Liang Hui in Chinese, and more than 5,000 NPC deputies and CPPCC members have begun arriving in Beijing to attend the sessions. Its almost customary for Beijings pollution to clear up in the lead-up to and during the two sessions, which last for about two weeks. As part of the annual routine, Chinese state media has gone into overdrive in its coverage of the meetings despite the fact that very little emerges about the actual decision-making by the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Much of the focus during the March sessions will centre on the economic front, as in previous years, with a government work report to be delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to confirm the countrys growth targets for the year, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Li will signal the end of the two sessions with an annual news conference, where questions are usually vetted by the government. Though Li will deliver the governments annual work report on Sunday - providing growth figures and sectoral outlays including the defence budget - the focus will be on the increasingly powerful President Xi Jinping. The two sessions are also the first high-profile national political events held since President Xi Jinping was endorsed as the core of the CPC Central Committee at a key CPC meeting last October, state media reported. Pledges to conform to the CPC Central Committee with Xi as the core are expected to feature significantly. It will be Xis thoughts that will echo inside the walls of the Great Hall of the People, where most of the meetings including the NPC inauguration will take place. Over the past four years, Xi's governance thoughts have been guiding China's development. The book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, a collection of his speeches, provides insight into his concepts, resolve and wisdom of governance. More than six million copies have been distributed worldwide, Xinhua reported. The CPC needs a strong core of leadership. Otherwise, it will have no cohesiveness or competence to lead all manners of undertakings. The endorsement of Xi as the core has come naturally with the backing of the entire party and the people, said Xin Ming, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. One of the biggest scams affecting Canadians in recent years has registered a sharp decline following a police raid on a call centre in Mumbai late last year, underlining the link between India and such activity. Known as the tax scam, it involved persons impersonating agents of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA, the equivalent of Indias income tax department) and calling consumers and threatening their targets with financial penalties, lawsuits, and even arrest if they dont pay the back taxes they supposedly owe, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The con artists also posed as Internal Revenue Service agents while calling people in the United States. While phone-based scams have bedevilled people in North America, there were indications a portion of those originated from rogue call centres in India. The aftermath of the Mumbai raids, which led to nearly 70 employees there being charged with fraud and other crimes, is the clearest evidence of that link so far. In a statement listing its Top 10 Scams of 2016, BBB said, Our number one scam from last year has been in decline. A call centre in India was raided and the dreaded Canada Revenue Agency Tax Scam dropped off dramatically. Evan Kelly, a spokesperson for BBB in Canada, said there had been a steep 80% to 90% dropoff in complaints regarding the scam. At its peak, those complaints numbered between 300 and 400 each week. BBB in the US reported that one in four reports on its online tool, BBB Scam Tracker, were related to the tax scam. However, not all the news related to scams has been positive. The amount that people were defrauded of in 2016 rose to more than $90 million, a nearly 50% increase over the previous year, some of it attributed to increased reporting. Kelly said this reflected just a fraction of the quantum of scamming that occurred as the vast majority of incidents were not reported. According to a December 2016 statement from the US arm of BBB, there were more than 7,500 reports of the tax scam, comprising a quarter of the total, close to the percentage cited for 2015. Kelly said, We get a lot of scams that are foreign-based, a lot are internet-based. In fact, such activity has also started using social media. Phone-based scams still remain the largest segment of this criminal industry, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Unfortunately, some of these scams could still be originating from Indian call centres. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The strengthening of cyber capabilities is an important part of Chinas military modernisation, the government said as it warned that the internet should not become a new battlefield. China, home to the largest number of internet users, has long called for greater cooperation among countries in developing and governing the internet, while reiterating the need to respect cyber sovereignty. But Beijing, which operates the worlds most sophisticated online censorship mechanism known elsewhere as the Great Firewall, has also signalled that it wants to rectify imbalances in the way standards across cyberspace are set. The building of national defence cyberspace capabilities is an important part of Chinas military modernisation, the foreign ministry and the Cyberspace Administration of China, the countrys internet regulator, said in a strategy paper on the ministrys website on Wednesday. China will help the military in its important role of safeguarding national cyberspace sovereignty, security and development interests and hasten the building of cyberspace capabilities, it said, but also called on countries to guard against cyberspace becoming a new battlefield. Countries should not engage in internet activities that harm nations security, interfere in their internal affairs, and should not engage in cyber hegemony. Enhancing deterrence, pursing absolute security and engaging in a (cyber) arms race - this is a road to nowhere, Long Zhao, the foreign ministrys coordinator of cyberspace affairs, said at a briefing on the strategy. China is deeply worried by the increase of cyber attacks around the world, Long said. The US has accused Chinas government and military of cyber attacks on US government computer systems. China denies the accusations and says it is a victim of hacking. A cyber attack from China crashed the website of South Koreas Lotte Duty Free on Thursday, a company official said, at a time when South Korean firms are reporting difficulties in China following the deployment of a US missile defence system in South Korea that China objects to. While Chinas influence in global technology has grown, its ruling Communist Party led by President Xi Jinping has presided over broader and more vigorous efforts to control and censor the flow of information online. The Great Firewall blocks many social media services, such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and Google, along with sites run by human rights groups and those of some foreign media agencies. Chinese officials say the countrys internet is thriving and controls are needed for security and stability. Egypts top appeals court on Thursday acquitted ex-president Hosni Mubarak of involvement in the killing of protesters during the 2011 revolt that ended his three-decade reign, a judicial official said. Mubarak had been sentenced to life in 2012 but an appeals court ordered a retrial, which dismissed the charges two years later. Thursdays ruling by the Court of Cassation is final. The trial was Mubaraks final one, after prosecutors levelled various charges against him following his February 2011 resignation. A supporter of former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, plays the trumpet outside the Maadi military hospital, after the Court of Cassation acquitted Mubarak in Cairo in Egypt on March 2. (Reuters Photo) He was accused of inciting the deaths of protesters during the 18-day revolt, in which about 850 people were killed as police clashed with demonstrators. Mubarak, 88, has spent most of his time in a military hospital since his arrest in 2011. In January 2016, the appeals court had upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons on corruption charges. But the sentence took into account time served. Both his sons, Alaa and Gamal, were freed. President Donald Trumps promise to use existing funds to begin immediate construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border has hit a financial roadblock, according to a document seen by Reuters. The rapid start of construction, promised throughout Trumps campaign and in an executive order issued in January on border security, was to be financed, according to the White House, with existing funds and resources of the Department of Homeland Security. But so far, the DHS has identified only $20 million that can be re-directed to the multi-billion-dollar project, according to a document prepared by the agency and distributed to congressional budget staff last week. The document said the funds would be enough to cover a handful of contracts for wall prototypes, but not enough to begin construction of an actual barrier. This means that for the wall to move forward, the White House will need to convince Congress to appropriate funds. An internal report, previously reported by Reuters, estimated that fully walling off or fencing the entire southern border would cost $21.6 billion - $9.3 million per mile of fence and $17.8 million per mile of wall. DHS officials did not respond to a request for comment on this story. Trump has said he will ask Congress to pay for what existing funds cannot cover and that Mexico will be pressured to pay back U.S. taxpayers at a later date. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan has said he will include funding for a border wall in the budget for next fiscal year. He has estimated the cost to be between $12 billion and $15 billion. Many Republican lawmakers have said they would vote against a plan that does not offset the cost of the wall with spending cuts. In the document it submitted to Congress, the DHS said it would reallocate $5 million from a fence project in Naco, Arizona, that came in under budget and $15 million from a project to install cameras on top of trucks at the border. The surveillance project was awarded to Virginia-based Tactical Micro, but was held up due to protests from other contractors, according to the DHS document. Tactical Micro could not be reached for comment. The DHS only searched for extra funds within its $376 million budget for border security fencing, infrastructure and technology, so it would not have to ask for congressional approval to repurpose funding, according to the document. Contractors cannot begin bidding to develop prototypes until March 6 but more than 265 businesses already have listed themselves as interested parties on a government web site. Those interested range from small businesses to large government contractors such as Raytheon. At least two suspected militants were killed on Thursday in a US drone strike in Pakistans restive northwest tribal region, the first such attack after Donald Trump assumed American presidency, according to reports. Drone strikes are extremely unpopular among many Pakistanis because they are seen as a violation of the countrys sovereignty, although leaked documents have shown that Islamabad and Washington have secretly colluded over some cases in the past. The attack occurred in the Sara Khwa area of Kurram, one of seven so-called tribal districts that lie along the border with Afghanistan, where Pakistan has been battling a homegrown Islamist insurgency for more than a decade and a half. Requesting anonymity, a local government official described the two men who were killed as militants but said their identity could not immediately be confirmed. A second official confirmed the strike and the casualties. The drone came from Afghanistan and returned after firing two missiles on the motorbike, he said. The last US drone attack took place in May 21, 2016, killing the then leader of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mansour as well as his driver in southwestern Balochistan province. The very first of the more than 420 attacks occurred in 2004 under the government of President George W Bush, but it was under President Barack Obama that their use increased substantially, before tapering off in his second term. Last year there were only three. Drones have proven extremely controversial with the Pakistani public and rights groups. In 2013, Amnesty International said the US could be guilty of war crimes by carrying out extrajudicial killings. The strike could be read as the first hint about President Trumps policy toward Pakistan, a country he has spoken about relatively little. In December Pakistans foreign office said then president-elect Trump praised its prime minister Nawaz Sharif as a terrific guy and offered support for a fantastic country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many. Trumps aides confirmed the call but gave a more toned-down account, saying the pair had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future. . A North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam, saying on Thursday the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Malaysia dismissed the claim. The death of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Koreas ruler, has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. The autopsy is especially sensitive because North Korea had asked Malaysia not to perform one, but authorities carried it out anyway, saying they were following the law. Also Thursday, amid growing fallout from the killing, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say two women smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kims face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpurs airport on Feb. 13. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The women, who were caught on grainy surveillance video, have been charged with murder. Both say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. Malaysias autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea has denied any role and accused Malaysia of bias. On Thursday, Ri Tong Il, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, told a news conference that it made no sense to say the two women used such a deadly toxin without also killing or sickening themselves and people around them. Ri said Kim had a history of heart problems and had been hospitalized in the past. He said he understood that Malaysian officials found medication for diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure in Kims belongings and concluded he wasnt fit to travel. This is a strong indication that the cause of death is a heart attack, Ri said. Former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations Ri Tong Il (L) addresses journalists outside the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur on March 2. (AFP) North Korea does not acknowledge that it was Kim Jong Nam who died. Instead, it refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying. Malaysia has confirmed that the victim was Kim Jong Nam. National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar brushed off Ris claim of a heart attack. We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like but the facts remain, Khalid told AP. Malaysian police said the attackers knew what they were doing and had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands. Police cant confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. The case has badly frayed once-warm ties between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isnt one of North Koreas key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it has been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all change after Kims death. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped starting Monday for national security reasons. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, who has accused Malaysia of trying to conceal something and colluding with hostile forces. We dont want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage, Zahid said. We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Dont ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like. Earlier Thursday, Malaysian authorities said they will release a North Korean man, Ri Jong Chol, from custody Friday because of a lack of evidence. Officials never said why they arrested him. But Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said he will be deported because he does not have valid travel documents. Custody of Kim Jong Nams body has become a point of contention between the two countries. Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. North Korea has unsuccessfully demanded that Malaysia hand the body over. Malaysian authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country on the day of Kims death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Koreas embassy and an employee of North Koreas state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favor with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Graphic on suspects and people wanted for questioning in the death of Kim Jong-Nam on February 13 in Malaysia. (AFP) A high-level defector from North Korea, Thae Yong Ho, told reporters from Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV on Thursday that hes certain Kim Jong Un was behind Kim Jong Nams death. North Korea is a society ruled in terror. For a big decision like killing Kim Jong Nam, no one could make a decision like that except Kim Jong Un, he said in a broadcast from Seoul, South Korea. Thae was the deputy head of the North Korean Embassy in London until last year, when he fled to South Korea, becoming the most senior diplomat to switch sides. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that India was committed to investing in Nepals key sectors like hydropower and irrigation, besides connecting the country to its rail network. Jaitley was delivering a keynote speech at Nepal Investment Summit- 2017 on Thursday. He also held talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, and his counterpart, Krishna Bahadur Mahara. In his meeting with Prachanda, Jaitley said foreign direct investment is a key driver for development in countries like Nepal. Investment and development bring political stability, he said. He also said India was committed to partnering Nepal in its aspirations for growth and investment in the hydropower, irrigation, health and education sectors, as well as transmission lines, roads and bridges. Prachanda thanked Jaitley for the support to Nepal for constructing postal roads, extension of cross border transmission lines, bridges and the recent Indian approval for Arun III project, where the government has decided to put in 57 billion. He further urged India to invest in Nepals hydropower, tourism and agriculture, according to a statement from the Nepal prime ministers office. They briefly touched upon the political development of Nepal, where Prachanda apprised about his governments bid to implement the Constitution and steps it has been taking in the last seven months. He also said India was committed to connecting Nepal to Indias rail network. Jaitleys remarks assume significance as railway minister Suresh Prabhu had said last month that India was keen to link Nepals capital of Kathmandu with New Delhi and Kolkata through a railway network in a bid to strengthen cross-border connectivity. India has responded to Pakistans allegations of rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir at the ongoing session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva by highlighting alleged atrocities in the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The two countries clashed at the UNHRC session on Wednesday evening, with Indias permanent representative, Ajit Kumar, saying the monster of terrorist groups created by Pakistan is now devouring its own creator. Under Indias right to reply after a statement by Pakistan law minister Zahid Hamid, Alok Jha, counsellor in the Indian mission, said Islamabads trust in the methods of terror was so deep it did not hesitate from using it against its own people. Jha specifically mentioned Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunwa provinces and the semi-autonomous tribal areas in northwest Pakistan in this regard. While advocating restraint to others, it has no hesitation in using air power against its own people...Pakistan will be well advised to focus its energies on setting its own house in order and acting against the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on its neighbours instead of ritually taking up alleged human rights violations elsewhere, he said. India also regretted that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation delegates had used the UNHRC session to comment on Kashmir. The OIC statement, Jha said, reflected a complete inability to understand Indias position on the issue. OIC has no locus standi in matters concerning Indias internal affairs, Jha said. During the discussion on death penalty, India noted there was no international consensus for or against it. Characterising death penalty as a rights issue in the context of the right to life of a convicted prisoner was deeply flawed and best remained as the inalienable right and exclusive decision of a sovereign state, it said. Virander Paul, deputy permanent representative, said: In india, death penalty is exercised in the rarest of rare cases, where the crime committed is so heinous as to shock the conscience of society. Indian law provides for all procedural safeguards, including the right to a fair hearing by an independent court, the presumption of innocence, the minimum guarantee for the defence, and the right to review by a higher court. Indian laws, Paul said, had specific provisions for suspending the death penalty in exceptional cases, and juvenile offenders cannot be sentenced to death under any circumstances. Accordingly, the question of whether to retain or abolish the death penalty and the types of crimes for which the death penalty is applied should remain the inalienable right and exclusive decision of the sovereign state, he added. The session of the UNHRC runs from February 27 to March 24. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday blasted the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) for assertion of Pyongyang standing behind the death of a DPRK national in Malaysia last month, saying it was "groundless blame." "The US and the South Korean authorities are kicking up an anti-DPRK smear campaign," said the state-run KCNA news agency. A DPRK national identified as Kim Chol was attacked on Feb 13 at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After seeking help from the airport staff, he died en route to hospital. Malaysian Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam said Sunday that the man died a painful death minutes after being swabbed with a high dosage of lethal VX nerve agent. The KCNA, however, slammed ROK authorities for "spreading rumor" from the very beginning that the dead man was killed with poison, which it says drives a wedge between the DPRK and Malaysia. It also accused the ROK and the United States of using the case with a political purpose to tarnish the image of the DPRK and attempting to bring down its social system. The KCNA doubted the autopsy results released by the Malaysian side. It even warned of "stronger measures for self-defense" in order to protect the sovereignty and dignity of the country should Washington and Seoul keep using "political chicanery" to undermine the DPRK system. Three suspects -- an Indonesian woman, a Vietnamese woman and a DPRK man -- are being held in police custody in Malaysia. Police still want to question seven others, including a second secretary of the DPRK Embassy in Malaysia. Four of the seven are believed to have fled the country. The two female suspects in custody were charged Wednesday with the murder of the DPRK man. The death penalty will be applied if they are convicted. Malaysia will cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans entering the country from March 6, state news agency Bernama reported on Thursday, as diplomatic ties between the two countries frayed further following the murder of Kim Jong Nam at the Kuala Lumpur airport. North Koreans will be required to obtain a visa before entering Malaysia for national security reasons, Bernama reported citing the deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Malaysia is one of the few countries that North Koreans could visit without a visa. A reciprocal arrangement made Malaysians the only foreigners given visa-free entry to the secretive, nuclear-armed state. The move comes two weeks after Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed at the Kuala Lumpur airport with a toxic nerve agent. Diplomatic ties between Malaysia and North Korea have soured since the murder, which South Korea and U.S. saying it was an assassination organised by North Korean agents. North Korea tried to convince Malaysia not to perform an autopsy on Kim Jong Nams body, and to release three suspects detained in connection with the killing. A high level North Korean diplomatic delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday and has held talks with members of the Malaysian cabinet to press those demands. Malaysia has charged a Indonesian woman and a Vietnamese woman with murder, but police are also holding one North Korean man and want to question seven others, including a senior official in the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has insisted that laws of the country will be followed and has refused to release the body to the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for next of kin to come forward. Malaysia is considering expelling North Koreas envoy to the Southeast Asian nation or shutting its embassy in Pyongyang, a senior government official told Reuters last week, when the Malaysian ambassador was recalled for consultations. Following a Reuters report this week that the North Korean intelligence agency has been running an arms operations from Kuala Lumpur for years, the Malaysian police have said they will strike two related companies off the countrys company registry. The severe strain on the relationship follows decades of friendly ties between the two countries. North Korea and Malaysia have maintained cosy ties since the 1970s when former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad embraced the isolated state, in part to rebuff the United States. Malaysian palm oil and rubber is exported to the communist state. Cars made by Malaysian national carmaker Proton have been sold to North Korea and used as taxis. Mexican police found 11 people dead, apparently tortured, on carnival night in an eastern tourist town, the latest victims of drug-related gang violence, an official said Wednesday. The nine men and two women were found in Boca del Rio in the violence-plagued state of Veracruz, state governor Miguel Angel Yunez told Oliva Radio station. They were found on Tuesday night just as thousands of people in the port city of Veracruz celebrated the annual carnival festival. An AFP photographer at the scene saw bloodied corpses, some of them naked and with their hands and feet bound. Yunez said the killings were part of a war between drug gangs around the major port city of Veracruz. The Zetas gang and their rivals Jalisco New Generation are fighting for control of crime rackets and drug-trafficking routes to the United States. Officials said violence also broke out at the port on Tuesday, leaving dead two suspected criminals and a member of the navy. Interior minister Miguel Angel Osorio on Tuesday had just announced the deployment of military police to fight drug gangs in the state. Leading Muslim and Christian clerics in the Middle East issued a statement Wednesday urging against linking Islam to terrorism, following a conference in Cairo on co-existence. The conference, hosted by the prestigious Sunni Muslim Al-Azhar institute, comes as sectarian conflict continues to ravage the region and after a spate of jihadist attacks on Christians in Egypt. It also comes after US president Donald Trumps administration shifted from the vaguer language of its predecessor by identifying its fight as against radical Islamic terrorism. Former president Barack Obama, who led an international coalition against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, had argued that calling the jihadists Islamic gave them legitimacy. A closing statement read by Azhars Sheikh Ahmed Tayeb demanded Islam not be associated with terrorism. The conference demands that those who link Islam and other religions with terrorism immediately stop, he said. Judging Islam by the criminal actions of some who associate with it opens the door to describing all religions as terrorism, which justifies extremist modernists argument that societies must be rid of religion, he added. The two-day conference was attended by Muslim muftis and Christian clergy such as Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai, as well as representatives of US and British churches. The statement urged fostering understanding and equality between religions. IS, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq, views Christians as enemies who should either be killed or subjugated. In Egypt, the groups affiliate called for war on the Coptic minority after bombing a church in December, killing 29 people. The jihadists say they base their views on verses in the Koran and sayings of the prophet Mohamed, which moderates like Tayeb argue have been taken out of context. A former army general and top aide to President Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Thursday as Sudans first prime minister since the post was scrapped in a 1989 Islamist-backed coup. Bakri Hassan Saleh, a military officer involved in the bloodless coup that brought Bashir to power three decades ago, was named prime minister on Wednesday by the executive bureau of the presidents National Congress Party (NCP). Today, we took the major step of appointing Bakri Hassan Saleh as prime minister, Bashir announced at a press conference after the swearing-in ceremony. Saleh, 68, who will also retain his current post of Sudans first vice president, was sworn in at a presidential palace in Khartoum. Bashir abolished the post of prime minister after the coup, and analysts said Salehs appointment as premier was an attempt to give the presidents decades-old regime a new look. The appointment falls in line with reforms proposed by a year-long national dialogue held between Bashirs government and some opposition groups. In October, after a quarter century in power, Bashir concluded the national dialogue aimed at resolving insurgencies in Sudans border regions and healing the countrys crisis-wracked economy. The talks, launched in 2015, were boycotted by most mainstream opposition and armed groups. Our country is at an historic moment as it harmonises all political parties and powers which took part in the national dialogue, Saleh said in a statement after taking the oath of office. New government A new government led by Saleh as prime minister is expected to be formed in the coming days. All those who participated in the national dialogue will be represented at different levels of the administration, Bashir said. Sudanese lawmakers had voted in December to reinstate the post of prime minister. They also approved major amendments to a transitional constitution adopted in 2005 ahead of Sudans north-south split in 2011 following two decades of civil war. Sudans President Omar Hassan al-Bashir arrives with prime minister and first vice-president Bakri Hassan Saleh to take group photos with Minsters at Council of Minsters in Khartoum in Sudan on March 2. (Reuters Photo) While the amendments give the new prime minister responsibility for executive power, the president retains the right to form a government or sack ministers. General Bakris appointment is broadly a continuation of Bashirs rule rather than a new chapter in Sudans politics, Khaled Tigani, editor-in-chief of weekly newspaper Elaff, told AFP. But at the end of the day it depends on the leadership that General Bakri manages to show. Saleh, a key aide to Bashir for decades, has previously held key ministerial portfolios including interior and defence. He has also been adviser to Bashir on national security and was head of Sudans all powerful National Security and Intelligence Service in the 1990s. Bashir had led the 1989 coup against then-prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi with the help of Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi. Mahdi fled abroad more than two years ago but returned to Sudan last month. A fixture of Sudanese politics since the 1960s, Mahdi served as prime minister from 1966 to 1967 and again from 1986 to 1989. His government was the last to be democratically elected in Sudan before the coup. The Pakistan government on Thursday approved in principle a move to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), long known as a base for militant groups such as the Haqqani Network, with adjoining Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. A committee formed by the government to suggest ways for developing seven semi-autonomous tribal agencies had recommended the merger of the troubled region. Critics condemned the move, describing it as short-sighted and impractical, but those who support the decision say it will bring economic empowerment to a neglected area. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who chaired a meeting of the cabinet that approved the move, said the people of Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will be given their due rights. The cabinet accords in-principle approval to the recommendations of the Fata reforms committee, said a statement from the Prime Ministers House. Under the plan, the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), a draconian colonial era law whereby an entire tribe or community could be punished for crimes committed by an individual, will be replaced. The constitution will be amended to allow residents of Fata to elect representatives to the provincial assembly. The merger would be completed over five years and funds will be allocated for a 10-year development package for the region. Courts will be set up and infrastructure will be created in the region. The much talked about Fata reforms package was pulled at the last minute from a cabinet meeting in February. It was earlier pulled out in December, when the cabinet deferred the issue on the ground that a broader consensus was needed. Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has supported the merger of Fata with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, other parties insisted that any merger should follow a referendum in the region. Analyst Pervez Tahir described the merger as a good idea. Political integration should happen politically, not through transitional development packages. Whatever resources are earmarked in the name of fiscal equalisation should be at the disposal of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, he said. He noted that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly had already voted for the merger. This is the way to fulfill the rising expectations of the youth, businessmen and educated classes. Most political parties also support this route. But there are others, such as former bureaucrat Rustam Shah Mohmand, who disagree. A group of parliamentarians who won their seats by just a handful of votes are now claiming to have a mandate to change the status of the tribal areas. That is a ludicrous assertion, he said. Because firstly these elected members do not live in the tribal areas. Secondly, having been returned to Parliament by winning just a couple of thousand of votes, can they have an authority to change the complexion of the area? Some Fata residents have said they will fight the merger because it impinges on their independence. Since colonial times, the area has remained largely independent and the only government presence has been an agent for each of the seven agencies who acted as a liaison between the federal government and tribal committees that ran the region. All that is about to change and this worries many. A visiting team of officials from the Reserve Bank of India has sought commitments from Nepal on tackling black money and corruption during discussions on exchanging scrapped Indian currency notes held by Nepalese citizens. During talks with the Nepal Rastra Bank and Nepal Bankers Association, the two-member RBI team expressed concern about black money and money accumulated through corruption that could be laundered during the exchange of the banned notes. Though the Indian officials were positive on the issue of providing exchange facilities to Nepals banking and financial institutions, they sought commitments on identifying and checking black money, Nepalese officials said. Experts have estimated that banned Indian currency notes worth billions have been hoarded by the public and traders in Nepal. According to Bhisma Raj Dhungana, head of NRBs foreign exchange management department, the Indian team also expressed concern on the issue of Nepals banks identifying Indian nationals who have bank accounts in the country to stash away black money. The chances of this happening are high as the two countries have an open border and illegal money could easily be sent from India to Nepal, the Indian team said. The Nepalese side responded that the countrys banks have mandatory provisions for seeking a copy of citizenship from every person who wants to open bank accounts. To open account in Nepali BFIs, Indians have to prove their citizenship and provide a recommendation letter from the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, the Nepalese officials told the RBI team. During the meeting, the Nepalese side said India should allow Nepalese citizens to exchange up to Indian Rs 25,000 . The RBI team will also visit Bhutan and assess ground realities there before framing modalities for exchanging the banned notes. Nepals central bank has said banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes worth a total of Rs 3.6 billion is held by the countrys BFIs, including cash parked in vaults. However, the actual stock of banned Indian bills is expected to be much higher because Nepalese citizens were earlier allowed to hold Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes worth up to Rs 25,000. People living in areas bordering India also usually stash Indian notes of larger denominations as they visit Indian markets frequently to buy goods. The Indian governments decision to demonetise the high value notes last November caused inconvenience to many Nepalese, especially those who earn a living as daily wage labourers in India or visit the neighbouring country for medical treatment, studies and trade. The Trump administration has been hit by a fresh storm over dealings with Moscow after attorney general Jeff Sessions was found to have not disclosed his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the US in the thick of the race for the White House in 2016 in which he was a top adviser to the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Sessions, who was then a Republican senator, had met ambassador Sergey Kislyak, in his chamber in Capitol Hill in September during the peak of a controversy about Russian hacking of the computer network of the Democratic party, and once before on the sidelines of the Republican party convention in July. During his confirmation hearing as attorney general in January, Sessions was asked what he would do if he found evidence of contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russia. Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, he had said. To a specific question if he himself had any contacts, he had said No. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday reported his two meetings that led to calls for Sessions resignation by Democrats, who have accused him of misleading congress. After lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. Though not going as far as to join the call for his ouster, even Republicans seemed troubled about the meetings. Top lawmakers are asking Sessions to recuse himself from the ongoing investigation of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election by the FBI, which now reports to him as attorney general. Sessions said in a statement Wednesday he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Sessions, an immigration hawk and outspoken critic of the H-1B temporary visa programme watched closely by India, is the second member of Trumps team to come under a cloud for contacts with Moscow. The first, then National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, was forced to resign after he was found to have misled Vice-President Mike Pence about his phone calls with Kislyak in December. Several US lawmakers have come forward since the report to say they meet ambassadors in the course of their work Sessions office has said as a member of the senate armed services committee then, he had met several ambassadors including from India. But Sessions did not disclose his meetings with the Russian envoy despite being asked about it specifically. The Washington Post asked all 26 members of the armed services committee if they had met the Russian ambassador in 2016. It heard back from 20 of them, and all said they had not. Russian warplanes bombed US-backed fighters in several small villages in northern Syria after they mistakenly thought Islamic State group forces were in the area, a US general said Wednesday. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend said Russian and Syrian regime aircraft attacked the villages to the south and east of Al-Bab in Aleppo province on Tuesday, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. The Russians apparently had observed Islamic State fighters moving from the area and wrongly assumed that other forces remaining were jihadists. We had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS, yet... actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces, Townsend told reporters in a video call from Baghdad, using another acronym for the jihadists. The SAC forms part of a broader alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) comprising Kurdish and other groups that the United States has been training and advising to lead the anti-IS fight. US troops operating less than five kilometers (three miles) from the villages observed the bombing and communicated the error, which was then passed to the Russians through a deconfliction hotline the two powers have established to avoid mishaps. It became apparent that the strikes were falling on some of the Syrian coalition positions, Townsend said. Some quick calls were made to our deconfliction channels and the Russians acknowledged and stopped bombing there. The Russian defense ministry denied conducting air strikes but confirmed communication through the hotline. During these talks, the US Air Force representative expressed concern that Syrian and Russian airplanes could inflict an unintentioned strike on US-controlled armed groups while carrying out combat missions against (IS) south of Manbij, the Russian ministry said in a statement. This information was taken into account by the Russian command. Not one strike was carried out by Syrian or Russian aviation on the districts pointed out by the American side. About 500 US troops are in Syria, almost all of them special operations commandos. Their role is currently limited to advising local forces and staying behind front lines. - Tangled lines of conflict - Hardly straightforward to begin with, the anti-IS fight in civil war-torn Syria is growing ever more complex. Russia is using air power to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad but also sometimes strikes IS. Turkey has moved into northern Syria and is battling IS while also trying to keep US-backed Kurdish forces in check. And America is trying to support the Kurds while not alienating ally Turkey. Its a very complicated battlefield situation where essentially three armies and an enemy force have all converged within the same grid square, Townsend said. Everybody should keep their sights focused on ISIS... and not fighting deliberately or accidentally one another. Anti-IS operations in Syria will eventually center on Raqa, the supposed capital of the caliphate that IS declared in 2014. Given the political sensitivities, questions abound on the extent to which Kurdish forces would be involved in the offensive and whether they would enter the city. Townsend said he expects the Kurds to take part in the Raqa offensive in one form or fashion. The facts are there are Kurds from Raqa and larger Raqa district and province. So there are Kurds from there, local Kurds who will participate. Separately, Townsend said between 12,000 and 15,000 IS fighters remain in Iraq and Syria, an indication of a significant dwindling of the jihadists forces. The US military only provides periodic updates on estimates of IS fighters but in 2015 and 2016, the Pentagon put the number at between 20,000 and 30,000 in the two countries. Townsend said the remaining forces are split about equally between Syria and Iraq, and are still able to cross the border. Syrias army entered the ancient city of Palmyra late Wednesday after fierce clashes with the Islamic State jihadist group, several weeks into a Russian-backed assault, a monitoring group said. The army has entered a western neighbourhood of Palmyra and has seized control of part of it from IS, Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP. There are clashes and heavy shelling across the historic city, where control has changed hands repeatedly over the past two years, said the monitoring groups chief. Abdel Rahman said earlier that Syrian forces, backed by Russian soldiers, had captured a string of hilltops overlooking Palmyra, bringing them within firing range of its western half. They are close to capturing the citadel. IS withdrew from it, but they may have left suicide bombers inside, he said. Supported by Russian air strikes and ground troops, government forces have been battling for weeks through the desert in the central province of Homs to reach Palmyra. IS jihadists first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy the citys monuments and temples, while also looting its many archeological treasures. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the town last December. Syrian state media confirmed Wednesday that government forces were now in control of key territory around Palmyra. Seizing control of Mount Hilal and other hilltops overlooking Palmyra is an important step towards the collapse of the terrorist groups in the city, state news agency SANA said. And a senior military source in Damascus told AFP earlier on Wednesday that the army had also reached a strategic crossroads leading into Palmyra. This crossroads is the key to entering the city, the source told AFP. IS has ravaged the citys celebrated heritage, blowing up funerary towers and carrying out mass executions in the citys Roman theatre. Last month, IS destroyed Palmyras tetrapylon monument, while satellite images showed damage to the theatres facade. The new destruction was condemned by the United Nations as a war crime. On Wednesday, two funeral busts damaged by IS after it first captured Palmyra were brought back to Syria after being restored in Italy. The two busts, recovered by Syrian troops, had been badly disfigured with what appeared to be hammer blows. Modern technology -- including a 3-D printer -- was used in the restoration of the busts which date to the second and third centuries and had been transferred to Rome via Lebanon. - Turkey-backed forces, Kurds clash - On another front in the multi-pronged battle against IS, Turkish-backed rebels Wednesday seized two northern villages in Aleppo province from US-supported forces led by Kurdish fighters, rebels and the Observatory said. The rebels advanced east of Al-Bab, which they captured last week from IS, into territory held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is dominated by the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) that Ankara considers a terrorist organisation. Rebels said they captured the villages of Tal Turin and Qara... after violent clashes with the YPG. A top US general, meanwhile, said Russian warplanes on Tuesday bombed American-backed fighters in several small villages near Al-Bab after they mistakenly thought IS forces were in the area. We had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS (IS), yet... actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces, Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend told reporters in a video call from Baghdad. Control of Aleppo province is divided between a myriad of armed groups -- rebels, jihadists, Kurdish militia and Syrian government forces. As President Donald Trump delays the new travel ban to savour the glowing reviews of his congress address for a while, he might consider holding it back longer in view of the setback faced by air travel after the last order, which is being called the Trump Slump. Air travel to the US from the seven Muslim-majority nations listed in the ban order dropped by a whopping 80% between January 28 the day after he signed the executive order and February 4, according to data from ForwardKeys, the travel intelligence analyst that monitors travel patterns by analysing 16 million flight reservation transactions a day. Air travel to the US from other parts of the world also dropped by 6.5% over the same eight-day period in 2016. For Asia Pacific, which would include India, the fall was deeper at 14%, second largest after the Middle East (other than the countries on the travel ban list) that led with 37.5%. Our data makes it clear that Donald Trumps travel ban had a deterrent impact on flight bookings to the USA that spread well beyond the seven countries named in the ban, Olivier Jager, CEO, ForwardKeys, told HT in a statement. His companys report in February titled Travel to the USA suffers 6.5% Trump slump started the Trump Slump label, which is now cited widely in the industry as the ban aftermath. The report said: Whilst travel bookings on any given day can be significantly up or down compared to the same day a year before, variability over a few consecutive days is typically much less. The eight-day period coinciding with the travel ban is the first time since before the presidential election in early November that there has been a consistently long run of negative variations compared with the equivalent period the year before. For reference, inbound bookings to the USA for the whole of the past year were down. Trumps ban, which came into effect on January 27 when he signed an executive order, caused international alarm immediately as visa-holders from these countries were detained and arrested on arrival in the US or were turned away without warning from airports that they came to board flights bound for the United States. The order was challenged immediately by civil rights activists and lawyers and a New York court agreed, staying proceedings against two immigrants from Iraq, a country the US attacked (without justifiable cause), occupied, governed and abandoned. Multiple lawsuits followed. A federal court in Seattle, Washington, issued a countrywide stay soon after. The Trump administration appealed against it, and lost. The president and his aides said they were resolved to press ahead and that they will not give up and will return with a new order, saying they felt extreme vetting was necessary to keep out bad dudes, as Trump has said in multiple tweets and remarks. The appeals court, in this instance one of the most liberal of them all, ruled in favour of the Washington court and against the administration. Trump has raved and ranted against the judges, as he is known to, but he has not challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court as he should have if he felt genuinely aggrieved. The administration chose to abandon the order altogether recognising the futility of pursuing it. It now plans to replace it with a new one that proposes to, according to leaks, to drop Iraq from the list of the countries on the ban order; and allow all existing visa-holders from these countries into the US. Trump could and might want to drop it altogether, if he wants. China has rejected U.S. Present Donald Trump's claim that the U.S. has lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). "Since joining the WTO, China has actively carried out cooperation that not only promotes the growth of its foreign trade, but also promotes the growth of world trade, making important contributions to global economic development," said Geng Shuang, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, on March 1. "Win-win and mutual benefits define China-U.S. economic relations. A report by the United States-China Business Council shows that bilateral trade and investment created about 2.6 million jobs for the U.S in 2015. We would like to work together with the U.S to keep deepening and expanding China-U.S. economic cooperation. This will benefit the two peoples and the world," Geng continued. Trump made the claims about American factory losses during his March 1 speech to Congress. Two mosques in the US state of Maryland have received threatening letters calling for the slaughter of Muslims, in apparent hate crime incidents. Two Islamic centres in Silver Spring, Maryland, received violent threats by mail. The president of the Islamic Education Society discovered an envelope inside a mailbox on Monday containing a threatening note, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said. Police said this incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The faithful at the mosque are still reeling after the terrifying message was dropped in their mailbox. Its heartbreaking, but we cant control anything. I dont know what in their mind they want to do, Taiyab Mohiudden, trustee of the Islamic Education Society of Maryland, was quoted as saying by CBS Baltimore. Mohiudden found the note tucked in with the regular mail, and it read, I will pay USD 100 to charity for every Muslim slaughtered. A note containing the same message was also found at a Muslim community centre just a few kilometres away, New York Daily News reported. The message also came on an index card. Police said the envelope also had stamps from Europe. It really created anxiety and anger in me as well. Because what kind of person could leave a note like that? Zainab Chaudry of CAIR said. The mosque incidents come as amid a wave of bomb threats to Jewish community centres in New York, Michigan, New Jersey and other states. In the past week, dozens of gravestones were vandalised in Jewish cemeteries in St. Louis and Philadelphia. Also, last week, an Indian was killed while his friend was injured in a hate crime. 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was working at GPS-maker Garmin headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, was killed after he was shot by a navy veteran. Kuchibhotlas Indian colleague Alok Madasani was injured when the 51-year-old shooter opened fire on them, yelling get out of my country. A third person, an American who tried to intervene, was also injured in the incident. President Donald Trump has condemned these types of attacks. We are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms, he had said. The Theresa May government remains hopeful of keeping to the end-of-March deadline to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to leave the European Union after suffering a defeat in the House of Lords, with an amendment to its Brexit bill being passed on Wednesday. The amendment, passed by 358 to 256, seeks to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit. EU citizens - including Goans with Portuguese passports - are reported to be in some panic after some were recently refused permanent residency by the Home Office, despite living in Britain for years. May has refused to guarantee the indefinite stay of EU citizens after Brexit until the fate of British citizens living in 27 EU countries is decided in negotiations. The government said the bill was about the process of Brexit, not about issues such as immigration. The Brexit bill, which authorises the May government to trigger Article 50, will now go back to the House of Commons for consideration, as part of what is known as ping-pong in British parliamentary discourse. A bill may go back and forth between each House until both reach agreement on the exact wording of the bill this is known as ping pong. In exceptional cases, when the two Houses do not reach an agreement, the bill falls. The Department for Exiting the EU said: "We are disappointed the Lords have chosen to amend a bill that the Commons passed without amendment. The bill has a straightforward purpose - to enact the referendum result and allow the government to get on with the negotiations. Our position on EU nationals has repeatedly been made clear. We want to guarantee the rights of EU citizens who are already living in Britain, and the rights of British nationals living in other member states, as early as we can. The amendment got support from some ruling Conservatives in the House of Lords, where the government does not have a majority. But government sources said the ruling benches will seek to overturn the amendment when it comes to the House of Commons next week. Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, said there is growing consensus on the issue of EU citizens in Britain: The prime minister is now increasingly isolated. Labour will continue to support this simple but effective amendment when it returns to the Commons, and urge MPs on all sides of the House to do so. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo extended an olive branch to Washington on Thursday after President Donald Trumps administration announced the US was not bound by WTO rulings. The US decision marks a clear break from past and could threaten the viability of the WTOs Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), where major trade conflicts are often adjudicated. A letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to Congress on Wednesday outlining Trump policy reviewed the terms under which the US joined the WTO when the Geneva-based body was founded in 1995. According to the Trump governments interpretation, Congress had made clear that Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings, said the document. The text -- entitled The Presidents 2017 Trade Policy Agenda -- also says Trumps government will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy. In a statement, Azevedo said it was clear that the United States has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the US whenever they are ready to do so, he added. Azevedo has in multiple public appearances sought to downplay the threat posed by Trump, who during his campaign called the WTO a disaster and claimed that multilateral trade deals had been devastating to the US economy. Since 1995, the WTOs dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The process can be long and subject to multiple appeals, but on Monday Azevedo defended the DSB as the fastest dispute settlement system out there. The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. Wrapping their children in plastic sheets to stave off the winter cold, Yemeni families driven out of the historic port of Mokha are struggling to adjust to the harsh life of internal displacement. We were doing fine in our own homes, on our land, says Zahra Aqlan, 55, who fled the Red Sea town in January. The mother of five chose had no choice but to move to Al-Jarrahi, 100 kilometres (60 miles) up the coast, after she lost her husband when a rocket exploded on their street. She now faces the daunting task of feeding her children with no access to resources in an impoverished country torn apart by war. There is nothing to drink here. Nothing to eat, she told AFP in Al-Jarrahi. Were looking for aid just to keep our children alive. Yemen has witnessed increasingly intense fighting between troops loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Violence including air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition since March 2015 -- after the Huthis overran capital Sanaa -- has killed more than 7,500 people and left 19 million in need of humanitarian aid. In January, fighting intensified along Yemens strategic western coastline as loyalists pushed to regain ground seized by the rebels. The pro-government troops on February 10 took Mokha, once famed as the export hub of coffee grown in the Yemeni highlands, and announced they aimed to take the main Red Sea port of Hodeida next. Zahra and her children are among an estimated 1,500 families who have been driven out of Mokha since January, seeking refuge further north. Some have erected tents in a plot of land that appears to be unclaimed in Al-Jarrahi. Many others, however, are sleeping in the open air. The UNs refugee (UNHCR) and migration (IOM) agencies on Wednesday said that more than 48,000 people had in recent weeks fled hostilities in Mokha and nearby Dhubab. UNHCR spokeswoman for Yemen Shabia Mantoo told AFP that Yemeni civilians were fleeing with nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. The whole country is suffering, Mantoo said. People move from one place to another because it gets just as bad. Despite UN efforts to provide emergency shelter during the winter cold, internally displaced Yemenis continue to struggle, according to Asef Aidrous, a local official working with displaced families in Al-Jarrahi. The number of those displaced increases every day with the ongoing fighting around Mokha and the Hodeida coastal areas, Aidrous explained. - Life of misery - Zahras story is echoed across the makeshift camp, where many families sleep on flattened cardboard boxes. Abdullah Mohammed, a labourer who left Mokha for Al-Jarrahi, said he has reached the point of desperation. Our belongings were destroyed. My home was destroyed. We have nothing, Abdullah said in a calm voice of acceptance. We fled Mokha under shelling and left everything behind, recalls Mohammed Salem, once a dock worker in Mokha. But unlike Abdullah, Mohammed says he cannot accept the life of misery in Al-Jarrahi. Millions of Yemeni lives have been thrown into turmoil by the war, with many facing repeated displacement and the looming threat of starvation. UN humanitarian aid chief Stephen OBrien on Monday said Yemen faces a serious risk of famine. The United Nations has called for $2.1 billion (2 billion euros) in aid for Yemen, where UN mediation and seven ceasefire accords have failed to end a conflict that has also wounded at least 40,000 people. All the fans of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux who were losing sleep over their split rumors should not worry anymore as the couple looked completely in love with each other at the recent Vanity Fair Oscar party. The "Friends" actress rocked the event in a sexy black gown while "The Girl on the Train" actor made heads turn with his black tuxedo. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux are very much together as they could not take their eyes away from each other at the Vanity Fair Oscar party. According to Mail Online, they looked lovingly at each other as they attended the party and made for a pretty portrait in their sexy dark outfits. Jennifer wore a black Versace gown with sparkling sequins and thigh-high slit. She had paired it with diamond jewelry worth $10 million and a black box clutch. Her dressing style was flawless for the occasion and husband Justin gave her perfect company in his black tuxedo. The gorgeous gown of Jennifer Aniston and the sleek dressing style of Justin Theroux, coupled with their "made-for-each-other" looks, made them the cynosure of all eyes. What is more, her toned figure did cause many to sigh. In related news, Jennifer Aniston also presented the "In Memoriam" at the after-party. She got quite emotional while recounting her memories about Bill Paxton who died of a stroke on Saturday, just hours before the Oscar 2017 event. She began with a tribute to Prince and Carrie Fisher, moving on to say that everyone who departed this year was a cherished member of the Hollywood family and so was Bill Paxton, her beloved friend and actor. Jennifer Aniston was also seen getting a hug from her dear friend Nicole Kidman backstage and the "Friends" alum really owned the party with her charming persona and fabulous style. She had a great time in the company of her husband, Justin Theroux and it was evident that the marriage of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux is rock solid despite the divorce rumors. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Donald Trump has many visions for America one of which includes landing astronauts on the moon or Mars by the mid of 2020. Trump believes that sending astronauts to a different world is "Not too a big dream," he also believes that the United States is ready to unlock the mysteries of space. Trump wants to simply set free the dreams of American people, along with the idea of sending astronauts into space, he also mentioned creating jobs, reducing crime, curing diseases and shifting millions of Americans from welfare to work. While these are all a part of his accomplishments, he gave no details about which destination he favors for American astronauts. The last Apollo moon mission returned to earth in 1972, since then no American has ventured into deep space. The nation has lacked the ability to launch its own astronauts since July 2011 when the space shuttle program came to an end as per Space. At present the situation seems to be changing because of the American companies Space X and Boeing. They are currently developing a Space Station to take astronauts under multibillion dollar NASA contracts. On the other hand NASA is working hard to get man to Mars by the mid of 2030, this was directed by former president Barrack Obama back in 2010. To succeed in this mission the agency is developing a giant rocket called "Space Launch System" and the Orion capsule to make this happen. As for Space X and Boeing, both of their private spacecrafts should be ready by 2018 or 2019. Orion and the "Space Launch System" are already scheduled to fly together in 2018 on mission around the moon called as "Exploration Mission 1." NASA is also considering astronauts on this mission, with all the developments and as Trump says it looks like America might be ready to unlock the mysteries of space. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As part of the effort to further open its capital markets to foreign participants, China is discussing measures that would allow foreign corporations to take larger stakes in domestic joint-venture securities and futures brokerages, officials with the top securities regulator disclosed at a press conference on Sunday. The officials with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) emphasized Chinas stance that overseas investors and service providers are welcomed to expand in the nation. China now allows foreign investors to boost holdings in joint-venture securities houses, fund management companies and futures firms to a maximum 49 percent. According to the officials, the commission has been exploring ways to introduce foreign capital and expand foreign companies investment in China during the 20-plus years since the A-share market was launched. CSRC Vice Chairman Fang Xinghai said that there was still no timetable for the launch of an international board that would allow foreign-invested enterprises to list their shares in China, addressing concerns that the introduction of an international board may threaten the value of A-shares. The rules involved were still being studied, but technical challenges remained, he explained, citing accounting standards as an example. According to Fang, companies overseas follow different accounting standards and information disclosure rules than those used in China, and further adjustments are needed before a launch decision. Global equity indexes provider MSCI will make a fourth decision on whether Chinas A-shares will be added to the index, which will be important for Chinas A-share market. Any international stock index without Chinese A-shares is incomplete, Fang pointed out, but said at the same time that China will not make a judgment on the final results. He said at the same time that the final decision will not move China from the opening-up or reform pace toward a market-oriented, law-based and international capital market. The CSRC has improved a series of basic policies for the capital markets to support the development of real economy, said Chairman Liu Shiyu. In 2016, the 248 companies that held IPOs in China raised more than 163 billion yuan ($23.7 billion), according to Liu. He added that in the same period, listed enterprises refinanced over 1.34 trillion yuan, while 261 listed enterprises saw an increase of more than 980 billion yuan in capital through acquisitions and restructuring. Companies that are listed on the New Third Board, China's share transfer system for small and medium-sized companies, raised more than 139.1 billion yuan, he added. Those visible numbers gave a strong boost to the real economy, Liu said. Since Xi Jinping was elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee at the 18thCPC National Congress in November 2012, Chinas anti-graft campaign has not only drawn wide attention from its own people, but also become the spotlight of foreign media. The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) recently hosted representatives of diplomatic missions from 113 countries and 13 offices of international organizations in China to brief them the latest progress of Chinas anti-corruption undertakings. It is the first time that the CCDI has invited so many foreign envoys to visit the commission and communicate with anti-graft officials. To openly talk about anti-corruption is one of the highlights of CCDIs publicity efforts in recent years. Foreign representatives believe that the event will help the outside world truly understand Chinas efforts in fighting against corruption, sent a message of openness and transparency and provide a platform for foreign parties to communicate with Chinese officials. According to a work report delivered at the 7thplenary session of the 18thCCDI last month, the CCDI has filed investigation cases against a total of 240 officials directly appointed by the CPC Organization Department (usually officials at the ministerial level or above) since the 18th CPC National Congress, 3.6 times more than that during the 17thCPC National Congress period. Around 6,600 officials at the section-chief level have been punished, and altogether 49,000 officials at the village level have been punished as well, 3.2 times and 2.2 times of that during the 17thCPC National Congress period respectively, the report said. A poll conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that public satisfaction with the anti-corruption work of the CPC stood at 92.9 percent, up by 17.9 percent compared with the figure in 2012. As anti-corruption is a global issue, Chinas exploration also provided experiences and references for other countries. David Aptsiauri, Georgian Ambassador to China, said that Chinas tough stance on corruption has achieved significant results. I am deeply impressed that though Chinese government is stepping up the efforts to combat corruption, Chinas economic development and social stability have not been disturbed, but all the better. Policies of strengthening supervision, improving the moral standards of party members and governmental officials as well as the participation of governments, public agencies and the general public serve very important role to achieve this result. E ndlessly mocked in poetry, song and TV shows, Slough, possibly the least glamorous town in Britain, can finally feel smug. Its good-value houses and great commuter links, soon to include Crossrail, have propelled the Berkshire town into first place in a league table of home counties hotspots for London first-time buyers who want a house rather than a flat. Basildon in Essex comes second. Those quitting the capital to buy a flat opt for Reading or Chelmsford, again in Berkshire and Essex respectively. Todays research, from Hamptons International, reflects how young buyers are increasingly skipping the traditional first step of purchasing a flat in London and instead moving straight to commuter spots where they can afford a house. SLOUGHS CROSSRAIL BOOST Hamptons found more than four in 10 houses sold in Slough are bought by first-time buyers paying an average 407,420 the average for a London flat is 501,628. The futures funky: The Curve, Sloughs striking 22 million new library, opened last year. Sloughs council says the town is enjoying an epic period of renewal / Alamy Slough prices have risen by 22 per cent year on year, with buyers piling into the area in advance of the launch of the Elizabeth line Crossrail which will be up and running fully by 2019. Fast trains to Paddington from Slough take from just 17 minutes now, and Elizabeth line services will reach the City in just over half an hour. Raj Bansal, office manager at Langhams Estate Agents, admits Slough is not the greatest and warns incomers will have to wait for regeneration plans to take shape. There are not enough things for people to do, and good restaurants and bars and things to do that Londoners would enjoy are a few years away. But on the plus side there are pretty towns very near, such as Eton, busy Windsor with its rolling acres of the Great Park, and plenty of country walks. Slough borough council claims the town is enjoying an epic period of rejuvenation and renewal. So far the only evidence of this is a funky new 22 million library, The Curve, which opened last year. But their 1 billion investment plans, including transforming Sloughs trading estate into a sophisticated business district, and 450 million improvements to the town centre, with better shops and restaurants. The start of something big: shops and offices in Brunel Place are part of 450 million town centre improvements planned in Slough Included in this work is Brunel Place, a landmark scheme by Sheppard Robson architects with shops and offices near the station, due to complete next year, along with a series of new housing developments by, among others, Galliard Homes and Bellway. BONDING WITH BASILDON Another key location for novice house buyers is Basildon in Essex, where 42 per cent of house sales are to first-timers. The Basildon commute is 38 minutes but the average house price is just 243,725, up 15 per cent year on year. What todays findings prove beyond doubt, says David Fell, Hamptons International research analyst, is that leaving the capital is the only way on to the housing ladder for many young Londoners. It also shows record numbers are buying out of London but they want the shortest commute as well as the best value. FOR FLATS: CHELMSFORD, READING AND ST ALBANS When it comes to flats, the most popular first-time buyer locations beyond London are Chelmsford in Essex, and Whitley, a south-east suburb of Reading, Berkshire. Six out of 10 flats in both locations go to first-time buyers, drawn by affordability and fast commutes, of 35 and 27 minutes respectively. 340,000: a two-bedroom flat with vaulted ceilings and allocated parking in Alfred Mews, Chelmsford. Call Home Partnership (01245 930104) The average Chelmsford flat costs just over 203,000, up eight per cent year on year. In Whitley, the average is just over 208,000, up nine per cent. The Crossrail effect is very much in play here. Reading will have the service from 2019, and from Chelmsford its a 20-minute train hop to Shenfield, the Elizabeth lines easternmost stop. Chelmsford was awarded city status in 2012 and Gerald Searle, director of Balch Estate Agents, said its population is growing strongly. It is expanding and changing all the time. We have a new shopping precinct, and restaurants are springing up. His first-time buyers tend to be in their early thirties, singles or couples, moving out from areas such as Docklands. For what they pay in rent, that is a mortgage around here. You can get a two-bedroom flat near the station for 250,000 to 300,000 and most people coming in want to be near the station. With a little more to spend, the popular cathedral city of St Albans, in Hertfordshire is 22 minutes by train from Euston. An average flat costs 332,844, up 13 per cent year on year, but the smartest two-bedroom flats can easily cost 500,000. Upcoming panel discussion with Berta Carrasco, Miguel Abrahantes, and Marissa Doshi "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12). The Saint Benedict Institute is hosting a panel discussion, Voices from the Global Church, followed by a festive evening of fellowship on Tuesday, March 14, at 7 p.m. in the rotunda of the Martha Miller Center for Global Communication at Hope College. Hope College has many Christian professors from all around the world who share their experience and unique perspective on what it means to live the Gospel from within their own cultures. Professors Berta Carrasco, Miguel Abrahantes and Marissa Doshi will tell stories of faith, persecution, interreligious communities, and what it means to grow up Christian in Spain, Cuba and India. Dessert with coffee and tea will be served. The public is invited. Admission is free. Berta Carrasco de Miguel is an assistant professor of Spanish. After completing her undergraduate degree from the University Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain, she earned her masters and Ph.D. at Western Michigan University in Spanish womens writings, focusing on the testimony of women who were in prison during the Spanish Civil War. Related to this topic, she researches how the change of generations affects the way women define themselves. Besides her interest in womens writings, Carrasco also conducts research on hybrid learning and teaching. Miguel Abrahantes is an associate professor of engineering. His fields of interest include modeling, simulation and control of systems in areas of robotics and mechatronics. Abrahantes current research includes non-wheeled rovers and autonomous multi-unit robot systems. He is originally from Cuba where he received his undergraduate degree in electronic engineering from the Universidad Central de las Villas. He went to Argentina for his graduate studies and finished his Ph.D. in control systems at the Universidad Nacional del Sur in Bahia Blanca before coming to the U.S. Marissa Doshi is an assistant professor of communication. She holds a Ph.D. in communication and a masters in science and technology journalism from Texas A&M University, and a bachelors in life sciences and biochemistry from St. Xaviers College in Mumbai, India. Doshi's research draws on feminist perspectives to examine the creative and cultural dimensions of the media and technology practices. Her work has been published in journals such as Journal of Communication Inquiry, Communication Research, and Journal of International and Intercultural Communication. The event is being co-sponsored by Campus Ministries, the campus-wide GROW (Growing Relationships through diverse Opportunities to strengthen involvement in an ever-changing World) initiative and the communication, engineering, modern and classical languages, and religion departments at Hope. The Saint Benedict Institute is a ministry of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Holland. It seeks to promote and nurture intellectual work done from the heart of the Catholic Church, to foster an ecumenical community of Catholic Christians and friends committed to the renewal of culture, and to aid in the formation of intellectually and spiritually mature Christians by making available the riches of the Catholic tradition to Hope College and the wider community. More information can be found at saintbenedictinstitute.org. The Martha Miller Center for Global Communication is located at 257 Columbia Ave., at the corner of Columbia and 10th streets. Hope College will feature the address Afghanistan: to Fight or Run? by Ronald E. Neumann, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and currently president of the American Academy of Diplomacy, on Monday, March 13, at 1 p.m. in Winants Auditorium of Graves Hall through the Great Decisions Global Discussion Series of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. The public is invited. Admission is free. The councils Great Decisions Global Discussion Series highlights the most critical global topics facing Americans for the year as chosen by the Foreign Policy Association in New York City. The council brings experts to West Michigan to discuss the topics, with presentations at Hope in the afternoon and at Aquinas College in the evening. Formerly a deputy assistant secretary of state, Neumann served three times as ambassador; to Algeria, Bahrain and finally to Afghanistan from July 2005 to April 2007. Before Afghanistan, Neumann, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, served in Baghdad from February 2004 with the Coalition Provisional Authority and then as Embassy Baghdads political/military liaison with the Multinational Command, where he was deeply involved in coordinating the political part of military actions. Prior to working in Iraq, he was ambassador in Manama, Bahrain (2001-2004); deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Near East Affairs (1997-2000) with responsibility for North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; and ambassador to Algeria (1994 to 1997). He was director of the Office of Northern Gulf Affairs (Iran and Iraq; 1991 to 1994). Earlier in his career, he was deputy chief of mission in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and in Sanaa in Yemen; principal officer in Tabriz, Iran; and economic/commercial officer in Dakar, Senegal. His previous Washington assignments include service as Jordan Desk officer, staff assistant in the Middle East (NEA) Bureau; and political officer in the Office of Southern European Affairs. Neumann is the author of The Other War: Winning and Losing in Afghanistan (Potomac Press, 2009), a book on his time in Afghanistan. He has returned to Afghanistan repeatedly and is the author of a number of monographs, articles and editorials. His writings have focused most heavily on Afghanistan, stabilization and Bahrain. At the academy, he has focused particularly on efforts to expand State and USAID personnel and upgrade their professional formation to enable the institutions to carry out their responsibilities. Neumann is on the Advisory Committee of a non-profit working in Afghanistan, the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA). He is on the board of the Middle East Policy Council. Neumann speaks some Arabic and Dari as well as French. He received State Department Superior Honor Awards in 1993 and 1990. He was an Army infantry officer in Vietnam and holds a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. In Baghdad, he was awarded the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. He earned a B.A. in history and an M.A. in political science from the University of California at Riverside. He is married to the former M. Elaine Grimm. They have two children. Hope is an educational partner of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (worldmichigan.org), which is dedicated to educating people in western Michigan about other countries and cultures of the world, as well as providing a forum for discussion of critical foreign policy issues. In existence since 1949, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is a non-partisan, non-advocacy educational non-profit organization. With 60 member companies and almost 3,000 members, it is considered one of the best councils in the national network of 100 World Affairs Councils. The councils Great Decisions Global Discussion Series will feature a total of eight addresses on Mondays between February 6 and April 3, with additional topics including nuclear proliferation, and the complexity of U.S.-Saudi and U.S.-China relations. Six of the events will take place at Hope, and all eight will take place at Aquinas College. There is a $10 admission charge for the events at Aquinas. More information about the presentations at Hope is available at hope.edu/greatdecisions. More information and about the Great Decisions Global Discussion Series as a whole is available at worldmichigan.org/great-decisions-2017. Graves Hall is located at 263 College Ave., between 10th and 12th streets. The Aquinas College Performing Arts Center is located at 1703 Robinson Rd. SE in Grand Rapids. By Maryland GovPics (2015 Preakness Stakes) [ By Maryland GovPics (2015 Preakness Stakes) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons Its been a little over a year since 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran his final race. After winning the Breeders Cup Classic that same year, Pharoah was retired to a very lucrative career as a stud, siring what many well-heeled mare owners hope will be a new generation of superstars in his own image. Now in his second year at stud, Pharoah will be taking a business trip to the other side of the globe. Hell be spending the latter part of 2017 in Australia, taking advantage of the Southern Hemispheres opposite breeding season. Get Our Free Weekly Enewsletter About Horses American Pharoah currently lives and stands at Coolmores Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Coolmore is headquartered in Ireland and also has a breeding farm in Australia, and that downunder location will be the stallions destination. We have been overwhelmed by interest from Australasian breeders in American Pharoah ever since he retired to stud in Kentucky said Coolmore Australias Tom Magnier. Its well recognized that he is a once-in-a-lifetime horse and the opportunity to bring him to Australia is an irresistible one. Top international racehorses and show horses travel overseas for major competitions somewhat routinely, but in other horse breeds, traveling for stud duty is unnecessary since shipping semen is cheaper and safer. However, The Jockey Club and other Thoroughbred registries prohibit artificial insemination; all registered Thoroughbreds are produced by live cover. There are a variety of stated reasons for this. One is to preserve genetic diversity in the breed where allowing AI could lead to just a few popular stallions becoming overly dominant. Another is to preserve the financial value of breedings and of Thoroughbred foals. Pharoahs stud fee in the U.S. is listed at private, but several sources have reported it as $200,000. His Australian stud fee for 2017 will be $66,000 (approximately $50,500 US). According to Coolmores website, Pharoah will return home to Kentucky in time for the northern hemispheres 2018 breeding season. Visitors are currently able to see American Pharoah at his Ashford Stud home in Kentucky through Horse Country Tours. Find out more at www.visithorsecountry.com. Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home The Dunmore, Harbour Islands luxury resort, is delighted to announce the appointment of celebrated hospitality executive, Chorten Wangyel, as General Manager. In this leadership role, Wangyel will oversee and manage day-to-day operations of the charming Bahamian hotel nestled atop the famous pink sand beach. With more than a decade of experience in the high-end hospitality market, Wangyel has created a name for excellence with some of the most elegant five-star resorts in Asia and the Caribbean. Most recently, he served as General Manager at The Cove Eleuthera in the Bahamas where he guided the management team in its successful sale and transition to new owners, Enchantment Resorts, in 2015. With Wangyel at the helm, he led the propertys ranking in leading travel guides as one of the worlds top hotels and the very best in the Caribbean in two short years.' Prior to this position, Wangyel worked in IT management at a number of COMO Hotel & Resorts where he was able to gain first-hand experience to multiple areas of resort operations, ultimately preparing him for a role in hospitality management. Originally from a small, remote village in Bhutan, Wangyel is a graduate of the Master Certification Program in Hospitality Management from Cornell University and holds a diploma in Hotel Operations from the Institute of Hotel Management, Good Shephard, Kalimpong, India. With a bill that includes Kendrick Lamar, Future, Lil Wayne, and many more, Miamis Rolling Loud festival might be the years hottest hip-hop event. Guess who else will be there? The biggest viral star of 2017: Danielle Bregoli, better known as the Cash Me Ousside girl. The 13-year-old native of Boynton Beach will be holding a meet and greet at the festival, which runs from May 5-7. According to TMZ, the festival will pay her $40,000 for her appearance. Danielle uttered the catchphrase that would propel her to stardom Cash me ousside, how bow dah? while guesting on the Dr. Phil show with her mother. Phils efforts to curb Danielles outrageous behavior dont seem to have paid off, as the foul-mouthed teenager seems to pop up in a new on-camera altercation each week. Though perhaps her viral stunts are all calculated, as shes clearly cashing in on her sensational behavior. She has also made efforts to focus her celebrity on the hip-hop world. Last month, she dropped a self-promoting video to Everything 1K by the now-incarcerated Kodak Black, with whom she has a FaceTime relationship. The owner of the company thats putting on Rolling Loud is also reportedly organizing Danielles 14th birthday party, which is set to go down this month. Danielles reps tell TMZ that her minimum price for an appearance like the one she set up at Rolling Loud is $30,000. How bow dah? Danielle China and the US have forged a closer relationship with interwoven destinies 45 years after they signed the Shanghai Communique on February 28, 1972, a document ended 23 years of diplomatic estrangement between the two countries. Forty-five years ago, then US President Richard Nixon started an ice-breaking trip to China, which was dubbed by himself as "the week that changed the world. On the last day of his visit, both nations issued the Joint Communique of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, or the Shanghai Communique, laying the first cornerstone for bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Shanghai Communique, along with the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations issued in1978and August 17 communique issued in 1982, constituted the guideline document governing bilateral ties. Up till now, China-US relationship has become one of the most important bilateral ties in the world, whose rapid development has brought tangible benefits to both peoples. Both countries hit a record high in terms of bilateral trade, the stock of two-way investment and personal exchanges. Data showed that the current China-US trade has exceeded 500 billion dollars, while China invested over 50 billion dollars in the US last year. About 14,000 people traveled between China and the US each day, and a flight would take off or land every 17 minutes. Over 40 pair of sister provinces/states and more than 200 pair of sister cities have been established between both nations. They are proven to be the best evidence of their inter-connected interests. The Shanghai Communique and other two documents represent not only the ballast and guideline for development of bilateral ties, but also the principles the US follows when dealing with its ties with China, Gary Locke, former US ambassador to China and former US Secretary of Commerce told the Peoples Daily. He added that based on these principles, both countries handled their differences appropriately during his tenure and their relationship was moved forward as a result. It was the Shanghai Communique that opened the door to normalization of bilateral ties, Tao Wenzhao, researcher with the Institute of American Studies under Chinese Academy of Social Sciences(CASS), said in an interview. The four-decade-long course has proven that the basic principles both countries clarified when they established diplomatic relations are right, especially the one-China principle, the expert pointed out. Those principles have been enriched by the diplomatic contacts in the past years as well, Tao furthered, adding that the 40-year-long experience and Chinas development and prosperity gave China the faith for a promising relationship with the US. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, in a signed article published on the Peoples Daily, commented that China-US ties have come to a new starting point. A healthy and steady development of China-US ties is not only the requirement of the times, but also the expectation of the world, the top diplomat said. China and the U.S. should, by following through on the spirit of the phone conversation between both heads of state, enhance communication and mutual trust, focus on cooperation, manage disputes, avoid conflicts and confrontations, show respect to each other and seek win-win cooperation, so as to push bilateral ties for greater progress in the new era, Yang stressed in the article. Dallas artist FXXXXY received some buzz last year with his single 20 Taliband. Now hes back at it with a full EP, a mixture of underground vibes and pop nostalgia called Flawed Up Shawty. Flawed Up Shawty is me trying to stay sane and avoid the darkness that this type of recognition swallows people in, FXXXXY told PnP. Its me trying to cope with losing a relationship with somebody that held me down for so long and shooting shots at everybody whos been sneak dissing as if we dont see them. Its a lot more aggressive and less caringletting the listener hear my flaws and things thats not attractive. Flawed up is slang for having this strong confidence even though youre not beautiful to the world or maybe looked at as not valuable, he continued. Its a reaction to whatever situation you find yourself in. Its making ugly beautiful because you have no choice. Let us know what you think of Flawed Up Shawty. Netflix has released the first look teaser for a new original series 'Mindhunter', which will premiere globally on Netflix in October. The series is directed by four directors, including David Fincher who made 'Seven', 'Gone Girl', 'The Social Network', and 'Zodiac'. The other directors include Asif Kapadia ('Amy', 'Senna'), Tobias Lindholm ('A War, A Hijacking') and Andrew Douglas ('The Amityville Horror', 'U Want Me 2 Kill Him?') While Fincher, Joshua Donen ('Gone Girl', 'The Quick and the Dead') Charlize Theron ('Girlboss', 'Hatfields & McCoys') and Cean Chaffin ('Gone Girl', 'Fight Club') are Executive Producers. 'Mindhunter' features Jonathan Groff ('Looking'), Holt McCallanay ('Sully'), Anna Torv (Fringe) and Hannah Gross (Unless). The series is based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBIs Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas and Mark Olshake. Here's the first trailer for the new show: Nicholas Villeneuve looked over his speech one last time. For six weeks, he had studied aircraft features, safety protocols and customer service. If he passed this final test, a flight to Chicago and back on a Boeing 767-300, he would earn his wings as a United Airlines flight attendant. He picked up the interphone in the cramped galley and, with an ease reflecting the hours of practice in the bathroom mirror, by the pool and on the bus, announced the preflight instructions: stow large items in the overhead compartment place smaller items under the seat notify crew members if you have a Samsung Galaxy Note7. As the jetliner took off, Villeneuve allowed himself a moment to bask in his accomplishments. All his hard work in Houston was paying off. He would graduate the next day. Then two chimes rang out indicating it was safe for crew members to "move about the cabin," and he was back on his feet. The test wasn't over yet. Last year, 102,897 people applied to become a United Airlines flight attendant, a job with an average starting salary of $27,000 and travel perks. Of last year's hopefuls, 9,914 were granted face-to-face interviews. Ultimately, 2,322 people - 2 percent of those who applied - graduated from the mandatory training in Houston. "It's easier to get into an Ivy League college than it is to get hired as a flight attendant at United," said Deb Brancato, a flight attendant who worked stints as a recruiter from 2005 through the end of last year. Attrition, new aircraft and expanded destinations prompted a hiring push, and United expects to add 1,300 to 1,600 flight attendants this year, said Crystal Heckman, manager of in-flight services for initial training and recruiting. More Information Paycheck What a United Airlines flight attendant can expect to earn*: Starting salary: $27,000 At 5 years: $36,000 At 13 years: $64,000 *Note: These are averages for base pay. Salaries can increase for such duties as flying international routes or being lead attendant on a flight. Source: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Paycheck What a United Airlines flight attendant can expect to earn*: Starting salary: $27,000 At 5 years: $36,000 At 13 years: $64,000 *Note: These are averages for base pay. Salaries can increase for such duties as flying international routes or being lead attendant on a flight. Source: Association of Flight Attendants-CWA See More Collapse Getting the job requires a friendly demeanor and acute problem-solving skills, but surviving six weeks of training takes grit and determination. Trainees are uprooted from their homes, given roommates at the Hilton Houston North and tested every few days. 'From A to Z' "We go from A to Z in every way that you can imagine," said Rhonda Jones, an in-flight training operations team leader who helped oversee Villeneuve's class. "We have to be extremely prepared. You can't make pit stops in the air." Villeneuve, 36, lives in New York and was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. His outward confidence comes from 17 years in theater, where he's had a variety of jobs such as teaching choreography to performers in "The Lion King." He would get onstage himself if cast members fell ill. "I think I was the best zebra in the savanna," he said. As that first flight to Chicago got underway, Villeneuve traded his suit jacket for an apron and served drinks to first-class passengers. Beside him, fellow New Yorker Lauren Franco prepared the food and beverages in the galley. Even in heels, the trainee remained steady during bouts of turbulence. "Maybe the New York subways taught me a little something," she said. More worrisome than heels, however, was accidentally bumping someone in the head while serving food and drinks. That fear abated after she successfully maneuvered the food and snack cart. The 21-year-old from Long Island, N.Y., applied for the job after seeing an advertisement for Hebrew-speaking flight attendants. Franco recalled her first flight to Israel alone and how a flight attendant, Eric, put her at ease. She hopes to be that comforting presence for other passengers. She also wants to travel the world. Like Franco, 33 of the 39 graduates from class 1639 speak multiple languages, varying from Mandarin and Cantonese to Portuguese, French, Italian and Greek. "The world is not all blond 20-somethings," Heckman said. "We are a global carrier our employees need to reflect the diversity in the world." Last year, United's flight attendants ratified a joint labor contract. They previously had separate contracts left over from before Chicago-based United combined with Houston-based Continental Airlines in 2010. Brancato said getting that resolved was critical. Average pay for flight attendants who remain with United increases to $36,000 after five years and to $64,000 after 13 years, according to the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents the United workers. Factors that could boost that base include flying international routes or being a lead attendant on a flight. Mohamed Mbengue's interest in aviation stems from childhood. His mother worked at an airport in Senegal, in West Africa, and he'd sometimes go with her to watch planes on the runway before school. The 30-year-old, who also lives in New York, is fluent in English and French. He also speaks Wolof and Lebou, both spoken in Senegal. "When you're a flight attendant, you're going to meet more people from around the world," he said. Emergency situations He also takes pride in flight attendants' responsibility for securing aircraft and responding to emergency situations. About two weeks into training, Mbengue approached a CPR mannequin and began tapping its chest. "Are you OK?" he asked. An instructor said the mannequin was not responding. Mbengue's CPR compressions came a little too close together. When the exam was over, the instructor showed him the proper pace. It was one of many teachable moments. "I'm trying to improve myself day to day," Mbengue said. Three days later, he donned a yellow life jacket and entered a classroom where four of his classmates were loudly chanting, "Come this way, inflate vest, board now." The room filled with a sense of urgency as trainees walked toward an inflated life raft and climbed in. One straggling "passenger" flailed like he was drowning. "There's going to be chaos still going on," an instructor said after students pulled the straggler aboard and put up a canopy. It's important to remain in command. During the pass-fail evacuation exam, trainees must respond to an emergency scenario. Sometimes artificial smoke is pumped into the mock Boeing 737 to simulate a fire. The lights could be turned off as if losing power, or emergency exits may be blocked. Overall, flight attendants spend roughly three weeks on safety, security and first aid, Jones said. "It makes me feel better about the security of the aircraft," said Jeff Price, professor of aviation management at Metropolitan State University of Denver, "to know that the airline industry has not forgotten what happened on 9/11 and has not forgotten that airplanes are still a target for terrorists." As lead author of "Practical Aviation Security: Predicting and Preventing Future Threats," Price described flight attendants as the last line of defense. They noticed and helped thwart the underwear bomber, the shoe bomber and other terrorist attempts to detonate bombs. "I don't think people appreciate the role of the flight attendant nearly as much as they should," he said. New lives on call It has been almost four months since Villeneuve, Franco and Mbengue graduated from training. They're on call at Newark Liberty International Airport, which means they're flying anywhere and everywhere, until they gain enough seniority to secure a line. They've faced different challenges along the way. Mbengue doesn't drink alcohol, so it took him a while to confidently answer passengers' questions and make drinks. Franco bumped a passenger and spilled her coffee, though fortunately the traveler was nice about it. "I was freaking out, and then I asked her if she hated me," Franco said. Villeneuve, who proudly proclaimed after his test flight that he will retire at United, said the elation hasn't worn off. He gets excited waiting by the phone for assignments. "I think you stay on that kind of artificial high for a few months," said Brancato, the recruiter and United flight attendant since August 1994. That initial euphoria eventually fades, but pride in the job remains. Relationships forged in training, she said, last a lifetime. Franco stays in touch with her classmates through a Facebook group, and she enjoys randomly seeing them at the airport. "The family that we built within the class," she said, "that's what I love." WASHINGTON - Is hydraulic fracturing - better known as fracking - safe, as the oil and gas industry claims? Or does the controversial drilling technique that has spurred a domestic energy boom contaminate drinking water, as environmental groups and other critics charge? After six years and more than $29 million, the Environmental Protection Agency says it doesn't know. A new report issued Tuesday said hydraulic fracturing poses a risk to drinking water in some circumstances, but a lack of information precludes a definitive statement on how severe the risk is. "Because of the significant data gaps and uncertainties in the available data, it was not possible to fully characterize the severity of impacts, nor was it possible to calculate or estimate the national frequency of impacts on drinking water resources" from fracking activities, the EPA said in a report that raises more questions than answers. The report removes a finding from a draft issued last year indicating that hydraulic fracturing has not caused "widespread, systemic" harm to drinking water in the United States. Industry groups had hailed the draft EPA study as proof that hydraulic fracturing is safe, while environmentalists seized on the report's identification of cases where fracking-related activities polluted drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping huge volumes of water, sand and chemicals underground to split open rock formations so oil and gas will flow. The practice has spurred an ongoing energy boom but has raised widespread concerns that it might lead to groundwater contamination, increased air pollution and even earthquakes. The reactions were reversed on Tuesday. Environmentalists cheered the new report as proof that hydraulic fracturing threatens drinking water, while industry groups complained the Obama administration had yielded to political pressure on its way out the door. "We are glad EPA resisted oil and gas industry spin, followed the science and delivered the facts," said John Noel, oil and gas campaigns coordinator for Clean Water Action, an advocacy group. An oil industry spokesman called the report an "absurd" reversal that changes a science-based conclusion to one "based in political ambiguity" just weeks before President Barack Obama leaves office. "The agency has walked away from nearly a thousand sources of information from technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific reports demonstrating that hydraulic fracturing does not lead to widespread, systemic impacts to drinking water resources," said Erik Milito of the American Petroleum Institute, an industry lobbying group. The study makes a "mockery" of pledges by Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to follow science as they make decisions, Milito said. "We look forward to working with the new administration (of President-elect Donald Trump) to instill fact-based science back into the public policy process," he said. Tom Burke, EPA's science adviser and a deputy assistant administrator, said in an interview that the removal of the phrase about "widespread, systemic" impacts came at the urging of the EPA's Science Advisory Board. "Data gaps did not allow us to quantify how widespread the impacts are," Burke said. Environmental groups have claimed that the finding of no widespread harm was inserted into the draft report at the insistence of the White House. Obama supports hydraulic fracturing as part of his energy strategy. An EPA spokeswoman denied any political pressure. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DEL RIO The state of Texas wants to stick a seismometer on Terry Hill's ranch, right next to his deer blind. Hill, a fourth generation Texan born and raised in this Rio Grande outpost, understands the significance. He receives a few thousand dollars in oil and gas royalties a year, yet the findings of the earthquake sensor could dramatically alter the industry that helps pay his bills. "I don't know what this is, or what it's gonna do," said Hill, 66, "but I hope it will be helpful." Hill is among the landowners allowing the state to piece together one of the largest networks of seismometers in the United States with the aim of settling a debate that has wide implications for the future of fossil fuels. The network, stretching from New Mexico to Louisiana and Oklahoma to the Gulf, will collect data that may determine whether modern oil and gas production is responsible for an exponential rise in the number earthquakes in Texas and other energy producing states. Scientists say it's clear there's a connection: Oil and gas operations pump billions of barrels of water deep into the earth every year, pressuring faults underground. Politicians, industry leaders and officials of the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry, have steadfastly argued that there is little proof, if any, of such a connection. Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton called suggestions that oil and gas operations cause earthquakes "a bunch of suppositions, barely even hypotheses." "The scientist in me hesitates to make any statements that sound conclusive until we have more tests and results to back these up," said Sitton, a mechanical engineer who founded the Pasadena-based oil and gas consultancy Pinnacle Advanced Reliability Technologies. But nearly everyone agrees that getting those results is critical. Texas airports, hospitals and highways weren't built to withstand earthquakes. And if scientists find that oil and gas operations are indeed causing them, regulators could be forced to curtail key activities in the industry. Companies would have to adapt, at a cost of untold millions of dollars, with repercussions echoing into oil fields nationwide. The state Legislature has appropriated $4.5 million, with the oil and gas industry contributing another $1.2 million to support research seeking to answer why tremors, which shook the state barely once a year for more than a century, now arrive by the dozens. Over the past 18 months, the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas, which is leading the project, has purchased equipment, hired staff, gathered industry experts, and charted a course for 55 additional seismometers, triple the number installed in Texas. "The oil and gas companies realize that they need to be part of this solution," said Ellen Rathje, a civil engineering professor at UT and a principal researcher on the project. "They need to understand it better. Because there's a connection." Several hurdles remain for the seismometer network dubbed TexNet. The Legislature hasn't funded the program beyond this year. Scientists will need unparalleled cooperation from industry and regulators to understand the findings. And UT scientists still need permission from a few dozen Texas ranchers and landowners to put seismometers on their property. Hill, who agreed in January to take the seismometer, is happy to have it. TexNet will install the device in March, the 26th installation, with 29 left to go. "Nobody owns the land," said Hill, sitting at a Dairy Queen in Del Rio. "We're just taking care of it for God." Just a coincidence? Late on the evening of Oct. 30, 2008, the first of 10 earthquakes hit Irving, just south of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. They were relatively small, registering magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.0 on the Richter Scale, and did little damage. But they shook the region for more than a day, startled locals - the quakes were the first felt in the area in modern times - and ignited a public debate in Texas. Oil and gas operations were on the verge of a transformation then. Companies had discovered horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which pumps water into wells under such pressure that the shale bedrock fractures, releasing microscopic beads of oil and gas. U.S. oil production, which had dropped by nearly half over the previous two decades to less than 5 million barrels a day, began to rise again. The Barnett oil field, surrounding Dallas, was ground zero. By the end of 2008, companies had drilled and fracked thousands of horizontal wells there. In the days following those first quakes, oil and gas outfits fervently denied that the tremors had anything to do with operations. Horizontal drilling and fracking spread across the state and country, almost doubling U.S. oil production and turning the country into a key global producer. Meanwhile, Texas, which used to get one or two noticeable quakes - 3.0 and above - each year, has averaged 12 since 2008. In 2015, 22 roiled the state. Scientists noticed that oil and gas companies were dumping more and more waste water underground each year. And that rise tracked remarkably close to the increase in earthquakes. TexNet has identified four Texas areas with such a rise in seismic activity they merit deeper study. And each of those areas - around Dallas, the Central Texas city of Snyder, the West Texas city of Pecos, and south of San Antonio, in the Eagle Ford field - are hotbeds of oil and gas drilling. 'We can't prove it' Fracking, despite its controversial reputation, isn't the chief culprit for most scientists. Wastewater worries them the most. Oil and gas drilling produces an enormous amount of salt water. That water, trapped underground after the ancient oceans receded millions of years ago, is released during fracking operations, leaving companies with about 4 billion barrels of wastewater a year, according to one estimate. Some companies recycle the water, but that's expensive. Most in Texas inject it into disposal wells designated and permitted as permanent underground holding tanks. As water is injected underground, pressure increases. With enough time and water disposal, that pressure can reach nearby faults, pushing them to failure. None of that is new. "There has been widespread recognition among seismologists since the 1960s that wastewater injection and other activities commonly associated with petroleum production can sometimes induce earthquakes," wrote Cliff Frohlich, a seismologist and University of Texas researcher, in a journal last year. What's new is the volume of water pumped underground. As U.S. oil production nearly doubled between 2007 and 2015 to 9.5 million barrels a day, the amount of waste water injected into Texas disposal wells rose 50 percent to 12 million barrels a day, according to data collected by the Railroad Commission and compiled by the research firm IHS Markit. Some reject any widespread connection: "You've heard a lot about what's happening in Irving and Dallas," said Sitton, the Railroad Commissioner. "I think the odds of those earthquakes being caused by disposal wells are exceptionally small." Frohlich's response: "We can't prove it. But the evidence is pretty strong." For oil companies, it's a bottom-line issue. Wastewater injection can cost as little as 25 cents a barrel, if they operate their own disposal wells, not including transportation costs. Paying to recycle water can cost as much as $8 a barrel. Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law on June 22, 2015, establishing TexNet and authorizing UT's Bureau of Economic Geology - the state's official geological survey - to build the network, maintain it and figure out under what circumstances, exactly, disposal wells might cause quakes. The old network, just 18 seismometers, couldn't pinpoint earthquake epicenters with much accuracy and couldn't say how close one quake was to one well. TexNet should be up and running by middle of this year, with 73 stations, making it one of the biggest and best financed seismic monitoring systems in the country, behind such states as earthquake-prone California, which has 1,000 stations, and Nevada, with 150. UT has asked the Legislature for $3.4 million for the next two years to continue research, a sum not included in the Senate's budget. Even if funded, TexNet scientists will have to prove more than correlation between disposal wells and earthquakes. "If you don't have the right kind of information available, we call that speculation," said Dana Jurick, a geophysicist at the Houston oil company ConocoPhillips and a TexNet board member. "Scientific research requires data." Six months ago, UT put a seismometer on Lee Eustace's land in Alvarado, about 30 miles southeast of Fort Worth. It's three feet underground, attached to a solar panel for power. It doesn't bother the cows, said Eustace - certainly not as much as the first earthquake he felt. "I thought something had exploded somewhere," said Eustace, 74. 'Don't bounce back' Parker County Commissioner Larry Walden, 59, said people blamed the earthquakes for darn near everything when they hit his county, west of Fort Worth. Cracks in houses. Cracks in foundations. Difficulty sleeping. "There was a lady who said her hens had actually quit laying eggs because of the earthquakes," Walden said. Walden found a spot for a seismometer on an old county-owned farm. Now it's mostly used by the local 4H club. Christopher Ritzi was happy to help UT find a spot for a sensor in Alpine, near West Texas's Big Bend National Park. Ritzi, a biologist at Sul Ross State University, worries about drilling and pipelines, both expanding ever closer to the little town, which in the 1990s was hit by some of the biggest earthquakes in the state. "Desert landscapes don't bounce back very well," he said. "We're playing with systems we don't fully understand." WASHINGTON - Federal scientists forecast that Oklahoma will continue to have the nation's biggest man-made earthquake problem this year but it probably won't be as shaky as recent years. In its annual national earthquake outlook , the U.S. Geological Survey reported Wednesday that a large portion of Oklahoma and parts of central California have the highest risk for a damaging quake this year: between 5 and 12 percent. The outlook is published in the journal Seismological Research Letters Natural elevated quake risks exist through much of California, Seattle and the area where Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Illinois come together, known as New Madrid. Seismologists say Oklahoma's problem is triggered by underground injections of huge volumes of wastewater from oil and gas drilling. USGS seismic hazard chief Mark Petersen says Oklahoma's recent regulation on wastewater injection is starting to work, so scientists slightly reduced Oklahoma's risk this year. From 1980 to 2000, Oklahoma averaged only two earthquakes a year of magnitude 2.7 or higher. That number jumped to about 2,500 in 2014 then to 4,000 in 2015 as the use of an oil and gas production technique that uses millions of gallons of water boomed. It dropped to 2,500 last year, after Oklahoma restricted volume of wastewater injections, according to the study. Petersen said he expects shaking to be perhaps slightly less than last year's 2,500, with the highest risk area shifting a bit north and east in the state. Last year also had some unusually big quakes there, including a magnitude 5.8 in Pawnee and a magnitude 5.0 in Cushing. "We know that already in the first couple months of this year, the rates did come down," Petersen said in an interview. "This is exactly what we wanted." Petersen said he doesn't know when or if Oklahoma will ever get back to before 2008 activity levels of far less than one a day. That depends on economic and regulatory issues, he said in a Wednesday news conference. In a statement last week, Oklahoma gas and oil regulator Tim Baker said the state noticed earthquakes coming down, so his agency issued even more guidelines that further restricted how much wastewater drillers could inject underground. "There's still a lot of concern in Oklahoma," Peter-sen said. "You can have additional larger earthquakes that could affect that area." There are a couple other areas of elevated risk from man-made earthquakes in the 2017 forecast, but they are not as high as in Oklahoma. They are patches in western Texas and along the New Mexico-Colorado border. But several other areas of elevated shaking risk in the past were dropped from this year's outlook because of new regulation, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Petersen said. The battle against poverty has been high on the agenda of Xi Jinping, President of the worlds most populous nation. Always harboring a sentiment towards the impoverished people, Xi has devoted much effort to the poverty alleviation undertakings in his career. It is the least requirement of building an all-round moderately prosperous society and our solemn promise to ensure that the rural poor shake off poverty as planned, and that all poverty-stricken counties be delisted and poor areas lifted out of poverty as a whole, Xi reiterated his determination to fight against poverty in a recent study session held by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China(CPC) Central Committee. In his New Year Address upon arrival of 2017, he said that "at the very beginning of the New Year, what concerns me the most is those who are still in straitened circumstances. The deepest concern of my heart is how they fare and whether they will have a good New Year and a good Spring Festival." Xi's first taste of poverty could date back to early 1969 when he was sent to Liangjiahe village in Yan'an, Northwestern Shaanxi province, as a result of Chinas campaign to encourage educated urban youth to work in rural areas. He was less than 16 years old when he was sent from Beijing to work as a farmer in a small village of Liangjiahe near Yan'an of Shaanxi Province, where he spent seven years. "I was struck on the abrupt turn from Beijing to such a poor place, he said, recalling the barren land, the dung used as manure as well as the poor harvest there. He began his two-year service as a Party branch secretary of the village when he was 20 years old. Back to those days, all he wanted is to help villagers harvest more grains and earn a little pocket money. In order to bring their dreams to reality, the villagers, under the leadership of Xi, spent days and nights to dig wells, and build terraces and sediment storage dams. From 1982 to 1985, Xi served first as deputy secretary and then secretary of the CPC Zhengding County Committee in Hebei province. The living conditions in the county at that time were poor as well. There was no dormitory at all, so he had to sleep on the bench in his office. Local people even did not have enough grain to gorge themselves. Against the background, Xi expanded his footage in over 200 villages of the county to promote the household contract responsibility system, a rural reform launched then to allocate the farmers with land by contract. The farmers were entitled to any surpluses to the market or retain them for their own use. Xihaigu, an area known as bitter barren land situated in the southern part of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was also witness of Xis war on poverty. Xi visited Xihaigu in 1997 for the first time, and the view of people's life there shocked him. Local people even lived in caves, with nothing but bare walls, he recalled, adding that in some families, all members had to share two to three pants. During his tenure as deputy secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Xi, in response to the call of the central government for counterpart assistance, led a team to assist the development of Ningxia. He also served as the team leader of a working group set up specially. Thanks to their efforts, the dug wells and built cellars ensured local people with water for drinking and irrigation, and the potato yields were increased as a result. Back when Xi served as deputy Party chief and governor of Fujian Province, he proposed "making real efforts to help the really poor." Poverty relief is all about solving real problems, he noted, also stressing the importance of precision in relevant efforts. Childrens education must be ensured for the sake of the next generation, Xi stressed, emphasizing the importance of basic public facilities like roads, water, electricity, and public services as well. He also suggested teaching people "fishing" skills based on the local conditions and their abilities. The elderly, for example, can be offered with selected varieties, feeding methods and funds to raise chickens, ducks and sheep, so that they can get out of poverty with a yearly income of a few thousand yuan, he added. The young people can be provided with training or job opportunities, while those engaged in planting and breeding industries need the ways to increase the added value of their products, he illustrated. Aaron Watson is giving fans a keepsake of his big RodeoHouston debut. The Texas country star, whose new album "Vaquero" was just released, plans to record his March 7 performance for a live CD and DVD. HEART AND HUSTLE: Aaron Watson talks to us before his big RodeoHouston show "Houston Rodeo, what do you say we make a LIVE CD & DVD next Tuesday?! It's been an amazing week with the release of VAQUERO and I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate than at "The World's Biggest Rodeo Show"! he wrote on Instagram. BIG ACTS: The performers that must be seen at RodeoHouston "Come join me and my family Opening Night next Tuesday March 7th at NRG Stadium. We would love for y'all to be part of this historic night. Get your copy of VAQUERO now because we'll be playing some of the new songs along with your old favorites!" Watson made history with 2015 album "The Underdog," which made him the first independent male artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's top country albums chart. His 13th album, "Vaquero," was released this month - also independently - and is also poised to make a big splash. >>>Scroll through the above gallery to see the lineup for RodeoHouston Two environmental groups on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit against the owners of a Pasadena refinery alleging the facility consistently violates clean air laws. The lawsuit, filed by attorneys representing Environment Texas and Sierra Club, alleges the Pasadena Refining System Inc. facility has routinely spewed unpermitted levels of soot, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other air pollutants over the past five years. The lawsuit is the fourth case filed by the two environmental groups against oil refineries and petrochemical facilities along the Houston Ship Channel since 2008. "Repeated mechanical breakdowns and operator errors have plagued the Pasadena Refinery for years, and illegal releases of pollution have been allowed to recur for far too long without being corrected," said Neil Carman, clean air program director for Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter. "Even after receiving notice of our intent to file this lawsuit two months ago, the Pasadena Refinery has reported at least six more emission events that resulted in unauthorized air pollution into the surrounding communities." PRSI officials on Thursday said they were reviewing the lawsuit. "We are committed to complying with all local, state and federal regulations and keeping our team's focus on safe and reliable operations," company officials said in a statement. The 99-year-old refinery, just east of Houston, has been the source of several large releases of air pollution and several high-profile accidents. In January, repairs to the refinery's fluid catalytic cracker unit caused the facility to release almost one ton of particulate matter. Particulate matter is a mix of microscopic particles and liquid droplets that has been linked to a range of serious health problems, increased emergency room and hospital visits, decreased life expectancy and aggravated asthma. Last July, a lightning strike caused the plant to emit 21 tons of potentially dangerous pollutants into the air and a shelter-in-place order was called for the Galena Park area. In March, a fire and explosion injured one worker. In 2011, the refinery had another fire. "While we greatly appreciate the willingness of Pasadena Refining officials to sit down with us to begin discussing ways to resolve the longstanding problems at this facility, we believe this company needs to make a major new commitment to environmental compliance," said Luke Metzger, director of Environment Texas. "According to our research, PRSI released 70,129 pounds of unauthorized particulate matter in 2016 alone, making it the worst in the entire state of Texas for this type of illegal pollution." The EPA has said that 75,000 people live within three miles of the plant. There are eight schools, a Headstart program and several daycare centers nearby. A Belgian company called Astra Transcor purchased the refinery for $42.5 million in January 2005 and later Petroleo Brasilero SA (Petrobras) became its partner. Petrobras later took over the refinery, spending more than $1.2 billion, including its initial investment and a follow-up settlement, according to U.S. and Brazilian court records. Those overpayments are part of a massive corruption scandal and international investigation Brazilian prosecutors have dubbed Car Wash. The Coldspring post office will be renamed Friday in honor of slain postal carrier Eddie "Marie" Youngblood, who was shot and killed on May 17, 2013, while delivering mail on her rural route in Coldspring. The renaming ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Friday on the grounds of the post office, 14231 State Highway 150 W. The public is invited to attend. The bill to rename the post office for Youngblood was written and sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (TX-08) and supported by the Texas delegation. In a statement on the U.S. House floor on Sept. 20, 2016, Brady explained why he felt renaming the post office for Youngblood was a fitting tribute. "Marie was so well-known on her route that her customers often stopped her just to chat as she made her deliveries. Tragically it was on this route she loved and where she was loved that her life was cut short. On May 17, 2013, this beloved daughter, mother and grandmother was killed in a senseless act of violence while she was simply doing her job," Brady said. "Justice has not yet been served but it's important that Marie's life, not her death, define her legacy. While Marie may be gone, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched. Both of Marie's sons work for the postal service and her loving husband, George, who visits her grave each and every day to keep the flowers fresh and gravesite pristine." The post office renaming comes just two months before the man accused of her murder, James Wayne Ham, is scheduled to stand trial. Jury selection and trial is set to begin at 9 a.m., May 16, before U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes. Because of the nature of the case, the federal government is seeking the death penalty. The motive for the Youngblood's murder is unclear. However, an affidavit released by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Houston following the murder suggests Ham was angry with Youngblood because he felt she was withholding his mail and rerouting it to his estranged wife, who was also a mail carrier. Youngblood's son, George Youngblood Jr., says he wants Friday's event to be more about paying tribute to his mother and not about how she died. "I know that everyone from the National Rural Letter Carriers Association and Congressman Brady's office have worked really hard on getting the renaming approved. It's an honor that my mom's name will be honored this way and she will be remembered. I don't want that day to be about the events that led to the renaming. I just want it to be positive," he said. A Spring woman was found dead a day after she went missing in Belize, according to family friends and local reports. Rickilee Mercer was last seen Tuesday, when she fell off a jet ski at Secret Beach in San Pedro. The 28-year-old had gone out for a morning Jet Ski ride with a man she met on vacation, according to family friend Kelsey Horner. "They were thrown off the Jet Ski and the current ripped them apart," she said. "He was saved right offshore by a boat and said that he had been swimming for an hour and a half." Mercer wasn't wearing a life jacket at the time. Although searchers later located the Jet Ski, Mercer's body wasn't discovered till Wednesday. She was found "in the vicinity of Blakadore Caye with apparent injuries to her neck," according to Ambergris Today. Teddi Knight, who'd been close friends with Mercer since sixth grade, remembered the young accountant as energetic and outgoing woman. "She's one of those people that you meet and immediately want to be her best friend," she told the Chronicle. "She has this laugh that makes you laugh. She was almost embarrassed by it but it made her so uniquely cute. She was just so so cute. And loved to dance. The girl had moves." As word started circulating of the Texas woman's disappearance, friends took to Facebook to offer condolences and touching memories. "I didn't know you too well but I knew, unequivocally, that you were a good soul," wrote one Facebook user. "I pray for the comfort of your family. Rickilee Mercer, I have always used you as an example of who I want my daughter to be in her young adult life. You will always be 'my golden girl,'" wrote another. "The sun set for you today." Google Street View GALVESTON Arson caused a fire in January that led to the evacuation and closure of John Sealy Hospital at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, according to a report released Wednesday. The report, released by the State Fire Marshal's Office following a Houston Chronicle open records request, lists the cause as incendiary/arson. "It simply means it was intentionally set," said Jerry Hagins, spokesman for the fire marshal's office. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Purple, white and pink balloons floated above the intersection at Beltway 8 and West Fuqua. The colors were De'Maree Adkins' favorites. As her family watched the balloons circle the pink sky Wednesday evening, they held each other and sobbed. They were still trying to grasp that the 8-year-old whom they described as a "girly-girl" had lost her life over the weekend in a random shooting at the same intersection. Just hours earlier, Houston Police announced that an unnamed 19-year-old man had been arrested in connection with De'Maree's death. The third-grader was killed early Saturday after she and her mother collided with a speeding car. Her mother, Latoyia Thomas, reported seeing another person drive up, get out of the car and begin shooting. The slain girl's grandfather, Melvin Jarmon, said the family was relieved to know that an arrest had been made, but it didn't lessen the pain of losing the little girl. "It still hurts," Jarmon said. "Nothing can replace her," he added as family, friends and teachers of De'Maree's gathered at sunset to release balloons in her honor. Among those who mourned the girl was Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who led the family in prayer. At an earlier news conference, he said authorities are not releasing the suspect's name because they still want witnesses to come forward. They plan to release the name in the coming days. "We want to make sure that we don't jeopardize the investigation," Acevedo said. "We still have witnesses out there. Those witnesses, you know who you are. You need to step forward." Acevedo said police are "highly confident" they have the right suspect, although the teen was not immediately charged in the killing. Because the crime took place in Fort Bend County, police are working with the district attorney there to file charges. The chief declined to say whether the suspect confessed but said the department is "actively continuing" the investigation. Previously, Acevedo said the shooting could be gang-related. "Now, I don't know that definitively," he told reporters Monday. "But let's face it, most people don't go out in the middle of the night shooting at people." Even though police didn't name the suspected killer, Mayor Sylvester Turner emphasized the importance of updating the community on the case. "The reason why the announcement is being made," he said, is because of people in the community "stepping up and providing the necessary tips and the necessary leads." Thomas was just five minutes from home after getting her hair braided when the violence broke out early Saturday morning. The 39-year-old had ventured to a new hair stylist on FM 1960. After a long day, she was eager to make it home around 2 a.m. with Adkins, who was sound asleep in the backseat. After shots were fired, Thomas did not realize her daughter was injured until she tried to take her out of the car. That's when she noticed the blood on her jacket. "I told her to stay with me, stay with me," Thomas said, breaking down into tears. "Her body just went limp." Terri Zawacki, one of De'Maree's teachers at MacGregor Elementary School, first met the little girl in kindergarten during after school pick-up. She would often hold her hand and walk her to her grandfather's car. "Every time she saw me at school, she would come and hug me," Zawacki said. "I can't believe she's gone." Pooja Karsan, De'Maree's homeroom teacher, said her student loved writing. De'Maree's mother cried as Karsan handed her the young girl's writing journal. "She was always smiling," Karsan said. "She's just this adorable little girl." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In just one week, some of Houston's most heinous killings in recent memory have taken place. Javier Flores, 18, died one week ago after stepping between his mother and two robbers at a Subway. Eight-year-old De'Maree Adkins was slain Saturday, 21-year-old Oscar Reyes was gunned down in front of his pregnant wife a day later, and Jessica Lynn Mills, 29, was shot in front of her two young children by carjackers Monday night. The slayings likely will fuel a perception that violent crime is becoming a norm after two consecutive years with higher than average murder totals. Criminology experts say the trend is alarming and acknowledge it could be short-lived or a sign of something more enduring. Since January, there have been 49 homicides, according to preliminary Houston Police Department figures. That puts the city on pace for another 300-plus year, which would be 15 percent higher than the city's 11-year average. The projected bump in murders wouldn't be unprecedented. 'Only way to go is up' It follows a span of consecutive years with much lower totals. Caption: Keep track of fatal shootings, stabbings and hit-and-runs reported by HPD in 2017. Source: Houston Police Department Interactive By John D. Harden | Houston Chronicle 2017 "When you have periods of low crime, the only other way to go is up," said Alex del Carmen, a criminology expert at Tarleton State University. The New York University School of Law found that the national murder rate had increased 31 percent from 2014 to 2016. And Houston received the unfortunate distinction by the university of being one of the three cities accounting for half of the additional murders. The other two cities were Baltimore and Chicago. The nationwide "mild bump" in murders del Carmen described also has put President Donald Trump's administration on alert. Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of a task force to reduce crime. Now, local law enforcement officials are working to shake the notion that violent crime is plaguing the city. "Crime goes up and down and you cannot look at two or three months' worth of data," said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. "You can't start thinking the sky is falling." In the last five years, murders in the city of Houston crossed the 300 mark only twice - in 2015 and 2016. The previous time the city had more than 300 murders was in 2007. However, comparing the murder rate of one year to another is like comparing apples to oranges, del Carmen said. "One of the things you have to take into consideration is influxes in the population," he said. "Every year has a different story." The only concrete conclusion experts know for sure is that when there's a spike in murders it means there's a spike in other crimes, too. "When we see an increase in murders, we know other crimes are increasing, too," del Carmen said. "Police officers are often more concerned with curbing other crimes, because when those decrease so will the murders." Of the homicides in the last week, at least three people were killed by suspects committing other crimes. During a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Sylvester Turner praised the city's efforts to keep the city's 2016 murder rate relatively flat compared to 2015 despite early indicators showing murders were on pace to increase 10 percent. Turner: It's 'not OK' He said the city responded with an "aggressive plan" that involved an extra $2 million for overtime. He said similar efforts would be implemented if necessary. "When you have the shooting of an 8-year-old in the back of a car - this cannot be the norm," Turner said. "Those things are not OK." The extra funding led to a decrease in the murder rate in the second half of 2016, he said In three of the four slayings within the last week, all of the suspects are still at large. Furthermore, each killing appeared to be by someone with no relation to the victims - like in the case of De'Maree Adkins. More than a third of all murders in Houston from 2010 to 2015 were by strangers, according to data obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety. In another third of cases, the victim's relationship to the suspect was unknown. Data show the recent increase in Houston's murders are from killings in which a relationship was unknown. Johnny Mata, 79, a local activist with the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, said the recent uptick doesn't surprise him. "It's disturbing, but I've seen this before," he said. "The city always bounces back when we come together and hold each other accountable." Wednesday was an example of the community working together when a tip led to the arrest in the murder of 8-year-old De'Maree. Leola Jarmon, the 69-year-old grandmother of De'Maree, said the healing process has been hard, noting the randomness and senselessness of the shooting. Jarmon was getting ready for bed when she received the news that her daughter and granddaughter were in an accident. She was just preparing to watch her favorite late-night program, "The Rachael Ray Show." That's when her husband got the call. "He started yelling and telling me to put my clothes on," she said. "He said there was a wreck but wouldn't tell me anything else." According to police, Jarmon's daughter and granddaughter were in a wreck in the 6300 block of South Sam Houston Parkway. When officers arrived, they learned that a speeding vehicle crashed into the car in which De'Maree was riding. At some point after the crash, an unknown person opened fire on Jarmon's daughter, striking De'Maree. "She was so innocent and so smart," Jarmon said. "She was the sweetest little girl, and everyone loved her." Engaging the community On Wednesday, HPD made an arrest in De'Maree's case - a 19-year-old man. No other details were made available. Even though Jarmon lost her granddaughter to what seems to be random violence, she doesn't believe Houston is becoming more violent. A Houston resident since at least 1966, Jarmon said it might seem like crime is increasing because of the recent political statements made by Trump and his emphasis on violence on urban areas. Del Carmen agreed. "The president said murders are at an all-time high, and that's not true," he said. "But whether it's true or not, every time we hear of a murder or a violent crime, we start to believe it's true." Determining what causes the murder rate to fluctuate relies on a series of factors that are often complicated, del Carmen said. However, the criminology expert said there are a few reliable strategies police departments can use to implement to lower crime. One includes engaging the community and building neighborhood relationships. He said building relationships with local communities allows residents to develop a deeper trust in law enforcement. "Crime begins and ends with the community," del Carmen said. "If you engage the community, you're likely to see a decrease in crime." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Just days after President Donald Trump told Congress that he was removing gang members and drug dealers as he had promised, immigration agents deported a 31-year-old Houston father of two American children who has been here since he was 15 and had a temporary reprieve from deportation and no other criminal record. Jose Escobar was arrested Feb. 22 when he went to the Houston immigration office for his annual check-in. He had a provisional stay of deportation and a work permit since 2012, when he was released from immigration custody after a media and congressional campaign drew attention to his case. His arrest is part of a wave of detentions across the country after the Trump administration released new guidelines last month making practically every immigrant here illegally, even those like Escobar who have a provisional protection from deportation, eligible for removal. "They didn't give us a chance to do anything," said Cesar Espinosa, whose advocacy organization FIEL Houston lobbied for Escobar's case. Escobar's lawyer, Raed Gonzalez, was notified on Thursday morning that he had been deported back to El Salvador, a country he hasn't seen in 16 years. "This is a terrible message to send," Espinosa said. "We're afraid people are going to stop showing up to their (immigration) check-ins, and it just sends a shock wave through the community. ... It's all coming to fruition, and it's very scary." Unlike the violent criminals Trump has said he would focus on, Escobar landed in deportation proceedings because of a simple paperwork gaffe. His mother sent for him when he was 15 and like her, he qualified for temporary protected status for people fleeing widespread disasters in certain countries. She assumed his permit would automatically renew when she reapplied for hers. But it didn't. Because they had moved, they didn't receive the paperwork informing him that he had missed the deadline. When he finally figured out what had happened, he tried to reapply for the permit but it was too late. The government had already initiated deportation proceedings. Escobar's wife, Rose, said their lawyer told him not to show up at the court hearing or he would be deported. In his absence, the judge ordered him removed in 2006. But with no one trying hard to find him, the Escobars lived a normal life, moving to New Orleans and then back to Houston. Their son Walter was born. On June 6, 2011, immigration agents arrested Jose as he pulled out of his driveway to go to work. His wife consulted with lawyers, created a petition on Change.org, and recruited the help of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Houston Democrat. Her efforts paid off. After seven months in detention, immigration agents released Escobar in January 2012 on an order of supervision, a provisional stay of deportation in a process known broadly as prosecutorial discretion. He was required to check in with immigration agents once a year and given a temporary work permit. It was part of a wave of reprieves announced that year by the administration of former President Barack Obama, who said he wanted to focus the government's limited resources on deporting violent criminals, rather than people with clean records who have been here for years and have American children. But now such priorities have been rescinded. It's swept fear across the country that's been heightened by widespread raids and incidents like the arrest of 22-year-old Daniela Vargas in Mississippi this week. Vargas previously had a protected status for youth, known as Deferred Action for Early Childhood Arrivals, that expired last November though she had filed to renew. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman did not immediately return calls. Rucks Russell, a spokesman for Jackson Lee, said the congresswoman was on a flight back to Houston. Late Thursday, Escobar had already arrived in El Salvador and was staying with his wife's grandmother. His wife, Rose, was devastated, Espinosa said. She had reassured their two children, 7-year-old Walter and 2-year-old Carmen, that Daddy would eventually come home. "He just went somewhere boring," she told them last week. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The burglary suspect who shot two Houston police officers this week has been linked to a gang known as the 52 Hoover Crips, a criminal group that operates in northeast, south and east Houston. The gang - also known as 52 Hoova or Five-Deuce Hoova - is implicated in a series of smash-and-grabs to steal ATM machines, the robbery of a Pasadena credit union and the rape of a 67-year-old woman over the past three years. The gang is known for its blue colors and bandanas, blue-and-orange belts, the number 52, a pitchfork pointed upward and a six-pointed star, according to the city's anti-gang website, stophoustongangs.com. It's also been connected - as have other street gangs - to a number of burglaries in the Houston area, particularly in areas where homes appear to be easy targets. The shooting of Houston officers Ronny Cortez and Jose Munoz comes as Houston police and the Harris County District Attorney's Office have renewed efforts to stop burglaries and put burglars in jail. The suspect - who died at the scene after a shootout with police - was one of at least two men believed to have been burglarizing houses Tuesday morning in a southwest Houston neighborhood near Bellfort and Beltway 8. Authorities have identified him only as a 26-year-old with a criminal record. Another suspect - who police said was wearing a blue bandana - is still at large. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Wednesday the second suspect does not appear to have been involved in the shooting but had been seen with the other man. Thieves hit six homes that day in the neighborhood, a typical target for burglary crews operated by local gangs, police said. "There's always a neighborhood being targeted, and it can be anywhere in Houston," said a law enforcement gang officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he did not have permission to speak to the media. "It depends on the gang. It depends on the area." 'Call that nobody's ready for' Officers Cortez and Munoz discovered a man hiding inside a shed while conducting anti-burglary operations in the southwest Houston neighborhood. A struggle ensued when he refused to come out of the shed, and gunfire erupted. The officers' sergeant, J. Garza, shot the man when he emerged brandishing a 9mm handgun, police said Wednesday, offering new details about the chaotic exchange. Cortez was shot multiple times and Munoz was shot once. Cortez, 49, a 24-year veteran officer with HPD, remains hospitalized at Memorial Hermann Medical Center with a bullet lodged near his spine, but his spirits are high and he is improving, Acevedo said Wednesday. Munoz, 34, a 10-year veteran who was shot in the foot, left Ben Taub Hospital late Wednesday afternoon. "Both the officers and their families are overjoyed in being alive," a visibly relieved Acevedo said at a news conference in the Texas Medical Center. "Because let there be no doubt, the person whose life was tragically ended yesterday was trying to murder two police officers who were simply trying to do their job." Munoz's wife, Jazmin, said Wednesday she knew the risk that comes with being a police officer's wife, but she still was not prepared for the call saying her husband had almost been killed. "It's a call that nobody's ready for," she said. Her husband's first words to her when she arrived at the hospital Tuesday were, "We're OK," she said. Cortez's brother, Danny, also visited the hospital Wednesday. The officer could face possible paralysis in his legs. "He's got a long road to recovery," Danny Cortez said. "It could have gone a lot worse yesterday." He said his brother - who was shot not far from his home - has always looked out for his neighbors. "As long as I've known my brother he would always be out patrolling the (area) he lived in," he said. Crime that hits home Local officials had already turned their attention to cracking down on burglaries before Tuesday's shooting. Acevedo said he has asked the city's forensic lab to prioritize reviews of more than 1,000 pieces of evidence from burglary cases, focusing first on burglaries committed at night when intruders are more likely to encounter sleeping residents. Burglaries in Houston have dropped significantly over the last five years, from more than 26,500 in 2012 to about 18,300 last year, but typically are difficult to solve because of lack of evidence. "There's nothing worse than having your home burglarized," Acevedo said, at a March on Crime event Monday. "You feel so violated." Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the shootings highlight the need for aggressive enforcement of crimes such as burglaries. "Burglary is a crime that violates the sanctity of people's homes and the safety of their families," Ogg said. "This crime perfectly illustrates how quickly a property crime can turn violent. It is now time for those of us in law enforcement leadership to take a stand against burglars and robbers who consider Harris County an 'easy mark.'" Ogg, who took office Jan. 1, campaigned on shifting focus away from minor offenses such as low-level marijuana cases to the types of crimes that impact residents directly. Seeking quick profits Capt. Daryn Edwards, who oversees HPD's Burglary and Theft Division, said investigators found twice as many neighborhood homes had been hit the day of the shooting than police initially reported. "We have offense reports and investigations going on six homes," he said. Burglaries are popular with criminal street gangs seeking quick profits. Gang leaders often will do surveillance on neighborhoods that appear to be easy targets, returning with a crew during daylight hours when most residents are working. In recent years, the gangs appear to target areas that are outside their usual territory, to avoid being recognized by officers who know them, the gang officer said. Joe Gamaldi, a vice president of the Houston Police Officers Union, said the shooter was a known member of the 52 Hoover Crips, which arrived in Houston in the late 1980s. Crime Stoppers and the 100 Club are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the second suspect. "We're not going to give up," Acevedo said of the continuing search. "You can wait for us to come and get you, or you can come turn yourself in." China is willing to enhance exchanges with the U.S. at all levels from top down, expand coordination and cooperation on bilateral, regional and global affairs, and respect each others' core interests and major concerns, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi pledged when meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at White House. The exchanges will be based on the spirit of the phone conversation between the two heads of state and principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, the top diplomat added in their Monday meeting. A steady and healthy development of the China-U.S. ties will surely benefit both peoples and the world as a whole, he stressed. Trump, on his part, said that he was very happy to hold the very important phone conversation with his counterpart Xi Jinping. Stressing the great importance the U.S. attaches to its cooperation with China, he highlighted the need to bolster high-level exchanges, beef up all-round cooperation, and increase coordination and cooperation on global and regional affairs. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, was present at the meeting. On the same day, Yang also exchanged views on how to further develop bilateral ties and other issues of common concern with Kushner, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, National Security Advisor Herbert Raymond McMaster and other senior U.S. officials. Yang also published an article on Tuesday on Peoples Daily to honor the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Shanghai Communique, a document ended 23 years of diplomatic estrangement and confrontation between China and the U.S. Yang called for a healthy and steady development of bilateral ties based on the communique spirit. The communique clarified the basic guidelines for China-U.S. ties, including one-China policy, mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, peaceful coexistence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other. The Taiwan issue has been a sensitive issue for the bilateral ties, he stressed, adding that since China and the U.S. established their diplomatic ties, the one-China policy and the principles written in their three communique, namely the Shanghai Communique, Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the August 17 communique, is a bipartisan consensus in U.S. China-U.S. cooperation will bring achievement that is beneficial to both countries and the world, while confrontation will surely spell disaster for the two sides and the whole world," Yang wrote in the article. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The University of Texas System is dropping its plan to develop a large swath of land near the Texas Medical Center, a project the University of Houston declared would undermine its ambitions to become a top-tier national university. In announcing Wednesday that he halted the project, William McRaven, the UT system chancellor, disclosed that the intention was to build a data science center on the property. After UT's regents approved the land deal in 2015, the system acquired 300-plus acres in southwest Houston last year for about $215 million. Now the chancellor said he recommended the regents start the process to sell the land. McRaven's decision to scrap the expansion comes after growing pressure on the system to make public its planned use for the land and amid criticism from its regents and Texas lawmakers, particularly Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. McRaven acknowledged to lawmakers in a letter made public this week that much of the land was an old oil field, though he said the property still could be fully developed. The project took a big blow last month when two of Gov. Greg Abbott's nominees to be UT regents blasted the system's decision to buy the property in their Senate confirmation hearings. "We have not met the needs of our current institutions. Why would we embark on this?" Kevin Eltife, one of the new regents and a former state senator, said Wednesday in an interview. "We need to take care of what we have." The chancellor, a retired U.S. Navy admiral who began leading the UT System two years ago, took responsibility for the project's failure. "We are through with this project and through with our expansion into Houston," McRaven said in a surprise reversal. He decided this week to stop it because he said he was concerned the effort began to overshadow work at the system's other institutions. He told board of regents chairman Paul Foster of his decision in a letter Wednesday. From the beginning, UH boosters referred to UT's plans as an invasion that would the put the universities in stiff competition for faculty and research funding. Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the UH System regents said the university's leaders, supporters and elected officials mounted a group effort to "stand our ground against an unnecessary duplication of resources that didn't align with the state's plan for higher education." Whitmire, who spoke with McRaven on Wednesday, said he respected the chancellor's decision to call off the Houston project. "I'm ready to move onto another issue," Whitmire said in an interview. "Next time, don't waste $200 million on a dump." The chancellor said a data center in Houston would have focused on the fields of energy, health and education data research. Aspects of this data institute may proceed at the system's universities around the state, he said, adding that he recently received a recommendation from an advisory group to use the property for this purpose. The group considered as a possible model the 12-acre New York City campus that Cornell University is building to offer data and business programs, a UT spokeswoman said. Questions about the property's environmental quality emerged in January during a state Senate finance committee hearing when Whitmire called the land "environmentally unsound." McRaven rejected that criticism in his letter to lawmakers, though he acknowledged the university would need to spend less than $2 million to clean up the land because it was an abandoned oil field and a few of the acres were polluted by a former polymer facility on the site. The property is at the site of the former Pierce Junction Field that once pumped more than 32 million barrels of oil in 77 wells. In a 2002 enforcement order issued by the Railroad Commission, state officials reprimanded a former operator for failing to plug two wells, causing discharges of oil and gas wastes that were not permitted. Adjacent property is home to crushed concrete and crude oil storage facilities and a former municipal dump. John Kirksey, a UT alum who sold the property to the university, could not be reached Wednesday for comment. Kirksey said Tuesday there was "untold amounts" of environmental cleanup of the property for 16 years before he and his partners sold the 307 acres to the UT system. The system's purchase price was roughly $18 million less than the land's $232.8 million appraised value. McRaven told Foster, UT's board chair, on Wednesday that the system will plan to divest the land "in a manner that protects the system's investment in the property." Despite halting the Houston expansion which he at one time called a key project, McRaven said he thinks he retains support from the university's regents. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, called the process UT used for this development project "an example in the future of how not to do it." AUSTIN - Opponents embroiled in a yearslong fight over Houston's practice of offering benefits to the same-sex spouses of city employees took their fight to the state's highest court Wednesday to narrow the effect of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision legalizing gay marriage. Plaintiffs argued before the Texas justices that the 2015 decision by the Supreme Courtnever spoke to whether such couples are entitled to the same benefits as opposite-sex couples. Allowing Houston to continue offering benefits, such as health care, to the same-sex spouses of city employees would expand the national ruling in Obergefell v Hodges and amount to a fundamental right, said Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general representing a pair of taxpayers who sued the city. Instead, the plaintiffs and their Republican supporters, who have signed briefs and sent letters to the Texas Supreme Court, want to limit the effect of the Obergefell ruling by cutting off taxpayer-funded benefits to same-sex partners. The plaintiffs argue the Texas Court of Appeals erred by reversing a temporary injunction stopping the city from offering benefits to same-sex spouses of employees and asked the state supreme court justices to offer guidance to lower courts that they are to "comply with Obergefell but not expand on it." Douglas Alexander, a lawyer representing the city, argued the Obergefell ruling found that marriages should be treated equally and that plaintiffs are trying to set up a case to take it back to the U.S. Supreme Court. "What we have here, is a case burdening a marriage," said Alexander, who said spousal benefits offered to opposite-sex couples must be offered to same-sex couples not because there is a fundamental right to spousal benefits, but "a fundamental right that those marriages be treated equally." Both sides confident Supporters of Houston's same-sex spousal benefits practices say the U.S. Supreme Court was "unequivocal and clear" that same-sex marriages must be treated equally to so-called traditional marriage. "Houston is sort of the flash point that gave the petitioners something to fight about here," said Kelly Sandill, an attorney representing a same-sex married couple and Equality Texas, a LGBTQ rights organization. The U.S. Supreme Court decision "gives benefits to any legally married couples, it must give them to all. That is what Obergefell says. There's no other way to read it," she said. Members of the Texas Supreme Court peppered attorneys on both sides of the case with questions about jurisdiction, whether the two taxpayers who brought the case against the city have standing, and about the reach of the Obergefell v Hodges ruling. Both sides left the hearing saying they felt confident in their chances of prevailing. "There is no fundamental rights to same-sex benefits under Obergefell," said Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, a conservative religious liberty advocacy group. 'Go-to issue' for GOP The Texas Supreme Court agreed to take on the case following arm-twisting from Republican leaders and lawmakers, who urged the justices to reconsider its 8-1 decision last fall not to hear it. Seventy Republican lawmakers, conservative leaders and Christian pastors asked the court to stand up to "federal tyranny" of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, and in a separate filing, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the court to limit the impact of the Obergefell ruling. The state's high court reversed itself in January. Unspoken in the leaders' push to get the high court to hear the case is the fact that Texas also offers benefits to the same-sex spouses of its employees. Republicans will be eager to see how each of the nine Republican justices side on the case after almost all initially refused to hear it, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. Fighting against same-sex marriage has replaced abortion as the "go-to" issue for conservatives, he said. "If marriage is only about what's on a piece of paper, then effectively it moots the value of being married and value of those marriages," Rottinghaus said. The court is expected to rule by the end of June. AUSTIN - The Texas House and Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved measures aimed at fixing long-running problems in the state's child-protection system that have left abused and neglected children unchecked for months and, in some cases, sleeping in state offices. The votes in both chambers, following lengthy debates, were the first legislative steps to combat a shortage of caseworkers, high turnover rates and administrative miscues that have plagued the state's child protection system for more than two decades, in spite of at least two previous overhauls, The Senate measure includes a provision to outsource the management of foster care cases to nonprofits and community-based groups across the state, a change that has drawn criticism from employee groups and some child advocates. The state currently has an outsourcing pilot program in one region of Texas. While the Senate approved its overhaul without discord, the House approved its legislation following a heated argument about immigration and racism over an amendment that eventually was withdrawn. Texas' child-protection program has been in the sights of lawmakers and state leaders since last year, when it was revealed that CPS workers were failing to see thousands of children named in abuse and neglect cases within weeks as required by state law. Some were never seen at all. Gov. Greg Abbott and legislative leaders demanded immediate changes, at one point dispatching state police to track down children - including dozens in Harris County - who had been on waiting lists for months. Officials at the Department of Family and Protective Services blamed high staff turnover rates, low pay and a mushrooming case load that had overwhelmed the system. In December, House and Senate leaders approved more than $150 million in emergency funding to hire more than 800 new caseworkers, investigators and support staff and to provide $12,000-a-year pay hikes in a bid to curb high staff turnover. Behind Wednesday's votes is the possibility that a Corpus Christi federal judge could place the state foster care system under court supervision and mandate sweeping changes, after declaring the system unconstitutional because its chronic operational problems have gone unaddressed for years. "Anyone arguing for the status quo is arguing for more failure," said state Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican who authored Senate Bill 11 aimed at making community-based programs a centerpiece of the CPS overhaul, along with new supervision and care mandates on DFPS for children in state custody. He defended the plan to expand the outsourcing of foster care case management services now provided by state workers. "Community-based care is an answer. They know that child the best. That child is their child," Schwertner said. In the House, lawmakers symbolically chose two reform bill as the first bills passed by the chamber this year. House Bill 4 by Rep. Cindy Burkett, R-Sunnyvale, would allow grandparents and other relatives who take care of abused and neglected children through the Department of Family and Protective Services' kinship care program to be eligible for state assistance. Instead of a onetime initial payment of $1,000 and an annual stipend of $500, the measure would pay caregivers about $6,200 per child to caregivers who live below the federal poverty level of $24,600 a year, for a family of four. Those with more income could receive up to $4,150 a year, depending on their annual income. House Bill 5 by Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, would make DFPS a standalone agency, separated from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, in hopes of speeding up its decision-making so it can more quickly address childrens' needs. Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, sparked a heated debate by proposing an amendment to allow only U.S. citizens to receive the kinship payments. Democratic Reps. Rafael Anchia of Dallas and Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio denounced it as politically motivated. "You're trying to conflate children who are in desperate need with lawbreakers, and that to me is very offensive," Anchia said. "When we got up this morning we thought we were going to talk about how we're going to protect kids, because this Legislature has failed kids." Keough ended up withdrawing the amendment. The two House bills now will go to the Senate for consideration, and the Senate bill heads to the House. Both chambers must approve all legislation before it can be sent to the governor to be signed into law. Leadership in the Senate and House made it clear Wednesday they intend to make quick work of the remaining process. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus applauded the bipartisan effort to pass all three bills. "We have taken a couple of very important steps toward providing better protection and care for children in terrible circumstances, with more to come in the weeks ahead," Straus said in a statement. Abbott, who previously said he intends to sign reform legislation that will fix the problems, echoed the sentiment: "Today's actions by the House and Senate are a significant first step toward reforming the child welfare system and creating a culture that gives every child a chance to not only survive, but thrive in Texas." Advocates also applauded the votes. "If the state is serious about reducing the number of abused children in Texas, investment in prevention programs is essential," said Madeline McClure, CEO of TexProtects, a Dallas-based child advocacy group. Reporter Bobby Cervantes contributed to this story. AUSTIN - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller once again is clashing with the Legislature and threatening to unilaterally raise fees on farmers and ranchers. Miller, a first-term Republican who ran as a hard-line conservative, has faced repeated questions about his spending decisions and weathered fierce criticism for raising licensing, registration and inspection fees by $11 million annually last year. Now, he is doubling down by promising to raise fees by another $5 million unless lawmakers give his agency more funding and more power to transfer money between programs. "We're providing a protection and service to the producers and consumers of this state," Miller told a House Appropriations subcommittee last week. "I'm asking for the essential money to keep that service alive." "If you give us our budget tools back, we can actually lower some of these fees," he added in an appeal to the Senate Finance Committee, arguing that many agencies have transfer authority and giving him that power would not cost the state anything. The pleas did not go over well with lawmakers, who already are struggling to close a budget shortfall without raising taxes or tapping into the state's Rainy Day Fund. In fact, several powerful House budget writers decided Tuesday to reject Miller's request for transfer authority, according to Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, who chairs the spending panel that oversees the Texas Department of Agriculture. "Commissioner Miller has proven why this body can't give him that kind of authority," Gonzales said in an interview, referring to reports in the Houston Chronicle and elsewhere about the commissioner's spending of agency money on personal trips and extravagant bonuses and salaries for friends. "We're in a tight budget cycle," said Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, before mentioning that Miller served in the House between 2001 and 2013. "I'm always interested when legislators go on to higher elected office and they want everybody else to be cut except them." At odds with legislators The burgeoning fight has echoes of 2015 and 2016, when Miller aggressively lobbied lawmakers to restore years-old budget cuts to the agency and, when that failed, raised the fees - some by 100 percent or more. Miller agreed to delay the fee increases amid criticism from industry groups, dozens of lawmakers and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but he eventually implemented them in January 2016. Miller passionately defended his decisions at that time. He said fees had not been raised in more than a decade, resulting in a lengthy backlog in inspections and other services that was hurting Texans. This time around, the commissioner is requesting a total of about $6.5 million to hire additional inspectors, buy new trucks, rehab the laboratory in which weights and measures are calibrated and promote Texas agriculture abroad. He also wants to regain power to transfer money between programs, carry over surplus money from one fiscal year to the next and keep the money collected from fines. That authority is common for "cost-recovery" agencies that collect fees and violation dollars, Miller said, emphasizing that the nature of the collection set-up meant that no taxpayer dollars would be at stake. Miller has warned lawmakers the budget plans currently under consideration would trigger new fees and a "death spiral downward, where services provided by TDA to 27 million Texans are constantly decreasing." Asked by Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, about why he had raised fees related to certification of seeds by 141 percent last year, Miller said that the increase did not cover costs and would have to go up again "drastically." Seliger and others have been unusually hostile to Miller's requests in public and private. During the House hearing, Beaumont Republican Dade Phelan wondered aloud whether lawmakers could give the department's duties to another agency. The reason for the opposition, according to multiple lawmakers, is a spate of news reports about Miller's questionable spending. Among other issues, the Chronicle has revealed over the past 18 months that Miller has used agency money to fly to Oklahoma to receive a pain-curing injection known as "The Jesus Shot" and to travel to Mississippi to compete in a rodeo; has frequently flown first class and charged the state for cocktails; has hired nine friends and campaign aides to new high-paying jobs without giving the public a chance to apply, as required by law; and gave more bonuses in his first nine months than his predecessor awarded in his first two and a half years in office. Use of state money An investigation by the Texas Rangers confirmed that Miller used state money for personal gain, including "The Jesus Shot," but prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges. "His fiscal management has really raised eyebrows, and he hasn't done anything to give us comfort in his ability to handle a budget," Gonzales said. Miller also faces opposition from the agriculture industry. At the legislative hearing, Steven Boyd, the managing director of Sun Coast Resources, a Houston-based fuel and lubricant distributor, decried the "outrageous fees" that he said had gone up about 500 percent for meters on delivery trucks, forcing him to lay off employees. "In Texas, we're supposed to be pro-business," Boyd said. Miller spokesman Mark Loeffler suggested in an interview that agency officials are still confident that lawmakers will approve their requests. "Our legislative relations staff has been working with them. It's just a matter of understanding where we are in this cost recovery world," Loeffler said. "It's workable." AUSTIN -- Prodded by the latest meltdown in Texas' child-protection system, both chambers of the Legislature on Wednesday unanimously approved measures aimed at fixing longstanding problems to better protect abused and neglected children. After hours of debate, the House approved two bills that would bolster payments to relatives who agree to take in foster-care children and create a new agency to oversee the newly reformed network of care. Both bills are premised on the state continuing to oversee most casework. The Senate approved a separate bill to make community-based programs the centerpiece of child-protection reforms, rather than have the state supervise most cases as directly, as it does now. The three bills now will go to the other legislative chamber for consideration. They must be approved by both chambers for final approval before they can be sent to the governor to be signed into law. State Rep. Cindy Burkett, R-Sunnyvale, said her House Bill 4 would allow grandparents and other relatives who take care of abused and neglected children in their families through the Department of Family and Protective Services' kinship care program to be eligible for payments to help. It passed 145-0. HB 5 by Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, would make the Department of Family and Protective Services a standalone agency, spun off from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, to allow it to make decisions faster. It passed 144-0. Senate Bill 11 by Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, was approved 31-0. It would create a community-based system of care where nonprofit organizations and community-based programs would oversee most casework. It includes a pilot program for nonprofit organizations to handle behavioral health care for children, requires managed care organizations be notified of a child's placement change within 24 hours, and mandates that children under conservatorship have medical exams within three days of entering into the system. In January, Gov. Greg Abbott had designated reforms to Texas' child-protective services system an emergency to expedite their passage within the first 60 days of the legislative session. Leaders of both chambers applauded the bipartisan effort to fix what most everyone agrees has been a broken system. "We have taken a couple of very important steps toward providing better protection and care for children in terrible circumstances, with more to come in the weeks ahead," House Speaker Joe Straus said in a statement. Abbott echoed the sentiment: "Today's actions by the House and Senate are a significant first step toward reforming the the child welfare system and creating a culture that gives every child a chance to not only survive, but thrive in Texas." Man may be master of his fate, as the 19th century poet Alfred Lord Tennyson proclaimed, but Harris County district judges are not. These black-robed men and women are subject to the whims of a broken judicial selection system. A case in point is the November 2016 election. Donald Trump's unpopularity in Harris County helped spur an 11-point advantage in straight-ticket voting for the Democrats. Republican district judges were swept out on Election Day, and Democratic district judges were swept in. Elections where an R or a D before a candidate's name determines wins and losses, rather than hard work, impartiality or ability, are devastating to judicial morale and to the administration of justice. As a result of November's Republican bloodbath, Gov. Greg Abbott has a pool of qualified former judges to choose from to fill empty benches, and as of print deadline, one criminal district court bench remains open. Mary Lou Keel, formerly the judge in Harris County's 232nd District Court, won the race for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2, leaving the lower seat vacant. Abbott should choose his appointment from this pool. It takes a couple of years for judges to acquire the necessary experience, and former criminal district court justices such as Stacey W. Bond, Kristen M. Guiney and Ryan Patrick are able practitioners who would do a good job on Day One. But this silver lining is slight compared to the harm wreaked by our current method of placing judges. For at least three decades, most politicians, lawyers, judges and citizens have agreed that the current system of judicial selection - susceptible to political winds - is outdated and in need of repair. Up to now, there's been a lot of talk but no change. The inertia is particularly regrettable because there are a number of ways, minor and major, that the system could be improved. Straight-ticket voting exacerbates the sweeps. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht have addressed the need to either limit or abandon straight-ticket voting. State Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, has filed legislation to abolish it for all elections. His bill would require voters to make choices in individual races, rather than simply pulling the lever for an entire line-up. As we've said before, passage of this legislation would be a step in the right direction, but change shouldn't stop there. The biggest problem is structural. In November, there were 24 judicial district races on the Harris County ballot alone, not to mention statewide and national races. Our judicial election system was adopted in 1850, when the judicial ballot was short, as pointed out by former Chief Justice Tom Phillips, a long-time advocate for judicial election reform, in an opinion piece in the Chronicle written over a decade ago ("Retention elections a sound method of judicial balloting," Page B9, March 6, 2003). Voters can't possibly educate themselves about 48 judicial candidates running for district judge and make an informed choice in each race. Worth exploring is some form of merit appointment and retention elections, which require every judge to run on a nonpartisan "yes" or "no" ballot at the end of each term. Lawmakers also need to lift the bar on judicial experience. Right now, candidates just have to have practiced law four years. That needs to be raised to 10 years. Otherwise, an inexperienced candidate can file in a year like 2016 and get swept into office. Criminal judges have the authority to take away people's freedom. We need the best of the best to hold office, not merely the lucky. The November 2016 election wasn't the first sweep: In 1994, outstanding Democratic judges in Harris County were swept out of office when Republicans led by Newt Gingrich took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Nor will it be the last if the Legislature fails to act. Good judges don't rule arbitrarily. Nor should their political futures be determined by arbitrary events outside of their control. The current system is unjust to those dispensing justice, and needs to change. When Donald Trump hears "San Jacinto" he probably thinks it is a guy he's about to deport. Houstonians have little reason to presume that this native New Yorker who likes his steaks well-done with a side of ketchup has anything in common with the hardworking folks who transform our city from a bayou burg into a hub of commerce and industry. And today, as Texas celebrates our independence from the egomaniacal dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, we have to wonder if our state has ever had to deal with a politician so far out of touch with the reality of Houston. Our city runs on free trade, oil and gas, and low-cost labor. No mistake that business boosters like the Greater Houston Partnership have spent a decade advocating for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and comprehensive immigration reform. Things in Houston aren't perfect. Far too many residents live paycheck to paycheck. The next generation isn't getting the education and skills they need to lead. But now we have to deal with a president who sees Houston's boons as a threat. It is like a doctor who misdiagnoses a cold for cancer and recommends a full slate of chemotherapy. The radioactive solution of a border tax, import tariffs and immigrant roundups, which Trump discussed in his speech to Congress this week, will weaken the economic fundamentals of our Gulf Coast port city. A proposed border tax or tariff risks recession for the Port of Houston's multi-billion-dollar import-export business. Texas may have declared independence 181 years ago, but our economy is still tightly wound up with Mexico. China - Trump's scapegoat for lost manufacturing - sits in second place, behind our southern neighbor, as the Port of Houston's top trading partner. Those supposedly "job killing" trade deals have attracted billions in business to our region. While Trump lambastes regulations for hurting coal, he's touting trade regulations that will hurt the import of crude and export of natural gas. Meanwhile, anti-immigration rhetoric and enforcement has the construction industry worried about a labor crisis in an already tight market. Houston's reputation for affordable housing will take a hit if construction costs skyrocket. A similar shock will hit Texas families as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expands its reach beyond dangerous criminals and starts deporting the mothers and fathers who run Houston households. Lupe de Leon, who Chronicle reporter Dylan Baddour wrote about last week, is one of those fathers. He made a career as an undocumented laborer in Texas. Now he's a business owner preparing to send his daughter to college. That's the sort of person who makes Houston great. And the sort of person Trump wants to deport. The Houston Police Department already has to deal with the problem of witnesses who don't want to talk with law enforcement for fear of deportation. Continuing to promote that fear will not make Houston safer. And at the Texas Medical Center, world-famous scientists like Dr. Peter Hotez are warning that Trump's budget cuts to research funding will cause us to lose a generation of young scientists. New visa restrictions threaten to create barriers for the foreign doctors and researchers who labor in our hospital and university labs even if research funding remains stable. During the next four years, our local leaders have to remember that the interests of a booming Houston do not always align with the demands coming out of a failing rust belt. Business executives, civic organizations and politicians of all stripes must resist the sort of federal policies that take an axe to the pillars of Houston's economy and society. Teleprompter rhetoric will not salve the inevitable harm that Trump will bring upon our city if he's given free rein. We invite Trump to extend his next Houston visit beyond the usual fundraiser and rally. Talk to our residents. Meet with our businesses. Skip Mar-a-Lago for the weekend and come see the reality of Houston. We'll even serve up a side of ketchup with your well-done steak. Actions speak Regarding "A different tone" (Page A14, Wednesday), there is no question that the speech President Donald Trump gave to a joint session of the U.S. Congress struck a more positive tone. However, let's not get too far ahead of the facts. First, the comments he has repeatedly made over the last couple of years and arguably before that period cannot be erased. Also, words are cheap. Trump has consistently been loose with the facts, and his proposed budget has many economist scratching their heads as to how this will be paid. Basing a budget on "projected" improvement in the economic situation is akin to buying a house based on what we think might be our income in a few years. Building a wall that will cost billions of dollars is ridiculous and is going to cost a lot more than any numbers he, his followers, or detractors have thrown out there. Yes, we can give him credit for the tone of a speech he should have made months ago, but it doesn't mean a thing until we see what Trump and his Republican-controlled Congress can deliver. George Calage, Stafford Sorry response Regarding "Ex-governor says Trump 'eroding our democracy'" (Page A10, Wednesday), the Democratic Party response to President Trump's congressional address was very telling. First they selected former Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, an out-of-office Democrat, who would not need to worry about losing his next election due to his pre-scripted negative harangue that all things Trump are evil. Second. Well, there is no second as Beshear never once responded to Trump's address in this so-called Democratic Party response. This Kentucky ex-governor was ineligible to run for re-election in 2015 due to term limits and was succeeded by a Republican, while his state voted by a large margin for Trump. And it is clear he and his party still do not know why or do not care why. Larry Volkening, Houston In his first address to Congress on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump once more painted a bleak picture of a country besieged by crime, drugs and terrorism. The unexpectedly positive tone he used shouldn't obscure the falsehoods at the heart of his rhetoric. Drugs "pour in at a now unprecedented rate" across our borders, the president said, and "criminal cartels have spread across our nation." Trump pledged to stop the country's "terrible drug epidemic," return order to our "neglected inner cities" and address "an environment of lawless chaos." Despite Trump's bluster, though, crime in the United States actually remains at or near historic lows. The president continues to dish out alternative facts on crime to justify a reactionary agenda. From a wall along the border with Mexico, to a revised "travel ban" on Muslims, to a likely crackdown on drug users, Trump needs to distort the truth to feed these policies to the American people. For a sitting president to stand in front of Congress, and the country, and misrepresent the dangers facing us should be cause for alarm. Indeed, it's rare for a president to make the state of the union sound worse than it is. But it's not unprecedented: Richard Nixon framed his 1968 presidential campaign around a promise to return "order" to the United States. In Trump's inaugural address, he famously invoked "American carnage." He falsely told a group of sheriffs in February that the homicide rate is "the highest it's been in 47 years." (Trump did use the correct statistic Tuesday night at least, noting that "the murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.") On Tuesday morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions echoed Trump's language about drugs flooding across the border and bringing violence. "My worry," he said, "is that this is not a 'blip' or an anomaly, but the start of a dangerous new trend that could reverse the hard-won gains of the past four decades - gains that made America a safer and more prosperous place." And later, Trump strained to trace rising crime to immigration, terrorism and national security. He promised to deliver on his signature campaign promise - a border wall with Mexico - as well as locking out terrorists and restoring order to the nation. What we heard doesn't square with reality. Nationally, crime remains at the bottom of a 25-year downtrend, half of what it was at its peak in 1991. Last year, rates of overall crime fell for the 14th year in a row. It's true that homicides increased in some cities in 2016, as Trump stated. He spoke about Chicago, saying "more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone - and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher." But here's what he didn't mention: Chicago is an extreme outlier. In 2015 and 2016, increases in the homicide rate were highly concentrated in a few cities. Last year, Chicago alone accounted for almost half of the total urban increase in killings. The national homicide rate remains at about 2009 levels - at nearly half of the 1991 peak. The president's attempt to connect immigration to rising crime is also dishonest. Research has consistently demonstrated that immigrants, regardless of their country of origin, are less likely to commit violent crimes than American-born citizens. Other presidents have preyed on Americans' darkest fears. "If there is one area where the word 'war' is appropriate, it is in the fight against crime," Nixon warned in his 1970 State of the Union address. "We must declare and win the war against the criminal elements, which increasingly threaten our cities, our homes, and our lives." Even President Bill Clinton used his 1994 State of the Union address to make a case for his famous crime bill, now a source of controversy, saying that "violent crime and the fear it provokes are crippling our society, limiting personal freedom, and fraying the ties that bind us." But Trump is the first president to manufacture a cause for panic out of an aberration.Fear sells. The public generally thinks that crime is higher than it actually is, making it easy for the president to convince people to support a controversial, overbroad agenda. But bad facts make for bad policy. In fact, Trump's commitment to alt-facts on crime distracts us from true threats, risking an increase in crime in the process. In Chicago, for example, homicides increased by 50 percent last year. Theories include more gang violence, fewer police officers on the streets and long-simmering economic malaise. Trump said he would "send in the feds" to help fix the problem. But he has yet to respond to repeated requests from Chicago police officials, asking for training, money and federal officers to stem rising violence. And although some communities are struggling with an opioid crisis, a renewed drug war won't break the cycle of addiction and crime - it will only send more low-level drug users to prison without any help or treatment. Flashy proposals such as walls and travel bans may play well at rallies, and overwrought rhetoric about crime certainly grabs headlines. But the real work of "making America safe again" calls for a little less bombast, and a lot more focused action. Chettiar is director of the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. Grawert is the John L. Neu justice counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. The Washington Post A Lotte supermarket in Hangzhou, March 1, 2017. South Korea's Lotte brand is on track to suffer a major loss of customers in China after the company decides to support THAAD deployment despite China's strong opposition. Lotte signed a deal with the South Korean military on Feb. 28 to transfer ownership of its Skyhill Country Club property in Seongju, thus enabling the deployment of U.S. missile defense system THAAD, which China has called a threat to its national security and repeatedly opposed. Boycotts against Lotte supermarkets have been staged around China since the company's intention to back THAAD was made public. People protest in front of a Lotte supermarket in Jilin on Feb. 26, 2017, holding a banner that reads "Lotte supports THAAD, get out of China." "I think relevant parties know full well the opposition of the Chinese people to the deployment of THAAD. I believe they have noted the voice of the Chinese people in recent days," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in response to questions about the boycott. "As for the attitude of the Chinese government, we have stated repeatedly that China welcomes foreign companies to make investments and do business in China; China respects and protects their lawful rights and interests. At the same time, we want to emphasize that companies operating in China must comply with laws and regulations," added Geng at a press conference on Feb. 28. A Lotte store in Shenyang, Feb 28, 2017. Lotte, South Korea's fifth-largest family-controlled conglomerate, entered the Chinese market in 1994. It currently has about 60 billion RMB of investments in China, including more than 120 stores. The boycott of Lotte is just one of many protests against South Korean businesses and products in China, as tensions between the two countries grow. The Texas House on Wednesday passed two major bills reforming the states child protection rules, but not before the chamber erupted into a bitter and personal feud over whether people living in the country illegally should be able to access state money if they care for an abused or neglected child. Rep. Mark Keough, a Republican from The Woodlands, proposed an amendment to House Bill 4 that would allow the Department to Family and Protective Services to give money to designated caregivers only if they are U.S. citizens. Here we are starting off a program right off the bat and paying monies to somebody who is not a documented citizen, Keough said. I have a hard time with that. How in the world do we even know they are family members? Keough argued that the bills criminal and civil penalties nod to the possibility that some will use the program to receive state money when they are not a childs caregiver. Theres potential that a person could say that theyre a parent, brother, or sister when in reality theyre not, he said. OK, well, you say you are, but lets find out. Well, you cant find out because theyre undocumented. It was clear nobody knew Keoughs amendment was coming. He had not discussed it with the bills author, Rep. Cindy Burkett of Garland, and had not broached the topic in several work groups with other legislators who spent the interim investigating the issue. However, those legislative formalities did not matter much when the debate started. The amendment drew a sharp rebuke from Democrats, who questioned whether Keoughs intent was to attach what they called an anti-immigrant amendment to a bill meant to help abused and neglected children. Youre trying to conflate children who are in desperate need with lawbreakers, and that to me is very offensive, said Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Democrat from Dallas. When we got up this morning we thought we were going to talk about how were going to protect kids, because this Legislature has failed kids. Several times, Anchia called the bill racist and politically motivated. A lot of people on this floor feel like they need a brown vote, he said, referring to the tough-on-immigrant campaign literature he has seen in Republican primaries. One Democrat, Houston Rep. Gene Wu, offered a tweak to Keoughs amendment by requiring those who receive state money to sign a sworn affidavit attesting to their household income. Wus decision to sponsor such an amendment earned him the ire of his Democratic colleagues. Are you asking us to amend a bill that is already hateful to many people in this state? said Rep. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio. Its disturbing that you would seek to amend something racist in nature. Well, I dont think you find middle ground to hatred. Wu did not respond to the charge, and his amendment passed 79 to 62. Rep. Byron Cook of Corsicana was the only Republican who came to Democrats defense, arguing that Keoughs provision probably would not survive a court challenge and lamenting the course the debate had taken. I dont think this holds up and in the meantime, we have kids we could take care of properly and were saying we cant do that, Cook said. What has happened to us? This is the first big bill and this is who were going to start? We can do better. Cook likely wasnt the only Republican who thought this. He got applause from many in the chamber after his remarks. After a long deliberation with the Speaker and other members, Keough withdrew his amendment, allowing House Bill 4 to pass 145-0. On a day when the House wanted to show its political muscle and its unity in halting child deaths in the system a factional scuffle broke out that brought the chamber to a standstill. Were used to seeing that during every legislation session, but not this early and definitely not on a bill of this magnitude. Were just getting started. 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. Malaysia's attorney general said on Thursday that a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, who was arrested as a suspect following the airport killing, will be released and deported. Ri Jong Chol, the 47-year-old DPRK man who worked at a local anti-cancer drug company in Malaysia, was arrested by the police on Feb. 17 for suspected involvement in the airport case, in which a DPRK man with the passport name of "Kim Chol" was poisoned with lethal VX nerve agent. Ri was remanded for two weeks in police custody. The remand will expire on Friday. Malaysia's Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali did not elaborate on the reasons of the release, but local media said it was due to a lack of evidence. During the investigation, the police did not reveal the connections between him and four other suspects believed to have fled the country. On Wednesday, the two female suspects who carried out the attack, one from Indonesia and one Vietnamese, were charged with murder. If convicted, the two will face death sentence. Harassment is unacceptable in any setting. I certainly want everyone to know that I do not condone and have not committed such behavior, Singhal told Recode. In my 20-year career, Ive never been accused of anything like this before and the decision to leave Google was my own. Singhal led Google's search division and left the firm in 2016 after 15 years, Reuters reported. He announced his plan to join Uber in January, saying he would work closely with Kalanick on the company's self-driving car program. SInghals resignation comes as Uber is investigating claims of sexual harassment within its own organisation. In a blog post published on February 19, former software engineer Susan Fowler claimed she was propositioned by her manager, and that human resources failed to do enough to address the incident. In another of Fowlers allegations, managers said the company wouldnt order leather jackets for female employees "because there were not enough women in the organisation to justify placing an order." The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications on Thursday underscored building a clean online and offline environment for social harmony. The office announced it will launch more campaigns in 2017 to crack down on piracy and online pornography to ensure the healthy development of children and young people. Issues in live-streaming video, instant chat services and pop-up ads will be dealt with, said the office. The office also urged early detection and punishment for illegal academic journals as well as blackmail by fake journalists. In 2016, Chinese law enforcement confiscated over 16 million illegal publications and banned more than 14,000 websites disseminating harmful information. Its become a trend: With oil prices in the doldrums for a third straight year, large international energy companies are cutting back on or backing out of oilsands projects. Many say oil prices are just too low to make new projects worthwhile. A report from IHS Markit last fall estimated that, to be economical, new operations require oil prices at US$85 to US$95 per barrel for oilsands mines, and $55 to $65 for steam-assisted gravity drainage operations. Advertisement Bank of America Merrill Lynch recently predicted oil prices will trade in the US$50 to US$70 range until at least 2022. The price of Western Canadian Select oil closed at just below US$40 on Thursday. The result, some experts say, is that a lot more of Albertas oil will stay in the ground a key goal of climate activists. Here are five multinationals that are paring back or eliminating their involvement in the oilsands. Royal Dutch Shell: No new projects Shell is the latest company to back away from the oilsands, saying its existing operations are a cash cow, but new projects are a no go. Advertisement We are unlikely to develop new oil-sands projects, CEO Ben Van Beurden told Bloomberg last month. There are no plans for growth capital to be invested in oil sands. Thats bad news for hiring prospects in Alberta. Statoil: Goodbye, oilsands (hello, Newfoundland?) Norways state-run energy company is the worlds 11th-largest oil producer, and it has exited the oilsands completely, selling its assets earlier this year to Athabasca Oil. The company is now eyeing entering Newfoundlands offshore oil play. It plans to drill two exploratory wells 500 km off the coast of Newfoundland this summer. ExxonMobil: Technically, the oil isnt there Advertisement ExxonMobil last month wrote off all 3.3 billion barrels of oil it had in the ground in an oilsands project, because that oil is no longer profitable to extract. Under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules, which ExxonMobil has to follow, a proven reserve of oil includes only that oil which can be extracted economically. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently said he still sees potential in the oilsands, if the costs of production can be brought down. (Many producers are doing exactly that.) Still, if others follow suit in writing down their reserves, Canadas stash of oil could shrink dramatically, at least on paper. ConocoPhillips: Temporarily less oil? Advertisement Like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips has made some of its oilsands reserves vanish through a write-down. The company struck off some 1.15 billion barrels of oilsands product from its books earlier this year. But it told investors last month that, if current oil prices hold up, it may be able to bring that 1.15 billion barrels of oil back on to its books. Koch Industries: Blame it on the carbon tax The U.S.s largest privately-held corporation, run by the famously conservative and controversial brothers Charles and David Koch, announced its cancelling its Muskwa oilsands project last December. Koch told Albertas energy regulator that the cancellation is primarily related to economic and regulatory uncertainty. Advertisement More than 30 years since they were last seen in Alberta, two Lethbridge sisters have been located in the United States, said police. Anna and Kym Hakze's mother reported them missing in 2003, after she failed to see or hear from either of them in more than a decade. According to police, the last time a family member recalled seeing the women was in the Edmonton area in the mid-1980s. Advertisement At that time, Anna, 43, was estranged from her family and struggling financially. Despite being on good terms with her relatives, Kym, 29, disappeared with her sister. Police said the sisters were "inseparable." Today, they would be 67 and 53, respectively. The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) issued several pleas for information in the case. In 2015, they posted a rare statement to social media, speaking directly to the women, and urging them to get in touch with authorities if they were still alive. "We understand you may have walked away from your lives and it is not our intention to disrupt them. We only want to confirm that you are OK. We will not disclose your current location to your family or anyone else if you do not wish for them to know. Confirmation of your well-being is all that is needed to close your case," police wrote. Advertisement Police investigated tips over the years, even submitting a family DNA sample during the investigation into serial killer Robert Pickton, and providing the sisters' fingerprints to a U.S. databank for missing and unidentified persons. In 2012, investigators finally got the lead they were looking for, based on a 1984 Vancouver newspaper clipping and a tip from the public identifying two women as the missing sisters. Did not realize they were reported missing In February, U.S. police made contact with Kym, who no longer uses that name. She contacted Lethbridge police to explain that she did not realize she and her sister had been reported missing after their decision to walk away from their lives in Alberta. "After so many years its very unusual for a case like this to end with good news," said Lethbridge police Staff Sgt. Scott Woods, who oversees the criminal investigation section, in a press release. Advertisement "Usually we find ourselves telling a family their loved one has met with some sort of tragedy or more often than not in a case of this age, never being able to provide any answers." "After so many years its very unusual for a case like this to end with good news." "We hope that knowing Anna and Kym are out there provides some sense of closure for this family and we are very pleased to finally have been able to do that." The sisters have requested privacy and police will not release their names or whereabouts. They have provided the sisters with contact information for their living family members. The Hakze family has asked for privacy as well, and will not be issuing a statement. Also on HuffPost: The sun was still shining when Grace Bigazis plane touched down at Calgary International Airport on June 22, 2015. It was after 9 p.m. The 17-year-old stared in bewilderment, then double-checked her watch, wondering if she had set it to the wrong time zone. On the same day, the sun set in Kenya hours earlier at 6:30 p.m. local time. Perhaps insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it was the first of many contrasts Bigazi would strike between her previous life in Congo and Rwanda, and the one she was starting in Canada as a refugee. Advertisement A few hours later, Bigazi, her mom and five siblings were in Red Deer, Alta., a city they learned existed just weeks before. But life as a refugee family wasnt easy. We knew nobody, Bigazi told The Huffington Post Canada. She struggled with being the new girl in her Grade 12 class and adjusting to a new education system. Her mom spoke little English and couldnt find a job. She took her children to appointments and meetings to be her translators. And then there was the $11,400 they owed the federal government. We knew nobody. Three months after the Bigazi family landed, they received a letter from the government saying it was time to start repaying a transportation loan for which they signed up just before coming to Canada. It covered costs for their connecting flights from Kenya to Amsterdam, Calgary and then Red Deer. Advertisement About 94 per cent of government-assisted refugees receive financial support from the government through its Immigration Loans Program (ILP), which helps cover transportation and medical costs. Newcomers must start paying back the loans 30 days after they arrive in Canada although with system delays, the process typically takes a few months. Advocates have urged the government to ease rules surrounding the loans for years, saying theyre too heavy a burden for those already juggling the challenges associated with resettling in a new country. A 2015 evaluation of the loan program by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada suggested several broad adjustments. The report recommended the federal government consider giving refugees more time to settle in Canada before sending the first invoice it pointed out the United States offers a six-month grace period for similar loans. The report also suggested the government re-evaluate the interest charged on the loans to ensure it appropriately considers refugees financial situations. Advertisement No timeline on upcoming changes: spokeswoman In a December 2015 response to the report, Ottawa pledged to develop a comprehensive array of policy options to address challenges with the program by mid-2016. In February, an immigration department spokeswoman said the government is still working on it, but doesnt have a timeline. At this time, we are unable to speculate when further information may be available on possible changes, Jennifer Bourque wrote in an email to HuffPost. Bigazi, who now studies political science at The Kings University in Edmonton, first spoke about her familys hardships in repaying the loan when the school hosted a conference on citizenship and immigration in Canada. Advertisement She focused specifically on young people who put off pursuing higher education in order to work and help pay off the loans. She called it a heartbreaking decision, and one she struggled with too. Bigazis mom works a part-time job retail job at Winners, and puts in a few hours a week assisting health-care workers at a nursing home. Was she going to use the money she was making to pay off the loan, or pay rent, or buy food? Bigazi said, explaining why she felt pressure to get a job instead of pursue studies. The family hands over $158.26 in monthly instalments to the government. Her older sister, who was an adult when the family came to Canada, has her own loan. Its crazy when I think that I have to pay the [transportation] loan. Now Ill also have to pay my student loan. In the summer, Bigazi worked part-time at a grocery store to help her mom pay off the loan money she hoped to save for her education. Its crazy when I think that I have to pay the [transportation] loan. Now Ill also have to pay my student loan, she said. The family has $9,801.17 remaining to pay back the federal government. Bigazi is not alone in her struggle. According to the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), many newcomers put off school, professional training, and language classes in order to pay off the loans. Loans devastating for some refugees The CCR reports 76 per cent of government-assisted refugees use social assistance to meet loan requirements, while cutting back on basic expenses such as housing, food and clothing. It is a real handicap for many [refugees] and for some absolutely devastating, Janet Dench of the Canadian Council of Refugees (CCR) told HuffPost. Advertisement Its something Amer and Mervat Alhendawi have wrestled with ever since they arrived in Canada in May 2015. The Syrian couple could barely speak English, and owed the federal government $7,413.74 in transportation costs, which included flights from Jordan to B.C. Amer shared his story with the Citizenship and Immigration Committee at the House of Commons in May last year. I am getting a welfare benefit of $1,200, Alhendawi told the committee through a translator. If I pay the rent and then I pay the transportation costs, we as a family are left with only with $200. Both Amer and Mervat are currently unemployed, and have five young children. The family now lives in Burnaby, B.C., where Amer is on a waiting list for government-funded English classes. They havent been able to make their monthly loan payment of $102.97 in four months. Advertisement The Alhendawis have a total of six years to pay off the loan, after which the loan will accumulate interest. The amount of time given to refugees to pay off the debt depends on the size of the loan. Refugees that owe more than $4,800 are given six years before interest kicks in, while loans under $1,200 are to be repaid in one year. Loan repayment schedule: Loans equal to, but not exceeding $1,200, within 12 months Loans over $1,200, but not exceeding $2,400, within 24 months Loans over $2,400, but not exceeding $3,600, within 36 months Loans over $3,600, but not exceeding $4,800, within 48 months Loans over $4,800, within 72 months of issuance of the loans Government spokeswoman Natalie Schofield told HuffPost Canada in an email that repayments go back into the program fund and help provide new loans for new refugees coming to Canada. The interest charged on late repayments help cover administrative costs. Advertisement Interest applied to loans varies each year. In 2015, the rate was 1.38 per cent, while last year it was 0.76 per cent. NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan has been pushing the Liberal government to scrap the loan program. Weve been calling on the government to eliminate the loan for everyone, Kwan said. The Vancouver East MP said she raised the issue with previous immigration minister John McCallum numerous times, but he did not commit to any changes. These loans are a huge burden, she said. Refugees that come to this country are faced with extreme hardship, thats why theyre forced to leave their home country, and we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to succeed. Kwan has met some families who only had $50 left at the end of the month, after submitting loan payments, to cover other expenses. Many relied on food banks and other charities to get by. Advertisement Thats just insanity, Kwan said. Thats the reality that they face. These loans are a huge burden. In September 2016, Kwan sponsored a petition urging the government to waive all loans for refugees. It was signed by a little more than 2,000 people. The federal government does provide exemptions and provisions to offset the burden of the loan in some cases. Refugees can request a review of their repayment schedule if they are facing hardship. Those with special circumstances elderly or disabled refugees, single-parents, women at-risk, and large families are more likely to be granted loan deferrals of up to two years. In rare cases, the government waives the loans all together. The Liberal government did so for 25,000 Syrian refugees arriving in Canada between November 2015 and March 2016. The move was lauded internationally, but also criticized by some as preferential treatment. Advertisement Bigazi arrived in Canada just months before the exemptions kicked in for Syrian refugees. She praised the Liberal government for the move, but said it still feels unfair. Wasnt my situation dire enough? she asked. In Canada, you can be hard pressed to find people who will willingly admit they're Nickelback fans but, believe it or not, one Florida man tried to dupe others in thinking he's a member of the band. Lee Howard Koenig wanted so desperately to cash in on the band's fame that he's now accused with stealing the identity of Nickelback's drummer, Daniel Adair. Advertisement According to People Magazine, 45-year-old Koenig was arrested earlier this week in Port St. Lucie after he allegedly attempted to use Adair's identity to purchase nearly $25,000 in drum microphones from an Austrian company. According to an arrest affidavit posted by The Smoking Gun, the case was brought to the band's attention on Jan. 19, after a Nickelback representative noticed a large order of equipment ordered under Adair's name. Adair said although his name was used to place the order, the email, address and other details used were not his. Advertisement He combed the Internet for more information, and eventually came across Koenig, who is also a drummer albeit not as famous as Adair. Detective Paul Griffith told the TCPalm that through amateur Internet sleuthing, Adair found out that Koenig's "drum set was the same configuration as his. Koenig is facing two felony-fraud related counts. On Wednesday, Vogue Arabia revealed its first print issue featuring one of the world's most recognizable models on the cover: Gigi Hadid. For those who don't know, the 21-year-old is half Dutch and half Palestinian, making her, as Vogue Arabia editor in chief Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz says, the best "face" to front the glossy's premiere issue. Advertisement On the mag's website, Abdulaziz notes, "The collage of countries across the Arab world are long-deserving of a place in fashion history and there's no better first 'face' to lead the charge for Vogue Arabia than Gigi, a model who defines tomorrow's entrepreneurial and dynamic generation." We present the first cover of Vogue Arabia photographed by @InezandVinoodh featuring Model of the Year @GigiHadid. Find out more via the link in our bio. #VogueArabiaIsMe . . #___ A post shared by Vogue Arabia (@voguearabia) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:01am PST The black-and-white cover, shot by agency Inez and Vinoodh and styled by Brandon Maxwell, shows Hadid wearing a jewelled veil (with a cut-out hole for her eye), a gorgeous bracelet and the smokiest of eyes. In fact, there are two covers one in which Hadid's face is mostly covered, while the other shows her pout. Advertisement Although the cover is stunning, not everyone is happy with the fact that Vogue Arabia put a white model instead of an Arab model on its inaugural print issue, despite the fact that Hadid is half Palestinian. We present the first cover of Vogue Arabia photographed by @InezandVinoodh featuring Model of the Year @GigiHadid. Find out more via the link in our bio. #VogueArabiaIsMe . . #___ A post shared by Vogue Arabia (@voguearabia) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:05am PST One commentator wrote on Vogue Arabia's Instagram page, "Middle Eastern influencers deserve at least some recognition. This would have been the perfect platform for them." Another wrote, "Couldn't find a proud Arab for the cover?" While another Instagram user wrote, "[Gigi] only mention her Arab side to escape the cultural appropriation or when it benefits her lol." Vogue Arabia also faced criticism for its cover on Twitter. @VogueArabia there are so many more other Arabian models who could've done this bruh she's so overrated it's sad my lonely thoughts (@MeConfessing) March 1, 2017 Advertisement @VogueArabia you never thought of having an Arabian model for you first cover... tragic celina (@petitemoll) March 1, 2017 @VogueArabia since you're starting with an awful choice here's some better options for your next covers pic.twitter.com/R50wWZKmWB jawdat (@chaosxthecalm) March 1, 2017 @VogueArabia@inezandvinoodh@GiGiHadid what about the Arab models who actually know what its like to be an Arab in todays day and age Raheema (@raaaaaaaaaayyy) March 2, 2017 Advertisement But others thought Gigi was the perfect choice for the cover. @VogueArabia@inezandvinoodh@GiGiHadid being half Palestinian,she's the best choice for this cover. This is one of the most stunning cover. Zara (@Iam_Zaraz) March 1, 2017 @VogueArabia definitely deserved that cover! Especially that she's half palestinian. So proud of her . Jasmyn (@GigiTheMalik) March 1, 2017 However, not everyone thought that Hadid being half Palestinian made her deserving of the cover. @trustednobody@petitemoll@VogueArabia she doesn't claim her Palestinian heritage unless she can benefit from it. bye. (@NIGGASINPARlS) March 1, 2017 Gigi however, was more than thrilled with her Vogue Arabia cover, posting on Instagram that she felt honoured to be the mag's first cover star. Advertisement "I think the beautiful thing about there being international Vogue's is that, as a fashion community, we are able to celebrate, and share with the world, different cultures," Hadid wrote. "Being half-Palestinian, it means the world to me to be on the first-ever cover(s) of @voguearabia, and I hope that this magazine will show another layer of the fashion industry's desire to continue to accept, celebrate, and incorporate all people & customs and make everyone feel like they have fashion images and moments they can relate to... & learn and grow in doing so. Thank you @deenathe1st for your vision and for having me on this cover... by the incredible @inezandvinoodh - so much love." For any pregnant woman who is worried about getting pregnant again while expecting, you should know the chances are extremely rare. So rare, the The New York Times reports, that only a few human cases have been documented. Called superfetation, this phenomenon occurs when a woman continues to ovulate after becoming pregnant, Time notes. Advertisement "[The] fertilized egg is able to implant itself in the lining of the womb two things that wouldn't happen in a normal pregnancy. Typically, hormonal changes prevent further ovulation and thicken the lining of the uterus to preclude a second embryo from attaching," the magazine adds. Each fetus can also have a separate amniotic sac and be born within weeks apart. In 2009, a 31-year-old Arkansas woman named Julia Grovenburg experienced superfetation firsthand and delivered two healthy babies born two-and-a-half weeks apart, ABC news reports. Advertisement "When [Grovenburg] had her ultrasound initially, they saw one sack, one baby developing, and that baby had a certain gestational age; then they noticed a second heartbeat in a child that was much, much younger developmentally," Dr. Karen Boyle of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center told ABC News. "There is no prevalence or incidence in the literature. I could only find about 10 reported cases." Kate Hill. And last year, an Australian woman gave birth to twins 10 days apart. Kate Hill had unprotected sex with her husband Peter once, but still managed to conceive twins at two different times. We actually did not realize how special [superfetation] was until they were born, Hill told Australias Today Tonight. What makes this case even more rare, is that my husband and I only had intercourse one time, she added. His sperm stayed alive for 10 days to fertilize the second egg released. Advertisement Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is headed to Texas next week to address what has been dubbed the Davos of the energy industry. Trudeau said in a release Thursday that he will deliver a keynote speech March 9 at CERAWeek in Houston, an influential gathering of international oil and gas executives and decision makers. Advertisement His speech will apparently touch on how Canada has linked resource development with environmental leadership and renewable energy innovation. The release says he will also receive an award recognizing his commitment to sustainability in energy and the environment. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Natural Resources Minister James Carr are also listed as speakers. The worlds markets are becoming increasingly integrated, and global demand for clean technology and renewable energy is growing quickly, Trudeau said in a statement. We need to work together to drive energy innovation that will meet the worlds future energy needs and create good, middle class jobs today. This is about making our economy more competitive and leaving our kids a cleaner environment. PM trumpets pipelines in Alberta The announcement comes a day after Trudeau trumpeted how his government approved the controversial Kinder Morgan and Line 3 pipeline projects last November. While stumping for Liberal byelection candidates in Calgary, Trudeau charged that the previous Conservative government talked a big game about the oilsands but werent able to get a pipeline built to any ports. Advertisement Thats not spin. Thats not a political argument, he said. Those are facts and everyone here in Alberta knows that. Story continues after slideshow: Vancouver Kinder Morgan Pipeline Protests See Gallery But a quick facts section of Trudeaus release does give Tories some credit by pointing out that Canada has spent $45 billion on renewable energy over the past five years, which would include the time Conservatives were in power. It also notes a preferred Tory talking point when it comes to the last governments approach to tackling climate change. Between 2005 and 2014, Canadas greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector decreased 2.1. per cent while Gross Domestic Product grew by 9.6 per cent, the release reads. Tory MPs have often cited those statistics to make the point that they were able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing the economy. Liberals have long argued that emissions went down during that time because of the economic crisis and Ontarios decision to phase out coal-fired plants. Advertisement In question period last month, Ontario Tory MP John Nater tried to sound off about the last governments successes while criticizing Liberal plans to phase in a national price on carbon. Under our government, CO2 emissions actually went down, Nater said. Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said she felt compelled to explain why emissions went down under the last government. It was nothing to do with the Conservatives. It was because the Liberal government in Ontario closed coal-fired plants and also because the economy was not doing well, McKenna said. The fun never ends for one B.C. farmer. Marko Kardum, who lives in Central Saanich on Vancouver Island, made headlines last month when he was pulled over by police and escorted home after trying to clear the roads with a Zamboni. Now hes been recognized by the province. Saanich North and the Islands MLA Gary Holman introduced Kardum to the B.C. legislature Wednesday, honouring him for finding a creative way to help his neighbours after a heavy snowfall. Advertisement I know that most of us in this House probably own a Zamboni, but not many of us have volunteered to help out our road crews, Holman said Wednesday afternoon. Its unclear whether he was joking about most members owning Zambonis. Mr. Kardum represents the spirit of community volunteerism in the most Canadian [of] ways possible. Holman also applauded Kardums energy-efficient vehicle choice. "And I'm sure that the emission controls on the Zamboni meet current standards." The farmer told The Huffington Post Canada that he was surprised and honoured to be invited to the legislature. Advertisement "I didn't think it'd go that far," he said. Members applauded him after he was introduced, which he said "put a smile on his face." "I'm proud that I stepped up and helped the community out." The new Chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission, Guo Shuqing [Photo: CGTN] The new Chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission, Guo Shuqing, said that China's systematic risks in the banking sector and financial industry are controllable, and promised to properly deal with debt-to-equity swaps to tackle high corporate debt. Guo made the remarks during his first press conference on Thursday after replacing 65-year-old Shang Fulin earlier this week as the head of the official body. "Corporate leverage should be reduced. Now debt-to-equity swaps have used more than 40 billion yuan (5.81 billion US dollars), and we are going to introduce more policy support and risk monitoring to push for more new results of debt-to-equity swaps," he said. Guo said that China plans to improve transparency, shorten companies' financing chain and lower their financing costs. Vice Chairman Wang Zhaoxing also said that the banking regulatory body encourages banking assets and debts to be diversified, in an attempt not to concentrate the risks. "Credit and loans should be ensured to enter the real economy," he said. Reporters await for the press conference on the banking sector in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo: SCIO] The former governor of Shandong Province succeeded Shang Fulin after the latter reached retirement age. His appointment was highly anticipated as he is believed to have what it takes to lead China's banking sector into better times, considering his previous occupations as director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. He was once vice governor of the People's Bank of China, chairman of China Construction Bank, and chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission. Guo led a host of market-oriented reforms during his tenure as chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission, including introducing a new policy every week on average in 2012. As the governor of Shangdong Province, he also deepened reforms to improve fiscal transparency, and axed government approvals for certain projects to facilitate business. Six years ago, hundreds of Canadians -- among them, community leaders, environmentalists, and indigenous organizations -- gathered in front of Ottawa's Parliament Hill to push back against the Keystone XL pipeline. The beat of a native drum kept protesters energized. Activists passed around flyers to sign people up for future campaigns. A well-oiled organizers' machine distributed rugs, water, and other items to demonstrators. That day, more than 100 people were arrested attempting to deliver a symbolic message against a proposed pipeline project. Advertisement The fight against the XL pipeline began on the backs of the indigenous people in Canada and rapidly spread to communities along the pipeline route in the United States. The once-obscure energy project became an environmental flashpoint and eventually was put on hold by the Obama administration. The Keystone XL wasn't even supposed to be a highly charged political issue; the pipeline could have been up and running years ago, had continent-wide protesters not taken it on in its infancy. So, when the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) project began just outside of Standing Rock, the foundations of collective action had already been built. The protesters made connections across the continent to reject the outdated outlook on energy. In that story, their struggle offered us clues on how to translate moral courage and cross-border solidarity into political victories. But under the current economic model, growth takes precedence over the preservation of our natural world. And now, Donald Trump threatens to plunge us into climate chaos. His cabinet of billionaires, who are self-described climate deniers, are determined to gut climate regulations, including resurrecting the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. Trump is also expected to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, at a time when the window for action is fast closing. Advertisement Meanwhile, in Canada, the Trudeau government is positioning itself to accommodate Trump's America by gleefully applauding the Keystone pipeline. These projects not only have a range of serious environmental impacts, with the risk of spills and water contamination but also radically undermine the effort to create clean energy security. This is a stark reminder that a genuine political alternative must come from below: grassroots organizations interested in radical reform of environmental and economic policy must take the lead and no longer take a backseat to the established political parties. We must demand accountability, regardless of political affiliation. We cannot succeed if we are tied down to top-down politics that is inherently hostile to protest movements. Trends like these emphasize the importance of disruptive social movements that put power in the hands of local communities: an optimistic vision of politics that draws energy from moral unity rather than fear and division. One that not only resists Trump but unites under a common core to offer a coherent alternative. We're in a transformative political era. Protests like the historic Women's March and the fight against DAPL are inspiring starts. A broad coalition of like-minded people who are organized around a need for a new kind of politics is emerging. Outrage is erupting in town halls across America. Last month, Louisiana saw growing resistance to the Bayou Bridge pipeline, and in Canada, activists shut down pipelines delivering tar sands oil to the U.S. Advertisement For protesters, a breaking point that resembles the beginning of the Tea Party has been reached. Donald Trump won the presidency, but he doesn't have much of a mandate. In fighting him on issues from climate change to his xenophobic immigration policies, a large number of the public views Trump's agenda as unpalatable. But for our collective stirring to succeed, we need to focus our energy and frustration on precise targets. That means we need to narrow down our differences and build transnational coalitions that challenge not only destructive climate policies, but also the root causes of social, economic, and political injustice that paved Trump's path to power. This article was originally published inThe Progressive Army Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook With this St. Patrick's Day falling on a Friday, it pretty much ensures that the festivities will be in full swing with most revellers not having to worry about work the next day. This is a good thing, considering how difficult it can be to wash out green dye in less than 24 hours. But "green and drunk" doesn't need to be the only theme of the night, and these great Toronto locations new and old prove it. Let's celebrate the absence of snakes in Ireland, or something! The Shameful Tiki Room The Queen St. West extension of a popular Vancouver venue may not look Irish at first glance, but it's got colourful (and strong) cocktails, a fun atmosphere, and a fog machine that goes off every time someone orders the Volcano (a flaming cocktail for "4 or more" people). Plus, with the Vancouver location celebrating its 4th anniversary from March 16th to March 19th, there might be some matching Toronto celebration by osmosis. Perfect timing! Advertisement Lockheart A suitably U.K.-themed destination for St. Paddy's revelry, this Harry Potter-inspired bar on Dundas West is another fun destination. The Befuddlement (another sharable cocktail) is likely going to live up to its name, given the long list of potent ingredients. Just like the Tiki Room, it's likely to be busy so get there early! The Ballroom Does it count as a theme bar if it's actually a bowling alley? Across John St. from the Scotiabank Cineplex, you're likely to find as many office parties and birthdays at The Ballroom as you are small get-togethers. But if you're looking to watch pins fall down instead of partygoers, this is the place for you. However, serious bowlers need not apply -- they'll likely be in the dim cavern of a proper bowling alley somewhere more out of the way. Let's celebrate the absence of snakes in Ireland, or something! SPiN Although beer pong is a classic for a reason, this King St. West spot is for ping pong purists. Still, if you're the esoteric 'I take my beer and my pong separately' type, SPiN has 12 tables and a ton of space to enjoy your festivities. I guess just pretend the balls are snake eggs? I keep getting this holiday confused with Whacking Day. No matter where you find yourself this March 17, just remember to play it safe. When it's time to go home, call an Uber, a cab, or take the good old TTC -- even walking can be dangerous for partygoers who've had too much. My personal trick is to leave a couple of beers at home for when that "need-one-more" itch sets in, so I don't find myself one too deep and far from home. Advertisement What's your favourite place to go on the greenest holiday there is? Do you love St. Paddy's or hate the alcohol-fuelled chaos that awaits the city this month? Let me know in the comments below! For many, it seems U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment is not only probable, but it is inevitable. The notion of Trump fulfilling his term as president is seemingly incomprehensible to some, which means the thought of a second term is even more baffling. There is so much wishful thinking in the minds of many who oppose Trump. Some feel like impeachment is just around the corner. And if is not currently, then Trump will do something so reprehensible that the Republican Party will realize the folly of their ways and move forward with an impeachment process. This is not going to happen as long as the Republicans control Congress. Advertisement Trump's unpopularity and low approval ratings are constantly brought up as a self-evident explanation for why impeachment makes sense. The only problem is that it is not so simple. He was arguably the most unpopular presidential candidate in recent history. He then became the least-popular nominee for a major party in the modern era. The trend has, quite predictably, continued. His pre-inauguration favourable rating was 40 per cent, which was about half of Obama's (78 per cent), as well as lower than both W. Bush's (62 per cent) and Clinton's (66 per cent), according to Gallup. The Financial Times recently reported, Trump's record low approval ratings do not tell the full story. As president, Trump's approval rating is 88 per cent among Republicans. Surprisingly, as the Financial Times pointed out, "Trump is polling even better among constituents of his own party than Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush, or Democrat Bill Clinton, were polling in the February after their inauguration." This does not bode well for the anti-Trump crowd hoping Republican voters will be the ones to turn on Trump and force the hand of their representatives. While Trump had a press conference that was described by the New Yorker as "surreal," it was hardly out of the ordinary for Trump. This is especially apparent for anyone who watched any of his rallies as candidate. Advertisement More importantly, however, was the executive order that was issued restricting people from seven countries from entering the United States. This immediately set-off a number of protests all over the United States. The constitutionality of the executive order was quickly brought into question and regardless of any legal argument one wants to make either in support or opposition of the travel ban, a hastily implemented, restrictive immigration order signed by Trump was unfortunately not a surprise. After all, a major theme of his entire campaign was to take a radical approach to immigration. And while the executive order itself did not apply to the vast majority of the world's 1.6 million Muslims, we are talking about a president, who as a candidate, advocated for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on." For an idea of how seriously the Republican Congress will handle potential scandals with the Trump White House, one can observe the Republican reaction to the resignation of General Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor. Flynn recently resigned amid reports that he had discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign. This should spark an independent investigation, as there are clearly questions that need to be answered concerning the Trump administration's potential contact with Russia. Advertisement There have been countless times over the campaign and his early presidency where he has been his own worst enemy. However, it seems unlikely an independent investigation will take place as a result of the reluctance of many Republicans. Even prior to Flynn's resignation, it was Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's nomination that represented a test for how seriously the Republicans in Congress are going to treat potential conflicts with Russia. Outside of a lot of "tough talk," Tillerson made it through the process with relative ease, eventually receiving the support of those who were perceived to be the biggest threats to his nomination, Republican Senators Marco Rubio, John McCain and Lindsay Graham. A fine example of what Trump refers to as "all talk, no action." Former W. Bush speechwriter and long-time Republican insider David Frum summed up the difficulty and unlikeliness of a Trump impeachment on Sam Harris' recent podcast perfectly: "These are political decisions. So long as that core base adheres to Trump, so long as Fox News finds it is a better marketing decision to be pumping out pro-Trump messaging than to question him, the party will, however unhappily, hold together. So long as it has a majority in Congress, in both houses of Congress, he will not be removed." It cannot be argued with certainty that Trump will not bring himself down, as there have been countless times over the campaign and his early presidency where he has been his own worst enemy. The quicker Trump's political opponents realize there will not be an easy way to remove him from office and that the Republicans are not inclined to start an impeachment process while they maintain control of Congress, the better positioned they will be for the midterm elections in 2018. So with that said, there is really only one way to remove Trump from office: vote. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: The five things you need to know on Thursday, March 2 1) BREXIT RIGHTS AND WRONGS Within minutes of the House of Lords defeat on unilateral rights to EU citizens post-Brexit last night, Government sources made clear they would seek to overturn it in the Commons. No surprise there, but it was the scale of the majority - 102 - that could embolden some Tory rebel MPs. The ping-pong ball is now not so much in the Governments side of the table, as the Remainers' like Nicky Morgan and others. Advertisement There is likely to be another, possibly bigger, Lords defeat next week on giving Parliament a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal. Yet on that, as on EU citizens, there is zero chance of it being written into the face of the EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, Im told. As former Treasury perm sec Lord Macpherson put it last night: A pleasure to vote with Viscount Hailsham [the former Tory MP who backed the EU nationals amendment] tonight. But to use his dad's term, the 'elective dictatorship' gives me few grounds for optimism. Shadow Lords leader Baroness Smith was on the Good Morning Britain sofa defending the Lords constitutional role to make the Commons think again. But she makes clear peers wont block the Brexit bill and ministers know her most significant statement in recent weeks was that she would not support extended ping pong. So we get a weeks delay and Wednesday March 15 is pencilled in as the date for triggering Article 50 and the formal start of the Brexit process. Perfect for PMQs that day. There were some fine speeches in the Lords yesterday, from Hailshams (for) to Michael Howards and John Sentamus (against). Norman Tebbit dropped the f-bomb (he called EU citizens in the UK foreigners) But heres one footnote: Jeffrey Archer rocked up to vote with the Government. Meanwhile, Theresa May could be forgiven for wondering why Sir John Major and David Cameron had lunch together on Tuesday, the day after his withering Brexit speech attack on her. The Sun reports that Dave will take up an unpaid role at Oxford Universitys Blavatnik School of Government, chairing a commission on war-torn states. So far, he has no plans to oversee an academic commission on a Brexit-torn country. Advertisement 2) LOOK LEFT Speaking after PMQs yesterday, a Labour source conceded the blindingly obvious point that if the polls stay as they are, the party is not going to win a general election. He swiftly predicted the polls would indeed turn around. Shadow Lords leader Angela Smith told 5 Live that Jez allies such as Diane Abbott have given him a year to do so, but added: If not, (let's) look at what's going to happen next. One senior Labour MP told me yesterday that if the polls hadnt turned by 2019, then backbenchers facing the loss of safe seats would have nothing to lose" from trying another leadership challenge. Its no wonder John McDonnells talk of a soft coup, although accompanied by some outlandish social media action, resonates with many of Corbyns supporters. There was bad news for the Corbynsceptics yesterday as Len McCluskey won a huge number of Unite branch nominations compared to challenger Gerard Coyne (though there is a health warning, that nominations dont always mean votes, and some suggest some new branches were holding their first ever meetings). McCluskey famously told the Press Gallery in 2014 that if Ed Miliband couldnt turn Labour into a proper anti-cuts party, he could back a new Workers Party under PR. We report today that Jon Cruddas suggests John McDonnell may share that thinking. And some audio clips have emerged of McDonnell telling a Marxism conference in 2011: Ive no fetish about the Labour party, but at the moment there is still that connection with the working class, and they still keep voting for it. If we can reclaim the Labour Party, fine. If we cant, well then we need to look at a new organisational form that comes out of struggle, not just intellectual debate. McDonnell also said Labour MPs should be targeted by anti-cuts protestors as much as Tories: I want to be in a situation where Tory MPs or Labour MPs, wherever they go, its fucking kicking off. Things kicked off after PMQs, when Corbyn held his weekly meeting with the Parliamentary Committee, and they repeatedly asked him why hed not attended the PLP on Monday. Halifax MP Holly Lynch showed him a cutting from the Observer predicting her seat could fall to the Tories, and said: Thats you, isnt it? Im told he side-stepped the question. Advertisement 3) INDY DEEP END Theresa May yesterday infuriated the SNPs Angus Robertson in PMQs when she refused to commit to handing over all EU powers over fishing and agriculture to the Scottish Parliament after Brexit. Far, from offering more devolution, she appears to be set on a power grab for London, the SNP says. In the Times Scotland edition, Ruth Davidson fuelled the speculation by saying there should be a mature debate over who hands out the cash. The mantra take back control looks to some Scots like take back control to London. It could be that May is simply reflecting the Tory grassroots view that devolution has gone too far. Today, ahead of the Scottish Conservatives conference tomorrow, HuffPost UK and ConservativeHome have published the results of a new poll on just how Tory activists think about Scots independence, and it makes interesting reading indeed. The most striking finding in the study - by Winchester Universitys Centre for English Identity and Politics - is that 29% of Conservative grassroots members would actually welcome Scots independence because it would end unreasonable demands on England to provide ever greater financial and political concessions. Fewer than a third think independence would cause serious damage to the rest of the UK, two thirds seem more sanguine. It seems the overall view is: no more Vows, and if Scots want a break-away, so be it. Winchester Unis John Denham tells me the Conservative and Unionist party seems to be morphing into an English National Conservative Party. ConHomes Paul Goodman is less gloomy, but think the results should make May sit up and take notice. BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR Watch the exchange that could force the resignation and perjury charges against Trumps new Attorney General Jeff Sessions. It now turns out he met the Russian ambassador twice. Advertisement 4) COPS AND BOTHERS When Theresa May was Home Secretary she would constantly argue that shed shown that public services could do more for less. Sceptics (including fellow Cabinet ministers) felt she was simply exploiting the fall in crime that normally accompanies a full-employment economy, to make risky cuts. Todays report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary gives both May and her critics food for thought. It says police forces are putting the public at an unacceptable risk by rationing their response as they struggle with cutbacks. Neighbourhood policing is being eroded by stealth and domestic violence downgraded in some areas. Lead inspector Zoe Billingham says: I'm raising a red flag to warn forces of the consequences of what is, to all intents and purposes, an unconscious form of rationing." Billingham said the failings were "not simply about money" because there was a huge variation in results across different forces. That will please the PM. But on the other hand the National Police Chiefs' Council said budgets had fallen by 22% in five years - leading to a loss of 32,000 officers and staff - and it's a simple reality that we are required to prioritise more. 5) WELFARE IN A STATE Jeremy Corbyn got his nasty party jibe in at May during PMQs over the personal independence payments row. No10 then appeared to garble its line afterwards, suggesting Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary had been rung on her mobile last Thursday by Damian Green. In fact, Green didnt have her mobile and got her voicemail on Monday. Abrahams hit back that he tried to call her Four days after he sneaked out the statement - and a day after George Freemans pills/anxiety blunder. Im still baffled why May tried to make it look like the DWP hadnt tried to sneak out the statement - it was a written statement, not an oral one, and made late on the day of the double by-election. Advertisement But theres more ammunition for Labour around today, with the IFS saying that welfare cuts will drive nearly a million more children into poverty by 2022. Meanwhile, the NHS care watchdog saying the health service stands on a burning platform, with four out of five NHS trusts needing to improve on patient safety. If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox. Are we living in a post-graduate world? News headlines talk of spiralling debt and poor employment prospects for graduates, but despite looming fee increases the reality is much more optimistic. The recent (quiet) announcement that tuition fees will soon increase to 9250 per year means that the price of a university education is greater than ever. Not only are the new fees eye-wateringly steep, but the cost of living is equally so. The University of Edinburgh currently estimates monthly student expenditure at between 635 and 1,280 per month without tuition costs. With half of 2015 graduates - the first cohort to pay 9000 per year for tuition -asserting that their degree was not worth the fee, it's not surprising that many school-leavers are beginning to question whether a degree is a qualification worth having. After all, it seems positively lemming-like to sign up for a costly university course if it's going to bring you the bleak prospect of debt, menial work, and living with your parents in perpetuity. Advertisement Add to this the well-publicised list of British billionaires who didn't go to university (think Jamie Oliver, Richard Branson, and designer Cath Kidston), and the recipe for career success seems to be no degree, and immediate entry into the job market. Some say it's the way to a happy life, too. In 2014, Kidston's cousin Kirstie Allsopp attracted press attention by encouraging girls to eschew university and aim for the holy trinity of a job, a flat, and early motherhood. For anybody who could get one, a university education used to be a no-brainer. You may be surprised to hear that, even in a strictly economic sense, it still is. For while headlines continue to shout about a dramatic over-supply of under-skilled graduates, research tells a different story. According to a recent report by Charlie Ball, deputy director of research at the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU), graduate unemployment in 2014/15 remained at a relatively low 6%, half the rate for non-graduates. What's more, the figure hasn't exceeded 9% in the last 20 years. This figure could be impacted by the number of CV writing specialists who tailor professional CVs to help recent graduates stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. Advertisement Ball goes on to offer compelling evidence that even in an era of increased access to higher education, demand in many parts of the traditional graduate job market is beginning to outstrip supply. He also raises the important point that ever more graduates are entering the job market, making it tougher for non-graduates to access managerial and professional roles. So, the message to would-be university students is clear: choose your course with care and get the right advice about marketing your skills to employers, and your employment prospects are better than those for your non-graduate counterparts. But what of the legendarily steep levels of debt which now come as standard with every university place? The answer is that calculating your university debt up front can be misleading, because the amount you'll be asked to repay depends on your future earnings. Under the current system, graduates who don't fulfil their earning potential repay very little, and may even be able write off their university debt entirely. Those who enjoy great career success are asked to repay a lot. Financial journalist Martin Lewis refers to this as a 'no win, no fee' education, and begs prospective students not to be put off by the apparently forbidding price tag. Given the graduate unemployment statistics mentioned earlier, it looks as though he's right. Not only is a university degree worth having on your CV in 2017, it's likely to remain so for some time to come. On a pleasant day, on the terrace of my Antigua home, the island of Montserrat nestles majestically on the horizon. Occasionally, you can see the Soufriere Hills volcano (previously considered dormant) spitting out hot molten lava. I know Montserrat well; together with Sir George Martin, we built a state-of-the-art recording studio there. With no real port, and an airport servicing only the smallest planes, it was a logistical nightmare. Nevertheless, we built a studio which became hugely successful and attracted some of the most iconic names in rock and roll. Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and The Police all recorded there, to name but a few. But then, nature struck. First, Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island's infrastructure, before the Soufriere Hills erupted violently only a couple of years later. Just as Vesuvius famously buried Pompeii, an island which once boasted a population of 12,000 now lay beneath piles of volcanic rubble. The only safe haven was a small village called Little Bay on the extreme western tip. Thanks to the efforts of Sir George and Lady Martin, Montserrat has recovered and repopulated with Little Bay as its focal point, growing from a few hundred inhabitants to a population of over 5,000. Advertisement 22 years on, clouds are once again gathering over the island. Montserrat is one of many overseas possessions which requires the support and protection of the British government. The cost of such support has been seized upon by newspapers, convinced that the Department for International Development is frittering away a bloated budget. Montserratians are increasingly concerned that the growing pressure could cause essential funding to disappear overnight. The media has rightly held Whitehall to account for squandering money which many feel could have been put to better use at home. I was among the many millions who were shocked to discover that 350 million from the public purse was wasted on a non-functioning airport on St. Helena, a tremendous feat of bureaucratic incompetence. Not to mention the ritualistic underage sex scandal on the Pitcairn Islands which provoked disgust and outrage across the globe. But there are plenty of overseas territories which continue to rely heavily on our support. Once the gateway to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar could find itself cut out of key trade routes after Britain's exit from the European Union. Though equally a source of British pride, the Falkland Islands have become quite a burden on the British taxpayer. As we near the conclusion of four decades of oil exploration in the region, even discoveries of local oil and gas reserves - given the market's current deflated prices - would not guarantee their future. Anguilla - which was reinstated as a British colony after its rebellion against the rule of the nearby St. Kitts Islands - along with Bermuda, the Cayman and British Virgin Islands, is one of a few overseas territories which can stand on its own two feet. Anguilla's healthy tourist industry and status as a popular tax haven could keep it afloat without the support of future British governments. Advertisement But it is the exception to the rule. So, if the Daily Mail have their way, the vast majority of funding for these far-flung gems could come to an end. To take this course of action would be to abandon hundreds of thousands of people around the world who, understandably, feel as British as we do. This would be a testament of shame to Great Britain. Although hundreds and often thousands of miles apart, these territories are as much a part of this country as the home islands. To abandon them would be to betray our shared national values of generosity, inclusivity and resilience. These territories are the outposts upon which British pride and values are broadcast before the world. About three years ago, I went to my first bottomless brunch in London. I still remember how glorious it was, sitting down with friends at the South Place Hotel and discovering a perfectly legitimate excuse for day drinking. Excited by the economics of fixed prices and unlimited refills for a set period of time, I wanted every day to feel like Sunday morning. Every Bloody Mary to taste like 'I'll be texting you later'. And every soup to actually be vodka. Bloody Marys and brunch to catch-up w/ @alpday @hrichmond92 @andrewxfarrell A post shared by Harry Maxwell (@harry_maxwell) on Mar 5, 2016 at 6:24am PST Advertisement "How could this ever get old?", I thought to myself as friends spilled the most unimaginable secrets. However I'm saddened to say that it has. London, you have ruined brunch and I want you to sit in a corner and think about what you have done. Brunch is no longer a special or exciting occasion. Restaurateurs have been trying to cash in without respecting the art that's involved. Legitimately good brunch offerings have began to fade as management are increasingly less generous on the pour. Bottomless brunch in London is now a mediocre, overpriced experience and it hurts. I genuinely feel a loss for brunch that's greater than the death of Nana Moon in Eastenders. RIP bottomless brunch. So you can imagine my reluctance when a friend recently relocated to the UAE and added brunch to my visiting itinerary. "What's the point, I'm over it now, bottomless whatever," I messaged her on WhatsApp. Advertisement "No, you have to try it!! Brunch is still a thing over here", she insisted. I conceded, but boy am I glad that I said yes! Dubai has opened my eyes to a whole new world of brunch. Starting at the Blue Marlin Abu Dhabi, gone were preconceptions of 90 minute to 2 hour time limits. Now I was basking in three hours (yes, three hours) of unlimited cocktails (yes, cocktails) coupled with countless plates of grilled food and an attendant on the beach (yes, an attendant!). Life in the UAE A post shared by Violeta (@violeta.am) on Oct 30, 2016 at 3:18am PDT And it doesn't stop there. My Middle Eastern brunch experiences warmed up considerably due to 'night brunch' at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi (and the weather!). 'Night brunch' similarly lasts for three hours, but this time it involved a tapas dinner in a bar / lounge with unlimited spirits and mixer until midnight. #nightbrunch A post shared by Harry Maxwell (@harry_maxwell) on Nov 4, 2016 at 6:26am PDT Advertisement It's basically one big massive party as Dubai allows you to brunch in the day and brunch through the night. I wasn't even able to sample to other staples in the UAE brunch scene - Saffron at The Atlantis, Rotisserie at The Ritz-Carlton, and Bubbalicious at The Westin - so I'm actually excited about the brunch-related possibilities once again. Vincenzo Lombardo via Getty Images This week's onstage shenanigans at the Oscars were a complete PR nightmare, from the logistical mistakes of the wrong Best Film envelope ending up in the hands of the two film icons who are Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway to the embarrassment of the wrong portrait appearing in the In Memoriam part of proceedings, as an Australian film producer watched aghast as her picture was attributed to a recently deceased costume designer, also Australian. It is safe to say that all the drama of the night has now given both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards (or the Oscars as we know them!) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) a monumental reputational challenge - a PR headache of gigantic proportions. Advertisement Countless questions are now being asked, not only by the world's media but also internally, and there will now be many teams, both at the Academy and at PwC, working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that this situation will never be repeated. The pressure from the media will feel relentless, particularly in a communications landscape in which the newly elected President has accused the Hollywood film community of being out of touch with ordinary Americans, so politically obsessed that the Academy even allowed these mistakes to happen. But what most of those caught up in all the ensuing drama will not realise at the moment, as they work on issuing statements and co-ordinating interviews under this intense media scrutiny, is that the biggest PR challenge actually lays ahead of them. As the preparations for next year's awards begins, if they haven't started already, there will now be another completely new strand of intense activity. In addition to all the usual event planning, management of the voting process, celebrity liaison, pre-publicity build up, broadcast programming, endless rehearsals etc. etc. there will now be another huge focus of time and resource. This new area of activity will be solely dedicated to communicating very clearly to both the members of the Academy and to all its global audiences including, of course, the media that this scenario will not happen again. It will not be enough just to make one media statement. In this 24/7 media world there will need to be a series of in-depth briefings across all media and social media platforms, from CNN to Facebook and Twitter, with regular succinct explanations and clear rationales, of the new improved approach, along with an outline of who is responsible for what. And of course, all this communications activity will need to be underpinned by a continuing expression of regret for what happened, along with constant reassurances that the same mistakes will never be repeated. Advertisement What is an appropriate way for your teenage daughter to dress? My 13 year old is quite clear that for her age it means not wearing tiny crop tops and refers to those that do as ridiculous and asking for trouble. My son on the other hand likes a girl in a crop top, but thinks at his sister's age it is too young. It's clearly a fine line. Last summer a couple of innocent events and conversations with my kids have brought this issue to the fore and made me think not only about the messages our young girls give off with the way they dress but also about how we as parents manage it. An end of term school trip to France for my daughter highlighted "skimpy dressing" as an issue. The Madame in charge of the trip stipulated at a parents' pre-trip meeting that the girls should not wear any tops resembling a bra or "short shorts" which caused a great deal of mirth amongst some parents as they pointed out that early July in Southern France would almost certainly be hot so shorts would be a good option for the girls surely. Madame, however, was unswerving in her views and drew a line across her own legs to indicate what length of shorts would be acceptable. Not "short shorts" meant to the knee, not above and absolutely no bottoms on display. Advertisement Lucky for me with a pale redhead for a daughter, I spend my life in the lead up to summer seeking clothes that will keep her cool whilst simultaneously cover as much of her skin as possible to avoid sunburn, so I sat there feeling quietly smug that I already had the acceptable shorts nailed and that Madame would be happy. My daughter however returned from the trip with stories of girls that flouted the rules and appeared at breakfast wearing the shortest of crop tops and the shortest of shorts. Each day they were told to change or stay behind, until the last day when maybe worn down by their persistence (we have all been there) they just let them get on with it. On a different note, my son attended a party over the summer at which a girl in his group befriended some boys unknown to them and got herself into a situation my son felt uncomfortable with. As a result, he intervened and took her home in a cab but the post party analysis amongst her girlfriends in particular raised her style of dress as an issue. When we asked our son his view he said "That's what they all wear!" He is right of course, it is the fashion inspired by celebrities to show off your perfect torso.... and really shouldn't indicate anything other than a nod to a trend and a desire to show you look after yourself. Advertisement It is tough for our teenage girls growing up in a technology saturated world which with the endless obsession of posting picture perfect selfies, exposes them to a more mature way of dressing earlier than perhaps than they otherwise would. All teenagers need to be allowed to experiment with clothes and make mistakes in order to develop their own sense of style and individuality, this is a normal part of growing up. However, there need to be certain parameters that also allow for change as they grow and mature. What is appropriate for a 17 yr old is different to a 13 yr old and what one parent thinks is acceptable another will think is tarty and wholly inappropriate. It is a moral minefield but as parents we have a responsibility to reflect on our changing world and set the tone which will guide them. 1001nights via Getty Images As someone who has lived and worked in the Jewish community all my life, and like others, I have become very aware of the ever-widening gulf between Jews and Muslims. There are a number of reasons for this - both internal and external. Advertisement Around a third of Britain's 300,000 Jews live in just five North West London boroughs, with many of the others concentrated in areas of Essex, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. Around 60% of Jewish children attend a Jewish faith school. It wasn't always this way but, over time, our community has become increasingly focussed on a few small areas of the country - leaving vast swathes with few or no Jews at all. Likewise, many Muslims live in areas where the small Jewish population is a tiny minority - if it's there at all. Therefore our two faiths experiences of each other are almost non-existent. We live in either a Jewish or Muslim bubble, where almost everything we know about the other is learned from the press, social media or simply hearsay. Advertisement Of course, we meet those of other religions in the shops, the street or at work - but how many Jewish or Muslim people have real genuine friendships with each other of the kind we have with people of our own faith? Without these friendships, and especially in the current climate, negative press stories and social media memes fuel mistrust in both communities at best, and prejudice and dislike at worst. Add into this toxic mix the inability of our institutions to reach out to each other and you have a recipe for disaster. Most of these Jewish and Muslim communal institutions are predominantly male and both communities have strongly male leadership. So isn't now time to give the women a chance? A year ago, I set up Nisa-Nashim with my now close friend, Julie Siddiqi, a former Executive Director of the Islamic Society of Britain. The idea behind Nisa-Nashim - meaning women in Arabic and Hebrew - was our thought that we could initiate change through the educated, bright, dynamic women in both communities. We wanted people who would knock down walls, rather than build them. Who would create trust in place of suspicion, and hope in place of hate. Who will be able to reach out to their own communities and role model trusting open relationships. Advertisement Whilst the recent The Casey Review, into opportunity and integration, noted the disempowerment and exclusion of minority women, what we see is the quality and dynamism found there too. We also recognised the key element missing from previous so-called interfaith work... friendships. Interfaith in 2017 is often almost a business, a programme of events or activities. We started with a different premise: that it's only when you trust one another - when you can chat on the phone, invite each other to your family celebrations and weep together over the tragedies in our lives and increasingly in the world - that you can really start to initiate change. And once those friendships are formed - we can start to tackle the problems we have. And right now there are plenty of them, from the growth of the far right and fears about the upcoming elections in Europe to the increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime. All of these things harm not only us, but the whole of society. Nisa-Nashim has now grown to establish 16 local groups around the UK based on (often new) friendships. Each has two co-chairs, one Jewish and one Muslim, and a commitment to bring women together with a view to spearheading social change. And now we are preparing for our biggest challenge yet. This Sunday, 150 women of both faiths from all around the UK will be joining us at the University of Westminster for Britain's first ever Jewish/Muslim women's conference. Advertisement That in itself is a huge achievement, but we see it as just the start. It's what we do with the conference that counts. We are determined to challenge the negative narrative and to driving change. Our belief is that bringing people together - by sharing and celebrating our similarities, while at the same time starting to address the issues which drive our communities apart - is a new, positive and fresh approach to challenging the prejudice, mistrust and deadlock holding us back. And that change begins this Sunday. Laura Marks OBE is the co-founder of Nisa-Nashim. To find our more about Nisa-Nashim and the conference, please visit www.nisanashim.org HuffPost UK is running a month-long project in March called All Women Everywhere, providing a platform to reflect the diverse mix of female experience and voices in Britain today Deployment of THAAD undermines public support for cooperation between China and South KoreaMOC A Lotte department store was fined for illegal advertising in Beijing. (file photo) The Chinese government attaches great importance to bilateral economic and trade cooperation with the Republic of Korea (ROK). Officials welcome foreign entities, including the ROK, to invest in China, and pledge to always respect and protect their rights and interests. However, the operation of foreign investors must be in compliance with Chinese laws and regulations, said a Chinese spokesperson on March 2. Sun Jiwen, spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOC), made the comment in response to a question regarding Chinese peoples call to boycott South Korea's Lotte Group. South Korea's Defense Ministry signed a land swap deal with Lotte on Feb. 28 to enable the deployment of its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. Chinese netizens immediately demonstrated strong opposition to the move, calling for punitive measures against Lotte. According to Sun, the THAAD deployment by the U.S. and ROK will gravely jeopardize the strategic security interests of countries in the region, including China, in addition to undermining public support for cooperation between China and South Korea. China is firm in its resolve to oppose the deployment of THAAD in the ROK. Relevant parties should halt the deployment process and go no further down that path. webphotographeer via Getty Images Three years ago my life changed forever when my mother, Krista, lost a two-year battle with cancer. During chemotherapy, she lost her hair, of course - her eyebrows went first, then the rest. But losing her sense of taste was the final straw. Everything she ate after that point resembled cardboard, she said. The homely dishes she had loved cooking for us - her wonderful lasagne or Thai curries - had become like ashes in her mouth. Somehow being disconnected from food in that way, losing out on one of life's most important and sustaining pleasures, was among the hardest things our family had to bear. Advertisement That's why I'm launching Life Kitchen, a charity project to offer something new for people living with cancer, in Mum's memory. I'm aiming to raise 10,000 to get started, and you can help by backing it on GoFundMe. Shortly after my mother was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in 2011, she and my dad renewed their wedding vows at a service in Spain in front of the whole family. As we were about to eat afterwards, Mum picked up an apple from the table and took a bite. Her tastebuds were so dulled by that point, she didn't realise that it was in fact a skinned onion. We laughed at the absurdity of that moment, but it showed how severe her problem had become. On December, 8, 2013, at just 47, Mum lost her battle. She had fought bravely, though the odds had been against her. Losing her hurt me terribly, but I slowly began building a career in food writing and styling - a move, I think, partly inspired by her. In an attempt to stay close to her, I still cook dishes from my childhood to find comfort and to remember her by. Advertisement The bitter memories of my mother's struggle to find pleasure in food during treatment have stayed with me ever since. I knew I wanted to do something for other people in her situation, and so Life Kitchen will offer cookery classes for people living with cancer, and their families, focusing on taste, flavour and nutrition. Having announced the idea on social media a couple of weeks ago, I've been bowled over with offers of support and friendship from stars of the food world including Nigella Lawson, the Evening Standard critics Grace Dent and Fay Maschler, Chantelle Nicholson, chef patron of Marcus Wareing's Tredwells restaurant, and a host of others offering to teach our classes. On our fundraising page we've raised almost 2,000 of our target. Our first class in London will be launching soon, with logistical support from cancer charity Macmillan, which was a great help to my mother during her illness. But we have much further to go. I would be honoured if you would consider backing Life Kitchen and help us to help people living with cancer to find pleasure and joy in food again. Our new research finds that refugees are being forced to wait up to two years to access English language lessons. At Refugee Action we passionately believe that refugees given sanctuary in Britain should have the right support to successfully rebuild their lives. A key part of that is access to English language lessons - learning English unlocks refugees' potential to make friends with their new neighbours, find work and volunteer. But our survey of ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) providers finds that in many areas refugees are waiting more than a year for English lessons. For one provider the average wait is 20 months, with some learners waiting two years. Advertisement Waiting lists for ESOL lessons are stretching to more than 1,000 and providers say the situation is getting worse, with a huge reduction in Government funding making it impossible to meet growing demand. As a result of the harsh funding environment, colleges are being forced to increase class sizes, reduce the number of ESOL hours offered to learners and reduce childcare options. Funding for English language lessons has been dramatically reduced over recent years so it is now less than half what it was eight years ago. The Government announced a 10m investment over five years in English language classes for resettled Syrian refugees, but this does not come close to closing the estimated 42m a year shortfall in overall funding that would enable all refugees to learn English. The British public recognises the value in funding English lessons for refugees. A recent poll by Ipsos MORI finds 60% of Brits believe the Government should invest in ESOL provision for all refugees. A tiny minority of just 3% believe the Government should provide funding only to Syrian refugees. Recent government reports, including the Casey review, commissioned by David Cameron, highlight how vital speaking English is to effective integration. Advertisement We speak to refugees everyday who are determined to learn English so they can start contributing to their new communities. Nour, 24, was forced to flee Syria with his family when the civil war erupted, just as he was due to start his degree at Homs University. Ever since his father bought him his first computer as a mechanically-minded 12 year old, who liked to "take things apart", he says he has been passionate about technology and dreams of one day running his own software company like Microsoft. Anyone who meets Nour is left in no doubt that he will achieve his ambitions. He benefitted from being able to start ESOL lessons soon after he and his family were resettled in Birmingham last year. He is now studying computer programming at Birmingham City University. Learning English has meant Nour could get back to his studies and pursue his career goals. As part of our Let Refugees Learn campaign, we're asking the Government to ensure that all refugees have the opportunity to learn English so that they can start to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential. This isn't a handout - it's an investment in Britain's future. The cost of two years' of language lessons is effectively reimbursed to the taxpayer after an individual's first 18 months in work at the national average wage. Enabling refugees to learn English is good for individuals and the economy. Watch a short film we made with the creative agency Brickwall to try and give a sense of what it is like not to speak English, based on the real-life experiences of refugees: IWF CEO busts top five myths of child sexual abuse images and videos on the internet. The recent comments by Chief Constable Simon Bailey appear to have divided people who work in the area of child sexual exploitation into two camps - supporters, or objectors. We work closely with the police. We're aware of the tremendous pressure on their workload and limited resources to tackle the problem. But, there's no excuse to allow people to get away with viewing child sexual abuse images - even a low-level image is a real child being sexually abused. Advertisement As one colleague from another charity commented to me yesterday, "what a day to be a paedophile". Regardless of resources, you don't give out the message that viewing even a low-level image will bring few consequences. Now for myth-busting. Myth 1: "It's only an image". Or, "it's just a low-level image". We have 20 years' experience viewing and assessing child sexual abuse images and videos online. Images of children are rarely a one-off. They're often part of a series. One so-called low-level image captures the early moments of a child being forced into more severe sexual acts. David Hill, one of 4,000 child migrants sent to Australia, emotionally told the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse this week that some children never move on from their abuse. Imagine knowing your images are out there, being shared for someone's sexual gratification? Images are real children, who suffered real abuse. Myles Bradbury was an Addenbrookes Hospital paediatrician who abused children in his care. In 2012 Toronto Police alerted UK police at the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre but intelligence was not acted upon quickly enough as the offending was considered low-level. He was later found to be a serious contact abuser. Coral Jones, mother of April Jones who was murdered by paedophile Mark Bridger in 2012, said to us today: "You don't know what pictures Bridger was looking at before attacking my daughter. He was looking at images hours before he went after April. It doesn't matter what images paedophiles look at. Anything can trigger them off. That child could be lucky, or might not be lucky. That family could go through hell. There are men out there looking at photos of children. A child could have a photo taken of their abuse and they will have to live with that for the rest of their life. People can be cruel." Advertisement Myth 2: The internet industry does nothing. The internet industry in the UK has virtually eradicated child sexual abuse content. Our latest global figures show that just 0.1% of this content globally is hosted in the UK. If images are viewed and shared in the UK, it's because people do this, using the images, which they access from their homes in the UK, found in other countries. We work globally to have these images removed but there's only so much which can be done. If other countries' internet industry took the same stance as those in the UK, there would be fewer hiding places for these criminal images. Myth 3: Social media is "awash" with child sexual abuse imagery. In fact, social networks are one of the least likely places we find child sexual abuse content. High-traffic sites make hosting and sharing this content difficult, because companies like Facebook and Twitter won't stand for it. The former detective, Mark Williams Thomas, who unveiled the Jimmy Savile offences in 2012, said on This Morning (last week) that social networks are "awash" with child sexual abuse images. Last year we found just 1% of child sexual abuse images on social networking sites globally. Hardly awash. What services we identified as hosting child sexual abuse content in 2016 in % Image host - 72 Cyberlocker - 11 Banner site - 5 Image board - 3 Website - 2 Blog - 1 Forum - 1 Web archive - 1 Social networking site - 1 Image store - 1 It always sucks when someone well known says something you've been expounding for years. Mark Cuban, billionaire investor, and Shark Tank personality, told BloombergTV earlier in the week that he believes software will soon begin writing itself meaning that technology will eventually kill tech jobs themselves. Civilizations aren't murdered, the old epitaph goes, they commit suicide. In saying this, Cuban has cracked open the door of doubt in a world of certainty that technology is the great saviour. I want to go a step further and offer hope. In a world in which humans compete with machines, the only way to survive is not to develop more robotic skills but to focus more on the human ones. Advertisement There. I said it. Coding is great right now but it is not the future of work. Quite the opposite. Coding is bound to become a blue collar job. So what will be left for humans in a world in which software eats everything in sight? Jobs that rely on the human touch! We may well see robots cleaning tables and driving but we'll never see a robot priest or Rabbi comforting the sick. We will see robots operating - in factories and on humans - but not starting businesses. The only way to compete against machines is to do the one thing they can't do. Be human And the ultimate test of humanity is emotional intelligence (or emotional quotient depending on your intellectual bent!) - those so called soft skills; Being adaptable, flexible, able to work in teams, communicate, think critically (and laterally) and being comfortable with people of different ages and backgrounds. Hugh Bradlow, the Chief Scientist at Telstra, expounded on this point at the annual Universities Australia Conference. It is Dr Bradlow's belief that in the future; "work force EQ will be more important than IQ" Advertisement The workforce will need workers to possess different competencies and that means a greater demand for skills, which, until now, have not been front and centre for employers. More foreign language expertise, impact driven individuals and those who can make the world beautiful (not just those that make it work!) will be sought out. Arts, philosophy and literature students may be struggling now to find well-paying jobs but the demand for their skills, and approach to the world, can only grow. Augmenting, and complementing, the hard skills you learn in formal education will be key to a successful career and future growth. You may study engineering but you'll be hired for your ability to communicate with clients in China or the creative way in which you analyse the data produced. Additionally new literacies are going to be key to long term success - something the World Economic Forum concluded in Davos publishing a number of reports to back up this assertion. How will you manage your life going forward if you lack the key literacies? Financial literacy is key to control over your money and civic literacy and legal literacy will be essential. How will you thrive and survive if you can't make sense of the world around you. The interesting takeaway of all this is that the future is now. The skills you will need to develop are already in demand today. Considering your degree, and future, through the prism of this change will yield great personal results. Advertisement So start talking to strangers, learn to read people and their body language. Learn to adapt to new ways, and new things, and most of all learn to interpret situations and make them work for you. Toby Melville / Reuters When Dev Patel took home the BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Lion it was undoubtedly a huge achievement for British talent. But even more so his win resonated with British South Asians who for so long have lacked true and accurate representation of themselves in cinema and television. It's no surprise that South Asian actors have never quite been able to reach the upper echelons of the film or television industry. These spaces are usually reserved for white actors who are given roles that both challenge and develop them. For South Asian actors the roles they ever seem to land is a fleeting background appearance that assures producers they have met their diversity quota. Advertisement However, when they are fortunate enough to bag leading roles it's usually at the expense of their cultural heritage. Take Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory for example. A London born actor, he was only able to land such a prominent gig because his character, Raj Koorthrapalli, reinforces dated stereotypes of South Asians. These include ideas that we speak with accents, can't talk to the opposite sex and allow our culture to dictate every facet of our life. The same can be said for shows closer to home including the BBC sitcom Citizen Khan, which depicts British Muslims as wayward and whose culture exists simply for audiences to laugh at. In the case of Dev Patel, he got his first big break playing Anwar in the E4 teen drama Skins. Despite the show's good intentions as representing real British teenage life, it was obvious that Dev's role was secondary to the roles played by his co-stars Hannah Murray and Nicholas Hoult. So when he went on to surprise producers and critics, who pegged Hoult as the one destined for Hollywood, to become the breakout star after landing the lead role in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire in 2007, it felt like someone who I related to was finally being given a platform to represent British South Asians as who we really are. This is why Dev's status as one of the world's most sought after actors feels even more important because if you look historically at British south Asian actors, this level of success just doesn't happen to people like us. And what's better is that he got to this point without having to mock his Indian heritage - if anything in films such as the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, he celebrated it. When he won the BAFTA award and stood there on that podium lost for words, it was a symbol to the children of immigrants, who spend most of their lives struggling to find a happy medium between British customs and their cultural background, that you can - and should - embrace both with open arms. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor again for his role in Lion at this year's 89th Academy Awards. He was only the third actor of Indian descent to be nominated in the ceremony's history. Previous nominees include Ben Kingsley in 2004 and Merle Oberon in 1932, who for much of her life hid her Indian heritage as it was only uncovered when she died. Advertisement His nomination spoke volumes of not only how far Dev has come in his short career but also at just how much work still needs to be done to address the exclusion of BME actors and what they bring to cinema. The hash tag #OscarsSoWhite plagued the event last year and did well to highlight the issue, but now it's time for the industry to get to work on making sure this isn't the case for future generations. Dev eventually lost out to Mahershala Ali for his role in Moonlight. A worthy victory as Mahershala became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar for a film that shone a light on the experience of queer black men. For millions of British South Asians, the fact Dev was even recognised for his work was a powerful statement that South Asians in film and television can embrace the beauty of their heritage and be celebrated for it. He may not have taken home the golden statue, but Dev has given us something far more valuable: a genuine and authentic representation of people like us for the first time. Please Wait - Uploading.... Ontario Geothermal Advancement Highlighted at the OGA Annual Conference Mar 2nd, 2017 4:12 AM Ontario Geothermal Advancement Highlighted at the OGA Annual Conference Hon. Minister Glen Murray Jim Bolger, President OGA, Hon. Minister Glen Murray, Stan Reitsma, Vice President OGA -30- On February 21-22, the Ontario Geothermal Association (OGA) hosted their 7th annual OGA Conference - Spotlighting Geothermal Energy - which welcomed local and international leaders in the geothermal industry.The first day of the conference began with a welcome address from Jim Bolger, OGA President, followed by a Keynote Presentation made by Illinois-based Steve Smith, CEO of Enertech Global. Mr. Smith provided a detailed comparison of the cost of installation of a geothermal heating and cooling systems, and outlined what is needed to consider geothermal for residential and commercial installations.Ontarios Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Glen Murray, kicked off the second day by addressing Ontarios Climate Change Action Plan and the Role of Geothermal: What Weve Done and Where Were Going. Minister Murray re-confirmed the provincial governments commitment to work with the geothermal heating and cooling industry on carbon-reduction solutions in the future. He praised the organization for their contribution to policy development so far.A notable international presence was Martin Forsen, Manager, International Affairs, NIBE, based in Sweden. He referenced the Swedish experience of the past 30 years to demonstrate that the goals set out by the Ontario government to limit GHG emissions from homes and buildings is, in fact, achievable. The success of reducing emissions to near-zero while also reducing energy costs for end users in Sweden has been due in large part to the wide-scale deployment of heat pump technology, especially ground source heat pumps. Over the past two years, NIBE has purchased several large geothermal heat pump manufacturers in North America, signalling that they see similar growth opportunities for the technology in this market.The buzz of the Conference was the presentation from Enbridge Gas Distribution VP of Market Development and Public Government Affairs, Malini Giridhar, who outlined Enbridges plans to aggressively increase their presence in the Ontario geothermal marketplace, focusing on the new home construction market initially.The two-day conference had a popular trade show component and provided an opportunity for guests to network. The conference also explored the opportunities for geothermal in a variety of markets and applications, addressed what needs to be done to realise these opportunities, and what industry participants can do to help make the Ontario Geothermal industry reach its full potential. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: Trend Agency once again caught Armenian media lying, and prevented an unacceptable provocation against the US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Richard Hoagland. On Feb. 26, Armenias Armenpress news agency repeatedly violated journalism ethics and standards by publishing an article that could have triggered a huge misunderstanding of Hoaglands words in Baku. In the article published by the Armenpress, Hoagland allegedly used the word Artsakh while commenting on the Feb. 26 incident on the line of contact between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops. Meanwhile, Trend contacted Mr. Hoagland himself to confirm or deny using the mentioned word in his official statement. In response to the request, Trend received the following letter with the original text of Hoaglands statement. This latest incident once again underscores the urgent need for the parties to immediately resume negotiations on establishing lasting security and peace in the region, said the statement. In our Feb. 26 statement, my fellow Co-Chairs and I reiterated our call for respect for the ceasefire and a commitment to the non-use of force. Thus, "Artsakh" is nowhere to be found. Moreover, apparently, Hoagland protested against the distortion of his words, and the Armenpress agency completely rewrote its article, having removed the word Artsakh from it. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 Trend: Azerbaijani Armed Forces have destroyed a sabotage group of the Armenian Armed Forces, the press service of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry told Trend Mar. 2. On the night of March 2, sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armenian Armed Forces tried to attack the Azerbaijani positions in the Aghdere-Terter direction of the frontline. As a result of an armed clash, Armenian side suffered losses, and was forced to retreat. The Azerbaijani side suffered no losses. 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. School Superintendent Robert Putnam lays out the pros and cons of the two elementary schools on Monday. Putnam: School Closure Matter of Space vs Finances CHESHIRE, Mass. Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee is expected to decide whether to close one of its elementary schools on Thursday night. Superintendent Robert Putnam says the decision comes down to space versus finances. When the Audit and Evaluation subcommittee asked for his judgment Monday, Putnam said C.T. Plunkett in Adams offers a better space while Cheshire offers the opportunity for more staff and programming through increased transportation reimbursement. "I'd like to be able to recommend one but that's what it comes down to: do you want space and what does space give us or do we want the possibility of $100,000 a year?" Putnam said. If Plunkett were to remain open it would hold roughly the same number of students it does now. At Cheshire's recorded peak, it held 377 students and if Plunkett were to close, Cheshire would have to hold nearly 450 students, plus more staff. Either configuration assumes two grade levels moving to Hoosac Valley High School. "Plunkett provides us with plenty of space ... in terms of the building we have plenty of room," he said. "We have large spaces and classrooms, and we will fit with room to spare. We will be very crowded in Cheshire." Also, Plunkett has room for increased enrollment, Cheshire will be at capacity. Putnam said Adams population is not decreasing as fast as other communities and it would not be out of the question to see an uptick in elementary school-aged children in the community. Cheshire, on the other hand, would allow the district to bring in nearly $100,000 more in revenue annually. He said because more students live within a 1.5-mile radius of Plunkett, closing Plunkett means more students would be eligible for transportation reimbursement. If Cheshire were to close, the district would likely receive $19,000 more a year; closing Plunkett would mean a reimbursement of nearly $116,000 a year. Putnam said he plans to hire seven more employees, some state mandated and others recommended by the University of Massachusett's Collins Center report. He said according to the report, interventionist positions will be an upfront cost but will save the district money in the long run. Without the increased revenue, the district would not be able to maintain these positions in future budgets without increasing the town allocations. Putnam said these positions are also needed if the district really wants to improve its state level. "Our state leveling of three is in part attributable to our lack of interventionists," he said. "Neighboring districts typically have these positions ... and we don't have that." With unrest in both communities about closing a school, Putnam said he was worried Adams or Cheshire would shoot down a budget if its school is closed. "No matter what decision that we make there are going to be unhappy people and I am concerned about what happens when budgets dont pass," Putnam said. "In the event we cannot find a solution and convince people that this is the best option." The subcommittee also agreed if the district ends up becoming a one- campus district it would make no sense to invest major funds into either elementary school. Also, it would not make sense to invest funds into one school if there are plans to renovate the other in the future. "What is the real long-term goal and quite frankly, the vast consensus of people that I have talked to do favor a one-campus site at some point," committee member Paul Butler said. "But they don't know the cost yet. If thats truly the goal, it would make no sense to acquire any debt on the two elementary schools." The subcommittee agreed to only make small repairs when needed until there is a clear vision of the future. Putnam suggested they create a committee to figure out what the future of the district should look like. He advised evaluating all the buildings, even the closed Memorial Building, to see what kind of work they actually need so if the community leans toward major repair instead of renovation, it will know which building holds the most opportunity. "What's the appetite for our community to take on additional debt?" he said. "We have not yet seen a [statement of interest] for Plunkett and it would be great to evaluate all of the buildings at a single time so we are comparing apples to apples." He said there is also the possibility that the district would combine with North Adams in the future and it is important to consider what buildings would be utilized in this case. Although both schools have long-term maintenance issues that would need to be addressed if one was chosen as the permanent elementary school, the School Committee listed some immediate concerns that need to be settled before students moved in. Subcommittee member Stephan Vigna suggested looking at the repairs as if they were not faced with closing a school and to only list critical repairs that they would likely make. Cheshire needs a new handicapped lift for $68,000 and an electrical panel upgrade that is estimated to cost $10,000. Plunkett immediately needs a handicapped lift estimated to cost $36,000, $13,000 for repairs to the fire alarm system and $8,000 for roof repairs in the gym. Plunkett also needs an overhaul of the front entrance because it lets in water and repairs to the gym air handler. The exterior gym and auditorium stairs also need to be repaired and there are heating issues in the gym and third floor but these projects were not placed on the critical list because the district has been living with them for the past three years. Business Manager Erika Snyder said there is also $57,000 for capital repairs built into the Plunkett budget and Cheshire has $13,900. The wild card for Plunkett is the boiler room roof and wall that the town of Adams has put up $130,000 to repair. Initial estimates came in at $300,000 but the district felt it could get a better price. Putnam said he is waiting on a new estimate, but the contractors noted that the temporary structural work the district did to keep the roof from falling may be good enough for a few years. If the moisture in the room can be controlled, it could last even longer. Putnam said he would not pursue that unless he got something in writing from the contractor. If the roof costs more than $130,000, the district agreement has no real protocol to follow to determine who pays for it. Usually, the price is divvied up by the number of students from each town that goes to the school, but the agreement does not take into account school closures. Because the district leases the elementary schools from the communities it is unclear how to split the costs. Snyder said an agreement may have to be written up between the two towns because there is not enough time to amend the agreement. Putnam added that the towns can always allocate the money to make repairs to their buildings. Haiti - National Carnival : Message from the Mayor of Les Cayes "We thank all the people who have traveled in mass to come to celebrate without violence with the population of Les Cayes [...] Thanks to the police, the Ministry of Public Works, the private sector, Civil Protection, the Presidency, the Carnival Committee and, above all, a big thank to all the young people who put themselves at the disposal of the commune and the Caranaval to make this activity a success. Finally, I would ask all State authorities to apply the same determination that made this National Carnival a success for the development of the country. We've finished dancing, now it's time to start building," declared Jean Gabriel Fortune, the Mayor of the city of Les Cayes. IH/ iciHaiti Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Gurami Rogava, a journalist in the Georgian Imedi TV channel, was withdrawn from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae, press service of the Foreign Ministry reported. Rogava wrote a letter to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, in which he expressed respect for Azerbaijans territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of its internationally recognized borders. Rogava also stated that he visited the occupied territories as he was uninformed about the illegality of such a visit. In his letter, he apologized to the people of Azerbaijan and noted that his visit did not mean to promote the illegal regime created in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. The journalists appeal was reviewed and it was decided to exclude him from the Foreign Ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae. Visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other Armenian-occupied regions of Azerbaijan, uncoordinated with the Azerbaijani side, are deemed illegal and the names of the visitors are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys list of people declared personae non gratae. 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. Details added (first version posted on 15:25) Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 Trend: The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have destroyed the enemys military vehicle, said the press service of Azerbaijans Defense Ministry March 2. Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 144 times violated the ceasefire in various directions along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend March 2. The Armenian army was using large-caliber machine guns, 60- and 82-millimeter mortars, as well as grenade launchers. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: Russia has contacts with the sides of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said Russian Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing March 2. Russia is committed to its position that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved peacefully, she noted. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. IDTechEx has invited a series of industrial players and leader active in graphene commercialization to contribute their opinions about the state of the technology and markets. As part of article series, we will today hear from Graphenea who write about the potential markets for CVD graphene. To contact Graphenea directly please contact the author Mr Inigo Charola on i.charola@graphenea.com To learn more about the graphene markets please refer to the IDTechEx report Graphene, 2D Materials, and Carbon Nanotubes 2016-2026: Markets, Technologies, and Opportunities . You can also meet with many industry leaders at our business-focused event Graphene Europe 2017 taking place on 10-11 May, in Berlin, Germany. New technologies - and innovations - do not arise out of nowhere as flashes of genius. They are based on finding new ways of combining existing building blocks. For Graphene to have an impact in our life, it has to be used along with other building blocks. Since it was first reported in Science Magazine "Electric Field Effect in Atomically Thin Carbon Films", in 2004, the world scientist, leading companies and entrepreneurs has been investing resources to create a new powerful building block that can support the development of various technologies. A lot has been reported about new applications where graphene can have an impact, either creating new product categories or enhancing existing products. Creating applications has been the main challenge so far and now we can observe its fruits in many different field with high impact. Recent industrial applications reported with high potential impact using CVD Graphene Biosensors Current sensing technology isn't compatible with new demands for throughput, integration, and precision in biology. Graphene Biosensors are capable to provide a fusion of biology and electronics that fundamentally transforms biological testing capabilities, size and speed. AGILE biosensor chips, manufactured by Nanomedical Diagnostics , Inc, are made with graphene, that supports high sensitivity, small volumes, and a small footprint. AGILE biosensor chips UV LEDS Being transparent to all wavelengths, graphene represents the ideal substrate and transparent contact for ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs). Nanowires on graphene enables critical improved internal quantum efficiency, operating lifetime, and reliability, especially for deep UV. The result is UV LEDs with 10 times higher efficiency at less than 10 % of the cost of existing deep UV LEDs. This significant improvement in efficiency, reduction in energy consumption and cost advantage will radically enable new applications and improve critical applications such as water and food processing disinfection, air purification and environmental monitoring and life science measurements. CrayoNano has developed a novel technique that enables growth of positioned and vertically aligned nanowires on graphene. UV LED Dies Imaging: X-Ray, NIR and Night Vision The excellent responsivity and noise performance of the graphene sensors leads to high fidelity image quality with smaller X-ray dosages and competitive manufacturing costs compared to existing sensor technologies. The large dynamic range of the sensor ensures the capture of detailed images even in case of extreme intensity level variations with a single exposure. Graphene-based sensors are well suited to various applications for example medical and industrial X-ray imaging, quality control and security. Graphene sensors have an excellent detectivity performance over a wide spectrum of wavelengths from visible to NIR and SWIR light and thus they enable passive imaging in low natural light conditions. These sensors can be built on silicon substrates and integrated on CMOS wafers, which leads to a competitive manufacturing cost. Potential application areas of broad-spectrum imaging sensors include passive and active imaging solutions in low-light conditions, for example in automotive, aviation, surveillance, security and search-and-rescue applications. Imaging is one of the most active areas for CVD graphene with leading institutions, like ICFO, and companies, Emberion , developing novel products. Night vision graphene chip Wafer scale integration for CVD graphene Graphene wafer scale integration allows many applications to be realized on commercial scale (logic, HF , optoelectronics, telecommunications, sensors and flexible electronics). Industry demands a demonstrator made with actually compatible CMOS processes, then spill-over to other applications is possible and broad adoption will begin Currently, there is no actually realized opportunity on the horizon that justifies this whole development, incentives (cost/performance) are currently not high enough for the semiconductor industry Wafer Scale Integration will allow: Diffusion of technology to semiconductor factories Meet industry demand of a demonstrator made with actually compatible CMOS processes Deliver very clear cost/performance advantage for the semiconductor industry to justify investments in new machinery or materials After Graphene wafer scale integration is available, many applications will be realized on commercial scale. Therefore, Graphene, as a product, will reach a new stage of industrialization. In the years since the experimental discovery of graphene this material has been produced at Lab scale and for research use, creating a certain demand of the material that has been sold at high prices and very low volumes. Wafer Scale Integration will make possible the use of the outstanding properties of graphene in real semiconductor production plants. Graphenea is working on Graphene Integration on CMOS-Fab. This development will allow large-scale manufacture of 200mm CMOS-compatible graphene wafers (SEMI Standards), with low metal contamination levels. The industrial production method will produce uniform, large-scale/high-performance graphene in high yields and a reliable manner. Imperial Valley News Center Secretary of State Tillerson's Meeting With State Councilor of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Yang Jiechi Washington, DC - United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and affirmed the importance of a constructive bilateral relationship and of regular high-level engagement between the United States and China. The Secretary and the State Councilor discussed the importance of improving and maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two largest economies in the world. They also discussed areas of mutual concern, including North Koreas nuclear programs. The State Councilor extended an invitation for the Secretary to visit Beijing, and the Secretary thanked the State Councilor and indicated an interest in such a visit in the near future. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 Trend: The European Parliament must contribute to the stability in the South Caucasus and making long-term political decisions, Sajjad Karim, co-chair of the Delegation to the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Association Committee, said. Karim made the remarks in connection with MEPs illegal visit to the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia. Karim said the Azerbaijani Prosecutor Generals Office issued three international arrest warrants this week against MEPs Eleni Theocharous, Frank Engel and Jaromir Stetina for having visited Nagorno-Karabakh region and having, through their behavior, supported the illegal regime created there. On February 20, the MEPs named above carried out observations of a process organized locally in Nagorno-Karabakh region, he added. No official European Parliament observation mission has been organized in Nagorno-Karabakh region. Any impression given contrary to this is therefore without merit and completely unfounded, he said. The MEPs are free to visit areas of their choosing and promote their individual beliefs. At the same time, the MEPs should responsibly pay attention to the obvious fragility of the ceasefire and the need to support the political mediation processes in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and be clear of their unofficial individual status for all such visits. Imperial Valley News Center Making The Technology for Exoskeletons a Reality Washington, DC - I grew up in a small farming community in southern Georgia. My main exposure to new technology was through the annual farm equipment exposition, science fiction books and television. One of my favorite shows was The Six Million Dollar Man. Do you remember the famous opening lines? Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the worlds first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better stronger faster. (If youre like me, you just heard that classic bionic sound in your mind.) Although its not really bionics, the research community and private sector are focusing on the related area of exoskeletons. Exoskeletons are passive or active robotics that can enable the wearer to move limbs or hold objects with greater strength and stamina. Exoskeletons are not wired directly to the human body like the bionics Steve Austin had, so the biological interface issues are slightly different, but still challenging. Today, there are more than 80 exoskeletons on the market. Despite rapid progress in the marketplace, however, there is only an incomplete patchwork of standards to govern their safety and performance. One of my roles as program manager for NISTs National Security Standards program is to help NIST figure out the measurement infrastructure that exoskeleton manufacturers will need to prove their safety and describe their capabilities, specifically with regards to helping first responders and industry. In January 2017, NIST brought together, for what may be the first time, the developers, researchers, and users of the exoskeleton technology community. Over 100 organizations, including 44 from industry, 35 from government, and 19 from academia, participated. Users representing the military, industry and medical communities were there to pass along what they were looking for from this technology. We were there to dream, but what was amazing to me was that, no matter the community, everyone said that they wanted this technology to help them perform normal human featsnot necessarily give them superhuman abilities. For instance, Chris Tagatac from the Christopher Reeve Foundation said he wants the technology to help him walk again. Hes been fortunate enough to use many kinds of exoskeletons in several medical trials. He sees exoskeletons as a transitional device to keep paralyzed individuals fit while they wait for a real cure for spinal injuries. Jim Key from the United Steel Workers said his 850,000 members want this technology to help them do their jobs. His members see exoskeletons as a way to perform at their peak levels in a safe manner. Captain Brian Giroux from the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence told us that the increasingly heavy loads soldiers are carrying are leading to injuries in the back, knee, and other parts of the body. Like the steel workers, they want exoskeleton technologies to help soldiers do their jobs more safely and effectively. But in order to use them in the field, they need to control the weight, increase battery life, and have the ability to maintain the machines far from their bases. While everyone was enthusiastic about exoskeletons potential, we all agreed that we need standards and test methods so that we have a common frame of reference and can communicate better about this disparate technology area and determine what is safe and effective. I think this type of work will help bring exoskeletons to market sooner and bring us closer to having the technology to make humans better stronger faster. National Consumer Protection Week 2017 Kicks Off Sunday, March 5 Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission and more than 100 federal, state and local agencies, consumer groups and national advocacy organizations, will participate in the 19th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), held March 5-11, 2017. NCPW is a nationally coordinated campaign to inform Americans of their consumer rights while providing them access to free consumer-related resources. Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen, who will participate in the FTCs military Twitter chat on March 9, 2017, noted her anticipation for this years NCPW, highlighting her focus on the military community. She also stressed the importance of the campaign's website, NCPW.gov, which hosts a variety of resources for consumers and their advocates on topics that can help consumers make informed buying decisions and avoid scams. I am excited to work with our NCPW partners as we protect all consumers. Im going to personally reach out to the military community online, an audience that is targeted by scammers too often, said Ohlhausen. Educating people through free resources and tools, such as those available on NCPW.gov, is one of the most effective ways we can prevent consumer harm. Since its creation, the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection has focused agency resources and national experts on safeguarding American identities, financial records and other elements related to consumer activity. Protecting and educating consumers are top priorities for the FTC, said Thomas Pahl, acting director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. The tools available at NCPW.gov can help consumer advocates get the word out about NCPW in their community through local press and social media. Along with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, the Bureau of Competition supports the FTCs consumer protection mission by protecting the competitive process, which can deliver lower prices, enhance innovation, and increase quality and choice for consumers. FACEBOOK LIVE CHAT: FTC staff will co-host a Facebook live video stream with USA.gov on March 7, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Staff will answer questions for 15 minutes about Ten Things You Can Do To Avoid Fraud. To participate in English, follow USA.gov and FTC on Facebook. Ask your questions via livestream beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on March 7 Government Formation Progress in Macedonia Washington, DC - Together with our NATO allies and EU partners, the United States has been closely following the process of government formation in Macedonia triggered by the December 11, 2016 parliamentary elections. The United States calls on Macedonias leaders to form a new government without further delay, in a manner consistent with the constitution and Macedonias aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. The formation of a new government committed to rule of law and implementing needed reforms will help end a political crisis that has severely hindered the countrys democratic and economic development and Euro-Atlantic integration. The United States urges all parties to put the interest of Macedonia and its citizens above all else, to work together constructively, and to fully implement all of their commitments under the Przino agreement. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 Trend: The report on situation of human rights defenders in Azerbaijan, prepared after UN rapporteurs visit to the country in September 2016, is one-sided, unbalanced and doesnt meet the spirit of cooperation, said Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev. He made the remarks addressing a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Mammad-Guliyev raised the issue of mass violation of rights by Armenia of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs, who left their native lands as a result of the Armenian military aggression. The deputy foreign minister also noted the necessity of bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Khojaly genocide, which was committed against civilians in the Azerbaijani town Khojaly in February 1992. The diplomat called on the United Nations Human Rights Council and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to multiply efforts for restoration of rights of Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs. 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. 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 Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. Reading is one of the easiest ways to improve ourselves and expand our horizons, but too few of us are able to call it a regular habit. Life is busy, but finding little blocks of time to devote to new ideas, places, and ways of thinking is one way in which we can always make sure we are moving forward. It can be as simple as picking a great new book to keep in your bag as an option for the commute to work. If youre looking for something to pique your interest this spring, we suggest checking out Amazons top picks for the upcoming season. You can find the full list of buzzworthy new releases here, but the 10 below are Amazon books editors top picks. One of these recommendations might be the kickoff to a new hardback or Kindle purchase, and an incoming reading streak. Captions have been provided by Amazon's books editors. "Into the Water" by Paula Hawkins (Amazon (Amazon) When two women end up dead in the local river a town's dark past comes rushing back. Fans of "The Girl on the Train" have another twisty ride to look forward to in Hawkins' new novel of psychological suspense. "Startup: A Novel" by Doree Shafrir This fun and funny debut novel by a writer for Buzzfeed combines ambition, youth, love, and the tech world. No pun intended, but this one is getting a lot of buzz. "The Trials of Apollo Book Two The Dark Prophecy" by Rick Riordan The second book in Rick Riordan's "Trials of Apollo" series promises to be as much fun as the first. Mighty Apollo, now an awkward mortal teenager, continues his quest for redemption with plenty of hilarity and humiliation along the way. "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI" by David Grann (Amazon (Amazon) Grann's compelling work of narrative nonfiction delves into chilling conspiracies and prejudice surrounding one of the FBI's first homicide investigations the systematic murder of members of the wealthy Osage Indian nation. "The Collapsing Empire" by John Scalzi Science fiction fans are eagerly awaiting this space opera involving human colonies scattered across the universe. When the connections between those colonies are threatened by a change in physics, three individuals are thrust into a race against time to save humanity. "One of the Boys" by Daniel Magariel "One of the Boys" is a powerful novel about two brothers who turn against their mother during a bitter divorce only to have their father spiral quickly into unpredictable and violent behavior. An intense depiction of familial bonds and brotherhood that makes every page count. "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked" by Adam Alter (Amazon (Amazon) Where is your mobile phone right now? Chances are, it's within your reach (if not in your hand). With temptation never far away, we all run the risk of addiction. Adam Alter explores how addiction works, focusing on the explosion of technology and its role in keeping us hooked. "Testimony" by Scott Turow This spring Scott Turow delivers a taut new legal thriller. Former Kindle County prosecutor Bill Boom is drawn into a case he can't refuse when a lone witness comes forward with chilling information about the mass disappearance of an entire Gypsy refugee camp. "Anything is Possible" by Elizabeth Strout The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Olive Kitteridge" and "My Name is Lucy Barton" introduces a large cast of small-town characters (including a grown-up Lucy Barton) and plumbs their emotional and psychological depths with masterful skill. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider's Insider Picks team. We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners, including Amazon. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, is an investor in Business Insider through his personal investment company Bezos Expeditions. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Read the original article on Insider Picks. Copyright 2017. Follow Insider Picks on Twitter. (Insider) Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. 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 }} From Will Smiths Bright to Brad Pitts War Machine, Netflix is pumping out high-budget movies quicker than ever before. The latest addition to their already glistening roster is Sand Castle - starring Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road), Henry Cavill (Batman v Superman), and Logan Marshall-Green (Snowden) - the trailer for which is debuting above on The Independent. Enjoy! Written by Chris Roessner, who was inspired by his own experiences in Iraq, Sand Castle is an honest and candid depiction of the Second Gulf War as told from the perspective of American soldiers. Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Show all 14 1 /14 Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for A Series of Unfortunate Events: season 1 Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Malina Wiessman, Will Arnett, Cobie Smulders, Patrick Warburton Release date: Out now Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Riverdale: season 1 Starring:KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Srpuse, Madchen Amick Release date: New episodes every Friday Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for iBoy Starring: Bill Milner, Maisie Williams, Miranda Richardson Release date: Out now Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Santa Clarita Diet: season 1 Starring: Drew Barrymore, Timothy Olyphant, Nathan Fillion, Patton Oswalt Release date: 3 February Netflix Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Ultimate Beastmaster Hosted by: Terry Crews Release date: 24 February Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Love: season 2 Starring: Gillian Jacobs, Paul Rust, Claudia O'Doherty Release date: 10 March Netflix Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Iron Fist: season 1 Starring: Finn Jones, Jessica Henwick, David Wenham, Rosario Dawson Release date: 17 March Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Sense8: season 2 Starring: Toby Onwumere, Doona Bae, Jamie Clayton, Tuppence Middleton Release date: 5 May Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for House of Cards: season 5 Starring: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Neve Campbell, Joel Kinnaman Release date: 31 May Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Dear White People: season 1 Starring: Antoinette Robertson, Brandon P Bell, Logan Browning Release date: TBC Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Okja Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Lily Collins, Steven Yeun, Giancarlo Esposito Release date: TBC Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later Starring: Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Alyssa Milano, Jai Courtney Release date: TBC Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Master of None: season 2 Starring: Aziz Ansari Release date: TBC Netflix Originals 2017: All the films and TV shows to look out for Stranger Things: season 2 Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown Release date: TBC The film marks Brazilian director Fernando Coimbra second feature-length outing, the filmmaker having previously helmed A Wolf at the Door and various episodes of Narcos season one. Glen Powell (Everybody Wants Some!!), Beau Knapp (The Nice Guys), and Neil Brown Jr. (Straight Outta Compton) also star in the film. The official synopses reads: Set in Iraq in 2003, Sand Castle follows a group of American soldiers in the early days of the second Gulf War. Bearing witness to the heat and the horror is the inexperienced Private Matt Ocre (Nicholas Hoult), who together with several fellow soldiers is ordered to the outskirts of Baqubah to repair a water pumping station damaged by U.S. bombs. But as Ocre discovers, in an atmosphere where resentment and anger fester, trying to win the hearts and minds of the locals is a task fraught with danger. Its here, in the streets, squares and schools that he discovers the true cost of war. Sand Castle launches on Netflix on 21 April 2017. 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 }} Spring is arriving earlier than ever across the northern hemisphere, according to new research. Leaves are starting to come out up to 22 days early across most of the south-eastern United States, while a species of sedge in Greenland is emerging from winter some 26 days earlier than just a decade ago. In the UK, spring arrived later than last year, but the Woodland Trust still reported it was well and truly on its way on 3 February with snowdrops and hazel catkins recorded across the UK. Snowdrops started flowering on 17 December, although the average reported date was 27 January; hawthorn and sycamore bud bursts were seen on 1 January and the first wasp queen was spotted on 11 January. Such tangible signs of global warming are potentially dangerous as natural rhythms that have existed for thousands of years are getting out of sync. A recent study of the emergence of different species in Greenland over a 12-year period found some were essentially entering their spring up to nearly three days earlier each year, while others were moving forward in the calendar by about half a day a year. One of the researchers, Dr Eric Post, of the University of California Davis, who has been studying the Arctic for 27 years, told the Climate Home website: When we started studying this, I never would have imagined wed be talking about a 26-day per decade rate of advance. Thats almost an entire growing season. Thats an eye-opening rate of change. Recommended May urged by 100 leading scientists to press Trump on climate change Caribou migrate to the site they studied at Kangerlussuaq during the calving season, but their movements are governed by the length of the day, rather than temperature, which is used by the plants. By the time the caribou arrive, the plants are less nutritious so more calves are dying young. Thats one example of the consequences of this for consumer species like caribou, who have a limited window to build up resources before going into the next winter, Dr Post said. The US Geological Survey produced a map showing a marked spring leaf anomaly across the south-east of the country. Get your flip-flops and shorts out because spring is arriving very early this year at least two to three weeks early across almost the entire Southeast, from San Antonio to Atlanta to Washington, DC, it said in a recent web post. This unusually early spring is likely to keep rolling north, already bringing surprising signs of spring to portions of the central Midwest and north-eastern states. 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 Punxsutawney Phil the supposedly weather-forecasting groundhog made famous by the film Groundhog Day could not be blamed for being baffled this year. He predicted six more weeks of winter on 2 February, but by then spring was already springing well ahead of historical norms in much of the USA, the USGS said. Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts Sign up for our free IndyBest 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 IndyBest email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} With St Patrick's Day fast approaching, the inevitable onslaught of green face paint, Guinness hats and shamrock bunting, is already beginning. So maybe its time to toast the occasion with something a little different but very uniquely Irish. If youve never heard of poitin before, youre not alone. Also known as poteen (and pronounced potcheen got all that?), this clear spirit has been called the Irish moonshine, was once illegal and boasts an ABV of anywhere between 40 per cent and 90 per cent. In short, its got a pretty colourful history. Somewhat notorious for its potency, poitin production was illegal from 1661 to 1997 due to excise regulations. However, already distilled for centuries across Ireland by small producers who used the ingredients they had to hand, that did nothing to stop its production. Pushed into the underground, and with no official controls on production, the spirit somewhat passed into folklore, garnering both an illicit romanticism and a formidable reputation for blowing your socks off. However, this characterful tipple is now beginning to establish itself as something a little more premium, and as a credible cocktail ingredient to boot. Theres those that will scoff at such a notion. But perhaps no-one knows more about its revival than Ciaran O Dubhthaigh who has steadily been adding more and more poitins to his menu at the Sun Tavern in Londons Bethnal Green, since opening in 2014. The pub also runs tutored tastings. I think people are starting to appreciate it as a craft thing, and not just something that gets you pissed, he says. A good poitin should have a kick, it should have that heat, but there should be more to it. Its important that it tastes of what its made of. So, whats that? What technically is a poitin? Per its Geographical Indication (which was awarded just a year ago), a poitin is a clear, non-aged spirit produced in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and traditionally brewed, fermented and distilled from cereals, grain, whey, sugar beet molasses or potatoes. And it must be a minimum of 40 per cent ABV. Varying combinations of these ingredients means theres a vast array of flavour profiles in the finished spirit, from earthy, savoury notes, to a fresh grassiness, sweetness, and sometimes, a little smoke. Thats what makes it so good for mixing, says O Dubhthaigh. The alcohol gives it a nice presence, and it doesnt get lost in the drink. Weve used it a lot in Tiki drinks. It can handle citrus. Or you can use in place of rum or gin to give the classics another dimension, such as a White Negroni. As theyre all made from a different mash and have a different ABV, the brand you choose means youll get a very different drink at the end with each one. Of course, sipping neat is another option. While there are a number of excellent poitins being produced that are only available locally, here is our pick of the best of those available more widely that offer both a decent kick, with a balance of flavour. 1. Ban Poitin, 48%: 35.45 for 70cl, The Whisky Exchange Founded in founded in 2012 by Dave Mulligan, a bartender with a love for the spirit Ban (pronounced bawn) is produced at the Echlinville distillery in Northern Ireland from potatoes, malted barley, and sugar beet. In Mulligans words: What started out as an interest in the illicit turned into a total obsession, a determination to bring this epic piece of Irish culture out of the underground and to the modern world. Recommended served neat, over ice, or as a boilermaker when paired with a pint (Guinness would be a good choice), youll get aromas of toasted bread, and a little greenness, followed by a tingle of pepperiness. Add to that a sweetness and very soft mouthfeel which combined suggest something like marshmallow, and youve got yourself a lovely spirit, with enough complexity to really chew over. Buy now 2. Micil Irish Poitin, 44%: 36.99 (31.52) for 50cl, The Celtic Whiskey Shop Made in Galway and named after the distiller's great, great grandfather, this spirit is made from Irish grain and flavoured lightly with the locally sourced, water-dwelling bogbean plant. Its a recipe that has been passed down the family for 150 years, but the brand has only been commercially available since 2016, with sixth-generation distiller Padraic O Griallais at the helm. This one is an earthy poitin, with quite a sour initial bite, followed by almost honey and banana-like notes. A lingering velvety finish adds a little softness, but that pepper bite is still there. Shake with egg white, lemon juice and sugar syrup for a really excellent sour. Buy now 3. Glendalough Mountain Strength Poitin, 60%: 38.95 for 70cl, The Whisky Exchange Hold on to your hats, were taking a bit of a leap in strength with this one. Glendalough is another distillery on a mission to revive the heritage of craft distilling in Ireland, and is also known for its gins made from foraged ingredients, as well as its Irish whiskey. This one is made using sugar beet and malted barley which, notably, is placed in virgin Irish oak before bottling. Though Glendalough also has a 40 per cent poitin, with the Mountain Strength, you actually get a very soft, buttery, vanilla nose with very fruity, almost blackcurrant notes. Yes its strong, but aggressive this is not. That softness initially carries through when sipping, though you get that characteristic burn part way through. However, the overall impression is fruity, with a hint of wood, and some wine-like notes. As Glendalough says: Mix it, cut it, sip or straight shot it. Carefully. Buy now 4. John O Connells Small Batch Poitin, 72%: 39.50 for 35cl, Harvey Nichols West Cork Distillers produces a number of poitins including its own brand, Two Trees. This particular poitin is named after the OConnell family, who've been distilling for seven generations (and not all of those legally, of course). Probably the first thing to remark on is the tactile packaging, which includes its own hessian sack. All the better for smuggling with shhh. Made from barley and sugar beet, this one has a very bready, biscuity nose, but is exceptionally sweet on the palate, with that chewy, savoury cereal taste coming after a short but powerful burst of heat. Yes, again it is exceptionally strong, but theres a lot of flavour here and honestly, its not as scary as you might think a spirit of this ABV ought to be. Sip trust us, its good or use in place of dark spirits in your cocktails. Buy now 5. Teeling Spirit of Dublin Irish Poitin, 52.5%: 29.99 for 50cl, Master of Malt If you like your booze, youve probably heard of Teeling Irish Whiskey. The distillery claims to be the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years, commencing spirit production in early 2015. But the brand has much older roots with the Teeling family first distilling in the city in 1782. This triple distilled poitin uses a recipe of unmalted and malted Irish barley, meaning its pretty sweet. Theres not as many layers of flavour here as some of the other spirits in our list, but if youre new to poitin, this is a pretty good place to start. Theres a soft, creamy finish and a little fruit that add interest, but nothing to challenge and frighten you even if this is higher in strength that some of our other picks. Sip and savour over ice. Buy now The Verdict: Poitins Poitin is not going to be for everyone. But there are a number of great ones that are both approachable enough for newbies, but also interesting and complex enough for those who are used to strong and complex drinks. Our pick of those has to be Ban, which delivers a beautiful depth of flavour. 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 }} How do your eating habits change when youre stressed? Do you lose your appetite and not want to eat at all? Or seek comfort in food and accidentally end up ploughing through a whole tray of brownies in one sitting? Its long been suspected that stress can lead to weight gain, but a new study - the first of its kind - now suggests that long term stress can lead to gaining weight over time. Recommended Rising diabetes and obesity crisis laid bare in new maps Researchers from University College London (UCL) conducted the study on 2,527 men and women over the age of 50. They measured the level of cortisol, the stress hormone, in two centimetre clippings of hair (about two months growth). After taking into account variations in age and sex as well as other factors like whether someone smokes or has diabetes, the researchers found that the higher the level of cortisol (ie. the more stressed someone was), the bigger the body weight, BMI and waist circumference of the person. Whats more, having a higher level of cortisol was also linked to persistent obesity over time. Previous studies that have looked into the connection between stress and weight-gain have always studied cortisol levels in the blood, urine or saliva, which vary throughout the day and are affected by temporary factors. This research is the first thats ever found a way to measure stress levels over the course of two months. However its not actually clear whether stress causes obesity - being overweight could also be a source of stress for some people. Lead study author Sarah E. Jackson, an epidemiologist at UCL, said that while we probably cant eliminate all stress from our lives, we might be able to find ways to control it: Even just being aware that stress might make you eat more may help. So if you want to lose weight, perhaps it's time to stop counting calories and simply relax. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Britain would face a Pandoras box of economic consequences if it crashed out of the European Union without a new trade deal in place, according to the president of the Confederation of British Industry. Theresa May confirmed in her January speech at Lancaster House that the UK would not remain in the single market or a full member of the customs union and would instead seek to negotiate a new free trade deal with Europe. But many trade experts are highly sceptical that it will be possible to conclude such a deal by 2019, when the UK is due to leave the bloc, raising the prospect that Britain could be forced to trade with Europe on minimal World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, meaning it would face tariffs on exports to the EU. Recommended The true cost of Brexit without a free trade deal Paul Drechsler, the CBI president, is due to warn strenuously against this outcome in a speech at Mansion House in the City of London on Thursday night. We should be under no illusions about what this would really mean, he is due to say according to pre-released remarks. A no deal scenario would open a Pandoras box of economic consequences. The UK would face tariffs on 90 per cent of its EU exports by value and a raft of new regulatory hurdles. Lets remember these barriers would hurt firms on both sides of the Channel. Here in the UK and across the continent, firms are worried about this worst-case scenario. Some are getting ready for it to reduce economic damage. Some wont prepare because theyre hoping for a deal. But in reality many firms cant prepare because the cost of change is simply too high to even consider it. A small minority of right-wing economists and a number of Conservative politicians argue that it would be economically better for the UK not to even attempt to sign a new trade deal and instead to rely on WTO rules. Mr Drechsler was due to label this advice not only wrong but irresponsible. In Greek mythology, Pandora, the first woman on earth, released all the evils of the world when she opened a box. Other business lobby groups have issued similar warnings on the WTO threat. Earlier this week the British Chambers of Commerce called for Brexit to be delayed if a trade deal had not been struck by 2019. British car manufacturers could face 10 per cent levies on exports to the continent, under WTO trading rules. UK food producers would also face large tariffs and painfully-reduced quotas on exports to the EU. Last year, The Independent calculated that the cost to UK exporters of facing EU tariffs would be a minimum of 4.5bn, based on existing export patterns, and would almost certainly be many multiples of that. Economists from the London School of Economics have estimated that the WTO route would cause an almost 10 per cent hit to UK GDP by 2030. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Education leaders and human rights campaigners have criticised Government proposals over compulsory sex education for "ignoring" LGBT issues and creating a "get-out clause" for faith schools. Under new laws, all children from the age of four are to be taught about safe and healthy relationships, and children in secondary schools will be given age-appropriate lessons about sex. The move follows years of campaigning from MPs and charity groups who have successfully argued that the current curriculum is years out of date and does not reflect the dangers faced by young people today. The news has largely been met with praise, but campaigners argue current guidelines that allow parents to withdraw their children, as well as flexible teaching for faith schools, leave cause for concern. Human rights advocate Peter Tatchell also questioned that Ms Greenings announcement gave no mention of LGBT issues a subject MPs and charity groups say must be included in compulsory teaching. He told The Independent: By allowing religious schools to teach sex and relationship education in accordance with the tenets of their faith, the government is giving them a get-out clause. They will be allowed to either ignore LGBT issues or to teach that same-sex relationships are immoral, unnatural, abnormal and sinful. In either case, it will have a damaging effect on LGBT pupils. We already know that some faith have serious problems with homophobic bullying and that they often fail to challenge it. The government's proposals offer no remedy to ostracised and bullied LGBT kids in religious-run schools. Sex education to be made compulsory in all schools in England Announcing the move on Wednesday, Education Secretary Justine Greening said schools across England will now be bound by the same obligation and include lessons on online dangers, pornography and sexting. She added that statutory guidance for SRE had been introduced in 2000 and is becoming increasingly outdated. Her statement did not address whether the new SRE proposals will require schools to teach in an LGBT-inclusive manner, however, for instance by covering same-sex relationships. Mr Tatchell added: Disappointingly, Justine Greening is not insisting on assertiveness training to give pupils the skills and confidence to resist and report unwanted sexual advances. "This is the the single most effective way to reduce child sex abuse, yet the government is not insisting that it is taught in every school. Welcoming the announcement, Ian Green, Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust said that in order to full address the sexual and mental health crisis among young people, it was vital the legislation included neglected topics such as sexual health and on LGBT relationships to help tackle high rates of STIs among young people and homophobia in schools. The Catholic Education Service also said it welcomed the Governments announcement, stating: Relationship and Sex Education forms part of the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person. The group, along with teaching unions, stressed a need for flexibility, however, adding: We additionally welcome the Governments commitment to protect parental right of withdrawal and involve parents in all stages of the development and delivery of RSE in all schools. 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 According to the new proposals, schools will have "flexibility" over how they deliver subjects, "so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs of the local community; and, in the case of faith schools, in accordance with their faith." While the policy paper states parents rights to withdraw their children from sex education will be upheld, the same paper discloses that a blanket right to opt-out is no longer consistent with English case law". The matter has sparked rumours that parents rights will be reviewed. The Government also states it is in the process of seeking input from external groups as to how the curriculum will be drafted. Speaking to PinkNews, LGBT charity Stonewall said it will be working with the Government to ensure [LGBT issues] are reflected in updated guidance for schools. Stonewall Chief Executive Ruth Hunt, said: This is a huge step forward and a fantastic opportunity to improve inclusion and acceptance in education. Currently over half of secondary school students say they never have any discussion of LGBT relationships in their lessons, and over half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans young people are bullied in our schools because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "That is unacceptable. By mandating all schools to provide good quality, age-appropriate relationships and sex education the Government has paved the way to change that situation. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An artificial embryo-like structure has been created in the laboratory for the first time in a historic breakthrough that could shed light on the magic behind the creation of life. Researchers at Cambridge University were able to make what looked like an early anatomically correct mouse embryo. While stressing it was nowhere near something that could grow into an actual animal, one of the scientists said this would without a doubt eventually be possible. The same technique could potentially be used to build an artificial model of a human embryo, which might help scientists work out reasons why some early embryos fail to develop in the womb. Commenting on the research, described in the journal Science, one scientist in the field described it as a beautifully conceived masterpiece. The embryo model was made by combining two different types of stem cells, which can turn into any kind of tissue needed to make an animal, from brain to skin cells. One type forms the foetus, while the other develops into the placenta. Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, who led the research, said: Both the embryonic and extra-embryonic cells start to talk to each other and become organised into a structure that looks like and behaves like an embryo. It has anatomically correct regions that develop in the right place and at the right time. Fellow researcher Sarah Harrison, a PhD student, said using human stem cells to create a similar structure in the lab was something certainly to explore. Again it would be a model, it would never be the real thing [but could be] something thats going to help us discover what leads to pregnancy failure, she said. The researchers said the cells seemed to organise themselves into the right structure after a three-dimensional scaffold on which they could grow was built for them. Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goet: 'I couldn't be happier when we found the result' Certainly, when we started the preliminary experiments, we were surprised by the amount of self-organisation we could get the self-assembly, if you will without a great amount of manipulation, Ms Harrison said. You just need the right mix of things and theres a bit of self-organisation going on. Further research could be carried out to discover what are the magic factors that really allow such a process, the arrangement of these cells, in what is effectively a mix of things? Asked if the same technique could be used to create something close to a human embryo, she said: Without a doubt it could be done everything is possible eventually. What we have done is certainly nowhere near that. Maybe its a step towards that but we havent created something thats anything like the real thing. Its still really a model of whats going on. Perhaps somebody in the future would be able to do this. A third type of stem cell, which would form the yolk sac, would be among the extra steps required to create a functioning embryo artificially. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary Professor Zernicka-Goetz pioneered a technique that allows early embryos to develop in a lab beyond the point at which they would normally implant in the womb. But their studies have been hampered by a lack of embryos. Being able to create something similar artificially could solve this problem. We think that it will be possible to mimic a lot of the developmental events occurring before 14 days using human embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells using a similar approach to our technique using mouse stem cells, Professor Zernicka-Goetz said. We are very optimistic that this will allow us to study key events of this critical stage of human development without actually having to work on embryos. Knowing how development normally occurs will allow us to understand why it so often goes wrong. Dr Dusko Ilic, a reader in stem cell science at Kings College London, said the research was another masterpiece of recreating in vitro the earliest steps of embryo development coming from the Zernicka-Goetz lab. He added it was a beautifully conceived and executed study demonstrating interplay of different cells in different cellular compartments within the first days of mouse development. And Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, described the paper as very interesting on a number of counts. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Police have charged a Conservative MP's aide with two counts of rape following an alleged incident in the Houses of Parliament. Samuel Armstrong, 23, from Danbury in Essex, was also charged with sexual assault in relation to the alleged attack in October last year. Armstrong is chief of staff to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, but has been suspended from his duties since the allegations came to light. He has been bailed to appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 31, Scotland Yard said. There was no immediate response from Mr Mackinlay. PA Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} MI6 is to reintroduce the classic "tap on the shoulder" as a means of recruiting spies from black and minority ethnic groups, the agency's chief has said. Alex Younger said increasing demand on the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) necessitated expansion and added that it needed to "attract the best of modern Britain". Mr Younger, known in SIS as "C", was himself recruited after a tap on the shoulder, he told The Guardian. He said of his return to the tactic: "We have to go to people that would not have thought of being recruited to MI6. "We have to make a conscious effort. We need to reflect the society we live in." UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA Last year the agency was revealed to be hiring 1,000 new members of staff by 2020, in response to the increasing importance of the internet and technology. Mr Younger said at the time: "The information revolution fundamentally changes our operating environment. "In five years' time there will be two sorts of intelligence servicesthose that understand this fact and have prospered, and those that don't and haven't." It would swell SIS' ranks to 3,500. Another 900 recruits will be sent to MI5 and GCHQ. The former army officer told The Guardian: "Every community from every part of Britain should feel they have what it takes, no matter what their background or status. We have to stop people selecting themselves out." The agency's head of recruitment also told the paper: "There is a perception out there that we want Daniel Craig, or Daniel Craig on steroids. He would not get into MI6." The James Bond image has "put off" people from applying, she said. In December Mr Younger used his first public speech as MI6 head to warn that Russia and the Assad regime in Syria were creating a new generation of terrorists who could be a threat to Britain. Mr Younger also strongly criticised states which have been using cyber and other forms of hybrid warfare to undermine Western democracies. Although he did not name Russia as one of the culprits, there was little doubt that he was pointing the finger at the Kremlin when he spoke about the "increasingly dangerous phenomenon of hybrid warfare." Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: The investigation on the case of blogger Alexander Lapshin continues, and he has made no complaints about conditions of his detention, said Russian Foreign Ministrys Spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing Mar. 2. She noted that judicial proceedings in Lapshins regard are being prepared, adding that the blogger currently receives all the necessary legal assistance. Currently, Lapshin is in custody in Baku Investigative Prison No. 1 (Kurdakhani Pre-trial Detention Center) of the Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijans Justice Ministry, and his defense is being provided by lawyer Eduard Chernin, who was appointed by Lapshins family. Alexander Lapshin is a citizen of several countries and has had a criminal conspiracy with Armenians living in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. He also illegally visited these territories. Lapshin is accused of violating Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012. On Jan. 17, Alexei Stuk, deputy prosecutor general of Belarus, issued a ruling on Lapshins extradition to Azerbaijan. Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan on Feb. 7. 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. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The UK is set for a huge increase in super-rich people, with the number of ultra-high-net-worth Individuals (UHNWIs) set to boom in the next decade, according to a report. Britain is expected to be home to 12,310 UHNWIs by 2026, an increase of 30 per cent from the 9,470 in the country in 2016. But the UK's growth pales in comparison to rising numbers of the ultra-wealthy in Asia, where economies are booming. Property consultants Knight Frank, who conducted the research, estimated the number of UHNWIs would grow globally by 43 per cent by 2026, though significant disparities are expected between different regions. The 25 richest, healthiest, happiest, and most advanced countries in the world The company classifies UHNWIs as people with at least $30m (24.2m) in assets. Despite concerns over Brexit, London is expected to be the main draw for the super-rich. In a European context, London is without doubt the dominant city for the wealthy, Liam Bailey head of research Knight Frank, told the Guardian. London is just more accessible for more wealthy people, it is more convenient, more connected and more open than other cities. London attracts talent from around the world, and it will continue to do so. While the UK is expected to host large numbers of the super-rich into the future, the European continent is anticipated to see a similar number as 2016 or less. Meanwhile, one of the biggest increases in UHNWIs will be in a purportedly Communist country Vietnam. The South East Asian nation will nearly triple its number of super-rich within ten years, rising from 200 in 2016 to 540 in 2026. Other Asian nations will also see large UHNWI increases. Indias share will rise 150 per cent from 6,740 in 2016 to 16,850 in 2026. And China - another country with a communist government - will have 34,340 UHNWI by 2026, up 140 per cent from 14,310 in 2016. Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Show all 10 1 /10 Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Bill Gates - $75 bn The creator of Microsoft is worth $78 billion. He has topped the list for 17 out of the past 22 years - though his net worth shrank by $4.2bn (3bn) to $75bn (53.7bn). Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Amancio Ortega - $67 bn The Spanish business who set up the Zara chain of high-street shops is worth $67 billion. REUTERS/ AP Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Warren Buffet - $60.8 bn Warren buffet is the world's most successful investor. Forbes rates him as being worth $60.8 billion. Getty Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Carlos Slim Helu - $50 bn Carlos Slim, the Mexican telecom magnate, is this years biggest loser with a fortune of $50 billion, down from $77.1 billion last year. Getty Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Jeff Bezos - $45.2 bn Amazons Jeff Bezos moved up to the fifth from the fifteenth spot last year; his net worth increased to $45.2 billion. Getty Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Mark Zuckerberg - $44.6 bn The biggest gainer on the 2016 list is Mark Zuckerberg , whose fortune is up $11.2 billion for a total net worth of $44.6 billion. He is the sixth richest in the world. Getty Images Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Larry Ellison - $43.6 bn The American entrepreneur has a fortune of $43.6 billion Bloomberg Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Michael Bloomberg - $40 bn Michael Bloomberg, whose media and financial empire has created a personal fortune of $40 bn, is said to be willing to spend up to $1bn on a presidential campaign AP Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Charles Koch and David Koch - $39.6 bn Charles Koch, along with brother David Koch of Koch Industries are joint sixth and are valued at $39.6 billion. Forbes top 10 richest billionaires in the world Liliane Bettencourt - $36.1 bn Liliane Bettencourt is the heir to the LOreal empire Getty Images Asian countries are seeing increasing numbers of super-rich, as new markets open up and Western economies and politics falter. A gathering of the super-rich, financiers and economists at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year heard that rising global inequality contributed to the disruptions of Brexit and Donald Trump. Rising wealth disparity and inequality was seen by 750 risk experts as the most important factor in assessing global developments over the next decade. 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 Government does not consider a person having been tortured in the country they are fleeing reason enough alone to accept a claim of asylum, the immigration minister has said. Robert Goodwill told a parliamentary debate on torture that not all proven survivors of past torture automatically qualify for protection if they cannot produce additional evidence that they would be at risk of further serious harm upon being sent back to where they had fled. The minister clarified the Governments policy on people fleeing torture in a debate in Parliaments Westminster Hall. MPs called for the debate after a report released late last year said the Home Office immigration authorities were ignoring or mishandling serious torture evidence. The Freedom From Torture organisation accused the Government of egregious mishandling of medical evidence. It had examined 50 cases over a two-year period, from January 2014 to December 2015. The organisations research also found that appeal judges were having to correct the Home Offices decisions, with 76 per cent of cases involving torture going to appeal being overturned in favour of the applicant. On Thursday Mr Goodwill said: When considering asylum claims made in the UK it is absolutely right that we offer protection to those who face torture on the return to their country. However, this does not mean that all survivors of past torture will automatically qualify for protection. An individual needs to show there is a real risk of serious harm or persecution on return to their home country. In some cases that situation in a country can become normalised so indeed that situation can change. Indeed we welcome when conflict finishes in countries around the world. Of the appealed cases being so regularly overturned the minister said the Home Office wanted to get more cases right first time and that all staff received extensive training but that it was committed to continuous improvement. He confirmed that it was the view of the British government that torture has no place anywhere in the world. The row over torture is one of the latest in a string of controversies about the UKs asylum system. 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 The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration warned last year that asylum seekers who say they have been tortured are facing two-year delays to be medically examined because doctors are overwhelmed by caseload. A Home Affairs Select Committee report released a month ago found that asylum seekers coming to the UK have been placed in accommodation infested with rats, mice, and bedbugs. 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 }} Conservative MP Peter Bone has suggested panic among EU nationals living in the UK about their fate after Brexit is being talked up. Speaking after the Government suffered a defeat in the Lords over safeguards for European citizens residing in Britain, Mr Bone sought to downplay fears among EU nationals about their residency status once Britain quits the bloc. It is only people who are talking up the problem that are actually causing the anxiety, he said. The Tory backbencher made the comments on BBC Newsnight, where he appeared alongside Nicholas Hatton of the 3 Million group, which represents Europeans living in the UK. When Mr Hatton explained his apprehension about the impact of Brexit on his right to remain in the country, Mr Bone responded: I am here to reassure you, my next door neighbours are Polish. The vast majority of people in this country who are from the EU know that they are safe. However, his claims appeared to contradict many EU citizens living in the UK who have voiced fears about their future after ties with Brussels are severed. European migrants with British children have spoken about their concerns that families will be torn apart by Brexit if the automatic right to remain in the country is withdrawn. Panic spread this week after a briefing paper was circulated that suggested the Home Office was able to remove people from the country if they did not have comprehensive sickness insurance. 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 Sylvia Gawron, a Polish national studying in the UK, told The Independent: I feel like EU citizens are now treated as a second class citizens nobody cares about our rights, our families and those who depend on us. We have been left in limbo wondering what is going to happen to our futures here. The Governments immigration stance has been under the spotlight in recent weeks after a string of highprofile incidents involving deportations, both threatened and carried out. In December, a Dutch woman who had lived in Britain for more than two decades was instructed to prepare to be deported after her application for UK citizenship was rejected. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations Monique Hawkins, who has two children and a British husband, said she was left "in limbo" after the surprise refusal from the Home Office. And earlier this week a woman who had lived in the UK for nearly 30 years with her British husband was deported to Singapore. Irene Clennell, 53, says she was forced to board a plane without warning on Sunday, after being held for nearly a month in an immigration detention centre in Scotland. She had been living near Durham with her husband. She has two British sons, as well as a granddaughter, in the UK. 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 }} Around 30 Conservative MPs are ready to vote to give three million EU nationals the right to stay in Britain after Brexit, it was claimed today enough to defeat Theresa May. A peer who helped inflict a humiliating defeat on the Prime Minister in the House of Lords last night predicted a huge revolt when the controversy returns to the Commons. Baroness Molly Meacher, an independent crossbencher, said: We understand there are 30 Tories who are saying they will vote to support this amendment. Obviously the Tory whips in the Commons are going to work extremely hard with all sorts of bribes to get these people to vote with the Government. I believe it can be won in the Commons on the basis of morality and principle and Tories are principled people in general. Just three Tory MPs broke ranks when, last month, the Government blocked a bid to unilaterally protect EU nationals rights with a comfortable majority of 42 That suggests around 25 rebels will be needed when the Commons votes again, probably the week after next and some Remain-supporting Conservatives have already said they will not step out of line. Many trust the Prime Minister after she vowed to ensure the issue is top of her wish-list when the two-year Brexit negotiations get underway, after Article 50 is triggered. Ms May will not act until she receives the same reassurance for UK citizens living in the EU with German Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed for refusing to start early talks. But Baroness Meacher warned EU citizens and British ex-pats could be left in a state of limbo at the end of the two-year period, adding: We know it is perfectly possible there will be no deal. Although the Prime Minister wants to reach a deal straightaway, the EU Commissions negotiators have insisted the UKs hefty divorce bill must be settled first. Furthermore, with French and German election within the next six months, it is possible that the fate of EU citizens will not be discussed until after then. The Polish Social and Cultural Association has described the Prime Ministers stance as immoral, warning nationals were too scared to report hate crimes because of confusion about whether they would be able to remain. And peers warned of the devastating consequences facing public services and the economy without EU workers as well as the fear many feel about their future. But the pressure on Tory backbenchers not to rebel was underlined by fierce criticism of the Lords vote by leading Leave-backer Iain Duncan Smith. It is a bit of posturing by some people in the Lords who are beating their chests and puffing out their own sense of self-importance, the former cabinet minister said. My answer to that is jolly good, nice to hear from you, but it has no bearing on Theresa May's Article 50 negotiations. The amendment passed by the Lords, with a thumping majority of 102, requires ministers to act to guarantee EU citizens rights within three months of triggering Article 50 which is likely to mean by June. The scale of the defeat makes it more likely that Ms May will be defeated again next week, when peers will demand a decisive meaningful vote on her final Brexit deal. 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 }} Draconian Government threats to abolish the House of Lords if it held up Brexit have been dropped despite peers defiance over EU citizens rights. Instead, Downing Street praised the upper chamber for a healthy and vigorous debate after it inflicted Theresa Mays first defeat on the Article 50 Bill. Last month, Government sources warned the Lords would be abolished if it attempted to frustrate the Bill, which the Commons had passed overwhelmingly. House of Lords defies Theresa May over EU nationals' right to stay in UK One un-named Cabinet minister said peers would bring an existential crisis upon themselves and sign their own death warrants. The Prime Minister was said to be sympathetic to the idea of, at the very least, a dramatic punishment of the unelected Lords. Peers have now held up the Brexit Bill, delaying the triggering of the EU exit clause by at least one week until the middle of this month. But, asked if that defiance strengthened the case to finally reform the Lords, a Number 10 spokesman said: The Lords has a constitutional duty to perform and its right that it does that. Its right that they scrutinise the legislation that is passed up to them. I think we have seen a very healthy and vigorous debate in the Lords. The climbdown came as the spokesman insisted the Lords defeat would not prevent Article 50 being triggered by the end of March Ms Mays deadline. We are committed to meeting the timetable that has been set out and believe this will have no impact on that, he said. The spokesman added: Our message to MPs is that we expect this Bill to go through unamended. MPs voted it through unamended and we expect that to be the case. It is a Bill with a very simple purpose, as we have set out before to enact the referendum result and allow the Government to get on with the negotiations. Just three Tory MPs broke ranks when, last month, the Government blocked a bid to unilaterally protect EU nationals rights with a comfortable majority of 42 That suggests around 25 rebels will be needed when the Commons votes again, probably the week after next and some Remain-supporting Conservatives have already said they will not step out of line. Many trust the Prime Minister after she vowed to ensure the issue is top of her wish-list when the two-year Brexit negotiations get underway, after Article 50 is triggered. Ms May will not act until she receives the same reassurance for UK citizens living in the EU with German Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed for refusing to start early talks. But Baroness Molly Meacher, an independent crossbencher, said: We understand there are 30 Tories who are saying they will vote to support this amendment. And Labours Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: We urge the Government now to immediately bring forward the guarantee to protect the rights of EU nationals resident here and we are working now with our European colleagues to protect the rights of EU citizens here, but also UK citizens in the EU. 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 }} Voters in Northern Ireland have headed to the polls in an emergency election designed to save power-sharing. Despite fears of a disillusioned and disinterested electorate, voters are thought to have turned out in similar numbers to last Mays elections. A spokesperson for the Northern Irish Electoral Office said turn out is expected to match that of previous polls. Sizeable turn-out will be welcome news to proponents of the power-sharing Executive amid fears an exasperated electorate could effectively boycott the vote due to growing dissatisfaction. The election is the second of its kind in less than twelve months, sparked by the collapse of power-sharing. More than a decade of cross-community governance between Unionist and Nationalist politicians came to an end last month after Sinn Fein refused to work with their counterparts in the Democratic Unionist Party. With no devolved Government left, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire was left with no choice but to call an election in a bid to elect a fresh Executive to return to governance. Unlike Westminster elections, Northern Ireland uses a proportional representation system of single transferable vote. This means that rather than putting an x in the box of one preferred candidate, voters rank the candidates of their choice with 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. Brexit 'may reduce prospect of co-operation' in Northern Ireland The first preferences of each candidate are counted to ascertain the threshold required for candidates to be elected. After this, candidates deemed not to meet the quota are eliminated and their votes are redistributed among the surviving candidates. Under this system, five politicians are elected per constituency. The system is designed to ensure minority views and groups attain places, as part of a requirement in the peace process to reflect multiple Northern Irish communities at the Assembly, rather than simple majority rule. The election is likely to be a test for the Democratic Unionists, who have slumped in public opinion polls recently after it emerged they are linked to a majority financial scandal. The Renewable Heat Incentive, known locally as the Cash For Ash scandal, was set up under DUP politician Arlene Foster and appears to have been badly mismanaged, resulting in a loss of some 400 million to the Northern Irish taxpayer. After Ms Foster refused to stand down, Sinn Fein walked away from power-sharing, thereby triggering the election. The Democratic Unionist Party is expected to see considerable losses at the election due to growing public dissatisfaction and concern about the Cash For Ash affair. (Niall Carson/PA Wire (pictures by Niall Carson/PA) Recent reforms have seen constituencies reduced from six politicians per region to five, in a bid to reduce the size of the Assembly and thereby reduce financial costs at Stormont. However, it is expected that the reform will particularly impact on smaller, newer parties, who are more likely to run on progressive and non-sectarian agendas, prompting concerns fewer moderates will be returned to the parliament and more polarisation will occur. Counting will begin on Friday at 8am, with first results expected to become apparent in the late afternoon. A fuller picture of results is expected to have emerged by evening, although some constituencies may take until Saturday. 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 }} John McDonnell has urged Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, to publish his tax returns after he said Labour would compel any British resident earning more than 1m a year to publish their records. The shadow Chancellors comments aimed at tackling tax avoidance come as Mr Hammond prepares to set out his fiscal plans at the despatch box in next weeks spring Budget. Speaking at the Southbank Centre in London, he said there would be no place to hide for those who avoid tax and added Labour has drawn on practices in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden to devise its plans for tax-return disclosures for Britain's wealthiest. Therell be no place to hide for tax avoiders under Labour. Our tax transparency and enforcement programme will clamp down on the worst avoiders, he said. And building on the successful Nordic model, we'll introduce legislation to make public the tax returns of those earning over 1m. Transparency and fairness is at the heart of building a decent, open society. This will help restore public trust in the tax system - and help clamp down on any avoidance. He added: I invite Philip Hammond to publish his as well because we have a special responsibility. I just want openness and transparency. Mr McDonnell delivers a speech on the economy at the Southbank Centre in London (Getty) Mr McDonnell also urged the Chancellor not to ignore the pressures facing the NHS and social care in Britain after the subjects were entirely absent from Mr Hammonds Autumn Statement. Published figures indicate that tax receipts are currently higher than anticipated, he said. "Given that we're facing an immediate crisis in the NHS and social care, I'm calling on the Chancellor to use that money to address this NHS and social care emergency. Any measure less than this is likely to be inadequate. The shadow Chancellors tax avoidance policy also comes after Mr McDonnell wrote in an article that there was a soft coup taking place within the party to overthrow the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He said in the article for the Labour Briefing website published on Sunday evening that the attempt to remove Mr Corbyn was being perpetrated by an alliance between elements in the Labour Party and the Murdoch empire. Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Show all 12 1 /12 Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn's reshuffle Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn and the Syria bombing vote Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn asks questions from the public at PMQs, meanwhile backbenchers plot to oust him Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn is unavailable to attend the Privy Council Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Conference rejects Corbyns call to debate Trident Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn At Labour conference Corbyn and McDonnell press for a Robin Hood tax Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyns hopes for a new politics look optimistic in the face of a media barrage Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn enters Labour leadership race But when asked about those comments at the speech in London, Mr McDonnell suggested they were written in haste following Tony Blairs intervention last week. He then extended an olive branch to his critics, including the former Labour cabinet minister Peter Mandelson, saying he would be willing to take advice from them as it was important for the party to unite. He added: And, yes, that is holding out hands from my wing of the party, from Momentum we established, to those people in Progress. And, yes, Peter Mandelson. And having a constructive relationship for the future. So, yes I will be inviting him to come and have a cup of tea, and discuss issues around common concern. 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 }} John McDonnell is set to urge Philip Hammond not to ignore the pressures facing the NHS and social care in Britain as his sets out his fiscal plans in next weeks spring budget. Setting out Labours three top priorities for the economy including, funding for the NHS and social care, living standards and protected public services the Shadow Chancellor will also urge Mr Hammond not to perform a Jekyll and Hyde routine at the despatch box next week. At a major speech in London, Mr McDonnell will say: The Chancellor cannot kick the can down the road any longer, or perform a Jekyll and Hyde routine, in which he pretends that he cannot give the proper funding our NHS and social care desperately needs, while at the same time boasting better growth forecasts in the economy. Recommended City of London calls on Chancellor to deliver stable Brexit Or pretend the public finances are doing better than expected, yet he has to cut payments to the disabled, while continuing with tax giveaways to a wealthy few. On the NHS and social care subjects that were not mentioned at the Chancellors autumn budget Mr McDonnell will add: It is essential that the Government use this Budget to give the NHS and social care the funding they urgently need. The present Conservative Government has been condemned for its fast-and-loose approach to NHS spending. With the fiscal statement falling on International Womens Day, Mr McDonnell will also cite independent estimates suggesting that 86 per cent of public spending cuts since the start of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010 have fallen on women. The numbers behind the NHS crisis Our public services, from education to local government to prison services, are in a deepening crisis and the burden is falling disproportionately on women, he will add. It is women who are bearing the brunt of low pay, cuts to in-work benefits, and the public sector pay cap. Put together, this Government has created a toxic mix for women. 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 Prime Minister will on Friday accuse Nicola Sturgeon of treating politics like a game in a visit to Scotland on Friday. Speaking at the Scottish Tories spring conference in Glasgow Theresa May will say the Scottish Government is neglecting school standards by apparently focusing on Scottish independence as an issue. The SNP on Thursday night warned that Ms May risked further alienating Scottish opinion by presenting a brick wall of Tory intransigence to overtones of compromise. With the union between Scotland and England under pressure in the wake of the Brexit vote, the PM will use her visit north of the border to highlight her commitment to strengthening and sustaining the bonds that unite us. Her visit comes ahead of speculation that Ms Sturgeon is set to demand a second Scottish independence referendum in light of the latest Brexit developments. Ms May has pledged to leave the single market and end free movement, breaking SNP red lines laid out before and after the referendum. The First Minister has said she believes she has a "cast iron mandate" to hold a second such ballot after Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU last year, while the rest of the UK voted to leave. Ms May will tell the conference: My first visit as Prime Minister was here to Scotland. I wanted to make clear that strengthening and sustaining the bonds that unite us is a personal priority for me. I am confident about the future of our United Kingdom and optimistic about what we can achieve together as a country." Attacking the SNP on public services, she will say Scotland's schools are outperformed in every category by those in England, Northern Ireland, Estonia and Poland. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I am just as concerned that young people in Dundee get a good start in life and receive the education they need to reach their full potential as I am about young people in Doncaster and Dartford," she will say. People in Scotland deserve a First Minister who is focused on their priorities - raising standards in education, taking care of the health service, reforming criminal justice, helping the economy prosper, improving people's lives. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a visit to R:evolve Clothing, an upcycling workshop in Rutherglen, before making an announcement on the Climate Challenge Fund (PA wire) The Conservatives overtook Labour to become the second largest party at Holyrood in the 2016 Scottish election. Ms Sturgeon hit back: If the Prime Minister thinks she can come to Scotland and sermonise about where power should lie, in the manner of one of her Tory predecessors, she should remember this: 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 Her government has no mandate in Scotland, and no democratic basis to take us out of Europe and the single market against our will. But increasingly, this Tory Government seems to think it can do what it wants to Scotland and get away with it." Additional reporting by PA Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Conservative peer who accused the House of Lords of thinking of nothing but the rights of foreigners employed immigrants in his home. Lord Norman Tebbit, former minister under Margaret Thatcher, paid a number of immigrants, including Europeans, to carry out household tasks and care for his disabled wife despite having condemned peers during a Brexit debate for attempting to protect the rights of "foreigners". One Czech woman, Marketa Ziskova, said she worked in the former Conservative cabinet minister's household in 2007 as a relief carer for his disabled wife, during which she claimed she was paid minimum wage and told to address the couple as Lord and "Lady. Ms Ziskova, who lived in Britain for nine years before returning to the Czech Republic in 2013, provided The Independent with a copy of a pay slip she said demonstrates her employment under Lord Tebbit in May 2017. She described her several months working as a relief carer for Lady Tebbit as an unpleasant experience. "They always had foreign carers. There was me, a girl from Slovakia and another girl from South Africa, but we worked single-handed shifts," Ms Ziskova said. When we had time off we still had to stay at their house and sleep there. We couldnt stay with friends, for example. "We ate dinner with them and were only allowed to drink water while they drank wine. Our food was in a separate fridge and it was mainly Tescos economy. We had to call them Lord and Lady Tebbit. It felt like they owned us. It was an unpleasant experience." In response to the claims, Lord Tebbit confirmed to The Independent that he had employed foreign workers in his home, but denied allegations that he mistreated staff. Government suffers defeat in Lords over plan to begin Brexit negotiations We never shopped at Tescos, apart from to get petrol. And we never had separate meals. They had their own rooms, their own bathroom, they had a television, the peer said. Its a long while ago and perhaps her memory I not entirely correct, and quite likely mine isnt either. But I can absolutely assure you that weve never, never had one menu for us and another for the girls working for us. Apart from anything else it would complicate things because its a big house, but weve only got one kitchen. Lord Tebbit said that in one instance they had supported a Polish woman who worked for them with her journey through university. One Polish worker who returned to Poland some years ago to go to university was pretty hard up, so we had her back here every summer and every Christmas," he said. "It meant she had no living expenses at home, and we were able to pay her so she could earn and save money to finance herself through medical school. Shes going to qualify as a doctor this year." He added that while he had employed foreign nationals, some black, some white, their household staff was currently made up of only British workers, because they were more likely to be stayers. For some time now weve been entirely British staffed. The thing about non-British nationals is that they tend to not be 'stayers', he said. It comes a day after the former minister sparked anger in the House of Lords on Wednesday when he attacked the bid by peers to give a post-Brexit guarantee to three million EU citizens living in Britain. Drawing gasps from those around him, Lord Tebbit accused peers of attempting to protect the rights of EU nationals of thinking of nothing but the rights of foreigners, before adding: Why is everybody here today so excited about an amendment which looks after foreigners and not the British? When later asked about the remarks he made in the House of Lords about the rights of EU nationals, Lord Tebbit told The Independent: The gasps of horror in the house of Lords when I referred to foreigners thats what they are. If youre an Italian in Britain, youre a foreigner. If I go to Italy, Im a foreigner. Of course their rights should be protected. The issue is that Ms Merkel and President Hollande because theyre in political trouble scared of AfD and Marine le Pen they want to talk tough. Ms Merkel refused to talk to Ms May about settling the matter of the British subjects living in the EU alongside the question of EU national living in Britain. Its very simple what they have to do protect rights on both sides. Lord Tebbit has been known to express an anti-immigrant sentiment in the past. As an MP under John Major in 1991, he said he did not think certain immigrant communities would assimilate because some of them insist on sticking to their own culture, like the Muslims in Bradford and so forth, and they are extremely dangerous. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Samir Ali Trend: Officials of Russian and Israeli embassies in Baku have appealed to the relevant bodies for another meeting with blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Azerbaijan, Lapshins lawyer Eduard Chernin told Trend Mar. 2. Officials of the Russian Embassy in Baku met Lapshin once, while officials of the Israeli Embassy in Baku met him twice following the bloggers extradition to Azerbaijan, Chernin said. The allegations that representatives of the embassies cannot meet Lapshin are unfounded, Chernin noted. In accordance with the rules of organizing meetings, in order to meet Lapshin, one should appeal to the relevant official bodies, the lawyer said. After receiving the response to the appeal, the time for the meeting is appointed. The lawyer noted that Lapshin has no complaints regarding detention conditions and he can meet his family members. Armenian media reported that allegedly Lapshins spouse couldnt talk to him and received no information about him, the lawyer noted. I told this to Alexander Lapshin, told him what his wife Yekaterina said, and then got in touch with her. She said she wanted to come to Baku to meet her husband. The lawyer also said that Lapshins mother Bella Lapshina is in Baku, and she can see her son anytime she wants. Currently, Lapshin is under custody in Baku Investigative Prison No. 1 (Kurdakhani Pre-trial Detention Center) of the Penitentiary Service of Azerbaijans Justice Ministry, and his defense is being provided by lawyer Eduard Chernin, who was appointed by Lapshins family. Alexander Lapshin is a citizen of several countries and has had a criminal conspiracy with Armenians living in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. He also illegally visited these territories. Lapshin is accused of violating Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012. On Jan. 17, Alexei Stuk, deputy prosecutor general of Belarus, issued a ruling on Lapshins extradition to Azerbaijan. Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan on Feb. 7. 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. 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 }} Several patients are trapped after the a collapsed at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, emergency service officials said. The at the public entrance of the Charlotte Maxeke Hospita caved in as construction workers were trying to seal a leak. Five people were injured and it was not clear how many people were still trapped under the rubble. Two of the injured were patients, two were construction workers while one person was a hospital staff member. Footage on social media showed rescue workers digging at the rubble with their bare hands. "There are several patients trapped. Rescue workers are busy on the scene at the moment trying to ascertain the safety," ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring said. Eye Witness News quoted sources at the scene saying two people were trapped in the rubble and that one person had been removed. The eNCA television channel said four people had been injured. Jack Bloom, health spokesman for the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng, said he warned the hospital was "structurally unsound". Sharing a picture of the collapse on Twitter, he said: "The devastation at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital - I warned years ago that the hospital was structurally unsound." State hospitals in South Africa have been struggling with persistent underfunding for staff, equipment and facilities. 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 }} Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year, contact that immediately fuelled calls for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if anyone affiliated with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. Sessions answered that he had not had communication with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said on Wednesday night that there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. That statement did not satisfy Democrats who even before Wednesday had sought his recusal from the ongoing federal investigation and had raised questions about whether he could properly oversee it. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, accused Sessions of lying under oath and demanded that he resign. Other Democrats called on him to step aside from the investigation. In a statement Wednesday night, Sessions said, I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, the department said. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department 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 The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadors - including the Russian ambassador - approached Sessions after the talk as he was leaving the stage. Revelations of the contact, first reported by The Washington Post, triggered calls from members of Congress for Sessions to back out of any involvement in the FBI's probe. If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions - a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump - met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians, said Representative Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. This is not even a close call; it is a must, he said. Asked by reporters on Monday about the prospect of a recusal, Sessions said, I would recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on." At the confirmation hearing in January, Senator Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there was evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was unaware of those activities. Then he added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it. Flores, the Justice Department spokeswoman, said that response was not misleading. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign - not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, she said in a statement. Franken, in a statement Wednesday night, said he was troubled that the new attorney general's response to his question was at best, misleading. He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. It's clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, Franken said. Separately in January, Senator Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Sessions in a written questionnaire whether he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day. Sessions replied simply, No. AP 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 }} Hundreds of churches across America are speaking out in defiance of Donald Trumps aggressive immigration stance seeking to protect threatened communities and even offer themselves as physical sanctuaries. Up to 800 congregations are providing help and support to undocumented migrants who are now at an increased risk of being detained. Some of them are literally offering themselves as sanctuaries, in the expectation that agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are unlikely to enter inside. Church leaders say communities have become increasingly frightened since Mr Trump directed his administration to enforce the nations immigration laws more aggressively, unleashing the full force of the federal government to find, arrest and deport those in the country illegally. Unlike under the Obama administration, which deported hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants but prioritised those who had committed crimes, Mr Trump has told his government to also target those who have not. Mr Trump wants to hire up to 15,000 new agents. But activists are equally preparing for a fight. Taking a leaf from the sanctuary movement of the 1980s and 1990s, when Christian communities stepped in to provide help to thousands of Central Americans fleeing the civil wars the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, was at the heart of the effort communities are preparing to take a stand. Obama created the machinery for this. He later tried to move back from it, Pastor Noel Anderson of the non-profit Church World Service told The Independent. But now Trump is putting this machinery in overdrive. He added: We are very concerned that these policies are happening. We have a moral responsibility to resist and some congregations are ready to risk the chance of breaking the law. According to federal law, locations like churches and synagogues are technically public spaces that officials could enter to conduct law enforcement actions. In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security issued a memo limiting ICE actions at "sensitive locations" such as schools and houses of worship. Sadiq Khan criticises Trump's 'cruel' immigration policies But how long that policy remains in place is unclear. Last month, ICE officers waited outside a cold weather shelter attached to the Rising Hope Mission Church in Alexandria, Virginia. At around 6.45am on 8 February, agents swooped on up to half-a-dozen men emerging from the shelter, handcuffed and detained them. The churchs pastor, Rev Keary Kincannon, said that a number of witnesses saw the men being taken away. Since then, they have been trying to obtain information from the ICE headquarters about what has happened to the men. The community is a little more fearful. We have had people coming forward to express their concerns, he said. We think [the Trump administration] is trying to send a message. And our message as a church, is that we will do what we do because God loves everyone. Mr Trump has ordered officials to step up their efforts to detain and deport undocumented migrants (Reuters) He added: We dont ask people immigration status anymore than wed their political affiliation. The raid outside the Virginias churches homeless shelter, is just one example of the aggressive new stance being taken by ICE agents following Mr Trumps new directive. Daniela Vargas, a 22-year-old so-called dreamer who was brought to the US as a child, watched as her father and brother, who were living in the country illegally, were detained by agents in Jackson, Mississippi. When Ms Varagas spoke out at a news conference this week alongside immigrant rights advocates, she too was subsequently detained by officials. You know who we are and you know why were here, her friend, Jordan Sanders, told Univision about the agents. Also last month, agents in El Paso arrested an undocumented women who had gone to a courthouse to collect details of a protective order in which she alleged she was a victim of domestic violence. It was reported that the woman was detained, after officials may have received a tip from the womans alleged abuser, who was already in custody. Ravi Ragbir, an activist with New Yorks Judson Memorial Church, located next to Washington Park Square, said that in recent weeks he had been travelling across the country to conduct training sessions with other churches who want to learn about becoming sanctuaries. He said that the church had received lots of calls from people very fearful about what may happen to them in the new environment. Under Obama, there was a facade of humanity, said Mr Ragbir, whose church is one of around a dozen in New York to offer sanctuary to undocumented people. You know that the whole goal is to get rid of as many people as possible. He added: This is why the community has to mobilise to protect the church and the space. We respond by educating everyone. He said he believed that for now, ICE agents may be reluctant to forcibly enter a church. However, that could change. If they come into a church to take someone, it could become violent, he said. There is a sense of tension. 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 }} Jeff Sessions had two meetings with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign, despite saying under oath in his Attorney General confirmation hearing he "did not have communication with the Russians". Mr Sessions, an early Donald Trump supporter, is said to have met with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak once in September 2016, coinciding with US intelligence officials investigating Russian interference in the presidential election, and once in summer of that year. The Alabama Attorney General, a policy advisor to the Republican candidate who was considered a possible Vice Presidential nominee, failed to disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January after being pressed about what he would do if anyone affiliated with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. During the hearing, Senator Al Franken drew Mr Sessions attention to a report alleging there was a continued exchange of information during the campaign between Trumps surrogates and intermediaries for the Russian government. If there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what will you do? Senator Franken asked him. Senator Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two during that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians and Im unable to comment on it," Mr Sessions replied. 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 Very well, Senator Franken, a Democrat Minnesota senator and former Saturday Night Live comedian, replied. Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, accused Mr Sessions of lying under oath and called for him to resign. Members of congress have called for the Attorney General to recuse himself from any involvement in the FBIs probe. On Wednesday night, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said there there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. In a statement on Wednesday night, Mr Sessions said: I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. The Washington Post, citing justice department officials, first reported that Mr Sessions, met with Mr Kislyak the same Russian ambassador who Michael Flynns communication with led to his sacking in February. 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 }} Jeff Sessions spoke on the importance of prosecuting Bill Clinton for perjury during a television interview in 1999. A younger version of the now Attorney General said he was concerned about a president appearing to lie under oath and that no one is above the law. The leading Republican figure is under increasing pressure from the Democratic opposition to resign after he allegedly outright lied to the Senate about two conversations with the Russian ambassador. I am concerned about a president, under oath, being alleged to have committed perjury, said Mr Sessions, speaking to C-Span. There are serious allegations that that occurred. In America, in the Supreme Court, the American people believe no one is above the law. The president has gotten himself into this fix that is very serious. The Senate were imminently due to vote on two charges of perjury and obstruction of justice against Mr Clinton, which nearly saw the Democrat impeached. Recommended Donald Trump leads standing ovation for Hillary and Bill Clinton The 42nd US President the husband of Hillary was facing unprecedented pressure to resign over his sexual relations with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. He famously said I did not have sexual relations with that woman in a press conference and repeated the statement under oath in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case. A Washington Post article this week revealed Mr Sessions an early advocate of Mr Trumps during his wild-card presidential race failed to disclose to the Senate in January his two conversations with Sergey Kislyak. Democrat leader in the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said he must resign. 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 }} Joe Bidens youngest son is in a romantic relationship with his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother, Beau Biden. Beau, the Vice Presidents older son and war veteran, died of brain cancer in May of 2015. His widow, Hallie, is now in a relationship with Beaus younger brother Hunter. Barack Obamas former Vice President said he and his wife had given their blessing to the relationship. "Hallie and I are incredibly lucky to have found the love and support we have for each other in such a difficult time, and that's been obvious to the people who love us most, his son, Hunter, told the New York Post in a statement. We've been so lucky to have family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Show all 15 1 /15 Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden watch Barack Obama's farewell speech on 11 January. Obama called Biden his 'brother' Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years US President Barack Obama speaks alongside US Vice President Joe Biden about the Affordable Care Act AFP/Getty Images Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama Getty Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years President Obama listens to Joe Biden speak of his work on defeating cancer on 18 October in the White House Reuters Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years U.S. President Barack Obama is applauded by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Vice President Joe Biden while delivering his final State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in Washington Reuters Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years U.S. Vice President Joe Biden interjects as President Barack Obama delivers remarks at a reception for the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics at the White House in Washington REUTERS Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Obama and Vice President Joe Biden react after a heckler was removed for their extended interruption (Reuters) Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with Speaker of the House John Boehner (R) as Vice President Joe Biden looks on Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Barack and Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden observing a moment of silence outside the White House to mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Getty Images Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Barack Obama and Joe Biden putt on the White House putting green Getty Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years President Barack Obama and Joe Biden in April 2013 AFP/Getty Images Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years January 1, 2013: U.S. President Barack Obama winks as he arrives with Vice President Joe Biden (L) in the briefing room Reuters Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and others receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House May 1, 2011 in Washington, DC Getty Images Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Vice-President Joe Biden, right, confirmed that the US was looking at ways of taking legal action against Julian Assange - back in December 2010 GETTY IMAGES Joe Biden and Barack Obama through the years Joe Biden, left, and retired military officers watch President Barack Obama sign orders to close down the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in January 2009 GETTY IMAGES The outgoing Vice President also expressed his happiness in a statement, saying: We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them. Hunter and Kathleen Biden reportedly separated in October 2015, five months after Beaus death. While Hunter and Kathleen Biden have three daughters, Hallie Biden has two children with Beau Biden, who was the Delaware Attorney General from 2007 to 2015. The death of Beau massively upset the outgoing Vice President at the time and is thought to be one of the reasons why he decided against running for President in 2016. "No one should ever seek the presidency unless they're able to devote their whole heart and soul and passion into just doing that," Biden told ABC News last year. "Beau was my soul. I just wasn't ready to be able to do that. My one regret is my Beau's not here. I don't have any other regrets." After his son died, he released a statement, saying: "Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known. Beaus death was not the only tragedy to hit the family. Beau was just two when his mother Neilia was killed in a car crash in 1972 that also took the life of the Vice President's one-year-old daughter. 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 }} Michigan is reportedly the only state in the US which has a law giving police immunity from prosecution if they have sex with prostitutes during an investigation. Bridgette Carr, a director of the Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, is now working with Representative Gary Glenn to draft a bill to get rid of the law. Ms Carr told Michigan Radio she became aware of the exemption a couple of years ago when Hawaii was "phasing out their exemption". And a number of folks in the human trafficking community were upset that Michigan retained the exemption, she told the station. 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 exemption potentially allows police officers to have sex with human trafficking victims without facing punishment. The reason the law is structured the way it is is because of the way the prostitution laws are written, she said. So for law enforcement to have any power to investigate with immunity, they got all the power. And no one thought to go back and carve out a prohibition against sexual intercourse. Ms Carr said none of the officers she spoke to said they take advantage of the prosecution. She added: What I do know from my own clients is that people who either say they are cops, who are cops or who are impersonating cops, know about this exemption and threaten my clients with it sometimes. Its not rampant, but it happens. And I think it says something about us as a community that we would allow this type of exemption for law enforcement, whether its used very often or not. 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 }} Muslim students in Florida have pledged their solidarity to the Jewish community by sending bouquets of flowers to organisations and synagogues to build bonds of unity in times of great division". Muslim Student Associations at two universities delivered heartfelt messages alongside the floral tributes to extend a hand of friendship to their Jewish neighbours. The bouquets were delivered to the Chabad and Hillel organisations at Florida State University (FSU) and to Florida A&M Universitys Shomrei Torah and Temple Israel synagogues in Tallahassee. We are writing this message to extend a hand of friendship. In times of great division, it is important that we stand together in unity so we hope that these flowers can be seen as a symbol of our solidarity, the note read. FSU Muslim Student Association President Moneba Anees said the group wanted to make a gesture in light of the increase in hate crimes against minority groups since Donald Trump was elected US president. Keeping up with the news lately has shown a plethora of very sad stories and hateful crimes against many minority groups, he told the Tallahassee Democrat. Although we could not think of a way to help our Jewish friends and peers directly, we decided that we could show them that people are taking note of what is happening and that they have our support, love and prayers. 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 floral tributes came just days after a Jewish cemetery was vandalised in St Louis and headstones were overturned at a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia. In January, 27 Jewish community centres across 17 US states were targeted with bomb threats, according to the JJC Association of North America. The bouquets were displayed at Temple Israels Shabbat services and Rabbi Jack Romberg described the gesture as beautiful". We all had the same reaction. We got a little teary. It was so beautiful, he told the Tallahassee Democrat. Mr Romberg also said the Jewish community was prepared to return the gesture of solidarity to Muslim citizens if Mr Trump establishes a Muslim registry. His pledge came after the White House halted immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, in what many titled a Muslim ban. The restrictions were later overturned by the courts, however it led many to accuse Mr Trump of Islamophobia and of specifically targeting Muslim citizens. During his election campaign he was asked by a reporter whether there would be a database that tracks Muslims in the US, to which he replied: I would certainly implement that." If there becomes a registration of Muslims, we're going to sign up to register, Mr Romberg said. Their community and our community, were all feeling the pressure. Whatever differences Jews and Muslims might have had, weve got to put them aside and stand together because its the only way were going to get through the difficult times. 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 }} One of the leading Democratic Party politicians in Washington has said under-fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath and must resign. House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi also said the Republican, and keen Donald Trump supporter, was not fit to serve. Mr Sessions is under increasing pressure from the opposition after the Washington Post revealed how he failed to disclose his two conversations with the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential campaign. Now, after lying under oath to Congress about his own communications with the Russians, the Attorney General must resign, said Ms Pelosi. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians. Ms Pelosi, who infamously once said she could guarantee the 70-year-old billionaire would not become president, pointed to Mr Sessions confirmation hearing in January. Mr Sessions, who was early an advocate of Mr Trumps during his wild-card race for the White House, appeared to outright deny contact with the Russians. Ms Pelosi, who made history when she became the first female speaker in The House, added: Under penalty of perjury, he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. We now know that statement is false. In a response to Senator Al Franken of Minnesota, Mr Session's exact words were: "I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." The 76-year-old, in a statement tweeted out yesterday, said Mr Sessions has never had the credibility to oversee the FBI investigation of senior Trump officials ties to the Russians. Mr Sessions replaced acting Attorney General Sally Yates who refused to play along with Mr Trumps immigration travel ban. In a response this week, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said Mr Session's response at the Senate was not misleading. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Randy Stiles learned the hard way: Having a Confederate flag tattoo that reads Southern Pride with a noose hanging off it isnt a path to success. A lot of public ridicule came from it, Stiles, 25, said this month as he waited to get the flag on his right forearm removed. Ive got to get it gone. Eliminating a tattoo like this takes hours under the needle and usually costs as much as $500 (406). But Southside Tattoo in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, is removing the hate for free, covering up racist and gang-related tattoos as part of its mission. Recommended The doctor removing face tattoos to give gang members new lives A no-cost coverup fits right into Stiless budget. Though he got the tattoo at 18 when he was young and dumb, he said the father of three now hopes to move into management at the trucking company where he works and worries the tattoo could hold him back. Though hes not a racist, he said, the tattoo made him look like one. Its not something I would wish on anyone, said Stiles, of Baltimore. A racist [or] gang tattoo puts a target on you. Dave Cutlip, who runs Southside, said he and his wife developed the idea of free coverups in January after a man came into his tattoo parlor hoping to get a gang tattoo removed from his face. Randy Stiless original tattoo of a Confederate flag with a noose and the words Southern Pride is concealed by an eagle spreading its wings (Dave Cutlip) I could see the hurt in his eyes, Cutlip said. Cutlip, 49, couldn't help the man, it turned out, because the tattoo was too prominent. Might he be able to help someone else? He and his wife turned to Facebook, offering free coverups for racist or gang tattoos with no questions asked. Sometimes people make bad choices, and sometimes people change, the post reads. We believe that there is enough hate in this world and we want to make a difference. The post was so widely shared that Cutlip turned off Facebook notifications on his phone. He books the free coverup appointments on Tuesdays and has worked with seven clients so far. The post also led to a crowdfunding effort for the Random Acts of Tattoo Project, which Cutlip created with his wife. Cutlip doesnt take any of the money, but plans to direct it to tattoo artists in other parts of the country who cant work for free and to those with training in laser tattoo removal. In prison and on the street, he said, some people are forced into hate groups and gangs to avoid becoming victims themselves. But later in life, a tattoo memorialising that hatred and violence works against them. Once you do something like that, you're always going to be a victim, Cutlip said. If I can help that person, thats my ultimate goal. The desire to cover hateful or violent tattoos isnt new. One program that removed gang members tattoos began in Virginia in 2007. In 2010, a judge in Florida ordered a neo-Nazis tattoos to be covered with makeup during his trial; the Southern Poverty Law Center funded the removal of a skinheads tattoos the following year. Dave Cutlip fills in the eagle covering the Confederate flag tattoo on Randy Stiless arm (Washington Post) In this corner of Anne Arundel County, about a mile south of Baltimore, where Southside sits in a strip mall, its Facebook post brought diverse queries. Cutlip was asked about covering up an iron cross and a Dead Man Incorporated tattoo from a notorious white prison gang, among other pleas for help. The challenge wasnt confronting hateful ideology but figuring out ways to erase it. Examining a photo of a swastika tattoo a woman wanted removed from her lower back she said it cost her young son a spot in a playgroup Cutlip begrudgingly admired its dark colour and clean lines. I hate to say it, he said. This is a great tattoo. He decided that the Random Acts of Tattoo Project would pay for laser removal elsewhere. Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Show all 15 1 /15 Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This penguin was carefully designed by Ganji Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This delicate tree is based on one simple line Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity The black and white tattoos are all based on linear designs Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Ganji designed this map of the world Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity The simple linear tattoo lines have become a trademark of Ganji's work Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This bird, squirrel and turtle are all designed by Ganji Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity The artist derided the culture of "more is better than less" in an interview Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity The Star Wars themed tattoo is also based on Mo's one line principle Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This chest piece was designed by the German based tattoo artist Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Mo Ganji left a job in fashion to work as a tattoo artist Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Ganji gave an interview to tattoo artist directory Tattrx Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This elephant is borne of one single tattooed line Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity Believe it or not, this fox is also made up of one single line. Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity These three trees are one of Mo Ganji's designs Mo Ganji Mo Ganji's linear tattoos are beautiful in their simplicity This mountain scene was designed and tattoo by Ganji Mo Ganji To cover up his Confederate flag, Stiles, who has about a dozen tattoos, settled on a replacement he deemed patriotic: an eagle. The coverup involved two hours-long sessions, with Cutlips tattoo gun humming as it injected black and brown ink under Stiless skin, the artist periodically wiping the blood away. Casey Schaffer showed up at the shop with the word white on one forearm and power on the other. The 29-year-old said the tattoos were a result of a one-year prison stint at Roxbury Correctional Institution in Hagerstown for assault. Schaffer said he fell in with gangs in a prison environment where everybody sticks to their own kind. I kind of did it to try to get in and prove myself to those guys, he said. They kind of took me in, taking care of me. I thought of it as paying it back to them. Casey Schaffer had the word white tattooed on one arm and power on the other a result, he said, of a year spent in prison. Right: A heart and two roses now conceal the white tattoo (Dave Cutlip) Schaffers out of jail now and looking for work. He said he thinks construction would be a good fit and is also interested in nursing, but he said his criminal record and tattoos might create obstacles. Working with Cutlip, Schaffer decided to cover up the word white with a heart and roses drawn by his girlfriend. Power could stand on its own, he said, but he decided to cover it with a hawk. I think it looks pretty badass, he said. It works for me. Cutlip, whos been tattooing for 25 years, said he's seen plenty of people make mistakes with ink, even involving more mundane designs. Decades later, a customer might not appreciate, say, a tattoo of a dolphin or a college beaus name. He cant fix every bad tattoo, but he can fix some of the really bad ones. I take each customer as they come, he said. I want them to feel that they have a say in this. Washington Post Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to support the government of Azerbaijan in holding reforms in the country, Chief of the IMF Mission in Azerbaijan Mohammed El Qorchi, who is on a visit in Baku, said in an interview with Trend. El Qorchi noted that the Azerbaijani government hasnt appealed to the IMF for the support, but if it happens, the Fund is ready to provide necessary assistance. The IMF is ready to support countries, which are the members of the Fund, he added. Chief of the IMF mission said that currently, the IMF only provides the necessary technical assistance. Currently, we provide only technical assistance in various spheres, as well as conduct the supervisory policy, noted El Qorchi adding that these two instruments are the main directions of IMFs activity, and the same work is being carried out with regard to all IMF member countries. It should be recalled that in 1995-2005, the IMF allocated loans worth $577.3 million in order to support economic reforms in Azerbaijan. Currently, these loans are completely repaid. Starting from 2005, there has been no need in Azerbaijan for IMF funds, therefore, since 2006 the IMF and Azerbaijan have been cooperating within the framework of consultations and technical assistance missions on key areas of macroeconomic policy. The International Monetary Fund opened its office in Baku in 1992. The IMF missions visit to Azerbaijan will last until the end of this week. The mission has already had meetings in Azerbaijans Economy Ministry, Finance Ministry, Central Bank (CBA), State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) and Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA). The IMF mission is also expected to have meetings in Azerbaijans Ministry of Taxes, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, State Oil Company (SOCAR), State Statistics Committee, as well as with leading commercial banks of the country. The previous IMF mission led by Mohammed El Qorchi visited Azerbaijan in May-June 2016. During the visit, the sides discussed economic processes in Azerbaijan and reforms being conducted in the country. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US woke up on Thursday to a triple whammy of new media reports linking the Trump administration with Russia, throwing the White House on the defensive and sparking fresh calls for a formal investigation. The most significant of the claims that Donald Trumps new Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, met twice with the Russian ambassador during the 2016 election was first reported in the Washington Post. Mr Sessions has issued fresh denials that he spoke to Russian officials to discuss the elections. He told NBC News the reports were unbelievable, adding that he would only recuse himself from an investigation into Russian involvement in the election whenever its appropriate to do so. Jeff Sessions says under oath that he has not had any contact with Russia The Justice Department does not deny Mr Sessions met the ambassador in July and September 2016, but says that he did so in his capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Forces committee and not to discuss the election. The Attorney General was an early supporter of Mr Trump as a Republican candidate and served as a policy adviser during his campaign. The Justice Department says he had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year, including two with Russias Sergey Kislyak, in his capacity as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But he failed to mention this contact in his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign had been in contact with the Russian government, and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said this amounted to lying under oath. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores insisted on Wednesday night that there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. Some Democrats have said the omission is grounds enough for Sessions to be relieved of his post, while Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Mr Sessions must now recuse himself of any role investigating Trump campaign ties to Russia. The Washington Posts report was followed up by one in the Wall Street Journal, quoting sources as saying US investigators have already started examining contacts between Mr Sessions and Russian officials during the presidential campaign. Whether that inquiry was still going on, and what its findings were, wasnt clear, the sources said. The newspaper reported that the FBI had been leading the investigation, which was part of a wide-ranging probe by the intelligence services into communications between Trump surrogates and Russian operatives. And separately, the New York Times reported that meetings took place during the election in multiple European cities, between Russian officials and associates of Mr Trump. It cited three former American officials, and said the meetings had been monitored by the British and Dutch intelligence services who then in turn notified the US government under Barack Obama. American spies had also intercepted Russian communications in which officials, including some with the Kremlin, discussed contacts with the Trump team, the Times reported. Mr Trump has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, and such denials prompted Obama-era officials to rush to preserve any evidence to the contrary, according to the Times. On Tuesday, White House lawyers instructed the president's aides to preserve any materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the election, three administration officials told the Associated Press. The Senate intelligence committee, which is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election, has also asked more than a dozen organisations, agencies and individuals to preserve relevant records. 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 three administration officials who confirmed that White House staffers were instructed to comply did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. One official said McGahn's memo instructs White House staff to preserve material from Trump's time in office, and for those who worked on the campaign, relevant material from the election. A Trump spokesman said the White House was simply taking proactive steps and called the accusations of nefarious ties between the president and Russia false and politically motivated attacks. 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 Trump's claim that he was willing to compromise on immigration gave many hope before his Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday. But its now being reported that it was completely untrue. And who was the source for the story? Donald Trump. Before his speech the President told reporters at the White House that he was willing moderate his extreme stance, and potentially grant millions of undocumented immigrants legal status. "The time is right for an immigration bill as long as there is compromise on both sides," he said. This was hailed as a dramatic shift in policy, and welcomed by many of his critics. However, in his speech to Congress Mr Trump never mentioned anything of the sort. Almost every big claim Trump made at address to Congress was false A senior White House official has since admitted to CNN it was a "misdirection play". This has been attacked by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who accused Trump of intentionally misleading the press. "That's a wonderful turn of phrase," he said. "Another way to describe that is a 'lie.'" CNN's White House reporter Sara Murray, who spoke to the official, has also accused the administration of manipulating the press. "They fed up things they thought these anchors would like, that they thought would give them positive press coverage for the next few hours". 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 attorney and CNN columnist Paul A Reyes has also attacked Mr Trump for misleading the network, and labelled his actions "the great immigration fake-out". "At best, his earlier statements about immigration reform were a publicity stunt [...] At worst, this bait-and-switch was a cruel hoax millions of undocumented people who might have briefly hoped for a reprieve from possible deportation. As President Mr Trump has pushed a hard-line stance on immigration. He has vowed to go after undocumented immigrants much more than previous administrations, leading many to fear mass deportations. He has also called for 15,000 more Border Patrol and ICE agents, who perform raids on immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally. 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 }} Christopher Steele, the former MI6 spy who prepared the explosive Trump report, has been approached about testifying before the US Senate Intelligence Committees investigation into the new Presidents alleged links with Russia, The Independent can reveal. Mr Steeles friends say it is currently unlikely he would be willing to travel to the US. But it is understood Democrats as well as some Republicans in Congress are prepared to facilitate discreet initial meetings in the UK or on other neutral territory. John McCain, the former Republican presidential candidate, and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent an intermediary to London in November last year to collect Mr Steeles dossier, which was subsequently passed personally by the Senator to FBI director James Comey. And Mr Steele had, while carrying out his Trump inquiry, himself liaised for regular periods with the bureau. Mr Trump has personally attacked Mr Steele, declaring the report on the Kremlin connection by the former MI6 officer as a fabricated work, put together by a failed spy. In reality, Mr Steele was, and continues to be, held in high regard by British security and intelligence services as well as the American security officials who worked with him in the past. It emerged this week that the FBI had, at one stage, proposed to pay him to continue his investigation into Mr Trump and his associates. Trump denies team had contact with Russia during election campaign But that deal fell through and Mr Steele ultimately continued to work without pay because he was so worried by what he was discovering. Mr Steele has not yet responded to requests to meet with Senate officials described as informal at this stage for testimony, which have come over the last fortnight. But friends say he may be willing to speak about his investigation to senators and US officials if certain security conditions are met. The development comes amid fresh revelations of the Trump administrations interaction with the Russians. It has emerged that Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General, was in contact with Moscows ambassador to the US during the election campaign. Mr Trumps national security adviser, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, was forced to resign after details of similar communications surfaced last month. It has also emerged that in the last days of Barack Obamas presidency, officials were so worried that the incoming Trump administration would try to suppress or destroy incriminating material that they passed on information to the intelligence agencies and senior figures in Congress. There is now similar concern that the Trump White House is trying to sabotage the Russia investigations. Democrats have asked for an inquiry into attempts by White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, to get the FBI to dismiss media reports about members of Mr Trumps coterie contacting Russian officials. The drive to contact Mr Steele and others, according to those familiar with the issue, is to try and ensure that as much information as possible is gathered by the Senate Intelligence Committee. The committee is carrying out its own investigation, separate from one being conducted by the FBI, on the Russian links and attempts by the Kremlin to interfere in the American political process. There will, however, be mutual sharing of relevant material. 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 Washington Post this week reported the plan by the FBI to pay Mr Steele, who was one of MI6s foremost Russia specialists, to continue his inquiries. The Independent understands that the offer came after the discovery of a campaign of cyber hacking on state electoral systems in September, which led to a public charge against Moscow by the Obama administration. Mr Steele became involved in the Trump investigation through the Washington-based firm Fusion GPS, which had been hired by Republican opponents of Mr Trump in September 2015. In June 2016, Mr Steele joined up with the team. In July, Mr Trump won the Republican nomination and the Democrats became new employers of Mr Steele and Fusion GPS. With that contract due to come to an end with the election, the FBI stepped in with its offer of funding. Vice President Mike Pence whispers in the Presidents ear (Getty) Mr Steele has been regularly supplying information to the FBI. In June last year, for instance, he produced a memo which went to the bureau stating that Mr Trumps campaign team had agreed to a Russian request to dilute attention on Moscows intervention in Ukraine. Four days later Mr Trump stated that he would recognise Moscows annexation of Crimea: officials involved in his campaign having already asked the Republican partys election platform to remove a pledge for military assistance to the Ukrainian government against separatist rebels in the east of the country. Mr Steele claimed the Trump campaign was taking this path because it was aware that the Russians were hacking Democratic Party emails. The same day that Mr Trump spoke about Crimea, he called on the Kremlin to hack Hillary Clintons emails. However, Mr Steele became increasingly frustrated that the FBI was failing to take action on the intelligence from others as well as him. He came to believe there was a cover-up, that a cabal within the bureau blocked a thorough inquiry into Mr Trump, focusing instead on the investigation into Hillary Clintons emails. The MI6 officers passing of information to the FBI ceased in December last year. 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 }} George W Bush's chief ethics lawyer has said Jeff Sessions' denial he had contact with a Russian ambassador during the Presidential campaign was "a good way to go to jail". Mr Sessions had two conversations with Sergey Kislyak during the campaign season but, at his confirmation hearing for the Attorney General post he now holds, told senators he "did not have communications with the Russians". An early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, Mr Sessions had been asked what he would do if he discovered "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. He has now been accused of "lying under oath" by Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader. Commenting on the revelations, ethics lawyer Richard Painter said: "Misleading the Senate in sworn testimony about [one's] own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail." 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 Mr Painter was President Bush's chief ethics lawyer from February 2005 to July 2007. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said "there was absolutely nothing misleading" about Mr Sessions' answer during the confirmation hearing. "He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaignnot about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee," she added. And Mr Sessions said: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Mr Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, the department said. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department added. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Mr Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadorsincluding the Russian ambassadorapproached Mr Sessions after the talk as he was leaving the stage. Democratic congressman Adam Schiff, who sits on the House Intelligence Committee, said: "If reports are accurate that Attorney General Sessions, a prominent surrogate for Donald Trump, met with Ambassador Kislyak during the campaign, and failed to disclose this fact during his confirmation, it is essential that he recuse himself from any role in the investigation of Trump campaign ties to the Russians." Separately in January, Senator Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Mr Sessions in a written questionnaire whether "he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day." Mr Sessions replied: "No." Mr Trump's administration was hit with a "triple whammy" of news stories concerning links to Russia on Thursday. In addition to the confirmation hearing controversy, sparked by a story in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal quoted sources as saying US investigators had already started examining contacts between Mr Sessions and Russian officials during the presidential campaign. Whether that inquiry was still going on, and what its findings were, was not clear, the sources said. The newspaper reported that the FBI had been leading the investigation, which was part of a wide-ranging probe by the intelligence services into communications between Trump surrogates and Russian operatives. And, separately, the New York Times reported that meetings took place during the election in multiple European cities between Russian officials and associates of Mr Trump. Richard Nixon's former lawyer, described by the FBI as the "master manipulator of the [Watergate] cover-up", was moved to give the current President advice. John Dean said: "Hey Donald, a tip: Cover-ups don't get easier as they proceed. Russia tie leaks drown your joint session speech in less than 24 hrs." 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 }} Richard Nixon's former lawyer has warned President Donald Trump over his administration's alleged links to the Kremlin. John Dean, who was referred to as the "master manipulator of the [Watergate] cover-up" by the FBI, gave evidence against President Nixon before the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973. "Hey Donald, a tip," he wrote on Twitter. "Cover-ups don't get easier as they proceed. "Russia tie leaks drown your joint session speech in less than 24 hrs." It comes amid revelations Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with the Russian ambassador during the presidential campaign last year, leading to calls for his recusal. Mr Sessions, an early supporter of Mr Trump, did not disclose the communications at his confirmation hearing when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. Mr Dean has previously described Mr Trump as "more Nixonian than Nixon" in his hatred towards the media. He also compared the Trump administration's efforts to use the intelligence agencies for political purposes with Mr Nixon's attempt sto use the CIA to push the FBI away from investigating the Watergate burglary. Mr Dean said: What I see and hear are echoes of Watergate. "We dont have Watergate 2.0 yet, but what we have is something that is beginning to look like it could go there." Almost every big claim Trump made at address to Congress was false When asked whether Mr Trump could be impeached over his conduct, Mr Dean said it was an unlikely outcome due to the majority of majority of Republicans in the House and Senate. It takes really a national change of attitude about this president before were going to have an impeachment," he added. 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 Right today, given the fact that the House and Senate are controlled by the Republicans, theyre not going to impeach their president. "As long as he gives them what they want and signs into legislation or signs into law a lot of the things that theyve had in their dreams for many years, theyre not going to give him any problem. 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 Trump's new secretary of the interior rode a horse to work on his first day in the job. Ryan Zinke, a keen outdoorsman and a former Navy SEAL, was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. He arrived for his first day in charge of a fifth of the United States' surface land to say nothing of natural resources below groundwith serious swagger, wearing a cowboy hat and blue jeans, in the saddle of a tall brown horse. Honored to stand with the brave officers of @USParkPolice - these professionals put their lives on the line for us, he tweeted, after posing for photographs. 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 Let's get to work, he added, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Mr Zinke's portfolio will include overseeing the US' national parks and natural resources like gas, oil and timber, as well as managing land and services for Native American tribes. He praised his new boss as a great president and a commander in chief I will fight with. Mr Zinke is the 16th of 22 of Mr Trump's cabinet and cabinet-level nominations to win Senate approval. Ben Carson, his choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, cleared a Senate hurdle by a vote of 62 to 37. Mr Carson's confirmation was expected later this week. The 55-year-old former Montana congressman resigned as a delegate to the Republican National Convention last year to protest the GOP's position in favour of land transfers to state or private groups. Still, his stance on public lands has come into question in recent weeks after he voted in favour of a House rule that would allow federal land transfers to be considered cost-free and budget-neutral, making it easier for drilling and development. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said Mr Zinke at Interior should concern every lover of our great and grand national parks. Dismissing the Republican's claim to be like President Teddy Roosevelt, Mr Schumer said: You can't be a Roosevelt conservationist if you sell off public lands. Countering the Democrat, Montana Republican Senator Steve Daines said Mr Zinke will be a strong advocate for our public lands. Mr Zinke, who recently began his second term as Montana's sole House member, told senators at a January hearing that federal land management should be done under a multiple-use model that allows hiking, hunting, fishing and camping along with harvesting timber, mining for coal and drilling for oil and natural gas. He also pledged to tackle an estimated $12bn (9.8bn) backlog in maintenance and repair at national parks and stand firm against attempts to sell, give away or transfer federal lands. Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington state, the top Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said she is not convinced that Mr Zinke will be able to stand up to Mr Trump and prevent oil, gas and mining companies from unduly exploiting public lands. Ms Cantwell also said Mr Zinke appears willing to support transfer of some federal lands to states, citing his vote for the GOP-sponsored rules package. She worries that Mr Zinke may weaken or repeal recent designations by President Barack Obama of national monuments, including Utah's Bears Ears monument. Senate Energy Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called Mr Zinke an excellent choice, noting that the fifth-generation Montanan is an avid hunter, fisherman and skier. He was born in the West. He lives in the West. He understands it, he understands its people, Ms Murkowski said. Recommended Oprah Winfrey considers 2020 Presidential run in wake of Trump win Mr Zinke also has firsthand experience in trying to solve problems faced by the Interior Department and has shown he understands the need for the department to be a partner of Alaska and our Western states, Ms Murkowski said. During his hearing, Mr Zinke rejected Mr Trump's claim that climate change is a hoax, saying it is indisputable that environmental changes are affecting the world's temperature and human activity is a major reason. I think where there's debate is what that (human) influence is and what can we do about it, he said. Mr Zinke also pledged to work with members of Congress on monument designations, noting the strong opposition to Bears Ears by Utah's congressional delegation and governor. I think the state should have a say on it, he said. 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 }} An internal White House review of strategy on North Korea reportedly includes the possibility of direct military action or regime change to counter the hermit kingdom's nuclear threat. Deputy national security adviser K T McFarland held a meeting with other officials to discuss the US response to a fresh series of provocations from the North, the Wall Street Journal reports. Ms McFarland requested for all options to remain open with regard to American foreign policy towards Pyongyang, including for the country to recognise North Korea as a nuclear state and the possibility of a direct conflict. The proposals are now being vetted prior to review by President Donald Trump. Abe and Trump condemn North Korea's latest missile launch It comes as South Korea and the US agreed last week to strengthen cooperation on financial sanctions against North Korea after Pyongyang's latest ballistic missile test last month. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and South Korea Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho expressed "great concern" over North Korea's ballistic missile test and promised to follow through with United Nations sanctions, as well as their own, the South Korean ministry said in a statement after a call between the pair. North Korea has condemned the start of annual US-South Korean military drills with fiery rhetoric, threatening to "mercilessly foil the nuclear war racket of the aggressors with its treasured nuclear sword". A spokesman for the General Staff of the North Korean People's Army said the North's reaction will be the toughest ever, but did not elaborate. Inside the daily life in North Korea Show all 19 1 /19 Inside the daily life in North Korea Inside the daily life in North Korea People reading a newspaper at the metro station Inside the daily life in North Korea Thoughts of the leaders on the tram. They have about a dozen of these on every tram, all with different thoughts Inside the daily life in North Korea Young people training for a big upcoming festival Inside the daily life in North Korea People at the Pyongyang's annual marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea Many stars on one of the trolleys in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea An intimidating poster in a primary school in North Korea. Inside the daily life in North Korea Solar panels installed on a street lamp. Inside the daily life in North Korea A poster on the window next to one of the venues we visited in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Kids playing football next to the Arch of Triumph. After a while tourists were allowed to join, so some of us did Inside the daily life in North Korea Class in an educational center in Pyongyang (where people over 17 years old can attend any classes they choose after school, for free) Inside the daily life in North Korea People waving at me during the Pyongyang marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea People having a great time dancing at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea A metro driver in a metro station in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Fireworks to mark the birthday of the Eternal President Kim Il Sung on our last night in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea My wonderful tour guide at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea One of the parks in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea A person rowing some boats for the day at a river in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea The National War Museum Inside the daily life in North Korea Public park in Pyongyang South Korea's military said it will "resolutely" punish North Korea if provoked. The US has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent against potential aggression from the North. The Korean peninsula remains in a technical state of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US raid in Yemen that resulted in the death of a Navy SEAL and up to 30 civilians reportedly uncovered "no actionable intelligence". Although the Pentagon said the Navy SEAL raid secured laptops, hard drives and mobile phones, multiple US officials told NBC News none of the intelligence gained has been actionable or vital. Vice President Mike Pence has denied reports the raid yielded no significant intelligence. In an interview with CBS This Morning, Mr Pence noted that Defence Secretary James Mattis confirmed again that "significant intelligence was gathered" in the January military operation. Mr Pence said the data Mr Owens died helping to collect will "lead to the safety and security of the American people." Almost every big claim Trump made at address to Congress was false William "Ryan" Owens, 36, a married father of three, was the first known US combat casualty since President Donald Trump took office. His widow, Carryn Owens, was a guest at Mr Trump's address to Congress earlier this week, prompting an extended standing ovation from the joint chamber. "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies," Mr Trump said, quoting Mr Mattis. "Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero, battling against terrorism and securing our nation," Mr Trump added. The situation in Yemen Show all 14 1 /14 The situation in Yemen The situation in Yemen Houthi supporters trample on a US flag during a gathering mobilizing more fighters into several Yemeni battlefronts, in Sana'a, Yemen EPA The situation in Yemen People carry the coffins of men, who were killed in the recent Saudi-led airstrikes during their funeral, in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen AP The situation in Yemen Pro-government fighters give food to Yemeni children on the road leading to the southwestern port city of Mokha. Yemeni rebels are putting up fierce resistance in a key Red Sea port city where they are encircled by pro-government force Getty Images The situation in Yemen A Yemeni stands in front of a graffiti protesting US military operations in war-affected Yemen, in Sana'a, Yemen. According to reports, US Special Forces troops allegedly disembarked from US helicopters in the Yemeni town of Yakla and attacked several houses belonging to members of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, killing three high-ranking Al-Qaeda members and nine civilians, six women and three children. One American serviceman has been killed and three injured in the attack EPA The situation in Yemen US Special Forces troops allegedly disembarked from US helicopters in the Yemeni town of Yakla and attacked several houses belonging to members of the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, killing three high-ranking Al-Qaeda members and nine civilians, six women and three children. One American serviceman has been killed and three injured in the attack EPA The situation in Yemen A Yemeni female fighter supporting the Shiite Huthi rebels, and carrying weapons used for ceremonial purposes, takes part in an anti-Saudi rally in the capital Sanaa Getty Images The situation in Yemen Yemeni female fighters supporting the Shiite Huthi rebels, and carrying weapons used for ceremonial purposes, take part in an anti-Saudi rally in the capital Sanaa Getty Images The situation in Yemen A boy shouts slogans next to pro-Houthi fighters, who have been injured during recent fighting, during a rally held to honour those injured or maimed while fighting in Houthi ranks in Sanaa, Yemen Reuters The situation in Yemen Balls of fire and smoke rise from a Houthi-held military camp following alleged Saudi-led airstrikes, in Sana'a, Yemen EPA The situation in Yemen Yemenis search under the rubble of damaged houses following reported Saudi-led coalition air strikes on the outskirts of the Yemeni capital Sanaa Getty Images The situation in Yemen A Yemeni boy looks on as Yemenis search under the rubble of damaged houses following reported Saudi-led coalition air strikes on the outskirts of the Yemeni capital Sanaa Getty The situation in Yemen A Yemeni boy sits amidst the rubble of damaged houses following reported Saudi-led coalition air strikes on the outskirts of the Yemeni capital Sanaa AFP/Getty The situation in Yemen Marine One with US President Donald Trump flies with a decoy and support helicopters to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, for the dignified transfer of Navy Seal Chief Petty Officer William 'Ryan' Owens who was killed in Yemen Getty Images The situation in Yemen US President Donald Trump aboard the Marine One to greet the remains of a US military commando killed during a raid on the al Qaeda militant group in southern Yemen on Sunday, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, US Reuters The Associated Press quoted a US official describing a three-page list of information gathered from the raid, including information on al-Qaida training techniques and targeting priorities. But Mr Owens' death, as well as the killing of several civilians, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the raid. Mr Owens' father, Bill, has called for an investigation into the planning of the raid and criticised the Trump administration for its timing. 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 }} Lawyers have ordered Donald Trumps administrations to save any potential evidence of alleged Russian interference in the US election. Instructions were sent to White House staff after Democrats in the US Senate requested the administration and security agencies to keep all material on links between Mr Trumps aides, campaign or transition team and the Kremlin. As part of its investigation into Russias possible role in the presidential election, the Senate intelligence committee has also asked more than a dozen groups, agencies and individuals to preserve relevant records. Trump denies team had contact with Russia during election campaign Officials told the Associated Press Mr Trumps staff in Washington were ordered to comply with a memo from White House counsel Don McGahn on Tuesday. One source said McGahn's memo instructs current staff to preserve material from Mr Trump's time in office, and for those who worked on the campaign, relevant material from the election. Chuck Schumer of New York, the leader of Democrats in the Senate, said he was worried about the potential destruction of data last week. There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections, he claimed. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved." A spokesperson for Mr Trump said the administration was simply taking proactive steps and called the accusations of nefarious ties between the President and Russia false and politically motivated attacks. Mr Trump has defended Russia against his own intelligence agencies allegations of involvement in the Democratic National Committee cyber attacks and other leaks and fake news spread to damage Hillary Clinton. In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges guests as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump raises his fists after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets outgoing President Barack Obama before Trump is inaugurated during ceremonies on the Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump resident-elect Donald Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during ceremonies at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump waves with wife Melania during the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A woman holds a sign before the start of the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Anti-Trump protesters prepare banners for a protest against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Berlin REUTERS In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators shout slogans against US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators march, block foot traffic and clash with U.S. Capitol Police at the entry checkpoints for the Inauguration of Donald Trump Alamy Live News In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators display a banner as people arrive for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Donald Trump protests outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden share an umbrella as President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump Reuters/Adrees Latif In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Police arrest and detain a protester in the street in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters We assess Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election, said a report released before Mr Trumps inauguration in January by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Russias goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency. We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump. He dismissed the findings, supported by all three main American intelligence agencies, and has repeatedly insisted he has no links with Russia and dismissed the scandal as fake news generated by his opponents and the dishonest media. But Mr Trump has been continually dogged by questions about his advisers' ties to Russia since the campaign, which are being probed by federal investigators, while congressional committees are investigating Russia's role in political cyber attacks. He has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, as reported by the New York Times. Jeff Sessions speaks at his confirmation hearing in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty) A new scandal was brewing on Thursday over revelations that the Presidents pick for Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, met the Russian ambassador twice in the run-up to the election but did not disclose the meetings at his confirmation hearing. The White House has already acknowledged that Michael Flynn, Mr Trump's former national security adviser, misled top officials about the nature of his contacts with the same ambassador, Sergei Kislyak. Mr Flynn initially told Vice President Mike Pence he did not discuss sanctions with the envoy during the transition, though it was later revealed that he did. The FBI interviewed him about the contacts days after the inauguration but he was not forced to resign until the discrepancies in his account were publicly revealed. Democratic politicians have been leading calls for a special prosecutor to investigate Russias links to the election and Mr Trumps administration. The Russian government has repeatedly denied interfering in the election, or allegations its intelligence agents had been in contact with Mr Trumps campaign team. He and Mr Putin have vowed to repair tis between Russia and the US, which have been damaged by the Ukrainian conflict, escalation with Nato and the Kremlins backing for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. 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 }} Donald Trumps Press Secretary Sean Spicer has denied fresh allegations that Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied to the Senate about his communications with Russia. Speaking on behalf of the President, Mr Spicer dismissed the controversy as partisan politics and claimed Mr Sessions was "100 per cent straight with the committee. Mr Sessions had two conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the election campaign however, at his confirmation hearing for the Attorney General post he now holds, he told senators he "did not have communications with the Russians". It came as US Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer called for his resignation, and for his alleged meetings with the ambassador to be investigated. Mr Schumer said a special prosecutor should be appointed to conduct a probe into Russian involvement in the presidential election, and "to discover if the investigation has already been compromised" by Mr Sessions' own conduct. "His integrity and independence have been questioned, it would be better for the country if he resigns," Mr Schumer told a news conference. However the White House dismissed concerns about Mr Sessions' ability to investigate the Trump administrations other apparent ties to Russia. Mr Spicer told Fox News: "Theres nothing to recuse himself." Recommended The moment Jeff Sessions misled Congress under oath about Russia Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores also defended Mr Sessions' denial of Russian contact during his confirmation hearing, saying: "There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer. In a statement on Wednesday night, Mr Sessions said: I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. It comes just weeks after Mr Trump was forced to sack his national security adviser Michael Flynn after he failed to disclose communications with Mr Kislyak during the election campaign. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Special interest is paid to a stand of Azerbaijan at the Gulfood 2017 exhibition which is being held in Dubai, the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry said in a message March 2. As a result of the talks conducted between representatives of Azerbaijani and Spanish companies as part of the exhibition, one of Azerbaijani companies has already received an order to supply 128 tons of hazelnuts to the Spanish city of Valencia, the ministry said. According to the ministry, the representatives of Azerbaijani companies also met with Saudi Arabian businessmen as part of the exhibition. During the meeting, the talks were held to export Azerbaijani meat and meat products to Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. According to the message, the issue of establishing the Azerbaijani-Saudi Arabian joint ventures was also discussed at the meeting. An agreement was made as part of the meetings to supply Azerbaijani pomegranate juice to Kuwait and the countrys milk powder products to Dubai, the ministry said. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Spain amounted to $39.25 million in January 2017, which is by 13.3 times more compared to January 2016. Thus, $35.8 million of that amount accounted for the export of Azerbaijani goods to Spain. 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 }} Chinese state media has said that a prominent Chinese rights activist had made up fake news of torture to grab international headlines, but his defenders said the accusations were a coordinated attempt to smear his name. State media said disbarred lawyer Jiang Tianyong, 46, was behind news reports of police torturing another detained rights activist, Xie Yang, and that Jiang had later admitted to telling Xies wife to make up details of torture in captivity to attract attention to the case. Reports in January by The New York Times based on testimony from Xies wife and lawyer described, in vivid detail, threats and violence from the police reportedly used to force a confession from Xie. The stories are essentially fake news, the official Xinhua news agency said in an English-language article. The influential Global Times and a number of other state media outlets carried similar articles in Chinese on Thursday, each featuring an interview with Jiang, and many also included a photo of Xie with a shaved head, smiling, behind bars. Jiang could not be reached for comment. Chinese state media regularly features exposes of criminal activities by rights activists based on interviews where the accused confess their crimes. But rights groups say the questioning is usually scripted and carried out under duress. The interviews with Jiang differed from the past in that they are the first time the phrase fake news has been used to describe media reports, probably borrowing it from Donald Trumps attack on major Western media, says Patrick Poon, China researcher at Amnesty International. Jiangs wife, Jin Bianling, told Reuters that the authorities merely wanted to discredit him because he received so much attention in the international media. Jin and Jiangs parents have been unable to speak to Jiang since he went missing in November after visiting relatives of Xie Yang in the city of Changsha, in central Hunan province. Its all fake. How are they all able to interview him when his family cannot meet him? said Jiangs wife, who lives in the United States. An individual who answered the phone at the Changsha Public Security Bureau declined to comment. The European Union has cited Jiangs detention as reason for being extremely troubled by the deteriorating rights situation in China. 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 State media said Jiang convinced Xies wife, Chen Guiqiu, in September to make up a detailed account of Xie being deprived of sleep, placed in smoke-filled rooms and beaten so as to bring international attention to the case. An independent investigation by legal authorities found Xie had not been tortured, state media said. Xies lawyer, Chen Jiangang, who is not related to Xies wife, told Reuters the torture accounts were genuine, adding that he had also interviewed Xie and been told the same thing. Chen could not be reached for comment. 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 }} By the age of three, he said, he could read, write and speak fluently in three languages. Encouraged by his mother, a renowned professor of child and adolescent psychology in the UK, he had, he told one journalist, entered Princeton University at 13, before becoming the youngest registered psychologist in the history of the American Psychological Association. And at the age of 32, Mikhy K Farrera-Brochez APA, APS, MCollT, MS DPSY, DipED was convicted of being a lying fantasist who forged educational qualifications and used his boyfriends blood for an HIV test so he could hide the fact he had the virus and work in Singapore. As Mr Farrera-Brochez was sentenced by a Singapore court to 28 months in jail on Wednesday, after admitting six offences including lying to a public servant, possessing drugs and using forged educational certificates, it was hard to say which was the more bizarre: the child prodigy tale he told to impress or the real things he did to get convicted. Recommended Veterans are exposing military imposters As told to a Singapore newspaper in 2010, the story of his life involved being able to read, write and speak fluent Hebrew, Spanish and English by the age of three. I didnt know I was a gifted child initially, Mr Farrera-Brochez told a reporter. He also said he had been a successful laboratory rat of his mother a renowned professor of child and adolescent psychology, child neurology and gifted science and mathematics education in the UK, who had tried out many of her theories on gifted education on him. How much, if any of it was true is unclear. Attempts to trace the renowned professor of child and adolescent psychology drew a blank, with the British Psychological Society telling The Independent that its register contained no psychologists affiliated to any academic institution under the mothers name given by Mr Farrera-Brochez. The bewildered husband of the one UK-registered psychologist who qualified under the name given by Mr Farrera-Brochez confirmed to The Independent that the man convicted in Singapore was not her son, and that she did not specialise in any of the relevant areas. If Mr Farrera-Brochezs mother is a renowned professor, she may be a very elusive renowned professor. The Independent could not immediately find any psychologist, anywhere in the world, with the name given by Mr Farrera-Brochez who specialised in child and adolescent psychology, child neurology, or gifted science and mathematics education. The weirdest and most shocking news stories Show all 30 1 /30 The weirdest and most shocking news stories The weirdest and most shocking news stories What do horse semen, an elephant and a yurt have in common Leading removals company AnyVan.com operates on the premise that they can move anything anywhere, an undertaking which has certainly given them more than they bargained for over the years. In addition to the more common requests to move homes, furniture and pianos, listings have included a horse semen, live elephant, a cabinet engraved with the Kamasutra, a phallic statue, a dungeon gynaecological bondage chair, a yurt and an ice cream van The weirdest and most shocking news stories Couple find dead lizard inside the can of tomatoes A couple in Birmingham were making lunch when they found the surprise addition of a dead lizard in a can of tomatoes. Muhammad Hussain and his wife Sanam discovered the critter had managed to get into the can that Mrs Hussain had been using to cook a curry. Mr Hussain was alerted to the presence of the lizard when he heard his wife screaming as she made lunch BBC The weirdest and most shocking news stories Greggs (a bakery) has actually stopped selling loaves of bread You'd have thought a bakery would be the one place you'd be guaranteed to buy a loaf of bread. Well, not at Greggs. According to the companys website, customers are able to buy white or malted sliced loaves which are freshly baked every day. So when one customer went into his local Greggs in Burton-upon-Trent, he was surprised to be told they didn't stock them any more. According to the company, they will now focus on the food to go market, which means most of the bread that the company sells is in sandwiches AFP The weirdest and most shocking news stories Man trolls plane passengers by painting sign on his roof welcoming them to the wrong city One US homeowner has taken trolling to another level by painting a message on his roof top to deliberately trick aeroplane passengers into thinking theyve boarded the wrong flight. Mark Gubin painted the sign Welcome to Cleveland on his home which is next to Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is a city in Wisconsin, some four hundred miles away from Cleveland, in the state of Ohio, prompting passengers to fear theyve accidentally boarded the wrong flight as they spy the trick lettering from the aeroplane window Google Maps The weirdest and most shocking news stories Missing cat found after spending 64 days trapped inside a mattress A family who thought theyd lost their cat as they prepared to move 3,000 miles across the US, were relieved when they found their pet inside a mattress some 64 days later. Moosie, a 2-year-old tabby cat, disappeared when Kymberly Chelf and her husband Jesse Chelf boxed up their belongings in preparation for their move from El Paso, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. In early June, the familys belongings arrived at their new home along with a big part of their old life. When the Chelfs heard a meow coming from inside the box, Mrs Chelf said: "it just sounded like he [Moosie] was giving it everything he had just to let us know he was there." The cat had been trapped for over two months without light, food or water. Moosie emerged from the ordeal suffering from severe dehydration and with a damaged liver, but vets have said he is in a good condition, CNN reported AP Photo/Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Eric Engman The weirdest and most shocking news stories There's a lottery in which the prize is a 20-year supply of bacon Indiana's Hoosier Lottery is switching from cold, hard cash to hot, crispy bacon for its prize, offering players the chance to win 20 years-worth of the stuff. $5,000 of bacon will be dished out in 20 annual instalments to winners, according to the rules, presumably because no-one has the freezer space for 20 years of bacon. It's an ingenious ploy, given that anyone who tried to eat 20 years of bacon would probably struggle to live 20 years The weirdest and most shocking news stories Demonic CIA Osama Bin Laden doll goes up for sale at auction for $5,000 One of the strangest propaganda weapons of the War on Terror has gone up for sale at auction, and it could be yours for only $5,000. The item in question is a doll of Osama Bin Laden, designed to terrify the children of the Middle East so much that they would be permanently put off from joining Islamist groups. The doll is a fairly faithful recreation of the late terrorist leader, complete with white robes, combat boots, and a scraggly black beard. The propaganda value in the bizarre toy comes from the heat-sensitive paint used on the doll's face. When children played with the doll, the heat from their hands would activate the paint, and change Osama into a terrifying green-eyed, red-faced demon, with black markings all over his face Nate D. Sanders The weirdest and most shocking news stories The mystery of the 25-year-old Australian cat which turned up in Northern Ireland An Australian cat has been mysteriously found in Northern Ireland, sparking speculation as to how he made the 12,000 mile journey. The ginger cat was picked up by Cat Protection helpers in County Armagh last week. When animal welfare officers took him to the vet for a health check, it was discovered that he had been micro-chipped in Australia. The plot thickened as the chip revealed he has also been found as a stray across the Irish Sea in London Photo: Cat Protection The weirdest and most shocking news stories Replacement found after 'over-enthusiastic' bull breaks his own penis A prize bull has had to be taken off his farmers breeding programme after he suffered a broken penis. The injury, which the Simmentall bull sustained at the beginning of the breeding season, was probably due to being over-enthusiastic, according to his owner, Tommy Moyles. According to the Irish Mirror, Mr Moyles was then forced to bring another bull, which was previously destined for the slaughterhouse, out to provide his services Ian Forsyth/ Getty The weirdest and most shocking news stories Thieves steal four pints of bull semen from Minnesota farm A group of thieves have stolen about four pints of bull semen from a farm in southern Minnesota in the US - and could sell it on for an extraordinary amount of money. Police in the town of Leroy said they are investigating the theft of a $500 storage container with around 90 filled vials. On the open market, that amount of semen would be worth around $70,000 (47,000) Screengrab via CBS News The weirdest and most shocking news stories Charcoal has become the hot new flavouring If you want to be in on the latest trend in Britain's restaurants and bars, you're going to have to feel - and indeed taste - the burn. Some words of comfort next time you overfry, overbake, overboil or otherwise burn your dinner to a crisp: charcoal, in all its dark and mysterious forms, is being embraced by some of the best in the food and drinks business. It's not just about cooking on a grill (although that's also a booming market), but charcoal as an actual ingredient bringing flavour, colour, texture and a touch of playfulness to plates of food and bottles of juice. This news comes on the heels of Burger King Japan's Kuro Pearl offering, a burger with a jet-black bamboo charcoal bun, which met with a mix of hysteria and confusion upon its launch last year. It turns out that the fast food giant was bang on: charcoal is the new, well, black Victor De Jesus The weirdest and most shocking news stories Woman claims ski accident has given her extraordinary mental powers An anonymous woman in America has told an incredible story of how she was left with extraordinary mental abilities after hitting her head in a skiing accident. The ex-student revealed that she now has a condition known as acquired savant syndrome following the heavy fall on the slopes during a family holiday. The syndrome now lends her incredible powers of memory and the writer explains how she can draw diagrams of thousands of places, with thousands of rooms, branches and doorways right down to the smallest detail in a piece for xojane.com. An individual with savant syndrome will display remarkable and sometimes spectacular talents, according Jonathan Hiles, Principal Lecturer of Health and Life Sciences at De Montford University, in an online article regarding the condition Getty The weirdest and most shocking news stories This octopus learned to use a camera faster than some humans A brainy octopus at a New Zealand aquarium has learned how to take photos - using a waterproof camera specially designed to be operated with tentacles. Rambo the octopus, a popular attraction at Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium in Auckland, New Zealand, stunned her trainers with how quickly she got to grips with the camera. Speaking to Cult of Mac, Mark Vette, Rambo's trainer, said: "When we first tried to get her to take a photo, it only took three attempts for her to understand the process. That's faster than a dog." He added: "Actually, it's faster than a human in some instances" ULI DECK/AFP/Getty Images The weirdest and most shocking news stories 4-year-old leaves home at 3am to buy a 'Slushie' drink Its commonplace to see strange sights on the night bus. But passengers were completely baffled to witness a little girl boarding the vehicle alone at 3am just to satisfy her sweet-tooth. Four-year old Annabelle Ridgeway climbed onto a bus, having been drenched in the rain and without her parents knowledge, to find a place to buy a crushed-ice beverage. Bus driver Harlan Jenifer, 52, quickly called for assistance and Annabelle was taken to a local hospital to wait for her mother YouTube The weirdest and most shocking news stories Little girl goes off on surprising tangent after being told she's going to be a big sister It starts like one of those classic, schmaltzy parent-and-child YouTube videos. 3-year-old Kathryn's dad informs her in no uncertain terms that she's going to get a little sister. Kathryn pauses for a second, apparently stunned by the news. But no! There's no tearful excited, she just whispers "I farted" The weirdest and most shocking news stories Shia LaBeouf's heartbeat is now available for livestreaming Walking Hollywood masterpiece Shia LaBeouf is offering the internet the chance to get closer to him than ever before. But dont let that utterly terrify you the actors latest offer has nothing to do with paper bags, paraphrasing footballers or running around museums in Amsterdam 144 times sporting lycra and a single dreadlock. Instead, the 28-year-old will be livestreaming his heartbeat for the next week as part of a new metamodern performance art piece with his previous #IAMSORRY collaborators Nastja Sade Ronkko and Luke Turner. The project, called Follow My Heart, was announced at the SXSW festival The weirdest and most shocking news stories What color is this dress? The internet has been divided into two warring tribes by a picture of a dress functioning as an accidental colour perception experiment. #TheDress, as it has become known, was spotted by a blogger who turned to Tumblr for help when the garment started an argument among her friends. The question of whether it is blue and black or gold and white has divided friends, families and the celebrity world. This dress has sparked an internet frenzy the likes of which has not been seen since Left Shark took the Super Bowl by storm Caitlin McNeill/Wired The weirdest and most shocking news stories Llamas on the run The world didn't know how to contain itself when it saw two llamas running around a city but for motorists in Arizonas Sun City, it was no doubt an a-lama-ing sight. Two of the animals, one black and one white, decided to dash through the centre of the city, doing their best to evade local residents trying to catch them. After a number of near things, the animals were captured by means of a lasso. The owner of the llamas told local media there had actually been three llamas that got spooked and ran away near the centre of the town. He said the animals were part of a mobile petting zoo at a Sun City care centre The weirdest and most shocking news stories Madonna falls off stage at Brit Awards This years Brit awards ceremony looked set to fade from memory like so many others in recent history until Madonna fell down the stairs after a serious wardrobe malfunction. The queen of pop, 56, was making her first performance at the Brits in two decades, when just seconds into Living for Love she was pulled backwards down a flight of stairs by her backing dancers. She fell heavily on to her back, the long cape and hood she had been wearing failing to separate from her other clothes. She fell heavily on to her back, the long cape and hood she had been wearing failing to separate from her other clothes The weirdest and most shocking news stories 'Left Shark' steals Super Bowl 2015 as Katy Perry is upstaged by her out-of-time support dancer While Katy Perry strutted her stuff during the half-time show which involved multiple costume changes, an entrance on a large metallic lion and duets with Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott social media users were left star-struck by the figure now known as Left Shark. Within minutes, Left Shark had its own Twitter account which has since expanded to no fewer than six different accounts but it was not the sharks killer moves and deadly accuracy on stage that gained so much attention, but rather the fact that it had no idea what it was doing. Perhaps even drunk, Left Shark was out of time with Right Shark, who was a picture of perfection as he moved with the beat and in time with Perry who by this time was already onto her third costume change and bursting into a rendition of Teenage Dream Getty Images The weirdest and most shocking news stories Kim Kardashian breaks the internet Kim Kardashian West has recreated the iconic "champagne incident" image by Jean-Paul Goude for the December issue of Paper magazine. Kardashian West is pictured on the cover of the magazine popping open a bottle of champagne which lands in a glass perched on her bottom. In another image released by the American publication, Kardashian-West is pictured naked from behind provocatively dropping her dress. Two further images were released by the magazine last night which show the reality TV star baring all; in one full-frontal shot and another topless image The weirdest and most shocking news stories Zombie cat A US cat owner has been left baffled after he claimed his dead pet turned up outside his front door five days after being buried. Ellis Hutson told vets in Tampa Bay, Florida, that he had found his black and white cat Bart lying in a pool of blood after he was hit by a car. According to Fox 13, Hutson told the Human Society of Tampa Bay that he had taken Bart away and buried him, and could not explain how the cat came to be spotted by neighbours a full five days later YouTube The weirdest and most shocking news stories 'F*ck it, I quit': KTVA reporter Charlo Greene quits live on air in spectacular fashion KTVA reporter Charlo Greene quit her job on live TV last night, outing herself as the owner of an Alaskan cannabis club and declaring "f*ck it." Having grown weary of reporting the news, Greene told viewers she would instead be putting all her energy into the fight to legalise marijuana in the state, having previously reported on the Alaska Cannabis Club without mentioning her connection to it KTVA The weirdest and most shocking news stories Nation in shock as Cadbury's changes the Creme Egg recipe In a bilateral attack on the glory of Easter, Cadbury's has stunned consumers by changing the recipe of its Creme Eggs and reducing their number in boxes from six to five. Reports that the latest batch of Creme Eggs tasted different were followed up by The Sun, wih Cadbury's confirming to the tabloid that it has switched out Dairy Milk for a "standard cocoa mix chocolate" in the shell Cadbury's The weirdest and most shocking news stories Chocolate Digestives revelation could change the face of biscuit eating forever Shut the biscuit tin, defenestrate your cup of tea, this is serious snack news: you have been eating chocolate biscuits upside down. Biscuits in fact have the chocolate on the bottom of the biscuit, not the top, McVitie's have confirmed, meaning Digestives, Hobnobs and more have a history of being eaten the wrong way up. The news sent shockwaves across the UK's subreddit, after a user posted an email from United Biscuits explaining their composition. "For your information," a spokesperson wrote, "the biscuits go through a reservoir of chocolate which enrobes them so the chocolate is actually on the bottom of the biscuits and not on the top" The weirdest and most shocking news stories Dollar store toy wand has hidden picture of demonic child cutting herself with a kitchen knife A mother in Dayton, Ohio was shocked when she purchased a toy wand for her child at a dollar store only to find it ran not on unicorn hair but a picture of a child slicing her arm open. In fairness to the dollar store (literally called '$.100 store') the product was named 'EVIL STICK', though the pink lettering, fairies, swirls and snowflakes on the packaging ensured it would catch the eye of toddlers. The fact that the wand emits a cackling laugh when activated is probably permissible, the horrific hidden image less so WHIO The weirdest and most shocking news stories Hello Kitty is not a cat - she's a British girl The revelation comes from Sanrio, the creators of the international toy, who contacted University of Hawaii anthropologist Christine R. Yano who was putting together a 40th anniversary retrospective of Hello Kitty in Los Angeles. Professor Yano, speaking to the LA Times, said: That's one correction Sanrio made for my script for the show. Hello Kitty is not a cat. She's a cartoon character. She is a little girl. She is a friend Getty The weirdest and most shocking news stories Cannabis-eating sheep munch through 4,000 in plants dumped in bag near farm Cannabis is known to leave its smokers feeling woolly-headed, but it seemed to have little effect on a flock of sheep who chomped their way through thousands of pounds worth of the drug. The hungry hash-eaters came across seven black bags containing the class B banned substance that had been dumped at the edge of their farm in Merstham, Surrey, and started scoffing Getty The weirdest and most shocking news stories Tesco cash machine offers 'free erection' because of mistake translating sign into Welsh Aberystwyth councillor Ceredig Davies took this picture after the new cash machine became the talk of the town, explaining that 'codiad am ddim' translates colloquially as 'free erection' Ceredig Davies The weirdest and most shocking news stories Parrot returns to British owner speaking Spanish - four years after disappearing Nigel, a grey African parrot, flew away from his home in California in 2010 but was returned to his British owner, Darren Chick, after he was discovered in Torrance, California. Although the Spanish-speaking bird bit Mr Chick when he first saw him, the happy owner said: "He's doing perfect. Mr Chick says his birds British accent is gone, replaced by fluent Spanish and someone called "Larry". Even though he has no idea where the bird has been for the last four years, he claimed: "It's really weird, I knew it was him from the minute I saw him" Getty As for Mr Farrera-Brochezs own academic brilliance, reports of his conviction have stated that his various educational certificates, including one supposed to be from the Sorbonne in Paris, were forged. But, that 2010 report suggested, having turned up in Singapore in 2008, Mr Farrera-Brochez was able to secure a job at a local polytechnic, lecturing in early childhood studies and psychology studies. That he was able to work in Singapore at all was because of his success in using his boyfriends blood to cover up his HIV status. Singapore has banned foreigners with HIV from working in its territory. To get round this, Mr Farrera-Brochez enlisted the help of his boyfriend, a locum GP whom he had met online. Shortly after arriving in Singapore in 2008, he visited a clinic where his boyfriend was on duty. His boyfriend had earlier taken some blood from his own arm. The boyfriend is said to have put his blood in a test tube and labelled it with Mr Farrera-Brochezs details. The test tube with the boyfriends blood came back negative for HIV and Mr Farrera-Brochez duly got his employment pass from Singapores Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The trick worked so well that Mr Farrera-Brochez used it again to get a personalised employment pass in 2013. The fact that the blood test was supposedly performed by a doctor and issued by a clinic gave it an aura of authority, making it virtually certain that MOM would be deceived, said Deputy Public Prosecutor Suhas Malhotra. His conduct evinces a blatant disregard for the authority of our laws. Mr Farrera-Brochez succeeded in keeping up the pretence until the middle of 2016. Precisely how he was caught has not been disclosed, but it is possible he fell foul of Singapores strict anti-drugs laws. One of the charges for which he was convicted was the possession, in May 2016, of Ketamine and cannabis. A month later, in June 2016, he was charged with not just the drugs offences, but also in relation to forging his educational certificates and faking the HIV tests. His boyfriend is awaiting court proceedings on charges relating to his alleged role. 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 British man who raped a sleeping backpacker at a Sydney house party has been jailed. Scott Harry Richardson, 25, will spend at least two years and three months in prison. He attacked a 23-year-old American backpacker while she was sleeping in 2015 at a shared house in the suburb of Redfern. A court heard how Richardson went into the room where the victim was and took off her shorts and underwear. Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Show all 19 1 /19 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Afghanistan Recommendation: I urge the Government of Afghanistan to adopt legislative reforms to ensure that sexual violence offences are not conflated with adultery or morality crimes and to establish infrastructure for the delivery of protection, health and le gal services to survivors. I call on the Ministry of the Interior to accelerate efforts to integrate women into the Afghan National Police, thereby enhancing its outreach and its capacity to address sexual and gender-based violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Central African Republic Recommendation: I urge the authorities of the Central African Republic to ensure that efforts to restore security and the rule of law take into account the prevention of sexual violence and that monitoring of the ceasefire and peace agreement explicitly reflects this consideration, in line with the joint communique of the Government and the United Nations on the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence signed in December 2012. I further encourage the authorities to make the rapid response unit to combat sexual violence operational and to establish a special criminal court Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Colombia Recommendation: I commend the Government of Colombia for the progress made to date and its collaboration with the United Nations, including through the visit of my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict in March 2015. I encourage the authorities to implement Law 1719 and continue to prosecute cases of sexual violence committed during the conflict to ensure that survivors receive justice and receive reparations. Conflict-related sexual violence should continue to be addressed in the Havana peace talks, as well as in the resulting accords and transitional justice mechanisms. Particular attention should be paid to groups that face additional barriers to justice such as ethnic minorities, women in rural areas, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals and women abused within the ranks of armed groups. I encourage the Government to scale up its protection measures and share its good practices with other conflict-affected countries Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Congo Recommendation: I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure full implementation of the armed forces action plan against sexual violence, to systematically bring perpetrators to justice and to deliver reparations to victims, including payment of outstanding compensation awards. I call on donors and the United Nations system to support the Government in its efforts and to pay increased attention to neglected areas, including unregulated mining regions Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Iraq Recommendation: I commend the Government of Iraq for its national action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and urge its swift implementation, including by training its security forces to ensur e respect for womens rights. Programmes to support the social reintegration of women and girls released from captivity by ISIL are urgently needed, as is community-based medical and psychological care. The capacity of the United Nations system should be enhanced through the deployment of Womens Protection Advisers or equivalent specialists Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Libya Recommendation: I urge the national authorities in Libya to implement Decree No. 119 and Resolution 904 of 2014 to ensure redress for all victims, including those affected by the current conflict, through the establishment of multisectoral services and the adoption of legislation to categorically prohibit sexual violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Mali Recommendation: I urge the Government of Mali, with support from United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, to develop a comprehensive national strategy to combat sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers so that services can reach remote areas. I further call on all parties to ensure that conflict-related sexual violence is addressed in the inter-Malian dialogue and that perpetrators of sexual violence do not benefit from amnesty or early release Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Myanmar Recommendation: I urge the Government of Myanmar to continue with its reform agenda and, in the process, take practical and timely actions to protect and support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure that security personnel accused of such crimes are prosecuted. Sexual violence should be an element in all ceasefire and peace negotiations, excluded from the scope of amnesty provisions and addressed in transitional justice processes. It is critical that women be able to participate consistently in and influence these processes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Somalia Recommendation: I reiterate my call to the Federal Government of Somalia to implement the commitments made under the joint communique of 7 May 2013 and its national action plan to combat sexual violence in conflict, including specific plans for the army and the police. I encourage the adoption of a sexual offences bill as a matter of priority Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life South Sudan Recommendation: I urge the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to adopt action plans to implement the commitments made under their respective communiques. I call upon the Government of South Sudan to address the negative impact of customary law on womens rights and to reflect international human rights standards in national law. I also encourage the African Union to make public and act upon the report of its Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sudan (Darfur) Recommendation: I call upon the Government of the Sudan to grant the United Nations and its humanitarian partners unfettered access for monitoring and the provision of assistance to people in need in Darfur. Given that there has been grave concern over sexual violence in Darfur for more than a decade, I encourage the Government to engage with my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to develop a framework of cooperation to address the issue comprehensively Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Syria Recommendation: I acknowledge the Governments invitation to my Special Representative to visit the Syrian Arab Republic and call upon the authorities, in the context of such a visit, to agree on specific measures to prevent sexual violence, including by members of the security forces. I condemn the use of sexual violence by ISIL and all other parties listed in the annex to the present report and call on them to cease such violations immediately and allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Yemen Recommendation: I urge the authorities in Yemen to undertake legislative reform as a basis for addressing impunity for sexual violence, ensuring the provision of services for survivors and aligning the minimum legal age of marriage with international standards. I further call on the authorities to engage with local community and faithbased leaders to address sexual and gender-based violence and discriminatory social norms Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Bosnia and Herzegovina Recommendation: I urge the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to harmonize legislation and policies so that the rights of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to reparations are consistently recognized and to allocate a specific budget for this purpose. I further call upon the authorities to protect and support survivors participating in judicial proceedings through, inter alia, referrals to free legal aid, psychosocial and health services, as well as economic empowerment programmes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Ivory Coast Recommendation: I urge the Government of Cote dIvoire to ensure the effective implementation of its national strategy to combat gender-based violence and the action plan for FRCI, and call on the international community to support these efforts. It is critical to accelerate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and strengthen law enforcement to ensure that ex-combatants who have been reintegrated into the transport sector do not pose a risk to women and girls who are reliant on those services. The Government and the international community must provide monitoring and awareness-raising to mitigate the possibility of a recurrence of sexual violence in the context of the presidential elections to be held in October 2015 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Liberia Recommendation: I call on the Government of Liberia to continue its critical efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence including through the United Nations-Government of Liberia Joint Programme, and in the context of recovery from the Ebola virus epidemic Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nepal Recommendation: I encourage the Government to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are recognized under the law as conflict victims, which will enable them to access services, judicial remedies and reparations. I further call on all parties involved in the transitional justice process to ensure that the rights and needs o f survivors of sexual violence are addressed in institutional reforms and that these crimes are excluded from amnesties and statutes of limitations Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sri Lanka Recommendation: I call upon the newly elected Government of Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of sexual violence, including against national armed and security forces, and to provide multisectoral services for survivors, including reparations and economic empowerment programmes for women at risk, including war widows and female heads of household Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nigeria Recommendation: I encourage the Government to implement its national action plan on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) to ensure that womens protection concerns are mainstreamed throughout its security operations. I also call upon the authorities to guarantee security in and around internally displaced persons camps and to extend medical and psychosocial services to high-risk areas She awoke to find him on top off her. When she asked him to stop, he said "This is what you want, isn't it? This is what you want?" the court was told. Other people in the house told the court they heard her shout: "I can't believe this happened. I was raped." Richardson, who pleaded not guilty, said in his defence he entered the room and thought the victim was a friend, whom he tried to hug, but left once he realised his mistake. "The offender knew from the outset that the victim was not consenting. There was no effort to obtain consent," Judge Chris Hoy said on sentencing Richardson, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. "His conduct was a disgraceful intrusion interfering with the intimate and personal integrity of the victim. He forced himself upon her breaching the ordinary and proper boundaries of moral and physical interaction between men and women." 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 Mayor of Calais has reportedly banned the distribution of meals to migrants in a bid to prevent a new refugee camp from forming in the area, just months after the Jungle was demolished. Natacha Bouchart said she was personally opposed, even if it is difficult to say so on a human level to any humanitarian efforts in the region, including setting up showers and distributing meals, La Voix du Nord reports. The Les Republicains politician also claimed handing out meals posed a security threat to the area. Legal documents setting out the restrictions were reportedly posted near to the site of the demolished camp. The mayoral decree said the regular, persistent and large presence of individuals distributing meals to migrants threatened the peace and security of the area. It also banned any repeated, prolonged gatherings in the area, making handing out food impossible. However charities said the decree would not change their approach. We have handed out food both day and night for two months, and we will continue to do it for a simple reason: people are hungry, Gael Monzy with charity Utopia56 said. Calais's refugee children have a message for the UK government L'Auberge des Migrants charity president Christian Salome said a ban would affect refugee children the most. Adults will always find a way to buy food in the shops, but for minors it will be a real problem they have no money at all, he told The Guardian. Frances interior minister Bruno Le Roux repeated several times there would be no new camp in Calais during a visit on Wednesday. However, he added: We will not prevent the distribution of meals. It came as more than 400 migrants, mostly unaccompanied children, returned to northern France in recent weeks. France moved more than 6,000 migrants, many fleeing poverty and war in their homelands, from the site of the makeshift camp in the port city last October. Most were sent to reception centres around the country in a bid to calm growing local anger. Migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa have streamed into Calais for years, hoping to cross the short stretch of sea to Britain by leaping onto trucks and trains, or even walking through the tunnel under the Channel. Recommended Refugee children in France have started turning back to Calais Last year, it was widely thought the Government would take 3,000 lone children from European refugee camps after Lord Alfred Dubs forced the Government to accept an amendment on the matter when the Immigration Act passed through Parliament. However, the Home Office unexpectedly announced the scheme would end after 100 more children reached the UK, bringing total numbers to 350. A separate scheme to bring unaccompanied refugee children with direct family links to Britain under the Dublin convention was also closed. Now the Home Office has confirmed it has agreed with French authorities to reconsider some of these Dublin cases. 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 }} Frances leading presidential candidate has attacked Donald Trump while laying out his election manifesto. Emmanuel Macron, the former economy minister, urged the US President not to pull America out of a landmark agreement struck in Paris to combat climate change. Mr Trump would be making a grave mistake by going back on his predecessor's commitments towards the climate, Mr Macron said, while pledging to continue Frances strong relations with the US. I will forge a very strategic alliance with our Chinese partner on this subject. Mr Macron said he disagreed with Mr Trumps environmental policies and protectionism but hoped to continue cooperation on intelligence and counter-terror operations. The Presidents threat to impose a border tax on German cars and unravel Barack Obamas global warming initiatives have unnerved much of Europe. Mr Macron warned that the EU would have to raise tariffs on American exports if the US did the same on European goods, in line with World Trade Organisation rules. I dont want to go down that path, but we would respond if the wrong choices were made, he added. Paris climate talks in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Paris climate talks in pictures Paris climate talks in pictures A man is covered with a multi-coloured banner with the message, "Climate" as environmentalists attend a demonstration near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) that meets in Le Bourget, December 12, 2015 Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures French President Francois Hollande (C) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) applaud after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures US Secretary of State John Kerry (C) speaks with China's Special Representative on Climate Change Xie Zhenhua (R) and officials at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Delegates and members of NGO's read and work on copies of 'The adoption of the Paris agreement' is pictured after the announcement of the final draft by French Foreign Affairs minister Laurent Fabius at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures UN climate chief Christiana Figueres (C) speaks with French President Francois Hollande (L), United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2ndL) and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (R) after a statement at the COP21 Climate Conference in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on December 12, 2015. The years-long quest for a universal pact to avert catastrophic climate change neared the finish line today with conference host France announcing that the final draft had been completed in the early hours of the morning Getty Paris climate talks in pictures A Swiss Dominican priest poses with activists dressed as polar bears as activists gather for a demonstration to form a giant red line at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Activists hold up a giant banner reading 'Climate justice' by association 'ourpowercampaign' during a demonstration near the Arc de Triomphe at the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris. Getty Paris climate talks in pictures Representatives of indigenous peoples demonstrate in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Environmentalists demonstrate near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, as the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) continues at Le Bourget, December 12, 2015. Reuters Paris climate talks in pictures Activists form a giant red line during a demonstration on the Avenue de la Grande armee boulevard in Paris on December 12, 2015, as a proposed 195-nation accord to curb emissions of the heat-trapping gases that threaten to wreak havoc on Earth's climate system is to be presented at the United Nations conference on climate change COP21 in Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images Paris climate talks in pictures The slogan "No Plan B" is projected on the Eiffel Tower as part of the World Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Paris, France, December 11, 2015. Reuters The candidate also took issue with Mr Trumps economic policies, which he claimed would hurt the spending power of an American middle class dependent on produced in lower-cost countries. I think Mr Trump is wrong to advocate protectionism for his own economy, he added. The United States is one of the most open economies in the world. Mr Macron previously had a dig at the President when he invited American scientists, academics and entrepreneurs at odds with the Trump administration to move to France last month. The 39-year-old quit Francois Hollandes Socialist government and launched his own centre-left En Marche! party to run for the presidency. He has been buoyed by scandals hitting former frontrunner Francois Fillon and the far-right leader Marine Le Pen both of whom are under investigation over their spending. Little attention has so far been directed to Mr Macrons policies but his standing at the head of polls is likely to turn increased scrutiny on the potential president. Key manifesto points aim to increase national cohesion and put French values at the heart of education, while reforming employment, the welfare system and taxation. Urging French workers to embrace mechanisation a source of frequent strikes he said: Work is going to change and we will be part of that change. We will go with it and we will transform the balance of forces. Marine Le Pen has been engulfed by scandals over EU spending and sharing Isis propaganda on Twitter (Reuters) Mr Macron pledged to hire 10,000 more police officers and improve cohesion between security services after a litany of failures identified in the wake of terror attacks in Paris, Nice and elsewhere in France. He is calling for an international roadmap against Islamist extremism but did not vow to extend Frances controversial state of emergency or implement floated measures like removing French citizenship from dual nationals. As his main rival, conservative former Prime Minister Mr Fillon, is investigated over allegations he paid his wife and children for parliamentary work they did not do, Mr Macron proposed a ban on officials employing relatives and friends. He also wants to slim down both chambers of the French parliament and prohibit MPs from carrying out consulting work to ensure leaders who are exemplary and accountable. An ardent supporter of the EU, Mr Macron wants to revitalise the European dream by boosting the single market and currency in the post-Brexit Europe of 27. His budget programme includes proposed savings of 60bn (51bn) over five years in austerity measures that could prove controversial, while keeping the national deficit to below 3 per cent of economic output As Mr Macron was laying out his vision for France, his two rivals were being dragged deeper into scandals over the alleged misuse of public funds. Fillon announces he will not be standing down from the French presidential race Mr Fillon has defied pressure to stand down amid a judicial investigation into the Penelopegate affair, with a flash opinion poll by Harris Interactive showing that only 25 per cent of people now want him to continue as a candidate. Members of his own Les Republicains party called for him to leave the race and three top aides have quit the campaign, but with just weeks until the first round of voting on 23 April, there is no time for new primaries. Mr Fillon denies any wrongdoing and has stepped up his attacks on a French judiciary he insists is biased against him as part of a political assassination. I have been singled out by the judicial system. It's as if I had to be brought down at all costs, he said in an interview with the Midi Libre newspaper. Meanwhile Ms Le Pen, the leader of the Front National, is refusing to attend police questioning over allegations she misused EU funds to pay for parliamentary aides. In a fresh blow, the European Parliament voted to lift her immunity from prosecution on Thursday, for tweeting gruesome images of Isis brutality a crime punishable by three years in prison under French law. Opinion polls predict the first round of the election to be closely fought between Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen, with around a quarter of the vote each and Mr Fillon trailing on 20 per cent. That would leave Mr Macon and Ms Le Pen in a second-round showdown on 7 May one the far-right leader is forecast to lose heavily. 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 school in western Germany has banned the use of prayer rugs and other traditional Muslim rituals saying it is provocative to other students, sparking a debate about freedom of religion. The Gymnasium Johannes Rau, in the city of Wuppertal, sent a letter to staff in February saying Muslim students had been using prayer rugs and performing ritual washing in the restrooms, and that they should get a friendly reminder it's not permitted and will be reported to the administration. After strong criticism when the letter was posted last week on Facebook, municipal authorities said the wording was unfortunate and the school had only meant to bring affected students in to discuss a solution to allow their prayer, Bild newspaper reported on Thursday. Authorities say the school was, however, legally allowed to stop people praying in a provocative manner. According to Deutsche Welle, the letter said: "In recent weeks it has been increasingly observed that Muslim pupils in the school building are praying, clearly visible to others, signalled by ritual washings in the toilets, the rolling out of prayer mats, and taking up certain postures." "This is not permitted." A spokeswoman for the local district council told DW: "The ban on praying in a 'provocative way' in the school is intended to promote peaceful coexistence and ensure the school peace." 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 }} A man accused of massacring 36 civilians in the Syrian civil war has been arrested in Germany as a crackdown against suspected extremists continues. He and another detained Syrian national were allegedly members of al-Qaeda's affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, which was linked to Isis at the time. The German federal prosecutors office said Abdalfatah HA, 35, joined the terrorist group in 2013. Syrian government loses ground to Nusra Front and ISIL A spokesperson said he was charged with killing 36 Syrian government employees who were protected under international law, in a war crime with low motivations a legal definition in German that encompasses racially and religiously motivated crimes. Abdalfatah HA was among members of a jihadi unit who were deployed to carry out a death sentence handed out by a self-styled Sharia court, prosecutors said. He was arrested alongside another Syrian man, 26-year-old Abdulrahman AA, in police operations in Giessen and Dusseldorf. He is alleged to have founded the unit of Jabhat al-Nusra with another suspected prosecuted in Germany, managing its funding and transport. Both he and Abdalfatah HA were trained as fighters and equipped with Kalashnikovs, fighting in operations against Syrian government forces including the capture of the countrys largest weapons depot near Mahin in November 2013. Refugees settle in Germany Show all 12 1 /12 Refugees settle in Germany Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, plays with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, in the one room they and Mohamed's wife Laloosh call home at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany A refugee child Amnat Musayeva points to a star with her photo and name that decorates the door to her classroom as teacher Martina Fischer looks on at the local kindergarten Amnat and her siblings attend on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The children live with their family at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian asylum-applicant Mohamed Ali Hussein (R), 19, and fellow applicant Autur, from Latvia, load benches onto a truckbed while performing community service, for which they receive a small allowance, in Wilhelmsaue village on October 9, 2015 near Letschin, Germany. Mohamed and Autur live at an asylum-applicants' shelter in nearby Vossberg village. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Ali Hussein ((L), 19, and his cousin Sinjar Hussein, 34, sweep leaves at a cemetery in Gieshof village, for which they receive a small allowance, near Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat, a refugee from Syria, looks among donated clothing in the basement of the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to Mohamed, his wife Laloosh and their daughter Ranim as residents' laundry dries behind in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. The Zayats arrived approximately two months ago after trekking through Turkey, Greece and the Balkans and are now waiting for local authorities to process their asylum application, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asya Sugaipova (L), Mohza Mukayeva and Khadra Zhukova prepare food in the communal kitchen at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Efrah Abdullahi Ahmed looks down from the communal kitchen window at her daughter Sumaya, 10, who had just returned from school, at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is their home in Vossberg Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Asylum-applicants, including Syrians Mohamed Ali Hussein (C-R, in black jacket) and Fadi Almasalmeh (C), return from grocery shopping with other refugees to the asylum-applicants' shelter that is their home in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Mohamed Zayat (2nd from L), a refugee from Syria, smokes a cigarette after shopping for groceries with his daughter Ranim, who is nearly 3, and fellow-Syrian refugees Mohamed Ali Hussein (C) and Fadi Almasalmeh (L) at a local supermarket on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. All of them live at an asylum-seekers' shelter in nearby Vossberg village and are waiting for local authorities to process their asylum applications, after which they will be allowed to live independently and settle elsewhere in Germany 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Kurdish Syrian refugees Leila, 9, carries her sister Avin, 1, in the backyard at the asylum-seekers' shelter that is home to them and their family in Vossberg village in Letschin Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany Somali refugees and husband and wife Said Ahmed Gure (R) and Ayaan Gure pose with their infant son Muzammili, who was born in Germany, in the room they share at an asylum-seekers' shelter in Vossberg village on October 9, 2015 in Letschin, Germany. Approximately 60 asylum-seekers, mostly from Syria, Chechnya and Somalia, live at the Vossberg shelter, which is run by the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB) charity, and are waiting for authorities to process their application for asylum 2015 Getty Images Refugees settle in Germany Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel pauses for a selfie with a refugee after she visited the AWO Refugium Askanierring shelter for refugees in Berlin Getty Images The pair are to be investigated by Germanys federal court of justice in the latest case opened as part of an intensified wave of terror probes in the country. Another member of their cell, bombmaker 31-year-old Abd Arahman AK, was arrested in Germany in June. Representatives for the federal prosecutors office and interior ministry told The Independent they could not confirm whether the suspects arrested on Wednesday and Thursday were asylum seekers, or when they had arrived in Germany. Jabhat al-Nusra was started as the Syrian affiliate of al-Qaeda, linked to its Iraqi branch headed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He declared the merger of the two groups to create the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in April 2013, but an ensuing power struggle with Jabhat al-Nusra leaders resulted in Isis breaking away and being cut off by al-Qaeda. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi attempted to merge al-Qaeda in Iraq and Jabhat al-Nusra in 2013 (REUTERS) (Reuters) Jabhat al-Nusra has also attempted to distance itself from al-Qaeda, announcing the severing of ties and rebranding itself in efforts to avoid international air strikes and gain backing from Syrian rebel groups. Its most recent incarnation is as a leading member of the Islamist alliance Tahrir al-Sham, which aspires to operate its own Islamic emirate in Syria. Members of Isis, the Taliban and other extremist organisations have been identified among more than a million asylum seekers who have arrived since the refugee crisis. The revelations have increased pressure on Angela Merkel, who promised increased security operations following a string of Isis-inspired terror attacks in the country. Immigration and extremism are two of the key issues leading into Germanys federal elections in September, where the right-wing Alternative fur Deutschland party is expected to enter the Bundestag for the first time. 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 }} Sweden has decided to reintroduce a military draft for both men and women over security concerns and a growing threat from Russia. The Nordic country mothballed compulsory military service seven years ago, but military activity in the Baltic region has increased since, in the wake of Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, prompting Sweden to step up military preparedness. Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said the left-leaning government is reintroducing the draft because of a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden. Under the newly approved plan, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year, starting in January. 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 As in the current system, Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service. The policy affects residents born after 1999. The country abolished the draft in 2010, when only men were eligible, because there were enough volunteers to meet the regions military needs. We have had trouble staffing the military units on a voluntary basis and that needs to be addressed somehow, Mr Hultqvist told public service radio SR. The governments decision entails the call-up of 4,000 men and women for military training in 2018 and 2019, and Mr Hultqvist told SR motivation would be an important factor when selecting the recruits for service. Fox News expert on violent immigrants in Sweden turns out to be violent immigrant Sofia Hultgren, who turns 17 later this year and thus could be drafted in coming years, said many young Swedes viewed lengthy careers as military professionals as something odd and old-fashioned. I think many see it as something lame, something your father did, when there are so much other fun things to do, Hultgren, a student, told Reuters. Still, she welcomed the reintroduction of military service and said she would consider such training even if she did not want to make it a career. I think this can give a feeling of comfort. Conscription strengthens our defence when we see so much ugliness in the world, she said. Sweden, which is not a Nato member, is currently in the process of upgrading its military with a sharp hike in spending, and has reassigned troops to the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, besides urging local governments to step up contingency planning for a future war. 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 }} Isis has been driven out of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra for a second time under three months after jihadis retook their former stronghold. The Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, claimed the Syrian army had fully recaptured the militant stronghold on Thursday, although monitors said air strikes and clashes were ongoing. Regime commanders said the victory dealt a major blow against terrorists deprived of Palmyras symbolic cultural and historical status. Vladimir Putin was informed of developments as his forces backed regime troops in the assault, raining bombs down on militants from planes and helicopter gunships. Troops loyal to Bashar al-Assad pushed into Palmyra from its famed Roman ruins after days of fierce fighting with jihadis, who have heavily mined and booby-trapped the city during their retreat. Regime forces are being supported by Russian air strikes and militias backed by Iran and Hezbollah, who were part of the original campaign to retake Palmyra in March last year. The Russian President personally celebrated the victory, appearing via video link at a concert in its grand amphitheatre, but his allys focus on Aleppo allowed Isis to sweep back in. Playing for Palmyra Russia holds a concert in the ruins With rebels in eastern Aleppo defeated, Assads focus has turned back to the city, which Isis turned from an internationally beloved historical attraction into a theatre for its brutality and destruction of cultural artefacts. Isis staged mass executions amid Roman ruins in its first and second periods of control, publicly killing victims including teachers in the Roman theatre in January. Syrian government forces have reached the area, posting photos of themselves in sight of Palmyra citadel and at a nearby Qatari-built palace online, but have not penetrated the city centre. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said intense bombardment continued on Isis positions but the majority of militants have already been withdrawn. The regime forces and militiamen loyal to them of Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities have not been able until the moment to enter the inside of the city because Isis booby-trapped and planted mines in many points inside it, observers said. As Russia announced victory, the Palmyra Coordination group said air strikes and rocket fire continued in the modern part of the city, also known as Tadmur, reporting dozens killed in continuing clashes. Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Show all 10 1 /10 Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Graffiti on the ancient stones reads in Arabic Shooting without the permission of the chief is prohibited Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Damaged artefacts lay inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Syrian pro-government forces rest by Palmyra Citadel as they take control of the city from the hands of Isis Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The UNESCO world heritage site appears surprisingly intact after its recapture from the militant group Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Many had feared the ancient city would be destroyed following its capture by Isis in May Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Smoke billows from the Palmyra Citadel as Assads forces drive the Jihadist group from the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Palmyra is one of the most important cultural centers of the world Unesco says Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Pro-government forces play football in the streets following the recapture of the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The extent of the destruction caused by Isis 10 month occupation of the city has yet to be fully realised Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The City Council of Palmyra building in ruins Reuters Footage showed helicopter gunships launching air strikes in intense battles, while Isis sent two suicide car bombs into regime lines on Wednesday. Propaganda videos sent out by the terrorist group showed militants using a seized tank behind trenches and heavy guns against a column advancing from the west. Recommended Isis rigs mass grave with landmines to kill investigators The groups channels fell silent on Palmyra on Thursday, despite providing updates from battles elsewhere, supporting activists report of a mass retreat. Isis first captured it in May 2015 but was driven out in March the following year after a high-profile offensive by the Syrian government and Russian forces. As troops were pulled out of the city to fight in the final stages of the battle of Aleppo in December, jihadis seized the opportunity to overrun weakened defences and gain control once more. The group has destroyed several ancient monuments in the Unesco World Heritage Site in acts condemned as a war crime by the United Nations, while looting other treasures to sell for profit. A satellite picture shows the damage in the Tetrapylon and the Roman Amphitheatre in Palmyra (Reuters) Most recently, Isis has razed the landmark Tetrapylon a platform with four columns at each corner and the facade of Palmyras Roman theatre. Its retreat from the city comes amid continuing territorial losses in Syria, including the city of al-Bab, and Iraq, where government forces are battling to drive jihadis out of Mosul. Jean-Marc Rickli, a research fellow at Kings College London and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, said regaining Palmyra had been symbolic for Isis but its loss was more in line with trends seen elsewhere. It was a military blow for both the Russians and the Syrian army but the general picture is that Isis will be losing more and more territory, he told The Independent. They will count on opportunistic strikes to score victories easily, and there are plenty of locations where they could do that in the future. Dr Rickli said Isis territorial losses will eventually force it to revert from being a proto-state with its own institutions, back to its origins as an insurgency movement. He added: Were moving from a strategy of territorial control to guerrilla operations where they attack and retreat. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An Israeli policeman who admitted urinating on a handcuffed and blindfolded Palestinian prisoner must stand trial, Israels High Court has ruled. The case, which initially included allegations of physical and sexual assault by two police officers at the Maaleh Adumim police station in 2007, was initially closed by the Justice Ministrys internal investigations department. But the Palestinian petitioned the court, prompting High Court Justices Salim Joubran, Noam Sohlberg and Isaac Amit to reject the attorney generals decision concerning one episode involving one of the officers. We were convinced that the evidence was thoroughly investigated several times, the judges wrote, Haaretz reported, but added they ruled in favour of the plaintiff in part ... in relation to the charge that the policeman had deliberately urinated on the plaintiff in order to humiliate him. 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 The officer denied the allegation throughout the interrogation but when he was told his DNA had been found on the plaintiffs clothes, he admitted the incident had taken place but insisted it was an accident. He claimed to have taken the handcuffed and blindfolded detainee to the bathroom, then asked the plaintiff to stand to the side once he had finished so he too could use the toilet. The policeman said he asked the prisoner to kneel so he would be in an advantageous position should something happen. He said when the detainee moved unexpectedly, he turned and caught hold of him, and added that it was probably while moving that drops of urine dripped onto his clothes. When asked why he had denied the incident had taken place, he told investigators he had felt ashamed of his blunder, the Times of Israel reported. The justices said the officers response could be seen either as an admission or a lie and ruled the court should decide. Palestinian man shot by Israeli soldier as he lies on the ground It comes after an Israel Defence Force (IDF) soldier has said he will appeal an 18-month prison sentence for killing a wounded Palestinian assailant. Elor Azaria was serving as an army medic in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, when two Palestinians stabbed and wounded another soldier. One assailant was shot dead and the other was wounded. Eleven minutes later, he took aim with his rifle and fatally shot Abd Elfatah Ashareef, 21, who was lying on the ground unable to move. A three-judge military court convicted Azaria of manslaughter last month and rejected his contention he believed the man still posed a threat. Imposing punishment lighter than a three-to-five year sentence requested by the prosecution, the court noted the Hebron incident had been Azarias first combat experience and that his record had been unblemished. The Palestinian government said the term imposed by the court had given Israeli soldiers a green light to carry out executions without fear of real punishment. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is now in Baku, discussed the current situation in the banking sector with leading Azerbaijani banks, said head of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) Zakir Nuriyev. The sides discussed the decisions made by the regulator Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Authority on stabilization of situation in the banking sector and the impact of these decisions, he told reporters in Baku. No specific proposals were made by the IMF mission. We mulled the impact of the reforms being implemented in the sector, as well as plans of the banks for further development, Nuriyev said. He also noted that restructuring of the banking sector was not discussed during the meeting. This issue was discussed at the meeting of the IMF mission with Azerbaijans Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA). But I think and this idea was also voiced by the FIMSA management that today the situation in most of the countrys banks is gradually stabilizing, Nuriyev said. Capital of the majority of banks corresponds to the norms established by the regulator [50 million manats], and work is being carried out in the remaining banks to bring capital in line with the requirements. The IMF missions visit to Azerbaijan started Feb. 28 and will last until the end of this week. The mission has already had meetings in Azerbaijans Economy Ministry, Finance Ministry, Central Bank (CBA), State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) and Financial Market Supervisory Authority. The International Monetary Fund opened its office in Baku in 1992. 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 }} Rainbow people make this, says Mussalem as he resets the mystical-looking stones decorating the sand. He is talking about The Rainbow Family of Living Light the Oregon-born group committed to achieving peace and love on earth which holds gatherings in Egypt. From all over the world they came here to feast, to play music, just to be in a natural place. Some very intelligent, very wise. He looks up and smiles: Some crazy. Though I might not be in The Rainbow Family myself, packing a 10 eBay tent with snapped poles, boots now bound by duct tape and shouldering a rucksack held together with string, a few days into Egypts first long-distance hiking route its clear to which category I belong. The 137-mile-long Sinai Trail, or Darb Sina, is part of a Middle East-wide hiking network voted the number one new trail in the world by National Geographic. Its neither the longest or the hardest of the worlds long-distance routes but hiking a landscape steeped in history, guided by Bedouin whose lives are intertwined with the land, is definitely one of the most rewarding. Recommended The country with twice as many pyramids as Egypt These days life is hard for the Bedouin of Sinai. Generations past led pilgrims through the mountains to the 6th century St Catherines monastery or far further beyond to Mecca. In recent years events such as the Arab spring, revolution, coup detat, insurgency and an airliner bombing have curtailed tourism in Sinai. This trail creates work in a difficult time, says Mussalem. But not just any work. Sometimes ropes were necessary to haul each other over obstacles (Nick Redmayne) We are worried a little bit about our culture the young Bedouin, they dont know much, says Nassr, another guide. We want to keep travelling, living the simple life. We want to keep our tribes, our families together. Training new guides means there will be others to carry on. The trail is the collective endeavour of three Bedouin tribes, championed by local volunteers, and an NGO with no help from the government. Breaking camp along the trail (Nick Redmayne) Since leaving the Gulf of Aqaba at Ras Shitan on the Sinai coast weve walked through desert wadis, squeezed through intestinal gorges, and used rope to haul each other through epic boulder fields. The route is expected to take 12 days, ending on the summit of Egypts highest mountain, Jebel Katarina. Now around 35km in we reach the towering stack of Jebel Milehis in south-east Sinai. Below, pillared rock formations carpeted with soft, ochre sand create a natural amphitheatre. The caravan relaxes into a disarray of tents, bed rolls and bags. This is home for the night. The camels settle too into nosebags of corn, for once silent in their deep-seated disdain for our enterprise. We number 22, mostly Egyptian along with resident foreigners and a few visiting ones. Bedouin guides from southern Sinais Tarabin, Muzeina and Jebelaya tribes lead the way, supported by a changing cast of trainee guides, cooks, cameleers and camels. Ours is the first group to brave the entire trail. Cameleers overtake hikers en route to the evenings camp (Nick Redmayne) In the morning its the ascent of Jebel Milehis. Steep at first, weathered sandstone is clean and firm, the easy grip a welcome change from soft sand. The party is soon strung out, the two Mohameds leading us wiry, surefooted Jordanians to the fore as usual. I inhabit the sweaty midfield, exchanging exaggeratedly polite chitchat with an Egyptian translator fascinated by British idioms. Im still glad we got rid of you bastards, he says. Soon the track loses its sense of humour. Precipitous ledges test nerves but when help is needed a firm Bedouin hand is never far away. At the first ridge hard-won height is grudgingly ceded as the path drops in a rearwards approach to the summit. We walk in full sun, sweat stinging our eyes. Nassr points out petroglyphs on jutting boulders social media from another age. Look at the camel tails theyre up. A tribal skirmish is recorded in stone. Riders gallop, spears and bows raised. These are the victors. Petroglyphs record a tribal skirmish near Jebel Mileihis (Nick Redmayne) Now begins the real climb. An indistinct path zigzags across a scree face. Be careful, Mussalem, there are many loose rocks, think of the persons below. He is right. Tumbling rocks and shouts of warning punctuate the ascent. Pausing to drink I peer down. The landscape appears unforgiving and it is. The initial summit of Jebel Milehis (Nick Redmayne) Eventually the summit dome heaves into view. Alternately baked by the sun and chilled by desert nights, bare rock acquires ceramic fragility, tinkling as we walked over it. Looking east, the Gulf of Aqaba is visible, beyond it rises the emphatic ridgeline of Saudi Arabias mighty Hejaz mountains. One of the Jordanians takes out a flute and plays. His companion rolls a cigarette. Others lay on their backs, keffiyehs covering their faces. Six mountains lie along the trail. Surefooted Jordanians Mohamed and Mohamed rest up with sweet tea and cigarettes (Nick Redmayne) After the immense expanse of the Blue Desert, 18 hikers remain, with sickness, fatigue and muscle strain having retired there others. These guys have grown stronger, more confident. Making camp by torchlight, harried by bone-chilling winds, levels us all. Ahead it is higher, colder and more remote. Final camp on the summit of Jebel Katarina (Nick Redmayne) Entering the High Mountains of Egypt, a circle of jagged peaks surrounding Jebel Katarina, morning sunshine accompanies flurries of frost shaken from tents. Jebel Katarina delivers its promise of an unrelenting climb, opposed by icy winds and taunted by false summits. Firewood gathered along the way is strapped to rucksacks. Conversations are lost to buffeting gusts. Private thoughts, expletives for each misplaced footfall, compete with laboured breathes and thumping heartbeats. One of the small businesses struggling to survive the absence of tourists at Jebel Musa (Nick Redmayne) The sun sets over Africa as we reach the highest point. Photographs are taken, embraces exchanged. Burnt umbra skies bleach, fade to grey, then darken. Later, huddled around a smoky fire, sheltered by the walls of a half-enclosed refuge, Nassr pours glasses of hot chocolate for some and so-called Egyptian champagne for others. (Not bad actually better than some proseccos.) The people of the villages, theyve heard about those who walked Darb Sina. Its been a long time since so many have trekked, says Nassr. The Bedouin are happy, there will be work again. And each one of you, now you have a story. Travel essentials Getting there Turkish Airlines (0844 800 6666; turkishairlines.com) flies from Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and London to Sharm El Sheikh up to four times a week; from 265 return. Note that British airlines are currently barred from flying to Sharm El Sheikh. See the latest guidance. Hikers will need to take a taxi from Sharm El Sheikh to begin the trail. Sinaitrail.org will book; a one-way ride should cost 500 Egyptian pounds (approx 25 sterling). Hiking there Sinaitrail.org co-ordinates treks with Bedouin tribes, from 7,500 Egyptian pounds per person (approx 380). The next departure is 4 April. More information The blog gotellitonthemountain.net offers more guidance and advice. 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 }} My respect for him rose when he emerged from the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday to face the media. The inquests into the murder of 30 of his customers at the hands of an Islamist gunman at Sousse in Tunisia had just ended after six weeks of harrowing testimony from the bereaved relatives. Mr Longman appeared shortly after many of the victims' families announced they would sue his company for putting their loved ones in harms way. Recommended Tunisia attack survivor demands terror warnings from holiday companies Facing a barrage of interrogators, he apologised with dignity: On behalf of everyone at TUI UK, I would like to again extend our deepest sympathy. We are so very sorry for the pain and loss those affected have suffered. Then he added: On that day, the world changed. Yet for almost everyone, it didnt. Unquestionably the lives of the victims families were devastated. For Mr Longman and his colleagues, years of anguish (and litigation) began. Hundreds of thousands of Tunisians lost their livelihoods because their pathetic fellow citizens shooting spree put the nation on the no-go list. But for the vast majority of people, and specifically travellers, the planet remained a repository of natural and manmade riches, populated overwhelmingly by kind, generous and tolerant people. And two years on, this world of wonders is less risky and more accessible than ever. Any suggestion to the contrary is as absurd as the assertion by a Tunisian official, interviewed in Sousse by the BBCs Orla Guerin, that his country is 100 per cent safe. Of course it isnt: Tunisia has a long, leaky frontier with the failed state of Libya, hundreds of returning jihadists and a history of terrorism aimed at tourists. And I would gladly take my family there tomorrow. Time to get real, everyone. While it may be of little comfort to the bereaved relatives, some positive results should flow from the Tunisia inquests. But that requires travellers, and the travel industry, to sharpen up. Holidaymakers must engage more with the destination they plan to visit, from improving their cultural awareness to assessing the official warnings. People must decide what is a tolerable risk for them. But they need the honest support of the travel industry. Three months before the Sousse massacre, cruise passengers visiting Tunisias leading museum were attacked; 22 people from 10 countries died at the Bardo Museum in Tunis. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, as part of its campaign to destroy the Tunisian economy. The victims families heard how TUI had played down the earlier massacre. Call-centre staff and travel agents were given a crib sheet intended to bat away customers concerns. The two-page document, which didnt mention terrorism, can be summed up as a dozen different ways of saying: Its business as usual and if you want to change or cancel your holiday, youll pay the normal financial penalty. By July next year, when the EU Package Travel Directive takes effect: holidaymakers will be able to cancel without penalty if a terrorist atrocity of such magnitude were to happen at their intended destination. But starting right now, Mr Longman and his rivals must be big enough and open enough to say, for example: Hey, theres some amazing bargains in Turkey and Egypt. Thats because many people are worried about what the Foreign Office says is a high threat of terrorism. But if you are prepared to tolerate a small amount of risk, the overwhelming odds are that you will have a great trip. The British travel industry is the best in the world, yet it has an unfortunate tendency to defensiveness. I believe the travelling public will welcome transparency as part of an understanding that the ultimate responsibility for risk assessment rests on the sunburnt shoulders of we seekers of sun and wonders. 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 Secretary of State, former oil industry mogul Rex Tillerson, has not responded to a request from the United Nations most senior climate change official for a face-to-face meeting amid concern about the Trump administrations stance on global warming. Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), told a conference about the issue in Chicago that progress towards a low-carbon economy was now unstoppable with many businesses already making the transition. However she admitted the UNFCCC was worried about rumours that the US could withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Ms Espinosa also smiled about the prospect of a Mexican woman trying to talk about global warming with the United States new leadership given Donald Trumps talk about building a wall between his and her country to prevent migration, dismissal of climate science as a Chinese hoax and remarks about being able to sexually assault women because he was a celebrity that helped spark the worldwide Womens March protests. After her speech in Chicago, she struck a conciliatory tone as she revealed her request for a meeting with Mr Tillerson had not produced a response. I have not heard back. It is understandable at the beginning of an administration, Ms Espinosa said, according to Bloomberg. They are a very important partner to us, and Im looking forward to working together. She made clear the importance of the United States to the worlds efforts to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and as close to 1.5C as possible the target agreed at the Paris Summit. We are of course worried about rumours that the possibility of the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement and the convention on climate change, she said. It would be very bad if there were a change of position in the US. Thats why Im looking forwards to engaging with the US as a partner. But she suggested the momentum behind efforts to reduce fossil fuel emissions was such that they would carry on regardless of the views of political leaders. A lot of US businesses are really going into the agenda of sustainability and some are making their own commitments in emissions reductions in their own operations, Ms Espinosa said. 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 An incredible amount of cities have embarked on ambitious goals; some states like California have been for many years in the forefront of this agenda. In International Petroleum Week, I was very encouraged to hear how much some of the oil and gas companies are realising that the future of their industries is in a transformation into clean energy companies and they have embraced this in their own interest. The transformation has started. I think its unstoppable. A US State Department spokesman told The Independent: "We have nothing to report on a possible meeting at this time." 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 }} Theresa May told us that Britain will celebrate the centenary of the Balfour Declaration this summer with pride. This was predictable. A British prime minister who would fawn to the head-chopping Arab autocrats of the Gulf in the hope of selling them more missiles and then hold the hand of the insane new anti-Muslim president of the United States was bound, I suppose, to feel pride in the most mendacious, deceitful and hypocritical document in modern British history. As a woman who has set her heart against immigrants, it was also inevitable that May would display her most venal characteristics to foreigners to wealthy Arab potentates, and to an American president whose momentary love of Britain might produce a life-saving post-Brexit trade agreement. It was to an audience of British lobbyists for Israel a couple of months ago that she expressed her pride in a century-old declaration which created millions of refugees. But to burnish the 1917 document which promised Britains support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine but which would ultimately create that very refugee population refugees being the target of her own anti-immigration policies is little short of iniquitous. The Balfour Declarations intrinsic lie that while Britain supported a Jewish homeland, nothing would be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine is matched today by the equally dishonest response of Balfours lamentable successor at the Foreign Office. Boris Johnson wrote quite accurately two years ago that the Balfour Declaration was bizarre, a tragicomically incoherent document, an exquisite piece of Foreign Office fudgerama. But in a subsequent visit to Israel, the profit-hunting Mayor of London suddenly discovered that the Balfour Declaration was a great thing that reflected a great tide of history. No doubt we shall hear more of this same nonsense from Boris Johnson later this year. Although the Declaration itself has been parsed, de-semanticised, romanticised, decrypted, decried, cursed and adored for 100 years, its fraud is easy to detect: it made two promises which were fundamentally opposed to each other and thus one of them, to the Arabs (aka the existing non-Jewish communities), would be broken. The descendants of these victims, the Palestinian Arabs, are now threatening to sue the British government over this pernicious piece of paper, a hopeless and childish response to history. The Czechs might equally sue the British for Chamberlains Munich agreement, which allowed Hitler to destroy their country. The Palestinians would also like an apology since the British have always found apologies cheaper than law courts. The British have grown used to apologising for the British empire, for the slave trade, for the Irish famine. So why not for Balfour? Yes, but.... Theresa May needs the Israelis far more than she needs the Palestinians. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets Theresa May Balfours 1917 declaration, of course, was an attempt to avoid disaster in the First World War by encouraging the Jews of Russia and America to support the Allies against Germany. Balfour wanted to avoid defeat just as Chamberlain later wanted to avoid war. But and this is the point Munich was resolved by the destruction of Hitler. Balfour initiated a policy of British support for Israel which continues to this very day, to the detriment of the occupied Palestinians of the West Bank and the five million Palestinian refugees living largely in warrens of poverty around the Middle East, including Israeli-besieged Gaza. This is the theme of perhaps the most dramatic centenary account of the Balfour Declaration, to be published this summer by David Cronin (in his book Balfours Shadow: A Century of British Support for Zionism and Israel), an Irish journalist and author living in Brussels whose previous investigation of the European Unions craven support for Israels military distinguished him from the work of more emotional (and thus more inaccurate) writers. Cronin has no time for Holocaust deniers or anti-Semites. While rightly dismissing the silly idea that the Palestinian Grand Mufti, Haj Amin al Husseini, inspired the Holocaust of the Jews of Europe, he does not duck Haj Amins poisonous alliance with Hitler. Israels post-war creation as a nation state, as one Israeli historian observed, may not have been just but it was legal. And Israel does legally exist within the borders acknowledged by the rest of the world. There lies the present crisis for us all: for the outrageous right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu is speeding on with the mass colonisation of Arab land in territory which is not part of Israel, and on property which has been stolen from its Arab owners. These owners are the descendants of the non-Jewish communities whose rights, according to Balfour, should not be prejudiced by the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. But Balfours own prejudice was perfectly clear. The Jewish people would have a national home ie, a nation in Palestine, while the Arabs, according to his declaration, were mere communities. And as Balfour wrote to his successor Curzon two years later, Zionism is of far profounder import than the desires and prejudices [sic] of 700,000 Arabs who now inhabit that ancient land. Cronins short book, however, shows just how we have connived in this racism ever since. He outlines the mass British repression of Arabs in the 1930s including extrajudicial executions and torture by the British army when the Arabs feared, with good reason, that they would ultimately be dispossessed of their lands by Jewish immigrants. As Arthur Wauchope, the Palestine High Commissioner, would write, the subject that fills the minds of all Arabs today is the dread that in time to come they will be a subject race living on sufferance in Palestine, with the Jews dominant in every sphere, land, trade and political life. How right they were. Even before Britains retreat from Palestine, Attlee and his Cabinet colleagues were discussing a plan which would mean the ethnic cleansing of tens of thousands of Palestinians from their land. In 1944, a Labour Party statement had talked thus of Jewish immigration: Let the Arabs be encouraged to move out as the Jews move in. By 1948, Labour, now in government, was announcing it had no power to prevent money being channelled from London to Jewish groups who would, within a year, accomplish their own ethnic cleansing, a phrase in common usage for this period since Israeli historian Illan Pappe (now, predictably, an exile from his own land) included it in the title of his best-known work. Protesters disrupt hearings for Israeli ambassador nominee The massacre of hundreds of Palestinian civilians at Deir Yassin was committed while thousands of British troops were still in the country. Cronins investigation of Colonial Office files show that the British military lied about the cleansing of Haifa, offering no protection to the Arabs, a policy largely followed across Palestine save for the courage of Major Derek Cooper and his soldiers, whose defence of Arab civilians in Jaffa won him the Military Cross (although David Cronin does not mention this). Cooper, whom I got to know when he was caring for wounded Palestinians in Beirut in 1982, never forgave his own government for its dishonesty at the end of the Palestine Mandate. Cronins value, however, lies in his further research into British support for Israel, its constant arms re-supplies to Israel, its 1956 connivance with the Israelis over Suez during which Israeli troops massacred in the Gaza camp of Khan Younis, according to a UN report, 275 Palestinian civilians, of whom 140 were refugees from the 1948 catastrophe. Many UN-employed Palestinians, an American military officer noted at the time, are believed to have been executed by the Israelis. Britains subsequent export of submarines and hundreds of Centurion tanks to Israel was shrugged off with the same weasel-like excuses that British governments have ever since used to sell trillions of dollars of weapons to Israelis and Arabs alike: that if Britain didnt arm them, others would. In opposition in 1972, Harold Wilson claimed it was utterly unreal to call for an Israeli withdrawal from land occupied in the 1967 war, adding that Israels reaction is natural and proper in refusing to accept the Palestinians as a nation. When the Palestinians first demanded a secular one-state solution to Palestine, they were denounced by a British diplomat (Anthony Parsons) who said that a multinational, secular state would be wholly incompatible with our attitude toward Israel. Indeed it would. When the PLO opposed Britains Falklands conflict, the Foreign Office haughtily admonished the Palestinians it was far removed from their legitimate concerns, it noted although it chose not to reveal that Argentine air force Skyhawk jets supplied by Israel were used to attack UK forces, and that Israels military supplies to Argentina continued during the war. A year later, Margaret Thatcher, according to a note by Douglas Hurd, included armed action against military targets of the occupying power as a definition of terrorism. So the Palestinians could not even resist their direct occupiers without being criminals. 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 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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 On an official visit to Israel in 1986, Thatcher said that she regarded discussion of Jerusalem as internal politics. In 2001, Tony Blairs government granted 90 arms exports licences to Israel for defensive weapons including torpedoes, armoured vehicles, bombs and missiles. There is much, much more of this in Cronins book, including Blairs useless and disgraceful period as peace envoy to the Middle East and the growing business contracts between British companies and Israeli arms providers to the extent that the British army ended up deploying Israeli-made drones in the skies of Afghanistan and Iraq. Outside the EU, Theresa Mays Britain will maintain its close relations with Israel as a priority; hence Mays stated desire less than a month ago to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with Israel. This coincided with an Israeli attack on Gaza and a Knesset vote to confiscate ie, steal yet more lands from Palestinians in the West Bank. From the day that Herbert Samuel, deputy leader of the Liberal Party and former (Jewish) High Commissioner for Palestine, said in the House of Commons in 1930 that Arabs do migrate easily, it seems that Britain has faithfully followed Balfours policies. More than 750,000 Palestinians were uprooted in their catastrophe, Cronin writes. Generations of dispossessed would grow up in the camps. Today, there are around five million registered Palestinian refugees. Britain was the midwife of that expulsion. And this summer, we shall again be exhorted by Theresa May to remember the Balfour Declaration with pride. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has done plenty of flip-flopping over the course of his unlikely rise to power. Hes changed his mind multiple times about repealing Obamacare, prosecuting his political opponents for no reason and whether he should spend $500bn deporting millions of people nobody can find. Its actually pretty difficult to keep up. Yet against all odds, the one election promise Trump cannot seem to let go of is the claim hell drain the swamp of big politics and eradicate any and all trace of corruption in Washington. It was a great campaign slogan, and millions of Americans really bought into it. For whatever reason, they truly believed a greasy Manhattan billionaire with a penchant for running businesses into the ground could help clean up politics. Six weeks into Donald Trumps presidency, and that corrupt political bog we all used to scoff at has devolved into a muddy hellscape covered in smog so thick you couldnt cut it with a knife. Instead of draining that swamp, the President has spent the past month and a bit needlessly bending over backwards to prove to us all just how great he is at wallowing within one. 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 Seriously, it seems like one of Trumps minions tosses a little more dirt in the pit every day and if Trump doesnt start cracking the whip and cleaning house soon, this mess hes creating for himself will inevitably send the guy packing long before we stumble into 2020. Trumps latest migraine? It turns out his Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, lied under oath to Congress about palling around with the Russian government. To be fair, Jeff Sessions has always been a dodgy guy least of all because hes a climate change sceptic who voted against banning torture and has allegedly missed out on jobs before in the past for making racist jokes and slagging off the NAACP. But when youre Americas new chief lawyer and supreme authority on justice and moral integrity, youve got to admit that lying under oath is hitting a new low. And bearing in mind its Sessions whos supposedly leading an FBI investigation into whether the Russians cheated the American people by tipping Novembers general election in favour of his orange boss, its not hard to see why Democrats and Republicans alike are now calling for his head to roll. Almost every big claim Trump made at address to Congress was false With any luck, it will and Sessions wont even be the first big fish that Trump will have been forced to gut and sacrifice to the gods of politics in order to save his own skin. Hell, just a few days after Trump took the helm, one of his top national security advisers got fired for illegally talking shop with the exact same Russian guy Jeff Sessions lied to Congress about never having met with. Vladimir Putin is probably jumping for joy, because the last time Russia was this culturally relevant, Milli Vanilli reigned supreme on the Billboard charts. But somewhere in that horrible bog were still calling Pennsylvania Avenue, the mood is considerably more sombre because the Trump administration simply cannot seem to get itself out of this perpetual, full-blown crisis mode. Recommended US media turn screw on Trump with fresh reports of Russia links The President is currently sitting on about four dozen lawsuits against him, executive orders are getting blown out of the water by court judges, his aides are dropping like flies and now one of his right hand men has been caught lying on camera and under oath about potential dirty dealings with a country Trumps own party thinks is Americas number one geopolitical foe. Every time it looks like things cant get any worse for Donald Trump, he always manages to surprise us with another unconstitutional doozy. Hes really got quite a knack for it. But if Trump wants to stay in power for the next four years and keep his fragmented support base in one piece, hed better start treading a bit more carefully. After all, even Republicans can only handle so many lies before they start to lose patience and a swamp can only get so muddy before nature decides to take its own course. 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 }} Rarely the crime; invariably the cover-up. So it has been since long before Richard Nixons resignation over the Watergate break in. And so it is today. President Donald Trumps National Security Adviser, Mike Flynn, lasted just 24 days before resigning over a conversation he had denied. Now, Trumps attorney general, Jeff Sessions, stands accused of lying to Senators about contacts he, too, had during the election campaign. It is not at all clear that he will be able to tough it out. One conclusion that could be drawn is that Trumps associates are prone to the same casual attitude to the truth as he appears to be. But this is not what the charges of concealment are really about: would either man have been called to account as he has, if the contacts in question had not been with Russians? Would a call to a British diplomat, for instance, have been so suspect or thought so problematical as to be glossed over by the American concerned? I doubt it. Indeed, the UK ambassador in Washington came in for criticism back home for errors of almost the opposite kind: for failing to cultivate the Trump team. At least the Russian ambassador, Sergei Kislyak, cant be accused of that. All other things being equal, he would be in line for a medal recognising his stellar contribution to bilateral relations. 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 But all other things are not equal. The reason why first Flynn and now Sessions are in anyones sights is that their supposed misdeeds feed into a theme that unites a very broad Washington coalition. Democrats, anti-Trump Republicans, members of the outgoing Obama administration, and sections of the diplomatic, law enforcement and intelligence establishment all agree that Trump is vulnerable, even culpable, on Russia. Their motives are mixed and overlap. There is the belief that Russia used nefarious means to help Donald Trump to power. Not to the point where the election was actually subverted by Russia. Oh no, the US electoral process, the actual voting and the count, retained its integrity. But Russian interference, including the hacking of the Democrats computers and ensuring anti-Clinton material reached the public domain, tipped the balance in favour of Trump. Or so the story goes. And it suits a lot of people. Democrats find it easier to blame Russia than accept that they lost in a fair fight. There is still a large US constituency that sees Russia as Enemy Number One and a smaller section whose jobs actually depend on the continued perception of Russia as a threat. They saw Trumps campaign pledge to try to improve relations with Moscow as a betrayal of the national interest and their own. Then there are those who regard any avenue that might lead to Trumps removal as worth pursuing, and at the moment the most promising avenue leads through Russia. Thus far, six weeks into Donald Trumps presidency, the anti-Trump, anti-Russia alliance has notched up some successes. It saw off Mike Flynn, regarded as the chief advocate for Russia in Trumps administration, largely by virtue of his attendance at a dinner with Vladimir Putin. It may have encouraged cabinet nominees to be harsher on Russia at their confirmation hearings than they would otherwise have been which may be why Sessions went wrong. Its most conspicuous success, though, was Trumps decision to omit Russia completely from his address to the joint chambers of Congress earlier this week. After a campaign in which relations with Russia had been one of his few consistent pitches, this omission was glaring. Was it a policy change, or a tactical retreat? There will be those a relatively small part of specialist opinion in Washington, but probably more in the country at large who will hope that it is only a tactical retreat. I have to agree. Not only because a US-Russia thaw could help solve some of the most intractable problems around the globe, but because the actual evidence against Russia is so thin and some of the methods used against the Trump camp smack of a witch hunt. Lets take a few of the claims. Did Russia try to manipulate the US election? The intelligence services report, in its declassified version at least, reveals only how ill-informed US intelligence appears to be. It also fails to make a crucial distinction. Every intelligence service worth its salt would have tried to probe behind the scenes of this unusual campaign. Trying to manipulate the result is something different, but Russia seemed as unprepared for a Trump victory as anyone. Did individuals around Trump make or maintain links with Russia? Some, such as Sessions as a member of the Senate armed services committee, and Rex Tillerson as CEO of Exxon-Mobil had professional reasons for their Russia contacts, which predated any association with Trump. Given, however, that a shift in Russia policy was a headline of the Trump campaign, it would make sense for one or more of those close to him to sound out the possible reception in the Kremlin. If they talked to the Russian ambassador, why not? He was doing his job, and they theirs. No, no, say Trumps accusers, any such contacts would have broken the (1799) Logan Act, which makes it illegal for a private citizen to negotiate with a foreign power. It is hardly needs to be said that the circumstances in 1799 were rather different, or that low-key contacts between trusted associates and foreign diplomats have not featured in every US presidential transition to date. This seems one of the more trivial charges. Then there was the way Mike Flynn was trapped by the leak of material from tapped phone calls and emails to prove that he had spoken to the Russian ambassador. Is this a justified use of state power not the bugging, but the leak for this particular purpose? Trump described it as criminal, and I tend to agree. It looked very like payback by the CIA and others for Trumps scepticism about their hacking accusations against Russia. With hindsight, Trump may wish he had not sacrificed Flynn so soon. His enemies smelled blood and hastened their pursuit. Amateur sleuths are now trying to track contacts of Trump allies with Russians around the world. And Chris Steele the British ex-spy who compiled the dossier on Trumps supposed Kremlin links is being rehabilitated via social media in an effort to expose Trump as financially, or by reputation, in hock to the Kremlin. What does all this say? Those hostile to Trump would like it to show that he is essentially a rogue president who must be de-fanged if he cannot be deposed. Perhaps, though, it shows something else: that there interests feeling so threatened by this unorthodox president that they are prepared to use all the resources of the state against him? It may be too early to decide. But you have to delve back to the early Cold War for a time when Americans could be branded traitors merely for their associations. Just now, that infamous question are you now or have you ever been? seems uncomfortably close. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} There were a surprising number of commentators willing to give President Trump the benefit of the doubt following his address to Congress on Tuesday. Perhaps the absence of a full-frontal attack on the media caught Donald-watchers off guard. Modest attempts to reach out beyond core supporters and an appeal to American optimism received generally favourable coverage. Never mind that much of what the President said was not backed up by facts. In the aftermath of his speech, even the famous Trump Twitter feed has been quiet, aside from an upbeat message on Thursday referencing stock market gains and consumer confidence. All in all, we appear to be in the middle of a mini-charm offensive. The question is whether it can last and, if not, what is most likely to break the spell? Russia remains the issue that has the greatest capacity to undermine the Presidents new-found sense of calm. Democrats will seek to oppose him on any number of policy matters. But on the question of whether there were links between Mr Trumps campaign team and Russian officials in the run-up to the election, the danger to the President is that not all Republicans will fall behind him simply out of broader loyalty to the Grand Old Party. In that context, it is highly significant that Christopher Steele, the former MI6 operative who was behind the explosive dossier linking Mr Trumps team to the Russian government, has been approached by the US Senate Intelligence Committee with a view to giving evidence to its enquiries into the subject. The fact that US politicians are said even to be prepared to facilitate initial meetings on neutral territory either the UK or elsewhere speaks volumes for their desire to get to the bottom of exactly what Mr Steele knows about connections between Mr Trumps coterie and the Kremlin. These latest revelations are unlikely to go down well with the White House. The President has made it his business to attack Mr Steeles credibility, calling him a failed spy and referring to the claims in his intelligence briefing as fabricated. Meanwhile, his supporters already appear set to disrupt the enquiries by the intelligence committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Reince Priebus, the Presidents Chief of Staff, is said to have asked the FBI to dispute media reports of contacts between Mr Trumps circle and the Russians. And David Nunes, the Republican chair of the House intelligence panel, was condemned by the committees top-ranking Democrat for making public assertions about an alleged lack of evidence against Mr Trump associates. Yet for every attempt to undermine ongoing investigations, new disclosures seem to emerge. In the latest twist, it was confirmed by the Justice Department that Attorney General Jeff Sessions twice met the Russian ambassador to the US during the election race. This came after he told his confirmation hearing in January that he did not have communications with the Russians. Mr Sessions says he did not mislead the hearing because he had been asked about meetings involving the Trump campaign, not meetings he had in his capacity as a senator and member of the Armed Services Committee. Ultimately, allegations of improper links between the Presidents campaign team and a Russian administration which appears to have been bent on influencing the outcome of the election are about as serious as it gets, for all that Mr Trump may try to dismiss them as fake news. It is imperative that the Congress intelligence committees and the FBI carry out their investigations fully, fairly and openly. Hearing what Christopher Steele has to say about it all would be a bold and positive move; and may help us understand whether Russia will, in the end, be Trumps bear-trap. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} I am not a bargaining chip. I am a proud adopted son of Liverpool who swapped the Netherlands for the UK 24 years ago. I have a beautiful British wife and two gorgeous British daughters who are proud to call me papa rather than daddy. I have lived in Liverpool all of my adult life and have been lucky enough to play a small part in the regeneration of this wonderful, international city, whose inhabitants voted overwhelmingly in favour of Britain remaining part of the EU. I have witnessed first-hand the positive difference the EU has made to Liverpool and other parts of the UK that for years were ignored and left behind by those in power in London and the South-East. I am very proud of the positive contribution made by EU immigrants like myself. We are nurses, doctors, teachers, cleaners, chefs, carers, marketing professionals, musicians, sales assistants, drivers, social workers and so much more. We are also your family, friends and neighbours. I didnt have a vote in the EU referendum and I can just about accept that. I am proud of the people of Liverpool for getting their vote right but feel desperately sad about the overall referendum result and everything that has happened in the UK since. I am astonished by Theresa Mays determination to press ahead with a hard Brexit and feel angry about the governments refusal to guarantee the rights of EU nationals currently living in Britain to remain, which is something all sides of the debate agreed should happen. Do I think I will be asked to leave? Probably not. Do I feel less welcome, less valued now than I did a year ago? Absolutely. And I am worth more than that Jonne Quint Liverpool The Lords should be applauded for their performance How heartening to watch the high quality debate in the House of Lords on Article 50, with amendments seeking to protect the rights of residence of EU and UK citizens. The moral and humanitarian case to grant residency before Article 50 is triggered was overwhelming. It is surprising that none of the Lords backed up the moral case, with the economic/social one. The three million EU citizens living in the UK are mostly economically active, paying taxes, are younger, with many working in rather than using the NHS and social care provision; thus are significant net contributors to the UK economy and society. By comparison, of the 1.3 million UK citizens living in the EU, with for instance some 400,000 living in Spain. Many of those retired, supported by UK funded pensions but with their health and social care paid for by the Spanish Government under EU reciprocal arrangements. If the UK fails to guarantee right of EU citizens residence, then many will leave; as already reported in your columns. That will mean the UK will be both short of workers, many in skilled professions such as healthcare, and tax revenue. In return, those UK retirees currently living in Spain and elsewhere in the EU, may have their right to health and social care removed, causing many to repatriate to the UK. Net result, increased pressure on the NHS, social care provision and housing, with no corresponding increase in tax receipts. But to the myopic, BREXIT obsessed, economically illiterate May Government, the will of the people (52 per cent who voted but only 37 per cent of those entitled to vote) and her rabid right wing will have been sated, even if the UK economy and society are infinitely poorer. L N Price Address supplied Brexit will decrease government spending Hospitals and general practice, social services, local authorities, schools, the military, the railways, prisons and the probation service and now the police have all been declared by authoritative reports in recent months to lack sufficient staff, resources, and finance to carry out their functions competently. Have we ever had such failure and administrative chaos across such a multiplicity of different state-funded organisations? When these issues are raised with this Brexit-obsessed Government, the response or lack of it seems by implication to be a mix of there isn't a problem, or it isn't a priority, or we can't afford the appropriate solution, or it is not something for government to resolve. But a failure to deal with these issues, however complex they may be, must inevitably lead to larger problems of social breakdown in the future. Yes, we have a major debt problem, and money cannot be thrown around carelessly as socialist governments in the past have had a tendency to do. But a conscientious government has to come up with credible and affordable solutions and to make practical moves to carry them through. If the outcome of Brexit is as financially disastrous as many of us still fear, with Treasury predictions of a 10 per cent drop in GDP and a collapse in the UK tax take of up to 66bn (and therefore a large decline in government spending power), most of these problems can only get a great deal worse. The staffing crises especially in health and education will certainly deteriorate further, as more EU professionals return home, and if we are to pursue much more restrictive immigration policies. Gavin Turner Gunton The death tax is justified With the report of government's proposals for social care costs to be paid out of inheritances, there is the emotional cry to reject the death tax. Let us remind rejecters that in the vast majority of cases significant inheritances are to the well-off and are something for nothing and we know how greatly that something for nothing is typically condemned by the well-off when manifested as social benefits for the poor, disabled and the elderly struggling to get by. Peter Cave London, W1 When will Sturgeon start representing all Scots? Nicola Sturgeon tells us that time is running out for the UK Government to come up with a solution to her grievance about Brexit that will satisfy her. Why is time running out? We do not yet know what the terms of Brexit will be. Ah, but the point is that Sturgeon is itching to call for another Scottish referendum. After all, there hasnt been one since September 2014. Do election-weary Scots really want another referendum? The polls suggest not. Is there any point in having a referendum before we know what the terms of Brexit are likely to be? No. I am aware that Sturgeon has a single-minded one-item agenda and a mass of party members who are baying for a new referendum. It would be refreshing if she were to put the interests of Scots ahead of the interests of her party and her single agenda and desist from threatening, demanding and complaining. Jill Stephenson Edinburgh We should not tolerate gender inequality Charlotte Gill is right that gender inequality remains an unfinished business. Women still face an uphill battle to demonstrate their mettle and worthiness. We must arm ourselves with economic inclusion, humility, humanity, honesty, equitable education, social justice, gender equity, mutual respect, political pluralism, religious tolerance and cultural diversity. This is important nowadays when there seem to be no easy solutions to global warming, rising income inequalities; when our societies seem to be drifting towards polarization, populism, protectionism, homophobia, deep public disenchantment with globalisation and when some parts of the world are simmering with anger, resentment, separatism and rancour and experiencing a steady stream of refugees and asylum seekers. We should not tolerate any socially tolerated violation of human rights towards women and allow them to fulfil their unmet aspirations. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob London 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 }} How will we cope with losing half of all our doctors (More than half of European doctors are thinking of leaving UK over Brexit, Adam Lusher, 1 March) or did you not mean to include all the UK born ones? No wonder there was a vote for Brexit when we especially the media have failed for so many decades to call ourselves European. It may make for snappier headlines but it has had long term consequences. Tansy Hepton Huddersfield But will they walk the walk? Apart from the obvious retort that British doctors are European and that you mean Doctors from Continental Europe when you talk about half of European doctors wanting to leave, lets see how many actually fulfil their promise. They earn more money in the UK than they would in their own country of origin. And the quality of life for a European doctor in the UK is not so bad. People who voted for Brexit wanted more control so that more English speaking doctors and nurses from Britain can be trained in the future to reduce the reliance on overseas staff. It is simply scandalous that the NHS has to rely on foreign doctors and nurses from abroad, particularly where they have been trained at the expense of poorer countries like the Philippines and are poached to work here with higher salaries. That is morally repugnant. Philip Pound London, SE26 More like an understatement Adam Lushers article rightly points out dangers inherent in demotivating EU citizens currently working in the NHS. I also wonder whether his article actually understates the future problems. Many British health workers will be older than their EU colleagues and are now approaching retirement thus increasing the importance of foreign workers in the NHS. It can be suggested that we should train more of our own doctors rather than poaching them from other countries but this is a long term solution to the problem. Training medical staff takes time and money, both I fear are in short supply. Robin White Hampshire You couldnt make it up Day after day, organisation after organisation, are in effect saying, along with The Independent, that it will be to our tremendous disadvantage to leave the EU. Even Boris Johnson is now saying that we have had 70 years of peace in Europe because of our trade connections. All the organisations speaking out, be it the NHS, universities or security services, are the experts, the people who know. And then along comes the referendum and misinformed or at least uninformed voters. May and her government insist that a badly informed or misinformed minority of the population determine that we leave the EU. You really couldn't make such a ridiculous course of events up. Paul Priestley-Leach Swanland Its a hard call Regarding the new law re using mobiles while driving, if you are in a queue of traffic that is clearly not moving e.g. motorway closed by accident, can you still not use a mobile? Obviously many people would want to advise people that theyre going to be late. Kathy Hall Derby Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kazakhstan over fulfilled its obligations to cut oil output within the deal with other oil producer countries reached in Dec. 2016, Sputnik Kazakhstan news agency quoted Kazakh Energy Minister Kanat Bozumbayev as saying. Within the deal with OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers Kazakhstan has committed to cut oil output by 20,000 barrels per day from November 2016 level since Jan. 1 2017. "In January, I can say that we have fulfilled and exceeded our obligations The oil output was reduced by over 30,000 barrels," Bozumbayev said. The minister went on to add that it is expected that February output was on the agreed level as well. However, if it was a little exceeded, oil production cut in January will cover this surplus, he said. In December 2016 OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices. Non-oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 bpd starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months, to take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects. OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 bpd. Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The police service has to be congratulated for keeping itself afloat during a period in which budget cuts have threatened to sink it. Across the range of measures and forces assessed, performance has declined in 41 areas and improved in 38 others, although the narrative does not seem to match the optimism of the gradings. Police officers, particularly frontline, response team officers, are facing overwhelming pressure to cope with increasing demand, resulting in them not being able to deliver the professional investigation and the care for victims that they desperately want to provide. Neighbourhood policing, always the first to be hit when budgets are tight, is in decline and with it, police effectiveness in preventing crime. When young people feel unsafe, they arm themselves with knives, with devastating consequences, for example. Control rooms try to cope with the demand by down-grading immediate calls to soon and under-assessing the immediate danger victims may be in. This has the inherent risk that police officers do not get to the scene of a serious crime until it is too late, until a victim has suffered serious harm or, heaven forbid, has lost her life. While some may call the actions of control room staff reprehensible, they are only doing this when there are simply no more police officers to send. The impact of inadequate resources is evidenced by the fact that some forces, who have improved their protection of vulnerable victims, are criticised for doing so at the cost to other areas of policing. Nearly half of forces are not doing enough. There is an increasing concern the local policing is being eroded but at the same time there is a national shortage of detectives, described by HMIC as a crisis. Traditional street-based crime is heading in the wrong direction while police forces are not keeping pace with the way peoples lives are moving online and increasingly being subject to online crime. HMIC is concerned about the workloads of the teams supervising registered sex offenders while the national lead for child protection suggested this week that those who view child sex abuse images should not be prosecuted if they pose no other threat to children because they are overwhelmed. Even when offenders have been identified, many forces do not do enough to circulate them as wanted or to arrest them. What this report does not do, is to highlight the other pressures the police service is under. Historic child sex abuse investigations, the public inquiry into undercover policing, the sins of the past that are now haunting the present, effectively mean the police are trying to deal with 120 per cent of current demand with only 80 per cent of the resources. The Home Office intends to pass on further cuts of between 3 per cent and 6 per cent to the police service because it has nowhere else to go to make the savings. Just as the police service mops-up when society and other public services fail, it is expected to soak-up these cuts. It is unsustainable. Brian, Lord Paddick is a Liberal Democrat peer and retired police officer. He was the Lib Dem candidate for the London mayoral elections of 2008 and 2012 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 }} Just typing the date as I sit down to write this article 2017 feels like an act darkened with shadows and loud with echoes. The centenary of the February Revolution (whose start is dated to 23 February in the old Julian calendar, and 8 March in the Gregorian calendar commonly used today) opens Russias year of revolution, with landmark anniversaries, now falling one after the other until the end of the year and beyond. The February tumult, which brought the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II a dynasty and an empire signed away with almost as little drama as was to attend Mikhail Gorbachevs resignation and the dissolution of the Soviet Union 74 years later was known to every Soviet schoolchild as the bourgeois revolution. It was treated, in the great communist scheme of things, as little more than the warm-up act for the Great October Revolution, when the Bolsheviks, under Lenin, seized power. This is one reason why the February anniversary is less contentious in todays Russia than that of the October Revolution, which presents not only President Vladimir Putin and his circle in the Kremlin, but Russian historians and indeed many ordinary Russians with a dilemma. Indeed, it is not at all clear, with eight months or so to go, whether Russia will hold any official commemoration at all, come that centenary; and if it does, what its tenor will be. A solution of a kind was found for the pageant staged at the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014. The year of revolution was depicted with a great deal of noise, a flush of red and orange, and a great many guns and banners. For the purposes of that pageant, though, the revolution was only one stage in the great march of Russian history from medieval times to the 21st century. There was no need for historical detail, and no need to take a view upon it. The centenary is different. It demands that any commemoration be faithful, so far as possible, to history. It also cries out for Russia, and Russians, to take a view. Yet this is not as simple as it might seem, even at a distance of 100 years, and even with the Soviet Union itself consigned to history. It was in fact easier to pass a judgement at the end of 1991, when the demise of both Communist rule and the Soviet Union was widely seen as undoing the Bolshevik revolution. Some of Soviet communisms arch foes, including the philosopher-writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, returned from exile. Preparations were made for the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church in emigration to be reunited. The last Tsar and his family were reburied. There was even talk of the monarchy being restored. The previous 70-plus years could be seen as a tragic mistake. Vladimir Putin says Donald Trump didn't use prostitutes because he's met so many beautiful women Now, however, it is more complicated. Russia is not like France, which still tends the revolutionary flame more than two centuries on. But nor is it like England, where the revolution failed and the monarchy was restored. The Soviet system that resulted from the revolution lasted too long to be expunged from history at least so long as the USSR remains within living memory but not long enough to determine Russias worldview to this day. Bolshevik fighters in Petrograd in 1917, following the revolution that ushered in seven decades of communism (Getty) A quarter century after the Soviet collapse, the legacy of the Bolshevik Revolution is deeply polarising, in a way it could not be in Soviet times. There are Russians who denounce Bolshevism and all its works and hail the collapse of Soviet communism as a merciful deliverance. They may have family who chose exile after 1917; they may have lost relatives in the Stalin purges, or seen off fathers, husbands and brothers to the front in 1941-5 who never came back. For many others though, the revolution, while violent and cruel to many, gave their families opportunities they would never have had so long as the Tsar ruled. Many are reluctant to speak ill of Stalin, regarding him as Lenins heir and a great leader in war. Many others are deeply ambivalent, recognising that while the Bolshevik Revolution brought benefits, including education, to those at the bottom of the social pile, it also destroyed not just the aristocracy, but the first flowering of a middle class the best of us, as some still say. These conflicting views are the tiger that Putin has had to ride through all his years in power. Recommended Russia builds replica Reichstag so teens can recreate 1945 victory He has avoided being thrown, in part by insisting that the history taught in Russian schools should be as inclusive of Lenin, Stalin and Trotsky as of Andrei Sakharov and Solzhenitsyn. His approach has entailed some steps back, including the revival of the Soviet-era national anthem (same tune, new words). That Lenin remains in his mausoleum on Red Square also testifies to the difficulty as yet of rewriting the Bolshevik legacy. There is also a more recent reason for Russias ambivalence towards this centennial year of revolution, which is to be found in the so-called colour revolutions around its borders: the 2005 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Euro-Maidan in Ukraine, and the 2003 Rose Revolution in Georgia, as well as in the Arab Spring. Whether or not Russians believe that these uprisings were orchestrated by the West, they fear that their country could be next. Some of the very same people who revere the Bolshevik Revolution find the prospect of a new revolution deeply subversive. Compared with the controversies now swirling around the October (Bolshevik) Revolution, the February bourgeois Revolution draws fewer passions. Its failure, however, which ultimately enabled the Bolsheviks to seize power, raises questions that were debated at the time and are being debated again today. The central one is this: in other circumstances (without, say, the exigencies of the First World War or the 1911 assassination of reformist Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin) would Russia have been able to modernise and democratise at the same time? Could it have become a modern country like any other, or was the failure of the provisional government and Russias first democratically elected Constituent Assembly proof, perhaps, that Russia and democracy were incompatible, and maybe remain so? One Russian response to the collapse of the Soviet Union was a new interest in the decade immediately before 1917, and a popular approach was to ask whether Russia could not rewind and simply pick up where its development was so brutally broken off. An anthem to that thesis was a film, Stanislav Govorukhins The Past We Have Lost, which offered an elegiac portrait of those pre-revolutionary years. Since then, though, much of the romance has worn off. It is unrealistic to expect that 2017 will reconcile Russians to a legacy of revolutions that continues to divide. Irish Life acquired the Velasco building at the corner of Grand Canal Street and Clanwilliam Place in Dublin city centre for 58m Despite the slow start to the Dublin investment market this year, CBRE has raised its outlook for prime investment property values. At the beginning of the year its director Marie Hunt had been forecasting that prime yields were expected to remain stable this year. Now, however, the firm's latest bi-monthly report says that yields for prime high street and prime office assets may harden - in other words, further rises for prime commercial property values could be on the cards. She attributes this improved outlook to a noticeable intensification in the appetite for prime investment opportunities in the Irish market over recent months with international core capital, mainly German and French institutions, remaining active buyers. "The market is well supported by the underlying strength of occupier markets, which is continuing to drive rental improvements in all sectors," Ms Hunt says. "What we have seen recently is that there are more long-term investors focussing on prime and less focussing on secondary. This polarisation has meant that we now expect to see some slight hardening in prime office yields, say from 4.65pc to 4.5pc, as new transactional evidence emerges. Prime high street retail yields could move from 3.25pc to 3pc, probably by mid-year," she adds. All other prime sectors are expected to see stable yields ranging from 4pc for super-prime shopping centres up to 5.5pc yields for both industrial and student accommodation. Interestingly, prime multi-family residential yields are averaging 4.8pc, which is almost on a par with the traditional trophy assets of prime shopping centres, now at 4.75pc. Retail warehouse yields, meanwhile, stand at 5pc. On the other hand, a separate analysis for all types of office investments shows that the highest equivalent gross yield at the end of 2016 was the 8pc generated in the north Dublin suburbs. This survey by MSCI in conjunction with BNP Paribas Real Estate showed the lowest gross yield at 5.1pc was recorded in Dublin's south docklands. This suggests that office prices are higher there than those in Dublin 2 and 4, where gross yields average 5.7pc across all grades. North docks and IFSC yields average 6pc and Dublin 1 at 6.2pc. Dublin's south suburbs, which includes Sandyford and Leopardstown, is generating 6.5pc while Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire are out at 7.8pc. But Marie Hunt advises that there is currently less appetite for secondary properties due to a heightened perception of risk in a more uncertain backdrop, which could affect their pricing as the year progresses. "We could see yields on other assets softening as opposed to hardening, so the gap between prime and secondary could widen as appetite for prime intensifies," she adds. "The occupier markets continue to perform well, buoyed in particular by the strength of continued employment generation in the Irish economy." She has noticed an increase in active requirements for office accommodation in Dublin over recent months, with several mandates in play at present including some that are specifically Brexit-related. "Once Article 50 is officially triggered, demand is expected to escalate further. Following what has been a relatively slow start to the year, we expect to see a meaningful improvement in activity in the Irish commercial real estate sector over the next couple of months, assuming sufficient product comes available to match underlying volumes of demand," she says. Nevertheless, last year's record 4.5bn of investment spend is not expected to be matched in 2017 now that deleveraging activity has slowed and in the absence of a significant number of trophy sales, which were prevalent in 2016. Among the investment transactions currently in the pipeline is Irish Life's forward-funding of the new Grant Thornton headquarters at 13-18 City Quay, Dublin 2. While yet to be completed, this deal is expected to be valued at more than 125m and, with a possible rent roll of more than 6 million, is expected to generate a net initial yield of about 4.65pc. The same institution also bought the Velasco office building in Dublin 4, which Ardstone Capital is redeveloping in conjunction with Hardwicke. Separately, Ardstone also sold 2 Harbourmaster Place in the IFSC to German investor Real I.S. AG for 53.75m. Another IFSC office building, the Dublin headquarters of JP Morgan, sold for a sum in the region of 40m. Hines purchased the Montrose student accommodation scheme near UCD in Dublin 4 for 37.7m. Meanwhile, in west Dublin, investment firm Carysfort Capital, headed by Michael Looney, is expected to generate a net initial yield of 6.75pc from the purchase of a multi-family investment of 160 apartments and 167 car spaces at St Edmund's, Liffey Valley, west Dublin, for over 36m. In the industrial sector, a distribution facility at Aerodrome Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, was sold for 28m, while an office complex at Fumbally Square, Dublin 8, was sold for about 24m. While there are six properties currently being marketed separately with a combined value of 138m, Ms Hunt says the current biggest frustration in the market is the scarcity of prime product. Partly in response to this shortage, she reports a notable increase in investors seeking forward-funding opportunities and also looking for investments in what she refers to as 'alternative' sectors. "Indeed, investors the world over are becoming increasingly agnostic about what specific sector they are targeting and focussing more on long-term income generation potential in a myriad of new sectors." These sectors include residential blocks for the rental market, purpose-built student accommodation, hotels and healthcare. She also expects supply of investment opportunities to improve over the coming months as the market approaches the traditional selling season. There has also been an increase in the number of private investors bringing assets to the market for sale over recent months, which will hopefully alleviate pressure to some extent. I was in Cork last Friday to speak to the DPS Group, the engineering and project management specialists, and I took the opportunity to invite a group to discuss the issues affecting property and construction in the city. My experts were Aiden O'Dwyer, director of DPS Group's operations in Cork, Isobel O'Regan, commercial director with Savills, and Dr Brian Turner, economics lecturer at UCC. I soon learned that Cork is approaching a 'tipping point' to a new and exciting, self-sustaining scale. There is a wave of property and infrastructural development in the city, which, if handled correctly, can transform Cork as a place in which to live and work. The most important of these is the relocation of the port of Cork from the city centre. Roll on-roll off (RORO) ferries are due to join the passenger ferries at a new port at Ringaskiddy. This opens up exciting development sites for offices and apartments on both sides of the river - similar to the Dublin docklands. Prime property is in demand and John Cleary's office scheme at 1 Albert Quay saw 16,250 sq m (175,000 sq ft) let at final rents approaching 296 per sq m, and the investment sold to Green REIT. Cleary is due on site next month at City Gate Plaza, Mahon, an office scheme of 25,000 sq m (270,000 sq ft). Isobel O'Regan advised that prime city rents are now at 323 per sq m. Cleary is also close to completing The Capitol, a 10,000 sq m (108,000 sq ft) retail and office scheme on Grand Parade, where three quarters of the space is pre-let. O'Callaghan Properties are awaiting planning permission for an office scheme of 32,000 sq m (345,000 sq ft) at Albert Quay, and intend to go on site this year. Other schemes include Kent Station, a joint venture between BAM and Clarendon Properties, on a 2.5 hectare site. CIE sold the 'air rights' for a 10pc share of the income. The scheme, to provide offices, apartments and a hotel, is now being master-planned. O'Flynn Construction have just announced that they are to build 184 houses in an 80m investment. Read More My group felt this is a crucial time to get planning, infrastructure and 'joined-up thinking' right. Everyone identified the two major infrastructural blockages in Cork as the Dunkettle roundabout and the N28 (Cork to Ringaskiddy) road. The Dunkettle roundabout is adding 15 minutes each way to journeys into the commercial area of Little Island. Aiden O'Dwyer pointed out that with a lot of heavy pharma business and future pharma infrastructure to be developed around Ringaskiddy, better access is needed to open up sites. It was noted that the N28 runs through Housing Minister Simon Coveney's constituency, and that his possible elevation to Taoiseach would do no harm to the prospects of getting the new route built. However, O'Dwyer cautioned that the current Dunkettle roundabout configuration is relatively new infrastructure, which underlines how infrastructural planning has to be got right, first time, for this next burst of development. Cork is very strong in the pharma and IT sectors and Apple, and others, are currently investing heavily. O'Dwyer said these sectors are watching the 'Trump factor' carefully, as any clampdown could have a big effect. There is a potential short-term wave of development to get projects to the stage where it wouldn't make sense to stop them. Brexit is an uncertainty factor, but more so in agriculture, where Kerry Group and Dairygold are big players in the region. Brian Turner pointed to reduced air connectivity as a problem, and all agreed that the old Cork airport terminal should be leased on soft terms to a low-cost operator. Norwegian Airlines' new flights to the US were welcomed, although there will be more flights from Shannon than Cork. My contributors praised the Tyndall ICT research centre and the Ignite business innovation programmes attached to UCC, which are seen as the way to a future that isn't overly reliant on FDI. Cork is at the dawn of a new era, which must be managed skilfully. As Isobel O'Regan concluded: "Cork has much to offer, and is growing fast as a European scale city." The twisting, glass tower with stunning views across Vancouver's harbour and the snow-capped peaks beyond is where the postcard-perfect image ends for the first new hotel to bear the name of US President Donald Trump since he took office. Vancouver's mayor, during the contentious run-up to the Republican primaries to the south, said the tycoon's brand doesn't belong in a city that prides itself on openness. The tower's wealthy Malaysian developer faced demands to re-brand the project while protestors engaged in two separate demonstrations for the property's official debut last Tuesday. Trump's sons Donald Jnr and Eric as well as Joo Kim Tiah - scion of one of Malaysia's richest tycoons and head of Vancouver-based developer Holborn Group - attended the grand opening of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver, located on a downtown thoroughfare where a giant silver 'Trump' logo faces a modest brick church. "We felt this was a market that held great potential for our brand," Donald Trump said in 2013, when the C$360m (256m) condominium-and-hotel project was announced. Yet from the outset, locals questioned whether the Trump tower's over-the-top opulence are suited to a city known for an outdoorsy, laid-back lifestyle, where residents wear ski jackets to upmarket restaurants. Of the property's 217 luxury residences, 214 units were sold by last May at an average price of C$1,615 (1,150) per sq ft. The price paid represented a Canadian record at the time for condos, according to the Holborn Group. Controversy around the tower mounted after Trump declared his presidential candidacy in June 2015, vowing to ban Muslims from entering the US and to build a wall to keep out Mexicans. "Trump's name and brand have no more place on Vancouver's skyline than his ignorant ideas have in the modern world," Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson wrote in December 2015 to Tiah, backing a petition signed by more than 50,000 people demanding that the Trump name be removed from the tower. Robertson's letter called Trump's positions "hateful" and at odds with the tolerance that's helped Vancouver rank among the world's most liveable cities. About 40pc of Vancouverites were born outside of Canada, with China being the biggest country of origin. (Bloomberg) The UK will remain an important market for Irish beef, regardless of Brexit, according to Padraig Brennan, Director of International Markets with Bord Bia. He said that Bord Bia is looking at what it and Ireland needs to do in light of Brexit. Some 37pc of Irish food and drink exports go to the UK. It is not a market that we are going to give up on. Speaking in Dubai at Gulfoods, one of the worlds largest food fairs, where 21 Irish companies are showcasing their produce, he said that the shape of a new trading environment with the UK is not known and it will take considerable time for this to emerge. But, he also said that the more markets and customers there are for Irish food and drink exports the better for producers. Irish exports to the US in 2016 were worth 950m he said and that was a market that the sector needed. We have to find premium product placements for Irish beef. The UK market is one of the highest paying markets in recent years. He also said that the UK consumer wants minced beef. Irish beef is not in the wrong position. Some 60pc of beef consumed in the UK is mince, but we need more niche markets and products into those premium markets. According to Brennan, one of the key routes into premium markets has been the Chefs Irish Beef Club, which has seen 89 chefs, mainly in Europe, join this exclusive club that uses and promotes Irish beef. How do we get the best price back to farmers? The Chefs Irish Beef Club helps us do that. We are in a very competitive market when it comes to beef and our unique selling point is our grassfed beef, which comes from family farms with a high level of quality assurance. To date almost 90 chefs, most of which have Michelin stars, are signed up members of the club. To have top quality, world renowned chefs use Irish beef, he said, helps build the image of Irish beef, develop its reputation and increases positive publicity. This then filters down into mainstream cooking. The chefs, Brennan said, are not remunerated and most are already using Irish beef. Chefs are media magnets, so if we hold an event with a high profile chef who uses Irish beef, they naturally talk about Irish beef. Coupled with this, Bord Bia exhibits at 24 trade events around the world, including Gulfood this week. Last year Bord Bia facilitated 13 Irish companies exhibit at the fair and this year it has rented space in two of the halls where footfall is expected to be in the region of 100,000 people. Irish exporters are vying to stand out from the crowd around 5,000 other exhibitors will be there to promote Irish food and drink in the World Food Hall and the Dairy Hall. According to Brennan, the show is an opportunity to increase Irish exports from 250m. Half of the growth experienced by Irish food and drink exports last year was in international markets such as the Middle East. Currently it is illegal to cut, remove/destroy hedgerows and burn vegetation in our uplands between March 1 and August 31 in order to protect breeding birds. Stock Image Hedgecutting and upland burning in Ireland is prohibited now until September as debate rages over proposals to shorten the closed seasons. Currently it is illegal to cut, remove/destroy hedgerows and burn vegetation in our uplands between March 1 and August 31 in order to protect breeding birds. The Department of Agriculture has this week published its new Clean Livestock Policy (CPL) document for sheep. It follows a consultation period with relevant stakeholders and builds on the policy already in place for bovines since 1998. The Department has said an effective Clean Livestock Policy (CLP) is very important not just in terms of basic food safety but also as a reputational issue for Irelands meat industry and to safeguard its ongoing major export trade in meat and hides. The Department has said it identified a need to develop an equivalent policy for sheep going to slaughter, based on recent evaluation by Department staff of sheep carcase hygiene in slaughter plants. "It is clear that there is a need to significantly improve performance in relation to the cleanliness of incoming sheep, to ensure the continuation and expansion of this trade. "Sending dirty sheep to slaughter increases the contamination risk from harmful bacteria. Dirty sheep risk our valuable sheep and fleece markets," it said. It is intended that the sheep CLP will be broadly similar to the bovine equivalent. The Department has also said in the document that it will be considering the application of compliance actions, with a view to avoiding recurrence of ongoing significant CLP non-conformance. Options available, it says range from warning letters to inspections and as a last resort sanctions allowed under national and EU legislation. New Sheep Clean Livestock Policy Sheep CLP categories The Department will verify a 3 - category system, requiring food business operators at slaughtering establishments to categorise sheep as follows: Category (A) Satisfactory Sheep that can be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contaminating the meat during the slaughter process, by using the standard hygienic dressing procedures routinely employed by the plant. Category (B) Acceptable Sheep that can only be slaughtered, without an unacceptable risk of contamination of the meat during the slaughter process, by putting in place additional interventions including extra defined dressing controls. Category (C) Unacceptable Sheep unfit for slaughter because of fleece condition. These sheep must not be presented for ante-mortem in this condition and it is the responsibility of the Food Business Operator (FBO) to take the required remedial action. Advice/Recommendations The following are a number of steps/interventions which need to be taken by stakeholders along the supply chain to minimise the potential for carcass contamination during sheep slaughter. Farmer/Keeper 1. Dock lamb tails before 7 days of age, if necessary, taking account of husbandry practices and market outlets. 2. Crutch/dag dirty sheep prior to transport to slaughter plant. 3. House on straw bedding or clean slats and withdraw feed from sheep for minimum 8 hours pre slaughter. Water should be available to animals at all times. 4. Whether using your own or contracted transportation you should only use clean, dry, well ventilated transport vehicles. The transport vehicle should have a waterproof roof, where possible, taking account of journey times and weather conditions. You should also ensure you use absorbent materials on the floor of the transport vehicles. 5. Producers are food business operators and should only send clean sheep to the slaughter plant. Haulier 1. Hauliers have a major role to play and must ensure the transport vehicle is clean and dry prior to loading. 2. Only use well ventilated transport vehicles. The transport vehicle should have a waterproof roof, where possible, taking account of journey times and weather conditions. 3. Where tiered transport vehicles are used the haulier should ensure that faeces/urine from sheep on higher tiers/levels do not soil sheep on lower tiers/levels. 4. Use absorbent materials on the floor of transport vehicles during transport. 5. Only load clean sheep. 6. Follow-up engagement and actions will be taken where it is clearly evident that soiling is attributable to repeated failure on the part of a haulier. Processor 1. Provide standard photographic examples of all 3 categories (A,B & C) at the entrance to the lairage of the slaughter plant. 2. Categorise and record the number of sheep accepted into the slaughter plant into the A/B/C categories listed. 3. In the case of category A animals no intervention is required other than the application of standard hygienic dressing procedures. 4. In the case of Category B animals the FBO must ensure an intervention takes place e.g. removal of wool from either side of all cut lines in a well ventilated area immediately after bleeding and prior to entry into the dressing area.The width of the sheared surface must be greater than the wool length. Air movement in the clipping area must be in the opposite direction to that of the slaughter line. Additional/alternative interventions can also be considered providing they ensure an equivalent outcome. 5. In the case of Category C animals the FBO must take all required steps ranging from drying out the fleece to completely shearing some animals prior to presentation of the animals for ante mortem examination. The FBO must also have a Standard Operating Procedure in place and agreed with DAFM setting out the procedures to address these requirements. For an interim period (until 1 June 2017) as a minimum intervention such animals must be kept to the end of the day for processing. 6. Modify dressing techniques and line speed, where necessary, to minimise carcass contamination. 7. Take all necessary steps to ensure only clean carcasses are presented for post mortem inspection. 8. To ensure a process of continuous improvement, over time, the processor should provide feedback to herdowners/keepers on the condition of their animals presented for slaughter e.g. - by giving the number of animals by CLP category ; by providing photo graphic evidence, where necessary, of the condition of the animals. 9. Provide adequate washing facilities for transport vehicles which must include a means of capturing/storing transport bedding. Department role DAFMs role in this area includes coordination of the following: The ongoing Clean Livestock Policy awareness campaign -including dissemination of information through stakeholders, updating advice leaflets,channelling information on CLP to farmers via Teagasc/discussion groups and ongoing issue of mailshots to repeat offenders; Review ongoing measures by stakeholders designed to reduce production and intake of Category C animals at slaughter plants; Review risk assessment for on - farm inspections, in particular for both the hygiene and recording provisions that relate to the production of clean livestock; Encouraging processing industry to consider measures designed to reduce intake of Category Cs; Consideration of application of compliance actions, with a view to avoiding recurrence of ongoing significant CLP non-conformance. Options available range from warning letters to inspections and as a last resort sanctions allowed under national and EU legislation. The implementation of policy in this area will require the ongoing collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure sustained progress Nar continues to support initiatives aimed at youth employment. Thus, the mobile operator took part in the 5th career fair on March 2, 2017, organized by ADA University at its campus. In the fair with the participation of the university's talented, committed and hard-working students, a meeting was held with the students with major in business organization and management, public policy and governance, international relations and diplomacy, information technology and computer engineering, computer science and systems engineering, economics. Participating in the career fair aimed at support to integration of the students of ADA University into business environment, Nar made one more contribution to the partnership relations with ADA University, successfully cooperating for years. Nar offered 5 job vacancies to fresh cadres. With vacancies for brands and advertising specialist, commercial analyst, digital marketing specialist, media procurement specialist and customer service representative, the mobile operator took another step towards youth employment. The Nar stand at the event was of great interest of youths. They were given detailed information about job vacancies, as Nar's representative answered their questions, conducted educational conversation on the basis of relevant procedure. Candidates submitted their biographies to Nar official. The most successful candidates will be invited for an interview and get an opportunity to be employed at the mobile operator company for the mentioned vacancy. For detailed information about vacancies at Nar visit nar.az. Irish sheepmeat has been granted access to Saudi Arabia the Department of Agriculture confirmed, just 48 hours after meeting with Saudi officials. The Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed made the announcement on the final day of the Bord Bia trade mission to the Middle East, just 48 hours after leaving meetings with Saudi officials. AIB's planned stock market flotation would likely be put on hold if the Government falls. CEO Bernard Byrne said the ultimate decision to push ahead with a sale of a 25pc stake in the bank this year is in political hands because the shares are State owned. "At the end of the day this is fundamentally a political decision," Bernard Byrne said. He said AIB is confident that conditions are positive for the planned share sale. The sale of 25pc of the bank is Government policy, but that could change if the Government falls. Earlier today, AIB announced pre-tax profits of 1.7bn for the year end 2016 as it proposes a dividend of 250m to ordinary shareholders. The bank said that the "milestone year" has been driven by strong sustainable business performance, net credit provision writebacks of 294m and one-off benefits including the Visa Europe transaction. Expand Close Bernard Byrne ceo of AIB which is to announce results today / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bernard Byrne ceo of AIB which is to announce results today AIB is the first of the Irish banks to pay dividends since 2008. Mr Byrne also said that the bank was ready for a stock flotation. 2016 has been another milestone year for AIB Group. Our strong financial performance and robust capital base support our proposed dividend of 250m to ordinary shareholders," Mr Byrne said. "This reflects our sustainable profitability, strong capital generation and focus on delivering for shareholders and customers." Mr Byrne said that AIB returned a further 1.8bn to the State during the year, which together with the proposed dividend, brings to 6.8bn the amount AIB will have paid in capital, dividends, fees, coupons and levies. "The bank is now ready for an IPO, when market conditions permit and the Minister decides," he said. "With a market leading franchise, strong customer focus and investment in digital, AIB Group is well placed to continue to support our customers and the growing Irish economy. Additional financial highlights *28bps increase in net interest margin* (NIM) to 2.25pc from 1.97pc; continued expansion with the spread widening between yields on assets and liabilities and redemption of legacy instruments *Cost income ratio of 52pc with operating expenses** increased by 7pc in line with expectations to 1.4bn; and 870m strategic investment programme, commenced in 2015, continuing to deliver efficiencies, improved customer satisfaction and capacity for growth *12.9bn in new lending approvals to customers; 8.7bn of drawdowns; 16pc increase in new lending in Ireland * Impaired loans reduced to 9.1bn, down c. 4bn since December 2015 and c. 20bn since December 2013 *Robust capital base with transitional common equity tier 1 (CET 1) ratio of 19pc and fully loaded CET1 ratio of 15.3pc well in excess of the 2017 SREP transitional CET 1 requirement of 9pc * 1.8bn Contingent Capital Notes (CoCo) repaid to the State in July 2016. Total payments of c. 6.8bn to the State including the 250m proposed dividend payment Donald Trump made a border wall one of the key policies of his campaign The boss of Ireland's biggest company, CRH, has insisted that its US businesses won't supply materials for the construction of Donald Trump's planned wall between America and Mexico, because a "situation doesn't arise where that could possibly occur". CRH is the biggest building materials supplier in North America, where it generated sales of 14.2bn last year - most of it from the United States. Just over half of those sales - 55pc - are connected to infrastructure projects, such as highways. Albert Manifold, the chief executive of the global building materials giant, said that CRH's geographic spread in the United States is primarily focused on the north-east and midwest. "We've a broad-based business through the United States - in fact we're present in all 50," he said. "But one area where we do not have any significant presence is in the extreme south of the United States. The materials we supply are local by nature." He said CRH has "no significant operations anywhere near" areas including southern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California - states where the wall would be built. Mr Manifold pointed out that while CRH has a presence in Texas for instance, it mainly does business in cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Last year, CRH sold its 25pc stake in Israel's only cement firm, Mashav, ending a focus of significant controversy for the group. CRH's annual general meetings had been targeted by pro-Palestinian activists, who had urged it to sell the holding. Cement produced by Mashav had been used to build barriers for the security wall that separates Israel from the Palestinian West Bank. Mr Manifold was speaking after CRH released strong results for 2016, with its revenue rising 15pc to 27.1bn and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) up 41pc to 3.1bn. Expand Close CRH boss Albert Manifold / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp CRH boss Albert Manifold The performance was skewed by the inclusion for the full-year of 6.5bn of assets that were acquired in 2015 from Lafarge Holcim. CRH also bought US firm CR Laurence in 2015 for $1.3bn. On a pro-forma basis, revenue was 4pc higher last year, and EBITDA was up 10pc. CRH generated slightly more than 61pc of its EBITDA in the Americas, where it generated just over 52pc of its revenue. The company said that so far this year it has made eight acquisitions worth a total of 500m, and agreed to sell six businesses for a total of 400m. CRH also slashed its debt metrics, despite its huge 2015 spending spree. That gives it the capacity to make between 2bn and 3bn worth of acquisitions over the next 18 months. But Mr Manifold said that despite having "a pile of acquisition proposals" on his desk, CRH would remain disciplined in pursuing and executing deals. MEDICAL device development company Atlantic Therapeutics has secured 15m in funding from two venture capital firms and the Silicon Valley Bank. The Galway-based company was founded in 2016 and focuses on the development of technology that addresses bladder weakness. Seroba Life Sciences and Early Bird Venture Capital are the two firms backing the investment. Dr Daniel O'Mahony from Seroba Life Sciences and Thom Rasche from Earlybird will join the board as part of the deal. "To have attracted such highly-respected companies as Seroba, Earlybird and Silicon Valley Bank is a strong endorsement," said Steve Atkinson, ceo of Atlantic Therapeutics. Elsewhere, confectionery company Broderick's has received 3.2m in funding from BDO Capital and Enterprise lreland as it seeks to expand its international operations. The investment brings the total amount received by Broderick's during the BDO led funding round to 6.3m. The funding will support the expansion of Broderick's production facility in Walkinstown in Dublin. Up to 40 new jobs will be created by the development, which will bring Broderick's headcount to 140 people. Broderick's was founded by Ina Broderick in 1984 and is currently led by sons Barry and Bernard. The company is seeking to exploit a change in customer preferences for healthier snacking choices. It has also developed a range of gluten-free snacks. The company intends to double its turnover between now and 2022. "We have ambitious expansion plans and we are now positioned to implement them. We can also now tap into the expertise that comes with The BDO Development Capital Fund," said Barry Broderick. A hard Brexit and reforms to US corporation tax policy are the main threats to the Irish economy, according to ratings agency Moodys. The agency said that Brexit has the potential to inflict more disruption here then had been previously anticipated. Moodys said that the attraction of foreign direct investment could serve to mitigate the adverse effects of Brexit, however the agency said that potential changes to US tax codes for multinationals could harm Irelands public finances. Having revised their forecast for the Irish economy down to 3.1pc for this year in the wake of Brexit, Moodys said it expects the same rate of growth in 2018. Moody's said that long-established supply chains between Ireland and the UK were under threat. The agency noted that such disruptions would likely have a greater impact on small indigenous companies that are predominantly based outside Dublin. The report added that it was "less concerned" about the European Commission's plans for common tax base for multinationals known as CCCTB. It stated the need for unanimity under EU law meant that the proposals were unlikely to adapted. The importance of the multinational companies to Ireland was stressed in the report, with concerns about US tax reforms cited as a possible hazard for the Irish economic model. Around 15pc of Ireland's annual tax take comes from the sector. Moody's said that while most of the multinationals based here were likely to continue operations, Donald Trump's plans to change the tax code in the US may stymie future investment from companies. This is a decline of 44,356 compared to the February 2016 figures The numbers of people signing on has fallen 2,800 compared with the figures record for January. According to the latest CSO figures, this is a decline of 44,356 compared to the February 2016 figures. The number of persons on the live register in February 2017 is the lowest number recorded since November 2008. At the end of February, there were 117,048 long term claimants, over 40pc fewer than the peak crisis number of 201,513 in August 2012. Read More Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor TD said the figures "shows continued progress in transitioning people into employment". "It is especially welcome when the figures are compared to February 2016 44,356 less people on the Register now. Im also pleased to see the regional breakdown for this latest Live Register shows a reduction of at least 10pc in all counties. "Weve seen the largest declines to date this year in Border, Midlands and South East counties which is very good news." PwC survey found that 71pc of Irish consumers shop at Amazon. Stock image A QUARTER of Irish consumers now shop online at least every week and 23pc of shoppers here bought most or all of their clothing and footwear online last year, according to a new report from PwC. It found that 30pc of Irish consumers believe their phone will become their main shopping tool in the future. However, 44pc of Irish respondents to the PwC survey said they have never used their phone to buy products online. The survey also underscored the untapped potential for online shopping in Ireland. The PwC report showed that Ireland's level of weekly online shopping is well below the 43pc of UK shoppers who shop over the internet every week. In China, the figure is 73pc. It also found that 27pc of Irish consumers have never visited a grocery retail website in the previous 12 months. The report on the online buying habits of Irish consumers is part of a global survey of 24,000 people undertaken during the winter. The Irish element included a survey of 1,000 people. PwC said that the relatively undeveloped Irish online grocery market is an underlying factor in why Ireland lags behind the UK for overall weekly online shopping usage. The biggest grocery retailer in the country - Dunnes Stores - has no online grocery presence yet, despite having teed up such an operation over the past couple of years. John Dillon, a partner at PwC Ireland's retail and consumer practice, warned that the "stakes have never been higher" for individual retailers. "In a golden age of choice, powered by the mobile phone and global shopping just a click away, retailers often lack a global brand and face technological upheavals leaving them constantly having to reinvent themselves," he said. But the report also found that in-store shopping remains a key activity for many Irish shoppers. It reported that 40pc of Irish respondents shopped in-store at least once a week. Some online giants are even opening traditional brick-and-mortar outlets. This week, Amazon opened its fourth physical bookshop in the United States, in Massachusetts. Amazon selects the books it sells in the stores based on its website reviews. The PwC survey found that 71pc of Irish consumers shop at Amazon, compared to 90pc in the UK. A quarter of Amazon shoppers here said they shopped less often at other retail outlets. Weak sterling since last June's Brexit vote caused a surge in the number of Irish shoppers buying online from UK websites. Theresa May is a "damned bad" prime minister for business because she's taking her country out of the single market and turning talent away from the UK, Ibec director general Danny Mc Coy has said. This, however, could provide a competitive advantage to Ireland, he added. Ms May, pictured, has also warned the European Union that no deal was better than a bad deal. Mr McCoy said that the UK's focus on controlling migration should be to our advantage. "She's not a great prime minister for British business, or business more generally. In fact, she's a damned bad one in the sense of walking away from the single market without trying to strike a good deal. The nonsense of 'no deal is better than a bad deal' stuff is really heading them towards a cliff edge and then hoping to get a transitional agreement," Mr McCoy told the Irish Independent. "She's turning away talent and she's making the talent that's already there feel like moving - and so that should give us a competitive advantage. Our problem is that we haven't built infrastructure quickly enough to be able to absorb people." Mr McCoy will deliver an opening address at today's Trinity Global Business Forum, which will also include a panel discussion on SMEs and Brexit. Meanwhile, financial services minister Eoghan Murphy has warned that Ireland faces "dangerous competition" for Brexit-related spoils and questioned whether regulators in some other EU capitals were being prudent. Mr Murphy said he believes there is "regulatory competition" going on to try and attract firms and sectors that could be looking for a "back door" into the single market. Read more: "Some of the feedback that I'm getting from companies interested in relocating out of London into Ireland is that some of the things that are being suggested to them by regulators in other jurisdictions make me worry about relaxed standards being applied by other regulators so they can be more competitive in attracting competition," Mr Murphy told the Irish Independent, ahead of a financial services conference last night in London hosted by law firm Matheson. Mr Murphy cited sectors such as insurance and fund management and signalled suggestions were being made to companies by regulators that might not be doable within the European context. Dublin has been tipped as a possible contender, along with a number of other European capitals, for financial services jobs displaced as a result of the Brexit vote. Mr Murphy's comments coincide with a Dail motion tabled by Fianna Fail yesterday in relation to this issue, as well as motor insurance and the collapse of Setanta and Enterprise Insurance. The motion urges the Government to consider taking legal action against the Maltese and Gibraltar authorities for losses arising from "inadequate regulation" of the two companies. It is understood the regulatory competition concerns in the context of Brexit do not relate to the larger EU capitals, but smaller jurisdictions. The minister has previously discussed the issue at an Oireachtas Committee, where he described it as "dangerous competition". "What we have heard from some companies makes me question whether they [certain regulators] are being prudent," he has said. Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney speaking at the announcement of details of the housing assistant payment scheme at City Hall. Photo: Steve Humphreys Housing Minister Simon Coveney has denied that a plan to give State funding for the renovation of vacant houses is effectively giving landlords free cash to do up their houses. The 32m repair and leasing scheme is aimed at encouraging the owners of run-down, empty properties to fix them up so they can be used for social housing. AAA-PBP TD Ruth Coppinger told the Oireachtas Housing Committee that she had a "major problem" with the scheme. She said that, in her view, leasing for social housing probably meant that the properties would be let out on the Housing Assistant Payment (HAP) scheme. "That is not investing in public housing," she said, adding that the State should be acquiring vacant properties, "not just doing them up for whoever owns them". Mr Coveney said the State was buying vacant properties and also defended the repair and leasing scheme. "We're not giving people grant aid here to do up their houses," he said. Mr Coveney said the reason many properties were vacant - even in high rent areas - was because they needed 10,000 to 15,000 in renovations. He said the offer to owners was that the State would fund the repairs and take the cost out of the rent over the next decade. Mr Coveney said this would solve the cash flow problem a property owner may have in making their property available for a long-term tenancy for social housing. "It can be a win-win for everybody," he said. "This is not a grant. It's simply the State helping with a cash flow problem." He insisted there was "urgency" in the Government's efforts to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis. He told the committee that this year, local authorities and approved housing bodies would be in a position to deliver 4,450 units through a combination of construction, acquisitions and rapid builds, among other measures. He admitted delivering rapid-build homes had been a "headache" for the department and local authorities. Just 22 have been completed so far, with hundreds promised by the end of the year. Mr Coveney said: "Rapid build is only part of the solution, but it's something that can deliver projects on a timeline that probably wouldn't be possible with conventional projects." He said his department had a 1.7bn budget this year, a 400m increase on 2016. It took another seven years before the Central Bank acted (Stock picture) Mortgage holders first raised issues about being denied trackers nine years ago with the State office that deals with consumer complaints. Ombudsman for Financial Services Ger Deering told TDs and senators his office first got complaints about trackers in 2008. But it took another seven years before the Central Bank acted on the wholescale taking of trackers off homeowners. Mr Deering told the Oireachtas Finance Committee first complaints arrived in 2008. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 the Financial Services Ombudsman upheld a number of complaints and directed financial institutions to put the complainants back on tracker mortgages. Permanent TSB had appealed findings made by the Ombudsman in tracker cases to the courts. But it withdrew the appeals when the Central Bank initiated an enforcement probe against Permanent TSB. The Central Bank then ordered an industry-wide probe into the loss of trackers at the end of 2015. Central Bank regulators have been heavily criticised for taking so long to address the taking of trackers from homeowners. Read More So far some 8,200 mortgage holders who lost trackers through the actions of their lender have been identified by the banks, the Central Bank said recently. But there are indications that this number is expected to rise well above 10,000 by the time the bank-wide probe ordered by regulators is complete in the summer. At least 100 mortgage holders lost their homes because they were denied a cheap tracker rate. Some 15 lenders have been ordered to review their mortgage books. People having trackers restored are being put back on the lower rate, getting an interest refund and getting compensation. Tracker rates are a fraction of what is charged on variable rates, with some people paying 500 less a month on a tracker than on a variable. Ombudsman Mr Deering also told the politicians that one bank tried to exclude customers who lost a tracker from the Central Bank investigation because they had filed a complaint with his office. On becoming aware of this I wrote to the CEOs of all the banks informing them that I was firmly of the view, a view which is shared by the Central Bank, that no mortgage holder who has made a complaint to the FSO [Financial Services Ombudsman] should be treated any differently, with regard to the examination, by virtue of the fact of having made such a complaint, irrespective of the outcome, he said. He added that he secured confirmation from each bank that no mortgage account holder, coming within the scope of that Central Bank probe, would be treated any differently by that bank, because a complaint. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 2 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his working visit to Pakistan, the Turkmen government said in a message. The two presidents took part in the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Islamabad. During the meeting, the sides held an exchange of views on prospects of cooperation. The Turkmen and Turkish presidents expressed their support for further utmost strengthening of effective cooperation. The trade and economic sphere, energy sector, transportation and communication, construction industry and several other areas are among priority directions of the two countries partnership. Turkish businessmens high interest in expanding mutually beneficial ties with Turkmenistan was also noted during the meeting, says the message. Meanwhile, the two presidents exchanged views on several topical issues of regional and global agenda. The similarity and coincidence of positions of Turkmenistan and Turkey on essential issues of our time, first of all, issues related to ensuring global peace, security and sustainable development, are a reliable basis for the further promotion of constructive partnership on world stage, says the message. Turkish companies are implementing big projects in Turkmenistans such sectors as transportation, fuel and energy complex, communications, agriculture, construction, trade, management of water resources. Currently, about 600 enterprises with Turkish capital are registered in Turkmenistan. Under European law, the telecoms regulator is responsible for enforcing compliance with the roaming regulation. Stock photo: PA Irish mobile phone operators may be on a collision course with the European Union over roaming rates. The European Commission has warned mobile operators here that they cannot "circumvent" an upcoming EU law to abolish roaming charges. Yesterday, the Irish Independent revealed that Ireland's second biggest operator, Three, is planning to offer as little as 1GB of its 60GB data allowance when customers travel in the EU after the new law kicks in. The operator believes it can legally do this by changing the terms and conditions in its mobile offerings. Three will now describe its current 'all you can eat' data allowance as a "service benefit" rather than being part of the "core plan". The operator, which has 1.6 million customers here, will then continue to offer its customers up to 60GB of data at home, but limit data to between 1GB and 7GB when roaming in the EU. However, the move has alerted policy makers in Brussels, who have issued a stern warning about operator plans that contravene the spirit of the new EU roaming regulation. "There is no loophole by which part of the domestic data allowance could be regarded as gift or side benefit and would therefore not count when travelling abroad," said the Commission statement. "Doing so would appear like a clear case of circumvention, for which there is no basis in the Roaming Regulation. Expand Close How we reported on the phone company plans in yesterdays Irish Independent / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp How we reported on the phone company plans in yesterdays Irish Independent "Thus, under the new rules, operators will not be allowed to offer only half a roaming experience to clients." Meteor, which is Ireland's third largest operator with over a million customers, also says that it will give customers less data when travelling in the EU than they get in Ireland. Read more: Adrian Weckler: The giant loophole that is making a joke of EU's roaming law However, it has not yet said at what level this will be set. The Irish Independent understands that other Irish mobile operators, including Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile and iD, will soon decide whether to follow suit with plans to prevent customers getting their full domestic data allowances when roaming in the EU. Under the new EU law, operators may be allowed to offer less data to customers travelling in the EU if they can demonstrate to the telecoms regulator, Comreg, that only a certain amount of the value of the mobile plan is related to data. Despite Three's plan to restrict its 30 monthly plan, which comes with 60GB of data at home, to 1GB when travelling in the EU, executives believe its formula is valid. "Pre and post these changes... we are satisfied that our approach is compliant and allows us to continue to offer the best value to our customers," said a Three spokeswoman. Under European law, the telecoms regulator is responsible for enforcing compliance with the roaming regulation. However, a spokesman for Comreg told the Irish Independent that it would not comment on plans by operators concerning the data allowances before June 15. "When the new rules apply after June 15, Comreg will examine the offerings of the mobile network operators to ensure they comply with the new rules on data roaming and lower prices of voice calls," said the spokesman. A spokesman for Communications Minister Denis Naughten said the issue is a matter for Comreg. Barcelona hosted the biggest mobile tech show on the planet this week. Tech editor Adrian Weckler has been immersed in the sectors latest phones, mobile gadgets and new technology. Here he reveals why 5G really will be the next big thing (as Samsung and VR struggle); why, as phone cameras take giant leaps, Nokias classic 50 phone was a surprise hit; and while Irish delegates are up, the number of women most definitely isnt 1. A lot more is going to depend on 5G than we think. One of the big themes at Mobile World Congress was 5G. But unlike 3G or 4G, 5G is about way more than mobile phone speeds or internet access from handsets. Its starting to become clear that almost everything we do in a few years may depend on solid, unbroken access to a mobile network. Self-driving cars, for instance, will probably only work if they have guaranteed, unfettered connections to a wider network and 4G doesnt cut it. Right now, you can watch a video in your car or get sat nav access. But for precision timing, the latency has to be down to a few milliseconds, something that isnt possible over current networks. At Mobile World Congress, several of the car companies were there, making this point, with the two biggest display areas in the whole event taken up by Ericsson and Huawei, which are vying to be the main 5G network providers around the world. 2. The hype around virtual reality has abated. The last two years were dominated by the promise of a new era in virtual reality. But in 2017, there is a lot less being said about it at the main tech shows. There just arent that many people buying them, one senior Google executive told me at Mobile World Conference. As a result, generic mobile and tech companies arent showcasing virtual reality modules as future add-ons to whatever service they sell in the same way they might have last year. There is still massive investment going into the genre, mainly because of bets placed by Facebook (which owns Oculus), Sony, HTC and to a lesser extent Google. But virtual reality is starting to be talked about more in niche terms than ubiquitous, mass-market parlance. 3. Phone cameras are taking the next step up. Given the laws of physics, can cameras in phones get any better? Actually, yes. We saw some significant upgrades at Mobile World Congress to the lenses sitting in your pocket. Sony and Huawei, in particular, showcased beefed-up cameraphone tech that will result in significantly better photos and videos turning up on our Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat feeds. Sonys new Xperia XZ Premium, for example, has an unprecedented ability to shoot very slow motion video in high definition. Huawei, meanwhile, has upped its Leica lenses to give pretty jaw-dropping portrait photo ability. They werent the only phone companies improving on their camera tech. Oppo may not be a widely known phone outfit in Ireland, but its now one of the biggest handset brands in China. It also debuted a dual-lens cameraphone at Mobile World Congress. Undoubtedly, Apple and Samsung will respond with the S8, due out shortly, and the iPhone 8, expected in September. But the bottom line is that the gap between cameraphones and 1,000-plus standalone cameras will continue to narrow this year. To be clear, the two will never be equal: camera sensors and standalone lenses will always have a significant edge over necessarily small phone sensors and flat micro-lenses. But the scale of the superiority that once existed continues to decline. 4. People are still looking for quirky things. The hit of Mobile World Congress came from an unlikely source: Nokia. Its revived classic 3310 model caught the imagination of the public, taking experts and analysts by surprise. For 50, the dinky little phone comes with a two-inch colour screen, basic camera and an even more basic web browser. Its battery will last a month on standby and it has a new version of Snake, said to be the most-played video game of all time. But is it a gimmick or a product with real legs? Are people really about to give up their powerful smartphones for a gadget that would have been fairly basic even ten years ago? Analysts say that it will appeal to a mixture of older people, festival-goers, travellers and those who want to reduce their addiction to social media all throughout the day. There are even suggestions that people sensitive to their data privacy might use the pared-down phone when entering the US, to limit border guards exploration of their social information when asked for such data at customs. 5. Samsung continues to have a terrible time of it. Can things get much worse for Samsung? In the middle of Mobile World Congress, news came through that its chief executive is to be investigated for corruption. Not that things were going well for the company at the event before that bombshell dropped. Its keynote presentation, which is usually an anchor event at Mobile World Congress, was a decidedly awkward affair with more hand-wringing from the stage over its Note 7 overheating phone fiasco. It didnt even have any significant product to launch, with no Galaxy S8 model ready yet. That left it with nothing more than an Android tablet and two touchscreen Windows laptops as its main pitch to the thousands gathered and watching. In previous years, Samsung has utterly dominated Mobile World Congress, just as it has dominated the mobile industry. So far, 2017 is proving to be as challenging as the end of 2016. 6. The Irish presence is getting bigger and bigger. A couple of years ago, Irish influence at Mobile World Congress was largely restricted to a state-subsidised stand with 14 plucky little companies selected to present on the big stage. Now, some Irish companies are starting to come into their own as legitimate, large-scale competition to big international players. Dublin-based telecoms software firm Openet had arguably the biggest stand of any of the Irish firms on hand, a very large corner edifice with public and private spaces within. Asavie, a Dublin-based internet of things firm, also has a sizeable stand at the event and announced a pretty significant deal. In all, there were well over 30 Irish companies officially on display, with dozens (perhaps hundreds) more on location for business meetings and pitches. 7. The telecoms industry is still run by middle-aged men in suits. Think web-tech companies have a gender balance problem? A walk around Mobile World Congress shows you an industry that makes the digital tech business look like a model of progressive gender-balance. Hardly any keynote speeches were by women and, from what I saw walking around the place for two days, very few of the senior executives on the floor were women. In relative terms, Ireland actually does reasonably well on this score. Ericssons most senior Irish executive at the event was Zelia Madigan, country manager for the company which has over 1,000 people working between Athlone and Dublin. At home, Irish telcos have pretty visible female senior executives too, including Vodafones Irish boss Anne OLeary and Eirs head of networks, Carolann Lennon. Some startups have experienced Irish female executives too, such as mAdme's Triona Mullane. The owner of Snapchat priced its initial public offering above expectations on Wednesday, raising $3.4bn (2.8bn) on Wall Street thanks to strong demand from investors for one of the highest-profile stock market debuts in years. The pricing level puts a price tag of $17 on each share and means that the whole company has a market value of around $24bn, or 19bn. Thats well ahead of its social media rival Twitter and above the slated $19.5bn to $22.3bn range that the company had been targeting. According to Reuters, investors had piled into the order book hoping to snap up stocks in the company. The deal was reportedly 10 times subscribed, meaning that shares could have been priced at as much as $19. Read More But, citing a source, Reuters reported that the company had wanted to attract longer-term investors, like mutual funds, rather than hedge funds who might sell the shares quickly for a fast profit. Snap is the first US social-media company to go public since Twitter did so more than three years ago and the largest IPO since Alibaba in 2014 but while the company has enjoyed strong revenue growth in recent years revenue climbed sixfold last year to $404.5m it was forced to contend with some criticism in the lead up to the pricing over the pace of user growth. The number of people using the app slowed in the second half of 2016, according to Bloomberg. The company also upset some potential investors in the lead up to the IPO when it announced that not all shares would carry voting rights, ensuring that two of the company's founders Evan Spiegel and Robert Murphy retain control. Luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo has cheered record revenues and profits thanks to a leg-up from the Brexit-hit pound and strong sales across Asia. The British designer firm saw annual revenues climb 15pc to 364m in the year to the end of December, while earnings lifted 16pc to 59m over the period. Jimmy Choo, which has more than 150 stores worldwide, also cheered growing sales from its men's division, which accounts for 9% of revenue. However, like-for-like sales fell by 0.8pc over the period, as it counted the cost of "difficult market conditions" during the first half of the year. Chief executive Pierre Denis said 2016 was a "landmark year" for the brand as revenues and profits reached record heights. He added: "Revenue was significantly affected by currency volatility during the year, particularly post the UK referendum vote in June 2016, with all currencies stronger in relation to sterling, causing both significant reported sales value gains in the second half of the year and some sizeable shifts in client shopping patterns, largely in favour of UK trading." Retail revenues stepped up 17pc to 243.9m following the launch of 10 new stores and the closure of one. The firm said Asia continued to lead the charge on growth, with sales excluding Japan jumping by a third thanks to a strong performance in China where it launched three new stores. But revenues across the Atlantic dropped by 1.7pc over the period, with sales taking a hit from moves to "reposition" its US business and weaker demand for luxury goods. Jimmy Choo counts Jennifer Lopez, the Duchess of Cambridge and Beyonce among its illustrious fans. Liberum analyst Tom Gadsby said: "The company's outlook statement is strong. "Retail trends are improving across all regions and Choo has very strong growth prospects across all its channels. "We are encouraged to see the strength of the company's retail business following sensible investment and there remains plenty of scope for further store expansion." Galway's Ash Wednesday drive-thru service was such a big hit that it made the headlines in the US. Queues of drivers during the busy morning rush hour waited to receive ceremonial ashes on their foreheads in Glenamaddy, Co Galway on Wedesday. Parish priest Father Paddy Mooney said the church opened the drive-through blessing to help families who were unable to attend Mass. It targeted the sick, those with difficulty walking, people on their way to work or families enroute to school. A driveway led right past the front door of the church as hundreds of people queued up to receive their ashes. The novel idea was the talking point on Twitter yesterday and was eventually picked up by major US news site CNN. "Pressed for time on Ash Wednesday? There's a 'drive-thru' church for that?" the headline read. Parish secretary Breda Keaveney said yesterday's drive-thru blessings was a huge success. "It was just so reverent and so respectful. There was just a wonderful atmosphere." Ms Keaveney said there were also two Masses for people to receive ashes. She said: "We were trying to reach people on the go and for some reason not able to attend Mass. "We are very, very pleased." Video of the Day Parishioners will review the event to consider whether to repeat it in future years. Warren Beatty holds up an envelope revealing Moonlight as winner of best picture at the Oscars (AP) The two accountants responsible for the best-picture error at Sunday's Academy Awards will never return to the Oscars, according to the president of the film academy. Cheryl Boone Isaacs told The Associated Press that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' relationship with PwC, the accounting firm responsible for the integrity of the awards, remains under review. Ms Boone Isaacs broke her silence on Wednesday following the biggest blunder in the 89-year history of the Academy Awards. PwC accountants Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were responsible for the winners' envelopes at Sunday's Oscars. Mr Cullinan tweeted a photo of Emma Stone from backstage minutes before handing presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the wrong envelope for best picture. The pair announced best picture as La La Land rather than the actual winner Moonlight. Ms Boone Isaacs said Mr Cullinan's distraction caused the error. AP Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 2 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Pakistans Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Pakistan, the Turkmen government said in a message March 2. Berdimuhamedov visited the Pakistani capital to take part in the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). During the meeting, the Turkmen president spoke about prospects of cooperation during the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, according to the message. Berdimuhamedov noted the wide prospects of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, in partnership with which big joint projects are being implemented, firstly, on construction of the continents biggest energy route TAPI pipeline that will serve for the regions social and economic development. It was noted that Turkmenistan sees Pakistan as its major partner in expanding cooperation with countries of South Asia. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the directions of mutually beneficial partnership in various spheres, including trade and economy, fuel and energy, construction, agriculture. Construction of the Turkmen section of TAPI was launched on Dec. 13, 2015. The annual capacity of the gas pipeline will reach 33 billion cubic meters. The total length of the TAPI pipeline will be 1,814 kilometers. A 214-kilometer section of the pipeline will run through Turkmenistan, a 774-kilometer section will run through Afghanistan and an 826-kilometer section will run through Pakistan. Dunnes Stores has lost two High Court actions it was involved in and won one in relation to three of its anchor tenancies in major shopping centres in Dublin and Galway. A company managing the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght, Dublin, won its case over the supermarket chain's objections to a 200,000 square foot 30m extension on an existing 289-space surface northern car park. A firm running the Edward Square Shopping Centre in Galway won orders restraining Dunnes from disabling automatic doors into the centre from William Street in what had been the culmination of a rent dispute. Dunnes won their own case against Dublin City Council and the owners of Harry's Bar on South King Street, Dublin, over the erection of front awnings outside the bar. Dunnes claimed the awnings blocked the display window of their Stephen's Green store and the court found they were unauthorised. Mr Justice Max Barrett heard all three separate actions and on Thursday he delivered judgment in all three. In the Tallaght case, the Square Management Ltd, National Asset Property Management Ltd (which owns the car park area) and the extension developers Indego, sought declarations in relation to Dunne's claimed legal rights to the car park area. Dunnes said that, apart from inconvenience to its shoppers, it had acquired certain rights to the car park by virtue of "easement by prescription" which allows the supermarket use it without having to own the property; That claim was denied. Mr Justice Barrett found the lease for the centre entitled the landlord to carry out development on the northern car park and Dunnes did not enjoy an irrevocable right for its customers to park there. Dunnes also did not have an easement of right of way over the car park area. The judge declined to grant reliefs sought by Dunnes but granted a number sought by the plaintiff companies including that it (Dunnes) did not have a right to use the land, for car parking or otherwise, beyond what was stated in the lease. In the Galway case, the Edward Square Shopping Centre owners, Camiveo Ltd, sought injunctions ordering Dunnes to reopen the William Street doors. Mr Justice Barrett granted Camiveo its orders and also said he would be awarding damages, including aggravated and exemplary damages, against Dunnes for breach of contract and unlawful interference with Camiveo's economic interests, these will be decided later. The judge said the entrance in question affords (to shoppers) an attractive means of accessing the Eyre Square Centre and vice versa. After Camiveo bought the Edward Square centre in 2013, a dispute over Dunnes rent and service payments developed. It resulted in the Supreme Court ordering Dunnes to pay Camiveo 1.13m in rent and interest due. With some 384,00 still to be paid after the Supreme Court decision, Camiveo sought to take further legal steps against Dunnes in June 2015. That same day, Dunnes ordered the front doors to its Edward Square unit to be closed. Mr Justice Barrett said Dunnes gave no reason for this. But it could not but be seen as a tactical response by Dunnes to the new legal steps and a continuation of its "ongoing campaign to cause economic difficulties" for Camiveo, he said. It was also an attempt to deter Camiveo from exercising its lawful rights, he said. In finding Camiveo was entitled to damages, Mr Justice Barrett said Dunnes had acted in a manner that was "high-handed and cavalier" and to some extent "economically strange" in that it appeared to have adversely affected its own level of trading. Its "retaliation and infliction of injury on Camiveo" was done to dissuade Camiveo from insisting on its proper legal entitlement. It was also involved "so many transgressions of the lease arrangements" that the court did not believe Dunnes did not know itself, from early on, it was acting entirely in breach of contract. In relation to the Stephen's Green/Harry's Bar case, Mr Justice Barrett said Dunnes was entitled to an order quashing the city council's decision that overhead awnings could be used in connection with the bar's street furniture licence. In light of that finding, the judge said a separate order that the council had erred in law in deciding the awnings did not contravene the licence conditions was not required. A UK grandmother is facing jail for her role in a gang of fraudsters who travelled to Ireland on weekends to buy high value items using fake credit cards. After her arrest Michelle Butterworth (56) readily admitted her part in the fraud and identified her accomplices after one of them nearly ran her over while trying to escape from gardai. Butterworth has 31 previous convictions for similar types of fraud and theft offences in the UK. She also has a conviction for running a brothel. Her defence counsel Luigi Rea BL said she committed the latest offences to pay off a loan she took out to bury her husband who died in 2013. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded Butterworth in continuing custody March 10th when she will impose sentence. Butterworth of Stanley Street in Rochdale pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 13 credit fraud offences over the course of three weekends in September and October 2016. The offences were committed in Galway, Kildare and Dublin. Garda James Codd told prosecuting counsel Seamus Clarke BL that Butterworth and her gang used fake cards to buy 8,875 worth of goods including Sony Playstations, Gucci watches worth over 600, Samsung and Apple smartphones and a Claddagh ring. During one incident in Field's Jewellers on William Street in Galway city Butterworth signed up for the store's loyalty scheme in her own name and was given a 100 discount on a 765 watch. The group also targeted Field's Jewellers in Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, Argos in Dundrum Town Centre and Gamestop in Donaghmeade Shopping Centre. Mr Clarke said Butterworth would buy items in the stores using a high quality fake credit card. The card didn't have a chip and pin mechanism which meant the cashier had to enter the card number manually, bypassing several security checks in the process. The gang were caught after staff in the jewellers became suspicious of Butterworth and alerted gardai who set up a surveillance operation. Gardai followed their car to a petrol station where they saw Butterworth get out. When officers went to arrest the driver of the car he reversed at gardai. He narrowly avoided hitting officers and Butterworth who was standing beside Gda Codd at the time. The driver then crashed into a wall and was arrested along with three others. Over 4,000 worth of goods was found in the car. Defence counsel Luigi Rea BL said Butterworth was very much dispensed with when gardai arrived and was very nearly run over herself. He submitted that she was very co-operative in interview and made full admissions. Mr Rea said his client was trying to pay off a high interest payday loan she had taken out to bury her husband who died in 2013. He said she has two grandchildren who she helps care for as their mother is confined to a wheelchair. Counsel added that as a foreign national, Butterworth would find any prison sentence particularly difficult. On the day a mother of two told a consultant she could not move her right leg and ankle and had serious back pain, a private investigator videoed her jogging across a Dublin street, the Circuit Civil court has been told. Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, said that Stephen Bothma, of Core Group Investigations, had also videod Esther Lamidi getting into her car without any bother or restriction of movement. Barrister Lisa Kelly, counsel for Zurich Insurance and motorist John Lowry in a personal injuries claim against them for 60,000, said Lamidi had told defence medical consultant Aidan Gleeson, on the day of the video recording, that she was unable to function in any way. You told him that you struggled to move about and that pain was restricting your movements, Ms Kelly told Lamidi, of North Strand Road, North Strand, Dublin 3. Lamidi, (33) had claimed in evidence that Lowry, a bus driver travelling home after a night shift, had driven across a stop line at Mountjoy Square traffic junction and crashed into her car. Ms Kelly, who appeared with Collins Crowley Solicitors, told Lamidi, an unaccompanied provisional licence holder, that she had ignored Mr Lowry twice beeping the horn at her and that she had failed to yield while his vehicle was in control of the junction. With regard to your injuries you have at the very least exaggerated your evidence, Ms Kelly said. She told Lamidi, who said she could not remember if she had failed four, five or six driving tests, that her evidence had been totally inconsistent with what she had said to the insurers medical expert and the court. Lamidi said she had been driving on a provisional licence for the past 17 years. Judge Groarke, throwing out Limidis claim with costs against her, said impact damage was not consistent with her evidence that Mr Lowry had driven into the junction at speed. He said Ms Limidi, who wept almost continuously throughout her evidence, had not complained to her GP of back pain until almost 18 months after the accident. When I read the account of her medical examination, which took place only a fortnight ago, and see the video by the private investigator, it is perfectly obvious that this lady has not just exaggerated her complaints but was telling blatant lies to Mr Gleeson, Judge Groarke said. He said the video showed her jogging across the street and bending over and demonstrating entirely supple movements as she got into her car without any bother. I am sure that whatever you told Mr Gleeson that day was an utter fabrication, Judge Groarke said. He said the evidence of an independent witness, Mr Hao She, had resolved any difficulty in the case. Ms Limidi had neither looked right nor left and had not seen Mr Lowrys car which had been in possession of the junction at all times. A Porche-driving playboy caught up in a violent row over a high-class prostitute has been spared jail. Darren Branter (41), of Cove Apartments, Mussenden, Co Derry, was facing the prospect of going to jail after he was found guilty of assaulting his former partner shortly before Christmas 2015. But Branter was handed 18 months probation when he appeared at Coleraine Magistrates Court this week. Friends say the businessman, originally from Newbuildings outside Derry, sighed with relief when he heard his sentence as he was convinced he was going to jail. Expand Close Sunday World Reporter confronts Darren Branter. Picture: Sunday World / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sunday World Reporter confronts Darren Branter. Picture: Sunday World Last month at the same court, Branter who runs his own engineering company was found guilty of assaulting his former partner after she quizzed him about his affair with call girl Grazyna Makowska. Branter and his lover now live together in a luxury penthouse apartment overlooking the beach at Mussenden, Dowanhill. Known as Gina, Makowska set up shop in Derry two years ago, selling sex from a city centre apartment overlooking the River Foyle. Branter soon became one of the sex worker's best customers and it wasnt long before they began a relationship. But when Branters partner began asking awkward questions, he lashed out at her, grabbing her by the throat and threatening to kill her. He also threatened to damage her property. After listening to all the available evidence, a judge at Coleraine Court found him guilty. On Monday, Branter who friends say was expecting a custodial sentence was told he would have to spend the next 18 months on probation. One of Branters friends told the Sunday World: Darren is very happy with the sentence. It means hes now able to get on with his life. When the Sunday World caught up with Branter at his Newbuildings workshop, he declined to discuss his love affair with Makowska. A man charged with the murder of 90-year-old Paddy Lyons in Waterford has been remanded in custody. Ross Outram (26) appeared before Dungarvan District Court charged with the murder of Mr Lyons at Loughreagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 24 and 25 last. A large crowd gathered outside Dungarvan Courthouse as Mr Outram was brought to the hearing from the local garda station where he had been questioned for two days. Several jeered as the young man was brought away from court after the brief hearing. Mr Outram, of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, appeared in court wearing navy slacks, a blue jumper and navy runners. He only spoke to confirm his identity and date of birth. During the brief hearing, he held his hands in his lap and occasionally spoke to the two detectives flanking him. Expand Close Paddy Lyons who was discovered in his home at Ballysaggart near Lismore, Co Waterford. Photo: Provision / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Paddy Lyons who was discovered in his home at Ballysaggart near Lismore, Co Waterford. Photo: Provision Det Sgt Shay Keevans gave evidence of arrest, caution and charge. He said that, after being cautioned, Mr Outram made no reply to gardai when charged with Mr Lyons's murder. The court was told that Mr Outram was arrested by gardai at an address in Tipperary on Sunday evening and brought to Dungarvan garda station for questioning about the death of the retired farmer. Judge Terence Finn confirmed free legal aid to Mr Outram who, the court was told, only had an income via his social welfare payments. Because Mr Outram faces a murder charge, bail can only be dealt with by the High Court. Injuries Inspector Larry Sheahan said gardai were seeking a remand in custody to a suitable district court sitting. Defence solicitor Eamon Hayes said he had no submissions to make to the court beyond the legal aid application. Judge Finn remanded Mr Outram in custody to appear again before Dungarvan District Court on March 8. Mr Lyons was pronounced dead at his isolated Ballysaggart farmhouse home on Saturday. The elderly farmer had been found slumped in a chair at his home with blood on his face and obvious injuries to his face and head. The alarm was raised when neighbours became concerned about Mr Lyons after he failed to attend the funeral of a local person with whom he was very friendly. Vesel Jahiri (35) is accused of the murder of his girlfriend Murder accused Vesel Jahiri threatened his ex-partner Anna Finnegan hours before she died saying I know where you f***ing are, Ill come and kill yous", the Central Criminal Court has been told. A close friend of Ms Finnegan (25) said Mr Jahiri (35) made the threat over the phone, and the alleged victim was shaking, sobbing and terrified afterwards. The friend, Janice ONeill was giving evidence in the trial of Mr Jahiri, who denies stabbing Ms Finnegan to death. The jury was told today Ms Finnegan had made the call to Mr Jahiri to ask for money she was owed and put it on speaker so her friend could hear. The call was made on Ms Finnegans mobile phone while she was visiting her friends house with her and Mr Jahiris two children. Expand Close Vesel Jahiri (35) is accused of fatally injuring his ex-partner Anna Finnegan (25) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vesel Jahiri (35) is accused of fatally injuring his ex-partner Anna Finnegan (25) The alleged victim later returned to her own home, where she was fatally injured. Mr Jahiri, of Louth Village, Dundalk, denies murdering Ms Finnegan at her home at Allendale Glen, Clonsilla on September 21, 2012. He also denies assault causing harm to her brother Karl Finnegan on the same date. Led through her evidence by Patrick Marrinan, for the prosecution, Ms ONeill told the court she was a close friend of Anna Finnegan and her sister Lisa Finnegan. Ms ONeill said she lived with her three children at The Way, Hunters Run in Clonee and would have met Anna Finnegan at least once per week. Ms ONeill knew Mr Jahiri and had met him two or three times. She was aware he had gone out with Ms Finnegan and they had been together since she was 15 years old. Ms Finnegan and her two children came to her house at around 12.30pm on September 21. The children were aged around seven months and three years at the time, she said. She agreed with Mr Marrinan that she and Ms Finnegan had a normal day and a good laugh. Ms ONeill said she was aware the accused and Ms Finnegan had separated and there was an arrangement in place whereby her brother Karl Finnegan was staying in her house. She recalled Ms Finnegan calling Mr Jahiri on her phone and putting it on the loudspeaker. She could hear the conversation and the first thing she recalled Mr Jahiri saying was : This is dangerous, what are you doing, Anna? I want to see the kids. Ms ONeill recalled that Ms Finnegan was explaining to Mr Jahiri that he could not see the children until they went back to court. He was shouting at her, saying I dont care, I want to see my kids by 7 oclock, she said. The tone was very angry, she said, It was a scary tone of voice, you know.. Being aggressive. Ms ONeill said Ms Finnegan had asked the accused about the money he owed her and told him it was for Auntie Frances. Then Vesel said I have the money, I have 5,000 in my pocket, Ill give you the f***ing money, Ms ONeill said. She told the court Ms Finnegan had owed her landlord extra money so she said it was for her auntie so the accused would give her the money. He was screaming I want to see the kids, I want to buy my f***ing children things, Ms ONeill said. She gave evidence that when Ms Finnegan told Mr Jahiri he could not see the children, he said: I know where you f***ing are, Ill come and kill yous. Ms ONeill said Ms Finnegan was shaken up and crying. He kept shouting into the phone, Im going to kill you, this is very f***ing dangerous what you are doing. I know where you are. This is dangerous, Ill f***ing kill you, Anna. Ms ONeill said. At one point, Ms Finnegan held her hand over the phone and was shaking and sobbing, and saying what am I going to do, Janice? How am I going to get away from this? Im terrified. Ms ONeill said Ms Finnegan would not call her sister Lisa but did call Blanchardstown Garda Station. Ms Finnegan left at around 8pm with her children. She hugged and kissed Ms ONeill and texted to thank her when she got home. That was the last she heard from Ms Finnegan, she said, and she was subsequently made aware that she was at Blanchardstown Hospital. Cross-examined by Micheal P OHiggins SC, for the defence, Ms ONeill agreed she was aware that relations between Lisa Finnegan and the accused had turned sour over an issue relating to the log book for a car. Mr OHiggins put it to her that there were raised voices and an argument between Ms Finnegan and Mr Jahiri and it was in this context the accused brought up Lisa Finnegan having gone with her sister to the HSE. He had been using bad language about Lisa Finnegan, calling her a bitch, Mr OHiggins said. Ms ONeill said she did not hear him call Lisa Finnegan a bitch. He even made reference to I am going to kill Lisa for this, Mr OHiggins said. Ms ONeill said the accused did not say this. She agreed that Anna Finnegan had signed off on passports for the children and became worried that Mr Jahiri would take their daughter to Kosovo. She said Ms Finnegan had told Mr Jahiri to bring the money but to put it in her letter box or under a plant pot outside the door. Ms ONeill told Mr OHiggins Anna Finnegan had whispered: hes threatening to kill us while she had her hand over the phone. She denied she was over-egging it a little bit. Mr OHiggins said the accused did use expletives, called Anna Finnegan a motherf***er but it was in the context of a serious row. Ms ONeill said Ms Finnegan had been terrified and she herself was petrified of my life and was so scared she ran out and put the house alarm on. Tara OConnor, a senior social worker at the HSEs Wellmount Health Centre in Finglas, said a meeting was held there on September 6. She assigned Karen Byrne to act as social worker in the case. Anna Finnegan had been quite chatty but upset at the meeting, she said. Ms OConnor took on the responsibility of telling Mr Jahiri that he had to move out of the house, as well as putting together a safety plan for the family. Her advice had been if the accused did not leave or if Ms Finnegan did not leave with the children, then the HSE would consider taking the children into care. Ms OConnor put allegations to Mr Jahiri about a threat to Ms Finnegan and to the children. He denied this and was blaming Ms Finnegan's family, she said. He made reference to Ms Finnegans friends calling to the house and that they werent good people and were on drugs. She told him any allegations would be investigated. He agreed to move out of the house under the safety plan. The arrangement was that Ms Finnegans aunt Frances would be in the house for the night and her brother Karl would move in after that. Arrangements were made for the accused to have access to his children in the Wellmount office on the morning of September 21. In cross-examination, Ms OConnor said she was aware Ms Finnegan was under pressure, including from her own family to leave the defendant. She agreed with Mr OHiggins, for the defence, that Ms Finnegan had been insistent that she wanted Mr Jahiri to have access to the children. Ms OConnor agreed that legal advice had been sought by the HSE about blocking the accuseds access to his children. Lisa Finnegan attended the meeting as support for her sister but it was agreed she would not speak. That she was not in (Mr Jahiris) camp was an understatement, Mr OHiggins said. Ms OConnor understood the meeting did not go very well and Mr Jahiri and Lisa Finnegan had argued. The meeting was effectively aborted and Mr Jahiri left. She agreed with counsel that Mr Jahiris view was that the whole matter was a set up by the HSE. Social worker Emma Crehan said she was at the meeting and Mr Jahiri had said Anna had not told him she did not want to be in a relationship with him. He said he felt Ms Finnegan had been influenced by her family that and Ms Crehan and Ms Byrne had our own agenda. He said no-one could love the children as much as their real father, Ms Crehan said. She told Mr OHiggins she recalled the accused had mentioned receiving threatening text messages and that he was advised to go to the gardai. She did not recall them saying they wanted him dead. Ms Crehan agreed Ms Finnegan did not have a problem with Mr Jahiri having access to the children. Acting Assistant Manager at the womens refuge in Bray, Anne McMorrow, said Ms Finnegan stayed there after a self-referral in August 2012. A garda called to say she had been reported missing and was told she was safe and well. She was assessed and her risk was regarded as being serious. On September 4, she left with her young son to attend the community welfare officer and the refuge was later called to state she was in Connolly Hospital, the court heard. She was not informed at the time that Ms Finnegan had taken an overdose. Ms Finnegan returned to collect her belongings and left the refuge on September 6, 2012. Ms McMorrow said a man called saying he was Garda Brian Finnegan and then identified himself as Ms Finnegans cousin. He said he had been a garda but was no longer a garda and Ms McMorrow said she could not give out any information as the service was confidential. The trial continues. Ian Sheridan (32) of New Brighton Terrace, Parnell Road, Bray, pictured at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he received a three year suspended sentence for assault causing harm in February, 2015. Pic Collins Courts. A Wicklow man who beat his girlfriend for over an hour and bit her on the face after they had an argument in their home has been given a suspended sentence. Judge Melanie Greally said Ian Sheridan (32) carried out a very serious assault involving considerable violence but that a custodial sentence is not necessitated. She said Sheridan had dealt with his demons including addressing his drink and drug problems. The judge noted Sheridan raised 1,600 in compensation for his former partner Patricia Rodriguez, but that she did not want to accept it. The money would instead be donated to the women's refuge Ms Rodriguez attended after the assault. Judge Greally imposed a three year sentence which she suspended for three years on condition Sheridan keeps the peace and engages with the restorative justice programme. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that after the assault Ms Rodriguez sneaked out of the house when Sheridan eventually fell asleep. She never returned to the home again and spent some time in a women's refuge. The couple had moved in together the previous month. Sheridan of New Brighton Terrace, Parnell Road, Bray pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on February 21, 2015. Garda Paul Newport told Maddie Grant BL, prosecuting, that Ms Rodriguez and Sheridan had an argument at their home that evening. She left to get some fresh air and coffee before returning back home. Sheridan arrived back an hour and half later. Ms Rodriguez later told gardai she could smell alcohol from Sheridan and assumed he had been drinking. Sheridan then grabbed her hair, punched her around her eye and bit her face twice around her jaw. He also punched her all over her body. The victim said the violence lasted an hour or two and he wouldn't stop when she asked him to. Sheridan dragged her from the bedroom to the living room during the attack. It came to an end when she suggested they go to sleep. She lay in bed awake and when she felt he had fallen asleep, she left, leaving most of her belongings behind. Sheridan was arrested but made no admissions during interview. He has previous convictions for theft, public order and road traffic offences. A victim impact and medical reports were handed into court but not read out. Gda Newport agreed with Kim Moloney BL, defending that Sheridan had offered Ms Rodriguez 1,600 as a token of his remorse and handed in a letter of apology. Counsel told Judge Greally that her client suffered from psychosis brought on by drug and alcohol abuse but he was now no longer using drugs. A probation report concluded that he was at a low risk of re-offending. Joseph Murphy Jnr, pictured leaving the Four Courts after an apology was read out to him in the High Court.Pic: Collins Courts THE High Court has quashed, on consent, findings of the planning tribunal against the chairman of Joseph Murphy Structural Engineering (JMSE). The case arose after Joseph Murphy junior took proceedings against the tribunal over adverse findings against him in the tribunal's second and third interim reports. Today, the tribunal acknowledged some material had not been disclosed to Mr Murphy, his late father Joseph Murphy senior and others associated with Murphy interests. This was unlawful and breached Mr Murphy's constitutional rights, it said. The material in question would have enabled the Murphys to conduct an effective and comprehensive cross-examination of the tribunal's main witness, the late James Gogarty. Following the court's order, Mr Murphy said he was delighted with the outcome. What the tribunal had found was "far removed" from the values he and his later father had in business. That was the reason he took the case. The tribunal was set up 20 years ago and made findings in 2002 which had "huge consequences" for his business. Asked if he is to receive any damages as part of the case, he said no but he was happy with the result and he wanted to "get on with my life". In a statement read to the court on behalf of the tribunal by John Finlay SC, it said the first module of the tribunal concerned allegations the Murphy father and son, and companies associated with Murphy interests, were party to the making of a corrupt payment to former TD and Minister Ray Burke. Subsequent modules concerned the making of a corrupt payment to former assistant Dublin city and county manager, the late George Redmond. James Gogarty, a former senior executive with JMSE, a one time the market leader in steel structural erection in Ireland, was on many matters the only witness against the Murphy interests. Any adverse findings against the Murphys therefore rested on the credibility between Mr Gogarty and the Murphy interests, the statement said. To deal effectively with the question of credibility, it was essential as a matter of constitutional justice and fairness of procedure that the Murphy interests were in a position to conduct an effective and comprehensive cross-examination of Mr Gogarty. A number of statements taken during the tribunal's private investigations were either not disclosed or only disclosed in redacted form and were subsequently the subject of findings in the tribunal's second and third interim reports. The Supreme Court later described the relevance of the material as "obvious", the statement said. In February last year, the tribunal furnished Mr Murphy with further material which had not been made available and which the tribunal said ought to have been disclosed. The tribunal acknowledged the findings were made in circumstances which breached the Murphys' rights to fair procedures. It also acknowledged the findings were unlawful and that they received "enormous publicity which has been extremely damaging to them". It acknowledged the findings had a profound effect on Mr Murphy and severely damaged his reputation over a period of many years and caused him great personal distress. As a result, following submissions from Mr Murphy, the tribunal removed the relevant passages and findings from the second and third reports, and its website, and the revised reports were furnished to the Clerk of Dail. In consenting to the order quashing the findings, the tribunal agreed to pay Mr Murphy the costs of these proceedings and of costs incurred by him in examination of the new material provided to him. A copy of the court order, and this statement, will be forward to the Clerk of the Dail with a request that all reasonable steps be taken to bring these documents to the attention of members of both houses of the Oireachtas. They will also be placed in the Dail Eireann library. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan, who was also told Ireland and the Attorney General was consenting to a strike out of the case, granted the orders as sought. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Mar. 2 By Demir Azizov Trend: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vice-President of the General Electric (GE) Ronald James Pollett discussed prospects for expansion and diversification of long-term cooperation portfolio, the Uzbek National News Agency (UzA) reported. On Mar. 1, Mirziyoyev received Ronald James Pollett, who is also chief executive officer and president of GE Russia/CIS. During the meeting, the sides discussed new programs and projects in power, oil and gas, electrical industries, production and maintenance of modern medical equipment, and other areas. The sides also discussed cooperation in training and development of specialists. Today, cooperation of Uzbek enterprises with GE covers energy sector, civil aviation and healthcare. Pollett expressed GEs willingness to develop full-scale cooperation with Uzbekistan. A serial offender with 160 previous convictions claimed to be an undercover garda before taking part in handcuffing and robbing a man, a court has heard. Gary Kearney (25) and an accomplice quoted sections of law before searching the man and removing his belongings on Millennium Bridge, Dublin in the early hours of the morning. The robbers were aggressive and the victim feared he would be pushed into the Liffey while handcuffed. Kearney's previous convictions include assault, animal cruelty, robbery, theft, burglary, criminal damage and public order offences. Defence counsel, Luigi Rea BL, told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that drink and tablets had been a feature of Kearney's life and there was a place available for him in a 12 week residential treatment program. Kearney of Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin pleaded guilty to robbery, false imprisonment and theft in Dublin city centre on September 11, 2016. Judge Melanie Greally said Kearney had an appalling record of offending and that if the cycle was to be broken he would have to address his addiction issues. She adjourned sentencing until May to allow Kearney attend for residential treatment at Cuan Mhuire. Garda Brian McLoughlin told Elva Duffy BL, prosecuting, that at around 1.30am Kearney and his accomplice approached a man crossing the Millennium Bridge. One of the men had a radio and the second had handcuffs. They told the victim he was under arrest. This was witnessed by another man who the pair had just previously approached claiming to be undercover plain clothes gardai and quoting a section of law. This first man had become suspicious that they were not gardai and backed away from them. Kearney and his accomplice quoted law again to the second man. They put handcuffs on him and told him he was being taken to Pearse Street Garda Station. They held the man up against the bridge and the victim feared he would be pushed into the Liffey while wearing the handcuffs. They searched him and took his phone, travel and bank cards. Gda McLoughlin said due to the aggression of the men the victim began to suspect they were not gardai and asked for his belongings back. They returned his travel and bank cards and removed his handcuffs. They said he would get his phone back at the garda station but when he continued to ask for it the men began to handcuff him again. The man defended himself and was assisted by the witness. A woman filmed part of the incident on her mobile phone. Gda McLoughlin said he and a colleague arrived at this point and arrested Kearney. His accomplice fled the scene and has not been charged. Gda McLoughlin said the handcuffs were quite realistic and the victim believed they were real. He agreed with Mr Rea that they were not of the same standard as garda handcuffs. Mr Rea said Kearney had written a letter of apology to the victim in which he said he was ashamed of his actions and realised it was entirely inappropriate. The court will heard a full plea in mitigation on Kearney's behalf from Mr Rea on the next date. This is serial rapist Paul Moore roaming the streets of the capital after being granted bail again as he awaits sentencing for sexually assaulting a woman. Moores continuing presence in the Mountjoy Square area has caused such concern that local residents recently tried unsuccessfully to buy him out of the apartment he owns. Despite the fact he was due to be sentenced last week for yet another sex assault, Moore (51) remains on bail and is spending his days walking around the north-inner city. On Monday, Moore who has six convictions for separate sex attacks was granted bail again in Dublin Circuit Court because his case manager was out of the jurisdiction. He had been originally bailed on February 21. A source told the Herald that a group of residents in the area were so concerned by Moores presence that they approached a third party and offered to buy the apartment he owns in Mountjoy Square. Expand Close Paul Moore pictured leaving his Mountjoy Square home / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Paul Moore pictured leaving his Mountjoy Square home Powerless Moore is believed to have bought the property in the 1990s with compensation he was awarded following a traffic accident. However, his presence in the city centre is causing fear among locals as a number of his attacks have occurred close to, or in, his apartment. In 2001, he raped a woman after inviting her back to his flat following a night out. He was sentenced to six years in 2003 for the rape but this was increased to 10 years by the Court of Criminal Appeal because of the terrifying amount of violence he inflicted. Before he assaulted the woman, Moore forced her to sign a note saying: I have consented to everything that happened between me and Paul Moore tonight. A source told the Herald that residents had repeatedly approached gardai about getting Moore banned from the apartment block but they had been told they were powerless to act. In an effort to rid themselves of the dangerous offender, they clubbed together to buy him out, but their offer was not accepted after a third party was approached on the matter. In his latest case, Moore assaulted an au pair in 2014 as she was travelling home from college on the Dart. Gardai examined CCTV of the incident but Moore was not recognised until two years later. In the meantime, he sexually assaulted two women in separate incidents in the city centre after stopping them in the street and asking them for a cigarette. He stopped one woman in Gardiner Street close to his home on January 21, 2015, and the second at St Marys Place North, about 500 metres from his door, on May 8, 2015. In 2015, he was jailed for 15 months for these attacks, with Judge Martin Nolan noting that he has a predisposition to violence towards women, which manifests as rape and sexual assault. Moores first conviction for raping a woman was in 1995, for which he received seven years. Prior to 1995, he had been convicted twice for two separate incidents of indecent assault. In the most recent case, Moore pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting the woman on the southside Dart on August 28, 2014. The court heard evidence that Moore sat near the au pair and started making small talk. He then moved to the seat beside her and began commenting on her clothes. Moore had a toy turtle in his hand, which he said he found on the ground. He said he was looking for a child to give it to. He told her: You probably think Im crazy and began to touch her breasts and then pulled at her trousers. He stopped when another passenger sat near them. The gardai circulated CCTV of the incident but no one recognised Moore. However, when it did so again in 2016, Moore was recognised and arrested. He accepted it was him on the CCTV but said he could not remember the incident. Moores defence counsel said he lived a very isolated life and had been disowned by his family and had spent a significant portion of his life in prison and there were conflicting opinions on what caused Moore to commit these crimes. One psychiatric report blamed a head injury he received in 1982, while another blamed an organic personality disorder. Judge Melanie Greally said Moores inability to desist from offending, no matter what punishment was imposed, was a matter of real concern to the court. She said any sentence would have to maximise the ability of the services to supervise Moore. Moore is due to be sentenced next Monday. There are few tasks in our education and skills system more important than sowing the seed, as early as possible, that higher education is the expectation, not the exception. It is the role of Government to enable all the nation's children to achieve their potential, by providing a universal, standardised, professional and comprehensive guidance counselling service. Inequality of guidance service provision hampers inclusion for all young people, impacts on their potential and ill-equips these students to face life's challenges. This is detrimental to our young people, to the economy and to society at large. Many young people do not lack aspiration, but what they do lack is the means to achieve their goals. This is where guidance counsellors come into their own, where face-to-face guidance helps move students onto the right path. Guidance is not merely about helping sixth years fill in their CAO forms. The work of the guidance counsellor must start earlier than that - helping students to explore their skills and goals, to determine areas of study (and the subjects and subject levels they will need) and to consider possible careers, while at the same time trying to appreciate what motivates or, more importantly, what demotivates each student. Guidance counselling fosters a healthy school climate and is a crucial element in improving student achievement. The decimation of the guidance counselling service in the four years after 2012 saw 168 second-level schools with no time to support students in one-to-one counselling. Audits conducted by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) and the two teacher unions at second-level, the ASTI and TUI, on the impact of these cuts all found that students in junior cycle suffered the most. There was little or no guidance counselling at junior cycle as schools used the limited resources they had available to them to work with Leaving Cert students in what became a fire-fighting service, even for those students. After years of cutbacks and real fears that a ring-fenced (ex quota) guidance counselling service that Irish education had enjoyed for many years, would be lost for all time, September 2017 will represent a watershed moment. Budget 2017 brought the restoration of 400 ex-quota guidance posts from September 2017. It is gratifying that those in authority recognise the vital supports guidance counsellors provide for our young people. We also ,have assurances that the remaining 200 posts, of the 600 lost in 2012, will be returned over the next two budgets. Furthermore, for the first time, in September, a new subject area called wellbeing will become a central part of the student experience for first, second and third years, as part of junior cycle reforms. Wellbeing will incorporate the learning traditionally covered in physical education (PE), social personal and health education (SPHE) and civics and political education (CSPE) and will also include guidance counselling. It will offer a broad and holistic approach to enhancing the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of students. Draft guidelines on wellbeing, published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), acknowledge that learning and wellbeing are inextricably linked, and identify the central role of school in that. The emphasis will switch to developing student strengths and capabilities, on building resilience and life-skills, rather than focusing on mental ill-health issues. It will prioritise the importance of wellbeing teams in all schools to support positive student experiences. The guidance counsellor will be central to supporting students and colleagues in embedding wellbeing in all aspects of school life. Guidance counsellors know only too well that all day-to-day interactions that take place in school can impact on students' wellbeing. There is overwhelming evidence that students learn more effectively, including their academic subjects, if they are happy, believe in themselves, and feel that they are being supported in their school. Wellbeing will place the student voice centre stage in classrooms and in all aspects of school life. Betty McLaughlin is president of the IGC, whose annual conference is taking place in UCC this weekend and is Wellbeing Team Leader, Junior Cycle for Teachers' (JCT) Support Service A union for secondary teachers has warned the Government that a new pay deal must include full restoration of 1.4bn of pay cuts "if industrial unrest is to be avoided". The submission by the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland to the Public Service Pay Commission, which is advising the Government on its pay policy, lists five things that the next agreement - to be negotiated around May - must include. They are equal pay for new entrants, the full restoration of pay cuts suffered during the financial crisis, an end to working extra hours for free, and the abolition of a pension levy. Finally, it calls for the restoration of pension parity, which would mean that retired teachers' pensions would rise when existing teachers' pay does. It said their pay should not be discounted by 12pc to take account of the value of pensions at talks as a less favourable scheme for new entrants meant the value of their contributions would be higher than their benefits. The union is the only one that has not signed up to the Lansdowne Road deal and members are suffering sanctions including a pay freeze. It described the deal as "seriously flawed" for failing to close the pay gap for new entrants to the public service and underestimating growth in the economy. For the next agreement to be acceptable, it said it must address major grievances, both general and sectoral. "This is essential if industrial unrest is to be avoided," it said. Meanwhile, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it is extremely disappointed that legislation to give it access to the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court will not be in place until the end of the year. It said it has also been excluded from a working group that will discuss its right to strike. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 1 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: Iranian parliament has passed a law demanding Oil Ministry to increase the oil and gas recovery rate, SHANA reported. The enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is vital for Iran, because its in-situ oil reserves stand at 712 billion barrels with natural recovery rate below 15 percent. Even after gas and water re-injection, the recovery rate roughly reaches 25 percent. The law demands Oil Ministry to use all tools and private companies capacities to invest in EOR projects, especially in joint fields. One of the blocks with low recovery rate is West Karoon, containing 56 billion barrels of in-situ oil. West Karoon includes five major fields, all of which are jointly owned with Iraq and have a recovery rate below 10 percent in average. Iran plans to ask foreign contractors to at least double this figure. The law asks the government to refrain from assigning property rights on fields to companies. Iran plans to issue tenders to develop 49 oil and gas projects, including West Karoon projects, based on newly designed contract model, called Iran Petroleum Contracts, or IPC. IPC allows foreign companies to own a percentage of production volume, a term that encourages the contractors to enhance recovery rate to take more oil and gas. An advisor in Irans Oil Ministry has told Trend that IPC doesnt allow foreign or local companies to own the content of a reservoir, but they take a percentage of production volume in certain places, such as oil terminals. The official anonymously said the new law is not in contrast with IPC terms. Coming to the legal aspects of tenders and projects, the source said each project has its own individuality and terms differ from one to another. "In one project, the investment term may be restricted to a period, but in another one it can continue until the end of production period. The production phases, capital and operational expenditures, re-payments, profits, etc. depend on the terms of each tender," the advisor said, adding the generalities of the legal aspects of IPC are clear in total. Iran is banned to use USD in bank transactions, according to US sanctions, but the official said the deals would be signed based on USD and all of financial calculations would be based on USD, but in bank transactions the sides can change the values to other foreign currencies. Iran plans to invest $100 billion in upstream oil and gas projects by 2021, of which 80 percent is expected to be attracted from abroad. --- Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agencys Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu Health Minister Simon Harris has defended asking cystic fibrosis sufferers campaigning for access to the powerful drug Orkambi to cancel a protest outside Leinster House. The minister made the request to Cystic Fibrosis Association chief Philip Watt and Jillian McNulty, who suffers from the condition, at a hastily convened meeting on Monday evening. He told the Irish Independent yesterday that he "asked for space for important commercial and contractual aspects of the current offer to be agreed on the basis that the process can be concluded in a period of weeks". He had invited them to a private meeting to update them on progress in talks to agree a new price for the drug described as "life-changing" but was deemed too costly at 159,000 per patient annually. Ms McNulty, who believed she was being summoned to the meeting to hear that a deal has been struck, described her shock when he asked not to go ahead with the protest which attracted a large turnout yesterday. She said the minister was wrong to make the request. Expand Close Health Minister Simon Harris. Photo: Colin O'Riordan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Minister Simon Harris. Photo: Colin O'Riordan "It isn't up to a minister to ask for a protest to be cancelled," she insisted. Mr Harris said yesterday he hoped to conclude a deal with Vertex, makers of the drug, "very shortly". It is likely Cabinet approval may have to be sought to fund the drug as well as an extension for another new medicine Kalydeco to younger children. The HSE executive is expected to say it cannot afford to make the drugs available out of its own funds. Vertex is believed to have presented the HSE with a package which would include the two existing drugs as well as access to another medicine VX-661 which is at stage three trials. It also looks set to lead to major health benefits for cystic fibrosis sufferers with a specific gene mutation. A spokeswoman for Vertex said yesterday it submitted a new proposal in January and all outstanding questions were answered by the end of the month. "Since then we have not heard back from the HSE," she said. The minister said yesterday that "at every stage in the process so far, Vertex has taken every opportunity to gain advantage by exploiting the genuine suffering of cystic fibrosis patients." He was "extremely conscious of politicians acting as spokespeople for Vertex when everyone's priority should be to secure the best deal for patients and the taxpayer". Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who praised Ms McNulty's powerful article on the desperate need for the drug, which appeared in yesterday's Irish Independent, was among the TDs who attended the protest. Others included Fianna Fail Dublin West TD Jack Chambers and Fianna Fail TD for Sligo-Leitrim Marc MacSharry. The gathering outside Leinster House included several emotional testimonies by the relatives of cystic fibrosis suffers who died in their teens and early 20s. Among them was Ashling Golden who lost her sister Grainne to the disease a year ago. Cystic fibrosis sufferer Anthony McCormack (21) from Donaghmede attended in his wheelchair. His health has deteriorated and he is hoping to get a double lung transplant. Dublin Fire Brigade shared this photo on Twitter A multi-vehicle collision has been reported on the M50 which is causing delays. The three car crash happened in right lane, southbound at Junction 10 Ballymount. Overnight, Swords & @ESBNetworks dealt with a tree down in Malahide. Tallaght & @M50Dublin attended a collision @ Red Cow. All clear now pic.twitter.com/VsnQa3JWT0 Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) March 2, 2017 There has also been a crash on the Summerhill/ North Circular Road DFB southbound. Dublin Fire Brigade are on the scene and there are delays on approach Elsewhere, the M7 Dublin/Limerick road has re-opened following a serious collision last night. Meanwhile, a status yellow wind alert for several counties, due to gusts of up to 110kmph, has been lifted. Overnight, Swords & @ESBNetworks dealt with a tree down in Malahide. Tallaght & @M50Dublin attended a collision @ Red Cow. All clear now pic.twitter.com/VsnQa3JWT0 Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) March 2, 2017 The warning was in place for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wicklow, Offaly, Mayo and Roscommon. Lights out at the junction of D'Olier St/Fleet St/College St. Please approach this extremely busy junction with caution! Live Drive (@LiveDrive) March 2, 2017 A garda forensic collision investigator was sent to the scene to conduct a detailed examination. Stock picture A man has died following a horrific 12 car pile up in Limerick last night. It is understood the incident occurred during a freak hail storm in the area. The man, aged in his 50s, suffered catastrophic head injuries and died after his car left the road between Birdhill and Castletroy shortly before 8pm and struck a fence. A number of people suffered injuries in the mid-evening pile-up but none are believed to be seriously hurt, said a source. A multi-agency response was immediately launched by emergency services. At least six fire tenders were dispatched from Limerick city and Newport, Nenagh, in Co Tipperary. Six ambulances from the region were also sent to the scene. Firefighters attached to Limerick City and County Fire Service, who had been attending a minor collision in Newport, were swiftly on the scene of the "massive pile up", said sources. Gardai closed the southbound traffic lane between Junction 27 Birdhill and Junction 28 Castletroy. A garda forensic collision investigator was sent to the scene to conduct a detailed examination. His findings will be revealed in due course. It is understood the cars skidded off the road as a heavy sleet shower struck the area. "There was a massive snowball storm and a heavy shower of sleet around the time of the fatal crash," said a local man. "There were at around 12 cars involved," a source said. "The dead man's car went off the road and crashed through a fence. "His vehicle ended up on waste ground in a ravine just off the motorway." Gardai at Henry Street Station, Limerick, are investigating. Up to 30 members of Beekeepers Ireland wearing beekeeping suits and veils traveled from the four Provinces of Ireland this Thursday swarmed to protest outside Leinster House against the Heritage Bill PHOTO: Mark Stedman Irelands endangered birds are being put in further danger by a proposed new law which promotes the destruction of their habitats, claimed angry protesters today. The curlew and the yellow-hammer species, once plentiful and key members of Irelands wildlife, will suffer further serious decline under proposals to allow farmers to burn vegetation during the month of March and to cutback and destroy hedgerows and bushes during the month of August. Hedgerows are full of berries and other food for wildlife during August. Bumble bees and many types of wild honey bees will also suffer by extending the permitted times to slash and cut down vegetation and flowering wild plants in the months of August, claimed the protesters who gathered outside Leinster House in Dublin today. Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphries introduced a Heritage Bill in the Seanad yesterday that would extend the hedgerow cutting times by allowing the cutting of wild vegetation to begin on August 1 instead of September 1. This would extend the six month cutting season to seven months. Burning upland vegetation, which is currently permitted between September 1 and the last day of February, would also be allowed to happen during the month of March under the proposals. Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland said Curlews begin seeking nests and breeding territories in March and they will not breed if the vegetation is burned. Curlews are facing global extinction. There are only 125 pairs of curlews left in Ireland. This change in the rules would be the last straw for curlews. There would be too few left and they would die out, he said. The evocative cry of the curlew was, in former years, the ultimate sound of wild Ireland. The rules change would signal a catastrophe for curlews. Yellow hammers, known as Irelands wild canaries, or Buiog in Irish, have disappeared from many parts of Ireland. Many yellow hammer chicks are still in their nests during August yet this proposed law would allow their nests to be destroyed during this vital time, he said. The British Government actually copied Irelands existing dates for burning and cutting with new laws to protect birds in Britain. Yet, in Ireland, they now want to withdraw a vital part of that protection during bird-breeding season, he said. Beekeeper Gerry Ryan (63), president of the Irish Beekeepers Association, travelled from Dundrum, Co Tipperary, for the protest and wore his bee-keeping hat and mask. Allowing the destruction of vegetation in August would be devastating for Irelands bees. Clover and blackberries are still in flower. The bumble bees and honey bees need these blossoms and flowering ivy to build themselves up to survive the winter, said Mr Ryan. A whole range of different species need this vegetation in August, including butterflies, rabbits, field mice and other animals, he said. Other groups to protest against the proposed new law yesterday were the Irish Wildlife Trust and An Taisce. All the groups stated the Irish Government was attempting to weaken laws that protect biodiversity and breeding birds while at the same time trying to promote Irelands green image. Their spokeswoman Oonagh Duggan said Over 26,000 people have signed a petition saying no to these changes. We ask senators to listen to these voices and to reject Section 8 of the Heritage Bill on the basis that it ignores the science which says that it could seriously impact on nesting birds and could be the death knell for some species already in trouble. But it will also impact bees, which need all the help they can get, not Government-condoned habitat destruction. If this bill is passed it will send a clear message that Ireland is not serious about protecting its natural heritage for generations to come. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins said the Heritage Bill seems more like an anti-heritage bill. We need to safeguard our shared heritage for generations to come instead of introducing flawed legislation that threatens its existence, she said. It was misleading to claim the Bill promoted road safety as hedge-cutting is allowed at any time where road safety is a concern, she said. An Irish mother has described how her 17-month-old daughter fell ill and died from meningitis in a matter of hours. Limerick woman Ruth Melling lost her daughter Lola Jane Nagle just over two years ago. Next month her family and friends will host the second annual Lola's Ball in Limerick. This is her story: "Lola Jane was a very happy, healthy little girl. On the night of the 14th of April 2015, Lola woke with a temperature. I brought her into bed with me as she was incredibly restless. She wasn't crying just wide awake staring at me and breathing funny. I couldn't seem to get her temperature down. She was just lying there. The next morning, after no sleep, I knew she needed to go to the doctor. It was a crazy time at work for me as my boss was away so I had to get in and open up for everyone. So I left Lola with my husband went out to work, opened up, rang the doctor and headed straight back home for Lola. When I got home she was still lying there and I noticed her breathing had got worse and a few purple marks on her neck. I immediately thought chicken pox, how wrong I was. Expand Close Lola Jane Nagle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lola Jane Nagle I put Lola into the car and headed for the doctors, it's a drive I will never forget. I still see the way she was looking at me in the mirror sometimes when I close my eyes, I will never be able to describe it but I knew there was something seriously wrong with my little girl. As her breathing became worse, I began to panic. I rushed into the doctors with her and I was shaking. Once I sat in the waiting room, I watched these purple spots take over her body and then her lips went blue. I ran to reception screaming her lips are blue her lips are blue. I was rushed into nurses room and two doctors appeared. They put an oxygen mask on Lola, I kept crying what's wrong with her? They mentioned meningitis and I told them no, it can't be sure she's had all her injections. They made me go outside for air and told me they were ringing an ambulance and to phone somebody to meet me at the hospital. At this stage I was numb I had no idea what was happening I just kept saying it couldn't be meningitis. The ambulance arrived at the surgery and I took my little girl into my arms while they tried to control her breathing. This was the last time I held my baby alive. The sirens went on and they told me it was only because of traffic. How naive I was to think everything was okay. We got to the hospital where a team of doctors were waiting, she was whipped out of my arms and I was asked to sit while I watched them all around my baby. A lot of what happen after this is a blur. I sat alone in the room watching and still not realising what was going on. A few doctors tried to speak to me to tell me how serious it was but I heard nothing I was just numb. I remember my husband arriving and trying to talk to me to tell me to say goodbye to our little girl. I couldn't move I couldn't get off the chair, and then she was gone. From 10am in the doctors surgery to 12pm in the hospital my baby was gone. How? Why? I don't think I will ever understand it, she was perfect only the day before so happy and full of life, my angel Lola Jane. It's so strange. Lola was born six weeks premature and fought hard to stay with us. She had no lashes when she was born but by the time she left hospital to come home she was called Lola Lashes by all the nurses, they were beyond long. I'm not sure if it was a sixth sense or maybe somehow I knew to protect her but I was a crazy overprotective mom when it came to Lola. Everyone that knows me knows how laid back I am, but with Lola I was constantly watching her, following her, she was never out of my sight. I was so paranoid about her choking, that I did two first aid courses and wouldn't dare even give her a sausage. You would think I would be like that now with my son Scott, but no it was only Lola. I adored her, she was with my every minute, my special girl. We had a very special bond and I miss her terribly. I can still hear her breathing and see the way she was looking at me in the car on the way to the doctors. I don't think it will ever leave my mind how scared she must have been. Act for Meningitis have been an amazing support to our whole family, I have built a strong friendship with them and will continue to help in any way, to prevent this happening to someone else." Lola's Ball will take place on April 22 at the Greenhills Hotel in Limerick. 'A gift for Lola' was set up to prevent another family going through the nightmare of losing a child by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis. To date it has raised over 35,000 Expand Close Members of 'Lola's Ball' committee / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Members of 'Lola's Ball' committee WHAT IS MENINGITIS? Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the spinal cord and the brain, caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It is easily misdiagnosed as the symptoms can be flu-like, appear in any order and some may not appear at all, therefore we urge people to trust your instincts. Meningitis does not always produce a rash, if it does appear it will not fade under pressure. While children aged under five are most at-risk, with 16-24 year olds the second highest at risk age group. Symptoms of Meningitis can include: Fever, vomiting, headache, limb pain, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, confusion and in some cases a rash may appear. For more information on Meningitis, our support services or to download the signs and symptoms card please visit here David Black was gunned down on a motorway on his way to work at Maghaberry high security prison in Co Antrim in November 2012. A man wanted in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black has been arrested. Damien Joseph McLaughlin (40) from Co Tyrone, was arrested alongside another man in Co Donegal following a joint operation between the PSNI and gardai. Mr McLaughlin was due to stand trial last month on charges that include aiding and abetting David Black's murder but fled in November while on bail. A European Arrest Warrant (EAW) was issued for his arrest. Mr Black (52) was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 on his way to work at Maghaberry Prison in November 2012. In a statement gardai have confirmed that they have arrested both men in Donegal this afternoon. A 47-year-old woman was arrested in Belfast. Expand Close Damien Joseph McLaughlin, pictured being carried in a police car to an earlier hearing / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Damien Joseph McLaughlin, pictured being carried in a police car to an earlier hearing Officers from the Special Detective Unit detained a man in his 40s, named by the PSNI as Mr McLaughlin, under a European Arrest Warrant. A second man, in his late 50s, was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. One man is detained at Letterkenny Garda Station and the other at a Garda Station in Dublin. Mr McLaughlin is due to appear before the High Court in Dublin on foot of a EAW tomorrow morning. Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray, from PSNIs Serious Crime Branch, said: Since his disappearance Police have carried out extensive enquiries regarding Mr McLaughlins whereabouts. Throughout this time the PSNI has been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and todays arrests demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police forces and other national partner agencies. As part of the operation a 59 year old man was also arrested in Donegal and a 47 year old woman was arrested in Belfast. Damien McLaughlin is scheduled to appear at Dublins Central Criminal Court tomorrow. The 59 year old man has been taken to Letterkenny police station for questioning and a 47 year old woman has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning. Senior PSNI detectives contacted the Black family today to update them on developments. Detectives involved in the case spoke with Mrs Black to inform her of Damien McLaughlins arrest, added Detective Chief Superintendent Murray. The staff at SuperValu in Knocklyon Shopping Centre celebrate as they sold the winning lottery ticket on Wednesday night for 12,849,224. Photo Steve Humphreys A syndicate has come forward to claim last night's massive lottery jackpot. A National Lottery spokesman confirmed to Independent.ie that the group had been in touch with them this afternoon. The spokesman added: "We can tell you that we have been in touch with the ticket holders and they are now making arrangements to collect their prize. "I can confirm it is a syndicate but nothing further at this stage." The winning ticket was sold in Supervalu, Knocklyon in Dublin and the shop was buzzing with activity and excitement today. Ken O'Toole (50) from Lucan is the Store Manager in Supervalu in Knocklyon and said there is a good chance the winner is local. "This morning the excitement in the shop was unbelievable, first of all the colleagues and then the customers - when they all heard there was a big rush checking the tickets," he said. "We're a very local shop in the community, being in Knocklyon we're not in a major thoroughfare so I would be hoping it'd be someone local," he added. Conor O'Hare (24) from Knocklyon could easily have been one of three people selling Lotto tickets in Supervalu yesterday. "It's exciting, you sell them everyday and you don't really think much of it, it's kind of just another day another few Lotto tickets sold. And then out of no where this happens," Conor said. He said he knew there was something different as he walked into work on Thursday morning and that "there was too much going on". "With the Lotto going up and up, I think a lot of people were buying tickets. Last week the Lotto sales shot up. I think the area was due something," he added. The ticket was bought on the day of the draw. It wasn't the only lucky Supervalu in the country last night however, There was also one lucky winner of the Match 5 + Bonus prize of 179,034. The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at the Supervalu store on Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The winning numbers in Wednesday's draw were 2, 15, 19, 26, 37, 38 and the bonus number was 39. The lottery jackpot was 12,849,224. Read More The largest ever Irish Lotto jackpot was won in June 2008 by a syndicate of 16 quarry workers in County Carlow who scooped 18.9 million between them. The largest amount ever won by an individual was 16.7 million, which was claimed by a ticket holder in Waterford in 2010. Ireland has also had a number of major Euromillions successes. In January a work syndicate claimed 88m in a draw after buying their ticket at a service station in Lusk, North Dublin. Read More The largest ever individual winner was Limerick woman Dolores McNamara who walked away with 115m in 2005. The comments were made after a report from the Simon Community (stock image) Despite a major housing and homelessness housing crisis, one in eight houses still remain vacant across the country, the Dail has been told. Labour leader Brendan Howlin said that a Simon Community study has revealed 189,358 houses or 13pc of properties - are now vacant. Mr Howlin said the issue was all the more urgent because of the delays in delivering newly-built social and affordable homes in line with Government promises to tackle the crisis. Will you provide more money for this problem? Mr Howlin asked the Government. Replying for the Government, Education Minister Richard Bruton said the issue of vacant homes was being addressed by a new register of such properties, and various schemes to refurbish and make such homes available. Mr Bruton said that delivery of housing had been slow but was now speeding up. He added that Government will study the Simon report and consider the recommendations it has made. The data base will ask why so many houses are vacant specifically so we can bring them back into use, Mr Bruton said. The Minister said that a 5.5bn five-year housing plan, with targets including 47,000 social homes, was now being implemented. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: Iran says the foreign companies that have studied the countrys oil and gas reserves have more chance to win development tenders. Iran has 19 memorandums of understandings with foreign companies, signed last year to study 14 fields. Now, Deputy Head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) for Engineering and Development Affairs Gholam-Reza Manouchehri has told SHANA that some of the companies had submitted the results of their studies on the fields. Below are the study results submitted by the foreign companies*: Fields ICOs Oil in-situ (billion barrels) Current production (barrels per day) Band-e Karkheh OMV (Austria) 3.468 0 Cheshmeh Khosh OMV (Austria) 3.740 72,000 West Paydar OMV (Austria) 0.952 28,000 Dalpari fields OMV (Austria) 0.367 14,000 Phase 11 of South Pars gas field Total (France) 14 tcm in total of South Pars 0 Mansouri Lukoil (Russia) and Pertamina (Indonesia) 15.142 60,000 Ab Teymour Lukoil (Russia) and Pertamina (Indonesia) 15.258 60,000 Balal fields gas layer KOGAS (South Korea) 177 bcm 0 Arvand Wintershall (Germany) 1.114 0 Sohrab Wintershall (Germany) 0.736 0 Mehr Wintershall (Germany) NA NA * Data was obtained by Trend from Irans Oil Ministry Manouchehri said that Japans Inpex has also proposed to develop the South Azadegan oil field, while Danish Maersk has willingness to develop the oil layer of South Pars gas field and Ab Teymour oil field. Russias Zarubezhneft proposed to develop Aban field and Indian ONGC wants to get involved in Farzad B gas field development project, he added. Iran plans to issue tenders based on newly designed contract model, called Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC), in 2017 to develop 49 oil and gas fields and blocks. The country is eyeing to attract investments worth $100 billion to these projects by 2021, of which 80 percent would be foreign funds. The biggest fields among the studied reserves are Mansouri and Ab Teymour. Manouchehri said the recovery rate of Mansouri is only 2.35 percent, but it can increase to 14 percent. Coming to Ab Teymour, he said the fields recovery rate stands at 2.27 percent, but it can increase to 12 percent. The natural recovery rate of Iranian fields is very low and stands at 14 percent in average, but after gas and water re-injection, the rate can increase to about 25 percent. Iran plans to use the foreign companies technologies to increase the recovery rate of its fields, because each percent increase means extraction of 7 billion barrels more oil. Irans total oil in-situ reserves stand at 712 billion barrels, of which 158 billion barrels are currently recoverable. --- Dalga Khatinoglu is the head of Trend Agencys Iran news service, follow him on Twitter: @dalgakhatinoglu Housing Minister Simon Coveney has told colleagues that he is prepared to turn the tables on Micheal Martins party if it refuses to back down in the latest water row. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins Fianna Fail will be told to draft its own legislation to abolish water charges in an unprecedented shifting of power within the Dail. Housing Minister Simon Coveney has told colleagues that he is prepared to turn the tables on Micheal Martin's party if it refuses to back down in the latest water row. As both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail threatened each other with an election, Government sources told the Irish Independent they would latch on to the word "facilitate" in the confidence and supply arrangement between the two parties. Fianna Fail's spokesman on water, Barry Cowen, has claimed if Mr Coveney does not legislate for the recommendations of the committee on the future funding of water, the minority Government will collapse. Mr Coveney has insisted he will not abolish water charges in their entirety because this would result in massive fines imposed on Ireland by the EU. He said it would be "very unreasonable" for Fianna Fail to demand he introduce legislation which the Attorney General has ruled to be illegal based on commitments made in a European Framework Directive. Expand Close Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government would facilitate the passage of legislation. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government would facilitate the passage of legislation. Photo: Frank McGrath Sources say that "under no circumstances" will the minister do that, but he may try to avoid an election by putting the onus back on Fianna Fail to find a legal way of abolishing charges. One source said the minister was prepared to tell Fianna Fail to bring its own legislation to the Dail floor where the Government would "facilitate" its passage by allowing the necessary debating time. Read more: Snap election threat 'if Coveney does not accept water recommendations' - Fianna Fail warns If the bill were to pass, it would then be up to President Michael D Higgins to decide whether to sign it into law. Taoiseach Enda Kenny hinted at this strategy in the Dail yesterday, saying: "The agreement says what it says, which is the Government will facilitate the passage of legislation. "We also have an agreement in respect of the support of the major Opposition party in passing the budget, which is facilitating the budget without writing it." The dispute now centres on whether households that waste large amounts of water are hit with charges. Fianna Fail insists the 2007 Water Services Act which allows fines of up to 5,000 if householders are abusing water is sufficient to meet EU rules, but Mr Coveney said there was "no real mechanism to deliver that" without water meters. Trust between the two parties is at a low with Fine Gael ministers claiming Fianna Fail is simply trying to outflank Sinn Fein who received an opinion poll boost at the weekend. Breakthrough "If Sinn Fein had risen another few points, Fianna Fail would probably demand that we start paying people to drink water," said one Cabinet minister. The committee tasked with reaching a compromise on charges met again yesterday but failed to make any significant breakthrough. Sources said they had a consensus on 90pc of the issues at play but there were still major gaps in relation to charges, refunds and whether to continue water metering. All sides have been asked to submit written proposals for breaking the impasse to the committee chair Padraig O Ceidigh by tomorrow. The committee will not meet again until next Tuesday. Sources described yesterday's meetings as "tense" with a 10-minute break required at one stage to allow TDs and senators to "cool off". The committee does not have access to the advice of the Attorney General which Mr Coveney is relying on. However, the minister said there "may be room for setting up an opportunity for the Attorney General's office and the legal teams of any other political parties that want to engage to try and tease through some of these issues". Meanwhile, Independent Alliance minister Shane Ross has said householders that paid their water charges should get refunds. "Those who paid them should get their money back because it's obvious that the pursuit of those that didn't pay them is not going to continue," he said. On the issue of abolishing charges completely, the Transport Minister said he would "wait and see". "I think what the Government is doing is sensible in the circumstances and I don't expect there to be a major crisis about it," he said. Mr Coveney said he hoped the situation would not lead to a general election. "I think most people are pretty sick talking about water and water charges," he said. On this week's show, Kevin Doyle, Philip Ryan and Niall O'Connor look back on the week in Irish politics including round 52 in the water charges debacle, Shane Ross at the back of the bus, and the Enda farewell tour. Click here subscribe to the Floating Voter on iTunes. Around and around we go and were back to where we started. It's another version of the water charges saga between FG, FF, Simon Coveney and Barry Cowen. "Its about over-usage and Fine Gael believe theyre being fair, equitable and most importantly, legal' in all of this," argued Niall O'Connor. "While Fine Gael believe that Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein's proposals will leave Ireland open to legal action, fines and embarassment." "But, 'considerably more likely than not' is not exactly a definitive ruling from the Attorney General that Simon Coveney is claiming now is it?" countered Philip Ryan. But maybe this spat is more historic, going back to when Coveney criticised Brian Cowens drunk/hungover appearance on Morning Ireland? in 2010? Or is it more about green tea Coveney irking the 'rough and rugged' Soldiers of Destiny as O'Connor claimed? "It's the biggest sham fight weve had so far but the reality is no one has the bottle to pull the plug," said O'Connor. Turning their attention to the bus strike, Philip Ryan questioned why more money should be thrown at a failing company and why should Shane Ross be brought in unless cost-savings are going to b implemented? "Maybe taxis would be cheaper to take the people around the country?" he asked. "And maybe you can join the Tea Party," replied O'Connor. "If you live in the rural community its not your fault if buses are half-empty - they deserve to have transport services." 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. Voting in Northern Ireland's snap Assembly election has been described as steady, with some polling stations reporting higher early turnouts than last year's Stormont vote. The electorate is returning to the polls to select a new devolved Assembly for the second time in less than a year. The powersharing coalition executive led by the two largest parties at Stormont - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January. Here are the key issues you need to know: British troops in Northern Ireland The Democratic Unionists are demanding measures to ensure British troops who served in Northern Ireland cannot face probes into their actions if they have already been investigated. Some MPs have claimed the authorities are pursuing a "witch hunt" against elderly servicemen after recent decisions to prosecute over Troubles crimes. Nationalists have said there should be no hiding place for any suspect, whether military, police or terrorist. Prosecutors have pursued five times more cases surrounding individuals suspected of paramilitary crimes than those involving soldiers in the last five years. Extra money for fresh inquests into controversial killings has been withheld amid discord over a new unit planned to investigate thousands of conflict deaths. The Renewable Heat Incentive The botched green energy scheme is predicted to cost taxpayers up to 490 million over the next 20 years. It caused the collapse of power-sharing after former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in protest and took DUP first minister Arlene Foster with him. The scheme is paying out more than it cost to fuel biomass boilers, prompting allegations of empty sheds being heated. A public inquiry is due to begin hearings after the election. DUP leader Arlene Foster was the minister in charge when the RHI began. She denied any wrongdoing, refused to step aside as First Minister and branded claims she was arrogant as political "smears". Sinn Fein has fought an electoral campaign focusing on promises to clean up "corruption". Corruption claims surrounding the RHI have not been proven. Cross-community voting Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has said that, after his own party, he would vote for the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) ahead of other unionist candidates in the proportional representation election. Mr Nesbitt did not advise other UUP supporters to adopt the same approach. The comments prompted a backlash from some Ulster Unionists fighting for seats in the next Assembly who depend on transfers from other unionists and ridicule from Democratic Unionists. The UUP and SDLP have positioned themselves as an alternative partnership government at Stormont to take the place of the long-standing DUP/Sinn Fein-led coalition. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has not explicitly said he would recommend a second preference for the UUP but urged supporters to back candidates who wanted change and praised Mr Nesbitt's stance. An Irish language act. The campaign for a law giving official protection is a touchstone equality issue for Sinn Fein. Mrs Foster has said more people speak Polish and the DUP withheld support. In 2014, former DUP culture minister Gregory Campbell was barred from addressing the Stormont Assembly for a day for phonetically parodying the language and failing to apologise, beginning a speech with: "Curry my yoghurt can coca coalyer". The Irish sentence "go raibh maith agat, Ceann Comhairle" translates as "thank you, speaker". Leo Varadkar has backed Simon Coveney on the issue and is keen to avoid the row sparking a general election. Photo: Collins Leo Varadkar has backed Simon Coveney, his main rival in the upcoming Fine Gael leadership battle, in rejecting Fianna Fail's demand that water charges be scrapped outright. The Social Protection Minister last night gave his unequivocal support for the principle of charging households for excessive use. Mr Varadkar's backing will be seen as significant as Mr Coveney comes under fire from Opposition TDs for insisting he won't legislate for the total abolition of charges, arguing it would breach EU law. Mr Coveney's remarks were branded "premature, unprecedented and nothing but political" by Fianna Fail's Barry Cowen, coming as it did before the Oireachtas water committee completed its work. Mr Cowen warned the dispute could spark an election. He said Mr Coveney's stance would amount to him tearing up the confidence and supply agreement between the two parties. Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald accused Mr Coveney of intervening "in a most inappropriate manner". However, Mr Coveney stayed firm on his position and last night it was confirmed that the two main contenders to succeed Taoiseach Enda Kenny are united in their opposition to Fianna Fail's demand. A spokesman for Mr Varadkar said he supported charging for excessive use of water. "Average taxpayers should not be expected to pay for other people's misuse of this precious resource," a statement said. Read more: Snap election threat 'if Coveney does not accept water recommendations' - Fianna Fail warns The spokesman also made the point that charges for excess use incentivised the fixing of leaks and provided a revenue stream that could be reinvested in the water network. But Mr Varadkar was also clear that an election should be avoided over the issue. "The people of Ireland don't want an election and nor does Fine Gael," the statement said, adding that Fine Gael wants to work with other parties to "find a solution". Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe also weighed in behind Mr Coveney. Both cited EU law in their argument for why the polluter pays principle - and charges for wasteful use - must be put in place. "The legal advice available outlines that this is not a position compliant with the Water Framework Directive, therefore we cannot support it," Ms Fitzgerald's spokesman said. Mr Donohoe's spokeswoman said "Fine Gael is anxious to work with other parties to find a solution" and referred to the committee process as the means for reaching a compromise. Voters go to the polls in Northern Ireland today for the second time in less than a year. Power-sharing arrangements between the two largest parties at the Stormont Assembly - the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein - collapsed in January. If post-election talks cannot mend tensions between the former coalition partners then direct rule from London is on the cards. An alternative cross-community partnership of the Ulster Unionists and nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) is bidding to wrest control away from the fractious former allies. The DUP and Sinn Fein have fallen out over the unionist party's handling of a botched green energy scheme and a host of other issues. Former first minister Peter Robinson has warned politicians to step back and avert a headlong rush towards the destruction of devolved government. While the vote will not change how Theresa May's Government treats talks to leave the European Union, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could become an issue in how Brexit is introduced. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number returned falling from 108 to 90. A total of 228 candidates are running. Former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in January in protest over the DUP's handling of the massively overspent Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is paying grants to businesses worth more than the cost of running the wood biomass boilers. That forced the dissolution of the institutions, which need nationalists and unionists in government to operate, and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire called a snap election. The next ballot had been due to take place in May 2021 after a poll last May. Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation electoral system. Counting will start during daytime on Friday with the last results not expected until later on Saturday. All the main Stormont parties reduced the number of candidates fielded, in line with the downsized Assembly. The largest party, the DUP, is running 38 - six fewer than last year. Sinn Fein dropped five, from 39 to 34. The UUP has 24 candidates - two fewer than in 2016 - while the SDLP is down three on 21. The Alliance Party nominated 21 Assembly hopefuls, down two. Transport Minister Shane Ross during a Press Briefing at Buswells Hotel, Dublin following a meeting between the Committee on Transport Tourism & Sport & Road Saftey bodies on Road Safety Strategy at Leinster House, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Collins Transport Minister Shane Ross wants someone with "personal experience" of the tragedies on Ireland's roads to serve on the board of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). He was speaking as members of the Irish Road Victims Association backed his plan to crack down on drink-driving. Mr Ross didn't name any individuals but said: "It would be absolutely right to have someone on the board who is committed to road safety in a very personal way." Some rural TDS are resisting his plan to bring in three-month disqualification from the roads for motorists caught with between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in their system. The current punishment is three penalty points and a fine. Mr Ross said it would be "extraordinary" if there was opposition to a measure which was "obviously going to save lives". Among those backing the proposal yesterday were Gillian and Ronan Treacy, whose four-year-old son Ciaran was killed by a drunk driver in 2014. Clerical abuse survivor Marie Collins has resigned from the Catholic Church's Pontifical Commission due to frustration with Vatican officials' resistance. Mrs Collins's shock announcement on Ash Wednesday was a serious blow to Pope Francis's efforts to tackle the abuse crisis within Catholicism and show that the Church was getting its house in order. Mrs Collins was appointed to the commission in 2014 as one of two survivors of clergy sex abuse. Outlining her reasons for resigning to the 'National Catholic Reporter', she said it was "devastating in 2017 to see that these men still can put other concerns before the safety of children and vulnerable adults". Describing their attitude as "unacceptable", she hit out at the reluctance of some in the Curia to implement recommendations or cooperate with the work of a commission whose purpose is to improve the safety of children and vulnerable adults. Last year, at the safeguarding commission's request, Pope Francis instructed all departments in the Vatican to ensure all correspondence from victims/survivors received a response. "I learned in a letter from this particular dicastery last month that they are refusing to do so," Mrs Collins said. She said she found it "impossible to listen to public statements about the deep concern in the Church for the care of those whose lives have been blighted by abuse" and "yet to watch privately as a congregation in the Vatican refuses to even acknowledge their letters". The 70-year-old said it reflected how the whole abuse crisis in the Church has been handled: "With fine words in public and contrary actions behind closed doors." Inset: Cllr Ruth Nolan and Mayor Guss O'Connell "demand answers" about why the council rejected the NAMA homes Councillors are holding a "closed door" meeting to discuss why the council rejected 446 NAMA homes, three months after the figures were first revealed. Independents 4 Change Cllr Ruth Nolan told Independent.ie that the South Dublin County Councillors (SDCC) are holding the private meeting on Friday to discuss the issue. "We as councillors were told nothing about why the council rejected the homes. I first heard about it by reading the local press three months ago," she said. In January, it was revealed that three local authorities where more than 4,500 families are waiting for a home accepted just a handful of social units on offer from Nama. Nama said it had offered city and county councils a total of 6,941 homes for use as social housing, but just 2,378 had been delivered. Read More SDCC had the lowest take up of the four Dublin councils accepting just 21 per cent of the homes offered. It rejected 446 homes in one development in the interests of managing a sustainable community. Ms Nolan said that after reading about the council's decision she and Mayor Guss O'Connell put a motion forward at a council meeting to have a private "closed door" meeting to discuss the issue. "Three months on we demand answers. We were never explained to fully why these homes were rejected. The council said that they rejected the homes because they didn't want concentrated social housing in the area but other options could have been explored. "We're holding the meeting to see why we weren't informed, why there wasn't other options for the homes and to ask where these houses would have been located." Ms Nolan said that the rejected homes could have been used under the affordable housing scheme and the rent-to-buy scheme as well as for social housing. "There were other options. We are looking for an explanation from SDCC." The "closed door" council meeting means that the press and public cannot attend the meeting. Mayor Guss O'Connell said that the meeting is open to the full council to get a "perspective" on what is happening. "We, as elective members, are sitting with the executive to show the urgency of the housing situation. It's open to all councillors to bring urgency to the housing matter and for the executive to tell us what's happening." Mr O'Connell said it's not "unusual" to have a closed meeting and that is necessary to "get answers". "We often have both closed door meetings and open meetings to ask the hard questions and get straight answers. Closed meetings are a fairly normal event." It is the ultimate fear of parents of teenage girls under the age of 17. Will their daughter be lured into an abusive sexual relationship by an older man? The issue of child grooming has come to the fore after it cropped up in a storyline in Coronation Street. The TV3 soap currently features a 16-year-old character, Bethany Platt, who is groomed by an older man, Nathan Curtis, and ends up in bed with him. While the episodes have shocked and disturbed many viewers, child welfare agencies have praised the writers of the soap for raising the issue and presenting an accurate portrait of how abusers groom their victims. Mary Flaherty, chief executive of CARI, which counsels Irish child abuse victims, says: "I think it is good that an issue like this is featured on Coronation Street, because it raises public awareness of an issue that is often hidden from view." Ms Flaherty says the programme can help to dispel some of the myths around child grooming. In the past, people tended to think of the perpetrator as a much older man, the uncle-type character in a shabby raincoat. In practice, many men who lure girls into exploitative relationships are in their twenties. Before making these episodes, the writers of Coronation Street consulted with the National Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in the UK. They spoke to a woman called Lucie, who shared her experiences of sexual exploitation. Lucie met a man through social media when he began chatting to her about school and her life. This took a terrifying turn when she was just 12 and he began sexually abusing her. According to the NSPCC, grooming occurs when a predatory individual builds an emotional connection with a child, with a view to gaining their trust for sexual purposes. The perpetrator can be a stranger or someone they know, and the grooming can happen online or in person. Teenagers often do not understand that they have been groomed, or that what has happened is abuse. The perpetrators may spend a long time gaining a child's trust. They may even win the trust of an entire family in order to be allowed time alone with a child. In a lot of cases, they build a rapport with the child by offering them praise and giving them presents. In Coronation Street, Nathan brings Bethany under his control by showering her with gifts. In other cases, the groomers may develop a relationship with a child by posing as someone of a similar age. In a recent case before the Irish courts, a 26-year-old man was convicted of grooming a teenager online by posing as a 13-year-old girl. The man, from Ballycullen, Co Dublin, set up a profile as a girl called 'Julie' on a website. After he started chatting to his 15-year-old victim, he introduced himself as Julie's older brother 'Adam', and paid for the girl to get a taxi to his house where they had sex. Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, former chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, says parents need to be up to speed on who their teenage children are contacting online. She welcomed the fact that new legislation creates an offence targeting child sexual grooming on the internet. Typically in cases that have come before the Irish courts, the defendants have been men in their twenties. Once they have established trust, groomers will exploit the relationship by isolating the child from friends or family, and making the child feel dependent on them.Sometimes groomers blackmail the child, or make them feel ashamed or guilty, to stop them telling anyone about the abuse. Ms Flaherty adds that the internet has bred a level of openness and risk that people would not dream of taking in the real world. This was highlighted by a case outlined by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) to an Oireachtas committee last week. It involved two 14-year-olds who sent pictures of themselves in underwear to a man they met online. The man threatened to make the photos public unless they sent more images. The pair did not want to tell anybody about it and were too terrified to go to gardai. They even contemplated suicide. Ms Flaherty says parents can lessen the danger of grooming by keeping lines of communication open with their children. "If they are watching Coronation Street and a topic like grooming comes up, that is an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about it," she says. "You can warn them to be careful and treat what is happening online like the real world, but let them know that if they ever get into difficulty, they can talk about it." 8 Tips to help with raising teen girls In her book Untangled, psychologist Lisa Damour offers advice to parents guiding their teenagers through the transition to adulthood. 1. Its not about you So often, parents feel that adolescence is something their daughter is doing to them. Teenagers become more private, obsessed with their friends and fairly emotional. If parents dont take all these changes personally, things go much better. 2. Be present Teenagers want their parents around physically but it doesnt necessarily mean that they want to interact with them. Dont underestimate the value of simply being present. 3. Pick up unhappy signals Girls will not always say directly that they are being bullied. They might say there is a drama in the class, and may even reject help. Often just complaining to a parent gives teenagers the relief they need. 4. Help define popularity Teenagers use the word popular to describe two different types of peers. They use it for people who are pleasant and kind but also to describe those who garner social power. Encourage friendship with the first type of girl. 5. Let them bounce back Teenage girls can become overwhelmed and frustrated. The first thing is not to over-react. Help them to fall back on their coping mechanisms. It could just be taking a shower or watching their favourite movie. 6. Digital downtime It is too easy to say that teenagers are obsessed with their phones. At the same time we have to help them to create some downtime. You could insist on no phones after 9pm. 7. Create social media literacy As girls are looking at carefully-crafted selfies that their peers are putting up, it is helpful to ask questions. Encourage them to think about how much time someone they know took over a picture and ask what they were trying to accomplish. 8. Be a role model What we do has so much more influence than what we say when it comes to drink and drugs. Conversations around drinking and drugs should centre around the idea of self care, rather than talking about rules and laws. As Eating Disorder Awareness Week rolls around for another year, we are once again reminded of the statistics: an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland are currently suffering from an eating disorder. Yet, the figures do not take into account the many parents and other carers who are fighting a daily battle to help their loved ones through recovery. These people do not seek or need awareness, rather they need knowledge, support and better services for their loved ones. Dublin woman Paula Crotty is one such person. Her journey began three years ago when she first noticed signs that her 20-year-old daughter was developing an eating disorder. "A few months before we realised she had a problem, she had said that her mood was low and she had gone to her GP. When we realised she was having trouble with an eating disorder, we talked to her but the decision to get help had to be hers as she was over 18," she explains. Expand Close Jacqueline Campion and her mother Marie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jacqueline Campion and her mother Marie Paula's daughter (now 23) sought treatment and was later admitted as an inpatient in a public hospital in Dublin. After almost a year, she was discharged and the family were told by hospital staff that they had done all that they could to help her. However, concerned that her daughter was still critically unwell, Paula and her family fought to get the treatment that she required in the Vincent's Square Eating Disorder Centre in London where she remained for 10 months. "We went to visit her at least every other week. We had family therapy and meetings with the medical team. It put a lot of extra strain on the family but we felt like something had been done. She didn't come back better but she certainly came back stronger," she says. For Paula, getting this specialist help was the difference between life and death for her daughter, who is still taking each day as it comes but is now home and back in university. "The services in Ireland are extremely limited," she says. "People are dying every year as a result of eating disorders. If I were relying on the healthcare system here, my daughter would have been one of them a year and a half ago." Paula added that it is extremely important for parents in similar situations to look after themselves and communicate honestly with their other children. Recent figures from the national eating disorder association Bodywhys show that 47pc of calls come from concerned parents and friends, while 16pc of emails come from the same group. However, carers come in many forms. "Eating disorders don't discriminate. They affect everyone from every background, sex, race or age," says Trish Shiel, clinical manager of the Eating Disorder Centre Cork (EDCC). "We've had mothers with grown children; we have people coming with their partners." Trish recommends the same approach for all carers: have compassion and try to understand the illness. "The most important thing is to get as much education as you can on it," she says. "You also need to separate your loved one from the illness so that you aren't seeing the behaviour as the person. This is a full-blown mental health condition. The person may be functioning but they are still going through an incredibly difficult time. "Carers also really need to mind themselves... A carer can become obsessed with the illness and burn out." When a carer becomes invested in a person's recovery, it can often cause conflict within a family. Debbie Howard (34) from Bangor, Co Down, has witnessed this, both on a personal level and in her role as a psychotherapist specialising in eating disorders. "I had an eating disorder when I was younger and the services here were pretty awful at the time. I was treated in London as an outpatient. I would fly over every Wednesday for therapy," she explains. "Throughout all of that time, my mum and dad had nowhere to go. They had no idea what to do with me... They would shout or beg or plead or try to do anything because they were so scared." The feeling of fear among carers is understandable. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. However, despite reality, Debbie says it's important not to be forceful. "The more you force things, the more you are pushing them away," she says. "I would bring it up by saying 'you don't seem like yourself'. Then they might think, 'maybe I could talk to them about this as they are not shouting and judging and telling me what to do'." In light of her own journey, Debbie also advises carers to help their loved one to find a therapist that they are comfortable with, saying that this is what saved her. Years after her own recovery and after she became a psychotherapist, Debbie and her family discovered a programme in London for carers known as the New Maudsley Model. This skills-based programme is used worldwide to help carers understand eating disorders and support their loved ones. They received training from the facilitators and began to offer the course through their Caring About Recovery from Eating Disorders (CARED) organisation. Though based in Northern Ireland, CARED can facilitate courses throughout the country. "The courses help carers to think about and treat the illness in a different way," says Debbie, who is chairperson of CARED. "If their loved one had cancer would you shout and scream if a tumour isn't shrinking quick enough?" Just as cancer takes many forms, so too do eating disorders. Despite having suffered from an eating disorder herself and working with clients with eating disorders as a therapist, nothing could prepare Marie Campion (62) for her daughter Jacqueline's illness. "It is very different to be a therapist and a parent," says Marie, founder of the Marino Therapy Centre. "As a parent, you go straight to denial first." Marie also wondered if she had influenced Jacqueline's eating disorder. However, instead of blaming herself, she applied the techniques that helped her own recovery, encouraging her daughter to talk about her feelings and reassuring her that recovery is possible. "This language of freedom is about teaching the person that they don't have to always live with the illness. It's about believing in recovery," she says. She adds that it is important to understand that disordered eating is a symptom of an internal distress, rather than the primary issue. Now fully recovered and working as an eating disorder therapist alongside her mother, Jacqueline (27) credits this language of freedom as a huge influence in her recovery. "The reassurance from my parents that this illness was temporary really helped me," she says. When Marie was unwell over two decades ago, she was told that she would have to cope with her illness for life. "Nowadays people are still told that. We constantly talk about awareness. Everyone knows what eating disorders are. What we really need is awareness about recovery," she says. Through their work at the Marino Therapy Centre, Marie and Jacqueline aim to spread this message. Meanwhile, others are also helping improve the situation. Bodywhys continues to offer support and group therapy, both to carers and those experiencing an eating disorder. In collaboration with University College Cork, EDCC recently completed a study on GPs' knowledge of eating disorders and the findings will be published later this year. Inspired by her own family's experience, Paula has organised for eating disorder expert Gill Todd to come to Ireland in April to hold an updated version of the New Maudsley workshop. Supported by Bodywhys, if successful, it is hoped that they will adopt and run the course regularly. "I encourage anyone in the same situation to come along, meet other parents and carers and know that they're not alone," says Paula. The Gill Todd New Maudsley Workshop will take place in the Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown, on April 1 and 2. For more details, email newmaudsleyworkshop@gmail.com Bodywhys: 1890 200 444 (helpline); bodywhys.ie CARED NI: 07999 901 936; email caringaboutrecovery@gmail.com; caredni.org Eating Disorder Centre Cork: 021 453 9900; eatingdisordercentrecork.ie Marino Therapy Centre, Drumcondra: 01 857 6901; marinotherapycentre.com Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says he has held proper talks for strengthening ties with Pakistan and Turkey during his recent visit to Islamabad. Saying that the member states of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) are determined to expand ties, President Rouhani added that he discussed broadening ties with Pakistan and Turkey leaders during his recent visit to Islamabad to attend the ECO summit, Mehr news agency reported. Mentioning that wide opportunities exist for expansion of ties between Iran and the members of the ECO, the Present further called for cooperation in fight against terrorism. He made the remarks at his arrival in Tehran following the visit last night. According to media reports, Rouhani and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed protecting the territorial integrity of Syria at a meeting on the sidelines of ECO summit. The regional economic summit in Pakistan concluded on March 1 calling for cooperation in tackling terrorism and push for greater collaboration in areas of trade, energy and infrastructure development. We're all trying to get more of it and now it turns out sex could be the answer. Yes, according to an expert in the field, getting busy between the sheets can help you get more and better sleep. Dr Michele Lastella, a sleep researcher at Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science at Central Queensland University in Australia, spends his time looking into the way the body recovers. He told Australian news site SBS that his investigations into the link between sleep and sex show that the latter can help improve the former: From our preliminary data it appears that over 60 per cent of people indicate that their sleep improves after sex that is with a partner and involves an orgasm. The only problem? As Dr Lastella delicately puts it, there can be an imbalance between the rate of orgasm among men and women in heterosexual relationships. "On average men take between seven 14 minutes to reach orgasm by all methods of stimulation, but average two three minutes after initiating intercourse. Women on the other hand take between 10 20 minutes to reach orgasm." The research is the latest in a long line of academic studies which claim to have found a link between an active sex life and better general health. So, here are seven other reasons why you can go home this evening and tell your other half that you should both get frisky, for the good of your own bodies. It could make you look younger Expand Close Sex could make you look younger / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sex could make you look younger In 2013, Dr David Weeks, former head of old age psychology at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, told a British Psychological Society conference that his research showed that men and women who have an active sex life look between five and seven years younger than their actual age. "Sexual satisfaction is a major contributor to quality of life, ranking at least as high as spiritual or religious commitment," Dr Weeks said. It could prevent you having a heart attack Expand Close Sex could prevent you having a heart attack / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sex could prevent you having a heart attack In 2010 scientists at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts published the results of a 16-year study, the Massachusetts Male Ageing Study, which analysed over 1000 men. The study found that men who had sex at least twice a week were up to 45 per cent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than men who have sex less than once a month. Researchers said the benefits of sex could be due to both the physical and emotional effects on the body. It could boost your immune system Researchers at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, found that people who have sex once or twice a week receive a boost to their immune system which could help ward off colds and flu. In the 1999 study, scientists measured levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antigen found in saliva, and found a 30pc increase in IgA levels in those who had regular sex. However, Clifford Lowell, an immunologist at the University of California, warned that: "Sexually active people may be exposed to many more infectious agents than sexually non-active people." It could improve your brain function Expand Close Sex could improve your brain function / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sex could improve your brain function In March 2013 scientists at the University of Pavia, Italy published the results of research which suggested that people who have regular sex, especially those in new relationships, displayed an increase in cranial nerve growth, crucial to mental alertness. The findings were supported by a separate study of male rats by scientists at Princeton University. Researchers divided the rats into two groups - one of which had its sexual activity severely limited - and found that the rats which mated more often displayed increased nerve growth. It could reduce your risk of prostate cancer In 2014, researchers at the University of Montreal published the results of a study which found that men who had slept with more than 20 women lowered their risk of developing prostate cancer by almost a third, and were 19 per cent less likely to develop the most aggressive form of the disease. The study looked at more than 3,200 men over a four year period. Those who had more sexual intercourse were found to be less likely to develop prostate cancer. It could make you less stressed at work In 2006 researchers at the University of Paisley, Scotland, found that individuals who had more sex were better at dealing with stress. The study examined 22 men and 24 women over a two week period and found that those who had regular sex exhibited less of an increase in blood pressure when placed in stressful situations such as public speaking. It could provide you with a full body workout Expand Close Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' According to recent research, sending a text uses 38 muscles, sprinting for a bus puts 99 into action, and having sex calls on 657 that's all the muscles in the human body. Physiotherapist and muscle anatomy expert Mike Aunger said: "In the bedroom, every muscle matters. All your skeletal muscles are essential for movement, no matter how vigorous; all your autonomous (involuntary) smooth muscles play a ceaseless role in digestion, respiration, circulation and bodily function; and of course your cardiac muscles are integral for pumping blood into all the right places. The only caveat? You have to do it right. "Ideally it should last more than 30 minutes," said Aunger. "45 minutes would probably be better." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Premium Dan O'Brien Opinion While we catastrophise about Covid, we ignore risk of running out of cash We Irish view the world in an increasingly strange and unhealthy way. We catastrophise about Covid in a way other European countries do not. We focus on how bad the effects of the virus could get, on how many more restrictions might be imposed by Government and how helpless we are in the face of the virus. March is likely to see at least four key Brexit battles, whose outcome will frame the next two years of negotiations as Britain and the remaining 27 EU members wrangle over their future relationship. Here's the rundown: The House of Lords British Prime Minister Theresa May would undoubtedly prefer Brexit to be underway by March 25, when the remaining members of the bloc will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which started the process of European integration. Dissident lawmakers in the House of Lords, however, are working to attach amendments to the current withdrawal bill and that could drag on for long enough to threaten the timetable. Michael Heseltine, a former deputy prime minister for the Conservative Party, wants an amendment that demands parliament gets a final vote on whatever deal is reached during the negotiations. Here's what Mr Heseltine had to say about the UK government's authority to quit the EU that derives from the June referendum: "Should that authority have any time limit or be in any way influenced by the outcome of the unpredictable negotiations? Both questions demand an affirmative answer for me." While the House of Commons has the ultimate authority, the House of Lords, where Mr Heseltine now sits, can certainly cause enough mischief to delay the process as it debates the bill this week. Last night, for example, Mrs May's government was defeated after the House of Lords said ministers must guarantee the right of EU nationals to remain in Britain after Brexit. However, MPs will be able to reverse the Lords' changes when the bill returns to the House of Commons. But, who knows, members of parliament might decide they quite like the amendments proposed by their unelected peers, even though they passed the bill unadorned in its first passage through their chamber. With former prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair both making recent speeches calling for those opposed to Brexit to make their objections known, there's a slim chance that MPs could be emboldened. Access For Financial Services Earlier this year, the UK banking community gave up on the idea of retaining the so-called passporting regime that allows 5,500 financial firms based in the UK to sell services across the bloc. Instead, its hopes lie with an inferior arrangement called equivalence, designed to allow countries whose laws and regulatory authorities are deemed sufficiently robust to trade financial services with EU members. But equivalence is a poor cousin of passporting; the rules were not designed to cope with a huge financial centre operating on the EU's doorstep, and would need to be revised to cope with the new reality. And politics is likely to play a big role in limiting how much latitude the EU gives to the UK financial sector. The 'Financial Times' said it had obtained an EU document proposing to tighten up the equivalence rules, including "continuous follow-up monitoring" of the regime, "on-site" inspections of firms including "effective access" to their data and the right to withdraw the status in the event of "contrary developments". Paris, Luxembourg, Germany and Dublin are actively bidding to take business away from London. Once Mrs May triggers Article 50, moves to circumscribe the boundaries of trading and settlement of euro-denominated securities so that they only happen inside the eurozone will rapidly accelerate. Those banks that have been debating leaving the UK are likely to start implementing their relocation plans. If that happens, the impact won't just be felt in the city itself; about two-thirds of the country's 2.2 million finance workers are located outside of the capital, and more than half of the 176bn (205.2bn) that the industry contributes to the economy comes from outside London. Scottish Independence Bid It's not just in the corridors of Brussels that Mrs May faces political fights. At home, she's bracing for Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to call a second referendum on independence. That call would coincide with the formal notification of leaving the EU, according to reports. While most polls have shown Scots still opposed to leaving, by the same 45-to-55pc margin that prevailed in the 2014 plebiscite, a BMG survey for the Scottish 'Herald' newspaper published on February 8 showed that margin narrowing; with just 51pc in favour of staying within the UK and 49pc wanting to leave. The fact that 62pc of Scotland voted to remain in the EU gives Ms Sturgeon ammunition. A referendum on Scottish independence, though, is in Mrs May's gift rather than being Mrs Sturgeon's right; the prime minister's reluctance to accede to a plebiscite risks sparking a domestic political fight. The Cost Of Exiting Last week, Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern became the first EU leader to publicly identify how big the bill will be for leaving the bloc. "The cheque should be around 60bn, that's what the European Commission has calculated and this will be part of the negotiations," Mr Kern said in a TV interview. The cost includes past and existing pledges to the EU budget and projects, as well as pension obligations to civil servants. UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox has dismissed the charge as "absurd". Nevertheless, Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, is likely to present Mrs May with that bill as the first order of business once she's formally notified the bloc. Mr Barnier can try to hold discussions over the rest of the Brexit agenda hostage to Britain agreeing to settle its exit bill. So far, Brexit has been more a mantra, and a symbol of a movement, than a reality. That's about to change. Channing Tatum is co-starring in a new version of Ron Howard's 1984 movie Splash Actress Jillian Bell has admitted she is worried about the response from die-hard fans to her remake of classic 80s film Splash. The US comedian will star opposite Channing Tatum in a new version of Ron Howard's 1984 movie, which featured Tom Hanks alongside Daryl Hannah as a woman who is secretly a mermaid. In a twist on the original film, Bell will play Hanks's character in the remake and Tatum will take on the role of the mermaid. It follows the decision to cast an all-female line-up in last year's Ghostbusters reboot, which starred Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, and was met by criticism from some fans of the original male quartet. Asked if she was worried about a repeat of the criticism for swapping the roles, Bell told the Press Association: "I worry about it just because there are a lot of remakes. I think people fall in love with these movies when they're younger and they worry about people remaking it. "We're sort of re-imagining it so I think it will be different." Bell said the script was still being written for the remake, which has yet to be given a release date. "I'm so psyched it's happening," she added. "I thought Channing would be so funny. I think he's great at playing roles like that. He wanted to play a role where he's discovering the world for the first time. "I thought that would be a fun role for him." Bell's latest comedy film, Fist Fight, stars Ice Cube and Charlie Day as teachers planning an an after-school fight. Fist Fight is released in UK cinemas on Friday. BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 28: Actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arrive at The ReelzChannel World premiere of 'The Kennedys' at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on March 28, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. Katie has taken a very hands on role with her daughter since splitting with Tom Cruise earlier in the year. Suri Cruise (L) and actress Katie Holmes speak on stage at the 2015 Global Citizen Festival to end extreme poverty by 2030 in Central Park on September 26, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen) Suri Cruise and mother Katie Holmes pose backstage at the hit musical "Finding Neverland" on Broadway at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre on July 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) Suri Cruise (R) and Katie Holmes attend a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) Actress Katie Holmes is keen to step away from acting to direct full time, because she's convinced the switch will help her daughter live a more stable childhood. The Batman Begins star made her feature film directorial debut with 2016's All We Had and reveals she has big plans to take charge of more movies. "For now I like acting and directing," Tom Cruise's ex tells Town and Country magazine. "Eventually I'll just direct." "It's been something that has come to me over time," she adds. "I've been acting for about 20 years now, and in the last few years I've become more confident and gotten more interested in storytelling as a whole. Expand Close Suri Cruise and mother Katie Holmes pose backstage at the hit musical "Finding Neverland" on Broadway at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre on July 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Suri Cruise and mother Katie Holmes pose backstage at the hit musical "Finding Neverland" on Broadway at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre on July 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) "Also, I've been feeling inspired to put my point of view out there. It's scary, but the process of it is something I really love." Katie also enjoys directing because it gives her more quality time with her daughter, Suri. "This business is so unstable, and you never really know where you're going to be," she says. "The thing about directing is I can say I have this window and that's when we're getting it done. "My child is the most important person to me, and her upbringing is paramount to my work right now. It's very important that I'm present and she has a stable, innocent childhood. I feel so blessed to do what I do, but there's nothing in the world better than watching your child succeed." Expand Close Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise and Suri / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise and Suri And the 38-year-old is looking forward to the next phase in her life. "This is a whole new chapter in my life," she continues. "I really have to give in to that and not rush it." Video of the Day Mokhtar Belmokhtar the one-eyed al-Qaeda leader thought to have been killed in 2016, was believed to be alive and leading the remnants of Isil forces who escaped a Libyan offensive to retake Sirte last year. ISIL is regrouping in southern Libya with the support of al-Qa'ida and preparing for further attacks spearheaded by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, one of the world's most wanted men, according to the country's defence minister. The alliance in Libya of the two most dangerous terrorist groups is at odds with the public animosity between the leaderships of al-Qa'ida and Isil. Ayman Al Zawahiri, the head of al-Qa'ida, recently made a blistering public attack on Isil's brutal methods and propaganda, branding them "liars". But in Libya, fighters from the two groups are "actively cooperating", according to Mahdi Barghathi, the defence minister in the UN-backed government in Tripoli. "Isil and al-Qa'ida have never attacked each other here and now we have evidence that they are actively co-operating," Mr Barghathi said. "Al-Qa'ida is providing logistics and support to help Isil regroup and launch attacks." Mr Barghathi said that Belmokhtar, the one-eyed al-Qa'ida leader thought to have been killed in 2016, was believed to be alive and leading the remnants of Isil forces who escaped a Libyan offensive to retake Sirte last year. Belmokhtar became one of the world's most wanted men after he led an attack on an Algerian gas plant in 2013, in which six Britons were among 37 Western hostages killed. He was rumoured to have been killed in a French air strike in eastern Libya but his body was never recovered. "Based on our intelligence, I believe he is alive and is the guiding force behind the reforming of Isil and al-Qa'ida terrorist operations," said Mr Barghathi. A Libyan military intelligence report, seen by this reporter, said that up to 700 Isil terrorists had regrouped in the valleys and desert areas south of the city of Bani Walid. An estimated 3,000 terrorist fighters from different groups, including al-Qa'ida, are believed to be operating in Libya. The report said terrorists were financing themselves from illegal immigration to Europe and gold smuggling. Small 20-man terrorist units travel the country undetected along service roads that run alongside hundreds of miles of the Great Manmade River. Sources in Bani Walid named five senior Isil fighters who had fled from Sirte and been seen in the city. One resident said: "The local security forces don't do anything about them because they are scared to cause trouble." ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] File photo dated 01/02/07 of San Carlos in the Falkland Islands, as Britain and Argentina have agreed to work together to remove restrictions on shipping, fishing and the oil and gas industry affecting the Falklands, the Foreign Office has said. Argentina says Brazil has allowed several RAF flights to operate between Brazilian airports and the Falkland Islands in a breach of agreements between the South American countries. Argentina lost a brief but bloody war with the UK after Argentine troops invaded the South Atlantic archipelago in 1982. The Argentine foreign ministry said in a statement that it is "concerned" about six flights last year and 12 in 2015. The ministry said it has requested an explanation from the Brazilian government. Brazil's foreign ministry said a statement on the matter was being prepared. Argentina claims the islands it calls Las Malvinas, but the UK says the Falklands are a self-governing entity under its protection. Argentina reminded Brazil of its commitment "to not allow British airplanes or warships based in the disputed archipelagos" in accordance with agreements among member nations of the regional blocs Mercosur and Unasur. "The Brazilian foreign ministry reaffirmed its support to our country on this issue and said that it was unaware of these flights," the Argentine statement said. The war over the islands killed 649 Argentines and 255 UK soldiers. During her eight years in power, former Argentine president Cristina Fernandez tried to pressure the UK into sovereignty talks by turning away British ships, encouraging companies to divest from Britain and raising other trade barriers. Tensions have eased since pro-business President Mauricio Macri took office last year promising a less-confrontational stance. In the biggest breakthrough in decades, the UK and Argentina announced last year that they would work to remove restrictions in the oil, fishing and shipping industries affecting the Falklands. They also agreed to increase the number of flights between the islands and Argentina. The Falklands are internally self-governing, but the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. Argentina claims Britain has illegally occupied the islands since 1833. Britain disputes that and says Argentina is ignoring the wishes of its 3,000 residents who want to remain British. AP An Irish missionary nun has been injured in an assault at a convent in the Philippines, it has been reported. According to the Sun Star the victim was serving at the San Jose Parish Church in Midsalip town in the Zamboanga region when the attack took place. Zamboanga del Sur Police Director Sofronio Ecaldre told the newspaper that the victim was about to close the window of the convent shortly before 9.30pm last night when she was attacked by an unidentified person. Mr Ecaldre said the nun told them that the man, who was wearing a mask, tried to cover her mouth and punched her in the face and chest. She sustained multiple injuries and fell to the ground unconscious. The police officer said the victim was hospitalised. The investigation is ongoing to identify the person responsible for the attack. A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said this morning: "We are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance through our Honorary Consulate in Manila and the Embassy in Singapore which is accredited to the Philippines." Independent.ie has contacted the Filipino police. New Zealand has created the dream job interview. The tech industry in the city of Wellington is looking to recruit tech experts from around the world and they are offering a free holiday to the country for anyone who can prove their merit. The programme called Looksee Wellington a partnership between the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) and Workhere New Zealand, a business specialising in global recruitment marketing will host 100 lucky candidates and pay for all theirs flights and accommodation. In exchange, applicants will be required to appear for pre-arranged job interviews with leading tech companies in the city. Candidates will also have to participate in meet-ups and explorations around the city. Companies will make offers to the best candidates at the end of the week. Applicants have until 20 March to submit their resumes and the trip and interviews will take place in New Zealand from 8 to11 May. The organisation will also host informational events to help potential immigrants understand the process of moving to the country. Other companies have gone to similarly great lengths to attract the talents they need. Last year, Netflix was on the hunt for four new talents or Grammsters to take pictures on the sets of its most popular shows for two weeks. Grammsters were promised a salary of $2,000 a week, while the company handles all travel arrangements. Facebook also reportedly reimburses interview travel expenses regardless of whether the candidate gets the job. Jeff Sessions was an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate (AP) US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has said he will step aside from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Mr Sessions faced mounting pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to withdraw after revelations that he had twice talked with Moscow's US envoy during the presidential campaign. Mr Sessions's conversations with the ambassador seem to contradict his sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. The Justice Department said there was nothing improper about the meetings and Mr Sessions insisted he never met Russian officials to discuss the campaign. Mr Sessions said this week he would recuse himself - or step aside - when appropriate. When attorneys general have recused themselves in the past, investigations were handled by lower-ranking but still senior political appointees within the Justice Department. Mr Sessions rejected any suggestion that he tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying: "That is not my intent. That is not correct." The attorney general said he made his decision after his staff recommended that he recuse himself from any investigation related to the Trump campaign, since he had been involved in that campaign. Mr Sessions added that his announcement "should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation", The White House has stood behind Mr Sessions, though officials said they first learned about his contacts with the ambassador from a reporter on Wednesday night. President Donald Trump said he had "total" confidence in him and did not think he needed to step aside from the investigation. The Justice Department has maintained there was nothing improper about Mr Sessions's contacts or his answers to Congress, while the continuing allegations of Russian interference in American politics spurred Democratic calls for Mr Sessions not only to recuse himself but to resign. He has faced increasing demands that he resolve the seeming contradiction between his two conversations in the summer and autumn with Moscow's US envoy, Sergey Kislyak, and his sworn statements to Congress in January, when he said he had not had communications with Russians during the campaign. Calling for him to resign, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi accused him of "lying under oath". Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a special prosecutor should be appointed to examine whether the federal investigation into the Kremlin's meddling in the US election - and into possible contacts between Trump associates and Russians - had been compromised by Mr Sessions. Democrats also sought a criminal perjury investigation. "If there was nothing wrong, why don't you just tell the truth?" Mr Schumer said. Sessions's testimony "was definitely extremely misleading to say the least", he added. More than a half dozen Republican lawmakers, including some who consider themselves personally close to Mr Sessions, urged him to recuse himself from the Justice Department probe. They included Senator Tom Cole of Oklahoma, who said that though he found it impossible to believe that Mr Sessions could have colluded with Russia, "if there is an investigation, he probably shouldn't be the person leading it". AP Mr Sessions told a news conference he did not intend to mislead but he "should have slowed down and said 'but I did meet with one Russian official a couple of times'". Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle any matters related to the investigation. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Irans Foreign Ministry has summoned Danish Ambassador to Tehran Danny Annan to express the Islamic Republics strong protest over an assault on Iran's Embassy in Copenhagen, the ministrys spokesman Bahram Qasemi said. The Foreign Ministry's director for Northern and Eastern Europe affairs conveyed the Islamic Republics strong protest to Danish diplomat over the attack on Iran's Embassy in Copenhagen by six Iranian dissidents on March 1 evening, Qasemi said without providing further details about the incident, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported March 2. The Foreign Ministrys senior official further criticized the Danish governments laxity in ensuring the security of the Iranian Embassy and its staff members, calling on Danish officials to seriously and responsibly deal with the perpetrators and report the results, Qasemi added. Annan, for his part, voiced deep regret over the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable, according to Qasemi. Annan pledged to relay Iran's protest to his government as soon as possible, and notify Iranian authorities of the outcome. Qasemi said the attack on Irans Embassy in Copenhagen, the second in less than two months, puts the will and determination of the Danish government to prevent the attacks under question, adding that this can damage the growing relations between the two countries and certainly will be responded appropriately. Former Countdown host Richard Whiteley with his co-presenter Carol Vorderman in 2005. Photo credit should rea: Yui Mok/PA Ricky Tomlinson has claimed that Richard Whiteley, best known for presenting afternoon gameshow 'Countdown' for more than 20 years, was a member of the British intelligence services. Tomlinson, who appeared alongside Caroline Aherne in sitcom 'The Royle Family', made the startling claim in an interview with the 'Chester Chronicle' as he opened a pub in the city. Expand Close Ricky Tomlinson has claimed presenter Richard Whiteley was a member of the intelligence services. Photo: Stephen Perry / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ricky Tomlinson has claimed presenter Richard Whiteley was a member of the intelligence services. Photo: Stephen Perry In 1972, Tomlinson, a former plasterer, helped to organise the first national building workers' strike in Britain. He was jailed in 1973, along with his 'Shrewsbury Two' partner Des Warren, after being found guilty of conspiracy to intimidate, unlawful assembly and affray, following altercations at a construction site. The actor believes that the jury's decision to convict him may have been swayed by an ITV documentary that was aired on the day they retired to deliver their verdict. The documentary, 'Red Under the Bed', featured Warren and Tomlinson and was presented by the late Whiteley and former politician Woodrow Wyatt, who died in 1997. Tomlinson said: "We found out this week that the film was designed, written, made and paid for by the security services. Woodrow Wyatt was a member of the security services and unbelievably so was Richard Whiteley who hosted the show. Richard Whiteley from 'Countdown' was a member of the intelligence services." Whiteley died in 2005. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] The conservative candidate Francois Fillon faced further calls to quit yesterday after vowing to pursue his campaign for the French presidency, despite a deepening investigation into whether he paid his wife 900,000 for a fictitious job. Both Mr Fillon and his British wife Penelope face a summons later this month that could lead to them being charged. Mr Fillon labelled the case an attempted "political assassination" that had been "biased from the start". But centrist Union des Democrates et Independants allies said they were "suspending" support pending a decision on whether to pull out next week. Catherine Vautrin, vice-president of his Les Republicains party in parliament, urged Mr Fillon to stand down in favour or "another candidate". Pierre Lellouche, right-wing MP in Paris, meanwhile, said Mr Fillon had "reached a point of no return", and called for the election to be put off until a replacement could be found. Last Friday, three judges took over an investigation centred on whether Mrs Fillon was paid for an allegedly fictitious role as assistant to her husband and his successor in parliament. She had previously told a reporter: "I have never been his assistant." Speaking from the Paris headquarters of his centre-right party yesterday, Mr Fillon confirmed he had been summoned on March 15 in view of being placed under formal investigation - one step short of being charged. Judicial sources said that Welsh-born Mrs Fillon has also been summoned. 'Le Monde' said she would be questioned on March 18. Despite previously pledging to stand down if charged, Mr Fillon said: "I won't surrender. I won't give in. I won't withdraw, I will go all the way. Yes I will be presidential candidate." Denying he had misused and misappropriated public funds or peddled influence, Mr Fillon claimed that the investigation had been "biased against me from the start", and that it was unprecedented for judges to summon someone for charges so soon after receiving the dossier of the case. Until last week, a financial prosecutor was handling the Fillon inquiry. The magistrates now handling the case have more powers to investigate, including tapping phones or placing suspects under house arrest. Mr Fillon made it clear he would plough on with his campaign. "Only universal suffrage and not a biased probe against me can decide who will be the next French president," he said. His attack on judicial impartiality prompted President Francois Hollande to respond: "Being a presidential candidate doesn't authorise you to cast suspicion on the work of police and judges... or to make extremely grave accusations against the justice system." The affair has seen Mr Fillon lose ground in opinion polls, with the latest suggesting he stands to be eliminated by Front National candidate Marine Le Pen and independent rival Emmanuel Macron in the first round of the election on April 23. Mr Macron is polling to win in the run-off on May 7. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Li Yinglei (inset) disappeared during a Mediterranean cruise with her husband and two young children. Credit: Facebook MYSTERY AT SEA: IT consultant Daniel Belling and his wife Li Yinglei, who vanished during a family cruise in the Med on board the MSC Magnifica Picture: Kyran O'Brien The mother of a woman missing from a luxury cruise ship said she discovered the bad news from a friend who could read English. Yinglei Li's mother said her friend read an article in English on the internet and informed her that her daughter was missing, her son-in-law had been arrested and her two grandchildren were in care in Italy. Dublin-based IT consultant Daniel Belling (45) is now in prison on suspicion of murdering his wife during the Mediterranean cruise. He said he believes she is still alive and is either in Dublin or her native China. He said he last saw Li Yinglei when their ship docked on the Greek island of Katakolon. When he returned to the vessel after an outing with his sons, she had gone, along with her suitcase and her mobile phone, he claimed. Mr Belling's lawyer, Luigi Conti, told the Sunday Independent yesterday that his client did not kill his wife. He said Ms Yinglei was a missing person and the international police agency Interpol was obliged to search for her. Expand Close Li Yinglei (inset) disappeared during a Mediterranean cruise with her husband and two young children. Credit: Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Li Yinglei (inset) disappeared during a Mediterranean cruise with her husband and two young children. Credit: Facebook Efforts are now being made to repatriate the two children who are currently in the care of Italian social services. "Neither her husband Daniel or the investigators told me that my daughter was missing from the ship... " she said. "I was told by someone who speaks English and read an article on the internet." She said she last spoke to her daughter on February 7, before they embarked on the cruise holiday. "I don't know what to say. I hope we can shine a light on this," she added. Disappearance Mr Belling, who is originally from Germany, made international headlines last Thursday when he was arrested at an Italian airport as he was about to board a plane home to Ireland after his wife vanished from the luxury cruise. The couple, who live in Clare Hall in Dublin, had set off on an 11-day cruise with their two children aboard the MSC Magnifica. The ship set sail from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on February 9 and continued on to Genoa, Malta, Greece and Cyprus. Crew members noticed Ms Yinglei was missing when they did a head count at the end of the cruise. They alerted police, who arrested Mr Belling at Ciampino Airport in Rome as he was about to board a Ryanair flight with his children. Ms Yinglei was registered on the Magnifica's passenger record on February 10, following a stop-over at Genoa, the day after the ship set sail. A souvenir shop owner later told reporters that she remembered the couple and their two children in her store that morning, when Mr Belling was "agitated" and "yelled" at his wife over her shoes. "He said: 'Put these on instead of your sandals and shut up'," she said, adding that he handed his wife a pair of gym shoes. However, according to local reports, Mr Belling told a magistrate during a prison court hearing last Friday that the family remained together until the ship reached Katakolon. Mr Belling reportedly told the judge that they had quarrelled the night before and she wanted to "quit the trip". According reports in local Italian press, he claimed his wife left while he was on an outing with the boys. "I thought she was returning to Dublin. She was acting weird lately," he reportedly told the judge. Mr Belling did not report his wife's disappearance to the ship's staff. However, his lawyer, Mr Conti, told the Sunday Independent that after she left, Mr Belling informed the cleaning personnel that three people were now staying in the room, not four. "This comportment [is] not the comportment of a killer," he said. Mr Belling and Ms Yinglei, who also goes by the name Angie Li, have lived in the apartment block near the Clare Hall shopping centre for several years. Mr Belling worked as an IT consultant to firms such as Apple while Ms Yinglei set up her own wedding planning business targeted at the Chinese community in the city. Their two young sons were born here. Members of Congress wear white to honour the womens suffrage movement and support womens rights during President Trumps address. Photo: Getty Images Donald Trump finally gave Republicans what they've spent months begging him to deliver: a pivot to presidential behaviour. The question now is how long it lasts. Days, weeks, months - or simply until the next tweet? Just a little more than a month into his presidency, the new president clearly wanted to use his first speech to Congress to reset the chaotic start of his administration. Gone was the dark tone that marked his inaugural address, replaced by optimism and pleas for bipartisan support. Standing before lawmakers, Supreme Court justices and military leaders, the famously unrestrained Mr Trump was softer, sober and practically subdued. "I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart," he said, in the opening of his hour-long speech. His administration revelled in the rave reviews yesterday morning. "What the American people saw is the president I serve with every day - broad shoulders, a big heart," Vice President Mike Pence said, in an interview with NBC's 'Today Show'. The White House delayed the signing of his revamped travel ban, saying it was still putting the final touches on the new executive order but also, presumably, to avoid competing with positive press from the speech. Republican leaders were scheduled to join the president for lunch at the White House to discuss how they move forward with key agenda items. But though the prime-time address to Congress and the nation wrapped Mr Trump's signature nationalistic politics in presidential prose, it is unlikely to overcome the deep divisions created by his first few weeks in office. For a candidate who sold himself as a master dealmaker, Mr Trump has shown little inclination to get deeply involved with the kind of nitty gritty negotiating that defines the legislative process. That's left the Capitol reeling. Republicans have united control for the first time in decades but no agreement over the specifics of long-promised plans to repeal 'Obamacare' and revamp the tax code. The federal civil service is in not-so-subtle revolt. And weeks of protests and raucous town halls are putting fresh political pressure on lawmakers from both parties to resist his agenda. Mr Trump, meanwhile, faces record low approval ratings - just 44pc of Americans approve of his job performance, according to a new NBC News/'Wall Street Journal' survey. He needed to use his prime-time address to show he could steady his flailing White House and focus on the difficult work required to pass his legislative agenda. Mr Trump is nearing the end of big achievements he can enact by executive order, forcing him to rely on Congress to turn the bold promises of his campaign into actual achievements. So, he embraced his inner statesman. The candidate who won the White House by taking a hard-line stance on immigration seemed to express openness to a bipartisan immigration bill. The president whose administration spent much of its first weeks in office battling with the media, intelligence community, federal judiciary and even Hollywood celebrities asked for an end to "trivial fights". In his speech, he called on Washington to "work past the differences of party". Less than 24 hours earlier, he'd blamed former president Barack Obama for town hall protests and security leaks and called House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi "incompetent" in a Fox News interview. He said his generals, not the commander-in-chief, were responsible for a military raid in Yemen that killed a Navy Seal. Hours later, Mr Trump's tribute to the slain soldier, as his crying widow stood in the audience, became a signature moment of his address. And after questioning the authenticity of a wave of bomb threats against Jewish community centres in a private Tuesday meeting with attorney generals, he opened his remarks by condemning the flood of anti-Semitic attacks and other racially motivated crimes. For House GOP leaders, Mr Trump came tantalisingly close to backing their plan to overhaul the tax code by imposing a new tax on imports while exempting exports. He appeared to lend support to the House Republican leaders' plan for Obamacare, embracing the "tax credits" and health savings accounts that are a centrepiece of the GOP policy. But on other issues, Mr Trump offered barely a blueprint for his initiatives. He repeated his campaign pledge to make a $1trn (940bn) investment in infrastructure, adding no new details to a proposal that's sure to face fierce resistance from budget hawks. Big promises to make childcare more affordable, ensure paid family leave, invest in women's health and a major education bill were mentioned merely in passing. There was no discussion of how his administration would fund any of the new - and expensive -programmes, putting him in direct conflict with a Republican Party that's long focused on cutting the deficit. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6 and said the quake was very shallow at around 10 kilometres (six miles) deep An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 has hit a town in south-eastern Turkey, causing a number of injuries, officials and news reports said. The earthquake was centred in the town of Samat in Adiyaman province, the government-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency said. It was followed by four more tremors, the strongest measuring 4.4. At least five people were injured in the quake, which knocked down some buildings in the town, mayor Yusuf Firat told private NTV television. There was no immediate report of any fatalities. Mr Firat said the quake caused widespread panic in the town. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6 and said the quake was very shallow at around 10 kilometres (six miles) deep. The quake was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Gaziantep, Kilis, Batman and Sanliurfa. Four teams of 35 rescuers were sent to the area, the private Dogan news agency reported. A separate earthquake measuring 4.6 also struck the village of Kasimkuyu in Sanliurfa province, sending people out into the streets in panic. Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, which lies on active fault lines. Two devastating earthquakes hit north-western Turkey in 1999, killing some 18,000 people. AP Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Fatih Karimov Trend: The EU and Iran held a high-level seminar on nuclear cooperation in Brussels on Feb. 28-March 1. The seminar named International Nuclear Cooperation: Expectations and Responsibilities was the result of a joint initiative of the European Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action Miguel Arias Canete and Iranian Vice-President Ali Akbar Salehi, the European Commission said on its official website. The seminar was opened by Helga Schmid, secretary-general of the European External Action Service, and Dominique Ristori, director-general of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy. On the Iranian side, a message was transmitted on behalf of Salehi, who heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), which was followed by Iran's opening remarks delivered by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the AEOI deputy head. Salehi in his message thanked the EU for its effective and constructive role in the conclusion of the historic accord, adding that development of scientific and technical cooperation between Iran and members of the P5+1 has been one of the fruits of the agreement. In his own address to the conference, Kamalvandi said Tehran's complete commitment to its contractual obligations has not been met with similar dedication on the part of other parties to the agreement, "especially some of them." Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, and representatives of the P5+1 countries (China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US) as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency also took part in the event. The seminar allowed for fruitful exchanges between a high level delegation from Iran, including prominent parliamentarians, as well as senior officials from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with participants from several European Commission services, the External Action Service, as well as representatives from third countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency, reads a statement released following the event. An Irish naval officer who has helped more than a thousand migrants from the Mediterranean Sea held back tears as she described the rescue of a toddler after a dangerous journey which her mother didn't survive. Jill Hamilton (37), a communications operator, served on the Irish Naval ship, LE Roisin, last May on a three-month humanitarian mission to aid migrants fleeing Syria and other Middle Eastern and African countries. A month after the ships departure, it responded to a request for help from the Italian Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. The flimsy rubber dinghy was located 37 nautical miles off the coast of Tripoli with a total of 111 migrants on board. Speaking from South Lebanon, the Co Cork native told Independent.ie that the operation was particularly traumatic for her. What sticks out to me was that there was a child up on deck with her auntie looking for her mother," she said. With the language barrier it was hard to know what she was saying, but there was one last person taken from the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) being given CPR. Unfortunately, that lady never made it. The woman who died happened to be the mother of this young child. On the same perilous journey another woman also died. When they told the child and her auntie that the mother didnt make it, it was just traumatic, she said. "I have a son at home and maybe that's why seeing that happen affected me but yet we just had to carry on with our days work knowing that the child's mother was on deck in a body bag." Ms Hamilton added that she feels the migration crisis deserves a hell of a lot more attention. To see first-hand the amount of people coming off those boats is just ridiculous and its something that doesnt leave your mind. Weve completed multiple operations down the MediterraneanSome [migrants] who weve brought on board had literally nothing on them, not even a t-shirt. The little children were so happy [to see us], not realising what has happened or what they were heading into. To think that people take the chance to get on a boat not knowing if theyre going to get out alive obviously goes to show exactly what theyre leaving. During LE Roisins deployment the crew rescued 1, 263 people and recovered four deceased persons from the water. Ms Hamilton, who has served 19 years in the Irish Naval Service, is now stationed in South Lebanon as part of the UN mandate force UNIFIL. Her son Jamie (16) has the proud distinction of being the first child in the Republic to have both parents serving in the Naval Service. Independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron addresses the media during a press conference held in Paris (Christophe Ena/AP) Centrist French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron has said the remaining 27 European Union members must vigorously defend their single market in talks with Britain on its exit. Mr Macron, presenting his policy platform for the election, also urged efforts to reinvigorate the eurozone and called for closer European co-operation. He said the EU cannot survive "without a real European strategy" and called for a "new impulse for the single market". Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen wants to pull France out of the EU and eurozone, and there has been growing anti-EU sentiment in many countries since Britain's vote to leave. Polls suggest Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen may face off in the May 7 presidential run-off. Amid growing French political scandals, Mr Macron also wants to shrink the size of parliament, introduce term limits and ban officials from hiring their family members. He said he wants to "eradicate conflicts of interest". Two of Mr Macron's chief rivals for the April-May two-round vote - conservative Francois Fillon and Ms Le Pen - are facing corruption investigations. Mr Macron, a 39-year-old who has never held elected office, is presenting himself as a fresh face without political baggage. His platform calls for cutting the size of both houses of parliament by a third, banning politicians from consulting activity and banning all officials from employing family members. Mr Macron also called for an international "roadmap" to better fight Islamic extremism from the Middle East to Africa. He called for increased military spending to 2% of GDP - as US and other Nato allies have long demanded. Mr Macron said he would hire 10,000 more police and create 15,000 more places in prison and boost efforts to improve relations between police and minority youths in poor suburbs. His critics on the right have called him too soft on security. Beau Biden was a lawyer, member of the Delaware National Guard and former Delaware attorney general (AP) Beau and Hallie Biden during a victory party for Democrats on November 2, 2010 (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) The widow of Joe Bidens late son Beau Biden has started a romantic relationship with Beaus brother Hunter Biden, according to reports. Widow Hallie Biden was left devastated when her husband lost his battle to brain cancer in May 2015. However, the New York Post has reported that she is now in a couple with her former brother-in-law, Hunter (47). Their new relationship, which comes after Hunter separated from his wife Kathleen, has been welcomed by Joe Biden and his wife. In a statement to the paper the former Vice President said the family are happy for them. We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them," he said. Hunter has also spoken out about the relationship saying: Hallie and I are incredibly lucky to have found the love and support we have for each other in such a difficult time, and thats been obvious to the people who love us most. Weve been so lucky to have family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. President Donald Trump told Congress he was open to immigration reform, shifting from his harsh rhetoric on illegal immigration in a speech that offered a more restrained tone than his election campaign and first month in the White House. Mr Trump, in a prime-time address on Tuesday night to a country that remains divided over his leadership, set aside disputes with Democrats and the news media to deliver his most presidential performance to date, seeking to regain the confidence of Americans rattled by his leadership thus far. The president's speech was long on promises but short on specifics on how to achieve a challenging legislative agenda that could add dramatically to budget deficits. He wants a healthcare overhaul, broad tax cuts and a $1trn (940bn) public-private initiative to rebuild degraded roads and bridges. He built a base of support behind his presidential campaign by vowing to fight illegal immigration. In his speech, he took a more moderate tone, appealing to Republicans and Democrats to work together on immigration reform. Expand Close The widow of Navy Seal, Senior Chief William Owens, Carryn Owens and Ivanka Trump attend a joint session of the U.S. Congress with U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The widow of Navy Seal, Senior Chief William Owens, Carryn Owens and Ivanka Trump attend a joint session of the U.S. Congress with U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images He said it was possible if both Republicans and Democrats in Congress were willing to compromise, although he also said US immigration should be based on a merit-based system, rather than relying on lower-skilled immigrants. Comprehensive immigration reform eluded his two predecessors, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican George W Bush, because of deep divisions within Congress and among Americans over the issue. Mr Trump said reform would raise wages and help more struggling families enter the middle class. "I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws," he said. Mr Trump's first month in office was dominated by a fight over his temporary travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations, repeated attacks on the news media and harsh personal criticism of judges who blocked his immigration order. In his speech, he appeared to look for a reset, trying to move past a chaotic period that sowed doubts about his ability to govern effectively. "The time for trivial fights is behind us," he said. Muted Financial markets showed a muted reaction as Mr Trump gave few specifics or new details. Early signs showed his speech drew a positive response. A CNN/ORC poll found 57pc of viewers thought Mr Trump's speech was very positive and 69pc felt more optimistic about the future of the country. Still, there was plenty of evidence of ongoing partisan divisions. In the chamber of the House of Representatives where Mr Trump spoke, Democrats sometimes sat in silence and turned their thumbs down at his remarks. Many women lawmakers wore white in a subtle show of protest. Democratic Senator Christopher Coons of Delaware called Mr Trump's speech one of "the most coherent public addresses he's given in a month". But he viewed Mr Trump's forthcoming budget proposals as "gravely concerning", citing the president's plan for paying for a defence build-up by cutting foreign aid and other programmes. Much of Mr Trump's speech focused on solving problems at home in line with his "America first" rhetoric. Apart from criticising Mr Obama for increasing the national debt, Mr Trump did not mention the federal budget deficit, which will severely limit any new spending programmes. On immigration, he again pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border, but he made no mention this time of Mexico paying for it. He also said he would "shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe", referring to a new executive order he is to sign to replace one embroiled in the courts. In the most emotional moment of the night, Mr Trump singled out Carryn Owens, widow of US Navy Seal William 'Ryan' Owens, who was killed in a raid on al-Qa'ida in Yemen. Ms Owens, tears streaming down her face, clasped her hands and looked upward from her spot in the balcony as lawmakers and the president applauded her in the longest ovation of Mr Trump's hour-long speech. Mr Trump said the mission her husband participated in obtained vital intelligence that could be used against Islamist militants, taking issue with news reports quoting US officials who said little was gained from the raid. Authorities in Poland and Switzerland have rejected efforts to return Roman Polanski to the US in recent years (AP) Prosecutors have urged a judge to reject Roman Polanski's effort to unseal evidence in his long-running sex-with-a-minor case unless the fugitive director returns to a Los Angeles courtroom. The filing argues that Polanski remains a fugitive and other judges have already ruled to keep the evidence sealed based on requests by former lawyers for the Oscar winner. Polanski's lawyer filed the motion last month seeking to unseal the evidence of the first prosecutor who handled his 1977 sex case. Polanski's lawyer Harland Braun has said the evidence could be crucial in resolving the case and getting Polanski to return for sentencing if he has assurances he will not have to do additional time in jail. A hearing in the case is set for March 20. The director fled to France in 1978 on the eve of sentencing when the now-deceased judge in the case suggested in private remarks that he would renege on a plea bargain and sentencing agreement. Polanski's travel has since been restricted to France, Poland and Switzerland. Authorities in Poland and Switzerland have rejected efforts to return Polanski to the US in recent years. Prosecutors say nothing has changed and that previous rulings by California judges that Polanski must return to LA for sentencing remain valid. "The defendant has many options before him if he returns," deputy district attorney Michele Hanisee wrote. She said Polanski could argue for time served, appeal against previous rulings or withdraw his guilty plea and go to trial. "What he cannot do is dictate outcomes from afar while insulating himself from any potential adverse consequence," she wrote. Mr Braun has argued that the recent extradition efforts have led to Polanski serving more than 300 days in jail or home confinement, and that he has served his sentence. Polanski wants to unseal evidence from retired deputy district attorney Roger Gunson, who originally handled Polanski's case. Mr Gunson gave the evidence over three days in 2010 in case he was unable to testify at any future proceedings in the case. Polanski won an Academy Award for best director for his 2002 film The Pianist, and was nominated for 1974's Chinatown and 1979's Tess. AP Police officers stand at a cordon during the investigation of a suspect car in the centre of Brussels (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) Belgian authorities have detained a suspect who was driving a car with gas canisters in his boot, setting off a security alert in the centre of Brussels. The prosecutor's office said a busy part of the capital and a subway station was closed off during the evening rush-hour. Prosecutor's spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said authorities did not want to take any chances and acted quickly "since the driver was known by judicial authorities and it was unclear why the gas canisters were there". "We are taking the case seriously," Ms Van Wymersch added. She said the suspect was being interrogated. Saint Gilles Mayor Charles Picque described the driver as "a radicalised person, so it was normal to take precautionary measures". Ms Van Wymersch cautioned, however, not to jump to conclusions about a possible extremist motive. The gas canisters were discovered when police noticed a car speeding and running red lights and pursued it. The local transport authority said the Porte de Hal metro station closed on police orders while a perimeter was established above ground. Media reported an anti-bomb squad was brought in. Belgian security services have been on high alert since suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway last March 22, killing 32 people. AP Ms Van Wymersch said a bomb squad carried out two controlled explosions involving items from the car while the suspect was being interrogated. No detonator or explosives were found, and only one of the two gas canisters was full, she added. AP German authorities have arrested two Syrians suspected of being members of the extremist Nusra Front, with one of them alleged to have been involved in the murder of dozens of civilians. Abdalfatah HA, 35, is suspected of war crimes over the killing of 36 Syrian government employees by his unit in March 2013, the federal prosecutor's office said. The statement said he carried out "so-called Shariah death sentences". A spokeswoman for the prosecutors' office, Frauke Koehler, declined to confirm German media reports that the man came to Germany as an asylum seeker. The other suspect, 26-year-old Abdulrahman AA, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013, the statement added. The men, whose surnames were not published due to German privacy rules, were arrested in the western cities of Dusseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. They were due to appear before a judge. Prosecutors said the Nusra Front unit the men belonged to also included Abd Arahman AK, a Syrian in his early thirties who was arrested in Germany last June on suspicion of being part of a plot to carry out a bomb attack in Dusseldorf. Human rights groups have pressed governments to bring people suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to trial, as part of an effort to resolve the long-running conflict. The European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) said it has helped submit the first criminal complaint in Germany against six high-level Syrian military intelligence officials, in the hope that federal prosecutors will take up the case under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This allows German courts to try crimes committed outside the country, though legal experts say that they are unlikely to do so unless there is a reasonable chance of bringing the perpetrators to Germany. The ECCHR complaint was filed together with seven Syrian torture survivors and two Syrian lawyers. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," Mazen Darwish, one of the Syrian lawyers, was quoted as saying in a statement. The men were arrested in the cities of Dusseldorf and Giessen German authorities have arrested two Syrians suspected of being members of the extremist Nusra Front, with one of them alleged to have been involved in the murder of dozens of civilians. Abdalfatah HA, 35, is suspected of war crimes over the killing of 36 Syrian government employees by his unit in March 2013, the federal prosecutor's office said. The statement said he carried out "so-called Shariah death sentences". A spokeswoman for the prosecutors' office, Frauke Koehler, declined to confirm German media reports that the man came to Germany as an asylum seeker. The other suspect, 26-year-old Abdulrahman AA, belonged to the same combat unit as Abdalfatah HA and both participated in an armed battle against Syrian government troops, including taking over a big arms depot near Mahin in November 2013, the statement added. The men, whose surnames were not published due to German privacy rules, were arrested in the western cities of Dusseldorf and Giessen and their apartments were raided. They were due to appear before a judge. Prosecutors said the Nusra Front unit the men belonged to also included Abd Arahman AK, a Syrian in his early thirties who was arrested in Germany last June on suspicion of being part of a plot to carry out a bomb attack in Dusseldorf. Human rights groups have pressed governments to bring people suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria to trial, as part of an effort to resolve the long-running conflict. The European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) said it has helped submit the first criminal complaint in Germany against six high-level Syrian military intelligence officials, in the hope that federal prosecutors will take up the case under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This allows German courts to try crimes committed outside the country, though legal experts say that they are unlikely to do so unless there is a reasonable chance of bringing the perpetrators to Germany. The ECCHR complaint was filed together with seven Syrian torture survivors and two Syrian lawyers. "In Syria there is total impunity, which produces further violence. Without justice there will be no political solution to the conflict," Mazen Darwish, one of the Syrian lawyers, was quoted as saying in a statement. AP Palmyra is at the centre of a battle between Syrian forces and IS (Hassan Ammar/AP) Syria's military said it has fully recaptured the historic town of Palmyra from Islamic State for the second time in a year. The army statement released on Thursday evening said that government forces are now in control of the town, following a series of military operations and with the help of Russian air cover and in co-operation with "allied and friendly troops" - shorthand for Lebanese Hezbollah fighters. IS defences of the town had begun to erode on Sunday, with the government troops reaching Palmyra's outskirts on Tuesday. This is the government's second campaign to retake the desert town. It seized Palmyra from IS militants last March, only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 2 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: The bodies of three fighters killed in armed clashes in Syria have been buried in Iranian city of Qom, IRNA news agency reported. The report did not provide further information on the killed individuals and their nationalities. It was earlier announced that over 1,000 servicemen deployed by Iran to Syria to back President Bashar al-Assads government have been killed in the Arab country since the beginning of the Syrian crisis. Following the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, Iran has reportedly set up Zeinabioun brigade of Pakistani Shia nationals and the Fatemioun brigade of Afghan Shia fighters to support President Bashar al-Assad's government against armed opposition groups. Traders angry at a US-based animal rights group have turned their ire on two iconic American brands, pulling Coke and Pepsi from shelves in the south India state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Traders Association said the soft-drink makers were draining too much water in the state, but that it targeted the American brands because Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) had pushed the 2014 ban on the popular local tradition of bull-taming. The trading association said its ban that went into effect late on Wednesday was supported by more than 1.5 million local shop owners and beverage sellers. In a separate case, a court on Thursday lifted restrictions on water supplies to Coke and Pepsi factories in the drought-prone state. In January, Tamil Nadu was rocked by protests by tens of thousands of people demanding that the ban on bull-taming, or jallikattu, be lifted. The government rushed new legislation exempting the tradition from animal cruelty laws. During the protests, thousands of young people turned their anger against Peta to other American multi-national companies and vowed to shun drinks made by them. Traders pledged that they would not sell colas and would instead stock locally made soft drinks or coconut water. "On March 1, following a campaign among traders and the public against foreign brands, we implemented the decision of our association members to sell only domestic brands of beverages," said AM Vikrama Raja, president of the trade group. In the court case, the Madras High Court announced that it was removing restrictions on the supply of water to Coca Cola and PepsiCo's factories in Tamil Nadu. In November, the court had barred the two companies from using local water supplies after farmers complained about water shortages in the state's Tirunelvelli district where the factories were located. AP Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Diplomatic efforts alone are not enough to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Alexander Karavayev, leading expert of the North-South Political Science Center, told Trend. The expert said that complex measures are needed in order to force Armenia to free the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The carrot and stick approach is needed here, he said. What Azerbaijan demonstrated in April last year shows that the use of force regarding Armenia gives a certain effect. On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry had said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. Karavayev noted that it is clear that the OSCE Minsk Group dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement has completely exhausted itself. At the same time, Karavayev said that it is also impossible to rely on the use of force alone in this conflict, because it means a full-scale war. A combination of the use of force and confidence-building measures might make the process of the conflicts settlement move, the expert said, adding that the confidence-building measures may be formed at the Armenia-Azerbaijan Platform for Peace created in Azerbaijan in 2016. The expert added that the escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which took place in the days of the anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, had a smaller scale than that of April last year. However, the clashes on the line of contact between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops may continue with some regularity, he said. Azerbaijans Defense Ministry has earlier said the Armenian army attempted to infiltrate through the Azerbaijani positions along the line of contact on the night from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25. The Armenian side attempted to seize favorable positions on the Khojavand-Fuzuli part of the frontline, said the ministry, adding that heavy battles took place between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova The world's most expensive telescope is parked for the moment in Greenbelt, Maryland, shrouded in a protective tent at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In just two years, this long-delayed, $8 billion, cosmos-penetrating instrument is supposed to be nearly a million miles from Earth. If it works, the James Webb Space Telescope will collect the oldest light in the universe, emitted soon after the big bang, when the first stars lit up and the first galaxies began to form. It will study black holes lurking at the center of galaxies. It will scrutinize the light from planets around distant stars and look for atmospheres you'd expect to see on worlds rioting with life. But that's only after an epic journey. It's not a straight shot from the Washington suburbs to space. The telescope first must be sealed in a climate-controlled container. Then, sometime in late March or early April, a truck will haul it very slowly and gently in the dead of night along a partially closed Capital Beltway. A lead car will watch for road obstacles and potholes. Arriving at Joint Base Andrews, the Webb should slide, barely, into the cargo hold of a C-5C military transport plane. Then comes a flight to Houston, to the NASA Johnson Space Center, where it will be tested in a vacuum chamber that will simulate the environment of deep space. From Houston it will be flown to Los Angeles, to a facility run by the project's primary contractor, Northrop Grumman, where it will be mated with its sunshield and navigational hardware. Then comes a boat ride, one that will carry the telescope down the southwestern coast of North America and through the Panama Canal to French Guiana. That's where, in October 2018, it will be blasted into space atop a European Ariane rocket - a quarter-century after the Webb was conceived. What could go wrong? "It's wonderful and terrifying," says astronomer Heidi Hammel of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, one of six scientists guaranteed observing time with the instrument. "The terrifying part comes because we know that this is rocket science for real, we are taking our fabulous telescope - it's a beautiful machine - and we're going to put it on a rocket ship and light the fuse." Astronomers have a complicated and anguished relationship with the Webb. It's amazing. It's also wildly expensive. And it was supposed to be in space years ago. John Mather, a Nobel laureate who is the senior project scientist, began working on it in 1995. He and his team had to achieve a long list of innovations to get the Webb built - things like the gold-covered mirrors, the sunshield and the means of keeping everything very cold. "This job was just so hard, and when you're at the beginning you don't have the imagination to see how hard it is. No one had appreciated the difficulty of the test program," he said this week. Cost overruns led to budget reviews, battles in Congress, near-death experiences, recrimination and, finally, to a reconfigured budget and timetable that lawmakers approved. The project devoured NASA money that might have gone to other science endeavors. It became known as the telescope that ate astronomy. The Webb, which includes major contributions from the Canadian and European space agencies, has long been seen as the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. The latter is still working fabulously but getting long in the tooth. There have been rumors that the Trump administration could somehow gin up a Hubble repair mission with astronauts on a new shuttle-like spacecraft, but officials at NASA Goddard say they haven't been asked to plan for anything like that. The Webb is quite different from the Hubble, starting with the fact that it's much bigger. The Hubble has a 2.4-meter mirror, but the Webb has 18 hexagonal mirrors that collectively are 6.5 meters - more than 21 feet - in diameter. It can collect seven times as much starlight. The new telescope can observe the universe in infrared wavelengths of light that are inaccessible to the Hubble. In deep space, shaded from the sun, the Webb is designed to operate under extremely cold conditions. That's necessary for infrared astronomy because otherwise the heat from its instruments would block out the faint light from distant objects. As things turned out, the Webb's problems with schedule may have been fortuitous. The original goal was to look at very faint objects in deepest space - the very first stars and galaxies, so far away that their light, emitted about 13.7 billion years ago, is only now reaching our solar system. But the Webb may play a key role in the search for habitable worlds that are relatively nearby, orbiting stars in our own galactic neighborhood. The very first "exoplanet" - a planet orbiting another star - was discovered 22 years ago, right about the time Mather began working on the Webb. Thousands of exoplanets have been found since. Earlier this week, astronomers announced the remarkable discovery of a system with seven planets around a star named Trappist 1, some 39 light-years from Earth. Six of those planets are Earth-size. Several have orbits that might allow water, if present, to be liquid at the surface. There's no way for the Webb or any other current telescope to see these planets directly, because they're too close to the parent star. But as they transit the star - passing across the face of the star as seen from the telescope - the starlight will dim slightly. That's how they were discovered. An atmosphere around a planet will skew the wavelengths of the starlight. Astronomers can then use spectroscopy to discern which kinds of molecules make up the exoplanet atmosphere. The Hubble has looked at the Trappist system and already has determined that the planets are probably rocky rather than gaseous like Jupiter or Saturn. But the Webb has sophistication the Hubble lacks. The Webb can detect the clear signatures of atmospheres containing water, ozone, oxygen, methane and other molecules. That could provide compelling evidence of a habitable planet. As astrophysicist Michelle Thaller of NASA points out, while it wouldn't be the same thing as direct detection of life, it would be a major achievement for the still-young scientific field known as astrobiology. Closer to home, the Webb's prime viewing targets include the Great Red Spot of Jupiter, Saturn's intriguing moon Titan, the dwarf planet Pluto and its moon Charon, plus the gaggle of "trans-Neptunian objects" way out in the exurbs of the solar system - little-known worlds such as Sedna, Quaoar and Makemake. But first the telescope, which is supposed to begin observing in April 2019, has to function as planned. It would be hard to repair something parked at L2, the Webb's destination point in space, which is 930,000 miles from Earth on the opposite side of our planet from the sun. "I can tell you that we're doing what we need to do to make sure that it'll work," Mather said. "You test. And test and test." And look for potholes along the way - literally. MILLINGTON, TENN. Navy Midshipman Dexter Ledbetter from Concord, North Carolina, participated in the 2017 spring Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) ship selection draft as a future member of the U.S. Navys Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community. More than 280 midshipmen at Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) units around the country have selected to serve in the Navy as surface warfare officers. Each selecting midshipman is ranked according to his or her grade point average, aptitude scores, and physical fitness. Being that I have been active duty for 11 years, the NROTC unit has give me many opportunities to work on my mentoring and leadership skills, said Ledbetter. I feel working with the cadets has given me a great head start towards my next step as a SWO. According to their rankings, each midshipman provided their preference of ship or homeport to the junior officer detailer at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. If these preferences were available, they were assigned as requested. The process is very important to me because the ship that I select will mean I have to move my entire family, said Ledbetter. It is important that I get the ship I select and I feel like that is a good possibility. Ledbetter, a 2005 Northwest Cabarrus High School graduate, has selected to serve aboard USS Spruance. Ledbetter is majoring in Civil Engineering while attending The Citadel College. Upon graduation, Ledbetter will receive a commission as a Navy Ensign and report aboard Spruance as a surface warfare officer. Spruance is an Arleigh Buker-class destroyer home-ported in San Diego. Destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups. I am looking forward to qualifying SWO and going on deployment, said Ledbetter. The midshipmens selection of their ship is not only a milestone for them but also an important day for the ships in the fleet. Not only do the midshipmen choose where they are going to start their Naval career, but the ship they choose will also gain a motivated, eager, young officer to help lead and improve an already great team. While NROTC units are spread out across the country and vary in size, they all teach midshipmen the values, standards, abilities and responsibility that it takes to become a Navy officers and lead this nations sons and daughters in protecting freedom on the seven seas. I will bring my motivational and enthusiastic attitude and my years of enlisted service wil help me in leading the junior enlisted sailors, said Ledbetter. After November 2016s surprise demonetization, businesses in India looked to the Union Budget 2017 to gauge the governments economic outlook. While this years budget retained a development-oriented focus, key tax and regulatory provisions declare the governments intent to encourage business, create jobs, promote entrepreneurship in a digitally empowered economy, and spur GDP growth. In this context, startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should pay attention to the following provisions and amendments stated in the latest budget. Corporate Income Tax reduction The budget reduced the corporate tax for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the current rate of 30 percent to 25 percent beginning in the financial year (FY) 2017-2018. This tax cut will be applicable for all domestic firms (private limited companies) with a turnover or gross receipts of up to US$7.48 million (Rs 50 crore) in the FY 2015-2016. Presumptive taxation and maintaining accounts Small traders and businesses will benefit from a reduced minimum presumptive tax profit margin at six percent of earnings rather than the existing rate of eight percent if they adopt digital transactions. This is an amendment to Section 44AD of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and will be applicable to those firms with a turnover under US$300,000 (Rs 2 crore). The threshold limit for maintaining books of accounts for individuals and professionals is now US$3741.95 (Rs 2.5 lakh), having increased from US$1796.14 (Rs. 1.2 lakh). The limit for tax audit under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act is increased to US$300,000 (Rs 2 crore) from the current limit of US$150,000 (Rs 1 crore) for the individual/HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) opting for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD. Extension of tax benefits under Startup India initiative Startups recognized under the governments Startup India policy will avail extended income tax benefits. Eligible startups can now claim profit linked deduction exemption for three out of the first seven years under Section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act; previously, it was three out of the first five years. Shareholder restrictions removed for startups carrying forward losses In an amendment to Section 79 of the Income Tax Act, the government will now allow companies to carry forward losses for seven years and set-off against profit in future years, even if the majority shareholder changes hands. This relaxation of shareholder restrictions is available only to recognized startups under the Startup India policy who are eligible to claim Section 80-IAC benefits. Tax treatment of convertible shares Startups often buy shares that can be converted from preference shares to equity shares. In a huge boost, Budget 2017 removes the provision of capital gains tax on such conversions. Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) credit extension The government has extended the time limit for availing MAT credit to 15 years from the current limit of 10 years. This benefits startups claiming tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC and those companies with significant accumulated MAT credit. Penalty for late income tax return filings Budget 2017 introduces a penalty for late filing of tax returns US$74.84 (Rs 5,000) for delay up to December 31 and US$149.68 (Rs 10,000) upon further delay. The penalty will be limited to US$14.97 (Rs 1,000) in cases where the taxable income is up to US$7483.91 (Rs 500,000). Under Indias tax law, the due date for filing income tax returns is September 30 for companies and assessees covered under tax audit, for others the due date is July 31. Changes to IDT provisions for FPIs The budget contains several provisions encouraging funds from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), which include the exemption from indirect transfer tax provisions for category I and II FPIs. Category I FPIs include sovereign wealth funds and central banks and category II includes mutual funds and banks. In Indian tax law, Indirect Transfer Tax (IDT) provisions cover the taxation of profit arising from the transfer of share or interest in a foreign company or foreign entity whose value is substantially derived, directly or indirectly, from assets located in India. Limits to cash transactions The budget introduced provisions to limit the amount of cash payments used for business transactions. Through an amendment to Section 40A of the Income Tax Act, the daily cash payment limit for company expenses or company acquisition of assets is fixed at US$149.68 (Rs 10,000); earlier, the limit was US$299.36 (Rs 20,000). Further, a new Section 269ST has been proposed in the budget, which will attract a 100 percent penalty on cash receipts of US$4,490.35 (Rs 300,000) or more accrued on a single day. In today's time, television has a reach more than films do; proof of that is the number of television shows that we see being dubbed and telecast overseas, especially in Indonesia. And if that is not a boost in itself, television actors are being roped in for these Indonesian shows as well. Our television stars have a huge Indonesian fanbase and actors like Shaheer Sheikh, Ravi Bhatia, and Shakti Arora among others are loved there. Now, yet another handsome actor is all set to join the likes of these actors and he is none other than Kumkum Bhagya fame Arjit Taneja. Arjit, who was last seen in Zee TV's Kumkum Bhagya as Purab, quit the show sometime last year owing to creative dissatisfaction. The actor felt like there was nothing much to do with his character in the show. Post his stint in Kumkum Bhagya, the actor co-hosted Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya with Abhishek Malik. But, the actor has finally got what he wanted as he has bagged an Indonesian show. In fact, the reason for Arjit not being able to take up the lead role in Colors' Devanshi opposite Helly Shah was this very international project. Among the Indian shows that are hugely followed in Indonesia, Kumkum Bhagya is an audience favorite. And according to our sources, Arjit has been roped in for a mini-series where he will be seen in episodics. He will also be meeting up with a few fans. Featured Video Congratulations Arjit. Toronto, Mar 2 (IBNS): Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynneas government believes the reduction of financing costs of electricity generation contracts over longer periods would show immediate impact on reducing the hydro rates by 25 percent, thereby regaining the popularity of the Liberals, media reports said. The proposed 25 percent reduction includes 8 percent rebate of the provincial portion of the sales tax that took effect on Jan. 1. Although the provincial Liberals could not convince Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to eliminate the 5 percent federal share of the HST on hydro bills, they said they found other savings. Were taking it to the next level, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault told the legislature during Tuesdays question period. We do recognize the system that we built eliminating coal, rebuilding the grid that cost billions of dollars. We know that cost actually came at the expense of many families, the media quoted Thibeault as saying. Thibeault said, Were looking right now at doing some very quick, tangible rebates that people will see in the very, very near future. The refinancing of the global adjustment would enable ratepayers and consumers to immediately see a reduction in their bills. The government also plans to stop the Ontario Electricity Support Program, which gives up to $65 a month to low-income earners as this cost will be covered by the broader tax base. (Reporting by Asha Bajaj) Image: KathleenWynne Twitter Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Moscow and Ankara have great expectations from the meeting of presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, scheduled for March 9-10 in Moscow, Prof. Dr. Salih Yilmaz of the Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University told Trend March 2. Yilmaz, an expert in international relations, said Turkey is still expecting Russia to restore pre-crisis economic relations, as Moscow has not yet taken significant actions for import of Turkish products and a complete abolition of visa regime for Turkish citizens. "During the meeting, Ankara intends to voice its position on the Gulen movement, accused of involvement in the attempted military coup in Turkey, as well as discuss Moscow's support for the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria, which is considered by Ankara as a terrorist organization, he said. The expert added that in particular, Ankara expresses concern over the activity of PYD office in Moscow. Yilmaz stressed that Turkey wants to purchase Russia's S-400 advanced surface-to-air missile systems to better protect its airspace, and it is expected to achieve progress in the matter in the meeting between the Russian and Turkish leaders. He added that Russia also hopes for Turkeys reciprocal understanding on a number of issues related to the Syrian conflict and NATO. "Moscow wants Turkey to continue its initiative regarding the Syrian opposition, he added. Russia is concerned over US President Donald Trumps policy on the safe zones, which can damage Ankara-Moscow cooperation. Russia can also call on Turkey to control the presence of the NATO forces in the Black Sea region, which are creating tensions in the region," Yilmaz added. The expert said Moscow and Ankara have learned from the Su-24 warplane incident, realize the mutual importance and try to avoid policies and actions that can jeopardize bilateral cooperation. Yilmaz stressed that trust between Turkey and Russia will be discussed as part of Russian and Turkish leaders meetings. Erdogan will visit Russia to take part in the meeting of the Turkey-Russia High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC). Both leaders will chair the delegations during HLCC meetings. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade Russian servicemen have delivered over four tonnes (metric tons) of humanitarian aid to Syrian residents in the course of seven humanitarian actions carried out in the past 24 hours, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation informs in its daily bulletin, Sputnik reported. Russian aircraft also helped deliver 20.4 tonnes of aid provided by the United Nations to the Deir ez-Zor area, using parachute platforms. "Within the last 24 hours the Russian Centre for reconciliation of opposing sides has held 7 humanitarian events in the provinces of Aleppo (6) and Homs (1)," the statement says, adding that overall 4,700 Syrians received humanitarian aid the total weight of which amounted to 4.95 tonnes. Syrian residents have been in dire need of assistance amid continuing fighting between the Syrian government forces and various opposition and terrorist groups, such as Daesh terrorist group, outlawed in Russia and numerous other countries. Russia has been carrying out regular humanitarian aid deliveries to Syrian civilians and has been facilitating the distribution of UN aid in the country. Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 2 Trend: Egypts Borg El Arab Airport authorities arrested a Russian passenger on March 2 who had an improvised explosive device (IED) and was intending to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Egypt Independent reports citing a source in the airport in Alexandria. Airport authorities were suspicious of a strange item in the passenger's luggage, seen via X-ray, the source said, adding that a bomb squad was summoned to inspect the item which was discovered to be an IED. 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 Turkey's Foreign Ministry has summoned the German Ambassador, Martin Erdmann, over the cancellation of a Thursday meeting between Turkey's justice minister and Turkish citizens in Germany, according to a ministry source, Anadolu reported. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said that Erdmann was called to the ministry in relation with the developments which led the municipality of the southern German town of Gaggenau to revoke permission for a hall meeting between Bekir Bozdag and the members of the Turkish community scheduled for earlier Thursday. Erdmann was called upon the order of Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, the source said, adding Deputy Undersecretary Mehmet Kemal Bozay expressed Turkey's discomfort over the incident. The municipality of Gaggenau revoked its permission for the meeting earlier Thursday citing concerns of overcrowding, which prompted Bozdag to cancel his planned visit to Germany. The incident has drawn strong criticism from the Turkish government. The event was organized by the Union of European Turkish Democrats, or UETD. Adventurers planning the perfect spring break trip would do well to look into 2 Cousins Travel. Charlena Kendrick and her cousin, Paula Beatty, have a passion for travel that has made them the go-to people for travel advice among friends and family. They know where the best lodgings are, the cheapest times to book a flight and how to make the most of the destination. More than a decade ago, the cousins started their own agency, 2 Cousins Travel, to help aspiring nomads find their way. Our friends and family would say, Where are you going next? We want to come! So we started planning trips every other year. Our agency is now internationally accredited, and we have grown to have a total of five agents, said Kendrick. Kendrick lives in Indy but helps clients plan trips to destinations near and far. Some of the trips she is currently planning include treks to Dubai, Thailand, Paris, Costa Rica and South Africa, and a group trip to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Kendrick said there is a relaxing spring break vacation for every budget. Planning ahead is key. Obviously, I would suggest finding an accredited travel agent. The key thing is to first establish a budget so that a travel agent can work with you. They are good at knowing and preparing for all the little hidden costs that you may not be aware of or know of, said Kendrick. For travelers who want to venture overseas, travel agents often offer low-cost monthly payment plans leading up to the date of departure. Kendrick points out that there are plenty of locations to visit close to home. There are a lot of things to do locally or within a days drive. There are amusement parks or the Indiana Dunes. You can explore Louisville, Cincinnati and local campgrounds. Four hours away from us is an absolutely great zoo that is of no cost in St. Louis, said Kendrick. In addition, she says a stay-cation can be just as rejuvenating as a weekend getaway. Take a weekend and be a tourist in your own city. Most people born in Indianapolis may not have been to the (Indianapolis) Motor Speedway; they may not have been to the top of the monument. So find a hotel downtown that serves breakfast, and eat as much as you can! Get out there, catch the bus, see lots of things. Kendrick says, regardless of the destination, all people should make exploring the world a priority. Travel is one of the best ways to invest in ourselves. Its rejuvenating and educational. Theres so much of Gods creation out there, and when you see it for the first time, its awe inspiring and thought provoking. It allows us to reconnect and give something back to ourselves. For more information on 2 Cousins Travel, call (855) 822-6874 or visit 2cousinstravel.com. When Charlotte Uwimbabazi showed up at Indianapolis Public Schools program for new immigrants, she was ready to fight for her son. When she left that day, she had a job. A native of the Congo, Uwimbabazi fled the war-torn country and spent nearly a decade in Cape Town, South Africa, waiting for a new home. Last spring, Uwimbabazi and her four children came to the U.S. as refugees. When the family arrived in Indianapolis, Uwimbabazis youngest son Dave enrolled at Northwest High School. But he wasnt happy, and a volunteer helping to resettle the family suggested he transfer to Crispus Attucks High School. When the school year started, though, Crispus Attucks turned him away. Staff there said he had been assigned to the newcomer program, a school for students who are new to the country and still learning English. There was just one problem: Dave was fluent in English after growing up in South Africa. Uwimbabazi said its the only language he knows. So Uwimbabazi and her son Dave headed to the newcomer school to convince them he should attend Crispus Attucks. Thats when Jessica Feeser, who oversees the newcomer school and programing for IPS students learning English, stepped in and found a new resource for the districts growing population of newcomer students. Feeser immediately realized that Dave was fluent in English and should enroll in Crispus Attucks. Then, Uwimbabazi started talking with Feeser about her own experience. With a gift for languages, Uwimbabazi speaks six fluently, including Swahili and Kinyarwanda, languages spoken by many African students at the school. Where are you working right now? Feeser asked. Would you like a job here? Uwimbabazi, who had been packing mail, took a job as a bilingual assistant at the school. Her interaction with the district went from negativity to positivity, she said. The newcomer program has seen dramatic growth in enrollment since it opened last fall, and it serves about three dozen refugee students. Students at the school speak at least 14 different languages. As the only staff member at the school who speaks Swahili and Kinyarwanda, Uwimbabazi is a lifeline for many of the African refugees it serves, Feeser said. She works alongside teachers, going over material in languages that students speak fluently and helping them grasp everything from simple instructions to complex concepts like graphing linear equations, Feeser said. She also helps bridge the divide between the district and the Congolese community on Indianapolis west side, going on home visits to meet parents and helping convince families to enroll their children in school. When students in the newcomer program dont share a language with staff members, the school is still able to educate them, Feeser said. But it is hard to build community without that bridge. Uwimbabazi has played an essential role in helping the school build relationships with families. She believes that all of our families are important, and shes working diligently to make sure that they feel that their voices are heard, Feeser said. It was a gift from God that she joined us. Increased religious protection might be coming to Indiana public school students, although some say it is not needed. Rep. John Bartlett (DIndianapolis) wants to ensure that students religious viewpoints are protected. Bartlett authored House Bill 1024, which states that students may pray, wear religious attire and jewelry, and engage in religious activities before, during and after the school day. During a House Education Committee hearing, Bartlett said school prayer would not be mandatory, but the law would protect students who want the opportunity to pray and ensure time is provided for students to express their beliefs. House Bill 1024 only puts prayer back into schools. It does not mandate or force students to participate in it, said Bartlett in a press release. It is giving Hoosiers the ability to express their faith without fearing discrimination. It also brings clarification to the First Amendment, which allows people to practice their faith. However, it restricts you from forcing your faith on others. Opponents of the bill say religion is already acknowledged in most schools with a moment of silence, that prayer should be taught in religious institutions and that many of the protections the bill is fighting for are already protected by the First Amendment. House Bill 1024 passed the Indiana House with a vote of 8312. It will now move to the Senate for consideration. For more information on House Bill 1024, visit iga.in.gov. On Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m.3 p.m., the Circle City (IN) Chapter of The Links Inc. will host Real World, Real Girls, a day-long event focused on empowering young women. The days offering will feature interactive and informative activities that will focus on incorporating healthy habits to create healthy lifestyles. The program is designed for young girls of color attending middle school (grades 7-9). Links members will be on hand to mentor and provide attendees with the necessary tools to success relative to their academic and personal lives through a series of workshops and seminars with a sensitivity to the cultural, mind, body and spiritual needs of minority teenage girls. Research shows that teens who engage in positive social and academic activities thrive more than their peers who lack such opportunities. When teens have mentors specifically people they can relate to their chances for success in life are even greater. Through its programming, Real World Real Girls helps enrich the lives of local girls immediately impacting them while also laying a foundation for future success well into adulthood. The gathering will be held at the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, located at 201 Girl Scout Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46214 Suite J. For additional information, visit circlecitylinks.org or call Deb Shoffner at (317) 376-9271. Most people would describe poverty as being poor or not having much money. However, for Rev. Gregory C. Ellison II, Ph.D., there are different types of poverty. Theres also a poverty of worth in our country, said Ellison, who is associate professor of pastoral care and counseling at Emory University in Atlanta. That is why we see crime and young men who dont care about anybody else, because they feel like their own lives are not valued. So life becomes a survival mechanism where they get what they can as soon as they can. Thats poverty. In other words, Ellison told the Recorder, the best way to reduce poverty is to not only address the economic and social causes of it, but also to look at its psychological impact. Ellison will be among more than 350 leaders from nonprofit organizations, faith institutions and government who will gather at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) in Indianapolis on Tuesday, March 14, for the Faith & Action Projects spring conference. National experts, local activists and community leaders will discuss poverty in America and solutions for alleviating it. CTS says the event, which is open to the public and includes lunch at $20 per person, is designed to inspire, equip and provide a forum to come up with effective ways to actually reduce poverty. Matt Boulton, Ph.D, president of CTS, said the seminary is honored to host the conference, because it is needed now more than ever. Indianapolis general poverty rate is 22 percent, and its child poverty rate is 33 percent; both are above national averages. Thats unacceptable, Boulton said. Extraordinary work by many organizations is already underway. We are committed to helping highlight and accelerate that work and encouraging others to get involved. The itinerary for the Faith & Action Projects conference includes what some may describe as an all-star list of leaders from academia, the faith community, the nonprofit sector and local government. Among those scheduled to participate include veteran urban activist Robert Lupton, author of the bestselling book Toxic Charity; Rev. David Hampton, Ph.D., deputy mayor of Indianapolis and senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church; and Jodi Pfarr, whom CTS describes as an entertaining diversity trainer whos lived and worked in rural and urban settings. In addition to teaching at Emory, Ellison also works as founder of Fearless Dialogues, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people who would not typically interact with each other to have dialogue about important issues. Ellisons appearance at the conference this month is highly anticipated in part because of his ties to the Indianapolis community. Not only does he have relatives who live here, but he also considers nationally renowned activist, poet and writer Mari Evans, an Indianapolis resident, to be one of his mentors. Ellison has also worked with community and faith organizations in the area on previous projects. Indiana, in some regards, is a muse for me, Ellison said. Through the conversations Ive experienced there, it provides inspiration to do good work beyond your great state. Im looking forward to the opportunity to come and meet additional creative activists who are committed to the bettering life in their community. Ellison is also the author of Cut Dead But Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men. In the book and while speaking across the country, he frequently mentions the concept of being cut dead, which emerged from a phrase coined by philosopher and psychologist William James in 1899. That literally means to be snubbed completely, or deliberately ignored, Ellison said. He added that in his experience, he has met people of different races, backgrounds and economic classes who often feel like they are being unseen and unheard, or judged with stereotypes. These people, he said, have hopes and dreams for their lives, even though other people may perceive their lives as meaningless. Thats the kind of tension I have found in working with young men who are African-American, some of whom have been incarcerated, and some of whom have been in some our nations most prestigious insinuations, Ellison said. However, Ive also seen it in the elderly, disabled people and white businessmen who are prominent in their industry. Ellisons point is that some people feel cut dead because they are seen only in a stereotypical way, and not in the fullness of their humanity. He believes this social challenge must be addressed in order to fully deal with the negative affects of poverty. What were seeking to do is to say you can change your society by the way that you treat the people that are in closest proximity to you, he stated. Ellison added that through the work of his organization, he has also discovered that poverty can best be fought when diverse groups of people from all walks of life come together and solve problems with respect. One way that I think the church can address poverty is to bring people together who dont ordinarily sit together, he said. Thats a Christian vision, and it is what people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi were trying to do bring people together in meaningful ways. Not just to say, OK, were going to address the problem, but also see how we can be enriched by the presence of someone who is different from us. The Faith & Action Project Spring Conference will take place March 14 from 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. at Christian Theological Seminary, 1000 W. 42nd St. The $20 admission price includes lunch, and scholarships are available. For more information, visit www.cts.edu. ADS ADS Cartier A watch: Ronde Louis Cartier XL A technique: Flamed gold The Cartiers Maison des metiers dart in La Chaux-de-Fonds brings together all the traditional techniques (gem-setting, polishing, etc.) as well as some forgotten skills (granulation and filigree, for example) that the company is hoping to bring back into favour. The Ronde Louis Cartier XL watch introduces a technique never before seen in watchmaking, and one that Cartier has recently added to its repertoire of artistic crafts: flamed gold, a technique inspired by the way steel watch hands are blued by exposure to heat. Flamed gold demands perfect mastery of heat, as the colours appear sequentially depending on very precise temperature calibrations. Blue is produced at the highest temperature, and beige at the coolest. The surface of the 18-karat gold watch dial is engraved or brushed with the pattern of the panthers coat. The gold plate is then heated over a flame, and the first colour change occurs. This operation is then repeated as many times as is necessary to achieve the complete colour palette. This painstaking and laborious work also requires a great deal of forethought, as each return to the flame affects all the colours, and each firing could potentially obliterate many hours work. The result is a spectrum of rich colours and a strikingly lifelike representation. This rare and precious timepiece is driven by the manually-wound 430 MC calibre. Just 30 are available. Piaget A watch: Altiplano Double Jeu Gold Lacework A technique: Gold lacework Piaget is well known for its dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and its constant pursuit of the best independent artisans to carry out all the techniques not already available within its manufacture. This year, the company has joined forces with Sara Bran, a self-taught artist who is the only practitioner of her craft: gold lacework. In order to recreate the lightness of lace on the slim rose gold sheet, Sara Bran uses pointed scribing tools and a pair of compasses to trace the designs, drills to pierce holes and saw blades to cut out the metal using a highly specific skill manual redrilling with a small hacksaw. She opens up empty spaces and gradually eliminates material to reveal a delicately sculpted lacework as fine as a super-thin thread. The design of the Altiplano Double Jeu with its two superimposed cases (which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year) lends itself perfectly to the lacemakers art. The diamond-set upper module is adorned with delicate gold lacework, whose radiating motif is enhanced by marquise-cut diamonds. Beneath this decor, the hours tick by discreetly. A press on the pusher reveals the Altiplanos white dial, which conceals the hand-wound 430P movement. Vacheron Constantin A watch: Metiers dArt Copernicus Celestial Spheres A technique: Grand feu enamel This year, Vacheron Constantins master craftsmen have drawn inspiration from one theme the astronomical universe according to Nicolaus Copernicus for which they have devised three different dials. The first of the trio gives pride of place to various enamelling techniques. The enameller drew inspiration from the astronomical map of the Copernican system as drawn by Andreas Cellarius, a 17th-century Dutch-German cartographer. The earth in champleve grand feu enamel reveals the blue of the oceans and the geography of the continents. Against the gold background, a map of the heavens is enamelled in pastel shades, punctuated by fine lines to illustrate the orbits of the five planets. Each planet, represented by a star, is labelled with its Latin name, as are the two solstices. The outer part of the dial features the 12 zodiac signs in coloured enamel. The dial required more than a months work and numerous firings at temperatures as high as 850C before being smoothed, lapped and polished. The timepiece is equipped with the manufacture calibre 2460 RT, an extremely precise mechanism developed by Vacheron Constantin to reproduce the heliocentric system. WorldTempus Editor -in-chief Paul ONeil explains this new movement with its original display in greater detail here. The other two dials in the Metiers dArt Copernicus Celestial Spheres trilogy incorporate both engraving and the combined technique of laser engraving and hand engraving on sapphire crystal. Van Cleef & Arpels A watch: Charms Extraordinaire Fee Sakura Techniques: miniature painting and cabochonne enamel Through the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a poetic interpretation of the passing of time. On a single dial, the artistic crafts meet and combine, forming compositions where every detail bears witness to the creativity of the maisons artisans. The Charms Extraordinaire Fee Sakura watch brings together two of the Parisian brands major sources of inspiration: nature and fairies. On a deep pink background, the dial displays a scene of enchanted nature by means of several artistic crafts: delicate flowers are worked in hand-painted sculpted mother-of-pearl, while the petals in the foreground are adorned with cabochonne enamel. The fairy sculpted in white gold has diamond-set wings and a lively and gracious expression. Around the bezel, two sparkling lines frame a row of pink sapphires in graded hues of pink to emphasise the perfect roundness of the case. As a final touch, a good luck charm swings delicately with every movement of the wrist. Everyone who thinks that climate change is a joke or a Chinese hoax, as suggested by the US President Donald Trump should straighten up. The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012 Back in 2012, Donald Trump tweeted that it's a hoax and a plot designed to bring down the US and as far as we know, he's still abiding by that notion. (Also read: Spring Is Coming Sooner To The Arctic And Climate Change Is Said To Be Responsible For It) Reuters But here's the thing about climate change- it doesn't wait for anyone's approbation, it only reflects the repercussions of what has been done to the earth and our ecosystem. Antarctica, which is one of the coldest places on earth just recorded the hottest day since 1974 and this is extremely alarming. One of the coldest places in the world is warming up fast. (Also read: Climate Change Is Taking A Toll On Australia's Vast Kelp Forest As It's Dying Due To Heat Waves) Scientists from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) just announced that the Argentine research base near the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula has set a heat record at a balmy 63.5 Fahrenheit (17.5 degrees Celsius), and everyone's a lot more concerned than they ever were. Reuters The last time we checked, it was 1974 when the temperature soared so much, reaching almost 59 degrees. "Verification of maximum and minimum temperatures help us to build up a picture of the weather and climate in one of Earths final frontiers," said Michael Sparrow, a polar expert with the WMO co-sponsored World Climate Research Programme to Reuters. Antarctica locks up 90 percent of the world's fresh water as ice and would raise sea levels by about 60 meters (200 ft) if it were all to melt, meaning scientists are concerned to know even about extremes around the fringes. Reuters The report instigated debates around the world and people took it to social media to share their concerns. 1. It was 68 degrees in Antarctica today so fuck student loans cause we ain't gon be here to pay them off anyway MonsterKing (@CerromeRussell) March 1, 2017 2. Nigga it was almost 70 degrees in Antarctica. If that doesn't terrify you then you're fucking retarded. sploosh (@TheDukeKnight) March 2, 2017 3. So, Antarctica hit 63 degrees today. ANTARCTICA. pic.twitter.com/cAdZ45lsuG Doc McDabbins (@javeauriel) March 1, 2017 4. 5. Conan: "An amazing 24 hours: Antarctica recorded its highest temp, Hawaii had a blizzard warning & Trump delivered a reasonable speech." Roger Simon (@politicoroger) March 2, 2017 6. 7. It's 63F in Antarctica. That should scare the shit out of you. Rose Christo (@rosechristo1) March 2, 2017 8. Highest recorded temperatures in Antarctica have been announced: https://t.co/l9ngYZsrCn pic.twitter.com/5zsB3XXl5R Forbes (@Forbes) March 2, 2017 9. you could've hosted a cookout in Antarctica today but your President thinks global warming is a joke Jonathan (@jnthnwll) March 2, 2017 10. Just to let everyone know, the average temperature Antarctica is supposed to be is -52.6F... https://t.co/N54J0ZoE5n croatian queen (@viczubovich) March 1, 2017 But the real question is, why climate change is still a joke to many? Why are we still not thinking about the amount of produce we are creating, the scrap we are dumping and the heat we're generating? The coldest temperature recorded in the region was about -89.6C at Vostok station in the year 1983. However, it usually hovers around -49C and your home freezer is only about -15C. Frozen wave in Antarctica: pic.twitter.com/SYmcttT2MG Earth Pics (@TagAlongWithUs) February 24, 2017 So now, can you think what we've just done? (Also read: Climate Change Shows Its Effects, Snow Falls In The Sahara Desert For The First Time In 37 Years) Schools in the Kashmir Valley reopened on Wednesday, months after they had to be shut due to curfew and protests last year followed by the winter vacation. Rainfall greeted students on their first day at school this year, as they trickle back from, 74-day-long winter break during which the valley witnessed one of the heaviest snowfalls in recent years. BCCL The states education department informed that schools in some higher parts of northern Kashmir, including Gurez, Machhil, Tangdhar and Keran, will remain closed until March 12 due to the accumulation of snow and heavy rainfall. Some areas near Sonamarg received snowfall on Wednesday as well. BCCL Normal academic session in the Valley was disrupted last year when locals protested and clashed with government forces in the wake of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and two of his colleagues on July 8. At least 95 civilians were killed, while around13000 received injuries including more than 1200 people, mostly youngsters, whose eyes were ruptured due to pellets, during five months of protests last year. Around 35 schools were damaged in fire during this period BCCL Many students who were injured last year could resume schooling on Wednesday, however, some others are still receiving treatment in hospitals. I have pellets still lodged inside my body. And also underwent a surgery at the hospital last year. I am hopeful this year I can attend my classes without any problem, said a 9th class student from Pulwama district of south Kashmir. BCCL In November, the states education department had instructed schools to promote all students till class 9 and also class 11 to the next grade without an examination, while students of class 10 and 12 were given 50% relaxation in their board exams. Protests had subsided that month, allowing schools to function for a few weeks before the start of winter vacation. During this period only admission formalities were completed. Kashmir Valley has around 13208 schools in which 1173218 students are enrolled. BCCL Inshallah, I hope and pray that these children should complete their studies and none of them would be killed or maimed anymore, said Muhammad Mudasir, a 35-year-old father who has admitted his second child in pre-nursery this year. Meanwhile, a school bus met an accident on the Srinagar-Gulmarg road in Kunzar area of northern Kashmir, in which seven children were injured. The iconic structures of new capital city Amaravati will be a compilation of best ones from Astana (Kazakhstan), Putrajaya (Malaysia), Brasilia (Brazil), Washington DC (US), London (UK) and New Delhi (India). The Andhra Pradesh capital city structures will also reflect the original rural culture and flavour of the existing villages in the capital city area. PTI The executives of master architect firm, Foster and Partners (F&P) owned by world renowned architect Norman Foster handed over the conceptual designs of the capital city structures to the chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu here on Wednesday. It took nearly three hours for the architects to put all the details before the chief minister explaining various distinct features of the designs. The firm readied four different models for consideration of the state government. Expressing happiness over the inclusion of rarest of the rare features in the designs, chief minister said that the designs would be submitted to the cabinet on Thursday. TOI After presenting the designs and taking feedback from the ministers, it would be thrown open to the public to send their feedback. "Amaravati is not going to be developed as a mere city. It should be distinct in all aspects and global class in many fields," said the chief minister. He said that Norman Foster had readied the designs in such a short period. It is the State's obligation, and not charity, to compensate female victims, the Bombay High Court said on Wednesday, adding that the Maharashtra government's attitude was "ruthless". Reuters/representational image A division Bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G.S. Kulkarni was hearing a petition filed by a 14-year-old rape victim, seeking 3 lakh as compensation under the governments Manodhairya Yojana. The girl, a resident of suburban Borivali in Mumbai, alleged that she was raped by a man who had promised to marry her. The High Court Bench was told that the government compensated the girl with Rs 1 lakh after she filed the petition in October 2016. However, at the last hearing, the government told the court it would only compensate the girl with Rs 2 Lakh, as the incident according to them was of "consensual nature". Following this comment, the High Court said on Wednesday that a 14-year-old cannot be expected understand and take such mature decisions and realise the consequences. We dont like how the government is approaching the issue. This is a very heartless and ruthless attitude. Unless the government starts thinking and taking decisions in such matters from its heart and soul, nothing will happen, Chief Justice Chellur said. The High Court asked Mumbai Suburban Deputy Collector, who was present in the court, as to how he would feel if something of this nature would have happened to his kith and kin. dnaindia You (government) should think from your heart in such cases. There cannot be such an insensitive attitude. This is the governments obligation to help such victims. They (victims) are not beggars and this is not charity. It is their (victims) right, the judges noted. Manodhairya [Manodhairya Yojana] means self-confidence... The government should be boosting the victims confidence, instead it is doing the opposite, they observed. The court asked if the officers are giving compensation from their pockets. This is tax payers money. What is the governments problem then? Should we start collecting donations from the general public and give it to the victims? The Bench noted that as per directions given by the Supreme Court, a sum of 1 lakh has to be given to a victim within 15 days of registration of FIR. In this case, the government has failed to do so. This is contempt of court order. Only after the victim came to court the government paid her one lakh. We should hold one officer guilty for contempt and put him inside jail for one day, then the government will realise, the judges said. We are surprised at the laxity on part of the officers and pained at their attitude. We direct Suburban District Collector to remain present on the next date of hearing, they further said. The Bench also directed the government to file an affidavit giving details of how the Board constituted under the Manodhairya scheme functions and how it takes decisions on how much compensation should be given to a victim. Reuters/representational image The affidavit shall also give details of how many such cases have been filed in last one year and in how many cases compensation has been given to victims. The Bench will hear the petition on March 8. Under the Manodhairya Yojana launched in October 2013, the Maharashtra government gives compensation of 3 lakh to women who are victims of rape and other crimes. Apart from the monetary compensation, the government, under the scheme, also provides counselling to the victim and vocational or educational training, if required. "He would have turned 33 on March 9th, and we were planning to fly to NJ for his cousins engagement. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin," writes Sunayana Dumala, the wife of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, in a tear-jerking Facebook post. She shared the post on Tuesday after her husband's cremation took place in Hyderabad. In her tribute, Dumala, wrote how they first started talking to each other on Orkut in August 2006, about how Srinivas Kuchibhotla was always there to guide and support her, be it her career or her passion for writing. AP She writes, "Srinu, my love, I dont know how Ill be able to fill the void I now have created in my life, but I promise you Ill never let you down. It is so funny that you were my editor for any important email I had written, but now, for the first time, I am having to do it myself." An inebriated US national Adam Purinton gunned down Kuchibhotla at a bar in Kansas on Wednesday while shouting, "Leave my country", Dumala writes how one man's impulse turned her life around, overnight. She was in utter disbelief when the police informed her about the incident, and asked repeatedly, Are you sure?, Are you telling the truth?, Did you see the man you are talking about?. Despite her grave loss, Dumala, mustered the strength to personally thank everyone from PM Modi to random people who came forward to hug and console her. She wrote how Kuchibhotla was a fan of Modi and lauded Sushma Swaraj's efficiency on Twitter. "He was really happy to see Sushma Swaraj as the external affairs minister such a brave and courageous woman, and how quick she reacted for those in need. He must have never thought that he would be one among them one day." AP She also mentions that Kuchibhotla was a huge fan of Sharukh Khan and that her friends always compared them to Amitabh and Jaya. At the end of her moving post, Dumala, closes up with a strong rhetoric, "On what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, it's not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? What is the government going to do to stop hate crime? and DO WE BELONG HERE?" Read the full post below: This is my first official blog post on Facebook, and it is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words. On the dreadful night of Wednesday February 22nd 2017, I lost my husband my soul mate my friend and my confidante. He was a source of inspiration, a support system not just to me but to any and all he got to know. He always had a smile for every one, respected all especially his elders. We met in August 2006 through common friends then connected on an online portal called Orkut not a usual face to face introduction- and started liking each other instantly. He was so charming that I could not resist. I am the baby of my house, being the youngest with two elder sisters. I grew up to be a carefree child. It was Srinivas who gave me the courage to pursue my dream of coming to the USA and studying, which made me the person I am today an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman. I started working only recently, May 2016. Hed played a major role in me attaining a job, always encouraging and working with me though my disappointments, especially as I was starting back again after 4 years of a career break. His passion was to constantly innovate in the the aviation industry. Here in America, he commenced is his career at Rockwell Collins, and he worked On Flight Control System especially on Primary Flight Control Computer that would change the way flights work with improved performances. He dedicated his life to this development. There were days he used to come home to have only dinner and leave for work again - only return around 2 or 3 in the morning. He was very happy at Rockwell and liked living in a small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But we decided to move from there to a bigger city so that I could get a job and be able to pursue my dreams, as he was able to do for himself. Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted, and installed the garage door. Doing any kind of work on his home gave him immense joy. This was the home that he had built to for us and any kids we would have- was our first step to starting our family. Its so unfortunate that this dream of ours is now shattered. All of this, because of one person, who did not think of the impact his deed would have on the victims family. When police came to our house that night and gave me the news of my husbands life being taken away by a random shooter, I could not believe their words, it was so surreal. I asked them repeatedly, Are you sure?, Are you telling the truth?, Did you see the man you are talking about?, Can you show me a picture to identify?, Is the man that you are talking about 6 2? They were just nodding their heads saying yes. With no family here in Kansas and his brother in Dallas, my immediate reaction was to call his brother. When I called him to say what the police had just told me, he thought I was joking. My friends were by my side and did not leave me for even a second. Friends drove from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Minnesota, and St. Louis. Many flew from Denver, California, and New Jersey to say a final goodbye to their beloved and dearest friend, who was always only kind to them. Both his aunts from NJ and NY came to take care of me and him. He would have turned 33 on March 9th, and we were planning to fly to NJ for his cousins engagement. He was excited and eagerly waiting for the event, and we had plans to shop this past weekend for the trip. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin. We got married after 6 years of close friendship, and it was not an easy process. He had to convince not only his parents but also mine. He met my family multiple times to convince them that he was capable and suitable for their beloved daughter. He answered all their questions with a smile on his face. His charm was such that he instantly became one of the members of my family and became their favorite son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle. It is still unbelievable that he is not here. He found happiness in simple things. One of his most favorite pastimes was watching TV, which he watched with so much passion and intensity. His favorite shows lately were Person of Interest and Indian Idol. He was a family man and liked to eat home-cooked meals. Every night, I used to pack lunch for him and myself. He used to hate packing for himself and used to give me the funniest explanations for not doing so. He would say, If I pack my lunch, I would know what I would eat later on. But if you pack it, I will have that surprise element. If anyone gave him a heartful meal, he would bless that person by saying, Anna datha sukkhi bhava (a saying in Telugu that translates to, You made my heart happy with the food, so may God bless you). This was something many of his friends picked up from him. He really enjoyed Arnab Goswami during his lunch at work and was eagerly waiting for him to come on. He loved kids and was an instant favorite of any kid. We were planning to expand our own family and had had a doctors appointment just a few weeks ago. One of the last thoughts that he shared with me were Nani (his nickname for me), we need to save money if we have to end up going for in-vitro to conceive. I am writing this as it sinks in to me that this dream of ours is now shattered. I really wish we had a child of our own in whom I could at least see Srinivas and make him like Srinu. He always cared about what was happening around him, and he was very proud of Mr. Narendra Modi ji and India. He was sure that India had finally found the leader that could make India shine. This might seem unreal, but I know because there wasnt a day that ended without him watching the news or reading multiple newspapers before going to bed. Srinu was the epitome of optimism. That was his motto. I remember asking him why hed chosen to pursue digital signal processing and electrical engineering for his masters degree. He said, I scored less in that subject in Bachelors of Technology and wanted to explore why I received a lower score. That was his optimism. He was really happy to see Sushma Swaraj as the external affairs minister such a brave and courageous woman, and how quick she reacted for those in need. He must have never thought that he would be one among them one day. But knowing my Srinu, he would have felt very proud of you for helping us and his family in crisis. Thanks again, Madam. I wish I could meet both you and Mr. Modi ji and share his joy posthumously. He was always worried about immigration and its laws. He followed them very closely over the internet. There were days when he used to talk about how its been quite a few years since we applied for our permanent residency card, and he didnt know how much longer we have to wait for it. He used to say having one would give him the chance to explore even more his passion for the aviation industry. He very closely monitored the H4 EAD rule and did whatever he could do in his capacity for the rule to be passed - not just for me, but for every woman and for those who deserve a career and a chance to fulfill their dreams. He was filled with joy when the rule passed and was so happy that he said, Nani, now you can work. It is not that we need the money, but its so that you can follow your own dreams and make your parents proud. His father had a very low-income job, and Srinivas was the middle son of three sons. There wasnt a day that went by without him mentioning how hard his father worked to make his sons the way they are today, and that he would have to do a lot for his parents. Im sure, Srinu, that you made them proud, and I wish you didnt have to leave us. He was a loving brother to both his siblings, especially the younger one, whom he treated like his own son more than a brother. He was elated when the youngest got married back in November 2015. From what I know or heard from his parents, himself, and his brothers, all three brothers were very naughty. I remember him saying that when the three started to laugh, they would be panicked that in next 5 minutes there would be a fight and something would be broken in the house. As their father was very strict and always wanted them to focus on education, he would always be pushing them to study and many a time would have to run after them to make them sit for their studies. The youngest and eldest always managed to escape first, and Srinu, would always stay behind and get the scolding of all three brothers. As I mentioned in the press meet, whenever there was an incident involving someone dying, both of us got worried, and I many times spoke my heart to him. We came here to achieve and fulfill our dreams. He always assured me that if we think good, be good, then good will happen to us and that we will be safe. He used to hug me tightly and sleep giving me this assurance. Srinu, now that I have gotten used to that warm hug, I might not be able to sleep. That was the only place in the world that I could sleep without any worries or tensions. I was able to see random acts of kindness at the Kansas City airport when people recognized me and hugged me. I met a dermatologist who said I changed the purpose of her life. Maybe that was the first win during this fight to spread to love. I think I can just keep writing and finish a book, but that still isnt enough to talk about you or the love that you spread around. Im still trying to digest the fact that in one evening I became a widow from a wife. Srinu, my love, I dont know how Ill be able to fill the void I now have created in my life, but I promise you Ill never let you down. It is so funny that you were my editor for any important email I had written, but now, for the first time, I am having to do it myself. I LOVE YOU, AND YOU ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE MINE. I wish that you had come home when I asked you to have tea. I have many unanswered questions, and I wish you would answer them, but the only way I could get those answers now is by coming to you and your new home on the other side. I dont know when that day will come. My sincere thanks to each one of those who are helping us cope with this loss. I thank, Garmin and its employees, for conducting the vigil and allowing me to speak and share my Srinivas with you all. Thanks to Mr. Cliff Pemble, the CEO of Garmin, for speaking such kind words about my husband and his contribution to Garmin. I cant express my happiness that you came to my home to pay your last respects to him, held my hand, and went all around the house hearing his stories. This shows me how important he was to the company. Also, Didier, Dave, Phil, Patrick, Garmin Legal Team, HR Team, and to all those sitting in the auditorium during the vigil, thanks a lot for your support. Thanks to Mr. Frank, CEO of Intouch Solutions, for assuring me that I can take however long and still come back and continue my job. Thanks for coming home and delivering the message personally. Thanks to Katema, David, and every employee of Intouch Solutions, who came to console me and gave me the same assurance. Thanks to the Mayor for your kind words, giving us the assurance, and making a personal visit to the house. Also, thank you for making sure we received the privacy we asked for. I was told by Congressmen Yoder and Senator Moran that you were trying to reach out to me. Thanks a lot for your concern and for working on my immigration status. This is my Srinus dream, and it is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA. Thanks to the Detectives and District Attorney Steve for working hard on this case and finding the culprit. I know you will make sure justice is served. Thanks to the medical team that worked on Srinu and tried hard to revive him back. I truly wish that your efforts had succeeded and he was with us today. I do not have words to express my gratitude towards Mr. Ian Grillot for what you have done. Thanks for having the courage and trying in whatever way possible to save my husband. When I am back in Olathe, I would like to meet you personally. You and your act of kindness will help me survive and still have the faith in love and spreading love and not hate. I hope you get well soon. Thanks to all those communities that have come forward and have been praying for Srinivass soul and his familys well being. Thanks to the funeral home for being so considerate and obliging to our request of sending him to his house, the house that he had built with so many dreams. I have the good luck charm that you gave me. Thank you. Thanks to the media and press for agreeing to not disturb us and for respecting our privacy. Thanks again, and keep up your good work. A special mention to Ms. Rajini Vaidyanathan (BBC correspondent). Thanks to people like Satya Nadella and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights. We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, its an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I dont want anyone to go through what my family and household went through. Thanks to the Consular General Officers who expedited the process. Thanks to the government of Telangana for giving us the assurance that his remains will be taken to his house without any problem, and we request the media in India to be considerate of our privacy. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan sir, there wasnt a party that ended without us dancing to your songs. Our friends used to fondly call us Amitabh and Jaya because my husband is 62 and I am 5 feet. My husband used to say that our kids should be as tall as Abhishek and Shweta. Shah Rukh Khan sir, he was a huge fan of yours, and he made sure we watched your latest movie, Raees. I need all your support to pass this strong message of spreading love and giving confidence to every foreign national that their fight will be listened to. I will now ask same question On what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, its not based on the color of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them afterward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrants mind, DO WE BELONG HERE? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here? -Sunayana Dumala In a tragic accident, an Asian black bear dropped to her death while hanging from a helicopter. The animal was being airlifted to a national park in Thailand when the incident happened. The officials in charge of the transport had tranquilised the bear who was hanging mid-air in a net that had been fastened to the chopper. reuters It is being reported that the bear may have woken up mid-way and sensing danger, may have panicked before falling to the ground. Officials, however, have denied these claims and said that the bear did not wake up mid-flight. According to them, it was turbulence that caused the unfortunate mishap. Bangkok Post The accident had occurred on February 11 but was only made public last Saturday. According to Bangkok Post, a 10-day investigation is underway to determine the cause of the bear's death. An activist also decried the incident by calling the officials-in-charge careless in calculating the bear's weight and administering the wrong dosage of the tranquiliser. The female bear was being transported to be released back into Thailand's Khao Yai National Park after it had entered a village in November. Since another bear has to be released into the habitat, it would do well on the officials to tie up all loose ends lest another accident occurs. After taking a beating in West Asia, the Islamic State fighters are looking east. There have been reports about how they are planning to attack the Indian territory, now they are looking to set their foot on Chinese soil. According to reports, Islamic State militants from China's Uighur ethnic minority have vowed to return home and "shed blood like rivers", according to a jihadist-tracking firm, in what experts said marked the first IS threat against Chinese targets. Brasil 247/Representational Image The threat came in a half-hour video released Monday by a division of the Islamic State in western Iraq and featuring militants from China's Uighur ethnic group, said the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which analysed the footage. China has for years blamed exiled Uighur "separatists" for a series of violent attacks in its western Xinjiang region - the Uighur homeland - and warned of the potential for militants to link up with global jihadist groups. In the video, a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant. "Oh, you Chinese who do not understand what people say! We are the soldiers of the Caliphate, and we will come to you to clarify to you with the tongues of our weapons, to shed blood like rivers and avenging the oppressed," according to SITE's translation. AFP/Representational Image A traditionally Muslim group, many Uighurs complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination by China. It appears to be the Islamic State's "first direct threat" against China, Dr. Michael Clarke, an expert on Xinjiang at the National Security College of Australian National University, told AFP. "It is the first time that Uighur-speaking militants have claimed allegiance to IS," he added. AFP/Representational Image The video was released on the same day China staged the latest in a series of mass rallies by armed police in Xinjiang meant to indicate Chinese resolve in crushing security threats. More than 10,000 officers gathered Monday in the regional capital Urumqi - the fourth such show of force this year in Xinjiang. Reuters/Representational Image A US think tank said in July that Chinese religious restrictions on Muslims may have driven more than 100 to join the Islamic State. Authorities have banned or strictly controlled the observance of certain Muslim practices, such as growing beards, wearing headscarves, and fasting during Ramadan, calling them symbols of "Islamic extremism". "When we see the government involved in a very heavy crackdown, it hasn't really ever solved the problem, it hasn't made it go away," said Raffaello Pantucci, director of International Security Studies at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute. "In some cases, it has made it worse." China's first domestically made aircraft carrier under construction in Dalian. (Photo : Getty Images) The work done on China's first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier is steadily progressing. When it is launched, this will be China's its operational carrier, and will reportedly be named as the "Shandong." It is reported that the entire vessel has a tip curved upward so that aircraft can easily take off. Advertisement The China-made aircraft carrier boasts a displacement of about 50,000 tons. It is being constructed in Dalian, and is likely to join the South Sea Fleet. This is the fleet that controls the controversial South China Sea, where territorial disputes over reefs and islands are raging between China and different nations. According to the English version of the Global Times, an affiliate of the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily, the aircraft carrier will be serviced by 2020. A spokesman for the National Defense Ministry of China said: The aircraft is an improvement in many aspects (on the Liaoning). Liaoning, China's current lone aircraft carrier, is a remodeled Soviet carrier that launched in 2012, but is used for training purposes only. Chinese experts sais that the new carrier's deck is larger than that of the Liaoning, which enables the carrier to accommodate more planes. China needs two groups of aircraft carriers in sea areas ranging from the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean that are important for the safety and benefit of the country, said Yin Zhuo, a Chinese military expert. Since planes can sometimes either require a lengthy period of repairs or be used in training, it is said that at least three to four aircraft carriers are necessary for the deployment of one to two planes. To ensure that enough planes can be deployed at the same time, China is constructing another aircraft carrier in Shanghai to add to the one being built in Dalian. Mr. Mitsotakis had accused the Greek-Russian businessman of being the "mechanical rabbit" of the TV station licensing procedure in October, during his speech at the Greek Parliament, something very insulting for Mr. Savvidis and his constant effort to Chloe Goncalves poses in front of a building of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (Photo : LinkedIn) French digital marketer Chloe Goncalves never expected that her post on her trip to China to work for Alibaba would make her an online celebrity. She is one of the 32 associates coming from 14 countries that are chosen by the Alibaba Global Leadership Academy to train for one year to become the company's global ambassadors. Advertisement Chloe's post on LinkedIn half a year ago and has received over 31,000 likes and 2,900 comments. She also found herself 1,600 new followers worldwide, which inspired her to do a monthly blog on her adventures. For the past four months, Chloe already experienced a lot of adventures in working in China. She has joined the Nov. 11 Global Shopping festival, attended Alibaba's annual cloud computing conference, visited Taobao villages, talked with Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, taken Tai-Chi classes, and has been busy learning the Chinese language. A lot of Chinese firms are expanding its operations overseas Alibaba is hoping that half of its profits will come from international business soon. A new round of recruitment for AGLA is underway. Alibaba is expecting to train about 100 ambassadors every year for the next ten years. Brian Wong, the vice president of Alibaba Group Holding that is in charge of global initiatives, pointed out that foreign staff with expertise will not only help identify and navigate new markets but also help bridge China and international markets and enable local companies big and small to use internet technology to trade globally. Wong said: "China is a significant opportunity for the rest of the world, not a threat, because it offers such a large market for their products and services." "Global talent with wide connections and strong cross-cultural skills will translate into core competitiveness during globalization," said the vice president of LinkedIn China David Yu. Wang Huiyao, the head of the Center for China and Globalization, said: "Talent and innovation are crucial for economic globalization and China should look for talented people not only among its own 1.3 billion people but in the global pool of 7 billion." Alibaba is also planning to send local employees for over a year abroad. Al Franken : Jeff Sessions Lied About Meeting With Russians Video Sen. Al Franken said he is very troubled that Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied about his contacts with the Russian ambassador during his confirmation hearing last month. Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi called Sessions unfit to serve after the revelations. Posted March 02, 2017 I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. Sessions claimed Wednesday that he didnt consider the conversations with Ambassador Sergei Kislyak relevant Very troubled that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had contact with Russian official despite testifying otherwise. https://t.co/ak9sU6EOmk Sen. Al Franken (@SenFranken) March 2, 2017 Jeff Sessions, the US Attorney general, had two conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States while still a senator during the presidential campaign season last year, fuelling calls for him to recuse himself from a justice department investigation into Russian interference in the election. Justice department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said earlier on Wednesday that "there was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer" in the hearing. AG Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign. https://t.co/5r8KpGQSRT pic.twitter.com/vKSVuvTIf3 Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) March 2, 2017 Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Trumps Moderate Defense Secretary Has Already Brought Us to the Brink of War By Mehdi Hasan March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " The Intercept " - Did you know that the Trump administration almost went to war with Iran at the start of February? Perhaps you were distracted by Gen. Michael Flynns resignation as national security adviser or by President Trumps online jihad against Nordstrom . Or maybe you missed the story because the New York Times bizarrely buried it in the midst of a long piece on the turmoil and chaos inside the National Security Council. Defense Secretary James Mattis, according to the paper, had wanted the U.S. Navy to intercept and board an Iranian ship to look for contraband weapons possibly headed to Houthi fighters in Yemen. But the ship was in international waters in the Arabian Sea, according to two officials. Mr. Mattis ultimately decided to set the operation aside, at least for now. White House officials said that was because news of the impending operation leaked. Get that? It was only thanks to what Mattiss commander in chief has called illegal leaks that the operation was (at least temporarily) set aside and military action between the United States and Iran was averted. Am I exaggerating? Ask the Iranians. Boarding an Iranian ship is a shortcut to confrontation, says Seyyed Hossein Mousavian , former member of Irans National Security Council and a close ally of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Even if a firefight in international waters were avoided, the Islamic Republic, Mousavian tells me, would retaliate and has many other options for retaliation. Trita Parsi , head of the National Iranian American Council and author of the forthcoming book Losing an Enemy Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy, agrees. Such acts of escalation by the Trump administration, he tells me, significantly increases the risk of war. In an administration overflowing with Iran hawks, from CIA Director Mike Pompeo ( I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism ) to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly ( Irans involvement in [Latin America] is a matter for concern ) to former National Security Adviser Flynn ( We are officially putting Iran on notice ), some may have naively expected Mattis to be the responsible adult in the room. The defense secretary has been lauded by politicians and pundits alike: the scholar-warrior (New York Daily News) and most revered Marine in a generation (Marine Corps Times) with the potential to act as a restraint (New York Times) on an impulsive commander in chief as he is the anti-Trump (Politico) and therefore good news for global order (Wall Street Journal). So why would a retired Marine Corps general such as Mattis be willing to provoke a conflict with Tehran over a single ship? The fact is that Mattis, too, is obsessed with Iran. He has hyperbolically called the Islamic Republic the single most enduring threat to stability and peace in the Middle East and in a Trump-esque descent into the world of conspiracy theories suggested Tehran is working with ISIS. Iran is not an enemy of ISIS, Mattis declaimed in 2016, because the one country in the Middle East that has not been attacked by ISIS is Iran. That is more than happenstance, Im sure. According to the Washington Post , in the run-up to the talks over Irans nuclear program, Israelis may have questioned Obamas willingness to use force against Iran. But they believed Mattis was serious. The general, in his capacity as head of U.S. Central Command, even proposed launching dead of night airstrikes on Iranian soil in 2011, in retaliation for Tehrans support for anti-American militias in Iraq a proposal rejected by White House officials who were worried that it risked starting yet another war in the Middle East. Mousavian is puzzled by the defense secretarys hawkishness: He is one of the most experienced U.S. generals and he knows the consequences of confrontation with Iran would be tenfold what the U.S. experienced in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. Mattis has, in fact, been tied to some of the worst war crimes of the Iraq invasion. It was he who gave the order to attack the village of Mukaradeeb in April 2004 a decision he would later admit took him only 30 seconds to approve which killed 42 civilians, including 13 children, who were attending a wedding there. I dont have to apologize for the conduct of my men, he told reporters . Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Six months later, in November 2004, it was Mattis who planned the Marine assault on Fallujah that reduced that city to rubble, forced 200,000 residents from their homes , and resulted, according to the Red Cross , in at least 800 civilian deaths. Theres a reason Mattis is nicknamed Mad Dog. Theres a reason his militant maxims or Mattisisms include telling Marines under his command in Iraq to be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet, and telling an audience in California: Its fun to shoot some people. I like brawling. Is this the kind of restraint that we can expect from Mattis? Trump was rightly lambasted over his January raid in Yemen that led to the deaths of a U.S. Navy SEAL and at least 15 Yemeni women and children, but it was the defense secretary, joined by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who persuaded the neophyte president that the SEALs attack on al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula would be a game changer. It was the gung-ho Mattis who, according to Reuters , told Trump that he doubted that the Obama administration would have been bold enough to try it. And this week, we learned , it is Mattis to whom Trump wants to give free rein to launch raids, drone strikes, and hostage rescues without prior presidential approval. What could possibly go wrong? According to Parsi, Mattis believes the U.S. needs to have a strong hegemonic position in the Middle East, and if your aim is hegemony in the Middle East, Iran will be your No. 1 foe due to Tehrans rejection of Pax Americana even though the U.S. and Iran share a lot of common interests, such as opposition to ISIS. Yet even normally skeptical voices have bought into the myth of Mattiss moderation. I actually do think he is the closest thing we have to a moderate in this administration, Andrew Bacevich , a conservative military historian at Boston University and long-standing critic of U.S. defense policy, tells me. This, to misapply a line from George W. Bush, is the soft bigotry of low expectations. The defense secretary may not be a bigot or a crank like so many other top Trump appointees, but he could prove to be far more lethal in the long run. Remember: It was not Dick Cheney or Donald Rumsfeld but moderate Secretary of State Colin Powell another retired general who was tasked with selling President Bushs Mesopotamian misadventure to the United Nations in February 2003. Who do you imagine would make a more convincing public case, on behalf of the Trump administration, for a future shooting war with Iran? The draft-dodging president or his decorated defense secretary? Ex-Breitbart boss Steve Bannon or Warrior Monk Mattis, who, lest we forget, 45 out of 46 Senate Democrats voted to confirm? Trumps Use of Navy SEALs Wife Highlights All the Key Ingredients of U.S. War Propaganda By Glenn Greenwald March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " The Intercept " - During his Tuesday night address to the U.S. Congress, President Trump paid tribute to Ryan Owens, the Navy SEAL killed in the January commando raid in Yemen that Trump ordered. As he did so, television cameras focused for almost four full minutes on Owenss grieving wife, Carryn, as she wept and applauded while sitting next to and periodically being touched by Trumps glamorous daughter Ivanka. The entire chamber stood together in sustained applause, with Trump interjecting scripted, lyrical expressions of support and gratitude for her husbands sacrifice. It was, as intended, an obviously powerful TV moment. Independent of the political intent behind it, any well-functioning human being would feel great empathy watching a grieving spouse mourning and struggling to cope emotionally with the recent, sudden death of her partner. The majestic setting of the U.S. Congress, solemnly presided over by the U.S. president, vested the moment with political gravity. Media commentators predictably gushed that this was the moment Trump became presidential. Meanwhile, the U.S. medias most reliable partisan warriors, horrified that the moment might benefit Trump, instantly accused him of exploiting these emotions , and exploiting Carryn Owens herself , for his own political benefit. While there is certainly truth in the claim that Trumps use of the suffering of soldiers and their families is politically opportunistic, even exploitative, this tactic is hardly one Trump pioneered. In fact, it is completely standard for U.S. presidents. Though Trumps attackers did not mention it, Obama often included tales of the sacrifice, death, and suffering of soliders in his political speeches including when he devoted four highly emotional minutes in his 2014 State of the Union address to narrating the story of, and paying emotional tribute to, Sgt. Cory Remsburg, who was severely wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan: George W. Bush also hauled soldiers wounded in his wars before cameras during his speeches, such as his 2007 State of the Union address, where he paid tribute to Sgt. Tommy Rieman, wounded in Iraq. There are reasons presidents routinely use the suffering and deaths of U.S soldiers and their families as political props. The way in which these emotions are exploited powerfully highlights important aspects of war propaganda generally, and specifically how the endless, 15-year-old war on terror is sustained. The raid in Yemen that cost Owens his life also killed 30 other people, including many civilians, at least nine of whom were children . None of them were mentioned by Trump in last nights speech, let alone honored with applause and the presence of grieving relatives. Thats because they were Yemenis, not Americans; therefore, their deaths, and lives, must be ignored (the only exception was some fleeting media mention of the 8-year-old daughter of Anwar al-Awlaki, but only because she was a U.S. citizen and because of the irony that Obama killed her 16-year-old American brother with a drone strike). This is standard fare in U.S. war propaganda: We fixate on the Americans killed, learning their names and life stories and the plight of their spouses and parents, but steadfastly ignore the innocent people the U.S. government kills, whose numbers are always far greater. There is thus a sprawling, moving monument in the center of Washington, D.C., commemorating the 58,000 U.S. soldiers who died in Vietnam, but not the ( at least ) 2 million Vietnamese civilians killed by that war. Politicians and commentators condemning the Iraq War always mention the 4,000 U.S. soldiers who died but rarely mention the hundreds of thousands (at least) innocent Iraqis killed: They dont exist, are unmentionable. After a terror attack aimed at Americans, we are deluged with media profiles and photographs of the victims , learning their life aspirations and wallowing in the grief of their families, but we almost never hear anything about any of the innocent victims killed by the United States. Senior Chief Ryan Owens is a household name, and his wife, Carryn, is the subject of national admiration and sympathy. But the overwhelming majority of Americans do not know, and will never learn, the name of even a single foreign victim out of the many hundreds of thousands that their country has killed over the last 15 years. This imbalance plays a massive role in how Americans understand themselves, the countries their government invades and bombs, and the Endless War that is being waged. None of this is to say that the tribute to Owens and the sympathy for his wife are undeserved. Quite the contrary: When a country, decade after decade, keeps sending a small, largely disadvantaged portion of its citizenry to bear all the costs and risks of the wars it starts while the nations elite and their families are largely immune the least the immunized elites can do is pay symbolic tribute when they are killed. Nor is it to say that this obsessive, exclusive focus on our own sides victims while ignoring the victims we create is unique to the U.S. Again, the contrary is true. This dynamic is endemic to nationalism, which in turn is grounded in tribalistic human instincts: paying more attention to the deaths of those in our tribe than those we cause other tribes to suffer. As Ive described before , I was in Canada the week that it was targeted with two attacks including one on the Parliament in Ottawa and the Canadian media was suffuse for the entire week with images and stories about the two dead Canadian soldiers and their families. Then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke at the funeral of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who became a household name for dying in the Parliament attack, even though most Canadians dont know the names of and cant tell a single story about even one of the numerous innocent victims killed by their own government over the last 15 years. This is by no means a uniquely American phenomenon. But unique or not, this is an incredibly consequential tool of war propaganda. By dramatizing the deaths of Americans while disappearing the countrys victims, this technique ensures that Americans perpetually regard themselves as victims of horrific, savage, tragic violence but never the perpetrators of it. That, in turn, is what keeps Americans supporting endless war: These savages keep killing us, so we have no choice but to fight them. More importantly, this process completely dehumanizes the people the U.S. government bombs, attacks, and kills. Because theyre never heard from, because we never learn their names, because we never experience their familys suffering, all of their human attributes are stripped from them and their deaths are thus meaningless because theyre barely human. This dehumanization the suppression of any humanity on the part of the U.S. foreign war victims is the absolute key to sustaining popular support for war. Nobody knew that better than Gen. William Westmoreland, the U.S. Commander of the Vietnam War, which is why he insisted that Orientals do not experience death and suffering the way that Westerners do A population will only tolerate the ongoing, continual killing of large numbers of civilians if they believe that the innocent victims do not experience human suffering or, more importantly, if that suffering is hidden from them. Just imagine how different Americans views of the war on terror might be if they were subjected to heavy grieving rituals from the family members of innocent victims of U.S. bombing similar to the one they witnessed last night from Carryn Owens. Theres a reason the iconic photo of a South Vietnamese police official summarily executing a Vietcong suspect during the 1968 Tet Offensive resonated: Violence and suffering are much more easily tolerated when their visceral reality need not be confronted. The ritualistic tribute to dead or wounded U.S. soldiers has other purposes as well: It attempts not using rational formulas but rather emotional impulses to transfer the nobility of the slain soldier onto the war itself; after all, how unjust could a war be when such brave and admirable American soldiers are fighting in it? And it is also intended that the soldiers nobility will be transferred to his commander in chief who is so solemnly honoring him. As demonstrated by the skyrocketing post-9/11 approval ratings for George Bush and the endless political usage Obama obtained for killing Osama bin Laden, nothing makes us rally around a president like uplifting war sentiment. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Jim Crow is Alive and Well in Israel Long before Israel erected separate communities, the United States perfected the art of the artificial divide. By Stanley L Cohen March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Al Jazeera " - For years, Israel has sold, and we in the United States have bought, the cheap peel-away sticker that it is the "lone democracy" in the Middle East. It has a nice, assuring ring to it, sort of like "opportunity" or "peace", whatever these chants may, in practice, mean. But, like beauty, it remains very much in the eye of the beholder, and like reality, sooner or later the truth surfaces, no matter how well its fiction is packaged. We in the US are damn good at packaging ourselves, and our charade of equality and justice is second to none. We sell stuff; lots of it. Much of it false. Very much like a willing stepchild, Israel has learned from us that if you say something long enough with vigour, power and money to back it, it begins to take on a surreal life of its own, no matter how much reality puts the lie to its embroidery. Indeed, we are quite accomplished at obfuscation. We know it all too well. We've hidden behind the fog of it for so long that, even today, those who remind us that the earth is, in fact, not flat, remain heretics to be scorned. Have we found the weapons of mass destruction yet? Long before Israel erected separate communities divided by will of law to segregate its Jewish citizens from its almost two million Palestinian Arab ones, the US perfected the art of artificial divide. With the accuracy of delusion, from coast to coast, could be heard the refrain that race-based segregation was lawful as long as the facilities provided to each race were equal. For decades, the legal fiction of "separate but equal" was the mantra that state and local governments, throughout the US, held out to justify the artificial, indeed lawful, separation of tens of millions of Americans on the basis of race and nothing more. Whether in services, facilities, public accommodations, transportation, medical care, employment, voting booths or in schools, black and white were segregated under the cheap shibboleth that artificial isolation of the races insured equality, as long as the conditions of their separation were legally equal. These laws came to be known simply as Jim Crow . Indeed, the idea that race or religious separation was not only preferable, but helpful to one another's ability to chart their own separate but equal course, became a perverse intellectual exercise which fundamentally did nothing more than exalt the supremacy of one race at the expense of another. Putting aside, for the moment, the reality that facilities and services offered to African Americans were almost always of lower quality than those available to their counterpart white Americans, eventually the US Supreme Court had had enough. It held that separate could never be equal, even where there was a match in opportunity and facilities. As noted in the seminal 1954 case of Brown v Board of Education , a school-based challenge to the notion of equal segregation, separate educational facilities are inherently unequal. In words that eventually took hold first in education, then elsewhere throughout the US, the unanimous court noted: "Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments. Compulsory school attendance laws and the great expenditures for education both demonstrate our recognition of the importance of education to our democratic society ... It is the very foundation of good citizenship ... Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms ... "Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children. The impact is greater when it has the sanction of the law; for the policy of separating the races is usually interpreted as denoting the inferiority of the negro group. A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn. Segregation with the sanction of law, therefore, has a tendency to retard the educational and mental development of negro children and to deprive them of some of the benefits they would receive in a racially integrated school system." These words were penned but six years after Israel was granted statehood by the United Nations . Nevertheless, some 62 years later, Brown's command remains a linchpin of any meaningful democratic ideal and, yet, evermore elusive in Israel, which takes pride in the falsehood of the same supremacist claptrap rejected long ago. Separate schools In Israel, Palestinian schoolchildren account for about 25 percent, or about 480,000 pupils, of the state's total student population. Palestinian and Jewish students , from elementary to high school, learn in separate institutions. As noted in Brown v. Board of Education, institutionalised discrimination in the education system impedes the ability of students to develop the skills and awareness to participate on an equal footing, as individuals, in a free society. In Israel, this is no accident. It is very much the result of a conscious effort to build a permanent educational, social and political advantage of Jews over their Palestinian counterparts. READ MORE: Israel tells Palestinians - Our textbooks or no funding In 1969, the state passed a law that gave statutory recognition to cultural and educational institutions and defined their aims as the development and fulfilment of Zionist goals in order to promote Jewish culture and education. In that light, in Israel, Palestinian children receive an education that is inferior in nearly every respect when compared with that for Jewish children. Palestinian schools receive far less state funding than Jewish ones - three times less , according to official state data from 2004. In Jerusalem , it is half the funding. This underfunding is reflected in many areas ; including relatively large class sizes and poor infrastructure and facilities. Many communities have no kindergartens for three and four-year-olds. Some schools lack libraries, counsellors, and recreation facilities. Their students get fewer enrichment and remedial programmes and special education services than do Jewish children. Palestinian students are also underrepresented in Israel's universities and higher education institutions. Recent studies indicate that only 10 percent of Palestinian citizens were attending undergraduate programmes, and 7.3 percent and 4 percent were pursuing masters' and doctoral degrees respectively. Palestinian academics account for just about 1.2 percent of all tenured and tenure track positions in Israel's universities. Like a full range of public spending policies that privilege the Jewish majority, government support for student tuition fees, subsidised housing and employment opportunities is available only for those who serve in the Israeli army which, as a practical matter, excludes Palestinians. No less pernicious, for Palestinian citizens of Israel, is their inability to live and work where they choose. Community segregation In 1952, the Israeli state authorised the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency to function as quasi-governmental entities in order to further advance the goals of the Zionist vision, to the detriment of minorities including those with Israeli citizenship. Under the Land Acquisition Law of 1953, the land of 349 Palestinian towns and villages, approximately 1,212 square kilometres, was transferred to the state to be used preferentially for the Jewish majority. In 1953, the Knesset bestowed governmental authorities on the Jewish National Fund to purchase land exclusively for Jewish use. The state granted financial advantages, including tax relief, to facilitate such purchases. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Today, 12.5 percent of Israeli land is owned by the Fund, which bans the sale or lease of it to non-Jews under the admitted premise that it's a "danger" for non-Jews to own land in Israel. In 1960, the state passed a law stipulating that ownership of "Israeli lands", namely the 93 percent of land under the control of the state and the Fund, cannot be transferred in any manner. In practice, this means that in some 700 agricultural and community towns throughout Israel, housing applicants are screened by Jewish boards with the ultimate power to accept or reject applications to settle in these locales. These boards, which include representatives from the World Zionist Organization and the Fund, consider a range of criteria such as "suitability to the community's social life" and the town's "social and cultural fabric". The admission process all but guarantees that almost all Israeli towns and villages will remain Jewish enclaves, and are but a tease to those Palestinian citizens who desire to live in equality in fully integrated communities. Is it any wonder then, that today, in Jim Crow Israel, few Palestinian citizens have been found to be suitable for these communities? By virtue of state control over the racial makeup of municipalities throughout Israel, most Palestinian citizens are limited to residence and employment in the acutely overcrowded Palestinian towns and villages. In fact, since 1948, the State of Israel has established hundreds of additional Jewish communities, without permitting the construction of any new Palestinian municipality whatsoever. Indeed, of Israel's total area, just 2.5 percent comes under Palestinian municipal jurisdiction. Of Israel's 40 towns with the highest unemployment rates, 36 are Palestinian and the average employed Palestinian citizens of Israel makes just 58.6 percent of what a Jewish Israeli makes. About 53 percent of the impoverished families in Israel are Palestinian. Inequality from the Israeli Parliament Over the years, the Knesset has used the veneer of democracy while acting arbitrarily to ensure that demographic and political control remains exclusively in the hands of the state's Jewish citizenry and parliamentarians. For example, in an effort to maintain a Jewish demographic majority, the Family Unification Law of 2003 prohibits Palestinian citizens of Israel from reuniting with their spouses who live in the West Bank or Gaza. As a result, more than 150,000 children born of these so-called mixed marriages are denied the most elementary rights and privileges attendant to Israeli citizenship. In a series of other laws, the Knesset has not only imposed a broad range of limitations on freedom of movement, speech and access to the political system for Palestinian citizens, but imposed ideological boundaries on the platforms of political parties to which they may belong. By design, such laws thwart the ability of Palestinians to impact upon a political process which, daily, dictates every phase of their lives, but yet leaves them essentially powerless to bring about any fundamental change in the system itself. These restrictions necessarily deny Palestinian citizens an equal opportunity to play a meaningful role in the political life of Israel, otherwise available to their Jewish counterparts. Under its most recent attempt to stifle its Palestinian minority, the Knesset proposed legislation that would enable the suspension of elected representatives of the public not because of criminal wrongdoing on their part, or even because of a breach of settled legislative protocol, but simply because their political agenda is objectionable to the Jewish majority. Under other legislation, Knesset members may strip Palestinian MKs from their elected seats if they voice opposition to Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. Indeed, recently a Palestinian MK, Haneen Zoabi , was suspended from parliamentary debates for six months when, on the floor of the Knesset, she called Israeli soldiers "murderers" for their role in the Mavi Marmara incident that took the lives of nine pro-Palestinian activists. On other occasions, the Knesset has imposed severe restrictions on travel by Palestinian MKs, both domestically and abroad. Currently, there is a law that bans any political party which challenges the existence of Israel as a "Jewish" state or which advocates equal rights for all of its citizens irrespective of ethnicity. Another law empowers the interior minister to revoke citizenship of people who violate "allegiance" to the state. An elusive pursuit for justice That Israel has become a land where laws are enacted to obstruct the free exercise of core political rights of its Palestinian citizens is beyond dispute. Ultimately, in any truly "democratic" society, citizens are able to seek redress for institutional or private injuries through an independent judicial system wed to no result but equal protection and justice for all, no matter the race, creed or religion of those who seek its protection. It's hard to imagine a more fundamental or essential arbiter of the rights of all than a judiciary that operates under no obligation but to see that justice be done without consideration of the ethnicity of those who come before it. Yet, by design, in Israel, the pursuit of justice by Palestinian citizens is an elusive chase indeed; one calculated to perpetuate second-class citizenship very much the way African Americans were long held in the US under the arcane practice of separate but equal. For example, more than 200 major rulings issued by the Supreme Court of Israel have been translated into English and published on the court's website along with the original Hebrew decisions. Although the majority of these pronouncements are relevant to Palestinian citizens of Israel, none has been translated into Arabic. In the history of Israel's Supreme Court, there have been but two Palestinian male justices. Currently, all but one of its 15 members is Jewish. No Palestinian woman has ever served on the Israeli Supreme Court. At the district and magistrates court level, Palestinian judges make up less than 5 percent of those who occupy a judicial position, and even fewer who preside over labour courts. Historically, the Israeli Supreme Court has sided with majoritarian values in what can only be described as a wholesale abdication of its responsibility to see that justice be done for Palestinian and Jew alike. Thus the Supreme Court has upheld the restrictions of the 1950 Law of Return which permits every Jewish person to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship, yet denies the same protection to Palestinians, even those who were born in the area that is now the State of Israel. Likewise, the Court has upheld the legality of the January 2003 family unification ban that bars a Palestinian citizen from raising a family in Israel with a Palestinian spouse from the Occupied Territories. The controversial law was introduced as an amendment to the 1952 Citizenship Law, which determines citizenship for non-Jews. In 2014, the Court dismissed a petition by Adalah : The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel challenging the continued Judaisation of Palestinian-owned land originally confiscated largely from Palestinian refugees inside Israel. According to Adalah, the court's decision " entrenches racial segregation" and, writes Mondoweiss Editor-at-Large Annie Robbins, "will result in the continued concentration and containment of the Palestinian population in Israel". These are but a few of the many decisions of the Supreme Court that have adversely affected Palestinian citizens of Israel on the basis of their second-class status and little else. The definition of the State of Israel as a Jewish one makes inequality and discrimination against its Palestinian citizens a political goal. The marriage of "Jewish" and "democratic" ensures discrimination against non-Jewish citizens and necessarily impedes the realisation of full equality for all citizens of Israel. Israel has become better at this "subtle" nuanced sale of an imaginary narrative than we in the US ever dared dream. What, however, the "Jewish" state has not yet come to grips with, is that eventually myths about equal opportunity and justice for some 20 percent of its population prove specious and that, ultimately, time swallows all such fallacy, whether by operation of law or, tragically, all too often, through violence. Syria - Erdogan's Lost Bet - Trump Likely To Follow A Cautious Strategy By Moon Of Alabama March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Moon Of Alabama " - The last Syria thread noted : South of Al-Bab the Syrian army is moving towards the Euphrates. It will cut off the Turkish forces path to Raqqa and Manbij. That move concluded. The Turkish invasion forces are now blocked from moving further south. They would have to fight the Syrian army and their Russian allies to move directly onto Raqqa. They would have to fight the Syrian-Kurdish YPG and its U.S. allies to move further east. For the first time since the start of the war the supply lines between Turkey and the Islamic State are cut off! map by Peto Lucem bigger map by South Front bigger Erdogan is still hoping for U.S. support for his plans for Raqqa but I doubt that the U.S. military is willing to give up on their well regarded Kurdish proxies in exchange for an ill disciplined Turkish army in general disarray and with little fighting spirit. Erdogan removed any and all officers and NCOs that he perceived as not being 100% behind his power grab. That has now come back to haunt him. He is lacking the military means to pursue his belligerent policies. Last year Erdogan had allied with Russia and Iran after a (U.S. supported?) coup attempt against him failed. He felt left alone by the U.S. and its reluctance to support his plans in Syria. After Trump was elected Erdogan perceived a coming change in U.S. policies. He exposed himself as the ultimate turncoat and switched back to a U.S. alliance. His believe in a change of U.S. policy drives his latest moves and announcements. Elijah Magnier reports that his sources in Damascus have the same impression of Trump as Erdogan. They believe that Trump will strongly escalate in Syria and will support the Turkish moves against the Syrian state. But it is the U.S. military that drives the strategy in the Trump cabinet. The Pentagon has no appetite for a big ground operation in Syria. The plan it offered Trump is still the same plan that it offered under Obama. It will work with Kurdish forces to defeat the Islamic State in Raqqa. Notable is also that a director of the Pentagon financed think tank RAND Corp publicly argues for better cooperation with Russia in Syria. The old RAND plan of a decentralized Syrian with zones under "international administration" (i.e. U.S. occupied) is probably no longer operative. Recently Erdogan announced that his next move in Syria would be to towards Manbij, held by the YPK. Shortly thereafter pictures of U.S. troops in Manbij displaying U.S. flags were published on social networks. The message was clear: stay away from here or you will be in serious trouble. On Monday planes from the Iraqi air force attacked Islamic State positions within eastern Syria. The attack followed from intelligence cooperation between Syria and Iraq. It is easier for Iraq to reach that area than for Syrian planes stationed near the Mediterranean. This cooperation will continue. In western Iraq militia integrated with the Iraqi military are ready to storm Tal Afar. This is besides the besieged Mosul the last big Islamic State position in the area. The U.S. had planned to let the Islamic State fighters flee from Mosul and Tal Afar towards Syrian and to let them take the Syrian government positions in Deir Ezzor. Syrian-Iraqi cooperation blocked that move. The U.S. attempt to separate the war on the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq failed. Any attempt to again use the Islamic State as a means to destroy Syria will meet resistance in Iraq where the U.S. is more and more engaged. U.S. commanders in Iraq will be well aware of that threat. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter In my opinion Trump's more belligerent remarks on Syria, on safe zones and military escalation, are rhetoric. They are his negotiation positions towards Russia and Iran. They are not his policies. Those are driven by more realistic positions. Obama balanced more hawkish views supported by the CIA, Hillary Clinton and the neoconservatives against reluctance in the military to engage in another big war. Trump will, even more than Obama, follow the Pentagon's view. That view seems to be unchanged. I therefore do not believe that aggressive escalation is the way Trump will go. Some additional U.S. troops may get added to the Kurdish forces attacking Raqqa. But any large move by Turkish or by Israeli forces will not be condoned. The big U.S. invasion of Syria in their support will not happen. Meanwhile the Syrian army is moving on Palmyra and may soon retrieve it from the Islamic State. A new Russian trained unit, the 5th corps, is in the lead and so far makes a good impression. With Palmyra regained the Syrian army is free to move further east towards Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Erdogan may still get some kind of "safe zone" in the area in north Syrian his forces now occupy. But Damascus will support Kurdish and Arab guerilla forces against any Turkish occupation. The Turkish forces in Syria will continue to be in a lot of trouble. Erdogan will not get active U.S. support for further moves to capture Syrian land. His change of flags, twice, was useless and has severely diminished his standing. There can be no resistance, no resurgent progressive movement if the Democrats and their wretched history arent cast away for good. March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " BAR " - George W. Bush vowed not to criticize Barack Obama. He deserves my silence. He added for good measure, I love my country more than I love politics. I think it is essential that he be helped in office. If anyone needed additional proof that Obama was a servant of the ruling classes Bush certainly provided it. But Donald Trump is getting less love from his fellow Republican. Bush could have exercised the same self-imposed silence in regards to Trump but instead he made a thinly veiled critique of his remark that the press are enemies of the people. "I consider the media to be indispensable to democracy. That we need the media to hold people like me to account. I mean, power can be very addictive and it can be corrosive and it's important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere." Fine words but they dont mean much to a man who used a compliant corporate media to wage war and attack our civil liberties. Media were certainly indispensable to Bush. They wouldnt even use the word torture when describing American brutality. Harsh interrogation techniques and other such weasel words appeared in order to keep the press in his good graces. Bush and Obama certainly knew the media were essential in helping to normalize their agenda of American aggression and the enactment of neo-liberal schemes at home. Obama proved that if the presentation were slick enough anything would be acceptable to the media and to the masses they deliberately misinform. Liberals immediately joined in praising Bushs simple statements even though they always said they hated him. Just a few sentences directed against Trump were enough for them to say they respected him, or that maybe he wasnt so bad, or that Trump made him look better than they recall. In this country, presentation is everything. Of course the corporate media play their role in making sure that no one gets into office who isnt committed to the status quo. Trump upended that arrangement and has exposed the shallowness and perfidy of the liberal classes. Donald Trumps policy on the deportation of undocumented people will surely result in great suffering. Ramping up the U.S. police state is always dangerous. But it should not be discussed without pointing out that more than 2.5 million people were deported during the Obama administration, more than under any other president. He may have talked a good game and said Si se puede, but it didnt keep anyone from being kicked out. Obama proved that if the presentation were slick enough anything would be acceptable to the media and to the masses they deliberately misinform. Bush and Obama certainly knew the media were essential in helping to normalize their agenda of American aggression and the enactment of neo-liberal schemes at home. The same can be said for other Trump pronouncements that have caused so much angst. He may post a tweet about increasing Americas nuclear arsenal, or calling the most recent agreement with Russia a bad deal. But Obama spent $1 trillion on a nuclear weapons upgrade , all with little protest from people who think themselves leftists. Trump says he will request a 10% increase in defense spending, a shocking figure given that the military budget is already insanely large. But he also said that he wont consider Social Security or Medicare for any budget reductions. Obama declared more than once that entitlement programs would be on the table for budget cut consideration. He opened his first 2012 debate with Mitt Romney by declaring that they agreed on cutting these programs that Americans need to survive. Only Republican intransigence prevented him from making good on these plans. They were once called the third rail of politics, dooming anyone who suggested cutting back on the safety net to political defeat. But it is Trump the right winger who announces protection for programs that were once identified solely with the Democratic Party. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Talk of resisting Trump is useless without exposure of past and present Democratic Party treachery against their voters. Smooth talking Democrats have given cover to one monstrous plot after another. Bill Clinton ended the right to public assistance. Barack Obama bailed out the financial sector with trillions of dollars. Talk of resisting Trump is useless without exposure of past and present Democratic Party treachery against their voters. Now liberals have nothing to say for themselves except attacking Trumps low hanging fruit and never asking themselves about what Democrats have done. They continue a ceaseless attack on Russia, a country which has done no harm to the United States, and act in concert with Democrats and Republicans in the war party. They go so far as to quote dubious sources in intelligence agencies and now vouch for the credibility of George W. Bush. Opposition to Trump, the resistance as it is called, will be useless without a wholesale rejection of the Democratic Party. There can be no resistance, no resurgent progressive movement if the Democrats and their wretched history arent cast away for good. Liberals have exposed themselves as being weak at the very least, and phony lovers of empire and the elites at worst. They were never really very different. Having a right winger in the White House has just exposed them all. How the Press Serves the Deep State Mainstream U.S. media is proud to be the Deep States tip of the spear pinning President Trump to the wall over unproven allegations about Russia and his calls for detente, a rare point where he makes sense. By Daniel Lazare March 02, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - " Consortium New " -The New York Times has made it official. In a Sunday front-page article entitled Trump Ruled the Tabloid Media. Washington Is a Different Story, the paper gloats that Donald Trump has proved powerless to stop a flood of leaks threatening to capsize his administration. As reporters Glenn Thrush and Michael M. Grynbaum put it : This New York-iest of politicians, now an idiosyncratic, write-your-own-rules president, has stumbled into the most conventional of Washington traps: believing he can master an entrenched political press corps with far deeper connections to the permanent government of federal law enforcement and executive department officials than he has. Thrush and Grynbaum add a few paragraphs later that Trump is being force-fed lessons all presidents eventually learn that the iron triangle of the Washington press corps, West Wing staff and federal bureaucracy is simply too powerful to bully. Iron triangle? Permanent government? In its tale of how Trump went from being a favorite of the New York Post and Daily News to fodder for the big-time Washington news media, the Times seems to be going out of its way to confirm dark paranoid fears of a deep state lurking behind the scenes and dictating what political leaders can and cannot do. Too powerful to bully by a write-your-own-rules president is another way of saying that the permanent government wants to do things its way and will not put up with a president telling it to take a different approach. Entrenched interests are nothing new, of course. But a major news outlet bragging about collaborating with such elements in order to cripple a legally established government is. The Times was beside itself with outrage when top White House adviser Steve Bannon described the media as the opposition party . But one cant help but wonder what all the fuss is about since an alliance aimed at hamstringing a presidency is nothing if not oppositional. If so, a few things are worth keeping in mind. One is that Trump was elected, even if only by an Eighteenth-Century relic known as the Electoral College, whereas the deep state, permanent government, or whatever else you want to call it was not. Where Trump gave speeches, kissed babies, and otherwise sought out the vote, the deep state did nothing. To the degree this country is still a democracy, that must count for something. So if the conflict between president and the deep state ever comes down to a question of legitimacy, there is no doubt who will come out ahead: The Donald. A second thing worth keeping in mind is that if ever there was a case of the unspeakable versus the inedible (to quote Oscar Wilde), the contest between a billionaire president and billionaire-owned press is it. Both sides are more or less correct in what they say about the other. Trump really is a strongman at war with basic democratic norms just as innumerable Times op-ed articles say he is. And giant press organization like the Times and the Washington Post are every bit as biased and one-sided as Trump maintains and no less willfully gullible, one might add, than in 2002 or 2003 when they happily swallowed every lie put out by the George W. Bush administration regarding Iraqi WMDs or Saddam Husseins support for Al Qaeda. Riveting TV Trumps Feb. 16 press conference surely the most riveting TV since Jerry Springer was in his prime is a case in point. The President bobbed, weaved, and hurled abuse like a Catskills insult comic. He threw out pseudo-facts, describing his victory, for instance, as the biggest Electoral College win since Ronald Reagan when in fact George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all got more votes. But commentators who panned the display as a freak show or simply batshit crazy didnt get it. It wasnt Trump who bombed that afternoon, but the press. Why? Because reporters behaved with all the intelligence of a pack of Jack Russell terriers barking at a cat up a tree. Basically, theyve been seized by the idee fixe that Russia is a predator state that hacks elections, threatens U.S. national security, and has now accomplished the neat trick of planting a Kremlin puppet in the Oval Office. It doesnt matter that evidence is lacking or that the thesis defies common sense. Its what they believe, what their editors believe, and what the deep state believes too (or at least pretends to). So the purpose of the Feb. 16 press conference was to pin Trump down as to whether he also believes the Russia-did-it thesis and pillory him for deviating from the party line. More than half the questions that reporters threw out were thus about Russia, about Mike Flynn, the ex-national security adviser who got into trouble for talking to the Russian ambassador before the new administration formally took office, or about reputed contacts between the Trump campaign staff and Moscow. One reporter thus demanded to know if anyone from Trumps campaign staff had ever spoken with the Russian government or Russian intelligence. Another asked if Trump had requested FBI telephone intercepts before determining that Flynn had not broken the law. I just want to get you to clarify this very important point, said a third. Can you say definitively that nobody on your campaign had any contacts with the Russians during the campaign? A fourth wanted to get the Presidents reaction to such provocations as a Russian communications vessel floating 30 miles off the coast of Connecticut (in international waters). Is Putin testing you, do you believe, sir? the reporter asked as if he had just uncovered a Russian agent in the Lincoln Bedroom. But do they damage the relationship? Do they undermine this countrys ability to work with Russia? When yet another journalist asked yet again whether you are aware that anyone who advised your campaign had contacts with Russia during the course of the election, Trump cried out in frustration: How many times do I have to answer this question? It was the most intelligent query of the day. The press played straight into Trumps hands, all but providing him with his best lines. Well, I guess one of the reasons Im here today is to tell you the whole Russian thing, thats a ruse, he responded at one point. Thats a ruse. And by the way, it would be great if we could get along with Russia, just so you understand that. Now tomorrow, youll say, Donald Trump wants to get along with Russia, this is terrible. Its not terrible. Its good. The prose may not be very polished, but the sentiments are unassailable. Ditto Trumps statement a few minutes later that false reporting by the media, by you people, the false, horrible, fake reporting makes it much harder to make a deal with Russia. And thats a shame because if we could get along with Russia and by the way, China and Japan and everyone if we could get along, it would be a positive thing, not a negative thing. If the Washington Post and the Times do not agree that bogus assertions about unauthorized contacts with Russia are not poisoning the atmosphere, they should explain very clearly why not. They should also explain what they hope to accomplish with a showdown with Russia and why it will not be a step toward World War III. But they wont, of course. The media (with encouragement from parts of the U.S. government) are working themselves into a fit of outrage against Vladimir Putin just as, in past years, they did against Daniel Ortega, Manuel Noriega, Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic, Saddam Hussein (again), Muammar Gaddafi, Bashar al-Assad, and Viktor Yanukovych. In each instance, the outcome has been war, and so far the present episode shows all signs of heading in the same direction as well. Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Reporters may be clueless, but working-class Americans arent. They dont want a war because theyre the ones who would have to fight it. So theyre not unsympathetic to Trump and all the more inclined to give the yapping media short shrift. This is a classic pattern in which strongmen advance on the basis of a liberal opposition that proves to be weak and feckless. Todays liberal media are obliging Trump by behaving in a way that is even sillier than usual and well ahead of schedule to boot. A Fragile Meme The anti-Russia meme, meanwhile, rests on the thinnest of foundations. The argument that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee and thereby tipped the election to Trump is based on a single report by CrowdStrike, the California-based cyber-security firm hired by the DNC to look into the mass email leak. The document is festooned with head-spinning techno-jargon. It says of Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear, the hackers who allegedly penetrated the DNC in behalf of Russian intelligence: Their tradecraft is superb, operational security second to none, and the extensive usage of living-off-the-land techniques enables them to easily bypass many security solutions they encounter. In particular, we identified advanced methods consistent with nation-state level capabilities including deliberate targeting and access management tradecraft both groups were constantly going back into the environment to change out their implants, modify persistent methods, move to new Command & Control channels, and perform other tasks to try to stay ahead of being detected. Both adversaries engage in extensive political and economic espionage for the benefit of the government of the Russian Federation and are believed to be closely linked to the Russian governments powerful and highly capable intelligence services. Impressive? Not to independent tech experts who have already begun taking potshots. Sam Biddle, The Intercepts extremely smart tech writer, notes that CrowdStrike claims to have proved that Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear are Russian because they left behind Cyrillic comments in their metadata along with the name Felix Edmundovich, also in Cyrillic, an obvious reference to Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky, founder of the Cheka, as the Soviet political police were originally known. But, Biddle observes, theres an obvious contradiction : Would a group whose tradecraft is superb with operational security second to none really leave behind the name of a Soviet spy chief imprinted on a document it sent to American journalists? Would these groups really be dumb enough to leave Cyrillic comments on these documents? Its very hard to buy the argument that the Democrats were hacked by one of the most sophisticated, diabolical foreign intelligence services in history, and that we know this because they screwed up over and over again. Indeed, John McAfee, founder of McAfee Associates and developer of the first commercial anti-virus software, casts doubt on the entire enterprise, wondering whether it is possible to identify a hacker at all. If I were the Chinese, he told TV interviewer Larry King in late December, and I wanted to make it look like the Russians did it, I would use Russian language within the code, I would use Russian techniques of breaking into organizations. If it looks like the Russians did it, then I can guarantee you: it was not the Russians. ( Quote starts at 4:30.) This may be too sweeping. Nonetheless, if the press really wanted to get to the bottom of what the Russians are doing, they would not begin with the question of what Trump knew and when he knew it. They would begin, rather, with the question of what we know and how we can be sure. Its the question that the press should have asked during the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but failed to. But its the question that reporters should be asking now before the conflict with Russia spins out of control, with consequences that are potentially even more horrendous. Its not easy making Donald Trump seem like a peacenik, but thats what the billionaires press has done. Held annually since 2004, the JCBC has, over the years, continued to forge strategic partnerships and projects between China and Singapore. (Photo : Getty Images) Bilateral ties between China and Singapore are long-standing and broad-based, Teo Chee Hean, Singapores Deputy Prime Minister, was quoted to have said after the 13th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) concluded on Monday, Feb. 27. The highest bilateral forum between the two nations, the JCBC was co-chaired by DPM Teo and Zhang Gaoli, the Chinese Vice Premier. Advertisement Held annually since 2004, the JCBC has, over the years, continued to forge strategic partnerships and projects between China and Singapore. In 2016, however, the JCBC didnt push through due to the heightened tensions regarding the South China Sea dispute. DPM Teo reiterated after the 13th JCBC meeting that China-Singapore bilateral ties are strong and forward-looking, best characterized by the sizable delegation Singapore sent to the meeting. The group included 11 ministers and political office holders, as well as prominent and young ministers. Its a delegation which is a large one but it means that it covers a wide range of areas that were engaged in, DPM Teo said, according to Channel News Asia. It is also a delegation which has quite a number of younger ministers in it. But it shows that forward-looking nature of the relationship that were building with China, in that weve brought younger ministers along so that they can continue the relationship that was built up by our senior leaders, Mr. Deng Xiaoping and Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. Post-meeting, the Singapore Prime Ministers Office issued an official media statement. It announced that DPM Teo and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang agreed that the Belt and Road project is the prime focus of bilateral cooperation between the two sides. Partnerships have also been explored at the JCBC meeting, particularly between Chinese and Singaporean companies. The two parties also looked to enhance multilateral cooperation through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter Humor/Sarcasm Theres a Deep State in America?! By Ramin Mazaheri Imagine my surprise when, on my flight back from San Francisco to New York, thats what my trusty New York Times revealed to me . My first thought was: I cant believe how this horrible Donald Trump has set up a Deep State in less than a month?! Surely Russia was involved in its formation. Then again, I strangely find myself thinking a lot about Russia these days. Ill admit it when my morning breakfast was late it fleetingly occurred to me that the Kremlin was behind this slowdown in my hotel room service. Putting that aside, I was immediately relieved when by the 3rd paragraph our nations paper of record had put to rest my fears of an unprecedented formation of a US Deep State with, Not quite, experts say. Whew. I just dont put anything past the evil capabilities of the Donald! Reading the article I was surprised to find that the Deep State isnt what I thought it was apparently its only when the government leaks information to the media? Thats funny, because one time on the SF-NYC Job Creator Red-eye I sat next to an Egyptian guy. Of course I was worried, at first, but I found out it he was a Coptic Christian, so that put me at ease. Who even knew they had those?! This Egyptian told me about his countrys Deep State, and it sounded really bad: He said that they colluded with some Western countries he didnt say which and looked kind of uncomfortable as he said it, for some reason to stop that great Tahrir Square Revolution which was to guarantee that Israel would be safe. Mr. Gypsy said that the Egyptian version of the Deep State was that their military controlled the economy, and that they bribed, imprisoned and killed people to keep their grip on the economy and control over foreign policy. It sounded pretty bad. I told him I was happy that Washington was supporting Al-Sisis military takeover with billions in aid, and that he didnt have to thank me personally for that. A military intertwined with the economyI must admit, it did make me think Of Russia! Im nearly certain that Putin created something similar over there, after he banned elections, so why even verify it with some research?! But this Egyptian must not have known what he was talking about, because the New York Times article didnt say anything about the economy? What they said was: Mr. Trump, apparently seeking to cut the intelligence community, State Department, and other agencies out of the policy-making process almost entirely, may have triggered a conflict whose escalation we are seeing in the rising number of leaks. Officials, deprived of the usual levers for shaping policies that are supposed to be their purview, are left with little other than leaking. Trump was clearly trying to cut public officials out of the democratic process, and they had no choice but to resort to these illegal leaks! I mean, Im pretty sure you dont get elected to be a CIA spy or NSA agent, but somebody up top is andwell, I dont know if they did the leaksand I dont know if the leaks are really true or notbut Im telling you we have to get Donald out NOW! Anything thats bad for Trump must be good. Its really that simple, so case closed. Were in a world now where the president is playing to the edge of his powers, and I think there are real concerns about the constitutional implications of some of the actions hes taken, said somebody who must be totally objective and perfect because why else would the New York Times choose them? If theres one thing Obama never, ever, ever did it was to expand his executive authority in ways unbeseeming to the presidential authority. If Obama had done that, I would have been in the streets, you can bet! Trust me: I have my anti-Trump pussy hat in my closet and ready for the next protest! Dont bring up drones! Youll just remind me of this guy at work nobody understands Fazlollah Lefty Bittermani hes always doing that! Between you and me, his last name ends in a vowel, soyou know.he may have certain sympathies. That guy really cheeses me off! What Lefty doesnt realize is that we are at war not with Russia, yet but with not Muslims but withcertain people, lets just say. And the president has the right to fight war however he wants. But when it comes to waging diplomacy the president must be restricted as much as possible! We refuse to accept Hillarys defeat until the Russians give back the Donbass to the Crimeans! This is simply a question of our humanitarian rights! Trump is trying to make a liar out of not just Hillary, but of Sylvester Stallone and Rocky IV even when the Russians cheat they are still supposed to lose to the Americans! Was I back on Russia again? I dont knowIm like, obsessed with them, or something? Back to the New York Times, which always reassures me when contradictions confuse me. Just after that last quote they wrote this: That has forced officials in agencies to ask how far they will go themselves. As each side begins to perceive itself as under attack and the other as making dangerous power-grabs, it will justify more and more extreme behavior. So clearly, these officials are justified more and more in extreme behaviorbecause its Trump! I really wish we had some of these great, extreme officials during the Dubya era, but why bring up ancient history? One thing is certain: During just four weeks in office Trump has clearly destroyed the culture and future of the United States and must be impeached. These officials even if they are unelected should absolutely not be listening to their elected leader! Why? Well just read the next paragraph, another unassailable analyst of the Times: In President Trump, you have a president whose behavior shocks even more than the content of his policies. Yes! Behavior, not content! I was telling my son this recently: He came in 19th place in a recent science competition (but out of 24!), and he was upset that his blue ribbon wasnt an actual trophy. I told him, Son, Im going to buy you that trophy because your behavior was correct, even if you totally screwed up measuring the contents of your volcano experiment, and it exploded and burned the girl next to you. I think the girl was Russian, anyway. She was certainly shocked. Anyway, the Times goes on to say that now this dangerous Trump wants to appoint someone to review our intelligence agencies. Astounding, the gall of this man! I really think hes psychologically insane. It looks, sounds and feels like a political witch hunt, said Analyst #1 (the White one, not the Egyptian one). Its like pouring gasoline on the fire. It certainly does! What else do you call our top elected official trying to find out what work is being illegally done in secret with taxpayer money? I am certain this is something Putin would do with his KGB. And thats why Russia is not free because the KGB cannot operate freely to undermine Putins attempts at diplomacy! Dont tell me Im wrong, comrade! Mr. Flynn, in his short tenure, exemplified the breakdown between the presidents inner circle and career civil servants. He kept the National Security Council largely shut out of policy-making and sought sweeping changes in foreign policy. This is the US, not the USSR! Our career bureaucrats need to be in charge, not our elected officials! Trump simply cannot make sweeping changes to foreign policy even if he was democratically elected on that mandate because career civil servants should run the show! Break Free From The Matrix Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The next paragraph: For concerned government officials, leaks may have become one of the few remaining means by which to influence not just Mr. Flynns policy initiatives but the threat he seemed to pose to their place in democracy. Democracy is bureaucracy! You vote for a person, they appoint an official, the person you voted for gets voted out of office, but the appointed official stays forever and amasses power democracy! I tried to explain this to that Egyptian guy, but he said, Then whats the point of demonstrating and facing down gun barrels if the people cant demand change? I kept telling him: But Israel is fine these days? Tahrir worked out great! He didnt get it. Anyway, Egypt is not the country who is threatening American democracy, and I dont have to tell you who is, because Ive just taken that pill that helps me with my compulsive psychological issues. The Times continued: Even if each individual leak is justifiable, as insubordination becomes more sustained and overt, it inches deeper into the gray zone of counter-democratic activities. I already had the feeling that every anti-Trump leaks was justifiable, and that we are still many, many inches away from counter-democracy, so thanks Gray Lady! I almost had to take that other pill for my anxiety! And insubordination is clearly justified because, as I said, in 4 weeks Trump has already proven himself to be a new Hitler! Dont get me started on Steve Bannon! I dont think you can say in advance what inappropriate deep-state activity would look like, because we havent seen this before, said Analyst #1. Exactly this is a totally new day, and this was all appropriate deep-state activity. Weve never seen anything like this in the history of the world, much less America. I told this to Lefty back at work and he started ranting about Kennedy. I totally did not see what Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy had to do with this, but who can fathom what goes on in the mind of a Fazlollah? The main thing is that we get Trump before he does damage to free trade, because my corporation and all businesses are totally helpless against the government. They have no influence at allunlike Egypt. There, the deep state is not official institutions rebelling, he said, but rather shadowy networks within those institutions, and within business, who are conspiring together and forming parallel state institutions. We all know that there is absolutely nothing like this which is happening in America. And thats why the idea of business being involved in Americas Deep State did not appear until the 7th-to-last paragraph. I almost didnt read that far! And thats why the New York Times finished on this heartening note: This war between the intelligence community and the White House is bad for the intelligence community, bad for the White House, and bad for the nations security. See? Our so-called Deep State has nothing to do with business. The New York Times is right next to Wall Street, so they would surely know, right? Now if youll excuse me I have to make a call to the Pentagon for my work. No, Im not in defense contracting or anything, but the Pentagon is the worlds largest employer hard to work around them in the United States! And the profit margins wow! Im so glad our owners had a personal contact in there. Frankly, I thought the New York Times headline was a bit too alarmist: As Leaks Multiply, Fears of a Deep State in America But Im glad they immediately put those fears to rest. With that content, I would have run a headline like: Internal leaks justified as Trump could affect share prices I think that would have been more accurate. Frankly Im a bit surprised such a non-story could bump Russia off the front page? Ramin Mazaheri is the chief correspondent in Paris for Press TV and has lived in France since 2009. He has been a daily newspaper reporter in the US, and has reported from Egypt, Tunisia, South Korea and elsewhere. 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 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. The former Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki is new Senate President Of Nigeria. However, here are 10 things you probably didnt know about him: 1. Bukola Saraki was born on the 19th of December, 1962 (54 Years). 2. His father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, was also a Senator (1979 1983) in Nigeria. 3. He attended Kings college, Lagos, from 1973 to 1978, and Cheltenham college, London from 1979 to 1981 for his High School Certificate.He also studied at the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, when he obtained his M.B.B.S (London). 4.At 27, Saraki was already an executive director in a commercial bank. 5. He worked as a Medical Officer at Rush Green Hospital Essex from 1988 to 1989 6. His political career started when he was appointed by the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo as Special assistant on budget issues in 2000. 7. He was the one who initiated the Fiscal Responsibility Bill and served on the Economic Policy Coordination Committee where he was responsible for the formulation and implementation of several key economic policies for Nigeria. 8. He was Kwara State Governor for two terms, from 2003 till 2011. 9. He was the first Nigerian governor to be awarded the national honour, a Commander of the Order of the Niger 10. Before becoming a senator, he was the former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum. Here are some facts from our common heritage that should make you proud to be called a Nigerian: 1. Nigeria is home to seven percent (7%) of the total languages spoken on earth. Taraba state alone has more languages than 30 African countries. The importance of this fact is appreciated when one understands that language is the soul of culture (as Ngugi wa Thiongo famously said). It is language that births the proverbs, riddles, stories and other aspects of culture that give us identity. UNESCO puts forward that the worlds languages represents an extraordinary wealth of creativity. Linguistic diversity correlates with cultural diversity. This means Nigeria can look inwards and drive itself to become the greatest hub for cultural tourism on earth, and consequently empower its citizens tremendously in the process. 2. The Walls of Benin (800-1400AD), in present day Edo State, are the longest ancient earthworks in the world, and probably the largest man-made structure on earth. They enclose 6500 square kilometers of community lands that connected about 500 communities. At over 16000km long, it was thought to be twice the length of the Great Wall of China, until it was announced in 2012 (after five years of meticulous measurement by Chinese surveyors) that the Great Wall is about 21,000km long. 3. The Yoruba tribe has the highest rate of twin births in the world. Igbo-Ora, a little town in Oyo state, has been nicknamed Twin capital of the World because of its unusually high rate of twins that is put as high as 158 twins per 1000 births. In a video I watched last year on YouTube presented by Titi (a white lady who speaks Yoruba), and which was centred on twin births in Igbo-Ora, one of the locals boasted that every family in the town has at least one twin! 4. Sarki Muhammad Kanta The Great of Kebbi, was the only ruler who resisted control by Songhai, West Africas greatest empire at that time. He founded and ruled the Hausa city-state of Kebbi around 1600 A.D and built Surame its capital, a planned city which was almost impossible to penetrate during war. In fact UNESCO describes Surame as one of the wonders of human history, creativity and ingenuity, and probably the most massive stone-walled constructions in West Africa. He is listed in Robin Walkers 50 Greatest Africans. 5. Africas oldest known boat is The Dufuna canoe which was discovered in Dufuna village, Yobe state, by a Fulani Herdsman in May 1987, while he dug a well. Various radio-carbon tests conducted in laboratories of reputable universities in Europe and America indicate that the canoe is over 8,000 years old, thus making it the oldest in Africa and 3rd oldest in the world. The discovery of the canoe has completely changed accepted theories of the history and sophistication of marine technology in Africa. 6. Sungbos Eredo, a 160 km rampart equipped with guard houses and moats, is reputed to be the largest single pre-colonial monument (or ancient fortification if you like) in Africa. It is located in present-day Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and when it was built a millennium ago, it required more earth to be moved during construction than that used for building the Great Pyramid of Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World). The most astonishing thing is that Sungbos Eredo was the biggest city in the world (bigger than Rome and Cairo) during the Middle Ages when it was built! 7. Sarki Abdullah Burja of Kano (ruled 1438-1452 AD), the 18th ruler of Ancient Kano, created the first Golden Age in Northern Nigeria and ushered in a period of great prosperity. During his reign, Hausa became the biggest indigenous language spoken in Africa after Swahili. He is on the list of 50 Greatest Africans in Robin Walkers wonderful book, When We Ruled. 8. The Jos Plateau Indigobird, a small reddish-brown bird, is found nowhere else on the planet but Plateau state, Nigeria. 9. The Anambra waxbill, a small bird of many beautiful colours, is found only in Southern Nigeria and nowhere else on earth. 10. The Niger Delta (which is the second largest delta on the planet), has the highest concentration of monotypic fish families in the world, and is also home to sixty percent of Nigerias mangrove forests. You should know too that Nigerias mangrove forests are the largest in Africa and third largest on earth. 11. According to the World Resources Institute, Nigeria is home to 4,715 different types of plant species, and over 550 species of breeding birds and mammals, making it one of the most ecologically vibrant places of the planet. 12. Ile-Ife, in present day Osun State, was paved as early as 1000AD, with decorations that originated from Ancient America suggesting there might have been contact between the Yorubas and the Ancient Americans half a millenium before Columbus discovered America. Nigeria attained her independence from Britain in 1960 but before the attainment of independence, there were heroes among her citizens that fought for self governance. Looking back in time and following the path of history, here is a list of five important Nigerians who helped fight for Nigerias independence. Herbert Macaulay: Born in 1864, Herbert Macaulay was the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther and he was trained as an engineer. He is considered the founder of Nigerian nationalism as the movement was under his influence in the 1920s. He started the nationalist movement because of the belief that the people of different backgrounds living in the British colony of Nigeria needed to come together as one. He returned to Nigeria in 1893 after completing his studies in London as the first Nigerian to be sponsored by the colonial government for a professional course abroad. He joined the colonial civil service and this exposed him to the ills and irregularities of the colonial government which led him to get involved with politics to fight for the rights of Nigerians. He founded the Lagos Daily News to promote the nationalist movement. He was the first Nigerian to establish a political party in 1922, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). He became the first national president of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), party he co-founded with Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1944. Macaulays political activities were limited to Lagos affairs until the very end of his life and he was on a nationwide campaign in 1946 when he took ill and died on May 7, 1946 in Kano. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe: Born on the 16th of November, 1904 in Niger state, Benjamin Nnamdi Azikwe was at the fore-front in the fight for Nigerias Independence. He was fondly referred to as Zik and became the first president of Nigeria after Nigeria got her independence from the United Kingdom. While working as the editor for the African Morning Post, a daily newspaper in Ghana, Nnamdi Azikiwe promoted pro-African nationalist agenda. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1937, he founded the West African Pilot which was a tool used to promote the cause of Nigerian nationalism. Alongside Herbert Macaulay, he founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 and he was made the secretary-general of the National Council in 1946. He was later elected to Legislative Council of Nigeria the following year. He was the first Nigerian to be named to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom and he also became the Governor General on the same day. With Nigeria becoming a republic in 1962, he became her first president. He died on May 11, 1996 in Enugu following a protracted illness. Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Chief Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909 in Ogun state. He was also one of the pioneer leaders that fought for Nigerias independence and he introduced free education in the western region in 1955. After completing his education abroad, he returned to Nigeria in 1947 and took up practice as a barrister. However while he had been in London, he wrote his first book Path to Nigerian Freedom in which he criticized the British administration and advocated for self governance. He also helped to found the Egbe Omo Oduduwa (Society of the Descendants of Oduduwa, the mythical ancestor of the Yoruba-speaking peoples), an organization devoted to the study and preservation of Yoruba culture. He was also the founder of the political party Action Group in 1950, a party that called for the termination of British rule in Nigeria. In 1954, he became the first premier of the Western Region. During his lifetime he wrote several books such as Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution, The Peoples Republic, The Strategy and Tactics of the Peoples Republic of Nigeria. He resigned his position as commisioner of finance and vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council in 1971 to protest the governments continuation of military rule. He died on May 9, 1987 and was buried on June 6, 1987. Sir Ahmadu Bello: Born on June 12, 1910, Sir Ahmadu Bello was the 1st President of the Northern Peoples Party (NPP) in 1951 and he was also the former premier of Northern region. He alongside Abubakar Tafawa Balewa took active roles in the struggle for an independent Nigeria. Upon his return from England, he got a nomination to represent Sokoto in the regional House of Assembly. He used his position there to promote the development of the northern emirates such as Kano, Bornu and Sokoto. He became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria in 1954 and in 1959 independence elections, his party NPC won a plurality of the parliamentary seats. His party later formed an alliance with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwes NCNC to form Nigerias first indigenous federal government which led to independence from the British colonial masters. He was also responsible for the modernization and unification of the diverse people of the North. He was assassinated in a coup on January 15, 1966 while still serving as premier of Northern Nigeria. Chief Anthony Enahoro: Chief Anthony Enahoro was born on 22 July, 1923 and was one of Nigerias foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He became Nigerias youngest editor ever at the age of 21 when he became the editor of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwes newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944. Chief Enahoro joined the struggle for Nigerias independence in the early 1940s acting as a student leader and leading protests. He was on two occasions jailed by the colonial government for sedition and writing satiric articles. In 1953, he became the first to move the motion for Nigerias independence and is usually referred to as the father of Nigeria State. His motion was however rejected and a successful motion did not come till 1958, the motion was made by Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. He died on December 15, 2010. (Koko feed) One Mr. Lateef Raheem has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ebute Meta, Lagos for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl (name withheld). Mr. Raheem who is 55 year old was said to have committed the crime on February 21, 2017, at Ekesra Street, Etegbin, Shibiri, Lagos. The accused is facing one count charge of defilement punishable under Section 137 of the C riminal Law of Lagos Nigeria 2011. The mother of the victim, whose name was not disclosed, said her daughter complained of pains in her private part while she was bathing her, adding that she told her the pains were caused by Baba, which led to the accused persons arrest by police officers. According to the mother of the Victim, It was on Monday, as I was bathing my child and wanted to wash her private part, she started complaining of pains, and I asked her what happened, why her vagina was paining her. She said it was one Baba. I asked her which Baba? She said Baba that use to drive Okada (a commercial motorcyclist). And this was happening around 10 p.m. The woman said her daughter took her to Mr. Raheems house the next day. When I saw the man, I said to him, Baba thank you very much, anytime you see my daughter around, please chase her away. And the Baba started raising his voice at me, saying What is it? Did I touch your daughter? So because of that I called my brother and reported the matter to him. My brother reported to the police and Baba was arrested The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, T.A Elias, granted him bail of N25,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case till March 29 2017. Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the Nigerian military in the handling of security threats across the country in recent years. Mr. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday shortly after receiving briefings from the nations service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at the situation room of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Defence Minister, Mansur Ali, had earlier said the security chiefs will brief the acting president about the various operations being carried out by the armed forces especially the fight against Boko Haram in the north east. Mr. Osinbajo said though the fight against Boko Haram is not over yet, but it was clear that the Nigerian armed forces has greatly decimated the terror group. Osinbajo said, As you know the Boko Haram as a military force has been degraded. They are not holding territory at the moment. Our armed forces have been able to dislodge them from practically all territories they were holding in the past. What is happening now is just once-in-a-while-attacks by suicide bombers. By the nature of asymmetric warfare we are not able to say it has ended now. But I think that militarily, they have been contained. There is no question at all that Boko Haram as a fighting force has been degraded, he said. Mr. Osinbajo, however, said the terrorist group still has the capacity to do damage with suicide bombers. He said that was why the military was keeping vigilance. I am very satisfied with what the military has done so far. And the briefing has shown graphically that they are really on top of their game and that they are doing excellently well in the north east, he said. The acting president also said at the briefing that holding regular security briefings is President Muhammadu Buharis idea. Mr. Buhari is currently in London on medical vacation. Mr. Osinbajo said he would speak with the president and update him on the outcome of the meeting. Almost every month, these briefings are held. It is routine and it is the president who puts in place this whole idea of regular briefing. It is even more important that we do so because of some of the issues arising; like the cases of kidnappings and I wanted the IG to inform us fully. Besides, the President is a process person and certainly, I am going to speak with him on developments here. So it is not an indication of anything. It is only an indication that we are committed to the security of the nation, he said. The acting president also stated that the primary duty of any government is to ensure the security of lives and property hence the need for leaders to be briefed regularly. The good thing is that our men are doing extraordinarily well in the north east and that Southern Kaduna has also been contained. The peace building process is also going on very well, he concluded. Barely two weeks after the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over the management of Arik Airlines, payment of staff salaries and other creditors have commenced as the airline gradually works regain public confidence. Although the airline now managed by Captain Roy Ukpebo Ilegbodu, under the receivership of Mr. Oluseye Opasanya, was confronted with a barrage of challenges before the takeover, it has eventually surmounted the problems to stabilise operations with the few aircraft on the fleet. Unlike what obtained before the takeover, average On-Time-Performance (OTP) of Arik Air to different destinations has improved, Nigerian banks that hitherto turned their backs to Arik now cooperate and support the new management, engagement with international and local creditors has also been successful, just as discussions with critical service providers and industry stakeholders have yielded the much desired positive results. According to a statement from AMCON, the airline has also paid the insurance premium, which was on the verge of expiring had AMCON not taken over on February 9, 2017. Arik has also commenced the payment of outstanding salaries, which has greatly boosted staff morale as well as performance. Arik is also in discussion with different creditors and stakeholders to recall a good number of aircraft into the fleet as soon as possible, which will increase the number of daily flights. Aside from that, a good number of affected passengers have been refunded while efforts are on to reach out to those yet to get their refund as a result of suspension of flights to some routes. Diplomatic tensions between Iran and Turkey will not result in an actual confrontation due to the vast economic ties between the regional rivals, Turkish analysts say. As both regional rivals compete for a greater share of influence in the region, the Syrian governments victory in Aleppo, coupled with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL , also known as ISIS) groups diminishing presence in Iraq , has brought tensions between them to the boil. The tensions between Turkey and Iran did not appear out of the blue, said Atilla Yesilada, a political analyst with Istanbuls Global Source Partners. This rivalry had been simmering beneath the surface for a very long time. Recent developments in Syria and Iraq simply forced the two countries to be more overtly aggressive against each other, Yesilada told Al Jazeera. Over the past week, diplomatic tensions have escalated between regional rivals Turkey and Iran after Ankara blamed Tehran of pursuing a sectarian agenda and destabilising the Middle East. Regional politics may cause tensions between the two countries, but in the light of their strong economic ties, I dont believe the recent escalation in diplomatic tensions is going to lead to a serious confrontation Turkey s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Iran of trying to split Iraq and Syria by resorting to Persian nationalism, while Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkeys foreign minister, criticised what he called Irans sectarian policy aimed at undermining Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Iran is trying to create two Shia states in Syria and Iraq . This is very dangerous. It must be stopped, Cavusoglu said at the Munich conference on 19 February. In response, Iran summoned the Turkish ambassador over these remarks and warned Turkey that its patience had limits, and if Turkish officials continue making such statements it will not remain silent. Turkey and Iran have been on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, with Ankara seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran being, along with Russia , his key backer. And in Iraq, Turkey claims that it has a historical responsibility to protect the countrys Sunni and Turkmen minorities from Iran-backed Shia militias who are in the region to fight ISIL. Iran, on the other hand, alongside with Iraqs government, views Turkeys involvement in the conflict and military presence in the country as an incursion . STurkey acts as the protector of Sunnis in the region, while Iran wants to build a Shia circle of influence all the way from Tehran to Lebanon , so it is inevitable for these two regional powers to clash, Yesilada added. Yesilada explained that as ISIL is steadily losing large swaths of territory in both Iraq and Syria, a significant power vacuum is forming along Turkeys southeastern border, causing Iran and Turkey to clash over who is going to replace the dominant force in the area. ISIL is about to leave the stage for good, and Turkey is extremely worried about its replacement, Yesilada said. If it doesnt act immediately and forcefully, Iran-backed militias, Bashar al-Assad or the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), a group Turkey considers to be a terrorist organisation, can take over territories previously controlled by ISIL. Turkey does not want another enemy at the gates, so it is making its position known to Iran, clearly and loudly. Iran, on the other hand, is actively working towards ending Turkeys ongoing military presence in Iraq and Syria, to make sure its allies keep controlling the area, analysts said. Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior foreign affairs adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently said Turkish troops should immediately retreat from Iraq and Syria or the people would kick them out . Iranian president Hassan Rowhani speaks with Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting at the presidential palace in Tehran in 2014 [Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA] Iran experts in Turkey say Tehran is alarmed by Turkeys presence in Syria and Iraq. Iran is extremely disturbed by Turkeys Euphrates Shield operation in Syria and its military presence in Iraqs Bashiqa , Erdem Aydin, an expert on Iran at Istanbuls Bogazici University, told Al Jazeera. Iran views Turkeys military presence in these countries as a significant obstacle in front of its desire to extend its influence in the region. Iran also wants to cut Turkeys efforts to create a Sunni controlled safe-zone in northern Syria at its roots, Aydin explained. The escalation of diplomatic tensions between Iran and Turkey came after President Erdogan completed a week-long tour of the Arabian peninsula, Aydin, who is also a foreign news analyst and editor for CNN Turk, said. We have reason to believe that Erdogan asked his Saudi and Gulf allies to finance the creation of a safe zone in northern Syria during these visits and Iran was of course disturbed by this development. It is also possible that the Gulf states asked Erdogan to adopt a more contentious attitude towards Iran in exchange for providing financial assistance for the safe-zone, Yesilada added. Analysts explained US president Donald Trumps aggressive attitude towards Iran and the perception that he may be willing to support the creation of a Turkish-controlled safe zone in northern Syria also played a significant role in the escalation of tensions between Tehran and Ankara. It looks like Erdogan realised Trump is going to be a lot more aggressive towards Iran compared to his predecessor, so he decided to act up against Tehran to secure US support for the safe zone, Yesilada said. Russia, of course, is also an important player in this game, Aydin added. He explained that Russias recent rapprochement with Turkey, as well as disagreements it has with Iran over Syria may play a significant role in the future of Turkeys relations with Iran. Russia and Iran are having differences of opinion regarding the future of Syria, he said. Russia is viewing Assad as an ally, but is not insistent about him staying in his role as Syrias president. Iran does not want Assad to go anywhere, but Russia, on the contrary, may easily sacrifice him. Russia is ready to get out of Syria, Yesilada said. It is content with its victory on the ground. So it may choose not to be on Irans side to support Assad against Turkey. While their conflicting interests on the ground as well as actions of other actors like the United States and Russia may lead to further diplomatic tensions between Iran and Turkey, analysts said the vast economic ties between the regional rivals may prevent an actual confrontation. 90 percent of Irans natural gas exports go to Turkey and Turkey imports 20 percent of its natural gas from Iran, Aydin told Al Jazeera. Regional politics may cause tensions between the two countries, but in the light of their strong economic ties, I dont believe the recent escalation in diplomatic tensions is going to lead to a serious confrontation. Yesilada also said that the economic ties between the two countries cannot be overlooked but he argued that Turkey may be ready to take the economic blow to protect its regional interests. It is true that Turkey is buying a lot of natural gas from Iran, and given that the Islamic Republic does not care too much about the international law, it may decide to close down the valves to teach Ankara a lesson, he said. Also Turkish businesses had been investing heavily in Iran since the countrys relations with the rest of the world was normalised following its nuclear deal with the US . Yet Turkey might still be willing to face any economic threat and do everything necessary to stop Iran from extending its influence further in the Middle East , because any other scenario will be politically too costly for the country. Source: AlJazeera Nigeria has had its fair share of leaders who toiled endless for the greatness of our good nation. Today, it is all about the celebration of Nigerian heroes and heroines whose contributions to Nigeria can never be forgotten. Below is 10 of Nigerias greatest patriots. Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello: Sir Ahmadu Bello was born on 12th June, 1910 in Rabbah Sokoto. Considered as one of the most prominent leaders in early Nigeria, he went into politics back in 1934 and in 1954 became the first premier of the Northern Nigeria region. He alongside Abubakar Tafawa Balewa took active roles in the struggle for an independent Nigeria. He is commended for his efforts to modernize and unify the different tribes of northern Nigeria. On 15th January 1966, he was assassinated in a coup that toppled Nigerias post-independence government.The Ahmadu Bello University is named after him and his photo adorns Nigerias 200 naira. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti: Born on 25 October 1900 in Abeokuta, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti stood out among women of her time as a prominent leader. She was a womens right activist who fought against the military government over unjust practices and abuse of human rights. She was also the mother Fela Anikulapo Kuti one of the greatest musicians to have come out of Nigeria. Her political activism led her to be regarded as The Mother of Africa. She was one of the women elected to the native House of Chiefs, serving as an Oloye of the Yoruba people. She was also a ranking member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon as well as the first Nigerian lady to drive in Nigeria. She died from injuries sustained when she was thrown from a third-floor window in her sons compound. The federal government sought to immortalize her on the then proposed N5,000 note. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe: Born on the 16th of November, 1904 in Niger state, Benjamin Nnamdi Azikwe was one of the leading figures of modern Nigerian nationalism. He was fondly referred to as Zik and became the first president of Nigeria after Nigeria got her independence from the United Kingdom. While working as the editor for the African Morning Post, a daily newspaper in Ghana, Nnamdi Azikiwe promoted pro-African nationalist agenda. Upon his return to Nigeria in 1937, he founded the West African Pilot which was a tool used to promote the cause of Nigerian nationalism. The newspaper had as it motto To show the light and let the people find their way. He founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 alongside Herbert Macaulay and he was made the secretary-general of the National Council in 1946. He was later elected to Legislative Council of Nigeria the following year. He was the first Nigerian to be named to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom and he also became the Governor General on the same day. Zik became the second (but first indigenous) and last Governor General from 1960 to 1963 and the first president of Nigeria, following the declaration of Nigeria as a Republic in 1963. He fought tirelessly for an independent and united Nigeria. Kudirat Abiola: Kudirat Abiola was born in 1951 in the Northern city of Zaria, Nigeria. She took active part in pro-democracy movement in 1994. She was actively involved in moving and sustaining the oil workers twelve week strike against the military. The strike successfully weakened the government and was the longest in African history by oil workers. In December of 1995, when the pro-democracy groups decided to march for freedom in Lagos, she joined the likes of Chief Anthony Enahoro at the forefront. She deified military decree banning political associations and was an inspiration to many. She won Woman of the Year in both 1994 and 1995. Her life was cut short by assassins on June 4, 1996. Chief Anthony Enahoro: Chief Anthony Enahoro was born on 22 July, 1923 and was one of Nigerias foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He became Nigerias youngest editor ever at the age of 21 when he became the editor of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwes newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944. Chief Enahoro joined the struggle for Nigerias independence in the early 1940s acting as a student leader and leading protests. He was on two occasions jailed by the colonial government for sedition and writing satiric articles. In 1953, he became the first to move the motion for Nigerias independence and is usually referred to as the father of Nigeria State. His motion was however rejected and a successful motion did not come till 1958, the motion was made by Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. He died on December 15, 2010. Margaret Ekpo: Margaret Ekpo was born in Creek Town, Calabar and was a Nigerian womens rights activist who was a pioneering female politician in the countrys first republic. She played major roles as a grassroot and nationalist politician in the Eastern Nigerian city of Aba. She was a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and was nominated by the NCNc in 1954 to the regional House of Chiefs in 1953. In 1950, she alongside Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti protested killings agt an Enugu coal mine, the victims were leaders protesting colonial colonial practices at the mine. In 1954 she established the Aba Township Womens Association and by 1955, women in Aba had outnumbered men voters in a city wide election. In 2001, Calabar Airport was named after her and she later died in 2006. Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Chief Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909 in Ogun state. He was one of the pioneer leaders that fought for Nigerias independence and he introduced free education in the western region in 1955. He also helped to found the Egbe Omo Oduduwa (Society of the Descendants of Oduduwa, the mythical ancestor of the Yoruba-speaking peoples), an organization devoted to the study and preservation of Yoruba culture. He was also the founder of the political party Action Group in 1950, a party that called for the termination of British rule in Nigeria. In 1954, he became the first premier of the Western Region. He resigned his position as Commissioner of finance and vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council in 1971 to protest the governments continuation of military rule. He died on May 9, 1987 and was buried on June 6, 1987. Herbert Macaulay: Herbert Macaulay was the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther and he was born in 1864, He is considered the founder of Nigerian nationalism as the movement was under his influence in the 1920s. He started the nationalist movement because of the belief that the people of different backgrounds living in the British colony of Nigeria needed to come together as one. He founded the Lagos Daily News to promote the nationalist movement. He was the first Nigerian to establish a political party in 1922, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). He became the first national president of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), party he co-founded with Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1944. Hajiya Gambo Sawaba: Hajiya Sawaba was born in 1933 and was a strong Nigerian politician and activist. Her being a supporter of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) means that she was part of the political struggle that eventually won independence for Nigeria. Despite being a woman with low education and forced into an early marriage, she managed to make an impact in the struggle for the emancipation of the African woman. She was part of the struggle to liberate women from African traditions that were not in favour of women. Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed: This list cannot be complete without making mention of General Murtala Mohammed. He was one of Nigerias military rulers and he was born on November 8, 1938 in the ancient city of Kano. He took his first political appointment as Commissioner for Communications in 1974 which he combined with his military duties. Although his stay in power was short lived, his administration gave the country a new sense of direction, duty and patriotism. Among his contributions to the development of Nigeria is also his creation of 19 states out of the 12 carved out in 1967. He also set up a Public Complaints Commission which gave probity to the public. He was assassinated at the age of 37 on February 13, 1976. His portrait adorns the 20 Naira note and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is named in his honor. ( Koko Feed) Chinese authorities have decided to tear down 3,225 homes at Larung Gar by April 30. (Photo : Getty Images) Six human rights experts or special rapporteurs from the United Nations have spoken out to condemn China for expelling nuns and monks from major Tibetan religious enclaves, the New York Times reported. Advertisement They issued a statement, in which they called the expulsion a severe restriction of religious freedom in the Tibetan region. Most of the expulsions the experts particularly addressed took place at Larung Gar, the largest Buddhist institute in the world. Located in Sichuan Province, Larung Gars community of about 20,000 monks and nuns have been displaced due to their homes being demolished by officials. In addition, unregistered monks and nuns living in Garze Prefecture were also deported by local officials. According to official reports, the demolition project around Larung Gar aims to improve area safety. Residents, however, say that the government plans to bring Larung Gars population from 20,000 to 5,000 by 2018. The statement also made mention of the incidents at Yachen Gar, also located in Sichuan, and home to approximately 10,000 nuns. While we do not wish to prejudge the accuracy of these allegations, grave concern is expressed over the serious repression of the Buddhist Tibetans cultural and religious practices and learning in Larung Gar and Yachen Gar, the statement read. Its not usual for UN human rights experts to come together to issue a joint statement. The six special rapporteurs come from different parts of the globe and specialize in different fields of human rights, such as peaceful assembly, cultural rights, and sustainable environment. The group sent the statement to the Chinese government back in November, but it was only made public before the 2017 session of the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced last Monday. Beijing has yet to issue a response to the statement. However, it brings additional pressure on China to explain the expulsions in the Geneva session. Unknown gunmen, at the early hours of yesterday, stormed a Church at Mosafejo, Agbowa town, in Ikorodu area of Lagos, shooting a woman and her three children to death. Identities of the victims were yet to be ascertained at press time. But Vanguard was informed that the children were aged four, five and nine, respectively. The reason for the gruesome murder could not be ascertained either. But Vanguard learned that the gunmen invaded the uncompleted building used by C& S Church, Kokoro-Aye Parish, at about 3a.m. A resident, who gave his name as Okuntobi, said: We were rattled from sleep by sounds of gunshots. But no one could go out because we were scared they could be robbers. It was after the noise died down that we heard a shout for help. When we rushed to the uncompleted building used by the church, we saw bodies of a woman and her three children in a pool of their blood. We learned that she came for vigil since Friday. The children died on the spot, but their mother was rushed to the hospital where she also gave up the ghost. Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who confirmed the incident, said investigation had commenced. Owoseni said: My attention was drawn to the incident at about 4.30a.m. and police response team was deployed there. He said the police was yet to identify the motive behind the murder, adding that the command had swung into action to bring the hoodlums to book. He added: We want to seize this opportunity to assure the public that we will continue to increase our visibility. Source: Vanguard Ice Prince is a Nigerian hip hop recording artist who rose to fame after releasing Oleku, one of Nigerias most remixed songs of all time. Ice Prince who has a son named Jamal with Bimbo Babatunde took to Instagram to celebrate him on his 5th birthday. The DUSSE ambassador shared a photo of Jamal and wrote; Happy birthday my boy May God Keep you Daddy Loves you Jamal #5 Man awarded N530,000 against MTN by Federal High Court for unauthorized deduction for callertunez TellforceblogThe Federal High Court in Ibadan on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 has awarded N530,000 to one Oluwole Aluko for unauthorised deduction from his lines by MTN Nigeria. Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel who passed the judgement, held that MTN had found itself guilty by not challenging the suit. In his Judgement, he stated: The plaintiff has the right to allow or reject the use of a caller tune. MTN cannot force the use of any caller tune on him or anybody because it is unlawful. Though the plaintiff sought N10 million as damages, but I hold that any damage suffered must be commensurate with the claim. I, hereby, award a cost of N500,000 for the damages suffered and another N30,000 as cost incurred during the court process. The complainant, who is also stand in as counsel for himself in the case, had in 2016 filed a N10 million suit against the same telecom giant. He claimed that MTN Nigeria had unlawfully made series of deductions from three of his MTN lines for caller tunes which he did not subscribe to. However, in another twist, Mr Fatiullah Tiamiyu who the defence counsel has claimed that MTN is not aware of any court process. He said: That is the reason the company has not been represented in any previous sitting. Source: Tell Force Blog It was a horrific scene in Lagos at Agbowa area near Ikorodu where a mother and her three children were foound dead in an uncompleted building , this was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, on Wednesday when he confirmed the killing of three children and their mother in an uncompleted church building at Agbowa, near Ikorodu. Mr. Owoseni said that the police was called to the murder scene at about 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The incident happened at about 3 a.m. this morning at Agbowa in Ikorodu. The three murdered children were aged four, five and nine. The mother of the children was also wounded and later died in the hospital, Mr. Owoseni said. He said the police was yet to identify the motive behind the murder, adding that the command had swung into to bring the hoodlums to book. We want to seize this opportunity to assure the public that we will continue to increase our visibility. (NAN) Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has given his stand on the current xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa,. He said the attacks is a result of the insincerity of the government of that country. He made this known in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, while receiving the leadership of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Jos. His statement follows the recent attacks and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses in Pretoria West. He has therefore called on African heads of governments to ensure good governance for overall development of the continent. Also, the Senior Special Assistant to Nigerias President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement, described the attacks as an unnecessary setback. Meanwhile, South Africas President, Jacob Zuma, some days ago said the narrative that his country is xenophobic is incorrect. President Zuma said this is because South Africa is placed quite high among those that welcome and allow foreign nationals to thrive. He made the remark after a walk in the township of Soshanguve, as part of efforts to tackle crime hot spots in the country. The Nigeria Police have paraded a sergeant, Iseke Koradam, who was arrested at a hospital in Oke Uvuru in Aboh, Mbaise Local Government Area while attempting to steal a baby. The Imo State Police Commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu, said Mr. Koradam and his gang had confessed and would be charged to court soon. The Commissioner said , On February 22, Rev. Erancisco Emeh, Chinedu Ubah (30) and Ifeoma Joseph (27) were arrested at Orient Hospital in Oke-Uvuru Aboh Mbaise Local Government while trying to steal a baby from the hospital. They have since confessed to the crime, alleging that they planned to steal the baby in connivance with a police sergeant, Iseke Koradam. On February 18, Emeka Onyema (19), Nduka Chekwube (22) and Dera Ebuka (22) attacked a recharge card dealer, Ubahaeze Awo, in Idemili Orsu Local Government and stole recharge cards valued at N300, 000, his car key, one phone, one Qlink 150 motorcycle and N150, 000. The suspects have made useful statements and are helping the police in its investigation. The police chief also announced the arrest of four men suspected to have killed a man said to be an American veteran soldier, Oscar Okebata. The victim was robbed and murdered in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State on January 12. Parading the suspects in Owerri, Mr. Lakanu gave their names as Osondu Chukwu (29), Uchechukwu Stanley (30), Onyekachi Nwoke (28) and Uchendu Promise (40). According to him, the suspects were apprehended with evidence showing they murdered the veteran, who was in the state for the Yuletide. The police commissioner said the suspects allegedly sold the victims Samsung Note 5 phone at N125,000, which led to their arrest. The suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of Oscar Okebata of Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, an American veteran solider who returned home for the Yuletide. The victims Samsung Note 5 phone was sold at N125,000, leading to the arrest of the suspected masterminds. According to the police chief, the command on February 8 also arrested members of a notorious robbery syndicate who trailed their victim after he had withdrawn some money from a bank at Amakohia in Owerri North Local Government Area. They were apprehended as they used a master key to damage the drivers side door of the victims black Toyota Land Cruiser in an attempt to remove the money from the car. The suspects are Chibuzo Amankwe, Prince Igbo Williams, Enwereazu Ibe and Uchenna Ononugbo all of Agwa in Oguta Local Government. They are helping the police in their investigation. Also on February 14, following a tip-off, operatives arrested Okwudiri Aluo (35) of Obiti in Ohaji Local Government while on a robbery operation with his gang members, added the police chief. (Premium Times) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it is prosecuting a former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, based on a petition it received against him sometime in July 2007 from the Office of the Secretary to the Oyo State Government. A policeman attached to the EFCC, Abdullahi Lawal, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared as a prosecution witness before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Ladoja is being tried for an alleged fraud of N4.7 billion. But the Wednesdays proceedings soon ran into a logjam as the defence counsel resisted the move by the EFCC to tender the said petition as an exhibit in evidence against Ladoja and his co-defendant, Waheed Akanbi. Justice Idris consequently adjourned till Thursday (today) to rule on the admissibility of the petition. The EFCC had first arraigned Ladoja and Akanbi in 2008 before Justice A.R. Mohammed. But the defendants had objected to the charges against them and challenged the case over the course of seven years to the Supreme Court. The case was, however, reopened last year December before Justice Idris after the apex court dismissed the appeal by the defendants. The trial which was scheduled to kick off properly before Justice Idris was, however, botched on account of argument and counter-arguments on the admissibility of the first document sought to be tendered by the prosecution. Ladojas lawyer, Mr Bolaji Onilenla, contended that the petition was not part of the proof of evidence served on the defence by the prosecution and admitting it would amount to the prosecution ambushing the defence. He said the failure to frontload the petition was a violation of his clients rights. A teenager, Amina Yusuf, paraded by the military on Wednesday in Maiduguri said she failed to detonate her explosive because she did not subscribe to Boko Haram ideology. The 17-year-old told newsmen in Maiduguri that she was abducted five years ago, alongside her parents, in Madagali in Adamawa, after a terror attack on the village. I was abducted alongside my parents in Madagali in Adamawa after the terrorists attacked our village. We were taken to a camp in the bush where we were forcefully indoctrinated by the group, she said. The suspected suicide bomber alleged that her parents were killed after they had refused to be indoctrinated. My parents were executed because they did not join the group. I was married off to a Boko Haram militant with whom I lived in the camp, she said. One day I was asked to wear the bombs. I was brought to Maiduguri with an instruction that I detonate the bomb where there is a large crowd of people, the teenager added. She said that she declined to detonate the explosive because she did not want to die. They said I should press the button but I refused and allowed security men to capture me alive. My four siblings are still with the terrorists in the camp, Yusuf said. Maj.- Gen. Lucky Irabor the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole had presented her along with two unindentified girls to newsmen during a weekly briefing in Maiduguri. Source: The Nation A former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, has forfeited 47 SUV cars to Federal government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said. The information is contained in a report by EFCC which the anti-graft agency submitted to Senate Committee on Financial Crimes and Anti-corruption. The report said that the cars were seized in Utako, Abuja residence of the former Permanent Secretary. Igali is currently undergoing investigation by EFCC over alleged corruption. Meanwhile, Senate Wednesday kicked against donation of building and furniture to EFCC by unnamed state governor. The upper chamber said that such donation has the capacity hamper the war against corruption in the country. Senator Dino Melaye who spoke at a budget defence session with the EFCC expressed dissatisfaction with a situation where governors are donating money to the anti-graft agency. Melaye, (Kogi West) insisted such development would tamper the independence of the EFCC. The committee demanded for review of the contract details of EFCC building which is put at N26 billion against the initial N18.8 billion awarded to Julius Berger. The committee wondered how a contract awarded at N18.8 billion will be increased to N24 billion and later a request of additional N2 billion for power plant and sewage. It asked how a 10-storey building will be awarded without sewage and power plant from when the contract began. The Chairman of the committee, Senator Chukwuka Utazi said the signing of the contract was against the advice given by the Bureau of Public Procurement. Utazi noted that considering what was going with the EFCC building, there was need for Julius Berger management to appear before the committee. He also said that the consultant that advised the EFCC to go against the advice of BPP on the contract should appear before the committee. Source: The Nation THE Senate, yesterday (Wednesday), alerted the nation to the fact that corrupt politicians now hide stolen money in caskets and uncompleted buildings in remote villages. The revelation came as the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly commenced probe of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over allegation of fuel subsidy funds not remitted and this is set to the tune of N5.1 trillion collected between 2006 and 2015. The decision of the Senate to probe the NNPC and the disclosure of where politicians keep their stolen money came yesterday during the consideration of a motion moved by Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West. Presenting the motion, Senator Melaye said: Monies are not accounted for and that might be the reason we now see petro-dollars buried in caskets and uncompleted buildings in remote villages in some parts of the country. After a brief debate on the motion, the Senate mandated its Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to carry out a holistic investigation into the NNPC over its accounts relating to fuel subsidy and the abuse of product marketing and distribution between 2006 and 2016. Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who urged the Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to conduct a holistic investigation, said: A situation where individuals do what they like and are not accountable to anybody should be stopped. SENATE CHAMBER The committee should do a thorough job and ensure that they get to the root of this issue. The thing borders on the issue of corruption which has been affecting the country negatively. Melaye had in a point of order on Tuesday, told the Senate that the Federal Government had refused to probe the NNPC, which he alleged, got 51 of 100 per cent share of companies approved to import petroleum products into the country. He noted that all the oil marketers currently facing trial over alleged subsidy fraud only constituted 49 per cent of imported refined products. Presenting the motion yesterday, Senator Melaye said: The Senate is aware that majority of Nigerians overwhelmingly agreed to fight corruption and this informed the present administrations resolve to tackle widespread corruption in all its ramification, inclusive of the petroleum industry. The Senate notes with dismay that despite the crackdown on corruption by the present government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, there has been continuous violation by the NNPC, as regards non-remittance of proceeds from the sale of refined products into the federation account. This practice is similar to the problems that sparked the national outrage against the last administration; The Senate is aware that though independent marketers account for 49% of the imported petroleum product, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) accounts for 51% of imported products but this does not justify the huge amount it has been paid as subsidy in the last 10years; ; It is concerned that from the records derived from the PPMC, 5 to10 cargoes of imported crude arrive the country monthly, while about five cargoes are refined locally and each cargo contains 5.8 million liters of the refined crude products. It is worried that the excess products which cannot be dispensed that goes into different tank farms owned by private individuals are not properly accounted for as they are illegally sold off by the owners of these tank farms in a manner that is opaque and usually designed to rip off the public and enrich a few persons stupendously at the expense of the masses. The Senate is disturbed that since this administration clamped down on subsidy payment, NNPC has solely been responsible for retail with companies such as BOVAS and RANO paying 20 to 25 naira per liter for the sales of this product which amounts to over N2billion monthly. Known for his simple designs and innovations on textile and texture, Chen started out as a student at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London. (Photo : HungerTV.com) A well-dressed group of industry insiders, photographers, and personalities marched into the Teatro Armani to witness the inaugural show of an up-and-coming Chinese fashion designer in Milan, according to an article by ATimes.com. Advertisement Xuzhi Chen is only 24 years old, but the designer has already made waves in China. His debut in Milan Spring Fashion Week, backed up by Giorgio Armani no less, is proof of Chinese fashions growing influence. [The showing was] very stressful but really, really exciting, I couldnt ask for a better opportunity than this! Chen told Agence France-Press (AFP) on Saturday, Feb. 25. Chen is just one of a small group of Chinese fashion designers to debut their work in Italy. Angel Chen showed off her label that bears her name, while Anna Yang showcased Annakiki. All eyes are on Chen, however, as the young fashion designer managed to book the prestigious Teatro Armani for his show. The location is a highly coveted slot that has served as the launchpad of some of the most successful new designers today. Known for his simple designs and innovations on textile and texture, Chen started out as a student at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London, a breeding ground for innovative designers. Its famous alumni include enfant terrible Alexander McQueen. Last year, Chen was nominated for the LVMH Prize, and in 2015 the H&M Design Awards. Hi label, Xu Zhi, is based in London. He has also been grouped with six other Chinese designers by Womens Wear Daily. Called the gang of six, the group also consists of Angel Chen, Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, Momo Wang, and Xiao Li. Like Chen, the Gang of Six designers also studied in London before pursuing their own labels. Despite working with a team of British designers and artists, Chen very much remains in touch with his Chinese roots, and is keen to uplift Chinese fashion into the global sphere. Weve been economically booming for the past decades and now people are really hungry for creative stories and creations, Chen said. The Minister of defence Mansur Dan-Ali yesterday alongside the service chiefs met with the acting president, Yemi Osinbajo where they pledged loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari. The defence minister made the remarks during his opening speech at the security briefing session to update Osinbajo on the security situation across the country. He expressed appreciation to the current administration for their relentless support and continuous funding of the armed forces in the conduct of its operations. He said this has no doubt impacted positively on the capacity of the armed forces and troops in fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East and other security threats across the country. On behalf of the armed forces and other security agencies, we pledge our total commitment and loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The ongoing operation in the North East has recorded tremendous success and has led to restoration of normalcy in most parts of the affected areas. The current strategy being adopted involved the simultaneous conduct of consolidation and stabilisation cases so as to enable the civil authorities take lead role as quickly as possible. Our troops in conjunction with the vigilante groups successfully conducted clearance operations in villages and Boko Haram camps which led to the recovery of weapons and communication equipment as well as apprehension of many suspects. This is being supported by continuous aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force so as to ensure that terrorists do not regroup He said. He added that several high profile Boko Haram commanders were arrested and over 20,000 persons mostly women and children held hostage by the terrorists were rescued. He further explained that a number of the terrorists have surrendered to the Nigerian troops and currently, rehabilitation and deradicalisation process for this category of Boko Haram terrorists and other rescued persons is ongoing. Also, the minister noted that the armed forces are currently providing medical support and basis amenities such as food, clothing, water supply to most IDP camps in the North East. Furthermore, he observed that several inter and intra roads and bridges that were impassable due to the security risks have been reopened and damaged ones reconstructed to enhance movement of people and goods in the North East. He added that ;The Nigerian Army Small Arms Competition will be conducted by 7 Division at Sambisa Forest to consolidate the gains achieved so far and further sharpen the skills of our troops. In other to sustain the tempo of the counter insurgency operation in the North East, the present administration had recently procured modern equipment to enhance the combat effectiveness of our armed forces. Mine-resistance ambush patrol vehicles, one 20mm Motors and ammunition were being procured by the Nigerian Army. Also, some patrol boats and other platforms have been ordered by the Nigerian Navy for outpost at Lake Chad Basin while contract for helicopters from Russia for the Nigerian Air Force has been awarded and approval for addition four of MI 35 are being awaited. Additionally, 20 unmanned aerial vehicles from the United Arab Emirates have been procured by the Nigerian Air Force to support the operation in the North East. The minister stated that the Buhari- led administration has also shown tremendous concern to the welfare of troops particularly in the North East through prompt payment of troops salaries and allowances as well as improvement in medical services. He recalled that last week, they had a meeting with Ministers of Defence from the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin member countries, hosted by Nigeria. The countries include Niger, Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria. He continued Memorandum of Understanding for the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to fight Boko Haram terrorists was signed during the meeting. This was aimed at supporting the operations of the MJTF operation Gama Aiki II nicknamed Rawan kada in the North East. With regards to the situation in Southern part of Kaduna State, peace talk is currently ongoing to address the current clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the communities.Recently, some religious leaders led by former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, were in Southern Kaduna to mediate between the herdsmen and farmers. As part of efforts to curtail this menace, he said the Nigerian Army is in the process of constructing a permanent barracks in Kafanchan. Also, the Nigerian Army is expected to conduct exercise Harbin kunama II in Southern Kaduna, Falgore Forest in Kano and the forest in Bauchi to flush out the criminal elements. The activities of cattle rustlers and armed bandits generally in the entire North West have been significantly reduced. Efforts and peace talks to put an end to this cattle rustling and armed banditry in communities in Zamfara and Katsina State have successfully resulted in the handover of various weapons to troops in the states. Bandits from an area in Zamfara State handed over 234 dane guns, 94 locally made pistols, 25 locally made revolvers, 17 locally made multi mural pistols, 10 locally made double barrel, 11 AK47 and five machine guns in addition to the ones collected in Katsina recently he stated. On his part, Osinbajo allayed fears over the meeting with the service chiefs saying it was a normal routine. Asked if the meeting with the service chiefs is a signal that the president might not come back soon, he said ; No no no! Almost every month these briefings are held, it is routine and it is the president who puts in place this whole idea of regular briefing. It is even more important that we do so because of some of the issues arising like the cases of kidnappings and I wanted the IG to inform us fully. Besides, the President is a process person and certainly I am going to speak with him here on developments here. So it is not an indication of anything. It is only an indication that we are committed to the security of the nation. The primary duty of government is to ensure lives and properties and that is why we have to be regularly briefed. The good thing is that our men are going extraordinarily well in the north east and that Southern Kaduna has also been contained. The peace building process is also going on very well. Those present at the session held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja were the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd); the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq, Chief of Air Naval, Admiral Ibas Ibok; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura; and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. Source: Leadership A newly married woman has been cremated while she was still alive after she was presumed dead by medical practitioners. Rachna Sisodia, a Newly married woman has been burnt alive in a funeral pyre after doctors mistakenly thought she died from a lung infection, it has been claimed. According to The Sun UK, the 24-year-old woman was pronounced dead at Sharda hospital in Greater Noida, in northern Indias Uttar Pradesh on February 25. A day later, her husband Devesh Chaudhary, 23, and some friends took her body and arranged a funeral pyre in Aligargh where they began to cremate her. But the woman was dragged off the funeral pyre midway through the funeral as someone present in the service claimed she was still alive. A postmortem report suggested she may have been alive at the time the fire started. It detailed that there were charred particles in her windpipe and lungs suggesting she may have been breathing when she was being cremated. Police spokesman Rajesh Pandey, who explained the doctors verdict, said: This happens when someone is burnt alive. The particles go inside with the breath. If a person is dead, such particles cannot reach the lungs and the windpipe. So, the doctors concluded that the woman was burnt alive on the pyre. Rachna, who showed no signs of life, suffered 70 per cent burns by the time her body was pulled out. Her family have accused her husband of organising the cremation while she was alive, Times of India reported. Kailash Singh, Rachnas uncle, claimed her husband Chaudhary of sexually assaulting and killing her after she went missing from her house in Bulandshahr on December 13 last year. Cops have filed multiple cases against her husband and 11 others. But doctors at the hospital who were treating Rachna have supported the husband and have stood by their diagnosis. According to the death summary given by the hospital, Rachna passed away on February 25 at 11.45pm following cardio-respiratory arrest and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Dr Pankaj Mishra, who conducted the postmortem, said that since the body was 70 per cent burnt he couldnt say for sure if it was indeed Rachnas. Saharareporters has obtained further details about the monumental scandal around billions of naira in Paris Club loan refunds that were brazenly stolen by state governors, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Nigerian businessman Hassan Dambaba, who also holds the traditional title of Magaji Ngari Sokoto. Mr. Dambaba apparently embezzled as much as N2.5 billion from the Paris/London Club refunds. Yesterday, Mr. Dambaba surrendered himself for interrogation by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was accompanied by a director of the Department of State Services (DSS). A source said Mr. Dambaba was acting as a front for Governor Abdulraziz Yariof Zamfara State who is also the chairman of the Governors Forum. Speaking anonymously with Saharareporters, an EFCC investigator disclosed that the slush fund, which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari before he traveled to London on a prolonged medical vacation, came from a payment made by one of the state-owned oil companies at NNPC. The funds were then used to repay states that claimed the Federal Government had over-deducted Paris Club repayments from their monthly allocations over the years. However, instead of using the money for paying workers salaries, some top shots of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) decided to convert it into slush fund that would be used ostensibly to refund some of the partys original funders. Apart from state governors who individually pocketed as much as N400m in some cases, Senate President Bukola Saraki grabbed for himself at least N3.5 billion. One investigator told our correspondent that the senator converted his haul into dollars and may have laundered the funds through Dubai and Germany. A senior EFCC agent disclosed that anti-corruption officials were on the verge of arresting Mr. Saraki and his accomplice, a former MD of his late fathers bank, Robert Mbonu. The source said EFCC operatives paused when they were told to wait until President Buhari returns from his vacation on February 6. The President has yet to return. SaharaReporters learned that Mr. Saraki also colluded with the Governors Forum to send N5 billion out of the funds to multi-billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote. Our source said where the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had assisted the Governors Forum to have access to the funds. An EFCC agent said Mr. Dangote refunded the money as soon as he spotted the deposit, claiming that he never requested from anyone to deposit funds in his account. However, a source who initially alerted us to the scandal said that Mr. Dangote only rejected the money because of the formal nature of the transaction. He said Mr. Dangote was alarmed when he was told that the deposit was supposed to be a refund for his funding of the election of President Buhari. Mr. Dangote reportedly declared that, since he did not transfer funds to the APC via a bank transfer, it would be questionable if he got money through a bank transfer that was declared a refund. When our reporter contacted Mr. Dangote, he denied that the transaction took place. Source: SaharaReporters The Tonto Dikeh Foundation in Warri, Delta state Nigeria in collaboration with Cheeno HR, on February 24, 2017, have assisted young students, through their nationwide project tagged: TTDF BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT. The National coordinator of the Tonto Dikeh foundation, Mr Bunmi Fagbuyiro unveiled the plans of the foundation, by pledging the renovation of some schools, free white board donation, School Uniforms for students and books. According to him, the foundation will continue in other parts of the country in the coming months, and the next on their list is Port Harcourt, Rivers State.According to him, the foundation will continue in other parts of the country in the coming months, and the next on their list is Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The back to school project was conceived with the idea of assisting the less privileged kids and to help in the realisation of the United Nations sustainable development goals in the area of education and mass literacy in Nigeria. See more photos below: Two brothers, John Kuku (45) and Fabu Kuku (33), were yesterday sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery by an Abeokuta High Court. The accused persons who live at Opic Estate, Agbara Lagos, were found guilty of a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery. In her judgment, Justice Olatokunbo Majekodumi said, Having found that the accused persons are guilty as charged on both counts, you shall be hung by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on you? The judge said that the offences committed contravened Section 6(b) and punishable under Section1 (2) ( a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap Rll Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. It was gathered that the convicts, who had been standing trial since June 2012, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The duo were arrested and charged for robbing one Kojo Debue of N300,000. Ms. Majekodunmi said the convicts and others at large committed the offence at about 12am at Asaidu village, Ajebo via Obafemi-Owode Area in Ogun. Ms Majekodunmi said the two convicts who are from Cotonou, Republic of Benin, and others robbed the complainant and his family in their house. She said the duo and one other came into the house of Debue at midnight and asked them to open the door, the complainants younger brother,Sunday, who was living with them opened the door. Ms. Majekodunmi said one of them pointed a gun at the complainant while the others carried the box inside which the complainant kept his money. One of the convicts had confessed that it was Sunday, the younger brother to the complainant aided them. Source: BreakingTimes Lean Hogs Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 2:01PM CST The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 84.675, which will be followed by reaching support level 80.675 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,... Feeder Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 2:00PM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 177.700, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 182.375 and 188.250 Live Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:59PM CST The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 152.375, which will be followed by reaching support level 148.325 Soybean Oil Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:59PM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 72.70, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 79.29 Soybean Meal Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:58PM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 419.1, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 431 and 439 Soybean Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:57PM CST The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 1423.2, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 1512.2 Corn Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:57PM CST The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 688, which will be followed by reaching support level 674 and if it keeps on moving down below that level, we may... Wheat Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:56PM CST An uptrend will start as soon, as the market rises above resistance level 854.2, which will be followed by moving up to resistance level 904 and 947 Natural gas Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - Sun Nov 6, 1:55PM CST The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 6.626, which will be followed by reaching support level 5.345 Recently, China has shown signs of assertiveness, having stopped its purchase of coal imports from North Korea as well as going after Chinese nationals involved in unlawful North Korean transactions. (Photo : Getty Images) China is currently in pole position to change the way North Korea is affecting the world, considering its economic ties with the Stalinist state. The rogue regime's determination to be recognized as a nuclear power provides a compelling impetus for the Chinese government to recalibrate their relationship. Advertisement North Korea holds the notoriety of being a tough party to contend with in negotiations, considering its determination to insist on its impractical demands. Although China's current stand on North Korea relies mainly on regional stability, current developments have pushed for convincing changes. The Chicago Tribune reported that the murder of Kim Jong-Un's half-brother Kim Jong-Nam is a shaky test for China-North Korea ties, considering that he is allegedly under Chinese protection. The fact that North Korea shows no sign of relenting from nuclear launches also serves as a matter of serious consideration. Recently, China has shown signs of assertiveness, having stopped its purchase of coal imports from North Korea as well as going after Chinese nationals involved in unlawful North Korean transactions. But the depth of China-North Korea ties alone demands more than just those actions. China's debacle with the U.S. over the "One China" policy, which peaked when President Donald Trump exchanged pleasantries with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen over the phone, has now mellowed down. That gives China a greater incentive to cooperate with the U.S. over neutralizing North Korea's threat. Considering that Japan and South Korea, two of China's economically strong neighbors, are building up military capabilities in response to North Korea missile tests, the U.S. can compel China to view its continuing economic relationship with North Korea as a greater compromise to regional stability. Overall, China currently has a greater incentive to use its economic leverage over North Korea to compel it to give up its nuclear weapons. The status quo is increasingly contributing to greater regional instability, and smoother China-U.S. relations as of late gives China greater pivot to contain North Korea. Safeguard Self Storage, which operates facilities throughout the eastern states, has opened a new facility in the East Tremont neighborhood of Bronx, N.Y. The property at 1112 E. Tremont Ave. is six miles south of two other Safeguard sites. It comprises 50,750 rentable square feet of storage space in 905 climate-controlled units. Property amenities include a drive-in loading area, computer-controlled building access, individual door alarms and video cameras. Safeguard Self Storage has been in the New York market since opening its first self-storage facility in New Hyde Park over 15 years ago in 2001 on New Hyde Park Road. These 25 facilitiesin the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and in Westchester and Nassau Counties just outside the cityprovide great name and brand recognition, and a critical mass for the company, said Ken Finlay, executive vice president of operations. Safeguard opened a new facility in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago last month. The company has three more properties under development in New York and five in Florida, according to Jim Goonan, executive vice president of development. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Atlanta, Safeguard operates facilities in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The company is owned and operated by Morgan Stanleys Prime Property Fund. A new Cerulli Associates study finds obstacles for pension schemes who want to go direct with their private equity investments. European pension schemes are increasingly exploring direct investment in private equity to increase their returns, but the success of this strategy is heavily dependent on whether pensions can manage the investments in-house, according to new research. A report released Wednesday by research firm Cerulli Associates notes that securing private equity deals requires the ability and willingness to work overnight and during holidays, since the timing of M&A deals can be unpredictable. Its precisely this situation that works against pension scheme structures, which militate against doing deals within a tight time frame, a statement accompanying the report says. In addition, public pension funds often need approval for investments from trustees, who may only meet once a month. Another major roadblock is the difficulty of recruiting staff capable of managing private equity deals, which leads pension schemes to outsource the investments to consultants and external managers. But Cerulli cites research from CEM Benchmarking last year that found investment in private equity via funds of funds added 5.5 percentage points in costs over the past 20 years compared with schemes that managed private equity investments in-house. Cerullis study of pension schemes across Europe bears out the difficulty of accomplishing this, however. Of the 10 largest pension schemes in the U.K. specifically, only two Universities Superannuation Scheme and West Midlands Pension Fund had private equity consultants in-house. In mainland Europe, pensions were better able to manage the investments themselves, with four of the largest 10 pension schemes managing private equity internally. Another risk is that pensions will not have the chops to properly manage an in-house private equity portfolio, said Cerulli associate director Justina Deveikyte in a statement. There is a real danger that in-house teams that lack the rigth skills and experience will select poorly performing deals, she said. Post-investment monitoring also represents a considerable commitment. To make the transition, it will be necessary for pension schemes to have a finance function that manages the portfolio companies, the report stated. The co-head of private equity investments at Capital Dynamics said in the Cerulli study that initially, it may easier for institutions to invest alongside primary managers in order to learn the ropes and move the function in-house down the line. Another strategy for pensions beginning to take private equity investments in-house would be to start with geographies it is familiar with, suggests the senior director of private markets at London-based investment consultant bFinance. Exchange-traded funds, like their traditional mutual fund cousins, were originally targeted at mainstream investors as an easy way to get exposure to segments of the stock and bond markets. Now large investors, such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, are increasingly turning to ETFs to help manage their liquidity concerns. Institutional investors made up 21.2 percent of assets in ETFs last year, up from 18.9 percent in 2015, according to a report today from Greenwich Associates, which interviewed 187 such investors for its 2016 U.S. Exchange Traded Funds Study. Institutions are adding ETFs to their portfolios for traditional investment reasons, but theyre also adding the funds to help manage risks and liquidity, according to Andrew McCollum, a Greenwich consultant. For example, theyre adding indexed high-yield bond ETFs as an alternative to buying individual securities in the bond markets, which can become less liquid, or more difficult to trade. Half of institutions use ETFs for liquidity and risk reasons. BlackRocks iShares ETF product line was the top choice for institutions based on such factors as liquidity, trading volume, expenses and performance. Ninety-nine percent of those surveyed by Greenwich use iShares; 68 percent use State Street Global Advisors SPDR lineup; two-thirds use ETFs from Vanguard Group and 48 percent use PowerShares. The survey also found that institutional investors plan to increase their use of ETFs this year. Forty seven percent of investors in equity ETFs say they will increase their holdings, compared to 38 percent of bond ETFs users. Still, bond ETFs are gaining in popularity, with assets in bond ETFs rising 26 percent to $428 billion last year, outpacing an 18 percent increase for equity ETFs. Smart beta ETFs are also on the rise. Greenwich found that smart beta made up 37 percent of institutions ETF use in 2016, up from 31 percent in 2015. These ETFs are alternatives to market-cap weighted index funds, such as those that track the Standard & Poors 500. Another big source of demand for ETFs is coming from managers of multi-asset funds, which pull a broad array of investments into a diversified portfolio designed around a specific objective such as low volatility. Greenwich reports that 52 percent of asset managers used ETFs for this reason in 2016, up from 35 percent the year before. The proportion of multi-asset funds that are made up of ETFs is also growing. A U.S. manager of a multi-asset portfolio, who declined to be named, told Greenwich, ETFs have increased over the past 10 years from 50% to 90% of our strategy. Does the amount investors pay asset managers reflect the value they deliver? More than a third (37 percent) of global investors would say no, based on data from the 2016 global survey by the Investor Intelligence Network (IIN), IIs allocator-only network. North Americans have a more negative view 40 percent think fees are too high. Alternative asset classes are driving the discontent. More than two-thirds of global investors confessed in 2013 to paying at least some of their managers close to the standard 2-and-20 fee structure, in which investors pay a 2 percent management fee and 20 percent of performance gains, a trend confirmed in 2014. Almost 70 percent of North Americans, led by corporate pensions, participated in this trend, according to data from IINs 2014 Annual Global Survey. European investors did not lag far behind. Subsequent data show that the 2-and-20 structure has diminished in popularity, but hedge fund performance has dipped alongside it. The views on fees hasnt changed overall from annual survey to survey, says analyst Kristina Zucchi, who has worked on several editions. Investors are always looking to cut fees. But if they see value, they are willing to pay. And I dont think thats changed. The attitudes toward hedge funds have, Zucchi continues. Its gone hand in hand with performance. From a willingness to pay 2-and-20, to respondents becoming less enamored. But, she notes, theyre still willing to pay for private equity, and exposures they cant access any other way. Much of the fee dissatisfaction stems from the belief by almost three-quarters of investors surveyed that performance fees are prone to gaming by managers. Moreover, North Americans, in particular, strongly feel that the characteristics that hedge funds offer can be accessed more cheaply elsewhere. Smaller investors feel the sting more strongly. An investor with a sub-$2 billion North American public pension plan commented, Because of our limited assets we are generally forced to be fee-takers. But, the investor continued, we do negotiate where possible. The CIO of a similarly sized foundation was more accepting of this position. We are mindful of fees but are willing to pay higher fees if we believe the managers returns will justify it. Agreeing, a mid-sized North American corporate pension staff member remarked that the team is willing to pay for superior performance. Not all felt that they lack the ability to dictate fees. Twenty-one percent of global investors reporting being able to get a good deal on fees most of the time. And the dissatisfied allocators might consider the advice of one mid-sized Japanese government fund investor: Just fire those whose fee structure does not justify the performance. Leanna Orr is Global Content Director of Investor Intelligence Network, Institutional Investors private community for asset owners. Australian Infant Formula (Photo : Getty Images) China's supply of baby formula from Bellamy's Australia may face delay as trouble in the company's board has stalled its registration with China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Advertisement "Unless Bellamy's achieves China CFDA Registrations by mid-2017, its future in China is cactus," Jerome Nugent-Smith, chairman and CEO of Montreux Management, was quoted as saying. Infant formula marketer Bellamy's Australia had earlier announced that it needs to be registered with the CFDA starting Jan. 1, 2018, to be able to sell infant formula to China. Bellamy's also informed the market that it "may need to seek CFDA registration discussion with other manufacturers, as well as Bega," following Bega Cheese's announcement that it plans to sell its infant formula plant at Derrimut in Victoria. "Bellamy's has multiple alternatives available, including accessing the CFDA registration of an alternative canning line that currently produces Bellamy's products," Bellamy's said in a statement. "Bellamy's remains confident it can achieve registration of its infant formula product series with CFDA in a timely manner to preserve continuity of supply for [China] product beyond the implementation date of 1 January 2018," it added. Bellamy's was favored by Chinese consumers who prefer organic products but following low sales during the Singles Day event, the company has been losing earnings. In late 2015, it traded as high as $16.50 until shares fell to $4.27 and it stopped trading. Aside from this, Bellamy's is also having troubles with its board. Recently, Jan Cameron, co-founder of Kathmandu retail chain, failed to secure a seat on the board but managed to oust some existing directors and get two of her associates appointed. The change came following a general meeting of shareholders to vote on the board's new directors. Although Cameron's bid to replace Patria Mann was rejected, shareholders voted for her two associates, Chan Wai-Chan and Rodd Peters, a lawyer from Sydney, as directors. Michael Wadley and Charles Sitch were both voted off the board. Wadley acted as interim chairman of the meeting after chairman Rob Woolley resigned before the meeting started. Director Launa Inman also resigned. Cameron said she was happy with the outcome of the vote, despite losing her bid. "No, because I think the incoming directors will actually be better than me, and the appointments they will make in the future will be more suited to the company's requirements," Cameron said. Peters, one of Cameron's associates, told shareholders that his legal experience could help Bellamy's, which is facing several class actions. "We recognize it is a great Australian company but we do believe it has been failed by its board," Peters said. This content is from: Video Inflation remains the primary concern for the worlds central banks, which have engaged in the broadest and fastest tightening regime in history, according to Alejandra Grindal, chief economist at Ned Davis Research. "I was a bit surprised by that," says expert A former head of a major insurers Australia and New Zealand operations is set to embark on a new challenge in his career, as he joins a public enterprise that delivers insurance and care services to people in NSW.According to Street Talk, Tim Plant, who stepped down from his role as QBE Insurances Australia and New Zealand chief mid-last year, will be joining icare (Insurance & Care NSW).Vivek Bhatia, icares chief executive, is set to announce Plants appointment as group executive for innovation, responsible for improving customer interaction and enforcing new technologies and models in healthcare and fintech.Plant has more than 25 years of insurance and reinsurance experience. He joined QBE in 2011 as EGM of corporate partners and direct insurance, and most recently held the chief of Australia and New Zealand role for a year. He also worked at Elders and Swiss Re , the report said. Brandon Kopf, who is wanted on a warrant, gave the police the slip again after crashing the SUV he was driving into an insurance building in Beatrice, Nebraska.Crashing a black 2001 GMC Yukon into the brick Tom Cass insurance building on 8th and Court streets was his getaway recipe as he fled the scene on foot, undetected by the police.A News Channel Nebraska report said the driver was identified as 32, Caucasian, 190lbs, five-foot seven with brown hair and brown eyes. He was being pursued by the police prior to the crash.His SUV was found to be registered to a Prague, Nebraska resident although it was not reported stolen.Police have yet to determine whether Kopf was aided in his getaway. Californias Oroville dam appeared as though it was on the verge of failing before its emergency spillway was used for the first time in the dams 50-year existence and the overflow was emptied.Phew!But the near-catastrophe is still a cause for cautious, not panicked, concern according to a Golden State provider.Golden Bear Insurances vice president, Michael Brown, said they sold a couple of flood policies in the Oroville area until their reinsurer put a moratorium on sales in the affected region, pending an understanding of the risk.Its a great conversation starter - if you dont have flood insurance yet lets look into it and see what kind of benefits you can gain, if you do have flood insurance lets pull out the policy and make sure the limits are adequate, Brown said.Make sure your deductibles are manageable. In a lot of cases when people think about catastrophe insurance they ask for the highest deductible thats available to lower the premium. In a scenario like this, where real people are having real losses right here in our neighbourhood, it makes sense to take another look at that.Though the area around Oroville, California was evacuated, no-ones home was destroyed, though Highway 50, near Lake Tahoe, and Highway 1, near Big Sur, were flooded and some bridges were weakened.Were getting a look at the soft, white underbelly of Californias infrastructure, Brown said.Commercial lines make up most of Golden Bears flood business, though it has only received one call concerning business interruption due to the evacuations, and it is still determining whether it exceeds the deductible. However, Brown said business interruption claims rarely come up after one or two days and usually only after a full week of road closures or evacuations.He remains wary of further risks, however, because close to Brown and Golden Bears Stockton, California, office is another area of flood risk.The Lake Don Pedro Dam is in a similar circumstance (as the Oroville one) - its the lowest elevation reservoir in California, its one of the last lines of defence for snow melt, Brown said.Its usually between 40 and 60% full this time of year, waiting for the spring snow melt to flow in. About 10 days ago it was well over 90% full and they had to release much more water than they normally would down the Tuolumne River which flows right through Modesto.Though there was concern the overflow would rise over the riverbanks and into Browns backyard, it passed without incident.Another close call and another cause for cautious concern. The National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) has named Zurich Insurance as one of its top 60 companies for female decision makers in 2017. This is the second year the company has been awarded the honor. Through the award, NAFE recognizes American firms where women have significant clout in the decision making process, its strategy for the future, and the bottom line. This recognition from NAFE is the result of Zurichs deliberate focus on creating a workplace environment that nurtures the development of our people, Mike Foley, Zurich North America chief executive, said in a company statement. Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now. Being more inclusive and leveraging the diversity of our workforce will help drive better outcomes, including better solutions for our customers and an enhancedreputation in our communities. The NAFE survey evaluates firms on workplace dimensions for women, such as succession planning, pay parity, support programs, work-life balance initiatives, and others. Related stories: Zurich announces massive restructure Blockchain insurance consortium set to expand The former controller for a Milford, Mass.-based developer has been sentenced to up to three years in prison for stealing nearly $1.5 million from the company. Sixty-one-year-old Michael Lussier was sentenced Monday after previously pleading guilty to two counts of larceny of more than $250 by a common scheme. Prosecutors say the Paxton man embezzled $1.48 million from F.R.E. Building Co. Inc. from October 2008 to January 2014. Lussier had worked for the company since 1986. Lussier pleaded guilty to diverting the stolen money to a personal bank account for use on travel, mortgage payments and casino gambling among other personal expenses. The company was able to recover about $600,000 from its insurance company. Lussier has so far paid $50,000 in restitution. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Commercial Lines Fraud Business Insurance Massachusetts Lilienfeld Corredores de Seguros has named Claudio Rossi as its next chief executive officer. He succeeds Renato Lilienfeld, who has been CEO since 1986. Lilienfeld will continue as chairman, working closely with Rossi to continue positioning the company as a principal broker in the Chilean and regional insurance and risk management market. Rossi is an executive with extensive experience in senior management of multinational insurance companies. He has led the development of markets in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. From 2000 to 2016 he was CEO of Chubb Insurance Co. in Chile. Previously, he worked for CIGNA from 1983 to 1999 and INA between 1981 and 1982. Santiago-based Lilienfeld is one of the largest privately owned, independent insurance brokers in Chile. Source: Lilienfeld Corredores de Seguros Topics Agencies XL Catlins insurance operation in Iberia announced that it is launching five new insurance solutions for financial institutions. The coverage is for directors & officers liability, civil liability, comprehensive crime, private equity / venture capital liability and investment management. Spains financial sector is undergoing significant change and transformation in response to a challenging economic environment and increased regulatory pressure, commented Estefania Taboada, head of International Financial Lines for XL Catlins insurance operation in Iberia (the region covering Spain and Portugal). Financial institutions continue to make significant strides toward increased profitability, greater capital efficiency and enhanced operational performance, he added. Effectively managing and mitigating risk is an essential component of these efforts, and an informed, experienced and innovative insurance partner can play a key role in helping financial institutions unlock attractive opportunities and manage challenges, Taboada said. XL Catlin has taken a fresh look at the coverages and risks financial institutions encounter today and have designed a suite of products to address their changing and ongoing needs. These solutions provide: Directors & officers liability.The enhanced D&O cover for financial institutions includes several extensions to protect directors and senior executives against a wide range of exposures for which they can be held personally liable such as: Costs associated with a regulatory crisis or emergency / insolvency hearing. Personal liability for corporate taxes. Fines and penalties with no sub-limit. Civil liability.Key features include: Broad cover for loss, defense costs and investigation costs. Mitigation payments. Regulatory crisis costs. Crime.Key features include: Broad cover for dishonest, fraudulent, malicious and criminal acts. Relevant cyber fraud cover for the electronic dishonest, fraudulent, malicious and criminal acts of third parties against the company. Offices and contents cover extended to personal property of employees and customers. Private equity / venture capital liability. Key features include: Combined solution for civil liability and directors and officers liability. Cover for wrongful acts in the performance or failure to perform private equity venture investing. Fund run-off management liability. Investment management.Key features include: Combined solution for civil liability, directors and officers liability and crime coverage for the investment manager and fund. Crime specific extensions including legal liability for incomplete transactions. Investment manager regulatory crisis cost. XL Catlins solutions for financial institutions are fully adapted to local legislation, including the Ley de Sociedades de Capital and the Solvency II directive for the insurance industry among others, said Patrick-Lee Warner, senior underwriter International Financial Lines for the companys Iberian insurance operation. These broad coverages coupled with numerous extensions have been designed to meet the specific needs of financial institutions operating locally and/or internationally, he continued. Jose Ramon Morales, country manager Iberia for XL Catlins insurance operation, said: Financial institutions are changing and the headwinds they face can be daunting: tough market conditions, increasing regulation, new competitors the list goes on and on. In this dynamic and uncertain environment, having an appropriate and tailored insurance and risk management program in place is essential for all financial institutions. Source: XL Catlin Topics Legislation AXA XL A spring-like storm system that killed at least three people as it spawned tornadoes and damaged dozens of homes in the central U.S. rumbled eastward on March 1, putting about 95 million people in its path, forecasters said. The compact but strong storms, known as supercells, raked parts of Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, wind-whipped wildfires destroyed homes in Texas. The storm system killed at least two people in Illinois and one in Missouri. In Arkansas, emergency managers said 10 to 15 people were injured in White County, about 45 miles northeast of Little Rock, and minor injuries were reported at a prison in the northeastern part of the state. In Illinois, state Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Patti Thompson said a person was killed by a tree that was uprooted by a tornado in Ottawa, about 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Minor injuries were also reported at a nursing home there. Thompson said it wasnt known how many people were hurt by the storm, but that it was relatively few. We had some damage reported in several counties, both in the north-central part of the state as well as the southern part of the state, Thompson said. About 225 miles south of Ottawa, near Crossville, Illinois, an apparent tornado struck a building near a house, killing a 71-year-old man and injuring his wife, White County Coroner Chris Marsh said. Another person was killed when a tornado ripped through Perry County, Missouri, about 80 miles south of St. Louis. Eight to 10 homes near the small town of Perryville were badly damaged and winds were so strong that several vehicles were blown off of Interstate 55. Hundreds of people, including many schoolchildren, took shelter at Bald Knob High School in Arkansas after a tornado warning was posted for the area. Emergency managers said Wednesday that the storm damaged 40 homes in the county. The Bald Knob storm was part of the same system that produced a wall cloud near Mayflower, Arkansas, which was hit in 2014 by a tornado with winds approaching 200 mph. The storm crossed Interstate 40 between Little Rock and Conway, but there were no reports that a funnel cloud touched down. The Storm Prediction Center had warned that some of Tuesdays storms would track over long distances. The Arkansas storm held together for more than 100 miles, though it did not produce tornadoes. Strong winds elsewhere in the Plains spread wildfires in Texas. Four homes were destroyed near Tulia, about 50 miles south of Amarillo, before firefighters beat back the flames. Texas A&M Forest Service spokesman Phillip Truitt said the fire prompted the evacuation of almost 1,200 homes. Associated Press writers Herb McCann in Chicago, Tafi Mukunyadzi and Jill Bleed in Little Rock, Jim Salter in St. Louis and David Runk in Detroit contributed to this report. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Texas Windstorm Illinois Arkansas Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, "Naruto" will have a spin-off titled "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations." The spin-off, which is serialized in a Japanese manga magazine, is written by Ukyo Kodachi and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. As the title suggests, "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" will introduce a new kind of Konoha ninja and a new generation of heroes. The story will revolve around Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga's son Boruto Uzumaki as the village of Konoha has managed to change and has been modernized into an era of peace. Advertisement As translated by Naruto Forums users BUUU and shippuden, the "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" synopsis reveals that the way to live in the ninja era has changed. Included in this change are high constructions, large computer monitors of transmission of images and streets connected to mobilize electric cars. As the son of the seventh Hokage, Boruto suffers from prejudice while in the ninja academy. But he will meet new friends as he encounters new challenges. In the beginning of "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations," Boruto will be younger. The story will follow him first as he enrolls in the ninja academy, where many of his classmates are children of Konoha's original heroes. Aside from Boruto, the other characters expected to be in the "Naruto" spin-off are Sarada, Mitsuki and their teacher Konohamaru Sarutobi, who is also Naturo's friend. Sarada is Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno's friend while Mitsuki is Orochinaru's son. An anime adaptation of "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" will premiere on TV Tokyo on April 5. In the recent issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, as cited by Comic Book, director Hiroyuki Yamashita and chief director Noriyuki Abe talked about the adaptation. Yamashita told the magazine that he would be happy if those who expect great things from Boruto and those who are new to the series feel like they want to watch over him. As for Abe, he promised that he will never betray his fellow Naruto fans. Watch Sasuke, Sarada and Boruto in the following video: The U.S. Labor Department has taken a first step toward possible derailment or dilution of its controversial rule on retirement advice as it begins to re-examine it at the directive of President Donald Trump, according to a notice made public on Wednesday. The department proposed a 60-day delay of the fiduciary rule, which requires retirement advisers to put the interests of clients ahead of their own. It was slated to take effect on April 10, but Trump asked the department to review the rule one more time for its impact on investors. Industry analysts and consumer groups agreed it could be the first of multiple delays as the department begins a comprehensive review of the Obama-era regulation, after Trump in February issued an executive order directing the department to review the rule. A 60-day delay is relatively short to undertake the type of economic and legal analysis that theyre contemplating, which suggests to me that this isnt just going to be a 60-day delay, Its likely going to be a string of delays, said Micah Hauptman, with the Consumer Federation of America. The proposed delay should have a calming effect on the marketplace, which had been hanging in limbo ahead of the April 10 effective date, said Denise Valentine, a senior analyst with Aite Group, which advises the financial services industry on regulatory issues. All along weve kind of known that the rule is very likely to be amended. I dont think it will be killed, Valentine said. The public will have 15 days from the publication of the proposed delay in the Federal Register on Thursday to comment on the delay itself before the Labor Department can formalize it. There will also be a 45-day window to submit comments or information related to other aspects of Trumps memorandum. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has sued to kill the rule, on Wednesday praised the proposed delay. When former President Barack Obamas administration finalized the rule last year, it said it was a move to help Americans saving for their retirement. But critics in the financial services industry say the rule would limit the ability of advisers to service clients who cannot afford to pay for financial advice and must use products that carry commissions or other indirect costs. When Trump issued the executive order, White House spokesman Sean Spicer called the rule a solution in search of the problem at a briefing ahead of the signing. The move drew fire from Democrats and other critics, who said it showed the Republican White House was aligned with Wall Street, not middle-income Americans. Industry groups, however, praised the delay proposed on Wednesday. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association said it would allow the new administration an opportunity to review the rules impact on investors and the market. UBS Wealth Management Americas, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo & Co. declined to comment. Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Additional reporting by Elizabeth Dilts; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Dan Grebler) Topics Agencies A federal judge in Houston has thrown out a lawsuit accusing UBS Group AG of hiding fraud by its client Enron Corp. from retail customers, a decision that may end a 15-year legal battle stemming from the energy companys December 2001 bankruptcy. In a 228-page decision on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Melinda Harmon said UBS PaineWebber brokerage customers failed to show that the Swiss bank intended to defraud them into buying Enron securities. The customers accused UBS of trying to generate more fees by taking part in five transactions with Enron, such as loans and note offerings, that had no legitimate business purpose and that were designed to create a facade that Enron was healthy. But the judge said: It was Enron (and its accountants and lawyers) that was responsible for using these transactions to cook its books, creating its allegedly fraudulent financial statements, and ultimately defrauding the investing public. The plaintiffs failed to specify exactly what nonpublic, material information the UBS entities knew about Enron, who discovered it, when, how, and under what circumstances and why it was fraudulent, Harmon wrote. Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond on Wednesday to requests for comment. The plaintiffs chose to sue independently of other Enron investors who pursued similar claims in nationwide litigation. A $7.2 billion securities class-action settlement in 2006 with several banks and other defendants over Enrons collapse remains the largest on record. Harmon had dismissed claims against UBS by another group of Enron investors on Aug. 2. Tuesdays decision ends all Enron-related litigation for UBS, pending any appeals. UBS is gratified by the courts dismissal of this case, spokeswoman Erica Chase said. Once ranked seventh on the Fortune 500 list of large U.S. companies, Enron went bankrupt on Dec. 2, 2001. Its demise led to reforms including the federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and was the basis for the Oscar-nominated 2005 documentary Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Several executives went to prison, including former Enron Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Skilling for fraud and other offenses. He is eligible for release in February 2019, federal prison records show, after having his sentence shortened to 14 years from 24 years in 2013. Kenneth Lay, Skillings predecessor and successor as CEO, was also convicted of fraud but died in 2006 before he could be sentenced. The case is Lampkin et al v. UBS PaineWebber Inc. et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 02-00851. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Phil Berlowitz and Lisa Von Ahn) Related: Topics USA Legislation Fraud The Texas Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of an insurer in a case that hinged on the applicability of an insured-v.-insured exclusion in the carriers directors and officers (D&O) liability policy. The Courts action reversed the ruling in Great American Insurance Company v. Robert Primo by the Court of Appeals for the 14th District of Texas in Harris County (14-13-00492-CV, 455 SW3d 714, 12-18-14). The case grew out of various actions and counter actions by Robert Primo and Briar Green, a non-profit condominium association. Primo at one time served as a director and treasurer of Briar Green. Before he resigned from those positions in 2008, Primo wrote himself two checks totaling a little more than $100,000. He said the money was for services rendered to the association and that the Briar Green board had approved the payment. However, the association asserted that the funds were misappropriated and filed a claim with Travelers Casualty & Surety for the loss. Travelers paid the claims in exchange for a written assignment of all of Briar Greens rights and claims against Primo for the loss. Travelers, standing in the shoes of Briar Green, then sued Primo to recover the funds, the Texas Supreme Courts written opinion states. Primo countered with a third-party claim against Briar Green and because he was an insured former director under Briar Greens D&O liability policy, Primo then sought defense from Great American in his suit against Travelers. Travelers non-suited its claims against Primo, making a defense by Great American unnecessary, the Courts opinion states. Primo also non-suited his third-party claim against Briar Green. Seeking to recover attorneys fees and expenses incurred in the Travelers suit, Primo filed a contractual-indemnity action against Briar Green and demanded that Great American defend him as required by the D&O policy. Great American provided a defense and Primo ended up recovering around $100,000 in damages and fees. Simultaneously, in a separate action Primo sued Great American, also seeking reimbursement for the defense costs and attorneys fees he incurred in the Travelers suit. He asserted causes of action for breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and violations of the Texas Insurance Code and the Prompt Payment of Claims Act, the Court wrote. Great American moved for summary judgment, arguing not only had Primo already collected defense costs and attorneys fees in his contractual-indemnity action against Briar Green, the insurer owed no duty to defend Primo in the Travelers suit because that action fell within the D&O policys insured-v.-insured exclusion. Great Americans Briar Green D&O policy excluded coverage for an insured in actions against another insured and those made by, or for the benefit of, or at the behest of [Briar Green] or any person or entity which succeeds to the interest of [Briar Green], according to the opinion of the Court. Primo, as a director of Briar Green was an insured under the D&O policy. Because Briar Green had assigned its claims against Primo to Travelers, Great American took the position that Travelers became an insured due to its assignment as a successor to the interest of Briar Green. The trial court agreed with Great American. However, a divided appeals court relied on its interpretation in an earlier case of the word successor, whereby it found that a successor assumes both rights and obligations of another. The court of appeals determined that in this case Travelers did not succeed to the interest of Briar Green, because Great American has not shown that Travelers assumed Briar Greens obligations as well as its claims and rights.' The Texas Supreme Court looked at the issue differently and ultimately agreed with the dissenting Appeals Court Justice McCally, who wrote that the plain meaning of succeed to is to fall heir to, inherit, come into possession of. McCally found that the trial court was correct in granting summary judgment to Great American because Briar Green had assigned to Travelers the associations interest in the claim filed against Primo. Reversing the decision of the appeals court and finding for Great American, the Texas Supreme Court found that the insurer had shown as a matter of law that the insured-v.-insured exclusion in the D&O policy applies in this instance, the policy provides no coverage for the claims Primo asserts. So the trial court correctly disposed of all of Primos claims on summary judgment. Topics Lawsuits Carriers Texas Claims Holmes Murphy & Associates has hired Jeff Marchino as a senior consultant for employee benefits in its Dallas office. Marchino joins the team with more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. Marchino will work closely in the business community to develop relationships and implement benefit strategies for new customers to the firm. Prior to joining the more than 190-member team in the Holmes Murphy Dallas office, Marchino was employed by Aetna as a sales director in the Dallas area. Source: Holmes Murphy & Associates Authorities say the owner of a restaurant in Sumter County, S.C., burned down his business on purpose and collected nearly $700,000 in insurance money. Sumter County deputies told media outlets that 57-year-old Ronald Cantey was arrested Monday about seven months after the fire at The Compass restaurant near Turbeville Investigators say evidence shows Cantey was at the restaurant about five minutes before the fire was reported. Cantey said after the restaurant burned in July that he put his heart and soul into the business for five years and was devastated. Cantey was charged with second-degree arson, making a false insurance claim and burning personal property to defraud an insurer. He was in jail awaiting a bond hearing and it wasnt known if he had an attorney. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics South Carolina A Florida courts review of workers compensation rating procedures by the National Council of Compensation Insurance (NCCI) could have a substantial impact on the State. The case, Fee v. Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, NCCI, is currently being weighed by the Florida First District Court of Appeal. Their decision of whether to overturn an lower courts ruling that NCCI and OIR violated Floridas Sunshine Law in establishing a 14.5 percent rate increase will be substantial for Florida residents. The reality is that workers compensation insurance rates affect all Florida residents, not just businesses. The cost of large rate increases is spread around internally by insurance carriers, which affects the cost of all lines of insurance that they offer. Further, companies looking to grow by hiring new employees will have to think twice because of their higher premiums, and unemployed Floridians, likewise, will find fewer job openings. The outcome of the Fee case will most likely do little to change the aforementioned negative impact of the rate hike. If the court holds that NCCI should be forced to disclose how its single actuary, Jay Rosen, calculated the increase, there may be some objection to his methodology. However, the rate increase will remain in place until OIRs next review. The only possible mechanism to immediately challenge the rate increase would, in fact, be another lawsuit, asserting some sort of violation of the Florida constitution. A constitutional challenge could gain some traction in the Florida courts, mainly because there is an argument that one, solitary actuary, should not have the unchecked power to set the workers compensation rates for the entire state. Another potential outcome from the case could have much more drastic implications for Floridians. Fees allegation is that the NCCI and OIR colluded in secret to settle on the 14.5 percent increase. Should Fee, through Sunshine Law, gain access to information that actually proves his theory, a litany of serious consequences could follow. The first being any decisions made by NCCI and OIR regarding rates will be subject to much more public scrutiny, and probably even more government scrutiny. The second, and very likely result, is that businesses that have purchases workers comp insurance or had their rates increased during this period could bring a class action against NCCI and the State of Florida to seek return of whatever the amount of overpayment it is determined was made as a result of the alleged collusion between NCCI and OIR. As to the merits of Fees case, he makes a compelling argument that Sunshine Laws apply to NCCI. The Sunshine Laws require an open meeting when committee of a recognized rating organization with responsibility for workers compensation and employers liability insurance rates in this state meets to discuss the necessity for, or a request for, Florida rate increases or decreases. NCCI has hinged almost its entire argument that the word committee means more than one person. Therefore, because Rosen is only one person, he cannot constitute a committee. This position by NCCI is awfully tenuous, and borders on intentionally flouting the intent of the Sunshine Law. Is it possible that NCCI specifically chose to have only one person calculate the rate increase, so as not to form a committee, and avoid the obligation of public disclosure mandated by Sunshine Laws? That question would most likely be answered in the resulting civil suits, should Fee prevail on appeal. It is almost a certainty that the appellate court, regardless of its rulings in past Sunshine Law cases, will take serious issue with the hairsplitting that NCCI is engaging by advancing this argument. If the rate hike were found to be determined by improper analysis, its quite possible that a panel of three or four actuaries could agree that the hike is warranted. Therefore, no harm, no foul. But, nationwide the cost of workers comp claims has only increased slightly from 2016. So, either Florida is an anomaly, as many analysts would agree, or the 14.5 percent increase is way out of line with the national trend. Based on a review of the Initial Brief, Answer Brief, and the Reply Brief, and observation of the oral arguments in the Fee appeal, it is difficult to predict whether he will prevail and Sunshine Laws will apply to NCCI. In my view, NCCI is a private company, but it is doing business with a public agency, OIR, and that alone should subject their correspondence and anything else they relied on to determine the rates to Sunshine Laws. The public interest is too great here for a case to hinge on NCCIs definition of what a committee is. Finally, the general rule in all appeals is that the Appellant, in this case NCCI, has an uphill battle to convince the appellate court that the trial court was wrong. However, when the issue on appeal is an issue of interpretation of law, as we have here, the appellate court has much greater discretion to reverse the trial court. Correction: NCCI stands for the National Council on Compensation Insurance and Jay Rosen is an actuary for NCCI, not OIR as an earlier version of this article indicated. Topics Florida Workers' Compensation The city of Las Cruces, N.M. has agreed to pay $400,000 to a man who claims police officers used excessive force on him when he was detained in a holding cell. The Las Cruces Sun-News reported that the settlement figure between the city and Ross Flynn was confirmed Wednesday. Flynn filed the lawsuit in 2015, claiming his Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and 14th Amendments were violated when he was arrested by Las Cruces police officers in December 2014. Flynn was detained in a holding cell at police headquarters after he was accused of threatening a woman with a firearm over a parking dispute. The lawsuit alleges that two officers, Richard Garcia and Danny Salicido, beat Flynn, fracturing his skull. The two officers were fired in May 2015. Criminal charges against them were dismissed. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Mexico New Mexico Hawaii lawmakers may create a group to develop a way to collect data on how vacation rentals affect Hawaiis tax revenue, housing supply and brand as a visitor destination. The Senate Ways and Means Committee passed a bill to set up the group made up of industry and government officials. The measure next goes to the full Senate for a vote. The legislation says the state is losing tax revenue as some owners and operators of short-term rentals are not paying transient accommodations taxes and general excise taxes. It says counties are losing revenue when vacation rental owners receive homeowner discounts on property taxes. The legislation says some of the units rented to visitors could be rented to residents, helping alleviate Hawaiis affordable housing crisis. The bill calls on the group to establish a way for state and county governments to monitor the number of units being offered to visitors on a part-time and full-time basis. It also asks the group to identify how vacation rentals are affecting real estate markets, the availability of long-term rentals, rent and property taxes. The working group would include representatives from the state tax department, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, hotel industry, licensed short-term rental operators and short-term rental websites. They would submit their findings to lawmakers shortly before the next legislative session. Vacation rental operator associations submitted testimony in support of the bill. The ILWU Local 142, which represents many Hawaii hotel workers, submitted testimony saying adequate financial resources for the working group would help in the gathering of accurate data and assessing the industrys impact. The bill doesnt indicate how much money would be allocated for the working group. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Judyth Sassoon, a masters degree student in paleontology, examines a rock containing fossil remains of a Thecondontosaurus antiquus, the oldest known dinosaur in Britain and one of the oldest in the world, on November 3, 2009 in Bristol, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Matt Cardy) Scientists reported on March 1, Wednesday, that tiny filaments, knobs and tubes that are around 4.28 billion years old found in Canadian rocks may be the oldest fossils ever discovered on Earth. However, many experts in the field were either skeptical or not convinced at all. The researchers published their study on the fossils in the journal Nature. Based on their findings in some of the most ancient rocks known, life on Earth had a very early start. Advertisement One of the researchers is Matthew Dodd. Despite the doubts of several critics, he claimed that the discovery would offer new pieces of evidence that prove the origins of life after analyzing the structures at University College London, United Kingdom. Dodd told BBC News that the discovery answers the biggest questions mankind has asked itself which are the inquiries on where humans come from and why humans are on Earth. He said, "It is very humbling to have the oldest known lifeforms in your hands and being able to look at them and analyze them." Dodd's fellow authors of the study are Dominic Papineau, Tor Grenne, John F. Slack, Martin Rittner, Franco Pirajno, Jonathan O'Neil and Crispin T.S. Little. They looked at sections of rock likely laid down in a system of hydrothermal vents. It was in quartz layers in the so-called Nuvvuagittuq Supracrustal Belt (NSB) where the fossil structures were wrapped. A chunk of ancient ocean floor, the NSB contains some of the oldest volcanic and sedimentary rocks ever known. Papineau strongly believes that they have found the oldest fossils on Earth. He was the one who discovered the fossils in Quebec, Canada. For Papineau, the discovery relates to the origins of man. He pointed out that it is inspiration for intelligent life to "evolve to a level of consciousness, to a point where it traces back its history to understand its own origin." Meanwhile, watch a video about the oldest dinosaur found in the U.K. here: What Is Merrill Lynch & Co.? Merrill Lynch & Co. is the former name of a prominent Wall Street investment firm. Since its acquisition by Bank of America (BAC) in 2009, it has become known simply as Merrill and operates as a wealth management division of Bank of America. Founded by Charles E. Merrill in 1914, Merrill Lynch & Co. has long been one of the American financial sector's iconic institutions. Key Takeaways: Merrill Lynch & Co. is a long-established American financial firm. It was acquired by Bank of America in 2009 in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Prior to its acquisition by Bank of America, the company was a leading player in the subprime mortgage market, which collapsed in 2007. Understanding Merrill Lynch & Co. Today, Merrill Lynch & Co. is headquartered at 250 Vesey Street in Manhattan, New York. Part of Bank of America, the firm holds assets under management (AUM) of over $2.75 trillion and employs over 19,000 financial advisors. While today it is focused on its wealth management business, Merrill Lynch & Co. is recognized for its investment banking activities. In June 1971, Merrill Lynch & Co. completed its initial public offering (IPO) and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). During the early 2000s, Merrill Lynch & Co. became a leader in the market for mortgage-backed collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) following its acquisition of the subprime lending firm First Franklin Financial in 2006. Merrill Lynch & Co. gradually expanded its service offerings by acquiring and merging with various other firms. The company has been engaged in retail brokerage services, prime brokering, broker-dealer activities, and commodities trading, among others. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch & Co. The company became the subject of widespread concern during the 2007 to 2008 financial crisis. In November 2007, Merrill Lynch & Co. announced billions in losses related to its portfolio of subprime mortgages and related derivative products. Following the termination of its chief executive officer (CEO), the company began selling company assets in a bid to maintain its solvency amidst speculation that it was on the verge of collapse. In September 2008, Bank of America proposed a takeover of Merrill Lynch & Co. with an offer value of over $40 billion. This takeover offer, which represented a premium of over 70% relative to the companys then-depressed market price, was accepted shortly thereafter, and Bank of America ultimately acquired Merrill Lynch for a $50 billion all stock transaction. Merrill Lynch Changes Due to Digitalization According to Financial Planning, the company plans to cut payouts to its advisors that manage small account holders in 2021 in an effort to maintain stability. Advisors will not receive a payout for production credits generated in households under $250,000. This change echoes a trend among the biggest brokerage firms, which are encouraging advisors to cater to larger clients and move smaller accounts to robo-advisors or self-directed platforms. This action is a reflection of the digital transformation that has occurred in the fintech sector. A senior Merrill executive stated: That [shift] really reflects where our business is today and where it is going. 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 According to a recent statement, GE has announced an order for a single shaft engineered equipment package (EEP), with a high-efficiency 7HA.02 gas turbine at its heart, to power the new Ares EIF Birdsboro Power combined-cycle power plant in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. With the help of GEs latest power generation technology and financing from GE Capital, Birdsboro Power is expected to produce 488 MW upon commercial operation in 2019. We are pleased to bring this new plant online, which will help continue the shift to cleaner, more cost-effective power in the PJM region, said Mark Voccola, Partner, Ares EIF, within the Ares Private Equity Group. The abundance of low-cost natural gas in Pennsylvania means GEs large, high-efficiency 7HA.02 technology is a great fit, supporting the regions increased use of natural gas for power generation. The Birdsboro Power project was developed by EmberClear Corporation, and the order includes one 7HA.02 gas turbine, one D650 steam turbine, one heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), plant controls and additional equipment. The gas turbine will be manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina, and the steam turbine in Schenectady, New York. The turbines will operate in single-shaft combined-cycle configurations, providing the flexibility required to add highly-efficient, reliable power to the grid as needed. The Birdsboro power project underscores the strength of the GE Store, said Joe Mastrangelo, President & CEO, GE Gas Power Systems. Starting with our expanded portfolio of products and solutions, were proud to have every major component in this power island GE-made, bringing decades of experience and component know-how, to extract the maximum value out of every piece of equipment as they work in unison. Our ability to provide financing helps this plant move one step closer to fruition. This project marks GEs 21st HA unit booked in the U.S. The HA is GEs largest and most efficient gas turbine, and in June 2016, GE set a world record for powering the worlds most efficient combined-cycle power plant with its HA technology. GEs Power Services has also signed a multi-year services agreement for continued maintenance of the facility's power generation equipment. Edited by Alicia Young Actor Song Joong-Ki arrives for the 47th PaekSang Art Awards at Kyunghee University Art Center on May 26, 2011 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images/Chung Sung-Jun ) "Descendants of the Sun" is so popular that even Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha mentioned it during a recent interview. Starring Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, the South Korean drama series has been sold to more than 30 countries, including Thailand and the United States. In an interview with Korea Times, Chan-o-cha explained that he particularly admires "Descendants of the Sun" it not only tells a love story but also instills senses of patriotism, self-sacrifice, and citizenship rights and responsibilities. At this point in time, these things are very relevant to our society, the Thai leader pointed out. Advertisement Chan-o-cha praised South Korea with what the country has done with hallyu or the Korean wave. For him, hallyu has become a model for many countries in Asia and in Thailand in particular, Thai people's daily lives are affected extensively in culture, academia, politics and many other things. Thai watch Korean dramas and eat Korean food almost as often as they do Thai, the prime minister said. He added that there have been many Thai students studying Korean and vice versa recently and there should be more students and academia exchange programs initiated from both sides. In the Thai PM's view, Korean drama has done much research and the shared values and merits of all that it brings made it very popular. These values from these Korean drama series are also the core values of Thai society and define who the Thai people are. "Descendants of the Sun" was written by Kim Eun-sook and Kim Won-seok and directed by Lee Eung-bok and Bark Sang-hoon. Joining Joong-ki and Hye-kyo in the cast are Jin Goo-seo, Kim Ji-won, Jin Ku, Ji Seung-Hyeon, Alex Kabel, Zyon Barreto, Jasper Cho and David Lee McInnis, among others. In other news, Hye-Kyo was in Tokyo, Japan, on March 1, Tuesday, a Korean national holiday that commemorates the Korea's liberation from Japan. Along with Sung Shin Women's University professor Seo Kyung Duk, the "Descendants of the Sun" star distributed 10,000 pamphlets about the history between the two countries in the city, Soompi reported. Watch a video about Hye-Kyo talk and Joong-ki here: In early May 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the three founding member states of the recently-established Eurasian Economic Union (EEU): Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus (Chinese president, 2015). These three countries founded the EEU in May 2014, and the EEU came into effect at the start of 2015 (Zhong, 2015). During his visit, President Xi and his delegation signed almost 90 agreements with the EEU founding members on issues of economic cooperation, including trade and investment in key sectors like energy and infrastructure (Belt and Road Initiative, 2015). These agreements mark the acceleration of bilateral and regional cooperation between China and the EEU founding members, including cooperation within the frameworks of regional economic development initiatives like Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt (Xis next visits, 2015). The EEU is significant for the Silk Road Economic Belt as it represents a common market of over 170 million people, and the economy of the EEU has been predicted to grow by 25% by 2030 (Iglauer, 2014). China sees the Silk Road Economic Belt as contributing to the economic growth of the EEU by bridging the regional economies of the EEU and the Asia-Pacific, thereby offering an economic stimulus to both regions (Xis next visits, 2015). Prior to the launch of the EEU in January 2015, the establishment of a customs union in 2010 between Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus stimulated trade between these countries and China. In 2012, China accounted for 114.6 billion USD in trade with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, and China became the largest trading partner with the customs union (Yang & Wang, 2014). To further this trading relationship, China and the EEU will work towards the establishment of a free trade zone. In the meantime, China and the EEU will facilitate economic integration through the establishment of transborder economic cooperation zones and industrial parks (Zhong, 2015; China, EAEU pledge, 2015). China and its partners in economic cooperation in the EEU have to do a delicate balancing act to ensure that their economic cooperationespecially over the Silk Road Economic Beltis not perceived by Moscow as an attempt by Beijing to subvert Russias traditional sphere of influence (Duben, 2015). This is important as economic growth for all the countries concerned will be negatively impacted by a revival of the Cold War-era Sino-Soviet split. As such, it is important that Russia continue to be involved in the regional economic cooperation over the Silk Road Economic Belt, and that it achieve economic gains from this cooperation. As the Silk Road Economic Belt has been designed by China to be a non-hegemonic path towards win-win cooperation and economic growth for all the participating countries, Russia should have no reason to fear that its continued political preeminence in the EEU will be at risk (Kaczmarski, 2015). Russia During President Xis visit to Russia, he recognized the contributions of Russian advisors to Chinas development, both during the early days of the Peoples Republic of China, and later during Chinas period of economic reform after 1978 (Xi hails aid, 2015). This was significant as it highlighted China and Russias long history of friendship, and the hope that this friendship will continue to flourish in the future. In this historical context, the Sino-Soviet split may be seen as an unfortunate aberration in the broader trajectory of Chinese and Russian friendship. The current warmth between China and Russia dates from Mikhail Gorbachevs efforts at rapprochement. Since the establishment of the Russian Federation in 1992, the friendship between China and Russia has deepened (Lai & Lim, 2007, p. 2). Russia was the site of President Xi Jinpings first state visit after assuming office in March 2013, and in the two years since then both Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have held over ten meetings (Xis visit boosts, 2015). This long-term friendship between China and Russia has been greatly facilitated by their shared outlook on international relations, in particular their suspicion of American assertions of unipolarity, and their common interest in creating a multipolar world order. While both nations have had their occasional disagreements, for example, when China chose to remain neutral with regard to Russias intervention in Georgia, their relationship has generally been characterized by cooperation (Bellacqua, 2010, pp. 4-5). One good example is their ongoing cooperation under the framework of the BRICS bloc of high-growth emerging economies. Apart from their efforts to establish the BRICS New Development Bank, which is currently scheduled to be launched in late 2015, China, Russia, and their counterparts in the BRICS bloc are also launching a common reserve fund to serve as an alternative to emergency loans from the American-dominated International Monetary Fund (Prange, 2014; Mathew, 2015; Karnik & Balachandran, 2015). Apart from their cooperation on the BRICS initiatives, China and Russia are also cooperating on Chinas Belt and Road development framework, including the AIIB financing initiative, of which both are serving as founding members (Lim, 2015c; Xis visit boosts, 2015). In the social field, both China and Russia have sought to encourage mutual understanding between their peoples through the establishment of Russian and Chinese cultural centers. China, for example, has opened over twenty Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms in Russia (Xis visit boosts, 2015). In terms of bilateral trade, China has become Russias largest trading partner. From 1994 to 2014 Sino-Russian bilateral trade dramatically increased from 7.7 billion to 95.3 billion USD (Lai & Lim, 2007, p. 3; Russia-China trade, 2015). The economic linkages between China and Russia are set to deepen with the cooperative projects established by President Xis visit. Due to Western sanctions over Russian intervention in Ukraine, Russias cooperation with China has become critical for its economic growth (Xis visit to, 2015). On the eve of Russias massive 2015 Victory Day parade, Presidents Xi and Putin signed 32 bilateral agreements, including the construction of a high-speed rail line between Moscow and Kazan, and a road map for Sino-Russian cooperation in Central Asia that balances the Silk Road Economic Belt projects with those of the EEU (Roth, 2015). Under this road map, China will seek to connect its Silk Road Economic Belt with Russias initiative for a Trans-Eurasian Belt. In particular, President Putins plan for a trans-Eurasian railway will be connected with rail infrastructure development in the Silk Road Economic Belt. Cooperation makes sense as the improvements to infrastructure that will take place under the Silk Road Economic Belt will benefit Russian economic development in its Far East (Xis next visits, 2015; China, Russia face, 2015; Belt and Road initiative, 2015; Plans for new, 2015). Putins plan for a trans-Eurasian railway will be connected with rail infrastructure development in the Silk Road Economic Belt. China and Russia will also increase their economic cooperation in a range of sectors including energy, infrastructure, and finance, and both countries will also seek to increase their bilateral investment (Xis next visits, 2015). One of the new joint ventures in the energy sector is a project by China Three Gorges Corporation and RusHydro to build a 320-megawatt hydropower plant on Russias Bureya river (Koh, 2015). Also in the energy sector, China and Russia signed an agreement on the supply of Russian natural gas through the planned Western Route pipeline, which will provide China with 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year (Tiezzi, 2015a). In May 2014, China and Russia had signed an earlier deal on natural gas worth 400 billion USD. Under this deal, Russia will supply China, through its Eastern Route pipeline, 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from 2018 for 30 years (Keck, 2014; Putin ratifies, 2015). In November 2014, China and Russia deepened their energy cooperation with a further similarly-sized deal on natural gas (Paton & Guo, 2014). These mega-deals with China will help Russia diversify its energy exports from the politically difficult European market (Tiezzi, 2015a). Outside of the energy sector, the new cooperative projects between China and Russia include gold exploration as well as the joint development of a new heavy-duty transport helicopter to rival Boeings CH-47 Chinook helicopter (Russia and China ink, 2015; Russia and China to, 2015). China will also increase its debt financing of Russian companies, allowing these companies access to financing they had previously lost because of Western sanctions against Russia (Cai, 2015). China Construction Bank (CCB) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will jointly extend up to 25 billion USD in loans to Russian companies, with CCB being responsible for 85% of the financing. In addition, CITIC Merchant and RDIF will jointly establish a Russia-China Investment Bank which will give Russian companies greater access to Chinese financing (Baraulina, 2015). Western sanctions hence have ironically allowed Chinese banks to take over the market share that was previously occupied by Western lenders (Hille, 2015). Kazakhstan President Xis visit to Kazakhstan was significant as this was where he first announced the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013 (Xis next visits, 2015). While Kazakhstan has welcomed its participation in the Silk Road Economic Belt as a means of reducing Kazakh dependence on Russias troubled economy, the Kazakh government has in the meantime developed its own economic development strategy (Tiezzi, 2015c; Interview: Xis upcoming, 2015). Like his Russian counterpart, Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev seeks to connect his countrys Bright Road economic policy with the Silk Road Economic Belt. Both development strategies complement each other as they focus on infrastructural development of key areas including energy, industry, and transportation. Also, Kazakhstan, which is a founding member of the AIIB, will have financing options from the AIIB for its Bright Road infrastructure projects. For example, the road construction projects under the Bright Road development plan over the next 2 years are estimated to cost 9 billion USD (Wong, 2015; Belt and Road initiative, 2015). Kazakhstan sees its geographical location as providing a strategic bridge between Europe and Asia (Iglauer, 2014). This strategic location offers significant opportunities for trade and investment, especially from regions of economic growth like China. Indeed, during President Xis 2013 state visit to Kazakhstan, President Nazarbayev expressed his hope that cooperation with China would accelerate his countrys economic growth (Kazakhstan hopes, 2013). China has since become the largest trading partner of Kazakhstan. Their bilateral trade increased from 20.4 billion USD in 2010 to over 28 billion USD in 2013, but fell to 22.4 billion USD in 2014. China and Kazakhstan aim to increase their bilateral trade to 40 billion USD in 2015 (Wu, 2012, p. 59; Duben, 2015; Tiezzi, 2015c). China has also become one of the top investors in Kazakhstan. In December 2014 China and Kazakhstan signed agreements worth 14 billion USD in energy, housing and infrastructure, and in March 2015, further agreements worth 23.6 billion USD were signed in the automobile, hydropower, steel, and oil refining sectors. Indeed, Kazakhstan has become an important source of primary resources for China, including oil (Tiezzi, 2015c; Kazakhstan, China, 2015; China taking in, 2014). To further accelerate such investment, China has encouraged its entrepreneurs to invest in Kazakhstan, especially in industrial projects (Tiezzi, 2015b). China and Kazakhstan have also planned further joint projects at the Khorgos free trade zone, which already serves as a key source of economic growth for Kazakhstans Almaty region (Tiezzi, 2015b; Kazakhstan, China, 2015). Such economic development has implications for security, as economic development in Kazakhstan has the potential for spilling over into economic developmentwith possible dividends for peacein Chinas restive Xinjiang region (Tiezzi, 2015c). The parallel development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has similar security implications for Xinjiang (Lim, 2015b). Belarus Both China and Belarus have aggressively pursued economic cooperation since they upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013 (China, Belarus vow, 2015). During President Xis visit, China signed an estimated 15.7 billion USD worth of infrastructure investments and trade deals with Belarus. One such deal, for a shipment of 4 million tonnes of potash over 5 years, was worth 1.3 billion USD. China also extended 5.5 billion USD in loans to Belarus, with 1 billion USD to finance Belarusian banks. Not only do these economic linkages with China allow the Belarusian economy to reduce its dependence on the troubled Russian economy, the planned modernization of Belarusian infrastructure will help Belarus to accelerate its economic development. Also, as with Kazakhstan, the improvements in its infrastructure will allow Belarus to leverage its strategic geographical location to become a key hub for overland trade between China and Europe. Trade between Belarus and China expanded from just 34 million USD in 1992 to almost 4 billion USD in 2014 (Karmanau, 2015; Makhovsky & Prentice, 2015; Xing & Zhang, 2015; Nedzhvetskaya, 2011; Yang & Wang, 2014; Belarus willing, 2015). China is now Belarus largest Asian trading partner and fifth largest global trading partner. Chinese investment in Belarus has been growing since 1992, and currently stands at over 400 million USD. To facilitate trade and investment, Chinas and Belarus central banks have signed a 1.15 billion USD currency swap agreement (Hu, 2015; Sheppard, 2013; Xing & Zhang, 2015; Xi begins, 2015). Like Kazakhstan, Belarus has been a key supporter of the Silk Road Economic Belt. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has highlighted the primary importance to the success of the Silk Road Economic Belt of the construction in Belarus of land transportation infrastructure of highways and railways, as well as infrastructure for air transportation. For its part, to further enhance China-Belarus cooperation, China will align its Silk Road Economic Belt projects in Belarus with the Belarusian governments national development plans, including President Lukashenkos strategic vision of economic integration across Eurasia (Belarus willing, 2015; Belarus to, 2015; China, Belarus pledge, 2015). Such alignment can be seen in cooperation between China and Belarus in key social development projects like the construction of low-income housing. China and Belarus are also exploring cooperation in science and technology as well as tourism and other forms of cultural exchange (China, Belarus pledge, 2015; Hu, 2015). To deepen Sino-Belarusian economic cooperation, President Xi has called on local governments in China and Belarus to explore opportunities for investment and other modes of economic cooperation at the local government level (Xi calls for, 2015). Trade between Belarus and China expanded from just 34 million USD in 1992 to almost 4 billion USD in 2014. Like Russia, Belarus support of Chinese economic engagement has been intensified by Western sanctions. Belarus has suffered international isolation since 2010 when the US and the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on the Lukashenko regime following its crackdown on the opposition. While the Belarusian economy has been propped up by Russiawhose economy has itself been negatively impacted by Western sanctionsthe Belarusian government is seeking to diversify Belarus economic lifelines by encouraging investment from China. Chinese investment is particularly attractive given the Chinese governments stand against foreign interference in a countrys internal affairs, including interference over human rights (Cienski, 2013). The major site of Sino-Belarusian economic cooperation is the Great Stone Industrial Park near Minsk, which is being positioned by China and Belarus as a flagship project of the Silk Road Economic Belt (Xis Next Visits, 2015; Belarus willing, 2015). Its importance is such that its success will showcase to the rest of the region the economic benefits of engagement with the Silk Road Economic Belt (Hu, 2015). Costing an estimated 5 billion USD, Great Stone Industrial Park will locate Chinese manufacturers within 170 miles of Poland and Lithuania, both gateways into the EU, as well as offer customs-free entry into the Russian and Kazakh markets of the EEU. It will also allow these manufacturers to enjoy the cost benefits of the educated Belarusian workforce, whose wages cost approximately half that of their Polish counterparts. Belarus, in turn, seeks Chinese investment to stimulate its economy. The first stage of Great Stone Industrial Park is anticipated to be ready by 2020 and the second stage by 2030 (Kudrytski, 2013). Even before the scheduled 2020 completion of the first stage of the industrial park, President Lukashenko has sought the expansion of the Great Stone project (Belarus to expand, 2015). The Belarusian president has been inspired by Chinas economic reforms for his governments restructuring of the Belarusian economy. In particular, Chinas successful implementation of industrial parks inspired the Great Stone project, which President Lukashenko expects will contribute 50 billion USD in exports to the Belarusian economy (Li, 2013; China-Belarus industrial, 2015). Afterword This paper was originally published in Eurasia Review (Lim, 2015a). Since that time of writing, cooperation has increased between China and the countries of the EEU. In the past year, Russia has increased its exports of oil to China, indeed topping Chinese imports of Saudi oil on four occasions. One of the key reasons is Sino-Russian financial cooperation which allows China to pay for Russian oil with the yuan (Russia steals Saudis, 2016). More broadly, Sino-Russian economic cooperation is growing at the enterprise level, with Russian firms and professionals increasingly being attracted to Chinas growing services sector (Hille, 2016). Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov visited Beijing in December 2015 during which 52 Sino-Kazakh economic projects worth 24 billion USD were signed. A key project is Shenyang Lianli Copper Corporations exploration of mining resources in Atyrau in Kazakhstan (Ting, 2016). Kazakhstan has also strengthened its position on the Silk Road Economic Belt with the launch of a new rail line connecting China through Kazakhstan with Iran (Turebekova, 2016). In view of Kazakhstans economic importance, China has invited Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to participate in the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou (Orazgaliyeva, 2016). Chinas practical cooperation with Belarus has similarly increased, with initiatives launched to increase cooperation in a range of sectors including education and the space industry. On January 16, 2016, for example, a Belarusian telecommunications satellite, which had been constructed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China (China to continue, 2016; China launches, 2016). The increase in 2015 in container rail traffic between China and the EU through Belarus confirms Belarus key geographic position as a transshipment hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt between China and Europe (China-EU container, 2016). References Baraulina, A. (2015, May 8). Russia wealth fund to team with China for $25 billion of lending. Bloomberg. Retrieved from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-08/russia-wealth-fund-to-team-with-china-for-25-billion-of-lending Belarus to expand trade and economic ties with China. (2015, April 9). Xinhua. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2015-04/09/content_20036435.htm Belarus willing to be platform for Chinas Silk Road initiative Lukashenko. 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(2014, July 16). BRICS launch new bank and monetary fund. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved from http://www.dw.de/brics-launch-new-bank-and-monetary-fund/a-17789608 Putin ratifies gas pipeline agreement with China. (2015, May 3). CCTV.com. Retrieved from http://english.cntv.cn/2015/05/03/VIDE1430634844194795.shtml Roth, A. (2015, May 8). Russia and China sign cooperation pacts. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/09/world/europe/russia-and-china-sign-cooperation-pacts.html Russia and China ink agreement on gold exploration. (2015, May 12). Xinhua. Retrieved from http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150512000101&cid=1102&MainCatID=0 Russia and China to develop rival to US Chinook: IHS Janes. (2015, May 12). Want China Times. Retrieved from http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150512000093&cid=1101&MainCatID=0 Russia-China trade exceeded $95 billion in 2014. (2015, January 13). TASS. 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Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2015xiattendwwii/2015-05/10/content_20674144.htm Yang, S., and Wang, S. (2014, September 23). Development and impacts of the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. China Institute of International Studies. Retrieved from http://www.ciis.org.cn/english/2014-09/23/content_7254454.htm Zhong, N. (2015, May 11). China vows to enhance trade with Eurasian bloc. China Daily. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/cn_eu/2015-05/11/content_20676192.htm Islam Karimov, Uzbekistans long-serving first President, died on September 2, 2016, triggering a leadership transition in the Central Asian country. Karimov had ascended to the top of the countrys leadership hierarchy during the Soviet era when Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the achievement of Uzbek independence in 1991, Karimov became the first Uzbek President, using Soviet methods to govern the country. As Steve Swerdlow, the director of Central Asia research at Human Rights Watch, notes of Karimovs leadership: He is the state and the state is him, and it has been that way for at least 25 years (MacFarquhar, 2016). Interestingly, the leadership transition in Uzbekistan appears to have triggered or accelerated succession planning in the regions other autocracies: Kazakhstans leader reshuffled his cabinet, Turkmenistan lifted a presidential age limit and extended presidential terms, and Azerbaijan is preparing for a September 26 referendum that will also consolidate presidential power (Foley, 2016). Following Karimovs death, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has been Uzbekistans prime minister since 2003, was elected by the Uzbek parliament to serve as acting President until presidential elections are held on December 4, 2016, of which he will be one of the candidates. Under the constitution, Nigmatilla Yuldashev, the Chairman of the Senate, should have become acting president; however, he supported Mirziyoyevs ascension. The orderly transition of leadership highlights the work of Uzbekistans National Security Committee in ensuring a peaceful succession following Karimovs long-anticipated death (Farchy, 2016; Putz, 2016; Shavkat Mirziyoyev becomes, 2016). As an analyst of Uzbek politics explains, the succession planning began in 2013 when the decline in Karimovs physical and mental faculties became obvious: A wave of constitutional modifications took place in March 2014, when several articles were rewritten to give the Prime Minister powers and decision-making capabilities that used to be held by the President. At the same time, the Parliament received a new lever of power, as it now possesses the ability to cancel government decisions and potentially dissolve the government. This mechanism was thought out to isolate an increasingly diminished President from the decision-making process and to protect him from all outside pressure, while progressively distributing his power to other State institutions. Consequently, power players simply had to wait for the official death of Islam Karimov. (Boulegue, 2016) During his tenure as governor of Jizzakh and Samarqand Regions and then as Prime Minister, acting President Mirziyoyev has proved himself to be as tough as the late President Karimov, and maybe even tougher. For example, under his leadership, Mirziyoyev held governors accountable for meeting cotton quotas during the annual cotton harvests that involve the forced labor of millions of citizens. Observers do not expect Mirziyoyev to relax the iron fist that characterized Karimovs leadership, and indeed Mirziyoyev himself has pledged continuity with Karimovs policies and ordered the Uzbek government to strengthen the security of the state. Continued repression may be expected given that Russias economic recession has led to unemployment and other economic difficulties in Uzbekistan, and the IMF estimates that Uzbekistans growth will fall to 5 per cent this year its lowest in more than a decade. Among the key economic priorities of the Mirziyoyev regime are lifting employment by creating 1m new jobs this year; and investing in infrastructure (Farchy, 2016; Walker & Nardelli, 2015). These economic priorities indicate the continuity of the Mirziyoyev regime with the Karimov regimes economic cooperation with China, especially with regard to Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road infrastructure development initiative. One threat to Sino-Uzbek economic cooperation is terrorism, especially from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement which has begun integrating into Middle Eastern terrorist networks. In his message of congratulations to Mirziyoyev over his appointment as acting President of Uzbekistan, President Xi stated that China firmly supports the Uzbek side on its path of development, and noted that thanks to the joint efforts the bilateral cooperation is developing dynamically in all spheres over the recent years, and as a result, there are a number of important achievements (Azizov, 2016). One such achievement is the 19.2 km Kamchik Tunnel through the Qurama Mountains that is a key section of the AngrenPap railway line that connects the Uzbek capital Tashkent with Namangan, Uzbekistans second-largest city. The Kamchik Tunnel, which is the longest of its kind in Central Asia, was a major project of the China Railway Tunnel Group, and its construction had been financed with a USD 350 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. During his state visit to Uzbekistan in June 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the Kamchik Tunnel as a major outcome of the Belt and Road Initiative that China and Uzbekistan are jointly promoting, and also a new link in the friendship and cooperation of both peoples. Presidents Xi and Karimov also upgraded Sino-Uzbek relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, and they expand their countries cooperation in key economic sectors including high-tech, trade, investment, energy, transportation, agriculture and finance. Other recent Sino-Uzbek economic cooperation projects include the China Industrial Park covering the energy, transport, chemical and high-tech sectors, as well as the Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline. China has also recently launched a major railway connection between China and Afghanistan in its New Silk Road across Central Asia, which includes feeder lines to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, as well as the ancient Silk Road centers of Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan. In addition, Uzbekistan has attracted Chinese investment in recent years, typified by a USD 15 billion bilateral energy deal concluded in 2013. At present there are over 600 Chinese enterprises operating in various fields in Uzbekistan, including energy, telecommunications, infrastructure construction and textiles (Hart, 2016; Kava, 2016; Shepard, 2016; Thriving economic relations, 2016; Xis State Visit, 2016). Chinas growing economic cooperation with Uzbekistan has become even more important for the Uzbeks given the reduction of Uzbekistans economic engagement with recession-hit Russia: China last year became Uzbekistans largest trading partner with $3 billion worth of trade done, leapfrogging Russia in the process. That was actually lower than in 2014, when the figure was $4.7 billion, but with Russias economy enduring an extended slump, the trend is unmistakable. (Uzbekistan & China, 2016) One threat to Sino-Uzbek economic cooperation is terrorism, especially from the Uighur militant East Turkestan Islamic Movement which has in recent years begun integrating into Middle Eastern terrorist networks, thereby expanding their operational reach into the countries of Central Asia. The August 30, 2016 suicide bomb attack on the Chinese embassy at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, has been identified by Kyrgyz authorities as having been ordered by Uygur militants based in Syria and carried out by a member of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (Clarke, 2016; Zhou, 2016). China and Uzbekistan are well aware of the security threat. Indeed, during President Xi Jinpings state visit to Uzbekistan, both Presidents Xi and Karimov vowed to resolutely crack down on the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism (Xis State Visit, 2016). The late President Karimov had a history of confrontation with Islamic militancy. He crushed an Islamic insurgency after surviving an assassination attempt by Islamic militants in 1999, and turned Uzbekistan into a bulwark against the spread of any jihadist threat in the region. Following the 1999 attack, Karimov vowed extreme measures to restore security to Uzbekistan: I am ready to rip off the heads of 200 people, to sacrifice their lives, for the sake of peace and tranquillity in the country. If a child of mine chose such a path, I myself would rip off his head. His resolve was demonstrated several years later in 2005 when Uzbek security forces massacred hundreds of civilians in the city of Andijan who had been protesting the governments crackdown on Islamic extremism (MacFarquhar, 2016; How the Andijan killings, 2005). Karimov had accepted Russia and Chinas invitation for Uzbekistan to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2001. While Uzbekistan has benefitted economically from its SCO membership, including the receipt of funding from the SCO Inter-Bank Association for the construction of a Tajik-Uzbek highway, the main purpose of the SCO is security cooperation, including the fight against the three evil forces of extremism, separatism and terrorism (Hiro, 2016; Lim, 2015). The SCO will be one of the key instruments through which the Chinese and Uzbek governments may cooperate to establish an environment in the post-Karimov era in which Sino-Uzbek economic cooperation can securely take place. References Azizov, D. (2016, September 23). China keen to develop co-op with Uzbekistan. Trend. Retrieved from http://en.trend.az/casia/uzbekistan/2663809.html Boulegue, M. (2016, September 8). No such thing as a succession war as Uzbekistan enters the post-Karimov era. Registan.net. Retrieved from http://registan.net/2016/09/08/no-such-thing-as-a-succession-war-as-uzbekistan-enters-the-post-karimov-era/ Clarke, M. 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Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/18/russia-rouble-threat-nine-countries-remittances Xis state visit upgrades China-Uzbekistan relations. (2016, June 23). Xinhua. Retrieved from http://english.cri.cn/12394/2016/06/23/2021s931712.htm Zhou, L. (2016, September 23). As China takes greater stake in Central Asia, rewards bring their own risk. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2022129/china-takes-greater-stake-central-asia-rewards-bring In October 2012, Wang Jisi, the influential dean of Peking Universitys School of International Studies, published an opinion piece in Chinas Global Times recommending that China rebalance its geopolitical strategy westwards towards Eurasia. Professor Wangs Western strategy would be made state policy the following year when Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, thereby expanding Professor Wangs initial vision beyond the Eurasian landmass to the nations of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road together constitute both arms of the One Belt One Road development framework. Their potential reach is enormous: Chinas partners presently number over 60 nations with a combined population of 4.4 billion. The Belt and Road as a mode of practical cooperation offers developmental benefits to China and its partners. While Chinas partners will accelerate their economic development through the strategic construction of much-needed infrastructure, the Belt and Road offers China an engine for its new normal of single-digit growth. This new normal is the result of Chinas transition from a manufacturing- to a consumer-based economy, and new engines of growth will be needed to replace the ones that had powered its double-digit growth during the first decade of the 2000s. Chinas transition to its new normal has driven down global commodity prices, negatively impacting its commodity suppliers, and this global slowdown confirms that initiatives like the Belt and Road will be needed to stimulate future global growth. The construction of infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road framework is hence expected to provide an economic boost for Chinas partners. The IMF has calculated that developing countries can expect to enjoy a multiplier effect from the construction of infrastructure, such that each dollar spent on infrastructure will stimulate 1.6 dollars in economic growth. In the case of trade, the Belt and Road is expected to increase trade for Chinas partner economies by USD 2.5 trillion over the next decade. With respect to investment, the overseas investment opportunities created by the Belt and Road projects will transform China into a net exporter of capital. The export of industrial plant in particular will facilitate the Chinese governments supply-side reform program by reducing Chinas industrial overcapacity, and in turn will benefit the recipient nations by supplying them with much-needed industrial plant at concessional rates. To help its partners finance their Belt and Road projects, China has set up several international financial institutions. The most prominent of these is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which launched its first slate of projects last year. The AIIB aims to close the global development gap by offering financing to low-income countries which normally would have difficulty securing such financing from traditional sources like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Apart from the AIIB, China has also set up the Silk Road Fund, and as a member of the BRICS, is one of the founders of the New Development Bank. Southeast Asia straddles both the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road, and the Belt and Road projects promise to stimulate economic development and trade in the participating nations. Indeed, China and ASEAN seek to raise their trade to USD 1 trillion by 2020. Lets now have a closer look at mainland Southeast Asia. Mainland Southeast Asia Sino-Myanmar relations have become frosty in recent years, and Chinese investment has slowed, following the Thein Sein regimes freezing of the Myitsone Dam project in 2011, as well as the Myanmar militarys clashes with ethnic Chinese rebels on the troubled border region with Yunnan. Despite the recent difficulties, China remains Myanmars largest economic partner, both in terms of investment and trade. Some influential figures in Myanmar recognize the potential benefits of the Belt and Road for their countrys development. Likewise, the Chinese government cannot afford to lose Myanmar, given its geostrategic importance as a land corridor linking Yunnan with the Indian Ocean. In particular, the Shwe pipelines which connect Yunnan with Myanmars Kyaukphu port allow oil and gas to be delivered to China without having to pass through the Malacca Straits and the South China Sea. The election in 2016 of a government led by former opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised hopes in China of improved Sino-Myanmar relations. However, major outstanding issues including the requested resumption of the Myitsone Dam project, or the proposal for a high-speed rail line running from Yunnan through Myanmar into Thailand and Malaysia, have yet to be decided by the Myanmar government. Thailands largest trading partner is China, and the increased connectivity through the Belt and Road is expected to increase their trading volume to USD 100 billion. Laos and Cambodia arguably have the closest and most stable relations with China in mainland Southeast Asia. In Laos, the high-speed rail line between Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, and the Laotian capital of Vientiane is a massive undertaking that will involve the construction of 154 bridges, 76 tunnels, and 31 train stations. The Kunming-Vientiane line is estimated to cost USD 7 billion, which the Laotian government will finance with concessionary loans from China. While this will saddle the Laotian government with substantial debt, Laos believes the new infrastructure will generate significant long-term economic growth for the country. In the energy sector, Laos is working with Chinese hydropower firms to construct a series of dams across its stretch of the Mekong. When completed, these hydropower dams will earn revenue for Laos from the export of electricity to neighboring countries. Critics however warn that these dams could have a devastating impact on the Mekongs ecosystems, including damage to riverine fisheries in Laos and the other Mekong nations. While the Silk Road Economic Belts vision for a high-speed rail network across mainland Southeast Asia includes a line running from Thailand through Cambodia and Vietnam into China, neither Cambodia nor Vietnam have yet committed to the construction of such a line. Vietnam is an unlikely partner for the Belt and Road given its fear of economic domination by China and its long-standing dispute with China over the South China Sea. However, the Trump administrations sudden withdrawal of the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership could force Vietnam to seek deeper economic engagement with China, especially since the Vietnamese government had been counting on the TPP to be a major source of future growth. In the case of Cambodia, Sino-Cambodian economic engagement currently focuses on the construction of basic but urgently-needed infrastructure like roads, bridges, and hydropower dams. President Xi did announce during his state visit to Cambodia in 2016 that China plans to invest in a high-speed rail line in Cambodia, but the details have yet to be announced. Within ASEAN, Cambodias and to a lesser extent, Laos willingness to advocate for China, to the extent of blocking consensus in ASEAN on joint criticisms of Chinas activities in the South China Sea, has in recent years led to unhappiness from other ASEAN members towards the Cambodian government, to the extent that calls have been made for Cambodias expulsion from the group. However, as we shall see, in 2016 Malaysia and the Philippines suddenly pivoted towards China, increasing the number of nations within ASEAN that could side with China in highly contested disputes like the South China Sea. Thailand is an interesting case as it stands at the intersection of both the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. Thailands largest trading partner is China, and the increased connectivity through the Belt and Road is expected to increase their trading volume to USD 100 billion. While China had proposed a high-speed rail line connecting Kunming with the Thai cities of Nong Khai, Bangkok, and Rayong, concerns over the proposed terms of financing prompted the Thai government in 2016 to reject the Chinese financing offer and to shorten the line to a domestic line between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, and to postpone its decision on an extension of the line through Laos into Kunming. Separately, Malaysia and Thailand are exploring the possibility of a high-speed rail line connecting Bangkok with Kuala Lumpur. This line will connect with the KL-Singapore high speed rail line, and if both projects are awarded to China, they will materialize the Silk Road Economic Belts vision of a high-speed rail network across mainland Southeast Asia. As noted, Thailand is also on the Maritime Silk Road, with its port of Laem Chabang being Thailands gateway to the maritime network. Already Thailands busiest port, the shipping volume at Laem Chabang is expected to increase with the establishment of new shipping routes on the Maritime Silk Road. One possible future Maritime Silk Road project in Thailand is the long-discussed canal across the Isthmus of Kra, which if constructed will create a shipping route between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea that will bypass the Malacca Straits. In some versions of the proposal, the canal is replaced with a land bridge. As we shall see, Malaysias East Coast Rail Link offers a land bridge similar to the one proposed for Kra, though further down the Malay Peninsula. As noted above, Malaysia and Thailand are discussing plans for a high-speed rail line between Bangkok and KL. Should this and the Kra project be built, the Chinese and Thai planners will need to find a way to integrate the KL-Bangkok high-speed rail line with the Kra canal or land bridge. In Part 2 of this article we will turn to maritime Southeast Asia. (Editors note: This article is an update of the authors 2015 essay Chinas Belt and Road and Southeast Asia: Challenges and Prospects. It will be presented on March 18, 2017 in Toronto at the annual conference of the Association for Asian Studies.) In February 2017, two events occurred in Southeast Asia which highlight the persistence in national life of collective memories of trauma. First, in Singapore, the name of an exhibition on the Second World War had to be changed following a public outcry over their perception of the historical insensitivity of the exhibitions name to the victims and survivors of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. Just a day after the change in the exhibitions name was announced, Netflix premiered in Cambodia its film adaptation of First They Killed My Father, the bestselling memoir of a child survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide. This movie premiere was well-received by the genocide survivors among its audience, who reportedly received a form of catharsis from the vivid cinematic depiction of their collective suffering during the Khmer Rouge period. On February 9, 2017, the National Archives of Singapore gave a media preview of its new exhibition on the Second World War, Syonan Gallery: War and its Legacies. This replaced the earlier exhibition Memories at Old Ford Factory, which had also chronicled life under the Japanese Occupation. This previous exhibition was located at the Old Ford Motor Factory at Upper Bukit Timah Road in Singapore, which was the site of the colonial British governments surrender to the invading Japanese army (Wong, 2004a; The Syonan Gallery, 2017). The inclusion of the Syonan in the name of the new exhibition gave rise to complaints from the public, as Syonan-to (Light of the South) was the name assigned to Singapore by the Japanese military following Japans capture of the island from the British. Syonan hence became a synecdoche for the 44 months of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore during the Second World War a period which is remembered in Singapores national consciousness as one of mass killings and great suffering (Syonan years, 2017). On February 15, speaking at the official launch of the Syonan Gallery, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapores Minister for Communications and Information, addressed the public outcry, explaining that the name does not express approval of the Japanese Occupation: The name Syonan Gallery has evoked some strong reactions in our community, and quite understandably. Some among older Singaporeans who lived through that dark period feel that the name legitimises the Occupation. Others among them say that Syonan was a painful fact of history, and we should call it what it was (Name of Syonan Gallery, 2017). Singapores Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a social media post, further explained that the Syonan Gallery documents the horror and viciousness of the Japanese Occupation, and the suffering and bravery of our pioneers. They know what it means for Singapore to lose its freedom and even its name (Lee, 2017). On February 17, the decision was made to change the name of the exhibition. Dr. Yaacob noted that while Syonan had been used without incident in names of previous exhibitions, including When Singapore was Syonan-to, the 1992 exhibition at the National Museum marking the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, its appearance in the name Syonan Gallery had provoked a strong reaction from members of the public: While they agreed that we need to teach Singaporeans about the Japanese Occupation, they also shared that the words Syonan Gallery had evoked deep hurt in them, as well as their parents and grandparents. Expressing the need to honour and respect the feelings of those who suffered terribly and lost family members during the Japanese Occupation, Dr. Yaacob announced that the exhibition would be renamed Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies (Syonan Gallery renamed, 2017). Indeed, as the passage of time sees the gradual replacement of the generations of Singaporeans who had lived through the Japanese Occupation with those who were born in its aftermath, this traumatic event remains foundational in Singapores national consciousness. In Zizekian terms, the Japanese Occupation functioned as a point de capiton for Singapores self-understanding, restructuring its narration of itself from that of a complacent British crown colony to a nation yearning for independence (Lim, 2013, p. 56). As Prime Minister Lee explained of February 15, 1942, the date of the British surrender of Singapore to the Japanese, Every year, we observe Total Defence Day on this day, so that we will never forget that darkest time of our history Singapore will always be small and vulnerable. No one owes us our sovereignty or security. These are truths we must never forget (Lee, 2017). To this end, lessons on the Japanese Occupation remain an essential part of the national curriculum for Singapores schoolchildren. I still remember class trips to visit national memorials like the Civilian War Memorial, which honors the civilians who died during the Japanese Occupation, as well as the Lim Bo Seng Memorial, which honors a resistance fighter who died after torture at the hands of the Kempeitai, the dreaded Japanese military police (Cornelius-Takahama, 2004; Wong, 2004b; Wong and Chew, 2004). Back in school, I recall my classmates and I learning about the wicked atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army in Singapore, including a massacre of over a hundred doctors, nurses, and patients at Alexandra Hospital; and Operation Sook Ching, a massacre of thousands of Chinese civilians who had fallen under suspicion of involvement in the anti-Japanese resistance movement (Ho, 2013; Alexandra Hospital massacre, 2014). Following the Japanese defeat at the end of the Second World War, various Japanese war criminals including General Yamashita Tomoyuki, the Tiger of Malaya, were tried for war crimes and executed (Tanaka, 2005). Under postwar American tutelage, Japan transformed itself into a Western-style democracy and underwent an economic takeoff, and through foreign direct investment and technology transfers, helped lead other economies in East and Southeast Asia including Singapore to achieve economic takeoffs of their own (Lim, 2017). Over the years, Japans influence in Singapore has spread beyond its economic investments. Today, Singaporeans have embraced Japanese technology, cuisine, and popular culture, and Japan is a major destination for Singaporean tourists. The Syonan Gallery incident, however, reminds us that deep collective memories of trauma can complicate otherwise smooth bilateral relations between nations. Elsewhere in East and Southeast Asia, memories of Japans wartime atrocities continue to haunt bilateral relations with Japan, including the anger of the affected nations at the Japanese political establishments continued patronage of the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors almost a thousand war criminals from the Second World War; as well as anger from countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines over Japans continued refusal to deliver justice to their comfort women women who had been forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during their occupation of these territories (Borowiec, 2017; McMullen, 2016; Tiezzi, 2016; Woolf, 2013). In the case of Cambodia, the historical event of trauma that was remembered by Loung Ungs memoir First They Killed My Father and its subsequent film adaptation by Netflix was the genocide that occurred under the Khmer Rouges communist revolution of 1975-79. While the exact number of victims may never be known, demographic analyses of the Khmer Rouge period indicate that estimated values of excess mortality within the range 2.2 million to 2.8 million should probably be considered as equally plausible although values as low as 1.2 million or as high as 3.4 million cannot be excluded on the basis of demographic accounting alone (Heuveline, 1998, p. 56). A separate survey of Khmer Rouge-era mass graves suggests that the original Cambodian estimate of 3.3 million deaths during the Khmer Rouge regime might be very nearly correct (Etcheson, 1999). While the survivors have since gone on to rebuild their devastated families, many have chosen not to speak with their loved ones of those terrible years, with the effect that many Cambodians of the post-genocide generations remain unaware of the extent of the trauma Cambodia had suffered under the Khmer Rouge (Lim, 2010). Such familial silences have resulted in sustained myths, unanswered questions and denial in Cambodian youth (Munyas, 2008, p. 428). As Phloeun Prim (2017) recounts: That past was too far from me to remember, and yet too close to my parents for me to ask. I have never been able to share that part of me to my children (because I didnt know it). The memoirs and testimonials of genocide survivors like Loung Ung hence serve a key function in transmitting the traumatic memories of the survivors to those who were absent from or who were born after the event. The film adaptation of First They Killed My Father follows the book in fulfilling this function. Produced by Angelina Jolie and Cambodian genocide survivor and film-maker Rithy Panh, and with its screenplay written by Jolie and Loung Ung herself, the film had its premiere on February 18 in the ancient Cambodian city of Angkor Thom, with Cambodias King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath as the royal guests of honor. The genocide survivors who attended the film premiere relived the suffering of the period, but also experienced catharsis. A psychiatric nurse in attendance reported: Looking at the back of the survivors, most of them were crying It makes them remember the past (Sek and Wright, 2017). Such purging of emotions encouraged some of the genocide survivors to share their traumatic memories with their loved ones. Phloeun Prim (2017), for example, describes how the film had prompted his mother to share with her family how she and Phloeuns father had spent three days and three nights fleeing through the jungle with gunshots and bombs exploding around them to escape the Khmer Rouge. For the films cast and crew, the production of First They Killed My Father also functioned as a venue for group catharsis, as many of the actors had survived the horrors of the genocide or were children of survivors. Jolie herself had a familial connection to the genocide through her adopted Cambodian son Maddox; as she explained: I wanted to understand what my sons birth parents may have gone through (Rach, 2017; Regan, 2017). With a textbook on the Khmer Rouge genocide only having been introduced into the Cambodian school curriculum in 2009, Cambodians from the post-genocide generations who wanted to learn about the period have long had to turn to other sources (Cheang and Wilkins, 2009). The burgeoning genre of genocide survivor memoirs and testimonials of which Loung Ungs book is a good example is one major source; another is the growing collection of films made about the period, including recent films like Rithy Panhs The Missing Picture and Thet Sambaths Enemies of the People. Cambodians also have access to numerous genocide memorials located around the country, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Choeung Ek is also the site of Cambodias annual Day of Remembrance (previously known as the Day of Hatred or the Day of Anger), held each May 20, when families remember their loved ones whose lives were lost during the genocide, and when public reenactments of the Khmer Rouges atrocities are performed (Cambodia marks, 2015; Cambodians gather, 2016). Mydans (1999) recalls a dirge performed at the 1999 Day of Hatred: They were hit with spades, they were bound and thrown into wells, without pity. Small babies were dragged from their mothers arms and stabbed, spitted together on sticks, smashed against trees, without pity. Young women were raped as if in a game, without pity. O Cambodia, do you remember? Do you remember your bitter history? Some observers believe Cambodia may only have closure once the perpetrators of the genocide have been brought to justice. Loung Ungs narrative includes an incident following the fall of the Khmer Rouge when a crowd of angry peasants in grim silence execute a captured Khmer Rouge soldier with a hammer and rusty knives (Sillars, 2017). While the defendants at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal are not facing the death penalty, the Cambodian people are arguably not receiving much justice from the tribunal either. As Wallace (2017) notes, despite having spent USD 300 million thus far, the tribunal has convicted only three people: two senior leaders and the regimes chief jailer. A fourth elderly suspect died during prosecution, while another was declared unfit for trial because of dementia. Three midranking suspects are also under investigation but have not been arrested. In late February 2017, the tribunal dropped charges of crimes against humanity, including mass murder, extermination and enslavement against one of these suspects a decision experts fear may have been due to pressure from the Cambodian government, which has fought efforts to prosecute anyone beyond the Khmer Rouges senior leaders and one notorious prison chief. Figure 1. Genocide Memorial Stupa in Siem Reap. Photo taken by the author. One event that is expected to occur once the Khmer Rouge Tribunal concludes its work is a national referendum on the long-proposed cremation of the remains of the Khmer Rouge victims, especially those that are on display in memorials and stupas around the country. As Chy (2016) notes, Cambodian Buddhists, who constitute the majority of the country, believe that such cremation will help transition the dead to rebirth. Hence the cremation of the remains of the Khmer Rouge victims will bring some sense of closure and healing to the living victims, knowing that the souls of their family members and relatives no longer wander around and can now transition to rebirth. Indeed, Guillou (2012) reports that in the decades following the Khmer Rouge genocide, Cambodias peasants have started to regard the restless spirits of the genocide victims as neak ta (guardian spirits of the land) (pp. 219-226). While some Cambodians believe that preserving the remains is a critical reminder of the crimes of the Khmer Rouge and serves as an educational tool for future generations of Cambodians, it is debatable whether this pedagogic function necessitates the public display of the actual bones, or whether survivor literature, films, and museum exhibitions can fully take over this function (Chy, 2016). 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(2017, February 19). First They Killed My Father author reveals what it was like working with Angelina Jolies kids on set. People. Retrieved from http://people.com/movies/loung-ung-angelina-jolie-maddox-pax-cambodia-film/ Sek, O., and Wright, G. (2017, February 20). Jolies film reopens wounds, brings catharsis to survivors. Cambodia Daily. Retrieved from https://www.cambodiadaily.com/morenews/jolies-film-reopens-wounds-brings-catharsis-to-survivors-125415/ Sillars, L. (2017, February 23). Angelina Jolies tale of Cambodias killing fields seeks resolution without forgiveness. The Federalist. Retrieved from http://thefederalist.com/2017/02/23/angelina-jolies-tale-cambodias-killing-fields-seeks-resolution-without-forgiveness/ Syonan Gallery renamed, Yaacob apologises for pain the name caused. (2017, February 17). Channel NewsAsia. Retrieved from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/syonan-gallery-renamed-yaacob-apologises-for-pain-the-name/3527740.html Syonan years. 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Retrieved from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_823_2004-12-13.html Wong, H. (2004b). Kempeitai. Singapore Infopedia. Retrieved from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_79_2005-02-02.html Wong, H., and Chew, V. (2004). Lim Bo Seng. Singapore Infopedia. Retrieved from http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_802_2004-12-28.html Woolf, C. (2013, December 26). Why is the Yasukuni Shrine so controversial? PRI. Retrieved from https://www.pri.org/stories/2013-12-26/why-yasukuni-shrine-so-controversial In 2016 alone, Chinese firms bought an array of US companies, technology, and property estimated to be worth around $45.6 billion. (Photo : Getty Images) According to recent surveys, a huge number of American businesses have shown optimism over investing in South China, a report from China Daily stated. Reports from the South China branch of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) noted that majority of the firms they surveyed describes that the current business environment in this part of the country, particularly Guangdong, as "good" or "very good." Advertisement Of the 230 companies included in the surveys, the similar majority shared that they also feel "optimistic" or "slightly optimistic" towards China's economy. AmCham South China members are eyeing to expand their operations in the country this year. Based on the 2017 Special Report on the State of Business in South China and on the 2017 White Paper on the Business Environment in China, the branch has allotted a budget worth $12.6 billion in profits to fund the expansion projects. On April 19 to 22, AmCham South China announced that they are set to host this year's edition of the APCAC Asia-Pacific Business Summit in Guangzhou. The event expects the attendance of over 600 industry and business leaders. It will also be participated in by top government officials, ambassadors, and media and academic figures from the United States and from across 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the firms that confirmed their attendance to the summit are reported to have a cumulative annual sales volume of over $600 billion. Currently, AmCham South China lists "more than 2,300 corporate and individual members," China Daily wrote. Back in March last year, Premier Li Keqiang revealed that China is actually giving investors from the U.S. to have more access to the country's lucrative market. He made the announcement while the two giant economies were under negotiations for the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Huang Wei, director of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of World Economics and Politics, noted back then that "China will further open its market to foreign companies in the future despite the many challenges it faces during the current economic structural transformation." An Austrian court has found eight Iraqis guilty of gang-raping a German tourist and has given them jail sentences of between nine and 13 years. The court dismissed charges against a ninth suspect. The victim has been awarded 25,000 euro (21,000) in damages, a court statement said. Both the prosecution and defence lawyers are appealing against the decision, the statement added. The Iraqis came to Austria as migrants between May and December 2015. Five of them were subsequently given refugee status. The prosecution said that the eight, aged between 22 and 48, exploited the fact that the victim had been drinking heavily and was unable to defend herself on the night she was raped. The court heard evidence that on New Year's Eve four of the men took her to a Vienna apartment, where they were joined by the others, and that all took turns raping her. When she regained control, she found herself naked in a bed. Prosecutor Karina Fehringer said the victim continues to suffer post-traumatic effects from the assault that required psychiatric treatment. Investigators have searched the Paris home of French presidential candidate Francois Fillon in a probe into parliamentary jobs for his family members. Two police officials said the search was carried out this morning. Last year, Caffe Nero Ireland opened a further three stores in Dublin as well as its first outside the capital; bringing its total number to eight. This contributed to revenues increasing by 210% to 2.132m in the 12 months to the end of last May. The company also saw a 69% reduction in pre-tax losses for the year, to 138,000. In newly-filed accounts for the company, its directors said the losses arose due to continued start-up costs in this new territory. The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) said the 17,128 new cars registered in February were lower than expected, even taking into account the impact of Brexit has had on the import of used vehicles from the UK. February 2016 saw 21,573 new cars registered, and while it had an extra day trading due to the leap year, the drop in sales this year was more than SIMI had hoped. We have been anticipating lower numbers in February compared to 2016, with Brexit continuing to impact on used vehicle imports, with fewer working days this year and with less hire-drive cars because of a later Easter but these numbers are somewhat poorer than we had hoped, said Alan Nolan, SIMI director general. Even with the relatively poor market in February, the year-to-date figure remains just 8% below last year so attention will now turn to the final month of the first quarter. As a result the market for March will be very closely watched by the Industry for a clearer indication of where the 171 registration period is likely to finish up. Registrations of new light commercial vehicles in February were down 28% on the 3,457 sold in the same month last year, and while heavy goods vehicle registrations were up 5% for the month of February, they are down by 2% on that of the previous year. Meanwhile, classified ads website DoneDeal said there were 5.4bn worth of goods advertised in its motor section last year, which it said highlights the massive growth of used car sales in Ireland. A spokesperson for the site said that the Volkswagen Golf was the top selling car on DoneDeal in 2016, followed by Ford Focus, VW Passat, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. It added that a total of 663,336 cars were advertised on the site last year. A significant feature of DoneDeals success in 2016 was the increase in the number of car dealerships now subscribing to DoneDeal, said Cathal Cremen, commercial manager of DoneDeals motor section. DoneDeal said the number of ads placed on the site by car dealers increased by 21% in 2016, with the number of car dealers subscribing also up 17%. Former Maryland governor and Irish-American Democrat Martin OMalley, who competed with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for the 2016 Democrat nomination, made the demand as he said now is not the time to be giving bowls of shamrock to white supremacists with Irish surnames. As part of the annual St Patricks Day trade mission to the US, Mr Kenny will meet US president Donald Trump at the White House on March 16. While the event is a long-standing tradition to highlight the close ties between both countries, it has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks due to Trumps deeply controversial immigration and economic policies, including this weeks decision to set up a group specifically focused on the victims of crimes by illegal immigrants. In response to an Irish petition calling for the event to be cancelled in protest, Mr Kenny reiterated the need to attend. However, a petition set up by Mr OMalley in recent days already has the backing of tens of thousands of US and Irish citizens. Speaking on RTE Radios Morning Ireland programme, Mr OMalley, who has close family ties to counties Mayo and Galway, said the image of Mr Kenny meeting Trump would send out the wrong message about Ireland. Saying the annual meeting should be cancelled, he said the Taoiseach must stand up for human decency and truth. Now is not a time to be giving bowls of shamrock and tricolour lapel pins to white supremacists with Irish surnames, he said in a reference to Trumps controversial advisor and former Breitbart publisher, Steve Bannon. This guy [Mr Trump] is the very embodiment of the very sort of know-nothing white supremacist our great-grandparents, who emigrated from Ireland, had to confront. Its shameful that any Irish-American politician with any awareness of history would condone this guy by drinking green beers with him and toasting a bowl of shamrocks. Not only the Irish Taoiseach, but also Irish-American members of Congress should not show up and not condone the anti-immigrant rhetoric Donald Trump has brought to the White House, he said. Saying the enduring symbol of the US should be the Statue of Liberty and not barbed-wire fences, he said what is happening in his country is wrong, adding: When this [ Trumps immigration policies] happens, the only thing thats needed for success is for good people not to stand up, he said. Despite Mr O Malleys call, Mr Kenny is still set to attend the annual White House event with Trump later this month. The warning comes as three of the six major energy companies in Britain announced price increases to their energy bills. Last month, Scottish Power blamed increasing wholesale prices for a 7.8% rise in dual fuel prices which will hit a third of its 1m customers. It came just a week after Npower announced price hikes of 9.8% and EDF confirmed a 1.2% price rise British Gas has said it will freeze prices until August, while the other major players in the market, SSE and E.ON, have yet to announce their plans. According to the 2016 Vayu Energy annual report, the cost of buying natural gas on the wholesale market last year fell by an average of 19.2% compared to 2015, while the average price of electricity decreased by 17.9%. Since the end of 2014, Bord Gais Energy, Electric Ireland and Flogas have all cut their gas and electricity prices three times, while SSE Airtricity also cut their electricity prices three times. However, in the last few months of 2016, wholesale energy prices have started to rise again in particular, gas prices. For example, in October and November, gas prices rose by 39% and 15% respectively month-on-month. Managing director of Switcher.ie, Eoin Clarke, said, due to the increase in wholesale prices, it wouldnt be a huge leap to think that the price hikes being seen in Britain could start happening here after a run of price cuts. Mr Clarke said increased competition in the market had resulted in savings for customers. Following years of price hikes, weve had a run of price cuts from energy suppliers since the end of 2014 which has been great for consumers. In addition to these cuts, competition between energy suppliers to attract new customers has resulted in some of the biggest discounts ever seen in the Irish energy market, he said. The EU had previously advised that its roam like at home policy whereby customers pay domestic prices for using their phones irrespective of where they are travelling in the EU would become a reality for all European travellers by June, 2017. However, 3 yesterday announced that its unlimited data package would not come under the policy, as it is an additional service benefit and not part of their customers bundle. The network said its new plans offered All You Can Eat data as a service benefit while in Ireland. The company said its core package offered between 1GB and 7GB of data, and charges of 61.50 per GB would apply for data used above these allowances while roaming. However, the European Commission responded yesterday that its rules would not allow companies to offer selective roaming. There is no loophole by which part of the domestic data allowance could be regarded as gift or side benefit, and would, therefore, not count when travelling abroad, the commission said. Doing so would appear like a clear case of circumvention, for which there is no basis in the roaming regulation. Thus, under the new rules, operators will not be allowed to offer only half a roaming experience to clients. It said the new EU rules clearly cover data services, along with voice and SMS. From 15 June on, every existing or new contract that includes roaming services will become a roam like at home contract by default. There is no exemption for the data services, only exceptional limits in case of unlimited or very competitive offers, the statement read. However, last night the network showed little sign of changing its plans. Despite the commissions statement, 3 said it is satisfied that our approach is compliant and allows us to continue to offer the best value to our customers. A spokesperson for Vodafone, meanwhile, said it welcomes the regulation and is fully embracing it and applying it wholly and completely across all mobile tariffs. The spokesperson said Vodafone has a unique roaming proposition, because of the strength of its network internationally. This means that, with the EU regulation, we are not increasing prices, our tariffs stay exactly the same, and customers will be able to use their tariffs with no additional cost in EU-regulated countries, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Eir said it would be increasing the size of the EU data-roaming allowance for Eir and Meteor customers, from 1GB to up to 5GB, depending on the bill pay tariff that the customer is on. The EU said member states national telecoms regulators must ensure that mobile phone operators comply with the new rules on data roaming. ComReg told the Irish Examiner that it will examine the offerings of the mobile network operators to ensure they comply with the new rules on data-roaming and lower prices of voice calls, when the new rules come into effect in June. The starting pistol for the sale of up to 25% of the bank, which may take place in May or June, could likely be sounded as early as today when AIB releases its earnings for 2016. AIB is also tipped to announce plans to resume paying dividends to shareholders. Such news would likely encourage investors to buy shares in the bank. Along with Bank of Ireland, AIB hasnt paid a dividend since the onset of the financial crisis, as lenders struggled with huge levels of non-performing mortgage and commercial loans. The Government was last year forced to scrap early plans to launch an initial public offering in AIB shares after banking markets across Europe went into meltdown amid fears over German and Italian banks. Brexit also sowed deep confusion for investors. The Governments confidence of a renewed appetite in Irish banking shares has been bolstered by the rebound in bank valuations. Pledges by Donald Trump to rebuild the US infrastructure continued to boost bank stocks and valuations for banks around the world. In late January, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the first opportunity to sell shares in AIB could arise as early as May or June. The Government since indicated that other dates, including in the autumn, remained in contention. It subsequently revealed it valued its 99.9% ownership of AIB on the States books at 11.3bn at the end of last year, down from 12.2bn a year earlier. Analysts said at the time that the valuation nonetheless marked another step that brought the sale of AIB shares closer. AIB has long pledged that taxpayers would get back all of the 21bn injected to keep the lender from collapse. The Government will likely argue that through a number of financial instruments, such as the redemption of preference shares, that taxpayers had already started to receive repayments from AIB. It will also argue that the sale of up to 25% will only be a start and, as the economy improves, future sales of shares could fetch higher prices. Weighing on the valuation of AIB is that it continues to carry an elevated level of non-performing loans. Analysts say it will take many more years for the Government to complete the full privatisation of AIB. An analyst at S&P Global Ratings told the Irish Examiner last month that AIB was in sufficiently good financial health and there was no financial reason blocking the Government from selling shares in the bank. Seungri, G-Dragon, TOP, Taeyang and Daesung of Big Bang perform on the stage during a concert at the K-Collection In Seoul on March 11, 2012 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images/Chung Sung-Jun) Unfortunately for K-Pop male group Big Bang fans, T.O.P is currently in the military. But recently, his fans were delighted when photos of him while in the military were released online. On Feb. 28, Tuesday, the official website of the army training camp, as cited by All Kpop, shared photos of T.O.P and his fellow soldiers in training. In one of the photos, the K-Pop star points at the camera while wearing his military uniform and name tag. Advertisement T.O.P is scheduled to be discharged in November 2018. While he is in the military, it was revealed that he was one of the inspirations for the makeup and hairstyling of the Joker (Jared Leto) of "Suicide Squad." Alessando Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini and Christopher Nelson won Best Makeup and Hairstyling for "Suicide Squad" at the Academy Awards 2017. At the Oscars, some of the inspiration pieces for the Joker were displayed at the Hair and Makeup Symposium for "Suicide Squad." One of them is a picture of T.O.P with his mint hair. Oscar nominated Hair and Makeup Symposium #suicidesquad #thejoker #jaredleto #TOP #T.O.P. #oscars2017 A post shared by Anne Hanson (@anne_hanson) on Feb 26, 2017 at 8:23am PST Also nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Academy Awards 2017 were Eva von Bahr and Love Larson for "A Man Called Ove" and Joel Harlow and Richard Alonzo for "Star Trek Beyond." The award was the only Oscar nomination and award of "Suicide Squad." Released on Aug. 5, 2016, "Suicide Squad" was written and directed by David Ayer. With Leto as the Joker, the film also starred Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Robin Atkin Downes as Angelo and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Davis won her first Oscar at the Academy Awards 2017. She won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Fences," which was directed by her co-star Denzel Washington. Meanwhile, Leto recently talked about his relationship with Gucci's creative director Alessandro Michele. The "Suicide Squad" star said nothing but good words about the Italian fashion designer. "He puts so much love, care and joy into his work that when you wear Gucci, you're not just wearing something that's beautiful or pretty," The National quoted Leto as saying about Michele. For the actor, Gucci wearers feel the same thing the designer feels when he is making the clothes. Leto has yet to comment on T.O.P being the inspiration of the "Suicide Squad" character he played. Watch a video of the K-Pop star being sent off to military here: The survey, launched online yesterday, will reveal how living with HIV affects the day-to-day lives of sufferers. It will be followed by another on the general publics views on people with HIV and their knowledge and awareness of the disease. There were 485 new HIV diagnoses confirmed in Ireland in 2015. According to provisional figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the number increased to 513 last year. HIV Ireland executive director Niall Mulligan said it was crucial the reasons behind the continued increase of new HIV diagnoses in Ireland were understood. He pointed out that the number of new HIV diagnoses had increased by 35% since 2011. Ireland now has an average of 10 people per week being diagnosed with HIV. Understanding more about peoples personal experiences of living with HIV will help in response to this very real public health challenge in Ireland today, he said. The National HIV Stigma Survey will remain live for six weeks. Interim results are expected to be available for Irish AIDS Day on June 15, with the full report launched towards the end of the year. We know that stigma can be one of the key barriers to people accessing treatment or even getting tested, said Mr Mulligan. We want to know how it is impacting on peoples lives and is it as bad as we think it is. He said it was 10 years since people living with HIV had been surveyed. What we want to do is have a wider trawl and get the views of people we dont have contact with and find out if stigma and discrimination are still an issue for them. The general public also need to know that HIV is still a public health problem and learn more about what they can do to protect their personal health. Joseph Lewis pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of engaging in violent disorder at Chestnut Drive, Youghal, on September 11, 2015. He had already served between eight and nine months in prison because of breaches of bail conditions. Judge Sean O Donnabhain imposed an 18-month jail sentence yesterday with the remainder of that term suspended on condition he would stay away from Chestnut Drive and, in particular, from Tony Hogan and his family in that estate for two years. Detective Garda Thomas Keane said the accused and others had engaged in the violent behaviour, leading to members of the Hogan family being assaulted and put in fear in the driveway of their own home. Lewis was not arrested until the following October 1 at New Ross, Co Wexford, when he was stopped as a result of a road traffic incident. While he was given bail on the charge, he repeatedly breached the bail terms by returning to the Chestnut Drive area. John Devlin, defending, said things were remaining quiet in the area in recent times and there had been no further incidents of such violence. The judge commented: Yes, things have remained quiet because Joseph is not there. Mr Devlin said Lewis, who is aged around 30, was residing at an address at Blackwater Heights and also at an address on Mall Lane, both in Youghal. Donal McCarthy, prosecuting, said Lewis had a suspended jail term of three years hanging over him from Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court when a sentence of six years, with the last three years suspended, was imposed in November 2012. He said it would now be a matter for the courts in Clonmel to decide what action to take as a result of the Youghal incident. THE posters featuring Logan/Wolverine dressed in a suit with his claws extended walking off into the sunset say it all. Logan is the final film where Hugh Jackman will play the character that made him a star and the 48-year-old admits he is ready to leave him behind. I was very nervous knowing what was at stake for me and the film exceeded my expectations, Jackman says. I looked at the character and there were some moments where I cried, like when Logan was carrying Charles [Patrick Stewart] up the stairs. I felt like I loved that character, but I cant say Ill miss him as hes not going anywhere for me. The fans will remind me every single day or every second day of my life. Its part of who I am and Im so grateful for it. Thankfully, at the Berlin International Film Festival recently, Jackman was his clean-shaven self, which came as something of a relief given his bearded craggy appearance as the 160-year-old mutant. Over the past 17 years Jackman has played nine incarnations of the superhero character three times in standalone Wolverine movies and six in the X-Men franchise and he has had to stay incredibly buff for the role. Even when we spoke recently for Les Miserables, the Jean Valjean role that would garner him a best actor Oscar nomination, he was eating. I love to eat, but I have to eat because somewhere in my life not very far away I am putting on the claws, Jackman said. I am just too old to let it all go and then get back that level of fitness. There were even times when in order to be credible in the part he had to wake up in the middle of the night and eat. Now he admits with a chuckle, I wont miss the chicken breasts, let me tell you that! Jackman maintains there was one more film left for what he terms the archetypal reluctant hero and he was determined to go out with a powerful movie. Currently theres even speculation that Logan might be up for 2018 awards. The film has been incredibly well received (IMDB has it at a stunning 9.6) and Jackman explains its the best of all the films in which Wolverine appeared. Sure there are action sequences, some of which come as a surprise, given the extent to which diabolical Zander Rice (Richard E Grant), the scientist in charge of the Transigen organisation, will go to create artificial intelligence and sheer brute force even in kids. Yet, theres also a tender story with 11-year-old Laura, played by scene-stealing Dafne Keen, at the films core. BACK ON THE TEAM Logan director James Mangold, with actors Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen and Patrick Stewart at the films premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. Picture: Getty Jackman gladly reteamed with James Mangold, the director of 2013s The Wolverine, the second standalone movie which came after X-Men 2009s Origins: Wolverine. I reached out to Jim because hes a great storyteller, Jackman says of the director who came up with the story that was turned into a screenplay by The Wolverine screenwriter Scott Frank. I will admit when Jim first told me the idea I was like, This sounds awesome, but how the hell are we going to pull it off? How can an 11-year-old handle that? And it was so clear with Dafne as shes an extraordinary young girl and Im really proud of her, says the devoted father of two who has been married for 20 years to Aussie actress Deborra-Lee Furness with whom he lives in New York. Of course Wolverine, er Logan, turns out to be a decent type, after all. For me great stories illuminate who we are, our everyday existence and they also make us look at the world beyond ourselves. Jim immediately said to me, Lets tell a story about family from the point of view of someone who is terrified of intimacy Logan and lets set it in a world where things are shifting. I hope there are resonances and it makes people think about their day-to-day lives. More importantly, though, its about violence and the effect it has on people. KILLER KIDS Set in 2029, the story follows Logan helping a group of mutant killer kids newer models that are deemed to have defects escape across the border into the more libertarian Canada. While the 45-year-old Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is sure to be a fan of the film and probably grew up watching the clawed and flawed character, Logans premise couldnt be more prescient. We were talking about the border scenes a year before any of those debates about the wall happened, Jackman notes. I think its a sign that Jim and Scott were onto something. Still its not as if the film is broaching any polemic. Most important for Mangold, a comic book fan since the age of 11, is that movies which reference pop culture and have very large natural audiences use that platform to do something other than sell happy meals or t-shirts or action figures. Like Jackman he wanted to examine action heroes who in the twilight of their lives are in a mood for self-reflection. This character has been within me for 17 years, explains Jackman, but not until this film do I feel like Ive really got to the core of it. Im not blaming anyone; sometimes its my fault, sometimes its just the nature of storytelling where you have 20 characters. When Jim and I first got together I told him I want my grandkids to ask me when Im 80, Which one of those movies should I watch? I want to say that this is the movie that defines this character. This movie is a love letter to the Wolverine fans but beyond that I wanted to make a movie that someone whos never watched a comic movie in their life would see and get something out of. Jackman is also currently playing circus founder PT Barnum in The Greatest Showman. Its a family movie, there is no blood, it couldnt be more different, he says. Hes unsure what he will do after that. One things certain, given his recurring skin cancers, which he says are not life threatening, hes not spending much time in the sun, at least without sunscreen. There are statistics that 50% of Australians who live beyond the age of 50 will get skin cancer, he notes. We grew up without knowing about global warming and the ozone layer, using no sunscreen. Everyone should get checked once a year. Wise words indeed from a departing superhero. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. These are the words of Martin Luther King, immortalised in the collective human consciousness. Today, I feel, they are more true and more pressing than ever before. While the western world enjoys greater prosperity than ever before, people in other parts of the world face a living hell on a daily basis due to war and civil strife. These people have nowhere to turn to for help but us, yet we would turn them away simply because we perceive them as a threat to our peace. I am speaking, of course, of the millions of Syrian refugees who are finding it increasingly difficult to find safety and shelter because a rapidly increasing number of European countries want to close their borders. Does this action not spit in the face of the wise and humanitarian words quoted before? How can we aspire to create an atmosphere of peace and justice in our own nations if we are willing to ignore the horrors that happen elsewhere? Will we really protect our own safety and prosperity by keeping the rest of the world at bay? It should be clear that we can do no such thing. The very fact that we live in the Age of Information makes it impossible to claim ignorance towards the suffering of the rest of the world. On September 2, 2015, the entire world was shocked by photographs of the three-year-old child, Aylan Kurdi, who drowned while his family tried to flee Syria and was found washed up and dead on a beach. Thanks to photography and the internet, the entire world can now bear witness to human suffering as though it were happening right next door to us. It is indisputable that we are closer to each other today than at any other time in history. The modern world owes its prosperity to this interconnectivity we must, therefore, shoulder the burdens of it as well. The four founding principles of the European Union are the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital. These principles have helped many European countries thrive and raise themselves out of poverty Ireland amongst them. But the world is far wider than just the European Union. How is it that we are willing to share all these things amongst ourselves, but are unwilling to offer basic comfort and safety to a three-year-old child who has been forced to leave his country and has nowhere else to go? Europe today relies on many other countries for vital resources. In particular, our society is fuelled primarily by oil 30% of which comes from Middle Eastern countries. In exchange for this, what have we given back? Russia has launched a bombing campaign against Syria since September 2015. As for the rest of the world, we cannot forget the coalition of the willing that George W Bush led into Iraq on false allegations of possession of weapons of mass destruction. Currently, rebel groups in Syria are funded by western nations and by Turkey. Our interference has done far more harm than good as is to be expected when we attempt to meddle in an already delicate situation with subtleties most of us have no idea about. For years, we have taken from the Middle East every resource they offered while pouring back in money, arms and soldiers. Now, when they need our aid, we speak of self-preservation and protecting our own interests. How is this fair? How is it just? We have an undeniable responsibility towards the countries of the Middle East. The Iraq war we started was illegal by UN standards. Do we not owe them some recompense for all the bloodshed we have caused there? Is it not our duty now to do something to alleviate the suffering in nations we have had a hand in tearing apart? What have we ever done to repay the damage we have caused? If Russia and the United States will not assume their responsibilities in this matter, then it falls to the European Union to set an example, and hope that other nations follow it. It is clear to me that we owe it to the nations of the Middle East to accept their refugees. A Syrian girl in Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. She is one of almost 5million refugees who have fled the war-torn country. When America invaded Iraq with our help, they justified it as an act to spread and defend democracy. This strikes me as the height of hypocrisy. Contrast our self-righteous air of moral superiority then to our attitude now. We were willing to bomb other nations and send troops to occupy them in the name of democracy, but we are unwilling now to risk terrorist attacks in order to help those who have been devastated by war in Syria. If we wish to defend and enforce something, perhaps we should turn to the Geneva Convention. The fourth convention, designed to protect civilians in time of war, states in Article 35 that all protected persons who may desire to leave the territory at the outset of, or during a conflict, shall be entitled to do so. Somehow, we are far less determined to defend this right than we were to defend another nations right to democracy. It would seem to me that we are far more eager to take a stand when the cost in human lives is to be paid on foreign soil than when we may have to put ourselves at risk. The Schengen Agreement, which guarantees the free movement of persons throughout the European Union, has a specific purpose; through unrestricted movement and the mixing of cultures, it hopes to avoid another catastrophic war such as the two that shattered Europe in the last century. By mixing cultures, it hopes to promote understanding between them and dissolve underlying tensions. It this way, we can come to see each other not as compatriots or enemies, but as fellow human beings whose lives hold equal value. Unfortunately, the new wave of Islamophobia that has gripped us today is proof that this poisonous us against them mentality is far from being eradicated. When we see a Muslim, far too many of us instinctively view them as an enemy, a potential terrorist, even though statistically there is a far greater likelihood of them being a victim of circumstance. This mentality is so ingrained in us, I can only wonder how many more tragedies the world must see before we can finally overcome it. There is no denying that what we are seeing today will one day be enumerated among the great tragedies of history. As of 2016, 400,000 people have been killed in the civil war in Syria. Human rights are being ignored and trampled on constantly. The war crimes that are proven to have occurred in Syria include murder, torture, rape and blocking access to food, water and health services. The chemical weapons used in Syria include the nerve agent Sarin and chlorine gas both of which cause excruciating death. The Geneva Convention outlaws civilian targets in war, but in spite of this, schools, hospitals and towns such as Aleppo have been bombed. There can be no disputing the cruelty of this my only question is, where does the European Union want to be remembered as having stood in reference to this tragedy? Do we want to be remembered as having done all we could to help those affected by it or as having closed our borders and turned away? In the West, we fear terrorism and for good reason. It is one of the greatest threats to our peace in the modern era. But compare our fear and suffering to that of a Syrian refugee, and it pales drastically. In 2015, 175 people died in Western Europe because of terrorism. Every one of those deaths was a tragedy but in Syria, 79,585 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict. All of Europe stood in solidarity with Charlie Hebdo, but who stood in solidarity with the children who died on October 12, 2016 when a primary school was bombed in the Syrian town of Darra? You may be anxious every time you board a plane, but families have used their entire life savings for a dangerous and uncertain boat journey to Europe. In the end, the price they have paid is already so much greater than the price we would pay if we accepted them. I hope that by this point you will agree that even if there are terrorists among the refugees requesting asylum, we should still accept them. However, one question still remains: how many of them are really terrorists? According to the UN refugee agency, the answer is only 1%. Most terrorist attacks are caused by radicalised EU citizens. The attacks on Charlie Hebdo are an example of this. It takes eighteen month on average for a refugee to be granted permission to enter America, even longer if they are from the Middle East. It would be far easier for a terrorist to enter on a tourist visa. So not only would closing our borders mean turning away millions of people who need our help it may not even have any significant impact on terrorism. Perhaps if we close our borders, we would make ourselves marginally safer. But can we justify the human cost of this? Will we ignore tragedy and injustice elsewhere in the world in hope that it does not reach us? The Geneva Convention demands that we do something, the Schengen Agreement that the European Union is founded upon demands that we do something, and our own conscience should demand that we do something. How, then, can we simply do nothing? The Irish language was one of the bloodiest battle-fields in the campaign for todays Northern Ireland Assembly elections. The cancellation of bursaries for less advantaged people to go to the Donegal Gaeltacht by the DUPs minister for communities Paul Givan was nasty and it hardened Sinn Feins resolve to push for the election. DUP leader Arlene Fosters comment on the passing an Irish Language Act was outrageous: If you feed a crocodile it will come back asking for more. But theres an uncomfortable grain of truth in her comment that wed could be looking for a Polish Language Act next as more people in Northern Ireland speak Polish than speak Irish. There are no native speakers of Irish in Northern Ireland and the nationalist demand for a language act to protect Irish speakers is crazy. No one in Northern Ireland needs the right to speak his or her native language and no one is placed at a linguistic disadvantage by speaking English. To pretend anyone is, as does the argument for an Irish Language Act made by Sinn Fein and the SDLP, is to play politics with the language. Playing politics with the language will destroy whats left of it. It could destroy the peace process too. In their introduction to a proposed Irish Language Act the advocacy group, Pobal, complains that Irish remains the only primary indigenous language in these islands that is not subject to specific domestic legislative protection. The last record of Irish spoken by a native in Northern Ireland was on Rathlin Island in 1985 but most of the Irish was gone from Northern Ireland by the early 20th century. Irish is spoken by some 4,000 people in nationalist communities, particularly in west Belfast, where a thriving Irish-language cultural scene centres on the Culturlann McAdam-OFiach. All of these people speak better English than Irish. To frame protection for the language in the context of language rights, as speakers of French are protected in Quebec, is ridiculous because Irish is no longer a language native to any part of Northern Ireland. But Pobal is taking the Quebecois rights-based approach, consciously differentiating its act from those protecting Scots Gaelic or Welsh. Sinn Fein and the SDLP are willing accomplices. Under the proposed Acht na Gaeilge Tuaisceart Eireann the North would have its own language commissioner to whom complaints could be made if a person felt his or her legal right to use Irish was impugned. These rights would include doing business with all government and local government departments through Irish, having access to all government publications in Irish and most ridiculous still, simultaneous translation during public meetings. Think for a moment of what is proposed here. A native English-speaker addresses in Irish a room-full of fluent-English speakers wearing headphones so they can hear the simultaneous translation into English provided by a third party. A third party paid by the State. Of course the DUP is banging on about the money but I dont care about it as much as I care about the language. Using the Irish language in the way proposed in the act will make it an agent of division in an already divided society. Several DUP candidates have made this point about the act and they are right. As Nelson McCausland wrote in the Ulster News Letter: It would simply put more firepower into the Sinn Fein cultural arsenal. And he quotes a Sinn Fein Culture Office from 1982: Every phrase you learn is a bullet in the freedom struggle. A language act was promised in the St Andrews Agreement of 2006 and it would surely be possible to depart from the rights-based approach and genuinely encourage use of the language. All signs bearing place names of Gaelic origin should carry their Irish names, both North and South. Im not so sure about the Parad Shidni approach to names like Sydney Parade, however. Irish-medium education should be available to all who want it and Irish should be taught in all schools. In addition, cultural activities in Irish and classes for adults should be funded which would stand a chance of making the language attractive both inside and outside the nationalist community. But you cannot revive a language by legislation. Indeed, the number of native speakers of the language in the Republic has tanked since our own language act was brought in in 2003. Pobals assertion that international experience suggests it may take a generation for people to make full use of government services through Irish but they will in the end is bonkers. The idea of reviving the Irish language as the first language of the Irish nation was always delusional. UCC academic Aidan Doyle asserts in his recent history of the language that Irish was at breaking point as early as 1750 and was too far gone to be revived by the time the Gaelic League was founded. He also considers that the decline of Irish mirrored the spread of literacy, as native speakers including one Daniel OConnell tended to write only in English. The idiocy of todays translations of all official documents into leaden Irish which no-one reads is obvious. The three dialects of the Gaeltachtai are the last remnants of a stunningly beautiful language. What passes for Irish either in those official documents or on the Falls Road Gaeltacht Quarter is like an English necklace threaded with beads of Irish. The structures and syntax of Gaelic are gone. Before we get too maudlin lets remember that Irish has always been one of our languages, not our only one. We dont know what sounds were uttered by the worshippers at Newgrange. In Dublin, Cork and Belfast Irish has not been the dominant language since at least the 12th century, if not before. Our linguistic history includes French, Norse, Ulster Scots and our linguistic present includes many languages, Polish among them. To state that Irish is the historical national language of Ireland, as Pobal does, is to make a decision, not record a fact. The many insults which will be hurled at me will include the fact that I dont recognise the importance of the use the language by northern nationalists as a response to the suppression of their identity. I do now and I applaud it. It is a creative response. But the legal defence of the right to live a parallel existence through a learned language would turn Irish into a green sash to be worn marching to a tribal drum-beat. And it would not delay the day when citizens in the North have sweeter music to listen to as they go to the polls. Casey Affleck breaks silence on sexual harassment accusations; Ben Affleck's brother says theres nothing he can do about it Ben Affleck kisses Casey Affleck during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Kevin Winter) At least for Casey Affleck, 41, the bad side of winning Best Actor at the Academy Awards 2017 for his performance in "Manchester by the Sea" is the revival of a controversy he was involved in years ago. Some viewers noticed that presenter Brie Larson, 27,did not clap after giving the Oscar trophy to the younger brother of Ben Affleck, 44. Advertisement In 2010, Casey was sued by Amanda White and Magdalena Gorka who worked with him as a producer and a cinematographer, respectively, for the film "I'm Still Here." The two women accused the actor of sexual harassment. The lawsuits filed by White and Gorka were settled out of court. Details of any financial settlement were not released but they both received credit for their work on "I'm Still Here." Casey was already subjected to protests when it was announced that he was among the Academy Award 2017 Best Actor nominees. The controversy was even more ignited when he won the award over "Hacksaw Ridge" actor Andrew Garfield, "La La Land" actor Ryan Gosling, "Captain Fantastic actor Viggo Mortensen and "Fences" actor Denzel Washington. After winning the Oscar trophy for Best Actor, Casey addressed the issue in an interview with Boston Globe. The actor pointed out that he and the people involved in the sexual harassment lawsuits are not allowed to commenting on them. "I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else," Casey told the publication. "There's really nothing I can do about it, other than live my life the way I know I live it and to speak to what my own values are and how I try to live by them all the time." In another with Variety in 2016, Casey pointed out that it does not matter he person responds to the issue. It is wrong for people to think that it is perfectly fine to say anything they want those who are well-known because everyone has families and lives, he added. Watch Larson give the Oscar trophy to Casey here: Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 (12:03 pm) - Score 992 Some 53,313 worth of donations from 1,861 people have this week enabled Liberty, a prominent Human Rights group, has launched a legal challenge against the Governments controversial mass Internet surveillance powers in the new Investigatory Powers Act. The law contains a variety of measures, such as one that forces broadband ISPs to store (for up to 12 months) comparatively detailed Internet Connection Records (e.g. the websites / servers youve visited) about all of their customers, which can then be supplied to a valid authority without a warrant (here). This occurs irrespective of whether or not youre even suspected of a crime. However the above measures have already been cast into doubt after a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) warned that EU law does not allow general and indiscriminate retention of traffic data and location data, except for targeted use against serious crime (here). Since then the Government has been forced to delay a consultation on related measures (here). This week Liberty stepped into the battlefield by launching a crowd-funded legal challenge against the IPActs unprecedented bulk surveillance powers, which will seek to argue that the following powers breach the rights of British people. The Focus of Libertys Legal Challenge * Bulk and thematic hacking the Act lets police and agencies access, control and alter electronic devices like computers, phones and tablets on an industrial scale, regardless of whether their owners are suspected of involvement in crime leaving them vulnerable to further attack by hackers. * Bulk interception of communications content the Act lets the state read texts, online instant messages and emails, and listen in on calls en masse, without requiring suspicion of criminal activity. * Bulk acquisition of everybodys communications data and internet history the Act forces communications companies and service providers to retain and hand over records of everybodys emails, phone calls and texts and entire web browsing history to state agencies to store, data-mine and profile at its will. * Bulk personal datasets the Act lets agencies acquire and link vast databases held by the public or private sector. These contain details on religion, ethnic origin, sexuality, political leanings and health problems, potentially on the entire population and are ripe for abuse and discrimination. The organisation has instructed Bhatt Murphy Solicitors to take on the case, which effectively sets in motion a Judicial Review of the new law. Silkie Carlo, Policy Officer at Liberty, said: This is our first step towards getting rid of the most intrusive surveillance regime of any democracy in history. The powers were fighting undermine everything thats core to our freedom and democracy our right to protest, to express ourselves freely and to a fair trial, our free press, privacy and cybersecurity. But with so much public support behind us, were hopeful we will be able to persuade our courts to restrain the more authoritarian tendencies of this Government. At this stage no date has been set for the first hearing and such challenges have a tendency to be quite slow. Similarly much may yet rest on the outcome of the Governments other challenge against the earlier CJEU conclusion, which could force the law to be softened by making it more targeted against serious criminals (i.e. the way it should have worked in the first place). NASA's UFO mystery footage taken at the ISS continues to hound the space agency as more alien conspiracy theories come up online. NASA have been accused of covering up surveillance videos which allegedly capture fast-flying glowing orbs at a close distance with the space station. In the latest UFO video, an astronaut on a space walk have blocked out with his hand a flying object that came into camera, at which point, NASA cut the live stream, quickly replacing it with a view of the station's briefing room. The footage was aired live on January 20 when the cut happened. NASA immediately broadcasted the message that the space stations High Definition Earth Viewing experiment was either switching cameras or experiencing a temporary loss of signal. Wild conspiracy ideas have come up as explanations for the suspicious blackout. The most popular claim about NASA's UFO mystery is that the ISS is watched almost daily by UFOs, but the space agency wants to keep it from the public. Some online bloggers like to remind that the January 20 incident was not the first time NASA has cut footage during an alleged UFO sighting, the News.com reports. Some speculations include alien spacecrafts or even secret space age military technology being tested by the US Government. Online blogger, Bright Insight, says that he has seen at least a dozen of times where a video feed with UFO of some sort coming close to the International Space Station just get cut all of a sudden. He then explains that these are common anomalies that appear on camera. These happen after light refracts inside the lens - meaning there is actually nothing there, the Daily Express reports. NASA's UFO mystery can actually be explained by a well known common effect in many ISS live feeds. Experts say that these mysterious images are actually caused by lens flares. As it turns out, the truth is a lot less exciting, despite several people claiming that it was all part of an ongoing cover up. What first began as underdog social media application has since grown into one of the most recognizable digital services. And with the growth, the Snap company has expanded its services to cover hardware, with Spectacles being its first venture. But new reports indicate that Snapchat is also developing its own drone. According to The New York Times, the drone would be able to take photographs and record videos and then return the same data back to the company. However, the publication continued to say that the project will take a while to reach the market if it ever does. It is possible that the Snap drone is simply an experiment that the company will eventually decide to do without. But as the publication argued, the Snap drone is an indication of what the company has planned for its future. Getting more visual data is an important aspect of Snapchat because it gets more users engaged with the service. Which is why a device like a drone, which will provide more photos and videos, is understandable. "We're at the beginning of what cameras can do," Snap executive Evan Spiegel told his investors. He made it a point to get his message across that cameras are an important way to communicate with individuals and that Snap would be taking advantage of this. The drone, much like the Snap Spectacles, are likely to be picked up quickly, especially when marketed properly. It is unknown, however, whether or not the upcoming device will be easily available for consumers to purchase. The interaction that Snapchat has with its users is vital, especially because the company behind it is going public in the next few days. But if the current numbers are any indication of its future, there is hardly anything to worry about. According to Tech Times, the application is opened at least 18 times a day by the average user and that over 2.5 billion images and messages are sent daily. Josh Gad, Luke Evans, Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Bill Condon attend the UK Launch Event of 'Beauty And The Beast' at Odeon Leicester Square on February 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Jeff Spicer) Disney is finally having its first ever gay film character with the live-action remake of "Beauty and the Beast." However, the character is not the one played by one of its lead actors, Luke Evans, who is openly gay. Directed by Bill Condon, "Beauty and the Beast" stars Evans as Gaston. Playing Beast/Prince is "Downton Abey" star Dan Stevens with Emma Watson as Belle, Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Stanley Tucci as Cadenza, Kevin Kline as Maurice and Josh Gad as Le Fou. Advertisement In the April issue of Attitude, Condon revealed that the upcoming "Beauty and the Beast" film has a small but significant subplot featuring Gaston's sidekick Le Fou. "LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston," Condon told the publication. "He's confused about what he wants. It's somebody who's just realizing that he has these feelings and Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. This is what has its payoff at the end, Condon said but he said he did not want to give it away. The groundbreaking character "is a nice, exclusively gay moment" in a Disney film, the director pointed out. As for those who are worried that the live-action remake may be too different from the original "Beauty and the Beast" film, Evans made a promise that they have nothing to worry about. The actor talked about the remake while on the set of "10x10," a thriller film being directed by Suzi Ewing. According to Evans, the "Beauty and the Beast" is very loyal to the original. He told Digital Spy that people are going to love it just as how the film adaptation of "Girl on the Train" did well. Have a glimpse of LeFou and Gaston played by Gad and Evans, respectively, here: SAN FRANCISCO The ubiquitous cloud computing craze may not be long for this world if venture capitalist Peter Levine is right. The Andreessen Horowitz general partner said that as more computing capabilities move to so-called edge devices, including anything from driverless cars and drones to the boundless devices that make up the internet of things (IoT), the cloud will slowly evaporate. A large portion of computation that gets done in the cloud today will return to the edge, said Levine at the Wall Street Journals CIO Network event here Tuesday. Levine said the driverless car, whose 200-plus CPUs effectively make it a data center on wheels, is a prime example of an edge device whose computing capabilities must be self-contained. Levine said that an autonomous vehicle relying on the cloud for data would blow through stop signs and crash because of the latency associated with transmitting data from the car to the cloud. The cloud will also cripple many scenarios for machine learning, which relies on speedy computing to deliver faster decision-making. Edge computing is less a novelty than perhaps the next computing cycle, Levine said. Decades ago most computing was centralized in mainframes, with banks and most other large enterprise relying on the refrigerator-sized cabinets to manage their business operations. Many mainframes were decommissioned to make room for the decentralized client-server era. The cloud is essentially the new mainframe hosted in a vendors data center. If the natural ebb and flow of computing holds, the edge will accelerate the next leg of distributed computing. And that means the cloud goes away in the not-too-distant future, Levine said. Disrupting the disrupters Its a scary proposition for the thousands of vendors hawking cloud services. For the past decade, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce.com and others have stood up applications, infrastructure, storage and virtually every conceivable type of computing task imaginable as a service. But a venture capitalists job is to take a broader, longer view so that they can see what innovations are coming next. Levine is essentially saying the cloud disruptors will be disrupted in the next five to 10 years. Diana McKenzie, CIO of cloud business application provider Workday, isnt buying the provocative point that the cloud will disappear. She said it will co-exist with the edge. For example, McKenzie said that companies will want to aggregate data collected from edge devices in a cloud for analysis and, ideally, business insights. I cant imagine there will ever not be a place for cloud computing, McKenzie tells CIO.com. The challenge for us as CIOs is to make sure were thinking about it more on a continuum than on a black and white basis. Then the next challenge is how you architect for that. Odds and ends The cloud-to-edge debate was a hot topic, but it was hardly the only theme tackled by Levine and his panel peers Accel partners Rich Wong and General Catalyst Managing Director Steve Herrod offered some other thoughts about emerging trends. From big data to machine learning: Big data 1.0 included collecting lots of information but the next wave involves predicting what is going to happen in the future, said Levine. Machine learning unlocking these vast stores of information that we have that can help us predict the future in better ways is absolutely happening right now, Levine said. For example, machine learning is used to predict cybersecurity attacks and IT system failures. Wong said that enterprises can use machine learning to automate IT service functions, such as password resets for customers. Entrusting such corporate operations to machine algorithms can yield anywhere from 30 percent to 100 percent cost savings, the VCs said. Bottoms up, the polite euphemism for shadow IT: Wong said that while VCs encourage portfolio companies to deploy a land and expand strategy and get into businesses through departments rather than going through the CIO,its a delicate balance. The CIO must grapple with the challenges and risks associated with adopting potentially unproven technology but benefits from the speed of on-boarding employees. Thanks to the cloud, many are onboarding themselves. Levine says that shadow IT has extended to developers. Ive seen situations where if the organization doesnt provide what the developer needs, they go to another company to get services and tools, Levine says. Proof-of-concepts -as-a-service: Its become fashionable for CIOs to fancy themselves as IT-as-a-service providers, essentially brokers of digital capabilities, including cloud, mobile, analytics and IoT. In this model, it makes sense for CIO to recognize that proof of concepts are a valuable way to evaluate new technology, Herrod said. He suggested that startups offer proof-of-concepts as a service to help. The winner for hardest position for CIOs to hire goes to Data analysts: Levine says that if data is the most important ingredient in unlocking business value, then data scientists and analysts who can derive insights from the data and turn it into actionable information will be the toughest positions to fill. Herrod disagrees and says that hes found the hardest hires are DevOps leaders because there is little consensus on what defines DevOps, a model for rapid software development model popularized by consumer internet companies. Herrod says that hes heard descriptions of DevOps managers range from scrum masters who run agile computing systems for speed and innovation to specialists who optimize cloud infrastructure. Any reform of a controversial U.S. law allowing the National Security Agency to spy on people overseas will likely focus on its impact on U.S. residents, without curbing its use elsewhere. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expires on Dec. 31, and some digital rights groups are calling on Congress to overhaul the law to protect the privacy of residents of both the U.S. and other countries. Congress will almost certainly extend the provision in some form. But a congressional hearing on Wednesday focused largely on the NSA's "inadvertent" collection of U.S. residents' data, with little time given to the privacy concerns of people overseas. Some lawmakers have pushed for changes in FISA that would restrict so-called backdoor searches of U.S. residents' communications collected during foreign surveillance. But on Wednesday, 17 digital rights groups urged the EU to step in and push for new privacy protections for people outside the U.S. There are many ways to reform FISA "to better protect human rights without undermining the security of U.S. citizens or others around the world," the groups said in a letter to EU officials. "If no reforms -- or reforms that only provide greater protections for U.S. persons -- are passed this year, we believe the U.S. will have sent a clear message to the European Union that our rights are inconsequential." The groups asked EU officials to consider suspending their Privacy Shield cross-border data transfer agreement with the U.S. unless Congress overhauls Section 702. Section 702 allows the NSA to spy on the communications, including internet traffic, of people living outside the U.S. and, in many cases, their communications with U.S. residents. FISA served as the authority for the NSA's Prism internet surveillance and related programs revealed by NSA leaker Edward Snowden beginning in 2013. Some lawmakers have suggested NSA surveillance of U.S. residents could violate the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches. But most U.S. legal experts say the Fourth Amendment protections do not apply to people from other countries. Congress must have a robust debate about Section 702, Representative Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican, said during Wednesday's hearing before the House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee. Congress will have a "detailed, thorough, and careful examination" of FISA, said Goodlatte, chairman of the committee. "We must ensure that our protection must not come at the expense of cherished liberty." President Donald Trump's administration reportedly wants Section 702 extended with no changes. Administration officials testified before the Judiciary Committee during a closed session Wednesday morning. Witnesses at Wednesday's hearing largely defended the foreign surveillance program, saying it helps keep the U.S. safe from terrorist attacks. Section 702 surveillance is an "effective program that is subject to rigorous oversight" by the government, said Jeff Kosseff, a professor of cyber science at the U.S. Naval Academy. While backdoor searches raise concerns, the law "on balance" complies with the Fourth Amendment, he said. But Section 702 surveillance has seen "mission creep," said Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center. The law allows the NSA to target any foreign person, not just foreign powers or their agents, she noted. The surveillance targets "need not pose any threat to the United States, have any information about such threats, or be suspected of any wrongdoing," she said. Section 702 "not only renders innocent private citizens of other nations vulnerable to NSA surveillance; it also greatly increases the number of communications involving Americans that are subject to acquisition -- as well as the likelihood that those Americans are ordinary, law-abiding individuals." Last month, six tech trade groups called on Congress to include new privacy protections for internet users in a renewed version of the law. Today, thanks to a number of DIY tools and services, just about anyone can design a website. But that doesnt mean everybody should. However, whether you hire a professional web designer or plan to design your site yourself, if you want your online presence to look professional and keep potential customers from bouncing avoid these web design no-nos. [ Related: 8 keys to ecommerce success ] 1. Using a splash page Splash and [entrance] pages really have no value in todays online world, says Janyer Dominguez, vice president of web development, iPartnerMedia. They [just] run up your websites bounce rate because users cant [immediately] find what theyre looking for, so they [leave]. Instead of using a splash page, your website should have a standard home page, he says. If you want to communicate a message or trigger an interaction, then use a modal or popup window. Using a standard home page [also] helps with SEO. 2. Having an inconsistent style If your site has a dissonant color palette, does not follow typographical best practices ([regarding] kerning, leading, tracking, etc.) or uses inconsistent typography [multiple fonts and font sizes], it will not project professionalism to your audience, and it will likely turn off prospective customers, says Pamela Webber, CMO, 99designs. To avoid style conflicts and create a consistent look for your web or ecommerce site, be sure to create a brand style guide first and follow it consistently throughout your website design. 3. Confusing navigation Dont make it hard for visitors to navigate your site and find what they are looking for quickly (in just a click or two). Keep navigation simple by using a horizontal menu with short descriptive labels (typically no more than seven items) across the top of each page, with one level of dropdown menus. Also, be sure to include a search box at the top of each page, either in the upper-left or upper-right corner. [ Related: 5 digital retail trends that will be big in 2017 ] 4. Not making your logo clickable/go to the home page According to KoMarketing, 36 percent of visitors will click the company logo to reach the home page, says Laura Casanova, creative director, ONTRAPORT. But if the logo isnt clickable, they may think the site is broken and leave. To easily make your logo clickable, just put your tag between an opening tag and a closing tag, and it becomes active and clickable. 5. Using too many (big) images (or animations or videos) Images [and animations and videos] are weighty, and too many on a web page can significantly slow down your site, says Webber. And an Adobe study found that 39 percent of people will stop engaging with a website if the images take too long to load, says Casanova. At the risk of losing almost half your visitors, use a free online image optimizer, such as Optimizilla, to reduce your images pixel count without compromising quality, ensuring a shorter load time for visitors. You should also consider offering optimized/lightweight versions of pages for those with slow connections, says Webber. 6. Using graphics for text All text on a website should be crawlable by search engine bots, says Dominguez. However, having images as text prevents search engines from crawling your website, which in turn will reflect negatively on your SEO. Images as text will also make your website slower. [So] refrain from using images as text at all cost. [ Related: 6 things retail CIOs need to keep in mind in 2017 ] 7. Using obviously fake or stock images While the use of stock photography may enhance elements of your websites design, using these photos to represent your people [or products can come across as cheesy or inauthentic], says Russell Frazier, digital marketing specialist, Visigility. We all know the smiling lady with the headset does not work for you. Pull out your own camera or hire a local photographer to take real photos of your team [and products]. Your prospective customers will find this far more authentic and will be more likely to trust and buy from you. 8. Not embracing white space By using white space, your content delivers a greater impact to the reader, says Sarah Matista, marketing manager, Vistaprint Digital. Weve all seen sites that are chock full of text and graphics. Theyre distracting, and you end up retaining very little, if any, information. Thats the opposite of your websites purpose. [Instead] use discretion and include more white space. 9. Having automated music or sound Sites should not have automated music or sound, states Ed Brancheau,CEO, Goozleology. Yes, its sometimes okay to have a video be automated to catch the visitors attention, but automated audio is jarring and problematic. In split tests that we ran, automated audio so drastically reduced on-page time that we never even consider it anymore. 10. Overusing interstitials Interstitials are web pages displayed before or after an expected content page, says Adam Gingery, SEO specialist and copywriter, DMi Partners. Not only are interstitials unbelievably annoying, but Google recently announced a penalty for overly intrusive interstitials. Legal disclaimers will still be allowed, of course, but [sites] trying to get your email address before allowing you to read a blog post [or whatever content you were searching for] may start to [see a] drop in [their] rankings, and an increase in their bounce rate. Stuffing a page with too many interstitials [whether] full-screen, pop-ups [or] slide-in in a bid to raise ad revenue is a major design flaw, [which] hampers UX, says Ankitaa Gohain Dalmia, founder & digital marketing strategist, AnksImage. To fix this, interstitials should [only be used if required by your] content strategy, not [by] ad revenue strategy. Better yet, says Gingery, just get rid of the interstitial and earn subscribers some other way. [ Related: 12 easy ways to lose your ecommerce customers ] 11. Not checking for cross-browser compatibility Some designers forget to check their designs across different browsers, and visitors end up looking at odd or simply broken websites on different browsers, says Gohain Dalmia. One way to fix this is by using [a cross-browser compatibility testing tool] before going live. 12. Not making your site mobile friendly In 2015, mobile users surpassed desktop users and Google told us that they are giving higher priority to websites that have some type of mobile experience, says Mark Tuchscherer, president, Geeks Chicago. Yet we still have designers and developers allowing clients to only have a desktop version of their websites. Everyone must have a responsive website in 2017, and trying to pass off your desktop site to mobile users is the biggest no-no. Not only will this make you look bad to visitors but search engines will also not be your biggest fan. 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. The U.N. has sanctioned North Korea for nuclear arms testing. (Photo : Getty Images) An unpublished and confidential report leaked recently that North Korea is trying to evade sanctions on nuclear arms testing. The report indicated that China has been protecting Pyongyang. The report is contrary to what China's seeming intention of following the request from the U.S. of getting North Korea to abide by U.N. policies. Advertisement The U.N. report was completed by an eight-member team that is led by a British expert. The team is composed of other experts from China, Russia and the U.S. "North Korea is flouting sanctions through trade in prohibited goods, with evasion techniques that are increasing in scale, scope, and sophistication," said the report. The support given by China to North Korea is apparently beyond limiting the importation of products. The report indicated that China has imported coal, gold, and iron from North Korea. The confidential report revealed that in the latter part of 2016, China has imported 2 million metric tons of coal from North Korea. The U.N.'s ceiling is 1 million tons. China has been a hub for illicit trade and North Korea's front companies in China are still operating. When China was confronted by diplomats from America and Japan, the government refused to respond. The front companies have been North Korea's access to international markets and get funds for nuclear weapons development. The firms have already established a wide network. With the economic sanctions imposed by China, North Korea is still able to sustain its economic lifeline. According to the report, "North Korea's business "networks are adapting by using greater ingenuity in accessing formal banking channels as well as bulk cash and gold transfers." William Newcomb, a former member of the U.N. sanctions panel on North Korea, said, "You have designated entities that have continued to operate in China. It's not an accident. China's security services are good enough to know who is doing what inside their country." China wants to maintain good relations with the U.N. Security Council but has shown little effort on implementing the U.N.'s interest to stop Pyongyang from trading nuclear weapons. The U.S. is investigating a number of companies who are suspected to be fronts for North Korea. One of these companies is Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Co. The company was sanctioned by Washington and should serve as a warning, according to Daniel Fried, sanctions policy coordinator at the U.S. State Department. ISIS released a video threatening violence and bloodshed in Xinjiang. (Photo : Getty Images) Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants have sent a video threatening China that they will come home and resort to extremist activities that will lead to the death of many. The half-hour video was released by a division based in western Iraq. The material was assessed by the U.S. Site Intelligence Group (SITE). Advertisement The extremists swore that they will "shed blood like rivers." Muslim militants have been blamed for violent attacks in Xinjiang, the base of Uyghur separatists, who have been in an armed struggle for independence from China. The SITE interpreted the video and the message conveyed: "Oh, you Chinese who do not understand what people say! We are the soldiers of the caliphate, and we will come to you to clarify to you with the tongues of our weapons, to shed blood like rivers and avenging the oppressed." Geng Shuang, spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said, "East Turkestan terrorist forces have been posing a severe threat to China's security." The Muslims in the autonomous region of Uyghur have been fighting against discrimination from the Chinese. They have been told by the government to practice "Islam with Muslim characteristics." According to Dr. Michael Clarke from the Australian National University's National Security College, "The Chinese state hasn't helped itself," says Clarke. "There's a whole range of factors that can push elements of the Uighur population towards greater radicalization." He commented on the video, adding, "It is the first time that Uyghur-speaking militants have claimed allegiance to IS." The expert on Xinjiang affairs noted that China is now a "direct target of jihadist rhetoric". He suspects that there must be a rift between the Uyghur fighters. A portion of the video was also threatening punishment to militants who supported the Turkistan Islamic Party in Syria. GOVERNMENT Minister Sajid Javid will visit the Isle of Wight this month, to hear the Island's case for a fairer funding deal. Mr Javid the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) will visit the Island on March 23, where he will speak to Conservative members and supporters. Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner said he invited Mr Javid to the Island some time ago to try to secure extra funding, but those efforts had been hampered by 'mixed messages' from the Island Independents formerly leading the Isle of Wight Council. Mr Turner said: "At the beginning of 2016, Cllr Jonathan Bacon, then Isle of Wight Council leader, told me it was impossible to set a lawful and balanced budget for 2017/18. Based on what he told me I organised a meeting with the responsible minister, raised it during Prime Ministers questions and arranged for the then Secretary of State to visit the Island. "DCLG officials examined the councils finances; it was clear the situation was not as being portrayed. Nobody denies these are difficult times but, as shown by the various budget proposals debated by the council, there were a number of ways the books could be balanced. "On January 13 Cllr Bacon wrote to accept the four-year financial settlement, claiming the council would not 'remain viable without more government funding. Just a few weeks later, on February 22, his Independent group put forward a budget saying they dont need to raise council tax as permitted by Government. "The mixed messages and misrepresentation of the Islands position has frankly, not helped our cause. "I have persuaded the government the Island does have unique challenges and I am working with ministers and the council to ensure the planned new funding formula meets the additional costs we face. "I am always happy to try to persuade the government to give the Island more resources, but that dialogue must be based on transparency and honesty." Hitting back, Independent leader Cllr Julia Baker-Smith said that when the council set its medium term financial strategy last year, it was correct to say there were no guarantees a lawful and balanced budget could be set. "When you look at the Conservatives' budget, it's questionable they will be able to meet their statutory duties. And there's a big difference between what is legally and morally right," she said. "The reality with the council tax increase is that the government has failed to fund social care and instead expects local authorities to doubly tax their residents to pay for it." Cllr Dave Stewart, the current Tory leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said he looked forward to holding constructive discussions with Mr Javid and making the case for additional support. "There will be no mixed messages from me," he said. 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... Descendants of the Suns David Lee McInnis stars with Hawaii Five-0 stars Will Yun Lee, Ian Anthony Dale in Ron Yuans Unspoken: Diary of an Assassin David Lee McInnis and Anastasia Griffith arrive at the 9th Annual BritWeek launch party at the British Consul General's Residence on April 21, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Frazer Harrison) Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo's "Descendants of the Sun" co-star David Lee McInnis is returning to the big screen with "Unspoken: Diary of an Assassin." The upcoming action film is written and being directed by Ron Yuan. The last film McInnis starred in was the 2015 romantic comedy drama film "Seoul Searching." Among his co-stars were "Dr. Ken" star Justin Chon, "American Idol" alum Heejun Han, "The Messengers" alum Jessica Van, "Bitcoins" star Teo Yoo, "Sense8" alum In-Pyo Cha and "Stand Up Man" star Rosalina Lee, among others. Advertisement On the small screen, McInnis played David Argus in "Descendants of the Sun" in 2016. The character was introduced in the third episode of the Korean drama series. Among McInnis's co-stars in "Unspoken: Diary of an Assassin" are Will Yun Lee and Ian Anthony Dale. Both Will and Dale currently star in "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 as Sang Min and Adam Noshimuri, respectively. In 2011, McInnis appeared in "Hawaii Five-0." He played Ken Naoka in two episodes of the TV series. McInnis was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but he grew up in Antigo, Wisconsin, and Honolulu, Hawaii. He is of German, Irish and Korean descent. Also joining McInnis, Will and Dale in "Unspoken: Diary of an Assassin" are Brian Tee and stuntwoman Zoe Bell. The former, who plays Dr. Ethan Choi in "Chicago Med" Season 2, recently revealed that his dream role was Marvel's Namor. Tee told Comic Book that the Marvel character is "kind of a bit of an anti-hero with a bit of an edge." He said he felt like he somewhat falls in that line, especially with other things that he has done, so that was the kind of aspect that he would love to bring into Namor. Meanwhile, Bell signed on with Curious Films as an actor, producer and director in December 2016, New Zealand Herald reported. The production company is owned by "Thor: Ragrarok" director Taika Waititi. Watch an interview with McInnis here: ROC Navy Tuo Jiang corvette. (Photo : ROCN) The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) will increase the number of its patrols of the disputed South China Sea and will conduct more joint drills with the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF). "Looking ahead at the transformation of China's strategy and its investment in new weapons equipment, our military will practice new reforms in our training," said Taiwan's defense minister, Feng Shih-kuan, to the Legislative Yuan, the country's parliament, when he presented the ministry's report about the state of the nation's defense. Advertisement "The navy, during its regular South China Sea patrols, will conduct joint training with the air force in protecting fishermen and supply transports, and in humanitarian rescue drills to expand the combat readiness of our sea and air patrols," according to Feng. Feng's analysis comes ahead of China revealing its new defense budget for 2017 next week. Feng said Taiwan is increasingly concerned over the brazenness of the People's Liberation Army Navy in sending its naval squadrons to sail closer to Taiwan. The People's Liberation Army Air Force has also increased the number of aerial patrols passing close to Taiwan's airspace. Feng noted that these naval and air drills by the mainland, which have more and more participating ships and planes, represents "an increase in threat." Feng also confirmed that a MIM-104 Patriot Advanced Capability surface-to-air missile battery will be deployed to Taiwan's eastern coast. "The deployment of this force is done entirely for the security of our country," said Feng. Taiwan regularly delivers supplies to its military garrison at Itu Aba, its sole possession in the South China Sea. Also called Taiping Island, Itu Aba is the largest of the naturally occurring Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. What makes the 1.4 kilometer-long island special is its freshwater supply, a rarity among islands in the Spratlys. The Taiping Island Airport has an airstrip capable of handling ROCAF C-130 transport planes that normally make one supply run every two months. Governor Bruce Rauner has rolled out a new job portal that would hire temporary workers in case the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) pushes through with a strike. Rauner's administration is preparing for the looming strike among AFSCME, and its first response is to launch a website, called "Working for a Better Illinois." Through this, the government hopes to hire temporary workers in the event that AFSCME decided to go on a strike, Fox Illinois reported. The new job portal, https://statejobs.illinois.gov/, is pretty basic. It asks for information such as the name, contact details and address, three counties they would prefer to work at, their availability for a permanent position and temporary position, and the job category they would like to be considered in. The AFSCME has 38,000 state workers under its wings, 28,000 of which are eligible to join the strike. Last week, 81% of the members of the union authorized a strike against Rauner's government. They are advocating for the governor to negotiate with them a better employment contract, as reported by The State Journal-Register. "We genuinely hope AFSCME leadership will choose not to strike against taxpayers," said Rauner's General Counsel Dennis Murashko in a statement. "However, we must be prepared to continue government operations and provide services that citizens deserve and expect." AFSCME union officials likewise wanted to avoid a strike and hope to begin negotiating with Rauner again over employment contract terms. However, Rauner last week reiterated his unwillingness to do so. The AFSCME's bargaining committee is yet to make a final decision regarding a possible strike. Meanwhile, KFVS 12 reported that the state has signed labor agreements with 20 unions. The terms include overtime pay for time worked beyond 40 hours of work, pay based on performance instead of seniority, and allowing volunteerism, among other things. Losing a great employee is always a sad experience for managers and business owners. Somehow, theres always this expectation that if an employee seems to be happy at his job, is smart, engaged, and appears to truly love his work, hes destined to stay with the company forever. But in reality, its possible to lose good employees even if they like their job. A bad work culture can be one of the reasons why great employees quit. Bosses can also make mistakes which results to good workers leaving the organization. The good thing is that these things can be fixed, so the next time you hire a great employee, he or she will definitely think of having a long and flourishing career with your company. Here are the reasons why great employees quit. Theyre overworked Some bosses reward their best employees with more work without compensating them fairly. While you may think that its good for your organization or business to let your best-performing employees multitask, its not fair to them, especially if theyre not getting paid for doing extra work. Theres no equality in the workplace According to CNBC, no one wants to stay in a workplace that does not treat them fairly. If youre paying women less than men, or if youre overworking but underpaying minorities, people tend to notice these things. The media outlet points out that younger workers, in particular, are not willing to stay at a company that is racist, sexist, ageist, or otherwise discriminatory in any way. Their good works and achievements arent recognized Employees who do well at work need to be rewarded for a job well done. When you dont show your appreciation of their hard work, the best employees can become demotivated and feel like theres no point in doing their best at work. A reward doesnt always have to be monetarya written letter or a company memo to acknowledge the employee can do wonders to boost ones morale. If its a team that has done some truly great work, you can have a pizza party in the office to celebrate their success. There is no opportunity for a career advancement Just because a person is the best waiter in the restaurant doesnt mean that he wants to stay at that job forever. Talk to your employees about their goals and see how you can help them move up in their career. For more, check out Jobs & Hires tips to make your presentation fun and interactive. Talking about race and diversity at work has become a common practice among many organizations as they aim to foster an environment where their employees can be their true selves. But one company in Chicago is doing more than just talking as it has created an installation that lets employees experience the frustrations that black people face in the workplace. According to CNBC, advertising agency Havas Chicago created a Black at Work obstacle course based on real life experiences that its employees have faced throughout their professional careers. The course was created to honor Black History Month. Adweek reports that the obstacle course was designed to teach the rest of the agency about what a black man or woman might experience in the workplace while starting a conversation about the lack of diversity in advertising. The first obstacle is the beam of perception, which is a balance beam that participants have to cross. The word lazy is painted on the floor on one side of the beam, while the other side bears the word angry. The sign on the first obstacle warns people not to trip, as one wrong step can change the way your co-workers see you. Art director Jason LaFlore said that the beam is meant to showcase the fine line between falling into one or the other stereotype. If youre too nonchalant about your job, youre automatically seen as lazy, LaFlore explained. If youre too passionate about your job, you might be seen as the angry black man or the angry black woman. The second obstacle shows why certain questions or comments can be offensive. The phrases such as Thats so ghetto, Can you teach me how to Dougie? and You dont sound black are among those on display in the course. LaFlore said that at company parties, people expect that the black guys are going to dance. I dont always know all the dance moves and all the trends that are happening just because Im a minority in the office, he added. Havas chief executive officer Jason Peterson said that while they are far from perfect, they want to acknowledge the issue of race in the workplace and that it is something that they take very seriously. In my point of view, America is multicultural, said Peterson. So if youre an agency that doesnt have or isnt made up of a multicultural point of view, theres no way you can do your job properly. For more, check out Jobs & Hires report on simple tips to boost your confidence at work. Comcast Corp. has set its eye on fully controlling Universal Studios Japan. The plan to fully own Universal Studios Japan is expected to help Comcast build its theme parks business in Asia. Gaining full control of a company could mean there would be less opposition when it comes business decisions. Comcast is acquiring the 49 percent of Universal Studios Japan from other investors, making it the sole owner of the company. The U.S. cable operator plans to shell out as much as 254.8 billion yen, or $2.27 billion, just to acquire the remaining Universal Studios Japan shares that it does not currently own, according to a report by Reuters. The Universal Studios Japan shareholders that are expected to sell their shares to Comcast include Goldman Sachs and private equity firm MBK. Other Universal Studios Japan Chief Executive Officer Glenn Gumpel and U.S. hedge fund Owl Creek Asset Management will also give up their shares of Universal Studios Japan to Comcast, Bloomberg News reported. The announcement of the plan comes just two years after Comcast acquired a 51% stake in Universal Studios Japan. The U.S. cable operator's move could be interpreted as a confidence to the market environment concerning theme parks business in Asia. Comcast is reportedly planning to further expand its theme parks business, with plans to build a theme park destination in China's Beijing. There are also plans to open a theme park in Singapore. Universal Studios Japan has become a popular tourist destination in Asia, attracting millions of people each year. The theme park company plans to open a Minion-themed park in 2017, just three years after it opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Meanwhile, Comcast competitor Verizon secured a lower price for Yahoo! Internet assets, Jobs & Hire previously reported. Sitting and working. (Photo : Getty Images) A new study has again confirmed what's become a painful truth in today's computer-ridden workplace: desk jobs are bad for your heart and your waist A new study shows further evidence for the view that spending too much time sitting down is bad for our health and our waistline, according to the Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. Advertisement Research led by Dr. William Tigbe found workers with desk-bound jobs have bigger waists and increased risk of heart disease. It supports advice to sit less and be more active. One should spend as much as seven hours a day on one's feet or walk seven miles to avoid heart disease. Dr. Tigbe kitted out 111 healthy postal workers in Glasgow with activity monitors for seven days: 55 were office workers and 56 delivered letters for a living. The study revealed differences between the two groups. Those with desk jobs had a bigger waist circumference -- 97 cm compared to 94 cm -- and a one BMI unit difference. They also had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease -- 2.2% compared to 1.6% over 10 years. The new study suggests that waist circumference increases by two centimeters, and risk of cardiovascular diseases by 0.2%, for every additional hour of sitting beyond five hours. Furthermore, bad cholesterol (LDL) increases and good cholesterol (HDL) decreases with each additional hour of sitting from five hours a day. "Longer time spent in sedentary posture is significantly associated with larger waist circumference, higher triglycerides (fat in the blood) and lower HDL cholesterol, all adding up to worse risk of heart disease. The levels associated with zero risk factors were walking more than 15,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to walking seven to eight miles, or spending seven hours per day upright," said Dr. Tigbe. "Our findings could be used as the basis of new public health targets for sitting, lying, standing and stepping to avoid metabolic risks. "However the levels suggested in our research would be very challenging to achieve unless incorporated into people's occupations." Fellow researcher Professor Mike Lean of the University of Glasgow's School of Medicine said in this research "we have learned important information, relevant to health in modern working lives, by studying the activity patterns of postal workers, one of the last physically active occupations left in the UK." "Our evolution, to become the human species, did not equip us well to spending all day sitting down. We probably adapted to be healthiest spending seven to eight hours every day on our feet, as hunters or gatherers. " "Our new research supports that idea. The 'bottom' line is that if you want to be sure of having no risks of heart disease, you must keep off your bottom!" Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. Sameh Shoukry in talks with Kay Granger discussed Egypt's reform efforts and ways to bolster ties with the US Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Tuesday the continuation of US aid is crucial for Egypt in its fight against terrorism along with the country's efforts to maintain stability and peace in the region. Shoukry made his remarks during a meeting with leading congresswoman and chair of the powerful Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Kay Granger, during his current visit to Washington in preparation for an anticipated trip in March by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Shoukry and Granger discussed the US military and economic aid programme and Egyptian-US ties, a statement by the foreign ministry said. Talks also addressed Egypt's social and economic reform programme and the country's view of the challenges in the region. The foreign minister affirmed "the importance of the continuation of the US aid to Egypt so the country can face mounting challenges of combating terrorism [and other challenges] associated with bolstering stability and peace in the Middle East," the statement said. The ministry quoted the congresswoman as saying that Congress would work towards bolstering cooperation between the two allies, mainly in counter-terrorism efforts. Egypt has been receiving $1.3 billion in US military aid yearly since signing the peace treaty with Israel in 1979, with the 2016 package including $150 million in economic assistance. The aid was suspended following the 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi for almost two years on US concerns over the country's progress towards democracy. The freeze was ended in mid-2015 with new conditions on the aid imposed. Observers say President El-Sisi and the adminstration of new US President Donald Trump appear to be more aligned than to the administration of former President Barack Obama. Officials of both countries have said they expect greater cooperation in the near future. Also on Tuesday, Shoukry held talks with Congressman David Trott in which the duo discussed Egypt's economic reform efforts and transition to democracy. Search Keywords: Short link: A significant decline in losses related to the Affordable Care Act contributed to Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C. posting $185 million in net income for fiscal 2016. By comparison, the insurer had $500,000 in net income in fiscal 2015 and a $50.6 million loss in fiscal 2014 its first annual loss since 2000. Blue Cross reported a $38 million loss on ACA-related patient care when including federal reimbursements, compared with a $283 million loss in 2015 and $123 million loss in 2014. Most ACA-related losses are related to enrollees being older and sicker. They tend to require additional and higher-cost services, such as orthopedics, cardiology and cancer services, emergency room care and specialty drugs. The insurer said it benefited from strong investment performance and gains in other lines of business that it did not disclose. Most not-for-profit and nonprofit health-care systems depend on investment income to increase their bottom lines sometimes making the difference between a positive and negative quarterly and annual performance and to help pay for capital investments. Blue Cross is the states largest health insurer, with more than 4,000 employees, including 600 in the Madison Park office complex in northwest Winston-Salem. The insurer reported that Brad Wilson, 64, who is retiring as chief executive later this year, received a bonus of $1.93 million in 2016 that nearly doubled his salary of $1.06 million. His total compensation was $3.49 million, which included $495,909 in undisclosed all other compensation. Revenue was down 4.9 percent to $7.8 billion. It had a 150,000 decline in membership to 3.74 million. Rate increases, while necessary to cover the high cost and use of medical care for this population, may have deterred some customers from enrolling or keeping their plans, the insurer said. Blue Cross said it ended 2016 with 250,982 customers linked to the ACA, about 6.7 percent of its overall membership. It expected to gain at least 200,000 more ACA enrollees after competitors exited the state marketplace. While we saw fewer losses with ACA plans, these customers continued to need expensive medical services, said Mitch Perry, the insurers chief financial officer. Its still uncertain how changes in Washington will affect our customers in 2018. Despite these challenges, the company remains well-capitalized and financially strong. Each of Blue Cross 10 listed executives received a bonus of at least $311,750. Gerald Petkau, its chief operating officer, received a bonus of $1.03 million and salary of $563,897, up 6.7 percent. The bonuses were provided even though the company paid in September a $3.6 million fine to settle an investigation by the N.C. Insurance Department into consumer complaints about double billing and dropped coverage. As of July 31, the department had received 3,343 complaints about Blue Cross, including 290 from medical providers citing lack of payment. Blue Cross said it agreed to pay the fine as part of acknowledging technical problems. The fine was paid from the insurers surplus fund. The agreement requires that the fine not affect any customer premiums. The fine was not only the largest the department has ever levied against an insurer, but almost doubled the previous top amount, according to the department. Perry said during a media conference call that executive bonuses are based on performance over multiple years and a number of different metrics. I think its difficult to look at just one event or one issue or one time period and assess what the compensation should have been, Perry said. I would note that, in general, except for the individuals who received promotions during the year, compensation (for top executives) was down about 10 percent on average. Wilsons bonus was down 14.9 percent, while Petkaus bonus fell 12.2 percent. The insurer said claims and medical expenses declined 10.7 percent to $5.8 billion, primarily caused by its lower membership. Drugs now make up about 22 percent of all health care costs, Perry said. This has roughly doubled over the past 15 years. Blue Cross said it incurred $478.1 million in local, state and federal taxes and fees in 2016. Thats compared with $372 million in 2015, $266.7 million in 2014, $118.3 million in 2013, $92.1 million in 2012 and $160.2 million in 2011. Legal Advice Reminder SAM frequently gets questions from readers wanting to find out where they can get legal advice. And theres a good, free opportunity coming up. Friday is the North Carolina Bar Associations 10th annual 4ALL Statewide Service Day, when lawyers provide free legal advice from call centers around the state. Often a lawyer is able to offer a common-sense solution that solves a problem without further legal action and legal expenses, said local attorney Mike Wells, former president of the North Carolina Bar Association, or at the very least direct the caller to the right community service provider that can solve the problem. The call centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteer lawyers will talk with people about legal matters during those hours, including providing legal information and referral resources. Last year, more than 530 lawyers participated, helping more than 10,000 citizens. Volunteers will provide legal information and, where necessary, refer callers to resources for more assistance. In the Triad, the number to call will be (855) 899-9037. Do not call it before 7 a.m. Friday; the hotline will be closed until that day. You can get more information about the event at www.4ALLnc.org, which will also provide additional phone numbers. Tax Help While were on the subject of free help, the Tax Aide Program of the AARP Foundation is once again providing free personal income tax return preparation. Trained and certified volunteers will be available to assist in preparing and e-filing 2016 federal and state personal income returns. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or income. People will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointments taken. Filings that require complicated preparation may be beyond our scope of work, but seldom are people turned away, according to a statement from the program. The programs are being held from Feb. 2 to April 18 at the following libraries: Reynolda Branch Library, 2839 Fairlawn Drive, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Southside Branch Library, 3185 Buchanan St., on Thursdays and Fridays, also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People wanting assistance should arrive by 12:15. The program asks that you not call the library with questions, since they are not part of this volunteer program. Documents needed for preparation assistance include: a picture ID for yourself and your spouse, if filing jointly. Social Security ID for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. Spouses must be present to sign the return. 2015 tax returns, if available. Wage and income statements for 2016, including W-2s, 1099s, Social Security Statements and any other documents that reflect earnings. 1095A forms documenting health coverage if you purchased Marketplace (Affordable Care Act) insurance. They cannot prepare a return without it. Evidence of deductible expenses. A voided check, if a refund is to be a direct deposit. If applicable, name, address and tax ID of childcare providers for the Child Care Tax Credit, and income and expense details for Schedule C business income. You must always leave the wall The Fantasticks While the debate continues about when, how quickly and who will pay for a wall across Americas Southern border, at least one country known for its liberal politics is offering a lesson. The City of Light, Paris, France, has decided to spend 20 million euros ($22 million USD) to build a wall around the Eiffel Tower. Why? To limit the risk of terrorism. Bloomberg.com reports that a city official, Jean-Francois Martins, said the idea is to have a permanent and aesthetic barrier around the citys most famous landmark. Sadly, he said, the risk of terrorism hasnt gone away. When President Trump offers a similar rationale for building a wall between the United States and Mexico, he is denounced by the left as a racist. Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, has made a useful contribution to the debate about walls. In an essay available on AEI.org, Rubin notes that unlike the Berlin Wall and other barriers to freedom that have been erected by totalitarian states, most walls and other deterrents, such as fences and mine fields, have been installed to keep enemies and other undesirables out and contribute to national security. Israels wall, along the West Bank, which is more a security fence, was built in the aftermath of a terror campaign against the Jewish state. Since then the number of terrorist attacks have dropped by 90 percent. About the barrier between Algeria and Morocco, Rubin writes: Morocco fought a bloody insurgency and terrorist campaign sponsored by Algerias and Cubas Cold War proxy, the Polisario Front. The Polisario became ineffective, however, after Morocco built its famous fences, mine fields and ditches. The United Nations, of all entities, built a wall dividing Cyprus between its northern Turkish portion and the remaining Greek section after Turkey invaded and occupied parts of the island nation in 1974. Rubin adds that to cite international law as opposed to walls is, therefore, nonsense since the United Nations created the precedent. India and Pakistan have been hostile neighbors for decades, fighting wars in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999. About this, Rubin writes: Because Pakistani terror groups regularly try to infiltrate and wreak havoc in India, India constructed a border fence and wall system to keep Pakistanis out. Following skirmishes throughout the 1990s between Turkey and Syria, the Turkish government reinforced the border with fences, mine fields, and no mans land, and it worked, writes Rubin. The next fifteen years was largely quiet. It was only when Turkeys leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan removed many of the defenses and turned a blind eye to border security that the terrorism problem in Syria and its subsequent blowback inside Turkey itself grew so great. Rubin writes of other walls, including one between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and those built by Greece, Hungary and Spain. True, some walls throughout history have been less effective, but these latest ones are working. They are modern examples employing modern technology, and better models than ancient ones from which we can learn and emulate. WASHINGTON The Trump administration so far has been smoke and mirrors, sound and fury, self-proclaimed victimhood and angry tweets. Where is the substance? Where is the competence? And where increasingly is the public support? Donald Trumps approval rating of 41 percent is the lowest Gallup has ever measured for a president this early in his term. It should be no surprise that Trump isnt having a hearts-and-flowers honeymoon, given that his inauguration was followed a day later by the biggest mass protest in the nations history. But it usually takes more than a few weeks for the relationship between POTUS and populace to become so curdled. It is true that most of those who voted for Trump are sticking with him. But they, you will recall, were in the minority try as he might, Trump will never erase the fact that he lost the popular vote. And Trump has done essentially nothing to bring skeptics over to his side. Instead, he has worried his political allies and galvanized his opponents. To me, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sound a bit uncertain and defensive these days. By contrast, the House and Senate minority leaders, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, seem full of energy and purpose. Its awfully hard to tell from body language who won the election. Why wouldnt the Republican leadership be nervous, given the performance of the Trump White House so far? The administrations boldest and most sweeping action the executive order barring U.S. entry to refugees worldwide and foreign-national travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries was so amateurishly written and implemented that it was promptly blocked in federal court. Trump, who claims the measure is needed to prevent terrorist attacks, rashly tweeted that judges will be to blame if something happens. It was a typical reaction: lashing out at others to cover for his own failings. Trump said that another order, greatly expanding the number of undocumented immigrants prioritized for deportation, meant the start of a military operation to expel really bad dudes. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly quickly clarified that there would be no mass deportations and no use of military force. White House press secretary Sean Spicer later explained that Trump was using military as an adjective, apparently intending it to mean non-military. The question is inevitable: How much does the president even know about his administrations policies? Not much, it appears. Defense Secretary James Mattis told reporters in Baghdad that the United States was not in Iraq to seize anybodys oil after Trump said in a speech at the CIA that U.S. troops should have done just that. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that we absolutely support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after Trump opined that either one state or two states would do. And Vice President Pence reassured European leaders that the United States remains fully devoted to the NATO alliance even as Trump continues to pine for warmer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who seeks to destabilize and ultimately destroy NATO. Speaking of Russia, questions continue to mount about contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians working for or connected to the Putin regime. The issue is potentially explosive because, according to U.S. intelligence officials, the Russian government actively meddled in the November election in an attempt to boost Trumps chances of winning. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., a staunch conservative not known as a voice for bipartisan compromise, called Friday for a special prosecutor to investigate the Russia allegations; Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Issa said, should recuse himself because he was part of the inner circle of the Trump campaign. Republican leaders in Congress are resisting calls for full-blown public congressional probes, but the drip-drip-drip of revelations may wear them down. Meanwhile, the fate of the Affordable Care Act is emerging as potentially a massive political crisis. At packed town halls across the country, Republicans have been hearing from constituents who will lose health insurance if the ACA is repealed but not immediately replaced, which had been the GOPs plan. The party has come to realize that when it comes to health care, no deed (good or bad) goes unpunished. You might think the president would be fully engaged in some of these issues, but youd be wrong. Instead, he has been waging a ridiculous war against the media. His cries of fake news may play well with the base, but hes not running for president at the moment. Hes supposed to be doing the job. Egypt condemned as "terrorist" simultaneous attacks Wednesday on two police, military and intelligence targets in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. At least 16 people were killed and dozens wounded in the attacks, which were claimed by Afghan Taliban militants. The foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that Egypt is "standing by the Afghani government and people in the fight against terrorism," urging intensified efforts by the international community to combat terrorism. The Taliban in Afghanistan are working to force out foreign troops, defeat the US-backed government and reimpose Islamic law after their 2001 ouster. Government forces have struggled to control the insurgency since a NATO-led force ended its combat mission there in 2014. According to US estimates, Afghan government forces now control less than 60 percent of the country although they hold all main provincial centres. Search Keywords: Short link: Cairo said it abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council draft resolution that would have imposed sanctions on the Syrian government over the alleged use of chemical weapons in attacks during the country's six-year conflict, to wait for the outcome of investigations. The country's foreign ministry said late on Wednesday that the resolution "jumped to conclusions" and that certain mechanisms governing the council's work should be abided by, so as "not to politicise the issue or level accusations without hard evidence." Russia and China vetoed the resolution Tuesday, which was drafted by Britain, France and the United States. The measure won nine votes in favour, while three countries - China, Russia and Bolivia - opposed it. Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and Egypt abstained. The ministry said that Egypt abstained to "wait for the outcomes of the probe" by the Security Council's Joint Investigative Mechanism, whose inquiry was extended for one year in November. "It was normal for Egypt to abstain from votinggiven its previous vote to extend the term of the international investigative mechanism for one year as the probe was not yet completed." The ministry added that the draft resolution "jumped to conclusions that accuse Syrian regime figures and entities of involvement in using chemical weapons without providing evidence." It underlined, however, that Egypt was among the first countries to call for de-arming the Middle East of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction, saying the country "maintains the same stance" on this issue. The international inquiry has already determined that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants were behind at least one using mustard gas. Chlorine's use as a weapon is banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. The six-year civil war has killed more than 300,000 people and displaced more than 11 million. Search Keywords: Short link: Reddit Email 37 Shares By Deirdre Fulton, staff writer | Commondreams.org | New government agency blasted as a blatant attempt to humiliate and scare immigrants Groans and boos greeted President Donald Trumps announcement of an Orwellian new government agencyVOICE (Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement)during his address to Congress Tuesday night. I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims, Trump said, eliciting gasps. The office is called VOICEVictims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests. Watch below: Trumps VOICE office announcement was met by audible groans The dismay wasnt limited to those in the chamber; outrageand fearrang out online, as well. Advancement Project (@adv_project) March 1, 2017 ThinkProgress reported last week that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly signed off on the creation of the new office in a memo entitled Enforcement of the Immigration Laws to Serve the National Interest. I am establishing the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office within the Office of the Director of ICE, which will create a programmatic liaison between ICE and the known victims of crimes committed by removable aliens, Kelly wrote. To that end, I direct the Director of ICE to immediately reallocate any and all resources that are currently used to advocate on behalf of illegal aliens to the new VOICE Office, and to immediately terminate the provision of such outreach or advocacy services to illegal aliens. An executive order from Trump, signed in late January, also instructed DHS to make public a comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens. Writing at The Atlantic on Wednesday, Peter Beinart noted that statistics on immigrant crime dont support Trumps actions. As far as researchers can tell, unauthorized immigrants commit crimes [pdf] at a lower rate than the American population at large, he reported. As such, Beinart wrote, if Trumps goal is increasing public safety, publishing a list of crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants is irrational. Its like publishing a list of crimes committed by people with red-hair. If, however, Trumps goal is stigmatizing a vulnerable class of people, he continued, then publicizing their crimesand their crimes alonemakes sense. Its been a tactic bigots have used more than a century. Further underscoring the administrations xenophobic campaign (despite claims that he struck a softer tone during the Joint Address), Trump invited families of people killed by undocumented immigrants as his personal guests to Tuesday nights speech. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said that by doing so, Trump was stirring up fear and hatred against immigrants and trying to divide our nation. Trump, any murder is a tragedy, Sanders wrote in a Facebook post ahead of the speech. Dont use these tragedies to stir up divisions by race and nationality. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License Via Commondreams.org Related video added by Juan Cole: The Majority Report with Sam Seder: Trump Announces VOICE, a Nazi-Inspired Way to Persecute Immigrants Reddit Email 166 Shares TeleSur | The so-called Islamic State group [ISIL] has razed ancient monuments during both of its spells in control of Palmyra, a destruction the United Nations has condemned as a war crime. Syrian government forces and their allies fought their way into Palmyra Wednesday, driving back ISIL who have held the historic city since December, the Syrian Army said. The armys entry to the city will begin very soon, A Syrian military source told Reuters earlier Wednesday. The army said it had captured an area known as the Palmyra triangle a few miles west of the city after rapid advances in recent days backed by Russian air strikes. A media outlet affiliated with Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite group fighting alongside the Syrian government, reported that the Syrian army and its allies had recaptured the Palmyra citadel, on the citys western outskirts, and seized a modern palatial complex to the southwest. ISIL has captured Palmyra, whose ancient ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, twice during Syrias six-year conflict. But the army recaptured the city from the ultra-hardline group in March 2016, while ISIL seized it again in December. The group has razed ancient monuments during both of its spells in control of Palmyra, a destruction the United Nations has condemned as a war crime. Photos published on an ISIL Telegram account Wednesday showed the groups fighters firing at the Syrian army with rockets and a tank, Reuters said. ISIL first captured Palmyra from the government in 2015. During its first period in control of the site, the extremists destroyed monuments including a 1,800-year-old monumental arch. Most recently, the group has razed the landmark Tetrapylon, a platform with four columns at each corner, and the facade of Palmyras Roman Theatre. Palmyra, known in Arabic as Tadmur, stood at the crossroads of the ancient world. The government and its allies lost Palmyra as they focused on defeating Syrian anti-government groups in eastern Aleppo. The groups were driven from eastern Aleppo in December, the governments biggest victory. Via TeleSur - Related video added by Juan Cole: RT: Syrian Army retakes Palmyra citadel, advances against ISIS Reddit Email 211 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka again declined to say on Wednesday in an NPR interview whether President Trump believes Islam is a religion. He also doubled down on calling Muslim radicalism radical Islamic extremism. In the end he clarified that the US is not at war with Islam, saying that Islam is itself divided into pro- and anti-American factions and that he wants the pro-American version to win. I have explained many times that the word Islamic is like Judaic. It refers to the ideals and the beautiful things about the Muslim religion. You can have Islamic art and Islamic ethics. You cant have Islamic terrorism because Islam forbids terrorism. Likewise, university Centers for Judaic Studies focuses on Judaic religious thought and Judaic history, but wouldnt typically teach about Jewish gangsters like Bugsy Siegel. For the United States government to call al-Qaeda and ISIL Islamic extremism is to aid and abet them in their quest to be accepted by other Muslims as legitimate. They are terrorists, not Islamic. And just has you can have Jewish gangsters but not Judaic ones, you can have terrorists who happen to be Muslim but you cant have Islamic ones. Also of course, a phrase such as radical Islamic extremists is ludicrous and no right-thinking person should be guilty of its fallacies. It is redundant, since it implies that there are Islamic extremists who are not radical or that there are Islamic radicals who are not extremists. So it is just an asinine piece of propagandistic over-reach by the American (and apparently Hungarian) right wing, which undermines the fight against extremism and radicalism by raising the white flag of surrender on whether it is genuinely Islamic and whether Muslims should view it as legitimate. Moreover, extremism is not always pejorative. An American conservative once said that extremism in the service of liberty is no vice. Some Muslims would agree. So you arent even succeeding, by using this phrase, in stigmatizing Muslims who commit terrorism, which was apparently the whole point. The United States indirectly created al-Qaeda to fight the Soviet Union, so the idea that there is a civil war in Islam over anti-Americanism is ahistorical. The US rampaged around the Middle East undermining Arab secularism all through the Cold War. Political Islam was bolstered to some important extent by Washington, just as Hamas was initially supported by Israel to offset the secular PLO. Eisenhower and Dulles tried to build up the Saudi, Wahhabi king as leader of the Middle East. I was handed a biblical scorecard in the 1980s by which I was supposed to judge my congressman, put out by the American religious Right. It asked if he supported the jihadis in Afghanistan (among whom were al-Qaeda). That is, thirty years ago people like Gorka were insisting that we have to support the people he now sees as so threatening. Or else were were betraying Judeo-Christian values and surrendering to godless Communism. While Muslim radicals are a problem, youre much more likely to be struck by lightning than to encounter one, and I wouldnt spend trillions of dollars on all this. White supremacists in the US are a much bigger issue. So, on to the first point, or non-point, is Islam a religion? I would argue that not only is Islam a religion, but for all practical purposes it invented the idea of multiple co-existing religions. St. Augustine complains in The City of God that there wasnt a really good word for religion in his day. Religio meant the ties that bind and could refer to family or state as well as a religious community. Threskaia, the Greek for worship, just addressed one aspect of religion. Eusebeia or awe and reverence for the divine was used in Greek, but again was limited to describing an attitude. Most early Christians, and many thinkers into our own day, rejected the idea that Christianity is a religion among the religions. Many saw four categories the True Christian doctrine, paganism, heresy and the incomplete and stunted Judaism. They thought everyone but Christians were going straight to hell. Seeing Islam as a heresy and not a religion is an old theological move of Christian supremacists. As Cantwell Smith argued, Islam in contrast took over the Persian idea of daena or den or din, which evolved to mean religion. Zoroastrianism was called in Sasanian times weh din, the good religion. The Quran thus calls late Greco-Roman-Arab paganism a religion (din). It calls Judaism a religion/din. Likewise Christianity and Zoroastrianism. And it calls the community of the Prophet Muhammad (d. 632) a religion (din). Not until the eighteenth century Enlightenment did the West achieve a similar understanding of religion as a global category and of each religion as in the same category as all the others. The Quran says that members of all the monotheistic religions, who do good works and have faith, are saved, something almost no Christian would have said until the nineteenth century, and even then it has remained a minority view. 16th Cent. Mughal Emperor Akbar welcomes Jesuits to his court In the US system, the Supreme Court decides what a religion is (though ironically the Internal Revenue Service can play an important role, since religions are tax-exempt and so the IRS has to decide if a group claiming that exemption really is a religion.) But of course the Constitution is where we have to begin. The First Amendment says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The word establishment is a technical term in 18th century practice, meaning to make something official state policy. The amendment is saying that the US government cant have a favored, state religion. The Supreme Court later interpreted the 14th amendment to hold that individual states also cant have state religions, since that would be discriminatory. (Madison originally had tried to restrict the states from having official religions but the senate voted him down at that time). The obvious other side of this coin is that the government cannot actively discriminate against a particular religion, either. The Founding generation set up the US government to be neutral with regard to the religions. The idea of religious liberty enshrined in the First Amendment was based on an act passed in 1786 by the Virginia state legislature that had been authored by Thomas Jefferson, and which said in part: Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. Gee, seems to me like Jefferson wouldnt have wanted a Muslim ban. In fact, one of the arguments raised against this act in the Virginia legislature was precisely that it would allow the free practice of Islam in the Commonwealth. Jeffersons opponents tried to limit religious freedom to Christianity. Jefferson battled back and won. James E. Hutson explains: Campaigning for religious freedom in Virginia, Jefferson followed Locke, his idol, in demanding recognition of the religious rights of the Mahamdan, the Jew and the pagan. Supporting Jefferson was his old ally, Richard Henry Lee, who had made a motion in Congress on June 7, 1776, that the American colonies declare independence. True freedom, Lee asserted, embraces the Mahomitan and the Gentoo (Hindu) as well as the Christian religion. In his autobiography, Jefferson recounted with satisfaction that in the struggle to pass his landmark Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom (1786), the Virginia legislature rejected by a great majority an effort to limit the bills scope in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mahometan. Jefferson was ambassador in Paris in 1787 when the Constitution was being drafted, but he corresponded with Madison and strongly urged him to draft a bill of rights that would address religious liberty. Madison was influenced by the 1786 Virginia statute. That is, the legislative history of the First Amendment demonstrates conclusively that it is rooted in Enlightenment conceptions of religion that saw Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism as all constituting religions, belief in which is a matter of conscience over which civil magistrates should have no control. So I would say that the Constitution implicitly recognizes Islam as a religion, even for an originalist who reads it through eighteenth-century eyes. Of course, through the twentieth century the Supreme Court has further refined what it considers to be a religion. The Newseum Institute explains: In the 1960s, the Court expanded its view of religion. In its 1961 decision Torcaso v. Watkins, the Court stated that the establishment clause prevents government from aiding those religions based on a belief in the existence of God as against those religions founded on different beliefs. In a footnote, the Court clarified that this principle extended to religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, Secular Humanism and others. Most recently, the late Antonin Scalia authored an 8 to 1 decision that Abercrombie & Fitch could not discriminate against a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf even if she did not explicitly ask for a religious accommodation. Scalia and his colleagues had no doubt whatsoever that Islam is a religion. That is, there simply isnt any question a) that the American legal tradition sees Islam as a religion and that b) its free practice on American soil, without fear of discrimination, is guaranteed by our most precious constitutional instruments, as demonstrated by their legislative history. So the next reporter should please ask the recently naturalized Mr. Gorka to explain why he has not stood up to Mr. Trump on this issue, and why he characterizes the controversy as theological when in fact it is a matter of our civil constitutional law. HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Uh-oh. Stuff you never thought about. You think this murder stuff is easy? Huh. As author Nupur Tustin says on Franz Joseph Haydn: You may know him as a composer. You may even know him as KapellmeisterDirector of Musicto the powerful Esterhazy Princes. Now, Id like to introduce you to Haydn, the Kapell-Detective. But in writing about Haydn the detective, Nupur ran into a bit of a dilemma. The question: Can forensic science play a role in historical mysteries? And the answer? Well, its fascinating. And who better to interview her about itthan the author herself? NUPUR TUSTIN: Why would a writer of historical mysteries bother researching forensic techniques? A Minor Deception, when a dead body showed up, and I realized that I had absolutely no idea how to describe it. I was writing the first draft of, when a dead body showed up, and I realized that I had absolutely no idea how to describe it. Obviously some sort of description was necessary. There was a corpse in the wine-tavern. Even if Haydn looked away, revolted, after his first glance, I'd have to provide some explanation as to the cause of his revulsion. Moreover, the barber-surgeon, also present at the scene, was unlikely to be quite so squeamish. But things were so different back in the eighteenth century? Then again, some things don't change. Whether your mystery is set in eighteenth-century Austria or twenty-first century Los Angeles, when a body appears on the scene, you need to give your reader some idea of what your sleuth sees. Manners and customs may have changed, but the changes that take place in the body after death have not. Some changes like rigor mortisthe stiffening of the limbs after deathwould have been commonplace in a time when death itself was an everyday occurrence. Other changessuch as the bloating that occurs as toxins are released in the process of decompositionmay have seemed more unnatural. Certainly in eighteenth-century Austria these changes led to a vampire scare so widespread, the Empress Maria Theresa had to command her personal physician to look into the matter. Whether your victim is an eighteenth-century traveler or a twenty-first century lawye r, the appearance of a stabbing or bludgeoning or death by drowning remain the same. Yes, but how much would an eighteenth-century individual know about the signs that point to violent death? Your eighteenth-century sleuth may not necessarily realize the bloodshot appearance of a victim's eyes points to death by strangulation, but that's not to say he or she won't notice it. An experienced executioner might even be able to tell your sleuth about this particular phenomenon. You can't hang criminals, lop off their heads, or carry out other similar executions without learning a thing or two about what happens during and after the event. All right, forensic pathology may be useful, but what made you delve deeper? Although forensic pathology gave me nightmares, my introduction to it brought me into contact with other fascinating technologies available to the modern investigator. When a fellow crime writer shared the news of a free online course taught by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, I was eager to take it, although I didn't think I'd learn much from it of value to the Haydn Mysteries. I couldn't have been more wrong Seriously? Absolutely. As I worked with fellow students on solving a true crime, I realized there was more to investigating a crime than pulling out all the stops with the fancy techniques available to us. Based on what the investigator sees at the crime scene, the initial interviews, and oftentimes the subsequent behavior of the survivors, a hypothesis is formulated. It is this hypothesis that directs further investigation. In fact as I worked on the case, I realized my questions, and the ones the instructors were prompting me to ask, had nothing to do with the examination of trace evidence and everything to do with (a) the appearance of the crime scene, and the mismatch between it and the story the victim's husband gave the initial responders; (b) my knowledge of human behavior; and (c) my nascent knowledge of criminal behavior. Can you illustrate those three types of questions? Sure. Here's an example of the first type. The gunman had apparently opened the passenger-side door, and in a struggle with the victim, shot her in her right temple. The incident took place in the U.K., meaning that the entry wound would have to be in the left temple for that story to be accurate. Her right temple faced her husband. The position of the body suggested she'd been looking straight ahead when she'd been shot. As for the second and third, having shot one individual, how plausible is it that the killer would have left the other alive to potentially identify him? The woman had received a fatal wound to her temple; but her husband had sustained only a minor injury to his left arm. Fascinating! But how did all this help with the Haydn Mysteries? The questions I asked as I worked on this case are the same type of questions I have Haydn ask when he's presented with a crime. What's the most likely hypothesis based on the initial evidence? If new evidence challenges his initial assumptions, what explanation might take into account both the old and the new evidence? Since I already know who the killer is, thinking in this way helps me to refine the plot as I write my novel. I'm not only considering how to present evidence based on what actually happened, I'm also thinking about plausible ways in which it might be misinterpreted. You're forgetting they didn't have the technology to evaluate trace evidence back then. I've come to realize that forensic evidence is more important in presenting a cast-iron case in court than in actually solving the crime. While in some cases, it does solve the crime, in others, it has to be taken in conjunction with other types of evidence gleaned from interviews with the victim's family, suspects, and anyone remotely involved. Frequently, two experts will disagree on whether fingerprints or tire marks or even handwriting match. And DNA evidence is only as good as the kit used to collect it. Sounds like a lot of work. Don't you already have your hands full researching the time period? Oddly enough, it makes writing a historical mystery much easier. The same type of investigative work needs to be done to narrow down the list of suspects and to follow leads. I still, of course, try to present the reader with as much cast-iron evidence as I can. What about you, readers? Are you convinced that learning about contemporary investigative techniques can be helpful even to a writer of historical mysteries? Can you think of examples from mysteries you've written or read? HANK: Oh, that is so fascinating! Huh. I keep thinking about The Alienist. Its such a complicated balancebecause we as readers are reading trough the prism of what we knowand compare it to how what it was like in the past. How do we change our perspective and expectations to feel comfortable in the past? And tell us more about your book. Love this, Nupur!And tell us more about your book. And Im delighted to give a copy of A MINOR DECPTION to one lucky commenter. Are you a fan of classical music? Bio: A former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate fictional mayhem. Childhood piano lessons and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her musical works. Haydn Series http:// ntustin.com Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn would like nothing better than to show his principal violinist Barto Daboczi the door. But with the Empress Maria Theresas visit scheduled in three weeks, Haydn can ill-afford to lose his surly virtuoso. But when Barto disappearsalong with all the music composed for the imperial visitthe Kapellmeister is forced to don the role of Kapell-detective, or risk losing his job. [JURIST] The EU Parliament [official website] adopted a resolution [PDF] on Thursday directing the EU Commission [official website] to take measures to temporarily reintroduce visa requirements for US and other nationals whose countries still do not grant visa-free access to nationals of five EU countriesBulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland and Romania. The parliament wants [press release] the Commission to set a one-year suspension for the US within two months. The Parliament has particularly taken issue with the fact that there is no reciprocity from the US. The EU Commission contacted the US with a notice of non-reciprocity concerning the five countries in April 2014, and according to its rules, the Commission should have already taken action last April after the expiry of 24 months since notification. The four other countries the EU Commission notified in April 2014 are Australia, Brunei, Canada, and Japanthree of these four have already lifted visa requirements since then while Canada has announced [press release] its intention to do so by the end of the year. US immigration law [JURIST backgrounder] continues to be a controversial and heavily politicized area of law at both the state and federal levels. President Trumps [JURIST op-ed] immigration policies have signaled a significant change from other Post-WWII Presidents. Experts have said [JURIST op-ed] that his Muslim ban violates the Constitution. In October the Supreme Court denied a petition to rehear [JURIST report] United States v. Texas [SCOTUSblog materials], a case challenging the Obama administrations policies supporting deferred action which would permit around 4 million immigrants to legally remain and continue working in the US. In September the Ninth Circuit ruled that children facing deportation proceedings may not file a class action suit [JURIST report] to determine whether they are entitled to an attorney as a due process right. In September 2015 the US Commission on Civil Rights issued a report criticizing [JURIST report] the Obama administrations immigration detention facilities, stating that some are not fully complying with detention standards regarding medical care, legal information and other basic standards of treatment. In August 2015 a California judge upheld her July decision [JURIST reports] and ordered the government to release immigrant children held in family detention centers, without necessary delay. A judge for the US District Court for the District of Colorado [official website] ruled [order, PDF] Monday that there was a sufficient basis for a class action lawsuit, brought on behalf of former and current inmates against one of the nations largest private prison companies, thereby certifying class status. GEO Group [corporate website], the private prison management company that runs the federal immigration detainment center in Aurora, Colorado, is accused of forcing detainees to work for little to no wages, and allegedly threatening some with solitary confinement if they refused to work. Plaintiffs attorney Andrew Free [website] stated, [t]his is the first time that a private prison company has ever been accused of forced labor, and this is the first time that a judge has ever found that the claims can go forward under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the bans in federal law on forced labor. Speaking on behalf of GEO, Pablo Paez [Bloomberg profile] denied the allegations: The volunteer work program at immigration facilities as well as the wage rates and standards associated with the program are set by the Federal government. Our facilities, including the Aurora, Colo. Facility, are highly rated and provide high-quality services in safe, secure, and humane residential environments pursuant to the Federal Governments national standards. According to Free, the lawsuit is expected to encourage others of the same kind, which may have an impact on President Donald Trumps immigration plans. Such plans include increasing the number of immigrant arrests. The rights of immigrants, and immigration more generally, has been a topic of much contention during the still-young Trump Administration. Earlier this week, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied [JURIST report] a request by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stay an appeal on Trumps controversial immigration executive order. The DOJ requested [JURIST reports] a hold on the court proceedings until Trump issues a new order on immigration. Last month the appeals court upheld [JURIST report] a lower court decision issuing a stay on the executive orders pending proceedings. Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] on Wednesday accused [HRW report] police in the Philippines of falsifying evidence to justify killings in the countrys war on drugs. President Rodrigo Duterte [CNN profile] has conducted a large scale war on drugs in the Philippines, including sanctioned killings of anyone who sells or uses drugs in the nation, according to the rights group. The report highlights practices by the police of falsifying evidence including planting drugs, guns and spent ammunition at crime scenes. The government has reportedly not charged a single police officer over any of the killings. The violent war on drugs in the Philippines has been an ongoing issue since Duterte was elected President in May 2016. In February HRW urged the Philippines to drop political charges [JURIST report] against someone who had spoken out against Dutertes war on drugs. Advocacy groups have repeatedly spoken out against the extrajudicial killings that have claimed over 7,000 lives in the country. In January Duterte announced the suspension [JURIST report] of the controversial anti-drug campaign. In November it was announced that Duterte considered leaving [JURIST report] the International Criminal Court to avoid any prosecution over the sanctioned killings in his country. The House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines [official website] voted Wednesday to advance [press release] a proposal [committee report] to reinstate the death penalty for drug-related heinous crimes. The legislation would impose the death penalty for several enumerated offenses, among which are the importation, distribution and possession of narcotics. The law would also be relevant to those who commit specified crimes while under the influence of drugs, and to public officials who misappropriate confiscated drugs. Executions would be carried out by hanging, lethal injection or firing squad no later than 18 months after a sentence is final. The law defines heinous crimes as those grievous, odious and hateful offenses, which by reason of their inherent or manifest wickedness, viciousness, atrocity and perversity are repugnant and outrageous to the common standards and norms of decency and morality in a just, civilized and orderly society. The proposal would provide for automatic review. The human rights situation in the Philippines has come under international scrutiny in recent months with a focus on the rights implicated in the nations war on drugs. In February Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International [advocacy websites] criticized the extrajudicial killings [JURIST report] in the Philippines as part of the war on drugs in the country. In January President Rodrigo Duterte, who was elected last May after campaigning on a promise to be extremely harsh on drug users, announced the suspension [JURIST report] of the island nations war on drugs. Also in January the president said he planed to declare martial law [JURIST report] if the countrys drug problem becomes very virulent. The two leaders will inaugurate the first phase of a Siemens project to build three new power plants in Egypt Related Sisi, Merkel to discuss illegal migration, German NGO's work in Egypt: Germany ambassador Egypt's Sisi, Germany's Merkel to inaugurate first phase of Siemens power megaproject German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to arrive in Cairo Thursday on a two-day visit to meet with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, and to inaugurate with her counterpart the first phase of a Siemens megaproject. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a press conference shortly after their meeting. Sisi and Merkel will inaugurate via video conference the first phase of a project managed by the German company Siemens to build three new power plants in Bani Suef , Kafr Al-Sheikh and New Administrative Capital. On her first visit to the country since 2007, Merkel is scheduled to meet Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Coptic patriarch Pope Tawadros II. In a press conference two days ahead of the visit, Germany's Ambassador to Cairo Julius Georg Luy said illegal migration and combating terrorism would be among the key issues the leaders discuss, adding that Germany supports Egypt in fighting terrorism both domestically and abroad. Egypt and Germany have strengthened economic, military and political ties over the past three years. El-Sisi met with the German chancellor in Berlin in May, 2015 during his first official visit to Europe. The German company Siemens signed in 2015 an 8 billion euro ($9.05 billion) deal with Egypt to build gas and wind power plants to ease the country's electric power shortages. In 2014, Egypt signed a deal to buy three German submarines. A submarine built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems was delivered to Cairo in 2016. Two more German submarines destined for Egypt are currently under construction. In November, the German passenger flights resumed to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, putting an end to a one-year ban on flights to the Red Sea resort city after a Russian passenger plane crashed in Sinai in late 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: The US Supreme Court [official website] ruled Wednesday in Bethune Hill et al v. Virginia State Board of Education at al [opinion, PDF] that Virginias redistricting scheme must be examined for racial bias. The case revolved around [SCOTUSblog materials] around the drawing of district lines in Virginia and whether race was a predominant consideration in the drawing of new districts after a 2010 census. The court held that the district court employed an incorrect legal standard when it determined that race did not predominate in 11 of 12 of the newly districts and that the district courts judgment regarding District 75that the legislature had good reason to believe that a 55 percent target for African American voting/age population was necessary to avoid diminishing the electoral power of votersis consistent with the basic narrow tailoring analysis explained in Alabama Legislative Black Caucus v. Alabama [SCOTUSblog backgrounder]. The court sent the case back to the lower courts for further consideration. Voting rights and gerrymandering have become increasingly important issues over the past year. In January a three-judge panel for the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin ordered the state legislature [JURIST report] to redraw legislative district lines by November 1. Earlier in January the US Supreme Court blocked [JURIST report] a ruling ordering the redrawing of the congressional district map and special elections to be held in North Carolina. This came after the Supreme Court heard arguments [JURIST report] in racial gerrymandering cases from Virginia and North Carolina in December. In September several organizations filed a federal lawsuit challenging Georgias voter registration system [JURIST report]. Last April the Supreme Court unanimously upheld [JURIST report] an Arizona commissions decisions regarding the redistricting of voting districts in the state. The US Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday heard arguments [transcript] in Coventry Health Care of Missouri, Inc. v. Nevils [SCOTUSblog backgrounder], a case that required the court to decide whether an insurer, guaranteed a right of subrogation through a Federal Employees Health Benefits Act (FEHBA) policy, actually has such a right when it is in contravention of the law of the state in which it seeks recovery. Jodie Nevils, a federal employee covered by an FEHBA policy that included a right of subrogation, or repayment, filed a lawsuit against Coventry, her insurer, after it enforced its subrogation lien against part of the settlement of a related personal injury claim. The law of Missouri, which governed the dispute, proscribes insurer subrogation rights as being against public policy. The FEHBA, however, expressly preempts state law with the following language: The terms of any contract under this chapter which relate to the nature, provision, or extent of coverage or benefits (including with respect to benefits) shall supersede and preempt any State or local law, or any regulation issued thereunder, which relates to health insurance or plans. The case came up for Supreme Court review in mid-2015, at which time it was remanded to the Missouri state court for re-argument due to a then-new Office of Personnel Management (OPM) statutory interpretation [text] stating that the subrogation provisions should apply notwithstanding contrary state law. The Missouri court ruled again [opinion, PDF] in Nevils favor, despite the OPM interpretation. The case now returns to the Supreme Court for full review. US President Donald Trump signed a bill [press release] on Tuesday that revokes gun restrictions on those with mental illnesses. During the Obama administration, individuals who received social security checks for mental illnesses and were deemed unfit to manage their own finances were added to the national background check database. HJ Res 40 [text] was backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) [advocacy website]. According to the NRA-ILA executive director Chris Cox, this law shows the president respects the right to bear arms. Senator Chris Murphy [official website] stated [press release] that to undermine enforcement of this law, which provides complete information for the background check system, does not make the system better but only worsens it. Gun control remains a divisive issue [JURIST op-ed], according to Allen Rostron [official profile] of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law [official website]. In February the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled [JURIST report] that Marylands assault weapons ban is constitutional. The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh District earlier this month overturned Floridas 2011 Firearms Owners Privacy Act (FOPA), also referred to as the Docs vs. Glocks law. Also in February the US Senate voted [JURIST report] to reverse an Obama-era gun regulation that required mental health information to be shared with the national gun background check system. The New Hampshire House of Representatives approved [JURIST report] a bill [SB 12 text] that would repeal the law prohibiting state citizens from carrying concealed firearms without a permit. Around 330 individuals were put on trial [Al Jazeera report] Tuesday for their alleged involvement in the attempted coup in Turkey last July [BBC profile]. The charges against the suspects range from murder to attempts to remove the government and prevent the parliament from conducting their work. If convicted, the individuals could face up to multiple life sentences. The trial is taking place at the Sincan Prison, located outside of Turkeys capitol of Ankara, in a special court under heavy security. Since the failed coup in Turkey in July, where Turkish military forces tried to overthrow the government, the Turkish government has taken several controversial steps to strengthen its power. Turkish Labor Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu said that authorities have dismissed more than 90,000 public servants for alleged connections to the coup [JURIST report]. In January a judge for the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals ordered the release [JURIST report] of Turkish judge Aydin Sefa Akay who was detained in July. Also in January the Turkish Parliament approved a plan [JURIST report], which, if approved by vote later this year, would increase presidential power within the country and would allow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay in office until 2029. In November Turkey significantly restricted the activities of NGOs like human rights organizations and childrens groups and arrested opposition party leaders [JURIST reports] alleging they were connected to terror organizations. In October Human Rights Watch warned [JURIST report] that the emergency decrees put in place after the failed coup, had resulted in serious human rights violations. In July Amnesty International condemned [JURIST report] Turkey for attacking the freedom of the press by issuing arrest warrants for 42 journalists. The UK House of Lords voted on Wednesday to amend [amendment] HL 108 [procedural history], also known as the Brexit [Economist backgrounder] bill to protect residence rights for EU citizens. With a vote of 358 to 256, the Lords voted to allow EU citizens who are residents of the UK to remain as residents after Art. 50 is triggered and the UK leaves the EU. Despite this setback for the government, Prime Minister Theresa may still intends to initiate the process [Reuters report] before March ends. The conservatives plan to fight the measure. A majority of UK voters expressed their desire to leave the EU [JURIST report] in June, leading to the resignation of prime minster David Cameron. The EU has set out a mechanism for leaving in Article 50 [materials] of the Lisbon Treaty, where a member state may decide to withdraw from the union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements, and must notify the European council of its intention. Under Article 50, a member country can only be removed from the EU two years after notification. While Britain might bypass this process through repeal of the European Communities Act of 1972, it is believed that this would make coming to a preferential trade agreement with the EU more difficult. UN experts on Wednesday urged [press release] governments around the world to protect rare plants and animals. According to UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment John Knox, The rapid loss of biological diversity around the world should be setting off alarm bells. We are on our way to the sixth global extinction of species in the history of the planet, and States are still failing to halt the main drivers of biodiversity loss, including habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. He also reported [materials] that loss of biodiversity impacts human rights such as the right to life, health, food and water. Knox will make a formal presentation of his report dictating the relationship between loss of biodiversity and human rights to the UN Human Rights Council on March 7. Environmental issues continue to be an important topic globally. In February UN human rights experts called [JURIST report] on global leaders to take urgent action on air pollution to ensure world citizens enjoy the human rights to life and health in environments free from contamination. The same month he European Commission gave final warnings [JURIST report] to Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK for failing to address air pollution. In January UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances and wastes Baskut Tuncak said [JURIST report] that the UK must take steps to control exposure to pollution and toxic chemicals for all citizens but particularly children. In November a US judge ruled [JURIST report] that a lawsuit against the US government over failure to limit the emission of greenhouse gasses can proceed. That same month governments around the world agreed [JURIST report] to legally binding limits on global temperature rises as the Paris Agreement [text, PDF] on climate change became effective. One of the biggest hurdles to reaching an agreement was getting China and the US [JURIST report] to sign on, the two countries being the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses, collectively responsible for about 40 percent of all gasses emitted. In September the International Criminal Court stated it will work to prosecute [JURIST report] environmental crimes. Less than three days was all it took for Kraft Heinzs GBP112bn (US$139.1bn) takeover approach to Unilever to become public, be rejected and subsequently taken off the table. UK takeover rules mean a further offer from Kraft Heinz is not on the cards for at least six months. It is hard to see how future agreement between the two camps could be reached. Berkshire Hathaway, one of Kraft Heinzs two major investors, has insisted it will only pursue friendly acquisitions. Meanwhile, Unilevers management has argued the proposal not only undervalued the business but delivered little strategic benefit for the company or long-term opportunity for its shareholders. Nevertheless, Kraft Heinzs takeover attempt is likely to have some significant and far-reaching consequences for Unilever. Here, just-food takes a look at the impact the episode could have on the Dove-to-Knorr manufacturer. Free Report Unilever- A Deep-dive into Product Launches and Advertising Strategy Track product launches by FMCG companies to get an understanding of the product-level strategies including geographic concentrations, innovation types, product claim, category focus and more Monitoring the advertising strategies of various brands and gain insights into channel focus, regional focus, and more Perform company-level analysis to understand business model, size, and geographic focus Dont miss out on key market insights that can help optimize your next investment read the report now. Unilever product advertising is mainly through mainstream TV channels. Out of the products advertised so far at least 50% (over 850) of ads have been run on TV, while print media comes second with 496 ads. Unilever also utilizes social media platforms for advertisement. Unilever products are categorized by innovation ratings and tags in our product launch database. The North American region consists of almost 74 products with innovations related to the formulation of the product. Europe and other regions also have more products categorized under formulation-related innovation, followed by the packaging and positioning of the products. Most Unilever products are tagged with High Vitamins, Recyclable, and Natural tags to understand what the product differentiator is from other products available in the market. The majority of products belong to the personal care industry with a total of 5,788 products to date. This report, through the Unilever Example, illustrates how GlobalData Explorer enables you to:Dont miss out on key market insights that can help optimize your next investment read the report now. by GlobalData Enter your details here to receive your free Report. 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Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address. Thank you.Please check your email to download the Report. Strategic review launched Unilever brushed off the Kraft Heinz takeover approach for two reasons. The consumer goods groups management argued the offer substantially undervalued the Magnum ice cream and Knorr soups maker at a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.1 times. Unilever also insisted Kraft Heinzs model is at odds with its own approach. Kraft Heinz focuses on cost reduction to generate immediate earnings growth. But, without investment in organic growth, its model relies on M&A to fuel continued returns. According to Unilever, that contrasts with its own strategic objectives and longer-term approach to creating value for shareholders. Speaking at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York investor conference last week, Unilever CEO Graeme Pitkethly explained: We see two very different approaches to shareholder value. One is a model of compounding returns on investment, attractive return on invested capital and a robust balance sheet that gives the flexibility for M&A. We like this model because it means we can go on generating high returns indefinitely and so it is inherently sustainable in the longer term. The other model relies more on leverage to generate stronger short-term growth in earnings but, without the foundation of strong organic growth, this model is more dependent on repeated portfolio change and portfolio expansion. It may well be that there was a strong strategic rationale for Kraft [Heinz] in combining with Unilever but there was no strategic rationale for Unilever. Nevertheless, Pitkethly said, the proposed bid represented an inflection point for Unilever. The events of last week show us the challenge to unlock more value faster in the shorter term rather than focusing more heavily on steady value creation over the longer term, which is what we do. This has been a trigger moment for Unilever and we will not waste it. To this end, Unilever promptly launched a review of its operations in order to improve the returns the company can give to its investors. Unilever is conducting a comprehensive review of options available to accelerate delivery of value for the benefit of our shareholders, the company said in a statement last Wednesday. The company hopes to capture more quickly the value we see in Unilever. While Pitkethly suggested it would be inappropriate to comment in detail on the review until its findings are made public in April, he did reveal it would be a far-reaching probe into Unilevers business. This will include options for our organisation, our portfolio, our cost structures and for our balance sheet and use of cash, he said. Does that mean food disposals? Unilever has been focusing its M&A strategy on expanding its higher-growth personal care business, through acquisitions including the recent purchase of Dollar Shave Club. As a result, an increasing proportion of Unilevers sales come from its personal care brands. In 2008, the group generated 28% of revenue from personal care. By 2016, this had grown to 38%. At the same time, the company has sold off lower-growth food brands, such as Slim Fast, Ragu and Bertolli. As a result, the groups food business now accounts for 24% of sales, compared to 35% in 2008. This evolution has prompted some to speculate Unilever could be prepared to sell or spin-off its entire stable of food brands or refreshment (a second unit that includes its ice cream and tea brands) assets. According to a report in The Sunday Telegraph, Unilever is understood to be giving what the newspaper called serious thought to a spin-off of its food business into a separate listing. It is impossible to rule out this move. A leaner Unilever would be free to go after deals that could potentially create a personal care behemoth, such as a possible combination with the likes of Colgate. But, while all options are apparently open in the review process, this would represent a significant departure from the strategic direction Unilevers management is committed to. To suggest Unilevers existing strategy has been to use its food and refreshment businesses as a cash generator to fund M&A in its home and personal care operations is something of an over-simplification. Unilever has also used M&A to expand its ice cream businesses, with recent deals including the purchase of Italian high-end gelato group Grom and US firm Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto. It would perhaps be more accurate to characterise Unilevers strategy as selling off low-growth businesses in order to focus on higher-growth, higher-margin, premium brands in non-food and food, although, in food, its M&A has focused on the refreshment side of the business than the foods division. In this context, an obvious contender for disposal is Unilevers spreads business. The unit operates in a market shaped by structural decline and investor pressure for an exit has been mounting for some time. Unilever may have taken tentative steps towards this eventuality two years ago, when it moved to separate its spreads brands like Flora and Becel from the rest of its food business into a stand-alone operating unit. However, with a poor top-line performance, it is unlikely strategic buyers are lining up to increase their exposure to a business in decline and, for that matter, a category in decline across the developed markets in which Unilevers spreads arm generates the majority of sales. Unilevers management has repeatedly stressed it does not intend to give the business away at a bargain basement price. Nevertheless, MainFirst analyst Alain Oberhuber believes that some portfolio adjustments in food should be expected. We conclude that the Kraft Heinz bid will result in significant strategy adjustments within Unilever with possible divestments in its foods business and a stronger focus on HPC with potential acquisitions in HPC, he suggests. Increased focus on margin In the wake of the Kraft Heinz bid, Unilever raised its guidance for margin expansion and cash conversion over the coming year. Speaking at CAGNY, Pitkethly claimed the implementation of Unilevers so-called Connected 4 Growth programme devised to make the business simpler and more agile and the companys use of zero-based budgeting meant the Magnum owner could up its forecast for 2017 margins. In recent years we have increased core operating margin by 20-40 bps and by 50 bps in 2016. Looking ahead to the next few years, we said that we expect to accelerate this to between 40 and 80 bps for 2017 we now expect to be at the upper end of that range, he said. In particular, the company has signalled a more aggressive approach to costs through the zero-based budgeting programme it launched last year. But Pitkethly was also quick to stress Unilever will be selective in where and how it slashes. Everybody has ZBB models now and it is the generic word for we will try harder on costs. Ours wasnt like that. Ours was a full-on programme that has driven tremendous insight into our business, he claimed. Yes, it is about reducing costs but it is also about new thinking so we can invest smarter. ZBB is part of our growth mode. And this is fundamentally an investment model but it is clear we can go harder and faster in some of our business, like developed market foods for example How we make those more selective choices across different parts of our business whilst recognising that we operate as a 1 Unilever entity is really the challenge now and that will be a full part of the review coming up. Connected 4 Growth as value driver Unilever has also painted its Connected 4 Growth reorganisation plan as a lever to deliver increased organic growth. The programme aims to bring Unilevers innovation closer to local consumers and support its ability to roll-out products at speed while its global teams remain focused on strategic launches. The new structure has facilitated recent product launches including Hellmanns BBQ sauces in the UK and Knorr meal makers for local dishes like Ginataang Gulay in the Philippines. There really is no such thing as a global consumer; the ability to gather relevant insight closer to market and move it with greater speed into our business is a winning capabilityWe are already starting to see the benefits of the mindset change of Connected 4 Growth, even before it is fully implemented, with faster local innovation, Pitkethly said. Innovation coupled with marketing is central to Unilevers aim of delivering continuous underlying sales growth ahead of its markets, as called for by Unilevers 2019 financial model. Pitkethly stressed: The most important feature of our growth model is sustained investment. Between 2009 and 2016, Unilever has driven a cumulative additional investment in marketing of EUR12bn, the CFO noted. The company said it is confident of delivering 3-5% organic growth in 2017. The most important driver of growth for the foreseeable future will be growing the core of the business, i.e. the high-value, most-frequently purchased SKUs that represent most of our sales, Pitkethly said as he showed a slide including both the Knorr and Walls brand logos. Improved communication When Pithethly took to the stage at CAGNY, he was at pains to highlight the merits of Unilevers existing strategy. While the Kraft Heinz bid was presented as something of a wake-up call on the need to deliver immediate returns to shareholders, the executive was keen to stress the value of Unilevers longer-term approach to delivering sustained value for its shareholders. He suggested, part of the companys problem and the reason why its shares have been trading at something of a discount to its peer group has been its failure to land the message effectively. Unilever has a business model that generates high, unlevered returns on our capital through compelling organic growth, building brand strength through sustained investment, technical and benefit-led innovation through research and development and a continuous improvement approach to costs, Pitkethly said. We believe that we can do more to communicate the value creation from our existing plans. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether the same message delivered more effectively will be enough to satisfy the appetite of those investors who are hungry for change at Unilever. As Sanford Bernstein analyst Andrew Wood notes: We have been most struck by investors wanting to see something much bigger, with calls for a complete split of food and HPC, or a major acquisition (like Colgate), or both We do worry that investors who are expecting a revolution in this regard might end up disappointed. Related Companies Egypt's former strongman Hosni Mubarak is now able to walk free after the Court of Cassation acquitted him on Thursday in his retrial on charges of killing protesters during the 25 January Revolution, a case which has been dubbed "the trial of the century." Today's verdict is final and cannot be appealed. The 88-year-old ousted president has been confined to Maadi Military Hospital for treatment since 2012. In June 2012, Mubarak was sentenced by a criminal court to life in prison - 20 years in jail per Egyptian law - for his complicity in the murder of protestors during the 18-day January 2011 uprising that ended his 30-year autocratic rule. However, in January 2013, the Cassation Court overturned Mubarak's conviction and ordered a retrial. The Cassation Court also upheld the acquittal of other defendants in the same case, including Mubarak's last interior minister Habib El-Adly and four of his aides. In November 2014, the criminal court retrying Mubarak acquitted the former president and all co-defendants of killing protesters, reasoning that the prosecution's initial decision on 23 March, 2011 to charge Mubarak lacked the legal basis to bring a criminal case against him. On Thursday, Mubarak's defence lawyer Farid El-Deeb called on the court to acquit Mubarak, arguing that the criminal court acquitted El-Adly and his aides over the same charges leveled against Mubarak in 2014. Since his downfall in 2011, the former President stood trial in a number of criminal cases on various charges, but received a final conviction only in one on corruption charges. In January 2016, the Court of Cassation upheld a three-year prison sentence for Mubarak and his two sons for corruption in the case known as "the presidential palaces lawsuit," for using public funds -- appropriated for the maintenance of presidential palaces -- to upgrade his private property. At the time of the verdict in the case, Mubarak's sons had already been behind bars for more than three years and, therefore, were eventually released. The former autocrat ruled Egypt from 1981 until a popular uprising ousted him on 11 February, 2011. Search Keywords: Short link: Irish produce giant Total Produce has increased its stake in Canadas Oppenheimer Group to 65% by buying a further 30% of Grandview Ventures Limited (GVL), which trades as Oppenheimer and Oppy, for a consideration of EUR28.4m (US$29.9m). Total Produce first invested in GVL in 2013, buying a 35% stake. In total, Total Produce has invested EUR43.4m in the business. Oppy, based in Vancouver and with sales of almost CAD$1bn (US$750m), provides fresh produce to what Total Produce said is a strong base of retail, wholesale and foodservice customers throughout the US and Canada. Meanwhile, Total Produce said Oppy had entered strategically-important agreements with New Zealand-based produce group T&G Global, which will enable both to enhance their market positions as co-shareholders in two US produce businesses. T&G Global is New Zealands largest grower, packer, distributor, trader, marketer and exporter of fresh produce by volume including apples and pears sold under its own brands such as Jazz. T&G Globals majority shareholder is Germany-based agri-food business BayWa AG. Under the agreement, T&G Global will increase its shareholding in Oppys largest subsidiary, the US-focussed marketer David Oppenheimer & Company (DOC) to 39.4% from the 15% it has held since 1997. Thereafter its shareholding will match the effective share of DOC held by Total Produce. Separately, Oppy will acquire from T&G Global a 50% share of the New Zealand groups California-headquartered US export business, T&G Global North America known in the market as Delica North America (Delica NAM). With 2016 sales of $66m, Delica NAM is focussed on exporting a wide range of fresh produce from the US predominantly to China and south-east Asia. Total Produce said Oppy, under the continuing management of CEO, president and 35% shareholder John Anderson and his team, has grown significantly since its initial investment three years ago. Sales have almost doubled from the CAD525m (US$393m) recorded in 2011. Germany's Chancellor commended Egypt on economic reform program and efforts to reach a political solution to Libyan crisis; Egypt's president stressed commitments to human rights and efforts against terrorism in the region Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed cooperation between both countries in combating terrorism and irregular migration at their meeting in Cairo on Thursday. Merkel arrived in Cairo earlier in the day on a two-day visit to meet with President El-Sisi and other Egyptian top officials, her first visit to the country since 2007. During the meeting, Sisi and Merkel inaugurated via video conference the first phase of a project managed by the German power giant Siemens to build three new power plants in Egypt. Following their meeting at the presidential palace in Heliopolis, El-Sisi and Merkel held a press conference where both leaders addressed regional developments and a range of issues of mutual interest. El-Sisi said that the current turbulent situation in the region is not only a threat to the Middle East but also to Europe and the whole world. El-Sisi also addressed the country's ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration, a key concern for European countries facing an increasing migrant crisis. The president said that Egypt hosts five million immigrants from different nations who live their lives normally, receive the privileges enjoyed by Egyptian citizens and are not confined to refugee camps. Egypt has recently opposed proposals to build refugee camps to house illegal migrants in the African continent. Last year, Egypt passed legislation to combat irregular migration to Europe from its shores. Merkel promised to provide Egypt with $250 million in support for its economic reform program. The German Chancellor described the reform program as courageous and praised Cairo's commitment to honour the terms of the $12 billion loan extended by the International Monetary Fund to the country. On regional matters, El-Sisi stressed that Cairo is dealing with the Syrian crisis in accordance with the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, though he stressed that Egypt would not allow terrorist groups to expand or make gains in the region. "Egypt supports reaching a political solution, preserving the unity of Syrian lands, combating terrorist groups and the rebuilding of the country," El-Sisi said. "We must take clear and decisive action against countries that encourage terrorism in the world," he added. Merkel also criticised countries which she said are involved in supporting terrorism in the region, expressing hope that Egyptian efforts to solve disputes in the region, especially in Libya, would see success. The German Chancellor also described the Egyptian-Tunisian-Algerian initiative -- which aims at finding a solution to the Libyan conflict -- as important and successful. Merkel also called on the Egyptian government to allow for more participation of NGOs in political life in the country. On the human rights situation in Egypt, President El-Sisi said Cairo balances its commitment to the protection of basic human freedoms with its security needs, stressing that any security measures implemented by the government are in accordance with the country's law and constitution. "Of course we are keen on preserving human rights in our country, but we must take into consideration what the region is witnessing, and the fact that terrorists are targeting the main elements of the Egyptian state," he said. "If any European nation had been targeted by terrorist attacks similar to those Egypt has witnessed in recent years, there would have been a much harsher reaction," El-Sisi said. "What sort of opposition groups target churches or people based on their religious beliefs?" El-Sisi asked, referring to the recent spate of deadly Islamist militant attacks on the Christian community in North Sinai. Egypt and Germany have strengthened economic, military and political ties over the past three years. El-Sisi met with the German chancellor in Berlin in May, 2015 during his first official visit to Europe after assuming the Egyptian presidency in 2014. The German company Siemens signed in 2015 an 8 billion euro ($9.05 billion) deal with Egypt to build gas and wind power plants to ease the country's electric power shortages. In 2014, Egypt signed a deal to buy three German submarines. A submarine built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems was delivered to Cairo in 2016. Two more German submarines destined for Egypt are currently under construction. In November, the German passenger flights resumed to Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, putting an end to a one-year ban on flights to the Red Sea resort city after a Russian passenger plane crashed in Sinai in late 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: A number of civilians and IS militants were killed in an attack that hit a mosque run by the militants and damaged neighbouring houses in the west of the Iraqi city of Mosul on Wednesday, three residents said on Thursday. The Omar al-Aswad mosque, in the al-Faruq district of the old city centre, was hit by an airstrike, three residents in the same area told Reuters by phone. Neighbouring houses were damaged or collapsed because of the blast, they said without giving a precise estimate of the casualties as their moves are restricted by the militants. The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition said he wasn't aware of a strike targeting the mosque. Iraqi military media officers said the battle was ongoing and troops were targeting Islamic State wherever they could, but did not say this specific mosque was targeted. When Islamic State took over Mosul in 2014, it ordered Iraqi police and armed forces members who remained in the city to go to the same mosque. They had to surrender their weapons and register in the group's data base, in return for a mandatory pass to prevent their arrest and execution at the militants' check points. Iraqi forces captured the eastern side of Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting and launched their attack on the districts that lie west of the Tigris river on Feb. 19. If they defeat Islamic State in Mosul, that would crush the Iraq wing of the caliphate declared by the group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2014 from the city's grand old Nuri mosque. The Nuri mosque is located in the same area as the Omar al-Aswad mosque. Search Keywords: Short link: A Tunisian businessman resigned from the government Thursday after his appointment as public services and governance minister last week prompted an outcry from the powerful UGTT trade union. Khalil Ghariani was named on Saturday, replacing UGTT official Abid Briki, in what the union condemned as a "provocation". Ghariani is on the board of the employers' federation UTICA, which shared a 2015 Nobel Prize with the UGTT for their work during Tunisia's transition towards democracy after its 2011 revolution. Despite their shared award, the two groups have long been at odds over private sector salary increases and government policy. Ghariani told private radio station Mosaique FM that he was stepping down because of "the political and social tensions we have experienced in the country over the past 48 hours". "We must preserve the political and social balance in the country... and even the balance between UTICA and the UGTT," he added. "This is not the time for this kind of crisis." His replacement has not yet been named. Search Keywords: Short link: Syrian troops backed by Russian jets completed the recapture of the historic city of Palmyra from the Islamic State (IS) militant group Thursday, the Kremlin and the army said, in another blow to the Islamist militants. Bolstered by air strikes and ground troops from their ally Moscow, Syrian forces battled through the desert for weeks to reach Palmyra. The oasis city has traded hands several times during Syria's six-year civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of priceless cultural heritage in areas under its control. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin of Palmyra's recapture, a Kremlin spokesman told news agencies in Moscow. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based monitoring group, said that the Islamist militants had totally withdrawn from the desert city but not before mining several areas. "The Syrian army is still clearing neighbourhoods of mines and has not spread out into the whole city yet," said its director, Rami Abdel Rahman. An army statement carried on state news agency SANA said its forces had "regained control over Palmyra and surrounding territory after a series of successful military operations". IS has suffered a string of setbacks since taking over swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, and its two main strongholds of Mosul and Raqa both face assaults by forces backed by a US-led coalition. The Islamist militants first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. They were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the city in December when the government was focused on seizing rebel-held east Aleppo. Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the structures have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's Palmyra push, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Moscow launched an air campaign in September 2015 in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces. After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces out of second city Aleppo last year -- thanks in large part to Russian support. On another battle front against IS, fighters of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced they would cede several villages to the government as part of a deal brokered by Russia to avoid conflict with Turkey. Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August that it said aimed to counter both IS and the SDF, which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". The surprise announcement by the SDF marks the first time that US-supported fighters offered to cede territory to Assad's forces. It said the territory to be handed over lay between the towns of Manbij and Al-Bab, which Turkish-backed fighters captured last week from IS, to create a buffer zone between them. Ankara meanwhile renewed its threat to bomb Kurdish fighters unless they withdrew from Manbij, a former bastion of IS that is now under SDF control. The Turkey-backed rebels launched their advance on Manbij on Wednesday, initially seizing two villages but losing them to the SDF by Thursday. Six rebels and one SDF fighter were killed, the Observatory said. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has muddled the battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had bombed SDF fighters mistakenly believing they were IS. The Russian defence ministry denied carrying out the air strikes. Russia on Thursday accused Syria's main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), of "sabotaging" sputtering UN-led Syrian peace talks in Geneva and questioned their ability to reach a deal. "The results of the first days of the intra-Syrian dialogues, as before, raise questions over the ability of the Syrian opposition representatives to reach a deal," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Moscow had earlier called for "terrorism" to be added to the agenda of the talks, which have so far focused on three topics: governance, the constitution, and elections. But the HNC late Wednesday refused, having previously accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the war, are expected to end by the weekend, though no formal timeframe has been set. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia's foreign minister on Thursday pushed an "inclusive national dialogue" in Libya at talks with its UN-backed premier that came after his key rival sought to boost ties with Moscow. "We are convinced that only the Libyan people themselves can overcome the current crisis, all the parties in Libya through an inclusive national dialogue aimed at reconciliation," Russia's Sergei Lavrov told Fayez al-Sarraj at the start of the meeting. Lavrov described Moscow as an "old friend" of Libya and insisted it would "strongly advocate the need to create conditions for the Libyans themselves to resolve their problems". Sarraj's Moscow trip comes as Libya remains in chaos, six years after the ouster and killing of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi in the midst of a NATO-backed armed uprising. Sarraj's fragile Government of National Accord (GNA), formed under a United Nations-backed deal signed in late 2015, has struggled to impose its authority, particularly in eastern Libya where a rival administration holds sway. Military strongman Khalifa Haftar is aligned with the rival administration and commands the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army which is battling Islamist militants and controls key oil export terminals. Haftar has sought to bolster ties with the Kremlin to seek support for an end to a UN arms embargo, visiting Moscow in November and going onboard a Russian aircraft off the Libyan coast in January. Last month dozens of Haftar's fighters were flown to Russia for medical treatment in a sign of warming ties. Analysts believe Russia, emboldened by its military success in Syria, is seeking a foothold in oil-rich Libya with support for Haftar. On February 14 Russia tried to mediate a meeting between Sarraj and Haftar in Cairo, but the talks fell through. Sarraj's visit also comes after Russian oil giant Rosneft and Libya's National Oil Corporation last week signed a deal to explore possible cooperation in various fields, including exploration and production. Search Keywords: Short link: Top Democrats pressed for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign on Thursday after a newspaper reported he had not disclosed two meetings with the Russian ambassador before President Donald Trump took office. Sessions, a top adviser to Trump during the presidential campaign, received Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak in his office in September, the Washington Post reported. That was at the height of what U.S. intelligence officials say was a Russian hacking campaign to influence the November election in the Republican candidate's favor. The other encounter was in July at a Heritage Foundation event that was attended by about 50 ambassadors, during the Republican National Convention, the Post said. A Justice Department official confirmed Sessions' contacts in July and September. Allegations over contacts between Trump aides and Russia before his inauguration, and the charge of Russian meddling, have swirled around the early days of Trump's presidency. Trump has accused former officials in the administration of former President Barack Obama of trying to discredit him. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, called for Sessions to resign and for an independent, bipartisan investigation into Trump's possible ties to Russians. "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign," she said in a statement late on Wednesday. U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings criticized Sessions for keeping his contact with the ambassador secret even after Trump fired his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn. Sessions "should resign immediately," he said. Flynn was dismissed last month after it emerged that he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with Kislyak before Trump's swearing-in on Jan. 20, and then misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. At his Jan. 10 confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate, Sessions said he had no contact with Russian officials about the 2016 election. In a statement late on Wednesday, Sessions said he had never discussed campaign details with any Russian officials. "I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false," Sessions said The White House dismissed the revelation as a partisan attack. "Attorney General Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony. " The Russian Embassy to the United States, shrugging off the uproar, said on Thursday it was in regular contact with "U.S. partners." The revelation of Sessions' contacts fueled new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election. Before Trump took office, U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia had sought to influence the campaign, including by hacking into and leaking Democratic emails. The Kremlin has denied the allegations. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department, including the FBI, which has been leading investigations into the allegations of the Russian meddling and any links to Trump's associates. Sessions, a former senator, has so far resisted calls to recuse himself from those investigations. On Thursday morning, he told NBC News, "Whenever it's appropriate I will recuse myself, there's no doubt about that." REPUBLICAN CONCERN Sessions' failure to disclose the contacts worried even some of his fellow Republicans. Republican, Representative Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said on Twitter "AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself." During Sessions' confirmation hearing, Democratic Senator Al Franken asked him what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. Sessions said he was not aware of any such activities, adding, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians." Asked by Democrat Patrick Leahy in a questionnaire whether he had been in contact with "anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day," Sessions responded, "No." Republican Lindsey Graham, a leading foreign policy voice in the Senate, said on CNN on Wednesday night if the FBI finds anything criminal in nature in its Russia-related investigations, a special prosecutor would be required. "If that day ever comes, Ill be the first one to say it needs to be somebody other than Jeff," Graham said. Sessions' colleague on the Armed Services Committee, Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, questioned why Sessions would meet with Kislyak. "I've been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years. No call or meeting w/Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com," she said in a Twitter post on Thursday. Search Keywords: Short link: BROKEN BOW Brittney Pryce was sentenced today (Thursday) to 30-40 years in prison in the death of 20-month-old Noah Pryce. Noah, her nephew, died from injuries suffered while in Pryces foster care in November 2013. Pryce was found guilty in August of child abuse leading to death of a child, a Class 1B felony. An autopsy performed on Noah the day after his death said there were multiple contusions to Noahs body, an injury to his lumbar area and a skull fracture. The report listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide. The death was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Broken Bow Police Department. At the sentencing, Custer County District Court Judge Karin Noakes said she found it heartbreaking that Pryce would not be able to spend more time with her family. But because of the severity of Noahs injuries and because Pryce maintained her innocence, Noakes imposed a longer sentence than the minimum of 20 years. The maximum would have been life in prison. Before sentencing, Assistant Attorney General Michael Guinan said, "She (Pryce) was placed in a situation that was very tough. However, in this particular case, Ms. Pryce refused to take responsibility for her actions." Defense attorney P. Stephen Potter called the case "a tragedy all around." At the trail in August Potter charged that the jury was biased. He told the court he will file an appeal. When given the opportunity to address the court, Pryce stood and turned to face the gallery and spoke in a subdued voice. "Im sorry that I didnt get him to the doctors sooner than I did," she said and sat down. Pryce received credit for 155 days for time served. LEXINGTON Macs Creek Winery has created a special souvenir label for sandhill crane season and plans to donate $5 for each bottle of its newest vintage, Spring Mist. The 2017 Crane label is part of the Lexington winerys partnership with the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary south of Gibbon. Tourism is a big part of our business at Macs Creek, and we thought it would be a natural fit to offer this special crane label to all of our visitors during the migration season, Macs Creek owner Barry McFarland said. Our business is centered around sustainability, and this partnership with Rowe parallels that practice. Funds raised during the campaign will be given to Rowe to help preserve and enhance the experience they are able to provide visitors, McFarland said. The money Macs Creek donates will help Rowe Sanctuary to continue its habitat and research work and share the story of the sandhill cranes that visit south-central Nebraska each spring. When Macs Creek contacted us with this idea, we were excited about the opportunity to be part of this endeavor, Rowe Sanctuary Nature Store Manager Sharon Ingram said. Each year, we see anywhere from 15,000 to 25,000 visitors at our facility, and the funds raised through this special label will allow us to continue our valuable conservation work and enhance the experience those visitors have while at Rowe Sanctuary. Spring Mist is a semi-sweet rose wine created using the Marechel Foch grape variety, owner and winemaker Seth McFarland said. I personally think this is one of the best vintages we have made, and the special crane label ties it all together and showcases central Nebraska beautifully. KEARNEY Crane: On Earth, In Sky tells the story of a cranes life using puppetry, indoor kite flying, video projections, aerial arts and life-sized maps. Presented by Heather Henson and Ibex Puppetry, the show details the potential dangers to a cranes life while celebrating the richness of indigenous cultures around the globe that invoke a spiritual essence in honor of these majestic birds. Crane: On Earth, In Sky comes to central Nebraska with a performance at 7 p.m. March 13 at the Merryman Performing Arts Center at 225 W. 22nd St. Tickets for the show are $12 for adults or $10 for children 18 and younger. The show reflects our connections with all of creation, exploring the flight of whooping cranes in North America with a wordless narrative. Henson, daughter of puppeteer Jim Henson of the Muppets fame, founded Ibex Puppetry as a launching point for her environmental storytelling. She studied at Rhode Island School of Design and CalArts, finishing her schooling in 2000. She seeks to incorporate nontraditional storytelling in her productions, including the award-winning stage show, Panther and Crane. For more information, visit www.merrymancenter.org or www.ibexpuppetry.com. For tickets call 698-8297 or visit www.pickmytickets.com. Bob Michel, who died last week at 93, was elected to Congress from his hometown of Peoria, Ill., in 1956 and served for 38 years. As an infantryman he landed at Normandy shortly after D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. For 14 years, Michel served as the Republican leader of the House, and in awarding him the Medal of Freedom in 1994, President Bill Clinton said: He would never give my party any quarter in a partisan fight (but he) would never put his partys political interest ahead of the national interest. Sen. John McCain, now 80, was shot down over Vietnam in 1967 and spent six years in a prison camp. Just elected to his sixth term in November, McCain is a leading critic of his fellow Republican, President Trump. McCain is incensed at Trumps attacks on the media as the enemy of Americans. As he said on Meet the Press without a free press, Thats how dictators get started. For Michel and McCain, their shaping years were spent as soldiers, not as politicians. They knew the real enemy was the guy shooting at you, not the one shouting at you. Trump talks about America First, but he may not understand that patriotism is much more than just a slogan. Washington is poorer today because so few lawmakers have worn a uniform and seen combat. Its no accident that crippling partisanship has increased as the influence of veterans has declined. We both covered Congress during Michels tenure as GOP leader, and few legislators could rival his reputation for honor, honesty and humility. A friend sent us a story from Roll Call, which imagined that if Michel had written his own epitaph, it might have read, That Bob sure was one doggone decent son of a gun. Cynics might sneer at such unsophisticated language, but we agree with our friend, who noted, Spot on. Under Michels leadership, the GOP never won the majority, and he acquired influence by working closely with Democratic powers like Speaker Tip ONeill and Dan Rostenkowski of Chicago of the Ways and Means Committee. Republican insurgents led by Newt Gingrich declared Holy War on the Democrats, and forced Michel into retirement. Gingrich did lead the GOP to its first House majority in 40 years in 1994, but something precious was lost in the process. Michel was right when he criticized Gingrich and company for trashing the institution and undermining the spirit of camaraderie that had once pervaded the House. McCain understands the same concept, working regularly with Democrats on issues like campaign finance reform. He has also emerged as the Conscience of the Senate, an unofficial title for lawmakers who defend first principles, regardless of the political consequences. Another example: McCain keeps demanding that the Senate establish a bipartisan select committee to investigate Russian attempts to influence last Novembers election. Republican leader Mitch McConnell, backed by the Trump White House, keeps rejecting McCains proposal, but the old aviator remains undaunted. The severity of this issue, the gravity of it, is so consequential because if you succeed in corrupting an election, then youve destroyed the foundation of democracy, he told Gabriel Sherman of New York Magazine. So I view it with the utmost seriousness. Bob Michel, we feel confident, would agree with him. If you almost die for your country, youre much less likely to put political interest ahead of the nations interest. The head of the Syrian government delegation at the Geneva peace talks has criticized Turkey's "aggression" and says his nation has the right to defend itself from foreign forces on its soil. Bashar Ja'afari, who is also his country's ambassador at the United Nations, says Damascus considers the presence of Turkish troops on Syrian soil "a military aggression." He said on Thursday that the Syrian forces "reserve our right to use our all the means available ... to expel the Turkish forces from our territory." Earlier, U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces said they will withdraw from a front line with rival, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces near the Euphrates River, to allow government forces to create a buffer between the mutually-hostile sides. Search Keywords: Short link: Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, right, speaks as Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault looks on during a press conference in Toronto on Thursday, March 2, 2017. The Liberal government unveiled its plan today to cut hydro bills, which are the biggest political issue it faces less than a year-and-a-half away from an election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn The Trump administration has been looking north lately for some guidance on policy-making. The latest example appears to be Canada's reform a generation ago of its air-traffic control system, which is now catching attention in Washington. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump take part in a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., in a February 13, 2017, file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick FILE - In this July 29, 2015 file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during a hearing in Austin, Texas. A federal judge on Thursday, March 2, 2017, dismissed the U.S. government's securities fraud lawsuit against Paxton, though the Republican still faces criminal charges of duping wealthy investors. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) As the world commemorates as World Hearing Day, Egypt celebrates its achievements and highlights further challenges Each year countries across the globe dedicate 3 March to World Hearing Day to shed light on a medical condition that devastate the lives of many, although through awareness and early intervention it can be largely minimised. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the immediate need for action that would save many countries the cost of dealing with this problem if tackled in its early stages. The WHO estimates that 32 million children across the globe suffer from disabling hearing loss. Not addressing the problem early on has cost the world 750 billion dollars. According to the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, it is estimated that around 4.5 million people in Egypt (around 5% of the population) are living with partial or complete hearing loss. Children make-up around 130,000 of the total estimate. Hearing impairment in a child affects their skills of speaking, engaging in society and academic achievement and the ripple effect resonates in the child's family and the society at large immensely. Most of hearing impairment cases are in poorer governorates The cochlear implant procedure is considered most effective when performed between the ages of one and five. Recent endeavors to save children The last five years saw intensive efforts from civil societies NGOs like Misr El Kheir, and Egyptian Medical Universities who collaborated with private sector's MED-El to launch campaigns of awareness and convoys to inspect the hearing abilities of kids in various governorates all over the country, including in Asyut, Qena and Aswan. The Egyptian Medical Universities also signed a protocol with The Health Insurance to build rehabilitation centres and audiology units in such hospitals, including five rehabilitation centres to be built in the next three years. The role of rehabilitation for children and parents was brought to the forefront as well, highlighting its importance after cochlear implant procedures. Many celebrities have taken a stand to help shed light on the importance of the cause and raise awareness regarding early detection. Among them are prominent actor Mohamed Sobhi and star Yousra Ellozy, who bravely shared the story of her daughter suffering from the ailment. On World Hearing Loss Day, Professor Mohamed El-Shazly, the renowned cochlear implant surgeon, commented on the statistics published by private sector's hearing implants provider MED-EL which includes specialised ENT doctors -- stating that 3000 children in Egypt require cochlear implants on yearly basis. The numbers are still shockingly high but Egypt has come a long way, El Shazly explained. "We went from zero knowledge about the hearing loss and rehabilitation process, to an active civil society, and engaged journalists working towards education and awareness. The study conveys that there is still more work for us to do together, to defeat the epidemic in the country," he concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: 61 Shares Share It was my turn to be on call during Christmas. I held the long list of patients signed out to me, and began my rounds early that morning in the hopes that I could be home in time to open presents with my family that evening. I went from room to room on the surgical floor, talking to patients. I knocked on one door and pushed it open. A white male in his sixties lay in bed, with a younger, twenty-something man at his side. The patient was grimacing and seemed to be in pain. I introduced myself to the two men. The younger gentleman proceeded to introduce himself as the mans son. I had already read through the patients records. He had undergone surgery a few days earlier. I asked him how he was doing. Sounding slightly irritable, he responded, quite bluntly, Ive been miserable. I inched closer to his bed and leaned forward. He seemed uncomfortable with my proximity. Can you tell me whats going on? I asked. I was not prepared for his next question. Doctor, are you a Christian? he asked, looking into my eyes. I was taken aback. I could sense the son shifting in his chair, his body stiffening. I replied that no, I was not a Christian. He continued to look at me with some uncertainty on his face, and I could tell he hadnt finished asking. Are you from India? he inquired. Yes, I am originally from India. So, you are a Hindu? He waited intently. Yes, I am a Hindu, I said, unable to hide a smile, given the unusual interaction. He settled back in bed. Beside him, his son relaxed back into his chair with an almost-audible sigh of relief. He loves India, the son said. He thinks its a very spiritual place. Relief flooded through me, and I was glad my answer seemed to have averted what could have been an awkward and uncomfortable encounter. I couldnt help but wonder what would have happened if I had responded differently. What would he have done if I had said I was a Muslim? Would he have refused treatment from me? In doctor-patient relationships, patients can terminate the relationship during treatment for any reason. It is much harder for physicians to end it though, as noted by Bruce Patsner (Refusing to treat: Are there limits to physician conscience claims?). Not only they feel the sense of duty as established in the ethical principal of beneficence but also there are limits placed by federal and state laws. Laws do allow termination by a physician under conscious circumstances, which many times includes religious beliefs although they have to execute it very carefully. In this older patients room, I began to wonder: Immigrant physicians should be more prepared to face such interactions and discuss beforehand with the hospital administration and leadership on their rights to terminate a relationship if they feel that ongoing interaction could interfere in proper clinical care. Satisfied with my answers to his questions, the patient continued to tell me his problems, including his poorly controlled pain and sleepless nights. I asked a series of questions, finished the exam, and discussed his treatment plan. Later, I returned to visit the patient. He was sitting up in a chair watching TV. He gestured at the screen. Youll see how great Trump is going to make this nation. Hell get rid of all the illegal immigrants. They all need to go back to where they came from, he told me. I smiled uneasily and went on to describe his lab results and vital signs adding that I had discussed the treatment plan with the surgical team. Can you tell the surgery resident to shave his beard? the patient asked suddenly. He looks like a terrorist. I knew who he was talking about. The surgical intern, a young Indian American man, tended not to shave, probably preferring to catch a few additional minutes of sleep rather than go through the tedious, daily ritual of shaving. I moved on to other patients, but I couldnt shake his comments from my mind. It was almost 6:00 in the evening before I finally finished all my work. As I was getting ready to leave, I was paged to come and evaluate a patient who was having difficulty breathing. I ran to her bedside, where the rest of the care team was mobilizing quickly around her. We treated her, and in about half hour she was feeling better. Happy with her stabilization, I finally left the hospital. As I was driving home, I suddenly smiled. The patient was a Hispanic female. Of course, no one had asked her immigration status or religion. The nurse was Asian American, while the respiratory therapist was African American. Her surgical resident was white, and I was her medicine physician. We all worked together to help save a human life, no questions asked. I liked it this way. Sarita Khemani is a neurosurgery hospitalist. Image credit: Shutterstock.com If compounding returns are the Eighth Wonder of the World, then the more time to compound the better! Why not set up and start funding 529 college savings accounts for your kids or grandkids right now, before they have kids or are even married? When I went to University of Iowa 30 years ago, the annual out-of-state cost was about $5,000. Today, one year at U. of Iowa costs just over $40,000 (opens in new tab), or eight times what my parents paid! Many colleges charge a similar amount, and quite a few charge much more than that for the privilege of taking college courses at their school. With this in mind, paying for college has never been more challenging. If you would like to help your future grandkids afford to go to college, you should consider funding 529 college savings plans sooner rather than later. Subscribe to Kiplingers Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplingers Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplingers expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Sign up My Plan for My Own Family For my three teenagers, my strategy is to over-fund their 529 college savings plans. The money they do not use for college will continue to grow tax-deferred and can be used for their own children (my grandchildren) by simply changing the beneficiary. I retain ownership of the account. That means they (or their spouses) won't spend the money I'm giving them on something other than my grandkids college. If, for any reason, I need to tap into those accounts, the earnings portion (but not the amount I contributed) is subject to federal and state income taxes and a 10% federal penalty. I do not expect to ever need the money in those accounts, but I could see that as a drawback for some retirees who are not quite sure they can afford to do this. Knowing you can withdraw money from the account should ease that concern. Money invested in 529 college savings plans grows free of state and federal taxes, and if/when the money is ultimately withdrawn and used for qualified higher-education expenses, it comes out income tax-free. There are no maximum annual contribution limits, but keep in mind there can gift tax consequences if you give more than $14,000 per year ($28,000 for couples). There is a way to contribute up to $70,000 ($140,000 for couples) in a single year without gift taxes, provided you make no other gifts to the beneficiary that year or for the next four years. Money can be added to the account until the balance hits the limit, which varies by state (opens in new tab), from $235,000 for Georgia and Mississippi up to over $500,000 in Pennsylvania. How the 529 Magic Works Lets look at an example: Your daughter or granddaughter is 22, done with college and single. Rather than wait until you die to give her money as an inheritance, you set up a 529 college savings program today (or keep hers if you still have it) with you as the owner and your daughter or granddaughter as beneficiary and successor owner. You can keep this plan a surprise if you choose. Say you invest $10,000 into the plan, and since it would ultimately be used 18 years after your child or grandchild has a child of her own, the time horizon is long, therefore, you invest the money aggressively, all in stock funds. Lets assume your 22-year-old-daughter or granddaughter gets married and has a child at age 32. With the 529 plan account you set up 10 years before, you would then name the baby (your grandchild or great-grandchild) as beneficiary. Assuming an 8% rate of return, the value of your investment from when she was 22 (10 years of growth) is now $21,589. If that account was left to grow another 18 years at only 7%, when your grandchild or great-grandchild is ready for college that initial $10,000 investment would have grown to $72,969! So, your $10,000 investment grew to $72,969 in 28 years tax-free. Contingency Plans If you happen to die before all this plays out, you have named your child or grandchild as the successor owner, so they take over the account with their child as the beneficiary. And if the person you set up the 529 plan for chooses not to attend college, you dont lose your money. You could change the beneficiary to a sibling or other family member or use the money to pay for your own continuing education. Or you could take a withdrawal and pay a 10% penalty and taxes on the earnings portion of your withdrawal. There are many ways to save for college, but 529 plans come with some substantial benefits, including: This strategy provides fantastic tax efficiency. Once your money is deposited in the 529 plan the growth should never be taxed again when used for qualified expenses. It allows you to retain control over the money while you are alive. There are many investment options to choose from. The plan beneficiary can use the money for any college they choose, and the beneficiary can be easily changed among family members. You may get a state income tax deduction for your contributions, depending on your state. Visit SavingforCollege.com (opens in new tab) to check your states rules. College costs are out of control. If you can afford to do this for your child or grandchild, it is a great way to leave a financial legacy. Brad Rosley, CFP , has been president of Fortune Financial Group (opens in new tab) (FFG) since 1996. FFG runs a virtual planning practice working with clients from all over the country. Rosley specializes in helping clients successfully navigate retirement related planning goals and construct investment portfolios to meet their personal life goals. The US is back in the driver seat again as a sustained and growing economic powerhouse the Trump Economy. Since the November 2016 elections, the US economic data and outlook have been driving investment in US equities as well as select foreign investment opportunities. The reduction in regulations and business friendly Trump administration seems to have unleashed the hoard of cash and opportunity of the past 7+ years. US and foreign business are, again, wheeling and dealing with the intent of generating greater profits and more opportunities. This is the reason I believe the US, as well as certain foreign partners, will see nearly immediate and direct advancement of economic objectives. The amount of capital that could be unleashed over the next 2 years could be well in excess of $2 Trillion as related to business investment, consumer driven sales and expanded manufacturing capacity will likely drive the US economy into a new leadership role focused on renewed opportunity and activity. US Manufacturing has recently been in a state of decline since late 2011. I attribute this to uncertainty related to US policies and leadership. The graph, below, does not show the opportunity I see in the future expansion, but it does show that throughout historical periods of economic expansion, relative growth ratios tend to hover near +2.6% to +5.7%. This level of expansion, historically, would relate to the US economy feeling optimistic about future capabilities as well as increasing earning potential. US Manufacturing Output Chart Manufacturing will likely grow to near greater than +1% for Q1 2017 Keep the two functions in mind, as opportunities increase and the US economic activity increases, typically hiring and earnings increase as well. This is a sign of a healthy growth phase that may, as it seems it always does, spill over into other foreign markets. Much like the last 1990s and 2003~2006 US economic expansion phases, the historical rates of expansion averaged +4~5%. The contraction periods (recessions: 2001 & 2008) were deep and dangerous, yet the growth phases were lengthy and substantial. Household income growth was a key factor for extended periods of economic expansion. FRED_MedHHIncome Chart US Household Income Rising Sharply As business activity increases, Inventory To Sales Ratios decrease. The rational behind this factor is that sales volumes increase and inventories decrease in relation to new sales activities. Thus, products start flying out of the warehouses and off the shelves. Every US economic expansion phase has been paired with decreasing Inventory To Sales Ratios historically. TtlBusInventory2SalesRatio Chart Sharp increase in sales (Decreasing Inventory) after November 2016 elections In short, this looks like lift-off for the US economy at least for the immediate term perspective. The concerns for investors are still very evident in some of the following graphs. My opinion that the US is still, and has been for decades, the sole driving force behind much of the global economic expansion phases is based on the concept that the US, along with key partners, are the strongest and most mature economies on the planet. I consider most of the immediate partners to the US economy as Japan, Canada, Germany and Great Britain. I'm certain that many of you could add in 2 or 3 others, but I continue to focus on the core elements of the global economic process. Because none of the other global economies are, in my opinion, capable of functioning well without the economic impetus of the four mature growth economies, I continue to believe these four are, and have been, the drivers of global economic growth. The following chart shows why I believe a dramatic change in US economic activity will drive some level of increased economic activity throughout the world. The combined European and Asian GDP Output graph shows severe contraction in 2013~2015. I can only assume the continued contraction of this measurement of economic activity continued in 2016. An increase of 10~20% of this value would result in a nominal overall increase compared to recent highs. It would take an increase of over 70% for this measurement of economic output to be restored to 2012~2013 levels yikes! GDP_EuropAsia Chart Europe & Asia show sharp declines in economic activities I attribute much of the GDP decreases in Europe and Asia to two factors; lack of economic expansion in the US and difficult/uncertain global economic policies in Europe and Asia. As the earlier US Manufacturing Output chart shows, the US economic has only recently started to expand. This is related to fears and uncertainty as related to the US election cycle (at least in part). The recent BREXIT news as well as other issues that continue to plague Europe are also key driving factors. Additionally, more and more frequent news is relating economic concerns and excessive debt levels in China. I can attest that China's economic reach is far and wide in most of Asia. Any crisis originating in China will result in mini-crisis events throughout most of Asia and parts of Europe. This is, again, why I believe continued strength in the US markets will drive US equities and economies to new highs while any spill-over may begin to improve foreign markets as well. But we'll have to wait for that spill-over event to actually start to happen before we see any increased valuations or activity. European Economic Polity Uncertainty Index Chart Europe in the midst of uncertainty and constricting economic leadership How does this relate to me, an active trader? First off, it means I should be focusing on core US equity opportunities and focusing on uncertainty related commodity markets (Gold, Silver, Oil, Gas and others). The uncertainty throughout most of the developed world will drive certain commodities to increased valuations. What has recently happened in India with regards to currencies is already driving global events in precious metals and demand for alternate paper currencies. What happens in France, soon, may likely drive further impetus for increasing valuations in commodities, equities and other markets. The supply data in regards to OIL and GAS is pushing a message that oil may drop to near $30 again. Things are changing quickly and we need to be ready to act and profit from these moves. US DOW Chart Gold Chart The opportunities in foreign markets and in foreign equities will arise again in the future. I can't predict when, but I can predict that any further increased US economic activity will have a spill-over effect on foreign markets and will drive increase valuations unless something acts to destroy that alignment going forward. I keep my members alerted to these opportunities and provide more detailed analysis and trading triggers through ATP . If you would like to continue to receive my research and analysis, please take a moment to visit ActiveTradingPartners.com to see how I can help you to achieve greater success. Some of my most recent calls have been outstanding like: UGAZ 10.7% Profit (Feb 21-23) ERX 7.7% Profit (Feb 8-9th) NUGT 112%Profit (Dec 16 Feb 8th) All the trades are based on my Momentum Reversal Method (MRM) trading system. In short, the US stock market is back in full blown bull market with truck reenergizing things. While I feel a short-term correction is due any day, it is just that, a short-term pullback followed by higher prices into June/July. Follow my lead and start making money every month with www.ActiveTradingPartners.com John Winston Co-Author: Chris Vermeulen By Daniel Stanton SINGAPORE, March 2 (IFR) - The Government of Mongolia , rated Caa1/B-/B-, has capped the size of new US dollar seven-year bonds at $600 million and given guidance for a new money component alongside an exchange offer. Holders of $476 million of Development Bank of Mongolia's state-guaranteed March 2017 bonds agreed to exchange them for new sovereign bonds. These will be exchanged at par for new bonds yielding 8.75 percent, the minimum yield that was indicated for the offer. Since the old DBM bonds were issued under Regulation S and were not sold in the US, while the sovereign bonds are being sold under 144A/Reg S, it has been decided to allow new investors to buy into the offering. Guidance for the new money tranche has been indicated at 8.25 percent area, meaning that those investors will pay a premium to face value. The combined size of both tranches is capped at $600 million, since $580 million is needed to redeem the DBM bonds on March 21. Credit Suisse and JP Morgan are managing the transaction, which will price today. Mongolia reached a funding agreement with the International Monetary Fund on February 19, without which it had been expected to struggle to repay the DBM bonds. (Reporting by Daniel Stanton; editing by Vincent Baby) Editor's Note: We hope you enjoy Kitco News' new look! Don't forget to try out our newest feature: Kitco Chat! You will now be able to easily share and comment on all our articles. You can do so with or without signing up, but why not join Kitco's online community? In just a few easy steps, you will be able to create your unique username and password. Make sure to do so quickly, before someone else snags your username! Belo Sun Mining CEO Peter Tagliamonte shares some of the challenges he faces as a miner in Brazil as he joins Kitco News' Daniela Cambone at Gold Stock Analyst's annual conference in Florida. Catch all our Gold Stock Analyst Investor Day coverage here. DUBAI, March 2 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf edged up early on Thursday because of a strong tone in global bourses, but Dubai's index was dragged down by two major stocks going ex-dividend. Dubai sank 1.1 percent. Dubai Islamic Bank plunged 8.6 percent and GFH Financial slid 11.0 percent; both stocks went ex-dividend on Thursday. The scope of the falls was larger than normal for ex-dividend stocks and suggested a lack of institutional buying support. However, falling stocks in Dubai only narrowly outnumbered gainers by 13 to 10. Builder Arabtec , which in mid-February posted a net loss of about 2.95 billion dirhams ($803 million), fell 0.8 percent despite releasing a presentation outlining a three-phase recovery plan. It predicted stabilisation of its business in 2017, preparation for expansion in 2018, and growth in 2019. Abu Dhabi's index climbed 0.8 percent on the back of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank , which added 2.1 percent. The Saudi Arabian index edged up 0.1 percent as real estate investment trusts, the focus of massive activity by day traders in the past week, jumped again. Riyad REIT , the most heavily traded stock, gained 3.2 percent. Najran Cement dropped 2.1 percent after saying it was temporarily halting one of its production lines with output capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day because of low demand and high inventory build-up. Qatar's index added 0.2 percent. But Aamal fell 2.3 percent after index compiler FTSE Russell released details of the second half of Qatar's transition to Secondary Emerging Market status, which will occur on March 19. The weights of most Qatari stocks in FTSE's index will double, which Arqaam Capital calculates will bring passive fund inflows of about $345 million. But Aamal's weight will only increase to 28 percent from 20 percent because of the company's shareholding limits, FTSE said. (Reporting by Andrew Torchia; Editing by Hugh Lawson) COLOMBO, March 2 (Reuters) - The Sri Lankan rupee traded weaker on Thursday as importer dollar demand surpassed greenback sales by exporters, dealers said. Rupee forwards were active with two-week forwards trading slightly weaker at 151.80/90 per dollar at 0749 GMT, compared with Wednesday's close of 151.70/80. They rose in the past four sessions. "Today we can see some (importer) demand," said a currency dealer, on condition of anonymity. Moody's in a report said lower agricultural exports and higher imports will make up for the loss in domestic production. The drought will weigh on Sri Lanka's current account deficit and foreign-exchange reserve buffers, while the government's handouts for farming families could make the fiscal deficit target a challenge. Lower agricultural output due to severe drought will force the government to increase imports, dealers said. For further imports, the government needs more U.S. currency while there will be fewer dollars coming in from agriculture commodity exports. Both will increase the demand for the greenback and put pressure on the rupee. The rupee is also under pressure due to dollar demand from importers ahead of the traditional Sinhala-Tamil New Year in mid-April, and as foreign investors continue to sell government securities, dealers stated. Sri Lanka's fuel imports in January jumped to double typical monthly levels, with the country rushing to plug an energy shortfall as severe drought hits its hydropower output, industry sources said. Foreign investors sold a net 15.37 billion rupees ($101.62 million) in the week ended Feb. 22, extending the outflow from government securities to 64.5 billion rupees. 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 was in the process of raising up to $2.5 billion from foreign borrowing. The rupee has weakened around 1 percent so far this year. It fell 3.9 percent last year, following a 10 percent drop in 2015. Sri Lankan shares were down 0.11 percent at 6,114.96, as of 0803 GMT. Turnover was 640.2 million rupees ($4.23 million). ($1 = 151.2000 Sri Lankan rupees) (Reporting by Ranga Sirilal and Shihar Aneez; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) MUMBAI, March 2 (Reuters) - The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) plans to launch an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in China, the world's biggest consumer of the precious metal, and a coin-based fund in Europe in 2017, an executive of the council said on Wednesday. "We are working on two deals in China for investment products. (An) ETF and retail platinum bars with a big state-run enterprise," said Marcus Grubb, director of market development at WPIC, which was formed by leading platinum producers to develop investor demand for the metal. India is the world's second-biggest gold consumer, but platinum jewellery has become increasingly popular in the past few years with sales rising by 25-30 percent a year, Grubb said. The council will also launch a $50 million coin-based platinum fund in Europe, he said. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by David Goodman) From Eventfinda: In April 2017, womens rights activist, champion of free speech and best-selling author Ayaan Hirsi Ali will make her first appearance in New Zealand to discuss the current world political climate, Islam, and a plethora of other vital topics. Infidel. Heretic. Apostate. Ayaan Hirsi Ali has courted controversy over her years in the public eye, earning widespread criticism amongst the liberal left and death threats from the religious right. April will see her come in Auckland to add her voice to the heated debate about Islams place in a modern liberal democracy. Born in Somalia to a devout Muslim family, Hirsi Ali underwent female genital mutilation as a child and escaped an arranged marriage in 1992 by seeking political asylum in the Netherlands. Leaving her religion behind, she famously collaborated with director Theo van Gogh to produce Submission, a short film that ultimately led to van Goghs assassination and the subsequent call for her own. Moving to the USA in 2006, Hirsi Ali is now an American citizen and has since founded the AHA Foundation in defence of womens rights, and served as a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank. Hirsi Ali has been previously named as one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World and is a New York Times number one bestselling author. Following on from the release of her 2015 book Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now, April will see Ayaan Hirsi Ali in New Zealand for the first time and Think Inc., in association with Loop, invite you to step inside the controversy with Hero of Heresy. The event will consist of a lecture from Ayaan Hirsi Ali, followed by a discussion with the event host, and conclude with an audience question and answer session. Barry Soper writes: Figures show how desperate it is with emergency housing with the Government budgeting two million bucks for 1400 people to live in motels for the last three months of last year. Yeah well, they ended up spending just on eight million for almost nine thousand needy people. Many of them are hardly ideal tenants though having been blacklisted in the private sector, evicted from state houses, have criminal records and are violent to their families. And thats the conundrum, when does the state stop taking responsibility for them? Thats a question that no one seems to have, or is game enough to have, an answer to. Steven Joyce and Amy Adams announced: New Zealands first social bond will help around 1,700 people with mental illness into work, Finance Minister Steven Joyce and Social Investment Minister Amy Adams say. The social bond approved by Cabinet in December 2016 has successfully raised the required finance so is now operational as New Zealands first social bond, Mr Joyce says. Social Bonds are an innovative method of providing social services for people with complex needs where a financial incentive is offered to a consortium of providers and investors if they can achieve a result with a service which is demonstrably better than what has been previously achieved with the old way of doing things. Social Investment Minister Amy Adams says this social bond is another example of the social investment approach designed to get more effective delivery of services to those who most need them. One of the difficult challenges in getting people off benefits and back into work is how best to help people with mild to moderate mental health challenges and achieve sustainable long-term results. Government agencies have struggled with this issue for a long time, Ms Adams says. Tyco Korea CEO Bradley Buckwalter, center in the back row, poses with children of firefighters who died or were injured while on duty, during a scholarship award ceremony at the Yeongdeungpo Fire Station in Seoul, Tuesday. The firefighting equipment maker offered 29 million won ($25,000) in scholarship funds to 16 students. / Courtesy of Tyco Korea By Kim Jae-kyoung The United States is expected to take issue with Korea's foreign exchange policy as a means to narrow their trade deficit, according to Jeffrey Jones, former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea. He said Seoul should not rule out the possibility of being listed as a currency manipulator under the Trump administration. Jones said the U.S. Treasury Department is keeping a close watch on Korea's foreign exchange reserves and rates. It may find fault with the central bank's transparency in its foreign exchange policy, he said. On Wednesday, the U.S. Trade Representative said the U.S. needs to review a free trade agreement with Korea as its trade deficit is widening. Chances are growing that the Trump administration will take issue with the Korean financial authorities' foreign exchange policy, let alone the free trade deal. "When I last met with the Treasury Department a year ago, they then believed that the Bank of Korea (BOK) was interfering with exchange rates," Jones said. "They base this on trade flows and the amount of foreign currency reserves held by the country." Jones, a Korea expert, works at Kim & Chang as an international lawyer. "Foreign currencies that don't appear on the foreign reserves that should have resulted from the trade surplus are presumed by the Treasury to be used by the BOK in the currency markets," he said. "They have asked the Korean government for greater transparency." Since Donald Trump took office in January, the U.S. administration has been filled with more hardliners. "If the Treasury has sufficient evidence to firmly believe that the BOK is engaging in foreign exchange trade to support the exchange rate, then it would appear that the Treasury is prepared to label Korea a currency manipulator," Jones said. The Treasury is scheduled to release its next foreign exchange report which will determine the currency manipulation of major trading partners April 15. Leadership crisis On a broader economic issue, Jones said the biggest challenge now is not economic turmoil but a leadership vacuum triggered by the worst-ever political scandal that has engulfed President Park Geun-hye. "I believe the biggest issue facing Korea is political uncertainty," Jones said in a recent interview. "Korea badly needs a leader to shore up public confidence in the country. "It is true that there is a crisis of confidence due to unemployment issues, job uncertainty, high costs of real estate and the current political situation exacerbated by North Korean issues and the election of U.S. President Trump." He stressed that strong leadership is needed more than ever, not only to put the country back on track but also to ensure stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula. "Korea needs to build stronger relationships with the U.S., Japan and China and create confidence in the security issues faced from North Korea to prevent any missteps by either the U.S. or North Korea," he said. On the job market, Jones said that youth unemployment has become one of the most serious problems in Korea. Unemployment in his words is not a cyclical problem anymore but a structural and social issue. He said technology is the major force behind the lack of jobs, while young people are reluctant to engage in certain types of work. "This suggests that we need to be changing the way we think about education and the type of education that young people are being given," he said. "Previous generations of Koreans were willing to do any kind of work so long as it paid. Expectations of today's young are very different." However, Jones dismissed concerns about the possibility of the country facing another economic crisis, citing the decent performance by Korean companies. "I do not believe Korea is headed for a serious economic crisis," he said. "Corporate profitability is at a record high, which bodes well for the ability of companies to invest in the future and weather any temporary slowdowns." By Nam Hyun-woo Samsung Life will pay the full amount of unpaid benefits for suicide claims, the life insurer of Samsung Group said Thursday, surrendering to the financial watchdog's punishment against the firm and two peers which had resisted completing the payout. According to Samsung Life, it held an emergency board meeting and decided to pay the full amount of unpaid benefits for 3,337 suicide claims. The amount, which includes principals and interests, stands at 174 billion won ($152.28 million). "Samsung Life made the decision in order to protect clients and regain consumer trust of the company," it said in a statement. "The firm will provide the payout as soon as possible." The decision came after the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) slapped heavy punishments on the so-called big three life insurers here Samsung, Hanwha and Kyobo that had resisted the FSS's order to pay off the suicide claims. The FSS last week decided to issue reprimands on Samsung Life CEO Kim Chang-soo and Hanwha Life CEO Cha Nam-gyu. Relevant financial regulation bans reprimanded financial firm CEOs from serving additional terms after their current term ends. Also, they cannot be employed as a senior executive for financial firms for the next three years. Kyobo Life Chairman Shin Chang-jae received a cautionary warning, which is a level softer than a reprimand, as his firm decided to provide payouts for all the controversial suicide claims hours before the FSS's decision on the punishments. Samsung Life's movement is interpreted as a last-minute surrender before the finalization of the penalties. If FSS Governor Zhin Woong-seob approves the penalties, the FSS will officially notify the firms and the disciplinary measures will take effect from then. Zhin told reporters he has yet to decide whether or not he will uphold the punishments. Following Samsung's surrender, Hanwha Life will also hold a board meeting today and discuss whether to follow its peers. However, criticism has arisen as they lost not only public trust but also profits. The controversy over suicide insurance benefits goes back to 2001, when an insurer started to sell a policy that recognizes suicide as a disaster in a special clause and promised additional payments. Other insurers started releasing similar policies up to 2010 when they realized the clause was "problematic." Insurers provided smaller payouts to policyholders without recognizing suicide as a natural disaster. Over the controversy, the country's top court determined the insurers should pay insurance claims as stated in the clause. Of 14 companies that sold such policies, 11 smaller life insurers gave in after the FSS threatened them with heavy penalties, but the big three firms continued to resist, citing the statute of limitations. By Nam Hyun-woo Seoul Guarantee Insurance CEO Choi Jong-ku Seoul Guarantee Insurance CEO Choi Jong-ku will lead the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank), the government said Thursday. The Ministry of Strategy and Finance said it has recommended Choi as chief of the bank. If acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn approves the recommendation, the 60-year-old will replace outgoing Eximbank President Lee Duk-hoon, whose term expires March 5. Earlier speculations were that the nomination would take time because of the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil. After graduating from Korea University in 1980, Choi earned his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1992. Choi served as senior deputy governor at the Financial Supervisory Service from April 2013, before being appointed as the guarantee service provider's head Jan. 11 last year. Following Hwang's approval, Choi will begin his three-year term March 6. An employee at the Amazing Brewing Company pours beer from one of the brewpub's 59 taps. The brewpub boasts the largest number of taps in the country. / Korea Times photos by Yun Suh-young By Yun Suh-young There had been a huge debate about the taste of Korean beers a couple of years back, sparked by a British journalist residing in Korea who wrote a column about how bad South Korean beer tasted and that he'd rather drink a North Korean one over it. Many agreed saying South Korean beers didn't really have any "taste" and some even denounced that they tasted like urine, while others were infuriated by the comment and offended by a foreigner taking a lash at local beers. Interestingly, that journalist ended up opening his own craft beer pub (and is no longer a journalist) which has become quite popular. Whether inspired by the beer brouhaha or not, it was around this time in 2012, when the beer column was published, that the local craft beer scenery began to wriggle. Craft beer breweries began to multiply around 2010 but it wasn't until a few years later that craft beers truly caught on with consumers. It's difficult to say which came first whether the craft beer movement was already in place and that journalist pinpointed it, or whether the column had actually stimulated beer experts to provide quality beers that were personally brewed. Whatever the answer is to this chicken-or-egg debate, the environment was ripe for craft beer to flourish here. Hence began the craft beer fever. Craft beer 101 So what exactly is craft beer? We use the term so often but not many know how to distinguish craft beer from ordinary beer. Just because the beer comes out of the tap doesn't make it craft beer. That is "draft" beer, and a draft beer could be craft beer or mass-produced swill. Craft beer is beer "crafted" or produced independently by small breweries. According to the definition by the Brewers Association of the United States, a craft brewery has to satisfy the following three conditions to be considered a craft brewer: small, traditional and independent. It produces less than 6 million barrels (1 billion liters) of beer per year, follows the traditional recipe for fermenting beer but also experiments and adds new flavors using innovative brewing ingredients, and has over 75 percent of its share owned by craft beer-related persons, meaning less than 25 percent of the craft brewery is owned or controlled by a company in the alcoholic beverage industry that is not itself a craft brewer. "Craft beers began to emerge in the 1980s in the United States. There were only 80 breweries in 1975 but now there are over 5,000 breweries and of them, around 4,800 are craft breweries. Yet ironically, the craft beer market share in the U.S. only consists of 18 percent while non-craft beer takes up 82 percent," said Kim Man-jeh, director at the recently established brewpub Amazing Brewing Company in eastern Seoul. The brewpub is exceptional in that it offers its brewery and pub in the same location. Its CEO Kim Tae-kyung (TK Kim) who is one of Korea's seven certified cicerones, or beer sommeliers, decided to open his own brewery because of his passion for beer and from having tasted many "bad beers." "People think I opened a beer pub, but what I actually opened was a brewery which has a pub connected to it. Most breweries are located outside of Seoul in remote areas, but I wanted to build the beer brewery in Seoul because that way I could reach out to more people," TK Kim said. The brewpub has 59 taps, the highest number in Korea, and two-thirds of the beers they serve are their own creations. Common misperceptions Beer taps are lined up at the brewpub Amazing Brewing Company in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul. Since Koreans are used to the "lager" type of beers such as Hite, Cass and Kloud which are mass produced by large beer companies, they're not as familiar with other styles of beer such as ale and lambic which constitute the remainder of the three main styles of beer. Within the lager category are subcategories of pilsner, pale lager and dunkel among the 40 or so, and within the ale category are subcategories of pale ale, stout, saison and weizen among some 70. "The reason why some people say Korean beers taste similar is because the big beer companies only produce the same type of beer lager because it's the most popular. That's why people who've tasted many beer brands still say they all taste alike," Kim Man-jeh said. He runs a beer-tasting and lecture session every Tuesday night at the Amazing Brewing Company to educate the public on the different types of beer. He is also the author of the "Beer Style Dictionary." "But just because they're drinking the kinds of beer that have the same color, doesn't mean they're drinking the same type of beer." Inside view of the Amazing Brewing Company Beer education Kim's beer session begins with the history of craft beer, its ingredients and the basic production process. "Traditional beer is made with four ingredients malt, hops, yeast and water. Depending on how much and what type of malt, hops, or yeast is used, the flavors are characterized as malty, hoppy or yeasty. You'll figure out what this means," Kim said, giving out seven different types of beer in each category. He then went on to explain the different styles of beer in more detail. Globally popular beers such as Carlsberg, Budweiser and Miller are all in the lager category, specifically pale lager. Lager refers to beer that is "bottom-fermented," meaning it is conditioned at low temperatures (between 8 to 13 degrees Celsius) and matured in cold storage. Pale lagers are the most commonly produced lagers worldwide, as they are light in flavor, mild and golden in color. "It's easy to put it this way. The most popular beer brands that you've heard of are mostly pale lagers. But pale lagers are just one type of beer in the subcategory of lager which has dozens of other types," Kim said. Ale refers to beer that is "top-fermented," meaning it is fermented at warm temperatures (between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius). Ales are usually more fruity, full-bodied and sweet. Lambic, the third of the three main categories of beer, refers to beer that is also top-fermented but with bacteria instead of yeast in the fermentation process. This makes the beer dry, vinous, and cidery, with a sour aftertaste. "I really want people to know there are so many different styles of beer and help them realize the joy of discovering the diverse flavors. That's why I'm holding these beer sessions every week," Kim said. Rev. Cho Bong-hee / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul By Kim Tae-gyu Throughout his life, Rev. Cho Bong-hee has shown great interest in helping marginalized people around the world. In particular, he has cared much about poor people in North Korea. Rev. Cho, who has visited North Korea six times, has a strong belief that the two Koreas should unify as soon as possible so impoverished Northern neighbors can get help. "Rather than economic considerations after unification, we are required to put the fact first that we are of the same descent and, accordingly, we have to come together once again," Rev. Cho, 60, said. "Then, the unified Korea, with a population of some 80 million, would give economic benefits to us including huge opportunities for infrastructure investment in the less-developed North." In achieving unification, Rev. Cho warned against the rising Cold War mentality of pitting the two Koreas against each other. He stressed that the South has to embrace the North. "That is what true love means," he said. Along the same lines, Rev. Cho supports the so-called "sunshine policy" of engaging North Korea, not because of its political implication but because of humanitarian concerns. "The government needs to encourage nongovernmental exchanges between the two Koreas, especially religious ones," he said. "Brisker civilian exchanges would greatly help speed up unification. "Plus, cultural works are very efficient to bridge the gaps between the two nations. For example, experience tells us that movies involving North Korea affect people there so much." Rev. Cho noted that the South must prepare for unification in meticulous ways to help children north of the 38th parallel. "We should develop educational materials to assimilate Northern children," he said. "The tailor-made materials would be very different from those for Southern students. "Hardware' would be unified relatively easily but that is not the case for software.'" With third-generation dictator Kim Jong-un ruling Pyongyang with an iron hand, there is pessimism about any improvement soon in the South-North relationship. But Rev. Cho's patience and determination for unification seem never to abate. He believes unification may be an imminent issue, not a faraway dream, with so many putting efforts into the goal. "Many experts have predicted that it would take two or three decades for the two Koreas to become one again," he said. "But that might happen much earlier than most expect." By Yi Whan-woo China is apparently bolstering ties with Russia and North Korea after South Korea and the United States got a step closer this week to deploying a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here, officials and analysts said Thursday. Seoul and Washington are looking to promptly install the THAAD system as protection against the North's military threats, while ensuring a trilateral security alliance with Japan. On Tuesday, China held vice ministerial talks with Russia in Beijing, while North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Ri Kil-song was also visiting the Chinese capital. This was the same day the Ministry of Defense signed a land-swap deal with Lotte Group and secured the land for the THAAD battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province. During a press briefing, Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said both the vice ministerial talks and Ri's Beijing trip reflect "China's efforts as a member of East Asia." Geng said China and Russia reaffirmed their opposition toward THAAD. The two Cold War allies also agreed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation concerning the U.S. defense missile shield, which they suspect is a means to expand U.S. influence in the region. Ri received a warm welcome, meeting Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, respectively, from Tuesday to Wednesday. "China will maintain communications and cooperation with East Asian countries and pursue common interests regardless of any meetings, whether it is between us and Ri or between us and Russia," Geng said. "We'll work with the related countries to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, keep the region peaceful and stable, and resolve any relevant issues through dialogue." Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean Studies at Dongguk University, assessed that China is trying to underscore their diplomatic and security ties against South Korea, the U.S. and Japan concerning THAAD. "A new Cold War would be an exaggeration but it is apparent that China is trying to draw its two Cold War allies to its side at least over THAAD-related issues," he said, Thursday. "It will also highlight the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. as well as their ties with Japan as part of tactics against THAAD." He cited that the Chinese government held both Seoul and Washington responsible for "all problems to be caused in the aftermath" of the land-swap deal and the deployment. Beijing's state-run media outlets also have been calling for tougher measures against Seoul in addition to its ongoing economic retaliation. On Wednesday, the Huanqiu Shibao, which is under the auspices of the Chinese communist party's official People's Daily newspaper, published a column that called for a "surgical strike" on the THAAD site. Written by Luo Yuan, a former rear admiral in the People's Liberation Navy, the column listed 10 countermeasures against THAAD. They included being uncooperative with South Korea, the U.S. and Japan over international and regional issues; developing a relevant missile system against THAAD's long-range X band radar; destroying the X-band radar if necessary; strengthening strategic cooperation with Russia; making China's view official about THAAD at the United Nations; and boycotting Lotte products in China. Meanwhile, the defense ministers and national security advisers of South Korea and the U.S. reaffirmed Wednesday that THAAD deployment would be completed within this year as scheduled. During a telephone conversation with Defense Minister Han Min-koo, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis said the two allies will pursue the "prompt operation" of THAAD, according to military officials here. National Security Office chief Kim Kwan-jin and U.S. National Security Adviser Herbert McMaster talked over the phone separately and agreed to "push ahead with the THAAD plan without setbacks," according to Cheong Wa Dae. By Kim Jae-kyoung Fake news has become a buzzword everywhere. With hoax stories from illegitimate websites or unreliable personal blogs going out of control, there is growing concern that fake news is likely to be a swaying factor in the upcoming presidential election. From a presidential candidate to a popular TV news anchor, a number of high-profile figures have recently fallen prey to falsified stories. Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's withdrawal from the presidential race was a case in point. He decided to give up his shot at the presidency after a couple of fabricated stories put him in hot water. The real problem is that people, particularly young people more exposed to social media, the main medium of fake news dissemination, have little ability to tell fabricated news from real. This has called for content creators and social media to come up with measures to cope with challenges caused by fake news. "The side effects of fake news are great, as it has not only damaged the honor of the victims, but also undermined the credibility of social information and the formation of a sound, rational public opinion," acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said during a Cabinet meeting, Tuesday. Then a question is cropping up. How persuasive or powerful is fake news? Will it be a dominant factor that can change voters' minds in an election? It is hard to answer this question because it is simply impossible to track down every person to figure out how fake news affects his or her decision-making process. Korea's presidential candidates and political parties may have to take a cue from the 2016 U.S. presidential election. President Donald Trump has been at the center of the "fake news" debate before and after the 2016 election. He has waged a war against the media claiming that major news organizations, including CNN and New York Times, are "fake news." The hottest issue was whether fake news had an impact on the outcome of the election. In other words, did Trump benefit from the surge of fake news during the election campaign? A recent study released by economists Matthew Gentzkow of Stanford and Hunt Allcott of New York University shows that Trump, in fact, was the beneficiary of the surge of fabricated stories. According to the study, in the three months before the election, 115 pro-Trump fake news articles were seen a total of 30.3 million times, nearly quadruple the number of 41 pro-Clinton fake news articles seen 7.6 million times. "Non-traditional content providers are better at personalization than traditional news organizations," a U.S.-based source said on condition of anonymity. "News consumers spend less time to research news than other products they consume." He added, "Prominent public figures use the term to refute facts they do not like, lending potential validity to the idea fake news is common." A recent analysis by BuzzFeed, a New York-based media company, shows fake news may go viral faster than real news. According to the analysis, in the final three months of the U.S. presidential campaign, the top 20 fake news stories from hoax sites generated 8.7 million shares, reactions and comments, while the top 20 genuine news stories generated 7.4 million shares, reactions and comments. In particular, during the period, the top fake election news stories on Facebook were found to produce more engagement than the top stories from mainstream media, including the New York Times and Washington Post. Korea is one of the most wired countries in the world, meaning it could be more vulnerable to a fake news crisis. No matter who will become the next president, fake news will be one of the fiercest issues in the upcoming election and is likely to have a bigger impact on the outcome than it did in the U.S. presidential election. By Jun Ji-hye North Korea threatened to take its "toughest" military action, Thursday, as South Korea and the United States began a large-scale joint military drill the previous day. In response, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the North will only face firm retaliation if it pushes for any provocations. Seoul and Washington began their annual two-month field training exercise, Foal Eagle, Wednesday, and plan to conduct Key Resolve, a largely computer-simulated exercise, for two weeks from March 13. The North's General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) warned that Seoul and Washington will face a miserable end if they provoke the North as it is ready to "mercilessly" deter any nuclear aggression. "Our army will counter them with the toughest counteractions as it already declared," said a statement by the military carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "This stand of ours we clarified before the world is by no means empty talk." Col. Roh Jae-cheon, spokesman for Seoul's JCS, warned of resolute retaliation against any possible provocations from the reclusive state. "The joint drills by South Korea and the United States are defensive in nature, designed only to bolster our readiness and defend the Republic of Korea in the event of a contingency," he said. The repressive state has long been claiming that the exercises are "dress rehearsals" by "hostile" forces for a northward invasion with nuclear weapons. Victor Cha, Korea chairman at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, raised the possibility that the North is likely to undertake provocations in the coming weeks. "A Beyond Parallel study predicts that military provocations by North Korea are likely during the period of the exercises," he said, referring to the U.S. think tank's website devoted to North Korea issues. "Beyond Parallel found that the four-to-eight week window prior to the exercise period is the best indicator of North Korean behavior during the exercises. When U.S.-DPRK relations during this window are coded as negative then the exercise period will see a high level of provocations." By Chung Hyun-chae Hwang Eun-mee Hwang Eun-mee, 63, won the Yu Gwansun Award, in recognition of her hard work as president of the Career Consultant Forum (CCF), the South Chungcheong Provincial Government said Thursday. The CCF is a nonprofit organization providing career consulting services to jobseekers. "I am so pleased that the importance of cultivating talented women was acknowledged," Hwang told The Korea Times. The provincial government jointly launched the award with Ewha Girls' High School and Dong-A Ilbo in 2001 to award women or women's groups who contribute to social and national development. It commemorates the patriotism of Yoo Gwan-sun, an independence activist. Yoo was one of the organizers of the March 1 Independence Movement against the Japanese occupation and was tortured to death. So far, two organizations and 13 individuals have received the award. "This year, we have acknowledged Hwang's achievements including developing various career programs for jobseekers and cultivating talented people," said Kim Seog-pil, director of the Women & Family Policy Bureau at the provincial government. Hwang graduated from Ewha Womans University in 1973 after studying international office management in 1977. She then eanred an MBA in management from Yonsei University. She entered the Bank of America's Seoul branch in 1977 and worked there as an executive secretary, a HR specialist and a global marketing officer until 1995. During her years as the president of Business & Professional Women Korea from 2009 to 2011, Hwang conducted a campaign called Equal Pay Day calling for equal pay for equal work. Hwang became the president of the CCF in 2009. The award ceremony will take place March 30 at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. Hwang will receive a cash prize of 20 million ($17,507) won. The provincial government granted other awards to 14 18-year-old girls for their model behavior as high school students. Each winner will receive 1.5 million won in prize money. By Kim Rahn Six armed North Korean soldiers on the border between China and North Korea have apparently deserted and entered China, according to a media report, Thursday. It added that the Chinese authorities are attempting to track down and apprehend them. If the report is true, this is the second desertion of armed North Korean soldiers into China in seven months. Free North Korea Radio reported that the six in the frontier district in Ryanggang Province crossed over the Tumen River into Jilin Province, Feb. 24. "Chinese security officers and North Korean agents have checked and inspected people at major roads there, but the deserters have not been caught as of March 1," the media said, citing a North Korean defector to the South as a source. The six soldiers were from one squad and it has not been confirmed whether they were carrying live ammunition. "Chinese security authorities have told residents in the borderland area to immediately report any armed North Korean soldiers," the report said. Why they ran away is unknown. If the desertion was not prearranged, they may have crossed the border following a commander's beating or other punishments. The South Korean government said it has not confirmed the desertion. In July last year, five armed North Korean soldiers escaped to China and robbed houses there. After a gunfight with Chinese soldiers and policemen, two of them were caught while three escaped. Two Chinese police officers were injured in the incident. In December 2014, a North Korean deserter went on a shooting spree at a residential area in Helong, Jilin Province, killing or injuring five Chinese residents. A source told Yonhap News Agency that desertions by North Korean soldiers have continued due to a shortage of food since the 2000s, which has become more serious after flooding in the Tumen River area last August. By Michael Bergmann The American people have to defend their liberal constitutional order. The citizens of the world have to defend humanity. After we heard the most unworthy inauguration speech, humiliating a proud nation and proclaiming the aggressive isolationism "Frustrated America First," it has become clear that we are facing more than unfunny jokes. Should this be, as some give Trump the honor, the real beginning of the twenty-first century, like 1914 / 1917 marked the opening of the twentieth? Or will it be remembered as a ridiculously backward episode, slowing human progress "just" a few years? This is still possible, though not guaranteed. I have no idea where those millionaires' dissatisfaction, anger and hatred come from, but at the heart of the phenomenon lies sheer misanthropy. Before the election, we had to learn the word "misogyny," meaning "dislike of women" in Greek, specifically their exploitation as objects. But it does not hit "only" them. As philanthropy can be defined as "friendliness to humanity," a generosity which is not a privilege of the rich, misanthropy is the guiding principle of the America-first administration. It is no wonder that Trump's first exchanges with international leaders escalated on the issue of how to deal with the world's most powerless, the refugees. No other representatives of civilized countries could so openly deny the obligation to rescue drowning human lives. Misanthropy is not satisfied with just not helping - it blames others for doing so! That non-American lives matter little appears as the only continuity in the ever-changing "strategic" announcements. American non-members of the tribe that chose him as their chieftain are, likewise, pushed out to freeze in the cold, as literally demonstrated by Trump's troops in the campaign. How should the rest of the world react? Embrace nationalism as the new trend? Try to compensate the enormous costs of abandoned cooperation with selfish, defensive aggression? Us first? Korea first? Revival of Japan? Germany great again? Leave EU? Leave the world? The answer must be: Humanity first. This means two things: One, philanthropy trumps misanthropy, as described above. Two, vote for "remain" in the world. Forget those who want to "leave" the world. The world of those willing to cooperate on humanity's common challenges is big enough. Forget those who deny climate change, global inter-dependence and human dignity. The projects of political and scientific enlightenment are great enough to encourage new alliances of all who are willing. Shinzo Abe and Angela Merkel have shown two contrary ways for democratic leaders to approach the America-first president: Politics without morality and submissive allegiance here versus value-based multilateral diplomacy there. I am sure Korea will not follow Abe. Korea will elect a humanity-first president, a philanthropist knowing how to independently balance national, regional and global responsibility. Michael Bergmann is a teacher in Seoul. Write to bergmann2473@yahoo.de. By Park Moo-jong It has been a painful period for the Republic of Korea since the National Assembly voted to impeach the embattled President Park Geun-hye on Dec. 19 last year over the corruption and cronyism scandal dubbed "Choi Soon-sil gate." We, Koreans, are experiencing commotions and troubles and we do not know where all of these will lead us. I am afraid Korea may be drifting quickly toward the shameful times of 71 years ago in 1946 when an "all or nothing" confrontation between the left and the right forces split the people in a grave social chaos. The rivals confronted each other through respective street protests over whether to accept or reject the trusteeship by the United States and the Soviet Union, thus eventually leading to national division in 1948. A very similar phenomenon is sweeping the whole country over the Constitutional Court's ruling, slated for around March 13, over whether to accept or reject the parliamentary impeachment of the President. On Wednesday, the 98th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement in 1919 against Japan, downtown Seoul and elsewhere across the country saw massive candlelit protests for the impeachment of Park and Taegeukgi (national flag) protests against it. Deplorable in this grave situation is the ruthless and greedy behavior of politicians who, otherwise, should roll up their sleeves to persuade the angry public to wait calmly for the Constitutional Court's decision. They are only interested in the presidential election, the date of which is to be fixed depending on the court's ruling, some of whom already appear to be acting as if they were president. Even an opposition lawmaker supporting the candlelit protest "proposed" during a parliamentary session that the concerned law should be revised to ban the use of the national flag during street demonstrations. What an egoistical idea. It is amazing how the police officer-turned-lawmaker came up with such a ridiculous proposal. Rather, she should have suggested first that candlelight should not be used during protests. Adding fuel to the fire, the three left-wing opposition parties decided Tuesday to move to impeach acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn for rejecting the extension of the term of the independent counsel investigating Choi Soon-sil gate, which ended at the end of February. The opposition movement is definitely revenge against Hwang. The President's office was suspended following the parliamentary impeachment and Prime Minister Hwang is doing the job. If they succeed in impeaching Hwang, the deputy prime minister will become acting president and prime minister. What a funny situation! Signs are that the opposition camp is likely to seize power after Park. How could such forces be so irresponsible, if they have any concerns about the nation now in security, political and economic debacles at the same time? Nobody knows the results of the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial. Now is the very time for the people, on the left and right, to calm down and wait for the court's ruling. Most of all, the presidential hopefuls should declare that they will accept "unconditionally" the court's ruling. It is a relief that Moon Jae-in, a strong presidential candidate, promised, though belatedly, he would accept the court's decision even if it "differs from the public sentiment." He earlier claimed if the court rejects the impeachment, a revolution would take place. Of course, the two conflicting sides must stop their protests, causing severe inconveniences to citizens every weekend over the past three months, so police can return to their given job of securing the safety of the people. The beleaguered President is also responsible for the current crisis the nation is now faced with. She has more than a week to consider how she should act for the nation and its people. If the court accepts the parliamentary impeachment, she loses her presidency immediately and will enter Korean history as the first president to be fired. If the court rejects the parliamentary decision, she will retain, if she wants, the presidency for one more year until Feb. 24. But it is not expected that she will perform her duties as President well, as she already lost her presidential authority. The time has come for Park to make up her mind to resign ahead of the court's ruling. What's going on in this part of the world now reminds us of Saint Peter asking, "Quo vadis domine?" As well known, the Latin words mean "where are you going?" According to the apocryphal Acts of Peter, the saint is fleeing from likely crucifixion in Rome and meets on the way the risen Jesus. Peter asks Jesus "Quo Vadis?" to which He replies, "Romam eo iterum crucifigi" (I am going to Rome to be crucified again"). The disciple thereby gains the courage to continue his ministry and returns to the city to eventually be martyred by being crucified upside-down. (The Church of Domine Quo Vadis in Rome is built where, according to legend, Jesus met Peter). Aren't there any leaders like Peter who have the courage to "sacrifice" themselves to save the Republic of Korea in crisis? Park can become a Peter. Park Moo-jong is the adviser of The Korea Times. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first 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. In the university entrance season, welcome parties and orientations for freshmen have led to a series of incidents. On Feb. 26, two freshmen girls at the Pohang University of Science and Technology (PUST) in North Gyeongsang Province were sexually abused by older male students in their department during a freshmen welcoming party held at a holiday villa. More than 40 students participated in the event, but there were no professors or school staff there, who could have watched over the students and prevented such shocking behavior among participants. On Feb. 22, a freshmen from a university in Incheon got drunk at an orientation at a condo in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, and accidentally entered an elevator control room and got three fingers cut off. On the same day, a bus crashed, resulting in the death of the driver who was driving freshmen from the Kumoh National Institute of Technology in North Gyeongsang Province on their way to Wonju, the site of their freshmen orientation. The school president had to issue an apology to the students and parents for the accident, which left more than 40 physically and emotionally injured. Such accidents highlight the urgent need to change the culture of university events. In 2014, the Ministry of Education created a manual to promote safety at these, but it has not been properly observed. The ministry guidelines include holding large-scale events on campus, and the university rather than the student council, overseeing welcoming events for freshmen. Holding big events at faraway cities and in places like condos raises the possibility of various incidents. Also, there should be a strict rule against alcohol. The universities are primarily responsible for the repeated incidents involving freshmen. They should properly check that welcoming events are organized in accordance with the ministry's safety manual. Time to heal the rift and boost integration The nation celebrated the 98th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement Day, Wednesday. But the public witnessed the sad reality of our deep division once again, with hundreds of thousands of people staging rallies for and against the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Ninety-eight years ago, the heart of Seoul was crowded with people crying out for independence from Japan's colonial rule. But on Wednesday, the streets of downtown Seoul were divided by pro-Park and anti-Park protesters who spewed curses and rough words toward each other. There were concerns about violent clashes because their marching routes overlapped. Fortunately, there were no major accidents thanks to dozens of police buses that separated the protesters. The March 1 Independence Movement Day is the day when our ancestors shouted for independence to take back their country forcibly seized by Japanese imperialists, transcending religion, ideology and region. It's a pity that on this meaningful day, the Seoul streets became the site of hatred and division. Given that security and economic conditions on the Korean Peninsula have grown intense, fear about a national crisis might be natural. There can be pros and cons in a democracy. But what has been featured in our society since the National Assembly voted to impeach the first female head of state, Dec. 9, is far from normal. We are afraid that the position that those who have different opinions cannot be tolerated may have already become the norm. Furthermore, the way opinions are expressed has become so tough and threatening that Lee Jung-mi, acting president of the Constitutional Court, has received death threats. Certainly, now is the time to refrain from overreaching actions and arguments and instead wait for the top court's decision calmly. The biggest problem is that political leaders renege on their duties to ease conflicts but intentionally add to confusion and division. In fact, presidential frontrunner Moon Jae-in and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, another presidential hopeful, attended Wednesday's candlelit protests, while a handful of pro-Park lawmakers of the ruling Liberty Korea Party were present at the rally calling for Park's reinstatement. All this shows that our political leaders won't respect the rule of law and will revolt at any time if the ruling goes against what they want. This pitiable situation must not be left unattended any longer. They should take the lead in healing the rift and boosting integration rather than jumping on the bandwagon, blindly obsessed with winning the presidential election. Specifically, all presidential candidates must clearly vow to comply with the Constitutional Court's ruling and make efforts to persuade their supporters to accept the decision. President Park also needs to clarify in advance her intention to abide by whatever the court decides. By Kyung Moon Hwang Concern and fascination, mixed with some gallows humor, have characterized the popular reaction to the poisoning of Kim Jong-nam, the older half-brother of the current North Korean leader. To observers familiar with the bizarre North Korean transplantation of very traditional behavior into a modern authoritarian state, this made some sense. Still, the killing of an exiled potential claimant to the throne, which happened occasionally in Korea's dynastic past, seems to have come straight out of a movie or television drama. The more fitting genre is probably the dystopian novel, especially George Orwell's "1984," originally published seventy years ago. Orwell's work has surged in popularity in the United States recently, so disturbing have become the authoritarian rantings and actions of Donald Trump and his underlings. No place, however, has replicated the horrific world of totalitarianism, in which every corner of life lies vulnerable to surveillance and control by the mechanisms of dictatorship, more than North Korea. And it starts with the Orwellian Big Brother, whose absolute authority justifies and determines every form of cultural, political, social, even familial interaction. North Korea is now under the reign of its third Big Brother, but he is also the grandson of the original and the son of the successor. This hereditary feature of the strong man system shows that the monarchy has been revived in North Korea, but we should not assume that this country was somehow destined to repeat age-old Korean historical patterns. Indeed the basis of its founding was completely foreign, namely the Allied powers' defeat of Japan in World War II and the post-liberation occupation of Korea's northern half by the Soviet Union in 1945. The Soviets did not have to pick Kim Il-sung as their native leader, but Kim was a reliable communist and had become known to some as an anti-Japanese guerrilla leader from the late 1930s. So this necessary connection to the resistance against colonial rule somewhat limited the Soviets' choices. Thereafter, Kim Il-sung chose to solidify his power through ruthless purges, military adventurism (the Korean War), and a hyper-nationalist legitimization narrative based on patently inflated claims about himself. This came straight out of the modern dictator's playbook circulating around the world, but he didn't necessarily have to turn out this way. Over the course of North Korea's early history, from the mid-1940s to the 1960s, many idealistic Koreans who chose to live in the North sincerely believed that it could become the shining alternative to South Korea, which seemed dependent on American-led capitalist imperialism. North Korea would achieve the longed-for independence from external forces as well as liberation from backward Korean traditions, especially the terrible inequities that had long plagued the country. And in contrast to the South, North Korea would be truly democratic, giving voice to the downtrodden and spreading the virtues and fruits of an egalitarian society and economy. The first signs that such ideals were being crushed by Kim Il-sung's quest for personal power appeared even before the Korean War, when his image already was paraded in mass gatherings and stamped onto the headings of newspapers. The Korean War could have led to Kim's downfall, given that North Korea came close to defeat after four months, but he was saved by China's entrance into the war on the North's behalf in late October of 1950. In the mid-1950s, Kim ramped up the killing of his potential rivals, whether they were Korean-Soviet advisors, leftists with Chinese ties like Gim Won-bong, or native Korean communist leaders like Bak Heon-yeong. When such more ideologically sound, former independence activists grew alarmed at Kim Il-sung's monopolization of authority, they had appealed to the Soviet Union and China to intervene. They did, but just at this time a major rift between these communist powers also emerged, and Kim played the two off each other in order to save himself. This moment, in 1956, was perhaps the last realistic chance to turn away from what North Korea eventually became. Thereafter, the rationale for North Korea's ruling system, indeed for the country itself, became firmly tied to maintaining the absolute supremacy of one man, which made the later hereditary succession almost inevitable. It wasn't just political rivals who fell victim to this totalitarian descent beginning in the 1950s. Skilled and well-intentioned writers, artists, academics, professionals, and others found themselves trapped in a country regimented to service the Kim regime. Many of them simply "disappeared," not only by losing their lives or jobs but also by becoming erased from history. Like the purged political figures, these educated Koreans would have been the leaders of an alternative North Korea that never came to be. Thankfully many of them, whose works and accomplishments were banned in South Korea during the South's own dictatorship era, eventually won recognition following democratization, but this also demonstrates that North Korea's reason for being was always fundamentally connected to that of the South. North Korean history, including the two dynastic successions of 1994 and 2011, developed consistently in opposition to South Korea, whose own character and orientation underwent dramatic transformations. South Korea's historical transitions offered a steady reminder of North Korea's original historical possibilities, but they also had the effect of further closing alternative paths to North Korea's history until they precluded any valid reason for its existence at all. Kyung Moon Hwang is a professor in the Departments of History and East Asian Languages and Cultures, at the University of Southern California. He is the author of "A History of Korea An Episodic Narrative"(Palgrave Macmillan, 2010; second edition, 2016). By Kang Seung-woo Samsung SDS and KT gained global recognition at the world's largest mobile show, Tuesday (local time), winning the Global Mobile Awards, better known as Glomo Awards. The awards, nicknamed the Oscars of the IT industry, are given by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) to firms at the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) in honor of their contributions to the mobile communication industry. Barcelona, Spain, hosted the 2017 MWC, which comes to an end Friday (Korea Standard Time). Samsung SDS' mobile security management suite claimed the award for the Best Mobile Security or Anti-fraud Solution, making the IT services unit of Samsung Group the first Korean IT systems provider to receive the prestigious prize. "Samsung's mobile security management suite provides companies with a secure way to manage their devices and minimize security risks without sacrificing user convenience," the GSMA said in a statement. According to Samsung, it is an integrated system connecting Nexsign, a biometric authentication system that authenticates identity with unique biometrics including fingerprints, face and voice, to enterprise mobile management systems to enhance user convenience and tighten security on mobile devices at the same time. "Samsung SDS was honored with the world-renowned award for its competence in mobile security that global companies are focusing on," said Hong Won-pyo, chief of the firm's "solution" business division. "We hope to be a good example for many domestic and international businesses that are keen to promote both security and user convenience." For KT, the nation's No. 1 telecom firm by sales, its smart energy control platform KT-Micro Energy Grid (KT-MEG) received an award for the Best Use of Mobile for Smart Cities an honor given to a mobile service that contributes to changing and developing smart cities using technology. "KT-MEG is the world's first integrated energy management platform, managing multi-regional energy facilities from an individual building to the extent of citywide coverage and providing integrated monitoring and control of energy generation, consumption and trading," the GSMS said. According to the Seoul-based company, the KT-MEG Center is currently supervising approximately 16,000 websites, including energy efficiency, resource management, electric car charging services and new and renewable energy power plants. "We are honored to win the prize and achieve global recognition for KT-MEG which is the essence of our ICT capabilities," said KT Future Convergence Business Vice President Yun Gyeong-rim. "KT will lead and innovate new energy businesses through KT-MEG." Seen above is a booth aimed at promoting PyeongChang Olympics set up by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning at Fira Gran Via convention hall in Barcelona, Spain. / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung By Lee Min-hyung BARCELONA The government came under criticism for wasting taxpayers' money by ineptly handling its promotional activities at the Mobile World Congress here. During the four-day tradeshow, five government bodies including the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (MSIP), the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute and the PyeongChang Organizing Committee (POCOG) operated a promotional booth for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. But the 105-square-meter booth failed to draw much interest from visitors, largely due to its lack of fancy new technology. The MSIP took charge of running the exhibition hall for the four-day event, in a bid to raise awareness of the upcoming winter sporting event related to its state-of-the-art technologies. The MSIP showcased the event preview with virtual reality and 3D holograms, but visitors pointed out that they could not understand the content properly. Still, the MSIP and the four other state-run organizations sent a large delegation to the event, mostly on taxpayers' money. "About 15 officials from the five organizations took a flight to Barcelona for the promotional activity," a booth official said, declining to specify further. Critics say government officials sent a big delegation on a business trip for a small booth. "I could not understand what they were trying to promote," one visitor to the booth said. "All I remember after taking a look at the booth is some virtual reality devices and a bunch of officials standing there. One or two officials are enough to promote such a small-sized booth with weak content." The MSIP is estimated to have spent at least 300 million won ($262,000) to cover expenses for the officials' business trip and four-day booth rental. The figure will rise further once taking into account additional expenses including R&D to create the content promoted at the booth. The government organized the event, as the mobile show is regarded as one of the world's largest tech fairs, drawing 100,000 visitors from 24 countries this year. Many industry-leading firms put forth great efforts here to attract more attention from visitors and media but Korean officials seem not to do so with the PyeongChang Olympics. Visitors crowd the Oppo booth at this year's Mobile World Congress in Fira Gran Via convention hall in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday. The Chinese smartphone maker has drawn the spotlight for its latest camera technology. / Korea Times photo by Lee Min-hyung By Lee Min-hyung BARCELONA China's emerging smartphone makers are filling the void left by Samsung Electronics, which scrapped its plan to launch its Galaxy S8 at the world's largest mobile fair. It was not until recently that Chinese smartphone vendors started to make aggressive inroads into the Mobile World Congress (MWC), due to their technological flaws and weak brand image. But Beijing-based handset giants Huawei and Oppo have taken the limelight away from the Seoul-based tech titan for this year's mobile tradeshow. Huawei, in particular, has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the P10 and P10 Plus, equipped with enhanced camera and display features. The new model will be available for the European market within this month. The Chinese handset maker took center stage at hall three of the MWC exhibition venue, Fira Gran Via, proving how influential it is in the global market. Oppo, a rising smartphone star, has also gained attention from MWC visitors, by showcasing its cost-effective handset lineups despite the lack of its newly-launched devices. The company was the No. 1 smartphone vendor in the Chinese market as of the end of last year, taking the throne away from its 2015 leader, Huawei. "We believe Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are now our rivals," an Oppo official said. "Oppo is one of the fastest-growing smartphone companies in the world, and we consider this year's MWC as a milestone to leap into the global market." The company did not showcase any new smartphones for the event, but the audience packed its booth to check the firm's 5X dual camera zoom technology. The company said it plans to launch the smartphones later this year. Other Chinese handset manufacturers also joined the MWC, including ZTE and Lenovo in their bid to fill the void left by the new Samsung handset. An LG Electronics booth official said: "It is true that Chinese firms have narrowed the technological gap between Samsung and LG in recent years." "But this is in terms of specifications for certain parts - such as the camera pixels or display resolution," he added. "But they still lag behind us, because they do not yet have the technological expertise to put the parts together skillfully into the end product." LG Electronics also launched its latest flagship smartphone the G6 at the MWC, winning attention with its 18:9 aspect ratio display and its partnership with Dolby. By Jhoo Dong-chan Audi Volkswagen Korea has lodged an appeal against the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) for its levying of a 37 million won fine on the German carmaker's sales unit here over the alleged false advertising of its models' emissions. According to the Seoul High Court, Thursday, Audi Volkswagen Korea filed the lawsuit, demanding the withdrawal of the FTC's correction order along with the fine. Any firm that challenges the FTC decision is supposed to bring the case to an appellate court. "I can't comment on the ongoing appeal at this point," a Volkswagen Korea official said. Industry insiders say, however, that the carmaker's recent appointment of a new managing director may be related to the legal action. "Based on his legal expertise, Audi Volkswagen Korea's new chief Marcus Hellmann is known to have played an important role in the company's recent emissions-cheating scandal," he said. "The carmaker might bring him here to resume sales of its scandal-mired models after dealing with legal battles against the Korean authorities." In December, the FTC fined Audi Volkswagen Korea 37.3 billion won ($32 million) for allegedly installing the so-called defeat device in the carmaker's vehicles to fabricate their emissions test results; while lying to Korean customers that its vehicles satisfied the government's environment standards. Although the amount is not so big, it is the largest fine the FTC has ever imposed for false advertising. The corporate watchdog also asked prosecutors to investigate five officials of Audi Volkswagen Korea and its head office in Germany. Volkswagen Group admitted it has sold 11 million cars worldwide equipped with a cheat device in diesel engines, exaggerating the performance in laboratory emissions tests. The FTC also found Audi Volkswagen Korea had advertised that over 120,000 cars with EA189 turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines satisfied European emission standards, the Euro 5, between December 2007 and November 2015. The government's Clean Air Conservation Act applies the same standards as the Euro 5, while the German carmaker claimed its vehicles automatically satisfied the standards of the Korean act accordingly. When the so-called "diesel gate" scandal rose to the surface in November 2015, the Ministry of Environment found the carmaker rigged its vehicles' software to detect emissions testing and modify performance to meet the standards. The software was designed to deactivate during regular driving, resulting in a drop in fuel efficiency, the ministry said. By Park Jae-hyuk Internet communities of Korea and China appear to be staging online wars as the latter boycotts Lotte products over the retail giant's recent decision to offer land for a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here. On Thursday afternoon, Lotte Duty Free's official website in every language was attacked by unidentified Chinese hackers and was restored a few hours later. Lotte Group's official Chinese website (lotte.cn) has been inaccessible since Tuesday as well, due to an apparent cyberattack by unidentified Chinese hackers. Koreans have begun to condemn their neighbor's retaliatory measures, demanding Korean consumers boycott products made in China as well. "China has a large territory, but the people are narrow-minded," a Korean internet user said. "Lotte and other Korean companies should leave China, after dismissing thousands of Chinese employees." Some people said China still seems to regard Korea as a "tributary state," pointing out Beijing did not take similar measures against the United States and Japan in past cases. Koreans are becoming more and more angry as Chinese people began an online boycott of Lotte affiliates operating there, after Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate signed a land swap deal with the Ministry of National Defense, Tuesday. Two Southeast Asian women were charged with first-degree murder in Malaysia on Wednesday in the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Indonesian Siti Aisyah (25) and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong (29) appeared in court in bullet-proof vests accused of smearing Kim with VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13. Security was tight around the court with commandos standing guard armed with submachine guns and assault rifles. The hearing lasted about an hour with Vietnamese and Indonesian interpreters on hand. At the request of Malaysian police the trial was held behind closed doors. If convicted, the two women could face the death sentence, but a fierce court battle is expected since the women claim they were duped and four North Korean suspected of orchestrating the hit have fled back to the North. Ju Yong-chol, a councilor at North Korea's UN mission to Geneva made the claim at the Conference on Disarmament. The North "has never produced or stockpiled or used chemical weapons, and our position is clear," Ju said. The claim came in the face of mounting international criticism over the use of VX nerve agent. North Korea on Tuesday claimed it has no chemical weapons after allegations that the regime used the world's deadliest nerve agent to assassinate Kim Jong-nam at a busy airport in Malaysia last month. The UN classifies VX as a weapon of mass destruction. Ju also denied that the North was behind the hit but did not mention Kim Jong-nam's name. He denounced as "contemptible and absurd" South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se's request in an earlier keynote speech to consider stripping North Korea of its UN membership privileges. North Korea is becoming increasingly frantic after the crude hit, dispatching Deputy Foreign Minister Ri Kil-song to China after Beijing decided last month to halt imports of North Korean coal and former Deputy Ambassador to the UN Ri Tong-il to Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur threatened to cut diplomatic ties with the rogue state. International condemnation continues to mount. The U.S. is considering putting North Korea back on its list of terror-sponsoring states for the first time in nine years, while the EU announced its own set of sanctions against the North late last month. It has halted North Korea's financial transactions with other countries except for humanitarian trade and services. LG will build a home appliances plant in Tennessee in the U.S. by the first half of 2019. LG said on Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tennessee state government for the plant. The building will cost US$250 million and will take three years to complete (US$1=W1,130). The plant will have the capacity to produce one million washing machines a year, primarily for the North American market, where the company has so far exported washing machines made in Korea and other Asian nations. Hyo-lyn of K-pop girl group Sistar has signed with Spinnin' Records, one of the world's leading record labels in electronic dance music, her agency announced on Monday. "Hyo-lyn became the first Asian to sign with the label, and will release a collaboration single with Korean-Canadian DJ and producer Justin Oh in March," the agency said. Tensions flared as the nation marked March 1 Independence Movement Day, with Park's mostly elderly fans calling for the arrest of independent counsel Park Young-soo, who was appointed to investigate the massive corruption scandal that has brought Park down. But they found themselves vastly outnumbered by protesters who want the president herself under lock and key. Police set up a huge barricade with over 600 buses across downtown Seoul on Wednesday to separate crowds competing to denounce or support President Park Geun-hye. Both sides waved the national flag and shouted slogans demanding protection of the republic, but ideologically they were a million miles apart. Park's supporters revere her as the daughter of strongman Park Chun-hee, whom they hold responsible for Korea's rapid economic development and see as a symbol of better times, while her enemies regard her as a corrupt fool. Organizers of the pro-Park protests claimed an implausible 5 million people took part on their side, which would be half the population of Seoul, while opponents said 300,000 people attended Wednesday's candlelight protest in rain, which was held besides their regular weekend protests that have continued since late October. Both sides marched on Cheong Wa Dae, but at different times and along separate routes without major clashes. The protests ended between 7 and 8 p.m. The streets of downtown Seoul were closed off for more than six hours due to the rallies. Its unlikely to get through life without experiencing bad times. The Blameless acknowledges such and takes a look at the happy, close-knit Garcia family striving to overcome a tragic act of violence. Written by Nick Gandiello and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, the play has its world premiere at The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park through March 26. Nick is a really great writer with a fantastic ear for dialogue, Upchurch said. Hes able to make a very intimate, personal story about one family so universal. When youre watching the play, you see that his magic includes everyone in the room. Its fantastic. Im very interested in how we get beyond tragedy and move through life when things dont go as we plan them. Nick was able to laser-in on this family and how they are coping ... He does an amazing job of injecting grace, humor and pathos ... people writing about tragedy can be sentimental or brutal. In my experience of grief, we as humans have to find joy somewhere and survive. This family that Nick put together is in the process of doing that. Upchurch said Gandiello wrote The Blameless from his own experiences. His characters must find a way to hold everything together as they welcome to dinner the one man who might help them heal or reopen their wounds. Im not sure how much really relates to his life, she said. But, he did experience loss and is able to tap into that as a writer who has a very broad and deep imagination. The family cast gets along very well on and off stage. They have a real respect and love for each other. This production makes me feel less alone in the world, and when were going through the process of grief, sadness, tragedy and feeling alone, it can be at the heart of that. The cast includes Amara James Aja as Howard Harper, Liza Colon-Zayas as Amanda Garcia, Antoinette LaVecchia as Diana Garcia, Frank Pando as Alex Garcia, Stephen Barker Turner as Drew Davis, and Carmen Zilles as Theresa Garcia. Upchurch said she hopes people leaving the theater will feel a sense of community; holding people you love tighter and being steeped in the love that creates fuller lives. IF YOU GO: The Blameless, runs through March 26 at Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, San Diego. Tickets from $29. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org A plaque recognizing the Surf Shack at WindanSea beach as a historical landmark has finally been installed 70 years after the iconic La Jolla shelter was first constructed. The Shack got its historical designation May 27, 1998, but due to the aloha spirit of the surfers behind the designation, the plaque was a little slow in coming. Posted a few weeks ago, the plaque reads: Historical Landmark 358, The Surf Shack (at) WindanSea Beach built by returning World War II (soldiers who were also) surfers in 1947 for shade and aloha. According to the Historical Landmarks Designated by the San Diego Historical Resources Board document that identifies such sites, the Surf Shack at WindanSea Beach (6800 Neptune Place) is the oldest continuously used shelter of its kind on the West Coast. Melinda Merryweather, one of those responsible for the designation and later the plaque, said The Shack needed the protection that comes with designation, in case it were ever destroyed. It was built by surfers, not a formal construction company, and a while back we thought, we need some assurance in case it comes down. Lo and behold, it did come down during a storm and we were able to rebuild it as it was, she said. We admit, it was a farfetched idea to designate a shack, because its not some important house or building, but we wanted to do it. For me, its a church in my neighborhood. I christened my son there. Its the heart of our surfing community. Among other criteria, historic designation typically goes to properties identified with persons or events significant in local, state or national history (according to the Citys Historic Preservation website). For The Shack, its contribution to the period in which surfing became popular in the United States was cited as a reason for its significance. Although there are a few different reasons, or perhaps a combination of reasons, for the Shacks construction, it all comes back to surfing in the late 1940s. The Shack was originally constructed by soldiers coming back from World War II, and one theory is that they wanted a place to surf, and needed it have a sun shelter for their children. Merryweather said, When these guys would go surfing, their wives would say they needed to take the children with them. Then they would get here and realize there was no shady, protected place for their kids. Tony Ciani, also part of the team that got the Shack designated, said he heard it was because their board wax would melt, and a shady place was needed to keep their equipment cool. Maybe its both the kids needed shade and their boards needed shade, he said. Regardless of the impetus, The Shacks synonymy with surfing at WindanSea makes it arguably relevant to the history of La Jolla. Ciani added, Its just legendary, part of the legend of surfing. Its one of those landmarks you want to be able to touch over time. In 1966, Congress adopted the National Historic Preservation Act because they wanted to protect these buildings because of the feeling and connection to a historic time. The Shack has been moved twice. Both times, its orientation was kept the same a crucial factor in maintaining its connection to surfing. The story I was told is that the orientation of two of the poles allowed you to line up along a surf break along a certain swell, Ciani said. If you lined up on the northwest pole and southeast pole, you could paddle out and use those as landmarks. Then you are in the primo spot for a take-off. The first time, at a date unknown, The Shack was moved directly inland because its sandstone base was deteriorating. In 2015, a storm destroyed The Shack and it was rebuilt by Friends of WindanSea. Now that the Shack has been designated, and there is the plaque to prove it, the Friends group is trying to get the word out to not hang hammocks or other swings from The Shacks roof. You cant do that on historic buildings in Balboa Park, why would you be able to do that here? Merryweather posed. Although it has historically been topped by palm fronds, recently the Friends group has removed the leafy roof when storms are projected to be large. Landscape architect Jim Neri, a member of Friends of WindanSea, said the roof is not made to withstand the weight of water and pounding waves, and each year, the decision to remove the fronds is made. Expecting the heavy rains that took place in late 2016 and early 2017, the fronds were removed. New fronds should be in place by mid-March. In Lake Geneva there are only three certainties: Death, taxes and parking meters. Residents will be reminded of that last certainty today, as on March 1 the citys modern-day parking kiosks are reactivated, changing dollars into hours of permitted parking. What residents may not realize is that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the installation of parking meters in Lake Geneva. The Lake Geneva City Council approved a parking meter ordinance on May 14, 1947. According to Lake Geneva Regional News archives, the meters were introduced as part of a one-year trial. In the case of Lake Geneva, that meant 5 cents for every hour, with some zones limited to one-hour parking and others to five hours. Parking meter hours in that inaugural year were from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. along the lake front, while meters in the business district were in operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. That first year, drivers got a break from the meters during the Memorial Day weekend. But after that, police said they meant business enforcing the meter ordinance. The fine for over-parking was between $1 to $5 or, in case of forfeiture, five days in the Walworth County Jail. Wonderful Thats wonderful, said Sylvia Martinez-Mullally, the citys parking supervisor, when told of the anniversary. Its a Lake Geneva tradition. Martinez-Mullally said Lake Geneva was probably a pioneer among small cities in turning to the parking meter for parking control. The parking meter was first introduced in Oklahoma City in 1935. Big cities like Chicago adopted the meters that same year, Martinez-Mullally said. Today, the parking meter had evolved into the computerized parking kiosk, but the purpose of meters, ensuring that a supply of parking spaces remain open and providing the city with extra revenue, remains unchanged. Its evolved, but its same as it ever was, Martinez-Mullally said. Mayor Al Kupsik said he was unaware of the parking meter anniversary. All he knew was that, looking at old photographs of Lake Genevas downtown, parking meters had been here for some time. Its a very good revenue source for the city, Kupsik said of metered parking. The factors that brought meters into Lake Geneva were that city fathers were looking for additional revenue and also trying to relieve the police from having to enforce the citys parking limits. Parking was limited to one hour and five hours in various sections of the city. People would park and brazenly ignore the parking limits. Yet, the arrival of parking meters was not heralded with great joy. Early in 1947, the Lake Geneva Regional News ran an editorial with the headline: Parking Meters, AGAIN. The paper pointed out that a majority of downtown merchants sent a petition to the city council against installing the meters. It also cited that Beloits share in its recent installation of parking meters netted that city of 25,000 an income of just $3,000. Lake Genevas official population in 1947 (from the 1940 census) was 3,000. Downtown ghost town The paper also cited a letter to the editor to the Harvard (Illinois) Herald in which the unnamed author claimed that installing parking meters in an unnamed city of 18,000, turned that communitys downtown into a ghost town. Resistance to the parking meters was so loud that then-Mayor Lyle Traver and the city council took out a half-page ad in the Regional News to explain their position in approving a one-year trial experiment of the parking meters. The arguments made by the mayor and council members were simple. The meters would be a source of revenue to help pay for the police and fire protection and other services used by both residents and visitors to the city. Yes, Lake Geneva is a wonderful lake we are very fortunate to have, said the official ad, But remember this, 90 percent of the people who visit us in the summer come here in their cars and if and when they find our parking and traffic control inadequate they will not come on the train, no, they will drive their cars but they will drive to some other resort where their cars can be accommodated. Acceptance of the meters was slow and sometimes resisted with force. In the June 5, 1947, Regional News, police reported that three of the meters along the lakefront in front of Flat Iron Park had been knocked down by a car. And five metal slugs were recovered from the meter boxes, fed into the meter slots for a few ill-gotten hours. But there was no question that the parking meters would stay beyond their one-year trial period. When the 1948 budget was prepared, it showed that the meters reaped $15,000. This was when the entire city budget was about $146,000 and its tax levy for 1948 was calculated at $63,000. Half of that was sent to the meter company to pay for the meters. But that meant the citys general fund reaped $7,500 from metered parking in its first summer. The councils finance committee estimated that the parking take in 1949 would be $20,000. The citys general fund budget for 2017 is about $8.7 million and its levy was $7 million. In 2016, the citys parking kiosks brought in about $1 million. 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... Security officials from South Korea and the U.S. on Wednesday reaffirmed their determination to punish North Korea for its provocations. National Security Adviser Kim Kwan-jin talked over the phone with his U.S. counterpart H.R. McMaster for the first time. McMaster was appointed on Feb. 20 after his predecessor Michael Flynn resigned in disgrace after lying about his talks with the Russian ambassador. "The two sides shared the understanding that the bilateral alliance is facing an urgent security challenge, including the North's nuclear and missile development, and agreed to respond strongly to further provocations from the North," Cheong Wa Dae said. McMaster said he is putting the top priority on strengthening the alliance between Seoul and Washington. His father was a Korean War veteran. Defense Minister Han Min-koo and his U.S. counterpart James Mattis also talked over phone. They reaffirmed that the U.S. will deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here to protect South Koreans and the military alliance from nuclear and missile threats from the North. Road to Healing Audio Article Ceyapi, this past Saturday we cried as we listened to the stories of many who were hurt in one of... Lady Legend harriers take fourth at ECIC meet The young Lancaster girls cross-country team built on its strong regular season with a fourth-place finish at the ECIC Championships... PRESS RELEASE Economic Blockade Raises Tensions in Ukraine March 1, 2017 (EIRNS)In Ukraine, the economic blockade imposed on the Donbass by right-wing militia groups since Jan. 25, is about to explode into a full-scale crisis. Even former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma, who represents the Kiev regime on the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, warned that the blockade is not doing Ukraine any good. "Such methods are not helping [Ukraine], their effect has been quite the opposite," Kuchma told reporters in Kiev, yesterday. Kuchma argued that problems of this kind need to be handled urgently. Boris Gryzlov, the Russian envoy to the contact group, warned that the government in Kiev must take action to end the blockade of Donbass. Otherwise, Ukraine will receive a response. Such actions as expanding the blockade, "actually aimed at the economic and social exclusion, will inevitably lead to retaliation," he said. "Donbass is neither an enclave nor an island... We cannot allow a humanitarian and socio-economic catastrophe on the territories, whose population exceeds the population of some European countries," he added. The head of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, confirmed yesterday that the self-declared republic will move to take control of all Ukrainian enterprises operating in the D.P.R. if they have not re-registered with the D.P.R. authorities by midnight, tonight. He noted that many enterprises have ceased operating because of the blockade, a situation which is simply not tolerable. He also noted that the decision was a long time in coming. "We are at war. Its time to make strategic decisions," he said. "This decision has been taken at the time when it is necessary. We have repeatedly spoken about our independence." As for which groups are specifically involved in blocking roads and railways, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Special Monitoring Mission, in its daily report of Feb. 28, identified members of the Aidar battalion and Right Sector at blockade sites, though the particular groups of men the monitors encountered were not armed. South Korea and the U.S. kicked off joint annual military drills on Wednesday that amount to an unusually heavy show of force against North Korea. The drills, dubbed "Foal Eagle" for reasons lost in time, will carry on until late April and involve a fleet led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, as well as F-35B vertical takeoff and landing stealth aircraft. Surveillance is at a maximum amid fears that North Korea will launch a fresh provocation to protest at the huge military presence on its doorstep. A military spokesman said the drills feature the biggest military arsenal in their history. "Foal Eagle" is a field training exercise, including landing drills, while a simultaneous exercise called "Key Resolve" focuses on computer-based simulation. "Key Resolve" will this time include practicing preemptive strikes, a decapitation exercise targeting the North Korean leadership, and intercepting North Korean missiles using a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery that will be deployed in North Gyeongsang Province. About 3,600 U.S. troops and some 300,000 South Korean soldiers will be taking part, over 10,000 more troops than last year. The USS Carl Vinson is expected in mid-March stacked with 80 aircraft including the FA-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighters and E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft. The U.S. Marines' F-35Bs from a military base in Japan will participate for the first time. The vertical takeoff and landing stealth aircraft can be carried on an amphibious assault ship and attack targets by avoiding radar detection. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited the command post of a military unit tasked with defending Pyongyang, where he ordered troops to step up preparations to fight, the official [North] Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday. The regime has reportedly begun preparations for a vast military parade marking the 85th anniversary of the North Korean Army on April 25. "Kim Jong-un has instructed officials to make this year's parade the biggest ever in response to the joint South Korea-U.S. exercises," a military source here said. A rehearsal for the parade is taking place at Mirim Airport in Pyongyang with about 6,000 troops. More than 20,000 troops are expected to be mobilized for the actual parade. PRESS RELEASE French Presidential System Imploding; Cheminade Offers the Alternative PARIS, March 1, 2017 (Nouvelle Solidarite)This morning and until noon, a major drama was occupying the national media. Francois Fillon cancelled a much-publicized tour he was to make to the Agriculture Fair this morning, without any explanation. At a press conference at noon, he made a dramatic intervention, reporting that this morning the judges had informed him of their decision to put him under "examination" on March 15th, two days before the Constitutional Council announces the formal list of candidates for the election. In a short but straightforward statement, he accused the judges and the media of having led a campaign against him since the beginning, in violation of the rights of defense, equating this to a "political assassination." Concerning Marine Le Pen, the European Parliament authorities announced yesterday that they will proceed to a vote, as early perhaps as Thursday, for lifting her parliamentary immunity. Le Pen is a Member of the European Parliament. A positive vote would pave the way for her to be indicted for having used European Parliament funds for assistants to hire her friends from the Front National. Two other main candidates, Emmanuel Macron, number two, and Benoit Hamon, the so-called very-left-wing Socialist Party candidate, are also under media accusations: Macron for having used money from his ministry to run the early part of his campaign; Hamon, because of his wife's job and connections to LVMH, the top French luxury goods company. While the corruption is a real and nasty reality, the judges are clearly being used by the rotten Atlanticist elites, to create Nacht und Nebel chaos in France and kill what's left of de Gaulle's Fifth Republic. In the meantime, Jacques Cheminade's campaign is proceeding in an interesting way, with some media giving him the possibility to develop his ideas accurately. Following the very good article published by RTL, which we previously reported, he got a very good 20 minutes on the all-news private channel of TF1 (national channel one), LCI. Cheminade was able to develop his main ideas of leaving the EU and reforming a Europe of the Fatherlands with seven or eight states. Complaining that journalists are not bringing foreign policy issueswhich consume 50% of a President's timeto the fore in their coverage, Cheminade used the occasion to raise the alternative of China and its Silk Road policy. Jacques also explained what he meant by saying that France is occupied by financial powers, and even had the opportunity to read a quote from a book by a top former French law enforcement officer, which accuses our financial system of having become criminal. Cheminade then had a very good visit to the Agriculture Fair, a yearly event where farmers from throughout France come to Paris to exhibit their best goods for the public. This is a highly publicized event, very much visited by the professional world, but also very popular among the population at large. As pre-arranged with the fair's organizers, Jacques was received and taken around "officially," to the main stands, to field questions, give interviews, or just speak with the farmers about their problems and our solutions. Jacques was accompanied in this tour, by some ten media, and two sociologists doing a study on all the candidates' campaigns. BFM media, which was part of the press pool, conducted a very good interview with him. He also granted interviews to tvagri, the European School of Journalism, the RTL agriculture specialist, and Public Senat, the Senate TV/radio station. Among the high points of the visit were his meetings with the main agriculture unions; an exhibit by shepherds from the Aveyron, one of whom expressed his liking for Cheminade, putting a couple sheep on his lap and saying he would be ready to vote for him. Even the sociologists had a good reaction, saying that, of all the candidates they had followed, only Cheminade was really engaging in dialogue with the producers, that the others come with a pre-set statements that they deliver at each stand. (See Cheminade's twitter account for great pictures!) Jacques also gave a long interview to Tropique FM, which broadcasts to all the French territories abroad, and a five-minute interview to Eric Brunet from RMC, another national private radio with a large audience. Jacques responded to questions on what are the political currents he expects to draw to his campaignresistance Gaullists, social Christians in the tradition of the Democrat abbeys of Brittany, Jaures-inspired Socialists and the resistance communists, and on other essentials of his program, etc. At one point, he was asked who he thought was the best leader for the world today, a trap question. Jacques responded that for him there were none, Putin is good for Russia, he said, but in the rest of the world, I see none. PRESS RELEASE Russian Senator: Preparation for Putins Meeting with Trump Underway March 1, 2017 (EIRNS)The chairperson of Russias Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, told reporters that preparations for a previously agreed meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are underway. The Federation Council is the upper house of Russias Federal Assembly. "It is no secret that the agreement on this was reached during their telephone conversation. The Foreign Ministry is now engaged in preparing this momentous event," Matvienko told reporters. She said that the two leaders could discuss a range of bilateral issues as well as areas where Moscow and Washington could find common ground. "The need to unfreeze relations between the U.S. and Russia may become the subject of the conversation. I think there is a mindset toward a positive agenda," Matvienko affirmed. How well do we really know Joan Didion? A Didion completist might think she has a whole universe of reference materials at her fingertips. There are those last, bestselling memoirs. There is the book about her familys roots in California. There are the personal tidbits laced through the varied body of work that stretches out before them: the trip to Hawaii in lieu of filing for divorce, the house in Los Angeles that was kept even more negligently than my hair, the medical record where a psychiatrist observes a personality in process of deterioration. But not everything is in those books. Didion has always been a master of persona rather than confession, per se. The items displayed before us are carefully chosen and meticulously framed. There is almost nothing of haphazard daily life in Didions work, no sense of accident or chance. Everything in controlled, measured out and sharpened to a point. Even the meaningless is given meaning. That sort of paradox is central to Didions work: She takes a ruin and in prose makes it whole and beautiful. It is mysterious, in that context, to be presented with South and West: From a Notebook. It is not actually new work but a collection of notes from two failed works in progress. We are given no indication of why Didion has chosen to publish this book now. Advertisement What if Didion had finished these pieces? Does she wish that she had? We get only a somewhat florid and unrevealing introduction, written by Nathaniel Rich. He does not explain why hes even attached to this book, instead falling into the trap of trying to ape Didions style. One does not have to stay long to learn how easily plans in New Orleans, like its houses, become waterlogged and subside into the mud, breaking to pieces, is the sort of thing he has to add. To be fair, it is easily skipped. Didion herself seems to have added only two brief prefatory notes, which give the barest context and are inexplicably dated 10 years apart, in 2006 and 2016. We learn from them that the observations about New Orleans, and about the rest of the Deep South, come from a trip undertaken in the space of a month in 1970. At the time, I had thought it might be a piece, she adds, without further comment. The much briefer portion of the book that tackles California came from an effort to write about the kidnapping and subsequent trial of Patricia Hearst in 1976. I thought the trial had some meaning for me because I was from California, Didion writes. This didnt turn out to be true. So this is a book of notes, and the notes are explicitly not meant to amount to anything in particular. That does not mean that the observations Didion presents here are without elegance and insight. Her South is a South populated by eccentrics she takes relatively seriously. She visits a Reptile House populated mostly by snakes. She swims in a hotel pool that smells of fish. Didion manages not to leave the subject of race untouched, either: She meets a white man who owns, in his own words, the ethnic radio station in Meridian, Miss., and who says things like, Of course neither you nor I can change the older black, the forty-year-old, his life patterns are settled. She buys a Confederate flag towel, then remarks with light irony that my child prefers it to the good ones. Her West, though much briefer, devolves into a self-examination that popped up in other Didion pieces: Looking through the evidence I find what seems to me now (or rather seemed to me then) an entirely spurious aura of social success and achievement. There are also, perhaps inevitably, a few unforgettable shards of prose. Bananas would rot, and harbor tarantulas, Didion writes, by way of illustrating the fatalism I would come to recognize as endemic to the particular tone of New Orleans. So the Didion style is there, in the close attention paid to the sound of the words sound is always how Didions created an atmosphere. But her hypnotists tricks keep getting broken up by the necessarily partial, impressionistic progress of a book like this. No anecdote gets longer than a page or two, and none ties smoothly to the rest. South and West is a book for the completists and hardcore fans, in other words. Though it feels somehow impolite to mention this, because Didion, 82, is still with us, it is the sort of book that isnt typically published before the writer is dead. It is most reminiscent of the editions of Susan Sontags journals that have appeared in recent years and that have became very popular among a certain kind of young, bookish person. Those journals exposed a side of Sontag that hadnt really been visible in her aggressively mandarin, intellectual work, a side that had doubts and setbacks and even a strong sense of humor. Even the meaningless is given meaning. That sort of paradox is central to Didions work: She takes a ruin and in prose makes it whole and beautiful. Here, if indeed these are just the rough notes, there is no new Didion to be discovered. In rough drafts of pieces she sounds just like herself, if a bit wordier than usual. We do get a little more about her life before John Gregory Dunne than we are used to seeing. Intriguingly, we get a glimpse of a Bad Boyfriend. Called only N. in this book, he happened to be from Louisiana. He also happened to leave bizarre messages for Didion: I guess you think our mother used to be County Cookie Chairman, goes one of them. I guess you think I take up a lot of room in a small bed. There is something charming there, and one longs for Didion to get really chatty about it. So much of the mythos of The Year of Magical Thinking is predicated on the ideal Didion-Dunne marriage, and this sort of pretext to it illuminates something we didnt know about Didion before. Naturally, though, she doesnt linger on N. long enough to pursue it. Of course, thats in keeping with the general teasing effect of the book. The enigmatic packaging here poses so many questions. What if Didion had finished these pieces? Does she wish that she had? Does that even fit with our vision of her as someone rather steely and indifferent to the affections of her readers? Is South and West a dispatch from some alternate-world Didion? Or is it here because our current political phantasmagoria calls for the kind of insights Didion produced in the past? Perhaps it fits that Didion remains as enigmatic here as she always has in her prose. Obviously, there are some things shell never tell us. Dean is the 2017 recipient of the Nona Balakian citation for excellence in criticism awarded by the National Book Critics Circle. She is the author of the forthcoming book Sharp: The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion. South and West: From a Notebook Joan Didion Knopf: 160 pp., $24 Oprah Winfrey had the political chattering classes buzzing over Bloomberg Television interviewer David Rubensteins recent query on whether she would consider running for president. I thought, I dont have the experience, I dont know enough, Winfrey said in the interview taped Dec. 12. Now Im thinking, Oh, oh. Winfreys answer implied that if former reality TV star Donald Trump won the presidency without any government or political experience, why not the Queen of All Media? Advertisement But Gayle King, co-anchor of CBS This Morning and Winfreys best friend, poured cold water on the chances of another super-celebrity presidential bid in 2020. I was in the audience that day, and it was clearly a joke when she was playing with David because they have such a great rapport, King said on her program Thursday. But I also heard on the Oprah Winfrey show over the years you always have the right to change your mind, but I would bet my first, second born and any unborn children to come, that aint never happening. Never. Ill say never on this one. Nevah, n-e-v-a-h. Nevah. Winfrey may be just the first of many famous names floated as a possible opponent to Trump in 2020. Trumps rise to the White House demonstrated that a celebrity mogul with high name recognition can become a serious political contender. The Hollywood Reporter, citing unnamed sources, reported that Walt Disney Co. Chairman Robert Iger is being encouraged by friends to run for president as a Democrat in 2020. Iger has said publicly in the past that he has been urged to seek political office. As the executive in charge of the company that includes Disneyland, Iger could accurately claim that hes already responsible for running The Happiest Place on Earth. stephen.battaglio@latimes.com Twitter: @SteveBattaglio After complaints that the state is doing little to stop deadly hospital outbreaks, the California Department of Public Health said this week that it would prioritize inspections at those facilities with high rates of patient infections. The state disclosed the changes in a Tuesday letter to Consumers Union. The national nonprofit group had filed a petition with the state early this year listing scores of hospitals with abnormally high infection rates that had not been inspected in five years. On Wednesday, Consumers Union called the states response an important first step that still did not go far enough to protect the public. Advertisement For too long, the state has relied on voluntary efforts by hospitals to lower infection rates, and that clearly hasnt been working, said Lisa McGiffert, who directs the groups Safe Patient Project. Now its time for the state to use its enforcement power to require poor performing hospitals to take action and keep patients safe. State law requires hospitals to be inspected every three years. Consumers Union used state records to find that 131 California hospitals had not been inspected within the last five years. Eighty of those hospitals have reported infection rates that are significantly higher than other facilities, the group found according to its petition. In its letter to the group, the state public health department said it was already working on catching up on inspections at those hospitals. State officials were now prioritizing inspections based on the hospitals reported rate of infections and how much time had passed since the last review, the letter said. This prioritization will occur until all hospitals are resurveyed every three years, wrote Scott Vivona, the departments acting deputy director. Consumers Union looked at rates of a handful of dangerous types of hospital-acquired infections that facilities must report under a 2008 law, including the superbugs Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile. Because of limited infection-reporting requirements, state officials dont know how many Californians are sickened by bacteria or other pathogens while in the hospital. They estimate that as many as 9,000 Californians die each year from hospital-acquired infections a number that experts say may be low. In the petition, Consumers Union asked the state to fine hospitals that did not report infections and deaths caused by contaminated medical devices. Last year, a U.S. Senate investigation found that not one of the 16 or more American hospitals experiencing outbreaks caused by medical devices known as duodenoscopes had properly reported those events as required by federal law. In his letter, Vivona said that language in the current state law has hampered the health departments ability to penalize hospitals for not reporting problems that cause deaths or serious injuries. State officials are developing rules that would guide hospitals on how they must report serious infections and other adverse events, he said. We are constantly striving to find better ways to protect patients, said Karen Smith, the departments director, on Wednesday. Our ongoing work with healthcare facilities to reduce and eliminate preventable infections is a cornerstone of this commitment. Healthcare associated infections are a serious public issue and have long been a top priority for the department. ALSO At least three L.A. County patients infected after heart surgeries California fails to inspect several dozen hospitals with high infection rates Pasadena heart surgery patients warned of possible infections UPDATES: 5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with an additional comment from state officials. This article was originally published at 3:15 p.m. To hear John Duarte tell it, farmers knew the cavalry was coming to their rescue on election night. Its one reason agricultural areas voted heavily for Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Trump ordered his new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, to scale back the agencys interpretation of the Clean Water Act. The 1972 law is widely credited for reversing the decline in drinking water quality nationwide by controlling pollution to navigable waters. Advertisement A set of regulations known as the Waters of the U.S. rules, which extended the authority of the Clean Water Act to many small upstream tributaries and isolated wetlands, led growers to worry that a law aimed at developers and heavy industry would be applied to their ditches, canals and wetlands. Trump had been uncharacteristically specific during his campaign about reversing the rules, and calls to Repeal WOTUS were as common a rallying cry among growers as Build the Wall was to his followers in rural manufacturing areas. Duartes nursery operation raises root stock for grapes and other crops in the San Joaquin Valley near Modesto. The Army Corps of Engineers, and later the EPA, accused Duarte in 2012 of damaging wetlands on low spots of the 450 acres of rolling grassland he was plowing up in Tehama County, in preparation to plant wheat. A protracted legal battle ensued over whether 5-inch furrows amounted to enough of an alteration of the land to pollute the pools. The wetlands in my case amount to very minor depressions theyre vernal pools far away and disconnected from any stream or navigable waters, Duarte said. Sometimes theyre just dark spots in the grass to the layperson. Duarte said Trumps actions are absolutely timely and very important, and I hope theyre very broad because whats happening to my family and myself is just an example of the kind of escalation were seeing nationwide. Conservation and recreation groups blasted the proposed rollback of the guidelines, which have been stalled in courts. Jon Devine, senior water attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., lashed out at assertions by Trump that the rules would govern virtually every ditch and puddle. President Trump may have set some kind of record on Tuesday, making eight false statements about a single rule in the span of just a few minutes, Devine wrote on a blog posted Wednesday. Rescinding the rule, Devine said, would prove to be rough sledding for the new administration, because the rule relies on an extensive scientific record, and its protections are easily consistent with what Congress required in the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Acts provisions were narrowly upheld in 2006 by the Supreme Court in a case that produced multiple written opinions, including a dissent by the late Justice Antonin Scalia to which three other justices added their names. The Trump executive order directs the agency to follow Scalias narrower interpretation of the Clean Water Act, which explicitly exempts most agricultural activities. Pruitt, who had used similar arguments to sue the agency over the Clean Water Act while he was attorney general of Oklahoma, applauded Trumps executive order Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, the agency had re-jiggered its website, relegating the Waters of the U.S. rule to a lower rank and substituting a statement that the agency will withdraw and replace the rule. The Presidents action preserves a federal role in protecting water, but it also restores the states important role in the regulation of water, the statement said. The Environmental Protection Agency failed to listen to farmers and ranchers concerns when drafting the rule and instead created widespread confusion for agriculture, said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, an advocacy group for U.S. agriculture that had pushed hard against the rule. Although Duartes case preceded the 2015 publication of the Waters of the U.S. rules, it soon become a poster child for opponents of federal regulation. The Pacific Legal Foundation, a conservative land-rights group, championed the case, which was rebuffed twice in federal courts. During the Senate hearing on Pruitts nomination, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst used a photograph of Duartes furrows as a backdrop, mocking a federal brief that said the furrow tops now serve as small mountain ranges. She asked Pruitt if he would make sure that federal agencies stop trying to regulate ordinary farming practices. Pruitt had a two-word answer: Yes, senator. Duarte and his Pacific Legal Foundation attorney, Anthony L. Francois, are optimistic that the Justice Department under Jeff Sessions will halt some of its prosecutions and find a quiet way out of the Duarte case, which is under appeal. With the new executive order, Francois said, the Justice Departments prosecution theory is collapsing. geoffrey.mohan@latimes.com Follow me: @LATgeoffmohan Mexico has said it wont pay for it. And polls show that the U.S. public doesnt have all that much appetite for it. Nonetheless, the administration of President Trump is moving along with its plans to build a wall along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border a project that could end up costing American taxpayers $15 billion to $40 billion (or 101 to 270 times the annual budget for the National Endowment for the Arts). And even if the funds for the project have yet to be identified much less authorized it is a project that is nonetheless entering the design and prototype phase. Last Friday, the Department of Homeland Security placed a presolicitation notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website for the design and build of several prototype wall structures in the vicinity of the United Sates border with Mexico. The notice says that the department expects to have a formal solicitation online by Monday and concept papers will be due four days later. The plan is to request formal proposals with cost estimates by the end of the month. Advertisement Thats breakneck speed, especially by government standards four days to design a prototype that could serve as the model for one of the biggest government infrastructure projects ever. Even so, in the days since the presolicitation was first posted, more than 300 potential vendors from around the country have signed on. Design writer Kriston Capps of Citylab has analyzed the list, which includes defense contractors, architectural firms and small construction companies of all stripes. As of Thursday morning, the rundown included about 50 entities from California. Among them was Halbert Construction of El Cajon, near San Diego, which has experience working with the federal government, including projects at the U.S.-Mexico border. The company worked on the pedestrian bridge that connects San Ysidro with Tijuana and built a small stretch of fence around the border station. Its too early to tell what form the wall might take because the government has yet to issue formal specifications for the prototype, says Jimmy Benavente, a project coordinator at Halbert. But, if its going to happen, we would like a piece of it, he says. We try not to bring our political beliefs into it. The construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall is no ordinary infrastructure project. For one, there is its massive scale. Trump wants a contiguous, physical wall along all 2,000 miles of border with Mexico which means a whole lot of steel and concrete (not to mention construction jobs). An aerial view of the U.S.-Mexico border in Southern California. San Ysidro is at bottom and Tijuana is at top. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times) Its a big project, lot of money. We want a piece of the pie. Kevin Rouhani, Meridian Precast Inc. But it faces myriad, possibly insurmountable challenges. Theres a 47-year-old treaty with Mexico that dictates that no structure can interfere with the flow of cross-border waterways, such as the Rio Grande. There are also the environmental concerns. A contiguous structure could potentially impact more than 111 endangered species, as well as various wildlife refuges and protected wetlands. And there are the many political factors. The border wall remains controversial. At least six in 10 U.S. voters oppose building one, according to a poll released by Quinnipiac University late last month. Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), whose district includes 800 miles of U.S.-Mexico border, came out against it. Not to mention the fact that unauthorized immigration to the U.S. has actually declined in recent years. Moreover, for some in the design community, the wall has raised all kinds of ethical issues. Last year, the architectural website ArchDaily generated an outcry when it announced a competition titled Building the Border Wall? One architect called for a boycott of the site in response. Others wondered whether the competition encouraged xenophobia. And a lengthy piece in the New Republic explored whether the competition completely missed the point on the borders more pressing needs, such as municipal infrastructure for the informal settlements known as colonias. In his analysis, Capps writes that any company (or companies) picked for the job faces a sincere reputational risk. No Ban, No Wall has emerged as a rallying cry for Muslim and Latino communities and their allies at protests held across the nation, he adds. The firm that wins the final [request for proposals] may also earn undesirable exposure from activists. Given the fraught nature of the enterprise, I was curious why companies were interested in the contract and what a new wall might look like. (To be certain, the idea of building a wall isnt new. More than 650 miles of border barriers already exist, which have already cost taxpayers around $2.3 billion or about $3.5 million per mile.) Some firms were reluctant to talk. One project manager at a small construction company based in Alta Loma told me, Im not sure its something we really want to engage in. Others were intrigued by the question of economics. Kevin Rouhani of Meridian Precast Inc., a Westwood-based company that produces prefabricated walls and concrete panels and has worked on government infrastructure such as BART stations in the Bay Area, also said it was too early to tell what a wall might look like. There hasnt been anything like it, he says. But the scale grabbed his eye when the presolicitation went up. Its a big project, lot of money. We want a piece of the pie. He says tries to look past the politics of the wall. If its going to be done, its going to be done, I cant change that. Benavente, of Halbert Construction, says, Its been a topic since the political race started and, in our office, political beliefs aside, we like to keep our doors open. And while its too early to talk aesthetics, he notes that nothing is going to be foolproof. Unless youre putting a wall thats 200 feet tall and a 100 feet underground, he says, there are people who are going to tunnel under or create mobile structures to advance over the top. One of the more unusual vendors to appear on the presolicitation list was a small, bicoastal design studio called JuneJuly, founded by architects Jake Matatyaou, who is based in Los Angeles, and Kyle Hovenkotter, in New York. Matatyaou is on the faculty at SCI-Arc, the Southern California Institute of Architecture in downtown Los Angeles; Hovenkotter teaches at Columbia University and the Pratt Institute, among others. For both, the border is a long-running area of interest. Were interested in conversations around the future of cities, especially with respect to borders, says Hovenkotter. We think we want to approach this project as honestly as we can. In the past, the pair has worked on a conceptual project, titled Approaching Borders, that tries to subvert the infrastructure of the border so that it becomes a point of linkage, rather than separation. For example: placing two-way video feeds at points along the wall so that people at the border can connect visually with people in other cities such as Washington, New York and Mexico City a way of using the tools of surveillance to connect. Can we come up with something more humane? More aesthetical? Jake Matatyaou, JuneJuly design studio If we begin with the fact that were building a hard border, something physical and material and that it will be built, we start with the question, What is an aesthetically, humanitarianly minded thing? asks Matatyaou. Can it have a more human interface than something that is just technical and tactical and is about demarcation and territorialization? Are they concerned about the ethics of working on such a controversial piece of infrastructure? Honestly, I take a post-national position, says Hovenkotter. I think the nation-state is a kind of outdated construct. And I think they are creating more political problems than solutions. But I also understand that if there is a system in which to play, you might want to play in it and make the best of it. Matatyaou concurs. We want to look at a response to try to develop a response that is not a wall, he says. Can we come up with something more humane? More aesthetical? Theyll have four days to figure it out. To read the article in Spanish, click here Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter carolina.miranda@latimes.com @cmonstah ALSO What border walls look like around the world Border walls arent unheard of, but today they increasingly divide friends, not enemies You can build a wall except here, a river runs through it Architectures highest honor goes to a Spanish trio, with a nod to the forces that gave rise to Brexit and Trump As its name suggests, Keep Quiet is a somber, careful documentary, but despite its measured tone its subject matter is wall to wall disturbing. Thats because the films subject, Csanad Szegedi, though only 34, has already had a life story as unlikely as it is unsettling. After rising to public notice in his native Hungary as one of the founders of Jobbik, a far right political party whose stock in trade was virulent anti-Semitism, Szegedi was flabbergasted to learn that he himself was Jewish. Advertisement Szegedis reaction, after months of personal confusion and upheaval (this Jewish bomb took everything in its path is how he pungently described what happened), was just as shocking to everyone else. Working with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, a leader of Budapests religious community, Szegedi went from far right extremist to observant Orthodox Jew, a transformative embrace of his religion that seemed to upset other Jews suspicious of his sincerity as much as his previous hostility. Co-directors Joseph Martin and Sam Blair, working under the aegis of veteran documentary executive producer John Battsek, are fortunate to have had Szegedis on-camera cooperation, for actually seeing and hearing him at length is critical to the films impact. Articulate, analytical and a persuasive speaker, Szegedi not only tells his story in a series of interviews, he allows the filmmakers to go with him on a series of troubling encounters, including a trip to Auschwitz with a Hungarian survivor named Eva Neumann. As he himself tells it, Szegedi had been an anti-Semitic nationalist since high school and was one of the core of people who founded the Jobbik party in 2003. An organizer as well as an ideologue, he became national vice chairman at age 26 and still counts the election when the party got an unexpected 14% of the national vote one of the best days of my life. Though Szegedi was seemingly going from strength to strength, founding the paramilitary Hungarian Guard and getting elected to the European Parliament, disaster was lurking. A disaffected party member named Zoltan Ambrus (also interviewed on camera) knew something even Szegedi didnt: His maternal grandmother was Jewish and, more than that, was an Auschwitz survivor. Szegedi is completely candid about how devastating the 2012 public revelation of this information was. It was like a dagger through my heart, he says. There was no place for me to go from here, I had nowhere to turn. Deciding that I must face up to being a Jew, what I never ever wanted to be, Szegedi makes contact with the rabbi, who says he felt he had no choice but to accept Szegedi at his word and guide him on his increasing commitment to traditional Judaism. Others, however, have been less trusting and Keep Quiet includes the mixed response Szegedi got at a Jewish Youth Congress in Berlin as well as the hostility an abortive attempt to visit Montreals Jewish community caused. Because the footage of Szegedi was filmed over a number of years, the documentary reveals different stages of its subjects thinking. Though the experience of actually being at Auschwitz seems to have affected him, on the train going to the camp he is shown asking Eva Neumann if Jews arent partially responsible for anti-Semitism for refusing to assimilate. The most moving parts of Keep Quiet, both for Szegedi and the audience, are interviews he taped for his own use with his mother and his grandmother, who rigorously hid her Auschwitz tattoo for decades under long-sleeved clothing. To witness how hopeless both women felt in the face of an endemically anti-Semitic culture is quite sad. Asked by her grandson what a Jew should do in todays Hungary, her reply (Keep quiet) not only gives this film its title, it gives us something to ponder as well. Keep Quiet Unrated. Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes. Playing Laemmles Music Hall, Beverly Hills, Town Center, Encino, Playhouse, Pasadena. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers kenneth.turan@latimes.com @KennethTuran On March 13, 2017, I filed a suit against North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the International Criminal Court for the brutal murder of his uncle Jang Song-taek and the ensuing purge of other high-ranking officials. This was a bloody massacre that transcends our wildest imagination. I also became concerned about Jang's widow Kim Kyong-hui, former leader Kim Jong-il's sister. Senior North Korean defectors gave contradicting accounts of what happened to Kim Kyong-hui during the investigation into Jang, and my suspicions only became more severe after the public assassination of Kim Jong-un's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-nam. How Kim Kyong-hui coped with her husband's brutal execution is unclear. One defector who used to be a high-ranking military officer in the North said the execution would not have been possible without her approval. Kim Kyong-hui, this version goes, is a member of North Korea's de facto owner family and ended up killing her husband to help her nephew consolidate his grip on power. There were also rumors that the marriage had long existed on paper only due to his constant infidelities while she drifted into depression and alcoholism. But another defector said Kim Kyong-hui was fiercely against her husband's execution and protested to Kim Jong-un before he was murdered. When that failed she apparently made her point publicly to the Workers Party. Led by Jo Yon-jun, the first deputy of the party at the time, bigwigs sent a letter to Kim Jong-un supporting a stint in a re-education camp for Jang instead of execution. But the leader ignored the request. Minister of State Security Kim Won-hong was ordered to blast Jang's key aides Jang Su-gil and Ri Yong-ha to smithereens with anti-aircraft guns, and Jang went before a firing squad. Even Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il were not such monsters. It is well-known that Kim Kyong-hui dared to travel all the way to Gangwon Province to meet Jang when they were lovers, despite of the vehement opposition of her father and brother. After their marriage, Jang had numerous affairs, just like Kim Jong-il, and although Jang and Kim Kyong-hui lived apart, Kim Jong-il did not allow them to divorce. When Kim Jong-il died in 2011, Jang and Kim Kyong-hui apparently walked around Pyongyang with their arms around each other. Senior officials were relieved to see the couple show their solid bond at the time when the North had lost its supreme leader. Perhaps the couple had decided to set aside their differences and come together for the sake of their country. Jang, who was then thought to be a mentor to his nephew, had always wanted to open Kim Jong-il's secret coffers to the North Korean people, and there are indications that Kim Kyong-hui tried to transfer those funds to the party's light industry department to revive the Norths moribund economy. Even if Kim Kyong-hui decided to side with her spoiled nephew, she would have done it to help save North Korea. But Jong-un was no longer the child she knew. She did not realize that he had become a psychopath. If Kim Kyong-hui agreed to have her husband executed, she must have been given a very persuasive reason. Some senior defectors said the accusations against Jang were fabricated and he never tried to overthrow Kim Jong-un, and it would at any rate have sufficed to strip him of his title and send him to a labor camp if he had become too rich and influential. But Kim Kyong-hui ended up the widow of a publicly denounced traitor and was stripped of all official titles. One high-ranking North Korean defector has claimed that she, too, was poisoned. I doubted that at first, but no longer. New works from Michael Winterbottom, Zosia Mamet and freshly minted best-picture studio A24 will have their world premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival when the New York gathering kicks off next month. They anchor a slate of scripted and documentary movies that will be showcased by the Robert De Niro co-founded festival, now in its 16th year. Winterbottom takes the wraps off The Trip to Spain, the latest installment of his combo TV-film franchise that began in 2010 with The Trip, a series that was edited into a feature. In it, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon played meta versions of themselves on a culinary tour of northern England. Advertisement In the third installment (Italy came a couple years back), the pair find themselves in the land of paella and late dinners. The series hits British television in April, while IFC will release the film stateside. Meanwhile, Sophie Brooks directs Zosia Mamet in The Boy Downstairs, a story of romance and real estate set in New York, as the Girls star takes a thus-far rare lead role in a feature. And in The Lovers, indie auteur Azazel Jacobs (Terri) takes a look at a stale marriage that unexpectedly reignites. The movie stars Tracy Letts and Debra Winger; A24, the studio behind Moonlight, is scheduled to release the picture in May. Its hardly the only movie at Tribeca about a veteran coupling: French auteur Guillaume Canet directs and stars in Rockn Roll, a satire about an aging famous couple, playing opposite real-life partner Marion Cotillard. Flames, from Zefrey Throwell and Josephine Decker, is a scripted movie that loosely follows the filmmakers real-life relationship through various paces over five yearsand, by influencing how that relationship unfolds, creating an art-imitating-life-imitating art vibe. And Oren Moverman the writer of Love & Mercy and director of The Messenger will unveil The Dinner in the U.S. for the first time. Based on Herman Kochs bestseller, it centers on two brothers and their spouses (Richard Gere, Steve Coogan, Laura Linney and Rebecca Hall) in a story about family and politics. A total of 78 movies will make their world premiere at the New York confab, organizers said. Of the 98 movies showing overallabout a 20% reduction from last year--a third are directed by women, they noted. Tribeca had the advantage of being one of the first festivals to do the bulk of its programming after the election. Though many of the movies, particularly narrative titles, exist apart from the political landscape, they could have a role to play in the current complicated era. Were living in a moment when truth and objectivity seem unstable, said director of programming Cara Cusumano in an interview. Theres huge potential for art and storytelling to overcome that and helps things feel more true. While nearly all of the movies were completed before the election, many read differently after Nov. 8, she said. Also on the world-premiere front, Ed Helms plays the title character in Dito Montiels The Clapper, in which Helms stars as Eddie Krumble, a professional audience member who gains unwanted notoriety when a late-night talk show turns his life into a national obsession, threatening his budding relationship with gas station attendant Judy (Amanda Seyfried). In what is surely the most motley indie-film cast in some time, the movie features Tracy Morgan, Adam Levine, Rob Gronkowski, Mark Cuban and Alan Thicke in one of his last screen appearances. And Dawsons Creek writing veteran Liz W. Garcia will debut One Percent More Humid, a collegiate coming-home story starring Julia Garner and Juno Temple. Making its U.S. premiere is Chuck, in which Liev Schreiber stars as the real-life inspiration for Rocky Balboa in a film directed by foreign-language film Oscar nominee Philippe Falardeau. (The movie was called The Bleeder when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September). While those films are largely apolitical, the festival will also world-premiere a number of documentaries, many of which touch on topical themes. Sebastian Junger directs, with Nick Quested, the latest film about Islamic State and Syria, Hell on Earth. The film, which takes both a personal and macro look at the war-torn region, follows Sundance notables such as Cries From Syria and City of Ghosts. It reunites Junger and Quested, who worked together on the acclaimed 2010 verite hit Restrepo (co-directed by Junger and the late Tim Hetherington and produced by Quested). In the same region is Till Schauders When God Sleeps, about the Iranian rapper Shahin Najafi, who provoked the anger of the countrys clerics with his subversive protest lyrics. Among the other documentaries making their world premieres at Tribeca with modern echoes, are Pacho Velez and Sierra Pettengills The Reagan Show, a formally unconventional movie that argues for the 40th presidents TV savvy; The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, the latest work from How to Survive a Plague helmer and veteran journalist David France, here exploring the suspicious death of the titular transgender figure; and A Gray State, Erik Nelsons look at the 2014 death of alt-right figure David Crowley, with Werner Herzog as executive producer. Also noteworthy is Greg Kohs AlphaGo, about the connection between an ancient Chinese board game and artificial intelligence, in a tournament setting. Tribeca opens April 19 with Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of My Life. A screening of Chris Perkels documentary, based on the moguls memoir, will be accompanied by a concert featuring Davis associates Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson and Earth, Wind & Fire. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour steve.zeitchik@latimes.com Twitter: @ZeitchikLAT It sounds paradoxical, but its often true that the more culturally precise a foreign language film is, the more universal its appeal becomes. This is very much the case with the charming but pointed The Womens Balcony. A major box-office success in Israel, The Womens Balcony is so seemingly site-specific that even its driving force, screenwriter Shlomit Nehama, was surprised when it began succeeding overseas. But culture aside, this is an unapologetically warmhearted comedic drama, a fine example of commercial filmmaking grounded in a persuasive knowledge of human behavior. Advertisement As the title indicates, The Womens Balcony is set in an Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem. But though that world may seem monolithic to outsiders, as Nehama and director Emil Ben-Shimon well understand, there is a genuine rift there, a clash of cultures often unspoken and unacknowledged that the film has adroitly mined. At first, however, everything is supremely festive, as the members of a small neighborhood Orthodox community, the kind of close-knit group in which everyone inevitably knows everyone elses business, gather to celebrate the bar mitzvah of the grandson of pillars of the congregation Etti (Evelin Hagoel) and Zion (Igal Naor). Under the leadership of a venerable but still beloved rabbi, things are going splendidly when a mishap strikes: The buildings balcony, the place where women pray in sex-segregated Orthodox services, suddenly collapses, leaving the rabbis wife hospitalized and the rabbi himself in retreat from reality. Very much in disarray, the congregation finds a new temporary space in a location that makes finding a minyan, the 10 men needed for daily prayers, difficult. Enter the young and charismatic Rabbi David (Aviv Alush), a can-do individual who teaches at a local seminary and takes on the congregations well-being as a personal project. Rabbi David is so eager to help he even offers to cut through the annoying red tape and supervise the rebuilding of the collapsed synagogue. Thank the Creator, he modestly tells the grateful congregants. I am only the messenger. Discerning eyes will notice, however, that Rabbi Davids dress marks him as ultra-Orthodox, while the congregation, whose female members do not cover their hair, is what might be called modern Orthodox: definitely observant but without the accompanying zealotry. That may seem like a small difference, but it turns out it is not. Things get complicated when Rabbi David gives the men in the congregation a stirring speech about purity that does not go down well with the wives. Then the new rebuilt synagogue is unveiled and all hell breaks loose. For under Rabbi Davids supervision the airy balcony of old has been eliminated and the women are squeezed into a claustrophobic auxiliary space. And worse is yet to come. But if the men think that the women will agree with Rabbi David that this is all an expression of Gods will, they very quickly realize their mistake. Screenwriter Nehama, who grew up in an Orthodox Jerusalem community like the one in the film, has said her goal was to tell the story of the moderate people who are forced to deal with growing religious extremism, and The Womens Balcony definitely does that. But Nehama has also said that she was inspired by British movies about the misadventures of small-town life, such as the charming Waking Ned Devine, and the way she has made her serious societal points in an audience-friendly format is the key to this films success. Following the peregrinations of numerous characters, including the happily married Etti and Zion, Yaffa (Yafit Asulin), a young woman looking for a husband, and the tough-minded Tikva (top Israeli comedian Orna Banai), Balcony very much includes us in the communitys warmth and caring. As smoothly directed by Ben-Shimon, a filmmaker best known for his television work, and enlivened by a fine Ahuva Ozeri score, the plot twists can mostly be seen coming. But as performed by a cast of practiced farceurs, that is part of its charm. When one character says, Everyone should take care of his own account with God, that is a message that resonates as well. --------------------- The Womens Balcony MPAA rating: None Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes. Playing: Laemmles Royal, West Los Angeles; Town Center 5, Encino. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers kenneth.turan@latimes.com @KennethTuran USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought after a meeting with federal officials in Washington that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again, said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style, she said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups unrestricted by contribution limits a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education. What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions longtime stalwarts of the party and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans saying repeatedly, stay tuned but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist who has agreed to modify the artwork to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event his first speech and news conference with a photogenic background of students. His message that he would put those students first seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman who also was black that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged and pressured the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members enough to control the outcome were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people 12 students and one teacher killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends a 16-year-old boy made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus which the president said is less than 55% white that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces an arch and a garden after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies better known as CAVA had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi Sonali Kohli (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results out Monday night were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy L The Los Angeles City Council approved a package of new measures Wednesday to rein in mansionization, the long-debated phenomenon where large homes are built on older streets with comparatively small lots. Council members unanimously rewrote two ordinances that regulate the size of new homes on hillsides and in single-family neighborhoods. The changes were backed by Councilman Paul Koretz, who is running for a third term in Tuesdays election. Koretzs 5th District includes neighborhoods that have been incensed over the tearing down of historic homes and the construction of larger replacement houses. Advertisement The giant, boxy homes weve seen throughout Council District 5 will not be permittable any longer, he said. The mansionization measures will reduce the size of homes allowed in most single-family residential areas. For example, in some locations, the measure will scale back the square footage allowed for houses to 45% of the overall lot, down from 50%. Lawmakers also stripped the existing law of key provisions that have allowed property owners to obtain additional square footage for their new home projects. Activists from a handful of neighborhoods applauded the vote, complaining that owners of towering homes infringe on the privacy of people next door. The city has responded to a grass-roots movement, said Robert Eisele, vice president of the La Brea Hancock Homeowners Assn. Still, some who attended the council meeting complained that many homeowners have been left in the dark on the new restrictions. And a trio of neighborhood groups contend the law also includes a new exemption for property owners who want to get around the size restrictions. Under the ordinance approved Wednesday, property owners could seek to circumvent the new restrictions by applying for a conditional use permit, a document that takes extra time and money to obtain, said Doug Carstens, an attorney for the Sunset Coalition and two other organizations. They went through all this time and effort to satisfy neighborhoods and protect people, but at the same theyve included a huge loophole that goes a long way toward undoing those protections, he said. Carstens warned council members that the exemption had not been properly vetted as required under the California Environmental Quality Act. He said that his clients may sue if the council fails to make a technical correction to the law removing the exemption. david.zahniser@latimes.com Twitter: @DavidZahniser More than two decades ago, students walked out of schools in the Montebello Unified School District, protesting millions of dollars in budget cuts. On Thursday, history repeated itself, with hundreds rallying at the district office to protest hundreds of potential layoffs. Students held signs reading, Wheres the money and chanted, Our district is corrupt. The gathered crowd, which police estimated at 500 or more, led officers to close the street in front of the district office. Advertisement For months, the district has been accused of corruption and bad financial management, the Whittier Daily News reported. The districts current chief business officer, Ruben Rojas, provided false information on his job application, according to the newspaper. The district also is facing millions in budget cuts for the next school year required by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, according to a district spokesman. If the district does not make those cuts, the state will take over the district. Providing a quality education and ensuring daily attendance by our students is a top priority of the District, the Montebello district said in a statement. Consequently, we are disappointed that some special interests have encouraged our students to participate in a walkout today in a deliberate attempt to influence the Board in its discussions over a challenging budget. Students circulated a flier shared on social media saying the reason for the walkout was to confront the district over Rojas and the layoffs. In its statement, the district said the flier was purposely filled with incorrect and inaccurate information. The district has a history of financial issues dating to the early 1990s. In 1991, at least 100 employees, most of them contract teachers, were laid off as district officials grappled with budget cuts, according to a Times article. Hundreds participated in marches and rallies at the time. In 1992, school walkouts and marches happened again to protest yet another round of layoffs because of ongoing budget troubles. brittny.mejia@latimes.com Twitter: @Brittny_Mejia A Los Angeles gang member was charged Wednesday with capital murder in the deaths of his cousin and a Whittier police officer during a morning of deadly violence last week in which authorities allege he also wounded another police officer. Michael C. Mejia, 26, a convicted felon with a history of drugs and violent criminal activity, is accused of killing his cousin, Roy Torres, in the early hours of Feb. 20 in East Los Angeles before fleeing with Torres car and crashing into two other vehicles at a Whittier intersection. When Police Officers Keith Boyer, 53, and Patrick Hazell came to the scene of the accident, they ordered Mejia out of his car, and he opened fire as they approached him, prosecutors allege. Advertisement Mejia killed Boyer and wounded Hazell, authorities said. Mejia was wounded during the gun battle. He was charged with two counts of murder and one count each of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a felon. He also faces special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, the murder of a police officer and murder to escape arrest, making him subject to the death penalty. Mejia is slated to be arraigned Thursday in a Bellflower courtroom. After the shooting, Mejia was taken to a hospital and initially booked for violating probation. If convicted of the charges, Mejia faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors said a decision on whether to seek capital punishment would be made later. At the time of the killings, Mejia was under the supervision of the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Mejia had been jailed and released for violating probation five times since the summer of 2016. Mejia had previously served a prison sentence for grand theft auto and earlier had been sentenced to four years in prison for robbery and gang membership. The Feb. 20 slayings came just over a week after he finished his latest jail stint. Sheriffs homicide investigators said that while on probation Mejia repeatedly served short jail sentences for violations including possessing narcotics and fleeing police officers. Some critics blame criminal justice reform measures, particularly AB 109, for putting Mejia back on the street. In response to prison overcrowding, Gov. Jerry Brown in 2011 spearheaded AB 109, which shifted many inmates from state prisons to county jails. The measure also allowed some inmates to serve a split sentence, with part of the time on probation instead of behind bars. State corrections officials have said that AB 109 played no role in Mejias release and that he served his full prison terms. Two Los Angeles County supervisors have launched an investigation into the probation departments handling of Mejia and why his probation had not been revoked. richard.winton@latimes.com Twitter: @LAcrimes Daein Kang, a Koreatown oral surgeon whose activism in his homeland put him front and center in efforts to forge a relationship between South and North Korea, has died. Kang was one of the first oral surgeons in Koreatown and went on to a life of activism in South Korea, where he founded medical centers, became a confidant of then-President Kim Dae-jung and pressed for improved human rights and normalized relations between the two Koreas. Kang was born in Yeongam, South Korea, and his life was shaped early and sharply by the Korean War. Advertisement His father died in a massacre in the early days of the war, leaving his mother to raise six children. When an older brother, Daeyong Kang, vanished while studying in Seoul, the family was enveloped by the gnawing mystery of his disappearance. For years the family searched for him, but any trace seemed to have been swept away in the war. Daein Kang immigrated to Los Angeles with his wife, Youngmi Kim, in 1976, cleaning offices in downtown L.A. while putting himself through dental school. He later opened a dental practice in Koreatown, specializing in implants and oral surgery. The couple raised three sons in the then-largely-immigrant community. Kangs mother, though, never abandoned her search for her oldest child. She had immigrated to America in 1976 and leaned on government agencies, relief groups and war veterans for assistance. Often they urged her to move on her son was missing and presumed dead. In a first-person account in the Los Angeles Times in 1991, Kangs nephew wrote about the numbing existence of growing up in a family with one member missing. I grew up with no music in the house, because it reminds my grandmother of her son, wrote Hyungwon Kang, a Times photographer at the time. Even on his aunts wedding day, he wrote, there was no music. But in the spring of 1991, a letter arrived from Pyongyang, North Korea. Her son was alive. He had been drafted to fight with the North Korean Peoples Liberation Army while studying in Seoul. He now worked for the government and was married with five children. He sent along a thumb-sized photograph. The photo never left her side, Hyungwon Kang wrote. She walked around the house with it and placed it by her bed at night. Kangs mother initially planned to go to North Korea to visit the son she hadnt seen in decades. She bought suits and sport coats for the grandsons she had yet to meet and several boxes of nail clippers she bought in Koreatown. She thought they might be useful for her son to give as gifts to his friends. Before her flight, though, she suffered a stroke and slipped into a coma. At the urging of Kang and other family members, the North Korean government agreed to let Daeyong Kang visit his ailing mother. But when she died before he could visit, they pulled his travel papers. Finally, after more negotiation with the government, Kang stood at Los Angeles International Airport in the summer of 1991 waiting to greet a brother he had not seen in more than four decades. It was a moment of triumph for a family that had suffered for so long. It was also a moment that raised international hope that relations between the U.S. and North Korea might be warming. The reunion marked the first time since the Korean War that a civilian from North Korea was allowed to visit U.S. soil. Devoutly interested in his homeland, Daein Kang supported the democratic movement in South Korea at a time of political turmoil and authoritarian rule. He became a friend and ally of Kim Dae-jung, then a dissident living as an exile in the U.S. after a military dictator had sentenced him to death. Kim later became president, after first surviving three assassination attempts and six years in prison. Kang, who worked with Amnesty International and was a founding member of the Korean American Institute for Human Rights, worked with Kim to help implement the leaders Sunshine Policy, meant to open dialogue and relations between the two Koreas, which had been fractured since the war. Kim won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, but the policy ultimately failed and North Korea distanced itself from the world stage. Kang also threw himself into medicine in South Korea, opening a 350-bed general hospital in Bucheon and later spending his own money to help establish the Bucheon Geriatric Medical Center, employing Swedens expertise in the field. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, a reward for civic merit bestowed by that countrys king and queen. Kang died Jan 28 in San Mateo. His death was not immediately announced. Family members said they were told that the older brother, Daeyong Kang, died in 2013 in Pyongyang. Kang is survived by his wife; sons, Robin, Thomas and Eugene; brother, Daeyang; three sisters, Sumi, Haengja and Sungja; and seven grandchildren. steve.marble@latimes.com twitter.com/stephenmarble His diplomatic career has encompassed the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the inexorable-seeming rise of one Vladimir Putin. Now Sergey Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States, finds himself in a harsh and unwanted spotlight over contacts with Donald Trumps campaign team. After nearly a decade as Moscows man in Washington, the portly, bespectacled envoy is a well-known commodity in diplomatic circles. Though said to prefer behind-the-scenes parley, he plays an occasional role as Russias public face at events such as policy forums and academic symposia across the United States. Kislyak, 66, is also the Russian presidents eyes and ears a role that likely took him last April to a front-row seat in a ballroom at Washingtons ornate Mayflower Hotel, where an upstart presidential aspirant named Donald Trump took to the lectern to deliver his first major foreign policy speech. Advertisement Trumps speech gained him little traction with the invite-only crowd of foreign policy experts, some of whom made dismissive note of what they called a somewhat incoherent world view. In retrospect, the candidates address was perhaps most notable for what would become an increasingly prominent campaign theme in months to come: the need for better relations with Russia. Kislyak, at least publicly, took a wait-and-see approach to Trump back then, telling Politico after the Mayflower speech that the candidate had made some intriguing points, but his positions needed to be more fully understood. After decades of postings in diplomatic beehives such as the United Nations and Brussels, Kislyak has mastered the niceties of international relations as well as any envoy but is also capable of strong pushback if he believes Moscow is being dealt with unfairly, former associates say. Youre never confused about what country hes representing, said Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia who has known Kislyak for years. At a Stanford University conference last year, McFaul introduced his onetime counterpart by saying: We had our differences in policy, but never in our interpersonal relationship. In Moscow, there was furious condemnation of the notion that Kislyak would have been doing anything untoward by meeting with U.S. officials such as then-U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, who advised the Trump campaign on foreign affairs, or by talking with Michael Flynn, then Trumps incoming national security advisor. Flynn was fired last month for misleading accounts of his conversations with Kislyak, and Sessions, now the attorney general, is under heavy fire for having told congressional colleagues under oath that he had not had contact with Russian officialdom during the Trump campaign, despite having reportedly held meetings with Kislyak. Exasperated Russian officials and some U.S. backers said such contacts merely meant that the envoy was doing his job, meeting Americans across the political spectrum in order to gauge their views and offer up Moscows own. A Russian lawmaker, Alexey Pushkov, said almost any senior politician in the United States would at some point be in touch with diplomatic representatives such as the Russian ambassador to Washington. Hysteria in the USA has driven politicians into a trap, he tweeted. Met with the Russians? End of career. Hid it? To prison. The spirit of J. McCarthy has been just waiting in the wings. In Moscow, particular umbrage was taken at U.S. media accounts of Russia-Trump campaign connections, including a report on CNN that cited senior current and former intelligence officials asserting that Kislyak was not only a diplomat, but a spymaster and intelligence recruiter. If things go on this way, U.S. officials and businessmen will have to forget the word Russia and hide Russian souvenirs deep in their attics, political analyst Ilya Kharlamov wrote in a sardonic commentary carried by the domestic Russian news agency RIA Novosti. Otherwise theyll be in trouble. Kislyak, whose tenure as ambassador overlapped all eight years of the Obama administration, weathered the fallout over Russian hacking that U.S. intelligence officials said was meant to interfere in the U.S. electoral outcome. In his final weeks in office, President Obama expelled nearly three dozen Russian diplomats and took other punitive steps. Moscow, via Kislyak and other channels, protested its innocence. As a veteran envoy, Kislyak served successive administrations in Moscow that had differing political aims, but his personal traits have remained consistent through four decades of diplomacy, according to several people who have worked with him. Kislyak is described as an intellectual whose training as an engineer helped hone a technocrats grasp of complex policy matters. Known for possessing an extremely good memory, he speaks excellent though accented English, with the tic common to native Russian speakers of sometimes neglecting the articles a and the. He is not, however, described as an intimate of Putin, whose steely demeanor stands in contrast to Kislyaks somewhat rumpled mien. Although he served as deputy Russian foreign minister, Kislyak has been away in Washington and elsewhere for a considerable chunk of Putins tenure. Kislyak joined the Foreign Ministry in 1977, when Cold War-era relations between the United States and Russia were characterized by intense rivalry and labyrinthine intrigue. In the early 1980s, he served as a second secretary in what was then the Soviet mission to the United Nations. But by the time he took up other diplomatic posts in the United States, in the late 1980s, it was the era of Mikhail Gorbachevs perestroika and glasnost reform and openness and diplomats were tasked with outreach to former foes. Kislyak is well acquainted with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has been derided as obsolete by Trump, serving as Russias envoy to the alliance between 1998 and 2003. After a stint back in Moscow, Kislyak took up ambassadorial duties in Washington in 2008, making him an unusually long-serving diplomat in the prestigious posting of the U.S. capital. In public, Kislyaks remarks generally conform to a traditionally Kremlin view that Russia seeks common ground with the West, but often faces provocation instead. You tried to contain Russia through pressure, economic sanctions, propaganda, he said at last Novembers forum at Stanford. From the Russian point of view, its not something we initiated we had to respond. Times staff writer King reported from Washington and special correspondent Mirovalev from Moscow. Staff writer Ann M. Simmons in Los Angeles contributed to this report. laura.king@latimes.com Twitter: @laurakingLAT For 30 years as an Episcopal priest in Iowa, Peter Sickels smeared crosses of ash on the foreheads of his parishioners every Ash Wednesday. Remember, oh man, he would say during the ceremony marking the start of Lent, you are dust and to dust you shall return. But this year, his ash has an extra ingredient: purple glitter. Advertisement Iowa Pride Network Coordinator, Sandra Zapata, is participating in #glitterashwednesday. How do you show #lgbtq solidarity? pic.twitter.com/baCBdqrk7B Iowa Pride Network (@IAPrideNetwork) March 1, 2017 Sickels, now retired and living in San Diego, is one of roughly 150 religious leaders across the country who left parishioners with some sparkle to show support for the LGBTQ community. I love the concept of not just ashes but glitter for new hope and new life, and just standing up for minorities, for those who are incredibly in distress at these times, Sickels said. Others were less enthused with modifying a 1,500-year-old tradition. However well-intentioned, Glitter Ash Wednesday is a distraction at best and a sideshow at worst, wrote Jacob Lupfer, a columnist for Religion News Service. I find it hard to believe pastors and churches that have already evolved on sexual ethics will tamper with the tradition, solemnity and dignity of Ash Wednesday. The idea stretches back to Ash Wednesday of last year, when Liz Edman, an Episcopal priest in New Jersey, wished for a way to come out as visibly queer and visibly Christian. She set her phone alarm to ring the following January to remind her of the thought. When her girlfriend later mentioned glitter, Edman was initially guarded. It matters very much to me that people understand were not doing this in order to be frivolous or disrespectful, she said. Glitter is serious business for queer people. Glitter is how we have long made ourselves visible, even though becoming visible puts us at risk. But then, she said, she came across St. Augustines teachings warning of the dangers of despair, which could thwart repentance and change. I just thought, Bingo, thats it, she said. The glitter can represent a refusal to bow down to the forces of despair, particularly in this political moment we find ourselves in. The message spread through social media, and according to organizers, 150 religious figures representing Lutheran, Presbyterian and Old Catholic churches, among others expressed interest. Ash Wednesday, a Roman Catholic tradition, has been embraced in recent decades by other denominations. Marian Edmonds-Allen, a Protestant minister and the executive director of the faith-based LGBTQ organization Parity, mixed and shipped enough glitter and ash for 15,000 people in 29 states and three countries. Ash Wednesday is a time when people think about their mortality, she said. The addition of glitter to that solemn ritual represents the joy and the hope that we feel. The Rev. Fred Kinsey of Unity Lutheran Church holds ashes mixed with glitter as he awaits commuters at a Red Line stop in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @AleneTchek Deloitte Greenhouse established to create an innovation ecosystem By:Jiang Wenran | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-02-28 17:25 Shanghai, February 28- The city is quickening its pace to become one of the world's major science and technology innovation centers. Deloitte believes that innovation will be elevated to the next level. The current focus on gradual optimization of existing business models will be moved towards a disruptive development which rides on innovation to re-define our business model. Instead of relying on and exploring internal resources and ideas, innovation will increasingly be driven by the integration of resources within and outside an organization to create a win-win ecosystem, said Patrick Tsang, CEO of Deloitte China. Deloitte China announced yesterday the official opening of its first Greenhouse in Shanghai at a special salon event. Inside the Deloitte Greenhouse, the firm will seek to help companies build a win-win ecosystem by leveraging its Speed SET, a revolutionary model which facilitates the generation of innovation ideas and solutions. Speed SET is a disruptive model which facilitates the building of a win-win innovation ecosystem, said Dora Liu, Eastern Region Managing Partner of Deloitte China, Speed to Sense means that the innovation ecosystem can help us obtain better insights into emerging technology in a more effective manner, which can be used for a more in-depth industry analysis. Speed to Engage refers to facilitating connection and integration of resources within the ecosystem. For instance, large companies can get access to emerging technologies, which will enable them to upgrade their business models; start-ups would receive guidance on government policy and will be connected to various resources; prototype concepts from universities and scientific institutions can be tested in the market; the government can promote business and foreign investment. Liu noted that all these benefits are shared within the ecosystem and can lead to further innovation and entrepreneurial transformation and thats what the innovation ecosystem is all about. We have also designed a series of innovation labs such as Digital Lab, Leadership Lab and Alignment Lab, to provide customized incubation services. In the process, Liu believes that the most important step of all is to commercialize the innovative products, and the ecosystem can provide a lot of support in this respect. Thats also what we refer to as Speed to Transform. The Greenhouse brings together team members from different service lines at Deloitte who specialize in the technology space, such as digital, blockchain and data analysis, providing oxygen to the generation of creative ideas and solutions. A global network of Deloitte Greenhouses has been established in 39 cities and 21 countries currently, according to Steven Feng, Leader of Deloitte China Innovation Program and Greenhouse Project. On a visit to Mexico City in August 2016, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump said, No one wins in either country when human smugglers and drug traffickers prey on innocent people, when cartels commit acts of violence, when illegal weapons and cash flow from the United States into Mexico. Since then, Trump has continued to complain that Mexicans bring crime northward, while studiously ignoring the very real threat that U.S. firepower flowing in the other direction poses to Mexicans. Although Mexico has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, Mexican criminal organizations have no trouble buying firearms, which they use to control territory, extort business owners, and threaten citizens as well as members of the security forces. The consequences are lethal. In 2002, there were more than 2,600 murder investigations involving firearms. By 2016, that number had increased to nearly 13,000. Advertisement To stock their arsenals, Mexican criminal organizations exploit lax U.S. gun laws, relying in part on straw purchases. Most of the weapons used by criminal groups in Mexico originate in the United States. Each year, an average of 253,000 firearms cross the border, the overwhelming majority of which come from the Southwest states of California, Texas and Arizona. From 2009 to 2014, more than 70% of firearms nearly 74,000 seized by Mexican authorities and then submitted for tracing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms came from the United States. Many of these guns were semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15 and AK-47, cartel favorites that Mexican citizens cannot buy legally. To stock their arsenals, Mexican criminal organizations exploit lax U.S. gun laws, relying in part on straw purchases. A straw purchase is when a person who is prohibited by federal law from buying firearms contracts a third party to buy them on their behalf. Because there is no limit on firearm transactions in many states, anyone who can pass a background check may buy multiple military-grade firearms in a single visit which they can then pass along to criminals. Sometimes firearms traffickers do not even have to lie to purchase a weapon. Although licensed U.S. firearms dealers must conduct background checks and maintain records, among other measures, unlicensed dealers at gun shows, flea markets and other private venues may sell guns without conducting a background check, inspecting a buyers identification or documenting the sale in any way. The business of violence can be highly profitable, and the American gun industry is cashing in, with U.S. sellers and manufacturers arming both sides of Mexicos conflict. Research from the University of San Diego has shown that half of U.S. gun dealers benefit financially from the U.S.-Mexico illegal gun trade, to the tune of $127.2 million in 2012. Meanwhile, manufacturers also sell weapons and ammunition to Mexican security forces as they fight well-armed criminal organizations. Between 2015 and 2016, U.S.-based gun manufacturers signed nearly $276 million in commercial firearms deals with Mexico. Other U.S. defense companies signed agreements worth more than $560 million during that period in planes, helicopters and other equipment to outfit Mexicos military and police. The U.S. government knows theres a problem. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly and Mexican Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong reportedly discussed the flow of guns across the border on Feb. 7. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson highlighted the issue as an area of cooperation between the two countries during his visit to Mexico last week. And Trump even signed an executive order in February claiming he would strengthen enforcement of Federal law related to illegal gun trafficking. But if the Trump administration actually wants to solve the problem, it needs to change laws, not just enforce them. The same mechanisms that allow for guns to be trafficked within the United States unregulated gun shows and online sales, bad actor gun dealers and laws that allow people to buy dozens of military-grade assault weapons and privately resell them without documentation are the same mechanisms that make it so easy for Mexican criminals to arm themselves. In the United States, trafficking guns is a high-profit, low-risk activity. There is no federal law against gun trafficking within the country, and although some convicted straw purchasers could get prison time, more often than not they merely face community service or a year of probation. Many factors have contributed to violence in Mexico. The river of iron from the United States, however, plays a key role in the countrys high death toll. Just as a multibillion dollar border wall will do little to stop the tide of drugs coming into the country, it will do nothing to prevent military-grade weapons from pouring out of it. If Trump is concerned about organized crime and violence in Mexico, he might want to address the United States role in arming it. Sarah Kinosian is a program officer covering arms trafficking, U.S. defense policy and citizen security at the Washington Office on Latin America. Eugenio Weigend is a senior policy analyst for the guns and crime policy team at the Center for American Progress. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook MORE FROM OPINION California, please stop resisting Trump long enough to get help for our water infrastructure Im a Jewish American who worked with Steve Bannon. He is not a racist or an anti-Semite Trumps proposed database of crimes by the undocumented is shameless propaganda Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) called White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon a stone cold racist and a white supremacist sympathizer in an interview on MSNBC. Steven Goldstein, executive director for the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect wants the president to fire Bannon because he is a notorious anti-Semite. As a Jewish American who worked with Bannon at Breitbart News, I am certain these characterizations are false. They are the leading edge of a distortion campaign that mislabels Bannon as virulently prejudiced, anti-immigrant and a cultural fascist. In the six years I have known Bannon, I have never heard him make a single racist or anti-Semitic comment. Advertisement Since the election, the far left has engaged in a vicious crusade against Bannon in an effort to discredit President Trump. Banners adorn Manhattan buildings, demanding that Congress Impeach Bannon. The Chicago Tribune recently opined the president should banish his advisor. The accusations of anti-Semitism and racism that ignited all this have questionable origins. None of this is about hatred of foreigners. It is about taking care of your own. There is a difference. First, in a decade-old divorce filing, Bannons former wife reportedly said he did not want his daughters attending a particular private school because too many Jewish children were students there. Bannon purportedly called them whiny brats. The emphasis here should be on reportedly this has not been proven. Next, under Bannons leadership of Breitbart, white nationalists infiltrated the comments section on the website, promoting a separatist, racist agenda. Yet its common knowledge that virulent trolls are endemic in online comment sections, a problem most sites face without their leadership being accused of sharing those views. Finally, in one 2016 interview, Bannon described Breitbart as the platform for the alt-right. Alt-right lacks a single, simple definition, but the media have increasingly associated the term with white nationalism. In November, Bannon specifically clarified his views in the Wall Street Journal: He has zero tolerance for racist or anti-Semitic views. I do not share all of Bannons political views and while working with him, I openly expressed my differences with the aggressive editorializing at the website after its founder, Andrew Breitbart, died in 2012 and Bannon took over. As the company reorganized, some of the journalists who worked there left; I was the first to go. But my departure had nothing to do with personal objections to Bannon or his values. Other Breitbart editors believed I was too centrist, and so I was. Still, after I left and applied to the Washington Times, where I worked as a legal analyst and investigative reporter, Bannon provided me a Jewish journalist with a positive recommendation. I would say that Bannons vision is best characterized as an egalitarian America First policy, with the stress on the word egalitarian. The phrase America First surfaced before the United States entered World War II, when Charles Lindbergh and others challenged President Franklin D. Roosevelts call to stop the Nazis. The America Firsters insisted that Jewish groups and the British were manipulating the U.S. to fight their war against Germany. Lindbergh was undoubtedly anti-Semitic and isolationist, as his journal entries reveal. Bannon isnt. Unlike Lindbergh, he does not believe in ignoring human rights violations. On the contrary, he (and the president) have said defeating Islamic State is a priority precisely because of the terrible violations it commits. That is not isolationism. Bannon and Trump, along with many others, want to reform the immigration system to protect all Americans regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation from crime, terrorism and unemployment. The controversial White House travel ban, which is now being revised, temporarily barred entry of citizens from countries that present safety issues, specifically so the U.S. could develop a better background check system to prevent Islamic State from gaining entry to the country. It was never meant to be a blanket, permanent ban. None of this is about hatred of foreigners. It is about taking care of your own. There is a difference. The far lefts assertion that Bannon is responsible for empowering white nationalists is a correlation without causation. Issues covered on Breitbart under Bannon such as opposition to illegal immigration can be heralded by the worst of the alt-right for their own racist reasons. That doesnt mean conservatives supporting those issues are prejudiced. Such guilt by association is just as unfair now as it was in the 1960s, when the far right falsely accused President Kennedy of communist leanings because his anti-poverty and anti-segregation policies inspired socialists. In my discussions with Bannon, he has made his values clear. It is an immature view of the world to just look out for yourself, he told me. You cant do that. You have to look out for others. You have to help people. The accusations of racism and anti-Semitism leveled against my former editor are unjust, weapons in a battle against a legitimate point of view about the direction of the nation. They are meant to chill free speech, and as such their real target is the Constitution of the United States. Jeffrey Scott Shapiro is an investigative journalist and former Washington, D.C., prosecutor. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook MORE FROM OPINION Why is Amazon selling Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism? Proving Trump colluded in Russian hacking is the Democrats Holy Grail. Will the Sessions revelations help them? Were sending guns, crime to Mexico Did Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions commit perjury when he denied in his Senate confirmation hearing that he had been in touch with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election? Thats not a conclusion the public let alone a court or Senate committee can draw from recent reports that Sessions had two undisclosed meetings with the Russian ambassador. But there are certainly enough questions to warrant an investigation. As with everything in Washington, the partisan overlay here is thick, and we need to cut through it. Sessions appointment faced stiff opposition, and some Democrats are now calling for him to resign, arguing perhaps opportunistically in what my colleague Michael McGough suggests could be an overplay that will haunt them that his failure to come clean about the contacts disqualifies him from the job. That demand is premature, though it might ripen if there are further revelations and conflicts between his statements and the verifiable record. Others argue that Sessions must at a minimum recuse himself from Justice Department investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, a call that even some Republicans have joined as has the Los Angeles Times editorial board. That is a prudent demand, and Sessions promise to recuse himself whenever its appropriate is insufficient. He should have taken that step before, and must take it now. [Minutes after this was posted, Sessions announced he had recused himself from matters involving the Trump campaign.] Advertisement If our institutions of justice are to work, the nation has to have faith that its top law-enforcement official takes seriously an oath to be truthful. If he doesnt, the nation would have reasonable cause to doubt the independence of an investigation, which would further damage the governments credibility in the eyes of people already suspicious of it. But Congress could also make the recusal moot by appointing an independent commission, or a special prosecutor, something I urged two weeks ago. Why is it such a big deal that Sessions failed to disclose his conversations with the Russian ambassador? Sessions described his campaign role as an occasional surrogate for candidate Trump. In reality, he was more than that. He headed up candidate Trumps national security advisory team, and a shrewd diplomat wouldnt be out of line to think that currying contacts with Sessions in that role might be helpful if Sessions as was already being being talked about wound up with a top position in a Trump administration. Sessions argument that he spoke with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in his capacity as a U.S. senator deserves skepticism. The first conversation between Sessions and Kislyak occurred at a Republican National Convention-related event, after which Sessions declined a subsequent lunch meeting meeting because of the optics. That the meeting took place in an environment framed by the election the nominating convention makes it hard to believe they didnt discuss the election, even if in innocuous terms. And Sessions clearly was aware of the possible problem of meeting with Kislyak, since he turned down the subsequent lunch invitation. Yet he failed to include in his testimony the meeting that he did have. The second meeting came in Sessions office after reports had already surfaced about Russian ties to the hack of Democratic emails, and speculation swirled about possible Russian meddling in the election. Sessions is too smart and savvy a politician to forget about such a tete-a-tete, or not think such a meeting ought to be mentioned within the context of the question that Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken asked him about what will you do as attorney general if evidence surfaced that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign. Sessions response was unequivocal, even though not directly responsive to the question: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. Further, Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick J. Leahy submitted written questions to Sessions, which included: Several of the president-elects nominees or senior advisors have Russian ties. Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day? Leahy wrote. Sessions was succinct: No. Yet Sessions was in contact. Sessions is no inexperienced rube he has been on the interrogators side of Senate committee hearings, and knows what to expect. A prudent nominee with such a background would scour appointment books and other records to be prepared for the kind of grilling Sessions himself has conducted. It stretches credulity to think that someone with his experience wouldnt realize that even an innocent meeting with the Russian ambassador merited disclosure. Note that this controversy wouldnt even exist had Sessions told the committee: I met with the Russian ambassador twice, as I have with ambassadors of other nations, but we discussed nothing of significance regarding the presidential campaign. Instead, he forcefully said he had no such contacts. Was this simply an error, an oversight by Sessions and his staff as he prepared for the hearings? Or did Sessions lie to avoid having to answer more probing questions about the meetings? Did he overstep, as did former national security advisor Michael Flynn, who before taking office counseled Russia to not overreact to Obamas ejection of Russian diplomats over the hacking scandal, then lied about the conversation to Vice President Mike Pence? These are serious questions that need answers the public can trust. If our institutions of justice are to work, the nation has to have faith that its top law-enforcement official takes seriously an oath to be truthful. Trump won election by exploiting a broad distrust for the federal government. His move here should be to force openness and accountability, rather than countenance what would be rightly seen as just another politician obstructing the truth. scott.martelle@LATimes.com Twitter: @smartelle UPDATES: 1:17 p.m.: This post was updated to include Sessions announcement that he would recuse himself from matters involving the Trump presidential campaign. To the editor: Kudos to The Times Editorial Board for calling on the U.S. Senate to defend existing methane emission regulations. Protecting against methane releases is critical to ensure cleaner air and improved public health. (Senate should stand up for environment and not block Obama methane regulation, editorial, Feb. 27) Methane is considered a super pollutant that is far more harmful than carbon pollution in its first 20 years in the atmosphere. These types of greenhouse gas emissions lead to more severe weather events like this winters floods, Californias prolonged drought, and raging wildfires in the summer. Climate change can also cause more ground-level ozone pollution, leading to an increase in asthma attacks, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Advertisement California state regulators are set to adopt the countrys strongest oil and gas regulations this month. As California moves forward, we urge the federal government not to take a step back. We must continue to fight for clean air protections because if we cant breathe, nothing else matters. Olivia Diaz-Lapham, Los Angeles The writer is president and chief executive of the American Lung Assn. of California. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook TV ads target lawmakers on the fence over Gov. Jerry Browns plan to raise gas taxes to repair roads By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown talks to Steve Glazer in 2011, when Glazer was still an advisor to the governor and before he was elected to the Senate. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) With supporters of a road repair bill still counting votes, a coalition of business and labor leaders on Friday began running television and radio ads that target eight legislators who have not yet committed to vote for the measure. The Fix Our Roads Coalition is spending $1 million on a statewide, week-long ad blitz that urges legislators to vote next week for Senate Bill 1. The bill would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate $52 billion the first 10 years to repair crumbling roads, highways and bridges, and expand mass transit. We are closer than ever to finally passing a transportation funding package to fix our long-neglected and crumbling roads, said Michael Quigley, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, which is co-funding the commercials. These new ads are part of an all-out grassroots, earned media, advertising and social media campaign to support passage of this bill by next week. In addition to ads that call on legislators to support the bill, eight advertisements call on legislators by name to support the plan. Those targeted include Sens. Steve Glazer (D-Concord) and Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres), and moderate Democratic Assembly members Adam Gray of Merced, Rudy Salas of Bakersfield, Sabrina Cervantes of Corona, Sharon Quirk-Silva of Buena Park and Al Muratsuchi of Torrance, as well as Republican Catharine Baker of San Ramon. The bill needs a two-thirds vote in both houses, which would require all of the Democrats to support the measure. Cannella and Baker are being wooed by Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders to step in if one of the Democrats gets cold feet. Representatives of Cannella and Glazer said earlier this week that they were still weighing the issue. Brown and legislative leaders have called for the Legislature to act by Thursday, after which time the lawmakers head out on spring break. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Assembly Speaker John A. Perezs views on the L.A. congressional race he dropped out of By Christine Mai-Duc (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Before he suddenly dropped out of the running citing health reasons, former Assembly Speaker John A. Perez was widely considered the favorite to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District. With Perez out, the race is wide open and isnt likely to be decided Tuesday, when 24 candidates compete in the primary. Instead, the top two vote-getters regardless of party are expected to advance to a June 6 election. (If any one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote Tuesday, its all over). Perez offered his thoughts on the race in an interview published Friday by Politico. Some of his major points: Perez said he thinks state Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez is significantly ahead of the pack and will make the runoff. A cluster of candidates, including Alejandra Campoverdi, Wendy Carrillo, Arturo Carmona, Maria Cabildo and Robert Lee Ahn, are in a close enough race that any one of them could advance. If Carrillo were to move forward, Perez says, the narrative in the runoff would be about which candidate is more progressive and whos an insider versus an outsider. Perez says if he were the front runner, Campoverdi is the one Id be most concerned about running against due to her connections in Washington and her national profile, which could create a new level of viability. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement To fight against human trafficking, this state senator wants to train motel employees to spot signs of abuse By Jazmine Ulloa Former Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) wants to increase services for human trafficking survivors and make it easier in court to put away their abusers. Flanked by prosecutors and hotel industry officials at a news conference Friday in San Diego, the former Assembly speaker announced new housing and mental health assistance for victims and introduced legislation that would require hotels and motels to train their employees to spot signs of human trafficking. Another of her proposals would expand the character evidence that prosecutors can bring forth at trial against defendants charged with selling victims for sex or labor. The bills are meant to attack a multibillion-dollar trade that has a wide sweep in California, home to three cities on the FBIs list of 13 top human trafficking destinations: San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. National human trafficking hotline calls across California generated 1,323 cases in 2016 nearly twice as many as any other state. Atkins is among lawmakers pushing the issue at the Capitol, where legislation has focused on targeting traffickers, protecting victims and addressing what advocates say is a law enforcement culture in which child survivors sometimes are treated like criminals. But funding for victims services and programs has been an obstacle. A bill by Atkins to develop pilot projects in three counties to address the commercial sexual exploitation of youth sailed through the Legislature without opposition last year only to be vetoed by the governor. Her second bill for a statewide task force died in the Senate appropriations committee. Atkins latest proposal to provide training for motel employees follows a similar bill by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). It failed in the last legislative session amid opposition over costs to businesses. That hasnt stopped Atkins from trying again. Hotels are ground zero for sex trafficking in this state, she said in a statement. Sex traffickers are exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including children. These victims are often hiding in plain sight, and traffickers take advantage of the fact that many hotel employees dont recognize the signs. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State Controller Betty Yee says Californias tax collection agency has been mismanaged and needs a complete overhaul By Patrick McGreevy Citing a review that found widespread mismanagement at the state Board of Equalization, State Controller Betty T. Yee on Friday called for stripping the panel of responsibilities for tax administration and audit and compliance functions so it can focus on handling taxpayer appeals. Yees proposal came in response to an evaluation by the state Department of Finance that found board officials were improperly redirecting resources and employees to pet projects in their districts. In order to rebuild taxpayer trust, meaningful reform is essential, said Yee, who serves as an ex-officio member of the board. I urge the Legislature and the governor to strip the board members of all statutory functions and permanently move these duties and assigned staff to a separate new department under the governor. The Department of Finance review found the board had difficulty providing complete and accurate documentation in response to inquiries, and various levels of management were not aware of and could not speak to certain actions, including the informal establishment of a call center, creating an unofficial office location and inconsistent use of community liaisons. The evaluation said personnel records showed workers assigned to administrative jobs that they were not doing, having been transferred to help board members in their districts. Even though each elected board member has a $1.5-million budget to cover office costs, some members borrowed workers from the head office, taking them from jobs that involved bringing in tax money and having them instead reach out to board members constituents, the review found. The redirection of workers violated state budget rules. In addition, the reviewers said the board provided 11 different versions of its proposed sales and use tax allocation adjustment and the Department of Finance found errors and omissions throughout. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Kamala Harris has opened a gubernatorial fundraising account but she has no plans to run for governor, aide says By Seema Mehta (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) Sen. Kamala Harris opened a campaign fundraising account to run for governor in 2026, but that does not mean Californias newest U.S. senator has any plans to seek the office. Harris plans to use the account to store the $1 million in leftover funds from her successful 2014 reelection campaign for attorney general, said Sean Clegg, Harris political spokesman. Harris left her post as state attorney general mid-term when she was elected in November to the Senate seat opening created by the retirement of Barbara Boxer. She faced a March 31 deadline to shutter the attorney general account, and under election law cannot mingle money raised for state campaigns with funds raised to run for federal office. Its purely political bookkeeping, Clegg said. The 2026 date could raise eyebrows because after the 2018 gubernatorial election, that will likely be the next time the governors office is open because its occupant is termed out. But Clegg said Harris did not open an account for a lower office like lieutenant governor as politicians in similar situations typically do because, he said, we werent interested in being cute about it. So we designated the only potential future office one could conceivably contemplate, although were not contemplating it, he said. Were focused on the job were doing. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement This California lawmaker wants to crack down on toys and electronics that pick up conversations and personal information By Jazmine Ulloa State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), left (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ) A California state senator wants to prevent companies from selling products that can listen in on conversations and collect personal information from unknowing consumers. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has filed legislation that would require manufacturers to equip their Internet-connected devices, including toys, clocks, kitchenware and electronics, with certain security and privacy features. Dubbed the Teddy Bear and Toaster Act, Senate Bill 327 takes aim at the so-called Internet of Things, the inter-networking of everyday devices that some tech and privacy experts say amounts to a growing industry with little oversight. The more we know and the more we learn about the Internet connection of all sorts of devices, many are realizing that we dont know the extent to which these devices are invading our lives, Jackson said. Under her proposal, companies would have to design their products so that they alert consumers through visual, auditory or other cues when they are gathering data. They would have to obtain user consent when they intend to transfer the information. And they would have to disclose at point of sale whether the devices are capable of sweeping up sensitive data, so that customers can take that into account while shopping. Most states, including California, have privacy breach laws to protect personal information. The proposal, which would extend those provisions to consumer devices, could be the first of its kind nationwide. But it is expected to garner wide opposition from retailers and manufacturers. A My Friend Cayla doll (AFP/Getty Images) Still, supporters point to growing privacy concerns. Some toys, like the My Friend Cayla doll banned in Germany, prompt children to give personal information, such as their parents names and their addresses, and their manufacturers reserve the right to target young buyers in direct marketing campaigns. Other smart devices lack the most basic security features that make them vulnerable to a hack or coordinated cyberattack. In a statement, James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Kids Action, which is sponsoring the bill, said such toys and electronics can put consumers at risk. These products get rushed out to the market without the privacy issues being addressed in advance, and then consumers end up paying the price, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print President Jerry Brown? Dont rule it out, governor quips By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislative leaders appealed Thursday for support for a proposed gas tax and vehicle fee increase to fix the states roads and bridges. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) In arguing for approval of a new transportation package on Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown appeared to enjoy himself in refusing to shoot down a supporters suggestion that he run for president even as he noted his 79th birthday is next week. Standing next to other elected officials and construction workers at the rally in in Concord, Brown argued that gas tax and vehicle fee increases are needed to address a backlog of much-needed repairs to Californias crumbling system of roads, highways and bridges. Im telling you the truth because why would I lie to you? Brown said. I dont think Im running for office. All Ive got left is lieutenant governor, treasurer and controller. Or president, someone in the crowd shouted. Brown responded that he would be 82 when the next presidential election comes around. But you know, dont rule it out, he quipped, drawing laughter and applause. Lest the comment turn into a national story, an aide later clarified the governors intentions: He was joking. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown is making appeals to legislators for votes on his new transportation plan one district at a time By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown stumps for the new transportation funding plan on Thursday in the Bay Area city of Concord. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Thursday took their campaign for higher transportation taxes and fees to the Bay Area district of state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Concord), one of the holdouts in the state Senate who has not yet committed to vote for the package. Surrounded by dozens of construction workers, Brown warned that if the transportation bill unveiled on Wednesday isnt approved this year, it may not happen in the foreseeable future. There is nothing more fundamental in the business of government than making sure the roads and bridges dont fall apart, and they are falling apart, Brown said. Glazer recently withheld his vote from a bill proposing a similar plan for repairing state bridges, roads and highways, and on Wednesday, a spokesman said he had still not committed to any plan but wanted to review the detailed proposal before taking a position. Construction workers at the rally held signs that pictured crumbling roads and said, Senator Glazer Fix This Now. Vote for SB 1. Brown said Glazer, his former senior advisor, does not disagree with the intent of the bill. He loves this plan, but he has another idea on his mind and he wants to marry the two and see if he can get some outcomes that I dont want to get into at this particular place, Brown told reporters. Sen. Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said Glazer wants the transportation funding bill to include a clause barring employees of Bay Area Rapid Transit from going on strike. Beall said that is a labor-relations issue that cannot be included in the bill raising taxes. You cant do that, Beall said. A spokesman for Glazer said the senator is still undecided on the bill. The senator is continuing to have conversations with the principals, said Steve Harmon, a spokesman for Glazer. He declined to comment on Bealls statement. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said there may be similar rallies in Los Angeles and Riverside in the coming days. Two other Democrats who have not yet committed to the plan are Riverside Sen. Richard Roth and Woodland Hills Sen. Henry Stern. Brown acknowledged that there is work to do to secure the two-thirds vote needed in both houses of the Legislature to raise the base excise tax on gasoline by 12 cents per gallon, to a total of 30 cents per gallon, and to create a new annual vehicle fee that would average $51 based on the value of the car or truck. Rendon said approval of the transportation bill would cost the average California motorist an extra $10 per month, which he said is a deal compared to the current cost of $720 in annual vehicle repair costs required because of running over potholes and other rough road conditions. Hoping to force a Senate vote on the package early next week, Brown was accompanied to the Concord news conference by Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). They urged lawmakers to support the bill, which would generate $5.2 billion annually for the first 10 years for road and bridge repairs, mass transit improvements and other projects to reduce congestion. Glazer, known as a maverick in the Legislature, was Browns campaign manager during the 2010 gubernatorial election and remained a senior advisor to the governor before running for the state Senate in a special election in 2015. ---- 1:23 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from a representative for state Sen. Steve Glazer. This article was originally published at 12:42 p.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Who will be Californias next governor? New poll shows Newsom leads with 1 in 3 voters undecided By Seema Mehta (Nick Ut / Associated Press) In the race to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, the largest number of voters in a new statewide poll does not favor a candidate in the race. About 1 in 3 voters said they were undecided, according to the survey by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. Among candidates who have entered the race, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a strong lead with 28% of the vote, followed by Republican businessman John Cox with 18%, according to the poll, which was released Wednesday. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa clocks in at 11%, state Treasurer John Chiang at 8% and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin at 3%. Because the race is far away and public campaigning has not yet started in earnest, the poll could primarily be an indicator of name recognition. The field of candidates is also likely to grow. Newsom has several natural advantages: He was the first person to enter the race in 2015 and has a large fundraising edge. He has perhaps been the candidate most in the spotlight among the Democrats running, notably for his support of the marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot. Cox may have benefited from being the lone Republican in that version of the poll. Pollsters conducted a second version of the poll with five additional potential candidates, none of whom have announced a run for governor in 2018 San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and former state Controller Steve Westly. Newsom still led the pack to come in at 24%. The two Republicans, Faulconer and Cox, tied at 11% each. Faulconer has said he does not plan to run for governor. Garcetti, Villaraigosa, Chiang, Steyer, De Leon, Westly and Eastin all placed in the single digits. Steyer and Westly have the personal wealth to self-fund a campaign, giving them time to decide whether to enter the race. Westly unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006, losing in the Democratic primary to state Treasurer Phil Angelides. In the 2018 contest, the two candidates who receive the most votes in the June primary will move onto the November general election. The poll of 1,000 registered voters in California was conducted online in English and Spanish between March 13 and 20, and has a margin of error in either direction of 3.6%. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California legislators team up to expand John Muir National Historic Site By Sarah D. Wire Californias senators and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) filed legislation Thursday to add 44 acres to the John Muir National Historic Site. The John Muir Heritage Land Trust has offered to donate the additional land to the National Park Service, which operates the site, and the bill would authorize the agency to accept the parcel. The time John Muir spent with his daughters at their scenic home and its neighboring property played a major role in launching the national parks movement. Expanding the existing park to preserve more of this history and beauty is a fitting tribute to Muirs legacy of protecting land for all to enjoy, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Located about 30 miles east of San Francisco, the John Muir National Historic Site consists of Muirs Alhambra Valley home and 325 acres outside of Martinez. DeSaulnier said in a statement that expanding the property is a fitting celebration of his legacy, and will offer nature-goers greater access to enjoy the beauty of the East Bay. DeSaulnier sponsored the same bill last year, which passed the House unanimously but was not considered by the Senate. Feinstein and former Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) carried the Senate version, which died after a committee hearing. Such bills often take a few attempts to pass, even without major opposition. Muirs writings helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service, starting with his lobbying of Congress to protect the Yosemite Valley from dams. He also was a founding member of the Sierra Club. Californians owe him a debt of gratitude, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under new legislation By Liam Dillon Attorney John Burris, center, comforts Robert and Deborah Mann, family members of Joseph Mann, who was killed by Sacramento Police in July, after a news conference on Oct. 3, 2016. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under a new bill authored by a Sacramento lawmaker. Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCartys Assembly Bill 284 would allow local police departments or district attorneys to ask Atty. Gen. Xavier Becceras office to independently investigate police shootings of civilians. The legislation was prompted by high-profile police killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Eric Garner in New York City and last summers police shooting of Joseph Mann, a mentally ill homeless man, in Sacramento, according to McCartys office. In all three cases, local prosecutors declined to charge the officers. There is a growing skepticism and a perceived conflict of interest, of the current process of local district attorneys investigating local police, said a fact sheet on the bill provided by McCartys office. Given that they work so closely, it is a valid question of whether this is the most transparent process for the public. There is a growing appetite, both at the national and local level, to create a better and more transparent system for [police shootings] that is fair to police, families, and the community in order to restore public trust. McCartys bill would make state investigations voluntary in these cases and would be implemented only if lawmakers also give Becceras office money to pay for the effort. In 2015, McCarty tried to pass legislation that would have made state investigations of local police shootings mandatory, but that bill failed to make it out of legislative committees. This year, lawmakers have generally scaled back prior efforts to change the states rules governing police discipline and transparency. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former offenders will help award millions in Proposition 47 grants to rehabilitate inmates By Jazmine Ulloa We have listened to law enforcement talk about how horrible Prop. 47 is, said Vonya Quarles, an advocate for the formerly incarcerated. Now we have a chance to help the people who are hurting. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)) California officials will begin the process this spring of awarding $103 million in grants to programs for inmates centered on rehabilitation, substance abuse and reentry into society. The efforts will be funded with dollars saved from prison spending under Proposition 47, the sweeping 2014 ballot measure that downgraded six drug and theft crimes to misdemeanors and allowed defendants to renegotiate their punishments. For the large coalition of criminal justice advocates that poured millions into getting the proposition passed and that has closely tracked its implementation, this is a long-awaited step. Other states have passed similar laws, but California is the only state to invest those savings into services meant to help people stay out of prison. On the executive committee helping award the grants are formerly incarcerated people who know the system from the inside. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement What would single-payer healthcare look like in California? Lawmakers release new details By Melanie Mason Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A proposal in California for a single-payer healthcare system would dramatically expand the state governments presence in medical care and slash the role of insurance companies. New amendments released Thursday fill in some key details on the universal healthcare measure proposed by state Sens. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), although the biggest political question how it would be paid for remains unanswered. Under the proposal, which was announced in February, the state would cover all medical expenses for every resident regardless of their income or immigration status, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, dental, vision, mental health and nursing home care. Insurers would be prohibited from offering benefits that cover the same services as the state. The program would eliminate co-pays and deductibles, and patients would not need to get referrals to see eligible providers. The system would be administered by an unpaid nine-person board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. A universal healthcare system run by the government has long been a dream of liberals, with many rallying behind insurgent Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders proposal for Medicare for all in the 2016 race. After a GOP effort to replace Obamacare stalled last week, Sanders said he intends to introduce a nationwide single-payer bill in the U.S. Senate. Proponents in California, who are no longer playing defense to preserve the Affordable Care Act, also touted a broader healthcare plan. With Republicans failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Californians really get what is at stake with their healthcare, Lara said in a statement. We have the chance to make universal healthcare a reality now. Its time to talk about how we get to healthcare for all that covers more and costs less. The cost sure to be the biggest hurdle for the measure so far remains unknown. The authors say they intend to pay for the program through broad-based revenue, but details of a funding proposal have not been hashed out. Gov. Jerry Brown sounded wary of a sprawling single-payer plan while speaking to reporters last week on his trip to Washington D.C. Where do you get the extra money? This is the whole question, Brown said. The bill is sponsored by the California Nurses Assn., which already has been rallying its members in support of the bill, SB 562. There has been a seismic shift in our political system through grassroots activism; we have an inspired, motivated base that will make its voice heard, RoseAnn DeMoro, the labor groups president, said in a statement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California backs San Francisco court challenge of Trump administration threat to withhold funds from sanctuary cities By Patrick McGreevy Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Wednesday he has filed an amicus brief supporting San Franciscos court challenge to President Trumps order targeting so-called sanctuary cities and counties that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. The move marks a half-dozen times the state has filed briefs supporting legal challenges to various Trump orders. Last week, Becerra filed papers supporting a lawsuit by Santa Clara County. That case and San Franciscos challenge the legality of the Trump administrations threats to withhold federal funds from states and local jurisdictions that the administration deems to be sanctuary jurisdictions. Becerras brief cites Californias interest in protecting state laws and policies that ensure public safety and protect the constitutional rights of its residents. Threatening to take away resources from sheriffs and police officers in order to promote misguided views on federal immigration policy is reckless and puts public safety at risk, Becerra said in a statement. It is the right and responsibility of California and each state under the Constitution to determine how it will provide for the safety and general welfare of its residents and to safeguard their constitutional rights. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti asks the federal government to define a sanctuary city By Sarah D. Wire View Instagram post Amid a new call from the Trump administration to cut off federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck had a question for the head of Homeland Security on Wednesday: What exactly is a sanctuary city? Garcetti and Beck joined a bipartisan handful of mayors and law enforcement leaders from across the country in Washington to air their concerns about President Trumps recent executive orders on immigration to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. Los Angeles is among the jurisdictions often called sanctuary cities that dont assist with federal immigration enforcement. State and local leaders in California have said they will continue to protect people in the country illegally despite the Trump administrations threats. After the closed-door meeting, mayors and police chiefs said their main request for Kelly was for a firm definition of what the federal government considers a sanctuary city. We think that as long as were complying with federal law then we shouldnt be labeled with whatever label intimates that were not, Beck said. Were looking for clarification; we are looking to be involved in the conversation so that decisions arent made that affect us without our input. Homeland Security spokesman Dave Lapan said the department is working on a definition but does not have a timeline for when it would be finalized. Although there is no legal definition of the term, the administration has seemed to define sanctuary jurisdictions as ones that dont comply when Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks them to detain prisoners after they have served their sentences so they can be picked up for deportation. Multiple federal courts have said the detainer orders differ from an official warrant and are not legal justification for holding someone who has served his or her sentence or is no longer under arrest. Los Angeles is one of several cities in California that does not hold people for immigration officials without a warrant, and Garcetti said that is going to continue. We see it as abiding by the Constitution, because there is case law that says we cant hold people for longer than permitted, Garcetti said after the meeting. Lapan said the Department of Homeland Security is working on ways to address concerns about the legality of holding someone for immigration officials, as well as the concerns of mayors of cities that have laws instructing law enforcement officers not to comply with immigration officials. Part of having this discussion is to find out, How can we get around this? Lapan said. If we are dealing with a criminal alien, somebody who is both in the country unlawfully and has committed crimes, the best place for us to take them into custody is in a jail or prison. Thats the safest for everyone, both our officers and the communities. Garcetti also disputes the administrations assertion that it can withhold federal funds from cities that dont comply with ICE orders. Garcetti pointed to a 2012 Supreme Court decision that said the government couldnt withhold Medicaid funds if states chose not to expand access to the program under the Affordable Care Act. I think we all feel on very strong constitutional and legal footing that it was decided in the Obama administration you cant put a legal gun to the head, a financial gun to the head of jurisdictions, whether its states or localities, and take their money if you dont agree with what they are doing in a different area, he said. Garcetti invited Kelly to visit Los Angeles. We need to make sure that we also are showing the perspectives of everyday people in cities like Los Angeles, he said. Garcetti also attended California congressional Democrats weekly lunch and met privately with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) before appearing on an immigration panel hosted by House Democrats. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Anti-discrimination measure or blow to religious freedom? California bill sparks debate on employer codes of conduct By Melanie Mason Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A measure that would bar employers from firing workers for having an abortion or giving birth to a child out of wedlock is getting pushback from religious groups who say such a bill would prevent them from requiring employees to act in accordance with their faith. Under the bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), employers would not be able to discipline or fire workers for any reproductive health decision, such as pregnancy, in-vitro fertilization or abortion. What this bill does is make sure that people can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and for their families without the fear that theyll risk their livelihoods in doing so, Rebecca Griffin of NARAL Pro-Choice California, a sponsor of the measure, said at a Wednesday afternoon hearing at the Capitol. A teacher at a Christian college in San Diego was fired in 2012 for becoming pregnant while unmarried. The school said her pregnancy violated its employee code of conduct, which prohibited premarital sex. In 2015, San Francisco Archibishop Salvatore Cordileone sparked a backlash when he proposed a new morality clause in the faculty handbook and contract for local Catholic schools that opposed same-sex marriage and certain reproductive medical procedures. With employees being fired for code of conduct violations in other states, proponents said California should set an example for the country, Right now, while were facing a federal government that is attacking reproductive freedom at every turn and condoning the type of discrimination that this bill prohibits, we feel like this is the time for California to take a stand for our values and make sure that our workers have the best protections possible, Griffin said. But the proposal faces opposition from religious groups, who argue such codes of conduct are integral to the relationship with their workers. The bill would specifically deny religious employers our 1st Amendment protections to infuse our codes of conduct with the tenets of our faith, said Sandra Palacios of the California Catholic Conference. The reaction from religious groups was not uniformly negative. The Rev. Rick Schlosser, executive director of the California Council of Churches, which represents mainline Protestant and Orthodox denominations, pointed to the diverse positions on reproductive issues among his groups members to explain his support for the bill. Any legislation that limits peoples ability to make their own moral decisions is harmful to religious freedom, said Schlosser. But other religious groups said the measure threatened to undermine the very purpose of requiring their employees to abide by a code of conduct. An organization specifically chartered to support or oppose a specific set of beliefs or actions cannot fulfill its mission without requiring adherence to a code of conduct, wrote Jonathan Keller, president of the conservative California Family Council, in an opposition letter. Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) asked why such codes of conduct should govern a personal decision an employee makes out of the workplace. Our community covenant does say that our employees are required to uphold our biblical values, and that certainly is a round-the-clock priority for us, responded Phillip Escamilla, the public policy chair of William Jessup University, a Sacramento-area evangelical Christian college Gonzalez Fletcher, herself a practicing Catholic, said she was not trying to unfairly target religious institutions. But, she said, she was trying to combat an inherent sexism that comes with enforcing such codes of conduct. A female employees reproductive decisions such as entering an abortion clinic or being pregnant out of wedlock can be seen by her employer, Gonzalez Fletcher said. A males decisions to whether or not theyre going to abide by a conduct never rise to that level, she said. So that inherent difference in how women and men are treated with these types of decisions just show how little privacy women are able to maintain. The bill, AB 569, cleared the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, its first legislative threshold, on a 4-2 vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown, legislative leaders propose raising $5.2 billion annually to repair Californias roads and bridges By Patrick McGreevy (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Acknowledging that the states transportation system has been neglected, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Wednesday announced a proposal to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate more than $5 billion annually for repairing Californias crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, as well as to increase mass transit. It remains uncertain whether Brown will be able to muster the two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature needed to approve the new revenue sources, which include a 12-cent-per-gallon increase in the existing 18-cent base excise tax on gasoline. The package also includes a new, annual vehicle fee that would average about $48 based on the value of the car. The package was announced at a news conference on the Capitol steps attended by Brown, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). California has not approved an increase in the base excise tax on gas for 23 years, according to Brian Kelly, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. As a result, the state faces a $130-billion backlog of repairs to state highways and bridges and local streets. There is sizable money here to make things better, Kelly said. People are going to get improved neighborhood streets. They are going to get improved highways and bridges, more faith that they are traveling on safe structures. And we are going to invest to improve the congestion into our trade corridors and congestion on their commute. Assembly and Senate Republicans released a joint statement opposing the plan. Californians already pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation, the statement said. The transportation proposal announced by the Capitol Democrats is a costly and burdensome plan that forces ordinary Californians to bail out Sacramento for years of neglecting our roads. Brown has set a deadline of April 6, the day before the Legislature leaves on its spring break, to have the new package voted on by lawmakers. Because Republicans have generally opposed the tax increases, the package may need the vote of every Democrat to get the two-thirds majority for passage. Three Democratic senators had been holding off their support before the new plan was released. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Election officials say mistake on Korean language ballots substantially smaller than previously thought By Christine Mai-Duc (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County election officials say a mistake made on Korean-language sample ballots in the upcoming 34th Congressional District race likely affected fewer than 780 voters. The error, which listed the races 23 candidates in the wrong order on some Korean-language sample ballots, was discovered last week after Korean American voters pointed out their mail-in ballot materials looked different than English-language sample ballots sent to the same home or apartment building. Initially, election officials said they didnt know how widespread the problem was. As a precaution, they sent bilingual notices and corrected sample ballots to all 8,251 voters in the district who received Korean-language sample ballots. None of the sample ballots enclosed with actual mail-in ballots were affected, officials say. In a letter to election officials and L.A. County supervisors Tuesday, the Korean American Coalition called it a violation of federally protected voting rights. The letter asked officials to host a 24-hour hotline for Korean-speaking voters until election day, provide more information on the scope of the error and extend the mail-in voting deadline for those who had received the misprinted ballots. In a response sent Wednesday morning, County Registrar Dean Logan said the error was limited to a small number of sample ballots in a single print run of 777 sample ballots. Based on the agencys review, Logan wrote, it appears that substantially fewer than the 777 voters were affected. The registrars office says it is extending the hours of operation for its voter hotline and staffing it with Korean-speaking operators. Voters concerned that they may have been affected can call 1-800-815-2666 and select option 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend. Voters will also see additional signage at polls addressing the issue and Korean-speaking poll workers will be instructed to remind voters to check their ballots. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Talks at Capitol focus on boosting California transportation funding by some $5.2 billion annually By Patrick McGreevy On Highway 1 in Big Sur, the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has buckled, cutting off a community of hundreds from schools and isolating renowned businesses from customer traffic. (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times) With a deadline looming, Gov. Jerry Brown is winding up negotiations with legislators in hopes of reaching an agreement on a plan that would provide at least $5.2 billion annually for a transportation backlog that includes repairing Californias aging and crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, officials said Tuesday. Those close to the talks said an agreement on the package could be announced as early as Wednesday afternoon. The question remains whether Brown and leaders can muster the two-thirds vote needed to approve a phased-in gas tax increase of up to 12 cents by the April 6 deadline set by the governor. Key senators remained uncommitted to any plan as of Tuesday. And a new voter-approved rule requires a bill to be in print for 72 hours before it can be passed. The bill needs approval in both houses. Assembly Democrats were briefed on the evolving plan behind closed doors on Tuesday and some officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, said talks are progressing on a plan that would provide the bulk of money to a fix-it first program of road repairs divided evenly between state projects and those of cities and counties. Money would also be dedicated to mass transit, bicycle, pedestrian and trucking routs for ports. The proposal also would include reforms proposed by lawmakers, including Republicans, that would hold officials accountable for proper use of the money, including a requirement for regular audits, creation of an inspector general position and a ballot measure requiring new money to be spent on transportation projects. Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) authored a bill that would put a measure on the ballot, saying Tuesday such guarantees are required given the urgency of the deferred maintenance backlog, and the additional burden we are asking Californias taxpayers to carry. John Myers contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Advertisement Watch: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director attends community meeting in Sacramento Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown calls for countermovement against Trumps colossal mistake on climate change By Evan Halper California Gov. Jerry Brown warned that President Trump has just made a colossal mistake in gutting the federal governments effort to combat climate change, which will ignite a response Trump is unprepared to handle. It defies science itself, Brown said in a call to The Times shortly after Trump signed an executive order that aims to bring an abrupt halt to the United States leadership on global warming. Erasing climate change may take place in Donald Trumps mind, but nowhere else. Yes, there is going to be a countermovement, Brown vowed, predicting Trumps actions will mobilize environmentalists in a way President Obama never could. I have met with many heads of state, ambassadors. This is a growing movement. President Trumps outrageous move will galvanize the contrary force. Things have been a bit tepid [in climate activism]. But this conflict, this sharpening of the contradiction, will energize those who believe climate change is an existential threat. Brown and other big-state governors and mayors are moving swiftly to fill the global leadership vacuum Trump created with Tuesdays directive, which stops short of officially pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord of 2015. I see Washington declining in influence, but the momentum being maintained by California and other states aligned with China and those who are willing to do something, said Brown, who will be traveling to China soon for meetings on climate. There is a growing activism on the part of millions of people who will not stand by and let Donald Trump effectively tear up the Paris agreement and destroy Americas climate leadership and jeopardize the health and well-being of so many people. In the face of Trumps retreat on climate change, Brown said California will step up its own efforts to push others toward clean energy. We are not fully meeting the challenge of climate change yet, he said. We are doubling down on our commitment. We are reaching out to other states in America and throughout the world and other countries. We have plenty of fuel to build this movement. This is real, Brown said of the threat created by climate change. The nations of the world have recognized it in Paris. I will continue doing my best to work with and rouse the world community, whatever the politicians in Washington do or dont do. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California and its allies hint at new legal battles over Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) President Trumps effort to roll back the Clean Power Plan could quickly run into legal challenges from California and its allies across the country. State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and his counterparts from states including New York, Massachusetts and Oregon said they wont hesitate to protect those we serve including by aggressively opposing [Trumps actions] in court. The joint statement was also issued by Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and other cities. Californias stance isnt surprising because the state joined Obama administration efforts to defend the Clean Power Plan in 2015. Further legal action could underscore the determination of local and state governments to push forward with fighting climate change even as Trump withdraws federal regulations. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Meeting climate change goals will require billions for transportation and housing improvements, reports say By Liam Dillon A major push to get Californians out of their cars and onto their feet, bikes and public transit is essential if the state wants to meet its aggressive goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, according to new reports from the state and UC Berkeley researchers. Californians will have to drive an average of 1.6 miles less a day and regional government agencies believe it will cost billions of dollars to make the mass transit and housing improvements needed for that to happen. UC Berkeley researchers argue in a new study that a boom in dense housing across the state will bring major greenhouse gas reductions and economic growth. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California expects to be unscathed as Trump targets Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian A solar farm in Kern County (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Although Californias leaders may protest President Trumps announcement Tuesday that hes scrapping the Clean Power Plan, his decision is expected to have little effect on a state already marching toward renewable energy. In fact, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the Golden State are already below what the federal government would have required by 2030, and theyre expected to drop even further. Rollback of the Clean Power Plan is pretty much irrelevant to California, said Frank Wolak, a Stanford University economist who has advised state leaders on climate regulations. The federal rules, enacted by former President Obama as part of his campaign against climate change, were intended to push states away from coal and toward cleaner energy sources. But that was already underway in California. Los Angeles, one of the last places in the state to rely on coal, was already planning to stop importing electricity from out-of-state coal plants by 2025. In addition, state law requires California to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2030, and state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) has suggested pushing even further. When it comes to fighting pollution and climate change, there are some areas where California relies on the federal government. For example, they share authority on regulating vehicle emissions, and Trumps preparation to roll back federal rules has caused alarm here. However, theres less of a concern when it comes to generating electricity. Trumps moves have caused some anxiety among California companies that are developing clean energy technologies and looking for new markets to sell them. Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs, said the Clean Power Plan would have been a huge economic catalyst. President Trump is basically telling Californias more than 40,000 clean-energy businesses and the 500,000 workers they employ that they dont matter to him, he said. Rail cars filled with coal in Wyoming (Ryan Dorgan / Associated Press) Its an open question how Trump could affect various efforts for California to integrate its electricity grid with neighboring states, an idea that has failed to gain traction so far. Advocates of the concept say regional cooperation could expand the market for renewable energy, but the lack of federal pressure to cut emissions could dampen enthusiasm in places such as Utah and Wyoming, which rely on coal. They dont have the Clean Power Plan bearing down on them, said Don Furman, who directs the Fix the Grid campaign thats seeking closer relationships among West Coast states. Ralph Cavanagh, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said he doesnt expect changes to the Clean Power Plan to harm efforts to create a regional electricity grid, because of the falling cost of renewable energy. The rationale is stronger today than it was yesterday, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California GOP lawmakers introduce bills to boost healthcare and jobs for veterans By Liam Dillon Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Garden Grove) speaks at a press conference introducing a package of bills aimed at helping California veterans. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Republican state lawmakers unveiled a package of six bills Tuesday aimed at improving job training and healthcare services for California veterans. Our veterans have served this country bravely and it is only right for us to recognize their contribution and see that when they do come home they receive the care and assistance they deserve, said state Sen. Janet Nguyen of Garden Grove, who authored three of the measures. The six bills are: Senate Bill 410 from Nguyen and Assembly Bill 353 from Assemblyman Randy Voepel of Santee, which would expand hiring preferences. for veterans. SB 409 from Nguyen and SB 485 from state Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber, which would increase mental health services and oversight at state veterans homes. SB 411 from Nguyen, which would pay some military reservists $100 a month once they turn 50 if theyve served for 10 years or more. SB 197 from Sen. Pat Bates of Laguna Niguel, which would waive state and local sales taxes for nonprofits that donate facilities to the U.S. Department of Defense a measure aimed at helping construction of a mental health care facility at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print These Los Angeles girls went to Capitol Hill to ask the Senate to fight new immigration enforcement efforts By Sarah D. Wire Fatima, left, and Yuleni Avelica, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) during a news conference on Capitol Hill. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Fatima Avelica, 13, was training for the Los Angeles Marathon with her father before he was arrested by immigration agents last month after dropping Fatimas sister off at her Lincoln Heights school. Fatima had to pause repeatedly, pressing her fingers to her eyes, as she told the story to reporters at a news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) handed handkerchiefs to Fatima and her sister Yuleni Avelica, 12. The girls had medals from completing the marathon dangling around their necks. Democratic senators held the news conference to urge their Senate colleagues to reject President Trumps request for $3 billion to hire thousands of new immigration agents, expand detention facilities and build a wall among the southern border as part of his pledge to deport millions of people in the country illegally. The White House has characterized the moves as necessary for public safety. Californias Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris said Trumps immigration enforcement orders are too broad, sweeping up nonviolent offenders or people accused of the civil offense of being in the country illegally. She called the executive orders, which vastly broadened who can be targeted for deportation and leaves a lot of discretion to local immigration officials misguided and misinformed. Its irresponsible to paint a whole population of people as racists and murderers and bad hombres, she said, referencing one of Trumps own lines about immigrants. Its actually ignorant and we cant afford to run our country that way. The girls father, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez, a Mexican citizen, has lived in the U.S. for 25 years. ICE officials cited two misdemeanor convictions as the reason for his arrest. His four daughters were all born in the U.S. Fatima said the family is waiting for word every day on whether he will be deported. Fatima said she now wants to become an immigration lawyer. Its like a new marathon for me, and I know I can finish it, Fatima said, tears welling up again. But, I need my coach there. I need my dad. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blast President Trump on climate change By Chris Megerian California Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown joined with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday to criticize President Trumps pending announcement to roll back climate regulations and insist that their states will push forward anyway. Dismantling the Clean Power Plan and other critical climate programs is profoundly misguided and shockingly ignores basic science, they said in a joint statement. With this move, the Administration will endanger public health, our environment and our economic prosperity. Brown and Cuomo represent the two largest states with the most ambitious goals for fighting global warming, and theyve already set equivalent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Theyre also pushing to generate half of all their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. With or without Washington, we will work with our partners throughout the world to aggressively fight climate change and protect our future, Brown and Cuomo said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print To stem rising prices, a California lawmaker is taking on how hospital chains craft their contracts By Melanie Mason Amid concern that sprawling hospital chains are leading to higher prices, a California state senator is trying to clamp down on how hospital networks craft their contracts to win market dominance. Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) is offering a measure that would prohibit hospitals from certain contracting practices he sees as anti-competitive, such as requiring health plans to contract with all affiliates of the hospital or mandating that health plans agree to binding arbitration for antitrust claims. Weve lost a level of transparency thats affected affordability and access and fairness, Monning said in an interview. Multi-hospital chains are becoming prominent throughout the country, with proponents saying such mergers make care more efficient and better coordinated. But a recent USC study found that while hospital prices in California have grown overall, the costs are higher in the states largest chains. Once you control a market, you can artificially increase costs, said Monning, adding those higher prices can spill over to neighboring hospitals, too. Competitors think if they can charge this much for a hip replacement, were going to as well, Monning said. Another study by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found premiums in Northern California were 30% higher than those in Southern California, in part because of the dominance of a few healthcare systems in the north. Micah Weinberg, the institutes president, said hospital consolidation was a logical issue to look at, particularly because healthcare coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act is now under less threat from Congress following the failure of the House Republicans replacement bill. We have to double down on the real work, which is getting people access to quality healthcare and affordable costs, said Weinberg. One of the biggest barriers to that is the lack of competition among healthcare providers. Weinberg said much of the question is a matter of federal antitrust enforcement. Its really difficult to do things at the state level that are effective here, he said. Still, consolidation has increasingly come under scrutiny in California. The state attorney generals office under Kamala Harris, now serving as U.S. senator, investigated consolidation of hospital and physician groups, and the effect on consumer prices. Last year, the healthcare trust for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, sued Sutter Health, alleging antitrust violations. The Pacific Business Group on Health, an organization that represents major companies such as Wells Fargo and Chevron, also raised alarms on Sutters requirement that firms use arbitration to resolve disputes--or face higher rates for Sutters healthcare services. The business group is a supporter of Monnings bill, as well as the California Labor Federation. The California Hospital Assn. has not taken a position on the bill. ------------ FOR THE RECORD March 29, 2017, 1:52 p.m.: A previous version of this article reported that the Pacific Group on Health sued Sutter Health. The United Food and Commercial Workers healthcare trust filed the suit. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Los Angeles assemblyman returns to work in Sacramento after more than two-week absence By Melanie Mason Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) After more than two weeks away from the state Capitol, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) was back at work Monday, with his staff blaming the absence on unspecified medical reasons. Im not going to comment on what the illness was, said his chief of staff, Darryl Lucien, who added that the legislator was feeling better Monday. Ridley-Thomas, 29, was not available for an interview to discuss his absence. He originally went on leave March 7. At the time, he did not specify an illness and so Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendons office considered him to be on personal leave. Under legislative rules, those absences did not allow him to receive per diem payments a subsidy intended to offset the costs of traveling and living in Sacramento. On March 21, he informed Rendons office that he was on medical leave, thus becoming eligible for the $183 per diem. Lucien said the original personal leave request was an error and that all of Ridley-Thomas time away from work was for health reasons. Its medical leave, Lucien said. He has a doctors note that was submitted, excusing him for the time he was out. Ridley-Thomas was not entirely absent from legislative work during that time. While on leave, he yanked one high-profile piece of legislation a measure that would exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from sales tax from a hearing in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation committee, which he chairs. The bills author, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), said she spoke directly to Ridley-Thomas about a request to amend her bill days before that committee hearing. Lucien said Ridley-Thomas was working on a very limited basis, fielding calls from members to the extent he was able to speak with them. A fellow Democrat, Assemblyman Bill Quirk of Hayward, stepped in to chair the Revenue and Taxation panel during a March 13 hearing. A subsequent hearing on March 20 was canceled. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Adam Schiff calls on Devin Nunes to remove himself from Russia investigation By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) on Monday urged fellow Californian Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) to remove himself from their investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Before late last week, Schiff had gone out of his way not to be critical of Nunes throughout the fledgling investigation. They have held the top positions on the House Intelligence Committee for two years, and have served in Congress together for more than a decade. This is not a recommendation I make lightly, as the Chairman and I have worked together well for several years; and I take this step with the knowledge of the solemn responsibility we have on the Intelligence Committee to provide oversight on all intelligence matters, not just to conduct the investigation, Schiff said in a statement. After much consideration I believe Chairman should recuse himself from involvement in investigation/oversight of Trump campaign & transition pic.twitter.com/jpfA1x80Si Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 27, 2017 Nunes last week surprised many when he told reporters that conversations between Trump and his transition team may have been accidentally picked up during legal intelligence gathering. Nunes briefed the media and President Trump before informing his committee. A spokesman for Nunes, who was a member of Trumps transition team, said Monday he obtained the information from a source on White House grounds, which raised even more questions. Nearly a week after Nunes announcement, committee members still havent seen the evidence, Schiff said. There was no legitimate justification for bringing that information to the White House instead of the committee. That it was also obtained at the White House makes this departure all the more concerning, Schiff said. Nunes spokesman would not comment on calls for the chairman to recuse himself. House Democrats have called for an entirely independent investigation, but short of that were coalescing around the call for Nunes to step aside. Among others, Schiffs Intelligence Committee colleagues Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) have also called for Nunes to step aside from the investigation. The House and Senate intelligence committees are both investigating allegations that Russia tried to interfere with the presidential election and what, if anything, the Trump campaign knew about it. So far, too many people in the White House and administration, and now the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, have betrayed their duty to conduct an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the Trump teams ties with Russia, Swalwell said in a statement. Chairman Nunes should no longer be anywhere near this investigation, let alone leading it. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement that Nunes had tarnished the chairmanship. She also said it was long overdue for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) to ask him to recuse himself from the investigation. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Blasting federal action on immigration, Californias chief justice warns the rule of law is under threat By Patrick McGreevy California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye warned Monday that the rule of law in state is under threat. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye did not mention President Trump by name in her annual State of the Judiciary speech Monday, but she blasted federal actions on immigration and warned that the rule of law in the state is under threat. In addressing the Legislature, she also called on members to end years of underfunding of the state court system. The chief justice said the rule of law has failed repeatedly in the state, including when her husbands parents were among 120,000 Japanese Americans put in internment camps during World War II. Simply put, the rule of law means that we as a people are governed by laws and rules, not by a monarch, she said. People take the rule of law for granted until it is under threat, she added. I submit to you today that the rule of law is being challenged, she said. We are living in a time of civil rights unrest, eroding trust in our institutions, economic anxiety and unprecedented polarization. Cantil-Sakauye cited a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center that California was home to 79 ethnic hate groups more than any other state. Our values and our rules and laws are being called into question, and all three branches of government and the free press are in the crosshairs, she said. Without naming Trump, the chief justice criticized recent federal enforcement of immigration laws in which agents have gone into courthouses to take immigrants into custody. She said it was concern over the rule of law that caused her to write to the U.S. attorney general and the Homeland Security secretary recently, asking them to refrain from conducting immigration raids at or near courthouses. When we hear of immigration arrests and the fear of immigration arrests in our state courthouses, I am concerned that that kind of information trickles down into the community, the schools, the churches. The families and people will no longer come to court to protect themselves or cooperate or bear witness, she said. I am afraid that will be the end of justice and communities will be less safe and victimization will continue. The chief justice also repeated her concerns about the lack of sufficient funding for the judiciary even as legislators are adding laws by the thousands. Since 2011 when I became chief justice, 6,408 bills have become law in California, while the judicial branch budget has been shrinking, Cantil-Sakauye said. I have said before that we are on the wrong side of justice when it comes to funding our courts. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Its not just Berniecrats: Korean voters could also swing L.A.'s congressional race in a big way By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, center, is the only Korean American candidate running in a field dominated by Latinos in the 34th Congressional District race. (Christine Mai-Duc / Los Angeles Times) The crowded race to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District, which includes most of Los Angeles Koreatown, appears to be bringing Korean American voters out in large numbers. Thats in part because in a field dominated by Latinos, Robert Lee Ahn has a shot at becoming the only Korean American in Congress and the first Korean American Democrat to be elected to the body. Ahn, a businessman and former L.A. city planning commissioner, has raised a formidable amount of money in a short period of time, much of it from donors in the Korean American community. His campaign spent weeks helping register voters at Koreatown malls and restaurants, and says they registered more than 600 new voters so far. Part of our campaign is to build awareness and get the community more civically engaged, Ahn said on a recent Friday morning as his campaign embarked on a 34-hour voter registration drive outside the BCD Tofu House restaurant. As a Korean American, obviously thats a natural base of mine. Inside, Ahn shook hands with supporters and navigated the lunchtime rush to ask for voters support table side. Some of it may be paying off. More than a quarter of the 10,841 mail-in ballots turned in for the race so far were cast by Korean American voters, according to an analysis of surnames, birthplace and translated ballot materials by Political Data. Koreans make up just 6% of registered voters in the district. Nearly half of Korean American voters who have already cast a ballot in the race did not vote in the March 7 city elections. Ahn, who has said hell bring a business sensibility and common sense to the office, says he has been running a campaign that reaches out to all kinds of voters. But the fact that there hasnt been a Korean American in Congress for more than 20 years means his candidacy has gotten plenty of attention from the Korean American press. I think people recognize the importance and historic nature of this election, Ahn said. I think theres a hunger for a voice ... and theres a palpable frustration of not being heard, not being properly represented, and I think thats what were seeing in the early returns. But the result of those early votes so far is unclear, particularly after elections officials disclosed that a number of Korean-language sample ballots had been misprinted with the candidates listed in the wrong order. Those who used the faulty sample ballots to cast their vote could have inadvertently voted for a candidate they didnt intend to support, and officials still dont know how widespread the problem is. Ahn isnt the only Korean American candidate to energize the community in recent years. David Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the L.A. City Council, rode to victory in 2015 with the help of a wave of support from Koreatown leaders. I believe a political awakening is occurring in the Korean American community all over the nation, but especially here in L.A., said Joon Bang, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. Our community is evolving and its beginning with understanding the power of their vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Nothing short of blackmail: California Senate leader denounces plan to cut funding from sanctuary cities By Jazmine Ulloa California Senate Leader Kevin de Leon. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Senate leader Kevin de Leon on Monday called U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions move to cut federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities nothing short of blackmail. In a statement, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said Sessions and the Trump administration stuck to alternative facts when describing immigrants and sanctuary counties and cities, where local policies limit the cooperation of law enforcement agencies with federal authorities on immigration laws. Instead of making us safer, the Trump administration is spreading fear and promoting race-based scapegoating, he said. Their gun-to-the-head method to force resistant cities and counties to participate in Trumps inhumane and counterproductive mass-deportation is unconstitutional and will fail. De Leon was responding to an earlier announcement made by Sessions at a White House press briefing. Sessions urged all states and local jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration laws and said it would be a condition for receiving federal grants. Jeff Sessions: "countless Americans would be alive today. And countless loved ones would not be grieving" if sanctuary cities were ended. pic.twitter.com/sEgH3bvPwi BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) March 27, 2017 State leaders are still calculating the fiscal impact of the move in California, where the Senate leader has filed a bill that would prevent state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to enforce federal immigration laws. Data shows sanctuary counties have lower crime rates than comparable nonsanctuary counties #SB54 https://t.co/rKZDsB8x8E Kevin de Len (@kdeleon) March 27, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California National Guard official tells legislators forced bonus repayments will be resolved by mid-summer By Melanie Mason A top official for the California National Guard told state legislators Monday that he hopes lingering issues from the soldiers being forced to repay enlistment bonuses will be resolved by mid-summer. A Times investigation last year found that the Pentagon demanded thousands of soldiers repay enlistment bonuses up to a decade after going to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. The claw-back came after audits revealed vast overpayments of bonuses, due in part to mismanagement and pressure to hit enlistment targets. The Times story prompted outcry that soldiers, who were not at fault for accepting the bonuses, were now facing financial hardship. Matthew Beevers, the deputy adjutant for the California National Guard, told a joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Veterans Affairs committees that just over 1,000 soldiers currently hold debt due to the bonus recoupment. Soldiers who are affected by the repayment demand must go through a federal waiver adjudication process, which Beevers described as unnecessarily long, complex and resource-intensive. He said the state-run Soldier Incentives Assistance Center was working with those who need to navigate the complex process to get those debts waived. "[If] you got a bonus and you completed your obligation and for some reason, you werent entitled to it, weve done everything we can do ensure that those soldiers get to keep those bonuses and we continue to do that today, Beevers said. Beevers said the state is trying to locate all soldiers who may be carrying debts due to the enlistment bonus. For those who complete the federal adjudication process, around 50% get their debts waived, he said. At the end of the day, there might be 600 or so soldiers out of 16,000 who might have to pay money, which is a very very small number, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former California legislator Henry Perea will lobby for the oil industry in Sacramento By Chris Megerian (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times) As lawmakers debate the future of Californias climate policies, the oil industry is boosting its lobbying firepower with a former Democratic assemblyman from Fresno who has bedeviled environmentalists in the past. Henry Perea resigned his Assembly seat to work for a pharmaceutical group. Now hes jumping to the Western States Petroleum Assn. as a senior vice president, a role hes scheduled to start on May 1. Henry brings us unique expertise, said a statement from Catherine Reheis-Boyd, the associations president. He understands our state, our industry and how smart public policy can ensure Californias continued leadership in environmental protections while maintaining a diverse, vibrant economy. While serving in the Assembly, Perea led the so-called moderate caucus of business-friendly Democrats. He played a key role in stalling 2015 legislation that would have created tough new targets for reducing oil consumption. Environmentalists have made progress since then, successfully pushing through legislation to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Now these issues are being debated again as lawmakers consider whether to extend the states cap-and-trade program, which is intended to provide a financial incentive to reduce emissions. The oil industry supports extending the program, but its working to ensure favorable terms and to loosen the states other regulatory plans. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats out with ads targeting Rep. Mimi Walters for supporting GOP healthcare bill By Sarah D. Wire Republicans didnt vote on their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act on Friday, but Democrats already have ads out criticizing vulnerable GOP House members like Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine for backing the bill. The Internet ads, paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, will target 14 Republicans who voted for the bill in the House Budget, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce committees. The ads will run for at least a week on social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram. Walters knowingly voted for a bill to raise premiums and deductibles, slap an age tax on older folks, and rip insurance away from 24 million hardworking Americans. Its critical that voters in Californias 45th District know where Walters stood on this harmful legislation, DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan said in a statement. Walters, who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, was one of the earliest supporters of the bill among the California Republican delegation. Rep. Walters is committed to improving and expanding healthcare choices, lowering costs and protecting taxpayers. Her votes in the House reflect those principles and she will not be deterred by campaign ads created in Washington, D.C., by Nancy Pelosis political committees, said her campaign consultant, Dave Gilliard. The DCCC has already announced plans to target Republican representatives of the seven California congressional districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president. Clinton won Walters Orange County district by 5 percentage points. Walters was elected for a second term with 58.6% of the vote. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown says California wont be running to the courthouse every day to fight President Trump By John Myers With many of his fellow Democrats demanding multiple challenges to President Trumps proposals, Gov. Jerry Brown said this week he will continue to support a more measured approach. Were going to fight very hard. But were not going to bring stupid lawsuits or be running to the courthouse every day, Brown said during an appearance Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. Were going to be careful. Well be strategic. The governors interview, taped on Thursday in Washington, came at the end of a four-day visit where he sought common ground on issues ranging from transportation to disaster relief. Brown also took aim in a visit to Capitol Hill at the now-failed Republican healthcare proposal. In the interview, Brown acknowledged that he is seeking a different path forward than Californias legislative leaders and other Democrats who are aggressively pushing back on a variety of Trump proposals. Well, if everythings a lawsuit, yeah, were in trouble here. I do curb the exuberance on either side, he said. People like to escalate. Republicans do that, and Democrats also do that. So Im there somewhat as the senior statesman now, and Im going to keep everything on an even keel. The governor used the national television interview to repeat recent suggestions that California has a number of projects that are ready to go should Trump make good on his promises to fund a major infrastructure effort. But Brown staunchly defended Californias acceptance of immigrants, including those who are in the U.S. illegally. He argued that immigration has been a major boon to the states economy and invoked the teachings of Christianity to criticize Trump and his fellow Republicans. Trumps supposed to be Mr. Religious Fellow, and I thought weve got to treat the least of these as we would treat the Lord, said Brown, who trained to become a Jesuit priest in his youth. So I hope he would reconnect with some of these conservative evangelicals, and theyll tell him that these are human beings, theyre children of God. They should be treated that way. The programs host, Chuck Todd, asked Brown whether he could offer national leadership for Democrats in the Trump era. The governor, who ran unsuccessfully for president three times, said he was willing to speak out in any way he could be helpful. Following last weeks historic defeat of a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, Brown also offered Trump advice on how to help the economically struggling states whose voters put him in the White House. Its going to take some income support from the federal government, the governor said. Its going to take healthcare. Its going to take the kind of programs that the Republican Party traditionally doesnt like. So heres the dilemma. Yes, Obama was not able to help those people in the way they felt they had a right to. But Mr. Trump, now the burden is on you. And you better figure it out, or youre not going to be there again. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Small donations play big role in the 34th Congressional District By Christine Mai-Duc Congressional candidate Kenneth Mejia raised 90% of his money from small donors in the most recent campaign finance filing. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) More than 17% of individual contributions to all candidates in the 34th Congressional District came in small donations of less than $200, according to the latest campaign finance reports. The reports, which cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15, show that more than $250,000 of the $1.4 million raised by the candidates in the race came from un-itemized small donors, or those who gave less than $200 and are not named in campaign finance reports. Three candidates who raised a significant chunk of money from small donations were Arturo Carmona, Wendy Carrillo and Kenneth Mejia, all of whom are vying for votes from supporters of former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has preached the need to rid politics of special interest money. Many of the candidates have sent email pitches to supporters asking for donations of $10, $20 or $27, the amount made famous by Sanders, who often cited the number as the average donation given to his presidential campaign. Carmona, a former Sanders campaign advisor, raised the most in small donations, with $57,125, or 52% of his total. Small donors gave Carrillo $25,948, about 32% of her fundraising total and Mejia, an accountant and Green Party candidate, received nearly 90% of his total funds, or $31,957, in amounts of $200 or less. Federal law does not require candidates to itemize, or report the names of, donors who give below that amount. Alejandra Campoverdi raised $44,210 from small donors, who made up 28% of her haul, while Raymond Meza raised 48%, or $14,764 of his money from small-dollar contributions. UPDATE: 7:45 p.m. This post was updated to clarify that the numbers reported are based on un-itemized donations of $200 or less to candidates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Robert Lee Ahn raised the most money by far in latest campaign finance reports for L.A.'s congressional race By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, left, and Vanessa Aramayo, second from left, join the other candidates for the 34th Congressional District. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles TImes) Congressional candidate Robert Lee Ahn far outstripped some of the top fundraisers in the 34th Congressional District, taking a surprise lead in campaign finance reports filed Thursday. The reports cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15 and will be the last numbers well have before the April 4 primary election, in which 24 candidates are running. Ahn, a former L.A. city planning commissioner, raised a whopping $338,702 in contributions and loaned himself an additional $295,000, bringing his total to more than $630,000 raised since January. Ahn, an attorney and the only Korean American candidate in the race for a district that includes Koreatown, got more than $100,000 in contributions from donors with Korean surnames. The closest behind Ahn was Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, who raised $244,766 over the same period, the majority of it from political action committees, including many donations from fellow legislators in Sacramento. Sara Hernandez, a former teacher and L.A. City Hall aide, was close behind Gomez with $224,783 raised. Alejandra Campoverdi, a former White House staffer and former Los Angeles Times employee, raised $156,432. Ahn has also spent the most money so far this year, at $352,538, and has $271,271 in the bank, more than any other candidate. Gomez ended the period with $274,830 cash on hand, while Hernandez and Campoverdi have $149,990 and $122,961 left to spend, respectively. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Dispute in California Senate leads to ethics complaint against leader Kevin de Leon By Patrick McGreevy Then-state Sen. Isadore Hall III, left, talks with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon in Sacramento last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican state Sen. Andy Vidak on Friday filed an ethics complaint asking for an investigation into whether Democratic Senate leader Kevin de Leon engaged in an improper cover-up of threats allegedly made by former state Sen. Isadore Hall III against a group of farmers. Anthony Reyes, a spokesman for De Leon, defended the decision not to investigate allegations against Hall. With due respect, the state Senate doesnt waste taxpayer resources investigating dubious hearsay accounts of private conversations held in hotel lobbies and thats what Senator De Leon clearly and politely communicated to Senator Vidak, Reyes said. Any suggestion otherwise is patently ridiculous. Hall, a Democrat from Compton, was appointed in January to the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board by Gov. Jerry Brown. The appointment was opposed by farm industry groups, including the Western Growers Assn., which complained he received contributions from the United Farm Workers for his unsuccessful campaign for Congress last year. Vidak said that he had heard from multiple people that on Feb. 28, the evening before Halls confirmation hearing in the Rules Committee, Hall allegedly made threats in an obscenity-laced tirade in the lobby of the Sacramento Hyatt Hotel that he would get the farmers opposing his appointment, the senator wrote in a letter to the Senate Legislative Ethics Committee. The board is a quasi-judicial agency that rules on disputes between farm worker organizations and growers. The alleged threats were made to four farmers who are members of the California Fresh Fruit Assn., Vidak said. Vidak said he had formally asked De Leon, as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, to have the panel investigate the allegations and report the findings to the Senate. On Thursday, Vidak said, De Leon allegedly informed him that there would be no investigation. Senator De Leon told me yesterday that he and the leadership of the CFFA have worked things out so Hall wont be investigated,'" Vidak said in a statement Friday. Is this really how the Senate handles reports of threats and intimidation by someone pending a Senate confirmation vote? The association called the allegation that it worked out an agreement with De Leon baseless and false. The group said in a statement that Vidak did not talk to its members before he filed the complaint. If he did, he wouldve learned there is no agreement and that CFFA remains opposed to the confirmation of Senator Hall, the group said. Hall declined to comment on Vidaks complaint, said J. Antonio Barbosa, the boards executive secretary, responding on his behalf. Further, his testimony at his Senate Rules Committee confirmation hearing makes clear that he will be fair and impartial, make sound decisions, and speak to growers and farmworkers, Barbosa said. Reyes disputed Vidaks allegations. Chasing goofy conspiracy theories might fly on President Trumps Twitter feed, but it has no place in the California Legislature, Reyes said. In his letter to the ethics panel, Vidak says his complaint is that the Senates confirmation process of gubernatorial appointees may have been compromised in this situation. He asked for an investigation into whether credible information about potential criminal activity by an unconfirmed gubernatorial appointee has been intentionally ignored/withheld, and whether a member of the Senate Rules Committee is making arrangements with representatives of private organizations to bury investigations of gubernatorial appointees. Updated at 4:40 p.m. to include a comment from the California Fresh Fruit Assn. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A.'s GOP congressman: It is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy By Sarah D. Wire A handful of California Republicans had declined to take a position on the House GOPs healthcare bill, and now they wont have to. Rep. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), the only Republican who represents L.A. County, said he was conflicted up until the vote on the bill was canceled Friday afternoon. In the past two weeks my colleagues worked to build a consensus on how best to repair our flawed healthcare system and build a patient-centered system that works for the American people, Knight said in a statement after the vote. We learned that it is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy and the lives of almost every American. Saying they didnt have enough votes to pass it, House Republican leaders canceled a vote on their healthcare bill minutes before vulnerable Republican members like Knight would have had to vote on the effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Knights district is among seven Republican districts being targeted by Democrats in 2018, and several of the members who represent those districts never took a stance on the bill, saying they were worried about the effects on their districts and were still hearing from constituents. Experts estimated millions of Californians would have lost insurance under the bill. Just two of the targeted members, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) and Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), said they would vote for the bill. Walters had no comment after the bill was pulled, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee came out swinging, with committee spokesperson Evan Lukaske saying, Walters now owns this until election day. Other targeted members seemed to brush off President Trumps plan to let Obamacare go its way for a little while. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), who didnt take a stance on the bill, said afterward Congress needs to keep working on healthcare. Congress must come together to enact legislation to stabilize our healthcare market, reduce federal spending, and ensure we are able to maintain access to healthcare for Americas most vulnerable populations. Any potential solution must be thoughtfully considered, he said in a statement. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) flirted with voting against the bill, saying he was not yet prepared to support it, but never committed either way. The [GOP bill] was an imperfect approach and I believe that we can do better, he said in a statement. We will go back to the drawing board and get this right for each and every American concerned with high costs in their healthcare and ever-dwindling choices and access to care. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Despite threat of legal battle with Trump, California stays the course on vehicle emission rules By Chris Megerian Electric cars charge at a San Diego utility. (Rob Nikolewski / San Diego Union-Tribune) California will keep pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, state regulators decided Friday, even though President Trump is preparing to roll back rules in Washington. The restrictions represent a key part of Californias battle against climate change, and theyre intended to force automakers to build cleaner cars and sell more electric vehicles. Environmentalists cheered Fridays decision from the Air Resources Board. Were very disappointed by what were seeing at the federal level, so today feels warm and welcoming, said the Sierra Clubs Kathryn Phillips. California has the unique ability to set tougher standards than the federal government, but Fridays decision could put the state on a collision course with Trump. Under the presidents direction, federal officials are examining whether to loosen vehicle rules that were finalized in the waning days of the Obama administration. The California Air Resources Board meeting in Riverside this week. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) At risk is the existence of a national standard on vehicle emissions, something the auto industry has prioritized to reduce the complexity of its manufacturing operations. We should all be getting back to work on this, said John Bozzella, who advocates for international car companies as head of the Assn. of Global Automakers. Mary Nichols, chair of the Air Resources Board, questioned the industrys commitment to higher standards given their request for Trump to review the rules. What were you thinking when you threw yourself upon the mercy of the Trump administration? she said. A dozen other states have adopted Californias standards as their own, and environmentalists hope Fridays decision will foster a broader market for electric cars. This agency has seen federal administrations come By now, Republicans in Congress thought they would be working closely with the White House on signature items of the GOP agenda repealing and replacing Obamacare, overhauling the tax code. Many hoped President Trump would play the classic executives role: Rolling up his sleeves to chart the direction, settle disputes and spend his political capital to bring wayward lawmakers in line. But instead, Trump has been reluctant to take charge of Republicans policy priorities, and GOP lawmakers worry their early momentum is fading amid intraparty squabbles over legislation and Trumps tendency to flit from topic to topic when what they most need now is focus. Advertisement The Republican majority has been left hungering for leadership and bickering among themselves over what to do next. We could use a unifier, and he can be it, said Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), an early Trump ally who remains close to the White House. We need [him] to put some pressure on all of us to come together and to reassure us that he has all of our backs. Usually, a new administration has the greatest political advantage early on, in the glow of an electoral honeymoon and before the calendar gets bogged down with unforeseen crises. Trump has been busy issuing executive orders and signing smaller-scale bills into law, but he only began to provide details of his biggest proposals this week during his joint address to Congress, 40 days into his presidency. He leaned in to House Republicans plan for repealing and replacing Obamacare by signaling a preference for providing tax credits for Americans to buy health insurance. The real goal of Trumps executive orders: reduce the number of immigrants in the U.S. Trump also spoke of taxing imports as a way of leveling the playing field for domestic manufacturers, giving a nod to the House GOPs blueprint for tax reform, even though his comments were less full-throated than some would have liked and did not resolve his past flip-flops on the so-called border adjustment tax. Both of those issues have deeply divided Republicans in Congress as they hammer out details of their two biggest campaign promises ending Obamacare and reforming the tax code. Many lawmakers were heartened that Trumps speech signaled his willingness to join the debate. We absolutely need it, said one Republican member of the House, granted anonymity to speak frankly. Theres going to be an opportunity for him to take the banner and run with it and we will follow. Whether Trump will fight for the ideas he floated Tuesday or leave the details to House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) remains to be seen. The legislative process is expected to take months. President Trump will need to do more than merely wait upon a Republican Congress to produce the legislation he has championed, wrote Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) in a New York Times op-ed. He must become an active participant in the legislative process. The longer Trump waits to chart the way, the easier for others to fill the void. Nature abhors a vacuum, said Republican Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, the states former governor. As a consequence, youre seeing an attempt to fill in the blanks. Already, Trumps onetime campaign rivals, Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Rand Paul of Kentucky, have spoken against the tax credits in the House GOP healthcare plan. Conservative critics, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and the Houses Freedom Caucus, view refundable credits as another federal government entitlement program like the Obamacare subsidies that help some Americans buy insurance. How the Senates once-revered traditions are falling victim to partisan divide The three senators derisively opposed the House GOP plan as Obamacare-lite. Were not just going along with whatever they try to shove down our throats, Paul, the Kentucky Republican, said on CNN. Conservatives will be listened to or there wont be a repeal. Their pushback was significant because Congress would not likely have enough votes to pass the Obamacare replacement without them, despite partys majority hold on both chambers. The alliance between Republicans in Congress and Trump in the White House was always expected to be tenuous. Most Republican lawmakers did not initially back Trump for president. They did, however, support the prospects of one-party control of the House, the Senate and the White House. Republicans long complained that as the majority in Congress, they could not institute their agenda with a Democratic president. Now, the problem is not that there are too few Republicans in power, but that no single Republican is leading them. Lawmakers who want him to jump into legislative process are also mindful of ceding too much influence to a president who could swoop in at any moment and upend their painstaking policy work with his own ideas. Its really not an area that I would say of getting the White House to come tell us what to do, said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who blamed Democratic delay tactics for the painfully slow start of the legislative session. The White House has to step out and say, Here are the key things Ill sign and I wont sign, he said. Were all setting up parameters of the debate. White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah H. Sanders acknowledged Wednesday a delay in churning out the nitty-gritty policies, but blamed the Senate for taking so long to confirm Trumps Cabinet. As they build out and they get confirmed, you are going to see a lot more interaction down in the weeds, she said during an interview in the West Wing, noting that Republican leaders from the House and the Senate were eating lunch with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence nearby in the Roosevelt Room. I dont know how you can be more direct than sitting down with the president himself, Sanders said. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) noted that by this time in his first year, President Obama had signed several bills into law, including the economic recovery act in the midst of the Great Recession. Obama aides set up shop early on Capitol Hill to begin the painstaking work of creating the Affordable Care Act with Congress that was passed into law the following year. Trump talks about the mess hes inherited, Pelosi said, but hes talking about his own first 40 days in office which he utterly squandered. Trump is indeed vigorously acting the part of president, inviting GOP lawmakers to the White House and sending his legislative team to Capitol Hill. Pence is a regular at the Senate GOPs weekly policy lunch and an entourage of White House staffers many former aides in Congress joined the House GOPs regular Tuesday morning meeting in the Capitol basement. Wednesdays White House lunch was about charting out the agenda and the timeline, said Press Secretary Sean Spicer. But Trump does not always share policy prescriptions with his Republican allies in Congress and is, at times, still forming his own. In fact, during his speech, Trump inserted a new topic for debate immigration reform that was not on the to-do list for Congress this year. Republican leaders are working to keep distractions at bay as they press forward with their agenda. What we all recognize, is that this is a once-in-a-generation moment, Ryan said. We have the opportunity to finally tackle big problems that have held us back for so long. Times staff writer Brian Bennett contributed to this report. lisa.mascaro@latimes.com @LisaMascaro ALSO: With Trump in the limelight, Congress has been quietly working to undo Obama-era regulations Silencing of Sen. Elizabeth Warren raises her profile as the Democratic alternative to Trump Why the GOPs alternatives to Obamacare are political time bombs More coverage of Congress More coverage of politics and the White House U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions had two separate meetings with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential campaign, interactions the adviser to President Trump did not disclose to Congress during his confirmation hearing last month. Sessions didnt reveal the contacts when asked what he would do if anyone affiliated with the campaign had been in touch with the Russian government. At the hearing, Sessions told members of Congress that he hadnt talked with the Russians. A Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed the conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak took place but said, There was absolutely nothing misleading about his answer to the question. Advertisement The revelation comes amid increased calls by Democrats for Sessions to recuse himself from an investigation into tampering by Russians in last years presidential election. Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) went further, calling for Sessions resignation and accusing him of lying under oath. Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign, Pelosi said in a statement. There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, tweeted Wednesday night, If its true that Sessions failed to disclose his meeting with Kislyak, he must recuse himself [from the Russia investigation]. This is not even a close call; it is a must. In a statement Wednesday night, Sessions said, I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. According to the Associated Press, Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, the department said. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department said. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the summer, when several ambassadors including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions after the talk as he was leaving the stage. Revelations of the contact, first reported by The Washington Post, triggered calls from members of Congress for Sessions to back out of any involvement in the FBIs probe. Asked by reporters Monday about the prospect of a recusal, Sessions said, I would recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on. At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there was evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was unaware of those activities. Then he added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have, did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. Flores, the Justice Department spokeswoman, said that response was not misleading. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, she said in a statement. Franken, in a statement Wednesday night, said he was troubled that the new attorney generals response to his question was at best, misleading. He said he planned to press Sessions on his contact with Russia. Its clearer than ever now that the attorney general cannot, in good faith, oversee an investigation at the Department of Justice and the FBI of the Trump-Russia connection, and he must recuse himself immediately, Franken said. Separately in January, Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Sessions in a written questionnaire whether he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after election day. Sessions replied simply, No. The Associated Press contributed to this report. dakota.smith@latimes.com Twitter: @dakotacdsmith ALSO Grade the president: Heres how you think Trump is doing so far Trumps popularity at CPAC gathering, which he shunned a year ago, shows how hes conquered conservatives Trump said he would isolate his family businesses, but they have already seeped into the White House UPDATES: 10:55 p.m.: Updated with Times reporting. 9:30 p.m.: Updated with Sessions response. This story was first published at 8:25 p.m. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions will step aside from overseeing the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the presidential election amid signs of growing unease among fellow Republicans over where the inquiry may lead. Sessions announced his action, which he said he had been considering for weeks, during a hastily arranged news conference at the Justice Department on Thursday afternoon. The move came just hours after top Democrats called for his resignation because he had failed to disclose meetings with the Russian ambassador, and a growing number of Republicans had urged him to recuse himself from the inquiry. Advertisement Sessions action marks the second time in less than a month that a top Trump administration official has been tripped up by failure to disclose a meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Last month, President Trump ousted Michael Flynn, his national security advisor, after news reports revealed that Flynn had spoken with the ambassador and then had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about the talks. Meetings between Trump associates and Russian officials are a sensitive subject because the FBI and other U.S. agencies have been investigating Russias efforts to meddle in last years presidential election. An intelligence report issued in January, shortly before Trump took office, assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered the meddling, which included cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee, to hurt Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and help Trump. The FBI is also investigating whether people associated with the Trump campaign may have had contacts with Russian officials during the election year. FBI officials have refused to discuss their investigation, and there has been no proof that they have discovered wrongdoing by any Trump associate, but even so, the inquiry has disrupted the early weeks of Trumps administration. Earlier this week, officials ordered White House aides to preserve records that might be relevant to the investigation. Sessions, as attorney general, oversees the FBI, but with his recusal, responsibility for overseeing the investigation will now pass to Dana Boente, a career prosecutor and the departments acting deputy attorney general. Boente briefly served as acting attorney general after Trump fired his predecessor, Sally Yates, for refusing to defend the presidents ban on travel from seven mostly Muslim countries. The attorney general began his news conference with a blunt statement saying he had no ties to the Russian government. Let me be clear. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, he said. Nevertheless, he said, he had studied the departments ethics rules and weighed the advice of career Justice Department staffers. They had urged Sessions, who had been a vocal Trump supporter, to withdraw because he had involvement with the campaign and should not oversee any investigation involving it, he said. I believe those recommendations are right and just, he said. A proper decision, I believe, has been reached. Earlier in the afternoon, Trump said that he had total confidence in Sessions and that he did not think the attorney general needed to step away from the investigation, but Sessions said that the ethics rules left him little choice. I should not be involved investigating a campaign I had a role in, he said. Just three weeks into his tenure, Sessions had found himself under fire largely because of the way he answered a single question during his Senate confirmation hearing in January. In response to the query by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Sessions testified that I didnt have did not have communications with the Russians. In fact, he had at least two conversations with the ambassador last year. When the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday about those conversations, the news set off a furor. Sessions told reporters that he had tried to honestly answer Frankens question, which he said he believed was focused on whether there was a continuing exchange of information between the Trump campaign and intermediaries for the Russian government. My reply to the question of Sen. Franken was honest and correct as I understood at the time, Sessions told reporters. But, he said, he would send a letter to the Judiciary Committee to explain the testimony for the record. Sessions described two meetings with Kislyak while he was still a U.S. senator. One was a brief encounter after a speech Sessions made in July. The second occurred in September at Kislyaks request and took place in his Senate office, Sessions said. Sessions described the get-together as routine and attended by at least three members of his staff. He added that he did not recall any specific political discussion coming up. White House officials spent much of the day trying to defend Sessions, who won support from some Republicans. Weve got to be very careful here, said Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. Its a slippery slope. All the countries in the world basically have embassies here. A lot of those countries are adversaries. But we all meet with those many senators and congressmen meet with those ambassadors on a regular basis, he said. Top Democrats, however, were scathing in their assessments, saying Sessions should recuse himself or step down from the Justice Department entirely. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said that Sessions had lied under oath and must resign. Republicans did not go that far, but as the day went on, Sessions lost support among influential party leaders who called for him to step away from any role in the investigation. I think [for] the trust of the American people, you recuse yourself in these situations, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) said early Thursday on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Once the decision was made, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised Sessions for stepping aside, but said that his failure to mention the meetings with Kislyak was hard to understand. The Russian is not easily forgettable, the California Democrat told CNN. One would remember meeting with him. Kislyak, 66, has been Russias ambassador in Washington for nearly a decade. A veteran diplomat, he has also long been reputed to be a Russian intelligence agent. In addition to the FBIs inquiry of Russias efforts to manipulate the U.S. election, the House and Senate intelligence committees are also attempting to investigate. Those efforts have been endangered by the FBIs failure to share enough information about its findings, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said. We cannot represent to the American people that were doing a thorough job if the Department of Justice or the FBI is unwilling to tell us what indeed theyve looked at, what leads they have followed, where they have found substance and where they have not, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) told reporters shortly after his committee was briefed by FBI Director James B. Comey. In a separate interview, Schiff said that Comey had declined to answer many of the lawmakers questions and that such reticence cant persist. If were going to do our job, the FBI is going to have to fully cooperate with us, and that means they cant say, Well tell you about this but we wont tell you about that, Schiff said. Democrats and some Republicans have called for an independent panel to investigate Russias actions. The Republican leadership has resisted that idea, preferring to keep the inquiry in the hands of the intelligence committees. Times staff writers David Lauter and Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report. del.wilber@latimes.com Twitter: @delwilber lisa.mascaro@latimes.com Twitter: @lisamascaro ALSO Tracking down guns used in crimes and terror attacks is still surprisingly low-tech Aspiring agents learn from mistakes of FBIs shameful investigation of Martin Luther King Jr. How these Brooklyn prosecutors work to get innocent convicts out of prison UPDATES: 4:50 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional comments and details. 1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with Sessions saying hell recuse himself. 12:20 p.m.: This article was updated with Sessions plans to hold a news conference. 12:05 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from President Trump. 8:50 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Republican senators. This article was originally published at 7:05 a.m. New revelations about Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions meeting with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak twice last year caused a firestorm in Washington on Thursday, prompting Democratic demands for his resignation. Sessions, under pressure from fellow Republicans, announced Thursday that he would recuse himself from an FBI investigation examining Russian meddling in the election. Lets unpack why the issue could have a big impact on Trump and his closest associates. Who is Jeff Sessions? Before he was confirmed by the Senate as Trumps attorney general last month, the 70-year-old spent two decades in the Senate representing Alabama, which he previously served as state attorney general. He was also one of Trumps closest advisors during the campaign, counseling the Republican candidate on immigration and foreign policy and speaking frequently on his behalf in public. Advertisement How close is he to Trump? Sessions endorsed Trump more than a year ago, becoming the first senator to do so. He was a constant presence on the campaign trail and has been particularly influential on immigration policy. The two men share strong views that were once considered far outside the GOP mainstream, including the belief that even legal immigration should be limited further. Sessions former Senate aide, 31-year-old Stephen Miller, serves as Trumps senior policy advisor. He helped craft some of Trumps most fiery campaign rhetoric as well as early executive orders cracking down on immigration and one that was blocked in the courts that halted travel to the U.S. for people from seven Muslim-majority countries. So whats wrong with him talking to Russians? Nothing, by itself. But there are several issues in this case. Lets start with the most basic one: Sessions testified under oath during his Senate hearing that he never spoke with the Russian government. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians, Sessions testified, while replying to a question from Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, a Democrat. When did he meet with the Russians? He held at least two meetings with Kislyak, in July and September. The Washington Post first reported the contacts Wednesday night. A September meeting took place in Sessions office. A brief July meeting took place after an event with the Heritage Foundation. What does Sessions say about this? After the meetings were reported, Sessions modified his stance, saying he never met with the Russian government specifically to discuss campaign issues. I never had meetings with Russian operatives or Russian intermediaries about the Trump campaign, Sessions said Thursday. Sessions said he believed that Frankens question related to that topic, which was in the news at the time, and was not meant to encompass any and all contacts with the Russians. My reply to the question of Sen. Franken was honest and correct as I understood at the time, he said. Sessions said the September meeting covered a range of topics and that he did not remember all of them. But he recalled that the meeting grew testy over the subject of Russian aggression in Ukraine and that he declined an invitation for a follow-up lunch. Is that really such a big deal? Dont politicians fudge the truth all the time? Doing so under oath is a big problem. Sessions raised the issue as a fundamental concern during President Clintons impeachment, ultimately voting to remove him from office. From January 13, 1999 @cspanWJ appearance, Sen. Jeff Sessions on perjury: "No one is above the law." pic.twitter.com/0ZasX3VeJ7 CSPAN (@cspan) March 2, 2017 I am concerned about a president under oath, being alleged to have committed perjury. I hope that he can rebut that and prove that did not happen, Sessions said at the time. In America, the Supreme Court and the American people believe no one is above the law. Now Sessions is the countrys chief law enforcement officer, overseeing agents and prosecutors around the country who gather and depend on the veracity of sworn testimony every day. Session must have had an easy confirmation since he served in the Senate Far from it. Sessions had one of the toughest, drawing intense opposition from Democrats and progressive interest groups, who said his views on immigration, gay rights, abortion and other issues were extreme. The Senate rejected Sessions for a federal judgeship in 1986 after testimony that he had made racist comments, including a crack about the Ku Klux Klan being OK with him, until I found out they smoked pot. After debates that included the forced removal of liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sessions was confirmed as attorney general by a 52-47 vote, with support from just one Democrat, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. You said there were several issues. What are the other ones? The other big one involves Russia. The intelligence community has concluded that the Russian government deliberately meddled in the November election, with the intent of helping Trump and hurting his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating whether Trumps associates and campaign aides had contact with Russian officials in the months leading up to the election. Sessions oversees the FBI. This sounds familiar. Well, yes. There have been lots of stories about Trump allies getting bad publicity for meeting with Russians. Did anything come of reports of contacts between the Russians and Trump allies? Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor, resigned just a few weeks into the job. He had spoken with Kislyak about U.S. sanctions over Russias election meddling, contacts that were criticized as improper because Trump was not yet sworn into office and the Obama administration was still setting U.S. foreign policy. Flynn resigned after it became public that he misled several White House officials about the contacts, including Vice President Mike Pence. So will anything happen to Sessions? Thats far from clear. Top Democrats have called on him to resign. Even Manchin, a sometime Trump ally and Sessions sole Democratic supporter in the Senate, said he should resign if he lied under oath. But Trump said Thursday that he has total confidence in Sessions. Manchin, who supported Sessions for AG: "If he lied under oath he should resign. Simple as that." Niels Lesniewski (@nielslesniewski) March 2, 2017 Of course, Democrats are out to get Sessions. What about Republicans? So far, none in Congress has called for his resignation. But several party leaders had called on him to recuse himself from the investigation, before his Thursday afternoon announcement. None has called for a special prosecutor, though Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) came close, requesting an independent review by a credible third party. Sessions said the decision to recuse himself had already been under consideration with senior staff, who recommended that he recuse himself since I had involvement with the campaign. What can Sessions do to keep this from getting worse? He needs to keep support from Trump and hope that GOP members of Congress dont defect. But even those in his own party may have a hard time on this one. Senators tend to give the presidents Cabinet a long leash, but they are pretty sensitive about telling the truth during Senate hearings. After all, theyre the ones asking the questions. How does this affect Trump? He cant be happy. He was hoping to spend Thursday basking in the reception of his speech to Congress two nights earlier and begin his efforts to sell a legislative agenda that includes a substantial increase in military spending, tax cuts and money for a border wall. Now, the only topics in Washington are Sessions and Russia. The Russia stories have been particularly galling to Trump, prompting many of his most angry tweets about fake news. Will this cause any long-term damage for Trump? It could. Much depends on what happens to Sessions. If the episode prompts the appointment of a special prosecutor, it could keep the issue alive much longer and open new areas of inquiry. It could die down as well. If Sessions can get past the apparently false statements to Congress, he could minimize the damage. Theres nothing illegal about a senator meeting with a foreign diplomat. How long has Trump been president? It seems like a lifetimes worth of news. But were only on Week 6. noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman ALSO: True: Trumps speech included several false or misleading statements Kremlin spokesman says any contacts between Sessions and Russian envoy are not our headache Trump shifts from doom-and-gloom to a more optimistic vision. But he offers no clarity on how hell get there UPDATES: 1:35 p.m.: This article was updated with Sessions announcement that he is recusing himself from the investigation. This article was originally published at 12:05 p.m. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield on Thursday morning showed just how sticky the investigation into Russias alleged involvement in the 2016 election has become for some Republicans. I think the trust of the American people, you recuse yourself in these situations, yes, McCarthy said on left-leaning MSNBCs Morning Joe when asked if Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions should recuse himself from investigations into the election allegations. The evening before, a Washington Post story showed he did not disclose meetings with the Russian ambassador when asked about them during his Senate confirmation hearing. In the next hour, the Republican McCarthy was on right-leaning Fox & Friends, saying he never called on Sessions to relinquish control. McCarthy said the attorney general should just clarify what happened. Advertisement Im not calling on him to recuse himself . Its amazing how people spin things so quickly, McCarthy said. Its amazing how this story comes out right after a great speech by this president, the timing. In his role as senator, hes going to meet with a lot of ambassadors. Thats his job. By days end, Sessions had indeed recused himself from investigations into the presidential election won by his boss, Republican President Trump. But Californias 14 Congressional Republicans, half of whom are facing potentially tight battles to keep their seats in 2018, remained split or noticeably silent on what to do about Sessions. Californias two Democratic senators and dozens of the states 38 Democratic House members quickly called on Sessions to recuse himself from Justice Department investigations into Russias election meddling, with many going further and saying he needs to resign. Even centrist Democrats like San Diegos Rep. Scott Peters said Sessions should resign. Just four of Californias Republican House members called for Sessions to recuse himself on Thursday. A week ago, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista suggested Sessions should recuse himself, and added a special prosecutor could be necessary, during an appearance on HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher. On Thursday, he made sure everyone knew he was ahead of the pack at least within the GOP. The news breaking overnight reaffirms what I called for in an interview last Friday, that we need an independent review by a credible third party and that Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from any investigation into Russia, Issa said in a statement. We need a clear-eyed view of what the Russians actually did so that all Americans can have faith in our institutions. Later Thursday, Republican Reps. Ed Royce of Fullerton, Mimi Walters of Irvine and Steve Knight of Santa Clarita joined Issa, but only in his call for Sessions to recuse himself. The four are among the seven Republican-held California districts national Democrats plan to target in 2018. Voters in each of the districts picked Hillary Clinton for president, and Issa won his ninth term with just 1,600 more votes than his challenger. Others, like McCarthy, are in districts that solidly voted for Trump, but have been encountering big protests at their town halls and offices, many focused on Trump and the GOPs plan to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. Some of them are facing the most heated confrontations in their districts in years, and urging Sessions to recuse himself may be the first steps theyre taking to distance themselves from a president who is very unpopular in California. Reps. Tom McClintock of Elk Grove, David Valadao of Hanford, Jeff Denham of Turlock and Paul Cook of Yucca Valley, did not respond to requests for their thoughts on Sessions. Valadao and Denham are on Democrats target list in 2018. Though Clinton won their districts, theyve consistently won reelection and may not be too concerned. McClintock and Cook represent solidly red seats, although Cook faced a challenge from tea party favorite Tim Donnelly, a former state assemblyman, in the primary. Another target for Democrats is Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who represents a coastal Orange County district that went for Clinton. But hes also well established in his district, a well-known Russia dove and is unimpressed by the Sessions kerfuffle. Big deal! Sessions is one of the most honorable figures on the Washington political scene. There is absolutely nothing wrong with him, as a senator or a campaign adviser, to have met briefly with the Russian ambassador to understand issues that might confront the next administration, he said in a statement, explaining that Sessions might not have understood the questions asked about his Russia contacts during the confirmation hearing. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), who chairs the House intelligence committee, would not say during a news conference Thursday morning if he thought Sessions should relinquish control over an investigation. Nunes was a member of Trumps transition team and, with a solidly Republican district, has for months been tempering expectations about the investigation into Russias role in the election. I have no idea, because we have no idea what what he did or didnt do. So I think its up to the attorney general to talk to the senators if theres some disagreement there, Nunes told reporters. Republican Duncan Hunter of Alpine, who was rumored as a potential cabinet candidate and is also from a safe Republican district, took the strongest stance in defense of Sessions: He accused the Democrats of being on a political witch hunt against Trump and his administration, saying that Sessions, who was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee before he became attorney general, had every right to meet with the Russian ambassador. Hunter suspects Sessions failure to disclose the meeting during his confirmation hearing was either an unconscious mistake or a misunderstanding. The attorney general likely interpreted the question to be about whether he met with the Russian ambassador on behalf of the Trump campaign, Hunter said. I dont think he needs to recuse himself, but if he decides to just to calm everyone fears, thats fine too, Hunter said in a telephone interview. Even with Sessions recusal, Californias vulnerable Republicans are likely to continue to feel pressure on the Russia investigation. Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, appeared at the news conference midday Thursday with Nunes and had a decidedly different take than his fellow committee leader, saying for the first time that a special prosecutor should be appointed. Thats a step beyond simple recusal, which still allows Sessions deputy to be involved in the case. Later in the day, Schiff called on Sessions to resign. After reviewing Attorney General Sessions testimony during his confirmation hearing and his statements this afternoon, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that the Attorney General should step down, Schiff said in a statement. As a Senator, Mr. Sessions demanded complete and truthful testimony by those appearing before him for confirmation, and I do not believe he met his own rigorous standard. With that, Schiff joined a chorus of other Democratic voices including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco and Sen. Kamala Harris who are still calling for the attorney general to step down. phil.willon@latimes.com Twitter: @philwillon ALSO Sessions says he will step aside from Russia investigation Who is Sergey Kislyak, and how did he become the hottest meeting ticket in Washington? Sessions contact with Russian ambassador during campaign sparks an uproar UPDATES: 5:41 p.m.: This article was updated with additional response and other details. This article was originally published at 2:45 p.m. Flustered and out of money, Maria paced through the empty aisles of a Marshalls department store in Orange County three days before her sons eighth-grade graduation. She picked out a pair of black dress shoes for him and a crisp, gray long-sleeved shirt. Then, she clumsily stuffed them in her large purse and attempted to walk out. That is how Maria, a petite, 38-year-old waitress who asked that her full name be withheld for fear of reprisal from authorities, says she almost became a felon and faced deportation, consequences that could have proved much more severe had she not found lawyers to represent her in court. Amid a tense political battle over the nations borders and who should be expelled from the country, California lawmakers this legislative session are on an emergency track to develop what is likely to be the largest legal defense program in the U.S. for immigrants swept into the federal removal process. Under the proposed law, the state-funded legal program would fall under the purview of the California Department of Social Services. The agency would vet funding applications and award contracts to nonprofits that provide attorneys for immigrants either directly or through subcontractors and meet certain qualifications. But the legislation, accelerated by Democratic leaders to counter the Trump administrations expanded immigration enforcement orders, primarily provides a broad outline of the mechanics of the program, raising questions about its costs, its administrative procedures and whom it should serve. Cases like Marias underscore the challenges lawmakers could face in developing such a program. U.S. immigration law comprises an unwieldy and confusing network of state and federal rules that lawyers often find hard to navigate. People in the U.S. illegally often enter the system through the criminal pipeline, but immigration lawyers say not all are criminals who should be cast out of the country. In my case, people probably think that I deserved to be deported, Maria said on a recent morning in February. I dont blame people for thinking that way, but I also think that if we are able to learn from our mistakes and be better, we deserve a chance to stay. Maria meets with legal assistant Albanydia Amezquita, right, at the Central American Resource Center, which helped her obtain immigration relief through the U-visa program. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Born in Queretaro, Mexico, Maria lived in Orange County for more than a decade before her arrest on June 14, 2011. Though she had no previous run-ins with police, she had stolen clothes and food on four other occasions, the first after she watched her sons devour their dinner in hunger at her sisters apartment. Maria said she had been struggling to keep her own kitchen shelves stocked but had not wanted to turn to her sister for help and reveal the darker aspects of her life. Over five years of marriage, she said, her ex-husband had become jealous and violent. He stopped letting her work, Maria said, keeping her on a meager budget that wasnt enough to provide for her two sons, now 18 and 13. I am responsible for all of my actions, she said, holding back tears. But I was in this relationship that I thought I was a worthless person, and it was very difficult for me to get out of that place. She would not make it to her older sons eighth-grade graduation. After the Marshalls incident, Maria, who had a fake drivers license and social security number as forms of identification, was charged with burglary in the second degree a felony and five misdemeanors, including petty theft, possession of burglary tools her purse and the use of false documents. She was still luckier than most, she said. Other inmates advised her not to accept a plea deal until prosecutors dropped the felony. Two months later, after she was convicted on three of the lesser offenses, she was transferred to a detention center. There, Maria spent another month and met immigration lawyers with the Central American Resource Center, a Los Angeles nonprofit that took up her case, charging her $1,500 she could afford in small installments. I didnt know anything, she said of navigating the process. A lot of women were telling me, You shouldnt be here for this type of situation. But I wasnt paying attention to that. I was thinking about how I had left my children. Vences Olivia, 52, reads a local newspaper while waiting for legal counsel at the Central American Resource Center. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Unlike in the criminal justice system, where the U.S. Supreme Court has held that the Constitution grants all defendants the right to counsel regardless of their income, people facing deportation are not entitled to an attorney if they cannot afford one. But over more than six years, as the Obama administration prioritized immigrants with criminal charges for removal from the country, immigration and civil rights lawyers in California and nationwide have worked to expand legal representation and ensure fair treatment of the most vulnerable immigrants under the law. The movement to increase government-funded access to counsel has centered on showing that many immigrants would be granted relief if they had the resources to prove their cases and that for some, the repercussions of deportation could be as dire as a death sentence. Momentum behind the effort started building long before Donald Trump announced his run for president, lawyers said, but has gained steam as his enforcement priorities stripped away restrictions on who can be deported, allowing immigration agents to detain nearly anyone they come in contact with who has crossed the border illegally. This issue had been out there for awhile, said Daniel Sharp, legal director of the Central American Resource Center. The Trump election fast-forwarded it. Groundwork for the first legal defense program for immigrants came out of the Vera Institute of Justice in New York. Other cities have since sought to replicate the model, including Washington, Chicago and Boston. In San Francisco and Los Angeles, city funds have been approved or promised for such efforts. This years legislation in Sacramento, introduced by state Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), follows Californias first attempt at a similar statewide program in 2014, when it allocated $3 million to provide legal aid to an unprecedented large number of children arriving alone at the U.S.-Mexico border from Central America. A year later, the state authorized $15 million for the development of a federal assistance program to help thousands of immigrants apply for naturalization and Obamas deferred action programs, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. As of fiscal year 2015, the Department of Social Services, which administered both legal defense initiatives, had contracted with nonprofits to serve more than 1,300 children, with an average cost per case totaling $5,000. Its second program has awarded a little over $14 million to 61 organizations and is in the midst of finalizing contracts for the 2016 fiscal year, for over $29 million to about 80 immigration and legal aid groups. Immigrants, some in the country illegaly, fill out intake forms before receiving legal help and direction with their immigration cases on consultation day at the Central American Resource Center. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) But in California, where more than 2 million people who are in the U.S. illegally live and could potentially seek services, debate has simmered over who should benefit from the broader state-funded initiative. That question has become more pressing amid a looming deficit and potential funding cuts from the federal government. In the latest iteration of the bill, the legal defense program would cost $12 million from the general fund, and the legislation would create the California Universal Representation Trust Fund to accept donations from private foundations and philanthropic entities. Legal services would be available for any person arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, anyone released on parole for the purposes of deportation and anyone detained at a state airport or port of entry. Hueso initially amended the bill to exclude all those convicted of a violent felony outlined in the penal code, a list that some lawmakers this year are trying to expand. But new changes to the language of the proposal, released Thursday, would loosen the restriction, making all immigrants eligible to apply and be screened for services. The amendment would prohibit the representation of clients convicted of a violent crime unless they have a meritorious claim for relief from deportation, meaning the person has a high likelihood of not being removed from the U.S. based on the facts of the case. Immigrant advocates and legal aid agencies have lauded the compromise, which they said would counter anti-immigrant rhetoric from the Trump administration associating illegal immigration with violent crime. San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who has helped shape many city-funded legal defense programs, was among those who had vigorously opposed any limit to legal aid for immigrants on the basis of a prior conviction. Speaking on his behalf at the bills first hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, immigration attorney Francisco Ugarte said it would set a dangerous precedent throughout the country for other initiatives where we are fighting for access to counsel. But it remains to be seen how moderate Democrats and Republicans, who have argued against using taxpayer funds to defend dangerous offenders, will react to the move. Joe Guzzardi, national media director for Californians for Population Stabilization, said state funds should not be used to defend immigrants in the country illegally when the state has so many other needs. But if the fund is predestined [to succeed], it would probably be better spent on immigrants that dont have criminal records, he said. Essential Politics: Trumps immigration plans get serious Under the proposed state legal program, Maria, who eventually gained legal permanent residency through a visa for domestic violence victims, would have been covered despite her criminal charges. Phal Sok might not. Now 35, Sok, who is Cambodian, was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and brought to the U.S. when he was less than a year old. At 16, he lost his father, his sole guardian, to cancer. He struggled with depression and fell behind in school. A year later, he was convicted of three felony counts of armed robbery after he and his friends held up a mom-and-pop sewing shop. He served 15 years in prison on a 23-year sentence before he was released under an initiative meant to aid juvenile offenders. But because of an immigration hold, federal agents waited for him outside the prison and took him into detention, where he has since been temporarily held twice as a judge weighs his case. Not able to afford a lawyer, Sok spends his days reading old cases and researching immigration law, battling a deportation order to return him to a country he has never known as an adult. They got offices full of attorneys, and I am just here by myself, searching the Internet, trying to figure it out, he said. Freedom has been bittersweet, he said. Some days are filled with dread. In a sense, I feel like I am being double punished, he said. Phal Sok, 35, left, rides the Metro Blue Line train in Los Angeles to visit with his brother in Long Beach. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com Twitter: @jazmineulloa ALSO State Senate committee votes in favor of funding legal aid for immigrants in California facing deportation Trump administration clears the way for far more deportations First of several immigrant protection bills clears state Senate Public Safety Committee Bill to provide immigration law resources for public defenders across California is advanced by Assembly committee Updates on California politics UPDATES: 11:06 a.m.: This article was updated to include a new cost estimate for the legal immigrant defense program. This article was originally published at 12:00 a.m. Adam Schiff views documents White House says back Trump surveillance claim By Michael A. Memoli (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) traveled to the White House Friday to view documents President Trump has said partially vindicate his claim that his predecessor ordered surveillance of him during the campaign. In a statement, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said he was told they were precisely the same materials viewed previously by the committees chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), which Schiff said should now be shared with the full panel membership. Nothing I could see today warranted a departure from the normal review procedures, Schiff said, adding that he could not discuss the contents of the documents, which remain classified. Nunes was shown the documents last week by White House officials surreptitiously, then announced to reporters the next day that he needed urgently to go to the White House to brief Trump about them. Schiff, in his statement, said that the White House has yet to explain why senior White House staff apparently shared these materials with but one member of either [Intelligence] committee, only for their contents to be briefed back to the White House. Schiff also had a brief but cordial meeting with Trump during his time at the White House, a spokesman said. White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters earlier Friday that other Democrats have been invited to the White House to view the materials, which he said would shed light on their investigation. Both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees are conducting separate reviews of Russian interference into the 2016 election; Trump has asked each panel to also probe his own claim that his predecessor engaged in wire tapping of his phones at Trump Tower during the campaign, an assertion that has been denied by Nunes as well as the heads of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mnuchin regrets plugging The Lego Batman Movie, pledges to exercise greater caution in the future By Jim Puzzanghera Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Friday told a top government ethics official he should not have publicly plugged The Lego Batman Movie a film in which he has a financial stake and promised to exercise greater caution in the future. I take very seriously my ethical responsibilities as a presidential appointee and the head of the Department of the Treasury, Mnuchin wrote to Walter Shaub, director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics. On Monday, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) asked Shaub to determine whether Mnuchin had committed an ethics violation last week when he discussed the movie during an event hosted by the Axios news website that aired on C-SPAN2. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Adam Schiff says its too early to consider an immunity deal for Michael Flynn By Associated Press The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says its too early to consider an immunity deal for President Trumps former national security advisor. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) says that Michael Flynn even discussing possible immunity in exchange for protection from prosecution is a grave and momentous step because of the seniority of his former position. Schiff says the House Intelligence Committee is interested in hearing Flynns story, but there would have to be coordination with the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Justice Department on the terms. The House and Senate intelligence committees and the FBI are investigating Russias meddling in the 2016 election. The investigation includes scrutiny of Flynns ties with Russia. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump administration admonishes California chief justice over claim that agents are stalking immigrants By Del Quentin Wilber U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions (Mark Wilson / Getty Images) The Trump administration on Friday fired back at Californias top judge, disputing her characterization this month that federal immigration agents were stalking courthouses to make arrests. In a letter to Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, leaders of Trumps Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security objected to her description of federal agents conduct. As the chief judicial officer of the state of California, your characterization of federal law enforcement is particularly troubling, wrote Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, objecting to Cantil-Sakauyes use of the word stalking. They said agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were using courthouses to arrest immigrants in the U.S. illegally, in part, because California and some of its local jurisdictions prohibit their officials from cooperating with federal agencies in detaining such immigrants under most conditions. Sessions and Kelly told Californias top judge that she should consider taking her concerns to Gov. Jerry Brown and the cities and counties that limit local law enforcements involvement with immigration agents. Cantil-Sakauye, a former prosecutor who rose through the judicial ranks as an appointee of Republican governors, said through a spokesman that she appreciated the Trump administrations admission that they are in state courthouses making federal arrests. Making arrests at courthouses, in my view, undermines public safety because victims and witnesses will fear coming to courthouses to help enforce the law, she said Friday. She expressed disappointment that courthouses, given local and state public safety concerns, were not listed as sensitive areas offlimits to agents. Federal policy lists schools, churches and hospitals as sensitive areas. The letter from the Justice Department officials defended the arrests of immigrants at courthouses. By apprehending suspects after they have passed through security screening at courthouses, federal agents are less likely to encounter anyone who is armed, the letter said. The arrest of individuals by ICE officers and agents is predicated on investigation and targeting of specific persons who have been identified by ICE and other law enforcement agencies as subject to arrest, they wrote. Cantil-Sakauye had asked the Trump administration on March 16 to stop immigration agents from seeking immigrants at the states courthouses. Courthouses should not be used as bait in the necessary enforcement of our countrys immigration laws, she wrote in a letter to Sessions and Kelly. Her letter did not say which courthouses had been the location of such stalking, but judges and lawyers in Southern California have complained of seeing immigration agents posted near courts. She said she feared the practice would erode public trust in the state courts. Sessions and Kelly urged Cantil-Sakauye to speak to Brown and other officials who have enacted policies that occasionally necessitate ICE officers and agents to make arrests at courthouses and other public places. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Back in the spotlight, Hillary Clinton takes aim at Trumps budget By Evan Halper Hillary Clinton stepped back into the spotlight this week after laying relatively low since the election, and she had some advice for President Trump: Tear up the White House budget plan. Clinton was at the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security to bestow an award named in her honor to Colombian leaders who helped bring an end to war in that country and elevate the role of women in the peace process. She spoke of the progress the world has made in advancing womens rights since she spoke forcefully on the issue two decades ago when the U.N. gathered world leaders to address it in Beijing. But she warned that progress is threatened by Trump. We are seeing signals of a shift that should alarm us all, Clinton said. This administrations proposed cuts to international health, development and diplomacy would be a blow to women and children and a grave mistake for our country. Clinton then raised the letter signed by 120 former generals and admirals beseeching the Trump administration not to make the cuts. These distinguished men and women who have served in uniform recognize that turning our back on diplomacy wont make our country safer. It will undermine our security and our standing in the world. A lot has changed since Clinton was on the campaign trail, but some things about her style on the stump havent. She pulled out a favorite line from last year as she began to talk about a study that backed up her point about the damage Trumps budget plan could do. Here I go again, Clinton said to whooping and cheering from an audience of mostly female students, talking about research evidence and facts. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Seeking a way forward, Trump increasingly finds himself at odds with his own party By Michael A. Memoli (Evan Vucci / Associated Press ) President Trump won his office in spite of the best efforts of some in his party. Now, the tenuous nature of the bonds between Trump and the GOP are increasingly on public display as the president openly feuds with conservatives and White House officials debate whether to reach out to Democrats in order to restart his domestic agenda. The latest and strongest evidence came Thursday as Trump escalated his political battle against the members of the House Freedom Caucus, the conservative lawmakers who helped block the healthcare bill he backed. Early in the morning, he said on Twitter that the caucus would hurt the entire Republican agenda if they dont get on the team. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018! he added. It was an extraordinary message, suggesting that Trump might try to back challengers in primaries against lawmakers of his own party something few presidents have tried, none with much success. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Tillerson tells NATO allies to pay more, do more to fight terrorism By Catherine Stupp Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday promised NATO allies that the United States will stand by their side but also expected them to spend more on defense and do more to fight terrorism. Tillerson participated in a day of discussions with foreign ministers from the 27 other NATO member nations, his first with the full roster of allies, who were sent scrambling last week to accommodate the top U.S. diplomat after he said he could not attend the meeting originally planned for early April. The United States is committed to ensuring NATO has the capabilities to support our collective defense. We understand that a threat against one of us is a threat against all of us, Tillerson said. But, he added, as President Trump has made clear, it is no longer sustainable for the U.S. to maintain a disproportionate share of NATOs defense expenditures. The United States is amping up pressure on NATO members to increase their defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product, in line with a 2014 agreement among the alliances 28 member countries to meet the target by 2024. Only five NATO countries meet the 2% threshold. The U.S. spends 3.61% of its GDP on defense, more than any other member of the alliance. Tillerson said that if countries have not met the 2% spending goal by the end of the year, they should at least have a concrete plan that clearly articulates how, with annual milestone progress commitments, the pledge will be fulfilled. Pressure to meet that strict deadline is likely to upset some allies. German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel told reporters before Fridays meeting that he thinks it would be completely unrealistic for Germany to bring its military defense spending up to 2% of GDP. I dont know any politician in Germany who thinks that this would be reachable or desirable, Gabriel said. Germany is increasing its military spending this year to $39 billion, or 1.2% of its GDP. Gabriel rejected the Trump administrations focus on military expenditures, arguing that humanitarian aid and Germanys spending to take in refugees should be considered part of the defense budget. Tillerson also called on allies to take a greater role in the fight against terrorism. NATO can and should do more, he said. Fighting terrorism is the top national security priority for the United States, as it should be for all of us. Tillersons earlier announcement that he would skip the meeting struck a nerve among the alliance members, coming at a sensitive time when tensions between the Trump administration and NATO allies have soared. The schedule change caused an awkward protocol shuffle, with a handful of foreign ministers unable to make it to Brussels. What was supposed to be a two-day meeting was compressed into half of a day. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg tried to cast optimism on the last-minute schedule change, calling it a sign of the strong transatlantic unity and flexibility of our alliance that we were able to find a date. The foreign ministers meeting is crucial because it lays the groundwork for a NATO summit with heads of state in May, which will be President Trumps first overseas trip since taking office. Tillersons day of talks at NATO headquarters in Brussels follows visits from Defense Secretary James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence, who attempted to dispel fears that the Trump administration will seek to loosen ties with the alliance. Trump called NATO obsolete in an interview published days before his inauguration. He later insisted, during German Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to the White House earlier this month, that the U.S. will maintain its strong commitment to the alliance. Tillerson arrived in Brussels on Friday morning after meeting Thursday in Ankara, Turkey, with that countrys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu to discuss terrorism and Syria, though the leaders failed to reach an agreement on how to combat Islamic State. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump weighs in on Michael Flynns request for immunity President Trumps former national security advisor, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, is seeking immunity from prosecution in return for testifying to the House and Senate intelligence committees, a congressional aide said. The development was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Gen. Flynn certainly had a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit, his lawyer, Robert Kelner, said in a statement. No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances from unfair prosecution. On Friday morning, Trump tweeted his support for Flynns request. Flynn was ousted as Trumps national security advisor last month after news reports disclosed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about phone conversations with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S. The calls were picked up by U.S. surveillance targeting the Russian envoy, and a description of the contents was leaked to the Washington Post after the Justice Department warned the White House that Flynn could be subject to blackmail. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former national security advisor Michael Flynn seeks immunity By David S. Cloud President Trumps former national security advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, has been seeking immunity from prosecution in return for testifying to the House and Senate intelligence committees, a congressional official confirmed Thursday. The negotiations were first reported by the Wall Street Journal. In a statement, Flynns lawyer, Robert Kelner, said Gen. Flynn certainly had a story to tell and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit. No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances from unfair prosecution. Trump fired Flynn three weeks into the new administration after news reports disclosed that he had lied to White House colleagues, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the U.S. In December, Flynn had telephone conversations with Kislyak in which he discussed sanctions that the Obama administration had recently imposed on Russia to punish Moscow for its interference in the 2016 presidential election. Flynn denied to Pence and other officials that he had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak. So far, the committees, which are investigating Russian interference and whether anyone close to Trump colluded with Moscow, have not taken Flynn up on his offer, the Journal reported. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump administration appeals Hawaii judges order against travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem The Department of Justice has appealed a Hawaii court order that brought President Trumps travel ban to a national halt. The government has argued that the president was well within his authority to restrict travel from six Muslim-majority countries and put a pause on refugee resettlement. The appeal Thursday to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals came a day after U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu refused to dismiss his temporary block of the travel ban that he issued on March 15. With the appeal, the government is now fighting to reinstate the travel ban in two appeals courts on opposite ends of the country. That increases the likelihood that one of the cases will make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice appealed a Maryland district judges order against the travel ban to the U.S. 4th District Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. Both rulings in Hawaii and Maryland said Trumps executive order discriminated against Muslims. Watson and U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland cited Trumps campaign promises to suspend Muslim travel to the U.S. as proof of his orders anti-Muslim bias. The Hawaii ruling is broader than the Maryland one. It blocks a 90-day pause on travel to the U.S. from nationals of six majority-Muslim countries and a 120-day moratorium on new refugee resettlement. The Maryland ruling only halted the ban on travel into the U.S. by citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over nine Western states, is the same court where a panel of three judges denied a government request last month to reverse ruling against the first travel ban by a federal judge in Washington state. Trump, in turn, lambasted the bad court and signed a new executive order on travel on March 6 that was modified in an attempt to survive court challenges. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate heads for nuclear option if Democrats filibuster Gorsuch nomination By Lisa Mascaro One of the Senates most serious jobs confirming the presidents choice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court has devolved into a game of political chicken. Senators are heading toward an institution-defining showdown next week as Democrats promise to try to block President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, with a filibuster, a rarely seen maneuver for high court appointments. Republicans are threatening to respond by changing long-standing Senate rules to circumvent the 60 votes that would be needed to overcome a filibuster. Instead they would allow confirmation with a simple majority. The outcome has the potential to not only shape the future of the Supreme Court which has been without a full bench since the sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia last year it also could crush one final vestige of bipartisanship in the Senate, altering the upper chamber for years to come. The battle over the Supreme Court seat was always expected to be a partisan affair in todays heated political climate. But the polemics intensified after the Republican majority denied President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, a confirmation hearing ahead of last years presidential election. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Scalias seat has been vacant longer than any Supreme Court justices in nearly 50 years By Colleen Shalby (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Its been more than 400 days since Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias death left his seat vacant. With Republicans having blocked a vote on then-President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, and with Senate Democrats now making plans to filibuster President Trumps nominee, Judge Neil M. Gorsuch, it could take even longer to replace Scalia. Its not unheard of for a justices seat to remain empty for a considerable amount of time. Pew Research Center did the math and found that the longest gap was 841 days, in the mid-1840s, from the time of Henry Baldwins death to his replacement Robert Griers confirmation. But the last time in recent history that a vacancys duration in this range occurred was after Abe Fortas resigned in 1969. It took 391 days to fill that seat, an interval that ended in 1970 when Harry Blackmun the justice who authored the courts landmark opinion in Roe vs. Wade was confirmed. Blackmun was President Nixons third pick to fill that seat. The second-longest vacancy in recent years occurred in 1988. It took 237 days to fill Lewis Powells seat after he retired, with Anthony Kennedy succeeding him. Its been 58 days and counting since Trump nominated Gorsuch. Heres how his waiting time from nomination to confirmation stacks up against the current justices: Elena Kagan: 87 days Sonia Sotomayor: 66 days Samuel A. Alito Jr.: 82 days John G. Roberts Jr.: 23 days Stephen G. Breyer: 73 days Ruth Bader Ginsburg: 50 days Clarence Thomas: 99 days Anthony M. Kennedy: 65 days If Gorsuch is confirmed soon, he wont start considering cases until the courts new term in October. And if hes not confirmed? Trump would nominate another successor to Scalia theres no limit on how many times he can do that. Until Scalias seat is filled, lower courts decisions serve as tie-breakers. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Sens. Manchin and Heitkamp become first Democrats to announce support for Gorsuch By David Savage Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota became the first Democrats to say they will vote for Judge Neil Gorsuch and not support the effort to filibuster his confirmation to the Supreme Court. Their announcements came as no surprise. Both are centrists who have to run for reelection next year in states that voted overwhelmingly for Trump. After considering his record, watching his testimony in front of the Judiciary Committee and meeting with him twice, I will vote to confirm him to be the ninth justice on the Supreme Court, Manchin said. I have found him to be an honest and thoughtful man.... I have not found any reasons why this jurist should not be a Supreme Court justice. Heitkamp said she was impressed with Gorsuchs record as a judge. This vote does not diminish how disturbed I am by what the Republicans did to Judge [Merrick] Garland, referring to the GOP-led Senates refusal last year to consider President Obamas choice to fill the seat of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. But I was taught that two wrongs dont make a right, she said. The Republican majority in the Senate needs six more Democrats to join with them if they hope to stop the expected filibuster of President Trumps Supreme Court nominee. It takes 60 votes to end the debate under the Senates current rules. But the 52 Republicans may vote to simply eliminate this requirement if the Democrats stand firm against Gorsuch. On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve Gorsuch on a party line vote and send the nomination to the Senate floor. A final vote is expected April 7. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House invites lawmakers to see intelligence material after New York Times report By Noah Bierman The White House has invited House and Senate intelligence committee chairs to review documents that it says were recently discovered by national security staff that could help determine whether information gathered about American citizens was mishandled. White House spokesman Sean Spicer would not say whether these are the same documents that Rep. Devin Nunes, the Tulare Republican who chairs the House intelligence committee, said he reviewed last week. Nunes has refused to identify his sources. Some saw his disclosure as an attempt to give credence to President Trumps widely refuted claim that President Obama had ordered wiretaps on his phone during the campaign. Nunes said the material he reviewed suggested that intelligence agencies had incidentally collected information about Trump or his associates. He has declined to be more specific or share the information with the committee. But the New York Times reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources, that two White House officials helped Nunes get access to the documents. And now the same information may be provided to other members of the Intelligence committee. In a letter to the bipartisan group of intelligence leaders sent Thursday, White House Counsel Donald McGhan said administration lawyers would supervise the review given the sensitivity of the documents to protect the extremely sensitive intelligence sources and methods. The letter calls on the committee to investigate the possibility that classified information was inappropriately gathered and handled and whether civil liberties of American citizens were violated. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters that he welcomed the chance to review the materials, though he said he would be obligated to share them with the rest of his committee. More troubling to Schiff, he said, was the cloak and dagger stuff and circuitous route that the White House national security staff appears to have used to disseminate the materials in that secret meeting with Nunes. Schiff said White House staff may have been trying to launder information through the committee, rather than simply providing it directly to the president. If that was designed to hide the origin of the materials, that raises profound questions about just what the White House is doing, Schiff said. We need to get to the bottom of whether this was some sort of stratagem by the White House. In a letter to McGhan, Schiff said answering the White Houses questions would require asking intelligence agencies how the information in the documents was gathered. I hope you will confirm to the committee whether these materials are the same as those first shared with Nunes, Schiff wrote. 2:11: This story was updated with staff reporting Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps team: A network of ties to Russia By Angelica Quintero The FBI is investigating possible coordination between people associated with the Trump campaign and Russian authorities during the 2016 election. The U.S. intelligence community has said it is confident that the Russian government directed hacking operations and intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. Take a look at how some high-profile people have been drawn into the investigation. See the graphic Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former RNC official is first to depart senior West Wing staff By Michael A. Memoli A former top Republican National Committee official and ally of White House chief of staff Reince Priebus will depart her West Wing post in the first significant shake-up of President Trumps senior staff. Politico first reported that Katie Walsh, the deputy White House chief of staff, will leave to take on an advisory position with political groups that were formed to support the presidents agenda from the outside. Walsh had served as chief of staff at the RNC when Priebus was party chair. At the White House, she served in a similar capacity under Priebus, tasked with overseeing the senior staff and the scheduling operation. Though White House officials denied the move was a signal of disharmony within the senior ranks, her departure spoke to issues dogging the new administration a top-heavy operation in the West Wing and also the inability of the president to sustain the kind of grassroots support for his agenda that proved key to his electoral win. It was abundantly clear we didnt have air cover when it came to the calls coming into lawmakers, and nobody can fix this problem like Katie Walsh, Priebus told reporters later, according to Time. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Putin: Read my lips, there was no Russian meddling in U.S. vote By Ann M. Simmons Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia, on Thursday. (Sergei Karpukhim / AFP/Getty Images) Calling the accusations lies, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denied that Moscow meddled in last years U.S. elections. Read my lips, no, Putin said during a panel moderated by CNBC, according to a report on the news agencys website. All those things are fictional, illusory and provocations, lies, the Russian president said. All these are used for domestic American political agendas. The anti-Russian card is played by different political forces inside the United States to trade on that and consolidate their positions inside. Putins comments came as the Senate Intelligence Committee was set to begin a hearing entitled Disinformation: A Primer in Russian Active Measures and Influence Campaigns, which will focus on understanding the method of Russias active disinformation campaign and assess the extent of Moscows interference. FBI Director James Comey confirmed earlier this month that his agency was investigating Russias intrusion into the 2016 poll and whether there was any collusion between Moscow and President Trumps campaign. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump levels extraordinary threat against GOP conservatives; Ryan says he understands presidents frustration By Noah Bierman House Speaker Paul D. Ryan commiserated with President Trump Thursday after the president launched a Twitter assault on the group of rebellious Republicans known as the Freedom Caucus. I understand the frustration, I share the frustration, Ryan told reporters Thursday, when asked to respond to Trumps threat to campaign against fellow Republicans. Freedom Caucus members, who back limited government and have defined themselves in opposition to the Washington establishment, have been a major headache for GOP leaders. Ever since the Republicans took control of the House in 2010, conservative refusal to back key bills to fund government agencies has forced GOP leaders to negotiate with Democrats for the votes they need. Freedom Caucus members helped lead the charge against former Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio). The caucus was blamed by many Republicans last week for torpedoing the leaderships plan, backed by Trump, to make significant changes to Obamacare. Still, Trumps threat to fight them in the 2018 elections was an extraordinary step. Trump had previously made electoral threats against wayward members of his party, but Thursdays tweet was especially direct, threatening to treat them the same way as Democrats. The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don't get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 30, 2017 Freedom Caucus members have begun pushing back aggressively. A spokeswoman for the group argued on Twitter that Trump did not have his facts right and that Republican moderates were equally responsible for sinking the healthcare bill. View Twitter post Finding Trump supporters to challenge Republicans in a primary would be hard and could further thrust the GOP into civil war. Trump, despite low poll numbers nationally, remains popular in core Republican districts. Many members of Congress, however, ran ahead of him in their districts in the last election. The president has also suggested he might be open to cutting deals with Democrats, something the White House has discussed but not followed through on. That would also be difficult, given the rancor on the left. Ryan said Thursday that the best path is for Republicans to come together on healthcare and other issues About 90% of our conference is for this bill to repeal and replace Obamcare, and about 10% are not. And thats not enough to pass a bill, he said. What I am encouraging our members to do is to keep talking with each other until we can get the consensus to pass this bill. But its very understandable that the president is frustrated that we havent gotten to where we need to go, because this is something that we all said we would do. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pence casts tie-breaking vote to advance bill that would let states withhold federal funds from Planned Parenthood By Lisa Mascaro Republicans needed Vice President Mike Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote Thursday in the Senate to advance legislation that rolls back rules preventing states from withholding certain federal funds to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. With opposition from two Republican women, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Republicans did not have enough votes with their slim 52-seat majority to advance the bill. Pence, a longtime opponent of abortion, arrived to cast the vote breaking the 50-50 tie and will be expected to do so later Thursday on final passage. We just saw a historic moment, said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) It is a sad day for the United States Senate. The measure rolls back a regulation finalized at the end of President Obamas administration that explicitly prevented states from denying federal Title X family planning funds to clinics, like Planned Parenthood, that also provide abortion services. Under longstanding practice, no federal funds can be used for abortions, but federal family planning money can flow to the clinics to provide other healthcare services. Some Republican-led state governments had been moving in recent years to choke off Title X funds from any clinics that offered abortion service. The Obama rule sought to prohibit such practices. The bill Thursday, sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), has already cleared the House. It is part of a series of bills being passed by Congress under the so-called Congressional Review Act, which allows federal regulations put in place during the final days of the previous administration to be undone by simple majority passage. Passage by the Senate later Thursday would send it to the White House for President Trumps signature. Busy day in D.C., but always happy to make time to meet visitors touring the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/4q6JG8wP0E Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) March 30, 2017 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate committee narrowly approves Acostas nomination to be Labor secretary By Jim Puzzanghera (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP) A Senate committee on Thursday narrowly approved R. Alexander Acosta to be Labor secretary, moving to fill one of President Trumps few remaining vacant Cabinet posts. The nomination of Acosta, a law school dean and former Justice Department official, was approved by a 12-11 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. All of the panels Republicans supported the nomination; all of the Democrats were opposed. If confirmed in a full Senate vote, which is expected soon, Acosta will be the only Latino in Trumps Cabinet. A date for the final vote hasnt been set. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Follow the money and the trail of dead Russians, expert urges senators By Del Quentin Wilber (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Senate Intelligence Committee hearing Thursday into Russian efforts to influence the November elections has been a long history lesson, tracing Moscows decades-long efforts to use misinformation to undermine democracies. But Clinton Watts, of the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University, provided a roadmap to better understanding the Kremlins efforts. He urged senators and the U.S. government to follow the money to figure out how misinformation websites and social media outlets are being funded. While the Russians conducted their hacking in the Internets shadows, their efforts to influence the election was hardly a secret, he said. You can hack stuff and be covert, but you cant influence and be covert, he said. You have to ultimately show your hand. And thats why we have been able to discover it online. The second way to trace Russian influence was more ominous: Follow the trail of dead Russians, he said. There have been more dead Russians in the past three months that are tied to this investigation, he added. They are dropping dead, even in Western countries. Watts didnt finish the thought but was likely referring to a spate of deaths of high-profile Russians, some of which appeared to be assassinations although others appear to have been from natural causes. With the daytime execution of a Russian politician in Ukraine last week, at least eight Russian politicians, activists, ambassadors and a former intelligence official have died since the U.S. election. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russia has stepped up efforts to influence elections, experts tell Senate panel By David S. Cloud (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) Moscow has stepped up its interference in U.S. and European elections, using social media, hacking and other tools to undermine public confidence and to raise doubts about the U.S as an ally, Russia experts told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. The committee was taking testimony from experts in Russian propaganda and intelligence operations as part of its investigation into Moscows meddling in the 2016 election. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the panel, emphasized that in addition to examining the broad topic of Russian efforts to influence the election, the panel also must seek to answer whether President Trumps campaign had contact with Russian officials last year, noting the the FBI has opened its own probe. I will not prejudge the outcome of our investigation. We are seeking to determine if there is an actual fire, but there is clearly a lot of smoke, Warner said. Dr. Eugene Rumer, Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the panel that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably viewed Moscows meddling in the U.S. election as an unqualified success. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Tillerson meets Turkish officials to seek support for battle against Islamic State in Syria By Umar Farooq Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday met for more than two hours with Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as they hoped to shore up troubled relations between their nations. Making his first trip to Turkey, Tillerson became the highest-ranking Trump administration official to hold a face-to-face session with Erdogan, an increasingly authoritarian leader who is also a NATO member and key ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria. The meeting went longer than planned. Turkey and the United States disagree sharply on how to combat Islamic State: Washington supports Kurdish militias that Erdogan regards as an arm of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Turkey and the U.S. consider a terrorist organization. Trying to fight against Daesh through terrorist organizations such as ... extensions of the PKK, would be like shooting yourself in the foot, Erdogans senior advisor, Ibrahim Kalin, said ahead of Thursdays meeting. Daesh is a pejorative Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Hawaii judge extends national halt on Trumps travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem Donald Trump in San Diego in May. (John Gastaldo / San Diego Union-Tribune)) The Hawaii federal judge who brought President Trumps revised travel ban to a national halt this month extended his order blocking the bans enforcement. The move Wednesday sets the stage for the Justice Department to appeal to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse the ruling. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watsons original order halting the travel ban was issued March 15, a day before the ban was to go into effect, in the form of a temporary restraining order. At a hearing in Honolulu on Wednesday, federal lawyers asked Watson to either dismiss that order or narrow the restrictions to apply to fewer parts of the travel ban. Instead, Watson said he would turn the order into a preliminary injunction, which has the effect of extending his order blocking the travel ban for a longer period. Watson said he would keep intact the restrictions on the travel ban -- a block of its 90-day moratorium on travel to the U.S. from nationals of six majority-Muslim countries and its 120-day pause on new refugee resettlement. If the Justice Department appeals the case, it will be heard in the same court that upheld a national halt to Trumps first travel ban last month after a Seattle federal judge ruled against it. The administration has already appealed to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals a Maryland judges more limited March 16 ruling that stopped enforcement of the travel orders country-specific ban. Both the Hawaii and Maryland judges found Trumps executive order to discriminate against Muslims. They used the presidents campaign statements promising to suspend Muslim travel to the U.S. as evidence of the orders anti-Muslim bias. Government lawyers have argued that the president is not singling out Muslims but instead acting within his power to restrict immigration and safeguard national security while better vetting procedures are developed to prevent potential terrorists from entering the U.S. Trump has said hell take the case over the travel ban to the U.S. Supreme Court. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ivanka Trump gets formal White House role, with ethics obligations but no pay By Michael A. Memoli (Brendan Smialowski / AFP-Getty Images) Ivanka Trump is taking on a more formal White House role with a title but not a paycheck a move intended to quell ethics concerns raised about her status in her fathers administration. In a statement, the White House noted that the presidents elder daughter already had an unprecedented role in the administration different from that of previous presidential children. She now will take the title of special advisor to the president, and therefore assume the same responsibility to abide by ethics standards that other federal employees have, the statement said. The decision demonstrates the administrations commitment to ethics, transparency and compliance, the administration said. Although Ivanka Trump already had a West Wing office as does her husband, senior advisor Jared Kushner she now will have increased opportunities to lead initiatives driving real policy benefits for the American public that would not have been available to her previously, a White House spokesman said. The announcement came on a day when President Trump sought to promote his administrations commitment to empowering women. He delivered remarks at an East Room event that included other top women in his Cabinet, including U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Small Business Administration head Linda McMahon. Ivanka Trump held a roundtable with female business owners earlier, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said. Earlier Wednesday, leading Senate Democrats sent a letter to the Office of Government Ethics raising concerns about the increasing, albeit unspecified position Ivanka Trump had held and the potential conflicts of interest that her government position might trigger with her personal businesses, including a retail clothing brand. The letter from Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) asked the agency whether Trump would be required to divest herself of personal assets or if she could be required to recuse herself from certain functions. Trumps new position was first reported by the New York Times. In a statement to the paper, Trump said she was acting in response to ethics concerns, but noted she already had been voluntarily complying with all ethics rules. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russia inquiry one of the biggest congressional probes in decade, senators say By David Lauter Sens. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, and Mark Warner (D-Va.). (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) The Senate Intelligence Committees probe into Russian involvement in the 2016 U.S. presidential election will be one of the biggest investigations in years and has already involved an unprecedented level of cooperation between Congress and U.S. spy agencies, the panels chairman said Wednesday. At a Capitol Hill news conference, the committee chairman, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, and its ranking Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the panels efforts, drawing a determined, though unstated, contrast with the partisan dysfunction of a parallel investigation in the House. The committee will go wherever the intelligence leads us, Burr said. And he pointedly refused to endorse White House statements that investigators inevitably will find that there was no collusion between President Trumps campaign and the Russians. It would be crazy to try to draw any conclusions at this point, Burr said. We know that our challenge is to answer that question to the American people, Burr said, referring to the issue of Trumps involvement. Warner said he had confidence in Richard Burr to run a fair investigation and produce a bipartisan conclusion. Warner said Americans should not lose sight of what the investigation is about: An outside foreign adversary effectively tried to hijack the election and favor one candidate over the other. They didnt do it because it was in the best interest of the American people, he said. "[Russian President] Vladimir Putins goal is a weaker United States. The Russian action should be a concern of all Americans regardless of party affiliation, he added. The committee staff already has reviewed thousands of pages of intelligence documents and has begun scheduling interviews with a list of 20 preliminary witnesses, who will be questioned in private before the panel holds public hearings, Burr said. He strongly implied that one of the potential witnesses is retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who was fired from his post as national security advisor to Trump after the disclosure that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and others about his contacts with Russias ambassador to the U.S. You would think less of us if the committee had not talked with Flynn, Burr told reporters. The witnesses, including Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and advisor, will be questioned when the committee is ready, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Department watchdog finds DEA cash seizure program may pose risk to civil liberties By Del Quentin Wilber A Ukiah, Calif., police officer works with a dog to search for drugs or cash in a motorists car on May 14, 2014. (Francine Orr/ Los Angeles Times) The way the Drug Enforcement Administration seizes cash and other assets may pose a risk to civil liberties, the Justice Departments internal watchdog reported Wednesday. The Justice Departments inspector general also determined that the agency does not measure or track how its asset seizure activities advance criminal investigations. Over the last decade, more than $28 billion has been seized through the departments asset forfeiture program. The effort and others in states have generated intense controversy in recent years, with critics contending that many seizures are unfair because some who lose their assets are never charged with crimes. Law enforcement officials, however, say that seizing property and cash is a key tool in disrupting criminal organizations and compensating the victims of crimes. Former Atty. Gen. Eric Holder in 2015 limited how state and local authorities can obtain seized funds by working with federal agents. In its report released Wednesday, the inspector general examined 100 cases in which the DEA seized cash. Eighty-five of the cases involved interdiction at transportation hubs, such as airports or parcel centers. Nearly 80 of those seizures resulted from the direct observation of agents or local police. The inspector general and the Justice Department have raised concerns in the past about such stops and searches, in part, due to the potential for racial profiling. Of the 100 cases, the DEA could verify that only 44 advanced ongoing investigations, led to a new investigation, or resulted in an arrest or prosecution, the inspector general found. When seizure and administrative forfeitures do not ultimately advance an investigation or prosecution, law enforcement creates the appearance, and risks the reality, that it is more interested in seizing and forfeiting cash than advancing an investigation or prosecution, the report said. The inspector general also found that the Justice Department does not provide enough training or require state and local officers working on federal task forces to be trained on asset forfeiture policies. The Justice Department responded in a letter to the inspector general that its analysis was flawed and its sample significantly underreported the amount of seized funds that are ultimately returned. In a statement, Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said, Asset forfeiture is a powerful and effective law enforcement tool, allowing the department to compensate victims, deprive criminals of the proceeds of their crimes, remove the tools of crime from criminal organizations, and deter crime. The department believes that the ongoing public debate about asset forfeiture is healthy, she added, but as outlined in our formal response, we strongly disagree with large swaths of this report and its flawed methodology that failed to address the essential role asset forfeiture plays combating some of the most sophisticated criminal actors and organizations, including terrorist financiers, cyber criminals, fraudsters, human traffickers, and drug cartels. 9:23 a.m.: This story was updated with Justice Department comment. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Hoax. Con job. Chinese plot. Trump tweets have bashed climate science for years By Michael Finnegan President Trump signs an executive order Tuesday to rescind Obama administration policies on climate change. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) As President Trump moved to halt federal efforts against global warming on Tuesday, he avoided an important phrase: climate change. It was the same story during his campaign for president; Trump rarely mentioned it. When he pledged in May to withdraw the United States from the Paris treaty, a pact among nearly every nation on Earth to reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming, it was one of the few occasions when Trump broached the topic. Trumps muted approach made political sense. To reject science is to risk alienating millions of moderate voters who support action to stop global warming. But before Trump started running for president, he often bluntly attacked climate science. Some highlights from his Twitter feed: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court rules in favor of merchants who want to advertise credit card fees By David Savage Supreme Court rules on swipe fees (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)) Merchants may soon have the right to tell customers that they will pay a surcharge if they use a credit card rather than pay with cash. The Supreme Court cast doubt Wednesday on laws in California, New York, Florida and seven other states that make it illegal for sellers to impose a surcharge on credit card sales. In a 8-0 decision, the justices said these laws regulate speech and may be challenged as violations of the 1st Amendment. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said these laws do not prevent merchants from offering a discount for those who pay cash. Rather, they simply forbid disclosing that a posted price includes a surcharge of 2% to 3% for using a credit or debit card. Merchants want to pass the fees along only to their customers who choose to use credit cards, he said. They also want to make clear that they are not the bad guys -- that the credit card companies, not the merchants, are responsible for the higher prices. But the ruling Wednesday was only a partial victory for the five New York businesses, including a hair salon and an ice cream parlor in Brooklyn, that sued to challenge the ban on advertising or disclosing surcharges for using credit cards. The U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York had upheld the law on the grounds it was a price regulation, not a speech restriction. Roberts and the high court disagreed. What the law does is regulate how sellers may communicate their prices, he said. A merchant who wants to charge $10 for cash and $10.30 for credit may not convey that price any way he pleases. He is not free to say '$10, with a 3% credit card surcharge. But the justices did not strike down the state laws, instead sending the case back to the New York court to decide whether this speech regulation could be justified. Sometimes, laws are used to regulate the words of commercial transactions to prevent buyers from being fooled or confused. Until recently, the major credit card companies had imposed contract restrictions that prevented merchants from disclosing surcharges. But those provisions have challenged and knocked down. That in turn led to new legal challenges against the state laws which forbid sellers from disclosing these surcharges. The case decided Wednesday was Expressions Hair Design vs. Schneiderman. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps poll numbers are low. But the people who put him in office say its not time to judge him yet By Noah Bierman Its been five months since the euphoria of a Donald Trump rally at the local arena brought optimism to this former Democratic stronghold. The snow from a long winter has begun melting into the rocky soil, and the digital sign in a torn-up parking lot blinks hopefully: Warm days are coming. President Trump has yet to deliver jobs or the repeal of Obamacare. But here, in an area crucial to his unexpected election victory, many residents are more frustrated with what they see as obstruction and a rush to judgment than they are with Trump. Give him six months to prove himself, said an information technology supervisor. Give him a year, said a service manager. Give him four years, said a retired print shop owner. Give the man a chance, said Crystal Matthews, a 59-year-old hospital employee. Theyre just going to fight him tooth and nail, the whole way. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print To fight womans defamation claim, Trump cites the Bill Clinton-Paula Jones case which the president lost By David Savage President Trump is citing Bill Clintons famous sexual harassment battle in his effort to block a California womans lawsuit claiming Trump lied about groping her in the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2007. Problem is, Clinton lost that bid for legal immunity when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 1997 that the chief executive is not shielded from responding to a civil suit regarding his private behavior. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement House sends Trump bill to kill landmark broadband privacy regulations By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sponsored the repeal bill. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The House voted Tuesday to kill landmark privacy restrictions for Internet service providers and sent the bill to the White House, which indicated President Trump would sign it and invalidate the rules before they go into effect. The measure, approved largely along party lines, repeals tough new Federal Communications Commission regulations that would require broadband companies to get explicit customer permission before using or sharing most of their personal information. The data include health information, website browsing history, app usage and the geographic information from mobile devices. The rules also tighten data security requirements. Republicans, along with AT&T Inc., Charter Communications Inc., Comcast Corp. and other providers of high-speed Internet service, strongly opposed the rules. They argued that the restrictions are tougher than those for websites and social networks that also collect and use the highly valuable consumer data, which companies use to target advertising. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print U.S. commander says theres a fair chance that coalition airstrike is responsible for civilian casualties in Mosul By W.J. Hennigan Rescuers are still recovering bodies from a suspected U.S. airstrike in the Iraqi city of Mosul. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) The top U.S. general commanding the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria said that the U.S.-led coalition was probably responsible for a blast that killed more than 200 people. If we did it, and I would say theres at least a fair chance that we did, it was an unintentional accident of war and we will transparently report it to you, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend told reporters Tuesday via teleconference from Baghdad. He made the comments in response to witness reports that an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition leveled a large apartment block and killed scores of civilians, including women and children, in west Mosuls Jadidah neighborhood on March 17. My initial assessment is that we probably had a role in these casualties, Townsend said. But investigators are still trying to determine whether other factors -- possibly including repeated airstrikes in the neighborhood or an explosive device accidentally or deliberately planted near the building -- could have led to its collapse. The fact that the whole building collapsed contradicts our involvement, Townsend said. The munition that we used should not have collapsed an entire building. So thats one of those things were trying to figure out in the investigative process. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown calls Trump energy plan a colossal mistake that will galvanize climate change activists By Evan Halper Gov. Jerry Brown. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) California Gov. Jerry Brown warned that President Trump has just made a colossal mistake in gutting the federal governments effort to combat climate change, which will ignite a response Trump is unprepared to handle. It defies science itself, Brown said in a call to The Times shortly after Trump signed an executive order that aims to bring an abrupt halt to the United States leadership on global warming. Erasing climate change may take place in Donald Trumps mind, but nowhere else. Yes, there is going to be a counter-movement, Brown vowed, predicting Trumps actions will mobilize environmentalists in a way President Obama never could. I have met with many heads of state, ambassadors. This is a growing movement. President Trumps outrageous move will galvanize the contrary force. Things have been a bit tepid [in climate activism]. But this conflict, this sharpening of the contradiction, will energize those who believe climate change is an existential threat. Brown and other big-state governors and mayors are moving swiftly to fill the global leadership vacuum Trump created with Tuesdays directive, which stops short of officially pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord of 2015. I see Washington declining in influence, but the momentum being maintained by California and other states aligned with China and those who are willing to do something, said Brown, who will be traveling to China soon for meetings on climate. There is a growing activism on the part of millions of people who will not stand by and let Donald Trump effectively tear up the Paris agreement and destroy Americas climate leadership and jeopardize the health and well being of so many people. In the face of Trumps retreat on climate, Brown said California will step up its own efforts to push others toward clean energy. We are not fully meeting the challenge of climate change yet, he said. We are doubling down on our commitment. We are reaching out to other states in America and throughout the world and other countries . We have plenty of fuel to build this movement. This is real, Brown said of the threat created by climate change. The nations of the world have recognized it in Paris I will continue doing my best to work with and rouse the world community, whatever the politicians in Washington do or dont do. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump orders government to dismantle Obamas climate change policies By Evan Halper President Trump ordered an abrupt halt to Americas crusade against climate change. (March 29, 2017) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR) President Trump on Tuesday ordered the federal government to retreat from the battle against climate change launched by President Obama, issuing a directive aimed at dismantling the core policies that have made the U.S. a global leader in curbing emissions. The plan unveiled by Trump reflects an about-face for the U.S. on energy, and it puts into jeopardy the nations ability to meet the obligations it agreed to under the global warming pact signed in Paris with 194 other nations. It would shelve the landmark Clean Power Plan that mandates electricity companies reduce their emissions. It seeks to dislodge consideration of climate throughout the federal government, where it has been a factor in every relevant decision in recent years. My administration is putting an end to the war on coal, Trump said. I am taking historic steps to lift the restrictions on American energy to reverse government intrusions and to cancel job killing regulations. Under the order, the government will abandon the social cost of carbon that regulators had painstakingly calculated and begun factoring into their decision on permit applications and rulemaking. Restrictions on methane releases at oil and gas drilling facilities would be eased. Agencies will also stop contemplating climate impacts as they launch into new projects, and restrictions on coal leasing and fracking on federal lands will be lifted. The directive, for which progressive states and environmentalists have been preparing for months, is certain to set off years of litigation and conflicts between Washington and state capitols. Some of the most far-reaching policies Trump is seeking to bring to a halt cannot be canceled unilaterally and require lengthy administrative proceedings. But others he can end with the stroke of his pen. Smoke rises from the Colstrip Steam Electric Station, a coal-burning power plant in Colstrip, Mont., on July 1, 2103. (Matt Brown / Associated Press) Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A trade war is brewing inside the White House between rival camps By Don Lee Soon after President Trump took office, an executive order was quietly drafted to suspend talks with China on an obscure but potentially far-reaching treaty about bilateral investment. After eight years and two dozen rounds of negotiations, the treaty terms were almost in final form. Pulling out after so much time and effort would send a clear message that the Trump administration meant to take a new and tougher approach to China. But the executive order never even got to the presidents desk. It was quietly shelved, according to sources inside and outside the White House, at the behest of former Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn, now Trumps top economic advisor. Killing the order was a small victory for a White House faction that supports free trade and the global economy. But it was only an opening skirmish in what promises to be a long and bitter struggle over trade policy that so far is being waged behind the scenes in the Trump administration. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court reverses death sentence for Texas inmate who could not tell time or name the days of the week By David Savage The Supreme Court set aside a death sentence on Tuesday for a Texas inmate who as a 13-year-old could not tell time or name the days of the week, concluding he should not be executed in light of his mental disability. In a 5-3 decision, the justices reversed the Texas state appeals court that had restored a death sentence given to Bobby James Moore, a 57-year old prisoner who shot and killed a store clerk in a botched robbery in 1980. At issue was whether Moore had a mental disability that would make his execution cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment. The justices banned states from executing prisoners with a mental disability, but they left states some flexibility to set the standards. But three years ago, the justices faulted Florida authorities for relying almost entirely on I.Q. scores. In the Texas case decided Tuesday, the justices said state judges had ignored ample evidence that Moore had severe mental disability as a child. That evidence was not overcome by the fact that he had adapted well in prison, they said. At 13, Moore lacked the basic understanding of the days of the week, the months of the year and the seasons; he could scarcely tell time or comprehend the standards of measure, said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After failing every subject in the ninth grade, Moore dropped out of high school. Cast out of his home, he survived on the streets, eating from trash cans, even after two bouts of food poisoning. After fatally shooting the clerk in the 1980 robbery, he was sentenced to death. The Texas courts reexamined his sentence after the high court abolished capital punishment in 2002 for defendants with a mental disability. A state judge listened to experts and set aside Moores death sentence, But the states criminal appeals court disagreed. Its judges said Moore had demonstrated adaptive strength by living on the streets and carrying out a robbery, and therefore did not qualify as having a severe mental impairment. Ginsburg said the state judges had relied on an outdated understanding of mental disability, and her opinion in Moore vs. Texas said the state court must reconsidere its decision. Justices Anthony M. Kennedy, Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan agreed. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. dissented. While he agreed the states authorities may have used outdated standards, Moore had I.Q. scores ranging from 69 to 79 that show he did not have the significantly sub-average intellectual functioning that would exempt him from the death penalty. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito agreed. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The Freedom Caucus roars back to relevance to challenge Trumps agenda and strategy By Lisa Mascaro When House Speaker Paul D. Ryan pulled the plug on the GOPs Obamacare overhaul, lawmakers spilled out of the Capitol basement, angry, frustrated and stunned. But Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), leader of the conservative and rebellious House Freedom Caucus that led the fight against the bill, was uncharacteristically quiet, downplaying his political victory and mulling over the next move. After coming together to battle President Obama and becoming a driving force in the Republican Party, this 30-member-plus bloc of deficit hawks and right-flank conservatives had appeared for a while to be pushed aside by the movement that swept President Trump into office. But after helping defeat the GOP healthcare overhaul, the Freedom Caucus has roared back to relevance as a political power in the Trump era. It has reasserted itself as not just a renegade assemblage of mostly back-bench lawmakers, but as a core block of votes that Trump will need to push past the healthcare debacle to tax reform, budget battles and other issues. These guys saved the Republicans, said Adam Brandon, president of FreedomWorks, a group that organized a North Carolina rally on Monday in honor of Meadows. As beaten and battered as they are, weve got a group thats willing to take the hard decisions. If youre going to drain the swamp, these are the guys who are going to do it. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House stopped Yates testimony about Russian meddling in presidential election, lawyer says By Associated Press A lawyer for former Deputy Atty. Gen. Sally Yates said in letters last week that the Trump administration had moved to squelch her testimony in a hearing about Russian meddling in the presidential election. In the letters, attorney David ONeil said he understood the Justice Department was invoking further constraints on testimony she could provide at a House Intelligence Committee hearing that had been scheduled for Tuesday. He said the departments position was that all actions she took as deputy attorney general were client confidences that could not be disclosed without written approval. The Washington Post first reported the letters. A person familiar with the situation confirmed them as authentic to the Associated Press. The White House called the Post story entirely false. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and part of Trumps transition team, last week announced that the committee was canceling the planned public hearing with Yates and two former Obama administration intelligence officials the former director of national intelligence, James Clapper, and former CIA Director John Brennan. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Did Mnuchin cross an ethical line in plugging The Lego Batman Movie? A senator wants to know By Jim Puzzanghera (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) A Democratic senator wants to know if Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin committed an ethics violation when he publicly plugged The Lego Batman Movie, a film in which he has a financial stake. A former Hollywood financier, Mnuchin was asked at the end of a question-and-answer session on Friday hosted by the Axios news website to name a movie people should see. Well, Im not allowed to promote anything that Im involved in. So I just want to have the legal disclosure, youve asked me the question and I am not promoting any product, Mnuchin said at the event, which aired on C-SPAN2. But you should send all your kids to Lego Batman, he said. The crowd laughed. But Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, wasnt amused. Hes asking the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to look into the comments. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Venezuela hits back in showdown with OAS, U.S. over democracy By Tracy Wilkinson The Venezuelan foreign minister had harsh words Monday for the regional organization that is considering sanctioning her country for its failure to hold democratic elections. Delcy Rodriguez, the foreign minister, accused the Organization of American States of wanting not to punish Venezuela but to destroy it. Rodriguez appeared at an OAS panel convened in Washington. D.C., after the United States and 13 other of the hemispheres nations united to demand the leftist Venezuelan government free political prisoners and set a date for long-overdue elections. Failure to do so, the 14 countries warned, could trigger a decision to suspend Venezuela from the 69-year-old regional body. OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, a former Uruguayan foreign minister, has been especially critical of Venezuelas embattled government. He noted that President Nicolas Maduro canceled both a referendum that could have recalled his government and later regional elections, after the opposition made huge gains in parliamentary voting in 2015. In addition, thousands of people have been arrested for their political beliefs, Almagro said, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been in jail for three years. But Rodriguez, in a speech to the OAS panel, said Venezuelas revolution continues strong. She accused Almagro of being a stooge of the U.S. government, a lying mercenary who is a traitor to everything a Latin American diplomat should represent. He lacks independence when he voluntarily bows to the wishes of the most powerful nation of this organization -- and becomes its spokesman, Rodriguez said. Although the OAS has often been accused of pro-Washington tendencies, 13 nations in addition to the United States have joined to condemn Venezuela, a significant shift in Latin America away from populist regimes. Other leftist-ruled countries, like Bolivia, have said they will support Venezuela. Rodriguez said the accusations against her government were unilateral, unjustified and biased. She called on the OAS to suspend discussion of Venezuela, but another session was scheduled to proceed on Tuesday -- the same day Maduros Socialist Party is planning big anti-imperialism marches at home. All of the countries most critical of Venezuela, including the United States, say suspension of the oil-rich, Caribbean country from the OAS should be a measure of last resort. Despite its oil wealth, Venezuela is in the throes of an economic and humanitarian disaster, with severe shortages of food and medicine and skyrocketing inflation and homicide rates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions criticizes sanctuary cities but offers no new policies By Michael A. Memoli Decrying the safety risk posed when cities dont cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions repeated previous statements that the Trump administration would seek to deny so-called sanctuary cities some federal grant fun Decrying the safety risk posed when cities dont cooperate with federal immigration authorities, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions repeated previous statements that the Trump administration would seek to deny so-called sanctuary cities some federal grant funds, but offered no new policies. Despite his high-profile appearance at the White House briefing room, Sessions merely reiterated Obama administration policy related to immigration. Justice Department officials said any new measures would be weeks or months in the future. The Obama administration issued instructions last July that required any cities applying for Justice Department grant programs be in compliance with federal law requiring cooperation between local, state and federal agencies with requests from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Sessions noted that any jurisdiction applying for grants from his department would have to certify that compliance. The Justice Department already has been requiring that, which indicates that police and sheriff departments which currently have Justice Department grants already have been asserting that they are meeting the requirements of federal law. Although many cities have policies that they, or critics, characterize using the label sanctuary, those policies do not necessarily mean they are violating the law. Sessions did say that the Justice Department could in the future institute additional requirements, but announced none. Fundamentally, we intend to use all the lawful authority we have to make sure that our state and local officials, who are so important to law enforcement, are in sync with the federal government, he said. He did offer a warning to jurisdictions considering adopting sanctuary status. The California legislature is considering a proposal to institute the designation statewide; Sessions, though, singled out Maryland for a similar proposal. That would be such a mistake, Sessions said, while noting Marylands Republican governor opposes the change proposed by the heavily-Democratic legislature. Sessions cited a high-profile case in San Francisco where a 32-year-old woman was killed by man who had been previously deported multiple times despite a request by immigration authorities to continue his detention to illustrate the administrations case against such policies. Countless Americans would be alive today and countless loved ones would not be grieving today if these policies of sanctuary cities were ended, Sessions claimed. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Devin Nunes plot thickens, as his spokesman concedes he met source for surveillance claim at White House By David S. Cloud The day before the House Intelligence Committee chairman revealed that conversations by Trump transition officials may have been inadvertently picked up by U.S. surveillance, he met with the source of the information at the White House, his spokesman said Monday Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), went to the White House because there was a facility there for reviewing classified information, said Jack Langer, a spokesman for Nunes, who has refused to divulge the identity of his source. Chairman Nunes met with his source at the White House grounds in order to have proximity to a secure location where he could view the information provided by the source, Langer said. The latest news added another twist to a bizarre series of events last week: On Monday, FBI Director James Comey testified before Nunes committee that his investigators were looking at possible coordination during the presidential campaign between Russian officials and people close to Preisdent Trump. Tuesday night, Nunes went to the White House where someone showed him documents related to U.S. intelligence surveillance, according to his statement. On Wednesday, Nunes announced to reporters that he had seen evidence indicating that people close to Trump had been subjects of surveillance during the transition. He then went to the White House, saying that he needed to brief Trump about the revelations. On Thursday, Nunes apologized to committee members for not having shown the evidence to them before briefing the president. Later that day, his spokesman conceded that Nunes did not know for sure that any Trump aides had actually been subject to surveillance, just that their names had appeared in intelligence reports, which could have resulted from other people talking about them. That sequence of events could buttress Democrats claims that the episode last week was a White House ploy to shift attention away from the FBI investigation. Democrats already have been saying Nunes should be disqualified from heading an inquiry into whether Trumps aides had improper contacts with Russia. Nunes statement left several questions unanswered. One is why he would have had to go to the White House unless his source worked there, because members of Congress have access to a secure facility at the U.S. Capitol. Asked to explain Nunes actions, Langer said in an email, The information comprised executive branch documents that have not been provided to Congress. Because of classification rules, the source could not simply put the documents in a backpack and walk them over to the House Intelligence Committee space. He added: The White House grounds was the best location to safeguard the proper chain of custody and classification of these documents, so the Chairman could view them in a legal way. Last week, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had dismissed speculation that the White House had supplied Nunes with the information, saying that the suggestion did not pass the smell test. He added, however, that he did not for sure what Nunes had told Trump or where his information came from. After Nunes apologized to members of his committee Thursday and promised to thoroughly investigate the surveillance, several lawmakers said Nunes had promised to provide them the surveillance information he had received. That has not occurred yet. In his first statement last week, Nunes said he was concerned that some Trump transition officials identities might have been improperly revealed in intelligence reports, despite rules requiring them to be kept confidential in most cases. The Chairman is extremely concerned by the possible improper unmasking of names of U.S. citizens, and he began looking into this issue even before President Trump tweeted his assertion that Trump Tower had been wiretapped, Langer said. Whether any officials names actually were unmasked is unclear. The ranking Democrat on the committee, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) has questioned Nunes assertions about improper unmasking. But Schiff noted that he has not seen the documents Nunes claims to have seen. Schiff had no comment on the news that Nunes had seen the documents at the White House. UPDATES 10:20 a.m.: This article was updated with staff reporting. This article was originally published as an Associated Press report at 9:06 a.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Venezuela in showdown with OAS, U.S. over political prisoners By Tracy Wilkinson The besieged leftist government of Venezuela is under mounting pressure after the United States and 13 of the hemispheres other leading nations demanded the release of political prisoners and other pro-democracy concessions. The Organization of American States, the regions main collective body, has threatened to suspend Venezuela because of what it called the autocratic repression imposed by President Nicolas Maduro. Maduros foreign minister, Delcy Rodriguez, will appear Monday before an OAS panel in Washington to plead her governments case. This comes after members of the Venezuelan delegation stormed out of OAS meetings last week, according to diplomats. OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, in a report on Venezuela, noted that Maduro canceled both a referendum that could have recalled his government and later regional elections, after the opposition made huge gains in parliamentary voting in 2015. A Maduro-controlled Supreme Court then stripped the parliament of much of its power. In addition, thousands of people have been arrested for their political beliefs, Almagro said, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been in jail for three years. The OAS is demanding Venezuela hold elections or risk suspension from the group, a drastic measure. The last time a country was suspended was when the military and right-wing politicians staged a coup against the elected president in Honduras in 2009. Under OAS regulations, a country can be suspended when the democratic order is altered. Venezuela is in the throes of a devastating economic and humanitarian crisis. The oil-rich country has among the highest homicide and inflation rates in the world and suffers from severe shortages of food and medicine. The Maduro government angrily condemned the OAS actions as imperialist interference and vowed to resist. Adan Chavez, brother of the late Hugo Chavez, the socialist strongman who set Venezuela on its revolutionary path, claimed the OAS was plotting a coup against Maduro. Maduro views much of his opposition as right-wing oligarchs who have long repressed the poor. Although the OAS has often been accused of pro-Washington tendencies, it is significant that 13 nations in addition to the United States are united in condemning Venezuela. This marks a shift away from populist regimes in much of Latin America. The Trump administration, which has shown little interest in Latin America beyond Mexico, did issue instructions to diplomats to find ways through the OAS to put pressure on Venezuela, according to people familiar with the matter. Those instructions came despite parallel administration plans to slash funds to the OAS and other multilateral institutions like the United Nations. Trump recently spoke by telephone to the presidents of Chile and Brazil and in both cases discussed Venezuela, the White House said. And he met at the White House with Lilian Tintori, the wife of Lopez, the jailed opposition leader, as she lobbied for her husbands freedom. The Treasury Department earlier this year slapped sanctions on Venezuelas vice president, Tareck El Aissami, alleging he was a major drug trafficker, charges he denied. Were not pushing for Venezuelas expulsion from the OAS at this time, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said late last week. However, we do think the OAS is the appropriate venue to deal with the ongoing situation in Venezuela, he said. Elections are essential to securing accountability, and the Venezuelan people deserve a voice in creating solutions to the myriad economic, political, and social and humanitarian challenges that they face. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump takes to Twitter to blame GOP hard-liners over healthcare failure By Laura King (Mandel Ngan / AFP-Getty Images) President Trump on Sunday blamed fellow Republicans and two influential conservative advocacy groups for last weeks failure of the GOP healthcare plan. The president had said on Friday that it was the fault of Democrats that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan pulled the measure from consideration rather than putting it forth for a floor showdown that the GOP leadership would have lost. In a Sunday morning tweet, the president appeared to shift culpability to the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group of GOP lawmakers who were key to depriving Trump and his camp of the votes needed for passage. Democrats are smiling over the bills failure, Trump declared on Twitter. The Freedom Caucus, he said, had saved President Obamas Affordable Care Act with the help of Heritage Action and the Club for Growth, two organizations that had opposed the GOP measure. The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), declined to engage in any sparring with the White House, instead predicting that a Trump-led Republican effort to overhaul Obamas signature healthcare legislation eventually would move ahead. At the end of the day, the most valuable player will be President Trump, he said on ABCs This Week. Meadows also insisted there had been no conversation about any attempt to force out Ryan, who is being blamed for failing to marshal sufficient support for the measure he had spearheaded. Trump so far has refrained from public criticism of the speaker, but again on Twitter he specifically urged followers to watch a Fox News segment on Saturday night, featuring commentator Jeanine Pirro excoriating Ryan and calling for him to be ousted. That gave rise to speculation that Trump would seek to force the speaker to take the fall for the debacle. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print After the GOP healthcare bill fizzles, Trump blames the Democrats and says he learned a lot about loyalty By Brian Bennett President Trump addresses the cancellation of a vote Friday on the GOPs plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. After failing to land a deal on the healthcare bill, President Trump on Friday blamed Democrats, even though the GOP controls Congress and the White House, and made few overtures across the aisle when pushing the bill. When you get no votes from the other side -- meaning Democrats -- it is really a difficult situation, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after a revolt by Republican lawmakers forced House leaders to stop a vote in their bid to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. Trump insisted that the current healthcare law, commonly known as Obamacare, will collapse under its own weight, and then Democrats will want to make a deal with the White House. I truly believe the Democrats will come to us, Trump said. In the meantime, Trump is moving his attention to pushing through a tax reform bill, he said. We will probably be going really hard for the big tax cuts and tax reform -- thats next, he said. Trump, who has spent decades negotiating real estate deals and seeing many of them fall through, seemed sanguine discussing the effort he put into getting a healthcare reform bill passed. This was an interesting period of time, Trump said. We learned a lot about loyalty and we learned a lot about the vote-getting process. Trump stopped short of blaming House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and avoided singling out the group of conservative Republican lawmakers, who dug in their heels in opposition. Lawmakers in the House Freedom Caucus that largely stood against the bill are very good people and friends of mind, he said. I was disappointed because we could have had it, he said. Im a little surprised, he said. When asked by a reporter if he would reach out now to Democrats for ideas on how to get a deal, Trump said, No, I think we need to let Obamacare go its way for a little while. Then well see how things go. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tillerson will meet with NATO counterparts, after all By Tracy Wilkinson Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will meet with NATO allies next week in Brussels, a move that could quell controversy over his earlier decision to skip a long-planned summit of the transatlantic alliance. The State Department said Friday that Tillerson added a stop at NATO headquarters in Brussels to a previously scheduled trip to the Turkish capital of Ankara. Tillerson will be in Ankara on Thursday to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior Turkish officials to discuss the fight against Islamic State militants in Syria and to reaffirm Turkeys important role in ensuring regional stability, the State Department said. The next day, he will go to NATO, the State Department said. NATO officials were attempting to put together a session with the other 27 allied nations. Earlier this week, news that Tillerson would miss the NATO ministerial meeting set for April 5-6, roiled the alliance. Administration officials said Tillerson would have to be in Washington to attend President Trumps first face-to-face meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 6-7. At the same time, Tillersons aides announced he would be traveling to Moscow the following week. Criticism was swift from European allies but also from several former American diplomats and key U.S. lawmakers, who said the decision raised questions about the Trump administrations commitment to NATO. During his campaign, Trump called the alliance obsolete, although more recently he has voiced support for it while also demanding members spend more money on defense. In response, Tillersons aides said they were exchanging possible alternative dates with NATO to attempt to arrange a meeting in which all parties could participate. It was not yet clear if next Fridays meeting will take the place of the April 5-6 session, which as of late Friday remained on NATOs formal calendar. Diplomats considered the ministerial meeting as especially important because it will lay the groundwork for a May 25 NATO summit of heads of state and government, which Trump has said he will attend. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Charter promises Trump something new ($25-billion investment) and something old (20,000 jobs) By Jim Puzzanghera Charter Communications Chief Executive Thomas Rutledge. (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) The chief executive of Charter Communications committed in a meeting with President Trump on Friday to invest $25 billion on broadband infrastructure while joining a trend of business leaders touting previously announced job creation at the White House. In the case of Charter Southern Californias dominant cable-TV and Internet service provider Chief Executive Thomas Rutledge said he expected to hire 20,000 new U.S. employees over the next four years. Charter had made the hiring promise in 2015 when it was purchasing Time Warner Cable. The new development was the time period in which it will occur. Nevertheless, Trump indicated the job creation was triggered by his election. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Threats made against Hawaii judge who ruled against travel ban By Jaweed Kaleem (George Lee / The Star-Advertiser via AP) The Hawaii federal judge who brought President Trumps revised travel ban to a national halt last week has become the target of threats. U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson has received the threats since his March 15 ruling, according to FBI spokeswoman Michele Ernst. Ernst said the FBI is ready to assist but declined to provide more information. The U.S. Marshals Service also said it would not give details. The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for the protection of federal judicial officials, including judges and prosecutors, and we take that responsibility very seriously, the agency said in a statement. While we do not discuss our specific security measures, we continuously review the security measures in place for all federal judges and take appropriate steps to provide additional protection when it is warranted. Watson, a judge in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii in Honolulu, issued a scathing 43-page opinion against the travel ban the day before it was to go into effect. He wrote that, despite the bans stated secular purpose, Trumps own words marked the executive order as a fulfillment of the presidents campaign promise to temporarily bar Muslims from coming to the U.S. The illogic of the governments contention is palpable, Watson said. In response, Trump said Watsons ruling was terrible and makes us look weak. Trump has vowed to take the travel ban case to the U.S. Supreme Court. An appeal of a separate Maryland federal judges ruling against the travel ban is currently pending in the U.S. 4th District Court of Appeals. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print House GOP gives up on healthcare bill as Trump suffers first legislative defeat By Lisa Mascaro Unable to muster enough support from his own party, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan again postponed a vote Friday on the GOPs plan to overhaul the Affordable Care Act. The move came at the request of President Trump, who just Thursday night issued an ultimatum that lawmakers should hold the vote regardless of the outcome. It was the second time House GOP leaders had to delay a final reckon Indiana Jones may have found a few more lost temples if hed known a thing or two about plants. By mapping the distribution of tree species with known archaeological sites in the Amazon basin, scientists have discovered that humans shaped the makeup of the Amazon forests over thousands of years. The findings, described in the journal Science, highlight the complex relationship between pre-industrial humans and the ecology of the environments they lived in and may offer archaeologists a new tool with which to look for undiscovered human settlements. The rainforests of the Amazon those that have not been chopped or burned down to make use of lumber or clear land for crops are largely seen as pristine terrain, largely untouched by humans. But before Europeans arrived in the Americas, indigenous peoples had been domesticating (or partly domesticating) species that were useful for food or other resources for thousands of years. Surely they had left some mark on the makeup of their environments, even if their settlements were hidden from sight. Advertisement I was wondering if we can detect in the forest effects of past societies and how we can use the species in the forest to really see these effects, said lead author Carolina Levis, a PhD student in ecology at Brazils National Institute for Amazonian Research and Wageningen University and Research Center in the Netherlands. Using 1,170 forest plots in the Amazon Tree Diversity Network, a data-sharing collaboration between more than 180 researchers to track tree diversity in the Amazon Basin and the Guyana Shield, the scientists identified 4,962 species, of which 227 were hyperdominant, or extremely abundant. They then took 1,091 of those forest plots in nonflooded lowland Amazonian forests and layered them on top of a map of more than 3,000 archaeological sites in the region. These sites include pre-Colombian settlements; earthworks such as mounds, causeways, raised fields and terraces; and rock art, including paintings and petroglyphs. The researchers focused on 85 tree species that Amazonian people are known to have cultivated over several thousand years, including Brazil nut, cacao and acai. Twenty of those species were hyperdominants which was about five times higher than would be expected by chance. And the closer these cultivated plants were to an archaeological site, the more abundant and more diverse they were. These forests, then, are not just an ecological resource to be treasured and preserved theyre also a part of cultural heritage, Levis said. In fact, following the domesticated plants might allow scientists to find undiscovered archaeological sites. It would be very cool to use the plants to detect new sites because archaeological sites are sometimes difficult to find in the forest, she said. After all, she added, many of these groups are not there anymore to tell their story. Thats all the more reason to preserve these ecosystems, many of which are under threat from deforestation for lumber or to make way for plantations of exotic crops such as soybeans, she added. Many of the trees being chopped or burned down have been useful to humans for thousands of years, and are still in use by local populations. And those pre-Columbian peoples managed to cultivate these plants within the forest ecosystems, rather than completely destroying them. We should learn more from this type of food production that people used in the past that didnt lead to widespread deforestation, she said. amina.khan@latimes.com Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE Even bumblebees can learn to use tools, scientists show Are restrictions on the abortion pill politics or science? Scientists study ways to preserve world heritage sites damaged in armed conflicts Bob Sternfels flew 50 missions as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, but one particular mission stands out an air raid on refineries that supplied the German military near Ploesti, Romania, on Aug. 1, 1943. What happened Ill never forget, Sternfels said in an interview. That is the only time in my life when I wondered whether I was going to get through the situation. The 96-year-old Laguna Woods resident, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during the mission, which temporarily halted more than 40% of Ploestis refining capacity, will be celebrated as the Honored Patriot at Saturdays 51st Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade. The parade, which honors citizens who have served the community or the nation in time of war or national emergency, will begin at 11 a.m. on Park Avenue near Laguna Beach High School. It will proceed along portions of Glenneyre Street and Forest Avenue before concluding in front of City Hall. In addition to Sternfels, this years honorees include grand marshals Aria and Makenzie Fischer, sisters who were on the U.S. womens water polo team that won gold during last summers Rio Olympics; Citizen of the Year Douglas Miller, a painter, photographer and musician; Artist of the Year John Barber, who specializes in glass blowing; junior citizens of the year Wyatt Shipp and Madison Sinclair, both seniors at Laguna Beach High; program cover artist Jared Ghetian, a Laguna Beach High senior; and essay contest winner Claire Tigner, an eighth-grade student at Thurston Middle School. For Sternfels, the parade offers a chance to return to Laguna Beach, where he and his wife, Nancy who raised two sons together spent a portion of their 67 years of marriage. She died in 2010, and Sternfels moved to Laguna Woods four years ago. Photos of Sternfels grandchildren and great-grandchildren adorn his apartment, along with paintings of The Sandman, the B-24 bomber that Sternfels flew during the raid. A replica of the bomber, which Sternfels son Robert built for a Christmas present, sits in a glass case. Sternfels, who was born in Detroit in 1920, enlisted in the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor and proved a quick study, rising through the ranks of lieutenant and captain to, at age 23, a major who commanded a squadron, according to the Patriots Day website. He had flown 15 missions before Ploesti, which deviated from typical formations because aircraft flew at an altitude of 250 feet instead of 20,000 or 25,000 feet, Sternfels said. The attack, which employed 177 B-24 bombers, had to be carried out at very low altitudes to increase bombing accuracy, making crews extremely vulnerable to enemy anti-aircraft fire, the Patriots Day website said. The Germans learned what we were going to do and set up machine guns, Sternfels said. Allied forces had estimated that the refineries at the heart of the bombing mission produced a significant portion of Germanys petroleum needs. Aircraft traveled more than 1,000 miles from their station in Benghazi, Libya, to Romania, said Sternfels, adding that he was in the air a total of 14 hours and 20 minutes. Smoke from burning refineries filled the sky. In one of the most recognizable photos from the mission, The Sandman is seen emerging from a plume of smoke. The mission is generally considered one of the costliest in the European Theater for the U.S. Army Air Forces the military aviation service of the U.S. during and immediately after World War II and predecessor of the Air Force. Dozens of aircraft and hundreds of crewman were lost. Parade President Charles Quilter, who flew attack missions during the Vietnam War and studies military history, considers Ploesti one of the fiercest aerial battles of World War II. Quilter lauded Sternfels perseverance through 50 missions. In my opinion, he is extremely fortunate to survive that number of missions, Quilter said. Its a tribute to his skills as a pilot and a large amount of luck. Speaking as a combat pilot, you make your own luck by being good at what you do. You stand in awe for the courage to get in an airplane, fly over enemy territory and attack strategic targets. * IF YOU GO What: 51st annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade When: 11 a.m. Saturday Where: Parade will begin at 11 a.m. at 625 Park Ave., in front of Laguna Beach High School, then progress along Glenneyre Street and Forest Avenue to City Hall, at 505 Forest Ave. Information: lagunabeachparade.org/ bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce The Newport-Mesa Unified School District board decided to hold public hearings on three adjusted boundary maps for trustee areas Tuesday that are designed to make the areas populations more uniform. --------------------------------------- FOR THE RECORD A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the school board had approved one of the proposed adjusted boundaries for trustee districts. In fact, the board unanimously approved holding public hearings on all three proposed maps. --------------------------------------- The board, on a 7-0 vote, chose to hold public hearings on the boundary adjustments, created by DecisionInsite, an Irvine-based demographic consultant. During the meeting, board member Martha Flour questioned whether the U.S. Census, slated for 2020, would require the district to adjust trustee boundaries again. "[The board] is late to the dance at this time. This is the moment where you play catch-up, said Bruce Terry, director of client support for DecisionInsite. Terry said another review would be done after the census report. Map B, which a district committee prefers, aligns with city boundaries where possible and provides a clean look overall, officials said. The district plans to schedule two hearings in coming months in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach where the public can provide input about all three maps. The population goal for each zone is about 27,000, said Annette Franco, spokeswoman for the district. In Map B, trustee areas 1, 2 and 7 are within Costa Mesa, and areas 3, 4 and 5 are within Newport Beach. Area 6 is split between Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Area 7 would continue to have a Latino majority, but the population would increase or decrease to provide more balance with other zones, Annette Franco said. How much it would increase or decrease isnt known, she added. Data presented in June indicated that the existing Area 2, which includes six Costa Mesa schools, and Area 7, which contains five Westside Costa Mesa elementary schools, have populations of about 40,000. Area 4, which has the largest population at 46,171, includes Corona del Mar middle and high schools and five Newport Beach elementary schools. Area 6, containing Woodland Elementary School in Costa Mesa and three Newport Beach schools, and Area 3, containing Back Bay High School and Kaiser and Mariners elementary schools, have populations just over 19,000. Area 1, where the population is 17,464, includes Estancia and Early College high schools, TeWinkle Intermediate School and three Costa Mesa elementary schools. Board members are required to live in one of the seven trustee areas and are elected through an at-large system, meaning by voters throughout the school district. Last year, Newport-Mesa hired DecisionInsite to study each trustee area. The study concluded that zones should be adjusted to help even out the areas populations, especially on the east side of the district, where population growth surged. The areas have not been altered since the school district formed 50 years ago. In February, DecisionInsite demonstrated three maps that could be used for the boundary adjustments. Meanwhile, litigation is pending over a complaint filed in Orange County Superior Court in August alleging that the districts at-large system for electing board members violates the California Voting Rights Act by preventing Latinos from electing candidates of their choice. The complaint by Costa Mesa resident Eloisa Rangel alleges that the trustee areas, as apportioned, exacerbate the vote dilution of NMUSDs at-large election system. It reads that Rangel tried to resolve the matter without judicial intervention but was met with foot-dragging and bald, unilateral determinations by [Newport-Mesa]. The district responded in October that it denies all material allegations of the complaint. Seeking to avoid litigation costs, Supt. Fred Navarro advised the board to change the election system by November 2018 so trustees would be elected by area instead of at large. That possibility will be part of the public discussions, board President Karen Yelsey said last month. Newport-Mesa is on a growing list of school districts and cities being sued over their voting systems. Kevin Shenkman, a Malibu-based attorney representing Rangel, said last month that we want to ensure that minority community votes are no longer diluted. Shenkman filed lawsuits last year against the city of Palmdale and the San Marcos Unified School District, arguing that their voting systems deprived Latinos of electing representatives of their choice. He also threatened to sue the city of Costa Mesa. But in November, a majority of Costa Mesa voters approved a change to district-based, rather than at-large, elections. The new system is expected to be in place by the City Council election in November 2018. priscella.vega@latimes.com Twitter: @VegaPriscella Students and staff members at Mariners Christian School in Costa Mesa partied it up for Dr. Seuss birthday Wednesday by dressing up as their favorite book characters and spending the day reading. The novel activities were part of the National Education Associations Read Across America Day, which celebrates the late authors birthday and encourages students across the country to pick up a book and read. Theres nothing better than being able to participate in a program that calls for all kids in every community across the nation to celebrate reading, said Reggie Biancalani, Mariners Christians elementary school principal. Its something that unites all kids, regardless of where they attend school. Mariners invited its teachers, administrators, office workers, specialists and school nurse to read their favorite books to students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Some classes joined a livestream reading of the book Going Places by its authors, Peter and Paul Reynolds, from FableVision Studios in Boston. The 3-million member National Education Association is a union representing public school teachers and support personnel, faculty and staff members at colleges and universities, retired educators, and college students preparing to become teachers. Gil Coerper, former mayor of Huntington Beach and longtime police officer, died over the weekend at the age of 82. The cause of death wasnt immediately clear. Coerper served as a Huntington Beach police officer for 39 years, according to a department news release. After he retired from the force, he served on the City Council from 2002 to 2010, including a stint as mayor in 2006. Family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but several people responded to Coerpers death online. Thank you for you service to the citizens of HB, a Facebook post said. Gil, you have been an inspiration to me and a great friend, another post said. Thank you for the gift of friendship and being a mentor. As a member of the council, Coerper led the city to adopt the Third Battalion, First Marine regiment. Coerper has deep ties to the military, having served in the Navy during the Korean War and as a lieutenant colonel in the California State Military Reserve, the state defense force of California, the news release said. Because of this adoption, Huntington Beach now supports and assists the families of hundreds of Marines during their stateside deployments and to Iraq, the release said. Coerper partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to organize Orange Countys first Military Explorer Post No. 558 an organization that introduces young people to possible military professions. Coerper was given the Exploring Divisions Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver award, distinguished Boy Scouts awards, the news release said. Coerper also helped construct the California Police Officers Memorial Monument at the state Capitol in Sacramento as a member of the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation and the California Peace Officers Research Assn., the news release said. The Huntington Beach Police and Community Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money for the departments community programs, in 2016 established the Gil Coerper Educational Scholarship Award, a $1,000 academic award given to a child of a Huntington Beach police employee. Information regarding Coerpers surviving family was not immediately available Wednesday afternoon. Police spokeswoman Jennifer Marlatt said a public gathering in Coerpers honor might be held in April, though details have yet to be determined. benjamin.brazil@latimes.com Twitter: @benbrazilpilot A rally and march to support President Trump that organizers decided to move from Costa Mesa will now be held in Huntington Beach. The Southern California Make America Great Again March one of about 40 affiliated events scheduled nationwide for March 25 will run from noon to 3 p.m. at Bolsa Chica State Beach. Our goal is to bring together and unite all of the folks that were the silent majority, said Laguna Beach resident Jennifer Sterling, one of the local events organizers. I dont think the majority of us know who each other are, so the focus is to bring like-minded folks together that want to support our president, vice president, our military, our veterans, our law enforcement and first responders. Thats the No. 1 goal. An official at Bolsa Chica State Beach confirmed that the march has necessary permits and will take place on the beachs multiuse trail. Originally, the march was expected to be near the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Fairgrounds officials announced last week that they would close the property on March 25 and 26 in anticipation of the event. This week, a post on the marchs Facebook page said organizers were uninvited to march near the fairgrounds by an organization that had previously agreed to partner with us. A representative of the event declined to elaborate. Sterling said Thursday that several other locations were considered but organizers decided Bolsa Chicas sandy shores and scenic vistas provide the perfect backdrop. We just decided that Huntington was going to be the best for us, she said. I also have to give a lot of props to Bolsa Chica State Beach, because they were very inviting and very collaborative with us. They were willing to do everything they could to accommodate us. The march is going to be a peaceful, family-friendly event, Sterling added. Donations will be collected to benefit veterans and the homeless, she said. Though the march will now be held miles from the Fair & Event Center, it will remain closed that weekend, fairgrounds spokeswoman Terry Moore said Thursday. It had been publicized as being located here, and there were still a lot of comments on Facebook and on the web about a Costa Mesa rally, so there was concern that everybody would not get the word and people would still show up here, Moore said. We just want to make sure the public is safe. On April 28, the fairgrounds played host to a Trump campaign rally that drew thousands of his supporters to the Pacific Amphitheatre. Hundreds also showed up to protest Trump and later blocked traffic and damaged several police vehicles during a demonstration that lasted hours beyond his speech. Seventeen people were arrested. Following the fracas, the Orange County Fair Board adopted new policies outlining how to better manage high-profile events in the future. Along with closing regular attractions such as Centennial Farm and the Heroes Hall veterans museum on March 25 and 26, the Fair & Event Center canceled events scheduled for that weekend, including the Orange County Wine Societys Wine Extraordinaire, the Crossroads of the West Gun Show and the weekly Orange County Market Place swap meet. Its unclear whether the wine event will be rescheduled. Crossroads of the West, which has shows throughout the Southwest, still plans to stop at the fairgrounds in June, August and October, according to its website. The planned fairgrounds closure first came to light during a Fair Board meeting Feb. 23. At that time, Fair & Event Center Chief Executive Kathy Kramer said the decision was made after consulting with the Costa Mesa Police Department, the Orange County Sheriffs Department and other agencies. Moore said Thursday that its within our contractual rights to cancel the events and that the Fair & Event Center is working with those organizers to find different dates, if possible. If its going to be a matter of public safety, I think our vendors will understand, she said. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter: @LukeMMoney The chief executive of the Orange County Museum of Art said Wednesday that his organization will continue its effort to move to Costa Mesa despite the Newport Beach City Councils decision Tuesday night to halt a development plan the museum had hoped would provide funding for the move. Todd Smith said OCMA is disappointed by the councils vote to rescind its earlier approval of Museum House, a 25-story, 100-unit condominium tower proposed by developer Related California. A Newport Beach activist group seeking a referendum on the project had collected enough signatures to get its petition certified. But rather than call an election for this year or 2018, the City Council opted to revoke the developments approval, which the council granted last year. The exception was Museum Houses environmental impact report, a decision that activists fear may open the door for the project to return. OCMA had planned to sell its Newport Center property at 850 San Clemente Drive to Related and apply the proceeds toward building a new museum at Costa Mesas Segerstrom Center for the Arts. A Related California representative declined to say Wednesday whether the company will abandon Museum House or submit another proposal to City Hall. Smith declined to comment about OCMAs ongoing lawsuit that alleges the referendum petition violated state elections code. Its unclear how OCMAs complaint, filed Jan. 6 in Orange County Superior Court, may affect the future of Museum House. The petition, sponsored by the group Line in the Sand, was certified by the Orange County registrar of voters office in January, causing Museum House to circle back to the council for consideration of scheduling an election or rescinding the approval. Line in the Sand has argued that Museum House would set a bad precedent for more high-rises in Newport Center and contribute to increased traffic. The councils vote Tuesday was 5-2, with members Scott Peotter and Will ONeill dissenting. The two said they wanted Museum House to go to a public vote, as Line in the Sands effort intended. Councilman Jeff Herdman introduced the motion to rescind Museum Houses approval. The motion originally had no backers, but it gained support among Herdmans colleagues following a public comment period in which several residents accused the council of not listening to the people. Among them was Dene Stratton, who said the council needed to crawl out of the sewer. We delivered lots of signatures, he said. Youre still fighting this? Are you ethical? Were wondering if youre crooked. Honest to God, we are. After calling Line in the Sands signature campaign full of fake facts, Councilman Marshall Duffy Duffield scoffed at some speakers notion that showing support for the project would hurt council members chances of staying on the panel. Duffield, who voted for Museum House last year, is up for reelection in 2018. You dont want me here? Im gone. So dont be threatening me, he said. Duffield added that the Museum House debate has been a nightmare. I wish I could close my eyes, open them and it would all go away, he said. But thats not gonna happen. Councilman Brad Avery, who, along with Herdman and ONeill were not on the council when the project was approved in November and December, said he liked the Museum House proposal and felt it would be a good fit for Newport Center. But basically, everything else that followed it I didnt like, he said, calling the contested signature effort a bit of a horror show. Councilwoman Diane Dixon thanked all sides for their efforts and said she hopes we will have all learned from the process how to handle disagreement. The Related California representative said Wednesday that the company is disappointed by the councils decision and will be watching OCMAs lawsuit to see if it affects the validity of Line in the Sands referendum effort. During the referendum process, the company spent more than $435,000 fighting Line in the Sand, much more than the $91,645 the activist group allocated for its campaign. Museum Houses 100 units were to be priced between $2 million and $4 million each. Line in the Sand called the councils vote a direct result of the strength of voter feedback indicating disapproval of Museum House. In a statement Wednesday, the group said nearly a quarter of all Newport Beach registered voters expressed concern with the councils prior approvals by signing the petition in less than two weeks. It also said it wants to thank the thousands of Newport Beach voters who took the time to engage in the conversation about this project with the developer, city staff, the Planning Commission and City Council through letters, phone calls and meetings, and ultimately exercised their right to call for a public vote to decide this single political question through the referendum process. An election, which Line in the Sand said would yield only a foregone, and wastefully costly, conclusion, was anticipated to cost between $95,000 and $4.3 million, depending on the amount of paperwork that needed to be printed on the sample ballots. Susan Skinner, an activist with Line in the Sand, said Wednesday that she is not dropping a lawsuit she filed Feb. 21 in Orange County Superior Court alleging the city did not properly implement its Greenlight Initiative, a growth-control measure passed by local voters in 2000, when it approved Museum House. If, as expected, the court upholds the validity of [Line in the Sands] referendum petition against the Museum House, there will be no need for this lawsuit to go forward, Skinner said. It is merely an insurance policy against the unexpected event of a successful challenge of the referendum petition. bradley.zint@latimes.com Twitter: @BradleyZint Fountain Valley police are seeking the publics help in identifying a man suspected of stealing home theater equipment from the local Sams Club. Police said the man made off with a sound bar, valued at nearly $1,000, from the store at 17099 Brookhurst St. at 4:16 p.m. Feb. 20. The man ran out an emergency exit and fled in a 2005 gray Chrysler Town & Country minivan, according to police. A store security camera captured photos of the suspect, who was described as white, in his 30s, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds with brown hair and a short brown beard. He was wearing a green flannel shirt, jeans and white Nike shoes. It was the second recent theft of electronics reported at that store. Police said another man stole $399 worth of goods at around 7 p.m. Feb. 7. The man ran out the emergency exit and fled in a red Toyota 4Runner. Police asked that anyone with information about the cases contact Det. Dave Cabrera at (714) 593-4495 or dave.cabrera@fountainvalley.org. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN The recently formed La Canada Flintridge Sister Cities Assn. is seeking local high school students interested in applying to attend a Youth Leadership Summit in Virginia Beach, Va., on July 12 through 16 and/or take part in an international exchange program to Spain this summer. Four students in grades 9 through 11 will be selected to represent La Canada at the summit, where they will interact with other student leaders from around the world. Participants will also represent the city at various events and activities throughout the following year. Eight students, grades 9 through 11, will be chosen to host eight visiting Spanish students, hailing from Donostia-San Sebastian or Villanueva de La Canada, in their homes for a two-week stay starting on July 2 or 3. Then, the local students will return to Spain with the students they hosted for a two-week stay at their homes, departing July 19 or 20. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Exchange students must be U.S. citizens with a current passport and obtain a doctors letter of physical health. Students may apply to both programs. Applicants for both programs must join the association as a student member ($25 fee), commit to a minimum one-year period, attend an informational meeting and cover the cost of airfare to and from the event. Applications can be found in the offices of La Canada High School, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, St. Francis High School and Flintridge Preparatory School, the La Canada city clerks office at 1327 Foothill Blvd., and online at lcfsistercities.org. All applications must be returned to the city clerks office or received by mail at: LCF Sister Cities Assn., 466 Foothill Blvd., #378, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011 by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 9. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine With days before voters decide who among three candidates will be elected to fill two open La Canada Flintridge City Council seats, information made available this week revealed the fundraising efforts and spending activities of incumbents Jon Curtis and Dave Spence, along with challenger Keith Eich. The documents filed with City Clerk Tania Moreno show that, between Jan. 1 and Feb. 18, Eich raised $700 in donations and donated $100 to his campaign, for an ending cash balance of $800. His expenses, however, including $3,830.39 covered by wife Lisa, left him with an outstanding debt of nearly $4,000 as of the mid-February report. During the same time period, Curtis raised a combined $11,832 in donations and loaned his campaign $2,000. Spence raised $4,965, which was added to a beginning cash balance of $4,026. Before expenditures are factored in, those figures roughly echo what the two incumbents raised during their campaigns in the 2013 council race. Join the conversation on Facebook >> At the end of the latest filing period, Spences campaign had an ending cash balance of $5,070, while Curtis campaign maintained a $6,195 balance. In the documents for the two incumbents, some notable contributors stand out. Among those who supported the Curtis for City Council 2017 campaign are Councilwoman Terry Walker and her husband, Woody, who gave a total of $500, and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Davitt, who contributed $100. La Canada Unified School District Board Members David Sagal and Brent Kuszyk donated $200 and $100 to Curtis, respectively. Former La Canada City Council members who also donated to Curtis campaign include Laura Olhasso and Steve Del Guercio, who gave $200 each, and Don Voss, who contributed $100. Tom Smith, chair of the UniteLCF citizens group petitioning the county to call for a transfer of homes in the Sagebrush territory into LCUSD boundaries, donated $75 to Curtis, as did wife Tammy. Supporters of the Committee to Reelect Dave Spence to City Council 2017 campaign include Terry Walker, who individually gave $500, and Olhasso and Voss, who each donated $100. Both Curtis and Spence received $500 donations from the California Real Estate Political Action Committee, which also contributed $1,000 to their 2013 council campaigns, according to the California Secretary of States website. Majority of LCF residents vote by mail La Canada is home to nearly 20,600 residents according to a 2015 U.S. Census estimate 15,017 of whom are registered voters. More than half of that amount, 7,295 residents, have opted to vote by mail, according to the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/Clerks Office. The results of Tuesdays election will not be made official that night, owing to the fact that the La Canada Flintridge City Council decided in December to consolidate the citys general municipal election with a countywide special election in order to realize a potential cost savings of $45,000 or more. Now, La Canada voters will also decide whether to help pass a 10-year, quarter-cent countywide sales tax that would help generate $335 million annually to fund programs and strategies for the nearly 47,000 homeless citizens residing in L.A. County. City Clerk Moreno said while the official election results may take time, the county should have unofficial reports sometime Tuesday night. They will start counting the night of the election. (So) well probably know within a day or two, based on the unofficial results, Moreno said, adding that La Canadas newly elected council members are expected to be sworn in at the April 4 City Council meeting. -- The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Local polling sites include the Crescenta-Canada YMCA, Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 19, La Canada Presbyterian Church, the La Canada Flintridge Library and Foothill Municipal Water District. To find your specific polling place, visit lavote.net/locator or call (800) 815-2666. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine A decision from the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization on a petition calling for a transfer of homes in La Canadas Sagebrush territory away from Glendale Unified School District boundaries and into La Canada Unified has been postponed at the petitioners request. Anticipated for possible discussion at the committees next regular meeting on Wednesday, the item has been moved to allow for further consideration, according to Tom Smith, chair of petitioning group UniteLCF. Join the conversation on Facebook >> We have taken this step to facilitate the ongoing analysis of our transfer petition by the County Committee and the two school districts, Smith, chair of UniteLCF, said in a statement issued Wednesday. Smith said group members expect to appear before the county committee sometime during its next scheduled meeting, set to take place April 5 at 9:30 a.m. in the Los Angeles County Office of Educations Education Center Board Room, 9300 Imperial Highway, Downey. For more about the efforts of UniteLCF, and for further updates, visit www.unitelcf.wordpress.com. -- Sara Cardine, sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine Oahus once-sleepy town of Kapolei, about 20 miles west of Honolulu, is enjoying a growth spurt in resorts that could turn it into a rival of the popular Waikiki Beach. The Ko Olina coastline, home of Kapolei, already has a Four Seasons resort and Disneys Aulani. Now Atlantis, a name associated with water-themed resorts in the Bahamas and in Dubai, is in the early planning stages east of the Aulani, a news release says. Advertisement Plans call for 800 guest rooms and suites as well as 524 residences on the 26-acre resort . The Oahu property will feature an Aquaventure water park and an aquarium. The resort site isnt new. The Ihilani Resort and Spa opened in 1993 near the western end of Interstate H-1. The hotel became a JW Marriott in 1999 and a Four Seasons in 2016. Disneys Aulani opened in 2011. Aside from the luxury resorts, youll find budget-minded options in West Oahu. In the fall, the Hampton Inn & Suites Kapolei became the brands first location in Hawaii. Rooms starting at around $200 a night may seem high for this chain hotel, but that price is hundreds of dollars less than many of Waikiki lodgings. Other pluses: Rooms are brand-new, and breakfast is included in the price. Aside from places to stay, West Oahu also offers attractions that visitors wont find in Waikiki. Naked Cow Dairy Farm and Creamery, opened in 2007, welcomes guests to its location in Waianae, about 13 miles up the coast from Kapolei. The dairy farm offers tours starting at $7 for kids and $10 for adults. To make a day of it, consider taking a cheese-making class. During the 90-minute sessions, participants have a hands-on experience learning how to make mozzarella from start to finish. Classes begin 11 a.m. Saturdays and cost $85 per person. For an adrenaline rush, visitors can spend a few hours at Coral Crater Adventure Park in Kapolei. Instead of merry-go-rounds and roller coasters, the theme here is challenging, hands-on experiences. You can go off-roading on an electric mountain bike or ATV, or soar above the island on the parks Adventure Tower. The climbing, jumping and swinging experiences start at $50. Luaus are a staple in the islands. Disney is the latest entrant in this evening dinner-and-a-show category. When the dinner show started in November, the Ka Waa was restricted to guests. Now its open to all. It costs $119 for adults and $79 for kids ages 3 to 9 years old. VIP seating is also offered. Guests staying at the Four Seasons can take a five-mile trek on private land to sacred and historic sites in the mountains of West Oahu. From a scenic perch overlooking the Waianae coastline, hikers can see the neighboring islands of Lanai, Maui and Molokai. Those who love to shop have a place to go too. The 100-store Ka Makana Alii mall opened in October. For those occasional rainy days, its also home to an eight-screen movie theater. ALSO Santa Barbaras new science museum aims to spark your curiosity Chers not done with Las Vegas. Singer adds 18 shows at the Monte Carlo. National parks saw a record-setting number of visitors last year. Were they too much of a good thing? With the opening of Shake Shack in LAXs Terminal 3, fliers will get a little bit of heaven on a bun travel@latimes.com @latimestravel A North Korean diplomat said Thursday that Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of ruler Kim Jong Un, probably died of a heart attack, despite Malaysias finding last week that he was killed by VX nerve agent, one of the worlds most toxic substances. Ri Tong Il, a senior North Korean diplomat, told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias capital where hes leading a high-level delegation to recover Kim Jong Nams body that Kim had a history of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. He provided no evidence, and Malaysia dismissed the claim. Kim, 46, was once considered a potential successor to his father, Kim Jong Il, and South Korean officials have accused Pyongyang of ordering his assassination. Advertisement Malaysian police say two women approached Kim at the Kuala Lumpur airport on Feb. 13 and rubbed VX nerve agent, which is banned by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction, on his face. He died within 20 minutes. The two women one from Indonesia and one from Vietnam were charged with murder Wednesday. They have told investigators they thought they were participating in a prank. Kims death has caused concern around the region, exacerbating diplomatic tension between North Korea and Malaysia, as well as China, where Kim lived in exile. Ri on Thursday refused to acknowledge that the dead man was Kim, instead calling him Kim Chol, a name found on his passport (South Korean officials have called the name an alias). He questioned why the two women did not get ill. They are the ones who directly contained the liquid on the palms of the hands to apply to the face, Ri said, adding that if VX was used, Malaysian authorities should send samples to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Malaysia has said that both women immediately washed their hands after the incident and that one vomited. Malaysian police have implicated seven North Koreans in the case, including four who left the country on the day of Kims death. Two of the suspects have reportedly taken refuge at the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The location of one is unknown. Malaysian authorities are holding one North Korean man in connection with the case but announced Thursday that he would be released and deported, as there was insufficient evidence to charge him. Malaysia has recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang, and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced new visa restrictions on North Korea starting Monday. Since 2009, Malaysia has been one of the only countries that allow entry to North Koreans visa-free. About 1,000 North Koreans live and work in the country. Malaysia has refused to give up Kims body before attaining DNA samples from his immediate family. We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol, Khalid Abu Bakar, Malaysias national police chief, told the Associated Press. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like, but the facts remain. UPDATES: 10:30a.m.: This article has been updated with Times reporting. This article was originally published at 6 a.m. Syrian government forces backed by Russian air power wrested control of the historic Syrian city of Palmyra on Thursday, army officials said, driving back Islamic State extremists who had seized the city in December. The victory comes as the culmination of a weeks-long campaign to take the oasis city, which is home to a majestic set of ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies astride the residential part of the city. A Syrian military spokesman said in a televised address Thursday that after a series of successful military operations units from our armed forces in cooperation with friendly and allied forces took back the city of Palmyra and the areas around it. Advertisement Syrian troops have been bolstered by a number of paramilitary groups, including fighters from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. Earlier Thursday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that the Syrian government troops had completed their operation to seize Palmyra with support from Russias air force. The Syrian army spokesman said that operations had inflicted huge losses in men and materiel on the terrorist Daesh organization, employing Islamic States Arabic acronym. He added that engineering crews were dismantling bombs and improvised explosive devices left by the group in the city. Activist-run pages on Facebook showed images depicting the damage done to some of the citys most iconic monuments, including the Victory Arch as well as Palmyras ancient theater, which had already been previously damaged by the jihadists. Islamic State had first overrun Palmyra in 2015, marking its takeover with a massacre of Syrian soldiers perpetrated on the stage of the Old Citys theater. It also destroyed ancient graves and busts, and began a lucrative side business looting artifacts and archaeological digs. Less than a year later, a wide-scale Russian-backed government offensive successfully routed the jihadists from the city. (Russias Mariinsky Orchestra performed a victory concert in the theater soon after.) But by December, the militants had regrouped for another attack, easily defeating the skeleton force the government had left behind. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitoring group with a network of activists in Syria, said Thursday that Islamic State had withdrawn completely from Palmyra and that government troops had encountered a large number of mines and explosives, a signature tactic of the militant group. The Syrian army spokesman said that the taking of the city, which coincides with government advances in the eastern countryside areas of Aleppo, represent a mortal blow to Islamic State. He also insisted that the governments victory confirmed that the Syrian army is the only effective force capable of combating terror and excising it in what was a veiled barb against Syrian rebel factions as well as the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces, which are supported by Turkey and the U.S., respectively. Damascus has repeatedly called on governments to support its efforts against what it calls terrorists, its blanket term for groups fighting against the rule of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The army and armed forces, concluded the spokesman, is more determined than ever to continue its operations against Daesh, the Nusra Front [Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate] and other terrorist groups so as to restore peace and stability to every inch of the lands of the nation. Bulos is a special correspondent. ALSO Iraqs offensive against Islamic State militants in western Mosul sends thousands on trek for safety Two Taliban bombings in Kabul come after U.S. kills senior militant commander Trumps Russian honeymoon may be over as Moscow media put him in the deep freeze UPDATES: 1:40 p.m.: This article has been updated with Times reporting. 9:10 a.m.: This article was updated with reports from Russian and Syrian activist groups. 8:15 a.m.: This article was updated with news of Syrian forces regaining Palmyra. This article was originally published at 4:45 a.m. The soldiers milled around the hilltop, taking turns to look through binoculars at the village burning in the valley below. Beside them lay the tanks of the 36th Armored Brigade, their fronts buried in the desert sand. They trained their turrets toward the buildings of Mosul that stretched along the horizon. At first glance, there was little to explain why the tanks and armor, part of the Iraqi armys 9th Division, had wandered to this desolate corner of the desert. But it is here, commanders say, far from the punishing street-to-street fighting in the city, that the battle for Mosul will be won. The divisions orders are to push north from Mt. Atshan and seize the village of Badush, 10 miles west of Mosul. Advertisement (Badush is home to the eponymous prison where Islamic State massacred about 670 Shiite Muslim inmates in mid-2014. The militant group espouses a hard-line Sunni interpretation of Islam that counts Shiites as infidels who should be killed.) A takeover of Badush would sever Highway 47, a vital road linking Mosul to the Islamic State-held city of Tall Afar, about 40 miles west of Mosul and now cut off from the Syrian border by Shiite-dominated militias known as the Popular Mobilization Units. Taking the road would further restrict the militants movements, denying them the use of a vital supply route as well as a pathway to make their escape. Once we get Badush, well finish the noose around them in Mosul, saidBrig. Gen. Mustafa Sabah, a sardonic 51-year-old officer who cracked jokes with his subordinates as he ate a lunch of chicken and rice. Where will they go after that? Sabah asked. They cant leave the city, and if they do, we have them. Iraq and coalition forces had captured east Mosul, Islamic States de facto capital, and in February launched the offensive to retake the western part of the city. Preliminary plans for the Mosul offensive would have left the citys western flank relatively unguarded in a bid to reduce casualties and draw the jihadis into what Iraqi military planners had called a kill box between Mosul and Tall Afar. Instead, plans now call for the army to advance from the west even as special forces units clear the city from the south. The open terrain doesnt present the same challenges of street fighting, but Islamic State still poses a threat. Soldiers from the Iraqi armys 9th Division ferry supplies near west Mosul. (Nabih Bulos / Los Angeles Times) Islamic State has dug tunnels in the mountain range here, said Col. Nassim Kathem of the 36th Armored Brigade. The jihadis used the tunnels to hide from Iraqi and coalition warplanes, he said, and then emerged to attack when troops drew near. He pointed to a trench slicing through a nearby hilltop. Its a vicious fight when they see us. Referring to the group by its Arabic acronym, he said, We killed eight Daesh guys there the other day. The nearby presence of residents from Mosul and the surrounding villages fleeing the violence means commanders are often unable to bring the full military might of the 36th Brigade to bear on Islamic State targets. If it werent for the proximity between the jihadis and civilians, this would be an easy battle, said Lt. Col. Muhannad Taai, a commander with the Abbas Fighting Division, a paramilitary group that fights alongside the 36th Brigade. Were being very careful, because we have to protect [civilians] and make sure Daesh doesnt attack them as they escape, Taai said. As he spoke one day this week, his walkie-talkie crackled with the voice of a soldier reciting the coordinates of a convoy of civilian vehicles. If any Daesh vehicle tries to attack them, destroy it, came a voice in reply. Scores of crude explosive devices buried near roads or in the desert fields by Islamic State had already killed a number of civilians, Taai said. Yesterday a family got hit by an [improvised explosive device] as they were escaping, he said. One of their daughters died, and the other will probably have to have a hand amputated. Moments later, troops halted a ragtag group of residents piled in civilian vehicles from passing through an intersection on their way to a refugee aid point. There are three IEDs. Our engineering crews caught them when those cars showed up. Well do a controlled explosion and then let the civilians pass, said Col. Ali Duwari, another commander, squinting at the line of vehicles with a walkie-talkie in hand. In the distance, a bomb squad member approached one of the explosive canisters and connected a detonator and fuse before running away. A tense 30 seconds later, the first bomb exploded with a shock wave that kicked up an incongruously graceful bloom of sand. Once all three bombs were destroyed, the vehicles were directed to a gathering point for the displaced, where a gaggle of tractors, pickup trucks and farm equipment was parked near flocks of sheep munching on the last vestiges of weeds. To one side of the dirt path, women in brightly colored scarves squatted with their children, a trio of black and white cows lazily waving their tail in their midst. Opposite sat the men, arrayed in a shambolic triangle around a soldier. They waited for their names to be punched into a database so they could be checked for connections to Islamic State. Two days later, Sabah said that the brigade had advanced from its hilltop to within two miles of Badush and that his units had fire control over the road. He stopped for a moment to inform an officer on the phone that another village had been secured and was now sadeeqah (friendly). Were almost there, he said. Bulos is a special correspondent. ALSO Kremlin says Syrian forces regain Palmyra North Korean diplomat says Kim Jong Nam was killed by a heart attack, not a nerve agent Trumps Russian honeymoon may be over as Moscow media put him in the deep freeze People around the world have shared stories and experiences about paranormal activities which they have encountered. But it rarely happens for people to hear police officers confirming such occurrences just like what occurred in Southern Chile House. The incident happened two days ago in Chilean city while police are in the process of investigating a domestic disturbance which allegedly caused by mysterious and unseen forces. According to Oddity Central, Chilean police force was called to look into a Southern Chile House in Puerto Montt on February 26, 2017, after the owners desperately called for help. The owners of the Southern Chile House according to the reports were complaining that unnatural forces were terrorizing them. When the Chilean police force arrived at the Southern Chile House which is located in the municipality of Fe y Esperanza, they have noticed broken windows and partially burned mattress in the yard. Southern Chile House's owners were outside the house when the police arrived to do the investigation. The family started telling them about the strange paranormal activity that is happening inside the house. At first, the police did not believe the owners' statement and immediately went inside the Southern Chile House to investigate. When they start questioning the owners of the house, a trowel suddenly fell from the attic. One officer claimed that he was also attacked when he was inside the house. According to the Daily Star, the owners argued that several objects in the Southern Chile House begun to float and move. The objects in the kitchen counters like frying pan started to move just before the cupboard door flies open. The authenticity of the video is still verified. But the officers who investigated the Southern Chile House claims that they were attacked by a knife that comes out of nowhere. A reporter also claimed that she suffered paranormal attacks while interviewing the family inside the house. Oprah Winfrey may be our next president after President Donald Trump in 2020. The talk show host revealed in an interview that she realized she doesn't need experience to run for office. In an interview on "The David Rubenstein Show," Oprah Winfrey was asked about her thoughts of running as the President of the United States. The media mogul revealed that she first thought she had no chance because prior government experience is needed. When she realized that it is not a requirement, Oprah Winfrey only said "Oh, Oh." According to CNN, David Rubenstein reiterated his question that government experience isn't required to run. The influential actress answered that she used to not know those things and that realization got her thinking. Prior to the David Rubenstein show which was taped last December but only released this week, Oprah Winfrey was adamant about staying out of politics. The outlet adds that Winfrey bluntly said no when asked a similar question during her appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." During the last election, Oprah Winfrey was a staunch supporter of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who lost against now President Donald Trump. This isn't the first time that Oprah Winfrey is linked to politics but many people have been thinking she should get into politics. In fact, Donald Trump once revealed in a statement that he favored Oprah Winfrey as a running mate. Washington Post reports that he first came up with the idea in 1999 and then most recently in 2015. The self-made producer allegedly turned down Trump to be his Vice President and endorsed Clinton. Do you think Oprah Winfrey would be running as the US President in 2020? If so, how do you think the talk show host will fare? Tell us what you think in the comments below. Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow will once again grace the screens for "Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The fifth installment of Disney's pirate franchise is set to be released on May 2017. Fans of the franchise will reportedly see ghost sharks in "Pirates of The Caribbean 5." Apart from that, Mirror reports that the upcoming movie will see the return of Jack Sparrow's old castmates, enemies and even Orlando Bloom's Will Turner. The last teaser trailer for "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" was released during Superbowl this year but it gave a few hints about the upcoming movie. The most notable part of that TV spot was Johnny Cash's rendition of "Ain't No Grave." Furthermore, the synopsis for "Pirates of the Caribbean" provides a few more insight of what the film will be about. The movie will have Jack Sparrow running away from Captain Salazar (played by Javier Bardem) who is bent on his revenge to kill every pirate after coming out of the Devil's Triangle. Jack Sparrow's key for survival is the famed Trident of Poseidon which is the stuff of legends. He will join forces with astronomer Carina Smyth (played by Kaya Scodelario) and the sailor Henry (played by Brenton Thwaites) to find it. There is no doubt that moviegoers will find a lot to look forward to in "Pirates of Caribbean 5." A brand new trailer for "Pirates of The Caribbean 5" will allegedly come out this week, according to Disney in a tweet. Cinema Blend reports that the new trailer slated for March 3 is the third one for the movie. The first trailer was released October 2016 and the Superbowl TV Spot was the second one. Are you excited to see Jack Sparrow and his shenanigans in "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" on May 2017? Tell us what your thoughts in the comments below. The New York State Bar Association, the largest voluntary state bar in the country with 72,000 members, and Legal.io, a developer of referral-network and marketplace platforms for the legal industry, have teamed up to launch a state-of-the-art lawyer referral platform that they say will significantly expand access to legal services in that state. The new platform is being described by its developers as a more ethical alternative to privately run referral sites such as Avvo and LegalZoom. It will serve New York residents seeking legal help as well as businesses anywhere seeking advice on New York law. The New Year State Bar Association has been trusted by lawyers and the public for 120 years to maintain and elevate standards in the profession, said Tony Lai, CEO of Legal.io. With this partnership, for the first time, this level of trust and standard setting is being combined with the online efficiencies and seamless user experiences the public has come to expect. Until now, the public could access the NYSBAs lawyer referral service only by phone during business hours. The new platform moves the service to the cloud and makes it possible for someone to get a referral 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (The bar will continue to operate the telephone service.) The platform uses machine-learning algorithms to help parse and categorize consumers requests for legal help and then help match them to a local lawyer with the appropriate expertise. Bar staff remain involved in reviewing intakes and making referrals, but the platform helps expedite the intake process and categorize the request. Consumers pay nothing for the referral, but if they meet with the attorney, they are charged $35 for a 30-minute consultation. They system will also track outcomes on each help request and referral in order to both improve the system and to improve standards of service for the public. In a second phase of the new platforms roll-out later this year, the referral service will be expanded to include local, county and specialty bar associations in New York, including the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York, which already runs its referral service on the Legal.io platform. What makes the NYSBA interesting as a partner is that they play a statewide coordination role, not just within their bar, but also for other county and legal services organizations, Lai told me in a recent conversation. Thats a key piece that were excited about not just a roll-out with them and their lawyer referral service, but also finding additional ways to roll-out with local bars and legal services agencies and potentially also the courts. A third phase will expand the platform further to support lawyer-to-lawyer referrals across the NYSBAs entire membership base, whether they are located in New York or elsewhere. The ultimate goal for the platform, Lai said, is to create a portal that connects the broad ecosystem of legal support organizations across the state, in order to expand and enhance access to justice. Several studies on using technology to enhance access to justice have called for the creation of statewide legal portals, most notably the LSCs December 2013 Report of The Summit on the Use of Technology to Expand Access to Justice. The partnership between the NYSBA and Legal.io was inspired by these recommendations, Lai said, and he hopes the platform will serve as a blueprint for other states. We have in the NYSBA a partner who shares the vision of this as a portal, he said. They are not in competition with other organizations in the state. They see themselves as a foundational or umbrella support organization. Geneva LIVE: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Mar 6, 2017, 9:01am ET Mercedes is going topless with its latest E-Class Cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz has officially lifted the veil on its all-new 2018 E-Class Cabriolet. The new E-Class convertible has made its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in E400 form. The Cabriolet marks the fourth body style of the new E-Class, following the sedan, coupe and wagon. The E-Class Cabriolet will compete directly against the BMW 6 Series Convertible. The E-Class Cabriolet closely follows the styling laid out by the E-Class Coupe. That means Mercedes' signature radiator grille up front, flanked by sweptback headlights featuring LED accents. The E-Class Cabriolet's hood adds a bit muscle, thanks to two pronounced power domes and creased edges. The E-Class Cabriolet is somewhat conservative in profile, but the car's attitude can be cranked up courtesy of Mercedes' AMG division. The E-Class convertible's optional AMG sport package includes more aggressive bumpers, more pronounced side sill and larger wheels (18-inchers are standard). Around back the E-Class Cabriolet features the same style of wide taillights that debuted on the S-Class Cabriolet. The lower bumper features a sculpted license plate surround and integrated dual exhaust outlets. The E-Class Convertible sits 0.6-inches lower than its sedan counterpart, giving it a sportier stance. Compared to the outgoing E-Class Cabriolet, the 2018 version of the drop top is longer, wider and slightly taller. That wider stance not only helps with handling, but also provides more interior room for passengers. Speaking on interiors, the 2018 E-Class Cabriolet boasts a cabin that is noticeable more luxurious than the model it replaces. Leather and wood are everywhere, and tech junkies will be pleased to find dual 12.3-inch screens on the E-Class convertible's dashboard. In addition to running Mercedes' own mbrace system, the E-Class Cabriolet's infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Power for the 2018 E400 Cabriolet is provided by a 3.0L biturbo V6 delivering 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard but, for the first time in E-Class Cabriolet history, all-wheel drive can be fitted as an optional extra. A nine-speed automatic is the E-Class Cabriolet's lobe transmission choice. Although tuned for comfort, the E-Class Cabriolet's AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension allows the driver to dial in some sport if they so choose. The system includes five settings in all Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Those same settings are available for the transmission via the the E-Class Cabriolet's DYNAMIC SELECT feature. On the comfort front, the E-Class Cabriolet can be had with Mercedes' AIRCAP, which deploys a flap from the top of the windscreen to deflect turbulent air, and the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. If the air outside gets too cold, the car's fully-insulated cloth top can be raised in just 20 seconds at speeds up to 30mph. Safety features include a full suite of airbags, along with emergency braking and a pyrotechnically fired rollover protection system. The E-Class Cabriolet even features a vehicle to vehicle communication system that can be used to warn drivers of dangers ahead. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabriolet and E400 4MATIC Cabriolet will land in dealer showrooms by the end of 2017. Mercedes-Benz will announce pricing closer to the car's market introduction. Live photos by Ronan Glon. Mar 2, 2017, 3:27pm ET GM could sell Opel to PSA by next week Opel might have a new owner by next week. PSA Group could wrap-up a deal for General Motors' Opel division as early as next week, a new report finds. Discussions between France's PSA and GM have been ongoing for the last few weeks. At last report the two sides were hammering out details about how to handle Opel's retirement fund, which is believed to be underfunded by about $9 billion. That issue still looms large, but both PSA and GM appear eager to finalize a deal. According to Bloomberg, officials from PSA and GM are planning to carry on negotiations through the weekend. Insiders have reported that an announcement on the deal for PSA to acquire Opel could come as soon as Monday. However, sources have also cautions that the complexities of the deal could force unforeseen delays. PSA has already scheduled a meeting with European labor officials for next week. Those in-the-know suggest that means PSA is optimistic about finalizing a deal for Opel but, again, PSA could cancel that meeting without much notice should things go south. Opel has been a money loser for GM over the last few years, but PSA is convinced the brand could save it billion of dollars per year through joint development. Spied: 2018 Honda Civic Si Mar 2, 2017, 10:36am ET Honda\'s next-generation Civic Si in nearing production-ready. Honda's upcoming Civic Si model has been spotted undergoing final testing near the automaker's hub in central Ohio. Honda showed the Civic Si in prototype form at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show. Although still covered in light camouflage, it's clear that the production Civic Si will closely follow the design language laid out by the show car. That will mean an aggressive bumper up front with large air inlets on the outside corners. Wheels and tires will grow in size compared to the standard Civic to give the Si a larger contact patch. Out back the Si concept's spoiler has been toned down a bit, but it's still fairly aggressive. A center exhaust outlet is clearly visible on this prototype. The Civic Si will use Honda's latest 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with rumors suggesting up to 220 horsepower. A limited slip differential will help get that power to the car's front wheels. A six-speed manual is expected to be the Civic Si's lone transmission choice. In addition to the sedan seen here, Honda will also offer the Si package on its Civic Coupe. Look for the 2018 Honda Civic Si to debut at the New York auto show in April before going on sale later this year. Landings incident March 2, 2017 Bethlehem police continue to investigate the morning of March 2, 2017, after an incident hours earlier at the Landings apartment complex at 122 Valley Park South in the city led to three people being injured. (Sarah Cassi | For lehighvalleylive.com) One thing is clear from a news release about three people being injured early Thursday in a West Bethlehem apartment complex. It wasn't an armed home invasion at the Landings at 122 Valley Park South, city police report. What it was police either don't know or aren't saying. "It was erroneously released that the incident was an armed home invasion," police said in a news release. "This was not the case and the event was an isolated incident and the individuals involved were familiar with each other." No suspects are being sought, police said. "There is no perceived danger to the community," police said. The news release referenced the incident as "police activity." The investigation remains active and more information will be released in the future, police said. When asked if the three injured people were treated, how they were hurt and if there was a crime, police said, "That's all we have for now." A police forensics unit later Thursday morning was at the apartment complex not far from Route 22 in the Lehigh County section of the city. Neighbors reported they didn't hear anything. The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office deferred to police to release information on the incident. Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said no one died in the incident. Reporter Sarah Cassi contributed to this story. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Sara K. Satullo | For lehighvalleylive.com Students attending America's most elite colleges are wealthier than experts realized, a study last year that looked at millions of anonymous tax filings, tuition records and earnings found. Some schools are much more economically segregated than previously thought, while other colleges offer students income mobility. The New York Times' Upshot created a really cool data tool to sift through all of the numbers. At 38 U.S. colleges more students come from families at the top 1 percent of the income scale than from the entire bottom 60 percent of that scale. And two Lehigh Valley colleges landed in that list. Find out how our local colleges stacked up in the report and how frequently they're graduating students who see more financial success than their parents. Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo The dying American dream The research all comes from work by the Equality of Opportunity project, which is digging deep into data to find out why the American Dream -- the idea your child will have a better life than your own -- is increasingly unachievable for children today. The team has found that in the last 50 years a child's prospect of earning more than their parents has fallen from 90 percent to 50 percent. And that while higher education does offer economic mobility, it is not a societal panacea to solving income inequality. The team has created mobility report cards for every college, which show students' earnings in their early 30s and also looks at their parents' incomes. The cards evaluates colleges on how accessible they are to the poorest students and how many students they propel into the top income bracket. Their research has shown that students who attend certain elite colleges, regardless of the wealth of their parents, experience similar outcomes. But few poor students attend those schools. America still has an opportunity gap because of the income segregation that persists on college campuses, the project has found. Don't Edit Vox YouTube What is the top 1 percent? The top 1 percent is defined as a family making $650,000 or more a year while the bottom 60 percent covers families making $65,000 or less annually. Researchers in the study tracked roughly 30 million students born from 1980 to 1991, using anonymous tax returns and attendance records from almost every college in the nation. They found that at elite colleges -- defined as about 80 of the nation's most selective according to a 2009 index created by Barron's -- the share of students from the bottom 40 percent has stayed basically flat over the last 10 years. That is despite increasingly generous financial aid. Measures of access look at students born in 1991, who largely graduated in 2013, while the measures of outcomes and mobility are for students born between 1980 and 1982, who are about 35, when income stabilizes. Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo Education: The great equalizer? American colleges are thought to be places that bring together students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. But the study shows that's not necessarily true. It depends on what campus you're on. The fraction of low-income students varies greatly from college to college, mirroring the income segregation seen in the average American city, the study found. Children with parents in the top 1 percent are 77 times more likely to attend an Ivy-plus school, than kids with parents in the bottom 20 percent. (Ivy-Plus is defined as your traditional Ivy league schools and the University of Chicago, Stanford, MIT and Duke.) Interestingly, once students get to college, students from low and high-income families have similar earnings outcomes. Many of these top-tier schools offer generous financial aid, yet the lowest income students are underrepresented on their campuses, even compared to middle-class students, the study found. Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo Warren County Community College With less than 1 percent of its students coming from the 1 percent, Warren County Community College reports 41.5 percent of kids coming from families making $65,000 or less. The median family income of a WCCC student is $79,600, and 31 percent come from the top 20 percent. About 2.3 percent of students who came from a poor family became rich as adults. The median individual income at age 34 for a grad is $33,400, but there is a huge gap between men and women at $44,000 and $25,700. There is hardly a difference in the average income percentiles for poor and rich students. About 15 percent of WCCC students moved up two or more income quintiles, which is typical for New Jersey but low among two-year schools. The rest of the data is here. Don't Edit Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo Northampton Community College The median family income for an NCC student is $62,300 and 18 percent of students come from the top 20 percent. About 1.1 percent of poor Northampton students go on to become rich adults. The median individual income for NCC grads at age 34 was $30,200. The average income percentile for a poor student was the 48th compared to 54th for a rich student. Fifteen percent of NCC students managed to move up two or more income quintiles, which was among the highest rates for Pennsylvania colleges, but among the lowest for two-year colleges. Laredo Community College had the highest rate at 41 percent. Check out all the NCC stats here. Don't Edit Courtesy of Cedar Crest College Cedar Crest College Cedar Crest College ranks 618th with 1.5 percent of its students coming from the top 1 percent and 48.9 percent coming from families making $65,000 or less. The median family income of a Cedar Crest College student is $68,600 and 22 percent come from the top 20 percent. No income or mobility data was available for Cedar Crest. All of the data is here. Don't Edit Instagram Moravian College Moravian College ranks 442nd with only 1.7 percent of students coming from families in the top 1 percent and 30.4 percent coming from families in the bottom 60 percent. Moravian students' median family income is $94,500 and 38 percent come from families in the top 20 percent. About 1.4 percent of students who came from a poor family became rich as adults. The median individual income at age 34 is $56,200, although there's a big gap between men and women: $62,800 compared to $48,600. There is also a gap between the earnings of rich and poor students, who report average income percentiles of 71 and 64, respectively. About 16 percent of students moved up two or more income quintiles. Check out all of Moravian's stats here. Don't Edit Instagram Pennsylvania State University Penn State ranks 368th overall with 2.3 percent of students coming from families in the top 1 percent and 29.5 percent of students coming from families earning $65,000 or less. The median family income of a Nittany Lion student is $101,800 and 46 percent come from the top 20 percent. About 1.8 percent of Penn State students who came from a poor family became rich adults. The median individual income at age 34 is $50,900, but it is much higher for men at $59,700. Rich students also tend to fare better income-wise, reporting an average income percentile of 73 versus the 60th for a poor student. About 17 percent of students managed to move up to or more income quintiles. Check out all of Penn State's data here. Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo Centenary University Centenary University ranks 330th with 2.9 percent of its students coming from the top 1 percent while 32.3 percent of its students come from the bottom 60 percent. The median family income of a Centenary student is $101,300, and 45 percent come from families in the top 20 percent. About 1 percent of students who come from a poor family became rich adults. The median individual income at age 34 was $35,200 and there was little gap in the average income percentile of a poor and rich student at 54th and 56th, respectively. Eighteen percent of Centenary students moved up two or more income quintiles. Check out all the stats here. Don't Edit Don't Edit lehighvalleylive.com file photo DeSales University Only 2.5 percent of DeSales University's students come from families in the top 1 percent while 20 percent come from families making $65,000 or less. The median family income of a student from DeSales is $105,900 and 49 percent come from families in the top 20 percent. Less than 1 percent of students who came from a poor family became a rich adult. The median individual income of a DeSales grad at age 34 is $51,100. There is a disparity in income depending on a student's background. Poor students reported an average income percentile in the 55th, versus 68th for a rich student. Fourteen percent of students managed to move up two or more income percentiles. Check out DeSales' data here. Don't Edit Instagram Lehigh University Lehigh University ranks 46th with more students from the bottom 60 percent than the top: 15.1 percent to 13.6 percent in the 1 percent. The median family income of a Lehigh student is $167,000 and 67 percent come from the top 20 percent. Roughly 1.9 percent of students who came from a poor family became a rich adult. The median individual income at age 34 for a Lehigh grad is $81,200, but it is substantially higher for men at $90,900. Rich students fare better economically than poor students, ending up in the 79th income percentile versus the 71st. But about 15 percent of Lehigh students do manage to move up two or more income quintiles. Delve into Lehigh's data here. Don't Edit Instagram Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg College ranks 37th with 10.9 percent of its students coming from families in the top 1 percent while 10.8 percent of students come from lower income families. The median family income of a Muhlenberg student is $188,300 and 77 percent come from the top 20 percent. About 1 percent of Muhlenberg students who come from a poor family became a rich adult. The median income for graduates at age 34 is $60,100, although it is much higher for men at $72,600. Poor students report an average income in the 75th percentile compared to the 74th for a rich student. Only 7.3 percent of Muhlenberg students moved up two or more income quintiles, which is among the lowest mobility rates reported among Pennsylvania schools and highly-selective private colleges. Dig deep into Muhlenberg's data here. Don't Edit Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com Lafayette College Lafayette College ranks 11th in the nation with 17 percent of its students coming from families in the top 1 percent while 10.9 percent of students come from lower income families. The median family income of a student is $205,600, and 74 percent come from families in the top 20 percent. About 1.6 percent of students who came from a poor family became rich adults. At the age of 34, Lafayette students report a median income of $75,300 and rich and poor students on average end up in the same income percentile. See a full data analysis by the New York Times here. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Dolce Mamma The former Anna Bella's Ristorante in Hanover Township, Northampton County, is reopening with a more relaxed vibe as Dolce Mamma Bar & Grille. (Courtesy photo) The family behind the former Anna Bella's Ristorante on Route 512 is eager to move past the fire that closed their Italian eatery in October. They're hoping to reopen the restaurant in Hanover Township, Northampton County, this month with a new name, menu and look. Anna Bella's will become Dolce Mamma Italian Bar & Grille. Compared to Anna Bella's more refined feel, Dolce Mamma will have a casual, relaxed vibe, with a brand new full bar and a bunch of new dishes. "We're desperate to be open," co-owner Joe Caiazzo said. "We're done with this." Caiazzo said the family decided to go with a new name and concept because they wanted a fresh start after the closure. The owners initially looked to reopen Anna Bella's by the holiday season, but Caiazzo said troubles with a contractor and delays on materials used in the renovation held them up far past that deadline. At Dolce Mamma, dishes will range from about $8 to $26, including Italian favorites and bar grub. They'll have twists on classic dishes, like a "drunken chicken parm" with vodka sauce. "You'll still be able to go in and get a nice, fancy dinner plate, but you can also get an order of wings," Caiazzo said. Dolce Mamma will have about 100 seats total, including about 35 in a private dining room. It lost some seating with the addition of the new bar, which will have craft beers and two local wines on tap. But they hope to more than make up for the smaller dining space by introducing outdoor seating on the restaurant's patio for the first time. They're shooting to have that ready by mid-summer. Ralph Caiaizzo, also a co-owner and Joe's brother, will manage the restaurant. Members of the Caiazzo family also own Red Wolf Bar and Grille in Bath, Campus Pizza in South Bethlehem and, until its recent closing, Molto Pazzo on Main Street in Bethlehem. Joe Caiazzo said the fire at Anna Bella's started after the staff turned on the heat during a cold day in October. Soon, the smell of burning logs filled the restaurant, and a chef put his hand to the ceiling and noticed the heat. The owners later learned that a squirrel or another animal, he said, had chewed through the protective covering on a wire. "If it would have happened at night, the place probably would have burned to the ground," he said. For now, the family is anxious for everything to be ready at Dolce Mamma as soon as possible. "We're workers," he said. "We'd rather be cooking than watching the place sit there." Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook. Electronic and appliance chain HHGregg on Thursday announced it is closing 88 stores nationwide that have been deemed underperforming. Among the stores targeted in the plan is the Whitehall Township location, the Lehigh Valley's only HHGregg. That store is in the Lehigh Valley Mall complex at the site of the former Lehigh Valley Cinemas. It's been open since 2010. The company says in a news release that current inventory in the affected stores will be sold over the coming weeks. The final closing dates are expected to happen in mid-April. About 1,500 jobs at the 88 stores will be eliminated. Robert J. Riesbeck, the company's president and CEO, said in the news release that the company "worked tirelessly over the past year" to return the affected stores to profitability. He cited "changes in the local retail shopping landscape" as one of the reasons why the stores couldn't be turned around. The chain will still operate 132 stores nationwide. "Our team is dedicated to moving forward and being a profitable 132-store, multi-regional chain where we will continue to be a dominant force in appliances, electronics and home furnishings," Riesbeck said. The Whitehall Township store is among 15 in Pennsylvania slated to close, according to Thursday's announcement. See a complete list of store closings here. Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Investigation of the shooting at Pennsylvania State Police barracks at Blooming Grove The Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Blooming Grove Township, Pike County, are seen Sept. 14, 2014, days after Eric Frein allegedly opened fire there, killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson II and injuring Trooper Alex Douglass. (Pennlive.com file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) By Terrie Morgan-Besecker | The Times-Tribune Fearful it would make the department look bad, Pennsylvania State Police attempted to silence a dispatcher present during Eric Frein's fatal ambush at the Blooming Grove barracks from disclosing a trooper there raped her about a year before the attack, she claims in a lawsuit. Nicole Palmer, of Dunmore, Pa., alleges various officials with the department went to extraordinary lengths to keep her quiet, including having her involuntarily committed to a mental institution based on false allegations she threatened suicide. Because she filed a lawsuit and has been identified by name in previous stories, The Times-Tribune is naming Palmer. When she persisted in demanding the trooper who assaulted her be charged, officials launched an investigation -- not of her attacker, but of her -- based on claims that she told two troopers she was offered $1 million to keep quiet. The explosive allegations are contained in a 36-page lawsuit recently filed in Lackawanna County Court. State police on Tuesday filed paperwork seeking to transfer the case to federal court. Contacted Tuesday evening, Major James Degnan, area commander for the state police for Northeast Pennsylvania, said he could not comment on the suit, citing the department's policy not to comment on pending litigation. The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Kevin Dempsey and Michael Gallacher of Clarks Green, is among two Palmer filed related to the ambush. She also has a lawsuit pending in Pike County Court against Frein for emotional injuries she suffered as a result of the Sept. 12, 2014, sniper attack at the Blooming Grove barracks that killed Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II and wounded Trooper Alex T. Douglass. Palmer was the civilian dispatcher on duty the night of the ambush and attempted to drag Dickson into the barracks in the moments after he was shot. Frein was captured 48 days later and charged with homicide and multiple other offenses. His criminal trial is scheduled to begin on next month in Pike County. The latest lawsuit says authorities investigating the motive for the ambush asked Palmer if she ever had a sexual relationship with a senior trooper at the barracks, who is not identified in the suit. According to the suit, Palmer revealed the trooper in question, who was her superior, raped her in the summer of 2013 and thereafter continued to sexually harass her at work. Among her claims were that the trooper exposed his genitals to her, repeatedly showed her sexually suggestive photos, sent her degrading text messages and told her of his sexual escapades with other women. He also repeatedly placed his hands on her shoulders and neck and made sexually suggestive comments to her. One month after she disclosed the information, she was summoned to a meeting in Harrisburg with Lt. William M. Bowen and Sgt. Michael R. Brownmiller, who told her not to tell anyone about the rape orsexual harassment. Brownmiller then called her several times afterward and again directed her to remain silent. When Palmer told him she wanted to press charges, he repeatedly questioned her decision. The trooper in question was never charged. In January 2015, Palmer was summoned to a meeting in Bethlehem, purportedly to answer whether she had been offered $1 million to stay quiet. Six days before the meeting, Trooper Mark Pajalich and Trooper Brian Slovinski appeared at her home and advised her she would be involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility because someone, whom they refused to name, claimed she was going to commit suicide. Palmer and her boyfriend, who is a member of the state police, assured them she was not suicidal. Pajalich told her she would be forcefully committed and fired from the state police if she did not comply. Pajalich and Slovinski then transported her to a facility, where Pajalich completed paperwork to have her involuntarily committed. She was released several hours later after a psychiatrist determined there was no basis for the commitment. The suit says an attorney representing Palmer in a workers' compensation claim related to the ambush asked a state police official how such an improper psychiatric commitment could take place and he replied, "We take care of our own.'" About a month later, state police mailed Palmer notice she had to undergo a psychiatric examination related to her workers' compensation claim on March 5. Officials knew she had received notice. Despite that, Lt. Craig Carey appeared at her home and "ordered" her to attend the evaluation, the suit says. The lawsuit seeks damages on 10 counts for violations of her constitutional rights, false imprisonment, gender discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and punitive damages. Brownmiller, Bowen, Pajalich, Slovinski and Carey are named as defendants. Also named are state police commissioner Tyree Blocker, former commissioner Frank Noonan and Lt. Christopher Paris. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Pennsylvania officials issued warnings this week on two scams that are circulating. One is an email phishing scam involving W-2 tax forms, and it has expanded from the corporate world to public schools and nonprofits, state Revenue Secretary Eileen McNulty said Wednesday. "This large-scale theft can give criminals sensitive financial information about employees that can be used to commit various crimes, including tax identity theft by filing a fraudulent tax return in the name of a victim," McNulty said in a statement. How it works is cybercriminals disguise an email to appear as if the message is from an organization executive. The email is sent to payroll or human resources employees, requesting a W-2 form for each employee in the organization. "We encourage all employers to be on guard and to warn payroll and human resources employees about the scam," McNulty added. The scammers sometimes follow up with a fake "executive" email to the organization's payroll or comptroller staff, asking them to wire transfer to a certain account. The IRS reports that some companies have given the cybercriminals both their employees' confidential tax information from the W-2s and thousands of dollars due to wire transfers. Officials advise employers victimized by this scam to immediately report the W-2 thefts to both the Department of Revenue and U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The agencies will immediately take steps to try to help protect employees against tax-related identity theft. Additionally, organizations receiving a W-2 scam email should forward it to both the state Department of Revenue at RA-RVPITFRAUD@pa.gov and the IRS at phishing@irs.gov and place "W2 Scam" in the subject line. Employees whose Forms W-2 are stolen should review the recommended actions by the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov or the IRS at www.irs.gov/identitytheft. Gov. Tom Wolf's administration also warned this week of a phone scam in which residents are being asked to switch their health insurance carrier to the "Pennsylvania Department of Health's plan." Caller identification for these calls falsely appears to be originating from state health centers. "Our state health centers provide services to uninsured or underinsured Pennsylvanians," Secretary of Health Karen Murphy said in a statement Tuesday. "The Department of Health does not offer an insurance program, nor does it collect insurance information from residents receiving services. If you are receiving a call from the Department of Health about health insurance, please know that this is a scam and hang up." State health centers are receiving calls from individuals nationwide who have been contacted to switch their health insurance plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Health plan. For tips on protecting yourself from medical identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. Information about state health centers is available at www.health.pa.gov. For information about getting health insurance in Pennsylvania, visit www.insurance.pa.gov. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. US-POLITICS-TRUMP-SESSIONS President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office after Jeff Sessions was sworn in as attorney general. (SAUL LOEB) The last 24-hour news cycle has produced a flurry of new allegations about possible Russian influence on the U.S. presidential election, resulting in some Democrats calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. Some Republicans are calling for Sessions to not only recuse himself from the Justice Department's investigation into the matter, but to allow a special prosecutor to be appointed. This morning Sessions denied any improper contacts, telling NBC News, "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign. And those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false." Sessions said he would recuse himself from any investigation if he considered it appropriate. The White House called the new reports another attempt by Democrats to discredit the administration. Here's what sparked the latest calls for action: The The The What do you think? Should Sessions resign? Should he recuse himself from the investigation? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section. Sorry... ..An error has occured: If you have any queries about this error, try emailing feedback@mirror.co.uk and we'll do what we can to help you. ZID:308457493 A Portlaoise man convicted of stealing a childs bicycle has been given the probation act, after he was deemed unsuitable for community service due to the level of methadone he is currently on. Ryan Lewis (22), 98 St Brigids Place, Portlaoise, was convicted of theft back in December. States evidence outlined that at 10pm on November 14 last year, the accused was observed on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise as a passenger on a girls bicycle, which was being cycled by another male. The bike, valued at 150, had been stolen from Laurel Drive in Esker Hills between November 13/14. The accused had 24 previous convictions, including seven for theft. At the December court, the accused paid 45 compensation. Judge Catherine Staines put the matter back for a probation report, and imposed 100 hours community service in lieu of six months in prison. When the case returned to the district court last week, probation officer, Ms Ann Walsh told the court that the accused is on 10ml of methadone a day, which is too high for him to be suitable for community service. She said he is currently attending Coote Street, where hes doing fine. As the bicycle had been recovered and the accused had paid compensation, Judge Staines applied the probation act. The top restaurants in Laois have been announced at the first of four regional finals in this years Irish Restaurant Awards. The Leinster Regional Final took place in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, last night where 105 awards were presented to the countrys leading chefs, restaurants and pubs. The Laois winners are as follows: Best Restaurant Batoni's Best Chef Sam Moody of Ballyfin Demesne Best Gastro Pub Treacy's Bar & Restaurant Best Casual Dining McEvoy's Steak & Wine Bar Abbeyleix Best Hotel Restaurant Ballyfin Demense Best Customer Service Judge Roy Beans at The Heritage Killenard Best Wine Experience Castle Durrow Best Newcomer Kellys Steakhouse, Portlaoise Pub of the Year - Morrisseys Abbeyleix Over 600 people attended the event on Wednesday evening where the top establishments in each county were named. Speaking at the awards, Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) said: "Now in their ninth year, the Irish Restaurant Awards continue to showcase the exquisite and admirable calibre of food available in our restaurants and pubs nationwide. Online nominations have increased from 9,000 in 2013 to over 80,000 this year and with the increase in interest comes an increase in standards, making the judging process more difficult than ever. 6 Those who have been shortlisted will also be notified by letter by Monday, March 6 regarding the next step in the judging process for the Irish Restaurant Awards 2017. All County winners now compete for the Regional and All Ireland Title which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 2 on Monday, May 8. A third of births registered births in Laois are to first time mums according to the latest annual figures. Ireland recorded the EUs top birth rate in 2015, with 14.2 babies born per 1,000 residents in the State according to EU Eurostat figures. Of the 1,182 Laois registered births in 2015, 404 or 34% were to first time mothers. Figures publish by the Health Information and Quality Authority show that there were 1,606 births at the Maternity Unit in the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise in 2015. The differance between the Laois number and hospital's number is explained by the fact babies from outside Laois are born in the hospital and registered in their county of residence. Births at the Portlaoise hospital have a declined by 31% from its peak in 2010 when there were more than 2,300 births at the hospital. Hiqa reported last year that 31% of babies born at the hospital in 2015 were to first time mothers. The Laois birth rate for first time mums is slightly below the national average. Ireland's Central Statistics Office recorded that of the 65,909 births in the State during 2015, 24,867 or 38% were to first time mothers. The figures for first time mums were published as part of a survey of Financial Brokers throughout the country, commissioned by protection specialist Royal London. Royal London used the figures to encourage parents to take up life assurance describing it as the forgotten financial protection Celebrity solicitor Gerald Kean is confident that Laois will get its Down Syndrome Centre of Excellence, with his continued support. "I'm very keen on seeing it take off, it's going to take off. Anywhere I can help I will," he said. He has revealed to the Leinster Express that an offer of a site in Laois was made within minutes of him pledging 10,000 to kickstart the project. The offer was made last week, after his MC speech at the annual Charity Gala Ball in Killenard, where he is special guest for the past 11 years. "It happened on the night, we did it on the night," said Mr Kean, who has supported a similar 'Field of Dreams' Centre to get up and running in his native Cork. However the Down Syndrome Ireland Laois Branch now says it had to regretfully turn down that site. "We had a very kind offer, but unfortunately it was in an unsuitable location, close to the Kyletalesha landfill, so we had to turn it down. We are still looking for a donation of a site," said PRO Mick Gorman. The site needs to be at least 2 acres, on green land that can be developed. The vision is of a centre offering employment training to adults with Down Syndrome in Laois, including organic horticulture and a pottery, with on-site shops sell their produce, all operated by them. Members could upskill in areas of their choosing, and then work at the centre or out in the community, for a genuine wage. Mick Gorman explains why the centre of excellence is so vital. "Our branch has hugely invested in early intervention for children with Down Syndrome, but we have found that older people actually need that support throughout their lives. Over time emotional issues can manifest themselves, and a lot of that is because they have no meaningful employment for a decent wage, no reason to get out of bed," he said. "Gerald Kean's offer has really added impetus," he added. To find out more, contact chairperson Margaret Miron at 086 8064135, or Mick at 086 0491633. 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. An AI technician in the agricultural industry from Mountrath has pleaded guilty to having in his possession nine silage wraps which were stolen in a burglary. Today's Portlaoise District Court (Thursday, March 2) heard that Garret Kirwan (37), Ringstown, Mountrath, received the wraps from three men in a van in July, 2016. Inspector Jer Glavin said that the wraps were part of property stolen in a burglary in June. Insp Glavin said that the accused had no connection to this offence. Insp Glavin told the court that the accused is not being investigated in relation to any other matters and no other charges are pending. Barrister, Mr Colm Hennessy said that although no money changed hands, his client, a farmer, had agreed to pay 360 for the items, which was half the normal price. Phone numbers were exchanged between the parties and the accused tried to contact the men twice after taking the wraps, said Mr Hennessy, but any time he rang a lady answered the phone and the three men never returned for payment. Mr Hennessy said that the man his client took the wraps from had claimed to have sold 200 wraps elsewhere. Mr Hennessy said that the accused was one of only five AI technicians in Laois, and at the moment his reputation is in tatters. He said that the accuseds bank had suspended his credit line pending the outcome of the gardais investigation. Mr Hennessy said it was widely known in the locality about the investigation and the matter had received a lot of attention, given the accuseds occupation. Mr Hennessy asked the court to impose the probation act instead of a criminal conviction. Defence said that the accused had 1,000 to offer the court, but Judge Mitchell rejected this. Theres a level of trust in the farming community and its considered a serious breach for items to be stolen, and then for other farmers to buy them, said Judge Mitchell. The judge said that a message had to go out, and ruled that he would deal with the matter by way of a fine. However, Mr Hennessy asked the judge not to use this case to signal a public deterrence. He said that the accuseds reputation is on the floor. I dont want Mr Kirwan to become the poster child for rural crime, said Mr Hennessy. This offence is an attack on the agricultural industry and agricultural communities, said Judge Mitchell. He said that if there was no market for stolen goods there would be no stealing. Judge Mitchell convicted and fined the accused 720, the amount the bales were worth. Recognisance was fixed in the event of an appeal. The judge said he very much regretted if this incident had affected the accuseds wife and children, and said he hoped the members of the farming community could remember the quote from the bible which said let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Scoil Chriost Ri girls secondary school in Portlaoise were runaway winners yet again this year in the 2016 Irish Life Health, Schools Fitness Challenge. The school has been awarded Irelands Most Improved Girls School, after winning the overall Fittest Girls school in Ireland in 2015. First and second year students took part in the fitness challenge, with 1D winning the award for the school. PE teacher Maria Walsh said it was an even better award to win than the overall prize. I was absolutely delighted for them, it was even better to win this, because the girls who won it for the school worked really hard, and dramatically changed from being unfit to now enjoying PE. It hasnt waned, they are still very enthusiastic, she said. The challenge involved beep tests at the start of each class, where the students ran together as fast as they could. I would time them and at the end read out the times, that motivated them, they were only beating their own time, so it became a personal challenge, she said. The girls also worked on circuit training in the schools gym. Its about creating a positive atmosphere around fitness. While boys are more likely to play sports, our school is very much a sporting school. But it is nice to do something that is not team sport orientated, so if you dont find a sport that suits you, you can do something else like gym or dancing, Ms Walsh said. Myself and the whole school are so proud of them. It was great to see their reaction when they heard, they were so proud of themselves and what they had achieved, she said. Over 800 Laois students participated in the 2016 Irish Life Health Schools Fitness Challenge Nationwide results revealed that Irish girls are less likely than boys to meet the minimum current physical activity recommendations for optimal health. Worryingly, the gender gap widens as boys and girls progress through school; in 4th year, boys are 42% fitter than girls, as opposed to 1st year boys being 32% fitter than girls. A survey by Irish Life Health of PE teachers views, found that a whopping 96% believe that their students fake excuses to get out of PE class. Over a quarter of all Irish secondary schools signed up for the 2016 Irish Life Health Schools Fitness Challenge. 22,764 students took part (10,935 girls and 11,828 boys), more than in any previous year. Students also experienced a significant improvement in their fitness levels after just six weeks of exercise training. Jim Dowdall, Managing Director at Irish Life Health congratulated Scoil Chriost Ri. Congratulations Scoil Chriost Ri, Portlaoise, on your win. The Irish Life Health Schools Fitness Challenge is a national health initiative designed to assess and improve fitness levels among Irish secondary students with the aim of improving overall health. We are all aware of the impact of sport on a childs current and future health. We congratulate all the schools that participated in the challenge, he said. The data from the challenge has enabled the creation of the first ever standardised fitness norms for Irish secondary school children. This will allow Irish school children to evaluate and rank their own fitness levels in relation to age and gender specific normative data. The programme was overseen by Prof. Niall Moyna in the Centre for Preventive Medicine, Dublin City University. Any form of physical activity is better than none. We should move away from the rigidity of the current PE curriculum to short periods of physical activity that encourage senior cycle students, particularly girls to stay active. The new Junior Certificate PE curriculum is a paradigm shift that is long overdue and, if properly resourced, has the potential to have a profoundly positive impact on the current and future health of Irish teenagers. he said. Eason is delighted to announce Eileen Maguire as the winner of the Leitrim County Spelling Bee, which took place on March 1 in The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-On-Shannon. 11-year-old Eileen Maguire from St. Brigids National School, Drumcong, fought off stiff competition from seven spelling enthusiasts and will now be entered into the Connacht Provincial Spelling Bee final in June. The 5th class student loves to read but finds it hard to pick her favourite book as she has so many! The nationwide competition is part of an overall Eason literacy and reading initiative to encourage and inspire children to develop their spelling and pronunciation skills. Over the years the competition has helped school children gain a greater appreciation of words in a fun and educational way. The All-Ireland winning school will receive a collection of books for their library to the value of 7,500 and the winner themselves will be awarded a goodie package full of books worth 500 and the prestigious title of the 2017 Eason Spelling Bee champion. Keep abuzz with all the 2017 Spelling Bee news on www.easons.com/spellingbee and @easons #EasonSpellingBee It should have been one of the governments more difficult weeks. News emerged that police forces in England are rationing how they respond to calls for help. Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary says too many crimes are not being properly investigated and fewer prosecutions reaching the courts. Thats the sort of Britain that works for everyone. In the House of Lords decency prevailed and the Noble members of that house voted to guarantee the UK residency and other rights of EU nationals. The governments immediate response was to say it will try and overturn the vote when the Bill comes back to the Commons. Thats the sort of Britain that works for everyone. By refusing to give clarity over what returning EU fishing and farming powers will go to Edinburgh, Mrs May looks prepared to upset the Scots and fuel the SNPs campaign for Indy 2. Thats the sort of Britain that works for everyone. The Guardian recently reported a study by the giant insurance company Aviva saying that one in four families in the UK have less than 95 in savings. Thats the sort of Britain that works for everyone. Yesterday, on The Today programme, Karen Brady, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport waffled on in the vaguest of terms about her new digital strategy. Its a vacuous document of lofty language and little substance. But Ms Brady made sure to say that her strategy would work for everyone. A Britain that works for everyone has become the governments mantra of choice. It replaces long term economic plan, which the Tories felt was very successful, until of course they led the disruption of economic stability with Brexit. What that produced is the sort of Britain that works for everyone. Consumed by its internal leadership and ideological battles, Labour couldnt put the ball in the net if all the Government players went to Antarctica for a months holiday and the referee painted a big white arrow pointing the way to an empty goal. So, it looks like its down to the Liberal Democrats. Im certainly going to turn the Tories new favourite phrase on them whenever I write to the local paper or when out canvassing or even just talking in the pub. Theresa May thinks A Britain that works for everyone and its oft employed variant, A Britain that works for the many not just the privileged few, is a winner. It would be helpful to our cause to consistently point out in parliament, in the council chamber, in the press and on the doorsteps that there are very few signs that life for ordinary people is better under Theresa May, or showing any real prospect of getting better. Mrs May, with Brexit and her central messages, is over-promising and will almost certainly fail to deliver the type of country she says she wants. We Liberal Democrats need to undermine her careless rhetoric and show all our main policies to be better. * Martin Roche is a member of Canterbury Liberal Democrats ON a walk in Limerick city with my pooch last Sunday I conducted a little survey. The survey was simple count the number of dog poos left on the streets of Limerick city centre. The route? From Pennywell up to the station, through the Peoples Park, down Mallow St and then down OConnell St and then finishing for coffee on Thomas St. The result? Eighty-nine dog poos left festering on a small section of our city streets. Note that this route did not take in our new boardwalk and the OCallaghan/Clancy Strand areas, both of which have recognised dog poo problems. What irks me is that, after posting on social media, most of the comments I received were in some way blaming Limerick Council for the citys dog poo epidemic. The fact is this if you own a dog and your dog does his business on our streets then it is your responsibility to pick it up and bin it. Aside from being ignorant, irresponsible and selfish behaviour, the leaving of dog dirt on our streets is a danger in terms of public health. Research shows that a single gram of dog poo can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans. Dog poo can contain diseases such as Whipworms, Hookworm, Roundworms, Tapeworms, Parvo, Corona, Giardiasis, Salmonellosis, Cryptosporidiosis and Campylobacteriosis. Not the sort of stuff we need sitting outside our front door. When it comes to the role the local authority plays it is true that they should be the enforcers of the law when it comes to dog poo. The rules under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 state that it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner or person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner. You can complain to the District Court under the litter laws against an owner or someone in charge of a dog who allows that dog to foul public places and who fails to act responsibly. Under the Act, a dog owner who fails to clean up after their animal faces an on-the-spot fine of 150, with a maximum fine of 3,000 for those convicted. However, enforcing this law can be virtually impossible. Across Ireland and further afield we have repeatedly seen initiatives that have attempted to deal with the scourge of dog fouling in cities. In 2015 Cork City Council announced the introduction of audible dog poo alarms in certain parts of the city. These audio messaging devices would send out subtle reminders at regular intervals in an attempt to curb the scourge of dog poo. In 2016 Madrid announced a plan to force dog owners in two districts to clean up after their pets. Those caught not doing so must either spend a few days as substitute street cleaners or face a 1,700 fine. In both France and in Malaga a plan was devised to simply collect all the pet dogs' DNA in a database. Once that is set up then officials can take samples of any excrement left lying around the area and quickly trace it back to the offending mutts and their owners. And most interestingly, Brunete, a suburb of Madrid, boxed up dog faeces and mailed it to owners. For two weeks, volunteers spied on dog walkers, approached those who didnt scoop and asked the name of the pooch which, because most were registered with the city, was usually enough information to determine the owners address. Some of these solutions might be considered Draconian by some. However, for whatever reason, there is clearly an ignorance, an apathy and a carelessness in certain dog owners in Limerick. I, for one, would happily stand by the introduction of a name-and-shame approach. It is not just the people of Limerick who notice the problem. I have met many visitors to Limerick from the United States, all of whom have remarked on how much of an issue dog poo is on our public walkways. Limerick people by their nature are extremely passionate people when it comes to their city. We will fight tooth and nail to protect our reputation. This passion does seem to be at odds with how good we are at presenting our urban space. It wont be long until Limerick once again makes headlines across the country when we embark on the third Team Limerick Clean-up, that fantastic initiative led by Paul OConnell and JP McManus. Lets try and make 2017 the year where tackling the scourge of dog poo finally makes it to the top of the agenda. A fresh initiative has been launched in an effort to reduce incidents of crime at Limericks biggest shopping centre. The Business Watch initiative, which was launched this Wednesday, is a crime-prevention programme which will see gardai and traders from the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle working more closely together. According to gardai, the initiative will operate in a similar way to Neighbourhood Watch schemes with people who work at Crescent Shopping Centre providing extra eyes and ears for gardai. The need for such an initiative was identified by traders late last year and the launch follows several months of discussions with garda and management at the shopping centre. Its based on the premise of collaboration with all the business here getting together and the gardai then coordinating it, explained Inspector Ollie Kennedy of Roxboro Road garda station. It will build a tighter partnership from a communication and security point of view between all the businesses here at the Crescent and that is further boosted by our links with them, he added. John Davitt, manager of the Crescent Shopping Centre, has welcomed the launch of the new initiative which, he says, will benefit both traders and customers. The Crescent traders will meet on a weekly basis with the security manager for the Crescent who will then liase directly with the local community garda from Roxboro Road garda station, he said. It is hoped the Business Watch initiative will reduce overall levels of crime at the Crescent and allow gardai to identify patterns of offending and trends at an early stage. LIMERICK is set to become the first city in Ireland to tackle litter with a revolutionary new machine, The Glutton. This Wednesday, Limerick City Council today took ownership of The Glutton, a new outdoor cleaning solution. The high tech litter machine is a dust, noise and exhaust-free litter vacuum that has revolutionised the work of road maintenance staff around the world. Mayor Kieran O Hanlon accepted the machine on behalf of the local authority from Sue Ann Foley, chairperson of the JP McManus Benevolent Fund. The Team Limerick Cleanup (TLC) branded Glutton will be managed by a council operative, who has traded in his broom and his litter picker for the modern machine. Easy to use, The Glutton industrial vacuum cleaner saves time and makes work more comfortable for the user, reduces effort, and improves health and safety. In addition to all that, its electric version is perfectly silent and environmentally friendly. It vacuums up all kinds of waste for up to 12 hours. Speaking of her delight on handing over The Glutton to the council, Sue Ann Foley, chairperson of the JP McManus Benevolent Fund said: We are delighted to hand this machine over to Limerick City and County Council today. The council has been instrumental in Team Limerick Clean-up and the Benevolent Fund are hugely grateful for their contribution to the initiative. "The Glutton is set to complement our Good Friday clean-up and we look forward to seeing it in operation around the streets of Limerick," she added. Mayor O'Hanlon said: "We are thrilled that Limerick is the first and only city in the country to use The Glutton. The machine is a huge asset to the on-going cleaning measures the Council has in place. "Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can be used in a number of locations from pavements, public roads and carparks. On behalf of Limerick City and County Council, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the JP McManus Benevolent Fund for this kind donation," he added. Limericks huge clean-up TLC3 takes place on Good Friday - April 14 - and thousands have already signed up to take part. Team Limerick Clean-Up3 (TLC3), is an initiative sponsored by the JP McManus Benevolent Fund, and supported by Limerick City and County Council. Endorsed by Paul OConnell, the official partners include The Limerick Leader, Mr Binman, and Limerick's Live 95FM. GARDAI have renewed their appeal for information following a fatal road accident on the M7 motorway. The victim a man in his 50s who was living in Limerick sustained serious head injuries when the car he was driving left the road and crashed down an embankment off the southbound carriageway between Junction 27 (Birdhill) and Junction 28 (Castletroy). It is understood the businessman was returning to Limerick from Dublin when the accident happened at around 7.40pm on Wednesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem examination will be carried out later today at University Hospital Limerick. It is understood the man, who has not been named by gardai, also has connections and family in Thurles and in North Kerry. Several other accidents involving up to a dozen vehicles happened in the same area around the same time as weather conditions were particularly bad. There are no reports of any other serious injuries although a number of people did require medical attention. A stretch of the motorway which was closed overnight to facilitate a Forensic Collision Examination has since reopened. Gardai in Nenagh are investigating the fatal collision and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on (067) 50450. THE insurance industry in Limerick has been left reeling following the death of popular broker Padhraic Moran in a road crash. Mr Moran, who lived at Mill Road in Corbally, sustained serious head injuries when the car he was driving left the road and crashed down an embankment off the southbound carriageway between Junction 27 (Birdhill) and Junction 28 (Castletroy). He pronounced dead at the scene of the accident which happened at around 7.40pm on Wednesday. It is understood Mr Moran, who was a broker and consultant with Zurich, was returning to Limerick having attended a meeting in Dublin earlier in the day. The Kerry native was also a former chairman of the Life Insurance Association (LIA) for the Limerick region. Padhraic would have been one of our most loyal members and he gave of his time in a very generous way and he would have been a volunteer on our committee and all I can say about Padhraic is that he was a lovely guy. "Hes going to be really missed by everybody; anybody who worked with him and anybody who know him as a friend, Pat O'Sullivan, chief executive of the LIA told Live 95FM. A post mortem is to be conducted on the body of Mr Moran who is survived by his wife Anne and extended family. Gardai in Nenagh are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash and are asking any witnesses to contact them on (067) 50450. REVELLERS at a 21st birthday party in county Limerick ran for their lives after a gun was produced, the Limerick Leader has learned. The incident occurred at a house in Doon in the early hours of Sunday. The celebrations started in a pub in the village and after closing time continued in a private home. Around 40 people were in attendance when the firearm was pulled out. It is understood that the perpetrator was one of three men who gatecrashed the festivities. According to a local, the uninvited guests, who are not from Doon, started causing trouble. They were asked to leave and they wouldnt. Then there was a bit of a scuffle. One of the three pulled out a handgun, pointed it at one individual at the party and he said, Ill blow your f***ing head off. This caused consternation and everybody ran for their lives. There was huge panic, said the local. No shots were discharged and the three men then left. The person who spoke to the Limerick Leader stressed that the family and the young man, who was celebrating his 21st birthday, are hard-working and highly respected in the community. They have no links with crime or anything like that. The lads who caused the trouble werent invited and then wouldnt leave. There are about 40 witnesses. It is the talk of Doon, they said. Gardai were alerted and arrived promptly at the scene at approximately 4.30am on Sunday morning, February 26. However, the three had a head-start and had made good their escape. A garda spokesperson said: All of the circumstances of the incident are being investigated. No arrests have been made and no serious injuries were reported to gardai. Anybody with any information, that can help investigating officers in their enquiries, is asked to contact Bruff Garda Station on 061 382940. USPS inspector general report details possible giveaways, selling of discontinued stamp products by former Stamp Fulfillment manager Mar 2, 2017, 7 AM The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, in a June 15, 2016, report obtained by Linn's Stamp News, details the possible giveaway and selling of discontinued USPS philatelic products by former Stamp Fulfillment Services manager Khalid By Bill McAllister, Washington Correspondent The way United States special agents are telling it, Khalid M. Hussain, the longtime manager of the Stamp Fulfillment Services center in Kansas City, Mo., ran a rogue operation for years that sold U.S. mint stamps overseas at deep discounts. At the same time at his offices in the underground stamp center known as the caves, Hussain was giving away, or selling at discounted prices, philatelic products sent to his facility for disposal or destruction. The problem, the agents say, is that neither operation had approval from U.S. Postal Service headquarters in Washington, D.C. Thats the ugly picture that emerges from a newly released investigative report. Although heavily redacted, the report points to serious management issues the inspectors say they uncovered during a nearly six-month investigation that ended in April 2016. The 42-page document was released to Linns under a Freedom of Information Act request. It listed five violations of postal codes and federal regulations by the facilitys former manager, problems that go beyond the previously reported sale of Harry Potter stamps to Royal Mail at 35 percent below face prices. The report also hints that Hussain, head of the center from 2005 to 2016, could face legal action. The USPS Office of Inspector General said it was withholding some of the investigation's details because they may have been compiled for law enforcement purposes. The report says stocks of Simpson stamps and Lunar New Year stamps, as well as the Harry Potter commemoratives, could be involved. Although many details have been removed from the report, whats exposed among the often blank pages is a portrait of a postal executive operating outside of the strict stamp rules that postal workers must obey. Not only may have Hussain sent stamps to the British postal service without any written contract between 2009 and 2015, he also is alleged to have stocked a showroom at the caves with unsold philatelic goods that post offices across the country failed to sell, the newly disclosed report says. Those items were then sold, agents say, often at 80 percent of listed prices. These sales, however, were not recorded. Revenue that should have gone to the Postal Service therefore is impossible to track, the report says. The value of the United States stamps delivered to Royal Mail apparently is known, but that figure was deleted from the report. The USPS likes to sell its stamps to foreign postal administrations, but the inspectors said they could not find signed sales agreements between the USPS and Royal Mail. Nor could they find any record of Royal Mail payments to the Postal Service. The unauthorized shipments of U.S. stamps to England came after Hussain exchanged e-mails and held in person meetings with Royal Mail representatives, the report says. Hussain filled a storage room wall-to-wall with the unsold philatelic products. Instead of destroying the items, the report says the items were sold to employees at a discount or, in some cases, given away to visitors and used as holiday gifts, the report says. Even the agents were given some of the items when they appeared at the center in October 2015 to investigate a complaint filed with the USPS ethics office. The agents were given a packet that contained a Yes I Do digital color postmark, a West Virginia commemorative forever stamp first-day cover, a Harry Potter stamp ceremony program, a Christmas Virgin and Child commemorative cancellation, an Olympic Games commemorative collection page, and a 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington commemorative panel. Mint stamps were on the commemorative collection page and the commemorative panel, the report said. Agents had been tipped off about the unauthorized sales to Royal Mail and the sales of excess philatelic products in the showroom. The investigation is not the first time that OIG special agents have questioned operations at the Kansas City center. In mid-2015, the Postal Services inspector general sharply criticized the way the center handled distribution of the 100 intentionally produced upright $2 Jenny Invert stamp panes, noting that three of the valuable panes were given at no cost to three customers who had placed previous orders with SFS. Hussains name was deleted from the released report, although the report and previously released material make clear that he was the focus of the investigation. In a June 8 response to a previously released Management Alert, James P. Cochrane, the Postal Services chief marketing officer, said headquarters holds the manager, Stamp Fulfillment Services responsible and accountable for all his/her actions, the same as all other USPS managers and executives. Hussain has not responded to an e-mail request from Linns for comment on the latest report. His Linkedin webpage states his tenure at the Postal Service ended in 2016. Nor did Royal Mail respond to Linns request for information about whether it had resolved the issue of payments to USPS for the stamps Hussain apparently shipped to them. A June 15, 2016, report from the USPS inspector general said management of the Kansas City center provided 2,649 books of Harry Potter stamps with a face value of $24,371 to Royal Mail. Mary-Anne Penner, director of Stamp Services for the Postal Service, who was Hussains immediate supervisor, did not respond to Linns request to be interviewed. The Postal Service does not comment on personnel matters, said USPS spokesman David Partenheimer in a statement to Linn's. That being said, the Postal Service does follow established Postal Service policies to ensure accounting for and disposal of off-sale retail merchandise and accountable paper, he said. Furthermore, the Postal Service holds all managers responsible and accountable for their actions to properly ensure oversight, management, and protection of postal assets and compliance with Postal policies. The USPS has released reports in the past naming senior officials accused of wrongdoing. According to Hussains Linkedin page, he had been with Stamp Fulfillment Services since 1997. He first served as its information technology manager, then operations manager, and since June 2005 as executive manager. I am an executive who is successful at leading high-volume complex and diverse operations, he said on his Linkedin page. Hussain takes credit for consolidating Stamp Fulfillment Services, which supplies stamps to collectors and high-volume stamp users, and stamp distribution centers, which supply stamps to postal facilities. Under my leadership, savings were achieved and the merger was completed on schedule, he says. Hussain says revenues at the center have grown to more than $500 million from $120 million in the past 10 years. He also says he holds four patents, including one for the USPS exclusive Digital Color Postmark used on first-day covers. I was also awarded a patent for a unique stamp affixing machine in 2013, he says. It is the only one in the world. Details of USPS OIG report about SFS mismangement The new report covers an investigation that ran between Oct. 15, 2015, and April 4, 2016. The cover sheet says the Office of Inspector General sent the case to USPS for administrative action. Here are five issues it raised about Hussains role at the center were: 1. Violation of USPS policy concerning destruction or disposal of unsold inventories of stamps and philatelic products, putting such items in a storage room known as "the showroom. 2. He failed to properly oversee the showroom, which placed the Postal Service inventory at risk for unauthorized use. This enabled use of improper accounting procedures for generated revenue, increasing the risk of errors, losses and embezzlements and frustrating their timely detection. 3. He misused his position by removing Postal Service property from the showroom for purposes other than official Postal Service business and for purposes which unfairly advantaged Postal Service employees. 4. He misused his position and put the Postal Service at risk when he engaged in an unauthorized commitment with Royal Mail to sell approximately 2,649 U.S. stamp books featuring Harry Potter and to remit a 35% commission to the Postal Service. He failed to collect the revenue to which the Postal Service was entitled. 5. He violated the standard of ethical conduct when he solicited employment assistance from a Postal Service contractor employee with Northrup Grumman who was the point of contact for hiring employees to work at the SFS Center. __________________________________________________ This story was updated March 9, 2017, at 11:15 a.m. Apr 30, 2021, 12 AM A stamp issued in June 1921 marked a century of coffee production in Costa Rica, and might also have provided funding for a celebratory festival for the milestone. To promote the countrys coffee, an overprint of a coffee bag was added, in various ink colors, to five denominations of existing Costa Rica issues in 1922. Classic Stamps of the World By Kathleen Wunderly Costa Rica, in Central America next to Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, and the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1502. The explorer supposedly gave the country its name Rich Coast in Spanish because he believed, or wishfully thought, that it was full of precious metals. Centuries later, in 1796, a true treasure arrived in Costa Rica: neither gold nor silver, but the coffee plant, imported from its discovery spot in the mountainous rainforests of Ethiopia by way of a Spaniard living in Havana, Cuba. The transplant began to thrive in the soil and climate of its new home. By the 19th century, the government was fully encouraging coffee production, and exported coffee became a major source of revenue for the nations economy, exceeding cacao, sugar, and tobacco by 1829. England became an excellent market for Costa Rican coffee beginning in 1843, despite its national affection for tea. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Bananas, cotton, and some other crops for export eventually became important in Costa Rica, but coffee the countrys first export and its only one until 1890 continued to fuel the countrys economy, as it still does today. Almost 52 percent of the countrys coffee is exported to the United States, where the National Coffee Association estimates that 54 percent of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day, for a daily average of 3.1 nine-ounce cups, and a nationwide coffee expenditure of $40 billion a year. On June 15, 1921, a decree from President Julio Acosta Garcia announced a fete organized by the faculty of the Escuela Normal (the Normal School, a teacher-training institution) of Costa Rica, with the object of commemorating the Centenary of the Introduction of Coffee into the country. To fund the celebration, the decree explained, an issue of twenty-five thousand postage stamps of the value of five centimos each would be available during the eight days before and the eight days after the twenty-ninth of the present month in which the festivities are to be inaugurated. The issuing and circulation of the stamps shall extend only to the period aforesaid. Writing in the Congress Book of 1953, H.D. Mitchell questioned the legitimacy of this stamp (Scott 103, issued June 17, 1921), as it was supposedly valid for only 17 days and the profits went not to the government but to the Escuela Normal, making it more of a semipostal stamp than a regular issue. Another question regarding the stamp is nonphilatelic: Namely, why was 1921 considered the centenary of coffee production in Costa Rica? As mentioned earlier, records indicate that the plant arrived in 1796 and was cultivated immediately, albeit not on a commercial level. The significance of 1821 in Costa Rican history is related to its coffee crops, but as the year of its declaration of independence from Spain. It is true that in 1821, coffee plants and land to grow them were made available to the people, greatly expanding the potential for economic growth and prosperity in the country. Perhaps that milestone, when coffee growing was officially encouraged on a wide scale, was considered the true beginning of Costa Rican coffee. Because the June 1921 stamp had bypassed the usual procedures for producing a new issue, the Post Office Department might have felt deprived of its chance to mark the centennial, or perhaps the higher officials felt that other opportunities remained for coffee postal propaganda. A presidential decree of Jan. 4, 1922, beginning with the line, At the request of the Postmaster General, stated that a Surcharge with a design which represents a sack with the legend Cafe de Costa Rica would be added to six existing regular postage stamps, in specified quantities of each denomination. The sack on the overprint resembles a pillow, but so does an actual coffee bag. The overprint design does include some shading to indicate the rough surface of a burlap bag. The stamps to be overprinted were from the five lowest denominations of the eight-stamp set of 1910 honoring national public figures, plus the 1921 stamp (Scott 110) depicting Simon Bolivar. The overprints were typographically added by the Imprenta Nacional (national printing works). The details of the stamps are as follows, including the Scott number of the original issue and that of the overprinted stamp, the denomination, the quantity surcharged, and the ink color of the overprint. In an article titled Recognizing the Counterfeits of the Coffee-bag Overprints in the June 1955 American Philatelist, H.D. Mitchell states that full 100-subject plates were prepared for each denomination of the overprinted stamps with 1921 as the first line of the surcharge. The samples were presented to the secretary for government, Aquiles Acosta, whose department included postal affairs, and Acosta rejected the idea of a dated overprint for the logical reason that Costa Rican coffee was excellent in any year, wrote Mitchell. Plus, the coffee promotion program was intended to be indefinite, not just a 1921 commemoration. Essays exist for all denominations with the 1921 first line, which was erased from the plate before the overprinting was done. The overprinted stamps were released in spring 1922 (the Costa Rica Postal Catalogue by Hector R. Mena lists the release date as Jan. 11, 1922), so the 1921 reference would have made even less sense. In his 1953 Congress Book article, H.D. Mitchell mentions an anecdotal tale (he heard it third-hand) of a single coffee-bag overprinted stamp, denomination unstated, displaying traces of the erased 1921. The alleged traces could have been merely part of a clumsily forged stamp, of which there are many. The Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 adds a footnote to the Scott 111C-111H listings: Inverted overprints exist on all values. Value, set $20. Counterfeits predominate. Mitchell points out that large quantities of demonetized stamps of the 1910 regular series were disposed of by the Costa Rican government in 1924, providing ample supplies for counterfeiters to augment with coffee-bag overprints. Ironically, 1922 was not a very good year for Costa Ricas coffee production. A U.S. consular report from San Jose in October 1922 to the Foreign and Agricultural Service of the U.S. Dairy Association stated that the crop was expected to be between 46,300,000 pounds and 50,700,000 pounds, which is considerably below the production of last year. The report added, The quality, however, is unusually good. The crop has been declining again in recent years, not because of lessening demand worldwide, but due to coffee leaf disease caused by a rust fungus, Hemileia vastatrix. The disease has been around since the 19th century but is wreaking modern havoc in susceptible coffee plantations in Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as Costa Rica, where the majority of the crop has been affected. This gloomy situation might preclude a stamp in 2021 for the bicentennial of Costa Rican coffee raising. In the meantime, a set of the 1922 coffee-bag overprinted stamps is valued at $7.75 unused and $3.55 used in the 2017 Scott Classic Specialized catalog. 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. People who have migraines may one day get help from an experimental new device that is worn like a patch around the upper arm and stimulates the nerves, a new preliminary study suggests. Researchers in Israel found that 64 percent of participants who used the device reported that it reduced their migraine pain by at least half. For comparison, 26 percent of people who used the placebo treatment said the same, according to the findings released today (March 1) in the journal Neurology. The device, known as the Nerivio Migra, does not yet have FDA approval in the United States. [Ouch: 10 Odd Causes of Headaches] The study was funded by the Israeli company Theranica Ltd., which developed the new device. Using electrical stimulation to relieve pain or treat headaches is not a new idea, said Dr. Paul Rizzoli, clinical director of the John R. Graham Headache Centerat Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the study. Currently, there are two FDA-approved devices on the market that use nerve stimulation to treat migraines. One of them is called Cefaly and applies stimulation to the forehead of the migraine sufferer, and a second device is placed on a person's neck. The Nerivio device is essentially a variation on a similar theme, but it uses a different location on the body to deliver the stimulation, Rizzoli said. Both of the currently approved products are worn in more visible locations than the device used in this study, which could be hidden beneath a shirtsleeve. The company website said users can place the Nerivio wearable patch on either arm. The patch contains electrodes, a battery and a computer chip that triggers electrical pulses to the skin to stimulate sensory nerves. When a migraine attack occurs, a user can launch an app on his or her smartphone to activate the electrical stimulation and adjust the strength of the stimulation as needed. It's unclear why electrical stimulation of the arm would help reduce migraine pain, but it may help block the pain signals from reaching the brain, the researchers suggested in their study. "Meager results" In the study, the researchers recruited 71 people who suffered two to eight migraine attacks per month, but who had not used preventive medications to treat the attacks for at least two months. The participants were taught how to use the new device and instructed to use it for 20 minutes as soon as possible after the start of a migraine during the 10-month study. The users were also told to avoid any medications for 2 hours after the onset of a headache. But 27 of the participants received a placebo, or sham treatment, meaning the device delivered electrical stimulation at a frequency level too low to ease pain. Aside from the higher percentage of participants reporting their pain was reduced by at least half with the device, the researchers found additional results: The study showed that people who wore the electrical-stimulation device and activated it within 20 minutes of the start of a migraine had a 47 percent reduction in their migraine pain on average. Those who activated the device between 21 and 60 minutes of the attack had a 25 percent average reduction. About 40 percent of people who received the actual treatment described the stimulation as painful or unpleasant, while the rest said it was pleasant, the study said. But Rizzoli said he did not think these findings provided strong evidence that the device is effective. One problem, he said, was that the statistical comparison between the experimental group and the placebo group was hampered by the fact that many of the participants who got the sham treatment might have realized they were getting it. And because these participants had no pain relief, they may have stopped using the treatment before 20 minutes had elapsed. So their results were not included in the final analysis. [11 Surprising Facts About Placebos] As a result, there was only a 28 percent completion rate among placebo users, compared with a 70 percent completion rate for those receiving the active treatment. With such a limited response among placebo users, it's hard to judge the effectiveness of the device itself, Rizzoli said. In addition, the study was unusual in that the researchers reported no negative side effects from the use of the device, Rizzoli said. People who have used other devices that employ similar electrical stimulation to reduce migraine pain have reported side effects from these devices, such as burns or sleepiness, he said. These negative effects may also tend to turn up with more widespread use over time, he added. "The study showed meager results, and there is no reason to think that this device is head and shoulders above similar stimulatory devices for migraines," Rizzoli told Live Science. He added that some of his patients have tried the Cefaly device, which costs more than $300 and is typically not covered by health insurance, and have found that the product is reliable. He said that he might suggest the Cefaly device to someone who does not want to take a drug for migraine relief. But he said he informs these patients that the device may have minimal benefits and that medications remain the standard therapy for migraines. Originally published on Live Science. Temperatures on the Antarctic continent reached a record-breaking high of 63.5 degrees Fahrenheit (17.5 degrees Celsius) in 2015, according to a new report of balmy records for the bottom of the world. And things got even toastier back on Jan. 30, 1982, when the thermometer peaked at 67.6 degrees F (19.8 degrees C) at Signy Research Station on Antarctica's Signy Island, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a division of the United Nations. This temperature was the highest on record for the Antarctic region, an area including all land and ice south of 60 degrees south latitude, the WMO said. When WMO experts looked at just the continent itself (the area including the continent and its nearby islands), they found that the warmest temperature a positively balmy 63.5 degrees F happened on March 24, 2015, at the Argentine Esperanza Base research station, located by the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. [Images of Melt: Earth's Vanishing Ice] The highest temperature for the Antarctic Plateau (an area with an elevation of 8,200 feet, or 2,500 meters) reached 19.4 degrees F (minus 7 degrees C) at the Automatic Weather Station on the Adelie Coast on Dec. 28, 1980, the report found. These high temperatures are a large departure from the continent's lowest recorded temperature of minus 128.6 degrees F (minus 89.2 degrees C) at Vostok Station on July 21, 1983, the WMO said. The WMO published the report online today (March 1) in a continuing effort to expand its worldwide database on extreme weather and climate conditions, the organization said. The database will help the WMO learn about naturally occurring climate change, as well as human-induced climate change along global and regional levels, WMO officials said. Usually, Antarctica is cold, windy and dry, the WMO said. The average annual temperature ranges from about 14 degrees F (minus 10 degrees C) on the Antarctic coast to about minus 76 degrees F (minus 60 degrees C) in Antarctica's higher-elevation interior, the WMO said. Moreover, Antarctica's ice sheet contains 90 percent of the world's freshwater, and if the ice sheet were to melt, it would raise sea level by about 200 feet (60 m). That's disconcerting, given that the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest-warming regions of the planet, having warmed by almost 5.4 degrees F (3 degrees C) over the past 50 years, the WMO said. In addition, about 87 percent of glaciers along the Antarctic Peninsula's west coast have retreated over the past 50 years, especially in the past 12 years, the WMO added. (Image credit: Nevena Barberic/Shutterstock) Alarming temperatures The warming can be felt even during short visits down south, said Jamin Greenbaum, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, who was not involved in the new report. "I just returned from Antarctica a few weeks ago, where I saw, firsthand, how warm it was there," Greenbaum told Live Science. "It was my 10th consecutive fieldwork experience down there, and I've never seen so much surface meltwater it was remarkable." Meltwater is the result of high temperatures that can melt the surface of the ice and snow, Greenbaum said. Meltwater is fairly alarming, he said, because it can lead to the rapid retreat of coastal ice, as well as sea-level rise. "There was so much [meltwater] that even a large section of the snow road we take every day collapsed, forcing us to use helicopters to commute between the research station and the airfield," Greenbaum said. [In Photos: Huge Icebergs Break Off Antarctica] Another Antarctic expert, Eric Steig, said that "these temperatures are very likely associated with the extremely strong sea ice loss." But the origin of that loss "is actually unclear at the moment," said Steig, an adjunct professor of Earth and space sciences at the University of Washington, who was not involved in the report. The new report may help scientists figure out what's behind these high temperatures. For instance, the WMO's Commission for Climatology international evaluation committee found that the records at all three stations took place during an influx of warm air. The WMO scientists and their colleagues hope to learn more, and they aim to increase weather forecasting capability during the Year of Polar Prediction project, which will last from mid-2017 to mid-2019, the WMO said. Original article on Live Science. Two partial skulls (shown here in a digital reconstruction) of an early human were discovered at an archaeological site (shown here) in Xuchang in central China. Fossils unearthed in China appeared to be strange patchworks of extinct and modern human lineages, with the large brains of modern humans; the low, broad skulls of earlier humans; and the inner ears of Neanderthals, a new study reported. These new fossils suggest that far-flung groups of ancient humans were more genetically linked across Eurasia than often previously thought, researchers in the new study said. "I don't like to think of these fossils as those of hybrids," said study co-author Erik Trinkaus, an anthropologist at Washington University in St. Louis. "Hybridization implies that all of these groups were separate and discrete, only occasionally interacting. What these fossils show is that these groups were basically not separate. The idea that there were separate lineages in different parts of the world is increasingly contradicted by the evidence we are unearthing." [In Photos: New Human Relative Shakes Up Our Family Tree] Modern humans first appeared in Africa about 150,000 to 200,000 years ago, and recent archaeological and genetic findings suggest that modern humans first migrated out of Africa starting at least 100,000 years ago. However, a number of earlier groups of so-called archaic humans left Africa beforehand; for instance, Neanderthals lived in Europe and Asia between about 200,000 and 40,000 years ago. The fragmentary nature of the human fossil record has made it tricky to determine the biology of the immediate predecessors of modern humans in eastern Eurasia, Trinkaus said. Unearthing details from this region could shed light on an otherwise poorly understood aspect of human evolution, yielding insights into how modern and archaic humans interacted, he added. In the new study, scientists analyzed fragments of two human skulls that lead study author Zhan-Yang Li, an archaeologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, unearthed during fieldwork in the city of Xuchang in central China between 2007 and 2014. The fossils are about 105,000 to 125,000 years old, the researchers said. Back when these ancient humans lived, the site where they were found was a spring-fed lake amid a mosaic of open grasslands and some forests, said study co-author Xiu-Jie Wu, a paleoanthropologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Researchers found fossils of more than 20 other mammal species there, including those of rhinos, deer, horses, gazelles and rodents, and about one-sixth of these bones had cut marks, suggesting that humans preyed on them, Wu told Live Science. The partial human skulls combined the features seen in different groups of humans across Eurasia. Like early modern humans, these skulls had large brains and modest brow ridges, the researchers said. However, like earlier humans from eastern Eurasia, the skulls had low, broad braincases. In addition, the semicircular canals in the skulls' inner ears and the arrangement of the rear portion of the skulls more closely resembled the features of Neanderthals from western Eurasia, the scientists said. This collection of features in central China suggests that populations of humans across Eurasia were more connected with each other more than previously thought, Trinkaus said. "We're seeing a general interconnectedness of all these populations across the Old World," Trinkaus told Live Science. "Features that we might normally think of [as] belonging to one region or another do appear across the whole range of populations, although the frequency at which those features appear may differ across regions." Fieldwork in this region will hopefully unearth the complete skull (showing the face) and teeth of these ancient humans, "so we can tell what they looked like," Wu told Live Science. The scientists detailed their findings in the March 3 issue of the journal Science. Original article on Live Science. The Prisoner of War Medal was posthumously awarded Wednesday to a Laredo soldier, Private First Class Alvaro F. Tijerina, who survived World War II and a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. He is survived by Virginia Tijerina Coe, Cindy Tijerina Aguilar and Dennis Luis Tijerina, who accepted the medal on behalf of their father at a special ceremony held at the American Legion Post 59. It was something that we never thought was going to happen, Dennis Tijerina said. I wasnt aware of a POW Medal to begin with and then they told me that President Reagan was the one who started the POW Medal Award. But this is fantastic that hes getting it, posthumously of course, but we feel very proud. The POW Medal is awarded to U.S. Military personnel who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in any armed conflict dating from World War I. RELATED: Laredo WWII veteran to receive overdue Prisoner of War Medal A rifleman in the fourth Infantry Division, Tijerina was wounded and captured on Nov. 16, 1944 in the Hurtgen Forest. He was then taken to Stalag 4B Muhlberg Sachsen 51-13, one of the largest prisoner-of-war camps in Germany during WW II. Tijerina was freed May 8, 1945, after seven months of captivity, and made his way to U.S. lines amid the chaotic newly-liberated countryside on May 12. Among his decorations are the Combat Infantrymans Badge, the Purple Heart, the Overseas Service Bar and the European-African-Middle East Service Medal with a Bronze Star. Tijerina died at the age of 56 in Laredo on Feb. 6, 1972. Its something that is very long overdue, American Legion Post 59 Commander Cesar Montemayor said. This is actually the first medal that we present to a prisoner of war. We are very proud that the family gave us this opportunity to present this medal to them. Were very proud of our post. Hero of Mollywood's first musical hit 'Thiramala' shares his Hollywood stint, directing Prem Nazir and more With less than two weeks from the start of Spring Break season in Texas, having sunny skies and warm weather may be weighing heavier on the minds of students than studying. With getaway plans ramping up, we looked at weather forecasts for hit destinations like South Padre Island, Port Aransas and Corpus Christi between March 13 and March 18. Family & Parenting, Music, Movies & Entertainment, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture, Travel & Local Attractions, Hot Spots & Night Life, Seasonal & Current Events By Brian Re Published: March 02 2017 You don't need the luck of the Irish to have a fantastic time at the 256th Annual NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade! Celebrating over two and a half centuries of celebrations, the 256th Annual NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Friday, March 17th in New York City. Attended by millions of New Yorkers each year, the iconic parade is a beloved tribute to the Irish holiday that is perfect for all ages. The parade begins at 11 AM on 5th Avenue at 44th Street and heads down to 79th Street over the course of the morning and afternoon. For those that may be held back by the size of the crowds, the parade can also be viewed from the comfort of your own home! Beginning at 11 AM, NBC 4 New York will be exclusively covering the parade from the streets of Manhattan. The event will be co-anchored by Today in New York's Lauren Scala as well as Tommy Smyth and Treasa Goodwin-Smyth from Ireland Calls Radio Show. Additionally, the event will be streamed live online at NBCNewYork.com. The Naval Reserve Center Bronx's color guard marches in NYC's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo Credit: John Harrington, via WikiCommons. The parade is consistently one of New York's largest cultural celebrations thanks to between 150,000 and 200,000 annual marchers covering everything from bagpipers to high school bands. This year's Grand Marshal honor has been bestowed upon Michael J. Dowling, who is the president and chief executive officer of Northwell Health and grew up in Limerick, Ireland. Since the first New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1762, Dowling is believed to be the first head of a hospital to lead the parade. A massive number of spectators ensures that public transportation is the most advisable option for traveling to and from the event. Be sure to check LIRR schedules before embarking on your trip to keep your holiday running smoothly. A bagpiper playing during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC. Photo Credit: Myles Cullen, via WikiCommons. Long Islanders have plenty of options for enjoying St. Patrick's Day thanks to a number of local parades scheduled throughout the month of March. If the allure of New York City is too much to resist, however, be sure to follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable holiday in The Big Apple! Green Attire Not only is wearing green on St. Patrick's Day a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of the holiday, but it can also be a useful tool for traveling with friends and family. Matching shirts, hats, and accessories can ensure that you each stand out in the crowd and are easy to locate. Travel In Groups. Stay In Groups. New York City may seem like an enormous place, but if you become lost or disoriented, the size only magnifies. Traveling in groups allows you to enjoy the holiday with the ones you love while staying safe at the same time! Bring Only The Essentials Due to the density of the crowd, bringing more items than you need can make navigating the city streets more of a hassle than it needs to be. Keep the amount of carried items to a minimum to prevent yourself from becoming fatigued. Prepare For The Unexpected Small things that you may not ordinarily carry on you may help you out in a pinch. Since your day in the city may be long, be sure to bring your phone charger or a charged second battery just in case. Also, since many people tend to carry minimal paper money now thanks to credit cards, make sure you have some cash in case of an emergency. Dress Accordingly New York may be experiencing an unusually warm winter, but city streets are susceptible to strong winds and can be quite chilly. Check the weather forecast before leaving to make sure you are dressed for the temperature and carry a spare pair of gloves and a hat just in case! From all of us here at LongIsland.com - Happy Saint Patricks Day! Have any exciting plans for this years St. Patricks Day? Share your plans in the comments below! [Source: NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade] Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today celebrated the beginning of Womens History Month and marked this years celebration of the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage in New York. Albany, NY - March 1, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today celebrated the beginning of Womens History Month and marked this years celebration of the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage in New York. To commemorate the centennial, the state today launched the Womens Suffrage Commissions website: www.ny.gov/suffrage . The website launched today provides information about upcoming events across the state, profiles New York suffragists and takes visitors on a tour of New Yorks historic destinations relevant to the suffrage movement and womens rights. Photo: Governor's Press Office, via Flickr. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 On Feb. 13, three teams of ECOs visited health care facilities throughout Long Island where they collected 660 pounds of expired medications during the third DEC Long Island Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day. Long Island, NY - March 1, 2017 - On Feb. 13, three teams of ECOs visited health care facilities throughout Long Island where they collected 660 pounds of expired medications during the third DEC Long Island Pharmaceutical Take-Back Day. At least 24 Nassau and Suffolk county health care facilities participated in the program. ECOs collect and responsibly destroy unused or expired prescription drugs. In the past, many of these facilities flushed the medications down the drain to dispose of them. Flushing pills can contaminate drinking water sources, and pharmaceuticals have been detected in New York State waterways. ECOs Alena Lawston and Jordan Doroski collected from eastern Suffolk facilities. Lt. Tom Gadomski and ECO Kaitlin Grady collected from western Suffolk facilities. ECOs Tim Fay and Chris DeRose collected from the Nassau facilities. After completing their stops, the three teams met at Covanta, a waste disposal facility in Westbury, where the pharmaceuticals were destroyed by incineration. Local News, Business & Finance, Home & Garden, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre announced the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to reform the states STAR program and streamline the process for homeowners. The legislation passed by the Assembly reverses changes and transitions the program back to the way it was, providing all homeowners with tax relief upfront as a reduction in their school tax bill. Lindenhurst, NY - March 1, 2017 - Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to reform the states School Tax Relief (STAR) program and streamline the process for homeowners (A.5969). Long Island families pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation, while many of my constituents are struggling to make ends meet, said Jean-Pierre. The changes made to the STAR program last year overcomplicated the system and added to that expense. By reversing these changes and transitioning back to the upfront exemption, we can ensure homeowners get the tax relief they were promised in a timely manner. Changes to the STAR program made last year meant that rather than receiving a yearly reduction in their school tax bill like before, new homeowners and those who moved to a different home had to pay a higher bill and then register for a rebate check from the state. The legislation passed by the Assembly reverses these changes and transitions the program back to the way it was, providing all homeowners with tax relief upfront as a reduction in their school tax bill. Administration of the program would also be returned to the hands of local assessors instead of the state Department of Taxation and Finance. Furthermore, the bill requires the state to help localities notify residents of these new changes so that all qualified homeowners receive the exemption. In order for our community to thrive, we must encourage homeownership so residents can invest in our neighborhoods, said Jean-Pierre. This measure will eliminate unnecessary obstacles and make it easier for people to get the property tax relief they deserve. Local News, Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 NYSDOH announced that it is launching a pilot program that will allow residents that are served by either a private well or public water system an opportunity to have their drinking water tested for lead ... Albany, NY - March 1, 2017 - The New York State Department of Health announced today that it is launching a pilot program that will allow residents that are served by either a private well or public water system an opportunity to have their drinking water tested for lead free of charge. This program will increase access to lead testing across the state, said Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. Residents can take the opportunity, free of charge, to test their tap water for lead and based on the results, make informed decisions about their drinking water to best protect their health and that of their loved ones. Residents interested in participating are encouraged to sign up on the Departments website. Testing under this pilot program will continue as long as funds are available. Residential tap water testing will consist of two samples per dwelling-a first-draw and a flush sample. Residents will collect and send the samples to one of the participating laboratories within 30 days of receiving the sample kit. The laboratory will analyze the samples and are expected to mail the results back to the resident within 30 days from the date the samples were received. Lead is a toxic metal that is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of children under six. Lead can affect a young child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn. During pregnancy, exposure to lead may contribute to low birth weight, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and developmental delays in infants. It can be found in soil, air and water, but the main source of lead in homes continues to be older paint, the dust it generates, and various consumer products. Water testing helps identify lead contamination that may come from and enables homeowners to eliminate one possible source of lead exposure for children. For more information on lead, please visit the departments website or contact your local health department using this interactive map. Nature & Weather, Local News, National & World News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 NY AG Schneiderman led a coalition of attorneys general in opposing President Trumps executive order that would eliminate the Clean Water Rule (also known as the Waters of the United States Rule). New York, NY - February 28, 2017 - New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman led a coalition of attorneys general in opposing President Trumps executive order today, which the President described as paving the way to the elimination of the Clean Water Rule (also known as the Waters of the United States Rule). The coalition, which includes the attorneys general of New York, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Vermont, issued the following statement: We strongly oppose President Trumps action today that undermines Clean Water Act protections and the public health and environment of our states. The Presidents order runs counter to the Clean Water Acts, and the EPAs, very purpose: achieving clean water. The Clean Water Rule is a measured, reasonable, and lawful application of sound and uncontroverted science to protect our nations upstream source waters. We rely on these waters to ensure clean drinking water, recreation, and viable commercial fishing and navigation. Abandoning the Clean Water Rule will allow uncontrolled pollution of these critical water resources. It could also harm the competitiveness of our state economies by forcing us to spend more to clean up the pollution of deregulated waters coming from upstream states that refuse to control such pollution. Clean water is essential to life -- and the people of our states and the nation deserve the basic protections established by the Clean Water Rule, to ensure that the benefits of clean water are shared equally, regardless of state lines. We wont hesitate to protect our people and our environmentincluding by aggressively opposing in court President Trumps actions that ignore both the law and the publics paramount need for clean water. In April 2014, EPA and the Army Corps proposed the Clean Water Rule to define the waters of the United States, and made the rule available for an extended public comment period. After receiving over one million comments, most of which supported the rule, the Agencies published the final rule (Rule) on June 29, 2015. A coalition of states successfully intervened to defend the Rule in litigation challenging it in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The Rule clarifies the scope of waters that are protected under the Clean Water Act (Act). It protects waters with a significant nexus to downstream waters, such as tributary streams, wetlands, and open waters in floodplains and riparian areas, consistent with Supreme Court precedent. In drawing those lines, EPA and the Corps relied on a robust EPA science report that considered more than 1,200 peer-reviewed publications. The agencies also relied on an independent review of the science report by EPAs Science Advisory Board. The Rule enhances environmental protection benefits enjoyed by states and the public by clearly defining the Acts reach to include waters that significantly contribute to the quality of the nations waters. By clarifying the scope of the Clean Water Act, the Rule also benefits both regulators and the regulated community by reducing time-consuming, inefficient, and potentially inconsistent case-by-case jurisdictional determinations that have hampered effective implementation of the Act for years and led to significant, time-consuming litigation across the country. CANCELLED - Missing Juvenile Alert: 14-Year-Old Uniondale Girl Did Not Return Home from School Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 The Missing Persons Squad is investigating a missing juvenile that occurred in Uniondale on Wednesday, 03/01/17 at 7:30 P.M. Joceline Blanco, 14, of Uniondale did not return home after school on March 1, 2017. Detectives request anyone with information regarding this missing juvenile to contact the Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous. Update - March 2, 2017 - The juvenile was located at 9:23 am on Thursday, March 2, 2017. The original alert is below. Uniondale, NY - March 2, 2017 - The Missing Persons Squad is investigating a missing juvenile that occurred in Uniondale on Wednesday, 03/01/17 at 7:30 P.M. According to detectives, Joceline Blanco, 14, female Hispanic, did not return home after school and was last seen in Uniondale. No clothing description is available. Detectives request anyone with information regarding this missing juvenile to contact the Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous. Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: March 02 2017 Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini issued a statement follow the arrest of MS13 gang members. Suffolk County, NY - March 2, 2017 - "The day Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas were heinously murdered, the Suffolk County Police Department made a commitment to their families and to the residents of Brentwood that justice would be served. Today, in collaboration with the FBI and the United States Attorneys Office, we have delivered on that promise. September 13, 2016 was a dark day for all of us, but for Nisa's and Kaylas loved ones it was an unspeakable nightmare. I have personally witnessed their shared trauma and grief as it reverberated through the Brentwood community. Although we are keenly aware that nothing will ever undo the heartbreaking loss of Nisa and Kayla, we can take solace in the fact that their savage murderers will be held accountable. The Brentwood family has spent the last six months in mourning, but today marks the beginning of the healing process for this beautiful and resilient community. The Suffolk County Police Department has fulfilled one commitment today, but another still remains. We have promised to eradicate MS13 from our streets and we remain fully committed to finishing the job. We will continue to keep the pressure on this ruthless gang and anyone who associates with them, and we will spare no resource to accomplish our objective. I want to thank every member of the Suffolk County Police Department for their steadfast determination, commitment and professionalism on this investigation and a special thank you to our partners in the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office for their outstanding work on this case." A casket carrying the body of an Iranian sniper killed in combat in Iraq on February 25 was received in Tehran three days ago. An Islamic State mortar killed Ali-Asqar Karimi near Mosul, according to a colleague. A military campaign by Iraqi forces to dislodge Islamic State is underway in Ninewah province, backed by Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite militias as well as US airpower. Iranian media and officials have released few details about the 35-year-olds military record, but Karimi was a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Basij paramilitary. A Basij unit stationed in Tehran released a statement expressing condolences for our Basiji brother. The Basij, also known as the Organization for the Mobilization of the Oppressed, is an all-volunteer force that acts as auxiliary to the IRGC Ground Forces branch and also as a vigilante group enforcing public morality laws. Over the past five years, Basij members have deployed to Iraq and Syria as part of IRGC expeditionary forces. The photograph on Karimis casket shows him wearing the armband of the Hezbollah Brigades, an Iraqi Shiite militia close to the Guard that has been designated by the US Treasury as a terrorist group. IRGC elements are known to operate out of such militias, and his armband indicates that he was as well. Karimi had several previous voluntary deployments to defend the shrine of the House of God, according to Iranian media. That also could denote deployments to Syria, where Iran claims to defend Shiite shrines against extremist Sunni militants. Karimi was injured in his last tour, and returned to the battlefield after a two-month stay in Iran, according to his colleague. It is currently unclear whether Karimi was embedded only in the Hezbollah Brigades throughout his tours. Karimi is the second confirmed Iranian combat fatality in Iraq since the Mosul campaign commenced in October 2016. An IRGC Ground Forces commander was killed last month near Tal Afar, an Islamic-State-held town west of Mosul. Since November, IRGC-backed Shiite militias have held positions in that western Mosul axis. Those forces are operating within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella organization of diverse militias constituted by many IRGC-backed elements. In the past week, the PMF and Iraqi army forces have made gains to the west of Mosul, and near Tal Afar in preparation of an assault on the town, according to a PMF spokesman who spoke with Fars News. Iranian military officials may be obfuscating Karimis record because IRGC chief Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari proclaimed in November 2016 that no Iranian forces were present in the battle for Mosul. While Jafari acknowledged an advisory footprint in Iraq, the deaths of a senior commander and a young sniper near the battlefield suggest that Iranians are engaged in combat as well. Regular Iranian military personnel have been operating in Iraq since the 2014 Islamic State incursion. Last summer, for instance, at least two Basij members were killed leading up to the Fallujah operation. These fatalities, however, do not reflect the full Iranian losses: the Qods Force, the IRGCs extraterritorial branch, is not known to acknowledge deaths, lest a senior commander be killed. The fatalities of regular Iranian military personnel in Iraq indicate that elements from the Ground Forces continue to augment the Qods Force, which has been strained by deep involvement in Iraq and Syria, and further afield as in Yemen. Tehrans military involvement in Iraq covers training, advising, assisting and equipping Iraqi militias as well as limited combat roles. That engagement is expected to continue after the Mosul campaign as IRGC-backed elements vie for political, military and social influence in Iraq. Amir Toumaj is a independent analyst and contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Hours after The FDDs Long War Journal noted the Taliban would likely reject US General John Nicholsons call for reconciliation, the Taliban did just that yesterday. Nicholson, the commander of US Forces Afghanistan and Resolute Support, was quoted in a press release announcing the death of Mullah Abdul Salam, the Talibans shadow emir for Kunduz province: Salams death is an opportunity for change. The people of Afghanistan want peace and the Government of Afghanistan is committed to achieving peace through reconciliation. The Taliban know the only path forward is reconciliation. US, European, and Afghan officials had been urging the Taliban to reconcile for well over a decade. But the Taliban had proven unwilling to negotiate a peace deal and join the government, even after suffering setbacks. Taliban spokesman Zabihulllah Mujahid rejected the call for reconciliation in a statement entitled Response by spokesman of Islamic Emirate to comments by General Nicholson. Predictably, Mujahid said that the Taliban would fight until NATO forces withdraw from Afghanistan and accept the lawful demands of the valiant Afghan, which means the return of a Taliban government. The crux of Mujahids argument is quoted at length below: The Muslim Afghan nation views you Americans with the same eye as the invading English and Soviets and with the blessing of Jihad and help of Allah, will throw you out of their motherland in a similar fashion. We do not view the martyrdom of Mullah Abdul Salam as failure or regret but as honor and victory which has intensified the thirst for revenge of the people of Kunduz and Afghanistan. It has revealed the truthfulness of the Mujahideen and has further increased the love for Mullah Abdul Salam and his companions in the community. Understand that we are a nation that loves martyrdom in the path of Allah as you love the short life of this fleeting world. These are not our emotions or assumptions talking but are the realities which forced over one hundred and fifty thousand fully equipped troops to kneel. If you do not end this occupation and accept the lawful demands of the valiant Afghan nation then this nation (Allah willing) will force you out of Afghanistan as the commander of US and NATO forces with all your might and technology just as this resistance broke, deranged and forced out your most celebrated commanders and experienced generals. It is high time that US officials and military commanders put an end to calls for the Taliban to reconcile. After 15 plus years of war, the Taliban has proven to be a committed enemy unwilling to compromise to achieve its objective of ruling Afghanistan again. The Taliban an al Qaeda remain close allies to this day. When US leaders plead with the Taliban to make peace, they deliver the Taliban all of the fodder it needs to score a propaganda victory and show how disillusioned the US remains about their enemy. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. Trump Before Congress His Tuesday address was long on making America safe for Wall Street, war profiteers and other corporate predators, short on whats most needed to serve all Americans equitably and promote world peace. He focused on increased military spending at a time major cuts are needed, combating terrorism without explaining ISIS and likeminded groups are US creations, used as imperial foot soldiers. He called for repealing and replacing Obamacare, omitting what he and GOP lawmakers want is something worse, maybe devastating for the nations most vulnerable. We will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border, he said. He lied claiming itll deter illicit drugs and crime. He covered his notion of immigration reform, falsely claiming it will save countless dollars, raise workers wages, and help struggling families, including immigrant families, enter the middle class. Middle America has been disappearing for years. Neoliberal harshness since the 1990s wrecked it. Nothing in prospect suggests resurrection. He wants America more militarized than ever, intending greater funding for police - to protect the nations privileged class from beneficial social change. Changes hell propose in Americas tax code are unrelated to letting our companiescompete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. He lied claiming otherwise. Corporate tax cuts dont create jobs. Economic growth does. GW Bush and Obama gave business trillions of dollars in tax breaks. Their balance sheets and bottom line performance benefitted. Enormous amounts of corporate wealth went to tax havens, were used for stock buybacks, along with higher executive pay and bonuses, nothing helping workers, nothing creating jobs. Job reductions accompanied foreign investments. Offshoring was rewarded. Rotten part-time jobs replaced good full-time ones. Corporate America and high-net worth households never had things better. Unprecedented wealth amounts shifted from ordinary people to them. The great wealth transfer heist continues, America thirdworldized in the process, nothing being done to change things. Trumps economic plan may make conditions worse with Goldman Sachs in charge of administration policy. His address said nothing about Russia, little about foreign policy. America remains the worlds leading pariah state on his watch, its leading bully, waging endless wars of aggression. He lied claiming the United States respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. Humanity profoundly disagrees. Candidate Trump called NATO obsolete. Before Congress he expressed strong support for an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism. NATO is a killing machine, used for offense, not defense. World peace, stability and security are impossible as long as the alliance exists. Saying he want(s) harmony and stability, not war and conflict, imperial wars rage on his watch in multiple theaters - nothing said about ending US aggression against nations threatening no one, nothing about the grand deception of Americas war on terrorism. His address was long on hyperbole and bluster, short on a compelling need for a new direction. By Stephen Lendman http://sjlendman.blogspot.com His new book as editor and contributor is titled Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III. http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html He lives in Chicago and can be reached in Chicago at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday through Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national topics. All programs are archived for easy listening. 2017 Copyright Stephen Lendman - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. MARTINSVILLE The city schools revised policy on how information and materials from outside sources are distributed was adopted despite a lawyers concerns. Lindsay Brubaker of the Harrisonburg law firm BotkinRose LLC, who specializes in education matters, voiced her concerns in a Feb. 27 letter to Martinsville City Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Zeb Talley. The Martinsville Bulletin filed a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request to receive a copy of the letter, which was read aloud by Chairwoman Joan Montgomery during a special Martinsville School Board meeting Monday night. In her letter, Brubaker stated that her firm cannot assure MCPS or the (school) board that the draft revisions would be immune from a constitutional challenge under the First Amendments Free Speech Clause. Proposed policy revisions first were discussed during the boards regular monthly meeting on Feb. 13 but tabled for further discussion and consideration pending an attorneys review. Monday nights special meeting was called specifically to discuss budgeting matters. Policy revisions were not on the agenda to be discussed. Still, the board discussed them and adopted the revised policy. Under the revised policy, parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), booster clubs supporting school-sponsored student activities and non-school governmental organizations can apply for permission to have schools employees distribute their materials. Also, for-profit organizations that have a clearly established partnership with the (school) division may be considered. PTOs and booster clubs must apply to the schools principal. Government and for-profit organizations must apply to the superintendent or his or her designee. The superintendent will establish the time, place and matter of distribution of approved materials, according to the policy revision. Brubaker indicated in her letter that she was especially concerned about the reference to for-profit entities that have a clearly established partnership with MCPS. She urged school officials to think about who may knock at the door and want to come through the door if such a (revised) policy were adopted. In addition to the school divisions partner businesses and organizations, Brubaker wrote, there may also be groups who are related to, or adverse to, other entities that a divisions sponsor also supports, who then request to distribute information and materials. The task to open the door, in effect, just to for-profit entities is a challenging one without the risk that someone from the non-profit world will claim content discrimination, she wrote. With the board already having endured controversy over matters involving distribution of religious materials, it may be worthwhile to think of alternative approaches to distributing information from outside sources, Brubaker continued. An idea that she mentioned is having a First Amendment table at each school. Outside entities could display materials on the table and students could pick up whatever materials they choose. Businesses also could request student directory information. Schools could then release such info, in accordance with policies, and then the businesses could mail promotional materials to students homes, according to Brubaker. She concluded her letter by telling Talley that she would be glad to explore more options and policy revisions with you and the board. Reached by phone on Wednesday, Brubaker declined to comment before talking to Talley because she was not at the school board meeting. She did not call back later in the day. Martinsville City Attorney Eric Monday also declined to comment, saying he did not want to second guess another lawyers advice. Monday provides legal advice to Martinsville City Council and other entities within city government. He said he had no contact with schools officials concerning the policy. The vote to approve the revised policy was 3-2 following a motion made by Victor Correa which was seconded by Eric Hruza. Montgomery also voted in favor, and the trio of board members constituted the quorum needed for the revision to be approved. Voting no were Vice Chairman Lawrence Mitchell and board member Donna Dillard. Mitchell has said he dissented because he thinks consideration of revising the policy was expedited due to a request by one individual and there should have been more discussion of Brubakers letter at the meeting. Dillard has indicated that she had similar concerns. Correa and Hruza said Wednesday they did not construe anything in the letter as a recommendation not to revise the policy. I viewed it (the letter) as being a little bit cautious, Hruza said. But lawyers tend to be cautious, he said. Hruza said he supported revising the policy because he perceived that the previous version would not have let respected organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and United Way distribute information to students and their families. He said other board members had the same perception. I thought it was the best move for the (school) division at the time of the meeting, Correa said. He referred further comment to Montgomery, saying she brought up the policy during the meeting. Im not going to step on anybodys toes, he said, adding that he would not have wanted anyone to do that when he served as the boards chairman. Neither Montgomery nor Talley returned calls for comment on Wednesday. COLLINSVILLE-One local driver could face charges after an incident Wednesday afternoon that delayed the trip home for some Henry County students. A car rear-ended a school bus on John Redd Boulevard in Collinsville, a bus carrying students from Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School and Bassett High. No injuries were reported in the accident, to which the Bassett Rescue Squad and Fieldale-Collinsville Fire Department responded within minutes. The cars driver, the bus driver and all the students were checked out by Rescue Squad members. One student mentioned a minor injury, but it was treated on site. Its still unclear what caused the incident, as officials at the scene were still collecting evidence. After receiving word of the incident, Henry County school officials went to the scene. [Henry County] staff went to the scene to verify the safety of all students onboard, said Monica Hatchett, communications director for Henry County Public Schools. While damage to the bus was minimal, the cars front bumper was torn off and the vehicle had a shattered headlight on the drivers side, along with other damage. All students were transferred to another bus to continue their ride home. The drivers name has not been released yet by the Virginia State Police and they have not confirmed yet if charges will be filed. LUDLOW -- Duro-Last Roofing Inc. recently signed a lease to operate a light manufacturing facility at 84 Westover Road, making Ludlow the company's sixth location in the U.S. "This plant here in Ludlow will service pretty much everything from Maine to Virginia. It's going to be a central hub," said Brian Regnier, Northeast sales director for the Saginaw, Michigan-based company, which makes commercial-grade roofing and related products. Duro-Last received its certificate of occupancy last month and will hold a "soft opening" April 3, according to Regnier, a Ludlow native who now lives in Agawam. "We expect to be in full operation mode by mid-June," he said. Even though Duro-Last is a Michigan company, all of the players involved in the Ludlow branch are from Western Massachusetts, according to Regnier, who publicly introduced the company at a recent meeting of the Ludlow Board of Selectmen. "We really want to try to hire as many Ludlow people as we can," Reginer said, adding that the entry-level positions come with "a very strong benefits package." Duro-Last held a job fair last month and will likely hold another one this month in Ludlow, depending on the outcome of February's hiring fair. "I think we're earmarking about 20 jobs right now," Regnier said, "and that will grow." Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, and submit to a drug screen and pre-employment physical. Duro-Last Roofing is the world's largest manufacturer of prefabricated roofing systems. All new hires will work with a qualified trainer to learn Duro-Last's policies and procedures for safety and production operations. In addition to Ludlow and Michigan, the company's other plants are in Iowa, Oregon, Mississippi, and Texas. "We're a major manufacturer of commercial roofing, and Ludlow is our sixth manufacturing facility," Regnier said. "We're glad you're taking a vacant building and making it flourish again, and that you guys love Ludlow as much as we do and you're offering jobs," Selectwoman Carmina D. Fernandes said. MAP showing approximate location of Duro-Last facility: SPRINGFIELD -- The town of Longmeadow plans to use $7,200 of its of its $100,000 Community Mitigation Fund Reserve to collect traffic data and create a baseline picture of traffic conditions in town now -- before the MGM Springfield project opens. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, meeting in Springfield at the MassMutual Center, approved the plan Thursday by a vote of 5 to 0. The $950 million MGM Springfield project is now under construction and will likely be done in September 2018. The study will also compare traffic impacts from non-casino projects. The money comes out of funds MGM has to pay as part of its host community and surrounding community agreements. The Surrounding Community Agreement awarded an $850,000 one-time upfront payment to address traffic and roadway infrastructure impacts studied by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and its consultants. Longmeadow will also receive $275,000 a year once the the casino opens. That sum will see an automatic increase of 2.5 percent per year. Longmeadow fought hard for the mitigation funds and was especially concerned about the traffic impact on its roads. David-Ross.jpg Former Red Sox catcher David Ross, right, with "Dancing With the Stars" pro Lindsay Arnold. (ABC photo) Pity former Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross. The two-time World Series champ hasn't danced his first foxtrot on "Dancing With the Stars" and he is already being dissed. European oddsmakers have pegged Ross as a long shot to win Season 24 of "DWTS," which kicks off on March 20. Only 65-year-old entertainer Charo and former "Saturday Night Live" funnyman Chris Kattan ranked lower. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is the favorite to take home the "DWTS" Mirror Ball Trophy with +200 odds (wager $100 to win $200), according to BookMaker.eu Former "Glee" actress is a distant second to win with +500 odds. Here is how oddsmakers ranked the celebrity contestants chances of winning. The Connecticut tribal gaming company MMCT and the town of East Windsor, Conn. formally signed a development deal Thursday afternoon, as the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes prepare to build a casino just 13 miles south of the in-progress MGM Springfield casino. "MGM will do whatever they can to generate whatever shareholder revenue they can, even if it means crippling a celebrated Connecticut industry," Mashantucket Pequot Chairman Rodney Butler said. "They would love to see us give up instead of fighting back. But we're not going to do that." MMCT, which is jointly run by the tribal operators of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, announced that it had chosen East Windsor to host the state's third casino on Monday, 17 months after it first solicited development proposals. The deal guarantees a $3 million initial payment from MMCT and at least $3 million per year in additional revenue. MMCT estimates the project would generate about $5.5 million per year in addition to the $3 million set payment. The agreement also includes a commitment to use union labor for construction, and guarantees that at least 4 percent of the casino's workers will be East Windsor residents and 15 percent from within 25 miles of the facility, MMCT said in a press release. The ceremony featured supportive statements from officials with the local police department, labor unions, chamber of commerce and school district. "We care about our land, we care about our home," East Windsor First Selectman Bob Maynard said. "The tribal nations, they've been here longer than we have. They care about our state and they're not leaving." Mohegan Chairman Kevin Brown pledged the tribes' support for the town, saying the company was dedicated to promoting public safety and the local economy. The town's police chief said the increased funding would allow enhanced programs like the return of a K9 unit and anti-opioid abuse initiatives. "We're going to work as hard as we can to make sure that the only impact our facility has on your town is a positive impact," Brown said. Crime will not increase when we open our doors. Traffic will not become a logjam when we open our doors." MGM has launched an aggressive public relations campaign against the state's casino process, and filed a lawsuit to block the 2015 gaming act that is currently before a federal appeals court. One of the company's criticisms of the East Windsor site is the lack of a local referendum, which competing sites had required should they be chosen for the casino. Asked about the decision not to hold a referendum, Maynard described the issue as a distraction from the benefits to the town and the stakeholders who support the project. "That's an interesting question, but it's a red herring," Maynard said. "The development agreement we made was unanimously passed by the board of selectmen, and the board of selectmen are elected officials who represent the town." "That's our job," he continued. "We're elected to do that." Brown, the Mohegan Chairman, also anticipated criticism from MGM in his remarks. "I'm here to tell you the sky is blue," Brown said. "Tomorrow, MGM will tell you all the things we told you today are not true and the sky is purple." An original Dec. 15, 2015 target date for site selection was pushed back, and in September of last year, the tribes reopened its application process, citing amended site proposals and potential interest from towns that missed the first application period. In October, East Windsor and South Windsor submitted new proposals, joining East Hartford, Hartford and Windsor Locks in the competition to host Connecticut's third casino. In January, MMCT ruled out East Hartford and South Windsor, leaving East Windsor and Windsor Locks as finalists. The East Hartford proposal's chief architect, former Springfield City Councilor Anthony Ravosa Jr., has harshly criticized the selection process since his site was eliminated, holding a press conference after the finalists were announced and testifying to the Connecticut legislature last week. The construction of a new Connecticut casino has drawn interest both in Connecticut and across the Massachusetts border, with supporters of the Connecticut casino measure framing the new casino as a way to protect state gaming revenues and jobs from Massachusetts competition. A study funded by both tribes suggested out-of-state casino competition could cost Connecticut 9,300 jobs. An analysis by the Connecticut's Office of Fiscal Analysis suggested the competition could cost the state $68 million in annual gaming revenues. And Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown has described the project as in direct competition with MGM Springfield, which is scheduled to open in late 2018. The new casino must also receive authorization from the state legislature. Fake vs real A real iPhone (left) alongside a fake (right). (John Karakatsanis/Flickr) A man living in Massachusetts faces up to 10 years in prison after years of allegedly selling counterfeit Apple products. Arif Ali Shah, 66, was charged Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Boston with trafficking in counterfeit iPhone components that bore Apple trademarks - the Apple icon and the iPhone word mark. The first generation of iPhone was released in 2007. Shah did repair work on genuine iPhones but also sold thousands of pieces of counterfeit merchandise in the stores his stores -Nadia's in Dorchester, East Boston Wireless in East Boston and Todo Wireless in Chelsea - the Justice Department claims. The counterfeit products came both from within the U.S. and abroad, according to the department. He faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million. ragon1-1.jpg File photo from 2009, courtesy Massachusetts General Hospital: Front row, from left, Susan M. and Phillip T. Ragon. Back row, from left, Richard Bringhurst, MD, senior vice president for MGH Research; Slavin; Faust; Hockfield; Walker; Marc Kastner, dean of Science and Donner Professor of Science at MIT; W. Gerald Austen, MD, chair of the MGH Chiefs Council Phillip "Terry" Ragon and his wife, Susan, have pledged to commit at least half their fortune to philanthropy. The couple announced this year that they've joined The Giving Pledge, a group of more than 150 individuals who have pledged to donate the majority of their wealth during their lifetimes or in their will. Ragon, 67, is the founder, CEO and owner of software company InterSystems. The couple co-founded The Phillip and Susan Ragon Foundation, following a trip to South Africa in 2009 when they saw extreme poverty and the large-scale effect of AIDS on the region. "It was obvious that HIV had so totally overwhelmed the lives of these people that it was difficult to accomplish anything there without first eliminating this disease and its close cousin - tuberculosis," Ragon wrote. "Susan and I often find ourselves wondering, 'Why were we born with so many advantages in life when others are born with none?' It is, of course, an accident of birth," He wrote. "As those advantages have turned into financial success, we've increasingly felt a responsibility to help those less fortunate." The Ragons are among the richest residents of Massachusetts, with a net worth estimated at $1.8 billion by Forbes. He made last year's list of the 400 richest people in America. The couple have built schools internationally and funded research at Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT and Harvard to search for a vaccine to HIV. MBTA South Station.jpg Train passengers leave Boston's South Station on a recent snowy morning. (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive.com) (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive.com) Massachusetts officials are taking another step in looking at linking North Station and South Station, two major transportation hubs in Boston. Proponents say the connection could be an economic boon to the Greater Boston area, though the price tag could be the range of billions of dollars. Backers include former Governors William Weld and Michael Dukakis, as well as Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker's transportation chief, Stephanie Pollack, announced Wednesday the opening of a request for proposals for a reassessment of the feasibility of a North South Rail Link, closing a one-mile "gap" in downtown Boston. The state plans to select a technical consultant and the feasibility assessment is expected to last eight months and cost roughly $1.5 million. The assessment is expected to provide guidance on whether further technical and financial analysis of the project is needed. The state last eyed the rail link almost 15 years ago. Baker remains somewhat skeptical about the project. "We'll see what it says," he said of the feasibility study during a sit-down with the editorial board of MassLive/Springfield Republican. Baker said he has made it clear he has his doubts but he's trying to keep an "open mind" about the project. MassLive/Springfield Republican also asked Baker about an east-west connection: A high-speed rail proposal, pushed by state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, linking Boston and Springfield. State Sen. Eric Lesser petitions President Donald Trump for Boston-Springfield rail line funding Lesser has argued that the link could be an economic boon to Western Massachusetts, and he is re-launching an effort to get a feasibility study. Like the North South Rail Link, the proposal has bipartisan support. The proposal made it through the Legislature last year, but Baker used his veto powers to seek an amendment to the proposal and expand it to include other transportation modes. The Legislature didn't take up the change, so the proposal died, and Lesser is giving it another go this year. "This is a transportation question," Baker said Wednesday when asked about the proposal and whether his stance remains the same. "It's not a rail question." Picknelly lobbied against rail study, sending email two days before Gov. Baker's veto Lesser called the North South Rail link a "worthy project." "But the idea that in one breath that can be embraced and east-west rail can be dismissed is something that all of us in Western Mass. see and feel time and time again and should be very outraged over," Lesser said. "I absolutely support looking at ride-sharing, looking at autonomous vehicles, looking at rail, looking at electric vehicles, you name it," he added "I agree with that but it doesn't seem to me it should come at the expense of moving to the next phase of determining what next to do on a project that would really transform our region." A feasibility study of the east-west rail proposal is necessary because those types of studies are conducted by engineers, laying out costs, scope and potential benefits, if there are any, the senator argued. "It can't just be part of a broad look that's so broad that we don't learn anything substantive," Lesser said. Actor Jeff Bridges says he was "head over heels" the first time he saw his wife, Susan. He was in Montana in the 1970s shooting the movie Rancho Deluxe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LKoOzAb4Bs when he first spotted the beauty. After finally getting the guts to ask her out, her response was, "Noits a small town, maybe Ill see you around." A few nights later, they ran into each other at a bar, danced and fell in lovebut thats not where the story ends. Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/jeff-bridges-unbelievable-love-story-video_1#ixzz4a7fBIAFu The term "artificial intelligence" is widely used, but less understood. As we see it permeate our everyday lives, we should deal with its inevitable exponential growth and learn to embrace it before tremendous economic and social changes overwhelm us. By Jonathan Aberman Full Story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-business/wp/2017/02/27/artificial-intelligence-will-change-america-heres-how/?utm_term=.53ed677f5ed5 Canon, a pioneer of innovative imaging products, announces its latest photography competition Capture the Action for upcoming photographers in Africa in collaboration with Pan African Visions one of the leading media outlets in African continent. Through this contest Canon is providing a platform for people to showcase their talent and harness the power of visual storytelling. The competition is seeking entries of photographers that highlight the high and lows and big and small wins of athletes and performers across Africa. The contest is open for African photographers aged 18 and over. Capture The Action contest is a chance to illustrate the spectacular moments of athletes in action and follow their journeys. It is also a celebration of Africas sports stars as well as the photographers covering them. In pursuit of encouraging the community of story tellers were providing a platform across social channels to showcase the user generated content through #CelebrateAfrica. Focusing on this months genre of Sports photography, Canon wants to showcase moments of athletic brilliance, triumph, and glory through this competition which is to run until the 31st of July. Capture the action is aimed to showcase the stars, their performance, and the intrepid stories behind their rise to the top. The competition celebrates Africas contribution to sports and brings forth the stories of athletic achievement, says Amine Djouahra, Director of Sales and Marketing, Canon Central and North Africa. Canon as a brand has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology. This contest embodies of technological brilliance and superhuman performance, going beyond the realm of possibility. We are looking forward to see some amazing actions captured from the continent as its hosting various international sports events in different African countries. The best sports photography shots submitted for this contest in July stand to win some amazing prizes and they will be chosen through public voting and an exclusive jury panel cherry picked for this competition. Canon will provide the following three prizes: 1st Prize- Canon EOS R5 2nd Prize- Canon EOS R7 3rd Prize- Canon PRO 200 Printer Canon encourages African residents to share their best images of sports photography. Those wishing to participate can do so by uploading an original picture(s) meeting the criteria to enter the competition. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, March 1, 2017 Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai may be spreading fake news about broadband in an attempt to build a record against the net neutrality rules. At least that's how some consumer advocates view the FCC chief's most recent attempts to justify a repeal of the open Internet order. Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week, Pai called the net neutrality rules "a mistake." The rules, passed two years ago by a 3-2 vote, reclassified broadband as a utility and imposed some common carrier rules on providers. Among other new rules, carriers are prohibited from throttling or blocking content, and from charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. "Our new approach injected tremendous uncertainty into the broadband market," Pai said. "After the FCC embraced utility-style regulation, the United States experienced the first-ever decline in broadband investment outside of a recession. In fact, broadband investment remains lower today than it was when the FCC changed course in 2015." Those facts apparently come from the broadband industry trade group US Telecom, which recently said that providers' capital expenditures dropped to $76 billion in 2015, from $77 billion the year before. But others are questioning the numbers. The advocacy group Free Press, which compiled statistics from stock reports, says total capital expenditure spending by 13 carriers (including Comcast, Charter, AT&T and Verizon) increased in the two years following passage of the net neutrality rules. Pai keeps repeating the utterly debunked claim that the FCCs Net Neutrality rules are utility-style regulations that are hurting broadband deployment," Free Press policy director Matt Wood stated this week. "This is false on the law and false on the facts." Consumerist, which also crunched the numbers, adds that Comcast's stock price is now 26% higher than before the net neutrality rules were passed, while AT&T's stock is up more than 20%. Pai also argued that deregulation will lead to benefits for consumers, and held up recent moves by wireless carriers as an example. Specifically, Pai linked carriers' new unlimited data offerings with the agency's recent decision to end an inquiry into whether AT&T and Verizon violated net neutrality rules by exempting their own videos from consumers' data caps. "In the days following our decision, all four national wireless providers in the United States announced new unlimited data plans or expanded their existing ones," Pai stated. "Preemptive government regulation did not produce that result. The free market did." But others rightly point out that it's difficult to see why the FCC's decision to endorse data-cap exemptions would be connected to carriers' decisions to offer unlimited data. On the contrary, customers with unlimited data don't need to worry about data caps at all, let alone whether particular material is exempt from their caps. Net neutrality advocates like Free Press argue Pai's questionable leaps of logic should raise red flags. "Pais relentless spin and his inaccurate numbers beg the question: What else is Pai misleading us about?" Wood stated this week. "People need to take a moment to double check the alternative facts coming from this FCC chairman. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, March 1, 2017 Kansas City, Missouri-based agency Barkley has elevated Katy Hornaday to the post of Executive Creative Director. Shes been with the agency for five years leading creative work for brands such as Hershey, Anheuser-Busch and Vanity Fair. Hornaday replaces Jason Elm, who is departing Barkley. Before joining Barkley, Hornaday was a senior copywriter at Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, working on brands such as Old Navy and Baby Carrots, before moving to Mullen in Boston, where she was Associate Creative Director for Zappos and JetBlue. Jeff King, Barkley CEO said Hornaday is a great listener, a skilled collaborator and she is one of the most natural and gifted leaders I've met in the business. Separately, the agency has tapped Paul Corrigan to run its Blacktop design unit as Executive Design Director, overseeing the agencys brand and experience design efforts. Corrigan has been with Barkley since 2004 and earlier held titles including VP/Interactive Creative Director and Design Director. He replaces Shawn Polowniak, who is departing Barkley. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, March 1, 2017 Yahoo acknowledged Wednesday that it failed to adequately investigate a 2014 data breach that affected up to 500,000 users. The company added in a stock filing that CEO Marissa Mayer won't receive an expected cash bonus for 2016 or her 2017 annual equity grant. General counsel and secretary Ron Bell also resigned from the company on Wednesday. The news comes six months after Yahoo disclosed that it suffered a massive data breach in late 2014, when hackers may have obtained names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates, security questions and encrypted passwords associated with 500,000 accounts. Most of the passwords were encrypted, according to Yahoo. The company says it believes a "state-sponsored actor" is responsible for the attack. Yahoo said in its 10-K that some executives were aware of the data breach when it occurred, and that the company 26 "specifically targeted users" and consulted with law enforcement. But Yahoo added that senior executives "did not properly comprehend or investigate" the incident. "As of December 2014, the information security team understood that the attacker had exfiltrated copies of user database backup files containing the personal data of Yahoo users but it is unclear whether and to what extent such evidence of exfiltration was effectively communicated and understood outside the information security team," the company said. Yahoo added that an investigation by a committee of the company's board -- assisted by the law firm Sidley Austin and a forensic expert -- didn't find that anyone intentionally suppressed information. Instead, the committee attributed the delay in investigating to "failures in communication, management, inquiry and internal reporting."' Yahoo also revealed last year that hackers may have stolen information associated with 1 billion accounts in 2013. News of both the 2013 and 2014 data breaches resulted in Verizon revising its purchase price for Yahoo to $4.48 billion, marking a decrease of $350 million from the original agreement. by Tanya Gazdik , March 2, 2017 Ford, Mercedes, and Toyota, which rank high in customer loyalty, are the some of the least cross-shopped brands by proportion of those shoppers seen in other dealer showrooms, according to a study. Dodge and Jeep are the most cross-shopped auto brands by sheer volume across the U.S, and Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet shoppers are the least likely to visit other auto dealerships when shopping for a car. Pasadena, California-based UberMedia analyzed two years of mobile location visitation data from more than 18,000 auto dealerships to reveal the most frequently cross-shopped car brands, the most common cross-shopped brand combinations and the cities with the most cross-shopping. The study, UberMedia Data Insights on the Auto Purchasing Journey, reveals the impact of real-world cross-shopping behavior and the value that multiple dealership visits still have on the auto purchasing journey. advertisement advertisement The study, UberMedia Data Insights on the Auto Purchasing Journey, reveals the impact of real-world cross-shopping behavior and the value that multiple dealership visits still have on the auto purchasing journey. Auto marketers need fresh insights into consumer cross-shopping behavior, says Gladys Kong, UberMedia CEO. The assertion that the average buyer only visits 1.6 dealerships during the car-buying process is narrow and too easily misinterpreted, Kong tells Marketing Daily. This data point has created limited thinking around how consumers actually use mobile in their path to purchase. Our data insights have attempted to surface new strategic thinking for auto brands and manufacturers in terms of understanding true consumer foot-traffic patterns. More than half of auto shoppers visit multiple dealerships before making a purchase. Some research sources claim that 41% of new car buyers visit one dealership, but 59% visit an average of up to five. The typical person considers 2.4 vehicles on average. Manufacturers that are visited by the most shoppers (who were also seen at other brand dealerships) tend to be mass-market brands that in many cases ladder up to the top-ranked manufacturers. Luxury brands experience less cross-shopping than mass-market brands, indicating that the super-affluent tend to go to only one dealership before making a purchase. Cross-shopping is more common in urban areas where there are more brands and dealerships to choose from. Millennials see the value in dealership visits, with a significant percentage believing that showroom access and their relationship with dealers strongly influence their purchasing decisions. by Thom Forbes @tforbes, March 2, 2017 McDonalds came to the ball with fast food and after a few spins on the floor with salads, oatmeal and other enticing suitors gussied up in healthy raiments it is sticking with it. Its also revamping delivery worldwide with the launch of a mobile order and pay app this year that will accommodate curbside pickup and it told those assembled at its investors conference in Chicago yesterday that it is experimenting with other ways of getting Big Macs and new menu items to the masses. To grow, we must grow guest counts, CEO Steve Easterbrook told the crowd as trading in its stock was temporarily halted as executives laid out their plans to investors, Charisse Jones reports for USA Today. Its as plain and simple as that. Amplifying the message, Lucy Brady, the companys SVP for corporate strategy and business development, said: Weve lost hundreds of millions of visits from our core customers students, teachers, construction workers and others. advertisement advertisement Those others add up to a whopping departure of those lovin it. After losing about 500 million U.S. orders over the past five years over failed attempts to widen its customer base, the fast-food chain said it is going to embrace its identity as an affordable fast-food chain and stop chasing after people who will rarely eat there, Julie Jargon reports for the Wall Street Journal. The decision comes after the company conducted its largest-ever customer survey last year to understand why it was losing customers. The study showed that it was losing customers to other fast-food chains, not to fast-casual restaurants serving healthier fare, Jargon continues. Digital tech will play a big role in luring them back. Technology is disrupting everything around us, Easterbrook said. The question for McDonalds: Do we want to be disrupted, or do we want to be the disruptor? reports Jonathan Maze for Nations Restaurant News. McDonalds says the kiosks it's already bringing to U.S. stores will be able to access customers' app profiles, which can store customized favorites and preferred payment methods, Jackie Wattles writes for CNN Money. The new app will also allow people to place orders for curbside pickup. And for diehard fans of the drive-thru windows that have been a hallmark of the restaurant's business no more yelling your order through a car window. Customers can place an order via the app and then read a code to the drive-thru cashier. The new app should reduce errors and significantly cut the time it takes to handle large, complex orders, Reuters Lisa Baertlein writes. The new initiatives could shift some 20% of drive-thru orders to curbside delivery and another 20% to drive-thru pickup only, executives said about initiatives, which were first disclosed in November. Baertlein also points out that McDonalds is behind competitors such as Domino's Pizza, Panera Bread and Starbucks in its use of digital technology. Notably, though, the rollout will be happening on les boulevards and straes worldwide, as well as Main St. In a bullish presentation, the company said it saw significant untapped opportunity for delivery in its top five markets the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Canada. In each, there is a McDonalds restaurant within three to five miles of 75% of the population, a key component to getting food delivered while it is still hot, Lindsay Whipp reports for Financial Times. Easterbrook said most delivery orders come in at the end of the day when its restaurants are less busy, giving the company a big market to exploit. Among other upgrades, interiors are getting a makeover. The world's largest burger chain is remodeling its restaurants to feature the experience of the future, a digitally forward dining model that includes kiosk ordering and Bluetooth-enabled table service. The remodels cost about $700,000 from the ground up, or as little as $150,000 for locations that require only modest updates, Samantha Bomkamp reports for the Chicago Tribune. The company said that restaurants that have already been refurbished are producing sales gains of between 4 and 8%, and they also tend to lead to higher customer satisfaction scores. Although some of the healthier fare has been put out to pasture, McDonalds also promised improved food quality yesterday. Expect to see McDonald's step up its menu innovation in the U.S., said Chris Kempczinski, McDonald's USA president, reports Sarah Whitten for CNBC. The company recently launched three different sizes of its classic Big Mac and will continue to add new items to its domestic stores including a nationwide roll out of its Signature Sandwiches customizable and more upscale burgers and chicken sandwiches later this year. Investors evidently liked what they were served yesterday: McDonalds stock finished up 1.1% on the day after trading resumed. by Mike Azzara , Op-Ed Contributor, March 2, 2017 Companies of the sharing economy like Uber and Airbnb have disrupted massive industries by changing the math on what the theorists call asset utilization. In fact, they changed the math so much that assets not previously considered a viable part of their respective markets -- my fancy fast car while Im in my office, or your Manhattan apartment while youre off visiting Mom for a weekend -- suddenly became very viable, indeed. They did this by exposing information about those assets in easily accessed online marketplaces, so that anyone could find out about the assets characteristics, its availability, its pricing but you already know that story. Im reminding you of it now, though, because its a potent way to think about the potential of Narrative.io, a tiny, not-exactly-stealth start-up whose founder and CEO I spoke with recently. This small company could play a possibly large role in the future of AI by arranging access to the data that is all-important to making AI effective. Nick Jordan says he witnessed a thirst for data in his prior jobs, which included SVP of cross-device marketing firm Tapad (acquired a year ago by Norways Telenor Group), and a stint at Adobe before that, when it acquired Demdex, the DMP start-up where he was VP, partner solutions. There are a lot of data scientists out there hypothesizing about what they could do with data sets they dont have, but know exist, says Jordan. The problem is, when they try to go and get access to datasets -- to acquire datasets outside their own walls -- that process is hopelessly broken. Figuring out what organizations might have the data youre looking for is hard enough, but it turns out to be the easiest part of that hopelessly broken process. Jordan explains that its harder still to find the right person in an organization with knowledge of and authority over the data you want, and then to convince her to sell the data which only leads to myriad challenges over negotiating the price. And if you achieve all that, theres the painful data integration problem: moving the data from point A to point B and translating it into a format you can use. But even thats not all. Most times, a single source of data is not enough. You have to repeat the whole painful process for many different data sources, notes Jordan. Enter Narrative.io. Jordans company is in the process of closing a second round of investment that will bring the invested total thus far to $2 million. The platform is up and running with a handful of early customers. To dramatically oversimplify, the mechanics of Narrative.ios platform are actually very similar to Uber's or Airbnbs: organizations that have data assets theyre willing to share post them to the platform, and establish standard pricing. Potential data buyers search the platform to find the data assets they need to make their models hum. We offer a couple of different approaches to try before you buy, Jordan says. Each dataset, alone, isnt necessarily the answer to anyones prayers; but Narrative.io aims to make it dead simple to assemble multiple disparate datasets that together can empower AI-based models. When you combine these little signals across billions and billions of data points, it can become very valuable to customers building predictive models, Jordan notes. Naturally, since Jordan comes out of digital advertising and marketing, those are the first kinds of organizations he has recruited to populate data into Narrative.io, and to make use of it as customers. Right now, everyone from brands to marketing technology platforms to publishers are very data-focused, Jordan points out. Data, after all, is the oxygen of modern marketing. For publishers, Jordans plan could add data monetization as a potentially sizable third revenue model to their existing subscription and advertising models. For marketing technology platforms, Narrative.io could simplify access to many datasets. Data acquisition can be so painful for them, says Jordan. They generally stop after one or two deals, but that may not be enough to drive the best outcomes, As for the not exactly stealth aspect of the start-up, I learned about Narrative.io because I know someone who knows someone, if you know what I mean. But Jordan says stealth isnt a strategy, just a matter of prioritization. The company is still building its data pool and getting early customer experiences, so its not yet up to PR and marketing. Data, as I said, is the oxygen of modern marketing. But Jordan is right about how challenging it can be to get efficient access to just the data you need, at a fair price. Itll be interesting to watch as this still-small start-up attempts to gain first-mover advantage over the oxygen of the coming data society. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, March 2, 2017 Add Abercrombie & Fitch to the latest retailer struggling to sell clothes to ecommerce-loving Americans. The company, in the midst of a massive repositioning and marketing effort, says its fourth-quarter sales fell 7% to $1.04 billion, with comparable-store results slipping 5%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of declines. Same-store sales at its Abercrombie & Fitch stores plunged 13% in the quarter, and 11% for the year. Like many of its competitors, the New Albany, Ohio-based retailer chalks up the disappointment partly to a fiercely promotional environment as mall-based stores fight for their lives. Describing the A&F brand renewal as a work in progress, CEO Fran Horowitz says bright spots include positive results at its Hollister brand, and strength in its direct-to-consumer business. advertisement advertisement While overall results did not meet expectations, 2016 was a year of significant progress on each of our strategic priorities, she says. We stayed close to our customers to understand what inspires them, which helped inform our planning and execution. We began to communicate evolved identities for each of our brands, and made improvements to the customer experience through the rollout of store remodels, and ongoing investments in direct-to-consumer and omnichannel capabilities across both brands. She says she expects sales to remain challenging for the first half of this year. Others say the brand still has a long way to go. Abercrombies latest marketing campaign, themed People have a lot to say about us, they think theyve got us figured out, exemplifies its problems, writes Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, in his reaction to the latest numbers. Not only is the message confusing and opaque, but the promise of change that it suggests is not entirely delivered on by stores, which look and feel the same as they have always done. In January, the company announced that it had hired Will A. Smith as its new CMO, overseeing brand, creative and digital marketing. (Previously, Smith had worked in various marketing roles at Caleres, formerly known as Brown Shoe Co.) Abercrombie is hardly alone in reporting downbeat news. L Brands just announced that February sales for its Victoria Secret fell 13%, partially due to its decision to leave swimsuits and apparel and focus on lingerie. Earlier this week, both Target and Best Buy reported lackluster numbers, along with plans to address what they see as ongoing problems by shifting to smaller, more urban formats. S&P says the entire retailing category is in trouble, with trends likely moving from bad to worse in the year ahead. The peril of online competition and secular shifts in consumer tastes have accelerated the pressures facing U.S. retailers this year, it says in its new report. It says so far this year, its analysts have made 20 negative ratings, including downgrades of such brands as Macy's and Neiman Marcus. "We expect pressure on many U.S. retail companies to increase this year, leading to at least as many defaults as in 2016," writes credit analyst Robert Schulz. "The same pressures we noted in 2016 and earlier are now accelerating at a quicker pace, and a good swath but not all of the rated U.S. retail sector is running out of room to maneuver." A wireless patch that uses electrical stimulation to block pain signals to the brain may one day replace drugs for the treatment of migraine, a new study suggests. Share on Pinterest Researchers suggest that migraine could be treated with a wireless, electrical stimulation device. Researchers reveal how the new device created by therapeutic electronic company Theranica significantly reduced migraine pain for more than 60 percent of study participants, compared with a sham treatment. Dr. David Yarnitsky, of Technion Faculty of Medicine in Haifa, Israel, and colleagues recently reported their findings in the journal Neurology. Migraines are recurring headaches characterized by a moderate or severe throbbing or pulsing pain, which often occurs on one side of the head. Sensitivity to light and sound may also arise with a migraine, as well as nausea and vomiting. Migraines are estimated to affect around 12 percent of the United States population, and they are around three times more common among women than men. When it comes to preventing or treating migraine, pain medications are often the first port of call. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as aspirin and ibuprofen), triptans (including sumatriptan and rizatriptan), and beta-blockers. However, as with all medications, there is a risk of side effects. Dr. Yarnitsky and colleagues believe that their new electrical stimulation patch could offer a non-drug alternative for people with migraine, after finding that it is just as effective as pain medication. For their study, the researchers enrolled 71 adults with episodic migraine, all of whom were experiencing an average of two to eight migraine attacks every month. Participants had not taken any medication to prevent migraine attacks for at least 2 months prior to the study, the team notes. Subjects were allocated to one of two treatment groups. One group received treatment with the electrical stimulation patch, known as Nerivio, while the other group received a sham stimulation treatment. A recent large-scale study concludes that individuals with autoimmune conditions may have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. Although the effect size is relatively small, if the findings are replicated, they will have important clinical implications. Share on Pinterest Conditions where the immune system attacks healthy cells might increase dementia risk. Dementias are a range of conditions, the most prevalent of which is Alzheimers. They are characterized by a progressive loss of memory function and other cognitive skills, eventually leading to an inability to perform everyday activities. Currently, an estimated 47.5 million people are living with dementia, worldwide. Due to increasing lifespans, this figure is predicted to triple by the year 2050. This steep rise in the number of cases is being referred to by some as a dementia epidemic, and for this reason, there is a great deal of focus on identifying the precise causes. Certain factors are known to increase the risk of dementia. Advanced age, alcohol use, diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure) have all been said to contribute to this risk. However, there is still much to learn about how and why dementia arises. Autoimmune disease and dementia Over recent years, another potential risk factor has received some attention: autoimmune diseases . Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the bodys own immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. Some evidence has shown that individuals with these types of diseases have an increased risk of developing dementia. A research team from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom set out to examine this question in more detail. Utilizing hospital admissions data taken from U.K. hospitals between 1998 and 2012, they investigated whether being admitted to a hospital with one of 25 autoimmune diseases was associated with an increased risk of a dementia admission later in time. Across the 14-year time sample, there were more than 1.8 million admissions to hospitals because of an autoimmune disorder. This included more than 300,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and around 1,000 with Goodpastures syndrome, a rare condition that attacks the lungs and kidneys. Researchers have discovered a compound found in soil bacteria that could lead to new drugs to combat tuberculosis, a global disease that is becoming increasingly resistant to current treatments. They have produced synthetic versions of the natural compound and showed that they can kill the tuberculosis bacterium in the laboratory. Share on Pinterest The researchers developed potent analogs of a compound found in soil bacteria and showed that they could kill tuberculosis in the laboratory. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, are the work of an international consortium led by the University of Sydney in Australia and includes researchers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it can affect any organ of the body, it is most commonly found in the lungs. Most cases are treatable and curable, but people can die if they do not receive proper treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is globally one of the top 10 causes of death: 10.4 million people became ill with it and 1.8 million people died from it in 2015. Over 95 percent of TB-related deaths affect low- and middle-income countries. Huge progress has been made in the global fight against TB. The WHO report that 49 million lives were saved through effective diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2015. Growing threat of resistant TB However, there is a growing threat to continuing this progress, in that the TB bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant to the current drugs available to treat it many of which have been in use for more than 40 years. Fast facts about TB In 2015, around 480,000 cases of TB were MDR-TB Estimates suggest that more than 250,000 deaths were due to drug-resistant TB China, India, and the Russian Federation account for nearly half of global MDR-TB cases. Learn more about TB There are two forms of drug-resistant TB: multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB), and the much rarer form, extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). MDR-TB is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, two potent first-line drugs used to treat everyone who falls ill with TB. XDR-TB is resistant to isoniazid and rifampin, any fluoroquinolone, and at least one second-line drug, leaving patients with few effective treatment options. In the U.S., the average direct cost of treating TB ranges from $18,000 to treat drug-susceptible forms, to $494,000 to treat XDR-TB. These costs are even higher when they take into account income losses experienced by patients while undergoing treatment. The new study concerns a compound called sansanmycin uridylpeptide, which is produced by soil bacteria and stops other bacteria growing around them. Zika virus could be transmitted by more mosquito species than those currently known, according to a new predictive model created by ecologists at the University of Georgia and the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Their findings, published in the journal eLife, offer a list of 26 additional potential candidate species - including seven that occur in the continental United States - that the authors suggest should be the first priority for further research. "The biggest take home message is that these are the species that we need to prioritize," said lead author Michelle V. Evans, a UGA doctoral student in ecology and conservation. "Especially as we're in the slower part of the mosquito season, now is the time to catch up so we're prepared for the summer." Targeting Zika's potential vectors - species that can transmit the virus from one host to another - is an urgent need, given its explosive spread and the devastating health effects associated with it. It's also time-consuming and expensive, requiring the collection of mosquitoes in affected areas, testing them to see which ones are carrying the virus, and conducting laboratory studies. The new model could streamline the initial step of pinpointing Zika vectors. "What we've done is to draw up a list of potential vector candidates based on the associations with viruses that they've had in the past as well as other traits that are specific to that species," said paper co-author Courtney C. Murdock, an assistant professor in the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine and Odum School of Ecology. "That allows us to have a predictive framework to effectively get a list of candidate species without having to search blindly." The researchers developed their model using machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence that is particularly useful for finding patterns in large, complicated data sets. It builds on work done by co-author Barbara A. Han of the Cary Institute, who has used similar methods to predict bat and rodent reservoirs of disease based on life history traits. Data used in the model consisted of information about the traits of flaviviruses - the family that includes Zika, yellow fever and dengue - and all the mosquito species that have ever been associated with them. For mosquito species, these included general traits like subgenus and geographic distribution as well as traits relevant to the ability of each species to transmit disease, such as proximity to human populations, whether they typically bite humans and how many different viruses they are known to transmit. For viruses, traits included how many different mosquito species they infect, whether they have ever infected humans and the severity of the diseases they cause. Analyzing known mosquito-virus pairs, the researchers found that certain traits were strong predictors of whether a linkage would form. The most important of these for mosquitoes were the subgenus, the continents it occurred on and the number of viruses it was able to transmit. For viruses, the most important trait was the number of mosquito species able to act as a vector. Based on what they learned, they used the model to test the combination of Zika virus with all the mosquito species known to transmit at least one flavivirus. The model found 35 predicted Zika vectors, including 26 previously unsuspected possibilities. Seven of those species occur in the continental U.S., with ranges that in some cases differ from those of the known vectors. Evans and Murdock cautioned strongly against assuming that this means that Zika will spread to all those areas. "We're really solely looking at vector competence, which is only one small part of disease risk," Evans said. "It's one factor out of many, and not even the most important one. I want to stress that all of these are just predictions that need to be validated by empirical work. We are suggesting that people who are doing that work should focus on these species first," she said. "Ecologists have long known that everything is connected to everything else, and are pretty good, I think, at sifting out where that matters from where it doesn't," said senior author John M. Drake, a professor in the Odum School and director of the UGA Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases. "This work highlights that ecological way of thinking and why it's important in understanding infectious diseases." Article: Data-driven identification of potential Zika virus vectors, Michelle V Evans, Tad A Dallas, Barbara A Han, Courtney C Murdock, John M Drake, eLife, doi: 10.7554/eLife.22053, published 28 February 2017. PHILADELPHIA March 1, 2017 the United States $199 Aaron Domenico Edmonton, Alberta Philadelphia Pennsylvania New Jersey Connecticut New York District of Columbia Maryland Virginia Florida Ohio Kentucky West Virginia About Atlantic Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC (ADL): /PRNewswire/ -- March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, to make everyone aware of the deadly disease and to remind us that regular screening saves lives. Last year colorectal cancer claimed more than 50,000 lives in. According to the American Cancer Society, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut in half if Americans followed recommended screening guidelines. But currently 1 in 3 adults, over age 50, are not getting tested as recommended.Now Atlantic Diagnostic Laboratories (ADL) is making testing easier. They've launched PolypDx, a non-invasive urine-based diagnostic test for detection of adenomatous polyps, the precursor to colorectal cancer. It is estimated that there will be more than 135,000 new cases reported this year. With early detection in the adenomatous polyp stage, this form of cancer is preventable. Early detection will save lives and reduce treatment costs."ADL is thrilled to offer this easy to use early detection test at the significantly reduced price of, during the month of March," said, Chief Operating Officer of ADL. "PolypDxdoes not require any unpleasant bowel cleansing prep, nor any handling of stool required for fecal tests. Just a small urine sample is all that's needed."Interested patients can contact ADL directly to learn how to get the life saving kit. Call toll free at 1-866-465-6763 ext. 228 or email info@adllab.net.PolypDxgives doctors a new tool in the prevention of colorectal cancer. In a Canadian-based clinical trial of nearly 1,000 patients, PolypDxdemonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than current fecal-based screening tests to detect adenomatous polyps. Doctors will refer patients with a positive test to then have a colonoscopy, to remove the adenomatous polyps, preventing the progression into colorectal cancer. PolypDxis a simple and effective test requiring only a small urine sample.PolypDxis the flagship product of Metabolomic Technologies Inc. (MTI), a privately held Canadian company based in. MTI has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with ADL giving them the exclusive licensing and distribution rights to bring PolypDxinto the US market.ADL is a full service clinical laboratory with headquarters in the suburbs ofproviding microbiology, chemistry, toxicology, immunology, virology and molecular testing in 12 states:, Delaware,andAtlantic Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC (ADL) is a U.S.-based independent full service clinical laboratory providing microbiology, chemistry, toxicology, immunology, and virology testing used by the medical profession in routine testing, patient diagnosis, and in the monitoring and treatment of diseases. It has also developed niche operations based on certain types of specialized testing capabilities providing insights that empower and enable medical professionals to make better healthcare decisions. ADL is fully accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for clinical and forensic studies. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/march-is-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month-and-now-there-is-a-new-tool-to-battle-the-deadly-disease-300416259.html SOURCE Atlantic Diagnostic Laboratories, LLC (ADL) Advertisement Bowel scope uses a tiny camera attached to a thin flexible tube to examine a specific part of the bowel but was still found to prevent 35% of bowel cancers overall and to prevent 40% of deaths.The team followed more than 170,000 people for 17 years on average and more than 40,000 had the bowel scope test. It is the longest study ever done on the effectiveness of the test.Bowel scope can stop cancer before it starts, by finding and removing polyps on the bowel wall.Professor Wendy Atkin, Cancer Research UK's bowel screening expert and lead author based at Imperial College London, said: "We know the bowel scope test has huge benefits for older people. Although no screening test is perfect, this study shows that bowel scope is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years."Bowel cancer can be prevented. And the bowel scope screening test is a great way to reduce the number of people diagnosed with the disease so it's vital that no one misses out on the opportunity to get the test."Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information said: "Like other types of screening, bowel scope is meant for people without symptoms. It's a great way to help reduce the number of people developing or dying from bowel cancer, but it can't pick up everything."So it's still important to take part in the rest of the bowel screening program and not ignore the home testing kits when they arrive. And whatever your screening history tell your doctor if you notice any unusual or lasting changes such as blood in your poo or a change in bowel habit."The government estimates that the bowel scope test will take at least another three years before it will be offered to everyone eligible across England. The test is offered to people at age 55.Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet committed to introducing this test as part of their own bowel screening programs.Emma Greenwood, Cancer Research UK's director of policy, said: "In England the government has committed to rolling out this test but there is a shortage of trained staff to carry it out. A training scheme is underway but it's important that there are enough newly trained specialists to meet the growing demand for these life-saving tests."Source: Eurekalert Advertisement Caroline Clarke et al., Shorter herceptin breast cancer treatment may produce better results, PLOS ONE (2017). The drug's manufacturer Roche recommends that women take the drug for a year after surgery, based on their trial information, and this is the current recommendation in the UK.When the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved the drug in 2006, the Evidence Review Group's report stated that it wished to see further evidence included on the effect of using the drug for shorter lengths of time.In 2014, there were 46,085 new breast cancer cases in women and the researchers estimated that 5,678 of these patients were eligible for Herceptin. Switching these patients to the nine-week treatment would have saved the NHS 132 million at 2014 prices.In addition, there was a gain of 4,773 quality-adjusted life-years, which are often measured in terms of the person's ability to carry out the activities of daily life, and freedom from pain and mental disturbance.This study, which was carried out with City, University of London, analysed three options -- giving Herceptin after surgery for 12 months, 9 weeks, or not at all.The researchers considered eight studies carried out mainly in Europe and the US, and were able to perform an analysis that combined the results from two of these studies, which each followed patients for five years after they received Herceptin. These two studies covered 2,149 patients who received the drug for a year, 54 who received it for nine weeks and 1,131 who weren't given Herceptin.The scientists looked at three outcomes in the five-year period - overall survival rates, the rates of secondary cancer and whether any patients died of a heart attack. The analysis involved extrapolating patients' disease status and quality of life for 50 years into the future, to see what the long-term effects were."This work provides additional evidence for Herceptin as a drug for breast cancer treatment. Where it differs from other work is that it shows the potential benefits of nine weeks of treatment instead of 12 months, in terms of both reduced costs and improved patient outcomes," said Dr Caroline Clarke (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care), who led the research."Overall, our results suggest that the 9-week option could be the best option for both patients and the NHS, as it is apparently just as effective as the 12-month duration, safer in terms of leading to fewer cardiac side effects, and cheaper."The analysis had limitations including the fact that it was based on a model that incorporated two similar trials, rather than on a single trial directly comparing the three different options, so the results should be viewed with caution. Also, the trial used for the 9-week data had a relatively small number of patients in it and hence there is some uncertainty in the results.Source: Medindia Advertisement The findings were published last week in the online edition of the journal Child Abuse & Neglect, coinciding with the Trump administration's repeal of federal protections of restroom preferences for transgender students.The Obama administration last year issued restroom guidelines to safeguard transgender students under Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in schools. The U.S. Supreme Court in March will hear arguments on transgender teen Gavin Grimm's request to use the boys' restroom at his Virginia school under Title IX.For their study, launched in 2015, Sterzing and fellow UC Berkeley researchers collected data from nearly 1,200 sexual and gender minority teens aged 14 to 19 who identify as transgender (male to female, and female to male), gender-fluid (no fixed gender) and cisgender (gays, lesbians, bisexuals and pansexuals whose gender identity matches their assigned birth sex).Participants, who were guaranteed anonymity, were recruited through Facebook advertisements, an online recruitment video and community organizations that serve sexual minorities from across the country.Among other things, they reported their experiences with more than 40 different forms of violence commonly suffered by adolescents. They also reported their socioeconomic status, mental health issues and family participation in religious activities.School-based bullying was the most common form of victimization, reported by 69.2 percent of respondents. Transgender girls (male to female) reported the highest rates of cyberbullying while gender-fluid teens who were born male were more prone to be victims of sexual violence.Overall, transgender and gender-fluid youths are at greater risk of experiencing multiple, overlapping forms of violence that occur in the home, school, neighborhood, and online, Sterzing noted."Boys who don't conform to their assigned gender role were the most vulnerable subgroup of kids in our study," he said.Sterzing is also the author of a forthcoming study that digs even deeper into dozens of environmental factors that make sexual and gender minority youths vulnerable to polyvictimization.The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that 41 percent of transgender people will attempt suicide in their lifetimes, often attributed to their high rates of bullying."The health outlook for young people who don't conform to socially prescribed gender roles will remain bleak if we look the other way," he said. "We as a society have to propose inclusive solutions to protect these vulnerable adolescents."That said, Sterzing sees glimmers of hope in the millennial and post-millennial generations whose members are more accepting of gender fluidity."Although we have a long way to go, we're seeing important changes in young people's attitudes toward sexual and gender minorities that gives me hope we can reduce rates of violence and create more inclusive and affirming spaces for transgender and gender-fluid teens," Sterzing said.The findings will hopefully motivate politicians, educators and families to show more compassion toward young people who don't conform to gender expectations are experiencing.Source: Eurekalert Turkey ready to offer customs privileges to Azerbaijan Turkey is ready to exempt importers of products manufactured in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan from paying customs duties, Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik said in an exclusive interview with Trend.He said that in order to meet the needs of Turkeys eastern provinces in food products, certain goods can be imported from neighboring countries as part of border trade."At the same time, Turkey must act in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization," the minister noted.In 2016, the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkey adopted a resolution on regulation of border trade, according to which goods will be imported within the set limit from Nakhchivan to Turkeys border provinces, Celik said."In connection with this resolution, zero rate of customs duty will be introduced for goods imported from Nakhchivan. Nakhchivan is a nexus between Turkey and Azerbaijan. It has strategic importance because of its location," the Turkish minister said.Azerbaijani Deputy Economy Minister Sahil Babayev has earlier told Trend that Azerbaijan is negotiating with Turkey for granting customs privileges to exporters of products manufactured in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic."As you know, the customs duties for imported products are very high in Turkey, in particular, for the import of agriculture products, which is aimed at protecting the domestic market," said Babayev. "We are holding negotiations to expand the export of Azerbaijani products to Turkey, and in this context, we want to obtain customs privileges for the supply of goods, produced in Nakhchivan, to Turkey."Turkey was Azerbaijans main trade partner in 2016. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey amounted to $2.3 billion in 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.About $1.13 billion of this accounted for exports and $1.18 billion for imports. SIGEL TOWNSHIP In a couple of days, all of the spoiled beets at the Verona Sugar Beet Piling Grounds should be shipped out, according to a local official. Richard Maurer, Sigel Township supervisor and retired beet farmer told the Tribune on Wednesday that rotten beets should not pose an environmental threat. If theyre spread out in the farm fields, theres no problem, he said. In a couple days, they should be all gone. Over half of them have been hauled out already. Its going good, Maurer added, saying it will be a smaller beet crop this year as a result of the warm winter weather that is rotting beets. He said the amount of the loss wouldnt be known until everything has been hauled out. Its going to be substantial, he said. All of the good, vented beets have been hauled out of the Verona grounds, which are owned by Michigan Sugar Co. Even a small portion of the vented piles is rotting due to the weather, Maurer said. Michigan Sugar released the following statement Wednesday regarding the weathers affect on the beet crop: As of this afternoon, most sugar beets impacted by warm weather are being processed and a very small percentage of the impacted beets are being distributed back to farmers for use as a source of nutrients on their fields, said Ray VanDriessche, spokesman for Michigan Sugar. Beets remaining to be processed are protected with modern, state-of-the-art ventilation technology from the moment they are delivered, which significantly increases long-term beet storage quality. Michigan Sugars slice campaign is slated to be completed in early April, and while warm weather has posed some challenges in the past few days, our investments in modern technology have enabled us to manage our beet piles throughout the growing region and maintain the best quality possible. Maurer attended a meeting Monday with officials from the Huron County Sheriffs Office, the Huron County Road Commission, the Huron County Board of Commissioners and Michigan Sugar. There it was determined that Michigan Sugar would pay for a $50,000 road bond, and that loads hauled on unbonded roads would be reduced to 65 percent. Maurer said that for the most part, farmers were hauling the beets back to their farms. This was a point of contention earlier in the week. Farmers are allowed to haul the beets to the piling grounds with a farming license plate, but a commercial plate is typically required to haul the beets from the grounds to the plant. Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson said that his department would not look the other way and allow those with farm license plates to haul the beats back to farms. But the Michigan State Police is allowing it. Lt. Charles Black, commanding officer of the Michigan State Police Third District of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, said he sees no issue with farmers hauling the beets back with farm-plated license plates, rather than commercial ones. They have paid proper registrations. (The beets are) going back for furtherance of the farm, he added, calling the spoilage from warm weather a rare occurrence. Beet trucks must adhere to weight restrictions, Black said. To the editor: Well, here we go again after all this time, Robert Peruski your letter to the paper struck a nerve in me that Im sure you intended to do. Your letter about Mr. Trump (now President Trumps) executive orders, was way off base as he signs these orders without usually reading them first. He is running the country like he runs his corporation. This is the way I want it done and dont ask why. We need judges in our system to keep as you have said in the past these idiot politicians in check and now with this man in control to do things the right way, not the way he wants. Most of our great or our great-great grandparents were immigrants coming to this great country, not to do harm or kill people but to have a better life for their families and themselves. I personally believe in background checks, or now called venting, should be done on immigrants now but I dont think they would have stopped Timothy McVey or Terry Nichols the Oklahoma City bombers. We have to keep watch and be very careful with this president because his next executive order may be no freedom of the press, which you know is the First Amendment. Our president makes it very clear how he feels about the media then where would you and I be. Truthfully speaking, someone on the Mr. Trump (now President Trumps) staff should have explained to him the hours and days required to do this very important job instead of going to his compound in Florida on Thursdays for the weekend and worrying about it when he gets back on Monday. What a waste of taxpayer dollars. Making America great again, as he said. I could go on and on, but I wont. I am saving that for my own campaign. I am surprised that Trump didnt ask you to be his vice president, and maybe he did. But between the two of you, you couldnt decide who would be the boss and who would be the apprentice. I did hear now that he is president he asked Mike Pence where is that swamp he promised to drain. Is it the Minden City Bog or Lake Okeechobee in Florida? God bless America. Jerome D. (Whitey) Pawlosky Minden City 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.... Two former field-grade officers in the Marine Corps Reserve were sentenced to custody followed by time in a halfway house after being convicted of participating in a scheme to bilk the Marine Corps out of more than $205,000 over the course of four years. Lt. Col. Michael Strom and Maj. Jason Wild were convicted last fall on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and false claims. The two officers pretended to rent each other's homes so they could claim reimbursement from the Corps when called to active duty at Camp Pendleton, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. "Both men submitted phony lease agreements and rental receipts to support their false claims," according to the release. "In truth, each man owned his own home next to Camp Pendleton and never paid any of the claimed rent." Strom, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia to three months in custody followed by six months' community confinement in a halfway house, and ordered to pay restitution. Wild, 45, was sentenced Feb. 21 to nine months in custody followed by six months in a halfway house and the same $205,628 restitution order as Strom. The restitution is joint and several, assistant U.S. Attorney C. Seth Askins told Military.com, meaning Strom and Wild will share the responsibility of returning more than $205,000 to the government, though the debt may not be equally divided if one is determined more able to pay. Askins said the officers had a board of inquiry hearing in January 2016 but did not know their discharge date. According to the release, Wild's guilt was established using witness testimony, credit card statements, tax returns and bank records to show both men had lived in their own homes when they were claiming to rent from each other. He was convicted in November. "Financial records, including a bank analysis performed by the Naval Audit Service, established that neither defendant had paid a dollar of the claimed rent," the release states. Strom pleaded guilty to the charges in October. During Strom's sentencing hearing, Battaglia told him, "Those that are so key to our country's safety, our way of life -- when they cross the line, it's serious." In a statement, acting U.S. Attorney Alana Robinson said the two officers had stolen from their fellow Marines, not just the government. "Members of the armed forces who defraud the military out of its funds don't just steal from taxpayers; they rob their comrades in arms of the resources they need to defend each other and our country," she said. "This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who put their own financial gain before the public trust they are sworn to uphold." The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General all collaborated to convict Wild and Strom, according to the release. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck. NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia -- President Donald Trump swapped his signature red "Make America Great Again" ballcap for one bearing the seal of the soon-to-be commissioned carrier Gerald R. Ford as he promised to build the biggest Navy in American history in an address aboard the warship. Hundreds of sailors, sporting ship's ballcaps and blue camouflage utilities, and shipbuilders in hard hats flooded the hangar deck of the soon-to-be-delivered ship hours ahead of Trump's address. Marine One landed on the carrier just before 1 p.m., preceded by an entourage of three MV-22 Ospreys from HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron. Trump, who arrived alongside Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, sported an olive-green flight jacket and lavished praise on the carrier, calling it "a ship like no other." "There is no competition for this ship," he said. "It is a monument of American might that will provide the strength necessary to ensure peace." While Trump has taken pointed aim at the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program for its cost overruns, he had nothing but praise for the Ford and its class, despite its own billions in additional costs and more than a year of delay in delivery, due in large part to new technologies the ship incorporates. "This ship, the Ford class, will expand the ability of our nation to carry out vital missions on the oceans, to project American power in distant lands," he said. He reiterated his desire to return to a Navy of 12 aircraft carriers, up from the 10 currently in the fleet. And beyond that, Trump said he wants to build the service to its largest fleet size in history. "Our Navy is now the smallest it's been since -- believe it or not -- World War I," he said. "Don't worry. It'll soon be the largest it's been." Trump has publicly advocated for a fleet of 350 ships, roughly in keeping with the Navy's current force structure assessment for how it needs to grow over the next 30 years. At its peak in World War II, however, the service had an astounding 6,768 active ships, far more than even ambitious projected fleet growth. The president also said he'd work to cut acquisition costs, in part by removing budget caps that minimize the Navy's certainty and ability to plan. "The same boat for less money, the same ship for less money, the same aircraft for less money," he said. "That's what we do." Like many of Trump's campaign speeches, this address was short on specifics to explain how he plans to execute the promised buildup. He received sustained applause when he reiterated his desire to repeal sequestration budget cuts implemented by Congress. But his plan to increase defense spending by $54 billion over the next year, revealed by White House officials this week, falls short of the buildup many were hoping for. Senate and House Armed Services Committee Chairmen John McCain and Mac Thornberry have both called the figure too low, while former Navy Under Secretary Janine Davidson said at a Washington, D.C., event that the number would not even fund a Navy buildup to 350 ships. It's likely that the most significant work of Trump's visit to the Ford happened behind closed doors. In addition to Mattis, a number of key Navy and industry leaders featured prominently in the day's events. According to shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries spokeswoman Beci Brenton, Trump was greeted on arrival by the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. John Richardson; retired Adm. Gary Roughead, a former CNO; the commanding officer of the ship, Capt. Richard McCormack; and the ship's sponsor, Susan Ford Bales, daughter of the Ford's namesake. Accompanied by Mattis, Trump was escorted into the commanding officer's import cabin, where he met briefly with a group of eight sailors and eight shipbuilders. Following that meeting, he had an exclusive sit-down with the CEOs of HII and Newport News Shipbuilding, C. Michael Petters and Matt Mulherin; then took a brief tour of the carrier, Brenton said. If any key deals were struck Thursday, Trump did not speak of them. He focused instead on a message of patriotism and investment in the future, garnering several hearty rounds of applause. "I salute you and our sailors," he told the assembled members of the Ford's Navy personnel and shipbuilding team. "I will only support you and your mission. I will never ever let you down." -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck. Related Video: 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... Editor's Note: The DoD has released new information related to these incidents. Read about it here. Some information in this story has been updated to reflect these developments. ORLANDO, Florida -- Russian pilots intercepted NATO aircraft multiple times last month even as officials say aerial provocations from Moscow seem to be winding down, the head of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa said Thursday. There were three incidents with Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft and another involving an Ilyushin Il-38, an anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft, on Feb. 10, Gen. Tod Wolters told reporters at the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium here. The fly-bys were "not similar, and the concern on all four of them was the degree of closure and the final range to which the final aircraft approached the NATO entity," he said. Wolters couldn't recall the particular aircraft affected, but said he was "pretty sure it was U.S." "We provide information back to Russia when they do occur to make sure we can get an answer," he said. But from a "training perspective" the amount of interceptions "have plateaued." Wolters added that USAFE officials have seen no additional interceptions since the Feb. 10 incidents. "We continue to keep close watch. Each and every one of those engagements is different than the other," he said. In December, then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said the Russian air force hadn't shown good faith toward NATO aircraft policing Baltic airspace, as it conducted a flurry of unsafe maneuvers and flybys last fall. For example, the German air force, overseeing the Baltic Air Policing mission at the time, reported "more than 30 scrambles between the end of August and the start of November this year, intercepting Russian aircraft flying near civilian air routes with their transponders turned off," James said. When asked if he believes incidents occur because of pilots' poor judgment or because Moscow is reacting to policies imposed by the West, Wolters said the issue stems largely from errors in judgment. But "I believe there's a little bit of both." The Air Force is preparing for a busy few months as the theater ramps up training with NATO and partner allied countries. "We anticipate in the areas of strike superiority, surveillance, rapid global mobility and command and control that we'll have a wide array of exercises here in the European region," Wolters previously told Military.com in November. That means the service -- with help from National Guard and Reserve units -- will bring a number of different aircraft to the region, from intelligence and surveillance planes to fighters, bombers and airlifters. RELATED: Air Crews Can Expect Busy Training Year in Europe: General In addition, there may be more personnel rotations into the region as part of a theater security package, or TSP, of forward-deployed aircraft and units that conduct missions across the continent over six months to reassure Western allies. Since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Air Force has deployed aircraft, from F-15 Eagles to A-10 Thunderbolt ground-attack aircraft, as part of a regular rotation of assets. Like Pacific Command, USAFE is expected to see an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deployment this summer. "The F-35 itself is a game-changing resource," Wolters said. USAFE has been using intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to keep an eye on movements between the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, the general said Thursday. "All of our issued, conventional ISR assets from MQ-1s to MQ-9s to RQ-4s are getting utilization from that vicinity from Ukraine to the north" in Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, Wolters said. He would not specify how often the ISR platforms are being used. Wolters said the Air Force's "biggest ace in the hole" on any front in the theater is the ability "to train and exercise at a very, very high and frequent level." "That serves as a great deterrent," he said. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related Video: The U.S. hit the Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terror group in Yemen on Thursday with wide-ranging airstrikes that targeted the same general area where Navy SEAL William "Ryan" Owens was killed. The Pentagon said in a statement that more than 20 early morning airstrikes, using a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft, were aimed at AQAP fighters, equipment, infrastructure, heavy weapons systems and fighting positions in the Yemeni governorates of Abyan, Al Bayda and Shabwah. The Associated Press, citing Yemeni officials, said the strikes concentrated on an area where the three governorates converge. It was in central and mountainous Al Bayda province on Jan. 29 that Owens, 36, of Peoria, Illinois, a member of Navy SEAL Team 6, was killed in what U.S. Central Command described as a "ferocious firefight" during a raid on an AQAP compound. The raid was personally authorized by President Donald Trump and resulted in the first combat casualty of his tenure. The airstrikes Thursday in areas under AQAP's control marked the first U.S. combat action in Yemen's civil war since the Jan. 29 raid and were coordinated with Yemen's nominal president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, according to the Pentagon statement by Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a spokesman. Hadi assumed the presidency after Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted from office in 2012 in the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprisings. Saleh has since aligned himself with Shia Houthi rebels who drove Hadi's forces from the capital, Sanaa, in 2015. Hadi, backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with support from the U.S., has been attempting to regain power ever since. Amid the turmoil in Yemen, AQAP has evolved from being an isolated band of terrorists bent on spectacular overseas plots into a virtual mini-state in areas it controls, according to the International Crisis Group. The growing strength of AQAP has come about despite years of U.S. drone strikes and occasional raids by special operations commandos. In 2011, a U.S. drone strike killed Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S. citizen and AQAP's chief propagandist. The Jan. 29 raid on the Yakla district of Al Bayda governorate reportedly killed his eight-year-old daughter, Nawar al-Awlaki. In addition to Owens' death, three U.S. troops were wounded in the attack on the AQAP compound and at least two others were injured in the hard landing of a Marine MV-22 Osprey supporting the mission. The $70 million Osprey could not be flown out and was later destroyed by a Marine AV-8B Harrier jet. The White House and Pentagon have repeatedly described the raid as a success despite Owens' death, in that the mission gathered valuable intelligence on AQAP's activities and planned operations. On Thursday, CNN, citing U.S. officials, said the U.S. is seeking to find and monitor various individuals based on intelligence from computer discs and other material brought back from the raid, which critics have charged was planned in haste and poorly coordinated. There are three separate investigations of the raid underway, according to the Pentagon. One is an Article 15-6 fact-finding investigation by a senior officer of how the Jan. 29 mission was carried out. A separate aircraft mishap investigation is underway on the loss of the Osprey. A third investigation on civilian casualties from the raid is also ongoing. According to the Pentagon, at least 14 civilians were killed in the mission along with at least 16 militants. However, the SEAL's father, William Owens, has demanded a broader investigation into what he told the Miami Herald was a "stupid" mission. Owens told the newspaper that he refused to meet with Trump at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware during the "dignified transfer" of his son's remains. In the emotional highlight of his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, Trump honored Owens' widow, Carryn, and defended the worth of the mission in which he gave his life. To prolonged applause, Trump diverted the attention of the audience to the House gallery, where Carryn Owens was seated in the section reserved for First Lady Melania Trump. "We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy special operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived -- a warrior and a hero -- battling against terrorism and securing our nation," he said. Trump quoted from what he said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis had just told him. "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." The president said, "Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom. We will never forget him." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Early 20th-century advances in military communications-electronics technology provided the Army with additional opportunities to employ women. The Signal Corps, for example, used civilian women as telephone operators during World War I. These women, however, did not receive even the unequal military status afforded to Army Nurses. The Signal Corps initially recruited bilingual women from commercial telephone companies but later accepted less experienced applicants to fill the growing demand. The first group of civilian female telephone operators to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) arrived in Paris in early 1918. Just more than 200 female telephone operators ultimately served in France with the First, Second, and Third Army Headquarters. The women worked in Paris and dozens of other locations throughout France and England. Nicknamed the Hello Girls, these women worked long hours, often at stressful locales such as First Army Headquarters during active operations. Despite the pressure, the women successfully performed their duties. In one instance, the women of the Female Telephone Operators Unit, First Army Headquarters, had to be forcibly evacuated from their stations during the Meuse-Argonne campaign even after their building caught fire. Once back at their posts, the women restored operations within an hour. They subsequently earned a commendation from the chief signal officer of First Army, Maj. Gen. George Owen Squier, who cited the womens unquestioned superiority as switchboard operators and their value in freeing men for the fighting front. Army Historical Foundation image Despite the successful use of women in time of need, the Army remained gender restricted throughout the early 20th century. This was in keeping with the mores of American society at the time, when many men and women alike conformed to the idealized notion of a womans place: the home. Competition for jobs during the Great Depression heightened adherence to this ideal, ending societys relative tolerance of feminist activities in the 1920s. The idea of a woman in an Army uniform was unfathomable to many Americans. What, then, led to the Armys decision to enlist women during World War II? The unfathomable became reality as the Army struggled to fulfill wartime quotas from an ever-shrinking pool of candidates. By mid-1943, the Army was simply running out of eligible white men to enlist. The Army could scarcely spare those men already in the service for non-combatant duties. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower remarked: The simple headquarters of a Grant or Lee were gone forever. An Army of filing clerks, stenographers, office managers, telephone operators and chauffeurs had become essential, and it was scarcely less than criminal to recruit these from needed manpower when great numbers of highly qualified women were available. The utilization of women in an organization such as the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) offered a golden opportunity to solve manpower shortages. So recognizable was the opportunity that Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall told the War Department in November 1941, I want a womens corps right away, and I dont want any excuses! Urgent wartime demands necessitated the use of all able, willing citizens, regardless of gender. In recruiting women, the Army assured them that they would be doing unusual and exciting work and that their service in making available technically trained men for combat service will be of great value in winning the war. Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers (R-Mass.) introduced a bill to establish the WAAC on May 28, 1941. She cited two rationales for such an organization: to ease the shortage of able-bodied men and to answer an undeniable demand from American women that they be permitted to serve their country, together with the men of America, to protect and defend their cherished freedoms and democratic principles and ideals. WAAC/WAC veterans later recalled this strong desire to be of service. Mary Robinson, for example, said, I just thought it was the sensible thing to do. The British had done it in two wars. The 77th Congress eventually established the WAAC with Public Law (PL) 77-554 on May 14, 1942, after much heated debate over whether women generals would rush about the country dictating orders to male personnel and telling the commanding officers of posts how to run their business. One outraged commentator demanded to know, Who then will do the cooking, the washing, the mending -- the humble home tasks to which every woman has devoted herself? Bipartisan objections abounded, with Republicans and Democrats alike denigrating the idea of women in the military. One opposing senator went so far as to claim that the bill cast a shadow on the sanctity of the home. Army Historical Foundation image After 98 columns of debate in the Congressional Record, the Rogers bill finally passed the House 249-86. The Senate approved the bill 38-27. Amid this turmoil, the Army became the first of the services to enlist women during World War II. The Navy (which had mustered out its Yeomannettes after World War I), Coast Guard and Marine Corps followed the Armys lead, admitting women in July 1942, November 1942 and February 1943, respectively. The Army required that WAACs be high school graduates between 21 and 45 years of age, between five and six feet tall, between 105 and 200 pounds, and of good health and character. The women had to pass a physical examination and an intelligence test similar to the one administered to prospective male officers, yet the rigorous requirements hardly guaranteed pay parity. Though often better educated, the average WAAC received less pay than her male counterpart. PL 77-554 codified inequalities between male soldiers and female auxiliaries from the very beginning, particularly with disparities in pay. A last-minute attempt by the Army to substitute a bill authored by Sen. Elbert D. Thomas (D-Utah) that would have allowed women to serve in rather that with the Army had proved disastrous in Congress, though Thomas swore it expressed the wishes of Gen. Marshall himself. The substitute bill would have granted women the same rank and held them accountable to the same discipline and regulations as male soldiers, barring the women only from combat. Thomas argued that women deserved the same recognition for equal work. Removing women from the home to serve with the Army was divisive enough; letting women in the Army and giving them equal status to men was just too radical for many at this point. The Armys demand for WAACs steadily increased in the six months after Congress established the Auxiliary Corps. Sgt. John T. Lowery, an Army recruiter, informed the Lewiston Tribune in November 1942 that this district has been called upon to enlist as many women as possible By December, WAAC Lt. Mary E. McGlinn admonished college women that "the manpower of America is needed in the field, and women must step into the non-combatant jobs now being filled by soldiers. American women have accepted all the privileges enjoyed by men in this Democracy; now they are being called on to share some of the responsibilities. I cant conceive of the girls in our colleges refusing to follow their brothers into the service at a time like this." WACs are shown wearing gas masks. (Army Historical Foundation image) In January 1943, Congresswoman Rogers and WAAC Director Col. Oveta Culp Hobby drafted a bill to make the WAAC a part of the Army, as opposed to an auxiliary element. Gen. Marshall approved the bill, which was introduced into the 78th Congress. He even urged passage of the bill in a letter to Sen. Andrew J. May (D-Ky.) of the Senate Military Affairs Committee. The Senate approved the bill on Feb. 15, but the House, evidently not convinced of the inaccuracy of an ongoing slander campaign against the WAACs, demanded statistics and briefings on WAAC pregnancy and venereal disease rates and questioned the effects of the change in status. Questions included: What would be the top rank for women? How large would the new Corps be? What types of duty would Corps members perform? What benefits would be granted? Several months passed before both houses approved the bill. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the legislation into law on July 1, 1943. The law creating the WAAC expired in September 1943, and WAACs could choose to transition to the Womens Army Corps (WAC) if they so desired and met all the requirements, including standing at least 58 inches tall, weighing at least 100 pounds and possessing good vision. More than 75% of the WAAC chose to enlist, some no doubt echoing radio operator Dorothy Gills feelings about how much she loved the Army and what it meant to me. With the termination of auxiliary status, WACs received the same pay, rank and benefits as male soldiers. This was a remarkable advancement, especially considering that women in private industry on average earned only 80% of the salary of their male counterparts, even in the year 2000. It is worth noting that the Army continued to deny nurses many of the advancements bestowed upon WACs during World War II. Although women with the Army Nurse Corps became eligible for officer rank and some retirement benefits after World War I, pay and allowances still differed from other officers. The Regular Army did not offer Nurse Corps members full military rank until 1944, after the much junior Womens Army Corps made these gains in equality. This may be because caring for the sick was often considered a universally female role, and to recognize nurses as equal to male soldiers would have threatened established gender roles. Reinforcing gender norms was indeed a priority during this period of gender integration. WAAC Elizabeth Pollock, in one example, recalled the women in her outfit singing the praises of their male colonel, saying how nice and kind he was, how much they liked him and how they couldnt have picked a more wonderful man for the job. An exasperated male soldier came immediately to the colonels defense and assured the women, He can get mad, too! While male soldiers might have been preoccupied with asserting their masculinity, many women yearned to retain their femininity and struggled to reconcile their new, meaningful roles as soldiers with the traditional feminine gender roles to which many of them still adhered. WAC Betty Billie Oliver, for example, wrote home to ask for a negligee to wear on her wedding night because she wanted to let my boy know hes got a woman, not a soldier. In fact, Pollock observed, Everyone around here is terrified for fear shell lose her femininity. I havent heard so much talk about ladies in all my life as I have since I got into the WAAC. A preoccupation with or need to assert their femininity shows that WAACs/WACs recognized what their opponents did -- that their military service might upset traditional gender roles. Despite desiring and striving to retain their femininity, they placed a high value on service to their country. WAACs/WACs thus set out on the unenviable task of reconciling the two. The painting of a Women's Army Corps member. (Army Historical Foundation image) The consternation caused by the gender integration of the Army must not be understated. Many people, both in and out of the Army, perceived the WAC, in the words of one historian, as a radical inversion of the traditional roles of women as the passive sweetheart/wife/sex object whose ultimate mission was to wait for their virile menfolk to return from their masculine mission of fighting and dying. Women in the Army thus often faced public disdain at home and in society. For example, Emma Love stated, I just about killed my mother because I said I was going to join the WAC. They tell me after I got over there that she cried for six months. Violet Caudle shared, It was a disgrace to join the military. If you were a woman, it wasnt the thing that was done. He [her father] was afraid of what the neighbors would say. In "The Good Soldier: The Story of a Southwest Pacific Signal Corps WAC," Selene H.C. Weise recalled the ugly rumors about WACs morality, revealing that even her family loathed discussing her service. The slander campaign casting a shadow over WACs morality and motives gained such notoriety during the war that first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Congresswoman Rogers publicly denounced the rumors as a Nazi-inspired attempt to undermine the American war effort. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson addressed the issue, too, saying, My attention has been attracted to sinister rumors aimed at destroying the reputation of the WAACs. I refer to charges of immorality. I wish to state that these rumors are absolutely and completely false. I emphasize that I have made a thorough investigation of these rumors. They are completely false. Even Marshall entered the fray, declaring: "I returned from Africa two weeks ago to find the most atrocious, if not subversive, attack being directed against an organization of the Army, one of the finest we have ever created. I refer to the WAAC. There was no foundation for the vicious slander, though some of it was given wide publicity. Some seem to be intent on the suicide of our own war effort, not to mention the defamation of as fine a group of women as I have ever seen assembled. Such a procedure to me appears inexcusable. If we cant be decent in such matters, we at least should not be naive enough to destroy ourselves." Nazi-inspired or domestic in origin, the stigma lingered, even as former WACs reentered civilian life in the postwar era. Weise, for example, ultimately changed her resume to state merely Clerk-Typist, 1941-1945, U.S. Army, because many employers refused to hire supposedly lascivious ex-WACs. Veteran status, which often secured employment for men, handicapped many women. Public disdain for women in the military reinforced the perceived inappropriateness of womens involvement. The cruel innuendos devalued womens military advancements by suggesting that women gained them in exchange for sexual favors. Determined female veterans developed coping mechanisms to deal with the complications of workplace integration, rather than desert under the fire of the slanderers, discriminators or harassers. This often included rationalizing or ignoring their problems, especially those of discrimination or harassment. While fully acknowledging the discrimination faced by WACs in the Signal Corps, Weise claims that the Army was a liberating place, as compared to her prior civilian life, saying, Women had always been treated differently. My treatment in the Army was so much more liberating than anything I had previously experienced that, comparatively speaking; I thought the Army was pretty great. Given the context of the time, I still do. Weise, writing in the 1990s, recognized the limitations placed on her by a paternalistic society and appreciated the Armys relative progressiveness. Many others felt the same way. Weise, in addition to explaining the discrimination that tainted her experience, also shrugged off the sexual harassment meted out by some male soldiers, stating I wrote about the men causing us problems, explaining that they whistled and made catcalls. Yes, they whistled or yelled, but we were used to it; we laughed it off, and went on our way. Cpl. Betty Bartlett revealed, Yes the soldiers whistle at me, and I, too, have even whistled at them. Another corporal with the Signal Corps, Julie Orosz, confessed, Id feel that I were slipping if I didnt collect a few whistles every day. However, the bark of the wolf in sheeps clothing is worse than his bite. Really, they are awful sweet. It seems many WAACs/WACs deemed the opportunities afforded by their service to be worth episodic harassment, or as WAAC/WAC Billy Mattice Steenslid put it, well worth the price of admission. Similarly, Emma Love distinguished between those few who objected to her service and those who respected her, stating, Oh, I had one fellow that tried to get smart, and, They were all nice, except one or two. Elizabeth Pollock concurred, Most of the soldiers seem delighted to have women around. Like those women who looked beyond discrimination to see the opportunity their service afforded, many refused to be discouraged and held individuals, rather than the Army, accountable for isolated instances of harassment. Army Historical Foundation photo Some women actually applauded gender relations, such as Pollock, who stated, I was delighted to see that the men dont resent WAACs, but really like and admire us, and, I expected the army men might have a guard up, and they dont. And I am glad. Frances Harden, a WAC supply sergeant in New Guinea, wrote to a friend, The fellow whose job Im taking is a peach of a guy. Hes so patient and nice to me. Just a heck of a good fellow. Whether they went so far as to applaud gender relations or not, many women summarized their service with quotations like, I am proud to wear the WAC uniform, and I guess I love just about everything that goes with it; Now I know where I belong; No matter how complicated the process may be, the Army always comes through in the end; Maybe I sound like Pollyanna. But I really felt that it was a very fair Army; and Settling down to Army life wasnt hard for most girls. Whether or not we today think the Army of World War II was fair, many women at the time felt it so and emerged from their service without resentment. Those women who worked past objections to their presence instead of quitting often persevered in changing attitudes, as many of those male soldiers who initially objected to gender integration succumbed to the obvious realities of WAAC/WAC capability. Dottie Gill revealed, Each week, a couple of girls were placed in the station, and even though the boys hated to admit it, the work was handled better than ever. Headquarters was speechless and then happy, for the station was running smoother than ever. Male soldiers often admiringly acknowledged this stoic perseverance, with one soldier stating, In all the years Ive been in, I never saw a bunch of men rookies that caught on so quick. you cant make them complain and another confessing ... Like most of my contemporaries, I wasnt much impressed by the thought of women in uniform. Today, after watching some 40,000 or more Ive been completely converted. I will say that the WAC is a good deal more efficient that many all-male outfits that I could name. There are no better soldiers on Earth. Ignoring or rationalizing harassment or discrimination might seem to be passive forms of coping today, but the evidence shows these methods proved effective to many WAACs/WACs during World War II. Women stubbornly persisted in their new military roles instead of quitting and often impressed those around them. That persistence forced many dubious career soldiers incredulously to quote that old Army saying: You cant kill a WAC. A unified, radical protest or the initiation of legal proceedings against sexual harassment or discrimination by these patriotic women was unlikely in time of war. It was, in fact, unlikely any time in the 1940s. Army Historical Foundation photo The WAACs/WACs of World War II fought stereotypes, sexual harassment and gender discrimination in a time when no laws aided them in doing so, a time when, according to WAC officer Mildred Bailey, We couldnt afford to go contrary to public attitude. Hardly meek, these women successfully and calculatedly exploited their skills, tenacity, and faith in themselves, believing that their duty to their country and the opportunities afforded by military service were worth any discrimination or harassment they might encounter. An overwhelming number of WAACs/WACs, regardless of how they coped with gender integration, expressed no regrets over their service. According to Annie McCarthy, There was no time that I regret. Nancy Hinchliffe stated of her experiences, Mine were all good and vowed, If somebody came to me and said theyre taking old women, Id go with them today. Such testimony provides further evidence of womens tenacity and relative satisfaction. More than 150,000 of these courageous, pioneering women served with the Womens Army Corps during World War II, most gladly and without regret. Their effectiveness led to the Womens Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which guaranteed women a permanent place in the military services. Then, in 1978, the Army abolished the WAC and fully subsumed women into the regular Army. Women in the Army continue to break down barriers today. The trailblazing WAACs and WACs of World War II set this course when they answered the call that would integrate by gender what historians have called the most prototypically masculine of all social institutions, the United States Army. About the Army Historical Foundation The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists and promotes programs and projects that preserve the history of the American soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The foundation serves as the Army's official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The museum will be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to honor the service and sacrifice of all American soldiers who have served since the Army's inception in 1775. For more information about the foundation, the National Museum of the United States Army and the Registry of the American Soldier, visit www.armyhistory.org. Want to Know More About the Military? Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox. Submitting a lowball offer just might work when the seller once was known for its "Always Low Prices" slogan. At least that was the case for the sale of the closed Walmart in Hartland, one of two stores in Michigan that the massive retailer closed in early 2016. The store, located at US-23 and M-59 in Livingston County, was listed for $5.5 million. But an Illinois retailer ended up paying $4.175 million for the 176,000-square-foot building that was built on nearly 23 acres in 2009 - about 25 percent off of the listed price. Now that company is planning to open its second Rural King store in this state by mid-March. The store bills itself as "America's farm and home store." "We're excited to have something unique," said Hartland Township supervisor James Wickman. "... We think it will be quite a draw from a wider region." Rural King will occupy just over 100,000 square feet of the building, leaving 70,000 square feet for another tenant. Rural King's only other Michigan store is in Niles, near the southwest border. The chain was founded in Mattoon, Illinois, in 1960. Still family owned, it now operates 93 stores in 11 states. "Our 93+ locations have an outstanding product mix with items such as livestock feed, farm equipment, agricultural parts, lawn mowers, workwear, fashion clothing, housewares and toys," according to its website. "You never know what you will find at your local Rural King and that's why every trip is an adventure." The store is known for providing free coffee and popcorn for customers. While store representatives were not available for comment, Wickman said Rural King was hiring about 70 people for the Hartland store. The chain has bought several other closed Walmart stores for its expansion. They include: Morganton, North Carolina; Kimball, West Virginia; Circleville, Ohio; Halls, Tennessee; and Logansport, Indiana. While store closings typically leave many questions for property owners and communities about how long they may be vacant, the situation in Hartland moved quickly once Walmart closed. "The commercial real estate market here has done fairly well, even through the recession," Wickman said. "We figured it was only a matter of time before a viable use was found. This is a beautiful building and a great location." The area includes a number of other big-box retailers, including Target and Meijer. It's also attracting other new development, including a new Emagine Theater north of the new Rural King and across M-59. Information on the Rural King store opening was not available. A ribbon cutting is scheduled with the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce on March 23. Visitors cautiously walk across the packed ice and snow at the ice caves in Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com) By Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The Rock River Canyon Ice Caves, commonly known as the Eben Ice Caves, are a popular place to visit in Michigans Upper Peninsula. Located in Eben Junction ( map ) in the center of the U.P., the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. The many visitors who travel to the caves each winter begin their journey by crossing through an open field toward a wooded path. The trail, less than a mile, winds through tall trees and over bubbling creeks. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous, with steep ups and downs. The ice around the caves is smooth and cleats, like YakTrax, make it easier to navigate. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Roger Steele, of Marquette, inspects the inside of an Eben Junction ice cave on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats in and around the caves to navigate the smooth icy ground. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Visitors cross the field back to their cars after visiting the Eben Ice Caves in Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The wood trail that leads to the ice caves in Eben Junction. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Shadows of trees cast shadows across the hills of snow along the trail leading to the ice caves in Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The Rock River Canyon Ice Caves, commonly known as the Eben Ice Caves, are seen on a chilly Monday afternoon, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. The initial trail begins through an open field which leads into a wooded path. Concessions are available for weekend visitors. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Barb Isom of Munising arrives to the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. The initial trail begins through an open field which leads into a wooded path. Concessions are available for weekend visitors. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An inside view of the Eben Junction Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats in and around the caves to navigate the smooth icy ground. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A wide angle shot shows visitors exploring the ice caves at Eben Junction on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A hiker is seen in front of the ice caves located in Eben Junction in the Upper Peninsula on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. The caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An ice formation within another ice formation at the Eben ice caves, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A close-up view of the ice caves located in Eben Junction in the Upper Peninsula on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. The caves are formed when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A girl looks back at her friends as she cautiously enters the slippery ice caves at Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Tannins in the water often give the frozen water yellow and green tints. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Roger and Patsy Steele of Marquette take a selfie in front of the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A hiker is seen exploring the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Tannins in the water make certain areas of the frozen formations yellow in color. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Visitors laugh as the slip and slide up the hill to the ice caves at Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The ice caves at Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, seen on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Roger and Patsy Steele climb the slippery trail up to the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The beautiful spread of frozen water that create the ice caves. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A wide angle shot shows visitors exploring the ice caves at Eben Junction on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An up close view of the ice from inside the cave, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Kailey Cox of Grand Rapids explores the inside of the Eben Junction Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats in and around the caves to navigate the smooth icy ground. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An inside view of the ice caves, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Hikers make their way up the slipper and steep path leading up to the ice caves at Eben Junction in the Upper Peninsula on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. The caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Eben ice caves, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An inside view of the Eben Junction Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats in and around the caves to navigate the smooth icy ground. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Eben ice caves, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com A close-up view of the ice caves located in Eben Junction in the Upper Peninsula on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. The caves are formed when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com An evening view of the ice caves located in Eben Junction in the Upper Peninsula on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. The caves are formed when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Greg Hoffmann of Baltimore, Md., explores the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Two hikers make their way across the field after visiting the Eben Ice Caves on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Hikers must cross an open field before reaching the wooded trail leading to the caves. Located in Eben Junction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the caves form when melting snow runs over the edge of the small cliff and freezes. Hikers are encouraged to wear ice cleats as the trail can be treacherous. Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com Wavy snow mounds and tree shadows are seen along the trail to the ice caves in Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com The trail to the ice caves in Eben Junction, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. Don't Edit Photo by Fritz Klug | MLive.com More Michigan fun Michigan's top-ranked RESTAURANTS in all of its 50 largest cities The MOST FAMOUS person from each of Michigan's 83 counties 25 photos of SNOWY Michigan cabins World-renowned ICE CLIMBERS ascend frozen waterfalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Michigan's Best BOWLING ALLEY: The top 10 list revealed 26 MICHIGAN SPECIES in danger of disappearing How each county in Michigan got its NAME 13 U.P. PASTIES you must try on your next visit Just how wimpy is this WINTER IN MICHIGAN? Winter life on MACKINAC ISLAND Don't Edit Unique ice formations of the Great Lakes The Michigan Weather series explores some unique ice formations found across the state. Hahn Main.png (Courtesy of "I'm Concerned About the Blueberries") BLUEBERRY AMBASSADOR MOMENTS Davison Hahn Intermediate School, coordinator Keri Collins Isabelle Mckimmy I was coming inside to lay down and do nothing at all until I paused and saw the sidewalk and yard at my neighbor's house covered with at least a foot of leaves. So, I said "mom I am going to stay outside for an extra 30 minutes today after school." She said ok with a questioning look on her face because I was just whining about how frigid it was. So, I explained to my mom that I was going to do one of my Blueberry Moments. It was even better because at the time my neighbor was not there. I was 10 minutes into the project when they pulled around the corner! I was a little upset because I wanted to be able to get it all done before she got home and then it could surprise her, but it still turned out fine even with her getting home while I was doing it. It made me feel so happy to see the look on her face. Once she pulled her car into her garage, she came and told me I didn't have to rake her yard. I gave her a big hug and got back to work. She was even nice enough to stay outside to keep me company. At the end of raking I gave her a big chocolate chip cookie and of course the Blueberry Card. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside when she told me that this was big help. I helped one of my dad's students. My dad is a teacher in Flushing and a little girl in his first grade class had just lost her mother. After her mother passed away, she had to move back to Texas to live with her dad. I thought about how she would feel having to move back with her father and it made me feel worried and nervous for her. Mainly because he was not planning on this happening and it was almost Christmas. I thought how it would be very easy for us to help. So, my dad and I sat down and he told me some of the stuff he thought she would like. We then narrowed it down to the top things she would like. After that we sent them to her. We were unable to get her reaction but I am sure she loved it. This made me feel happy although it made me sad that she had just lost her mom. My last Blueberry Moment was when the other night when it was below zero outside. So, I brought hot chocolate, doughnuts and a Christmas card to a Salvation Army bell ringer at Walgreens. When I gave the man the treats, a lady walked by and said that I was so sweet. Then, the man started laughing and said "thanks." Then we told him how I was a Blueberry Ambassador from Hahn School and he thought that was really cool. Then we said bye and we walked off. As we walked away, I realized that what I just did probably just turned that man's whole day around and I felt great about it. Dustin White Blueberry Moment 10799 I was packing up in Mrs. Morgan's class and I noticed that the student who sits in front of me had stuff all over the floor. As a Blueberry Ambassador, I thought that I could help her. So, I got on my knees and helped her grab all her stuff and go to our lockers. After that I felt very good about myself. Blueberry Moment 10800 I jumped in the pool with a splash as a woman and her son came into the pool area. "Where did my hair tie go?'' the woman asked. I looked around for the hair tie. I dove down, found it, and gave it to the lady. I felt as if I found something that someone needed. Blueberry Moment 10801 ''You are released.'' Dave, our youth pastor said. Everyone left, but my friend and I stayed behind to help with chairs. Dave said take a candy, but I declined. I helped because it needed to be done, not because I needed a reward. I was later than normal, but I still felt good about myself. Charlie Armstead Blueberry Moment 10814 My first Blueberry Moment I helped two older friends of ours that have trouble putting up their Christmas lights. We decided to go over to their home and put up their lights for them because they cannot do it themselves. They are getting older and do not want to get up on the ladder so we helped them with it. My dad and I helped them because we didn't want them to get hurt. They were very happy and it made me happy they didn't get hurt. My second Blueberry Moment was when I went to Doogie's and set up a donation table with boxes. I handed out cards that asked for personal care items as people walked in. I said "Hi can you purchase a personal care item? If you can, you can put it in our donation box and we will deliver to Outreach East." This made me feel good because I was able to collect items for people that need help. My third Blueberry Moment is when I went to Outreach East and helped the volunteers separate items like dog food, cat food and toiletries. I did it so I could volunteer so they could get items to the people. It made me feel good to help the volunteers and I know I am working for a good cause. They received a lot of items from Cool to Care and they need help getting it all sorted. Preston Mata Blueberry Moment 10833 My first Blueberry Moment was helping make my friend and neighbor feel happy. She had a major surgery in New York and had been out of school healing for quite a while. I knew she missed her friends and needed something to cheer her up. I made a huge card for all of her friends at school to sign. I met up with a couple of her friends so this could happen. They passed it around school to get a lot of nice messages. I made up a get-well package of goodies along with the card, and delivered it to her that night. Her smile was priceless and I think this helped her a lot! If I were in her shoes I would want the same nice gesture to happen to me. Blueberry Moment 10832 My second random act of kindness was "Koins for Kids". This is my second time doing this fundraiser. I knew right away I wanted to do this again to help children at a local hospital. I organized "Koins for Kids" to raise money/coins to help fund my toy and book drive for Hurley Hospital children. I went to all my friends and family for support. I was able to raise over $150.00 for these wonderful kids. I purchased new books, toys, and stuffed animals and delivered them on Friday December 16th to Hurley Hospital. I could pick where I would like these items to go. I chose all pediatric departments. I didn't want any child to be left out. My favorite item I took was a Michigan Pillow Pet. The director said she would make sure this item was given on Christmas day! Knowing that made me feel happy and proud. There were plenty of other books and toys to be given out on birthdays or simply because they were having a rough day. It did make me feel a little bit sad knowing some kids may be in the hospital for a long time. But I felt extremely happy knowing I could help make those hard days a little bit better. I am grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to doing something like this again so every child will take away something special. Blueberry Moment 10834 My third random act of kindness involved my local garbage men. I decided to make their job at our house a little easier. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, I got up at 6:00 a.m. and went to purchase doughnuts. I also made coffee and hot chocolate. We only waited 5 minutes in our car for the men. They were right on time as usual. They work so hard that I wanted them to know I appreciate them. They couldn't believe that I did this for them. They kindly took all of the goodies and put them in the truck. I wanted to help load the truck for them but they had to do it. They were so kind and I'm glad I was able to do this for them. I felt proud and hope this made their day better. Emelia Murphy Blueberry Moment 10823 For my first random act of kindness, I decided to make a Smile Jar for the police. A Smile Jar is a big, glass jar with (in my case, 60) handwritten compliments/jokes on small pieces of paper, Hershey Hugs, and a sign that says 'Take One!' So, when a policeman needs a smile, or something to make them feel better on a rough day, they can go to my jar. I took my jar to the Davison Township Police Department, and Chief Freeman happened to walk by and I told him about the Blueberry Ambassadors, the jar, and the card. He said he was touched and that he loved our program. I made the jar because I wanted to affect more than one person at a time, I wanted to spread happiness and kindness. I wanted to affect them long after I gave it to them, and I wanted to thank them for all they do in a special way. The experience impacted me because what I did for the police really made Chief Freeman feel good. My afterthoughts were things like 'Oh my gosh! I just made several of our heroes feel good! What if I could make the world a better place? What if I could do this for more people?' Later on, I got a card from Chief Freeman on behalf of all the staff, saying that it honestly lifted their spirits. In the card, it also said "In fact, I just learned that one of our officers goes to the jar each day before his shift, draws out one of the slips of paper, and keeps it with him throughout the rest of his shift that day. Thanks for brightening our days!" After I read this, I felt so--inspired! I wanted to do more! Blueberry Moment 10824 For my second random act of kindness, I decided to give baskets full of toys to Hurley Medical Center for the sick kids. In the baskets, there were bendy flowers, reptile figurines, and caterpillar stuffed animals. On each toy, I wrote a note that said 'Sending you a smile!' and signed my name. It took a couple days, and I wrote 30 notes for 30 sick or hurt kids. So, when a kid is down or hurting, a hospital worker can give them one to help them to feel better. I took them to Hurley, and I told a woman named Kathleen about the Blueberry Ambassadors, the baskets, and the card. I made the baskets because I wanted to help those in need and to help more than 1 person at a time. I know many kids really, truly, need these things. The experience impacted me because I just helped 30 children. I could just imagine their faces when they get one! It feels good to know that I made a bad experience a little better. Blueberry Moment 10825 My third random act of kindness, I decided to make a Smile Jar for the Davison Township Fire Department. A Smile Jar is a big, glass jar, which has about 60 handwritten compliments in it, with Hershey hugs at the bottom, and a sign that says "Take One!" so when a firefighter wants a smile or needs something to make them feel better, they can just take a compliment or piece of candy from the jar. I took the Smile Jar to the Davison Township Fire Department, and I told them about the Blueberry Ambassadors, the card, and the jar. The people there were so happy to see what I gave them. I made the jar because I wanted to affect more than one person at a time. I wanted to spread kindness. I wanted my gift to affect them long after I gave it to them and I wanted to thank them for all they do in a special way. The experience impacted me because what I did for the firefighters would probably affect their spirits. My afterthoughts were things like "I wonder how they're going to react when they pull one out! Will one of the firefighters tell someone else one of my compliments? Could I do this for more people? Could I make the world a better place? Alex Martinex Blueberry Moment 10813 For my first Blueberry Moment, I shoveled out the snow of my driveway without being asked. I did this just because I wanted to, I also did it because my mom's car can't get out of the driveway well with high snow in the way. Blueberry Moment 10812 For my second Blueberry Moment, I gave my church teacher a present. She really liked it and she thought the Blueberry Card was really nice too. I really enjoyed doing this moment and it made me feel really good. Blueberry Moment 10811 As my third Blueberry Moment, I gave a bag of candy to my neighbor. She was not home but I left it on her door step and I made sure she got it. Doing these Blueberry Moments are a really great thing and I like doing them. Even though I don't have any more cards, I will definitely keep doing them. Abby Latchana For my first Blueberry Moment, I decided to bake cookies for my neighbor because they take care of my dog when we are on trips. When I handed her the Blueberry Card and cookies I saw her face light up with a smile. She said '' thank you''. Then I explained the Blueberry program so she can do something nice to another person. My heart was filled with joy when I handed her the cookies. Blueberry Moment 10819 For my second Blueberry Moment, I wanted to make sure that children would have warm clothes and coats since it will be cold soon. I know other kids do not have coats and boots like I do. My 10th birthday party was coming up and I thought that asking for hats, boots, coats, and gloves instead of birthday presents would be a good idea. My mom planned my party and 22 girls came! They brought 238 items including 19 winter coats, 40 pairs of gloves, 46 hats, and $95! I took the money and bought Meijer Simply Giving cards so it doubled to $180 for Outreach East. Then we packaged all the donations up and my dad and I took them to Outreach East. I also made dessert and gave it to Ms. Jan as she does so much for other people who need it. The people at Outreach East were so happy and Ms. Jan loved her cookies. I told her what I did for my birthday, gave her my Blueberry Card, and asked that she help someone and pass on the card so we can keep random acts of kindness going. I really loved doing that, and I am sure that the kids will be really happy with what we were able to give. Blueberry Moment 10810 For my third Blueberry Moment, I made an ornament for my Sunday school teacher at church. She always does such great things for us and I wanted to do something nice for her too. I put green and red glitter in the clear ball ornament and then put fake snow in a bag to cover it all up. I also put a nice cookie in there. When I gave it to her after Sunday school I could see a big smile on her face. She thanked me. I gave her the Blueberry Card and she said she knew all about the Blueberries and would give the card to someone else. It made me feel very good to make her happy. Breeanna Bell Blueberry Moment 10820 Breeanna and her mom did a Mom to Mom sale to sell Breeanna's clothes and toys that she had outgrown in fall of 2016. They then took that money and went shopping for toys so Breeanna could donate them to Toys for Tots. Breeanna wanted to give to other kids as she could not imagine what it would be like to not get a new toy for Christmas, so she wanted to make sure she did her part to make sure as many kids as possible would have a Merry Christmas. Blueberry Moment 10821 Breeanna has two Grandpas that served in two different wars, WWII and Vietnam. She made sure to send out Veterans day cards to both of her grandpas and included a special handwritten note where she thanked them both for their service to our country. She has done this for a number of years and they both tell her every year how much it means to them to get her letter. They both feel very special that their service is recognized by their granddaughter. Blueberry Card 10822 Breeanna and her father took Christmas goodies over to a neighbor who had lost her husband earlier in the year. Breeanna and her grandmother made the goodies and wanted to share some Christmas fellowship and goodies and let her know that we were thinking about her. Cole Lindsay After Wednesday night church, I ran to youth group finally and I finally had the chocolate bar. All I needed to do now was give it to him. I walked up to him, gave him the candy bar and said, "Mr. Shane I am part of Blueberry Ambassadors and we do random acts of kindness..." after that I felt good that I did a random act of kindness. For my second moment, I put a card in my pocket and when we were at the checkout line I grabbed some candy and bought it for the people behind me. My heart was pumping she was looking at me smiling I spilled the words out of my mouth. "I'm part of the Blueberry Ambassadors and we do random acts of kindness for people." She thanked me. For my last moment, I decided to write a nice note to the bus driver. I wrote it as fast as I could on the push. I pulled my folder out, grabbed the note, and gave it to him as I was getting off. I saw him through the window smile. Sarah Murawski I was walking in Tim Hortons with my mom, brothers, and my friend. I saw an older couple let us through to get inside and no one else let us go. Only they did so, I thought it would be kind to buy them breakfast. So, when they were going through the drive through I told one of the waitresses to give the Blueberry Card to them. So, when they drive past the window they were smiling and surprised and it made me feel awesome. When I was outside and I saw someone struggling with shoveling her driveway. So, I went up to them and gave her my card and told her about who I am and asked if it was okay if I could do her driveway and sidewalk. She said yes, so I did it and she thanked me and tried to give me money but I said no I didn't need anything I just wanted to be a Blueberry Ambassador and when I was walking away I saw the smile on her face and that was fun. My bus driver doesn't have much money, so I gave him a dozen cookies that I made and also a Blueberry Card. He thanked me that whole bus ride back home. He works as a construction guy he says he like that job a lot. But when I gave him the cookies his face lit up and I told him I was a Blueberry and he congratulated me and it was fun to see him enjoy the cookies I made and I felt good. Abby Siekierski My first moment was raking my neighbor's yard and giving my neighbor a note. In the note, I said I am a Blueberry Ambassador and as one of my random acts of kindness I raked your yard. Thanks for being a good neighbor. My second one was I went to a church and fed the elderly people food for Thanksgiving dinner. It made me happy seeing them smile and saying thank you. My third on was using my gift card from Tropical Smoothie to buy my friends smoothies. They said thank you and I said thanks for being my friend. I learned that doing random acts of kindness is fun and enjoyable. It is a good way to make people smile. I had fun and I will definitely do more random acts of kindness. I will not stop at just there. Jaxon Clark Blueberry Moment 10836 Today, Charlie and I went up to Doogie's in Davison and collected personal care items for Outreach East. We collected items from 12:00 to 3:00. When I did this, it made me feel really special and good inside knowing that I helped someone in need of help. Today, me and another Blueberry Ambassador, Charlie went up to Outreach East to pack items to be sold for people in need. We packed dog food and cat food also toilet paper and bar soap to be sold for low prices. When doing this act I felt really good and felt that it was kind of me to do this for people in need. Brooklyn Woughter I gave a nice letter and a chocolate bar to my neighbor. She was so happy. She was crying because she was glad that there are people like me. I raked my grandma's leaves with her. I also gave her skates for her grandkids. She was so pleased for the help. I sent a Christmas gift to a girl overseas. I couldn't see her reaction, but I be it was good. Her family couldn't afford a present, but I could and I bet I put the biggest smile on her face. ANN ARBOR, MI - After a month in detainment facing the threat of deportation, Yousef Ajin is a free man again. Ajin, 48, was released from jail and reunited with his wife and four children in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, March 1, a day after a federal immigration judge granted a rare deportation waiver following a two-hour court hearing in Detroit. On Thursday, still shaken by the ordeal, Ajin declined to answer questions, but he says he's happy to be home and thankful for everyone who supported him. That includes everyone from Mayor Christopher Taylor to Ann Arbor's state reps, school officials, teachers and many other community members. "We are overwhelmed by the kindness and love we are receiving from so many friends and strangers," Siham Omar, Ajin's wife, said in a statement provided to The Ann Arbor News/MLive, saying the family asks for privacy at this time. Ajin, who is a citizen of Jordan, came to the United States legally and has been a legal permanent resident for the past 18 years, living in Ann Arbor's Bryant neighborhood with his wife, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen. They have three daughters who were born here and attend Ann Arbor public schools, including Betoul at Community High, Yara at Pioneer High and Mariam at Tappan Middle School. They also have a 15-year-old son, Badar, who is developmentally disabled and is in a special education program. Omar said having to work while her husband was detained took crucial time and attention away from her son, who cannot read, write or talk and requires constant supervision and care. She said her daughters missed their father, who is a caring, loving, reliable and essential part of the family. Hundreds of people, including many Ann Arbor community members, rallied outside the federal building in Detroit on Tuesday during Ajin's deportation hearing, making it clear they didn't want to see the family torn apart. Community High theater teacher Quinn Strassel helped raise money to cover Ajin's legal expenses and helped raise awareness about the family's situation, which eventually led to a large community response. "They've got a community that supports them and I hope that they can walk through that community with their heads held high from now on, and know that the community has their back," Strassel said on Thursday. "I also think the one positive that came out of this was seeing the girls become stronger," Strassel added, recalling a moment in the waiting room outside the courtroom on Tuesday. "It was really tense because we didn't know what was happening, but one of the girls' aunts said the lesson we're going to take from this is that we don't need to hide and that we have a right to be heard. "It was inspiring and moving to see the community come together, and it was heartening to see the girls recognize the power they have in their voices." It's unclear why Ajin was suddenly facing deportation after regularly checking in with immigration offices in Detroit every two weeks. Ajin's supporters believe it might have something to do with a phone call he received before his last check-in when he refused to give personal information over the phone and yelled at the person on the other end of the line, apparently thinking it was a phishing scam when it was an immigration officer. His supporters say the call came from a blocked number and Ajin didn't trust it. When he went in for his regular check-in on Jan. 30, Ajin was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and taken into custody. ICE placed Ajin in detainment at the Calhoun County Jail in Battle Creek. It was noted during Tuesday's hearing that Ajin traveled out of the country and returned in 2011. For reasons that remain unclear, Ajin appears to have faced scrutiny after that trip and an immigration judge in 2012 ordered his deportation after Ajin missed a court hearing in Detroit. The circumstances under which Ajin was allowed to remain in the country after that also remain unclear and ICE has not answered questions about it. ICE stated earlier this week that Ajin was arrested on Jan. 30 for alleged non-compliance with the requirements of his previous release. No further information was provided and ICE has not responded to followup questions. Much of Tuesday's hearing focused on Ajin's past criminal record, which includes a felony conviction stemming from when he found a wallet in 2000 and used a credit card inside it to purchase items at a store. Ajin testified that he was a housekeeper at the University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital and found an unattended wallet on a couch in an empty room when he went in to clean. He said he used the credit card to buy cigarettes, beer and cologne at a store and was caught on camera and arrested several days later. He also has a misdemeanor shoplifting conviction from 2003 when, as he testified in court, he found some loose items outside the box at a store, including a phone and remote control, and tried walking out the door without paying for them while he paid for other items in his cart. He was stopped at the door and arrested. Ajin served probation for those offenses and paid fines. During Tuesday's hearing, when he was asked to answer for those past crimes, Ajin told Judge David Paruch they were stupid mistakes, he hasn't repeated them since then, and he doesn't plan to steal ever again. Given that the crimes occurred so long ago, and because it seemed evident Ajin's family would face extreme hardship if he was deported, Paruch said he was granting a deportation waiver the court doesn't give out regularly. He told Ajin not to do anything to land in court again or things could go differently next time. Strassel said he first learned about Ajin's situation when one of Ajin's daughters, Betoul, who is a student at Community High, came to him on Feb. 1 and said she didn't think she could continue her work in the Community Ensemble Theatre's upcoming production of "Fiddler On The Roof." Strassel said when Betoul began to cry, it was clear something was wrong, and that's when he learned about Ajin's detainment and decided to help. "They're just really good people," Strassel said of the family, describing Ajin as funny, personable and caring. Omar, who for many years has been a stay-at-home mom caring for her developmentally disabled son, said she had to go back to work after her husband was detained, and her daughters had to step up more to help take care of their brother while the family struggled to make ends meet. Omar said her son was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome at birth and her husband is very good with him. Given all of that, Omar said her husband's arrest on Jan. 30 and subsequent detainment did not come lightly. "He is the sole breadwinner for our family of six," she said in a statement. "He works endless hours, day in and day out, in order to provide for our family. Our son has severe special needs and requires diligent care and attention. I have not been able to work for the duration of our marriage in order to care for our son. His condition requires a great deal of time and energy." Now that Ajin is no longer facing deportation, Strassel said he thinks Betoul will be working backstage on "Fiddler On The Roof" again. Opening night is March 16. "She told me last night, 'I think I can do the show now again,'" Strassel said. "It will be great to have her back." YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti has announced the arrival of its new city manager, Darwin D.P. McClary, who officially began his duties on Feb. 27. McClary previously worked as manager of the village of Lake Orion. He has 27 years of combined experience in Michigan municipal management, according to a release from the city. "We, as a community, are so excited to welcome Darwin McClary," said Mayor Amanda Edmonds. "We feel he is the right fit for the community with his passion for social, environmental and economic justice and his strong background in municipal finance and working in communities with similar challenges and opportunities." McClary, who was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and grew up in the Rochester and Oxford area, received his bachelor's degree in human services with a concentration in public administration from Siena Heights College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate University, according to the release. McClary and his husband, Steven, who has worked as an educator and is a published novelist, have four sons. "I am excited to work in a progressive city in which my family has roots, and I look forward to working with the community, community leaders and local business leaders to keep Ypsilanti moving forward in a positive direction," McClary said. The city will host a meet and greet event with the new city manager from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, March 10, in the City Council Chamber of City Hall, One South Huron St. ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor just saw its warmest February on record, according to University of Michigan records dating to 1880. Ann Arbor had an average temperature of 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit in February 2017, University of Michigan staff meteorologist Dennis Kahlbaum said. It's the warmest average temperature recorded for the month since UM began keeping records in 1880, he said. The prior record was set in 1998, with a temperature of 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. For reference, Kahlbaum said the 30-year normal average for February in Ann Arbor, from 1981 to 2010, was 27.6 degrees. Ann Arbor wasn't alone with its warm February temperatures, or the warm winter overall, said National Weather Service meteorologist Joseph Clark. "It was especially warm across the whole country," Clark said. Clark said this was the sixth-warmest winter recorded for Ann Arbor, with an average of 31.9 degrees Fahrenheit overall. The warmest winter occurred in 1890, with an average temperature of 33.9 degrees Fahrenheit, Clark said. The rest of the top six warmest winters took place after 1998. Clark said there may be lingering effects from last year's El Nino and effects from the recent La Nina, that played into the warm temperatures this winter. "It changes the pattern of thunderstorms in the tropics ... and that has a downstream effect," Clark said. "It caused some troughing over the northwestern U.S." In short, it brought cooler air over the northwestern U.S. and pushed warmer air toward Michigan, Clark said. Though it's a bit far out to say for sure, Clark said information from Climate Prediction Center shows there are better than normal odds for a warmer summer as well. Danta Wright ANN ARBOR, MI - Washtenaw County District Judge J. Cedric Simpson rejected a defendant's claim that his court-appointed attorney used racially-biased language in preparing for his upcoming trial on a murder charge. Danta Wright, a black teen charged with murder in the shooting death of an Ann Arbor Pioneer senior, brought a handwritten motion to his competency hearing Thursday, March 2, requesting a new attorney. One of the claims in the motion was that Wright's Ann Arbor-based attorney, Lynn D'Orio - who is white - had used a racial slur while talking to him. Wright has also filed a grievance against D'Orio, Simpson said. The judge became irate at the suggestion. "That's outrageous," Simpson said. "I've known Ms. D'Orio for an extended period of time," Simpson said. "She's one of the top-tier attorneys (in the area). I have never, ever heard her use a racial slur towards anyone." Simpson, who is Washtenaw County's only black judge, lectured Wright about the motion for the bulk of the hearing. "How dare you come before this court, this judge, and accuse that attorney of a racial bias," he said. "I know it's not true. You owe her an apology." At one point, Simpson asked Wright what the basis was for the allegation. Wright told the judge that D'Orio said he "was black and it was going to be tough," and that he considered that a slur. "Young man, welcome to America," Simpson said, adding that what D'Orio allegedly told him wasn't a slur and was accurate advice, that it is an uphill battle being a young, black man charged with murder. "You tried to use your race as a sword to cut down the person trying to help you," he said. Wright originally was scheduled to appeared before Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines, who had to recuse herself because she said her husband had ties to the homicide victim, 18-year-old Jordan Klee. The case was brought to Simpson's courtroom next door to Hines' at Pittsfield Township's 14A-1 District Court at the last minute Thursday. The exchanges about Wright's racial bias claim came after a report was presented to the court saying Wright was competent to stand trial. That portion of the hearing went briskly, with both the prosecution and defense stipulating to the report from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Then D'Orio informed Simpson that Wright brought a motion to sever ties with her. In addition to racial bias, Wright claimed that D'Orio rarely came to see him and rarely gave him updates in the case. He also said she was verbally abusive to him, specifically that her "attitude and conduct has been verbally abusive and unprofessional." This also did not sit well with Simpson, who repeatedly told Wright the court-appointed defense attorney was acting in his best interest. Many of the judge's comments and questions were met with long silences from Wright. Simpson said he believes Wright was influenced by someone to write such a motion - probably by another jail inmate -- because the 17-year-old was having trouble articulating the ideas in it. The judge's demeanor upset Wright's mother, whose facial expressions angered Simpson. "It's very distressing," Wright's mother, Antronette Carter, told Simpson. "They have found him competent to stand trial, but he can't even answer the questions you're asking him now." Simpson had Carter removed from the courtroom for a short time. In the end, Simpson granted Wright's wish for a new attorney - not for any of the reasons in the motion but to spare D'Orio from having to represent Wright in light of the grievance he filed, the judge said. David I. Goldstein was appointed to represent Wright. Wright, Delreno Gracey, 17, of Ypsilanti, and Jermarius Ellison, 17, of Redford, are accused of killing Klee on Oct. 4 in Ann Arbor. Wright is charged with open murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, conspiracy to commit larceny from person and felony firearm. Gracey and Ellison are charged with felony murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, conspiracy to commit larceny from person and felony firearm. Klee was found dead around 3 p.m. Oct. 4 on a pathway near the Pinelake Village Cooperative in the 2600 block of Adrienne Drive on Ann Arbor's west side. Police have not released many details about the homicide. The felony information complaint says the three teens were attempting to steal controlled substances and/or clothes and/or shoes, according to court records. Klee was an Ann Arbor Public Schools student with a 3.7 GPA and aspirations of attending the University of Michigan and becoming an engineer. Wright's probable cause was set for March 9 and his preliminary examination for March 16. He remains in the Washtenaw County Jail with no bond. BAY CITY, MI -- Trial dates have been set for a Bay County Sheriff's deputy alleged to have negligently fired his personal pistol in a high school classroom. Jury selection in the trial of Adam J. Brown, 51, is to begin the morning of Tuesday, April 18. Should that date not work out, proceedings would commence Tuesday, May 2. Bay County Circuit Judge Harry P. Gill is slated to preside. Brown is charged with single counts of tampering with evidence, a four-year felony; careless discharge of a firearm causing injury, a two-year high court misdemeanor; and careless discharge of a firearm causing less than $50 in damage, a 90-day misdemeanor. The charges stem from an incident that occurred in November inside the Bay City Western High School and Middle School building at 500 W. Midland Road in Auburn. Police reports obtained by MLive/The Bay City Times through a Freedom of Information Act request indicate Brown, the school's resource officer, at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, was in the school's robotics classroom with another teacher. They used a force machine to test the trigger pull on Brown's personal Springfield EMP 9mm handgun. After the pair left the room, Brown returned alone and used the machine to test the trigger pull on his .380-caliber Sig Sauer, another personal handgun that he brought into the school that day. The gun was not empty of bullets, however, and the experiment caused the gun to fire a round through two pieces of drywall. The projectile entered a classroom containing about 30 students, traveled toward the ceiling, scraped a tile, proceeded to hit a cement wall, ricocheted off it, careened across the room, and struck teacher Brenda Amthor in the neck. Amthor was sitting at her desk when she was struck by the bullet. She was uninjured apart from a small scratch, police said. Though Brown was engaged in conversations with school staff on the projectile's origin, he did not admit to having fired a gun, reports indicate. As a result, the school was placed in secure mode while administrators attempted to discern what had happened. School staff gave Brown the bullet to hold, but he then tossed it in a grassy area covered by leaves, according to police reports. A K-9 Unit recovered the bullet and Brown confessed that he attempted to destroy the evidence, according to police reports. Arndt spoke with Brown, who was "extremely emotional and explained that he had been in contact with his union representative who had advised him not to provide a statement. He did say, 'It was a total accident.'" Following a Michigan State Police investigation, the report was filed with the Bay County Prosecutor's Office. To avoid any conflict or appearance of impropriety, staff in Bay County requested a special prosecutor. State Attorney General Bill Schuette on Nov. 29 signed an order granting the request, appointing the Tuscola County Prosecutor's Office to the task of determining whether charges are warranted. Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene announced the charges against Brown on Dec. 29, the same day Brown was arraigned. Tuscola County Assistant Prosecutor Kathleen Miller was present when Brown waived his hearing on Thursday. Brown is represented by attorney Christopher Tomasi, with the Police Officers Association of Michigan. Brown, who has been on the force since 1996, is free on bond and is suspended without pay from the Bay County Sheriff's Office. DETROIT -- Police Chief James Craig didn't hide his frustration Thursday after a 21-year-old habitual felony offender was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to multiple crimes stemming from the unarmed carjacking of an elderly woman in September. The chief laid blame on Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy's office and Wayne Circuit Judge Shannon N. Walker for the lenient sentence doled out after a plea deal in January. Wayne County Judge Shannon N. Walker had already dismissed the carjacking charge against the suspect, Dontonio Jones, and allowed his accomplice, Deonte Russell, to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Training Act. The Holmes Youthful Training Act allows first-time criminals under the age of 23 to keep a conviction off their record if they complete their sentence. Jones had prior convictions for receiving a stolen vehicle in 2014, illegally carrying a concealed firearm in 2013 and second-degree home invasion in 2012, according to online Wayne County court records. Jones and Russell were accused of forcing 85-year-old Mable Coats from the SUV she was sitting in at a Detroit gas station while she waited for the driver to return from inside the store. While they used force to steal the SUV, they did not brandish firearms. The topic of lenient sentences and bonds was again raised by Craig when he took the Sound Board Theater stage in the Motor City Casino Thursday, March 2, for a discussion with Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley about public safety in Detroit during the annual Detroit Policy Conference. Craig said it's "not just the police" who are responsible for safety. "Guess who else plays role? Our prosecutors and our judges," Craig said before referencing the Coats incident. She "was carjacked by a career criminal ... What message are we sending to those who want to engage in violence in the city of Detroit. "We will make the arrest -- I assure you of that -- but if the prosecution is not there, and the courts are not doing right, candidly, what do we do?" The police chief said the same does not happen in the neighboring counties of Macomb and Oakland. "We can't have a city where we're incentivizing those who commit violent acts to continue," Craig said. "Do you think these criminals make business decisions not to go to Macomb and Oakland counties when they know they're a felon with a gun. Of course they do. That has to change, and needs to change quickly." Craig acknowledged the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is understaffed. "But I'm understaffed as well," he said. "What we do is find ways to be more efficient, because we're all public servants and we need to together, in unison, get this job done." Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy addresses the 2017 Detroit Policy Conference on the Soundboard stage Thursday at Motor City Casino, March 2, 2017. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit) Prosecutor's response Worthy also spoke at the Detroit Regional Chamber Policy Conference on Thursday, but refused to respond directly to the chief's criticism of her office. "You know, I think I'm not going to talk about that," she said backstage. Worthy says it's important for assistant prosecutors and police to appear at arraignments if they want to ensure judges have information to issue appropriate bond amounts. Because of the size of Wayne County and the number of crimes, it's not always feasible for police and assistant prosecutors familiar with the cases to be present. "We don't have the resources to send prosecutors to every district court when you have arraignments on warrants," Worthy said. She said the decisions are usually made based on paperwork and input from police at the hearing, if one is present. "I get along with the chief well, but what I don't appreciate that's being said often is, we don't charge this, we don't charge that," the prosecutor said. " ... We're not going to just take the word of the police investigation. Nothing against the police, we're the ones who have to stand up in court and defend that; we're the ones that could lose our license if all the evidence are not turned over. "The basic schism between police and prosecutors through time immemorial has always been, the police think a case is closed when they bring it to the prosecutor's office .., It's not closed until there's a verdict one way or the other." The chief also spoke publicly last year about his frustration with Worthy's office when it declined to file charges in three cases where threats were made against police through online media. There is a "legal standard we must follow," Worthy said. "You can't be popular in this job every day -- I'm not trying to be; I'm trying to follow the law." Regarding the lenient bond and sentencing issue, Worthy said some of that falls on the judges. "We have a lot of newer judges now," Worthy said . " ... I was on the bench for nine years and most of our judges had been trial lawyers for defense or prosecutors, and that's not the norm now. "So, a lot of education of judges has to take place. I have no doubt that they all want to do good jobs, but a lot of them are just not familiar with the criminal justice system and some -- very few -- don't want to be familiar." [March 02, 2017] LG G6 Wins Multiple Best Smartphone Awards At Mobile World Congress 2017 BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics' G6 smartphone won an unprecedented 31 booth awards at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 including multiple honors from various international titles and publications attending the show. The LG G6 demonstrates that the company is at the forefront of mobile communications and consumer demand. Amongst top honors received, Wired, Android Authority, Digital Trends, PCMag and TechRadar designated the G6 as the best smartphone of MWC 2017. "Consumers love big screens, but they also love using their phones comfortably with one hand. The LG G6 was created with this consumer need in mind, ushering in the next generation of smartphone design and user experience," said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The response to the LG G6's narrow bezels and harmonious design from aluminum and glass has been sensational." The G6 was unveiled to more than 1,400 tech professionals prior to the main MWC event to high acclaim. The LG G6 delivers ergonomic excellence, a minimalist design and superb reliability. The G6 offers an expansive screen and immersive viewing experience with its 18:9 screen aspect ratio and 5.7-inch FullVision display. Thanks to the unique ratio of the screen and its smaller body, customers can easily and comfortably use the G6 with one hand. Dual 13MP rear cameras let users capture the shots they want with standard and wide angle lenses. What's more, the sartphone has been tested to the highest standards with reliability and durability in mind. MWC 2017 is the world's largest mobile industry event with an estimated 100,000 attendees. Top awards won by the LG G6 at MWC 2017 include: Wired Coolest of MWC - LG G6 Digital Trends Top Tech of MWC 2017 - LG G6 Slashgear Editors' Choice LG G6 PCMag Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 TechRadar Best in Show LG G6 Best Smartphone LG G6 Readers' Choice LG G6 Android Central Best Design LG G6 Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Android Authority Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Ubergizmo Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Tom's Guide Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Mobile Geeks Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 T3 Best Phone LG G6 ComputerBild Best Product: Smartphone LG G6 AndroidPIT Best Android Phone LG G6 Chip Chick Top Pick of MWC 2017 LG G6 Expert Reviews Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Android Headlines Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 Tech Advisor Top Picks LG G6 Pisapapeles Best in Show LG G6 Readers' Choice LG G6 Fone Arena Best Smartphone of MWC 2017 LG G6 PhoneScoop Best of MWC 2017 LG G6 For more information about LG's products at MWC 2017, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com/MWC2017. About LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the U.S. sales subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc. a global innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG's consumer-centric products -- including the flagship premium V Series models -- incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-g6-wins-multiple-best-smartphone-awards-at-mobile-world-congress-2017-300416814.html SOURCE LG Electronics USA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 02, 2017] RingCentral Awarded the 2017 Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG), a leading provider of enterprise cloud communications and collaboration solutions, today announced it was awarded the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year. RingCentral (News - Alert) was selected from among more than 2,300 nominations that spanned across virtually every industry, company size, and geographic location. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world's top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes several of the world's leading business awards programs, including the prestigious American Business AwardsSM and International Business AwardsSM. The awards were presented during a gala banquet at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than 650 executives from around the world in attendance. "We are honored to once again be recognized by the Stevie Awards for our commitment to delivering an end-to-end superior customer experience," said Walt Weisner, senior vice president of Global Customer Care at RingCentral. "Our approach puts customers at the center of everything we do, and we're always raising the bar on the customer experience and professional services we provide. I'm extremely proud of our Global CustomerCare team, as they consistently strive to go above and beyond to ensure our customers get what they need to be successful, and this recognition validates all of their hard work." "The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service continues to be among the most competitive and fastest-growing of our awards programs," said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of the Stevie Awards. "The growth of the program illustrates the importance of the functions highlighted-sales, business development, and customer service-to successful enterprises of all types, and how integral recognition in these domains are to building and maintaining corporate reputations." As a nominee, RingCentral was reviewed and judged by a specialized committee of judges selected by the Stevie Awards, which included past award winners and leading professionals in the customer service industry from across the world. You can find additional information about the Stevie Awards here. About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is a global provider of cloud unified communications and collaboration solutions. More flexible and cost-effective than legacy on-premise systems, RingCentral empowers today's mobile and distributed workforce to be connected anywhere and on any device through voice, video, team messaging, collaboration, SMS, conferencing, online meetings, contact center, and fax. RingCentral provides an open platform that integrates with today's leading business apps while giving customers the flexibility to customize their own workflows. RingCentral is a leader in the 2016 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications (News - Alert) as a Service Worldwide for the second consecutive year. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, Calif. RingCentral and the RingCentral logo are trademarks of RingCentral, Inc. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the American Business Awards, the International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at stevieawards.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170302005302/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] business Cipla to remain unfazed by Trump's protectionist policy Umang Vohra of Cipla reasoned that almost 80 percent of the drugs sold by Cipla in the US market are manufactured in the US itself. He said it will not be a challenge to manufacture all its supplies in the US itself if asked to do so by authorities. you are here: business Essar Steel forays into defence manufacturing sector The company has developed several products which are import substitutes as well as innovated to develop indigenous armour plate for ballistic protection, Essar Steel said in a statement today. business Note ban pain not over; base effect lifted exports: Bajaj Auto The demonetisation impact has not fully subsided and two-wheeler companies might continue to feel the pain for few more months, according to S Ravikumar, President - Business Development at Bajaj Auto. business Trump's policies positive for company, says Trigyn Tech Trigyn Technologies is gaining in trade on the back of winning a 12-year contract from IT dept of Maryland, US. After being the top performing 'currency' in 2016, Bitcoin has rallied to all-time highs and is trading at around levels of USD 1220 on the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index. The volatile currency, which fell from a high of over USD 1,100 to below USD 800 in January, has been enjoying its longest stretch above USD 1,000 since its inception back in 2008. The currency has gained steam on the hopes that American entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss will receive a green signal from the US government to create the first bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). If they succeed, this could pave the way for similar launches and will also strengthen the acceptability of the digital currency, which could push prices further. It could also become the template for market regulators in other countries to similarly allow ETF listings. Right now the market seems to not factor in chances of a possible failure to the twins application for an ETF. As per a report by CoinDesk investor and serial entrepreneur Vinny Lingham and Spencer Bogart, former analyst with investment bank Needham & Co LLC, both are not much optimistic on the ETF approval. Lingham sees a 10-15 percent approval chance and Bogart sees less than 25 percent of odds in favour of the ETF. A contract created by Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange, a cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform, to bet on the possibility of approval of the Winklevoss ETF, showed favorable odds of only 34 percent on Monday, a Bloomberg report said. Saurabh Agrawal, CEO and Co-founder, Zebpay, told Moneycontrol News conceded that while chances of the approval were low, a favourable decision would be a milestone for the entire Bitcoin ecosystem. "We may see Bitcoin prices touching USD 1500 very soon. He said that if the ETF is not approved/postponed, there will be a minor correction in prices -- consolidation towards the USD 1000-1100 level -- but added that it would remain largely rangebound for a couple of weeks. Volatility Volatility remains a major concern for serious long-term investors even as price fluctuations also allow speculators to try and make money off it. As per the Bitcoin volatility index, its 30-day volatility against the US dollar (measured by standard deviation) has come down to 2.25 percent from levels of 16.11 percent back in 2011. But the currency has not able to sustain low volatility levels over a long period of time. For comparison, the volatility of gold averages around 1.2 percent, while other major currencies average between 0.5 percent and 1.0 percent. At the moment Bitcoin is used more as a speculative asset and not as a medium of exchange like fiat currencies. A very volatile price of the currency (exchange rate) does not enhance confidence and acceptability but will rather attract speculators and further increase price volatility, a report by SWIFT Institute said. Unless it is used as a currency to pay for goods and services, it wont be able to compete with the US dollar or any other stable currency for that matter. The investment risk of bitcons against other asset classes remains quite significantly high. Crude oil and bonds are the only other instruments that have come near to the investment risk of Bitcoin. Scenario in India While the Reserve Bank of India is upbeat on reaping benefits from blockchain, the underlying software that empowers digital currency, it remains highly pessimistic on Bitcoin. Yesterday at an event RBI deputy governor Rama Subramaniam Gandhi said, "Blockchain, the foundation for bitcoins-like innovations, is touted to be the death knell of currency. I believe its potential is being overstated. We can see that in these types of solutions for virtual currency, there is no central bank or monetary authority. They pose potential financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks." The central bank has warned consumers about the risk investing in Bitcoin pose and had said that those putting money in virtual currencies are exposing themselves to potential financial, operational, legal, customer protection and security related risks. In order to help people understand about virtual currencies and self-regulate the industry, Bitcoin startups Zebpay, Unocoin, Coinsecure and Searchtrade have launched Digital Asset and Blockchain Foundation of India (DABFI) and aim seeks to work alongside regulators to bring more clarity and credibility to cryptocurrencies. Rabbis installation at Keneseth Israel will get a boost of student creativity VALDESE The stage at the Old Rock School in Valdese is ready for royalty this weekend. Bluegrass royalty, that is. Rhonda Vincent, often dubbed the Queen of Bluegrass, and her band, The Rage, comprised of Hunter Berry, Brent Burke, Mickey Harris, Aaron McDaris and Josh Williams, will perform a show with Nu-Blu at this weekends installment of the Bluegrass at the Rock concert series. The concert is Friday night and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 7:30 p.m. concert. It will be Vincents second time on the Old Rock stage. She teamed up with Nu-Blu a year ago and is excited to make her return to the area. Were always excited to get to North Carolina, Vincent said. Thats one of our most-traveled states. The Old Rock School is so historic. Ive heard of people playing this for many, many years. Last year was the very first year that we had managed, for whatever reason. So, this is our second year. Were there with our friend Nu-Blu. So, its always great to get to interact with them. Were just looking forward to it, seeing old friends and making new ones. Nu-Blu, formed by husband and wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh, along with Levi Austin and Milom Williams II, is based in Siler City. Vincent has worked with the band on a number of occasions, in addition to last years show in Valdese. Theyve just become dear friends and theyre so fun, Vincent said. Its just like anyone, theres that familiarity of people you love and you love to work with and enjoy, so itll be great to see them. I havent seen them for quite some time, so itll be a great reunion. Burke County has become a hot area for bluegrass in recent years between Bluegrass at The Rock and Morgantons Red, White and Bluegrass Festival. Vincent already knows some of the fans in the area, including some dedicated friends who follow her touring closely. I found out a long time ago that its the people who make the places special, Vincent said. We have special friends there, too Gloria Boyd and her family. (Boyds grandson) Trent (Price) actually came to our show last week. He got his friends and drove over. Ill get to see him, I think, three weeks in a row. I dont think thats ever happened before. For those who arent as familiar with Vincent and her music, Vincent said she and her group pride themselves on their musicianship. They also strive to make every performance a unique event for those who attend frequently. I travel with world-class musicians, Vincent said. These guys are so amazing. We have a brand-new live DVD called All The Rage Volume I. It is a showcase of their talents. Ive worked for years to put together the ultimate group. I think in bluegrass, specifically for what I do, its a team effort. Its not just me on stage with a backing band. Everyone is featured and everyone brings a very special skill way beyond a normal skill set. (The members of The Rage) excel and exceed the expectations. When they take a solo, there are several songs that are more of an improv. They improv and every solo is not the same. You can come to our show, like Trent Price, who will be there three weeks in a row, and I guarantee if you talk to him, no show is the same. We dont use a set list. We change it up. We know instead of frequent fliers, we have frequent bluegrass visitors and frequent show-goers. So, we always try to make it something different so they can never come to a show and say it was the same show last week and the week before because its always different. Its something we pride ourselves on in making it something unique. Tickets for Friday nights concert are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling 828-879-2129 or online at townofvaldese.com. Tickets also are available at The Goldmine in Hudson, The Music Center in Lenoir and Larrys Musical Madness in Hickory. The Old Rock School is located at 400 Main St. W. in Valdese. Justin Epley can be reached at jepley@morganton.com or 828-432-8943. On the News Herald Opinion page of 2/27/17 there was an article by a political cartoonist from California bemoaning the shrinking use of his material by many newspapers, particularly the smaller ones. He said that one of the reasons that he has been given is that editors say that their editorial pages "only make readers angry." As constructive criticism, I totally concur with that in relation to the News Herald. Professor Walden is great, Ms. Harrop and Ms. Chavez are good but when was the last time that the Greensboro paper ever said anything positive about anything in any of their rants, when did the Miami racist columnist ever say anything except how his group was unfairly treated and when did Connie Schultz ever do anything except babble about some Utopian society in her own little dream world? How about giving your readers something about local politics and/or events or even about state "goings-on" that are relatively factual and objective. Let's quit seeing only the gloom and doom stuff and think at least a little positive. Thanks. Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. Canadas leading banks are petitioning the federal government to reconsider its implementation of a scheme that would make these institutions take on greater mortgage risk.In a February 28 statement, the Canadian Bankers Association stated that proposed regulatory changes which would compel banks to shoulder a greater share of mortgage defaults via deductibles will be among the most dramatic disturbances to the housing finance sector in half a century.This submission has questioned whether a deductible is the most effective way to rebalance risks within the housing finance system, the CBA said, as quoted by Bloomberg.The industry believes that policy alternatives should be considered to achieve the same ends, but are simpler and less disruptive to the existing lending structure.Among the CBAs suggested alternatives would be to permit mortgage insurers to purchase reinsurance, along with increasing Canadas covered bond limit that would improve private funding of uninsured mortgagesand thus reduce taxpayers share of mortgage financing.Currently, the federal government in conducting public consultations on two strategiesnamely, the first loss approach (which would hold lenders responsible for a fixed portion of an outstanding loan at the time of default) and the proportionate-loss approach (which would mandate banks to pay a percentage of the total loan loss).If the federal government decides to proceed with the deductible policy, the banking industry would be interested in providing feedback on these two approaches, the CBA stated. Barely a year after the 40-year-old ban on exporting U.S. crude was lifted, exports surged to more than 1 million barrels a day in the first two weeks of February. The surge came after exports had averaged a little over half a million barrels a day through November, according to the Energy Information Administration. The weekly EIA report showed increases in December and January and then a jump to 1.2 million barrels a day for the week ending Feb. 17. Sandy Fielden, director, oil and products research for Morningstar, said in a research note provided to the Reporter-Telegram, that the surge was in response to the production cuts implemented by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Fielden said indicators are that most of the crude is being shipped to Asia. Ultimately, it goes back to a part of the industry Im not an expert in, and thats refining, said Jared Blong, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Midland-based Octane Energy. Blong said in a telephone interview that the blends of crudes used by refiners to make refined products is not unique to the United States. The unexpected rise in exports of U.S. crudes is more a function of demand not how much oil but what kind and where its needed, he said. In his research note, Fielden called the export surge opportunistic rather than systemic, noting that the United States continues to import about 8 million barrels a day. The country may not become a regular exporter until domestic production has risen to the point there are excess barrels that need to be exported. Blong said exports shifted the benchmark, which was our hope. Brent (grade) had been the leader for a long time, but our goal was to shift the benchmark to where West Texas Intermediate was not traded at such a price discount. The crude were exporting is a premium product and offers more upside to refiners if theyre geared right to take it in, he said. The fact that the amount of exports is larger than anticipated tells me theres a market for it, he said. With all the uncertainty surrounding OPEC, the U.S. oil machine is highly efficient and producing a premier product that, of course the globe wants, Blong said. Its reliable and affordable. But Blong cautioned that OPEC nations should not be dismissed. For us to haphazardly and egotistically disregard the cartel, thats reckless, he said. Saudi Arabia has exerted supply control and influence on oil markets, and for us to disregard them as a trading partner and a rival is foolish. Technology and efficiency may give the U.S. a competitive edge, but (the Saudis) have the best geology, he said. Blong said the U.S. needs to follow OPECs example in understanding market share and build on the relationships it is starting with these early exports. We now have to enter and develop collaborative relationships elsewhere so that overseas customers build refineries or renovate refineries to take our crude, he said. There will never be a time when the U.S. is not importing oil, he said, but the function has changed to one of trade instead of necessity. The benefit of lifting the oil ban is we have options now. The world has options now. Michigan Technological University will host 25 teams for the 18th annual SAE International Clean Snowmobile Challenge March 6-12, 2017. For the 14th year running, the Keweenaw Research Center at Michigan Tech is bringing talented student engineers to compete over spring break for the quietest, cleanest snowmobile. The events, part of a sanctioned SAE International competition, range from an endurance run to emissions and noise tests to acceleration and handling courses. Check out the schedule of events. Cleaner and Quieter The student teams come from all over the northern US and Canada to engineer, test and showcase quieter and cleaner snowmobiles of their own design. They start off with standard modern sleds and then take apart, modify and build a sled with reduced emissions and noise. The teams compete in three categories: internal combustiongasoline; electric, also called zero emissions; and diesel utility. Each category has a unique purpose. Internal combustion sleds are the most common, of course, making their designs important for recreation and other uses. Held to the same noise and emissions levels, diesel utility sleds could never win a race, but are tested for pulling heavy loads. The electric sled is designed for polar scientific missions where hydrocarbon emissions would skew data collection; they could also have use in remote locations where fuel is difficult to come by. Laws passed in 2006 define emissions and noise standards for snowmobiles, which the students are challenged to surpass. With the chance to collaborate with industry experts, the educational opportunity has a real-world connection. Education Jay Meldrum is both the director of the Keweenaw Research Center and the director of sustainability at Michigan Tech; he has helped organize the Clean Snowmobile Challenge since its early days in Yellow National Park. "First, this is an educational program," Meldrum says. "I call it competition-based engineering education." The week-long competition starts on Monday, March 6 and ends on Saturday, March 11 with an awards ceremony honoring the winners of many categories. Day one is devoted to technical inspections, making sure all teams meet the rules. Day two features a 100-mile endurance run from the Keweenaw Research Center to Copper Harbor. Day three includes technical presentations and a public display of the sleds at the Copper Country Mall. Day four includes emissions tests, noise tests and subjective ride evaluations. The final days continue the tests; the Saturday morning acceleration and handling competitions are open to the public. Industry Partners The tests are rigorous and challenging for students. But the challenge means it's a chance to show off, Meldrum says, pointing out that sponsors and industry reps have worked with students to improve their company products and services. "Although this is not necessarily a technology development program, new technology 'leaks out' of this event," he explains. "Early on, we learned that some noise comes from the engine but about 50 percent comes from the track and track components; this led to new design for the track and the components that support it to significantly reduce emitted noise." As another example, the University of Idaho in 2007 first demonstrated the use of direct injection of fuel and oil mixture on a two-stroke snowmobile. Bombardier Recreational Products, a company that assisted the team and markets under the Ski-Doo name, later incorporated this technology into their product line. Now Ski-Doo is considered the quietest and most fuel-efficient sled in the industry. Other innovations, such as the use of catalytic converters, have shown that snowmobile gas emissions can be reduced significantly, nearly reaching the theoretical limit of the current standard. For Meldrum, the volunteers, industry partners and students, the hard work is year-round. In a single week, it all pays off in a cleaner puff of smoke. Thanks to Sponsors The cost to put on the week-long challenge is approximately $200,000. Of that approximately 80 percent comes from industry partners, 10 percent comes from local partners, and 10 percent comes from the snowmobile manufacturers, clubs and associations. A special thank you to our sponsors AVL, Faurecia, MacLean-Fogg, Denso, John Deere Power Systems, CAMSO, Horiba, PCB, Fiat Chrysler Automotive, Boss Snow Plow, Gage Products, Sensors, Dassault Systems Schedule Highlights Tuesday, March 7: Endurance run to Copper Harbor (tune in to @mturesearch on Twitter and Michigan Technological University on Facebook for live coverage) Thursday, March 9: Noise and Emissions Tests (closed to the public, but we'll be live tweeting on @mturesearch Saturday, March 11: Acceleration and handling events (open to the public, also tweeted from @mturesearch) Winning teams will be announced the following week. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigans flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. With technology becoming more and more a part of our lives, it was only a matter of time before it started to impact the way THE 295 lb WIP | Can Dallas Win The Arnold? You Tell Us! Written by Peter McGough 02 March 2017 The 295lb WIP - Can Dallas Win the Arnold? You Tell Us! Take our poll to pick where Dallas McCarver will finish at the 2017 Arnold Classic on March 4, and tell us why. 1) Dallas will win the contest 2) Dallas will be second 3) Dallas will be third 4) Dallas will be fourth 5) Dallas will be fifth 6) Dallas will be sixth 7) Dallas will be out of top six VOTE HERE The 2017 Arnold Classic, which will play out in Columbus, Ohio, this coming Saturday, March 4, is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the contests 28 year history. Although the ten-man field is the smallest ever another anomaly is that for only the second time no one from the top six of the previous Olympia is entering. (The other occasion was in 1995 when Mike Francois won. Plus, as none of the entrants have won this competition before we will see a new champion. A lot of the pre-contest scuttlebutt has focused on the two giants in the contest, Cedric McMillan and Dallas McCarver. The latter continues to sustain and embellish his phenom credentials. His progress is relentless. He won his pro card at age 21 by taking the superheavyweight and overall titles at the 2012 North Americans. This by virtue of 241 crisp pounds stacked on his 6-foot frame. He waited three years to make his pro debut and made it a winning one when claiming victory at the 2015 California Pro, and a few months later was 13th in his first Olympia. In 2016 he won the Chicago Pro and moved up to 8th at the Olympia, weighing around 270 pounds. THE CHAD EFFECT Over these past few months we have watched his progress pics and now under the tutelage of celebrated contest prep advisor Chad Nicholls he has maintained that onward and upward curve. There seemed a slight bump in road when, two weeks ago, he visited NPC HQ in Pittsburgh to shoot a posing video which clearly showed stomach distension. The outcry was, here we go again another guy falling by the wayside due to a swollen gut. That being said, I for one can almost guarantee that midsection anomaly will not be visible when Dallas, still only 25, steps onto the Columbus stage. In fact the Pittsburgh something I ate episode may in fact help him, as it was better to happen there instead of in competition mode. As an aside theres a lot of hokum surrounding swollen midsections, as in too many drugs have made internal organs swell. That view is dismissed by the amount of times a competitor sporting a big gut can appear a few hours later with the deficit cured. That now you see it, now you dont trick occurred at last years Arnold Classic when Kai Greene displayed a swollen stomach during the prejudging and then a few hours later at the finals it had gone, leaving only the question, What did the parents decide to call it? THE DALLAS WOWBOY Any road up, Dallas expects to hit the Columbus stage weighing somewhere in the mid 290s. His progress is relentless and unbelievably he is still a Work In Progress. Will his current progress see him taking the 2017 Arnold Classic title? Le us know your predictions and thoughts. DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE ON THE MD FORUM SEE ALL OF OUR PRE-ARNOLD CLASSIC CONTENT FOLLOW MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT ON: FACEBOOK: MuscularDevelopment Magazine TWITTER: @MuscularDevelop INSTAGRAM: @MuscularDevelopment YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2fvHgnZ PAWS Co-founder Ed Stewart and Veterinary Director Dr. Jackie Gai outside the center, overlooking the elephant barns. View Photos San Andreas, CA The recent passing of two tigers and a lynx hardly dwindled the wildlife population at the Mother Lodes exotic sanctuary, which has completed a rescue of eight tigers from Colorado. As reported here, a few weeks ago during Clarke Broadcastings visit to the new Pat Derby Animal Wellness Center named for PAWS late co-founder Derbys partner and co-founder Ed Stewart, along with veterinarian Dr. Jackie Gai were still in the process of bringing in the Colorado Eight, as they are dubbed, from a closing breeding facility in that state. Stewart says all eight are now safely in-house and settled in at the 2,300-acre Ark 2000 sanctuary in San Andreas. They are: Marin, an 18-year-old female; Pharaoh, a 14-year-old male; Sawyer, a nine-year-old female; Bigelow, Nimmo and Wilhelm, all six-year-old brothers; also Morris, a male, and Rosemary Arnot, a female, both five years old. Due to their failing health issues, PAWS made the decision to humanely euthanize three of their charges in recent weeks. These included two more of the dwindling Colton 39 tigers rescued by PAWS back in 2004; Majesty and Jay Logan, both estimated to be around 20 years old at the time of their passing in San Andreas, were suffering from renal failure, which is common in wild and domestic cats. The third, Rufus, nearly 17 years old, was a Canada lynx who, along with his companion Misha, escaped a fur farm death to wind up at an Ontario zoo. Rescued by PAWS in 2012 and housed at its Galt facility, he was suffering from congenital inoperable spine problems that recently worsened. In other recent adoptions, PAWS shares that, after no one came forward to claim an emu found running loose last December in Valley Springs, it agreed to provide a home for the bird away from the large exotic wildlife at Ark 2000. Georgette, as she is now called, is now living with a flock of ten emus and four Simitar Oryx at PAWS Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Herald. Suzanne Cruz spent three months of election year 2016 with college students in Pennsylvania, promoting the ideas of our nations founding fathers. Cruz was Thursdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Three Months in Pennsylvania: Diary of a Freedom Fighter is the title of the new book authored by Cruz. Cruz has lived in Tuolumne County for over thirty years. She is an award-winning speaker, and also writes and podcasts promoting the idea that life can be both fun and less stressful. She is a top speaker in colleges on the topic of student safety and success and in the business world, leading the way in awareness and mindfulness skills that increase efficiency. Recognized by the District Attorneys office as a model for awareness and compassion, Cruz has over a decade in the law enforcement and professional safety field. So why the three month trip to Pennsylvania in 2016? According to Cruz, Both last year and today is a desperate time for America. The fighting and division have not been this great since the Civil War. At a time when many pulled their curtains closed, this book helps explain why I wanted to throw them open. Cruz continued, This is not only my journey, but every Americans forgotten journey toward American Greatness. Through my book or diary, I want readers to rediscover the heroes and role models that made America. Its the message that I took to college students in PA and worked for a non-profit whose mission was to identify, educate, train and organize those students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government. This book is a look into a grassroots movement, a world that many dont even know exists on college campuses or elsewhere. According to Cruz, It is the story of the fight to save our children from indoctrination. I wanted to allow the students to know what is slowly becoming a secret, that America is a place worth falling in love with again and most importantly, worth fighting for. Currently Cruz travels the U.S promoting the idea that, with greater listening and life preparedness skills, the wise will win the fight. Cruz is also promoting these ideas locally. For those interested in starting or joining clubs on their regional campuses, Cruz will have a meeting on Wednesday March 8th at 6 PM in the Starbucks meeting room at the Junction Shopping Center in east Sonora. If you would like to order the book, you can go to Amazon.com or www.SuzanneCruz.com. Call 209-770-5025 for more information. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Washington, DC Californias recently elected U.S. Senator, Kamala Harris, is calling for the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions after he failed to disclose that he had two conversations with a Russian Ambassador last year. Harris argues that Sessions misled the US Senate during his confirmation hearing when he was questioned about the issue of communications with Russian officials. Harris says, Attorney General Sessions deceived Congress and the American people, irreparably damaging his integrity, and is therefore ineligible to serve as the top law enforcement official of our country. He must resign immediately. In sworn testimony, Sessions said he had not communicated with Russian officials at a time when Russia was actively interfering with our election and he was serving as an official advisor to the Trump campaign. It is now clear that was a lie. The conversations are under increased scrutiny as Sessions could lead the investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 election. A spokesperson for Attorney General Sessions has countered that the meetings were done in his capacity as a member of the Armed Services Committee, and not as a member of the Trump campaign. One of two brush fires on both sides of Adamson Road in West Cocoa is growing, officials say. Brush fires blazing on either side of Adamson Road in Brevard Sheriff's Office helicopters dropping water on area RELATED: Pictures: Smelling smoke? Controlled fires burn across Central Florida The blazes are north of State Road 524 in Brevard County. Adamson Road was closed Thursday from S.R. 524 to the Brevard County landfill area. There are dozens of homes in the area, but firefighters have managed to keep them out of danger. Brevard County Fire Rescue crews were at the scene, and Florida Forest Service crews from Orlando were heading to the area to assist. As of just before 6 p.m. Thursday, the 50-acre Adamson fire was 80 percent contained, according to state forestry officials. One fire is a flareup from this past weekend, the other is new, fire officials said. A Brevard Sheriff's Office helicopter is doing water drops from 800-gallon buckets. Keep Brevard Beautiful's office is on Adamson, just yards from the fire. Workers spent Thursday afternoon hauling away important equipment and files in case the fire hits its building. "Our staff has gone through this before with hurricanes, but we want to be on the safe side," said Bryan Bobbitt with Keep Brevard Beautiful. "We are backing up all our files, packing up all of our computers, if God forbid we lose our office today." Earlier Thursday, another fire broke out in the Fay Lake Wilderness Park in Port St John. It peaked at seven acres, temporarily shutting down some area roadways. Many fire crews working in Port St. John rushed over to the Adamson fire. Elsewhere, in Seminole County, the St. Johns Water Management District and the Florida forestry crews were conducting a prescribed burn in the Little Big Econ State Forest. That burn is 227 acres. Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season, communications that spurred calls in Congress for him to recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those discussions at his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions replied that he had not had communication with the Russians. Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said this on Wednesday on Twitter: Statement from Attorney General Sessions: pic.twitter.com/kZic12DW0R Sarah Isgur Flores (@whignewtons) March 2, 2017 But others are not so sure. Lawmakers are calling for the resignation of Sessions after reports that he said under oath that he did not have contact with Russia. It is been topping the trending sections on social media. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Sessions of "lying under oath" and demanded that he resign, saying he is "not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country." Democratic Congressman Elijah Cumming also posted a statement calling for Sessions to resign. Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Congresswoman Elizabeth Warren also voiced her thoughts about the matter. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there were evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Then he added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy also voiced similar opinions as his fellow Democrats. It's not illegal for a Senator to speak w the Russian Ambassador. So why lie about it under oath? Makes no sense, unless... Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 2, 2017 It is gaining traction with some local representatives as well. Orlando's Democratic Representative Val Demings posted this: Further evidence for the need of a bi-partisan, independent investigation of President Trumps's ties to Russia. https://t.co/S6Gu0IVNke Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) March 2, 2017 Some Republican lawmakers are commenting as well. Senator Lindsey Grahm and Senator John McCain both went on a CNN Town Hall Wednesday night, with Grahm saying some strong words about the matter:. "Don't worry about John and Lindsey Graham looking into Russia, because Russia is not our friend," he said. &amp;nbsp; The Associated Press contributed to this story. The Hale County grand jury on Feb. 23, at the conclusion of its February session, indicted 24 individuals on 25 felony charges. The report was released by District Attorney Wally Hatchs office. Following are the individuals indicted, charges, level of offense and bond as set by the presiding district judge: --Persian Mitchell, 24, address unknown, burglary of a building, state jail felony, $5,000 --Adrian Rivera, 22, 111 Moore St., Kress, possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 --David Sanchez, 39, 212 SE Eighth, Plainview, possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1 between 1 gram to 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Mark Branscum, 55, 1619 Dallas, Plainview, driving while intoxicated third or more, third degree felony, $20,000 --Joe Stanford III, 57, 250 CR T, Plainview, driving while intoxicated third or more, third degree felony, $20,000 --Marcus Montez, 28, 1604 Quincy, Plainview, possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1 between 1 gram and 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Kevin Douglas, 28, 203 Kirchwood St., Plainview, evading arrest detention with vehicle, third degree felony, $10,000 --Estrella Cedillo, 18, 3217 Lancaster, Plainview, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram in a drug free zone, third degree felony, $10,000 --Christopher Flores, 25, 2001 W. 18th, Plainview, possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1 between 1 gram and 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Richard Burdge, 39, 2702 Kermit, Plainview, indecency with child sexual contact, second degree felony, $20,000 --Jonathan Saiz, 23, 2003 Joliet, Plainview, burglary of a building, state jail felony, $5,000 --Aron Hernandez, 32, 1949 CR 105, Plainview, burglary of a building, state jail felony, $5,000 --Brent Mendoza, 23, 1403 Lexington, Plainview, sexual assault child, second degree felony, $25,000 --Alphonse Gomez, 34, 2200 Joliet, Plainview, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 --Jesus Cervantez, 32, 1105 El Camino, Plainview, unauthorized use of vehicle, state jail felony, $5,000 --Richard Taylor, 50, 1201 Oakland, Plainview, harassment by person in correctional detention, third degree felony, $10,000 --Augustin Chumacero, 25, 605 N. Columbia Apt. 6, Plainview, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 --Matthew Montez, 31, 1604 Quincy, Plainview, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 between 1 gram and 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Ramon Burrola, 44, 3100 Faulkner, Plainview, fraud use/possess identifying information number of items less than five, state jail felony, $5,000 --David Rogers, 21, 1011 FM 651, Crosbyton, assault family/house member impede breath/circulation, third degree felony, $10,000 --Mark Flores, 28, 805 W. 27th, Plainview, unauthorized use of vehicle, state jail felony, $5,000 --Byron Perry, 21, 23821 Finley Rd., Millersview, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 2 under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 --Shawna Keys, 40, 3110 Southwest, Amarillo, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 between 1 gram and 4 grams, third degree felony, $10,000 --Shawna Keys, 40, 3110 Southwest, Amarillo, fraud use/possess identifying information number of items less than 5, state jail felony, $5,000 --Jessie Jimenez, 47, P.O. Box 201, Hale Center, possession of controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram, state jail felony, $5,000 AUSTIN -- The Senate on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a bill designed to fix the agency that looks after child welfare and foster kids in Texas. Author Sen. Charles Schwertner laid out some of the problems that have arisen within the Department of Family and Protective Services over the last few years. "[DFPS] has been under intense scrutiny due to the unfortunate reality that vulnerable children in Texas are going days or even months at a time without seeing a case worker," he said. "They're sleeping in CPS offices, and worst of all, too many are experiencing wholly unacceptable abuse and neglect while entrusted to the care of the state." His plan, SB 11, seeks to address the lack of capacity in the system and overall quality by moving to a community based, non-profit-run model based on a pilot program in North Texas. Schwertner said the initial foray into using child-welfare focused non-profits as case managers for foster kids has already showed benefits. "The single source continuum contractor in that region is keeping children and youth closer to home, moving children out of residential treatment centers and into therapeutic foster homes, keeping sibling groups together as well as not allowing children to sleep in office buildings and hotel rooms," he said. Use of these contractors is intended to streamline and improve services by having a single entity handle the many facets of foster care. It also seeks to keep kids close to home and family. Under the bill, DFPS would develop a system by which providers are selected, monitored and assessed. They'd also set the timeline for implementation. Schwertner stressed multiple times that the state would still remain the ultimate guardian for kids in the system. The bill also includes new standards for medical care for foster kids, requiring they receive timely evaluations and examinations. It aims to strengthen investigations into allegations of abuse or neglect at residential centers and foster homes by moving them to the investigations division at Child Protective Services. Also Wednesday, Houston Sen. Sylvia Garcia announced legislation aimed at combating what she calls an epidemic of sexual violence on Texas college campuses. She cited national statistics that one in five women and nearly one in 10 men will be a victim of sexual assault during their college careers. Garcia said that one of the difficulties facing investigations into sexual assault is that the victims are often reluctant to report the crimes. "I firmly believe that the reasons sexual assault is so prevalent is because the culture on many college campuses that leaves victims feeling helpless, alone and often times feeling guilty themselves for allowing the crimes to even happen," said Garcia. "This is a travesty and we must start treating these crimes for what they are." In order to encourage victims to step forward, Garcia has filed SB 962, creating an online reporting system at state universities, which lets victims avoid the uncomfortable and often re-traumatizing process of reporting face-to-face with an official. It also ensures that reporting documents remain the property of the victim, to avoid getting lost in university bureaucracies as well as making it easier to submit those documents to local law enforcement, should the victim choose to do so. "It is my hope that this legislation will empower young women and men to stand up to campus sexual assault, treat it like the crime that it is and send a strong message to potential assailants that sexual assault will no longer be tolerated at Texas universities." The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 6 at 2 p.m. The Texas A&M Forest Service early Wednesday afternoon reported that both the 303-Fire in Hockley County and Swisher County Prison Fire are 100 percent contained after charging across almost 12,000 acres Tuesday, destroying at least four houses and eight outbuildings. According to TFS, the Hockley County fire roared across 9,299 acres while the Swisher County fire was contained at 2,444 acres. The two fires were whipped on Tuesday by high gusty winds and extremely low humidity. Texas A&M Forest Service spokesman Phillip Truitt said Wednesday that two of the four homes destroyed in Tulia weren't occupied and bulldozers saved 20 other residences. Water drops from Texas Forest Service single-engine air tankers flying out of Amarillo have been credited with helping to save an entire housing subdivision from the flames. He says a fire in Hockley County, west of Lubbock, threatened the town of Sundown. Kress Fire/Rescue on Facebook reported being dispatched to Tulia for mutual aid assistance at 3:41 p.m. Tuesday. In addition to the structures destroyed in the fire, one Kress firefighter lost his unattended pickup in the blaze. He parked his pickup and jumped on a fire apparatus, with his vehicle later being engulfed in the fast-moving flames. In addition to Tulia and Kress, other departments sending fire units and personnel to battle the Tulia fire were Happy, Nazareth, Hart, Canyon, Amarillo, Randall County, Armstrong County and the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Swisher County Sheriffs Department, in a separate Facebook post, joined the Tulia Fire Department in asking Swisher County residents to be particularly vigilant. The Sundown fire reportedly began from a spark after a tire blew out. There was no indication how the Tulia fire began. The Swisher Sheriffs Office, in an earlier post, wrote, There have been numerous suspicious fires taking place around the county. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles in the county and try to obtain a good vehicle description if possible. Please contact the sheriffs or fire department with any information concerning the fires. As of Wednesday, 57 Texas counties have outdoor burn bans in place, including 22 in the Texas Panhandle-South Plains. Three counties in the Herald circulation area Castro, Swisher and Lamb have burn bans. Hale, Floyd and Briscoe do not. Other Panhandle-South Plains counties with burn bans are Dallam, Sherman, Hartley, Moore, Hutchison, Oldham, Potter, Gray, Wheeler, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, Donley, Parmer, Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Yoakum and Garza counties. While no active wildfires were reported Wednesday across in the region by the TFS, the vast majority of the state is listed as having moderate to high fire danger with pockets of very high fire danger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and portions of Dimmit and La Salle counties, north of Laredo. The announcement of the discovery of the seven Trappist-1 planets comes 55 years after astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit earth. Meriden native and Voyager scientist Norman Ness remembers Glenns iconic flight and said, despite the great strides made in our understanding of space and celestial bodies, more challenges await as astronomers turn their gaze toward the Trappist-1 system. I was very happy that Glenns mission was successful ... we were somewhat embarrassed that the Russians beat us into space, Ness said. The Trappist-1 discovery is another step to encourage us to continue our research into what the universe is built with and how its made up and how it might be, in a sense, able to possibly support life or something like life, but were not there yet. While the Trappist-1 planets are being researched by Meriden native Sean Carey, who manages NASAs Spitzer Space Center in California, Nesss research helped create the technology involved in the Voyager probes, which have since left the solar system and are sending information from about 13 billion miles from earth. Glenn launched into orbit on February 20, 1962 from Cape Canaveral Florida just before 10 a.m. The mission provided Glenn a spectacular view from the small space capsule, according to reports from a Feb. 20, 1962 article published in the Record-Journal. Glancing down at earth at altitudes ranging from 100 to 160 miles, Glenn had a breath-taking, panoramic view stretching 1,800 miles from horizon to horizon, the article states. He described the view as tremendous, and a beautiful sight. As he circled the globe, Glenn made contact with tracking outposts in Africa, confirming his flight. The mission began smoothly, according to reports, and Glenn had no difficulty performing tasks and making observations during the trip. The gravity forces which gripped Glenn on liftoff, making his trim, lean body feel eight times heavier than its normal 165 pounds, vanished suddenly when the capsule entered orbit. Glenn became weightless the buoyancy that results when a delicate balance is achieved between the outward pull of centrifugal force and the downward pull of the earths gravity, the report states. After making three complete orbits around the planet, Glenn landed safely in the Atlantic Ocean about five hours after launch. Ness, 83, graduated from Meriden High School in 1950 and began working at NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center after graduating MIT in 1961, just one year before Glenns orbit. He recalled the excitement buzzing throughout the scientific community at that time. Back in the early days, the parking lots were filled with people working seven days a week, 12 hours a day, every day all year, Ness said. Nowadays the parking lots are seldom filled. The excitement and the pressure to compete was very great back in the early days. While space exploration is no longer viewed with the same competitive edge, the scientific community continues to expand our knowledge of the universe thanks to staggering advancements in technology, Carey said. NASA continues to advance discovery and our understanding of the universe in the same spirit as Senator Glenns historic mission, Carey said. Rovers exploring and sampling the geology of Mars, the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the amazingly detailed images of Jupiter from the Juno mission are just some recent highlights of our exploration of our Solar System. Our knowledge of astronomy continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Looking to the future, Carey anticipates continued manned missions into space as mankind continues to expand its knowledge of the universe. In the next decade, we may understand some planets around other stars better than we understood most planets in our own Solar System at the time of the flight of Friendship 7, Carey said. In terms of manned space exploration, we now have a constant presence in orbit with the International Space Station. I am looking forward to our continued manned exploration and think we will see a return to the Moon and then onward to Mars in the not-to-far future. Ness said NASAs next great challenge will be proving if the Trappist-1 planets could possibly support life. That would be something to prove and it would be very challenging and of course many other scientists would be questioning the conclusion and what is the evidence that is being put forward. Thats how the scientific community generally operates, if they can reproduce results that have been attained, but surprisingly no one else had discovered it, that reproduction of the experimental results is a kind of test of Mother Nature, Ness said. Mother Nature doesnt fool us, we just arent smart enough to unwrap and unravel what is going on. Ness now lives in Venice, Florida and said he continues to publish in the scientific community. ltauss@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter: @LeighTaussRJ This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate (Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump said he has total confidence in Attorney General Jeff Sessions and sees no need for Sessions to recuse himself from any investigation of Russian meddling in U.S. politics. Trump voiced his support for Sessions in response to a shouted question before speaking at an event aboard a Navy aircraft carrier in Virginia. The attorney general has come under fire from Democrats and some Republicans after the Justice Department acknowledged that last year, at a time he was acting as a prominent surrogate for Trumps campaign, Sessions had contacts with the Russian ambassador. Trump said he wasnt aware at all about the contacts. Asked whether Sessions should remove himself from inquiries into Russias attempts to influence the election, Trump said, I dont think he should do that at all. The furor over Sessions is forcing the Trump administration to defend a new front in its battle to deflect or refute allegations that his close associates had unexplained contacts with Putins government at the same time Russia was trying to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Sessions scheduled a news conference in Washington at 4 p.m. Washington time. "He didnt do anything that wasnt part of his job," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters aboard Air Force One. Trump isnt concerned that Sessions didnt alert the White House to the contacts with the ambassador during his confirmation as attorney general, Spicer said. Why would we want to know everything he did conducting himself on behalf of the people of Alabama? Republican Voices Along with renewed pressure from members of both parties for a full investigation of Russias role in the election, some Republicans broke ranks with the president. Jeff Sessions is a former colleague and a friend, but I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself from the DOJ Russia probe, Senator Rob Portman, of Ohio, said Thursday in a statement. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, and House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, of Utah, made similar calls. Representative Brian Mast, a Florida Republican in his first term, went even further. "If he cannot commit to ensuring this process is completed with full transparency and integrity, he should resign," Mast said in a statement. The chorus punctured the afterglow from Trumps address to Congress earlier this week and puts added pressure on a White House still reeling from the ouster of Trumps national security adviser last month over his contacts with Russias ambassador. Multiple investigations are underway by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, other agencies and congressional committees into a variety of allegations related to Russias interference with the election and possible contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials. Two Conversations The Justice Department confirmed Wednesday that Sessions twice had conversations last year with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak but said they were related to his role as a senator and member of the Armed Services Committee. Sessions testified during his Senate confirmation hearing Jan. 10 that he had no contacts with Russian officials. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York joined House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez in calling Thursday for Sessions to resign. "Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign," Schumer said at a news conference in Washington. He also said Sessions may well become a subject of an investigation. The information reported last night shows beyond a shadow of a doubt he cannot possibly lead an investigation into Russian interference in our elections let alone come close to it. Democratic Voices All the Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to FBI Director James Comey asking for a criminal investigation into whether Sessions committed perjury. Comey also was coming under fire over whether hes providing Congress with enough information. After Comey met in private with the House Intelligence Committee for three hours Thursday, the panels ranking Democrat, Adam Schiff, told reporters that the FBI director still was refusing to answer all of their questions, hampering the committees nascent investigation into Russian election interference. Schiff also said Comey had withheld information from the eight lawmakers who get briefed on the most sensitive issues facing the nation. If were to get quarterly counterintelligence briefings, then we need the confidence of knowing that they are briefing us on the most significant issues, Schiff said. I think at this point we know less than a fraction of what the FBI knows. Sessions continued to have support from many top Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan said that he saw no reason for Sessions to recuse himself at this point. Ryans Doubt If he himself is the subject of an investigation, of course he would recuse himself, Ryan told reporters Thursday. If not, I dont see any purpose or reason for doing that. Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, of North Carolina, was among several Senate Republicans who also brushed aside calls for Sessions to step down or for Trump to appoint a special prosecutor. "Were not in the business of investigating individuals, senators, that say they were doing Senate business, Burr told reporters Thursday. Jeff Sessions has to decide whether his role as attorney general, whether he can participate in anything to deal with Russian involvement, potential involvement in our elections, and I trust Jeff Sessions to make that decision. Texas Senator Ted Cruz labeled the controversy political theater on MSNBC. Democrats say Sessions wasnt truthful when he was asked by Minnesota Senator Al Franken, during a Jan. 10 confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, what he would do if he learned that anyone tied to the Trump campaign had communicated with the Russian government during the course of the campaign. Im not aware of any of those activities, Sessions said at the hearing, adding that he had been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have communications with the Russians. Read more: A Q&A on the saga of Trump and Russia. Sessions was visited by Kislyak in his Capitol Hill office on Sept. 8, the Justice Department said in its statement, but received him in his role as a senator. He also met with the envoy among a small group of ambassadors after an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. His responses to me werent accurate, Franken said Thursday on MSNBC. Official Capacity A Sessions spokeswoman, Sarah Isgur Flores, rejected accusations that he had misled lawmakers. Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors, she said. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign -- not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. On Thursday, Sessions was asked about the allegations by an NBC News crew. I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, Sessions said. Trump said Sessions probably did testify truthfully at his nomination hearing. The conversations with Kislyak, first reported Wednesday by the Washington Post, have raised fresh questions about which Trump associates had contacts with Russian government officials during the presidential campaign and what was discussed. Graham Weighs In Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, weighed in with a call for Sessions to recuse himself from any investigation of Trump campaign ties to Russia during a CNN town hall Wednesday night. If there is something there, and it goes up the chain of investigation, it is clear to me that Jeff Sessions, who is my dear friend, cannot make this decision about Trump, he said. Graham also said that if the FBI discovered any sign of potential criminal activities, a special prosecutor should be appointed to handle the matter. Sessions is the second Trump administration official to face tough questions about his contact with Kislyak. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn was fired by Trump after it was revealed he had not accurately portrayed the content of his conversations with the Russian envoy to other administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence. The revelation that Sessions and Kislyak met came shortly after a report in the New York Times that the British and Dutch governments provided information to the U.S. government describing meetings between associates of Trump and Russian officials in European cities. Communications Intercepted The story also described a deliberate campaign by Obama administration political appointees to spread information about Russias alleged attempts to interfere in the election, as well as revelations that American intelligence agencies intercepted communications discussing contacts with Trump associates. Eric Schultz, a spokesman for former President Barack Obama, confirmed that Obama administration officials had sought to document intelligence related to possible Russian interference in the campaign. This situation was serious, as is evident by President Obamas call for a review -- and as is evident by the United States response, Schultz said in an email. When the intelligence community does that type of comprehensive review, it is standard practice that a significant amount of information would be compiled and documented. Trump administration officials have repeatedly insisted that there was no collusion between the presidents team and the Russian government. Theyve dismissed questions about the matter as payback by Democrats upset over the election results, and have said that intelligence officials -- including at the FBI -- have concluded there was no consistent contact during the campaign between Trump allies and the Kremlin. I think that Russias involvement and activity has been investigated up and down, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Monday. So the question becomes at some point, if theres nothing to further investigate, what are you asking people to investigate? (Updates with remarks by White House press secretary in sixth paragraph.) --With assistance from Margaret Talev Kim Chipman Laura Litvan Arit John Steven T. Dennis and Chris Strohm To contact the reporters on this story: Justin Sink in Washington at jsink1@bloomberg.net, Jennifer Jacobs in Washington at jjacobs68@bloomberg.net, Shannon Pettypiece in Norfolk, Virginia at spettypiece@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Michael Shepard at mshepard7@bloomberg.net, Alex Wayne, Justin Blum 2017 Bloomberg L.P. USAA CEO and President Stuart Parkers compensation from the San Antonio companys insurance businesses jumped nearly 19 percent in 2016, a year that it described as historic for catastrophe-related claims. Parkers pay from four of USAAs insurance businesses totaled more than $2.7 million last year, up from about $2.3 million in 2015, according to figures reported to the Nebraska Department of Insurance. He receives additional money from the companys investment services and banking operations that isnt publicly disclosed. Parker received a salary, bonus and other compensation from four of USAAs insurance companies: USAA, USAA Casualty Insurance Co., USAA General Indemnity Co. and Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Co. Records show Parker did not receive any compensation from USAA Life Insurance Co. As stewards of a member-focused organization, USAA maintains strong governance and controls of its executive compensation program, USAA spokesman Roger Wildermuth said in a statement. In Nebraska, where USAA conducts insurance business, the law requires public disclosure of executive pay at insurance companies that do business in the state. USAA recently reported that its employees received a 16.8 percent annual performance bonus for 2016, a slight decline from the 17 percent award in 2015. It was the lowest payout since 2008. Eligible workers receive the extra pay as a percentage of their base salary. The company said that its 2016 financial performance one of the components used in calculating the bonus was impacted by several factors, including what it described as a historic year for catastrophe-related claims. Insurance claims climbed 2 times last year over 2015, due in part to hailstorms in San Antonio and Colorado and Hurricane Matthew, which battered parts of the southeastern U.S. The company has yet to report its 2016 financial results. About 18,000 of USAAs total workforce of 30,000 is based in San Antonio. The company provides financial services to 11.8 million members, comprised of military personnel, veterans and their families. pdanner@express-news.net Twitter: @AlamoPD After working to acquire leasehold and minerals, the founders of EnCore Permian will try their hands at exploring on their own leases and producing their own minerals. J.D. Smith and Josh Lorenz, who previously formed and operated PetroLima LLC, have formed EnCore backed by $200 million in equity agreements and a private capital partner that manages $8 billion. It was a natural progression, to grow and have success in one area to try another area, Smith said in a phone interview. Its a career move. The company already owns operated assets in Martin and Howard counties in the Midland subbasin and Pecos County in the Delaware subbasin. Smith said the company is seeking land to create a blocked-up position to allow for long laterals. Funds have been allocated for those acquisitions and for drilling activity. The challenge has always been to find the deal finding the opportunity, first, and second, making the trade, said Smith, who serves as EnCores chief executive officer. Despite the strong demand for Permian Basin acreage and the resulting high prices, Smith said he still sees opportunities, and the company is looking forward to working with operators on acquisitions, swaps and trades. Wed trade acre for acre they need this acreage, we need that acreage. He said it may help that he and Lorenz are Midlanders with established connections through PetroLima. In their search for acreage, EnCore will be aided by its proprietary asset identification software, Mineral Scout, which was designed by the companys Nicholas Tallant. Mineral Scout takes all the myriad factors in looking for oil and gas acreage and it basically tells us where not to look, Smith said. The Permian is a really big basin and its real important to whittle that down. Smith stressed that, despite the use of Mineral Scout, we definitely have the human factor at work. . Patrick Cohn serves as EnCores Houston-based chief financial officer. The companys roster includes land, legal and technical professionals who come from companies ranging from Legacy Reserves Operating L.P. to ConocoPhillips, Plains Exploration & Production, Lone Star Oil & Gas, to Jefferies & Co. investment banking. The initial round of equity will be used to support adding additional staff, he said. The softwares use of big data and sophisticated data means our group is getting the most efficient landman time out there, Smith said. He said he and Lorenz had just concluded a meeting that means we might be drilling real quick, perhaps in the second quarter of the year, while a longer-term drilling plan will come later in the year. / STOCK XCHANGE Potentially career-ending charges of insurance fraud against a San Francisco man, who allegedly tried to cheat an auto insurance company out of $360 in a case that lasted more than four years, were properly dismissed by a judge in the furtherance of justice, a state appeals court ruled Wednesday. Prosecutors said the defendant, identified as S.M., filed an insurance claim in March 2011 after someone broke into his parked car and stole his laptop computer. He then discovered that his policy did not cover the loss, prosecutors said, and bought a policy from another company the same day, falsely declaring he had not suffered any thefts or vandalism in the previous five years. The next day he filed a claim with the new company for the break-in. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Will Waldron Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Will Waldron Show More Show Less 3 of 3 ALBANY A 43-year-old Rensselaer man who filed phony property deeds with the Albany County clerk's office and then rented out and sold the properties without permission pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony scam-related charges. Zarak Ali cut a plea deal with Albany County prosecutors that exposes him to 4 to 12 years in prison at his sentencing on May 3 by state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Breslin. STAMFORD The Board of Education will discuss a resolution Thursday on a long-awaited facilities management plan. For the past several weeks, the panel has been reviewing proposals from contractors interested in running the citys school facilities. The job has been held by AFB Construction Management, a Trumbull-based firm run by CEO Al Barbarotta, since 1999. But the company has been under local and FBI investigation since last spring, when authorities began investigating whether Barbarotta used his position as facilities director to extort money from another city contractor. The possible vote comes about four months after the district launched the bidding process, which initially attracted 11 firms. Thursdays meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the government centers fifth-floor board room. The facilities resolution will be followed by a training session from the Connecticut Association of Board of Education and a discussion about the states education funding. noliveira@stamfordadvocate.com STAMFORD Police say the 19-year-old Cove man charged with sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl was supposed to attend an immigration hearing only hours before he was arrested Thursday morning. Douglas Hus-Flores, a Guatemalan native, appears to have been living in Stamford illegally, police said. An immigration detainer has been placed on him as well as a $250,000 court appearance bond, following his arraignment at the Stamford courthouse Thursday afternoon. Hus-Flores was charged with first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor after the toddler was transported to Stamford Hospital for injuries and bleeding police say she sustained in the assault. Lt. Tom Barcello said the girls mother called for an ambulance late Wednesday night after the child complained of pain. Stamford Hospital doctors determined the childs injuries were likely caused by a sexual assault, Barcello said. We got involved because it looked like something more than a medical call, Barcello said. The child was transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital, because Barcello said doctors there have more expertise to investigate a sexual assault of a young child. Barcello said he believes the child has been released from the hospital into her familys care. Barcello said the family and Hus-Flores live in the same residence. According to a police report, Hus-Flores told police he heard the girl crying for her mother Wednesday night. He said he did not realize the girls mother was not in the house, so he gave her some yogurt to calm her down, the report said. Hus-Flores said he and the girl went downstairs where they sat on a couch and he put the girl on his lap to watch cartoons on his phone, the report said. Hus-Flores told investigators he felt lonely and wanted to be with a woman and admitted sexually assaulting the girl, the police report said. Hus-Flores said he stopped when he realized what was happening, the report said. According to the report, the girls mother returned home from soccer practice at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. The girl was crying and told her mother Hus-Flores touched her, according to the report. Barcello confirmed Hus-Flores had an immigration hearing scheduled in Hartford on Thursday. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions fired back Thursday morning calling reports that he spoke with Russias ambassador to the United States twice during the presidential elections about campaign issues unbelievable and false. Officials from the Justice Department told The Washington Post that Sessions did not disclose his encounters with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak from September in the then-senators office. On CNN, Sessions said that, Those remarks are unbelievable to me and false. When asked whether he would recuse himself from investigating Russian interference in the presidential elections, Sessions said, I have said that whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, accused Sessions of lying under oath and demanded his resignation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 5 MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less 5 of 5 The fact that the attorney general, the top cop in our country, lied under oath to the American people is grounds for him to resign, Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said at a news conference in Washington on Thursday. He has proved that he is unqualified and unfit to serve in that position of trust. Representatives from both parties are calling on Sessions to recuse himself from investigating Russian interference in the elections. The Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, not only demanded for Sessions to resign, but also said deputy Attorney General Dana Boente should appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate Russias influence in the elections and any connections to the Trump campaign. More for you Trump Says He Has Confidence in Sessions as Questions Mount (2) The information reported last night, makes it clear beyond a shadow of doubt, that Attorney General Sessions cannot possibly lead an investigation into Russian interference in our elections or come anywhere near it, Schumer said. With these revelations, he may very well become the subject of it. At least five Republicans, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, said that Sessions should recuse himself from investigating whether the Trump campaign were involved with Russian officials. During an appearance with MSNBCs Morning Joe, McCarthy said, I think the trust of the American people you recuse yourself in these situations, yes. Sessions, who was a surrogate for President Trump during the election, denied under oath any encounters with Russian ambassadors during his Jan. 10 Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. The American Civil Liberties Union called for an investigation into potential perjury by Sessions. Here is some of The Chronicles past coverage on Sessions and Russia: Calls grow for Sessions to withdraw from Russia Nunes rejects GOP calls for special prosecutor into Russian ties Pelosi, other Dems urge Sessions to resign over his contact with Russians The Latest: Ryan says AG should recuse himself if targeted Senate confirms Jeff Sessions for attorney general House probe into Russia ties to Trump off to a rocky start Partisan discord tainting probes of Russia, Trump, election Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani The San Jacinto County Republican Party is ready to host its annual Reagan Dinner on April 8 with two special guest speakers -- Senator Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The Reagan Dinner is a yearly fundraiser for the county's Republican Party that draws in large crowds and special guest speakers. Last year the guest speaker was Texas Governor Greg Abbott. San Jacinto County Republican Party Chairman Dwayne Wright says this year's dinner also will showcase Texas State Senator Robert Nichols and U. S. Representative Kevin Brady, along with Texas House District 18 Representative Ernest Bailes. Wright also says while this is unconfirmed, it is possible that U. S. Representative Dr. Brian Babin may appear. With the set of guest speakers and other elected officials coming in, Wright says the event is expected to have a large crowd. "It's like a magnet," he said. "Everyone flows in." While the Reagan Dinner is not going to be held at the Cleveland Civic Center as it was last year due to it already being booked for that day, the Cleveland Senior Center is large enough to hold a crowd of 450, which is 50 less than the capacity of the Cleveland Civic Center. The topics that Cruz and Patrick are going to speak on are currently undecided. "We reach out to them and try to give them some topics," said Wright. Extra Mile Catering will provide a meal centered around stuffed pork loin wrapped in bacon. Anderson Ford is also the main event sponsor for the Reagan Dinner this year. The Reagan Dinner is scheduled for April 8 from 7-10 p.m. at the Cleveland Senior Center. Anyone who has purchase VIP tickets can enter a special reception at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call Sheena Bass at 281-389-1618. Tickets are $100 each. Wright says he plans to up the ante in next year's Reagan Dinner. "I'm working on trying to get [President Donald] Trump here," he said. "We're constantly trying to push the envelope and break the glass ceiling." The audience rose in a standing ovation as Donna Baumgartner, accompanied by her daughter Chloe, accepted the final Officer of the Year Award on behalf of her late husband, Sgt. Stacey Baumgartner, during the annual East Montgomery County Improvement District Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner in New Caney on Monday, Feb. 27. Baumgartner, of the Patton Village Police Department, was killed in the line of duty during a police chase in June 2016. He was one of 12 law enforcement officers to be honored as Officer of the Year recipients for their service and dedication to law enforcement in East Montgomery County. MCSO Submitted Photo A 33-year-old Spring man has been arrested for two counts of felony injury to a child, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit were dispatched to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston in reference to an injury to two children. MCSO Detectives, with the assistance of Texas Children's Hospital and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, applied for and received two arrest warrants for Jackie Brent Nance who was arrested yesterday by deputies with MCSO SWAT on Wednesday. The three people who died when a small plane bound for San Jose crashed into homes in Southern California this week were a South Bay pilot, his wife and a 22-year-old woman, according to a relative and media reports. Nouri Hijazi, 83, of San Jose, who was flying the plane, died along with his wife, 67-year-old Dana Hijazi, said Richard Pierce, son-in-law of the couple. Pierces wife, Joanne Stacey Pierce, was one of two passengers who survived after the aircraft crashed into two homes on Monday shortly after taking off from Riverside Municipal Airport. Shes alive, Pierce said of his wife by phone Wednesday. I was just with her. The third person killed in the crash was identified at Adine Farelas by her brother, Brandon Farelas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Watchara Phomicinda/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Irfan Khan/TNS Show More Show Less 3 of 3 She would always be there for me, Brandon Farelas told KGO-TV. I appreciate her so much. Now I realize exactly what Im losing. Farelas said his mother, Silvia Farelas, survived the crash and was in the burn unit awaiting a second surgery. Joanne Pierce was in stable condition and underwent surgery Wednesday afternoon, her husband said. Joanne Pierces mother, Dana Hijazi, is originally from Poland and her family is making arrangements to bring relatives to the United States to be at her side, Richard Pierce said. All five passengers aboard the plane had been in Riverside for a weekend cheerleading competition at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, officials said. Pierce said his daughter, who is in middle school, competed in the competition but took the bus back to San Jose with her cheerleading squad. She went back to school Wednesday, he said. The aircraft a T310Q Cessna manufactured in 1974 was registered to Nouri Hijazi. A team with the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash. The plane left Riverside Municipal Airport at 4:40 p.m. for Mineta San Jose International Airport but within minutes crashed into two homes on Rhonda Road less than 2 miles northeast of the runway. About 60 firefighters responded and managed to pull two women from the flames and debris. One of the surviving woman had been thrown into one of the homes and had third-degree burns over 90 percent of her body, fire officials said. The two homes were damaged, but it did not appear any residents were inside at the time. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno AMARILLO Pat Jarrett Helton, 43, of Amarillo, appeared in federal court Wednesday and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas. Helton faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. Helton will remain on bond pending sentencing set for June 6, 2017. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Tiffany Pettway stood before a swirling group of lemon and tiger sharks Wednesday evening at the Maritime Aquarium. She was among a group of roughly a handful of people who looked on at the creatures in awe through a thick slab of glass. Though a resident of nearby Bridgeport who has been to the aquarium before, Wednesday marked Pettways first time going as an educator, which admittedly changed the lens through which she viewed the exhibits. Pettway was one of 160 teachers from across the Connecticut and nearby states who went to the aquarium Wednesday as a part of its Fish School event, where educators were invited to explore the aquariums exhibits and programs and learn how they could be used to help fulfill their mandated science standards. I really liked the big shark tank and how they showed how you can match what youre learning about to standards and lesson plans, said Pettway, who started just last week as a headteacher of a toddler room at Norwalks Maritime Odyssey Preschool. To Tom Naiman, the director of education at the aquarium, that was precisely the point. The aquariums programming went through a redevelopment the past two years to meet the states Common Core and Next Generation Science standards to allow educators to more effectively use the programming in their teaching, Naiman said. We often say we really want every teacher and student in this area to consider the aquarium as an extension of the classroom, Naiman said. During the event, which ran from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., educators were invited to take tours of the aquarium, get an inside glimpse behind at least one of the tanks, make the trek outside to the aquariums docked research vessel and preview Imax movies. In one of the aquariums five classrooms, Pettway peaked into a microscope to view a collection of tiny Brine Shrimp, more popularly known as sea monkeys. It was a part of a tour where aquarium educators explained different programs ranging from Perch fish dissection to interacting with a live horseshoe crab including what grade level they are appropriate for and how they fit into the curriculum. While Pettway said she would be interested in using some of the programming in her classroom, she admitted she may have to simplify them to meet the needs of her students, who range in age from around just one-year-old to three-years-old. But they would enjoy the Meet the Animals program, Pettway said. Its really interactive where they can get up and move we cant sit down for too long. She also liked the ideas of incorporating science themes and animals into stories for the kids. Alina Britchi traveled to the event all the way from Westbrook, Connecticut where she teaches high school science. Britchi said a STEM program had just started at her school and she was interested in finding programming she could use for it. One thing she liked about the aquarium was the concept that you can bring the kids here or adopt things on your own inside the classroom. she said. Britchi was excited to check out the research vessel, which takes students out onto Long Island Sound and allows them to explore organisms caught from techniques such as plankton tows to bio-dredges. Overall, Naiman said the event was really their opportunity to have the aquarium open just for educators and to talk to them about what we do, how we can support what they are doing in the classroom and to hear from them what are some of the things that they value that we are already doing ... Teachers are really our priority, because our mission is to support science education, to teach people about the worlds oceans and the issues that they face and to develop stewardship for Long Island Sound, Naiman said. We cant do that alone and teachers are the multipliers we need as our allies to accomplish those missions. KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-354-1049; @kevinedschultz Editor's Note: In the wave of globalization and economic growth, a growing number of foreigners are coming to China in search of opportunities. With diverse purposes, some of them choose to work in the world's fastest growing economy, or some want to experience a cross-cultural environment and successfully integrate into it, while others go on to achieve their aspirations in China. Regardless, working or living in a cross-cultural environment isn't a walk in the park. At the end of the year, a time to reflect and start fresh, we rounded up some inspirational stories of six foreigners living in China. We hope these stories can inspire you in the start of the new year. Here is Ingrid Chen's story. Ingrid Chen of Northern Ireland was 28 when she landed in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, for a five-week course in Chinese. Now 52, she found a family, a career and a purpose during her years in China. A teacher of the deaf in Northern Ireland, Chen learned Chinese sign language in Kunming and then worked in a program that teaches sign language, crafts and sewing skills to people over 16 from the rural areas around Kunming with no educational opportunities.. To help local disabled people who struggle to find an education and a job, Chen and some partners from the NGO established their own company in 2002, Hearts & Hands, to sell products made in the traditional style of Yunnan ethnic cultures that are created by the deaf and sold overseas. She's never taken a salary for her work, so her family's daily expenses are covered by her husband, who is a woodworker. But Chen has never regretted starting her company. Ingrid Chen talks with a deaf worker to discuss sewing skills. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] I love the challenge of working in China. Having a background in teaching but finding myself running a small social enterprise makes life even more of a challenge. It seems each year comes with new developments and new problems, but all are learning opportunities. In 2016, our small sewing business reached further afield, selling products to people in different European countries and to the Middle East. We joined a large online craft market that gave individuals all over the world access to our products. One major hurdle has been with logistics, shipping products quickly and making sure they arrive safely. They haven't always reached their destination, which is frustrating for customers and us alike. One discovery we made was the WeChat store. WeChat has done a fantastic job making it easy to set up and run a store. With little idea as to how it would work we put some of our products in the store and with one click, I sent our store details to all in my contacts list. Supportive friends then passed that on and in the first day or so we had over 7,000 views of our products. We continue to have thousands of daily views of our products and many sales of our beautiful products have ensued. Our products are now going out to all parts of China. Through online shopping the world for us has definitely become smaller and more accessible. The Executive Committee of the Montgomery County Republican Party approved a controversial resolution late Tuesday night, after several voting members had left the meeting, that supports pending tax reform legislation in Texas as well as a 20 percent homestead exemption on local appraisals through county government. The committee, which is made up of the 90 GOP precinct chairs in the county, approved the resolution in a 21-10 vote. The resolution, crafted by Precinct 50 Chairman Reagan Reed, supports Senate Bill 2, co-authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, that would reduce rollback tax rate from 8 percent to 4 percent; mandate all members of appraisal district boards to be elected officials, set deadlines for all property tax protests, and establish review panels in counties with populations of 120,000 or more to hear more complex taxpayer protests. The resolution also supports House Bill 44, authored by Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands which aims to reduce taxes by placing a maximum increase of 5 percent on the appraised value, reduced from the current 10 percent annual increase allowed on home appraisals. The resolution also calls on Montgomery County Commissioners Court to implement a 20 percent homestead exemption, cut spending and increase funding for law enforcement. "The reason I proposed this is because it is an issue really important to me," Reed said. "I thought it was really important for the Republican Party to speak out on this and let the residents know the Republican Party supports lowering taxes." Reed said he was surprised the vote was not unanimous. "You wouldn't think that property tax reform would be something that is controversial," he said. However, Dr. Walter Wilkerson, chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party, said the outcome of the vote hardly represents the county's GOP. Wilkerson added that the resolution was brought up toward the end of the lengthy meeting -- after more than a dozen precinct chairs already had left. "That didn't sit to well with me," said Wilkerson, noting there were a large number of new people at the meeting. "I regret that because that put us in a position where we had a lot of explaining to the new people that were there. "My job is to lead the Republican Party, and some of them I would question whether they are Republicans or they use their position as a means to an end. I just don't appreciate that." The action comes on the heels of Montgomery County Commissioner Court approving a resolution supporting meaningful tax reform, but no specific legislation, and a 10 percent homestead exemption. While the court unanimously approved a 10 percent exemption, commissioners agree they will work toward amending that action later this year to get to the maximum 20 percent exemption. An original motion by Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack to implement a 20 percent residential exemption failed 3-2. Noack and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark voted for it. Two known MS-13 gang members from Houston were charged this week with murdering a woman and kidnapping with the intent to sexually abuse another victim. Diego Hernandez-Rivera, 18, and Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 22, were arrested Monday and charged the next day for aggravated kidnapping. On Wednesday, they were charged with murder in a separate case where an unidentified woman's body was found in west Houston. WOUNDED OFFICERS: Police shooter linked to criminal Houston gang called 52 Hoovers In the other case the pair allegedly kidnapped the male victim around Feb. 2 with the intent to inflict bodily injury, sexually abuse and terrorize him, according to court documents. About two weeks later, the body of a woman identified in court records only as "Genesis" was found in west Houston, lying along the curb at the 9900 block of Sharpcrest Street. She died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck and torso, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Investigators believe she was shot by Hernandez-Rivera and Alvarez-Flores at another location and dumped on Sharpcrest. TRAGIC: Teen arrested in killing of 8-year-old girl Both suspects, identified in court records as MS-13 gang members, are at the Harris County jail and each faces a $150,000 bail for murder and a $100,000 bail for aggravated kidnapping. The MS-13 gang, also known as the Mara Salvatrucha, has roots in El Salvador and a violent record in numerous countries. The MS-13 first reached into the United States in the 1980s and has become one of the best known international street gangs in the world. The burglary suspect who shot and wounded two police officers Tuesday has been linked to a criminal gang called the 52 Hoovers, a subset of the Crips with members in northeast, south and east Houston, a police union official said Wednesday. The man - who has not been publicly identified - died at the scene after opening fire on Officers Ronny Cortez and Jose Munoz. Cortez remains hospitalized with a bullet lodged near his spine, and is expected to have surgery Wednesday. Munoz, 34, a 10-year HPD veteran, was shot in the foot said Joe Gamaldi, second vice president for the Houston Police Officers Union. Munoz was released Wednesday night. Cortez remains at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. The shooter used a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo said at an afternoon press conference Wednesday. Police expect to release the dead suspect's name this afternoon. The medical examiner's office said it was working to notify his relatives. Police don't think the second burglary suspect fired on officers, Acevedo said, declining to comment on what charges that suspect might face. "We're not going to give up," the chief said of the suspect still at large. "You can wait for us to come and get you, or you can come turn yourself in." Acevedo said the wounded officers were not wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting. Cortez, 49, a 24-year veteran with the Houston Police Department, has been stabilized but a bullet that lodged near his spinal cord may threaten his ability to walk, Acevedo said. Despite that he has been in good spirits and is making jokes with his family. Danny Cortez, the wounded officer's brother, said his brother was so upbeat it was unnerving. "At least I get to build up my upper body now," the wounded man told his brother in the face of possibly losing the ability to walk. "He's got a long road to recovery," Danny Cortez said of his brother, but they are still grateful. "It could have gone a lot worse yesterday." Danny Cortez joined the wife of Officer Jose Munoz to thank Houston for its support, prayers and gifts as well ask for privacy for their families. Munoz' wife, Jazmin Munoz, said he plans to leave the hospital today. She recalled getting the call about her husband's shooting. Though the officer and his family knew the risk that comes with being a police officer, Jazmin Munoz said, "It's a call that nobody's ready for." She recalled that after she arrived to the hospital Tuesday, her husband's first words to her were: "We're OK." Danny Cortez said his brother always has been a protector of his neighbors. He was shot not far from his own home. "As long as I've known my brother ... he would always be out patrolling the (area) he lived in." Before Danny Cortez and Jazmin Munoz spoke, Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner addressed the department's unity. "We stand as a family," Finner said, as Jazmin Munoz reached out to hold the hand of Danny Cortez, whom she had not met before the incident. "When you join the Houston Police Department, you're part of the family." SUSPECT SOUGHT: Reward offered for person who shot two officers The two officers were shot around noon Tuesday by a burglary suspect, HPD Chief Art Acevedo has said. The officers returned fire and killed that suspect. A suspected accomplice is still at large. "We are sparing nothing to find the other person," Mayor Sylvester Turner said Wednesday. "Let's continue to pray for these two police officers." Police, meanwhile, have released few details about the suspects involved in shooting. After the shooting, police said they were searching for a second suspect; he remains at large. The incident comes as police say anecdotally, they've seen a spike in burglaries in recent months and as both Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg have vowed to take steps to address the problem. After Tuesday's shooting, Ogg said the incident showed burglaries could be violent crimes. "Burglars pose a significant threat to property owners and first responders," she said, Tuesday afternoon. Overall, burglaries within the city of Houston have dropped significantly over the last five years, from more than 26,500 in 2012 to about 18,300 last year. Acevedo said earlier this week he has asked the city's crime lab to prioritize forensic evidence from nighttime burglaries, in an effort to help clear more cases. Click through the above gallery to see scenes from Tuesday's manhunt after two police officers were shot and wounded in southwest Houston. Doctors perform an operation on a cervical cancer patient in this file photo. [Photo/CFP] China was one of the countries with the highest level of accuracy in detecting cervical cancer, according to recent joint research carried out by the UK and China. The study, which was led by Queen Mary University of London with co-authors from the Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, revealed that, with the use of liquid-based cytology, hospitals in China were able to detect cervical cancers at an accuracy of 96 percent, even among women showing no symptoms. The results were obtained by looking at cytology tests for 717 cervical cancers from 23 studies in 14 low- and middle-income countries, including China. Corresponding author Alejandra Castanon, from QMUL, said: "Cytology has long been established as an excellent screening tool to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions. However, little research has been carried out regarding its sensitivity to cancer." Jasmine Just, Cancer Research UK's health information officer, said: "This study shows that the cervical screening test can perform effectively in low- and middle-income countries, and in women who are at higher risk. But we need more information about whether these cancers are being picked up at an early stage or whether women are more likely to survive." In China, cervical cancer is the second most-common cancer among women aged between 15 and 44 and the seventh most-common cause of cancer death in women, with nearly 30,000 fatalities per year. Zhao Fanghui, deputy director of the Department of Cancer Epidemiology at the Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said the studies have shown that technology updates and strict quality control enable cytology to play an important role in cervical cancer screening. But Zhao said: "Cytology requires the establishment of a high-quality screening system and well-trained technicians, the shortage of which usually limits the implementation of cytology in most developing countries." The researchers confirmed restricting cytology to symptomatic women and referring only those with severe lesions would lead to fewer women requiring further investigation, which would reduce the burden on resources and cost, resulting in the diagnosis of more cancers at an earlier stage and improved survival rates. Taking a small cluster of cells to diagnose disease before it progresses to cancer is extremely effective. But in poorer countries, a lack of infrastructure and quality management has hampered its widespread implementation. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Go Texan Day is as good a day as any to celebrate the state that has given the world Willie Nelson, silicone breast implants, Dr Pepper, and Whataburger. Youre welcome, world. THE STARS AT NIGHT...: 21 things Texans do that might be weird anywhere else A Houston tradition since the 1950s meant to herald the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Go Texan Day is a day where Texans can dress like the rest of the world thinks we dress every day of the year. It's always the Friday just before the rodeo's official downtown kickoff parade. Now Playing: From his days as a Bible salesman to his favorite Southern food to the story behind his iconic braids, Willie Nelson gave us little peeks inside his lifetime of experience (thats chock-full of some crazy stuff, were sure!). Video: Southern Living Archer Romero, the president of the show who chaired the first Go Texan Committee in 1954, probably didn't know back then that over 60 years later everyone would still be making last-minute trips to western wear store Cavender's for a new belt buckle and boots just for the occasion. Don't worry, those new boots will eventually fit after wearing them about a year or so. ARE BIG AND BRIGHT...: If it wasn't for Texas the world would be without these amazing things Go Texan newbies who aren't sure if you are doing it right, use this test. Look at your outfit and ask yourself "Would George Strait or Willie Nelson be caught wearing this?" If the answer is yes, then game on. If no, you are probably really excited to see Rascal Flatts on March 5 and you are beyond help. Go Texan Day is not as important a day as Texas Independence Day (March 2) or the premiere of "Walker, Texas Ranger" on CBS (April 21) but its up there. Of course for some of us, every day of the year is Go Texan Day, no matter what we are wearing. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Three people were arrested, two on warrants, after one man allegedly kidnapped his former spouse and their child during a hand off Wednesday evening in a South Side parking lot. Jesus Longoria, 26, was charged with aggravated kidnapping, theft of a vehicle, and possession of a controlled substance, according to Bexar County records. His bail totaled $95,000. San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Tom Alonzo said police were called after the 23-year-old woman and her child, under 3 years old, were kidnapped at about 7:45 p.m. from a parking lot at 3150 Southwest Military Drive. Witnesses told police that Longoria had refused return one of their children to the woman during the exchange. He was then seen grabbing the woman and dragging her to into a 2004 Silver Jeep, according to Longorias arrest warrant affidavit. While the woman was in the car, she was able to text her friend for help, police said. Her friend told police that they were near Omaha Street on the East Side. Two hours later, a disturbance was reported in the 100 block of Omaha involving a Jeep that resembled the one Longoria had been using, police said. A witness told officers they saw Longoria entering a home on the block, adding that he sometimes stays at the home. Officers from the East Patrol found the (Jeep), which was in fact stolen and had a weapon inside of it, Alonzo said. At first, three people were taken into custody as police surrounded the home, he said. Afterward, three more were placed in police vehicles as officers continued talking to the people inside. Longoria, the kidnapped mother and two children, both under three years old, were the last ones out of the house at about 11:45 p.m., Alonzo said. jbeltran@express-news.net Twitter: @JBfromSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly providing drugs to a minor, pimping her out to johns and sexually assaulting her, according to court documents. Carlos Richard Villarreal, 39, faces a first-degree felony charge of trafficking of a person under the age of 18 for prostitution, and a third-degree felony charge of possession of a controlled substance between 1 and 4 grams, according to online jail records. RELATED: 30-year-old charged with trafficking teen runaway in Central Texas On Feb. 14, police interviewed the victim, now 17, who said she had been drugged, sexually assaulted and prostituted by the suspect and his friends starting in 2015, an arrest affidavit said. She said she met Villarreal through a friend in 2015, and he started selling her methamphetamine and heroin, which she became addicted to after using. Villarreal allegedly proposed the idea of prostituting the girl out and started taking her to several motels on the South and Northwest sides. At those locations, the girl was given drugs and prostituted, according to the affidavit. RELATED: Waco man accused of trafficking minors, sexually assaulting them at his home Investigators also found Facebook messages where the two discussed the prostitution business. On Feb. 21, the girls mother approached investigators and said she tracked down her daughter at a motel and brought her home in 2015. The affidavit said the prostitution occurred from 2015 to early this year. RELATED: Police: 'Worst-case scenario' sex trafficking of 16-year-old girl leads to 6 arrests in Waco If convicted, Villarreal faces five to 99 years in prison for the first-degree felony and up to 10 years for the third-degree felony. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite A 33-year-old man accused of raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl in the summer of 2014 in San Antonio has been jailed, authorities said Thursday. Jason Andrew Hall faces one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to Bexar County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Rosanne Hughes. Two known MS-13 gang members from Texas were charged this week with murdering a woman and kidnapping with the intent to sexually abuse another victim. Diego Hernandez-Rivera, 18, and Miguel Alvarez-Flores, 22, were arrested Monday and charged the next day for aggravated kidnapping. On Wednesday, they were charged with murder in a separated case where an unidentified woman's body was found in west Houston. WOUNDED OFFICERS: Police shooter linked to criminal Houston gang called 52 Hoovers In the other case the pair allegedly kidnapped the male victim around Feb. 2 with the intent to inflict bodily injury, sexually abuse and terrorize him, according to court documents. About two weeks later, the body of a woman identified in court records only as "Genesis" was found in west Houston, lying along the curb at the 9900 block of Sharpcrest Street. She died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck and torso, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. Investigators believe she was shot by Hernandez-Rivera and Alvarez-Flores at another location and dumped on Sharpcrest. TRAGIC: Teen arrested in killing of 8-year-old girl Both suspects, identified in court records as MS-13 gang members, are at the Harris County jail and each faces a $150,000 bail for murder and a $100,000 bail for aggravated kidnapping. The MS-13 gang, also known as the Mara Salvatrucha, has roots in El Salvador and a violent record in numerous countries. The MS-13 first reached into the United States in the 1980s and has become one of the best known international street gangs in the world. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Beachgoers southeast of Houston had to call police after discovering treasure on the sea shore. No, this wasn't a seashell, or jewelry. They found part of a rocket ship. Freeport police responded earlier this week after a caller said it looked like part of a boat or aircraft had washed up onshore. Upon inspection, and after calling multiple agencies including NASA and the FBI, it was determined the item was a chunk of a rocket that was launched into space from South America earlier this year. "It clearly did not burn up on re-entry, landed in the ocean and floated all the way here to Freeport," police said on their Facebook page. RELATED: K9 unit finds meth, cocaine, weed, guns in 'anglers' vehicle at Padre Island National Park The police department cannot keep their cool find, and instead have to give the rocket piece back to its rightful owner. "No, it is not dangerous, except for the smell of dying barnacles that called it home for the past two weeks," police said. One commenter on Facebook joked: "Better write them a ticket for littering. You don't mess with Texas!" Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 Moteiff Jerome Collins, 33, was held in Hale County jail Thursday on $25,000 bond for the second degree felony charge of burglary of a habitation and commits an assault. He was arrested about 10 a.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of Thunderbird. He also is being held on two $5,000 bonds on warrants for motion to revoke probation or parole for criminal trespass and MTR-assault causes bodily injury. --A 47-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Thursday on $1,500 bond for driving while license invalid with previous conviction and without financial responsibility. He was arrested about 2 a.m. Wednesday following a traffic stop at mile marker 51 on I-27. Its probably too late for taxpayers to get a refund from Franklin Covey. Since 2011, Alamo Colleges has spent roughly $3 million with the leadership training company probably best known for The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. That figure comes from purchasing records, and mostly reflects consultants, books, DVDs and other training materials for faculty, staff and students. And what did we get for our $3 million? From the outside looking in, an especially high level of discord between faculty and administration, and as a bonus, risked accreditation at San Antonio, Northwest Vista and St. Philips colleges. All three schools are facing accreditation warnings for a variety of issues, including the Alamo Colleges boards decision to place The 7 Habits into a leadership course. Or as one warning put it: The institution failed to provide sufficient evidence that the faculty has primary responsibility for curriculum. Once the accreditation warnings hit late last year, the board dumped The 7 Habits from the curriculum, but that comes with some caveats. First, its not like the accreditation warnings came out of nowhere. For months and months, faculty and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges warned Alamo Colleges about including The 7 Habits in the course. Second, Alamo Colleges inexplicably continues to stick with The 7 Habits and other Covey materials, with board members saying the trainings are indispensable for faculty and staff development. During a recent Express-News Editorial Board meeting, Chancellor Bruce Leslie said the plan is to bring Covey back into the classroom. We have already started meeting with the faculty, where do we go, what do we do, how do we develop this thing? he said. Now we can make it a holistic course and program. Leslie said he thinks a small number of faculty have made this an issue by running and complaining to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Yes, we have had some faculty who have put their flag in the sand, and say, Not over my dead body, he said. But the students love it. To hear board members talk, Covey has been worth every penny. I cant say negative things about this program, Yvonne Katz, chairwoman of the Alamo Colleges board, said during an interview. I have seen too many positive things. Katz didnt know how much the district had spent on Covey materials, but when I told her it had been about $3 million since 2011, she said thats not a lot of money given the size of the district and a five-year window of time. Likewise, trustee Joe Alderete Jr. has said faculty were already using Covey materials in the classroom at Northwest Vista College and the board simply followed suit. Faculty were promoting it, he said during an editorial board meeting. But Craig Coroneos, spokesman for Northwest Vista Colleges American Association of University Professors, said there was never a collegewide policy to include Covey in course materials. I know that a large number of faculty at NVC here have refused to go to the 2-day training, he said. And many faculty view The 7 Habits as pop psychology and not as serious academic work. Tony Villanueva, president of Palo Alto's American Association of University Professors chapter, echoed these concerns. It doesnt belong here, he said. It doesnt belong in higher ed. As for the running and complaining comment, Coroneos said, the vast majority of things that the accrediting agency warned us about have absolutely nothing to do with faculty. But even if faculty were running and complaining, their concerns obviously had merit, especially when it comes to hiring and curriculum. Leslie and Alamo Colleges have downplayed these accreditation warnings as nothing more than technical issues. But it is more than that, right? The underlying issue is whether the administration is undermining the academic independence of these colleges, jeopardizing their standing as individual institutions. Thats creating extraordinary levels of friction with faculty and is distracting from the ultimate mission of teaching students. Thats not going away even if the technical issues are addressed. Do The 7 Habits work? Probably for some, and not for others. Do they belong in curricula or faculty trainings? Lets just call that the $3 million question. jbrodesky@express-news.net Who knew that so many people cared so much about what happens to illegal immigrants? For eight years, I tried to get readers and colleagues to see what activists and immigration attorneys quickly figured out: Barack Obama was the most anti-immigrant president since Dwight Eisenhower, who loaded more than 1 million Mexicans onto railroad cars in 1954s Operation Wetback. Obama established quotas, eliminated law enforcement discretion and pressured local cops to enforce federal immigration law. All that helped him deport roughly 3 million people, divide hundreds of thousands of families and dump thousands of abandoned U.S.-born kids into foster care. No one listened. Liberals were protective of Obama, but conservatives were just as protective of their false narrative that a Democratic president wanted an open border. Now, the world of immigration enforcement is upside down. Liberals have rediscovered their outrage at the mistreatment of the undocumented even though Trump is, for the most part, simply following Obamas deportation blueprint. The New York Times recently implied otherwise by reporting that Trump would enforce immigration law more aggressively and find, arrest and deport those in the country illegally, regardless of whether they have committed serious crimes. In other words, Trump is likely to do pretty much what Obama did in swiftly removing juveniles, battered wives, ice cream vendors and traffic code violators. Meanwhile, the same conservatives who charged that Obama wasnt doing enough are now applauding Trump for going above and beyond when, in reality, the new president is mimicking the old one. Apparently, this includes repeating the same mistakes. Obama tried to be both tough and compassionate by pushing the narrative that he was removing the bad illegal immigrants and keeping the good ones. This approach only creates more confusion, and it never works. Heres why. The immigration debate is about human beings. And human beings are a complicated bunch. You cant just wade into that river of complexity and neatly separate undocumented immigrants into good and bad. On the one hand, Obama created Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to protect so-called Dreamers who were brought here as children. Obama described them as Americans in their hearts, their minds, in every single way except one on paper. But he also said that his administration was removing people who are dangerous, people who are gang-bangers or criminals. Now Trump is playing the same game. Even though he is rankling supporters by breaking his campaign promise to immediately terminate the executive action allowing Dreamers to remain in the United States under certain conditions, the president now calls these young people incredible kids and pledges to deal with their fate with great heart. At the same time, Trump who also campaigned on the promise of removing the bad hombres has maintained his hard line against what he considers the undesirables in the illegal immigrant population. Further muddying the waters, Trump reportedly said once again he was open to the idea of legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants. So, pray tell, how do you tell a good illegal immigrant from a bad one? This is how cynical politicians do it: When they need to appear tough, theyll say that criminals include people who merely re-entered the United States after being deported because their kids were on this side of the border. Or those who used fake Social Security numbers to clean toilets even though they would never receive benefits. When elected officials want to be seen as compassionate, theyll change their tune and shrink the ranks of criminals to include only dangerous felons guilty of murder, assault, rape, armed robbery and other serious offenses. People say our immigration system is broken. True enough. But the really bad news is that something that many folks see as a remedy our deportation policy is just as broken. ruben@rubennavarrette.com Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazars decision to not have deputies act as de facto immigration agents was the right call. Its wisdom lies in pure pragmatism. Immigrants who trust deputies are more likely to help those deputies do their jobs, keeping all of us safe. But we cannot label as either wise or pragmatic the policies that have spawned the fears that prompted the sheriff to make that decision. President Donald Trumps new policies announced last week are causing what amounts to panic in immigrant communities here and throughout the nation. And this is not likely to be assuaged by more hopeful words the president spoke at the White House before his joint session of Congress about backing broad immigration reform. Actions speak louder than words. A petition, according to a report in the Express-News by Jason Buch, was being circulated so that the sheriff would not participate in the federal 287(g) program in which local law enforcement officers train to enforce immigration laws. The San Antonio Police Department has already said it opposes letting its officers act as immigration agents. A Sunday report in the New York Times makes clear that these policies have taken the brakes off more zealous immigration agents. Whereas under the Obama administration they were instructed to target serious criminals and gang members, under Trump they are feeling empowered to detain even those not falling into those categories. So, reports are filtering in that agents are stalking even those places where noncriminal immigrants are likely to be at courthouses in Texas and Colorado, and outside a church shelter in Virginia. The Department of Homeland Security released guidelines last week that vastly broaden the people subject to removal. Obama targeted serious criminals; Trump is widening that net to include all criminals, including those who committed minor crimes and those simply charged. And the policies no longer discourage detaining those who have committed no crimes at all. The department will expedite removals for those who have been here for less than two years. And though President Trump has said he will allow so-called Dreamers immigrants brought here as youngsters to stay, reports are coming in also of these young people being detained. Sheriff Salazar said his department will continue to honor holds placed on those in the jail who immigration authorities believe are subject to immigration detention and removal. He said he would continue with his predecessors policies in that regard. Not ideal, but OK as long as that includes not continuing to hold those whose sentences are up or whose criminal cases have otherwise been concluded. At that point, the jails ability to hold them is at an end and a host of constitutional questions arise if detention continues. We know: What part of illegal dont we understand? Heres what we understand: Immigration violations are mostly a matter of civil law, not criminal. Also, the equation of criminality with immigrants has virtually no basis in fact they are less prone than the native born to commit crimes or to be jailed. And they are a net boon to the economy. Though some initial displacement may occur, they are not generally taking jobs away from the native born. And if they were all of a sudden to vanish, the economies of San Antonio, Texas and the nation would suffer. Not to mention the federal budget if the presidents policies are pursued. Where will all these new detainees be housed? Clearly, the immigration system is now at the breaking point, with backlogs and not enough detention beds. From where does the money to pay for these come, not to mention paying for the 10,000 new immigration and customs agents, and 5,000 more border patrolmen, in an arm of federal law enforcement that already outspends all other federal law enforcement agencies combined? Comprehensive immigration reform can solve this. Sowing fear will not. It will, in fact, drive immigrants further underground, where they will be further exploited. Undocumented immigrants understand the rules. They know they are subject to deportation. But they and a whole lot of others recognize they pose no threat and that they help the economy. And, in many cases, they have U.S. citizen children. So, yes, the law says they are deportable. Pragmatism and humanity should point us in a more productive direction. We applaud Salazar for recognizing that. A New Jersey woman received a $4 million settlement after being permanently disabled when a school bus was struck by a commuter bus in 2013. Details on the Bus Crash According to reports, 36-year-old Christine Carhuff was a passenger on a commuter bus on the morning of January 10, 2013. The commuter bus had about 30 passengers on board when it rear ended a 24-seat school bus. The commuter bus then crashed into a tree, and three passengers were thrown from their seats. The school bus, driven by Tracy Dehart, flipped over and hit a generator and pumping station. Fortunately, no children were aboard the school bus. The crash was recorded by a camera on the commuter bus. Injuries Reported According to officials, Jean-Pierre, the driver of the commuter bus, suffered from major injuries. Dehart and her school aid suffered from minor injuries. Carhuff was permanently disabled suffering from fractures and injuries to the neck, shoulder, lower back, leg, and ankle. She required multiple surgeries following the incident. About the Bus Crash Lawsuit Carhuff filed a lawsuit in summer 2013 against the school bus owner, the Old Bridge Board of Education. The drivers of the commuter bus and school bus were also named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Daniel Jean-Pierre, the driver of the commuter bus, was negligent by failing to maintain control of the vehicle. According to Carhuffs attorney, Old Bridge Township and the school bus company had to pay $2 million apiece. There was no admission of wrongdoing or liability in the settlement. Contact an Experienced Bus Accident Attorney Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys have handled a multitude of commercial vehicle accidents over the past two decades and continue to handle many of the largest 18-wheeler accident cases throughout the United States. Whether the company is small or large, our success is not an accident; it is because we understand how trucking companies operate. We represent clients/victims all over the country. Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are available to respond to truck and bus accidents at any hour, day or night. Our lawyers understand that the immediate acquisition, or acquiring, of evidence is paramount to understanding how the accident occurred. Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com. A Bulawayo man killed his wife after she had refused to go home and wanted to continue drinking beer at a local bar while another man fatally stabbed his ex-wife following an undisclosed matter in Fort Rixon, as murder cases increase countrywide. The incidents occurred on Saturday and the suspects have since been arrested. In Bulawayo, police said Stewart Munyapwa (32) fatally assaulted his wife Khethiwe Moyo (61) with a sjambok while on their way home in a bushy area. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed. Police in Bulawayo arrested Stewart Munyapwa aged 32 in connection with a case of murder which occurred at a bushy area at Trenance Suburb on January 15, 2022. The suspect fatally assaulted the victim, Khethiwe Moyo aged 61 with open hands and a sjambok while on their way home from a local bar after a drinking binge. An argument arose between the couple after the victim refused to go home as she wanted to go back to the bar to continue drinking, he said. In another case, police in Fort Rixon, Matabeleland South, arrested Patrick Ngulube (52) in connection with a murder that occurred on Saturday night at Zimbili B, Gadade Village. The suspect pounced at his ex-wife, Khauhelo Sibandas house and fatally struck her with an unknown sharp object on the head after an argument over an undisclosed issue, Asst Comm Nyathi said. Meanwhile, police in Matabeleland South have also arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with a case of murder that occurred at Majoda Farm, West Nicholson. The suspect, who was allegedly drunk and misbehaving, struck a 45-year-old man several times on the head and stomach with two burning logs over an unknown issue resulting in the instant death of the victim. Herald Breaking News via Email Maud Hunidzarira and Thanks Makore have been found not guilty and acquitted of Tapiwa Makores murder after the prosecution withdrew charges against them at the close of the States case. The State failed to provide evidence against the two. More to follow BREAKING!!! Maud Hunidzarira and Thanks Makore have been found not guilty and acquitted of Tapiwa Makore's murder after the prosecution withdrew charges against them at the close of the State's case. The State failed to provide evidence against the two. pic.twitter.com/ZfPViVUkTp ZBC News Online (@ZBCNewsonline) October 13, 2022 Breaking News via Email Mysteries of elephant sleep revealed BBC Earth Probably Began With A Solid Shell Archaeology News Network Oldest record of life on Earth found in Quebec CTV. In the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt Physicists Catch Antimatter and Matter Misbehaving Scientific American The private equity party is overcrowded FT The Ignored Lessons of the Financial Crisis Verso Wells Fargo Warns a Deeper Review May Uncover More Bogus Accounts Bloomberg. Amazingly, Clinton didnt win despite Obama prosecuting all those Wells-Fargo executives. Oh, wait. When Debts Compete, Which Wins? Liberty Street Guest Contribution: Identifying State-Level Recessions Econbrowser China? Scotland is tightly gripping its last card to play against Brexit Quartz Macedonias president blocks Social Democrat government in Albanian language row Reuters Syraqistan Big Brother Is Watching You Watch A software engineer is detained for several hours by U.S. Customs and given a test to prove hes an engineer CNBC (CL). Engineered to fail: Are IT recruits untrainable because they cheat in college? The Scroll (J-LS). WikiLeaks spokesman quietly steps out of the spotlight AP (Furzy Mouse). Health Care The Only Concrete Takeaway From Trumps Speech: Medicaid Is Doomed The Intercept. Not clear how theyll sell that to a desperate flyover base, though. Trump Transition Democrats Need to Respond to Trumps Narrative about Solving American Disinvestment emptywheel. But Russia though. Trump Promised to be The Infrastructure President. Just Not For One of Americas Strongest Economic Regions. Medium Fast learner: Trump gains skill in using trappings of office AP * * * Sessions met with Russian envoy twice last year, encounters he later did not disclose WaPo. Parsing the story carefully for what was and was not disclosed, two questions were posed to Sessions regarding his encounters with the Russkis Ambassador (!). The second question (paragraph nine) is from Patrick Leahy in Sessions confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 10, and it looks to me like Sessions qualified answer creates at best a he said/she said situation. The first question, from Al Franken at the same hearing (paragraph two), is not quoted, so its not possible, from the story alone, to know whether Sessions answered accurately or not. As usual, on charges of wrong-doing, wake me when there are named sources with evidence. (The Democrat agenda, of course, is to get Sessions to meet President Clinton on the tarmac recuse himself from whatever investigative proceedings take place.) Jeff Sessions failed to disclose Russian ambassador meetings FT. The FT doesnt quote either question that Sessions is supposed to have answered falsely, but includes this material on the nature of the encounters: Mr Sessions meetings with each of the foreign diplomats focused on bilateral relations, including any outstanding issues between the two countries. Ambassadors would often make superficial comments about election-related news, but it was not the substance of their discussion, said a DoJ official. In July Mr Sessions spoke at the Heritage Foundation event to a group of more than 50 ambassadors. Following his speech, a small group of ambassadors approached the senator as he was leaving the stage, the DoJ official said. He spoke to them while they stood together as a group. Some of the diplomats thanked Mr Sessions for his comments and invited him to various events. He made no commitments, the official said. Where theres a damp squib, theres no fire? I guess well find out. Personally, I find it suspicious that Sessions didnt punch the Russian Ambassador in the face. Thats what a red-blooded Democrat would have done. (Theres a WSJ story on this, but its a rehash.) Obama Administration Rushed to Preserve Intelligence of Russian Election Hacking NYT. Easter eggs. White House lawyers order Trump aides to preserve Russia-related materials AP Former MI6 agent Christopher Steeles frustration as FBI sat on Donald Trump Russia file for months Independent. Exclusive: Steele was so concerned by revelations he worked without payment after Trumps election victory in November. Some exclusive. Steele couldnt even sell his product to a rube like Jebbie, the $250 million man, before the election. So now a business failure in oppo (!!) becomes a proof of integrity? Coffees for closers only. * * * Russians Hit U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebels, As Hostile Groups Converge Within Grenade Range Foreign Policy. The Blob extends a pseudopodium In Confirmation Lovefest, Senators Tell Future Spy Chief He May Be Too Nice for the Trump Administration The Intercept Trumps trade shake-up: why the US is taking aim at the WTO FT Senate Democrats Worry That Trump May Eliminate One of Their Few Remaining Sources of Power New York Magazine Democratic Last Resorts: The Recall Option The New Yorker. Yet another scheme to change the rules that assumes the can-opener of institutional power that Democrats have squandered under Obama. And last resort is quite telling, isnt it? Idea: Appealing candidates with a platform that provisions universal benefits for all, especially the working class. Worked for two generations after FDR! Presidents Speech Leaves Executives Optimistic, Wanting More Details WSJ. Details Donald Trump and the mansion that no one wanted. Then came a Russian fertilizer king McClatchy. This is a day or two old, but Im including this as an example of reporting as opposed to access journalism (see above). Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. (Natural News) Fast food has an undeniable appeal, despite its unhealthy reputation its convenient, cheap and satisfying, making it attractive on several levels. On the other hand, fast food products are notoriously packed with unhealthy ingredients: highly-processed mystery meats, GMO products, pesticide-laden produce and more. But is it possible to offer a classic fast food menu consisting of burgers, fries and shakes, etc. using all-natural, organic ingredients and without having to charge exorbitant prices? Benjamin Brittsan and his wife Nicolette are betting on the concept by opening the nations first certified-organic drive-thru burger chain, called Nics Organic Fast Food. The first restaurant will open in the Rolling Meadows suburb of Chicago this February, with plans to open 50 more Chicago-area locations before launching the chain nationwide if all goes according to plan. Nics first location is a refurbished Pizza Hut that will seat 60 people indoors in addition to its drive-thru. The restaurant features a mascot named Nic the Organic Farmer a muscular, life-sized super-hero figure in overalls who is ready to take back fast food from the clutches of pesticides. Brittsan stresses that his products are truly certified organic and not merely labeled as such. From the Chicago Eater: The restaurants products have been certified organic by Quality Assurance International Certification means the foods are free of pesticides and other chemicals. The certification is something that comes with standards and isnt an empty buzz phrase like all natural, said Benjamin Brittsan. For example, the beef used in Nics hamburgers is USDA-certified organic and free of chemicals, antibiotics or hormones. But the all-organic standard extends to everything on the menu at Nics, including the chicken nuggets (made from organic white meat), french fries and even the drinks, which include organic juices, sodas and coffees. But dont expect a lot of low-fat, vegan-leaning menu items at Nics. Sure, you can order a fresh green salad or a veggie burger, but the emphasis as with any fast food restaurant worthy of the name is on big, greasy beef hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries and sodas. Theres nothing particularly healthy about the BigNic Bacon Burger two beef patties, two slices of cheese, smoked bacon and all the trimmings but the important thing, according to Brittsan, is what it doesnt contain. The organic lifestyle doesnt mean youre eating any healthier in terms of the food, he said. What youre benefiting from is from whats not in the food. The prices at Nics are around the same as popular burger chains such as In-N-Out Burger or Steak n Shake, with burgers at around $5 and combos for under $8. Whether or not Nics can compete with the big fast food chains remains to be seen, but there does seem to be a trend towards fast food that uses fresh, natural ingredients. Meanwhile, sales at McDonalds and some of the other mega chains are slowing down significantly and part of the reason is that Mickey Ds and others have been so slow in cleaning up their act, in terms of using quality ingredients. In fact, one of the headlines in todays news concerned recent testing of chicken used in Subway products revealing that it contained less than 50 percent chicken DNA. One can only imagine what the rest of the product consisted of There will probably always be a market for greasy cheeseburgers, french fries and milkshakes, but it may no longer be possible to use the most questionable ingredients imaginable and expect the public to buy it especially when restaurants like Nics can offer products that satisfy those fast food cravings without having to poison your body with GMOs, pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. Sources: Chicago.Eater.com Chicago.Eater.com NicsOrganicFastFood.com WCPO.com (Natural News) The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted infection, so pervasive that the CDCs website refers to it as the most common STD in the U.S. Interestingly the website goes on to say, HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. [Emphasis added] So, really not such a big deal then. The CDC goes on to explain that in most cases, the virus disappears on its own without causing any health issues. The problem, from the medical communitys point of view, is that HPV can on rare occasions cause cervical and other cancers. Their solution to the problem? A vaccine of course! Enter the HPV vaccine, or vaccines, since there are two: Gardasil and Cervarix. The CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have just released the latest amended immunization schedules for both children and adults. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is reporting that changes include the addition of two doses of the HPV vaccine (HPV9 or Gardasil 9). The recommendation is that these vaccines be administered between the ages of 11 and 12, although they can be given to children as young as 9 or as late as at 14. The reason for this inclusion, they say, is that mortality rates for cervical cancer are higher than previously estimated. In making the announcement, AAFP President John Meigs also snuck in some comments on President Trumps proposed advisory committee to investigate vaccines. A new federal commission on immunizations is not necessary and would divert much-needed dollars from other, more pressing health care issues. The science is clear, and family physicians stand ready to help everyone from the incoming administration to the general public understand how safe and important vaccines are. [Emphasis added] This is the message that the mainstream medical community always tries to convey: that the science is settled, and that it has been proven time and again that vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, do no harm. Well, that just isnt true. And contrary to popular belief, its not far-out, braid-wearing hippies that are saying so. In January 2016, the American College of Pediatricians (ACP) issued a press release in which they expressed serious concerns about the HPV vaccine, especially Gardasil. It had come to their attention that the HPV vaccine is increasingly being linked to the rare, but very serious condition of premature ovarian failure (POF), which is also known as premature menopause. The ACP had several concerns, including: Though Gardasil safety trials were conducted on 11,778 patients, long-term ovarian function after vaccination was never studied in either rat or human trials; Since most physicians are unaware of the possible link, they are likely not connecting the two and reporting POF after vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), meaning incidences could be even higher than reported; Since Gardasil was licensed in 2006, 213 separate incidents involving amenorrhea, POF or premature menopause have been reported to VAERS. An alarming 88 percent of these were associated with Gardasil (and as per point 2, numbers are likely far higher than reported); More than two-thirds (76 percent) of all VAERS reports of ovarian failure, POF or an abnormal absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) were directly linked to Gardasil; and The Gardasil vaccine contains polysorbate 80, which has been linked to ovarian toxicity in rats. And thats not the only problem with polysorbate 80. In 2005, scientists from the Department of Dermatology at the Friedrich-Alexander University in Germany, published a study entitled Polysorbate 80 in medical products and nonimmunologic anaphylactoid reactions in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Their conclusion? Polysorbate 80 is a ubiquitously used solubilizing agent that can cause severe nonimmunologic anaphylactoid [anaphylactic] reactions. There have also been several documented cases of multiple sclerosis and encephalitis, according to Dr. Lucija Tomljenovic of the University of British Columbias Department of Medicine. And then theres the fact that with over 1,000 girls currently suffering with Gardasil side effects, the vaccine has been completely banned in Denmark! The science is clear? Vaccines are proven safe and important? I think not. Physicians are sworn to first do no harm, not first make sure you cover up the harm so you can all keep making as much money as possible. With their own peers in the scientific and medical communities issuing such direct warnings about the HPV vaccine, one wonders how these people sleep at night, knowing the harm they are causing to our children. Sources: CDC.gov AAFP.org ACPeds.org[PDF] Collective-Evolution.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov (Natural News) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is currently investigating what happened at 3222 Vance Street in Lakewood, Colorado. Dozens of geese and ducks have been killed or harmed by the illegal dumping of cooking oil into a local retention pond. Federal and local authorities are seeking out information on who committed this grievous act. Officials were first notified of a suspicious-looking white sheen coating the surface of the pond in late January. It was soon realized that whatever this sheen was, it was contaminating the water and harming the wildlife. Thirty-three waterfowl unfortunately lost their lives to the water pollution and another eight were injured by it before the ponds cleanup could be completed. Now, lab results have indicated that this mysterious substance polluting the water is actually commercial cooking oil waste that is believed to have been introduced to the pond somewhere upstream between January 18, 2017 and February 2, 2017. KDVR reports that Ryan Moehring of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commented, Its unclear why anyone would introduce a substance in a waterway like this. Its illegal to do so and obviously harmful to wildlife. The contamination comes with a maximum fine of $15,000 for each occasion, and authorities believe there were several occurrences. Federal authorities are urging anyone with knowledge about this event to contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resident Agent-in-Charge Tom Tidwell at (720) 981-2777, ext. 226. Authorities believe that the contamination may have come from a nearby mall, upstream. Oil pollution: a common danger This is not the first time cooking oil has contaminated an ecosystem. In 2015, a retention pond in White Center, Washington was polluted with upwards of 50 gallons of cooking oil. The spill reportedly damaged the environment, with over 20 geese, ducks, and heron injured by the oil. Oil spills and oil dumping can be fatally harmful to waterfowl in multiple ways. In addition to contaminating their food supply, when a birds feathers get covered in oil, they lose the ability to repel water and insulate themselves effectively. This in turn puts them at risk of freezing to death. Birds will also instinctively try to get the oil off of their feathers by preening which results in them unintentionally ingesting the oil. From there, the oil also begins to damage their internal organs. Many types of marine creatures are harmed by the introduction of oil into their environment as well, such as fish, frogs, and sea otters. More than just oil contaminates water supplies Sadly, oil isnt the only thing polluting waterways in the United States. Many kinds of waste is routinely dumped into waterways all around the country. In 2014, Duke Energy was caught intentionally dumping over 60 million tons of toxic coal ash waste into the water in North Carolina. It was the eighth time in a single month that the corporation had been accused of violating environmental regulations. Duke Energy was found to be illegally and purposefully dumping coal ash into a tributary of Cape Fear River which provides drinking water to a number of the states cities and towns. Our freshwater supply is being contaminated with a host of different pollutants including sunscreens, pesticides, and petroleum. Estimates suggest that in developed countries, some 70 percent of industrial waste goes untreated before being dumped into the water. The EPA has been heavily criticized for its failure to punish those who violate environmental regulations accordingly. One report from AllGov found that though there were some 64,000 facilities run by companies with a history of environmental regulation violations, fewer than 0.5 percent ever faced prosecution or criminal charges for their illegal actions. Water pollution is a serious issue in the United States that all too often gets swept under the rug. Not only does pollution contaminate our drinking water, it also harms innocent wildlife and destroys entire ecosystems. Sources: EPTrail.com KDVR.com KATU.com Bird-Rescue.org NationalGeographic.com MintPressNews.com SpaceX may be the first to offer moon tourism as Elon Musk revealed that the company will send two people to the moon in 2018. Interestingly, SpaceX plans to send two common touristy individuals and not scientists or astronauts to the moon. Both will travel to the moon using a SpaceX Dragon capsule shuttled by a Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission will last for a week and will loop around the Earth's satellite at 400,000 miles. The tourists allegedly paid SpaceX a lot of money in order to land the seat aboard the Dragon capsule, according to a report. The individuals were already chosen and are set to start training for the lunar travel soon. Musk, however, did not divulge the name of the fortunate moon travelers as well as the price tag of the trip. If this pushes through, SpaceX may become the new standard of human spaceflight in terms of space tourism. And if the 2018 launch will be met, SpaceX will beat NASA to a modern manned flight to the moon. "NASA commends its industry partners for reaching higher," a NASA spokesperson said in a statement. "We will work closely with SpaceX to ensure it safely meets the contractual obligations to return the launch of astronauts to U.S. soil and continue to successfully deliver supplies to the International Space Station." According to NASA, the agency had invested in private industries to further develop technologies that will enable deep space explorations. This explains why the agency fully supports SpaceX on its lunar tour. This also strengthens NASA's "commercial partnerships" that aims to create a strong American space economy. Musk plans to launch the mission to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first-ever orbit around the moon. "Like the Apollo astronauts before them, these individuals will travel into space carrying the hopes and dreams of all humankind, driven by the universal human spirit of exploration," SpaceX said in a statement. However, SpaceX will have to perform a ton of tests in order for the mission to push through. Surprisingly, U.S. President Donald Trump is an advocate of the manned mission to the moon and this SpaceX move may indeed receive a nod from the new administration. Researchers claim that they may have uncovered what seems to be the oldest life on Earth embedded in rocks that survived for at least 3.7 billion years. Their discovery, described in a paper published in the journal Nature, was based on very small and unusual shapes and patterns in the rock. The researchers argue that the shapes they found in the rock, such as tubes and spirals, resemble the pattern found around volcanic vents in the ocean, where bacteria strive. "It provides us with this high degree of certainty that these structures are indeed, biological microorganisms that were living and thriving around hydrothermal vents billions of years ago," said Matthew Dodd, a biogeochemist at University College London and co-author of the paper, in a report from National Public Radio. Read Also: 400 Million-Year-Old Marine Worm with Terrifying Snapping Jaws Found in Canadian Museum Aside from the shapes and patterns, the researchers also found traces of carbon and phosphorus in the rock. Carbon and phosphorus are considered to be key ingredients for biological life. Furthermore, the thread-like filament and cylinder-shaped tubes in the rocks were similar to the ones excreted by modern iron-consuming bacteria. Such filaments and tubes were also observed in much younger microfossils found in Norwegian rocks. The rocks holding the fossils were collected from northeastern Quebec. Two separate teams tried to identify the age of the rocks using separate techniques. One of the groups put the rock to around 3.7 billion years, while the other one got 4.3 billion years. Other scientists welcomed the new study with skepticism. They pointed out that it is possible that the shapes and patterns the researchers found in the rock were formed solely from geological process without any help from biological activities. Once confirmed, the rocks will be considered as the oldest known fossils, beating the previous contender that have the confirmed age of 3.5 billion years. Read Also: Here's Why Humans Cannot Resurrect Dinosaurs From Fossils Yet The fictional island of Atlantis continues to mesmerize archaeologists and historians as 47 orichalcum ingots were found in a shipwreck that dates back to 2,600 years ago. According to a report from Seeker, it was famous Greek philosopher Plato who made orichalcum the stuff of legends. The fourth-century B.C. scholar wrote the Critias dialogue, where Athenian figure Critias described orichalcum as a shiny metal surpassed only by gold in value. It supposedly was mined in the lost city of Atlantis and covered the interior of Poseidon's temple from the walls to the columns to the floors. The temple was even said to sit on an orichalcum pillar where Poseidon's laws were inscribed on. Read Also: Zealandia or Atlantis: Earth's Lost Continent Has Been Found! Modern scholars say that the brass-like alloy was not as precious as Plato believed, but it is still extremely rare. Because not many of it has ever been found, little is known about its properties and composition. Now, the opportunity to learn more arises. While investigating a ship that sunk 2,600 years ago, underwater archaeologists uncovered 47 blocks of orichalcum. The ancient shipwreck, located 1,000 feet off the coast of Gela in southern Sicily, also yielded a jar and two bronze Corinthian helmets. It's not the first time orichalcum was discovered in this wreck. The first haul in 2015 had researchers recover 39 ingots out of the water. "The ship dates to the end the sixth century B.C.," Sebastiano Tusa, archaeologist and Sicily's superintendent of the sea, said. "It was likely caught in a sudden storm and sunk just when it was about to enter the port." Although the orichalcum is a mystery that may soon be solved, the myth of Atlantis might never find light. Plato's infamous myth, in which gods sent the Utopian city of Atlantis into the bottom of the ocean, have been attributed to countless cities around the world, according to a report from BBC. However, scientists believe that there will never be a consensus on Atlantis' real location. Read Also: Villa Epecuen: Visit The Lost Town That Spent 25 Years Underwater The European Space Agency (ESA) spotted the brightest and farthest remains of a star, called a pulsar, in the universe. The pulsar is what's left of a formerly massive star. It was proven to be a thousand times brighter than previously thought. Due to its distance, the pulsar is considered one of a kind. The ESA XMM-Newton detected the pulsar with its light traveling for 50 million light years before being spotted by any equipment. Pulsars are also magnetized neuron stars that sweep regular radiation in two beams in space. This is what made it possible for ESA to detect the pulsar. When properly aligned, the beam becomes a flash that turns on and off as it turns. Once-massive stars explode at the end of their natural lifecycle resulting in the birth of pulsars. Read Also: NASA, ESA to Collaborate for a Historic Moon Mission The latest discovery is considered to be the brightest ever detected officially called NGC 5907 ULX-1, according to a report. Its luminance is 10 times brighter than the previous record holder. It is also capable of releasing the Sun's 3.5 years worth of energy in a span of one second. ESA's XMM-Newton had been studying the object for 13 years. NASA also contributed by providing additional research materials gathered by NASA's NuSTAR. A record breaking pulsar found by @ESA_XMM is brightest, most distant of its kind https://t.co/KYgmXJLs2h pic.twitter.com/GbQ7K7IW8b ESA (@esa) February 21, 2017 "Before, it was believed that only black holes at least 10 times more massive than our Sun feeding off their stellar companions could achieve such extraordinary luminosities, but the rapid and regular pulsations of this source are the fingerprints of neutron stars and clearly distinguish them from black holes," Gian Luca Israel, from INAF-Osservatorio Astronomica di Roma, Italy, lead author of the paper said in a press release. Based on the study, the pulsar spinning pattern also changes over time. It used to take 1.43 second per rotation in 2003 and 1.13 second per rotation in 2014. Read Also: ESA Releases Images of Stunning Mosaic of Mars' North Pole A shocking hostage and killing incident at the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage in South Africa has prompted worldwide outrage. Several nights ago, two armed men broke into the facilities of the rehabilitation center, which is home to rhinos and other animals who had lost their parents to poachers. According to reports, the men held the staff hostage and shot two 18-month-old white rhinos, Impy and Gugu, before viciously removing their horns. In an interview with The Dodo, Yvette Taylor, a manager at Thula Thula and executive director of Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization, said the horns of the two rhinos are quite larger when compared to the others in the sanctuary. Both of the baby rhinos died. Gugu was killed straight away with a bullet while Impi had to be laid to rest the next morning because of the severe injuries inflicted on him. Read Also: Huge Chunk of Forest Elephants Die From Poaching in Their Supposed Haven The Huffington Post reported that both rhinos were a week away from getting their horns removed. Conservationist notes that dehorning rhinos is one way of keeping them safe from poachers. A few weeks more and they would have been sent back to the wild. In a Facebook broadcast, Karen Trendler, the director of Thula Thula, recalled how Impi had already suffered enough before going to the sanctuary. Unfortunately, the poachers had found him for the second time. "Impi survived a particularly brutal poaching," Trendler said. "He stayed at his mother's carcass for six days, moving away just a short distance to eat ... because he was obviously very hungry and very thirsty. And when he came in, I still remember so clearly, sitting with this tiny little rhino who was covered in blood splatter from where they shot the mom." Recently released government data said the rhino poaching toll in South Africa fell by 10 percent in 2016. However, conservationists are asserting that this does not mean rhinos are finally safe. Ecowatch notes that the battle against poachers is not over yet as three rhinos a day are still killed because of the on-going poaching crisis. Read Also: Researchers Build Robo-Rhinos to Monitor, Guard Packs, Stop Poaching The latest data from Californias Water Resources Control Board show 700,000 Californians are currently being exposed to contaminated water at home or at school. Because the state data doesnt account for the nearly 2 million Californians still relying on private wells or factor in contamination from Chromium-6, experts say the number of people with toxic water is likely even higher. In addition to those with contaminated water, another 3,511 California households reported having wells that are still dry according to state data released in January, 2017. The vast majority of those wells are located in Californias Central Valley, in places like Tulare County, Madera County, and Stanislaus County. NBC Bay Area The impacts of the drought were more widespread than people realize, said Laura Feinstein of the Pacific Institute, an Oakland-based think tank focused on advancing solutions to water challenges. We found that the majority of those drought impacted public water systems were serving disadvantaged communities. Five years ago Jerry Brown signed legislation making California the first state in the nation to declare that access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. But NBC Bay Area's investigation found that promise has yet to reach more than a million California residents living in mostly rural, poor communities in the Central Valley and Central Coast. Serious Health Effects Theres really serious health impacts from some of these contaminants, said Laurel Firestone, Executive Director of the Community Water Center, a non-profit working to ensure communities have access to safe and affordable water. It can cause cancer [and] in the case of nitrate in very high levels, it can even cause death after a few days of high exposure. The Community Water Center actually estimates the true number of residents currently living without safe, clean drinking water exceeds one million people. Firestone said the tainted water found in wells and public water systems contains everything from naturally occurring arsenic and uranium, to nitrate from fertilizer and dairy farm waste runoff. As the groundwater has become more contaminated, as weve started over-pumping our groundwater sources, its harder and harder to make sure that the water that people get in their tap is safe, Firestone said. Other health effects include everything from rashes to stillborn babies, Firestone said. When asked if these communities were in crisis, Firestone was unequivocal. Theyre all in crisis, Firestone said. I think one of the most frustrating things is if this isnt an emergency, then I dont know what is. Having toxic water coming out of your tap, not being able to access water in schools, this is really basic. State data shows 292 different California water systems currently contain levels of contaminants so high they violate safe drinking water standards. The true number is likely higher considering the state data doesnt factor in communities with Chromium-6 in their drinking water, or other contaminants such as 1,2,3-TCP, a chemical that will soon be given a maximum contaminant level under Californias drinking water standards. Click here for a description of each contaminant and the possible health effects associated with long-term exposure. For more details, visit the state's Human Right to Water Portal. Out of Water We talk a good game about taking care of these people and everybodys great about talking about it, but when it comes down to it, when it comes down to the brass tacks, they dont put their money where their mouth is, said California Assemblyman Devon Mathis. The two-term Republican, who served 10 years in the Army National Guard, including two tours in Iraq, grew up in the Porterville area. Were in California, the sixth largest economy in the world, but we still have third world conditions right here at home, Mathis said. I think a lot of people forget that. Tulare County resident Esperanza Venegas remembers when the well providing water for her family dried up last year. When we were washing dishes, showering or doing laundry, air would come out and no water at all, Venegas said. Its hard because you cant shower when you want. You cook and the dishes pile up because you cant wash them because theres no water. Like thousands of others in the community, the mother of four isnt hooked up to a public water system. Instead, she gets her water from a private well. And just like thousands of others like her, Venegas drinking water stopped flowing when groundwater levels drastically fell during years of record drought. I cry sometimes because theres no water, Venegas said. Down the road from Venegass house, the impact of California's drought is more apparent than just about anywhere else state. In unincorporated East Porterville, thousands of residents have had no running water for nearly three years. That crisis has forced residents to rely on hand-delivered bottled water to drink and water delivered by ltrucks to large, green tanks looming in front yards all over town for washing and cleaning. The dry wells also force many residents to to bathe in portable, public showers set up in a church parking lot. NBC Bay Area I used to go out and the flowers that my dad had brought me, my sister, my mom -- theyre all gone, said 96 year-old Vicky Yorba as she looks out over her yard, which is nothing but dirt and mud now. I used to cry a lot for that, Yorba said. I used to go out and see what used to be. But Yorba says the crisis has gone on so long that shes all cried out. Though local and state officials recently began connecting some East Porterville residents to a nearby public water system, there are about 800 eligible homes still waiting to be hooked up. Experts say even more residents living in the most rural parts of the county are too isolated for officials to help. Their wells have run dry and their only option is to drill deeper. In many cases those wells are also contaminated, leaving residents with tough choices. Water Equity Feinstein teamed with four other experts to author a report issued in January 2017 that focused on the human toll of Californias five-year historic drought. The team documented shortages and price hikes that affected thousands of residents access to safe and affordable water in communities like East Porterville. Water is managed very locally in California," Feinstein said. "The public water systems have a lot of local control over the sources of water and how they manage it. And that means there is a lot of disparity in how different communities have their water managed and delivered to them. The Pacific Institutes Laura Feinstein explains how Californias historic drought has impacted mostly rural, economically disadvantaged communities the most. While the state has made progress in getting clean drinking water to rural residents, Felicia Marcus, chair of Californias Water Resources Control Board, said theres more to do. But water has historically been managed locally in California, so state agenices are limited in what they can accomplish alone. Although more than a million residents are estimated to be impacted by contaminated water, Marcus said many of California's urban dwellers don't always comprehend the scope of the problem. Theres a bit of out of sight out of mind when the vast majority of people live along the coast in large urban centers, Marcus said. Recently, Californias legislature gave the State Water Board authority to force the consolidation of small water districts that cant guarantee safe water on their own. So far, only one forced consolidation has taken place, although the Board is currently considering 70 small water agencies as possible candidates for consolidation. Officials say there could be even more after that, but it only works in areas where theres close proximity between struggling water agencies and water agencies with more resources and capabiliites. The other problem is funding. The Water Board has been disbursing millions of dollars in grant money to build treatment centers and other infrastructure across the state. But the trouble is, after treatment centers and infrastructure projects are built, many small communities dont have the resources to operate or maintain them. To clear that hurdle, Marcus said state lawmakers will have to decide if they want to fund the annual operation and maintenance costs of those facilities, something that will require a two-thirds vote to pass. The states going to have to make a decision about subsidizing operation and maintenance for some of these small communities because the math just doesnt add up, Marcus said. Weve got to be thinking about it if our goal is to get clean, safe and affordable drinking water to all Californians. None of these efforts can come fast enough for residents struggling to get by with dry taps or contaminated water. Residents such as Esperanza Venegas, who worry that her community has been forgotten by the rest of California. They should come and live a day and see what were going through, you know," Venegas said. "I would invite them to my house to see what me and my kids go through. The flood relief efforts in San Jose got a massive boost on Wednesday when a billionaire swept into town and made a multimillion-dollar donation. Kieu Hoang, the owner of the eponymous Napa winery, has made it his lifes mission to help people. To that end, he presented on Wednesday a $5 million check to city officials. Born in Vietnam, Hoang has made his wealth selling medical products and is a stakeholder in big pharmaceutical companies such as Shanghai RAAS Blood Products. Hoang moved to California at the end of the Vietnam War, and his net worth is estimated to be $2.8 billion, according to Forbes. Hoang first gave city officials a symbolic oversized check. Then he signed an authentic check and gave it to Mayor Sam Liccardo. Mr. Hoangs extraordinarily generous gift will make an enormous and immediate difference for the hundreds of flood victims whove been forced from their homes as a result of this disaster, Liccardo said in a statement. He continued: "I will always remember how thousands of donors and volunteers came together in a time of crisis to contribute their time, energy and money to help our neighbors get back on their feet. Wednesday's contribution was made possible after Chieu Van Le, co-founder of Lees Sandwiches and a longtime friend of Hoang, connected the businessman with city leaders. Council member Tam Nguyen on Wednesday took it upon himself to follow through with Hoang's wish that all the flood "victims will be helped in a timely manner." The contribution will be added to nearly $1 million in donations victims have received due to last week's historic flooding. Through nonprofits such as Catholic Charities and Sacred Heart, the funds are going to start being distributed as early as next week. "We'll help people navigate the insurance companies, navigate the benefits, make sure people if they need another apartment can get what they need," said Greg Kepfurle, CEO of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. More information about flood relief efforts can be found online. Officials are advising victims to contact their insurance companies and register at the assistance center located at 2072 Lucretia Ave. Those affected by the flood, can find information on how to receive assistance from the city. The city and flood victims are looking for volunteers to help clean up and repair homes. Those interested can sign up on the city's website. NBC Bay Area's Ian Cull contributed to this report. Editor's note: This article incorrectly referred to Kieu Hoang as a Bay Area billionaire. While Hoang has a business in the Bay Area, he does not live here. Riverside firefighters provided new details Wednesday on their rescue of a San Jose woman who survived a plane crash Monday that killed her parents and family friend. Fire crews faced a wall of flames as they entered a burning home to rescue Stacey Pierce, who had been ejected from the twin-engine Cessna 310. "We took a measured and calculated risk entering the room with live fire and a lot of debris surrounding us," fire engineer Paul Seawright said. With debris from the plane and flames all around, firefighters heard the mother of four groaning. "We finally found where she was at, with Paul, and at that point, they were outside pulling her out of our hands," firefighter Dave Nelson said. Once Pierce was in safe hands, Capt. Chuck Tasker fell to his knees. "It was difficult," Tasker said. "I was just emotionally and physically exhausted. I dropped to my knees for a moment to catch my breath and kind of regained my composure, and immediately my next thought was is anyone else in the house." There was no one else to rescue. The only other crash survivor, Silvia Farelas, already was getting emergency care. Farelas' daughter, 22-year-old Adine Farelas, died, as did Pierce's parents, Nouri and Dana Hijazi. Loved ones have started GoFundMe pages for both families, who had been united by children and grandchildren on a middle school cheer team. A San Jose community is now rallying around the two mothers recovering in Southern California hospitals with critical injuries. While still learning the ropes of the department and catching up on city policy, new Oakland police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick says she wants to change the hearts and minds of police officers and help care for the city's most vulnerable residents. How she plans to accomplish that is still an open question. In a roundtable with reporters Wednesday morning, Kirkpatrick declined to talk specifics of any city or department policies, pointing out that it was only her third day on the job after being sworn in at City Hall on Monday. Kirkpatrick said she is living in downtown Oakland, setting her apart from 90 percent of the department's officers who don't live in the city. She said she gets up early, spends her mornings reading and then runs on a treadmill before heading to work. But when she has been out in the city, she says she's been struck by how many homeless people she's seen, and said she's concerned for them. "I want to know what are the initiatives, what are we doing to help the vulnerable?" Kirkpatrick said. As first responders, she said the police role is to care for them. But police spokeswoman Officer Johnna Watson was also quick to point out that the Police Department does not set policy in dealing with homelessness but rather assists in city efforts when needed. Kirkpatrick was clear that she sees the city government as her true boss, pledging that she would not be taking directives from the federal government. "I work for the city of Oakland," she said. "I am not a federal agent, I do not work for the federal government." While she said she was still too new on the job to discuss the specifics of what she might change in the Oakland Police Department, she spoke broadly about her policing philosophies, including the difference between "reform" and "transformation," saying she wants to change thinking in the department. To reform is to change policies, laws and rules to force a behavior change, but a transformation is much deeper. "When you want to change a culture, you have to change thinking," she said. "We're in the 21st century. We police differently than we did 35 years ago. I think differently than I did 35 years ago." Changing the thinking of the department could prove a tall order, as even reforms have moved glacially there. The department has been under the oversight of a federal judge since 2003, making reforms that were only intended to last a few years. The reforms were nearly complete at the beginning of 2016, but a massive scandal involving the sexual exploitation of a teen girl by police officers led to the resignation of then-police Chief Sean Whent, setting the stage for Kirkpatrick's arrival. Kirkpatrick has been in law enforcement for 35 years, originally working in her native Memphis, Tennessee, and later moving to Washington state, where she attended law school and was a police chief at three different departments. She was police chief in Spokane, Washington, for six years, also coming into that department at a time of turmoil after Otto Zehm was killed in a confrontation with a police officer in 2006. When her successor was hired in 2012, he requested a U.S. Department of Justice review of the department and the report found that it lacked leadership and transparency under Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was then a finalist for the police chief position in Chicago and stayed on there to assist the department with its own reforms. She left that position after only six months to take the chief's job in Oakland. Kirkpatrick said her one goal is to make Oakland a safe city but stressed that she takes a holistic approach to safety, saying that jailing is often not the answer to reduce crime. She says that she thinks Oakland could be the best police department in the country. Kirkpatrick was drawn to Oakland because it "is a city on the move," she said, and to the department because, "I want to be a part of a team that wants to be the best." Two suspects have been arrested in connection with shooting at an off-duty Oakland police officer as he drove on Interstate 880 on Wednesday night, police said. A third person has been arrested for unrelated offenses and is considered a person of interest in the case, according to police. The suspects' names have not yet been released. The officer, who wasn't injured, was driving south on I-880 near the 16th Avenue exit at about 11:40 p.m. Wednesday when someone started shooting at his vehicle, police said. The officer's vehicle was struck by gunfire but the officer himself wasn't hit, according to police. Patrol officers located the suspects' vehicle and tried to pull it over, but the vehicle's driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued that went into East Oakland, police said. The suspects' vehicle was later found abandoned in the 5700 block of Brookdale Avenue, but the suspects weren't found at that time, according to police. The investigation into the shooting remains under investigation and the case later will be forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office for review and possible charges, police said. San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia met with federal immigration agents Wednesday to gain a clearer understanding of the their mission and strategy in the South Bay and to keep his department in the loop on their activity. Its been two weeks since rumors of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in San Jose triggered a community panic and sent people into hiding. Garcia said the main takeaway from Wednesday's meeting was that an open line of communication between his department and the local ICE office has been established. But the chief also warned that ICE has full discretion on what it does on city streets. On Wednesday, things seemed finally to be getting back to normal on Story and King roads in San Jose. But two weeks ago, people were scrambling and went into hiding after rumors of ICE raids. "The businesses were dead; no one wanted to come shop," merchant Michelle Calderon said. "They were very scared." The police department also scrambled to get answers that day. "We cannot be operating in the dark," Garcia said. And even though the rumors were just that, rumors, the confusion and disarray that resulted prompted Wednesday's crucial meeting. "I met with them to be an advocate for our community, to explain to them the fears that are occurring in our community," Garcia said. Here's what ICE told the chief: ICE will call whenever it is about to conduct enforcement action in San Jose. When looking for a convicted criminal in a home, ICE agents reserve the right to detain other people inside that home, as they did in Santa Cruz on Feb. 13. ICE cannot establish checkpoints. ICE will not detain a victim or witness of a crime. The chief added that the agency warned the rules could change at any time. "There are no promises," he said. "I dont want to give false hope that we were able to tell a federal agency what they can and can't do because thats not reality." But the chief also told ICE it cannot count on his officers during sweeps. "Were not taking part in immigration enforcement as a police department," Garcia said. Garcia said ICE is receptive to the idea of holding a community forum, where they can publicly explain their role and mission directly to the residents. Heading into a job interview Tuesday morning, former University of California IT worker Robert Harrison is hoping the prospective employer will hire locally. He is one of 49 workers recently displaced from the university's health records department in a search for cheaper labor that recently took a trip East. Based out of Noida, India, HCL Technologies does the same services for less - a move to cut back on costs. However, the move was challenged outside the UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Tuesday with legal representatives referring to the move as "deplorable" and questioning its legality. Citing possible misuse of foreign visa programs and possible age, nationality and national origin discriminations, legal representation from Gwilliam Ivary Chiosso Cavalli & Brewer is assisting some of the affected workers. "UCSF is abusing [the H-1B visa program] by bringing in foreign workers when there are qualified American workers already performing this sensitive work which includes handling patient medical records," Gary Gwilliam, a lawyer assisting some of the former employees said in a statement. "This layoff is of major significance and has already received attention from Congress." While university officials were not available for comment following the protest, it has stated that they are following all laws regarding their hiring process and are searching for job alternatives within the UC system for those laid off. Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who challenged Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, has been sworn in as the next secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The retired neurosurgeon and Republican presidential candidate was confirmed by the Senate earlier Thursday. Vice President Mike Pence says he is confident that Carson will "open doors of opportunity" to some of the most vulnerable in the country. Carson's selection for the position raised eyebrows because he never held public office and has no experience in housing or development issues. But he earned President Donald Trump's respect and confidence during the campaign. Republicans have also praised his life story. Carson grew up in inner-city Detroit and rose to the highest ranks of the medical profession. Six Democrats and one independent joined 51 Republicans in voting for Carson to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Carson is the 17th of 22 of Trump's Cabinet and Cabinet-level nominations to win Senate approval. The Senate also voted 62-37 to move ahead on the nomination of former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be energy secretary. When his nomination cleared the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in January, Democrats said Carson would not have been their choice, but they welcomed his promises to enforce fair housing and to address lead hazards in housing and other issues. He was approved unanimously in the committee. Sarah Edelman, director of housing policy at the Center for American Progress, said her group would work to hold Carson accountable for the promises he made. Carson, she said, has "made disparaging statements about families experiencing poverty, LGBT people, and fair housing that raise questions about his ability to be a fair and effective leader." Carson, 65, will lead an agency with some 8,300 employees and a budget of about $47 billion. The department provides billions of dollars in housing assistance to low-income people through vouchers and public housing. It also enforces fair housing laws and offers mortgage insurance to poorer Americans through the Federal Housing Administration, part of HUD. Trump lauded his nominee last week, calling him a "totally brilliant neurosurgeon" who has saved many lives. "We're going to do great things in our African-American communities," Trump said, appearing with Carson on a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. "Ben is going to work with me very, very closely. And HUD has a meaning far beyond housing. If properly done, it's a meaning that's as big as anything there is, and Ben will be able to find that true meaning and the true meaning of HUD as its Secretary," Trump said. Carson has not shared specific plans publicly for the department under his leadership. At his confirmation hearing, he told lawmakers that he envisioned forging a more "holistic approach" to helping people and developing "the whole person." He didn't offer many details. Under questioning from Democrats, Carson said HUD's rental assistance is "essential" to millions of Americans and that the department has a lot of good programs. But he added, "We don't want it to be way of life. ... We want it to be a Band-Aid and a springboard to move forward." He also said he'd like to see more partnerships with the private sector and religious groups. The soft-spoken Carson, the only black major-party candidate in the White House race, grew up poor. He went on to attend Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School before becoming the first African-American named as the head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore. In 1987, Carson became famous for pioneering surgery to separate twins joined at the back of the head. In 2013, he entered the national political spotlight during the National Prayer Breakfast when he railed against the modern welfare state, with President Barack Obama sitting just feet away. Heavy winds caused a fatality and knocked down utility poles and trees across Massachusetts Thursday morning. Police in Oxford, Massachusetts say a man is dead after heavy winds knocked a tree onto a car Thursday. The incident happened on Sutton Avenue, which was closed at Douglas Road near the Rod and Gun Club. According to Methuen police, there are four reports of utility poles down. Residents are cautioned not to touch downed wires. Downed trees are impacting traffic in towns and cities like Woburn, Holliston, Leicester, Tyngsboro, Lunenburg and Haverhill. More than 31,000 customers lost power in Massachusetts. Of those who have lost electricity, 23,000 were in central Massachusetts alone. Fourteen thousand customers lost power in Fitchburg, while 3,500 lost power in Lunenburg and 3,400 lost power in Townsend. In Brockton, a house on Belmont Place was crushed by a fallen tree. The National Weather Service says the wind gusted to 53 mph in Guilford, Maine and 52 mph in Meredith, New Hampshire, and 50 mph in Portland, Maine. Central Maine Power reported more than 8,000 power outages Thursday afternoon. Eversource in New Hampshire reported that 19,721 had lost power, most of those in the southwest part of the state. Meanwhile, trees fell on multiple vehicles in Connecticut. Soon after Chance the Rapper tweeted Thursday that Gov. Bruce Rauner hadnt rescheduled a meeting to discuss education funding in Chicago, the rapper updated that the meeting would now take place Friday morning. "The Governor and I are now scheduled to meet Friday morning, I'm more than appreciative of him taking the time to discuss funding CPS," the rapper wrote Thursday afternoon. The tweet followed an earlier message that read, As of right now, my meeting with @GovRauner is still cancelled [sic] with no new info on a reschedule." The meeting was initially scheduled to take place Wednesday. As of right now, my meeting with @GovRauner is still "cancelled" with no new info on a reschedule. https://t.co/nSCmJVeOBW The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) March 2, 2017 The governors office said Rauner has been preoccupied this week responding to deadly tornadoes that tore through parts of Illinois Tuesday night, but still plans to meet with Chance, real name Chancellor Bennett. [Rauner] is meeting with families who lost their homes and thanking first responders for their service, Rauner spokeswoman Eleni Demertzis said in a statement. He looks forward to hearing from Chance and we have reached out to his team to reschedule our meeting, Demertzis added. The governor canceled Wednesdays meeting with Bennett to survey storm damage in LaSalle County. Hes scheduled to travel to White and Jackson Counties Thursday to further assess the fallout. After winning three Grammy awards last month, Rauner took to Twitter to congratulate the rapper on his historic haul. Congrats to @Chancetherapper for making history as an independent artist and taking home 3 Grammys. IL is proud that you're one of our own. Governor Rauner (@GovRauner) February 13, 2017 Congrats to @Chancetherapper for making history as an independent artist and taking home 3 grammys, Rauner tweeted at the time. IL is proud that youre one of our own. Bennett responded, requesting a sit-down with the governor. Thank you Governor, he tweeted. I would love to have meeting with you this week if possible. Rauner quickly accepted Bennetts invitation, noting that he was looking forward to the conversation. However, several GOP lawmakers reached out to NBC 5 questioning whether Rauner has listened to lyrics from some of Bennetts songs and wonder if hes an appropriate adviser on education matters. Changes are underway at the Comptrollers Office as Susana Mendoza begins her fourth month in office. On Wednesday five employeesheld over from Leslie Mungers administrationwere fired and escorted out by police. A source with knowledge of the incident says one of the employees made a scene. A spokesman for the comptroller denies that happened. A police escort is not unusual when someone is fired, according to the comptrollers spokesman. In all, 13 former Munger employees have been fired by Mendoza in recent weeks. Their positions are described as jobs that are policy level, exempt ranks that are often at risk when theres a change of administration. They are not union employees. Mendoza was sworn in Dec. 5. At the same time, the Rauner administration has hired 23 staffers who once worked for Mungers office. The governors office says no new positions were created but were able to be rehired because of high turnover in state government. A few dozen inmates who remain locked up in Cook County Jail because theyre too poor to post their relatively low bonds may be out soon under a new program States Attorney Kim Foxx announced for indigent, nonviolent offenders Wednesday, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting. After the Cook County Sheriffs Office singled out 50 cases of those who were languishing in jail for several months because of their inability to post $1,000 or less, the States Attorney and Public Defenders offices came together to identify those inmates who would be better served outside jail, Foxx said. Through agreed motions requesting I-bonds, the inmates who qualify would be released on their own recognizance. Foxx said most of those who qualify for the bond reform initiative are in for drug offenses, property crimes or retail theft. One person was in for retail theft and couldnt pay the $300 they needed to walk. . . . Another person broke into their friends house and stole some shoes, Foxx told the Chicago Sun-Times. An alternative to jail makes sense. While awaiting trial outside jail, those needing treatment for drugs or mental health would be required to get help as part of conditions of their release, the top prosecutor said. It costs $163 a day to house an inmate, so taxpayers will be saving money through the initiative, Foxx said. She said inmates who showed a propensity for a possible return to jail, such as those agitating victims, would not be considered for the program. Foxxs announcement comes in the wake of a state representative proposing that the state do away with cash bail for all people accused of nonviolent crimes something that already has happened in Washington, D.C. Working in concert with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, state Rep. Christian Mitchell filed a bill that would allow people charged with nonviolent offenses to be released on their own recognizance until their court hearings. Judges would continue to have the discretion to order detention or electronic monitoring for people accused of harming others, Mitchell said. Mitchells bill was assigned last month to the House Judiciary Committee, of which hes a member. Bail reform is a national issue. Other states also are considering doing away with cash bonds. In November, Dart called for abolishing the system in Illinois. More than 60 percent of people in Cook County Jail cant afford to pay their bond, according to Mitchell. Foxx said on Wednesday that she is constantly speaking with public safety stakeholders about bond reform, but she said if she can implement immediate solutions she will continue to do so. Prosecutors are expected to recommend former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett serve more than seven years in jail for wire fraud. Byrd-Bennett is accused of steering multimillion dollar no-bid contracts to two education consulting companies run by Gary Solomon in exchange for a promise of $2.3 million in kickbacks. In new documents filed this week, Solomons attorneys claim Byrd-Bennett lied 29 times when first interviewed by federal investigators. Her sentencing hearing is set for April 13. She had earlier pleaded guilty. Solomon, who has also pleaded guilty has been labeled the mastermind of the scheme. His attorneys are asking for 18 months in prison in new pre-sentencing documents filed, however federal prosecutors revealed they will ask for a nine-year sentence. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 24. Theres a frightening new menace turning up in drug markets across Chicagoland. And in the county morgues. Its even in the U.S. Mail. That menace is the drug fentanyl, more powerful than heroin, cheaper to make, and much more deadly. We had a 370% increase in fentanyl mixture deaths, at 24, says Dr. Richard Jorgensen, the Dupage County Coroner. And we had 16 pure fentanyl deaths---that is a complete change from the year before. Complete, as in a 100% increase. Almost every case coming through our office has some fentanyl in the system, Jorgensen says. A year ago, all the cases would be heroin cases. Dupage is not alone. Will County saw a 42% increase in Fentanyl-related deaths last year. McHenry was up 58%. And Cook County saw a shocking 400% increase. Its more powerful and stronger than heroin, but it has the same effect, says Dennis Wichern, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA here in Chicago. So many of the users try to gravitate to fentanyl to get the super high, as near death as they can get, without overdosing or dying. Problem is, that narrow line is drawn even smaller because the drug is so powerful. Fentanyl is five to a hundred times more powerful than morphine, Wichern notes. If people use fentanyl in its pure form, they are going to overdose and die! [[415242263, C]] At the U.S. Mail facility at OHare, NBC5 Investigates watched as thousands of parcels of mail from international flights were unloaded onto conveyor belts to be x-rayed. Some otherwise nondescript parcels stood out immediately to U.S. Customs agents watching the screens. So this is fentanyl, said Customs and Border Protection port director Matthew Davies, pointing at one image. Its a powdery substance which comes up orange on our screen because of the density. Davies said parcels like that are opened in the facility and field-tested immediately. But because fentanyl is so toxic, agents don bio-hazard gear to perform the tests. This is much more deadly than heroin, he said. [[415139603, C]] Nobody knows that more than Susan Moore. Last year, her 22 year old daughter, who grew up in the suburbs attending Girl Scouts and dance class, died of a fentanyl overdose. I had no idea what fentanyl was, Moore told NBC5. After the toxicology report came back, I mean it was at least two or three times the amount that can kill someone! Moore says she attends a support group of parents affected by heroin and other opioids. And more and more, its fentanyl which is bringing parents to their door. Yes, we have every week, unfortunately, she says. I think I was the first person in the group that had a fentanyl overdose when I came, and that was a year ago. And now there are at least three or four more than have come in where their child has died of a fentanyl overdose. The Centers for Disease Control says Illinois is one of nine states where deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl were up more than 70% in 2015. Fentanyl is so much more powerful and so much more addicting than heroin, says Michael Young, a former 20 year heroin user whose brother was the first registered fentanyl death in McHenry County. You see people struggling with addiction that this drug is out there and youll die from it---it goes right past them. It doesnt faze them! Through his organization Not One More, Young offers rescue and treatment for opioid users. He gets the calls day and night. You see five in a week---how did we get to five in a week when we were at two a month? he asks. I just went through a week where two people I know died. Susan Moore agrees. Shes active in the support group Live4Lali. And she hopes by telling her story, more parents are made aware. I want them to know that there is a problem, there is a problem, she says. I dont want to scare anybody, but it could happen to your kid. It could! Back at OHare, the Customs agents say that while the majority of fentanyl comes into Chicago thru conventional channels, dealers seem to be trying to see how much they can get shipped directly from the labs in China. There was an increase of some fentanyl that we saw in 2006, says Davies. But not as much as weve seen in the last year or two. We see it a lot! Feb. 28, 2015 marked the last day no one was reported shot in the city, according to the Chicago Police Department. That is 732 days since a day and night passed when no one was shot. It makes me really sad, said Dr. Michelle Gittler. As head of the Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Gittler knows more than most about what a single gunshot can do to a human body. When told of the inauspicious anniversary, she simply said, "It's not right." This is an issue of hopelessness, no consequences, she said of the daily occurrence of shootings. I dont care about my life so I certainly dont care about your life. It was uncommonly cold on Feb. 28, 2015, with a low of minus 10 recorded. This Feb. 28 brought storms to the Chicago area, along with another day and night of violence in which at least six people were shot. People dont care anymore, said Dr. Gittler. I think people are exhausted. The people that it affects are exhausted. The people it doesn't affect are exhausted by everything else and this doesnt bother them, because it isnt part of their life. Chicago Police said the city saw 44 murders this February, according to crime data released early Wednesday by the Chicago Police Department. Police also counted 167 shooting incidents for the month. Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson sat down with NBC 5s Alex Maragos to discuss February crime statistics released early Wednesday morning, as well as his personal health battle. I don't think there is a safe place for no one outside, said a 27-year old man sitting in a wheelchair in his hospital room, one of more than 420 shot in Chicago in the first two months of the year. He asked that his name not be used. He was shot in the stomach in January, his first such injury, he said. When you grow up around violence you get accustomed to it, he lamented. If that doesnt make people believe this is a public health issue, I dont know what does, said Gittler. As the shootings multiply, the Chicago Police Department has begun using high-tech solutions to try to minimize and isolate the violence. In a small room in the 7th Police District in Englewood, officers sit at desks monitoring maps and data as it comes to them in real time. A map marks hot spots where a crime is likely to occur. Photographs and names of people in the area with past criminal histories alert officers. An audio detection system can pinpoint to within 25 yards where a shot is fired. A recent incident in which six shots were fired in rapid succession, says Chief Jonathan Lewin, led to an arrest. It directed responding units to a specific yard, he said, which led to the identification of a suspect. But the police, he said, cant alone stop the shooting without help from many others. The stakeholders are the community, the businesses, the churches, the schools, our prosecution, our judges, judges giving appropriate sentences for gun offenders, he said. Caterpillar says it believes that a search warrant executed by federal authorities on Thursday at its facilities concerns "export filings" related to its Switzerland subsidiary CSARL. Federal agents appeared Thursday at three Caterpillar facilities near Peoria, Illinois, where the company is headquartered. Caterpillar spokeswoman Corrie Heck Scott confirmed to NBC Chicago that "Caterpillar is cooperating" with law enforcement but did not provide further details. In a statement Thursday, Caterpillar, one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world, says the issue it concerns was first disclosed in a 2015 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At that time, Caterpillar said the SEC had notified the manufacturer that it was conducting an informal investigation relating to CSARL, and asked the company to preserve relevant documents. Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office for the Central District of Illinois also confirmed its presence at the facilities, but declined to comment on what the search was being conducted for. Paul said the agencies involved included the Internal Revenue Service's criminal investigation unit, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s office of inspector general. She declined to comment further. Video obtained by NBC affiliate WEEK, showed agents wearing IRS jackets at the company's main headquarters. In January, Caterpillar Inc. announced it was moving its global headquarters to the Chicago area. The company previously planned to build a new headquarters complex in downtown Peoria, but those plans have since been canceled. Caterpillar has faced a number of investigations in recent years focusing on its business practices, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most recently, in early 2015, a federal court in Illinois subpoenaed the company for documents and information relating to the distribution of profits and movement of cash among its subsidiaries. It's not clear if that matter has been settled or if it is related to Thursday's search. In 2014, the SEC subpoenaed Caterpillar seeking information about the company's accounting related to its acquisition of Bucyrus International in 2011. It's not clear if that investigation is ongoing or completed. In 2013 and 2014, Caterpillar subsidiary Progress Rail was the target of two investigations into environmental and other violations, at least one of which was settled with a California agency. Also in 2014, two other subsidiaries were under investigation for anticompetitive bid practices in Brazil and criminal charges were brought against three employees of those subsidiaries. Check back for details on this developing story. Gizzell Ford, a straight-A student, was by seen almost everyone who crossed her path as a blessinga lovely, bright smart girl. The 8-year-old, in her diary, expressed a desire to have a fulfilling relationship with her paternal grandmother nourished with deep conversation and love. But all Helen Ford gave Gizzell was hell, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting. Tying her to a pole attached to her fathers bed, Gizzell was used as punching bag, whipped with a belt and deprived of food, water and sleep for days, Cook County prosecutors said. That child suffered a slow painful agonizing death, an incensed Judge Evelyn Clay said Thursday before finding 55-year-old Ford guilty of murder in a case that raised drew criticism of how the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services handles matters. Gizzell died of strangulation in the summer of 2013, but contributing to her death were blunt force trauma, child neglect and the evil child abuse inflicted on her, Clay said as court spectators wiped away tears. Ford, who prosecutors said never showed remorse nor shed a tear over her granddaughters brutal death, remained stoic when Clay delivered her emotional ruling. Ford may have squeezed the life out of Gizzells broken body, but she had been slowly killing her for days in the filthy, disgusting West Side apartment where maggots latched on to the girls skull, Assistant States Attorney Jennifer Coleman said. Even if she didnt strangle her, she wasnt going to let her walk out of that apartment alive, the prosecutor said. Gizzells father, Andre Ford, was a willing participant, cheerleading the abuse as he withered away from a chronic degenerative disease. But the manwho died in 2014 while in custody in Cook County Jail for his daughters murderwasnt physically capable of the abuse, Coleman said. Coleman and her partner Ashley Romito, in their closing arguments, went over the girls journal before and after she started living with the Fords to illustrate how the abuse affected her. People say Im smart, courageous and beautiful, the honor roll student wrote at the time she was healthy, strong and vital, prosecutors said. After the child was taken to live in the 5200 block of West Adams, her tone became more somber. I hate this life. I really think that Im a jerk, she wrote. She [Helen Ford] first broke her body, then she broke her spirit, Coleman said. Fellow prosecutors sitting in court quietly sighed when Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Hodel said Helen Ford had too much on her plate and only tied Gizzell up because she tried to stab her father, her little cousin and tried to kill herself by jumping out of a window. When mentioning the underwear the emaciated girl was seen wearing in a harrowing video and photos shown in court, Hodel said it was normal for some to wear so little on a hot summer day. Helen Ford might have used questionable disciplinary methods, but she was in over her head caring for an adult bed-ridden son and other children, Hodel argued. That was the way Helen was trying to keep order, if you will, in that home, Hodel said. Having too much on ones plate. Thats what this case is about. Helen was overwhelmed. She was overworked. She was unable to overcome what was on her plate. If anything, Helen Ford should be convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Hodel said. The defense attorney touched upon the DCFS case, mentioning how a judge took Gizzell away from her mother, Sandra Mercado, because they were kicked from home to home, and found wandering the streets at 2 a.m. Romito said stories of Gizzell trying to attack family members were unmitigated lies by relatives who want to protect Helen Ford. What happened to Gizzell was an abomination It makes you lose faith in the human race, Romito said, seethingly adding that the frail Gizzell had no chance against the black, depraved heart of the obese Helen Ford. Then pointing to another one of Gizzells diary entries, in which the girl had wrote that she had failed, Romito said, She didnt fail. The system that gave her to those people failed. Members of the Mercado family in court Thursday declined comment. Sandra Mercado, and Gizzells grandfather, Juan Mercado, have sued the DCFS, but the case has been on hold as attorneys wait for evidence that had been in possession of prosecutors handling the criminal case, attorney Martin Dolan said Thursday. Dolan said testimony in the criminal case against Helen Ford was chilling, and the timeline of the abuse showed numerous instances where child welfare investigators should have taken action, and stopped the abuse well before Gizzelles death. There was corroborating evidence that should have thrown up major red flags, Dolan said. We havent had time to examine all of it yet. When a few of Helen Fords relatives were asked if they wanted to comment after court Thursday, one woman raised her middle finger at reporters. Rep. Bobby Rush said President Donald Trump agreed to visit Chicago before delivering his first speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The legislator said the nations chief executive agreed to visit the city, which has been under a national spotlight after Trump threatened to send in the feds to curb violence, Rushs office told the Sun-Times. Trump reportedly agreed to visit the city after Rush caught the president moments before his address to Congress. A White House spokesperson could not confirm the trip. During Tuesday's speech, Trump once again pointed to Chicagos surging violence. In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher, Trump said. Chicago saw 103 homicides in the first two months of 2017. Last year, there were 102 killings in the same time period, according to the Chicago Tribune. Rushs office reportedly disputed Trumps claim, saying the president "assailed Chicagos shooting rate by erroneously stating the current [year] had already surpassed last years numbers." Since being sworn into office in January, Trump has repeatedly bemoaned violence in Chicago, comparing the citys violence to that of the Middle East and threatening to send in the Feds if local officials cant get a handle on the carnage. Mayor Rahm Emanuel urged the president last month to supply the city with additional federal resources to quell the ongoing violence. Just send them, Emanuel told reporters. Send more FBI, DEA, ATF agents. We dont have to talk about it anymore." Weeks later, Emanuel met in Washington with members of Trumps senior staff to discuss how the federal government can help address the citys violence. During the trip, Emanuel also discussed Chicagos violent crime with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Gov. Bruce Rauner was noticeably absent Monday as Trump highlighted the situation in Chicago during a White House speech to the nations other 49 governors. You look whats happening in Chicago, Trump told members of the National Governors Association. " Whats going on in Chicago? We will fight violent crime and we will win. And we will win that one fairly quickly. Once we give the police, local law enforcement the right to go in and fight it and we back them monetarily and also otherwise. Ahead of his first speech to Congress Tuesday, Trump vowed to increase federal spending to fight violent crime in the country. Despite meeting in Washington this weekend with members of the Republican Governors Association, Rauner chose to skip the NGA meetings for the second straight year. Rauner opted out of Mondays activities, which included meetings about the nations health care system, as well as Sunday's annual Govenors Ball, where Trump hosted 46 governors at the White House. Nevertheless, the governor, who was at Chicagos Mount Sinai Hospital Monday announcing plans to improve the states Medicaid services, said he has been in contact with the Trump administration. I have personally been in communications with members of the Trump administration On violence issues, the folks who are developing the policy, Rauner said without offering details on the policy or the people hes been in touch with. Ill meet with the president any time, Rauner said. As Ive mentioned, Ive talked with him on the phone. I have a very close working relationship vice president Pence, many leaders in the transition team." A second man has died in Ottawa as a result of a tornado that devastated the north-central Illinois town Tuesday night, officials said. David Johnson, 31, and his family members were in the backyard of a home on State Street when an uprooted tree came crashing down on them during the severe storms, officials said. Johnson was with his father-in-law Wayne Tuntland and his spouse, Tuntlands son, Toby, at the time, officials said. Tuntland, 76, was killed instantly, police said. Johnson was transported to OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa before being transferred by helicopter to OSF Saint Frances in Peoria, where he was pronounced dead at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday. According to the Peoria County Coroner, Johnson suffered severe head trauma, resulting in his death. For residents in the small tight-knit community, the pain is two-fold as they clean up the destruction left behind and mourn the sudden loss of their neighbors. He was a good guy, Ottawa resident Cindy Ubanek said of 76-year-old Wayne Tuntland. Another neighbor recalled seeing Tuntland walk his dog through the town every day. People say, Why was he out here? neighbor Lisa Meyers said. But I say, 'Well, it came on quickly.' We went into the basement when it hit. Johnson's spouse and Tuntland's son, Toby, were both hospitalized and released. About a dozen other residents also suffered minor injuries. Crews worked tirelessly overnight to fix and replace downed power lines and straighten snapped light poles. As of Thursday morning about 1,500 people in Ottawa were still without power. Salvation Army volunteers spent the night walking the dark streets, handing out food and water. See these people that lost everything, theres no reason to smile, David Ghantous of the Salvation Army said. [But] to see [others] helping out, handing them a sandwich or a bottle of water, really touches my heart. Avon, the affluent Hartford suburb, took a $2.9 million cut to municipal aid that mainly hits the towns education budget. Such a cut strikes directly at the heart of why people move to town off Route 44. They have a great reputation, said Aja Shabada, who recently moved to Avon because of the school system. The schools in Connecticut in general do, but the Avon area really has a great reputation for their schools. Rep. Derek Slap, a Democrat who represents parts of West Hartford, Farmington, and Avon, said taxpayers have every right to be concerned with the governors start to the budget conversation. Slap said, People are concerned about their property taxes. People are concerned about their public schools. I dont blame them. The budget process is still in its infancy, though budget writers in the Connecticut House and Senate are working on spending plans behind closed doors. The General Assembly adjourns June 6. Multiple sources in the Connecticut General Assembly described the governors budget as dead on arrival, moments after it was presented to them last month. They said the steep cuts to dozens of cities and towns were unacceptable. Slap agreed by saying, The proposed cuts are troubling and they kind of pit one town against another town or cities against a town and I think that all children in their public schools need to have adequate funding for education so when you look at the cuts, theyre a non-starter. Following our series of reports, a reminder about a law concerning school bus drivers was read to officers at roll call in Hartford. This has been done in several other towns as well. The law were talking about was highlighted in our first story. It uncovered how some police were not familiar with the law requiring them to report the arrest of a school bus driver within 48 hours to the DMV. Then in our second story, NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters revealed something else, the Department of Motor Vehicles keeps a list of school bus drivers who have had their license endorsements suspended or revoked. School districts and school bus companies are required by law to check it twice a month, but no one is making sure they check it, and NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters learned, some do not. NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters spoke with state representative Andy Fleischmann, one of the authors of the law. He believes its the DMVs responsibility to make sure operators check up on their drivers, When I looked at it it's appeared to me that they were supposed to create the registry, and then make it available to all the school bus operators and then and then on a random audit basis make sure the school bus operators were using the information properly. In response, DMV spokesman Bill Seymour says, State law does not mandate DMV to regularly examine whether school bus companies have reviewed the driver suspension list. Those overseeing bus operations must ensure the safety of their passengers by checking the list twice a month as state law requires. It is the same obligation as with other necessary safety measures. However, we will make any changes the legislature requires. The NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters will circle back with Representative Fleischmann to see what changes in the law he may pursue this legislative session. There is more opposition to plans to bring nearly three hundred new apartments to the town of Hamden. As developers continue to push the project forward, those people who live near the proposed site on Rocky Top Road said they believe they are fighting to save their neighborhood. As Tim Mack took a walk through his lush and wooded backyard on Rainbow Court, next to Rocky Top Road, he wonders if the tranquility he has enjoyed for twenty three years is suddenly at stake. Were going from this rich, natural habitat to just another apartment complex," said Mack. Mack and dozens of his neighbors have major concerns with plans to construct a 288 unit luxury housing complex off of Rocky Top Road. The street is winding and narrow; just fourteen feet wide in some spots. Neighbors are concerned if this street will be able to handle future traffic the development will bring. Im saddened; deeply saddened," Mack said about the plan. Over the last few weeks, Mack and his neighbors have attempted to slow - if not stop - the plans from progressing. They started a Facebook group that has hundreds of members and have launched a website. On Wednesday evening, a large group of people opposed to the project packed the town hall auditorium as representatives for the developer, Mountain View Estates LLC, presented plans to build on eighteen acres between Sherman Avenue and Shepard Avenue. This proposal does not reasonably pollute, impair or destroy any inland wetlands or water courses on or near the property in question," Stephen Studer, attorney for the developer, told the Inland Wetlands Commission. The commission must approve the developer's plan before it can move to Planning and Zoning officials. On Wednesday, the commission voted to bring in the services of a Professional Environmental Reviewer because of the complexity of the project in relation to environmental impact. Commissioners will select and hire the Reviewer, who would be compensated by the developer. Everybody should care about this because its an environmental issue," said Ronald Colaresi, another neighbor who lives near to the proposed project site. An Oregon man was rescued after he attempted to take photos on Charles Island in Milford. The man ventured on the visible sand bar to take pictures when he said he misjudged the tide and quickly became stranded, Milford Fire Rescue said. After calling 911 with his cell phone, Milford firefighters responded with their Marine unit to retrieve the man from the island, officials said. Rescuing firefighters were able to get the man in a specialized cold water exposure suit and assist him through waist-high waters. Conditions were poor due to strong wind gusts and choppy seas, fire officials said. Fire paramedics determined that no medical attention was needed. "All residents and visitors of the City of Milford are reminded to avoid walking out to Charles Island when the sand bar is visible. The rising tide brings a very strong current that often pulls recreational walkers out into deeper waters," Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi said in a release. A glimpse into what may have caused a freight train to derail last December in downtown New Britain as been released. A report Pan Am Railways was required to submit to the Federal Railroad Administration as been obtained by the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters. The report say over-packed railcars was the reason for the train derailment last December. Nine cars filled with construction and demolition debris tumbled over, causing quite a mess and traffic tie ups. According to Pan Am Railways, the cause was "overloaded cars. The remaining of the cars were weighed and found to be overloaded." The report notes eight other cars were carrying hazardous materials but weren't damaged. Massachusetts-based Pan Am owns the 24-mile stretch of track from Berlin to Waterbury in Connecticut. Speed according to the report appears to be 10 miles an hour. Track damage pan am estimates to be over $104,000, while equipment damage capped off at $79,500. Frost Bridge Associates in Watertown, leases and loaded the rail cars involved. A spokesman for Frost Bridge Associates disputes the report and tells the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters they were not over weight, adding, All cars were loaded correctly and weighed at frost bridge before leaving their yard. They have never been weighed by the pan am so the cause of overload is not correct, frost bridge is waiting for the FRA report from their investigation. New Britain has been in contact with Pan Am Railways since December to get reimbursed more than $78,000 dollars in city overtime, clean up and repairs. New Britain attorney Joseph Skelly said the they, "advised Pan Am that we needed a response by yesterday, Feb. 28. Since we have not received a response, we are considering a number of options including litigation if necessary." Pan Am's report submitted to the FRA does not represent the federal agencys official findings. The investigation is ongoing. NBC Connecticut is still waiting for comment from Pan Am. Waterbury residents are expressing concerns about safety after a partial roof collapse of the old Bristol Babcock factory. Richard Dowling, of Naugatuck, drives by the factory often and worries about the dangers of the building. "If they're walking by the building, it's going to fall on them," Dowling said. Dowling said that it is not uncommon for bricks to fall from the building. The factory was gutted by a fire in 2015 and the recent loosening of bricks may have been caused by increased pressure from collapsed roofs and floors inside of the building, according to the Connecticut Department of Inspections. "We have several buildings, several of these old factories, that haven't been occupied in 20 to 30 years," said Gil Graveline, the city's building official. "Once the roof goes, the whole structure gets rotted and it starts caving in on itself." These abandoned factories have wood and timber floors that are susceptible to water, which causes them to rot over time, according to city officials. Mayor Neil O'Leary tells NBC Connecticut that he spoke with the owner on Wednesday. O'Leary says that the environmental assessment is done, the owner has reached out to a demolition company, and that all parties expect demolition during the spring, once the Department of Public Health signs off. Many love spending summertime on the shoreline, which is why Stonington homeowners cashed in by renting out their houses on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Its been a highly debated issue. Last month Stoningtons Planning and Zoning Commission decided not to regulate short-term rentals, adding more competition to the rental market. Airbnb ranked Stonington amongst the largest markets in Connecticut according to guest arrivals. In 2016, Stonington saw 2,818 Airbnb guests and raked in $415,219. The town was only behind New Haven with 11,510 guests and $1,896,914 in host revenue; Hartford with 3,708 guests and $459,742 in host revenue; and New London with 2,952 guests and $372,903 in host revenue. The hospitality industry is most directly impacted by the short-term rental competition. Im pretty shocked by that number, said Bill Griffin, owner of The Inn at Stonington. He said people are price driven. Griffin said his business has grown almost every year, including a record year in 2016, adding house rentals arent the same as a full service experience. Obviously it is having impact, Griffin said. Maybe not on us, but clearly on other properties in Stonington. I would say it helps me, said Judi Caracausa, broker and owner of Market Realty. Short-term rentals are also impacting Stoningtons real estate business. Caracausa said it helps buffer the tax base, makes people keep up their properties and buy more houses, too. People who come for the summer or come for a few weeks at a time, those are the people who actually end up buying here, she said. While people who put their homes on the short-term rental market do not need zoning approval, Stoningtons director of planning said be aware of rules and regulations within certain neighborhoods, condo associations, bylaws, etc. Connecticut has 2,400 active hosts who earned more than $11 million in supplemental income last year, according to Airbnb. About 64,000 people come to the state, and averaged a stay of 3.4 nights. Connecticut State police have arrested a man accused of trying to escape troopers on a stolen canoe. According to police, Shameek Obajakuta Afrika, 45, was one of two suspects who fled state troopers while traveling in a stolen vehicle in Marlborough. When police located the car, both suspects had fled. Police spotted the suspects in a boat on Lake Terramuggus. When the suspects returned to shore police took Afrika into custody but the second suspect, who has not been identified, escaped. Afrika is charged with interfering with police, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit larceny, fourth-degree larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of safe boating regulations. He was held on a $15,000 bond. Voters in the 32nd District- which includes Watertown, Southbury, Oxford, and other sections west of Waterbury- found themselves not voting for a pair of candidates, but rather against major politicians that they flat out disagreed with. Democratic groups around the country watched the race between Democrat Greg Cava and Republican Rep. Eric Berthel, for the right to replace Republican Sen. Rob Kane in the Connecticut State Senate. Since the district was so reliably Republican, it could be viewed as a belweather for support of the new president. He did better than we hoped but not good enough to get it," said Joan Oshins, who supported Cava. Cava lost by about 2,000 votes but the vote totals weren't what made the final results interesting; it was the margin of victory. Cava lost to Rep. Berthel by ten percentage points. When you consider that Kane won reelection with a margin of 35 points, Democrats felt like they earned a moral victory at the very least, and that the president can be used in even the smallest of political races. Oshins added, "And I think the vote shows the same thing that the marches have been showing, that people are not happy. People who may have even voted for the president that hes not coming through with the bravado that he said he was going to. However, the turnout was high, 28 percent according to the Secretary of the State. The disdain for Trump may be matched by that for Gov. Dannel Malloy, who has seen very low approval numbers in his second term in office. Harry Cairns said he voted for Berthel, as a way to vote against Malloy and his recent proposed budget that saddled towns with more expenses for education and pensions. Now the plan is to pass it down to the towns and have the taxpayer, the local taxpayer pay for the pensions," Cairns said. "Thats totally wrong. It puts us in a bad light. Democrats can take solace however, because they won the other Senate race in Hartford, and a special House election in West Haven. Connecticut State police have arrested a man accused of trying to flee police at speeds over 100 miles per hour while driving a stolen vehicle. Adrian Figueroa, 36, of Waterbury, faces charges of reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, operating a motor vehicle without a license, second-degree larceny and reckless endangerment. According to state police, a trooper parked on Route 8 south near exit 36 Wednesday afternoon saw a red Jaguar speeding down the highway. When the trooper tried to stop the vehicle it took off and reached a speed of about 115 miles per hour. The suspect vehicle exited onto Charles Street in Waterbury where it crashed into an SUV and another parked vehicle before coming to a stop. Police said the Jaguar had been stolen out of Waterbury. The driver, identified as Figueroa, was arrested. The driver of the SUV was taken to Waterbury Hospital with minor injuries. Figueroa was held on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. Texas Rangers starting pitcher Andrew Cashner is dealing with biceps soreness, according to reports. Several sources reported that the 30-year-old Cashner will be examined by doctors Friday. Andrew Cashner dealing with some biceps soreness and will be "backed off" for a couple of days. Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) March 2, 2017 Cashner signed a one-year $10 million deal with the Rangers in the off-season and is slated to join the rotation. The former TCU closer was selected 19th overall in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, who converted him to a starter. The Cubs then traded him to San Diego for first baseman Anthony Rizzo. In his seven-year career, Cashner has a 3.89 ERA and struck out 7.5 batters per nine innings against a 1.32 WHIP walks plus hits per inning pitched. Former first daughter and Global Health Corps Founder Barbara Bush turned some heads Wednesday when she delivered the keynote address at a Fort Worth fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. The annual luncheon is one of Planned Parenthood's largest fundraisers in the state, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. More than 1,000 people were expected to attend; media were not allowed into the private event. A spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas said they were "lucky to have incredible community support" at the luncheon and to have Bush as their keynote speaker. "Every year we try to get a keynote speaker to join us who can speak to the issues that are important to Planned Parenthood supporters," said Sarah Wheat, Chief External Affairs Officer for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. Wheat said they invited Bush because they were impressed by her work with the Global Health Corps, which helps to promote health equity across the world. "In the room today, we had Democrats, Republicans, and Independents," said Wheat. "We're a non-partisan organization. And that's why we've been in Fort Worth for generations -- because we have such broad and deep community support." Not all were thrilled with Bush's appearance at the event. A group of about 12-15 anti-abortion activists gathered outside the hotel where the luncheon took place and held signs in protest. "We don't understand why Barbara Bush, someone with her talents and abilities, would be lending her time to an organization like Planned Parenthood," said Jillian Ferguson, a regional coordinator for the group Students for Life of America. "She cares deeply for people. And so it doesn't really make sense to us that she would be helping to support an organization that clearly does not." Ferguson repeatedly pointed out that Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of abortions in the U.S. -- and said Bush speaking at the event "implies that she supports everything Planned Parenthood does." In a 2016 interview with New York Times, which she gave alongside Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards, Bush called Planned Parenthood an exceptional organization. During that same interview, she addressed the issue of breaking with some her father's well-established views. "My parents raised us to use our voices for issues we care about," Bush told the paper. Wheat said it's important to note that Planned Parenthood provides many other services in addition to "safe, legal abortions," including birth control, HIV testing, screening and treatment for STD's, cervical cancer screening, and clinical breast exams. Well, CNN and other liberal media outlets reporting that theres no crisis in Sweden after President Trump mentioned crime in the country at Saturday nights rally. But take a look at these images, the Fox Business anchor says in the introduction to the segment, which aired on February 21. In swedish Kand svensk hogerextremist blev expert i Fox-nyhetssandning In the segment, images show torched cars in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby, and next the anchor introduces Ingrid Carlqvist: So whats the reality? Well, lets ask somebody whos on the ground there. Swedish columnist Ingrid Carlqvist joins us now from her home country. Ingrid Carlqvist says in the segment that Sweden has reached a critical mass of immigrants that dont love Sweden and dont love Swedish people. The Fox Business anchor ends the interview by exclaiming: Sweden is not Swedish anymore, oh my gosh. What the viewers are never told is that Ingrid Carlqvist has been a central player in the anti-Muslim counter-jihad movement. Nor are the viewers made aware that she recently accused representatives of the ethnic group of Jews in Sweden of being behind Swedens cultural diversity, a conspiracy theory that Swedish nazis have long promoted. Carlqvist is known for her hard-line anti-Muslim views. In December 2016, on a podcast run by members of the violent nazi organization Nordic Resistance Movement, she declared that she wants to drive out all Swedish Muslims from the country. (Radio Regeringen #28, 21 December 2016.) She has previously written for the Gatestone Institute, an American think tank. Carlqvist parted ways with Gatestone last year. In recent years, Ingrid Carlqvist has moved closer to the openly racist, white supremacist milieu in Sweden. She recently declared her willingness to collaborate with the Nordic Resistance Movement, a militant nazi group. Last year she was one of the speakers at Stockholms annual fascist conference Identitarian Ideas. She also attended this years conference, where a new alliance between the organizers and the American Alt-Right movement and Richard Spencer of the National Policy Institute was announced. Spencer gained international notoriety after giving a speech in praise of Donald Trump in which he yelled Hail Trump!, while large sections of the audience stretched out their right arms in a Hitler salute. Jews in the vanguard of Swedens cruel transformation In February, during a presentation of her new book at a seminar in Gothenburg, she stated that the big problem wasnt just Muslims. It was also Jews. It pains me, believe me, to have to state this. But those who have been the vanguard of Swedens cruel transformation into Absurdistan are Jews. In my naivity, I have viewed Swedish Jews as entirely sympathetic to the fatherland. Presumably the majority is, but those who stubbornly and purposefully, in the 60s, claimed that Sweden was awful and had to change, were above all Jews. Ingrid Carlqvist also declared that she considers those who advocate cultural diversity to be traitors to the people (folkforradare) and that she looks forward to their being punished by a tribunal. They are traitors to the country (landsforradare), they are traitors to the people (folkforradare) and the eternal question is: Have they done this because they are really stupid or is it part of a diabolical plan to eradicate Europe? Carlqvist also discussed her theory of an underlying agenda behind cultural diversity. If a people is splintered and warring against each other [] it is easier to take control over a country, she said. Defining Swedes as white and blue-eyed Carlqvist does not just move in the same circles as white supremacists, but also expresses the same ideological convictions. Our countrys population is homogeneous not just in terms of the race but also in many other respects, she asserted during her presentation in February. To Carlqvist, Swedes are white and blue-eyed and, she claims, are a people under threat. About 17 percent of the worlds population consists of white people. However, our polticians dont seem to care that we are getting fewer and fewer on the contrary. The same politicians who speak of the importance of diversity are not the least interested in Swedes surviving as a people. No-one cares whether the children who are born here are Swedes or not. Being blue-eyed is not just an eye color, it is also a figure of speech meaning being naive, and one cant help but wonder if it is related. Are we so blue-eyed that we cannot see we are getting exterminated? Ingrid Carlqvist is not the first Swede to be picked up by American media to confirm Donald Trumps view of Sweden as a country in crisis due to immigration. A Fox News interview with pundit Nils Bildt was recently the subject of controversy, as it was revealed the channel incorrectly presented Bildt as being a national security adviser in Sweden; in fact he was not. Translation: Morgan Finnsio Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says one of two police officers shot while investigating a home burglary in the city likely will be released from a hospital Wednesday. He says the second officer remains in a hospital where he's being treated for multiple wounds, including a bullet lodged near his spine. The two Houston officers were injured Tuesday in a gun battle with two burglary suspects. One of the suspected burglars was killed while the other remains at large. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture. Turner says 34-year-old officer Jose Munoz is expected to go home after an overnight hospital stay in which he was treated for a wounded foot. The mayor says the more seriously injured officer, 49-year-old Ronny Cortez, remains in stable condition. An immigration judge granted bond Thursday to a 26-year-old woman who fled violence in El Salvador, so she can leave a detention facility in North Texas to seek treatment for a brain tumor, according to Amnesty International. Sara Beltran Hernandez is pursuing medical care as she seeks asylum in the United States. She says she will be subjected to domestic abuse and gang violence if she returns to her home country. Beltran Hernandez was hospitalized for nearly two weeks after collapsing last month at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, south of Fort Worth, where she has been held since November 2015. Her attorney, Chris Hamilton, said Beltran Hernandez complained about headaches, nosebleeds and memory loss before she collapsed. She was transported to Texas Huguley Hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that requires surgery. Hamilton claims Beltran Hernandez was forcibly removed from the hospital. A spokesperson for ICE said Beltran Hernandez was discharged from the hospital and was returned to the detention center. Beltran Hernandez had sought a conditional release to have more control over her medical care. She has already been denied bond twice. The release comes after a campaign by Amnesty International, which mobilized members across the country to call ICE and ask for her to be set free. "Sara and her family are overjoyed that she will finally be able to be with her loved ones and receive medical care after being unjustly detained for over 400 days," said Eric Ferrero, of Amnesty International USA. "Sara never should have been held for so long in the first place, let alone with a medical issue. It is unconscionable to treat people fleeing violence and danger as if they are criminals. Applying for asylum should not mean giving up ones human rights in the process." Beltran Hernandez's release will allow her to reside with her family in New York City while her asylum claim is processed. A Fort Bend ISD superintendent apologized and cleared the air on misinformation spread at a Houston-area high school about requiring permission slips from imams to allow Muslim girls to wear hijabs. A student at George Bush High School in Richmond tweeted over the weekend that an assistant principal told students they needed letters/emails from an imam to wear hijabs. School officials "don't want girls who aren't Muslim to cover their heads so they are trying to make hijabis carry notes," the student said in the tweets. Read more on this story from our partners at The Dallas Morning News. Another ill juror was released Wednesday from the corruption trial of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.[[414360543,R]] On the fifth day in court, the release left just two of the original four stand-by alternate jurors who were selected for what is expected to be a four-month trial. The remaining panel of 12 jurors and two alternates are hearing evidence that has never been made public before against Price and other defendants. Price had $2,250 cash and other people's credit cards in his pocket in June 2011 when he was served with a search warrant, according to FBI Agent Aaron Covey. Warrants to search the homes and offices of Price and his county aide, Daphne Fain, were among around 20 that were served in the Price investigation that day. The agent said Price was cooperative but upset about the search. "He was polite. He was upset that we were there," Covey said. The agent said Price carried credit cards in the name of businesses run by Fain and political consultant Kathy Nealy. Earlier evidence indicated a Chevy Avalanche parked outside Price's office that day was provided to Price by Nealy. With keys surrendered by Price, the agent said he found promotional material inside the vehicle for an art gallery called Millennium 2000 run by Karen Manning. Another agent who searched Fain's home that day said a Bentley Continental automobile was found in Fain's garage. There were also items from the art gallery at Fain's home labeled "John Wiley Priceless Collections." Yet another FBI agent said price tags found on items in Price's home and in a search of the gallery in the South Side at Lamar building mentioned that same name "John Wiley Priceless Collections." FBI forensic accountant David Garcia testified about his extensive review of how money moved between accounts controlled by Fain, Nealy and Price. Garcia said Price used accounts in the name of his mother, Willie Mae Price. "There were a variety of different methods used to transfer money, if you will, to Commissioner Price," Garcia said. In opening statements, a prosecutor said Price netted $127,000 from Fain, $83,000 from Manning and $950,000 in cars, land and money from Nealy. The government accuses Price of failing to disclose all of that as income for taxes. The money from Nealy was allegedly bribes for Price's support of her clients in county business, but the government does not accuse the clients of being aware Nealy was directly paying Price. In cross examination of the government witnesses Wednesday, defense lawyers Tom Mills and Chris Knox attacked FBI evidence gathering and record keeping. The defense insists FBI errors produced false accusations and all of the transactions are either repayment of loans by Price to the women or legitimate in other ways. Daphne Fain is on trial with Price now. Karen Manning pleaded guilty and may testify against the others. Kathy Nealy has been granted a separate trial to be scheduled later. A handwritten document proclaiming Texas was freeing itself from rule by Mexico is 181 years old Thursday. It was March 2, 1836, Texas Independence Day, when historians believe the original and five copies of the declaration were made and signed by 59 men at Washington-on-the-Brazos. With the creation of the revolutionary document, settlers broke away from Mexico to create the Republic of Texas. The new republic was led by interim-President David G. Burnet until the election of President Sam Houston later that year. Only the original document remains. Texas remained a republic for nine years until being annexed by the United States 1845, making the Lone Star State the 28th state admitted to the Union. [[287968361,C]] This year, the Texas General Land Office is holding its second annual Top Texan tournament. Starting at 10 a.m., anyone can vote on who they think is the "top Texan" in history from a field of 64 famous names from the Lone Star State. Grand prizes include: A Texas flag flown over the Alamo on March 6, 2017 A 1-Year Homestead Membership to the Bullock Texas State History Museum A 1-Year Membership to the Texas State Historical Association A hardcover 2016-2017 Texas Almanac TSHA Book Bundle $500 gift card to TXHumor.com A map reproduction of your choice from the Texas General Land Office and assorted Save Texas History swag. More: Top Texan Tournament ONLINE Texas Independence Day Quiz A man is dead after a fight with a fellow temporary worker escalated into a stabbing. Grapevine Police and Fire Departments arrived at Butterfly Valves & Controls, Inc. Wednesday morning to find the victim had been stabbed with a knife and the suspect had fled the scene. Grapevine Fire EMS transported the 42-year-old victim to Baylor hospital for treatment. He was later pronounced dead at 10:34 a.m. Detectives and officers investigating the scene identified the suspect as Jose Valentine Barron of Grand Prairie. Barron was taken into custody at a nearby business without incident and faces a murder charge. Dallas police want help finding the driver they say fled the scene of a crash where two people were injured Thursday morning. According to police, a driver, who was not identified, was speeding in a Lexus on southbound U.S. 75 at about 2:15 a.m. The car struck the rear left of another vehicle being driven in the left lane, sending it crashing into the outside median, police said. The driver of the Lexus ran away and got into a nearby pickup truck, fleeing the scene, police said. A 22-year-old woman riding in the Lexus was sent to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas with serious injuries, police said. The driver of the second vehicle had minor injuries and was released at the scene. No further information was released. A couple of bald eagles that have a nest in Seagoville are expecting. The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center says the first egg was laid on January 25, the second on January 28. You can watch the live stream of the eagles, CLICK HERE to visit the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center website. John DeFillipo says the eagles are quite draw for visitors to the 2,000 acre Kaufman County conservation center. "People don't walk in that front door and say 'John tell me everything you know about water conservation,' which my board would like to hear, but they want to see the eagles, where are the American bald eagles?" You may remember when the eagles built their nest on a transmission tower that was dangerously close to high-voltage electricity. So crews built a replica tower and moved the nest 1,200 feet from the power lines. Now people around the world can watch the eagles movements on a 24-hour webcam. You can watch the live stream of the eagles, CLICK HERE to visit the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center website. "I think it's a wonderful window into wildlife observation," DeFillipo said. "I call them arm chair conservationists." The cameras caught their return to North Texas in the fall. "They arrive in September and go through a mating ritual of bringing sticks to the nest to the female and if she likes the sticks, she puts it in the nest," DeFillipo said. In January, two eggs were spotted in the nest. The Wetland Eagles website says it takes about 35 days for the egg to hatch, so anticipation is mounting for their pending arrival. "Right now they're eggs. Once they hatch, and they are nest-bound, we call them eaglets and once they fledge, once they take that first flight then they're juveniles," DeFillipo said. "I call them juvys for short, because it looks like they're in jail sometimes." This is not their first egg since moving, NBC 5 reported when an eaglet was seen five months after the move. The center believes their offspring may very well be the eagles often spotted in the area along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River in Irving, or near the Lake Lewisville Dam or the pair who've made their home north of Lake Ray Roberts. "We believe that pair that's breeding is causing that population to increase more in Texas," DeFillipo said. The hope of many watching is that the latest offspring also return to call North Texas home. President George W. Bush made his first appearance on The Ellen show on Thursday. Ellen and Bush talked about the current political climate of the country, the importance of free press and his contentious relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The former president also opens up about the trouble he had while putting on a rain poncho at President Trumps inauguration. Bush also talked about his new book Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefs Tribute to Americas Warriors. You can watch "The Ellen Degeneres Show" weekdays at 3 p.m. on NBC 5. Brenda Robinson made aviation history twice. "I've been flying airplanes for 41 years. I've flown 12 different airplanes," said Robinson during a recent trip to Fort Worth. In 1980, she became the first African-American woman Naval Aviator in U.S. history. Her missions included landing on aircraft carriers. Next, she moved on to commercial aviation. "I was hired by American Airlines in early 1990's and I flew another three airplanes including wide-bodies," said Robinson. She was one of the first black female pilots at the Fort Worth based carrier. But her presence was not always welcomed. "The only struggles that I would have are the attitudes of newly having women in the aviation community and newly having minorities in the aviation community because it was considered 'you don't understand this well enough'," said Robinson. "So they could probably try to make me believe that they were better than me and I had no place there. But that didn't work because I love aviation." Robinson now speaks to young people to encourage them to pursue an aviation career. The only struggles that I would have are the attitudes of newly having women in the aviation community and newly having minorities in the aviation community because it was considered 'you don't understand this well enough'. 45:02)) ((DB_AA HIDDEN FIGURES_RAW Brenda Robinson 1:45:54 So they could probably try to make me believe that they were better than me and I had no place there. But that didn't work because I love aviation. 4"The only struggles that I would have are the attitudes of newly having women in the aviation community and newly having minorities in the aviation community because it was considered 'you don't understand this well enough'," said Robinson. "They could probably try to make me believe that they were better than me and I had no place there. But that didn't work because I love aviation." Robinson now speaks to school groups to interest children in general and young girls in particular, in a career in aviation. "I want something to strike them like lightning," said Robinson. "And all of the sudden their eyes just open up and you cannot un-ring that bell once that happens. I love letting them see - If I can do it, you can do it." Robinson is now retired but a handful of women are following in her footsteps. Beth Powell flew for American Eagle before becoming a Miami based pilot for American Airlines. She saw Robinson's face in a hallway of pilot's pictures. "Walking the halls and I saw her beautiful picture," said Powell. "I looked up and it inspired me that one day I'll be with American Airlines. I said to myself I have to meet this lady! Powell said the aviation industry still lacks diversity. "There's about 16,000 pilots approximately with American and US Air and we have five African-American female pilots for American," said Powell. The group Women of Aviation Worldwide reported that there were 8,175 women pilots flying for commercial airlines as recently as 2010. But they are far outnumbered by 155,530 male pilots. In February, the pilots spoke to students at American Airlines' CR Smith Museum. Powell wants girls like her daughter to identify with women who are in careers like aviation. "I want her to see other examples like me to know it is possible to be an American Airlines female pilot," said Powell. Woman, renamed Julie for anonymity reasons, took in a refugee posing as a child Afghan man, called Abdul, said he was 12 but dentist assessed his age as 19-21 Abdul was polite and shy but soon turned aggressive and attacked Julie's family Police arrested Abdul but he threatened to kill Julie's family and she lives in fear The woman said she lives in fear after the man, who said his name was Abdul, threatened to kill her family after he was arrested for assaulting her relatives. During an emotional interview on ITV's Loose Women, the mother, who was renamed Julie for anonymity reasons, has now called on the Government to carry out proper age checks on refugees coming to the UK. Pictured: Julie being interviewed by Ruth Langsford and Saira Khan on ITV's Loose Women She told presenters Ruth Langsford and Saira Khan that she had taken in the asylum seeker after being asked to look after him for a 'few nights' by social services. Julie recalled: 'When I walked into the room, I didnt think he was the person they were referring to. He looked about 19. He was very quiet and very timid. I didnt want to hurt his feelings, but I dont usually take teenagers. I take younger children. But I just thought he needed a home and didnt think anymore of it.' Despite her initial misgivings regarding the boy's age, Julie generously opened up her home up to the youngster. However, she became suspicious of his true identity after a dental examination. She said: We went to a dental appointment and the dentist age-assessed him between 18 and 21. 'They had to give him the benefit of the doubt and because he claimed he was 12 and the dentist aged him as 21, they placed him at 16. They averaged him.' Julie said that at first her new arrival was pleasant and well behaved, but soon he turned nasty. She later found out he was not the person he said he was and had been arrested while posing as a child refugee in Belgium. She said: He was lovely in the beginning. Very humble, very polite, very thoughtful. But as the weeks went by I started to notice a change in him. I was comparing him to my boy and he was more mature than my boy was. 'He had been arrested in Belgium. He had a bone density x-ray there and they said 'you arent 12' and sent him on his way. I found out that he claimed asylum there as 17-year-old. I couldnt understand why that information wasnt passed on to me. I became very frightened, he became quite menacing after I set up a Facebook account for him. 'I was hoping to help him find his family and then shortly after he was receiving these phone calls where his manner would change dramatically and he became intimidating and quite threatening. Julie said she felt scared to be alone with Abdul in her own home but didn't want another family placed with such a temperamental and possibly dangerous man. She said: I was concerned because if they asked to re-home him, I didnt want him to go to another family because he wasnt who he claimed to be. I can remember one day he went up to the fridge and he was looking at a photo of me and my daughter, as if he was trying to intimidate me through my daughter. 'My daughter was stood there and I can remember thinking, 'dont turn around'. I knew and I could see what he was doing in the corner of my eye, but I kept on wiping up. He walked right up behind me and I can still feel his breath on the back of my neck and I can remember feeling petrified. Julie said she later found that Abdul had been visiting extremist websites on his mobile phone and an interpreter relayed messages, sent to family and friends, where he had been joking about tricking the British government into thinking he was a child. She said: 'I was so shocked. I can remember thinking, ''Oh my god! Who is this person?' A permanent home was found for Abdul and it was then that he started to lash out at Julie and her family. She said: 'There were other homes that had been offered to him and it wasnt where he wanted to go. 'When another home came up he became very aggressive about it. He started [attacking] verbally and then a member of my family got in between us, in fear of me getting hurt, and then he pushed them back and started punching. 'I ran to get the police and I was just pleading with him to calm down and just said ''why are you doing this?''. Abdul was arrested for the assault but now Julie lives in fear of him coming back and attacking her family She said: He did make threats to us before the police took him, to me and the children. He did say when he was removed: Ill kill you all. I know where you live Im very frightened since he was removed. I know that hes not being properly watched and he could at any time turn up at my house. Julie Im very frightened since he was removed. I know that hes not being properly watched and he could at any time, turn up at my house. I panic if Im not at school on time. 'He knows the school runs, hes knows everything. We changed the locks at the house and Im constantly vigilant of everything.' Julie has called for Theresa May to enforce greater scrutiny on the refugees who are being taken in by British families. She said: 'Its not that I want to put people off looking after any refugee or asylum seeker, its just that proper checks need to be done. They are guessing these mens ages and placing them in the homes of other vulnerable children. 'To Theresa May and the Government I would like to say, if you are insisting on allowing these men to come here then make sure you give proper age assessment checks, like in Belgium. 'Stop putting the burden on carers to deal with it, carers like myself whose families are being put at great risk.' University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven is scrapping a controversial plan to develop a Houston campus, a project that had been sharply criticized by state lawmakers and other officials. The system doesn't have an academic footprint in Houston, and McRaven surprised many with a move to buy 300 acres to develop a data center. State lawmakers scolded McRaven for keeping them in the dark about the project. The retired admiral and former leader of U.S. military special operations said he couldn't rally support for the Houston project. On Wednesday, McRaven said the decision to abort was his and that land already bought will be sold. McRaven said he believes he still has the backing of the Board of Regents to lead of the UT System. Syrian government forces battling the Islamic State group re-entered Palmyra on Thursday in their quest to again take the historic town they had lost to the militants in December, state media reported. The Kremlin's spokesman said President Vladimir Putin was informed by his defense minister that Syrian troops had gained control of Palmyra, with support from Russian warplanes. However, there was no immediate confirmation of Palmyra's seizure from the Syrian military and the Russian reports did not provide more details. The SANA news agency reported earlier that government troops had entered the town's archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, around mid-day, then the town itself, as IS defenses crumbled and militants fled the area. It said army units were engaged in "precise tactical operations" and chasing remnants of IS fighters holed up inside the ancient town. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition monitoring group, said IS militants pulled out completely from Palmyra, adding that troops were conducting mopping-up operations. The Syrian government's push has relied on ground support from Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group and Russian air cover, according to Hezbollah's media outlets. IS defenses of the town had begun to erode on Sunday, with the government troops reaching Palmyra's outskirts on Tuesday. Activist-run Palmyra News Network said the advancing forces pounded the desert town famed for its ancient Roman monuments and grand stone theater with artillery and airstrikes during the day. This is the government's second campaign to retake the desert town. It seized Palmyra from Islamic State militants last March only to lose it again 10 months later. Before the civil war gripped Syria in 2011, Palmyra was a top tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The town, according to Mohammed Homsi, the director of the activist-run Palmyra News Network, is almost entirely deserted. Islamic State fighters reportedly evacuated the last of their relatives on Sunday, he said. Archeologists have decried what they say is extensive damage to its ruins. Drone footage released by Russia's Defense Ministry earlier this month showed new damage to the facade of Palmyra's Roman-era theater and the adjoining Tetrapylon a set of four monuments with four columns each at the center of the colonnaded road leading to the theater. A 2014 report by a U.N. research agency disclosed satellite evidence of looting while the ruins were under Syrian military control. Opposition factions have also admitted to looting the antiquities for funds. The IS group has twice used the town's Roman theater as a stage for mass killings, most recently in January, when they shot and beheaded a number of captives they said had tried to escape their December advance. Other IS killings were said to have taken place in the courtyard of the Palmyra museum and in a former Russian base in the town. The developments in Palmyra came against the backdrop of Syrian peace talks underway in Geneva, which have been without any tangible breakthroughs so far. Diplomats and negotiators have set their sights on modest achievements in the latest round of talks, after a week of discussions centering on setting an agenda for future talks. On Thursday, U.N. Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura was due for another round of meetings with both the government delegation and opposition groups. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told reporters Wednesday that "the parties have agreed to ... discuss all issues in a parallel way, on several tracks." After a Damascus request, the issue of terrorism is also on the table, he had said. Russia is a key sponsor of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government in Damascus. A top Syrian opposition negotiator, Nasr al-Hariri, said the talks would likely culminate in a closing ceremony on Friday and the parties may be back in Geneva for further discussions in a few weeks. Setting the agenda and strategy to guide discussions has proven difficult as the main conflicting parties dig in their heels over form and semantics. In Turkey, the country's foreign minister said that with the completion of an operation to retake the IS-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria, Turkish troops will head to the Syrian town of Manbij next, to oust U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces that Ankara views as terrorists and a threat to Turkey. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday that Turkey would not shy away from attacking the Kurdish group that dominates the Syria Democratic Forces, which captured Manbij last year after weeks of deadly fighting with IS. He renewed calls for the new U.S. administration not to support the Kurdish forces. Cavusoglu stressed that an operation to take Manbij had not started yet, but acknowledged that skirmishes between Turkish-backed forces and the Kurdish fighters may have occurred. That front line in northern Syria was further complicated by a concurrent announcement by the Syrian Kurdish side on Thursday that they had agreed with Russia to withdraw from some of the territory between al-Bab and Manbij, to make room for a buffer. The Manbij Military Council, part of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said that under the deal, they will withdraw from a front line as the rival Turkish-backed forces near the Euphrates River. This will allow Syrian government forces to create a buffer between them. However, Cavusoglu denied any such agreement was reached. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government. The Turkish and Syrian authorities have long regarded each other with thinly-veiled hostility. In other developments, German authorities arrested a Syrian national on suspicion of murdering dozens of civil servants in Syria in 2013. They said the suspect could stand trial for war crimes. An associate of the man was also arrested. The two men reportedly belonged to an al-Qaida-linked faction fighting the Syrian government. The top White House ethics attorney says counselor Kellyanne Conway "acted inadvertently" and "without nefarious motive" when she promoted Ivanka Trump's fashion line during a television interview at the White House. Stefan Passantino, deputy counsel to the president on compliance and ethics, wrote in a letter to the Office of Government Ethics that he met with Conway and resolved the matter. Administration employees are subject to rules that prohibit them from using their official position to endorse products or services. In the Feb. 9 interview, Conway said to "go buy Ivanka's stuff." Conway was reacting to reports that Nordstrom had dropped the line, which the president believes was a political move. The store says it was a business decision. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have condemned Conway's behavior. Mitchell Gould and Daisy Marco thought they had bought their dream house. Tucked in a quiet neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills, the house has beautiful views, friendly neighbors and plenty of room for their cats. "It's a really quiet neighborhood. There are families and a lot of older couples," said Marco. So when moving trucks pulled up and a new car was parked in the driveway of their next door neighbor, Marco went over to introduce herself. That's when, she said, the nightmare next door began. Instead of a new family moving in next door, the house was listed on Airbnb --a website for short-term housing rentals. "It's a vacation house. It's a party house," said Gould. Gould and Marco say the host moved in a pool table and added a hot tub to the back patio, just yards away from Gould and Marco's bedroom window. "They set up the place to have 12 beds and it's not a 12-bedroom house," said Gould. Almost immediately, the guests began coming and going at all hours, according to the couple. They said the guests would stay up late partying, leave trash strewn up and down the street and park in front of their driveway blocking their cars in. "Most disturbingly, they were smoking and throwing their butts just off the balcony into the foliage," Gould said. "If, God forbid, a fire starts back there, we're going to lose our house first. "We've lived here for several years now and the last three weeks, we're suddenly living next to a hotel." And, Gould and Marco are not alone. An NBC4 I-Team investigation found examples across Los Angeles of what appears to be Airbnb hosts turning apartments and homes into neighborhood hotels. Some of the listings were available every day of the month. "Per the zoning code, it's not legal to rent a home or an apartment in a residential area for less than 30 days," explained Roy Samaan, a policy analyst for LAANE -- a nonprofit advocacy group pushing for regulations on short term rentals like Airbnb. The Los Angeles City Attorney's office also told NBC4 these short-term rentals are against the law -- violations of both zoning code and occupancy rules. The NBC4 I-Team reached out to the host, who calls himself Alex, about staying in the house next to Gould and Marco for a week. He offered to rent NBC4 the property for $3,181 for five days. But it turns out Alex doesn't actually own the home. When the I-Team contacted the actual owner, she said she believed she was renting the home to a young couple with a baby. And she said that she doesn't know anyone named Alex, nor did she give permission to advertise the house on Airbnb. When the NBC4 I-Team asked Alex about it, he wrote back that this is "a false story as the property isn't for rent for short term use and it's only available for stays longer than 30 days when I'm out of town working." But two of three reviews for the property say those guests only spent a single night at that location and Alex offered the house to the NBC4 I-Team for only five days. Shortly after the I-Team contacted Alex, the listing was taken down. An Airbnb spokesperson told the I-Team that they don't get involved in issues between renters and landlords. He said the majority of Airbnb stays are safe and enjoyable experiences. Not all of the neighbors near Airbnb properties agree. The I-Team found what could be full-time Airbnb hotels all over town, including one in the Fairfax area. "You have people who come to town to party, to have a good time. So they're drinking and they're smoking. I have a young family here," said Matthew Berger who lives next door to what he said is a full-time Airbnb hotel. He said he is worried about strangers partying just a stone's throw from his daughter's bedroom. "I don't want to be constantly concerned about who's next door," Berger said. When the I-Team reached out to an owner of that property, he said he was not aware of any laws against renting the home on Airbnb. He said he takes the responsibilities of a property owner seriously and has "discussed the matter at length with our immediate neighbor to try to resolve his issues." In the heart of Hollywood, the I-Team found a hostel-style hotel -- a three bedroom apartment complete with bunk beds and shared bathrooms -- all available for rent on Airbnb. Airbnb said they're cracking down on these hostel-style rentals and they've removed hundreds of listings already. They encourage homeowners with concerns about an Airbnb property to use their online "Good Neighbor Tool" for sharing complaints. They also said they're working with city officials to develop regulations on short-term rentals that include quality of life protections. The Los Angeles City Council is currently considering an ordinance that would legalize short term rentals with certain conditions. People who want to rent their properties using sites like Airbnb would have to register with the city and the number of rental nights would be limited. The proposed ordinance would also only allow hosts to rent out their primary residence, the city attorney said. But Samaan said regulation without enforcement is fruitless. "The enforcement is essential. We can pass ordinances all year and if there's no enforcement it won't make a difference," he said. "I think the key is making sure that companies like Airbnb are liable to really make sure what's happening on their site is above board." Marco and Gould said they've tried everything they can think of to address the Airbnb next door to their house. They've talked to neighbors, called their city councilman, contacted the host and even reported incidents to the LAPD. "It's really frustrating," Marco said. "No matter where we live in the city, this could happen. I don't want to move. We love our house. We love our neighborhood. But even if we move, somebody could do the same thing in the house next to us." A plane that crashed into a California neighborhood and destroyed two homes was carrying husband-and-wife pilots and their grown daughter, and a mother and daughter who were friends of the family, relatives said Wednesday. Stacey Pierce was one of two survivors of the crash, but is still in critical condition, her family told NBC Bay Area Tuesday night. Her parents, Nouri believed to be the pilot of the twin-engine Cessna and Dana Hijazi, were two of the three people killed in the crash, the family statement indicated. All three are San Jose residents. "You see these things on TV and you don't think that this'll happen to your family," said Christy Crown, Pierce's sister-in-law. "It's surreal watching it, knowing these were members of our family." Meanwhile, Brandon Fareles of San Jose said his 22-year-old sister Adine was among the dead. Their mother Sylvia survived the crash, but suffered severe burns that required surgery. The two women who survived were ejected from the plane before being rescued and rushed to the hospital, Riverside Fire Department Chief Michael Moore said. Authorities have not yet confirmed the victims' identities. "He was an extremely experienced pilot, which was his hobby, his passion," Crown said in a statement on behalf of the family. "We want to say how incredibly devastated and heartbroken we are and still trying to process everything." The group was returning from a weekend cheerleading competition at Disney California Adventure Park where Adine's younger sister competed. The Union Middle School student arrived safely back in San Jose by bus with the rest of her team. Pierce is the mother of children who also study at the same school, district Superintendent Denise Clay said in a statement Wednesday. Before the crash, the smiling members of the team celebrated their first place trophy win at the weekend's national cheer competition, according to the group's Facebook page. Adine Farelas posted that she was "having a blast' with her mother and Pierce and looking forward to heading to the Disneyland park where the event was to be held. The Union school district is in mourning and has grief counselors on hand to help the students cope. "Our hearts go out to the families and the friends of the victims," Clay said in the statement. "It is times like these that, as a community, we must rely upon one another for strength." Moore said the Cessna 310 had just taken off from Riverside Municipal Airport, less than a mile away, and was bound for San Jose. The plane crashed under "unknown circumstances" shortly after 4:40 p.m. Monday, igniting an inferno that destroyed two homes and slightly damaged two others. "Upon impact, the plane pretty much split apart," Moore said. Juan Cortes and his son, Jonathan, were installing fencing when they saw a low-flying plane make an awkward tilt and go straight down into a neighborhood. "I saw the smoke, the black smoke," said Cortes, 42, who raced to the scene in a truck with his son and tried to help. People were screaming in the street, and he saw a woman pulled away from the flames. "She was alive because she was screaming, 'My daughter! My daughter!'" he recalled Tuesday. Traci Zamora, 38, rushed out of her home and around a corner to find a house engulfed in flames. Then saw a victim emerge, part of her body ablaze. "She just came crawling right out of it onto the front lawn," she said. "Her lower body was on fire." Despite the inferno, no one on the ground was hurt. "The airplane itself is in quite a few pieces, spread over a debris field" of about 100 to 150 feet, said Stephen Stein, an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators have received conflicting accounts of what may have led up to the crash and were continuing to interview additional witnesses, Stein said. Weather in the area 60 miles east of Los Angeles had included rain, but there were no immediate indications of what caused the crash. NTSB investigators will examine environmental conditions, including the weather, along with the pilot's history, flight records and the physical components of the aircraft, Stein said. A Palo Alto flight instructor who watched a video of the Cessna crashing into the homes told NBC Bay Area that he suspects that one of the two engines failed, forcing the pilot to react quickly. The tail number of the aircraft was N1246G, according to a government official with knowledge of the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to release the information until next-of-kin have been notified. Federal records show that number is assigned to a twin-engine Cessna 310 registered to Nouri Hijazi. Telephone listings for him were either disconnected or went to voicemail. Moore did not provide the name of the cheerleading competition, but the Jr. USA Nationals for girls 15 and under was held at Disney California Adventure Park over the weekend. Officials with the competition did not immediately return calls Tuesday. For many in the neighborhood the crash announced itself with a tremendous boom that rattled their houses like an earthquake. H.L. Reyes, who lives about a quarter-mile from the crash site, said she felt the ground shake and saw plumes of black smoke. "I thought it was a possible earthquake, and we heard all the birds just suddenly react outside, too," Reyes said. "This was just like a nightmare coming true." Hector Jimenez, 19, was playing video games at home when he heard a loud boom and saw black smoke. "It's just sad that it happened here," he said. "It makes me nervous living around an airport. That's one of my worst fears, having this happen." Flyers about Muslim internment camps were found posted on the UC San Diego campus Wednesday, NBC 7 confirmed. The posting on a billboard took the form of Internment Notices, which signaled the roundup of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II. But these notices targeted Muslims. NBC 7 discovered a flyer hanging on the bulletin board inside Argo Hall, a residential hall in Revelle College. It called for the evacuation of members of the Islamic faith living in San Diego County. In part, the poster read: "All Muslim persons, both alien and non-alien, will be evacuated from the above designated area by 12:00 o'clock noon Wednesday, April 8, 2017. No Muslim person will be permitted to enter or leave the above described area after 8:00 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2017, without obtaining special permission from the Provost Marshal at the Civil Control Station..." NBC 7 received an email from a person who claimed responsibility for the flyers. The alleged creator of the flyers said they weren't meant to be "anti-Muslim," but designed to "shock and anger people" by using the Japanese internment as a cautionary tale. "The posters were meant to mimic the internment posters because I wanted to shock/anger people and to show them what could happen if they didn't do anything to stop it. It was a warning presented as a possible future," the email read. UC San Diego has not responded to NBC 7's request for comment. Students who spoke to NBC 7 Wednesday evening said they were outraged at the flyers and the tone it took about the Japanese internment. To mock it and to make fun of it or to even take it seriously is messed up. It's just wrong, student Kra Bars said. "It should be taken seriously because this is not a joke, freshman Silvina Rodriguez said. "Its not right. They shouldn't be allowed to do any of this, Argo Hall resident Rosa Moreno said. UCSD newspaper The Triton said flyers were also found hanging at Thurgood Marshall College, another one of the university's six colleges. Marshall College, the third college founded on campus in 1970, was named after Thurgood Marshall, the first black U.S. Supreme Court Justice. UC San Diego has a history of racial unrest--in 2010, the Compton Cookout party that mocked Black History month drew backlash and sparked protests on campus. In two other incidents in the following weeks, a noose was found hanging in a campus library and a KKK-style hood was placed on a statue outside the main campus library. Campus is one of the most accepting places in the country, student Kra Bars said. It's not known how long the flyers have been hanging on campus. "You find it offensive, yes, and I am pretty sure that's not the only one posted, freshman Lizbeth Ibarra said, tearing down one of the posters. Students said Argo Hall is co-ed and has about 700 students of diverse backgrounds living there. The incident comes amid a spike of hate crimes and other hate-related cases in the U.S. in recent months. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups rose from 892 in 2015 to 917 in 2016. The number of anti-Muslim hate groups saw the greatest rise, increasing to 101 from 34 in 2015, according to the annual census of hate groups by the SPLC. The increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes coincided with the increase of these hate groups, the report said. Donald Trump's election and rhetoric during the campaign is, in part, responsible for this rise of anti-Muslim hate groups, the SPLC wrote in the report. Trumps immigration order severely restricting travel from seven mostly Muslim countries was also seen by his critics as anti-Muslim. In his speech to Congress on Tuesday, Trump referenced threats against Jewish community centers and last week's violence targeting two Indian-American engineers in Olathe, Kansas, but did not specifically use the word "Muslim" in condemning hate crimes. Trump was expected to sign a new executive order on immigration in the coming days. The new order will remove Iraq from the list of countries whose citizens face a temporary U.S. travel ban, U.S. officials said Tuesday. Fifty-five people have been indicted in connection with a massive North County heroin, meth and firearms trafficking ring, according to ten federal indictments unsealed Wednesday. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, those indicted were responsible for supplying at least 25 percent of North County's heroin and methamphetamine. The ring also supplied significant quantities of heroin to a distribution ring in Kingman, Arizona. The defendants - 46 of which are in custody right now - include prominent drug dealers and documented gang members, and were involved in a variety of crimes, including drug distribution, firearms trafficking, robberies, vehicle thefts, burglaries and assaults. One house that was the center for much of the distribution of drugs is just steps away from Vista High School. Patty Jennings has a son who is a senior at Vista High and told NBC 7, drug activity has plagued the neighborhood surrounding the school for years. "It's not safe. It's not safe at all. I don't even let my kids leave their cars here if they're going to be gone even on a school function very long because as hard as they try with security, it's not safe," Jennings said According to charging documents, defendant Yadira "Pini" Villalvazo, a Mexican national and Vista High School graduate, allegedly led a trafficking organization where she used dozens of street gang members to distribute heroin. Villalvazo, an associate of the Vista Home Boys street gang for a period of time, was later deported for a federal drug trafficking conviction in 2002. In Mexico, Villalvazo allegedly runs her own Sinaloa Cartel-linked organization, according to charging documents. The tens of thousands of dollars the ring grossed in the San Diego region were sent back to Mexico, according to court documents. After a yearlong investigation lead by the North County Regional Gang Task Force, more than 150 members of the task force, in addition to other law enforcement agencies, arrested numerous suspects in more than 20 locations in Oceanside, Vista, Kingman, Arizona, and other North County locations. Fourteen suspects were arrested Wednesday morning, and several others were arrested earlier in the week, or were already in custody. Seven defendants, two of which are in Mexico, are still on the loose. According to authorities, Andrea Ball and her boyfriend, David Siladji, two of the suspects charged, would use the house to distribute drugs. U.S. Attorney's Office The investigation involved months of federal wiretaps, dozens of undercover drug and gun buys and extensive surveillance. Today weve taken out one of North Countys largest heroin suppliers, said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana Robinson in a statement. This crackdown is our most significant response to date to the heroin epidemic ravaging our communities. We anticipate seeing a huge impact now that these defendants are removed from our community, particularly in the North County cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and other areas plagued by gangs. Authorities seized heroin, methamphetamine and 25 firearms, including handguns, revolvers and assault rifles. The drugs and guns were being sold in North County neighborhoods, including across the street from Vista High School, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The gang task force also targeted major methamphetamine distribution cells connected to North County street gangs during the investigation, including rings allegedly led by Sabrina Yzaguirre, Ivan Bazan - also known as Dreamer - and Jorge Enrique Jara Cervantes, also known as Scorpion. Pound quantities of methamphetamine were distributed to Alabama and Tennessee in a ring allegedly led by Cervantes. Between 2011 and 2015, meth-related deaths in San Diego County have increased more than 80 percent. Heroin deaths in the County have doubled in the last decade, even with the use of naloxone. Heroin treatment admissions have risen in the County ever year since 2011. A public memorial viewing will be held Thursday night for Whittier police Officer Keith Wayne Boyer, who was killed in a gun battle that left a second officer and the suspect wounded. Boyer, 53, was killed shortly after 8 a.m. Feb. 20. 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. Boyer, a grandfather, musician and school resource officer, had been with the department for 27 years. The viewing for Boyer will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Whittier Area Community Church, 8100 Colima Road. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday 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. The shooting suspect, Michael Christopher Mejia, 26, was shot in the back and hospitalized. He was charged Wednesday with capital murder. The Whittier Police Officers Association has created a fund for people to make donations on behalf of Boyer and his family. Donations to the WPOA Benevolent Fund can be made in person at the Whittier branch of the Credit Union of Southern California, 8028 Greenleaf Ave. Checks should be made out to WPOA Benevolent Fund and reference account number 488879. Checks can also be mailed to Credit Union of Southern California, WPOA Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 200, Whittier, CA, 90608, Attn: David Valencia. California Pizza Kitchen was also set to do a three-day fundraiser for Boyer March 6, 7, and 8. Supporters can bring the flyer to one of 53 participating locations and 20 percent of the bill will go to Boyer's fund. Purchases can be dine in, take out or catered. We're now just over a month into the Year of the Rooster, it's true. But the Lunar New Year celebrations continue, meaning anyone who has not yet raised a lantern, or joined a festive activity, still has time to do so, before the annual community celebrations wrap up. And that perfect place in Southern California to bid farewell to the multi-week Lunar New Year observations? It's the Chinese American Museum, which traditionally plays host to the final major new year's party on the local calendar, the Los Angeles Lantern Festival. As the name suggests, things get glowing around sundown at the afternoon-into-evening March 4 event, but things get going much earlier in the day. So arriving well ahead of sunset, the better to fully jump into the assortment of activities, is a really solid idea. The Immortal Lions Dance Troupe opens the occasion with a vibrant dance presentation during the noontime kick-off ceremony, and several hours of performances shall follow, with Ballet Folklorico, magic from David Chen, and K-Pop Dance troupe Koreos all on the slate. There shall be noshables at the Saturday-cool gathering look for the food trucks, or head to nearby Olvera Street and there will be museum tours, too. The beautiful, rippling Silver Dragon closes out the auspicious, look-ahead happening with shimmery majesty, not long after nightfall. The seven-hour, joy-brimful, lantern-lovely celebration is free. Happy Year of the Rooster, everyone. May it be the best one yet. A suspected drunk driver crashed his car into a building in downtown Los Angeles early Thursday morning during an attempt to flee from police, police said. The Los Angeles Police Department's Central division attempted to pull the driver over around 4:30 a.m. when he fled and crashed his car into a building in the 900 block of South San Pedro Street. After the crash, police found the man in the car. He was treated at the scene for injuries and was taken into custody for on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Central division. An 11-year-old boy died Wednesday after he collapsed on the track field at Miami Northwestern High School. Miami Fire Rescue said the boy was warming up for his after-school track club meeting when he suddenly collapsed. When first responders arrived at the scene, the boy had no pulse and was not breathing. The 11-year-old was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he later died. He was identified by family members as Kaleb Harris. Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho tweeted on the passing of the young boy. No deeper pain than suffering loss of one's child. Tonight, we mourn alongside the family of a boy who passed away following track practice. Alberto M. Carvalho (@MiamiSup) March 2, 2017 NBC 6 has confirmed the child was a student at Florida International Academy Charter School. He was participating in after-school activities at Northwestern High School when he collapsed. A Broward County School is investigating a shocking case of cyberbullying after a young girl was filmed in the bathroom. The experience was so upsetting for the Hollywood Academy Of Arts & Science middle schooler that she says she won't even use the bathroom at school anymore. The 12-year-old says she was in class when some other students told her there's a video of her in the bathroom. One student encouraged her to come forward and tell the principal, who told her the offenders could go to juvenile detention for making and sending the video. The girl says she was angry to hear about the video, and feels like she doesn't have her friends to turn to anymore. "Why me? I was like, kind of nervous, cause I was just like this is gone for like how many days now? And like how many people have seen it?" the girl told NBC 6 "And so it was just like oh my God, and I've been walking around like all happy and whatnot and this has been going around and no one said until now." Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science says it's investigating, but because the video disappeared there is no evidence. "Our very highest priority is the safety and security of our students. It is heartbreaking to us as adults when we hear of an allegation of inappropriate photos or cyber bullying taking place and we cannot do anything to locate the perpetrator," the school said in a statement. The school also says it's planning to talk to students this week about cyber safety. Family members are mourning the death of an 11-year-old boy who died after collapsing on the track field at Miami Northwestern High School. "He's truly gonna be missed, missed already," said Susie Pounds, grandmother of Kaleb Harris. "Kaleb was a loving, kind, caring, considerate, very warm-loving spirit." His family says Kaleb was out doing what he loved, warming up with the Metro Dade Track Club Wednesday afternoon at Miami Northwestern when he suddenly collapsed. "Several people witnessed him collapse. Initially some people probably thought that he was playing or may have been dehydrated, but when they realized he wasn't getting up they knew something was wrong," said Capt. Ignatius Carroll, with Miami Fire Rescue. Kaleb was unconscious and not breathing when he was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he later died. The sixth grader leaves behind his mother, grandmother, four sisters and a new-born nephew. His family said he loved his siblings and doing whatever it took to make people around him happy. "Kaleb loved making people smile, he loved doing things for people, he loved being there for you in anyway he could possibly help," Pounds said. At Kaleb's school, Florida International Academy, grief counselors met with students Thursday to help them cope with the tragedy. Many of the staff recalled conversations they had with him Wednesday. "Couple hours before he was just in my presence. So to believe this young energetic child that was under my leadership had expired was just unbelievable. Even now in this moment it is still unreal," said Dr. Leroy Wright, dean of the school. Family members said Kaleb had no pre-existing medical conditions that they're aware of. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Will Allen and his business partner have been sentenced to prison for running a Ponzi scheme that took in more than $35 million. A federal judge in Boston on Wednesday sentenced Allen, who lives in Davie, and Susan Daub of Coral Springs each to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay restitution totaling $17 million. Allen and Daub collected millions from investors between 2012 and 2015, saying it would be used for high-interest loans to professional athletes. Their Massachusetts business made some loans but also diverted money to themselves and other ventures. Both pleaded guilty in November to charges including wire fraud and money laundering. Allen spent six seasons with the Dolphins from 2006 until 2011 after starting his career with the New York Giants. He most recently played for the New England Patriots before retiring in 2013. What do you do for an encore when the first movie youre in wins the Oscar for Best Picture? For Alex Hibbert and Jaden Piner, the answer to that question is simple. You go back to the 7th grade. Alex and Jaden are trying to be like everyone else at Norland Middle School, but after their excellent Hollywood adventure, life isnt the same. It was a different feel, everybody was saying congratulations and everything and it felt wonderful, Jaden said. The school literally rolled out a red carpet for the boys to hold a news conference along with their drama teacher, Tanisha Cidel, who also had a part in Moonlight. She played the school principal. Alex and Jaden played best friends in the film, which wasnt a stretch since theyre inseparable in real life. Neither one had any idea what they were getting into. No, because we got the audition from school so we thought it was gonna be like a short film or something and just to see it go and be something as big as this is just amazing, Alex said. Cidel says the boys success sends a message. I want the parents to understand that if your child has talent or shows an interest in the arts, take it seriously, cultivate the talent, put them in a program, Cidel said. As the boys try to resume their lives after a whirlwind of awards shows and hobnobbing with the stars, theres no denying their status has changed. One way to measure that is by looking at their social media accounts. I am getting so much followers, my phone is blowing up, and theres a lot of people congratulating me, Alex said. So what about that crazy moment at the Oscars when they first announced La La Land had won Best Picture, but then changed it to Moonlight? When they first was like, Moonlight got it, we were like, yeah, nice joke, but they were like serious, you guys got it, and all I remember, I jumped over this guy and he was screaming, and I was like sorry, I just won an award! Alex said. Without a doubt, the two 7th graders are big-time now, but Jadens dad says his son hasnt gone fame-crazy. He still wanna be a normal kid, wanna jump on his bike and stuff like that, play with the kids in the community, he really hasnt changed much, at all, actually, said Eric Piner. Acting is in their blood now. Alex is going to be in a new show on the Showtime network, a drama set in Chicago which begins production this summer. Jaden is considering his next step. They each have a lot to learn, and ample time in which to learn it. An 18-year-old man was arrested for allegedly going on bizarre attack while wearing no clothes. Michael Ramsay was naked when Boca Raton police said he broke down an apartment door and attacked a man. The incident happened Sunday at an apartment building on South Ocean Drive in Bocan Raton. He was seen running around the property naked before the attack. According to a police report, Ramsey was banging on the door until he allegedly broke it open. Once inside the home, officers said the 18-year-old attacked the homeowner, Dennis Duddy, with a vase and vase stand. Detectives said Ramsey got the vase and vase stand from the lobby of the apartment building. The police report said Ramsey hit Duddy in the head with the vase and pulled a large portion of his hair out. Officers said the 18-year-old and the victim don't know each other. When officers arrived to the scene, they said Ramsey was sitting in a chair inside the apartment completely naked. Ramsey was sweating profusely and allegedly told police he was under the influence of acid. According to the arrest report, Ramsey apparently blacked out and didn't know what happened at the time of his arrest. He was hospitalized before being transferred to the Palm Beach County jail and charged with several counts of burglary and aggravated battery. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for head pain. A judge has granted prosecutors' request to keep the wife of the Orlando, Florida, nightclub shooter in jail, at least for now. U.S. District Judge Paul Byron in Orlando issued the order late Thursday. The order states Noor Salman should stay in jail while the judge decides if she should remain in custody until her trial. She is charged with helping her husband scout out potential targets. A day earlier, a federal magistrate judge in Oakland, California, ordered Salman's release, saying it's "debatable'' whether the government has enough evidence to convict her. That judge ordered the release for as early as Friday. Salman has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The criminal charges were filed in Orlando but the detention hearing was held in Oakland, California, because Salman was living in the Bay Area at the time she was taken into custody. "In terms of Noor being released ... we don't know," said Linda Moreno, one of her attorneys, prior to the judge's decision. Salman has pleaded not guilty to charges of aiding and abetting, and obstruction of justice. She faces life in prison if she is convicted. Salman's husband, Omar Mateen, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during the attack at the Pulse gay nightclub on June 12. The deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history left 49 people dead and dozens more injured. Mateen was eventually killed by police. Federal prosecutors on Thursday moved to keep Salman in jail. In their motion, prosecutors said there is a presumption in the law for Salman to be held in jail since the crime involves terrorism, and that prosecutors need not show anything more than an indictment to back up their request. "Here, the defendant proffered evidence of her husband's alleged abuse, the affidavits of friends and family, and her lack of overall danger in support of an argument that she does not constitute a flight risk or danger to the community," the prosecutors said. "Such proffered evidence falls far short of justifying a finding in favor of release, particularly in light of the nature of the charged offense." Moreno said the motion seemed a rehash of what was argued in the California courtroom. "The court found that the evidence they claim supports these allegations was debatable," Moreno said. "It's far more than debatable. It's groundless." The Department of Health in Miami-Dade County had issued a rabies alert in the Kendall area after a raccoon tested positive for the disease, officials said Wednesday. Officials say it's the first rabid raccoon in the county since 2001 and the first confirmed rabid animal this year. "The concern is that there may be other raccoons infected, that people have to take appropriate precautions to not enter in contact with raccoons," said Dr. Alvaro Mejia-Echeverry from the Miami-Dade Health Department. The rabies alert lasts 60 days and includes these boundaries: Southwest 88th Street to the North; Southwest 95th Street to the South; Southwest 107th Avenue to the East; and Southwest 117th Avenue to the West. Officials say an animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets. Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 3-1-1. Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. Avoid contact with stray and feral animals. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets. Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400. For more information from the Department of Health, click here. A U.S. Postal worker was shot at after encountering burglary suspects in a southwest Miami-Dade neighborhood Thursday, officials said. The shooting happened around 11 a.m. in the 9300 block of Southwest 93rd Avenue as the postal worker was on his usual route. Officials said the postal worker saw a burglary in progress and encountered the suspects. The suspects opened fire on the worker and fled the scene. "In no way, shape or form will our letter carriers or any employee for that matter get involved in any trying to solve or play hero or superhero and try to solve any kind of crime, any way, shape or form," postal service spokesman Ivan Rodriguez said. "It was coincidentally the fact that he happened to be right behind them so they're thinking he got spooked, we're being followed." No injuries were reported. The suspects remain at-large. No other information was immediately known. Check back with NBC 6 for updates. A South Florida woman has been arrested on child neglect charges after her young son was found with multiple injuries including a fractured arm and leg. Tache Roshandra Worthy, 29, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of child neglect causing great bodily harm following an investigation by Homestead Police. Worthy appeared in court Wednesday where she was ordered held on $10,000 bond. She was appointed a public defender. According to an arrest report, in October 2015 Worthy's 10-month-old son was brought to the hospital for a burn on his buttocks. She told doctors he had a pimple and that she had tried to pop it with a warm rag. The wound was discovered to be an abscess, consistent with MRSA, and it required antibiotics and a surgical procedure to drain the wound, the report said. When doctors examined the boy they found he had fractures to his right thigh and left upper arm, the report said. "The fractures were highly suspicious for non-accidental trauma," the report noted. Worthy told officers that her former boyfriend had inflicted the injuries, but police said the ex-boyfriend hasn't been arrested and is not being investigated. The report noted that Worthy had failed to protect the boy and "failed to obtain prompt medical attention for his injuries." It was a warm homecoming Wednesday for members of the Florida State National Guard, First Battalion 124th Infantry. As many as 130 soldiers landed at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airpot as their loved ones anxiously waited for their arrival. Most of them are from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. They returned home after a year deployed as security forces at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Carla Haar brought her 2-year-old son to surprise her husband as he got off the plane. "I think he's going to be super excited. He recognizes him from Facetime and stuff like that, so on the way here he kept saying 'oh, daddy is home!' So, I'm sure he'll recognize him and be excited," said Haar. The Broward Sheriff's Fire department also gave the soldiers a warm welcome with a water cannon salute. What to Know The I-Team and Telemundo 47 Investiga sent surveys to hundreds of people serving time for robbery in New York and New Jersey prisons A whopping 70 percent of muggers were always or sometimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed robberies Surprisingly, a majority of muggers didn't have a preference as to the sex of their targets, though 43 percent said they targeted men When it comes to career thieves, there's nothing like robbing a cop. Or so says convicted mugger Christopher Ellington. The 32-year-old Harlem native is serving a 10-year sentence at Coxsackie Correctional Facility in upstate New York for mugging three people in midtown Manhattan over three nights in 2012. He says he has only been convicted of that spree, but has committed dozens of robberies. One, in particular, stands out. Years ago, Ellington said he targeted a police officer in Harlem because it was a badge of honor for young teens to go after a cop. "If you got a cop, you were the man on the block. I crept up behind him and put him in a chokehold," he said. "I took everything. I left the gun." Ellington was one of many convicted robbers to respond to a questionnaire the I-Team sent to hundreds of inmates in December as part of a joint project with Telemundo to help you avoid becoming a mugging target -- or victim. See full coverage of the series, including survey results and other interviews, here. He and another inmate that the I-Team previously spoke with at Greenhaven Correctional Facility, David Solano, said that plainclothes NYPD officers were included on their long lists of victims. Solano says he ambushed and robbed an officer without knowing that he was in law enforcement. "I grabbed him from behind. I went in and thought it was his wallet but it was his badge, so I took his badge and gun," he said. "About two or three months later, he saw me at the precinct and said, 'yo, I remember you'." The 49-year-old convict said he was sure the officer never reported the theft. If he were the cop, Solano said, he wouldn't tell his colleagues if a robber stripped him of his badge and gun. Solano previously told the I-Team though that it didn't matter who he mugged -- just what he could get out of it. For Ellington, the adrenaline rush was paramount. He said there was a certain thrill in knowing he could be caught at any moment. "You're robbing the people, and the adrenaline is, 'Oh my God, I know I can get caught'," he said. "When you don't get caught for a while, you tend to get bold." The career criminal said he always carried a weapon, including guns, knives, brass knuckles and crow bars. "It was like a job to me, it was seven days a week," Ellington said. "I was my own boss, I made my own schedule." "You get hungry for keeping up a lifestyle with your friends," he added. "I didn't just want a penny in my pocket, I wanted to have a couple of hundred [dollars]." What to Know Tens of millions of people worldwide have been watching the stream in anticipation of the birth of "April" the giraffe's fourth calf Her story was vaulted into global headlines after activists complaining of "nudity" got the live stream yanked from YouTube last week The live stream was back online about an hour and a half after the brouhaha started There's been a lot of kicking in the belly of everyone's favorite pregnant giraffe April, the upstate New York zoo that's been monitoring her health and updating her millions of fans said in a daily update. "Watch closely for strong kicks from within!" the Animal Adventure Park posted Wednesday night. The Harpursville zoo said that April hasn't changed much physically but that there has been "significant movement once again in the belly." A cold front moving into the northeast on Thursday and the zoo suggested this might "shake things up." Other than the belly movement, April's keeper and vet also documented "increased tail raising and holding," as well as "periods of increased movement/pace" Wednesday night. Her condition was pretty much unchanged Thursday morning, the zoo said, adding that there was "a lot of behavior that had us on our toes but no acknowledgeable active labor at this time." Over the last week, April has captivated tens of millions of people across the world who have been checking in on her via the live stream in anticipation of the birth of her fourth calf. Some 60,000 people were tuned in to the stream at the crack of dawn Thursday. The graceful giraffe appeared calm and collected as she picked at stray pieces of hay and stretched around to scratch a back itch. Watch it above. The zoo, which unveiled April-inspired emojis and t-shirts as the fan base for the 15-year-old long-necked beauty continues to swell, said twin Barbados lambs and a Patagonian Cavy were born early Wednesday. "Babies babies everywhere!" the Animal Adventure Park posted Wednesday morning. "Just not yet in the giraffe barn." April's pregnancy was catapulted into global headlines last week after YouTube briefly yanked the zoo's live stream following complaints by animal activists that it violated the site's policies concerning "nudity and sexual content." Thousands upon thousands of commenters voiced their frustration on Facebook and YouTube, and the stream was restored within an hour or so. Giraffe pregnancies last for 15 months. Labor lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Once April goes into active labor, zookeepers will go in to help her the rest of the way. The calf will be about 150 pounds and 6 feet tall at birth and up and walking in about an hour. The zoo said it will hold an online competition to name the baby giraffe once it's born. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is traveling to Israel in a gesture of solidarity spurred by acts of anti-Semitism at Jewish cemeteries, college campuses and community centers across the nation. Cuomo announced the trip Wednesday during a speech to Orthodox Jewish students, parents and teachers advocating at the Capitol for increased funding for religious schools. The event was organized by the Orthodox Union, a nonprofit Jewish group with a key focus on nonpublic school education. "I want to say to the people of Israel and I want to say to the Jewish community, 'In New York, you are not alone, and every person in the state of New York with any decency and understanding of what it means to be a New Yorker stands with you at this moment,'" Cuomo said. Cuomo denounced local and national incidents of vandalism and threats as "repugnant," echoing a speech he gave earlier Wednesday at the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center. New York has the largest Jewish population of any city outside of Israel. Cuomo, who last visited Israel in 2014, said the visit this weekend will focus on economic development, technology and security collaboration with Israeli leaders. The expedition is paid for with state funds through a 2015 initiative for trade missions to Mexico, Canada, Italy, China, and Cuba. Cuomo, who attended a Catholic high school, told the crowd of nonpublic school advocates that religious schools are necessary for a thriving education system. Cuomo last week proposed an additional $25 million for security at religious schools to combat hate crimes, in addition to the $181 million his budget for nonpublic schools. The grandson of mob boss John Gotti was sentenced to eight years in prison on Thursday after pleading guilty to selling drugs in his Queens neighborhood. John J. Gotti, 23, will also forfeit about $260,000 in drug proceeds. The younger Gotti was arrested in early August 2016 and pleaded guilty last month. Had he gone to trial, he was facing the possibilty of 25-years-to-life in prison. Like his grandfather, Gotti was brought down by covert listening devices. Investigators intercepted telephone conversations and installed a bug in an Infiniti G35 sedan he used, capturing detailed conversations regarding his Oxycodone trafficking business, authorities said. In recorded conversations, Gotti said he sold more than 4,200 pills every month, netting about $100,000 a month in drug sales, and once calculated that his trafficking business generated roughly $1.6 million annually. What to Know Democrats are putting pressure on Attorney General Jeff Sessions after it was revealed he met with the Russian ambassador last year Scientists believe they've found the oldest known fossils in Canada Two accountants responsible for the Academy Awards gaffe will never return to the Oscars again Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. Calls for Trump AG to Resign Amid Russia Revelations Attorney General Jeff Sessions had conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign season last year, contact that Sessions' spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday, a revelation that fueled calls for the attorney general to resign or recuse himself from a Justice Department investigation into Russian interference in the election and even resign from his job. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and a policy adviser to the Republican candidate, did not disclose those communications at his confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with the Russian government. In a statement Wednesday night, Sessions said, "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." Lawyers to Aides: Keep Russia Materials White House lawyers have instructed the president's aides to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the 2016 election and other related investigations, three administration officials said Wednesday. The instructions, which were sent to White House staff on Tuesday, come after Senate Democrats last week asked the White House and law enforcement agencies to keep all materials involving contacts that Trump's administration, campaign and transition team or anyone acting on their behalf have had with Russian government officials or their associates. Senate Set to Confirm Ben Carson The next Trump administration Cabinet nominee up for a vote in the Senate is celebrated neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Approval is expected when senators vote Thursday on President Trump's choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Carson has no government or housing policy experience, and Democrats were critical early on about his credentials. Despite that, he won unanimous support in a Senate committee vote in January. On Wednesday, Carson cleared a Senate hurdle when lawmakers voted, 62-37, to move his nomination to a final vote. Oprah Winfrey 2020? Oprah Winfrey seemed to suggest that she's shifted her thoughts on a presidential run of her own, with a thinly veiled reference to President Trump, in a video clip published Wednesday of Bloomberg's "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations." "I never considered the question even a possibility," she said, when asked if she ever considered a run. Rubenstein said it's clear that experience running the government isn't a prerequisite, since Trump was elected without ever serving in office. "I thought 'Oh, gee, I don't have the experience, I don't know enough.' And now I'm thinking, '...Oh...Oh!'" Winfrey replied, with an intrigued look on her face as the audience applauded. Earths Earliest Known Fossils Discovered Tiny tubes and filaments in some Canadian rock appear to be the oldest known fossils, giving new support to some ideas about how life began, a new study says. The features are mineralized remains of what appear to be bacteria that lived some 3.77 billion to 4.28 billion years ago, the scientists said. That would surpass the 3.7 billion years assigned to some other rock features found in Greenland, which were proposed to be fossils last August. The new results come from examining rock found along the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in northern Quebec. Accountants Banned From Oscars The president of the film academy says the two accountants responsible for the best picture flub at Sunday's Academy Awards will never return to the Oscar show. PwC accountants Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were responsible for the winners' envelopes at Sunday's Oscar show. Cullinan tweeted a photo of Emma Stone from backstage minutes before handing presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the wrong envelope for best picture. Lopez and "Trump" on Fallon Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon had a dance battle and Fallon brought his Donald Trump character back to report on his speech to Congress on "Tonight." Five people have been arrested in connection with an alleged scheme to steal mail, checks and personal information from USPS street posts throughout the Bronx, NBC 4 New York has learned. Two more suspects are at large, and another is expected to voluntarily appear for arraignment later in the week. Since late 2015 through January 2017, Brian Marte, 20, Erickson Batista, 24, Junior Taveras, 19, Angel Aristy, 18, Luis Rosado, 19, Eoscaterys Polanco, 23, Brayan Rodriguez, 23, and Ronardo Baez, 20, allegedly participated in the mail-stealing scheme using other people's debit cards. Officials with the United States Postal Inspection Service say the defendants were brought to the 50th Precinct Wednesday. The eight defendants face charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, mail theft and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors say they found the suspects with more than $100,000 in stolen checks and money orders. The round of arrests stems from crimes committed all over the west Bronx, officials said, including in Kingsbridge and Riverdale. Prosecutors say that since 2015 there have been over 50 arrests for mail theft in the Claremont Park area involving over $750,000 in stolen checks and money orders. Officials say they responded to similar complaints on the Upper West Side some time ago and outfitted the neighborhoods with new mailboxes intended to prevent such scams. It has also been working to swap out boxes in the Bronx. A New Jersey doctor was indicted Thursday on charges that he sold prescriptions for addictive opioid painkillers to people who had no medical need for them, including one man who died from an overdose. Dr. Byung Kang, of Little Falls, was charged with one count of "strict liability" for the drug-induced death of 26-year-old Michael Justice, of Clifton. Justice's mother had called Kang 18 months earlier threatening to call police if he didn't stop prescribing her son oxycodone, according to a statement from Attorney General Christopher Porrino. Kang's attorney said he hadn't yet reviewed the indictment that also charges Kang with money laundering, tax fraud and drug distribution. Kang's wife and receptionist, Soo, also was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and tax-related counts. "Doctors are supposed to preserve health and life, but Dr. Kang allegedly turned his back on all medical and ethical standards, not to mention all standards of human decency," Porrino said. "By indiscriminately peddling this dangerous painkiller which has been the gateway to so much opiate addiction, misery and death Dr. Kang allegedly caused the death of a vulnerable young man and put himself on a par with every street-corner drug dealer." Kang sold 90-count prescriptions for 30 milligram oxycodone pills for $150 to $200 to numerous patients who didn't have a medical need, Porrino said. He was first arrested last May and charged with illegally distributing oxycodone after an investigation by the state and Drug Enforcement Administration. He entered a consent order with the state Board of Medical Examiners in July prohibiting him from practicing until further action. "Unfortunately, this is another example of a doctor who was allegedly more concerned with his financial health than the health of his patients," said Carl Kotowski, special agent in charge of the DEA's New Jersey division. A New Jersey woman was pummeled in her home when she came face to face with a would-be burglar who had broken in, police say. The South Orange woman told police she was on the third floor of her Ward Place home at about 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 22 when she heard noises coming from the second floor. When she went to check it out, she discovered a stranger, apparently about to steal property from inside. The intruder punched the woman repeatedly, then ran away, police said. The suspect is described as being in his 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches, last seen wearing a black hooded sweater and blue jeans. It appears he'd gotten into the house through a sliding door in the back, police said. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call police at 973-763-7788. What to Know The violent thief robbed three women this week and another women last week in Lower Manhattan Police say he's gotten away with thousands of dollars and left at least one of the women in the hospital The women were arriving home at night when they were targeted A brazen and violent thief has made off with thousands of dollars by beating and robbing women in Lower Manhattan over the past two weeks, police said. The robber has targeted women in Chinatown and the Lower East Side; he robbed three women this week and a fourth last week, according to police. Detectives were canvassing the area around Broome and Allen streets Wednesday night as they investigated the attacks. A 45-year-old woman was followed into her building nearby on Tuesday night. The robber punched her several times in the face before taking her wallet, police said. The attack hit home for Annette Frey, who lives next door. She said someone tried to get in behind her as she was arriving home one night last year. I called the police, and they were still trying to push the door in, Frey said. On Monday, there was a similar robbery near Ludlow and Hester streets. Police said the man covered a 28-year-old womans mouth and threw her to the ground in the vestibule of her building before punching her repeatedly. The victim was treated at a hospital for injuries to the back of her head and face. Police said the robber beat and robbed yet another woman on Sunday night near the intersection of Eldridge and Delancey streets. A fourth woman was attacked at Catherine and Henry streets in Chinatown last week. Police said they have no good description of the suspect but hope to release surveillance video in the coming days. A remark made by a Queens community board member at a recent meeting about bicycle lanes has sparked a firestorm of criticism, with many calling for her to step down. Ann Pfoser Darby, a member of Community Board 4 in Corona for decades, was at a transportation meeting Tuesday night to discuss bike lanes on 111th Street. She allegedly made a comment about illegal immigrants being the main group using bike lanes. Juan Restrepo, a member of advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, was at the meeting and says he heard her make the disparaging remark. "She essentially said that once Trump was in office, these bike lanes won't serve a purpose anymore, because the people who use them are immigrants, are all going to be deported because there won't be anyone to ride them anymore," he said. Restrepo was stunned. "How do you react to something like that? This is someone who is on a community board, meant to represent the community," he said. Darby doubled down on her comments to News 4 over the phone Wednesday. "They were telling me, ICE is going through Corona, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, so when ICE goes through, logistically speaking, they're not going to have people using bike lanes," she said. As for how she can tell who's here legally: "Well, I use certain kinds of dress, the people I know use certain kind of dress. If different people wear different kids of dress, you know they're different kinds of people." "I'm a realist, not a racist," she said. "I speak the truth." In a statement to News 4, Board Chair Damian Vargas said, "This board member's comment is solely her opinion and does not reflect the opinion or values of Community Board 4. Apologies were given to those members of the public who were present. "Community Board 4 welcomes the free expression of diverse viewpoints as it is essential to effectively represent communities as diverse as Corona and Elmhurst. However, we will not tolerate disrespectful or disparaging comments about any member of any community," Vargas said. Vargas says the community board leaders will investigate and work with elected officials to determine a proper course of action. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz told News 4, "These types of comments from public servants are never acceptable." Community board members are reappointed every two years by the borough president. Darby is up for reappointment this month. Katz will announce her decisions on all Queens Community Board appointments and reappointments by the end of the month. Darby's neighbor, who calls New York home after moving here from China, says she's a good neighbor. "I know she has opinions but I don't comment on her opinions," she said. An immigration judge granted bond Thursday to a 26-year-old Salvadoran woman seeking asylum in the United States, allowing her to leave an immigration detention facility to seek treatment for a brain tumor. Sara Beltran Hernandez's family in New York posted her $15,000 bond after the hearing and she will be released by the end of the day from the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, south of Fort Worth, an Amnesty International official said. She has been held in the detention center since November 2015. "She's going to get medical treatment hopefully in New York. She might get checked out here first to make sure she's OK to travel. Then she'll be treated there," Beltran Hernandez's lawyer, Fatma Marouf, said after the hearing in Dallas. Beltran Hernandez has been seeking asylum in the U.S. for almost a year and a half, saying she can't return to El Salvador because of the risk of domestic violence and threats of gang violence specific to her family. Beltran Hernandez has two small children in El Salvador who would be allowed to join her if she is granted asylum. Chris Hamilton, a Dallas-area attorney initially involved in the effort to free Beltran Hernandez, said last month she complaind about headaches, nosebleeds and memory loss before she collapsed on Feb. 10. She was transported to Texas Huguley Hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain tumor that requires surgery. Her attorneys have said they had trouble visiting her and had difficulty reaching her by phone. Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials have said she was able to speak by phone with her family and her attorney of record while at the hospital. Hamilton claims Beltran Hernandez was forceibly removed from the hospital after two weeks. A spokesperson for ICE said Beltran Hernandez was discharged from the hospital and was returned to the detention center. Beltran Hernandez had sought a conditional release to have more control over her medical care. She has already been denied bond twice. Marouf said a specialist Monday confirmed that Beltran Hernandez has a large tumor on her pituitary gland. She said it was determined to not be cancerous and did not need to be immediately removed. Marouf said the doctor recommended that the woman be monitored because the tumor had hemorrhaged and that she return for scans every six weeks. She and the other attorneys said they were concerned that the necessary level of monitoring was not being done at the detention center's medical facility. "I think she is just trying to absorb it all. I think she's going to be overwhelmingly happy to be with her family again. She really cries because she misses her family a lot," Marouf said. The release comes after a campaign by Amnesty International, which mobilized members across the country to call ICE and ask for her to be set free. Sara and her family are overjoyed that she will finally be able to be with her loved ones and receive medical care after being unjustly detained for over 400 days, said Eric Ferrero of Amnesty International USA. Sara never should have been held for so long in the first place, let alone with a medical issue. It is unconscionable to treat people fleeing violence and danger as if they are criminals. Applying for asylum should not mean giving up ones human rights in the process. Beltran-Hernandezs release will allow her to reside with her family in New York City while her asylum claim is processed. Top Democrats are demanding that Attorney General Jeff Sessions resign after it was revealed he talked with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. twice during the presidential campaign last year, in what appears to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearing. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that "Sessions is not fit to serve as the top law enforcement officer of our country and must resign." She added: "There must be an independent, bipartisan, outside commission to investigate the Trump political, personal and financial connections to the Russians." She later issued a statement trumpeting that 100 Democrats in the House have joined the call for Sessions' resignation. Attorney General Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. before the presidential election last year. The new revelation Wednesday raised questions about whether he misled senators who inquired about the Trump campaigns ties to Russia. Back in January, in response to a question from Sen. Al Franken during his confirmation hearing, Sessions said he did not have communications with the Russians during the campaign. As attorney general, Sessions overseas the FBI, which is investigating alleged connections between Russia and President Trumps campaign. Sessions did recuse himself from any Trump campaign probes later Thursday. In back-to-back press conferences Thursday, Pelosi and Democratic Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer ramped up their criticism. "Because the Department of Justice should be above reproach, for the good of the country Attorney General Sessions should resign," Schumer said. We see that he himself needs an investigation for lying," Pelosi said. "Its against the law and the top law enforcement officer should know that. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Elijah Cummings were also among the prominent Democrats called for Sessions to resign, NBC News reported. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Still, not all Democrats went so far as to call for the nation's top law enforcement official to resign. Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a member of the Armed Services Committee, told CNN that he also met with Russia's ambassador in a group setting with colleagues and that is part of the job. He said he would have disclosed that if he were questioned by congressional committee and Sessions is "going to have to talk about this." Minnesota Sen. Al Franken also said Sessions must "come forward with the truth." Franken stopped short of demanding Sessions' resignation but called for an "independent prosecutor" to investigate any links the Trump campaign may have had with the Russian government. At Sessions' confirmation hearing in January, Franken asked the then-Alabama senator what he would do if there was evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the 2016 White House race. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Franken told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Thursday that Sessions' statements about his contacts with Moscow have been "contradictory." Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, who joined her Democratic colleagues in calling for Sessions' resignation, wrote on Twitter that as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee she never received a call or request from the Russian ambassador for a meeting. An editor with the conservative National Review Online then resurfaced two past tweets where McCaskill mentioned a meeting and call with Russia's ambassador. McCaskill tweeted in a follow-up that four years ago the Russian ambassador attended a meeting with "many senators about international adoptions." "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd are opening what she calls a first of its kind dog rescue center in Los Angeles, California. The Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center, which will serve as a rescue and adoption facility for homeless dogs and puppies, opens in Beverly Grove on Thursday. But, the facility isn't your conventional dog shelter. It's more like a "puppy palace" complete with pink chandeliers, Vanderpump said. And its mission is more than pampering pups. The center hopes to provide a more humane world for dogs everywhere. In addition to rescue services, the center also offers overnight boarding, grooming, veterinary work, a pet shop and a dog cafe. [NATL-LA]Inside Lisa Vanderpump's New Dog Rescue Center in Los Angeles From the Vanderpump family pillows to the Vanderpump dog clothing line, all proceeds benefit the Vanderpump Dog Foundation. "I'm not making any profit. It's all going to the dogs. My life has actually gone to the dogs," Todd jokingly said. The foundation's goal is to save four-legged lives and make a positive impact on global legislation, education and treatment of animals for dogs worldwide. The foundation has garnered international awareness as it fights to put an end dog abuse and slaughter in China. People begged Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd to get involved and she says the pair couldn't sleep until they did. "We saw these horrific pictures of this festival called the Yulin Dog Meat Festival," she said. "Absolutely barbaric." The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is working to save dogs in China and in Southern California. "So what we're going to do is take dogs from the kill shelter, really high-risk dogs and we give them grooming and we have them Vanderpuffed kind of glam them up," Vanderpump said. The restaurateur and reality star tweeted a photo of one of the rescues a dog that was "matted beyond belief" and covered in fleas. This lovely little man,matted beyond belief is just rescued from kill shelter.Soooo sweet. Vanderpump Rescue center. pic.twitter.com/NsYhLjQJcY Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) February 28, 2017 The pup was rescued from a kill shelter and is now up for adoption. "What is celebrity if you can't put it to good use? What is the point of being a celebrity? Todd said. The Vanderpump Dog Center opens to the public Thursday and is located at 8134 West Third St. in Los Angeles. Editor's note: This story contains graphic details. Two women who investigators say were among the many victims abused by an alleged child rapist in Bucks County spoke out on Tuesday. "I am a victim of William Thomas," one of the women said during a noon press conference at the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) in Jamison, Pennsylvania. The two sisters, who are now in their 20s, said they were sexually abused by William Thomas, 58, of Morrisville, when they were children growing up in the Levittown area of Bucks County. They said Thomas was their babysitter at the time of the abuse. "Children are so young and innocent and nobody deserves something like this," one of the victims said. The women were two of six alleged victims who have come forward. They said they want other victims to get help. "I was being taken advantage of by a grown, adult child molester," one of the sisters said. "I hope that anyone else that was affected by this man, please step up. You will be heard." Thomas was charged on February 5 with child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault on a child, possession and dissemination of child pornography and other related offenses. Investigators say the child rape allegations date as far back as 40 years. Falls Township Police first zeroed in on Thomas in November after receiving a call about sexually explicit writings found on a piece of plywood at the Midway Village mobile home park, said a criminal complaint obtained by NBC10 that contains graphic details of alleged assaults. Thomas had worked as a handyman on a vacant trailer and a new owner found the words describing the sexual assault of two young girls, including names, physical descriptions, parents' names and a date of an alleged assault Christmas 2014 police said. The writer referred to his penis as "one-eyed Willie," police said. Police compared the writing on the wood to numerous work orders written by Thomas to find that the writing matched, according to police. Police interviewed the alleged victims but due to the trauma of their assaults, they didn't name Thomas directly by name, officials said. Investigators described many of the victims as "broken people." Investigators searched Thomas' home at Midway Village and found more than 1,000 prominently displayed photographs and pictures that "depicted naked children, the majority of which were prepubescent" and some that chronicled "molesting," according to the criminal complaint. Investigators also found writings dating back to the 1970s that documented molestation of children as young as 3 years old, police said. They also found 500 to 1,000 pairs of prepubescent girls' underwear, some hanging above Thomas' bed, as well as toys and dolls, some with "aftermarket genitals which Thomas created," according to investigators. "We don't know whether or not he was distributing it," said Weintraub. The search also uncovered drug paraphernalia and baggies that tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. Police interviewed Thomas and he allegedly admitted to having sexual attraction to children dating back to his adolescence. He admitted to pleasuring himself to the child pornography that he has gathered over the decades, police said. He also admitted to sexually assaulting a family member and a couple children he babysat and also exposing himself to another child, according to police. Police looked into Thomas' past and discovered other allegations of sexual assault dating back to the 1970s, when a man said Thomas sexually assaulted him when he was just 8 to 11 years old, police said. Thomas would have been 5 1/2 to 6 years older. In 2010, police investigated Thomas' former Levittown home after a homeowner looking to flip it found "some disturbing items" including a handmade "child-size sex doll," Polaroids of naked children and graphic handwritten notes about performing sexual acts on young girls, according to the criminal complaint. No charges came from that early police report and some of the discoveries were made after police were alerted. Back in 2000, Thomas was indicted for child abuse after he admitted to writing a graphic note and giving it to a child in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, police said. He told investigators he was taking drugs and on pills at the time and didn't mean to write the note. No word yet of what came of that allegation. Authorities said some of Thomas' past residences in Bucks County include a home on Pleasant Line in the Pinewood section of Levittown; Pennsbury Woods apartments on New Falls Road in Levittown; Midway Village mobile home park on Bristol Pike in Morrisville. He also worked as a handyman and subcontractor while owing his own home improvement business called Thomas Construction. Thomas is currently being held in Bucks County prison on $750,000 bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 28. Authorities urged anyone with information about other possible victims to contact Falls Township Sgt. Christopher Clark at 215-302-3315 and/or Bucks County Detective Lt. Robert Gorman at 215-340-8141. [[412906593, C]] President Donald Trump has drawn criticism for saying he doesn't have time for books, even prompting a movement called "Bury the White House in Books on Valentine's Day." So with Read Across America Day being celebrated on Thursday, do Trump's comments matter as adults use the day's many events to encourage children to read? Not that much, according to literacy experts. "I dont think it has much influence," said Dr. Timothy Shanahan, a renowned literacy expert and professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He said children are more likely to be influenced by their parents or teacherspeople in the immediate vicinitywhen it comes to reading. Dr. Doug Hesse, executive director of writing and professor of English at the University of Denver said parents and teachers are vital, but that it doesnt help when somebody who has achieved great success is diminishing the importance of reading. When Trump discusses his reading habits, Hesse said "it probably doesnt [diminish the importance of reading] in the sense that people who are strong readers, who understand the importance of it, will continue to be. I think what it does potentially diminish is that in terms of making decisions, that theres some license to make decisions without a kind of depth of knowledge and understanding that I think comes from reading." Shanahan added that the president's remarks don't sit well with people who have devoted themselves to literacy. "Obviously anyone whos dedicated to literature believes literature has a positive impact on individuals in societies," Shanahan said. Trump has written several books, most notably, "The Art of the Deal," which was a bestseller. But in an interview last May with Megyn Kelly, who asked about the last book he read, he responded, "I read passages, I read 'areas,' I'll read chapters. I just, I don't have the time." And in a January interview with Axios, he said, "I like a lot of books. I like reading books. I dont have time to read very much now in terms of the books, but I like reading them. He also said he isnt a huge fan of reading long memos. "I like bullets or I like as little as possible. I don't need, you know, 200-page reports on something that can be handled on a page. That I can tell you," he told Axios. Hesse said, "Its certainly disheartening that reading isnt as highly valued." He added that the past two administrations have been strongly supportive of reading, and demonstrated it often. But Shanahan pointed out that the reading habits of past presidents have varied widely. Lyndon B. Johnson, for example, wasnt keen on reading, he said, while Barack Obama said reading books was his secret to surviving the White House. "Weve had a lot of presidents, and some have been big readers and some havent been," Shanahan said. He added that he doesnt think it matters much in terms of education specifically, but he said there is information that people cut themselves off from by not reading more, and that when people cut themselves off from certain information, there is a potential to put people at risk, especially when the person in question is in a position of great power, like Trump. Past presidents, Shanahan said, have had varying tastes in literature. Dwight D. Eisenhower, he said, had a penchant for Western novels, while Harry Truman emphasized the importance of reading history as president. He added that many times, the American public doesnt learn much about the president's reading habits until the end of their term. "Its usually the historian who uncovers it later on," he said. Hesse said a lack of reading can be a negative. "We lose important perspectives and important kinds of knowledge that really are best handled through complex reading," he said. "And I think that the range is that we lose nuance and we lose an array of alternatives." Shanahan echoed the sentiment, saying, "I think the president loses out on that, there are dangers to the country if the president cuts themselves off from certain sources of information." Both Hesse and Shanahan said they dont think that what the president says about reading will have a direct impact on children, but it does send a message. Touted as the "largest celebration of reading this country has ever seen," "Read Across America Day" is sponsored by the National Education Association. March 2 was chosen to commemorate the birthday of childrens book author Theodor Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss. Read Across America Day will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, and in the past the George W. Bush and Obamas administrations have celebrated it. Michelle Obama and former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan once did a guest reading for the NEA, and Laura Bush was also active in promoting it, a spokeswoman for the NEA said. But even with involvement from both White Houses, the president has never actually been directly involved in "Read Across America Day," as it was created by the NEA, the organizations spokeswoman said. In the past, Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) have together sponsored resolutions to designate March 2 as Read Across America Day. A spokesman for Reed confirmed that both Reed and Collins again plan to spearhead the effort in the Senate this year. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Susan Davis (D-Calif.) have also sponsored legislation to designate March 2 as Read Across America Day. First Lady Melania Trump took part in the day's celebrations by reading to children at the Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Childrens Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The first lady read Dr. Seuss' book, "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" and told children, "Loving to read early in life has the power to make each one of you a lifelong learner." She also emphasized that the United States must instill a love for reading in young readers. "Education is a great equalizer and nothing can be more critical to achieving empowerment than reading and literacy," she said. In a letter about Read Across America Day 2017, NEA President President Lily Eskelsen Garcia wrote, "NEAs Read Across America is an incredible vehicle for focusing attention on the literacy needs and successes of our children, but we know it takes much more than a one-day celebration." "Its the relationships with books, kids, teachers, librarians, parents, volunteers, and other caring community members form on that day that can have a long-term impact on our nation of diverse readers," she wrote. Hesse said statements by readers are important. "The statements that came out of the Bush and Obama White Houses, talking about the importance of reading, celebrating reading, sharing books theyve been reading, going to schools, reading with kidsthese are all really symbolic," he said. Police are searching for a man accused of exposing himself to three University of Delaware students overnight. On Wednesday shortly after midnight, a 20-year-old University of Delaware student was walking on Haines Street, north of Continental Avenue in Newark, Delaware when she spotted a naked man standing near the sidewalk committing a lewd act. The woman ran from the area and called Newark Police. Two 21-year-old University of Delaware students also told police they were on the 100 block of Haines Street shortly before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday when they spotted the same suspect wearing a sweatshirt over his face, exposing his genitals and committing a lewd act. The two women walked away from the area and contacted police. Officers also spoke with another 21-year-old student who lives in the house the suspect was standing outside of. The woman told police she wasnt aware the suspect had been on her property. Police reviewed surveillance cameras in the area and spotted the suspect and his vehicle, a 2011 silver Dodge Charger with markings on the side, according to investigators. Police obtained the vehicles registration plate and determined it belonged to Donald W. Maxwell, Jr., 62, of Millsboro, Delaware. Police obtained an arrest warrant for Maxwell and charged him with lewdness, indecent exposure and criminal trespass. They continue to search for him. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call the Newark Police Department at 302-366-7111. Newark Police Department [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney discussed the citys pension program, housing concerns, school system plans and efforts being made to battle drug abuse during his annual budget address in front of City Council Thursday morning. In Kenneys $4.4 billion budget and five-year plan for Philadelphia released overnight he sets aside new funding for certain programs. [[415232033, C]] The budget -- which calls for a three percent increase in spending year over year -- puts a focus on job creation and taxes. Kenney hopes to lower Philadelphia's hefty wage tax to under 3.7 percent by 2022 -- the lowest level since the 1970s. He will also ask council to commit to funding the Pension Fund by 80 percent in the next 13 years. Kenney wants to put $1.9 million toward the opioid problem after thousands of hospital visits and 900 deaths reported in the city alone last year. The money would help improve the distribution of Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, it would also fund a campaign aimed at the highest prescribing health care providers. And, it would also develop a real time data base to track openings at treatment facilities. A little more than a million dollars would go toward housing. It would support families exiting shelters as well as serve as an intervention to help families and people who are chronically homeless. The budget proposes more than a $900,000 increase in lead poisoning prevention. That money would allow the city to tackle lead paint in nearly double the amount of homes it can address now. Some of the ways to fund the new program include the controversial sugary beverage tax, a.k.a. "soda tax," which is expected to bring in $92.4 million dollars in 12 months. Soda tax opponents plan to protest Kenneys speech Thursday. The biggest cut in Kenney's budget plan is slashing the Community Development Fund by 11.45 percent. [[238427591, C]] A 17-year-old boy who authorities say escaped from a behavioral health center was charged with a "brutal" home invasion and theft where a grandmother was left tied up for four days in a dark closet, Chester County prosecutors said. "This juvenile engaged in a brutal attack on the victim, then showed callous disregard for her life," Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said. "The charged juvenile is lucky that the victim did not die. If the victim had not been found by her family, the defendant would be facing murder charges." A 72-year-old woman is recovering after the Feb. 22 choking and beating inside her home on the 1000 block of Creek Road (Rt. 282) in East Brandywine Township. The woman returned home that day to find that someone burglarized her house, having stolen credit cards. She then went to her regularly scheduled work day, the DA's office said. As the woman -- who lives alone -- returned from work and got out of her vehicle later that night a male dressed in all black grabbed her from behind and hit her in the head, investigators said. He choked the woman unconscious then covered her head with a shopping bag, prosecutors said. Duct tape was wrapped around her neck and the tape and zip-ties were used to bound her arms and legs. During the attack he allegedly told the woman, "You'll be with Jesus soon," prosecutors said. Before leaving, prosecutors said he put the woman in the unlit cramped space under the stairs and left her tied up without food or water. Four days passed before a family member found her. The relative stopped by the victim's home after several phone calls went unanswered. The woman was then taken to Paoli Hospital where emergency doctors treated her for injuries. Police said the teen left the home with a laptop as well as the woman's car, a 2013 silver Fiat 500. It was that vehicle, along with use of the woman's credit cards, that helped lead investigators to the teen, prosecutors said. Police used surveillance video from Maryland to zero in on the teen since the victim's credit cards were used on the same day of the attack, prosecutors said. The video showed the teen using the cards and getting into and out of the victim's car, according to prosecutors. Investigators later learned the teen was being housed at behavioral health facility Devereux Brandywine, about three miles from the victim's home. Devereux staff reported the teen missing the day of the attack. He returned two days later and was transferred to another facility, the DA said. Detectives searched the teen's room where they found the clothes the boy wore during the attack, prosecutors said. Police said Devereux staff told them the teen bleached his shoes after he returned to the facility, but investigators said a diamond pattern on the soles matched footprints left at the crime scene. Investigators didn't identify the boy since he is a minor but said he was originally from Thailand and most recently lived in Media, Pennsylvania. He was charged in juvenile court Wednesday with attempted homicide, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, strangulation and related offenses. "Thank you to the district attorney's office and their detectives, the Baltimore city Police Department, and to the many police agencies and medical and other support teams that assisted us at the scene and with the investigation, "East Brandywine Police Chief Mark Kosci said. "A special thank you to the victim and her family for their strength and perseverance. Our praters are with them for a full recovery."[[238427591, C]] U.S. Coast Guard crews and San Diego Lifeguards helped the crew of a lobster boat trapped on the rocks in Shelter Island Wednesday. The boat was reported to be trapped just after 10 p.m. between the Point Loma Lighthouse and Ballast Point. According to the Coast Guard, San Diego Lifeguards helped them rescue the crew from the boat. They were taken to the 1400 block of Shelter Island Drive to be assessed by medics. At this point, it is unknown how many people were on the boat. Coast Guard told NBC 7, the boat was still trapped on the rocks and will likely be removed Thursday. No other information was available. Comments made on social media by an Otay Water District board member sparked outrage from many community members--some even calling for his resignation. Hector Gastelum's post on Twitter on Feb. 19 received heavy backlash. In the tweet, Gastelum called for more countries to be included in the controversial Muslim ban, even using phrases like "subhuman" and "scum" to refer to individuals from those countries. The tweet was also linked to an article that connected violence in Sweden to Muslim refugees. But credibility of that article has been questioned since it was published last month. Now, the San Diego office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling on the community to hold Gastelum accountable for his actions. Hanif Mohebi, Executive Director of CAIR told NBC 7, this is not the first time Gastelum has made such statements. "There seems to be a pattern. There's a pattern of him projecting Islamophobic, anti-Muslim rethoric," Mohebi said. Mohebi added that they support Gastelum's freedom of speech but as a public official, he should not "generalize and use words that he used to describe a community." This is Gastelum's first term in office--he represents Division 4 in the water district. "If he is going to apologize, he has to sincerely apologize, accept his mistakes, admit it and promise never to repeat it for any community," Mohebi said. He added that the community needs to come together because it's a much bigger issue. "It's beyond just this case. What do we do as a community, as a city, as a county when our public officials, the very people that represent a community come up with these bigoted views," Mohebi said. "How do we deal with that?" Gastelum attended Wednesday's board meeting but did not comment on the issue. Meanwhile, the water board voted on a resolution, mostly symbolic, that condemns discrimination. U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-52nd District) and U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D - 53rd District) joined Democratic congressional leaders in calling for the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Top Democrats are demanding that Attorney General Jeff Sessions resign after it was revealed he talked with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. twice during the presidential campaign last year, in what appears to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearing. Sessions agreed Thursday to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. President Donald Trump said there was no need and he retains "total" confidence in Sessions. The Attorney General is our nations top law enforcement officer. His integrity must be beyond reproach," Peters said in a written statement. "Without the full faith of the American public, I believe Mr. Sessions should resign," he said. Davis issued a separate statement following Sessions' appearance and said, An Attorney General who needs to recuse himself on an investigation this important should not lead the Department of Justice. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Sessions was not fit to serve. A person of interest in the wounding of a Texas judge shot last week was charged Tuesday with murder in an unrelated Houston slaying, police said. In back-to-back press conferences Thursday, Pelosi and Democratic Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer ramped up the criticism. When a Ramona family got up for work Tuesday they quickly realized they were in a rocky situation. A huge boulder, loosened by a powerful storm, had slid and fallen onto their driveway, blocking access to the road. Soon, homeowner Adriana Soltero and her cousin, Gaby Nace, knew they werent going to make it into the office. The family lives on Cloudy Moon Drive, on a mountain known as Rock Haven, which is covered in boulders. The name says it all, Soltero said, adding that shes always been concerned about the possibility of a boulder tumbling during a downpour in her neighborhood. She and her family have lived there for 15 years but up until Tuesday, they had never experienced anything like the sight of a giant boulder blocking their driveway. Its enormous, Soltero told NBC 7. NBC10 Boston Soltero said the storm caused a mudslide, which then knocked the boulder loose, sending it tumbling onto their driveway. With it came a large amount of mud and trees that were also pulled out of the ground by the mudslide. Everything gave way, Soltero said, describing the mess created on their property by the storm. Nace was the one who came across the boulder first, as she prepared to leave the house for her morning commute to work in Torrey Pines. Nace said she was shocked to see the boulder covering the driveway. I thought, I guess todays not going to be a work day, she said. We were stuck here. Each family member had to call out of work for the day. The family called Caltrans to ask for help removing the boulder. When they realized help wasnt coming fast enough, Soltero said her husband and their neighbors rolled up their sleeves and got to work at home. They shoveled mud and tied ropes around fallen trees, moving them just enough to allow their cars to come in and out of the driveway. As of Wednesday night, the boulder had not yet been removed. Nace said her main concern is that it will rain again before the boulder is removed, causing even more damage. If theres another storm what else is going to happen? she wondered. Crews drilled holes inside huge boulders and detonated explosives inside in an effort to clean up the traffic lanes on State Route 78. This was after a winter storm caused a rock slide in Ramona. Caltrans San Diego crews have been very busy this week cleaning up the aftermath of Mondays storm including flooded areas, fallen trees and other loose boulders blocking roadways. On Wednesday, Caltrans worked to clear boulders blocking State Route 78 at Bandy Canyon Road in Ramona. They drilled holes inside the huge boulders and detonated explosives inside in an effort to break up the boulders into smaller pieces so they could be moved out of the way. The highway was closed all day Wednesday but had reopened by Thursday morning. SR-78 at Bandy Canyon is still closed. Crews just need to move the now smaller pieces out of the way to get the highway open later tonight. pic.twitter.com/QmmtdUngcX Caltrans San Diego (@SDCaltrans) March 1, 2017 NBC 7 spoke with Caltrans on Thursday and the agency said the boulder on Cloudy Moon Drive will be dealt with by the County of San Diego. County officials told NBC 7 they will be sending a crew to the property to assess the boulder and figure out what the next steps will be. The San Diego VA Healthcare Centers Emergency Department has some of the longest emergency room wait times in the nation, according to data uncovered by NBC 7 San Diego. Veteran U.S. Marine Josh Goldman, who served in Iraq in Logistics and Transport, said he waited 15 hours in the emergency department in February. An avid cyclist, Goldman first came to the VA after he shattered his wrist and broke his elbow on a ride. It was pretty excruciating, he told NBC 7. It was tough to even concentrate and I started to go into shock on the side of a road. The veteran said he never expected such a long wait. I was rolled back once to X-ray, I ended up sitting in kind of a hallway, just kind a looking at the ceiling for a couple hours again with my wrist sticking out of the side, he said. Goldman said he was in severe pain and waited in the emergency from a Saturday around 10 a.m. into Sunday morning, and they didn't actually physically move me to a room where I was admitted until 1:30 or 2:00 Sunday morning. The VA measures emergency room wait times in multiple ways: From entry to triage, from entry to doctor, from entry to discharge and from entry to admittance. NBC 7 found in two of the four ways the VA measures wait times the SD VA Healthcare Emergency Room has some of longest wait times. Those included: From entry to doctor and from entry to admittance. According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, The San Diego VA Emergency Room ranked among the longest time for a patient to see a doctor in the ER. Data showed, from October 2015 to August 2016, the San Diego had the fourth in the longest wait times in the country, with a median wait time of 89 minutes. Dr. Patricia Hlavin , the Emergency Department Director, told NBC 7 the methods the VA in San Diego was using to calculate the numbers were different than other facilities, and the numbers have improved to a little more than an hour. Triage doctors are now expediting the process in the ER, Hlavin said. The San Diego VA Healthcare Center Emergency Department is also ranked as the facility with the eighth longest wait times in the county for a patient to be admitted to the hospital after entering the E.R. an improvement over six months ago, when the facility was ranked second longest. Hlavin said she feels for veterans who have to wait, and says the problem is that there simply is not enough room at the VA Hospital. Every bed in the hospital is full, or we don't have nurses to staff the beds that we have available, Hlavin said. Hlavin said she has the budget to hire more nurses, but there is too much competition for good paying nursing jobs in San Diego. Hlavin said she even serves as a triage nurse in the ER to help alleviate the wait. There are no urgent care centers at VA Medical Facilities in San Diego. Many veterans, she said, come to the emergency room when they have a health issue that is not an emergency and that puts a strain on the system. She said the most critical patients are moved quickly to get the medical help they need, and the VA does work with other hospitals when it's necessary. I feel like we do really great care for the very sick patients, the folks that need to be here, Hlavin said. Goldman told NBC 7 he was scheduled for surgery on his arm at the VA, only to have it canceled. He said he was told there were issues with equipment sterilization. Goldman said he was unable schedule another at the VA for a few weeks. Given all he had experienced and the extent of his injury, he chose to go outside the VA and pay for the surgery himself. The San Diego VA Healthcare System serves more than 230,000 veterans in a region with one of the largest populations of veterans. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has released a sketch of the man they say robbed a woman in the parking lot of a popular North County winery. Deputies said the man confronted a woman in a parking lot on Old Winery Road, pointed a semi-automatic gun at her and told her to "hurry up and give me everything." The victim, a female salon worker at the winery, was arriving for work when the robbery occurred. Deputies said the woman went into her trunk, when the suspect appeared behind her. He then robbed the woman at gunpoint. Deputies said the suspect took some cash. The suspect was described as 5-feet, 10-inches tall, 25 30 years old, and between 250 300 pounds. Deputies told NBC 7 they have no leads at this time. A search of nearby surveillance cameras turned up nothing. Deputies also used the department's helicopter to search for the suspect. San Diego Police initially responded to the incident, which occurred just before 9 a.m. Tuesday. The investigation was later turned over to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. What to Know Dr. Barron Hall belongs to Veterinarians Without Borders, which provides free healthcare for animals in sanctuaries throughout the world. Alpha males need dental work because they'll hide pain caused by a bad tooth - a sign of weakness that could get them killed in the wild. A team of medical technicians monitored Lukes vital signs and kept the 400-pound carnivore peacefully asleep during his exam. A dentist from Virginia is sought around the world for his rare specialty: Exotic animals. Recently, News4 got up close to Luke the Lion at the National Zoo in D.C. as veterinary dentist Dr. Barron Hall performed his regular checkup. Yes, even lions need to go to the dentist. Wild animals need dental work because an unhealthy mouth can make an animal sick. Also, alpha males like Luke can instinctively hide a bad tooth causing them pain because it is a sign of weakness, which can get them killed in the wild. Hall, of Vienna, is in demand at zoos across the country and sanctuaries around the world. He's been in the mouth of some fierce beasts. Ive worked on black bears, grizzly bears, brown bears, pretty much every cat, Hall said. A hippo I havent done. Polar bears on my bucket list. Hall belongs to Veterinarians Without Borders, which provides free healthcare for animals in sanctuaries throughout the world and train locals to care for the animals around them. For his cleaning, Luke was put under. Since theyre wild animals, you cant just go and lift their lips, Hall said. A team of medical technicians monitored Lukes vital signs and kept the 400-pound carnivore peacefully asleep. Colorful mittens kept his massive paws warm. Luke came to the National Zoo when he was a 1-year-old. Luke was brought in to our facility from a facility in South Africa, which means his specific genetic line was not represented in North America at all, National Zoo big cats curator Craig Saffoe said. That gave breeders a fresh gene pool to grow the lion population in the United States, and Luke proved to be a star. He's been an outstanding breeding animal, Saffoe said. Hes produced five litters, four of which have all survived. Hes had a great run for us. At 11 years old, Luke is slowing down a bit, though he could live into his 20s. Staring into the mouth of a lion, one gains renewed respect for the king of the jungle. You could extract every tooth in their mouth, the power of their muscle, theyll still pop your head like a grape if they wanted to, Hall said. Luke left the exam with teeth intact and a mouth cleaned and ready to roar. The Kennedy Center announced their first director of hip-hop culture and contemporary music Wednesday. Simone Eccleston, currently the director of programming at Harlem Stage in New York, will assume the role March 13. Eccleston's new role will include leading a center-wide commitment to hip-hop culture and contemporary music, which includes R&B, soul, folk and roots, indie, world music and Latin music, according to a release. She will also work as a partner with other areas of the Kennedy Center to highlight the collaborative nature of hip-hop music. The program will also aim to increase opportunities for community involvement and participation. Hip-hop is based on five core elements -- deejaying, emceeing, break-dancing, graffiti writing and knowledge of self -- the Kennedy Center said, all of which build and transform communities through art and action. "With the Kennedy Center serving as the preeminent home for our nation's arts and culture, the creation of a programmatic platform for hip-hop culture is deeply significant," Eccleston said in a statement. She also said hip-hop culture has influenced and contributed to every aspect of American society and helps drive innovation and creative expressions across many different disciplines. "It is also an important catalyst for community building, activism and empowerment," Eccleston said. She said this new presence at the Kennedy Center will both celebrate and highlight the work that artists, curators and organizations across the country have created, both honoring and advancing the legacy of the hip-hop culture. Kennedy Center Senior Vice President Robert van Leer said the nature of hip-hop culture can create collaborations with the dance, theater, music and education programs. "We are thrilled to have an arts administrator of Simone's caliber join us -- someone who can lead that exploration of what hip-hop at the Kennedy Center can become in the coming years," van Leer said in a statement. "And we believe it is the Center's responsibility to develop and elevate thought-leaders like Simone to champion the bright future of our nations cultural institutions." Last March, the center appointed MC, rapper and record producer Q-Tip as its first artistic director for hip-hop culture. The Kennedy Center will also continue their collaboration with American University by providing a fellowship for a graduate student designed to focus exclusively on hip-hop culture and contemporary music. A man is in critical condition after he was shot Wednesday morning near an elementary school in the Capitol Heights neighborhood of Southeast D.C., officials say. He is the fifth man injured in four separate shootings within the same half-mile stretch of Wheeler Road SE in less than a week. The man, who police did not identify, was shot before 11 a.m. while he was in a car on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road SE. The victim was inside a Buick that was hit at least eight times. He was rushed to a hospital. Police recovered a weapon from the scene and set up a portable camera on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road. The nearby elementary school, the Congress Heights campus of Eagle Academy Public Charter School, was placed on lockdown while police investigated. No students or staff were hurt. Some parents went to the school early to pick up their children. "It's really sickening because every day it's a shooting in his area -- Wheeler Road, all the way down," one mother said. "We're very concerned about it, as is the Metropolitan Police Department," the school's chief operating officer, Joe Smith, said. People who live nearby are terrified, a resident who said she heard a hail of gunfire said. "The older people over here in Ward 8, who actually own their homes, are scared to come outside," the woman said, asking that News4 withhold her name and not show her face, for her safety. Four people were shot in three separate shootings on Wheeler Road Thursday night, the same night two police officers were shot and wounded and a suspect was shot and killed in Northeast D.C. In the first shooting on Wheeler Road, one person was shot on the 3300 block about 6:05 p.m. The second person was shot on the 3500 block. Then, two people were shot on the 4000 block about 7:55 p.m. All of the victims were men who received non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Two men, 22-year-old Jesus Mumbles Burley and 19-year-old Jesus Marcie Burley, were arrested Sunday and charged with assault with intent to kill in the first shooting Thursday. The previous day, just a few blocks to the northeast, two construction workers were shot at Alabama Avenue and 9th Place SE, near a church. A teenage girl was stabbed nearby. D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said the crimes will be solved, though he said recent shooting victims were not working with investigators. "Many of the victims in our recent shootings have not cooperated," he said. "It makes it a little more difficult for us to get to the bottom of it, but we will get to the bottom of this." Hhgregg will close 88 stores, including all its locations in the D.C. area, the appliance, electronics and furniture seller announced Thursday. We are strategically exiting markets and stores that are not financially profitable for us, company CEO Robert J. Riesbeck said in a statement. The hhgregg delivery and distribution center in Brandywine, Maryland, also will close. This move will leave the Indianapolis company with 132 stores nationwide. The 61-year-old company is preparing to file for bankruptcy amid low sales, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. After the last hhgregg in the D.C. region closes its doors for good, the closest location will be in Winchester, Virginia, about 80 miles from D.C. Go here to see the full list of locations closing nationwide. A woman has been arrested after police say she left her 18-month-old child and a puppy inside a running car while she allegedly earned money as a prostitute in Takoma Park, Maryland. On Tuesday, Takoma Park police went to the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue after receiving a report that a baby was alone in a vehicle. Officers saw the vehicle parked with the toddler inside, along with an 8-week-old puppy. The child and dog were left inside the vehicle for about an hour, police said. Danielle Parnell, 24, came outside and met with officers and "indicated she had been inside an apartment earning money as a prostitute," police said. Parnell has been charged with child neglect, child abuse and prostitution. She also had an outstanding warrant in Ohio for violating probation, police said. The child is in the custody of Child Protective Services, police said. The puppy was turned over to Animal Control and has already been adopted. A mosque in Northern Virginia received a threatening message on Tuesday, as two Islamic sites in Maryland and three Jewish schools in the region received similar threats. Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia received an envelope about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday with bias language on it, Fairfax County police said. "Kill all Muslims," a photo published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) shows on the envelope. Above the words is a drawing of a pig defecating on a mosque. Anti-Muslim bigots often use pigs or pork products to offend Muslims, many of who do not eat pork for religious reasons. The postmark on the envelope appeared to be from another country, police said. Detectives are investigating. CAIR called on law enforcement officials to figure out who sent the note. We urge local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to treat this and other cases of threats and violence targeting American mosque seriously and to bring the perpetrators to justice, CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said in a statement. On Monday, two Jewish schools in Maryland and a third Jewish school in Virginia received bomb threats by phone, and a mosque in Maryland received a threatening letter. An Islamic center in Maryland received a similar letter on Tuesday. The Nintendo Switch hits stores Friday, and for those who didnt manage to secure a pre-order in the brief moment they were available, getting the console March 3 may require braving a long wait in the cold. Considering how quickly pre-orders for the system sold out, it seems unlikely the Switch, priced at $299, will be immediately available past Friday morning. Shoppers determined to get the system on its launch date will have two options: wait in line for a midnight release Thursday or wait in line for a morning release Friday. MIDNIGHT RELEASES There are no midnight releases inside the District and few options in Maryland or Virginia. GameStop, Walmart and Best Buy are the only stores with midnight releases in the region, with GameStop offering the most options. GameStop has numerous locations opening at midnight in both Maryland and Virginia. These stores will have a limited supply of the system, according to a statement from the company. Click here to see your closest options. Walmart will also have a limited supply of the console. Ordinary Walmart stores wont be opening at midnight, but 24-hour Walmart Supercenters will start selling the Switch at midnight. The Walmart Supercenters in Alexandria and Vienna in Virginia are the closest to D.C. Click here to see if the Walmart closest to you is open 24-hours. Best Buy will only have one location opening at midnight in the Washington region. The Best Buy near Virginias Springfield Town Center will open at midnight. FRIDAY MORNING For those who dont want to sit outside at midnight, a Friday morning release may be a better option. GameStop, Walmart and Best Buy locations that didnt open at midnight will have the system available Friday morning, as well as all Target and Toys R Us locations. Keep in mind that all inventory is first-come-first-serve and likely to sell out quickly. Whichever store you go to, make sure to check what time they open and get there as early as possible. The latest SafeTrack work on Metrorail is bringing some major adjustments for Virginia commuters -- Blue Line trains are running 24 minutes apart, even during rush hour, and there is no Yellow Rush+ service. The latest phase of Metro's aggressive repair plan will last more than a month, beginning Saturday and lasting until April 9. Crews are working in two phases for the latest surge, number 13. Blue and Yellow trains are sharing the single track through the work zones. Phase 1 (Saturday through April 1) affects Blue and Yellow trains between Braddock Road and Huntington/Van Dorn Street. No Yellow Rush+ trains are operating, but extra Yellow Line trains are running between Reagan National Airport and Mount Vernon Square. On weekdays: Trains will continuously single-track between Braddock Road and Huntington-Van Dorn Street. Blue Line trains will run every 24 minutes, even during rush hour. Would-be Blue Line riders should consider alternate travel options. There will be no Yellow Rush+ service. Yellow Line trains will run every 24 minutes between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square, even during rush hour. Would-be Yellow Line riders south of Reagan National Airport should consider making other travel plans. Extra Yellow Line trains will run between Reagan National Airport and Mount Vernon Square. Riders traveling south of the airport should consider transferring at Pentagon, Pentagon City or Crystal City to continue their trips and avoid crowding. After 10 p.m., all Yellow Line trains will run between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square every 24 minutes. Phase 2 (April 2-9) will affect Yellow Line trains only between King Street-Old Town and Huntington. Yellow Line trains will continuously single-track between King Street-Old Town and Huntington-Van Dorn. Yellow Line trains between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square will run every 24 minutes at all times. Would-be Yellow Line riders should consider making other travel plans. Extra Yellow Line trains will run between Reagan National Airport and Mount Vernon Square. Riders headed south of the airport should consider transferring prior at Pentagon, Pentagon City or Crystal City to continue their trips and avoid crowding. There will be no Yellow Rush+ service. Blue Line trains will run normally (every 12 minutes during rush hour). After 10 p.m., all Yellow Line trains will run between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square every 24 minutes. Passengers using Blue or Yellow trains during Surge 13 should expect delays. Weekend train frequencies could change due to other planned track work on the system, Metro said. Alternatives to Metrorail: BUS: WMATA Pentagon Shuttle: Free express shuttle buses will run between the Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon stations during weekday rush hours. DASH Pentagon Shuttle: Free express shuttle buses will run between King Street-Old Town and the Pentagon during weekday rush hours. Shuttles will depart roughly every 12-15 minutes and will operate in both directions. DASH bus: DASH will add extra AT3 and AT4 trips in the early morning from Old Town Alexandria to the Pentagon Metro station. Metroway: The Metroway bus system will run more frequently between Braddock Road and Pentagon City during weekday rush hours. Metrobus: Metrobuses will run more often on the 11Y (Mount Vernon to Potomac Park) and 10A (Huntington to Pentagon Metro stations) bus routes, with normal fares. RAIL Riders from Alexandria and southern Fairfax County should consider riding the VRE from Franconia-Springfield or King Street-Old Town to get to Crystal City, L'Enfant Plaza or Union Station. BIKE Alexandria has 31 Capital Bikeshare stations citywide. Consider biking as a travel alternative. Capital Bikeshare has added an option for users to buy a single trip for $2. ROADS Alexandria's Traffic Management Center says it will be ready to assist and adjust traffic signal timing as needed. TELEWORK White House lawyers have instructed the president's aides to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian interference in the 2016 election and other related investigations, three administration officials said Wednesday. The instructions, which were sent to White House staff on Tuesday, come after Senate Democrats last week asked the White House and law enforcement agencies to keep all materials involving contacts that Trump's administration, campaign and transition team or anyone acting on their behalf have had with Russian government officials or their associates. The Senate intelligence committee, which is investigating Russia's role in the 2016 election, has also asked more than a dozen organizations, agencies and individuals to preserve relevant records. The three administration officials who confirmed that White House staffers were instructed to comply did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. President Donald Trump has been dogged by questions about his advisers' ties to Russia since the campaign. Federal investigators have been looking into possible contacts between Trump advisers and Russia, while congressional committees are investigating Russia's role in political hacking during the campaign. The intelligence community has assessed that Russia's hacking of Democratic groups and operatives was carried out to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. One official said McGahn's memo instructs White House staff to preserve material from Trump's time in office, and for those who worked on the campaign, relevant material from the election. A Trump spokesman said the White House was "simply taking proactive steps" and called the accusations of nefarious ties between the president and Russia "false and politically motivated attacks." Congressional staffers have said they are not aware of any evidence that materials related to Russia are not being preserved. But Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said last week: "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved." Trump has denied having any knowledge that aides were in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, as reported by The New York Times. The White House has launched an aggressive effort to discredit the report, including enlisting GOP chairmen of the congressional intelligence committees to push back against it. The involvement of North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr and California Rep. Devin Nunes has sparked calls mostly from Democrats for a special prosecutor to investigate Russia's role in the election and possible ties to Trump. The White House has acknowledged that Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, misled top officials about the nature of his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. Flynn initially told Vice President Mike Pence and other Trump advisers that he did not discuss sanctions with the envoy during the transition, though it was later revealed that he did. The FBI interviewed Flynn about the contacts days after the inauguration. Trump fired Flynn after the discrepancies in his account were publicly revealed. AP writer Deb Riechmann contributed to this report. Police are investigating after four men were found with stab wounds in Manchester, New Hampshire. Police responded to 221 Wilson Street around 12:04 a.m. on Thursday morning for a reported stabbing and found four men outside suffering from stab wounds. The men were transported to local hospitals. Two of the victims were released later in the morning, but two require further treatment due to more serious injuries. The incident remains under investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Manchester Police Department 603-668-8711. You can also contact the Manchester Police Crime Line at 603-624-4040 and provide an anonymous tip. A Connecticut couple accused in a million dollar Ponzi scheme involving gold and diamonds will stay behind bars after a judge in Georgia denied their bail. The couple had to turn themselves in to police in Fulton County, Georgia where the charges originally came from. Tears and hugs among the families who say they were taken by Eli Shetrit and his wife Ayelet Ellituv when the judge made the final decision. Judge John J. Goger addressed the couple, "Theres something about this, I just, based upon the representation made by the state, I just have a visceral distrust." He denies? the defendant Shetrit asked. Shetrit and Ellituv are accused of stealing more than $1 million in money, diamonds and identities in the metro area of Atlanta. In early February, a grand jury handed down the indictment after their initial arrest two years ago, before they were released on bond. The pair was living in a mansion with their three children in Woodbridge, Connecticut were picked up by local police on Valentines Day for Georgia authorities. Goger said, Im a big believer people who are accused of crime, miss having the opportunity to make bond, you know, and thats the law. Second point, I cant trust them." Georgia police add the couple violated conditions of their release, failing to update authorities when they moved. Last year, a reporter in Atlanta found them living in New York City in a $1.5 million apartment. In New York, theres also a civil judgment against Shetrit for $8 million owed to diamond dealers there. A new bill on the table at the Massachusetts State House would clear the names of sex trafficking victims, many of whom often face prostitution charges that follow them for the rest of their lives. Jasmine Marino is an author, motivational speaker, and a survivor of sex trafficking. "I was involved with prostitution, commercial sex trade, more trauma, more abuse," said Marino, who was forced into this world by a former boyfriend. Its her vulnerability, and willingness to share her story thats helping other survivors reclaim their lives. But Marino says the women with prior convictions for prostitution, are having difficulty moving on. "A lot of companies wont hire them because of these charges," said Marino. And to get rid of this on their records in Massachusetts, Alec Zadek said its complicated. "It requires hundreds of hours and sophisticated lawyers going into court and arguing something that is uncertain," said Zadek, an attorney with Mintz Levin. Levin helped write House Bill 766, an act to reduce sexual exploitation of victims of human trafficking, hoping it gives these survivors a clean slate. Hes working pro bono on this. "And the goal for this law, is to help them remove this label because they are really a survivor of trafficking," said Levin. Boston University Law Professor Julie Dahlstrom and some of her students are also trying to help. "It may involve minors, it may involve people who are forced into it,' says Dahlstrom. Shes partnering with Zadeks law firm to get this bill passed. "One of the things fueling this is the demand for commercial sex," said Dahlstrom. The recent statistics from advocacy group demand abolition are sobering. There are more than 20,000 ads for paid sex posted on line every month. More than 9,000 searches for buying sex in Boston each day. And the average age of someone being trafficked is 14. Marino is now married and expecting a fifth child. Shes also running a halfway house for sex trafficking survivors in Lynn. "So this is just one little step in doing that," said Marino. This bill was introduced in the house last year, but did not make it through. Advocates hope that changes this time around. There is a similar bill right now in the senate. A car has crashed into a Chipotle restaurant on Route 44 in Raynham, Massachusetts on Thursday morning. Police say Matthew Moniz, 33, of East Taunton, Massachusetts, drove his 2016 Nissan Sentra into the building around 1:40 a.m. Muniz was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He was the only person in the vehicle at the time. The building was unoccupied at the time of the crash. The incident remains under investigation. WJAR A man who may have access to weapons has been added to Massachusetts state police's Most Wanted list after being named as a murder suspect. State police say David M. Grossack, 47, is wanted in connection to the homicide of 65-year-old Francis Brescia. Brescia's decomposing body was found in his Everett apartment last Saturday. Grossack is described as 6'2" tall, weighs about 175 pounds with a thin build and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He also has a tattoo on the back of his left hand, near his index finger's knuckle. Authorities say Grossack, who is believed to be homeless, may be in shelters in Boston, Lynn or Salem. He also has ties to Saugus, Beverly and Norton. State police ask anyone who has seen him or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873). A father has died from his injuries after he and his son were both struck by an SUV Sunday night in Brockton, Massachusetts. The incident occurred at 680 Centre St., near the Signature Healthcare facility. According to the Brockton police, the young child and his father were leaving the Wizards Duel game store when they were hit by an orange Hyundai Tucson SUV. Both were transported to a local hospital in Boston. The child suffered lesser injuries and is expected to recover. The father, identified as 48-year-old Hiep Huynh, passed away Wednesday. The driver of the SUV stopped and waited for help to arrive. The incident is under investigation, but police will not say if the driver will be charged. Many law enforcement members around the country have sent a letter to Congress over the battle of immigration reform and border policies. Among the 63 police chiefs and sheriffs who signed the letter addressed to the U.S. Senate, are Boston Police Chief William Evans, Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian. The letter was sent just in time for a hearing on border security. Law enforcement members are pleading with the federal government to avoid taking action that could harm community trust when it comes to immigration enforcement. Authorities said they don't want local police officers being used as immigration officers. "Our primary concern and mission is public safety and we are dedicated to that," said Koutoujian. "But we're not sure that the message coming from the administration is clear, quite concise." The letter states, "local control has been a beneficial approach for law enforcement for decades, having the federal government compel state and local law enforcement to carry out new and sometimes problematic tasks will harm locally-based, community-oriented policing." Immigration enforcement, law enforcement officials say, should prioritize criminals and not peaceful residents. But not all law enforcement agrees. "It makes me scratch my head, this is something that completely defies the oath we all took in law enforcement," said Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson. A supporter of President Donald Trump and right-wing on the immigration issue, Hodgson says he doesn't support the letter sent to Congress. "We're a country of laws, we can't create a special class of people who violate our laws, disrespect the laws of our country and say it doesn't matter," Hodgson said. In the meantime, a new executive order on immigration from the Trump administration is expected as early as Thursday or Friday. On Wednesday, Massachusetts celebrated the White Ribbon Campaign's 10th year in the state. "It's for all men to have a conversation about their relationships and their role about preventing sexual assault and domestic violence," said Craig Norberg-Bohm from Jane Doe Inc. White Ribbon Day is part of the international White Ribbon Campaign, started by a group of Canadian men in 1991. Nearly 100 cities, towns, schools, businesses and faith groups have joined the campaign to end gender-based violence, especially against women. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and other politicians attended Wednesday's ceremony. Baker told a story about his first time meeting a woman who was a victim of domestic violence. "She had the remains of what was an obvious contusion on the side of her face," said Baker. When asked why she didn't get help sooner, Baker said, "She said, 'I didn't think anybody would care.'" The men who are ambassadors and affiliates for the White Ribbon Campaign do care. "Men take a pledge to say, 'I promise never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women,'" said Norberg-Bohm. The men marched from Faneuil Hall to Boston City Hall wearing white ribbon pins to show their support. "We have to protect our women," said Taquari Milton, a White Ribbon ambassador. He said he's witnessed domestic violence and feels he can't remain silent. "I have sisters and my mother and little cousins who I care deeply about," said Milton. "I would want somebody to treat them with the same respect as I treat them. Not a lot of people see that and it's statistically proven." On Wednesday, partners of the campaign will raise white ribbon flags to put their support on display. The event was sponsored by Jane Doe Inc., which started White Ribbon Day in 2007. For more on Jane Doe Inc., click here. After allegations of large-scale investment fraud left Vermonts Northeast Kingdom reeling, there are new hopes for an injection of fresh energy into downtown Newport. I call it our economic disaster, Newport Mayor Paul Monette said of the scandal involving allegations of fraud at Jay Peak, Burke Mountain Resort, and in Newport. You hear of natural disasters, I call it an economic disaster. A prominent city block in Newport had been set for a major upgrade as part of a sweeping set of real estate investments and expansions that were said to transform the Kingdom. However, all progress stopped last year when federal investigators uncovered what they called a complex scheme by developers to misuse $200-million in foreign investors' money in the Newport project and at nearby Jay Peak and Burke Mountain resorts. Businessman Ari Quiros allegedly used some of the investment money to pay his personal bills, to make personal investments, and to purchase a luxury condo in New York City. Quiros, who was described in federal court paperwork as the mastermind of the scheme, has denied any wrongdoing. Things are down, but they're going to turn around, predicted Tony Pomerleau, a nearly 100-year-old Vermont real estate legend who has regularly expressed his admiration for Newport, where he used to live. Pomerleau is part of a new private, public, and non-profit partnership focusing on Newport's revitalization. The team announced Thursday a series of projects aimed at helping add new energy into the citys downtown. The projects include a renovation of the local supermarket, the creation of a recreation path around Lake Memphremagog, and projects to encourage lake visitors to also head to Main Street. It's certainly tremendously unfortunate things have played out this way, Mike Schirling, the secretary of the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, said about the investment fraud investigation. But there is an opportunity. While there is a piece of Main Street that currently doesnt have anything on it, you could think, How many downtowns have the opportunity to completely reimagine a core component of what they do? Schirling predicted that the partnerships formed in discussing the grocery store renovations and recreation path will strengthen over time and will help the community shape the eventual look and uses of downtown Newport. This is a community thats vibrant and we dont let certain negative things get us down, Mayor Monette said. We always look to the future. And this is one positive project of many that are going to come down the pipeline. Jo-Ann Brooks, who owns and operates Newport Jewelers on Main Street with her husband, said she welcomes the groups efforts. We need something and we need it soon, Brooks told necn. There is potential here. The lake is beautiful! We just need more people to come and see it for themselves. Developers said construction on the new rec path is set to start this spring, and expect it should be in use by this summer. A suspect in a grisly double murder in Peabody, Massachusetts is being held on $250,000 bail for the carjacking he allegedly committed while on the run. Police say Wes Doughty was likely responsible for a carjacking in Middleton. Doughty was arraigned in Salem District Court for assault & battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, kidnapping and carjacking. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The victim, Ken Metz, claimed Doughty approached his car while he was in a restaurant parking lot and pulled open the driver's side door. When Metz attempted to exit the car, Doughty pulled him back in the car and brandished small knife. The victim said Doughty drove him three hours to Boston while he was in the passenger seat. Court paperwork shows that Doughty took an ATM card from Metz and withdrew $140. He then allegedly tied up the victim and left him locked in the car. Metz was able to escape on one stop and seek help from a nearby restaurant. Doughty was taken into custody Friday in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He pleaded not guilty on murder charges on Tuesday for the shooting of Mark Greenlaw and stabbing of Jennifer O'Connor. Michael Hebb, 45, of Peabody, was also arraigned on murder charges on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty. Doughty is already being held without bail on the murder charges. Mother Nature brought the outside in for a New Hampshire family Thursday morning. Winds toppled a massive tree on top of a home on High Street in Peterborough. "Am I surprised a tree could do this to the house? Absolutely not," said the homeowner, Kevin Carne. "Do I wish it was someone elses house? Well, kinda." It's the last thing he expected even as he watched the wild weather from his backyard. "It sounded like a sonic boom, it was impressive," Carne said. A tree in his front yard snapped in half and sliced through his home's new addition. "It's a terrifying noise, a tree this size coming down on your house," Carne said. "You kind of dive and get out of the way as it comes through the roof." And the path of destruction didn't stop there. Officials in Peterborough got at least 10 calls for down trees between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. "It was like a big rumble, a big crack, and a big smash," said one Peterborough resident, who didn't want to be identified. We met her as she waited for a rental car company in the parking lot of her job. Her car was crushed by a falling tree. "This morning it was sunny, then it snowed, then it was like we were having a sandstorm, and the next thing you know, trees were coming down," the woman said. "Good thing no one was in it, that's all I say." Carne feels the same way. "It's scary, it really is," he said. "It's a great relief, it's just what do I do now and how do I straighten it out?" Carne is fully insured and he plans to rebuild as soon as possible. The deputy fire in chief in town says through all of Thursday wild weather, nobody was hurt. A Leominster, Massachusetts, woman battling stage 4 cancer is trying to find the good Samaritan she credits with saving her life not in a hospital, but on the side of the highway last year. Kate LaBelle was driving on Route 2 westbound on May 27, 2016, when she started losing consciousness. She was on her way to a doctors appointment to get a CT scan when she realized she needed to pull over. The last thing I remember is my chest hurting really badly, like an elephant was standing on my chest, LaBelle said. She was taking the Devens exit when her head went down and her car hit the guard rail. The next thing she remembers is waking up to the good Samaritan, a nurse who comforted her until an ambulance arrived. It was terrifying just not knowing what was happening because I had no idea how sick I was, LaBelle said. At the hospital, LaBelle was diagnosed with stage 4 angiosarcoma, a rare cancer of the blood vessels. It was causing her heart to fill up with fluid, putting so much pressure on it, doctors only had minutes to perform the emergency procedure that saved her. If it wasnt for that woman stopping, I probably wouldnt be here talking to you right now, LaBelle said. There was no police report or witness statement taken at the scene. With no clues, LaBelle decided to post on Facebook to try and find her Route 2 angel. She saved my life and Im incredibly thankful, LaBelle wrote in her post that has been shared over 2,000 times. Between the chemo treatments, LaBelle and her family are hoping somewhere in the comments someone can point her in the right direction to thank the woman who saved her. Because she could have kept driving. I dont know, Id like to think anyone would stop, but I know thats not always the case, said her father, David LaBelle. She went above and beyond. A GoFundMe page to help pay for LaBelle's treatment has raised more than $26,000 of its $100,000 goal as of Wednesday evening. Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Attorney General Jeff Sessions should resign and she is calling for an independent special prosecutor to oversee the Justice Department's investigation of Russian interference in the U.S. election. Warren was joined Thursday by fellow Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey and the state's entire all-Democrat House delegation in calling for Sessions to resign. Warren, who has clashed repeatedly with President Donald Trump, reacted in a series of tweets to reports that Sessions talked twice with Russia's ambassador during the presidential campaign. The White House says Sessions met with the diplomat in his capacity as a then-U.S. senator, not a Trump campaign adviser. Warren tweeted that Sessions should never have been confirmed by the Senate and the controversy surrounding Sessions was a threat to national security. Senators from eight states that have legalized the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana are asking Attorney General Jeff Sessions to uphold the Department of Justice's existing enforcement policy toward states with voter-approved marijuana laws. Massachusetts Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey were among those who signed the Thursday letter. Massachusetts voters backed the recreational use of pot last year. The senators point to comments by White House spokesman Sean Spicer suggesting stepped-up enforcement of federal laws against recreational marijuana. Eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. The Obama administration opted not intervene in state marijuana laws as long as states had systems to control the drug's cultivation and sale. Senators from Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey and Alaska also signed the letter. Some weeks ago I wrote that CRM and contact center are on a collision course. I argued that as the technologies used in CRM and the contact center will naturally mash up, the vendors of these traditionally distinct technologies will collide. In this post, I will expand upon that idea and talk about the future and a key aspect that will be important to successful synergies: how each domain leverages behaviors. CRM/contact center collision The first post argued that a co-mingling of the technologies used in CRM and the contact center worlds have occurred. This has been more of a lending of functionality. Seldom has true synergy emerged. The example I used is when a CRM desktop may be used by call takers (or in industry lingo, agents) as part of the processes of answering incoming telephone calls. In a customer service center, for instance, call control features may be made available to the agent through computer telephony integration (CTI) techniques. In some deployments, automatic retrieval of information about the calling party, using the incoming telephone number (calling party ID, in industry terminology) as a search key, is also be made available. The evolutionary journey of contact center This idea emerged as call center technologies were maturing. In the same era, the industry of Contact Management (CM) software came into being. Dominant players in this market came to be companies such as ACT, Sage, Goldmine (for the accounting professions) and Borland Sidekick. It wasnt long before the two worlds of CM software and telephony collided. Here CTI allowed for the trigger of an automatic retrieval of information in the CM software based upon the calling party ID. In these days before client/server and later web technologies when applications could be shared, typically CM software was installed in a single instance on a personal computer. After a rudimentary integration with a telephone, the software could be configured to retrieve information from personal contacts accumulated in the CM software and displayed as a phone call arrived to a knowledge workers desktop. An automated screen-pop could be configured by the user to display information as the call was answered. This concept spread to the call center, as well. This is when the idea/terminology began to change and the call center became the idea of a contact center. The distinction was that actionable intelligence begins to accompany the ringing of the call takers' telephones. An industry of innovators sprang up in the call center space that developed specialized desktop applications to display information about calling parties. An example was Quintus Corp. of Freemont, California. Although not what we define as CRM today, Quintus' offering was described as customer relationship management technologies and services to call center operators. Agile Software was another innovator. Part of that companys technologies would later be acquired by Avaya. Avaya also benefited having been bequeathed in a spin-off, assets developed by Lucent Technologies. Much of those technologies became the basis for what is today the companys Interaction Center product. Avaya later acquired Quintus and melded its offering into the companys portfolio of contact center applications. Another big player in CTI was Nortel. Those assets also flowed to Avaya in the Nortel Enterprise Solutions acquisition. IBM, during that companys dalliance with telecom, also offered the companys CallPath solutions. Call center application provider Genesys would later acquire IBM's CallPath assets, forming an alliance to co-develop business intelligence solutions for customer contact centres and the enterprise, wrote Helen Han. With its acquisition of Selsius Systems, Cisco gained an award-winning CTI Solution. Numerous other smaller players also exist today. Meanwhile in CRM As all that was happening, CRM in the modern sense of the term was evolving. First successes were in the disciplines of sales force automation and customer service and support. Soon marketing departments discovered the insights that could be available by examining the accumulated data for information into customer preferences and buying behaviors. Here is where the concept of behaviors enters our discussion. The contact center players were also discovering how to leverage behaviors but in a different part of the customer journey. Behaviors became part of the secret sauce as these two industries evolved. For CRM, the primary behavioral focus is about customer motivations. In the contact center industries, the science involved mainly behaviors of the contact center agent. In the future, these unique applications of behavioral sciences will form a figurative yin and yang of a real-time customer interaction. The CRM concept of behavioral insights to identify and leverage information about what motivates a customer to buy or to understand what attracts a customer to a brand will combine with "skills-based" insights. Ann Bednarz described in this publication back in 2002 how economies are gained by matching an incoming real-time inter-actor (today being a caller/texter/website chat participant, etc.) with the agent who has the right behaviors (aka skills) to deal with the customer as efficiently as is possible. A true synergy will exist if an understanding of the importance of each perspective on behavioral insights is not lost in the vendor collision. The future mashup For an optimal future mashup, each domain of expertise must learn lessons from the other. Contact center practitioners and CRM practitioners complement each other in their unique understandings of behaviors and other important intricacies from different parts of the customer journey. The applications of behavioral sciences are but one example. As the technologies mash up and the vendors collide, it will be those who understand these important opportunities who will prevail. In the planetary analogy overhanging this discussion, it is they who will arise out of the primordial mix to evolve to be the dominant new species the future of customer interaction management. Last week, Cisco held the European version of its Cisco Live event in Berlin. At these events, Cisco typically makes several product announcements and demonstrates many of its new products. Cisco Live is also a time for the companys alliance and technology partners to showcase their own wares as they look to add value to the Cisco ecosystem. One of the more interesting announcements by an technology partner at the 2017 show was from VOSS Solutions, which extended its platform to support Cisco Spark Hybrid Services. The Spark platform has been red hot of late, as Cisco has made it the companys main UC platform. During the show, the Spark Board garnered a lot of attention, including being part of Ruba Bornos day 1 keynote. + Also on Network World: Unified communications for reals + While there are many team collaboration tools on the market today, Ciscos is the only one that can run in hybrid mode. Spark Hybrid Services let businesses enjoy the benefits of Spark but keep some of the tools on premises with a single, integrated experience. The Spark Hybrid Services including calling, calendar, directory service and media service. Spark is growing in popularity, but for large enterprises, provisioning the service for tens of thousands of users can be a significant time suck filled with manual processes. VOSS, a leading unified communications (UC) management vendor, now has a solution to make this process easier, as its VOSS-4-UC product automates the deployment and management of Spark Hybrid Services. Eliminates the time suck of deploying Spark Hybrid Services Without an automation platform like VOSS, businesses would typically use a mix of disjointed tools to administer Spark. For example, a business could use a homegrown tool to pull user information from Active Directory, a multi-step UC management tool to provision the individual users and applications, and a service management platform to measure the impact to the network and other infrastructure. The problem with that model is it can literally take months for large organizations to deliver Spark to all of its users. In this highly competitive digital era, that kind of lag in giving workers advanced tools could be the difference between capturing a market opportunity and being a leader or missing it and being a lagger. VOSS-4-UC automates the entire, end-to-end process. The product has had Active Directory integration for years, so customers do not need to build their own or purchase a separate connector. For the rest of the process, VOSS leverages the Spark API to automate the creation of a driver that incorporates the elements required to manage the cloud service in conjunction with the on-premises tools. The following are some of the Spark Hybrid Services tasks that can be automated with VOSS-4-UC: Provision, move, change or delete hybrid Spark users Make individual changes via a quick add feature Run operations in bulk via directory integration so changes in Active Directory automatically flow through provisioning Manage Spark licenses so customers are assured of being in software compliance Automate the hybrid call control set up within Cisco Unified Communications Manager Enable multi-device configuration so new Spark devices can be brought online and provisioned quickly Quickly create Spark rooms with automated population Spark Hybrid Services are a great way for existing Cisco customers to jump into Spark without having to disrupt the status quo. However, the complexity of provisioning users and services in large environments can reduce much of the ROI the company hopes to gain by shifting to Spark. The automation capabilities of VOSS-4-UC enable businesses to start using Spark quickly without having to worry about the behind-the-scenes complexity. Will you be taking part in the literary celebrations? YOUNGSTERS across West Berkshire will be dressing as their favourite characters from literature today as the nation celebrates World Book Day (Thursday, March 2). The annual event sees children (as well as teachers) all over the UK dressing up and taking part in events that schools and community groups run to celebrate authors, illustrators, books and reading. Last year saw the district's schools filled with costumes from Harry Potter to Spider-Man as pupils of all ages marked the wonder of reading. The picture shows youngsters at Little Sunflowers Nursery on World Book Day 2016. Is your school or nursery taking part in the celebrations? Tell us what you'll be getting up to this World Book Day and send your pictures (make sure to include the names of the literary characters) to chris.ord@newburynews.co.uk to be included in a full round up in next week's Newbury Weekly News. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Auto firms shrugged off the demand crunch following demonetisation by posting robust sales figures for February, with most four-wheeler makers posting double-digit growth compared to the same month last year. Maruti Suzuki, Ford, Renault, Nissan and Toyota Kirloskar all posted double-digit growth, while Honda Cars, Hyundai and Ashok Leyland saw demand increase, too. Analysts and industry players pegged the strong performance on improving liquidity boosting demand and new launches. Maruti saw domestic sales rise 11.7 percent to 1,20,735 units, driven primarily by the compact car segment which saw 9.4 percent growth to 47,002 units. Rival Hyundai Motors saw muted growth in domestic sales, recording 42,327 units in sales, up 4 percent compared to last year. Rakesh Srivastava, HMIL senior vice-president for sales and marketing, pegged the improvement despite demonetisation on increased customer visits and the Union Budget. Other good performers such as Ford said the numbers were a good sign. The industry is seeing some green shoots, recovering from the impact of demonetisation, said Anurag Mehrotra, executive director for marketing, sales and service at Ford India. Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Commercial and passenger vehicle maker Tata Motors saw passenger sales rise in the domestic market by 12 per cent. According to Tata Motors president (passenger vehicle business unit) Mayank Pareek, the sales were driven primarily by the newly launched Tiago, which has been seeing sustained demand. Other automakers with growing sales include Renault (26.8 per cent), Honda Cars (9.44 per cent), Nissan (24.86 per cent) and two-wheeler maker Royal Enfield (19 per cent). Mahindra & Mahindra, however, saw a decline of 2.26 per cent in domestic sales. But, Pravin Shah, M&Ms chief executive (auto division), said that with rural sentiment improving,there will be a turnaround in demand. Competitor Ashok Leyland also recorded a sales growth of 5 per cent. Meanwhile, TVS Motor Company saw a 3.64 per cent decline in total sales for the month, primarily driven by a 2.32 per cent decline in two-wheeler sales which fell to 2,06,247 units against 2,11,148 units last year. However, rival Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India recorded a 5 per cent increase, while Hero Motocorp, which has higher rural exposure saw a decrease of 4.7 5 per cent in total sales. CHENNAI: Auto firms shrugged off the demand crunch following demonetisation by posting robust sales figures for February, with most four-wheeler makers posting double-digit growth compared to the same month last year. Maruti Suzuki, Ford, Renault, Nissan and Toyota Kirloskar all posted double-digit growth, while Honda Cars, Hyundai and Ashok Leyland saw demand increase, too. Analysts and industry players pegged the strong performance on improving liquidity boosting demand and new launches. Maruti saw domestic sales rise 11.7 percent to 1,20,735 units, driven primarily by the compact car segment which saw 9.4 percent growth to 47,002 units. Rival Hyundai Motors saw muted growth in domestic sales, recording 42,327 units in sales, up 4 percent compared to last year. Rakesh Srivastava, HMIL senior vice-president for sales and marketing, pegged the improvement despite demonetisation on increased customer visits and the Union Budget. Other good performers such as Ford said the numbers were a good sign. The industry is seeing some green shoots, recovering from the impact of demonetisation, said Anurag Mehrotra, executive director for marketing, sales and service at Ford India. Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Commercial and passenger vehicle maker Tata Motors saw passenger sales rise in the domestic market by 12 per cent. According to Tata Motors president (passenger vehicle business unit) Mayank Pareek, the sales were driven primarily by the newly launched Tiago, which has been seeing sustained demand. Other automakers with growing sales include Renault (26.8 per cent), Honda Cars (9.44 per cent), Nissan (24.86 per cent) and two-wheeler maker Royal Enfield (19 per cent). Mahindra & Mahindra, however, saw a decline of 2.26 per cent in domestic sales. But, Pravin Shah, M&Ms chief executive (auto division), said that with rural sentiment improving,there will be a turnaround in demand. Competitor Ashok Leyland also recorded a sales growth of 5 per cent. Meanwhile, TVS Motor Company saw a 3.64 per cent decline in total sales for the month, primarily driven by a 2.32 per cent decline in two-wheeler sales which fell to 2,06,247 units against 2,11,148 units last year. However, rival Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India recorded a 5 per cent increase, while Hero Motocorp, which has higher rural exposure saw a decrease of 4.7 5 per cent in total sales. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Strongly condemning the allegations levelled by a former Assembly Speaker P H Pandian and his son Manoj Pandian regarding the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Minister for Forests and AIADMK treasurer Dindigul C Srinivasan on Thursday said those who raise all these baseless suspicions about the death of the late leader should not forget that such allegations would only malign her image. On the remark of PH Pandian they were close to nabbing the culprit involved in the death of Jayalalithaa, Srinivasan said: I think he is engaged in an investigation and let him convey the results of his investigation before the court. He also pointed out that the personal security officer of Jayalalithaa alone took her to the hospital in the ambulance on September 22 last. Stating that PH Pandian was responsible for most of the sufferings of Jayalalithaa in her public life, Srinivasan said that in 1996, persons like Pandian and C Ponnaiyan lodged false petitions with the then Governor and only because of these petitions, she was imprisoned. The mental agony underwent by Jayalalithaa in prison, unhygienic situation and lack of basic amenities in jail and medical supervision had a severe impact on her health. Ever since her return from prison in 2014, she was not keeping good health. All AIADMK cadre knew this fact. Now, covering up all these facts, only for political mileage, charges are being levelled, Srinivasan said and asked PH Pandian and his son not to hurl empty allegations as the AIADMK had the courage to face anything. Apollo Hospitals doctors and Richard Beale from London had clarified every doubt on the treatment given to Jayalalithaa and the hospital had submitted a report to the Madras High Court in a case pending before it. On the charge that Jayalalithaa was there in hospital without NSG security, Srinivasan clarified that NSG personnel used to return to their camp at Chintadripet after their daily work routine. The NSG personnel will be there with the VIPs during their journey and they are not allowed into the residences of these leaders. CHENNAI: Strongly condemning the allegations levelled by a former Assembly Speaker P H Pandian and his son Manoj Pandian regarding the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Minister for Forests and AIADMK treasurer Dindigul C Srinivasan on Thursday said those who raise all these baseless suspicions about the death of the late leader should not forget that such allegations would only malign her image. On the remark of PH Pandian they were close to nabbing the culprit involved in the death of Jayalalithaa, Srinivasan said: I think he is engaged in an investigation and let him convey the results of his investigation before the court. He also pointed out that the personal security officer of Jayalalithaa alone took her to the hospital in the ambulance on September 22 last. Stating that PH Pandian was responsible for most of the sufferings of Jayalalithaa in her public life, Srinivasan said that in 1996, persons like Pandian and C Ponnaiyan lodged false petitions with the then Governor and only because of these petitions, she was imprisoned. The mental agony underwent by Jayalalithaa in prison, unhygienic situation and lack of basic amenities in jail and medical supervision had a severe impact on her health. Ever since her return from prison in 2014, she was not keeping good health. All AIADMK cadre knew this fact. Now, covering up all these facts, only for political mileage, charges are being levelled, Srinivasan said and asked PH Pandian and his son not to hurl empty allegations as the AIADMK had the courage to face anything. Apollo Hospitals doctors and Richard Beale from London had clarified every doubt on the treatment given to Jayalalithaa and the hospital had submitted a report to the Madras High Court in a case pending before it. On the charge that Jayalalithaa was there in hospital without NSG security, Srinivasan clarified that NSG personnel used to return to their camp at Chintadripet after their daily work routine. The NSG personnel will be there with the VIPs during their journey and they are not allowed into the residences of these leaders. By Express News Service CHENNAI: Firing fresh salvos at V K Sasikala-led faction of the AIADMK, one of the key figures in the rebel side who is also the former Tamil Nadu Speaker, P H Pandian and his son and former MP Manoj Pandian on Thursday raised several queries on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Talking to reporters at the residence of rebel factions head and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam here on Thursday, he said, Our late leader Jayalalithaa was under the security cover of NSG but when she was in hospital the NSG cover was removed. Who issued the orders to remove high security cover? He said that according to the Act governing NSG, dereliction of duty would warrant capital punishment. Pandian, who is a criminal lawyer, claimed that Jayalaithaa was pushed down by somebody before she was ferried to Apollo Hospital on the night of September 22 last year. Demanding answers to questions and suspicions about Jayalalithaas death, he asked who stopped the late leader from flying to a Singapore hospital even after the Centre dispatched a para-ambulance? He also questioned the absence of Dr Shantharam after he warned in May 2016 of the risk of suffering stroke if the course of treatment to Jayalalithaa continued. Informing that he had been probing the circumstances of Jayalalithaas death, Pandian claimed, I have zeroed in on the culprits. Soon I will expose their identity. His son and former MP Manoj Pandian asked the hospital authorities to explain who authorised the medical cessation of Jaya. Manoj Pandian claimed that Jayalalithaa actually died on December 4 but the hospital announced her end came on December 5. CHENNAI: Firing fresh salvos at V K Sasikala-led faction of the AIADMK, one of the key figures in the rebel side who is also the former Tamil Nadu Speaker, P H Pandian and his son and former MP Manoj Pandian on Thursday raised several queries on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. Talking to reporters at the residence of rebel factions head and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam here on Thursday, he said, Our late leader Jayalalithaa was under the security cover of NSG but when she was in hospital the NSG cover was removed. Who issued the orders to remove high security cover? He said that according to the Act governing NSG, dereliction of duty would warrant capital punishment. Pandian, who is a criminal lawyer, claimed that Jayalaithaa was pushed down by somebody before she was ferried to Apollo Hospital on the night of September 22 last year. Demanding answers to questions and suspicions about Jayalalithaas death, he asked who stopped the late leader from flying to a Singapore hospital even after the Centre dispatched a para-ambulance? He also questioned the absence of Dr Shantharam after he warned in May 2016 of the risk of suffering stroke if the course of treatment to Jayalalithaa continued. Informing that he had been probing the circumstances of Jayalalithaas death, Pandian claimed, I have zeroed in on the culprits. Soon I will expose their identity. His son and former MP Manoj Pandian asked the hospital authorities to explain who authorised the medical cessation of Jaya. Manoj Pandian claimed that Jayalalithaa actually died on December 4 but the hospital announced her end came on December 5. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Commuters in the national capital were in for a rude shock with heavy traffic jams due to the protests organised by the Jat community who assembled at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The heavy vehicular movement was primarily experienced by those travelling in central and South Delhi. Roads connecting Delhi to NCR were a total choc-a-bloc. The National Highway 24, Delhi-Agra highway, National Highway 1, Connaught Place, ITO are currently having slow moving traffic. According to the Delhi traffic police, almost 4,000 traffic cops have been deployed to manage traffic in the national capital. "We are witnessing jams in some locations due to heavy vehicle moments due to a protest by Jat community at Jantar Mantar. It is expected that Delhi roads will have traffic whole day due the protest, especially during peak hour," a senior traffic police official said. Almost 10,000 people from UP and Haryana have reached Delhi to demand quota in education, and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. They are also seeking 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 in the stir. Violence during the February 2016 agitation by Jats across several districts in Haryana left 30 people dead and over 200 injured. Government and private properties worth hundreds of crore were also damaged. "We have come here to protest against the insensitivity which the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana has shown to our demands. We will march to Parliament with our demands," said Yashpal Malik, president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS). He said the community was prepared for a long drawn battle and that essential supplies are likely to be affected. As many as 30 people were killed and properties worth crores were damaged at many places in Haryana during last year's Jat stir which had turned violent. (With inputs from IANS) NEW DELHI: Commuters in the national capital were in for a rude shock with heavy traffic jams due to the protests organised by the Jat community who assembled at Jantar Mantar on Thursday. The heavy vehicular movement was primarily experienced by those travelling in central and South Delhi. Roads connecting Delhi to NCR were a total choc-a-bloc. The National Highway 24, Delhi-Agra highway, National Highway 1, Connaught Place, ITO are currently having slow moving traffic. According to the Delhi traffic police, almost 4,000 traffic cops have been deployed to manage traffic in the national capital. "We are witnessing jams in some locations due to heavy vehicle moments due to a protest by Jat community at Jantar Mantar. It is expected that Delhi roads will have traffic whole day due the protest, especially during peak hour," a senior traffic police official said. Almost 10,000 people from UP and Haryana have reached Delhi to demand quota in education, and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. They are also seeking 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 in the stir. Violence during the February 2016 agitation by Jats across several districts in Haryana left 30 people dead and over 200 injured. Government and private properties worth hundreds of crore were also damaged. "We have come here to protest against the insensitivity which the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana has shown to our demands. We will march to Parliament with our demands," said Yashpal Malik, president of the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS). He said the community was prepared for a long drawn battle and that essential supplies are likely to be affected. As many as 30 people were killed and properties worth crores were damaged at many places in Haryana during last year's Jat stir which had turned violent. (With inputs from IANS) By Express News Service New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday decided to auction two five-star hotels, Taj Mansingh and the Le-Meridian. The council meeting which was headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal passed the resolution to go ahead. The NDMC has decided to e-auction all the properties that they are planning to auction, which gives a chance to the existing leaseholders of the properties to apply for the properties again. Supreme Court in January this year asked NDMC to reconsider the decision to auction the property. The two decisions were pending, as the NDMC was entangled in legal battles with the two hotel owners, with matter going up to the Supreme Court which asked the civic body to take a relook at the matter. The right of first refusal to the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)- Tata's has been denied as it would not be in public interest. The Supreme Court will be apprised of the decision accordingly said the minutes of the meeting further. Mansingh, owned by NDMC, was given to Tata's IHCL on lease for 33 years. The lease expired in 2011 and the company was given nine temporary extensions since then on various grounds. Similarly the Le-Meridian which is spread over 4.5 acres of land will also be put for auctioning as it did not clear arrears amounting to Rs 518 crore at the time the show cause notice was issued in November 2016, informed an NDMC official. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a member of NDMC Council, made the announcement following a special meeting of its top decision-making body. "Important decisions today's NDMC meeting- open auction of Taj Mansingh, cancel Le Meridian Hotel license" Kejriwal tweeted. The civic body had also selected SBI Cap, which was the Centre's advisor for coal blocks auctions, to be its transaction advisor for the auction. However, the process got delayed with the Tata's moving court. The civic body also decided to cancel the license of Le Meridien, another posh hotel in the Lutyens' Delhi. "The council decided that the license of the hotel be terminated due to non-payment of license fee worth Rs 523 crore and the Delhi High Court will be apprised accordingly, keeping in view the gross abuse of the process of law by the hotel," the NDMC official said. New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday decided to auction two five-star hotels, Taj Mansingh and the Le-Meridian. The council meeting which was headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal passed the resolution to go ahead. The NDMC has decided to e-auction all the properties that they are planning to auction, which gives a chance to the existing leaseholders of the properties to apply for the properties again. Supreme Court in January this year asked NDMC to reconsider the decision to auction the property. The two decisions were pending, as the NDMC was entangled in legal battles with the two hotel owners, with matter going up to the Supreme Court which asked the civic body to take a relook at the matter. The right of first refusal to the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)- Tata's has been denied as it would not be in public interest. The Supreme Court will be apprised of the decision accordingly said the minutes of the meeting further. Mansingh, owned by NDMC, was given to Tata's IHCL on lease for 33 years. The lease expired in 2011 and the company was given nine temporary extensions since then on various grounds. Similarly the Le-Meridian which is spread over 4.5 acres of land will also be put for auctioning as it did not clear arrears amounting to Rs 518 crore at the time the show cause notice was issued in November 2016, informed an NDMC official. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a member of NDMC Council, made the announcement following a special meeting of its top decision-making body. "Important decisions today's NDMC meeting- open auction of Taj Mansingh, cancel Le Meridian Hotel license" Kejriwal tweeted. The civic body had also selected SBI Cap, which was the Centre's advisor for coal blocks auctions, to be its transaction advisor for the auction. However, the process got delayed with the Tata's moving court. The civic body also decided to cancel the license of Le Meridien, another posh hotel in the Lutyens' Delhi. "The council decided that the license of the hotel be terminated due to non-payment of license fee worth Rs 523 crore and the Delhi High Court will be apprised accordingly, keeping in view the gross abuse of the process of law by the hotel," the NDMC official said. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Slain Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotlas widow Sunayana Dumala has sought the support of Bollywood stars- Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, in her fight against hate crime in the United States. Amitabh sir, there was not a party that ended without us dancing to your songs. Our friends used to fondly call us Amitabh and Jaya because my husband is 6 2 and I am 5 feet. Shah Rukh sir, he was a huge fan of yours, and he made sure we watched your latest movie, Raees. I need all your support to pass this strong message of spreading love and giving confidence to every foreign national (in the US) that their fight will be listened to, Sunayana said. Distraught after the death of her husband Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Sunayana Dumala, wrote a blog on Tuesday when the slain Indian engineers funeral was held. In her blog, the young widow shared how they started to like each other after meeting on Orkut, her dream of going to USA, their aspirations of pursuing their passion in the country. At the end of the blog, she posed a question to the US government, saying, Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrants mind, DO WE BELONG HERE? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here? In her letter, Sunayana narrated Srinivas admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and wished to meet both of them to share his joy, posthumously. Requesting Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to continue advocating support for human rights, she said there is a need to spread love and stop hatred. This is my first official blog post on Facebook, and it is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words. On the dreadful night of Wednesday, 22 Feb 2017, I lost my husband and my soulmate, she said. According to Sunayana, the two met way back in August, 2006 through common friends then connected on an online portal called Orkut and started liking each other instantly. I am the baby of my house, being the youngest with two elder sisters. I grew up to be a carefree child. It was Srinivas who gave me the courage to pursue my dream of coming to the USA and studying, which made me the person I am today - an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman. I started working only recently, May 2016, she disclosed. Srinivas passion was to constantly innovate in the the aviation industry. In America, he commenced his career at Rockwell Collins, and he worked On Primary Flight Control Computer that would change the way flights work with improved performances. There were days he used to come home to have only dinner and leave for work again- only return around 2 or 3 in the morning. He was very happy at Rockwell and liked living in a small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But we decided to move from there to a bigger city so that I could get a job and be able to pursue my dreams, as he was able to do for himself. Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted. This was the home that he had built to - for us and any kids we would have- was our first step to starting our family. Its so unfortunate that this dream of ours is now shattered. All of this, because of one person, who did not think of the impact his deed would have on the victims family, she lamented. When police came to her house that on that ill-fated night and gave her the news of Srinivas life being taken away by a random shooter, she could not believe their words. She asked them repeatedly, Are you sure?, Can you show me a picture to identify?, Is the man that you are talking about 6 2 ?. Then, they were just nodding their heads saying yes. She expressed thanks to each one of those who helped her during the hours of crisis, saying, I thank Garmin and its employees for conducting the vigil. Thanks to Mr Cliff Pemble, the CEO of Garmin. Thanks to Mr Frank, CEO of Intouch Solutions, for assuring me that I can take however long and still come back and continue my job. Thanks to the Detectives and District Attorney Steve for working hard on this case and finding the culprit. HYDERABAD: Slain Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotlas widow Sunayana Dumala has sought the support of Bollywood stars- Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, in her fight against hate crime in the United States. Amitabh sir, there was not a party that ended without us dancing to your songs. Our friends used to fondly call us Amitabh and Jaya because my husband is 6 2 and I am 5 feet. Shah Rukh sir, he was a huge fan of yours, and he made sure we watched your latest movie, Raees. I need all your support to pass this strong message of spreading love and giving confidence to every foreign national (in the US) that their fight will be listened to, Sunayana said. Distraught after the death of her husband Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Sunayana Dumala, wrote a blog on Tuesday when the slain Indian engineers funeral was held. In her blog, the young widow shared how they started to like each other after meeting on Orkut, her dream of going to USA, their aspirations of pursuing their passion in the country. At the end of the blog, she posed a question to the US government, saying, Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrants mind, DO WE BELONG HERE? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here? In her letter, Sunayana narrated Srinivas admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and wished to meet both of them to share his joy, posthumously. Requesting Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to continue advocating support for human rights, she said there is a need to spread love and stop hatred. This is my first official blog post on Facebook, and it is with a heavy heart that I am writing these words. On the dreadful night of Wednesday, 22 Feb 2017, I lost my husband and my soulmate, she said. According to Sunayana, the two met way back in August, 2006 through common friends then connected on an online portal called Orkut and started liking each other instantly. I am the baby of my house, being the youngest with two elder sisters. I grew up to be a carefree child. It was Srinivas who gave me the courage to pursue my dream of coming to the USA and studying, which made me the person I am today - an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman. I started working only recently, May 2016, she disclosed. Srinivas passion was to constantly innovate in the the aviation industry. In America, he commenced his career at Rockwell Collins, and he worked On Primary Flight Control Computer that would change the way flights work with improved performances. There were days he used to come home to have only dinner and leave for work again- only return around 2 or 3 in the morning. He was very happy at Rockwell and liked living in a small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But we decided to move from there to a bigger city so that I could get a job and be able to pursue my dreams, as he was able to do for himself. Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted. This was the home that he had built to - for us and any kids we would have- was our first step to starting our family. Its so unfortunate that this dream of ours is now shattered. All of this, because of one person, who did not think of the impact his deed would have on the victims family, she lamented. When police came to her house that on that ill-fated night and gave her the news of Srinivas life being taken away by a random shooter, she could not believe their words. She asked them repeatedly, Are you sure?, Can you show me a picture to identify?, Is the man that you are talking about 6 2 ?. Then, they were just nodding their heads saying yes. She expressed thanks to each one of those who helped her during the hours of crisis, saying, I thank Garmin and its employees for conducting the vigil. Thanks to Mr Cliff Pemble, the CEO of Garmin. Thanks to Mr Frank, CEO of Intouch Solutions, for assuring me that I can take however long and still come back and continue my job. Thanks to the Detectives and District Attorney Steve for working hard on this case and finding the culprit. Jose Joy By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Modern life has pushed everyone into a rat race. Theres hardly any time to pause and feel the world around us.Thats exactly what The Goodwill Tribe hopes to change. Set up by two youngstersSonia Parekh and Chandni Sawlaniwith the belief that there should be a platform to tap into the inherent goodness of the human mind, especially within fast-paced cities. After having worked in many NGOs across India, I wanted to make space for the city-dwellers in Dubai to have slow and meaningful interactions over shared values, says Sonia. As an experiment, we handed gifts to random passers-by, with a positive message attached to it. The initial surprise and eventual happiness emanating from them convinced us that there should be someone to keep reminding people to look up and smile, Sonia elaborates. Having branched out into countries including Kuwait,UK and Australia, the three-year-old Dubai-based organisation expands to Kochi with their debut event Letter Earthlings. Pay in kind The groups Facebook page asks the questionWhat is kindness? Over time weve realised that kindness is not bound by definition. For some its giving without expectation, for others its helping someone facing tough times, says the co-founder. The community embraces this idea while designing their activities like Letter Earthlingsin which the volunteers address kind words to people suffering from health problems, have lost their loved ones or simply need motivation in their lives. Their initial gathering in Kochi intends to create responses to letter requests received by the community through a Google Form. We want ailing people to know that theres an army of folks reaching out to them with positivity and love, says the 24-year-old, adding, Volunteers are sure to experience how empathising with a strangers situation is therapeutic for their own minds. On March 4 at 4 pm. At Ente Bhoomi in Pallimukku. Details: thegoodwilltribe.org THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Modern life has pushed everyone into a rat race. Theres hardly any time to pause and feel the world around us.Thats exactly what The Goodwill Tribe hopes to change. Set up by two youngstersSonia Parekh and Chandni Sawlaniwith the belief that there should be a platform to tap into the inherent goodness of the human mind, especially within fast-paced cities. After having worked in many NGOs across India, I wanted to make space for the city-dwellers in Dubai to have slow and meaningful interactions over shared values, says Sonia. As an experiment, we handed gifts to random passers-by, with a positive message attached to it. The initial surprise and eventual happiness emanating from them convinced us that there should be someone to keep reminding people to look up and smile, Sonia elaborates. Having branched out into countries including Kuwait,UK and Australia, the three-year-old Dubai-based organisation expands to Kochi with their debut event Letter Earthlings. Pay in kind The groups Facebook page asks the questionWhat is kindness? Over time weve realised that kindness is not bound by definition. For some its giving without expectation, for others its helping someone facing tough times, says the co-founder. The community embraces this idea while designing their activities like Letter Earthlingsin which the volunteers address kind words to people suffering from health problems, have lost their loved ones or simply need motivation in their lives. Their initial gathering in Kochi intends to create responses to letter requests received by the community through a Google Form. We want ailing people to know that theres an army of folks reaching out to them with positivity and love, says the 24-year-old, adding, Volunteers are sure to experience how empathising with a strangers situation is therapeutic for their own minds. On March 4 at 4 pm. At Ente Bhoomi in Pallimukku. Details: thegoodwilltribe.org By Associated Press LOS ANGELES: The president of the film academy says the two accountants responsible for the best-picture flub at Sunday's Academy Awards will never work the Oscars again. She also laments that the error overshadowed a show that celebrated a rich diversity of talent and storytelling. Breaking her silence four days after the biggest blunder in the 89-year history of the Academy Awards, Cheryl Boone Isaacs praised the show's producers and host Wednesday for "a most beautiful, beautiful, wonderful evening." "Then, of course, there was the last 90 seconds," Boone Isaacs said. "And what angered me, I would say, in these last couple days is (the focus on) this 90 seconds and moving to the side the brilliance of the day." The academy president told The Associated Press that Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, the PwC accountants who handled the winners' envelopes at Sunday's show, have been permanently removed from all film academy dealings. While Cullinan was responsible for handing over the errant envelope that led to "La La Land" mistakenly being announced as best picture rather than "Moonlight," PwC said both partners failed to follow protocols and did not act quickly enough to catch the error. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' relationship with PwC, which has been responsible for tallying and revealing Oscar winners for 83 years, remains under review, Boone Isaacs said. Cullinan was distracted backstage, she said. He tweeted (and later deleted) a photo of Emma Stone in the wings with her new Oscar minutes before giving presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the wrong envelope for best picture. "They have one job to do. One job to do!" Boone Isaacs said. "Obviously there was a distraction." PwC released a statement late Sunday and another Monday taking "full responsibility for the series of mistakes and breaches of established protocols" during the Oscar show. "Once the error occurred, protocols for correcting it were not followed through quickly enough by Mr. Cullinan or his partner," the statement said. Both partners remain with the company, a PwC spokesman said Wednesday. Protocols for handling the winners' envelopes had been established by the accounting firm, Boone Isaacs said, "and they have worked for 83 years." "We are reviewing those protocols, of course," she said. "Because it never happened before and we never are going to have it happen again. And we are setting new guidelines, new protocols and really re-examining every step to make sure this never ever, ever happens." Though the academy released a statement late Monday apologizing to the artists of "Moonlight" and "La La Land," Boone Isaacs said she waited to say more until her team had a better understanding of what led to the error. "You need to get some facts under your belt," she said. "It needs to be not just an emotional response. It needs to have some sort of clarity. ... We wanted to say something right away, but we also didn't want to misspeak." She commended show producers Jennifer Todd and Michael De Luca, presenters Beatty and Dunaway and host Jimmy Kimmel for handling the unprecedented situation so gracefully. "Warren, he took charge there," Boone Isaacs said. "He took charge of a situation that he did not create." She also lauded "La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz, who she said "went from a nominee to a winner to a presenter" in a matter of minutes. Still holding the Oscar, he thought he'd won, Horowitz was the first to announce that "Moonlight" was the actual best picture recipient. Though unexpected, having the casts of two films onstage at the end of the Oscar show revealed "the very best" of Hollywood, Boone Isaacs said: "And that is a camaraderie and respect for each other." "It's important to remember that that is what this is all about," she said. Also on Wednesday, the academy addressed another embarrassment on Sunday's show, apologizing to the Australian movie producer incorrectly shown during the in memoriam segment. In a statement, the academy extended "our deepest apologies" to producer Jan Chapman, whose photo was mistakenly used in the tribute instead of Chapman's colleague and friend, the late Janet Patterson. Chapman had said she was "devastated" by the error. Boone Isaacs said she regrets that the best-picture flub has overshadowed the show and its diverse array of winners. After two years of "OscarsSoWhite," with all white acting nominees, Sunday's ceremony recognized several actors and writers of color, and named a tender film about a gay black boy best picture. It followed two years of extensive reform to improve inclusion within the academy. "Going back to the brilliance of the show, as well as a year of conversation about Hollywood today and the evolution of Hollywood in so many different ways, and to culminate in such a beautiful evening," she said. "It (attention on the flub) was beyond disappointing." And though she's ready for public attention to shift back to the winning films rather than the errant envelope, Boone Isaacs appreciates that so many people care about the Academy Awards. "The Oscars are truly special, to such a degree that everyone has an opinion about it, but I'm fine with that," she said. "They have an opinion about how it should be, how it shouldn't be, what we should do, who should win. ... I love that we're in the conversation. Let's just make sure that, certainly this year, the conversation is about celebrating a fantastic year in the film business and a fantastic show." ___ LOS ANGELES: The president of the film academy says the two accountants responsible for the best-picture flub at Sunday's Academy Awards will never work the Oscars again. She also laments that the error overshadowed a show that celebrated a rich diversity of talent and storytelling. Breaking her silence four days after the biggest blunder in the 89-year history of the Academy Awards, Cheryl Boone Isaacs praised the show's producers and host Wednesday for "a most beautiful, beautiful, wonderful evening." "Then, of course, there was the last 90 seconds," Boone Isaacs said. "And what angered me, I would say, in these last couple days is (the focus on) this 90 seconds and moving to the side the brilliance of the day." The academy president told The Associated Press that Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz, the PwC accountants who handled the winners' envelopes at Sunday's show, have been permanently removed from all film academy dealings. While Cullinan was responsible for handing over the errant envelope that led to "La La Land" mistakenly being announced as best picture rather than "Moonlight," PwC said both partners failed to follow protocols and did not act quickly enough to catch the error. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' relationship with PwC, which has been responsible for tallying and revealing Oscar winners for 83 years, remains under review, Boone Isaacs said. Cullinan was distracted backstage, she said. He tweeted (and later deleted) a photo of Emma Stone in the wings with her new Oscar minutes before giving presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway the wrong envelope for best picture. "They have one job to do. One job to do!" Boone Isaacs said. "Obviously there was a distraction." PwC released a statement late Sunday and another Monday taking "full responsibility for the series of mistakes and breaches of established protocols" during the Oscar show. "Once the error occurred, protocols for correcting it were not followed through quickly enough by Mr. Cullinan or his partner," the statement said. Both partners remain with the company, a PwC spokesman said Wednesday. Protocols for handling the winners' envelopes had been established by the accounting firm, Boone Isaacs said, "and they have worked for 83 years." "We are reviewing those protocols, of course," she said. "Because it never happened before and we never are going to have it happen again. And we are setting new guidelines, new protocols and really re-examining every step to make sure this never ever, ever happens." Though the academy released a statement late Monday apologizing to the artists of "Moonlight" and "La La Land," Boone Isaacs said she waited to say more until her team had a better understanding of what led to the error. "You need to get some facts under your belt," she said. "It needs to be not just an emotional response. It needs to have some sort of clarity. ... We wanted to say something right away, but we also didn't want to misspeak." She commended show producers Jennifer Todd and Michael De Luca, presenters Beatty and Dunaway and host Jimmy Kimmel for handling the unprecedented situation so gracefully. "Warren, he took charge there," Boone Isaacs said. "He took charge of a situation that he did not create." She also lauded "La La Land" producer Jordan Horowitz, who she said "went from a nominee to a winner to a presenter" in a matter of minutes. Still holding the Oscar, he thought he'd won, Horowitz was the first to announce that "Moonlight" was the actual best picture recipient. Though unexpected, having the casts of two films onstage at the end of the Oscar show revealed "the very best" of Hollywood, Boone Isaacs said: "And that is a camaraderie and respect for each other." "It's important to remember that that is what this is all about," she said. Also on Wednesday, the academy addressed another embarrassment on Sunday's show, apologizing to the Australian movie producer incorrectly shown during the in memoriam segment. In a statement, the academy extended "our deepest apologies" to producer Jan Chapman, whose photo was mistakenly used in the tribute instead of Chapman's colleague and friend, the late Janet Patterson. Chapman had said she was "devastated" by the error. Boone Isaacs said she regrets that the best-picture flub has overshadowed the show and its diverse array of winners. After two years of "OscarsSoWhite," with all white acting nominees, Sunday's ceremony recognized several actors and writers of color, and named a tender film about a gay black boy best picture. It followed two years of extensive reform to improve inclusion within the academy. "Going back to the brilliance of the show, as well as a year of conversation about Hollywood today and the evolution of Hollywood in so many different ways, and to culminate in such a beautiful evening," she said. "It (attention on the flub) was beyond disappointing." And though she's ready for public attention to shift back to the winning films rather than the errant envelope, Boone Isaacs appreciates that so many people care about the Academy Awards. "The Oscars are truly special, to such a degree that everyone has an opinion about it, but I'm fine with that," she said. "They have an opinion about how it should be, how it shouldn't be, what we should do, who should win. ... I love that we're in the conversation. Let's just make sure that, certainly this year, the conversation is about celebrating a fantastic year in the film business and a fantastic show." ___ By Online Desk Mohanlal and director Major Ravi are bringing out the fourth part of the Major Mahadevan films which started with 'Keerthi Chakra' (2006). The actor shared the teaser through his official Facebook page. The 36-second video shows glimpses of Mohanlal partaking in village festivals as well as his avatar as Major Mahadevan in a gory war. In 1971 Beyond Border, Mohanlal plays the titular character, Major Mahadevan as well as the role of his 85-year-old father, Colonel Sahadevan. The movie is wrtitten, directed by Major Ravi and produced by Haneef Mohammed. 1971 Beyond Borders was shot in locations including Ottapaalam, Pattambi and Georgia. Poster of the film "1971 Beyond Borders" Asha Sarath plays the female lead in the movie while Allu Sirish, Ranji Panikker, Saiju Kurup, Sudheer Karamana and Arunoday Singh co-star. The makers had hinted that the movie is a prequel to 'Kurukshetra', the second installment of the series. The third installment of the series, 'Kandahar' (2010) had the backdrop of the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. The film even had a cameo by Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan. 1971 Beyond Borders is set to release on April 7th in Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu versions. Mohanlal and director Major Ravi are bringing out the fourth part of the Major Mahadevan films which started with 'Keerthi Chakra' (2006). The actor shared the teaser through his official Facebook page. The 36-second video shows glimpses of Mohanlal partaking in village festivals as well as his avatar as Major Mahadevan in a gory war. In 1971 Beyond Border, Mohanlal plays the titular character, Major Mahadevan as well as the role of his 85-year-old father, Colonel Sahadevan. The movie is wrtitten, directed by Major Ravi and produced by Haneef Mohammed. 1971 Beyond Borders was shot in locations including Ottapaalam, Pattambi and Georgia. Poster of the film "1971 Beyond Borders"Asha Sarath plays the female lead in the movie while Allu Sirish, Ranji Panikker, Saiju Kurup, Sudheer Karamana and Arunoday Singh co-star. The makers had hinted that the movie is a prequel to 'Kurukshetra', the second installment of the series. The third installment of the series, 'Kandahar' (2010) had the backdrop of the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999. The film even had a cameo by Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan. 1971 Beyond Borders is set to release on April 7th in Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu versions. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: The Jat community has given the Haryana government a five-day ultimatum to resolve their demands, as the second round of talks between Jat leaders and the committee formed by the State government on Monday, remained inconclusive. The Jat agitation seeking reservation in education and government jobs will continue across the State. All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti president Yashpal Malik said, We had a second round of talks with the government officials on Monday in Panipat but they remained inconclusive. The government has formed a four member committee to look into the cases filed against the youth in last years agitation and whether they can be withdrawn as per law or not. The committee will have two government officials and two of our representatives. But we are stuck to our demand that these cases should be withdrawn. In the first round of talks held on February 12 between Jat leaders and the committee, the leaders had given a charter of seven demands and the committee had reportedly promised to look into them. We have given the government five days time to resolve all our demands and get back to us. If they (government) are unable to arrive at a solution, we will hold executive meeting on February 24 in which further course of action will be decided, he said, adding that dharnas will continue across the state. He claimed that the government has agreed to enhance the compensation of those injured with bullet injuries from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Praising Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Yashpal Malik said that Khattar is a good person but some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are eyeing his post and thus misleading the government. They have already decided to hold a protest on March 2 in Delhi after which they will submit a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking reservation in education and government jobs, and will on a later date gherao Parliament. The charter of demands to the State government include a demand that the cases registered against the protesting youth be immediately withdrawn, reservation be given to the Jat community both in educational institutions and jobs or that the Union government reservation be extended. They also demanded compensation and jobs to those injured in last year's protests, permanent jobs to the kin of the deceased protest victims and that action should be taken against officials who instigated violence in the protests. They also demanded an inquiry to be conducted by Parliament Ethics Committee against Member of Parliament Raj Kumar Saini for his provocative speeches against the Jat community in the last two years, and action be taken against him accordingly. CHANDIGARH: The Jat community has given the Haryana government a five-day ultimatum to resolve their demands, as the second round of talks between Jat leaders and the committee formed by the State government on Monday, remained inconclusive. The Jat agitation seeking reservation in education and government jobs will continue across the State. All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti president Yashpal Malik said, We had a second round of talks with the government officials on Monday in Panipat but they remained inconclusive. The government has formed a four member committee to look into the cases filed against the youth in last years agitation and whether they can be withdrawn as per law or not. The committee will have two government officials and two of our representatives. But we are stuck to our demand that these cases should be withdrawn. In the first round of talks held on February 12 between Jat leaders and the committee, the leaders had given a charter of seven demands and the committee had reportedly promised to look into them. We have given the government five days time to resolve all our demands and get back to us. If they (government) are unable to arrive at a solution, we will hold executive meeting on February 24 in which further course of action will be decided, he said, adding that dharnas will continue across the state. He claimed that the government has agreed to enhance the compensation of those injured with bullet injuries from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Praising Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Yashpal Malik said that Khattar is a good person but some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are eyeing his post and thus misleading the government. They have already decided to hold a protest on March 2 in Delhi after which they will submit a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking reservation in education and government jobs, and will on a later date gherao Parliament. The charter of demands to the State government include a demand that the cases registered against the protesting youth be immediately withdrawn, reservation be given to the Jat community both in educational institutions and jobs or that the Union government reservation be extended. They also demanded compensation and jobs to those injured in last year's protests, permanent jobs to the kin of the deceased protest victims and that action should be taken against officials who instigated violence in the protests. They also demanded an inquiry to be conducted by Parliament Ethics Committee against Member of Parliament Raj Kumar Saini for his provocative speeches against the Jat community in the last two years, and action be taken against him accordingly. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Minority Affairs move to commercially develop the land owned by Waqf Board has hit a wall, with only Bengaluru providing three properties for development. The government has been planning to utilise the 4.9 lakh registered Waqf properties across the country to generate whopping revenue of Rs. 12,000 crore. The amount in turn, it claimed could have been used for community welfare. No Waqf property has been developed by National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd. (NAWADCO). However, initial work i.e. feasibility, building plans and cost estimation on three Waqf properties in Bengaluru has been started, Ministry of Minority Affairs official told the Express. The Government of India established National Waqf Development Corporation with a budget Rs. 500 crores with initial paid-up capital of Rs.100 crores to develop the invaluable Waqf properties in the country. Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has offered three Waqf properties in Bengaluru for development and the same has been placed before the Board of Directors of NAWADCO, the official added. The Indian Governments Navratna organisation NBCC limited has also acquiesced to develop these properties and is incurring the initial expenditure. NAWADCO so far has not incurred by NAWADCO on these properties so far. In the 75th meeting of the Central Waqf Council, Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had flagged the issue of land mafia illegally occupying the Waqf land in collusion with waqf officials. Naqvi contended that the mafias were scuttling the development and utilisation of the Waqf properties. The Minority Affairs Ministry has been planning to develop these properties commercially and institutionally and by building malls, schools, hostels and offices. The Waqf Board has 6 lakh acres of land, with five lakh registered properties under it. NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Minority Affairs move to commercially develop the land owned by Waqf Board has hit a wall, with only Bengaluru providing three properties for development. The government has been planning to utilise the 4.9 lakh registered Waqf properties across the country to generate whopping revenue of Rs. 12,000 crore. The amount in turn, it claimed could have been used for community welfare. No Waqf property has been developed by National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd. (NAWADCO). However, initial work i.e. feasibility, building plans and cost estimation on three Waqf properties in Bengaluru has been started, Ministry of Minority Affairs official told the Express. The Government of India established National Waqf Development Corporation with a budget Rs. 500 crores with initial paid-up capital of Rs.100 crores to develop the invaluable Waqf properties in the country. Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has offered three Waqf properties in Bengaluru for development and the same has been placed before the Board of Directors of NAWADCO, the official added. The Indian Governments Navratna organisation NBCC limited has also acquiesced to develop these properties and is incurring the initial expenditure. NAWADCO so far has not incurred by NAWADCO on these properties so far. In the 75th meeting of the Central Waqf Council, Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had flagged the issue of land mafia illegally occupying the Waqf land in collusion with waqf officials. Naqvi contended that the mafias were scuttling the development and utilisation of the Waqf properties. The Minority Affairs Ministry has been planning to develop these properties commercially and institutionally and by building malls, schools, hostels and offices. The Waqf Board has 6 lakh acres of land, with five lakh registered properties under it. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Two days ahead of the first of the two-phase Manipur elections, eight people were injured in a bomb blast at the residence of a Naga Peoples Front (NPF) candidate at Langol in the Imphal West district on Thursday. The explosion occurred at around 5 pm at the residence of K Leishiyo, who is contesting from scheduled tribe-reserved Phungyar constituency in Kamjong district. Leishiyo said he was not at home when the incident occurred. All the injured persons are his party workers of which some have been grievously injured. I was told somebody came and lobbed the bomb targeting my house before escaping. Eight people were injured and all of them had been hospitalised. Some of them sustained head injuries, he told Express. The injured were rushed to Shija Hospital at Langol. Langol, a redominantly tribal colony, is located on the outskirts of Imphal city.So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Leishiyo said he had not received any threat from anyone but alleged that he was being targeted by other parties as his victory was inevitable. I am sure to win the election because I enjoy mass support. So, the other parties are worried about my prospects and doing these things to create panic in the minds of my supporters and voters, he alleged. The police visited the site immediately after the incident. There are five candidates in the fray in Phungyar, which is Manipurs biggest constituency in terms of size. It is as big as Imphal valley which accounts for 40 of the 60 seats. The NPF, Congress, BJP, Trinamool Congress and an Independent are contesting here. The NPF, which is a major constituent of Nagalands ruling alliance, has fielded candidates in 15 seats, all in tribal-majority hills. In the 2012 polls, the party had grabbed four seats. Meanwhile, campaigning for Saturdays first phase polls ended on Thursday. The second and the final phase polls will be held on March 8. GUWAHATI: Two days ahead of the first of the two-phase Manipur elections, eight people were injured in a bomb blast at the residence of a Naga Peoples Front (NPF) candidate at Langol in the Imphal West district on Thursday. The explosion occurred at around 5 pm at the residence of K Leishiyo, who is contesting from scheduled tribe-reserved Phungyar constituency in Kamjong district. Leishiyo said he was not at home when the incident occurred. All the injured persons are his party workers of which some have been grievously injured. I was told somebody came and lobbed the bomb targeting my house before escaping. Eight people were injured and all of them had been hospitalised. Some of them sustained head injuries, he told Express. The injured were rushed to Shija Hospital at Langol. Langol, a redominantly tribal colony, is located on the outskirts of Imphal city.So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Leishiyo said he had not received any threat from anyone but alleged that he was being targeted by other parties as his victory was inevitable. I am sure to win the election because I enjoy mass support. So, the other parties are worried about my prospects and doing these things to create panic in the minds of my supporters and voters, he alleged. The police visited the site immediately after the incident. There are five candidates in the fray in Phungyar, which is Manipurs biggest constituency in terms of size. It is as big as Imphal valley which accounts for 40 of the 60 seats. The NPF, Congress, BJP, Trinamool Congress and an Independent are contesting here. The NPF, which is a major constituent of Nagalands ruling alliance, has fielded candidates in 15 seats, all in tribal-majority hills. In the 2012 polls, the party had grabbed four seats. Meanwhile, campaigning for Saturdays first phase polls ended on Thursday. The second and the final phase polls will be held on March 8. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As the Indian navys submarines are operating without heavyweight torpedo, their primary offensive weapon, Navy on Thursday successfully conducted maiden firing of an Anti-Ship missile from first of the indigenously built Kalvari class submarines, during a test firing in the Arabian Sea. According to naval official the missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing. This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navys sub-surface warfare capability, said a naval official. All six Kalvari class submarines being built in India will be equipped with this anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat. These missiles will provide the submarines the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. NEW DELHI: As the Indian navys submarines are operating without heavyweight torpedo, their primary offensive weapon, Navy on Thursday successfully conducted maiden firing of an Anti-Ship missile from first of the indigenously built Kalvari class submarines, during a test firing in the Arabian Sea. According to naval official the missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing. This missile launch is a significant milestone, not only for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarines being built in India, but also in enhancing the Indian Navys sub-surface warfare capability, said a naval official. All six Kalvari class submarines being built in India will be equipped with this anti-ship missile, which has a proven record in combat. These missiles will provide the submarines the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. The submarines, designed by French naval defence and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. By PTI NEW DELHI: Demanding quota in education and jobs, thousands of Jats from northern states including Haryana today gathered at the Jantar Mantar here and threatened to block major highways leading to the national capital. They said they would also stage a gherao of the Parliament building during their 'Delhi Kooch' (march to Delhi). Accusing the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Haryana of being "insensitive" to their demand of reservation under OBC category, president of Akhli Bhartiya Jat Arakashan Sangharsh Samiti Yashpal Malik said that it was necessary to take a "big decision to wake the government up from its slumber". "On March 20, all the Jats riding their tractors and small vehicles and carrying at least 10-day ration will march towards Delhi on the highways from the neighbouring states," he said. If stopped by the police during their 'Delhi Kooch', the Jats would lay siege and block all the major highways leading to the national capital. Watch video of the protest below: The Jats will camp at the borders of Delhi, and later hold a gherao of the Parliament, Malik said. Thousands of Jats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand and also from the city, in their vehicles, trouped towards the Jantar Mantar for 'Jat Nyay Dharna', disrupting traffic in New Delhi area and border points. The dharna, led by Malik and other Sangharsh Samiti leaders, culminated in a march towards Parliament which forced the Delhi Traffic Police to close the Parliament Street. Heavy traffic was witnessed on several roads including Ashoka Road. The Sangharsh Samiti leaders also submitted their seven-point charter of demands at the offices of the President and the Prime Minister. Later, the protesters courted arrested at the Parliament Street police station and insisted that the numbers of those arrest be given in writing. They dispersed after a police officer announced that a total of 50,000 Jat protestors have courted arrest. Malik said that Jats were prepared to continue with their struggle for an indefinite period. "We are prepared for an indefinite struggle no matter it takes 10 days or ten years," he said. Asserting that "Delhi Kooch" will be peaceful, he said if they would be stopped from entering Delhi, then around "20 lakh" local Jats will join them in their proposed protest and gherao. Speaking on the occasion, Jat leaders and office bearers from UP, Punjab, Rajasthan gave a call of unity and pledged their support to Sangarsh Samiti and Malik. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jats are demanding the release of those jailed during last year's stir, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the agitation. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores was damaged at many places in Haryana during last year's violent Jat stir. NEW DELHI: Demanding quota in education and jobs, thousands of Jats from northern states including Haryana today gathered at the Jantar Mantar here and threatened to block major highways leading to the national capital. They said they would also stage a gherao of the Parliament building during their 'Delhi Kooch' (march to Delhi). Accusing the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Haryana of being "insensitive" to their demand of reservation under OBC category, president of Akhli Bhartiya Jat Arakashan Sangharsh Samiti Yashpal Malik said that it was necessary to take a "big decision to wake the government up from its slumber". "On March 20, all the Jats riding their tractors and small vehicles and carrying at least 10-day ration will march towards Delhi on the highways from the neighbouring states," he said. If stopped by the police during their 'Delhi Kooch', the Jats would lay siege and block all the major highways leading to the national capital. Watch video of the protest below: window.__ventunoplayer = window.__ventunoplayer||[]; window.__ventunoplayer.push({video_key: 'OTAwNTQwfHw4fHw2fHwxLDIsMQ==', holder_id: 'vt-video-player', player_type: 'vp', width:'100%', ratio:'4:3'}); The Jats will camp at the borders of Delhi, and later hold a gherao of the Parliament, Malik said. Thousands of Jats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand and also from the city, in their vehicles, trouped towards the Jantar Mantar for 'Jat Nyay Dharna', disrupting traffic in New Delhi area and border points. The dharna, led by Malik and other Sangharsh Samiti leaders, culminated in a march towards Parliament which forced the Delhi Traffic Police to close the Parliament Street. Heavy traffic was witnessed on several roads including Ashoka Road. The Sangharsh Samiti leaders also submitted their seven-point charter of demands at the offices of the President and the Prime Minister. Later, the protesters courted arrested at the Parliament Street police station and insisted that the numbers of those arrest be given in writing. They dispersed after a police officer announced that a total of 50,000 Jat protestors have courted arrest. Malik said that Jats were prepared to continue with their struggle for an indefinite period. "We are prepared for an indefinite struggle no matter it takes 10 days or ten years," he said. Asserting that "Delhi Kooch" will be peaceful, he said if they would be stopped from entering Delhi, then around "20 lakh" local Jats will join them in their proposed protest and gherao. Speaking on the occasion, Jat leaders and office bearers from UP, Punjab, Rajasthan gave a call of unity and pledged their support to Sangarsh Samiti and Malik. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jats are demanding the release of those jailed during last year's stir, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the agitation. As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores was damaged at many places in Haryana during last year's violent Jat stir. By ANI ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation in Jawahar Bagh violence case. At least 24 people, including two police personnel, died following the violence in Mathura during an encroachment drive at Jawahar Bagh in June last year. The police had arrested 124 persons on charges of murder and rioting. The cult-like group of nearly 2,000 protesters, who claim to be the "true followers of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose", got violent after they were asked to evict the land they were encroaching upon following the directions of the Allahabad High Court. Following which the protesters opened fire on the police and also lobbed grenades on the cops. According to reports, there had been tension in the area ever since the Mathura administration gave the protesters a 48-hour ultimatum on April 15, 2016 that lapsed without any action being initiated. ALLAHABAD: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation in Jawahar Bagh violence case. At least 24 people, including two police personnel, died following the violence in Mathura during an encroachment drive at Jawahar Bagh in June last year. The police had arrested 124 persons on charges of murder and rioting. The cult-like group of nearly 2,000 protesters, who claim to be the "true followers of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose", got violent after they were asked to evict the land they were encroaching upon following the directions of the Allahabad High Court. Following which the protesters opened fire on the police and also lobbed grenades on the cops. According to reports, there had been tension in the area ever since the Mathura administration gave the protesters a 48-hour ultimatum on April 15, 2016 that lapsed without any action being initiated. By PTI NEW DELHI: Controversial businessman Moin Akhtar Qureshi, an accused in a black money case, had made a false claim to go abroad, Income Tax Department told a city court on Thursday. The Department sought modification of the bail condition of the meat exporter and said he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving India in future. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Garg asked the counsel of Income Tax (IT) Department to file a proper application in this regard and listed the matter for April 7. IT Department's standing counsel Brijesh Garg said that Qureshi's bail condition should be modified and, instead of just intimating the court about his foreign trip, he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving the country. In October last year, Qureshi was stopped at the IGI Airport here following a look-out notice against him by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing a case of money laundering and violation of foreign exchange norms. Qureshi was then allowed to go after he showed a court order saying he had to only inform the court for his foreign travel which he had done. IT Department's prayer came in the backdrop of a plea filed by Qureshi last year intimating the court that he wanted to visit the United Kingdom in October where his wife was undergoing treatment. While verifying facts, the IT Department had received a communication from the passport office that Qureshi's wife, Nasreen Qureshi, was in India during that period. The department said Qureshi had made a false ground before the court to go abroad and for future purposes, he should be directed to seek permission before leaving the country. Qureshi had claimed that his wife was in London in October 2016. While granting bail, the court had in March 2015 imposed condition on the accused that he should not leave the country without its prior permission. Later, it was modified to only an intimation. He was summoned by the court in 2015 as an accused in a black money case filed by IT Department for allegedly not disclosing an income of nearly Rs 20 crore. NEW DELHI: Controversial businessman Moin Akhtar Qureshi, an accused in a black money case, had made a false claim to go abroad, Income Tax Department told a city court on Thursday. The Department sought modification of the bail condition of the meat exporter and said he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving India in future. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Garg asked the counsel of Income Tax (IT) Department to file a proper application in this regard and listed the matter for April 7. IT Department's standing counsel Brijesh Garg said that Qureshi's bail condition should be modified and, instead of just intimating the court about his foreign trip, he should be directed to seek the court's prior permission before leaving the country. In October last year, Qureshi was stopped at the IGI Airport here following a look-out notice against him by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing a case of money laundering and violation of foreign exchange norms. Qureshi was then allowed to go after he showed a court order saying he had to only inform the court for his foreign travel which he had done. IT Department's prayer came in the backdrop of a plea filed by Qureshi last year intimating the court that he wanted to visit the United Kingdom in October where his wife was undergoing treatment. While verifying facts, the IT Department had received a communication from the passport office that Qureshi's wife, Nasreen Qureshi, was in India during that period. The department said Qureshi had made a false ground before the court to go abroad and for future purposes, he should be directed to seek permission before leaving the country. Qureshi had claimed that his wife was in London in October 2016. While granting bail, the court had in March 2015 imposed condition on the accused that he should not leave the country without its prior permission. Later, it was modified to only an intimation. He was summoned by the court in 2015 as an accused in a black money case filed by IT Department for allegedly not disclosing an income of nearly Rs 20 crore. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today sought a response from the Maharashtra government on a plea of a bar dancers' body challenging the constitutional validity of a 2016 state law putting conditions on dance performances by women in bars and hotels there. "Issue notice. Returnable within four weeks," a bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and R F Nariman said. The court then tagged the fresh plea of 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union' with a pending petition filed by Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) on the issue. It fixed the petitions for hearing on April 20. The apex court is already hearing petitions, including the one filed by the IHRA, challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The fresh plea, filed by 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union', has termed the new Act as arbitrary and violative of their right to earn a livelihood through legitimate means. It alleged that the new law stigmatised their profession and unreasonably interfered with free choice of expression through dramatic performances and the right of women to practice the occupation of self-expression through such dramatic performances. The union alleged that the term 'obscene dance' in the Act has been deliberately kept vague to allow the police to harass the women performers. "The act of tipping or giving gifts as a token of appreciation has been customary and an integral part of traditional dance culture. This decades-old practice is akin to those performing Mujra, Lavani (traditional Marathi song and dance) or Tamasha (traditional Marathi theatre) where performers earn their living through 'bakshisi' offered by the audience as a token of appreciation of the performances. "The said practice is widely prevalent in Maharashtra and across the country. But the Act prohibits such practice contrary to traditionally accepted form of custom, thus failing to recognise that every performance deserves a prize," the plea said. On September 21 last year, the apex court had given interim relief to the state government by refusing to stay the operation of the new law, though it had flagged some of its provisions. It had also allowed some dance bars which were granted licences by the state administration to continue to function under old rules and the directions issued by it. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today sought a response from the Maharashtra government on a plea of a bar dancers' body challenging the constitutional validity of a 2016 state law putting conditions on dance performances by women in bars and hotels there. "Issue notice. Returnable within four weeks," a bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and R F Nariman said. The court then tagged the fresh plea of 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union' with a pending petition filed by Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) on the issue. It fixed the petitions for hearing on April 20. The apex court is already hearing petitions, including the one filed by the IHRA, challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016. The fresh plea, filed by 'Bharatiya Bargirls Union', has termed the new Act as arbitrary and violative of their right to earn a livelihood through legitimate means. It alleged that the new law stigmatised their profession and unreasonably interfered with free choice of expression through dramatic performances and the right of women to practice the occupation of self-expression through such dramatic performances. The union alleged that the term 'obscene dance' in the Act has been deliberately kept vague to allow the police to harass the women performers. "The act of tipping or giving gifts as a token of appreciation has been customary and an integral part of traditional dance culture. This decades-old practice is akin to those performing Mujra, Lavani (traditional Marathi song and dance) or Tamasha (traditional Marathi theatre) where performers earn their living through 'bakshisi' offered by the audience as a token of appreciation of the performances. "The said practice is widely prevalent in Maharashtra and across the country. But the Act prohibits such practice contrary to traditionally accepted form of custom, thus failing to recognise that every performance deserves a prize," the plea said. On September 21 last year, the apex court had given interim relief to the state government by refusing to stay the operation of the new law, though it had flagged some of its provisions. It had also allowed some dance bars which were granted licences by the state administration to continue to function under old rules and the directions issued by it. By Express News Service MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray skipped the wedding ceremony of state BJP president Raosaheb Danve-Patil's son Santosh, which is being interpreted as his attempt to maintain distance from the BJP, even as Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari indicated that his party would execute every possible option if Shiv Sena does not come along. Thackeray chose to attend Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar's son's wedding at Kolhapur on Thursday instead of BJP MLA Santosh Danve's wedding at Aurangabad. Though official stand from the Sena's camp remained that the party chief chose to attend marriage in the family of his own party MLA, it is being interpreted that Thackeray avoided attending BJP MLA's marriage to reiterate his message that he wants to maintain distance from the BJP. Meanwhile, in a first indication of the BJP hardening its stand towards the Sena and going solo in the BMC mayor election, Union minister for surface transport Nitin Gadkari remarked, BJP has all options open, if Sena does not join us. Sources indicated that the BJP has now begun making moves ahead of the March 8 mayor elections and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been given the complete charge executing the decisions. Later in the evening, Independent corporator Geeta Gawli was scheduled to call on Fadnavis at his official residence at Varsha. She had met Shiv Sena leaders at Matoshree earlier in the day in a bid to lend support to Shiv Sena. However, the terms did not work out, party sources said. The BJP is making efforts at mediation through Geeta's father Arun Gawli, sources said. MUMBAI: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray skipped the wedding ceremony of state BJP president Raosaheb Danve-Patil's son Santosh, which is being interpreted as his attempt to maintain distance from the BJP, even as Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari indicated that his party would execute every possible option if Shiv Sena does not come along. Thackeray chose to attend Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar's son's wedding at Kolhapur on Thursday instead of BJP MLA Santosh Danve's wedding at Aurangabad. Though official stand from the Sena's camp remained that the party chief chose to attend marriage in the family of his own party MLA, it is being interpreted that Thackeray avoided attending BJP MLA's marriage to reiterate his message that he wants to maintain distance from the BJP. Meanwhile, in a first indication of the BJP hardening its stand towards the Sena and going solo in the BMC mayor election, Union minister for surface transport Nitin Gadkari remarked, BJP has all options open, if Sena does not join us. Sources indicated that the BJP has now begun making moves ahead of the March 8 mayor elections and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been given the complete charge executing the decisions. Later in the evening, Independent corporator Geeta Gawli was scheduled to call on Fadnavis at his official residence at Varsha. She had met Shiv Sena leaders at Matoshree earlier in the day in a bid to lend support to Shiv Sena. However, the terms did not work out, party sources said. The BJP is making efforts at mediation through Geeta's father Arun Gawli, sources said. By PTI MUMBAI: Taloja jail authorities today sought the special NIA court's nod to shift Lt Col Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, from the prison's hospital, where he has been staying for seven years, to a high-security 'anda cell'. "The authorities told the court that Purohit has been staying at the jail hospital for seven years and they want to shift him back to the high-security anda cell," special prosecutor Avinash Rasal told PTI. The court, in an order in the past, had said Purohit should be kept in the jail hospital only for a certain period. However, the order that the jail authorities received did not specify this. Major (retd) Ramesh Upadyay, another accused in the case, had filed an application in the court alleging that Purohit had overstayed in the hospital. Twelve persons, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Purohit, were arrested for carrying out a blast at Malegaon in north Maharashtra on September 29, 2008, killing six persons and injuring 100 others. MUMBAI: Taloja jail authorities today sought the special NIA court's nod to shift Lt Col Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, from the prison's hospital, where he has been staying for seven years, to a high-security 'anda cell'. "The authorities told the court that Purohit has been staying at the jail hospital for seven years and they want to shift him back to the high-security anda cell," special prosecutor Avinash Rasal told PTI. The court, in an order in the past, had said Purohit should be kept in the jail hospital only for a certain period. However, the order that the jail authorities received did not specify this. Major (retd) Ramesh Upadyay, another accused in the case, had filed an application in the court alleging that Purohit had overstayed in the hospital. Twelve persons, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Purohit, were arrested for carrying out a blast at Malegaon in north Maharashtra on September 29, 2008, killing six persons and injuring 100 others. M Venkaiah Naidu By Nationalism seems to have become a pejorative these days for the Congress leaders and not unsurprisingly, the Communists, who are trying to poison the minds of youngsters through distortion of truth, are also saying that anybody critical of the BJP and NDA is being branded as anti-national. For company, these Communists and Congressmen are joined by pseudo-secularists, the so-called intellectuals and left-wing propagandists, who ironically are calling BJP supporters and its allies intolerant, while they seek to impose their blinkered view. Nobody is against civilised debate or dissent, but designs of disintegration should be defeated uncompromisingly as the integrity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable. There cannot be any mincing of words on that count. Having lost battle after battle against the BJP with the latest instance being the municipal and panchayat polls in Maharashtra and Odisha, the Congress and its allies are desperately trying to vitiate the atmosphere on university campuses and create social tensions. All in the name of freedom of expression, which was never curbed or circumscribed by the NDA government, unlike the Congress, which earned worldwide notoriety for imposing the Emergency in 1975. The latest false narrative relates to freedom of expression. To put it in perspective, the claims on a Goebbelsian scale are coming at a time when BJPs political opponents are stooping so low as to compare the prime minister with a donkey. Of course, this is not the first time that they had indulged in loose, contemptible talk, which is in character with their crass political background. They had called Modi maut ka saudagar, khoon ka dalal and psychopath. It is apparent that the Congress, Communists and their allies are rattled at the existential threat they face after losing the recent elections. Unable to counter the growing popularity of Modi and the BJP, they are targeting the youth as they support Modi. In the latest incident involving Ramjas College, the ABVP protested against an invite to Umar Khalid, who organised an event in JNU last year to observe the martyrdom of Afzal Guru, the terrorist who plotted the attack on the Parliament. Incidentally, it is in the same JNU that slogans like Bharat ke Tukde, Tukde kar Denge and slogans seeking Azaadi for Kashmir were raised by a handful of anti-national elements. Just as they had done in the JNU and Jadavpur University incidents, the Congress, Communists and communalists have once again joined hands to defame the NDA government with the ridiculous argument that the BJP was promoting intolerance and curbing freedom of expression. Will any sensible Indian ever buy this idea? Some of our political opponents went to the farcical extent of comparing the present atmosphere with the Emergency. During that period, the Opposition was put behind bars, fundamental rights were trampled, media was gagged, censorship was imposed, judges were superseded and the need for a committed judiciary was propagated. Even the Constitution was amended. All that was done to save one person. Could any right-thinking person make such an odious comparison and equate this incident to the Emergency? Some anti-national elements are advocating Azaadi for Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. No citizen would accept such fissiparous activities. However, Congress leaders like P Chidambaram seem to be supporting separatists. Chidambaram claimed Kashmir was nearly lost and blamed the Centre for using brute force. He probably wants terrorists and stone-pelters to be handed candies and treated with kid gloves when hundreds of brave jawans are sacrificing their lives to protect the country. How can an ex-home minister put forth such a ridiculous argument unless one has a sinister, divisive agenda? His statement will be music to the ears of terrorists and Pakistan, which is aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism. Coming to the Ramjas incident, it should be noted that some outsiders tried to take advantage of the situation and created trouble on the campuses. I condemn in no uncertain terms the reported threats issued to the student Gurmehar Kaur and the alleged molestation of an ABVP girl. These incidents should be probed and stringent punishment be meted out to the culprits. At the same time, nobody should be allowed to justify or promote a divisive agenda. With regard to the image posted by Gurmehar with a placard stating Pakistan did not kill my dad, war did, the dig taken by Virender Sehwag should be understood in the right perspective. Does it mean that our soldiers should keep quiet when Pakistanis attack them? It was not war, but Pakistanis who killed Gurmehars father, who bravely gave his life for India. The truth is anybody who acts against the countrys interest is anti-national. Let there be no pussyfooting on this score. The unity and integrity of the nation remain supreme and its not acceptable if some elements support the disintegration of the country in the garb of freedom of expression. It should be remembered that freedom of speech/expression is not absolute and circumscribed by reasonable restrictions under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution, which include sovereignty and integrity of India. By ridiculing nationalists, the Congress and Communists have once again proved they are hard on nationalists and soft on terrorists. No patriotic Indian can accept the glorification of separatists like Maqbool Bhatt, Afzal Guru and Burhan Wani. We are not ready to accept dismemberment of the motherland in the garb of freedom of expression. Let there be no ambiguity about this. The author is Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Information and Broadcasting Follow him on Twitter: @MVenkaiahNaidu Nationalism seems to have become a pejorative these days for the Congress leaders and not unsurprisingly, the Communists, who are trying to poison the minds of youngsters through distortion of truth, are also saying that anybody critical of the BJP and NDA is being branded as anti-national. For company, these Communists and Congressmen are joined by pseudo-secularists, the so-called intellectuals and left-wing propagandists, who ironically are calling BJP supporters and its allies intolerant, while they seek to impose their blinkered view. Nobody is against civilised debate or dissent, but designs of disintegration should be defeated uncompromisingly as the integrity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable. There cannot be any mincing of words on that count. Having lost battle after battle against the BJP with the latest instance being the municipal and panchayat polls in Maharashtra and Odisha, the Congress and its allies are desperately trying to vitiate the atmosphere on university campuses and create social tensions. All in the name of freedom of expression, which was never curbed or circumscribed by the NDA government, unlike the Congress, which earned worldwide notoriety for imposing the Emergency in 1975. The latest false narrative relates to freedom of expression. To put it in perspective, the claims on a Goebbelsian scale are coming at a time when BJPs political opponents are stooping so low as to compare the prime minister with a donkey. Of course, this is not the first time that they had indulged in loose, contemptible talk, which is in character with their crass political background. They had called Modi maut ka saudagar, khoon ka dalal and psychopath. It is apparent that the Congress, Communists and their allies are rattled at the existential threat they face after losing the recent elections. Unable to counter the growing popularity of Modi and the BJP, they are targeting the youth as they support Modi. In the latest incident involving Ramjas College, the ABVP protested against an invite to Umar Khalid, who organised an event in JNU last year to observe the martyrdom of Afzal Guru, the terrorist who plotted the attack on the Parliament. Incidentally, it is in the same JNU that slogans like Bharat ke Tukde, Tukde kar Denge and slogans seeking Azaadi for Kashmir were raised by a handful of anti-national elements. Just as they had done in the JNU and Jadavpur University incidents, the Congress, Communists and communalists have once again joined hands to defame the NDA government with the ridiculous argument that the BJP was promoting intolerance and curbing freedom of expression. Will any sensible Indian ever buy this idea? Some of our political opponents went to the farcical extent of comparing the present atmosphere with the Emergency. During that period, the Opposition was put behind bars, fundamental rights were trampled, media was gagged, censorship was imposed, judges were superseded and the need for a committed judiciary was propagated. Even the Constitution was amended. All that was done to save one person. Could any right-thinking person make such an odious comparison and equate this incident to the Emergency? Some anti-national elements are advocating Azaadi for Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. No citizen would accept such fissiparous activities. However, Congress leaders like P Chidambaram seem to be supporting separatists. Chidambaram claimed Kashmir was nearly lost and blamed the Centre for using brute force. He probably wants terrorists and stone-pelters to be handed candies and treated with kid gloves when hundreds of brave jawans are sacrificing their lives to protect the country. How can an ex-home minister put forth such a ridiculous argument unless one has a sinister, divisive agenda? His statement will be music to the ears of terrorists and Pakistan, which is aiding and abetting cross-border terrorism. Coming to the Ramjas incident, it should be noted that some outsiders tried to take advantage of the situation and created trouble on the campuses. I condemn in no uncertain terms the reported threats issued to the student Gurmehar Kaur and the alleged molestation of an ABVP girl. These incidents should be probed and stringent punishment be meted out to the culprits. At the same time, nobody should be allowed to justify or promote a divisive agenda. With regard to the image posted by Gurmehar with a placard stating Pakistan did not kill my dad, war did, the dig taken by Virender Sehwag should be understood in the right perspective. Does it mean that our soldiers should keep quiet when Pakistanis attack them? It was not war, but Pakistanis who killed Gurmehars father, who bravely gave his life for India. The truth is anybody who acts against the countrys interest is anti-national. Let there be no pussyfooting on this score. The unity and integrity of the nation remain supreme and its not acceptable if some elements support the disintegration of the country in the garb of freedom of expression. It should be remembered that freedom of speech/expression is not absolute and circumscribed by reasonable restrictions under Article 19 (2) of the Constitution, which include sovereignty and integrity of India. By ridiculing nationalists, the Congress and Communists have once again proved they are hard on nationalists and soft on terrorists. No patriotic Indian can accept the glorification of separatists like Maqbool Bhatt, Afzal Guru and Burhan Wani. We are not ready to accept dismemberment of the motherland in the garb of freedom of expression. Let there be no ambiguity about this. The author is Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Information and Broadcasting Follow him on Twitter: @MVenkaiahNaidu As India and Nepal prepare for Surya Kiran XI, the 11th joint military exercise between the two nations from March 7-20, there is unease in New Delhi over another drill scheduled for later this month, between China and the Himalayan nation. In December, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army announced it would hold its first-ever joint military exercise with Nepal. The statement came soon after Nepals proposal to change some provisions of the Peace and Friendship Treaty with India, particularly sections which stipulate that Nepal must inform India about military purchases from other nations. While there has no official statement from India, defence ministry officials have privately expressed their concern, while conceding that India did not really have the right to dictate which nation Nepal could plan military exercises with. As one official put it, India too conducts joint exercises with China. So on what grounds can it object if Nepal, which shares its northern border with China, plans similar exercises? However, India, which shares a long-standing relationship with the Nepalese Army, has traditionally seen Nepal as part of its strategic space, and is reluctant to concede it to China. However, after the fall of the monarchy in 2008, subsequent civilian governments in Kathmandu have bristled at what they perceived as Indian interference in Nepals internal affairs, particularly following the row over the new constitution last year, which India felt did not give due weight to the people living in the plains of Nepal. This led to an unofficial blockade of the India-Nepal border, forcing Nepal to seek help from China, which over the years had built roads and railway lines which connect the Chinese mainland through Tibet to Kathmandu. Some Indian analysts also see this as part of Chinas pernicious bid to encircle India. But for now, India cant do much beyond waiting and watching to see how the NepalChina defence relationship unfolds. As India and Nepal prepare for Surya Kiran XI, the 11th joint military exercise between the two nations from March 7-20, there is unease in New Delhi over another drill scheduled for later this month, between China and the Himalayan nation. In December, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army announced it would hold its first-ever joint military exercise with Nepal. The statement came soon after Nepals proposal to change some provisions of the Peace and Friendship Treaty with India, particularly sections which stipulate that Nepal must inform India about military purchases from other nations. While there has no official statement from India, defence ministry officials have privately expressed their concern, while conceding that India did not really have the right to dictate which nation Nepal could plan military exercises with. As one official put it, India too conducts joint exercises with China. So on what grounds can it object if Nepal, which shares its northern border with China, plans similar exercises? However, India, which shares a long-standing relationship with the Nepalese Army, has traditionally seen Nepal as part of its strategic space, and is reluctant to concede it to China. However, after the fall of the monarchy in 2008, subsequent civilian governments in Kathmandu have bristled at what they perceived as Indian interference in Nepals internal affairs, particularly following the row over the new constitution last year, which India felt did not give due weight to the people living in the plains of Nepal. This led to an unofficial blockade of the India-Nepal border, forcing Nepal to seek help from China, which over the years had built roads and railway lines which connect the Chinese mainland through Tibet to Kathmandu. Some Indian analysts also see this as part of Chinas pernicious bid to encircle India. But for now, India cant do much beyond waiting and watching to see how the NepalChina defence relationship unfolds. By Express News Service ONGOLE: Just two days after the Diwakar Travels bus tragedy that claimed 10 lives near Vijayawada, two bus accidents took place in the state on Thursday in which 49 people, including 23 school children, were injured in Prakasam and Nellore districts. The condition of one of the students was reported to be critical. In Prakasam district, a Kurnool-bound bus belonging to a private travels was returning from a school excursion with 85 passengers, including 78 students from Karedu Zilla Parishad High School in Ulavapadu mandal, when it fell off a bridge at Paleru Vagu on the outskirts of Peda Alavalapalle village of PC Palle mandal around 3 am on Thursday, injuring 29. Of them, the condition of one student who suffered skull fracture is critical. The speeding bus (AP27PY2317) belonging to Ongole-based SVL Travels, was reportedly speeding when it fell off the 20-feet-high bridge while negotiating a sharp curve. Class IX student Velupula Srikanth who suffered a skull fracture was rushed to a private hospital in Ongole, where he underwent surgery. Srikanth is s native of Cherukur village in Ponnaluru mandal and is an inmate of the SC Hostel in Karedu of Ulavapadu mandal. All other students are being treated RIMS Ongole along with the driver and few others who suffered injuries. How the accident took place According to police, bus driver Sk Kalesha Vali was in an inebriated condition. The 40-year old driver had stopped at Kanigiri to leave his daughter at a relatives house. He had taken her along with him while going to Kurnool. He had allegedly consumed liquor in Kanigiri and also picked up a woman. He is suspected to have been in conversation with her while speeding and failed to notice a speed breaker before the bridge The bus jumped the railing and fell 20 feet down into the stream at the entrance of the bridge. Had it been any further, it would have fallen 40 feet deep, rusulting in loss of life PC Palle police registered cases against the bus driver Kalesha Vali, bus owner M Brahmam, school headmaster M Basavaiah and two others. Nellore accident In the second incident, twenty workers belonging to a mobile phones spare parts manufacturing company in Sri City were injured, when the bus they were travelling toppled over, when another bus belonging to a private travels rammed into it. The accident happened on NH 16 at Doravarisatram. The workers were travelling to their company from Chittamuru, when the bus they were travelling was forced to stop, as a buffalo came onto the road suddenly. At the same time, a bus belonging to a private travels which was going towards Chennai from Nellore, rammed into the stationary bus and it fell on its side. Twenty employees were injured and they were rushed to different hospitals by the locals. Police registered a case and are investigating. On learning about the accidents, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure proper treatment to the victims and sought a detailed report from Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao and Home Minister N Chinna Rajappa about the measures being taken to address the increasing road mishaps on highways in the state. ONGOLE: Just two days after the Diwakar Travels bus tragedy that claimed 10 lives near Vijayawada, two bus accidents took place in the state on Thursday in which 49 people, including 23 school children, were injured in Prakasam and Nellore districts. The condition of one of the students was reported to be critical. In Prakasam district, a Kurnool-bound bus belonging to a private travels was returning from a school excursion with 85 passengers, including 78 students from Karedu Zilla Parishad High School in Ulavapadu mandal, when it fell off a bridge at Paleru Vagu on the outskirts of Peda Alavalapalle village of PC Palle mandal around 3 am on Thursday, injuring 29. Of them, the condition of one student who suffered skull fracture is critical. The speeding bus (AP27PY2317) belonging to Ongole-based SVL Travels, was reportedly speeding when it fell off the 20-feet-high bridge while negotiating a sharp curve. Class IX student Velupula Srikanth who suffered a skull fracture was rushed to a private hospital in Ongole, where he underwent surgery. Srikanth is s native of Cherukur village in Ponnaluru mandal and is an inmate of the SC Hostel in Karedu of Ulavapadu mandal. All other students are being treated RIMS Ongole along with the driver and few others who suffered injuries. How the accident took place According to police, bus driver Sk Kalesha Vali was in an inebriated condition. The 40-year old driver had stopped at Kanigiri to leave his daughter at a relatives house. He had taken her along with him while going to Kurnool. He had allegedly consumed liquor in Kanigiri and also picked up a woman. He is suspected to have been in conversation with her while speeding and failed to notice a speed breaker before the bridge The bus jumped the railing and fell 20 feet down into the stream at the entrance of the bridge. Had it been any further, it would have fallen 40 feet deep, rusulting in loss of life PC Palle police registered cases against the bus driver Kalesha Vali, bus owner M Brahmam, school headmaster M Basavaiah and two others. Nellore accident In the second incident, twenty workers belonging to a mobile phones spare parts manufacturing company in Sri City were injured, when the bus they were travelling toppled over, when another bus belonging to a private travels rammed into it. The accident happened on NH 16 at Doravarisatram. The workers were travelling to their company from Chittamuru, when the bus they were travelling was forced to stop, as a buffalo came onto the road suddenly. At the same time, a bus belonging to a private travels which was going towards Chennai from Nellore, rammed into the stationary bus and it fell on its side. Twenty employees were injured and they were rushed to different hospitals by the locals. Police registered a case and are investigating. On learning about the accidents, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure proper treatment to the victims and sought a detailed report from Transport Minister Sidda Raghava Rao and Home Minister N Chinna Rajappa about the measures being taken to address the increasing road mishaps on highways in the state. By Express News Service KASARGOD/KOZHIKODE: Asfaq Majeed, one among the 21-member group from Kerala that joined the Islamic State (IS) in recent months, reportedly sent a message to one of his family members on Thursday stating that all the members in the group were happy in taking up the mission to fight and were sad for missing the opportunity to become first martyr like Hafeesudeen T K. The new message is believed to have been sent to assure the family members back home that only 24-year-old Hafeesudeen had died in the intense combat operation launched by Afghan and US forces in various parts of Afghanistan against IS militants. In a message sent on Telegram, Asfaq said, "We came to fight for the sake of Allah. We are sad because we could become a martyr (shaheed)." He added that Sajid, another member in the group who was reported dead by a few local media in Kasargod, was still alive. Asfaq had also sent a photo of Rasheed, who was among the group that left for Syria. Hafeesudeen, a native of Padna in Kasargod, had left his new bride behind to join IS as part of a mission to serve the Caliphate. It was Asfaq who informed Hafeesudeen's mother about her son's death on Sunday. The message also said Hafeesudeen's body was buried in Afghanistan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was trying to track the details of the group after intelligence agencies confirmed that the group which left from Kerala to Syria was camping somewhere in Afghanistan. Already efforts are on through Interpol and the Afghan government to trace the group, which according to reports had settled in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. KASARGOD/KOZHIKODE: Asfaq Majeed, one among the 21-member group from Kerala that joined the Islamic State (IS) in recent months, reportedly sent a message to one of his family members on Thursday stating that all the members in the group were happy in taking up the mission to fight and were sad for missing the opportunity to become first martyr like Hafeesudeen T K. The new message is believed to have been sent to assure the family members back home that only 24-year-old Hafeesudeen had died in the intense combat operation launched by Afghan and US forces in various parts of Afghanistan against IS militants. In a message sent on Telegram, Asfaq said, "We came to fight for the sake of Allah. We are sad because we could become a martyr (shaheed)." He added that Sajid, another member in the group who was reported dead by a few local media in Kasargod, was still alive. Asfaq had also sent a photo of Rasheed, who was among the group that left for Syria. Hafeesudeen, a native of Padna in Kasargod, had left his new bride behind to join IS as part of a mission to serve the Caliphate. It was Asfaq who informed Hafeesudeen's mother about her son's death on Sunday. The message also said Hafeesudeen's body was buried in Afghanistan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was trying to track the details of the group after intelligence agencies confirmed that the group which left from Kerala to Syria was camping somewhere in Afghanistan. Already efforts are on through Interpol and the Afghan government to trace the group, which according to reports had settled in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar. By Express News Service KOCHI: In a major setback for the state police, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to P Krishnadas, chairman of the Nehru College of Educational and Charitable Trust, the first accused in the case related to the suicide of Jishnu Pranoy. Jishnu was a student of Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre, Pampady, an institution under the Trust. The court held there was no sufficient evidence to invoke Section-107 and 306(abetment of suicide) of the IPC against Krishnadas. The case diary and witnesses statements clearly show the prosecution did not gather any evidence to support the abetment charge. Concrete evidence, not vague allegations, are needed to invoke such charges against the accused. There is no evidence to confirm the petitioner was directly or indirectly involved in the alleged torture of Jishnu in the principals room, held the court. The prosecution stated Krishnadas, the first accused and principal conspirator in the case, wanted to enforce harsh discipline in the college by mentally and physically harassing students. The prosecution relies only on the statements of the principal, Jishnus uncle Mahesh and two students. While the principals statement confirms that Jishnu was mentally harassed by the vice-principal, the statement of Mahesh is solely based on hearsay. The allegation by Shaukathali, a student of another college under the Nehru Group, that he was assaulted by Krishnada cannot be taken into account in this case, held the court. Though the police claimed there were injury marks on Jishnus body, no external injury was found in the postmortem. Also, there is nothing to show the petitioner was involved in deleting CCTV footage, said the court, and asked Krishnadas to surrender his passport and not leave the state without permission. He shall not interfere in the day-to-day activities of the college, and refrain from removing electronic devices from the college that could act as evidence. The court also cited a Supreme Court order stating mere harassment would not attract Section-306. Citing the Ramesh Kumar vs State of Chhattisgarh case, the court said instigation must necessarily and specifically be suggestive of the consequences. KOCHI: In a major setback for the state police, the Kerala High Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to P Krishnadas, chairman of the Nehru College of Educational and Charitable Trust, the first accused in the case related to the suicide of Jishnu Pranoy. Jishnu was a student of Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre, Pampady, an institution under the Trust. The court held there was no sufficient evidence to invoke Section-107 and 306(abetment of suicide) of the IPC against Krishnadas. The case diary and witnesses statements clearly show the prosecution did not gather any evidence to support the abetment charge. Concrete evidence, not vague allegations, are needed to invoke such charges against the accused. There is no evidence to confirm the petitioner was directly or indirectly involved in the alleged torture of Jishnu in the principals room, held the court. The prosecution stated Krishnadas, the first accused and principal conspirator in the case, wanted to enforce harsh discipline in the college by mentally and physically harassing students. The prosecution relies only on the statements of the principal, Jishnus uncle Mahesh and two students. While the principals statement confirms that Jishnu was mentally harassed by the vice-principal, the statement of Mahesh is solely based on hearsay. The allegation by Shaukathali, a student of another college under the Nehru Group, that he was assaulted by Krishnada cannot be taken into account in this case, held the court. Though the police claimed there were injury marks on Jishnus body, no external injury was found in the postmortem. Also, there is nothing to show the petitioner was involved in deleting CCTV footage, said the court, and asked Krishnadas to surrender his passport and not leave the state without permission. He shall not interfere in the day-to-day activities of the college, and refrain from removing electronic devices from the college that could act as evidence. The court also cited a Supreme Court order stating mere harassment would not attract Section-306. Citing the Ramesh Kumar vs State of Chhattisgarh case, the court said instigation must necessarily and specifically be suggestive of the consequences. By Express News Service KOCHI: With crimes against women rising across the country in recent times, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday asserted the protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. I do not consider a society or state to be civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test, Mukherjee said while delivering the sixth K S Rajamony memorial lecture on India @70 here. He underlined this point saying there should be no room for the intolerant Indian in the country. He reminded Indians were naturally argumentative but not intolerant. Mukherjee touched upon the unrest among student community and urged it to engage in discussion and debate. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. We celebrate democracy which has been the core of our existence. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet, the President said. He said the Indian society has always been characterised by open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate. While saying that there must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent, he said freedom of speech and expression were guaranteed to every Indian by the Constitution. The time has come for collective efforts to rediscover the sense of national purpose and patriotism that alone can lift our nation on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen Indias pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred, he said. Sending a strong message to Indias politicians, Mukherjee said they should not take people for granted. The leaders or political activists must listen to people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our lawmakers must never take people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of lawmaking and raising of issues of concern to the people, he said. While mentioning about continuous disruptions in parliament, the President said the trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed. No one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. "Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support, he said. Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala High Court Acting Chief Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, K V Thomas MP, Venu Rajamony and R Balachandran were present. KOCHI: With crimes against women rising across the country in recent times, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday asserted the protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. I do not consider a society or state to be civilised if its citizens behaviour towards women is uncivilised. When we brutalise a woman, we wound the soul of our civilisation. Not only does our Constitution guarantee equal rights to women but our culture and tradition also celebrate the feminine as divine. Protection and safety of our women and children must be a nationwide priority. The acid test of any society is its attitude towards women and children. India should not fail this test, Mukherjee said while delivering the sixth K S Rajamony memorial lecture on India @70 here. He underlined this point saying there should be no room for the intolerant Indian in the country. He reminded Indians were naturally argumentative but not intolerant. Mukherjee touched upon the unrest among student community and urged it to engage in discussion and debate. India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought, speech and expression. We celebrate democracy which has been the core of our existence. Those in universities must engage in reasoned discussion and debate rather than propagate a culture of unrest. It is tragic to see them caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet, the President said. He said the Indian society has always been characterised by open contestation of diverse schools of thought and debate. While saying that there must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent, he said freedom of speech and expression were guaranteed to every Indian by the Constitution. The time has come for collective efforts to rediscover the sense of national purpose and patriotism that alone can lift our nation on to the road of sustained progress and prosperity. Let us exert ourselves to strengthen Indias pluralism and diversity. Let us be uncompromising in rooting out violence, prejudice and hatred, he said. Sending a strong message to Indias politicians, Mukherjee said they should not take people for granted. The leaders or political activists must listen to people, engage with them, learn from them and respond to their needs and concerns. Our lawmakers must never take people for granted. They must focus on the fundamental task of lawmaking and raising of issues of concern to the people, he said. While mentioning about continuous disruptions in parliament, the President said the trust placed by the people in the political system and those elected should not be betrayed. No one who holds any elected office has been invited by the voters to occupy that office. "Each one has gone to the voters and pleaded for their votes and support, he said. Kerala Governor Justice P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala High Court Acting Chief Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, K V Thomas MP, Venu Rajamony and R Balachandran were present. By Express News Service PUDUKKOTTAI: The thirteenth day of protests against the hydrocarbon protest at Neduvasal in Pudukkottai on Wednesday saw protesters receiving words of advice from those who have took the path of mass protests in the past. Prominent among them were S P Udayakumar, a member of the Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), which has raised a banner of revolt at Idinthakarai against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project. Addressing the protesters who stayed put at Sri Nadiyamman Thidal, Udayakumar, who now heads a political outfit called Pachai Tamilagam, urged the villagers to form a core committee to co-ordinate the stir. Drawing from his experience, Udayakumar said, The protest must continue till the goal is achieved. The State government and police may try to scuttle your agitation by spreading rumours about frontline leaders of the protest. To prevent such rumours and indirect attacks, you must form a core committee. It must be devoid of political leanings and not have any politician or caste or religious leader on board, he said. In a word of encouragement, Pudukkottai Bar Association secretary Ramesh said the association would file a PIL in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court if the State government failed to scrap the project. All democratic forces in the State are supporting the Neduvasal protest. Your victory on this issue is sure, said Arputhammal, the mother of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Perarivalan. Actor Mansoor Ali Khan, former Tiruchy Mayor Charubala Thondaiman also addressed the gathering. Earlier in the day, president of Muvendhar Munnetra Kazhagam Sridhar Vandaiyar set a two-day ultimatum to the State government to scrap the proposed project, and warned that he would organise a padayatra from Neduvasal to Pudukkottai. He said his outfit would assemble one lakh people. Around 20,000 shops and commercial establishments remained closed from dawn to dusk in the day in a show of solidarity with the protesters. The bandh call by the District Chamber of Commerce evoked a positive response and the thoroughfares in Pudukkottai town and bazaars wore a deserted look. Buses plied with a minimum number of passengers. The precautionary measures put in place by police to prevent a build-up of supporters at Neduvasal seemed to have had no effect. On Tuesday, police had erected seven check posts on all roads leading to Neduvasal and Nallankollai and the identities of those proceeding to the villages were recorded. Students arriving in small batches were turned away and asked to get their parents consent. However, on Wednesday, the cops watched helplessly as large convoy of cars and two-wheelers moved in. Meanwhile, residents of Neduvasal said they would announce their decision on continuing their protest on Thursday, after holding discussions with the team that met Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday. PUDUKKOTTAI: The thirteenth day of protests against the hydrocarbon protest at Neduvasal in Pudukkottai on Wednesday saw protesters receiving words of advice from those who have took the path of mass protests in the past. Prominent among them were S P Udayakumar, a member of the Peoples Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE), which has raised a banner of revolt at Idinthakarai against the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project. Addressing the protesters who stayed put at Sri Nadiyamman Thidal, Udayakumar, who now heads a political outfit called Pachai Tamilagam, urged the villagers to form a core committee to co-ordinate the stir. Drawing from his experience, Udayakumar said, The protest must continue till the goal is achieved. The State government and police may try to scuttle your agitation by spreading rumours about frontline leaders of the protest. To prevent such rumours and indirect attacks, you must form a core committee. It must be devoid of political leanings and not have any politician or caste or religious leader on board, he said. In a word of encouragement, Pudukkottai Bar Association secretary Ramesh said the association would file a PIL in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court if the State government failed to scrap the project. All democratic forces in the State are supporting the Neduvasal protest. Your victory on this issue is sure, said Arputhammal, the mother of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict Perarivalan. Actor Mansoor Ali Khan, former Tiruchy Mayor Charubala Thondaiman also addressed the gathering. Earlier in the day, president of Muvendhar Munnetra Kazhagam Sridhar Vandaiyar set a two-day ultimatum to the State government to scrap the proposed project, and warned that he would organise a padayatra from Neduvasal to Pudukkottai. He said his outfit would assemble one lakh people. Around 20,000 shops and commercial establishments remained closed from dawn to dusk in the day in a show of solidarity with the protesters. The bandh call by the District Chamber of Commerce evoked a positive response and the thoroughfares in Pudukkottai town and bazaars wore a deserted look. Buses plied with a minimum number of passengers. The precautionary measures put in place by police to prevent a build-up of supporters at Neduvasal seemed to have had no effect. On Tuesday, police had erected seven check posts on all roads leading to Neduvasal and Nallankollai and the identities of those proceeding to the villages were recorded. Students arriving in small batches were turned away and asked to get their parents consent. However, on Wednesday, the cops watched helplessly as large convoy of cars and two-wheelers moved in. Meanwhile, residents of Neduvasal said they would announce their decision on continuing their protest on Thursday, after holding discussions with the team that met Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday. By AFP PARIS: French conservative Francois Fillon on Wednesday refused to abandon his presidential bid despite announcing that he faces criminal charges of fraudulently placing his wife on the public payroll. The 62-year-old former premier was favourite at the start of the year to win the presidency after clinching the nomination for the Republicans party in November. But he has since been hit by a series of allegations that he paid his British-born wife Penelope and two of their children hundreds of thousands of euros since 1988 for allegedly fake parliamentary jobs. Following are key quotes from his announcement. Vows to stay in race "I won't give in, I won't surrender and I won't withdraw." "I will go all the way because, in addition to myself, it is democracy that is being challenged." Denies accusations "I do not acknowledge the accusations. I have not embezzled public funds." "Like nearly one third of lawmakers, I entrusted work to my family because I knew I could count on their trust and their abilities." "They indeed assisted me and I will demonstrate that." Questions probe's haste "The preliminary investigation was opened in a few hours (after allegations by satirical and investigative weekly Canard Enchaine in January)." "It is unheard of... for a summons... to be issued only a few days after judges are designated, before they have studied the dossier or carried out further investigations." "That I am not being treated like other defendants can be seen simply in the choice of the date March 15, two days before the close of sponsorships, entirely calculated to stop me being a candidate for the presidential election." "Many of my political friends... speak of a political assassination." "The presumption of innocence has entirely and completely disappeared." Appeals to voters "I submit myself before the French people, because only the ballot box, and not an investigation directed against me, can decide who will be the next president." "From now on I appeal to the French people and them alone, to those who support me as well as those who fight me." "It's not about me... it's about you, whose sovereign will cannot be cancelled, annihilated, destroyed." "France is greater than my mistakes... greater than the bias of much of the media." PARIS: French conservative Francois Fillon on Wednesday refused to abandon his presidential bid despite announcing that he faces criminal charges of fraudulently placing his wife on the public payroll. The 62-year-old former premier was favourite at the start of the year to win the presidency after clinching the nomination for the Republicans party in November. But he has since been hit by a series of allegations that he paid his British-born wife Penelope and two of their children hundreds of thousands of euros since 1988 for allegedly fake parliamentary jobs. Following are key quotes from his announcement. Vows to stay in race "I won't give in, I won't surrender and I won't withdraw." "I will go all the way because, in addition to myself, it is democracy that is being challenged." Denies accusations "I do not acknowledge the accusations. I have not embezzled public funds." "Like nearly one third of lawmakers, I entrusted work to my family because I knew I could count on their trust and their abilities." "They indeed assisted me and I will demonstrate that." Questions probe's haste "The preliminary investigation was opened in a few hours (after allegations by satirical and investigative weekly Canard Enchaine in January)." "It is unheard of... for a summons... to be issued only a few days after judges are designated, before they have studied the dossier or carried out further investigations." "That I am not being treated like other defendants can be seen simply in the choice of the date March 15, two days before the close of sponsorships, entirely calculated to stop me being a candidate for the presidential election." "Many of my political friends... speak of a political assassination." "The presumption of innocence has entirely and completely disappeared." Appeals to voters "I submit myself before the French people, because only the ballot box, and not an investigation directed against me, can decide who will be the next president." "From now on I appeal to the French people and them alone, to those who support me as well as those who fight me." "It's not about me... it's about you, whose sovereign will cannot be cancelled, annihilated, destroyed." "France is greater than my mistakes... greater than the bias of much of the media." By Associated Press ABU DHABI: The capital of the United Arab Emirates has hosted a major military exercise before a public audience as the nation fights alongside Saudi troops in Yemen and tensions with Iran remain high. The maneuver, called Union Fortress, took place on Thursday afternoon along Abu Dhabi's seaside corniche. It featured fighter jets, helicopters and a mock seaborne hostage rescue performed by Emirati troops. Such maneuvers before the public are rare in the United Arab Emirates, a major Western ally that hosts U.S. troops involved in the fight against the Islamic State group. The exercise came as UAE and Saudi troops are locked in a largely stalemate war with Shiite rebels and their allies in Yemen. Meanwhile, the UAE and other Gulf Arab nations remain suspicious of Iran after the nuclear deal. ABU DHABI: The capital of the United Arab Emirates has hosted a major military exercise before a public audience as the nation fights alongside Saudi troops in Yemen and tensions with Iran remain high. The maneuver, called Union Fortress, took place on Thursday afternoon along Abu Dhabi's seaside corniche. It featured fighter jets, helicopters and a mock seaborne hostage rescue performed by Emirati troops. Such maneuvers before the public are rare in the United Arab Emirates, a major Western ally that hosts U.S. troops involved in the fight against the Islamic State group. The exercise came as UAE and Saudi troops are locked in a largely stalemate war with Shiite rebels and their allies in Yemen. Meanwhile, the UAE and other Gulf Arab nations remain suspicious of Iran after the nuclear deal. By Associated Press NAIROBI: At least 57 members of the al-Shabab extremist group were killed Thursday as African Union and Somali forces attacked one of its camps, the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia announced. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the al-Qaida-linked group by the joint forces. The multinational force said on Twitter that vehicles and equipment were destroyed in the morning assault on the al-Shabab camp outside Afmadhow and "a large cache of weapons" was captured. The statement said helicopter gunships supported the attack. A separate statement by Kenya's defense ministry said an unknown number of extremists were injured. There was no immediate word of casualties among the AU or Somali forces. Al-Shabab has lost ground in Somalia in recent years under pressure from such assaults but continues to carry out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu. The group has responded angrily to the election last month of new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, during whose brief term as prime minister the group was expelled from Mogadishu. Mohamed has vowed to make security a priority in the fragile Horn of Africa nation, which is trying to set up its first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. But the expected withdrawal of the AU force, which numbers more than 20,000, by the end of 2020 has caused concern, as the burden of fighting al-Shabab would fall on national forces that observers say are not yet ready. The United States military is pursuing a larger role in Somalia, where it already carries out drone strikes and has special forces advising local troops. The deadliest assault on al-Shabab so far was in March 2016, when a U.S. airstrike struck a training camp, killing more than 150 fighters. NAIROBI: At least 57 members of the al-Shabab extremist group were killed Thursday as African Union and Somali forces attacked one of its camps, the AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia announced. It was one of the deadliest assaults on the al-Qaida-linked group by the joint forces. The multinational force said on Twitter that vehicles and equipment were destroyed in the morning assault on the al-Shabab camp outside Afmadhow and "a large cache of weapons" was captured. The statement said helicopter gunships supported the attack. A separate statement by Kenya's defense ministry said an unknown number of extremists were injured. There was no immediate word of casualties among the AU or Somali forces. Al-Shabab has lost ground in Somalia in recent years under pressure from such assaults but continues to carry out deadly attacks in the capital, Mogadishu. The group has responded angrily to the election last month of new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, during whose brief term as prime minister the group was expelled from Mogadishu. Mohamed has vowed to make security a priority in the fragile Horn of Africa nation, which is trying to set up its first fully functioning central government in a quarter-century. But the expected withdrawal of the AU force, which numbers more than 20,000, by the end of 2020 has caused concern, as the burden of fighting al-Shabab would fall on national forces that observers say are not yet ready. The United States military is pursuing a larger role in Somalia, where it already carries out drone strikes and has special forces advising local troops. The deadliest assault on al-Shabab so far was in March 2016, when a U.S. airstrike struck a training camp, killing more than 150 fighters. By AFP BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel starts a two-day trip to Egypt and Tunisia on Thursday, part of her push to limit migrant flows to Europe through North Africa, especially chaos-torn Libya. Since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has lacked a national government, which has made it the main gateway for African migrants heading for the 28-member EU on dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. Her government has urged the Maghreb states and Egypt to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Merkel first heads to Egypt, where she will meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, before holding talks on Friday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. She is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, tourism slumps after internal turmoil and jihadist attacks, and high unemployment, especially among youths. A major focus in Egypt and Tunisia will be on their troubled neighbour Libya, a largely lawless country that has porous desert borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan. "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. "Egypt, as a regional institution, as a regional power, plays a major role here, as do Algeria and Tunisia." Holding centres The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt had largely "banned protests, imprisoned tens of thousands of people, often after unfair trials, and outlawed the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood." "Ensuring safe and swift returns of Tunisians and Egyptians who are not in need of protection is legitimate, as long as the procedures are fair," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum." But Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market on December 19 that killed 12, an attack attributed to a Tunisian immigrant, Anis Amri. Anger had previously been fanned on New Year's Eve of 2015-16, when large groups of mostly North African men sexually assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in the western city of Cologne. BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel starts a two-day trip to Egypt and Tunisia on Thursday, part of her push to limit migrant flows to Europe through North Africa, especially chaos-torn Libya. Since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi, Libya has lacked a national government, which has made it the main gateway for African migrants heading for the 28-member EU on dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Merkel, who faces elections in September, has been under intense pressure to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming to Germany, which has taken in over one million migrants since 2015. Her government has urged the Maghreb states and Egypt to step up border controls and speed up repatriations of migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Merkel first heads to Egypt, where she will meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, before holding talks on Friday with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. She is joined by a business delegation that could sweeten the diplomacy with investments badly needed by both countries, which are grappling with sluggish economies, tourism slumps after internal turmoil and jihadist attacks, and high unemployment, especially among youths. A major focus in Egypt and Tunisia will be on their troubled neighbour Libya, a largely lawless country that has porous desert borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan. "Without a political stabilisation of Libya, we won't be able to stop the human traffickers operating out of Libya who are responsible for by far the most arrivals in Italy," Merkel said in her latest weekly podcast. "Egypt, as a regional institution, as a regional power, plays a major role here, as do Algeria and Tunisia." Holding centres The trip is part of a larger diplomatic push by Merkel, who last year visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia. She had also planned a trip to Algeria last week, but it was called off after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika fell ill. Germany, which this year holds the G20 presidency, has also announced investment partnerships in Africa with the long-term goals of reducing poverty and deterring people from leaving in the first place. Last year, Berlin spearheaded an EU agreement with Ankara that helped sharply reduce the influx of migrants through Turkey and western Balkan countries. But as with the Turkey deal, the negotiations with the North African countries have been clouded by human rights concerns. In particular, an idea floated by Merkel's interior minister -- for North African countries to build holding centres for returned migrants -- has been rejected by Merkel's centre-left coalition partners and by rights groups. Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel -- whose Social Democrats hope to topple Merkel this year -- dismissed the idea, saying "I doubt that all this has been really thought through". 'Dodgy deals' Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt had largely "banned protests, imprisoned tens of thousands of people, often after unfair trials, and outlawed the country's largest opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood." "Ensuring safe and swift returns of Tunisians and Egyptians who are not in need of protection is legitimate, as long as the procedures are fair," said Judith Sunderland, a Europe and Central Asia director for the group. "It's another thing entirely to pursue dodgy deals that could trap asylum seekers and migrants from elsewhere in countries like Tunisia and Egypt that cannot guarantee decent treatment or meaningful access to asylum." But Merkel is under huge pressure at home to achieve results in an election year, as the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party hopes to enter the national parliament for the first time. Public fears in Germany have been heightened by several jihadist attacks last year -- especially the truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market on December 19 that killed 12, an attack attributed to a Tunisian immigrant, Anis Amri. Anger had previously been fanned on New Year's Eve of 2015-16, when large groups of mostly North African men sexually assaulted and robbed hundreds of women in the western city of Cologne. By ANI KANSAS: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the Indian IT engineer shot dead in an apparent hate crime in the U.S., was the kind of job candidate that every hiring manager wanted on his team, as described by his former boss Rod Larson. He was very sharp. A top-of-his-class kind of guy, Larson told Kansas City Star. His personality was exceptional. He was the kind of employee every manager would want. Kuchibhotla was the top pick in 2007 for a software engineer position at Rockwell Collins, an avionics and information technology systems company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Kuchibhotla was so exceptional that Larson ultimately couldnt keep him, because Kuchibhotla was moved from his auto-flight department and became instrumental in helping his company develop its first fly-by-wire planes, in which manual controls are entirely replaced by computers," Larson said. "He was well-liked by anybody and he was excellent in all categories. He was a low-maintenance employee and did whatever was asked of him, he added. Kuchibhotla was killed when 52-year-old Adam Purinton, walked into Austins Bar and Grill in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe and opened fire. His friend, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot, a bar-goer who tried to intervene in the attack, were also shot, but survived. KANSAS: Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the Indian IT engineer shot dead in an apparent hate crime in the U.S., was the kind of job candidate that every hiring manager wanted on his team, as described by his former boss Rod Larson. He was very sharp. A top-of-his-class kind of guy, Larson told Kansas City Star. His personality was exceptional. He was the kind of employee every manager would want. Kuchibhotla was the top pick in 2007 for a software engineer position at Rockwell Collins, an avionics and information technology systems company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "Kuchibhotla was so exceptional that Larson ultimately couldnt keep him, because Kuchibhotla was moved from his auto-flight department and became instrumental in helping his company develop its first fly-by-wire planes, in which manual controls are entirely replaced by computers," Larson said. "He was well-liked by anybody and he was excellent in all categories. He was a low-maintenance employee and did whatever was asked of him, he added. Kuchibhotla was killed when 52-year-old Adam Purinton, walked into Austins Bar and Grill in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe and opened fire. His friend, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot, a bar-goer who tried to intervene in the attack, were also shot, but survived. By AFP MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur has cancelled a visa-free travel deal with Pyongyang as a diplomatic spat deepens over the assassination of the half-brother of North Korea's leader, national news agency Bernama reported Thursday. The cancellation will take effect on March 6, after which North Koreans entering Malaysia will be required to obtain a visa, Malaysian news agency quoted the country's deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying. Before the murder of Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13, the two countries enjoyed relatively warm ties, with some bilateral trade and citizens from both countries entitled to travel to the other under a unique reciprocal visa-free deal. MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur has cancelled a visa-free travel deal with Pyongyang as a diplomatic spat deepens over the assassination of the half-brother of North Korea's leader, national news agency Bernama reported Thursday. The cancellation will take effect on March 6, after which North Koreans entering Malaysia will be required to obtain a visa, Malaysian news agency quoted the country's deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying. Before the murder of Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on February 13, the two countries enjoyed relatively warm ties, with some bilateral trade and citizens from both countries entitled to travel to the other under a unique reciprocal visa-free deal. By Associated Press MEXICO CITY: A lawyer who has worked on behalf of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is trying a novel legal tactic: He is calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to deport the Mexican drug lord back home from his jail cell in the United States. Lawyer Jose Luis Gonzalez Meza held up a banner outside the Mexican Attorney General's Office in the capital Wednesday that read: "Mr. Trump, Deport the illegal and criminal Chapo Guzman." Trump has pledged to deport migrants who have committed illegal acts. Gonzalez Meza said Mexican prosecutors violated due process when they extradited Guzman in January. "That means he is in the United States illegally," the lawyer said. "We are going to ask he be returned, because he is illegal and criminal!" Guzman faces U.S. drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges. He has pleaded not guilty. MEXICO CITY: A lawyer who has worked on behalf of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is trying a novel legal tactic: He is calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to deport the Mexican drug lord back home from his jail cell in the United States. Lawyer Jose Luis Gonzalez Meza held up a banner outside the Mexican Attorney General's Office in the capital Wednesday that read: "Mr. Trump, Deport the illegal and criminal Chapo Guzman." Trump has pledged to deport migrants who have committed illegal acts. Gonzalez Meza said Mexican prosecutors violated due process when they extradited Guzman in January. "That means he is in the United States illegally," the lawyer said. "We are going to ask he be returned, because he is illegal and criminal!" Guzman faces U.S. drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges. He has pleaded not guilty. By AFP JAKARTA: Saudi Arabia's King Salman called Thursday for a united fight against terrorism in a speech to Indonesia's parliament during a landmark state visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The king is making the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Indonesia in almost 50 years as part of a tour of Asia, accompanied by a 1,000-strong delegation and hundreds of tons of luggage. In a speech to hundreds of people at the legislature in the capital Jakarta, he called for an intensified fight against terrorism. "The challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism," he said. "We should close ranks in combating terrorism, radicalism and strive to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us." ALSO READ: Crowds greet Saudi King Salman on rare visit to Indonesia Saudi Arabia is part of a US-led coalition that has carried out air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists in Syria. IS is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, as government forces make a drive to retake areas held by the jihadists. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of deadly attacks claimed by IS since late 2014, mostly targeting the Shiite minority and security forces, killing dozens of people. However, some of the kingdom's partners in the Middle East have urged the Sunni-majority country to do more to defeat IS, and even accused the kingdom of supporting the jihadists. Indonesia, which has long struggled with Islamic militancy, is also facing a renewed threat due to the appeal of IS, with hundreds of its citizens heading to the Middle East to fight with the jihadists. A gun and suicide attack in Jakarta in January last year that killed four civilians and four attackers was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. On Thursday Salman also visited Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, accompanied by President Joko Widodo, and the leaders prayed together. The king and his entourage will be in Jakarta until Friday, after which they will head to the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali for a holiday. Salman's three-week Asian tour is seeking investment opportunities as the world's top oil exporter looks to diversify its economy. He began the trip in Malaysia earlier this week and is also set to visit Japan, China and the Maldives. JAKARTA: Saudi Arabia's King Salman called Thursday for a united fight against terrorism in a speech to Indonesia's parliament during a landmark state visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. The king is making the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Indonesia in almost 50 years as part of a tour of Asia, accompanied by a 1,000-strong delegation and hundreds of tons of luggage. In a speech to hundreds of people at the legislature in the capital Jakarta, he called for an intensified fight against terrorism. "The challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism," he said. "We should close ranks in combating terrorism, radicalism and strive to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us." ALSO READ: Crowds greet Saudi King Salman on rare visit to Indonesia Saudi Arabia is part of a US-led coalition that has carried out air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists in Syria. IS is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, as government forces make a drive to retake areas held by the jihadists. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of deadly attacks claimed by IS since late 2014, mostly targeting the Shiite minority and security forces, killing dozens of people. However, some of the kingdom's partners in the Middle East have urged the Sunni-majority country to do more to defeat IS, and even accused the kingdom of supporting the jihadists. Indonesia, which has long struggled with Islamic militancy, is also facing a renewed threat due to the appeal of IS, with hundreds of its citizens heading to the Middle East to fight with the jihadists. A gun and suicide attack in Jakarta in January last year that killed four civilians and four attackers was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. On Thursday Salman also visited Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, accompanied by President Joko Widodo, and the leaders prayed together. The king and his entourage will be in Jakarta until Friday, after which they will head to the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali for a holiday. Salman's three-week Asian tour is seeking investment opportunities as the world's top oil exporter looks to diversify its economy. He began the trip in Malaysia earlier this week and is also set to visit Japan, China and the Maldives. By ANI BEIRUT: Syrian troops have pushed into Palmyra as they battle to retake the iconic city from the Islamic State group, but their advance was slowed Thursday by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Bolstered by Russian air strikes and ground troops, Syrian government forces have been battling through the desert of central Syria for weeks to reach Palmyra. The city has traded hands several times during Syria's civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of cultural heritage in areas under its control. The jihadist group first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. IS fighters were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the town last December. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, forcing IS fighters to retreat into eastern districts, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "IS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP on Thursday. "Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts," he added. They have also not yet entered the celebrated ruins that make up the southwestern part of the city. "There are no IS fighters left in most of the Old City, but it is heavily mined," Abdel Rahman said. Syria's Al-Watan daily, which is close to the government, reported Thursday that the army had "penetrated Palmyra from the south and southwest, after seizing all fields and hilltops around the city." - Sputtering peace talks - Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the monuments have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's push towards Palmyra, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Russia began an aerial campaign in September 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad's forces in their fight against what the regime and its allies say are "terrorists." This week, Moscow called for "terrorism" to be added to the agenda of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva between Syria's opposition and government figures. The sputtering negotiations so far have focused on three so-called "baskets": governance, the constitution, and elections. But the main opposition group -- after an unprecedented meeting with a Russian minister -- said late Wednesday that it would refuse to add terrorism to the areas of discussion. "We will not deal with it, and if (UN mediator Staffan de Mistura) adds it in anytime we will not deal with it or discuss it," said Yehya Kodmani of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC). The opposition has accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the six-year war, are expected to end before or during the coming weekend, though no formal time frame has been set. Syria's conflict began in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule, but has since evolved into a complex war that has drawn in world powers on all sides of the conflict. - Clashes in north - After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces last year from second city Aleppo -- thanks in large part to Russian support. In northern Syria, where Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had managed to regain control of two villages seized on Wednesday by Turkish-backed rebels, the Observatory reported. One SDF fighter and two members of Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces were killed in the latest clashes for control of the villages of Tal Turin and Qara, Abdel Rahman said. The Turkish operation aims to counter both IS fighters and the SDF, a partner of the US-led anti-IS coalition but which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that the next target after Al-Bab would be Manbij -- a former bastion of IS that is now under the control of the SDF. "Our military aim... is to capture Manbij and expel the SDF militia from it to prepare to take IS's main bastion Raqa," Ahmad al-Hassan, a field commander with the Ankara-backed rebels, told AFP. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has led to a very complicated battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had mistakenly bombed SDF fighters in several small villages in northern Syria. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend said Russian and Syrian regime aircraft attacked the villages in Aleppo province on Tuesday, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. The Russians apparently had observed IS fighters moving from the area and wrongly assumed that other forces remaining were jihadists, he said. BEIRUT: Syrian troops have pushed into Palmyra as they battle to retake the iconic city from the Islamic State group, but their advance was slowed Thursday by landmines laid by retreating jihadists. Bolstered by Russian air strikes and ground troops, Syrian government forces have been battling through the desert of central Syria for weeks to reach Palmyra. The city has traded hands several times during Syria's civil war and become a symbol of IS's wanton destruction of cultural heritage in areas under its control. The jihadist group first seized Palmyra in May 2015 and began to systematically destroy and loot the UNESCO world heritage site's monuments and temples. IS fighters were driven out in March 2016 but recaptured the town last December. The latest offensive to retake the city saw government forces break through its western limits late Wednesday, forcing IS fighters to retreat into eastern districts, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "IS withdrew from most of Palmyra after laying mines across the city. There are still suicide bombers left in the eastern neighbourhoods," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP on Thursday. "Government forces have not yet been able to enter the heart of the city or the eastern parts," he added. They have also not yet entered the celebrated ruins that make up the southwestern part of the city. "There are no IS fighters left in most of the Old City, but it is heavily mined," Abdel Rahman said. Syria's Al-Watan daily, which is close to the government, reported Thursday that the army had "penetrated Palmyra from the south and southwest, after seizing all fields and hilltops around the city." - Sputtering peace talks - Before IS first entered the city, Palmyra boasted temples, colonnaded alleys and elaborately decorated tombs that were among the best preserved classical monuments in the Middle East. But many of the monuments have been destroyed and much of the heritage looted for sale on the black market. Moscow's support has been key in the Syrian army's push towards Palmyra, and its warplanes continued to bombard IS positions inside and near the city on Thursday, the Observatory reported. A decades-old ally of Damascus, Russia began an aerial campaign in September 2015 to help President Bashar al-Assad's forces in their fight against what the regime and its allies say are "terrorists." This week, Moscow called for "terrorism" to be added to the agenda of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva between Syria's opposition and government figures. The sputtering negotiations so far have focused on three so-called "baskets": governance, the constitution, and elections. But the main opposition group -- after an unprecedented meeting with a Russian minister -- said late Wednesday that it would refuse to add terrorism to the areas of discussion. "We will not deal with it, and if (UN mediator Staffan de Mistura) adds it in anytime we will not deal with it or discuss it," said Yehya Kodmani of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC). The opposition has accused Assad's regime of wanting to turn the focus to terrorism as a distraction from political questions. The Geneva talks, the fourth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in the six-year war, are expected to end before or during the coming weekend, though no formal time frame has been set. Syria's conflict began in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule, but has since evolved into a complex war that has drawn in world powers on all sides of the conflict. - Clashes in north - After losing ground in the early years of the war, Assad's regime has regained significant territory -- including by pushing rebel forces last year from second city Aleppo -- thanks in large part to Russian support. In northern Syria, where Turkey launched a cross-border operation in late August, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had managed to regain control of two villages seized on Wednesday by Turkish-backed rebels, the Observatory reported. One SDF fighter and two members of Turkish-backed Syrian rebel forces were killed in the latest clashes for control of the villages of Tal Turin and Qara, Abdel Rahman said. The Turkish operation aims to counter both IS fighters and the SDF, a partner of the US-led anti-IS coalition but which is dominated by Kurdish fighters that Ankara sees as "terrorists". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that the next target after Al-Bab would be Manbij -- a former bastion of IS that is now under the control of the SDF. "Our military aim... is to capture Manbij and expel the SDF militia from it to prepare to take IS's main bastion Raqa," Ahmad al-Hassan, a field commander with the Ankara-backed rebels, told AFP. The profusion of forces operating in Syria has led to a very complicated battlefield and on Wednesday a US general said Russian warplanes had mistakenly bombed SDF fighters in several small villages in northern Syria. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend said Russian and Syrian regime aircraft attacked the villages in Aleppo province on Tuesday, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties. The Russians apparently had observed IS fighters moving from the area and wrongly assumed that other forces remaining were jihadists, he said. By AFP WASHINGTON: Top US Democrats demanded the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday over his failure to disclose that he met twice with Russia's ambassador to Washington during last year's election campaign. The revelation of Sessions' Russian contacts -- which directly contradicted his testimony in Senate confirmation hearings -- plunged President Donald Trump's administration into fresh turmoil, dashing its hopes for a feel-good reboot after a chaotic start. The previously undisclosed meetings once again raised the question of whether Trump's campaign team colluded with Russian attempts to influence the outcome of the US elections. And they fed mounting calls for Sessions to recuse himself from oversight of Justice Department and FBI probes into the alleged Russian meddling and contacts with Trump campaign advisers. "I have said whenever it's appropriate, I will recuse myself. There's no doubt about that," Sessions told NBC News, while denying any wrongdoing. "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. And I don't have anything else to say about that." The White House confirmed the meetings took place but insisted Sessions had done nothing inappropriate and dismissed the revelations, which first appeared in the Washington Post, as a partisan attack. Several leading Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in calling on Sessions to stand back. "AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself," Jason Chaffetz, a member of the House Government Oversight Committee, tweeted. Democrats went further, demanding that the attorney general resign and that a special prosecutor be appointed to probe the administration's Russia links. "The Department of Justice should be above reproach," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "For the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign." If the Justice Department failed to act on naming a special prosecutor, Congress should act to put the matter in the hands of a panel of judges, he said. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, also called for Sessions to step down. Dashed after-glow The latest revelation came as the White House was basking in the after-glow of Trump's well-received speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Trump's softer tone in the address was seen as a tactical retreat from the whirlwind of conflicts and controversies that unsettled his first 40 days in office. The calm was shattered late Wednesday. The Washington Post revealed for the first time that Sessions met Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. That directly contradicted Sessions' statement during his Senate confirmation hearing January 10. When asked about the Trump campaign's alleged contacts with the Russians, Sessions said, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have -- did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." A White House official rejected the Post report as "the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats." "Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." In Moscow, the Kremlin said it was unaware of any specific meetings between Sessions and the Russian ambassador ahead of the US election, but that any such encounters would have been routine. Repeated contacts? It was the second time Kislyak has emerged at the center of the Russia controversies. Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn was forced to resign February 13 after it was reported that he had talked to the Russian ambassador the same day that outgoing president Barack Obama was expelling 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the election meddling. Flynn misled Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of the talks, which eventually led Trump to sack the retired general. The New York Times reported two weeks ago, citing US intelligence sources, that three Trump campaign staff -- including campaign chief Paul Manafort -- had communicated with Russian intelligence officers over the past year. The White House also labeled that report "false" and has accused Democrats, the media and the intelligence community of a political effort to undermine the Trump administration. US intelligence chiefs announced in December that they had concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind a hacking and misinformation campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton and boost Trump's chances to win the November 8 presidential election. But they have not made their evidence public, and the Kremlin denies it. WASHINGTON: Top US Democrats demanded the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday over his failure to disclose that he met twice with Russia's ambassador to Washington during last year's election campaign. The revelation of Sessions' Russian contacts -- which directly contradicted his testimony in Senate confirmation hearings -- plunged President Donald Trump's administration into fresh turmoil, dashing its hopes for a feel-good reboot after a chaotic start. The previously undisclosed meetings once again raised the question of whether Trump's campaign team colluded with Russian attempts to influence the outcome of the US elections. And they fed mounting calls for Sessions to recuse himself from oversight of Justice Department and FBI probes into the alleged Russian meddling and contacts with Trump campaign advisers. "I have said whenever it's appropriate, I will recuse myself. There's no doubt about that," Sessions told NBC News, while denying any wrongdoing. "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false. And I don't have anything else to say about that." The White House confirmed the meetings took place but insisted Sessions had done nothing inappropriate and dismissed the revelations, which first appeared in the Washington Post, as a partisan attack. Several leading Republican lawmakers joined Democrats in calling on Sessions to stand back. "AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself," Jason Chaffetz, a member of the House Government Oversight Committee, tweeted. Democrats went further, demanding that the attorney general resign and that a special prosecutor be appointed to probe the administration's Russia links. "The Department of Justice should be above reproach," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. "For the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign." If the Justice Department failed to act on naming a special prosecutor, Congress should act to put the matter in the hands of a panel of judges, he said. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives, also called for Sessions to step down. Dashed after-glow The latest revelation came as the White House was basking in the after-glow of Trump's well-received speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. Trump's softer tone in the address was seen as a tactical retreat from the whirlwind of conflicts and controversies that unsettled his first 40 days in office. The calm was shattered late Wednesday. The Washington Post revealed for the first time that Sessions met Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September, just as accusations of Russian interference in the election were mounting. That directly contradicted Sessions' statement during his Senate confirmation hearing January 10. When asked about the Trump campaign's alleged contacts with the Russians, Sessions said, "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have -- did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." A White House official rejected the Post report as "the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats." "Sessions met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." In Moscow, the Kremlin said it was unaware of any specific meetings between Sessions and the Russian ambassador ahead of the US election, but that any such encounters would have been routine. Repeated contacts? It was the second time Kislyak has emerged at the center of the Russia controversies. Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn was forced to resign February 13 after it was reported that he had talked to the Russian ambassador the same day that outgoing president Barack Obama was expelling 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for the election meddling. Flynn misled Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of the talks, which eventually led Trump to sack the retired general. The New York Times reported two weeks ago, citing US intelligence sources, that three Trump campaign staff -- including campaign chief Paul Manafort -- had communicated with Russian intelligence officers over the past year. The White House also labeled that report "false" and has accused Democrats, the media and the intelligence community of a political effort to undermine the Trump administration. US intelligence chiefs announced in December that they had concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin was behind a hacking and misinformation campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton and boost Trump's chances to win the November 8 presidential election. But they have not made their evidence public, and the Kremlin denies it. By AFP ISTANBUL: Turkey's justice minister said Thursday he scrapped a visit to Germany after authorities there blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers. The latest spat adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag was scheduled late Thursday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. The move comes after Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. 'Building Berlin walls' Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. Turkish politicians including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have sparked controversy over their visits to Germany to hold political rallies. Germany is home to about three million people of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s-70s, the biggest population of Turks outside of Turkey. Erdogan's government is keen to harness their votes for the April 16 referendum, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey's history. The Turkish government says the changes would bring stability while critics say the new presidential system would cement one-man rule in the country. Separately, Cologne city authorities said they would no longer allow the UETD to use a hall on Sunday, when Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was expected to make a rally speech. "The event can and will not happen there," a spokeswoman for Cologne city authorities told AFP, citing difficulties in guaranteeing security at such short notice. It was unclear if Zeybekci would be able to find an alternative site. In a series of tweets, Turkey's EU affairs minister Omer Celik slammed the German authorities' move, saying it would be a "success for racists." "By behaving so, they (German authorities) are harming the bridges between the democracies and building ideological Berlin walls that cut off people from each other," Celik wrote. Relations between the two NATO allies Turkey and Germany have soured following a series of disputes since the failed coup bid to oust Erdogan last July. An Istanbul court ordered Monday provisional detention for Deniz Yucel, 43, a correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, criticised by Chancellor Angela Merkel as "bitter and disappointing". Berlin's sharp criticism of Ankara's massive crackdown after the failed putsch has also irked Turkey. ISTANBUL: Turkey's justice minister said Thursday he scrapped a visit to Germany after authorities there blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers. The latest spat adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag was scheduled late Thursday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. The move comes after Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. 'Building Berlin walls' Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. Turkish politicians including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have sparked controversy over their visits to Germany to hold political rallies. Germany is home to about three million people of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s-70s, the biggest population of Turks outside of Turkey. Erdogan's government is keen to harness their votes for the April 16 referendum, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey's history. The Turkish government says the changes would bring stability while critics say the new presidential system would cement one-man rule in the country. Separately, Cologne city authorities said they would no longer allow the UETD to use a hall on Sunday, when Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci was expected to make a rally speech. "The event can and will not happen there," a spokeswoman for Cologne city authorities told AFP, citing difficulties in guaranteeing security at such short notice. It was unclear if Zeybekci would be able to find an alternative site. In a series of tweets, Turkey's EU affairs minister Omer Celik slammed the German authorities' move, saying it would be a "success for racists." "By behaving so, they (German authorities) are harming the bridges between the democracies and building ideological Berlin walls that cut off people from each other," Celik wrote. Relations between the two NATO allies Turkey and Germany have soured following a series of disputes since the failed coup bid to oust Erdogan last July. An Istanbul court ordered Monday provisional detention for Deniz Yucel, 43, a correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, criticised by Chancellor Angela Merkel as "bitter and disappointing". Berlin's sharp criticism of Ankara's massive crackdown after the failed putsch has also irked Turkey. By AFP WASHINGTON: Speaker Paul Ryan on behalf of the US House of Representatives has condoled the death of an Indian techie in a racially-motivated shooting by an American. Ryan met visiting Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar yesterday and expressed the House's condolences on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was senselessly murdered last week in Kansas. "Our peoples must continue to stand together," he said. Ryan's comments over the incident came hours after US President Donald Trump condemned as "evil" and "hate" the fatal Kansas shooting in which Kuchibhotla was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani was injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them. ALSO READ: What's government doing to stop hate crime: US shooting victim's wife Sunayana asks on Facebook The two work for technology firm Garmin. Jaishankar is currently visiting the US to hold consultations and talks with Trump administration officials to develop a roadmap of the Indo-US ties for next four years. WASHINGTON: Speaker Paul Ryan on behalf of the US House of Representatives has condoled the death of an Indian techie in a racially-motivated shooting by an American. Ryan met visiting Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar yesterday and expressed the House's condolences on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was senselessly murdered last week in Kansas. "Our peoples must continue to stand together," he said. Ryan's comments over the incident came hours after US President Donald Trump condemned as "evil" and "hate" the fatal Kansas shooting in which Kuchibhotla was killed and another Indian Alok Madasani was injured by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them. ALSO READ: What's government doing to stop hate crime: US shooting victim's wife Sunayana asks on Facebook The two work for technology firm Garmin. Jaishankar is currently visiting the US to hold consultations and talks with Trump administration officials to develop a roadmap of the Indo-US ties for next four years. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: Syrian civilians fell victim to war crimes committed by all parties during the battle for Aleppo last year, a report issued by a UN-mandated inquiry commission has said. The report released yesterday documents brutal tactics employed by the parties to the conflict in the country as they engaged in the decisive battle for the city between July and December 2016, resulting in unparalleled suffering for Syrian men, women and children. "The violence in Aleppo documented in our report should focus the international community on the continued, cynical disregard for the laws of war by the warring parties in Syria," said Paulo Pinheiro, the Chair of the three-member Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which was mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. "The deliberate targeting of civilians has resulted in the immense loss of human life, including hundreds of children," he added. The report notes that the siege-like tactics employed by pro-Government forces in eastern Aleppo last year trapped civilians without adequate food or medical supplies, and that between July and December, Syrian and Russian forces carried out daily air strikes, claiming hundreds of lives and reducing hospitals, schools and markets to rubble. It adds that Syrian forces also used chlorine bombs a chemical agent prohibited under international law in residential areas, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties. The Commission also notes that it received reports of use of cluster munitions in densely populated areas. By late December, when pro-Government forces on the ground took control over eastern Aleppo, no functioning hospitals remained. The intentional targeting of these medical facilities amounted to war crimes, the Commission said. In the course of its investigations, the Commission also examined an attack on a UN/Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy in Orum al-Kubra in Aleppo's countryside by the Syrian Air Force. "Under no circumstances can humanitarian aid workers be targeted," Commissioner Carla del Ponte said. The 37-page document reveals that the eastern Aleppo evacuation agreement forced thousands of civilians despite a lack of military necessity or deference to the choice of affected individuals to move to Government-controlled western Aleppo whilst others were taken to Idlib where they are once more living under bombardments. "Some of these agreements amount to forced displacement. It is imperative that the parties refrain from similar future agreements and provide the conditions for the safe return of those who wish to go back to their homes in eastern Aleppo," Commissioner Karen AbuZayd said. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011. The report is based on 291 interviews, including with residents of Aleppo, and the review of satellite imagery, photographs, videos and medical records. It is scheduled to be presented to current session of the Council on March 14 during an interactive dialogue. UNITED NATIONS: Syrian civilians fell victim to war crimes committed by all parties during the battle for Aleppo last year, a report issued by a UN-mandated inquiry commission has said. The report released yesterday documents brutal tactics employed by the parties to the conflict in the country as they engaged in the decisive battle for the city between July and December 2016, resulting in unparalleled suffering for Syrian men, women and children. "The violence in Aleppo documented in our report should focus the international community on the continued, cynical disregard for the laws of war by the warring parties in Syria," said Paulo Pinheiro, the Chair of the three-member Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which was mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. "The deliberate targeting of civilians has resulted in the immense loss of human life, including hundreds of children," he added. The report notes that the siege-like tactics employed by pro-Government forces in eastern Aleppo last year trapped civilians without adequate food or medical supplies, and that between July and December, Syrian and Russian forces carried out daily air strikes, claiming hundreds of lives and reducing hospitals, schools and markets to rubble. It adds that Syrian forces also used chlorine bombs a chemical agent prohibited under international law in residential areas, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties. The Commission also notes that it received reports of use of cluster munitions in densely populated areas. By late December, when pro-Government forces on the ground took control over eastern Aleppo, no functioning hospitals remained. The intentional targeting of these medical facilities amounted to war crimes, the Commission said. In the course of its investigations, the Commission also examined an attack on a UN/Syrian Arab Red Crescent humanitarian convoy in Orum al-Kubra in Aleppo's countryside by the Syrian Air Force. "Under no circumstances can humanitarian aid workers be targeted," Commissioner Carla del Ponte said. The 37-page document reveals that the eastern Aleppo evacuation agreement forced thousands of civilians despite a lack of military necessity or deference to the choice of affected individuals to move to Government-controlled western Aleppo whilst others were taken to Idlib where they are once more living under bombardments. "Some of these agreements amount to forced displacement. It is imperative that the parties refrain from similar future agreements and provide the conditions for the safe return of those who wish to go back to their homes in eastern Aleppo," Commissioner Karen AbuZayd said. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria was established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and record all violations of international law since March 2011. The report is based on 291 interviews, including with residents of Aleppo, and the review of satellite imagery, photographs, videos and medical records. It is scheduled to be presented to current session of the Council on March 14 during an interactive dialogue. By AFP GENEVA: World Trade Organization chief Roberto Azevedo extended an olive branch to Washington on Thursday after President Donald Trump's adminstration announced the US was not bound by WTO rulings. The US decision marks a clear break from past and could threaten the viability of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), where major trade conflicts are often adjudicated. A letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to Congress on Wednesday outlining Trump policy reviewed the terms under which the US joined the WTO when the Geneva-based body was founded in 1995. According to the Trump government's interpretation, "Congress had made clear that Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings", said the document. The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". In a statement, Azevedo said it was clear that the United States "has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. "I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the US whenever they are ready to do so," he added. Azevedo has in multiple public appearances sought to downplay the threat posed by Trump, who during his campaign called the WTO "a disaster" and claimed that multilateral trade deals had been devastating to the US economy. Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The process can be long and subject to multiple appeals, but on Monday Azevedo defended the DSB as "the fastest dispute settlement system out there." The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. GENEVA: World Trade Organization chief Roberto Azevedo extended an olive branch to Washington on Thursday after President Donald Trump's adminstration announced the US was not bound by WTO rulings. The US decision marks a clear break from past and could threaten the viability of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), where major trade conflicts are often adjudicated. A letter sent from the United States Trade Representative to Congress on Wednesday outlining Trump policy reviewed the terms under which the US joined the WTO when the Geneva-based body was founded in 1995. According to the Trump government's interpretation, "Congress had made clear that Americans are not directly subject to WTO rulings", said the document. The text -- entitled "The President's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda" -- also says Trump's government "will aggressively defend American sovereignty over matters of trade policy". In a statement, Azevedo said it was clear that the United States "has a variety of trade concerns, including about the WTO dispute settlement system. "I am ready to sit down and discuss these concerns and any others with the trade team in the US whenever they are ready to do so," he added. Azevedo has in multiple public appearances sought to downplay the threat posed by Trump, who during his campaign called the WTO "a disaster" and claimed that multilateral trade deals had been devastating to the US economy. Since 1995, the WTO's dispute settlement system has heard more than 500 cases centred on whether countries have broken agreed trading rules in areas including subsidies, customs and tariffs. The process can be long and subject to multiple appeals, but on Monday Azevedo defended the DSB as "the fastest dispute settlement system out there." The WTO cannot punish countries that do not abide by rulings, but can authorise retaliatory measures. By AFP ISTANBUL: The Turkish government today summoned Germany's ambassador to protest the cancellation of rallies in the country in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the latest spat between the two countries. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag earlier scrapped a visit to Germany after the authorities blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand Erdogan's powers. "Our discomfort and our reaction to these developments have been communicated in person to the German ambassador who was summoned this evening to the (foreign) ministry," a senior Turkish official said on condition of anonymity. The new row adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Bozdag was scheduled late yesterday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. ISTANBUL: The Turkish government today summoned Germany's ambassador to protest the cancellation of rallies in the country in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the latest spat between the two countries. Turkey's Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag earlier scrapped a visit to Germany after the authorities blocked a rally promoting a referendum that could expand Erdogan's powers. "Our discomfort and our reaction to these developments have been communicated in person to the German ambassador who was summoned this evening to the (foreign) ministry," a senior Turkish official said on condition of anonymity. The new row adds to tensions between Turkey and Germany over a number of disputes including Ankara's provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges. Bozdag was scheduled late yesterday to address the Turkish community in the western German town of Gaggenau and meet his German counterpart. "That meeting with (the German justice minister) will not take place. I will return to Turkey," Bozdag said while on an official visit to Strasbourg, in remarks carried by private television station NTV. Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement with the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) to hold a rally, with Bozdag as the guest speaker, saying that the hall did not have the capacity to host so many people. "Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall (in Gaggenau), parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand," the town's authorities said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked," it added. Bozdag condemned the move, claiming it smacked of hypocrisy. "It is unacceptable that German authorities, who constantly lecture us about human rights, democracy, rule of law, free speech... do not tolerate a meeting organised by the Turkish community," he said. By Associated Press NEWPORT NEWS: President Donald Trump pledged to boost defense spending as he basked in the nation's military might aboard a next-generation Naval aircraft carrier on Thursday. Wearing an olive green military jacket and blue ball cap, Trump vowed to mount "one of the largest" defense spending increases in history. "Hopefully it's power we don't have to use, but if we do, they're in big, big trouble," Trump said. Trump spoke from the Gerald R. Ford, a $12.9 billion warship that is expected to be commissioned this year after cost overruns and delays. He touted his spending plans, saying he would provide "the finest equipment in the world" and give the military the "tools you need to prevent war." The president also toured the carrier and met with sailors and military leaders. He saluted the sailors as he arrived on the carrier. Before his remarks, Trump was asked about the revelation that Attorney General Jeff Sessions twice talked with Moscow's U.S. envoy during the campaign, contact that seems to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. While there were mounting calls for Sessions to resign or recuse himself, Trump stood by Sessions on Thursday, saying he had "total" confidence in his attorney general. Asked if Sessions should recuse himself, Trump said: "I don't think so." Trump also said he "wasn't aware" that Sessions had spoken to Russia and said that he "probably did" speak truthfully to the Senate. During his trip to Newport News, Trump was joined aboard Air Force One by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. A draft budget plan released earlier this week by the White House would add $54 billion to the Pentagon's projected budget, a 10 percent increase. The U.S. currently spends more than half trillion dollars on defense, more than the next seven countries combined. "To keep America safe, we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war," Trump said in his address to Congress on Tuesday night. Trump, in his 2016 campaign, repeatedly pledged to rebuild what he called the nation's "depleted" military and told supporters at Regent University in Virginia Beach in October that the region's naval installations would be "right at the center of the action with the building of new ships." He often argued that the U.S. military is too small to accomplish its missions and pledged to put the Navy on track to increase its active-duty fleet to 350 ships, compared to the current Navy plan of growing from 272 ships to 308 sometime after 2020. The PCU Gerald R. Ford CVN 78, located at Newport News Shipbuilding, will be the first of the Navy's next generation of aircraft carriers and is expected to accommodate some 2,600 sailors. Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress, his first as president, included his past calls for repealing the "defense sequester," or across-the-board budget cuts instituted by Congress. He will need the repeal to achieve the kinds of increased defense spending that he is seeking. NEWPORT NEWS: President Donald Trump pledged to boost defense spending as he basked in the nation's military might aboard a next-generation Naval aircraft carrier on Thursday. Wearing an olive green military jacket and blue ball cap, Trump vowed to mount "one of the largest" defense spending increases in history. "Hopefully it's power we don't have to use, but if we do, they're in big, big trouble," Trump said. Trump spoke from the Gerald R. Ford, a $12.9 billion warship that is expected to be commissioned this year after cost overruns and delays. He touted his spending plans, saying he would provide "the finest equipment in the world" and give the military the "tools you need to prevent war." The president also toured the carrier and met with sailors and military leaders. He saluted the sailors as he arrived on the carrier. Before his remarks, Trump was asked about the revelation that Attorney General Jeff Sessions twice talked with Moscow's U.S. envoy during the campaign, contact that seems to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. While there were mounting calls for Sessions to resign or recuse himself, Trump stood by Sessions on Thursday, saying he had "total" confidence in his attorney general. Asked if Sessions should recuse himself, Trump said: "I don't think so." Trump also said he "wasn't aware" that Sessions had spoken to Russia and said that he "probably did" speak truthfully to the Senate. During his trip to Newport News, Trump was joined aboard Air Force One by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. A draft budget plan released earlier this week by the White House would add $54 billion to the Pentagon's projected budget, a 10 percent increase. The U.S. currently spends more than half trillion dollars on defense, more than the next seven countries combined. "To keep America safe, we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war," Trump said in his address to Congress on Tuesday night. Trump, in his 2016 campaign, repeatedly pledged to rebuild what he called the nation's "depleted" military and told supporters at Regent University in Virginia Beach in October that the region's naval installations would be "right at the center of the action with the building of new ships." He often argued that the U.S. military is too small to accomplish its missions and pledged to put the Navy on track to increase its active-duty fleet to 350 ships, compared to the current Navy plan of growing from 272 ships to 308 sometime after 2020. The PCU Gerald R. Ford CVN 78, located at Newport News Shipbuilding, will be the first of the Navy's next generation of aircraft carriers and is expected to accommodate some 2,600 sailors. Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress, his first as president, included his past calls for repealing the "defense sequester," or across-the-board budget cuts instituted by Congress. He will need the repeal to achieve the kinds of increased defense spending that he is seeking. By AFP WASHINGTON: The outgoing top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Thursday that China should take more actions to send an unambiguous signal to North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile programs. China recently said it is suspending coal imports from North Korea, an important source of its foreign revenue. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said that was in line with U.N. sanctions, but he hoped Beijing was also swayed by a recent North Korean missile test and the assassination of the North Korean leader's exiled half-brother, who was under Chinese protection during the years he lived in Macau. "The world should expect a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to adhere to the letter and the spirit of a resolution as important as this," Russel told The Associated Press. "I hope we see a lot more Chinese actions, whether they are tied to the Security Council resolution or whether they are unilateral that send an unambiguous stop sign to the North Korean leaders," he said, noting that China accounts for up to 90 percent of North Korea's external economic activity. Russel said that he was stepping down as assistant secretary March 8 to spend one year as diplomat-in-residence at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a think tank led by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He said he wasn't pushed out by the Trump administration and will remain a State Department employee. Russel has held the position for 3 years. Prior to that he was President Barack Obama's top Asia adviser at the White House. His successor has not been named. Also Thursday, the State Department said that Assistant Secretary Linda Thomas-Greenfield will leave her position as top diplomat for Africa on March 10. She has accepted a State Department detail as a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. She and Russel are final holdovers as assistant secretaries running the department's regional bureaus after President Donald Trump took office nearly six weeks ago. All those positions will be run by acting assistant secretaries until their replacements are nominated and confirmed by the Senate. No nominations have been made yet. WASHINGTON: The outgoing top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Thursday that China should take more actions to send an unambiguous signal to North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile programs. China recently said it is suspending coal imports from North Korea, an important source of its foreign revenue. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said that was in line with U.N. sanctions, but he hoped Beijing was also swayed by a recent North Korean missile test and the assassination of the North Korean leader's exiled half-brother, who was under Chinese protection during the years he lived in Macau. "The world should expect a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to adhere to the letter and the spirit of a resolution as important as this," Russel told The Associated Press. "I hope we see a lot more Chinese actions, whether they are tied to the Security Council resolution or whether they are unilateral that send an unambiguous stop sign to the North Korean leaders," he said, noting that China accounts for up to 90 percent of North Korea's external economic activity. Russel said that he was stepping down as assistant secretary March 8 to spend one year as diplomat-in-residence at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a think tank led by former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He said he wasn't pushed out by the Trump administration and will remain a State Department employee. Russel has held the position for 3 years. Prior to that he was President Barack Obama's top Asia adviser at the White House. His successor has not been named. Also Thursday, the State Department said that Assistant Secretary Linda Thomas-Greenfield will leave her position as top diplomat for Africa on March 10. She has accepted a State Department detail as a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. She and Russel are final holdovers as assistant secretaries running the department's regional bureaus after President Donald Trump took office nearly six weeks ago. All those positions will be run by acting assistant secretaries until their replacements are nominated and confirmed by the Senate. No nominations have been made yet. Sorry, that page not found! Please visit our Home Page for latest updates Mumbai: World Bank CEO visits Asia's largest slum Dharavi Mumbai (Maharashtra) , March. 1 : World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva paid a visit to Asia's largest slum Dharavi in Mumbai. (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774860 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/maharashtra-news.php (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774860 173O212O198O32) She also travelled in a local train from Churchgate to Dadar.During her first official visit to India, Georgevia will see the operations of bank-supported suburban rail system in Mumbai starting today.She will hold discussions with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, RBI Governor Urjit Patel besides other key policy-makers."India is our biggest middle income client. Its economic growth influences global growth. Its achievements in health and education contribute to the world achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I am keen to learn more as India is a laboratory for the world to learn about what works in development and to find new ways to collaborate." Georgieva said.While in Mumbai, she will have the opportunity to see how the operations of the World Bank-supported suburban rail system - which carries about eight million commuters each day - is serving a fast growing and urbanizing India.Georgevia will also visit a school serving low-income households and children with special needs, which is a part of Centre's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme supported by the bank to see how the Mumbai administrators are striving to ensure that basic services are delivered to all residents of the city. RBI releases 'Quarterly Statistics on Deposits, Credit of Scheduled Commercial Banks for December 2016' New Delhi , Mar 1 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday released its quarterly statistics on Deposits and Credit of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) as on December 31, 2016. (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774860 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774860 173O212O198O32) On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, aggregate deposits grew at an acceleratedpace in all population groups (except in metropolitan areas) and for all bank groups; on the other hand, however, bank credit decelerated across all population groups and bank groups.Term deposits constituted the highest share in aggregate deposits in all population groups, except in rural areas where savings deposits (53.4 percent) recorded the major share.Metropolitan bank branches continued to contribute the largest share of aggregate deposits (51.6 percent) and total bank credit (65.6 percent).Public sector banks continued to lead, accounting for 70.6 per cent of aggregate deposits and 66.2 per cent of total bank credit.The survey revealed a concentration of deposits and credit in seven states, namely, Maharashtra, National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat.The credit-deposit (C-D) ratio of all SCBs at all-India level came down to 70.6 percent by end-December 2016 from 74.5 percent a quarter ago, with Maharashtra (106.5 percent), Tamil Nadu (100.8 percent), Chandigarh (100.0 percent), Telangana (96.7 percent), Andhra Pradesh (91.4 percent) and NCT of Delhi (84.5 percent) recording C-D ratios above the all-India average. Melania Trump turns heads in her USD 9,600 Michael Kors outfit at Trump's joint session speech Washington D.C. [USA], Mar. 1 : U.S First Lady Melania Trump knows how to make a grand entry! (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774861 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774861 173O212O198O32) Dazzling in a black overcoat, Melania turned heads, as she made her way into the House Chamber to support her hubby U.S. President Donald Trump's speech at a joint session of Congress.According to CNN, the 46-year-old First Lady donned 9,600-dollar sparkly black Michael Kors outfit, with a deep V-neck line and thick buckle, showcasing her petite frame.Apart from this, what grabbed our eyeballs is the loving gaze she had, as Trump began his joint session speech in Washington D.C.CNN further reports that Melania is not the only First Lady to don Michael Kors on a night like this. Michelle Obama too wore a 2,500-dollar Kors suit to Barack Obama's State of the Union in 2015.President's eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump was seen wearing a magenta asymmetrical dress, which was branded "inappropriate" and "awkward" by social media, as according to them, it was more fitting for cocktails, than Congress.According to News.com.au, Ivanka's dress, instead of her much-criticised self-titled clothing line, was by French designer Roland Mouret that cost nearly 4000 dollars.Another thing that could not go unnoticed was the blue tie, instead of the red that is traditionally associated with the Republican Party, donned by the U.S. President, Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. Kolkata: RBI Regional Director inaugurates Bandhan Nextgen Bankers' Programme Kolkata, Mar 1 : Bandhan-Konnagar (CSR arm of Bandhan) in association with Bandhan Bank has started a one year residential programme titled Bandhan Nextgen Bankers' (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774862 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/west-bengal-news.php (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774862 173O212O198O32) Programme. This programme will train young and bright minds to become successful bankers and take Bandhans journey forward.Rekha Warriar, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Kolkata inaugurated Bandhan Nextgen Bankers Programme on Wednesday at Bandhan School of Development Management (training institute of Bandhan) situated in Rajpur, Kolkata.The course will be a mix of intensive classroom and field sessions through simulation, gaming, activities, collaborative projects and branch internships. We have brought together expert faculty for the same. The candidates will be given enough training and hands-on exposure to develop their skill which is deemed necessary to make them prudent bankers, said Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, Founder, Bandhan.This programme is a maiden initiative of its kind in Eastern part of the country. This 1 - year full-time residential course will comprise nine months of classroom sessions and three months of internship at Bandhan Bank. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidates will be absorbed at the Assistant Manager Grade in Bandhan Bank. The first batch of 59 students hailing from 6 different states has commenced today. Other batches will roll out shortly in the coming months. The plan is to have a total of 240 students this financial year.Bandhan Bank seeks to offer world-class banking products and services to urban, semi-urban and rural customers alike. Therefore, the bank follows a unique model comprising two divisions General Banking and Micro Banking aimed at catering to both the segments of the society. It is a bank for all. In sync with the philosophy of Aapka Bhala, Sabki Bhalai and keeping financial inclusion at the heart of it, Bandhan is committed to provide a host of products and services, competitively on a par with Indias top private and state-owned banks. A Bank like Bandhan needs value - driven and skilled manpower to take its journey forward.Bandhan Nextgen Bankers Programme aims at imparting knowledge in various financial disciplines to young aspirants and make them proficient. The initiative aims to nurture young talent to understand banking from basic to modern age requirements from expert faculty. Information and Broadcasting Minister visits Media Units of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Soochna Bhawan New Delhi, Mar 1 : Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday visited the Media Units and their facilities at Soochna Bhawan to get a first-hand experience of their functioning. (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774863 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 01 March 2017, 1667774863 173O212O198O32) Commenting on the recently opened New Book Gallery by Publications Division, Naidu urged the people to visit the gallery and make use of the rich collection of books brought out by Publications Division.He added that youngsters should make use of the Digital Online Library which contains selected archival books that can be accessed in the Book Gallery free of cost. In the age of instant communication, it was important to nurture the habit of reading amongst all age groups.This initiative by the Publications Division was an important step in this direction.The Minister was accompanied by Minister of State for IB, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Secretary IB, Ajay Mittal and senior officers of Ministry of IB. 'MSN' trio power Barca to emphatic 6-1 win over Sporting in La Liga Barcelona [Spain], Mar.2 : Barcelona produced a dominant performance on Thursday as forwards Lionel Messi, Luiz Suarez and Neymar all scored goals during their side's crushing 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon in the La Liga clash at the Camp Nou. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774864 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774864 173O212O198O32) Taking the field just a couple of hours before Real Madrid took on Las Palmas, Luis Enrique's side proved far too strong against Sporting Gijon to surge into the top of the La Liga table.Star striker Messi put his side ahead as early as in the night minute of the match before Sporting Gijon's Juan Rodriguez netted a goal in his own net to double Barcelona's lead in the 11th minute.In the 21st minute of the match, Garcia Carlos Castro struck a consolation goal for the visiting side followed by Luis Suarez's strike just seven minutes later,goal.com reported.Barcelona remained in possession in the second-half as well, with Paco Alcacer and Neymar both pulling back a goal for their side in the 49th and 65th minute, respectively.Ivan Rakitic then provided the Spanish club with a perfect finish by scoring a goal just three minutes prior to the full time.Barcelona, who have now won five home games on the spin in La Liga, will next lock horns with Celta Vigo on March 5. Rahul Gandhi 'Coconut' row: Congress asks PM Modi to get facts straight New Delhi , Mar 2 : Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for mocking party vice-president Rahul Gandhi over his Imphal address, the Congress has called on the former to get his facts straight before taking jibes. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774864 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774864 173O212O198O32) "Modi ji has become an expert in comments and jokes; only if he clearly watches Rahul Gandhi's speech he will know the truth and not make funny comments again. If Modi is really interested in cracking jokes then I will tell Navjot Singh Sidhu to give him a side role in Kapil Sharma's show," Surjewala told ANI here in a clear reference to the 'coconut' gaffe that ensued post Gandhi's address.Earlier today, the Prime Minister got a quote wrong while speaking at a rally in Maharajganj, where Modi mocked a certain Rahul Gandhi asking his supporters if they have ever heard of anything called coconut juice."Yesterday he (a Congress politician) made a very big declaration. he said now he will extract juice from coconuts.. and after extracting the juice, he will sell it in England. The poorest of poor children know that you get water from coconuts. You get juice from lime, santre, mosambi. have you ever seen or heard of coconut juice? Maybe I am unaware but tell me. Coconuts are found in Kerala but he's saying he'll extract coconut juice," PM Modi said.The Prime Minister Modi was referring to an election rally speech of Rahul Gandhi in Manipur's Imphal East. But what Rahul actually said in his February 28 rally,"Here (in Manipur) you grow nimbu, narangi (oranges), pineapple. I hope that such a day comes that when someone in London drinks pineapple juice, they look at the box and see 'Made in Manipur'."The confusion broke out over Rahul Gandhi's usage of the word 'narangi'which was mistaken for 'nariyal' (Coconut), following which the BJP spread no time in taking pot shot at the Congress vice-president. President Pranab Mukherjee condoles Haji Abdul Salam's death New Delhi , Mar. 2 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday condoled the death of the veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Haji Abdul Salam. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774865 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774865 173O212O198O32) In a message to Abdul Salam's wife Najida Begum, President Mukherjee said he was distressed to learn about the demise of Haji Salam."Veteran Congress leader Haji Salam served the nation and the people of Manipur with utmost dedication. He shall long be remembered for his commitment to the cause of communal harmony and upliftment of marginalised sections of our society. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray to the Almighty to give you and the members of your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss," President Mukherjee said in the message. Dharmendra Pradhan to participate in annual CERA Week New Delhi (India), Mar. 2 : Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan will be visiting Boston and Houston, USA, from March 3-7 along with a delegation comprising the CEOs of Public Sector Oil and Gas companies. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774867 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774867 173O212O198O32) During his visit to Boston from March 3 to 4, Pradhan will deliver a keynote speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Conference on the theme Balance of Power-the Changing Energy Paradigm.He will address the students at Harvard Kennedy School on the subject India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Policy. At Fletcher Energy and Environment Club of Tufts University, Pradhan will interact with the students on Challenges in Petroleum and Natural Gas sector in the context of Paris Agreement and India's commitment on climate change.He will also be meeting the Mayor of City of Boston and interact with Indian community.Pradhan will also participate in the annual CERA Week - International Conference on Oil and Gas from March 5-7 during which he will be speaking at the Ministerial Plenary and in several other platforms.Pradhan is scheduled to have several bilateral meeting with visiting Petroleum Ministers, including from Canada, UAE, Israel, USA, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Russia and also Secretary General of International Energy Agency (IEA).He will also be meeting and exchanging views with renowned experts from hydrocarbon sector, including Dr Daniel Yergin and Bob Dudley, Group Chief Executive of BP.During his stay in Houston, he will interact with Indian origin scientists and CEOs working in the oil and gas sector and Indian community members.The Petroleum Minister will showcase India's hydrocarbon sector and the recent policy reforms under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at CERA Week, which is world's largest hydrocarbon conference.He will interact with Ministers, policy makers, technologists, scientists, planners and management experts, entrepreneurs, service providers and vendors in order to attract investment into India's growing oil and gas sector. PM Modi to address International Yoga Festival via video conference today New Delhi, Mar 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the International Yoga Festival, taking place in Rishikesh, via video conference on Thursday. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774867 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774867 173O212O198O32) At 12:30 pm I will address @IntlYogaFest at @ParmarthNiketan, Rishikesh via video conferencing. Watch on mobile http://nm4.in/dnldapp , his tweet read.The Prime Minister also lauded Swami Chidanand Saraswati for organising the meet.Great effort by @PujyaSwamiji to bring together Yogis from many nations for @IntlYogaFest. Global enthusiasm towards Yoga is gladdening, PM Modi tweeted. TransCanada suspends USD 15-bn lawsuit against US after Trump approves Keystone pipeline project Calgary, Mar 2 : With the approval of Keystone pipeline project by US President Donald Trump, TransCanada Corp has suspended their lawsuit against the US government, which they had claimed towards damages and costs amounting to 15 billion dollars, said media reports. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) The Obama administration had earlier rejected the project mainly due to the pressure of environmental lobby which had been campaigning for last seven years.The lawsuit was initiated under North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).In the website of International Center for the Settlement of Investments Disputes, it was announced that Trans Canadas centering pipeline had been suspended until 27th March,2017 pursuant to mutual agreement.The Keystone XL pipeline was intended to link existing pipeline networks in Canada and USA to transport crude oil from Alberta and North Dakota to refineries in Illinois and eventually to Gulf of Mexico.(Reporting by Chandan Som) PM congratulates defence scientists on the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence capability New Delhi, Mar 2 : : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the defence scientists on the successful demonstration of India's ballistic missile defence capability. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) Hearty congratulations to our defence scientists for the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence capability, he said in a message.With this, India joins the select group of five nations with such capability- a proud moment for the entire country., the Prime Minister said.India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile, the second level of two-tier interceptor missile system that can destroy hostile ballistic missiles. Canada: Ontario hydro rates to be reduced by 25 percent, says Premier Kathleen Wynne Toronto, Mar 2 : Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's government believes the reduction of financing costs of electricity generation contracts over longer periods would show immediate impact on reducing the hydro rates by 25 percent, thereby regaining the popularity of the Liberals, media reports said. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774868 173O212O198O32) The proposed 25 percent reduction includes 8 percent rebate of the provincial portion of the sales tax that took effect on Jan. 1.Although the provincial Liberals could not convince Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to eliminate the 5 percent federal share of the HST on hydro bills, they said they found other savings.Were taking it to the next level, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault told the legislature during Tuesdays question period.We do recognize the system that we built eliminating coal, rebuilding the grid that cost billions of dollars. We know that cost actually came at the expense of many families, the media quoted Thibeault as saying.Thibeault said, Were looking right now at doing some very quick, tangible rebates that people will see in the very, very near future.The refinancing of the global adjustment would enable ratepayers and consumers to immediately see a reduction in their bills.The government also plans to stop the Ontario Electricity Support Program, which gives up to $65 a month to low-income earners as this cost will be covered by the broader tax base.(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)Image: KathleenWynne Twitter Ranveer Singh tries his hand at Olymbia Bobrun Mumbai, Mar 2 (NotinTown): Actor Ranveer Singh, who was named the Indian brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism last year, is currently holidaying in the beautiful country. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774869 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/bollywood-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774869 173O212O198O32) His love for adventure can be seen as he tried out the Olymbia Bobrun, a crazy adrenaline filled sport at St.Moritz.Sharing his experience, Ranveer said, This is just spectacular, 75 seconds of pure adrenalin. As you ride on the straights, into the curves and around the high walls your nerves are tested to the limit. Thundering down the ice track at the thrilling speed of upto 150km/hr gets your heart pumping. This action-packed adventure is something one must experience in this lifetime.Ranveer is also a proud certified speedster of the sport now. #OlympiaBobrunClick on the link below to watch Ranveer be a complete daredevil:https://twitter.com/ranveerofficial/status/836937769540808705 Four Indian photographers in 2017 Sony World Photography Awards shortlist New Delhi, Mar 2 : Works of four Indian photographers have made it to the top 10 shortlist of the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards in the Professional, Open and Student Focus competitions. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774869 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774869 173O212O198O32) Jayanta Roy from Kolkata was shortlisted in the Landscape category of the Professional competition. His shortlisted series, Himalayan Odyssey is a black-and-white series, revealing the beauty and magnificence of Himalayas.Its really a great moment of my life, said Roy, I feel extremely honored. Thanks a lot to the respected members of the jury and the Sony World Photography Awards for the selection.Mahesh Shantaram from Bangalore was shortlisted in the Portraiture category of the Professional competition, both judged upon strong bodies of work in 5-10 images. His shortlisted series Racism in India: The African Portraits is an intriguing series of portraits investigating the theme of racism.Swapnil Deshpande from Alibag, Maharashtra, was shortlisted for a single image in the Open competitions Travel category. His shortlisted image, Autumnal impressions catches the beautiful cascades in the Kaldalon Glacier valley in the west fjords of Iceland.It is the first time that my work has been recognized at an international level. I have always been impressed by the excellent art and the level of the photographers at the Sony World Photography Awards and I feel very happy about this, said Deshpande.Shravya Kag from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, was shortlisted for a single image answering the brief Memories in the Student Focus competition.Kags shortlisted image Pages of Memories is a self-portrait revealing the photographers love for reading and exploration. While the background is a small alcove in the Strand bookstore in New York City, the remaining elements were shot separately and composited over the background to create this surreal image.I am equally elated, nervous and honored to represent School of Visual Arts at the Sony Student Focus Awards. This recognition is deeply encouraging, as the awarded image is of great personal value and I am thrilled to share it with the international photographic community, said Kag who is currently studying at the School of Visual Arts of New York.Over 227,000 images from 183 countries were submitted to the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards.{image_1}The shrotlisted photographers will now compete to win their categories and the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year title.The Open category winners will be announced March 28, and the Professional category winners and the Student Focus winner revealed at an awards ceremony in London on April 20.Prizes include the latest Sony digital imagery equipment, a trip to the awards ceremony in London and $30,000 US dollars in cash prizes. The Student Focus winner will receive 30,000 (Euros) of Sony equipment for their university.The work of all the shortlisted photographers will also be shown alongside the awards other shortlisted and winning images at the Sony World Photography Awards Martin Parr 2017 Exhibition in London from April 21-May 7.The judges of the Sony World Photography Awards also commended 11 Indian photographers in the awards Open competition. The photographers placed among the top 50 in the world are: Avishek Das, commended twice in Culture category; Navin Kumar, Travel category; Nikunj Rathod, Motion category; Prabha Jayesh, Motion category; Raju Ghosh, commended twice in Culture category; Riya Sharma, Wildlife category; Rohit Gandhi, Enhanced category; Sonalini Khetrapal, Wildlife category; Sujit Saha, Culture category; Taniya Sarkar, Travel category; and Vijayasri Chari Srinivasaraghavan, Still Life category.Produced by the World Photography Organisation, 2017 sees the 10th anniversary of the Sony World Photography Awards and a decade-long partnership with its headline sponsor, Sony. Anil Kapoor shares insights on films at the British Film Institute New Delhi , Mar. 2 : Mr. India of Bollywood Anil Kapoor, recently made an appearance at the British Film Institute as a special guest where he discussed about his upcoming film 'Mubarakan'. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774870 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/bollywood-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774870 173O212O198O32) The British Council officially launched the U.K. India Year of Culture, a celebration of the longstanding relationship between India and the U.K.Robin Baker, Head Curator of the British Film Institute had an interesting conversation with Anil.When asked about his upcoming flick, Anil said he's overwhelmed with whatever he's seen of the film yet and it is the first time he is playing the role of a British Asian from the Sikh community.He further adds that 90% of the movie has been shot in the U.K. and that it is a typical happy Bollywood film about an Indian family staying in England, rooted in their culture.Robin further asked the 60-year-old about his experience with filmmaker Danny Boyle in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and Anil was all praises for the director.He says how he isn't just a good filmmaker, but also a phenomenal human being and an absolute genius. He spoke about how he went with his instinct and chose to do the film and had a great working experience with him in 'Slumdog Millionaire.'When asked about the cinematic relationship between India and the U.K., the actor talks about how the advent of the digital format has made the younger generation think more globally, bringing about change in cinema which brings the world closer together.He feels young filmmakers in India as well as the U.K. will bring about terrific work and successful collaborations. He also says he admires the incredible level of commitment put into planning and preparations by the British team.The actor also took to social media and shared pictures of the event, which also had the talented Anoushka Shankar. He tweeted saying, "Honoured to open the @BFI "India on Film" event in London! Such a great initiative to foster collaboration between two great nations!"On a related note, 'Mubarakan' is an upcoming Indian romantic comedy film, written and directed by Anees Bazmee where Anil, Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz and Athiya Shetty will be playing the lead roles. DRDO hands over weapon locating radar to Army New Delhi , Mar.2 : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) weapon locating radar 'Swati' was formally handed over to the Indian Army on Thursday, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying its deployment will reduce artillery fire from across the border. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774872 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774872 173O212O198O32) Officials say that four radars deployed along the Line of Control for trial have already proved their efficacy since artillery fire from Pakistan's side had reduced after their deployment.The Indian Army has at present ordered 30 such radars.The weapon-locating radar developed by the DRDO's Electronic and Radar Development Establishment provides fast and accurate location of enemy artillery including shells, mortars and rockets.The radar is also capable of guiding fire from an artillery gun attached to it, meaning thereby that the radar can not only locate artillery guns on the enemy side but also ensure their destruction.Parrikar also congratulated the DRDO for successful trial of exo-atmospheric Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile and endo-atmospheric Advanced Air Defence missile, both part of a two-tier anti-ballistic missile system. South Asia lawmakers meet in Kathmandu to discuss status of child welfare By Dipendra Raj Poudel and Shukdev Chapagain, Kathmandu [Nepal], Mar.2 : A meeting of lawmakers of the South Asian countries began in Kathmandu on Thursday to discuss the overall status of children of the region and share initiatives taken for the welfare of children in their home countries. (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774872 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 02 March 2017, 1667774872 173O212O198O32) Lawmakers from Nepal, India and Bangladesh looking after the issues of children were present in the meeting, according to Ranju Kumari Jha, the President of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Welfare Committee under the Legislature-Parliament.Addressing the programme, UNICEF South Asia Regional Director Jean Gough said South Asian countries could not invest sufficiently in health, education and social security sectors as most the countries collected minimum tax compared to the gross domestic product.Gough also suggested that the lawmakers should make positive influence on programmes, policies and budget meant for children for better results.The meeting organised by the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia and the UNICEF Nepal Office is supported by the Parliamentary Committee.Child mortality remains as a common and one of the major problems of the South Asian countries.Nepal is on the 63rd position of the world report on the child mortality rate. Still around 30 million South Asian school-age children are out of school, according to President Jha. Who are Newport's top taxpayers? Take a look at the top 50. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Much of the credit for our latest national honor - thanks, Editor & Publisher - goes to the high school students who visit our newsroom three times a year. When Stockholm, Sweden, introduced a "congestion tax" to discourage driving in the center of town, traffic eased and the pollution level dropped by between 5 and 10 percent. One other result was less expected but no less welcome: The rate of asthma attacks among local children decreased by nearly 50 percent, according to a Johns Hopkins Business School economist's study of the tax and its impact. The health improvement in the children appeared more gradually than the observed decline in the pollution level. This suggests that the full health benefits from reduced pollution might not occur immediately, says Emilia Simeonova, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Indeed, the drop in the rate of asthma attacks was more than 12 percent during the first seven months of the tax but soared to 47 percent after a few years of implementation. Simeonova says, "The key takeaways of this paper are that health gains can be realized through efforts to lower air pollution, and that we need to be patient in waiting for the complete picture to emerge." Asthma, chronic inflammation of the breathing passages, afflicts people of all ages. Its onset in childhood can lead to poor lung development, causing ill effects - wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing - that can recur over a lifetime. It is the leading cause of hospitalization among children in the United States, especially those living in densely populated areas with frequent traffic congestion, the paper states. The study by lead author Simeonova and three colleagues examined official health and environmental data compiled in Sweden from 2004 through 2010. The research team focused on health statistics for children up to six years old, who tend to experience the most acute asthma episodes because their families haven't yet learned how to tame the flare-ups. Stockholm's congestion tax began as an experiment from January through July 2006. Traffic was reduced by 20 to 25 percent. Deeming the trial a success, the city government reinstituted the congestion tax in August 2007, and it has been in place ever since. The tax costs up to $2.60 (U.S.) per vehicle, depending on the time of day. No charges are made at night, on weekends and public holidays, or during July. Tolls are automatically assessed via scanners that collect the license plate information of cars crossing the "congestion pricing zone." A positive impact on health was evident from the start. During the seven-month trial period, visits to doctors for asthma symptoms fell from a baseline of 18.7 per 10,000 children to 16.4, a drop of 12 percent. For about a year after the trial period, the congestion tax wasn't in effect. Pollution levels rose again slightly, though not up to pre-trial levels - and the number of asthma visits among children continued to fall, to 13.9 per 10,000, or 26 percent below the baseline. A few years after the tax was made permanent, visits had dropped even further, to 10 per 10,000 children, a reduction of 47 percent from the baseline. (The baseline figure of 18.7 asthma visits was an average of statistics from a two-year period before the trial.) Simeonova explains that during the "in between" period when the tax wasn't being assessed, the level of pollution still wasn't high enough to reverse the health benefits that Stockholm's children had begun to realize. But, she adds, the rate of asthma visits probably would have started climbing if the tax had not been made permanent. "These findings show that traffic congestion fees in large cities can have significantly positive effects on health in the short term but even larger effects in the longer term," says Simeonova. In addition, she points out that Stockholm's average pollution levels are not nearly as bad as the levels judged acceptable by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Pollution reductions, then, even in a city of relatively mild smog such as Stockholm, can produce benefits for respiratory health, especially among young children. A new study shows further evidence for the view that spending too much time sitting down is bad for our health and our waistline. Research led by Dr William Tigbe, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick found workers who have a desk-bound job have bigger waists and increased risk of heart disease. It supports advice to sit less and be more active; as much as seven hours a day on your feet, and walking seven miles, may be needed to avoid heart disease. Dr Tigbe kitted out 111 healthy Glaswegian postal workers with activity monitors for seven days; 55 were office workers and 56 delivered post for a living. The study revealed differences between the two groups. Those who had desk jobs had a bigger waist circumference - 97 cm compared to 94 cm - and approximately one BMI unit difference. They also had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease - 2.2% compared to 1.6% over ten years. The new study suggests that waist circumference increases by two centimetres, and risk of cardiovascular diseases by 0.2%, for every additional hour of sitting on top of five hours. Furthermore, bad cholesterol (LDL) increases and good cholesterol (HDL) decreases with each additional hour of sitting from five hours a day. Dr Tigbe said: "Longer time spent in sedentary posture is significantly associated with larger waist circumference, higher triglycerides (fat in the blood) and lower HDL cholesterol, all adding up to worse risk of heart disease. The levels associated with zero risk factors were walking more than 15,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to walking seven to eight miles, or spending seven hours per day upright. "Our findings could be used as the basis of new public health targets for sitting, lying, standing and stepping to avoid metabolic risks. "However the levels suggested in our research would be very challenging to achieve unless incorporated into people's occupations." The study participants wore a tiny physical activity and position monitor called activPAL, invented by co-authors from Glasgow Caledonian University, strapped to their thigh for seven days, except during activities that risk it being in contact with water, e.g. bathing or swimming. They also had their weight, height and blood pressure measured, and provided blood samples. Cardiovascular risks were assessed using the PROCAM risk calculator which takes into account age, sex, family history, blood pressure and metabolic measures. The study took place between September 2006 and September 2007 and volunteers were recruited from the Royal Mail in Glasgow. Only apparently healthy, non-smokers, with no personal history of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, coronary heart disease, hypertension or diabetes were included. None of the participants was on any lipid, blood pressure or glucose lowering medication. Fellow researcher Professor Mike Lean of the University of Glasgow's School of Medicine said: "In this research we have learned important information, relevant to health in modern working lives, by studying the activity patterns of postal workers, one of the last physically active occupations left in UK." "Our evolution, to become the human species, did not equip us well to spending all day sitting down. We probably adapted to be healthiest spending seven to eight hours every day on our feet, as hunters or gatherers. " "Our new research supports that idea. The 'bottom' line is that if you want to be sure of having no risks of heart disease, you must keep off your bottom!" The researchers urge further study of this topic is conducted in order to inform health policy makers. Time spent in sedentary posture is associated with waist circumference and cardiovascular risk is recently been published in the International Journal of Obesity. The research was part of Dr Tigbe's PhD project. Source: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/desk_jobs_are/ African-American and poor children in the United States suffer disproportionately from asthma. But according to a new study from sociologists at Rice University, racial and socio-economic gaps in the proportion of children in Houston who have asthma may be a result of social inequalities in the neighborhoods where children live. "Comprehensive Neighborhood Portraits and Child Asthma Disparities" will appear in an upcoming edition of the Maternal and Child Health Journal. In the study, the researchers found that of the 12,000+ children in Houston who have asthma, the chronic disease of airways in the lungs is more prevalent among African-American children than white children and occurs most often among African-American children living in poor neighborhoods. The researchers also found that children of all races and ethnicities, including white children, have a greater risk of developing asthma when they live in poor neighborhoods, compared with children living in middle-class or affluent neighborhoods. "We set out to find out if there is a concentration of children in different neighborhoods that was more likely to have asthma," said lead author Ashley Kranjac, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Sociology and the Kinder Institute Urban Health Program at Rice. "We found, as others have, that asthma is more widespread among African-American children and children in poor neighborhoods. But in addition, we found that African-American children suffer disproportionately in every kind of neighborhood, from the poorest to the wealthiest." All Houston neighborhoods were classified using several social and economic characteristics. One such characteristic was median household income; the researchers reported that the most affluent neighborhoods in Houston had median household incomes of over $100,000. Middle-class neighborhoods were at $58,100 and poor neighborhoods had median household incomes of just $33,900. Using these classifications, the researchers found that African-American children, when compared with white children living in the same type of neighborhood, were 8.8 percent more likely to have asthma in poor neighborhoods, 6.7 percent more likely in middle-class neighborhoods and 5.8 percent more likely in affluent communities. In addition, the likelihood of being diagnosed with asthma increased for all children in Houston as they got older. For example, 6 percent of children in Houston between the ages of 2 and 6 have asthma, but 8 percent of children between the ages of 7 and 12 have asthma. And children growing up in the poorest neighborhoods are twice as likely to have an asthma diagnosis compared with children growing up in the most affluent neighborhoods. Kranjac said that although the research did not provide a reason why African-American children growing up in poor neighborhoods were more likely to suffer from asthma, she theorized that it could partly have to do with socio-economic differences. "Higher levels of income and higher levels of education go hand in hand," Kranjac said. "It may be that parents with more education have greater access to information on poor air quality and its effects on asthma. These individuals may not only be more likely to know how to access information on air quality but also decide to have their children play inside or be able to travel outside of their community on poor air quality days. Individuals with less education and/or income may not have access to that kind of information and/or may not have the resources to pursue alternative activities on poor air quality days. They likely also have fewer housing choices and have to settle for housing in the poorest air quality areas of the city." Kranjac said that it is equally concerning that African-American children, even in the wealthiest neighborhoods, are disproportionately suffering from asthma. "The drivers of those differences are not likely physiological but rooted in social and racial inequalities," she said. The researchers used the medical records of 206,974 children aged 2-12 in 1,076 Houston metropolitan neighborhoods (Census tracts). Social and economic information was generated using the 2010 Census and the 2009-2013 American Community Survey data. Air quality data was provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Air Monitoring Information System from 2010 to 2012. Kranjac and her coauthors hope the research will lead others to treat social and racial inequalities as central drivers of the asthma gap in children. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with over 232,000 new cases and 55,000 deaths per year worldwide. Those with light-skin or red hair are often prone to hard-to-detect melanomas, often caused by properties of pigments within skin called melanins. People with fair skin have a higher concentration of the melanin known as pheomelanin in their skin, and a corresponding higher probability of developing melanoma -- in particular, a difficult-to-detect subtype known as amelanotic melanoma. In high concentrations, pheomelanin is responsible for the orange-reddishness in hair, but is essentially invisible in skin. While eumelanin, the brown-black pigment found in most melanomas, can be easily seen, the light colored pheomelanin is difficult to detect; even with advances in modern microscopy, understanding the pheomelanin molecule and its role in melanoma has eluded scientists. Recently, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital's Wellman Center for Photomedicine have made a breakthrough for spotting and studying this elusive molecule in skin. Sam Osseiran, a scientist on the team lead by Harvard University professor Conor Evans, will present their findings at the OSA Biophotonics Congress: The Evans group's research centers around the use of a high-resolution imaging technique called coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scatterings (CARS) microscopy, a variant of the more widely used Raman spectroscopy that enables chemically-specific imaging by means of detecting molecular vibrations. Evans, whose translational research group specializes in microscopy and spectroscopy for understanding cancer and dermatology afflictions, says the common assumption about locating and imaging pheomelanin is that "there's really no good way to see this mostly invisible pigment when it occurs in skin." But Massachusetts General's chief of dermatology, David Fischer, approached Evans and they decided to collaborate. Evans' research team took on the pheomelanin imaging challenge. "So my team put our heads together, scouring for ways to see it," Evans said. While another optical technology, called transient absorption microscopy, does offer possibilities for studying pheomelanin, this method is complex and does not easily lend itself to clinical practice. "We started to look through the Raman literature," Evans said. "Raman spectroscopy is a very mature technique that allows you to detect molecules by their unique chemical vibrations, which are themselves derived from the structure of the molecules. CARS microscopy is a coherent Raman tool that is akin to using a tuning fork to specifically detect molecular structures." Fortunately, CARS microscopy proved successful for imaging pheomelanin. "Pheomelanin has a unique chemical structure, there is nothing else like it in the body," Evans said. "So, we started to look at the molecular structure and noticed there was a corresponding unique molecular vibration that might be useful for imaging the pigment with CARS microscopy." Evans gives much of the credit to his research team, Sam Osseiran and post-doctoral researcher Tracy Wang, for leading the way in developing and refining the CARS microscopy method for imaging pheomelanin. In general, CARS microscopy utilizes two lasers focused on a sample whose energy difference is "tuned" to specific molecular vibrations to generate high resolution imaging information. "The work led by Tracy was really rather novel application of CARS microscopy to target this biomolecule which no one else has tried to do before," Osseiran said. "We adjusted our system and aligned and tuned everything so that we could specifically target this one melanin pigment, pheomelanin." Serendipitously, while developing their CARS imaging method, the group found a complementary method that could be used for the simultaneous detection of eumelanin called sum-frequency absorption (SFA) microscopy. SFA makes use of a signal modulation scheme that can detect both species of melanin. This additional imaging tool is important, as most humans produce both species within skin, making mapping the distribution and quantity of both pigments important. "Sum-frequency absorption imaging allows you to visualize where all the melanin absorbers are within tissue," said Evans. "As both CARS and SFA can be carried out at the same time, these two techniques can be used together to simultaneously image both melanin pigments." Wang and Osseiran believe their CARS and SFA method could be very helpful for future research on melanoma and its treatment, as well as observing the changes that occur with melanin species in different states. "We are adding another tool to our utility belt here in our investigations of melanoma," Osseiran said. The study's original motivator, David Fischer, believes that a very important benefit of the work might be its potential role in diagnosing cancer. "This may offer a brand-new tool for early diagnosis for some of the most lethal melanomas, possibly at a stage when they might still be curable," said Fisher. "Time and time again, it is proven that early diagnosis saves lives." A study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool, The Reader and the Royal Liverpool University Hospitals Trust, and funded by the British Academy, has found that shared reading (SR) can be a useful therapy for chronic pain sufferers. The study, led by Dr Josie Billington from the University's Centre for Research into Reading into Reading, Literature and Society (CRILS) and recently published in the BMJ Journal for Medical Humanities, compared Shared Reading (SR) -- a literature-based intervention developed by national charity The Reader -- to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as an intervention for chronic pain sufferers. Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. It is pain which persists for more than six months. Usually pain is picked up by specialised cells in your body, and impulses are sent through the nervous system to the brain. What happens in people with chronic pain, however, is that other nerves are recruited into this 'pain' pathway which start to fire off messages to the brain when there is no physical stimulus or damage. But the body can 'unjoin' again. Nerve blockers (drugs) are one way; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another - by getting the brain to send new messages back to the body Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It's most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems. The current evidence base in respect of chronic pain supports the use of standard psychological interventions, CBT in particular. CBT's benefits, while useful are shown by recent research to be both limited and short-term. Shared Reading is used in a range of environments that have similarities with chronic pain, in that the conditions involved can often be chronic and unsolvable, as in the case of dementia, prisons (people locked in, life halted and future inevitably affected by baggage of past), and severe mental illness (with recurring episodes). The model is based on small groups (2-12 people) coming together weekly to read literature - short stories, novels and poetry - together aloud. The reading material ranges across genres and period, and is chosen for its intrinsic interest, not pre-selected with a particular 'condition' in mind. Validating experiences Regular pauses are taken to encourage participants to reflect on what is being read, on the thoughts or memories the book or poem has stirred, or on how the reading matter relates to their own lives. Group members participate voluntarily, usually in relation to what is happening in the text itself, and what may be happening within themselves as individuals (personal feelings and thoughts, memories and experiences), responding to the shared presence of the text within social group discussion. CBT allowed participants to exchange personal histories of living with chronic pain in ways which validated their experience. However, in CBT, participants focused exclusively on their pain with 'no thematic deviation'. In SR, by contrast, the literature was a trigger to recall and expression of diverse life experiences - of work, childhood, family members, relationships -- related to the entire life-span, not merely the time-period affected by pain, or the time-period pre-pain as contrasted with life in the present. This in itself has a potentially therapeutic effect in helping to recover a whole person, not just an ill one. Valuable As part of the study participants with severe chronic pain symptoms were recruited by the pain clinic at Broadgreen NHS Hospital Trust having given informed consent. A 5-week CBT group and a 22-week SR group for chronic pain patients ran in parallel, with CBT group-members joining the SR group after the completion of CBT. The study found that CBT showed evidence of participants 'managing' emotions by means of systematic techniques, where Shared Reading (SR) turned passive experience of suffering emotion into articulate contemplation of painful concerns. Dr Josie Billington, Deputy Researcher, Centre for Research into Reading, said: "Our study indicated that shared reading could potentially be an alternative to CBT in bringing into conscious awareness areas of emotional pain otherwise passively suffered by chronic pain patients. "The encouragement of greater confrontation and tolerance of emotional difficulty that Sharing Reading provides makes it valuable as a longer-term follow-up or adjunct to CBT's concentration on short-term management of emotion." A new report has highlighted a gender divide in the screening of patients for cardiovascular disease - Australia's number one killer. Research from The George Institute for Global Health and The University of Sydney found men were significantly more likely to have their heart disease risk factors measured by their GP. The study published in the journal Heart also found the odds of being treated with the appropriate preventative medicines were 37 per cent lower for younger women at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than their male counterparts. Associate Professor Julie Redfern, from The George Institute for Global Health, said the results were especially concerning because more women than men die each year from cardiovascular disease. Associate Professor Redfern said: "Unfortunately there is still the perception that heart disease is a man's disease. This is not the case here in Australia, the UK or the US and we fear that one of the reasons more women are dying from heart disease is because they are not being treated correctly, including not even being asked basic questions about their health. " Risk factors for CVD include raised cholesterol and blood pressure levels and smoking. Female smokers have a 25 per cent greater risk of CVD than male smokers. The study of more than 53,000 patients across 60 sites in Australia found the odds of women being appropriately screened was 12% lower than men. It also found major discrepancies in the treatment of women at high risk of CVD. Younger women (aged 35-54) were 37% less likely than younger men to have appropriate medications, such as blood pressure drugs, statins and antiplatelets prescribed. By contrast, older women (aged 65 plus years) were 34% more likely than older men to have appropriate medications prescribed. Karice Hyun, who undertook the research for her PhD at the University of Sydney, said: "It is simply unacceptable that more than half of young women in this study did not receive appropriate heart health medications. "These medications can greatly reduce the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. If these findings are representative, many women could be missing out on life saving treatment right now - just because of their age and gender. "This fundamentally needs to change. We need a system wide solution to addressing these very worrying gaps in heart disease-related healthcare to ensure women are treated equally across the health system." Whilst the report highlighted gender disparity, it also revealed that just 43.3 per cent of all patients had all their necessary risk factors recorded, whilst only 47.5 per cent of patients at high risk of CVD were prescribed preventative medicines. Associate Professor Redfern added: "These findings really show that we need to do a better job of preventing and tackling CVD for all Australians if we have any hope to reducing the death toll." Every year more than 45,000 people die from CVD in Australia. More than 20 million Americans have gained health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not have to pay for 15 preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Yet, despite this advantage, many are not utilizing these lifesaving screenings and are contributing to this nation's soaring health care costs, which reached a whopping $3 trillion in 2014. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University are the first to use data after the implementation of the ACA to get to the root of what factors are contributing to the low rates of preventive care use in this country. Results of their study, published in the current issue of the journal Preventive Medicine, illuminate the importance of the role paid sick leave benefits plays in the lives of employees and ultimately in public health. "Compared to 22 similarly developed countries, the United States is the only one that does not mandate employers to provide paid sick leave benefits or include paid sick leave in a universal social insurance plan," said LeaAnne DeRigne, Ph.D., lead author and an associate professor in the School of Social Work within FAU's College for Design and Social Inquiry. For the study, DeRigne and collaborators used cross-sectional data from a sample of 13,545 adults aged 18-64 with current paid employment from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). They examined the relationship between having paid sick leave and obtaining eight preventive care services: blood pressure check; cholesterol check; fasting blood sugar check; getting a flu shot; being seen by a medical doctor or health care provider; getting a Pap test (females only); getting a mammogram (females only); and getting tested for colon cancer. The analysis controlled for demographic and other important predictor variables including gender, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, full time work, insurance coverage, health status, limiting health conditions, family income, age, and family size. Regardless of sociodemographic factors, the researchers found that workers who lack paid sick leave were significantly less likely to have received preventive health care screenings in the last 12 months, even among those previously told that they have a condition such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease that places them at higher medical risk. They also found that workers without paid sick leave are 1.6 times less likely to have received a flu shot in the past 12 months. Key findings from the study reveal that American workers without paid sick leave had odds that were: Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today 30 percent less likely to have had a blood pressure check in the last 12 months 40 percent less likely to have had a cholesterol check in the last 12 months 24 percent less likely to have had a fasting blood sugar check in the last 12 months 61 percent less likely to have had a flu shot in the last 12 months 19 percent less likely to have seen or talked to a physician or health care provider in the last 12 months 23 percent less likely to have had a Pap test in the last 12 months Paid sick leave was not, however, a significant factor in having undergone two cancer-related screenings in the last 12 months: testing for colon cancer or a mammogram. The researchers speculate that because mammography services are more widely available to workers because of mobile screening units and other innovative services, getting a mammogram might not require paid sick leave. They note that because colon cancer screenings are recommended every 10 years, respondents may not have had the test within the past 12 months when they answered that question. "Our findings demonstrate that even when insured adults are provided with free preventive screenings, paid sick leave is a significant factor associated with actually using the screenings," said DeRigne. "American workers risk foregoing preventive health care, which could lead to the need for medical care at later stages of disease progression and at a higher cost for workers and the American health care system as a whole." The two most common ways to offer paid sick leave is by mandating employer-funded benefits or through a universal social insurance program funded through taxes. The Healthy Families Act, introduced in Congress in 2015, uses the employer-funded model and would allow workers to earn up to seven days of paid sick leave if their employer has more than 15 employees and seven unpaid days for employers who have less than 15 employees. The bill has not yet been introduced in the current Congressional session. "Our data can be used by health care professionals, policy makers and others to consider the expansion of access to evening and weekend hours as well as mobile, community-based, and workplace health and wellness services," said Patricia Stoddard-Dare, Ph.D., co-author and an associate professor of social work at Cleveland State. "When workers forgo essential preventive health care such as flu shots, the public health implications are immense. This is particularly relevant for service related employees, food preparation workers and others who have low access to paid sick leave coverage." Source: http://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/sick-leave-preventive-care.php A Loughborough academic has warned the UK is facing a public health disaster if the issue of overheating in homes is not tackled. Professor Kevin Lomas, an internationally acclaimed expert in building simulation, says the next heat wave to hit the country could have grave consequences for the most vulnerable in our society, as the country now has a housing stock unable to keep cool in the warmer months. New research provides clear measured evidence of overheating across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and outlines the health risks that inhabitants face due to heat stress experienced in their homes. The issue is the result of new housing being heavily insulated to meet environmental targets, Government schemes which encourage owners of older properties to retrofit insulation, the creation of more high-rise properties and poor building design. Researchers from the University's School of Civil and Building Engineering, led by Professor Lomas, collected indoor temperature data from close to 800 homes across England. They found that many homes experience summertime temperatures that are uncomfortably warm, even in mild summers, and that temperatures are higher in tower blocks and homes occupied by the elderly. The team has also measured temperatures on wards in four English hospitals, the results of which show that the very places that should provide a safe haven from summer heat are also prone to overheating. The European heatwave of 2003 led to the premature deaths of around 15,000 people, and with climate change causing warmer summers and more frequent and intense heatwaves, deaths related to overheating could triple by 2040. "Despite the major health risks associated with overheating, particularly for the old and the very young, the focus of the UK building regulations remains on keeping people warm in the winter and not cool in the summer," explains Professor Lomas. "But there needs to be a philosophical shift in the regulations to also include building adaptation measures. "We need the Government to listen to what the experts in academia and industry are saying - that urgent action needs to be taken to ensure the people of the UK, and in particular the most vulnerable in our society, are not left at risk from overheating." Professor Lomas has proposed the following measures to try and combat the problem: Develop regulations to stop the building of homes that are highly likely to overheat in the summer Provide people with simple ways to regulate the temperatures in their home, such as easy-to-open windows and shading Provide advice and guidance so people use the cooling opportunities they have at the right time in the right way. For example opening windows at night to let in cool air but closing windows to the daytime heat. A recent special issue of the journal Building Research and Information 'Overheating in buildings: adaptation responses' was edited by Professor Lomas and Dr Stephen Porritt, also of Loughborough University. It pulls together research from several UK universities, and the work can be downloaded here. Between 3 and 5% of the population suffer from a form of inflammatory rheumatism. It affects approximately 250,000 - 400,000 people in Austria. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the commonest and also the most dangerous forms of this inflammatory rheumatic disease. Around 30% of patients achieve remission, that is to say successful control of symptoms, after just one or two years. However, despite frequent changes in treatment, many other patients have to endure the active form of the disease on an ongoing basis. A multicentre, multinational study headed up by rheumatologist Daniel Aletaha of MedUni Vienna as principal investigator has now shown that a new drug (sirukumab) is a very promising treatment option for these "refractory" patients. The study has now been published in the world-leading journal "The Lancet". Nowadays, treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are changed very quickly, once it is established that one is failing to effect any significant improvement. This means that many patients can be helped very quickly. On the other hand, there are patients who do not show any significant improvement even after the second or third biologic drug treatment - typically with TNF inhibitors (which blockade the Tumour Necrosis Factor TNF, which is involved in systemic inflammation). The new drug now offers a new option for such patients. This is the result of one of the largest multicentre, international studies so far into difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis, focussing on this new mechanism of action, an interleukin-6 cytokine blockade. In this treatment, the monoclonal antibody sirukumab directly inhibits the messenger substance IL-6, which, like TNF, is responsible for inflammatory processes in the joints. "We were able to demonstrate this in one of the largest study populations to date, with around 900 patients in 35 countries. Despite having previously received treatments with biologic drugs, these patients still had a persistently active disease. Treatment options had been practically exhausted for many of these patients. However, even in this group of patients, treatment with sirukumab brought about a significant reduction in the inflammatory action of the disease," explains Daniel Aletaha of MedUni Vienna's Department of Medicine III (Division of Rheumatology, Head: Josef Smolen). The efficacy and safety of sirukumab were tested in two different dosages (injections of 50 mg every 4 weeks or 100 mg every 2 weeks). The 100 mg dosage proved to be slightly more effective. "These results are very significant in the case of a progressive, inflammatory, musculoskeletal disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, especially for those patients who are resistant to treatment," says the MedUni Vienna expert. The drug could be approved very soon. At the same time, the new findings with sirukumab could lead to new efficacy studies being instigated for other inflammatory diseases, such as other forms of arthritis or other inflammatory diseases, e.g. vasculitis. There may also be other indications in areas other than rheumatology. Mumbai: Market remained on the backfoot for the second straight session on Tuesday ahead of release of GDP data as the Sensex slipped another 70 points to 28,743. Investors waited for the December quarter GDP data to find out if demand took a knock following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise decision to recall high-value currency notes in November last year. The growth numbers are scheduled to be released after market hours. The 30-share index, which had lost 80.09 points in the previous session, fell further by 69.56 points or 0.24 per cent to 28,743.32 after shuttling between 28,876.54 and 28,721.12. The broader NSE Nifty eased by 17.10 points, or 0.19 per cent to close at 8,879.60. It moved between 8,914.75 and 8,867.60 intra-day. Caution is in the air as market players tracked the much-awaited US President Donald Trump's address to the Congress later in the day, which can throw light on tax reforms and infrastructure spending. Another record closing on the Wall Street on Friday and a firm trend in Asia kept mood positive. Idea Cellular managed to close higher after falling nearly 6.5 per cent in early trade following reports that Providence Equity Partners is likely to exit the telecom firm by selling its 3.33 per cent stake. However, some action was witnessed in broader markets, with the smallcap index rising by 0.59 per cent and mid-cap 0.14 per cent. Stocks of automobile companies such as Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors saw selling activity and lost up to 1.56 per cent ahead of monthly sales figures for February to be released on Wednesday. Coal India, NTPC, TCS, ICICI Bank, ITC Ltd, ONGC, Axis Bank, PowerGrid and HDFC were other laggards. However, buying in select stocks such as Bharti Airtel, Asian Paints, Adani Ports, M&M, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Tata Steel, SBI and Infosys capped the downside. Foreign capital outflows also affected market sentiment. Foreign funds net sold shares worth of Rs 145.55 crore yesterday, as per provisional data. Other Asian markets ended mixed as key indices like Hong Kong and Singapore fell while Japan's Nikkei and the Shanghai index moved up. In Europe, London' FTSE, Paris CAC 40 and Frankfurt lost in their early session. In the domestic market, 20 scrips out of the 30-share Sensex ended lower. Oil and gas fell 1.34 per cent, followed by PSU, FMCG, IT and auto. Realty, capital goods, metal and power went up by up to 1.44 per cent. From the USA to Bangkok, the international media is buzzing with the idea that of an upcoming Michelin Red Guide to the cuisine of the Land of Smiles. The rumor appears to be based on credible information, but Michelin declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Relaxnews. Asian media is reporting that Michelin could release its first ever guide to the cuisine of Thailand at the end of the year. The Thai government has reportedly approved a budget of 143.5 million Baht to support Michelin's arrival with a Red Guide that will, in the long term, cover all of the country, from Chiang Mai to the islands. However, Asian news outlets suggest that Michelin's Thai adventure could come in several stages, starting with a guide dedicated to the capital, Bangkok. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is reportedly tasked with helping to organize the project, which could give rise to a guide by the end of the year. The rumor has naturally raised a great deal of interest. The Michelin Guide has been present in Hong Kong/Macao for nine years. However, Michelin has been boosting its presence in Asia in recent years, with first edition guides to Singapore launched in July and Seoul, South Korea, in November 2016. Food for thought Thailand is currently absent from the Red Guide line-up although the country's cuisine is internationally recognized. Plus, the Red Guide proved particularly enthusiastic about street food in its recent Singapore edition. That could bode well for Thailand, where food is also enjoyed on the spur of the moment, on street corners, seasoned with an array ingredients and a selection of sauces all tossed up in battered woks. Australian chef David Thompson hasn't needed any Thai Michelin stars to make the Nahm restaurant, at the Como Metropolitan Bangkok, an internationally renowned reference. Plus, French chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier, who heads the gastronomic offering at the luxurious Normandie restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, brings French haute cuisine in the Thai city. The list wouldn't be complete without Gaggan Anand, who has topped the "Asia's 50 Best Restaurants" list for three years. In fact, the organizers announce each new Asian edition in the city of Bangkok. Michelin refused to comment on the rumored Thai guide but, as in the kitchen, all good things come to those who wait .... Heavy police bandobast in Mumbai today! pic.twitter.com/sY0H3xzXl3 Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) February 21, 2017 Mumbai/Maharashtra Police, pranaam. No offence intended. M.P. police, consult a dietician,if it's an asli ,undoctored image doing the rounds Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) February 22, 2017 When I got interviewed by scroll.in for #kareenakapoorkhan "rapid" weight loss post pregnancy. Celebrity or no celebrity there is no cheating/ fooling the body. Full interview link in Bio. A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) on Feb 22, 2017 at 2:02am PST In a bid to whip Mumbai Police into shape, Celebrity Rujuta Diwekar is all geared to help the force commence a one-year experiment this March.The plan started in the western suburbs last October and focuses on helping the police cut down on obesity, acidity and insomnia.The state of Mumbai Polices health came into the spotlight after writer Shobhaa De tweeted a picture of Daulatram Jogawat, a police inspector from Madhya Pradesh, and captioned it heavy bandobast, in an attempted barb at Mumbai Police. Jogawat, who suffers an insulin imbalance, has been offered medical help by doctors in Mumbai.According to reports, October 2016 onwards, Diwekar made personnel at eight police station, located between Bandra and Andheri West in Mumbai Polices Zone 9, fill out forms detailing their daily lives the hours they spend commuting to and from work, the number of hours they work and sleep, and the number of cups of tea they consume and the answers underscored the stressful conditions that the police functions in.Diwekars team then attended morning parades at police stations to dispense one simple tip every day. The first month, we gave four tips on food, the month after four tips on exercise, and last month (we gave) four tips on sleeping, Diwekar told The Indian Express, adding that she had to ensure that the tips were doable and impactful. The first month, Diwekar said, was spent dispelling myths and misinformation among the police about food. Bananas make for a great breakfast, but a lot of them believed that they are fattening, she said. Diwekars tips on food, exercise and sleep have been collected into a Marathi booklet which will be launched by Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar on March 8.It is not that they dont want to bring changes in fitness and health. They just dont have the right information, the nutritionist said. At the end of January, Diwekar had the police in zone 9 fill out exit surveys to gauge the impact of the short programme.Every police official in zone 9 has started implementing at least one of the 12 tips. They look leaner, acidity levels are low, they sleep better, and their energy levels are up, she said.However, a police constable posted in Andheri said that it wasn't always possible to implement Diwekars tips. The current food plan is well intentioned but cannot be successful unless the strength of the police force is increased and an eight-hour work day is introduced, he said. New Delhi: In a road rage incident, a brand new Toyota Fortuner was set on fire by two men after they found that the owner was driving the SUV slowly allegedly obstructing their (accused) way. The incident took place in West Delhi's Subhash Nagar when the accused travelling in a Chevrolet Cruze had an altercation with the owner of Toyota Fortuner reportedly for driving slowly. The entire incident was captured in CCTV camera, which shows two men stopping their Cruze near a Fortuner car. The duo rushed to it with their faces covered, poured oil, set it on fire and fled from the area. The whole incident took place in half-a-minute. One of the accused persons have been arrested, police said. Police said that the accused had an argument with Vineet Makol while they were driving after which the accused followed Makol to his house to see where he parks his vehicle, after which they left from there. Two hours later around 1.40 AM, the duo reached Makol's house and set the vehicle on fire. Makol immediately made a PCR call and informed the fire services department. The fire was doused within 20 minutes. "We got clues from the CCTV footage that was installed in the victim's house and a case was registered after which both the accused, Saurabh Makhija and his friend Manmeet Singh, were arrested. The duo are engaged in the business of spare parts," said a senior police officer. (PTI Inputs) Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists on Thursday held a protest march in Delhi University (DU) campus, demanding action against the anti-national activities. The students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that the protest march near the universitys North Campus Art Faculty was organised to save the DU from anti-national activities. Stay tuned for live updates Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. "I want to see Prajapati and his men who attempted to rape me behind the bars. He has ruined our lives permanently. We had to leave our hearth and home to save our lives," the victim said. "They tried to rape me and held my mother tight as she kept crying and pleaded with them to stop. They threatened her with dire consequences before setting me free," minor victim said. The alleged gangrape of the girl's mother was first committed in October 2014 and was repeated till July 2016. The woman wrote to the state's police chief in October 2016, after the perpetrators allegedly tried to rape her daughter, seeking action against them. The 16-year-old girl, who was allegedly sexually assaulted and her mother repeatedly gang-raped by UP minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati and his aides, has demanded stern action against the accused persons.Meanwhile, a team of UP policemen reached AIIMS to record the statement of the minor. "We have taken statement of almost all people related to this case except of the minor victim. The doctors at AIIMS have given us permission to record her statement," ADGP, Daljeet Chaudhary said.She fears that Prajapati's men would come looking for her.Her mother, who claimed to have been repeatedly gang-raped over two years on the promise of a position in the state's ruling Samajwadi Party and sand mining contracts, moved the Supreme Court, which ordered registration of an FIR against the minister and his accomplices in the crime on February 18.As the UP police hunts for all the accused persons, the girl is struggling to come to terms with what happened to her and her mother.She has, however, not given up hope and wants to appear for her class X examination next year. "I couldn't take the exams this year....our lives were in a mess."Housed in a ward at the AIIMS to which entry is restricted, the girl shudders and slips into frequent pauses while recounting the horror."After that we sought help from various quarters and even approached the state's DGP, but nothing happened even after that. Meanwhile, constant threat calls from Prajapati's men not to pursue the matter further became unbearable for us and we decided to leave UP to save our lives. My mother then approached court," she added.According to the doctors at the AIIMS who are treating her, the girl is in a state of "severe trauma"."She is living in constant fear. She is unable to sleep at night. Whatever has happened with her and her mother keeps coming back to her. We have put her on medication and she is undergoing behavioural therapy," they said.They said teams of the UP police had visited the hospital a couple of times to speak to the girl but were denied permission.49-year-old Prajapati, who was sacked by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for alleged corruption before being reinstated at the behest of the then Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, is said to be on the run.Prajapati has been missing since February 27 and continues to evade authorities. The UP police remain clueless about his whereabouts and a massive hunt has been launched to arrest him.The FIR was lodged against him and six accomplices under various sections of the IPC and The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act at Gautampalli police station by the order of the Supreme Court on February 18.Fearing security concern, her family members has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in to the matter to ensure strict action against Prajapati and other accused in the case.When her complaint went unheeded, she moved the Supreme Court.With the police hot on his heels now, Prajapati has moved the apex court seeking protection from arrest and recall of its earlier order.Prajapati, who is contesting the state assembly election as an SP candidate from Amethi, where polls are over, has denied the allegation, terming it a "political conspiracy by the BJP". He has claimed he does not even know the victim.(PTI Inputs) A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem.Gratitude! Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) March 2, 2017 Bollywood Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has received extortion calls of Rs 50 Lakhs from an unidentified person if he wants to save actress Alia Bhatt's life.Bhatt immediately approached a senior crime branch officer in Mumbai and lodged a complaint on Wednesday."A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem. Gratitude! All of us is better than one of us!!," Bhatt tweeted.The caller reportedly tracked in Uttar Pradesh threatened Bhatt with dire consequences and said, "If he fails to pay the amount he will kill his daughter Alia."The call was made on February 26 and the caller shared his bank (in Lucknow) details to Bhatt and asked him to transfer the amount. The caller also sent threatening messages to Bhatt through WhatsApp.It was learnt that the caller has been detained in Uttar Pradesh in a joint operation launched by the Mumbai and UP police. "We are trying to find out how he managed to get Bhatt's cell phone number," a police officer said.Alia's - Badrinath Ki Dulhania - is set to release in theatres on March 10. The film has been directed by Shashank Khaitan and is produced by Karan Karan Johar's Dharma Productions.This is not for the first time when Bhatt faced similar threat calls in past. In September 7, 2007, his daughter Pooja Bhatt and brother Mukesh received threat calls from a person identifying himself as fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari for having made the film Dhoka which tells the story of a police officer and his terrorist wife.In January, 2013, actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt received obscene and threatening calls from an unidentified guy.In June 2006, underworld don Ravi Pujari's henchman opened fire at the Bhatt's office after failing to meet him. Lucknow: A bench headed by Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court on Thursday has dismissed the theory that proper investigations were carried on in the Jawahar Bagh Massacre case and has ordered a CBI investigation into the matter. The court was hearing a PIL by the wife of slain Additional Superintendent of Police, Mukul Dwivedi, who lost his life in June 2016 when members of the Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah led by its leader Ram Vriksh Yadav clashed with the local police. Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Justice Dilip Babasaheb Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Verma today ordered that a CBI investigation needs to be conducted in this case. Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay who was appearing on behalf of the petitioner said that the court had granted the prayer to conduct a CBI probe and this would eventually reveal the truth behind the massacre. Archana Dwivedi had prayed the court t order a CBI investigation into the event which led to the death of her husband. Speaking to News18, Dwivedi claimed that justice will soon be done. "My husband was a victim of the political-cult nexus in the state. He was under tremendous pressure was made to carry on the operation that day without the help of any kind of experienced police professionals. All this happened in an area which is in close proximity to the offices of the ruling political groups, said Dwivedi. The violence took place on June 2, 2016, when a UP Police party came under attack from members of the Swadhin Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah led by its leader Ram Vriksh Yadav. The Akhilesh Yadav-led government initially ordered an enquiry by the Divisional Commissioner and later announced a judicial enquiry by a retired judge when the petitioner had demanded a CBI investigation. It was said that the judicial enquiry would be completed within two months. Upadhyay even claimed that this ruling will have major political repercussions as the state has gone to polls with the ruling political party promising an era of no corruption and transparency in the government. "This case is not an issue of law and order problem. This is a larger matter of a political conspiracy to forcefully acquire a 500 acre land which is worth 5000 crores. More than 300 people have been killed in this violence. The CBI investigation will actually prove now that Ram Vriksh Yadav was nothing but a pawn in this game played by the larger political figures of the state. This CBI probe will eventually reveal a larger political scam, said Upadhyay. : Sunayna Dumala, the wife of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was shot dead in Kansas in a hate crime last week, has said that she will return to the US to fulfill his dream.Sunayna, who came here with the body of Srinivas, revealed this in a heart-wrenching Facebook post, which went viral on Wednesday.While Srinivas's mother said she will not allow her younger son Sai Kishore to return to the US, Sunayna is determined to resume life in Kansas where the couple had moved few years ago with dreams and built their house."This is my Srinu's dream, and it is the least I could do for my Srinivas - fulfill his dreams through my eyes - and it is for this I have to come back to the USA," she wrote while thanking Congressman Kevin Yoder and Senator Jerry Moran for working on her migration status.Srinivas was on H1B visa while Sunayna was on H4 dependent visa.Her Facebook post assumes significance in the wake of reports that US authorities may not allow her to enter the country.Srinivas, 32, was killed and his friend Alok Madasani was injured when Adam Purinton, a white man who earlier served in the US Navy, shot them at the Austins Bar & Grill in Olathe, Kansas state, on February 22.Srinivas and Alok were working as aviation programme managers at Garmin, an MNC.Recalling their meeting in 2006, long friendship and marriage in 2012, she wrote that Srinivas gave her the courage to pursue her dream of coming to the US and studying and this made her an independent, self-sufficient and strong woman."I started working only recently, May 2016. He'd played a major role in me attaining a job," said Sunayna, who works at Intouch Solutions in Kansas.She recalled that they moved from small town like Cedar Rapids, Iowa to a big city so that she could get a job and be able to pursue her dreams."Kansas was our instant choice, and we moved here with a lot of dreams. We built our dream home, which he painted, and installed the garage door," she wrote.The couple were also planning to expand their family. "We had a doctor's appointment just a few weeks ago. One of the last thoughts that he shared with me were Nani (his nickname for me), we need to save money if we have to end up going for in-vitro to conceive."Srinivas would have turned 33 on March 9 and the couple were planning to fly to New Jersey for his cousin's engagement. "He was excited and eagerly waiting for the event, and we had plans to shop this past weekend for the trip. Things turned out differently, I was on my way to India with him in a coffin."She wanted to know what the US government will do answer the questions that are in every immigrant's mind: "Do we belong here? Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here?" Nine of the 12 dams have water storage at just less than 20 percent of their capacity, while three others -- all of them in the high-rainfall Malnad/ Western Ghats region -- are less than half-full. A meeting of city MLAs and MPs will review the measures on Thursday. Temperatures in most places are above normal for this time of the year and heat wave conditions are forecast for the next two months, raising concerns that things could worsen. Staring at a severe drought second year running, Karnataka is looking to the Central Government to bail it out with disaster relief funds of Rs 3,300 crores. This is for the rabi crop, and is besides the ask of Rs 4,700 crores for the kharif crop that failed.The southern State is parched unlike ever before in the last four decades, with a rainfall deficit of 40 to 70 percent in the last six months.Of the 176 talukas in the State, 160 have been declared drought-hit. There is not a single district that has at least one or two talukas that are affected. Capital Bengaluru too is looking at a drinking water crisis over the next two months, with authorities planning curbs on water supply if the situation doesn't improve."We have enough water till May, but we want to tell people to not waste, to save water. If required, we will restrict supply to industries first, as drinking water will be a priority," said Bangalore Development Minister K J George.Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board officials said they could look at rationing of water supply to different areas in May, but for the next two months, they are looking at reviving old borewells and ensuring regular supply to all areas of the booming city.Efforts are on to restrict release of the mandatory 2,000 cusecs of water from the Cauvery river to neighbouring Tamil Nadu -- the State government has already told the Cauvery Water-sharing Supervisory Committee that it will no longer be able to comply with this release of water as mandated by the Supreme Court. Throwing up its hands, Karnataka has told the Central committee that releasing any more water will mean dipping into dead storage levels of the dams fed by this river -- and that cannot be allowed.While four cropping seasons have seen successive droughts across the State, there are about 30 talukas which have seen a drought fifth year running, says Agriculture Minister Krishna ByreGowda."The impact of consecutive droughts tends to be more than a stand-alone drought. Crops are affected, livelihoods are affected and droughts also have an impact on the minds of the farmers," ByreGowda told News18.While the rabi crop usually sees about 35 lakh hectares under cultivation, sowing took place in only about 25 lakh hectares this season. In this, production has come down by over 50 percent, and farmers in distress are even sending their cattle to temporary go-shalas set up by the government as they are unable to care for the animals. Fodder banks too have been set up to give subsidised fodder to farmers in about 90 places. In over 500 villages where there is no drinking water, tankers are supplying water on a weekly basis."The Centre has sanctioned only 1,700 crores against our demand of 4,700 crores. Of this, only Rs 450 crores have been released. This was in October, we are now in March. If amounts are transferred to farmers in time, during a crisis, it will be of some use to them. Once crisis is passed, it won't be of much use to them. Karnataka is one of the few States facing a drought this season -- and it is acute. We expect more agility from the Centre in its response," ByreGowda said.Farmers' groups like the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) also feel the drought is man-made -- that the deficit in rainfall is caused by environmental damage caused by big projects."People tend to think that a drought affects the farmers. That's wrong. A drought affects all those who eat -- so, all of us. We are all stake-holders in this, don't just think of it as a farmers' problem, it's all our problem," said KRRS leader K S Puttannaiah, who is also an MLA from the Cauvery-belt. The often violent political battle between ruling CPM and RSS in Kerala took an ugly turn on Thursday when in faraway Ujjain a Sangh leader offered Rs 1 crore to anyone who beheads Marxist leader and state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.RSS Ujjain office bearer Kundan Chandravat had offered the bounty for Kerala chief ministers head accusing Marxists of killing RSS activists in Kerala, particularly in Vijayans home district of Kannur. Chandravat also said he will sell off his entire property to collect the reward money.Vijayan, however, laughed off the challenge. "RSS has taken heads of many people, just because of that I cant stop travelling, and cant stop doing my work, he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.The RSS and CPM are locked in a violent fight for control over the red bastion in Kannur ever since 1969 when the first political murder happened in the district. Ever since the Narendra Modi government came to power, RSS has been campaigning nationwide highlighting what they call "Redrocities".Incidentally, CM Vijayan had to abandon midway a recent trip to Madhya Pradesh where he was to inaugurate a Kerala association function after RSS cadres threatened to physically stop him. He returned back to Kerala after the Madhya Pradesh government advised him not to attend the function fearing law and order problem.Earlier, Kerala BJP leader K Surendran had warned that Vijayan would be met with RSS protests in other parts of the country for what his party is doing in Kerala.Last week, RSS had mounted a heavy protest against Vijayans visit to Mangalore in South Karntaka, not far from Kannur.Amid tension, Vijayan attended the function and gave back in kind saying he had been walking with his head high in front of drawn daggers of RSS ever since he was a student leader.Political observers feel the latest threat to Vijayans life has now taken a local political tussle to an altogether different dimension.Meanwhile, Bhupendra Singh, home minister of Madhya Pradesh, defended Chandravat and said that the killing of activists is an emotional issue and needs attention since most of it is being done with the protection of the state government.I am sure that Chandravat didn't literally mean to do whatever he said. He must have been overcome by emotions due the increasing deaths of Hindus in the region. The entire country is angry due to the killings that happen in Northern Kerala, Singh said.Kerala CPM chief Kodiyeri Balakrishnan demanded the MP government should arrest Chandravat."The Centre should see this matter very seriously. The statement came from a member of a ruling party. BJP has so far not condemned this RSS statement. Has the RSS thrown out this person for making such statement?, he said.Balakrishnan said that RSS has been repeatedly making such threats."No one will be able to touch Pinarayi Vijayan. If RSS is trying to play games, we will teach them a lesson. We will take out protest across the state," he said.CPM leader and Lok Sabha MP MB Rajesh denied that there was a law and order issue in the state and termed the killings as mere political violence between the two opposing camps."This is utter nonsense. Law and order is much better in Kerala than in Madhya Pradesh. There are only a few political killings", Rajesh told CNN-News18 over the phone.Kannur district in Kerala's north is considered the cradle of the Communist movement in the state which also leads in tit-for-tat killings between the ruling CPM and RSS workers.The rivalry between the CPM and the RSS in Kerala has always been a murderous one. In October 2016, there were six murders three of RSS-BJP workers and three of CPM workers in Kannur after the assembly elections in May in the home district of the Kerala CM.Later in a statement RSS has clarified that the views expressed by Dr Kundan Chandravat at RSS protest on Kerala CM are not official statement of the Sangh..Its his personal views. New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said he believed in the freedom of expression within the legal ambit. "I believe in the freedom of expression with whatever legal restrictions are there. All freedom of expression have legal limit," he said when asked about his opinion on Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur. "You cannot barge on another person's right," Parrikar said on the sidelines of a programme here. Defence Ministry officials later said the minister's comments "were not in context of any particular issue." A Lady Shri Ram College student, Kaur left Delhi after being threatened with rape and death after launching a social media campaign against the RSS-affiliated ABVP. The opposition parties had also lashed out the at the government's decision. Congress spokesperson Krishank said, "It's an atrocious policy for women by the TRS government. Instead of providing opportunity, they are restricting it. The Congress party will fight it out and not allow the government to take decisions that is against backward classes." : The Telangana government has rolled back a controversial order which barred married women from applying for admissions to the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Degree Colleges for Women.The rollback comes after CNN-News18 highlighted the notification which said applications were invited only from "unmarried" women. The government had issued the order citing that married women will be distraction for the other girls when their husbands or in-laws will visit them in college.Speaking to CNN-News18, Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) Secretary Dr Praveen Kumar clarified, "The notification is erroneously understood. The purpose of setting up such colleges for girls is to encourage higher education so that they become independent, and also to save lakhs of girls from child marriages. We believe all girls have all rights to complete education. We clarify that we do not deny anyone admission on her marital status."The decision had come under fire from women's organisations, activists and opposition parties.V Sandhya, president of the People's Organisation for Women told CNN-News18, "We strongly condemn such notification. It's a patriarchal and discriminatory decision. The government admits to child marriages but have failed to eradicate it and taking imposing such restrictions.Child rights activist Achyut Rao, who has been campaigning against under-age marriages in the state, said, "It is discouraging for women to keep away from the education if they are married. When child marriage rate is very high in the state and the state could not stop this, how can they disqualify married women from pursuing higher education? I congratulate CNN-News18 for highlighting the issue. Now, every girl will be able to apply to residential degree college."The Telangana government had started 30 residential degree colleges. These colleges provide free education, food and bear the living expenses of the students. Notification has been issued for 8,400 seats this year. Most seats are reserved for SC/ST and backward classes. Guna: Two school teachers were among five arrested by police in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh for allegedly abducting and raping a woman for 20 days. Earlier, the Womans family had lodged a complaint regarding her disappearance with Bamori police station. The victim's in-laws live in village Amrod in Bamori. An officer engaged in the probe said that they have arrested main accused Kamal Ptelia and two teachers Pradip Talwar and Shiromani Malhotra. After confining the woman into a house, the accused took turns to outrage the modesty of the woman for 20 days. She told the police that accused raped her and abandoned her after after tying her hands and feet in a room. Four accused are in the police net while the hunt for the fifth one is still on. The Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), one of Sri Lanka's most extravagant fashion events, will take place in middle of March with an aim to expand the island nation's fashion industry, the organisers announced on Wednesday. In line with its vision, the CFW will expand the scope of the fashion industry with multiple initiatives that aim at developing and showcasing Sri Lanka's fashion design industry to the world and to the fashion consumers of Sri Lanka, the organisers said in a statement. "Since its inception, this platform has aided the local fashion industry in gaining much needed momentum in aspects of fashion education, fashion retail, designer development, and in creating opportunities for designers to showcase their work internationally," the CFW said. This year's CFW, to be held from on March 13-18 under the theme "Celebrate Colombo", will also aim to showcase Colombo from the tourism perspective as a vibrant and creative city. It will also include art, film, food, knowledge workshops, designer pop-ups, ethical fashion, and the emerging designers showcase. Trust Dwayne Johnson to express is bafflement in the most interesting way possible. The former WWE star, popularly known as The Rock was in the crowd of celebrities clicked during the Best Picture goof up at The Academy Awards recently.While the entire world gasped at the awkwardness that happened on stage when La La Land was mistakenly announced Best Picture Winner, Johnson was thinking of something else altogether. The actor later clarified his thoughts on Instagram.He wrote, " You can literally see my wheels spinnin' on whether or not I should hit the stage and take down an Oscars producer who I thought went rogue and was trying to sabotage our final moment of the night as La La Land was accepting for Best Picture. Seconds before this I saw out of the corner of my eye, the producer saying loudly, "NO IT'S MOONLIGHT, the winner is MOONLIGHT!" as he walked up onto the stage. When he walked on stage, I remember sitting up and saying to @laurenhashianofficial, "What the f*cks he doing?". She grabbed my arm and said, "Oh my God, they made a mistake". The rest was history. In crazy moments like that, we need leaders to step up and take charge... I give La La Land producer, Jordan Horowitz much respect for stepping up to the mic and calling the Moonlight filmmakers and actors to the stage to accept their award. Thankfully, Jordan gave us the clarity we needed, because as much as I love and adore Meryl, I was willing to rumble over her to take down the producer going rogue. "Among the hilarious shots of the Oscar audience during the awkward moment at Sunday's ceremony is one which shows Meryl Streep to Matt Damon in various states of disbelief. One of the most amusing faces belongs to Dwayne Johnson, who looked baffled, like the rest of us.Dwayne Johnson will next be seen in Fast 8 and alongside Zac Efron in Baywatch. The film also marks the Hollywood debut of Priyanka Chopra. The first look of Netflix's film War Machine, starring Brad Pitt is out. This pitch-black war story takes on hot-shot General Glenn McMahon, a man caught up in a modern war machine that keeps on churning, seemingly to no end.An absurdist war story for our times, writer-director David Michod (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. Generals roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody raising the spectre of just where the line between them lies today. An exploration of a born leaders ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly, the storys core is Brad Pitts sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalists no-holds-barred expose.The Netflix original film is inspired by the book The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of Americas War in Afghanistan by the late journalist Michael Hastings.Joining Pitt in War Machine is a highly decorated cast including Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Lakeith Stanfield, Emory Cohen, John Magaro, RJ Cyler, Alan Ruck, Scoot McNairy and Meg Tilly. The film will be released on Netflix on May 26, 2017. Ujjain: Local RSS leader Kundan Chandrawat on Thursday said he was not apologetic about his announcement on rewarding anyone with Rs 1 crore for bringing the severed head of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "The Leftist government of Kerala is murdering democracy. Those participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh camps are being murdered," the RSS leader told media persons in the Madhya Pradesh city. During a protest event held in Ujjain on Wednesday, Chandrawat said: "The Hindus no more have the zeal of Shivaji Maharaj. I announce Rs 1 crore from my pocket to anyone who brings me the severed head of the Kerala Chief Minister." "... such traitors don't have the right to live in this country," he added. Gorakhpur: Amidst high decibel campaign by major political parties like the BJP, BSP and the Samajwadi Party, there is a strong political undercurrent in Eastern Uttar Pradesh which has by and large gone unnoticed so far. In the electoral battle of East UP especially in Phase 6 and also to an extent in Phase 7 of UP polls, it is the newly formed political outfit called Nirbal Indian Shoshit Humara Dal (NISHAD) and its alliance with the Peace Party, Apna Dal (Krishna Patel) and Jan Adhikar Manch of Babu Singh Kushwaha, which has now emerged as a major political force. The formation of alliance of between these small parties has emerged as a strong force on a few seats and has the potential to disturb calculations of the three major stake holders-BSP, BJP and SP- on several other seats. The Peace Party had been a successful political phenomenon in 2012 UP assembly polls with the party wining 4 seats, out of which Khalilabad and Dumariyaganj were from East UP. Both these 2 seats have already gone for voting in phase 5 polling. While Peace Party floted by Dr Ayuub had been predominantly an outfit of Backward Muslims.known as 'Pasmanda Muslims', the NISHAD party formed by Dr Sanjay Nishad is a new phenomenon. NISHAD was formed only in April 2015. Before that Dr Sanjay was already busy organising this dominant most backward caste on lines of a social movement for quiet some time. The Nishad represents those sub castes of the backward community who had been in the profession of rowing boats, catching fishes or on small trades dependent on rivers and ponds. The prominent backward castes which come under the umberlla of larger Nishad identity are Kewat, Mallah, Majhi, Rajbhar, Gond, Kashyap and Kahar. Together this community constitutes around 17 Percent of population in east UP. This along with nearly 14 percent of minority population gives the 'Nishad-Peace' party combination a large section of voters to work upon. Dr Sanjay Nishad says " Nishads have for long supported BSP under late MLA and Minister Jamuna Nishad. After Jamuna Ji's death in 2013 the community was left with no towering leader. BJP, BSP and SP have only used us as their vote bank. Therefore we decided to have our own political party." In Phase 6 of polling this alliance, basically reflecting aspirations of marginalised poor Muslims and Backward castes, is contesting on 26 seats including all 9 in Gorakhpur. While NISHAD party is contesting Goraphur rural, Chauri Chaura, Bansgaon, Chilupar, Khajni, Shahjanwa and Campiyarganj, Peace party is contesting on Gorakhpur city and Pipraiych assembly constitutency. As per the demographic statistics on most of these seats, Nishad constitute between 30 to 50 thousand voters. Dr Sanjay who is also the candidate from Gorakhpur rural seat says "The community had pledged to support the Nishad party because it is committed to their cause. Last time in 2012 Peace Party had lost around a dozen seats by margin of 5 to 10 thousand votes. The alliance therefore makes our electoral prospects much better." Dr Harsh Kumar of the Gorakhpur University agree to this Nishad Phenomenon. He says "Politics of East UP had been fertile for Nishad dominated backward caste politics.The community has a strong presence on all 28 Assembly constituencies of Gorakhpur division." Harsh Kumar further adds "While Other Backward Castes (OBC) like Yadavs in central UP have moved ahead after taking the reins of political power under the Samajwadi party, OBCs epecially Nishads felt deprived of gains in absence of political power. Hence, there is an increasing consciousness about greater political clout in the community." It is this phenomenon which makes battle in East UP interesting. SP is banking on the likes of Amrendra Nishad,son of late Jamuna Nishad. Amrendra is also SP candidate from Pipraich. BJP has been working day and night to keep the community in good faith. It realises the fact that Yogi Adityanath factor puts Nishads at unease. Jamuna Nishad in his life time had been a symbol of resistance to Yogi's politics. The high stakes in the region is evident by fact that Akhilesh has held atleast 5 rallies in different constituencies of Gorakhpur. Amit Shah had been constantly visiting Gorakhpur and is concluding the campaign in the city with a grand road show on Feburary 2, the last day of Phase 6 campaign. BJP's state general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak, however, denies any threat to BJP's poll prospects. Pathak says "We are a political party and all leaders from top to bottom play a role in the election exercise. Varanasi and Gorakhpur are no doubt the areas of key focus. People of UP are with BJP and the party will form a Majority government." Varanasi: The last phase of polling in UP will see a direct face-off between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul-Akhilesh combine in the battle ground Varanasi. On Saturday, while Prime Minister will be in his home constituency for a good nine hours, SP-Congress will hold a road show in the heart of the city. Forty seats including eight in Varanasi will be polling next Wednesday. It is expected Prime Minister will be holding three election meetings in the run up to the voting here. A rally each is being planned by the BJP in Varanasi, Mirzapur and Jaunpur. But the real fight will be in high profile Varanasi which elected Modi to Lok Sabha by a margin of over three lakh votes in 2014. Prime Minister in the last phase of campaign is also expected to visit Kashi Vishwanath and Temples in the city on 4th February after addressing a rally in Jaunpur. The same day Rahul-Akhilesh will be holding a roadshow in the heart of the city through the same route PM is expected to take to Kal Bhairav Mandir. "We want to engage the PM in his home constituency as much as possible as BJP did to Rahul in Amethi during Lok Sabha polls" ; says a Congres leader. UP CM Akhilesh Yadav had in a conversation with CNN News18 week earlier this week challenged the PM to hold a rally each in all assembly segments of Varanasi. "We will still manage to win a majority seats in Varanasi" ; said Akhilesh. Prime Minister according a tentative campaign schedule is likely to return to Varanasi on the 5th and will spend a night in his constituency. Top ministers and poll managers of the BJP have been camping in Kashi in the run up to the last lap of the seven phased UP polls. " We are comfortably placed here. The upper caste and non-Yadav OBC mobilisation is complete in thr last two phases. We have struck alliances with smaller parties like Apna Dal and it is working well on the ground" ; says a BJP leader in Varanasi. Ujjain: In a bizarre statement, RSS activist and Ujjain office bearer Kundan Chandravat on Thursday said that whoever beheads Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will receive a massive reward of one crore rupees. Blaming the Kerala Government and CM Pinarayi Vijayan for the killings of RSS workers in the state, Chandravat also said he will sell off his entire property to collect the reward money. Bhupendra Singh, home minister of Madhya Pradesh, however, defended Chandravat and said that the killing of activists is an emotional issue and needs attention since most of it is being done with the protection of the state government. "I am sure that Chandravat didn't literally mean to do whatever he said. He must have been overcome by emotions due the increasing deaths of Hindus in the region. The entire country is angry due to the killings that happen in Northern Kerala," Singh added. Kerala MP MB Rajesh has denied that there was a law and order issue in the state and termed the killings as mere political violence between two opposing camps. "This is utter nonsense. Law and order is much better in Kerala than in Madhya Pradesh. There are only a few political killings", Rajesh told CNN-News18 over the phone. Kannur district in Kerala's north is considered the cradle of the Communist movement in the state which also leads in tit-for-tat killings between the ruling CPM and RSS workers. The rivalry between the CPM and the RSS in Kerala has always been a murderous one. In October 2016, there were six murders three of RSS-BJP workers and three of CPM workers in Kannur after the assembly elections in May in the home district of the Kerala CM. In February 2016, a 22-year-old member of the youth wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Abdul Shukoor, was killed allegedly by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activists publicly. As if that was not enough, the killers sent gory pictures of the victim on MMS to IUML leaders. Shukoor was targeted for ambushing a local CPI-M leader, P Jayarajan, and party legislator TV Rajesh. : A wary China on Thursday said it will work with the international community to fight terrorism after Islamic State fighters from Uighur ethnic minority in troubled Xinjiang vowed to return home and "shed blood like rivers"."I want to emphasise that in recent years the East Turkestan terrorist forces represented by the ETIM (East Turkistan Islamic Movement) are sending fighters to conflict zones and strengthening their collusion with international terrorist forces, posing severe danger to security and stability of relevant countries and the region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media."We are ready to work with the international community to continue fighting the East Turkestan terrorist forces," he said without elaborating.He said ETIM, which China blames for spate of violent attacks in Xinjiang and other provinces, pose a grave threat on security and stability of China and the region. "We will work with the international community in jointly fighting East Turkestan terrorist forces," he said.Islamic State militants from Uighur ethnic minority in a half-hour video released on Monday vowed to return home and "shed blood like rivers", said the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, in what experts said marked the first IS threat against Chinese targets.In the video a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant. "In retaliation for the tears that flow from the eyes of the oppressed we will make your blood flow in rivers, by the will of God," one fighter featured in the video said, speaking in native Uighur language.The video release was timed with the massive counter terrorism drills by Chinese security forces in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, where Beijing also reported to have deployed aircraft and helicopters.Uighurs are Turkik speaking Muslims who constitute a majority in the sprawling resource-rich Xinjiang bordering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan. Many Uighurs complain of cultural and religious repression and discrimination by China.China blames ETIM, an Al Qaeda affiliated outfit, for violent attacks in the restive region.Pakistan in the past launched counter-terrorism operations in its remote tribal areas to destroy Uighur militants bases following pressure from China.In the recent past, several Uighur youths, who have ethnic affiliation in Turkey, have reportedly crossed over to Syria in big numbers and joined the Islamic State. China has been saying that it is bracing for their return to cause more violence in Xinjiang and rest of the country. Jerusalem: In its efforts to attract Indian tourists, Israel has increased its promotional budgetary allocation to USD 2.5 million in the last two years and plans to ease visa norms, senior officials have said. "We realise that India is going to be one of the top three countries sending tourists to Israel and so we have started to invest a lot in marketing our tourism potential there," Director General of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, Amir Halevi said. "We have already opened a tourist office in India. We also launched our first campaign last year which was a big success. We also got an award for it saying it had the same level of impact as Pepsi in India," he told PTI. "Right now about 50,000 Indians are coming to Israel every year. There is a huge potential given India's size and this number can be easily doubled in a very short time. Indian tourists generally spend more than the average tourist which also makes them an attractive target. The marketing budget has been increased by ten times to USD 2.5 million compared to what it was two years ago", Halevi said. When asked about concerns related to visa issuance to Indians and also subsequent problems to such visitors in travelling to the Arab world, he said the process has been made "better and would be even easier". "The visa process is now better and hopefully would be even easier. A tourist from India looking to get visa stamped on paper can get it that way and there will really be no problem with that," he said. A spokesperson to the ministry said that, "given the importance of India as an emerging market for incoming tourism to Israel, the Tourism Ministry has submitted a request to ease the visa restrictions on Indian tour groups wishing to visit the country." "It is hoped that this request will be granted in the near future, reducing the wait time for a group visa to five working days," she said. However, the "game changer" in these efforts is going to be the expected introduction of direct Air India (AI) flights between India and Israel later this year, Halevi said. Discussions regarding the launch of Air India direct flights is said to have started last year and as per sources at the Israeli tourism ministry, the Chairman and Managing Director of AI, Ashwani Lohani, and its Commerce Director Pankaj Srivastava are likely to visit Israel in the next few days. "Hopefully Air India would soon start direct flights between India and Tel Aviv which is going to be a game changer increasing manifold the number of tourists coming from India to Israel. The number of tourists from China to Israel doubled in one year after the start of direct flight by Hainan Airlines. We expect something similar with India", Halevi said. Israeli government has also been striving hard, though unsuccessfully, for a while to attract Bollywood filmmakers to shoot their films here. "We have already met several agents and people from the industry. We are looking for opportunities and the moment we see something like that we will collaborate with them. We are prepared to create the right setting to bring Bollywood filmmakers to Israel," Halevi said. Dealing with other concerns related to the ongoing conflict in the region, the Israeli official said that tourists "rather feel safe here." "Regarding the conflict, several countries across the world have become victims of terror and nobody can predict where it is going to strike next. In Israel, we have a lot of experience in dealing with it which makes tourists feel safe here." "That is why there was an increase in number of tourists coming here last year while there was a decrease in Europe at the same time. We hope to keep up the momentum," Halevi said. Kuala Lumpur: A North Korean man will be released from custody because of lack of evidence connecting him to the fatal nerve agent attack on Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half brother of North Korea's ruler, Malaysian officials said on Thursday. In a major fallout from the assassination, Malaysia also announced it was scrapping visa-free travel for North Koreans. Officials never said why they arrested Ri Jong Chol four days after Kim was attacked at Kuala Lumpur's bustling airport. On Thursday, Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali said Ri will be released and deported because he does not have valid travel documents. The attack was caught on grainy security camera footage that showed two women smearing something on Kim's face as he waited for a flight in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 13. Malaysian officials say the substance was VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon. Kim was dead within an hour as the fast-acting poison coursed through his body, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. The poisoning has unleashed a serious diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. While it isn't one of Pyongyang's key diplomatic partners, Malaysia has been one of the few places in the world where North Koreans could travel without a visa. As a result, for years, it's been a quiet destination for Northerners looking for jobs, schools and business deals. That could all begin to change in the wake of Kim's death. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free arrangement with North Korea will be scrapped from Monday due to national security. He also slammed the North Korean ambassador in Kuala Lumpur who accused Malaysia of "trying to conceal something" and "colluding with hostile forces." "We don't want to make enemies, but if they had used Malaysia for their own agenda, they should not accuse Malaysia and tarnish our image on the international stage," Zahid said. "We will act firmly to guarantee the safety of our people. Don't ever use Malaysia as a base to do anything you like." The two female suspects caught in the security footage were charged with murder in a Malaysian court Wednesday. They face the mandatory death sentence if convicted. Both say they were duped into thinking they were taking part in a harmless prank. "I understand but I am not guilty," Vietnamese suspect Doan Thi Huong told the court in English after the murder charge was read. The other suspect, Indonesian Siti Aisyah, nodded as her translator told her, "You are accused of murdering a North Korean man at the departure hall" of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The women did not enter pleas because the magistrate court where they appeared has no jurisdiction over a murder case. Lead prosecutor Iskandar Ahmad told the court he will ask for the case to be transferred to a higher court and for the women to be tried together. In the surveillance video, Huong was seen clearly in a T-shirt with "LOL" emblazoned across the front. Both women were originally from modest farming villages and had moved to their countries' capitals seeking a better life. Also Wednesday, the court approved a gag order to prevent police and potential witnesses from making public statements about the case. North Korea is widely speculated to be behind the killing, particularly after Malaysia said that VX had killed Kim. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory. North Korea's official news agency called that finding the "height of absurdity" on Wednesday, saying the two women could not have used such a deadly toxin without killing or sickening themselves and anyone around them. North Korea opposed Malaysian officials even conducting an autopsy on Kim, while Malaysia has resisted giving up the body without getting DNA samples and confirmation from next of kin. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Authorities are seeking seven other North Korean suspects, four of whom fled the country the day of Kim's death and are believed to be back in North Korea. Others sought include the second secretary of North Korea's Embassy and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline, Air Koryo. Kim Jong Nam was estranged from his half brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He reportedly fell out of favor with their father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. Isolated North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. A Hellfire missile fired by a CIA drone killed al-Qaeda leader Abu al-Khayr al-Masri late on Sunday while he was riding in a car near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, a US intelligence official said on Wednesday. The 59-year-old al-Masri, whose real name was Abdullah Muhammed Rajab Abdul Rahman, was second-in-command to the group's leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and a member of its shura council, said the official, who was briefed on the attack and spoke on condition of anonymity. He also was married to one of Osama bin Laden's daughters, the official added. CNN first reported the strike. The official said Masri, as he was widely known, had sought refuge in Iran after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, and was believed to have been in Syria helping to direct Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, an al-Qaeda branch previously called the Nusra Front, the official said. The Iranians released him from house arrest almost two years ago, in exchange for a diplomat being held hostage in Yemen by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the official said. An Iranian diplomat held hostage in Yemen since 2013 returned home to Tehran in 2015 amid conflicting accounts of how he was freed from his unidentified abductors. At the time Iran said the diplomat had been rescued by an Iranian intelligence operation in Yemen. But Yemeni media run by the Iran-allied Houthi group said the diplomat was freed in a prisoner exchange that took place in another country. Masri's death was the end of an almost 19-year US hunt for him. A second US official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said Masri was thought to be one of the planners of the 1998 attacks on the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Geneva: Syria's opposition is counting on the new US Trump administration to play a "positive" role to end the country's six-year war, after "catastrophic" policy mistakes under President Barack Obama, an official said. The High Negotiating Committee (HNC), the main opposition group at UN-sponsored talks in Geneva, said it can help rein in Iran's influence in the conflict, which has killed over 310,000 people. But speaking as the week-old Geneva talks draw towards a close with little sign of progress, HNC delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri said everyone is waiting for the new US administration of President Donald Trump to engage. "We are here to... send a message to the new American administration which is trying... to fight terrorism, that we are the side working for peace and security in Syria. "We are the side which is ready to be a real partner in fighting terrorism on the ground," he told a small group of journalists late Wednesday. Syrian regime and opposition negotiators have been in Geneva since last Thursday, but there have been no face-to-face talks, as UN mediator Staffan de Mistura shuttles between the delegations. The talks are expected to wrap up either on Wednesday or this weekend, with little concrete progress to announce. Obama stressed the need for President Bashar al-Assad's departure as part of any solution, but that goal wasn't achieved. The new US administration has made it clear that its key priority in Syria is fighting Islamic State group jihadists. Al-Hariri added: "The Syrian people are paying the price because of the Obama administration's catastrophic mistakes. "Obama who lied to the Syrian people, who promised and didn't deliver, he drew red lines and erased it by himself, who said nothing about Assad's crimes." He said that on "confinement of the Iranian influence... I think we can be an effective partner regarding this issue". "Lots of countries are willing to support us... these countries are waiting for an American role because no one can work effectively but with an American role that gives legitimacy to all these measures. "We hope that the new American administration would build its positions based on serious facts and to... bring back an effective American role in the region after the degrading role by Obama." Virginias more than 40 distilleries soon will be able to sell bottles of their products at in-state festivals and events focused on spirits starting early this summer. Prior to passage of the identical bills SB 1448 and HB 2029 in the General Assemblys 2017 session distillers only were permitted to sell their products through Virginia ABC stores and in highly regulated amounts in on-site tasting rooms. Customers also could purchase bottles of distilled spirits at ABC-approved, on-site distillery stores. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, and Del. Nicholas Freitas, R-Culpeper, sponsored the respective bills. The legislation, set to take effect June 1, was presented by the Virginia Distillers Association, a newly formed lobby organization formed by the states distillers to fight for loosening regulations on the tightly controlled industry. According to VDA lobbyist Curtis Coleburn, the legislation helps distillers reach more customers and increase their sales. Theyve been able to go to these events and do tastings, but then if someone found something that they like, they would have to tell them to go to the local ABC store to buy it, Coleburn said. This will allow them to satisfy some of that instant gratification. Currently VDA has two spirit festivals in the works for distillers to sell their products. The Virginia Craft Spirits Showcase is planned for Sept. 16 at Roanokes City Market Building. The Coastal Virginia Spirits Classic will take place in Hampton Roads this fall. For small distillers like Dome & Spear in Evington that do not have tasting rooms, being able to bring products to festivals to sell to a wide range of customers is a huge benefit. If youve got a festival, you can hit thousands of people at once, said Charles McCauley, owner of Dome & Spear. It would definitely help because right now Im confined to selling in ABC stores. The legislation also is popular with organizations that host these events. Thomas Jeffersons Poplar Forest partners with Virginia Distillery Company to hold tasting events like Barrels, Bottles and Casks, where visitors take a tour through the house and sample different beverages. The new legislation allows visitors to then purchase full bottles of the products they tasted on the tour. This will be a great opportunity for [Virginia Distillery] to sell their product, said Jeff Nichols, director of Poplar Forest. Its a new opportunity to get a different audience to come see Poplar Forest. On the other hand, Denver Riggleman, Republican gubernatorial candidate and owner of Silverback Distillery in Afton, thinks the legislation is not enough to create parity between Virginia distilleries and its wineries and breweries. Its a good start, but the bill is really symbolic, Riggleman said. Yeah we can sell bottles at festivals now, but it doesnt relieve the heavy tax burden we are under as distilleries. Currently Virginia distilleries are required to send all of their profits directly to the Virginia ABC, and a portion of those profits are sent back after taxes are deducted for all three levels of government. The state levies a 20 percent excise tax on sales of distilled alcohol, localities get sales tax and the federal government collects $13.50 per proof gallon. A proof gallon is one liquid gallon of spirits that is 50 percent alcohol at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to extra taxes on liquor not added to beer or wine, distilleries have to submit quarterly reports of progress and the purchase of all materials. If you have a brewery, youve got to have a license, but you dont have to have the ridiculous report filing you have to have for a distillery, McCauley said. You really have to account for every drop you make. If [the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau] comes to audit you, then you have to come up with all of those records. Even the raw materials, you have to report how much you bought each month. Last year, the General Assembly increased the limit on how much distillers could sell in their tasting rooms from two ounces to three. The growing market for craft distilled spirits in the state is no cause for concern, according to the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association. Phil Boykin, the organizations president and CEO, said they are not worried about more competition. Let the marketplace work, he said. Beer, wine and liquor compete every day, so lets let the consumers choose. Despite gains for the industry, VDA Executive Director Amy Ciarametaro said the recent bills are only the beginning for laws meant to ease regulations and open up more economic development opportunities for the states distilled spirits industry. We believe this is a logical and sensible next step as far as being able to get more product in front of consumers, she said. Virginia ABC spokesman Kathleen Shaw said the agency is not aware of any enforcement concerns relating to the legislation. A judge granted secured bond this week to a man accused of threatening on Facebook Live to shoot up a Bank of America branch on Langhorne Road. David Eugene Bennett, 37, of Christiansburg, faces a felony charge of threat to bomb, burn or damage a building. Lynchburg police said they arrested Bennett at the bank branch Feb. 21 without incident after he made the threat on social media. No employees or customers were injured in the incident, police said. Bennett was taken to Blue Ridge Regional Jail. The Bedford County Sheriffs Office and Campbell County Sheriffs Office assisted Lynchburg police with the case. Bennett appeared Monday before Lynchburg General District Judge Sam Eggleston III, who gave him a $10,000 secured bond and ordered pretrial services, no firearm possession, no illegal drugs and drug testing. Bennett also was barred from the Bank of America at 2200 Langhorne Road. Prosecutors opposed bond based on Bennetts arrest history and nature of the current alleged offense. According to Bethany Harrison, deputy commonwealths attorney, Bennett has pending charges of disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order in Roanoke and trespass and obstruction of justice in Campbell County. Bennetts next Lynchburg court date is a preliminary hearing set for April 7. Update: Power has been restored to hundreds of customers after todays weather caused power outages, according to Appalachian Power. The largest outage in Lynchburg, which spanned from the intersection of McConville Road and Woodway Drive to 3 Creeks Court and started at about 12:53 p.m., affected more than 350 people, according to the Appalachian Power website. The company will provide an update on any remaining power outages tomorrow at 10 a.m., according to its website. Appalachian Power requested an additional 400 workers from outside the service area to assist with restoration efforts. However, those workers were unable to help until the storm passed completely, according to the website. Appalachian Power issued a safety message early Wednesday afternoon asking citizens to avoid touching downed utility wires and anything that in contact with downed utility wires such as trees or fences. Earlier: Todays weather caused more than 350 power outages in the Lynchburg area as of 6:30 p.m., according to Appalachian Power. The outage spans from the intersection of McConville Road and Woodway Drive to 3 Creeks Court and started at about 12:53 p.m. It is expected to be resolved at about 11 p.m. tonight. In Bedford, there is an outage on Kincannon Road that has left 52 customers without power since about 12:46 p.m., according to the Appalachian Power website, but is expected to be restored by 8 p.m. In Virginia, about 9,200 customers were without electric service, as of 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, but the storm was still moving through the area, Appalachian Powers website stated. Update: According to Appalachian Powers website, the company still is assessing damages and may provide new estimated restoration times Thursday morning. Appalachian Power has requested an additional 400 workers from outside the service area to assist with restoration efforts, but those workers wont be able to help until the storm has passed completely, according to the website. Appalachian Power issued a safety message asking citizens to avoid touching downed utility wires and anything that is in contact with a downed utility wire such as trees and fences. Though Appalachian Power stated a majority of damage has occurred in West Virginia, the National Weather Service warned that the re-intensification of storms still is possible later today, especially south of Highway 460. Citing a climate of fear and uncertainty, the administration of Gov. Terry McAuliffe has issued guidance to Virginias public schools on how to respond if federal immigration officials seek information about students and their parents. The nearly 1,200-word memo from state Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples shared with schools Tuesday and publicized by the administration Wednesday reminded school workers not to disclose a students immigration status and encouraged officials to develop a plan for what to do if a childs caretaker is detained or deported. President (Donald) Trumps unprecedented modifications to long-standing immigration policies have led to fear and uncertainty in many of our communities, McAuliffe said through a spokesman. So let me be clear: the commonwealth will continue to be a welcoming place for all students and families, and my administration remains committed to honoring our constitutional obligation to provide each and every pupil with a free and high-quality public education, regardless of immigration status. The state Department of Education is not aware of a recent instance in which a students caretaker had been deported but has fielded concerns from public school officials across the state unsure of how to quell students anxieties, Staples said. In turn, administrators have asked for help in interpreting what they should and should not do if federal officials ask for information. Guidance is more helpful before anything happens than after, Staples said in an interview. We really sat down and tried to give both legal and practical advice. Last week, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, and Chicago Public Schools chief education officer issued similar guidance to public school workers faced with a growing uncertainty over how far Trumps pledge to bolster immigration enforcement may extend. Staples issued the advice to local superintendents on Tuesday as reports trickled out that Trump might be open to a compromise on immigration reform that could include a path to citizenship for some undocumented residents. That opening which came in remarks to select media outlets was not included Tuesday night in Trumps address to Congress in which he reiterated his commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement and touted the establishment of an office dedicated to assisting victims of crimes perpetrated by undocumented immigrants. The office was included among executive orders Trump signed in January that target so-called sanctuary cities, seek to speed the pace of deportations, expand the circumstances under which someone would be prioritized for removal from the U.S., and ramp up hiring of immigration officers. These more robust efforts will not reverse a standing policy against conducting enforcement activities on school grounds, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. The agency issued a statement about the policy in response to specific questions about information gathering in public schools: The ICE sensitive locations policy, which remains in effect, provides that enforcement actions at sensitive locations should generally be avoided, and require either prior approval from an appropriate supervisory official or exigent circumstances necessitating immediate action. But school officials remain wary. Its a wrenching feeling in our guts that children cannot only physically be afraid but emotionally be afraid that their parents may not be there when they go home, Virginia Board of Education President Billy K. Cannaday Jr. said in a meeting last week. Staples focused the memo on four questions that were composites of queries his office received from superintendents. The first few hinged on ascertaining school officials role in the balance between students rights and immigration officials authority; the last asked what schools should do to prepare students for a situation in which their caretaker were deported, and what actions schools can take to be supportive of students and families who fear deportation. All boil down to this, Staples said: How do you protect kids while living up to your expectations as a public official? The state does not gather nor are school districts allowed to provide information about students immigration status. That data is not tracked, nor is it needed, said Staples. I dont think schools see the need to classify students around (status), Staples said. Its really about the child in front of me how do I meet their needs? The U.S. Supreme Court ruled decades ago that public schooling should be provided to all children regardless of immigration status, a decision cited by Richmond Public Schools officials in response to specific questions about what the school system is doing to prepare students. As an inclusive school district, we embrace our diverse population and recognize the importance of creating a safe, comfortable teaching and learning environment for everyone, Richmond schools spokeswoman Kenita Bowers said in an email. School officials in Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover either did not or were not able to provide specific answers to what actions those districts were taking to prepare students for the possibility a caretaker could be deported. For many school workers, where a student was born and how they got here has not been critical, but all that has changed as rhetoric around immigration enforcement ramped up with the election of Trump. It didnt matter, Staples said. (Then) all of a sudden, it did matter. State Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Augusta, said state education officials should provide guidance to local districts but questioned whether the advice would clarify a complicated situation or further confuse people living these issues on a daily basis. He said officials on the state and local levels have been quick to grandstand over immigration issues but noted that enforcement is a federal responsibility. My hope is that this wont cause any more confusion about whose responsibility is whose, Landes said. I think that ultimately the federal government trumps whatever the state government has to say about all this. Left to discern for themselves what the coming months will bring, undocumented immigrants are availing themselves of legal workshops designed to inform them of what rights they have if they come in contact with enforcement agents, said Tanishka Cruz with the Legal Aid Justice Centers immigrant advocacy program. Cruz said two meetings last month drew crowds of 150 to 200 people in central Virginia, where advocates helped immigrant parents lay out their wishes for what should happen to their children if they were deported. You dont want to try to figure all of this out when youre in the middle of all that chaos, Cruz said. Right now, it feels for a lot of people like everything is out of control, but you cant stop going to work, you cant stop sending your kids to school, and you cant be paralyzed by fear. CHRISTIANSBURG The man accused of murdering Blacksburg teen Nicole Lovell is scheduled for a 10-day jury trial beginning Nov. 6. The new court date for David Edmond Eisenhauer, 20, of Columbia, Maryland, restores a timeline that was removed from the case last month. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert Turk agreed in February to Eisenhauer's attorneys' request to delay a trial that was slated to begin next week. But the judge held off choosing a new date until attorneys and court officials had time to align their schedules. Attorneys still are scheduled to be in court Monday to make arguments about allowing media cameras into the courtroom for future coverage of the case. Also Monday, Turk is scheduled to hear arguments from attorneys for Eisenhauer's co-defendant, Natalie Marie Keepers, 20, of Laurel, Maryland, about moving her trial from its scheduled March 27 start. Keepers' trial, also scheduled to be in front of a jury, has been set to run five days. In a court filing last week, Keepers' attorneys said that they needed more time to review evidence, including a recently submitted psychological evaluation of their client. Eisenhauer is charged with first-degree murder, abduction and concealing a body. Keepers is charged with being an accessory before the fact to first-degree murder and with concealing a body. Both were Virginia Tech engineering freshmen when they were arrested last year, Eisenhauer and Keepers are accused of plotting to lure Lovell, 13, from her family's home in Blacksburg and kill her in the national forest near Craigs Creek Road. According to court documents and testimony, Eisenhauer had met Lovell at a party in December 2015, a month or slightly more before she was killed. Keepers later told investigators that Eisenhauer said that he may have had sex with the 13-year-old and that she might have been pregnant but he was not sure because he had blacked out after the party. Keepers said that Eisenhauer said he had not realized how young Lovell was until later. Eisenhauer told another friend that he was worried that a young girl with whom he had a relationship would expose him, and that he needed a place to hide a body. CHRISTIANSBURG The man accused of murdering Blacksburg teenager Nicole Lovell is scheduled for a 10-day jury trial beginning Nov. 6. The new court date for David Edmond Eisenhauer, 20, of Columbia, Md., restores a timeline that was removed from the case last month. Montgomery County Circuit Judge Robert Turk agreed in February to Eisenhauers attorneys request to delay a trial that was slated to begin next week. Attorneys still are scheduled to be in court on Monday to make arguments about allowing media cameras into the courtroom for future coverage of the case. Also Monday, Turk is scheduled to hear arguments from attorneys for Eisenhauers co-defendant, Natalie Marie Keepers, 20, of Laurel, Md., about moving her trial from its scheduled March 27 start. Keepers trial, also scheduled to be in front of a jury, has been set to run five days. In a court filing last week, Keepers attorneys said that they needed more time to review evidence, including a recently submitted psychological evaluation of their client. Eisenhauer is charged with first-degree murder, abduction and concealing a body. Keepers is charged with being an accessory before the fact to first-degree murder and with concealing a body. Eisenhauer and Keepers both of whom were Virginia Tech engineering freshmen when they were arrested are accused of plotting to lure Lovell, 13, from her familys home in Blacksburg and kill her. According to court documents and testimony, Eisenhauer had met Lovell at a party in December 2015, a month or slightly more before she was killed. Keepers later told investigators that Eisenhauer said that he may have had sex with the 13-year-old and that she might have been pregnant but he was not sure because he had blacked out after the party. Keepers said that Eisenhauer said he had not realized how young Lovell was until later. The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed a lower court to re-examine whether the Virginia General Assembly unconstitutionally stuffed African-American voters into certain districts, opening the door to a new political map that could reshape the Republican-controlled state legislature. Anti-gerrymandering advocates hailed the courts opinion as a victory in the pursuit of more competitive elections, though the final outcome of the case remains unclear. With two justices partially dissenting, the Supreme Court told the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to reconsider the matter using a different legal standard that could make it easier to prove lawmakers improperly prioritized race above other redistricting criteria when redrawing House of Delegates districts in 2011. The case centers on whether the use of a 55 percent African-American voting threshold, which lawmakers defended as a way to preserve majority-black districts, amounted to impermissible, race-based gerrymandering. I am extremely confident that when this is examined again by the trial court using the appropriate standard, the challenged districts will be struck down as unconstitutional, Marc E. Elias, a Democratic lawyer who brought the redistricting challenge on behalf of a group of African-American voters, said in an interview. With all 100 seats in the House up for election this year, Elias said he expects the lower court to move quickly so that the people of Virginia can get relief. Republicans hold 66 of the 100 seats, despite Virginia tilting Democratic in recent elections in statewide races. A redrawing of the House lines likely would benefit Democrats by making Republican-held districts more competitive. House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, expressed disappointment with the court ruling but said, The plaintiffs in this case did not prevail. The Supreme Court declined the plaintiffs request to find that the districts are unconstitutional, Howell said. The Supreme Court overruled the way in which the district court analyzed the case. We have read the courts opinion and are quite confident that we will win when we go back to the district court. The plaintiffs claim the process unconstitutionally packed black voters into certain districts and diluted their voting power elsewhere. The GOP-controlled House has argued that the racial floor was necessary to comply with a section of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states to clear all electoral changes with the Department of Justice to preserve the civil rights of black voters. The Virginia State Conference of the NAACP applauded the courts decision. This type of racial gerrymandering is dangerous to our democracy and causes tremendous harm to communities of color, the groups president, Linda Thomas, said in a statement. House Minority Leader David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said the decision could force the General Assembly to reconvene to draw new boundaries for the 11 districts in question, located mainly in the Richmond, Petersburg and Hampton Roads regions. Were looking forward to having new lines drawn that are constitutionally defensible and give voters a chance to elect the people of their choice in their districts, Toscano said. Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffes office said it was reviewing the opinion but said it appears to be a victory for democracy in Virginia. The governor has long believed that Virginias Republican-drawn legislative maps are an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. This is the second consecutive Supreme Court decision in support of that position. Last May, the high court upheld a new, court-imposed congressional map in Virginia after a similar racial gerrymandering challenge led by Elias, who served as general counsel for Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign. That case allowed Democrats to pick up the redrawn, Richmond-centered 4th District, now represented by Rep. A. Donald McEachin, a former state senator. The redistricting reform group OneVirginia2021 is pursuing a state-level challenge to the General Assembly map. In Wednesdays opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that the lower federal court erred by finding the challengers had to prove that racial criteria conflicted with other redistricting considerations, such as protecting incumbent lawmakers. In the majority opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the high court ruled that racial motives are the paramount issue, not post hoc justifications the legislature in theory could have used but in reality did not. The Equal Protection Clause does not prohibit misshapen districts, Kennedy wrote. It prohibits unjustified racial classifications. The lower court found that race did not predominate because lawmakers considered other race-neutral criteria to varying degrees. By deploying those factors in various combinations and permutations, a state could construct a plethora of potential maps that look consistent with traditional, race-neutral principles, Kennedy wrote. But if race for its own sake is the overriding reason for choosing one map over others, race still may predominate. The lower court found that race was the overriding factor in House District 75, represented by Del. Roslyn C. Tyler, D-Sussex, but the racial floor was appropriate in that district because it was tailored specifically to comply with the Voting Rights Acts protections against retrogression in majority-black districts. The Supreme Court upheld that portion of the earlier ruling, while questioning the legislatures decision to apply the 55 percent floor to all the districts in question. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, two of the courts most conservative members, dissented in part from the opinion. Both suggested the court could have decided itself whether race was a dominant factor rather than leaving the question to the lower court. Alito wrote that the legislatures admission that it intentionally drew all 12 districts as majority-black districts shows that race was a major factor and could have led the court to consider whether race had been considered constitutionally. Thomas objected to the use of race in redistricting altogether, saying he believes portions of the Voting Rights Act are unconstitutional. To comply with the acts Section 5, a provision adopted in 1965 to prevent black voter suppression, a state necessarily must make a deliberate and precise effort to sort its citizens on the basis of their race. But that result is fundamentally at odds with our color-blind Constitution, which neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens, Thomas wrote, citing Justice John Marshall Harlans dissent in the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson case that upheld racial segregation of public facilities under the separate but equal doctrine. Despite my sympathy for the state, I cannot ignore the Constitutions clear prohibition on state-sponsored race discrimination. Elias said he didnt buy Thomas argument that lawmakers were in a lose-lose situation when considering race in redistricting. The fact is that all the state of Virginia had to do was follow the law and follow the Constitution, Elias said. Instead, it took a cynical shortcut. The case is Bethune-Hill v. Virginia State Board of Elections. Suzanne Munninger Seidel (Suzy to her multitude of friends) age 65, of Lynchburg, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal life, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Suzy, the daughter of Karl and Margaret Munninger, was born in Bremerhaven, Germany, where her father, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was stationed. Suzy grew up in Albany, New York, she attended GuilderlandHigh School. While at Radford College, she met her future husband and love of her life, Rob (a student at Virginia Tech). Suzy and Rob married in Albany, New York, in 1973. After her husband finished law school, Suzy and Rob moved to Virginia Beach where they lived in the Kempsville areafor 39 years before retiring to Lynchburg in 2014. Suzy dedicated her life to providing a loving and happy home for her husband, four children and nine grandchildren, involving herself in their activities and education. Her joy in life was to volunteer her time and talentshelping others, teaching religious education and serving as a Minister to the Sick. In Virginia Beach, Suzy was active in the Providence Elementary School PTA where she served as President and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was an activemember of St. Gregory the GreatCatholic Church serving on parish council and as a Eucharistic Minister. Suzy worked for many years as a Victim-Witness Advocate with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office retiring in 2013. Her nurturing skills and sympathy for victims earned her wide acclaim throughout the criminal justice system in Virginia Beach. Suzy was a stranger to no one and a friend for life to those she met. She loved spending time with friends, over a glass of wine, and with her family. She inherited a flair for entertaining from her mother,hosting dinner parties for family, friends and neighbors which were filled with laughter, lively conversation and often lasting well into the night. In her spare time Suzy loved to sew and smock spending hours in her sewing room making clothing for her nine grandchildren. Shewas an ambassador of goodwill, enjoyingher travels to Europe, especially the Tuscan countryside. In Lynchburg, Suzy became a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Lynchburg Newcomers Club and enjoyed making new friends while sewing, quilting and playing bridge. Suzy was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved stepfather, Dr. Paul F. Formel. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert Joseph Seidel Jr.; and their children, Virginia Weinstein ofCharleston, S.C., Suzanne Richmond(Andrew) of Virginia Beach, Va., Robert Joseph Seidel III (Kathleen) of Charleston, S.C., and Elizabeth Seidel Sloan (Will) of Lynchburg, Va.; and nine beautiful grandchildren, which she adored. Suzy is survived by hersister, Patricia M. Coover ofArizona; brothers, Karl Munninger Jr. ofNevada and Michael Munninger ofArizona; and many loving nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Diuguid Funeral Service, Wigginton Road, Lynchburg,on Friday, March 3, 2017, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with aVigil Prayer Service. A Funeral Liturgy Mass, celebrating her life, will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 12 noon at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay Street, Lynchburg, Virginia. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Centra Hospice, Lynchburg, Virginia. Having spent her life serving others, the family and Suzy are most appreciative and indebted for their exceptional care, comfort and compassion. Federal research grant funding at the University of Virginias School of Medicine rose $25 mil-lion, or almost 25 percent, last year, bringing UVa into 35th place nationwide. UVa won a total of $126 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health in 2016, which doles out research funding to selected projects around the country. The university won $101 million in grant funding in 2015. Dr. David Wilkes, dean of the School of Medicine, reported the findings to the Board of Visitors on Thursday morning. Wilkes said UVas efforts to invest in new technology and an aggressive faculty hiring push, pillars of a long-term plan passed in 2013, are beginning to pay off. UVa is attracting many ap-plicants who want to bring their research to Charlottesville, Wilkes said. The word is out that something is happening at UVa, Wilkes said. Its not just different but something really extraordinary. About 60 percent of the new funding was generated by existing faculty and staff, Wilkes said, while new recruits who brought their grant-funded projects with them accounted for about 40 percent. Rector William H. Goodwin said he wants UVa to push harder and break into the top 20. The first step, he said, is to gain the status of comprehensive cancer center from the National Cancer Institute. The institutions in this category must meet strict standards, but investigators from these comprehensive cancer centers win roughly three-quarters of the investigator-initiated grants from NCI. I think youve done a great job but I think we ought to have some goals, Goodwin said. To get into the medical rankings, we have to face the fact that we need to be a comprehensive cancer center. The UVa Cancer Center is trying to meet the goal of gaining NCIs top tier designation by 2020. The new partnership with Inova finalized in November will give UVa access to a wider pool of patients in Northern Virginia, which will improve UVas ability to run medical trials, Wilkes said. But in the next few years, UVa could face a crunch in research space. That could be a pressing issue, Wilkes said, and the board will need to act soon. Within the next 10 months, if we secure the next round of hires, space will become limited very quickly, he said. 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. Poor Ash Wednesday attendance at schools once again Students average attendance at the secondary level was 18.28 percent this year compared with 22.8 percent last year. At the primary level it was 26.3 percent this year as against 31 percent last year. Poor attendance after Carnival, Seecharan said, is a perennial problem. This year the average attendance of secondary school teachers was 77.6 percent and 81.2 percent for primary school teachers. Education Minister Anthony Garcia, who disclosed the statistics said, We must be concerned and we have to arrest the situation one way or the other. Garcia, Seecharan and Minister in the Ministry of Education Lovell Francis, who addressed the media yesterday on the issue of school attendance on Ash Wednesday at the Education Towers, Port of Spain, commended the teachers for their attendance, but expressed concern at the poor attendance of students. They appealed to parents to send their children out to school today and tomorrow. Francis expressed concern that students not attending schools when they should, was engaging in low productivity which is a cultural phenomenon that could be taught indirectly to children. This situation is not acceptable, he said, and it is not something that we want to translate to our children. Noting that the issue of absenteeism after Carnival was longstanding, Seecharan said the Ministry in the past engaged stakeholders, teachers, principals and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) to look at the issue. We need to bring back on the table, the issue of the week of Carnival, and whether in fact it may be more feasible for us to not have school during the Carnival week, Seecharan said. The recommendation is that the school year will be extended by an additional week to maintain the 39 weeks required for the school year. It is one of the suggestions the Ministry will pursue and hold further discussions with the other stakeholders including the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA) and TTUTA, he said. At the end of the day, notwithstanding what we do at the school, it is up to the parents to send their children to school. In the past, he noted that schools modified their programmes to encourage students to attend classes after the long Carnival weekend but without much success. Somewhere at the back of the minds of parents and students, he said, is the feeling that if children do not go to school they would not miss anything. The Ministrys instructions to schools, he said, is that they proceed with teaching as a normal school day. Former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh said that the recommendation of giving students the one week off during Carnival and taking the week back later in the year had been raised again during his tenure. However, in discussions with stakeholders, he said, it had been shut down. It is an idea that he will support, he said, because students should have 195 teaching days. Due to national holidays, ten bank holidays given to teachers, principals holidays, denominational and other incidental holidays, he said students end up with less than 150 teaching days. Students not turning up for classes after Carnival, he said, added to the problem. Concerned over the fact that so many of our students chose to remain at home, Garcia said, Of course all our students are under the jurisdiction of their parents and the question must be asked, Why do the parents find it necessary to allow so many of their children to remain at home today? Is it because they fear that the teachers would not be in attendance? That fear is unfounded. Students reminded of mandatory fasting for Lent Fr Rodney Eugena told the children that those two days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and that on those days they should not eat any meat. Prompted by the priest, many of the boys said they were also giving up video games for Lent. Eugena was delivering the homily at the schools Ash Wednesday mass held at the Sacred Heart Church, next to the school. He told the students that during the Lenten period they have to fast and pray, share and give alms. He said the Lenten season is an invitation to stop what they liked to do and buy fewer of the things they liked so they would have money to give alms. For instance if we love ice cream, for the Lenten season we have to eat it less. If we love KFC, for the Lenten season we have to eat it less and buy it less also so that we will have money for alms giving. He reminded the students that Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and is a preparation for Easter, adding that this period takes the penitent through the passion, suffering and resurrection of Christ. Eugena said that the ashes reminds the faithful that they are dust and to dust they shall return and is a reminder that they should live a good Christian life and everything that they do should be Christ-like. The first reading of the mass, which was taken from the Biblical book of Joel, called on the people to repent and return to God. There was also a reading from Matthew, done by a student, in which Jesus warned his disciples and followers not to parade their good deeds in public as the hypocrites did and that when they prayed, they should do so in private, not making a public spectacle of themselves. The reading also included a passage about fasting, reminding the congregation that when they fast they should not put on a gloomy look to announce their fast to the world but that they should put oil on their heads and conduct themselves in a way that only God would know that they are fasting. ECA does not agree with week off for Carnival Seecharan made the proposal yesterday at a news conference, at the Ministry of Education, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where Education Minister Anthony Garcia gave a report of Ash Wednesday attendance for both primary and secondary schools. I am not in agreement with that, Francois said. I think that we have to be responsible. We have been asking why Carnival Monday and Tuesday are not declared as public holidays. Francois admitted that some parents do not send their children to school because they themselves did not go to work. We have no hard evidence, but in most of the instances I think its not just the Carnival season, a lot of them go to Carnival camps so I guess that would account for some of them when they come back, they are tired. Snap Snapchat Logo Good morning. Here's everything you need to know in the world of advertising today. 1. Snap is going public at a $24 billion valuation. The company raised $3.4 billion after selling 200 million shares. 2. Facebook's video app launched on Apple TV. The app launched on Samsung Smart TVs earlier this week. 3. These are the 10 most-liked advertising CEOs. Glassdoor data from the past two years classes the best bosses across the industry, from traditional agencies to ad tech companies. 3. Casey Neistat is getting a daily live show on CNN. The broadcaster acqui-hired the YouTube star and his team after buying his app Beme in November. 4. YouTube thinks its popularity with young people gives its TV service an edge. The video streaming platform wants to get its younger audience to pay for their first TV package. 5. Investors are keeping a close eye on Snap's stock price. Many see Facebook, which lost 30% of its value in the first weeks of its IPO, as a cautionary tale. 6. Foursquare is licensing its location data to other companies. The company is making its Pilgrim toolkit, which gives "specific awareness of context in space," available to brands and marketers. 7. Marissa Mayer will not be paid her 2016 bonus. Worth as much as $2 million, the Yahoo CEO is giving it up because of the hacking incidents the company suffered in 2014 and revealed last year. 8. Tesla is holding a contest for its next advertisement. CEO Elon Musk put the plan in motion after he received a letter from a fifth grade student with the idea for the car brand. 9. Snap's Evan Spiegel will make $4.5 billion from the IPO. The CEO and his CTO, Bobby Murphy own the most shares in the company. 10. An American took out an ad in the London Times to say he is the rightful King of England. The man claims he is a descendant of a royal Welsh line from the third century. NOW WATCH: Watch Budweisers Super Bowl ad it makes a strong statement on immigration More From Business Insider Investigators Think They've Solved Mystery of Buried Car in case you missed it Kenyan Runs First Marathon and Wins photos Black Adam Wins in Lull Ahead of Black Panther box office advertisement Among Highest-Earning Dead Celebs, a Surprise Name in case you missed it advertisement Christina Applegate Warns Fans Ahead of Netflix Premiere in case you missed it advertisement 3 Presidents Rally Pennsylvania the rundown Story of Boy, 8, 'Climbing' El Capitan Raises Eyebrows IN CASE YOU MISSED IT advertisement Stephen King Complains, and Elon Musk Responds IN CASE YOU MISSED IT advertisement advertisement After 100 Years, Stolen King Tut Items Located new study Bannon Makes His Next Move in Contempt Case UPDATED No One Has Done This Before in Billboard's History IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Officials are investigating after a bear fell to its death from a helicopter high over the jungles of Thailand last month, the Independent reports. While there's some agreement on the circumstances of the Asian black bear's untimely death, it's unclear exactly how the bear came to find itself on the helicopter in the first place. According to the Bangkok Post, the bear was found hanging around a village near Khao Yai National Park last month. But the Phuket Gazette reports the bear was injured when officials found it last November. And Khaosod reports the bear had spent the last decade being rehabilitated after it was found being kept as an illegal pet. Regardless, the bear found itself being transported by wildlife officials deep into Khao Yai. There are reports of the bear, which had been sedated, waking up in the middle of the trip andfinding itself dangling in a net attached to the helicopterstarting to panic. But an official denies the bear ever woke up. The helicopter encountered bad weather and quickly lost altitude; that's when the bear fell from the net. It appears there may have been a problem with the net itself. The secretary of the Khao Yai Foundation wants officials to face legal action, arguing the bear should have been driven closer to where it was found and not flown deep into the jungle away from its pack. Officials say they wanted to get the bear farther away from nearby villagers and haven't had a problem with helicopters in the past. (This country is horrified by the beating death of a beloved hippo.) The Archdiocese of New York plans to get a $100 million loan to pay victims of sexual abuse within the churchthough it may not be enough. The archdiocese is seeking a one-year mortgage from JPMorgan Chase on land across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral, where the Lotte New York Palace Hotel now sits, according to documents filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, per Reuters. State law requires court approval before a church can mortgage its property. Archdiocese rep Joe Zwilling says "the loan would be used to cover the settlement costs" that have sprung out of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which was set up last October, reports the New York Daily News. The program seeks to compensate victims of clergy sex abuse who vow not to take their cases to court. In many cases, the statute of limitations has already expired; victims must identify themselves by age 23. A mediator says 144 people have filed claims so farmore claims are expectedand 64 settlement offers have been made, though she refused to say how much money victims were being awarded. Even so, an attorney representing one alleged victim doubts $100 million will be enough to settle all the claims. Zwilling appears to agree. He tells CBS New York that "once we know later this year what the final number will be, we will be negotiating a longer-term loan to pay out the costs of the program." (Read more Archdiocese of New York stories.) Tunisian officials are decrying "savage behavior" after visitors to a zoo in Tunis stoned a crocodile to death Tuesday, AFP reports. Officials posted photos of the dead crocodilewith two large, bloody stones next to iton Facebook (Warning: graphic). The crocodile died from internal hemorrhaging after being hit by the two rocks. You cannot imagine what animals endure from some visitors, says a veterinarian at Belvedere Zoo. He says guests have also thrown rocks at hippos and lions. The problem gets worse during school holidays, and the zoo can't station guards outside every enclosure, according to the vet. The International Business Times reports the crocodile isn't the only zoo resident to have been victimized by visitors in recent days. A hippo at a zoo in El Salvador succumbed to its injuries Sunday after being attacked by zoo guests who entered its cage. The hippo, named Gustavito, had been at the San Salvador Zoo for 12 years. It refused to eat following the attack and eventually died from its injuries. (Read more animal cruelty stories.) Todd Kohlhepp is accused of murdering Kala Brown's boyfriend and then keeping Brown chained up on his South Carolina property for two monthsand a newly released indictment against Kohlhepp, who's charged with seven murders, reveals that he may have carried out the same type of crime in the past. In the court documents, authorities say the same crate used for Brown, who was found alive on Nov. 3, 2016, was also used for another woman. Kohlhepp is charged with murdering Johnny Coxie, 29, in Dec. 2015, and keeping his wife, 25-year-old Meagan, in the crate for about six days before shooting her to death and burying her. Authorities say Kohlhepp, 45, told the couple he would pay them to clean properties he was attempting to sell, which is similar to the story he told Brown and her boyfriend, Charlie Carver, before allegedly abducting them. Kohlhepp reportedly told authorities that upon arriving at his property, Johnny Coxie tried to rob him, so Kohlhepp shot him, the Independent Mail reports. He allegedly said he later killed Meagan Coxie "because she upset him," per an investigator's statement. Kohlhepp is charged with the Coxies' murders, the murder of Brown's boyfriend, and four murders inside a motor sports store in 2003, People reports. (Read more Todd Kohlhepp stories.) Senate Democrats seeking President Trump's tax returns hoped a strongly worded letter might finally do the trick. Didn't work. Seven Democrats on the Finance Committee wrote to GOP Chairman Orrin Hatch on Wednesday, asking that he use his authority to make the returns available to the committee for review, reports Reuters. Hatch responded with a letter of his own, rejecting the idea because it would be "an abuse of the tax-writing committees' statutory authority." Still, the letter is seen as a sign that Democrats will continue to push the matter. House Democrats were to deliver a similar one to Hatch and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady on Thursday, this one signed by 140 lawmakerswith the notable inclusion of Republicans Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Walter Jones of North Carolina. The chairmen of the tax-writing committees can review and even make public anyone's return if there's reason for concern, reports CNNMoney. Hatch maintains such action should be taken only after specific allegations of misconduct. In the Senate letter, Democrats cited allegations of Trump's ties to the Russian government and asserted that "unprecedented conflicts of interest pose a threat to American national security and the integrity of the government of the United States." During the presidential campaign, Trump bucked tradition and did not release his returns, saying they were under audit. Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham says he wants all presidential candidates to be required by law to release their returns in 2020including Trump if he runs for re-election, per Politico. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Mar 1, 2017) - Editors Note: There are three photos associated with this press release. Alabama Graphite Corp. ("AGC" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:CSPG)(CSPGF)(1AG.F) is pleased to announce that senior officials of the Company were asked to meet with the Honorable Richard C. Shelby, senior United States Senator for Alabama. Representatives of the Company, including President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Baxter, P.Eng. and Executive Vice President Tyler Dinwoodie, recently met with Senator Shelby in Coosa County, Alabama. Mr. Baxter and Senator Shelby spoke at length. Topics discussed included AGC's sourced-and-made-in-USA battery-ready Coated Spherical Purified Graphite ("CSPG") business model, the Company's U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD") focused business strategy, the recently released ultra-high-purity 99.99997% graphite purity results via the Company's proprietary, environmentally sustainable process, and the upcoming milestones necessary to advance AGC to production, including the Feasibility Study for the flagship Coosa Graphite Project. Additionally, Mr. Baxter discussed the criticality of a secure, accessible domestic supply of battery-ready graphite from within the contiguous United States, in addition to the geopolitical and environmental issues with Chinese-produced graphite and, further, the fact that some Chinese graphite is being sourced from North Korea. Senator Shelby was very well versed on the challenges that the United States faces regarding battery-ready graphite as a strategic, critical material. The Senator expressed a deep appreciation for the importance of maintaining a domestic supply of battery-ready graphite for the DoD's vast battery requirements. Following the meeting, Senator Shelby stated: "I am very interested in domestically sourced-and-manufactured graphite, especially from the great state of Alabama. The DoD has expressed concerns regarding potential export controls from China and the impact to military applications. Alabama Graphite's work is positive for our state's economic growth potential, and is also important to our national security. As a member of the United States Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I intend to address the United States' supply of battery graphite with the Administration and the DoD." Story continues Mr. Baxter and Mr. Dinwoodie met with senior representatives of Senator Shelby, former United States Senator for Alabama and current United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and U.S. Representative Gary Palmer, representing the Alabama's Sixth Congressional District, in Washington, D.C. in late 2016. On behalf of the Board of Directors of ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP. Donald K. D. Baxter, P.Eng., President, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director ABOUT ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP. Alabama Graphite Corp. is a Canadian-based flake graphite exploration and development company as well as an aspiring battery materials production and technology company. The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite Company Inc. (a company registered in the state of Alabama). With an advancing flake graphite project in the United States of America, Alabama Graphite Corp. intends to become a reliable, long-term US supplier of specialty high-purity graphite products, namely Coated Spherical Purified Graphite (CSPG) engineered for use in lithium-ion batteries. A highly experienced team leads the Company with more than 100 years of combined graphite mining, graphite processing, specialty graphite products and applications, advanced battery development and graphite sales experience. Alabama Graphite Corp. is focused on the exploration and development of its flagship Coosa Graphite Project in Coosa County, Alabama, and its Bama Mine Project in Chilton County, Alabama as well the research and development of its proprietary manufacturing and technological processing process of battery materials. Alabama Graphite Corp. holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights for these two US-based graphite projects, which are both located on private land. The two projects encompass more than 43,000 acres and are located in a geopolitically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction with significant historical production of crystalline flake graphite in the flake graphite belt of central Alabama, also known as the Alabama Graphite Belt (source:US Bureau of Mines). A significant portion of the Alabama deposits are characterized by graphite-bearing material that is oxidized and has been weathered into extremely soft rock. Both projects have infrastructure in place, are within close proximity to major highways, rail, power and water, and are approximately three hours (by truck or train) to the Port of Mobile, the Alabama Port Authority's deep-seawater port and the ninth largest port by tonnage in the United States (source: US Army Corps of Engineers/USACE). The state of Alabama's hospitable climate allows for year-round mining operations and the world's largest marble quarry (which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Sylacauga, Alabama), is located within a 30-minute drive of the Coosa Graphite Project. On November 30, 2015, Alabama Graphite Corp. announced the results of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") for the Coosa Graphite Project, indicating a potentially low-cost project with potential positive economics. Please refer to the Company's technical report titled "Alabama Graphite Corp. Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on the Coosa graphite Project, Alabama, USA" dated November 27, 2015, prepared by independent engineering firms AGP Mining Consultants Inc. and Metal Mining Consultants Inc., and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Note: a preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. * Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that all or any part of the Mineral Resource will be converted into a Mineral Reserve. Alabama Graphite Corp. is a proud member of the National Association of Advanced Technology Batteries International ("NAATBatt International"), a US-based, not-for-profit trade association commercializing advanced electrochemical energy-storage technologies for emerging, high-tech applications. For further information and updates on the Company or to sign up for Alabama Graphite Corp. News, please visit www.alabamagraphite.com or follow, like and subscribe to us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which may include, without limitation, statements with respect to any potential expansion in the Company's planned product line, any potential ability to effectively utilize the Company's possible secondary processed production, the undertaking, completion and results of any possible tests and studies of the Company, any potential additional benefits to using ultra-high purity graphite in Li-ion batteries, the Company's potential to become a bottom-quartile cost producer of CSPG with the lowest initial CAPEX costs in the space, and any potential relationships between the Company and battery manufacturers, the DoD and any other related entities. The forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Alabama Graphite Corp.'s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of Alabama Graphite Corp. with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of graphite; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Forward-looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, including that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed timeframes, that equipment necessary for exploration is available as scheduled and does not incur unforeseen breakdowns, that no labor shortages or delays are incurred, that plant and equipment function as specified, that no unusual geological or technical problems occur, and that laboratory and other related services are available and perform as contracted. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and Alabama Graphite Corp. undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements (unless required by law) if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Alabama Graphite Corp. cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions are not exhaustive. When relying on Alabama Graphite Corp. forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and assumptions and other uncertainties and potential events. Alabama Graphite Corp. has also assumed that the material factors and assumptions will not cause any forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. 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 THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/photo1_alabama.jpg http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/photo2_alabama.jpg http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/photo3_alabama.jpg A teen in Singapore fell to his death while reportedly attempting a Snapchat stunt, the New York Post reports. Jonathan Chow, 17, leaped over a railing at a shopping mall expecting to land on a ledge. But the surface collapsed under him, and the teen plunged four stories as a horrified friend looks on. Identified only as Ruth, the friend tells the local site Today that Chow proposed staging the stunt as they shopped for clothes at the Orchard Central Mall last Friday. "Help me take a Snapchat video and Ill jump, she says Chow told her. "I knew it was dangerous, but before I could stop him, he already jumped over." Leaked surveillance video shows Chow and the girl standing next to a four-foot glass railing before Chow jumps over. The girl, with her arm raised as if she were recording, rushes to the edge, per the Huffington Post. The teens thought the ledge was made of concrete "but when he jumped, he fell straight through." A photo in the Straits Times shows a hole punched into the ledge, which was actually flimsy plasterboard not intended to bear weight. The incident happened on a ledge linking two malls, and police said Chow died later at a local hospital. Chow, who attended high school in Australia, was an avid skateboarder, according to his Facebook page, which was turned into a memorial. Last month, a model in Dubai survived after dangling precariously from a skyscraper to snap an Instagram shot, notes the Sun. (Deadly selfies aren't exactly uncommon anymore.) Jeff Sessions spoke with Russia's ambassador to the US twice in 2016, but he didn't disclose those communications during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general. When asked about possible contact between Moscow representatives and Trump campaign members, Sessions specifically said he "did not have communications with the Russians" during the campaign and that he was "not aware of" any other campaign members doing so. Per the Washington Post, the revelation from Justice Department officials could spark more calls from Congress to appoint a special prosecutor to look into Russia's alleged attempts to interfere with the 2016 election. Sources tell the Wall Street Journal US investigators have looked into the newly released contacts between Sessions and Russia, though it's not clear whether the investigation has concluded. Following the disclosure of the conversations, Sessions said he "never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign," per the AP. One of the conversations between Sessions and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak happened in September, when Sessions, then a senator, was a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and one of Trump's top advisers; officials say Sessions didn't remember the details of his conversations with Kislyak by the time his confirmation hearing came around, and that the meeting was related to Sessions' work on the armed services panel, not the Trump campaign. Sessions' spokesperson says there was nothing "misleading" about his answers at the confirmation hearing because he was only asked about communications related to the campaign, not to his work as a senator. Following the latest revelations, top Democrats have called for Sessions to step down as AG, Mediaite reports. Republicans are split on whether Sessions should lead any potential probe into Russia's alleged election tampering. A conversation with Kislyak is also what forced Michael Flynn to step down as Trump's national security adviser. (Read more Jeff Sessions stories.) Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday warned against an "isolationist tendency" in the US that he called dangerous to national security, at a time when President Trump has faced questions about his administration's commitment to the country's international partnerships, reports the AP. The 43rd president was speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., to promote his volume of paintings of military veterans titled, "Portraits of Courage." Bush's remarks come at a time when Europeans have been skittish that Trump may promote isolationist policies, though Vice President Mike Pence has reassured allies in Europe about the US' commitment to NATO and its willingness to maintain its ties around the globe. Bush, 70, said it was not his intent to criticize his successors and he is optimistic about the future. "I don't want to make the president's job worse," he said. But he also alluded to the Iraq War, and warned there is a lesson "when the United States decides not to take the lead and withdraw," an apparent critique of former President Obama. "Vacuums can be created when US presence recedes and that vacuum is generally filled with people who don't share the ideology, the same sense of human rights and human dignity and freedom that we do," he added. Bush also echoed remarks he made earlier this week stressing the importance of an accurate, independent press but said they werent meant to criticize Trump. (Read more George W. Bush stories.) A North Korean envoy says Kim Jong Nam likely died of a heart attack, not in an assassination that used the nerve agent VX. Ri Tong Il, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the UN, says Kim was taking medication for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, reports the AP. Malaysia, however, says an autopsy clearly shows VX was used to kill Kim, and the former deputy head of the North Korean Embassy in London, who defected last year, says only Kim Jong Un could have approved such a move. "North Korea is a society ruled in terror. For a big decision like killing Kim Jong Nam, no one could make a decision like that except Kim Jong Un," Thae Yong Ho tells Hong Kong's Phoenix TV. Two women have now been charged in the assassination, but a North Korean man detained four days after Kim's death will be released Friday due to "insufficient evidence to charge him," Malaysia's attorney general said Thursday, per the BBC. Ri Jong Choldescribed as a "chemistry expert" who allegedly drove another suspect, per USA Todayis to be deported to North Korea, where officials believe four others involved in the killing are hiding, reports CNN. Police want to speak to three other North Koreans believed to be in Malaysia. Also Thursday, Malaysia announced North Koreans will need a visa to travel there beginning Monday, citing national security reasons. Previously, North Koreans could visit Malaysia for 30 days without a visa. (Read more Kim Jong Nam stories.) A federal judge in California said Wednesday that it is "debatable" whether the government has enough evidence to convict a woman of helping her husband plan the Orlando nightclub rampage, ordering her released from jail until trial. US Magistrate Judge Donna Ryu also said Noor Salman, 31, is not dangerous and there is no proof she has ties to the Islamic State group or holds extremist views. Salman has been charged with helping husband Omar Mateen plan the worst mass shooting in modern US history and lying to investigators. She has pleaded not guilty and faces life in prison if convicted, reports the AP. Prosecutors have said Salman accompanied Mateen on scouting trips to the nightclub and other possible targetsincluding a Disney attractionand told FBI agents she was aware of Mateen's plans. But the judge said Wednesday that prosecutors have provided no evidence: no transcripts, recording, or video of Salman's 16-hour interrogation after the June 12 attack. Salman's attorney says it is unusual for bail to be granted in terror-related cases: "It's extraordinarily rare and a statement of the government's case." Prosecutors say Salman initially said she didn't know anything about the attack but later told investigators that Mateen abused steroids, was "pumped up" on that night, and said "this is the one day" as he walked out the door. They're also said the couple ran up $25,000 in credit card debt and spent $5,000 in cash in the days before the shooting. Among the purchases: an $8,000 diamond ring for Salman. Salman's release is on hold for at least two days to give prosecutors time to appeal. (Read more Pulse Orlando shooting stories.) The latest cream flavor to come out of something called "the Oreo Wonder Vault" has consumers wondering why their poop suddenly looks like it could've come from a unicorn. Two weeks ago, Oreo released a limited edition of its cookie with a vanilla shell and a filling flavored like the love-it-or-hate-it marshmallow candy Peeps. One reviewer claims the filling is the same one used in the Marshmallow Crispy Oreos, but with one major difference: It's bright pink and appears to turn your mouthand even your dungbright pink, too. "My spit looks like Pepto-Bismol" hours after eating the cookies, one Twitter user complains, per Delish. Adds another, "My roommate ate a whole pack of Oreo Peeps and left a pink stain in the toilet." Indeed, some who ate a lot of cookies say the dye turned their feces various shades of pink, from "bright pink" to "reddish-pink," reports BuzzFeed; BuzzFeed employees who ate only one cookie say their bowel movements were no more colorful than usual. While Oreo has yet to comment, USA Today previously reported that stuffing your face with foods heavy in dyes can produce "a greater spectrum in your rectal rainbow." In 2015, for example, people who ate a Halloween-themed Burger King Whopper with a black bun complained its concentrated dye made their excrement "as green as the Irish countryside." A doctor at the time suggested it was nothing to worry about. Reddish stool should be checked by a doctor, though, as it could be a sign of internal bleeding. (Here are 5 ways to poop better.) Sweden's left-leaning government introduced a military draft for both men and women Thursday because of what its defense minister called a deteriorating security environment in Europe and around Sweden, the AP reports. Sweden abolished compulsory military service for men in 2010 because there were enough volunteers to meet its military needs. It has never had a military draft for women. The government said "the all-volunteer recruitment hasn't provided the Armed Forces with enough trained personnel. The re-activating of conscription is needed for military readiness." About 20,000 people now work for the Swedish armed forces, 84% of them men and 16% women, according to the forces' website. But the armed forces lack 1,000 active troops as well as 7,000 reservists, according to Sweden's coalition government of Social Democrats and Greens. Under the plan approved Thursday, at least 4,000 18-year-olds could be called up each year. Enrollment should be made possible from July 1, and basic military training with compulsory service from Jan. 1. Swedes will still be able to volunteer for military service. Sweden expects eventually that 13,000 young people will be called upon and 4,000 will be enrolled. The Swedish government, which often has described itself as "feminist," said "modern conscription is gender neutral and will include both women and men. " Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist said he had been inspired by neighboring Norway, which in 2013 introduced a law applying military conscription to both sexes. That made Norway the first NATO member to draft both men and women, joining a tiny group of countries around the world, including Israel. (Read more Sweden stories.) Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who challenged Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, won Senate confirmation Thursday to join Trump's Cabinet as housing secretary. Six Democrats and one independent joined 51 Republicans in voting for Carson to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the AP reports. Carson has never held public office and has no housing policy experience, but GOPers have praised the life story of a man who grew up in inner-city Detroit with a single mom who had a third-grade education. Carson, 65, will lead an agency with some 8,300 employees and a budget of about $47 billion. The department provides billions of dollars in housing assistance to low-income people through vouchers and public housing, enforces fair housing laws, and offers mortgage insurance to poorer Americans through the FHA, part of HUD. At his confirmation hearing, he told lawmakers he envisioned forging a more "holistic approach" to helping people and developing "the whole person." Under questioning from Dems, Carson said HUD's rental assistance is "essential" to millions of Americans and that the department has many good programs, though he added, "We don't want it to be [a] way of life." He also said he'd like more partnerships with the private sector and religious groups. When his nomination cleared the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in January, Democrats said Carson wouldn't have been their choice, but they welcomed his promises to address homelessness and other issues. He was approved unanimously in the committee. Trump lauded Carson last week, calling him a "totally brilliant neurosurgeon." Carson hasn't shared specific plans publicly for the department under his leadership. (Read more Ben Carson stories.) Mathematician Katherine Johnson was one of the women of NASA depicted in the Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures, and now she's about to get her own Lego figure. Per MIT News, Johnson and four other women involved with the space agency over the yearsMargaret Hamilton (computer scientist), Mae Jemison (first African-American woman in space in 1992), Nancy Grace Roman (pioneering NASA female exec and astronomer), and Sally Ride (the first US woman in space in 1983)are set to be part of Maia Weinstock's "Women of NASA" Lego prototype, which was chosen from the Lego ideas submission website to be made into an actual set. Concepts for potential sets can be posted on the site, and after the public votes (Weinstock, the deputy editor of MIT News, got 10,000 votes for her idea), Lego then reviews eligible projects. Weinstock says she not only wanted to give a nod to the history of women in STEM, but also to "set an example" for both girls and boys that it isn't "strange or unusual" for there to be females working as astronauts, computer programmers, or any other science or technology expert. Lego says more details on Weinstock's set, including how much it will cost and its release date, should be out later this year or in early 2018. (Cambridge is offering a Lego professorship.) Last week, the internet nearly tore itself asunder arguing about Garfield's gender identity. Yes, that lasagna-loving, Monday-hating Garfield. The literal cat fight started when writer Virgil Texas pointed to a 2014 interview in which creator Jim Davis said Garfield is "not really male or female" because he's a cat. "This. Is. Cannon," Texas tweeted, changing Garfield's gender from "male" to "none" on the character's Wikipedia page. Then things got out of hand. Wikipedia editors changed Garfield's gender 20 times in less than three days, the Washington Post reports. (His religion was also briefly listed as "Shiite Muslim," though that debate didn't pick up steam.) According to the New York Daily News, Wikipedia eventually had to lock the Garfield page. Behind-the-scenes debate, which can be viewed here, was furious. One editor found tons of comic strips in which Garfield is referred to as male. But another editor pointed out that Garfield only identifies himself as male in one of those examples, a strip from 1981, arguing the cat "may have been a boy" back then but is no longer. Someone editing Wikipedia from the US House of Representatives even removed Garfield from the "male characters in comics" category. Davis himself finally settled things, telling WaPo that "Garfield is male." He says his 2014 comment about Garfield's universality was being misconstrued. "Ive always said that I wanted to work with animals because they're not perceived as being any particular gender, race, age or ethnicity," he explained to the Daily News. "In that sense, the humor could be enjoyed by a broader demographic." (Read more Garfield stories.) Following the revelation that Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador twice last year and failed to disclose it during his confirmation hearing to become attorney general, Sessions has said he will recuse himself from any investigation having to do with alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election, Politico reports. According to the New York Times, Sessions says he met with Sergey Kislyak around the same time Russia is suspected of hacking the Clinton campaign. He says he doesn't recall if they spoke about Trump or the election. Sessions denies any wrongdoing, saying he met with Kislyak in his role as a senator, not as an aide to the Trump campaign, Reuters reports. Sessions' recusal means he won't be able to play a part in the Justice Department's decision to take the case if the FBI brings Russia-related charges against the Trump administration. His announcement came shortly after President Trump made his first public comments on the situation; per the Los Angeles TImes, Trump said he has "total confidence" in Sessions, who "probably did" answer honestly during his confirmation hearing. But Trump says he "wasn't aware" of the meetings between Sessions and Kislyak. Trump also said he did not believe Sessions should recuse himself. Kislyak is the same person former national security adviser Michael Flynn met with, eventually leading to his resignation after lying to Vice President Pence about it. (Read more Jeff Sessions stories.) The recent study by American Cancer Society is a real concern as the colon and rectal cancers in youngsters are going up every year. Though it is rare in the young generation, the numbers are getting a sharp increase in the 20s and 30s. The rate of colorectal cancers is reducing steadily for the people born after 1890 and before 1950. But, the trend has reversed for youngsters and now people born after 1950 has increased risks for every new generation. The American Cancer Society confirmed that rectal cancers are rising sharply than other large intestine cancers and there would have 13,500 new cases of rectal and colon cancers this year under 50. For example, people born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and four-times the risk of rectal cancer than people born in 1950 with their corresponding ages. However, the researchers confirmed that they couldn't find the reason for the change in trend. Dr. Thomas Weber of SUNY Downstate Medical Center confirmed that each year the new colorectal cancers exceeds the previous year count in case of people under 50. It is found that people who are potential victims of the colorectal cancers are not getting the diagnosis on time. The physicians are yet to change the mindset that young people can't be prone to colorectal cancers. Previously the colorectal cancers were found to be part of aging, and when older people are showing an improvement in reducing the numbers, the youngsters are looking more prone to it, and it is worrisome, researchers say. The colorectal cancers for elders are effectively treated by diagnosing it at the early stages using tests like colonoscopies. But, these screening tests are not effective to youngsters and doctors are looking for alternative methods to make the diagnosis. There are also opinions that the lifestyle changes are increasing the risks of cancer. Experts say that fruits and vegetables with rich fiber content, cessation of alcohol and smoking, and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risks of colorectal cancers. Netflix has just released a trailer for its new film "War Machine." The film is starred by Brad Pitt who portrays the role of Glenn McMahon. According to a report, "War Machine" is based on a best-selling book by Michael Hastings titled "The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan." McMahon's character is based on General Stanley McChrystal. He is a four-star general who became a target of a journalist's expose. Before he was exposed he led the NATO forces in Afghanistan. In the meantime, Netflix has reportedly shot War Machine all around the world that costs the streaming service $60 million. The film stars Tilda Swinton, Ben Kingsley, Topher Grace and Keith Stanfield. The story from the book is a non-fiction account of a war in Afghanistan that lasted for 13 years. A report indicated that Pitt was supposed to portray Gen. McChrystal's character in War Machine. The character instead had been reconfigured into Gen. McMahon that is still played by Pitt in the film. It seems that the production tried to keep away from the original characters from the book. "War Machine" is still a story of McChrystal who stated remarks towards Vice-president Joe Biden. The article has been by Hastings in Rolling Stone. The magazine published the article in 2010 and then Pres. Barack Obama contacted McChrystal to the White House and accepted his resignation. Meanwhile, the first trailer of War Machine gives fans a glimpse on how the story will unfold in the film. David Michod is the one who has written the story for the film and it is produced by Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. Pitt's Plan B label is also a part of the production for "War Machine." Gardner and Kleiner have worked with films like Moonlight and 12 Years a Slave. They already got two Oscar awards. The film is set to stream on Netflix in May 26. AngloGold Ashanti Tumbles After Dividend Reinstatement Announcement, Insider Trade - By Alberto Abaterusso Despite announcing it was reinstating its dividend after a little over three-year suspension, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.'s (AU) stock tumbled over the past week. After the dividend reinstatement announcement, which was supported by strong growth in 2016 earnings and free cash flow, AngloGold Ashanti fell 12.56% on the New York Stock Exchange. In contrast, gold is up $18.175 per troy ounce or 1.47% on the London Bullion Market, from an average price of $1,236.325 per troy ounce on Feb. 20 to an average of $1,254.50 on Feb. 24. Pakistan International Airlines questioned for selling aircraft to German museum Islamabad : A parliamentary committee in Pakistan has expressed apprehensions about selling a flight-worthy Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft to a German museum, and asked the airline to submit a report on the matter. Senators who met to discuss the performance of the national flag carrier described the deal to sell an Airbus A-310 to the museum as suspect, Dawn reported on Thursday. The meeting began on a sour note, when the Senate committee noted the absence of senior PIA officials at the meeting. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Performance of PIA, PML-N Senator Mushahidullah Khan, said: "We need answers on this irregular deal. We will move a privilege motion if the top PIA officials are absent at the next meeting." The committee members observed that the aircraft has already landed with a museum in Leipzig, Germany, and senators said permission was not sought to sell the flight-worthy airplane, no agreements were signed and the PIA did not receive any advance payment for the sale of the A-310. "Everything is wrong with this arrangement, especially when such a deal has not been sanctioned," Khan added. He said the PIA officials present at the meeting had failed to give satisfactory answers on the deal. The museum in question expressed interest in acquiring the A-310 last year, to induct it among its collection of international airlines' aircraft. The same airplane was also flown to Malta, where it was hired for a scene in a movie. Officials from the PIA responded that the aircraft was sold to the museum on the directions of the senior management for a little over $5 million. Describing such deals as "unheard of", Khan directed the PIA officials present for a report on the details of the arrangements. Thalassery (Ker): A 30-year-old BJP worker was stabbed to death allegedly by CPI(M) cadres in the politically sensitive Kannur district. In another incident in the district, a country-made bomb was hurled at the RSS Karyalaya at Thaliparamba this morning, police said, adding no one was injured in the incident. The attack against the BJP worker, Santosh, took place when he was alone in his house at Andaloor in Dharmadam here late on Wednesday night. Santosh was rushed to a hospital but he died on the way, Kannur Superintendent of Police KP Philip told PTI. The situation in the area is tense, he said. Santosh, the BJP booth president of Andaloor, had contested in the last local body elections. Shops have downed shutters and vehicles are off the roads in Kannur, where the 57th state School Arts festival is presently on. Protesting the attack, BJP has called for a hartal in Kannur. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In another incident of political violence in Kerala, a 20-year-old BJP worker Niramal was hacked to death late on Sunday night in Thirssur district. BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party) is blaming CPI (M) Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the death of Nirmal and have called for a strike in Thirssur district on Monday. Earlier in January, a BJP worker was stabbed to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists at Andaloor in Dharmadam, the constituency of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kochi: Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his reported statement that there was no conspiracy behind the recent abduction and assault of a noted actress. When the Chief Minister, who is also holding the Home portfolio, is saying that there was no conspiracy behind the incident.... is there any need for further evidence to prove that he was trying to subotage the investigation into the case, Chennithala said. He was speaking at a function organised here to conclude a 24-hour-fast by P T Thomas, Congress MLA from Thrikkakara, to protest the rise in crimes against women in Kerala. Alleging conspiracy behind the incident, the Congress leader said some people were scared as they think that more facts would come out from a fair probe. Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team probing the case on Sunday took the key accused Pulsar Suni and his accomplice V P Vigeesh to Coimbatore where they had allegedly fled after committing the crime. Police is looking for more evidence including the mobile phone used for allegedly clicking the pictures of the actress and the SIM cards used by the accused. The Aluva Judicial First Class Magistrate Court had on Saturday remanded the accused to police custody till March 5. Seeking the custody of the key accused, police had said it wanted to conduct further probe into the conspiracy angle in the abduction and harassment of the actress. An identification parade of the four other accused in the incident, Manikandan, Martin, Salim and Pradeep, was held at the Aluva sub-jail yesterday. The actress, who has 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. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected Opposition's accusations on Sunday that he has "denied" the "conspiracy" angle in the recent abduction and assault on a noted actress. "I have not said that there was no conspiracy behind theincident," Vijayan told reporters a day after his reported remark on the issue triggered a row with Congress and BJP coming out against the Chief Minister. "I only mentioned about a media report on the matter. Letthe police probe all aspects," Vijayan said. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Chennithala alleged that Chief Minister was trying to sabotage the investigation into the case. "When the Chief Minister, who is also holding the Home portfolio, is saying there was no conspiracy behind the incident...is there any need for further evidence to prove that he was trying to sabotage the investigation into the case," Chennithala said. Chennithala was speaking at a function organised in Kochi to conclude a 24-hour fast by P T Thomas, Congress MLA from Thrikkakara, to protest against the "rise in crimes against women in Kerala". KPCC President V M Sudheeran demanded a CBI probe into the incident, that evoked protest and condemnation from all sections in the society. BJP State President Kummanom Rajasekharan alleged the CM's statement was to influence the investigation. "The Chief Minister should reveal the source of his information as police are yet to complete collecting evidence," he said, adding "police should be given a free hand in the probe". Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team probing the case took the key accused 'Pulsar' Suni and his accomplice V P Vigeesh to Coimbatore today, where they had allegedly fled to after committing the crime, as part of its probe. Police are looking for more evidence including the mobilephone used for allegedly clicking the pictures of the actressand the SIM cards used by the accused. The Aluva Judicial First Class Magistrate Court had on Saturday remanded the accused to police custody till March 5. Seeking the custody of the key accused, police had said,it wanted to conduct further probe into the "conspiracy angle"in the abduction and harassment of the actress. An identification parade of the four other accused Manikandan, Martin, Salim and Pradeep, was held at the Aluvasub-jail on Saturday. The actress, who has starred in Tamil and Telugu films, was allegedly abducted and molested inside her car for two hours by the accused. The accused had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17 and later escaped in a busy area in Kochi. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hyderabad: The Telangana American Telugu Association (TATA) has suggested the community to avoid communicating in Telugu in public places in the US. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian andhis colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. "Much as we love talking in our mother tongue, it can often be misconstrued. Please see if you can communicate in English in public places," the association said in a statement put out in its Facebook page. The organisation further advised people not to get into argument with others in public places and leave the place immediately without confrontation. "Isolated places can often be targets. Please avoid going or going single," it said. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Srinivas were broughthere last night and his last rites will be performed on Tuesday. The shooting took place at Austins Bar and Grill in Olathe in Kansas City in the US state of Missouri. Ian Grillot, an American, was injured when he tried totackle the accused, Adam Purinton (51), who was arrested on Thursday morning, five hours after the incident. Purinton had reportedly yelled "get out of my country" before opening fire on Kuchibhotla and Madasani. Also Read: Indian techie's body brought to Hyderabad from Kansas For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Controversial BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj kicked up yet another controversy on Tuesday when he advocated that Muslims should also be cremated, saying the land for qabristan (graveyard) will lead to no place to live and no place for agriculture in future. Claiming that the practice was prevalent in Muslim countries, he said that the last rites of all should be carried out at the same place irrespective of religion. "Whether it is named Kabristaan (graveyard) or Shamshaan (crematoriums), nobody needs to be buried. There are 2-2.5 crore Hindu saints in this country who should have a memorial after their death. That will require land. There are 20 crore Muslims, all of them need a grave. Where is the land in Hindustan?" he said while addressing a public rally in Unnao. He said that "this will check terrorism as terrorist indulge in terror acts as they are promised paradise after death" where they will be in the company of 'hurs' (female angels). ALSO READ | Exclusive: Population control remark: BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj says he did not name any religion Meanwhile, Sakshi Maharaj has drawn flak for his controversial remarks. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav questioned his character and demanded a thorough probe against the BJP MP. "Sakshi Maharaj is a very controversial man. His character is not good, he should be investigated," Lalu said. Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja termed Sakshi Maharaj's statement as "communal and provocative" against the Muslims. He also said that the Election Commission should initiate an action against him. "Sakshi Maharaj is known for making such absurd statements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is totally failing to uphold the Constitution of the country and all BJP leaders including Sakshi Maharaj," Raja said. ALSO READ | FIR filed against Sakshi Maharaj for population control comment on Muslims "I would like to ask the Prime Minister that is he endorsing the statement made by his leaders because he is not uttering a single word and keeping quiet," he added. Prime Minister Modi recently raised the issue of Kabristaan and Shamshaan during his election rally in Fatehpur. He had said that there should not be any discrimination in the allotment of land for both. "If you create Kabristaan in a village, then a Shamshaan should also be created. If there is uninterrupted electricity in Ramzan, it should also be given during Diwali. There should be no discrimination," he had said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Olathe: A bartender at the restaurant where a man was arrested last week for an apparently racially motivated bar shooting of two Indian men told a 911 dispatcher that the suspect admitted shooting two people, but described them as Iranian. A recording from Henry County, Missouri, 911 reveals that the bartender warned police not to approach the building with sirens blaring or the man would freak out and something bads going to happen. The man, Adam Purinton, 51, of Olathe, made his first appearance in court Monday via video link. He has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. According to witnesses, Purinton yelled get out of my country at two 32-year-old Indian men, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, before he opened fire at Austins Bar and Grill in the Kansas City suburb on Wednesday evening. Kuchibhotla was killed and Madasani injured. The two had come to the US from India to study, and they worked as engineers at GPS-maker Garmin. A third patron, Ian Grillot, 24, was wounded when he tried to intervene. After the shooting, Purinton, who is white, drove 70 miles east to an Applebees restaurant in Clinton, Missouri, where he made the shocking admission to the bartender. In the 911 call, the bartender, Sam Suida, told the dispatcher a man had come into the bar and said hed Done something really bad and was on the run from the police. He asked if he could stay with me and my husband, and he wouldnt tell me what he did. I kept asking him, and he said that he would tell me if I agreed to let him stay with me, the bartender said. Well, I finally got him to tell me and he said, like, that he shot and killed two Iranian people in Olathe.... Authorities have declined to discuss a possible motive for the attack or to say if they are investigating it as a hate crime. But the incident has raised concern about the treatment of immigrants, who feel targeted by President Donald Trumps promises to ban certain travelers, build a wall along the Mexico border and put America first. During Mondays court appearance lasting less than two minutes, Purinton was seen wearing what was described by a sheriffs department spokesman as a safety smock, assigned to suspects who said something during jail processing that suggested they might do harm to themselves. Johnson County sheriffs Master Deputy Rick Howell would not disclose the comment by Purinton that raised concern, but said the suspect would wear the smock until mental health professionals say otherwise. Andy Berthelsen, a neighbor of Purintons for the past 15 years, told the AP that Purinton had become a drunken mess after his fathers death about 18 months ago. He said he doesnt believe the shooting stemmed from hatred, and that it likely resulted from Purintons physical and mental deterioration. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: For the past five years, the minority cell of the BJP worked overtime to establish close contact with Muslim voters, but when it came to giving tickets to them in the UP Assembly polls, it was a different story. The minority cell of the UP BJP had undertaken membership drives and also made efforts to reach out to a large section of the Muslim voters with an eye on the elections. Though firebrand BJP MP Vinay Katiyar believes there is no point in giving tickets to Muslims, other like Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Uma Bharti and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, feel that the party could have given tickets to the community. Union Minister Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti had on Monday echoed Home Minister Rajnath Singhs stand on BJP fielding Muslim candidates in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. ALSO READ | Sakshi Maharaj says 'Muslims should be cremated' as graveyard for 20 crore people will lead to no place to live Bharti feels that the BJP committed a mistake by not fielding any Muslim candidate. I am really feeling sorry that we could not field a Muslim. I spoke with (BJP President) Amit Shah and (state party President) Keshav Prasad Maurya about how we could have brought a Muslim to the assembly, she has said. Rajnath had earlier said that Muslims should have been given tickets by the BJP in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Naqvi, while reacting to the issue, had said, As far as tickets are concerned, it would have been better if the tickets were given to Muslims. We will address their (Muslim party workers) concerns by compensating them when we form the government in the state. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 35-year-old woman has alleged that she was raped by several men over the past four years in east Delhis New Ashok Nagar area, police said on Thursday. A case under sections of rape and human trafficking has been registered. According to police, the woman has been married for the last 20 years. Over the last four years, she was raped repeatedly by men, most of whom she knew. She told the police that her husband allegedly charged money from the men, police said. She said that she has a four-year-old son and her husband used to threaten her that he would kill him if she tells anyone about the incident. Policemen said that the womans husband has been arrested and is being questioned. New Delhi: Alia Bhatt recently received a death threat by an unidentified caller, who has now been detained by Anti-extortion cell in Juhu. Reportedly, the extortion call was made to Alia's father Mahesh Bhatt on February 26 demanding a sum of Rs 50 lakh failing which the called threatened to kill his daughter Alia and wife Soni Razdan. While Bhatt had initially thought of it as a prank, he even received threat messages, saying not to take the warning lightly. The media reports suggest that the extortionist had threatened Mahesh Bhatt saying, "If you fail to do so, I will fire several rounds of bullets in your daughter Alia and wife Soni." Also Read | Watch: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt learn 'Tamma Tamma' moves from Madhuri Dixit Based on the complaint registered in Juhu police station CR no 112/17, Mumbai Police's Anti Extortion Cell (ANC) took over the investigation and has identified the culprit. "With the help of STF UP Police, the culprit has been detained. Our party on its way to take custody," an official statement stated. Mahesh Bhatt even took it to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the news with his fans. He wrote, "A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem.Gratitude!" A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call & threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the MH & UP police in tandem.Gratitude! Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) March 2, 2017 Considering the extortion and death threats, the police has tightened the security outside Bhatt's residence. Interestingly, this is not the first time B-town celebs have been targeted for extortion and death threats. Earlier, Shruti Hassan, Sonu Nigam, Karan Johar etc too had been a victim of such threats. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: 2,580 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been injured in Jammu and Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani last July. These injuries have been reported in over 200 violent incidents in the valley. Data from the CRPF said that its troopers were injured in 142 stone pelting incidents, 47 grenade blasts, three firing incidents and 43 instances of acid attacks or petrol or kerosene bomb attacks in the state. Of the injured troopers, 122 inflicted grievous injuries, the data said. The unrest in Jammu and Kashmir began July 9, a day after the death of Wani in a gunfight with security forces. Over 90 civilians were killed and around 12,000 injured in the violence. Prasad, who will retire from the service on February 28, also said that the Home Ministry as well as the Central Welfare Fund of CRPF will provide financial assistance to the troopers injured in the stone pelting attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Three RSS activists were injured in a blast near RSS office in Kallachy near Nadapuram, Kerala on Thursday. The injured were shifted to Kozhikode medical college. Around 9 pm, a bomb was hurled by some unknown miscreants at the RSS office in Kallachy. The police teams have rushed to the spot and security have been beefed up in the area. Earlier, the injured were admitted to a hospital in Kallachy, but later shifted to Kozhikode medical college. Last month , a 20-year-old BJP worker Niramal was hacked to death in Thirssur district. After the incident, BJP had blamed CPI (M) Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the death of Nirmal and had called for a strike in Thirssur. A similar incident had also taken place in the month of January when a BJP worker was stabbed to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists at Andaloor in Dharmadam, the constituency of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dhubri: In a rare incident, a baby girl was born with her heart beating outside her body in Assams Dhubri district, reports said on Thursday. The infant has been kept at the intensive care unit in Gauhati Medical College. The family of the infant and health officials said on Thursday that the baby, who was born at Phutkibari village on Wednesday night, has her heart on her chest. Doctors attending on her say it an extremely rare congenital malformation and is called Ectopia Cordis. The heart is abnormally located either partially or totally outside the throax in this condition, they said. The infant was referred to the government-run Dhubri civil hospital and then was sent to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), where she is kept in the ICU, health officials said. As GMCH has a tie up with Narayana Hrudalaya in Bangalore, the state health department is planning to shift the infant to that hospital for surgery on government expense on Friday, they added. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Centre has given its approval over 4,000 Post Graduate seats in medical colleges and hospitals across the country for the academic session 2017-18, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Thursday. The health minister dubbed it an "all-time record number" which would take the total number of Post Graduate (PG) seats in the country up to 35,117. "This will further boost our resolve to strengthen tertiary care and improve the medical education in the country," he said while thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Health Minister's remarks came after the Centre had announced the creation of additional 5,000 PG medical seats every year during this year's budget with an aim to bolster availability of specialist doctors at secondary and tertiary levels. Noting that out of the total increase, 2,046 seats are in medical colleges, Nadda said the government had also decided to amend the teacher-student ratio in clinical subjects in government medical colleges with an aim to increase PG seats. "This change alone has resulted in the creation of 1,137extra seats in 71 colleges. Many others out of the total of212 government colleges are sending their proposals and it is expected that at least 1,000 more seats can be added during the month of March 2017," Nadda said. This includes Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats, equivalent to MD/MS, which have increased by 2,147 in the last one year, he said. Nadda said there had been a total addition of 4,193 PGseats in the country so far, and a further addition of more than 1000 seats is likely during March 2017. "The budget announcement of adding 5,000 PG medical seats in the country is thus likely to be achieved soon," he said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while presenting the UnionBudget this year had said that to strengthen secondary and tertiary levels of health care, adequate availability of specialist doctors was needed. "We have decided to take steps to create additional 5,000Post Graduate seats per annum. In addition, steps will be taken to roll out DNB courses in big district hospitals, strengthen PG teaching in select ESI and municipal corporation hospitals and encourage reputed private hospitals to start DNBcourses," he had said. Also Read: After cardiac stent, govt plans to bring other medical devices under scanner For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Indian Navy successfully conducts maiden firing of an AntiShip missile from 1st of Kalvari class submarines, during test firing in the Arabian Sea on Thursday. The missile has successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing which was held on Thursday morning. On Wednesday, Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully test-fires indigenously developed supersonic Interceptor Missile from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. Also Read: DRDO's 7.5-meter long single stage solid rocket successfully test fired This the second time that the missile has been test-fired in less than a month and is part of an effort to put in place a multi-layer missile defence system. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hyderabad: Sunayana, the widow of Srinivas Kuchibhotla killed in the US in an apparent hate crime, on Thursday urged the leaders of global tech industry to keep defending human rights as they too employ a large number of immigrants. Thanks to people like Satya Nadella (CEO-Microsoft) and Kamala Harris for supporting through your tweets. It means a lot to us. My sincere request to Mark Zuckerberg (Founder-Facebook), Sundar Pichai (CEO-Google), Satya Nadella, and many others to keep advocating your support for human rights, she said in a Facebook post. We need to spread love and stop this hatred. Today, its an employee of Garmin, tomorrow, it could be one of your employees, and I dont want anyone to go through what my family and household went through, she added. Read | Hate crime in US: Democrat urges Attorney General to combat rising incidents She also thanked the Telangana government for extending support to bring the body of Srinivas back home from the USA. I will now ask same question on what basis we decide a person is good or bad, and of course, its not based on the colour of your skin. So what decides that? Many times, these issues are talked about for a few weeks and people tend to forget about them after-ward, but the fight must go on towards eradicating hatred from the minds of people. So what is the government going to do to stop hate crime? Lastly, to answer the question that is in every immigrants mind, Do we belong here. Is this the same country we dreamed of and is it still secure to raise our families and children here? she wondered. She also expressed her desire to go back to the USA and continue to work for Intouch Solutions where she is currently employed. Srinivas Kuchibhotla (32), working at the Garmin headquarters in Olathe, was killed in the shooting at a restaurant in Kansas on Wednesday night. Another Indian and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured in the incident. Read | Telugu community in US advised to speak in English in public domain For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Gandhinagar: A man hurled his shoes at Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Gujarat minister of state for home, in Gandhinagar on Thursday, following which he was detained by the police. The man, who claimed to be a state government employee, threw the show at Jadeja when he was addressing the media outside the main door of the Gujarat legislative assembly complex in Gandhinagar on Thursday. He was identified as Gopalbhai Italia. The incident took place when Jadeja came out of the assembly and began addressing media persons. The man, in his 30s, was dressed in red checked shirt and jeans hurled his shoe at the minister. When Italia hurled his second show at Jadega, he managed to duck. ALSO READ | Bihar min provokes crowd to hit PM photo with shoes, uproar in Legislature For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Hyderabad/Panaji: Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao has said Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur is a representative sample on many campuses in the country, who are products of a failed education, parenting and social support system in India. "There are many Gurmehar Kaurs in university campuses across India. This young woman is only a representative sample of a select section of young people, who are products of a failed education, parenting & social support system of a 70-year independent India", the state BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said in a blogpost. In another development, BJP MLA from Panaji MLA, Siddharth Kuncolienkar has alleged the "Left wing leaders" are trying to "demoralise" Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar by "using" youths like Gurmehar Kaur. ALSO READ | Gurmehar Kaur Row: Indo-Pak forum, Akal Takht, SGPC extend support to DU student; say BJP-RSS 'hounding' her 20-year-old Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against RSS-backed student body ABVP and for a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. "One cannot expect not to face consequences for one's massive and controversial expression, in fact there will be equal and even larger reaction as a consequence...the abuse is certainly wrong, violent threats are certainly wrong, however,any other form of expression is clearly a natural recourse," Rao said. ALSO READ | Ramjas college row: ABVP members protests outside Delhi Police headquarters "Terming that (intense trolling) as an attack on one's freedom of expression is juvenility, self pity, escapism and lack of ownership. If one is courageous, one must stand up and face the consequences of their expression". Saying that attacking Kaur would not solve anything, he said "young people like her clearly reflect the collective social outcomes of a nation, which has never pro-actively designed its national identity and national values. The issue is much larger, it's national. It's a legacy issue of this country". ALSO READ | Ramjas row: Punjab Police provides security to DU student Gurmehar Kaur in Jalandhar Attacking Congress, Rao said only a "vertically and horizontally divided India" suits the type of politics practiced by Congress party." Rao said it is time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute a cohesive group of great individuals to initiate a proactive nation building exercise with well defined and empowering national values for unique national identity and pride of being an India, he said. 'Left using Gurmehar to demoralise PM' "Some Leftist leaders are trying to demoralise the PM and Parrikar by using youths like Gurmehar Kaur," Panaji MLA Siddharth Kuncolienkar said while addressing a 'Tiranga Yatra' organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad which controls the Goa University's students wing in the state capital. The BJP leader, who had served as the PA to Parrikar, said the youth of Goa will not allow such "divisive forces which speak of dividing the country which is our motherland, to rise in the state." ALSO READ | Gurmehar Kaur row: Virender Sehwag claims his post was plain fun "We refer to India as our mother. How can we keep quiet when someone is trying to cut our mother into pieces?" the MLA questioned. Kaur has been subjected to intense trolling on social media over her stance against ABVP and a video campaign advocating peace between India and Pakistan. The 20-year-old daughter of a martyr had also complained of receiving "rape threats", following which a FIR was registered against unknown persons. ALSO READ | Gurmehar Kaur row: My tweet wasnt intended to bully anyone, clarifies Virender Sehwag Kuncolienkar said Gurmehar was being "misguided by the Left organisations." "She was misguided to such an extent that she started saying her father was not killed by Pakistan but was killed by war...Who forced war on us? Look at the history of India, we never invaded any country. We are a peace loving nation," he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: India on Thursday strongly condemned the twin terror attack in Kabul killing more than a dozen people and voiced its resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice. India has been a victim of terrorist violence and understands the pain and suffering of the people of Afghanistan. We reiterate our resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to the justice they deserve wherever they may be, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement in New Delhi. It also conveyed condolences to the people and the Government of Afghanistan for the loss of lives and property in yesterdays blast. It is our sincere hope that the injured will make early recovery, it added. Read | Afghanistan: Casualties feared as blasts, gunfire rock Afghan capital ahead of Taliban's annual spring offensive The near-simultaneous attacks struck the Afghan capital around noon on Wednesday. First, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun battle between the police and several attackers. In the second attack, a bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: Police on Thursday initiated steps to withdraw Y category security to Gayatri Prasad Prajpati as the rape accused Uttar Pradesh minister remains elusive. We have initiated the process to withdraw his Y category security, a senior Lucknow Police official said. A person enjoying Y category has a security cover of 11 personnel, including one or two commandos. Police teams are on the job and we will arrest him soon, he said even as special police teams returned empty-handed from Amethi, the ministers assembly constituency, and Delhi where he was said to be hiding. A UP police team went to Delhi to record the statement of the 16-year-old victim who is in a state of severe trauma and is housed in a restricted ward at the AIIMS. ALSO READ | I want to see Gayatri Prajapati behind bars, says minor victim A DSP-rank officer, investigating the matter, recorded the victims statement after seeking permission from AIIMS Medical Superintendent. The statement was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Police teams were dispatched out of the state capital when Prajpati could not be located in his official residence in posh Gautampalli area here. ALSO READ | Video: Police raid UP minister Gayatri Prajapatis official residence Acting on Supreme Court orders, police made frantic efforts to nab him and after having failed to do so they might even apply for cancellation of his passport so that the minister cannot escape from the country. Interestingly, the minister was earlier seen moving freely from one place to other in his constituency seeking votes. The last time Prajapati was seen in public was on February 27 when he spoke to the media saying he will win with a huge margin and will work under Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav once again. ALSO READ | Rape case: FIR filed against UP minister Gayatri Prajapati after SC order 49-year-old Prajpati is facing imminent arrest following an FIR lodged against him and six of his accomplices on the apex court order at Gautampalli police station here on February 18 under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. The Uttar Pradesh police had lodged an FIR against Prajapati on the apex courts order for his alleged roles in separate cases of gangrape and an attempt to rape another woman and her minor daughter. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Lucknow: The BSP said on Wednesday that the Election Commission should not "single out" it while seeking details of money deposited in its account post demonetisation and parties like the SP, the BJP and the Congress should be asked to furnish similar data. "We will request the EC to seek similar details from all other parties, including the SP, the BJP and the Congress, and look into all matters together and not to single out the BSP alone," BSP MP SC Misra told PTI. He was reacting to the Election Commission seeking a response from the Bahujan Samaj Party earlier in the day on a petition alleging that a large sum of money was deposited in the party account post-demonetisation. In a notice issued to BSP chief Mayawati, the commission asked the BSP to respond by March 15. "We will give our reply within time... Everything is in order and fully as per law," Misra, also a senior Supreme Court lawyer, said. The poll panel referred to a petition filed in the Allahabad high court which had alleged the party had deposited large sums of money in its bank account within a short period of time on different occasions after demonetisation on November 8 last. "You are requested to send your comments on the issue raised in the petition along with your version regarding the contributions received in cash by your party and the deposits made in the partys accounts," the notice issued by Election Expenditure unit of the commission. The EC notice came after the Allahabad high court also reportedly issued a notice to the party in this regard. The Enforcement Directorate had on December 26 detected cash deposits totalling over Rs 104 crore in an account belonging to the BSP in a branch of United Bank of India. Officials said the Enforcement Directorate, as part of its routine survey and enquiry operations to check suspicious and huge cash deposits in banks, had visited the Karol Bagh branch of the UBI and found huge deposits made in these two accounts post-demonetisation. The sleuths found that while Rs 102 crore was deposited in Rs 1,000 notes, the rest Rs 3 crore was deposited in the old Rs 500 notes. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mexico: Police have found the tortured bodies of nine men and two women on the outskirts of Mexicos Gulf coast city of Veracruz, authorities said on Thursday, a day after increased state and federal security forces were deployed to parts of the state. Veracruz Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes called the killings an act of barbarity and said theyre part of a battle between drug gangs. Yunes said the 11 bodies were found near a stolen vehicle. The governor did not reveal the message written on a sign left near the corpses, but local media reported that it said: You want a war, youll get a war. Yunes declined to identify the cartels involved in the dispute, but in the past the Zetas and the Jalisco New Generation cartel have fought bloody turf battles in the state. The New Generation cartel was blamed for dumping 35 bound, tortured bodies on a busy boulevard in a suburb of Veracruz in 2011. Since mid-2016, Veracruz has seen an increase in killings. Yunes said more than 70 percent of recent homicides involved this fight, this battle between organized crime gangs. Yunes also said two people were killed in a confrontation with marines in the city of Veracruz yesterday. Mexicos federal government and Veracruz state authorities yesterday announced a joint operation to fight rising violence and crime in parts of the state. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kigali: Rwanda's own 'Swachh' model has found an admirer in India, which is now exploring ways to asses if it can be "replicated" back home to take the country's sanitation mission forward. Kigali, where use of plastic bags has been banned, is billed as the cleanest and the safest city in Africa.Verdant hills and rolling green landscape add to the allure of the capital Kigali, which epitomises Rwanda's rise from a violence-torn country to the "shining star of Africa". "India has a lot to learn from Rwanda and one of course is on the front of cleanliness. And, with 'Swachch Bharat' being one of our flagship campaigns, we would like to engage with that country more in that area," Amar Sinha, Secretary, Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs, said. Vice President Hamid Ansari recently visited Rwanda, during which he hailed the country's rise after reconciling with its turbulent past."The efficient and clean city of Kigali, captures the great strides that this country is taking on its path of growth and prosperity," Ansari had said. Sinha, who accompanied Ansari during the visit, said the ethos of cleanliness in the streets and the zero-tolerance for corruption in governance offers valuable lessons for India. "We would certainly like to see if their successful governance models can be replicated," he said. "But, Rwanda's greatest achievement is its reconciliation with its turbulent past. From signs of great conflict, it has become a shining star of Africa. This is truly remarkable and worthy of emulation," he added. And, indeed this African country has overcome memories of its unpleasant past with community activities and adherence to sanitation has played a pivotal role in that endeavour. "On last Saturday of every month, all citizens, including President Paul Kagame, come out of their homes, as part of a community cleanliness drive 'Umuganda'." This practice has not only made the city clean, it has brought people together of different ethnicities, fostered a sense of ownership for the country and helped put behind the horrific memories of the genocide," says Aniket Ukey, a Delhi-born youth, who is now settled in Kigali. "Not just clean, the city is so safe, no one will touch a woman even if she goes out alone after midnight. These are the qualities any country would feel envy of," he added further. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. BECN, the distributor of residential and non-residential roofing materials has acquired Acme Building Materials, Inc. in a bid to reinforce presence in Michigan. With the addition of Acme, a distributor of residential roofing and related building products, the number of Beacon locations in Michigan has gone up to 10. Acme is a third generation, family owned business with branches in Flint, Rochester Hills and Brighton. Acme will strengthen Beacons residential and complementary business in Michigan, which is an important market for the latter. Beacon Roofing continues to balance year-to-year branch opening strategy with potential acquisitions. In fiscal 2016, the company completed eight acquisitions. In fiscal 2017, Beacon Roofing completed the buyout of BJ Supply in Dec 2016 and it acquired American Building and Roofing and Eco Insulation Supply in Jan 2017. The combined sales from these acquisitions are approximately $40$50 million annually. Both BJ Supply and Eco Insulation Supply are complementary product focused businesses. Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. Price Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. Price | Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. Quote The company is on the lookout for strong complementary product businesses to expand product line and geographic reach in this important category. American Building and Roofing has seven branches located throughout Washington state with a heavy weightage on residential roofing. The acquisition provides Beacon Roofing an important presence in the Pacific Northwest, which adds to its 2016 purchase of Woodfeathers out of Portland, OR and the three locations acquired with RSG in Washington state. Prior to fiscal 2016, Beacon Roofing had no presence in either Oregon or Washington but now boasts of 14 branches in the two states. The company intends to expand presence in the region. Further, it stated that it has a solid pipeline of acquisitions and will continue to pursue selective takeovers. Story continues Beacon Roofings share price performance has outperformed the Zacks categorized Building Products-Retail/Wholesale industry in the past one year. The stock has grown 20.5%, ahead of the industrys increase of 12.4% in the same time frame. Zacks Rank & Key Picks Beacon Roofing currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the sector include Rush Enterprises, Inc. RUSHA, Insight Enterprises, Inc. NSIT and Wingstop Inc. WING. All of these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Rush Enterprises has delivered an average earnings surprise of 12.78% in the trailing four quarters. Insight Enterprises and Wingstop also delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 6.8% and 11.98%, respectively in the past four quarters. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Rush Enterprises, Inc. (RUSHA): Free Stock Analysis Report Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (BECN): Free Stock Analysis Report Insight Enterprises, Inc. (NSIT): Free Stock Analysis Report Wingstop Inc. (WING): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Jakarta: Saudi Arabias King Salman on Thursday called for a united fight against terrorism in a speech to Indonesias parliament during a landmark state visit to the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country. The king is making the first visit by a Saudi monarch to Indonesia in almost 50 years as part of a tour of Asia, accompanied by a 1,000-strong delegation and hundreds of tons of luggage. In a speech to hundreds of people at the legislature in the capital Jakarta, he called for an intensified fight against terrorism. The challenge we, especially Muslims, face now is terrorism, he said. We should close ranks in combating terrorism, radicalism and strive to bring world peace for the benefit of all of us. Saudi Arabia is part of a US-led coalition that has carried out air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists in Syria. IS is under pressure in Iraq and Syria, as government forces make a drive to retake areas held by the jihadists. Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of deadly attacks claimed by IS since late 2014, mostly targeting the Shiite minority and security forces, killing dozens of people. However, some of the kingdoms partners in the Middle East have urged the Sunni-majority country to do more to defeat IS, and even accused the kingdom of supporting the jihadists. Indonesia, which has long struggled with Islamic militancy, is also facing a renewed threat due to the appeal of IS, with hundreds of its citizens heading to the Middle East to fight with the jihadists. A gun and suicide attack in Jakarta in January last year that killed four civilians and four attackers was the first assault claimed by IS in Southeast Asia. On Thursday Salman also visited Jakartas Istiqlal mosque, the biggest in Southeast Asia, accompanied by President Joko Widodo, and the leaders prayed together. The king and his entourage will be in Jakarta until Friday, after which they will head to the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali for a holiday. Salmans three-week Asian tour is seeking investment opportunities as the worlds top oil exporter looks to diversify its economy. He began the trip in Malaysia earlier this week and is also set to visit Japan, China and the Maldives. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: United States may be considering the use of direct force to counter rising nuclear threat from North Korea, a report has said. An internal White House review of strategy on North Korea includes the possibility of military force or regime change to blunt the countrys nuclear-weapons threat, Wall Street Journal reported. This review comes at the heels of a report claiming President Donald Trump believes the "greatest immediate threat" to the US was North Korea's nuclear program. Recent provocations from DPRK, including the ballistic missile launch in the Sea of Japan and the assassination of Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother in Malaysia, may have provoked this shift in the policy that have many officials and US allies worried. "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the US It won't happen!" Trump tweeted in January. Several weeks later, North Korea conducted its missile test. While President Donald Trump has taken steps to reassure allies that he wont abandon agreements that have underpinned decades of US policy on Asia, his pledge that Pyongyang would be stopped from ever testing an intercontinental ballistic missilecoupled with the two-week-old strategy reviewhas some leaders bracing for a shift in American policy. Chinese and North Korean officials are holding talks in Beijing, the first known high-level meeting in nearly a year, and Beijing recently curtailed coal imports from North Korea. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / March 2, 2017 / Biotech Products Services and Research Inc. (OTC PINK: BPSR) ("BPSR" or the "Company") recently announced in a Form 8-K that it has entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Company intends to aggressively pursue obtaining the required license to operate within the medical cannabis industry in the state of Florida upon the Florida legislature's finalization of the plans for implementing the recently passed Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative ("Amendment 2"). The Company intends to operate this business segment through a newly formed Florida subsidiary, Mint Organics Florida, Inc. ("Mint Organics"). As mandated by the voters of Florida, BPSR, through Mint Organics, intends to distribute and administer consistent, therapeutic, high quality medical cannabis treatments and products to patients. Management intends to operate the business with the goal of exceeding the governmental mandates and industry standards, including transparency and controls to assure quality and legitimacy and professionalism of its operations. Mint Organics will be controlled by BPSR, which already has a history of operating within highly regulated and transparent environments as an SEC reporting publicly traded company and operating an existing business involved with research, development, and production of amniotic-based biologics products for the health care industry. Mint Organics also intends to: Provide the best education and training of associates and the most superior quality products and services to its patients; Only partner with the most reputable and consistent producers that can deliver certified products that are pesticide and additive free; and Work closely with health care specialists to ensure that its products meet their specific needs and, more importantly, the needs of their patients. Peter Taddeo, CEO and co-founder of Mint Organics, is a former senior executive in a number of high technology companies with experience developing and successfully bringing new technologies to market. Taddeo commented, "The field of medical cannabis treatments for painful and debilitating conditions is in its infancy. Our experience in emerging high technology and bio technology makes us uniquely situated to set new standards of access, service, and patient education as this new industry is defined. We plan on working with experienced partners to both develop and bring to market only the highest quality products in a professional environment." Story continues After retiring in late 2012, Taddeo became interested in cutting edge biotechnology, particularly stem cell research in both therapeutic and degenerative/quality of life protocols. That interest led him to research the benefits of medical cannabis and, after viewing a number of medical documentaries about the seemingly miraculous benefits of the product and learning more of the Company's many synergistic objectives, he co-founded Mint Organics with the Company. Taddeo commented, "Mint Organics' name borrows from three critical aspects of what we want to do. Mint is used to describe something as pristine, perfect, and good. Mint is also a shade of green, like cannabis, and finally, Mint is an aromatic herb." Taddeo sees a bright future for the medical cannabis business and plans to work closely with the state of Florida to realize that future. He believes that the entire state will benefit. Colorado has reported one billion dollars in total cannabis sales in 2016, generating needed tax revenues to the state to fund important social programs, such as school construction and substance abuse programs. Over 37% of that revenue came from medical cannabis sales. The Company believes that the opportunity for Florida is significantly greater. With nearly four times the population than Colorado, Florida could expect to exceed Colorado's overall sales just in medical cannabis alone. That's several hundred million in new tax revenues for the state. In addition, Mint Organics plans to create a number of new higher paying specialized jobs, subject to state approval of the dispensary license. Given the Company's aspirations, management believes that there could be up to 100 new jobs created once the Company builds out its dispensary and caregiver network. For patients suffering from long term chronic afflictions, including chronic pain, cancer treatments, mood disorders, PTSD, seizures and spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis ("MS"), the benefits versus current treatment protocols are overwhelmingly positive. As the public becomes educated to these benefits, the Company expects that acceptance of cannabis use by patients under physician advice will grow, as well. Taddeo commented, "We believe medical cannabis provides physicians a new tool to treat these chronic conditions in a way not previously possible and with protocols that do not have the negative side effects of current traditional treatments." Taddeo continued, "In addition, JAMA has reported that in the 23 states that passed medical marijuana laws, death rates from accidental overdoses have declined between 25-30%, and that prescription rates for pain pills were also significantly reduced." About Biotech Products Services and Research, Inc. Biotech Products Services and Research, Inc. ("Company"), and its subsidiaries, are suppliers of products and services used in the growing health care field of regenerative medicine. The Company's strategy is to be a leading supplier of newly designed advanced biologically processed cellular and tissue based products and services used in the growing health care field of regenerative medicine. CAUTIONARY COMMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The foregoing contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws relating to forward-looking statements. This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Biotech Products Services & Research, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including but not limited to, Mint Organics, Inc.'s plans and expectations. In this press release and related comments by Company management, words like "intends," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "goal," and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements, representing management's current judgment and expectations about possible future events. Although the forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation, and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Underlying assumptions include without limitation, the ongoing enactment of legislation favorable to the production of and the commercialization of cannabis products and the Company's success in capitalizing on that legislation. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Other information can be obtained at www.bpsrhealth.com. The contents of the Company's website are not incorporated by reference in this Press Release. CONTACT: Biotech Products Services and Research, Inc. 4045 Sheridan Ave., Suite 239 Miami Beach, FL 33140 Website: http://www.bpsrhealth.com Phone: (888) 963-7881 Email: info@bpsrhealth.com SOURCE: Biotech Products Services and Research Inc. The Boeing Company logo is projected on a wall at the "What's Next?" conference in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Boeing is taking Denmark to court over a lack of access to documents used in the government's decision last year to buy Lockheed Martin's (LMT.N) new F-35 Lightning II combat jets in preference to Boeing's F/A 18 Super Hornets. "Boeing has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Defence because the ministry has not responded to the request for access to the documents which are the foundation for the evaluation in the competition for the fighter jets," Boeing said in statement. Last year Boeing complained about the government's decision to buy 27 F-35s, saying it questioned the accuracy of data used in the decision making process which suggested its Super Hornets would be a more expensive option. Boeing subsequently said in September that it had submitted a request to the defense ministry that would require it to provide all materials related to the procurement evaluation and decision. The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it had not given Boeing access to the documents because the U.S. firm had not told the government exactly what documents it wanted to see. The ministry said it could not comment further now that the legal action was underway. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Teis Jensen; editing by Jason Neely, Greg Mahlich) (0:30) - How Storytelling helps us make decisions: Peter Guber Article (4:15) - How do our perceptions effect our decision making (7:15) - Insights from neuroscientist, Michael Gazzaniga (15:00) - Experiments done by neuroeconomist, Paul Zak (21:50) - Molly Crockett: "Beware neruo-bunk" Welcome back to the Mind Over Money podcast. Im Kevin Cook, your field guide and storyteller for the fascinating arena of behavioral economics. Im excited about todays topics because we are going to talk about how our brains use stories to make decisions. In fact, after I tell you a few stories about brains and stories, youll start to wonder which came first brains or stories! Obviously a brain has to exist first for there to be a story to experience, remember, and retell. But you should begin to see how stories help form neural pathways, perception, and other cognitive function and thus our decision-making. I begin with the current world capital of storytelling, Hollywood. Film producer and founder of PolyGram, Peter Guber, known for blockbusters from Batman to Rain Man, wrote an article in the March 2011 edition of Psychology Today titled "The Inside Story." His goal was to explain the deep human need for stories from two vantage points: first, from his deep experience helping people craft and tell theirs and second, from the brain scientists who have discovered their importance in our daily lives. Guber achieves his goal masterfully. After relating how the Oscar winning film starring Jack Lemmon, Missing, almost didnt get made, he introduces the work of some giants of neuroscience that you should know about... Stories, it turns out, are not optional. They are essential. Our need for them reflects the very nature of perceptual experience, and storytelling is embedded in the brain itself. While we all feel ourselves to be unified creatures, that is not the reality of our experience or our brains. There is no central command post in the brain, says neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga, professor of psychology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Rather, there are millions of highly specialized local processorscircuits for vision, for other sensory data, for motor control, for specific emotions, for cognitive representations, just to name a few modulesdistributed throughout the brain carrying out the neural processes of experience. Story continues What's more, Washington University neuroscientist Jeffrey Zacks told me, such modules monitor external experience not continuously but in a kind of punctuated way, a process he calls event sampling. "The mind/brain segments ongoing activity into meaningful events," he says. How is it, then, that they function as an integrated whole and we experience ourselves that way? Because we tell ourselves stories, Gazzaniga says. There is in fact a processor in our left hemisphere that is driven to explain events to make sense out of the scattered facts. The explanations are all rationalizations based on the minuscule portion of mental actions that make it into our consciousness. There is much more in his lengthy piece from both Gazzaniga and Zacks. But in three short sentences, he sums it all up... We literally create ourselves through narrative. Narrative is more than a literary deviceit's a brain device. Small wonder that stories can be so powerful. Sniffing Hormones In todays edition of the Mind Over Money podcast, I also share the research and insights of neuroeconomist Paul Zak who runs the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University. There, he and his team investigate the neurophysiology of economic decisions drawing on research from economic theory, experimental economics, neuroscience, endocrinology, and psychology to develop a comprehensive understanding of human decisions. Zak is also the author of The Moral Molecule and Trust Factor. Whats interesting about Zak is that he is not a doctor of the life sciences, but he has become a trail-blazing researcher of brain biology because of his intense interests in the economics and the morality of human decision making. Early in his career, Zak wanted to know what made us moral, or not. He learned about the biological effects of the hormone oxytocin, produced in both women and men, and he decided to focus on the aspect of human relationships centered around trust. If you watch his 2011 TED Talk, you can get the full story, but in my podcast I actually read a few paragraphs of the transcript to give you his first-hand account (or would that be a second-hand story?). As excited as I was by his story, I was nearly equally demoralized to hear part of it debunked by other experts in neuroscience. But the bottom line remains, our brains are a bag of hormones that compel our behavior as much as we think our mind is driving the bus. Get the whole story in this weeks podcast! Kevin Cook is a Senior Stock Strategist (and amateur brain explorer) for Zacks Investment Research where he runs the TAZR Trader stock-picking service (and dissects investor decision-making). 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 SPDR-SP 500 TR (SPY): ETF Research Reports ISHARS-R 2000 (IWM): ETF Research Reports NASDAQ-100 SHRS (QQQ): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Yale study warns of vaccine dangers, links immunizations to brain disorders Weve all heard about vaccines causing a number of ill effects on the neurological system: Guillain-Barre syndrome, autism, ADHD and other issues. But, could vaccines be having other adverse effects on the brain that arent so easily traced? It certainly seems that may be the case. A recent pilot study from Pennsylvania State and Yale University has revealed that there may be an association between inoculation and the onset of disorders such as anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. The research, which was conducted using a database of private insurance medical claims, found that children who had recently been given the flu vaccine were significantly more likely to develop some type of mental disorder. The researchers stated that getting the vaccine within the last year was associated with incident diagnoses of AN, OCD, and an anxiety disorder. The risk association appeared to be highest in relation to anorexia nervosa. There was an 80 percent increase in the risk of being diagnosed with an eating disorder in children who had been vaccinated within the three months prior to diagnosis. For OCD, the associated risk between vaccination within 3 to 12 months was substantially lower, hovering between a 23 and 27 percent increase. To conduct their research using the database, the researchers compared the vaccination records of children between the ages of 6 and 15 with the diagnoses of new neuropsychiatric disorders over a five year period. They compared those diagnoses to two control conditions broken bones and open wounds and matched subjects based on their gender, age and general location of residence. Several other associations with a significant hazard ratio were observed. For instance, children who were given the hepatitis A vaccination were more likely to develop anorexia or OCD. Those vaccinated for hepatitis B also appeared to be more likely to develop anorexia. And in the case of the meningococcal vaccine, children became more likely to develop a chronic tic disorder or anorexia. Interestingly enough, children who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or major depression appeared to be less likely to have been given the flu shot. This pilot epidemiologic analysis implies that the onset of some neuropsychiatric disorders may be temporally related to prior vaccinations in a subset of individuals, the study authors write. However, because of the nature of this study, it would be impossible to prove any sort of causation or correlation based on their data. Their research does, however, clearly raise substantial concerns that necessitate further investigation. The authors state that the associations noted in their research are not strong enough to warrant deviation from the current recommended vaccination guidelines albeit, this kind of notation is practically a standard in vaccine research, particularly when the findings showcase a darker side to vaccines. While we can only hope for more research on this topic, it is likely that the vaccine-neuropsychiatric disorder connection will also go the way of vaccine-autism research. Anyone who speaks out against the current all vaccines are safe narrative will be maligned and discredited by the mainstream media and condemned by the rest of the scientific community. Look at Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: hes been picked apart by the mainstream media for daring to even question vaccine safety. The New York Post just ran an article titled, Everyone needs to ignore RFK Jr.s misinformed anti-vax claims. Earlier this year, Dr. Daniel Neides from the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute also made waves when he published a blog post that suggested the toxic compounds in vaccines may be contributing to the epidemic of chronic diseases and neurological conditions like autism. Naturally, he was crucified by the media and shunned by other doctors. Neides doesnt even take an anti-vax stance; he has simply questioned the necessity and validity of current vaccine scheduling and has suggested that some vaccines are not needed, and others should be spaced further apart. Will these new findings from Yale get buried along with all the opposing views and data that came before? Sources: TheFreeThoughtProject.com Info.CMSRI.org NaturalNews.com WorldMercuryProject.org Submit a correction >> DANBURY - A state-run office that helps 300 people from greater Danbury manage mental health and addiction afflictions would be closed as a cost-saving measure under the governors proposed budget for 2017-2018. The Danbury branch of the Western Connecticut Mental Health Network would be privatized under Gov. Dannel P. Malloys budget plan, saving a projected $1 million. The 39 workers at its Triangle Street location would be transferred to other offices. The proposal means that the regions most vulnerable population would instead get needed services from charities and private-sector providers. These are typically adults who have serious mental illness or substance-abuse disorders, said Mary Kate Moran, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. They usually dont have the means to provide for their care. Veteran state lawmaker Bob Godfrey likened the proposal to trading short-term savings for long-term accountability. The plan is to hand off a bunch of stuff to the private sector, which will cost us less, and of course we wind up having no control over the population being served, said Godfrey, who represents Danbury. Meanwhile I hear from people when they are harmed asking us to do something, and I say, I cant do anything anymore, because these are not state agencies. Malloys office responded that the state plans to invest $3.2 million of the Danbury networks $4.2 million budget in private-sector services to ensure a successful transition. We agree this is an extraordinarily vulnerable population, said Malloy spokesman Chris McClure on Wednesday. The proposed reduction is to the states expenditure, but not to services rendered. The population served by the Danbury facility will still be able to receive treatment that we are continuing to fund, but through a private provider. The states top mental health official visited the Danbury branch last week to inform the staff about the proposed budget cut. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, the commissioner of the states Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, heard concerns from case managers that people served by the office would lose important state resources if the proposal is adopted by the state legislature. The commissioner offered no timetable, Moran said. It would take time to carry this out, but we would anticipate it would happen in this calendar year, Moran said. The governor has also proposed privatizing a state mental health network in Torrington. Danbury has been targeted before for privatizing social services. In September, the Department of Developmental Services announced that three dozen Danbury-area people would receive services from private providers instead of state employees. Godfrey said it is too soon in the budget season to say which budget cuts he would fight the hardest to restore. But he said privatization is penny-wise and pound-foolish. I am expecting to hear a lot more about this from my constituents, Godfrey said. rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342 Three bills introduced by State Rep. John Frey last month would give towns more control over how affordable housing is created in their communities. All three bills, two of which faced a public hearing two weeks ago, would revise state statute 8-30g, which prevents municipalities from denying affordable housing applications for reasons other than health or safety. One bill that faced public hearing would extend the moratorium period on enforcement of the statute, which towns can apply for if they meet certain criteria, from four years to five. The other two bills would place limits on 8-30g applications by making historic districts exempt from the law and limiting the types of projects that can be built on watershed land. The 8-30g statute is meant to help towns meet the state goal of having 10 percent of housing qualify as affordable. Only 31 towns in Connecticut currently meet this target, Danbury being the only one in the area. Redding First Selectman Julia Pemberton, who said she supports Freys bills, argued that it is difficult for rural areas to meet this goal under the 8-30g statute. Less than one percent of Reddings housing currently qualifies as affordable. 8-30g was a one size fits all regulation, she said. One size does not fit all. In a town like Redding and our other neighboring rural communities the current approach does not work. Yes, we need affordable housing, but we need to be able to give communities more control in the ability to decide where these developments belong. With about 90 percent of Redding being on watershed land, she said, the town ends up spending a lot on litigation when they deny affordable housing applications that would infringe on the water supplies. Toby Wells, chairman of the towns Planning and Zoning commission, said the town is currently working on two development plans for affordable housing that would be more suited to the towns watershed limitations. Ridgefield, which has 2.86 percent affordable housing, has also struggled with the state statute. The town is halfway through a four-year moratorium approved in 2014, and has been using the time to draft zoning language that would allow affordable housing developers more leeway than the 8-30g statute, Assistant Planner Adam Schnell said. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said he supports Freys efforts, but thinks the proposed bills dont go far enough. I would rather have a moratorium for a longer period of time, he said. Well never see 10 percent affordable housing. Over 900 units would have to be affordable housing to reach 10 percent and weve gotten to just over 200 in the past 20 years. Marconi said he supports the watershed bill, which limits one unit for every two acres on watershed land, but would prefer it forbid all developments on watershed areas. The historic district exemption, he added, should apply to all historic homes rather than just the historic district of the town. Evonne Klein, commissioner for the state Department of Housing, said towns should work with developers to prevent infringement on watershed or historical land, instead of creating what she calls exclusionary zoning. In the 21st century, its shocking to read something like this, she said. They exempt only affordable housing. This is exactly why 8-30g exists, to get away from this kind of red lining that specifically identifies affordable housing and not any other kind of development. She said new data shows many towns are working with developers rather than denying their applications and that the number of approved 8-30g applications has been on the rise. Towns that use their time wisely, she added, should be able to get enough done during a four-year moratorium to apply for a second term. Moratoriums are granted to towns with a minimum of 2 percent affordable housing that the state decides are actively working towards more developments. Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn, who plans to apply for a moratorium, said the most recent 8-30g development doesnt allow for a proper mix of housing. The Laurel Hill project is 100 percent affordable housing, he said. You want a mix of low, middle, moderate and high income to make a vibrant community. [Laurel Hill] is not in the best interest of the town, state or the community. The bill on extending moratoriums and limiting watershed developments faced Feb. 16 public hearings. The hisoric district exemption was referred to the legislature's Planning and Development for further action. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SOUTHBURY President Donald Trump supporters from across Connecticut are being invited to march in Southbury this Saturday as part of nationwide March4Trump rallies. Beginning at Southford Falls State Park at 1 p.m., the marchers will complete a 2-mile circle on routes 188 and 67 before returning to the park. Sisters Kathryn Dennen and Dorothy Aiksnoras-Vallee, who also hosted a DeploraBall the night before the inauguration, said they set up the Connecticut rally after seeing plans for March4Trump in Washington, D.C., on Twitter. It was time to show some patriotism and solidarity, Dennen said. Its important to revisit American patriotism that weve kind of lost and show respect for the office of the president. So far, 143 marchers have said on Facebook that they will go to the rally. More than 10,000 people turned out for a Womens March in Hartford the day after Trumps inauguration to protest his policies, while other rallies were held throughout the state, and thousands of Connecticut people traveled to a similar rally in New York City and the main Washington march that drew a crowd estimated at more than 500,000 people. Some of the March4Trump participants, Dennen said, are traveling several hours to join. The event will feature a horse-drawn carriage and special guests, including Republican Oxford selectmen, Republican state Rep. David Labriola and the newly elected District 32 state Sen. Eric Berthel. The Connecticut rally is one of 49 March4Trump events that are being planned across 33 states this weekend. President Trump has thankfully set a new course, and no matter your race, creed, color, gender, orientation, age, or anything else traitors exploit to divide, We The People are one, the organizers said on their website. Come show your support for him, each other, and our country. Dennen, who works as an independent financial advisor, said she was never very politically active until this past election season. Her and her sisters Oxford Jan. 19 DeploraBall, which was part of a nationwide inaugural celebration, sold out with about 165 people in attendence. Dennen also went to a rally in New Hampshire the night before the election. DeploraBall is a play on a statement Hillary Clinton made during her unsuccessful campaign against Trump that a portion of his supporters were a basketful of deplorables who embraced racism and xenophobia. Dennen said she has been impressed with Trumps ability to keep his campaign promises since taking office. Dennen hopes the March4Trump event will bring unity. We want to spread positivity and happiness and celebrate our country, she said. Its not negative, its positive. Were moving forward. Staff writer Cedar Attanasio contributed to this report. aquinn@newstimes.com OTTAWA, March 1, 2017 /CNW/ - In response to the ongoing national suicide crisis facing First Nations people, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde and the AFN National Executive, including the AFN Elders, Women's and Youth Councils, are calling for a National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits to be held on Friday, March 17th. "On this day, we are asking First Nations men and women to come together in prayer and ceremony to bring peace and healing for our people," said National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who will mark the occasion at a pipe ceremony and traditional feast at Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. "Our message to our young ones is, you are important. You are special. You matter. And we are working hard every day to make things better for you. So don't despair because there is always a way forward. And prayer and ceremony is an important part of that path." AFN Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day, chair of the national Chiefs Committee on Health, stated: "Canada is celebrating the 150th year of Confederation but far too many of our children and youth cannot even celebrate their own lives. This National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits is a reminder that much work needs to be done to end poverty and despair. When our youth are able to see hope for the future then all Canadians will be able to celebrate. This will be true reconciliation." The AFN Elders Council issued a statement: "The AFN Elders Council supports the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits and will participate in their regions and communities to provide the spiritual assistance that is needed in our communities. Our prayers go to all the Peoples across our ancestral lands, we pray for you on this day. Please accept our prayers being sent to you." The AFN Women's Council issued a supportive statement to all First Nations youth: "On behalf of the AFN Women's Council, we also support this National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits and will participate wherever we may be across Turtle Island. In our sacred role as life givers and caretakers of life, we want to assure our children, our youth, our families that we will rise above the colonization trauma. As women and with our unconditional love, we will send our prayers and/or perform ceremonies towards life promotion and the well-being of our people on this day." The AFN Youth Council is supporting and participating, saying in a collective statement: "The AFN Youth Council supports the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits and will participate in our regions. We will support any spiritual initiatives or help create spiritual connections in our regions. Our prayers go to all the youth across our ancestral lands. We pray for you on this day. Remember that you matter to us." The AFN is asking Indigenous peoples and all Canadians to pray or perform ceremonies according to their own beliefs, faiths and customs. The intention is to inspire youth to embrace life. The AFN will be providing more information about the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits on the AFN website at www.afn.ca and watch for the National Circle of Ceremony and Healing for Our Spirits Event page on the AFN Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AssemblyofFirstNations/ The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates. SOURCE Assembly of First Nations For further information: Alain Garon, Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-292-0857, [email protected] HALIFAX, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) congratulates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for announcing legislation to make changes to the Highway Traffic Act. The proposed changes would crack down on impaired driving and introduce stiffer penalties for this serious crime. "IBC fully supports the government's proposed changes and we welcome this fantastic announcement," said Amanda Dean, Vice President, Atlantic, IBC. "Impaired driving takes far too many lives and it's something that can be easily avoided. Property and casualty insurers are committed to working with governments across Canada to reduce impaired driving and to keep our roads safe for everyone. This is an important step and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is to be commended for this legislation." According to the government, the proposed amendments would expand the province's vehicle impoundment program. Specifically, it would make it mandatory for a police officer to order the vehicle of an impaired driver to be impounded immediately. The proposed changes would also include the introduction of a mandatory ignition interlock program as a condition for a convicted driver's licence reinstatement. Further, drivers who are younger than 22 years of age will be required to maintain a blood alcohol content of zero per cent. This would give young drivers the opportunity to form good driving habits that separate alcohol consumption from driving. "IBC is encouraging all MHAs to support these important changes," added Dean. "Our industry will keep working with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to help reduce this senseless, dangerous, and completely avoidable crime." About Insurance Bureau of Canada Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties. P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion. For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 18442ask-IBC. If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected] Related Links http://www.ibc.ca MONTREAL, March 1, 2017 /CNW/ - Discovery Air Defence Services Inc. ("DA Defence"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery Air Inc., and Air Affairs Australia Pty Ltd. ("Air Affairs Australia") have been awarded a two-year trial contract by the Commonwealth of Australia to provide Red Air and fighter support to the Australian Defence Force. The "Jet Air Support Fast Jet Trial" consists of three highly-advanced Alpha Jets based at RAAF Base Williamtown. These upgraded jets feature dual touch screens, new radios and GPS receivers for enhanced precision and safety. DA Defence will provide Red Air and fighter support to the Royal Australian Air Force, Joint Terminal Attack Controller ("JTAC") training to the Australian Army, and anti-surface training for the Royal Australian Navy. The trial will begin in Q3 of this year. "We are very proud to be selected by the Australian government and Air Affairs Australia to bring our capabilities and experience to the Australian Defence Force. We are exporting Canadian excellence and expertise to a key ally. We are trusted by the world's leading air forces to deliver highly-representative threats and training to produce the world's best fighter pilots," said Paul Bouchard, President of Discovery Air Defence. "Air Affairs Australia is pleased to be working closely with Discovery Air Defence for the Fast Jet Trial. Discovery Air Defence's proven track record in contracted air services brings a complimentary solution to our current Jet Air Services contract. Our common commitment to the highest levels of safety and airworthiness will ensure the best training for the Australian Defence Force," said Chris Sievers, Managing Director of Air Affairs Australia. DA Defence and its U.S. subsidiary, Top Aces, have the world's largest privately-held operating fleet of fighter aircraft. The training provided supports the operational readiness of both current and future generation fighter aircraft. To discover more on how DA Defence is changing the face of air combat training, visit experiencematters.ca. About Discovery Air and Its Subsidiaries Discovery Air is a global leader in specialty aviation services. We deliver exceptional air combat training, medevac equipped aircraft services, airborne fire services, air charter services, helicopter operations, and transport and logistics support to ensure operational readiness, health, safety, and vital lifelines for our clients and the communities we serve. Discovery Air's Class A common voting shares and unsecured convertible debentures trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbols DA.A and DA.DB.A, respectively). About Air Affairs Australia Air Affairs Australia is a highly capable and innovative Aviation Operations and Engineering based company. Established in 1995 and 100% Australian-owned, Air Affairs Australia is a leader in the provision of specialised airborne and engineering services. The company is ISO 9001 Quality Certified, Australian Defence Security cleared and provides aircraft operations and maintenance under full CASA certification. Air Affairs Australia operates from purpose built facilities at the Albatross Aviation Technology Park, in Nowra, NSW. Air Affairs Australia owns and operates a fleet of special mission Learjet and Kingair aircraft, providing specialised air training support services to the Australian Defence Force. The aircraft also fulfil other special mission roles, including turn-key high altitude bushfire reconnaissance services. All aircraft are maintained and operated by the company under full CASA certification, including certified facilities and processes. SOURCE Discovery Air Inc. For further information: Sheila Venman, VP, HR & Communications, Discovery Air Inc., [email protected], 866-903-3247; Chris Sievers, Managing Director, Air Affairs Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: +61 2 44236755, Mob: +61 412428576, Email: [email protected] Related Links www.discoveryair.com VANCOUVER, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MRZ, "Mirasol") is pleased to announce initial exploration results from a new porphyry copper target at its 100% owned Odin project, located 20 km north of BHP's La Escondida Copper Mine in Northern Chile. The Odin Project was staked by Mirasol as part of its ongoing Atacama-Puna generative program which is focused on prolific mineral belts in northern Chile and Argentina. Mirasol holds 100 percent of four copper projects in this region. These total 26,700 hectares and are located along the world class late Eocene to Oligocene age porphyry-copper belt that hosts many large-scale copper mines in Northern Chile (Figure 1). The Odin claims cover a 2 sq. km alteration anomaly detected from Landsat satellite imagery, and are located on the north-south oriented Domeyko fault system, a +700 km long continent-scale feature that controlled the emplacement of giant porphyry-copper deposit clusters of this age, including the La Escondida and Chuquicamata mining districts. Stephen Nano, Mirasol's CEO commented: "Odin is one of a number of projects Mirasol has staked as part of the company's Chilean copper exploration program. The Odin lithocap target represents an intriguing conceptual exploration target for large-scale porphyry copper mineralization located on one of the world's premier copper belts, and warrants testing with systematic electrical geophysical surveys followed by drilling. Mirasol is actively a seeking strategic joint venture partner to further explore and developed Odin and Mirasol's other copper projects in its Chilean portfolio". Previous exploration at Odin by a large copper producer focussed on an area of structurally hosted copper-oxide mineralization exposed in trenches and outcrops over 0.5 sq. km. Mirasol does not have access to this previous exploration data; however, field observations by our geologists have identified the collars from a number of shallow (estimated ~150 m deep) drill holes, some trenches and evidence of ground geophysical surveys. Mirasol's exploration work at Odin includes geological mapping and rock-chip sampling of the historic trenches and outcrops, and multi-element geochemistry and alteration mineralogy acquired with portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and portable Near Infrared Spectrometers (pIR-Spec) field analytical equipment: (learn more about these exploration technologies) Outcropping alteration and mineralization at Odin is developed within a Carboniferous age east-dipping rhyoltic pyroclastic volcanic unit which overlies a Carboniferous age intrusive body. Both these rocks are interpreted to be older basement that are host to the later porphyry copper mineralization, the age of which needs to be confirmed by radiometric dating, but is expected to be similar to the late Eocene to Oligocene porphyry mineralization in the belt. Mapping of alteration minerals identified in pIR-Spec provide exploration vectors to distinguish between relatively lower-temperature, intermediate argillic alteration mineral assemblages associated with oxide copper found in the trenches, from higher-temperature, advanced argillic and phyllic alteration assemblages found in the alteration cap, situated in the eastern portion of the alteration anomaly. Interpretation of results from Mirasol's trench mapping and chip channel sampling shows copper oxide mineralization is associated with argillic altered structures and breccia zones (< 10 m wide) that have assayed up to 0.58% Cu over 3.3 m (0.1% Cu cut-off) with anomalous Mo up to 185 ppm. Assay results from the trenches show a general increase in copper grade toward the alteration cap to the east. Mirasol has integrated findings from recently published generalized porphyry models (General Porphyry Model) with its project-specific field information and has developed a new exploration model for Odin (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Mirasol's model suggests that the oxide copper mineralization may be peripheral geochemical leakage from a possibly large, untested porphyry target centred beneath an unmineralized alteration cap rock in the eastern portion of the Odin claims. Alteration caps of this type, termed "lithocaps", are typically devoid of significant mineralization, but can conceal large mineralized porphyry systems at depth. Stephen Nano, Vice President of Exploration for the Company, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, is responsible for the technical content of this release. Quality Assurance/Quality Control of the Odin exploration program: All previous exploration on the projects was supervised by Mirasol CEO Stephen C. Nano, who is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101. The technical interpretations presented here are those of Mirasol Resources Ltd. Mirasol applies industry standard exploration methodologies and techniques. All geochemical rock and drill samples are collected under the supervision of the Company's geologists in accordance with industry practice. Geochemical assays are obtained and reported under a quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. Samples are dispatched to an ISO 9001:2008 accredited laboratory in Chile for analysis. Assay results from drill core samples may be higher, lower or similar to results obtained from surface samples due to surficial oxidation and enrichment processes or due to natural geological grade variations in the primary mineralization. Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, mineral tenure issues and mineral recovery processes. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Mirasol disclaims any obligations to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be 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. SOURCE Mirasol Resources Ltd. For further information: Stephen Nano, President and CEO; or John Toporowski, Manager of Investor Relations, Tel: +1 (604) 602-9989: Email: [email protected], Website: www.mirasolresources.com Related Links http://www.mirasolresources.com The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airlifted some stranded Nigerians, who are victims of human trafficking in Mali back home on February 27th. The Nigerian Embassy in Bamako leveraged on the NAF Charlie-130 Hercules aircraft to airlift these Nigerians that were victims of human trafficking. The deportees range between 16 - 28 years of age were received on arrival in Nigeria by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri Erewa and officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The successful repatriation of these Nigerians was as a result of collaboration between the Nigerian Embassy and the Malian authorities anchored on mutual agreement. The Nigeria Consular Officer in Mali, Mr Abubakar Audu accompanied the deportees to Nigeria. The Women from Assin Fosu in the Central region of Ghana are pleading for leniency for male prison inmates in the region. Some of the women in an interview with Adom News revealed that majority of them are seriously single and are being pressured by their families to marry before the end of 2017, a situation which is now causing them to sleep with married men. 'The men in the prison are more than the men in our town so please release them for us. we will enjoy with them and have a nice family together and so we beg Nana Addo to pardon the prisoners in our region because our town is dying' they bemoaned. While those who are single mothers also disclosed that the few men in the area have failed to meet up with their responsibilities due to the keen competition among the women in the area. The women are relying on President Akufo-Addo to release the male prisoners for them to marry. At least 45 serving and past presidents across the globe are expected to grace the 80th birthday ceremony of former President of Nigeria, ... At least 45 serving and past presidents across the globe are expected to grace the 80th birthday ceremony of former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, an official has said.The Chairman, Publicity and Media Sub-committee of Obasanjo at 80, Dayo Adeneye, stated this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists.Mr. Adeneye, who is the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the high point of the ceremony will include the commissioning of the multi-billion naira Presidential Library and Mosque.He said the world leaders would witness the opening of the two major projects in Abeokuta.He said the grand opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) attested to the popularity and honour bestowed on him as one who has continue to contribute to the development of the nation and humanity.He said despite the fact that the former president was no more in government, he still relates with present and past leaders in Nigeria and other countries, due to his vast experience in government. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said he would speak to President Muhammadu Buhari on the outcome of the National Security Council meeting. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said he would speak to President Muhammadu Buhari on the outcome of the National Security Council meeting.Osinbajo said the fact that he received briefings from the security chiefs did not indicate that Buhari would not return soon from his medical vacation in London.He addressed State House reporters after the meeting on Wednesday.No no no! Almost every month, these briefings are held, it is routine and it is the president who put in place this whole idea of regular briefings. It is even more important that we do so because of some of the issues arising like the cases of kidnappings, and I wanted the IG to inform us fully. Besides, the president is a process person and certainly, I am going to speak with him on developments here.So, its not an indication of anything. Its only an indication that were committed to the security of the nation. The primary duty of government is to protect lives and properties, and thats why we have to be regularly briefed. The good thing is that our men are doing extraordinarily well in the Northeast and that Southern Kaduna has also been contained. The peace building process is also going on very well, he said.Osinbajo, who affirmed that Boko Haram terrorists had been degraded, however stressed that the war had not ended yet.The acting president said the Federal Government was still vigilant because of the terrorists capacity to do damage with suicide bombers. There is palpable tension in the Big Brother Naija house after controversial housemate, ThinTallTony, secured immunity from this weeks eviction after beating other contenders in all the keenly contested Head of House tasks on Monday.Following last Sundays all-inclusive nomination, eight housemates were subjected to a series of contests as parts of the routine to select a new Head of HAouse. Marvis, TBoss and ThinTallTony were the three housemates who made it to the final in the HoH contest, after scaling through a series of contests.In the final contest, the trio was required to deflate several balloons with their bums in order to find a mystery paper that will give the mandate to the would-be HoH housemate. The only male housemate in the final contest, ThinTallTony ultimately emerged winner; thereby joining Bisola and Bally who are immune from nomination come Sundays eviction show. The seven housemates that will slug it out in Sundays eviction show are Uriel, TBoss, Marvis, Kemen, Efe, Bassey and Debbie-Rise.Meanwhile, the eight housemates including ThinTallTony still believe that the road to winning the coveted 25 million naira and SUV has become narrower as two of the most popular housemates are supposedly out of the race.As the new HoH assumes his throne in a triumphant manner, he is immune from eviction, but does not wield the power to save or nominate any housemate from eviction. As the BBNaija draws inexorably towards the end, more mysteries have continued to unfold and no one knows what Biggie has up his sleeve. The Borno Government on Wednesday said it had recorded a new case of Lassa fever after a 32-year-old woman tested positive to the disease... The Borno Government on Wednesday said it had recorded a new case of Lassa fever after a 32-year-old woman tested positive to the disease. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Haruna Mishelia, made the disclosure at a news conference in Maiduguri.Mishelia explained that the woman, from Zabarmari in Jere Local Government Area of the state, developed some symptoms of the disease after taking ill.He said the states Ministry of Health had taken precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.He explained that Lassa fever was first discovered in Borno in 1969 in Lassa village in Askira Uba Local Government Area.But since then, no single case was reported until now.Mishelia said the ministry had quarantined all the people who had contact with the woman.We are embarking on mass fumigation in the entire area to kill rats that might carry the disease.We are also placing all those who came into contact with the woman lately on surveillance.NAN Sade Gbadamosi, the wife of Babatunde Gbadamosi, an opposition party chieftain who was arrested nearly a week ago, says she has been all... Sade Gbadamosi, the wife of Babatunde Gbadamosi, an opposition party chieftain who was arrested nearly a week ago, says she has been allowed to see her husband in custody.The meeting, which happened around 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, was the first between the couple since Mr. Gbadamosi was arrested exactly week ago.I just saw my husband, he is well. Alleluyah!! God is good! Thanks for your love and prayers!! She said in a message to journalists on Wednesday evening.Mrs. Gbadamosi said she saw her husband at the SSS headquarters. She did not give further details.The meeting followed intensified calls for Mr. Gbadamosis release, with many Nigerians and civic groups slamming the SSS for holding him incommunicado and without charge.By holding him incommunicado, the SSS has violated the fundamental rights of the detainee to personal liberty and fair hearing, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, said Wednesday.Mr. Falana said he was compelled to demand Mr. Gbadamosis immediate and unconditional release after being duly briefed about his ordeal.In the alternative, the SSS should charge him to court forthwith if there is evidence that he has committed any criminal offence known to law.Mr. Falana said the SSS actions of illegal detention was a throwback to the military era.Even under the defunct military junta, the arrest and detention of political detainees and economic saboteurs were justified by the military dictators under preventive detention decrees.Notwithstanding that the obnoxious decrees have been repealed, the SSS has continued to breach the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people in utter breach of the relevant provisions of the Constitution which have guaranteed them, he stated.Over the weekend, Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, lampooned the SSS for the poor treatment meted out to Mr. Gbadamosi who acted as a responsible citizen and honoured the invitation from the secret police.It is only in a banana republic that someone will honour invitation of security agency, only for him to be bundled into any available plane and moved from Lagos to Abuja without telling anyone what his offences were, the governor said.On Tuesday, Mr. Gbadamosis lawyers filed a motion at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights to freedom, liberty and life.Despiting being allowed to meet him today, Mrs. Gbadamosi said she still didnt have an idea when her husband will be released.Calls for Mr. Gbadamosis freedom had been trending under the hashtag #FreeBOG for several days, and an online petition that was created to press for his release had garnered 460 supporters as at 7:46 p.m. Wednesday. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-kayode has reacted to the release of Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, a PDP chieftian. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-kayode has reacted to the release of Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, a PDP chieftian.Gbadamosi was arrested last Week after honoring the invitation of the Nigeria security service.On his Twitter timeline, Fani-Kayode said: My aburo @BOGbadamosi has finally been released by the DSS.This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. Praise the Lord!Mr. Fani-Kayode has initially condemned the arrest and detention of Babatunde Gbadamosi by DSS urging them to respect his rights and either release him or charge him to court.No words yet from the the PDP Lagos Chieftain, Gbadamosi. Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that loss of values in the society and high rate of criminality and delinquencie... Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that loss of values in the society and high rate of criminality and delinquencies amongst the youth forced him to write Tortoise stories books .Obasanjo who spoke in Abeokuta at 2017 International Youth Variety Day and Public Presentation of volume one of Olusegun Obasanjos Books for Children said it was sad that the youths of nowadays lack morals and values.The former President who went down memory lane to recall his Yola prison experience during the period of his incarceration during the late Gen. Sanni Abacha-led military regime, said his interaction with the young inmates revealed that some of them were suffering from high level of loss of values which he said was responsible high rate of criminality and delinquencies. The event was part of activities of the Grand Opening of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) and 80th birthday of Obasanjo.The former President accused the religious institutions, parents, teachers and community leaders of not living up to the expectations which he said has put the country in its present situation.He said, One area of our lives where we have to do a lot of work is in the area of values. When I was growing up, if people dont know your source of sudden wealth, such a person was isolated and ostracised.If your father went out at nights, it was likely that your father was a thief. And we other children were asked to keep away from children of such character. How do we bring back these values? When I was in prison in Yola, I interviewed some young men in that prison,i was shocked with what i found out . Given the level of criminality and deliquencies in the society, you have to blame the teachers, schools, churches, mosques, community leaders among others.But where do we begin to make correction? One of the ways are the story books I have written. I started writing the Tortoise stories while I was in Yola Prison. Now the Volume 1 is being presented today.Meanwhile, former President Obasanjo has disclosed that his desire to know the exact day he was born made him to travel to India where he met with astronomer , but, could not achieve is aim.Obasanjo who acknowledged that 1937 might not be the exact date of his birth, said, he was convinced that he was born around the year considering the age of some of his childhood friends.Obasanjo had insisted that, he was born in 1937 on market day in Ifo in Ogun State. He said I do not know the date of my birth, then, I used to ask my mum that mama they said we should come to school with our date of birth and my mum will say you are very stupid, you are born on Ifo market day. And whoever wants to know the date of your birth, tell them you are born on Ifo market day.She explained that all she could remember was Ifo market day. she was ready to go to Ifo market that day before she went into labour , before those that went to market comes back I have already been bone. That then led me into the trouble of trying to find out when I was born, I was not as lucky as some of my colleagues that have their date of birth .In fact, I went to an astronomer in India, I told him to look at my palm and tell me my real age, but ,all he told me was that I will have longevity of life, but, that was not what I went to do. So, I concluded on the date that I have chosen.While speaking on the Presidential Library, Obasanjo said there was institutional memory in the country, adding that the nation was careless with what it ought to preserve as a national treasures. He argued some of the national museums which he had visited are nothing to write home about.He however , said that his Presidential Library which was modeled after the US Presidential library, saying, when opened would bridge the gap between the attitude and behavior of not preserving the national treasures. One of the confusion in peoples mind is that Presidential library is the same as normal library. And I see many people sending books to me.The Library is for the both young and old. I also believe that it might start bridging the gap in our behaviour and attitude about our carelessness in preserving our national treasures . One of our behavioral pattern and attitude is that we have no institutional memory; that is what brings about the idea of Presidential library. If you go into our national Museums it is pathetic, he said. The Nigerian military has pledged its continuous support to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari. The Nigerian military has pledged its continuous support to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, made this pledge on Wednesday during a meeting of the Security Chiefs with the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in the Presidential Villa.The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, made this pledge on Wednesday during a meeting of the Security Chiefs with the Acting President in the Presidential Villa.He applauded the administrations support in the fight against Boko Haram, and the welfare of troops in crisis-ridden areas in the northeast.Mr Dan Ali disclosed that more equipment have been procured to strengthen the troop in the fight against the terrorists.He stated further that over 2,000 people held captive by the terrorists have been released, with several high profile Boko Haram Commanders arrested.The Minister said normalcy has also returned to Southern Kaduna, following the recent killings in Kafanchan.He added that efforts are ongoing to construct a military barrack in Southern Kaduna area.Present at the Security Council briefing are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, and the Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohammed.Also in attendance are other Service Chiefs as well as Directors and Heads of Security Agencies. The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said that an estimated three million Nigerians have lost N18 billion in the Ponzi sc... The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said that an estimated three million Nigerians have lost N18 billion in the Ponzi scheme, popularly called Mavrodi Mundial Movement (MMM).Speaking at NDIC day at the ongoing 38th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Corporation, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim decried that despite repeated warnings by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the corporation, Nigerian's still patronise MMM.He noted that the creation, usage or trading in the Ponzi scheme in forms of virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin and Onecoin as currencies for medium of exchange are Internet-based transactions and are not authorised by the CBN due to the risks involved in their operations.He cautioned that any person or groups of persons who invest their money in the Phonzi scheme does so at their own risk.He added,"The Phonzi scheme is the phenomenon of illegal fund managers, popularly called "Wonder Banks" which have continued to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money. This phenomenon has been a source for concern because despite our repeated warnings over the years, some members of the public have continued to fall victims of their fraudulent practices."We would like to reiterate the fact that these fund managers are illegal as they are neither licences by the CBN to take deposits from members of the public not are those who patronise them covered by the NDIC deposit insurance scheme. I want to also draw the attention of some cooperative society which often go beyond their primary mandate by accepting contributions from members as cooperative societies are only recognised to mobilise savings from their members. " Members of the American War College and officers of the United States Air Force, on Monday, 27 January, visited the office of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lekki, Lagos, for a historical tete-a-tete with some of Nollywood practitioners and stakeholders.The AWC said they were in Nigeria for fact-finding and that Nollywood, the second largest producers of video films in the world, was one of the sectors they wanted to understand.The meeting which was midwifed by the Founder/CEO of Africa International Film Festival, Ms Chioma Ude, was attended by top U.S. Embassy staff and Nollywood stakeholders like Igwe Gabosky, Prince Jide Kosoko, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Alex Eyengho, Kate Henshaw, Hilda Dokuboh, Norbert Ajaegbu, and Paul Obazele among others.Lt. Colonel Bill Curlin of the United States Air Force who led the delegation noted that it is important to America that it understands Nigeria beyond its political state, and to find other areas of interests, including security, that could be of benefits to both countries.It is not enough to understand Nigeria from the angle of the politicians or political decisions being made, but to fully grasp the understanding of various sectors which when put together, form a unified and formidable front, he stated.Sharing his thoughts on the visit of the American delegation, Eyengho who noted that the meeting was very engaging from both sides said, We told them what they ought to know and do so as to deepen the Nollywood brand they care so much about.According to filmmaker who hinted on the menace of piracy in the sector, There is basically no way to put up a fight against the pirates because they are more organised with a definite plan as to mode and means of distribution, aided by the right finances and channels. He added that Nigerian content is not protected on the internet and advised that co-production treaties should be encouraged so as to foster better and more global productions that cut across borders and are better structured.Also speaking, Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw noted that the issue of social satires are not commercially viable in Nigeria. Nigerians do not take culture or heritage seriously, and we are gradually drifting away from what we have always known to a new world order. People are not really seeking relevant themes but are more interested in comic and feel-good themes that shy away from the truth and nothing more, she said.Speaking with The Nation, Colonel Paul H. Nelson, a surgeon in the United States Air Force buttressed on the relevance of the visit, saying: Being a facilitator in the Department of International Security Studies, I tend to want my students to understand the world they will be operating in because that would prevent any form of altercation. Personally I have realised that we all are one; irrespective of race, we tend to care about the same things; family, survival, a better source of livelihood and the lot.The meeting drew to a close with the presentation of a token the shudder of an airplane to the Nollywood practitioners by Curlin. Ogoni women have expressed their disapproval of planned military occupation of Ogoniland under the guise of security challenges. Ogoni women have expressed their disapproval of planned military occupation of Ogoniland under the guise of security challenges.Speaking to newsmen in Ogoni today, leader of the agitating women, Mrs Leedensin Daadan said it was shameful that the some Ogonis could think of no their alternatives to address a very simple security challenge and thought of using the military whose only pedigree in Ogoni is raping of women and gross human rights abuse.Mrs Daadan said, "The army only rape women and abuse children each time they enter Ogoni. We and the children are the most vulnerable and will not accept any military occupation. We ill be willing to match against the military should any move to occupy Ogoni be contemplated"Mrs Daadan said, the security situation was directly a fallout of the last election and suggest a political solution to the problem. The Ogoni woman leader said the situation in Ogoni had only been over-blown out of proportion maintaining that it is still possible for Ogoni leaders to explore a political solution. Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were the two members of the firm tasked with safeguarding the envelopes with the winners names on them. However, a mix-up by Brian resulted in presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway being given the Best Actress envelope instead of the one announcing that Moonlight had won Best Picture. Dunaway eventually announced that La La Land had won the Best Picture top prize, which was wrong. Cullinan has drawn media attention and scrutiny because he was tweeting from backstage minutes before handing Beatty the wrong envelope. The police in Imo State have arrested suspected killers of Oscar Okebata, a retired soldier in the American Army who was robbed and murder... The police in Imo State have arrested suspected killers of Oscar Okebata, a retired soldier in the American Army who was robbed and murdered in Atta, in the Ikeduru LGA, on January 12, 2017, were also arrested.At a press briefing in Owerri, the state capital on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, said Chukwu Osondu, Stanley Uchechukwu, Kelvin Onyekachi and Promise Uchendu were apprehended with concrete evidence that showed that they murdered the ex-solider who was in the state for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.Lakanu said, The suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of one Oscar Okebata of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, an American veteran solider who returned home for Yuletide last year.The victims Samsung Galaxy Note 5 was sold at N125,000. It was the mobile phone that led policemen to the suspects, leading to their arrest. The police in Imo State have arrested a police Sergeant, Iseke Koradam, at a hospital in Oke-Uvuru, in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Ar... The police in Imo State have arrested a police Sergeant, Iseke Koradam, at a hospital in Oke-Uvuru, in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state while allegedly attempting to steal a newborn baby.The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, disclosed that at a press briefing in Owerri, the state capital on WednesdayThe CP said that the police sergeant and his gang who allegedly planned to steal the newborn baby had confessed to the crime and would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation. Power supply, which stands at 4,000 megawatts, is set for a major boost. Power supply, which stands at 4,000 megawatts, is set for a major boost.The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N701 billion Power Assurance Guarantee for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET)to ensure a better supply of gas to the power plants. This will in turn improve power supply.One of the major problems of the sector has been the lack of gas for power plants and the complaints about access to funding by the Generating Companies.Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola announced the FEC approval after yesterdays meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.With him at the briefing were Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh.Fashola said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facility will guarantee payment for the evacuation of power produced by Generating Companies (GenCos) for the national grid.It will be drawn monthly to tackle the GenCos liquidity challenges.NBET will pay GenCos, which have been unable to pay their gas suppliers, in arrears of electricity generated as a deliberate step to boost their confidence and that of intending investors in the sector.Fashola said: You will recall that a few weeks back we announced the approval of council for early works for the second Niger Bridge. That bridge at some time was part of a PPP initiative. You will also recall that at the same time, some private agreements were signed to build the Lagos-Ibadan express way.The first memo is to brief council on the PPP status of those infrastructure projects and present options to government, which was essentially that where those PPPs are having problems, government must lead and finance the infrastructure while continuing to engage the private sector. Government remains committed to having private participation in infrastructure renewal.But government, as a matter of strategy; thinks that it can continue until financial closures, agreements and all of that are put in place when PPPs become ready and viable to help deliver. So, it was a strategy memorandum, the conclusion essentially which is that government is committed to doing short financing as much as possible and encouraging PPP as much as possible.The second memorandum is in another area of critical importance, which is power. Part of the challenges there were addressed in the memo that was presented to Council to solve some of the liquidity problems, especially as it relates to NBET.NBET as you know, is the governments own company, that is the Bulk Trader Electricity which buys power from the GenCos. The liquidity problems that have characterized the market have affected NBETs ability to deliver on its PPP obligations through the GenCos.So, going forward, in order to strengthen NBET, CBN is proving a payment assurance guarantee for any energy produced by any GenCos, so that the Gencos can pay their gas suppliers when they get paid. So that the hydros can continue to operate.What we seek to achieve here is to bring some stability to the production side of the power value chain and also give confidence to investors who want to come in, who are concerned about how to recover their money. Payment assurance and also people who are planning to invest in the gas sector, which is being championed by the Ministry of Petroleum, also are saying the same thing in terms of payment for gas produced.So, the approval of Council was to provide this guarantee for NBET, which is a 100 per cent government owned company to pay on a monthly basis its obligations for energy actually produced on to the grid to the GenCos that are its customers, he said.Fashola said the government was expanding transmission capacity regularly because it wanted to generate more power.He said: I have been here to announce to you transmission projects that have been approved by council and over the last one year plus the transmission capacity has grown to almost 7,000 from 5,000 and is continuing to grow with every project.So, it is not the problem of taking power; it is actually a problem of getting power from generation. If you recall just about a few weeks ago, you were reporting that power supply had dropped to a little over 2000mw. Its back now at over 4000mw.We have solved the transmission problem in Ikot Ekpene largely, to evacuate over a thousand. But the gas suppliers were being owed so they were not supplying gas for the power producers.As to the quantum of the guarantee, it is for two years from January this year right through to December 2018. It is capped at a maximum of N701 billion but it is to be drawn monthly. It is possible it may not reach that. But we are projected on the total cost that NBET will likely to pay. And that is why it is for power generated onto the grid only.So, if the power generated does not meet that cost, we dont pay for it. It is paid in arrears at the end of the month not in advance. So, it is for actually what gets onto the grid. And this is part of the reforms that we have briefed you about that we were planning to undertake.Fashola said he briefed the cabinet on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) status of the Second Niger Bridge and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.Ogbeh said the FEC approved N263 million for three research institutions to produce gum arabic seedlings for farmers and for export.He said Nigeria earned as much as $43 million from export of gum arabic last year, and that more will be earned with increased production, more so as the commodity is in high demand in 17 countries. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has commended former President Goodluck Jonat... Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) has commended former President Goodluck Jonathans efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the partys leadership crisis.Professor Wale Oladipo, the National Secretary, said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.Oladipo disclosed that members of NWC at their meeting, sequel to the official re-opening of the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, acknowledged the leadership qualities of the former president.He said that the NWC also noted with satisfaction the stand of the PDP Governors Forum on the need to adopt a political solution in bringing lasting peace to the party.The NWC restates its readiness to fully participate in the peace process.The NWC hereby calls on all staff of the PDP National Secretariat to resume duties immediately, he said in the statement.Oladipo said that the NWC also received and approved the request from PDP in Ebonyi for a time-table to conduct the party primaries for the local government elections in the state.Finally, the NWC commends the National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff for the swift renovation of the National Secretariat, Oladipo said.Recall that PDP Governors forum, on Tuesday met with Jonathan in Abuja and agreed to adopt a political solution to the crisis.Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, spoke on what was discussed at the meeting. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state, has given reason why State governors visit ailing Preside... Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state, has given reason why State governors visit ailing President, Muhammadu Buhari in the United KingdomHe stated this in Abuja during a media chat after the meeting of the NGF.Governor Yari said most of the governors are already speaking with Buhari through telephone calls.He, however, expressed his belief that Nigerians are praying for the Presidents quick recovery.Governor Yari said: I dont think it is necessary for governors to go to London to visit President Muhammadu Buhari. Some of us are already talking to him.I have been speaking with him. We know that he is sick quite alright. Every human being is bound to be sickLooking at his age coupled with the heavy and huge task of running Nigeria, it is not surprising to know he is sick.But all Nigerians, I believe, are praying for his quick recovery. Wikes very best, can never equal, not to talk about surpassing Amaechis sterling, innovative, radical, trend-setting and absolutely re... Wikes very best, can never equal, not to talk about surpassing Amaechis sterling, innovative, radical, trend-setting and absolutely revolutionary records as Rivers State Governor. Take it or leave it, Amaechi remains a hero of global reckoning. Written By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze Preamble The urge and need to embark upon this treatise titled, WIKE AND AMAECHI: WHOS SATANIC AND NEEDS PSYCHIATRIC ATTENTION? AN INSIDERS INPUT became compelling and imperative when I read some of these sad and unfortunate headlines in the media Amaechi is a Lucifer, psychiatric patient Wike, Amaechi is Diabolic, He is A Devil Wike and Amaechi Is Satan, He And His Boys Should Go For Psychiatric Test Nyesom Wike all of which were attributed to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State recently about his mentor, predecessor and benefactor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and incumbent Federal Minister of Transportation. According to Wike in his unguided outbursts, You are all aware that the Acting President came and held a stakeholders meeting with all of us, irrespective of affiliations. Even the Minister of Transportation was there. But, as you know, a chameleon will always be a chameleon and you know Satan will never sleep. Lucifer will always stay awake. Anywhere Satan sees light; he will always want to turn it into darkness. Just because the Acting President decided to stay in Rivers state, Lucifer went on rampage. I had no problem with the fact that Prof. Osinbajo wanted to hold a meeting with his party members. They are all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but I was surprised that a meeting they tagged APC stakeholders meeting turned out to be something else. They left what they gathered for and started making demands for the people of Rivers State. Who sent them? If I were them, they should go for psychiatric test. I have never been treated by a psychiatrist . I dont even have one as my doctor, but when your personal doctor is a psychiatrist , then you should know there is a problem. I dont want to talk about what his (Amaechi) boys (Dakuku Peterside and Magnus Abe) were saying but, I was happy for one thing. I was happy that the Minister of Transportation could not believe his eyes when he came into Government House. It was like a paradise. When he came to the Presidential Lodge, he couldnt believe it and he entered my car, my BMW 7 Series with the Acting President. What a comic and unfortunate statement from a fellow occupying the exalted position of a Governor of a State? According to records, let me explain what prompted the need of the meeting of APC stakeholders with Prof Osinbajo: Wike and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders that gathered to act as if they were the only recognised organ to speak for Rivers State people ensured that the APC stakeholders were denied entry to the Rivers State Government House, during the assumed stakeholders meeting with the Acting President, Prof Osinbajo, coupled with the fact that APCs banners and signposts welcoming the Acting President to Rivers State were all destroyed by Wike and his boys. Under this situation, one can only applaud the doggedness, sagacity and wisdom of Rt. Hon Amaechi in initiating the APC stakeholders meeting with the Acting President, who is of the APC extraction at, least, to ensure that the positive side of the demands of Rivers State people are tabled and discussed. Most of the needs of the Niger Delta region tabled before the Acting President in both forums were needs that Wike, in collaboration with some of these misguided PDP leaders, killed during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan. I will discuss this further later in this treatise. Although one cant fathom why the meeting by Prof Osinbajo with Rivers APC stakeholders could be a reason for Wike to berate his mentor and benefactor with such harsh and derogatory statement, calling him Satan, diabolical and psychiatrist , but sadly, this is not the first time that Wike will utilise any opportunity to abuse and run down Amaechi before his cohorts, associates and the general public. At times, one wonders if Wike was actually prepared for governance or he just found himself in the government house, unprepared and at a loss as what to do, except on how to run down Amaechi for recommending him to former President Jonathan as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Satan is not any issue that can be swept under the carpet, just like that. It is probably on this that Israelmore Ayivor stated Do not rush to judge someone unless his/her fruits reveal the truth. However, don't forget; mostly, it's not the fault of the tree to produce bitter fruits. Sometimes, the soil determines that; blame the source! Deal with the soil! Don't deal with the tree! Other trees are there that the same soil can influence! Don't deal with your enemy, deal with the Satan that sponsors them. It is based on the need to reveal the truth or otherwise of Wikes stand that prompted this research, of unearthing between Wike and Amaechi, who is actually satanic and psychiatric. For Wike to call Amaechi - his mentor, benefactor and whose influence in his life is not in doubt is not any issue that can be swept under the carpet, just like that. It is probably on this that, . It is based on the need to reveal the truth or otherwise of Wikes stand that prompted this research, of unearthing between Wike and Amaechi, who is actually satanic and psychiatric. Wike and his cohorts copied the speech of Amaechi on why he joined APC, to present to the Acting President during his visit to Rivers State. Reading through what Wike and his cohorts presented as the needs of Niger Delta region before Osinbajo, I dont know whether to cry or to laugh at the characters of our so-called leaders from Rivers State. Read through - what Amaechi stated at the height of his persecution in the hands of Wike and some of these funny PDP leaders in 2014 - and then judge for yourself why these people cant be said to be serious minded fellows. The desperation of the PDP leadership to completely destroy Amaechi led to his departure, alongside six other PDP governors, to form the New PDP, with five of them later joining the opposition party, APC, to dislodge PDP from the centre. I was privileged to be the spokesperson of this group then. But let us hear what Amaechi said, which Wike and his misguided group shamelessly reproduced and presented before Prof Osinbajo as the needs of Niger Delta region: Explaining why he joined APC, Amaechi said: Unfortunately, recent events within the PDP have given me reason to reconsider our collective interest as people of the South-south and, indeed, as Rivers people. At various times, as the one whom you gave your mandate, I had cause to complain about the marginalisation of our state and our people, despite our huge contribution to the national coffers and our unflinching commitment and support for the ruling PDP. While the political and economic importance of Rivers State cannot be contested, we continue to hold the shorter end of the stick. A few instances may suffice: Our demand that the Federal Government return oil wells belonging to Rivers State to us has gone unheeded and been treated with levity under this administration. Rather, our oil wells have been ceded to Bayelsa, Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Even after we got a judgment that the oil wells were wrongly ceded to Akwa Ibom State and should be returned to us; only dry wells that were no longer producing oil were returned. In the specific case of the Soku oil wells, despite a decision reached that the monies should remain in an escrow account till all matters concerning it are resolved, the Federal Government continues to pay neighbouring Bayelsa State the revenues meant for Rivers State, in a classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is, indeed, noteworthy that we have made several representations formally and informally on this matter. A second instance is the total absence of federal presence in Rivers State. The National Good Governance Tour provided a good opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its presence in Rivers State. The tour, if nothing else, proved that there was not much to show in a state that is the cash-cow of the federation. The East-West Road remains abandoned, work has been deliberately slow on the Port Harcourt International Airport, the third busiest airport in the country, while all airports started along with it have long been completed and commissioned. The Bonny-Bomu Road that leads to the only functional liquefied natural gas project remains uncompleted. In the midst of all these, our administration went ahead to fix federal roads to the tune of N103 billion. Several representations and letters after, not one kobo has been repaid. The Federal Government is actively discouraging investments in Rivers State. Let me reiterate that apart from all the listed attacks against Niger Delta region because of his hatred for Amaechi, Dr Jonathan took the proposed biggest dockyard in Africa meant for Bonny in Rivers State to Lagos State. When he lost the election, he revoked the project that was already 40 per cent done. He equally stopped the implementation of the cleaning up of Ogoni land, renovation of the Port Harcourt International Airport as well as repair of major federal roads in the state. To Wike and his misguided Rivers State PDP, Dr Jonathan is the hero of Niger Delta, while Amaechi is a villain! What Amaechi is to Wike To understand this article better, the need to explain the relationship between Amaechi and Wike at this juncture becomes imperative. As a close associate and one who has worked under the two leaders, I am ably qualified to speak on the two. Both are of the Ikwerre extraction in Rivers State. From 1999 to 2007, Amaechi was the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly; an office he used to lobby and influence the election of Chief Nyesom Wike as two-term executive chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, one of the richest LGs in Nigeria. While Amaechi was the chairman, Council of Speakers Forum, Wike was chairman of the local government chairmens forum in Nigeria. From 2007 to 2015, Amaechi was the Governor of Rivers State, with Chief Wike as his chief of staff from 2007 to 2011. Besides, Wike was the director-general of the re-election campaign organisation of the then governor Amaechi, which he executed satisfactorily. As a result, Amaechi nominated him as a minister to represent Rivers in the Federal Cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan. It was a mistake, you said. But the cruel thing was, it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you. Reading what Wike is doing to rubbish and ridicule Amaechi, after all that he did to assist him in his political life, Amaechi would be regretting the very day he set his eyes on this man that has turned a monster, ready to devour him. From the above, it should be very clear that Amaechi was the leader of his political dynasty, with Wike assisting him, accordingly. But reading and observing what is coming from Wike against his erstwhile boss and mentor, one may not look for a better definition than what David Levithan said: . Reading what Wike is doing to rubbish and ridicule Amaechi, after all that he did to assist him in his political life, Amaechi would be regretting the very day he set his eyes on this man that has turned a monster, ready to devour him. Contrary to the lies in Wikes interview with the Sun Newspapers, where he stated that he never wanted to be Governor of Rivers State, but the revelation that his ambition to succeed Amaechi as the governor of Rivers State actually started from his days as chief of staff to Amaechi maybe shocking to most political watchers. But the fact remains that while Amaechi was busy providing dividends of democracy to the people, Wike, on the other hand, was busy undermining him and using the connections and goodwill of the Rivers State Government not only to station his men in strategic positions in government, but to empower most of them financially through award of contracts, initiation and other means. He tested the ground of his ambition when he was appointed director-general for the re-election of Amaechi as governor of Rivers State in 2011. He ensured that only his men were appointed to strategic fields to serve as key mobilisers at the grassroots level. By the time he was appointed minister of state in the Ministry of Education based on the recommendation of Amaechi to Dr Jonathan Wike went further with his gubernatorial ambition plot by forming the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a political pressure group he used to deceive the public, that it was formed to assist in the re-election of then President Jonathan. But, in fact, the outfit was formed to pursue his gubernatorial ambition. He used the outfit to formally recruit his foot soldiers for the battle ahead. This body was heavily financed and motivated, and its presence was established in all the constituencies of Rivers State. It was this group that he used to dislodge over 11 key Peoples Democratic Party members that wanted to contest the 2015 governorship election under the PDP platform. Those that wanted to play games were properly beaten up and molested at the partys national secretariat at Abuja. Before this time, Wike, based on political exigency, tactfully suppressed his gubernatorial ambition from public view. Instead, he offered himself as a tool to spearhead the political battle between Jonathan and Amaechi. He gave everything within him to execute this, with the PDP ticket as a target. Plot against Amaechi Genesis of the creation of and manufacture of the in-fight with Amaechi, by Jonathan and Wike, stemmed from claims and rumour developed and spread around by members of their camp to win the hearts of Niger Delta people to their devious plot. That is, that the then Governor Amaechi will contest the office of the president or vice-president, with a candidate from the northern part of the country in 2015, thereby truncating the second-term ambition of President Jonathan who is from the same geo-political zone (South-south). This strategy sold like wild fire in the region. And, based on this evil assumption, Jonathan, using Wike as a tool, created the type of Rivers State and Niger Delta region where lives make no meaning, and the economy of the nation is being destroyed Hostility by Jonathan, Wike against Amaechi Despite Amaechis show of love to former President Jonathan, in order to humiliate and annihilate him politically, the following steps, among others, were adopted: A private jet of the Rivers State Government was grounded for no just cause; the PDP structure in Rivers State was taken away from Amaechi; his election as chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), which was duly certified and widely acknowledged, was annulled by President Jonathan and his cohorts; he also supported the destruction of the once vibrant NGF by supporting 16 governors against 19. Besides, on May 27, 2013 Amaechi was suspended from the PDP, a party he so much loved and spent so much to build. They followed this up with his expulsion. Indeed, if not for divine providence, he would have been illegally impeached by five legislators -(Chinda, Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bapakaye Bipi (Ogu/Bolo), Martins Amaewhule (Obio/Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III) - who were loyal to the then minister of state for education, Nyesom Wike, in a House of 32 members. Jonathan withdrew the security details attached to Amaechi. As if these were not enough, the ex-president used state power to prevent Amaechi, then a sitting governor, from reaching Ekiti, in the South-western part of the country, to support the re-election of Dr Kayode Fayemi, because they were in the opposition then. Above all, a Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu, was posted to Rivers State to haunt, harass, torment, insult and abuse Amaechi publicly. Wike and Amaechi, who is satanic, diabolical and psychiatric? Be the Judge! Chief Wike has shamelessly proved that his one single futile project: is to run down his predecessor, mentor and benefactor, former governor Amaechi, which he has carried out so religiously since he was erroneously declared the Governor of Rivers State by the Supreme Court at the expense of over hundreds souls of Rivers State people who were slaughtered in a bid to install him. Observers of the politics of Rivers State could have noted that since his assumption of office as the Governor of Rivers State on May 29, 2015, he has only emphasised and embarked on carrying out this sinister single agenda by throwing caution to the wind and there is nothing in the book of propaganda, dirty politics, blackmail and falsification of records that Wike has not employed and deployed in his desperation to drag Amaechis name to the mud. Apart from commissioning a commission of inquiry with the sole agenda: investigate, condemn and find Amaechi guilty and, if possible, arrest and imprison him. And to his chagrin, this kangaroo commission could still not found Amaechi culpable or wanting in all aspects of its investigations. Wike went ahead in his frustration to issue a white paper indicting Amaechi of corruption, without any recourse to the findings of the panel of inquiry set up in this regard. Wike, through the then infamous CP Mbu, heartlessly dispersed 13,000 teachers who gathered to receive their employment letters, aided the five renegade lawmakers to attempt the impeachment of the then speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, barricaded and sealed the State Assembly for one legislative year, and even blocked the access road to Government House on one occasion, preventing Amaechi and his visitors from using the road. Wike, with the backing of the then First Lady Patience Jonathan, ordered his thugs to stone state governors who visited Rivers in solidarity with Amaechi, for the humiliation he suffered under the watchful eyes of then-President Jonathan. Wike later used the Police and the Army to forcefully break into the newly-constructed stadium, just to prove his powers. Wikes desperation to drag Amaechis name in the mud, in order to frustrate his nomination or appointment as a minster, made him (Wike) to sponsor a satanic documentary on Amaechi, aired on Africa Independent Television (AIT). This documentary was part of Wikes propaganda war against Amaechi, for which he earmarked billions of naira in his plot to destroy the person and character of Amaechi. Other propaganda tools planned and deployed during this period, in the war against Amaechi, include sponsored publications such as advertorials, columns, editorials and Op-Ed articles in major international, national and local print media; sponsored personality discussion programmes in the electronic media and sponsored special documentaries on television and radio through independent groups and organisations. Other insidious plots by Wike to undermine Amaechi include commissioning a team made up of persons within and outside Rivers State to initiate, formulate and contrive false, damaging reports bordering on alleged corrupt practices by Amaechi, which were circulated to individuals and institutions within Nigeria and abroad, with a view to damaging the character and rising profile of Amaechi; in order to blackmail and put pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari not to appoint him into his government. These cooked reports, to the shock of many Nigerians, was sent to the Senate and presented through one misguided Senator Thompson Sekibo, which the Senate referred to its Ethics Committee. This caused the delay in Amaechis screening and confirmation as a minister. Amaechi has through both the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government, George Feyi, and the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Chamberlain Peterside, and others denied any form of corruption against him by Wike and his cohorts. Wike did not stop at these, but went further to set up Justice George Omereji Panel, to investigate the administration of ex-governor Amaechi. Though the panel did not found any wrong-dealing, or corrupt practices by Amaechi, Wike went ahead to issue a white paper indicting him of embezzling the sum of N53 billion. How on earth can someone in his right senses describe funds withdrawn with the approval of the legislature and spent as prescribed by the state budget to be missing? Wike, in his desperation to stop Amaechis appointment as a minister, resorted to dancing naked in the market place. But, as God will have it, and contrary to the expectations of Governor Wike and his gang of ingrates, their ferocious campaign to blackmail, disparage and portray Amaechi as a very corrupt person unfit to be appointed as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria failed to achieve the desired objective. On September 30, 2015 President Buhari went ahead to list and submit Amaechis name, along with 20 other Nigerians, as ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. And to the shock and chagrin of Wike and his cohorts, the Senate, after three sittings on the screening of the ministerial nominees, screened Amaechi on October 22, 2015 and formally confirmed him on October 29, 2015. He was subsequently sworn-in with the 35 other ministers on Wednesday November 11, 2015, by President Buhari, who as a further mark of confidence in the Lion of Niger Delta assigned to him the strategically important Ministry of Transportation. What President Donald Trump of USA and Senator Modu Sheriff, PDP national chairman said about Wike: When Trump, a world political leader and current President of the United States was told about one Wike from Rivers State, he sighed and in demonstration for his repugnance for most of the political actors in Rivers State expressly stated: One of the key problems today is that politics is such a disgrace; good people dont go into government. While to Sheriff, I will engineer a restructuring of the PDP such that characters like Wike and Fayose cannot find a way through to attain any position of prominence in our party in the future. They have brought shame and agony through the application of their crude and godless politics, which is at variance with the principles upon which our founding fathers built our great party. We must find a way to sieve things so that only men of character and integrity can come through for positions of responsibility at all levels of our political engagement in the country. We must urgently steer the ship of PDP clear of the path of infamy which Wike and Fayose has brought our party, making Nigerians to mistake PDP as a training ground for thugs. I advice Fayose to resign immediately as the chairman of PDP Governors Forum, a thug cannot lead our governors. That is the urgent task we have. We cannot continue to advertise thug brand and expect Nigerians to take us seriously. Amaechi reacts Ameachi said his sin against many people in the South-south and the former president was supporting a Muslim candidate from the north. His words: Our offence was supporting a Muslim. Not only that, our offence was supporting a northerner. What they failed to realise is that money does not know ethnic group; the stealing the current president is fighting cut across the whole nation; it is not the South-south people that stole the money, every part of the country stole that money. But it was under the supervision of a South-south president, and we are watching. However, one thing Wike and his strategists fail to understand is that President Buhari is already aware of their desperation to victimise Amaechi, and also knows the politics of Rivers State as he knows his fingers. Therefore, their evil plot is an exercise in futility. To throw more light on the level of betrayal by Wike, Amaechi on February 15, 2014 at the thanksgiving service held in honour of Senator Magnus Abe (who had to be flown to London for further medical treatment) in Bera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, after surviving the January 12, 2015 bullet shot by policemen during the inauguration of the pro-Amaechis Save Rivers Movement (SRM), at Obio/Akpor LG chapter said: Wike used the names of his children to swear that he would not betray me. He told the congregation that a notable cleric earlier prophesied to him not to nominate Wike as minister, that he would betray him at last. I believe in prophecies. Apostle Suleiman said I should not nominate Nyesom Wike as a minister; that he would not only betray me, but would try to destroy me. When I confronted Nyesom Wike, in the presence of Chima Chinye, he swore with his children that he would not betray me. Any man that swears with the lives of his children is a wicked man. He does not appreciate those children at all. People who do not have character, you dont give them political power. Nyesom Wike, Dakuku Peterside and Magnus Abe are among those I helped that passed through our friendship. Amaechi added that he intervened and assisted Wike to secure second term tenure, when the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area vowed to deny him a second term as chairman of the council over alleged disrespect for elders, arrogance and poor performance. What is his political history? Without the rest, God did them through me? Rivers PDP Affirms Amaechis Sins Supporting the attack against Amaechi, Rivers PDP, through Mr. Felix Obuah, the factional PDP state chairman, in a press statement stated: We are, however, shocked that Amaechi, who has shamelessly brought so much insult to the people of Niger Delta, is playing a major role in pushing out the son of the Niger Delta as the president of this country, in preference for his new-found love, and killer of his kinsmen (no thanks to the military invasion of Rivers State) will, against all odds, be nursing the ambition to launch a come-back to the region, after inflicting so much pains and agony on the people. The Rivers APC, through its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Chris Finebone, reacted as follows: Much more than that, the statement, in some ways, underscores the nexus between the hurting of 2015 election to wailing wailers, the spate of destruction of oil installations by the Avengers and other restive youths in the Niger Delta, and the recent blowing up of Shell trunk line to Bonny Export Terminal. Little wonder the PDP in Rivers State fails to see the need for peace, which the Abuja meeting was meant to bring about in the Niger Delta. Is anyone still wondering those behind the ongoing bombing and bursting of pipelines in the Niger Delta? It is sad that an individual that sold his soul to Satan and connived with Wike to steal a political party structure in broad daylight could muster the courage to talk about betrayal. What betrayal can be more than that exhibited by a man that was shot and left to die, but was rescued and flown abroad to save his life. The same man turned around later to bite the hand that God used to save him. Indeed, Obuah should not forget to tell his children the true story of his miserable life. Whos Amaechi? Amaechi is an enigma that defies description. His erstwhile deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, who seems to know him better than most of us, tried to give an insight into who this man is when, during the seventh anniversary of the Supreme Court judgement that brought Amaechi to power, stated: Today, we have come to celebrate a resourceful leader, a dogged fighter, a political enigma, a change agent, people defender, transformer, catalyst, trailblazer, phenomenon of our time, His Excellency, the Rt Hon Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the executive Governor of Rivers State. A leader whose word you can take to the bank. A trusted friend and ally, a man who stands by his friends and confidants, both in good times and in times of difficulties and challenges. A man of conscience who does not hide under the veil of circumstances to betray his friends and allies; a compassionate leader whose love for the development of the state and its people has no parallel. A sincere and honest leader, who rather than cart away the commonwealth of Rivers people entrusted to his care, has diligently applied it to the development of the state to the admiration of the true Rivers people and even his traducers. A visionary leader who knows and sees his people first. I dont know if any other person can beat this definition of the enigma known as Amaechi. , a renowned social commentator, Wikes very best, can never equal, not to talk about surpassing Amaechis sterling, innovative, radical, trend-setting and absolutely revolutionary records as Rivers State Governor. Take it or leave it, Amaechi remains a hero of global reckoning. To Victor Nwokocha Conclusion Woe to you, O destroyer, While you were not destroyed; And he who is treacherous, while others did not deal treacherously with him As soon as you finish destroying, you will be destroyed; As soon as you cease to deal treacherously, others will deal treacherously with you.; and by When the devil wants to punish his worshippers, he uses the trick of karma. In conclusion, I am counselled by Isaiah 33:1and by Michael Bassey Johnson who stated: Finally, Senator Abe, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, summarised this treatise when he described Wike as uncouth in public speaking, and his comments as embarrassing to every Rivers man. Reacting to a statement credited to Governor Wike, who described his predecessor, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as Lucifer, Satan and chameleon , Abe said such foul language ought not to come from a governor of a state, despite their political differences, although the governor has a history of incivility in public speaking, for the fact that he is a governor should make him weigh his words, the import and the connotation to his image, before speaking. It was unfair for the governor to call the minister unprintable names, for accompanying the Acting President to Government House, Port Harcourt. But if Wike should refer to Senator Abe and Dr Dakuku-Peterside as Amaechis boys, he (Wike) should also refer to himself as Amaechis boy, because he is what he is today by virtue of serving Hon Amaechi, as it was on that strength that he became a local government chairman, chief of staff and, later, appointed a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have nothing else to say than to ask the reader to decide who, among Wike and Amaechi, is satanic and needs a psychiatric physician. Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and can be reached through ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com camden-charter A crossing guard looks on as Robert Rodriguez, right, walks Carlos Augusto, left, home from school on March 2, 2017. The state Department of Education did not renew the Camden Community Charter School's application in the wake of dismal test scores. (Greg Adomaitis | For NJ.com) ( ) CAMDEN -- Where will the children go now? Who will be held responsible? What will become of a relatively new building -- and when will its hallways and classrooms be filled again? A sign encouraging enrollment for the Camden Community Charter School is displayed outside of the campus, March 2, 2017. The state Department of Education did not renew the charter's application in the wake of dismal test scores. (Greg Adomaitis | For NJ.com) Word this week that Camden Community Charter School is one of four such independent learning institutions in New Jersey that saw its renewal application denied by the state Department of Education prompted plenty of questions from the community. "It makes me very concerned. Why would you hurt these little kids," questioned longtime Camden resident and block captain Fred Simpson. "You close the school, you bring in more crime." In the eyes of the New Jersey Department of Education, the Camden charter simply wasn't performing academically. In a letter to the Camden school, state officials cite poor test scores across elementary and middle school grade levels at the facility that opened in 2013 and has about 700 students from kindergarten through 6th grade. "In the last two years not a single student in the middle grades met or exceeded grade level expectations in math," a letter from Harrington to charter President Edmond George reads. "All New Jersey public schools, which include charter schools, must be held to a high standard in order to ensure that all of our children receive the quality educational experiences they deserve," Acting Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington said. Per that state letter, Department of Education officials direct the charter school to cease operations come June 30 and notify all affected that the charter has not been renewed. It goes on to state that the Camden School District will assist parents and guardians with enrolling students in another school for the 2017-18 year. Many parents and guardians appeared to be taken aback by news that the school would be closing and they'd need to find a new educational outlet for their little ones. Luz Medina, an East Camden resident who was walking home her great granddaughter and kindergartner, said she'd heard nothing up until dismissal around 3 p.m. Thursday. No rumors, no rumblings from parents, no newsletters -- nothing to indicate the state's recent decision. Robert Rodriguez, whose grandson and 5th grader Carlos Augusto has attended the charter school for the past two years, said he heard word of the closure just 30 minutes before he went to pick up the boy. Asked how teachers are are at the school, Carlos gave a thumb-up. "Where do we go from here," another city resident who did not wish to provide his name said of essentially pulling the rug out from students and "plugging them into one of the few remaining high schools." In response to a request for comment, the charter decried the decision as "extremely disappointing and completely unwarranted" and that the school has " provided a safe and enriching learning environment with a constantly improving education option for the children of Camden." "In its three-and-a-half short years of educating Camden's students, CCCS and its dedicated teachers have helped stabilize one of Camden's most troubled neighborhoods," the statement continues, adding that the charter is "reviewing the state's decision and considering our options, including pursuing litigation." In its 2016 School Information Card assessment, the Camden School District notes that Camden Community Charter School was one of three that did not participate in the survey that ranked academic performance with an on-site visit. The school district did not wish to comment on Thursday's revelation that this facility, in a city comprised of public, Renaissance and charter schools, would close. The other three charter schools that also saw their application renewals denied are located in Newark. A total of 20 charter schools have gone under during the Christie administration. Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook. WATERFORD -- The morning coffee crowd began to roll in shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday. Lorie Toussaint, the owner of the Atco Diner on the White Horse Pike -- hometown of Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Donald Trump -- said many of the locals may have been delayed at church. "It's Ash Wednesday," she said, pointing to the cross made from black ashes on her forehead. Sure enough, one patron after another began to file in, many with black ash on their foreheads. They ordered coffee, eggs sunny side up with strips of bacon and other items up and down the menu and virtually all of them had an opinion about Trump and his first address to Congress on Tuesday night. "I thought it was one of his greatest speeches," said Pat Petta, 80, a retired highway construction worker from nearby Winslow. "Everybody, I think, liked what he said. Except the Democrats," he said with a chuckle. Waterford, a town of roughly 10,000, is one of only three municipalities in staunchly Democratic Camden County with a majority of votes cast for Trump in the general election. Trump tallied 2,968 votes to 2,007 for Hillary Clinton. Locals at the Atco Diner on Wednesday concluded it may have something to do with the rural nature of the township on the edge of the Pine Barrens -- and not necessarily because one of his top strategists, Conway, grew up here. "This man is our president," said Gabriel Cimino, 76, a retired construction worker. "Give 'em a shot." Joel Thompson, 35, a minister from Upper Darby, Pa. was in town Wednesday to do the final inspection on a home he and his wife are buying here. He stopped into the diner for a cup of coffee but left with more insight into the town. "There's definitely a split," Thompson said of the political climate in town. "The people are either very pleased or very concerned. There's not a whole lot of middle ground people." Jeff Merkel, 68, a retired carpenter from the Atco section of the township, said he thinks Trump may not finish his first term. "I give him about two years before he just quits," said Merkel, a Vietnam War veteran. "Between what our country put up for election this year, it's pretty bad." "I don't think anybody here gave him the benefit of the doubt just because of Kellyanne," Toussaint chimed in. "Kellyanne is a person who grew up in town, a lovely, lovely lady. I don't think anybody supported Trump because of Kellyanne. You either like him or you don't." Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The estate of a Millville man who purportedly lost an ear to a K-9 during his 2016 arrest filed a lawsuit against Millville Police Department. Joey Myers was in the basement of a pizzeria on Jan. 18, 2016 when the K-9 and three police officers were inside looking for him. According to the lawsuit, the officers lost control of the K-9 and it attacked Myers -- biting his leg and face. At the time, Myers was charged with obstruction, hindering apprehension, resisting arrest by flight and interference with a law enforcement animal. After being treated at the hospital, he was held in Cumberland County Jail Myers died after being struck by a car on Oct. 30 but the lawsuit was filed on March 1 by his mother Carolyn K. Chaudry, who manages his estate, who is represented by Philadelphia-based attorney Conrad Benedetto. The lawsuit asks for damages exceeding $1 million. Police Chief Jody Farabella did not return a request for comment on the lawsuit Wednesday afternoon. According to the lawsuit, Millville Police Department has policies in place that led to the injury of Myers due to excessive force and the violation of his constitutional rights -- as well as a pattern of unconstitutional behavior. According to the lawsuit, Myers and told by a friend of a place to get high -- a restaurant with an open window. The two walked to Bim's Pizza on East Main Street and entered through the window. At this time, a neighbor reported to police someone entering the business through the window and police went to investigate the possible burglary, according to the police report. Officers Michael Calchi, Gavin Phillips and Jeffrey profit responded to the scene, with Calchi bringing his K-9 partner Chase. At one point while they were entering the pizzeria through the window, Chase bit Proffit on the leg. The officers investigated the basement and found Myers under the staircase. Chase tried to drag Myers from under the staircase by the leg and at one point bit him on the right side of the head -- taking a chunk out of Myers' ear. According to the police report, Myers was punching Chase and shoved one of the officers once he got to his feet. During this struggle, a handgun fell out of Myers' pocket that belonged to the pizzeria owner and was kept in his safe, the police report states. Police also reportedly recovered $140.25 from Myers that was taken from the pizzeria. According to the lawsuit, one of officers began to punch Myers and no weapon was found during the incident. Once treated at the hospital and kept at the county jail, Myers experience headaches, pain and had difficulty sleeping due to his injuries. The lawsuit demands a trial by jury. Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. BRIDGETON -- Your new favorite kitchen appliance is going to be coming from Bridgeton. Flatev, a startup based in New York and Zuric, Switzerland, is using the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton as its first manufacturing space for its new appliance. The appliance is similar to a Keurig, where a single-serving pod is inserted into the machine -- except instead of coffee a tortilla comes out. "The business began as a result of my interest in producing authentic, healthy tortillas, just like my mother made for me when I was a child growing up in Mexico," said Carlos Ruiz, founder of Flatev, in a statement. Ruiz came up with the idea while backpacking through Europe and college in Switzerland -- where he was unable to find the tortillas that he grew up with in Mexico. A Kickstarter campaign raised $136,165 from 662 backers for the appliance and, according to a press release, the company was able to raise $5 million from finders. Flatev partnered with Eugster/Frismag -- makers of the Nespresso single-serving coffee machine. The Dough Pods used in the appliance run in corn or flour varieties and can come seasoned with garlic, chili or cinnamon. The appliance cooks the dough between 350 and 400 degrees and pops out a six-inch tortilla. The company is using manufacturing space at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, which acts as an incubator for businesses. The company has also been working with the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, which works on economic development on the local level, and Choose New Jersey, a statewide non-profit that encourages business to operate in New Jersey. "Having Flatev select Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton as their first step into the U.S. market is positive economic win for our county," said Joe Derella, director of the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "Since the CCIA has become the lead agency for economic development they have attracted interest in Cumberland County from national and international companies." The CCIA hopes to eventually entice Flatev, and other businesses, to eventually move into its planned 30,000-square-foot Food Specialization Center, which will be located next to the Rutgers Food Innovation Center and act as a larger incubation space for businesses that don't need whole facilities to operate. "We are excited about the many partnerships and collaborations that the CCIA has created with our municipalities and economic development stakeholders," said Jerry Velazquez, CCIA executive director. "This is another example of how working together and making strategic investments, has enabled Cumberland County to attract national and international manufacturing to our area." Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. BRIDGETON -- The man accused of killing his estranged wife and then eluding police for more than two weeks has turned down plea deal in the case during an appearance in Superior Court Thursday. Jeremiah Monell, 32, of Cedarville, allegedly stabbed 35-year-old Tara O'Shea-Watson to death on Dec. 18 in her Commercial Township home while their 12-year-old son watched, officials said. Monell appeared Thursday in court for a pre-indictment conference. During the conference, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office offered Monella plea deal in exchange for him pleading guilty to murder. The deal called for him to serve at least 30 years in prison. "The incentive would be that there is the potential for him to be charged with special circumstances," said Brent Hopkins, assistant prosecutor. "That's something that the grand jury has to bring back. If there's no special circumstances, then it's a basic murder charge which is 30 to life. If there is special circumstances it could be life without parole" Monell declined the offer. He is charged with murder, violating a restraining order and weapons offenses for the death of O'Shea-Watson. The two were married, but estranged, and had two children together. O'Shea-Watson filed a restraining order against Monell in May 2016 and he was indicted in August for a domestic violence charge, although it was dismissed a month before O'Shea-Watson's death. According to friends, O'Shea-Watson was planning on fleeing to Tennessee with her two children to escape Monell. Authorities found O'Shea-Watson stabbed multiple times in her Raymond Drive residence in the Laurel Lake section of Commercial Township on Dec. 18. Police quickly identified Monell as a suspect and launched a manhunt -- leading to his arrest two weeks later when authorities found him camping out in an Atlantic County woods. Monell was last in court for a detention hearing in January, when the judge decided that Monell is to remain in Cumberland County Jail. The next step for Monell's case is for a Cumberland County grand jury to decide whether to indict Monell or not. The investigation is still ongoing into O'Shea-Watson's death, Hopkins said. Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- Dismal test scores and ineffective teaching led to the downfall of four New Jersey charter schools ordered to shut down at the end of this school year, according to state documents. The state Department of Education this week announced the closure of three charter schools in Newark and one charter school in Camden. Those decisions come after three of the schools had been placed on probation and the state completed a comprehensive review of each school. Here's a closer look at the problems that led to the closure of each school, according to notices sent by acting Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington. Paulo Freire Charter School The Newark charter school, which opened in 2012, served about 200 high school students as of 2014-15, according to state data. The state placed the school on probation for academic deficiencies last February and visited the school this fall for a review. Test scores lagged compared to Newark Public Schools, the school failed to provide proper special education services and teachers complained about a lack of respect from school leaders, according to the state's review. Parents, students, teacher and administrators all described the school's "instructional rigor" as a weakness, the state found. "Low-level instructional activities were observed in most classrooms and observed instructional was primarily whole group, direct instruction and below anticipated grade levels standard," Harrington wrote in her notice of closure. The school claimed that 97 percent of its graduates went on to four-year colleges, but the state found that 18 of the 66 students in the Class of 2016 failed to graduate on time. In a statement, the school said it was working hard and showing signs of improvement since being placed on probation. It said the state's observations were anecdotal and accused the Department of Education of being unsupportive of smaller-independent charter schools "We are quite disheartened," the school said. "We feel that the decision is not reflective of the School's true accomplishments or the efforts of our hardworking students, parents/guardians, and staff". Newark Prep Charter School Another Newark charter school that opened in 2012, Newark Prep had about 400 high school students as of 2014-15, according to state data. It was put on probation last January. A state review found that just 64 percent of students graduated on time in 2016, and the school failed to make progress to improve it's "weak academic program." "This school continues to struggle to institute rigorous instructional practices as required by the remedial plan," Harrington wrote. Only 2 percent of students met grade level expectations on the state math exams. Jeff Kwitowski, a spokesman for K12 Inc., which provides curriculum and school programs for Newark Prep, said the school had already fixed some problems highlighted by the state and was working to correct others. "This has come as quite a shock," Kwitowski said. Merit Preparatory Charter School The third of the Newark charter schools ordered to close, Merit Prep also opened in 2012. It had about 325 middle school students as of 2014-15, according to state data, and had since expanded to high school. The school's overall performance on state exams was among the lowest in the state as were its scores for student academic growth, according to Harrington's letter. "This facts suggests that the school has not been accelerating student learning, which is a perquisite for closing the achievement gap," Harrington wrote. Only 7 percent of the school's students met grade-level expectations on the state math exams in 2015-16. Camden Community Charter School The school opened in 2013 and had about 400 students in kindergarten through sixth grade as of 2014-15, according to state data. It applied to have its charter renewed in September. The state's review found that the school is "not offering its student a high quality education," Harrington wrote. The school's scores for student academic growth were among the lowest 0.1 percentile in all of elementary schools in the state, according to the closure notice. Classroom visits by the Department of Education found few instances of high expectations in classrooms. "Many observed classrooms were characterized by low levels of student engagement and disruptive behavior, such as students talking over the teacher or knocking books off others' desks," Harrington wrote. In a statement, the school called the decision "extremely disappointing and completely unwarranted." "In its three-and-a-half short years of educating Camden's students, CCCS and its dedicated teachers have helped stabilize one of Camden's most troubled neighborhoods," the school said. The school its considering its options, including litigation, it said. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. TRENTON -- The state has ordered three low-performing charter schools in Newark and one in Camden to close at the end of this school year, bringing the total number of failed charter schools to 20 under the Christie administration. The three Newark schools -- Newark Prep Charter School, Paulo Freire Charter School and Merit Prep Charter School -- had all been on probation for academic problems. Upon further review, the state Department of Education decided to close the schools, it announced Wednesday. The fourth school, Camden Community Charter School, was slated to have its charter renewed this year. It was the only one of 22 renewal applications that got rejected and was denied because of poor academic performance, according to the state. "All New Jersey public schools, which include charter schools, must be held to a high standard in order to ensure that all of our children receive the quality educational experiences they deserve," Acting Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington said. "These decisions reflect this Administration's continued commitment to hold low-performing charter schools accountable." Jeff Kwitowski, a spokesman for K12 Inc., which provides curriculum and school programs for Newark Prep, said the school had already fixed some problems highlighted by the state and was working to correct others. "School officials had multiple conversations and several site visits with department officials over the past couple months, and no indication was given that the department was planning to close the school," Kwitowski said. "This has come as quite a shock." Amanda Vega-Malinowski, communications director for the New Jersey Charter Schools Association, said the group would support the schools slated for closure. "While it is disheartening to see any child's education be disrupted, charter schools are opened to provide a high-quality, performance-based education to every student," Vega-Malinowski said. "Closure is the ultimate test of accountability." The closures were announced along with the rejection of all four applications for new charter schools that had made it to the final round of consideration. However, the Christie administration also approved the expansion of 22 existing charter schools, adding hundreds of new charter school seats across the state. A school choice advocate, Christie has described charter schools, which are public but operate separately from traditional school districts, as "salvation for families," especially those in urban districts. He's set goals for expanding charter school enrollment and proposed a charter school deregulation plan currently pending before the state Board of Education. Though Christie often praises charter schools for outperforming public schools, his administration had already closed 16 charter schools prior to Wednesday. New Jersey began this school year with 88 charter schools. The expansions approved Wednesday came after many charter schools made a push to win approval before Christie leaves office. Karen Yi contributed to this report. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. patti-cakes.jpg Danielle Macdonald has Jersey attitude to spare in 'Patti Cake$' (FOX SEARCHLIGHT) "Patti Cake$" is the story of Patricia "Dumbo" Dumbrowski, a plus-sized white girl from a Bergen County suburb who aspires to be a rich and famous gangster rapper. The film's director, Geremy Jasper, grew up in Hillsdale. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to instant acclaim -- and a $10.5 million distribution deal from Fox Searchlight that was one of the richest deals in the indie festival's history. Now local audiences will finally get the chance to see what all the hype is about. "Patti Cake$" was selected as the opening night selection for the prestigious New Directors / New Films festival in Manhattan, where it will be making its East Coast premiere on March 15. It's been a particularly strong year for New Jersey-reared directors. Earlier this week, Princeton's Damien Chazelle won the Best Director Oscar for "La La Land." Tickets for "Patti Cake$" go on sale today -- though it would be wise to act fast. (The first of the film's two screenings is already listed as "Standby Only.") Jasper and the cast are expected to be in attendance at both of the screenings that evening at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Fox Searchlight has yet to set an official release date, so this might be your only opportunity to see it for months. The annual New Directors/New Films -- now in its 46th year -- spotlights fresh work from fresh voices. Films come from around the world, and previous discoveries have included Christopher Nolan, Pedro Almodovar, Spike Lee and Kelly Reichardt. Which makes his film's prominent inclusion a particularly high honor for Jasper, a former musician and music-video director. Jasper's film was workshopped at Sundance (where Quentin Tarantino became an early mentor). Its premiere there was met with a standing ovation, and special praise for its star Danielle Macdonald. While the film was shot on location in seedy bars and gas-station parking lots, Macdonald is only playing at being Jersey -- she's actually an Aussie import. Presented by the Museum of Modern Art and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the festival takes place from March 15th through March 26th at both venues; other films include the Yiddish-language feature "Menashe," the Indian thriller "Sexy Durga" and the New York ensemble picture "Person to Person." For more information, visit the festival's site. Stephen Whitty may be reached at stephenjwhitty@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwhitty. Find him on Facebook. NEWARK -- An alleged armed man shot by Newark police Monday faces gun charges stemming from the encounter, authorities said Thursday. Ali Smith, 20, of Newark, is charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of an extended ammunition magazine, according to Essex County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Katherine Carter. Smith was treated at an area hospital and released the same day he was shot in the arm, the prosecutor's office said. He was ordered held at the Essex County jail on bail, but the amount was not immediately available. Records show he also faces drug-related offenses. The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. at the Grace West apartment complex near Irvine Turner Boulevard and Muhammad Ali Avenue. An officer was on patrol in the area when "they encountered a suspect who was armed and failed to comply with the orders given to him," said James Stewart Jr., president of the Newark Fraternal Order of Police. No police officers were shot. Neighbors at the apartments said they heard several shots and saw police chase a man through the middle of the complex. The nearby Louise A. Spencer School was placed on lockdown as a result of the gunfire. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were being investigated by the county prosecutor's office, which is standard procedure. In February, police interrupted a deadly shooting in Newark's North Ward and fired at a suspected gunman. It was not immediately clear if Smith had a defense attorney to comment on the allegations. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Kellyanne Conway in the Oval Office Rep. Cedric Richmond, Democrat of Louisiana, made a sexually crude joke about a now-notorious photo of President Donald Trump's adviser Kellyanne Conway kneeling on an Oval Office sofa at the annual Washington Press Club Foundation congressional dinner on Wednesday night. "I really just want to know what was going on there," Richmond said at the dinner. "Because she really looked kind of familiar there in that position there. But don't answer. And I don't want you to refer back to the 90s. Conway previously said she was kneeling on the couch in order to take a photo of the president posing with dozens of leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The White House demanded an apology and Republican National Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel accused Richmond of sexism. "You may think this is funny, but it's not. It's disgusting & offensive," McDaniel tweeted on Thursday. "A snarky joke for you is just a reminder of the demeaning comments women hear every single day." It was a RepublicanSen. Tim Scottwho brought up the photo of Conway a few minutes before Richmond's comment. "Has anyone seen the controversy around Kellyanne Conway and the couch in the Oval Office?" Scott asked the crowd of journalists and lawmakers. "Come on, people. You remember the '90s. That couch has had a whole lot of worse things. Come on now. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Richmond defended himself when asked by a reporter after the event if the joke was meant to be lewd. "I just said she looked comfortable in that position," Richmond said. "I can't let Tim get away with making a Clinton joke without making one of my own." In a statement on Thursday, Richmond attempted to clarify his comment, but did not apologize. "Where I grew up saying that someone is looking or acting 'familiar' simply means that they are behaving too comfortably," Richmond said. "I decided to use that joke due to the large social media backlash over her inappropriate posture considering there were more than 60 HBCU Presidents in the room." Story continues NOW WATCH: Trump's doctor and a hair surgeon explain what's going on with his hair More From Business Insider CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION PETITIONS NEW U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY TO PUT HOLD ON CUTS TO SUMMER FLOUNDER RECREATIONAL FISHING REDUCTIONS WOULD AMOUNT TO DE FACTO MORATORIUM ON FLOUNDER FISHING AND RIPPLE THROUGHOUT SHORE TOURISM ECONOMY (17/P12) TRENTON The Christie Administration has formally requested the new U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, to put a hold on severe restrictions on recreational summer flounder fishing adopted recently by a regional fisheries commission, a move that would effectively cripple the states fishing industry and have far-reaching impacts on the shore tourism economy, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today. As head of the Department of Commerce, Secretary Ross oversees management of fisheries through the agencys Fisheries Office and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service. Last month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved a 34 percent reduction in the states recreational quota for summer flounder. Commissioner Martin wrote to Secretary Ross that the restrictions will put our recreational summer flounder industry in serious jeopardy. This action imposes a de facto moratorium on recreational summer flounder fishing in my state, Commissioner Martin wrote. This action also is disproportionately damaging to New Jersey compared with other states. In the short term, New Jersey is requesting that you stop these new regulations from going into effect and that NOAA Fisheries maintain the status quo for the 2017 Recreational Harvest Limit for summer flounder. At the same time, we are requesting an immediate benchmark stock assessment for summer flounder be conducted. Summer flounder, also known as fluke, is one of the states most popular sport fish. It is especially popular in New Jersey, attracting many thousands of anglers each summer season because of the abundance of these fish close to beaches and in bays and creeks. The summer flounder season in New Jersey typically runs from May through September, concurrent with the peak tourism season. Any reduction would be in addition to the 27 percent recreational quota reduction New Jersey had to implement after successfully fighting off a proposed 59 percent reduction in 2015. Last years New Jersey regulations allowed recreational anglers fishing to take up to four summer flounder per day that met a minimum, 17-inch length requirement in Delaware Bay. For all other New Jersey marine waters, the minimum length was at least 18 inches long. In order to meet the new quota, New Jerseys size limit would have to be increased to 19 inches and the number of fish that could be kept each day would be reduced from five to three. Due to their biological needs and migration patterns, summer flounder are smaller in New Jersey waters than in waters north of our state. Ironically, most of the fish that anglers would be able to keep under the new regulations would be breeding-size females. Ninety percent of the fish that meet the 19-inch limit are females. The Christie Administration argues that fisheries resources, managed by regional commissions based on information collected by the states and the National Marine Fisheries Service, varies too widely from year to year, causing a great deal of uncertainty for state fishery managers and for those who enjoy fishing. Conversely, New Jersey has over three decades worth of fish trawl surveys that show a slight, but measurable increase in the summer flounder stock off the coast. New Jersey recognizes the importance of protecting our marine resources by preventing the overfishing of any species, Commissioner Martin added in the letter. But the decisions that are made to ensure the health of fisheries must be based on reliable data about the health of the fishery and the use of up-to-date, sound science. Recreational fishing in New Jersey alone directly creates some 20,000 jobs and contributes $1.5 billion to the states economy, with commercial fishing generating another billion dollars in economic benefits. Restaurants, hotels, gift shops and a wide range of other businesses would be harmed if recreational anglers see no point in making the trip if they feel that their prospects for keeping a few fish to take home are not good. Commissioner Martin testified against the quota changes at the Feb. 2 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meeting. In his letter to Secretary Ross, Commissioner Martin noted that NOAAs Fisheries Office and the National Marine Fisheries Service are required to review decisions by regional commissioners before they are published in the Federal Register and become final. For a copy of Commissioner Martins letter, visit: http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2017/flndrletter02-28-17.pdf 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. Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM recently released its capital spending projection for 2017. The company expects capital spending to be at $22 billion for 2017, up 16% from the 2016 level. Moreover, capital and exploration expenses are expected to average $25 billion annually through the end of the decade. Over 25% of the planned spending in 2017 has been apportioned for high-value, short cycle opportunities, including those in the Permian and Bakken basins. Short-cycle investments are defined as those anticipated to generate positive cash flow in less than three years after initial investment. Exxon Mobil has an inventory of over 5,500 wells in the Permian and the Bakken with a rate of return of more than 10% at $40 a barrel, with nearly one-third generating considerably higher returns. Total annual net production growth from these basins could be as high as 750,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day through 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of about 20%. Exxon Mobils position helps it to thrive in any price environment by capitalizing on the competitive strengths of its integrated businesses as well as by spending on projects that produce high-value products across the commodity cycle. The company expects to make progress on longer-term projects focused on growing higher-value production in locations including Canada, Guyana and the United Arab Emirates. For example, two wells were established in Guyana in 2016 as a world-class discovery with recoverable resources of more than 1 billion oil-equivalent barrels. Guyanas project is expected to be brought online by 2020, less than five years after the initial discovery well a rare occurrence in the industry in terms of development time. Exxon Mobil is likely to start-up five major upstream projects in 2017 and 2018, which will contribute an additional 340,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day of working-interest production capacity. Of these two projects, Odoptu Stage 2 in Far East Russia and the Hebron project in Eastern Canada are slated to be commissioned by the end of this year. Other projects scheduled for startup in the period include the Upper Zakum expansion in the United Arab Emirates, Barzan in Qatar and Kaombo in Angola. Since 2012, the company has commissioned 27 projects, adding 1.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day of installed capacity. The company has an upstream portfolio of about 100 projects that are in various stages of planning, concept selection and construction. These investments will sustain upstream volumes that are estimated to be in the range of 44.4 million oil-equivalent barrels per day through 2020. In the downstream operations, the company is investing across the value chain to continue strengthening its portfolio of refining and other advantaged manufacturing assets. In fact, the company is reconfiguring a hydrocracker unit at its Rotterdam refinery to produce higher-value products, comprising premium lube base stocks and ultra-low sulfur diesel, by upgrading lower-value vacuum gas oil. The chemical segment is making investments to capture advantaged feed stocks and manufacture high-performance products in the U.S. Gulf Coast region and at its Singapore complex in Asia. Shares of the company have underperformed the Zacks categorized Oil & Gas-International Integrated industry in the last three months. During the period, Exxon Mobil shares lost 5.1%, while the broader industry registered a decrease of 1.1%. Story continues Exxon Mobil carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some better-ranked players in the same space include Denbury Resources Inc. DNR, Sunrun Inc. RUN and W&T Offshore Inc. WTI. Both Delek Logistics Partners and Sunrun sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while W&T Offshore holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Denbury Resources posted a earnings surprise of 0.00% in the preceding quarter. It had an average positive earnings surprise of 212.50% in the four trailing quarters. Sunrun posted a positive earnings surprise of 137.21% in the preceding quarter. It beat estimates in all the four trailing quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 134.71%. W&T Offshore posted a positive earnings surprise of 44.19% in the preceding quarter. It beat estimates in all the four trailing quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 31.49%. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report Denbury Resources Inc. (DNR): Free Stock Analysis Report W&T Offshore, Inc. (WTI): Free Stock Analysis Report Sunrun Inc. (RUN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A Council Bluffs man arrested last week for charges stemming from a 2015 incident is accused of assaulting and eluding police. Matthew Hathaway, 34, is charged with eluding and assault on persons in certain occupations. He was arrested Feb. 23 and has since posted $5,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 22. Hathaway has not yet been appointed a public defender. According to the police report, on Nov. 18, 2015, a Council Bluffs police officer pulled Hathaway over at 1 a.m. near North 31st Street and Avenue E. The officer said Hathaways car had front windows tinted darker than allowed by Iowa law and that the car exhaust was defective and loud. The officer asked for Hathaways license, registration and proof of insurance, police said. Hathaway handed the officer the registration but said he didnt have ID on him since he changed his jeans, officers said. Hathaway appeared nervous and drowsy, with red, bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech, the officer said. Thats when police noticed a bag in the back seat with pliers, other tools and a flashlight near the center console. After running Hathaways information, they found his drivers licence was suspended. From my observations of Hathaway, I also believed there to be more possible illegal activity including possible impaired driving or possibly burglary items in this vehicle, the officer said. The officer asked Hathaway to get out of the car, but Hathaway drove off instead, the report reads, despite the officer telling him not to. The officer reached for Hathaway through the window before the suspect sped off, injuring the officers finger, they said. Later, officers found the vehicle empty near North 34th Street and Avenue H, and a warrant was put out for his arrest. During Novembers general election, more than half 56 percent of Pottawattamie County voters chose the straight-ticket option. All candidates who werent Republicans or Democrats were mathematically eliminated for no reason other than their lack of a political party. In response, we renewed our calls for the Iowa Legislature to consider ending straight-ticket voting. Were pleased to see the Republican-controlled House weighing the idea as part of an election reform measure lawmakers advanced Tuesday. We want informed, educated voters to study up on candidates and pick the person they deem the best fit for the position, regardless of party affiliation. Straight-ticket voting is a way to deter the electorate from doing that critical homework. A number of state legislatures have ended the practice in recent years for that very reason. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of states that permit straight-ticket voting has declined from 15 to 10. Iowa should decrease that number to nine. The only defense for straight-ticket voting is that it allows voters to easily cast a ballot for every candidate for a particular party. Even without the box, Iowa voters will still have the ability to select all Republicans, Democrats or Libertarians and can still do so in an efficient manner. Removing it will ensure every candidate gets a fair shake. The act of voting isnt tedious or burdensome. Voters who know the candidates they want to select can do just that in a matter of seconds. Straight-ticket voting is an entirely unnecessary way to achieve that goal, one that can actually hinder citizens ability to make informed decisions. States are seeing a small but growing number of legislators not tied to the Republican or Democratic parties. Iowa, for instance, has a sitting senator who recently changed his party affiliation to become an independent and that will inevitably make a potential re-election bid much harder. He and all other candidates, irrespective of their party, must have a fair shot to win election. The election bills currently before the House and Senate certainly have their pros and cons. But the inclusion of a measure that would prevent no-brainer, straight-ticket voting for partisan offices strikes us as a step in the right direction. Wed go as far to call the proposed removal of straight-ticket voting as a no-brainer for our state senators and representatives. West Broadway doesnt need medians for many reasons As an out-of-towner, I totally agree with the businesses who are not in favor of having a median down West Broadway. Most of my shopping business is done in Council Bluffs. I really dislike having to get to the next block before I can turn around and get into a parking lot of a business Im trying to enter. It also makes sense as a safety factor. Having an extra lane for fire trucks and police cars on which to drive can save lives and time. It also has to be a cost-saving measure, since labor and materials to build a median would only add extra cost to the project. Im sure beautification can take place without negatively affecting businesses and safety issues. Patricia Hopes, Treynor Like it or not, Bluffs got change it elected Council Bluffs, youve been duped. In November, the people of Council Bluffs chose to retire their rambunctious and fiercely loyal senator, Mike Gronstal, from the Iowa Senate. Mike Gronstal had withstood decades of resistance and challengers from across the political spectrum, until now, Iowans again wanted change. Council Bluffs lost its surrogate in the Legislature, someone who was a power player even if you never agreed with Mike Gronstal, you were constantly proud of his hometown pride and loyalty, a man from humble roots who had only his constituents best interests at heart. He wasnt bought and sold by lobbyists, special interests, national party politics or even big agriculture he was the rare combination of altruism, stick-to-itiveness and a savvy negotiator, never bowing to political pressure. He embodied the Howard Cosell quote what is right isnt always popular, what is popular isnt always right. With the mutiny that went down this past week in the Legislature, Im left wondering if this is what voters thought they were getting in a representative. A man that bows down to special interests and millions of dollars in outside spending. Im surprised to see the outrage from certain voters, mainly independent and moderate Republican voters that are enraged with Sen. Dan Dawson for betraying Iowa workers who are the heart and soul of our communities teachers, firefighters, police, public servants who risk their lives for us. The money that fueled Mr. Dawsons Senate campaign is the same dark, out-of-state money that fueled the collective bargaining legislation ALEC, the Koch Brothers, out-of-state conservative think tanks and mysterious donors from all over the country. Why would these outside sources care about getting Mr. Dawson elected to the legislature from Council Bluffs? I think we found out why this week. He is bought and paid for by special interests he has no concern for Iowa workers or the people of Council Bluffs. He emerged from a divisive, hate-fueled campaign its no surprise that hes leaving his constituents in the dust. Council Bluffs you believed Mr. Dawsons lies during the campaign, and now youre seeing his true colors. You traded one of the most experienced, effective and ambitious legislators this state has ever seen in its 170-year history for a shill hocking his snake oil. Be careful what you wish for (i.e. change), because you just might get it. - Ryan Swanek, Council Bluffs Library shares photos, items to celebrate states birthday Nebraska celebrated 150 years of statehood on Wednesday with events all across the state. The North Platte Public Library opened its NE150 exhibit on Wednesday. Last year we applied for a grant and got it through the NE150 organization, so we are on their calendar, said Cecelia Lawrence, library director. I decided we really needed to celebrate North Plattes history along the way. We took our exhibit idea and really ran with North Plattes early history. Lawrence got together with Jim Griffin, curator of the Lincoln County Historical Museum, and found photos from that era. There are photos of homesteaders and early photos of the town, prairie-scapes and railroad. Included in the display is a three-dimensional exhibit with a plow, saddle and other early prairie artifacts on loan from the museum. It is a librarians dream of getting to do research of this old, traditional era of looking for pictures and looking for information and reading through many, many books of information to put into the exhibit, Lawrence said. Then it was difficult trying to narrow it down to what we could fit on the exhibit panels we have. There is also a display of books that include titles such as Hell on Wheels, Nebraska, Where Dreams Grow and Willa Cather that may be checked out for reading. Photos include some of North Plattes early leaders and some of the early buildings, including St. Patricks School, which was established in 1889. That particular photo shows students and Catholic nuns posing in front of the building. The exhibit will be on display through the end of March and then will be moved to the museum to open sometime in July. An interesting and surreal art exhibit is calling The Center for Visual and Performing Arts home for the next month. "Eleanor Spiess-Ferris: The Lady Is Not For Burning" runs through April 12 at South Shore Arts in Munster. "It's a wonderful exhibit," said Bridget Earnshaw, co-curator of the Spiess-Ferris exhibit. Earnshaw said it's part of the Outstanding Midwest Artist Series which South Shore Arts has been presenting for the last six years. The exhibit is co-curated by South Shore Arts' John Cain. Earnshaw said they were made aware of Spiess-Ferris' work through other displays of her pieces. "John Cain had seen her work in different exhibits in Chicago," Earnshaw said. About a year ago, he had presented the idea to a South Shore Arts committee working on the Midwest Artist Series. "It's fascinating how her paintings draw you in," Earnshaw said. The artist's works feature a variety of images including birds, plants, mythological symbols, the female form, and water. "There really is a lot of symbolism in her work," Earnshaw said, explaining much of the artist's imagery is drawn from her childhood in New Mexico and the fact she grew up on an orchard. "She would go into the orchard and let her imagination run wild," Earnshaw said. There's also a lot of spirituality in Spiess-Ferris' work. About her work, Spiess-Ferris said "I enjoy juxtaposing the frightening with the beautiful, the comic with the tragic, the real with the unreal." Earnshaw said Spiess-Ferris, who now lives in Chicago, will make an appearance at a reception at South Shore Arts on March 12. The co-curator said about 35 of the artist's works are on display in the exhibit. While visitors to the gallery can walk around to see the paintings at their own pace, Earnshaw said any school groups or other groups interested in having a specific tour of the exhibit, may contact South Shore Arts. Earnshaw said with the Outstanding Midwest Artist Series, they want to "give an opportunity to one artist to show their work and offer a retrospective of their career." GARY An elderly woman found unresponsive Wednesday afternoon in a homicide has been identified by the Lake County coroner's office. Annie Nelson, 69, of the 500 block of Kentucky Street, was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m. about an hour after police first responded to her home in the city's downtown section for a welfare check, coroner and law enforcement officials said. She died from blunt force trauma in a homicide, according to the coroner's office. Gary police, along with the city's Fire Department, forced entry into the residence after not hearing a response from anyone inside, Westerfield said in a news release. Police said they were speaking with a person of interest Wednesday afternoon. Anyone with further information on this incident is urged to contact Detective Alexander Jones of the Lake County/Gary Metro Homicide Unit at 219-755-3855. CROWN POINT A 34-year-old Gary woman whose throat was slashed last month received 17 staples to close the near-fatal wound, according to court records. Gary police continued to search Thursday morning for Vincent E. Banks, the 49-year-old family relative whom police allege attempted to kill the woman outside his residence in the 500 block of Van Buren Street in Gary. The woman told police Banks entered the rear door of her vehicle during the early morning hours of Feb. 21, grabbed her forehead and cut her exposed throat with a sharp object, according to a probable cause affidavit. Banks is then alleged to have climbed on top of the woman and attempted to cut her neck again, but she managed to escape out of the passenger door of the vehicle, the affidavit states. Banks then allegedly fled the scene in the woman's vehicle, which contained her purse, the affidavit states. A doctor told the woman that the sharp object narrowly missed her jugular vein, which would have been fatal, according to the affidavit. Police recovered the woman's vehicle, but money was missing from the purse. The woman said Banks did not make a demand for cash during the incident, according to the affidavit. Banks was charged Wednesday in Lake Criminal Court with attempted murder, three felony counts of battery, auto theft and felony theft. Banks pleaded guilty Jan. 12 to battery resulting in serious bodily injury in an incident from September 2014. He was sentenced Feb. 16 to four years prison, which was suspended for probation, according to court records. A request from The Times for his mug shot was not granted as of 12:30. He is not afforded bail on the new charges, according to court records. As local Republican and Democratic officials prepare to reorganize this coming weekend, they face the challenge of how best to use the increased interest in politics resulting from last year's contentious presidential election. Porter County Democratic Chairman Jeff Chidester, who is unchallenged in his bid for re-election after seven years, said the biggest problem facing the group has been apathy. "I think (Republican President) Donald Trump is going to help me break the apathy," he said. Chidester said he has been contacted by representatives from several progressive groups. While each have their own agendas, he said his challenge will be to get them working in the same direction. "We all have a common thread," he said. LaPorte County Democratic Chairman John Jones, who has decided not to seek re-election after serving eight years, said he too has heard from an increased number of people wanting to get involved. Many of the people are affiliated with former presidential candidate and independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Jones said. "I've been getting a lot of phone calls, some of which are uninformed," he said. "But the good news is they want to be involved." It's not just angry Democrats deciding it's time to get more involved in politics. Porter County Republican Chairman Mike Simpson, who is unopposed in his bid for a second four-year term, said he noticed an increased interest locally in politics while the presidential election was still underway. He said he welcomes the newcomers. "The only way to affect change is to be involved," Simpson said. Party elections Saturday Precinct committee officials from the local parties are gathering Saturday to elect their chairs, vice chairs, secretaries and treasurers. Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dan Dernulc faces a challenge from Douglas Wright, a former Gary police chief and a member of the Republican Party for more than 30 years. Wright, 75, was Gary police chief from 1994 to 1995 and chief of police of Benton Harbor, Michigan, from 2000 to 2001. He ran for county sheriff in 2006 and Gary mayor in 2015. Dernulc, 53, of Highland, is seeking his second term as party boss. He has served six years on the Lake County Council and four years on the Highland Town Council. Lake County Commissioner Mike Repay, D-Hammond, and Schererville attorney James Wieser are facing off to replace Sheriff John Buncich as chair of the county's Democratic Party. Repay, 41, has served as one of county government's chief executives for four years. Wieser, 69, has been a party adviser for decades and served on the Highland Town Council and Lake County Council more than three decades ago. In LaPorte County, Jones said James Kimmel is the only one in the running to replace him as chairman. "I just think it's time for somebody else to make some changes," he said. There is also a race among Nick Barbknecht, Mitch Feikes and Paul Boardman to replace Michael Gonder as chairman of the LaPorte County Republican Party. Bill Dolan also contributed to this story. INDIANAPOLIS Indiana looks to remain one of just five states that do not enhance criminal penalties when a perpetrator is motivated by bias toward a minority group. State Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, declined to ask the Republican-controlled Senate to vote on her committee-approved bias crimes proposal, Senate Bill 439, prior to Tuesday's deadline effectively killing the measure for the year. Glick said she scuttled the legislation due to "a difference of opinion" among Senate Republicans concerning a proposed amendment that potentially would have made any crime committed against any person eligible for a bias enhancement. As originally written, only crimes motivated by bias toward a victim's actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation would count as an aggravating factor when a judge issues a criminal sentence. The proposal was amended in committee to also authorize a penalty enhancement when a police officer or the officer's family is targeted in a crime. "I will continue working on this issue in the coming months with the hopes of possibly bringing it back during next years legislative session," Glick said. State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, said she was disappointed by Glick's decision because it's long past time Indiana caught up to the 45 other states that already provide bias crime protections for their citizens. "Especially after a weekend in which a Jewish community center and a bar in Indianapolis were targeted with threats based solely on those who attend these establishments," Tallian said. The Senate last year approved a similar Glick-sponsored bias crimes proposal, 34-16. It died after never receiving a committee hearing in the Republican-controlled House. The other states without bias crime statutes are Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina and Wyoming. EAST CHICAGO The clock is ticking for families that remain at the lead contaminated West Calumet Housing Complex. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development authorities on Wednesday gave the East Chicago Housing Authority the green light to set in motion emergency transfers to other public housing units beginning March 31, according to a statement from the local housing authority. The citys goal is to demolish the 346-unit complex for future redevelopment. It lies within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys USS Lead Superfund site. The only caveat A civil rights agreement reached in November with Chicago-based Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law requires the local housing authority to test units for lead hazards prior to moving families in. I think thats the only caveat, Emily Coffey, a staff attorney with the Shriver Center, said Wednesday. Its unclear what happens to the residents once they move into the other units. Theres a bunch of legal questions. What happens to them after their vouchers expire? Do they need to enter into a long-term lease? Public housing in Cook County, Chicago, East Chicago or other communities in Northwest Indiana will become available on a "first-come, first-serve" basis, Coffey explained. Families will be housed temporary in these units while they continue to seek permanent housing with the vouchers offered by HUD. "Were disappointed. It's imperative that residents be given the time that they need, and the assistance and help they need in order to make moves to communities they want to move to, Coffey said. In a letter to HUD last month, the Shriver Center argued it makes little sense to relocate and uproot these families when their focus should be on finding new housing with their vouchers with the bulk of the vouchers expiring just three months later in July. A total of 106 of the 332 families remained at the complex as of Feb. 22, the latest figures available from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. If an emergency transfer is required, the ECHA will provide self-packing materials and moving assistance, according to the agencys relocation plan. ECHA has provided HUD with a list of properties available to temporarily house residents following the emergency transfer, according to a statement from the Harris Law Firm speaking on behalf of the local housing authority. ECHA does intend to comply with HUDs directive to ensure that the units have been inspected for lead prior to residents being placed there, the statement read. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb issued an emergency declaration for East Chicagos USS Lead Superfund site last month, providing the city more resources. Moving on Marie Talley, 30, is among the remaining families at West Calumet, built in the early 1970s on a footprint of a former lead smelter. Talley said she doesnt understand why theres a sudden rush to move everyone out and demolish the place when state, federal and local officials have known, to some extent, about the contamination for decades. This complex has been sitting here for years and now theyre rushing to get us out of here, Talley said. They shouldnt have built this here in the first place. Talley said she has had difficulty finding a place, citing landlords hesitant to accept Section 8 vouchers. Families first learned in August they would be forced to leave after dangerously high levels of lead and arsenic in the soil were announced by the citys mayor. Early on, the Shriver Center filed a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity alleging ECHA was providing little assistance to families amid a confusing and rushed relocation process. The settlement reached was designed to give residents more time to move, enhanced counseling and rent relief. Shortly after the complaint, ECHA agreed to set aside more than $1 million to help with moving costs, security deposits and application fees. Housing counselors were on site for months to assist families with finding a new place. Rent forgiveness The Shriver Center in recent weeks have stepped up allegations that ECHA staff has created unnecessary obstacles for residents both current and former seeking rent waivers. In the settlement agreement reached Nov. 2, the local housing authority agreed to allow residents who failed to pay between July 22 and Oct. 31 to apply for rent forgiveness, and in turn, ECHA would not report this as a debt owed to prospective landlords. Rent from Nov. 1 to March 31 would be automatically abated and not reported as debt owed. However, the Shriver Center alleges ECHA staff failed to make available a rent forgiveness form in a timely manner amid a March 1 deadline and failed to reach out to former residents. This form was created after more than 200 households have left the West Calumet Housing Complex. Many of these households have ported to other housing authorities and in many cases, moved to another state, according to a Feb. 24 letter addressed to HUD. Following the centers Feb. 24 letter, HUD agreed to send letters to eligible current and former residents that they now have until March 17 to submit the rent abatement form to ECHA. Former West Calumet resident Ebyonie Klarich on Wednesday said she was never informed about the opportunity for rent abatement and ECHA withheld her security deposit when she left. The mother of four was eight months pregnant when she learned last summer her property was the most contaminated in all of West Calumet. Klarich said she failed to pay rent in October, when she and her family decided they shouldnt have to because they were living on toxic soil. She was asked by ECHA to enter into a repayment agreement for the missed rent, she said. They fought me on that. Eventually I got tired. I didnt have any more fight in me, Klarich said. Several community groups petitioned the EPA on Thursday to immediately act to protect residents from lead in their drinking water. According to the petition, the East Chicago Water Department and Indiana Department of Environmental Management have failed to adequately address the problem in the short-term, so the Environmental Protection Agency should use its emergency powers. The agency previously used its emergency powers under the Safe Drinking Water Act in Flint, Michigan. Lead can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral problems for children, health problems and is a suspected carcinogen. The groups want EPA to immediately provide or, in the alternative, order the city or state to provide free faucet filters that meet EPA standards or distribute bottled water. Residents living in the USS Lead Superfund site in the city's Calumet neighborhood should be given first priority, because of the cumulative risk of exposure, the petition said. EPA in December said it found elevated lead levels in drinking water at 18 of 43 homes it tested as part of a pilot study in the Superfund site. The lead in water is a result of lead in plumbing materials and insufficient use of corrosion control chemicals, the agency said. Lead in water is not related to lead in soil. EPA has said the results indicate a systemwide problem. The agency has said it has no plans to conduct further testing, because it would confirm only what is already known. Up to 90 percent of East Chicago's water lines could be lead, so residents should assume they have lead pipes and use a properly certified faucet filter, EPA said. East Chicago City Attorney Carla Morgan said Thursday the city received the petition and was reviewing it. EPA and IDEM did not immediately provide comments on the petition. 'Until the water is safe to drink' EPA has identified East Chicago as an environmental justice community, in part, because many of its residents are poor, said Anjali Waikar, a staff attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Because of that, it is unrealistic to expect residents to buy their own water filters or bottled water, especially when it's still unclear how long it may take to ensure the water is safe to drink, she said. "We're asking the federal government to step in on an interim basis, until the water is safe to drink," Waikar said. City, state and federal officials have rightly focused on addressing contamination in the soil of the Superfund site, the petition said. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Feb. 9 signed an emergency declaration for East Chicago, and city and state officials are working on long-term solutions such as replacing lead pipes. However, the immediate public health threat to the entire city because of lead in drinking water is not being adequately addressed, the petition said. The Community Strategy Group and Calumet Lives Matter, two of the petitioners, have been delivering bottled water to residents. EPA provided water filters and bottled water to residents at the 43 homes it tested, but no government agency has provided filters or bottled water to other East Chicago water system customers. Adjustment of corrosion control chemicals is a long-term solution, not a current remedy, the petition said. EPA has said little to no orthophosphate, a chemical used to prevent lead from leaching into water from lead service lines, was found in the city's water. City records show the city began adjusting chemical levels in September, before EPA began taking water samples. IDEM has confirmed it is working with the city to adjust chemical levels. According to the petition, it could take up to a year for the protective scale orthophosphate creates to build up in pipes. Without evidence that the changes in corrosion control chemicals have reduced lead levels, it cannot be presumed that the city's water is safe to drink, the petition said. Several actions requested In addition to providing filters or bottled water, the petition asks EPA to immediately conduct citywide testing of drinking water, implement a program to ensure filters are properly installed and maintained, ensure the city's compliance with the federal Lead and Copper Rule, use its authority to review the city's corrosion control requirements, replace faucets in residents' homes as needed, expand blood testing of children under age 7 who are enrolled in Medicaid or are otherwise at-risk, and order any other necessary relief. IDEM said this week it is "working to sample East Chicago's water in accordance with procedures in the Safe Drinking Water Act to further verify that East Chicago's water is in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule." However, IDEM will not be conducting sequential testing, the method used by EPA during its pilot study. Waikar said EPA used its emergency powers in Flint because of a technical violation of the Lead and Copper Rule, but the agency's own pilot study already has show there is reason to act quickly in East Chicago. This in an opportunity for EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, who said in his confirmation testimony that EPA reacted too slowly to the crisis in Flint, she said. Still, Waikar was hesitant to compare East Chicago to Flint. "East Chicago stands on its own," she said. According to the petition, the damage in East Chicago may be more acute, because city residents have been exposed to contamination in soil, water and air for decades. "The EPA must act to protect the community's health until effective long-term fixes are in place," Waikar said. There is no firm deadline for EPA to respond to the petition, she said. Black ice on Region roads could cause problems Thursday morning, so police were urging drivers to use caution. Indiana State Police for the Toll Road reported one minor crash in LaPorte County, but it has been cleaned up at of 6:45 a.m. State police for the Lowell Post, Interstates 80, 94 and 65, appeared to be responding to a minor crash about 6:45 a.m. near Ind. 2 in the Lowell area. Staff at the post advised drivers to use caution because conditions could be slick and hazardous. Temperatures Thursday morning hovered in the low 30s, following two days of rain. Some areas ever saw a dusting of snow Wednesday night. Snow was expected across much of the Region Thursday morning. Snow showers Thursday night could reduce visibility, according to the National Weather Service. Gary officials said Wednesday's heavy rain led to more than 65 reports of flooding. The city's Sanitary District was working to address complaints. The city asked residents to stay off closed roads and take marked detours. Residents can report flooding and other storm-related issues to the city's 311 system or 219-881-1311. CROWN POINT Where seniors will have a place for their activities, many of which are now staged at the Civic Center, was the hot topic at Mayor David Uran's regular monthly meeting with residents Wednesday. The forum at First Financial Bank was the third of the mayor's 2017 monthly meetings with residents to discuss topics affecting the city. One of those topics was the Southlake YMCA's $35 million expansion and if it will serve as a replacement for an aging downtown Civic Center that Uran said "has served its purpose." The city has been in conversations with the YMCA to see if there is an opportunity for seniors who are not members to be able to use space for activities such as Scrabble, line dancing, bridge and Meals on Wheels. Uran invited Chris Mallers, Southlake YMCA branch executive director, to talk about it. He explained how the Y is a charitable organization that does not receive taxpayer money nor state or federal money, so it must rely on membership fees and other program costs. Mallers also touted some of the benefits seniors have by joining the Y, including discounts and an aquatics program. "We have to keep our doors open," he said. "Everyone who comes in has to be invested in the Y. ... That's why we have the membership fee." Mallers said they could set up other activities for seniors, but they would have to be a member of the facility to come in. "We don't get taxpayer money to help us," he said. Uran said if a "marriage" with the YMCA to allow seniors to use it without being a member is not feasible for the Y, the city will go to Plan B, which could mean a new multipurpose facility elsewhere for seniors and other uses. "If it can't work out, we'll have to provide what seniors want in another facility in another location," he said. Those who were at the well-attended meeting included Merrillville Town Councilman Shawn Pettit, Lake County Coroner Merrilee Fry and Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis. The mayor's next meeting with residents is at 6 p.m. April 5 at Fahrenheit 212, 10805 Broadway. There's a difference between providing public information and vain showboating. Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington and in a larger sense, the entire County Council should learn the difference. If you didn't already know Washington by sight, just attend a Lake County Council meeting and look for the member who appears to be mugging for selfies on his smartphone in the middle of public business. It happened with impunity during the Feb. 14 County Council meeting, with Washington using the Facebook Live video function to transmit live feeds of himself to social media followers. Washington's video selfies came during the same meeting when he relinquished his seat as council vice president amid fallout from his December guilty plea to battering his wife. That part of the meeting was not recorded, suggesting Washington's live-streaming of public meetings is more about self-promotion than informing the public. We clearly support any and all means of delivering public information to the people through all possible means. The Lake County Council should consider social media live videos as a means of sharing its meetings, real time, with constituents who aren't able to attend the monthly meetings. Other local government bodies should consider it as well. But the video should focus on the entire meeting. Though Washington occasionally panned the camera to show other aspects of the meeting and most of the meeting's audio was captured the camera largely remained trained on him throughout the meeting. The Times published an article Sunday regarding Washington's selfie video propensity. Following its publication, Washington asked a Times reporter how many online hits The Times article about his live-streaming received. There's a clear difference between providing public information and personal vanity. If the council or Washington cares about that difference, the camera should be trained on the entire meeting not just one council members ego. I have been surprised by how many people are protesting President Donald Trump's plan to replace Obamacare with a new health care plan before they even know the specifics of the new plan. Obamacare premiums are skyrocketing, and deductibles are out sight. Companies are dropping out almost every day. Watching the news the other night, a female protester was condemning Trump for trying to take away her insurance. She claimed that before Obamacare, she was paying about $450 a month for her family's insurance and that under Obamacare she pays only $1 a month. If large numbers of people are getting such huge breaks on their premiums, it is no wonder that they want the taxpayers to keep picking up the tab. Why else would they protest Trump's plan without knowing the cost or availability? James Marrant, Calumet City donald trump After revelations Wednesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had two conversations with Russia's ambassador to the US during the 2016 campaign, lawmakers renewed calls for a special prosecutor to investigate ties between Trump associates and Russian operatives. House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Republican from Utah, tweeted Thursday morning "AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself." Democratic senators have called repeatedly for a special prosecutor, more often called an independent or special counsel, to be appointed. But what exactly is a special prosecutor, how does he or she get appointed, and what happens next? We broke it down. Who appoints a special prosecutor? Jeff Sessions A special counsel could be appointed by either Sessions himself or by Congress to investigate potential ties between Trump's inner circle and Russia, said Professor William Banks, the founding director of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism at Syracuse University. A "special counsel" is a modern day term for a "special prosecutor," according to Banks, and any investigation would likely use the term "special counsel." The term "special prosecutor" was used up through the 1980s, after which the laws around special prosecutors expired and were not renewed, therefore retiring the term. Banks said there may be pressure on Sessions not to appoint a special counsel, given that he was appointed by Trump. "We would hope [Sessions] would exercise independent judgment about the efficacy of having a special counsel, Banks told Business Insider. Democratic lawmakers, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have requested Sessions recuse himself from any investigations multiple times, renewing the call on Thursday following news about Sessions' meeting with the Russian ambassador. (After the latest revelations, Schumer said he should resign.) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on Thursday that "it would be easier" if Sessions recused himself. Story continues "I think, the trust of the American people, you recuse yourself in these situations," McCarthy said, according to Politico. "I just think for any investigation going forward, you want to make sure everybody trusts the investigation ... that there's no doubt within the investigation." Sessions has previously said that he would recuse himself on anything requiring him to do so, but he has asserted that he sees no need to remove himself from any Trump-Russia investigations. The Department of Justice does have a rule that could affect Sessions' role in a special counsel investigation: "No DOJ employee may participate in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution, or who would be directly affected by the outcome." chuckschumer If the attorney general recuses himself, it falls to the deputy attorney general to appoint an independent counsel, according to the Code of Federal Regulations. The appointment of a special counsel by the attorney general or deputy attorney general is "unreviewable," according to the Center for Legal and Economic Studies. Preliminary investigations are currently underway in the Senate and House intelligence committees, but Banks said he believes it is unlikely a special counsel would be created until those investigations conclude. The other way to establish an independent counsel goes through Congress. Congress could initiate the process to create a different independent counsel for investigations by passing a law, as it did in 1978, when the Ethics in Government Act was passed. The law dictated that a three-judge panel based at the US Court of Appeals in DC would appoint the counsel. The law, which was reauthorized several times until its sunset in 1999, was used more than a dozen times to initiate investigations, according to PBS Frontline. It was used most famously in the 1990s to appoint attorney Kenneth Starr to oversee investigations in to President Bill Clinton. Such a law would have to be either signed by Trump or, in the event of a presidential veto, overridden by a two-thirds majority of both houses of Congress. There is precedent, however, for a president to sign an independent counsel law amid scrutiny. Clinton signed a reauthorization of the 1978 law in 1994 with a number of alleged scandals brewing. Congress could, however, launch its own investigation into the executive branch without legislation because such authority is implicit in the appropriations power, Banks said. If Congress decided to act on its own, it is much more likely that it would establish a commission or committee to investigate, rather than passing ethics legislation, Banks added. What kinds of people are appointed to a special counsel? Special counsels tend to be highly respected lawyers or judges. Examples, according to Banks, include: highly experienced private practice lawyers, retired judges, and former Justice Department prosecutors. How long would a special counsel investigation take to complete? A special counsel investigation would likely take between six to nine months, according to Banks, who said that such investigations tend to be extremely complicated by nature. With so much classified information, intelligence agency officials that need to be interviewed, and hard to obtain information, it takes a while to sort out. What does a special counsel have access to? A special counsel investigation would involve arranging access to classified documents. This could be achieved by either declassifying information or creating clearance to classified documents for the purpose of the investigation only. If the latter is done, it is unlikely the public would see the documents obtained. A special counsel would also be expected to interview a vast range of people with knowledge of or connection to the investigation. flynn trump and bannon In the case of the Trump-Russia allegations, a special counsel would look into any and all classified or declassified documents that the FBI, CIA, and various police departments and investigation groups might have the incident. This would include human or digital intelligence, and the dossier delivered by British intelligence. Extensive interviews would be run with anyone close to the situation, including Trump's inner circle, and anyone who had access to digital or technical related information, said Banks. The special counsel themselves would ultimately determine which evidence to use. What happens after the special counsel investigation concludes? What happens next depends in part on who appoints a special counsel. Attorney General Jeff Sessions would decide whether the special counsel appointed under him had enough evidence to prosecute Trump or implicated officials. If Congress created an office for an independent or special counsel, it is likely that the counsel would refer results of the investigation to Congress, though that could change depending on the legislation passed. If Congress initiated an investigation through a commission or committee, it would fall to the attorney general to decide whether to prosecute based on the results provided. Why are people asking for a special counsel? Trump and his inner circle have been accused of having close ties to Russia. The White House has denied many of those accusations. Business Insider has previously reported that: Trump and several associates continue to draw intense scrutiny for alleged ties to and communications with the Russian government. A dossier of unverified claims alleged serious misconduct in the final months of the 2016 presidential campaign. The White House has dismissed the dossier as fiction, and most of the claims remain unverified. Trump's campaign aides were accused of having frequent contact with Russia in a report released by the New York Times. A report published on Wednesday by the Washington Post said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions met with the Russian Ambassador twice during the 2016 election. White House press secretary Sean Spicer has argued that Trump and his aides have been sufficiently investigated already, and that no evidence of wrongdoing has been found. Michelle Mark contributed reporting on this article. NOW WATCH: 'It's a lie': Jake Tapper calls out Trump during a fiery interview with Kellyanne Conway More From Business Insider WASHINGTON A growing number of Republicans joined Democratic leaders Thursday in calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to step aside from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. Top Democrats demanded that Sessions go further and resign as the nation's top law enforcement officer after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscow's U.S. envoy during the campaign. Sessions' conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak seem to contradict Sessions' sworn statements to Congress during his confirmation hearings. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Sessions of "lying under oath," and she and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he should step down. Schumer said the Justice Department should appoint a special prosecutor to examine whether the federal investigation into the Kremlin's meddling in the U.S. election has been compromised by Sessions. "There's nothing wrong with meeting with the Russian ambassador. If there was nothing wrong, why don't you just tell the truth?" Schumer said. "It was definitely extremely misleading to say the least" "I have said that, when it's appropriate, I will recuse myself" from the investigation, Sessions told MSNBC on Thursday. There's no need, said White House spokesman Sean Spicer. "There's nothing to recuse himself from" Spicer said in an interview with Fox News. He said that Sessions was "100 percent straight" about his contacts with Russia and that people playing politics with the issue "should be ashamed of themselves." At least three House Republicans Reps. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Darrell Issa of California and Tom Cole of Oklahoma have said they want Sessions to withdraw from the inquiry. And GOP Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said that while Sessions was a former colleague and a friend, "I think it would be best for him and for the country to recuse himself." The attorney general "is going to need to recuse himself at this point," Chaffetz, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told MSNBC. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, said he thought Sessions "needs to clarify what these meetings were." He said it isn't unusual for members of Congress to meet with ambassadors, but he added that if a question arose about the integrity of a federal investigation, "I think it'd be easier" for an attorney general to step away. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Sessions should only recuse himself if he is a subject of the probe. Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump's candidacy and a policy adviser during the campaign, did not disclose those discussions at his Senate confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if "anyone affiliated" with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions replied that he had not had communications with the Russians, and answered "no" in a separate written questionnaire when asked about contacts regarding the election. In a statement late Wednesday, Sessions said: "I never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the disclosure of the talks with Kislyak "the latest attack against the Trump administration by partisan Democrats." She said Sessions "met with the ambassador in an official capacity as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is entirely consistent with his testimony." Sessions had more than 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors last year in his role as a U.S. senator and senior member of the Armed Services Committee, and had two separate interactions with Kislyak, the department confirmed. One was a visit in September in his capacity as a senator, similar to meetings with envoys from Britain, China, Germany and other nations, the department said. The other occurred in a group setting following a Heritage Foundation speech that Sessions gave during the Republican National Convention, when several ambassadors including the Russian approached him after the talk as he was leaving the stage, according to the department. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said he did not know about the meetings but it was normal for Russian diplomats to meet with U.S. lawmakers. Likewise, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told AP that meetings with American political figures were part of the embassy's "everyday business." Revelations of the contacts, first reported by The Washington Post, came amid a disclosure by three administration officials that White House lawyers have instructed aides to Trump to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian meddling in the American political process. The officials who confirmed that staffers were instructed to comply with preservation-of-materials directions did so on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the memo from White House counsel Don McGahn. At the confirmation hearing in January, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., asked Sessions about allegations of contact between Russia and Trump aides during the 2016 election. He asked Sessions what he would do if there were evidence that anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with the Russian government during the campaign. Sessions replied he was "unaware of those activities." Then he added: "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didn't have, did not have communications with the Russians, and I'm unable to comment on it." Separately in January, Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Judiciary Committee Democrat, asked Sessions in a written questionnaire whether "he had been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election, either before or after Election Day." Sessions replied simply, "No." June 9, 1929 - February 28, 2017 Mrs. Carolyn Hooks Cole, 87, of Auburn passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at her home in Auburn. A graveside service will be held Friday, March 3, 2017, 11:00 a.m. EST at Crest Lawn Memorial Park in Atlanta, GA. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home beginning at 6:00 p.m. CST until 7:00 p.m. CST. A full obituary will follow in the next publication. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing. www.jeffcoattrant.com VATICAN CITY Frustrated by what she described as Vatican stonewalling, an Irish woman who was sexually abused by clergy quit her post Wednesday on a panel advising Pope Francis about how to protect minors from such abuse. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said Marie Collins quit out of frustration at an alleged lack of cooperation from other Vatican offices, known as the Curia. Her departure delivered another blow to the Vaticans insistence that it is working to ensure that no more children are abused by predator priests. Collins, in a statement carried by the National Catholic Reporter, was damning in her criticism. She decried the cultural resistance at the Vatican that she said included some officials refusing the popes instructions to reply to all correspondence from abuse survivors. I find it impossible to listen to public statements about the deep concern in the church for the care of those who lives have been blighted by abuse, yet to watch privately as a congregation (office) in the Vatican refuses to even acknowledge these letters! Collins said in her statement. She called the reluctance of some in the Vatican Curia to implement recommendations or cooperate with the panel aiming to better protect against abuse by priests unacceptable. Pope Francis set up the commission three years ago, saying its job was to propose to me the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults, in order that we may do everything possible to ensure that crimes such as those which have occurred are no longer repeated in the church. A systematic cover-up by bishops and other hierarchy in many dioceses around the world over decades compounded the crimes of pedophile priests who raped children and committed other sexual abuses. Collins wondered if the continuing reluctance to address the problem is driven by internal politics, fear of change, clericalism which instills a belief that they know best or a closed mindset which sees abuse as an inconvenience? Collins said she didnt know the answer but it is devastating in 2017 to see that these men still can put other concerns before the safety of children and vulnerable adults. The commissions statement said Pope Francis accepted Mrs. Collins resignation with deep appreciation for her work on behalf of the victims/survivors of clergy abuse. The panels president, Boston Cardinal Sean Patrick OMalley, said in a statement issued by the Vatican that we will greatly miss her important contributions as a commissioner member. Boston is one of the more prominent dioceses where hierarchy tried to hide clergy abuse by shuttling pedophile priests from parish to parish. Collins didnt immediately respond to a phone request for comment. Her litany of complaints included the failure of the Vatican to put into place a tribunal that could hold bishops accountable for negligence in handling sex abuse within their dioceses, a commission recommendation that was approved by Francis in 2015. Collins expressed disappointment that the pontiff has in some cases reduced sanctions for convicted perpetrators of child sex abuse. Still, she said, I believe the pope does at heart understand the horror of abuse and the need for those who hurt minors to be stopped. Collins noted she never had the opportunity to sit down with the pope to talk during her three years on the commission. The Irish Times quoted Collins Wednesday as saying the attitudes she saw at the Vatican during her work on the panel are the same attitudes I saw 20 years ago when I was trying to bring my own case to justice here in Dublin. Thats whats really the most shocking. Collins was sexually abused by a priest when she was an adolescent. The only other abuse survivor who had served on the commission, Peter Saunders, a British advocate for victims, was sidelined last year by the panel after clashing with it over its mission. Saunders, who was given a leave of absence, has said he has lost faith in the popes ability to deal with the problem. The federal investigation into the Orange County District Attorneys Office and the Sheriffs Department could be in jeopardy following U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement that he plans to pull back on monitoring police misconduct, legal experts said Wednesday. Sessions said this week that the Department of Justice would scale back on investigations into police departments accused of violating civil rights laws, because such probes might be hampering efforts to fight crime. Our officers, deputies and troopers believe the political leadership of this country abandoned them. Their morale has suffered, the former Alabama senator told a group of state attorneys general in his first speech since joining President Trumps cabinet. Sessions also criticized Department of Justice reports on civil rights violations by law enforcement agencies in Ferguson, Missouri, and Chicago scenes of high-profile police shootings that sparked protests calling them anecdotal. However, he admitted to reporters that he had not read the reports. Jonathan Smith, former chief of special litigation for DOJs Civil Rights Division, said the current federal probe of improper withholding of evidence and illegal use of jailhouse informants by Orange County deputies and prosecutors might now be at risk. I dont think it bodes well, Smith said. The Attorney Generals comments werevery disturbing. There is a crisis in this country on police accountability. The federal government ought to have a principle role in helping to deal with this problem. Smith, now the executive director of the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, said he worked on the Ferguson report and knew the team that investigated the Chicago Police Department. He said both probes were thorough and well documented. Its really a disservice to the Department of Justice for the attorney general to dismiss them without even reading them, Smith said. Im worried about what it means to all the open investigations. He said the department could abandon the investigations including the one in Orange County or conclude them without a meaningful remedy. I think the community needs to make sure the Department of Justice and their elected officials hear from them, Smith said. Sessions office, in a brief emailed statement, wrote: The Orange County investigation continues. RELATED: Inside the Snitch Tank: Read the full story of murder, misconduct and justice delayed The Department of Justice launched its Orange County civil rights investigation of the so-called snitch scandal in December after requests from three dozen former prosecutors and legal scholars nationwide, as well as from District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. It is one of the few times that the civil rights division has investigated prosecutors. Federal investigators in the last few weeks have visited the district attorneys office and the sheriffs department. Separate investigations by the California Attorney Generals Office and the Orange County Grand Jury are also underway. During the four-year controversy, six murder and attempted murder cases have unraveled with convictions overturned, charges dropped or penalties reduced. Former California Attorney General John Van de Kamp, who was among the former prosecutors who sought the federal probe here, said Wednesday the attorney generals approach is troubling, but its too early to know how various investigations may be affected. Im concerned with the direction (Sessions) is going to go, but I have to wait and see, Van de Kamp said. He noted that most federal investigations deal with police violence or excessive force. Orange Countys case deals with points of law that require authorities to turn over favorable evidence and prohibit police and prosecutors from using informants on defendants represented by a lawyer. Van de Kamp said one indication of Sessions intentions will be whether he replaces Eileen Decker, U.S. attorney for the central district of California, which includes Orange County. Decker was appointed by President Barack Obama. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Irvine School of Law and a nationally known scholar on the Constitution, said Wednesday he was disappointed, but not surprised with Sessions remarks. The newly-minted attorney general has a record of statements some consider to be discriminatory. For the attorney general of the United States to say he doesnt care about police abuse, there are going to be more victims, said Chemerinsky, who was among the scholars who requested the Orange County investigation. Brendan Hamme, staff attorney for the ACLU of Southern California, said Sessions was taking the wrong path toward trying to unite police and the community. Enforcing civil rights laws and ensuring police abide by the Constitutiononly enhances community cooperation, Hamme said. The Orange County Sheriffs Department declined to comment Wednesday and the union representing agency deputies did not respond to a request for comment. Last month, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, president of the national Major County Sheriffs Association, spoke with Sessions, but that conversation focused on his plans to deal with immigrants living in the country illegally. Rackauckas office did not specifically address any potential change in the federal investigation of Orange County, but said the district attorneys office will continue to prosecute police who break the law. Any change on the federal level will have no effect locally. Contact the writer: tsaavedra@scng.com HUNTINGTON BEACH Former mayor, policeman and military officer Gil Coerper is remembered by colleagues as a hard-working, gracious and civically minded man with a particular passion for helping young adults pursue careers in the military. Beneath a jovial exterior, Coerpers wife of 43 years, Louann, also remembers a stubborn German, which helped him get things done. Quite a few things. Coerper died in hospice care in Fountain Valley on Saturday after several years of failing health. He was 82. Coerper worked for the police department for 39 years. As a founding member, he helped the California Memorial Police Officers Foundation evolve from commemorating dead officers in a memorial book in Sacramento to creating a dramatic, 13-foot bronze monument in Capitol Park. If (officers) didnt know him personally, they knew him by name, Louann Coerper said. After retirement, he kept getting things done, serving the Huntington Beach City Council from 2002 to 2010, including as mayor in 2007. According to former City Council colleague Dave Sullivan, Coerper was particularly devoted to the Post 558 Infantry Explorers, which he organized as Orange Countys first such program. The Post helped youth explore careers in the military.Through the program, a number of youths got into West Point and other academies. On Sundays, he was always there. He never missed, said Sullivan. He loved working with kids, Louann Coerper said. He could help them develop into being adults. As a former lieutenant colonel in the California State Military Reserve and Korean War Navy veteran, Coerper was the go-to source for young adults looking to get into the military academies. Coerper was West Points admissions coordinator for Los Angeles and Orange Counties and on the military academy appointments committee for two local congressmen. He was honored with the Exploring Divisions Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award. Louann Coerper said more than 300 kids went through the Post, becoming not only military officers and academy graduates, but doctors, police and sheriffs. Toward the end of his council tenure, Coerper badly injured a leg while zip-lining with Explorers, an injury that would have complications in his later years. However, after the injury, Councilwoman Jill Hardy said, He kept working and never missed a beat. He was the most and least likely person to be zip-lining. But he kept going and was enthusiastic. Coerper was key to the councils adoption of Camp Pendletons Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment. The city now offers support to families of Marines. Sullivan remembers working with Coerper on setting up the program in Huntington Beach after Newport Beach had created a similar program with a different unit. Gil and I said if Newport Beach can do it, we can do it better, Sullivan said. On the adoption of the Marines, Hardy said, Dave and Gil both made sure it was more than something you just put on a resolution. On Saturday, March 11, a crowd of more than 400 is expected for the annual 5K run/walk, to support the 3/1 troops and their families. Hardy also remembers Coerper for his gentility. She said in a debate class she taught, Coerper was given a one-minute introduction and immediately connected with the students. They said, Hes like my grandpa, hes so nice, Hardy recalled with a laugh. You could ask him for a favor and he was happy to do it and pleased. Coerper, who was still living in Huntington Beach at the time of his death, grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He also served in the Navy in the Korean War. Coerper was elected to the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation and the California Police Officers Research Association. Coerper is survived by his wife Louann; sons Scott and Michael; brother Wallace Coerper; sister Jan Hunter; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be private. A public memorial is set for 10 a.m. 2 p.m April 29 at First Christian Church, 1207 Main St. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gil Coerper Academic Scholarship, P.O. Box 4538, Huntington Beach, Ca., 92605, or the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation, 1700 I St #100, Sacramento, CA 95811. Contact the writer: 714-796-7964 or gmellen@scng.com The hottest new attraction at Disneyland isnt a roller coaster, a boat ride or a big-budget musical show. Its a dessert. Last weekend, Disneyland fans lined up for two hours or more to eat at the parks new Red Rose Taverne restaurant in Fantasyland. Its a Beauty and the Beast-themed overlay of the Village Haus Restaurant, developed to promote the upcoming release of Disneys live-action version of the 1992 animated movie. Disneys revamped the menu in addition to redecorating the formerly Pinocchio-themed eatery, and the selection I saw on almost everyones tray last weekend was The Grey Stuff, a mousse-like dessert that references a famous line from Be Our Guest, one of the show-stopping musical numbers in the film. Detail-obsessed Disney fans long wondered what The Grey Stuff in the song was supposed to be, so when Disney opened a Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant called Be Our Guest at Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom in 2012, it swiftly became the hottest table at the resort. Fans wanted to share the iconic moment when Belle dines in the Beasts enchanted castle for the first time. No, the dishes wouldnt sing and dance in Disney Worlds restaurant, like they did in the movie. But visitors would get to dine in the Beasts castle, and restaurant would serve the mysterious Grey Stuff. Disneylands new restaurant doesnt recreate the Beasts castle, but it does name-check the enchanted flower that plays a central role in the story. (Its been 25 years; do I really need to keep avoiding spoilers?) And The Grey Stuff here is even better than the Orlando version, with the grey mousse swirled around (OK, Ill give you this spoiler alert!) red velvet cake that conceals a single, whole raspberry, like a hidden red rose. That a single line in a song from an animated movie would inspire thousands of people to queue for hours a quarter century later to buy a yet another form of sugar at Disneyland speaks to the power of what Disney created with its animated version of Beauty and the Beast. Disneys advantage over other parks always has been the emotional connection people feel with the stories and characters represented on its rides and in its shows. You can ride a roller coaster anywhere. But you can fly over London with Peter Pan only at a Disney theme park. Themed restaurants allow parks to reinforce those emotional connections with taste and smell, rounding out the sensory experiences in the park. Disneyland Paris in 2014 opened a Ratatouille-themed restaurant in a land devoted to that 2007 Pixar film about a rodent who longs to become a chef. Rival Universal has opened Krusty Burger restaurants in its Simpsons-themed lands in Hollywood and Orlando. And Universals Wizarding World of Harry Potter might provide the best example of themed food in parks, with its Butterbeer winning raves from millions of fans. This isnt Disneylands first go at adding a movie theme to one of its existing restaurants. In 2015, the park changed Tomorrowland Terrace into the Star Wars-themed Galactic Grill. But, save for that blue milk Luke Skywalker drinks in the 1977 original, Star Wars doesnt offer any obvious food and beverage tie-ins, as Ratatouille, The Simpsons, Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast do. As with Red Rose Taverne, Disney said the Galactic Grill overlay would be for a limited time, but the Galactic Grill is still drawing hungry fans a year and a half later. With a stronger theme and (in my humble opinion) way better food, I can see the Red Rose Taverne sticking around even longer. Especially given how much more money Disney must be making from it. I cant remember the last time I saw a line out the door at the Village Haus, even on busy summer days. With Red Rose Taverne, Disneyland reaffirms the cliche that best way to peoples hearts is through their stomachs. Robert Niles is the founder and editor of ThemeParkInsider.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThemePark. Business was slow but the Rev. Johan Dodge remained unperturbed. Were here thats what matters, said Dodge, 42, minister at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Westminster. For the fourth year, he set up a convenience stand outside an eatery on Ash Wednesday to mark interested passersby with black crosses. Previous sites were Starbucks and a doughnut shop. This time, Dodge chose with the owners permission the Chronic Tacos at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach. Friend Suzanne Morgan, 54, director of outreach at United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach, joined him. Together, they sat at a patio table with a scarcely noticeable placard advertising free ash. In front of them were two ceramic bowls, each containing fragrant black paste a mixture of burned palm branches and anointing oil made of frankincense and myrrh. I have a 24-by-36 sign in my car, Dodge said. But that just felt too overt. They want to avoid coming off as pushy sales people, said Morgan: Were not standing on the street corner passing out fliers. Were just quietly planting seeds. Dodge said he started bringing Ash Wednesday outside church doors to pursue the Methodist mission of taking worship and good deeds to the public. But, he allowed, many arent entirely comfortable with this unconventional method of honoring the day. Even people who go to my church dont know what to make of it, he said. Pedestrians walked right by without paying the makeshift sanctuary heed. For a while, it looked like only family members would take part. First came Dodges mom and sister. Next, his wife made a surprise appearance. I could have stayed home in pajamas and done this, Dodge joked. But then a young woman who lives near Bella Terra dropped by. I was actually trying to find a church for Ash Wednesday, said Victoria Reeves, 25. This is great. _informq.push([embed]); Reeves, an administrative assistant, said she recently moved to California from the East Coast, where she never missed ashes on Ash Wednesday. Morgan did the honors, saying, Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Afterward, Reeves noted that she had to take a pass on Chronic Tacos: I gave up fast food for Lent. Dodges sister Kara Pietila, 39, brought along her two children, Jonathan, 6, and Anneke, 3, who shyly declined to participate. Studying the freshly chalked cross on her mothers face, Anneke demanded, When are you going to wash that off? Because I do not like it. They complain when a get a haircut, Pietila laughed. They dont like change. Wife Melinda Dodge, 47, a pastor at Los Altos Methodist Church in Long Beach, wore an apropos t-shirt that read Church can happen anywhere. She brought family friend Rebecca Swartz, 28, a graduate student. My church isnt having Ash Wednesday service until tonight, Swartz said. Its nice to have ash options. Last year, Dodge scrawled on the foreheads of about 35 visitors, he said. But that day, he hung out a shingle from dawn to dusk at Dunkin Donuts in Westminster. Now his window was only three hours, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dodge, PTA president at his childrens school, Lee Elementary in Los Alamitos, flew home late Tuesday night from a statewide meeting in Sacramento so he knew sunrise would be out of the picture. A few members of his congregation eventually trickled through, including Bill and Lin Somsak of Westminster. We want to support our pastor for reaching out to the community, said Bill Somsak, 75, a retired aerospace engineer. So few ministers leave their pulpit. Were proud of him. Contact the writer: sgoulding@scng.com A preschool teacher, a real estate agent and a recent retiree who was a longtime pilot have been identified by relatives as the victims of Mondays Riverside plane crash. They were members of two San Jose families who had been in Southern California to watch a cheerleading competition. One member of each family remains hospitalized. The family of Nouri Hijazi and Dana Hijazi, who were killed, and their adult daughter Stacey Joanne Pierce, who was badly burned, released a statement voicing their devastation over what happened and asking for prayers and privacy. Pierce, who fire officials say was pulled out of a house on fire and suffered third-degree burns over 90 percent of her body, was in critical condition Wednesday at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, a hospital spokeswoman confirmed. Adine Farelas, 22, of San Jose, also died in the crash, said her 19-year-old brother, Brandon. Their mother, Silvia Farelas, survived after being thrown from the plane on impact, crawling out of a destroyed house and being helped by bystanders. She is being treated for possible airway damage at Riverside Community Hospital, but is doing better and recovering well, her son said. Pierces daughter (also the Hijazis granddaughter) and Silvia Farelas daughter (also Adine Farelas younger sister) were participants in a weekend cheerleading event at Disneys California Adventure theme park. Both middle-school-aged girls returned home on a bus chartered by the Union School District in South San Jose. Riverside County coroners Sgt. Todd Grimm said Wednesday he could not confirm the victims names. He said coroners officials are still contacting family members and he expected to release the official identifications later Wednesday or Thursday. Authorities had previously said that the deceased were an adult male and female and a teenage girl. Nouri Hijazi was the registered owner of the 1974 twin-engine Cessna 310. The statement released by his family said he recently retired from a career he loved to spend time with his wife, daughter Stacey and her family. He was an extremely experienced pilot, which was his hobby, his passion. Mark Folden, a broker at Fireside Realty in San Jose, affirmed that Dana Hijazi, a 67-year-old real estate agent, died in the crash. The statement said Dana and Stacey truly were best friends and as close as a mother and daughter could be. With Stacey still in critical condition, We ask that you continue to pray for her recovery, the statement said. I know how dedicated she is to her husband and kids and that will give her the strength she needs to fight. Brandon Farelas said he was reeling from the loss of his sister, Adine, who listed her occupation on Facebook as a preschool teacher in Los Gatos. Even at times that we didnt get along so well and wed argue back and forth like brothers and sisters tend to do, she would always be there for me and I appreciate her so much and now realize exactly what it is that Im losing, he told a Bay Area ABC station. A fundraising campaign on the website GoFundMe was created Wednesday for the Farelas family to help them pay for medical bills and funeral expenses. By 5 p.m., 44 people had donated more than $3,600 toward a $75,000 goal. The plane took off from Riverside Municipal Airport about 4:40 p.m. Monday. For reasons still under investigation, it soon plummeted back to the ground, clipping one house on Rhonda Road a mile east of the airport and then crashing into the home next door, sending up a fireball. The crash and inferno destroyed two houses and damaged two others. Riverside city firefighters turned over the scene Tuesday to the National Transportation Safety Board, Battalion Chief Tony Perna said Wednesday. The NTSB is the agency leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, which is likely to take more than a year. On Tuesday, an investigator declined to comment on an account by the co-owner of the airport cafe that the planes engine wouldnt start on the pilots first two attempts, then as it taxied down the runway after the third attempt, the plane was rocking front to back before taking off. By Wednesday morning yellow tape still surrounded the two destroyed houses, but the rest of Rhonda Road had reopened. At the site of a Tuesday night prayer vigil outside one of the houses, candles remained on the street Wednesday morning, and a blue sign had been placed on a tree reading, Community sorry for your lost. The smell of smoke lingered faintly in the air, but the debris was no longer smoldering. Several cars drove down Rhonda Road, slowing down as they passed the crash site. Nearby resident Bama Brower came by Wednesday morning and couldnt believe his eyes. Its more devastating than on TV, Brower said. Having lived near the municipal airport for nine years and hearing about past airplane crashes nearby, Brower said he is concerned for his familys safety. What struck him about this crash was that one of the victims remains in critical condition after being severely burned. Brower said his son was severely burned in an accident last year, and knows the pain that the victims family must be feeling. This definitely hits home for me, Brower said. I really feel sorry for the family. Staff writers Brian Rokos and Ali Tadayon, and Bay Area News Group writers Mark Gomez and Robert Salonga, contributed to this report. When state Sen. Janet Nguyens colleagues forcibly removed her from the Senate floor Feb. 23 as she read a statement regarding the late Tom Haydens anti-Vietnam War activism and 1965 visit to North Vietnam, they participated in the ongoing silencing and erasing of Vietnamese voices from the complex story of the Vietnam War and its legacies. For more than four decades, American historians, journalists, military veterans and peace activists have told a fairly one-dimensional, U.S.-centric account of the Vietnam War. The central theme of that story is encapsulated in the headline of a Newsweek cover story from 1981: What Vietnam Did to Us. Across the U.S. political spectrum, the Vietnam War story is a story about Americans: American troops, American policymakers, American activists, American civilians. Hayden and other anti-war protesters are the heroes of the lefts narrative. Those on the right argue that the U.S. military engaged in a noble fight that was winnable had Congress not given in to the war resisters. American writers have spent much less time trying to understand Vietnamese perspectives, especially of those who supported the Saigon government. These are the people Sen. Nguyen, a Republican, represented when she began to read her speech criticizing former state Sen. Hayden. In a statement she issued after her removal from the Senate floor, Sen. Nguyen noted that she spoke for her constituents, many of whom were refugees who fled South Vietnam as the country collapsed in April 1975. Some had worked for the Saigon government, some had served in South Vietnams military, and some had collaborated with the Americans. They worried about punishment or worse at the hands of the North Vietnamese. While the bloodbath that U.S. Ambassador to South Vietnam Graham Martin had predicted never materialized, thousands of South Vietnamese did time in re-education camps after the war. For many of those who fled, their Vietnam died when Saigon fell. From their perspective, Hayden had supported the enemy government and military that destroyed it. This incident in the state Senate chamber illustrates the politics of Vietnam War history and memory. Sen. Nguyens Democratic colleagues asserted that she failed to follow proper parliamentary procedure when she spoke. Senate Majority Leader Bill Monning accused her of impropriety for disparaging a deceased legislator. But the silencing of Sen. Nguyen represents a larger conflict over whose perspectives on the Vietnam War Americans are willing to recognize. For some on the left especially, the war validated a broader critique of the hubris and brutality of U.S. foreign policy. In their telling of the story, American imperialists fought Vietnamese nationalists in a war for Vietnams independence. The voices of Vietnamese who supported the Saigon government and considered South Vietnam their nation throw an inconvenient wrench into this story of stark contrasts. Yet acknowledging the viewpoints of anticommunist Vietnamese who opposed the Hanoi government does not necessarily indicate support for U.S. intervention. It is possible to write South Vietnamese perspectives into the Vietnam War narrative without justifying American escalation of the war. It is also possible to recognize that, to those who lost everything, Hayden was a painful reminder of international opposition to their Vietnam. The U.S. anti-war movement, which Hayden represented, constitutes an important chapter in the Vietnam War story, and American historians, journalists and participants have ensured that we remember it as central to the narrative. For Sen. Nguyen and other Vietnamese refugees and their families, it is an upsetting chapter. As long as this perspective remains silenced, we Americans will not fully understand what Vietnam did to all of us, including Sen. Nguyen, her family and her constituents. Heather Marie Stur, Ph.D., is an associate professor of history at the University of Southern Mississippi and a fellow in the Dale Center for the Study of War & Society. She is the author of Beyond Combat: Women and Gender in the Vietnam War Era (Cambridge 2011) and is writing Saigon at War: South Vietnam and the Global Sixties (forthcoming from Cambridge). Will California lose some deep-pocketed foreign tourists? International tensions between the Trump administration and major trading partners could be bad news for the states tourism trade, a key part of the economy. In 2015, tourism employed 1 million people statewide and represented $1 of every $40 created by the California economy, according to the latest stats available from the VisitCalifornia tourist bureau. Yes, its purely speculative to say whether heated geopolitical rhetoric or travel limitations will scare away any meaningful portion of the 17 million who visited California from foreign lands in 2015. But theres $24 billion in yearly international tourist spending at risk. Foreign visitors are just 6 percent of all California tourists, but their business impact is amplified by their heavy spending $1,400 per visit vs. $400 each for domestic visitors. Those hefty foreign budgets account for 22 percent of all tourism spending in the state, according to VisitCalifornia. International visitors are a growing business. The foreign slice of the states tourism dollars is up from 18 percent mid-recession in 2009 and 15 percent in 2003, shortly after the 2001 terror attacks and the ensuing war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Adding to problematic trade tensions is that some of Californias most-lucrative tourists come from nations where the new administration and foreign leadership havent exactly seen eye-to-eye. If a tourist here is foreign, theyre likely a Mexican. Youve heard about that proposed border wall, yes? Thats irked Mexico, home to 7.8 million visitors to California in 2015, or roughly 4-in-9 of the states foreign visitors. But these guests dont spend much, just $397 per visit. That adds up to $3.1 billion of Mexican cash coming here, or 13 percent of Californias foreign tourism spending. Political squabbles with China over military and trade issues are no help. Chinas 1.16 million visitors to California are heavy spenders: $2,191 per trip adding up to $2.5 billion or 10 percent of foreign tourist spending. And then there are the Middle Eastern nations targeted by proposed travel limits, as well as neighboring lands, where U.S. anxieties about Muslims also could alter travel plans. All Middle Eastern nations combined contributed just 286,000 visitors to the state in 2015, but these tourists are the biggest spenders: $2,379 per visit. It was business worth $681 million, or 3 percent of the total pie. Californias economy has many links to the global business world, leaving the states business climate very vulnerable to any negative ripple effect of new America First policy endeavors. Thats why folks in the leisure and hospitality business arent sleeping well these days. Contact the writer: jlansner@scng.com The Orange County Great Park will kick off the Surfing with Tom Carey photography exhibit Saturday at the Palm Court Arts Complex gallery. The exhibit, through April 23, will feature imagery of some of the worlds finest surfers at the most iconic beaches. A free public reception will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday. Carey, a surf photographer who uses classic and experimental techniques, has taken him to 12 different countries, including Fiji, Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, Morocco, Canada, France, Portugal and Ireland. Carey has photographed for prominent brands such as Etnies, ONeill, Quiksilver and Vans, and has been featured on the cover of more than 40 magazines worldwide. He currently works at Surfer Magazine as a senior photographer and is a staff photographer for Volcom. The Great Park is located off I-5 or I-405 at Sand Canyon and Marine Way in Irvine. Tomoya Shimura WASHINGTON In the Obama administrations last days, some White House officials scrambled to spread information about Russian efforts to undermine the presidential election and about possible contacts between associates of President-elect Donald Trump and Russians across the government. Former U.S. officials say they had two aims: to ensure that such meddling is not duplicated in future U.S. or European elections, and to leave a clear trail of intelligence for government investigators. U.S. allies, including the British and the Dutch, had provided information describing meetings in European cities between Russian officials and others close to Russias president, Vladimir Putin and associates of President-elect Trump, according to three former U.S. officials who requested anonymity in discussing classified intelligence. Separately, U.S. intelligence agencies had intercepted communications of Russian officials, some of them within the Kremlin, discussing contacts with Trumps associates. Then and now, Trump has denied that his campaign had any contact with Russian officials, and at one point he openly suggested that U.S. spy agencies had cooked up intelligence suggesting that the Russian government had tried to meddle in the presidential election. Trump has accused the Obama administration of hyping the Russia storyline as a way to discredit his new administration. At the Obama White House, Trumps statements stoked fears among some that intelligence could be covered up or destroyed or its sources exposed once power changed hands. What followed was a push to preserve the intelligence that underscored the deep anxiety with which the White House and U.S. intelligence agencies had come to view the threat from Moscow. It also reflected the suspicion among many in the Obama White House that the Trump campaign might have colluded with Russia on election email hacks a suspicion that U.S. officials say has not been confirmed. Former senior Obama administration officials said that none of the efforts were directed by then-President Barack Obama. The only new piece of information that has come to light is that political appointees in the Obama administration have sought to create a false narrative to make an excuse for their own defeat in the election. There continues to be no there, there, said Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman. As Inauguration Day approached, Obama White House officials grew convinced that the intelligence was damning and that they needed to ensure that as many people as possible inside government could see it, even if people without security clearances could not. Some officials began asking specific questions at intelligence briefings, knowing the answers would be archived and could be easily unearthed by investigators including the Senate Intelligence Committee, which in early January announced an inquiry into Russian efforts to influence the election. The opposite happened with the most sensitive intelligence, including the names of sources and the identities of foreigners who were regularly monitored. Officials tightened the already small number of people who could access that information. They knew the information could not be kept from the new president or his top advisers, but wanted to narrow the number of people who might see the information, officials said. More than a half-dozen current and former officials described various aspects of the effort to preserve and distribute the intelligence, and some said they were speaking to draw attention to the material and ensure proper investigation by Congress. All spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified information, nearly all of which remains secret, making an independent public assessment of the competing Obama and Trump administration claims impossible. The FBI is conducting a wide-ranging counterintelligence investigation into Russias meddling in the election, and is examining alleged links between Trumps associates and the Russian government. Separately, the House and Senate intelligence committees are conducting their own investigations, though they must rely on information collected by the FBI and intelligence agencies. What intensified the alarm at the Obama White House was a campaign of cyberattacks on state electoral systems in September, which led the Obama administration to deliver a public accusation against the Russians in October. But it was not until after the election, and after more intelligence had come in, that the administration began to grasp the scope of the suspected tampering and concluded that one goal of the campaign was to help tip the election in Trumps favor. In early December, Obama ordered the intelligence community to conduct a full assessment about the Russian campaign. In the weeks before the assessment was released in January, the intelligence community combed through databases for an array of communications and other information some of which was months old by then and began producing reports that showed there were contacts during the campaign between Trump associates and Russian officials. The nature of the contacts remains unknown. Several of Trumps associates have done business in Russia, and it is unclear if any of the contacts were related to business dealings. The New York Times, citing four current and former officials, reported last month that U.S. authorities had obtained information of repeated contacts between Trumps associates and senior Russian intelligence officials. The White House has dismissed the story as false. Since the Feb 14 article appeared, more than a half-dozen officials have confirmed contacts of various kinds between Russians and Trump associates. The label intelligence official is not always cleanly applied in Russia, where ex-spies, oligarchs and government officials often report back to the intelligence services and elsewhere in the Kremlin. Steven L. Hall, the former head of Russia operations at the CIA, said Putin was surrounded by a cast of characters, and that it was fair to say that a good number of them come from an intelligence or security background. Once an intel guy, always an intel guy in Russia. Beyond leaving a trail for investigators, the Obama administration also wanted to help European allies combat a threat that had caught the U.S. off guard. U.S. intelligence agencies made it clear in the declassified version of the intelligence assessment released in January that they believed Russia intended to use its attacks on the U.S. as a template for more meddling. We assess Moscow will apply lessons learned, the report said, to future influence efforts worldwide, including against U.S. allies. Republican Reps. Darrell Issa, Ed Royce and Mimi Walters are joining a growing number of congressional Democrats in calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to recuse himself from all investigations into Russia and its role in trying to influence the U.S. presidential election. However, all three stopped short of calling for Sessions resignation, the preference of some Democrats. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher was the sole Orange County member of Congress to defend Sessions. Issa, whose district straddles the Orange-San Diego county line, issued his statement Thursday morning following revelations that Sessions had twice met with the Russian ambassador last year and didnt tell the Senate during confirmation hearings. Issa also reiterated a statement made Friday that there should be an independent, third-party review of the issue. We need a clear-eyed view of what the Russians actually did so that all Americans can have faith in our institutions, he said. The Putin government is a bad actor whose actions should be carefully scrutinized and regardless of what side of the aisle you sit on we have a vested interest in fully understanding exactly what happened and how to prevent it from happening again. Issa is best known for his frequent attacks on then-President Barack Obama while Issa was chairman of the House Oversight Committee. Thursdays statement was the latest indication that Issa may be taking a more bipartisan posture after winning reelection by just 0.6 percentage points over Democrat Doug Applegate. Rohrabacher dismissed the meetings as insignificant. The Democrats and their allies in the elite media are clearly obsessed with placing blame for their rejection at the polls on their fantasy of a nefarious Russia-Republican cabal, he said. The latest desperate attack was aimed at Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who as a senator and campaign policy adviser had two relatively inconsequential meetings with the Russian ambassador, forgot about them, and/or did not understand Sen. Al Frankens convoluted question. Big deal! Sessions is one of the most honorable figures on the Washington political scene. There is absolutely nothing wrong with him, as a senator or a campaign adviser, to have met briefly with the Russian ambassador to understand issues that might confront the next administration. The Democrat-media cabal lost the election. It is time for it to accept responsibility for being far to the left of the American people. Royce, R-Fullerton, is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and joined Issa in urging recusal. I do believe the attorney general should recuse himself from the Justice Departments ongoing Russia investigation, said Royce in a one-sentence statement. Walters, whose district includes Irvine, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo, said, I support the ongoing investigations and believe that the American people deserve answers to these questions. Attorney General Sessions should recuse himself from any investigation. Additionally, he should address any misconceptions related to this issue. Among Democrats renewing criticism of Sessions after the latest revelations are Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who called for him to either recuse himself or resign, and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who called for him to resign. Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, is calling for Sessions to recuse himself and had no comment on calls for his resignation. Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood, wants Sessions to resign. Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, called for his recusal and said he needs to resign if it is determined that he was not truthful to the Senate. Contact the writer: mwisckol@scng.com Senate Democrats should vote against the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch, including by a filibuster, if he does not answer questions about his judicial philosophy. Gorsuch is 49 years old. If he remains on the Supreme Court until he is 90, the age at which Justice John Paul Stevens retired, Gorsuch will be a justice for 41 years until the year 2058. The stakes are thus enormous and the Senate and the American people should know what they are getting before anyone is given a lifetime seat on the nations highest court. Unfortunately, hearings on recent Supreme Court nominations have failed to play any meaningful role in learning about the nominees judicial philosophy and likely impact on the law. In 2006, I testified against the confirmation of Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court. At a break in the proceedings, then Senator Joseph Biden came up to me and said that this all was an exercise in Kabuki theater. He said that everyone in the room knew that Alito was going to be a very conservative Supreme Court justice, but Republicans were pretending that Alito had no ideology and the Democrats were trying to ask questions to trip him up and he was too smart for that. Of course, Gorsuch can and should refuse to answer questions about how he will vote in specific cases that might come before the court. The result in those matters will depend on the briefs and the arguments and the discussion among the justices. But this does not mean that he should be allowed to refuse to answer questions about past rulings of the court or about his judicial philosophy as it relates to issues that the court may decide. Gorsuch can refuse to answer whether he will vote to overrule Roe v. Wade if confirmed for the court, but he should be required to answer the question: if you were on the court in 1973, how would you have voted in Roe v. Wade? Questions to Gorsuch should focus especially on his statements that he is an originalist who believes that the meaning of a constitutional provision is fixed when it is adopted and means the same thing until it is amended. It must be remembered that the Senate rejected Robert Bork in 1987 because of his originalist philosophy which means no constitutional protection for privacy rights, such as reproductive freedom. Gorsuch should be required to answer whether, in light of his judicial philosophy, he believes that privacy rights are protected under the Constitution. Both Robert Bork and Antonin Scalia explicitly said that under originalism the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment does not provide protection against discrimination for women and gays and lesbians because that was not intended in 1868 when the Fourteenth Amendment was ratified. Does Gorsuch, as an originalist, share this view? Justices Scalia and Clarence Thomas said any punishment allowed in 1791, when the Eighth Amendment (which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment) was adopted, is permissible today. Does Judge Gorsuch take this view or follow the courts position that what is cruel and unusual punishment is decided by evolving standards of decency? Judge Gorsuch should not be allowed to hide behind platitudes, such as declaring that he will follow precedents. Of course, any nominee will say that. It is why it is important to ask how he would have voted were he on the court when prior decisions were issued. He also should be asked to specify the criteria he will use in deciding whether to overrule a precedent. I expect that Judge Gorsuch will refuse to answer all of the questions that I have suggested by declaring that it concerns a matter that could come before the court. Senate Democrats should make clear that such answers are unacceptable because they render the confirmation hearings a sham. They should be emphatic from the outset that they will vote no and filibuster unless there are meaningful answers. This could cause Republicans to change the Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations. But the result then would be the same as if the Democrats do nothing: Gorsuch will be confirmed. At the very least, though, the Democrats will have stood up for a basic principle of separation of powers. Senate confirmation hearings must be a meaningful inquiry based on essential information. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. Orange Coast magazine, owned by Indianapolis-based Emmis Communications, has been sold to Hour Media Group. The lifestyle magazine is based in Newport Beach. Detroit-based Hour Media paid $6.5 million for four Emmis magazines, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also sold in the deal were publications in Atlanta, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. Christopher Schulz, the president and publisher of Orange Coast, said there will be no major changes at the publication. He will remain publisher and 100 percent of the staff has been retained. Orange Coast magazine has been in this market for 43 years and over the years there have been five different sets of owners, Schulz said. Anytime a company changes hands its always an interesting time. In this case Im very happy to work with the folks from Hour Media. They have a rapidly growing portfolio and they are committed to city and regional publishing. We want to continue to engage our current audience and find new audiences as well. We want to grow our portfolio of print and digital offerings to better serve Orange County, he added Layoffs were reported at Los Angeles Magazine on Wednesday, according to LA Weekly, which said a half-dozen staffers were cut. The Weekly said layoffs included the publisher, editor-in-chief, head of digital strategy and their copy chief. Mary Melton, the outgoing editor-in-chief, was also the editorial director for Emmis. She tweeted: After a 16+ year run, seven of those as editor-in-chief, this is my last day with @LAmag. Hour Media group publishes lifestyle and business magazines focused on Detroit such as Hour Detroit magazine, DBusiness magazine and Detroit Home magazine. In August, Emmis announced plans to look at new options for its publishing division. It is always difficult to make a decision to sell, but this step helps us to continue to address our debt leverage and to focus on our growth initiatives, Emmis Chairman & CEO Jeff Smulyan said in a statement. Emmis, in a statement, said it would continue to publish Indianapolis Monthly. Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans The 2013 Broadway musical A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder has Southern California roots, making the current U.S. tour, which started in 2015 but is just now arriving in Costa Mesa, something of a homecoming. In its depiction of a young man determined to speed his path to landed prominence through that darkest of deeds, murder most foul, Gentlemans Guide is a cheeky look at Edwardian Englands top 1 percent, circa 1907-08 which some might say underscores its relevance to our own nations income inequalities. But what Robert L. Freedman (book/lyrics) and Steven Lutvak (music/lyrics) have crafted from the Roy Horniman novel carries pleasant reflections of the retro-30s musical Me and My Girl, the 1952 film version of The Importance of Being Earnest, and any comical film whose star (Peter Sellers, Jerry Lewis) plays an uncanny collection of roles specifically, one Ealing Studios gem starring Alec Guiness. The storys basic premise mimics Me and My Girl with a hero of humble means learning hes heir to a title: Montague Monty DYsquith Navarro (Kevin Massey) learns hes Ninth Earl of Highhurst but also discovers nine others of the wealthy, socially prominent DYsquith family are ahead of him in line. Monty soon stumbles onto the idea that killing them off would speed things along. Tired of poverty, and driven to win over his gorgeous but shallow lady love, Sibilla (Kristen Beth Williams), Monty systematically starts eliminating the various DYsquiths nine of whom are portrayed by one actor, John Rapson. If the storys setting and other particulars sound familiar, its because Hornimans source novel became the 1949 British film Kind Hearts and Coronets, in which Guiness played the various filthy-rich murder victims. Repeating only the most broad similarities, Rapson paints each comedic portrait as more eccentric than the last: Lascivious Asquith DYsquith, Jr.; doddering Reverend Lord Ezekial, noted for his chattering laughter; effeminate beekeeper Henry; globetrotting do-gooder Lady Hyacinth, a forceful fussbudget; robust, musclebound, macho Major Lord Bartholomew, whos much like a British version of Teddy Roosevelt; and the tense, unsmiling, psychotic Lord Adalbert, the familys current Earl. While Rapson brilliantly shows the various incarnations of this familys highborn members in a mostly comedic light, he also proves that some of the DYsquiths Monty encounters are genuinely kind: Lord Asquith, Sr., hired Monty into his banking firm and tenderly regards him like a son, while Chauncey is a simple, humble bloke whose shy nature has shielded him from the grotesqueries of wealth and privilege. In fact, Guide makes it clear that while Monty starts out only wishing to attain riches so that Sibilla will marry him, his personality traces an arc clearly mapped out by the script, songs and Masseys performance, from a decent man exploited by others to one who grows used to, and is nearly bored by, killing. The character of the virtuous, noble Phoebe DYsquith (Kristen Hahn), Henrys lovely sister, gives Monty the flip side of Sibilla, whom he labels vain and heartless but is still drawn to. The brilliantly staged song Ive Decided to Marry You imbues this threesome with the psychological complexity of the more famed tale of Jekyll and Hyde. The boyish-looking Massey manages to make Montys dark deeds lightly heroic, Williams Sibilla is a luscious lass, Hahn is both nerdy and sweet, and Rapson is simply dazzling. All are backed by a first-rate 10-person ensemble, and all deliver spot-on upper-crust British accents. Darko Tresnjak, director of the shows 2012 world premiere, is a clear master of the material at hand; his work, Lawrence Goldbergs music direction and Peggy Hickeys choreography are just the tip of the touring productions iceberg: Musically, the show is a powerhouse, moving from one great musical number to the next. All are supported by Alexander Dodges fancifully lighthearted scenic design; costumes (by Linda Cho), hair & wigs (Charles LaPointe) and makeup (Brian Strumwasser) that bring the period to vivid life; and projections (by Aaron Rhyne) that add splashes of color and realism to the narrative. With such a ripe cast, near classic songs and devilish humor, the production is a thoroughly winning guide to a wonderful night of theater. Contact the writer: emarchesewriter@gmail.com AZLoop is Arizona's SpaceX Hyperloop Competition Team, a Group that is Looking at Ways to Achieve High-Speed Mass Transportation TEMPE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / March 2, 2017 / The founders of Instant Data Centers (IDC), a company that manufactures outdoor rated edge micro data centers, are pleased to announce that they have partnered with AZLoop. AZLoop is Arizona's SpaceX Hyperloop Competition Team. To learn more about this exciting new partnership, please check out https://www.instantdatacenters.com/instant-data-centers-partners-with-azloop/ at any time. As a company spokesperson noted, the Hyperloop is a new proposed form of high-speed mass transportation that can achieve speeds of up to 750 miles per hour. The team at IDC has over a decade of expertise in supporting high-performance computing solutions in any environment and can distribute small data center nodes along the transit path, lowering latency increasing reaction times, saving both money and time. Now, as part of the new partnership with AZLoop, micro data centers invented and produced locally in Arizona can support the unprecedented data processing demands of a Hyperloop transport system as well as simplify and standardize the construction process required to support those systems along the route. "The Hyperloop system will require high bandwidth communications and rapid localized data processing along the Hyperloop's route," the spokesperson said, adding that onboard computers, sensors, and cyber-physical systems will need to react and adjust to conditions along the transit path much faster than the traditional data center, and edge network topology will allow. Simon Rohrich, a design engineer at Instant Data Centers, has been fascinated by the Hyperloop concept after reading about the technology in Robert Heinlein's science fiction book, "Double Star." His broad grasp of technology solutions from a wide range of industries, coupled with a decade of practical experience in several startups, are exactly the type of skills Arizona's Hyperloop project is seeking, the spokesperson said. Story continues To watch a video about the AZLoop Hyperloop Team and learn more about the concept of Hyperloop ultra-fast transportation, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HptGEFsrNFg. About Instant Data Centers: Instant Data Centers manufactures edge micro data centers that are outdoor rated for standard servers as well as HPC supercomputer computers. Instant Data Centers uses their patented cooling system and shock and vibration system to build ruggedized edge data centers. Their designs allow their clients to put these data centers just about anywhere; all that is needed is a flat piece of ground. For more information, please visit: https://www.instantdatacenters.com/. Instant Data Centers 510 S. 52nd St., Suite 103 Tempe, AZ 85281 Contact: Russ Dailey Media@InstantDataCenters.com (480) 462-0599 SOURCE: Instant Data Centers BUENA PARK A man suspected of breaking into a Buena Park home Wednesday was caught with the help of a police dog. Around 1:15 p.m., police received a report of a burglary in progress at a home near Stanton Avenue and Poinsettia Drive, Buena Park police Sgt. Mike Lovchik said. About an hour later, an officer, who wasnt identified, and his dog, a German shepherd named Kondor, found the suspect hiding in the backyard of a home. Personnel on an Anaheim Police Department helicopter ordered the suspect to surrender but he refused. An officer then released Kondor and the suspect was bitten before he was caught, Lovchik said. The suspect was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and taken to the Orange County Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of residential burglary. Police were still trying Wednesday afternoon to confirm the suspects identity. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline Look out Knotts Berry Farm. With Portos Bakery & Cafe making its long-anticipated debut Wednesday in Buena Park, the city is now home to another big tourist attraction. Rivaling theme park lines for blockbuster rides, hundreds of fans stretched along a two-block section of Beach Boulevard to be the first to buy boxes of Cuban delicacies. _informq.push([embed]); Crystal Loredo and her two cousins arrived first at 5 a.m. She came for the cheese rolls and potato balls. Portos three bakeries sell more than 2 million a month. Theyre so good, you have one and you have to go back for more, said Loredo, 29, of La Habra. After an opening ceremony that included a speech by actor and family friend Andy Garcia, customers were finally let in around 11 a.m. At that point, the line had surged to more than 1,500 people, according to local police. The opening was by far the biggest turnout the Los Angeles institution had ever seen, said Betty Porto, whose mother, Rosa, founded the first cake shop in the early 1970s after the family fled communist Cuba. Its crazy. I didnt think there would be this many people, said Caesar Hernandez, 40. The Anaheim resident was one of the few people in line who had never tried Portos. He arrived at 7:30 a.m. and walked out nearly three hours later. Hernandez loaded up, buying a dozen cheese rolls, a sandwich, a slice of tres leches cake, a strawberry croissant and creme brulee. Everyone keeps telling me how good it is, so I guess Ill find out, he said. Raul Porto Jr. said he and his family were heartened by the fans who showed up for the companys first Orange County outlet. The Buena Park cafe is the chains largest at nearly 25,000 square feet. I cant tell you how we felt to see you all, he said during a pre-opening ceremony. Finding a new location for us is like finding a home. We really found a good place. Garcia also gave a brief speech to cheering fans. As a fellow Cuban exile, he said hes been going to Portos since 1978. Rosa and Raul Sr. kept the struggling actor well fed for years, he said. Im a member of the Portos family through digestion, he joked. In a more political portion of his speech, Garcia said the Portos are an example of a hard-working immigrant family embracing the American dream. Its a testament to what people coming to America can do given the opportunity, he said. After Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in the 1960s, Rosa and Raul Porto lost their jobs at a cigar distribution warehouse. Raul Sr. was sent to a labor camp, forcing Rosa to fend for herself and their three children: Betty, Margarita and Raul Jr. To feed her family, she started a black market cake business in her home. She risked being sent to jail for running a free enterprise business. It was a barter and trade operation. Neighbors paid her in government rations pigs, chickens, rice and beans. For a decade the Portos lived under the fear of being caught before the family was approved to relocate to the U.S. She took a risk because it was either that or starve, said eldest daughter Betty Porto, who runs all four cafes with her two siblings. When Rosa landed in Los Angeles in 1971, family and friends began requesting her sponge cakes. She ran the business out of her home for the next five years, specializing in wedding and quinceanera cakes. When customers asked for appetizers for parties, she developed a menu of guava pastries, chicken empanadas, potato balls and meat pies. In 1976, she opened her first brick-and-mortar shop. A business built out of desperation eventually grew to three cafes in Glendale, Burbank and Downey. As their Los Angeles fan base grew more diverse, the menu expanded to include elegant French pastries and cakes, sandwiches, croquettes and tarts. Today, Portos fan base rivals the legions of loyal customers who follow another local food institution: In-N-Out Burger. As it turns out, fans adore both brands for the same reason. Its so inexpensive for the quality. You cant go wrong, Suzanne Lee, 47, said as she waited at the back of the line at 11 a.m. (She made it to the order counter more than four hours later.) Buena Park is Portos first new bakery to open in seven years. A fifth bakery is coming next year to West Covina. Though the cafes combined serve 4.5 million customers a year, Raul Jr. said he and his sisters run them like a mom-and-pop operation. Like his parents, they treat everyone like family. No one knows that more than Lydia Wong. The 72-year-old Lancaster resident has been a Portos customer since 1975 when she was a regular at the Glendale shop. On Wednesday, she drove two hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic to get to the Buena Park opening. The family spotted her right away and made sure she was among the first customers to enter the store. Love is the secret to Portos, Wong said. Everything they do is with love. PORTOS IN BUENA PARK Address: 7640 Beach Blvd. Hours: Monday through Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com Former President George W. Bush renewed his support for freedom of the press Wednesday night, but with a caveat that may please President Trump, who has labeled the media the enemy of the people. There needs to be a free and independent press, but it ought to be accurate, Bush said during an appearance at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, where he was promoting his new book, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefs Tribute to Americas Warriors. During the event described as a conversation with Bush, he sought to clarify comments he made on NBCs Today show Monday that some news outlets characterized as critical of Trump, who has accused the media of spreading lies, misrepresentations and false stories. Im asked a question, do I believe in free press? And the answer is, Absolutely I believe in free press, as should every other American believe in free press. Because the press holds people to account. 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 that holds you to account. And so I answered that question and of course the headlines were Bush criticizes Trump. The 43rd president added, I made the decision after my presidency not to criticize President Obama and I feel the same way about President Trump. Bush did not address other recent comments he has made that appear to put him at odds with the new president. He told the Today show he supports an investigation into possible ties between Trump advisers and Russian officials during the presidential campaign. I think we all need answers, he said. And in an interview with People magazine he expressed concern about the atmosphere in the country since Trump took office just over a month ago. I dont like the racism, and I dont like the name-calling, and I dont like the people feeling alienated. At the Reagan library Wednesday, Bush mostly avoided those pointed comments. I want anybody who is president to succeed, he said. Were all in this deal together. And so I understand 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. The former presidents book contains 66 portraits and a mural he painted depicting veterans who have served in the U.S. military since 9/11. Each artwork is accompanied by text Bush wrote paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of those he painted. I painted these men and women as a way to honor their service to the country and to show my respect for their sacrifice and courage, Bush wrote in an introduction to the book. Bush took up painting as a hobby after leaving office in 2009, inspired by another amateur painter and statesman, Winston Churchill. I wanted a new adventure within the confines of the post-Presidential bubble, Bush wrote in the books introduction. Of his new pastime he wrote, Im driven to learn as much as I possibly can before Im no longer able to hold a paintbrush. Proceeds from the book, which retails for $35, will benefit groups that aid veterans. SAN FRANCISCO The public has a right to access emails and text messages about government business on the private phones and accounts of state and local officials and employees, the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday. In the unanimous decision, the court said those communications were subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act and not shielded because they were done in personal accounts. If communications sent through personal accounts were categorically excluded from CPRA, government officials could hide their most sensitive, and potentially damning, discussions in such accounts, Associate Justice Carol Corrigan wrote for the seven-member court. The use of private email accounts by public officials has faced scrutiny in recent years, with accusations that some were using them as a way to avoid disclosure. Hillary Clinton was sharply criticized during the presidential campaign for using a private email account while at the State Department. In a survey by The Associated Press two years ago, Gov. Jerry Brown, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and other top elected officials in California acknowledged using personal email accounts to conduct government business. Many states treat public business on private accounts as public records. And at the federal level, an appeals court ruled last year that work-related emails from a private account used by the White Houses top science adviser were subject to disclosure under federal open records laws. Opponents have raised privacy concerns and said public officials sometimes need confidentiality to discuss unpopular views. They have also argued that sifting through employees private accounts and devices in response to requests for records would be expensive and burdensome. These are public officials, and the public does have some interest in knowing how they are conducting business, said Jessica Levinson, who teaches privacy law at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Having said that, the public doesnt have the right to know everything that this person talks about. The lawsuit before the California Supreme Court was filed by Ted Smith, who in 2009 requested messages about development in downtown San Jose that were sent or received on private devices used by San Joses mayor and City Council. The city said it did not have access to any messages created on personal devices, so they were not public records. Smith sued. A Superior Court judge ruled in his favor, but an appeals court overturned that decision in 2014. Openness in government is critical to a functioning democracy, attorneys for Smith wrote in a brief to the California Supreme Court. If the Court of Appeals decision in this case is allowed to stand, public employees can easily avoid accountability and subvert the intent of the (California Public Records Act) by hiding any communications that suggest corruption or the appearance of corruption in private accounts. San Jose countered that public employees retain privacy rights. Forcing them to turn over their passwords to inspect communications on private devices would be akin to making them hand over their house keys, the city said in a brief to the California Supreme Court. There is no indication that the (public records) act requires city councilmembers and employees to open their homes so that their personal diaries and correspondence could be inspected for presence of writings that mention the city of San Jose, City Attorney Richard Doyle wrote. Such an interpretation of the act would be unreasonable, and yet, it would be required if the Act was extended to writings at issue here. A message left Thursday for San Jose City Attorney Richard Doyle was not immediately returned. GENEVA First the Syrian air force dropped barrel bombs from helicopters on a United Nations humanitarian aid convoy, then fired rockets from jets, then strafed survivors with machine guns, U.N. investigators said Wednesday in a report that found government forces not only had committed the attack in September but had done so deliberately, a war crime. The attack, which killed 14 aid workers and stoked international outrage, was meticulously planned and ruthlessly carried out, the report said. It called the attack one of the most egregious of many war crimes that investigators said had been committed during the governments five-month offensive to take full control of the northern city of Aleppo. The 31-truck convoy organized by the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent had been carrying food, medicine, childrens clothes and other humanitarian supplies destined for families in opposition-controlled areas and had been traveling with the governments knowledge and permission. The report released Wednesday found that war crimes had been committed by government and rebel forces, corroborating many of the worst allegations that Aleppo residents had made against both sides. The report found that government forces had hit hospitals; used internationally banned chlorine gas and cluster munitions; arrested fleeing civilians; and carried out summary executions, with some soldiers killing their own relatives. On the other side, the report found that rebel groups had indiscriminately shelled government-held civilian areas with no specific military target, killing dozens, including women and children. In rebel areas, the report said, some groups prevented people from evacuating and discriminated in food distribution during a siege, favoring relatives and supporters. Strikingly, the report also found that evacuations of besieged civilians from rebel-held eastern Aleppo and from the government-held towns of Fouaa and Kfarya during the battle constituted the war crime of forced displacement, because residents had no choice and were moved for strategic reasons, not safety. The U.N. researchers found no evidence that Russia had used chemical weapons. They also did not receive sufficiently clear evidence to directly tie Russian forces to any war crimes described in the report. But they said Russian aircraft had joined the Syrian air force in using indiscriminate weapons in a deadly campaign that repeatedly targeted hospitals, water distribution stations, markets and bakeries and suggested a willful disregard for the international laws of war. WASHINGTON Russian aircraft mistakenly bombed Syrian fighters who are being trained by the United States, the commander of the U.S.-led operation in Iraq and Syria said Wednesday. U.S. advisers were about 3 miles away when the Russian strike occurred. The episode pointed to the risk of unintended clashes among the myriad forces operating on a fluid battlefield in Syria as the U.S. command looks toward the fight to take Raqqa from Islamic State. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, who commands the U.S.-led task force that is fighting the militants in Iraq and Syria, said the Russian airstrike, which took place Tuesday, led to casualties among the Syrian fighters, but he declined to say how many. Townsend said the Russian attack appeared to have been a mistake: The Russian military thought it was bombing villages held by the Islamic State, but in fact they were recently occupied by Syrian Arab fighters. We had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS, Townsend said, referring to the Islamic State. Actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab coalition forces. There is a diverse array of forces near Al Bab, including Turkish-backed Syrian militias, Syrian regime forces and Kurdish and Arab fighters. Townsend said the United States was encouraging all sides to focus on the fight against the Islamic State and not let tensions among the different groups divert them from the need to take Raqqa, the militants de facto capital in Syria. This is the second time in recent weeks that there has been an episode of friendly fire involving the Russians. Last month, Russian fighters mistakenly bombed Turkish soldiers near Al Bab. Townsend also said that some Islamic State fighters had sought to escape from Mosul, in northern Iraq, disguised as refugees, but had been detained. He said he did not anticipate that larger numbers of U.S. troops would be needed for the campaign, which is under review by the Trump administration. The coalition is encouraged by the progress against ISIS in Al Bab by the Turkish military and their opposition forces, Townsend said. We encourage all forces to remain focused on the counter-ISIS fight and concentrate their efforts on defeating ISIS, and not toward other objectives that may cause the coalition to divert energy and resources away from Raqqa. WASHINGTON Under intensifying pressure, Attorney General Jeff Sessions abruptly agreed Thursday to recuse himself from any investigation into Russian meddling in Americas 2016 presidential election. He acted after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress. Sessions rejected any suggestion that he had tried to mislead anyone about his contacts with the Russian, saying, That is not my intent. That is not correct. But he did allow that he should have been more careful in his testimony during his confirmation hearing, saying, I should have slowed down and said, But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times. The White House has stood by Sessions in the latest controversy to dog President Donald Trumps young administration, though officials say they first learned about his contacts with the ambassador from a reporter Wednesday night. Trump himself said Thursday he had total confidence in Sessions and didnt think he needed to recuse himself not long before he did. One of Sessions conversations with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak occurred at a July event on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. At that same event, the ambassador also spoke with Carter Page, who briefly advised Trumps campaign on foreign policy, according to a person with knowledge of the discussion. Separately, a White House official said Thursday that Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and ousted national security adviser Michael Flynn met with Kislyak at Trump Tower in New York in December. The official described that sit-down as a brief courtesy meeting. Flynn was fired last month for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Kislyak. The Trump teams account of Flynns contacts with the ambassador has changed several times. The White House did not disclose the in-person meeting, or Kushners involvement, until Thursday. Both the White House official and the person with knowledge of Pages discussion insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly disclose the meetings. Trump has been trailed for months by questions about potential ties to Russia, and allegations of Russian efforts to interfere in the U.S. election to help him defeat Hillary Clinton. The new president and his campaign officials have blamed such contentions on Democratic sore losers and have heatedly denied any contact with Russians concerning the election. While there is nothing necessarily nefarious or even unusual about a member of Congress meeting with a foreign ambassador, typically members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee meet with foreign ambassadors, not Armed Services Committee lawmakers, such as Sessions, whose responsibility is oversight of the military and the Pentagon. The latest development comes on the heels of what had been the high point of Trumps young presidency: a well-received address to Congress Tuesday night that energized Republicans and appeared to wipe away some lawmakers concerns about the administrations tumultuous start. But Sessions faced a rising chorus of demands that he resolve the seeming contradiction between his two conversations in the summer and fall with Kislyak and his sworn statements to Congress in January, when he said he had not had communications with Russians during the campaign. The Justice Department said he met with Kislyak in his role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, not in his role as a Trump adviser with the campaign, and that led to his answers. The attorney general, an early backer and key adviser for Trumps campaign, said he decided to recuse himself for investigations that are underway and others to come after his staff recommended he do so. Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente will handle such matters for now. Sessions added that his announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation of the existence of any investigation. Some Democrats called for Sessions not only to recuse himself but to resign. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who had accused Sessions of lying under oath, repeated her call for his resignation after he recused himself. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said a special prosecutor should be appointed to examine whether the federal investigation into Kremlin meddling and into possible contacts between Trump associates and Russians had been compromised by Sessions. Democrats also sought a criminal perjury investigation. More than a half dozen Republican lawmakers, including some who consider themselves personally close to Sessions, had urged him to recuse himself from the probe. Sen. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said he didnt believe Sessions could have colluded with Russia, but If there is an investigation, he probably shouldnt be the person leading it. The Justice Department acknowledged two separate Sessions interactions with Kislyak, both coming after cybersecurity firms had concluded that Russian intelligence agencies were behind cyber-hacking of the Democratic National Committee. The first occurred after a Heritage Foundation event during the Republican National Convention in July, when the department says a group of envoys including the Russian ambassador approached Sessions. The second was a September conversation, which the department likened to the more than 25 discussions Sessions had with foreign ambassadors last year as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. But Sessions did not disclose his discussions with Kislyak at his Senate confirmation hearing in January when asked what he would do if anyone affiliated with the campaign had been in contact with officials of the Russian government. Sessions said he knew of no such contacts. He added, I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I didnt have, did not have communications with the Russians, and Im unable to comment on it. He answered no in a written questionnaire when asked about contacts regarding the election. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said it was normal for Russian diplomats to meet with U.S. lawmakers. A spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, told AP that meetings with American political figures were part of the embassys everyday business. Revelations of the contacts, first reported by The Washington Post, came amid a disclosure by three administration officials that White House lawyers have instructed aides to Trump to preserve materials that could be connected to Russian meddling in the American political process. Sessions is not the first attorney general to disengage, or take a reduced role, in a high-profile matter. Attorney General Loretta Lynch last summer agreed to do so at the recommendation of the FBI in the Hillary Clinton email matter after an impromptu meeting with Bill Clinton on her airplane. AP Writers Julie Pace, Richard Lardner, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor and Stephen Ohlemacher contributed. AP Writers Richard Lardner, Mary Clare Jalonick, Andrew Taylor and Stephen Ohlemacher contributed. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump surprised congressional leaders when he suddenly suggested he was open to broad immigration reform. But while there is appetite on Capitol Hill for legislation, there is also skepticism, and the presidents hard-line rhetoric over the past two years could make a compromise bill much harder. Trump signaled a potential shift on Tuesday in a private meeting with news anchors. He told them he was open to legislation that would give legal status to some people living in the U.S. illegally and provide a pathway to citizenship to those brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Those private comments raised expectations that he might make a similar call in his prime-time address. Instead, Trump pledged to vigorously target people living in the U.S. illegally who threaten our communities and prey on innocent citizens, words similar to his campaign speeches. The mixed messaging underscored the uncertainty about the presidents intentions, and drew a mixed reaction on Capitol Hill. While some in his party could welcome a new push for comprehensive immigration reform, its far from clear exactly what that might entail. Trump spent his campaign whipping his supporters into a frenzy on the issue, painting a picture of a nation overrun by violent people living here illegally, committing crimes and stealing American jobs. Thats left many Democrats skeptical and Republicans on both sides of the issue appearing to hear what they want. I hope that it opens the door for comprehensive immigration reform, which we obviously feel is vital, said Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who was a member of the so-called Gang of Eight that spearheaded a 2013 immigration bill that ultimately failed after passing the Senate. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., another Gang of Eight member, said he was encouraged by Trumps remarks less in the speech than what came out earlier. He said the time was ripe for action, despite Trumps past rhetoric denouncing illegal amnesty. Only Nixon could go to China, I think there are parallels there, said Flake. That was a reference to President Richard Nixons 1972 meeting with Mao Zedong, now a political metaphor for a leader taking an action that his supporters would typically condemn if taken by someone from another party. Flake suggested that Trump could come out and say, All right, weve got to solve this. Were not going to deport 11 million people. There are people out there afraid. Why dont we get something we can agree on? Nows the time. But GOP Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., heard something else. He says Trump was very clear that he wants to secure the border, he wants to make sure that we are deporting criminal aliens and he gave some very vivid examples of the dangers of having people in this country who should be removed, have been removed and have come back. I did not hear him mention anything about comprehensive immigration reform, I have never heard him say anything about that, Buck added. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Wednesday that any legislation would have to be on Trumps terms. He recognizes that a solution, a comprehensive solution, has eluded our nation for a long time. And its a big problem. And if he can get it consistent with his principles he will, Spicer said. Trump campaigned as an immigration hard-liner, vowing to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and step up deportations. Since taking office, he has hewed closely to those promises, signing an order aimed at suspending the U.S. refugee program and subjecting all immigrants in the country illegally to possible deportation if they are charged or convicted of any offense, or even suspected of a crime. Trump did say during the campaign that he was open to softening his position and some who met with him privately were convinced at times that he was going to move in that direction. But he ultimately landed where he started, declaring in September that under his presidency there would be no legal status or becoming a citizen of the United States by illegally entering our country. People will know that you cant just smuggle in, hunker down and wait to be legalized, he said then. Those days are over. Trumps vacillations are nothing new. During the campaign, he routinely said that while the bad guys would have to go, he would eventually find a mechanism to let the good immigrants stay. In a high-profile campaign immigration speech Trump kicked the can down the road, saying that once the borders were secure and a new immigration system in place, he would be in a position to consider the appropriate disposition of those who remain. Roy Beck, the president and CEO of NumbersUSA, a non-profit that advocates for reduced immigration, said that while Trumps comments appear contradictory, comprehensive immigration reform doesnt necessarily mean to Trump what it has meant in the past. Still, he said, Trump is walking a fine line on an issue that helped drive him to the White House. He cannot lose the moral high ground that he has on that issue. So hes got to be very careful to avoid alienating his supporters, Beck said. But thats not to say theres not room for some maneuvering and flexibility. However, conservatives including Rep. Steve King of Iowa caution Trump against pursuing broad immigration legislation, calling it a trap. Comprehensive is the code word for amnesty, and everyone knows that by now, King said. He also said going in that direction could swiftly alienate core GOP supporters. If its not going to be a promise kept on immigration, the base will be gone. AP White House correspondent Julie Pace contributed to this report. Mike Hefner just wanted to grab a bite to eat while on his way to Hollywood. The South Carolina tourist thought Rubys at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier sounded like a good place to stop, but after finding that the restaurant was closed, he continued his leisurely stroll back down the long pier. Thats when a commotion stopped him in his tracks anglers wrestling to pull a 6-foot shark from the water, something Hefner had never seen before. Like others who had gathered around as people cheered, he pulled out his phone and recorded video. Hefner had no idea he was entering a firestorm of debate surrounding the capture of great white sharks. Since his video was posted on Facebook Feb. 21, it has generated more than 300,000 views and garnered news coverage around the country. Someone caught something, so I stayed and watched, Hefner said via e-mail. Ive seen sharks caught on other piers in different states, but this was my first time seeing a great white. By reading the comments on my Facebook, I guess its illegal to pull a great white out of the water. The guys could have easily cut their line and let it go, but they decided to try to net it and then when that failed, they used a gaff hook in its gill to pull it onto the pier. Despite the publics assumptions, California Department of Fish and Game spokesman Andrew Hughan said it hasnt yet been determined to be a great white. There are many sharks that look similar, he said. I would ask the public to be patient. We are working diligently, investigations take time. Just because everybody says its a white shark, doesnt mean its a white shark. We are very well trained and experienced and were wildlife experts, but this isnt CSI, we cant determine things overnight. The Register first reported the video Saturday, and since then, it has appeared on Fox, NBC and across local media outlets from Hefners hometown of Myrtle Beach. The comments on social media show mixed response to the incident. The video showed the shark hitting a concrete pier pillar as it was pulled up toward the deck, with people surrounding it and appearing to be posing for selfies. Some argue the incident was not just illegal, but also cruel. Others say a flurry of great white activity off the coast represents a healthy ecosystem and they should be legal to catch. Hefner wrote that he had a couple of people threatening me to take it down. Lifeguards worry anglers catching great whites off the pier can cause them to be agitated and attack nearby surfers and other ocean users, similar to an incident that happened a few years ago in Manhattan Beach when a swimmer was bitten after anglers snagged a great white. But lifeguards have no authority to enforce fishing laws on piers, which is regulated by Fish and Game. State law protects the great white from being caught off California. Hughan said its a misdemeanor to capture a great white, and if those in the video are convicted, they likely would not face jail time or the maximum penalty of $10,000. If they were convicted, the Orange County judge would decide the penalty. It depends on the charge and how the judge feels about it, he said. In reality, no one is going to jail. In the video, one person is yelling pull, pull, pull as anglers with heavy fishing gear pull the baby great white toward the crowd. Cheers ring out as the sharks 6-foot-long body is pulled upward. Hey, take a picture fast, one man screams. They threw it back over the pier and as far as I know it lived, Hefner wrote. Once they threw it over, I left and continued my journey to Hollywood. Lifeguards are concerned with the number of great white shark incidents in recent weeks this was the third recent catch off the Huntington Beach Pier. In the other two instances, the sharks were released back into the water, so there were no fines imposed. An anglers catch off Sunset Beach went viral when an 8-foot great white was caught from shore, but the shark was quickly returned to the ocean after the fisherman realized what he had captured. Also, a 12-foot great white was spotted by a police helicopter and a two-mile stretch of beach was shut down. Contact the writer: lconnelly@scng.com WHITTIER Prosecutors filed capital murder and other charges Wednesday against a gang member and probationer accused of killing one Whittier police officer and wounding another last month after gunning down his cousin in East Los Angeles, authorities said. Michael Christopher Mejia, 26, of Los Angeles faces two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of carjacking and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the Feb. 20 shootings in East Los Angeles and Whittier, according to Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office spokesman Greg Risling. Mejia could face the death penalty if convicted of the murder of Officer Keith Boyer, the murder of his cousin, Roy Torres and the wounding of Officer Patrick Hazell, as well as the carjacking of his cousin and the alleged weapons violation, officials said. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will me made at a later date, Risling said in a statement. Mejia, who was shot and wounded himself by police before being apprehended, was scheduled to appear for an arraignment hearing Thursday in the Bellflower branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court, Risling said. But it was unclear if his medical condition would force the hearing to be postponed. Mejia has remained hospitalized in a jail ward since the shooting, records show. He was immediately sentenced to a 10-day flash incarceration for violating the terms of his probation under the terms of AB 109 pending the filing of charges in connection with the deadly shootings. The 10-day,automatic sentence is set to expire Thursday. Mejia first shot and killed Torres inside the converted garage he was using as a bedroom at his home in East Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriffs officials said. Mejia then stole his slain cousins car and made his way to Whittier. A little under three hours later, Mejia was involved in a minor traffic collision with two other motorists at Colima Road and Mar Vista Street, investigators said. Police responded to the crash and when they ordered Mejia to get out of his car the defendant is accused of pulling out a semi-automatic handgun and firing at two officers, Risling said. Boyer was killed and Hazell was also wounded. Hazell has since been released from the hospital and is continuing his recovery at home. Mejia has prior felony convictions for robbery in 2010 and auto theft in 2014, Risling said. Since being released from custody for the auto theft conviction in April of 2016, Mejia was arrested five times for probation violations, records show. Each time, he received a 9- or 10-day flash incarceration before being turned loose again. The case prompted outrage from law enforcement and questions from politicians and community members over recent efforts to lessen the overcrowding in California prisons. Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper said he believed such laws as AB 109, also knows as the Public Safety Realignment of 2011, and Proposition 47 of 2014, which reduced some felony crimes to misdemeanors, were responsible for Mejia being out of prison when the shootings occurred. Others who have studied the laws have said there did not appear to be an increase in violent crime because of them. PLANEGG/MUNICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / March 2, 2017 / MorphoSys AG (MOR.DE) (MOR.DE) (Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX) will publish its Annual Financial Results 2016 on March 9, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. CET. The Management team of MorphoSys AG will host a conference call and webcast to present MorphoSys' Annual Financial Results 2016 and provide an outlook for 2017. Date: Thursday, March 9, 2017 Time: 2:00 p.m. CET (1:00 p.m. GMT, 8:00 a.m. EST) Dial-in numbers (listen only): Germany: +49 89 2444 32975 United Kingdom: +44 20 3003 2666 USA: +1 202 204 1514 Company participants in the call will be: Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer Jens Holstein, Chief Financial Officer Dr. Malte Peters, Chief Development Officer Dr. Marlies Sproll, Chief Scientific Officer Participants are kindly requested to dial in up to 10 minutes before the call to ensure a secure line and a prompt start. The presentation slides and webcast link will be available at the Company's website at www.morphosys.com/conference-calls. A slide-synchronized audio replay of the conference will also be available at the corporate website following the live event. About MorphoSys: MorphoSys developed HuCAL, the most successful antibody library technology in the pharmaceutical industry. By successfully applying this and other patented technologies, MorphoSys has become a leader in the field of therapeutic antibodies, one of the fastest-growing drug classes in human healthcare. Together with its pharmaceutical partners, MorphoSys has built a therapeutic pipeline of more than 100 human antibody drug candidates for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease, to name just a few. With its ongoing commitment to new antibody technology and drug development, MorphoSys is focused on making the healthcare products of tomorrow. MorphoSys is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol MOR. For regular updates about MorphoSys, visit http://www.morphosys.com. Story continues HuCAL(R), HuCAL GOLD(R), HuCAL PLATINUM(R), CysDisplay(R), RapMAT(R), arYla(R), Ylanthia(R), 100 billion high potentials(R), Slonomics(R), Lanthio Pharma(R) and LanthioPep(R) are registered trademarks of the MorphoSys Group. This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company's assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned. For more information, please contact: MorphoSys AG Anke Linnartz Head of Corporate Communications & IR Jochen Orlowski Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR Alexandra Goller Senior Manager Corporate Communications & IR Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-404 investors@morphosys.com SOURCE: MorphoSys AG via the EQS Newswire distribution service including Press Releases and Regulatory Announcements Nicholas Kardaras, author of Glow Kids, which says cellphones and computers are exercising the fright/flight part of youthful brains rather than the thinking part, will appear from noon to 2 p.m. Friday March 3 at the Westhampton Free Library. Kardaras, who lives in nearby Sag Harbor and who addressed that library on Sept. 8, 2016, was the subject of a Time mag Aug. 31, 2016 feature headlined, Screens in Schools Are a $60 billion Hoax. The Aug. 28, 2016 New York Post had a two-page feature on him headlined Digital Heroin. The WH library has said it was waiting until the National Day of Unplugging March 3-4 to schedule a talk by him. It is hosting a special lunch and learn session. Library critics note that the Kardaras book was published last August and the library should have scheduled him as a speaker then when the local population was about 20,000 vs. the 2,000 it shrinks to in the winter. As of noon today, six people had registered for the Kardaras talk, said library dirrector Danielle Waskiewicz. It will not be video or tape-recorded, she said. The Day of Unplugging observance, a project of Jewish non-profit Reboot, is an adaption of the ritual of carving out one day per week to unwind, unplug, relax, reflect, get outdoors, and connect with loved ones. Tech companies are raking in large sums and school authorities have mostly been co-opted by them, Kardaras contends. His basic message is that electronics spur the pleasure circuits in brains, doubling the amount of dopamine while shrinking the amount of gray matter in the frontal cortex, the decision-making center. Neurological development and verbal intelligence are delayed, he says. He has appeared on Fox & Friends, ABC-TV, CNN sister channel HLN, Katie Courics Yahoo! show and more than 30 radio programs with his pleas to curb the almost insatiable appetite children have for what falls under the general heading of screen time. Screen Addiction Like Food, Sex Food and sex have the same effect, he notes. Children who are under constant stimulation from screens can lose their innate sense of curiosity, he says. About 20 local residents attended, peppering him with questions such as what constitutes screen addiction? He had no firm answer, saying it could be a few hours for some children and but many more for others. A boy of about 10 told at length of his love of screen games but complained that he cant free himself from some of them because the pause button does not work. There is not one credible research study that shows that a child exposed to more technology earlier in life has better educational outcomes than a tech-free kid, Kardaras writes. Screens are dulling rather than sharpening young developing brainsAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) rates have exploded by 50% over the past ten years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating rates will continue to rise by 5% per year. Tech execs put their own children in no-tech Waldorf Schools, he notes. Kardaras: Reduce Screen Time Radiation health advocates, who have been warning about cancer and other diseases caused by cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, computers, celltowers, etc., will not like the thrust of what Kardaras is sayingthat cutting down on screen time should be at the top of the to do list at this time. Computer Harm to Be Addressed The librarys announcement says Kardaras will discuss the detrimental potential of technology on the brains of our children, reviewing a growing body of clinical research which shows the possible correlation of habitual screen use to disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and increased aggression. Is the global tech explosion a harmless indulgence with educational benefits or something that can potentially damage the developing minds of an entire younger generation? The National Day of Unplugging is March 3-4 ... could you unplug? Contact is given as the reference desk at the library, 631/288-3335, ext.4 Library is Center of Controversy Critics of the library have formed the website Free the Westhampton Free Library website. Its protests led to the resignation of five of the six Trustees in 2015. However, its goal of having the board switch from self-appointed to elected status has yet to be realized. The board on Dec. 14, 2016 rejected attempts by citizens to join the board, prompting a strong protest that was posted on the website of the citizens. Many other association libraries allow their taxpayer voters to decide who they feel is qualified, whose platform and vision might represent what each of them wishes to see in their community library that they financially support, said the posting on Free the Westhampton Free Library website. Six self-appointed trustees have quite a lot of power based on an 1897 charter establishing our multimillion dollar taxpayer-funded library as a private corporation, says the posting. Sabina Trager, former library administrative assistant who has been seeking to join the board for more than a year, said she will vote against the annual library budget until fiscal responsibility is shown by the board. Library Spending Plans Criticized She is especially concerned about plans to spend $1 million on a parking lot when the library is little used ten months of the year. She and others are also opposed to spending nearly $3 million on construction costs on a building that is only seven years old. As it is, over $4 million cash sits in the library bank accounts (over and above the nearly $3 million annual operating budget), and only administration and management (non-union employees) received wage increases after this budget increase passed in May, which I feel is unacceptable. Plus, the employees should come before the building. The website seeks participation by the citizens of Westhampton and several other towns and villages served by the library. Citizens are also angry at the board because they are only allowed to speak for five minutes at board meetings. They also say that the board having Thomas Moore, husband of WHB Mayor Maria Moore, as president of the board is a flagrant conflict of interest that undercuts the independence of the library. Main St. Tree Removal Is Upsetting WHB residents are upset by plans to remove all 72 trees on Main st. to make way for sewers costing an estimated $20 million. The street would be bare of trees for two years or more, citizens have been told. Critics say that new sewers are not going to bring new restaurants to the street. The singles crowd that made WHB their No. 1 destination in the Hamptons has fled to Montauk and is not likely to return, they note. Strict laws in WHB forbid unrelated people from sharing rentals. Tullamore company Simpli Baked has won one of the top awards at the Small Firms Association National Small Business Award. The company won the Food & Drink Award sponsored by Bord Bia. Simpli Baked, which is situated in the Cloncollig industrial Estate, are the only bakery making tortilla and wraps in Ireland. Specialising in flavoured wheat tortilla and thin crust pizza bases, allows the company to grow customers abroad in addition to the Irish market. Currently they serve customers in the UK, Ireland and the EU. In addition to making excellent tortilla, Simpli Baked have developed the skills to make gluten free tortilla. Their success is due to the customers they work with and their team of employees. The company works with large customers to meet and exceed their expectations in niche areas. This is the thirteenth year of the SFA National Small Business Awards, which are organised by the Small Firms Association. The seven category winners are: Manufacturing: VENTAC - Wicklow Food & Drink: Simpli Baked - Offaly Services: Dualtron - Dublin Outstanding Small Business (up to 5 employees): Sweetspot Sourcing - Kildare Innovator of the Year: Aalto Bio Reagents - Dublin Sustainable Energy: Killary Adventure Centre - Galway Small Business Exporter of the Year: Aalto Bio Reagents - Dublin Ventac also won the Overall SFA National Small Business Award for 2017. Speaking at the event, SFA Chair, Sue ONeill said With the right environment, companies like those in the room tonight will revitalise every corner of our island, put the Irish small business community on the map and build on the 636 jobs they have already created, delivering prosperity and quality of life to more and more people. Tonight it is a privilege to have 34 of the best small businesses from 13 counties in Ireland in this room. You are the future of Irish business. You have proven your commitment, drive and ambition and we are delighted to celebrate your achievements. Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen, TD who presented the Awards stated: "It has been a pleasure to meet and listen to so many vibrant and innovative small businesses. All the nominees and category winners have shown great drive and pride in their business. Looking at the fantastic success of past winners and nominees, the future is very bright for tonights contestants and the Irish business environment." You may know the Nebraska state bird, the western meadowlark. Maybe you know the state flower, goldenrod. Maybe you even know that our state fossil is the mammoth, and our state tree is the cottonwood, and our state gem is blue chalcedony. So whats the Nebraska state reptile? Well, we dont have one. At least not yet. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is holding a public vote on which critter should become the states official reptile. Nebraskans are invited to choose from six options on the commissions website, outdoornebraska.gov/reptilevote. The candidates are: the ornate box turtle and the common snapping turtle; the prairie lizard and the six-lined racerunner; the bullsnake and the western hognose. The candidates are meant to represent an array of reptiles across the state, said Lindsay Rogers, wildlife education specialist with Game and Parks. We really wanted to have a broad representation both specieswide and statewide, she said. Three of the options the bullsnake, the snapping turtle and the racerunner lizard are found in three-fourths of the state or more and would be familiar to the most Nebraskans, said Dennis Ferraro, a conservation biologist and herpetologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The ornate box turtle, the western hognose and the prairie lizard are a little less common overall, he said. Of the six candidates, Ferraro said he would pick the bullsnake its found in the highest abundance in the most counties in the state. But, he predicts, a snake victory is probably unlikely. When you ask the public ... they have gone more with the turtles, Ferraro said. You have very few people who are afraid of turtles. People are afraid of snakes. Whatever the result, once theres a clear consensus, Game and Parks will work with the State Legislature on making it official, Rogers said. The effort began as a way to get schoolchildren involved in the decision-making process, she said. The poll is included in a recent edition of Trail Tales, a magazine the commission publishes for Nebraskas fourth-grade students. What better audience to help us decide what our state reptile should be than these students who are studying our state? Rogers said. Voting will continue through the school year, likely concluding in early June. Though the effort started with elementary school students in mind, Game and Parks is also looking for votes from the general public. I think this is a great way for people to get to know the wildlife of our state, Rogers said. I think it gives our citizens a sense of place, so they can say This is who we are, and this is why we are who we are. With 50 new and expanded corporate development projects last year, the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area ranked No. 1 for U.S. cities in its population category, according to Site Selection magazine. Adam Bruns, managing editor of Atlanta-based Site Selection, announced the publications findings Thursday morning at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerces downtown headquarters. Gov. Pete Ricketts, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and the mayor of Fremont, among others, attended the event. Its the second year in a row that the greater Omaha area has received the top ranking among metro areas with populations of 200,000 to 1 million; the area also earned the top ranking for growth in 2013. Greater Omahas 50 projects ranked ahead of No. 2 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with 48, and Dayton, Ohio, with 45. In 2015 the Omaha area had 55 projects; that same year the Lincoln metro area with 28 projects ranked seventh in the same category. Last year Lincoln was not among the top 10. The state of Nebraska won the Governors Cup in Site Selections per capita contest, with 101 projects per 1 million population. Bruns presented the silver cup to Ricketts. Ricketts told an audience of more than 50 business and civic leaders that he plans to continue his efforts to make Nebraska a low-cost state for businesses, and develop the states secret weapon: its hardworking, loyal, customer service-oriented workforce. In a separate category, the state of Texas also won a 2016 Governors Cup for the most qualified projects, 642, of any state, followed by Ohio with 515 and Illinois with 434. Last year greater Omaha received more than $612 million in new capital investments, according to Site Selection, which reports on economic development throughout the United States. David Brown, the chambers president and chief executive, said the key to economic growth is regional collaboration. We celebrate the latest top ranking with all of our partner counties, city leaders and the Nebraska and Iowa Departments of Economic Development, Brown said in a prepared statement. Were all driven by the same goal the higher quality of life that comes from a steady rush of new jobs and investment. The next step is winning it again, he told the events audience. Site Selection focuses on new corporate facilities and expansions. It does not track retail, government or school and hospital projects. To be counted, projects must meet three criteria: involve an investment of at least $1 million, create at least 20 new jobs and add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area. Among the nations largest metro areas (population 1 million or more), Chicago ranked first with 376 announced projects in 2016. Sioux City, Iowa-Nebraska-South Dakota, ranked first among metro areas with a population of 50,000 to 200,000. A sampling of greater Omahas announced 2016 projects: Tyson Fresh Meats, a Tyson Foods subsidiary: $27 million production facility expansion in Council Bluffs Thrasher Inc.: Construction of a new $35 million headquarters in La Vista that will house Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks, a sister contracting company Structural Component Systems Inc.: a $3 million investment in a long-term lease and new equipment, and the addition of 30 jobs. A 19-year-old Norfolk, Nebraska, woman has been arrested in connection with a sexual-assault case. Norfolk police said they received information Feb. 22 about a possible sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy. Police said surveillance video showed the boy kissing the 19-year-old woman. Police said detectives interviewed the boy, who described consensual sexual intercourse with the woman. Police said they found a witness who had seen the couple in bed. Police said they also found electronic digital messages linked to the boy and the woman. Feb. 28, police interviewed the woman about the case. She was then arrested on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault, police said. LINCOLN Death threats come with the badge, especially for those who wear one for decades. Pierce County Sheriff Rick Eberhardt told Nebraska lawmakers Wednesday about two threats that stand out from 32 years in law enforcement. One was made by a young man convicted of shooting his father to death. Sentenced to 10 years to life for second-degree murder, the man was released on parole in 2008, according to prison records. The second threat came from another man who punched Eberhardt in the mouth during an arrest. As the man lay on the ground being cuffed, he said he would make the sheriff pay. When I get out ... Im going to kill your wife, Im going to kill your son, and Im going to rape your daughter and kill you last, so you have to watch the whole thing, Eberhardt said, recounting the threat to members of the Legislatures Judiciary Committee. Its why he and other law enforcement officers testified in support of Legislative Bill 500, which would allow off-duty or retired officers to carry concealed handguns nearly all places uniformed officers can carry their service weapons. The bill hit on two hot buttons for State Sen. Ernie Chambers: expansion of gun rights and police. The firebrand lawmaker from Omaha said off-duty police should not receive special treatment. Rather, they should continue to comply with the same state requirements that allow businesses, churches and other public locales to block concealed guns at the door. Ive had more threats than any person in this state, Chambers said, adding that hes never carried a gun for protection. They fear my loaded mouth more than they do a loaded gun, he said. Chambers brought up a 2014 case in which a retired officer in Florida killed a man in a movie theater after an argument escalated into a physical confrontation. And he mentioned a recent case in Anaheim, California, in which an off-duty officer fired a handgun while in a scuffle with a 13-year-old boy. The boy was not struck. The bill, introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, would require officers who want to carry concealed weapons to meet firearm qualifications spelled out in federal law and the bill. Certified officers would be able to carry the guns in any place a uniformed officer could, except for school property. The annual firearms training required of certified officers, along with the skill and experience gained by those who are retired, far exceeds the standards for civilians who obtain concealed gun permits, said Ray Essman of Taylor, a retired federal officer who worked for the State Department and Defense Department. Most off-duty or retired officers carry firearms, Essman said. Allowing them to confidently do so in public could increase public safety in the event of an active shooter, Essman said. Officers, whether off-duty or retired, can be targets, he added. I really dont want to be in that position where I cant defend my wife, my grandkids or myself from a violent felon, he said. Col. Brad Rice, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, submitted a letter in support of the bill. No one testified against it. The committee took no action on the proposal Wednesday. LINCOLN A panel of state lawmakers marked Nebraskas 150th birthday Wednesday by advancing a bill that would undo some of the states not-so-proud history. Legislative Bill 75 would restore voting rights to felons as soon as they complete their sentences, eliminating the two-year waiting period required by current law. Members of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 5-1, with one abstaining, to send the measure to the full Legislature. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, who introduced the bill, praised his colleagues for being willing to consider the issue. Its a conversation we should have, he said. Its our opportunity to be on the right side of history and stop disenfranchising people. Wayne wasnt ready to predict whether the bill could win the support of the full Legislature. Sen. John Murante of Gretna, the committee chairman, cast the lone vote against advancing the bill. In my view, we need to be very careful about protecting the integrity of elections, he said. Murante did not elaborate on how felons might affect the integrity of elections but said he is concerned that restoring their voting rights could undercut public confidence in elections. The committee vote followed a public hearing featuring Nebraskans with felony convictions, civil rights advocates, former state senators and a brief history of laws barring felons from voting. Nebraskas ban on felons voting dates to the 1875 State Constitution. But Wayne told committee members the idea was first proposed during the states 1871 constitutional convention. Many states were enacting similar provisions at the time, he said, as states reacted to the ratification a year earlier of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The post-Civil War amendment gave all male citizens the right to vote, regardless of race, color or history of being a slave. Wayne quoted a national proponent of felon voting bans who described them as a way to limit the black vote. A speaker at the Nebraska 1871 convention said the issue was whether the majority should still rule. On Wednesday, Wayne argued that the history is important but the issue now is about re-engaging people in society after they finish their punishment. He noted that most states, including all of the surrounding states but Iowa, now allow people to vote after finishing their sentence. Shakur Abdullah of Omaha said the bill would give him a chance to vote for the first time in his life. He entered prison at age 17. He completed a felony sentence of more than four decades last year. Now he works as a case manager, helping other youth and families involved with the criminal justice system. But under current Nebraska law, he still has to wait before he can vote. The fact I cant vote stigmatizes me with second-class citizenship, Abdullah said. When you think of this as a faceless issue, I want you to remember my face. Darlene Mason of York, who was released from probation last year, said she had been crushed when she learned that her felony conviction would affect her voting rights. Have I not been punished enough? she asked. Please show me that you hear me, show me that my one voice can make a difference. Former Sens. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln and Lowen Kruse of Omaha, who fought to get the current law passed in 2005, said the waiting period was added to their bill to win votes. Lawmakers overrode a veto by then Gov. Dave Heineman to get the measure passed. Now, Schimek argued, its time to get rid of the wait. She said studies have shown that voting promotes rehabilitation and reduces the changes of recidivism. In America we give people second chances, she said. Danielle Conrad, executive director of ACLU of Nebraska, said the current law creates confusion among former prisoners and election officials alike. The ACLU did a survey of county officials last year and found that only half know the law regarding voting rights for felons. Changing the law would help because it would be easier to inform people about voting rights when they are getting discharged from their sentences. It also would help election officials in calculating when the two-year period ends. In response to a question from Sen. John Lowe of Kearney, she said that there would be value in looking at other rights denied to felons, including the right to bear arms. A proposed development of the former Dana College campus will be presented to the Blair City Council at a special meeting Monday evening. Presenters will lay out a plan to develop the entire campus with several components, according to information released from the city. Details of the proposal were not released. The presentation will be at 6 p.m. in the council chambers, 218 S. 16th St. in Blair, and is expected to last about an hour. A question-and-answer period will follow. GRAND ISLAND, Neb. Nearly two dozen members of the Central Nebraska Peace Workers marched along Second Street, in front of the Great Western Centre in Grand Island on Wednesday, urging Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., to hold town hall meetings with constituents to discuss issues before Congress affecting Nebraskans. Smith has an office in the Great Western Centre. Brian Whitecalf, who helped organized the march, said the marchers have concerns about the elected leadership of 2017. They are concerned about some of the executive orders issued by President Trump, his nominees and the decisions he is making, Whitecalf said. We would like to hear from our elected officials our congressmen and senators. Smith, in response to the marchers, said, I certainly respect the right of the protesters to make their voices heard, but I continue to be accessible to Nebraskans, as Ive always been. He said he is hosting a mobile office in Chadron next week and will be scheduling additional public meetings throughout the 3rd Congressional District, including a Farm Bill Listening Tour, in the coming weeks. With a district spanning 65,000 square miles and a packed congressional schedule in Washington, D.C., I also continue to reach out to thousands of Nebraskans through telephone town halls. Congress has a big to-do list, and I want to hear from Nebraskans on these issues, Smith said. I encourage the participants in todays protest who would like a meeting to contact me directly, and I will do my best to set it up. Smith ran for the open seat in the 3rd District in the 2006 House elections and was re-elected to his fifth two-year term last November. Whitecalf said having town hall meetings is healthy democracy. Like with all of our elected officials, we like to have an opportunity to speak to them directly, Whitecalf said. We have made phone calls, emailed and have written letters. He said by having an open town hall meeting, constituents would be able to have an open dialogue with their elected leaders about the decisions they're making in the nations capital. Whitecalf said they have been in communication with Smiths office before the November elections about him hosting town hall meetings for his constituents. The marchers not only carried signs urging Smith to hold town hall meetings, but they also had concerns about other issues, such as the environment, health care, the Keystone XL pipeline and immigration. Immigration is an issue Whitecalf wants to discuss with Smith if afforded an opportunity. Im personally concerned about how refugees are treated in this country, along with immigration and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, he said. I also want to make sure we are making the best choices for the future of education. Other marchers, who were from throughout the area, including Kearney, Hastings and St. Paul, said they had a long list of concerns they would like to discuss with Smith. Mena Sprauge, of St. Paul, said she would like to discuss issues like the environment, immigration and the Affordable Care Act. And the way our Spanish-American friends are treated, she said. Hastings resident Robin Vodehnal said she would like to discuss the environment, cutbacks at the Environmental Protection Agency and shutting those offices down without any public input. That concerns me because we have so many problems and issues in this culture as it is, Vodehnal said. Also, the treatment of refugees and the bias and discrimination shown by the administration. It is haunting. Dori Bush of Grand Island has concerns about immigration and the pathway to citizenship. We need to be a lot more understanding of those who are not necessarily Caucasians, Bush said. We need the contributions of all people. Bush said she also was worried about the future of the Affordable Care Act. That is a huge concern, she said. If we have a lot of folks who are losing coverage, we are right back where we started. Repealing is not an option. Obviously, there is always tweaking with any legislation but we need Representative Smith to pay attention to the people of Nebraska, as we are the ones who put him in office and he needs to make himself available to us personally and not just phone calls and letters. LINCOLN Cisco the horse was turned away from trotting in the halls of the State Capitol. The governor stumbled over a 16-letter word he regularly uses to quiz fourth-graders. And a young Nebraska woman whose voice made her a national television darling stood terrified at singing the national anthem before dozens of state senators, the State Supreme Court judges and hundreds of others at the historic Capitol. In other words, Nebraska officially launched its yearlong celebration marking the 150th anniversary of statehood not only with a bit of pomp and ceremony but with more than a sprinkle of good humor Wednesday. Its a great day to be a Nebraskan, Trevor Jones, chief executive of the Nebraska State Historical Society, said at the midpoint of nearly six hours of events inside and outside the Capitol. Gov. Pete Ricketts said Nebraska has been a place of opportunity not only for the immigrants who came in the 19th century but for the first Americans who arrived more than 10,000 years ago. We have the best place in the world to live right here in Nebraska, he said to a crowd of about 400 in the Capitol Rotunda during a ceremony to unveil the Nebraska statehood postage stamp. Ricketts said the first Nebraskans built a bountiful culture with virtues that lace the fabric of the state: persistence, hard work, selflessness and civility. Nebraskans everywhere across the states diverse geography share one thing they care about each other and the state, he said. Nebraska is more than just lines on a map, Ricketts said. We are bound together by more than just our common geography. Nebraska is a culture. Its a way of life. Ricketts said the statehood anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the gift of those who nurtured the state for 150 years. Its also a time for Nebraskans of today to build a strong foundation for future generations. The Capitol Rotunda was abuzz with activity. Conservation photographer Michael Forsberg of Lincoln, whose image of sandhill cranes flying toward their Platte River roosts graces the new statehood stamp, said wildlife photographers fail miserably most of the time. His goal was to capture the cranes and the surrounding habitat. When they flew through my frame, he said, I knew I got it. Forsberg said he is confident that 150 years from now that our descendants will be able to ... witness this magical migration here in what we consider the greatest state in the union Nebraska. The stamps are on sale at post offices today. Actors brought to life three noted Nebraskans: writer Willa Cather, Ponca Chief Standing Bear and western showman Buffalo Bill Cody. The portrayals both humorous and emotional echoed through the Rotunda, along with intermittent musical performances by schoolchildren. Among the onlookers was Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer, who said the statehood anniversary is a remarkable accomplishment. Were living off the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers who broke the earth and put their lives at risk to make Nebraska grow and prosper, he said. State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, the newest member of the Nebraska Legislature, recalled his deep Cornhusker roots. One of his great-great-grandfathers was a Nebraska homesteader in 1868. I feel very fortunate to be here, he said. Twenty-four Pony Express re-enactors from across Nebraska delivered a copy of the original 1867 statehood proclamation signed by President Andrew Johnson to the west side of the Capitol. Lyle Gronewold of Gothenburg, president of the Nebraska division of the National Pony Express Association, asked Ricketts in jest if Cisco, his thoroughbred-quarter horse, could come into the Capitol. The State Patrol frowns on it, Ricketts replied. State officials paid tribute to Nebraska during the afternoons official Statehood Day ceremony in the George W. Norris Legislative Chamber. The hourlong event, however, wasnt devoted entirely to speeches. A dozen third- and fifth-grade students from Everett Elementary School in Lincoln marched to the front of the chamber high-fiving state senators along the way and led kids across the state in singing Happy Birthday to Nebraska. Their director was Sue Springer of Sunrise Middle School in Kearney, the Nebraska music teacher of the year. An octet from Waverly High School performed an arrangement of Beautiful Nebraska to an awed and silent Legislature. That was spectacular! Lt. Gov. Mike Foley said afterward. Scheer, the Legislatures speaker, diverted from his remarks to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of American Indian tribes in Nebraska. He spotted Judi gaiashkibos, executive director of the State Commission on Indian Affairs, in the gallery and asked her to stand to applause. State Poet Twyla Hansen of Lincoln read Nebraska: A Treasured State, a poem inspired by the Capitols marble mosaics and other artwork. She dedicated it to her Danish immigrant grandparents, who settled in Burt County. Hannah Huston, a Grand Island native who finished third on The Voice in 2016 sang the Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful from the floor of the legislative chamber. She said afterward that it was more than just an emotional moment to sing in a community and state she loves. It was absolutely terrifying, being in that room, Huston said. Ive sung on national television, and Ive never been that nervous. State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln recalled touring the Capitol as a fourth-grader during the states 1967 centennial. Its momentous to be a senator at this time, she said. In conjunction with the states 150th anniversary and to honor Nebraskas first peoples, Pansing Brooks on Tuesday led on the floor of the Legislature a historical reading of Chief Standing Bears trial in Omaha. The 1879 civil-rights case established that American Indians had the same rights as white Americans. Pansing Brooks was joined by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, Nebraskas first American Indian state senator. Pansing Brooks called the reading one of the greatest honors in the Legislature. Ricketts wrapped up the ceremonies by reading a proclamation touting Nebraskas cultural, demographic and economic accomplishments and stumbling over the pronunciation of sesquicentennial, the word for a 150th anniversary. Ricketts read: Whereas Nebraskans across the state are celebrating our 150th sesquillcenten ... sesquicentennial boy, I talk like a third-grader sesquicentennial anniversary throughout 2017... . Afterward, he noted that when he encounters a class of fourth-graders touring the Capitol for their Nebraska history class, he always asks if anyone knows what a 150-year celebration is called. Ive had one little girl every year whos been able to tell me that, he said. Then I say, Its called a sesquicentennial, he said. Say that three times fast. So we all say, sesquicentennial, sesquicentennial, sesquicentennial. Ricketts laughed off his tongue-tied pronunciation. My big moment saying it on the stage and I blow it! Correction: An earlier version of this story understated the crowd size at Statehood Day celebrations. Big birthdays call for big celebrations. Thats why Norfolk Catholic fourth-graders celebrated Nebraskas 150th birthday Wednesday with the rest of the grade school during an all-school assembly. Like hundreds of schools across the state, the students had studied Nebraska and shared their knowledge with a presentation. It also included the sixth-graders, who learned the words to the state song, Beautiful Nebraska, leading the school in song. The gym included an inflatable replica of the capitol about 15 feet tall that was loaned from former Norfolk state Sen. Mike Flood. The fourth-graders in charge of the assembly were taught by Vonnie Arens and Hilary Claussen. The celebration included a talk from Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning, who asked students to consider what the world would be like if there never was a Nebraska. Among other things, Moenning pointed out several features that could make students proud to be part of the Cornhusker State. They include: * Nebraska was once known as the "Great American Desert, but early Nebraskans desire to succeed helped to transform it into one of the leading food producers. * Nebraskans helped to get rid of the barren prairie by planting trees. Nebraska led the nation in tree planting and was the first state to celebrate Arbor Day. * Nebraska means Flat Water among some American Indians. Along with the Platte River, which appears wide and flat, Nebraska has the most miles of rivers of any state. * One of the founders of Twitter came from Clarks, a small town west of Columbus on Highway 30. * Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, and Spam was invented in Fremont. * The Emergency 911 call system was started in Nebraska. TECUMSEH, Neb. For the second time in two years, inmates on Thursday took control of a portion of a state maximum security prison and killed two fellow inmates. A somber-faced Gov. Pete Ricketts joined state corrections officials in denouncing the slayings at the Tecumseh State Prison. He insisted that the states troubled and overcrowded prison system is making progress and that Thursdays melee was not a riot. The loss of life was tragic, but this is a dangerous place, Ricketts said. As long as the inmates make bad decisions, well have to respond to incidents like this. State Corrections Director Scott Frakes, who was hired by Ricketts 25 months ago to fix the problems with state prisons, said staff responded flawlessly when a report came in at about 1 p.m. that inmates had started a fire in a small yard attached to a maximum-security housing unit. When about 40 inmates refused orders to return to their cells, Frakes said, staff left the units day room and locked doors leading to other units, thus confining the disturbance to one-half of one housing unit. The affected area can hold up to 128 inmates. Several altercations ensued between inmates, and several fires were set inside the housing unit, he said, as emergency response teams were activated. Those security teams, clad in black riot gear, finally entered the housing units at 4:30 p.m., when the two bodies were discovered. Frakes, Ricketts and Tecumseh Warden Brad Hansen did not identify the slain inmates, describe how they were killed or say whether suspects had been identified. They said that the cause of the melee was still under investigation and that the Nebraska State Patrol would look into the slayings. The prison remains locked down. When asked what Nebraskans should think about the condition of their state corrections system, Ricketts said state prisons had been financially neglected for several years. We know weve got more work to do, the governor said, before adding, The Department of Corrections is doing heroic work to keep this facility safe for both the inmates and the staff. While corrections officials declared the affected housing unit under control about 4:30 p.m., it was about four hours later that all of the remaining inmates had been shackled and led away from the scene of the disturbance, a maximum security wing known as Housing Unit 2AB. It is one of the same housing units that was involved in a deadly riot on Mothers Day 2015. That day, between 100 to 200 inmates took over parts of two housing units, ransacking and burning them. Two inmates, both sex offenders, were later found dead of blunt force trauma. More than $2 million in damage was done. No arrests have been made in those slayings. The Tecumseh prison, which opened in 2001, has been on 12-hour shifts since then, in part because of a shortage of staff and in part due to the need for higher security. Having two deadly disturbances in the past two years is a signal that the state needs to take another look at whether measures enacted during recent years are working, said Doug Koebernick, a special state inspector general appointed to oversee the state prison system. Those changes were intended to ease overcrowding, address understaffing and improve rehabilitation programming. Koebernick said Thursday night that he planned a full investigation into the circumstances of the disturbance. A security consultants report on the Mothers Day riot concluded that prison staff were quickly overwhelmed by rioting inmates and were poorly equipped to stop them after they tried to present grievances about prison conditions. On Thursday, prison officials said they did not know yet what triggered the melee but indicated that staff responded correctly in leaving and locking the housing unit, and calling in reinforcements. No staff members were injured in the immediate response, and they did not use physical violence against prisoners. All injuries and deaths were caused by inmates, according to prison officials. Frakes said it took three hours to re-enter the affected housing unit because Tecumseh is a remote location about an hours drive from both Omaha and Lincoln. It takes time, he said, to assemble and equip specially trained riot squads from the Nebraska State Patrol and prison staff. The last thing we want to do is send staff into danger, he said of the response time. The TSCI staff handled the situation extremely well with the exception of the two fatalities. Prison officials insisted that what happened Thursday should not be labeled a riot. But when asked by reporters to define what a riot is, Frakes said he could not provide a definition. Nebraska had not had a deadly prison riot since the 1950s prior to the 2015 melee at Tecumseh, which holds about 1,000 inmates. Thursday afternoon, State Patrol cruisers, with emergency lights flashing, raced to the scene, where smoke was rising from the mini-yard and a patrol helicopter was circling overhead. Teams of troopers, dressed in black riot gear, could be seen entering the prison to join prison staff wearing similar helmets, face guards and flak jackets. Officials said the security teams entered the affected housing unit at 4:30 p.m., securing the unit and putting out several small fires. That isolated about 20 to 30 inmates outside, on a basketball court in the mini-yard, where they would be seen throwing objects on a small fire. As darkness fell, corrections officers and state troopers in riot gear and holding shields ahead of them moved toward the yard, cornering the remaining inmates. One by one, without incident, the inmates were shackled and taken away, though the operation didnt appear to end until 8:30 p.m., when the governor and other officials gathered to brief the press and confirm that two inmates had been found dead. That conflicted with an earlier press release from the Corrections Department that said no one had been injured. At the press conference, officials said that statement referred only to staff, and not to inmates. Scotty Gottula, chairman of the Johnson County Board, said that when he arrived at the scene north of the prison about 2 p.m., he could see people throwing what appeared to be mattresses on a fire. The inmates could be seen with their faces covered as they added items to the bonfire. The fire was visible in the afternoon outside the north side of the prison, and gray smoke continued to blow in a strong breeze. Mike Marvin, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, said some of the same conditions that spawned the 2015 riot overcrowding and lack of rehabilitation programs still exist in the state prison system. The association is the union that represents corrections officers. Johnson County Sheriff Scott Walton said his office got a call about 1:30 p.m. to provide surveillance and security outside the prison fences. He and five deputies his entire department went to the scene. Tecumseh native Logan Dorsey said incidents like the one Thursday are concerning for those who live near the prison, which currently houses more than 1,000 inmates. How are we to feel safe if they cant keep things under control? he asked. Our guards are doing their best, Dorsey said, but the overpopulation in the prison system is a serious problem that needs to be fixed immediately before someone gets hurt or killed. The state prison system is holding about 1,900 more inmates than the systems design capacity, according to the departments September 2016 data report, the latest posted on the agencys website. World-Herald staff writers Dan Golden and Jeff Robb contributed to this report. The top cop in Douglas County a former political ally of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has soured on his fellow Republican so much that he blocks her calls. Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning says he doesnt believe Stothert has the right temperament to remain in City Hall. He also says her attitude was a stumbling block in efforts by the city and the county to merge their crime labs. If its not going her way, she flips out. And by the way, she cant call me because I blocked her on my cellphone a long time ago, Dunning said. She calls all the time she just calls and yells at you. Dunning held a press conference Wednesday to endorse Democrat Heath Mello, the former state senator who is trying to unseat Stothert. Stothert said she respects Dunning and was pleased with his endorsement in her 2013 race. She said Dunnings current position is based on a dispute over the proposed city-county crime lab merger, which has stalled. His decision to support my opponent is clearly a result of his opposition to the merger and the recent decision by Police Chief Todd Schmaderer to use the University of Nebraska Medical Center for evidence testing, rather than the sheriffs crime lab, she said in a statement. These decisions are not personal. To me, it is business and how to best serve the taxpayers. I support Chief Schmaderers decision. Until recently, Dunning and Stothert seemed to be close whenever they appeared together at political functions. However, Dunning said those good feelings have dwindled over the years. He said Stothert has changed. The job has gone to her head, Dunning said in an interview Wednesday with The World-Herald. Dunning said he decided to back Mello earlier this year, saying the former lawmaker has the vision and personality needed to move the city forward. He said he had not met Mello until January, but has long admired his work in the Nebraska Legislature. Mello will work to build consensus in the city and collaborate with all stakeholders, Dunning said. As for Stothert, Dunning said she has been too aggressive in annexing subdivisions on Omahas western edge without providing adequate police services to those new neighborhoods. Three weeks ago, he said, there was a personal injury accident at 205th Street and West Maple Road and there wasnt a police cruiser anywhere in the vicinity. The closest Omaha police car was coming from 70th and Ames, which was 155 blocks away, said Dunning, adding that the Sheriffs Office had to respond to the accident. Stothert has long argued that she has worked aggressively to add more police officers to the force, and Schmaderer said the total number of officers allowed under the city budget has risen by 56. This year, the citys budget includes money for 860 officers an all-time high. Schmaderer expects to have those officers hired and on the job at some point over the next year. Dunnings suggestion that the Police Department did not have enough police officers to handle the annexed territory was blasted by Schmaderer as being politically motivated. Schmaderer said Stothert has always been very supportive of the Police Department. Any assertion by candidate Mello or Sheriff Dunning that policing services in the City of Omaha are inadequate is untrue, politically motivated, and insulting, Schmaderer said in a statement. Stothert said her annexation efforts have helped lower property tax rates. Over the past four years, Stotherts three annexation packages have brought 35 new neighborhoods and about 29,000 new people into the city. Mello said he would not have supported the mayors annexation packages even though he acknowledged that property taxes have gone down. He said the reduction in taxes was not enough to justify the lost services to the neighborhoods that were annexed by Stothert. To some extent any annexation reduces property taxes, but the question is at what level in regard to lower quality services? Mello asked. Dunning also said that Stothert was a hindrance rather than a help in efforts to negotiate a city-county crime-lab merger. He said Stothert and other city and county officials had been working on a merger plan throughout the fall of 2015, and he was never invited to a meeting. Early last year, Dunning said, he was invited to a meeting at which he was informed by Stothert and others about their plan. I got blindsided with the thing, Dunning said. Stothert didnt try to negotiate, Dunning said. Instead, he said, she tried to dictate the terms of the merger. Stothert said Dunning has opposed the crime lab merger from the start, despite the overwhelming support of Schmaderer, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Organ Recovery System, the Lions Eye Bank and a legislative committee on which Mello served. Dunning said Stothert doesnt handle disagreements well, saying she called him frequently to complain. Dunning also said he is not the only Republican who has questions about Stothert. He said several high-profile donors in the city are upset with Stothert and do not want to work with her on an effort to build a streetcar line in Omaha. Theyve gone away from her, Dunning said. Dunning did not name the GOP donors he said are upset with Stothert, but several high-profile donors and businessman in Omaha have made their views on the mayors race known through their pocketbooks. Dana Bradford, Michael Yanney, John Gottschalk and Michael Cassling some of the citys top GOP businessmen and philanthropists have donated considerable sums of money to Mello, according to state financial reports. But Stothert has her fair share of donations from big Republican names, including Charles Herbster, Gov. Pete Ricketts and Ken Stinson. And overall, the incumbent mayor has done quite well in campaign contributions. According to the end-of-year campaign finance reports, Stothert has raised about $1.5 million and Mello has raised about $530,000. * Cyber attack downs Duty Free website, virus hits Group site * Lotte firm agreed to land swap for U.S. missile defence system * China opposes deployment, state media calls for SK goods boycott * Korean companies have been reporting difficulties in China (Adds Lotte Duty Free statement, JD.com no comment) By Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang SEOUL, March 2 (Reuters) - Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said a cyber attack using Chinese internet protocol (IP) addresses has crashed its website, the latest report of irregularity from a South Korean firm in China since Seoul decided to deploy a U.S. missile defence system. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which overloads servers with requests, began slowing all four language versions of the website at 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) and crashed them all around 12:00 p.m., Lotte Duty Free said in a statement. The attack comes after affiliate Lotte International Co Ltd on Monday approved a land swap to allow the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system on what was once its property, in response to the North Korean missile threat. Neighbouring China objected to the deployment of the system, which has a radar capable of penetrating Chinese territory, saying it will destabilise regional security while doing little to contain heightened security risk on the Korean peninsula. Russia also opposed the deployment, scheduled for completion this year. Lotte Duty Free on Thursday said the first wave of the attack on its website was detected on its Chinese language version on March 1. The eventual crash did not occur during a peak traffic time, so lost business would be at most a couple of hundred thousand U.S. dollars, it said. The Chinese website for the entire Lotte Group, www.lotte.cn, is also down. It has been offline since Wednesday due to a virus, spokesman Kim Min-suk told Reuters on Thursday. "The (two) websites have been down and we are working to get them back online," Kim said, declining to comment on the nature or origin of the virus or the origin of the DDoS. Story continues The ultimate origin of DDoS attacks is not necessarily the same as the IP addresses used. Lotte Duty Free said it expects its website to be fully back online after 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) after strengthening security. DIFFICULTIES South Korean companies have reported increasing difficulties in China since deployment was confirmed in November, with Chinese state media calling for a boycott of South Korean goods. South Korean artists have also said performances had been cancelled without clear explanation. A spokesman at Lotte Mart told Reuters that the retailer's website was accessible on e-commerce platform JD.com (http://lottemart.jd.com), but that the site did not appear in search results. Lotte Mart has asked JD.com to address the issue, the spokesman said. JD.com declined to comment. Also this month, Lotte Group said Chinese authorities halted construction at a multi-billion dollar real estate project after a fire inspection. Shares in Lotte Group's flagship retailer, Lotte Shopping Co Ltd, which has about 120 stores in China, fell as much as 7.8 percent on Thursday. Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd shares fell 2.8 percent, while the benchmark share price index rose 0.5 percent. GUESSWORK The South Korean government expressed concern on Thursday about the plight of South Korean firms in China since the deployment was announced. It said it would continue to engage Beijing in dialogue to ensure activities of South Korean companies in China are not hindered. "To be sure, the challenges we face are serious," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a news briefing on Thursday. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing the same day that China opposes all forms of hacking and is willing to work with other nations to oppose it. "As for the guesswork of Lotte, I won't make a comment. But I think there is no clear answer as to the reason (for the attack). This is just their guess," Geng said. (Reporting by Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Jack Kim and Christopher Cushing) Rokes, Adam Jordan, "A.J." Feb 27, 1992 - Feb 27, 2017 Preceded in death by grandfathers, Dr. Willis P. Rokes and John J. Moriarty. Survived by father, Adam W. Rokes; mother, Michelle M. Moriarty; siblings: Maria M. Rokes, John P. Rokes, and Jillian M. Rokes; grandparents, Catherine Rokes-Cowdin (Hugh) and Rita Moriarty; aunts and uncles; cousins; many friends; beloved dog, Winnie. The family will receive friends Thursday, March 2nd from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30pm at the church. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Friday, March 3rd at 10am, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Memorials will be directed by the family. HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER BEL AIR CHAPEL 12100 W. Center Rd. 402-391-3900 www.heafeyheafey.com Only the willfully blind saw anything except a well-constructed, powerfully delivered address by President Donald Trump to Congress on Tuesday night. Many have praised his tone. Almost all conservative critics applauded most of his substance (with disquiet over his rhetoric on trade passing quickly over House Speaker Paul Ryans face and the hearts of most Reagan conservatives). With the pledges of significant funding for the military, and the detailed takedown of the collapsing Obamacare and the false promises made to secure its passage in the first place (If you like your doctor . . .), the president opened the legislative debate, which will be extended and, at best, lively at worst, deeply bitter. Trump is clearly looking to establish himself as a promise-keeper, and that position is strengthened with the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Trumps repeated calls in many places for regulatory reform had been foreshadowed earlier Tuesday with an executive order directing the Environmental Protection Agency and its new and very able director, Scott Pruitt, to move quickly to roll back the ruinous, overreaching Waters of the United States rule of the Obama years. That call was coupled with a demand in his speech for speed in approval of new drug applications from the Food and Drug Administration. His domestic agenda is indeed about the rollback of the vast administrative state, and it is a popular one with the congressional majorities. The heart of the speech, though, was the presidents tribute to Chief Special Warfare Operator William Ryan Owens and his widow, Carryn, who in an act of incredible courage attended the speech and allowed the nation to grieve with her. By doing so, she invited every patriot to thank in their hearts and prayers all families who have suffered such losses, every veteran who has absorbed a wound. It was a transcendent moment, and indeed a defining moment. This president will stand by his troops. There is a ginned-up controversy on the left over remarks the president made earlier in the day in response to another ginned-up controversy about the mission to capture or kill terrorists in Yemen. That mission tragically included the death of Owens, even as it succeeded in its objectives, according to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and confirmed by Trump in his address. Owens died protecting the nations security and every citizen. But critics seized on Trumps comments about the mission and following anonymous reports alleging that it was both rushed and botched: This was something that was, you know, just they wanted to do, Trump told Fox News. And they came to see me and they explained what they wanted to do, the generals, who are very respected. And they lost Ryan. To me, a civilian, and to the retired military officer I emailed immediately after the speech, the statement they lost Ryan was one of observed grief by the president, an acknowledgment that the SEALs had lost one of their own and that civilians should know about it and grieve with them. It was not an attribution of guilt or malpractice to the very respected generals. Far from it. Trump was batting away criticism of them, of the mission operators, and indeed of anyone at all. They seemed obviously to mean Owens fellow warriors, to express that the mission carried an enormous cost. Trumps critics seem to deeply desire to attribute to him what would be a terrible example of blame-shifting by the commander in chief. It isnt an irrational opinion, but it also isnt one that rings true. And pressing the argument pushing the worst possible interpretation of a statement far more easily understood the way I understand it underscores again the yawning gap between Manhattan-Beltway media elites and flyover country. The media needs to step back and applaud when the new president delivers, as he did Tuesday night, and blast away when he swings and misses, as he did when he labeled a sitting federal jurist a so-called judge. If everything done by the president is an assault on decency and the rule of law, then nothing is. Trump delivered Tuesday night. And in so doing he also delivered a heartfelt appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands since 9/11. Rise with him in saluting Carryn Owens and all other Gold Star families. The writer is the Nebraska state director of Americans for Prosperity. There are many wonderful things about Nebraska, but there are still underperforming areas of our economy. State lawmakers can make The Good Life even better through comprehensive tax reform. Recently, senators on the Legislatures Revenue Committee held public hearings on bills that would promote greater prosperity for Nebraskans. For instance, Gov. Pete Ricketts and Sen. Jim Smiths proposed Legislative Bill 337 would provide reasonable and responsible income tax relief for middle-class families while ensuring that state government continues to fund core responsibilities such as public safety, education and transportation infrastructure. Providing Nebraskans with lower and simpler taxes would help families keep more of their paychecks to invest in their families and communities as they see fit. As weve seen with other states, reducing the tax burden has proven to be economically beneficial. North Carolina reformed its tax code while recovering from the Great Recession. The changes included implementing a single flat tax rate, eliminating most exemptions and placing caps on property taxes. The reduced tax burden was definitely needed in December 2012, North Carolinas unemployment rate stood at 8.9 percent. By December 2016, North Carolinas unemployment rate had fallen almost 4 percentage points. With tax reform, the state has seen more business development and a growing economy between 2013 and 2015, North Carolina had the fastest GDP growth rate in the nation at 13.4 percent. This growth and a decrease in joblessness, in turn, has provided more opportunities for North Carolina families. Indiana has a similar story, but its tax reform started in the early 2000s. Over the past few years, Hoosiers have benefitted from reduced income tax rates, a repealed death tax and a friendlier business climate. The results? Indiana ended fiscal year 2016 with a budget surplus of more than $50 million, proving that responsible and reasonable tax policy can promote prosperity for families while funding necessary government services. Opponents of tax reform often decry any effort to lower the tax burden as the Kansas model or tax cuts for rich people. Kansas issue was that it instituted significant tax cuts without properly forecasting the effects on the state budget. Essentially, the state lost a bunch of revenue but didnt make corresponding spending reductions. Nebraska lawmakers have learned from Kansas mistakes. LB 337 is smart tax policy that takes into account state spending needs. One safeguard crafted in the bill is the economic growth trigger, which would require that, starting in 2020, the states revenue would need to grow by 3.5 percent each year before a small tax decrease kicked in. This is responsible and reasonable relief. This is not tax relief solely for rich people, as opponents of tax reform like to argue. Individuals earning $29,831 and couples earning $59,661 in taxable income would see their tax bills go down, saving hard-earned money for other essential needs. Nebraska is working to chart its own course toward sensible tax reform by maintaining fiscal discipline through proper budgeting and implementing the tax changes over time. Creating a friendlier climate for working families, small-business entrepreneurs and businesses looking to either expand or relocate to Nebraska is within our reach. But it requires a pro-growth state tax code that treats everyone fairly. If Nebraska wants to make The Good Life even better, Ricketts and state lawmakers should make our tax code simpler and less burdensome, not raise taxes as some have suggested. Legislative Bill 337 is a good start at responsible and reasonable reform. Trumps attack on our health care In his speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump gave a nod to the Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a program that guarantees access, but not necessarily affordability, for all. He mentioned health savings accounts as pillars of the new program, which are of no value to those who cant afford to save for anything. He said nothing about protecting Social Security and Medicare. His promises are broken and his broad vision includes millions of people who will unfairly suffer while the rich get richer. And then he has the temerity to ask the Democrats to play along. At least the suffering will feel safer within our borders. Mark Hunsicker, Omaha Democrats will pay for inaction Congressional Democrats must have sore hands after the extended amount of time they spent sitting on them during President Trumps address to Congress Tuesday evening. When Trump said he was going to stop illegal drugs from crossing the border, they sat on their hands. When Trump said he was going to stop people from illegally crossing our border, they sat on their hands. When Trump said he was going to enforce all immigration laws on the books, they sat on their hands. When Trump said he created a new program, VOICE, to inform the public about crimes committed by illegal immigrants, they not only sat on their hands, they booed. The list could go on and on. Democrats need to remember this if they fail to support these common-sense policies, the American people will use their hands to proffer ballots that will throw many of them out of office in 2018. Dennis Swanson, Glenwood, Iowa Fischer has always served Nebraskans I have known Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer for many years. During my time at Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, I worked closely with her when she served in the Nebraska Legislature. Fischer sat on the Natural Resources Com-mittee. She was always prepared, engaged and focused. She carefully looked out for Nebraskas best interests. Now, in the U.S. Senate, Fischer continues to prove she is a person of great integrity. Before any vote, Fischer does her research. She is a workhorse who dives deep into the issues. She listens to opinions and concerns on all sides. Calm and level-headed, Fischer has and will continue to achieve big results for our citizens. Nebraska is fortunate to have such a thoughtful champion in Washington. Tim Anderson, Elwood, Neb. Bacon keeps Americans in the dark Id like Rep. Don Bacon to explain why he voted to keep President Trumps tax returns private. What is the harm if there is nothing to hide? Linda Smith, Omaha High bond in Watson case is outrageous I personally will reserve judgment on Maurice Watson Jr.s guilt until he is tried on the charges of sexual assault he faces (Defense sees a he-said, she-said case, Feb. 28 World-Herald). However, I did think he was presumed innocent until found guilty. With that in mind, I thought the purpose of bail was to guarantee an individuals appearance in court, not provide preliminary punishment. In Watsons case, what would he have had to do to show he wasnt a flight risk? After all, he drove all the way from Philadelphia to turn himself in. Asking for a $2 million bond? Really? Or even the $750,000 bond that the judge set? Douglas County Attorney Don Kline should be ashamed. Robert S. Kramer, La Vista Aiding refugees a rewarding experience Regarding the Feb. 24 Public Pulse letter, Put your money where your candles are, I want to assure the letter writer that many of those folks waving candles on Dodge Street Feb. 20 to show support of refugees do give their time, attention and resources in support of them. I am proud that Nebraska takes in more refugees per capita than any state in the union. I recommend anyone interested in helping refugees to get in touch with Lutheran Family Services, Yates School (OPS) or any one of many Omaha churches that assist with refugee resettlement. Helping refugee families move toward independence as our newest Americans is a challenging and gratifying experience, and you will get far more than you give. Kate Bradley, Omaha Let California go Theres a call for California to secede, and many people understandably might be for it, including possibly some in California. Personally, I could enjoy life without Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Brown, et al. I only hope our administration will be able to get the Democratic Sanctuary Republic of California to pay for the walls on the Oregon, Nevada and Arizona borders. Dick Sladovnik, Omaha Kejriwal now claims BJP offered to spare Sisodia, Jain if AAP backs out of Gujarat polls AAP \"merely a party of UT Delhi\", only Cong can challenge BJP in Gujarat, HP: Azad AAP slams centre, says LPG stands for Loot, Plunder and Grab India ians-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, March 2: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pro-industrialists policy has led to an unprecedented hike in the price of LPG cylinders and added that now LPG stands for 'Loot, Plunder and Grab'. "Now, when Modi will mention the word LPG, instead of assuming that LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, the citizens of this country will assume LPG to mean 'Loot, Plunder and Grab'," AAP national spokesperson Raghav Chadha said. The BJP government had not decreased petrol prices in the country despite the international crude oil prices being at a record low, he charged, adding that this was another instance of hiding the facts and lying to public. Chadha also flayed the central government for silence over private banks' decision to charge Rs 150 for every transaction after first four free transactions. "This is not only a scheme with pernicious intent but also disastrous for the economy," the leader said. "The BJP government also fudged the GDP data for the October-December quarter of the 2016-2017 fiscal year to portray a beautiful picture of an economy that is in a shambles due to the illogical schemes of the Modi government," he alleged. IANS JNU violence: Congress fact finding team says attack 'state-sponsored', VC must be dismissed Ready to join probe in connection with JNU violence: ABVP member Covaxin recipient students being considered as unvaccinated by foreign varsities: ABVP tells Harsh Vardhan ABVP activists holds protest march in DU India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, March 2: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists on Thursday held a protest march in Delhi University campus here, demanding action against the anti-national activities. The students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that the protest march near the university's North Campus' Art Faculty was organised to save the DU from anti-national activities. Students in the march were demanding strict action against all those elements who support anarchism and anti-India propaganda. A clash took place between the members of the ABVP and the All India Students Association, a Left-leaning student organisation, at Ramjas College on February 22 that left the university campus disturbed. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 16:35 [IST] After triple talaq on WhatsApp, Muslim woman moves Delhi court India oi-Shubir By Shubir Rishi New Delhi: After a man divorced his wife on WhatsApp, the woman on Thursday moved the Delhi court for justice but according to sources, her family is to be in centre of attention in a debate over uniform civil code. In the other hand, the Supreme Court is engaged in hearing the petitions on customs such as triple talaq and polygamy. The 28-year-old married woman said that she recieved a message on WhatsApp from her husband which says the three words talaq, talaq,talaq three times. Speaking to a local news channel, she said that her life and her 5-year old daughter's life is ruined by those words. She was married at 22 to a man chosen by the family members who left her after she gave birth to a girl child. She narrated her story as saying that even before the divorce announcement on WhatsApp, she was harrassed on grounds of dowry and assaulted for giving birth to a girl child. A few months ago, she went back to her father's home, where she received her husband's message. Few of the Muslim clerics who are already against the court opposing the ban on triple talaq and the uniform civil code have expressed anger on the husband. Shaista Amber, president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and petitioner in the Supreme Court said that the clergymen should understand women's misery and lamented that a man cannot use WhatsApp to give talaq to his wife. The woman's father is said to be in dilemma; whether to move court for justice to his daughter or face clerics in terms of traditions. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 17:26 [IST] Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates new Legislature building in Amaravati India pti-PTI Amaravati, Mar 2: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday inaugurated the new legislature building on the state government's transitional headquarters premises at Velagapudi in the capital region of Amaravati. Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani, Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad, several ministers and legislators attended the event. Henceforth, meetings of the Andhra Pradesh Legislature will be held at Amaravati, beginning with the Budget Session from March 6. The legislative council has a seating capacity of 90 and the Assembly 230. The current strength of the two Houses is 58 and 176 respectively. Additional seating arrangements have been made in the new Legislature building to meet future requirements. An ultra-modern gadget has been installed on each member's table which will serve as a microphone, speaker, recorder and also, voting machine. The sprawling Houses have more legroom for the members and the seats have a sliding facility. Keeping in mind the unruly scenes in the Assembly in the past, when the Legislature building was located at Hyderabad, the Speaker's chair and podium have been placed at a higher elevation. PTI Arun Jaitley confident of winning UP, says BJP will repeat its 2014 Lok Sabha poll feat India pti-PTI Varanasi, Mar 1: BJP will repeat its 2014 Lok Sabha electoral success and form a majority government in Uttar Pradesh, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. Addressing the 'Varanasi Vyapari Sammelan' (traders meet) here, he hailed the Central government's demonetisation policy and said the move had won the confidence of many people. "The demonetisation scheme was in the best interest of the countrymen. People residing in rural areas, who were once not our voters, voted for us this time due to this great step. Our party courageously took the stand on demonetisation, which will make a positive impact on the economy of the country," he said. "The world has accepted that India's economy is the fastest growing economy," he said. Commenting on the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, the senior BJP leader said, "BJP is going to form the next government in Uttar Pradesh with full majority like it did at the Centre after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections." He also hit out at the Opposition for targeting BJP for not having a chief ministerial face for the UP assembly elections. Jaitley pointed out that the electorate had chosen Narendra Modi, long before he was declared the Prime Minister nominee of BJP during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the electorate of this country accepted Modiji first, afterwards our Bharatiya Janata party (workers) accepted him and at the end, our parliamentary board nominated him, and we even won the elections," he maintained. "After 1984, it was for the first time that a political party got a clear majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls," he said, adding that history will be repeated in the UP elections. Hitting out at the rival Congress, Jaitley said the party was reduced to winning only 44 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as it "only worked for its personal benefit, not for the nation." "Now BJP has become the pan India party," he asserted. Jaitley also attacked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for "distributing tickets to criminal candidates, paving way for 'Goondaraj' (hooliganism) and doing caste-based politics." "Akhilesh boasts of one expressway in the state, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is constructing 255 highways at half the rate of the tender given by the UP government for its expressway," he added. PTI KABUL, March 1 (Reuters) - At least one person was killed and 35 wounded on Wednesday in Taliban attacks on different parts of the Afghan capital of Kabul, the ministry of public health said. A ministry spokesman said one person was killed in an attack on an office of the main intelligence agency on the city's eastern outskirts, while at least 35 people were wounded in a separate attack on a police office in the west of Kabul. (Reporting by Mirwais Harooni; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) 'Gandhada Gudi' box office collection: Here's how much it collected in the US Bengaluru: Indiranagar residents set to take out protest march over deteriorating neighbourhood India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer The residents of HAL 2nd stage in Bengaluru's Indiranagar are set to take out a protest march on Saturday against deteriorating condition of the neighbourhood due to commercialisation. The neighbourhood, which once used to be green and serene, has now become noisy and unsafe for the residents. The shoddy waste management by the municipality and over flowing sewers are adding to the woes of the residents. The increasing crime rate in the area, coupled with the drug menace is forcing the residents to raise their voice. The residents are also complaining about drunken revelry on streets, sale of drugs and prostitution in the area. The rapid commercialisation of the area has also encroached upon the parking spaces and visitors have to wait for a long time to find a place to park their vehicle. The noise pollution and increasing traffic, which are having an impact on the entire city, are affecting the quality of life of the Indiranagar residents. The noise also disturbs students studying for their exams. The HAL 2nd stage residents are going to gather at 8 pm on March 4 and take out a protest march to voice their dissent. OneIndia News Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000 Bihar bends ears to mend image as exam season takes over India oi-Lisa Patna, March 2: Bihar has earned itself a bad name when it comes to students cheating in exams. To mend the dented image Bihar is heavily using technology to keep vigil and discourage copying by the students.Bihar School Examination Board chairman Anand Kishor was also recently seen checking students appearing for exam. CCTV cameras have been installed at the examination centers to keep watch continuously. This time around to discourage cheating in exam Bihar police has been conducting raids and seizing gadgets that were to be used to help students. This time in Bihar answer sheets are bar coded to discourage cheating. In 2015 Bihar was ridiculed for mass copying in the Matric exams at a center in Vaishali, in 2016 Bihar was joked about after the topper scam was brought to light. Ruby Rai had topped Class XII examination of 2016 conducted by the Bihar State Education Board in humanities stream, however, she was not able to answer elementary questions related to her subject correctly when she was interviewed by a TV channel. Class XII science stream topper of 2016, Saurabh Shreshtha, also failed to answer basic science questions in the TV interview. This had led to the suggestion that toppers may would have cheated orused fraudulent means to top exams. Students copying in exams is so common in Bihar that exam time is considered a testing time for invigilators. Here are some images which saw how seriously Bihar is trying to discourage cheating in exams: Check for blue-tooth devices Police checking a student if he is carrying a blue-tooth device at a Bihar Public Service Commission PT exam center in Patna. Image courtesy: PTI Students being checked before entering exam hall Police check students before entering the examination hall for Class XII (intermediate) examinations of the Bihar School Examination Board in Patna. Image courtesy: PTI Students being checked at the entrance of examination center Police check students at the entrance of the examination center for Class 12 examinations of the Bihar School Examination Board in Patna. Image courtesy: PTI. Education board chairman himself checking a student BSEB chairman Anand Kishor checking a student during intermediate exams in Patna. Image courtesy: PTI Class X students are also checked Police check class X students appearing for Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) in Patna. Image courtesy: PTI. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 13:38 [IST] BJP will get full majority in UP, won't wish Akhilesh a win: Amar Singh India oi-Lisa Lucknow, March 2: Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh in an interview to TV channel hit out at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and said that in UP it will be BJP who will form the new government. He said in the interview that he agrees with Mulayam Singh Yadav's statement that BJP will get an absolute majority in UP. He however, did not make it clear as to which statement of Mulayam he referred to. Singh criticised Akhilesh's decision to ally with the Congress for the UP elections. He said that he has always considered Akhilesh as his son but as the former grew up, he stopped respecting him. Singh added that he will not wish Akhilesh a win in UP election but he wished him a long life. Singh questioned the criteria used by SP to expel him from the party. He said that when people like Arun Verma and Gayatri Prajapati can still campaign for SP why he has been expelled. Verma and Prajapati have been accused of rape. Amar Singh said SP considered only him as the bad influence in the party. OneIndia News NCP supremo Sharad Pawar slams Modi, says PM should focus more on weakening economy \"We have made this Gujarat\": PM Modi's new election slogan Congress slams PM over steep hike in LPG prices India ians-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, March 2: Congress on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the steep hike in LPG cylinder prices, saying the government was betraying its promises to people. "Ordinary Indian is being ripped apart by Modiji by midnight extortion as LPG cylinders hiked by Rs 86 and small cylinder by Rs 30.50. Acche Din?" tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. The "whopping rise" in prices "tells us that this Suit Boot ki Sarkar's promises to the common man were all gas and betrayal", he added. State-run oil marketers raised the price of non-subsidised cooking gas, which customers buy after exhausting their subsidised quota of 12 cylinders in a year, by a steep Rs 86 per cylinder effective from Wednesday. IANS Dont sell, rent property to Muslims, Indians: Hate notice in Dallas India oi-Anusha Just days after Srinivasa Kuchibhotla, an Indian Engineer was shot dead in Kansas in a suspected hate crime, cringe-worthy notices have appeared overnight in Dallas. A printed note with no sign or name is addressed to residents. While hailing United States President Donald Trump, it asks homeowners to not rent or sell their property to Muslims, Indians, Blacks and Jews. Overnight posters put up in an apt complex close to where my sister stays. pic.twitter.com/Wj14UqZYpI Saptarshi Basu (@sabeaux) March 1, 2017 The disturbing note also warns 'people of above mentioned races' to leave Texas or 'better yet, go back to where you came from'. The letter threatens to torture those who do not heed their warning. The note ends with cheer for Trump and America. A copy of the note was shared on social media claiming that they appeared overnight. The note also asks people not to bother complaining about it since they 'have members in the law enforcement and the government". The note accuses non-Americans of stealing high paying American jobs and demands that America 'gets rid of foreigners'. Such notes appearing just days after, Kuchibotla, an was shot dead has come as a cause of concern. OneIndia News All you need to know about Pinaka Rocket Range DRDO radar handed over to Army; to bring down LoC artillery fire: Parrikar India ians-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, March 2: DRDO's weapon-locating radar Swati was formally handed over to the Indian Army on Thursday, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar saying its deployment will reduce artillery fire from across the border. Sources said four radars deployed along the Line of Control for trial have already proved their efficacy since artillery fire from Pakistan's side had reduced after their deployment. The Indian Army has at present ordered 30 such radars. "The radars have been on the LoC for two months now for trials. Artillery fire has gone down," a defence source said. The weapon-locating radar developed by the DRDO's Electronic and Radar Development Establishment provides fast and accurate location of enemy artillery including shells, mortars and rockets. The radar is also capable of guiding fire from an artillery gun attached to it, meaning thereby that the radar can not only locate artillery guns on the enemy side but also ensure their destruction. Speaking at the event organised to hand over the radar and other equipment to the Army by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Parrikar lauded the scientists. "Swati could be a great equipment to ensure adversaries do not use artillery fire. If the LoC is devoid of any artillery fire in the near future, you can be sure Swati radar has gone there," the minister said. He said the radar, however, used a "passive array", and suggested the DRDO develop a radar using "active array" in a couple of years. "The passive array radar can then be exported, after the Army gets enough numbers," the minister said. Parrikar also congratulated the DRDO for successful trial of exo-atmospheric Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile and endo-atmospheric Advanced Air Defence missile, both part of a two-tier anti-ballistic missile system. "Last year has been very fruitful for the DRDO. There were around 25 missile tests... usually they get criticism," Parrikar said. IANS No comment on Pranab Mukherjee book before reading it: Former Union Minister Pranab memoirs: PM Modi must speak more often in Parliament DU unrest: President Mukherjee expresses disappointment over 'violence' at varsities India oi-Vikas By Vikas Expressing disappointment over 'violence' and 'disquiet' at the universities, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said there must be space for legitimate criticism and dissent in the society. Speaking at the 6th K.S. Rajamony Memorial Lecture in Kochi, Kerala, the President called for collective efforts to re-discover the sense of national purpose and patriotism. It is tragic to see them (those in Universities) caught in the vortex of violence and disquiet: President Pranab Mukherjee in Kochi pic.twitter.com/TeLnYpIPLn ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 President Mukherjee also criticised atrocities against women and said that respect to women and children reflects the attitude of a society. There should be no room in India for intolerant Indian.India has been since ancient times a bastion of free thought,speech & expression-Pres pic.twitter.com/Fo8NBmXMvP ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 The President's remarks are significant in the wake of recent events unfolding at the Delhi University. Last week in DU's Ramjas College a fight broke out between the ABVP and the left-affiliated All India Student's Association over an invite to Umar Khalid for a seminar. Khalid, a Jawaharlal Nehru University student, was last year accused of sedition over an event where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. JNU's then student's union president Kanhaiya Kumar was also accused of sedition. The Delhi University saw massive unrest since the last week's clash and several demonstrations were carried out across the campus. Lady Shri Ram college student Gurmehar Kaur, who became the face of opposition against ABVP through a social media campaign, had received alleged rape threats over the issue. The ABVP on Wednesday staged a protest against the 'police inaction' in the Jawaharlal Nehru University sedition case. OneIndia News Here is a full list of facilities what Sasikala enjoys in jail India oi-Vicky By Vicky Sasikala Natarajan is in jail serving her sentence after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case. There has been a lot of talk about the kind of lifestyle she is leading in the Bengaluru central jail situated at Parappana Agrahara. According to the director general of prisons, the only special facility she has been given is a television set. [Why did Sasikala Natarajan walk to Bengaluru central jail?] Chennai-based lawyer, M P Rajavelayutham filed an Right to Information application seeking to know what facilities Sasikala had in jail. The DG prisons replied to the RTI query stating that apart from a television set she does not enjoy any other special facilities. The list: One television set No separate bathroom No heater No airconditioner No water heater No cot and mattress No transfer application: He said that a separate television set was given to her since she heads a political party, the AIADMK. The reply also stated that she had has not made any application seeking a transfer to the Puzhal prison in Chennai. Further the DG said that she was allowed to meet her nephew TTV Dinakaran for 40 minutes on February 20. Citing the Karnataka prison manual, the DG said that every prisoner is allowed to meet their visitors. The reply also stated that she had made a request for several facilities, but not all were granted. OneIndia News 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? Indian Navy conducts successful firing of anti-ship missile India oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes New Delhi, March 2: The Indian Navy on Thursday successfully launched an anti-ship missile into the Arabian sea. The missile is from the indigenously built Kalvari class submarines. The missile successfully hit a surface target at extended ranges during the trial firing, held on Thursday morning. According to the details released by the Indian Navy, this missile launch is a significant milestone for the Kalvari, which is the first in a series of Scorpene class submarine being built in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the country's defence scientists for successfully testing the missile, saying it was a proud moment for the entire nation. The missle provide the submarine the ability to neutralise surface threats at extended ranges. OneIndia News As HMS Hermes Before being commissioned in Indian Navy on May 12, 1987, the aircraft career had served with the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for 27 years under the name HMS Hermes. That comes to 57 years of operational service -- making it the oldest serving warship. INS Viraat, the oldest serving aircraft carrier of the world, at Kochi on its last sailing. Photo credit: PTI Indian Navys pride It was sold to India for a sum of $465 million (Rs 31,000 crore, was commissioned to the Indian Navy in 1987, and rechristened as INS Viraat. It was supposed to be used for five years. Though it needed constant repairs, it was still a pride for the Indian Navy. She holds the Guinness Record for being the oldest serving warship. Photo credit: Indian Navy/Twitter A city in itself INS Viraat has a standard displacement of 23,900 tons and a full load displacement of 28,700 tons. The total length of the warship is 226.5 meters and the breadth is 48.78 meters. The ship is manned by 150 officers and 1,500 sailors. With such a complement, the ship is like a mini-city complete with attendant logistics infrastructure libraries, gymnasiums, onboard ATM counter, a TV and video studio. Photo credit: Indian Navy/Twitter Covering the globe 27 times The ship housed Chetak (Angles - SAR helicopter), Seaking 42B (Harpoons -anti-submarine helicopters) and Sea King 42C (Commando Carrier helicopters) and Sea Harrier (White Tigers -- fighter air crafts) as its main air elements. Viraat has spent nearly 2,250 days at sea sailing 5,88,288 NM (10,94,215 km). This implies that Viraat has been at sea for over six years covering the entire globe about 27 times. Final flight of the fighter aircraft Sea Harrier of INS Viraat Vishakhapatanam on February 2016. Photo credit: PIB Operations galore Viraat involved in Operation Jupiter', her first major operation in July 1989 as a part of the Indian Peace Keeping Operations in Sri Lanka. Over the next few weeks, Viraat and her task group remained deployed at a measured distance from the war zone, utilising the time to train soldiers, which adequately demonstrated the ship's operational versatility. She also played a pivotal role in Operation Parakram followed after the terrorist attack on Parliament. The ship also played a key role in Operation Vijay by creating blockade against Pakistan during Kargil War in 1999. Photo credit: Indian Navy/Twitter Ri Tong Il, former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, speaks to journalist outside the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday, March 2, 2017. The North Korean envoy said a heart attack likely killed Kim Jong Nam, not VX nerve agent as a Malaysia autopsy showed, regarding the investigation into the assassination of Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. Ri told reporters Thursday that the victim took medication for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Malaysian police on Friday released the only North Korean it had detained in the killing of the half brother of North Korea's leader, as it condemned the use of a banned nerve agent in the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ri Jong Chol, who had been detained since Feb. 17, four days after Kim Jong Nam's death, was handed over to immigration officials for deportation. Police never said what they had thought his role had been in the attack, but national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed Friday that Ri was released due to a lack of evidence against him. Malaysian Attorney General Mohamad Apandi Ali has said that Ri would be deported because he didn't have any valid travel documents. Two women one Indonesian, one Vietnamese have been charged with murdering Kim at an airport terminal Feb. 13. They were caught on grainy surveillance video smearing what Malaysian authorities say was VX nerve agent on his face and eyes, though both reportedly say they were duped into thinking they were playing a harmless prank. Police are searching for seven North Korean suspects, including four believed to have left Malaysia the day Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was killed. One of the suspects believed to still be in Malaysia is an official at the North Korean Embassy. A statement from Malaysia's Foreign Ministry ramped up the pressure on Pyongyang on Friday, saying it was "greatly concerned" with the use of the toxic chemical and condemning the use of such a chemical weapon under any circumstances. "Its use at a public place could have endangered the general public," the foreign ministry said. Malaysia has not directly accused North Korea of being behind the killing, but the statement came hours after a North Korean envoy rejected a Malaysian autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim, saying the man probably died of a heart attack because he suffered from heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Story continues Ri Tong Il, a former North Korean deputy ambassador to the United Nations, also said that if VX had been used, others besides Kim would have been killed or sickened. Kim's death has unleashed a diplomatic battle between Malaysia and North Korea. On Thursday, Malaysia announced it is scrapping visa-free entry for North Koreans. Malaysian officials say the two female suspects smeared VX nerve agent a banned chemical weapon on Kim's face as he waited for a flight at Kuala Lumpur's airport. Kim died within 20 minutes, authorities say. No bystanders reported falling ill. Malaysia's autopsy finding that VX nerve agent killed Kim boosted speculation that North Korea orchestrated the attack. Experts say the oily poison was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, and North Korea is widely believed to possess large quantities of chemical weapons including VX. North Korea is trying to retrieve Kim's body, but it has not acknowledged that the victim is Kim Jong Un's half brother, as Malaysian government officials have confirmed. Pyongyang refers to the victim as Kim Chol, the name on the diplomatic passport he was carrying when he died. Malaysian police are doing the same; they are seeking next-of-kin who could provide a DNA sample and make a positive identification, steps they say are needed for authorities to give up the body. Kim is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau. Khalid, the national police chief, brushed off the North Korean envoy's claim of a heart attack. "We have our experts who are qualified to determine the cause of death of Kim Chol. Our investigations, supported by expert reports, confirmed that Kim Chol was murdered. North Korea can say what they like but the facts remain," Khalid told The Associated Press. Malaysian police said the female suspects had been trained to go immediately to the bathroom and wash their hands after attacking Kim. The police said the four North Korean suspects who left the country the day of the killing put the VX liquid on the women's hands. Police can't confirm whether the two women may have been given antidotes before the attack. An antidote, atropine, can be injected after exposure and is carried by medics in war zones where weapons of mass destruction are suspected. North Korea has a long history of ordering killings of people it views as threats to its regime. Kim Jong Nam was not known to be seeking political power, but his position as eldest son of the family that has ruled North Korea since it was founded could have made him appear to be a danger. Kim Jong Nam reportedly fell out of favor with his father, the late Kim Jong Il, in 2001, when he was caught trying to enter Japan on a false passport to visit Tokyo Disneyland. 12-year-old boy dies of Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode, Central team rushed to Kerala Forest department called after snake in train causes panic Accident victim dies in ambulance as vehicle's door fails to open Kerala: Bomb hurled at RSS office, 3 injured India oi-Vikas By Vikas Three Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers were injured after a bomb was hurled at the saffron outfit's office in Kerala's Kozhikode district on Thursday, said reports. #Visuals Bomb hurled at RSS office in Kallachy near Nadapuram, Kerala. 3RSS workers injured, shifted to Government Medical College,Kozhikode pic.twitter.com/l1uNGLsW0F ANI (@ANI_news) March 2, 2017 The incident took place at Kallachi at around 9 pm on Thursday. The injured have been taken to the Kozhikode Medical College. Reports say that police have reached the spot and investigating the matter. The police have tightened security in the area to prevent the situation from deteriorating. The attackers have not been identified yet. There have been several violent incidents involving the RSS and the CPI workers in Kerala in the recent past. The incident assumes significance in the wake of comments made by RSS leader from Madhya Pradesh, Kundan Chandrawat. Chandrawat had announced a Rs 1-crore reward for anyone who brings the head of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Chandrawat held the ruling government in Kerala responsible for the recent killing of members of right-wing organisations in the state. OneIndia News Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage Kolkata: Five arrested with fake notes worth over Rs 56 lakhs India pti-PTI Kolkata, Mar 2: Five people were arrested with counterfeit Rs 2,000 currency notes worth over Rs 56,74,000 while trying to purchase a mobile phone in the port area of Kolkata on Thursday. The fake currency notes were in bundles wrapped in State Bank of India stickers, Kolkata Police Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Visal Garg told reporters. The five were trying to buy a mobile phone from Watgunge area this afternoon. Suspicous about the notes, the shop owner informed the police, whose anti-rowdy section apprehended Manuar Molla alias Ujjal, Abul Kalam Azad alias Suraj, Sheikh Eklash Ahmed, Balai Mondal alias Joy, and Syed Rehan. "The shop owner informed the police when he had some doubts on seeing the notes paid by the accused while buying the phone. They had an altercation. A team who was close by reached the place, arrested the five accused persons and seized the FICNs," Garg said. Molla, a resident of Howrah district, is considered to be the kingpin of the team with a of history crime, he said. "Molla was involved in a smuggling racket earlier," he said adding apart from Balai, who is a resident of Bankura district, all four are from Howrah. Police also seized five old mobile phones, two motorcycles and another scooty from their possession, he said. "We are trying to find from where they got the FICN and what was their exact intention. We will also probe whether they are part of any gang," Garg said. PTI Manipur elections 2017: To overthrow Ibobi, BJP on a door-to-door campaign India oi-Vicky By Vicky The BJP has made the campaign in Manipur a personal one. The BJP is looking to overthrow a Congress government of 15 years in the state which goes to polls on March 4 and 8. In a bid too connect with the voter, the BJP's national president Amit Shah has embarked upon a door-to-door campaign. Apart from Shah, several other central leaders of the party will embark on such a campaign in the Thoubal district which has 10 seats. This area has been targetted specifically by the BJP, since it is the stronghold of the state Chief Minister, Ibobi Singh. Several of his family members too are contesting from this district, and the BJP feels special emphasis needed to laid in this area. Shah, during his campaign focused on the Wangkhei constituency where the BJP's Erabot Singh is contesting against Ibobi Singh's nephew Okram Henry. During the campaign, the national president of the BJP urged the people in person to vote for a change in Manipur. Shah, who also addressed a public rally took a shot at Ibobi Singh by saying that he was called 'Mr 10 per cent'. He said there are BJP chief ministers too who are called as 'Mr 10 per cent'. "However, this is because they have shown growth of 10 per cent," he said. During the door-to-door campaign, Shah also distributed copies of the BJP's vision document. OneIndia News MEA condemns Kabul terror attack, says India has been a victim of terrorist violence India pti-PTI New Delhi, Mar 2: India on Thursday strongly condemned the twin terror attack in Kabul killing more than a dozen people, and voiced its resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice. "India has been a victim of terrorist violence and understands the pain and suffering of the people of Afghanistan. "We reiterate our resolve to work with Afghanistan to bring the perpetrators of terrorist violence to the justice they deserve wherever they may be," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement here. It also conveyed condolences to the people and the Government of Afghanistan for the loss of lives and property in Wednesday's blast. "It is our sincere hope that the injured will make early recovery," it added. The near-simultaneous attacks struck the Afghan capital around noon on Wednesday. First, a suicide car bomber targeted a police station in western Kabul. The explosion was followed by a gun battle between the police and several attackers. In the second attack, a bomber detonated explosives outside offices of the intelligence service in eastern Kabul. PTI Modi just talks, doesn't fulfill promises: Rahul Gandhi India ians-IANS By Ians English Gorakhpur, March 2: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not fulfilling any of his promises made before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a public rally in Gorakhpur, the Congress leader said that all that the prime minister has done in the last three years is 'talk useless things' and do nothing. "Modi ji had promised to give two crore jobs per year. Has this happened," Rahul asked before the cheering crowds. Adding that the Prime Minister had no connect with the poor and the farmers, the Gandhi scion urged the people to vote for the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance so that their lives can be changed for good. "I have taken out a kisan yatra from Deoria to Delhi and I know that farmers of the country are in bad shape...all this needs to change and this can only happen if the alliance is voted to power in Uttar Pradesh," he said. Bitter poll campaign with sharp attacks and counter-attacks came to a close on Thursday evening for the 49 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats. Assembly segments of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where jailed gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari is in fray, also figure in this sixth and penultimate phase of polling. IANS PM Modi visits Radha Soami Satsang Beas in in Amritsars Beas, meets with dera chief | VIDEO BJP means stability, priority to development, says PM Modi in Himachal rally NCP supremo Sharad Pawar slams Modi, says PM should focus more on weakening economy Great news! PM Modi on release of 2 Cheetahs to larger enclosure \"We have made this Gujarat\": PM Modi's new election slogan PM lauds defence scientists for testing interceptor missile India oi-PTI New Delhi, Mar 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today lauded the defence scientists for the successful testing of interceptor missile and said it is a proud moment for the entire country. "Hearty congratulations to our defence scientists for the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence capability," he tweeted. Hearty congratulations to our defence scientists for the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence capability. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2017 "With this, India joins the select group of five nations with such capability- a proud moment for the entire country," he added in another tweet. With this, India joins the select group of five nations with such capability- a proud moment for the entire country. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2017 India on Wednesday successfully test-fired an indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile capable of destroying any incoming enemy missile at low altitude. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 10:44 [IST] RBI: Notes which have messages scribbled are legal tender India oi-Lisa Mumbai, March 2: The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that currency notes which have messages scribbled on it are legal tender. The notes however, cease to be legal tender if message scribbled on it is political in nature. RBI keeps sending instructions often that people should accept currency notes with scribblings, but at the same time they also ask people not to staple the notes, write on them or fold them. In 2014 the RBI had issued a circular which asked people to stop heeding to rumours and use note which have been scribbled on. The RBI had introduced the clean note policy in 1999 and since then there are stories doing round that soiled and mutilated notes will not be accepted by banks. The RBI had in 2002 issued a circular which asked banks not to staple notes so as to increase their life. The last circular on this had come from the central bank in 2016 wherein it was stated that bank branches that refuse to exchange soiled notes from people will have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000. The restriction for exchanging soiled notes is that if one exchanges more than 20 notes or notes worth Rs 5,000 in a day, then banks will levy service charge. The 2016 circular of the RBI aimed to clean the note policy and ensure that all bank branches provide better customer service to the people. OneIndia News How the numbers add up in UP: This is what BJP's win percentage was UP Elections 2017: Bitter campaign ends for Phase VI India pti-PTI Lucknow, Mar 2: Bitter poll campaign with sharp attacks and counter-attacks came to a close this evening for the 49 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats, the voting for which is to be held on March 4 with SP patron Mulayam Singh Yadav's Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency being in focus. Assembly segments of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where jailed gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari is in fray, also figure in this sixth and penultimate phase of polling. The campaigning saw BJP state president KP Maurya likening rivals SP, Congress and BSP to different types of venomous "snakes" and "social cancer" and urging people to eliminate them by voting for the BJP. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav countered BJP saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conceded defeat in the polls by talking about a hung house. While mustering votes for BJP, Modi sought to prove wrong the prophets of doom after demonetisation saying the latest GDP data showed note-ban did not affect growth rate but rather improved it. Mocking economists, he said, "Hardwork, in fact, is much more powerful than Harvard." Sounding highly optimistic of the poll outcome for BJP, Modi said the debate now is whether BJP will get two-third or three-fourth majority. "Never have elections gone one way like this... there had been no dearth in enthusiasm of voters in all five phases," he said. The PM also caught UP Chief Minister on the wrong foot and cited government website to nail him. "Life in Uttar Pradesh is short and uncertain... Uttar Pradesh resembles Saharan Africa," Modi said quoting a para from the state government's official website up.gov.in. Modi also ridiculed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for his latest "coconut juice" remark. "There is a Congress leader, and I want to pray for his long life... he recently went to Manipur to address an election rally. There he told farmers that he would extract juice from coconuts and send it to London. In fact, a coconut possesses water (and not juice) and it is grown in Kerala," he said. "It is like setting up a potato factory," Modi said referring to Rahul's earlier remarks that he wants to set up potato factories in Uttar Pradesh. PTI UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case UP: Gayatri Prajapati's 'Y' category security to be withdrawn India pti-PTI Lucknow, Mar 2: Police on Thursday initiated steps to withdraw 'Y' category security to the rape accused Uttar Pradesh minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, who remained elusive. "We have initiated the process to withdraw his 'Y' category security," a senior Lucknow Police official said. A person enjoying 'Y' category has a security cover of 11 personnel, including one or two commandos. "Police teams are on the job and we will arrest him soon," he said even as special police teams returned empty-handed from Amethi, the minister's assembly constituency, and Delhi where he was said to be hiding. A UP police team went to Delhi to record the statement of the 16-year-old victim who is in a state of 'severe trauma' and is housed in a restricted ward at the AIIMS. A DSP-rank officer, investigating the matter, recorded the victim's statement after seeking permission from AIIMS medical superintendent. The statement was videographed as per the rules under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Police teams were dispatched out of the state capital when Prajpati could not be located in his official residence in posh Gautampalli area. Acting on Supreme Court orders, police made frantic efforts to nab him and after having failed to do so they might even apply for cancellation of his passport so that the minister cannot escape from the country. Interestingly, the minister was earlier seen moving freely from one place to other in his constituency seeking votes. The last time Prajapati was seen in public was on February 27 when he spoke to the media saying he will win with a huge margin and will work under Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav once again. 49-year-old Prajpati is facing imminent arrest following an FIR lodged against him and six of his accomplices on the apex court order at Gautampalli police station on February 18 under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. The Uttar Pradesh police had lodged an FIR against Prajapati on the apex court's order for his alleged roles in separate cases of gangrape and an attempt to rape another woman and her minor daughter. PTI 'Ram Setu' 1st week box office collection: Here's how much Akshay-starrer earned, so far 'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor Khota sarkar left with egg on their faces: Team Uddhav on Andheri win UP Police nab one suspect in connection with threats to Mahesh Bhatt India ians-IANS By Ians English Mumbai, March 2: The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested one person, who is suspected to have issued death threats to veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and his family members on WhatsApp, police sources said on Thursday. The development came earlier in the day, barely hours after Bhatt lodged a complaint at the Juhu police station of extortion-cum-death threat against himself, wife Soni and actress daughter Alia from an 'unknown person' on Wednesday night. Mumbai police's Anti-Extortion Cell contacted the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force which swung into action and zeroed in on the suspect -- identified as one Sandeep Sahu. A Mumbai Police team is expected to go to Uttar Pradesh shortly to take custody of the accused on a transit remand and bring him to Mumbai for further investigations, the sources here said. According to the 69-year-old Bhatt, the caller allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh, failing which he would eliminate his wife, Soni and and daughter Alia. Later, Bhatt tweeted: "A bolt from the blue in the form of an extortion call and threat to my family was nipped in the bud by the Maharashtra and UP Police in tandem. Gratitude!" Bhatt said he had first received the call on February 26, but dismissed it as an innocuous prank initially. However, the phone call was followed up with a series of WhatsApp messages and SMSs from a purported gangster who demanded that Bhatt should deposit the money in a Lucknow bank branch, failing which, it would lead to firing on the filmmaker's wife and daughter. Perturbed by the messages, Bhatt lodged the police complaint on Wednesday. Earlier, Bhatt had been targeted by a gang of 13 who conspired to kill him but were arrested in November 2014 before they could carry out their plans. IANS FILE PHOTO: Ford cars are seen on sale at a dealership of Genser company in Moscow, Russia, February 14, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's economy minister will travel to Detroit on Friday to meet with executives from automakers Ford Motor Co (F.N) and General Motors Co (GM.N) as Mexico seeks to deter U.S. President Donald Trump from imposing a border tax on Mexican-made goods. Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo will also meet with auto parts makers that have operations in Detroit and Mexico, the ministry said in a statement. He will discuss the state of U.S.-Mexico trade and the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the ministry said. Trump has vowed to exit NAFTA, the 1994 accord that also includes Canada, if he cannot get better terms for the United States. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said Mexico would only stay in NAFTA if it suited the nation and he rejected the imposition of any tariffs or quotas. The countries have yet to start formal negotiations. "Thanks to NAFTA, Mexico and Michigan have built a dynamic trade relationship," the ministry said, noting that Mexico was Michigan's second biggest trade partner with more than $12 billion in exports to Mexico last year. (Reporting by Veronica Gomez; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) DNA of those who burst firecrackers in India on Pakistans win cannot be Indian: Anil Vij Uproar in Haryana assembly over Anil Vij's comment on Gurmehar Kaur India oi-Madhuri Pandemonium prevailed in the Haryana assembly on Friday over BJP state minister Anil Vij's comment on those supporting Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of India. On Wednesday, Anil Vij said that those who are supporting Gurmehar Kaur for her campaign against the ABVP, were pro-Pakistan and should be thrown out of the country. This came after Gurmehar Kaur backed off from the stir after being threatened. However, Vij didn't back down his comments today. ''I fully stand by what I said, those opposing it in the assembly have no understanding, they are siding with anti-national forces,'' Vij said. Vij is not new to courting controversies. In January this year, the minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a bigger brand than Mahatma Gandhi. This was right after Modi's face replaced Gandhiji in the annual khadi calendar. Kaur, a student of Lady Shri Ram College and daughter of an army officer killed in the Kargil war, launched a social media campaign against the ABVP after the violence in Ramjas College. Kaur posted a picture on Facebook saying: "I am a student of Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone. Every student of India is with me." She then received rape and life threats on social media by some who called her 'anti-national'. Clashes took place at Delhi University's Ramjas college on February 22 after ABVP members forced the cancellation of a seminar and then disrupted a march. OneIndia News Event inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan: The week-long event, jointly organised by the AYUSH ministry, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Parmarth Niketan and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, was inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan along the banks of the Ganges river. Hundreds descend for Yoga festival Nearly 70 saints, yogacharyas, presenters and experts from more than 20 countries around the world are particpating this year at the festival. Special Yoga session: There will be separate sessions on Ashtanga, Raja, Bhakti, Kundalini, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Bharat, Ganga, and Somatics during the week. There will also be classes on meditation, mudras, Sanskrit chanting, Indian philosophy and much more. Modi to address Yoga delegates Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the festival via video conferencing on the 29th edition of the International Yoga Festival at 12:30 pm on March 2. People from nearly 100 nations participate: People from nearly 100 nations, saints and dignitaries converge for inauguration of Parmarth Niketan's International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh. Anti-Muslim bomb threat at Canadian University International pti-PTI Montreal, Mar 2: A bomb threat targeting Muslim students forced an evacuation of nearly 4,000 students from the downtown campus of Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In an email to school administrators and local media, a group identifying itself as the 'underground' chapter of C4, or the Council of Conservative Citizens of Canada, at the university directly warned 'Muslim students' there it would detonate one homemade explosive a day through Friday to protest their activities. "Now that President (Donald) Trump is in office south of the border, things have changed. We will not tolerate your behaviour anymore," the group said in its emailed letter, referring to the US president. "Until Concordia University stops religious activities of all kinds on campus, we decide the following action to show how far we are ready to go to fight Muslims," the group vowed. The Montreal police said they were investigating the 'threatening email'. They swept the campus for explosives but found none. A similar threatening letter was also sent to nearby McGill University, which was put on heightened alert, but it did not specify a time or place of a possible attack. Three Concordia University buildings were evacuated just before midday, and would remain closed until around 6:00 pm (local time), Concordia spokeswoman Christine Mota said. One of the sites was hosting an 'Islam awareness week'. Quebec Universities Minister Helene David, speaking to reporters at the scene, called the threat against Muslim students 'deplorable'. "We strongly denounce these attacks against a university which is a model of living together," she said. "Quebec is an inclusive place," the minister added. "We want to live together. We will not tolerate this kind of situation." There has been an escalation of hate crimes in the country in recent months. In January, a white supremacist student shot dead six worshippers at a mosque in Quebec City. PTI House of Lords delays Brexit bill over demands for EU nationals living in Britain International oi-PTI London, Mar 1: The House of Lords voted on Wednesday to amend and thereby delay a bill empowering Prime Minister Theresa May to begin Brexit negotiations, demanding guarantees for EU nationals living in Britain. Peers voted by 358 to 256 for an amendment requiring ministers protect the rights of more than three million European Union and European Economic Area citizens after Britain leaves the bloc. The change means the bill must return to the lower House of Commons for further deliberation, delaying final approval just weeks ahead of May's deadline for starting Brexit negotiations by the end of this month. Before the vote, May said her timetable for triggering Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon treaty, which starts a two-year negotiating period, would not change. "It is, indeed, my plan to trigger by the end of March," she told MPs. The bill "ensures that we are responding to the voice of the United Kingdom, when people voted to ensure that we do leave the European Union", she added. MPs approved the bill by a large majority last month and are certain to reject the amendment, sending the original bill back to the Lords, who are likely to give in. But the parliamentary ping-pong will delay final assent of the bill, which May had hoped would come next week, and is another blow to her Brexit strategy. On Monday, former Conservative prime minister John Major accused her of cheap rhetoric and an over-optimistic view of Britain's future outside the EU. The June referendum vote was fuelled by concerns about mass EU migration into Britain, and immigration promises to be a critical issue once Brexit negotiations begin. May has said she will prioritise ending free movement of workers from the other 27 EU countries, even at the cost of trade ties with the bloc. But the fate of those who are already in Britain remains uncertain, causing intense worry for those affected. The prime minister has repeatedly said she wants them to stay, but says she must also secure the rights of 1.2 million British citizens living elsewhere in the EU. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 9:39 [IST] Fact Check: Old images of Imran Khan shared as ones from recent shooting incident Imran Khan discharged from hospital, to resume long march from same point where he was shot India denounces Pakistan as global epicentre of terrorism International oi-IANS By Ians English Geneva, March 2: Denouncing Pakistan as the global epicentre of terrorism, India has rejected Islamabad's attempts to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and accused it of trying to destabilise the state. "Pakistan has created terrorist outfits against India," Ajit Kumar, India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, told the Council meeting in the Swiss city on Wednesday. "This monster is now devouring its own creator". Earlier Pakistan's Law Minister Zahid Hamid had called for the Council's intervention in Kashmir, asserting that the "human rights and fundamental freedoms of innocent Kashmiris are being trampled upon." Hamid denied that there was a terrorism problem in Kashmir and claimed that Islamabad's involvement was only in providing "political, moral and diplomatic support". Rejecting these assertions, Kumar said: "The fundamental reason for disturbances in parts of Jammu and Kashmir is cross-border terrorism aided and abetted by Pakistan." Pakistan has been carrying out "an intense campaign to destabilise" the state through "infiltration and cross-border terrorism, inciting, promoting and glorifying violence", he said. Calling terrorism "the grossest violation of human rights", Kumar said, adding "Members will recognise the irony of a nation that has established a well-earned reputation of being a global epicentre of terrorism holding forth on human rights. For the last two decades, the most wanted terrorists of the world have found succour and sustenance in Pakistan." Hamid made an appeal to Indians to be aware of the human rights situation in Kashmir. "We call upon all the mechanism of the Council and the Indian community to remain seized of the grave and systematic violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir." Reacting to Hamid's claims that Kashmir was an international issue under Security Council resolutions, Kumar said: "Pakistan's unwarranted references to UN Security Council resolutions are grossly misleading as Pakistan was required to vacate the parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under its illegal and forced occupation." The Permanent Representative also played down the seriousness of the situation in the state and spoke of efforts to develop it and bring normalcy "in the wake of Pakistan-supported violent unrest." "The robust and mature Indian democracy proved once again that it has sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms to redress any internal difficulties even if they are incited from outside," he said. Ninety-nine per cent of the high school students in the state have written their exams was a sign of the return of normalcy, he said. Kumar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fast-tracked a $12 billion development package for the state. Hamid also brought up the request by Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to send a team to the state. IANS For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 16:00 [IST] Talented, driven and great potential: President Putin is all praise for India and Indians India must not make visa issue agenda for talks, says a think-tank International ians-IANS By Ians English Washington, March 2: US President Donald Trump has made some shifts from his pre-election rhetoric, and India should monitor it for better bilateral ties with the US, an India-based think-tank has said in a report. The report by the Center for Asia Africa Policy Research has suggested that India should avoid making H-1B/L1 visa matters a major agenda point of bilateral discussions with the US. It said that in order to savour better ties with the US, Indian corporations should be encouraged to acquire some of American strategic hi-tech companies. This would help generate jobs in the US and provide financial returns to India. The Hyderabad-based CAAPR analysed recent incidents regarding Trump's position on Mexico, Japan and China, and how it changed after Trump won the US presidential elections in 2016, American Bazaar online reported on Thursday, citing the CAAPR report. The report stated: "Trump told Fox TV in an interview prior to his inauguration, "I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things." "...He reached out to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen upsetting Beijing. He accused China of unfair trade and fiscal policies and pledged to slap a 45 percent import tariff as it is a currency manipulator," it said. However, post-election Trump took a more pragmatic approach towards China. "President Trump rather had a pleasant conversation with President Xi Jinping during their first official telephonic call where he re-affirmed the 'one China' policy," the report read. The think tank said that about Japan, Trump as a candidate denounced the country for 'free-riding' and not paying its fair share for the American forces defending it. But, after winning the presidential election, Trump said that the US is 100 per cent committed to Japan's security. The CAAPR report said that corporations of India and the US should jointly work on projects in the developing countries. IANS Baghdadi dead? Almost 100 per cent, but there is no evidence We know exactly who he is: Trump says US is aware of new Islamic State chief IS chief accepts group's defeat in Iraq in farewell speech International oi-PTI Cairo, March 2: The Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has acknowledged the group's defeat in Iraq in a 'farewell speech' and ordered his non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, according to media reports. Baghdadi, who had declared himself as Caliph, issued a statement titled 'farewell speech' which was distributed among IS' preachers and clerics on Wednesday, as Iraqi army tightened noose around the group's last remaining territory in Mosul, Al-Arabiya reported, quoting Iraqi TV network Alsumaria. Citing the sources in the Iraqi governorate of Nineveh, the report said Baghdadi ordered the closure of the IS office regulating the group's fighters and asked the group's non-Arab fighters to either return to their countries or detonate themselves, promising them "72 women in heaven." Baghdadi, who has reportedly been wounded multiple times, carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head. It is not clear if he is in the besieged city, where he declared his Caliphate in 2014 after the IS seized territory covering much of eastern Syria and northern Iraq. Many of ISIS' leaders in Iraq have now fled towards the area controlled by the group in neighbouring Syria, it added. Iraqi forces backed by international and US aid launched a massive operation to retake Mosul on October 17. In January, they captured the eastern side of Mosul -- the last ISIS-held city in Iraq. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 2, 2017, 7:03 [IST] An annual event The Khanjar series of India-Kyrgyzstan military exercises has become an annual event. The Khanjar-II exercises were held in March 2015 in Kyrgyzstan, Khanjar III in March-April 2016 in Gwalior. The Khanjar-IV exercises are being held in Kyrgyzstan in February-March 2017. All photo credits: ADG PI/Twitter Scaling peaks The third Joint India-Kyrgyz Army Mountaineering Expedition was conducted in August-September 2016. A joint team comprising 19 officers and soldiers climbed JOGIN-III peak at a height of 6,113 metres above sea level in the central Himalayas in India. Earlier expeditions had scaled the peak of Stock Kangri in Ladakh (September 2011) and Lenin Peak in Kyrgyzstan (3-25 August, 2013). Training for personnel India and Kyrgyzstan are jointly constructing the Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Training Centre in the city of Balykchi, in Issyk-Kul District of Kyrgyzstan. This Centre will provide instruction and training for personnel of the armed Forces of the Kyrgyz Republic as well as host Kyrgyz-Indian joint mountain training exercises. Focus on tactics The exercise is focussed in training of Special Forces Specific Platoon/troop level tactics and techniques in mountainous terrain. The exercise will culminate on March 5. Kim Jong Nam's death: No visa-free entry for N Koreans in Malaysia International ians-IANS By Ians English Kuala Lumpur, March 2: Malaysia will cancel visa-free entry for North Koreans, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced, citing security reasons. The rule would come into effective from March 6, The Malaysian Star daily reported on Thursday. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he was waiting to be briefed by the ministry's legal adviser and the Attorney-General's Chambers on the status of the North Korean chemist held over the death of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged brother of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-un. "We will know in the next few hours whether the man will be released, investigated or deported," he said. According to reports, North Korean Ri Jong Chol is expected to be released from police custody when his remand order expires on Friday. The move comes in the wake of Kim Jong Nam death on February 13 at the Kuala Lumpur airport. He was attacked with he was poisoned with VX nerve agent, which according to the UN is a weapon of mass destruction. Two women were charged with his murder on Wednesday. IANS Watch: Car in flames after it rams into gate of Russian embassy US general: Russia accidently bombed US-backed fighters in Syria International pti-PTI Washington, Mar 1: Russian warplanes bombed US-backed fighters in several small villages in northern Syria after they mistakenly thought Islamic State forces were in the area, a top US general said. Yesterday, "we had some Russian aircraft and regime aircraft bomb some villages that I believe they thought were held by ISIS, yet ... actually on the ground were some of our Syrian Arab Coalition forces," Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend told reporters, noting that there were some casualties. He added that US commandos were less than five kilometers (three miles) away and that the bombing stopped when the Americans called the Russians on a special hotline. PTI Kuchibhotla murder: Widow of Indian-techie can stay in US for now US House Speaker Paul Ryan condoles Srinivas Kuchibhotla's death International ians-IANS By Ians English Washington, March 2: After US President Donald Trump condemned the killing of an Indian techie during a shooting at a Kansas bar, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan has offered his condolences. "The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom," Ryan said in a statement following meeting with visiting Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar here on Wednesday. "We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defense cooperation, he stated. "In our meeting, I expressed the House's condolences on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was senselessly murdered last week in Kansas. Our people must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead." Trump began his first address to Congress at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday by condemning Kuchibhotla's death, saying the country "stands united in condemning hate and evil". "Last week's shooting in Kansas city reminds us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms," he said. Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was injured when US Navy veteran Adam W. Purinton fired at them at the Austin's Bar and Grill in Olathe on February 22. Purinton reportedly got into an argument with the two and hurled racial slurs. He yelled "get out of my country" before shooting them. IANS Was H-1B visa issue the reason for India's muted response on Kansas killing? International oi-Vicky By Vicky India's response to the Kansas killing was a rather muted one. A selective leak about issuing a demarche and a quick denial by Tuesday evening was how events followed in the aftermath of the killing of Srinivasa Kuchibhotla, the engineer from Hyderabad who was killed at a Kansas bar. [H1B visa bill: Indian-American professionals express concern] The killing shocked the entire world and there were many who blamed Donald Trump's rhetoric for the same. There was pressure on the White House to issue a condemnation and finally on Wednesday it came from the man himself, Donald Trump. India normally reacts very strongly to such incidents. However this time around India decided to work silently on the issue and not go on a rhetoric. India was assured that the investigations and prosecution would take place. No stone will be left unturned, India's foreign S Jaishankar currently in the US was told. An official in New Delhi tells OneIndia that the priority was to ensure that the killer was brought to trial. When such an assurance is made, what is the point of going to town on a rhetoric. However there are other reasons too behind the muted response. The curbs by the US on H-1B visas is a big concern for India. After Trump said that he would bring back all software jobs from India, there have been several requests to reconsider that stand. Indian firms receive at least 60 per cent of the H-1B visas. It is a 150 billion dollar industry which is at stake, Indian officials had pointed out. India even sent Jaishankar to the US to hold talks on this issue. India is driving the point that skilled workers from India give a competitive advantage to American companies. India would want to tread carefully with the US as Donald Trump has been driving a nationalist agenda. India does not feel that the H-1B issue is only a rhetoric by Trump. He is serious about it and the negotiations with the US would have to be on a guarded and careful note. India in fact heaved a sigh of relief when Trump mentioned the Kansas shooting incident in his first address to the Congress on Wednesday. OneIndia News We know exactly who he is: Trump says US is aware of new Islamic State chief With an assurance of 72 virgins, here is what Baghdadi said in his farewell speech International oi-Vicky By Vicky Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed Caliph and chief of the Islamic State made a farewell speech while acknowledging defeat in Iraq. A statement by Baghdadi titled Farewell Speech was distributed among all the preachers, clerics and fighters. "Return to your countries or detonate yourselves," was the message he had in his statement. The statement came in the wake of the Iraqi army getting a grip over the last remaining territory of the IS in Mosul. Bhaghdadi while ordering the closure of the ISoffice. He gave the non-Arab fighters two options while promising them 72 virgins in heaven. He said they must either return to their home country or detonate themselves. Following the offensive by the Iraqi army, several IS fighters have fled to areas in Syria where the group has a grip on. It is however unclear whether the fighters in Iraq would look to return to their home country. Experts and analysts say that one must not consider the farewell speech as a retreat. The dangerous signs that one gets from the speech is where the self declared Caliph tells the fighters to return home. Over the past year, Baghdadi had directed his fighters several times to return to their home country and carry out lone-wolf attacks. It was always pointed out by several intelligence agencies across the world that the fall of the IS in Iraq or Syria could lead to attacks in other parts of the world. The 'in the name of the IS', concept has been doing the rounds for long. The IS was well-aware that it cannot battle the international forces in Iraq or Syria. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Do Higher Speed Limits Cause more Traffic Accidents? DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / March 2, 2017 / Recently, state lawmakers in North Dakota spent nearly an hour debating whether the state should raise its speed limit from 75 miles per hour to 80 mph. If passed, the five-mph increase would be restricted to two major highways in the state: interstates 29 and 94 - two roads that see a heavy amount of large truck traffic Speed Limits Are Set by the States If you have ever taken a road trip across several states, you have probably noticed that the speed limits can vary widely from state to state. If you fail to keep an eye on posted speed limits, you may accidentally drive too fast when you cross a state border. Although the federal government has, at various times, attempted to control state speed limits by withholding federal funding from states that failed to comply with national speed limit laws, Congress repealed the National Maximum Speed Limit in 1995. Following the repeal, the right to set speed limits reverted to the states. Now, 41 states across the country have speed limits of 70 mph or higher. In Georgia, the maximum state speed limit is 65 mph for both cars and trucks. Do Higher Speed Limits Mean More Accidents? According to those who oppose the proposed speed limit increase in North Dakota, even a five-mph hike will result in more traffic accidents. Citing a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the deputy director for engineering at the North Dakota Department of Transportation told lawmakers that research shows that a five-mph increase in speed limits is associated with an eight percent increase in fatal interstate accidents. Supporters of the proposed speed limit increase say it will save motorists money by resulting in fewer speeding tickets. They also claim that individuals who drive 50,000 miles a year could save up to one hour a week in time due to faster speed limits. Do higher speed limits cause more traffic accidents? The data shows that they do. Story continues Personal Injury Attorney Amy Witherite of 1-800-Truck-Wreck explains, "Higher speed limits have been shown to lead to more fatal traffic accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speed limit increases have caused 33,000 deaths over a 20-year period." The IIHS study also reveals that speed limit increases caused 1,300 deaths in 2013 alone. Furthermore, researchers say the 33,000 fatalities figure is probably an underestimate. If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident or other type of motor vehicle accident, protect your rights by speaking to a lawyer today. Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and the next steps in your case. Media Contact: Lucy Tiseo Eberstein & Witherite, LLP Phone: 800-878-2597 Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com www.atlanta.1800truckwreck.com Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 1-800-Truck-Wreck Attorneys Bookmark our Blog on interesting topics on truck wrecks. Source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/north-dakota-plan-increase-speed-limit-80-mph.html SOURCE: Eberstein & Witherite, LLP via Submit Press Release 123 Rumble 26 Oct 2022 Took my new 2022 Harley Davidson FXLRS out for a midday ride to fiesta island here in San Diego. The bike has 400 miles on it so.. Benedicte Gravrand, Opalesque Geneva: According to a Credit Suisse hedge fund survey, investors overall forecast a 3.5% increase in new inflows during 2017. They also said they are meeting better alignment of terms: more than half has at least one manager in their portfolio with a hurdle rate, and more than half managed to lower their management fees. Credit Suisse, the Swiss bank, has just released its ninth annual Hedge Fund Investor Survey entitled "Shifting Tides," with responses from more than 320 institutional investors representing $1.3tln of hedge fund investments. Their favourite strategy for 2017 is global macro-discretionary, followed by fixed income arbitrage/relative value, and emerging market equity. They are likely to pivot from broad based equity strategies to equity sector strategies, and might even include some allocation to quantitative strategies. As in the previous survey, 87% of investors indicated that they would maintain or increase their hedge fund exposures in the coming year. But last year, only a third said their hedge fund portfolio had met or exceeded their expectations (down from 45% last year). Investors are now targeting annual returns of 7.2% for 2017. There remains significant appetite for start-up funds, with slightly less than half of respondents reporting investing in a start-up fund l...................... To view our full article Click here Talent Management Software Market To Experience Lucrative Growth Due To Rising Demand In Telecom Industries Till 2025: Grand View Research, Inc. http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/talent-management-software-market?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=Snehali_March&utm_medium=press%20release www.grandviewresearch.com 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.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 on Global 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 opportunitiesGrand 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 ManagementTalent management software deployment outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) On-Premise CloudTalent management software application outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) BFSI Retail IT & Telecom Healthcare Government Education OthersTalent management software regional outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo Germanyo UK Asia Pacifico Chinao Indiao Japan Latin Americao Brazil Middle East & Africa (MEA)For more information:About Grand View ResearchGrand 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.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com PEYRONIES DISEASE TREATMENT MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/61 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/peyronies-disease-treatment-market-61 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Peyronie's disease (PD) is condition wherein the penis is curved or bent due to development of plaque or a fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. This condition can cause painful erections and the penis gets bent while it is erected. The bent is towards the side where plaque is being formed i.e. either downwards or upwards. The condition is identified by a major bend or pain. In a few people Peyronie's disease may go away on its own. However, in most cases it may remain stable or worsen. Hence, it is advisable to visit an urologist to avoid consequences in future. Treatment may be needed if the curvature prevents successful sexual intercourse.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Peyronies disease is a rare condition observed in about 6 out of 100 men in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Moreover, the Urology Care Foundation also estimates that the number of people affected by this condition can be higher than this as many men are embarrassed and do not see their healthcare provider. It is mostly at times when the men visit the healthcare practitioner for erectile dysfunction treatment and the healthcare practitioner may notice Peyronies disease. Lack of awareness among patients has resulted in under reporting of this condition.Peyronie's Disease Treatment OptionsThe exact cause of plaque formation is not known. Hence, treatment is done with the available research and knowledge of plaque formation. There are various treatment options followed for Peyronie disease basis on which the market is analyzed. These include drugs, surgery and devices. The drugs market can be analyzed based on the administration route i.e. oral and injectable. Drugs prescribe through oral route include Vitamin E, Potassium amino-benzoate ("Potaba"), Tamoxifen, Colchicine, and Carnitine. Similarly, the injectable drugs include Verapamil, Interferon, and Collagenase. Use of oral drugs is limited as none of the studies conducted so far for Peyroniees disease have shown positive results of these drugs over the placebo.On the other hand injectables show some positive outcomes over placebo. However, more studies are required to establish the efficacy. Studies with collagenase have shown positive outcomes for its use in Peyronie's disease. Therefore, Xiaflex (Collagenase clostridium histolyticum) from BioSpecifics Technologies Corporation is the only FDA approved product indicated for Peyronie's disease in adult men. Approved in 2013, Xiaflex is marketed in the U.S. by Endo International plc. In Europe, Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is available by the brand name Xiapex.A penile prosthetic device is another good treatment option for Peyronie's disease and moderate-to-severe ED. This device helps straighten the penis. Surgical procedure on the other hand involves grafting the space being emptied on removal of the plaque.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :With Xiaflex the only FDA approved product for this disease, Endo dominates the marketThe market is dominated by a single player, Endo International plc who sells the only FDA approved Peyronies disease product. In May 2015, the American Urological Association presented the first ever treatment guidelines for Peyronies disease recommending the use of Xiaflex. Furthermore, the company is creating awareness through its Ask About the Curve campaign. Also, reimbursement from the U.S. insurance providers will boost the demand for this product. The product is estimated to generate USD 100 million in revenue for Peyronies disease by 2018. In Japan, BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. has granted Asahi Kasei Pharma the rights to develop and market XIAFLEX in Japan for Peyronie's disease. Further, the company is also partnering with global companies in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil for commercializing XIAFLEX for PD.With increasing awareness and research on this disease, new drug molecules could be made available in the market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ PARTICULATE RESPIRATORS MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/59 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/particulate-respirators-market-59 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Patient suffering from SARS or their surrounding people are the target population for particulate respiratorsParticulate respirators are medical devices, which helps to protect one from harmful particles present in the air or dust or harmful fumes. Such harmful dust usually spread through severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). SARS is a respiratory syndrome commonly spread among symptomatic individuals, by person-to-person contact, or when the person sneezes or coughs, thereby infecting the nearby surfaces or through airborne transmission. Being a communicable disease, healthcare professionals and medical transport workers are at high risk to such disease as they frequently come in contact with patients suffering from SARS. Hence, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim infection control recommendations for those high risky healthcare centers and facilities. Particulate respirators have proved to be excellent personal protector equipment in order to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful airborne particles. Particulate respirators which has the capability of filtering out 95% of airborne particles are given a 95 rating according to CDC. Likewise, respirators with 99% capability of filtering particles are given a 99 rating and so on.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Government initiatives are helping spread awareness among SARS affected victims and helps in fostering market growthIncreasing prevalence of SARS is one of the major drivers impacting the particulate respirators market growth. Moreover, low cost of the product, increasing R&D activities and government initiatives undertaken in order to secure the healthcare professionals from such airborne transmission are some of the factors fueling the demand for particulate respirators. CDC is working with federal agencies, healthcare organizations and local health departments in order to spread awareness among healthcare workers for rapid recognition of person-to-person transmission of SARS. However, lack of proper awareness among people pertaining to the various types of particulate respirators available is hindering the market growthDisposable respirators are less costly and easy to discard if damagedOn the basis of product, particulate respirators market is segmented into disposable or filtering facepiece respirators, reusable or elastomeric respirators and powered air-purifying respirators. Disposable respirators are for single-use as it gets damaged physically due to excessive resistance and sorbent exhaustion. Reusable respirators are cleaned and reused. However, the filter cartridges are disposed when they become unsuitable for use. Powered air-purifying respirators are usually attached with a battery powered blower which filters the harmful air.Based on design, particulate respirators are of two types, half face respirators and full face respirators. Particulate respirators are used in hospital settings and also for military, laboratory and other purposes. On the basis of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.Greater awareness levels in North America is enhancing the market growthNorth America is one of the high revenue generating market for particulate respirators owing to their growing awareness levels regarding the usage of particulate respirators and increasing R&D activities in this region. Asia Pacific is considered as a lucrative market for growing opportunities of particulate respirators primarily due to the rising prevalence of respiratory disorders in countries like India. The major players are expected to find huge growth opportunities in such countries owing to the rising airborne transmitted diseases.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :3M is one of the leading players of the market based on the performance and salesSome of the key players for particulate respirators market include 3M Company, The Gerson Company, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Honeywell International Inc., MOLDEX and Northern Safety Co., Inc. among others. New product launch is one of the key initiatives undertaken by these companies. For instance, in 2015, 3M launched organic vapor respirator cartridges, which has 3M Service Life Indicator technology that helps to direct the user for an appropriate time to change the cartridges.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ Smart Gas Market to Exceed US$ 14 Billion by 2024 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/smart-gas-market-report https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/smart-gas-market-report https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, March 01: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Smart Gas Market By Technology (Meter Data Management (MDM), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Geographic Information System (GIS), Others); By Device Type and By End Users - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2024How Big is the Global Smart Gas Market?The Global Smart Gas Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 14 Billion by 2024 growing at a CAGR of more than 32% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:The enormous monetary and statistic development have incurred a sharp rise in the demand for natural gas globally. Conventional ways of management practices in organizations has made this field very competitive and has a major impact on Global Smart Gas Market. Companies are involved in innovating and discovering different type of alternate sources of energy that are used safely by the end user as per the requirement, to full fill the daily needs of everyone around the world when there is a power failure for a long time. This has opened up the new possibility of earnings for the Smart Gas meter producers. The gas companies around the world should have a safe and reliable way of transportation of its products. Changing the customary appropriation hones into cutting edge IT supported foundation would guarantee the advancement of Smart Gas supplies. Sustenance in the aggressive normal gas utility market can be accomplished because of the changing ecological and geographical patterns which request a progressed eco-friendly plan. Keen Gas innovation arrangements have the required driving potential to achieve the following preferred development stage in the gas utility division.How Big is the Global Smart Gas Market?The Global Smart Gas Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 14 Billion by 2024 growing at a CAGR of more than 32% in the given forecast period.The Major driving factors of Global Smart Gas Market are as follows: One of the most prominent drivers is the need to reduce carbon footprint and increase energy security of various economies.The Restraining factors of Global Smart Gas Market are as follows: High initial investment required for installing smart gas meters limits the markets path to an extent.The Global Smart Gas Market is segmented on the lines of its product, service, software, type and regional. Based on product segmentation it covers Traditional Metering System, Gas Warning Device, AMI Communication Module. On the basis of technology meter data management (MDM), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), geographic information system (GIS), and others. On end-users it includes residential and commercial & industrial.The Global Smart Gas Market on 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 Global Smart Gas Market 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 2024.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for Global Smart Gas Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets Global Smart Gas Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report Silver Spring Networks, Advanced MRF LLC, Badger Meter Inc., Capgemini S.A., CGI Group Inc., Comverge Inc., Cyan Technology Ltd., Elster Group GmbH, Itron Inc., EnerNOC Inc., General Electric, Master Meter Inc., Southern California Gas Company, MOXA Inc., ABB Group, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Quadlogic Meters Canada Inc. (QMC), Schneider Electric SE, Sensus Metering Systems Inc., SmartGAS Mikrosensorik GmbH, Spire Metering Technology. 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 Global Smart Gas Market has been segmented as below:By Device Type Traditional Metering System Gas Warning Device AMI Communication ModuleBy Technology Meter Data Management (MDM) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Geographic Information System (GIS) OthersBy End-user Residential Commercial and IndustrialBy 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 Foot and Ankle Devices Market to Reach US$ 5.8 Billion by 2022 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/foot-and-ankle-devices-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/foot-and-ankle-devices-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com New York, March 01: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Foot and Ankle Devices Market by Product Analysis (External fixation devices, Joint implants, Internal fixation devices, Soft tissue orthopedic devices, Foot and ankle bracing, Foot and ankle prosthetic market) and By Regional Analysis Global Forecast by 2016 2022.How Big is the Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market?The Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 5.8 billion by 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 6% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:The major driving factors of Foot and Ankle Devices Market are as follows: Growing aging population Increasing occurrence rate of joint problems includes fractures, foot ulcer, arthritis and bunionThe restraining factors of foot and ankle devices market are as follows: High cost of foot and ankle devicesThe foot and ankle devices market is segmented on the lines of its product and regional. Based on product segmentation it covers external fixation devices, joint implants, internal fixation devices, soft tissue orthopedic devices, foot and ankle bracing, foot and ankle prosthetic market and support market. An external fixation device is further segmented into ring ankle fixator, unilateral fixator and hybrid fixators. Joint implants are classified into phalangeal implants, total ankle replacement and subtalar joint replacement. Internal fixation devices covers fusion nails, screws, wires & pins and plates. Soft tissue orthopedic devices are classified into musculoskeletal reinforcement and artificial tendons and ligaments. Foot and ankle prosthetic market is classified into microprocessor controlled prostheses (MPC), solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot, dynamic response/energy storing prostheses and single axial prostheses and multi axial prostheses. The foot and ankle devices market on 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.Request A Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market 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 Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Smith & Nephew, De PuySynthes, Integra, Biomet, Arthrex, Tornier, Stryker, Acumed, Vilex, OrthoHelix, BioPro, Wright Medical, Orthofix, Zimmer Holdings, Small Bone Innovations and Mondeal. 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 Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market has been segmented as below:By Product Analysis External fixation deviceso Ring ankle fixatoro Unilateral fixatoro Hybrid fixators Joint implantso Phalangeal implantso Total ankle replacemento Subtalar joint replacement Internal fixation deviceso Fusion nailso Screwso Wires& pinso Plates Soft tissue orthopedic deviceso Musculoskeletal reinforcemento Artificial tendons and ligaments Foot and ankle bracing Foot and ankle prosthetic marketo Microprocessor controlled prostheses (MPC)o Solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) footo Dynamic response/energy storing prostheseso Single axial prostheses and multi axial prostheseso Support market.By Regional Analysis North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the WorldAbout MarketResearchEngineMarket 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 ContactContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States Ceiling Tiles Market Worth US$ 43 Billion Globally By 2023 https://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/ceiling-tiles-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/ceiling-tiles-market https://www.marketresearchengine.com/ Florida, March 01: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Ceiling Tiles Market for Residential, Non-Residential and Industrial Applications - Global Industry Analysis by Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 2023.The Global Ceiling Tiles Market was valued at US$ 19.80 Billion in 2014 and is projected to cross US$ 43.00 Billion by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of more than 9.0% between 2015 and 2023.Browse Full Report here:This market study analyses the market by its value chain. Value chain analysis starts with the analysis of feedstock products and ends with the analysis of end-user industry. The report uses Market Attractiveness Analysis and Porters Five Forces Model to analyze the diverse factors affecting the expansion of the market.a) Market Attractiveness Analysis It provides the information about the most attractive and least attractive market segments by Product, Application and Geography.b) Porters Five Forces Model - It analyses the factors such as degree of competition, bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat of substitutes and threat of new entrants.The key players in global ceiling tiles market are Armstrong World Industries Inc., Chicago Metallic Corporation, Grenzebach BSH GmbH, Knauf, Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH, ROCKFON, SAS International, Saint-Gobain SA, and USG Corporation.Why to Purchase this Report?1. It provides thorough analysis of the ceiling tiles market by key products (mineral wool, metal, gypsum and others) and its applications (residential, non-residential including hospitality, commercial and institutional.2. It also segments the market based on major geographies into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.3. This report provides volume and revenue for each application segment for each region.4. The report includes an overview of the market share of key companies in the global ceiling tiles market.Download Free Sample Report:This report segments the global ceiling tiles market by:By Product Segment Analysis Mineral Wool Metal Gypsum Others (Wood, Plastic, etc.)By Application Analysis Residential Non-residentialo Hospitality (Restaurants, Hotels, etc.)o Commercial (Offices, Shopping Plazas, etc.)o Institutional (Hospital, Educational Institutes, etc.) Industrial (Factories, Warehouses, etc.)By Regional Analysis North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Rest of the World (ROW)About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States Orthodontic Headgear Market Scenario, Technology, Segments, Outlook Report to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2087 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/orthodontic-headgear-market Study Objectives of the Market:Providing detail analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 7 years of various segments and sub-segments of the orthodontic headgear marketGiving insights about factors affecting the market growthAnalyzing the market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters Five Force analysis etc.Giving the past and predicted future revenue of market segments and sub-segments with respect to the main market and various other markets globallyGiving regional level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectsGiving regional level analysis of the market with respect to segments, sub-segments, products, and end-usersProviding an overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market followed by comprehensively analyzing their core competencies and drawing a competitive structure of the marketTracking and analyzing competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments along with research and developments in the global orthodontic headgear marketSample Report @Intended Audience Orthodontic headgear manufacturers & suppliers Biotechnology companies Hospitals Dental clinics Academic research institutes Government institutesMarket Synopsis of Orthodontic headgear Market:Market Scenario:The global market of orthodontic headgear is growing steadily. Factors that influences the orthodontic headgear market are increasing demand of device over surgeries, increasing advance technology used in orthodontic devices, increasing advanced painless surgeries and many others. Globally the market for orthodontic headgear is expected to grow by XX% from 2016 to 2022.Browse Report @Key Finding The global orthodontic headgear market is expected to reach $XX million by 2022 Cervical pull type holds this markets largest share of XX% According to region North America holds orthodontic headgears largest market share of XX% which is expected to reach $XX billion by the end of forecast period Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market with the CAGR of XX%Segments:Global orthodontic headgear market has been segmented on the basis of product type which comprises of cervical pull, high-pull headgear and reverse-pull (facemask). Furthermore on the basis of end-user the market is segmented into hospitals, dental clinics and others.Regional Analysis of Orthodontic headgear Market:Globally North America is the largest market for orthodontic headgear segment, which is expected to grow at the CAGR of XX% and reach US$ XXX million by the end of the forecasted period. Europe is the second largest market of orthodontic headgear which is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX%. As per region Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing region of this market.Key Players for Orthodontic headgear Market:Some of the key players in this market are: Ortho Kinetics Corporation, DB Orthodontics, SmileDirectClub, OraMetrix, Inc, Heilongjiang Label Technology Co., Ltd. and others.The report about Orthodontic Headgear Market by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts and key opinion leaders to gain deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors of the market. The report provides detail information about top key players in the industry including their strategies. The report also gives a detail study of different markets including their segments and regions.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comThe report about Orthodontic Headgear Market by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts and key opinion leaders to gain deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors of the market. The report provides detail information about top key players in the industry including their strategies. The report also gives a detail study of different markets including their segments and regions.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.MARKET RESEARCH FUTUREAmanora Town Centre, Office No. 528,, Amanora Chambers, Hadapsar, Pune, Maharashtra 411028 Global Insulation Terminal Market Segmentation and Analysis Research Report to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1000237-global-insulation-terminal-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/1000237-global-insulation-terminal-market-research-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=1000237 Insulation Terminal MarketSummaryWiseguyreports.Com Adds Insulation Terminal -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and analysis of Top Key Player Forecast to 2021 To Its Research DatabaseGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Insulation Terminal in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan..For Sample report @Global Insulation Terminal market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAE-IndustriesChanghong Plastics Group Imperial PlasticsDruseidtElpressKlaukeKNIPEXKORNERMECATRACTIONOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCircular TypeFork TypeTube TypeOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Insulation Terminal for each application, includingElectronic EquipmentCommunications EquipmentCarHome ApplianceOtherEnquiry before buying @Table of ContentsGlobal Insulation Terminal Market Research Report 20171 Insulation Terminal Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Insulation Terminal1.2 Insulation Terminal Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Insulation Terminal Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Insulation Terminal Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Circular Type1.2.4 Fork Type1.2.5 Tube Type1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Insulation Terminal Segment by Application1.3.1 Insulation Terminal Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Electronic Equipment1.3.3 Communications Equipment1.3.4 Car1.3.5 Home Appliance1.3.6 Other1.4 Global Insulation Terminal Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Insulation Terminal Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Insulation Terminal (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Insulation Terminal Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)..7 Global Insulation Terminal Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 AE-Industries7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 AE-Industries Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Changhong Plastics Group Imperial Plastics7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Changhong Plastics Group Imperial Plastics Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Druseidt7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Druseidt Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Elpress7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Elpress Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Klauke7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Klauke Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 KNIPEX7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 KNIPEX Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 KORNER7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 KORNER Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 MECATRACTION7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Insulation Terminal Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 MECATRACTION Insulation Terminal Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview..Buy This Report @Continued...Contact Us:NORAH TRENTSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Electric Enclosure Market Expects Growing Public Awareness to Boost Future Demand http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/icrw1938/world-electric-enclosure-market-research-report-2021covering-north-america-europe-apac-south-america-middle-east-and-africa http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=icrw1938 http://www.marketintelreports.com/purchase.php?id=icrw1938 www.marketintelreports.com ArticleThe Electric Enclosure Market deals with the development and manufacture of a cabinet where equipment such as switches and displays are specifically mounted so that people can avoid suffering a shock as well as to protect the contents held inside from the harsh elements of the external environment.In many cases, the Electric Enclosure Market has designed electrical enclosures in such a manner that they not only serve their primary objectives, but also happen to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Sometimes, the placement or design of an electric enclosure is dictated by the existing regulations as well as the prevailing circumstances in certain dangerous areas. Some of the prime growth drivers for such an enclosure are: rising consumer awareness regarding safety around electrical equipment; and the rapid growth being experienced by the electronics and hardware sectors.Check complete report @Scope & Regional Forecast of the Electric Enclosure MarketBut the Electric Enclosure Market also expects a series of changes in the global economy to play a part in boosting the demand for stainless steel enclosures. Electrical enclosure manufacturers view the rapid adoption of automation in all aspects of manufacturing as a golden opportunity for establishing indoor as well as outdoor enclosures in the relevant industrial segments. Industrial enclosures are not the only opening showing potential as the rising number of smart homes are expected to drive up the future demand for electrical enclosures.All of those factors are expected to drive the Electric Enclosure Market revenue to reach $5.98 billion, accompanied by a CAGR of 3.89%, by 2021. The industrial preference for nonmetallic electric enclosures is quite glaring as this variant is expected garner a revenue of $3.47 billion by 2021. As far as end user industries are concerned, the energy & power, residential and industrial infrastructure sectors are expected to drive future demand significantly.Avail more information from Sample Brochure of report @Segmentations & Key Players Involved in the Electric Enclosure MarketThe Electric Enclosure Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of Application: Commercial & Industrial, Energy & Power, Food & Beverage and Others.Type: Metallic Electric Enclosure and Non-Metallic Electric Enclosure.Geographical Location: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia) and Latin America, Middle and Africa.Some of the key players involved in the Electric Enclosure Market are as follows: Nitto Kogyo Siemens Allied Moulded Products ITS Enclosures Bison ProFabOrder a copy of Global Connected cars Market Research Report @About us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector StudiesContact us:Mayur S.Sales Manager2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington, Delaware, 19808United Statessales@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Color Sorter Market Expects Rapidly Growing Global Population to Fuel Future Demand http://www.marketintelreports.com/report/lpi1240/20172022-global-top-countries-color-sorter-market-report http://www.marketintelreports.com/pdfdownload.php?id=lpi1240 http://www.marketintelreports.com/purchase.php?id=lpi1240 www.marketintelreports.com The Color Sorter Market deals with the development and manufacture of machines that enable the separation of bulk food items in a production line. A color sorter operates on the principle of distinguishing between items by analyzing their color and utilizing ejection machines to set specific items along a different path. The programming of a color sorter machine can be altered to analyze and divert different types of colors.The Color Sorter Market has identified and exploited a particular need for a sorting machine to divert certain agricultural products like grain. The rice industry has been the biggest market for a color sorting machine as technology helps differentiating rice through their color via a high resolution optical sensors. During the last few years, many a color sorter machine manufacturer has witnessed another opportunity opening up in the form of coarse cereals. The biggest benefit of using a colour sorter is the maintenance of optimal product quality.Check complete report @Scope & Regional Forecast of the Color Sorter MarketJust like Moores Law, the technology behind the optical sorting machine has evolved at a rapid rate. The Color Sorter Market expects the future of the color sorter machine to hinge on the development of full color imaging. Such an advance would allow the sorting machine to view products just like the human eye. Another additional benefit of this is the capability to identify and recognize between 16 million different colors. This technology is expected open up a wide variety of opportunities while pushing the level of accuracy to a whole new level.The Color Sorter Market considers the prime growth drivers to be a few factors like: rising demand for cleaner agricultural products; stringent security around the product as well as tightening quality check protocols; enhanced energy efficiency; and a growing need to reduce the amount of good grains being wasted during the diversion process. Full color imaging is expected to throw the door open to a whole new world of potential growth.Avail more information from Sample Brochure of report @Segmentations & Key Players Involved in the Color Sorter MarketThe Color Sorter Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of Type: Chute Sorters and Belt Sorters.Application: Agricultural field and Industrial areas.Some of the key players involved in the Color Sorter Market are as follows: Anhui JiexunAnhui Zhongke Hefei Guangke Daewon BuhlerOrder a copy of Global Connected cars Market Research Report @About us:MarketIntelReports (MIR) aim to empower our clients to successfully manage and outperform in their business decisions, we do this by providing Premium Market Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Databases from a range of Global Publishers.A group of industry veterans who are well experienced in reputed international consulting firms after identifying the sourcing needs of MNCs for market intelligence, have together started this business savior MarketIntelReports.MIR intends to be a one-stop shop with an intuitive design, exhaustive database, expert assistance, secure cart checkout and data privacy integrated. It curates the list of reports, publishers and studies to ensure that the database is constantly updated to dynamically meet the targeted, specific needs of our clients.MarketIntelReports currently has more than 10,000 plus titles and 35+ publishers on our platform and growing consistently to fill the Global Intelligence Demand Supply Gap. We cover more than 15 industry verticals being: Automotive, Electronics, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Chemicals, Building & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Beverages, Banking & Finance, Media and Government, Public Sector Studies.Contact us:Mayur S.Sales Manager2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400,Wilmington, Delaware, 19808United Statessales@marketintelreports.comTelephone: 1-302-261-5343 Global Wireless Building Management Services Research Report Forecast to 2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/987069-global-wireless-building-management-services-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/987069-global-wireless-building-management-services-sales-market-report-2017 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=987069 Wireless Building Management Services MarketSummaryWiseguyreports.Com Adds Wireless Building Management Services -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and analysis of Top Key Player Forecast to 2021 To Its Research DatabaseGeographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Wireless Building Management Services for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndia..For Sample report @Global Wireless Building Management Services market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Wireless Building Management Services sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player;the top players includingArubaCiscoHoneywell InternationalJohnson ControlsSchneider ElectricOSRAMSeimensHubbell Control SolutionsJETEC ElectronicsTrend Control SystemsAcuity BrandsCrestron ElectronicsCommScopeElmeasure IndiaKMC ControlsOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSystemsServicesOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Wireless Building Management Services for each application, includingCommercial BuildingsResidential BuildingsEnquiry before buying @Table of ContentsGlobal Wireless Building Management Services Market Research Report 20171 Wireless Building Management Services Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Wireless Building Management Services1.2 Classification of Wireless Building Management Services by Product Category1.2.1 Global Wireless Building Management Services Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Wireless Building Management Services Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Systems1.2.4 Services1.3 Global Wireless Building Management Services Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Wireless Building Management Services Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Commercial Buildings1.3.3 Residential Buildings1.4 Global Wireless Building Management Services Market by Region1.4.1 Global Wireless Building Management Services Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Wireless Building Management Services Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Wireless Building Management Services (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Wireless Building Management Services Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Wireless Building Management Services Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)..9 Global Wireless Building Management Services Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data9.1 Aruba9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Product A9.1.2.2 Product B9.1.3 Aruba Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Cisco9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Product A9.2.2.2 Product B9.2.3 Cisco Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Honeywell International9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Product A9.3.2.2 Product B9.3.3 Honeywell International Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Johnson Controls9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.4.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Product A9.4.2.2 Product B9.4.3 Johnson Controls Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 Schneider Electric9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.5.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Product A9.5.2.2 Product B9.5.3 Schneider Electric Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.6 OSRAM9.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.6.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.6.2.1 Product A9.6.2.2 Product B9.6.3 OSRAM Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.7 Seimens9.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.7.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.7.2.1 Product A9.7.2.2 Product B9.7.3 Seimens Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.8 Hubbell Control Solutions9.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.8.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.8.2.1 Product A9.8.2.2 Product B9.8.3 Hubbell Control Solutions Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.9 JETEC Electronics9.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.9.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.9.2.1 Product A9.9.2.2 Product B9.9.3 JETEC Electronics Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.10 Trend Control Systems9.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.10.2 Wireless Building Management Services Product Category, Application and Specification9.10.2.1 Product A9.10.2.2 Product B9.10.3 Trend Control Systems Wireless Building Management Services Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.11 Acuity Brands9.12 Crestron Electronics9.13 CommScope9.14 Elmeasure India9.15 KMC Controls..Buy This Report @Continued...Contact Us:NORAH TRENTSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Butadiene Market worth 14,536.1 Kilotons by 2018 MarketsandMarkets http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=1197 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=1197 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/butadiene-market-1197.html The report, Butadiene Market & Its Derivatives (SBR, PBR, ABS, SB Latex, Adiponitrile, NR & Others) Market by Applications & Geography - Trends and Forecasts to 2018 defines and segments the global butadiene market & its derivatives market with analysis and forecasting of the global consumption volume and value.Browse 114 market data tables and 37 figures spread through 265 pages and in-depth TOC on Butadiene Market & Its Derivatives (SBR, PBR, ABS, SB Latex, Adiponitrile, NR & Others) Market by Applications & Geography - Trends and Forecasts to 2018.Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports.Download PDF Brochure:Asia-Pacific - Biggest Market of ButadieneAsia-Pacific is the worlds largest market of butadiene, which consumed more than half of the total global demand, and also for most of its derivatives that includes styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (PBR), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and nitrile rubber (NR). Various countries in Asia-Pacific are ahead of them all to implement butadiene and its downstream derivatives in a diverse range of applications. Demand growth of butadiene in the region is projected to be well above the average growth rate of the market. China and South Korea are the biggest consumers of butadiene in the region while India and China are expected to be the fastest growing markets of butadiene. A few of the reasons for the high level growth in this region are growing population, vast economiesdeveloped as well as developing, and favorable investment policies and government initiatives to promote industrial growth. The budding nature of the economies and rising consumption trends for various materials such as synthetic rubbers and ABS resin drives the demand of butadiene at a significant pace in the region.Styrene Butadiene Rubber - The Biggest and Polybutadiene Rubber - The Fastest Growing Butadiene MarketsButadiene is a major feedstock to manufacture SBR, with just less than one third of its total global demand being consumed to manufacture SBR. Butadiene demand by SBR manufacturers is quite high in the U.S., followed by China, South Korea, and Japan. Subsequently, PBR manufacturers were the second largest consumers of butadiene with a butadiene consumption share difference of 2.4%, compared to SBR manufacturers. The PBR manufacturing segment is also the fastest growing end-use segment with an expected CAGR of about 4.9% from 2013 to 2018. Butadiene is majorly consumed by PBR manufacturers in countries that include China, U.S., South Korea, Japan, Russia, etc. Growth of the SBR & PBR market is largely associated with the growth in the automotive industry globally. The automotive industry is expected to push the tire industry to new heights, which in turn will help the styrene butadiene rubber and polybutadiene rubber market achieve greater volumes and revenues in the near future; hence this drives the demand for butadiene at a significant pace.Speak to Analyst:About MarketsandMarketsMarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Find moreContact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarketsUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune, Maharashtra 411013, IndiaTel: +1-888-6006-441Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com vWIN foundation goes online vWIN foundation site www.vwinfoundation.com http://www.vwinfoundation.com Venous World Inter-university Network (vWIN) foundation was created by Sergio Gianesini, Oscar Bottini and Yung Wei Chi, three vein specialists from the University of Ferrara (Italy), Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina) and the University of California Davis (USA), respectively.vWIN as three main aims:Scientific research & meetingsHumanitarian missionsSocial and Sport activities promoting public venous & health awarenessThe first rationale of the foundation is the improvement of the scientific knowledge about the most severe venous conditions, also considering that the important scientific journal Lancet, in 2015 pointed out the need of increasing our society performance in thrombo-embolism management.vWIN already published scientific paper on the topic, it has supported humanitarian missions in Central America for several years and it has created a social and sport public venous awareness international initiative called Game Over to Leg Failure. In order to favour an easy and effective communication an important website was created, by using WordPress: one of the easiest to be used CMS.The website is also dedicated to the VI International Inter-university meeting in Phlebology, Lymphology and Aesthetic Medicine. The meeting will be held in the spectacular island of Albarella, near Venice, from September 6 to 9. On September 9, the island will be opened to the public for a venous awarenss day, in which combining pleasant and educational activities, favouring social and medical interaction.The website is institutional even if not complex and, since dynamic, it will be managed centrally.Social networks will be involved, so to reach out whatever type of participants 24 hr a day, also considering the several involved international universities.STAY TUNEDa lot of great news and a spectacular international raffle prize will be given.vWIN foundationMedia RelationsFabrizio Pivaripress @ vwinfoundation.comThe vWIN has been created by an idea of Sergio Gianesini, Oscar Bottini and Yung-Wei Chi, three vein specialists working in three different universitiesof three different continents, with the idea of gathering the medical and public world together for health and science promotion. A scientific committee is created by world renowned physicians and scientists.vWIN foundationVia mazzini 12Rovigo, Italy+393498012304press@vwinfoundation.com Plasma Furnace Market: Key Trends, Demand, Growth, Size, Review, Share, Analysis to 2025 |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/plasma-furnace-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000272 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000272 Latest market study on Plasma Furnace Market- Global Analysis and Forecast to 2025, By Type and Material, 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 Plasma Furnace Market to 2025 @Plasma furnace is a device used to melt metal or any other material with the help of low-temperature plasma flow, normally designed by an electric arc heater called plasmatron. Prime application of the plasma furnace is electrometallurgy. Numerous types of Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) plasmatrons are used in plasma furnaces. In large-sized plasma furnaces, more than one plasmatrons are used to provide more homogeneous heating. Plasma furnaces according to their function can be segmented into three types; plasma furnaces for melting in a ceramic crucible, plasma furnaces for melting in a scull, and plasma furnaces for melting in a crystallizer.The report aims to provide an overview of Global Plasma Furnace Market along with detailed segmentation of market by type, material, and five major geographical regions. Global Plasma Furnace market is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period due to continuous advancements and developments in industries such as automobile, heavy construction machinery, aviation, mining and metalworking, and others.Request Sample Copy @The objectives of Plasma Furnace Market report are as follows: To provide overview of the global Plasma Furnace market To analyze and forecast the global Plasma Furnace market on the basis of type, and material To provide market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Plasma Furnace market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America (SAM), which are later sub-segmented across respective major 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 Plasma Furnace players influencing the market along with their SWOT analysis and market strategiesSome of the important players in Plasma Furnace market are Retech Systems LLC, China Gere Technology Co., Ltd, SECO/WARWICK Corp., CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited, Thermserve Ltd., Carrier Corporation, ELTRO GmbH, Plasmait GmbH, and L&L Special Furnace Co., Inc. among others.Inquire about discount on this report @The report segments the global Plasma Furnace Market as follows:Plasma Furnace Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 -Types Ceramic Crucible Plasma Furnace Crystallizer Plasma Furnace Scull Plasma FurnacePlasma Furnace Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Material Iron and Steel Ferro-Alloys Light and Refractory Metals Chemical OthersPlasma Furnace Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 - Geographical Analysis 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 Europic Chloride Market - Global Industry Analysis By 2024 Europic Chloride Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20489 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Europic chloride is also known as Europium trichloride, Europium chloride (EuCl3), Europium chloride (Eu2Cl6), Europium chloride (VAN), and Europium (III) chloride anhydrous. Europium is available in high quality minerals such as calcium aluminum silicates. It is a soft and silvery metal such as lead. Europium is known to be the rarest and most reactive earth metals (minerals, monazite, bastnasite, xenotime, and loparite). Monazite metal comprises rare earth elements (up to 50% concentrations). Monazite can be found in river sand in countries such as Brazil, South Africa, and India. Bastnasite is also one of the rarest earth metal found in the desert called Mojave in California.Europium is primarily used in light emitting compounds called phosphors. The accessibility of brighter red phosphors is used to get brighter colored televisions. Europium oxide phosphors provide red and blue light, which can be used individually or in combination of yellow-green phosphor to provide white light. Europium phosphors are used in fluorescent lighting, televisions, and some LEDs. Additionally, europium is used in lasers and other optoelectronic applications.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:Europic chloride (EuCl3) is an inorganic compound. It is also called as Europium (III) chloride anhydrous. The anhydrous compound can rapidly absorb water to form a white crystalline hexahydrate (EuCl36H2O), which is a yellow solid. White crystalline hexahydrate is colorless. Europic chloride is one of the excellent water soluble crystalline sources. These chloride compounds can generate electricity when dissolved or fused in water. Chloride materials can be decomposed by electrolysis into metal and chlorine gas, which are formed through various chlorination processes. In energy efficient fluorescent lighting, Europic metals provides red as well as blue lighting. Europium is found in various minerals such as monazite, bastnasite, loparite and xenotime.Growth in the chemical industry is expected to drive the europic chemical application, as it is one of the rarest found metals in earth core. Inhalation Europic chemical causes immediate defecation, writhing, incoordination, labored breathing, and inactivity. It can also cayuse death due to respiratory and heart failure. Therefore, it is not used as a commercial source.The Europic chloride market has been segmented based on application and regions. Based on application, the market has been segmented into food industry, marine industry, chemical and petrochemical industry, and others. In terms of application, the Europic chloride market can be divided into desalination, which has the property to remove chloride salts to provide drinkable water. In the petroleum industry, Europic chlorides are thoroughly monitored constituents of the mud system. Increase of europic chloride may be a sign of drilling into a high-pressure saltwater formation in the mud system. Increase of europic chlorides in the mud system also indicates the poor quality of the target sand. Europic chloride is also a valuable and reliable chemical. Europic chloride may also be used to preserve food in the food & beverages industry.Based on region, the market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Globally, the rarest earth metal, i.e. europium oxide, is mostly produced in China. Europium oxide (Eu2O3) plays an important role in computer display screens and color televisions as a phosphor for emitting pure red light. It is a red spectrum light used in low-energy light bulbs to create a more warm light than the traditional fluorescent tubes. Europium is widely employed in the medical field, as the highly sensitive luminescence.Europe and North America are the key regions driving the Europic chloride market. These regions accounted for more than 40% share of the market in 2015. Demand for Europic chloride is high in Europe as it is used as de-icing agent. Demand for Europic chloride is high in North America due to the growth in chemicals and petrochemical industries. The market in Asia Pacific is also projected to experience significant growth primarily due to the rising demand for Europic chloride in various end-use industries. Furthermore, increase in governmental expenditure on infrastructure is likely to boost the global Europic chloride market during the forecast period.Key players operating in the global Europic chloride market are TCI Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd., American Elements, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., MaTecK GmbH, ESPICorp Inc., Stanford Advanced Materials, and Strem Chemicals, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Florol Market - Global Industry Analysis 2024 Florol Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20510 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Florol is a group of fragrance chemicals with the IUPAC name 4-methyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)oxan-4-ol. It is used in the manufacture of perfumes and other odorous products. The molecular formula for florol is C10H20O2 and the molecular weight of the compound is 172.26. Florol is a member of the hydroxypyran chemical family and is structurally related to rose oxide. Florol is found as a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid. It is also commercially known by its other names including muguetol, floriffol, floral pyranol, and floros.Florol is part of the group of odorous chemicals with the floral scent that is found in flowers such as lily of the valley. There are four types of florol isomers, each having a slightly different odor and intensity. Florol compounds do not require a stabilizer when used in perfumes and show tenacity for around three days on a smelling strip. Florol is soluble in alcohol and water, either of which can be used as a base carrier for the compound in its applications.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:Florol can be isolated from flower petals; however, the source material for its commercial manufacture is petrochemicals. Florol is generally manufactured by the Prins reaction, which involves the reaction between isoprenol and isovaleraldehyde. Alternatively, the compound can be prepared by the cyclization of derivatives of the reactants used in the Prins reaction. Florol can also be used as a building block in the manufacture of another fragrance compound called Clarycet. Clarycet has the scent of herbal-floral with a hint of dried fruit.Florol can also be used to replace volatile odorous chemicals such as floral aldehydes, as the compound is a stable and substantive chemical building block. Florol is used in the manufacture of several perfumes of well-known perfume brands such as Romance (Ralph Lauren8) 3%, XS for her (Paco Rabanne) 0.5%, LEau dEden (Cacharel) 0.16%, Dazzling Gold (Estee Lauder) 8.5%,O oui (Lancome) 5.5%, Jadore (Dior) 5.6%, LEau de Kenzo masc (Kenzo) 1%, and Fragile (Jean Paul Gaultier) 2.7%. Apart from perfumes, florol is also used to impart fragrance to products such as shampoos, shower gels, body soaps, and detergents.The global demand for florol is anticipated to increase in the next few years due to the growth in the perfume industry across the world. Increase in usage of soaps and detergents in many parts of the world is also expected to boost the demand for florol. Demand for florol is high in the large perfume manufacturing industry in Western Europe. Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, and the Benelux are the key consumers of florol in this region; several top perfume brands have their manufacturing facilities in Western Europe. However, environmental concerns about the chemicals used in the manufacture of perfume are expected to pose significant threat to the florol market in the region.Asia Pacific is anticipated to be one of the rapidly growing markets for florol during the next decade. The perfume manufacturing industry is expanding rapidly in countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This is likely to fuel the demand for florol. The use of florol in soaps and detergents is also rising in Asia Pacific. Demand for florol is also high in developed countries in Asia Pacific such as Japan and South Korea. Growth of the florol market in the U.S is likely to be sluggish, as the market in this country is at a mature stage. GCC is a key consumer of florol due to the high demand from the large perfume industry in the region. Other important countries in the global florol market are Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.Key players operating in the florol market are Ernesto Ventos, Firmenich SA, Givaudan, Indukern F&F, Penta Manufacturing Company, The Good Scents Company, BASF SE, and Vigon International.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Propyl Acetate Market - Global Industry Analysis By 2016 - 2024 Propyl Acetate Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20543 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Propyl acetate, also known as propyl ethanoate, is an ester. It is clear, colorless liquid commonly used in fragrances and as a flavor additive. Normal propyl acetate (also known as n-propyl acetate or 1-propyl acetate) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C?H??O?. It is formed by the esterification of acetic acid and 1-propanol (known as condensation reaction), often using FischerSpeier esterification process. In this reaction, sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst and water is produced as a byproduct. Propyl acetate is found in apples. It is a flavoring agent. It belongs to the family of carboxylic acid esters. These are carboxylic acid derivatives in which a carbon atom from the carbonyl group is attached to an alkyl or oaryl moiety through an oxygen atom (forming an ester group).Propyl acetate is used primarily as a solvent for liquid, rotogravure printing inks and flexographic printing inks. Its other applications include coatings, wood lacquers, aerosol sprays, nail care products, cosmetics, and fragrances. The solvency and thinnability of propyl acetate is comparable to ethyl acetate. It dissolves several natural and synthetic resins (for example, cellulose nitrate, acrylates, alkyl resins, plasticizers, waxes, oils, and fats) and is thus an extremely suitable solvent for wood lacquers and industrial finishes.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:Propyl Acetate Market: Dynamics and TrendsPropyl acetate is produced by direct esterification of the corresponding alcohol with acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, or a strong cationic resin used as a catalyst. 1-propanol can also undergo ester interchange with methyl acetate or ethyl acetate in the presence of a strong cationic exchange resin and produce n-propyl acetate. Propyl acetate is one of the organic solvents, collected in factories all over Japan and analyzed by gas chromatography. In liquid and vapor forms, propyl acetate is flammable. Propyl acetate vapors are explosive. They are heavier than air. They can spread across to long distances and accumulate in low-lying areas. These vapors are stable at recommended temperatures and pressures. Exposure to elevated temperatures can cause propyl acetate to decompose.Propyl acetate is incompatible with alkali metal hydroxides (such as sodium hydroxide), nitric acid, and strong oxidizers. Hence, propyl acetate should not be brought in contact with these compounds. Propyl acetate has medium evaporation rate and it is a non-HAP (hazardous air pollutant) solvent. It promotes flow and leveling in a variety of formulations. The compound is highly flammable with flash point of 14C and flammability rating of 3. It is highly miscible with all common organic solvents (such as alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters), but has only slight miscibility with water.Propyl Acetate Market: SegmentationThe propyl acetate market can be segmented by grade (mil spec, reagent & technical grade, agricultural & pharmaceutical grade, and optical grade), by application (food additives & ingredients, solvents, paints & coatings, and others), and by region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa).Propyl Acetate Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrently, North America and Europe lead the global propyl acetate market. Asia Pacific and MEA are estimated to be the leading markets for propyl acetate during the forecast period. Government targets and policy support in the two regions are factors likely to drive the propyl acetate market in APAC and MEA.Propyl Acetate Market: Key PlayersKey players operating in the global propyl acetate market include Eastman Chemical Company, DOW Chemical Co. Ltd., and KH Chemicals 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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Polyethyleneglycol Esters of Fatty Acids Market - Global Industry Analysis 2016 - 2024 Polyethyleneglycol Esters Fatty Acids Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20567 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Polyethyleneglycol (PEG) ester is a polyether compound manufactured by reacting polyethylene glycol with a fatty acid. Polyethyleneglycol esters consist of a hydrophilic part of surfactants and a lipophilic part of fatty acids. PEG oleates and stearates are superior emulsifiers. By changing the molecular weight of PEG and fatty acids, surfactants covering a wide range of high lipophilic balance value can be produced. (PEG) esters are primarily employed in the manufacture of products such as lubricants (for example, cutting oil and metalworking fluids), solvent cleaners, emulsifiers, pigment dispersants, and additives.Based on application, the polyethyleneglycol (PEG) esters market has been segmented into lubricants, emulsifiers, dispersants, and additives. The lubricants segment accounts for a significant share of the global polyethyleneglycol esters market, owing to growth of the manufacturing sector and rise in the number of OEMs. The emulsifiers segment is expected to experience high growth, led by growth in the use of PEG esters as emulsifiers in several end-uses. Growth in the fertilizers sector is anticipated to boost the PEG esters market during the forecast period, as PEG esters are used as self-emulsifying herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:In terms of region, the global polyethyleneglycol (PEG) esters market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America was the leading market for polyethyleneglycol esters in 2015. The market in North America is estimated to expand in the next few years, due to the increase in demand for lubricants in various end-use industries in the region. The lubricants segment held a major share of the polyethyleneglycol esters market in North America in 2015.The segment is driven by the rising demand from OEMs and the automotive sector in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to be the rapidly expanding market for PEG esters during the forecast period, due to the growing fertilizers sector in the region. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are likely to constitute a major share of the polyethyleneglycol esters market in Asia Pacific, due to high growth in end-use applications of polyethyleneglycol esters in these countries.The polyethyleneglycol esters market is anticipated to witness a shift from the U.S. and Western Europe to the developing economies of Asia Pacific due to less stringent environmental regulations in those economies. Developing economies in Asia Pacific viz. China and India are projected to witness high growth of the pigments industry. This, in turn, would boost the demand for polyethyleneglycol esters in these countries. Technological advancements and innovations are expected to increase the use of polyethyleneglycol esters. This, in turn, is expected to fuel the polyethyleneglycol esters market during the forecast period.Global demand for polyethyleneglycol esters is anticipated to rise significantly in the near future, thereby offering high growth opportunities for the market. Market players are focusing on Asia Pacific to gain higher market share. Producers of polyethyleneglycol esters have been compelled to adopt expansion and acquisition strategies to meet the global demand. A large number of producers are shifting their plants to countries such as China and India, due to high demand for PEG esters and low costs of raw material and labor in the two countries. Rapid increase in demand from end-use applications, competitive production costs, and high economic growth rate are propelling the polyethyleneglycol esters market in Asia Pacific. These factors are making companies adopt expansion and R&D strategies in the region.Major players operating in the global polyethyleneglycol esters market are BASF SE, Lonza, ABITEC Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Subhash Chemical Industries, Akzo Nobel N.V., Stearinerie Dubois, Croda International Plc, Stepan Company, and Faci Asia-Pacific.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Matricaria Recutitta Extract Market - Global Industry Analysis By 2024 Matricaria Recutitta Extract Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20408 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Chamomile is the common name of a group of plants that have been used since ancient times as herbal remedy. There are several different species of chamomile; however, Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) are widely grown across the world. Matricaria recutita is a hardy plant that can be found in a variety of different soils and climate. The plant has historically been used in teas for treating fevers, flu, digestive disorders, and skin ailments.Chamomile oil, also known as blue oil, is the primary extract of the flowers and flower heads of the chamomile plant. This oil contains several compounds that have medicinal benefits with key constituent groups being coumarins, sesquiterpenes, polyacetylenes, and flavonoids. These groups mainly consist of chamazulene, (E)--farnesene, -bisabolol oxides A and -bisabolol oxides B, -bisabolol and terpene alcohol. The Matricaria recutita extracts are included as drugs in the pharmacopoeia of many countries across the globe and are known for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and spasmolytic properties.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:Common process of obtaining the Matricaria recutita extract from the blossom of the plant is trough steam distillation. Under this process, hot steam is passed through a still containing the Matricaria recutita flowers. The hot steam penetrates the plant, forcing the essential oil out of the plant. It is then collected separately. Chamomile oil yields obtained from the Matricaria recutita flowers are very low, typical yields being only 0.20.4% of the total weight of the flowers. The extracted oil is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, with the general use being for mental and physical relaxation. Depending upon the therapeutic use, the oil can be ingested orally or can be topically applied.Matricaria recutita oil extract is used to ease insomnia, as a mood enhancer, mild anti-depressant, and an aid to calm nervousness or anxiety problems. Apart from its mental calming properties, the oil is also useful for soothing aching joints and muscles. The Matricaria recutita oil is commonly used as an ingredient in skin lotions and creams due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The oil is also used to ease digestive problems and soothe conjunctivitis symptoms. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, the oil is extensively employed in a number of commercial products including soaps, alcoholic beverages, detergents, perfumes, lotions, ointments, hair care products, food products, bakery products, and cosmetics.Because of its extensive medicinal and pharmaceutical properties, Matricaria recutita oil possesses good economic value and is in high demand across the world. The plant grows well in temperate and semi-temperate regions and is native to Southern and Eastern Europe. Commercial growing of the plant has been undertaken in the mountainous regions of India and Nepal. Matricaria recutita is an important crop in Hungary, France, Yugoslavia, Germany, Russia, and Brazil. The plant can be found in other regions in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Hungary is one of the most important growers of Matricaria recutita with the majority of the flowers produced being exported to Germany.Germany is one of the largest distillers of Matricaria recutita extracts. Several countries in Eastern Europe export Matricaria recutita flowers in bulk to Germany. Other important distillers of the essential oil are France, India, and the U.S. International demand for Matricaria recutita oil has been increasing at a fast rate in the recent years due to the increasing preference for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics obtained from natural sources. Demand for the Matricaria recutita extract is high in countries in Western Europe and Northern America. Implementation of stringent regulations regarding the use of synthetic ingredients in pharmaceuticals and rising awareness regarding the ill-effects of these ingredients are likely to encourage manufacturers to include natural ingredients in their products.Growth in health consciousness in the burgeoning middle class in China and India is expected to boost the market for Matricaria recutita oil in the near future. One of the major challenges facing this market is to provide speedy transport of the flowers, from the growing fields to the extraction units, which may be located at a considerable distance from the fields. This is necessary because the chamazulene content of the flowers decreases during storage. This, in turn, decreases the therapeutic effectiveness of the extracted oil.The Matricaria recutita extract market is fragmented; a number of small players operate in the market. Key players operating in the Matricaria recutita extract market are Silvestris, Bristol Botanicals Ltd, Norfolk Essential Oils, and Mountain Rose Herbs.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Supply Chain Management BPO Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-304 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-304 www.futuremarketinsights.com This Future Market Insights report examines the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market for the period 20152020. The primary objective of the report is to offer updates on the advancements in technology and BPO services that have given rise to a new service offering: Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO, which is significantly transforming procurement and logistic functions.Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO has become a need for every business to compete in dynamic market environment. With advancement in technology and digitization of SCM activities organizations started focusing more on providing enhanced customer value along with improved operational efficiency, quality outcomes and enhanced outsourcing of operational activities. In addition, emergence of flexible supply chain concept to meet unexpected consumer demand with multiple transport mode at multiple location in real has resulted in increased adoption of SCM services and solutions. Other major trends that are shaping global SCM BPO market include outsourcing of chain analytics, customised supply chain management services & solutions, cloud computing and green supply chain.Request Report Sample@In the next section, FMI covers the key trends, drivers and restraints from the supply, demand and economy side, which are influencing the Supply chain BPO market. Impact analysis of key growth drivers and restraints, based on the weighted average model is included in the Supply Chain Management(SCM)BPO report to better equip and arm clients with crystal clear decision-making insights.The primary focus of the following sections to analyse the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPOmarket by adoption among verticals; the primary verticals covered under the scope of the report are Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPOservices uptake among manufacturing,hi-tech vertical and so on. A detailed analysis has been provided for every vertical in terms of market size.As highlighted earlier, supply chain management BPO is an aggregation of sourcing (includes onshore, offshore and near-shore), type (includes traditional SCM & BPaaS), services (includes order management, inventory management and SCM analytics etc.) and verticals (manufacturing, hi-tech, government & defence, retail and telecom etc.). All these sub-segments are included in this section to make the study more comprehensive.The next section of the report highlights Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO adoption by regions. It provides a market outlook for 20152020 and sets the forecast within the context of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPOecosystem, including service types and sourcing model to build a complete picture at regional levels. This study discusses the key regional trends contributing to growth of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market on a worldwide basis, as well as analyses the degree at which global drivers are influencing this market in each region. Key regions assessed in this report include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan as a separate region, Middle East and Africa.All the above sections, by type, by sourcing, by service, by vertical and by regions, evaluate the present scenario and the growth prospects of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market for the period 2015 2020. We have considered 2014 as the base year and provide data for the trailing 12 months.Request For TOC@To calculate the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market size, we have considered revenue generated from the sale of Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO services and related platforms. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue by both Value across the Supply chain management BPO market. In order to offer an accurate forecast, we started by sizing the current market, which forms the basis of how the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market will develop in the future. Given the characteristics of the market, we triangulated the outcome of three different types of analyses, based on supply side, consumer spending and economic envelope.However, forecasting the market in terms of various Supply chain management BPO, verticals uptake and regions is more a matter of quantifying expectations and identifying opportunities rather than rationalising them after the forecast has been completed.In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyse on the basis of key parameters such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth to understand the predictability of the market and to identify the right opportunities across the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market.As previously highlighted, the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market is split into a number of sub categories. All the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPOsub-categories in terms of type, sourcing model, service, vertical and region are analysed in terms of Basis Point Share (BPS) to understand individual segments relative contributions to market growth. This detailed level of information is important for the identification of various key trends of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPOmarket.Also, another key feature of this report is the analysis of all key Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO segments, sub-segments, regional adoption and verticals revenue forecast in terms of absolute dollar. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. However, absolute dollar opportunity is critical in assessing the level of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a sales and delivery perspective in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO market.Furthermore, to understand key growth segments in terms of growth & adoption of Supply Chain Management BPO across regions, Future Market Insights developed the Supply Chain Management BPO market attractiveness index. The resulting index should help providers identify real market opportunities.In the final section of the report, Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO Competitive landscape is included to provide report audiences with a Dashboard view, based on categories of provider in the value chain, presence in Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO service portfolio and key differentiators. Key categories of providers covered in the report are BPO Providers, Independent software vendors, logistic service providers and contract manufacturers. This section is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective & detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO value chain. Report audiences can gain segment-specific vendor insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on in-depth assessment of capabilities and success in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO marketplace. Detailed profiles of the providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies, key offerings and recent developments in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) BPO space. Key competitors covered are Accenture Inc., Cap Gemini S.A., Genpact Ltd., IBM Corporation, Wipro Ltd. and Celestica Inc. etc.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Digital Notes Market 2017 - Kent Displays, Livescribe, Wacom, Luidia, Sony, E-pens, NoteSlate, Neo smartpen, Luidia, Sony http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/17058/request-sample www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com The recent report on Digital Notes market offers insightful information about the present scenario of the market across the globe. The report, titled Digital Notes points out the key factors affecting the growth of the market. Latest market trends as well as the future growth opportunities have been mentioned in the report. The report takes into account the various micro- and macro-economic factors governing the overall growth of the Digital Notes market and assesses the valuation and size of the market in the coming years.The report talks about the distinct traits of the Digital Notes market and provides in-depth study of the various segments of the market. The report especially focusses on the development of the Digital Notes market in China owing to the increased demand from the region which has attracted the attention of the key manufacturers. Various regulations directly or indirectly affecting the Digital Notes market in the region have been discussed in the report. The report takes note of the present state of the global economy, which after witnessing double-digit growth for three decades, is slowing down. Governments efforts to push the economy is expected to positively affect the various sectors and increase demand from the market.The report discusses the competitive vendor landscape of the Digital Notes market in the globe. Some of the key players in the market have been profiled in the report and crucial information about them such as their business overview, revenue segmentation, and product segmentation have been mentioned in the report. The report takes note of the market share held by the key players and estimates their future growth through SWOT analysis. It serves as a useful guide for the new entrants in the Digital Notes market.Download Free Sample Report @Several analytical tools such as market attractiveness analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis are employed to study the global Digital Notes market, whereas SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis are utilized to evaluate the major players in the Digital Notes market in this report.This report not only provides a complete picture of the overall condition of the Digital Notes market, but also assists the players in this market to create profitable market strategies in order to gain a competitive edge.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Biodegradable Packaging Market to Witness Steady Growth during the Forecast Period 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-323 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-323 www.futuremarketinsights.com Biodegradable packaging provides natural and easily degradable protection when used mainly for the presentation and packaging of the products from the moment the production process begins until the product is administered or consumed. Biodegradable packaging significantly differs from the conventional non-biodegradable packaging. Biodegradable packaging degrades easily and quickly and thus, usually does not require the help of an external catalyst for degradation. Biodegradable products are usually land filled than that compared to that of the non-biodegradable conventional products. Depending on the choice of the materials used in the manufacturing of biodegradable packaging the properties, consumer attributes and appearance of the product packaging varies. Biodegradable packaging sector is a small segment which represents a merger percentage of the packaging industry. The global biodegradable packaging has now moved on towards more advanced and efficient packaging. A decade ago, biodegradable packaging was not known to have any real significance. However, recently biodegradable packaging has become an integral part of the global packaging market. The rising consumer awareness towards biodegradable packaging has led to the tremendous growth of the overall market.Increased consumer preference towards biodegradable materials coupled with the growing environmental concern is expected to boost the overall growth of the biodegradable packaging market. Most of the major packaging companies are now shifting their focus towards biodegradable packaging in order to achieve greater consumer satisfaction. In addition, to differentiate their products from that of the competitors many manufacturers are now shifting towards biodegradable packaging. The biodegradable packaging market is expected to witness the fastest growth than that compared to the plastics packaging market. The biodegradable packaging market is a relatively new market however; it is expected to capture the existing market share of the non-biodegradable plastic packaging market. The food packaging and beverage packaging market is expected to play a crucial role in driving the overall global biodegradable packaging market. However, lack of government support especially in the developed countries is expected to curb the growth of the market. The presence of hugeprice difference between the biodegradable packaging and other conventional packaging is further expected to hamper the growth of the market.Request Report Sample@Europe and North America are expected to dominate the overall market of biodegradable packaging. North America is expected to be the largest consumer of the biodegradable packaging market.The developed regions are expected to dominate the overall biodegradable packaging market owing to the presence of mature markets that consist of highly environmental conscious consumers. In addition, the presence of high-spending population is also expected to increase the overall demand for biodegradable packaging in the developed regions. The presence of large populations in Asia Pacific is expected to boost the biodegradable packaging market. Owing to the increase in the contract manufacturing process coupled with increased governmental interest to promote biodegradable products by providing incentives in some countries such as China and India is further expected to contribute to the growth of the market.Request For TOC@The biodegradable packaging market is highly fragmented in nature. Some of the key participants of the biodegradable packagin market include International Paper, Natureworks LLC, Biopac, BASF SE, Stora Enso, Smurfit Kappa Group, Rocktenn, Clearwater Paper Corporation, Georgia-Pacific LLC and Novamont S.P.A among others. The companies mainly strive towards developing newtechnologies to manufacture biodegradable packaging material from various easily available natural resources. There are also huge investments in the research and development in order to develop innovative product which in turn would help the companies to gain competitive advantage in the 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.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Tridecyl Alcohol Market - Global Industry Analysis by 2024 Tridecyl Alcohol Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20327 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Tridecyl alcohol can be classified under the category of isomers. More specifically, it can be called an isomer mixture. It is also known as tridecanol. It is commonly found in solid form and is combustible in nature. Physical characteristics of tridecyl alcohol include low melting point, which is normally close to the standard room temperature. Tridecyl alcohol is white in color and has pleasant aroma, which makes it useful for different applications. It is produced by hydrogenation of decanoic acid, which is found in significant quantities in coconut oil and palm oil. Tridecyl alcohol can also be synthesized using ethylene and an aluminum catalyst. Owing to toxic and combustible nature of tridecyl alcohol, special care is taken while handling it. It decomposes upon burning and produces irritable fumes. It also reacts violently with other chemicals such as chlorides and anhydrides. Tridecyl alcohol can get absorbed in the body either by skin contact or by inhalation of its fumes.Short-term exposure to tridecanol can lead to irritation of skin and eyes, whereas high levels of tridecanol can have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Long-term exposure can cause skin degradation. There exist numerous applications of tridecyl alcohol such as industrial cleaners, stabilizers, pigment dispersers, de-foaming agents, and detergents. Based on product, the market for tridecyl alcohol can be segmented into wetting agents, surfactants, and emulsifiers. Based on enduse, the market has been segregated into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, drilling products, plastics, textile, metallurgy, and paper.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:The market for tridecyl alcohol is anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. This is owing to characteristics of the compound, which are utilized in several industries. The surfactants segment of the tridecyl alcohol market held a major share in 2015 and is projected to witness promising growth in the next few years. Surfactants are compounds employed to reduce the surface tension between a solid and a liquid or between two liquids.Surfactants can achieve this due to their amphiphilic nature, which makes them water-soluble as well as oil-soluble. Surfactants can be used as emulsifiers, foaming agents, detergents, wetting agents, and dispersants. This gives them an advantage over other products of tridecyl alcohol. The emulsifier segment held a low share of the tridecyl alcohol market in 2015. However, the segment is likely to expand during the forecast period, due to various uses of emulsifiers in industries such as pharmaceuticals and drilling products.In the drilling products industry, emulsifiers are used in the manufacture of several products such as drilling fluids, completion fluids, and workover fluids. Among enduses, the cosmetics segment holds a significant share of the tridecyl alcohol market. The segment is anticipated to expand at a significant rate during the forecast period, owing to the usage of tridecyl alcohol in the perfumes industry. As tridecyl alcohol has pleasant aroma, it is extensively used to manufacture perfumes across the globe.Geographically, North America held a significant share in the market for tridecyl alcohol in 2015. The market in the region is expected to expand at a significant rate in the next few years, owing to presence of major end-use industries in the region. Presence of major manufacturing companies in textile, pharmaceuticals, and drilling products industries is estimated to fuel the demand for tridecyl alcohol in North America during the forecast period. Europe follows North America in the market for tridecyl alcohol, owing to the robust cosmetics industry in Europe.Perfumes produced in Europe witness high demand all over the world. Thus, growth of the cosmetics industry would inadvertently boost the demand for tridecyl alcohol in the region. Asia Pacific is projected to offer high growth potential for the tridecyl alcohol market during the forecast period, owing to the increasing population of the region. This rise in population would boost the consumption of different end-use products of tridecyl alcohol including cosmetics, paper, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Presence of robust plastic production industry in Asia Pacific is likely to further fuel the demand for tridecyl alcohol in the region during the forecast period.Key players operating in the market for tridecyl alcohol are BASF SE, Universal Preserv-A-Chem Inc., and Clariant International AG.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Potassium heptadecanote Market- Global Industry Analysis 2024 Potassium heptadecanote Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20426 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The IUPAC name of potassium heptadecanoate is heptadecanoic acid. Potassium heptadecanoate has various synonyms such as heptadecanoic acid potassium salt (C17H33KO2). Heptadecanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid, and is also known as margaric acid (CH3(CH2)15COOH). Potassium heptadecanoate occurs as a component of fat and milk fat of ruminants. It does not occur in any natural vegetable or animal fat in much concentrations. Salts and esters of potassium heptadecanoate (heptadecanoic acid) are called heptadecanoates. Heptadecanoic acid (margaric acid) can also be used through the analysis of medium chain fatty acids from biomaterials such as seed oils and animal and plant oil.Potassium heptadecanoates is primarily used in fatty acid from animal and plant oil or seed oil. Fatty acid is an unsaturated or saturated carboxylic acid, and is derived from triglycerides and phospholipids. It is said to be a vital source of fuel. As a source of fuel, several types of cell are use fatty acids. Fatty acids are also used in human nutrition, as deficit of fatty acids may lead to adverse biological effects in human body. Particularly brain, heart, and skeletal muscle are used fatty acids as a driving source. There are two types of fatty acids: those based on carbon bonds and length of free fatty acids. Fatty acids accounted for more than 40% of human fat, which is said to be unsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids endure reactions similar to carboxylic acids such as esterification and acid base reactions.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:The potassium heptadecanoate market has been segmented based on application and region. In terms of application, the market has been divided into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, varnishes, synthetic organic detergents, rubber compounding, insecticides, textile chemicals, plastic fabrication, pulp and paper products, synthetic rubber formulations, and others. Pharmaceuticals are used as inactive ingredients in the preparation of drugs and for lipid formulation. Complex lipids are used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, emulsions, and fat liposomes. These are also used in personal hygiene products.Rise in demand for personal and home care products in emerging economies in Latin America is expected to drive the potassium heptadecanoate market. Increase in demand for food and beverages in North America and Europe is also anticipated to boost market growth. On the other hand, occurrence of biological effects due to deficiency of fatty acids is estimated to hamper the potassium heptadecanoate market. Deficiency of fatty acid can lead to blood pressure problems, stroke, coronary artery disease, inflammation, etc.Based on region, the potassium heptadecanoate market has been segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is a key consumer and producer of potassium heptadecanoate. The market in the region is projected to expand significantly during the forecast period. Countries such as China, India, and Malaysia hold major share of the potassium heptadecanoate market in Asia Pacific. China accounts for more than 50% share of the market in Asia Pacific due to the high consumption of soaps and detergents in the country.Europe also constitutes prominent share of consumption of potassium heptadecanoate. The market in the region is likely to expand at a moderate pace due to saturation, price fluctuation, and changes in trends. Demand for potassium heptadecanoate is moderate in North America; therefore, the market in the region is expected to expand at a sluggish pace during the forecast period due to the presence of well-developed and established industries. Brazil holds key share of the market in Latin America. Emerging economies such as India, China, Indonesia, and Brazil are expected to account for prominent share of the potassium heptadecanoate market during the forecast period. The market in Europe is likely to expand moderately, due to the high imports mostly in Turkey.Key players operating in the potassium heptadecanoate market are Chengdu HappySyn Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., 360 Reagent, Shanghai Yolne Chemical Co., Ltd., BePharm Ltd, BIOTREND Chemikalien GmbH, American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc., Angene International Limited, Lead Biotech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., and Bide Pharmatech 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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market Forecast and Segments, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-386 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-386 www.futuremarketinsights.com Dental implant is an artificial tooth that is placed in jaw to act as replacement tooth. People who have lost their tooth or teeth due to injury, periodontal disease and other reasons may use dental implant as an alternative to the natural tooth. Prosthetics are used to reconstruct the intraoral defects such as soft or hard structure of the jaw, missing parts and others. Rising number of people suffering from periodontal disease is one of the important factors driving the growth of dental implants and prosthetics. For instance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that 47.2% of the total population above the age of 65 years suffers from some kind of periodontal disease. Thus, with the rise in periodontal diseases globally the dental implants and prosthetics market is also expected to grow in near future.The global dental implants and prosthetics market can be segmented as follows:Dental Implants MarketBy TypeTitanium Dental ImplantsProcedure StageSingle StageTwo StageConnector TypeExternal HexagonalInternal HexagonalInternal OctagonalZirconium Dental ImplantDental Prosthetics MarketCrowns and BridgesPorcelain fused to Metal Crowns and BridgesAll Ceramics Crowns and BridgesMetallic Crowns and BridgesDenturesAbutmentsRequest Report Sample@Rising edentulous population, increasing disposable income and growing awareness for dental care are some of key factors driving the growth of dental implants and prosthetics market. For instance, it has been estimated that in 2010 approximately 160 million people globally were edentulous which accounts for 2.3% of the global population. In addition, increasing geriatric population and changing lifestyle also propel the growth of this market. According, to the World Health Organization (WHO) it has been estimated that the global elderly population is expected to reach around 2 billion by 2050; thiswas around 524 million in 2010. Moreover, the global geriatric population is expected to grow at the fastest rate in developed countries such as Italy, Germany, the U.K., the U.S. and Japan. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 40 million people in the country belonged to the elderly category in 2011. Around 89 million people are estimated to be beyond the age of 65 years by 2050.Thus, increasing geriatric population globally augments the demand for dental implants and prosthetics.Technological advancements in the field of dentistry also drive the growth of this market. With the introduction of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has significantly reduced the dental treatment time. Thus, all the above mentioned factors collectively drive the growth of dental implants and prosthetics market. However, unfavorable reimbursement policies restrict the growth of this market during the study period.Geographically, Europe accounts for the largest share of the global dental implants and prosthetic market as the key players are domiciled in this region followed by North America. In addition, increasing geriatric population, presence of organized distribution channels and rising disposable income are of the major factors driving the global demand of this market during the forecast period 2015 to 2025. In addition, Asia-Pacific is estimated to be fastest growing market for dental implants and prosthetic owing to increasing healthcare awareness, population aging and rising medical tourism in countries such as India, Japan, Malaysia and others. However, economic slowdown in developed regions such as Europe and North America coupled with unfavorable reimbursement policies inhibits the global growth of dental implants and prosthetics market.Request For TOC@3M Company, Biomet, Inc., Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Zimmer Holdings, Dentsply International, Zimmer Dental, BioHorizons, Inc., Ivoclar Vivadent AG are some of the leading companies having their presence in the global dental implants and prosthetics 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.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Dental Bridges Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Analysis, Trends & Forecast 2017-2021 Report http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/2017-market-research-report-on-global-dental-bridges-industry http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/217739 https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-research https://twitter.com/orbisresearch The Global Dental Bridges Market 2017 Industry Research Report is a professional and in-depth study. This study covers, Global Global Dental Bridges Sales and Global Dental Bridges Revenue by Regions and industrial review, market analysis, market demands, opportunities and forecast. Market overview is provided on the basis of definition, product overview, applications and future scope of Global Dental Bridges.The Global Dental Bridges Market report provides Production and Revenue Data of Global Dental Bridges Industry. Production means the output of Global Dental Bridges and Revenue means the sales value of Global Dental Bridges.Browse The Complete Report @Some Major Key Points Covered in this report: This Report Studied on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc. The Report Covered Market Segments by region:1. North America2. Europe3. China4. Japan5. Southeast Asia6. India This Market Research Report of 2017 Global Dental Bridges provides market demand, market size and forecast for different regions. This Report Divides by product type, with production, revenue, price, consumption, market share and growth rate of each type can be divided into:1. Cantilever Bridges2. 4-unit Bridges3. 3-unit Bridges4. Maryland?Bridges This Report Divides by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Global Dental Bridges in each application, can be divided into :1. Hospital2. Dental ClinicRequest for Sample of 2017 Market Research Report on Global Global Dental Bridges Industry ReportTopmost Leading Manufacturer Covered in this report:1. Densply2. Danaher3. Modern?Dental4. Ivoclar Vivadent5. 3M6. Glidewell7. Heraeus Kulzer8. Argen9. Coltene10. Pritidenta11. Amann Girrbach12. ZirkonzahnSome Points Covered In List Of Tables:Chapter One: Global Dental Bridges Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Global Dental Bridges1.2 Global Dental Bridges Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Global Dental Bridges by Type in 20151.2.2 Type I1.2.3 Type II1.3 Global Dental Bridges Segment by ApplicationChapter Two: Global Global Dental Bridges Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Global Dental Bridges Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Global Dental Bridges Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Global Dental Bridges Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Global Dental Bridges Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Global Dental Bridges Market Competitive Situation and TrendsChapter Three: Global Global Dental Bridges Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Global Dental Bridges Production by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Global Dental Bridges Production Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Global Dental Bridges Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Global Dental Bridges Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Global Dental Bridges Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Reason to Purchase this Report:1. The report of Global Dental Bridges Market provides the detailed segmentation in terms of types, applications, manufacturers and regions.2. The current market scenario and future growth has also covered in this report.3. The research also offers manufacturing cost analysis, industry chain analysis in terms of upstream raw material sourcing and downstream buyers.4. Moreover, an extensive analysis of production, consumption, and revenue for each segment is offered for the forecast period.Enquiry about this 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 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; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.comFollow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter: Flue Gas Desulphurization Market Regulations and Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-440 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-440 www.futuremarketinsights.com Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions are caused by combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Waste materials including tires, municipal solid wastes, industrial process waste, etc. are the other major contributors of sulphur dioxide emissions. All the prominent industrialized nations around the globe have formulated regulations concerning mitigation of carbon and sulphur dioxide emissions. Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is a technology which removes sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas emitted from fossil-fuel power plants prior to its release into the atmosphere.Flue gas desulphurization market report assesses the market opportunity for flue gas desulphurization devices, equipment, or machinery. FGD technology is based on the chemical reaction between the warm exhaust gases and limestone which reduces up to 92% of sulphur dioxide from the flue gas. FGD technology is mainly used in coal-fired power stations to remove sulphur dioxide in the flue gases. FGD technology is also referred as sulphur dioxide scrubbing process.Request Report Sample@Flue Gas Desulphurization Market SegmentsFlue gas desulphurization market can be segmented by method, by type and by application. On the basis of methods of treatment, the flue gas desulphurization market can be segmented into scrubber, SNOX and wet sulphuric acid process. Scrubber method can be further bifurcated into dry and semi-dry process. Based on the solid or flue gases generated by the industry processes, FGD technology can be classified by type as once through and regenerable. Once through system disposes the waste sorbent and regenerable system recycles the sorbent. Regenerable systems are costlier than the once through systems. Both the systems can be further categorized as wet, dry and semi-dry. Cost of maintenance and operation is higher in dry FGD as compared to wet FGD. However, dry FGDs are available at cheaper rate than wet FGDs. FGD technology segmentation by application are cement manufacturing plants, chemical industries, iron and steel industries, power generation and others. Major benefits of FGD Technology are SO2 removal efficiencies from 50-90%, reusable reactive products and inexpensive reagents.Request For TOC@Flue Gas Desulphurization Market: Key DriversThe key market drivers of FGD technology is the government regulations in emission control, increase in electricity demand, growth in reagent and equipment replacement market and increase in the number of coal-fired power plants, particularly in APAC countries due to increase in energy demand. Installation coal-fired power plants is a major trend in China and is anticipated to have an increasing demand in India also, in the coming years due to increase in industrialization. Existing and old systems in industrial processes are the key drivers of reagent and equipment replacement market.Regional Outlook on Flue Gas Desulphurization MarketAPAC is expected to exhibit a steady growth during the forecast period. Due to the regulatory programs such as Clean Air Interstate rule (CAIR), various state programs such as North Carolina Clean Smokestacks Act will have a positive impact on the demand for FDG installations in electricity utility boilers. Europe and other developing nations are into a decision of reducing nuclear power due to its negative impact on environment which will in turn increase the construction of coal-fired power plants increasing the demand of FDGs. The key market players in FGD market are Alstom S.A., Ducon Technology Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Marsulex Environmental Technologies, Siemens Energy, Babcock and Wilcox.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Trends in the Natural Flavours Market 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-598 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-598 www.futuremarketinsights.com The market for natural flavours has grown tremendously over the past couple of years due to increase awareness of health coupled with emerging middle class across the globe. Flavours are used in food and beverages in order to enhance the taste and quality of the products. Thousands of natural volatile compounds make up the flavours and aromas of the food products that we eat in our day to day life. The definition of natural flavour under the Code of Federal Regulations is: the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavouring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavouring rather than nutritional. The market is buoyant for the coming years especially in Europe for the natural and clean label flavours.Natural Flavours Market: Drivers and RestraintsGrowing consumer interest in natural ingredients coupled with the strong command of retailers in the supply chain has made natural flavours easily and widely available in the market for consumers and are the major driving forces of the market globally. However, rising cost of raw materials and the issues of sustainability and stability of natural flavours over synthetic flavours are major restraining factor of the natural flavour market. Trends of the natural flavour market includes demands for clean-label products categories such as confectionery and soft drinks and growth in R&D for stability of natural flavour.Request Report Sample@Natural Flavours Market: SegmentationNatural flavour market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type the market can be segmented into natural extract, aroma chemical, essential oils and other natural flavour. Furthermore, on the basis of application natural flavour market can be segmented into beverages, dairy product, confectionary, oral products, tobacco and others. Beverages was the largest segment in natural flavour market followed by dairy products in 2014. Lastly, on the basis of region the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Natural Flavours Market: Region-Wise OutlookIn 2014, North America holds the largest market of natural flavours followed by Europe. However, Asia Pacific and Latin America are key emerging region in natural flavours market and are expected to marginally take a lead in the global natural flavours market by 2025 over developed regions.Visit For TOC@Natural Flavours Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key players in the natural flavour market are Givaudan, Firmenich, Takasago International Corporation, Symrise AG, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kerry Group PLC, Frutarom Industries Ltd. to name a few. Givaudan, a Switzerland based company holds the maxium market share in the global natural flavour market. Big multinational companies in the natural flavour market focus on the acquisition activity in order to expand within the growth areas of natural flavour market. Major Companies such as Givaudan currently marking its footprint by increasing number of production sites, creative centres, an increased marketing and sales force and also opening new offices in Africa and Asia to cater the local demandABOUT 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: Global Biodegradable Stents Market to Grow steadily with a Strong CAGR of 30.1% through 2024 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=950660 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/biodegradable-stents-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-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, March 2, 2017: In recent times, increasing prevalence of coronary and peripheral artery diseases has become a key driver of the rapidly increasing global biodegradable stents market. Also, the effectiveness of biodegradable stents has won the market several consumers in the recent past. Consequently, numerous patients and cardiologists have shown a strong interest in the uptake of biodegradable stents in the cure of coronary and peripheral artery diseases. This has been observed by a fresh study published to the online archive of Market Research Hub (MRH). The study is entitled as Biodegradable Stents Market Global Industry Analysis Report Forecast 2016-2024 which provides an in-depth analysis of the global market along with the details of key players gaining momentum in this market.Request for Sample Report:According to the study findings, the global biodegradable stents market is expected to grasp value of US$1.7 billion by 2024, as the market rapidly progresses at a noteworthy CAGR of 30.1% between 2016 and 2024.There are several reasons present behind this growth, some of them are: The biodegradable stents have arisen as a perfect replacement to the standard Drug Eluting Stents, also having a permanent polymer coating over them. Biodegradable stents easily get entirely absorbed in the vessels over a period of time, also reducing the risk of complications or infections. The market is also being driven by the high prevalence of chronic conditions and mounting aged population, which is prone to cardiovascular disorders.First of all, the report presents a detailed market overview of biodegradable stents market. This section comprises qualitative analysis, by considering the factors shaping the market drivers, opportunities and restraints, together with porters five forces and market attractiveness analysis. In terms of geography, the global biodegradable market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Amongst, the report indicates that Europe will emerge as the dominant segment in the global market in the coming years. Also, North American market will show substantial progress with recent approvals from U.S. FDA.The two types of stents available in the global biodegradable stents market are coronary artery stents and peripheral artery stents. Of these, the coronary artery stents are expected to progress at a CAGR of 30.9% during the forecast period. Moreover, the market has been segmented by material or by its end-user;By material, it covers: Polymer based Metal basedEnd-users are Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers.Get Full Info. With TOC:At the end, the report determines with the profiles of chief players in the global biodegradable stents market such as Terumo Europe NV, Boston Scientific, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Biotronik, Sahajanand Medical technologies, Elixir Medical Corporation and Kyoto Medical Planning.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: Good Growth Opportunities in Music Market and Streaming Services Market Till 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-699 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-699 www.futuremarketinsights.com Global Music market and streaming services are becoming more dynamic owing to increased inclination of consumers towards such services. The increasing up-gradation in the technology is anticipated to increase the demand of music streaming among the smartphone users over the forecasted period. Music market and streaming services market is expected to show significant growth due to the streaming of songs through audio and video platforms. However, market of physical album is expected to decline relatively. Global music market is consolidated market with various companies undergoing mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances in order to increase their market share.Music Market and Streaming Services SegmentationGlobal music market is segmented into digital downloads, physical, streaming, synchronization and ringtones. Digital download is the largest market segment in terms of revenue, followed by the streaming. Furthermore, streaming services are segmented into sound exchange distributions, on demand ad-supporting services and subscription services. Music market and streaming services are further segmented on the basis of region as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. In North America, U.S contributes the maximum revenue in terms of revenue contribution, Also, European region is expected to reflect a significant growth during the forecast period. However the global music market is expected to lose significant portion of its revenue due to the piracy in the near future. Accordingly government across various countries have taken several initiatives to curb piracy. For instance, U.S. possess copyright alert systems that keep check on piracy. In Europe service providers have blocked the access to the pirate bay.Request Report Sample@Music Market and Streaming Services: Region-wise OutlookMusic market and streaming services market is expected to show tremendous growth in the coming years due to the rising number of high net worth individuals coupled with increasing number of consumers upgrading to smartphones. . Globally among all the regions, North America is expected to contribute the largest market share followed by European region in the forecast period. US is expected to be the dominant market for the music market and streaming services in the North American region. However, European region is expected to be the fastest growing market followed by Asia Pacific.Music market and streaming services: DriversIncreasing number of internet enabled mobile devices such as iPhone drives the growth of music market and streaming services. Rising disposable income leading to increasing purchase of smart phones and other devices, which offer specification support to music and streaming services are expected to fuel the music market and streaming services market growth. Other factors that fuel the growth of music market specifically includes increasing usage of subscription and streaming services by the consumers. Subscription streaming is the key driver for the streaming services market. In music streaming market there is increasing adoption of cloud services as it provides consumers to access music online and presently it is also being increasingly adopted by the various companies to increase the subscribed users to access the digital content stored in remote serversVisit For TOC@Music Market and Streaming Services: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Music market and streaming services includes Google Inc., Rhapsody International Inc. Apple Inc., Pandora Media Inc. Various companies operating in streaming services market are continuously launching various music streaming servicesABOUT 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: Gourmet Salts Market Trends, Regulations And Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-898 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-898 www.futuremarketinsights.com Gourmet salts are unrefined and high quality salts used in cuisine in order to enhance taste and appeal of the food. Gourmet salts are used for to enhance the texture and flavor. In addition, these type of salts possess better solubility and also high mineral content. Gourmet salts are also blended with other type of herbs, spices and flavors in order to enhance the flavor and color of spices. Gourmet salts are used in various applications such as bakery, savoury, confectionery, poultry and sea food. Fleur de sel is one of the widely used gourmet salts, which is used in variety of food products such as roasted meat, vegetable dishes and salads. Gourmet salts are also used in for preserving canned food products in order to store food item for longer duration.Gourmet Salts Market: SegmentationGlobal Gourmet salts market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. Based on the product type segmentation includes fleur de sel, Himalayan salts, sel gris, and flake salts. Of which, fleur de sel is used widely in various food applications such as meat and salads. Fleur de sel is anticipated to be the dominating segment during the forecasted period, followed by other gourmet salts. On the basis of application, gourmet salts is segmented into savoury, bakery and confectionary, poultry and seafood products and others. However, among all the segments, bakery and confectionary segment is expected to contribute maximum revenue to the overall gourmet salts market. Global gourmet salts market is segmented on the basis of regions into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan. Gourmet salts market is dominated by European region, followed by North America and Asia Pacific excluding Japan. In Europe, France and Spain are expected to contribute maximum revenue share to the overall gourmet salts market. However North America is projected to witness fastest growth in the next four to five years owing to the high disposable income of consumers in this region.Request Report Sample@Gourmet Salts Market: Region-wise OutlookThe Global gourmet salts market is expected to witness vigorous growth during the forecasted period due to the rising awareness among consumers related to changing food or cuisine preferences among consumers .Globally, among all regions, Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the gourmet salts market and contribute maximum market share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific over the forecasted period. However, North America is expected to experience fast growth due the high disposable income of the consumers, which results in buying patterns for products rich in gourmet salt. Since, these products are expensive in nature.Gourmet Salts Market: DriversVarious factors that fuel the growth of gourmet salts market includes rising living standard of consumers, increasing commercialisation of food industry by various media shows and also awareness regarding benefits of gourmet salts in the traditional food. However, factors that hampers the growth of gourmet salts market are high price associated with gourmet salts in comparison to conventional salts. Other major factor that restraints the growth of gourmet salts market that hinder the growth of gourmet salts market is lack of awareness among consumers in developing countries. Companies operating in gourmet salts market are mainly adopting new product development strategy in order to enhance their product portfolio and also to expand into new markets.Visit For TOC@Gourmet salts Market: Key PlayersMajor companies that operate in gourmet salts market includes Cargill Inc., Morton Salt Inc., Murray River Salt, Alaska Pure Sea Salts Co., Infosa, Amagansett Sea Salt Co., Maldon Crystal Salt Co., Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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: Global M2M Services Market to grow at a CAGR of 29.37% during 2017-2021 - Growing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive the Market Growth http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=964354 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=964354 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, March 02, 2017: A machine-to-machine (M2M) platform is a programmed unit in which M2M applications and services are built on. Owing to the growing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M services, the demand for innovative M2M platforms to enable new M2M services (such as connected cars and smart homes) is increasing. Also, many small players are entering the global M2M platform market as the entry barriers are low.The global M2M services market to grow at a CAGR of 29.37% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global M2M services market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the M2M services for cellular networks and satellite networks.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global M2M Services 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- AT&T- EE- Sprint- VerizonOther prominent vendors- Aeris Communications- Amdocs- Applied Satellite Technology- China Mobile- Comarch- Digi International- Ericsson- Gemalto- Huawei- Hughes Network System (EchoStar)- Jasper Technologies- KORE Wireless Group- Novatel Wireless- Nupoint Systems- Oracle- Orange Business Services- PTC- Quake Global- Rogers Communications..............Enquiry at: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?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: Jeff Sessions Jeff Sessions had two conversations with Russia's ambassador to the US during the 2016 campaign but did not mention it during his confirmation hearing for attorney general, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday night. Sessions, then an Alabama senator, spoke with Sergey Kislyak in July and September, The Post reported. Yet during a confirmation hearing in January, Sessions said he "did not have communications with the Russians" while he served as a campaign surrogate for Donald Trump. Lawmakers had already been calling for an independent investigation into Russia's election-related meddling and possible ties to various Trump associates. Just last month, Trump asked Michael Flynn to resign as national security adviser after it became clear Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence about having spoken with Kislyak about US sanctions on Russia before Trump was sworn in. "I'm not aware of any of those activities," Sessions replied when asked during the hearing whether he knew about contacts between Russia and Trump's associates, which were at that point already being investigated by US intelligence officials. "I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians," Sessions said. Watch video of that moment: Sessions did not consider his conversation with Kislyak relevant enough to disclose at the hearing, his representative told The Post. Sessions did not even remember what he and Kislyak discussed, the person added. In a separate statement on Wednesday night, Sessions said: "I have never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false." The FBI was investigating Sessions' contacts with Russian officials before Trump nominated him in December, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. It is unclear whether that investigation is ongoing or whether the Senate was briefed on that investigation when it voted to confirm Sessions on February 8. Story continues Sessions is now in control of the Justice Department and the FBI, each of which is investigating Russia's cyberattacks against the US. The House and Senate Intelligence Committees are also looking into the matter. Jeff Sessions Sessions has slapped away suggestions that he should recuse himself from the investigation. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham commented on The Post's report during a CNN event on Wednesday night, saying "for sure you need a special prosecutor" if Sessions indeed spoke with the Kremlin. "Misleading the Senate in sworn testimony about one's own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail," Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, said in a tweet on Wednesday. Michael Flynn Sessions and Kislyak spoke as Russia was ramping up its hacking campaign against prominent Democrats, including the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. The Trump administration has repeatedly denied all suggestions that it colluded with Russia's interference activities. But The New York Times and CNN reported last month, citing US intelligence officials, that Russian operatives and people in Trump's inner circle communicated frequently before the election. The nature of the communication is unclear. The Times last month reported that communications between people in Trump's orbit and Russia ran deep on both sides. They were said to include other associates of Trump outside his campaign. And on the Russian side, people within the country's government in addition to intelligence officials were also involved, according to The Times' sources, who remained anonymous. Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report. NOW WATCH: Here's how powerful an executive order is and how it could be reversed More From Business Insider Learn details of the Advances in Adaptive Cruise Control System Market Forecast and Segments, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-954 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-954 www.futuremarketinsights.com Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a special form of the conventional cruise control systems which is used to maintain and control the speeds of cars and other intelligent vehicles. Adaptive cruise control is an intelligent form of cruise control systems that slows down and speeds up automatically to keep pace with the car in front of you. It dosent make use of any satellite, any roadside infrastructures or any cooperative support from other vehicles, rather it uses sensors and lasers to control the speed of vehicles. The main impact of adaptive cruise control system is on drivers safety as by adjusting the distance between according to the traffic conditions. The overall process is achieved through a radar headway sensor, longitudinal controller and digital signal processor. Adaptive cruise control systems are being enhanced to guide through collision warning capabilities to warn drivers through audio or visual signals that a collision is imminent and that evasive steering is required. Now-a-days, Adaptive cruise control system is often paired with a pre-crash system which alerts the driver and often starts braking. Adaptive cruise control is also known as autonomous cruise control, active cruise control, intelligent cruise control or radar cruise control.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: SegmentationThe Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented on the basis of Geography, Vehicle Type and Technology. On the basis of Geography, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America. On account of type, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles include luxury cars, mid-range cars and premium cars. Further, considering technology, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into infrared sensors, laser sensors, image sensors, radar sensors and ultrasonic sensors.Request Report Sample@Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: Region-Wise OutlookThe key regions in the field of adaptive cruise control systems are Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas. The Asia Pacific region includes the emerging markets like Thailand, India and China. The factors such as rising demands of premium and luxury cars in such regions are effective to the overall growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market. Europe is the region which is a major market to the product and is home for the major suppliers of adaptive cruise control systems. The key regions in Europe comprises of Germany, France and Italy. The American region comprises of Brazil, Mexico, Canada and others; Brazil and Mexico being the emerging markets of this region.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: DriversThe growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market highly depends on the rising number of accidents due to increase in traffic. Moreover, with the advancement of technology, people tend to be on a safer side and thus are willing to pay to install adaptive cruise control systems and thus are willing to pay. The increasing disposable incomes and greater sales of premium and luxury cars is also a major factor driving the growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market. The increasing use of sensors with the advancement in the technology is another fuelling factor. Moreover, government initiatives to improve fuel efficiencies and safety attributes of vehicles are motivating the manufacturers to apply such integrated systems to ensure safety as well as to comply with the government regulations.Visit For TOC@Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: ChallengesThe regions with higher intensity of fog, rainfalls and snowfalls are repelling to the adaptive cruise control systems. Regions with such weather conditions make such safety systems inefficient in making and monitoring the speeds of the surrounding objects and vehicles making the owners of the vehicles reluctant to implement such systems. Since each and every manufacturer competes with each other, each manufacturer implements high end safety sensors thus making the car owners difficult to understand the exact operating procedures of the product.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: Key PlayersVarious companies are into manufacturing the adaptive cruise control system market. Some of the key players involved in the global adaptive cruise control system market are Denso Corporation, Magna International Inc., Mando Corporation, Valeo SA, TRW Automotive, Autoliv Inc., Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd., Robert Bosch GmBH, Delphi Automotive PLC and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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: Power Electronics Market To Make Great Impact In Near Future by 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1024 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1024 www.futuremarketinsights.com To control the flow of energy, the switching electronic circuits are used. These switching electronic circuits are called power electronics. Power electronics are also considered for the conversion of electric power. Such conversions are performed by semiconductor devices like diodes, transistors and thyristors etc. Power electronics devices have several advantages including optimum forward and reverse backing capabilities, simplified circuits, compact designs etc. Moreover, power electronics find its applications in connection of renewable energy resources to power grids, transportation in electric trains, motor drives and lighting. The major use of power electronics devices is heat sinking as well as soft starting of an equipment deploying power electronic devices.Global Power Electronics Market: SegmentationThe global power electronics market can be segmented into geography, types and applications. On the basis of geography, the global power electronics market can be segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Others. Considering types, the global power electronics market can be segmented into diode rectifiers, ac-dc converters, ac-ac converters, dc-dc converters, dc-ac converters and static switches. On account of applications, the global power electronics market can be segmented into industrial activities, solar power, wind power, electric cars, aerospace and consumer electronics.Request Report Sample@Global Power Electronics Market: Region-Wise OutlookIn terms of power electronics market value, Asia Pacific is the largest geography. America being the fastest growing region, Europe is considered as a very promising market comprising of Germany and UK while Middle East also grants an impetus to the growth of the global power electronics market.Global Power Electronics Market: DriversVarious factors are fuelling the growth of global power electronics market including rapid use of renewable sources of energy followed by the increase in the adoption of electric cars and defense. ICT, telecommunications, self monitoring and diagnostics systems, hospitals and healthcare are the major fields driving the global power electronics market to grow apparently.Visit For TOC@Global Power Electronics Market:: RestraintsThere are various challenges faced by the global power electronics market like high initial costs, deposition of GaN on silica materials which is in turn very difficult to reach in high voltage ranges. Moreover, manufacturing of power electronics is way to expensive and time consuming thus posing a restraint to the global power electronics market.Global Power Electronics Market: Key PlayersThe major companies playing a key role in the manufacturing of power electronics are Enercon, Fairchild, Fuji Electric, GE Wind Energy, Mersen, Methode Electronics, Semikron Elektronic GmbH & Company etc. Microsemi Corp, Toshiba Corp, Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Vishay Intertechnology, Infineon Technology, Texas Instruments Inc are some major key players in the field of global power electronics market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, 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: Dental Arch Wire Market 2017 - Henry Schein, GC Corporation, Patterson, 3M Unitek, American orthodontic, Dentsply, Ormco, Shanghai IMD, 3B ortho Dental Arch Wire Market https://goo.gl/UhE6Xw https://goo.gl/ZbRLcC http://www.apexresearch.biz A market study based on the "Dental Arch Wire Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Dental Arch Wire Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Dental Arch Wire industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Dental Arch Wire market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportHenry ScheinGC CorporationPatterson3M UnitekAmerican orthodonticDentsplyOrmcoShanghai IMD3B orthoThe report studies the industry for Dental Arch Wire across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Dental Arch Wire market & dynamics of demand and supply of Dental Arch Wire into consideration. The 'Dental Arch Wire' research study covers each and every aspect of the Dental Arch Wire market globally, which starts from the definition of the Dental Arch Wire industry and develops towards Dental Arch Wire market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Dental Arch Wire market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Dental Arch Wire market. The geographical segmentation of the Dental Arch Wire industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Dental Arch Wire is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Dental Arch Wire market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Dental Arch Wire market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Dental Arch Wire market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Dental Arch Wire production volume, data regarding demand and Dental Arch Wire supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Dental Arch Wire across the globe.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 Detergent LABSA Market 2017 - Stepan, CEPSA, Sasol, KAPACHIM, SK, Fogla Group, New India Detergents Ltd. Detergent LABSA Market https://goo.gl/ugUaLO https://goo.gl/0N3XzG http://www.apexresearch.biz A market study based on the "Detergent LABSA Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Detergent LABSA Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Detergent LABSA industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Detergent LABSA market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This ReportStepanCEPSASasolKAPACHIMSKFogla GroupNew India Detergents Ltd.The report studies the industry for Detergent LABSA across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Detergent LABSA market & dynamics of demand and supply of Detergent LABSA into consideration. The 'Detergent LABSA' research study covers each and every aspect of the Detergent LABSA market globally, which starts from the definition of the Detergent LABSA industry and develops towards Detergent LABSA market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Detergent LABSA market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Detergent LABSA market. The geographical segmentation of the Detergent LABSA industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Detergent LABSA is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Detergent LABSA market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Detergent LABSA market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Detergent LABSA market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Detergent LABSA production volume, data regarding demand and Detergent LABSA supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Detergent LABSA across the globe.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 Global Software-Defined Security Market 2017: Industry Review, Research, Statistics, and Growth to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1616 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/software-defined-security-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/software-defined-networking-market Market Synopsis of Software-Defined Security MarketThe major growth driver of Software-Defined Security Market includes growing demand for increased server security by enterprises, growing market of cloud based infrastructure and rising demand for managing unstructured data of business intelligence among others. However, lack of technical expertise and threat to data security are some of the factors which are hindering the growth of Software-Defined Security Market.Commenting on the report, an analyst from Market Research Future (MRFR)s team said: Growing demand for increased server security by enterprises is the key trend for this market. With increasing investment of market players for deployment of secured and quick access cloud infrastructure , especially the American and APAC countries are taking many initiatives to implement the Software-Defined Security effectively in their region Key Players Intel Corporation (U.S.), Cisco systems Inc. (U.S.), EMC Corporation (U.S.), VMware Inc. (U.S.), Citrix systems Inc. (U.S.), Fujitsu LTD. (Japan), Symantec Corporation (U.S.), Ericsson Inc. (Sweden), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Dell Inc. (U.S.) among others.Request a Sample Copy @SegmentsSegmentation by Deployment: Cloud on-premiseSegmentation by Solution: abstraction automation orchestration scaling APIs among others.Segmentation by Application: Telecommunication cloud service provider government education healthcare among othersTaste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Software-Defined Security Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022Industry News: Symantec Corporation has acquired Blue coat, Inc. in August 2016 to implement its integration strategy and thus accelerating its commitment to innovate cyber security solution. Intel Corporation has launched software defined security controller in year 2014. The software has defined to provide security to hybrid data centers and other software defined infrastructure.Browse full report @Objective Study of Software-Defined Security Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next five years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Software-Defined Security Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Software-Defined Security Market based on various factors- porters five force analysis, mega trend analysis, macroeconomic indicators 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 deployment, by solution, by application and sub-segments.Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports.Key questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2022 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?Related ReportGlobal Software Defined Networking Market on Market Information, by Solution (Physical network infrastructure, Virtualization and control software, Professional services), by End User, by Vertical - Forecast 2016-2022.Know more about this 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 Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com More Electric Aircraft Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 4% by 2021 More Electric Aircraft Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1245 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/more-electric-aircraft-market Market Synopsis of More Electric Aircraft Market:The Global More Electric Aircraft Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 4% during 2016-2021. This growth is driven due to production of next generation aircraft with more electric capabilities.As per the MRFR analysis, the use of electrical system has reduced the overall cost, thus result in improved operation. This also helps to control emission. The challenges associated with the market are the issues with electrical power system, issues in electrical generator associated with civilian and commercial usage of more electric aircraft.The Americas is leading the global more electric aircraft market; however the demand has increased from emerging nations such as EMEA and Asia Pacific in relation to growing demand for more electric aircraft in civil as well as military aircraft.Key Players of More Electric Aircraft Market: Airbus Honeywell International Raytheon Safran The Boeing Company United Technologies Corporation Thales Group Zodiac Aerospace SA Bombardier TTTech ComputertechnikRequest a Sample Copy @Study Objectives of More Electric Aircraft Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global More Electric Aircraft Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyse the Global More Electric Aircraft 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 types and applications. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global More Electric Aircraft Market.Browse Full Report @The market report for More Electric Aircraft 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.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 Macadamia Market Value Chain and Forecast 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1304 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1304 www.futuremarketinsights.com Macadamia nut was introduced in the early 1960s to the Kenyan highlands from Australia. Macadamia is a member of the family Proteaceae, native to Australia. Australia and Hawaii are the major producing areas of macadamia with others including eastern and southern Africa, and Central and Latin America. Several species of macadamia exist in Australia but only two species such as M. tetraphylla and Macadamia integrifolia and their hybrids are grown commercially. Production of macadamia nuts in Australia is mainly in eastern shore of Australia (northern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland). Currently, Hawaii is the largest producer of global macadamia, accounting for around 70 percent of total macadamia production worldwide followed by Australia, around 22 percent, rest is produced by other countries including Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, California, Costa Rica, Brazil, New Zealand and China.Tree nuts include almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut, macadamia, and pecan. Currently, macadamia accounts for around only one percent among all the tree nuts available across the globe. Almond nut dominates the nut segment, accounting for around 34 percent. Increasing health claims for macadamia have witnessed a surge in recent years, which if succeeded is expected to increase the consumption of macadamia nuts among consumers.Request Report Sample@Global Macadamia Market Segmentation:On the basis of application the global macadamia market is broadly segmented into food industry, and cosmetics industry. In food industry macadamia is widely used in confectionaries including chocolate bar, chocolate covered candy, ice cream and other baking products. In cosmetics industry it is used in shampoos, sunscreens, soaps and others.Geographically, global macadamia market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Currently, North America and Western Europe account for major market share for macadamia however, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow significantly in the forecasted years.Global Macadamia Market Dynamics:Owing to increasing variety of applications of macadamia, various workshop are taking places in order to increase the international trade for macadamia and since capitalise the growing demand for macadamia. Adoption of macadamia in chocolate and ice cream among consumers is expected to drive the demand for global macadamia in the near future. The biggest restraint for macadamia market is increasing crop losses due to immature nuts and moldy / rotten nuts. The crop losses due to these type of nuts accounts for around 50 percent of the total macadamia wastage globally. Thereby, reducing inclination of crop growers for macadamia and thus, hampering the market growth.Request For TOC@There is a high opportunity to increase the market share of macadamia in terms of revenue across countries such as Mexico, China, South Africa and others. Companies are investing in these countries through promotional activities in order to increase the footprint of macadamia worldwide.Global Macadamia Market Key Players:Some of the key players operating in the global macadamia market are Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, MacFarms, Wondaree Macadamias, NAMBUCCA MACNUTS Pty Ltd, Golden Macadamias, Royal Macadamia (Pty) Ltd., Kenya Nut Company Ltd. and MWT Foods Australia.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: Automotive Stamping Market Revenue and Value Chain 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1527 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1527 www.futuremarketinsights.com Stamping is a metal working process by which a desired shape and structure of a material is achieved. This metal working process is adopted in manufacturing industries engaged in processing of hardened surfaces such as sheet metal and plastics components. Stamping process forms the base of all the building process in automotive industry as more than 80 percent of the components that make up a vehicle is produced by stamping. Both the interior structural components and the exterior build components are produced by this process.Since 2010, the demand for automobiles has increased exponentially after the global economic downturn during 2009. This has led to an increase in demand of the stamping machines so as to meet the demand of an impeding growth in the automotive sector. The increase in usage of stamping machines in the automotive sector attributed to the growth of stamped automotive parts and is forecast to expand at a increasing growth rates during 2016-2026.Request Report Sample@Automotive Stamping Market DynamicsThe market for stamping machines in the automotive sector is driven by reduced lead times required for manufacturing vehicles. The machines are extremely versatile as different modules can be achieved by changing the necessary die. This process has also led to reduced labor requirements as the process can be automated with the help of computers thereby reducing the labor costs. The process helps in reducing scrap wastage as precise amount of raw material is utilized. The production cost incurred in the stamping process is very low and is replacing other metal working processes such as forging and die-casting.Automotive Stamping Market: SegmentationOn the basis of forming temperature, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Hot StampingCold StampingOn the basis of Stamping process, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Mechanical ProcessHydraulic ProcessPneumatic ProcessOn the basis of the number of stations required, Automotive Stamping Market can be segmented as:Single Tool StationProgressive StationsRequest For TOC@Automotive Stamping: Regional OutlookThe Global automotive stamping market can be divided into seven geographical locations such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to grow steeply in the stamped components, as the automotive sector in China, Japan and India is growing at a rapid pace. In Latin America, Brazil is the strongest automotive stamped components market preceded by Mexico and Argentina, due to improved production and sales of automobiles in these regions. European countries such as U.K. and Germany are also expected to grow in the stamped component market as demand for vehicles in these regions has increased exponentially.Automotive Stamping Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players which provide the Automotive Industry with Stamping Presses areSchuler GroupAIDA GlobalOrchid InternationalEagle Press & Equipment Co. Ltd.Hyundai RotemMacRodyne Hydraulic Presses & AutomationSantec GroupJier North AmericaRidgeview IndustriesBliss-Bret IndustriesFuture 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: Immunohistochemistry Market worth 2.12 Billion USD by 2021 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/immunohistochemistry-market-121632939.html http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=121632939 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=121632939 The report "Immunohistochemistry Market by Product (Antibody, Reagent, Kits, Slide Staining System, Tissue Microarray) Application (Diagnostics (Cancer, Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Autoimmune, Infectious Diseases) & Drug Testing) End User - Global Forecast to 2021", The global immunohistochemistry market is expected to reach USD 2.12 Billion by 2021 from USD 1.48 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2016 to 2021.Browse 181 market data tables and 44 figures spread through 225 pages and in-depth TOC on Immunohistochemistry MarketEarly buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.Growing prevalence of cancer and rapidly increasing geriatric population across the globe are the major factors driving the growth of the immunohistochemistry market. Other important factors driving market growth include increasing healthcare spending and improving healthcare infrastructure resulting in an increase in the number of hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.The growing consolidation, incorporation of nanotechnology in immunohistochemistry, adoption of multiplex arrays, and automation in this market are the key trends in the market. Rapid growth in the developing countries across APAC and Latin America and the increasing demand for personalized medicine offer significant growth opportunities for players in the immunohistochemistry market.Get The PDF Brochure For This Report:In this report, the immunohistochemistry market is segmented based on product, application, end user, and region. This report also discusses the key market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges for this market and its submarkets.In 2015, the hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment accounted for the largest share of immunohistochemistry market, by end user. The large share of the hospitals and diagnostic laboratories segment can be attributed to growing use of immunohistochemistry reagents, antibodies, and equipment for diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, technological advancements such as automated sample preparation and digital pathology and its greater utilization in the diagnosis of many chronic and life-threatening diseases are expected to contribute to the growth of this market.You Can Also Speak With Research Analyst:In 2015, the immunohistochemistry antibody segment accounted for the largest share of immunohistochemistry market, by product. The large share of the immunohistochemistry antibody segment can be attributed to improved approval rate for therapeutic antibodies by regulatory authorities, increasing adoption of targeted immunotherapy, and increased R&D expenditure of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.The increasing risk of infectious diseases and rising demand for immune-therapeutics are expected to further drive market growth for this segment. Moreover, the rising adoption of immunohistochemistry test, high-throughput assays, such as array comparative genomic hybridization, cDNA microarray, next-generation sequencing techniques, and histological tests, have led to the rapid discovery of thousands of potential antibodies.In 2015, the cancer segment accounted for the largest share of the immunohistochemistry market, by application. The large share of diagnostic application in cancer diseases can be attributed to increasing prevalence of cancer, rapidly increasing geriatric population in developed countries, increased awareness and demand for immunohistochemistry in histopathology, and demand for early diagnosis in developing countries in Asia-Pacific and Latin America.The major players in the immunohistochemistry market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Merck Millipore (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.), Abcam plc (U.K.), Cell Signaling Technology, Inc. (U.S.), and Bio SB Inc. (U.S.).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&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.Contact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets701 Pike StreetSuite 2175, Seattle,WA 98101, United StatesTelephone No : 1-888-600-6441. Market Research on Air Freshener Market 2014 and Analysis to 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-42 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-42 www.futuremarketinsights.com Air fresheners are products used to release fragrances in order to eliminate foul smell or odour from the environment. These products are only applicable for use in indoor environments such as homes, offices, hotel rooms, cars and others. In recent years, this functional commodity has evolved to be used as a decorative product. Air fresheners comprise chemical agents such as artificial or original essence, aerosol propellants, solvents such as mineral oil, 2-butoxyethanol and other glycol ethers, which help in neutralizing odours and freshens the air.On the basis of types, these products can be broadly segmented into room sprays and diffusers. Room sprays fall under the category of aerosol sprays, which are mostly available in cans or glass bottles with attached spray nozzles. Room sprays are highly functional and instead of simply masking foul odours, they release a pleasant fragrance. On the other hand, diffusers disperse fragrance into the air. Furthermore, these are widely classified into active and passive diffusers. Active diffusers require an external energy source of energy to release fragrance. These products are designed to function on a plugged power source or with batteries. Passive diffusers do not require any external energy source and diffuse fragrance from various forms of underlying substances or layers. The various types of passive diffusers include adjustable solids, reed diffusers and gel products.Request For Report Sample@Besides room sprays and diffusers, the air freshener market is further segmented into specialty products. These types of air fresheners comprise a variety of products designed to add fragrance to a room or space, and are available in various forms such as potpourri. This type of air freshener comprises forms of dried botanical and other natural ingredient such as flowers, fruits, wood chips and spices that may have fragrance oils added to them. Another is sachets, small pouches or bags filled with scented powder. Another type is incense, which is produced from a mixture of fragrant gums, resins, woods and spices and is available in varied forms such as sticks, cones, rods, coils, small blocks, wands and powders. Furthermore, fragrance oil burning lamp is another type of air freshener. This type acts as a catalytic diffusion lamp, purifying the air while releasing fragrance. Yet another type is the non-electric or evaporative air freshener. This type releases fragrance when scented oil is added to an oil warmer, which is heated using a tea light candle.Globally, the demand for air fresheners registered stable growth during the last five years, and is expected to witness favourable growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to product innovations, increased adaption of enhanced products and rising affluence. Changing and improving lifestyle and demographic factors, as well as increasing population in developing countries is driving demand for air freshener products in Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.The key drivers in the air freshener market includes product innovation and launch of new product ranges capable of delivering freshness as well as enhanced ability to eliminate offensive odours. These properties serve to enhance consumer preference for such products and offers value for money. In addition, rise in disposable income and purchasing power parity has shifted the demand of consumers towards enhanced products, which is further expected to fuel market growth.Request For TOC@The key players in the global air freshener market include Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson, Reckitt Benckiser, Henkel, Church & Dwight, California Scents, ST Corporation, Scotts Liquid Gold, Inc., Amway, Kobayashi, Liby, Houdy, Farcent, Jiali, Ludao, Mengjiaolan and others.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: New Trends of Cloud-RAN (Radio Access Network) Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-52 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-52 www.futuremarketinsights.com Cloud-RAN,orCentralized-RAN (C-RAN) is an advanced cellular network architecture for mobile network infrastructure that can support 2G, 3G and 4G system and meet wireless communication benchmarks. Cloud-RAN is outpacing traditional cellular network system as it doesnt require RF (radio frequency) equipment, antenna, BTS (baseband unit) and digital processor to be deployed in the cell site. Traditional cellular network architecture demands more power, space, additional big cell towers and directional antennae to support new air interface technologies such as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and multi-frequency bands. Moreover, enhancement of traditional cellular network in a wireless network to support data traffic demand becomes economically unsustainable. In contrast, Cloud-RAN enhances mobile communications and helps cellular network operators in delivering qualitative and effective mobile communication services at a reasonable cost.Cloud-RAN ensures centralization of baseband processing in one location. To connect to RRH (remote radio heads), fibre optical cables are required.Cloud-RAN is based on new technologies,viz. cloud computing thatcan take advantage of advanced remote antennae or radio head techniques and SDN (software-defined network) approaches.Request For Report Sample@Cloud-RAN offers various benefits like reduction in cost of network operations. The three types of cost reductions are energy consumption, site rental expenses and operational & maintenance cost of network. These savings can be balanced against cost incurred on fibre optical cables required to meet fronthaul capacity and latency requirements. Cloud-RAN also enhances capacity due to coordinated multipoint and ensures speedy performance. Aforementioned benefits of Cloud-RAN architecture automatically increase the value of service to end-users. However, initial high investment required to deploy Cloud-RAN architecture acts as one of the major challengesfor the growth of Cloud-RAN market.The Cloud-RAN market can be categorizedinto component, services and geography.The market is segmented on the basis of thenatureof its components, which includes six major categories -BBU (Baseband Units), RRU (Remote Radio Units), optical transport network, servers, processors and measurement device. On the basis of services segment, the Cloud-RAN market can be categorized into network services, custom services and system integration services. The market can also be segmented on the basis of major geographies, into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa.Cloud-RAN is a global multi-billion dollar market which is expected to exhibit a considerable growth in CAGR, from 2014 to 2020. The key drivers include need to reduce increasing data traffic and Capex&Opexexpenditure, which are the biggest revenue generators for the Cloud-RANmarket. The key restraint to this market is high initial cost of deployment and dependency on availability of fibre. Major players in Cloud-RAN market focuses on partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisition &merger strategies in order to outperform their competitors. For instance, in 2013 Intel Corp. acquired Mindspeed Technologies and extended its offerings with new mobile system services i.e. Cloud-RAN.Request For TOC@Some of the key players identified in the Cloud-RAN market are Ceragon Networks Ltd.,Actix Ltd., Aricent Technologies, JDSU, 6WIND, MTI Radiocomp, Altera Corp., Mindspeed Technologies, Inc., Intel Corporation, VitesseSemiconductor, Telco Systems, VPI Systems, Telco Systems and TEOCO among others.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: Eldercare-Assistive Robots Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2409 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2409 www.futuremarketinsights.com Several countries across the world are either already facing or will face a demographic disaster in the near future. They will undergo severe socio-economic pressures due to a rapidly ageing population with not enough children being born to replace the workforce. This is particularly true in North America, Europe, Russia, South Korea & Japan. According to a government report compiled in Japan in 2012, 22% of the country is 65 or older and this is expected to rise to nearly 40% by 2060. In 2010, Japan had 30 million elderly individuals in old-age homes, but a serious dearth of caregivers to assist them. These countries are the mean reason that the eldercare-assistive robot market has come into existence. Over the past few years, eldercare-assistive robot R&D has become much cheaper, giving rise to helpers with more functionality & a cheaper price. It has also gained wider acceptance not only in Japan but also in the western nations.Eldercare-Assistive Robots Market DriversThe ageing population in developed countries is the main driver for the eldercare-assistive robot market. According to U.N data, the global over-65 population will grow by 181% and they will account for nearly 16% of the population by 2050. Caring for these individuals will be an enormous physical, mental & emotional undertaking. There will be a tremendous shortage of qualified & willing medical personnel for this. Eldercare-assistive robots have the potential to serve this demographic exceptionally well. They can use camera sensors to supervise the senior citizen, ensure that they take their prescribed medication at the right time & also prevent them from falling & injuring themselves. Another factor is the individualistic societies in western countries, as opposed to collective Asian ones. People prefer to live on their own as much as possible. Even in old age, they prefer the privacy, comfort & security of their own homes over that of an institutional caregiver like an old-age home. To address these requirements, eldercare-assistive robots can come in handy. Not only will they fulfil the role of medical practitioner, but they can also provide human-like companionship to the patient. They will be able to enhance the health & psychological well-being of the elderly in several ways. By reminding them off daily tasks & other important information, they could help dementia patients. With informal chit-chat, they might keep a senior citizens mind sharp, reducing the probability of clinical depression, or Alzheimers disease. Robots could also act as telepresence machines, bridging the gap between doctors and their elderly patients. These individuals might not always be able to travel to the hospital to seek treatment, & frequent nurse visits are also very costly. The doctor could check in with their patients through the robots screen, even control the machine for simple tasks. These are some of the factors helping the eldercare-assistive robot market.Request For Sample@Eldercare-Assistive Robots Market RestraintsThere are a few challenges faced by the eldercare-assistive robot market. These robots must be able to manage & cope with more uncertain environments than industrial robots. This makes it a challenge to build safe & certified ones. Another issue might be human opposition. Either the elderly individual, their family or both might not be comfortable with the idea of a robot playing a caregiver role. Older people, in particular, might be very resistant to adopting high-tech equipment like eldercare-assistive robots to simplify their lives. Cost can also be a major restraint. While the price of these assistive robots has dropped over the last decade, they still cost thousands of dollars each. People from lower income or middle-class families might not see the benefit in adopting them as much. Even with many advances made in the eldercare-assistive robot market, it is estimated that it will be several decades before full assistive robotic care is possible.Eldercare-Assistive Robots Market Key RegionsThe main eldercare assistive robot markets are those regions which have an ageing population, i.e. North America (barring Mexico), the E.U, Japan, and China & South Korea. Japan is the largest eldercare-assistive robot market since it has the most rapidly ageing population along with very low immigration & birth rates. It also has several domestic players involved in making assistive robots. North America has also slowly but surely begun to warm up to the eldercare-assistive robot market.Request For TOC@Eldercare-Assistive Robots Market Key Market PlayersSome of the companies involved in the eldercare-assistive robot market are Paro Robots, Aldebaran, Togo Seisakusyo Corporation, and Hasbro.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: Baby Food Packaging Products Market Witness Robust Expansion by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6418 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/6418 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Baby food packaging product market is segmented on the basis of raw material which includes glass packaging material, rigid plastic packaging material, flexible plastic packaging material paperboard packaging material, and metal packaging. Among all these segment flexible packaging material is expected to occupy major market share followed by rigid plastic packaging material during the forecast period.Baby food packaging products are designed to target the manufacturers dealing with baby and toddler food products. It is also designed to provide convenience to consumer in terms of carrying food products form one place to another. Increased consumer preference towards spending on packaged baby food product is expected to drive the demand of baby food packaging product market in the near future.Baby food packaging product market is further segmented on the basis of type which includes bottles, cans, liquid cartons, pouch/sachet and others. Among all these segment pouch/sachet is expected to contribute major share in terms of revenue. Pouch/sachet packaged products are easy to use and convenient to carry which is predicted to support the growth of pouch/sachet packaging segment in baby food packaging product market. Moreover, liquid cartons is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing demand of flavored milk and juices for toddlers is predicted to support thre4 growth of liquid cartons segment in baby food packaging market.Baby food packaging product market is also segmented on the basis of application which includes, milk formula, dried baby food, prepared baby food, ready to feed baby food and others. Among all these segment milk formula is expected to contribute the major share in terms the usage of baby food packaging material. Moreover, ready to feed product is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing urbanization and rising disposable income has led the consumer to get inclined towards more convenient product which is supporting the growth of ready to feed baby product market. Thus is expected to simultaneously support the growth of baby food packaging material market across the globe.On the basis of geography, Europe is expected to contribute to the highest in terms of market share in baby food packaging product market. Moreover Latin America is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. In Latin America Brazil is expected to contribute the major share in terms of revenue. Increased demand of baby food products especially prepared baby food across the country is expected to support the demand of baby food packaging product market within next five to six years. Whereas, Asia pacific is concerned it is expected to register a healthy double digit growth by 2020. In Asia pacific region China is expected to be the most dominant market for baby food packaging product market followed by Japan and India. Increasing awareness regarding the nutritional benefits for packaged baby food product is predicted to drive the growth of baby food packaging product market across the region. Moreover, rising demand for convenience baby edible products due to increased number of working women is predicted to drive the growth of baby food packaging product market in Asia Pacific region.Rising disposable income coupled with increased number of working mother has raised the demand of baby food which is expected to support the growth of baby food packaging material across the globe. However, packaging manufacturers need to consider food perishability, which is expected to restrict selection of packaging material, and thus predicted to restraints the overall market growth.Request to view table of content @Some of the major player operating in baby food packaging material market includes Prolamina Packaging, Tetra Laval, RPC Group, Silgan Holdings, Rexam PLC, CAN-PACK S.A, Winpak 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: Healthcare Master Data Management Market Volume Forecast and Value Chain Analysis 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2411 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2411 www.futuremarketinsights.com Information Technology has revolutionised every industry and brought about substantial changes. It has made the world more interconnected, interdependent and increased the volume of data to be processed enormously. However, if the data is compromised by way of a leak or hack, it can also have devastating consequences. This is particularly true in medical healthcare and thus, there is a focus on the healthcare Master Data Management market. MDM is the processes, policies, and tools that allow an organisation to define and manage its critical data, leading to a single point of reference. The healthcare master data management market is a major component of MDM. Medical healthcare facilities need to keep critical records of their patients health and security. Any lapse by way of administering an inadequate or incorrect dosage could even lead to death. It is vital for organisations to keep accurate, up-to-date records of their patients to avoid mistakes that could lead to reputational as well as financial harm to the organisation. Master data in healthcare is mainly divided into identifying data like the patient, provider or location and reference data i.e. linkable vocabulary like LOINC, RxNorm, ICD, SNOMED, etc.Healthcare Master Data Management Market DriversThere are three drivers of the healthcare master data management market mergers & acquisitions (M&A), Health Information Exchange (HIE) and Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). In todays globalised world, M&As have become commonplace and this also holds true for the medical industry. National boundaries have become irrelevant and healthcare institutions can go in for M&As for the same reasons as other organisations. It is very rare for two medical institutions to have the same type of data management techniques & each will have its own master data. MDM is crucial to helping the two entities organise, manage and then merge the healthcare data. There is also a great deal of interaction & information exchange between hospitals worldwide now. It may be for a second opinion, diagnoses or patient reassurance. To successfully exchange information across different locations, HIEs need to have reconciled the master data file. The last major driver of the healthcare master data management market is ACOs. They are a group of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers who provide medical assistance to their Medicare patients voluntarily. It neednt be mentioned that they would all have different data organisation & management methods, hence they would need to look at the healthcare master data management market.Request For Sample@Healthcare Master Data Management Market RestraintsSome of the restraints constraining the growth of the healthcare master data management market are data ownership, multiple sources of data, lack of true integration between clinical & administrative apps & lack of analytical talent. Autonomous clinics have largely funded their own data management systems to the exclusion of the entire healthcare system. With increasing M&As in the industry, this issue has only been compounded recently. While patients have the right to their healthcare data, the question of who owns the data continues to linger. A second challenge is the sheer volume of data. Not only is it in individual organisation departments, some data might also be in a proprietary format like Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS). This might be controlled by an external source, making it difficult to extract or claim. Many healthcare institutions struggle to understand modern technology like healthcare payments, coding, reimbursements or other data. Integrating it for decision-making is another challenge entirely! Another major challenge for the healthcare master data management market is the lack of analytical talent. Healthcare providers struggle to find the right experts to help them exploit their databases to the fullest. There is a massive shortage of data scientists, especially in healthcare, who can use big data techniques to optimise healthcare records.Healthcare Master Data Management Market Key RegionsThe largest healthcare master data management market at present is the U.S. It is also expected to grow at the highest rate due to legislation like the Affordable Care Act, EHR adoption, and government focus on customised medicine, healthcare management and hospital reimbursement. Key Asian markets are China, India, Japan and Korea.Request For TOC@Healthcare Master Data Management Market Key Market PlayersSome of the companies competing in the healthcare master data management market are IBM Corporation, Cerner Corporation, Verisk Analytics, Allscripts Health Solutions and Health Catalyst.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: Learn details of the Advances in Wireless Charging Market Forecast and Segments, 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-66 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-66 www.futuremarketinsights.com Wireless charging is the process of recharging batteries of electrical devices without using physically connected electric cables. The communication between transmitter (power source) and receiver (device) is generally by microwave or electromagnetic induction. With the emergence of wireless chargeable devices, the need to carry multiple chargers for various devices will become obsolete. Chargeable devices such as mobile phones, and tablets need to be handier. Wireless charging technologies are revolutionizing the current electronic devices market to meet the demand for more efficient, standardized,safe and portable power recharging options.Wireless charging is more applicable to charge smartphones, tablets and other small handheld devices and wearable technologies. The obvious benefits associated with the use of wireless charging includes efficiency of handling, protection from electric shocks, safe charging option for devices that need to be waterproof, no need formaintenance of charging cables and associated sockets. On the other hand, wireless charging technology is comparatively less efficient, slow, and expensive. Most devices also radiate heat during the charging process.Request For Report Sample@The global wireless charging market recently reported its development, due to continuous updation in phones. The demand for sealed devices, increasing demand for powerfor devices and inconvenience associated with carrying multiple chargers are the key drivers behind growth of wireless charging technologies. The key restrains behind wireless charging are lack of standardization and expensive infrastructure to pursue technological developments.Many advanced products are still in experimental phase but on the other hand these products have a bright future opportunity.Wireless charging can be broadly categorized into two types depending upon proximity of distance between transmitter and receiverand range of devices. Further, these two types can be sub-segmented into six sub categories such as radio charging, inductive charging and resonance charging are included under proximity of distance between transmitter and receiver and high range, mid-range and low range are included under range of devices. On the basis of application,the global wireless charging market is segmented intoconsumer electronics, medical healthcare, automobile & aerospace, defence and industrial automation. On the basis of geographical target market, itis segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Middle East & Africa.Companies engagedin the development of wireless charging technologies are in the process of resolving compatibility issues associated with charger and charging points. Manufacturers of different handheld devices, prominently HTC, Nokia and LG, are already in the process of manufacturing wireless chargeable smartphones and tablets. The market experts are focusing on the development of standard wireless charging technology, which will be commonly useful for the advanced devices of various applications such as medical, and semiconductors.Request For TOC@Some of the global key players in the wireless charging market include Convenient Power HK Ltd., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Integrated Device Technology, Inc., Texas Instruments, Inc., Duracell Powermat, Oregon Scientific, WiTricity Corporation and Energizer Holdings, Inc.Most of these companies are interested to enter into the wireless charging market with the plan to establish a brand name. The wireless charging market of North America appears to be comparatively mature than Asian market, in terms of infrastructural development. Countries with lower GDP may face economic issues to generate the demand.High price is one of the major challenges of this market and it should be taken care of.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: Redispersible Latex Powder Market to Witness an Outstanding Growth by 2026 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13408 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/13408 Redispersible latex powder are organic polymer powder obtained through the spray drying of aqueous emulsions. Dispersion powder help improve the properties and performance of cement or dry mix powder. Redispersible latex powder combine the benefit of liquid latex modifiers with the convenience, reliability, and handling or storing advantage of one component dry mix system. The high performance redispersible latex are used in wide range of application as blender and additives to influence workability, strength development and many other application specific properties. Redispersible latex offers variety of features such as improved workability, improved open time, and abrasion resistance. Multipurpose application of redispersible latex powder is expected to expand significant during the forecast period. Redispersible latex powder are polymer emulsions that are converted by spray drying to free flowing powder. These powder redisperse back into liquid emulsions with essentially identical properties to the original emulsions when blended with water. The demand for redispersible latex powder is increasing due to its benefits in construction industry because of its application as strong strength development of the mortar, better water retention and workability, higher flexural strength and flexibility and strong impact.Redispersible latex powder is a free flowing, white powder obtained drying of aqueous vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer dispersion. It is usually in diverse construction chemical application such as external thermal insulation composite system. Redispersible latex powder is an important additive in cement based or gypsum based dry powder. The demand is booting the growth of redispersible latex powders owing to its properties such as medium hard, improved water resistance, highly recommended for cement based plasters. The global demand for redispersible latex powders is expected to create significant CAGR during the forecast period. The chemical industry is trying to form a regulation that will set the standard for a chemical that is used in each and every product. The rising demand for cement-based plasters has led to a significant surge in the valuation of global redispersible latex powders market in the near future. Going further, the advent of combine the performance benefits of redispersible latex powders is likely to create opportunities for the market growth in coming years.The global redispersible latex powder can be segmented on the basis of type, application and region. On the basis of type redispersible latex powders can be segmented to vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) copolymers, vinyl acetate/vinyl ester of versatic acid (VAE-VeoVa) copolymers, styrene butadiene, and acrylic powder. On the basis application redispersible latex powders can be segmented to cement plasters, self-leveling underlayments, and gypsum setting compounds, repair mortars, and ceramic tile adhesives. Among application ceramic tile adhesives is expected dominate the overall redispersible latex powder worldwide.The redispersible latex powder is segmented into five region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Europe and North America market emerge dominate for redispersible latex powder owing increasing application of redispeesible latex powder such as external thermal insulation, composite systems, construction and tile adhesive. Asia Pacific have significant high market share of redispersible latex powders market due to increase in urbanization and modernization therefore consumption of redispersible latex power is rapidly increasing in this region. The increasing demand of innovative material is driving the market of redispersible latex powders market worldwide. The counties such as china and India are emerging market for the redispersible latex powders due to increasing manufacturing and construction business in this region.Request to view Table of content @Few market players of redispersible latex powder are Akzo Nobel, Wacker Chemie AG, Wacker Polymers, Hexion, BASF SE, Construction Chemicals Div., Acquos, The Dow Chemical Company, Yil-Long Chemical Group Ltd, Dairen Chemical Corporation, Dinova Pvt. Ltd, BCD Rohstoffe fur Bauchemie HandelsGmbH, Synthomer Ltd, Nippon Gohsei, Bosson Chemical, F.A.R. Fabbrica Adesivi Resine S.p.A, Synthomer Ltd.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.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Cellulosic Thickeners Market Estimated to Flourish by 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13432 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/13432 Cellulosic thickeners is a hydrophilic white powder in pure form, which dissolves in cold water, forming a clear viscous solution or gel. Cellulosic thickeners are used extensively in wide range of applications such as biodegradability, lack of toxicity, and abundant raw material. Cellulose thickeners are also named as cellulose gum, which are used as emulsifiers, suspending agents and thickeners in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Cellulosic thickeners are also used in chromatography as stabilizers for reagents and in therapeutics as bulk laxative with antacid properties. Cellulosic thickeners are also added to hair shampoo, liquid shop, and toothpaste in order to create their characteristic thick consistency. Cellulosic thickeners can be engaged as a mild glue which can be washed away with water. The increasing application of cellulosic thickener is driving the overall global cellulosic thickeners market to grow at significant CAGR in near future.The cellulose thickeners are used in various application such as pharmaceuticals, as a lubricant in eye drops and in oil & gas industry as an ingredient of drilling mud. Cellulosic thickeners, in the form of HPMC, MC, HEMC, is an odorless and tasteless white powder and also used as cellulose, Which can be obtained from wood or cotton in a water insoluble natural polymer. Cellulose after adding in specific material, enhances the properties of that material. Now a days cellulose thickeners are widely used in surgical and dental implants. Cellulose films are used as temporary substitute for human skin in case of burns, ulcers, and decubitus. Other new applications of cellulose thickeners are to maintain tackiness in food, cosmetics, etc., as a nonwoven fabric or paper for old document repair, as food additives and others. The growing demand of cellulosic thickener in such wide range of applications are fueling the growth of cellulosic thickener. Development of new derivatives and new applications of cellulose is expected to create raw material scarcity for the production of cellulosic thickeners. This scarcity of raw materials may hamper the market growth. Development of new applications in pharmaceutical and medicine field is expected to provide opportunities for the players in cellulose thickeners market.The global cellulosic thickeners market can be segmented on the basis of thickeners agent type, application and region basis. On the basis of thickeners agent types, the cellulosic thickener can be segmented by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and other cellulosic thickeners. on the basis of application cellulosic thickener can be further segmented into cosmetic & personal care, toiletries & household, paints & coatings, paper & paperboard, food & beverage, pharmaceutical & others(ceramic, construction, adhesive). On the basis of region, cellulosic thickeners can be segmented, North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia pacific and the Middle East & Africa.The cellulosic thickeners are segmented among five regions Europe, North America, Asia pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe are mature markets consequently innovation in the product line is expected to be the key strategy for the market players in this region. Asia pacific is the largest shareholder of global cellulosic thickeners market due to increasing rate of industrialization in this region. The increasing application of cellulose thickener in cosmetic industries as well as other industry is driving the market of cellulosic thickeners market worldwide. Cellulosic thickeners are expected moderate growth in region such as Middle East & Africa Market. Countries like China and India are emerging market for the cellulosic thickeners due to increasing manufacturing unit.Request to view Table of content @The global key vendors of cellulosic thickeners are Dow Chemical Company, DuPont (EI) de Nemours, Cabot Corporation, Croda International plc, FMC Corporation, Imperial Chemical Industries, International Paper Company, Kraft Foods Incorporated, Rhodia SA, TIC Gums Incorporated, Goodman Fielder Limited, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Ciba Specialty Chemicals Incorporated.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.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Budesonide Market Headed for Growth and Expansion by 2026 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13456 www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/13456 With the change in climate and environment, seasonal asthma has become main cause of respiratory ailments. Budesonide is used to control and prevent symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. Budesonide belongs to a class of drugs named as corticosteroids. It works directly to the lungs to make breathing easier by reducing the irritation and swelling of the airways. Budesonide sold under the brand name pulmicort among others, is a steroid medication. It is available as an inhaler, pill, nasal spray, and rectal. The inhaled form is used in long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulmicort respules is meant only for inhalation by compressed air-driven jet nebulizer. Budesonide is used to avert difficulty while breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing caused by asthma. Budesonide powder for oral inhalation is used in adults and children; 6 years of age and older. Budesonide suspension for oral inhalation is also used in children 12 months to 8 years of age. It comes as powder to inhale by mouth using an inhaler and as a suspension to inhale by mouth using a special jet nebulizer. Budesonide helps to prevent asthma attacks and shortness of breath. Each budesonide inhaler is designed to provide 60 to 120 inhalations, depending on its size. Budesonide is a glucocorticoid used in management of asthma, the treatment of various skin disorder, and allergic rhinitis. Budesonide is provided as a mixture of two epimers (22R and 22S). The extended release oral tablet, marketed as uceris got approved by FDA for the management of ulcerative colitis. The global demand for budesonide is expected substantial growth over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Budesonide is appropriate to the course of medication called corticosteroids. Budesonide, an adrenocortical hormone, was developed by AstraZeneca in the 1990s. It is mainly used for the treatment of non-budesonide glucocorticoid-dependent or glucocorticoid. In June 1997, budesonide aerosol got approved by FDA. In recent years, the increasing rate of air pollution will increase asthma and other breathing problem. It is estimated that, with the steady growth in asthma, demand for budesonide will be boosted. Budesonide is used to treat mild to moderate crohn's disease. Budesonide is generic name of a prescription drug sold under the brand names entocortec, uceris, pulmicort, pulmicort flexhaler, pulmicort respules, and rhinocort. It's also one of the drugs found in the inhaler symbicort, used to treat COPD and asthma. Budesonide is expected to grow at significant CAGR in near future.The global demand of global budesonide can be segmented on the basis of product type, application and region basis. On the basis of product type budesonide market can be segmented as aerosol, sprays, inhalants, and suspension, pill&rectal forms. On the basis application budesonide market is segmented to hospital, pharmacy, clinic and others. On the basis of region, budesonide market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa.Asia pacific have significant high market share in budesonide market as compared to others owing to increasing population as well as increasing pollution issue in this region especially in the countries such as India and China. China is expected to dominate budesonide market in the near future. The market size of budesonide in Asia Pacific is expected to keep growing in next few years. The North America is expected to Experience significant growth in coming years following Europe. Latin America and Middle East & Africa is projected to experience stagnant growth rate during the forecast period.Request to view Table of content @Few market players in global budesonide are Pfizer, Sandoz, Cipla, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Takeda, Manus Aktteva Biopharma LLP, Abbott, Lunan Better Pharmaceutical, Novartis, Mylan, Novartis, Skyepharma, AstraZeneca AB, Wellcome Australia Ltd, AstraZeneca plc, AstraZeneca Australia, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A, Orion Corporation, Santarus, Synmosa Biopharma Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.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 Lead Acid Battery Market Poised to Hit US$ 31,708.4 Million by 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-430 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-430 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights, in its latest report titled,Lead Acid Battery Market: Asia Pacific, Latin America, Japan, Middle East & Africa Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020, states that the target regions lead acid battery market accounted for US$ 24,210.5 Million in 2014, and is expected to reach US$ 31,708.4 Million at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific, which accounted for the major chunk in the target regions lead acid battery market, is expected to expand at an estimated CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.By application type, the target regions lead acid battery market is segmented as transportation, stationary industrial, motive industrial, commercial, residential, and grid storage. Transportation and stationary industrial collectively contributed to around 82.4% of market revenue in 2014. Transportation was the largest end-use application in the target regions lead acid battery market in 2014, and is anticipated to continue its dominance through 2020. Stationary industrial is the second largest contributor to the target regions lead acid battery market, and is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.The report finds that grid storage is one of the smallest end-use application segments in the target regions lead acid battery market, but is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.Request For Sample@Lead acid batteries are predominantly used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and two wheelers. In addition to that, demand for lead acid battery has also surged due to the increasing adoption of UPS, owing to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Adoption of grid storage technology in developing countries such as India and China is expected to fuel the target regions lead acid battery market. In addition to that, an increase in the demand for electric vehicles is expected to further accelerate the expansion of the lead acid battery market globally.Moreover, key challenges in the lead acid battery market are raw material price volatility and stringent emission regulations. Lead is the essential raw material used in the manufacturing of lead acid batteries. Lead prices account for approximately 49% of the overall cost of the lead acid batteries. Any fluctuations in lead prices affect the overall profitability of lead acid battery manufacturers.Region-wise, Asia Pacific is the largest contributor in the target regions lead acid battery market, and is expected to continue its dominance till 2020. Currently, the Asia Pacific lead acid battery market is valued at US$ 15,995 Million and is expected to reach US$ 19,881 Million by 2020. Latin America and Japan are other major markets contributing 14.4% and 14.1% respectively, to the target regions lead acid battery revenue. Middle East & Africa accounted for the lowest contribution in terms of revenue in 2014, but is expected to register a significant growth at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@The degree of competition in the target regions lead acid battery market has been analysed in the report, which also presents the comparative view of the key strategies and financial outlook of major companies operating in target regions lead acid battery market. These include Johnson Controls INC, Exide Technologies, GS Yuasa Corporation, EnerSys and Yokohama Industries.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: Convenience Foods Market To Make Great Impact In Near Future by 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-96 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-96 www.futuremarketinsights.com The convenience foods market is driven by busy lifestyles and ageing population. It includes a range of processed foods that has longer shelf life and are easy to use. The major attributes that consumers look for in convenience foods are ease of use, packaging, nutritional value, safety, variety and product appeal. These are prepared by adding various preservatives at specific conditions and few of them need an efficient supply chain and storage to retain their properties. Convenience foods save time and energy for preparing food at home or hotels. Technology and innovative packaging options have widened the food choices that are available in the market in various categories such as frozen, chilled, packaged foods, etc.The market has been segmented by type as canned foods, frozen foods, ready-to-eat snacks, meals, chilled foods and others. The market can also be segmented on the basis of distribution channels into supermarkets and hypermarkets, departmental stores, mom-and-pop shops, convenience stores and others. Geographically, the market can be segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America (the U.S., Canada and Mexico), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & North Africa and RoW (Rest of the World, including Latin America and South Africa).Request For Report Sample@With more women in the workforce, the demand for convenience foods is rising, primarily in emerging economies. The rapid growth of the food service industry in large number of developing markets is also expected to fuel the demand of packaged ready-to-eat snacks such as potato fries, bakery products and meat products. However, lack of proper storage and logistics is a threat to the frozen and chilled category of convenience foods in developing countries. There are stringent regulations on labelling and manufacturing of convenience foods in both developed and developing nations. One of the major drivers for convenience foods industry growth is widened distribution channels and tendency of consumers to buy off-the-shelf especially in emerging markets of BRICS and MENA.The U.S. is the largest market for convenience foods in the world and the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Latin America would fuel the future growth of the same. The U.S. will remain a strategic market for convenience food processors in the forecast period due to declining trend towards away-from-home dining and at-home cooking. There is a rising demand for meal solutions/ready-to-eat meals that can be prepared in two-step cooking. For instance, in December 2013, ConAgra Foods launched 23 new varieties of quality meals and desserts in Bertolli and P.F. Changs brands to enhance consumers at-home dining experience with convenience. In addition, consumers are looking for meals with foraged, hyper-local ingredients with different flavours and blends such as mushrooms, nettles, blackberries, rose hips, seaweeds, truffles, etc.The global convenience foods market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR from 20142020. Some of the emerging markets may even experience a double-digit growth rate through the forecast period in significant categories.Large multinational corporations follow multiple strategies to develop and penetrate the market for convenience foods in different regions. However, providing products that match local consumer taste is of utmost importance. Pricing is another important factor for convenience foods, however nowadays, consumers are ready to pay a premium price if they get to buy quality convenience foods with health benefits. Some of the common strategies that companies have adopted in recent times are portion controlled packaging, in-store promotions, mergers & acquisitions and health claims in labels. There is a growing trend towards healthy convenience foods that are rich in proteins, functional fibres, vitamins, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acid. For this, many market leaders are integrating their operations by acquiring ingredient manufacturers to increase their technical know-how. Availability of customized food ingredients has become a boon for convenience food manufacturers as they can provide large varieties in each category.Request For TOC@Some of the key companies manufacturing and distributing convenience foods are Amy's Kitchen, Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, ConAgra Foods, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Mondel?z International, Inc. and Kraft Foods Group 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: MOSCOW, March 2 (Reuters) - The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday accused the opposition High Negotiations Committee of sabotaging Syrian peace talks in Geneva, the RIA news agency reported. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow was wondering whether the HNC was capable of doing a peace deal, RIA said. (Reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Writing by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Andrew Osborn) Food Grade Lubricants Market Analysis and Value Forecast Snapshot by End-use Industry 2014-2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-98 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-98 www.futuremarketinsights.com Food grade lubricants refer to lubricants that are used to maintain the food processing machinery, i.e. it protects the tools and machines from wear and tear. However, since many of them come into direct contact with food, these lubricants used in these machineries need to be different from the usual machine lubricants. In other words, they should not render the food unfit for consumption. With recent advances in the food processing industry, there is now much variety in the machinery used to process each food/beverage category. With growing concern over the food we eat, food processors need to comply with various regulatory frameworks like the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP). The standards vary from country to country. However, these are internationally accepted standards which are followed by food grade lubricant manufacturers. For instance, the non-profit public health and safety company, NSF International, along with USDA, has set standards for various food grade lubricants.These days, food safety is the highest priority for the food processors, and they take utmost care to maintain the same. H1 and H2 are the two most common broad spectrum food grade lubricants that are used in machinery involving incidental food contact and no food contact respectively. However, with the drive to produce innovative products in the food processing industry, the demand for customised and high performance food grade lubricants is expected to swell in near future. Food grade lubricants range from hydraulic fluids, oven chain oils, gear oils, compressor oils and vacuum pump oils to specialty lubricants such as can seamer oil. Different processes require different grades of oil. For instance, H3 (soluble oil) is used to prevent rust on trolleys, hooks and similar equipment whereas 3H release agents are used on chopping boards, cutters, grills, loaf pans, boning benches and other such hard surfaces.Request For Report Sample@Cutting edge equipment technology has always been the driver of the processed food industry and vice-versa. The demand for food grade lubricants is increasing with the increase in the size of the processed food industry worldwide, as well as proliferating food safety laws. All the major companies adhere to food safety laws in order to avoid product recalls and penalty fees. The trend is more prominent in developed countries such as the U.S., U.K, Canada, Norway, Germany, France and Italy. These countries, along with other developed countries, are expected to remain the main target market during the forecast period. Developing countries such as China, Brazil, India and South Africa are expected to grow at a slower rate with regard to food grade lubricants.The market can be segmented by type into H1 lubricants, H2 lubricants, 3H (releasing agents), H3 (soluble oils) and others. Geographically, the market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and the Rest of the World (Latin America and South Africa). These lubricants are used in bakeries, the beverage industry, meat processing, pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and fruit and vegetable processing.The largest market by type worldwide is that of H1 food grade grease which can be used in variety of processes. It can be either petroleum based or synthetic in composition. Aluminium complex thickened grease is the most common and widely used lubricant as it can withstand high temperatures, is very water resistant, and is an important component in food & beverage processing equipment because of post shift equipment wash downs.Currently, North America is the largest market for food grade lubricants as USDA (The United States Department of Agriculture) has laid down stringent food safety laws for food processors. However, countries like India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and Brazil are potential growth drivers as a large number of American companies have set up manufacturing units in these emerging markets. The European market is relatively less regulated in food grade lubricants and lacks proper laws pertaining to the same.Request For TOC@Some of the players of the food grade lubricant market are ITW ROCOL, Bel-Ray Company LLC, Lubriplate Lubricants Company, Schaeffer Manufacturing Co. and Suncor Energy Inc. among others.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: Biostimulants Market Poised to Account for US$ 4,109.5 Mn By 2025 End http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-354 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-354 www.futuremarketinsights.com Demand for biostimulants is expected to surpass US$ 4 billion in revenues, according to a new research report by Future Market Insights (FMI). The report titled, Biostimulants Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025 forecasts the demand for biostimulants to expand at a CAGR of nearly 11% through 2025.Biostimulants are finding increasing application in the agriculture sector owing to their environmentally-friendly and organic nature. Rising food demand is putting pressure on land and focus has shifted to enhancing the yield per hectare.Governments around the world are speeding up efforts to boost agricultural production. Use of biostimulants is being encouraged to improve the overall output, and this is expected to fuel demand in the near future, said the FMI analyst who compiled the report.Although FMI expects the demand for biostimulants to expand at a robust pace during the forecast period 2015-2025, certain factors can impede growth. Lack of standardisation and slow pace of innovation are the key restraining factors for the global biostimulants market.Foliar Dominant Application Segment for BiostimulantsBiostimulants are used in foliar, seed, and soil; among these, use of biostimulants is highest in the foliar segment, accounting for nearly one-third market share in 2014. On the basis of crop type, use of biostimulants is predominant in row crops, and fruits and vegetables. Application of biostimulants in turf and ornamental is at a nascent stage currently. FMI forecasts the turf and ornamental segment to expand at a CAGR of over 6% during 2015-2025.Strong Demand for Acid-Based BiostimulantsDemand for acid-based biostimulants is higher than acid-based- and extract-based biostimulants, owing to easy availability of raw materials and higher efficiency. Biostimulants containing Vitamin B, chitin and chitosan are expected to gain traction during the forecast period.Request For Sample@Western Europe Most Lucrative MarketWestern Europe is the largest market for biostimulants, accounting for over 30% market value share in 2014. Focus on enhancing yield per hectare coupled with government support are the key factors propelling the growth of the market in the region.Asia Pacific Excluding Japan is emerging as a lucrative market for biostimulants. The agriculture sector in the region is witnessing a shift from traditional farming practices to use of technology and additives, owing to which biostimulants are expected to gain traction in the next decade.Acadian Seaplants Limited, Biostadt India Limited, Omex Agrifluids Ltd., Italpollina Spa, Koppert B.V., BioAtlantis Ltd., Micromix Plant Health Limited, Trade Corporation International, Valagro S.p.A, Isagro S.p.A, Platform Specialty Products Corporation, BASF SE, Novozymes A/S, Agrinos A/S and The Dow Chemical Company.Segmentation of the global biostimulants market:By ApplicationFoliarSoilSeedBy Crop TypeRowFruits & vegetablesTurf & ornamentalOther cropsBy Active Ingredient TypeAcid-basedExtract-basedOthersBy GeographyWestern EuropeEU-5 CountriesNordicBENELUXRest of Western EuropeNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaAsia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ)ChinaIndiaASEANOceaniaRest of APEJSend An Enquiry@Latin AmericaArgentinaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaEastern EuropePolandRussiaRest of Eastern EuropeMiddle East and AfricaGCCSouth AfricaTurkeyRest of Middle East and AfricaJapanABOUT 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: Antimicrobial Additives Market Value to Increase US$ 16.2 Bn by 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-94 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-94 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the Global Antimicrobial Additives Market in its upcoming report titled Antimicrobial Additives Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 20152025.The global antimicrobial additives market is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period due to various factors, regarding which FMI offers vital insights in detail in its report.The benefits offered by antimicrobial products include quality enhancement of equipment/materials in terms of resistance towards microbial growth, improved product performance, and durability. Preference towards hygieneic and disposable products and increasing health awareness are other key factors fuelling demand.Some antimicrobial additives are hazardous to the environment when disposed. Research initiatives by environmental institutions suggest that anti-bacterial chemicals constitute a significant portion of soil and water contaminants. The issue of safe disposal and harmful effects of these additives on the eco-system is identified as a restraining factor for the growth of the global antimicrobial additives market.Use of antimicrobial additives in healthcare products, such as medical devices and disposable hygiene products is identified as one of the key trends in the market. Stringent environment regulations have prompted antimicrobial additives manufacturers to innovate and launch new compositions in order to meet the safe disposal and anti-bacterial properties criterion.Request For Sample@On the basis of applications, the antimicrobial additives market is segmented into paints and coatings, inks, paper, plastics, fabric/textile, silicone and rubber, and other applications. On the basis of the end use industry, the antimicrobial additives market is segmented into building and construction, healthcare, automotive, electronics, food and beverages and other end-use industries. On the basis of regions, the global antimicrobial additives market is segmented into seven key regions, including Asia Pacific, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa and Japan.As of 2014, the plastics application was the largest segment in the global antimicrobial additives market, followed by paints and coatings, and textile. The plastics application segment is projected to remain the largest segment throughout the forecast period, corresponding to incremental $ opportunity of US$ 2,954 Mn between 2015 and 2025.As of 2014, food and beverages was the largest end-use industry segment in the global antimicrobial additives market, followed by healthcare. Both these segments are expected to offer similar incremental $ opportunity for the antimicrobial additive manufacturers during the forecast period.As of 2014, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) accounted for the largest market value share of the global antimicrobial additives market, followed by Western Europe, North America and other regions. Developing regions including APEJ, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa collectively accounted for more than 50% share of the overall market in 2014 and are further expected to gain market share by 2025. The BRICS antimicrobial additives market is projected to account for a significant share of the overall market by the end of forecast period and is anticipated to expand at a promising CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@Some of the key players in the antimicrobial additives market that have been covered in this study include AkzoNobel N.V., BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Sanitized AG, SteriTouch Ltd., BioCote Ltd., Life Material Technologies Ltd., Momentive Performance Material Inc., Clariant Chemicals India Ltd. and Nanobiomatters Industries S.L.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: Infant Incubator Market : New Tech Developments And Advancements To Watch Out For 2024!! http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20393 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/infant-incubator-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Infant incubator is a device that is used to provide a controlled environment with the essential levels of warmth, humidity, and oxygen required by a newborn. The incubator unit is composed of a soft mattress, which is covered by a plastic cover, and is usually in the form of a trolley. It protects the infant from dust, noise, infection, and excess handling, providing a clean environment. In the incubator chamber, a temperature sensor adjusts the heat and maintains constant temperature for the infant. Furthermore, there is a humidification system and electric heating system in the incubator chamber to maintain humidity and to circulate humid air. These devices are essential to regulate the temperature for preterm infants as their normal metabolic rate is lower, leading to reduced heat production.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :The market for infant incubators is anticipated to grow owing to its various advantages enabling the well-being of newborns. The advent of infant incubators has enhanced the survival rate of preterm infants and has reduced the neonatal hypothermia. This factor contributes to the growth of the infant incubators market. In addition, the growing rate of preterm birth is likely to propel the growth of the market. According to the WHO, the number of premature child births is more than 15 million every year and is anticipated to increase over the years. However, high cost of these devices, availability of alternate modes such as infant warmers, and inadequacy of these devices in the developing regions are expected to restraint the market growth. In addition, the incubators limit the infants access to medical care, which might have a negative impact on the growth of the infant incubator market.Infant incubators can be classified as closed care infant warming devices. The global infant incubator market can be classified on the basis of product, end-user, and geography. On the basis of product, the market can be segmented into transport incubator and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubator. The NICU incubators are anticipated to record a strong growth in the market. On the basis of end-user, the market can be segmented into pediatric hospitals, birthing centers, and neonatal intensive care units.Geographically, the global infant incubator market is distributed over North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is anticipated to record a high market share of the market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing number of premature term babies and well-developed health care infrastructure. Europe is anticipated to be the second leading region in the infant incubator market. It is observed that the number of premature child births in Italy is more than 7% and is anticipated to increase over the years, contributing to the growth of the Europe market. However, the sluggish economic environment might negatively impact the growth of the market. According to the WHO, India and China are the leading countries in terms of number of premature child birth. The Asia Pacific market is expected to record a robust CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the significant contribution from the emerging countries such as China and India.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :The major players operating in the infant incubator market include GE Healthcare, Atom Medical Corporation, Natus Medical Incorporated, Cobams srl, AVI Healthcare Private Limited, Gammer International, Fanem Ltd, Ningbo David Medical Device Co., Ltd, Novos Medical Systems, and Ardo.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.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: Bentonite Market to Expand at 5.8% CAGR through 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-348 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-348 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI), delivers key insights on the bentonite market in its latest report titled, Bentonite Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 20152025. According to the report, revenue from the global bentonite market is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Bentonite is a highly colloidal clay mineral which contains a various minerals such as feldspar, quartz, gypsum and calcite. Properties such as water swelling, absorption, hydration and viscosity broaden the application scope of bentonite across a wide range of industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals. It finds its use in the manufacture of detergents, paints pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polishes, dyes, animal feed and paper. For instance, it is used as a binding agent in the production of iron ore pellets and finds application in foundries. Also, based on application or use of finished product the mechanical and chemical properties of bentonite can be modified through various combinations and additions of raw materials.Versatility of this material is driving increasing adoption in various industries, including automobiles, construction and chemicals. Technological advancements in bentonite production and increasing demand through exports are major underlying factors anticipated to fuel growth of the Asia Pacific bentonite market between 2015 and 2025. This is forecast to offer bentonite manufacturers, distributors and product converters unprecedented opportunities in the market. Furthermore, the trend is even more pronounced in emerging economies of the world (Brazil, India, Russia and China). Healthy trade relations and government support in these regions has served to boost bentonite export-import activities.Request For Sample@Demand for bentonite is highest in North America -- the region accounting for 36.3% share of the global market in 2014. North America is expected to remain the most lucrative market for bentonite throughout the forecast period. India is projected to play an important role in this market owing to low labour and operational costs. Owing to the growth in the oil industry, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East, the drilling fluid- and clarification agent- application segments are expected to exhibit high growth rates of over 6% during the forecast period.Some of the major driving factors identified in the global bentonite market include rapid growth of the construction sector in emerging markets and Use of bentonite in treating and filtering water is also driving the growth of the market. In addition, government support to SMEs in this region is forecast to further boost growth of the market. However, stiff competition on account of substitute products and shrinking profit margin can impede the growth of the market. Increasing application of bentonite in landscaping and landfill as a geosynthetics clay liner (GCL) are the key trends in the market.On the basis of product type, the global bentonite market is segmented into calcium, sodium, and others. Key end-use application segments include sealant, binder, clarification agent, drilling fluid, and absorbent/adsorbent. Oil, food, construction, foundry, and pharmaceuticals are the key end-use industries for the bentonite market. North America is the largest market for bentonite, while Asia Pacific is the fastest growing.The report analyses the global bentonite market in terms of value (US$ Mn) and volume (000 tonnes) by region, product type, end-use application and end-use industries, and provides insightful information regarding market dynamics, value chain, competitive landscape, current trends, market estimations and forecast.Send An Enquiry@Key market participants covered in the report include Black Hills Bentonite, LLC, Halliburton Co., Kemira OYJ, Charles B Chrystal Co. Inc., Mineral Technologies Inc., Clariant AG, Alfa Aesar, Kutch Minerals, Kunimine Industries Co. Ltd., Ashapura Group of Companies and Wyo- Ben 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.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Super Absorbent Polymer Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast, 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-429 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-429 www.futuremarketinsights.com Global demand for super absorbent polymers (SAP) is set to reach 2.37 Mn tonnes by 2016, up from 2.1 Mn tonnes in 2014. Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., BASF SE, and Evonik Industries are the dominant players in the global super absorbent polymer market, with Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. holding the largest revenue share in 2014. These findings are according to a research report, titled, Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2020 by market research firm Future Market Insights (FMI).Key Players Focusing on Innovation to Gain Competitive EdgeKey stakeholders in the super absorbent polymer market are bolstering their research and development capabilities to launch innovative products in the market. For example, in November 2014, Sumitomo Seika launched Aqua Keep HP, a high-function SAP for making thin baby- and adult-diapers. BASE SE also made an announcement in November 2014 that it will invest nearly US$ 550 Mn in pioneering superabsorbent technology. Other key players including Evonik Industries and Nippon Shokubai are focusing on increasing SAP production.Disposable Diapers Largest Application Segment for Super Absorbent PolymersMajority of the global demand for super absorbent polymers is concentrated in three industries disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and female hygiene products.Request For Sample@Disposable diapers is the largest end-use application segment for super absorbent polymers, accounting for nearly one-thirds of overall demand. FMI estimates demand from disposable diapers industry to reach 1.79 Mn tonnes in 2016, up from 1.59 Mn tonnes in 2014. In terms of revenues, disposable diapers segment is expected to account for US$ 5.81 Bn in 2016.Sodium polyacrylate co-polymers Account for Highest DemandSodium polyacrylate-based super absorbent polymers are preferred over poly acrylamide, ethylene-maleic anhydride, and polyvinyl alcohol co-polymers. Of the total 2.24 Mn tonnes of super absorbent polymers consumed in 2015, sodium polyacrylate co-polymers accounted for 1.45 Mn tonnes. FMI expects demand for poly acrylamide co-polymers to witness an increase in the future owing to their high water retention and non-toxic properties.Asia Pacific Excluding Japan Most Lucrative RegionDemand for super absorbent polymers was highest in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), followed by Europe and North America.Demand for super absorbent polymers in APEJ is anticipated to reach 705 Mn tonnes by 2016, up from 666 Mn tonnes in 2015. Rising awareness levels and increase in purchasing power are the macro-economic factors driving the super absorbent polymers market in APEJ.Demand for super absorbent polymers in Europe -- the second largest market for super absorbent polymers globally is expected to reach 645 Mn tonnes in 2016. By 2020, the Europe super absorbent polymer market is anticipated to reach US$ 2.6 Bn in revenues.Send An Enquiry@The North America super absorbent polymers market was valued at 493.6 Mn tonnes in terms of volume in 2015. FMI estimates this to increase to 518 Mn tonnes by 2016. Demand for disposable diapers and other incontinence products has remained constant in North America in the past, owing to which demand for super absorbent polymers is expected to grow at a steady rate. By 2020, demand for super absorbent polymers is expected to reach 612 Mn tonnes in North America.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 trendsCONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Clear Labels Market - Increasing Demand of Clear labels from the Food and Beverage Industry To be the Key Driver http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18641 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The packaging industry globally is witnessing an impressive growth, primarily driven by the changing needs of packaging buyers, trying to serve more consumers by offering customization. The role of packaging and labelling today is not only restricted to preserve and protect the product, but rather communicate brand image and convey information to its large customer base. The format and design of labels is a key marketing tool for marketers in projecting the brand image for the products. One of the most widely used labels serving the purpose for most of the brand owners is clear labels.Get Sample Report Copy:Clear labels are of the most versatile products as they are now being used in most markets and designed in a variety of ways. Clear labels are more transparent in nature as compared to other form of labels and offer no label look, trend which is gaining traction from various end use industries, looking to offer luxury packaging for their product offerings. Clear labels give the illusion that the print is direct on the container while at the same time, they allow the consumer to have a transparent look at the contents. Clear labels are moisture resistant, making them an exceptional option for product packaging in the food & beverage industry, healthcare and homecare industry that face wet conditions. Clear labels, while growing in popularity is modern and attractive making it a clear winner for labelling of food products.Clear Labels: Market DynamicsThe demand for clear labels is anticipated to witness an above average growth over the forecast period. Clear labels are stickers that can be applied on any packaging as well as sheets and rolls, creating value addition for any business in terms of marketing and branding. Label manufactures are constantly focusing to add innovative offerings to their portfolio, striving to meet the diverse needs from large end use industries. The transparent property of clear labels makes the product visible for consumers, making the product more attractive. Clear labels takes of the pressure of creative packaging and place emphasis on natural quality and appeal which has help to boost the sales of clear labels. In addition to this, clear labels meet the regulations as it enables the inclusion of all regulatory norms and also provide clear visibility of the product its end users. Moreover, the design of clear labels to blend into the containers surface, also enhances the overall packaging for the product, and is one of the key drivers for the global clear labels market. When it comes to bottom line, printing clear labels is more economical than printing directly on the container, as it saves the total shipping cost of transporting the container to and from the printing company. Moreover, customized offering for clear labels with different matte and glossy finishes is the ongoing trend observed in the global clear labels market. Increasing demand of clear labels from the food and beverage industry is one of the key drivers of the global clear labels market. The trend to adapt transparency in packaging is gaining traction and is likely to propel the demand for clear labels in the next half of the decade. Despite growth momentum, high cost of printing on clear labels, lack of awareness amongst end users are some of the challenges faced by the global clear labels market.Clear Labels: Market SegmentationThe clear labels market is segmented on the basis of material, application and printing technology. On the basis of material type, the global clear labels market is segmented into polyester, vinyl, polycarbonate, polypropylene and others. On the basis of application, the global clear labels market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, homecare, personal care and cosmetics, consumer durables and others. Demand clear labels from food packaging application segment is anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities to the global clear labels market in terms of growth prospects. The food and beverage segment in the global clear label market is further sub-segmented into frozen food, snacks, dairy products, bakery & confectionary, microwaveable food products, others and beverages. On the basis of printing technology, the global clear label market is segmented into lithographic printing, flexographic printing, digital printing and others.Clear Label Market: Regional outlookClear label market has been segmented on the basis of region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America. Among these region, North America and Europe are expected to collectively dominate the market throughout the forecast period. However, many food and beverage companies in Asia Pacific are exploring innovative options to make the product look more attractive, positively impacting the sales of clear labels market. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness maximum CAGR over the forecast period primarily driven by China, Japan and India. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness sluggish growth and over the forecast period.Clear Label Market: Key playersSome of the players in the global clear label market are Consolidated Label Co, Hub Labels, Premier Label Company Inc, and A & S Labels Pvt Ltd.About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Worldwide Market For Energy Recovery Ventilators Is Expanding At A Phenomenal CAGR Of 11.50% Between 2016 And 2024 Projected To Cross 15.9 Mn Units Mark By 2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=996990 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=996990 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Energy Recovery Ventilators Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report covers the analysis and forecast of the energy recovery ventilators market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with forecast for the period between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (Million Units) and revenue (US$ Mn).The study provides a decisive view of the energy recovery ventilators market by segmenting it based on technology, type, application, and regional demand. Application segments have been analyzed based on current trends and future potential. The market has been estimated from 2016 to 2024 in terms of volume (Million Units) and revenue (US$ Mn). Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. These have been further sub-segmented into countries and regions with relevance to the market. The segmentation also includes demand for individual applications in all regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: Scope of the StudyThe study covers the drivers and restraints governing the dynamics of the market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes potential opportunities in the energy recovery ventilators market on the global and regional level. It encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications have been benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness for future growth.The market has been forecast based on constant currency rates. Prices of energy recovery ventilators vary in each region and are a result of the demand-supply scenario in the region. Hence, a similar volume-to-revenue ratio does not follow for each individual region. Individual pricing of energy recovery ventilators for each application has been taken into account while estimating and forecasting market revenue on a global basis. Regional average price has been considered while breaking down the market into segments in each region.The report provides the size of the energy recovery ventilators market in 2015 and the forecast for the next nine years up to 2024. The size of the global energy recovery ventilators market is provided in terms of both volume and revenue. Market volume is defined in million units, while market revenue for regions is in US$ Mn. The market size and forecast for each product segment is provided in the context of global and regional markets. Numbers provided in this report are derived based on demand generated from different applications and types of raw materials.Global Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: Research MethodologyMarket estimates for this study have been based on volume, with revenue being derived through regional pricing trends. The price for commonly utilized grades of energy recovery ventilators in each application has been considered, and customized product pricing has not been included. Demand for energy recovery ventilators has been derived by analyzing the global and regional demand for energy recovery ventilators in each application. The global energy recovery ventilators market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Market data for each segment is based on volume and corresponding revenues. Prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors, and direct selling regional producers based on manufacturers feedback.Forecasts have been based on the expected demand from energy recovery ventilators. We have used the top-down approach to estimate the global energy recovery ventilators market, split into regions. The product type split of the market has been derived using a top-down approach for each regional market separately, with the global product type segment split being an integration of regional estimates. Companies were considered for the market share analysis based on their product portfolio, revenue, and manufacturing capacity. In the absence of specific data related to the sales of energy recovery ventilators of several privately held companies, calculated assumptions have been made in view of the companys product portfolio and regional presence along with the demand for products in its portfolio.Global Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: Competitive OutlookThe report covers a detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and company profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Ltd. (Japan), Daikin industries Ltd. (Japan), United Technologies Corporation (U.S.), FUJITSU Ltd. (Japan), Nortek, Inc. (U.S.), LG Electronics (South Korea), Johnson Controls International PLC (Ireland), Blue Star Ltd. (India), Airxchange Inc. (U.S.), and Munters Corporation (Sweden).The global Energy Recovery Ventilators Market has been segmented into:Global Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: By Geography- North America- U.S.- Rest of North America- Europe- U.K.- France- Italy- Germany- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- ASEAN- Japan- Rest of Asia Pacific- Middle East and Africa (MEA)- UAE- South Africa- Rest of MEA- Latin America (LATAM)- Brazil- Rest of LATAMGlobal Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: By Technology- Plate Heat Exchange- Rotary Heat Exchange- Run Around Coil- Heat Pipe Heat Exchanger- Thermosiphon- OthersGlobal Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: By Type- Wall Mounted- Window Mounted- OthersGlobal Energy Recovery Ventilators Market: By Application- Commercial- Residential- IndustrialMake 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 @ North America Aesthetic Services Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast Research Report 2016 - 2024 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=996695 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=996695 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Aesthetic Services Market - North America Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.Growing awareness about skin rejuvenation, expanding per capita income and the shift towards minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures are the major drivers propelling the growth of North America aesthetic services market. Lifestyle changes along with changes in eating habits leads to increase in obesity, which causes accumulation of excessive fat and cholesterol, resulting in increase in body weight. Obesity is a substantial problem in America that affects large number of people. Rising incidences of obesity are increasing adoption of liposuction procedure.Liposuction was the most popular surgical aesthetic procedure performed in North America and is expected to show highest CAGR over the forecast period. Among non-surgical services segment, dermal fillers segment is anticipated to show high CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period due to growth in popularity of combination treatments for dermal fillers and their rise in adoption among customers, increase in the demand for the Botulinum Toxin by the ageing population and the high influence of celebrity looks driving the demand for dermal fillers segment.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @North America Aesthetic Services Market: Research MethodologyThe report is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts, with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mail. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various national and international databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ Mn for each segment for the period from 2016 to 2024, considering the macro and micro-environmental factors. Growth rates for each segment within the aesthetic services market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments and reimbursement scenario.The market overview section of the report includes qualitative analysis of the overall aesthetic services market including the determining factors and market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, market trends and opportunities, along with potential customer analysis, PEST analysis, top five services by countries, supply demand analysis and market entry opportunity analysis. In addition, market attractiveness analysis by country, services type and end-user along with strategies adopted by key players have been provided which explain the intensity of competition in the market considering different geographical locations. The competitive scenario between market players has been evaluated through market share analysis. These factors would help the market players take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and increase their shares in the market. Pricing of services offered holds a crucial part of the report, which further describes the cost applicable to customer in both countries.North America Aesthetic Services Market: SegmentationBased on the end user, Dermatology clinics and cosmetic centers is the most attractive end-user segment of the aesthetic services market. The segment is projected to register a CAGR of 8.6% from 2016 to 2024. Ambulatory Surgery Centers is expected to be the next most lucrative End-user segment and anticipated to expand at the rate of 7.3% during the forecast period. ASCs are the preferred settings for aesthetic treatments, especially facial and scar treatments.Geographically, North America aesthetic services market has been categorized into The U.S. and Canada. The U.S. was the most attractive market in 2015. The U.S. accounted for 95% share of the North America aesthetic services market in 2015 and is projected to expand at CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period of 2016-2024. Rising awareness and adoption of various aesthetic services, growing health care infrastructure, rising incidence of skin disorders are anticipated to boost the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period. Further increasing demand for aesthetic treatments among the male population and availability of user friendly aesthetic devices are the key factors fuelling the growth of aesthetics services market in near future.North America Aesthetic Services Market: Competitive OutlookMajor aesthetic service providers operating in North America aesthetic services market are Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology solutions group, The Plastic Surgery Clinic, Cosmetic & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinic Toronto, The MedSpa Southwest Plastic Surgery, Riverside Plastic Surgery, Marina Plastic Surgery, DCDermDocs, Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery.North America Aesthetic services Market, by Services Type- Surgical Services- Skin Tightening and Body Contouring- Facial contouring- Facial rejuvenation- Others- Non-Surgical Services- Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion- Dermal Fillers- Botox- Dermal Fillers- Other- Laser treatment- Scar Treatment- Tattoo Removal- Hair Removal- Others- Reconstructive Procedures- Breast Enhancement- Tissue expansion- Burn repair surgery- OthersNorth America Aesthetic services Market, by End-user- Hospitals- Dermatology Clinics and Cosmetic Centers- Ambulatory Surgery CentersNorth America Aesthetic services Market, by Region- North America- The U.S.- CanadaMake 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 @ Good Growth Opportunities in Global Logistics Outsourcing Market Till 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-125 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-125 www.futuremarketinsights.com Logistics outsourcing, most commonly known as third-party logistics is a process or operation of sub-contracting industrial functions like cross-docking, inventory keeping, warehousing and transportation to a third party or supply chain management provider. Third party logistics providers include raw material suppliers, distributors and other value-added service providers. These services are generally integrated and used together to provide end-user convenience. The decision for outsourcing logistics by a parent company is generally dependent on company size, complication of logistics and relative economic benefits of outsourcing.Logistics outsourcing includes contracting of material management, supply chain management, distribution management, shipment packaging and channel management. E-business web portals and stores are in extensive need of on-clock dispatch and delivery services offered by outsourced logistics providers. The advantages associated with the logistics outsourcing market are improvement of suppliers capability due to the use of information technology, specialization of operation, focus on core competencies and uniform growth. However, lack of monitoring control over logistics and risks associated with vendor reliability are some of the drawbacks of this market.Request For Report Sample@Regions across the globe with an attractive logistics outsourcing market, in terms of contract logistics, include North America and Southeast Asia. RoW (Rest of the World) is showing growth in inter-regional logistics. Major factors driving the development of logistics outsourcing market are globalization, time-proportional economy, presence of virtual organizations, improved customer awareness, strategic concerns to achieve more flexibility and better IT infrastructural support. On the other hand, loss of logistics, poor transportation, local protection regulations and lack of post-outsourcing measurements are some of the factors hampering growth of this market.The global logistics outsourcing market is segmented on the basis of service type, transport media used and geography. The market can vary in service type as simple service, combined service, consulting service and value-added service. On the basis of transport media used to handle logistics, it can be classified into air freight, ocean carriers, railways and trucking. The market can be categorised on the basis of geography into North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa.Globalized product availability, demand for product individualization in terms of logistics, on-time delivery, just-in-time inventory, agility in time response transport, big data analytics and atomization of shipment are some of the global market trends guided by technological innovations like remote tracking and monitoring using RFID tags and EDI-based location of the shipment. Analytics based on big data is providing better accuracy of frequency of tasks and decision-making capabilities. There is a continuous insourcing trend by online retailers (like Amazon.com) for inventory so as to be more cost-effective and unified in terms of operations, and to emphasize on outsourcing for end-product transportation services only. These technological up gradations continuously enhance services provided by outsourced logistics providers.Request For TOC@Exel Logistics (U.K.), Menlo Worldwide Logistics (U.S.), FedEx (U.S.), Ryder Logistics (U.S.) and Tibbett and Britten (U.K.) are some of the key outsourced logistics providers. These companies have a wide global presence and provide multi-sector services. They are continuously trying to reach influential market and customers by means of removing bottlenecks related to international shipments and reducing cost through geographical spread of inventory. The market in Asia-Pacific region shows a steady and consistent growth through service innovations by companies, so as to attract economic customers. The companies need to shift their focus from integrated services to offering broad range of products & services portfolio. With more focus on growing B2C sector, the scope for logistics outsourcing will extend towards value-added and specialized services.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: Luxury Pens Market Witness Robust Expansion by 2022 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/9887 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/9887 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Some of the key players identified in the global luxury pens market are Paradise Pen Company, Montblanc International GmbH, C. Josef Lamy GmbH, Grayson Tighe, Parker Pen Company, A.T.Cross Company, Sanford L.P.The growing e-communication among the corporates and other social class people around the world has become a threat for written communication. Due to the increasing brand awareness and high disposable income of people (especially among young adults), the luxury pens market is witnessing a decent growth. Likewise, luxury pens key players which are having brands such as Lamy, Aurora, Mont Blanc, Grayson and Parker are trying to encash the opportunities in this growing luxury pens market. The major players are opting to make their luxury pens more royal by making it diamond studded and gold plated, to grab the maximum market share. One of the key trend in the market is that the manufacturers are strategically investing in product development by modifying the luxury pen nib with platinum and other expensive metals. In spite of the sluggish market and curtailed discretionary spending, the luxury pens market is growing at a good rate. Hence, the global luxury pens market has got a great potential in the forecast period. The global luxury pens market is anticipated to witness a moderate single digit growth in the upcoming years.The growing global luxury pens market can be attributed to the growing disposable income and brand awareness amongst people. Growing population coupled with the changing lifestyle of people in the developed countries is anticipated to drive the demand for global luxury pens market. Moreover, possessing a luxury pen has become a status symbol these days and hence, high class society people are opting for luxury pens. Likewise, the attractiveness of luxury pens again plays a great role for boosting its market.The luxury pens market is a niche market, and also there are not much retailers available in the market, which can hamper the luxury pens market. Likewise, the import duty of such luxury pens is high enough to impact its market. Due to its high range the inventory cost of the dealers increases, hence it requires more working capital management which can decline the luxury pens market. Moreover, there is an increase in e-communication among people which would further decline the luxury pens market.Request to view table of content @Global Luxury Pens Market: SegmentationThe global luxury pens market can be segmented on the basis on product type, raw material and application.Global Luxury Pens Market by Product Type Ball Point Pens Converter Pens Fountain Pens Roller Ball Pens Fine Liner Pens Stylus Pens Multifunctional Pens Brush Pens Die PensGlobal Luxury Pens Market By Material Used:- Precious gold metals Precious resin Rubber Stainless Steel Sterling Silver Porcelain/ Ceramic Carbon LacquerGlobal Luxury Pens Market by Application:- Calligraphy Screen Writing Document MarkingGlobal Luxury Pens Market by Region: Asia Pacific Europe North America Latin America The Middle East & AfricaAsia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global luxury pens market. Countries such as India and China are the upcoming countries where demand for such luxury items are at peak because of the increase in disposable income of people. Even, North America is a flourishing luxury pens market due to the improving brand awareness of luxury pens amongst people.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: Perfume Packaging Market - The Biggest Trends to Watch out for 2016-2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18800 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Attractive packaging acts as a stimulating attribute for perfume industry. Perfumes are now available with low concentration of fragrance oils such as eau de cologne and eau fraiche, aiming to increase the number of consumers who use perfumes on a daily basis. Thus, there is an increase in frequency of perfume use, which in turn is expected to create huge demand for perfume packaging in the coming years. Nowadays, younger generation is more aware of personal grooming and are ready to experiment with new brands and products, which in turn makes them feel more confident. Additionally, there is a growing demand for beauty products that the market is flooded with different types of perfumes. Hence, this billion dollar industry is growing at an impressive speed in order to meet the consumer demand.Download PDF Brochure:Perfume Packaging Market: Drivers & RestraintsOne of the major factor which is fueling the growth of perfume packaging market is e-retailing. E-retailing facilitates the availability of local and foreign brands through online portals. The key players of perfumes packaging are collaborating with leading e-commerce players or have their own e-commerce sites to seize maximum advantage of e-commerce potential. Changing lifestyle in developing countries brings tremendous opportunities for manufacturers of perfume packaging. Increase in per capita income coupled with consumer spending on luxury grooming products offers a momentum to the growth of overall cosmetics industry, which is further driving the perfume packaging market. Meanwhile, there are a few factors that can act as restraints in the perfume packaging market, like the increasing commercialization of perfume imitations is anticipated to hamper the growth of global perfumes packaging market during the forecast period. In addition, the counterfeit products are available in similar packaging as the original product making it difficult for the consumers to differentiate them from original products. These products are sold at a very low cost compared to the original products.Perfume Packaging Market: SegmentationOn the basis of packaging type, the global perfume packaging market is segmented into,Primary PackagingSecondary PackagingOn the basis of perfume bottles, the global perfume packaging market is segmented into,PlasticsGlassMetalPaper & PaperboardOthersOn the basis of size, the global perfume packaging market is segmented into,SmallMediumlargePerfume Packaging Market: Region Wise-OutlookOn the basis of region, perfume packaging finds its market scope in North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Europe and North America dominates perfume packaging market, however, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions are expected to be the most promising regions for generating high revenue. Perfume Packaging market is highly controlled in Europe and North America. India and China are the key promising countries driving the perfume packaging market in Asia-Pacific region. Globally, Chinese consumers have maximum share in the growth of luxury goods markets. Chinese consumer spending in foreign regions is more as compared to local spending on luxury products. China is just behind North America in consumer spending, due to strong currency rates as well as rising disposable income. The spending by Japan has also increased due to local consumers as well as the increasing number of Chinese tourists. The currency fluctuations in Europe has led to rise in tourist consumers in the region which further drives the growth for luxury products including perfume industry.Perfume Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players of perfume packaging market are SGB Packaging, B.I. Packaging, Cosmetics & Perfume Filling & Packaging, Inc., HH Deluxe Packaging, Collcap Packaging Limited, DuPont, Vetroplas and may more.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: Agricultural Microbials Market :Current Market Trends, Outlook And Opportunity Analysis 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4294 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/agricultural-microbials-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Biosynthetic capabilities of microorganisms, in a specific set of environmental condition makes them likely candidates for enhancing nutritional value and pest protection properties in agriculture. Agricultural microbials are produced from naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microbials are usually applied to seeds or sprayed on crops to protect them from pests and diseases. Microbials also enhance productivity and fertility of the plant. Agricultural microbial products provide sustainable and cost effective solutions to increase plant yield, irrespective of geographies. Various types of fungi, bacteria, algae and viruses are the commonly used microbials in agriculture. Furthermore, these microbials play an important role in the production of grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and poultry and livestock products. Soil is the most important component of agriculture. Microbes present in the soil therefore play a vital role in the management and regulation of nutrients available for crops. Agricultural microbials are thus used to enhance the crop yield. Companies operating in this market are striving to launch products containing different microbial ingredients to meet the expected yield. Agricultural microbials are beneficial in the production of food in the form of a long term sustainable base for agricultural activities that help to maintain and improve human health. Further, agricultural microbials preserve and protect the environment and are therefore beneficial for both farmers as well as consumers. Increasing demand for food is expected to drive the global agricultural microbials market in the next few years. This added factor is expected to boost the market for agricultural microbials in the coming years.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Agricultural microbials supply nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus to plants. These microbials also protect plants from pests and diseases. Agricultural microbials enhance the nutrient transportation process, improve soil structure, maintain biological equilibrium and enhance plant growth which subsequently results in increased yield of the plant. Thus, agricultural microbials have become increasingly popular in food production across the globe. Favorable regulatory and financial policies of various governments regarding the usage of microbial products, increasing global population, rising demand for food, and environment-friendly farming practices are the major driving factors of the agricultural microbials market.Growth of the agricultural microbials market is primarily led by the high frequency of crop diseases and rising demand for food in developed as well as developing nations. Environmental protection laws in the U.S. and Europe are major drivers encouraging the use of agricultural microbials in these regions. This trend is likely to continue in the near future with growing importance of the agriculture industry. Furthermore, factors such as innovative production practices that do not harm crop yield would boost the usage of agricultural microbials globally. The market for agricultural microbials is expected to expand in Asia Pacific due to the economic growth coupled with increasing demand for food in the region. Developing countries such as China and India are likely to play a vital role in the agricultural microbials market in coming years due to the increased demand for food. North America, followed by Europe, is anticipated to be the largest market for agricultural antimicrobials due to stringent regulations requiring environment-friendly means of agriculture and rising demand for organic food in the region. Companies operating in this market aim to generate innovative solutions in order to meet the changing need of the consumers and these companies also invest heavily on research and development of new microbial products with the anticipated bright prospects for this market. Therefore, the global agricultural microbials market is anticipated to expand significantly in the near future.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Some of the major companies operating in the global agricultural microbials market are Bayer CropScience AG, Monsanto, BASF SE, Syngenta AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Arysta LifeScience Limited and Novozymes.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.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: Next Generation Non Volatile Memory Market Driven By Increasing Need For Fast And Economical Storage Solutions Across Diverse Applications Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc. http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/next-generation-non-volatile-memory-market?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=Snehali_March&utm_medium=press%20release www.grandviewresearch.com The global next generation non-volatile memory (NVM) market is expected to reach USD 7.46 billion by 2024, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing need for fast and economical storage solutions across diverse applications is estimated to drive industry growth over the forecast period.Next Generation Non Volatile Memory is used for various applications such as enterprise, industrial and automotive to store and manage information, which is expected to augment market growth over the next six years. Increasing use of Next Generation Non Volatile Memory in mobile phones to enhance customer experience is expected to fuel market growth.The increasing demand for wearable electronics and replacement of flash memory storage may provide new growth avenues to the Next Generation Non Volatile Memory industry. Low environment stability and high design cost may act as a restraint to market growth over the forecast period.All common computing platforms from handheld devices to supercomputers use storage systems to store data permanently or temporarily. Smart cards store a few bytes of data and are expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. Economical and efficient solution development is expected to be a critical success factor for industry players.The Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a considerable rate owing to increasing demand for smartphones and tablets. Additionally, presence of key market players in countries such as China, India, Japan and South Korea is also expected to positively impact the regional market over the forecast period.Browse full research report on Global Next Generation Non Volatile Memory Market: (Further key findings from the study suggest: Efficient programming and eras ability options offered by MRAM product segment is predicted to impel industry growth over the next eight years Cache memory and enterprise storage was a major application segment in 2015 and accounted over 57% of the overall industry in the same year North America was estimated to be the key regional market in 2015 Key industry participants include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., IBM Corp, Adesto Technologies, Crossbar Inc., Fujitsu Ltd, Toshiba Corporation, and Intel Corporation Toshiba along with SK Hynix are working on production of Next Generation Non Volatile Memory chips, which is expected to decrease power consumption and increase data transfer speedGrand View Research has segmented the global next generation non volatile memory market on the basis of product, application and region:Next Generation Non Volatile Memory Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) FeRAM PCM MRAM ReRAMNext Generation Non Volatile Memory Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) Mobile Phones Cache Memory & Enterprise Storage Industrial & Automotive Mass Storage Embedded MCU & Smart CardsNext Generation Non Volatile Memory Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) North America Europe Asia Pacific RoWFor more information:About Grand View ResearchGrand 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.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2014 - 2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=220216 http://www.researchmoz.us/healthcare-market-reports-56.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG http://healthcare-research-report.blogspot.in/ ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2014 - 2020 " to it's Large Report database.Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is an age related muscle disorder, which is most common among aged individuals and it may lead to severe disability due to its incurable nature. This muscle disorder is mainly characterized by inflammatory myopathy that slowly progresses and causes weakness of the limbs, least or no reflexes from deep tendons, mixing of neurogenic and myopathic changes in electromyography as well as dysphasia. Many a times, IBM remains under-diagnosed as it occurs mainly in the aged individuals, with several co-morbidities, and hence, often misdiagnosed with polymyositis. People over 50 years of age suffering from polymyositis mostly suffer from inclusion body myositis.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Major structural features of IBM include cytoplasmic vacuolation, inflammatory infiltrate and tubo-filamentous inclusions within the nuclei and cytoplasm of the muscle cells. For proper and effective management of IBM, adoption of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedure is essential. Some routine tests can also be adopted for early detection of IBM, such as, tests for full blood count (FBC), calcium and phosphate, creatine kinase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fasting glucose among others. Some of the specific tests include, nerve conduction tests, electromyography, muscle biopsy (for beta-amyloid and ubiquitin) and electron microscopy. However, there is no therapeutic procedure that has been proved effective in curing IBM. Several therapies are in different stages of clinical trials by different manufacturers worldwide.Read All Healthcare Market Research Reports @Some of the major driving factors for the growth of IBM market, include, high prevalence of the disorder, growing geriatric population, rising demand for advance therapeutics for specific and effective treatment of IBM and increasing number of drugs for IBM treatment in the pipeline. IBM is the most prevalent muscle disorder that mainly affects people over 50 years of age, but people may suffer from this disorder between 20 to 80 years of their ages. According to the estimates of patient.co.uk, it was found that a population of 10.7 individuals per million in the U.S. are suffering from this disorder. The disease prevalence was least in the Netherlands in Europe with a population of 4.9 individuals per million. It was also found that people over 50 years of age in the least disease prevalent nations like Netherlands and Sweden have shown a prevalence of 16 individuals per million.Also, men are more prone to IBM with 4:1 to 3:1 ratio compared to the female population. Thus, high prevalence along with high geriatric population will contribute towards the growth of this market. Rising demand for advanced therapeutics and increasing number of drugs in the pipeline will contribute towards the growth of this market in future.Geographically, North America and Europe are expected to dominate the global inclusion body myositis market in future. Some of the key factors responsible for their dominance in this market can be the presence of high geriatric population along with high demand for advanced therapeutics for effective treatment of this disorder in these regions. However, emerging economies, such as, China, India, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Indonesia, Mexico and others from Asia-Pacific, Middle East, LATAM and African regions will experience rapid growth in future. Some of the key factors responsible for their growth in this market in future are high economic growth, increasing healthcare awareness, developing healthcare infrastructure and rising affordability of the people in these regions. Some of the key players having their drugs in different phases of clinical trials in this market are Gradalis, Inc., New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Nobelpharma Co., Ltd., and Novartis AG.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldAbout 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: Global Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Is Expected To Be Worth US$186.38 Mn By 2024 At A CAGR Of 8.6%. http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=996200 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=996200 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Autologous Matrix-induced Chondrogenesis Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis market analyzes the current and future prospects of the market. The report comprises an elaborate executive summary, including a market snapshot that provides overall information of various segments and sub-segments.The research is a combination of primary and secondary research. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts along with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mails. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various international and national databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ Mn for each segment for the period from 2014 to 2024, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. Growth rates for each segment within the global market have been determined after a thorough analysis of past trends, demographics, future trends, technological developments, and regulatory requirements.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A detailed qualitative analysis of factors responsible for driving and restraining market growth and future opportunities has been provided in the market overview section. This section of the report also includes market attractiveness analysis that provides a thorough analysis of the overall competitive scenario in this global market.Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2014 and 2024 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2016 to 2024 are provided for all the segments, considering 2015 as the base year. Market size estimations involved in-depth study of services and product features of different types of services. Additionally, market related factors such as increasing demand for minimal invasive procedures and increasing prevalence of bone and joint disorder in various geographies and historical year-on-year growth have been taken into consideration while estimating the market size.Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Market: SegmentationBased on the material the market has segmented into hyaluronic acid, collagen, polyethylene glycol (PEG), Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PGLA) and others segment. Geographically, the global market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In addition, the regions have been further segmented by major countries from each region. These include the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, and Mexico.Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsThe report also profiles major players in this market based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, SWOT analysis, key business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Key companies profiled in the report include Anika Therapeutics, Inc., Arthro-Kinetics, B. Braun Melsungen AG, BioTissue AG, CartiHeal, Geistlich Pharma AG, JRI Orthopaedics Ltd., Matricel GmbH, Smith & Nephew plc and Zimmer Biomet Holdings.The global autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis market has been segmented as follows:Global Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Market, by Material- Hyaluronic Acid- Collagen- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)- Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PGLA- OthersGlobal Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Market, by Geography- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- U.K.- Germany- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- Japan- Rest of Asia Pacific- Latin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin America- Middle East & Africa- Saudi Arabia- South Africa- Rest of Middle East & AfricaMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ LTE for Critical Communications: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Analysis, Growth & Forecasts http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=862759 http://www.researchmoz.us/telecommunications-market-reports-95.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG http://deep-research-report.blogspot.com/ ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " LTE for Critical Communications: 2016 - 2030 - Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts " to it's Large Report database.For years, the Critical Communications Industry has relied on narrowband LMR (Land Mobile Radio) networks for mission-critical voice and basic data services. Due to the bandwidth limitations of these LMR networks, public safety agencies and other users within the critical communications industry are keen to leverage commercial cellular network technologies to support growing demands for mobile broadband services such as video transmission and bandwidth-intensive field applications.Considering its thriving ecosystem, spectrum flexibility and performance metrics, LTE has emerged as the leading candidate for critical communications broadband networks. In addition, with the recent approval of the MCPTT (Mission Critical Push to Talk) voice standard as part of 3GPP Release 13, LTE has also become an attractive substitute for providing LMR-like voice services.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:As a result, a growing number of critical communications organizations are deploying either private LTE networks or contracting commercial LTE mobile operator services via MVNO arrangements to complement their existing LMR systems with broadband capabilities.Driven by early investments in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, the market for critical communications LTE networks is already worth $600 Million in annual infrastructure spending. Fueled by large-scale rollouts in the public safety, energy and other sectors, the market is further expected to surpass $2 Billion by the end of 2020. This includes spending on base stations (eNBs), mobile core and transport networking gear.Spanning over 1,200 pages, the LTE for Critical Communications: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts report package encompasses three comprehensive reports covering both commercial and dedicated LTE networks for critical communications.The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies & ForecastsThe Private LTE Network Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & ForecastsThe Public Safety LTE & Mobile Broadband Market: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & ForecastsRead All Telecommunications Market Research Reports @Table of ContentsReport 1 The LTE, LTE-Advanced & 5G Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services, Verticals, Strategies & Forecasts1.1 Chapter 1.1: Introduction 1.241.2 Chapter 1.2: LTE & LTE-Advanced Ecosystem 1.361.3 Chapter 1.3: LTE & LTE-Advanced Deployment Strategies 1.551.4 Chapter 1.4: Operator Service Models Monetizing LTE 1.651.5 Chapter 1.5: Unlicensed LTE Networks 1.711.6 Chapter 1.6: Evolving 5G Ecosystem 1.791.7 Chapter 1.7: Enabling Technologies for 5G 1.891.8 Chapter 1.8: Vertical Markets for LTE & 5G Networks 1.1091.9 Chapter 1.9: Industry Roadmap & Value Chain 1.1361.10 Chapter 1.10: Vendor & Operator Landscape 1.1451.11 Chapter 1.11: Market Analysis & Forecasts 1.2621.12 Chapter 1.12: Infrastructure, Devices, Operator Services & Verticals Summary 1.389Report 2 The Private LTE Network Ecosystem: 2016 2030 Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, Industry Verticals & Forecasts2.1 Chapter 2.1: Introduction 2.182.2 Chapter 2.2: An Overview of Private LTE Networks 2.302.3 Chapter 2.3: Key Vertical Markets & Case Studies 2.602.4 Chapter 2.4: Spectrum Allocation, Standardization & Regulatory Initiatives 2.912.5 Chapter 2.5: Industry Roadmap & Value Chain 2.1052.6 Chapter 2.6: Key Market Players 2.1122.7 Chapter 2.7: Market Analysis & Forecasts 2.3112.8 Chapter 2.8: Conclusion & Strategic Recommendations 2.351About 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: Nestweaver announced mobile application development services for android, apple and wearable devices Nestweaver Technology Services Nestweaver technology services announced to offer mobile application development services for android, apple and wearable devices. The company will be offering this service for all levels of the industry.Nestweaver technology services is one of the reputed IT organization in India. The company offers a wide range of technology services. One of the experienced areas which the company has served is mobile application development. The company offer the application development services to worldwide clients for their custom requirements. As per their recent announcement made by the company, they will be providing the custom level applications for android, apple and wearable devices, including, watches, smartphone, and tablets.Nestweaver mobile application development helps to simplify the complex business operations with its high-level mobile applications. With its service, it brings out the applications with recent technologies like IoT, augmented reality for wearable devices. Along with its service, the company provides development, integration, deployment and maintenance of mobile solutions. Their cutting-edge mobile applications provide capabilities including security, agile app development and scalable back-end connections.The company offers development services for both native and hybrid mobile applications. They gained the vast experience in developing applications for e-commerce platforms, healthcare, and insurance industries. The company had further planned to support the client in each stage of app development, from requirement drawing to app delivery.Nestweaver technology services is one of the established company that delivers a whole range of IT services that are required run a successful digital business. Nestweaver mobile application development services offer a wide range of mobile capabilities for clients. The company is being the trusted organization for enterprise, cloud and custom mobile solutions. They have earned the experience in serving the clients across various nations for over 10 years.34/4,4th Floor, KS.Arunachalam Street2nd Cross, Saibaba Kovil Epilepsy Global Market Industry Analysis & Forecast (2017-2021) Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=984811 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=984811 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/market-research-of-sulfur-dioxide-industry-in-china-2016-2021-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, March 02, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Market Research of Sulfur Dioxide Industry in China 2016-2021. In this report, AskCI will further disclose market potential and commercial opportunities for sulfur dioxide industry in China. Recommendations will be given at the end of the report to describe the prospect and provide suggestions for strategy making.Request for Sample Report:For recent years, China has carries out a serious of environment protection policies in industry. Liquid sulfur dioxide, as a sulfur product, has been influenced, showing a falling trend. In 2015, the output of liquid sulfur dioxide was about 151 thousand tonnes, falling 50% compared to the output in 2011. During the 13th five year, there is planned to conduct transferring and upgrading in liquid sulfur dioxide companies. The output in 2020 is predicted to reach about 170 thousand tonnes.The downstream of sulfur acid includes phosphatic compound fertilizer, titanium pigment, chemical fiber, metal, light industry, etc., which have close relationship with national economy. As national economy developed rapidly for the last ten years, sulfur acid increased fast. Up to the end of 2015, the capacity of sulfur acid in China was about 130 million tonnes. However, with national economy slowing down, sulfur acid steps into a hard phase.At present, the supply has developed over the demand of low-end sulfur products. A few high-end sulfur acid products need to be imported from other countries. Production of high-end sulfur acid will be one of directions for the development of sulfur acid industry in China.Make an Enquiry:1)The Aim of Report-To provide readers with comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Chinese sulfur dioxide industry;-To analyze current development of the industry;-To analyze industrial chains of the industry;-To discover drivers and barriers of the industry;-To reveal opportunities for sulfur dioxide industry in China.2)Benefit from the Report-Obtain latest info of sulfur dioxide industry, such as status, supply and demand, downstream and upstream, key players, etc.;-Find out how Chinese sulfur dioxide market will change and how your business can be involved in;-Keep informed of your competitors/their activities in the globe and in China;-Learn about key market drivers and barriers;-Share this information within your organization using free global intranet license.Get Full Report With TOC:2. SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONThe report will investigate Chinese sulfur dioxide industry from the following aspects:-General situation;-Supply and demand;-Downstream and upstream;-Key players;-Future trend;-Commercial opportunity.3. Time NeededFive work days needed.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 Emulsifier Market Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 7.16% During The Period 2017-2021 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=964388 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=964388 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Emulsifier Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Emulsifiers are substances that help in creating a smooth mixture of two or more ingredients, which otherwise do not combine easily, and keep them from separating. Emulsifiers are molecules with one oil-friendly and one water-friendly end. The water-friendly end in a food emulsifier is known as the hydrophilic tail and the oil-friendly end is known as the hydrophobic head.Technavios analysts forecast the global emulsifier market to grow at a CAGR of 7.16% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global emulsifier market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the emulsifier markets across regions.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:APACEuropeNorth AmericaROWTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Emulsifier 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 vendorsAkzo NobelBASFDow CorningEvonik IndustriesKerry GroupOther prominent vendorsAAKArcher Daniels Midland (ADM)CargillClariantDSMIngredionLubrizolPalsgaardSolvayMarket driverIncreasing demand for convenience and packaged foodFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeEnzymes as substitutes of food emulsifiersFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendGrowing consumer awareness of health-related issues and subsequent measures being takenFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat 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?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 OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) | New Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1001567 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1001567 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)" to its huge collection of research reports.Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) comprises of a wide range of steel tubular products that are used in Oil and Gas exploration and production and in particular drilling. They can be Seamless and Welded Pipes (Electric Resistance Welding (EWR) and come in various sizes and length. The process of manufacturing of seamless and welded pipes and tubes is different with the seamless pipes designed to bear much higher stress. OCTG generally includes three categories of products - drill pipe, casing, and tubing.The key factors driving the growth of OCTG market are increasing demand for oil & gas, accelerating economic growth, future global energy consumption and demand growth for fossil fuels. A noteworthy trend of this industry is fluctuating global rig count. However, the expansion of the market is hindered by the challenges of drilling with casing for OCTG, depletion of limited oil and gas reserves, falling crude oil prices, environmental issues and the international political and economic instability.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report Global OCTG Market provides an in-depth analysis of the OCTG market on a global scale along with the US and Russia market. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The industry comprises few large players such as Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Tenaris S.A, TMK and Vallourec. All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth.Table of Content1. OCTG Market - An Overview1.1 An Introduction1.2 Types of OCTG Products1.3 Types of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Pipes1.4 Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Manufacturing Process2. Global Market Analysis2.1 Global OCTG Demand by Volume2.2 Global OCTG Demand Forecast by Volume2.3 Global OCTG Demand by Region2.4 Global OCTG Demand Forecast by Region2.5 Global Drilling Activity by Region2.6 Global OCTG Demand Shales vs. Others2.7 Global OCTG Demand Forecast Shales vs. Others2.8 Global Deep Water OCTG Consumption by Volume2.9 Global Deep Water OCTG Consumption Forecast by Volume2.10 Global Seamless OCTG Supply and Demand by Volume2.11 Global Seamless OCTG Supply and Demand Forecast by Volume3. Regional Market Analysis3.1 The US3.1.1 The US Rig Count3.1.2 The US Rig Count Forecast3.1.3 The US OCTG Consumption by Volume3.1.4 The US OCTG Consumption by Segment3.1.5 The US Distributor Welded OCTG vs. HRC Prices3.1.6 The US Distributor Seamless OCTG vs. Scrap Prices3.2 Russia3.2.1 Russian Annual Development Drilling Program3.2.2 Russian Annual Development Drilling Program3.2.3 Russian Tube and Pipe Market by Volume3.2.4 Russian Tube and Pipe Market Forecast by Volume3.2.5 Russian OCTG Market by Volume3.2.6 Russian OCTG Market Forecast by Volume3.2.7 Russian Market Share in Various Products3.3 China3.3.1 Chinese Seamless OCTG Supply and Demand by Volume3.3.2 Chinese Seamless OCTG Supply and Demand Forecast by Volume4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Increasing Demand for Oil & Gas4.1.2 Accelerating Economic Growth4.1.3 Future Global Energy Consumption4.1.4 Demand Growth for Fossil Fuels4.2 Market Trends4.2.1 Fluctuating Global Rig Count4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Drilling with Casing for OCTG4.3.2 Depletion of Limited Oil and Gas Reserves4.3.3 Falling Crude Oil Prices4.3.4 Environmental Issues4.3.5 International Political and Economic Instability5. Competitive Landscape5.1 Financial Comparison of Key Players5.2 Global Premium OCTG Market Share by Company5.3 Russian Pipe Market Share by Company5.4 Russian OCTG Market Share by Company6. Company Profiles6.1 Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal6.1.1 Business Overview6.1.2 Financial Overview6.1.3 Business Strategies6.2 Tenaris S.A.6.2.1 Business Overview6.2.2 Financial Overview6.2.3 Business Strategies6.3 TMK6.3.1 Business Overview6.3.2 Financial Overview6.3.3 Business Strategies6.4 Vallourec6.4.1 Business Overview6.4.2 Financial Overview6.4.3 Business StrategiesMake 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 @ Laboratory Chemicals Market: Industry Analysis, Future Growth, Business Prospects and Global Forecast to 2027 Laboratory Chemicals Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/923 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/laboratory-chemicals-market Market Scenario:Basically, laboratory chemicals are the compounds or substances that are used in chemical reaction to measure produce and detect other chemical substance. These are being used in the large scale for commercial applications and research purpose. The laboratory chemicals market will rise mainly due to significant increase in use of laboratory chemical in basic research combined with commercial applications. Moreover, growing interest of world scientific community in laboratory chemical is anticipated to escalate the growth in the market.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Laboratory Chemicals Market: Lonza Biologics ltd. PerkinElmer Inc. BD Biosciences bioMerieux Beckman Coulter Inc. CALTAG Laboratories GE healthcare EMD Chemicals Inc. Life technologies Corporation Meridian Life science Inc. Shimadzu Biotech Takara Bio Inc.Segments:The global laboratory chemicals market is segmented into product types, and end-user applications. On the basis of product types the market is segmented into Molecular biology, Cytokine and chemokine testing, Carbohydrate analysis, Immunochemistry, Cell/tissue culture, Environment testing, and Biochemistry. On the basis of end-user applications it is segmented as Biotechnology, Academic segments, Nonacademic segment, corporate segment.Study Objectives of Laboratory Chemicals Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of segments and sub-segments of the global laboratory chemicals Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global laboratory chemicals Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenues 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 prospects. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by product types, and end-users. 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 laboratory chemicals market.Access Report Details @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Product Overview and Scope of Global Bale Unroller Market 2017 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=915433&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-bale-unroller-sales-market-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Bale Unroller Industry 2017 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2017-2020.Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Bale Unroller Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This market intelligence report examines extensively the trends in the global Bale Unroller 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 Bale Unroller market. The global Bale Unroller 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 Bale Unroller market. The estimated revenue and volume valuation of the global market for Bale Unroller 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 Bale Unroller market. The vendor landscape has been broadly scrutinized employing the Porters five forces and value chain analysis to deliver a strong conception of the market. The challenges and opportunities in the near future for the key participants have also been stressed upon in the research publication.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Bale Unroller Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Bale Unroller1.2 Classification of Bale Unroller1.2.1 Mounted1.2.2 For Round Bale1.2.3 For Square Bale1.2.4 Trailed1.2.5 For Round Bale1.2.6 For Square Bale1.2.7 Semi Mounted1.2.8 For Round Bale1.2.9 For Square Bale1.3 Application of Bale Unroller1.3.1 Farm1.3.2 Agriculture Equipment Leasing Company1.3.3 Feed Mill1.4 Bale Unroller Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Bale Unroller (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Bale Unroller Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Bale Unroller Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Bale Unroller Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Bale Unroller Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.1.2 Global Bale Unroller Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.2 Global Bale Unroller (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.2.2 Global Bale Unroller Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.3 Global Bale Unroller (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.3.2 Global Bale Unroller Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.4 Global Bale Unroller (Volume) by Application3 United States Bale Unroller (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Bale Unroller Sales and Value (2011-2017)3.1.1 United States Bale Unroller Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.2 United States Bale Unroller Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.3 United States Bale Unroller Sales Price Trend (2011-2017)3.2 United States Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Bale Unroller Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Market Analysis by Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors 2021 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=915238&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-tire-pressure-monitoring-system-sensor-sales-market-report-2017.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Industry 2017 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2017-2020.Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report on the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor is a scientific effort to determine the development prospects of the market from 2017 to 2021. The report comprises both historical figures and future estimates, which will help market entities to gauge growth opportunities in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market during the forecast period.The introductory part of the report briefs about definitions, classifications, applications, industry, structure, and industry statutes of the global market for Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor. Proceeding further, the report presents an industry chain analysis of the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market including aspects such as manufacturing capacity and its maximum utilization, cost structures, product catalog, revenue corresponding to production capacity etc. Dynamics pertaining to demand and supply logistics and import/export behavior are also discussed in this section.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Using validated analytical tools, the report presents the feasibility and profitability of new investments in the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market. The results obtained using these analytical tools help to manifest the progression of the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market right from historic years to future, which indicates the winning imperatives that market players can leverage. The report also provides SWOT analysis of leading market players, which gives insights into the changing competitive hierarchy until the end of the forecast period.The report analyzes the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market based on certain criteria such as product, application, and geography. The report divides the global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor market into the regional segments of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of the World.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor1.2 Classification of Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor1.2.1 Exterior Screw-on1.2.2 Build into Valve Stem1.2.3 Glued or Attached to Rim1.3 Application of Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor1.3.1 divided into1.3.2 Passenger Vehicle1.3.3 Truck1.3.4 RV1.3.5 Industrial TPMS1.3.6 Motorcycle1.4 Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.1.2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.2.2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.3 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.3.2 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.4 Global Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor (Volume) by Application3 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Value (2011-2017)3.1.1 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.2 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.3 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales Price Trend (2011-2017)3.2 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensor Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Market Research on 2 - naphthol Industry Growth in China 2016-2021 Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=984812 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=enquiry&repid=984812 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/market-research-on-2-naphthol-industry-in-china-2016-2021-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, March 02, 2017: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new report to it broad database titled as Market Research on 2 - naphthol Industry in China 2016-2021. In this report, AskCI will further disclose market potential and commercial opportunities for venture capital of electric vehicle industry in China. Recommendations will be given at the end of the report to analyze the forecast of the industry and provide analysis on opportunities and risks.Request for Sample Report:Nowadays, main manufactures of 2 naphthol in the world include China, India, Japan, Italy and some countries in the east Europe. From 1957, China began producing 2 naphthol. After the 80s of the 20th century, China became the major manufacture of 2 naphthol, for that the production in developed countries was stopped. In recent years, the annual output of 2 naphthol in China remains between 80 to 100 thousand tonnes and the export during from Feb. to Oct. in 2016 was nearly 13 thousand tonnes, which also keeps rising with a relatively fast speed.In 2015, the import volume of 2 naphthol in China was less than seven tonnes, falling by about 33%. And from Feb. to Oct. in 2016, the import volume was more than nine tonnes. In 2015, the export volume was about 15 thousand tonnes, falling by around 25%. From Feb. to Oct. in 2016, the export volume was nearly 13 thousand tonnes.Make an Enquiry:The consumption structure of 2 naphthol in China is that 60% is dye intermediate, 20% is rubber ingredient, 10% is dye and paint and the rest is the others. With increasing demand for dye and paint, the demand for 2 naphthol will rise along. Improvement of production techniques, reduction of commission and conservation of energy and research on clean techniques are the directions of 2 naphthol industry.1)The Aim of Report-To provide readers with comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Chinese 2 - naphthol industry;-To analyze current development of the industry;-To analyze industrial chains of the industry;-To discover drivers and barriers of the industry;-To reveal opportunities for 2 - naphthol industry in China.2)Benefit from the Report-Obtain latest info of 2 - naphthol industry, such as status, import and export, downstream and upstream, key players, etc.;-Find out how Chinese 2 - naphthol market will change and how your business can be involved in;-Keep informed of your competitors/their activities in the globe and in China;-Learn about key market drivers and barriers;-Share this information within your organization using free global intranet license.Get Full Report:2. SCOPE OF INVESTIGATIONThe report will investigate Chinese 2 - naphthol industry from the following aspects:-General situation;-Import and export;-Downstream and upstream;-Key players;-Future trend;-Commercial opportunity.3. Time NeededFive work days needed.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: China R134A Refrigerant Market Report by Size, Share, Growth Rate and Forecast till 2022 China R134A Refrigerant Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15645-china-r134a-refrigerant-market-analysis-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-15645 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-15645 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/14830-air-cooler-market-analysis-report www.decisiondatabases.com/ China R134A Refrigerant Industry has a great demand in market. By considering this demand we provide latest report on R134A Refrigerant Market which gives complete industry analysis, market share, size, growth and forecast till 2022. It will help to analyse the business trends, Sales, Revenue and Major Manufacturers.The R134A Refrigerant market size will be XX million (USD) in 2022 in China, from the XX million (USD) in 2016, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) XX% from 2016 to 2022.Browse Full Report with TOC @In China market, the top players include many company. With key sales data like sales (volume), revenue, market share for top players.such as Mexichem Fluor Chemours Honeywell Linde Gas Arkema Juhua Group Sinochem Taicang Chemical Bailian Dongyue Federation SanmeiSplit by product types/category, covering many types. with sales, revenue and market share for each type, such as Trichlorethylene Process Tetrachlorethylene ProcessSplit by applications/end use industries, covers many application. This report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of R134A Refrigerant in each application.such as Refrigerator Inhalers OtherDownload Free Sample Report of China R134A Refrigerant Market @Table of Contents - Snapshot1 Market Overview2 China R134A Refrigerant Sales, Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Vendors/Manufacturers3 China R134A Refrigerant Sales, Revenue (Value) by Type and Application (2012-2017)4 China R134A Refrigerant Vendors/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data5 Production Cost Analysis of R134A Refrigerant6 Value Chain, Purchasing Strategy and Downstream Buyers7 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders8 Market Influences Factors Analysis9 China R134A Refrigerant Market Forecast (2017-2022)10 Research Findings and Conclusion11 AppendixOrder a Copy of Complete China R134A Refrigerant Market Research Report @Other Related reports -2017-2022 Global Top Countries Air Cooler Market Report @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a China 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 - 40001E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Website: Air Conditioning Systems Market To Freeze US$167 bn By 2024 , Strategic Partnerships And Acquisitions Have Also Been A Core Strategy For A Number Of Players http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=436 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research finds that in order to achieve these goals, companies are presently focused on integrating products so as to expand their customer base and reach out to newer audiences. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions have also been a core strategy for a number of players. A case in point would be Carrier, who, in 2011, joined hands with the Midea Group of China to manufacture as well as distribute HVAC systems in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. This joint venture not only helped Carrier form a strong distribution network in these promising countries but also established a strong foothold for the company at a global level, the lead analyst of the TMR study states.The vendor landscape of the global air conditioning systems market is speckled with large and established companies such as Gree Electric Appliances, Inc., Daikin Industries Ltd., and Carrier Corporation; emerging players such as Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, and The Midea Group; and promising vendors such as LG Electronics, Haier Electronics Group Co., Ltd., and Hitachi Ltd. Each of these players have been striving to strengthen their position in the air conditioning systems market and achieve sustainable growth.PDF Sample For Latest Innovations And Advancements @Energy-efficient Air Conditioning Systems Gain ProminenceThe growth of the air conditioning systems market can be largely attributed to the rapidly expanding construction and housing sector. Increasing construction permits, especially for commercial infrastructure, means a rising need for equipment such as air conditioning systems, a TMR analyst explains. The market for air conditioning systems is also driven by stringent government regulations, technological developments, rising consumer expectations, increased demand from the commercial sector, strong demand from Asia Pacific, and climate variations. The surge in awareness regarding the importance of indoor air quality has also generated an increased demand for advanced air-purifying technologies.In contrast, the air conditioning systems market faces a major roadblock increased energy consumption. However, TMR finds that this challenge can be easily addressed. The emergence of ongoing trends such as green technologies, smart homes, and energy-efficient systems are driving manufacturers of air conditioning systems to focus on innovation and come up with equipment that meet the rising energy requirements of consumers and governments alike. Thus, this obstacle also presents market players with several opportunities for growth over the coming years, the author of the study states.Split ACs Witness Highest DemandThe global market for air conditioning systems was pegged at a value of US$104.4 bn in 2015, which is projected to rise to US$167 bn by the end of the forecast period. Assuming these figures hold true, the market is likely to expand at a 5.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. The air conditioning systems market is projected to expand at a much faster pace in terms of volume, registering a 6.2% CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominates the global air conditioning systems market by volume and value, with the Middle East and Africa witnessing the fastest growth. While split ACs enjoy the lead at present, the portable air conditioning systems segment is likely to expand at the highest CAGR by 2024.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: MALARIA VACCINES MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/37 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/malaria-vaccines-market-37 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Malaria Vaccines Market OverviewMore than 40% of the global population is at risk of malaria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) malaria fact sheet and World Bank estimates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were around 214 million malaria cases reported in 2015, leading to 438,000 deaths worldwide. Over 70% of these deaths occur in children under 5 years of age. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the highest share of global malaria burden, with around 89% of malaria cases and 91% of malarial deaths in 2015. Such high impact of this life threatening disease is influencing governments across various countries, companies, investors, and non-profit organizations to contribute towards curbing spreading of this disease.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Treatment therapies include Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), chloroquine, and primaquine. Recurrence of this disease can lead to drug resistance and in severe cases can prove fatal. Therefore, prevention is the major focus of government, researchers, and drug companies. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that increase in prevention control and other measures has led to 60% reduction in malaria mortality since 2000. High prevalence and preventive measures initiated by global and national organizations would favor growth of the global malaria vaccines market.Mosquirix the First Malaria Vaccine in the Global Malaria Vaccines MarketMost major drug manufacturers have been constantly striving to develop a vaccine for this deadly disease. Among the pioneers in this field is GlaxoSmithKline, which has been working towards developing a malaria vaccine since 1984. In collaboration with the non-profit PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative and funding from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline developed the first malarial vaccine.Mosquirix, also known as RTS,S, was in development for around 30 years, with an investment of around US$ 565 million. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation contributed over US$ 200 million towards this project. Mosquirix received marketing approval from the European authorities in July 2015. However, the WHO has recommended examination of the vaccine in a pilot study before introduction on a large scale. The study is being carried out in Africa, and has received a funding of US$ 25 million from Gavia global Vaccine Alliancebringing together public and private sectors towards a common goal. Successful trials will lead to global launch of Mosquirix and boost the malaria vaccines market size.Significant Potential for Malaria Vaccines Market in Africa, Latin America and AsiaMalaria vaccine seems to be the best solution to prevent the spread of malaria, especially considering increasing number of drug resistance cases and high fatality reported. People use bed nets and indoor residual spraying (IRS) to fight against mosquito infestation. Therefore, there is immense opportunity globally for malaria vaccines among the demographic group most at riskinfants (23 million births annually), pre-adolescent and early adolescent girls, pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, and population in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. Furthermore, risk of transmission of the disease increases from the traveller and military population travelling from the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia, a malaria free zone to the highly prone emerging economies. The global malaria vaccines market dynamics are mainly shaped by major purchasers, namely healthcare and non-profit organizations.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :Malaria Vaccines Market Future OutlookMosquirix is a great boon for population in the highly prone regions of malaria infection. However, accessibility and low cost of this vaccine is essential to serve the large population in the highly prone emerging economies. Sanaria Inc. is a biotechnology company which aims to develop and commercialize whole-parasite sporozoite vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum that causes 95% of malaria cases. Mymetics Corporationa Switzerland-based vaccines developeruses its virosome platform technology to develop vaccines. There are two vaccine candidates in its pipeline, of which one cleared the phase 1b clinical trail, while the other is in the preclinical stage. Moreover, use of new technologies such as Nucleic acid vaccines, Proteosomes, and several new adjuvants could lead to development of next-generation malaria vaccines.Such global commitments will encourage investors around the world to contribute towards a global malaria eradication mission. Further, the malaria vaccines market outlook for future holds much promise, with new vaccines being developed mainly focused on improving effectiveness of products.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ Japan Electric Control Cabinet Industry Outlook, Market Manufacturers and Key Statistics Analysis 2017-2022 Japan Electric Control Cabinet Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15651-japan-electric-control-cabinet-market-analysis-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-15651 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-15651 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15593-china-electric-control-cabinet-market-analysis-report www.decisiondatabases.com/ Electric Control Cabinet market is in boom now. The latest Electric Control Cabinet Market report contains complete Industry outlook, market manufacturers and key statistics analysis. The industry sales & Share, industrys trends are all discussed, explained and analyzed. It provides marketing strategy analysis, distributors/traders list, raw materials analysis, import & export analysis.The Electric Control Cabinet market size will be XX million (USD) in 2022 in Japan, from the XX million (USD) in 2016, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) XX% from 2016 to 2022.Browse Full Report with TOC @In Japan market, the top players include many company. With key sales data like sales (volume), revenue, market share for top players.such as ABB Siemens Schneider Mitsubishi Electric GE Toshiba Rittal Eaton Omron Nitto Kogyo Chuan Yi Automation Ebara Densan Delvalle Electroalfa EIC Solutions LianCheng Group WesTech WielandSplit by product types/category, covering many types. with sales, revenue and market share for each type, such as Inverter Electric Control Cabinet PLC Electric Control Cabinet OthersSplit by applications/end use industries, covers many application. This report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Electric Control Cabinet in each application. such as Power Industry Industrial Production OthersDownload Free Sample Report of Japan Electric Control Cabinet Market @Table of Contents - Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Japan Electric Control Cabinet Sales, Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Vendors/Manufacturers3 Japan Electric Control Cabinet Sales, Revenue (Value) by Type and Application (2012-2017)4 Japan Electric Control Cabinet Vendors/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data5 Production Cost Analysis of Electric Control Cabinet6 Value Chain, Purchasing Strategy and Downstream Buyers7 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders8 Market Influences Factors Analysis9 Japan Electric Control Cabinet Market Forecast (2017-2022)10 Research Findings and Conclusion11 AppendixOrder a Copy of Complete Japan Electric Control Cabinet Market Research Report @Other Related reports -2017-2022 China Electric Control Cabinet Market Report (Status and Outlook) @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a Japan 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 - 40001E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Website: Bahrain Tourism Certifies eZee PMS Every once in a while, each governing or tourism authority of a developing country takes its security, tourism and revenue aspects in their agenda and come out with anew rules and regulations. In that event, hospitality technology providers ought to update their systems, in a manner which can accommodate all such requirements from different countries and authorities. Additionally, hoteliers intend to choose a hotel software which can work in line with incoming rules and policies.eZee Technosys, as a leading hospitality provider company, is always aligned with alike updates and keeps its solutions up-to-date with these developments. Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) has implemented a policy that all the hotels and restaurants in Bahrain are required to send a pre-defined set of details to the authorities from the PMS software.Complying with government policies, a feature is developed in PMS eZee FrontDesk through which the required reports and alike could be generated and sent instantly to the BTEA.eZees Chief Executive Officer, Aeijaz Sodawala says, This newly developed feature in eZee FrontDesk will prove very beneficial to the hoteliers in Bahrain. This will help them send the required details instantly to the Bahrain authorities, discarding hours of manual calculations. Moreover, other than regular operations of PMS this will be an add-on feature enhancing user experience.The statutory requirement for a hotelier as put forth by the BTEA, is to send occupancy details revealing rooms out of service, rooms out of order, daily check-outs and rooms occupied. Besides this, restaurants will also have to keep track of the charges levied of all the food and beverages on the customers and submit a monthly report to the authorities. Owing to this progress, hotels having in-house restaurants will be able to automatically send their outlet reports with newly developed feature in eZee FrontDesk, via eZee BurrP! integrated with the PMS. Besides this, hoteliers in Bahrain will also be able to send revenue reports to the government right from the PMS, which can eventually aid the Taxation authorities in the country.The main purpose of the BTEA behind this requirement is to uphold the security aspects as well as keep track of the foreign tourists visiting the country. Acknowledging their requirements, we have worked around our systems current features and given our best to make it user-friendly for our existing and prospective clients in Bahrain, Jitendra Jariwala - Head of eZee NextGen Product Development commented.Apart from regular hotel operations, eZee FrontDesk PMS will assist the hoteliers in Bahrain to accustom the BTEA requirements efficiently leaving no room for manual errors.Always determined to provide the best solutions for their users, eZee has developed customized features in their solutions as per regional or self-imposed requirements for many hospitality industry establishments until now and strives to do so in coming years, effectively enhancing user experience.About eZee Technosys Pvt. Ltd.eZee Technosys is one of the few hospitality solutions providers in the world, offering a complete suite of IT solutions for the hospitality industry that cover hotel management, web booking engine, online room distribution, restaurant management, guest feedback, mobile applications and more. Incorporated in 2005, eZee - a hospitality solutions provider, today serves more than 6000 clients in 140 plus countries across the globe. eZees global presence has been further solidified through their strong network of more than 200 Channel Partners.eZee Technosys Pvt. Ltd.D-113, International Trade Center, Majura Gate, Surat - 395002, Gujarat, IndiaAeijaz SodawalaPhone + 91 -99788-64598aeijaz@ezeetechnosys.comgoo.gl/aN9eru Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market Manufacturers, Industry Outlook, Trends and Forecast 2022 Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15653-japan-electrochemical-gas-sensors-market-analysis-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-15653 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-15653 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/15548-electrochemical-gas-sensors-market-analysis-report www.decisiondatabases.com/ Electrochemical Gas Sensors Industry has a great demand in market. By considering this demand we provide latest report on Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market which gives complete industry analysis, market share, size, growth and forecast till 2022. It will help to analyse the business trends, Sales, Revenue and Major Manufacturers.The Electrochemical Gas Sensors market size will be XX million (USD) in 2022 in Japan, from the XX million (USD) in 2016, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) XX% from 2016 to 2022.Browse Full Report with TOC @In Japan market, the top players include many company. With key sales data like sales (volume), revenue, market share for top players.such as City Technology Alphasense MEMBRAPOR SGX Sensortech Figaro Draeger Winsen Dart GE EmersonSplit by product types/category, covering many types. with sales, revenue and market share for each type, such as Inflammable Gas Type Toxic Gas Type Other Gases TypeSplit by applications/end use industries, covers many application. This report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Electrochemical Gas Sensors in each application.such as Civil Gas Safety Chemical & Oil Mining Environmental OtherDownload Free Sample Report of Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market @Table of Contents - Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Sales, Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Vendors/Manufacturers3 Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Sales, Revenue (Value) by Type and Application (2012-2017)4 Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Vendors/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data5 Production Cost Analysis of Electrochemical Gas Sensors6 Value Chain, Purchasing Strategy and Downstream Buyers7 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders8 Market Influences Factors Analysis9 Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market Forecast (2017-2022)10 Research Findings and Conclusion11 AppendixOrder a Copy of Complete Japan Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market Research Report @Other Related reports -2017-2022 Global Top Countries Electrochemical Gas Sensors Market Report @About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a Japan 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 - 40001E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Website: HOME HEALTHCARE SOFTWARE MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/33 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/home-healthcare-software-market-33 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Home healthcare services market is expected to grow at a robust rate between 2016 and 2024, with emergence of new entrants in market and improving macroeconomic conditions worldwide.Until recently, medical documentation involved cumbersome paper work. Technological advancements and introduction of advanced software has eased the way industry use to operate, making work process easier and more efficient. Healthcare industry has greatly benefitted from integration of IT systems. With technological advancements, home healthcare software such as telehealth solutions and clinical management systems are available in the market.Home healthcare enables healthcare services to be delivered at patients home thereby alleviating healthcare costs.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Population aged above 65 years forms the bulk of home healthcare software marketHome healthcare market is driven by various sociological, demographics, and macroeconomic factors, most notably the integration of information technology solutions in healthcare industry to meet challenges in patient data retrieval, payment and claim processing as well as storage and accessibility. This is further propelled by government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure.High prevalence of chronic disorders among geriatric population in turn fuels demand for nursing homes and assisted living care facilities for specialized attention. However, introduction of home healthcare software solutions is expected to bridge the gap between geriatric patient expectation and healthcare providers. The system offers solutions at patients home, thereby minimizing overall operational cost and high ROI for providers as well.Though the market is expected to grow at a rapid rate, weak financial support from government along with low adaptability in emerging economies are major challenges inhibiting growth of overall industry.Home Healthcare Software Market Taxonomy:Coherent Market Insights (CMI) has segmented the home healthcare software market by:-Product Type-Therapeutic Application-Devices-Platform-End UserBy product type, the home healthcare software market has been segmented into agency homecare software, hospice solutions, telehealth solutions, clinical management systems, and others.On the basis of therapeutic application, CMI has segmented the home healthcare software market into clinical and non-clinical solutions. Clinical segment is expected to grow at impressive rate over the forecast period.On the basis of devices, mobile devices are expected to gain traction over laptop and tablet in the home healthcare software market.Homecare agencies and hospice agencies are key end-use segments in the home healthcare software market.Alignment between payers and providers along with access to electronic health records has boosted overall North America home healthcare software market growthBrowse Global Strategic Business Report :Among regions, North America is expected to dominate the global home healthcare software market throughout the forecast period. However, the market in the region is expected to lose considerable market share to developing regions, namely Latin America and Asia. Growth of the market in the region is primarily driven by increasing demand in the U.S., accounting for over 85% of overall market. Technological advancements along with high healthcare spending across all verticals is expected to propel market growth. Moreover, health awareness level among the population in developed regions is high compared to other regions. However, the market in Canada is expected to witness sluggish growth over the forecast period.Europe is the second-largest market and is expected to create substantial opportunities for players. Over 65% of the revenue generated in the regional market is expected to be from Germany, UK and France. Markets in Russia and Poland are expected to grow at substantial rate.Asia-Pacific is a lucrative market for home healthcare software due to the easy availability of skilled manpower, cheap labor and highly developed information technology sectors in the countries particularly China and India. Moreover, India is one of the leading markets for IT software. Relaxation in FDI cap is expected to boost overall presence of MNCs in the region. Though the Asia Pacific market is vibrant, there are a lot more challenges present in the market that inhibit proper capitalization of the market opportunities. The market is highly volatile with wide variations in demographics and economic conditions. The market in China, once the power engine of Asia Pacific, is witnessing low growth, due to noticeable decline in healthcare expenditure in the region. On a positive note, India is witnessing rapid transformation across various healthcare verticals. Companies need to fully understand the demographic and macroeconomic situation to generate high ROI from the region. Markets in Latin America and MEA are expected to witness sluggish growth over the forecast period.Some of the major companies contributing to the global home healthcare software market are Agfa Healthcare, Mckesson Corporation, NextGen Healthcare Information System LLC, GE Healthcare, MEDITECH, Medical Information Technology, Inc. (Meditech), Cerner Corporation, Siemens Healthcare and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ HEALTHCARE ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION AND SYSTEMS MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/31 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/healthcare-analytical-instrumentation-and-systems-market-31 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Analytical instruments and systems are devices that are used to for product analysis across various industries. There are different types of analytical instruments such as chromatography, electrophoresis, PCR, flow cytometers, and many others used across different industries. Application in chemical and healthcare research is extensive of these analytical instruments. These devices aid in substance separation, identification, and evaluation with different techniques. With increasing research and development across the globe, demand for analytical instruments is growing rapidly. Moreover, with increasing sample size and data generation through these samples, managing information has become crucial. Laboratories generate tons of information annually which need to be documented for further processes. Therefore, there are information systems developed that aids in managing the process and outcomes of the analytical tests.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Market TaxonomyThe global healthcare analytical instrumentation and systems market is characterized by a range of analytical devices and systems. Therefore, based on different parameters, the global healthcare analytical instrumentation and systems market is analyzed in following segment:Based on the type of analytical instruments:-Chromatography-Spectrophotometer-Electrophoresis-PCR-Flow cytometers-Microscopy-Microarray-Membrane separation/Filtration-X-ray Crystallography-Protein Fractionation-Analyzers-OthersBased on the technology:-High-throughput-Medium throughput-Low ThroughputBased on the end-user:-Research Laboratories-Diagnostic Laboratories-Academic InstitutesIncrease in Contract Research Activities to Fuel Growth in the Developing EconomiesWith rapid adoption of new technologies owing to easy availability of funds, demand for advance analytical instruments and systems is high in the developed economies such as the U.S., U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Canada, Japan, and Australia. However, other regions such as Middle East, Latin America and South East Asia are expected to be the prospective markets in the near future. Major pharmaceutical companies are outsourcing their drug research and development services (CRO) to various countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia and India, which is propelling the growth of the analytical instrumentation and systems market. This results in high adoption rate of precise analytical instruments in these countries. Moreover, highly developing biotechnology industry, is also contributing to the demand analytical instruments and systems.Stringent Regulatory Standard for Healthcare Products to Drive the Development of Advance and Precise TechnologiesThe global healthcare analytical instrumentation and systems market is witnessing a commendable growth due to the rising demand for process automation technologies and continuing product innovations. Furthermore, stringent regulatory and testing standards are expected to boost the growth of advance analytical instrumentation and systems in the near future. Additionally, increasing usage of analytical instruments in biotechnology is further driving the growth of this market.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :The global healthcare analytical instrumentation and systems market is highly fragmented due to the participation of many global as well as regional players in this market. The market is expected to witness a high growth rate due to the growing demand for finer process analyses and stringent regulatory policies. Some of the key players involved in the analytical instrumentation and systems market are ABB Ltd., Analytical Systems International / Keco, Electro-Chemical Devices, Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS), Mettler-Toledo International Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ GLOBAL MONOCHROME MEDICAL MONITOR MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/30 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/global-monochrome-medical-monitor-market-30 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Monochrome Medical Monitors Offer High Resolution and are More Efficient than Color MonitorsMonochrome medical monitors display image of a single color, however, in varied shades. It may include white, green or amber screens. It shows a greyscale medical display. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology is the first ever technology used for monochrome displays. LCD and LED are the more preferred technologies used in most monitors available in the market. The emerging trend is to shift from CRT displays to LCD displays for medical imaging. These medical monitors provide higher resolution as compared to color monitors. They are more efficient in displaying the image in comparison to color monitors. Monochrome medical monitors are widely preferred by healthcare professionals for application in diagnostic radiology due to its higher luminance. The monitors are connected to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation for image display. Monochrome medical monitors are considered to be highly efficient in delivering imaging solutions in the field of diagnostics, radiology, and surgery, among others.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Increasing number of surgeries and diagnostic tests driving market growthIncreasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, asthma, and obesity leads to increasing number of surgical procedures, in turn fueling growth in demand for monochrome medical monitors for application in surgical displays. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1.7 million cosmetic surgeries were performed worldwide in 2015, which is an increase of 2% as compared to 2014. Moreover, with growing diagnostic tests and awareness among people regarding early diagnosis and treatment of diseases is also projected to fuel sales of monochrome medical monitors. However, high cost of monochrome medical monitors due to their high resolution is expected to inhibit market growth.Monochrome Medical Monitor Market TaxonomyGlobal monochrome medical monitor market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, end use, and region. On the basis of product type, monochrome medical monitor market is classified as Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, LCD monitors, and LED monitors. LCD monitors are the commonly available monochrome medical monitors, owing to high resolution image quality. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into diagnostic display, surgical display, radiology display, clinical review displays, and others. On the basis of end use, monochrome medical monitor market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pathology labs, and others. Geographically, the monochrome medical monitor market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.North America is the Largest Market for Monochrome Medical MonitorsNorth America is the largest market for monochrome medical monitors. This is due to high adoption of advanced technology in the region. Countries such as the U.S. are increasing their healthcare expenditure, which is expected to further improve the infrastructure in hospitals and other medical facilities. Moreover, favorable reimbursement policies such as Medicare and Medicaid Services has led to greater penetration of monochrome medical monitors in North American region. Asia Pacific region is expected to gain lucrative growth over the forecasted period, due to rising awareness among the populace and increasing healthcare spending. Various healthcare initiatives by governments, especially in emerging economies, to educate and train the healthcare professionals to provide improved healthcare services is in turn fueling adoption of these monitors. Hence, immense opportunity lies in this region for the key players to cater to unmet needs of the target population. Europe is also witnessing major development activities related to medical monitors in order to cater to vast target population demanding for such devices.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :Barco and Eizo Corporation are some of the Key Players in the Monochrome Medical Monitor MarketSome of the key players are Ampronix Inc., Barco N.V., Eizo Corporation, KOSTEC CO., LTD., JVCKENWOOD Corporation, Richardson Electronics, Ltd., and NEC Display Solutions among others. Development of innovative products is fueling monochrome medical monitor market growth. For instance, in September 2010, Eizo Corporation launched 29.8-inch RadiForce RX430 at RSNA 2010, which is capable of displaying monochrome as well as color images simultaneously.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ AC Drivers Market - Improvised Application Of Product In Various Industries. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20198 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Alternate Current (AC) drives are electronic devices that alternates with voltage, frequency & magnetic flux to regulate the speed & torque of an electric motor. In an energy intensive sector optimal usage of energy and efficient utilization of its consumption is important for managing the overall operating costs of that industry. AC drives can optimize the energy usage and at the same time help in reduction of operative costs by monitoring the speed and torque of electric motors. Reduction in energy usage and the gain from extending the life of electrical equipment make AC drives to have widespread applications in industries such as water & wastewater, oil & gas and mining. The primary reasons leading to growth of AC drives market includes increasing technological improvement in drives market, and improvised application of this product in various industries. This market is expected to register healthy growth due growing usage of AC drives across globe.Increasing urbanization & high industrialization growth rate across the globe are the primary aspects that is driving faster adoption of this product. Diverse processes for earning energy efficiency along with rising need for energy optimizations in different industrial processes are the key factors that are boosting the market growth. Although the reduction in the foreign direct investment in this sector is a key restrictive factor deterring the growth of this market. Also, there is a vast growth opportunities of this market in the auxiliary market. Moreover, increasing applications in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will provide growth opportunities for the AC drives market. The major manufacturers have consolidated power in the market but in recent period various local vendors are developing new products in this market which is expected to offer stiff competition to the big market players is a key market challenge to be overcome by key market players to gain stronghold in the market.AC drives market is segmented on the basis of power rating, voltage, end-user industry applications, and region. On the basis of power rating the market is segmented into low power drives, medium power drives and high power drives. The usage of high power variants are predominant in power generation, metals & mining and chemical & petrochemical industries. These industries also hold the largest market share and is expected to remain prominent throughout the forecast period 2016-2024.PDF Sample For Complete Analysis @On the basis of voltage, the market is segmented into low, medium and high voltage. The medium voltage AC drivers are expected to grow at the fastest rate owing to their vast end user base. The increasing growth potential of consumer electronics segment is driving this market.By end-use industry the market is distributed into food & beverage, oil & gas, metals & mining, power generation, water generation, automation, chemicals & petrochemicals and others. The increasing adoption of AC drivers in power generation and automation industry is driving the growth of this market during the forecast period. F&B and automation has high growth potential and are the fastest growing segment.On the basis of applications, the market is segmented into fans, pumps, compressors, extruders conveyors, among other applications. The increasing use of compressors into different applications has made it the fastest growing segment in the market. Compressors also old the highest market share and will remain dominant throughout the forecast period.On the basis of region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America. North America has largest penetration for AC drivers and also hold the highest market share. Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing segment in this market.Prominent market players operating in the market are Siemens AG (Germany), Fuji Electric Holdings (Japan), Danfoss Group (Denmark), Schneider Electric (France) Mitsubishi Electrical Co, Ltd. (Japan), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), and Rockwell Automation (U.S.) amongst others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: DENGUE VACCINES MARKET - GLOBAL INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, TRENDS, OUTLOOK, AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS, 2016-2024 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/23 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/dengue-vaccines-market-23 https://blog.coherentmarketinsights.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coherent-market-insights Dengue is a mosquito-borne flavivirus debilitating disease with high prevalence in most tropical and sub-tropical regions. Dengue is a painful disease that is also known as break bone fever due to the excruciating bone and joint pain associated with it. No therapeutics have been discovered for treatment of the disease caused by four closely related dengue viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4). Therefore, focus has been mainly on prevention by controlling the vectors being borne. Severe dengue was discovered in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in Philippines and Thailand. The disease has since spread to Asian and Latin America countries and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and deaths among children and adults in these regions.Get Free PDF Research Brochure for more Professional and Technical Insights:Prevalent Scenario in the Global Dengue Vaccines MarketMember states in three of the WHO regions regularly report the annual number of dengue cases. These statistic suggest that the number of dengue cases increased from 2.2 million in 2010 to 3.2 million in 2015. The actual number remains underreported. One recent estimate by Bhatt et al., (also quoted by the WHO) mentions that there are around 390 million dengue cases worldwide each year, with number of cases reported increasing each year. In 2015, 2.35 million cases of dengue were reported in the Americas alone, of which 10,200 cases were diagnosed as severe dengue that led to 1,181 deaths. Dengue is a pertinent health issue affecting people across South America, Europe, and Asia. A large number of dengue outbreaks were reported worldwide in 2015, with over 169,000 cases in the Philippines and over 111,000 suspected cases of dengue in Malaysia. This was a staggering 59.5% and 16% increase respectively in the number of cases compared to that in 2014. The global dengue vaccines market therefore, offers lucrative growht opportunities for vaccine manufacturers.Dengvaxia the only approved product in the global dengue vaccines marketSanofi Pasteurs Dengvaxia, is the culmination of over two decades of scientific innovation and collaboration. The vaccine received its first marketing authorization in 2015, in Mexico. Dengvaxia is the worlds first licensed vaccine for prevention of dengue. It is a tetravalent dengue vaccine that prevents the disease from all four dengue viruses in people aged 9 to 45 years. Sanofi launched the worlds first public dengue vaccination program in the Philippines (2016), followed by Brazil. Dengvaxia is approved in 10 endemic countries worldwide, namely, Singapore, Mexico, the Philippines, Paraguay, Brazil, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Peru, and Guatemala. The global dengue vaccines market is thus, expected to expand with growing market approvals.Browse Global Strategic Business Report :India is however taking a precautionary approach in approving this vaccine due to lack of studies among the population in the country. A scientist in India has developed a dengue vaccine that was successfully tested in monkeys. If successful in human trials, this could be a breakthrough invention for prevention of dengue among the populace in the country. Moreover, various philanthropists and global organizations are investing in developing vaccines for malaria and dengue.Dengue Vaccines Market Outlook Research PipelineThere are approximately five vaccine candidates under evaluation in clinical trials, including other live-attenuated vaccines, as well as subunit, DNA and purified inactivated vaccine candidates. Also, technological approaches, such as virus-vectored and VLP-based vaccines, are under evaluation in preclinical studies. In September 2016, Takeda announced the beginning of the phase 3 clinical trials of its dengue vaccine TAK-003 vaccine. This vaccine is also aimed at prevention against all four dengue virus strains.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit Coherent Market Insights Blog @Connect with us on LinkedIn @ Baby Monitors Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Analysis For 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5156 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/baby-monitors-market.html Baby Monitors Market: SnapshotOwing to increasing number of working parents and rise in the number of nuclear families, the demand for baby monitors have increased. In addition, an increase in the number of day care facilities has added on to the increased demand of baby monitors globally. High growth in disposable income in emerging economies and increased propensity to spend on baby care products is also positively impacting the market, especially in developing economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America.Transparency Market Research estimates that the global baby monitors market will exhibit a 4.4% CAGR from 2016 through 2024, rising from a valuation of US$876.8 mn in 2015 to US$ 1,291.8 mn by 2024.Download Latest Research Brochure PDF@Wide Range of Features makes Fixed Video Baby Monitors Most Popular Product VarietyOn the basis of product type, the baby monitors market is examined in the report for product varieties such as audio baby monitors, fixed video baby monitor, and pan and tilt baby monitors. Accounting for over 45% of the global baby monitors market, the segment of fixed video baby monitor dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2015. The trend is expected to continue over the next few years as well. Advanced features of fixed video baby monitors, such as the possibility of real-time sound and video transmission, temperature sensing, talk-back, and heart rate monitoring will aid the future development of the segment over the forecast period.The market for pan and tilt baby monitors is expected to exhibit steady growth owing to their rising popularity among users; these baby monitors offer advantages such as easy rotation of camera to get a perfect view of the babys play area and instant temperature alerts among others. The segment will exhibit a 5.5% CAGR over the period between 2016 through 2024. The segment of audio baby monitors, on the other hand, is expected to exhibit a -0.9% CAGR over the said period. The decline in demand for such baby monitors will stem from their limited set of features. Nevertheless, their economic nature will lead to a steady demand from cost-sensitive buyers.High Per Capita Spending on Baby Care Products Allows North America Market to Retain DominanceGlobally, North America is the largest regional market for baby monitors in terms of revenue, holding over 52.0% in 2015 and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period as well; however Asia Pacific is the fastest growing baby monitors market. High per-capita spending capacity of consumers, growing awareness related to baby safety and security, and a rise in the number of nuclear families are cumulatively driving the market for baby monitors in North America. In addition to this, technologically advanced infrastructure and greater adoption of the innovative and niche baby care products is expected to create a lucrative market opportunity for baby monitors across North America.In 2015, Europe held the second largest market share for baby monitors, accounting for more than 36% of the total market size. Germany and the U.K. are the leading manufacturers of baby monitors in the region. The advancements in baby monitor technologies have positively impacted the demand for the market in the region. Rising expenditure on baby monitoring devices and increasing private equity investments in the electronic sector are the key factors driving the market for baby monitors in the region.Over the forecast period, Europe will continue to account for a significant share in the global baby monitors market. The market in Asia Pacific, however, will outpace both North America and Europe in terms of growth rate from 2016 to 2024. Expansion of the demand for baby monitors in the region will be as a result of changing lifestyles, increasing awareness among parents related to child care, rising disposable income, and efficient retailing channels.Some of the key vendors operating in the global baby monitors market are Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Angelcare Monitors Inc., Dorel Industries Inc., LOREX Technology Inc., Summer Infant Inc., Sony Corporation, VTech Holdings Ltd., and Koninklijke Philips N.V.Browse Full Report@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com E-signature Platform Market - Constant Technological Innovations to Create Lucrative Opportunities http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20555 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/chatbot-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/artificial-intelligence-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-card.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The e-signature or electronic signature is a symbol, process or an electronic sound logically associated with a contract, adopted by a person with the objective of signing any record or contract. An e-signature platform is a software toolkit designated to support enterprises to integrate electronic signature functionalities into websites or in a business application. E-signature platforms furnish an interface to distribute and sign documents online, confining the appropriate certificate authorities to deliver relying on digital certificates. It provide e-signature software to gather signatures on documents shared electronically, by eliminating the need for physical documents and processes to record signatures. Electronic signature platforms facilitate the circulation of legally confidential documents, for instance, sales contracts, employment paperwork, or such work for which signatures are often required. Moreover, e-signature platform support the generation, right from the most generic to the most advanced electronic signature formats.Government policies such as the U.S. Federal law known as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the acceptance of electronic signature by the certain jurisdictional authorities, which includes the Federal Courts of the U.S. and the Supreme Court of Canada, is anticipated to boost the global e-signature platform market in the near future. The growing need for e-signatures, efficient security transactions and the need to authenticate user identity are increasing the demand for the e-signature or electronic signature platform market, which is expected to show significant growth globally. Moreover, the demand for completely customizable solutions, flexible document or legal contract delivery across on-premise, cloud and web-based platforms is a major driver. However, the high initial investment required for the implementation and integration of the e-signature platform is anticipated to obstruct the growth of the global e-signature platform market.Get Sample Report Copy :The e-signature platform market is primarily segmented based on component, deployment and by application. Based on component type the global electronic signature or e-signature market is further segmented into software and services, where the services segment is further classified into consulting, integration, and operation & maintenance. On the basis of deployment type, the e-signature platform market is classified as on-premise, cloud-based and web-based. Moreover, the global market is also classified across end use industries, which includes banking financial services and insurance (BFSI), human resource, legal, real estate, education and research, government and others. In terms of geographies the global electronic signature platform market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The acceptance of e-signatures around the globe and significant adaptation of the electronic signature platform in North America is because of stringent cyber laws and tremendous growth in the financial sector in this region. However, South America has the least adoption of e-signature technology due to the weak and diversified cyber laws in the region. Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific regions are anticipated to show significant growth, with notable compound annual growth rates during the forecast period.Some of the major players of the global e-signature platform market, with significant development in region and large market share include Adobe Systems Incorporation, Docu Sign Inc., Entrust Datacard Corporation, Right Signature LLC, AssureSign LLC., VASCO, eSignLive, Cryptolog, eSignly, Canvas and Signix.Top Research Reports by TMR :Chatbot Market -Artificial Intelligence Market -Smart Cards Market -About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market Scenario, Leading Players, Segments Analysis and Growth Drivers to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2167 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/antimicrobial-packaging-market Market HighlightsAntimicrobial Packaging Materials are used to prevent the food from spoilage. Most of the food is wasted due to spoilage. Packaging materials such as antimicrobial packaging materials are highly flexible, transparent, and prevent the passage of gases, liquids, and radiation. Materials are used in the form of thin films and sheets for food packaging. They increase the shelf life of packaged foods by preventing the passage of atmospheric air. Moreover, growing consumer awareness about health-related issues, rising consumption of products with shorter shelf life such as fresh meat products and increasing demand by various end-user industries such as food & beverage, healthcare, personal care, consumer goods, and agricultural products are the major factors driving the market of antimicrobial packaging.The global market is expected to show staggering growth during the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy of Report @Key PlayersThe key players of Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market report include- The Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE., Mondi Plc, PolyOne Corporation, Biocote Limited, Dunmore Corporation, Linpac Senior Holdings, Microban International, Oplon Pure Sciences Ltd. Takex Labo Co. Ltd.Browse Report Details @Market Research Analysis:Asia pacific region holds the largest share in the global market. The major industries having a healthy demand for antimicrobial packaging are food & beverages, healthcare, personal care, consumer goods, and agricultural products. Moreover, awareness among consumers about importance of antimicrobial packaging and preference for convenience are driving the market of Antimicrobial packaging.The Asia-Pacific region leads the market due to its large population and its proven identity as a major manufacturing hub that offers production opportunities at affordable costs to companies. Moreover, Availability of advanced antimicrobial packaging materials and technology are expected to support the growth in demand for packaging in antimicrobial industry. Additionally, rapid lifestyle changes and economic growth, coupled with rising population in Asia Pacific countries such as China and India has spiked the growth rate of Antimicrobial packaging in the region.Access the market data and market information presented through more than 25 market data tables and 25 figures spread over 109 numbers of pages of the project report Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market - Forecast to 2022Scope of the reportThis study provides an overview of the Global Antimicrobial Packaging Industry, tracking two market segments across four geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, volume and share for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market as material, Type and Application. On the basis of material it is segmented as Plastic, Paper & Paperboard and others. On the basis of type it includes Bags, Pouches, carton packages and others .On the basis of application it is segmented as Food & beverages, Healthcare, Personal care and others.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.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com Misleading advertising: Exclusive must mean exclusive https://www.grprainer.com/en/legal-advice/intellectual-property-law-and-trademark-law/advertising.html www.grprainer.com/en/ www.grprainer.com/en If something is advertised as exclusive then it ought to remain exclusive. A ruling of the Landgericht (LG) Hamburg [Regional Court of Hamburg] demonstrates that a lack of touted exclusivity can render the advertising misleading.GRP Rainer Lawyers and Tax Advisors in Cologne, Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and London conclude: A cosmetics manufacturer had advertised a number of its products as exclusively available at pharmacies. While the company itself had in fact sold its products solely in pharmacies, the products in question also found their way onto what is referred to as the grey market via the product lines of online merchants, retailers and drugstores. For this reason, the Landgericht Hamburg ruled in its judgment of November 17, 2016 that the advertising was misleading and violated Germanys Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG) [Unfair Competition Act] (Az.: 327 O 90/16).The defendant company took the view that its exclusive advertising was legitimate, arguing that it had only sold the products in pharmacies and the average visitor would not have a different understanding of the promotional statements. However, the LG Hamburg reached a different conclusion. The Court held that the promotional statements at issue were objectively inaccurate, as the products advertised were also available outside of pharmacies. The advertising was said to include no qualifying statement indicating that the defendant itself would only be selling the products in pharmacies. The Court went on to say that there was therefore a risk of consumers being misled by this advertising and not concluding that there were also offers on the grey market.It also held that it is not unlikely for consumers to opt for an exclusive product, especially since pharmacies are rated as particularly trustworthy. As a result, competitors would have poorer prospects when it came to selling their products. The LG Hamburg therefore concluded that a right to damages was justified.When it comes to advertising, it is easy for boundaries to be crossed, even unwittingly, and thus give rise to violations of competition law. Formal written warnings, damages claims and injunction suits are possible consequences. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of intellectual property law can advise businesses on their advertising measures as well as assist in fending off or enforcing claims.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 The HR Congress Budapest The HR Congress Budapest www.bp.hr-congress.com http://www.stamfordglobal.com/ After bringing together 500 HR professionals in Amsterdam on 29-30 November 2016 and offering probably the most unique and comprehensive event program of its kind, the HR Congress will now arrive in the Hungarian capital for two content-packed days of learning and exchanging ideas.The Congress will feature a truly unique panel of global subject matter experts.The presenters are carefully selected to ensure that their content is aligned with the theme of the conference.THIS IS NOT ANOTHER DEATH BY POWER POINT EVENT.Rather a TED-style conference, sharing provocative and inspiring ideas to help in designing and building people-centric organizations.It never has been more challenging to be an HR professional than nowadays. Global forces are reshaping the workplace, the workforce, and work itself. To help organizations cope with this unprecedented change, HR leaders and professionals must up their game not only to be a partner of business but to shape the business and enable the organization to become resilient, standing in longevity built on a strong culture around its most important assets: people.As confirmed in Deloittes 2016 Human Capital Report: After three years of struggling to drive employee engagement and retention, improve leadership, and build a meaningful culture, executives see a need to redesign the organization.Check more details about the event atStamford Global is an elite provider of business events, thought leader research and publications in the field of HR, Analytics and Project Management. Follow us for regular updates about our premium events and training courses, as well as articles, discussions and other knowledge resources.Stamford Global, Budapest, Varmegye utca 3-5. 1. em., 1052, Hungary Quality Management Software Market To Witness Growth Based On Rising Technology Advancements In IT And Telecom Industries Till 2024: Grand View Research, Inc. http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/quality-management-software-market?utm_source=referral&utm_campaign=Snehali_March&utm_medium=press%20release http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/emerging-and-next-generation-technologies www.grandviewresearch.com The global quality management software market is estimated to reach USD 12.63 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing advancement in the functionality of solution is anticipated to boost the industry growth over the forecast period.Quality Management Software (QMS) is used to better manage and control quality concerns regarding performance, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness of the organization. This is done by the controlling processes as well as products for consistent quality assurance, reduction in the quality gap between manufacturing practices and end-product expectations, tracking of deviations, and ensuring compliances.The QMS market is expected to witness a tremendous growth due to the increasing demand for the effective management of organizational processes and the need for meeting consumer expectations in a highly competitive market. The growing technology advancements in IT and telecom as well as the automation of the transportation and logistics industries are driving the market growth.Quality management software offers numerous functionalities including the handling of non-conformances, out of specification test results, calibration, ensuring compliance, as well as a centralized system that ensures connection to organizations ERP and CRM systems. All these capabilities, coupled with the reduction in the costs, are energizing the adoption of quality management software across a wide range of industries.The flexibility and mobility offered by the quality management software in solutions such as document control and non-conformances issue resolving are driving the demand for QMS software in large enterprises, contributing to the addition of new functionalities to the software every day. The increasing demand for cloud-based QMS solutions due to implied scalability and accessibility is a major factor for increasing the popularity of the quality management software.Browse full research report on Global Quality Management Software Market: (Further key findings from the report suggest: The cloud technology is becoming popular among cost-sensitive customers and small & medium enterprises. The numerous benefits that the cloud-based quality management software offers without incurring additional costs are helping the market grow. Quality management software is also being adopted by the small- and medium-sized enterprises. Globalization and the need for complying with international standards for products as well as processes have brought about the necessity of quality management systems to deal with the increased pressure of numerous regulations and directives. This is an important factor affecting the spread of versatile and customized quality management solutions across industries. MasterControl, Inc., Sparta Systems, Inc., SAP SE, and Siemens AG are some of the major industry players in this domain. Other key vendors include Aras Corporation, Arena Solutions Inc., Autodesk Inc., Dassault Systemes SE, PSC Biotech Corp., Oracle Corporation, Parasoft Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co.Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research:Grand View Research has segmented the quality management software market on the basis of application, solution, deployment, company size and region:Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) IT and telecom Transportation and logistics Consumer goods and retail Defence and aerospace Manufacturing Healthcare OtherSolution Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) Document control Non-conformances / corrective & preventative Complaint handling Employee training Audit management Supplier quality management Calibration management Change management OtherDeployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) Cloud On-premiseCompany Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Large enterpriseRegional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2024) North Americao U.S.o Canada Europeo UKo Germany Asia Pacifico Chinao Japano India Latin Americao Brazilo Mexico Middle East & Africa (MEA)For more information:About Grand View ResearchGrand 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.Press ContactSherry James - Corporate Relations Specialist28 2nd Street, Suite 3036San Francisco, CA 94105United StatesPhone: 1-415-349-0058Email: sales@grandviewresearch.com USA - Telecoms, IP Networks And Digital Media http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/161235 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Network neutrality promising major changes to fixed and mobile broadband service conditionsThe US broadband market is currently witnessing significant investment activity in fibre deployments, HFC upgrades and mobile broadband network rollouts. Much of the investment in fibre is being undertaken by a significant number of smaller players and municipalities rather than the two key telcos, which are concentrating on a hybrid fibre/copper network. The activities of market players such as Google, Cincinnati Bell and others have encouraged smaller carriers to continue to deploy fibre deeper into their networks.Broadband services in most regions still lack effective competition, with the AT&T and Verizon managing an effective duopoly in many areas of the country. Municipal activity, often geared at breaking this stranglehold and introducing competition and innovation, continues to be stymied by lobbying pressure from these main telcos, which has led to at least 19 states banning or restricting municipal or state-led infrastructure projects.There is now a growing consensus, supported by the President in his 2015 State of the Union address, that such restrictions should be lifted. The FCC Chairman also in February 2015 proposed measures which would reclassify broadband as a telecom service rather than a content service, and would extend network neutrality conditions to mobile broadband services. The FCC is also determined to use its authority to override restrictive state laws.The US mobile subscriber base is approaching 340 million, and although growth has slowed with higher penetration levels, mobile data use remains strong in line with the fast development of LTE networks and the high take-up of smartphones, which now account for about 80% of all handset devices on mobile networks. Data revenue also continues to grow steadily year-on-year, though is subject to considerable price competition among the main players. A potential shift market dynamics can be expected in coming years following the FCCs recommendation that mobile broadband be subject to network neutrality rules.Download Sample Copy of Report atKey developments:Google Fibre extended to four more cities;C Spire adopts Google Fibers strategy to build out fibre in Mississippi;fibre extends to more than 39% of commercial buildings;AT&T to invest $14 billion in LTE and U-verse network to 2015;FCC proposes new net neutrality measures, also to cover mobile broadband;State of the Union address promotes end to state legislation banning municipal broadband networks;;Frontier acquires Verizons wireline assets in three western states for $10.5 billion;New York state proposal for $1 billion investment in broadband infrastructure, using state and private funds;Next Century Cities program expands to 50 cities developing affordable broadband solutions;USDA makes available $190.5 million in loans and grants for rural broadband;FCC rules 25Mb/s as a newly defined broadband speed;Liberty Media to spin off new Liberty Broadband Group;FCC approves $2 billion to improve WiFi to schools;FCC concludes AWS auction, securing $44.9 billion;AT&T to close down 2G infrastructure by end-2016;telcos operating and financial data to Q4 2014;recent market developments.Companies mentioned in this reportVerizon; Google; AT&T; CenturyLink, Clearwire; Sprint; MetroPCS; US Cellular; Qwest; Frontier; Windstream; Fairpoint; Cincinnati Bell; Comcast; HughesNet; ViaSat, T-Mobile US, Tracfone, MetroPCS Communications, Leap Wireless, Frontline, Alltel.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.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Elevators & Escalators Global Market 2017 by Manufacturers - Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, Hyundai, Volkslift, Kone http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/34368/request-sample https://goo.gl/y8bEqX www.fiormarkets.com Global Elevators & Escalators Market 2017, presents a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Elevators & Escalators market globally, providing basic overview of Elevators & Escalators market including Definitions, Classifications, Applications and Industry chain structure, Elevators & Escalators Market report provides development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Elevators & Escalators market size, share and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.Download Free Sample Report @Global market research report of Elevators & Escalators 2017 mainly focuses on Production, means the output of Elevators & Escalators and Revenue, means the sales value of Elevators & Escalators in market. Elevators & Escalators market research report studies Elevators & Escalators in Global market, Elevators & Escalators market report gives detail analysis of regions especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Global Elevators & Escalators market report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with their Business perspective which consist of Elevators & Escalators Capacity, Production, Price, Revenue and Elevators & Escalators market share for each manufacturer.Elevators & Escalators Market Research Report 2017 Covers the following Manufacturers.OtisMitsubishi ElectricSchindler GroupHitachiKoneThyssenKruppToshibaFujitecYungtay EngineeringSANYOHyundaiCanny ElevatorVolksliftSJECSyney ElevatorHangzhou XiOliftSicher ElevatorGuangri ElevatorCNYDEdunburgh ElevatorShenlong ElevatorSuzhou DiaoMeilun ElevatorIFE ElevatorsFEIYA ElevatorAolida ElevatorTailing ElevatorsYongri ElevatorHosting ElevatorsDongnan ElevatorAccess Full Report @Global Elevators & Escalators Market segment by Regions, Elevators & Escalators market report splits Global into several key Regions, with Elevators & Escalators production, Elevators & Escalators consumption, Elevators & Escalators revenue, Elevators & Escalators market share and growth rate of Elevators & Escalators in these regions, from 2011 to 2021. Elevators & Escalators Market report split by Product type and Application, with Elevators & Escalators Production, Revenue, Price, market Share and Growth rate of each type, according to Application Elevators & Escalators Market report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Elevators & Escalators in each application.Elevators & Escalators Market Research Report Split by Type,ElevatorEscalatorElevators & Escalators Market Research Report Split by ApplicationResidential AreaCommercial OfficeTransportation Hub AreaIndustrial AreaTable of ContentsGlobal Elevators & Escalators Market Research Report 20171 Elevators & Escalators Market Overview2 Global Elevators & Escalators Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Elevators & Escalators Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Elevators & Escalators Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)5 Global Elevators & Escalators Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Elevators & Escalators Market Analysis by Application7 Global Elevators & Escalators Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Elevators & Escalators Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Elevators & Escalators Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 Appendix14.1 Methodology14.2 Analyst Introduction14.3 Data SourceFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Mark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb: SpecPage expands business in Europe with a strengthened team Jozef Olear and Fernando Fernandes are strengthening the team of SpecPage. www.specpage.com www.specpage.com Merlischachen-Kussnacht (Switzerland), February 27, 2017. SpecPage, a global provider of integrated software solutions and online tools for the food & beverage industry, has appointed Jozef Olear and Fernando Fernandes as Business Development Managers to boost its activities in Central, Eastern as well as Southern Europe.In their new roles, Jozef Olear and Fernando Fernandes will be responsible for building up SpecPages presence in their respective focus regions as well as customer service of existing clients. This is the third high-profile hire in recent months confirming the companys continuous global growth.Before joining SpecPage, Jozef Olear held senior sales positions, heading the confectionary packaging sales for global packaging suppliers Schur Flexibles Moneta and Moneta S. During his tenure at Moneta S, the company was recognized with the DuPont Gold Packaging Award for Packaging Innovation.We look forward to working with Jozef. He has long-standing experience with food processing and packaging businesses, and will assist our clients in implementing cost-efficient recipe and specification management solutions, said Severin Weiss, CEO at SpecPage.After years in the packaging industry, I have decided to pursue new challenges. This is a great opportunity for me to bring in my experience and help F&B producers acquire the right technology solutions to help accelerate productivity, and manage their data more efficiently and safely, added Jozef Olear.Fernando Fernandes has vast experience in sales and lead representative roles with leading companies in the IT industry such as IBM and DELL. With Fernando, we are better equipped to enter the local markets and develop new opportunities, commented Severin Weiss. SpecPage specializes in the food and beverage industry and has been growing rapidly in Europe. With an experienced a-nd committed team, we can offer our clients an enhanced service ensuring they can fully exploit the potential of our solutions to streamline their product development and information processes.It is exciting for me to join SpecPage now that the company continues to grow dynamically and is becoming a real global player in the food & beverage industry. It is a pleasure for me to be able to use my knowledge of the Southern European markets and to contribute to the success of the company in this region, stated Fernando Fernandes.SpecPage with headquarters in Switzerland provides product development solutions, including Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Product Data Management (PDM) and Laboratory Information and Management System (LIMS), enabling food and beverage companies to innovate competitive products in compliance with relevant food laws.With expertise in the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), the company offers individually customizable online catalogs, including Suppliers Guide, Buyers Guide and Compliance Guide, to help companies manage high-quality product information at the touch of a button.About SpecPageSpecPage with headquarters in Switzerland and branch offices in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia and the United States is a leading vendor of integrated software solutions and online catalogs for the food and beverage industry. Kelloggs, Subway, Lindt, Dr. Oetker, Mondelez, Develey, Nestle Wagner, Campbell Soup, R&R Ice Cream, OSI, Zeelandia and Glanbia, to name just a few, are well-known customers who use the innovative and user-friendly software solutions from SpecPage to successfully manage the special and complex aspects of product development in the global competition for attractive products. With expertise in food law, the company offers turnkey product data management tools for master data and recipe as well product lifecycle management with integrated GDSN interface, simplifying compliance with global labeling requirements. In addition to its standardized software solutions, SpecPage offers master data capturing services and audits. Visit us atfor more information.SpecPagePilatusstrasse 35CH-6402 Merlischachen-KussnachtE: info@specpage.comW:Media contactPetra KourimskaT: +41 44 500 75 00E: pkourimska@specpage.com Polypropylene (PP) Nonwoven Fabric Market by Product (Spunbounded, Staple, Meltblown, Composite) - Forecast 2025 Orbis Research http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/polypropylene-pp-nonwoven-fabric-market-analysis-by-product-spunbounded-staple-meltblown-composite-by-application-hygiene-industrial-medical-geotextiles-furnishings-carpet-agriculture-and-segment-forecasts-2014-2025 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/212685 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/212685 The global Polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric market is expected to reach USD 34.98 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rapidly increasing disposable income level in countries such as China, India and Brazil has enhanced market penetration for baby diapers, adult incontinence products which have had a mirror impact on PP nonwoven fabric demand in these regions.Browse the report:These fabrics are now being aggressively adopted for durable applications such as geotextiles, construction, automotive, home furnishing, etc. which has increased their penetration level in such markets. However, volatile raw material supply is expected to be a key challenge for industry participants, in terms of maintaining profitability.Polypropylene being a petrochemical derivative, witnesses significant fluctuation in its price owing to the supply-demand imbalance. Over the last few years, there has been rising concern over the depleting petroleum reserves which have led to a shortage of chemicals, affecting their market price.Request a sample of the report:In terms of production, emerging markets of Latin America, Middle East and Africa hold maximum potential. These regions are expected to cater to the growing demand for PP nonwoven fabrics by 2025.Some of the major expansions planned in these regions are projected to come from Russia which holds the advantage of having abundant natural resources. However, Asia Pacific is also expected to expand its capacity on account of favorable government policies in India and China to increase the flow of FDI.Further Key Findings From the Study Suggest:Spunbonded fabric emerged as the largest as well as fastest growing product segment and is expected to witness a revenue growth at an estimated CAGR of around 9%.Majority of spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven fabric produced is consumed for hygiene application around the world.Buy the report@Meltblown PP nonwoven fabrics is anticipated to emerge as the second fastest growing product segment.Major application of meltblown PP nonwoven fabrics include sanitary applications such as hygiene and incontinence products for babies, adults and feminine hygiene products.Hygiene application segment observed highest market penetration and accounted for 45.0% of the overall market volume in 2015.PP nonwoven fabric demand in furnishings applications is expected to grow at fastest estimated CAGR of over 10% during the forecast period.Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest growing as well as the largest regional segment owing to increasing healthcare expenditure.About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Information:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Email: sales@orbisresearch.com Cable Modem Subscribers Market Estimated to Flourish by 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/cable-modem-subscribers-market.asp Subtitle: The Cable Modem Subscribers Market report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.A cable modem is a type of modem and network bridge providing two-way communication via radio channels on a Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) and Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC) infrastructure. It enables integration of a local cable TV line with the computer and continuously receives data at about 1.4 Mbps. Cable modem subscribers use the bandwidth of cable modems for implementing the internet services at the desired locations. They use coaxial cables that are used by cable TV for the service as it offers high-speed access to the World Wide Web.The cable modem subscribers market is segmented on the basis of end-use applications into enterprise applications and residential applications. On the basis of types, the cable modem subscribers market is segmented into internal cable modem subscribers, external cable modem subscribers, and interactive set-top box cable modem subscribers among others. On the basis of region, the cable modem subscribers market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World (RoW). The North America region majorly contributes to the growth of cable modem subscribers market on account of high penetration of the Internet in the region.The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) is the major factor fuelling the growth of cable modem subscribers market. Customers are increasing their preference for using internet to carry out various financial transactions such as accessing latest e-bills via e-mails, carrying out payments using debit and credit cards, and online bank transfers among others. Business organizations are also promoting the use of internet on mobile devices by allowing employees to carry out their work at convenient locations using smart phones and tablets. This helps them in increasing their revenue by boosting employee productivity. The growing trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices), strong penetration of notebooks and laptops, growth of mobile internet networks and increase in internet enabled smart phones is further contributing to the growth of IoT. Moreover, the rising standard of living is driving the IoT market as people are looking for saving time on various daily tasks such as shopping and various bill payments. These factors that contribute to the growth of IoT initiate the increase in the subscription of effective and high speed cable modems to increase the speed of internet connections for performing various tasks. Thus the proliferation of IoT is fuelling the growth of cable modem subscribers market.However, high installation cost is one of the major factors limiting the growth of the cable modem subscribers market. Moreover, due to uncertain returns, service providers across the globe have been reluctant in investing in cable modems. This has adversely affected the growth of cable modem subscribers market.Some of the major players in this market are Videotron GP (Canada), Time Warner Cable Inc. (U.S.), Telstra Corporation Limited (Australia), StarHub Ltd (Singapore), Shaw Communications Inc. (Canada), Rogers Communications Inc. (Canada), Liberty Global Inc. (U.S.), Kabel Deutschland (Germany), Insight Communications Company, Inc. (U.S.), COX Enterprises (U.S.), Com Hem AB (Sweden), Comcast Corporation (U.S.), Cogeco Cable Inc. (Canada), Charter Communications Inc.(U.S.), and CablevisionSystems Corporation (U.S.).Browse Full Report summary and to request sample report and table of content@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 Dithianon Market - Global Industry Analysis By 2024 Dithianon Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20630 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchmarket.blogspot.in/ Dithianon, a fungicide belonging to the quinone family, is used to control various pests. It acts as a conventional, protective, broad spectrum fungicide for apples, pears, and other fruits. The different types of pests it keeps a check on include Venturia, Plasmopara, Coryneum & Monilia & Taphrina, Botryosphaeria & Glomerella, and Podosphaera & Venturia. Dithianon is applied as a foliar spray on a surface to which it adheres well and offers excellent persistence when dried. This fungicide is generally consumed farming of fruits, crops and vegetables.Based on disease, the dithianon market has been segmented into the following categories: scab, mildew, fruit rot, and others. Fruit rot accounts for a significant share in the global dithianon market due to rising prevalence of gloeosporium and penicillium expansum. The scab segment is expected to experience a high growth rate, led by the growth in bacteria such as venturia inaequalis and venturia pirina. Growing demand for apples and peers farming is predicted to boost the need for dithianon during the forecast period.GET PDF BROCHURE FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL AND TECH-NICAL INSIGHTS:Geographically, the global market has been distributed over Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific was a major market for dithianon in 2015. The market for fungicides in this region is estimated to expand due to the ever-increasing requirement for agriculture and farming. Scab held a large share in the dithianon market in Asia Pacific in 2015. There has been a surge in diseases caused by plants increased exposure to different types of bacteria. Rising disposable incomes in North America andEurope are projected to propel the dithianon market in these regions, especially in the U.S. and U.K., apart from new product launches. The product is anticipated to garner high demand in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Australia due to the widespread fruits market in this region. Developing economies in Asia Pacific, namely China and India, are also projected to register a high growth rate in the dithianon market due to the rising incomes of consumers. Promotional measures taken by the government to push the agricultural sector are also likely to fuel the demand for dithianon in developing countries, besides research and development advancements and innovation in terms of new products.Global demand for fungicides is anticipated to rise significantly in the near future, thereby offering high growth opportunities for the dithianon market. The rapid rise in demand from end-use applications, competitive manufacturing costs, and high economic growth rates are propelling the market in Asia Pacific. These factors are attracting companies to adopt the strategies of expansion and R&D in the region. Market players are focusing on Asia Pacific to gain larger market shares. The high agricultural growing in Asia Pacific region is expected to boost the demand for dithianon market for the forecast period. Producers of dithianon have been compelled to adopt acquisition strategies to meet the global needs. Several of them are shifting their plants to countries such as China and India due to the high demand and low raw material & labor costs there. This trends are expected to continue in the near future propelling high demand for dithianon market.Key players operating in the global dithianon market are AgChemAccess Limited, SIMAGCHEM, Haihang Industry Co., Ltd., Parchem fine & specialty chemicals, Krishi Rasayan Group, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., and BASF ES.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog: Workshop on UK MoD & RAF Agenda Released for Air Mission Planning and Support 2017 in London Air Mission Planning and Support 2017 www.airmissionplanning.co.uk/openpr www.airmissionplanning.co.uk/openpr http://www.smi-online.co.uk Air Mission Planning and Support 2017 returns to London on 5-6 April 2017 and will feature a pre-conference workshop led by WhiteFlare Consulting.The Conference will uncover how leading nations are delivering their most advanced air mission planning and support systems to date. Key subjects include: The F-35 Lighting II Joint Programme The optimization and development of the Gripen Fleet Delivering Effective Air Mission Planning and Support Strategies Improving interoperability between partner Air ForcesAttendees will also have the opportunity to attend a half-day pre-conference workshop which will be held on Tuesday 4th April 2017.Industry focused afternoon workshop:'Effectively Presenting Air Mission Planning and Support Solutions to the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force'12.30pm - 4.00pmHosted by Mr. Nick Cox, Director, Defence & Aviation, WhiteFlare ConsultingReasons to attend:Understanding the customer decider community in detail is vital to making a timely and effective sale to the UK Ministry of Defence. There are many pitfalls to the unwary and strict rules by which procurement staff have to abide by.This workshop will illuminate and clarify what can ease the sales process and what vendors can offer to assist the customer through numeral layers of approval before contracts can be signed. If will also cover ways to satisfy urgent operational requirements and conventional procurement routes.About the workshop leader:Nick Cox, Defence and Aviation Consultant, formerly Royal Air Force Programme Manager for C-130 Hercules, L1011 Tristar and UK Parachute and Aerial Delivery Capability. UK lead in Multi National C-130J Joint User Group 7 Nation Partnership to procure and manage upgrades to C-130J capability and through life support.As the former UK Royal Air Force Programme Manager and Airworthiness Release Signatory for the C-130, Mr. Cox, will be able to guide delegates through the procurement process and pitfalls when attempting to sell services, new capabilities and products to the Ministry of Defence.For more information or to attend this conference, visit the event website:Air Mission Planning and Support5th and 6th April 2017London, United Kingdom---- END ----About SMi Group: Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the worlds most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found atSMi Group1 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7XWFor media enquiries, contact Shannon Cargan on +44 20 7827 6138 or scargan@smi-online.co.uk Sun Care Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast Analysis For 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13910 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sun-care-market.html Sun Care Market: SnapshotThe rising awareness regarding the importance of sun protection and the launch of new products with more effective formulations have significantly driven the global market for sun care products. The growth in this market in the coming years is pinned on the development of products with natural and organic ingredients. Emerging economies in Latin America and Asia Pacific are anticipated to present lucrative opportunities for players in the sun care market as increasing disposable income and growing awareness levels direct their purchasing patterns.The global sun care market is poised to expand at a 5.8% CAGR during the forecast period, rising from a value of US$14.8 bn in 2015 to US$24.9 bn by 2024.Download Research Brochure PDF@After Sun Products to Expand at Rapid Pace through 2024Sun care products have come a long way from being products exclusively meant for skin care to being a beauty necessity. One of the key factors driving the sun care market is the growing multifunctionality of almost all sun care products. Apart from sun protection, these products also serve multiple purposes. Based on type, there are three main products available in the sun care market: self-tanning, sun protection, and after sun. Among these, sun protection products held the leading share in 2015 in terms of revenue and are likely to retain their dominance through 2024. After sun products are anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, followed by sun protection products.Growing Risk of Skin Cancer Driving Sales of Sun Care Products in Asia PacificThe global sun care market is segmented on the basis of geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America led the overall market in 2015, contributing over 35% of the total revenue generated by the sun care market that year. Expanding at a steady pace, this market is anticipated to retain its lead throughout the forecast period. The persistent demand for sun care products in various forms is spurring the growth of this market in North America, especially in the U.S. The market is also fueled by several other factors, including rising customer knowledge, growing skin care concerns, and considerable research and development in the U.S. Sun protection products, especially cream-based and liquid sunscreen products, have been witnessing increased demand in the region. Encouraged by the massive size of the North America sun care market, several local and low-grade products have been flooding the market. However, these lowly-priced poor quality products are a restraint in the growth of the sun care market in North America.Consumers across Asia Pacific are increasingly becoming more conscious about skin care and the use of specialized skin care products. Products with additional benefits such as anti-blemish, anti-aging, and dark spot reduction have gained much popularity in Asia Pacific and are likely to push this market to become the fastest growing regional segment during the forecast period. Owing to the harsh climatic conditions in the region, the adverse impact of sun rays and the risk of skin cancer is high. With the increased knowledge about this fact, consumers are driven to purchase more sun care products.Some of the leading players in the sun care market are Beiersdorf AG (Germany), Groupe Clarins. (France), Johnson and Johnson (U.S.), Coty Inc. (US), Shiseido Company Ltd. (Japan), LOreal (France), Bioderma Laboratories. (France), Estee Lauder Companies (U.S.), Burts Bees (U.K.), and Unilever (Netherlands).Browse Full Report@About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com AasaanJobs launches Resume Builder- latest feature on its online platform www.aasaanjobs.com AasaanJobs (), one of Indias leading online recruitment marketplace that connects entry-level job seekers with employers, adds another new feature on its growing website the Resume Builder. With this, the company wishes to target job seekers based in tier-2 cities, allowing them to enhance their profile for better job prospects.During job hunting, the first and most important thing that candidates require while applying for a job is a resume, a comprehensive document that showcases the educational and professional expertise of a candidate. In this age of technology, wherein job aspirants can either send their resumes to prospective employers or simply post them online on recruitment platforms, there are still some people who rely on offline ways to create their CVs or resumes.Such job seekers, especially those in the blue collar jobs category, tend to pay lots of money to get their resumes professionally made.To alleviate this problem, AasaanJobs built its new Resume Builder feature that can make the job seekers life significantly better. The Resume Builder can enhance the candidates profile, making it more appealing to recruiters, and thereby, increasing the possibility of better job prospects.It also suggestsdifferent modelsto prepare the resume based on the standard format for a particular industry.Commenting on the launch, Dinesh Singh, VP Engineering, AasaanJobs said, Building a resume is a very tedious, yet important part of a job seekers career. While most freshers these days have the resources to build a good resume, there are still some individuals who spend lots of cash and time to create a resume, and are still unable to find a good job. Inspired by this issue, we decided to help our candidates build good quality resume in minutes with the Resume Builder that can significantly improve their chances of landing a great job opportunity. We are confident that this feature will prove to be a boon for job aspirants across India, enabling them to create extremely professional resumes while they look for their dream job.With AasaanJobs accelerating its efforts to expand its services towards tier-2 cities, it has now become a matter of extreme importance to facilitate services like the Resume Builder for candidates who live there in order to maximize their chances of securing a lucrative job.By creating an end-to-end product for recruitment purposes, AasaanJobs has become a one-stop platform for the entire journey of a job seeker by adding more value to his/her resume, and improve their chances of securing any job they desire.Aasaanjobs is a leading end-to-end recruitment marketplace connecting employers, consultants and job seekers. Our goal is to make hiring quick, easy and convenient for everyone involved.Aasaanjobs Office: 022-44446666Unit No:4, B Wing, Krislon House, Opposite Marwah Center, Military Road, Off Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai - 400072 These Proven Tips And Tricks Will Provide Cover For The Bald Patch On Your Head https://www.harleybodyclinic.co.uk There is a tendency among the masses to be cruel when talking about others issues with hair loss. If you are someone who has been afflicted with the loss of follicles from the top of the head, then Im sure you are going to vouch for this bald truth. However, male pattern baldness does not mean that one fine morning you will wake up and find all your hair has fallen off suspect foul play if this is the case! No, it is a gradual process and starts off with modest loss of hair. This puts you in a better position to equip yourself with all the tips and tricks that will help disguise the hairless crown on your head.The first thing to do when you notice the bald patch on your head is to accept that something is not right and then work towards putting it right. You could opt for a surgical procedure or natural methods but, again, the results wont occur overnight. So in the meanwhile you need something to hide the follicle deficiency on your head.Do A Comb-OverThough time-consuming and fiddly (you may find yourself at the end of a ridiculous Bobby Charlton joke) there are instances when comb-overs work better than imagined. Beware the wind catching them in which case it opens up like a trapdoor revealing a chamber of horrors. While such big revelations may work wonders for your popularity at press conferences, the same does not hold true as far as your self-esteem is concerned. A generous amount of hairspray could help disguise a patch of a modest size but avoid doing anything fancy as the results are not always what you would want them to be.Sprinkle SupplementsMicroscopic, electrostatically-charged volumnizing hair fibers that stick to the hair give the appearance of a thicker thatch. These have been present for a number of years and promise to give you instant results as far as filling the gaping holes on your head is concerned. These products should ideally be sprinkled on your head like you sprinkle salt on food and the fibers fill out whatever gap may be present. Just make sure that you have got the color right and then everything else can be taken care of.Go For A TattooTattoos are trendy but have you ever thought about doing more than restricting them to your sleeves? Why not choose to have one on the head also? This is a technique that works best for those who are bald rather than the ones who are patchy on top. A procedure called scalp micro pigmentation involves tattooing tiny dots of pigment on the scalp in a color matching the existing hair color. This creates a uniform stubble effect and helps to cover up the bald region.Whatever the procedure you are opting for to cover the balding area, make sure your makeover keeps the hair looking hair and does not end up resembling a helmet!Harley Body Clinic includes professionals who can offer you expert solutions for your issues with hair. Call them today! For more details please visit atHarley Body Clinic(Subsidiary of Harley Cosmetic Group)61 Harley StreetLondon W1G 8QU Nanobots Market Sales by Product Type, With Production, Revenue, Price, Market Share and Growth Rate, Analysis & Forecast by 2027 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1301 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/nanobots-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1301 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/micro-pump-market Market Highlights:Nanobots will be the next generation of Nano machines. Nanobot are an extremely small machine designed to perform a specific task on a microscopic scale. They have potential applications in the assembly and maintenance of sophisticated systems.Nanobots will help bridge the technological gaps between physics, chemistry and biology on the Nano-scale. Nanobots might produce copies of themselves to replace worn-out units.Major Key Players Xidex Corp. Zymergen Inc. Synthace Limited GINKGO BIOWORKSRequest a Copy of Sample Report @The report for Global Nanobots 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.Market Segments:Segmentation by types Microbivore nanorobots Respirocyte nanorobots Clottocyte nanorobots Cellular repair nanorobotsSegmentation by application market Nano Medicine Mechanical Healthcare BiomedicalTaste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 130 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Nanobots Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027Access Report Details @Study Objectives of Nanobots Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Nanobots market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Nanobots market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by types, by applications and its sub-segments. To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling 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 Nanobots market.Make an Enquiry @Americas North America US Canada Latin AmericaEurope Western Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western Europe Eastern EuropeAsia Pacific Asia China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia PacificThe Middle East& AfricaThe 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 markets segments and regionsBrowse Related Reports:-Global Micro-pump Market Information, by Type (Mechanical & Non-Mechanical and others), by applications (drug delivery, biomedical, infusion and others) by end users (Hospitals, Clinics, Diagnostic Centers and others) - 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.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.com Software Engineering Market is estimated to reach at USD 50 billion and expected to grow at 15% Compound Annual Growth Rate https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2180 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/software-engineering-market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2180 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/power-over-ethernet-market Market HighlightsSoftware engineering provides software tool that is used to achieve accuracy in designing of products and components of an organization. Software engineering are widely adopted by several end users which includes aerospace & defence, automotive, banking, telecommunication, oil & gas, healthcare, others. The software engineering allows end-users to develop prototypes of their products on computer before the commencement of the production. They also help architects, engineers, and design professionals draft industry-specific products that enhance the overall product development.The global Software engineering market is expected to grow at CAGR of ~15% and estimated to reach at market size of US ~$50 billion by the end of forecast period.Major Players Operating in Market Autodesk, Inc.(US), Bentley Systems, Inc. (US), Dassault Systemes S.A (France)., IBM Corporation (US), Siemens PLM Software, Inc.(US), SAP SE (Germany), Synopsys, Inc. (US), PTC, Inc.(US), Ansys, Inc. (US), MSC Software Corporation (US) Geometric Ltd. (India),Request a Copy of Sample Report @The market growth is attributed by the wide demand of integrated solution for designing of engineering system. Further, the software engineering market is basically driven by the increasing adoption of automation across given end-use industries. The rising demand for lowering errors, to reduce the operational cost by minimizing the scrap, is driving the growth of engineering software market. There is potential rise of software engineering technology opportunities in the chemical industry and oil and gas industry due to the increasing demand for process analytical solutions in these industries. Moreover, the presence of software engineering on cloud is expected to boost the demand for engineering software over the coming years.Regional Analysis:Currently, Asia pacific is expected to show potential growth. The Asia Pacific is one of the fastest growing regions in the global market due to the emergence of several manufacturing industries in this region. The rising demand for automation solutions in these geographies is expected to grow the market over the forecast period. Software engineering market is expected to show moderate growth in Europe due to the presence of well-established automotive industry in the region. Further, owing to a high adoption of cloud-based solutions and services is expected to contribute in the growth of the market in the region.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 35 market data tables and 20 figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Software Engineering Market Report -Forecast to 2022.Access Report Details @Commenting on the report, an analyst from Market Research Future (MRFR)s team said:Software engineering is used in the field of engineering, which deals with physical systems, to the design, development, testing, deployment and management of software systems. The main factors for using the software engineering for developing the software are improved quality, improved cost and schedule estimates, reduced defects in the product, better maintenance, well defined process, and improved productivity in the end software.Computer aided designing, allows the designer to work faster without spending much more on other designing resources. CAD gives the competitive advantages in the market where the trend is to achieve high quality product with the lower price. CAD provides better productivity compared to the traditional approach in which most of the drafting and designing were done manually and with the help of basic drawing boards.. There is also library feature in CAD software, where a number of readymade drawings of most frequently used components is readily available. These are the factors increasing its popularity in the given industries which is expected to contribute in the growth of the software engineering market.Autodesk Inc. is one of the market leader and innovator in 3D design, engineering and the technologies that expand the applications of industrial 3D printing. In 2016, Autodesk Introduces Portfolio for the Future of Manufacturing such as Autodesk HSMWorks, Autodesk Inventor HSM, Autodesk 2017 CAM Products, Autodesk Netfabb, and Fusion 360. This will let manufacturers to take benefits of various technologies such as computer aided manufacturing (CAM), additive manufacturing.Make an Enquiry @Brief TOC1. Executive Summary2. Research Methodology2.1. Scope of the study2.2. Research Process2.2.1. Primary Research2.2.2. Secondary Research2.3. Market size Estimation2.4. Forecast Model3. Market Dynamics3.3. Supply/Value Chain Analysis or Market Ecosystem3.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis4. Market, by Component4.2. CAD4.3. CAM4.4. CAE4.5. AEC4.6. EDA5. Market, By Application..LIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 GLOBAL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MARKET, BY TYPETABLE 2 GLOBAL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MARKET, BY APPLICATIONTABLE 3 GLOBAL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MARKET, BY END USERTABLE 4 GLOBAL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MARKET, BY REGIONSTABLE 5 NORTH AMERICA SOFTWARE ENGINEERING MARKET, BY COUNTRYContinued.Browse Related ReportPower over Ethernet Market, By Types (Power Sourcing Equipment Controllers & ICs, Powered Device Controllers & ICs), By Power to Port (Up to 15.4W, Up to 30W, Up to 60W, and Up to 100W), by Application (Security & Access Control, Connectivity, LED Lighting & Control, Infotainment, and Others), by End User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial)- Forecast 2016-2022About 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.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.com Global Car Telematics Market 2016: Focuses on top manufacturers Agero Inc, Airbiquity Inc, At&T, Inc., Continental Ag, Delphi Automotive Plc, Intel Corporation Car Telematics https://goo.gl/SSifp7 https://goo.gl/jJSW1U The Car Telematics research report by QY Research represents an inclusive evaluation of the Global Car Telematics Market and comprises considerable insights, historical data, facts, and statistical and industry-validated data of the global market. Additionally, it consists of estimated data that is evaluated with the help of suitable set of methodologies and assumptions. The research report highlights informative data and in-depth analysis of Car Telematics market and its corresponding segments that are based on technology, geography, and applications.The examination on value chain of Car Telematics market is provided which covers the growth factors and restraints of the industry along with the key market competitors.To Request Sample Copy Of This Report:The report comprises precise information, comprehensive analysis in two waysqualitative and quantitativeindustry experts inputs, and information provided by industry analysts and industry participants involved in the entire value chain. The report highlights exhaustive study of major market and their present trends, along with corresponding market segments. The Car Telematics report also provides data regarding various market factors and their impact on the overall market and its segments.Global Research report analyzes the scope of Car Telematics industry including size, share, analysis, sales, supply, production, definition, specification, classification, demands, application, forecast trends, industry policy, and news. The report focuses on regional as well as global market, its key players, along with market segments including detailed study on various divisions and its applications. The report provides comprehensive information on each and every segment covered of the Car Telematics market.Furthermore, the report evaluated major market points such as production, revenue, capacity utilization rate, gross, price, capacity, gross margin, supply, cost, demand, export, consumption, import, growth rate, market share, and so on.Browse Complete Report At:The global Car Telematics market report is a helpful source which assists manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, customers, and individuals and investors who have interest in this market.SummaryThis report studies Car Telematics 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, coveringAgero IncAirbiquity IncAt&T, Inc.Continental AgDelphi Automotive PlcIntel CorporationMagneti Marelli S.P.AMix TelematicsRobert Bosch GmbhVerizon Communications IncAbout Us:MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting. It consists of head such as, latest report, category, niche market and news. Reports published on the million of category like chemical, machinery and equipment, consumer goods, manufacturing and construction etc. Latest national, international, business News published under news portal.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,Tel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Market Research Report on Global Protective Gloves Sales 2015 | New Release http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=459709 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=459709 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Protective Gloves Sales 2015 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The Global Protective Gloves Sales 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Protective Gloves market.The report provides a basic overview of the Protective Gloves industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report then analyzes the global Protective Gloves market size (volume and value), and the sales segment market is also discussed by product type, application and region.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The major Protective Gloves market (including USA, Europe, China, Japan, etc.) is analyzed, data including: market size, import and export, sale segment market by product type and application. Then we forecast the 2016-2021 market size of Protective Gloves.The report focuses on global major leading companies providing information such as company profiles, sales, sales revenue, market share and contact information. Then the Protective Gloves OEM market and Protective Gloves production market status is discussed.Finally the marketing, feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 186 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Protective Gloves1.1.1 Definition of Protective Gloves1.1.2 Specifications of Protective Gloves1.2 Classification of Protective Gloves1.3 Applications of Protective Gloves1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Protective Gloves1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Protective Gloves1.5.1 Industry Overview of Protective Gloves1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Protective Gloves1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Protective Gloves1.7 Industry News Analysis of Protective Gloves2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Protective Gloves2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Protective Gloves2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Protective Gloves2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Protective Gloves2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Protective Gloves2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Protective Gloves2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Protective Gloves3 Global Protective Gloves Sales, Sales Price and Market Size (Volume and Value) 2010-2015 Analysis3.1 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Market Size Analysis3.2 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales Price Analysis3.3 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Companies3.4 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Product Type3.5 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Applications3.6 Global 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Region4 USA Protective Gloves Sales, Sales Price, Market Size (Volume and Value) and End Users Analysis4.1 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Market Size Analysis4.2 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales Price Analysis4.3 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Companies4.4 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Product Type4.5 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Applications4.6 USA 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Regional Import Export Analysis4.7 USA End Users with Contact Information of Protective Gloves by Applications5 Europe Protective Gloves Sales, Sales Price, Market Size (Volume and Value) and End Users Analysis5.1 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Market Size Analysis5.2 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales Price Analysis5.3 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Companies5.4 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Product Type5.5 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Sales by Applications5.6 Europe 2010-2015 Protective Gloves Regional Import Export Analysis5.7 Europe End Users with Contact Information of Protective Gloves by ApplicationsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ United States Laboratory Glassware Market Size, Shares, Forecast Report 2017: Chemical Laboratory, Bio-pharmaceutical Laboratory, Food Testing Laboratory http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1000451 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/26 Sales, means the sales volume of Laboratory GlasswareRevenue, means the sales value of Laboratory GlasswareThis report studies sales (consumption) of Laboratory Glassware in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringKimble ChaseDURAN GroupBellco GlassCorningQuark EnterprisesWilmad-LabGlass (SP IndustriesHamilton Laboratory GlassKavalierglassGlacier LabEagle Laboratory Glass CompanyBOROSILJencons Glass IndustriesSibata Scientific TechnologyPromaxGlassco GroupCosmo Laboratory EquipmentHarioPioneer Scientific InstrumentSCAM Lab GlassSichuan ShuboHuaou IndustryNorth GlassTianbao Glass InstrumentShanghai Heqi GlasswareJianghai Instrument FittingKahotest Citotest Labware ManufacturingHaimen Shengbang Laboratory EquipmentYadong GlasswareMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoContainerMeasurerFilterOthersSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Laboratory Glassware in each application, can be divided intoChemical LaboratoryBio-pharmaceutical LaboratoryFood Testing LaboratoryOthersDownload Sample Copy Of This Report:Table of ContentsUnited States Laboratory Glassware Market Report 20171 Laboratory Glassware Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Laboratory Glassware1.2 Classification of Laboratory Glassware1.2.1 Container1.2.2 Measurer1.2.3 Filter1.2.4 Others1.3 Application of Laboratory Glassware1.3.1 Chemical Laboratory1.3.2 Bio-pharmaceutical Laboratory1.3.3 Food Testing Laboratory1.3.4 Others1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) of Laboratory Glassware (2012-2022)1.4.1 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Laboratory Glassware Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States Laboratory Glassware Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States Laboratory Glassware Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States Laboratory Glassware Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 Laboratory Glassware Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 Laboratory Glassware Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 Laboratory Glassware Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionBrowse More Power Market Research Reports:3 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by States (2012-2017)3.1 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.2 United States Laboratory Glassware Revenue and Market Share by States (2012-2017)3.3 United States Laboratory Glassware Price by States (2012-2017)4 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2012-2017)4.1 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.2 United States Laboratory Glassware Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Laboratory Glassware Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States Laboratory Glassware Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and OpportunitiesMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Dental Device Market with Focus on Digital Dentistry Industry Analysis and Forecast (2017-2021) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=979296 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=979296 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Dental Device Market with Focus on Digital Dentistry Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Dental Device Market with Focus on Digital Dentistry Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2017-2021) provides a detailed analysis of the global dental device market with analysis of market size and growth. The analysis includes the market by value and market share by product. Special focus has been given on the digital dentistry with its market size in terms of value for different segments.The report provides brief regional/country analysis of the Asia Pacific, China and Korea. Regional/country analysis include market sizing in terms of value as well as volume. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a high CAGR in the forecasted period.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 global dental device market has also been forecasted for the period 2017-2021, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A brief company profiling of major market players namely Dentsply Sirona, Danaher Corporation, Zimmer Biomet and Henry Schein has been provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies.Company CoverageDentsply SironaDanaher CorporationZimmer BiometHenry ScheinRegion/Country CoverageAsia PacificChinaKoreaExecutive SummaryDental devices are set of tools used by dental profession to provide dental or oral treatment. These tools are mainly used to examine, manipulate, treat, restore and removing teeth. Dental devices are useful in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various dental diseases. Dental devices are categorized into several types to encompass the types of equipment that every practice needs in order to treat patients. Dental devices are broadly classified into seven categories namely preventive, restoratives, large equipment, implants, prosthetics, orthodontics and endodontic.A new era has developed in the field of dentistry with the help of technological advancements known as digital dentistry. Dental device that combines digital or computer-controlled components in contrast to that of mechanical or electrical alone in oral treatment is digital dentistry. Digital dentistry has several advantages over the conventional dental devices. Digital technologies introduced in the dental market are: CAD/CAM, CBCT, digital scanner, digital x-ray and lasers etc.The global dental device market witnessed an upsurge during the period 2015-2016 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2017 to 2021 at a rapid pace. Major factors contributing in the growth of the market are rising aging population, rising middle class income in emerging economies, growing demand for cosmetic dentistry and rising dentist penetration in both developed as well as developing nations.In the forecasted period, market will be pushed by increasing dental tourism, revolutionary technological advancements, and health insurance companies to cover dental expenses and introduction of digital solutions in the market. 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 high cost of equipments, growing demand for refurbished equipments, fluoridation measures for decay prevention and growing taxes on medical devices.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 Pet Food Industry Analysis, Size, Trends, Growth and Forecasts Research Report (2016-2020) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=948221 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=948221 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Pet Food Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Pet Food Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global pet food market with detailed analysis of market size on the basis of value along with the comprehensive examination of each of the major segments of the market, namely, dog food and cat food.The report provides detailed regional analysis of the United States, UK, Germany, France and Canada. The regional analysis of the markets includes market size by value along with the analysis of the dog food and cat food market, in terms of the value.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 pet food 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 pet food market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Nestle Purina PetCare Company. Further, key players of the market Hills Pet Nutrition Company and Mars, Incorporated., are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Regional CoverageUnited StatesUKGermanyFranceCanadaCompany CoverageNestle Purina PetCare CompanyHills Pet Nutrition CompanyMars, IncorporatedExecutive SummaryThe global pet food market witnessed an upsurge at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years, i.e., 2010-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market is spread across North America, Europe and Asia. Among these regions, the North America held the largest share, followed by the Europe and Asia-Pacific region.The pet food market can be segmented on the basis of pet type, product type, ingredients and price. On the basis of pet type, market can be segmented into dog food, cat food and other pet food, while on the basis of product type, the market can be classified into wet food, dry food and treats & mixers. The market can be distinguished into natural and non-natural food, on the basis of ingredients. However, on the basis of price, the food market can be segmented into economy pet food, mid-priced pet food and premium pet food. Among all the classifications, segmentation on the basis of pet type is most popular, with dog food dominating the market.The major growth drivers for the global pet food market are: an increase in the pet population, pet humanization, health conscious consumers, upsurge in urbanization and personal disposable income. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as pet obesity, grinding challenge, supply chain challenge and nutritional sustainability. Some of the recent trends in the market include the rise in social awareness among consumers, sustainable packaging, cooked pet food and exotic ingredientsMake 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 @ Pajamas Market 2017: Global Top Industry Manufacturers Analysis | DecisionDatabases.com Pajamas Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/14808-pajamas-industry-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-14808 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-14808 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/633-car-wax-industry-market-report www.decisiondatabases.com The Report added on Pajamas Market added by DecisionDatabases.com to its huge database. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Pajamas Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Pajamas 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 Pajamas 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*Aimer*Meibiao*Maniform*AUTUMN DEER*CONLIA*ETAM*Victorias Secret*Barefoot Dream*Dkny*PJ Salvage*Ralph Lauren*H&M*IZOD*Nautica*Dockers*Hanes*Intimo*Calvin Klein*Tommy*CosabellaMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Pajamas in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), like*North America*Europe*China*Japan*Southeast Asia*IndiaSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into*Womens PJs*Mens PJs*Kids PJsDownload Free sample Report @Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Pajamas in each application, can be divided into*Family*Hotel*OthersTable of Contents - Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Capacity, 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 @Global Car Wax Industry 2015 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: (Adds Ford comment) JOHANNESBURG, March 2 (Reuters) - South Africa's National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it has launched a probe into the local unit of U.S. automaker Ford over the recall of 4,500 Kuga SUVs after dozens of reports of the vehicles catching fire spontaneously. Ford's Southern Africa President and chief executive Jeff Nemeth in January said the company could confirm 39 incidents of the cars catching fire, as well as one death, which Nemeth said was not directly linked to the defect. Ford's South African unit said the company, a unit of the U.S. auto-maker Ford, would cooperate with the probe. "The National Consumer Commission says that it has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa and its dealerships, for alleged prohibited conduct," the commission said in a statement seen on its website on Thursday. "The NCC received more than 130 complaints against Ford SA relating to various issues, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year," it said. A spokeswoman for Ford's Southern Africa unit, Rella Bernardes said the firm had followed safety guidelines. "We have received the notice from the NCC and will continue to fully cooperate with them on all fronts. At all times, we operate in line with the Safety Recall Guidelines in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 2008," she said in a statement. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard and TJ Strydom; Editing by James Macharia) Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report (2016-2020) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=948220 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=948220 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020), provides an in-depth analysis of the global online takeaway food delivery market by value and by penetration rate. The report also gives an insight of the global food services market and takeaway food delivery market.The report provides a regional analysis of the online takeaway food delivery market, including the following regions: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Spain and France.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 online takeaway food delivery 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.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The competition in the global online takeaway food delivery market is fragmented with several new players emerging in the industry. However, key players of the online takeaway food delivery market, Just Eat, GrubHub and Rocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero) are profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Country CoverageUSCanadaUKAustraliaDenmarkItalySpainFranceCompany CoverageJust EatGrubHubRocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero)Executive SummaryThe food services industry is experiencing a revolution. Even the food delivery market is undergoing a dynamic change. It is the online mode that is reaping attention in the current scenario. The food delivery market is both online and offline. The online food delivery market is also known as online takeaway food delivery market.Online takeaway food delivery market provides an online and mobile platform for food takeaway. The platform is essentially a marketplace where consumers are matched with restaurants. Consumers choose to order on takeaway restaurant (TR) webpage or an app rather than directly on restaurant websites because they can easily compare multiple cuisine options, and also pay safely. In online mode mobile apps are available for iOS and Android of either the restaurants or TR. Customers select restaurants that deliver to their locations, make selection from menus and prices, and make purchases using a mobile device or via the web without the need for phone calls.In recent years online food delivery market is gaining popularity because of the increased internet penetration across nations and increased smartphone dependence.The online food delivery market has three business models namely pure-media, fully integrated and on-demand delivery models.The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase at a significant CAGR during the years 2016-2020. The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase due to increase in urban population, increase in spending of global middle class population, increasing technological innovations, increase in smartphone usage, increase in internet penetration, etc. Yet, the market faces some challenges such as, fluctuations in profit earning, threat to aggregator business model, data server crash, etc.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 Wafer Fabrication Equipment Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report (2016-2020) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=948219 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=948219 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Wafer Fabrication Equipment Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Wafer Fabrication Equipment Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020) deliver a detailed analysis of the of the global wafer fabrication equipment market with comprehensive analysis of market sizing and growth and market share analysis. It analyzes market by value and segments. An analysis of market share by nodes size has also been provided with forecasted values.Furthermore, the report also assesses the key opportunities available in the market and summarizes the dynamic forces that are and will be accountable for growth of the industry. Growth of the global wafer fabrication equipment market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration previous growth patterns, growth drivers and the existing and forthcoming trends.The report provides comprehensive view on the wafer fabrication equipment industry with detailed competitive scenario. Applied materials and ASML Holdings are expected to lead the market in the forecasted period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A brief company profiling of Applied Materials, ASML Holdings, Lam Research Corporation and KLA Tencor has provided in the report. This section briefs about business overview, financial summary and business policies of these major companies.Company CoverageApplied MaterialsASML HoldingsLam Research CorporationKLA TencorExecutive SummaryA thin piece of semiconductor material, usually made up of silicon, in the form of a very thin disc that act as a base for fabricating electronic integrated circuits (ICs) and silicon-based photovoltaic cells. A wafer is also known as slice or substrate.The wafer functions as the substrate for electronic circuits and goes through many processes. The process which is used in the production of photonic and electronic circuits which include radio frequency, amplifiers and other optical components is known as wafer fabrication. The process is primarily done for processing of raw wafers into finished chips. Wafer fabrication process is used to create circuits for a large number of electronic and electrical devices. Wafer fabrication involves four major steps/processes ranging from deposition, removal, patterning to modification of electrical properties.The global wafer fabrication equipment market has shown rising trends over the past few years and is expected that the market would rise in the next four years i.e. 2016 to 2020. Key factors behind the growth of the market are technology inflection in semiconductor manufacturing, technological advancement in telecom sector, growing demand of compact electronic devices, growing significance of automotive electronics, etc.Other factors such as rising demand for silicon wafers, growing use of integrated circuits in medical device electronics and innovation in wafer technologies would help in growth of the wafer fabrication equipment market in future. However, there are certain factors posing challenges before the market, such as volume production facility right from the starting, huge investment and requirement of very specific raw materials.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 @ We live and breathe DOCUMENTS Who We AreFounded in 2015 by Managing Director Nandish Domlur, Amit Sandill as CEO and Co-founded by Gireesh Challa, Aditya Pratap and Prashanth Narayanaswamy, Docket has grown organically and now comprises of a fifteen strong team of Developers, Professionals and Operations' personnel.We're a close-knit group of experts who pride ourselves on doing great work and providing great service at a fair price. What do you really need to know about us? We're friendly, approachable experts, with lots of experience in documentation and we strive hard to make it better for you. Please do give us a call. We'd consider it a pleasure to talk to you about how we could be of your service.How We WorkWe love what we do. The Indian market throws up plenty of challenges, but were all about problem solving and logical thinking. For us, documentation is key. Simple, regular, open documentation, with no unnecessary technical jargon. This helps us to plan and execute documents successfully and efficiently.We like to think that the quality of our work speaks for itself. A quick look through our reviews will show that our output is up there with the very best. Team Docket handles a variety of services, thus liberating you from all legal or statutory documentation encumbrances, thus giving you the time to focus on the more important aspects of your life. Let us simplify that for you. We value your time and our aim is to serve you better!What Can We Do For YouWe thrive on producing simple documents to complex drafts. Simplicity is central to every stage of the document, from planning through draft and delivery. We want our customers to get a great first impression of our company, the moment they order from our website or app, and to have an engaging and fulfilling experience when dealing with documents online.In summary, we've got the skills and experience to deliver your document at your doorstep. After all, we've been doing it for the last two years for our customers, through Notarymama. We'd love to serve you in drafting your next document, online, whatever it may be. We're confident we can deliver.We're a close-knit group of experts who pride ourselves on doing great work and providing great service at a fair price. What do you really need to know about us? We're friendly, approachable experts, with lots of experience in documentation and we strive hard to make it better for you. Please do give us a call. We'd consider it a pleasure to talk to you about how we could be of your service.Docket Tech Solutions Private Limited#601 12th Main Indiranagar,HAL 2nd Stage,Bangalore-560008, India+91-80-4656 4656support@dockettech.com Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Global Market Size, Trends, Growth, Analysis and Forecasts (2016-2020) http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=938716 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=938716 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report titled Global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Market: Size, Trends and Forecasts (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global electronic design automation 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, Computer-Aided Engineering, IC Physical Design & Verification, Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), PCB & MCM and Services.The report provides detailed regional analysis of the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA). The regional analysis of the Asia-Pacific EDA markets include market size by value along with the analysis of the Japanese EDA market in comparison to rest of the Asia-Pacific region.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Furthermore, it highlights 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 electronic design automation 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 EDA market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Synopsis. Further, key players of the market Cadence Design Systems and Mentor Graphics are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Regional CoverageAmericasAsia-PacificEurope,Middle East and Africa (EMEA)JapanCompany CoverageSynopsys, Inc.Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Mentor Graphics CorporationExecutive SummaryThe global electronic design automation (EDA) market witnessed an upsurge at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years, i.e., 2010-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market is spread across Asia Pacific, Americas and Europe, Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, the Americas held the largest share, followed by the Asia-Pacific region.The electronic design automation market can be segmented on the basis of the products in Computer-Aided Engineering, IC Physical Design & Verification, Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), PCB & MCM and Services. The market is led by the Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), followed by Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and IC Physical Design & Verification. Although, Services segment is still emerging in the global EDA market.The major growth drivers for the global electronic design automation (EDA) market are: chip design complexity, emergence of Internet of Thing (IoT), slowing of Moores law, adoption of FibFet architecture and demand for miniaturized devices. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as scalable design methodologies, customer & industry consolidation, rapid changes in the industry standards & customer requirements, uncertain global economy and highly competitive environment. Some of the recent trends in the market include the emergence of EDA technology in various industries, especially biology systems.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 @ Hospital Infectious Disease Testing Market: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hospital-infectious-disease-testing-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20612 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Hospital infectious disease testing is a procedure to identify hospital acquired/related infections. Hospital infections are among the most prominent challenges faced by health care delivery systems across the globe. Hospital infectious diseases are considered a significant cause of death globally. These are acquired while receiving health care treatment. Hospital infectious diseases tests are performed by health care professionals, especially clinical laboratory technicians, for the diagnosis of infections.Based on test type, the global hospital infectious disease testing market has been broadly segmented into:Urinary tract infection (UTI)Surgical site InfectionPneumoniaBloodstream infectionMRSAOthersRead Full Report:The UTI segment accounted for the major share of the hospital infectious disease testing market, followed by surgical site infections and pneumonia. Hospital infectious diseases are required to be closely monitored due to increase in antimicrobial resistance in some regions. Automated urine microscopy is the most preferred diagnostic tool adopted by clinical technicians for UTI. Prevalence of pneumonia and deaths associated with it are increasing gradually. Other hospital infections include cardiovascular, systemic, joint and bone, respiratory, and ENT (enteric) infections.The hospital infectious disease testing market has experienced strong growth in the last decade due to factors such as increased awareness about growth in the incidence of infections globally and development of innovative prevention and treatment solutions. Major factors driving the market are establishment of quality government guidelines and uniform code for prevention of hospital infectious diseases. Lack of funding and skilled manpower in developing countries and lack of stringent guidelines and framework to control the morbidity rate of hospital infections are restraining the hospital infectious disease testing market. Lack of controlling authorities and controlling programs in lesser developed regions is another major factor hampering market growth. Technological development of molecular diagnostics and passage of the Patient Care and Affordable Care Act in the U.S. are likely to offer significant opportunities in the market in the near future.Geographically, the global hospital infectious disease testing market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest share of the market due to growing patient awareness, favorable initiatives taken by the federal government, and large number of market players based in the region. The hospital infectious disease testing market in Europe is mature due to presence of strong and active hospital infection control and prevention authorities and guidelines such as the NHS in the U.K. Moreover, Europe is considered the hub for the global geriatric population. It is observed that geriatrics are more prone to various infections. This is likely to increase demand in Europe. Asia Pacific is a lucrative market for hospital infectious disease testing products as the overall prevalence of the infections in this region is high. Moreover, stringent guidelines have been set for the prevention and control of such conditions in the health care infrastructure in this region. Countries such as China, India, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines are expected to be the major contributors to the hospital infectious disease testing market in Asia Pacific. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are considered the emerging markets for hospital infectious disease testing. This is attributed to increasing investment by governments for effective health care infrastructure in the region.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Key players operating in the hospital infectious disease testing market include Abbott Laboratories, Alere, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (Life Technologies Corporation), Becton, Dickinson and Company, bioMerieux SA, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Hologic, Inc., Siemens Healthineers, Diatherix Laboratories, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cepheid, Inc., and QIAGEN.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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: Point-Of-Care Breathalyzer Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast, 2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2286 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2286 www.futuremarketinsights.com Breathalyzer is a non-invasive medical device used for estimation of Blood Alcohol content (BAC) from breath sample. Breathalyzer is used to test intoxication levels caused by alcohol and drugs. Breathalyzer was invented by Dr. Robert Borkenstein while being appointed as police photographer at Indiana State Police lab. Since 1954, Breathalyzer is a genericized trademark for many instruments like Alcotest, Alcosensor, Datamaster, Intoxilyzer and Intoximeter. Breathalyzer device consists of three parts, first part consists of system where breath is sampled, second part consists of two glass tubes with chemicals and third part consists of photocells that are connected to meter showing colour change. Breathalyzer system together works on redox reaction causes change in colour that is directly proportional to amount of alcohol in breath, wherein red-orange colour of dichromate ion changes to green.Breathalyzer has been of importance in point-of-care services where initially it was necessary to draw blood out of the body and sent to the hospital to test alcohol concentration in blood, thus making the test time consuming. Till date it has been most important device to monitor and regulate drink and drive accidents or cases. In 2015 in US, there were about 290,000 people injured and about 10,265 died in drunk driving cases. Also there have been published reports on loss of work quality and time due to alcohol consumption. All over the world it is a legal offense to be detected of alcohol during working hours and while driving. The driver is charged fine or respective legal action is taken against him if his Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is found out to be above normal (0.08). Also strict actions are taken against employees in government or private sectors if they are detected of alcohol consumption during office hours. Due to use of Breathalyzer there is no need of any invasive procedure, device is portable and test results are out in seconds. Another important use of Breathalyzer is in maintaining high order discipline in National and International air transport to maintain safety and standards while travelling. Breathalyzer is of very significant use to prevent order and discipline in government or private offices, road traffic management and forensic studies too. It is also used for management in rehabilitation centres, mining and construction centres.Request For Report Sample:Point-of-Care Breathalyzer Market: Drivers and RestraintsPoint-of-care Breathalyzer market has seen enormous growth due to its significant use to maintain safety, order and discipline amongst population. The major drivers for point-of-care Breathalyzer market is alarming increase in alcohol consumption seen at all age groups and also increase in road accidents due to drink driving. Due to strict government regulations, drink driving and alcohol abuse during work hours has led to increase in demand for modern use portable Breathalyzer. Use of personal portable Breathalyzer to check for alcohol content within normal limits to keep a check on safe driving and productive working hours has given a drive for point-of-care Breathalyzer market worldwide. Moreover easy availability of personal Breathalyzer that can be ordered online according to ones choice, has also been a factor to drive point-of-care Breathalyzer market. Awareness initiative taken by government has also led to increase of market size for point-of-care Breathalyzer market.High cost of Breathalyzer and less market for new brands producing Breathalyzer were seen to hamper in the past for but modern portable cheap Breathalyzer are taking over the point-of-care Breathalyzer market now.Point-of-Care Breathalyzer Market: SegmentationThe global point-of-care breathalyzer market is classified on the basis of product type, product technology, end user and geography.Based on product type, the point-of-care breathalyzer market is segmented into the following:Non-portable.Based on product technology, the point-of-care breathalyzer market is segmented into the following:Chemical reaction (Breathalyzer).Fuel-cell technology (Alcosensor III or IV).Infrared Spectroscopy (Intoxilyzer).Based on end user, the point-of-care breathalyzer market is segmented into the following:International and National transport systems.Rehabilitation centres.Government and private offices.Diagnostic centers.Home care settings.Point-of-Care Breathalyzer Market: OverviewAccording to a study report published in South Africa about 10% of the countrys GDP is lost due to alcohol abuse annually which is equal to R240 billion. Also worldwide there is much loss due to alcohol abuse leading to immense destruction in drunk driving accidents, expensive alcohol abuse treatment and loss of manpower and productive working hours brings an overall effect on worldwide economy. Thus awareness due to such losses have led government to take strict measures in field of law enforcement and highway safety administration to bring down losses. Efficient use of point-of-care Breathalyzer to prevent such loss has proved beneficial and made people aware of its legal consequences being the reason for increasing market for of point-of-care Breathalyzer market.Mandatory alcohol test are carried out worldwide in workplaces such as transport, construction sites mining, shipping, airlines, defense centres, rehabilitation centres to maintain safety of individuals increasing market size for point-of-care Breathalyzer market over globe.Point-of-Care Breathalyzer Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the point-of-care breathalyzer market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Use of personal Breathalyzer, intelligent market networking and advances in technology has led to growth of global market for point-of-care Breathalyzer. Highest growth in point-of-care Breathalyzer market is seen in North America due to highest population, increase in drunk driving road accidents and strict law enforcement on alcohol. Developed countries like Europe have seen to have highest market for point-of-care Breathalyzer market due to leading manufacturers of point-of-care Breathalyzers, high income population purchasing personal Breathalyzer being alert and aware of legal actions in case of alcohol abuse.Request For TOC:More alcohol consumption, increase in transport and transport facilities, development of transport system, national and international awareness programs, improvement in market network and strict rules and regulations and variety in affordable Breathalyzer brands has led to increasing market in developing countries like India and China. Underdeveloped countries have scope for increase in market size of point-of-care Breathalyzer market if awareness is brought amongst population.Point-of-Care Breathalyzer Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in point-of-care Breathalyzer market include Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Intoximeters,Lion Laboratories Limited, Lifeloc Technologies, Inc., Inc., , BACtrack, Quest Products, Inc., Alere, Inc., and C4 Development, Andatech Private Limited Ltd. Most of the providers of point-of-care breathalyzer are adopting the strategy of providing these products through e-commerce, so that buyers can browse the products according to their needs.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: Paraformaldehyde Market 2017: Industry trends and Forecast Report https://marketreportscenter.com/request-sample/510069 https://marketreportscenter.com/reports/510069/global-paraformaldehyde-market-by-manufacturers-countries-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022 https://marketreportscenter.com/request-discount/510069 https://marketreportscenter.com Paraformaldehyde is a white crystalline solid formed by polymerization of formaldehyde. It is used to make various resins with mainly phenol (melamine resin; phenol resin; vinylon; polyacetal resin; terephthalic acid; diphenyl methane diisocyanate, acrylic acid esters). Paraformaldehyde is also mainly used in (1) Pesticides: synthesis of acetochlor, butachlor, and glyphosate; (2) Medicine and pharmaceutics: produce vitamin A; (3) Coatings: synthesis of high grade automobile paint.Download Sample Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Paraformaldehyde in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversErcrosCelaneseCCPMerckChemanolCaldicShandong TuoboLCY ChemicalYinhe ChemicalNantong JiangtianWanhua ChemicalLINYI TAIERShouguang XudongXiangrui ChemicalOtherMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversPF(91% ? 93% )PF(95% ? 97% )Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPesticideCoatingResinPapermakingOthersOther Complete Report Details @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Paraformaldehyde market.Chapter 1, to describe Paraformaldehyde Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Paraformaldehyde, with sales, revenue, and price of Paraformaldehyde, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Paraformaldehyde, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Paraformaldehyde market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Paraformaldehyde sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source....ContinuedTo Get Discount on Full Report @For more information, please visitMarket Reports Center is an e-commerce platform obliging the needs of knowledge workers, experts, professionals who are subject to market research information for their work, or to make strategic business decisions. Market Reports Centers team consistently works to update and extend our existing repository of market research reports by partnering with new publishers and adding their studies to our websiteSam Collins303, Astral Court,Aundh, Pune,MH - 411045, Indiainfo@marketreportscenter.com Current research on Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Anemia) - Pipeline Review, H2 2016 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/909205 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/909205 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Global Markets Direct's latest Pharmaceutical and Healthcare disease pipeline guide Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Pipeline Review, H2 2016, provides an overview of the Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) pipeline landscape.Renal anemia is a disease in which the patient has an unusually low count of red blood cells. Renal is a term that means of the kidneys, so anemia is often associated with kidney disease. This type of anemia is caused by a lack of erythropoietin, a protein produced in the kidneys that helps to create red blood cells. Symptoms caused by renal anemia include pale skin and gums, become short of breath, dizziness and inability to think clearly.Click here to know more details about this report:Report HighlightsGlobal Markets Direct's Pharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease Pipeline Review, H2 2016, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders), complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.The Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Anemia) and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Pre-Registration, Filing rejected/Withdrawn, Phase III, Phase II, Phase I, IND/CTA Filed, Preclinical, Discovery and Unknown stages are 1, 1, 11, 9, 4, 1, 6, 2 and 1 respectively.Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. The guide is built using data and information sourced from Global Markets Directs proprietary databases, company/university websites, clinical trial registries, conferences, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis.Note: Certain content / sections in the pipeline guide may be removed or altered based on the availability and relevance of data.Scope- The pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders).- The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.- The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.- The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.- The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.- The pipeline guide evaluates Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.- The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.- The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders)Reasons to buy- Procure strategically important competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies.- Recognize emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.- Find and recognize significant and varied types of therapeutics under development for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders).- Classify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic.- Develop tactical initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies.- Plan mergers and acquisitions meritoriously by identifying key players and its most promising pipeline therapeutics.- Formulate corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (Hematological Disorders) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.- Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.- Adjust the therapeutic portfolio by recognizing discontinued projects and understand from the know-how what drove them from pipeline.Request a sample copy of this report: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.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz High Concentration Photovoltaics Market Is Expected To Generate Huge Profits by 2016 - 2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2373 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2373 www.futuremarketinsights.com The CPV (Concentrated Photovoltaics) technology is used to generate electricity by using lenses or curved mirrors to gather huge amount of sunlight on a small area with highly proficient Multi-Junction (MJ) solar cells. HCPV (High Concentration Photovoltaics - a type of CPV technology) systems occupies concentrating optics which includes Fresnel lenses or dish reflectors that concentrate sunlight to intensify it, equals to that of 1,000 suns or more. HCPV solar technology is the process through which maximum sun energy is converted into electricity, HCPV can reduce the expenses of the solar cells. Globally, high-concentration photovoltaics market is growing due to high efficiency and upsurge in yearly installed capacity (i.e. from 300 up to 1000 suns). The installations of HCPV systems is expected to grow by double-digit percentage every year. The high-concentration photovoltaics are mostly used in industrial, telecom or mobile towers, rural electrification and government or military sectors. Due to its ecofriendly nature, uninterrupted power supply, high efficiencies for direct-normal irradiance, simple & user friendly integration, rapid deployment solutions, and increased and stable energy production, the high-concentration photovoltaics market is projected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period.Global High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe drivers of the high-concentration photovoltaics market are minimum land space requirement, consistent improvements in its technology, awareness of renewable energy resources, and government assistance program with essential financing schemes. Also reduction in Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and improved efficiency with low system cost is another significant factor contributing in the surging global high-concentration photovoltaics market.Request For Report Sample:However, some of the restraints hindering the growth of the global high-concentration photovoltaics market are expensive solar trackers required to get sunlight focused on the small photovoltaic area, non-utilization of diffuse radiation, perception and bankability issues, lack of technology standardization, lack of adoption of technology and limited places with high direct normal irradiation.Global High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market: SegmentationGlobal high-concentration photovoltaics market can be segmented as follows:Global High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market, by Type of Power GenerationElectric powerElectric power and thermal powerGlobal High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market, by ApplicationsIndustrial, Residential and Commercial rooftopTelecom or Mobile towersRural electrificationWater pumping solutionsStreet lightingGovernment or Military (mobile off grid)MunicipalitiesHospitals, Hotels and RestaurantsGlobal High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, high-concentration photovoltaics market can be divided into seven regions, namely NorthAmerica, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is the prominent contributor in high-concentration photovoltaics market because of the technological advancements in United States for solar power energy utilization. Latin America is the next vital region in the high-concentration photovoltaics market due to some large projects are planned in the Mexico. Asia Pacific is following North America and Latin America for the high-concentration photovoltaics market on account of growing HCPV production in China, Taiwan and Japan. Europe is also witnessing a growing market of high-concentration photovoltaics market because of increase in HCPV installations and Energy Payback Time. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) are at a nascent stage in the high-concentration photovoltaics market, however they are expected to expand at a significant CAGR in the forecast period.Request For TOC:Global High-Concentration Photovoltaics Market: Key playersSome of the key players working in high-concentration photovoltaics market are: Abengoa Solar, S.A., Cool Earth Solar, ES-SYSTEM, Green & Gold Solar Pty Ltd., Fullsun Photovoltaics, Arzon Solar, LLC, and BSQ Solar, SL.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 Ceramic Tiles Market Analysis and Forecasts 2017 | DecisionDatabases.com Ceramic Tiles Market http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1927-ceramic-tiles-industry-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-1927 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-1927 www.decisiondatabases.com The Report added on Ceramic Tiles Market added by DecisionDatabases.com to its huge database. This research study is segmented on the basis of applications, technology, geography, and types. The Report provides a detailed Ceramic Tiles Industry overview along with the analysis of industrys gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, and sale price. The leading companies of the Ceramic Tiles 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 Ceramic Tiles 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*Mohawk Industries*Iris Ceramica*Crossville Inc*Florida Tile*Interceramic*Florim*Mannington Mills*Shaw Industries Group*Del ConcaMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Ceramic Tiles 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*Glazed Ceramic Tile*Unglazed Ceramic Tile*Porcelain TileSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Ceramic Tiles in each application, can be divided into*Household Usage*Commercial UsageTable of Contents - Snapshot1 Market Overview2 Global Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Capacity, 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 @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: InvestorPlace Last year was a blockbuster when it comes to the returns growth stocks were able to generate. However, this year has proven to be much more challenging, erasing most of the gains investors saw during 2021. Dozens of growth stocks have plunged by more than 50%. Accordingly, after two widely-contrasting years, what can investors expect in 2023? I would personally be betting on growth stocks to buy for robust returns. This view technically implies that the broader markets will trend higher. I do be Data Quality and Data Governance Solution Market - Emergence Of Advanced Technologies And Global Industry Analysis http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20495 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/saudi-arabia-electrical-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/digital-asset-management-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/data-center-infrastructure-management-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com In the enterprise data management ecosystem, data quality is a broad term which refers to the quality, integrity, and consistency of data and/or process etc. Data quality also implies the degree of data accuracy and consistency. On the other hand, data governance focusses on the management of data assets by assigning authority, control, and responsibility of data and encompasses three key areas: people, process, and technology.Data quality and data governance are closely related and go hand in hand in the enterprise data management ecosystem. In todays competitive world, data quality and data governance practices is anticipated to evolve rapidly backed by growth in Master Data Management tools and technology. In recent years it is observed that enterprises with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) or customer relationship management (CRM) application have struggled owing to the absence of built-in data quality and data governance capabilities.Get Sample Report Copy :The global data quality and data governance solutions market is anticipated to grow in the coming years as these solutions assists enterprises and professionals to address major challenges arising out of an enterprises applications and transactional data, data types and formats, data cleansing and validation, and hybrid environments. Furthermore, cloud, big data and machine learning is anticipated to push the demand for global data quality and data governance solutions.However, factors such as ever changing policies and regulations, categorization of unstructured data, and inconsistent business semantics are anticipated to restrain the growth of the global data quality and data governance solution market.The global data quality and data governance solution market can be segmented on the basis of deployment model, business function, and industry verticals. Deployment model can be further segmented as on-premise and cloud based. Based on business function, the market can be classified into finance, information technology, legal, operations and others. On the basis of industry vertical, the global data quality and data governance solution market can be classified into Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), telecom and IT, healthcare, retail and e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, government and defense, energy and utilities, construction and engineering, and others (research, education, BPO, and travel & hospitality)Geographically, the global data quality and data governance solution market is segmented into Middle-East and Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific (APAC), North America, Europe, and South America.North America is expected to dominate the global data quality and data governance solution market during the forecast period 2017 2025, owing to large investments in cloud-based machine learning and Big Data technologies, and presence of large number of vendors in this region.The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is anticipated to be the fastest-growing region for the global data quality and data governance solution market. The region is currently in its initial growth phase. The high growth rate in Asia Pacific is driven by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) demand for cost-effective data quality and data governance solutions.Europe is anticipated to contribute a significant share in the global data quality and data governance solution market after North America. Europe is also anticipated to witness a steady growth rate during the forecast period from 2017 2025.The major vendors providing data governance are Backoffice Associates, Collibra, Inc., Informatica Corporation, SAS Institute Inc., IBM Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, TIBCO Software Inc., Talend Inc., Information Builders, Varonis Systems Inc., Pitney Bowes Inc., RedPoint Global, Trillium Software, Experian plc, and Orchestra Networks.Top Research Report by TMR :Electrical Market -Digital Asset Management (DAM) Market -Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Market -About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle Market 2017 https://marketreportscenter.com/request-sample/512999 https://marketreportscenter.com/reports/512999/global-automotive-natural-gas-vehicle-market-research-report-2017 https://marketreportscenter.com/request-discount/512999 https://marketreportscenter.com Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle Industry 2022 Market Research Report analyzed the current state in the definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The report also focuses on the development trends as well as history, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions etc in the international markets.Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle Industry 2022 Market Research Report is a professionally prepared report comprising of in-depth information as well as knowledge which is helpful to the new entrants and the established players. Key statistics on the state of the industry and the complete demand analysis of the industry is showcased in the report.Download Sample Report @The development policies, plans as well as the bill of materials, cost structures are well studied and explained within the report for a better understanding. It also includes the study of the sales, import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins. Also, the complete analysis of the prices, revenue share, growth rate etc.Through combining the well-integrated data with the deep analytical skills valid findings are detected. It gives out a strong prediction about the growth of the Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle industry in the future years to come. Furthermore, each and every important variable which is responsible for shaping the Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle Industry in the incorporated during the preparation process of the report.The report begins with the industry overview furnishing the details about the specifications, classification, applications, industry chain structure as well as gives out the policy analysis of the industry. It moves further on towards determining the manufacturing cost structure analysis, technical data as well as the manufacturing plant analysis. A lot of insightful predictions about the production, export/import, and consumption is provided in the report.Other Complete Report Details @Future Development Trends in the Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle Company through the market share, SWOT analysis, revenue, gross margin is indicated through the report. Apart from it the report also provides great prospects of the new projects investments, SWOT analysis of the new projects, details about the key consumers with the complete contact details for the new entrants to engage in better opportunities.The competitive landscape of the market state showcases the study of the most renowned players in the China markets in the field of Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle industry. A detailed and thorough analysis of the company profiles, production as well as consumption, traders, marketing distributors along with the impact is covered throughout the report. The overall research conclusions with the investment avenues are prevalent in the report. Through the report, the new entrants are able to get the complete overview of the current state of the Global Automotive Natural Gas Vehicle which will be beneficial for them.....ContinuedTo Get Discount on Full Report @For more information, please visitMarket Reports Center is an e-commerce platform obliging the needs of knowledge workers, experts, professionals who are subject to market research information for their work, or to make strategic business decisions. Market Reports Centers team consistently works to update and extend our existing repository of market research reports by partnering with new publishers and adding their studies to our websiteSam Collins303, Astral Court,Aundh, Pune,MH - 411045, Indiainfo@marketreportscenter.com Global Ear Clamps Market 2017 By Manufacturers Oetiker Group, Ideal Clamp Products, Togo Seisakusyo Ear Clamps http://bit.ly/2mcGAKT http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-ear-clamps-market-2016-production-sales-supply.html Global Ear Clamps Market Research ReportThe MRS Research Group Ear Clamps report by QY Research represents an inclusive evaluation of the Ear Clamps Market and comprises considerable insights, historical data, facts,and statistical and industry-validated data of the global market.Additionally,it consists of estimated data that is evaluated with the help of suitable set of methodologies and assumptions.The MRS Research Group report research highlights informative data and in-depth analysis of Ear Clamps market and its corresponding segments that are based on technology,geography, and applications.The report comprises precise information, comprehensive analysis in two ways qualitative and quantitative industry experts inputs, and information provided by industry analysts and industry participants involved in the entire value chain.The report highlights exhaustive study of major market and their present trends,along with corresponding market segments.Read Sample Research Report @The Ear Clamps report also provides data regarding various market factors and their impact on the overall market and its segments.Every market segment of the Ear Clamps industry is analyzed in a quantitative as well as qualitative way in order to provide the customers with a relative estimation of the global market. Essential information such as definition, the industry value chain and its analysis, and the trends are also explored in the MRS Research Group Ear Clamps report.This Ear Clamps report is an in-depth market research report in this domain.The report focuses on regional as well as global market,its key players,along with market segments including detailed study on various divisions and its applications.The report provides comprehensive information on each and every segment covered of the Ear Clamps market.Access Full Report @MRS Research Group is the worlds giant collection of the Market research Reports. Where we specialized in global publisher, tailor made reports and specialists consulting. Global Publisher provides in-depth analysis of global and Chinese market. Tailor-made reports represent methodologies deliverable to proper insight of the client. While, expertise research specialist helps to provide strategic solution in specialists consulting.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com Global 3D Telepresence Market Segments By Solution Type ( Hardware, Software), Geography, Trends, Forecast (2017-2022) http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/217120 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/217120 https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-research SummaryGlobal 3D Telepresence Market By Solution Type ( Hardware, Software), Geography, Trends, Forecast (2017-2022) has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry expertsThe Global 3D Telepresence market is valued at USD XX.XX billion in 2016 and is expected to reach a value of USD XX.XX billion by the end of 2022, growing at a projected CAGR of XX.XX% during the forecast period of 2017 2022. From its inception, the point of video conferencing was to allow face-to-face communication with the eye-to-eye contact, because people wanted more than just hearing each other's voices over the phone, in a conference meeting or a call. They wanted to see non-verbal cues for enhanced communication. After all, with enhanced communication comes better deliverability of one's message, which can translate to greater sales and profitability.Get a PDF Sample of Global 3D Telepresence Market Report at:This human-centric technology extends the reach of companies to interact with their customers in a revolutionary way. The 3-D HD kiosks can be compact units placed on a counter, freestanding kiosks or large three-dimensional systems featuring full height, life-size people. The utility of this technology in a multitude of fields like conferencing, advertising, customer service, long distance learning and so on make it a versatile tool that can revolutionize the field of communication. There have been several roadblocks like the cost of ISDN, image quality, fire walls, quality of service, ease of use, the cost of deployment, and real return on investment to the implementation of this technology. However, the advances in the telecommunication technology coupled with the ever-increasing reach of the internet to every nook and corner of the world are driving this market ahead. There are considerable benefits of using this technology - it eliminates the need for travel as meetings and presentations can be done from one's own office. This results in the reduction of unnecessary hassles and a boost to the morale of the employees. It also enables swifter and a more personal service to the customers in sensitive sectors like banking and insurance.Major companies like Microsoft, Cisco and Sony are working towards improving this technology and making it feasible for commercial applications.The report analyzes the strategies and developments employed by the major players in the market like DVE Telepresence, Musion and others and offers a comprehensive overview of the market.Place a Purchase Order for this Report at:DRIVERSThe drivers of the demand growth of the 3D telepresence market could be the enhanced user experience it provides and also the amount of cost and time it helps one save.RESTRAINTSThe possible restraints of this market could be the high costs associated with the 3D telepresence systems and also, the lack of awareness of this particular technology in the major markets or across various geographies.WHAT THE REPORT OFFERSGlobal 3D telepresence market overview and in-depth market analysis with its applications in the industry and information on drivers and restraints.Identification of factors responsible for changing the market scenario, rising prospective opportunities and identification of key companies that can influence the market on a global and regional scale.Extensively researched competitive landscape with profiles of major companies along with their market share.A comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial information.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.Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Follow Us on LinkedIn: Global Food Logistics Market Research Report 2016 Market Research Reports http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=850060&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-food-logistics-market-research-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Food Logistics Market Research Report 2016" to its huge collection of research reports.A new research study presents a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the global Food Logistics market. The study throws light on the vital growth factors and the current trends that are estimated to enhance the growth of the global market. The research report also offers an-depth analysis of the global Food Logistics market, focusing on the product portfolio, primary applications, latest developments, regional segmentation, and the competitive scenario of the overall market. In addition, with the aid of diverse analytical tools, the research study throws light on the key opportunities and the challenges that are being faced by the prominent players that are operating in the globe market. This is expected to help the readers and players in gaining a strong understanding of the Food Logistics market across the globe.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research study addresses important questions related to the development in the global Food Logistics market. Some of them have been mentioned below:What are the vital factors augmenting the global Food Logistics market?Which primary factors are projected to restrict the development of the global Food Logistics market?Which application segment is expected to lead in the forecast period?Which technological developments are likely to encourage the growth of the global Food Logistics market?Which regional segment is estimated to lead and account for a key share in the coming few years?What are the anticipated value and growth rate of the global Food Logistics market?How is the competitive landscape of the global Food Logistics market?Which are the leading players operating in the global Food Logistics market?The research report has offered a thorough study of the competitive scenario of the global Food Logistics market. The strategies and tactics that are used by the key players have been highlighted in order to guide the new players of the global Food Logistics market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Food Logistics Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Food Logistics1.2 Food Logistics Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Food Logistics by Type in 20151.2.2 Type I1.2.3 Type II1.2.4 Type III1.3 Food Logistics Segment by Application1.3.1 Food Logistics Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Application 11.3.3 Application 21.3.4 Application 32 Global Food Logistics Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Food Logistics Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Food Logistics Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Food Logistics Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Food Logistics Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Food Logistics Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Food Logistics Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Food Logistics Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Food Logistics Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Food Logistics Production and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Food Logistics Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.4 North America Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 Europe Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 China Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 Japan Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Southeast Asia Food Logistics Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Food Logistics Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Food Logistics Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.4 China Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.7 India Food Logistics Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Food Logistics Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Food Logistics Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Food Logistics Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Food Logistics Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Food Logistics Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)6 Global Food Logistics Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Food Logistics Consumption and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)6.2 Global Food Logistics Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States Mobile Digital TV Market: 2017 Global Trend and 2021 Forecast Research Report http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/217859 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-mobile-digital-tv-market-research-report-and-forecast-to-2017-2021 http://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/discount/217859 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 Mobile Digital TV Market by development trend and by application.The report covers the present year 2017 scenario and the growth prospects of the Global Mobile Digital TV Market for 2017-2021.The report Global Mobile Digital TV 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 Mobile Digital TV Market By Geography North America Asia-Pacific EuropeRequest a sample of Global Mobile Digital TV Market Research Report @The Global Mobile Digital TV 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 Mobile Digital TV Market key players are: Company A Company B Company C Company DBrowse the full Global Mobile Digital TV Market Research Report @The report provides an extensive analysis of current and future market status of the world Mobile Digital TV 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 Mobile Digital TV 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: 165 Pages.Price of the report: 2850$ (single user license)Check discount @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+ : Global SAP Market 2017 - BASF, Evonik, Formosa Plastics, Danson, LG Chemical, Nippon Shokubai, San-Dia Polymers http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/27170/request-sample https://goo.gl/ORuXHK www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com Global SAP Industry 2017 presents an executive level blueprint of the global SAP market. This is an analytical research report that delves into evaluating the dynamics of the global SAP market drawing reference to the key trends shaping the supply-chain pattern of the industry. To study the exhaustive information sourced from detailed primary and secondary research, the analysts of the report have used industry leading analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces. The observation made from the analysis not only helps analysts to compile a comprehensive report on the global SAP market, but the same also assists them to understand the prevailing competitive landscape of the market.Download Free Sample Report @For a study to be beneficial for stakeholders, it should constitute a detailed research on the market competitiveness. For the purpose of the same, the research report profiles the leading and prominent players in the SAP market. Information pertaining to key strategies adopted by these companies has been obtained from their respective financial reports, and a meticulous study on the market trends that has impacted their plan of action. Results achieved from the strategies is analyzed thoroughly in the report to update stakeholders about the trends impacting the market. Key findings of the report on the global SAP market will also help companies operating in the market to identify the growth opportunities to propel their operations.To provide a comprehensive report of the global SAP market, the study has segmented it on the basis of product types, applications, end-use industries, and geography. The leading geographic segments is identified in the report, which also studies the prospects exhibited by the emerging regional markets. With an aim of presenting a 360 degree overview of the market, the report studies the growth drivers, market restraints, and opportunities in detail. Based on in-depth study, the report presents refined growth forecasts for the SAP market.Access Full Report With TOC @An exhaustive qualitative review of the factors accelerating and restraining the growth of the SAP market and approaching opportunities has been deployed. The SAP market has been analyzed based on applications, geographic distribution, and the substantial factors accountable for the rising demand of the SAP market globally have been detailed in this report. The report covers the global SAP market right from its definition to the numerous categorizations of the market as well as its key end-use applications.The elementary weaknesses and strengths of the leading vendors coupled with the rate of growth for each of the segments of the SAP worldwide market have been conferred after a complete analysis of past and prospective trends, regulatory needs, and technological innovations.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Residential Generators Market Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2014 - 2020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/residential-generators-market.html# http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2595 At 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.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.Browse Market Research Report@ :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.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @: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 followsAbout 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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207 Vial Adaptors for Reconstitution Drug Market is expected to show staggering growth during the forecast period. http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/vial-adaptors-for-reconstitution-drug-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=18509 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Vial Adaptors for Reconstitution Drug Market: SnapshotThe global market for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs has been experiencing a steady demand as these vial adaptors have come to be the safest solutions for quick transfer for drugs between vials. The demand for these vial adaptors is also expected to shoot up as they are exceptionally cost-effective and come with a reduced the risk of needlestick injuries. The growing prevalence of infectious diseases, widening pool of geriatrics, and increasing safety concerns have all triggered a demand for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs. According to the research report, the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market was valued at US$780 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$1.3 bn by the end of 2024. Between the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 7.5%.Browse Market Research Report @Autoimmune Diseases to Drive Global Vial Adaptors for Reconstitution Drug MarketOn the basis of therapeutic area, the vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market has been segmented into autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic conditions, reproductive health and others. Currently, the infectious diseases segment holds a major share in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug therapeutic area segment. However, the autoimmune diseases segment is expected to show robust growth rate in the coming years. As of 2015, it was the second largest segment in the overall market in terms of revenue. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) states that more than 50 million individuals are affected by autoimmune disorders in the U.S. every year. This is expected to drive the autoimmune diseases segment in the coming years.North America to Remain the Leading Regional Market during Forecast PeriodIn terms of geography, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Out of these regional markets, North America remained dominant in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in 2015. Europe followed this lead closely. The high incidence of autoimmune diseases, rising technological advancements, and growing demand for needle-free products likely to support the growth of the vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in North America. On the other hand, the demand in Europe will be fueled by increasing advancements in healthcare technology amidst rising safety concerns.Analysts estimate that Asia Pacific is also likely to be a lucrative market for the vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs during the forecast period. The growing adoption of technology, high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, and increasing adoption of technology are all expected to make a significant contribution to the soaring vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market in Asia Pacific. This regional market will also be propelled by the swelling pool of geriatrics, who are prone to various medical conditions and a vast pool of unmet medical needs. The strengthening economies of Asia Pacific and improving access to healthcare in the region are also likely to augment the demand for vial adaptors for reconstitution drugs.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The key players operating in the global vial adaptors for reconstitution drug market are Baxter International Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Cardinal Health, Inc., Sensile Medical AG, Unilife Corporation and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. The market is largely consolidated as major players hold a dominating share.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: United States Caps and Closures Market for Non-carbonated Beverages For The Period 2017 - 2024 Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=995389 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=995389 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "United States Caps and Closures Market for Non-carbonated Beverages For The Period 2017 - 2024".This report provides forecast and analysis of the U.S. Caps & closures market for non-carbonated beverages. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with forecast from 2016 to 2024 based on volume (Million units) and revenue (US$ Mn). It includes drivers, restraints and the ongoing trend of the U.S. Caps & closures market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The report also comprises the study of opportunities available in the market for U.S. Caps & closures market.In order to provide the users of this report with comprehensive view of market, we have included detailed competitiveness analysis and company players. The competitive dashboard provides detailed comparison of U.S. Caps & closures market manufacturers on parameters such as companys revenue, unique selling propositions and key strategic developments. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, by cap type, material type and application type.U.S. Caps & Closures Market for Non-carbonated Beverages: Research MethodologiesMarket statistics have been estimated based on average consumption and weighted average pricing of U.S. Caps & closures market by cap type and the revenue is derived through regional pricing trends. Market size and forecast for each segment have been provided in the context of U.S. market. The U.S. Caps & closures market for non-carbonated beverages has been analyzed based on expected demand of the top three caps. Prices considered for the calculation of revenue are average prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous caps & closure manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. All key end users have been considered and potential applications have been estimated on the basis of secondary sources and feedback from primary respondents. Market numbers for the U.S. cap type, material type and application segments have been derived using the top down approach. The market has been forecast based on constant currency rates.Make an Enquiry of this report @U.S. Caps & Closures Market for Non-carbonated Beverages: Competitive AnalysisThe report provides detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of key participants operating in the global market. Key players in the U.S. caps & closure market for non-carbonated beverages include, Closure Systems International, Inc., Silgan Plastic Closure Solutions, Bericap GmbH and Co KG, Global Closure Systems, AptarGroup, Inc., Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Amcor Limited, O.Berk Company, LLC, Blackhawk Molding Co. Inc. and Tecnocap S.p.A.The U.S. caps & closure market for non-carbonated beverages is segmented belowBy Cap TypeScrew CapsSnap On CapsPush On CapsBy MaterialPPLDPEPSHDPEPVCPETBy ApplicationBottled waterFruit beveragesReady to drink (tea & coffee)Sports beveragesOthers (energy drinks, non-dairy milk etc.)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 @ * Syria govt said to accept agenda, including transition talk * Diplomats say Russia, govt want terrorism added to agenda * Opposition hold landmark meeting with Russian diplomat (Updates after opposition meeting with Russians, adds source close to Syrian government) By Tom Miles and John Irish GENEVA, March 1 (Reuters) - Syrian peace talks in Geneva edged forwards on Wednesday, for the first time in six days of U.N.-led talks, as both sides saw hope of shaping the agenda to their liking and opposition negotiators met a senior diplomat from powerbroker Russia. The opposition said President Bashar al-Assad's negotiators had been pushed by his Russian allies to address the issue of political transition - which Assad's opponents say must involve him handing over power. A source close to the Syrian government delegation said there was agreement that tackling "terrorism" - a broad term which Damascus uses to describe all armed opposition to the president - would also be on the agenda. It remained unclear whether the two goals were compatible or if the two sides were on a collision course, as in past negotiating rounds a year ago. But diplomats said the opposition's meeting with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov may be a milestone and uncomfortable for President Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's ally, who regards his opponents as terrorists. Yahya Kodmani, head of the opposition delegation, told reporters that he and colleagues had made strong and clear points to Gatilov, and Russia would need time to respond. "We want them to be neutral and not enemies to Syria," Kodmani said. "We want them to pressure and sponsor the political transition process. We want them to work with us on stopping terrorism in Syria." One diplomat said the opposition had been disappointed because the Russians had stuck to their long-standing positions that the rebels were too divided to negotiate with. U.N. envoy Staffan De Mistura unexpectedly came to the opposition's hotel late in the evening after their meeting with Gatilov, but declined to comment on the process. Story continues DEEP TALKS So far the Geneva talks have focused almost entirely on how to arrange more substantive later rounds, but both sides said on Wednesday they had held "deep" discussions with de Mistura earlier in the day. "We notice now that the political transition subject has become the main subject on the table," opposition negotiator Nasr al-Hariri told reporters. The opposition wants to discuss "political transition" and, after hearing from de Mistura said they believed that Russia had persuaded Syria's government negotiators that it should be on the agenda of the talks. Assad's chief negotiator Bashar al-Ja'afari has never accepted discussion of the subject before. The talks are governed by U.N. Security Council resolution 2254, which sets out a political transition process including plans for a new constitution, U.N.-supervised elections and transparent and accountable governance. De Mistura wants to put those subjects into three "baskets". Two Western diplomats said the Syrian government agreed to study the baskets, but said a fourth basket should be "terrorism". A source close to the government delegation said that talks had been constructive and led to "an agreement on four equally important baskets" that included terrorism. Kodmani said there was no "terrorism basket" in Resolution 2254, and the talks should start with political transition because it is the main point. A ceasefire backed by Russia, Iran and Turkey has not stopped the fighting. Russian news agencies reported that a new round of ceasefire talks would start on March 14, and cited Gatilov as saying more Geneva talks could follow on March 20. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said government bombardment of a rebel-held area in Damascuss northeastern outskirts intensified on Wednesday, and fighting between government forces and rebels killed 13 Syrian soldiers. Government forces launched attacks around Qaboun in the days leading up to the current round of peace talks, the fiercest assault there for more than two years, according to the Observatory and a medical worker in the area. (Additional reporting by Yara Abi Nader, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva and Kinda Makieh in Damascus; Editing by Dominic Evans) U.S. Knee Implant Market to Register Substantial Expansion by 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/us-knee-implant-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=19649 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ U.S. Knee Implant Market: SnapshotThe U.S. market for knee implants a matured market and projected to witness steady growth over the forthcoming years. The technological advancements in knee implants, such as the usage of 3D printing, biocompatible materials, robotic-assisted surgeries, and navigation technology are likely to drive this market in coming years. Apart from this, the increasing health care expenditure and the rising population of geriatric individuals are also anticipated to contribute to the growth of this market significantly.Browse Market Research Report @The U.S. knee implant market stood at US$4.3 bn in 2015 and is expected to protrude at a CAGR of 5.30% between 2016 and 2024 and reach US$7.0 bn by 2024.Hospitals to Remain Key End Users of Knee ImplantsHospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialized orthopedic clinics are the main end users of knee implants in the U.S. The demand for knee implants is much higher from hospitals than other end users. The hospitals segment held a share of more than 43% of the overall demand for knee implants in the country in 2015. With the presence of hospitals in a very large number, this segment is likely to remain the topmost end user of knee implants in the U.S.Ambulatory surgery centers are also expected to emerge as a lucrative end-use segment for knee implant manufacturers in the U.S. over the next few years. As these centers offer modern health care facilities and emphasize on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostics and preventive procedures, which has begun to reflect positively on the demand for knee implants from these centers. Apart from this, the shifting preference of patients from hospitals to ambulatory service centers, owing to the after care services, cost-effective care, and minimally invasive surgeries provided by the latter, is also projected to influence the demand for knee implants from these centers in the near future.Midwest Region to Lead U.S. Knee Implant MarketThe U.S. market for knee implants has its presence across the Pacific region, the Mountain region, the South Central region, the Midwest region, the South Atlantic region, and the North East region. The Midwest region has been leading this market, thanks to a number of ambulatory surgical centers present in this region. The increasing uptake of new technologies is also supporting the progress of the market for knee implants in Midwest region.The presence of a large pool of knee implant manufacturers and a widespread distribution channel are likely to maintain the growth pace of this regional market, ensuring its lead over the next few years. Indiana, followed closely by Virginia, has been generating higher revenues than other states in the U.S. The high number of hospitals and the mounting osteoarthritic burden due to the baby boomer population are the key factors propelling these domestic markets in the country.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Led by Johnson & Johnson, Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., Stryker Corp., and Smith & Nephew, the U.S. market for knee implants is highly consolidated in nature. The other significant players operating in this market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Exactech Inc., DJO Global Inc., ConforMIS, OMNIlife science, Inc., MicroPort Scientific Corp., and Arthrex.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: Biomaterials Market is Expected to Reach $139 Billion, Globally by 2022 Biomaterials Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/biomaterials-market https://goo.gl/yfXDfn The global biometric market is expected to reach $139 billion by 2022, from $62 billion in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2016 to 2022, according to Allied Market Research. Metallic biomaterials segment is expected to contribute significantly to the global market revenue until 2022. North America held the leading position in the global market in 2015, and is expected to maintain its lead throughout the study period.Get access to full summary @:Metallic biomaterials segment contributed the highest revenue share to the global market, owing to highly used in orthopedic treatments for bone support and replacement, due to their strength and resistance to fatigue degradation. Polymeric biomaterials segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2016 to 2022, due to increasing demand for biodegradable products, and their use in various applications due their unique features such as flexibility, lightweight, remarkable biocompatibility, and physical & mechanical properties.Orthopedic disorder was the leading application segment in the market, followed by cardiovascular disorders and drug-delivery systems segments, cumulatively contributing about three-fourths shares of the global market. This was attributed to the high incidence of conditions characterized by degenerative symptoms and notable relief offered by the use of biomaterial-based products. Neurological disorder is an another key application area of the biomaterials market, and is expected to offer lucrative investment opportunities to market players in the near future. However, tissue engineering is projected to be the fastest growing segment due to the introduction of scaffolds, which is one of the biomaterials used in 3D printing.Request for sample copy of this report at:Key Findings of the Biomaterials MarketIn 2015, metallic biomaterials segment contributed significantly to the revenue of the global market, and is projected to maintain this trend during the forecast period.Among biomaterials, polymeric biomaterial segment is projected to grow rapidly registering a CAGR of 13.0% from 2016 to 2022.Tissue engineering is projected to be the fastest growing application segment of biomaterials market with CAGR of 35.6% during analysis period.North America is the leading region in the global biomaterials market.North America and Europe jointly contributed over three-fourths share of the overall revenue in 2015.Asia-Pacific biomaterials market is expected to be the fastest growing region during study period.Chinese biomaterials market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 18.5% from 2016 to 2022.In 2015, North America accounted for significant revenue share in the global biomaterials market, and is expected to maintain this trend throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to increase in prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases coupled with growth in geriatric population, advent of innovative technologies, heavy funding by government agencies for R&D activities, and growing need to improve quality of life in North America. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region throughout 2022, owing to the presence of ample growth opportunities in terms of unmet medical needs for the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological & orthopedic disorders, increasing awareness about biomaterials advantages, and rising acceptance of advanced technologies in this region.The key players in this market have adopted product development & launch as their key strategies to cater to the changing needs of the industry. Furthermore, companies have collaborated with other key players to develop cost-effective and technologically efficient technologies to strengthen their market positions. The development of novel products with innovative technologies and acquisition of companies possessing innovative technologies are the top strategies adopted by leading players in the market. The key players profiled in this report include Royal DSM, Wright Medical Group N.V., Corbion N.V., Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Bayer AG, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Covalon Technologies Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, BASF SE, Victrex plc., and Collagen Matrix, 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: +1-503-894-6022help@alliedmarketresearch.com 2017 - 2024, Lubricants Global Market for Off-road Sector: Key Players Such As Royal Dutch Shell plc, ExxonMobil Corporation, BP Global, Total S.A And So On Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=982129 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=982129 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "2017 - 2024, Lubricants Global Market for Off-road Sector: Key Players Such As Royal Dutch Shell plc, ExxonMobil Corporation, BP Global, Total S.A And So On".Lubricants diminish friction because they eliminate the contact resistance between two solid surfaces or objects. Examples of lubricants are engine oil, gear oil, transmission fluid, greases, coolants, bearing oil, brake fluid, etc. North America is anticipated to be a major consumer of lubricants due to presence of large number of off road vehicles in the region. Growing demand for lubricants in the construction and mining industry in Asia Pacific is anticipated to affect the lubricants market in terms of lubricant consumption. Engine oil, as the name suggests, is used to avoid friction and corrosion in engine of a vehicle. Gear oil and transmission fluid are used by gear box and axles of a vehicle. In some types of vehicles, separate gear oil and transmission fluid are not required. Single lubricant is used in gear box of the vehicle in place of them.Global Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector: Scope of the ReportThis study analyzes, estimates, and forecasts the global lubricants market for off-road sector in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2015 to 2024. Market numbers given in the report describe the demand for global lubricants, but not production or supply. The global lubricants report also analyzes several driving and restraining factors and their impact on the market during the forecast period.Global Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector: Research MethodologyBased on source and grade, the report analyzes the attractiveness of each segment with the help of an attractiveness tool. The study consist of value chain analysis, which offers a better understanding of key companies in the supply chain from raw material manufacturers to end-users. Additionally, the study examines market competition through Porters Five Forces Analysis.Primary research represents the majority of our research efforts, complemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research also includes a search of technical writing, recent trade, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most consistent, effective, and productive approach for procuring precise market data, recognizing business opportunities, and understanding industry participants perceptions.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:The report includes an overview of the market share of key companies in the global lubricants market for off-road sector. Market share of companies has been derived on the basis of production by manufacturers of lubricants. Key market players profiled in the study include Royal Dutch Shell plc, ExxonMobil Corporation, BP Global, Total S.A., Phillips 66, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Halron Lubricants Inc., Topaz Energy Group Limited, Chevron USA Inc, Fuchs Petrolub SE, Castrol Limited, BRB International and Lukoil Lubricants Company.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report segments the global lubricants market for off-road sector as follows:Global Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector Source AnalysisMineral Oil-basedSyntheticBio-basedGlobal Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector Grade AnalysisSingleMultiGlobal Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector Product AnalysisEngine oilTransmission fluidsHydraulic fluidsGear oilGreaseOthersGlobal Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector End Use AnalysisConstructionAgriculture & FarmingMiningMaterial HandlingOthersGlobal Lubricants Market for Off-road Sector Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeUKItalySpainFranceGermanyRest of EUMake 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 @ Smart Inhalers Market Is Expected to Reach $191 Million, Globally, by 2022 SMART INHALERS MARKET: SEGMENTATION https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-inhalers-market https://goo.gl/7OKFcb Global Smart Inhalers Market states that the market was $5.8 million in 2015 and is expected to reach $191 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 63.3% from 2016 to 2022, according to new research published by Allied Market Research. The inhalers segment captured majority share in 2015, whereas nebulizers segment is projected to grow at fastest CAGR of 64.1% during the forecast period. North America, which accounted for around two-fifths share in 2015, is expected to maintain its lead throughout.Get access to full summary @:Smart inhalers promote adherence to inhalers and also send timely reminders to patients to take their inhaler dose at the required time due to which it has emerged as a novel approach in asthma and COPD management. The major factors that drives the smart inhalers market include worldwide growth in population susceptible to indoor air pollutants, inclination of patients towards digitalized medical devices for monitoring daily medication doses, and rise in prevalence of asthma and COPD. In addition, improved smart inhalers adherence rate and increase in collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and smart inhaler manufacturers promotes technological advancements which would ultimately support the market growth. These smart inhalers directly transfer medication data to the mobile application as well as to the cloud server connected through the internet. Thus, assuring doctor on exact medicine intake and frequency of the same. However, data privacy and limited availability of smart inhalers across regions acts as a major limitation in the market growth.Smart inhaler products comprise sensors that can be easily attached on the traditional inhalers and nebulizers. The inhalers segment accounted for major share of the overall market, as inhalers are preferred as first option of treatment, portability, and cost effectiveness leading to volume sales. However, nebulizers are expected to grow at the fastest rate due to technological advancements that result in their portability and ease of use.North America accounted for the majority of the revenue in 2015 owing to the increased adoption of smart inhalers and increased awareness about asthma and COPD treatment. Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region throughout the analysis period with major revenue contribution from China. Improvement in healthcare infrastructure and increase in healthcare expenditure in the emerging markets (such as India and China) is projected to fulfill the unmet medical needs thus, fueling the smart inhalers market growth in the Asia-Pacific region.Request for sample copy of this report at:Key findings of the smart inhalers market study:In the year 2015, inhalers led the global smart inhalers market revenue, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 63.2%.Smart inhalers market for asthma is expected to grow at a CAGR of 62.0%, in terms of revenue, whereas for COPD, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 64.5%.COPD indication segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 64.5% due to increase in COPD incidence rate, rise in adherence rate.The majority of smart inhalers are used by R&D centers and this trend is expected to be continued during the forecast period.Europe and Asia-Pacific together accounted for around half of the market share in 2015.China is the major shareholder, accounting for about one-third share of the Asia-Pacific smart inhalers market, in terms of value.U.S. smart inhalers market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 59.5%.German smart inhalers market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 68.2% during analysis period.Recent developments such as acquisition of Inspiro Medical by Opko Health, collaboration between Novartis and Qualcomm, and acquisition of Gecko Health by Teva pharmaceuticals for manufacturing smart inhalers further signify the increase in competition in the smart inhalers industry. These developments are majorly focused on manufacturing smart inhalers as well as launching new devices with inbuilt smart inhalers instead of using an add on sensor to the device; thereby positively increasing the market revenue as well as competition among the manufacturers.Major players profiled in this report include Vectura Group plc, Adherium Limited, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Gecko Health Innovations), AstraZeneca plc, Propeller Health, Cohero Health, LLC, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, OPKO Health, Inc. (Inspiro Medical Ltd.), GlaxoSmithKline plc, and Novartis AG.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: +1-503-894-6022help@alliedmarketresearch.com Industry Analysis & Outlook Of Global Remittance Market During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2020 Market Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1001570 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1001570 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Industry Analysis & Outlook Of Global Remittance Market During The Forecast Period 2017 - 2020".The remittance industry contributes to the economic growth of the countries participating in the practice as well as to the livelihood of the individuals involved. The remittance system is comprised of the Remittance Service Providers (RSP), Remittance Corridors, the Remittance Network and the Money transfer system. Remittance Services are divided primarily on the basis of ways a network of access points is created and linked. There are broadly four categories: unilateral services, franchised services, negotiated services and open services.The key factors driving the growth of remittance market are increasing international migration, growing urbanization, accelerating economic growth and rising employment opportunities. A noteworthy trend of this industry is cost by sending and receiving method, unstable remittance cost, increased access to financial services, changing technology landscape for payments, more convenience and lesser costs, advancement in technology, and maturing of immigrant communities. However, the expansion of the market is hindered by de-risking is threatening the industry and access points establishment.The report Global Remittance Market provides an in-depth analysis of the global remittance market, along with a study of top remittance receiving and contributing countries. The report also includes detailed description of regional markets. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The industry comprises few large players such as MoneyGram International Inc., Western Union Company and Euronet Worldwide Inc. All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth.Make an Enquiry of this report @Table of Content1. Remittance Market - An Overview1.1 An Introduction1.2 Types of Remittance Services1.3 Remittance Marketplace1.4 Remittance Market Value Chain2. Global Remittance Market Analysis2.1 Global Remittance Inflow2.2 Global Average Remittance Cost by Region2.3 Global Average Cost by Remittance Service Provider3. Regional Market Analysis3.1 Remittance Market by Income Characteristics3.1.1 Low and Middle Income Countries3.2 Remittances Market by Region3.2.1 East Asia and Pacific Region3.2.2 Europe and Central Asia Region3.2.3 Latin America and Caribbean Region3.2.4 Middle East and North Africa Region3.2.5 South Asia Region3.2.6 Sub Saharan Africa Region3.3 Remittances Market by Largest Receiving Countries3.3.1 India3.3.2 China3.3.3 Philippines3.3.4 Mexico3.4 Remittances Market by Largest Contributing Countries3.4.1 The US3.4.2 Saudi Arabia3.4.3 SwitzerlandTo 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 @ Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/genome-editing-genome-engineering-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/genome-editing-genome-engineering-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/genome-editing-genome-engineering-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/1185 http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled 'Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024'Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: OverviewGenome editing/genome engineering refers to the techniques and strategies in which the DNA is deleted, replaced or inserted in the living organisms genome with the help of molecular scissors or engineered nucleases. It is one of the active fields of research owing to its wide array of potential applications, specifically related to human health such as the manufacturing of therapeutic proteins, the rectification of a gene with a detrimental mutation, and the removal of repeated viral sequences. It also has an application in agricultural biotechnology such as the invention of novel generations of genetically modified plants. Genome editing/genome engineering can also be used in the improvement of research tools, for instance, to exploit a genes function of a gene.Request Free Sample Report @Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Growth FactorsThe in general increase in the manufacturing of genetically modified crops, the fast rise in the figure of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, the growing government expenditure for genomics, increasing R&D activities in the life science research, raised need of synthetic genes, and technological enhancements are few factors propelling the growth of the genome editing/genome engineering market. However, the strict regulatory authorities and ethical concerns are few factors impeding the market growth.Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: SegmentationThe global genome editing/genome engineering market can be segmented based on application, technology, end-user, and region. The application segment of the market is diversified into plant genetic engineering, cell line engineering, animal genetic engineering, and other applications. The technology segment of the market is categorized into antisense, CRISPR, ZFN, TALEN, and other technologies. The end-user segment of the genome editing/genome engineering market is grouped into contract research organizations, academic & government research institutes, biotechnology & pharmaceutical companies, and other applications. Regionally, the market is sub-segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Regional AnalysisNorth America is expected to dominate the market for genome editing/genome engineering owing to various factors, including the rising utilization of genetically modified crops; occurrence of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases, and cancer in this region; the development of gene therapy; standard conferences and workshops for genome editing; and the rising accessibility of research funding and grants. Asia Pacific region is also anticipated to grow at a fast pace in the market in the coming period. The growth of this region can be mainly attributed to the amplified R&D expenditure and the development of foremost genome editing industries.Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Competitive PlayersThe major players in the genome editing/genome engineering market are Genscript Biotech Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc., Horizon Discovery Group Plc., and Lonza Group Ltd. The other major players in the market include Sangamo Biosciences, Inc., New England Biolabs, Inc., Merck KGAA, Origene Technologies, Inc., and Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.Browse detail report @Global Genome Editing/Genome Engineering Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaWhat 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.Ask for a customized report @About 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: Body Screening Market Opportunities and Forecast 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/body-screening-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Body screening is a specialized method of detecting any hidden objects within a persons clothes by creating an image of a persons naked body without any physical contact or without physically removing the clothes. Body screening is done through body scanners. Military wave technologies are used by these body scanners in order to see through the clothes of a person. Globally, this method is gaining popularity due to increasing concerns about security fueled by an alarming rise in global terrorism.The global body screening is expected a significant growth during the forecast period. This is mainly driven by a rise in drug trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorism.Browse Market Research Report @This method is increasingly being adopted in train stations and airports all over the globe, primarily due to rising threat of terrorism and for aviation security. Moreover, the stringent rules and policies undertaken by various governmental bodies worldwide are driving the growth of the market. For instance, the bill passed by the U.S government called S.A.F.E.R A.I.R Act makes body screening mandatory in all airports.In the face of rising instances of in-flight detonation and fight hijacking, body screening helps in improving the security framework of airports. The ability to detect a wide range of threats, including explosives, is propelling the demand for body screening. Commercial airports are also engaging in making significant investments in body screening systems to adequately address the burning issue of drug-peddling.One of the major advantages of body screening is the reduced time taken to screen passengers. This gives body screening an upper hand over the conventional pat down approaches, which are both uncomfortable and time consuming. Growing interest in full body screening worldwide is spurring intensive research and development efforts to bring forth machines that are image free and result in less radiation.Despite all the advantages, full body screening is controversial, as it easily raises individual privacy issues. Critics claim it to be in violation of human rights, unreasonable, and illegal. These factors are expected to restrain the growth of the market for body screening to some extent during the forecasted period.The market is segregated on the basis of application, technology, system, and geography. By application, the global body screening market is segmented into homeland security, defense, and commercial. Homeland security is further sub-segmented into applications in seaports, airports, and security of VIPs. Defense is sub-segmented into applications in high security zones, military premises, and border crossing controls.On the basis of technology, the global body screening market is characterized as digital tape measurements, white light patterns, laser scanners, 3D body scanners, and image modeling & processing.By system, the market is segmented into X-ray systems, millimeter-wave, and backscatter.Lastly, on the basis of geography, the global body screening market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America. North America holds a significant share of the global body screening market mainly due to the strict steps taken by the U.S government with respect to body screening in airports. The growth of the body screening market in Europe is expected to be limited during the forecast period due to the ban imposed on full-body scanning in the countries of the region. On the other hand, the growth of the body screening market in emerging economies of Latin America and Asia Pacific is estimated to be significantly fast due to increasing security concerns, rise in the number of low cost carriers, expansion of the tourism industry, and booming air travel.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The key players operating in the global body screening market include Westminster International Ltd. (U.K), Tek84 Engineering Group LLC (U.S), Smiths Detection (U.K), Scan-X Security Ltd. (U.K), Rapiscan Systems (U.S), Nuctech Co. Ltd. (China), L-3 Security And Detection Systems (U.S), Digital Barriers PLC (U.K), Braun And Company Limited (U.K), American Science and Engineering (U.S), and ADANI Systems (Belarus).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: Consumer Oxygen Equipment Market to Witness an Outstanding Growth by 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/consumer-oxygen-equipment-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18629 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Oxygen is a colorless and odorless gas necessary for the body to survive. Oxygen therapy is a process to supply oxygen to patients who, due to breathing disorders, are unable to get enough oxygen supply for their body naturally. People who receive oxygen therapy often show improved energy levels and sleep, and better quality of life. Oxygen therapy can be exceptionally beneficial for those who experience low oxygen levels frequently. Regular utilization of oxygen therapy can further allow people to be mobile and active by lowering the breathing disorder. It extends life expectancy remarkably and improves the quality of life.Browse Market Research Report @Adoption of innovative technologies in medical devices, rise in government expenditure in health care domain, and increase in investment by companies manufacturing homecare products are likely to boost the growth of the global consumer oxygen equipment market during the forecast period. However, high product costs and stringent FDA regulations pertaining to medical devices are some of the factors which could restrain the growth of the global consumer oxygen equipment market during the forecast period.The global consumer oxygen equipment market is segmented by product and end-user. Based on the product segmentation, the global consumer oxygen equipment market is classified into ambulatory devices and oxygen concentrators. The ambulatory devices involve liquid oxygen system and compressed gas system. The oxygen concentrators are basically devices which consist continuous flow oxygen concentrators and pulse dose oxygen concentrators. In terms of revenue, the oxygen concentrators segment dominated the consumer oxygen equipment market in 2015 owing to improved esthetics and extra safety features. The segment is expected to continue its dominance in the market by 2024 due to increasing technological developments in the lighter & portable oxygen devices, suitable for use at shopping complexes, airports, offices, and in flights. Continuous flow technology dominated the consumer oxygen equipment market in 2015. Pulse dose technology provides patients with improved technology, high mobility, ease of use, and increased efficiency. The technology is much reliable and safer than continuous flow technology, which is the reason the segment is expected to dominate the market over continuous flow technology by 2024.Based on the end-user segmentation, the global consumer oxygen equipment market involves hospitals, homecare settings, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. Growing geriatric population, coupled with rising number of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) patients, drives the requirement for homecare settings. Therefore, the homecare settings segment is expected to grow in the consumer oxygen equipment market rapidly. In severe cases, doctors mostly recommend for oxygen therapies with home oxygen concentrators. Moreover, equipment features such as low maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and provision for intact oxygen supply to patients are driving the homecare settings segment in the market during the forecast period.Geographically, the consumer oxygen equipment market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America held a large share in the global consumer oxygen equipment market in 2015, which is attributed to the rise in number of COPD patients in the region. The pressure to produce portable, lighter & cheaper equipment which can be used while traveling abroad in turn increased the demand for the consumer oxygen equipment market in North America. Evolution of health insurance system in Europe is expected to contribute considerably to the potential and attractiveness of the Europe consumer oxygen equipment market. The consumer oxygen equipment demand in the U.K. is being driven by the rising levels of smoking. Asia Pacific is considered to be a fast growing region for the consumer oxygen equipment market. Key factors driving the growth in the region include rise in preference for home treatment, high prevalence of respiratory disorders, and improvement in health care system.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Major players contributing in the global consumer oxygen equipment market are Inova Labs, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Chart Industries, DeVilbiss Healthcare, Inogen, Invacare Corporation, SeQual, Nidek Medical Products, Inc., Providence Medical, CAIRE Inc., VORTRAN Medical Technology, and Percussionaire Corp.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: Kombucha Market will Grow Exponentially during 2016 2024 Kombucha Market http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=61106 http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/kombucha-market-global-industry-perspective-comprehensive-analysis-and.html http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Kombucha is fermented tea which is produce using sugar with the microbial culture like yeast, bacteria, mold and sometimes fruit juice and other flavors. After fermentation, kombucha is carbonated and integrated with amino acids, vinegar, antioxidants and vitamins. It can be added with numerous essences to add different tastes to the drink. Citrus, herb and spice, berries, apple, coconut, mangoes, flowers and others are the different essence of kombucha. Kombucha is used in medicine and drugs.The kombucha market is mainly driven by the rising health awareness, increasing consumer disposable income and changing lifestyle. Increasing demand for natural, fortified and healthy food & beverages and rising consumption of alcoholic beverages are some of the factors that support the demand for kombucha. Increasing incidences of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and osteoporosis are another key factor to drive the kombucha market. Kombucha is a health drink and of the fastest-growing segments in the efficient beverages market., Thus, the market for this beverage is expected to witness high growth in the next few years. Microbial sourcing and nonsterile packaging of the product are expected to be major restraints of kombucha market.Get Sample Research Report at:This report provides detailed analysis and forecast of the kombucha market on a global and regional level. The report includes detailed competitive landscape of the global kombucha market and an analysis of Porters five forces model for the kombucha market has also been included. It includes company market share analysis, product portfolio of the major industry participants. The report provides detailed segmentation of the kombucha market based on type, flavor and region segment.Based on different type, kombucha market is segmented as yeast, bacteria and mold. Major flavor covered in this report include herbs & spices, berries, apple, coconut & mangoes, citrus, flowers and others.Key regional segments analyzed in this study include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S., Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for kombocha based on individual applications in all the regions and countries. In 2014, North America was dominated Kombucha market in terms of revenue.Browse the full report at:Asia Pacific and Europe are growing at a moderate rate due to increasing health awareness among people and increasing initiatives undertaken by the government.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Live Soda Kombucha, Makana Beverages Inc., Nesalla Kombucha, Red Bull Gmbh, Kosmic Kombucha, Kevita, Inc., Millennium Products, Inc., Reeds, Inc. and Gts Kombucha.This report segments the global kombucha market as follows:Kombucha Market: Type Segment AnalysisYeastBacteriaMoldOthersKombucha Market: Flavor Segment AnalysisHerbs & SpicesBerriesAppleCoconut & MangoesCitrusFlowersOthersKombucha Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East And 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: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Market Segments and Key Trends 2017-2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2854 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2854 www.futuremarketinsights.com Aircraft ground support equipment and vehicles are used to transport passengers, freight & baggage and support repair & maintenance functions. In airports, equipment fall into two broader categories, i.e. land side (passenger entry side of airport) and air side (boarding/departure side). Ground support equipment includes vehicles used for fueling on the air-side and airplane maintenance. Aircraft ground support equipment doesnt include aircraft engine maintenance.In California, most airports have internal combustion engines (ICE) powered aircraft ground support equipment. Owing to stringent emission norms in North America and Europe, electric aircraft ground support equipment is made available by most of its manufacturers. There are many airports in various countries with a high percentage of aircraft ground support equipment (electric). For example, the Denver International Airport was designed for all electric ground support equipment. Similarly, Logan International Airport (Boston) progressed and switched from ICE to electric aircraft ground support equipment.Aircraft ground support equipment could be owned by cargo handlers, airports, airlines, management companies or parcel & mail companies. Airports usually own stationary infrastructure and lease equipment with airlines.Request For Report Sample:Owing to an increase in passenger and cargo traffic, terminal infrastructure plays a vital role in airports as it affects the turnaround time and flight delay. In order to run their operations on time, existing airports have started undergoing modernization and expansion with new technologies. Increase in modernization and terminal expansions are expected to generate significant demand for the aircraft ground support equipment market. Additionally, modernization of aircraft ground support equipment are also expected to enhance safety measures and efficiency of airline operations.Aircraft ground support equipment: DynamicsThe increased use of storage systems and warehouse operations at airports will have a positive impact on the aircraft ground support equipment market. Also, rising number of airports and airlines will drive demand for aircraft ground support equipment products. However, there are a few market players who are expected to dominate the market owing to their advanced technology.Aircraft ground support equipment: SegmentationBroadly, the aircraft ground support equipment market is segmented on the basis of handling as: aircraft handling, passenger handling, cargo handling.The global ground support system market is dominated by the aircraft handling segment, which accounted for more than forty percent of the total market share. Constantly growing passenger traffic and increase in aircraft movement are forecasted to fuel demand for the aircraft ground support equipment market.Additionally, the global ground support equipment market can be segmented by type as: hybrid, electric, non-electric. The electric segment is estimated to dominate the market owing to the increase in expenditure by aviation authorities and ecofriendly aircraft ground support equipment, which conforms to latest emission norms. Furthermore, the market for airports is larger in Western Europe, Asia Pacific and North America, owing to the increasing number of airport expansions and rise in the number of airports.Aircraft ground support equipment: OutlookOver the forecast period, the global ground support equipment market is expected to grow at a high rate with the increase in demand for airports. Recently, EMEA has seen rapid growth in numbers with respect to cargo and passenger traffic. That, along with the burgeoning number of new aircrafts and expansions are anticipated to boost demand for the global aircraft ground support equipment market.Request For TOC:Owing to the increase in emission norms, the U.S. currently represents the largest ground support equipment market. In 2015, foreign and domestic airlines in the U.S. approximately carried 895.5 million passengers system wide. However, the increasing demand for cargo shipments and air travel in countries such as Brazil, India and China is expected to represent a massive potential growth opportunity.Aircraft ground support equipment: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global aircraft ground support equipment market identified across the value chain include:JBT AeroTechCargoTecAERO SpecialtiesCavotec SABharat Earth MoversTUGDouglas equipment servicesFgFlightline supportJiangsu Tianyi Airport Special EquipmentMallaghanABOUT 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: Tenet Healthcare Corporation THC recently announced that it has inked a deal with Amedisys, Inc. AMED to divest its Home Health and Hospice operations in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts and Texas to the latter. Tenet Healthcare regularly divests unprofitable non-core operations to remain focused on the primary business. Prior to the aforesaid deal, the company sold five of its hospitals to WellStar Health System in Apr 2016. Previous to that, in Nov 2015, the company sold two hospitals and 19 physician groups in North Carolina to Duke LifePoint and also divested St. Louis University Hospital to SSM Health. Such business moves reflect the companys effective evaluation of the feasibility of building integrated delivery networks and assessment of its market share. Tenet Healthcare has also divested hospitals in markets with little or no chance of growth. We note that Tenet Healthcare stock has found favor with investors in recent times. The companys business strategies seem to have started bearing fruit as its shares have outperformed the broader Medical-Hospitals industry in the last three months. Shares of the company gained 26% compared 19.5% increase of the industry over this period. Tenet Healthcare has already strengthened its position in the markets by consistently improving the quality of its services to patients. As a result, the buyout will immensely benefit Amedisys. The acquirer, which is committed to serving patients, employees and the community, will be able to deliver premium quality home health and hospice services as well as post-acute services in the key markets of the concerned regions. We expect to hear more divestiture news from the company as it recently indicated that it is pursuing the sale of additional hospitals and exiting its health plan business in 2017 Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider: Tenet Healthcare presently carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks from the medical sector include Aeterna Zentaris Inc. Story continues AEZS and Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation AGTC. Both of these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Aeterna Zentaris delivered positive surprise in the last four quarters with an average beat of 31.7%. Applied Genetic Technologies also delivered positive surprises in the last four quarters with an average beat of 222.92%. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these stocks free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AEterna Zentaris Inc. (AEZS): Free Stock Analysis Report Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC): Free Stock Analysis Report Amedisys Inc (AMED): Free Stock Analysis Report Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Ammunition Market Expected to Register High Revenue Growth Through 20162024 Ammunition Market http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=87315 https://goo.gl/P8vRyc http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Global Ammunition Market: OverviewThe ammunition is generally short termed as ammo. Ammunition is used for different kinds of projectile and propellant weapons. They are used in those weapons that can be used in combats, including missiles, bombs, land mines, warheads, anti-personnel mines, and naval mines.Global Ammunition Market: Growth FactorsThe global ammunitions market is likely to grow in the near future. The rise in the demand from the government has increased the growth of the global market. Rising concerns for the safety of the people is one of the main factors driving the growth of global ammunition market. In addition to this, rising incidents of robbery and other situations that can lead the life to danger is the main reason for the growth of the global market. Additionally, use of advanced technology in the production of weapons is also driving the global ammunition market. Moreover, increased awareness about the use of weapons is towering the growth of the global market.Get a copy of Sample Report@On the other hand, misuse of the weapons is the main reason that is hampering the growth of global ammunition market. In addition, growing terrorism is also one of the main reasons hindering the growth of the global market. Moreover, illegal authorization of weapons is one of the main factors restraining the growth of global ammunition market.Global Ammunition Market: SegmentationBased on types, the global ammunition market is mainly classified as small caliber ammunition, medium caliber ammunition, large caliber ammunition, artillery, mortar, and others. Furthermore, the small caliber ammunition is divided as 7.62mm, 5.56mm, 12.7mm, 9mm, and others. The medium caliber ammunition is segmented as 25mm, 20mm, 40mm, 30mm, and others. And lastly, the large caliber ammunition is classified as 90mm, 57mm, 120mm, and others.Request for TOC@On the basis of applications, the global ammunition market is segmented into defense and civil.Global Ammunition Market: Regional AnalysisThe global ammunition market is regionally segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The rise in the demand for the weapons for defense and warfare has boosted the global market all over the world. Use of advanced technology has boosted the global ammunition market in North America. Rising concern for the safety and security has towered the growth of the global market in European countries such as Germany and Italy. In addition to this, Asia Pacific countries such as India and China will boost the global ammunition market in the near future due to increase in the job opportunities.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC@/market-analysis/ammunition-market.htmlGlobal Ammunition Market: Competitive PlayersKey players in the global ammunition market are BAE Systems, General Dynamics Corporation, Ruag Ammotec, and Remington Arms Company Inc. Other major players influencing the global market include Federal Premium Ammunition and Maxam, and Poongsan Corporation.Global Ammunition Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaWhat 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.About 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: Global MDF Crown Moulding Market 2017 : Metrie, Alexandria, RapidFit & Boulanger MDF Crown Moulding https://goo.gl/jPE0hP https://goo.gl/hiYwqB The survey report by Market Research Store is an overview of the global MDF Crown Moulding market. It covers all the recent trends including key developments in the global market in present and in future. Analyses of the global MDF Crown Moulding market trends along with the projections of CAGRs (compound annual growth rates) are provided in the research report.Further, an evaluation of the history of the global market and the basic information of the global market is included in the report. A developmental perspective of the industry is also documented in the report. Competitive profiles of the key players in the industry are also discussed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report provides both an assessment of recent developments in the industry along with forecasts examining the industry from the perspective of major competitors, present players and prospective end users in the MDF Crown Moulding market.Forecasts are generated on the basis of region, type, product, supply, demand, and other vital factors of the global market. The research report analyzed the major factors driving the global MDF Crown Moulding market in various countries with a satisfactory and manufacturing and structure of the global market. Forecasts are also provided region-wise in the research report.The research report comprises several chapters, tables, figures, graphs, and various other presentations formats so as to provide a precise overview of the market. The sequence of the report is maintained in such a way that highlights the overall flow of the global market. Recent developments in the global market are further described in the research report. The report also summarizes latest trends along with abstracts of the MDF Crown Moulding market. Major competitors of the global market including commercial and non-commercial participants in the global market are also covered in the report.Inquiry For Bying @Thus, the research report provides in-depth analysis covering all the major regions, competitors, and vital aspects of the MDF Crown Moulding industry.About Us:MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Global Instant Hot Water Dispenser Market 2017 : Buydeem, Lamo, Kohler,Haier & Midea Instant Hot Water Dispenser https://goo.gl/4oUVbE https://goo.gl/mu4HdE The survey report by Market Research Store is an overview of the global Instant Hot Water Dispenser market. It covers all the recent trends including key developments in the global market in present and in future. Analyses of the global Instant Hot Water Dispenser market trends along with the projections of CAGRs (compound annual growth rates) are provided in the research report.Further, an evaluation of the history of the global market and the basic information of the global market is included in the report. A developmental perspective of the industry is also documented in the report. Competitive profiles of the key players in the industry are also discussed.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report provides both an assessment of recent developments in the industry along with forecasts examining the industry from the perspective of major competitors, present players and prospective end users in the Instant Hot Water Dispenser market.Forecasts are generated on the basis of region, type, product, supply, demand, and other vital factors of the global market. The research report analyzed the major factors driving the global Instant Hot Water Dispenser market in various countries with a satisfactory and manufacturing and structure of the global market. Forecasts are also provided region-wise in the research report.The research report comprises several chapters, tables, figures, graphs, and various other presentations formats so as to provide a precise overview of the market. The sequence of the report is maintained in such a way that highlights the overall flow of the global market. Recent developments in the global market are further described in the research report. The report also summarizes latest trends along with abstracts of the Instant Hot Water Dispenser market. Major competitors of the global market including commercial and non-commercial participants in the global market are also covered in the report.Inquiry For Bying @Thus, the research report provides in-depth analysis covering all the major regions, competitors, and vital aspects of the Instant Hot Water Dispenser industry.About Us:MarketResearchStore.com is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Biodegradable Stents Market 2016 - 2024; Coronary artery stents held a dominant share in the global market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/biodegradable-stents-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=12464 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Biodegradable Stents Market: SnapshotThe biodegradable stents are used for treating cardiovascular conditions pertaining to the coronary artery. These stents are also known as bioabsorbable or bioresorbable vascular scaffolds and are surgically placed in the coronary artery for eluting the drug that is administered for vascular restoration and the polymer coating. The biggest advantage of these stents is that they get entirely absorbed in the vessels over a period of time, reducing the risk of complications or infections. This advantage is the primary reason for the growth of the global biodegradable stents market. According to the research report, the global biodegradable stents market was valued at US$18 mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$1.7 bn by 2024, as the market progresses at a CAGR of 30.1% between 2016 and 2024.Read Full Report:Advantages of Biodegradable Stents Keep the Sentiment in Global Market PositiveAs compared to predecessors of biodegradable stents, the newer technology has significantly reduced the risk of thrombosis, in in-stent restenosis, dual anti-platelet therapy, and second surgery for removal of the stent. These factors have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the global market in a positive direction over the past few years. The efficiency of biodegradable stents has won the market numerous consumers in the recent past. Thus, several patients and cardiologists have shown a keen interest in the uptake of biodegradable stents in the treatment of coronary and peripheral artery diseases.The two type of stents available in the global market are the coronary artery stents and peripheral artery stents. Of these, the coronary artery stents held a dominant share in the global market in 2015. The segment is expected to continue its dominance in the coming years due to the exponentially rising number of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases. The high prevalence of coronary artery diseases across the globe around the world, rising preference of cardiologists towards percutaneous coronary intervention procedures, and increasing uptake of use of stents are expected to make a significant contribution to the soaring revenue of this segment in the forecast period.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Asia Pacific Paces Ahead due to Vast Unmet Medical NeedsIn terms of geography, the global biodegradable market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. Europe held a lions share in the global biodegradable stents market in 2015. Asia Pacific closely followed as the developing nations of the region are showing keen interest in uptake of newer technologies. These regions are expected to show continued progress in the overall market due to high adoption rate of biodegradable stents due to quick approvals from regulatory bodies. Furthermore, high incidence of diabetes and hypertension across Asia Pacific are also expected to spike the demand for biodegradable stents as patients suffering from these conditions are highly susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. The report indicates that North America biodegradable stents market will also show considerable progress with recent approvals from the U.S. FDA.The key players operating in the global biodegradable stents market are Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific, Inc., Kyoto Medical Planning, Biotronik, Elixir Medical Corporation, Sahajanand Medical Technologies, and Terumo Europe NV. The competitive landscape in the global biodegradable stents market is likely to remain consolidated all throughout 2016 and 2024 as major players will hold a dominant share.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: Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market Value Share Analysis, By Product Type 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/medical-nonwoven-disposables.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2413 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Medical Nonwoven Disposables Market: SnapshotThe technological advancement in healthcare and increasing demand for advancement in the wound dressing technique are driving the growth of the global medical nonwoven disposable market. The rising government initiatives for manufacturing nonwoven medical fabric is also anticipated to be a crucial factor in determining the progress of the overall market. The report states that the global medical nonwoven disposables market will be worth US$18.4 bn by the end of 2024 as compared to US$12.9 bn in 2015. Between the forecast years of the period of 2016 and 2024, the global market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4%. The monumental demand for polyethylene due to its low cost is yet another key factor assessed to be responsible for the strengthening of the global medical nonwoven disposables market.Read Full Report:Surgical Products to Remain in High Demand as their Quality ImprovesThe global medical nonwoven disposable market is segmented according to the type of products, materials used, end users and geography. According to the type of product, the market is segmented into surgical products, wound dressing, and incontinence products. Further, the surgical products are further segmented into drapes, gowns, caps, masks and others. Technological advancement in the healthcare is a major factor driving the growth of the surgical products. In surgical products, drapes are the widely used products and followed by gowns. The gowns caps and masks are expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period. The wound dressing segment, which is further segmented into bandages, tapes, post operative wound dressing, operative wound dressing, and dressing pad. The wound dressing segment is driven by post-operative wound dressing products. On the other hand, demand for incontinence products will remain high ambulatory surgical centers and diagnostic centers.Increasing Mergers and Acquisitions Put North America in the LeadIn terms of geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the medical nonwoven disposables market and is expected to continue to dominate during the forecast period. Increasing number of mergers and acquisitions and technological advancement are major factors contributing to the growth of the medical nonwoven disposables in North America. Europe follows the lead due to the increasing adoption of the usage of medical nonwoven disposables.Download exclusive Sample of this report:Asia Pacific is expected to project a significant growth during the forecast period especially due to increasing awareness in countries like China, India, and Japan. Increasing government expenditure in healthcare is an important factor contributing to the growth of medical nonwoven disposables market in Asia Pacific. International trade development and improving economic condition across countries of Latin America are major factors responsible for the growth of medical nonwoven disposables market in this region. The Middle East and Africa is expected to project a significant growth due to increasing government initiatives and rising awareness regarding the use of medical nonwoven disposables in this region.The important players shaping the growth of the global medical nonwoven disposables market are Kimberly-Clark Corporation Medline Industries, Inc., Paul Hartmann AG, Molnlycke Health Care, Ahlstrom Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Svenska Cellulosa, Freudenberg & Co. KG, Aktiebolaget SCA, and Domtar Corporation.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: Global Dental Chairs Market Analysis, Trends and Forecast by 2016 - 2024 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/dental-chairs-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=20573 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com https://tmrresearch.blogspot.com/ Dental procedures demand optimum co-operation from patients. Dental chairs enable adjustment of height, back rest, and arm rest that provide complete support to patient as well as health care professional. The two types of dental chairs currently available in the market are hydraulic and electromechanical chairs. Electromechanical chairs offer integration of a variety of engines such as computer equipment, which results in increased adoption of these chairs in practice. In addition, modern dental chairs offer systems to hold hand pieces and other dental equipment such as mouth mirror, periodontal probe, and gauze that reduce extra box clutter.Considering the increasing prevalence of obesity in developed countries, manufacturers such as Diaco, Ltd. offer dental chairs that have working load limit of up to 500 kg. In addition, manufacturers offer dental chairs specially designed for wheelchair patients, which enable efficient working for orthodontists. Hence, increasing benefits of modern dental chairs are fueling the growth of the dental chairs segment. Beaverstate Dental Systems, DCI Equipment, and Takara Belmont USA, Inc. are the key players operating in the dental chairs segment.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.Browse Market Research Report @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.The dental chairs market can be segmented based on chairs delivery systems, end-user, and geography. In terms of chairs delivery systems, the dental chairs market can be classified into over-the-patient delivery, rear delivery, and side delivery. Over-the-patient delivery systems are most commonly used in dental clinics, as these are easy to use and meet the requirements of time and motion concepts and promotes good ergonomic positioning. Based on end-user, the market can be segmented into hospitals, dental clinics, and research and academic institutes.Geographically, the dental chairs market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is likely to be the largest market for dental chairs due to high number of laboratories and high patient pool for dental related treatment. According to Oral Health Platform, in 2012, 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. The dental chairs market in North America is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period driven by increasing baby boomer generation having periodontal diseases. The market in Asia Pacific is driven by increase in geriatric population and surging demand for dental restoration due to rise in oral health awareness.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Major players operating in this market include Danaher Corporation, Midmark Corporation, Planmeca Oy, Sirona Dental Systems, Inc., SMTmax, and Ritter Dental.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog: Electronic Balance Market 2017 - A&D Company, Mettler-Toledo International, Sartorius, Thermo Fisher Scientific Electronic Balance https://goo.gl/UxE7ai https://goo.gl/2ITjUn The Global Electronic Balance Market 2017 Industry Research Report focused on global and regional market, major manufacturers, as well as the current state of the Electronic Balance industry. First, "Global Electronic Balance Industry 2017" report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy, news analysis and Electronic Balance industry chain structure.Major Companies Covered in this report:-A&D Company,Mettler-Toledo International,Sartorius,Thermo Fisher Scientific,Acculab, Avery Weigh-Tronix,Adam Equipment,BEL Engineering,Bonso Electronics,CAS Corp,Contech Instruments,Gram Precision,Intelligent Weighing Technology,Kern & Sohn,Ohaus Corp,Precisa Gravimetrics,RADW, Scientech Technologies,Setra SystemsRequest For Report Sample @The analysis on Electronic Balance industry is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players., Electronic Balance industry competitive landscape analysis.Second, Electronic Balance industry manufacturing process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted for Electronic Balance market. This report "Worldwide Electronic Balance Market 2017" also states major market data like capacity, gross margin, supply, price, revenue, import/export, consumption and Electronic Balance market's growth rate by regions (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, China and ROW), as well as other regions can be added in Electronic Balance Market area.Then, the report focuses on global Electronic Balance market key players with information such as company profiles, contact information with product picture as well as specification.Enquiry Before Buying the report @Related information to Electronic Balance market- Capacity, Production, Capacity Utilization Rate, Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross and contact information. Also includes Electronic Balance industry's - Upstream raw materials, equipment, Manufacturing and downstream industry consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Electronic Balance market development trends and Electronic Balance industry marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, "worldwide Electronic Balance market" report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.About UsWe provide global enterprises and businesses across different industry verticals comprehensive market research services from off-the-shelf research reports to customized research conducted by our highly experienced industry analysts.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development HeadMarkets Planet155 North Wacker Drive,Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606USA+17739042683 X-Ray Systems Market 2017 - GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Carestream Health X-Ray Systems https://goo.gl/5xJCnz https://goo.gl/RIsjPE The Global X-Ray Systems Market 2017 Industry Research Report focused on global and regional market, major manufacturers, as well as the current state of the X-Ray Systems industry. First, "Global X-Ray Systems Industry 2017" report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy, news analysis and X-Ray Systems industry chain structure.Major Companies Covered in this report:-GE Healthcare,Siemens Healthcare,Philips Healthcare,Carestream Health,Shimadzu Corporation,Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation,General Medical MerateRequest For Report Sample @The analysis on X-Ray Systems industry is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players., X-Ray Systems industry competitive landscape analysis.Second, X-Ray Systems industry manufacturing process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted for X-Ray Systems market. This report "Worldwide X-Ray Systems Market 2017" also states major market data like capacity, gross margin, supply, price, revenue, import/export, consumption and X-Ray Systems market's growth rate by regions (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, China and ROW), as well as other regions can be added in X-Ray Systems Market area.Then, the report focuses on global X-Ray Systems market key players with information such as company profiles, contact information with product picture as well as specification.Enquiry Before Buying the report @Related information to X-Ray Systems market- Capacity, Production, Capacity Utilization Rate, Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross and contact information. Also includes X-Ray Systems industry's - Upstream raw materials, equipment, Manufacturing and downstream industry consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the X-Ray Systems market development trends and X-Ray Systems industry marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, "worldwide X-Ray Systems market" report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.About UsWe provide global enterprises and businesses across different industry verticals comprehensive market research services from off-the-shelf research reports to customized research conducted by our highly experienced industry analysts.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development HeadMarkets Planet155 North Wacker Drive,Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606USA+17739042683 Global Tube Packaging Market: Market Share, Revenue and Cost Analysis with Key Companys Profiles-Forecast to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1776 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/tube-packaging-market Global Tube Packaging Market Information by Materials (Laminate, Plastic, Aluminum, paperboard and others), by Product (Squeeze tubes, Twist tubes, Cartridges and others) by Application (Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Consumer goods and others) and region - Forecast to 2022Market Synopsis of Rigid Packaging MarketThe key drivers of tube packaging market are growth in flexible packaging, innovative packaging, and properties such as high quality printing at lower cost and barrier. The market is witnessing intense competition due to presence of large number of manufacturers. The growth can be attributed to the rising demand for cosmetics and personal care products. The two major restraints of the market are fluctuating raw material prices and economic meltdown.Laminated tubes lead the market by material as it is the most preferred material when it comes to packaging due to its excellent barrier property. Europe and North America contributes largely to the global tube packaging market, majorly due to increasing per capita income and consumer spending. In terms of revenue Europe is currently dominating the market. APAC is expected to be the fastest growing segment. China and India are the emerging economies which contributed to the demand for sustainable and innovative packaging. The regions have seen lot of government investment and initiatives to develop the medical sector which augments the market for such tube packaging in the pharmaceutical industries. The global tube packaging market size is expected to cross USD 9 Billion at CAGR of 7.2% by 2022.Get a Sample Report @Study Objectives of Rigid Packaging Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Tube Packaging Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Global Tube Packaging 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, APAC, 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 material, product, application, and regions To provide strategic profiling of the 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 Tube Packaging MarketSegmentation:Regional Analysis of Global Rigid Packaging MarketEurope and North America contributes largely due to increasing per capita income and consumer spending. However the fastest growing share of APAC is attributed to the rapid urbanization and population growth. The region is seen with increased investment in pharmaceutical infrastructure to support the economic development and changing lifestyles. Emerging nations like China and India contributed to the demand for sustainable and innovative packaging. This further increased the demand for cosmetics & oral care, food & beverage industries.Tube Packaging Market Size by Regions, 2015 (USD Billion):Key PlayersThe key players of global tube packaging market report include Amcor Ltd., Albea Group, Essel Propack Limited, Huhtamaki OYJ, Montebello Packaging, Sonoco Products Company, Unette Corporation, Worldwide Packaging, 3D Technopack SARL and Maynard & Harris Plastics.Target Audience Manufactures Raw Materials Suppliers Aftermarket suppliers Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerProduct Analysis Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsBrowse Report @Company Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesThe report for Global Tube Packaging 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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comAbout 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.Market Research Future Office No. 524/528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market: Evolving Market Trends & Dynamics 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/respiratory-monitoring-devices.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1415 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com While a handful players have taken up a majority share in the global distribution of respiratory monitoring devices, the remainder of the market is marked by a very large number of small players.Of the key multinationals dominating the distribution of respiratory monitoring devices in 2014, CareFusion Corporation, Smiths Medical, and ResMed, Inc., had garnered a total share of 54.2% in terms of value.As described in a research report released by Transparency Market Research, the fragmented nature of the global respiratory monitoring devices market allows for a very high intensity of rivalry. This market is exceptionally dynamic as it is primarily controlled the rapid rate of technological development in the devices.The market for respiratory monitoring devices in major economic regions is more or less saturated due to the strong presence of multiple prominent players. As a result, the threat of new entrants is expected to remain moderate to low.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:The global market for respiratory monitoring devices is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% in terms of revenue from 2015 to 2023. By the end of 2016, this revenue is expected to reach US$1.60 bn and US$2.79 bn by 2023.Hospitals not only form the leading end-user segment of respiratory monitoring devices, but are also projected to be the leading segment in terms of growth rate. Hospitals are expected to generate a revenue of US$1.89 bn for respiratory monitoring devices by 2023. This segment is projected at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2015 to 2023.APAC Demand for Respiratory Monitoring Devices SoarsThe healthcare and medical devices industries of Asia Pacific are currently experiencing a very high rate of development. The booming economy of countries such as China and India, the growing government support towards healthcare development, the high density of population in these countries, and the growing trend of medical tourism are all responsible for bringing out the greater demand for respiratory monitoring devices.By the end of 2023, North America, the currently leading region in respiratory monitoring devices consumption, is expected to reach US$266.0 mn. Within 2015 to 2023, Asia Pacific will be showing a CAGR of 8.5% in respiratory monitoring devices.Asthma, COPD Cases on the Rise GloballyThe primary cause for a heavier demand of respiratory monitoring devices is the growing requirement for keeping a large volume of these devices in the market. Most medical devices are produced on a basis of need and there is certainly a much greater need for respiratory monitoring devices than before. Public health related bodies such as the CDC, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American Lung Association are all shedding light on the growing prevalence of patients with respiratory problems. This is true especially for COPD and asthma, states a TMR analyst.Two factors responsible for this are the growing number of geriatrics in the world along with the growing incorporation of negative lifestyle habits such as smoking.The rate of technological advancement in respiratory monitoring devices is very high, thereby allowing players to keep a dynamic output. A large proportion of respiratory monitoring devices manufacturers is also supported by relevant governments, thereby allowing them to approach research and developed more efficiently.High Costs Deter Large Patient Base from Using Respiratory Monitoring DevicesThe cost of advanced spirometry devices is very high in comparison to peak flow meters and pulse oximeters. This disparity in costs is enough to deter a majority of patients to stick to the latter devices rather than go for advanced ones. Additionally, the installation of advanced respiratory monitoring devices requires skilled professionals, the lack of whom is further adding to the strain of providing them.There is currently a large untapped market for respiratory monitoring devices in the developing economies. Globally prominent players can take more notice of regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America to make the most of their increasing demand, adds the analyst.The information presented in this review is based on a Transparency Market Research report, titled, Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023.Download Exclusive Brochure of This Report :Key Takeaways:Hospitals expected to generate US$1.80 bn for respiratory monitoring devices by 2023.Pulse oximeter expected to remain most popular respiratory monitoring device, generating US$937 mn by 2023.North America expected to retain leading consumption of respiratory monitoring devices till 2023, to generate US$266 mn in this market by 2023.Key segments of the Global Respiratory Monitoring Devices MarketGlobal Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market, by TechnologySpirometryPlethysmographyIOS/FOTGlobal Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market, by End-userHospitalsLaboratoriesHome UseGlobal Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificLatin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaAbout 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: Transcatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market: Future Demand and Growth Analysis http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/transcatheter-embolization-occlusion-devices-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2242 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The top three players in the global transcatheter embolization and occlusion (TEO) devices market accounted for over 63% in 2015. Medtronic, plc, Cook Medical, and Terumo Corporation are the three companies that together dominated the market in 2015. Transparency Market Research notes that the degree of competition is moderate due to market consolidation as a result of frequent acquisitions. The competitive rivalry is influenced by the presence of large global players and few local manufacturers of transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices.Business agreements and partnerships among key market players will enable them to expand their global reach and market their products to newer regions, the lead analyst recommends. In January 2016, Terumo Corporation expanded its strategic alliance with Quirem Medical and became the exclusive global distributor of radioembolization solutions developed by Quirem Medical.In terms of revenue, the global TEO devices market was valued at US$2.4 bn in 2015 and is projected to reach US$4.8 bn by 2024 at a CAGR of 7.9% therein. In terms of volume, the global market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 8.1% from 2016 to 2024.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:North America Emerges as Leading Regional SegmentIn terms of percentage share contribution, the embolization coils segment is expected to reflect a share of 39.5% by 2024. Registering an impressive CAGR of 13.2% from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue, embolization particles are likely to emerge as a highly lucrative product segment in the global transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices market. By application, peripheral vascular disease was the leading segment in 2015, while oncology is slated to be the most attractive segment of the market.Based on end use, the hospitals segment accounted for a significant share in the global transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices market in terms of revenue. In terms of percentage share contribution, North America is expected to account for 32.3% by 2024, emerging as the leading regional segment of the global transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices market.Rising Prevalence of Cancer Boosts Demand for Transcatheter Embolization and Occlusion DevicesThe TEO devices market is fueled by a number of factors, including an increase in the adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, a rise in the prevalence of cancer, technological innovations, and changing demographics and lifestyle leading to an increase in peripheral vascular diseases.Embolization is a minimally invasive surgery that marks a significant advancement in medical technologies, the author of the report states. The adoption of minimally invasive surgeries has increased significantly over the years owing to the various advantages they present, including less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity around the world and the rising prevalence of cancer globally has driven the demand for chemembolization and radioembolization. This has, in turn, boosted the demand for transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices.In contrast, frequent product recalls, stringent regulations governing product approvals, the lack of skilled professionals, and the lack of reimbursement policies in emerging markets threaten to impede the global market for transcatheter embolization and occlusion devices.This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Transcatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market: (Product Type - Embolization Coils, Coiling Assist Devices, Embolization Particles, Flow Diverter Devices, Liquid Embolics, and Accessories; Application - Peripheral Vascular Disease, Neurology, Oncology, Urology, and Others; End-user - Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Clinics) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Volume, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Download Exclusive Brochure of This Report :Transcatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market, by Product TypeEmbolization coilsPushableDetachableCoiling Assist DevicesStent Assisted CoilingBalloon Assisted CoilingEmbolization particlesRadioembolization particlesMicrospheresDrug-eluting beadsOthersFlow Diverter devicesLiquid EmbolicsAccessoriesCathetersGuide wiresOthersTranscatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market, by ApplicationPeripheral Vascular DiseaseNeurologyOncologyUrologyOthersTranscatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market, by End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersClinicsTranscatheter Embolization and Occlusion Devices Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.GermanyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaUAESouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaAbout 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: Interventional Cardiology Devices Market Research Report by Key Manufacturers Analysis and Forecast 2022 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/interventional-cardiology-devices.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=853 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Interventional Cardiology Devices Market: SnapshotThe primary driver of the demand for interventional cardiology devices is the increasing prevalence of coronary artery diseases. Organizations such as the WHO and CDC are consistently calling out the rampant growth in the number of patients suffering from heart problems and coronary artery complications. It has been predicted by the WHO that coronary artery disease will be responsible for almost 23.3 mn deaths by 2030. The causes of this growth in projected patients range from the increasing geriatric population to the obesity epidemic that has especially gripped the developed economies of the world. Both causes are at very high priority in terms of being causes for heart complications and relevant steps need to be taken to treat the increasing number of patients.From the technological perspective, a lot of focus has been given to the development of existing interventional cardiology devices and the innovation of new ones. For instance, the advancements in diagnostic tools and monitoring tools have drastically improved the success rate of coronary artery disease treatment. Another parallel aspect driving the demand for interventional cardiology devices is the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries. Such procedures can dramatically reduce pain of surgery and healing period for heart problem treatments. Therefore, the inculcation of minimally invasive interventional cardiology devices into the healthcare industry on larger scales will certainly promote their use.The global market for interventional cardiology devices is, however, currently subject to an intense level of competition. Market players are locked in a battle to increase sales volumes and are resorting to price cuts in order to achieve this. This practice is followed largely by regional players and globally prominent companies have to follow suit to hold the majority in global market values. This severely reduces the funds available for further research and development of interventional cardiology devices.The global market for interventional cardiology devices is expected to be valued at US$9.36 bn by the end of 2016 and US$11.16 bn by the end of 2022. It is projected at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2014 to 2022.Browse full report on Interventional Cardiology Devices Market -North America to Dominate Interventional Cardiology Devices DemandNorth America is expected to continue leading the consumption of interventional cardiology devices. By the end of 2022, North America is expected to generate a revenue of US$4.04 bn through its demand for interventional cardiology devices. This dominant share in the market is attributed to an advanced healthcare infrastructure that largely provides premium medical devices and is more open to incorporating innovative devices. This allows interventional cardiology device manufacturers to maintain profits while achieving a higher rate of research and development, thereby creating a constant cycle of improvements. The North America market for interventional cardiology devices is, however, expected to saturate over the coming years owing to a slower growth in the demand for relevant surgical procedures.On the other hand, the growth of demand for interventional cardiology devices in Asia Pacific has just begun. This region houses a rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure. Coupled with the rising rate of medical tourism and the introduction of minimally invasive interventional cardiology devices, Asia Pacific is projected to show a CAGR of 4.8% from 2014 to 2022 in this market.Drug-eluting Stents to Remain Leading Type of interventional cardiology device UsedStents have consistently taken up the majority share in interventional cardiology device types. By the end of 2022, a projected US$6.89 bn will be generated through the sale of stents. Bare-metal, drug-eluting, and bio-absorbable stents are now commonly found. However, drug-eluting stents currently hold the greater demand, primarily due to their higher efficiency of treatment and the significantly reduced chances of the patient needing in-stent restenosis. The overall advantages of using drug-eluting stents are far greater than their predecessors, the bare-metal stents. At the same time, bio-absorbable stents have not caught on yet, although they are showing a steep increase in demand. This currently puts drug-eluting stents and their manufacturers at an advantage till 2022.The top providers of interventional cardiology devices in the world include Boston Scientific, Abbott Vascular, Medtronic, St Jude Medical, and Volcano Corporation.Request for sample 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: Iraq Healthcare (Surgical Procedures) Market Research Report by Regional Analysis with Forecast upto 2022 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/iraq-healthcare-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/iraq-healthcare-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Iraq is one of the fastest growing economies in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) attributed by the flourishing oil sector that is helping the domestic government to improve health care services. The Iraq health care system is managed by mixed initiatives of public and private sector; wherein the public sector covers approximately 75% of all health care facilities, and the private sector represents the remaining 25%. Iraq has improved its health care system after years of war. The booming petroleum industry is helping the Government of Iraq to invest in improving health care services and develop medical infrastructure. Furthermore, the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing significantly, which has created a significant demand for medical equipment and services in Iraq. This industry assessment focuses on understanding the growth prospects and current situation of various surgical procedures that are major applications of medical devices.Browse full report on Iraq Healthcare (Surgical Procedures) Market -Among the major surgical procedures considered to be performed in the country, that include cardiac procedures, general surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, neurosurgeries and reconstructive surgeries; cardiac procedures emerged as the segment leader in terms of revenue in 2013. The substantiating factors behind such rapid growth of the segment are rise in prevalence of diabetes population susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and increasing base of target patient population requiring surgical procedures for their survival. According to the Iraqi Diabetes Association (IDA), there were around 1.2 million cases of diabetes in Iraq in 2014. Approximately 387 million people suffer from diabetes globally, of these more than 37 million people are from MENA. IDA also estimated that this number would increase to 68 million by 2035. Consequently, the rise in prevalence of diabetes population would lead to increase in cardiovascular diseases in Iraq. Other risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases such as early onset hypertension, dyslipedemia, and obesity also contribute significantly towards increasing the overall CVD burden in Iraq. Thus, with the increase in number of cardiovascular patients and stable industry condition in Iraq, the flourishing healthcare industry trend of the country is expected to continue in the near future.Iraq healthcare industry is highly fragmented in nature, due to the presence of many international as well as domestic market players including distributors. However, few multinational market players such as Siemens Healthcare, Phillips Healthcare, and Medtronic plc, among others dominate the medical device industry in Iraq. Other players (including manufacturers and distributors) operating in the industry include Rudolf Riester GmbH, Minas Company, Ismailiya Medical Co., Albanna Group, GE Healthcare, MAQUET and Stryker Corporation; that cumulatively accounted for a share of over 40% in 2013. The market leadership of such players was attributed to several factors such as commercial availability of products, superior distribution channels, and demand satisfying supply capabilities.Request for sample 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: Oligomeric Mannose Market: Latest Trends,Analysis & Insights 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/oligomeric-mannose-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4012 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global oligomeric mannose market. The study, titled Oligomeric Mannose Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023, is available for sale on the firms website.Recently, there has been rising interest in mannose-binding lectin (MBL) that is chiefly a liver-derived collagen like serum protein. This is partially due to its central role as a recognition molecule in the complement system. In addition, it has also created interest because of the potential clinical implications of genetically determined differences in MBL oligomerization and serum level between individuals. The discovery of MBL may be traced down back after the Second World War, when it was discovered that factors in non-immune bovine and murine serums could inhibit influenza virus-induced haemagglutination that leads to influenza virus neutralization.Browse Market Research Report @Repetition of these seminal findings has taken place and it is observed that atleast one of these factors can be MBL. The clinical interest in MBL originates from an observation made 40 years ago when serum-dependent defect of phagocytosis on yeast particles was described.Mannan-binding lectin is a vital component of the innate immune system. MBL consists of an oligomeric structure which contains three most likely identical peptide chains of 30kDa each. Even though MBL can form several oligomeric forms, some indications presume that trimers and dimers are not always biologically active and need a tetramer form to activate the complement. It helps binding of sugar structure on microorganism and on fading host cells. It is one of the four recognized mediators. These mediators initiate the activation of the component system through the lectin pathway.Oligomeric mannose belongs to the class of collectins in the C type lectin superfamily. It function is similar to pattern recognition in the first line of defence in the pre-immune host. It recognizes carbohydrate patterns, set up on the surface of an enormous number of pathogenic microorganisms that include virus, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The lectin pathway of the complement system is activated when the MBL binds to a micro-organism. Recent studies have verified that MBL is capable of recognizing carbohydrate structures from both altered self and infectious agents. This binding specificity confers upon MBL the capability to function as a defense factor that is dynamic not only against infectious agents but also against cells and molecules abnormally produced in the host. The recognition of the final targets may be of significance for the host to become accustomed to abnormal physiological conditions.In at least 12% of the common Caucasian population, the circulating level of functional MBL is inadequate. This makes MBL deficiency, the most common key immunodeficiency1. The consequences of MBL deficiency can be quite restrained, numerous studies have shown that MBL deficiency increases vulnerability to communicable diseases and predisposes to superior severity when infections arise.Growing demand from the healthcare industry is the major factor driving the global oligomeric mannose market. Rising demand from the scientific research institutes and pharmaceutical industry is also expected to boost demand for oligomeric mannose in the market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW) are the key segments for global oligomeric mannose market. Asia Pacific and North America are expected to boost market demand for oligomeric mannose owing to growing demand from the healthcare industry. Rest of the World and Europe are also expected to boost demand owing to rising demand from the research institutions in the region.Some of the major players in the global oligomeric mannose market include: Enzo Life Sciences Inc, BioPorto Diagnostics A/S, Cayman Chemicals, Novoproteins, Acris Antibodies, Mountain Health products and Life Plus among others.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends.Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: 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=B&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.This review of the market is based on a recent market research report by Transparency Market Research, titled Medical Aesthetic Devices Market (Product - Aesthetic Laser and Energy Devices, Skin Tightening and Body Contouring Devices, Aesthetic Implants, and Facial Aesthetic Devices; Application - Facial and Body Contouring, Facial and Skin Rejuvenation, Breast Enhancement, Scar Treatment, Reconstructive Surgery, Tattoo Removal, and Hair Removal) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Download Exclusive Brochure of This Report :For the study, the global medical aesthetic devices market is segmented as follows:Global Medical Aesthetic Devices Market Revenue, by ProductAesthetic Laser and Energy DevicesAblative Skin Resurfacing DevicesNon-ablative Skin Resurfacing DevicesSkin Tightening and Body Contouring DevicesLiposuction DevicesSkin Tightening DevicesCellulite Reduction devicesAesthetic ImplantsBreast ImplantsSoft Tissue ImplantsAesthetic Dental ImplantsOthersFacial Aesthetic DevicesMicrodermabrasion DevicesBotulinum ToxinDermal FillersGlobal Medical Aesthetic Devices Market Revenue, by ApplicationFacial and Body ContouringFacial & Skin RejuvenationBreast EnhancementScar TreatmentCongenital Defect RepairReconstructive SurgeryTattoo RemovalHair RemovalGlobal Medical Aesthetic Devices Market Revenue, by End-userHospitalsDermatology ClinicsCosmetic CentersGlobal Medical Aesthetic Devices Market Revenue, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceItalySpainU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaNew ZealandRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaAbout 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: Smart Elevators and Escalators Market Will Boost the Growth of the Market in the near Future http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=11456 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A comprehensive analysis of market dynamics that include the market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included under the purview of the study. Market dynamics are the distinct factors which exert an influence on the growth of a particular market and therefore help in studying the current trends of the global market.Thus, this report offers an inclusive study of the global smart elevators and escalators market, along with providing the forecast of the market for the period from 2015 to 2023.Smart elevators and escalators are installed in mixed-used buildings, hotels, commercial buildings, IT parks, residential buildings, restaurants, and retail outlets among others. Aging population is likely to be the key factor driving the smart elevator and escalator market during the forecast period.In addition, increasing geriatric population in countries such as Japan and China is expected to fuel demand for smart elevators and escalators. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a high rate which will affect the market positively during the forecast period 2015 2023.Factors such as the growth of the global urban population, aging population, changing demographics, and urbanization among others are likely to boost the growth of the market in the near future.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Rapid urbanization in developing nations such as Middle East, India and China and migration of population from rural areas to urban areas is key factor fueling the demand for new installation of smart elevators and escalators market. One of the major factors driving the market is installation of smart elevators and escalators in mid-rise and high-rise buildings.There has been an increase in construction activities in developing countries of Asia Pacific and RoW. The booming construction sector in countries such as China, India, Philippines and Indonesia is generating potential growth opportunities for the smart elevators and escalators market.In addition, industrial infrastructure in nations such as Indonesia, India and Brazil are witnessing major increase in demand for smart elevators and escalators in the last few years.This increase in demand is driven by large expenditure by public and private companies on airport development, housing, ports and rail transport. This, in turn, is likely to boost the growth of the smart elevators and escalators market during the forecast period.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: Spending on Corporate Wellness in APAC to Reach US$7.4 bn by 2024 as MNCs Encourage Fitness among Employees, finds TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/asia-pacific-corporate-wellness-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=13988 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific is led by a slew of global and local companies, such as Central Corporate Wellness, ComPsych Corporation, Optum, Inc., JLT Australia (Recovre Group), Truworth Wellness, SOL Wellness, Sodexo, ConneXions Asia, and Bupa Wellness Pty Ltd. Transparency Market Research has observed that the number of companies venturing into this avenue has been steadily rising owing to the growing presence of MNCs in several developing countries.The opportunity in the corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific was pegged at US$3.4 bn in 2015 and is expected to be worth US$7.4 bn by the end of 2024 at a strong CAGR of 9.0%. Geographical expansions, expansion of product portfolio, mergers and acquisitions, and investing in extensive wellness programs are some of the key growth strategies adopted by the leading players in the Asia Pacific. For instance, in March 2016, Sodexo signed a 10-year contract with Rio Tinto to expand its operations in Australia.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Increase of Non-communicable Diseases Driving Need for Health and Wellness ProgramsThe prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer has increased significantly in Asia Pacific in recent years. The report has found that these diseases account for at least 8.5 million deaths in Southeast Asia each year. Employers are, as a result, driven to promote as well as maintain the health and well-being of their employees and offering corporate wellness programs and services has turned out to be the most effective method of doing so, the lead analyst states. These services not only boost productivity but also reduce overall medical costs.The corporate wellness market in Asia Pacific is also fueled by government support and initiatives, the rising number of white-collar employees, the willingness of employers to invest in wellness programs, and growing health consciousness among the population.High Cost of Implementation Restricting Widespread AdoptionImplementing corporate wellness programs in organizations is a costly affair and companies need to utilize a certain portion of their budget from the revenue generated, the author of the study comments. Services such as fitness and health risk assessment need high investments and as a result, are cut down by the companies. This restricts the growth of the corporate wellness market.In addition, the inefficient execution of corporate wellness services is a major restraint to the market and is likely to increase costs for the companies.China to Lead APAC Corporate Wellness Market throughout Forecast PeriodBy type of service, the fitness segment led the overall corporate wellness market, accounting for a 38.6% share in 2015, reaching US$2,793.5 mn by 2024. The smoking cessation segment, although the smallest in terms of revenue in 2015, is anticipated to register a strong CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. By country, China emerged as the leading revenue generator in 2015 and is projected to retain its position throughout the forecast period. India, on the other hand, is expected to expand at the fastest pace by 2024.This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Corporate Wellness Market - Asia Pacific Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Download Exclusive Brochure of This Report :Asia Pacific Corporate Wellness Market, by ServiceHealth Risk AssessmentFitnessSmoking CessationHealth ScreeningWeight ManagementNutritionOthers (stress management, diabetes management, and vaccinations)Asia Pacific Corporate Wellness Market, by CountryChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandRest of Asia PacificAbout 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: Industrial Personnel and Burden Carriers Market Operational Efficiency has become a High Priority for most Companies http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6607 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Industrial personnel and burden carriers (electric) are primarily used in factories, manufacturing hubs, and warehouses to transport heavy equipment and materials. These carriers offer numerous advantages.Thus, usage of industrial personnel and burden carriers (electric) has increased in different industries such as cement, real estate, and retail.The industrial personnel and burden carrier (electric) market is primarily driven by the rapid industrialization in developing countries and the emerging markets of Asia Pacific.Additionally, higher need for improvement in operational efficiency in factories is positively impacting market growth. The sit down type of burden carrier (electric) segment is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period.Factors such as industrial personnel and burden carrier help to save time for a given work provide safety and security along with cost-effectiveness, reduces product damage, and helps in optimum utilization of resources in industries. All of the above combined ensures operational efficiency in factories.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:In todays business environment where the market has become extremely competitive, most companies are focusing on operational efficiency in their business in order to provide best of products and services to customers.Thus, the rising need for operational efficiency in industries and increasing usage of industrial personnel and burden carriers are set to motivate the growth of this market in the coming years.Moreover, during the last few years, the market for electric industrial personnel and burden carriers has witnessed an enhanced rise in application due to the increasing requirement of such vehicles in order to save time and improve the efficiency of work in industries.Countries in Asia Pacific such as Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia are also contributing to the growth of the global industrial personnel and burden carrier (electric) market.The major applications of these vehicles are in factories, warehouses, cement industry, real estate sector, retail sector, and others. Primarily, two types of electric industrial personnel and burden carriers are available: battery based electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in based electric vehicles (PEVs). Considering all these factors, the industrial personnel and burden carriers market is likely to grow at a significant during the forecast period.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: Anisindione Market Size, Share | Industry Trends Analysis Report, 2023 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/anisindione-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=6496 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Anisindione is a derivative of indanedione, and a man made anticoagulant, which is known for preventing the formation of active procoagulation factors IIX, IX, VII, and II, in addition to the anticoagulant protein S and protein C, in the liver by slowing down the gamma carboxylation process of vitamin K of precursor proteins. The regeneration of reduced vitamin K is blocked by oral anticoagulants which in turn develop a stage of deficiency of vitamin K.The reductases inhibition mechanism by the drugs is still not known. Additionally, there are reductases which are less sensitive to these anticoagulant drugs, however act solely at comparatively high concentrations of vitamin K oxidized in nature. This property might explain that sufficient vitamin K can neutralize significant doses of oral anticoagulants. Anisindione, similar to phenindione, follows its therapeutic action through the reduction of prothrombin activities in the blood. The chemical has no direct effect and also doesnt reverse tissue damage. However, it may reduce the frequency of extension of existing thrombi as well as avoid thromboembolic complications.Browse Market Research Report @As an anticoagulant, anisindione is used for anticoagulant or antithrombotic drugs which aid in reducing thrombus formation. Different types of antithrombotics impact various processes of blood clotting such as thrombolytic, anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. The primary purpose of these drugs is to cure the bodys abnormal blood. Despite the drugs are broadly used for curing and preventing arterial and venous thrombosis, the disease still accounts for major deaths every year on a global scale, which further indicates towards the fact that the present drugs in the market are not credible enough to fight against this disease.Owing to this, there is huge growth potential for anticoagulant drugs, which in turn would boost the demand for anisindione over the next few years. Primary causes of thrombosis include smoking, obesity, pregnancy, medical and genetic conditions, blood vessel damage, and inactivity among others. Owing to rising population on a global scale, demand for these anticoagulant drugs is expected to escalate within the next few years. In emerging regions such as Asia Pacific, demand for such drugs is likely to increase significantly owing to rapidly increasing population in emerging economies such as India and China.Anisindione is also used in protein hydrolysis. The global industry for protein hydrolysis enzymes is growing at a rapid pace, primarily due to the increasing adoption of protease enzymes in the light of different advantages they represent. Protease is used in the industry due to its protein peptide hydrolysis into amino acids. Emerging economies such as India is one of the primary markets for protease enzymes, rising at a faster rate than other countries. Several primary growth factors such as modification and advancement of properties in food proteins coupled with the reduction in feed costs for protein hydrolysis enzymes are anticipated to fuel the demand for these enzymes over the next few years. Other factors such as rising consumption of protease enzymes in reducing phosphorus pollution as well as reducing nitrogen content is also anticipated to contribute toward the growth of the market.For more information on this report, fill the form @However, factors such as limited number of applications of these enzymes in food applications and rising consumption of chemicals as a substitute is expected to hamper the growth of the market. North America was the largest consumer for protein hydrolysis enzymes with the presence of the large cleaning & detergent industry in the region. However, emerging regions such as Asia Pacific show significant unexplored opportunities for the growth of the market. Consumers are exploring new convenient products with the modernization of the cleaning & detergent industry in this region. Aimpow, Santacruz Biotechnology, and TORONTO RESEARCH CHEMICALS INC. are some of the key companies involved in the anisindione market.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeMiddle East and AfricaLatin AmericaThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsAbout 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.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 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... Harvey Mudd Harvey Mudd College, a tiny liberal-arts school in Claremont, California, is an engineering, science, and mathematics powerhouse. In fact, its graduates outearn those from Harvard and Stanford about 10 years into their careers. But in addition to its reputation for producing strong graduates in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math), HMC also produces students sometimes known as Mudders who embrace the arts. The school comprised of about 800 students not only encourages but demands that Mudders graduate with a strong liberal-arts background, taking just as many courses in the humanities as they must in core introductory courses in the sciences. HMC describes its core curriculum as "an academic boot camp in the STEM disciplines math, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering as well as classes in writing and critical inquiry" that it says "gives students a broad scientific foundation and the skills to think and to solve problems across disciplines." The approach closely mirrors advice from some experts on how schools can develop students able to compete with automation, which has become an increasingly disruptive force in the labor market. Self-driving cars, for example, threaten the job security of millions of American truck drivers, and automated financial advisers are replacing humans at wealth-management firms. "Absolutely I think there's value in some level of understanding computer science," Shon Burton, the CEO of HiringSolved, previously told Business Insider. Harvey Mudd College Burton, whose company uses artificial intelligence to make job recruiting more efficient, said students must embrace the humanities to become critical thinkers who improvise in ways that robots cannot. At HMC, the computer-science program is so strong that elite STEM-focused schools have taken note. Story continues The California Institute of Technology, for example, invited educators from HMC to visit its campus and provide training on how to teach computer-science classes for better student retention, Caltech professor Yisong Yue told Business Insider. Caltech is a premiere science and engineering college and was labeled the top school in the world for delivering work-ready graduates in 2016. Part of this success is due to the thoughtful way HMC has chosen to structure learning, Jim Boerkoel, a computer-science professor at HMC, told Business Insider. "Everybody arrives and they have to take at least one computer-science course, which is fairly unique for many schools, particularly liberal-arts schools," Boerkoel said. The introductory computer-science course is intentionally broader than most intro courses. While the traditional approach features a programming-focused class, HMC redesigned its intro sequence to touch on programming, logic, software development, artificial intelligence, and other topics within the field. The school also provides both basic and advanced sections of the intro course so students who might otherwise dominate the discussion don't intimidate students who are less familiar with computer science. "Those changes have led to some pretty big advances and equity across gender," Boerkoel said. So much so that last year, HMC graduated its first majority-female computer-science class. Nationally, men make up more than 84% of undergraduates majoring in computer science, according to the Computing Research Association. "They have an extraordinary undergraduate education program," Yue of Caltech said. NOW WATCH: Affect or effect? A writing coach breaks down the most common grammar mistakes in under 2 minutes More From Business Insider Cirque du Soleil fans, get ready to explore an amazing world of curiosities. The French-Canadian circus company is bringing one of its latest tent shows to Portland this August with "Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities." The show, which premiered in 2014, will be performed in an extended engagement beginning Aug. 24 at the Portland Expo Center in the company's signature red and yellow Big Top tent. "Kurios" features 46 artists from 15 different countries, and showcases an array of high-wire, acrobat, aerial and balancing acts. Here's how Cirque describes the production, which was written and directed by Michel Laprise: "In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world - a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams await. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift, mechanical world ... and his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes." Sounds fun! Regular tickets begin at $39, and are available in a variety of prices and packages. Advance tickets go on sale to members of the Cirque Club on Monday, March 6, at Cirque's website, or by phone at 1-877-924-7783. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 17. To get access to the pre-sale, ticket buyers need to sign up online for free Cirque Club membership, which also guarantees first crack at tickets to future company engagements here. "Kurios" mark the ninth time that Cirque has brought one of its Big Top shows to Portland since 2000. The last Big Top show to play here was "Totem," which had an extended run in 2014. Cirque also has brought several of its arena productions to town, most recently "Toruk," which played the Moda Center in December. Here's a video montage that offers a taste of what "Kurios" will be like. -- Grant Butler 503-221-8566; @grantbutler Oregon state Rep. Gail Shibley, D-Portland, speaks at a 1992 rally to mark the anniversary of women's right to vote. (Dana Olsen, The Oregonian) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Women in Oregon and the United States, by the numbers In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which designated the month of March as Womens History Month. Thirty years later, we are taking a look at the status of women in Oregon and United States, past and present. Don't Edit Race for the Cure in Portland attracted tens of thousands to downtown Portland. (Stephanie Yao Long, The Oregonian/OregonLive, file) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Population Women outnumber men in the United States and in Oregon, but barely. Oregon women make up 50.5 percent of the population. Don't Edit Barbara Roberts, left, enjoys an Oregon birthday celebration at the Oregon Historical Society with then governor-in waiting Kate Brown. (Michael Lloyd, The Oregonian/OregonLive) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Governing now Barbara Kay Roberts, a native Oregonian, was the first elected female governor in Oregon. Her gubernatorial term ended in 1995. The next female, Kate Brown, was appointed to office in 2015 and elected the following year. There are currently 4 women governors in the United States: Kate Brown (D-OR), Mary Fallin (R-OK), Susana Martinez (R-NM) and Gina Raimondo (D-RI). The state of Arizona has had a record of four women governors. Don't Edit Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Governing then Before Roberts and Brown there was Shelton. Mrs. Carolyn B. Shelton, personal secretary to the governor, became acting governor for a few days in 1909 when her boss, Gov. George Chamberlain, went to Washington to become a U.S. Senator. His successor, Frank Benson, was too ill to be sworn immediately. In an interview that was published in The Oregonian she said "I expect to show that a women can conduct office as well as a man can." Don't Edit Abigail Scott Duniway cast the first vote by a woman in Oregon on May 15, 1914. (Oregon Historical Society) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Voting then Oregon suffragists worked for decades to see womens right to vote written into law. After five failed attempts, in November 1912, the state's voting men approved womens suffrage by 52 percent. Don't Edit Don't Edit A woman inquires about her 2016 ballot at the Multnomah County of Elections office. (Mark Graves, The Oregonian/OregonLive) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Voting now Oregon women vote at higher rates than Oregon men, and at higher rates than women in most other states, according to a report from the Women's Foundation of Oregon. Don't Edit (File photo/Staff) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Education Nationally, women account for 55 percent of all college students. They have outnumbered men on college campuses in the United States since the late 1970s. Don't Edit Sisters Lisa Herlinger, left, and Becky Burnett opened Ruby Jewel Scoops in North Portland in 2010. (Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian/File photo). Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive {kzshmwaebs Nationally, women-owned businesses bring in $1.6 trillion in revenue and employ close to 10 million people, according to the latest Survey of Business owners. That is over 2 million more women-owned businesses and almost 1.5 million more jobs since the previous survey in 2007. Locally, Oregon has over 123,000 women-owned businesses. That is an increase of 19% since 2007. Don't Edit Gert Boyle watches over the hallways at Columbia Sportswear's Beaverton headquarters. (Stephanie Yao Long | The Oregonian/OregonLive) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Employment 57 percent of women are part of the U.S. labor force. More women work part-time than men. Don't Edit A dental hygienist at PureCare Dental in Bend, Ore., works on cleaning the teeth of a patient (Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin via AP) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Occupations Women account for 33 percent of lawyers, 81 percent of elementary and middle school teachers and 96.6 percent of dental assistants. Don't Edit Don't Edit The Oregonian/OregonLive file photo Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive x, Oregon women earn between 53 and 83 cents (depending on race or ethnicity) for every dollar men in Oregon earn. Oregon's wage gap is one of the largest in the nation, according to a report by the Women of Oregon Foundation. Don't Edit U.S. Air Force veteran, Sandra Evers Scott of Forest Grove, at a veterans day ceremony. (Beth Nakamura, The Oregonian/OregonLive, file photo) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Military service 1.6 million: The number of women veterans in the United States in 2015. In Oregon, the average age of women veterans is 43. That is considerably younger than 60, the average age for male veterans. Don't Edit A family celebrates Mother's Day at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. (Casey Parks/Staff/File photo) Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Motherhood 43.5 million: The number of mothers aged 15 to 50 in the United States in 2014. The 30-minute line for a table at North Portland's recently opened XLB snaked around the entire waiting area on a chilly, but dry Tuesday night. Some sipped squat glasses of wine or golden-hued pints of beer. Others sat patiently, faces illuminated by the fluorescent menu advertising steamed buns, pan-fried noodles and the restaurant's eponymous dumplings, xiaolongbao, while waiting for their turn to order dinner. Like many of the year's first restaurant openings in Portland -- including torteria Guero and best-of-Beijing spot Danwei Canting -- XLB only offers counter service. Increasingly, many of the city's hottest and most sought-after tables have taken the more casual route, forgoing "traditional" table service for a model that requires diners to stand in line to order and, often, bus their own tables. But over the next year, Portlanders will eat at more of this style of restaurants than they've likely ever eaten before. It's a model that's been perfected across the globe, from open-air markets in Asia to taquerias in Mexico. And in Portland, it's being taken as seriously as full-service restaurants, helping diversify the dining scene, one table number at a time. "Portland's kind of a nice town that you can be thought of positively, food-wise, in different settings," said Bollywood Theater chef/owner Troy MacLarty, who previously worked at the famed Chez Panisse, Alice Waters' acclaimed Berkeley restaurant that's often considered a progenitor of California cuisine. "It's different than other cities. It's held back a lot of chefs over the years, the perception that you're doing a lower skill or lower class food." On Jan. 19, Jasper Shen (co-owner/chef Aviary) opened XLB, the restaurant devoted to "straight-up Chinese food" and xiaolongbao, the Shanghai-style dumplings stuffed with pork and hot soup. On their first few days, the restaurant sold out of food so quickly they've had to adjust their regular hours in order to keep up with demand. "More chefs are going to this model or a more casual model," Shen said. "It's a little easier to get off the ground, financially. You don't have to raise quite as much money and it's just a different feel. It just depends what kind of food you want to do, but less people are doing that fancy fine dining stuff more than ever." Though counter service restaurants don't always afford diners the same atmosphere as traditional ones, Shen made a point to emphasize service. "We are trying to bus tables," Shen said. "We kind of stole that from Hat Yai...If you're just going to a counter and ordering and don't talk to anyone while you're there, you might as well be at McDonald's. There is a middle ground there where you can get good service where you don't have a dedicated server or waiter." That borrowing of concepts, like XLB "stealing" Hat Yai's focus on service, is bigger than just those two restaurants. It's the most recent addition to a long lineage of inspiration that started in 2005 with the opening of Por Que No. The next breakout success after Por Que No was downtown's pho haven Luc Lac, followed by Bollywood Theater then Hat Yai, all of which adopted Por Que No's two-terminal system -- a way for diners who have already ordered to add another drink or dish without waiting in line again. "The first ones for our generation that were successful were Por Que No, Bollywood and Luc Lac," Hat Yai co-owner Alan Akwai said. "Those were the guys I kept going back over with a tape measure, 'how do you deal with this,' taking what works from all of those guys." Today, it seems like every other restaurant that opens in Portland is counter service, including Danwei Canting, which opened at the beginning of January in Southeast Portland. The Beijing street food restaurant from James Kyle and former Bluehour chef Kyo Koo serves a menu of Kyle's favorite Beijing foods culled from more than a decade of living in China's capital city. "When I was eating in Beijing, the dishes were small, quick plates," Kyle said. "It's not the big orchestrated event with the lazy susan and red lanterns. You just go and sit down, and we wanted to mimic the energy that happened at lunch." But for some restaurants, like Tiffin Asha, the popular South Indian cart-gone-brick-and-mortar along Northeast Killingsworth, a full-service restaurant was always the end goal. "We also want people to experience the food the way it should be," co-owner Sheila Bommakanti said, which can often be a challenge for food carts. "The texture of dosa changes. You want to eat it right off the griddle, it's not ideal takeout food. That was the one thing that was difficult, you're a food cart and people think you're fast food." This summer, a trifecta of issues will create the perfect storm for restaurants, who routinely operate on razor-thin margins. Oregon's minimum wage is set to make a $1.50-an-hour leap on July 1, up to $11.25 an hour in the Portland metro area. A case contesting tip-pooling, a long-fraught issue in the restaurant community used to help balance front- and back-of-house wages, may be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Both, combined with the U.S. Department of Labor's overtime exemption rules -- which bumped the annual overtime limit from $23,660 to $47,476 in December 2016 -- will make running a restaurant successfully even more expensive. Some owners argue that the counter service model, often considered a way to skirt some of the expenses of sit-down restaurants, may not be the final answer to those major restaurant issues. "For Hat Yai, it wasn't money that inspired us, it was the spirit and fun of that kind of restaurant, being a contrast to something like Langbaan," Akwai said. "The lower labor costs were an afterthought. The $15 minimum wage and overtime exemption, the double whammy, that has to be a big part of why it's a conversation to do counter service concepts, though that's not the most inspiring thing for guests. But the more formal a restaurant becomes, the more expensive it gets exponentially." And not all restaurant owners, like MacLarty, believe that it's an easier or cheaper model to maintain. "Everybody is kind of throwing darts at the wall trying to find what's the best way to go about the impending serious problem for our food scene," MacLarty said. "There's safety in knowing you can go really lean in a counter service restaurant...I don't know that one model over another is going to be the difference in who makes it and who doesn't. It's who has systems that work in whatever model you chose." -- Samantha Bakall sbakall@oregonian.com Follow @sambakall Later this month, bartender-about-town Eric Nelson will launch Shipwreck, a new pop-up with dive-bar seafood and "island-y" cocktails at Jacqueline, the overachieving Clinton neighborhood fish house. You might know Nelson as the former bar manager at Expatriate -- the Arranged Marriage cocktail was his -- or from his stints at Laurelhurst Market and Trifecta. You might even know that he left Portland last year to bartend at Ace-by-the-lake Suttle Lodge, or that he returned, just before the snow fell, reworking the cocktail menus at Langbaan and PaaDee. For his maiden voyage as an owner, Nelson enlisted departing Beast chef de cuisine Jake Stevens and bartender Chris Abbott (Laurelhurst Market). Stevens will act as Shipwreck's guest chef for three nights at the end of March, serving elevated dive-bar seafood classics like tom yum popcorn shrimp, chicken-fried fish sandwiches and steamer clams with a garlic bread recipe cribbed from Sellwood's Gino's. Also on board: Guest pastry chef Eve Kuttemann (Trifecta, Roe, Sage Hen), who is experimenting with a three-layer take on the Twinkie. "There's an old restaurant in Alaska called SeaGalley, where my family used to go when I was a kid," Nelson says. "It's kind of a McCormick & Schmick's-type place, known for crab legs, steamer clams, popcorn shrimp -- the kind of seafood that I look for when I go to seafood restaurants." (Shipwreck is the name of SeaGalley's lounge.) But make no mistake, Shipwreck is a cocktail pop-up. Building on his bar menu at Jacqueline, which tilts features a few tiki-ish drinks, the pop-up's top-shelf cocktails will have an "island-y" theme -- Nelson points to the Dagger Mouth, a daiquiri variation made with house-made key lime frozen yogurt, and a pina colada with mezcal and coconut cream. Coming after Deadshot, Shipwreck will mark the second recent cocktail pop-up with early-in-the-week hours, elevated-dive-bar food and a restaurant-industry focus. Is Monday the new Thursday for going out in Portland? Shipwreck will pop-up at Jacqueline, 2039 S.E. Clinton St., for three nights, Sunday-Tuesday, March 26-28, with an a la carte menu and open seating (i.e. no reservations required). Red beanies welcome but not required. More information at shipwreckpdx.com -- Michael Russell A White House internal review of strategy on North Korea features the possibility of both military force as well as regime change in order to thwart Pyongyang's nuclear-weapons threat, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing sources familiar with the process. The strategy review, reported to have begun a fortnight ago, combined with U.S. President Donald Trump's January vow to prevent North Korea from ever testing intercontinental ballistic missiles. The report which could not be verified by CNBC - hints at a possible shift in U.S. foreign policy which could potentially rattle allies of both nations. Defense ministers from the U.S., South Korea and Japan pledged to strengthen intelligence communications in the aftermath of North Korea's most recent test-fired ballistic missile on February 12. Pyongyang, which had been banned from testing nuclear or missile-related technology by the United Nations, faced international condemnation for its most recent missile test. The White House was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC on Thursday. Read the Wall Street Journal's full article here. Also From CNBC Watch The Profit on Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. More From CNBC RWD_6993 Gina McCarthy, then the U.S. EPA's administrator, spoke in Portland in 2015 while awarding the state a $1.5 million grant to address diesel pollution. The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating that program and others. (Rob Davis/Staff) Federal programs that have been responsible for removing cancer-causing diesel soot from Oregon's air and keeping swimmers out of polluted water would be eliminated under sweeping cuts to environmental programs proposed by the Trump Administration. The Environmental Protection Agency's clean diesel program targets diesel soot, a carcinogen estimated to prematurely kill 460 Oregonians annually. The EPA's beach water quality testing program funds Oregon health officials' effort to warn swimmers about high bacteria levels during the summer. The Trump budget, the basic outlines of which were revealed Wednesday, would cut the EPA's 15,000-person staff by 3,000 people and reduce its $8 billion budget by $2 billion. No state on the West Coast would escape the effects. The plan is not yet final, and the EPA's new administrator, Scott Pruitt, has cautioned that he will make changes. But it offers the first glimpse into President Trump's vision for an agency he has attacked as a job-killer. "What is almost unbelievable is the level of attack on almost every major environmental program under EPA's domain," said William Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. Spending on restoration and monitoring projects in Puget Sound would drop from $28 million to $2 million, according to a copy of the plan that Becker has seen and detailed to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The budget cuts would affect the EPA's work with tribes. And it would cut programs targeting radon, lead, air and water quality and pollution problems disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor. Richard Whitman, director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, said he is concerned about cuts impacting the pace of the Portland Harbor superfund cleanup, which is reliant on EPA staffing. The Department of Environmental Quality gets about 13 percent of its budget from the EPA. A major EPA budget cut wouldn't be "foundationally threatening," he said. But coupled with a nearly 8 percent reduction in state funding, "it's going to slow things down substantially - and could prolong situations where we have significant public health concerns." The EPA's clean diesel program would be completely eliminated, Becker said, leaving Oregon without its only reliable funding source for reducing diesel soot. California has spent hundreds of millions in state money to reduce diesel pollution in the last decade. Washington has spent more than $50 million. Then there's Oregon, which has spent less than $1 million of its own money. But since 2008, Oregon has gotten $4.9 million from the EPA's clean diesel program, paying for businesses and public agencies to retrofit or replace old trucks, construction equipment and a dredge. The city of Portland, for example, received $500,000 to pay to retrofit heavy duty equipment used in public works projects. Oregon will soon get a one-time infusion of more than $70 million for clean diesel under a recent settlement with Volkswagen, following allegations that car company installed software to cheat on engine emissions testing. But clean air advocates say the Volkswagen windfall is no substitute for the more reliable funding EPA has provided the state for diesel retrofits. "It would be a tragedy, considering that the only meaningful diesel reductions we've gotten have been through that federal funding program," said Mary Peveto, president of Neighbors for Clean Air, a Portland advocacy group. The EPA's clean diesel program has been targeted before. The Obama administration repeatedly proposed cuts, only to relent amid opposition from environmental groups and industries that support it. It "is the rare program that has benefitted every state in the union, has bipartisan support in Congress fairly consistently, has a proven and measurable track record and is non-regulatory in nature," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, an industry group. An EPA spokesman, Doug Ericksen, didn't respond to a call. -- Rob Davis rdavis@oregonian.com 503.294.7657 1trump.JPG U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress as Vice President Mike Pence (L) and House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan (R) (R-WI) look on on February 28, 2017 in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) By E.J. Dionne, Jr. SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- The obsession with Donald Trump's ability to spend one hour in a disciplined relationship with a teleprompter obscured one of his central goals on Tuesday night: He continued to try to scare the country to death. Yes, he lived up to media expectations that he would finally attempt to look "presidential" and that he could recite words that sounded optimistic and forward-looking. He and his handlers are well aware that commentators typically reward presidents for doing what commentators say presidents need to do. And he also issued a ritual call for bipartisanship, even though earlier in the day, he had said he regarded House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi as "incompetent, actually." Put aside that upbraiding his female critics is one habit that is very difficult for Trump to break. It was hard to square the nice, let's-all-get-along paragraphs with everything else Trump has been doing. And beneath the obeisance to the Beltway rules about what addresses to joint sessions of Congress are supposed to look like lurked Trump Classic. He's still the man who wants to aggrandize the executive and expand the power of law enforcement by making the country believe it is under threat from dark forces that only a strong hand can deal with. He didn't repeat his controversial use of the word "carnage," which stood out from almost everything else he said in his inaugural address. He simply described the carnage. "We've defended the borders of other nations while leaving our own borders wide open for anyone to cross, and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate," he declared. Actually, we don't have "wide open" borders and President Obama found himself under criticism from members of his own base for being too tough in enforcing immigration laws. But for Trump, only "the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border" will solve the problem. Trump could not resist adding that extra "great," verbal cover for the fact that he left out his fanciful claim that Mexico would pay for his wall. Trump boasted that "we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our very innocent citizens," which, in truth, is what our forces of order have been doing for years. "Bad ones are going out as I speak." Don't you feel better already? Trump always seeks protection from a regiment of straw men and women, and this speech was no exception. "To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this one question: What would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income or their loved one because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?" Well, I suppose in Trump world, a desire not to deport every single one of the 11 million men and women who are in the United States without proper documentation constitutes not believing in enforcing the law. But this unfounded attack fit badly with the suddenly bipartisan Trump. And his call to create an office in the Department of Homeland Security called VOICE ("Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement") was a demagogic propaganda effort to suggest that immigrants are especially prone to committing acts of violence when, in fact, they are not. No Trump speech is complete without a reference to Chicago's murder rate, which he refers to constantly because the national crime statistics don't bear out his implication that the nation is more unsafe than ever. And Trump wants Americans to be very, very afraid of the threat of terrorism by way of rationalizing his unjustifiable policies barring refugees from a selected group of Muslim countries. "We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside of America," he declared. For good measure, he added: "We cannot allow our nation to become a sanctuary for extremists." I bet his speechwriters were proud of those scary phrases, "a beachhead of terrorism" and "a sanctuary for extremists." That's the way to get people really alarmed. Perhaps because I watched this address a long way from Washington, I was less responsive to Trump's efforts to place himself, rhetorically at least, within the Capitol's conventions. What I saw was not a New Trump but a shrewd Trump apparatus throwing some bones of optimism to establishmentarians hankering to get on board. I suspect members of Trump's base were wiser than this. They heard the music of fright, dread and chaos, and they knew that was still the point. E.J. Dionne's email address is ejdionnewashpost.com. Twitter: EJDionne. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group 1perezellison.JPG New DNC Chair, Tom Perez (L) and Deputy Chair and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) do a television interview in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol before President Donald Trump delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress on February 28, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) By Jonathan Capehart One of the reasons I thought the Democratic Party was about to turn the page on the acrimony of the presidential primaries was because the two leading candidates to run the Democratic National Committee were speaking the same language. Not only that, the campaign waged by former labor secretary Tom Perez and Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., was devoid of vitriol and personal attacks. The two men have similar visions for the Democratic Party, where it should go and how it must get there. They both want it to reach all Americans in every zip code. And they both were eager to take the fight to President Donald Trump, the better to harness the anger and organic activism against him. But the illusion that all was kumbaya in the age of Trump came crashing down around me during an MSNBC interview I did with Jane Kleeb, state Democratic Party chair in Nebraska. She was for Ellison. And in the moments before the second ballot would make Perez the party leader, Kleeb unleashed an attack that took me back to the Democratic primary battles between Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. "There is a huge gulf between the grass roots in the streets and the party establishment, and I don't think anybody else can actually take those pieces of wood and build a bridge between those two folks," said Kleeb. "Tom Perez not only supports the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership], he also supports Keystone XL pipeline and the Dakota access pipeline. Those three issues are main issues for voters and I don't see how he can represent the progressive wing of the party knowing that he supports those issues." When I asked Kleeb later if she would stand with Perez if he did indeed win, she added, "It's his responsibility to build a bridge. Not mine. And there's a lot of bridge that needs to [be] built." Perez won, which caused some Ellison supporters to yell, "Not big money, party for the people." That, and the emphatic speeches calling for unity by both men, especially by Ellison, were more examples of how the wounds opened during the primaries have yet to heal. "I am asking you to give everything you got to support Chairman Perez. You love this country. You love all the people in it. You care about each and every one of them," Ellison said in his call on everyone to support Perez. "Urban, rural, suburban, all colors, all cultures, all faiths, everybody. And they are in need of your help. And if we waste even a moment going at it over who supported who, we are not going to be standing up for those people." Although my colleague James Downie believes the onus is on the DNC establishment to let in new ideas, the Ellison-Sanders wing of the Democratic Party upset over the Perez victory do neither themselves nor their issues and party any good by continuing to stew in a roiling cauldron of rage over last year's primary battles. As I clapped back at an untold number of dead-enders for Sanders on Twitter, fighting the last war while President Trump takes a Republican sledgehammer to the Obama legacy and tries to institute a new normal where corrosive chaos and incompetence replace a true reverence for the Constitution and governance is idiotic. Kleeb gets this. By Sunday morning, Kleeb told me on MSNBC's "AM Joy," "I'm very excited for Chairman Perez. He not only started to build that bridge. I feel like he's building an entire house and making sure that progressives and those who supported Bernie and Rep. Ellison are actually at the table." Perez's first move within moments of becoming DNC chairman was to make Ellison deputy chairman of the party. A smart, unifying move in what I can only hope will be an unending series of them. For his part, Ellison announced that Perez would be his guest at the president's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. The energy needed to build and maintain that house Kleeb mentions is already out there in the streets as the American people make their voices heard on everything from Obamacare and Muslim bans to disregard for transgender school students and indifference towards anti-Semitism. To harness that energy into a potent political force, the Democratic Party must be as focused and determined today as the GOP was during the rise of the tea party in 2009. For that to happen this Democrat-on-Democrat fight must end. Now. (c) 2017, The Washington Post 1cemetery.JPG Police are investigating the vandalism of 75 to 100 gravestones at the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Jonathan Bernstein Another round of bomb threats on Jewish Community Centers and Jewish schools was reported Monday. While fortunately none of the threats so far has turned into a real bombing, just the threats -- at least 69 through last week -- are shaking up the Jewish community, along with the desecration of Jewish cemeteries in St. Louis and Philadelphia. Donald Trump hasn't paid much public attention to this, for whatever reason. Whether that's offensive in some abstract sense is a question I'll leave to others for now. Good presidenting, however, requires more than just managing to make adequate public statements. If we assume he's been as indifferent to the bomb threats in private as he has been in public, he's taking a big risk. Suppose, after all these warnings, that people are eventually killed in an attack. People are going to ask: What was the president doing about it all these weeks? And Trump better have an answer for that question. Can presidents make a difference? Absolutely. One of the best examples we have is the "millennium" terrorist plot, in which the Bill Clinton administration picked up rumors of a major attack coming. Clinton focused the executive branch on the potential attack by insisting that department secretaries and others at the top of relevant agencies report to him daily about what they had done to prevent terrorism -- which meant that they in turn pushed the bureaucracy below them to come up with something new and impressive-sounding to report. Of course, a president cannot use that tactic, at that level, all the time. And without presidential pressure, the bureaucracy won't necessarily do anything about a problem that comes to the president's attention. Richard Neustadt quotes one of Franklin Roosevelt's aides about how cabinet secretaries typically respond: "Half of a President's suggestions, which theoretically carry the weight of orders, can be safely forgotten by a Cabinet member. And if the President asks about a suggestion a second time, he can be told that it is being investigated. If he asks a third time, a wise Cabinet officer will give him at least part of what he suggests, but only occasionally, except about the most important matters, do Presidents ever get around to asking three times." "Three times" might not literally always be the case, but we can use it to stand for the basic fact that the executive branch won't always automatically do what the president asks. It requires active engagement from the White House, and (for best results) from the president himself. It's not an exaggeration to say that a big part of presidenting is knowing which things are worth asking about three times. We don't know everything that's happening, but there's no evidence so far that Trump is even vaguely aware that such crucial decisions must be made at all. How can a president decide which emerging challenges need attention and resources? One question the president must ask himself is how high he wants something to be on his agenda. Pushing an agency or multiple agencies on one thing uses resources (theirs, and his own) that therefore can't be used for other priorities. Something new that comes along, then, might distract from items the president's supporters expect him to focus on. That's a cost, especially for a new president who has promised swift changes on everything from immigration and trade to national security and infrastructure. Another question, however, is about the risks for ignoring something. Should an actual attack follow, organized groups, the media, and perhaps even Congress will ask tough questions about what exactly the federal government did in response to the threats we've seen so far. If the answer is that the president did little or nothing, it will be a scandal, perhaps a major one. To balance those things, presidents need to be expert at gathering clues from the various sources of information available to them -- which is one reason why good presidenting requires absorbing as much information, from as many good sources, as possible. The need to have well-honed political instincts, too, to calibrate the various costs and risks (and benefits) involved. They obviously need, too, to have a good sense of their own preferred agenda and how much persuasion relevant departments and agencies will need to keep that agenda moving forward. In other words, the question of whether and how often to ask three times isn't an easy one at all in many cases. But it sure seems to me that this is a case in which the risks of inaction to the president (not to mention, of course, the affected communities) are unusually high. Perhaps Trump is more active behind the scenes than he's willing to be in public, but if not, what is he waiting for? Bernstein is a Bloomberg View columnist. He taught political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University and wrote A Plain Blog About Politics. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view. (c) 2017, Bloomberg View Defense lawyers have urged a federal judge to issue an arrest warrant for William R. Kullman, a man they suspect was an FBI informant who played a role in security and defense training during the takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Attorney Jesse Merrithew said Kullman, who lives in northern Washington, was served last month with a subpoena to testify in the second Oregon standoff trial but failed to show for court. The federal government also has indicated it won't assist in compelling Kullman's testimony, Merrithew noted in a court filing. U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown said she is prepared to issue the warrant, ordering Kullman to testify in court Monday. But she also encouraged Merrithew to reach out to Kullman again to see if he'd show up Monday voluntarily. Kullman, according to a defense investigator, owns a business that provides weapons training near Lake Stevens, Washington. A "Kullman Combat Organization'' was listed as based in Lake Stevens in 2014 and 2015, according to Washington state business records. Kullman told a defense investigator in December that he had gone to the refuge during the occupation and wrote his name in a sign-in book at the federal wildlife sanctuary on Jan. 7, 2016. Below his name was written: "Donated food, medical supplies. Help train militia in whatever needs possible,'' according to a court filing. Kullman told Merrithew's defense investigator that he worked to ensure the safe handling of firearms by protesters at the refuge and did so along with Mark McConnell, who already has been identified as a government informant, according to court papers. "Mr. Kullman told me that he was the one who gave the protesters the idea to set up a rifle range off the refuge with the aim of providing firearms training,'' wrote defense investigator Mark Robertson in a declaration filed with the U.S. District Court in Portland. Defense lawyers in this trial and the first trial against Ammon Bundy and other occupation leaders have worked to discredit Gov. Exhibit No. 32, a video played for jurors that shows refuge occupiers firing rifles from the refuge boat launch, across a small body of water, in late January. In the first trial, defense lawyers identified another one of the FBI informants as Fabio Minoggio, who went by the alias "John Killman,'' who testified that he assisted in weapons training at the refuge. Defense lawyers suspect Kullman is one of the 15 confidential informants who provided information to the government during the course of the refuge occupation. Of the 15, nine went to the refuge, according to court testimony. Merrithew's investigator handed Kullman in early December a subpoena to appear in court on Feb. 14 to provide testimony on behalf of his client, defendant Jason Patrick. Since Dec. 6, the investigator hasn't been able to contact Kullman. "His previous cellphone number has been disconnected. I attempted to contact Mr. Kullman via Facebook. He has not responded, despite the fact that he continues to be active on Facebook both before and after my message was sent. On February 27, 2017, I called the person I know to be Mr. Kullman's girlfriend to ask her to either provide a new number for Mr. Kullman or have him call me back. She told me that they were no longer together, despite the fact that she had posted a photo of them kissing only 14 days prior. When I confronted her with this fact, she took my number, then terminated the call,'' Robertson wrote. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow pointed out in court Wednesday that the subpoena for Kullman listed the wrong year, ordering him to come to court on Feb. 14, 2016. Kullman is one of three people the defense has subpoenaed to testify who have not shown for court, according to another defense lawyer Michele Kohler, who represents Duane Ehmer. Another is Allen Varner, nicknamed "Wolf,'' also a suspected informant, according to the defense. Oregonian researcher Lynne Palombo contributed to this story. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian brand-thornton-e847e831452ddd01.jpg Brand Thornton at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in January 2016. (Mark Graves/The Oregonian) What was the meaning of occupier Brand Thornton's blowing of the shofar when he accompanied the first convoy of men who seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 2, 2016? One prosecution witness said the sounding of the ram's horn meant an "all clear'' signal after protesters went building to building, armed with rifles, to check if anybody was on the federal property. Another prosecution witness called it a symbol of battle. But defense lawyer Andrew Kohlmetz said he wanted jurors to hear Thornton's testimony -- that the shofar blowing is just part of Thornton's "religious ministry.'' Kohlmetz, though, learned this week that Thornton, who has never been charged in the case, would invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself if called as a defense witness in the second Oregon standoff trial. So the defense instead suggested reading to jurors his testimony from last fall's trial of Ammon Bundy and co-defendants. Prosecutors didn't want any of Thornton's testimony allowed, contending he lied under oath and his earlier statements in court are unreliable. Thornton testified on two separate days for the defense in the Bundy trial last year. Before his second time taking the stand, U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown asked him under oath whether he had been in court and observed the trial proceedings after his initial testimony on Oct. 3. He said he had on five or six occasions. Brown also asked Thornton whether he had posted online any of his observations from the trial proceedings he watched, and he said he hadn't, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow. He was allowed to testify again for the defense on Oct. 17. But prosecutors now note that Thornton posted his reaction on Facebook to court testimony on Oct. 7 and Oct. 11. "If the Court were to permit the defense to read Mr. Thornton's transcript, the government will seek to introduce evidence to impeach Mr. Thornton, including the fact that he previously lied to this Court,'' Barrow wrote in a motion. Kohlmetz, defendant Jason Patrick's standby attorney, countered that prosecutors had a chance during the first trial to cross-examine Thornton on the matter but didn't. Kohlmetz also argued that Thornton's statements to the court last fall don't rise to criminal perjury. Last year, Thornton testified that he didn't bring a gun to the refuge, but saw others carrying them by their sides, walking through the property, checking doors during that initial sweep. At some point, someone found a set of keys, he testified. He said he stayed at the refuge from Jan. 2 to Jan. 25, 2016. Thornton, who often blows the shofar during or after court sessions on a corner across from the federal courthouse, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that when he answered the judge's question about posts during the last trial he didn't realize she was talking about social media. He said the only reason he decided he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to testify now was because he believed the defense would be able to introduce his testimony from last year's trial. Brown on Thursday asked for a transcript of Thornton's earlier testimony, at one point referring to him as "Mr. Shofar.'' "What is it about Thornton's testimony that's necessary?'' the judge asked. Kohlmetz said he wanted to counter the interpretations by prosecution witnesses about why Thornton sounded the horn. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Knight argued the testimony "is not material.'' By Thursday afternoon, after having read the transcript of Thornton's testimony last year, the judge said she found it "pretty limited, pretty innocuous.'' "None of this is particularly controversial. None of this seems worth a battle that could be problematic on appeal,'' Brown told prosecutors and defense lawyers. With that, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Knight withdrew the government's opposition to it coming in as evidence. Part of Thornton's testimony from last year's trial will be read to jurors when the trial proceeds on Monday. Jason S. Patrick, 43, of Bonaire, Georgia, Duane L. Ehmer, 46, of Irrigon, Oregon, Darryl W. Thorn, 32, of Marysville, Washington, and Jake E. Ryan, 28, of Plains, Montana, face conspiracy and other felony charges as well as misdemeanor charges including trespassing in the 41-day refuge occupation over federal control of public land. In other developments Thursday, the seventh day of trial: -- Defense lawyers ran through their witnesses for the day by noon. The judge had excluded a number of witnesses because either their testimony was considered irrelevant or cumulative. The judge said she didn't want to hear additional refuge visitors describe the atmosphere during the occupation or repetitive testimony about the character of the defendants. Kohlmetz said the defense started with a list of 18 witnesses for Thursday. Eight ended up being called. Some were eliminated by the judge; others by defense lawyers based on the judge's advisement. -- Defendant Jason Patrick, who has been warned by the court in the past that he must arrive to court on time, showed up to court 10 minutes late. When he arrived at 8:25 a.m., the judge asked him what had happened and a tense exchange ensued. "TriMet was late due to some maintenance issue,'' Patrick replied. "Here's the point. Court starts at 8:15 a.m. You can't just wander in,'' the judge said, adding that he must alert someone he's on his way. "I don't have the means,'' he said. "I don't believe that,'' Brown told him. Although she had threatened to fine him in the past for coming late, the judge gave him one more chance. If it happens again, she told him, she'll impose a $100 fine. "I'll try to find a carrier pigeon, your honor. I don't have the means,'' he said, sitting beside his standby lawyer. "Whether you believe the truth or not, it doesn't matter.'' "Are you finished?'' Brown inquired. "I'm finished when you're finished, your honor,'' he said. "When you're late,'' Brown told him, he must find a way to inform the court. "I'll build a train,'' he quipped. A short time later, the judge was informed the jurors would be arriving a little late. -- Nevada resident Barbara Berg testified that she drove to the refuge the night of Jan. 26, 2016, after learning about the arrest of Ammon Bundy and fatal police shooting of occupation spokesman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum on a highway outside of Burns. She arrived about 11:30 p.m. at The Narrows RV park and walked into the refuge property with her German Shepherd, she said. She wanted to try to convince people to leave and avoid being harmed, she said. On. Jan. 27, 2016, she said she saw Patrick walk out of the refuge. "He was almost to The Narrows when I seen him in my headlights,'' she said. She gave him a ride from there to the FBI checkpoint. She said she convinced defendant Jake Ryan to leave, driving him first to The Narrows. There, she let him leave firearms in her trailer that he had taken with him. She drove him to the checkpoint early on Jan. 28, 2016. A video was played for jurors of Ryan walking in the roadway, his hands in the air, toward two flood lights at the FBI checkpoint. -- Patrick's mother, Vickie Louise Patrick, in brief testimony said Jason's father died when he was 12, and "it affects him deeply.'' His father was a Vietnam veteran who died of cancer, suspected of having resulted from his exposure to Agent Orange chemicals. -- An arrest warrant for suspected FBI informant Will Kullman is no longer needed as he agreed to testify in court for the defense Monday, defense lawyer Jesse Merrithew said. -- The defense is expected to rest its case by Monday afternoon. Closing arguments are anticipated to start Tuesday. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Handcuffs (Oregonian file photo) A man who fatally shot another man after a fight outside a Jackson County convenience store has been convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Mail Tribune newspaper reports Bradley Quillen also faced a murder charge, but not enough members of a divided jury determined he was guilty of that crime. The 27-year-old Quillen did not testify during the three-day trial that ended Wednesday. Defense attorney Christine Herbert said Quillen was trying to defend himself last April outside a 7-Eleven store in Phoenix, Oregon. The victim was 23-year-old Miguel Angel Delfin. His mother, Belinda McCurdy, told the court her heart is destroyed. -- The Associated Press SALEM -- When President Donald Trump welcomed the nation's governors to the White House on Sunday, he greeted them and "their wives," Oregon Gov. Kate Brown told the Huffington Post on Monday. Brown, one of four female governors in the U.S., said he also included daughters in his greeting, effectively ignoring any female governors, their husbands, or any governors' sons. It was weird, she said, but the slight is nothing new. "I've been there before," she told the Post. "I think people forget that there are female governors in the world." The White House has not responded to a request for comment. Of course, Trump's greeting could have included female governors with wives. But as the campaign for Brown, who is bisexual, pointed out in a Facebook post, all four current women governors are married to men. "Hmmm, perhaps someone should let POTUS know women can be governors," the Brown campaign wrote, adding the hashtag #FirstGentlemenArePeopleToo. It's unclear whether the president meant to address only the male governors in the room. Trump's cabinet is overwhelmingly composed of white men, and the president has bragged about sexually assaulting women. (Trump has denied he has ever kissed or groped women without their consent.) Other than a pronouncement by Trump that Oregon is "a really great state" as Brown was introduced, she didn't interact much with the president, she told the Post. Brown's campaign in January asked her supporters to "resist" the Trump administration. In February, she issued an executive order strengthening Oregon's sanctuary status and asked Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to fight Trump's travel ban. Oregon was left off an early list of 50 priority infrastructure projects in December, before Brown was asked to submit projects for possible inclusion. Brown sent a list of possible Oregon projects later that month, and is now waiting to hear back from the White House. -- Anna Marum amarum@oregonian.com 503-294-5911 @annamarum SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 1, 2017) - Twilio Inc. (NYSE: TWLO), the leading cloud communications platform company, today announced that former Salesforce COO George Hu has joined the company as its chief operating officer, reporting to CEO Jeff Lawson. Hu will be responsible for Twilio's overall operational execution and go-to-market activities. "George helped build Salesforce into the leading cloud SaaS and platform company, growing it to more than $5 billion in revenue during his tenure," said Jeff Lawson, Twilio co-founder, chairman and CEO. "I'm excited to have George's operational expertise and go-to-market skills helping us reach Twilio's next stage of growth." "I'm incredibly excited to join Jeff and the Twilio team in leading the transformation of communications in today's API-driven world," said Hu. "I see this as a massive opportunity that has the power to change how every company engages with its customers and employees, limited only by the imagination of developers and businesses in every industry and market globally." During his 13-year career at Salesforce, Hu served 4 years as chief operating officer where he owned all major shared operational functions for the company. He also served in a variety of other management roles including vice president of product marketing, senior vice president of applications, executive vice president of products, and chief marketing officer. After leaving Salesforce at the end of 2014, Hu founded a workplace feedback startup called Peer that was acquired by Twitter in 2016. Prior to joining salesforce.com, Hu held product management and strategic consulting roles at North Point Communications and Boston Consulting Group. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard College and a master's degree in business administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. In 2010, Hu was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. About Twilio Twilio's mission is to fuel the future of communications. Developers and businesses use Twilio to make communications relevant and contextual by embedding messaging, voice and video capabilities directly into their software applications. Founded in 2008, Twilio has over 700 employees, with headquarters in San Francisco and other offices in Bogota, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Malmo (Sweden), Mountain View, Munich, New York City, Singapore, and Tallinn (Estonia). Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3114711 * Large U.S. deployment against Islamic State unlikely * Priority is working with local partners on the ground * Turkey worried by potential Kurdish militia role in Raqqa (Adds background) By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON, March 1 (Reuters) - The top U.S. commander in Iraq on Wednesday downplayed the chances that the United States would deploy a large number of additional coalition forces to battle Islamic State, even as President Donald Trump weighs options to speed the campaign. Army Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend also delivered a robust defense of Kurdish fighters that have been America's strongest allies on the ground in Syria, despite concerns from Turkey that they pose a threat. He even signaled some role for Kurdish forces in an upcoming offensive for the city of Raqqa. Townsend declined to openly discuss his recommendations for accelerating the fight against Islamic State but his comments represent one of the strongest signals yet that the U.S. military will not advocate any fundamental shift in a key strategy that relies on local ground forces. The United States now fields less than 6,000 troops in both Iraq and Syria, a far cry from a peak of about 170,000 to Iraq under President George W. Bush. "I don't foresee us bringing in large numbers of coalition troops, mainly because what we're doing is, in fact, working," Townsend told a Pentagon news briefing, speaking via video conference from Baghdad. "But in that event that we bring in any additional troops, we'll work that with our local partners, both here in Iraq and Syria, to make sure that they understand the reasons why we're doing that and to get their buy-in of that." Trump has made defeating Islamic State - which has claimed responsibility for attacks on American soil, in Europe and elsewhere - one of the key themes of his presidency, and his administration received a draft Pentagon plan on Monday to accelerate the campaign. Details of that plan have not been disclosed, but Townsend said he still believed that fighting "by, with and through our local partners" was succeeding. Story continues "That is still the right way to go. It is working and our local partners are fully invested, they are leading the fight," he said. KURDISH ROLE IN RAQQA Trump's push against Islamic State in Syria could soon present him with an unenviable decision on whether to risk alienating NATO ally Turkey by relying on the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, which in addition to Arabs includes Kurdish YPG fighters. Townsend stressed that ethnically Kurdish fighters would have some role in the campaign since there were Kurds in Raqqa, the larger Raqqa district and the province. "There are going to be Kurds assaulting Raqqa for sure. The number, the size of them, and how many Kurdish units are participating in that, I can't really say right now," he said. Turkey is strongly opposed to YPG militia involvement in the operation to liberate Raqqa, not only because it sees the force as an extension of the PKK militants who have waged a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state, but also because it says Raqqa is an Arab-dominated city. It is unclear if the United States can do anything to ease those concerns. Even before the start of the SDF's campaign for Raqqa, Syrian Kurdish politicians had indicated that the city was not a priority for them: the stated aim of the YPG was to defend Kurdish areas rather than venture into parts of Syria where Arabs are in the majority. Turkey fears that YPG fighters could leverage victory in Raqqa as a negotiating strategy to solidify their gains elsewhere in Syria during that country's civil war. In a sign of growing tension, a component of the U.S.-allied militias accused the Turkish army and allied Syrian rebels on Wednesday of attacking villages controlled by the U.S.-backed group near the city of Manbij in northern Syria. Townsend delivered a robust defense of the YPG fighters who receive U.S. support, saying he had seen no evidence linking them to attacks on Turkey from northern Syria in the past two years. "I've talked to their leaders and we've watched them operate and they continually reassure us that they have no desire to attack Turkey, that they are not a threat to Turkey, in fact that they desire to have a good working relationship with Turkey," Townsend said. RUSSIAN BOMBING? Despite Trump's suggestions during the campaign of potential joint action with Russia against Islamic State militants, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has played down that possibility. He said in mid-February he did not see prospects for military collaboration. At the same time, Russian and Syrian forces are coming within increasing proximity to U.S.-backed troops. Townsend said Russian and Syrian aircraft bombed positions held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Arab Coalition near the Syrian town of al Bab on Tuesday, inflicting casualties. Russia denied hitting any such targets, however, according to according to RIA news agency. The United States and Russia have a channel for avoiding an accidental clash in Syria but some U.S. commanders have advocated creating an additional channel involving more senior officers given the close proximity of fighting. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Nick Tattersall; Editing by James Dalgleish) By Huw Jones and Marc Jones LONDON (Reuters) - Banks based in Britain seeking to do business in the European Union after Brexit should apply early for a licence to set up actual operations and not "empty shells", European Central Bank supervisor Sabine Lautenschlaeger said on Thursday. In the strongest comments yet on the subject from an ECB official, Lautenschlaeger warned lenders in Britain not to circumvent rules. She declined to say how many staff a new banking operation should have, saying it would be looked at on a "case-by-case" basis. She expected many of the 40 banks in Britain that currently serve continental customers to ask the ECB for a licence, and urged them to get in touch sooner rather than later. "I do not see the ECB issuing banking licences to empty shell companies," Lautenschlaeger, who sits on the ECB's executive board, said in London. "Our objective is to make the banking system safe and sound. I therefore expect banks which are seeking a licence in the euro area to meet our standards. There will be no race to the bottom in banking supervision," she said. Weighing in on the contentious issue of keeping euro derivatives clearing in Britain, Lautenschlaeger said ECB consent would depend on whether the new, post-Brexit legal framework offered an unchanged level of involvement for the ECB, and ensured financial stability in the euro zone. London dominates the clearing of derivatives denominated in euros, and the ECB is a member of the colleges of supervisors from different jurisdictions which oversees them. Lautenschlaeger said that apart from remaining in supervisory colleges of euro clearers in London, other, unspecified conditions would have to be met which will depend on what sort of trading deal Britain and the EU agree after Brexit. An attempt by the ECB to shift euro clearing to the euro zone was blocked by the EU court, but British Prime Minister Theresa May has said the UK will no longer come under the court after Brexit. Banks in Britain that plan to permanently opt for "back-to-back" - trades transacted on the continent being booked in London to cut costs - will be disappointed, she said. "This is not about a full ban of back-to-back booking. We rather aim at ensuring both an adequate local management of all material risks and the resolvability of the euro area entity," she said. "Needless to say that I would certainly not accept banks booking all exposures with the euro area entity while having their risk management and internal control systems outside the euro area," she added. Some banks are thinking of complementing or even replacing their licensed subsidiaries with investment firms or branches, which are supervised by national watchdogs or not supervised as banks, she said. But regulators in Britain supervise such large firms as banks, and EU rules could be changed to allow its regulators to do likewise, she said. "The current review of the European banking rules might provide an opportunity to do so," Lautenschlaeger said. (Additional reporting by Balazs Koranyi in Frankfurt; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Ken Ferris) Thursday 2 March 2017 4:32pm Dr Lianne Parkin Researchers from University of Otago are among the first recipients of two new grants from PHARMAC and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC). Dr Lianne Parkin of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine receives a grant worth more than $210,000 for research into metformin use by people with diabetes. This drug is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, however overseas research shows that many patients dont use it as prescribed. Dr Parkin and colleagues will explore how to improve the way New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes use metformin. PHARMAC Chief Executive Steffan Crausaz and HRC Chief Executive Professor Kath McPherson announced the first recipients of the joint fund today. Mr Crausaz says the two studies will provide valuable insights into how New Zealanders can get the best out of medicines. Our objective in setting up the fund with the HRC was to improve our knowledge of medicines use in New Zealand, so that we can take steps to improve peoples use of medicines, he says. Metformin is an important medicine for people with type 2 diabetes, so Dr Parkins research will give us a better idea as to why people might not continue taking the medicine they need to keep them well. Dr McPherson says the collaboration with PHARMAC is providing a further opportunity to grow innovative research into pharmaceuticals in New Zealand. Were delighted to be involved in this research initiative with PHARMAC. This is a great example of government health organisations collaborating to benefit patients and strengthen the use of research evidence to improve our health system overall. Im confident that the studies funded through this partnership initiative will be of a high quality and add to our knowledge of how New Zealanders use medicines. Project details: Improving metformin adherence and persistence in people with type 2 diabetes $213,229, 24 months Principal Investigator: Dr Lianne Parkin. The other investigators are Dr Simon Horsburgh (Preventive and Social Medicine), Mr Dave Barson (Preventive and Social Medicine), Associate Professor Katrina Sharples (Mathematics and Statistics, and Medicine), Dr Jimmy Zeng (Preventive and Social Medicine), Dr Lisa Te Morenga (Associate Dean (Maori), Division of Sciences; Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre; Human Nutrition), Faumuina Associate Professor Faafetai Sopoaga (Associate Dean (Pacific), Division of Health Sciences; Preventive and Social Medicine). Five of the researchers are core members of the Pharmacoepidemiology Research Network at the University. Type 2 diabetes imposes a substantial burden on New Zealanders, particularly Maori and Pacific peoples. Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but overseas research has found that many patients have suboptimal metformin adherence and persistence. Persistence refers to whether a person stays on a therapy, while adherence refers to whether a person takes a medication according to the prescribed schedule. Suboptimal metformin adherence and persistence are important because they are associated with a higher risk of diabetes complications. The researchers will use routinely collected health data to (a) describe the patterns of metformin adherence and persistence in New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes, and (b) investigate the predictors and consequences of suboptimal adherence and persistence. They will also interview people with type 2 diabetes to get their views on what helps, and hinders, good metformin adherence and persistence. The findings will contribute to improved outcomes for people prescribed metformin. For more information, contact: Dr Lianne Parkin Senior Lecturer Department of Preventive and Social Medicine Dunedin School of Medicine University of Otago Tel 64 3 479 8425 Email: lianne.parkin@otago.ac.nz a 10 combat hammer About 35 local boat captains simulated swarming attack maneuvers in fishing boats rigged with machine guns while fighter jets, attack helicopters, and the A-10 "Warthog" simulated attacks from above in Florida's Choctawhatchee Bay. The Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base organized the simulation, called Combat Hammer, to address one of the more pressing threats to the US Navy: attacks from swarming fast-attack craft. In the Persian Gulf, Iran has repeatedly used small, agile attack craft to harass US Navy ships in encounters that could lead to a broader conflict in a moment's notice. US Navy ships have gone as far as to fire warning shots at approaching vessels, but that was before Iranian-backed Houthi militants used a suicide boat laden with explosives to kill two aboard a Saudi navy vessel off the coast of Yemen. The Navy was already aware of the threat posed to its large, multimillion-dollar ships by small, cheap boats but the January Houthi attack showed the threat to be even more acute. The Air Force's Combat Hammer exercise sought in part to answer the question of how the Navy would deal with a large mass of erratic attack craft and that involved A-10 Warthogs firing inert 30-millimeter rounds at unmanned ships. The exercise also included attack helicopters, multirole fighter jets, and Canadian F-18s dropping simulated guided munitions. fast attack craft Story continues "We evaluate precision-guided munitions against realistic targets with realistic enemy defenses," Lt. Col. Sean Neitzke, the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron commander, said in an Air Force statement. "There are plenty of places in the world where low-tech adversaries can mount .50-caliber machine guns and rocket launchers on small boats for use against us. They could also use other types of shoulder-launched weapons, all of which could be a threat to American assets." The situation described by Neitzke bears eerily similarities to the situation with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Patrick Megahan, an expert on Iran's military with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Business Insider that even without the Air Force the US Navy had plenty of ways to counter the threat posed by Iranian-style swarm attacks. "US Army Apache attack helicopters also frequently drill aboard US Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf for countering exactly this threat," Megahan said of the swarming boats. MH 60 Seahawk "This doesn't include the Navy's own Hellfire-equipped Seahawk helicopters or the Marine Corps' very capable attack helicopter squadrons that maintain an almost constant presence in the waters off the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. In fact, two fully load American attack helicopters would likely wreak havoc on an Iranian small-boat swarm." NOW WATCH: Top foreign policy expert: Here's why China isn't more outspoken about North Korea's nuclear ambitions More From Business Insider Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 62F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. With snowdrifts rising as high as several stories, California water surveyors trekked into the wintry Sierra on Wednesday to confirm the most snow the 400-mile-long mountain range has seen in decades. The ritual first-of-the-month measurement found snowpack at Phillips Station, south of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, at 179 percent of average for the date a reading that required state officials to stick their long cylindrical gauge much deeper than usual into the blanket of icy white. While the lofty measurement at the station came as no surprise, since a network of real-time sensors put Sierra-wide snowpack at 185 percent of average on Wednesday morning, the number remains extraordinary after historically low readings during five years of drought. Were up in the two to three, three or four biggest snow accumulations for March, said Frank Gehrke, snow survey chief for the California Department of Water Resources. It bodes extremely well for run-off ... and is a good indicator for good surface water supplies as we head into the spring and summer. Sierra snow constitutes nearly one-third of the states water, with the melt-off pouring down creeks and rivers into dozens of foothill reservoirs. Lackluster measurements in prior years often meant perilously low water supplies. The meadow at Phillips Station, where the monthly manual survey has been performed since 1941 off Highway 50 near the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, was nearly bare two years ago at the height of Californias drought. On Wednesday, 112.7 inches of snow covered the ground. Wednesdays exercise served as a warm-up for next months final reading. On April 1, snowpack is typically at its peak and provides a critical indicator of how much water Californians can expect for the remainder of the year. Both the state-run and federal water projects will adjust their allocations for cities and towns accordingly. Gov. Jerry Brown, who has yet to declare an official end to the California drought and lift statewide conservation rules, said he will re-evaluate his position once the April numbers are in. Already, though, the huge March snow levels exceed what typically arrives all season especially on and around the Sierras tallest peaks to the south. There, snowpack on Wednesday measured 201 percent of average for the date. Weve busted through April 1 values pretty much at all snow courses throughout the state, Gehrke said. Both the southern and central Sierra are tracking close to 1983, when snowpack reached the highest levels ever recorded, Gehrke said. Reservoirs beyond the Sierra are also benefiting from this winters wet weather. The exception is some parts of Southern California, which havent seen the rampant run of storms that has hit the north. Groundwater, which typically provides about 40 percent of the states water, also remains an issue. Massive pumping during the drought dried up many aquifers, creating deficits that will take several wet years to fill. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander Nearly two years after it first went up for sale, the California ranch that served as the late pop star Michael Jackson's "Neverland" retreat is returning to market for $67 million$33 million off its original asking price. Located in Los Olivos, in the Santa Ynez Valley about 40 miles from Santa Barbara, the property was taken off the market in the summer of 2016, according to Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Previews International, who now has the listing. The local market has topped out at around $40 million so far, Ms. Rey said. "This price is more in line with values in the area," she added. The seller is a joint venture between a fund managed by Colony NorthStar, a real-estate investment trust, and Mr. Jackson's estate. Mr. Jackson paid $19.5 million for the ranch in 1987 and lived there for more than 15 years, making headlines for adding unusual features like amusement park rides and a train station. Amid financial struggles, he defaulted on a $24.5 million loan backed by the ranch. Colony Capital bought the note in 2008 for $23 million and put the title into a joint venture it formed with the pop star. Colony merged with NorthStar Asset Management Group and NorthStar Realty Finance in early 2017. The company has spent millions on upgrades and maintenance since 2008, intending to eventually sell it, and the property is in move-in condition, Ms. Rey said. Now called "Sycamore Valley Ranch," the property spans about 2,700 acres and has roughly 22 structures on it. The Normandy-style main house measures about 12,600 square feet, with five bedrooms plus a staff annex. There is also four-bedroom guesthouse and two staff houses. Another building contains a 50-seat movie theater and a dance studio. A number of Mr. Jackson's additions remain, such as the railroad tracks and train station, although there is no train, Ms. Rey said. The property also still has a floral clock which spells out "Neverland," as well as the building that once housed the Neverland Valley Fire Department. The amusement park rides are gone, as are many of Mr. Jackson's exotic animals, but some animals remain on the property, including swans and a llama. The property consists of three parcels, so more houses could be built on it if a buyer wishes, Ms. Rey said. She also noted that about 50 acres of vineyards could be planted on the property. When the property went on the market in 2015, the listing agents were Suzanne Perkins and Harry Kolb of Sotheby's International Realty and Jeffrey Hyland of Hilton & Hyland. Ms. Perkins said $100 million "was a difficult number to achieve," especially last year when "the market was not as robust as it could have been." At the time, Colony wasn't open to lowering the price, Ms. Perkins said, adding: "I wish we had been given the opportunity to try to market it at $67 million." This article Michael Jacksons Onetime Neverland Ranch Gets $33 Million Price Cut appeared first in Celebrity Real Estate from realtor.com. Delta College is busy working on its 2017-2018 budget, a spending plan that has been modified following Gov. Rick Snyders $56.3 billion budget proposal that does not call for funding increases for the states 28 community colleges. Delta, which is receiving $14.9 million in state appropriations this year, has been developing budget models since November and while we did have a small increase in state appropriations originally weve adjusted accordingly, said Deb Lutz, vice president of business and finance. President Jean Goodnow, in an email to the college community, said as a group the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) presidents are disappointed that Gov. Snyder has recommended no operations increase for community colleges. However, the governors proposed budget does not contain tuition restraint language for community colleges. Thats an issue that will be of interest to our budget cabinet as they continue their work, Goodnow said. Lutz said its too early to say whether Delta, in light of flat state appropriations, will recommend a larger tuition increase. Many of the budget variables are up in the air right now and were trying our best to put together some reliable estimates, she noted. We also do not have reliable estimates for property tax valuations to estimate property tax revenue or personal property tax reimbursement allocations from the treasury. Delta, Lutz added, will not have enrollment estimates for next year until spring registration numbers are finalized. The colleges general fund depends on three revenue sources: tuition and fees, state appropriations and property taxes from Bay, Saginaw and Midland counties. Officials said mitigating circumstances, including declining enrollment since 2011 and flat or decreasing property tax values, has caused a growing reliance on tuition and fees to balance the budget. Still, our in-district tuition rate ($99.50 per credit hour) is currently among the lowest in the state for community colleges, Lutz said. Goodnow said she is encouraged by Snyders proposal to allocate $1.25 million to support the Michigan Transfer Network, part of the state legislatures efforts to improve transferability of courses from community colleges to four-year institutions. As Delta Colleges representative, I am one of only two community college presidents involved in this work, Goodnow said. We study block transfer of the associate of arts and associate of science degrees between 2- and 4-year institutions. The governors budget presentation to the state legislature marks the beginning of the process in Lansing. The House and Senate have to agree on and pass a final budget, which Snyder must sign for it to become law. Step one has begun and discussions are now underway, Goodnow said. Michigans fiscal year begins Oct. 1, but the legislature tries to have the work done by May/June. Now that the governor has made a budget recommendation, the Senate and House will each make a recommendation and the final result will come from a conference committee, Lutz said. We have a long ways to go yet. We still have more questions than answers at this point. Delta College Quality Public Television, Q-TV will premiere its newest locally-produced documentary, Sailing Into the Past Travels Aboard El Galeon Andalucia and the Tall Ship Celebration, at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 9. It will repeat at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Both airings will take place during Q-TVs annual spring on-air pledge drive, which runs from March 4-12. The 90-minute documentary narrated by Eric Jylha, retired WNEM-TV 5 weatherman and Delta College alumni takes viewers aboard a replica 16th century Spanish galleon that took part in the Tall Ships Challenge tour of the Great Lakes this past summer. Bay City was one of the port city stops. To the editor: After President Trumps recent press conference, or if you prefer his journey through wonderland, a Republican senator commented that his ramblings fit better in private with a therapist than in the public forum. After reading Mary Laforets letter to the editor, Feb. 17 (Therapy for Liberals) and her liberal use of Kevins tormented comments, the senators advice would be very helpful for her. Take this gem: The election was a complete repudiation of Barack Obama. Unless I have this wrong, President Obama was not even running and the Gallup poll, at the change of office, showed President Obama at 55 percent approval and Trump at an all-time low of 37 percent. I am sure Kevin and Ms. Laforet understand the huge victory claimed is a serious delusional exaggeration, since Trump lost the popular vote by some 3 million and the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin were won with only 81,000 votes, for the electoral victory. I do not fear the new presidents poorly formulated polices. I am confident in our system of checks and balances, and the integrity of most judges, representatives and senators to block bad ideas and restate poorly stated ones. We already see Republicans, judges and cabinet members dismissing some of Trumps most outrageous claims and positions. I am concerned by citizens who are okay when Trump stands in the public arena and intentionally gives incorrect data, and when trapped, blames someone else, e.g. 5 million fraudulent votes, biggest electoral victory since Reagan (only Bush Jr. had less), Bowling Green massacre, Sweden terrorist violence, lost New Hampshire because people were bussed into the state, Russian involvement in our election etc. See a pattern of ego over fact? Fake news? I fully agree with the statement: Mr. Trump received over 62 million votes, not all of them cast by homophobes, racists, sexists, misogynists or any other ists. I would make three points: 1) it agrees that some fit this definition (Democrats have nuts), 2) it appears that Ms. Laforets source, Kevin, is one of the few and 3) I can identify at least one of these scary people in the local area! RONALD E. TAYLOR Midland BLOOMINGTON A new small-business development center will open at Illinois Wesleyan University at the end of the month, filling a gap for would-be entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking to grow. Karen Bussone, a visiting assistant professor of business administration, will lead the center, to be located on the third floor of IWU's State Farm Hall, the university announced Wednesday. It will open March 27, nine months after a similar center closed at Illinois State University. Among services the center will provide are assistance with business plan development, financial packaging, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery, customer research assistance and healthcare guidance. Charlie Moore, CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, called the center crucial to the community. In addition to helping entrepreneurs get started, Moore said, it will be a resource for businesses who are here and they want to grow but they don't know how. Bussone has been teaching at IWU for nine years and has 21 years of experience in marketing, strategic leadership, manufacturing operations and distribution at Kellogg's, Kraft Foods and Dot Foods. She has a master's degree in business administration from Western Illinois University. She envisions students being involved with projects and internships through the center. Among the courses she has taught are business administration, financial management and entrepreneurship. That entrepreneurial spirit is so intriguing and it's alive and well in this community, said Bussone. She has been in contact with the leaders at the small-business development centers at Bradley University in Peoria, Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and in Champaign. She expects to turn to them, particularly Bradley, if expertise is needed that is not available locally. Karen brings a wealth of business experience and a history of successful integration of academic work with business development, said IWU Provost Johnathan Green, who joked that the center is so new, We haven't even bought the ribbon to cut. The center's hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Although the center isn't officially open yet, Bussone said people can contact her at kbussone@iwu.edu. Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, said the EDC had been considering reviving the Small Business Development Center itself, then jumped at the opportunity to have IWU do so when the university expressed interest. The center will be jointly funded by the Bloomington-Normal EDC, IWU and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Green said the university also has some informal commitments for financial support that will be announced later. ISU closed its center at the end of June after being told it would receive no more money until the state had a budget. Although the center was funded by the Small Business Administration, the federal money flowed through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. BLOOMINGTON Cleanup and damage assessment continued Wednesday after Tuesdays violent storms that spawned at least 24 tornadoes across Illinois and reportedly killed four people in the Midwest, including two Ottawa men. The National Weather Service said late Wednesday the tornado that roared through Ottawa and the small village of Naplate packed winds up to 155 mph, making it an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Chicago CBS affiliate WBBM reported late Wednesday night that a second Ottawa man has died of injuries suffered when a tree fell on him and another man. Authorities previously confirmed that an uprooted tree killed Wayne Tuntland, 76. WBBM reported that DJ Johnson, 31, was crushed by the same tree while pushing a third man to safety. OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa reported treating 16 patients after the storm that damaged dozens of structures in Ottawa and neighboring Naplate, including the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa. The types of injuries we have received include fractures and injuries to the head, knee, and arm areas, said hospital spokeswoman Libby Allison in an email. Several injuries were the result of falling tree limbs and the inability of drivers to see as they tried to travel home. Two patients were transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where one was listed in critical condition and the other in good condition. It was unknown late Wednesday if Johnson was one of these patients. One patient was admitted overnight at the Ottawa hospital and then released Wednesday. The others, including two patients who came to the emergency room on Wednesday, were treated and released. About a quarter of the roughly 200 homes in Naplate were damaged, Fire Chief John Nevins said. Debbie Loughridge, 61, and her son were inside their Naplate home, riding out the storm in the bathtub. Firefighters rescued them after the roof was torn off. "All I heard was the wind and the breaking glass. Like an explosion of glass," Loughridge said. Representatives from the McLean County Emergency Management Agency were ready to respond when the tornadoes hit both to the north and south of McLean County about 5 p.m. Tuesday, said Director Bob Clark. We were watching everything and were ready for deployment if necessary, but we never got the call, he said. It was an interesting situation. There were issues to the north and to the south, but we also had to keep in mind that another wave was going to arrive a few hours later. But, fortunately, we werent needed. The weather service has confirmed 24 tornadoes in Illinois from Tuesday's storms, including one that touched down about 5:30 p.m. in Washburn in Woodford County but left no injuries. NWS Storm Prediction Center meteorologist Patrick Marsh said crews are still determining how many twisters touched down across Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Missouri. We knew McLean County was a moderate risk for severe weather, but it was just good luck that the system went to the north and south, said weather service meteorologist Kirk Huettl. There was some hail at about 11 p.m. along with some strong winds, but no major damage reported. Marsh said a strong storm system moved from the Mountain West and collided with warm and humid air in the Midwest, which has enjoyed an unusually warm winter and where temperatures Tuesday were well into the 70s in many places. "That's why we saw storms more representative of late March and April," Marsh said. "The atmosphere doesn't care what the calendar says." In southern Illinois, an apparent tornado near the town of Crossville near the Wabash River killed a 71-year-old man and injured his wife, White County Coroner Chris Marsh said. In Missouri, a twister blew several vehicles off of Interstate 55 near Perryville, 65 miles southeast of St. Louis. A 24-year-old man from Perryville was thrown from one of the vehicles and died, Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Juston Wheetley said. The wind, which damaged 110 homes there and left 12 people injured, was so strong that it lifted crumpled cars from a nearby salvage yard and tossed them along the highway. American Red Cross volunteers were in several counties, including LaSalle, Marshall and Woodford counties, to work with victims and emergency personnel. Ameren Illinois reported about 7 p.m. Wednesday that it had completed restoring power to 43,000 customers, mostly in the Ottawa and Carbondale areas. Marijuana An Oklahoma woman was sentenced to seven years in prison Wednesday for possession of marijuana in connection with an August traffic stop where police founds 49 pounds in a vehicle. Willisha Smith, 37, pleaded guilty to the drug offense in exchange for dismissal of a more serious marijuana delivery charge. Smith and LaToya Tyson, also 37 of Oklahoma, were stopped by McLean County Deputy John Albee on Interstate 55 for a defective windshield. A prosecutor told a judge at Smith's plea hearing that the defendant claimed she found the marijuana in an alley in Chicago. The plea agreement includes a $100,000 street value fine, an amount that represents about half the value of the drugs, according to the state. Charges are pending against Tyson. NORMAL Fewer youngsters are acutely ill these days. Even when they are, most don't spend long periods in hospitals. That's good, of course, but it makes it difficult for nursing students to gain clinical experience in pediatrics. Illinois State University's Mennonite College of Nursing found a solution that not only benefits its students, it benefits K-12 schools in the area. Instead of doing their clinicals at a hospital, nursing students get pediatric and public health clinical experience working with school nurses in seven school districts, including District 87 and Unit 5. Nursing students get to see children in different developmental stages, create health promotion projects and gain insight into challenges facing children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia and seizure disorders. It's a win-win for everybody concerned, said Susy Marcum, a school nurse in Normal-based Unit 5. About 20 percent of students in regular classrooms have a chronic illness. Called the America's Promise School Project, the initiative receives funding from State Farm Companies Foundation. Students spend one day a week at their assigned school, the same as if they were in a hospital, explained Carla Pohl, assistant professor of nursing and project director. She said 76 nursing students are taking part this semester. Senior Stephanie Guerra of Homer Glen said, You don't realize how big of a role the school nurse plays in emergency planning. As if on cue, an interview with the nursing students is interrupted when a teacher enters the Fairview Elementary School nurse's office with a young girl with a bloody nose from a collision in gym class. Marcum, as school nurse, takes the lead, but the nursing students also pitch in, calming the teary-eyed girl. Unplanned experiences like that, plus working with youngsters in the classroom and through a home outreach visit, set the program apart. Senior Ezgi Basar of Naperville said she likes that the program "lets us focus on preventative care more." For example, first-graders at Fairview brush their teeth in class after lunch. Each has a separate compartment next to a sink in the classroom with their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Buying those supplies is part of where the funding goes. As the nursing students taught the youngsters about proper brushing, using toothy stuffed animals, they asked and answered questions. When one child mentioned her grandmother had fake teeth, senior Zack Taylor of Bloomington asked, Do you know what a full set of fake teeth is called? Wooden teeth, another youngster answered enthusiastically, just days after George Washington's birthday was celebrated. The nursing students and other adults in the room did a good job of not laughing and, instead, Taylor noted that, yes, wooden teeth were used in the past, but now people use something called dentures that are made of a much nicer material. Learning to talk to youngsters in easily understood words is an important part of the pediatric clinical experience, said Pohl. I like interacting with the kids, said Maria Romero, a senior from Warrenville. It's something very different from the clinical setting. We get to follow them a full year. Each nursing student in the project is assigned a young student with a chronic illness whose family agrees to be part of the project. The nursing student meets with the family at their home and helps develop a plan of care, said Pohl. You try to get a holistic understanding, what sort of routines the family has incorporated into their day to manage the disease, said Taylor. The family was very gracious and willing to teach me a little bit about the illness. Pohl and Mary Cranston, clinical course leader for the project and an instructional assistant professor, presented information about the program to members of the ISU board of trustees earlier this year. Cranston commended the nursing faculty's willingness to develop new ways to teach clinicals. With innovation, we grow, we learn and we learn new skills, she said. The core of nursing is caring about others. Bloomington and Normal leaders are correct in taking their time with a proposal that would provide broad protection to undocumented immigrants but could limit police in how they do their jobs. Illinois People's Action, a Bloomington-based group that advocates for immigrant rights and other social issues, has given Normal and Bloomington officials a proposed Welcoming Town Ordinance, Edith Brady-Lunny reported last week. With changes at the federal level, hundreds of immigrants in Central Illinois legal or not are newly worried about whether they will be able to stay in their country of choice. Their status also is concerning to American-born citizens who disagree with the Trump administration, and to business owners and farmers who depend on immigrants who work in the hospitality, agriculture and tech industries and in the fields of education and medicine. But knee-jerk reactions such as "sanctuary city" titles and "welcoming town" ordinances" carry the possibility of long-term effects that could be even more detrimental to the communities that quickly implement them. In her story, Brady-Lunny said the six-page proposal outlines how local agencies, including police, can obtain and use information during their interactions with immigrants. Under the proposal, threats of deportation may not be leveled against a person based on their immigration status. A court order would be required to investigate a person's citizenship or immigration status. Unless given a warrant for a criminal offense, the story said, police would be barred from transferring a person into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody and staff with all agencies would be prohibited from working with ICE. However, our police need the freedom to do their jobs, and our local leaders need similar freedoms to use common sense in what's best for our cities. Both mayors have eyed the possibility of a proclamation saying the city and town welcome immigrants, but without putting legal restrictions on how that welcome could be interpreted. Our federal government, as well, needs to freedom to do its job, and that includes ICE. The agency wasn't created to round up miscreants but to make sure our country's immigration and customs laws were enforced and our country kept safe. Issues with those laws, and how they are enforced, should be the immediate focus not adding municipal rules that will make it more difficult for our local leaders and police to do their jobs. Many people are concerned about what the Trump administration's plans will mean for immigrants. The best way to help is to offer personal support to those affected, and to share your concerns by letter, traditional and social media, phone call or poster board with your federally elected leaders. Nobody likes snitches, but few have taken a stronger anti-snitching stance than rapper Cam'ron. In a 2007 interview, Killa Cam told Anderson Cooper that he would not have told police who shot him in both arms if he knew, and furthermore, he would not even tell police if he knew he was living next door to a serial killer: "If I knew a serial killer was living next to me? I probably wouldn't call or tell anybody about him, but I'd probably move. I'm not gonna be around, because I don't want to be living around serial killers, but I'm not gonna call and put the signs up and say 'The serial killer's in 4E.' [...] It's about business but it's still also a code of ethics." He ultimately apologized for those statements, but when Cam raps "never snitch, me in a bathrobe, fly slippers" we have absolutely no reason not to believe him. However, we now know the man that wouldn't tell on on Jeffrey Dahmer thinks it's ok, nay, our civic duty to snitch on Donald Trump. Cam'ron appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah last night to reverse his long-held 'snitches get stitches' position, saying, "Times change. With Donald Trump as president, y'all snitches have a civic-ass responsibility to tell us what he's up to." He goes on to call upon the members of the intelligence community, government bureaucrats, and "a disgruntled third wife that didn't ask for any of this shit" to rat on the rat in chief, and stands front of an American flag, saying "stay snitchin' America." What a time to be alive! Officials of a breast milk bank located in Irvinestown, County Fermanagh in Ireland, announced that it needs milk donations as it only has milk stock good for two weeks. The Western Trust Milk Bank, the only breast milk bank in Ireland, issued 1,500 liters of breast milk in 2015, and provided milk to over 900 babies last year. The Ireland Milk Bank distributes its milk stocks to premature babies and those who are extremely vulnerable. It supplies all neonatal units in Ireland. "For these tiny, tiny little ones - breast milk is liquid gold, it's liquid medicine," Western Trust Milk Bank manager Ann McCrea said. "It's human milk that gets their gut primed, it's human milk that fights any infections that they can get. It constantly changes to fight all the new infections that they're liable to have." McCrea noted an increase in the number of twins, as well as triplets and quadruplets that got their milk supply from the milk bank, according to Fox News. She said these babies need more milk supply since their mothers could not produce enough breast milk for more than one baby. Demand for the milk bank's breast milk has risen due to an increased awareness of the importance and benefits of breast milk, as per BBC. Neonatal units have also increased its requirement for specific milk donations since premature babies benefit from the nutritional and higher calorie content of the milk. McCrea has called the milk shortage an exceptional one but hoped it is only a temporary crisis. The facility has started an aggressive donor recruitment campaign. They have also appealed to mothers who have stored breast milk in their freezers to bring them to the milk bank. All donations, however, have to undergo strict screening for possible diseases. Breast milk banks have existed for years and the demand for their stocks have increased due to the World Health Organization's campaign on the importance of breast milk, according to Kidspot. The milk banks all over the world have prioritized premature babies because they greatly benefit from breast milk's immunity properties. Royal toddler, Prince George, could be a budding chef or a future storm chaser. His mother, the Duchess of Cambridge who is more popularly known as Kate Middleton, revealed her son's two favorite things during a recent visit to a children's hospital. Kate was asked by a 4-year-old boy at the charity facility Ronald McDonald Houses about Prince George and the Duchess answered that her son wasn't with her as he's at the Montessori nursery making pancakes. At that time, the public was celebrating Pancake Day and the young prince apparently took part by helping make breakfast, according to Vanity Fair. The 4-year-old boy from the hospital then mentioned to the Duchess that a storm was coming. "Yes, I know all about those," she said. "George likes storms, too!" The boy was at the hospital to visit his ailing baby brother at the intensive care. His mom, Rebecca, met and got to talk to the Duchess and admitted it was an emotional encounter. "You could see the sympathy in her eyes," Rebecca said, per E! Online. "She was so warm and down-to-earth." The duchess also talked and consoled the mother of a baby boy born with half a heart and the family of another baby with failing kidneys, according to Babble. Meanwhile, the Duchess reportedly volunteered to be the nanny at her sister Pippa Middleton's wedding. Kids of friends and family are said to be invited to the big event and Kate will watch over them, according to Wedding and Wedding Flowers. Pippa's wedding to beau James Matthew will take place May 20 at the Middleton's residence. In the fall, the Duchess and her family will begin a new chapter in their lives as they take up residence in Kensington after living in the country for almost four years. As she and husband Prince William are going to take in more royal duties under Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George will start preparatory school. A woman was caught on CCTV dumping a baby outside a hospital. The newborn girl was rescued from the cold by one of the doctors who was also recorded rushing to where she was after learning about her from the staff members. He also found out the baby has Down syndrome. Dr. Zhalgas Usenhanov retrieved the infant who was left naked on the cold pavement of a hospital in Kazakhstan. The baby is currently fighting for her life at the intensive care unit. The doctors assessed the baby's condition as "highly difficult" aside from having Down syndrome. Machines were connected to her tiny body to help her lungs work. "It seems that the baby spent more than an hour lying on the cement under a pouring rain," Usenhanov said, according to Mirror. The police was brought in to investigate the incident and the authorities are now searching for the woman in the recorded footage. She was wearing a long hooded coat in an attempt to conceal her face. Police assumed she is the baby's mother. If caught, she would be liable for abandoning a child, which is a criminal offense, according to Metro. Some netizens judged the mother for her cruel act but one said no one has the right to condemn the mother. "Nobody knows what is going on in her life," a netizen said. One observer, however, noted how only one person attempted to rescue the baby after she was dumped. "Everyone was buzzing about the baby and only one man dared running out of the building and actually doing something," the netizen said. Babies born with Down syndrome experience different inherent medical problems including hearing loss, eye disease, heart defects and thyroid disease. This is a lifelong condition made manageable through therapy and early intervention programs. In most cases, however, children with Down syndrome will need assistance especially when they enter school, according to the CDC. Speaking to Congress for the very first time last Tuesday, President Donald Trump made sure to highlight school choice as the core of his policy in education. He called on the lawmakers to help the marginalized and disadvantaged families in his government's plan to change the system. During the past presidential campaign, Trump divulged so little about his education policy. In his first speech to Congress, however, he validated that he's ready to push school choice. "I am calling upon members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children," the president told the lawmakers, per The 74 Million. "These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them." Like former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Trump cited education as "the civil rights issue of our time." One thing remains unclear, however, because as laudable as his declaration was, the president did not tell Congress where the funds will come from to support school choice, according to Chalkbeat. In the September 2016 campaign trail, Trump proposed his government will spend $20 billion for school choice, as per Forbes. The president, however, did not mention this amount again in his recent speech. Instead, Trump acknowledged a guest from the audience, Florida's Denisha Merriweather. The president said she struggled and failed in school more than once but Merriweather was still able to get into a private school by availing tax credit and scholarship. In the Sunshine State, there is a scholarship tax credit program where corporate donors that provide scholarships to students receive tax credits. This might be what Trump wants lawmakers to pursue with education, according to MPR News. Meanwhile, Trump made no mention of his plans for K-12 or Common Core. The bulk of his message to Congress on education was school choice. Learn more about it below. This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions north korea In a dramatic shift from traditional policy, an internal White House review on North Korean strategy revealed that the option to use military force, or a regime change to curb the threat of North Korean nuclear weapons was on the table, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. This review comes at the heels of a report claiming President Donald Trump believed the "greatest immediate threat" to the US was North Korea's nuclear program. Recent provocations from the Hermit Kingdom, including the ballistic missile launch in the Sea of Japan and the assassination of Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother in Malaysia, may have provoked this shift in the policy that have many officials and US allies worried. "North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!" Trump tweeted in January. Several weeks later, North Korea conducted its missile test. Since then, Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland consulted with other officials to address North Korea's fresh series of provocations. In the meeting, held about two weeks ago, the officials discussed the possibility of a plan "outside the mainstream," the Journal reported. According to the Journal, McFarland requested for all options in order to completely overhaul American policy toward North Korea including for the US to recognize North Korea as a nuclear state and the possibility of a direct military conflict. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. The proposals, which are now being vetted prior to Trump's review, would certainly be met with worry from China, a long-time North Korean ally, who recently responded with an export ban against North Korea's coal industry. Additionally, many experts fear that a direct military conflict would spark all-out warfare, including artillery barrages directed at Seoul, South Korea's capital. Story continues Even more worrisome is the possibility for further North Korean provocations, which may influence the recent policy shift, as early as this month. As the US and ally South Korea conduct "Foal Eagle" and "Key Resolve," their annual military exercises that involve 17,000 US troops and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense systems, experts say that provocations from North Korea will be likely. Read the Wall Street Journal report here NOW WATCH: A historian of Islam explains the greatest misconception people have about Muslims More From Business Insider Apple licenses iPhone communication patents through recognized industry patent pools and uses industry leading modems and parts wherein the parts suppliers have their own patent portfolios. And yet Nokia and Qualcomm and others are always trying to sue the profit leading smartphone leader Apple. Today Patently Apple has learned that Apple is being sued by Inventergy, Inc., a professional Patent Troll (or defender of IP, depending on which side of the isle you're on) led by former HP VP of Intellectual Property Licensing Joe Beyers. Apple recently acknowledged Inventergy in their lawsuit against Acacia Research Corporation. Apple noted that a number of companies were in a conspiracy against them led by Nokia, as noted in Apple's graphic that was found in their lawsuit. Inventergy was one of the alleged conspirators listed on Apple's chart. Inventergy mentions Nokia in their patent infringement case against Apple by noting that they "own hundreds of other patents related to mobile telecommunications and wireless technology acquired from Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. ("Huawei") and Nokia Corporation ("Nokia")." Inventergy's lawsuit against Apple was filed in late February in Delaware. They've listed seven patents formerly owned by Panasonic and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. The four from Matsushita are 6,466,563, 6,611,676, 7,206,587 and 6,760,590; the three from Panasonic are 7,760,815, 7,764,711 and 7,848,439. The lawsuit claims that the iPhone 7m 7 Plus and equivalents, and Apple's HSPA devices infringe on the patents presented in their case. In one segment of the lawsuit Inventergy notes that "On January 16, 2015, Inventergy first contacted Defendant regarding a potential license to a number of patents in Inventergy's patent portfolio, including the '563, '676, '587, '815, '439, and '590 Asserted Patents. Inventergy's letter to Defendant described the portfolio on 3G (WDCMA) and 4G (LTE) communications and identified 34 patent families, consisting of 347 patents, with claims directed to end user devices. Inventergy explained that a number of these patents and patent families related to "WCDMA and LTE standards enabled in Apple Products" and were therefore subject to FRAND licensing commitments. Inventergy further explained that it was "prepared to grant Apple a worldwide, nonexclusive license" and offered specific royalty rates for Apple's products. Inventergy also attached a number of claim charts, including charts for the '590 and '439 Patents. Inventergy contacted Defendant on February 13, 2015 to further discuss the possibility of granting Defendant a worldwide, nonexclusive license for its patent portfolio, including for the Asserted Patents. Inventergy sent additional claim charts to Defendant on March 6, 2015, including for the '563 Patent. On March 31, 2015, Inventergy sent Defendant additional details relating to its Panasonic patent portfolio. After a period of discussion, the parties' met on or around August 4, 2015. At that meeting, Inventergy presented Defendant with additional details of Defendant's infringement of the Asserted Patents, including with claim charts for at least the '590 and '439 Patents. Inventergy reiterated its proposal for granting Defendant a worldwide, nonexclusive license for its patent portfolio, including for the Asserted Patents. On August 25, 2015, Inventergy sent Defendant additional details regarding several of the Asserted Patents, along with several claim charts including an updated chart for the '563 Patent. Throughout the events described above, Inventergy continuously offered Defendant a license to its Panasonic Portfolio, including the Asserted Patents, on FRAND terms. To date, Defendant has refused to enter into such a licensing agreement." The patent infringement case presented in today's report was filed in Delaware District Court, Wilmington Office, New Castle. At present, no Judge has been assigned to the case. Notice: Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of certain legal cases/ lawsuits which are part of the public record for journalistic news purposes. Readers are cautioned that Patently Apple does not offer an opinion on the merit of the case and strictly presents the allegations made in said legal cases / lawsuits. A lawyer should be consulted for any further details or analysis. About Making Comments on this Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. In May 2013 Smartflash sued Apple alleging that Apple's iTunes Store infringed their patents. In February 2015 Smartflash won their case and Apple vowed to appeal. In July 2015 Patently Apple posted a report titled "Federal Judge Throws out Smartflash Infringement Case Damages against Apple, Sets New Trial for September." Then in June 2016 we posted a report titled "In 2015 Smartflash won a $533 Million Verdict against Apple, but Two out of Three Patents have now been invalidated." Yesterday a federal appeals court threw out a jury verdict that had originally required Apple to pay $533 million to Smartflash and more importantly, said that the judge should have ruled the patents invalid and set aside the previous verdict entirely. According to a Reuters report, "A unanimous three-judge appeals panel said Smartflash's patents were too 'abstract' and did not go far enough in describing an actual invention to warrant protection. The decision likely ends a case that had attracted wide attention when the verdict was rendered but had gone against the plaintiff ever since. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments. Those using abusive language or behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. Fire him now. In related news, today I learned that its not enough to be an orthodox Catholic who professes the Creed, observes the sacraments, attends Mass faithfully, and is obedient to the Church to the degree of having ten children. Nope. If you listen to multiple media sources that demonstrate evidence Jeff Sessions perjured himself about meeting with Russians and doubt the holy word of Breitbart when they shout fake news at this emphatically unfake story, you are a liberal. And we all know that liberals are enemies of the Faith who want to kill the babies. We have entered the period in history where I believe in Donald Trump is the measure of orthodoxy for the Trump defender and the Creed has been flushed. Because Trump defenders do not measure truth or falsehood according to prudence or the gospel, but according to whether or not it helps or hurts themselves or their culture war enemies. Happily, some Republicans are more honest than Christians Trump defenders and call for him to recuse himself from investigating Trumps ties to Russia. And he has offered to do so. However, he should actually be fired and punished for his perjury. Also, instead of persuing the standard strategy of the Party of Personal Responsibilitynamely, Holder lied so its okay that Sessions liedthe GOP need to realize that Trumps ties to Russia require a thorough investigation and if they refuse to do it, they are in all likelihood complicit in what could well be treason. The US intel community already regards Trump as a Russian mole in the White House situation room and assumes that they know more about our raid on Yemen than he does (since he was busy tweeting while it was happening). I cant believe the GOP is dumb enough to drag its feet on this, however much Good Catholic Trump defenders are willing to completely forget their alleged core value of defending the unborn or the gospel to defend this sleaze. But the most important thing is that a Catholic in good standing should not be tarred as a quasi-heretic for having her eyes open to reality. Patna: A day after the Prohibition and Excise Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan hit the headline for urging his supporters to beat the picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shoes and chappals after calling the PM a 'dacoit', opposition leaders led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) created a ruckus in the state Assembly on Wednesday demanding dismissal of the minister from the Nitish cabinet. Throughout the day, the session was disrupted by constant demand for apologies from Mastan and his removal from the ministry though that did not move Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take any action against the Prohibition Minister. Prem Kumar, the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, said that Mastan should be charged with sedition for calling the PM a dacoit, a Naxalite, and an extremist and must be arrested immediately. "Mastan is a refugee from Bangladesh who has settled in Bihar. He has no right to talk about the Indian Prime Minister the way he did in the viral video," Kumar said. Under pressure from all quarters, Mastan offered the classic non-apology apology saying if his statement hurt someone's sentiments then he was sorry for it. Unsatisfied by his so-called apology, BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said that Mastan did this to appeal to a certain section of the voters to strengthen his base. "I have been informed that Muslim voters were not in favor of Congress in UP so in order to solidify Muslim votes, Mastan pulled this stunt. It is incumbent upon the Chief Minister take action against this man who has a history of saying and doing things that put Bihar in bad light," Modi said. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Iran Uses Oscar Win to Attack Trump, US Response Muted 03/01/17 By Afshar Sigarchi and Michael Lipin, VOA Tehran has cheered Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi's second Oscar for best foreign film as an opportunity for more verbal attacks on the Trump administration, which responded with a muted defense of U.S. policy and deletion of a tweet about the movie. Asghar Farhadi's second Oscar win artwork by Jalal Hajizadeh, Ghanoon daily A day after Farhadi's The Salesman received the honor at Sunday's Academy Awards in Los Angeles, three senior Iranian officials sent him congratulatory messages that also contained criticisms of President Donald Trump, whom Tehran blames for increased tensions between the two nations since he took office last month. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that he was proud of The Salesman's cast and crew for taking a stance against what he described as the Trump administration's "Muslim ban." He was making a reference to a January 27 executive order signed by Trump to temporarily deny U.S. entry to citizens of Iran and six other Muslim-majority nations seen as insufficiently acting to prevent terrorists from travel. Proud of cast & crew of "The Salesman" for Oscar & stance against #MuslimBan. Iranians have represented culture & civilization for millennia Javad Zarif (@JZarif) February 27, 2017 Farhadi declined to fly to the U.S. and attend the award ceremony in protest at the travel ban, which a federal court suspended on February 3 in response to legal challenges from U.S. critics who call it unconstitutional. Accepting the Oscar on his behalf were two prominent Iranian Americans whom he asked to represent him. One of them, astronaut Anousheh Ansari, read a statement from Farhadi, who called Trump's immigration order "inhumane" and said "dividing the world into 'us' and 'our enemies' categories creates fear - a deceitful justification for aggression and war." In similar remarks reported by Iranian state media, Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri praised Farhadi for "defending his country against the inhuman measure taken by ... Trump," while Iranian Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri said The Salesman's Oscar win "shows that the U.S. president's behavior is against peace and friendship." The U.S. State Department offered no reaction to the Iranian officials' remarks in response to a question from VOA Persian. It said Washington has no comment on Farhadi's statement, but added: "We support free speech and artistic expression." The State Department's Farsi-language Twitter account had tweeted its congratulations to Farhadi within hours of him receiving the Oscar, but later deleted the message. One Iranian artist expressed his thoughts about Farhadi's Oscar victory by echoing his government's characterization of it as a rebuke to Trump. Cartoonist Bozorgmehr Hosseinpour posted a cartoon on his Instagram account showing Farhadi sitting at a chess board and holding an Oscar statuette, about to knock out an unseen opponent's final chess piece in the likeness of Trump. Hosseinpour captioned it, "Checkmate!" cartoon by Bozorgmehr Hosseinpur But, Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif drew some criticism on social media for using his country's award to make a political point against the Trump administration. One Twitter user posted this response to Javad Zarif's tweet expressing pride in the filmmakers: Iran has jailed several filmmakers in recent years on charges of acting against the government. Some Twitter users also criticized The Salesman director Farhadi for not using the platform of the Oscars to highlight the Iranian government's perceived rights abuses against political prisoners and religious minorities. But other users tweeted messages in his defense, saying he should be celebrated for winning Iran's only two Oscars. He won his and his nation's first Oscar for best foreign film in 2012 for A Separation. Shahab Hosseini (L) and Taraneh Alidusti in The Salesman (Forushandeh in Persian) (watch the trailer) VOA Persian Service journalists Sara Dehghan, Tomaj Javidtash and White House correspondent Steve Herman contributed to this report. About the author: Michael covers international news for VOA on the web, radio and TV, specializing in the Middle East and East Asia Pacific. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Lipin Iran's Major Naval Exercise, Missile Tests a 'Standard Practice' 03/02/17 By Michael Lipin and Sayran Sharafi, VOA file photo: Iranian navy drill in Persian Gulf in January 2016 WASHINGTON - Iran has wrapped up a large-scale naval exercise involving missile tests at a time of heightened tension with the United States. The U.S. downplayed the Iranian maneuvers as a "standard practice." Iranian state media said the navy drill that ended Tuesday spanned 2 million square kilometers of the Arabian Sea, extending to the entrances of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea. The drill involved successful tests of two upgraded missiles Monday, one of them a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) named Nasir, and the other a guided anti-ship missile (AShM) called Dehlaviyeh. State media said an Iranian submarine also successfully test fired an advanced torpedo dubbed Valfajr on Tuesday. Iranian media published video clips of the Dehlaviyeh missile and Valfajr torpedo hitting naval targets, but did not release images of the Nasir cruise missile test. Iran's Valfajr torpedos Reports quoted Iranian Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari as saying the naval exercise was aimed at upgrading Iran's defense capabilities and sending a message of "peace and friendship" to its neighbors. Those neighbors include Sunni-led Arab states that host U.S. military bases and have expressed concern about predominantly Shi'ite Iran's efforts to expand its regional influence. Latest tests of little concern Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have risen since President Donald Trump took office in January and vowed a tougher response to Iranian actions seen as threatening U.S. interests and those of its allies. But the U.S. Defense Department sent VOA Persian a statement expressing no explicit concern about Tehran's latest show of force. "Iranian naval forces, just like U.S. naval forces, conduct exercises as standard practice to train and maintain proficiency," said Pentagon spokesman Christopher Sherwood. "It is prudent and standard practice for the U.S. military to be aware of other military operations near our forces both in this region and in any part of the world." But Sherwood added a cautionary note about the U.S. military's next moves in the Persian Gulf, without specifically mentioning Iran. "U.S. military operations in the region continue to focus on the commitment to foster security and stability by maintaining a naval and air presence that deters destabilizing activities and upholds lawful maritime order," he said. Sharp response to missile test The Trump administration had a sharper response to Iran's January 29 ballistic missile test, accusing it of undermining regional security and putting American lives at risk. Within a week, the administration imposed financial sanctions on 25 individuals and companies linked to the Iranian ballistic missile program and the elite Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has maintained that its missile development program is consistent with U.N. Security Council resolution 2231 that endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The resolution calls upon Iran not to "undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology." The Iranian government has denied Western accusations that its nuclear program is designed to produce weapons. A defiant gesture Foreign policy analyst Michael O'Hanlon of the Washington-based Brookings Institution told VOA Persian's LateNews show that Iran's latest missile tests may be intended as a defiant gesture to Trump by a government that believes it has international law on its side. "One interpretation of the tests is that the Iranians are trying to force Trump into a position where he has to acknowledge that missile launches are not covered by the nuclear deal, and therefore that the world is going to have to get used to Iran doing this in the Trump era," O'Hanlon said. Iranian state media said the Dehlaviyeh test was the first time homemade, laser-guided "smart" missiles had destroyed its target at sea. Smart missiles use sensors to track, lock on and intercept targets. International Institute for Strategic Studies defense analyst Joseph Dempsey told VOA Persian the Dehlaviyeh missile is widely believed to be an Iranian copy of a Russian anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) called the Kornet. He expressed skepticism of Iran's categorization of Dehlaviyeh as an anti-ship missile, saying it appears to "lack the characteristics and effectiveness associated with dedicated anti-ship missile systems, not least in terms of its limited range and guidance methods." Weapon with potential O'Hanlon of Brookings said Dehlaviyeh has the potential to be a significant military asset to Iran. "My best guess is that converting a modern Russian anti-tank weapon for use in an anti-ship capacity would be rather effective," he said. "If you're firing an anti-tank missile, you're looking for big, heavy metallic objects. Ships are, of course, larger than tanks, and at sea, there are fewer objects [besides the target] in your field of view than on land." Iran's latest missile tests also may have been motivated largely by domestic considerations, O'Hanlon said. "According to this view, Iran's navy drill is part of its ongoing effort to improve its missile force, and the country has people within its military who are committed to this kind of modernization and will keep doing it no matter what Washington does," he said. "I would favor that second, simpler interpretation." Hooman Bahktiar of VOA's Persian Service contributed to this report. About the author: Michael Lipin covers international news for VOA on the web, radio and TV, specializing in the Middle East and East Asia Pacific. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Lipin Iran regaining OPEC's market share 03/02/17 By Mina Ahmadi, Mehr News Agency TEHRAN - The recent reports indicate that the Islamic Republic of Iran has already been able to escalate its oil exports to levels that existed before sanctions were imposed on the country in 2011. Iran's exports of oil stood at 2.35 million bpd before the sanctions were imposed against the country in 2011. One of the main reasons for the increase in output has been a gradual increase in production from the South Azadegan field, in the strategic West Karun region, according to sources and Oil Ministry officials. In recent months, Iran has signed a number of upstream development deals as part of its plans to increase oil and gas exports to pre-sanctions level of four mbd. January oil exports rise Iran's crude oil and condensate exports rose three percent month-on-month in January as it continued to regain market share, widening its appeal among refiners around the globe in the process. Iran was the only Middle Eastern producer to see exports rise in January, as others, like Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, saw a fall in loadings, in line with agreed OPEC-led output cuts by crude producers. Unlike its peers under the landmark OPEC-led agreement, Iran has wiggle room to boost production to 3.8 mbd. Iranian crude is similar in quality to barrels from other the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) countries in its region, meaning this is an ideal time for it to broaden its customer base, sources said. Iran, along with Libya and Nigeria, is allowed to produce "at maximum levels that make sense" as part of any output limits in a surprise deal reached last week by the OPEC. Export of petroleum products On February, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said that the export of petroleum products is an approach adopted by the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum, adding Iran is currently meeting most of its energy needs by natural gas which would allow raising export of petroleum products. Zangeneh further announced that the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum is bent on raising export of petroleum products, adding gasoil and petrol will be the only main liquids consumed in Iran's energy mix by next year. Iran can currently refine 1.7 mb/d of crude oil by its refineries. According to Zangeneh, Iran's crude oil output is at 3.9 million barrels per day, adding the country is now pumping 3.9 million barrels of oil per day. Asia crude export up New official data show top four Asian buyers of Iran's crude oil more than doubled their imports from the country in December compared with the same month a year earlier, for the third straight month. The date from governments and ship-racking services also said the buyers - China, India, South Korea and Japan- imported 1.89mn barrels per day. According to data by International Energy Agency, in absolute terms, imports slipped for a second consecutive month, from a peak of just under 2mn bpd in October, which was the highest since at least 2010. During the first full year since the sanctions were lifted, Iran has boosted exports to its biggest Asian customers by nearly 60 percent to 1.63mn bpd. Post-sanctions recapture Europe represents Iran's biggest post-sanctions recapture of the lost market, where the continent currently receives more than 700,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude oil. US-based oilfield services company Schlumberger signed last year an initial deal with an Iranian oil company for data-sharing. European energy companies like Austria's OMV and France's Total also signed memorandums of understanding of their own, Press TV wrote. Trade data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance on Monday showed Iran's crude oil imports cost Japan an average $43.87 a barrel for December, the third cheapest after Ecuador and Columbia. According to Japan's Trade Ministry, the country's imports jumped more than 40 percent from a year earlier to 246,243 bpd last month. China's imports rose 30 percent to 689,530 bpd, meaning the country regained top spot among consumers after buying less than India for three consecutive months. India's imports grew to 546,600 bpd, while South Korea's purchases rocketed to 410,387 bpd. Old customers back Last month, the International Group of P&I Clubs said it will soon provide nearly full coverage of reinsurance of around $7.8 billion per tanker for shipping Iranian oil, in addition to resuming reinsurance coverage for the National Iranian Tanker Co.'s oil tankers. That can boost Iran's already increasing oil exports as ongoing US sanctions had created hurdles on the availability of ships to carry Iranian barrels. With it now easier for a wider pool of charterers and shipowners to transport and trade Iranian oil, the past month saw some old buyers returning. In the next few days, two Iranian VLCCs - the Huge and the Snow - will discharge a mix of Iranian heavy and light crude grades in the Rotterdam refining hub for the first time in five years. National Iranian Oil Company sold a cargo of Iranian Light crude to Indonesia's state-owned Pertamina for February loading as a test sale, the first direct crude sale between NIOC and Pertamina for around 15 years, according to sources close to the matter. The Philippines' PNOC has also recently signaled it was seeking to resume crude oil imports from Iran. PNOC president and CEO Pedro Aquino said recently his company and NIOC were in negotiations for the long-term sale of four million barrels of Iranian crude oil per month to the Philippines. The sanctions restricted the country's oil exports to around 1 million bpd among other economic bans - already described by analysts as the toughest the world has ever seen. The sanctions were lifted in January 2016 after a deal that Iran reached with the P5+1 - the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany - over the Iranian nuclear energy program became effective. The JCPOA - the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - which achieved between Iran and the Sextet of world powers envisaged the removal of a series of economic sanctions against Iran in return for steps by the country to restrict certain aspects of its nuclear energy activities. FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has halted new rules that would require high-speed internet providers to take reasonable steps to protect customer data. In a 2-1 vote that went along party lines, the FCC voted Wednesday to stay temporarily one part of privacy rules passed in October that would give consumers the right to decide how their data is used and shared by broadband providers. The rules include the requirement that internet service providers should obtain opt-in consent from consumers to use and share sensitive information such as geolocation and web browsing history, and also give customers the option to opt out from the sharing of non-sensitive information such as email addresses or service tier information. The data security provisions whose operation have now been halted in view of a stay petition by providers include the requirement that broadband internet access providers engage in reasonable data security practices and provide data breach notification requirements. The rules were to come into effect on Thursday. Internet service providers, however, claim that the regulations place more burdens and costs on them than on other internet entities such as search engines and social networks. The federal government shouldnt favor one set of companies over anotherand certainly not when it comes to a marketplace as dynamic as the internet, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in a joint statement on Wednesday with Federal Trade Commission Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen. Holding that jurisdiction over broadband providers privacy and data security practices should be returned to the FTC, the two officials said that for the time being they will work together on harmonizing the FCCs privacy rules for broadband providers with the FTCs standards for other companies in the digital economy. Privacy advocates and Democratic legislators are wary that the FCC under Pai, a Republican, may whittle down the privacy rules proposed under the previous administration of President Barack Obama. Pai who was appointed as chairman by President Donald Trump has indicated his willingness to change drastically some of the rules passed by the previous administration. He recently described net neutrality rules, passed two years ago, as a mistake that caused uncertainty for the broadband industry. Senators Edward J. Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts; Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut; Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts; and Al Franken, a Democrat from Minnesota earlier this week called on Pai not to take any actions that undermine the broadband privacy rules. Pais proposal to halt the operation of the data protection provisions comes despite the mounting number of data breaches impacting consumers throughout this country, the lawmakers added. With a stroke of the proverbial pen, the Federal Communications Commissionthe same agency that should be the cop on the beat when it comes to ensuring appropriate consumer protectionsis leaving broadband customers without assurances that their providers will keep their data secure, said Mignon Clyburn, the FCCs only Democratic commissioner, in a dissenting statement. The other provisions of the privacy order are still being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The stay on the data security provision will remain in place until the FCC can rule on the petitions for reconsideration. A doctor accused of sexually assaulting multiple female patients in Temecula was convicted Tuesday, Feb. 28 of 25 felony and misdemeanor charges, while jurors acquitted him of two counts of rape and deadlocked on several other allegations. A Murrieta jury weighed evidence from the trial of 45-year-old John Francis McGuire, of Escondido, for three days before announcing verdicts. The 30 charges against him included forcible rape, sexual battery of a restrained person, attempted sexual assault of an unconscious person and committing sexual acts on patients in violation of the California Business & Professions Code. RELATED: Doctor pleads not guilty in sex-assaults case Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Jess Walsh told City News Service that a decision is pending on whether the District Attorneys Office intends to retry McGuire on one count each of rape and sexual battery on which jurors split evenly, unable to reach unanimous decisions. Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon scheduled a status conference for April 21 at the Southwest Justice Center. McGuire is being held without bail at the Southwest Detention Center. According to a trial brief filed by Walsh, sheriffs detectives began an investigation in August 2015 after a woman, identified only as D.A., alleged that she had been inappropriately touched by the defendant on several occasions following surgery at Temecula Valley Hospital. RELATED: Physician charged with additional felonies in amended complaint D.A. told detectives that the encounters occurred in April 2015, when McGuire performed post-op examinations, according to court papers. Walsh alleged that the doctor repeatedly touched the womans vagina, saying he was concerned about a rash. McGuire is an ear, nose and throat specialist. According to the prosecution, the woman checked herself and determined there was no rash. After speaking with her family about what had happened, she confronted McGuire, who apologized for his behavior in a conversation that was secretly taped, assuring her that he had been tested for STDs and was not a health risk, Walsh wrote. After sheriffs investigators heard the tape and interviewed McGuire, the doctor was arrested. Walsh said other alleged victims emerged following media reports regarding the defendants arrest. One of the nine women who came forward included McGuires former housekeeper, identified only as M.Q., who alleged that she had been forcibly raped on two separate occasions while under the defendants employ. Jurors found the doctor not guilty of those charges. A patient identified as T.M. told investigators that McGuire fondled her breasts during three separate visits, which caused her concern, but not enough to stop going back to see the doctor, who had actually helped her with the medical problems that she was suffering from, Walsh stated. During a visit in April 2015, the victim was allegedly pushed face-first over an office chair and raped until she was able to break free from McGuire and run out of his office, according to the brief. Jurors hung on verdicts related to that alleged attack. The other victims alleged that McGuire consistently found reasons to grope their breasts during exams, court papers stated. One of the women said that she was assaulted while in a surgical recovery room, virtually immobilized, according to court papers. McGuire had a practice in the Graybill Medical Center at 225 E. Second Ave. in Escondido. The center is affiliated with Temecula Valley Hospital. According to the California Medical Board, McGuire has been a practicing otolaryngologist since 2005. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Medicine two years earlier. State records show the defendants license to practice medicine was suspended on Sept. 21, 2015. Its a grim routine, and on Monday it played out again. Four Jewish Community Centers in Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles and La Jolla were among nearly 40 Jewish centers nationally to receive bomb threats. The calls prompted evacuations and fear and anger, but they didnt this time result in loss of life or property. Such threats are becoming common. The Anti-Defamation League reports that since the start of this year no fewer than 122 Jewish Community Centers and other Jewish institutions in 36 states have received threats of bombing or other forms of terror. In the past month at least two Jewish cemeteries (near Philadelphia and St. Louis) were desecrated. The threats against the local Jewish Community Centers which often serve as schools and cultural hubs and exercise venues are extracting a heavy emotional toll. There is a lot of anger in the community, said Brian Greene, executive director of the Westside Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles, which on Monday was evacuated after a caller said a bomb would be detonated. Yes, they are hoaxes. But someone threatened you and your children Just knowing that is upsetting and stressful. The threats against the JCCs are part of a broader rise of hate crimes nationally, a trend that has included acts and threats against Latinos, African Americans and Muslims. Since Jan. 1 four mosques have been burned around the country of which three have been ruled as arson. Many have linked the boom in hate with the political rise of Donald Trump, who repeatedly links Muslims and undocumented Latino immigrants with terror and crime. Since his inauguration, President Trump has been criticized by some for not working forcefully enough to stop the threats. On Tuesday, during his speech to Congress, Trump addressed the issue. Recent threats targeting Jewish community centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last weeks shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all of its very ugly forms, he said, referring to the Feb. 22 shooting in Olathe, Kansas, that left one Indian man dead and two other men injured. During the Kansas incident, the shooter suspected to be a white man shouted Get out of my country. Its unclear what effect, if any, Trumps words will have. We in the Jewish community are not strangers to anti-Semitic incidents or violence, but the density and direction of this wave of threats seems unparalleled, said Peter Levi, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, Orange County and Long Beach. Were dealing with it, Levi added. It hasnt deterred us in any way from living our lives. Lisa Armony, a director with the Jewish Federation and Family Services of Orange County, said many in the Jewish community are expressing outrage. They feel like the heart and soul of their institutions are being threatened. But Armony and others noted that the rise in hate also is creating unexpected and welcome alliances. On Saturday night, Temple Beth El in Riverside will host a multi-cultural event titled Riverside Standing Together. The night will include prayers and affirmations from Christian, Muslim and Jewish faith leaders, to show solidarity for one another, said Rabbi Suzanne Singer. Its not just about Jews, she said. Muslims, immigrants, members of the LGBT community; those who are undocumented, are all targets, she added. And in St. Louis and Philadelphia where Jewish headstones were toppled Muslims and Jews worked together to repair the damage. It is heartening to see Muslims raising money to fix toppled Jewish headstones and Jewish people donating to mosques, Singer said. Singer said her synagogue hasnt taken any additional steps to enhance security other than to encourage members to remain vigilant. But she has requested extra security for Saturdays event. It makes us all more visible, Singer said. So, I am a little concerned. Security is critical in an age when extremism is a fact of life in most parts of the world, said Alon Stivi, a security consultant for a number of local Jewish institutions including synagogues. Thats been particularly true locally in the wake of the threats against Jewish community centers and other acts. Stivi said hes been active regionally, fielding calls and offering consulting to people concerned, justifiably, that the next threat might not be a hoax. We can either pretend that the next bombing is not going to happen, or we can train people to identify suspicious people and objects. But Stivi added the commitment to security needs to be sustained after the fear from a hoax has subsided. When we have threats like this one, people are worried for a couple of weeks. But life goes on and they forget about it pretty quickly, he said. This is not something we can afford to forget about. One of the targets Monday, the Merage Jewish Community Center in Irvine, has stepped up its security training for all staff over the past three months, as hate threats have been on the rise, said Dan Bernstein, the centers chief executive. The plans weve put into place worked, he said. Since Mondays threat, which sparked an evacuation, Bernstein said the center has added an extra security guard. He also said support from the community has been overwhelming. Weve received flowers, emails, phone calls of support not just from Jewish people, but from all corners of the community. Some of that support came from the Islamic Center of Orange County in Anaheim. The mosque sent letters this week to all Jewish institutions in Orange County. Weve felt, and continue to feel, the pain with Islamaphobia on the rise, said mosque spokeswoman Nicole Alhakawati. So we sent (all Jewish groups in O.C.) a letter saying we know what youre going through and were with you in this struggle. Alhakawati wants her mosques members to learn more about Judaism. So, she plans to take them on tours to area synagogues. I think there is a lot of hate out there, she said. But there is also a lot more love. Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@ocregister.com UPDATE (Thursday, March 2): Attorney General Jeff Sessions will recuse himself from investigation into Russian interference Inland congressional Democrats are among the lawmakers calling on U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign following reports he failed to disclose meetings with the Russian ambassador. As Americas top law enforcement officer, the honesty and integrity of the U.S. Attorney General is held to the highest standard, Takano, D-Riverside, said in a news release. By lying under oath in a Senate confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has fallen well short of that standard. His dishonesty is particularly disturbing because it involves his contact with Russia, a country that is actively working to undermine our democracy. There are many questions that must be answered about the Trump administrations relationship to the Kremlin but one thing is absolutely clear: Jeff Sessions should resign. In an emailed statement, Torres, D-Pomona, said: During his confirmation hearings, Jeff Sessions explicitly said I did not have communications with the Russians. Now we have learned that he lied under oath. For the good of the country and our institutions, Sessions must resign. An independent prosecutor should be appointed and a bipartisan commission should be created to investigate ties between the Russian government and the Trump campaign. The American people deserve the truth, and its clear we arent going to get it from anyone who worked on the Presidents campaign. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands, also wants Sessions to step down. This is the second time a Trump administration official has lied about communication with Russia. Attorney General Jeff Sessions not only had communication with Russia during Donald Trumps campaign, but he lied about it under oath, Aguilar said in an emailed statement. Attorney General Sessions broke the law. He must resign immediately and be held accountable for his actions. Additionally, a special prosecutor must be appointed so a full and independent investigation into the presidents ties to Russia can be conducted as soon as possible. U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., took to Twitter to call for Sessions resignation, saying it is clear he lied under oath. Our top prosecutor should be able to honestly and unbiasedly fulfill his duties as Attorney General, she tweeted. Sessions can no longer do that. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, who represents most of Temecula, doesnt believe Sessions should resign, said Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper. (Sessions) was a member of the (Senate) Armed Services Committee at the time he met with the Russian official, and thats not out of the ordinary, Kasper said. And if he feels recusing himself will ease peoples minds, then fine. But this is political, and theres an interest from holdovers within the government to burn Trump. Rep. Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, supports Sessions recusing himself from an ongoing investigation into links between Trump surrogates and the Russian government. The Attorney General is a position that demands the trust and confidence of the American people, Cook said in an emailed statement. Its incumbent upon the Attorney General to recuse himself. He must be transparent and demonstrate that there are no conflicting actions with Russia or any other country for that matter. Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-La Quinta, also called for Sessions to recuse himself, although Ruiz stopped short of demanding Sessions resign. I have grave concerns about reports that Attorney General Sessions had contact with Russian officials while acting as an advisor to President Trumps campaign and that he may have lied about it under oath, Ruiz said in an emailed statement. Theres no doubt we need an independent investigation, as I have previously called for, to understand what contact was made with Russia and to what extent Russia influenced our election. I have serious concerns about the Attorney General leading this investigation while there are questions about his own communications with Russia and how they may have impacted our national security and foreign policy. This isnt about party or politics, but the future of our American democracy. In a statement released after Sessions recusal, Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, said: I respect the decision by Attorney General Sessions to recuse himself on matters involving last years campaign; AG Sessions is a patriot and I do not believe that there was ever any intention on his part to mislead or to hide his encounters with the Russian Ambassador. I also support the bipartisan House Intelligence Committee investigation into Russian activities to influence the U.S. election. Republicans and Democrats on the Committee have a formal agreement to fully investigate if Russian meddling in the election involved anyone associated with a political campaign or any other American. As the Appropriations Committee liaison to that Committee, I can assure you that we will go wherever that investigation leads. Riverside police arrested a man early Wednesday morning, March 1, after he allegedly stabbed another individual during a dispute the night before, officials said in a release. Authorities identified the suspect as Israel Estrada, 23, of Riverside, who was booked into Robert Presley Detention Center on counts of assault with a deadly weapon, making terroristic threats and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was being held there as of Wednesday night in lieu of posting $25,000 bail. The investigation stemmed from a report of a male adult being treated for possible stab wounds at Parkview Hospital in Riverside, Officer Ryan Railsback said in a release. The victim was listed in stable condition but was uncooperative, the release states. A tip in the investigation led detectives to serve a search warrant for a home in the 10000 block of Overton Drive in the Arlanza neighborhood, where they located the suspect. Railsback said a dispute apparently led Estrada to threaten to shoot the victim with a gun, which led to a fight in which the victim received laceration wounds from an unidentified object. The officers recovered a handgun, holster and ammunition at the residence, Railsback said. Anyone with information regarding this incident should call 951-826-5375, the release states. A convicted felon accused of stealing an SUV in Hemet while on probation for several prior vehicle thefts pleaded not guilty Wednesday, March 1, to felony and misdemeanor charges. Abel Anthony Chacon, 20, was arrested Tuesday immediately after he was released from Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, where he was sent in October 2015 after admitting charges of eluding a peace officer and being a felon in possession of narcotics. Chacon is currently charged with using a known stolen vehicle, possessing a burglary kit and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Mark Johnson, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for March 10 at the Banning Justice Center and ordered that the defendant be held in lieu of $50,000 bail at the Indio Jail. Chacon is accused of committing the offenses in mid-September 2015 after he had already been convicted of two separate auto thefts that occurred in January of that year, according to court records. The September 2015 charges stemmed from the theft of a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. However, the District Attorneys Office did not have time to have the case adjudicated because, two weeks later, Chacon is accused of committing another vehicle theft and trying to flee from police. PREVIOUSLY: Hemet police pursuit ends in GTA arrest Prosecutors moved quickly to file charges and resolve that case, inadvertently bypassing the current one, and the defendant was sentenced to nearly three years in prison under a plea agreement. The current case was placed on hold pending the defendants release from prison, which happened this week, after he served half his term, records show. Chacons other convictions stemmed from auto thefts on Jan. 5 and Jan. 22, 2015. In both instances, the defendant fled from Hemet police officers. In the Jan. 5 pursuit, he leaped from a moving Dodge Durango and caused property damage. Under a February 2015 plea deal with the District Attorneys Office, Chacon was given probation and a jail term, which he was not required to complete. Clues ranging from the trail of smoke from a small plane as it plunged to earth to the two failed attempts to start its engine before takeoff will be examined as investigators piece together what happened to the twin-engine Cessna 310 that crashed in a Riverside neighborhood this week, experts said Wednesday, March 1. They said its likely a combination of factors among the possibilities: mechanical failure, weather and the human factor will be shown to have contributed to the accident that took three lives and left two other people in critical condition. RELATED: How to help Riverside residents whose homes were destroyed by plane crash All aircraft accidents are the result of more than one thing. All of them, said Tom Anthony, director of aviation and safety security at USC. There are a cascade of things that come together to cause an accident. In more than 60 percent of accidents, one of the causes is attributed to human error, Anthony said. http://cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js National Transportation Safety Board investigators have said it could be 15 to 18 months before their investigation reaches a conclusion. As for the plane involved, according to Federal Aviation Administration records, it was registered to San Jose resident Nouri Hijazi. The twin-engine model had been built in 1974. However, experts do not consider the fact that it is more than 40 years old to be alarming. Many of the airplanes flying around in the sky are not new, said Holly Inaba, a pilot, flight instructor and contract course coordinator in USCs aviation program. And the fact that it is older is not an extraordinary factor. Inaba said the Cessna 310 has a reputation for being a relatively safe model. Its a typical twin-engine airplane, said Bill Waldock, professor of behavioral and safety science at Embry-Riddle Aeronatical University in Prescott, Ariz. And he said the Cessna 310s accident record is roughly average among popular twin-engine planes people fly in the U.S. The planes were built between 1954 and 1981. During that time, Waldock said about 6,300 individual airplanes were produced. That compares to about 6,700 Beechcraft Barons and 5,000 Piper Seneca PA34s. Citing NTSBs data base, Waldock said that from 1982 to today there have been 600 accidents involving Cessna 310s, 184 of them fatal. That compares to 779 Baron accidents, 291 of them fatal, and 427 Seneca accidents, 121 of which were fatal, during the same period, he said. Thats a favorite plane of small businesses and families and so on, said Glenn Winn, a USC instructor. Its a relatively safe airplane. Inaba characterized the aircraft as a pretty nice, normal, fairly docile aircraft. For a small airplane, with its two engines it has a lot of get up and go. It can cruise at 200 mph. Its nice to have an extra engine, Waldock said. But its also a little more complicated to fly particularly if you lose an engine. Barry Gregory, a 72-year-old Perris resident, who said hes been flying since he was 21, said that is potentially disastrous. Losing an engine in a twin is the worst-case scenario, he said. In a Cessna 310, he said, Its going to take you right to the ground. Thats one possibility investigators are exploring, experts said. Some saw it as alarming, the reports that not once, but twice, the pilot tried and failed to start the engine at Riverside Municipal Airport. Not everyone agrees with that, though. Kurt Knepper, an Orange County aviation attorney and regional vice president for the California Pilots Association, said failed starts arent particularly unusual. Others were concerned about the eyewitness report of the Cessna rocking back and forth, front to back, as it accelerated on takeoff. Winn said the various reports suggest the possibility of engine failure. Anthony said such a failure wouldnt be crippling once the plane reached flying altitude. On takeoff, it becomes critical because you have one side puling and one side dragging, he said. It doesnt help, said Daniel Prather, chairman of aviation science at California Baptist University in Riverside, that takeoff is one of those times in flight the other being landings when aircraft are particularly vulnerable. Its a very critical time and a necessary time for all systems to be functioning normally. Prather said. Experts said it could have been something else. Knepper said what caught his attention was the trail of smoke drifting from the aircraft in one of the crash videos. That, he said, could suggest that a fuel line broke, sparking a fire and triggering the rapid descent. Or did the occupants get overcome by smoke? Knepper asked. Fire is one that everyone worries about because, if you have fire on board, there is no way to get rid of it, beyond getting the plane down. Then, of course, there was a storm that day. The flying party reportedly waited for a break in the rain, then dashed out to the plane. Winn said he believes weather played a role. Experts said investigators will look into a host of other things, too, such as how well the plane was maintained, how much it weighed on takeoff, how the weight was distributed, and other potential mechanical problems. In any event, Prather said the crash shook up his students at Cal Baptist, who train at Riverside Municipal Airport. It is a wake-up call for our students, he said. It hits home when something like this happens at your local airport. Staff writer Mark Muckenfuss contributed to this report. As Menifees elected mayor for just three months, Neil Winter has weathered one of the more volatile stretches in the young citys history. Winter is scheduled to talk about his experience, discuss the state of the city and take audience questions in a town hall meeting Friday, March 3, in the predominantly senior Sun City community of Menifee. Organized by the Sun City Civic Association, the session will start at 2 p.m. in Webb Hall, 28650 Sun City Blvd. Were trying to get as many as possible to come to this because its so important for people to understand their elected officials, said community activist Chuck Reutter, who is promoting the event. Thats the whole idea behind this communication. It would be good for the mayor to hear what (peoples) concerns are. Winter entered the mayors race last year undeniably as the underdog candidate to incumbent Scott Mann. In his first quest for an elected position in Menifee, Winter lost by more than 20 percentage points in the November 2015 race for the District 3 council seat won by incumbent Lesa Sobek. Mann was re-elected for a second two-year term as mayor in 2014, when he trounced challenger Paul Henry Wiggins at the polls. In mid-October, however, the California Fair Political Practices Commission announced Mann had agreed to pay a $60,000 fine for personal use of campaign funds. Despite pleas by various officials, Mann refused to resign and the council formally censured him. Amid the turbulence, Winter won the election by 4 1/2 percentage points. Mann quit in the days before Winter was sworn in. In late December, apparently in a disagreement with council members, City Manager Rob Johnson resigned. To keep things running while seeking a permanent manager, the council brought in retired public administrator Ron Bradley, a former Temecula city manager, to serve as the City Hall chief. Hes doing a great job of picking up the pieces, and doing some really good things, while working on getting a full-time city manager, Winter said. Its taken some of the pressure off me in overseeing some of the things I had to oversee (after Johnsons resignation). Its been a big relief to me. Among the citys most immediate priorities, Winter said, is completing the formation of a committee that will oversee the use of a 1 percent sales tax that voters passed in November to buttress the citys strained budget. Officials announced recently that the city will run a deficit of more than $3 million in the year ending July 30. The city had planned a $2.4 million deficit. Well start reaping the benefits in June, he said of the tax increase. Weve got an idea that well get close to $7 million per year. That will give us the funds we need to beef up our police and build up some of our infrastructure. An upcoming major project will be the widening of Scott Road and revamp of its interchange with Interstate 215, Winter said. Some 11 top managers of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) who were asked to proceed on leave last month, have been replaced with persons some of whom are on retirement, 3news.com has reliably been informed. There has been an ongoing shakeup exercise at COCOBOD following the dismissal of Dr. Stephen Opuni as the CEO, with that of about 300 middle level staff pending. In January, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto was said to have ordered the dismissal of 11 technocrats at the various divisions of COCOBOD. Those asked to proceed on leave effective January 30, 2017, included Deputy Chief Executive (Finance & Administration), Deputy Chief Executive (Agronomy & Quality Control), Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) and the Director of Finance. The rest are Deputy Director of Finance, Deputy Director of Audit, Director of Civil Works and the Procurement Manager. Those affected at the Cocoa Marketing Company Ltd are the Managing Director (MD), Deputy MD, Director Legal Services, Deputy Director and the Finance Director. Meanwhile, some pensioners have subsequently been re-engaged to run affairs at COCOBOD. Although 3news.coms source at COCOBOD confirmed the recall of the pensioners, she could not provide their names. Interestingly a statement issued by pressure group Greater Alliance for Accountable Government (GAFAG) corroborated the recruitment of the retirees. It is alarming to note that COCOBOD Management has now been taken over by pensioners who have taken advantage of being part of COCOBODs transition team occupying top management positions to undermine the legacy of the previous administration, the statement said. And, notable among these personalities are Dr. Adu Ampomah (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Agronomy and Quality Control) a close friend of Mr. Afriyie Akoto who has been on pension over the past four (4) years; Dr. Franklin Amoah, who has been on pension for the past two (2) years taking up the position of Ag. Executive Director of CRIG, a position he held previously and misconducted himself and subsequently transferred. Dr. William Mensah (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive (F&A), Mr. Nana Oduro (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Ops), Dr. I.Y. Opoku, (now Ag. Managing Director (QCC), and Mr. Kwame Adjei, ( now Ag. Executive Director (SPD) all due for pension should their accumulated leave be taken as done to the other Directors recently under the instruction of the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Afriyie Akoto, GAFAG enumerated. 3news.com could not independently confirm the names as attempts to reach the head of public relations, whom we were directed to speak to proved futile. Below is the statement by GAFAG GREATER ALLIANCE FOR ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT (GAFAG) A CABAL OF PENSINONERS MANAGING COCOBOD TO BLAME FOR THE IMPENDING TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENTS OF OVER 300 MIDDLE LEVEL STAFFEMPLOYED SINCE 2013 We have learnt in total disbelief in this era of massive unemployment plans by the Government of Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo Addo led by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Afriyie Akoto to sack over 300 middle level staff employed since 2013 with staff of Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) and Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) likely to be most affected. We wish to extend our voices of support to the growing loud condemnation of such plans as exposed by the media. From sources, Mr. Afriyie Akoto with support from some senior figures within Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is in a hurry to take this partisan decision ahead of the inauguration of the new Board and subsequent confirmation of now new acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joseph Aidoo. It is understood that the new Board together with the new Chief Executive Officer would be put in an uncomfortable position to overturn the decision. It is alarming to note that COCOBOD Management has now been taken over by pensioners who have taken advantage of being part of COCOBODs transition team occupying top management positions to undermine the legacy of the previous administration. And, notable among these personalities are Dr. Adu Ampomah (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Agronomy and Quality Control) a close friend of Mr. Afriyie Akoto who has been on pension over the past four (4) years; Dr. Franklin Amoah, who has been on pension for the past two (2) years taking up the position of Ag. Executive Director of CRIG, a position he held previously and misconducted himself and subsequently transferred. Dr. William Mensah (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive (F&A), Mr. Nana Oduro (now Ag. Deputy Chief Executive, Ops), Dr. I.Y. Opoku, (now Ag. Managing Director (QCC), and Mr. Kwame Adjei, ( now Ag. Executive Director (SPD) all due for pension should their accumulated leave be taken as done to the other Directors recently under the instruction of the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Afriyie Akoto. To this end, the ongoing auditing of employments made since 2013 has endedwith heads of the Human Resource Department of the Divisions expected to submit details of the audit to Management by February 27th, 2017 for a decision. To terminate lawful appointments made since 2013 of qualified staff on grounds of so called lack of requisite qualification but with proven years of work experience on the job as well as favourable yearly appraisal is nothing but political with future implications/consequences for COCOBOD. It is more so, when such staff were duly engaged and appropriately placed at their respective Divisions. It is even more disturbing when COCOBOD has the capacity with respect to Bonso Cocoa College and Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) to re-train such staff. If the new Management of COCOBOD goes ahead to terminate appointments of qualified middle level staff for any reason mainly employed under the previous government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) then an era of job insecurity is ushered in and firmly established. Therefore, no recruitment/employment during this regime is safe under a new NDC Government. They can go beyond 2017 and choose and pick if they so wish to terminate lawful appointments for their own good. With these reports, staffs are genuinely living in fear and in apprehensionwith key stakeholders following developments therein the new management of COCOBOD holds in their hands the power of job security of all at COCOBOD now and forever. SIGNED. Boniface Mensah Jnr Chairman 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 President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, in his state of the nation address last week assured Ghanaians that the 2017 budget will bring the economy back on the path of sustainable growth and development. Ghanaians therefore, are anxious to hear the finance ministers policies that will put the economy back on track on Thursday 2nd March. This years budget will be on the backdrop of many economic challenges, same which led the previous government into the IMFs Extended Credit Facility program. Even though some gains have been made, especially in the area of revenue management, the economy still ails due to high budget deficit and huge public debt, power sector challenges, falling Cedi, high cost of borrowing and challenging business environment as well as higher utility tariffs among others. Hence we expect government fiscal policies to be geared toward creating enough fiscal space to undertake essential investments to address the aforementioned challenges. A major feature of this years budget will be its focal point on debt management and taxation reforms. This is because of the tight fiscal space which urgently needs expansion, so that the government can undertake expenditures that must be well - structured to grow the economy. According to the President, the countrys debt stock stood at GH122 billion as at the end of 2016, representing 74% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is above the sustainable threshold, posing grave risk to growth and macroeconomic stability. Considering the huge public debt and interest payments coupled with the limitations on borrowing and the general negative impact on economic activity, the budget must provide a framework well-grounded to help manage the countrys debt problems effective to reduce the debt to sustainable levels thereby increasing confidence in the economy for high growth. The budget deficit for 2016 was 9% of GDP on cash basis and 10% of GDP on a commitment basis, missing the 5.3% targeted for 2016 under the IMF program. This situation will decrease the revenue to the government as it will increase interest payment obligations. There are primarily three ways of reducing the deficit; reducing expenditure, increasing revenue or do both. We therefore require government to opt for the third option to attain a rapid decrease in the deficit since delays in achieving fiscal balance will reduce growth and reflect the inability of the government to handle the economy. Also, GN Research expects major tax reforms in the budget, especially those taxes that hinder the growth of the private sector. In this regard, we expect the promise of reducing the corporate tax from 25% to 20% to be redeemed. We also expect the tax reforms to affect taxes on petroleum and other energy sector products. Aside these, we are likely to see some measures to expand the tax net. Every government in the past attempted to extend the tax net, yet they have failed largely. This is because of the challenges facing our identification systems and the failure to properly consider the extra revenues to be collected as against the cost of gathering them. Therefore, there is the need to see some innovative ways of widening the tax net to increase revenue generation. We likewise anticipate the tax reforms not to simply increase government tax incomes, but also serve to unleash the potentials of the individual sector. Aside tax reforms and debt management issues, we expect the budget to also outline policies and programs to ensure growth of other sectors of the economy, example, the health sector, the education sector and the agricultural sector. Regarding the education sector, we expect some expenditure realignment in order to make room for the promised free senior high school and the increased coverage of the capitation grant and the school feeding program. Hopefully, the debate regarding the source of funding for the free senior high school policy will be put to rest. In the health sector, the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will heavily feature in the 2017 budget. The presidents believe that turning around our economic fortunes must start with agriculture imply that the sector will receive a major boost. The planting for food and jobs campaign with an amount of 125 million Canadian dollars is expected to be elaborated on, outlining specific allocation to each sub sector. We also expect policies targeted at providing improved seeds, fertilizers, extension services, storage facilities and market for farm produce to be catalogued in the budget. In other to engage farmers in all year round farming, the budget must outline plans to irrigate farmlands. In this regard we expect the budget to provide guidelines to actualise the one village one dam promise. Finally, GN Research expects to see measures aimed at solving dumsor. The energy sector is in debt crisis just like the national economy, the sectors debts stood at $2.2 billion as at the end of 2016, a situation which is very disturbing. If indeed government aim at empowering the private sector through the one district one factory as a policy to put the economy back on track and returning to high growth, then it is important that the budget provides policies to immediately deal with the energy sector problems. We are of the view that the 2017 budget will focus on debt and expenditure management, reducing the fiscal deficit and tax reforms to increase revenue and to boost private sector performance. Signed Samuel Kofi Ampah General Manager, Groupe Nduom Research Source: GN Research 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 Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, went a bit religious during his intro as he presented the much anticipated 2017 Budget Statement and Government Economic Policy on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Parliament on Thursday. In his characteristic white African printwear, the Finance Minister was heavily heckled for paying tribute to founding members of the country including JB Danquah, resulting in a clearly outraged Speaker, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye, threatening to suspend sitting if MPs will not cease the heckling and take notes to enhance debate later on. Ken Ofori-Atta noted that the economy is distressed because of excessive borrowing, weak commitment to control, excessively priced procurements, inflated costs, among others. According to him, the country's debt stock has reached a level of approximately 73 per cent of GDP as at the end of 2016, which is in excess of the debt sustainability threshold of 70%, resulting in high debt service costs with interest payments alone taking up nearly 42 per cent of tax revenue. This together with compensation of employees, is more than the total domestic revenue, leaving no fiscal space for growth-enhancing policy programmes and expenditures, he added. Bandying figures to buttress his point of how challenged the economy is, he revealed that total expenditures at the end of December 2016 stood at 30.3 per cent of GDP against the target of 26.4 per cent of GDP with an outstanding stock of arrears of nearly GHS7 billion. This is at variance with the performance criteria on the non-accumulation of arrears of the 2016 fiscal year under the IMF-supported credit facility programme. The Finance Minister however gave the assurance that irrespective of the fact that the Private sector is struggling and the large fiscal slippages that resulted in the fiscal deficit of 8.7 per cent of GDP on a cash basis and a 10.3 per cent on commitment basis which clearly is a sharp deflation from the IMF programme fiscal target of 5.3 per cent of GDP, the current administration will reverse the dwindling fortunes of the Ghanaian economy. Through Jesus Christ we can resolve these challenges and establish a righteous and just society for all...Our goal is to build the most business-friendly and people-centred economy in Africa which will translate into job creation and prosperity for all Ghanaians...We intend to reverse this trend and restore fiscal discipline, Ken Ofori-Atta indicated. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has charged State Protocol to ensure that media personnel who cover state events are not manhandled by security officers, the Chairman of the Ghana 60 Years On Planning Committee, Lord Commey, has revealed. It is recalled that a cameraman wrestled with a police officer in front of the president while the national anthem was being played at the forecourt of parliament ahead of the State of the Nation address on 21 February. Speaking at a news conference, Mr Commey urged the media to comply with regulations for the 6 March independence parade. He noted that putting the media in the bucket of a truck to cover the event, as happened in 2015, was unacceptable as Ghana celebrates 60 years. Mr Commey pledged to treat the media with respect and dignity on Independence Day. In all, 180 accreditations will be made available to the media with 2000 VVIPs expected to grace the anniversary at the Black Star Square on March 6. 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 It has been revealed that the capita debt of the country before the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government left office in 2008 was GH431 but it has skyrocketed to GH4,436 meaning every Ghanaian owes GH4,436- because of the penchant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to borrow which increased Ghanas debt stock from GH9.5 billion to GH122 billion in eight years. This disclosure was made in parliament yesterday when the curtain was brought down on the debate on the presidents State of the Nation address by Members of Parliament (MPs). The first fiscal statement of President Akufo-Addos government is set to take the centre stage in parliament when the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta presents the much-touted budget this morning. The budget is expected to address the challenges of the economy as espoused by the president in his State of the Nation address. There is high expectation regarding the restoration of students allowances and the way forward to permanently resolve the power crisis, also known as dumsor. The majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, rounding off the debate on the presidents address, accused the immediate-past National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of gross mismanagement of the economy, creating unprecedented hardships for Ghanaians. He said former President John Dramani Mahama had been claiming that Ghanas economy under him was fundamentally strong, but when the NPP government took over, it had been discovered that the economy was fundamentally weak. Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the former presidents actions were a deliberate plan to mask the reality on the ground. According to him, the net international reserve of the country is less than three weeks currently. He said the economy under former President Kufuor without oil revenue performed better than an oil economy presided over by former Presidents John Atta Mills and John Mahama. He noted that interest payment on the huge debt left by the NDC government was crippling the economy. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu pointed out that the NDC government in 2016 used GH11 billion to pay for interests on loans which was more than the budgets of the Ministries of Roads and Highways, Food and Agriculture, Fisheries and Acquaculture, Works and Housing, Trade and Industry and Transport put together for that year. He said if the NDC government had made conscious efforts to complete all the power projects initiated by the previous NPP government, Ghanaians would not have been experiencing dumsor. The majority leader indicated that for inexplicable reasons, the NDC government decided not to continue with most of the projects in the energy sector which were started by the NPP administration and rather decided to go for dubious Karpower and Ameri power plants to augment Ghanas power and promised that those two power deals would be investigated by this government. The minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said it was paradoxical for President Akufo-Addo to claim that there was no money left by the previous government and still make a litany of promises to be fulfilled by his government, including the free senior high school education. He said when in opposition the NPP was constantly accusing the NDC government of failing to manage the energy crisis well, pointing out that now under NPP, dumsor has assumed unprecedented proportion and that if care was not taken, dumsor under NPP would be presor, presor. He, however, welcomed the proposal by President Akufo-Addo to appoint a special prosecutor to deal with corruption. The MP for Bolgatanga East, Dr Dominic Ayine said the Special Prosecutor Office is being created to witch-hunt members of the immediate-past NDC government. Mr Speaker, in our situation where I am very certain, and we on this side can predict with almost mathematical certainty that the Office of the Special Prosecutor will be aiming at prosecuting former ministers and appointees of the former government, Dr Ayine said. 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 Government will soon launch the "Planting for Food and Jobs" campaign to mimick 'Operation feed yourself', Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has announced in the new governments maiden budget. Delivering the 2017 Budget Statement in Parliament Thursday, Ken Ofori-Atta disclosed tht some 755,00 jobs are expected to be created whiles 80,000 tonnes of subsided fertilizers will be distributed in 2017. "Mr Speaker, the government recognizes agriculture as the main anchor of the countrys economy. Unfortunately we have witnessed a steady decline in the sector and production levels have fallen consistently over the years. In the medium term, we intend to modernize the sector to improve productivity and achieve food security and profitability for our farmers. Mr Speaker, in 2017 government will launch the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign. The campaign is designed to encourage all citizens (both urban and rural) to take up farming as a full or part-time activity. It is intended to structure it along the lines of the erstwhile Operation Feed Yourself (OFY) programme in the 1970s. The campaign will involve the production of maize, rice, soybean, sorghum and vegetables. Other crops will be adopted in subsequent years. The campaign will be anchored on five pillars namely: Provision of improved seeds; supply of fertilizers; provision of dedicated extension services; marketing and E-Agriculture and Monitoring. "This initiative is expected to increase the production of maize by 30 percent from current production levels, rice by 49 percent, soybean by 25 percent and sorghum by 28 percent. This will create 750,000 jobs in both direct and indirect employment. "The Ministry will import improved seeds to augment any shortfall for the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign. "Mr. Speaker, in 2017, the Ministry will continue the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme to help increase the productivity of farmers. To this effect, we intend to distribute nationwide, an expected 180 thousand metric tonnes of subsidized fertilizer," Ken Ofori-Atta revealed. OFY...Kutu Acheampong In February 1972, barely a month after he came to power, Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and his National Redemption Council (NRC) launched Ghanas most popular food programme. The aim of Operation Feed Yourself (OFY) was to make Ghana self-sufficient in food supply in order to break with the colonial past and correct the image of a beggar nation. Through widespread propaganda in newspapers, radio and television, Ghanaians were urged to engage in agriculture and contribute to the countrys food production. The government supported the programme with subsidized farm inputs, access to credit facilities and duty-free importation of agricultural machinery. What differentiated OFY from previous food programmes was the initial enthusiasm it created in the country, resulting in broad participation of the Ghanaian population. Thousands of Ghanaians took part in clearing land or helping harvest crops. Urban dwellers were drawn into backyard farming, and large-scale rice production in the northern regions increased substantially. In the first three years of OFY, the production of all key food and industrial crops rose. Ghana was officially declared self-sufficient in rice production in 1974. This led some authors to characterize OFY as Ghanas Green Revolution. What remains to be seen is how the current administration intends rolling out this laudable initiative. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Afia Ansaa Ampene, the hostess of the Mmaa Nkommo talk show on Ghana Television, has been dragged before an Accra circuit court for fraud. The accused, a pensioner popularly known as Auntie Afia, is in the dock with her son, Stephen Kwabena Osei, a trader, for allegedly conspiring to defraud and defrauding by false pretences one Maud Botwe the sum of GH265,988. The prosecutor, Chief Inspector Martin Acheampong, told the court that the two on October 13, 2016 at Weija in Accra, obtained the consent of the complainant to part with Nestle products to the tune of the said amount under the pretext that if the said items were supplied, she would supply same to an unnamed NGO and bring the money. However, in the court presided over by Ruby Naa Adjeley Quayson, the two denied the offence and were admitted to bail in the sum of GH205,900 with three sureties each who are earning a salary not less than GH1,000 a month. As part of the bail conditions the investigator was tasked to check that the sureties have valid photo identity cards. Earlier in an attempt for bail, Kofi Bonney, lawyer for Afia Ansaa Ampene and Stephen Kwabena Osei said the business partners of the two had not been faithful to them. He said the two had been looking for the business partners thereby creating the impression that they had gone into hiding. Bonney stated that the defenders and the complainant would get in touch to see how the parties could resolve the case. The facts of the case are that Maud is the Managing Director of Dan Maud Company Limited, dealers in Nestle, Unilever and other products while the accused persons are mother and son. Chief Inspector Acheampong said between October 31 and November 4, 2016, the accused persons convinced Maud to part with goods totaling the said amount with the claim that they were delivering same to an unnamed NGO to bring the proceeds. Auntie Afia issued two post-dated cheques with the face values of GH40,000 and GH60,000. The GH40,000 cheque was presented and went through but when the GH60,000 cheque was presented it was dioshonoured. Auntie Afia later went to the company and convinced the accountant, collected the bounced cheque and deposited GH10,000 and promised to bring the balance of GH215,888 same day by the close of banking hours. The accused persons who were supposed to pay an amount of GH215,888 vacated their house at New Sabrepo near Michel Camp and went into hiding the prosecution said, adding that all efforts made by the complainant to trace their whereabouts proved futile. On February, 1 this year, a similar case was lodged against the mother and son by another complainant and during investigations Auntie Afia was arrested from her hideout in Tema Devtraco Estates whist Stephen was also nabbed in a hotel at Haatso in Accra. Maud had information about the accused persons and came to the police station and indentified the accused persons as the culprits. During investigations, the accused persons admitted the offence in their caution statements and refunded GH10,000 [which was handed over to Maud in open court]. 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 In the wake of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, a group of Niger Delta militants have threatened to blow up major South African investments in Nigeria such as Multichoice (DSTV), MTN, Shoprite and 16 others if the Federal Government fails to shut them down within one month. The coalition which consist of militants from Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force, made the threat in a statement released yesterday. The statement in part reads Arising from the joint meeting of the Niger Delta Watchdogs, Niger Delta Volunteers and Niger Delta Strike Force held today (Wednesday) in Port Harcourt, we condemn the recent attack on Nigerians in South Africa. We want to state that the recent attack (on Nigerians in South Africa) will mark the end of this nonsense because we will not fold our arms and allow this to continue. We, therefore, call on the Nigerian Government to immediately close down all the businesses owned by South Africans in Nigeria. Failure to close down these companies within one month, we shall mobilise in full force and commence massive attack on the above mentioned South African-owned investments in Nigeria. We shall also make sure that all MTN masts and offices are brought down to naught. We shall strike any property and persons from South Africa within our reach; we will bring down Multichoice (DSTV), Shoprite and others. We will not fold our arms and watch you (South Africans) slaughter our people like chickens for no just cause. We are fully prepared; our professional fighters are already strategising, South Africans must be crushed in Nigeria; our people must be free from these wicked agentshe said Source: Linda Ikejis blog 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 An android application that will enable final year students to easily access past questions on their mobile phones and tablets, and make all the past questions and answers for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) readily available and accessible has been launched in Accra. Launched by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Revo Education, a software engineering firm, Mr Archibald Annan, with the assistance of the Founder and Executive Director of Meagasa Mathematics Academy, Prof. Sitsofe E. Anku, the application, PassCo, is to help remove the tussle and hassle that candidates usually go through when preparing for their final examinations. Technology in education In his address, Mr Annan said the time had come to make quality education easily accessible and affordable through technology, adding that it was important to incorporate technology in Ghanas education delivery system. The benefits of technology in education are immense and Revo Education has been at the forefront of leading this change by developing apps and other web-based software that will revolutionise education through technology in Ghana and Africa, he said. In 2014, Revo Education developed Kenkan, a platform for digitising textbooks and making them available on android phones. The company has currently digitised 42 textbooks from primary four to junior high school (JHS) three. Mr Annan added that parents usually spent a lot of money in purchasing past questions for all the examinable subjects for their wards, adding; The PassCo app makes this resource available over a 24-year period at 10 per cent of the cost. He also used the opportunity to appeal to corporate institutions to help donate android devices to be taken to deprived communities to be distributed to students to have access to the app. How the app works Explaining how the app works, the General Manager of OMT Ghana, a partnering company, Mr Kevin Baffoe, said the app could be downloaded from the Google Play Store. He added that the total file size was about 20MB and did not require Internet after it had been downloaded and installed. All users must create a Revo account and thereafter sign in with their telephone number and password. Go to google play store, search for PassCo and download for use, he said. Mathematics education Prof. Anku lauded Revo Education for the initiative, noting that it would reduce the burden on final year students as they prepared for their BECE and WASSCE every year. He also called for intensification of Mathematics education at all levels of the Ghanaian education. According to him, if the government paid more attention to Mathematics education, it would equip Ghanaians to solve many of their challenges. Prof. Anku said the current educational system where a lot of attention was given to theory rather than practicals was detrimental to the development of the nation. Our leaders must give attention to Mathematics education where more attention is given to practicals than theoretical, he added. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The 2017 International Womens Day has been launched in Accra with a call on stakeholders to help give women equal rights as men towards the development of the country. International Womens Day is a day set aside globally on March 8, each year, to commemorate the socio-economic and political achievements of women. Mrs Otiko Afisah Djaba, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), who made the call in Accra on Wednesday, said empowering women would bring about extensive accelerated development. It is our birth right, we nurture children, educate them and also help to build the homes effectively and so we cannot be left out in this area, she said. She, therefore, called for action by all policy makers and stakeholders to make practical and actual the global theme for this years celebration which is Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030. Speaking on the theme: Economic Empowerment of Rural Women: A Tool for Sustainable Development in a Changing World of Work selected to mark the day in Ghana, Mrs Afisah Djaba said the day would be used to draw the worlds attention to areas requiring further action and accelerated gender parity. She said the theme was chosen to demonstrate the Ministrys and governments commitment to help rural women and girls to achieve their ambitions and challenge the negative traditional and socio-cultural practices. Gender balanced leadership calls on governments to value every woman and mans contribution equally and create inclusive flexible cultures in line with the focus of the international community, she added. Mrs Djaba said doing this called for concrete actions that raised awareness about the invaluable contributions of all women and girls, particularly rural women and girls in Ghana. She mentioned socio-economic hardship such as insecure and unhealthy working environments, snake and scorpion bites, poverty, lack of formal education, violence and abuse and lack of credit facilities and technological advancement to improve businesses as some of the plights rural women faced. Admitting that there had been considerable improvement in Ghana in the quest for gender equality and equity, Mrs Djaba, however, noted that there were still complex issues of male dominance and patriarchy that needed to be addressed to step up a collective effort toward achieving Planet 50-50 by 2030. She said in Ghana, the International Womens Day celebration had been preceded with a debate on the Topic: Women are Engine for Accelerated Development by students of Accra Academy and Accra Girls Senior High schools. She said the celebration would be climaxed with a grand durbar at Prestea Huni Valley in the Western Region with series of activities outlined by the ministry in all the other regions. 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 Kenyan Police in Eldoret on Wednesday evening stormed a house at Kapsoya estate, where they arrested 24 secondary school students having a sex party. According to Nairobi News, the students aged between 16 and 18 from different schools, were on half term break and had met in the house for the party. They were arrested after residents of the estate called the police due to the loud music emanating from the house. A police report revealed that empty bottles of alcohol, used condoms and a mattress was found in the house. While six other students escaped through the fence of the compound. The 24 students are presently detained at the Kapsoya Police Post. Source: Nairobi News 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 During Ghanas 2016 elections campaign period, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) constituted a five-member media expert group to support the organisations engagement with owners and managers of radio stations to help ensure adherence to professional standards in the coverage of the elections. The group, designated as the Eminent Media Persons Group (EMPG), is made up of Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, Chairperson of Editors Forum, Ghana (EFG); Prof. Amin Alhassan, Dean of the Faculty of Agribusiness and Communication Sciences at the University for Development Studies, Tamale; Mr. Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC); Dr. Doris Yaa Dartey, member of the NMC and Deputy Chairperson of EFG; and Prof. Kwame Karikari, Board Member and former Executive Director of the MFWA. With support from the Embassy of France in Ghana and STAR-Ghana, the EMPG held separate meetings with 30 radio station owners and managers in the Greater Accra, Northern, Volta and Ashanti regions ahead of the December 2016 elections. The meetings, which were held in the respective offices of the radio stations, discussed plans for the coverage of the elections among the radio stations and offered recommendations to the stations. The group also discussed with the managers and owners, general challenges faced by the stations and the broadcast industry in general, existence or otherwise of editorial policies, human resource capacity issues, financial challenges and prospects, and sustainability of stations. At the end of the media visits, the group held a review meeting to discuss the key issues that came up during the visits, challenges they identified, and recommendations for improving the sector. Key among the challenges and issues identified by the EMPG however are: generally low professional standards and rising spate of ethical violations; weak capacity in radio management skills among a considerable number of radio station managers; absence of documented editorial policies in many radio stations; absence of human resource policies; absence of business plans among several radio stations; absence of programme development plans; weak capacity of journalists; and poor remuneration and delays in the payment of remuneration of journalists. Other challenges identified were the high cost of operations; over-reliance on advertising revenues as only means of financial sustainability; weak media economy and consequent financial sustainability challenges especially for radio stations located in deprived areas; and limited support from professional associations and regulatory bodies. For many of the radio stations visited, while they were providing coverage on election-related issues, there were no concrete, documented plans for the coverage of the elections. On a very positive note, the team observed with satisfaction, a great deal of commitment among staff and journalists towards their work and towards ensuring that they contributed toward a peaceful election. In the light of the challenges identified during the visits, the group is calling for major reforms in the countrys broadcast media sector and makes the following 10-point recommendations: -There is an urgent need to reform and strengthen the media regulatory frameworks in the country including the National Media Commission, Ghana Journalists Association, Ghana Independent Braodcasters Association, among others. -There is an urgent need for a broadcasting law to streamline and regulate operations in the industry. The processes towards the passage of the Broadcasting Law should, therefore, be expedited. -There is a need for a Content Standards Guide for radio stations to enhance professional standards. -The National Communications Authority should adopt measures that will ensure transparency in the allocation of frequencies. -Media organisations should endeavour to have documented editorial, human resource, advertising and programme policies and plans that are also respected in practice. -Stakeholders in the media industry should thoroughly examine the rising influence of social media and the implications for professionalism and thrust for mainstream media. -There is a need for capacity development for both managerial and editorial staff of media organisations, especially radio stations. -Media sector support organisations should prioritise support for the sustainability of local radio stations in economically-deprived areas. -District level and other rural-based radio stations should endeavour to focus more on covering issues and news about their local communities and desist from seeking to copy what is done by stations in the big cities. -Professional bodies, editors and other actors should consciously and assertively promote ethically informed practice. Source: MFWA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As global technology giants ready themselves to start building smart cities on the back or 5G technology and Cloud computing, Africa has been written off the list of places ready for the new technology revolution. Vice President for Sale in Africa at Japanese technology company NEC, Chad Baker told Adom News in an exclusive interview at the the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona that "smart cities is not relevant for Africa now." He cited, in the main, infrastructural, regulatory, attitudinal hurdles that the continent has to deal with to get ready for start cities, saying that, it will take not less than five years for any African economy to be ready for smart cities. Baker said even the more matured African economies, where smart cities could be relevant, it is still very touch to initiate a revolution like that in those countries. According to him, even though smart cities is a requirement to keep Africa part of the global community that would be connected to the internet of things via Cloud services, it will take huge investments by both African governments and private sector. "Currently, Africa has unique challenges that modern technology can help to address quickly in order to position it for smart cities and these include security and power among other," he said. Focus now With regards to power, most African countries depend on nature as their source of power generation - hydro, wind and solar in the main, and that means telecom operators and businesses that consume a lot of power are a risk when nature fails. Chad Baker said NEC support, in the area of power, therefore come in the form of high performing and efficiency back up batteries to support businesses to keep running when the national grid fails. "Power is everything - without reliable power technology is of now relevance to societies," he said. He said Japan offers a lot of grants that enables its NEC experts to take up jobs in African countries in the area of security and cyber security. "We provide solutions in the area of intimate cameras, cyber security and facial recognition - so for countries like Mali, Nigeria, Kenya and others where terrorist groups exist our facial NEC's facial recognition system helps to easily detect and arrest them easily," he said. NEC facial recognition systems, he said, give feedback with nano seconds and therefore make the detection of wanted characters really fast before they could get away. Currently NEC security solutions are in Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, with footprints in seven other countries, including Ghana. "There is a big drive in the West African market - we have spoke to Ghana about bringing in some of our border security solutions and we are working on expanding our presence in Ghana," he said. Chad Baker said NEC also builds data centers for telecom operators across Africa and other parts of the world. NEC is builds data centers with varied technologies such as microwave and LTE (small cell) and also provide security solutions for data centers in Africa. "Beyond the macro technologies, we also provide micro technology solutions, which is particularly important for densely populated African countries like Nigeria and South Africa, where the macro solutions don't guarantee good service quality," he said. He also explained that NEC solutions help telecom operators in Africa to detect what is wrong with their existing data centers and helps them to fix the challenges to optimize performance, instead of spending more money to build more infrastructure. Chad Baker said NEC also has a solution for waste management, where waste bins are connected to the internet and only give signals when they are full, so the collect trucks are only go to bins that are full instead of just driving around and burning fuel just checking. "This is good for African but there is an attitudinal challenge about the adoption of waste bins that need to be fixed quickly so that some of these modern technologies could come on stream on the continent," he said. Source: Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona, Adom FM 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 Director of Elections of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu Ampofo says former President John Dramani Mahama would have ended the 'dumsor' crises confronting the economy if Ghanaians hadn't voted his government out of power. According to him, the previous government made several interventions to improve the energy sector before exiting office. Mr. Ofosu Ampofo noted that 'dumsor' was expected to come to an end by the second term of the Mahama government. He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' that "In our energy sector policy, it was expected that by the end of (if we had won power) the four-year period, Ghana would have been completely self-sufficient in energy that we could have even become a net exporter of energy to other neighbouring countries. I can say that to all intents and purposes, before the government (Mahama government) left, as for generation capacity; we could generate enough to meet the demands of the country . . . As at the time that we were leaving office, we were not experiencing dumsor . . . Under NDC, we did a lot, invested a lot in generation. He therefore called on the current administration to find a lasting solution to the energy problems since that was a major objective for their victory in last year's elections. Also touching on the energy situation in the country, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper expressed displeasure with the criticisms against the ruling government regarding the sector. He stated that the members of the opposition NDC seems not to have simmered down after their defeat. To him, their tone of analysis of the situation smacks of pain and so they speak with aggression particularly with the energy situation. Mr. Baako wondered how the opposition party would expect the current administration to resolve the challenges within just two months after elected into office. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Board of Directors of Ghana Oil Company (Goil,) has rendered an apology to President Nana Akufo-Addo after they falsely accused him of breaching procedures in appointing a new head for the company. An online portal had earlier reported that President Nana Akufo-Addo had appointed Mr. Osei Prempeh as new GOIL CEO and also made fresh appointments to the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Health Service. Without cross-checking the authenticity of the report, the Board Chairman for Goil, Prof. William Asumaning, issued a statement saying due procedures in the purported appointment of the GOIL CEO were not followed. Ag. Director of Communications at the Presidency, Mr. Eugene Arhin, responded to the news by indicating that the president has not appointed a new CEO for GOIL. The Presidency had expected Prof. William Asumaning to have gathered concrete evidence before throwing out a direct challenge to the president. One would have hoped, in the interest of best practices, that the issuance of such a statement by Prof. William Asumaning would have been hinged on concrete evidence, in the form of appointment letters, and not mere speculation and conjecture by an online publication. The statement by the Board Chair was unfortunate and completely needless, to say the least, a portion of the statement read. In a letter addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo,a remorseful Prof. William Asumaning noted that the Board of Directors of Goil, regret the erroneous act they have committed. To this end, we the members of the Board of Directors of Goil, do hereby, render our sincere apologies to Your Excellency for any embarrassment caused by the Boards Statement in response to the Ghana Web publication of 24th February 2017. LETTER OF APOLOGY BELOW... Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected] 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 Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mohammed has cautioned the government against substituting the MPs Common Fund with its one-constituency-one-million-dollar policy. In any case, the policy should rather be an addition to the Common Fund given to Members of Parliament to develop their respective constituencies, he argued. The MP for Asawase therefore wants the budget expected to be presented by the Finance Minister tomorrow to spell out clearly what the policy entails. According to him, any attempt to scrap the Common Fund will not be accepted by the Minority because it is a statutory fund. The Member of Parliament for Asawase was contributing to a motion on the floor debating the State of the Nation Address presented to the House on the 21st of February 2017 by President Nana Akufo-Addo. He said the Minority would not relent on its quest to keep the government on its toes to fulfill all the campaign promises. Referring to these promises he called the Gospel according to President Nana Addo and Vice President Bawumia, from verse one to thirty two, the MP mentioned: Free SHS; One dam for all Villages in the North; pay teacher training allowance, free maternal care, radically reduce water bill, radically reduce light bill, one district one factory, pay all DKM customers, reduce corporate tax 20%, create the Western North Region, Provide Job for all Graduates, abolish all taxes on food items, charge a flat rate of 3.5% from MNEs instead of 17.5% VAT, Pay One Million to all 275 Constituencies, One extension officer per 500 Paddle. Removing import duties on raw materials and machinery for production, Abolishing special import levy, Abolishing 17.5% VAT on imported medicine not produce in the country, abolishing 17.5% VAT on fishing services, Abolishing the 5% VAT on real estate sales, abolishing 17.5% VAT on domestic airline ticket, unemployed youth to get jobs, empower small scale business in the big market. To sponsor the Ghana Premier league with capital injection of one million dollars each season, to remove Airport Taxes, to remove utility bills paid by university students living on campus, to increase and give Ghanaians high quality infrastructure nationwide, loans from Western World will be abolished, Woyome will pay back our money, continuation of Mahama projects and we will use our oil wealth income to clear all Ghanas debt. The Minority MPs backed the Minority Chief Whip insisting that they will hold the leg of the President by the fire to ensure that all these promises are fulfilled. Source: Onua FM 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 Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu has coined a new phrase for dumsor, pres pres, which means on and off to taunt government for the erratic power situation being experienced across the country. Wrapping up the Minoritys debate on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos maiden State of the Nation address in parliament on Wednesday, 1 March, the Tamale South legislator said the challenges in the energy sector were far from resolved. Dums has become part of some dictionary but Mr Speaker very soon well have pres pres in Ghana, he stated. According to him, the Minority will monitor government to make sure they have no excuse to plunge the country into darkness because the NDC invested more in the sector. Mr Speaker, only a few months ago, the Ghanaian people, when there was dumsor, were told it was [as a result of] incompetence [but] today it is financial and technical difficulties. It can only be in the thinking of the New Patriotic Party. Few weeks and few months ago when there were outages, we could not explain that it was as a result of technical and financial difficulties. Today, they want to hide under that shadow and say that they are competent. We will monitor and evaluate their competence in ensuring energy security for our country, the lawmaker noted adding: Mr Speaker, let it be said that no government in the history of Ghana has invested in the energy infrastructure more than the NDC government. 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 The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is seeking the support and technical assistance of the government of the Republic of Cuba for the construction of a biolarvicide factory in Ghana, to help in the fight against malaria. In many parts of the world where malaria has been completely eradicated, even before the development of effective medication, one of the key strategies adopted was effective vector control. It is against this background that the NPP government, under the leadership of President Kufuor, sought the assistance of Cuba for the construction of the facility for the manufacture of a biolarvicide, an insecticide that kills the mosquito larvae - newly hatched mosquitoes. Apart from the production of biolarvicides against malaria, the factory was also to produce bio-fertilizer to boost agricultural productivity and create jobs. President Akufo-Addo noted that this project was, however, abandoned after the exit of the NPP government in January 2009, and has, therefore, requested for the revival of the project in partnership with the Cuban government. He made this known when the Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Pedro Luis Gonzalez Despaign, paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency to congratulate him, on behalf of Cuban President, H.E. Raul Castro, on his election to the high office of President of the Republic. Mr. Gonzalez Despaign, in his remarks to President Akufo-Addo, indicated the willingness of the Cuban government to assist Ghana in this endeavour, as well as co-operate further in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, education, culture and tourism, construction, and sports. With Ghana being the first country in Africa to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, Ambassador Despaign indicated that the two countries would continue to share a special relationship, stressing that a high level delegation from Cuba would be present at the 60th Independence Day celebration, in this regard. Touching on the co-operation between Ghana and Cuba in the field of medicine, he noted that a total of 239 Ghanaian students are currently studying in medicine in Cuba. In addition to this, hundreds of Cuban doctors are currently in the country, as part of the Cuban medical brigade. However, the Cuban Ambassador noted that Ghanas outstanding indebtedness in the afore-mentioned areas total US$4,732,700. Virtually the entire debt, he said, was incurred over the last 8 years, and urged governments prompt action in defraying this debt. Ambassador Despaign also indicated that Cuba is counting on the support of Ghana to helping in helping to lift the commercial, economic, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America on Cuba. President Akufo-Addo, on his part thanked the Cuban Ambassador for the courtesy of his visit, and assured him of the strengthening of Ghanas relations with Cuba during the tenure of his office. He assured Ambassador Despaign of his governments prompt action in the matter of Ghanas indebtedness to Cuba in the area of medical co-operation between the two countries. President Akufo-Addo reassured the Cuban Ambassador of Ghanas continued advocacy in helping to end the blockade against the Caribbean Island. 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 No, no, no, no. I cannot deal with this, no. Absolutely not. My might heart is shattering. After 8 perfect years of providing coverage and tongue-in-cheek snark at the annual Eurovision Song Contest aka the most beautiful thing in the world, SBS has announced that Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will no longer be serving as the Australian hosts of the competition. Commence open sobbing. The glittering 2016 contest in which Dami Im was brazenly robbed by a conspiring contingent of European nations seething with jealousy at our antipodean talent is, as it turns out, the last time both Zemiro and Pang will travel to Europe to cover the event for SBS, with new hosts set to be introduced for the 2017 edition this coming May. The pair have served as SBSs chief Eurovision correspondents since the 2009 show in Moscow, and have lived through some of the contests most memorable moments: Jedward in 2011, a group of Russian Nans ripping up the stage in 2012, and Moldovas Epic Sax Guy, whose powerful thrusting shall cannon through the sands of time. SBS managing director Michael Ebeid thanked the duo for their tireless and glorious work over the past 8 Eurovisions, championing the pairs unique on-screen relationship and sense of fun. We thank Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang for a wonderful eight years as the faces of such a one-of-a-kind television broadcast that is Eurovision. Julia and Sams unique relationship with the audience is something special, and SBS has been fortunate to be able to share their love for the song contest with Australians for so many years running. Julia Zemiro issued a statement on her departure from the show, recalling a childhood spent in French household marvelling at the glitz and glamour and overall European-ness of the contest. Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride. Growing up in a French household in Bondi Junction, I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart. Giving SBS audiences a sneak peek into the machinations of this wonderfully unique event over the years has been an absolute joy and a career highlight. Its hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high douze points. Meanwhile, Sam Pang echoed those sentiments, noting that the time was right to pass the torch on to a new team. Id like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home but there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team. The Australian entrant for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced by SBS this coming Tuesday. The 2017 Eurovision takes place from May 9th, in Kiev, Ukraine. THANK YOU, JULIA & SAM. May all your alcohol be free. Source: SBS. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty. The upcoming live action remake of Beauty and the Beast is set to feature Disneys first gay character, which tbh seems like about bloody time. Anyone whos seen the classic animation will remember LeFous swooning admiration for Gaston (No ones slick as Gaston / No ones quick as Gaston / No ones necks as incredibly thick as Gastons), which is just fabulously camp enough to fly with the 1991 audience. But now, director Bill Condon has said that he and the films writers and producers have developed LeFous character (played by Josh Gad) into a man slowly realising that his admiration for Gaston (Luke Evans) is something more than platonic, as a way of increasing LGBT visibility on screen. Speaking to Attitude Magazine, he said: LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston. Hes confused about what he wants. Its somebody whos just realising that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And thats what has its payoff at the end, which I dont want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie. Shortly after news broke, Gad tweeted that he was beyond proud. Beyond proud of this https://t.co/5wG1KfKqVZ Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 1, 2017 Thank you my friend. And I cant wait to see you next week in all your glory!!! https://t.co/KxRSLCacUR Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 1, 2017 And look. Beauty and the Beast might contain Disneys first exclusively gay moment, but that doesnt mean the movie house hasnt danced real close in the past. STATEMENT: BEAUTY & THE BEAST will feature Disneys first gay character. REACTION: pic.twitter.com/O0apmKbDtS Glen Weldon (@ghweldon) March 1, 2017 LeFou is Disneys first gay character You sure about that? pic.twitter.com/XYaj1N2Yma My Name Is James ?? (@_JamesGtfo) March 1, 2017 LeFou can chill. We all know who Disneys first gay character really is pic.twitter.com/xDjEjbvOfG jeremy cabo ?? (@jeremycabo) March 1, 2017 Theres also some backlash from the LGBT community online. LeFou might the first explicitly gay character, but hes also the dweeby sidekick to the films villain. Hey, Disney, give me canon Poe/Finn for LGBT rep, not LeFou, a comedic sidekick, in an unrequited crush w Gaston, a hyper masculine villain. margaret a. easley (@margaretamelia_) March 1, 2017 Look, LeFou has been a gay stereotype since the cartoon. So has the clock. So has Gaston. This is way more eye rolling than exciting. Jack Ralls ?????? (@moofable) March 1, 2017 concept to fix this mess: lefou is gay for gaston, but gaston is Bi for lefou, no one dies, theyre evil together Klaudia Amenabar (@kaludiasays) March 1, 2017 How gay individuals feel about the Lefou news is more important than how any straight person feels about it and we all need to remember that Sarah Snitch (@SarahSnitch) March 1, 2017 Gay LeFou isnt progress. Its the opposite. You think gay kids want to see themselves on screen FOR THE FIRST TIME as a villain sidekick? Lily ?? Anderson (@ms_lilyanderson) March 1, 2017 To the movie executives who made Lefou gay: A badly thought out stereotype is just as bad, if not worse, than no gay representation at all. Arnar Heimar (@ArnarTheWriter) March 1, 2017 Regardless Gaston is low key the best song in the entire film and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. My, what a guy, that Gaston ?? #BeOurGuest pic.twitter.com/s64za3iNAr Beauty and the Beast (@beourguest) February 27, 2017 Photo: Disney. Documentarian / journalist / eternal bae Louis Therouxs most powerful interview technique is remaining silent. Seriously, if you watch anything hes ever done, youll notice the British hero hold back while his subjects say anything anything to fill those pained silences. We reckon someone at The Independent just turned that trick against him, cause Theroux has dropped some absolutely plum details regarding his upcoming three-part documentary series for the BBC. After it was reported Theroux would be dedicating his new work to the ascension of Donald Trump to President Donald Trump, Theroux has clarified the docos will be more about Trumps America. He told the paper I immerse myself in some of the most dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society. From the descriptions of the films alone, were convinced hes bang on. First, theres Murder In Milwaukee, where Theroux visits a predominantly African-American neighbourhood reeling from police shootings, and engages with locals and activists. He also spends time with the local police department itself. A doco with the working title Sex Trafficking Houston intends to, well, investigate sex trafficking in Houston. You can expect that one to deal with the repercussions of criminalising sex work, and how the system is bound by a need to charge those who may be the most vulnerable. Opiate City sees Theroux entrench himself in an Appalachian community absolutely ravaged by opiate usage. You can probably expect him to traverse the same territory 2013s Oxyana did. Read: dont expect it to be too cheerful. Theroux said hes been granted access to individuals across the spectrum of each issue, with the idea of understanding the causes of it, both on a systemic level and also in a very personal way. You might be waiting a while for Theroux to turn his attention to Trump specifically, but his assessment of Americas hardest-hit regions may be a more nuanced investigation of his rise, anyway. The docos will hit BBC Two at some point later this year, and friends, were so, so eager to catch them. Source: The Independent. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz / Getty. Do you even have a home if there are no house plants in it? That is the question of 2017. Somewhere in the last couple of years, home greenery made a strong return but these arent your Mums 90s basket ferns. Theyre majestic beauties, pieces of art in a way and half the fun is trawling sites and stores searching through their beautiful displays for your next lil plant baby. Theres no shortage of stylish places to buy beaut fiddle leaf fig trees/cacti. But weve rounded up some of our current faves be it online or a gorgeous shop you can drift through for hours. DOMUS BOTANICA, SYDNEY A post shared by Domus Botanica (@domus_botanica) on May 22, 2016 at 11:54pm PDT Having a background in art direction and graphic design is a pretty good platform to start a lush plant business, and thats exactly what Lauren Camilleri, owner of Sydney based Domus Botanica, has in spades. After 12 years in the design biz, working on interiors mag titles, which inspired her foray into interior greenery. Their online store is a minimalist design masterpiece (of course) and their plants and plant accessories are chic, yet totally affordable. LEAF SUPPLY, SYDNEY A post shared by Leaf Supply (@leaf_supply) on Jan 22, 2017 at 1:39am PST While were talking about Lauren Camilleri, she also teamed up with her pal, plant stylist Sophia Caplan, and made a plant delivery service. Theres four ops which mean you can gift your friends/lovers/fam a lush pot plant as opposed to flowers thatll die in 2 days. Or yourself. We wont judge. THE GLASSHOUSE CO, SYDNEY A post shared by ?? The Glasshouse Co. ?? (@the_glasshouse_co) on Jan 9, 2016 at 12:59pm PST Regular terrariums, eat your heart out. The Glasshouse Co has masterfully created these floating, water-based babies thatre totally affordable but insanely lush to look at. Bonus they donate 10% of all profits to charity. COTTAGE GARDEN NURSERY, BRISBANE A post shared by The Cottage Garden Nursery (@cottagegardennursery) on Dec 8, 2016 at 5:08pm PST This Brissie based old-school nursery has an amazing array of indoor babies for you to spend your $$$ on. They also have a pretty schmick antiques and vintage store on site, if you want to just re-do your entire terrace GLASSHAUS, MELBOURNE A post shared by Glasshaus (@glasshausnursery) on Oct 14, 2016 at 6:33pm PDT This VIC based company is all about unusual plants if you have something weird and specific in mind, theyre likely to have it in stock. You can go and have a squiz at their offerings on site, and even hire their plants for events or your office/showroom. COOL CACTUS, MELBOURNE A post shared by Cool Cactus (@coolcactus.shop) on Feb 23, 2017 at 1:41pm PST Another VIC special, Cool Cactus focuses entirely on indoor plant offerings. And true to their name, theyve got a sweet, sweet collection of cacti large and small, too. NIKAU, BYRON BAY A post shared by ?? N I K A U (@nikau.store) on Feb 24, 2017 at 1:18am PST Byron Bays Nikau embodies laid-back coastal feels with its airy stores in Byron and nearby Newrybar. They specialise in both plants and clay, meaning you can get your new baby a gorge home when you pick it up. PLANT BY PACKWOOD, MELBOURNE A post shared by PLANT (@plantbypackwood) on Nov 25, 2016 at 2:37pm PST A plant company created by a folk muso and an actress? Yep, it exists welcome to Plant By Packwood, created by Bayden Packwood Hine and Charlotte Nicdao, who wanted to turn their love of indoor plants into a career. Their store doubles as a real, actual greenhouse and their specialty is terrariums. IVY MUSE, MELBOURNE A post shared by IVY MUSE (@ivymuse_melb) on Dec 23, 2016 at 12:23pm PST The real hero at Ivy Muse is their styling range of plant holders. Whether you want your plants hanging or perched on a stand, these guys have you sorted. Special mention to the amazing geo-vibe Cubby range. MOSEY, MELBOURNE A post shared by Mosey Store (@moseystore) on Feb 24, 2017 at 4:03pm PST Mosey specialise in unique indoor plants, and you can do the in-store thing at their lush as hell Melbs based shop, or order online from work and just swing by and collect your new greenery another time. STACKWOOD, PERTH A post shared by STACKWOOD (@stackwood_) on Feb 24, 2017 at 9:09pm PST Stackwood is housed in an old diesel workshop, and is part event venue, part workshop space, and also happens to sell a fantastic range of indoor plants. LITTLE LEAF CO, PERTH A post shared by Little Leaf Co (@littleleafco) on Jan 28, 2017 at 3:11am PST This Perth-based shop is like a little green wonderland theres stuff hanging from the ceiling, perched on stands scattered all over the joint theres a plant in your face everywhere, and youll want all of em. Wish you could fill your entire house with like, 400 types of plant? You totally could if you won our lil competition right here youve got the chance to win a sweet lump sum of $20k: HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $20K! ENTER HERE NOW! Image: Ivy Muse. A 15-year-old boy in western Pennsylvania was already well on his way to helping save others from the dangers of fire. But in a cruel twist of fate, the teen lost his life on Tuesday during a freak accident while he was burning bags of garbage in Clearfield County. According to WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Thane Lucas, a 15-year-old junior firefighter with the Mahaffey Volunteer Fire Department, was burning bags of garbage in a metal barrel Tuesday when a freak accident occurred, killing the boy. The fatal accident happened when an unknown item in one of the garbage bags being burned exploded in the flames, causing debris to fly out of the barrel and hit Lucas in the neck, state police at Punxsutawney told WJAC-TV. Lucas was flown to UPMC Altoona following the 5 p.m. Tuesday accident, but he died from his injuries. He had signed up to be a junior firefighter with the Mahaffey Volunteer Fire Department in March 2016. A 27-foot hot dog is coming to town. The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile parked in Pittsburgh last weekend for the Heinz Field stadium series. But don't worry if you missed it, because the giant hot dog is coming back to western Pennsylvania. Here's where you can see the Weinermobile: Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart, Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart, Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart, Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart, Oscar Mayer's first Weinermobile hit the road in 1936. A total of six Weinermobiles now tour the country. Keep up with their locations on Twitter. Check out more Pittsburgh coverage on PennLive. Check out some of PennLive's life and culture videos: Text by Julia Hatmaker | jhatmaker@pennlive.com March 17 is St. Patrick's Day -- a day when everyone (it seems) wears green and drinks Guinness. But what exactly is St. Patrick's Day? Who was St Patrick? And when did it become a day of drinking? We tackle those questions, and more, in this St. Patrick's Day 101 Guide. Don't Edit Photo by Photo by SEAN SIMMERS | ssimmers@pennlive.com Is it St. Patty's Day or St. Paddy's Day? Let's get this out of the way. It's St. Paddy's Day, not St. Patty's Day. The nickname for Patrick, in Ireland, is Paddy, not Patty. Patty is the nickname for Patricia - or the name of a slab of hamburger. If you mess this up in front of an Irishman or Irishwoman, be prepared to face his or her wrath. Don't Edit So what is St. Patrick's Day? It is the feast day for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Feast days celebrate an event or a person in the Catholic Church. They are meant to be a period of reflection on one's relationship with God as well. Every Sunday is a feast day and there are many more throughout the year. During feast days, you are supposed to go to Mass and not go to work. During Lent, feast days are days where one does not have to fast. It's kind of like a freebie day from whatever you gave up. While several feast days are mandated by the Church so that everyone must participate, St. Patrick's Day is not one of them. You can learn more about feast days here. Don't Edit Photo by Flickr user Dylan Who is St. Patrick? Historically speaking, Magonius Sucatus Patricius was a British man who was kidnapped by Irish raiders when he was 16. He ended up spending six years in captivity in Ireland - it was during that time that he became a devout Christian. He escaped eventually, believing God told him in a dream that he was to leave Ireland. So he walked to the coast, hopped on a ship and returned home. There, he dreamed that an angel told him to return to the Emerald Isle as a missionary. St. Patrick spent more than 15 years studying religion before becoming ordained and returning to Ireland. He died around 461 AD. St. Patrick merged Christianity with more traditional parts of Irish culture, including adding bonfires to Easter celebrations and creating the Celtic cross, which incorporates the sun with the cross. He also is largely responsible for helping convert the Irish to Christianity. Don't Edit Wait, what about the snakes? St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, according to legend. However, today we understand that Ireland is snake-less because of its climate and the fact that the water that surrounds it is too cold for British snakes to migrate over. The snakes are believed to be symbolic, meaning the pagan religions. For more on St. Patrick, check out his entry in "The Catholic Encyclopedia"'s Volume 11. Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo by SEAN SIMMERS | ssimmers@pennlive.com But back to St. Patrick's Day... what's the proper way to celebrate? The traditional and religious way to celebrate would be to go to mass and contemplate St. Patrick's life and the lessons he can teach us about faith and our relationship with God and others. You should also share a meal with your family. That would be in keeping with the feast day tradition. Of course, that's not really how most Americans celebrate the holiday today. Don't Edit When did it become a drinking holiday? In Ireland, the day was a religious holiday and was treated as such. Aiding to the lack of libations - the fact that many pubs were closed on that day because of its religious status. However, in 1970, St. Patrick's Day became a national holiday in Ireland - so beer and whiskey can now be bought. However, in the United States that was never a problem, as the day was more of a "Irish Pride" affair than anything else. In fact, the first official St. Patrick's Day parade was in New York City in 1762, when a bunch of Irish redcoats marched to a tavern in Manhattan. Even then booze was a fixture. People liked the parade so much they just kept the tradition up and as the number of Irish immigrants in America grew, so the day came to be a celebration of their culture and the land they came from - and not so much a religious day. Don't Edit Photo by Vicki Vellios Briner for PennLive.com Why the emphasis on drinking though? Well, that's because of Ireland's booze reputation. The country is home to Guinness as well as a slew of ciders and whiskeys - so the celebration of Irish culture could mean indulging in a libation with an Irish drink. As a feast day during Lent too, one can indulge without having to worry about breaking their Lent pledge. And, if you are drinking, be sure to give a proper toast. That would be by saying the word "Slainte," which is pronounced "SLAN-cha," and means "health." Don't Edit Why do people wear green? Fun and truly nerdy fact: originally St. Patrick was associated with a shade of blue - not green. Green rose to popularity because of the shamrock, which St. Patrick is believed to have used to explain the trinity to the Irish, and because of the island's lush green countryside. For St. Patrick's Day, people used to just put a shamrock in their lapel and that sufficed for wearing the green. However, the color became political after the Irish uprising in 1798, in which the Society of United Irishmen used the wearing of green garments as a uniform. Some people, however, wear orange. That's to show unity with the protestants in Ireland. Don't Edit Photo by Mark Palczewski for PennLive.com What about four-leaf clovers? That's a St. Patrick's Day thing, right? No, no, no. The plant to associate with St. Patrick is the shamrock, which has three leaves, not the clover. According to legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain Christianity's Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) to the Irish people. Thus, three leaves are better than four. The four-leaf clover, on the other hand, is a symbol of good luck. We all like luck, of course, but it isn't necessarily a St. Patrick's Day thing. Reporter Sean Adams has a more in-depth look at the shamrock vs. clover debate here. Don't Edit Don't Edit Can I participate in the holiday even if I don't have a drop of Irish blood in me? There's no rule saying you can't celebrate, and there is a saying that "everyone is Irish on St. Paddy's day." Don't Edit Photo by Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com You may find these stories interesting... This story has been adapted from a 2015 post on St. Patrick's Day and a post from the same year on St. Patrick. U.S. representatives Lou Barletta, R-11, and Scott Perry, R-4, are urging Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to investigate the high number of bomb threats made against Jewish community centers in recent months. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice Tuesday announced they were looking into the incidents. "We request the Department to investigate these threats as domestic terrorism and that the Office for Community Partnerships work with the JCC's to identify targets and provide best practices for deterrence," they wrote in their letter to Kelly. "JCC's have been the target of threats for the past several months, and, this past Monday, another wave of cowardly acts was perpetrated. With 69 threats this year alone, we have to assume these threats are organized and driven by an anti-Semitic ideology. While no bombs have been found, the perpetrators have successfully instilled fear through terrorist acts and must be brought to justice." Barletta and Perry are both members of the House Homeland Security Committee. "The recent threats of violence against Jewish Community Centers are unfathomable and must be confronted. That is why we'll be working with both the federal government and our local organizations to ensure the security of our residents and communities," Perry said in a news release. On Tuesday, Jewish community centers and schools in 12 states, including locations in Harrisburg and York, received anonymous bomb threats by phone. In addition an historic Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia was vandalized last weekend. "I want to thank the members of our local law enforcement community who made sure that the Harrisburg JCC was secure after Monday's bomb threat," Barletta said in the release. "These anti-Semitic threats are inexcusable. I will continue to work with the department to make sure that all members of our community have the resources necessary to practice their religion peacefully and without fear of a terrorist attack." JCC Letter Sec Kelly by Hope Stephan on Scribd A former Chambersburg doctor was convicted of drugging two women and a teen in a sexual assault case in Franklin County court Wednesday. Sohael Raschid was convicted of 14 of 20 charges following a trial that started Feb. 21, according to a Public Opinion report. He was convicted of raping two of the victims he drugged. He was acquitted of sexually assaulting a third victim, and charges involving a fourth accuser were dismissed, according to the report. Sohael Raschid. Raschid, 60, was convicted of rape by causing substantial impairment, unauthorized administration of intoxicants and controlled substances and other related charges. His sentencing is scheduled for June 2, after a state sexual offender assessment is completed. Raschid's $2 million bail was revoked following the verdict. Jewish cemetery Matt Handel, chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, took this photo on Wednesday while helping to clean up the damage caused by vandals at the Mount Carmel Jewish Cemetery in Philadelphia. More than 100 tombstones were overturned or destroyed on Saturday. Handel said President Trump needed to follow up his message denouncing hate with action. (Submitted by Matt Handel) Gov. Tom Wolf asked the U.S. Department of Justice Thursday to investigate a series of bomb threats and vandalism against Jewish institutions in Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania was founded to be a safe refuge from religious persecution," Wolf wrote, in a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, "and we owe those affected by these acts an answer as to whether they were targeted because they were Jewish institutions and whether these are part of a broader threat to Jewish residents." Pennsylvania and at least 11 other states have seen more than 100 anti-Semitic incidents this year, according to the JCC Association of North America, including vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and bomb threats against Jewish community centers and schools. The day school two of state Attorney General Josh Shapiro's children attend was recently evacuated due to a threat. By comparison, FBI data shows 664 anti-Jewish crimes for the entirety of 2015, although the two data points may not represent a one-to-one comparison. Locally, Jewish community centers in Harrisburg and York were evacuated due to threats. More than 500 headstones at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia were destroyed. The governor's letter is included in its entirety below: Dear Attorney General Sessions: I would like to formally request that the Department of Justice investigate the profoundly reprehensible desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia and threats to Jewish community centers and a day school as a hate crime. The recent rash of terror inflicted on Jewish institutions in Pennsylvania and across the country is incredibly alarming. Pennsylvania was founded to be a safe refuge from religious persecution and we owe those affected by these acts an answer as to whether they were targeted because they were Jewish institutions and whether these are part of a broader threat to Jewish residents. The destruction of the more than 500 headstones at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia is unbelievably disturbing to those whose loved ones are buried there and all Jewish people throughout Pennsylvania. The long, international history of anti-Semitism and the pain and terror inflicted on Jewish people is well-documented, as I am sure you are aware. Further, the targeting of Jewish institutions like community centers and day schools, along with the recent desecration of cemeteries in Minnesota, Connecticut and New York, give credence in my mind that these are not a series of unconnected and random instances. Clearly, we cannot stand by as these acts continue and Jewish Americans are living in fear of being terrorized - or worse. While I understand law enforcement is diligently working to identify those responsible, a federal Hate Crime investigation would allow for more resources and ensure that the concerns of all Jewish Pennsylvanians, and those of all faiths standing in solidarity with them, are met. I would appreciate your swift and decisive action to launch a federal Hate Crimes investigation of the attack on this historic Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia and threats to Jewish Community Centers in York and Harrisburg, and a Jewish day school in Montgomery County. We must reassure people of the Jewish faith that those who seek to make them live in fear will be stopped and brought to justice. Sincerely, Tom Wolf Governor of Pennsylvania rolando carcases diaz.png Rolando J. Carcases Diaz (New Holland police) A 23-year-old man was recently arrested after he was found sleeping inside of a stolen school bus in Lancaster County. Rolando J. Carcases Diaz, no known address, is charged with receiving stolen property after his arrest Wednesday morning, from which police interrupted his slumber. An officer on routine patrol found Carcases Diaz sleeping in the school bus, which was parked in the lot of a Jehovah Witness church on the 500 block of New Holland Road in Earl Township. Carcases Diaz initially gave police false information when asked about his identity, police said. New Holland police determined determine the bus was owned by Shultz Transportation in Willow Street, and had been stolen from a parking lot at McCaskey High School in Lancaster. Shultz Transportation officials told police that the company were preparing to report the vehicle stolen when New Holland police called. Carcases Diaz admitted to taking the bus from McCaskey, police said. Surveillance footage also captured him taking the bus from McCaskey at around 1:50 a.m. Wednesday. Carcases Diaz is charged with a felony count of receiving stolen property. He was unable to post bail and is being held at Lancaster County Prison. Carcases Diaz is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. March 10. prison-hands-04dec5c18e05097d.jpg A Pennsylvania man who killed his pregnant wife in 1965 can't have his life prison sentence revisited because he was 18 when he committed the murder, a state court ruled. (PennLive file photo) Saying his appeal lacks legal merit and was filed 50 years too late, a state Superior Court panel has refused to overturn the life prison sentence for a man convicted of murdering his pregnant wife in 1965. And, the court found in an opinion by Judge Jack A. Panella, since Francis E. Vanderpool, formerly of Towanda, was 18 when he committed the slaying, he was a year too old to benefit from recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that bar mandatory life sentences without parole for juvenile killers. Vanderpool, who just marked his 70th birthday, had tried to stretch the limit of those Supreme Court rulings to fit his case. He argued, in vain, that those decisions in the cases of Miller v Alabama and Montgomery v Louisiana were also meant to forbid the imposition of mandatory life prison terms on murderers who were 18 years old or younger when they committed their crimes. The Miller and Montgomery rulings have forced the reconsideration of the cases of hundreds of juvenile killers in Pennsylvania. Panella called Vanderpool's argument "novel." Yet his court decided Vanderpool can't be among those whose cases are being revisited because the cut-off the Supreme Court set on the mandatory life sentence ban applies only to killers who were no older than 17. Vanderpool's life sentence with no possibility for parole was imposed in 1966 after he pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his wife in Bradford County. jonathan-and-grace-foster-84ad053e485dac5f.png Jonathan and Grace Foster have surrendered custody of their six children. The Berks County couple, who are members of Faith Tabernacle, a faith-healing sect, are charged in the November death of their two-year-old daughter Ella, who died of pneumonia. (Chad Blimeline/WFMZ-TV) (Chad Blimeline/WFMZ-TV) A grandfather who is also a minister is charged with failing to report the death of his granddaughter, whose parents didn't seek medical treatment for her due to their faith. Rowland George Foster, 71, of the 400 block of North Ninth Street, Lebanon, is charged with failing to report child abuse, a third degree felony, court records say. Foster, police said, "had reasonable cause to suspect that the victim died due to a failure to obtain adequate medical care." Jonathan and Grace Foster of Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, were charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the Nov. 8 pneumonia death of their daughter, Ella Grace, age 2. The Fosters, members of Mechanicsburg-based Faith Tabernacle church, attributed the toddler's death to "God's will," according to charges filed in the case. The Fosters told police their church does not believe in any medical treatment whatsoever, charging documents state. Rowland Foster is pastor of Faith Tabernacle's Harrisburg district, which includes Lebanon, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg and Schuylkill Haven, and is also Ella Foster's grandfather. Rowland Foster told police he received a call from Grace Foster the evening of Nov. 7, after arriving home from a meeting of church elders in Philadelphia. She asked him to come to their home to anoint the child, which is performed in their faith when someone is ill. Foster said he knew the child had a cold, since she hadn't been at church the previous Sunday. The day after the anointing, Foster said he again visited the child, and found her in the same condition as the night before, which he described as "resting peacefully." As he left, he said Jonathan Foster was holding the girl in his arms, and that she "appeared peaceful and that there was no detection of anything out of the ordinary." Afterward, he said he got a call from Jonathan Foster telling him the child had died. Foster said he went back to the home to be with the family. Foster told authorities he saw Ella between 11 and 11:45 a.m. on the day she died, and recalled she was "not talking much during the morning, and that she sounded sick." The Berks County coroner said the child died between 3:20 and 3:24 p.m. As a minister, Foster was a mandated reporter, and is required to report child abuse, police said, which can include failing to provide a child with adequate medical care, police said. After arriving back at the home and seeing the child's body, police said he failed to report the child had died due to medical neglect. Foster was released on his own recognizance and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 8. European Union Climate Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete gestures during an interview with the Associated Press at the Sofitel Hotel in Rabat, Morocco, Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. The European Union's environment commissioner is making a noisy pitch about joining forces with Canada to fight to preserve the Paris climate change accord in the face of "geopolitical uncertainties." THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Abdeljalil Bounhar Liberal leadership candidate Ken Dryden left follows Liberal Senator Sharon Carstairs into the final day of meetings of the liberal caucus in Vancouver, Thursday August 24, 2006. Former senator Carstairs says the Senate should cover the legal fees she incurred after she was named in a critical audit of spending in the upper chamber, then cleared of any wrongdoing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chuck Stoody KETCHIKAN (AP) Elizabeth Peratrovichs name now stands over the theater in the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, placed there by the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood and revealed in an emotional ceremony. Peratrovich, born in Petersburg in 1911 as a Tlingit of the Raven-Sockeye clan, is celebrated for her role in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, one of the first of its kind in the United States, in territorial Alaska a role that dozens of people honored during the ceremony renaming the theater at the downtown center. The act, sig... Here, there, everywhere why car washes seem to be on every corner business China' coal power plants exposed to bankruptcy , write-downs, bankruptcy - Oxford study BEIJING Petroleumworld.com 03 02 2017 An Oxford University study warns that China's utilities could write down between $449 billion and $1.047 trillion in assets over the next 20 years, exposing them to financial risks as the country enacts more intensive pollution controls. The possible writedowns came as China's top leaders plan massive capacity cuts across industrial sectors and reign in the construction of coal-fired power projects across the country. China Huaneng Group, China's largest utility, has more than 22,720 megawatts (MW) of new coal generation capacity under construction. These assets face possible devaluations as a result of China's tightening pollution controls and intense price competition for surviving and new power plants, the study said . Other companies such as China Datang Corp, China Guodian Corp and China Huadian Group are subject to similar risks as they plan to build more than 45,000 MW of new capacity, the study said. "Financial positions of the top 50 coal-fired power utilities in China is generally getting worse," the study from the Sustainable Finance Programme of Oxford University said. "Chinese utilities have a large reliance on short-term debt, which may introduce additional financial risks of bankruptcy if market conditions were to rapidly deteriorate." China's government is putting more pressure on the heavily indebted sector. The country's energy regulator has ordered 11 provinces to halt more than 100 coal-fired power projects some of which are under construction, with a combined installed capacity of more than 100 gigawatts. In another blow, Beijing is also considering radical output cuts of steel and aluminium, hurting electricity demand. Debt levels for China's five biggest power companies has increased while their margins dropped sharply between 1995 and 2015, the paper said. Reporting by Hong Kong Reuters newsroom reuters.com 03 01 2017 Copyright 1999-2017 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld (PW) stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article . Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com U.S. charges 19 in wire fraud, international money laundering scheme WASHINGTON Petroleumworld.com 03 02 2017 U.S. authorities on Wednesday charged 19 people with taking part in a complex international fraud and money laundering ring that tricked companies and consumers out of millions of dollars. The charges were part of an international sweep Wednesday, in which police in the United States, Hungary, Bulgaria and Israel arrested 17 individuals accused of money laundering and wire fraud, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Channing D. Phillips announced at a press conference. Authorities from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation say they uncovered the organized crime groups in 2011 when they discovered a makeshift call center operated out of a Washington hotel room. The operation was used to post phony car ads online advertising cars, luring customers with prices far below market value. Once the customers placed a deposit for the cars, the fraudsters would cut off contact and disappear with the money, authorities said. "Money mules" would then withdraw the cash and transport it in bulk to a network of money launderers in Europe, authorities said. After investigating that scheme, authorities say they learned members of the group, which spanned Europe, Israel and the United States, had also scammed unnamed German and Portuguese companies out of millions of dollars in phony transactions in 2014 and 2015. Using fake email addresses to impersonate the chief executive or president of a company, authorities say the defendants would instruct mid-level employees to wire hundreds of thousands of dollars for a "secret" financial transaction, such as a corporate acquisition. But the bank accounts were controlled by the criminals, who disappeared with the money, authorities said. Reuters could not immediately reach the defendants for comment. Trump could lift federal coal ban, other green rules -White House WASHINGTON Petroleumworld.com 03 02 2017 U.S. President Donald Trump will target a handful of Obama-era green regulations, including a federal coal mining ban and an initiative forcing states to cut carbon emissions, in an executive order as soon as next week, a White House official told Reuters on Wednesday. Trump and his fellow Republicans who control Congress are seeking to unravel former Democratic President Barack Obama's initiatives to combat global climate change, which they say are costly for U.S. business and have hampered drilling and mining without providing any clear benefits. "Rescinding the federal coal leasing moratorium is part of that executive order, which has lots of different components, including the Clean Power Plan," the White House official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. The official said the order was scheduled to come next week. The Clean Power Plan is Obama's centerpiece initiative to combat climate change, requiring states to slash emissions of carbon dioxide, but it was never implemented due to legal challenges launched by several Republican states. Legal experts have said Trump could begin the process of killing the regulation by having the Environmental Protection Agency ask the courts to return it to the agency for review, effectively ending its legal defense. Killing the coal mining ban would be easier. Trump could reverse the ban by asking the Department of Interior to lift it and resume its coal leasing program. Obama's administration imposed the temporary ban on new federal coal leases in January 2016 as part of a broad environmental and economic review of the program aimed at ensuring lease deals account for coal's contribution to global climate change and yield fair returns to taxpayers. But it angered some Western state lawmakers and people in the mining industry, who said it stymied development. Trump has already rolled back some Obama-era green regulations, including the Stream Protection Rule limiting coal mining waste dumping, and the Waters of the U.S. rule that expands the waterways under federal protection. Vegan eating has skyrocketed in popularity over the course of recent decades, with more than 1,400 plant-based restaurants opening all across the US. While Philadelphia is historically known for cheesesteaks, countless vegan restaurants now call the city home. This is Famous Penang Food at MakeMake Cafe in Penang Design Village Penang Design Village Outlet Mall is the one and only Premium Outlet located at the northern region of Peninsula Malaysia. They strategically located in Bandar Cassia which is near the 2nd Penang Bridge and also next to AVC (Aspen Vision City). IKEA is expected to open in AVC next year. From the Penang International Airport to Penang Design Village, it takes around 40 minutes by car. If you order Uber, it will be around RM 30++. Thus, if you have free time in Penang before you depart from Penang International Airport, Penang Design Village is the place you can visit for last minute shopping. The architecture and design is similar to some of the Premium Outlets we visited around the world. It is the outdoor concept and it is similar to Bicester Village in Oxford, La Vallee Village in Paris and Hua Hin Premium Outlet in Thailand. Since this is a premium outlet, most retail stores offer huge discounts on items so you can shop till you drop. With the high exchange rates to Ringgit, it is cheaper to shop in Malaysia right now. Now, where to eat in Penang Design Village? Penang is world famous for its local street food and what if there is a restaurant in Penang Design Village offers most of the famous Penang food under one roof? The restaurant is called MakeMake Cafe and they offer famous Penang and Malaysian food. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned, spacious and comfortable. We love how they decorated the ceiling with greens to add some colours to the interior of the restaurant. A quick glance of their menu, they offer many popular Penang and Malaysian food such as nasi lemak, curry noodle, prawn noodles, assam laksa, mee rebus, nasi bujang, kuey teow soup, loh mee, cendol, ice kacang and more. They are still new and we hope they can bring in char kuey teow one day. Since we took a video of the food tasting, you can watch the video. For curry noodle, this is the Penang version of curry noodle so it is different than the ones in Kuala Lumpur. The taste of the curry is subtle and you need to balance it with the chili. It depends on your preferences of spiciness so you can actually add the chili to your preference. Overall the taste is okay with slices of cuttlefish, long beans, taufu skin and taufu pok. For the prawn noodles, the taste of the broth is subtle but it is well balance once you mix it up with the chili paste. It comes with generous amount of large and small size prawns. The fried shallots add the flavour to the noodle and we enjoyed this very much. We ordered the Nasi Lemak with fried chicken. To our surprise, it comes with two pieces of fried chicken and papadom cracker. Most notable is the missing peanuts (maybe they ran out of stock) and the usual sliced boiled egg, cucumber and fried anchovies. The coconut rice is slightly soft but never lack of the taste. We love the crunchiness of their fried anchovies and also the taste of their chili sambal. The fried chicken comes with crispy skin and the juicy tender meat, this is so addictive. Thus, we find the price of the nasi lemak is very reasonable and you cant a nasi lemak with two fried chicken in Klang Valley for this price. They also offer plain nasi lemak or with sambal sotong, curry chicken, sambal prawn or with fried prawn fritter. If you have the craving of nasi lemak, you should order this. Their assam laksa is the dish you should try. We love the generous amount of prawn paste sauce and it adds the flavour to the dish. Their assam laksa is delightful in taste and we dont mind having a second plate of it. Their version prawn fritters come with mixed prawn and salted egg yolk. It is crispy on the outside and the surprisingly tasty filling on the inside. The Ais Kacang is a popular Malaysian dessert. Love the sweetness of this and this is very addictive. Since Malaysia is always hot, it is good to have icy cold ais kacang for dessert. For drinks, their Soo Milo Oreo is their signature drink. You probably heard of Milo Dinosaur (iced milo drink topped with Milo powder) but Soo Milo Oreo is the bomb! It is topped with deconstructed Oreo with coconut flakes and the Milo is super kaw (thick) in flavour. This is sweetness overload but it is so good! MakeMake Cafe is definitely the place to visit for your local food cravings in Penang Design Village. Overall, their food is good and their pricing is reasonable. Where to eat in Penang Design Village? MakeMake Cafe of course! For more information, visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/makemakecafe Make Make Restaurant & Cafe in Penang Design Village Address: Lot G25, 733 Jalan Cassia Barat 2, 14110 Batu Kawan, Penang Website : www.makemakecafe.com Wilson Ng A Father and traveler who enjoys to eat, shop, travel and taking pictures with Samsung S22 Ultra and Sony ZV-1. Im a full time blogger, youtuber and father for two. I used to travel around 17 International trips per year but now staying at home. Remember to follow us at www.instagram.com/placesandfoods and www.youtube.com/placesandfoods. For advertisements or features, contact me at [email protected] See author's posts First, however, it is worth recalling that this is not Dawns primary responsibility, which is to continue to measure cosmic rays in order to improve scientists ability to establish the atomic species down to about a yard (meter) underground. Sensing the space radiation requires the spacecraft to stay more than 4,500 miles (7,200 kilometers) above the dwarf planet that is its gravitational master. The gamma ray and neutron detector will be operated continuously as Dawn changes its orbit and then performs the new observations. The ongoing high-priority radiation measurements will not be affected by the new plans. The principal objective of the orbital maneuvers is to swivel Dawns orbit around Ceres. Imagine looking down on Ceres north pole, with the sun far to the left. (To help your imagination, you might refer to this figure from last month. As we will explain in May, Dawns orbital plane is slowly rotating clockwise, according to plan, and it is now even closer to vertical than depicted in January. That does not affect the following discussion.) From your perspective, looking edge-on at Dawns orbit, its elliptical path looks like a line, just as does a coin seen from the edge. In its current orbit (labeled 6 in that figure), Dawn moves from the bottom to the top over the north pole. When it is over the south pole, on the other side of the orbit, it flies from the top of the figure back to the bottom. The purpose of the current maneuvering is to make Dawn travel instead from the left to the right over the north pole (and from the right to the left over the south pole). This is equivalent to rotating the plane of the orbit around the axis that extends through Ceres poles and up to Dawns altitude. From the suns perspective, Dawn starts by revolving counterclockwise and the orbit is face-on. We want to turn it so it is edge-on to the sun. That may not sound very difficult. After all, it amounts mostly to turning right at the north pole or left at the south pole. Spaceships in science fiction do that all the time (although sometimes they turn right at the south pole). However, it turns out to be extremely difficult in reality, not to mention lacking the cool sounds. When going over the south pole, from the top of the figure to the bottom, the spacecraft has momentum in that direction. To turn, it needs to cancel that out and then develop momentum to the left. That requires a great deal of work. It is energetically expensive. Fortunately, the ever-resourceful flight team has an affordable way. As we discuss this more, we will present three diagrams of the trajectory. It may be challenging to follow Dawns three-dimensional motion on two-dimensional figures, especially if you are not accustomed to reading such depictions. Dont worry! The team has it all under control, and it works. But consider that however complicated the figures seem, designing and flying the maneuvers is somewhat more complicated. Nevertheless, if you want to try, it might help to try to reproduce Dawns movements with your finger as you read the text and study the illustrations. (And if the figures are not helpful for understanding the trajectory, they may at least serve as fun optical illusions, as they did for one member of the test audience.) The dispatchers voice had crackled through police radios across Los Angeles: Shots fired AK-47 theres an officer down. Shed been a voice of calm 20 years ago today during 44 minutes of abject terror. Once again, she was heard at 9:17 a.m. during a tribute to those who had risked their lives during the North Hollywood shootout one of the longest gun battles in police history. And with that series of broadcasts to that chaos and initial terror began an incident that ended with a true demonstration of the character of this organization that we call the Los Angeles Police Department a demonstration of valor, said Capt. Donald Graham, commander of the North Hollywood Division. He was among an estimated 200 city officials, cops and residents to gather during a one-hour ceremony yesterday at North Hollywood Police Station to recognize the outgunned police who overcame men with machine guns, the Daily News reports. Related Article: Attorney General Jeff Sessions indicated on Tuesday that the federal government would back away from monitoring troubled police departments, which was the central strategy of the Obama administration's Department of Justice. In his first speech as attorney general, Mr. Sessions did not name any specific cities, but he indicated that Justice Department scrutiny from afar was undermining the effectiveness of the police across the country, the New York Times reports. It was a clear reference to the aggressive efforts of the Obama administration to oversee law enforcement agencies charged with civil rights abuses. We need, so far as we can, in my view, help police departments get better, not diminish their effectiveness, Mr. Sessions said in remarks to the National Association of Attorneys General. And Im afraid weve done some of that. So were going to try to pull back on this, and I dont think its wrong or mean or insensitive to civil rights or human rights. Michael Christopher Mejia has been charged with the murder of Whittier, CA, Officer Keith Boyer. (Photo: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) A 26-year-old man suspected of killing a Whittier, CA, Police officer and shooting another after allegedly killing his cousin hours earlier has been charged with capital murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday. Michael Christopher Mejia faces two counts of murder and one count each of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a felon, KTLA reports. Mejia is accused of shooting and killing Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, 53. Police say Boyer and Officer Patrick Hazell responded to a vehicle accident and Mejia opened fire on them, killing Boyer and wounding Hazell. Mejia, a known gang member with a long criminal history, also faces a special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder of a police officer and murder to escape arrest. The charges make him eligible for the death penalty, officials said. Markeith Loyd, 41, faces 11 charges, including the murder of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. (Photo: Orange County SO) A judge entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Markeith Loyd Wednesday when the accused cop killer continuously interrupted him and refused to enter a plea himself. Loyd faces 11 charges in connection with the death of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Orlando police officer. Loyds accused of killing Sade Dixon in December, and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton in January. A May 1 trial date has been set, WFLA TV reports. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Calls are growing for Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign after it was reported that he lied under oath about contact with Russian officials while he was a member of the Trump campaign. After The Washington Post reported that Sessions at multiple meetings with representatives from Moscow while a member of the Trump campaign, and then lied about it under oath during his confirmation hearing to Attorney General, The Wall Street Journal followed up by reporting that Sessions is under federal investigation. MoveOn has immediately called for Attorney General Sessions to resign: This is a two-bombshell evening. First, The New York Times says the intelligence community has information that Trump associates met with Russian officials during the campaign. The Times also reports the intelligence community had reason to believe the Trump Administration might cover this up. Second, The Washington Post breaks a story that says U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath at his confirmation hearing about contact with Russian officials. The only way for citizens to be able to trust that our government can act with integrity is for Attorney General Sessions to resign his post immediately and for his successor to appoint a special prosecutor to begin a comprehensive investigation of Donald Trump, his campaign, and his administration. Anything short of that is flatly unacceptable and puts our countrys security and our free and fair elections at grave risk. A full congressional investigation and a special prosecutor now look likely. A resignation is the best case scenario for Sessions. If he committed perjury, Sessions could be facing criminal charges. The other shoe has finally dropped, as the scandal that could destroy Trump has taken a huge step towards the Oval Office. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In the final days of Barack Obamas presidency, officials in the administration worked quickly and quietly to preserve intelligence related to Russias connection to Donald Trumps campaign and its interference in the U.S. election, according to The New York Times. The report notes that members of the Obama White House were intentionally leaving a trail so it couldnt easily be covered up by the incoming administration. The report via The New York Times: At the Obama White House, Mr. Trumps statements stoked fears among some that intelligence could be covered up or destroyed or its sources exposed once power changed hands. What followed was a push to preserve the intelligence that underscored the deep anxiety with which the White House and American intelligence agencies had come to view the threat from Moscow. It also reflected the suspicion among many in the Obama White House that the Trump campaign might have colluded with Russia on election email hacks a suspicion that American officials say has not been confirmed. Former senior Obama administration officials said that none of the efforts were directed by Mr. Obama. As Inauguration Day approached, Obama White House officials grew convinced that the intelligence was damning and that they needed to ensure that as many people as possible inside government could see it, even if people without security clearances could not. Some officials began asking specific questions at intelligence briefings, knowing the answers would be archived and could be easily unearthed by investigators including the Senate Intelligence Committee, which in early January announced an inquiry into Russian efforts to influence the election. At intelligence agencies, there was a push to process as much raw intelligence as possible into analyses, and to keep the reports at a relatively low level of classification to ensure as wide a readership as possible across the government and, in some cases, among European allies. This allowed the upload of as much intelligence as possible to Intellipedia, a secret wiki used by American intelligence analysts to share information. The Obama administration also tried to spread the information outside of the executive branch of government, passing along some intelligence to members of Congress. The Times notes that one batch of State Department documents was sent to a Democratic senator just days before Trump was sworn in. The White House, of course, has spent the last month trying to tamp down reports linking Trump and Russia. Just last week, it was even reported that the administration took the unprecedented step of reaching out to the FBI and essentially begging the agency to shoot down media reports linking Trumps presidential campaign to Moscow. But a flood of reporting and leaks from inside the White House have raised serious questions about the presidents relationship with Russia, and its increasingly clear that an independent investigation will be necessary. Currently, the FBI and committees in both chambers of Congress are conducting their own probes into Russias involvement in the U.S. election and, more specifically, the countrys connection to the Trump campaign. Thanks to the Obama administrations behind-the-scenes work, valuable intelligence that will play a major role in the ongoing investigations is less likely to be destroyed or covered up by the new White House no matter how hard they may try. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Michael Keegan, president of People for the American Way (PFAW) denounced Donald Trumps joint address last night, calling it, in an email to supporters today, Hate, rebranded. Keegan warned that while Donald Trumps speech last night being heralded by some in the media for striking a softer tone and sounding more presidential than Trumps previous overtly hateful, ego romp, lie-filled speeches, that the threat from Trump and his Republican allies just became more dangerous, not less. As Keegan points out, There was no pivot. What we saw was the same hate, the same bigotry, the same extremism, and the same insidious distortions of reality but in a shiny new package now loaded onto a tele-prompter, couched in the kind of Orwellian doublespeak and slick marketing that could give Trump and Republicans a boost in popularity, despite their having the exact same agenda. Nothing has changed. But theyre learning to hide it better. It has been observed both here and elsewhere that far from offering anything new, Trump was appealing to the same false populism employed by him during his campaign, and Keegan agrees: Trump was still in full campaign mode he used grieving families as political props, and made big, vague promises with no details about how to achieve (or afford) them. And he pandered to the demographic base of working class whites that, outside of the Republican Party faithful, forms the core of his support, with anecdotes about brands (like Harley Davidson) and kind words and promises for the police and military. Trumps dishonesty was in full display last night, with fact-checkers having a field day pointing to his multitude of lies: With his administration void of actual accomplishments, he resorted to claiming some of the accomplishments of his predecessor as his own. Trump likes to say he inherited a mess, but he inherited an economy that had been picking up steam for years after the debacle created by the previous Republican administration and despite congressional Republicans best efforts at economic sabotage all throughout the Obama presidency. Astonishingly, Trump even subtly tried to highjack ownership of the most popular ideas in the Affordable Care Act. Finally, while Trump mostly stuck to the teleprompter and avoided repeating some of his most outrageous whoppers, the level of dishonesty was still shocking by any normal standards. In addition to the selective use of misleading stats and examples about immigrants, crime, and terrorism, Trump cast all regulations and standards set by the government to protect consumers, workers, and the public as government overreach that takes away Americans choices and even their rights. A dangerous and corrosive message to sell a dangerous and corrosive agenda As Keegan says, there was no pivot last night, much as some in the media obsess over seeing such a thing. Having been fooled repeatedly by Trump in the past, some of them seem to nourish a good story more than actual facts. This isnt happening. Trump isnt changing. In the immortal words of Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson, He hasnt changed his position on immigration. Hes changed the words that he is saying. Just as it was before, Donald Trumps is a message is one of hate. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is pulling no punches as he just dropped an amazing letter demanding answers on Attorney General Jeff Sessions. In his letter, Sen. Franken wrote: Reports indicate that you communicated with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak while serving as a prominent member of President Trumps campaign teamconversations you failed to disclose during your confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. During that hearing, I asked you, if there is any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of this campaign, what will you do? You answered, Senator Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. We now know that statement not to be true, and if it is determined that you lied under oath to the Committee and the American people, it is your responsibility to resign. Frankens letter, which you should read in full at the link above, posed vital questions to the Attorney General. Among the questions that Sen. Franken asked was, In the seven weeks following your confirmation hearing, why did you fail to clarify that you had indeed communicated on more than one occasion with the Russian Ambassador during the 2016 presidential campaign until the Washington Post exposed those interactions? The Senator from Minnesota also requested that Sessions provide a detailed account of meetings and communications between himself, his staff, and the Russians. Franken wants Sessions to recuse himself immediately, and he added that if it is determined that the Attorney General lied under oath, he must resign. Al Franken wants answers, and the tenacious Senator is going to keep fighting the Attorney General and the President until the White House comes clean and gives the American people the facts about the Trump campaigns interactions with Russia. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) went straight to the heart of the matter, and the Oval Office, by calling on Jeff Sessions to immediately resign so that the American people can find about what Trump knew about his campaigns contacts with Russia. In a statement provided to PoliticusUSA, Sen. Sanders said: Millions of Americans are deeply concerned about the possibility that the Trump administration colluded with President Putin and the Russian authoritarian government to win the presidential election. It is deeply disturbing that then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, under oath at a Senate confirmation hearing, falsely denied having met with the Russian ambassador. We need a Justice Department that will give us the facts about Russias involvement in the 2016 election and their ties to the Trump campaign, not one led by someone who deliberately misled Congress about his own communications with the Russian government. We also must find out what President Trump knew about meetings involving his campaign and the Russians. Attorney General Sessions should resign and a special prosecutor should be appointed to give the American people credible answers about Russias involvement in the U.S. election. Jeff Sessions isnt the heart of the scandal. Attorney General Sessions was a firewall put in place by President Trump at the Department of Justice to hide the truth from the American people. To uncover the truth, Sessions has got to go. Some members of Congress are getting hung up on whether Sessions should recuse himself or resign, but the bigger question, as Sen. Sanders pointed out is what did Trump know and when did he know it? It will be impossible for the American people to get the answers that they need while Jeff Sessions is leading the Justice Department. Ignore the Republican noise about Jeff Sessions, the real focus of attention should be The President Of The United States. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print President Trump told reporters he still has total confidence in his Attorney General amid calls for AG Jeff Sessions to resign or recuse himself, according to a White House pool report sent to PoliticusUSA. During Trumps tour of the Gerald Ford ship, CNNs Jim Acosta asked, Sir, do you still have confidence in the attorney general? Trump responded, Total. Trump responded to more questions later during Trumps tour of the ships command center. Asked if Sessions should recuse himself, Trump said, I dont think so Trump denied any knowledge of Jeff Sessions communications with the Russian ambassador, saying he wasnt aware at all that Sessions spoke to the Russian ambassador. Asked if Sessions testified truthfully to the Senate, President Trump gave the not very inspiring response, I think he probably did. This is Trump in CYA mode, because Trump needs Jeff Sessions in place to obstruct investigations into the Trump campaigns contacts with Russia but he also carefully worded his response so that it leaves him an out since its obvious that Sessions wasnt truthful in his replies to the Senate. All Trump could manage for the people is that he thinks Sessions probably told the truth. Republicans are acting as if the question here is should Sessions recuse himself or not from investigating himself, but the press doesnt ask the President if he still has confidence in the AG for no reason. Jeff Sessions is in a world of political hurt if not actual hurt (thanks to anti-American Republicans), and this means Donald Trump is in a world of hurt if he cant keep Sessions as the speed bump to protect himself. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now, Senator Elizabeth Warren tweeted Wednesday night after a report that Jeff Sessions lied under oath when he said he had no contacts with Russia as a member of the Trump campaign. And we need Attorney General Jeff Sessions who should have never been confirmed in the first place to resign. We need it now. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Warren is joined by Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Intelligence Committee Member Ron Wyden (OR) in calling for Sessions resignation, and in the House, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA). Warren called for a special prosecutor: We need a special prosecutor totally independent of the AG. We need a real, bipartisan, transparent Congressional investigation into Russia. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 She mocked Trumps claims that the Russia story is fake news: This is not normal. This is not fake news. This is a very real & serious threat to the national security of the United States. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Heres President Trump claiming the Russia scandal that already took down his National Security Adviser is fake news: Russia talk is 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! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 26, 2017 Warren called Sessions as AG investigating the Trump campaigns ties to Russia a farce: Now Jeff Sessions is AG the final say on the law enforcement investigation into ties between the Trump campaign & Russia? What a farce. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Warren pointed out that the question wasnt exactly tricky: Jeff Sessions answered No. Turns out he met with the Russian Ambassador. Two months before the election. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 It's a simple q: "Have you been in contact with anyone connected to any part of the Russian government about the 2016 election?" Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 2, 2017 Yes, the law and order President is surrounded by lawless, ethics violating people for some reason. He seems to have picked on as his top prosecutor as well. Senator Warren is not impressed. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Republicans are trying to advance the argument that Sessions was just doing his job when he met with the Russian ambassador twice during 2016, but it turns out he was the only member of the 2016 Armed Services Committee to do so. Adam Entous, who broke the story about Sessionss meeting with the ambassador as part of the Washington Posts national security team, just put the kill shot in the Republican talking point that Sessions was just doing his job when he met twice with the Russian ambassador. The team reached out to all 26 members of the 2016 Armed Services Committee to see who met with Russian envoy Kislyak in 2016. Sessions was the only one. We reached all 26 members of the 2016 Armed Services Committee to see who met with Russian envoy Kislyak in 2016. Sessions was the only one. Adam Entous (@adamentous) March 2, 2017 There were two meetings, one of which took place in Sessions Senate office. Its unclear if this meeting took place over the phone or in person, but the point is that private meetings like that are not what Republicans are referencing when they say meetings with ambassadors are part of the job. Senator Ted Cruz gave a go at the Republican talking point, blaming Democrats for the political circus because they opposed Sessions due to his previously disqualifying even for Republicans racism. Ted Cruz says Sessions is facing a "political circus." He also says he personally met with six ambassadors in January and February. pic.twitter.com/3Xtu88xqr4 Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) March 2, 2017 Since racism isnt a problem for modern Republicans, its not likely that traitorous behavior or lying about it is problematic for the GOP. The concern over Russias interference in the U.S. election is a made up political circus. Just because Republicans dont care about the security and sovereignty of our country doesnt mean that this is a partisan issue. In fact, multiple European intelligence agencies have evidence of meetings between the Trump campaign and Russian officials in Europe. They collected that information not because they are U.S. Democrats, but because It is an international issue of great concern. All hail Republicans for claiming that lying about meetings with the ambassador to the country that is interfering in the U.S. election is just part of their job. However, this does bring up a pertinent question. Just what exactly do Republicans think their job is, and to which country would they say they are most strongly aligned. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print If you thought while listening to the then young Senator from Illinois that his soaring belief in the possible reminded you of John F Kennedy, you are not alone. The JFK Library agrees. The John F Kennedy Library foundation awarded President Barack Obama its Profile in Courage award Thursday, saying He picked up the torch from President Kennedy and citing Obamas profound grace under pressure. Indeed, they say, President Obamas entire public life has exemplified the courage that John F. Kennedy celebrated. From his inspirational 2008 campaign until his final weeks in office, Barack H. Obama consistently reflected in so many ways, big and small, the definition of courage that John F. Kennedy cited in the opening lines of Profiles in Courage: Grace under pressure,' the foundation explained in a statement. Former President Barack Obama wrote he was humbled to be recognized by a family with a legacy of service. Humbled to be recognized by a family with a legacy of service. Who's your #ProfileInCourage? Tell me about them: https://t.co/euYRxWcost https://t.co/HBgFiRcq9J Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 2, 2017 The Profile in Courage award relates to JFKs quote, To all who respond to the Scriptural call: Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed. For couragenot complacencyis our need todayleadershipnot salesmanship. And the only valid test of leadership is the ability to lead, and lead vigorously. Never has the phrase leadershipnot salesmanship been more appropriate. He picked up the torch from President Kennedy and has now passed it on to a new generation of Americans, inspiring young people across the country to enter public service, affirming our belief in an America that is more than a collection of Red states and Blue states, and reminding all of us that no matter what we look like, where we come from, or what faith we practice, we are our brothers and sisters keeper, the JFK Library foundation wrote. Throughout his two terms in office, President Obama upheld the highest standards of dignity, decency and integrity, serving not just as a political leader, but a moral leader, offering hope and healing to the country and providing young men and women of all backgrounds with an example they can emulate in their own lives. President Obamas entire public life has exemplified the courage that John F. Kennedy celebrated. President Obama will accept this prestigious award in May of this year. The nation already misses the scandal-free presidency of Obama, the deep integrity with which he conducted himself, his continuous ability to rise above the horrific things said to and about him and his family, and most of all, his service and commitment to making the lives of the American people better. Republicans mocked Obamas hope, but without hope there is no change. Hope is the foundation of courage and a buttress of change. President Obamas courage is a light that will help to shine our way out of this present darkness, because as he has always said, Change in America doesnt start from the top down. It starts from the bottom up. Thats the people. Change starts with the people. Like President Kennedy, President Obama inspires people to get involved, to fight for change. Image: screengrab from JFK Library twitter video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Republicans are trying to make the question, Should he recuse himself from investigating himself? When the real question is, Should we hold a trial over Sessions perjury after he steps down? Republicans have their talking point, and its that AG Jeff Sessions might want to maybe recuse himself from the Russia probe. If he wants to. Because patriotism. Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said on Morning Joe that AG Sessions should recuse himself from Russian investigation, but he doesnt want to prejudge. I mean, maybe its cool for Sessions to be in charge of an investigation that would implicate him, right? .@GOPLeader says on Morning Joe that AG Sessions should recuse himself from Russian investigation pic.twitter.com/ZAMcMUDqB3 Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) March 2, 2017 Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, tweeted, AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself. AG Sessions should clarify his testimony and recuse himself Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) March 2, 2017 Rob Portman (R-OH), Darrell Issa (R-CA) and more followed suit with the GOP talking point of recuse himself. Yes, we should leave it up to Sessions to decide. What is perjury anyway? Oh, perjury is that thing that Jeff Sessions said meant a trial for President Clinton, and the loss of his job if guilty. But not so much when it comes to a Republican lying under oath about his talks with Russia. Speaker Paul Ryan scoffed at the idea that Sessions should even recuse himself. Ryan doesn't see need for Sessions to recuse himself at the moment, says "Democrats are lighting their hair on fire" to get media to cover Erica Werner (@ericawerner) March 2, 2017 When pundits say we are a divided country, what they leave out is that the division comes from moments like this, which have been repeated for decades now, but are picking up steam recently under President Trump. Here we have Republicans putting party first. They did this under President Obama, vowing to obstruct him no matter what at a time when the nation was in crisis and people needed Congress to help. Republicans did nothing, just to try to stick it to Obama. Republicans did the same to President Clinton, finally resorting to trying to impeach him over lying about a consensual sexual act. When Democrats find one of their own misbehaving, they drop them like a hot potato, sometimes too soon. Democrats have little loyalty to their own if asked to choose between their party and their country. Sometimes this is problematic, especially when the other party is planting fake stories in the news like the fake emails that fake implicated Obama and Clinton in Benghazi. The country is divided is like saying of a man who regularly beats his wife within an inch of her life, They fight a lot. No, they dont fight a lot; he chooses to abuse his partner and terrorize her. The same thing is going on with the Democrats and Republicans. The country isnt divided; one side has become a lying, abusive partner who feels the rules dont apply to them but holds their partner to an insane level of accountability. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said Thursday morning, For the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign. .@SenSchumer: "For the good of the country, Attorney General Sessions should resign." pic.twitter.com/tZp90aLe1D CSPAN (@cspan) March 2, 2017 Meanwhile, back at the GOP Ranch of Denial, Republicans are conceding and then walking back that they are calling for Sessions to recuse himself. Oh, but not calling for him to recuse himself, rather leaving it up to him, because if he lies under oath about something so serious, surely hes trustworthy. No need to ask why he was talking to Russia or to consider the implications of leaving such a compromised person as the nations top prosecutor. Who better, really, to lead the DOJ than someone who lies under oath? Who better to enforce the laws of the United States federal government than one who feels himself above the law. This is the Republican Partys current modus operandi. This is why the country doesnt work very well. Republicans are always putting party first, even when it comes to a hostile foreign aggressor. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print While North Dakota Republican lawmaker was criticizing Democratic women for wearing bad-looking white pantsuits the Trump administration was unraveling faster than the presidents alleged morals. Its not quite scenes of Versailles c. 1789, but its not good. Reactions to Trumps new Jeff Sessions scandal, an offshoot of his Flynn Scandal, are pouring in from the Internet and it doesnt look good for the ultra-sensitive Donald Trump, who has already blamed Democrats for his choosing a dishonest lawmaker as his AG over Democratic opposition. Fox News is, of course, busily offering excuses and alternative facts, but as Newsweeks Kurt Eichenwald tweeted, If WashPost story on sessions is true, not only does there need 2 be an independent prosecutor but sessions must be investigated for perjury Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) March 2, 2017 George Takei reacted with his usual wit: So if the Attorney General lied to Congress, who brings the charges? Asking for a friend. George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 2, 2017 As did Media Matters Eric Boehlert: if only we had some evidence of a Russia/Trump connection Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) March 2, 2017 In the background, if you listen, you can almost hear the cheering for the moment many knew would come: Sessions lied at Senate hearings. Had contact w/Russia during campaign. NYT backs up story of Russian contacts. Here we go! #Trumprussia Rob Reiner (@robreiner) March 2, 2017 This is important not because Sessions talked to the Russian ambassador but because he lied about it under oath, which raises real questions at Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) made clear: It's not illegal for a Senator to speak w the Russian Ambassador. So why lie about it under oath? Makes no sense, unless Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 2, 2017 The consequences of Republicans doing nothing will be far more revealing than anything actually said by the parties concerned, as National Security columnist John Schindler pointed out seven hours ago: If Jeff Sessions is the AG 24 hours from now, understand Trump WH is fine with being lying, lawless & in bed with Russian intelligence. John Schindler (@20committee) March 2, 2017 As Schindler said, Sessions is completely compromised too. He must resign now. He has no business being AG. First Flynn, now Sessions. Eventually, only Donald Trump will be left standing, with nobody else to blame for his sins. George W. Bush has already vented on Donald Trump. Now his ethics lawyer from 2005-07, Richard Painter, has chimed on on Sessions, tweeting, Misleading the Senate in sworn testimony about one own contacts with the Russians is a good way to go to jail https://t.co/qH0s6sTMJ9 Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) March 2, 2017 Last but not least, former Obama speechwriter John Favreau had a pointed question for Van Jones, who had called Trump presidential after his joint address to Congress: Do you still get to be PRESIDENTIAL if you refuse to fire an Attorney General who lied under oath? Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) March 2, 2017 We have already had ample evidence that Donald Trump does not subscribe to Harry Trumans dictum that the buck stops here. The buck stops anywhere but at the Trump Oval Office. Flynn, Democratis, ObamaSessions eventually. At some point, there will be no one left to throw under the bus, and with jail calling, there will be some hard decisions for Trump to make. Because blaming Barack Obama isnt going to save Trump from himself. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Remember the golden shower dossier? Well, that dossier was later corroborated in key important parts, reportedly the senior Russian officials conspired to assist Trumps win. That matters, because its being reported that the British spy behind that dossier, Christopher Steele, the former MI6 spy, has been approached about testifying before the US Senate Intelligence Committees investigation into the new Presidents alleged links with Russia. Republicans and Democrats in Congress keen to facilitate discreet meetings in the UK or on neutral territory, as pressure grows on President, the Independent reported in an exclusive. Mr. Steele is apparently no fool as he is unlikely to be willing to travel to what used to be known as the free United States of America. Mr Steeles friends say it is currently unlikely he would be willing to travel to the US. But it is understood Democrats as well as some Republicans in Congress are prepared to facilitate discreet initial meetings in the UK or on other neutral territory. The Independent noted that Trump inaccurately called Steele a failed spy; he is actually highly respected and in fact ultimately continued to work without pay because he was so worried by what he was discovering. Friends of Mr. Steeles say he might be willing to speak about his findings if security conditions can be met. This news comes on the day after Adam Entous, Ellen Nakashima and Greg Miller of the Washington Post dropped the bombshell that Attorney General Jeff Sessions had in fact met with the Russian ambassador during the campaign, when Sessions was a close surrogate for now President Trump, and while the Russians were interfering in the U.S. election. Sessions lied about this contact while under oath. Democrats are calling for Sessions to resign, while Republicans cant make up their minds if Session should even recuse himself from investigating himself along with Trumps ties to Russia. Trump already had to ask his National Security Adviser to resign after he lied about his ties to Russia, and now its the person Trump put in charge of investigating domestic espionage. Trump put a Russian plant in charge of national security and another in charge of investigating Russian plants. Why do we need foreign intelligence agents to weigh in now? Because the majority of Congressional Republicans are too cowardly and too anti-American to put their country first. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The man who is now accused of perjury during his confirmation hearing used to think perjury was a super big deal. In fact, during the Clinton administrations Monica Lewinsky scandal, Sessions said on perjury, No one is above the law. Watch the January 13, 1999 clip here: From January 13, 1999 @cspanWJ appearance, Sen. Jeff Sessions on perjury: "No one is above the law." pic.twitter.com/0ZasX3VeJ7 CSPAN (@cspan) March 2, 2017 Sessions was clutching his pearls over lying under oath about a sexual affair. Sessions said Clinton needed to prove that he did not commit obstruction of justice, then he can complete his term, so it seems even Sessions agrees that perjury means ouster. But in America, and in the Supreme Court, and the American people believe no one is above the law, Sessions lectured. Sessions said he would give the President a fair trial regarding lying about consensual sex, so we can only assume Sessions would find undermining the American President by working with an aggressive foreign power to be problematic. If lying about a consensual blow job matters, we can be sure lying about contacts with Russia matters. It was reported Wednesday that Sessions had contact with the Russians during the campaign, but he told Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) under oath and on tape, Sen. Franken, Im not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate a time or two in that campaign, and I did not have any communications with the Russians. Wednesday evening calls came in from various liberal outlets and Democrats calling for Sessions to resign. This morning Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Shumer agreed. Sessions is trying to save his job by suggesting he will recuse himself when necessary, I have said whenever its appropriate, I will recuse myself, Sessions told NBC News Thursday morning. So when it was a lie over consensual sex, Sessions thought a national emergency on par with trying a President was necessary, but now that its him and the lie is about something much more nefarious, something that actually harms this country and our national security, now its no biggie. Not only should Sessions not go to trial, but he should keep his job and be trusted to recuse himself. Insert sad laughter here. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The Trump White House is blaming Democrats for the fact that Jeff Sessions lied about having contact with Russia during the presidential campaign. Jim Acosta of CNN reported that the Trump administration is blaming Democrats for the Jeff Sessions story: WH blames Sessions story on Democrats trying to damage POTUS after speech to Congress. pic.twitter.com/pZ5VcMIeEJ Jim Acosta (@Acosta) March 2, 2017 The obvious problem with the Trump White Houses attempt to blame Democrats is that the stories that were published in The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal were all well researched and predated Trumps speech to Congress. The second allegation that the Trump White House made was the standard claim that the story is fake news. The bellowing of fake news is the go-to response from the White House towards any story that is negative about them. The White Houses claim that Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) is pushing the story was bizarre because Franken never asked Sessions if he had any contact with Russia. Frankens question to Sessions during the confirmation hearing was what would Sessions do if evidence of contact was brought to him. It was Jeff Sessions who volunteered that he had no contact with Russia. Blaming the Democrats is not going to get Trump out of this mess. Instead of coming clean and offering up facts, the Trump White House chose to appeal to their base of support within the Republican Party. Democrats didnt force Jeff Sessions to lie. Sessions lied on his own. Nobody but Trumps most loyal supporters are going to buy the White Houses howling at the partisan moon. Blaming Democrats for the Attorney Generals lies is a bad political strategy that is a sign of an increasingly desperate administration. Nearly 13 percent of registered voters in South Carolina have already cast ballots for the 2022 general election after the state opened up no excuse early voting to all for the first time. More than 438,000 votes were in as of the end of Thursday, which was the 10th day of early voting, according to statistics from the South Carolina Election Commission. Read more13% in SC have already cast ballots with new early voting The Nexx Level Sports Center, planned to be built in Irmo, would host major sports tournaments weekly, and is projected to bring $51 million in spending to the area in the first five years, if developers can line up the financial support needed to build it. Read moreProposed Columbia area sports complex seeking financial commitments from county, state 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 ST. PAUL Three Southeast Minnesota teachers were among the 37 possible candidates for this year's Teacher of the Year award. Owatonna's Scott Noet, a seventh-grade social studies teacher, Winona High School social studies teacher Linda Pfeilsticker, and Marsha Wilson, a fourth-grade teacher at Austin's Banfield Elementary were all named as semifinalists. The annual honor, in its 53rd year, selected the semifinalists from a pool of 132 candidates from across the state. The semifinalists' portfolios will be reviewed by a panel of 23 community leaders again in late March, according to a news release from Education Minnesota. The Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet on May 7 at the Radisson Blue Mall of American in Bloomington. STEWARTVILLE The Stewartville School Board's search for a new superintendent may be over. After interviewing two finalists for the position, the Stewartville School Board decided James Wagner, current Kimball Area Schools superintendent, would be a good fit for the job. The other finalist was Kevin Cardille, superintendent of the La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools District. The Stewartville School Board voted unanimously to make an offer to Wagner, contingent on a successful site visit and successful negotiated contract during the board's Feb. 17 special session. Board member Lori Miller-Beach made the motion, and Rebecca Wortman seconded. "The decision was difficult," school board chairman Rob Mathias said. "We had two candidates that interviewed extremely well. One of the things that James told us in our interview that stood out was that he said to 'stop putting limits on students' and allow them to exceed in whatever area." ADVERTISEMENT Wagner has served as Kimball superintendent for about three years. Although not directly the cause, Mathias noted the Kimball district raised its Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores from a 48 percent passing rate to a 98 percent rate under Wagner's leadership. Several members of the Stewatville School Board will visit the Kimball Area School district today. They will meet with community members and Wagner's colleagues and ask how the Kimball school district is performing. "We will report back from our visit to our next school board meeting, and what I anticipate is that the board will direct the negotiations committee and business manager to meet," Mathias said. Prior to becoming Kimball's superintendent, Wagner was principal for the Albert Lea Public Schools from 2012 to 2014. He also was a high school science teacher for 11 years. He received his bachelor's degree in biology from St. John's University in 1994, earned his master's degree in educational leadership and administration from The College of St. Scholastica in 1999 and obtained his education specialist degree from Saint Mary's University in 2005. When asked what set his eyes toward Stewartville, Wagner noted the district had a "really good reputation" in education statewide. "I want to try and make it the best district in the state," Wagner said, then cautioned. "We're still very early in the process. Until everything is signed and sealed, I don't want to put the cart before the horse." David Thompson, Stewartville's superintendent, is planning to retire at the end of the school year. Baby sitters, party DJs and phone apps recently came together as the founders of two tech startups presented their plans to Rochester entrepreneurs. As part of the national 1 Million Cups initiative, a crowd of local business enthusiasts listened to two presentations this week in the back event room of the Bleu Duck Kitchen. One Million Cups is a program where people working on new businesses present their plans and field questions and suggestions from their caffeine-fueled peers. Spearheaded by The Collider Coworking Space, it started locally on a monthly basis in February. On Wednesday, the audience heard from the founders of How To Babysit and Spark.DJ. How to Babysit ADVERTISEMENT Erin Wagner, of Waseca, told the crowd how she and her partner started out with an idea to create an application to help parents find good baby sitters when they needed them. After a first attempt "crashed and burned," they started doing interviews with potential customers and launched a small Alpha test group of 25 users in three neighborhoods with an updated application. The idea was that baby sitters would post times they were available on a calendar so parents could schedule them easily. "We were shocked with what we saw," she said. "We had an idea to cater to parents and found baby sitters were actually the power users." Wagner said they quickly identified all of the power users were 14-year-old girls who get straight A's, like to organize their rooms, play volleyball and dream of going to Paris. "They are really motivated. They saw all of the good jobs go to 15- to 17-year-olds. They want to break into the market," said Wagner. "We thought the problem would be getting sitters, but the exact opposite was true." Discovering that drove Wagner and her team to refocus their application around the baby sitters instead of the parents. "Now we're 100 percent sitter-centric," she told the audience. That change brings new problems because they are working with minors. ADVERTISEMENT Right now, they are working to make the application completely safe. Parents of the sitters now will be notified of every interaction their children have with families looking for a sitter. People looking for a sitter have limitations on how they can search. How To Babysit also is creating short educational videos to help the sitters do their jobs better, as well as hosting live workshops about baby-sitting at area libraries, churches and elsewhere. "There are plenty of apps to help kids waste their time. We have an app to help them succeed," she said. The application is in development and testing right now. Wagner said they hope to be able to launch in April or May. The Rochester area will be the site of the first major release of the app. Afterward, she said the event was beneficial as were the comments from the crowd. "Anytime you have to explain your business to someone, it's helpful. People here are all Minnesota Nice, and they want to help you," Wagner said. Spark.DJ James Jones Jr. and John Boss unveiled their Spark.DJ app, which is designed to automatically stream DJ-style music for parties without an actual DJ. ADVERTISEMENT Since Jones and Boss both are DJs and have performed locally at events such as SocialIce, they realize it might seem odd that they are creating an app to replace DJs. "The problem is that DJs are expensive $50 to $500 an hour. And the quality is uncertain. You don't know if they good until you hire them," Jones said. They say there still willbe plenty of work for DJs, but this application will allow many people who can't afford one, particularly college students, to have DJ-style music at their parties. The idea is that someone throwing a party or special event signs up with Spark.DJ to stream music for five hours at a cost of $9.99 for a general user or $4.99 for a college student. The host can set parameters for the music and partygoers can use the app to make requests. Boss, who owns the Rochester-based Apollo Music Group DJ service, explained the app's programming allows it to "seamlessly" transition songs based on rhythm, style and other factors used by DJs. It also takes into account guests' song requests to automatically adapt its playlist. Early tests, including a recent trip to the Orange Bowl festivities and performances at Minnesota charity events, have been positive so far, they said. The Spark.DJ team now is fine tuning the application for release in Apple's App Store in the near future. They are planning to host a Rochester event to introduce the app to local users in April at the Bleu Duck Kitchen. "We want to be part of the Rochester community. Rochester is unique. It's good place to test this," Boss said. "After our seed round of financing, we will be hiring locally for more developers and a marketing coordinator." Jones said the 1 Million Cups event was good for their project. "It's always great to hear what people are thinking," he said, "because that's what our customers will be thinking, too." ST. PAUL Minnesota residents love to show off their red "I Voted" stickers, but absentee and mail-only voters are feeling snubbed. Turns out that few counties knew they could send the stickers with ballots in the mail, so one lawmaker drafted legislation to expressly allow counties to mail the stickers and to distribute them at polling places during early voting. The little red stickers have become a fixture for voters leaving the polls since their inception in the early 1990s. Ramsey County elections manager Joe Manksy helped create the original design when he worked for then-Secretary of State Joan Growe, but he didn't have much faith when his boss first came to him with the idea. "Who in their right mind wants to wear one of these stickers around?" Manksy said he thought at the time. But to his surprise, voters loved the stickers and they've been an Election Day badge of honor ever since. ADVERTISEMENT Rep. Peter Fischer, the bill's author, said he has wanted to clarify the rules ever since being contacted by an absentee voter. The Maplewood Democrat said the constituent told him he always votes before Election Day but never gets to show his participation on the big day. Manksy said state officials are always looking for new ways to encourage voting in Minnesota, where voter turnout is consistently near the top of the nation. The stickers, he said, have become an important part of that push. During the November election, his office had more than 16,000 early voters, and he said many asked whether there were longer-lasting "I Voted" buttons to wear for the weeks preceding elections. A House committee heard the bill Wednesday but didn't take a vote. The panel instead set the issue aside for possible inclusion in a larger elections bill later in the session. Under the legislation, counties would not be required to distribute the stickers with ballots, but eager voters would know they could ask and counties would know there are options to get the stickers and display voter pride ahead of Election Day. Response to President Trumps speech last night has been overwhelmingly positive, and the high point of the speech was Trumps emotional tribute to fallen Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens and his widow, Carryn Owens. Even many Democrats (although not Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Keith Ellison) were blown away by the moment. So the Associated Press had to spring into action to neutralize the pro-Trump tide. AP reporter Tammy Webber authored this hit piece headlined Was Trump tribute to fallen soldier fitting or calculated? The AP story is already popping up in newspapers across the country, as editors join in the counterattack against the president. Ms. Webber poses the issue this way: President Donald Trumps tribute to fallen Navy SEAL William Ryan Owens during Tuesdays congressional address was seen by many as touching. But others regarded it as a calculated attempt to deflect criticism of his decision to approve a failed military operation and to turn around his administrations shaky start with a gesture that appeared to unify a deeply divided country. Not a lot of doubt about where Tammy stands on this one. She adds that some said Trump was responsible for Owens death and criticized the exploitation of his widow for last nights dog and pony show.' After briefly framing the issue in that one-sided way, Webber turns to two unbiased, objective expertson what?for comment. The first is Matthew Dallek, a professor at George Washington. Ms. Webber identifies Dallek as a former speechwriter for Richard Gephardt, so at least we know we are hearing from a Democrat: Whether he seems to be exploiting (Owens) death or it seems to be heartfelt and genuine very much depends on ones political view and whether or not you trust Trump, Dallek said. If you voted for him, you think hes honoring a patriot and this is powerful. If you dont trust him and dont approve of his presidency so far, I dont think this changes very much. Is Matthew Dallek really a person whom a reporter should seek out to comment objectively on President Trump? This is what Dallek has said about our president: arguably the most retrograde major-party presidential nominee in modern times. the leader of such a dystopian political movement Trump is a fearmonger without peer Trumps breathless campaign has distorted and magnified legitimate worries beyond all reason Dallek also refers to Trumps bigoted anti-Muslim ideas and Trumps fearmongering. An objective commentator? Not exactly. But hes not the worst. Ms. Webber turns next to Elizabeth Sherman, who gets the last word. This is the conclusion of the AP piece: Trumps gesture could have been genuine and calculated at the same time, said Elizabeth Sherman, a political science professor at American University, adding that he likely knew that it would be difficult to criticize the tribute because Carryn Owens accepted his invitation and the chance for the nation to honor her husbands sacrifice. I think Trump figured this was a brilliant PR move. How can you lose? Sherman said. But Ryan Owens might have been alive if there had been a deeper assessment of the raids risks, she said. No one wants to say that amid Carryn Owens grief. Still, Sherman said, questions need to be asked and answered about whether the decision was made cavalierly. That is a viciously anti-Trump spin. So who, exactly, is Elizabeth Sherman? Sherman, founding director of the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston, is a Democratic Party loyalist and a virulent hater of the Republican Party in general, and Donald Trump in particular. She wrote this: The Republican Party has looked the other way for years as the tea party and now Donald Trump continue to generate hateful propaganda against the president in an effort to make him appear alien, foreign, subversive and illegitimate. Meanwhile, Republican leaders in Congress and on the campaign trail tut-tut over the growing controversy, allowing it to serve their purposes which is to play the dangerous game of making Obama seem sinister and un-American. Not only does this strategy incite the worst elements on the right to conspiracy theories, it highlights the presidents race and background as outside the mainstream of legitimate political leadership. Following a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions, massive layoffs and foreclosures, the loyal opposition will resort to anything to convince voters that Republican leadership had nothing to do with the contraction, that the Democrats are irresponsible and subversive, and that somehow the New Deal and Great Society programs are to blame for the ongoing downturn and widespread distress. The so-called birther movement has played a vital role in roiling the waters and churning the discontent against Obama in particular and government in general. Its past time to call them on their wretched, and dangerous, strategy. And this: The new Republican majority has been spoiling for a fight and theyve found one in the debt ceiling battle. Most are revolutionaries against the old order and its conventions of horse trading and compromise. Like it or not, they distrust the conservative bona fides of the speaker. They are determined to do whatever it takes, including throwing the full faith and credit of the United States onto the bonfire, to force the massive cuts in social welfare they are demanding. And this, which I find especially entertaining. How loyal to the Democratic Party can you get? Wisconsin state senators did not flee to Illinois to avoid voting for the bill to destroy Wisconsins half-century of public sector collective bargaining. They left to prevent the debate and vote from coming to the floor because they were outnumbered and could not prevent it from passing, even if they voted against it. So Edwards is a down the line, uncritical spokeswoman for the Democratic Party. This trick is as old as the hills. Or as old as the Associated Press, anyway. Step 1: Frame an issue with a slant toward your political point of view. Step 2: Seek out like-minded experts for partisan commentary. Let them do most of the dirty work. Step 3: Give the last word to the political ally whose spin you want the reader to remember. The Associated Press was onceperhaps mistakenlyseen as a respected news service. No longer. Democrats and the mainstream media are attacking Jeff Sessions over his two meetings with the Russian ambassador last year. Scott has the story. Sen Claire McCaskill joined the pile-on party by tweeting: Ive been on the Armed Services Com for 10 years. No call or meeting w/ Russian ambassador. Ever. Ambassadors call members of Foreign Rel Com. (Emphasis added) McCaskill was trying to undermine any suggestion that Sessions two meetings were in connection with his role as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. She wants to advance the narrative that the meetings must have been part of a joint Trump-Russian effort to defeat Hillary Clinton. Theres a problem though. McCaskills own tweets show that she has met and talked on the phone with the Russian ambassador. On January 30, 2013, she tweeted: Off to meeting w/Russian ambassador. Upset about the arbitrary/cruel decision to end all US adoptions, even those in process. And on August 15, 2015, she tweeted: Today calls with British, Russian, and German Ambassadors re: Iran deal. I understand that McCaskill desperately wants to appease left-wing Democrats so as to avoid a serious primary challenge in 2018. But that quest should not carry with it a disregard for the truth as blatant as that exhibited in her anti-Sessions tweet. There is stiff competition these days for the most morose precinct on the left. The New York Times editorial page is a perennial candidate, but theyve been dyspeptic about America since about the second week of the Johnson administration, so a thick layer of Trumpismo cant really addle them more than the Nixon darkness, Reagan madness, and Bush tyranny already has. The New Yorker is trying hard to be the most insane, but I think the real winner has to be the New York Review of Books. I still subscribe to the NYRB, as nearly every issue has something genuinely worth reading, and it is, along with the Democracy Journal, a good portal into the thinking of smart liberalismespecially necessary since The New Republic decided to chuck 100 years of worthy liberalism to become a clown show. Just about every issue of the NYRB now comes with several alarmist articles about how were doomed in the Age of Trump. And even the erudite liberals of the NYRB cant resist the reductio ad Hitlerum, such as Timothy Snyders article in the latest issue, The Reichstag Warning. The article barely mentions Trump, but the subtext blares from every paragraph. Not only does the piece validate Godwins Law once again (The longer a political argument continues, the probability that Hitler will be invoked always approaches 1.0), but it also offers Strange New Respect for . . . George W. Bush! It is aspiring tyrants who say that civil liberties end when an attack on our safety begins. Conversely, leaders who wish to preserve the rule of law find other ways to speak about real terrorist threats, and certainly do not invent them or deliberately make them worse. In this respect, the Bush administrations reaction to the September 11, 2001 attacks was not as awful as it might have been. To be sure, 9/11 was used to justify the vast expansion of NSA spying and the torture of foreign detainees. It also became the specious pretext for an ill-considered invasion of Iraq that killed hundreds of thousands of people, spread terrorism throughout the Middle East, and ended the American century. But at least the Bush administration did not claim that Muslims as a whole were responsible, nor try to change the basic rules of the political game in the United States. Had it done so, and succeeded, we might already today be living in a post-democratic country. And of course the obligatory cliche ending, complete with obligatory Harrah Arendt reference: The Reichstag fire has long been an example for tyrants; it should today be a warning for citizens. It was the burning of the Reichstag that disabused Hannah Arendt of the opinion that one can simply be a bystander. Best to learn that now, rather than waiting for the flames. This would be even funnier if there wasnt such a shameful record of establishment liberals missing the meaning of the Reichstag Fire the first time around, as previously dissected here on Power Line. So I think the NYRB gets the prize as the most miserable place in liberaldom to work these days. Oh the humanity! Todays skirmish in the war on the nascent Trump administration is the Washington Posts Sessions met with Russian envoy twice last year, encounters he later did not disclose. The Post reports that Attorney General Sessions met with the Russian ambassador twice last year while the presidential campaign was in progress, once in July and once in September. The second such meeting took place in Senator Sessionss Senate office. Senator Sessions was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time. As always in stories based on anonymous intelligence or law enforcement leas, there is a story behind the story. This one is likely related to the efforts undertaken by Obama aides as they left office to undermine the Trump administration, discussed by Paul Mirengoff here. The Post reports nothing regarding the first such meeting and nothing regarding the substance of the meetings. Through a spokesman Attorney General Sessions denied that the substance had anything to do with the campaign, saying he never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign. I have no idea what this allegation is about. It is false. The story quotes then Senator Sessionss testimony at his confirmation hearing last month. Sessions was asked by Senator Al Franken what he would do if he learned of any evidence that anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign communicated with the Russian government in the course of the 2016 campaign. Im not aware of any of those activities, he responded. He added: I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians. The spokesmans statement to BuzzFeed is slightly fuller: Last year, the senator had over 25 conversations with foreign ambassadors as a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, including the British, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Indian, Chinese, Canadian, Australian, German and Russian ambassadors. He was asked during the hearing about communications between Russia and the Trump campaign not about meetings he took as a senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee. Sessions himself professes not to recall the substance of the discussions. In a separate column at the Post, Aaron Blake parses the denials. The story is full of portentous implications. This is what its all about: The previously undisclosed discussions could fuel new congressional calls for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election. As attorney general, Sessions oversees the Justice Department and the FBI, which have been leading investigations into Russian meddling and any links to Trumps associates. He has so far resisted calls to recuse himself. The Posts story has triggered a Pavlovian response from Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi has called on Sessions to resign. The Post devotes six reporters to the story. Despite the manpower devoted to the story, the text reports nothing on the substance of the conversations and lacks any significant detail on the alleged July meeting. In one of several videos connected to the story, lead reporter Adam Entous states: What we learned is that there was an informal discussion that basically Sessions had in July with the Russian ambassador to the United States on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention and that there was a second encounter, that one a much more formal one, that took place in Sessionss Senate office that took place in September Quotable quote: The Russian ambassador did not respond to requests for comment about his contacts with Sessions. This article by Victor Davis Hanson at the Hoover Institutions Defining Ideas Journal offers an excellent compendium of the bogus reporting through which the mainstream media has attempted to take President Trump down. Hanson writes: In just his first month in office, reporters have already peddled dozens of fake news stories designed to discredit the Presidentto such a degree that little they now write or say can be taken at face value. No, Trump did not have any plans to invade Mexico, as Buzzfeed and the Associated Press alleged. No, Trumps father did not run for Mayor of New York by peddling racist television ads, as reported by Sidney Blumenthal. No, there were not mass resignations at the State Department in protest of its new leaders, as was reported by the Washington Post. No, Trumps attorney did not cut a deal with the Russians in Prague. Nor did Trump indulge in sexual escapades in Moscow. Buzzfeed again peddled those fake news stories. No, a supposedly racist Trump did not remove the bust of Martin Luther King Jr. from the White House, as a Time Magazine reporter claimed. No, election results in three states were not altered by hackers or computer criminals to give Trump the election, as implied by New York Magazine. No, Michael Flynn did not tweet that he was a scapegoat. That was a media fantasy endorsed by Nancy Pelosi. Want more? Hanson refers us to Daniel Payne at The Federalist. Looking ahead, Hanson wonders how seriously we should take the alarmist pronouncements of media stalwarts like Ezra Klein, Glenn Thrush, and Dana Milbank: Ezra Klein at Vox just wrote a warning about the autocratic tendencies of Donald Trump. Should we believe him? Perhaps not. Klein was the originator of Journolist, a left-leaning private online chat room of journalists that was designed to coordinate media narratives that would enhance Democratic politicians and in particular Barack Obama. Such past collusion begs the question of whether Klein is really disinterested now in the fashion that he certainly was not during the Obama administration. Recently, New York Times White House correspondent Glenn Thrush coauthored a report about initial chaos among the Trump White House staff, replete with unidentified sources. Should we believe Thrushs largely negative story? Perhaps. But then again, Thrush not so long ago turned up in the Wikileaks troves as sending a story to Hillary Clinton aide John Podesta for prepublication audit. Thrush was his own honest critic, admitting to Podesta: Because I have become a hack I will send u the whole section that pertains to u. Please dont share or tell anyone I did this Tell me if I f**ked up anything. Dana Milbank of the Washington Post has become a fierce critic of President Trump. Are his writs accurate? Milbank also appeared in Wikileaks, asking the Democratic National Committee to provide him with free opposition research for a negative column he was writing about candidate Trump. Are Milbanks latest attacks his ownor once again coordinated with Democratic researchers? I have reservations about President Trump. I worry, for example, about the autocratic tendencies Klein alleges. But Im not prepared to take attacks by any of these three partisans seriously (it has been years since Ive taken Milbank seriously). Hanson continues: [T]he election in 2008 of Barack Obama marked a watershed, when a traditionally liberal media abandoned prior pretenses of objectivity and actively promoted the candidacy and presidency of their preferred candidate. The media practically pronounced him god, the smartest man ever to enter the presidency, and capable of creating electric sensations down the legs of reporters. The supposedly hard-hitting press corps asked Obama questions such as, During these first 100 days, what has enchanted you the most from serving in this office? Humbled you the most? Obama, as the first African-American presidentalong with his progressive politics that were to the left of traditional Democratic policies, enraptured reporters who felt disinterested coverage might endanger what otherwise was a rare and perhaps not-to-be-repeated moment. We are now in a media arena where there are no rules. The New York Times is no longer any more credible than talk radio; CNNwhose reporters have compared Trump to Hitler and gleefully joked about his plane crashingshould be no more believed than a bloggers website. Buzzfeed has become like the National Inquirer. In this context, the new president stands to gain much at little cost, at least for now, by treating the media as the nemesis it is: Trump now communicates, often raucously and unfiltered, directly with the American people, to ensure his message is not distorted and massaged by reporters who have a history of doing just that. Unfortunately, it is up to the American people now to audit their own presidents assertions. The problem is not just that the media is often not reliable, but that it is predictably unreliable. It has ceased to exist as an auditor of government. Ironically the media that sacrificed its reputation to glorify Obama and demonize Trump has empowered the new President in a way never quite seen before. At least for now, Trump can say or do almost anything he wishes without media scrutinygiven that reporters have far less credibility than does Trump. Sad, but very possibly true. In chapter 3 of Patriotism Is Not Enough, Steve Hayward describes how inadequately American political scientists responded to the rise of Fascism in the 1930s. That inadequacy helped cause Leo Strauss to push political science in a radically new direction on the theory that a social science that cannot speak of tyranny with the same confidence with which medicine speaks, for example, of cancer, cannot understand social phenomena as what they are. The leading philosophers of the same period and beyond had no trouble speaking confidently about tyranny. Unfortunately, as Neven Sesardic shows in his new book When Reason Goes on Holiday: Philosophers in Politics, too many of them spoke confidently in favor of it. Many readers know that Martin Heidegger actively supported and celebrated Nazism and that Jean Paul Sartre championed Stalinism. A few may be aware that Michel Foucault publicly expressed enthusiasm for Ayatollah Khomeinis Islamic revolution. But these cases all involved continental philosophy, which is well-known for its obscurantism and flights of fancy. Surely, analytic philosophers, with their emphasis on clarity, rigor, and argumentation, were not seduced by Stalinism and its offspring. Sesardic demonstrates that, in fact, many leading lights of analytic philosophers were so seduced. Examples include Bertrand Russell, Otto Neurath, Rudolph Carnap, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Hilary Putnam, Donald Davidson, Imre Lakatos (for whom the most prestigious award in the philosophy of science is named), and Michael Dummett (a recipient of that award). Sesardic also demonstrates the mindless, infantile leftism of contemporary American philosophers. The American Philosophical Association receives its own scathing chapter. Im no expert, but I believe Russell, Carnap, and Wittgenstein are arguably the most important analytic philosophers in history. In addition Putnam, whom I believe John knew slightly at Harvard, is probably among the very most important American analytic philosophers ever. Russell was irrationally anti-American. Towards the end of World War I he predicted that America would occupy England and France. Nearly half a century later, he wrote: Wherever there is hunger, wherever there is exploitative tyranny, wherever people are tortured and masses left to rot under the weight of disease and starvation, the force which holds down the people stems from Washington. At the same time, Russell was a big fan of Ho Chi Minhs Communist regime in North Vietnam. Uncle Ho was responsible for labor camps, reeducation, torture, and mass executions under the slogan better ten innocent deaths than one enemy of the state survives. Carnap was an apologist for Stalin. Though he never joined the Communist Party, he expressed an inclination to Communism and supported many of the Partys actions. Carnap blamed the West for the Iron Curtain, saying it is chiefly caused by [American] military threats. In 1952, he signed a letter that appeared in the Communist newspaper the Daily Worker calling on the U.S. government to stop preparing concentration camps. Wittgenstein was also quite sympathetic to Soviet Communism. One of his friends wrote: Even after the show trials of 1936, the worsening of relations between Russia and the West and the Nazi-Soviet pact of 1939, Wittgenstein continued to express his sympathy with the Soviet regime so much so that he was taken by some of his students at Cambridge to be a Stalinist. The friend denies that Wittgenstein was a Stalinist, but its difficult to understand his basis for the denial. Wittgenstein famously left Cambridge during World War II to work in a London hospital. However, Sesardic points out that, contrary to what some of his admirers say, the great philosopher did so only after Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Before that, he opposed going to war with Nazi Germany. Hilary Putnam was, by his own admission, a Maoist (I was connected with a Maoist group; I am no longer a Maoist). The Maoist group in question was the Progressive Labor Party (PLP), to which Putnam belonged from 1968-72, when he was in his forties. Ron Rodosh describes PLP as a Marxist-Leninist sect that made the Communist Party look like a group of tame reformers. Having attended a few PLP meetings myself, I can say that Rodosh isnt far off the mark. PLP fell out of love with Mao when Nixon visited China. After that, Albania and its dictator Enver Hoxha became PLPs shining lights. Putnam remained a member, following the new party line that, as Sesardic puts it, extolled Enver Hoxha as the only hope for the future of humanity. Talk about reason going on holiday! Why are philosophers, including some of the best analytic philosophers of the last century, so susceptible to such absurd thinking? Sesardic finds an answer in this passage from Thomas Hobbes: [B]etween true science and erroneous doctrines, ignorance is in the middle. Natural sense and imagination are not subject to absurdity. Nature itself cannot err; and as men abound in copiousness of language, so they become more wise, or more mad, than ordinary. Nor is it possible without letters for any man to become either excellently wise or (unless his memory be hurt by disease, or ill constitution of organs) excellently foolish. (Emphasis added) I strongly recommend this book. PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-02 17:20:20 Press Information David Joseph Marketing 1846 Neslon st David Joseph Owner 6045691801 email http://www.nexusgoldcorp.com Published by David Joseph Joseph 6046199192 e-mail http://www.davidjosephmarketing.com # 832 Words 1846 Neslon stOwner6045691801David Joseph Joseph6046199192 A total of 14 holes were drilled totaling 1470.5 metres. Of the 14 holes drilled, 13 successfully intersected the targeted shear zone. One hole had to be abandoned due to ground conditions. Of the 13 holes, three holes reported intersections hosting visible gold. Drill holes NIA-17-DD-003, 006, and 009, reported visible gold occurring as small points, or clusters of points, with the gold present in contorted quartz veins occurring within the shear. The company has forwarded all samples for assay to ACTLABs laboratory in Ouagadougou. The company will report all assay data once it has been received, reviewed and verified.The Company originally scheduled a 1000 metre phase one diamond drill program on its 178 square kilometre Niangouela exploration permit. The increased 1000 metres of diamond drilling announced in the Companys February 23, 2017, news release, is designed to further 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. The Company plans on completing the phase one diamond drill program later this month.Board AppointmentThe Company is pleased to welcome Rodney Stevens as an Independent Director. Mr. Stevens is a CFA charter holder with over ten years experience in the capital markets, first as an Investment Analyst with Salman Partners Inc., then as a merchant and investment banker. While at Salman Partners, Mr. Stevens became a top-rated analyst by StarMine on July 17, 2007 for the metals and mining industry. Over the course of his career, Mr. Stevens has been instrumental in assisting in financing's and M&A activity worth over $1 billion in transaction value.Mr. Stevens replaces Dean Humphreys, who resigned to pursue other ventures. The Company would like to thank Mr. Humphreys for his years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours.About the Niangouela Gold ConcessionThe 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 (1km) 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 46m 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 60m, 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 Burkina FasoBurkina 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 CompanyNexus Gold Corp. is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating in some of the worlds 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. Former U.S Vice President Joe Bidens son Hunter, 47, is in a romantic relationship with his late brothers grieving wife, Hallie, 43. Hallie and Hunter connected after Beau, former attorney general of Delaware, sadly passed away in May 2015. He died of brain cancer. According to pagesix.com, Hunter is still married to his estranged wife, Kathleen, but the family is apparently totally okay with the new romance. Hunter, separated from his wife, Kathleen, 48, in 2015, a source revealed Wednesday. The split had never been made public before. He has now taken up with his brothers 43-year-old widow, the couple said in a statement to the New York Posts Page Six. Meanwhile, the former VP Joe Biden was quoted as saying, we are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them, he said. Hunter Biden was on one side of his brother Beaus widow Hallie and Joe Biden on the other as his coffin was put into a hearse. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook Six years after the uprising that ended his rule, former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak. has been acquitted of involvement in the killings of hundreds of protesters in 2011. According to Al-jazeera, The Court of Cassations final ruling on Thursday could see the ailing 88-year-old walk free. He has been tried mainly for two things: his role in the killing protesters in the 18 days of the January 25 revolution and also for corruption. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 but an appeals court ordered a retrial, which dismissed the charges two years later. He arrived the court on Thursday on a stretcher. He has been confined to a military hospital, despite having completed a three-year sentence for embezzlement. A judge decreed in May 2015 that Mr. Mubarak should be released from detention. However, the government of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi was reportedly reluctant to free him because of the public backlash that might accompany such a move. Mr. al-Sisi served as Mr. Mubaraks military intelligence chief and led the militarys overthrow of his democratically elected successor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013. In all, nearly 900 people are believed to have been killed as security forces sought to stop protests in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and other cities around Egypt during the 18-day uprising that forced Mr. Mubarak to resign after 30 years in power. He denied ordering the killing of the protesters and insisted that history would judge him as a patriot who served his country selflessly. Mr. Mubaraks first retrial was ordered in 2013. A judge dropped the charge altogether the following year, but the Court of Cassation ordered a second retrial. Mr. Mubaraks former interior minister, Habib al-Adly, and four of his aides were also acquitted of the same charge on Thursday. Most of the charges brought against Mr. Mubaraks governments members have been dismissed while the country still recovers from the aftermath of the uprising. He remained defiant throughout his trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook Kano State Government, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation, on Wednesday signed the Kano Health Basket Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to boost health care interventions in the state. The Health Basket is a funding mechanism initiated as part of the state governments decision to revitalize its health sector. The basket is funded by the two foundations and the state government that pool resources to support the implementation of programmes aimed at strengthening child health and other health interventions from 2017 2021. The two foundations were encouraged to enter into the new MoU with Kano state government based on the success recorded in the tripartite agreement between them on strengthening routine immunisation, which was carried out between 2012 and 2016. Speaking during the ceremony held through a video conference at Africa House, Government House, Kano, the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said his administration would release N350 million into the basket, as part of efforts to address maternal mortality and child related health challenges in the state. He said his administration had recently completed two abandoned hospitals and supplied them with modern equipment as part of moves to bring health care services closer to the citizenry. He thanked Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dangote Foundation as was well as the World Health Organisation, WHO, and other donor agencies for their sustained support. In his comments, the Co-chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, who spoke from Seattle, Washington, urged the state government to focus on accountability in managing the funds released for the programme, reiterating the need for media review reports, which he said would guide all the parties towards achieving the desired success. Mr. Gates assured that his foundation was determined to eradicate polio and other related diseases in Nigeria, Africa and the world in general through partnership with governments. On his part, Aliko Dangote thanked the Gates Foundation for its commitment to polio eradication and commended the efforts of traditional rulers and other relevant bodies in fighting the scourge. In his contribution, Kano state Commissioner for Health, Kabiru Getso, highlighted that for 2017, the two foundations would contribute 40 per cent each to the programme, while the state government would contribute 20 per cent. He said the state government would gradually increase its contribution, to enable it take full ownership of the programme in the future. The video conference also featured presentation of the 2016 end-year report for Routine Immunization system strengthening for Yobe state, with contributions from the state governor, Ibrahim Geidam, and the state Commissioner for Health, Muhammad Kukawa. Share this: Twitter Facebook Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has signed a declaratory order banning any unlawful assembly which consists of two or more people in any part of the state. The governor said the order is in the exercise of the power conferred upon him by Section 97A of the Penal Code. A statement by his spokesperson, Abdu Labaran, on Thursday said that the governor bans any assembly of two or more persons in any part of the Katsina State, by whatever name called, whether or not it is armed or any of its members is armed with dangerous weapon or any instrument which is likely to cause death or such bodily injury, and the common object of which is to- (i) kill or injure or harass or intimidate members of the public or provoke breach of the public peace; (ii) overawe, by criminal force or show of criminal force, the Government of the Federation or Government of the State or any Government of Nigeria or any public servant in the exercise of his lawful powers; or (iii) resist the execution of any law or of any legal process; or (iv) commit any mischief or criminal trespass or other offence; or (v) enforce any right or supposed right by means of criminal force or show of criminal force; or (vi) compel any person to do what he is not legally bound to do or to omit to do what he is legally entitled to do by means of criminal force or show of criminal force, an unlawful assembly . The order was dated and signed on 27th of February, 2017. Katsina residents told PREMIUM TIMES they were shocked by the sudden order. Saidu Katsina, who lives in Katsina town, said, we were surprised when this thing came up today, perhaps it is due to an operation carried out by security agents against members of the shite group in Katsina town on Wednesday evening. Another resident, Jamil Mamman, also said perhaps it is due to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, on the case of sacked local government chairmen which comes up tomorrow. Share this: Twitter Facebook The police have paraded a sergeant, Iseke Koradam, who was arrested at a hospital in Oke Uvuru in Aboh, Mbaise Local Government Area while attempting to steal a baby. The Imo State Police Commissioner, Taiwo Lakanu, said Mr. Koradam and his gang had confessed and would be charged to court soon. On February 22, Rev. Erancisco Emeh, Chinedu Ubah (30) and Ifeoma Joseph (27) were arrested at Orient Hospital in Oke-Uvuru Aboh Mbaise Local Government while trying to steal a baby from the hospital. They have since confessed to the crime, alleging that they planned to steal the baby in connivance with a police sergeant, Iseke Koradam. On February 18, Emeka Onyema (19), Nduka Chekwube (22) and Dera Ebuka (22) attacked a recharge card dealer, Ubahaeze Awo, in Idemili Orsu Local Government and stole recharge cards valued at N300, 000, his car key, one phone, one Qlink 150 motorcycle and N150, 000. The suspects have made useful statements and are helping the police in its investigation. The police chief also announced the arrest of four men suspected to have killed a man said to be an American veteran soldier, Oscar Okebata. The victim was robbed and murdered in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State on January 12. Parading the suspects in Owerri, Mr. Lakanu gave their names as Osondu Chukwu (29), Uchechukwu Stanley (30), Onyekachi Nwoke (28) and Uchendu Promise (40). According to him, the suspects were apprehended with evidence showing they murdered the veteran, who was in the state for the Yuletide. The police commissioner said the suspects allegedly sold the victims Samsung Note 5 phone at N125,000, which led to their arrest. The suspects were arrested in connection with the robbery and murder of Oscar Okebata of Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, an American veteran solider who returned home for the Yuletide. The victims Samsung Note 5 phone was sold at N125,000, leading to the arrest of the suspected masterminds. According to the police chief, the command on February 8 also arrested members of a notorious robbery syndicate who trailed their victim after he had withdrawn some money from a bank at Amakohia in Owerri North Local Government Area. They were apprehended as they used a master key to damage the drivers side door of the victims black Toyota Land Cruiser in an attempt to remove the money from the car. The suspects are Chibuzo Amankwe, Prince Igbo Williams, Enwereazu Ibe and Uchenna Ononugbo all of Agwa in Oguta Local Government. They are helping the police in their investigation. Also on February 14, following a tip-off, operatives arrested Okwudiri Aluo (35) of Obiti in Ohaji Local Government while on a robbery operation with his gang members, added the police chief. Share this: Twitter Facebook The board of directors of Italian oil gaint, Eni, has again exonerated itself of any blame in the acquisition of OPL 245, infamously known as the Malabu Oil deal. Despite investigators in Nigeria and Italy revealing that ENI and Shell, its partner in the deal, had prior knowledge of Malabus fraudulent past before the $1.1 billion deal was struck; and that their executives held meetings with the tainted Nigerias former petroleum minister, Dan Etete, an Eni-commissioned investigation has given the company a clean bill of health, a statement by the company claimed. Eni Board of Directors today takes note of the outcome of further forensic investigations into the 2011 transaction between Eni and Shell and the Nigerian government for the acquisition of OPL 245 licence in Nigeria. The investigations were conducted by an independent US law firm. They were commissioned by Enis Board of Statutory Auditors and Watch Structure, the statement said. According to the statement, the hired investigators examined new materials and information presented by Italian prosecutors in December 2016. The law firm confirms the conclusions reached by previous investigations in 2015, stating that there is no evidence on corrupt conduct in relation to the transaction. The companys directors subsequently reiterated its total confidence that neither the company nor its CEO, Claudio Descalzi, were involved in any fraudulent conduct. In 2015, Eni retained US law firm, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Freeh Group International Solutions LLC, to examine documents, data and emails sources internally and publicly. At the end of the investigation the firm concluded no evidence of misconduct in relation to Eni and Shells 2011 transaction with the Nigerian government for the acquisition of the OPL 245 license. In addition, during 2015, a supplementary investigation was conducted concerning the financial review. Once the additional analysis was completed, the American law firm confirmed the findings of the main investigation and concluded that no evidence of direct or indirect payments by Eni or Eni people to Nigerian government officials have been found in relation to the acquisition of OPL 245, Eni said in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES. The outcome of these investigations flies in the face of PREMIUM TIMESs findings which was corroborated by the findings of investigators in Nigeria, Italy, the U.S., Switzerland, the UK and the Netherlands. For instance, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Ahmed, a suit asking a federal high court to nullify the sale of the oil block and revert its ownership to Nigeria, argued the $1.1 billion paid by Eni and Shell was bribe to Dan Etete and his cronies. Prosecutors in Italy have also indicated their intention to file charges against Shell and Eni, some of their staff including Mr. Descalzi, and Mr. Etete for their involvement in the deal. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Itse Sagay, on Thursday in Abuja accused the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) of being reckless with funds meant for development. Mr. Sagay said the commission recently bought 70 cars, including eight Super Lexus Jeeps at N78 million each and 10 Landcruisers each costing N63 million. He said the vehicles were acquired with funds meant for the provision of water, housing, hospital, schools and infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Sagay spoke at the opening of a two-day national dialogue on corruption organised by PACAC in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President. The cars were bought with money from funds meant for infrastructure, water, housing, hospital, schools, without conscience and without a thought for the wretched people of the Niger Delta. These huge sums were plundered from their allocations and yet the Managing Director was ironically complaining as reported by the Nation newspaper of Feb. 6, 2017 that the NDDC lacks funds to execute projects. The managing director also said that NDDC was in debt up to the tune of N1.2 trillion. What an irony. The recklessness with which public officers spend public funds is insensitive to the point of insanity. The level of insensitivity has become pathological. Mr. Sagay also took a swipe at the Nigeria Customs Service, saying nothing had changed since the current administration came on board in May 2015. Mr. Sagay cited an instance with the Tin Can Island in Lagos, where he said customs officials now charge fees to physically examine goods following the breakdown of the scanner. Describing it as brazen corruption, he said there were many other instances which PACAC brought to the attention of the Comptroller General during a recent visit to him. Mr. Sagay decried public apathy to issues of corruption in the country, noting that the peoples attitude to corruption had become hardened, and that there was no longer any fear of consequence. Now, we need to ask ourselves what the problem really is. We are definitely overwhelmed by the epidemic of kleptomania. But do we also have a collective psychiatric problem? Why should a person loot what he cannot spend in 10 lifetimes, thereby exposing the rest of the population to misery, hunger, poverty and wretchedness? he asked. Mr. Sagay also reflected on judicial corruption, saying some judges still grant adjournments running into months in contravention of provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He accused lawyers of contributing to the problem by using different delay tactics thereby causing the nation great embarrassment. He said he had suggested to PACAC on the need to recruit a group of young lawyers to monitor court sittings and note issues of adjournments. According to him, the reports sent by the monitors will be compiled and sent to the National Judicial Council for appropriate action. Mr. Sagay faulted the recent public demonstrations against the present administration, saying they were sponsored by those who lost elections and those whose appointments were not renewed.(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook A Federal High Court in Abuja presided by John Tsoho on Thursday declared that the every Nigerian child has the constitutional right to free and compulsory primary education, and free junior secondary education. The judge ruled that the federal and state governments have constitutional duties to provide adequate fund for such education. He said failure by any government to fund free primary and junior secondary education will constitute breach of the constitution. The court stated that even though the right to free education in Section 18(3)(a) of the Constitution was ordinarily not enforceable being in Chapter 2 of the Constitution; by the National Assembly enacting the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, of 2004, the Act has made that provision of the constitution an enforceable right. The judgment was delivered in a suit filed by the Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, against the Federal Ministry of Education and the Attorney General of the Federation, in which it asked the court to determine whether by the combined effect of Section 18(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 (1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, (UBE) 2004, the right to free and compulsory primary education and free junior secondary education for all qualified Nigerian citizens are enforceable rights in Nigeria. The group also asked the court to determine whether the federal and state governments are under constitutional obligation to provide financial and institutional resources for free, compulsory and universal primary education and free junior secondary education for all Nigerian citizens, and whether failure by any government to adopt and implement free, compulsory and universal primary education and free junior secondary education amounts to a breach of constitutional obligation of the government in accordance with its duty and responsibility under Section 13 of the Constitution. The court answered all the questions raised by the plaintiff in affirmative, and stated that in doing so, it relied on the Supreme Court decision in Attorney General of Ondo State & Others vs. Attorney General of the Federation (2002) 9 NWLR (Pt. 772) 222, where it was held that the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution, even though they are not enforceable by virtue of section 6(6)(b) of the constitution, can be made enforceable or justiciable by legislation. Thus, following this decision of the Supreme Court, Justice Tsoho held that by enacting the UBE Act, the National Assembly has made the right to free and compulsory primary and free junior secondary education contained in Chapter 2 an enforceable or justiciable right. Reacting to the judgment, the lead counsel to LEDAP, Chino Obiagwu, said that the court has given life and hope to over 28 million Nigerian children who are currently out of primary and junior secondary school or who are at risk of being withdrawn from school because of the inability of their parents or guardians to pay the tuition fees and school expenses, or who are withdrawn from school so that they can be given out in early marriage or be sent to the streets to hawk or beg for alms. By this judgment, any child not enrolled in school or who is withdrawn from school can exercise his or her constitutional rights against the parent or guardian or against the government. On the possible difficulties of the governments to fully fund free primary and junior secondary education in the country because of the current economic recession, Mr. Obiagwu said that the UBE Act makes very clear provisions on how free education will be funded, and that part of the fund for free primary education has been provided under the federal governments UBE Fund to the state governments since 2009, but that most of the funds are not properly utilised for the purpose they are meant. It is now time for every government to close all fiscal leakages and reduce the size and cost of government in order to save money to meet the basic constitutional obligations of primary and junior secondary education, he said. Also reacting to the judgment, Ray Onyegu, the Executive Director of Social Economic Rights Initiative, SERI, said the judgment is long overdue. The right of education is a right of all Nigerian children, and government cannot give any excuse of lack of fund because primary education should be the priority of any government in the 21st century, he said. LEDAP said it welcomes the judgment and urged the federal and state governments to start its implementation without any delay. Share this: Twitter Facebook Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has given insight into how he successfully fought endemic corruption when he served as the Attorney general and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State. Mr. Osinbajo served as Lagos AG in 1999 under the administration of Bola Tinubu on the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, AD. Speaking at the opening of a two-day national dialogue on corruption organised by his office in conjunction with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, at the Banquet Hall of Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Thursday, Mr. Osinbajo said he knew there was problem in the Lagos state judiciary even before he assumed office. He said when he assumed office, the first thing he did was to conduct a survey of about 200 lawyers who were regular practitioners at the court and asked them certain questions. The acting president said one of the most fundamental questions in the questionnaire bordered on the integrity of the judiciary. 89 per cent of the respondents said that the judiciary in Lagos state was notoriously corrupt, he said. He also said the corruption went beyond judges to include court clerks and lawyers. He also said the survey identified the causes of the corruption to include appointments based on favours and connection to the detriment of merit. He also said no serious background checks were carried out on prospective appointees. He said the take home pay of magistrates and judges was also found to be inadequate. We therefore, put in place a system of tests and interviews that each prospective appointee must answer satisfactorily, he said. He also said he subsequently put in place a team of seven senior judges and reviewed the monthly salary of judges which was about N67,000 and compared it to their average expenditure and then came to the conclusion that the take home pay of judges was grossly inadequate. Mr. Osinbajo also said most good judges had no home of their own even after retirement and decided to not only increase the pay but provided each judge with a House. Every judge is given a house to live in and it belongs to him even after retirement. We also increased remuneration considerably, he said. The acting VP said after doing that he insisted that any judge accused of infraction is investigated and punished accordingly. He said within one year of the reforms, 22 magistrates were sacked while three judges were recommended for disciplinary measures to the National Judicial Council. When we conducted the same survey again in 2006, the outcome showed that there was zero per cent corruption among judges in Lagos state, he said. Mr. Osinbajo said people naturally have to see the consequences of bad behaviour before they toe the line. The acting president also used the occasion to ask for additional cooperation from the international community on the recovery of stolen assets hidden in various countries. He said the process of recovering stolen assets is very cumbersome and may even take several years. He then called on the international community to work with the Nigerian government to ensure that the assets are returned to the country speedily. Share this: Twitter Facebook Nigerias anti-graft agency, EFCC, has filed fresh corruption charges against two multinational oil firms, Shell and Eni, for their roles in the Malabu $1.1 billion scandal. The charges were filed at the FCT High Court on Thursday afternoon against the oil majors and nine other individuals and firms. Some of the others charged alongside Shell and Eni are two former Nigerian ministers, Mohammed Adoke (Justice) and Dan Etete (Petroleum), as well as controversial businessman Aliyu Abubakar. The suspects are accused of, among others, conspiring to defraud the Nigerian government. The new charges are part of an international collaboration to ensure all those who partook in the $1.1 billion OPL 245 scandal are brought to justice. The OPL 245 oil block is currently owned by the Nigerian government after a temporary court order granted an EFCC application. Shell and Eni have since appealed the order asking that the block be returned to them. Both firms paid the $1.1 billion into a Nigerian government account in 2011. Most of the money later ended up with shady individuals including Messrs. Etete and Abubakar. Details later Share this: Twitter Facebook The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has said that an estimated three million Nigerians lost N18 billion in the MavrodiMundial Movement, MMM, ponzi scheme. While speaking at the NDIC day at the ongoing 38th KadunaInternational Trade Fair on Thursday,the Managing Director of thecorporation, Umaru Ibrahim, decried the development. Over three million Nigerians were participating in MMM before December 2016 when organisers suspended payment to investors due to its system experiencing heavy workload. By the time the scheme returned in January, few new investors joined and the millions waiting for their payments were left disappointed with majority never paid. Mr. Ibrahim noted that despite repeated warnings by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and other agencies like the anti-graft EFCC, Nigerians still patronised theponzi scheme. Mr. Ibrahim, who was represented by NDICs Deputy Director CorporateAffairs, Hadi Suleiman, noted that any financial deal done through any ponzi scheme in form of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin,Ripples, Litecoin, and Onecoin as currencies for medium of exchange, is an Internet-based transaction not authorised by the CBN becauseof the risks involved in its operations. The NDIC boss cautioned that any person or groups of persons who invest their money in the Phonzi scheme do so at their own risk,adding that such schemes often defraud people of their money. The ponzi scheme is the phenomenon of illegal fundmanagers,popularly called WonderBanks which have continued to defraud unsuspecting members of thepublic of their hard earned money, he said.This phenomenon has been a source for concern because despite our repeated warnings over the years, some members of the public havecontinued to fall victims of their fraudulent practices.We would like to reiterate the fact that these fund managers are illegal as they are neither licenced by the CBN to take deposits from members of the public nor are those who patronise them covered by the NDIC deposit insurance scheme, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, on Thursday absolved its current management of corruption and reckless spending of funds levelled against the commission by the presidency. Earlier on Thursday, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Itse Sagay, accused the Governing Board and management of the commission of being reckless with funds meant for the development of the oil rich region. Mr. Sagay, who spoke at the opening of a two-day national dialogue on corruption in Abuja organised by PACAC in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President, said the commission recently bought 70 exotic cars, including eight Lexus SUVs at N78 million each, and 10 Landcruiser SUVss each costing N63 million. The chairman of the presidential committee said the vehicles were acquired with funds meant for the provision of water, housing, hospital, schools and infrastructure development in the Niger Delta. The law professor also criticised the Nigeria Customs Service for alleged corruption, saying nothing had changed in the agency since the current administration came on board in May 2015. The recklessness with which public officers spend public funds is insensitive to the point of insanity. The level of insensitivity has become pathological, Mr. Sagay said. In his reaction, the spokesperson of the commission, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, denied the allegations, saying no such purchases were made since the current Governing Board assumed office on November 4, 2016. He, however, did not say anything on the roles of the NDDCs past management. Indeed, it is a known fact that the Chairman, the distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), the Managing Director/CEO, Nsima Ekere, and the two Executive Directors are still using their private vehicles three months after assumption of duties, Mr. Amu-Nnadi said in a statement. He said the NDDC, which is now planning to acquire operational vehicles,including five Toyota Prado SUVs, 10 Toyota Hilux trucks, four Toyota Landcruiser SUVs, one Toyota Coaster bus and two Toyota Hiace buses, was adhering strictly to due process. Mr. Amu-Nnadi said, pursuant to this, the commission had just received the due process compliance certificate from the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and was preparing the mandatory memo for the approval of the Executive Council of the Federation. We wish to restate that the current Board and Management of the NDDC is committed to making its transactions transparent, by adhering strictly to processes and procedures of government, as espoused in the Boards four-Rs initiative of restoring the Commissions core mandate, restructuring the balance sheet, reforming our processes and reaffirming a commitment to doing what is right and proper at all times in facilitating the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, he said. The NDDC spokesperson said the Commission was also partnering with Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and Open Government Partnership (OGP) to improve the Commissions governance systems, procurement and project implementation processes, to plug all loopholes and systematically eliminate all incidences of mismanagement and corruption. NDDC is always ready to open its books for audit. We are also committed to responding to all inquiries from well-meaning individuals and groups seeking clarification on rumours and possible false information. While asking for support from all stakeholders to enable the commission succeed in the ambitious task of reforms, the new NDDC is evolving as a responsible public institution and members of the public should feel free to get authentic information on its activities to avoid sensationalism, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, allegedly exchanged more than $2.2 million in a bureau de change in Abuja as part of his share in the controversial $1.1 billion Malabu Oil deal, court documents show. The revelations were contained in a five-count fresh money laundering charges slammed on Mr. Adoke at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court Thursday. Also charged alongside Mr. Adoke is controversial businessman Aliyu Abubakar, who is believed to have acted as middleman in the deal. The EFCC said in the court filings that Mr. Adoke took delivery of exactly $2,267,400 on September 16, 2013, and immediately enlisted the service of money changers to have it converted to the local currency. Based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time, Mr. Adoke made N345,200,000 after successfully converting the funds. He subsequently deposited all the money in a Unity Bank account to offset an outstanding overdraft of N300 million, court documents showed. The EFCC also filed charges against Mr. Adoke for carrying out a transaction of such magnitude without going through the countrys financial institutions. All the offences contradicted Section 15(2) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act, prosecutors said. Mr. Adoke was instrumental to Nigerian governments involvement in the suspicious Malabu Oil deal, which saw Shell and Agip-Eni paying money into an escrow account of the Nigerian government to settle a firm with a questionable history. He authorised the transfer of the $1.1 billion paid by Shell and Eni into private accounts of Dan Etete, Nigerias former petroleum minister, who further transferred a large percentage to Mr. Abubakar. Mr. Abubakar is believed to have been a front for officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration including Mr. Adoke. Shell, Agip-Eni, Mr. Adoke and Mr. Etete, who also approved the lease award of the OPL 245, have all denied wrongdoings. But Italian prosecutors said late last year they had enough grounds to charge Shell, Agip-Eni, and their executives alongside other Nigerians involved in the controversial deal for fraud in Milan. In separate charges filed late 2016, the EFCC accused Mr. Adoke and Mr. Etete of defrauding Nigeria in the OPL 245 deal. The Department of Petroleum Resources said last December that Mr. Adoke and other officials of the Jonathan administration who participated in the concession of the lucrative oil field to Shell and Agip-Eni did not follow due process. Mr. Adoke, who is currently in the Netherlands for study, has denied any wrongdoing and pledged to make himself available for trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ebute Meta, Lagos, has arraigned one Lateef Raheem for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl (name withheld). Mr. Raheem, 55, was said to have committed the crime on February 21, 2017, at Ekesra Street, Etegbin, Shibiri, Lagos. The accused is facing one count charge of defilement punishable under Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos Nigeria 2011. The mother of the victim, whose name was not disclosed, said her daughter complained of pains in her private part while she was bathing her, adding that she told her the pains were caused by Baba, which led to the accused persons arrest by police officers. It was on Monday, as I was bathing my child and wanted to wash her private part, she started complaining of pains, and I asked her what happened, why her vagina was paining her. She said it was one Baba. I asked her which Baba? She said Baba that use to drive Okada (a commercial motorcyclist). And this was happening around 10 p.m. The woman said her daughter took her to Mr. Raheems house the next day. When I saw the man, I said to him, Baba thank you very much, anytime you see my daughter around, please chase her away. And the Baba started raising his voice at me, saying What is it? Did I touch your daughter? So because of that I called my brother and reported the matter to him. My brother reported to the police and Baba was arrested The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, T.A Elias, granted him bail of N25,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case till March 29. Share this: Twitter Facebook A Lagos Island Customary Court on Thursday dissolved the marriage between Nollywood actor, Emeka Ike, and his wife, Emma, over incessant battery. Emma, a teacher, had on July 13, 2015, approached the court to dissolve the 14-year-old marriage between her and the Nollywood star. The court president, Awos Awosola, said from the totality of the evidence before the court, it was obvious that the marriage was beyond redemption. Emeka, who has been begging to be reconciled with his wife, has not made any effort towards the reconciliation. The marriage is hereby dissolved with effect from March 2, in accordance with the Lagos State Customary Court Law, 2011; Order 3 Rule 7 as amended, the president ruled. Any party that is not satisfied with the judgment has the right to appeal to any court of higher jurisdiction within 30 days from today, the court president ruled. Mr. Awosola awarded the custody of their four children to the husband and ordered that the wife must have unhindered access to them. He also said that N300 paid as Emmas bride price had been returned to Emeka and urged both parties to maintain peace. The mother of four had earlier told the court that her husband had been physically and verbally abusing her all through the duration of their marriage. My husband treated me like nobody and throughout this divorce tussle; he had denied me access to my children. He does not allow them to pick my call as he keeps changing their numbers, she said. The last time I heard my first sons voice was when he was sick and about to undergo surgery. It was a friend who informed me that my son was in the hospital and I called Emeka asking him for the location of the hospital but he refused to disclose that, Emma said. In 2016, the popular Nollywood actor had informed the Lagos Island Customary Court that he had filed an application before a High Court restraining the lower court from hearing the divorce suit filed by his estranged wife, Emma. Emma approached the court in 2015 to dissolve the 16-year union between her and the Nollywood actor on grounds of incessant battery. The couple have four children together. Share this: Twitter Facebook The committee on reconciliation of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, headed by Governor Seriake Dickson, has opted for a political solution to the protracted crisis in the party. The committee took the decision Thursday at a meeting held in Abuja. A communique of the meeting was signed by Mr. Dickson alongside his deputy in the committee, Ibrahim Mantu and secretary, Joshua Lidani. The committee also said it endorsed the resolution of the meeting between former President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP governors who also agreed to seek political, rather than legal, solution to the partys crisis. The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt had on February 17 affirmed former Borno State Governor Ali Sheriff as the national chairman of the party against a resolution of May 2016 national convention that sacked the partys National Working Committee, NWC. In place of the NWC and National Executive Committee of the party, the convention constituted a National Caretaker Committee headed by a former governor of Kaduna state, Ahmed Makarfi, to manage the party and organise an elective national convention. But Mr. Sheriff challenged the development in court and got judgment, affirming him as chairman. The national caretaker committee, the PDP Governors Forum and elders, including the Board of Trustees, flayed the judgment of the court and have appealed to the Supreme Court. Mr. Dicksons reconciliation committee, which was put in place by Bamanga Tukur when he was national chairman in 2013, said as part of the reconciliation process, it is imperative that an early convention within the second quarter of 2017 should be held in Abuja which therefore should be all inclusive and where new national officials of the party will be freely, fairly and transparently elected. The reconciliation committee also said it would embark on extensive consultations with all relevant individuals with a view to building confidence and necessary consensus toward the convention The committee appeals to all party leaders, and members of our great party to exercise restraint and focus on the loyalty to and the overall interest of the party, the communique said. Share this: Twitter Facebook Acting President Yemi Osinbajo says he is satisfied with the performance of the Nigerian military in the handling of security threats across the country. Mr. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday shortly after receiving briefings from the nations service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at the situation room of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Defence Minister, Mansur Ali, had earlier said the security chiefs will brief the acting president about the various operations being carried out by the armed forces especially the fight against Boko Haram in the north east. Mr. Osinbajo said although it was not yet a done deal, it was clear that the Nigerian armed forces has greatly decimated Boko Haram terror group. As you know the Boko Haram as a military force has been degraded. They are not holding territory at the moment. Our armed forces have been able to dislodge them from practically all territories they were holding in the past. What is happening now is just once-in-a-while-attacks by suicide bombers. By the nature of asymmetric warfare we are not able to say it has ended now. But I think that militarily, they have been contained. There is no question at all that Boko Haram as a fighting force has been degraded, he said. Mr. Osinbajo, however, said the terrorist group still has the capacity to do damage with suicide bombers. He said that was why the military was keeping vigilance. I am very satisfied with what the military has done so far. And the briefing has shown graphically that they are really on top of their game and that they are doing excellently well in the north east, he said. Meetings Buharis idea The acting president also told reporters that holding regular security briefings is President Muhammadu Buharis idea. Mr. Buhari is currently in London on medical vacation. Mr. Osinbajo said he would speak with the president and update him on the outcome of the meeting. Almost every month, these briefings are held. It is routine and it is the president who puts in place this whole idea of regular briefing. It is even more important that we do so because of some of the issues arising; like the cases of kidnappings and I wanted the IG to inform us fully. Besides, the President is a process person and certainly, I am going to speak with him on developments here. So it is not an indication of anything. It is only an indication that we are committed to the security of the nation, he said. The acting president said the primary duty of any government is to ensure the security of lives and property hence the need for leaders to be briefed regularly. The good thing is that our men are doing extraordinarily well in the north east and that Southern Kaduna has also been contained. The peace building process is also going on very well, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook A security company alleged to have diverted huge sums from the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, has asked an Abuja high court to wind up and revoke the operational licence of Heritage Bank. The company, Geonel Integrated Services Limited, in a petition filed against the bank, said Heritage Bank should be wound up over an alleged state of financial insolvency. In November 2016, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned five companies accused of allegedly diverting huge sums from the office of the former NSA. The companies are Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organization, Vibrant Resource Limited and Sologic Integrated Services Limited. They were arraigned alongside Nicholas Ashinze, a former special assistant to the embattled former NSA; an Austrian, Wolfgang Reinl; Edidiong Idiong and Sagir D. Mohammed before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja on a 13-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N36.8 billion. Geonel Integrated Services Limited is owned by Mr. Reinl, an Austrian security expert. But the company in its petition, Wednesday, alleged that Heritage Bank has been showing signs of distress and insolvency in the recent times and may cause colossal economic damages to Nigerians unless it is wound up on court order. The court and CBN were asked to invoke the provisions of section 408, 409 and 410 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 to liquidate the bank because of its alleged inability to meet up with demands of its customers due to its alleged distressed status. In the petition filed by the security outfit, it claimed that it maintains four separate accounts with Nos. 1300083902, 6200100931,6000105125 and 3200121515 as well as a fixed deposit account at the Abuja branch of the bank. The company claimed it has N1,811,555,258 and another $85,859 in the accounts, stressing that the huge sums have been trapped in the bank due to its inability to meet up with its expected obligations. According to the petitioners lawyer, Mazi Osigwe, the company alleged that it had made several applications through cheques to transact withdrawal business but that the bank had failed and neglected to honour the cheques. The petitioner alleged that in January 2016, a judge of the court, Binta Nyako, granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an order to freeze the accounts for a period of six months to carry out some investigations. It claimed that the order granted EFCC expired on July 24, 2016 and that the same Justice Nyako confirmed expiration of the order in her ruling delivered on November 16, 2016. The petitioner claimed that the bank has been actively instigating the EFCC to secure a fresh order to stop it from accessing or operating the accounts so as to cover up its distressed status. The petitioner was silent on its existing corruption charges before the court but said it provided several newspaper reports to prove that Heritage Bank is distressed. It, however, claimed that in spite of the public denial of the distress, the bank has been unable to honour several financial obligations to customers rushing to withdraw their money to escape unpleasant economic effects. The company, therefore, urged the court to declare the bank distressed, insolvent and to hold that the bank is indebted to it to the tune of N1.8 billion and another $85,859. The petitioner also applied for an order of the court to wind up the bank and another order compelling the CBN to withdraw or revoke the banking licence of the bank. When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Heritage Banks corporate communications unit, the bank said that the claims were untrue and malicious. Gbolahan Oyeyinka, an official of the bank said, our attention has been drawn to a malicious and untrue report following a petition filed at the Federal High Court by Geonel Integrated Services Limited on the banks financial and liquidity condition. We want to categorically state that the allegation is not true as the Geonel Integrated Services Limiteds account is currently being investigated for financial crimes by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Mr. Oyeyinka, however, noted that the bank was advised formally to freeze the account by the federal agency through court injunction pending when the investigation will be concluded. The investigation is still ongoing and the bank is under obligation to respect a valid order of court,he told our correspondent. We want to state categorically that Heritage Bank is not distressed as being malevolently reported, the bank is capable to honour its obligations to customers and numerous stakeholders alike. EFCC officials declined comment saying the matter was already in court. Share this: Twitter Facebook Babatunde Gbadamosi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party who was arrested last week, said the State Security Service released him on Thursday without preconditions. I was freed without preconditions, Mr. Gbadamosi told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Thursday evening. They just allowed me to go without filing charges. Mr. Gbadamosi was arrested last Wednesday after he honoured an invitation from the SSS. He was then transferred to Abuja on the same day where he was held until his release Thursday afternoon. His wife, Sade Gbadamosi, said she had strong indications to believe her husband was held over a video he uploaded on Facebook last month. His freedom followed intense media campaign and advocacy by Nigerians, including Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, and rights activist, Femi Falana. Mr. Gbadamosi, a real estate broker, said he will return to Lagos today and will brief Nigerians about his ordeal after discussing with his lawyers. I appreciate the efforts of Nigerians and the sacrifice they made to secure my freedom, I will brief them extensively about what happened after briefing with my lawyers. The, APC, will hold its mid-term non-elective National Convention on April 29, 2017 in Abuja. This was revealed by the Governor of Zamfara State, Yari Abubakar, shortly after the governors held a closed door meeting with the leadership of the party at its national secretariat, Abuja, on Thursday. Mr. Abubakar also said the governors collectively told the National Working Committee, NWC, of their readiness to give maximum support to the Federal Government. The National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, had earlier in an opening remark said the meeting is part of the series of meetings held with elected officials as the party prepares to hold a non-elective mid-term convention. This meeting is just one of the series of meetings we are holding in the run up to the non-elective national convention. We have held consultation with our leadership in the Senate and the House of Representatives. We are also going to hold consultation with ministers as part of the preparation for the national convention which is a mandatory requirement, he said. Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said the forthcoming mid-term non-elective convention is mandatory and the purpose is to allow the party in government sit down and see how far we have gone, what we have done right, assess ourselves by bringing our leaders from all over the country to sit with us once every two years and exchange ideas and listen to the achievements of their government. Some of the APC governors were not present and did not send representatives to the meeting, a situation the national chairman blamed on mis-communication. Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Mohammed Jibrilla of Adamawa and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun were not in attendance. I am quite aware that this is due to miscommunication, a lot of you became aware of this meeting today and the fact that you are here is a matter of deep pride. The purpose of the meeting is very clear. There are lots of things that must happen in preparation towards our non-elective convention which the states must be actively involved. We are going to have state congresses, ward congresses and fill vacancies. We will take the opportunity to fill every single vacancy at all levels of the party arising from death, appointment and others. We are also required to elect three delegates who will participate in the forthcoming convention, he said. BUHARI ACTED RIGHT The APC chairman also said President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently in the United Kingdom, UK, on medical vacation has done the right thing by properly transferring power to his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo. Mr. Odigie-Oyegun said there is no need for the constant negative reports about Mr. Buharis departure; especially on the social media. What makes me happy is that in spite of these negative speculations and attempt to destabilise the polity, thanks to his respect for due process and the constitution of this nation he has left a structure that is functioning very effectively in spite of his unfortunate absence. One can say quite clearly that the wish of Mr. President is that the government will continue to function efficiently and effectively and that the party also should continue and proceed to execute its normal duties and functions, he said. Still coming down on the negative reports, the APC chairman said today, the papers were replete with all manner of speculations which has become the past time of the social media to carry all manner of fake and totally out of line speculations as to any step that we take on virtually any issue. I think this is something that we have to talk about later. While debunking some of the reports as regards President Buharis health, the party chief said: it is important to say that our meeting today has absolutely nothing to do with the health status of the president. Share this: Twitter Facebook The Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited, NPDC, Yusufu Matashi, on Thursday told Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja that his company allocated 7,553,733 barrels of crude oil to Atlantic Energy under a Strategic Alliance Agreement. He gave this revelation under cross-examination by Lawal Rabana, representing Jide Omokore who is facing trial alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, David Mbanefo, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited on a nine-count amended charge of criminal diversion of about $1.6 billion alleged to be proceeds of sale of petroleum products belonging to the federal government. Mr. Matashi, whose evidence started on Wednesday as second prosecution witness, stated that while the total value of the transaction as at 2014 was $823,750,159, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited could not meet up with its cash call for operations and training which made NPDC, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to use funds in its account to clear outstanding payments. Responding to further questions from A. Adegbamere and Tayo Oyetibo, representing 3rd and 4th defendants respectively, Mr. Matashi maintained that, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited breached the contractual agreement made with NPDC. The two firms are linked to Mr. Omokore. All I have said were based on records which I believe in its truthfulness and accuracy. The SAA under review was carried out because of the success of the previous SAA and there was need to consolidate on the gains achieved earlier, said the NPDC MD. Justice Dimgba, thereafter, adjourned to March 21, 2016 for further trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday adjourned the trial of a former acting governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, to May 3 as the first prosecution witness billed for cross-examination could not make it to court for health reasons. The witness, Ibrahim Andrew, who testified at the last sitting (January 26) was to be cross examined by the defence counsel, but he was absent in court. Larry Aso, counsel to the EFCC, told the court that the witness was unavoidably absent for reasons beyond his control. He, however, applied for an adjournment and promised that the witness would be in court at the next adjourned date. Mr. Fintiris counsel, M. A. Magaji, did not oppose the application for an adjournment. Justice A. R. Mohammed adjourned to May 3 for cross examination. Mr. Fintiri was arraigned on June 30, 2016 alongside Mayim Construction and Properties Limited for laundering money to the tune of N2.9 billion through his naira and dollar accounts domiciled at Ecobank Plc. He was also arraigned for making large cash payment for the purchase of a property at plot 7, Gana Str., Maitama, Abuja, when he held sway as the acting governor of the state. The offence contravened Section 15 (2)(a) of the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Act. Share this: Twitter Facebook The management of the University of Ilorin on Wednesday warned its newly admitted students against watching pornographic materials. The 10,886 students, admitted for the 2016/2017 academic session, were also admonished to desist from involving in cultism on and outside the university campus. The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, AbdulGaniy Ambali, who spoke at the Matriculation ceremony held in Ilorin, urged the students to adhere to the university rules. Mr. Ambali, who advised the students to adhere strictly to the rules guiding the institutions operations, noted that anyone found contravening the school rules would be shown the exit door. The vice-chancellor in his speech told the students that they were the lucky few out of 110,675 applicants who sought the universitys admission. According to him, this is the highest number of applicants for a single Nigerian university. He said that 103,482 candidates chose Unilorin as their first choice, while about 65,417 of the candidates scored 180 marks and above in their Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. Mr. Ambali, a professor of veterinary medicine, said that 75,605 candidates registered for the Post-UTME screening and the university gave admissions to 13,570, but 10,886 out them registered. Commenting on the importance of the admission granted them by the university, the vice-chancellor noted that the admission was a golden opportunity that would launch them to lofty heights if properly treasured. I expect the best from you, our new students. I expect nothing, but hard work, from you. There is no room for vices here, once you are caught, you are gone. This set means a lot to me because you will be the last I will be admitting before I finish my tenure as the Vice Chancellor, he said. Also speaking, Rebecca Okojie, the acting registrar of the institution, warned the students to shun cult activities on and outside the campuses. Mrs. Okojie said that the university also had zero tolerance to indecent dressing, urging them to desist from watching pornographic films and videos on the campus. Share this: Twitter Facebook